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OSLO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) and NATO allies have stepped up political and military support for Greenland, as concerns grow over security in the Arctic following recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about the strategically important island. The Danish Ministry of Defense confirmed Wednesday that Denmark is increasing its military presence in and around Greenland, working closely with NATO allies. According to a press release, the enhanced presence starting Wednesday includes additional capabilities such as ships, aircraft and soldiers. The announcement came ahead of a meeting between Denmark, Greenland and the United States held in Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardoning Ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Nov. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) "The purpose is to train the ability to operate under the unique Arctic conditions and to strengthen the alliance's footprint in the Arctic, benefiting both European and transatlantic security," the ministry said. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the move as "a clear response to the challenges facing the Arctic" and said the government is committed to establishing "a more permanent and larger military presence" for Denmark and its NATO allies in and around Greenland. Denmark's actions have been accompanied by concrete support from NATO allies. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday that Sweden had sent military personnel to Greenland at Denmark's request, noting that the deployment is linked to preparations for "Arctic Endurance," an operation planned by Denmark. The Swedish Armed Forces confirmed that Swedish personnel were among the initial contingent arriving on the island. A security personnel is on duty at the venue of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, June 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Norway has also contributed personnel. At a press conference with his Danish counterpart held on Wednesday, Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik said that Norway is sending two military staffers to Greenland to "map out the further cooperation between allies." He added that there is ongoing dialogue within NATO on how to strengthen security in the Arctic, including in and around Greenland. Beyond direct military deployments, political support has been voiced at both national and EU levels. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Wednesday called on NATO to "step up its military and security presence in the Arctic," describing the region as "a front line of geopolitical competition." This photo taken on Jan. 7, 2026 shows the scenery of Aasiaat, Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. (Photo by Zhang Quanwei/Xinhua) The European Parliament's political group leaders on Wednesday issued a statement condemning remarks by the Trump administration regarding Greenland as a "blatant" challenge to international law and to the sovereignty of NATO member Denmark. They urged EU institutions to define "concrete and tangible" support for Denmark and Greenland and stressed that decisions concerning Greenland belong to Denmark and Greenland alone. "External attempts to alter the status quo are unacceptable," the leaders said. 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, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has not ruled out the use of force. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CHAMPIONS GROUP HOLDINGS, a premier provider of essential home services, is proud to announce the acquisition of Lex Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, a leading residential service provider based in North Texas. This marks another major step in Champions Group's strategy to expand service in high-demand markets across the United States. Founded in 2004, Lex operates as a premier provider of a full spectrum of residential services of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services in the rapidly growing North Texas market. Known for customer-first service approach, Lex has earned a reputation for reliability and excellence. This investment represents a significant step in Champions Group's Texas growth strategy. It underscores the company's commitment to delivering top-tier service and expanding its service area across the nation. Frank DiMarco, CEO of Champions Group, said, "We're thrilled to welcome the Lex team into the Champions Group family. Lex has built an incredible reputation over the yearsnot just for its operational focus, but also for the way it cares for its customers and team members. Being a trusted technical expert and service provider with a people-first mindset is exactly what drives us at Champions, as well. This partnership is a meaningful step toward our shared goal of delivering outstanding service and innovative solutions to communities across the country." Cory and Anthony Contreras, founders of Lex, expressed their enthusiasm. "We couldn't be more excited to join Champions Group. Champions Group is a well-respected name in our industry and creates new opportunities to take our business to the next level. Joining the Champions Group family is the best move for our teams, customers, and growth." Following the acquisition, Lex will retain its brand identity, operating under the same trusted name, with the added support and resources of Champions Group. About Champions Group Based in Orange County, CA, Champions Group is a leading provider of essential home services specializing in heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical services. With the mission to maintain long-term relationships with its customers, Champions Group is dedicated to delivering timely, high-quality services across a comprehensive suite of HVAC, electrical and plumbing products. Champions Group goes to market with several trade names including Adeedo!, ASI, Bell Brothers, Bees Plumbing, Fetch-A-Tech, HELP, Hobaica Services, Howard Air & Plumbing, Jet Plumbing, JW Heating and Air, M and M Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, McAfee Air, Heating & Plumbing, Moore Home Services, ProSkill Services, Scottsdale Air, Seatown Services, Service Champions, Service Wizard, Sierra Air, Swan Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning and Timo's Air Conditioning & Plumbing. For more information, please visit https://ChampionsGH.com. Media Contact: Dana Rosenberg E: [email protected] P: 310.702.1539 SOURCE Champions Group Holdings JD Vance arrives at the US Capitol before casting a tie-breaking vote to block the Venezuela war powers resolution on Wednesday in Washington DC. Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images (Photograph: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) The US Senate has voted against a war powers resolution that would have prevented Donald Trump from taking further military action against Venezuela without giving Congress advance notice. Senators Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana, who had joined three other Republicans to advance the resolution alongside Democrats last week, flipped after they said they received assurances from the Trump administration. With Hawley and Youngs votes, the Senate was split 50-50 on the resolution. JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote. The Republican senators Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins cast their votes for the war powers resolution alongside Democrats. Senate Democrats forcefully condemned Republican opposition to the resolution, which aimed to check the president as he threatens further action in other countries including Greenland, Iran and Mexico. Related: Democrats decry Venezuela attack as Republicans defend Trump after Senate briefing Make no mistake about it: this vote makes things more dangerous, not less, the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, said. It emboldens Donald Trump to push further down this reckless path. Tim Kaine, the Democratic senator from Virginia who has championed several war powers measures, said he was prepared to file a whole lot more to block Trump from carrying out military operations without congressional authorization. They can run but they cant hide, he said, referring to Republicans, whose support would be needed to approve the resolutions. The president had put intense pressure on his fellow Republicans to vote down the measure that would have checked his ability to carry out further military attacks on Venezuela. Trump lashed out at the five Republican senators who joined with Democrats to advance the resolution last week. Yet even the possibility that the Republican-controlled Senate would defy Trump on such a high-profile vote revealed the growing alarm on Capitol Hill about the presidents expanding foreign policy ambitions. Democrats forced the vote after US troops captured the Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, in a surprise night-time raid earlier this month. Young, one of five Republicans who voted with Democrats last week, says he now sides with Trump. In a statement, Young said he has received assurances that there are no American troops in Venezuela after speaking with the secretary of state, Marco Rubio, and that if Trump were to pursue major military operations, he would ask Congress in advance for an authorization of force. Hawley similarly told reporters that he had been persuaded after discussion with both Rubio and Trump that the resolution was no longer necessary. The defeat comes less than a week after the US Senate advanced a bipartisan war powers resolution to prevent Trump from taking further military action against Venezuela, after Trump authorized a pre-dawn raid to capture Maduro, without giving Congress advance notice. The vote amounted to a rare rebuke of the president, and Trump responded by saying that the Republican senators who supported the resolution should never be elected to office again. Wednesdays vote hinged on a procedural maneuver challenging the resolutions relevance based on the fact that no US troops were currently deployed in Venezuela. The motion allowed Young and Hawley to vote to kill the resolution without abandoning their initial objections to military action in Venezuela. Paul, a libertarian long opposed to US military intervention abroad, called it an absurdity to argue Trump hadnt already taken actions of war in Venezuela. If we dont know its a war until after all the people die wouldnt it then be a little late? he told reporters in advance of the vote. Senator Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said it was necessary for Congress to reassert its role and put a check on presidential authority that had atrophied under recent administrations. Meanwhile, on social media, Senator Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, accused Republicans of voting in favor of forever wars, and against the best interests of the American people. Cecilia Nowell contributed reporting A West Virginia stepmother is facing charges after her stepdaughter died in her care after being denied food, nutrition and medical care (Taylor County Sheriff's Office ) A West Virginia stepmother is facing charges after her severely underweight 11-year-old step-daughter died in her care after being denied food, nutrition and medical care for years. Shannon Robinson, 51, of Grafton, has been charged with murder of a child by a parent or guardian, WDTV reported. Authorities began investigating after first responders were called to Robinsons home on February 16, 2025, where they found the young girl unresponsive on the kitchen floor. The girl was wearing disposable diapers and appeared extremely small for her age, severely underweight and malnourished, deputies said, according to WCHS-TV. At the time, Robinson, who is the girls stepmother, told investigators the 11-year-old had experienced flu-like symptoms for approximately one week and was wearing diapers due to ongoing diarrhea. The girl was later taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. A West Virginia stepmother is facing charges after her stepdaughter died in her care after being denied food, nutrition and medical care (Taylor County Sheriff's Office) During their investigation, authorities discovered that the girls father had isolated her from outside contact and used food deprivation as a punishment. Deputies later determined that the girl had not received any medical care since 2020, after she began living with Robinson. "Further investigation revealed that food deprivation was used as a method of punishment toward [the victim]," according to a police affidavit. "Witnesses stated that if [the victim] resisted or 'pushed back' against Ms. Robinson, she would be denied food or provided only minimal nourishment for extended periods, while other household members consumed full meals in her presence." A medical examiner found the pre-teen was about 43 pounds at the time of her death and had measurements grossly inconsistent with her age. She also had head lice, a yellowish tint to her skin, visible bones protruding and multiple bruises and lacerations on her extremities and torso. Court documents revealed that investigators found the girl had been sick since the summer of 2024, with her condition worsening until she was unable to walk. Witnesses also told deputies that Robinson felt she couldnt take the girl to a doctor because she feared she would be reported for abuse or neglect. While court records showed that Robinson was the girls primary caregiver, her biological father was also in the home and permitted these conditions to exist, WCHS reported. He is not facing charges as of Thursday. Robinson was booked in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail, where she is being held without bail. From colleagues to enemies: Robert Jenrick and Kemi Badenoch, pictured in November 2024 - BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images There have long been suspicions at Conservative Party headquarters about Robert Jenrick, but they have been difficult to prove. Like a shrewd faithful on the BBCs Traitors, Kemi Badenoch decided to bide her time before making a move against him. A pre-Christmas dinner with Nigel Farage rang alarm bells, and the Tory leaders team occasionally picked up whispers that Mr Jenricks allies were hinting to journalists about a defection to Reform UK. Tensions flared around the same time over Mr Jenricks comments about Labours warm welcome for Alaa Abd el-Fattah, an Egyptian extremist who had posted a number of anti-Semitic comments and called Britons dogs and monkeys. A frustrated Mrs Badenoch had told Mr Jenrick to pipe down, given that it was a Conservative government that had granted him British citizenship. In an attempt to repair the relationship, Mrs Badenoch met Mr Jenrick two weeks ago to find a way forward. It did not go well. Robert Jenrick was defeated by Kemi Badenoch in the 2024 Tory leadership contest - Christopher Furlong/Getty Images Sources close to the Tory leader said she offered him the shadow chancellors role. He turned it down. Mr Jenrick ran down other shadow cabinet colleagues, blaming former home secretaries Sir James Cleverly and Dame Priti Patel for the Conservatives poor polling on immigration. He told Mrs Badenoch he was doing a good job in justice and argued that the party should ditch its new political battleground on the economy and return to campaigning on immigration. Piqued, she suggested that his own record on tackling illegal immigration was nothing to crow about. Publicly, however, Mr Jenrick was insistent that he was not going anywhere. It wasnt very long ago that I was running to be leader of the Conservative Party, he said in an interview last month, pouring cold water on the latest speculation that he had been wooed by Mr Farage. But the rumours within the Conservative party persisted. Events came to a head when Mrs Badenochs team finally discovered irrefutable evidence that he was planning to defect, according to those around her. His team left some stuff lying around, said one Tory source, while hinting that the Conservatives might even have a source inside Reforms headquarters. Others speculated that the nuclear evidence obtained by CCHQ was a nearly complete resignation speech, designed to inflict maximum pain on Mrs Badenoch before the local elections in May. On Thursday, allies of the Tory leader published extracts from that speech as proof of his disloyalty. Supporters of Mr Jenrick suggested his operation was far too smooth to leave such an incendiary document lying around. Some MPs suggested the letter was actually being used to marshal more MPs to join him in quitting, and a female MP, horrified at the disloyalty, handed it to the leaders team. Originally, the Tory leaders team believed that Mr Jenrick planned to quit on Friday or Saturday. But on a long-planned visit to Scotland on Thursday, she was finally presented with all the evidence her team could collect. Her shadow justice secretary had cancelled a planned speech this weekend, and Mr Farage had organised a press conference on Thursday afternoon. Mr Jenrick was ready to jump ship, she believed. With no warning to the rest of the shadow cabinet, Mrs Badenoch dispatched Rebecca Harris, the chief whip, to deal with the defector. At 11.06am, she rang Mr Jenrick and put the allegation to him. She had already filmed a video for immediate release if Mr Jenrick came clean. The game was up. Before the well-greased wheels of the Jenrick PR machine could get turning, she announced the news to supporters. This morning, I removed the Conservative whip from Robert Jenrick after dismissing him from the shadow cabinet, she intoned, taking apparent inspiration from Neville Chamberlains declaration of war on Germany. I was very sorry to be presented with clear, irrefutable evidence, not just that he was preparing to defect, but he was planning to do so in the most damaging way possible to the Conservative Party and his shadow cabinet colleagues. Even as she delivered one of the most shocking political stories in month, she argued that the British public are tired of political psychodrama, adding: Disloyalty and dishonesty undermine trust in politics. Shadow cabinet ministers who spoke to The Telegraph said they were unaware that Mr Jenrick was to be sacked and kicked out of the party until they saw the news online. Credit: @KemiBadenoch/X The same shock was etched on the face of Mr Farage, who was mid-way through a press conference in Scotland. As news of the latest Tory psychodrama gripped Westminster, speculation mounted that Mr Jenrick arguably Reforms greatest prize defection would be revealed at its 4.30pm press conference. Minutes before the press conference began, Mr Jenrick, with a flair for the dramatic, posted on X: Its time for the truth. The high drama threatened to descend into low farce when Mr Farage announced Mr Jenrick, only to be kept waiting, awkwardly, for his arrival. Both insisted that Thursday had not been the planned defection day. Mr Jenrick conceded: I didnt think I was going to leave today, but I had resolved to leave the party. And the fact that its happened a little bit sooner, so what? That fact means I can get on with trying to help Nigel, help Reform, sooner. If Mr Jenrick was sanguine, the opposition leader was left furious by his betrayal. Sources close to Mrs Badenoch said: He was trying to bring everyone down. He was trying to destroy us, to really burn us. What should she have done? Left him there? Waited for him to stab her in the face? She got in first. She didnt want to do it, but she wasnt going to be mucked around any more. Asked about the announcement, the Reform leader denied that his mystery press conference on Thursday afternoon had anything to do with Mr Jenrick. Theres been quite a long list of former Conservative MPs that have joined us... Shes aware that there is that move, and so I suspect shes panicked. I suspect shes added up two and two and made five, he said. I can confirm hand on heart, honestly, look you in the eye, I was not going to be unveiling Robert Jenrick at 4.30pm this afternoon. Zia Yusuf, Reforms policy chief, added that Mrs Badenoch had begun a brutal purge of those most likely to challenge her in May, after the local elections. There is little doubt that the decision will turn the uneasy tension between the Tories and Reform into a hot war. Tory sources have long predicted that Mr Jenrick would either move against Mrs Badenoch or defect to Reform if he believed the Conservative Party was beyond help. But her strike destroyed his element of surprise. Sources close to Mrs Badenoch are insistent she made the right decision. Kemi doesnt overreact to things, and she thinks hard before taking a decision, said one. The evidence was completely irrefutable. There is no doubt. A former Cabinet minister told The Telegraph that Mrs Badenoch had no choice but to sack Mr Jenrick. Its punchy, but if she had clear evidence, she had no choice. The bigger question for the long term is why she keeps losing people like Nadhim Zahawi. Most of the MPs in the parliamentary party will be OK with this. They are far more to the Left of the party, so Jenrick is not that popular, but she is going to have a problem with the members. CREDIT: Reform UK The former minister said he had heard of Jenricks plans to defect from a mole within Reform, adding The Reform party has a big problem with discipline. I heard about the [Zahawi] defection before that happened, and not from him, and I was told about Jenricks plans about a week ago. Reform are telling Conservative MPs if they are going to jump, they need to do so before May. But Reform wants to be careful with this they dont want to end up being seen as Conservative Party 2.0. Sitting in front of a Reform banner, Mr Jenrick told journalists he was ashamed of his role in Britains decline. Perhaps the final straw had come a week previously when, in an office near Tower Bridge, the Conservative shadow cabinet endured an away day at which soul-searching seemed, to Mr Jenrick, to be woefully absent. Stephen Gilbert, the former political secretary to David Cameron, put up a slide on a screen. It suggested that true Conservatives did not believe that Britain was broken. Mr Jenrick disagreed, saying it was. According to some of those present, James Cleverly and Jesse Norman, who occupy the One Nation wing of the party, rolled their eyes at his observation. Another source present suggested that Mr Jenrick was at odds with the majority there because he suggested the partys priority should be immigration whereas the majority of the shadow cabinet suggested it should be the economy. It was clear that he was heading in a different ideological direction to that of his colleagues. Mr Jenrick, who just last week insisted that he would never, ever leave the Conservative party, was finally unmasked as a Traitor. And like any Traitor, after the big reveal, he left the room. A workers union has accused senior officials at the Delhi zoo of orchestrating the killing of a jackal and concealing it, shining a spotlight on the treatment of captive animals in India. In a letter to the environment ministry, seen by The Independent, the National Zoo Workers Union said four jackals escaped through a gap in their enclosures fencing in November because of gross administrative negligence, lack of supervision and failure of management to maintain safety standards. One jackal strayed into the enclosure of a Himalayan black bear. Since the animal is a carnivore and theres limited food supply in the zoo, they ultimately returned to their closure, a zoo staffer said. Except one jackal that remained at large before entering the bear enclosure. The unions letter alleged labourers poured chilli powder into the burrow before setting it alight. They perhaps hoped that smoke and smell of chilli powder would make the jackal escape the burrow. It made the air inside the burrow toxic. The jackal also had some burn injuries, a zoo official, who requested not to be named, told The Independent. While this in itself was cruel, the workers were directed to incinerate the body of the jackal instead of sending it for post-mortem a process established under law. It was not clear, however, whether the jackal died from suffocation or burn injuries. Supplied. Burrow inside bear enclosure where jackal died in the Delhi zoo (Supplied) In its letter, the union said this act of extreme cruelty and unlawful killing should attract penalties under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960. The Wildlife Protection Act is the main law safeguarding wild animals and regulating zoos in the country. The union further alleged that the workers entered the burrow two days later to retrieve the remains. They were directed to dispose of the carcass secretly without informing the zoos veterinary staff. This, it said, violated protocol mandating the reporting of any animals death to a zoo veterinarian and its transfer to the onsite hospital for a post-mortem. Taken together, the letter argues, these failures point to cognisable criminal offences, abuse of position, destruction of evidence and a complete breakdown of governance. Himalayan black bear enclosure in the Delhi zoo (Namita Singh/The Independent) The episode also breaches binding guidelines issued by the Central Zoo Authority and undermines the countrys stated commitment to wildlife conservation, the letter says. Citing the seriousness of the incident the union urged the ministry to order an independent investigation and immediately suspend those allegedly involved to prevent evidence tampering. It also emphasised the need to preserve CCTV footage from 14 to 20 December 2025, saying the recordings were vital electronic evidence and must not be altered, erased or destroyed. The unions letter prompted a visit by a team of environment ministry officials to the zoo on Tuesday. File. Visitors at the Delhi zoo (AFP/Getty) The Independent contacted the zoos director, Sanjeet Kumar, but did not receive a response. He earlier told The Indian Express that no such incident had been reported internally and that the number of jackals matched official records. According to its latest annual inventory from March, the zoo held four male, two female and three unsexed jackals. One allegation has been received. The joint director has been asked to enquire into the allegation, he said. The joint director, Nair Vishnuraj Narendran, told The Independent that the matter is under enquiry and so he would not be able to comment on this now. In his new film Rental Family, Brendan Fraser was given the chance to explore loneliness and his own experience with it, he tells Yahoo UK. The Oscar winner plays Phillip, an American actor trying to make a living in Japan years after landing a big commercial that earned him short-lived fame. Struggling to get by, Phillip is offered a new job as part of a Rental Family agency, which helps people in need by hiring actors to play roles in their real lives. These roles vary from befriending a recluse, playing the part of a journalist for a movie star of yesteryear with dementia, and pretending to be the absent father of a mixed-race girl, Mia, whose mother wants to enrol her in a better school. Through these parts, as it were, Phillip is able to address his own lonely existence and what it means to make real human connections with others. Art imitated life, Fraser explains, because of how it helped him reflect on his own life: "We all feel like we want to belong, you know? We're all bumping through life, often on the outside looking in and want to know 'How do you get into the cool kids club? What's it going to take?' Rental Family stars Brendan Fraser as a down-and-out actor hired to help people struggling with loneliness in their real lives. (Searchlight Pictures) (Searchlight Pictures) "Maybe you're not allowed. So, what do you do? If you live in one of the most populous cities in the world, or any major metropolis, London even, but [you want to] find a way to get some company." "And, yeah, you can insert a pejorative joke about what is a Rental Family all you need to, go right ahead," Fraser says of the real companies that help people tackle loneliness in Japan. "The fact that this is a business model in Tokyo is peculiar, it's unusual, it's eye-opening, maybe a bit shocking. It trespasses all kinds of ethical and moral boundaries, you may think, but that's the whole point. Rental Family helped the actor understand the idea of finding connection in an increasingly lonely world. (Searchlight Pictures) (Searchlight Pictures) "The film lives between reality and make-believe, and when the two collide, they overlap, and something blurry happens in the middle, and that's where the movie lives. That's what Hikari wanted to bring to the screen." Rental Family is Fraser's first lead role since winning an Oscar for his performance in The Whale, and it provided the actor with numerous opportunities to learn new things, including learning Japanese. Rental Families are a real business model in Japan, which is why the movie helps highlight an important issue and unique solution. (Searchlight Pictures) (Searchlight Pictures) "The goal was always to sound like a foreigner speaking Japanese, insofar as an accent goes," he admits. "But if you get one little intonation off, it means something entirely different and can be the difference between comprehension and laugh-out-loud funny, too! You don't know why you just said a naughty word in the place of what you meant to say." The person who helped him most was co-star Shannon Mahina Gorman, who plays the young girl whose mother hires Phillip to pretend to be her father. Brendan Fraser admitted that 'we all feel like we want to belong', which is why Rental Family is such an important, moving project for him. (Searchlight Pictures) (Searchlight Pictures) "Shannon was an excellent tutor," Fraser says. "She was because she's a kid. She's a student, right? You can't kid a kid anyway, and it was nice to sit down and go over Japanese with Shannon. She would highlight, and she would underline, she graded me." It was the kind of role that Fraser needed after The Whale, he adds, because it was such a "unique" premise that would subvert what anyone expected of him: "This is a film that's peerless, insofar as I know. "Of course, the subject matter is being covered in documentaries and other formats, but a narrative about what it means to have family, with substitute members, I don't know if I've seen that before. And when I read it, of course, I had the feeling like, 'Will this work?' "There were so many unknowns, and the experience of making this film gave me so many assurances that my sense of security and confidence was underlined, because it did work." Rental Family premieres in UK cinemas on Friday, 16 January. Disney+ has launched a new deal to save people money. (ZUMA Press Wire) (ZUMA Press, ZUMA Press, Inc.) Disney+ has an exciting new offer for subscribers, both new and returning, to help them save money in January, with subscriptions starting at 3.99. The deal will give users access to some of the biggest shows of the moment, including Ryan Murphy's brand-new series The Beauty and the Marvel TV series Wonder Man. That's not to mention the huge back catalogue of the company, which boasts recent hits like Andor, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and The Roses starring Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch. For those seeking additional information, here is what you need to know. How to get Disney+'s new subscription deal The Roses is one of the many films available to stream on Disney+. (Searchlight Pictures) (Jaap Buitendijk) Disney+'s new deal is available from today, 15 January, until 28 January and is valid for a total of three months. After this period, plans will auto-renew at the usual price until the subscription is cancelled. The new deal offers users the opportunity to sign up for Disney+ Premium at 9.99 per month, resulting in a total saving of 15 over three months. The next tier down is Disney+ Standard, which users can access for 6.99 a month with the new deal, resulting in a total of 9 in savings over the three-month period. The most cost-effective deal is Disney+ Standard with Ads, and this tier is also being reduced for a limited three-month period for those who sign up during the promotional period, it will cost 3.99 per month, which gives them a total of 6 savings over the three months. A Thousand Blows series 2 recently premiered on the streamer. (Disney+) (Robert Viglasky) The good news is that both new and returning customers are eligible for a lower-priced subscription, so if you are hoping to renew an old subscription, then rest assured you will be able to benefit from this deal too. To sign up, users simply need to go to Disney+'s website and subscribe; it's that simple. Currently, Disney+ Standard with Ads costs 5.99, while Disney+ Standard costs 9.99, and Disney+ Premium costs 14.99. It is not clear if this will be the price for subscriptions when the three-month promotional period is over. What do the Disney+ subscription tiers offer New and returning customers can benefit form the new Disney+ deal. (Getty Images) (picture alliance via Getty Images) Disney+ Standard with Ads offers ad-supported streaming with ads tailored to the platform's audience. Users on this tier will also enjoy up to 1080p Full HD video quality, as well as 5.1 audio, and can stream simultaneously on two devices. One of the features that subscribers on the Disney+ Standard with Ads tier won't have access to is the ability to download shows and movies for offline viewing. On the Disney+ Standard tier, users can watch content ad-free and download shows and films on up to 10 devices as well as enjoy the same video and audio quality as the Disney+ Standard with Ads tier. The Disney+ Premium subscription also offers ad-free content and allows downloads on up to 10 devices. Additionally, users can stream on four devices simultaneously and enjoy immersive sound with Dolby Atmos audio, as well as up to 4K UHD and HDR video. Those wishing to give access to a person outside their household can also choose to sign up for the Extra Member subscription at an extra 4.99 (for Standard with Ads) or 5.99 (for Standard and Premium). From dramas like Tell Me Lies, to hidden gems you might have missed on ITV that are now available on Disney+ as part of the two companies' new deal, there's a lot on offer. The full Marvel and Star Wars franchises are also available to stream in full on the platform, as well as FX and Hulu series. So there really is plenty to enjoy on Disney+. Credit: Durham Constabulary A burglar fell five times from a ceiling while trying to flee a raid. Andrew Pickering, 50, repeatedly crashed to the ground as the ladders gave way from under him during a break-in at a petrol station in Ouston, Co Durham. Durham Constabulary said the criminal, from Marx Crescent in Stanley, was jailed for 12 months at Newton Aycliffe magistrates court last week. The force published clips of the ham-fisted attempts to escape in a video shared on its Facebook page, backed by Johann Strausss Blue Danube waltz. The video also shows detectives interviewing Pickering and his reaction as he is played the footage of himself repeatedly crashing to the floor. At one point, Pickering knocked over his cup while being interviewed, leading one Facebook user to comment: Bit clumsy, isnt he? Andrew Pickering was shown footage of himself crashing to the floor five times - Durham Constabulary Pickering was identified from CCTV footage and from blood left at the scene. The break-in happened in the early hours of Oct 21 when he got in through the roof, dropped down into the store and ransacked the shop, causing damage and losses of 3,219. Trying to get back through the roof, Pickering failed repeatedly before locating a side door through which Daniel Reay, his 46-year-old accomplice of no fixed abode, joined him. Reay was arrested soon after and a black Ford Focus containing stolen goods was recovered. He was also charged with burglary and was handed a community order requiring him to complete alcohol treatment and rehabilitation activity. Officers deployed tear gas at protesters during clashes with ICE agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota - Ryan Murphy/REUTERS A US immigration and customs enforcement (ICE) officer shot a migrant in Minneapolis on Wednesday night, as tensions built in the city where last week a federal agent shot dead mother-of-three Renee Good. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the department of homeland security, claimed that an officer fired three shots after being ambushed with a shovel while trying to arrest a Venezuelan man they suspected of living illegally in the Minnesota city. The officer fired defensive shots to defend his life, Ms McLaughlin said in a statement on X. The attacked officer and subject are both in the hospital. ICE agents had been conducting a targeted traffic stop at about 6.50pm local time (12.50am GMT) when the man they accused of being an illegal alien sped away in his car, according to the department. Officers in tactical gear gathered near the scene of the shooting in Minneapolis - Abbie Parr Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu Sources told local media that the man was being chased in his car by officers before he crashed outside his home in north Minneapolis. Two people, who the sources said were believed to be members of the mans family, started fighting the officers before the trio barricaded themselves in the house, local media reported. The law enforcement officer caught up to the subject on foot and attempted to apprehend him when the subject began to resist and violently assault the officer, Ms McLaughlin said. While the subject and law enforcement were in a struggle on the ground, two subjects came out of a nearby apartment and also attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. As the officer was being ambushed and attacked by the two individuals, the original subject got loose and began striking the officer with a shovel or broomstick. Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired defensive shots to defend his life. The initial subject was hit in the leg. Ice agent sprays a chemical towards a protester during clashes in Minneapolis - Leah Millis/Seth Herald An ICE agent at the scene of a shooting incident in Minneapolis - Scott Olson/Getty Images Witnesses at the scene described seeing police surrounding the mans property, smashing a door and shooting at the house. Police dressed in tactical gear shot through a second-floor window of the mans house, witness Sam Warburton told the Star Tribune. He said police made announcements on a loudspeaker before flash bang devices were deployed inside. At least 200 protesters gathered at the scene after the shooting on Wednesday night, facing off with agents who deployed tear gas and rubber bullets at the crowd, the Star Tribune reported. Anger has been growing in the community in the past three weeks amid the deployment of about 3,000 ICE agents to the Minneapolis area as part of a Trump administration crackdown on illegal immigration. Volunteer groups have been walking the streets to film the agents and document their behaviour amid accusations ICE is acting beyond its legal powers and using violent tactics. Renee Good was part of a group of volunteers who were witnessing the ICE operation when she was shot dead Protesters outside the Minnesota State Capitol carrying the US flag and a picture of Renee Nicola Good - Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu Good, 37, was shot dead last Wednesday by an agent who argued that she was blocking the street with her car while ICE carried out an operation in Minneapolis. The Trump administration claimed the agent was defending himself against a domestic terrorist. Jacob Frey, the citys mayor, rejected those claims pointing to bystander footage which captured the shooting. Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly that is bulls---, he said. He added: They [ICE] are not here to cause safety in this city. What they are doing is not to provide safety in America. What they are doing is causing chaos and distrust. I have a message for ICE: get the f--- out of Minneapolis. On Wednesday, Tim Walz, the state governor, called on Minnesotans to continue to take out that phone and hit record if they saw an ICE agent. This long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement, Mr Walz said. Instead, it is a campaign of organised brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government. Witnesses to ICE raids have been sharing videos of the officers dealings with the public, including moments when people identified as US citizens have been detained. One video showed a woman being dragged from her car and had her windows smashed by ICE agents who told her she was blocking the street. Credit: FNTV Footage was shared online showing the moment she was pulled from her car, screaming and attempting to hang on to the drivers door. The unidentified woman was asked to move by ICE agents but refused, telling them she was disabled and needed to get to a medical appointment. Around 60 people have been charged with impeding or assaulting immigration authorities in Minnesota in the past five days, according to ICE. Members of the Iranian police stand guard at a protest in Tehran. Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/Reuters (Photograph: Majid Asgaripour/Reuters) Donald Trump has at least temporarily pulled back from threats to strike Iran, saying he has been assured the killing of protesters has been halted and no executions are being planned. Speaking to reporters in the White House on Wednesday night, the US president said: Weve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping its stopped its stopping. And theres no plan for executions, or an execution, or execution so Ive been told that on good authority. He offered no details and said the US had yet to verify the claims. Trump had repeatedly talked in recent days about coming to the help of the Iranian people, saying the US was locked and loaded if Iran started to shoot at the protesters. Related: Why western diplomats are wary of predicting end days for Irans regime But despite reports that as many as 3,428 Iranians had been killed and that executions as punishment were imminent, Trump made no announcement on military action. It is understood he had reviewed the full range of options to strike Iran but was unconvinced any single action would lead to a decisive change. Trump has pulled off misleading feints with Iran in the past, suggesting in June his officials were fully engaged in negotiations with their Iranian counterparts over its nuclear programme when in reality he was preparing the strikes for the 12-day war last summer. He said he had received assurances from very important sources on the other side that Tehran had stopped the use of lethal force on protesters and that executions would not go ahead. There were supposed to be a lot of executions today, Trump said, adding that the executions wont take place and were going to find out. He gave no estimate of the number killed, a figure he had said on Tuesday he was about to be be given by his officials. Estimates vary between under 2,000 to more than 12,000. Trump had been strenuously lobbied by leaders in the Middle East not to go ahead with strikes that would be certain to lead to Iranian counterstrikes on US bases. Israeli and Arab officials had told the US administration in recent days that the Iranian regime was not yet weak enough for American strikes to topple it, NBC reported on Tuesday. From Wednesday afternoon and through the night, Israel braced for a possible Trump move against Iran. Israeli officials remained largely silent, conscious that any visible role could allow Tehran to portray the protest movement as foreign-backed. Benjamin Netanyahu is aware that Israeli intervention would risk discrediting protesters and give Irans leadership justification to escalate militarily against Israel. On Wednesday evening, according to reports citing Haaretz and the Washington Post, Israeli officials conveyed to Iran, via Russia, that Israel would not strike first if Iran did not, with Iran reportedly reciprocating this understanding. Protest unrest, however, casts uncertainty on the status of this informal understanding. According to the New York Times, after Trumps remarks on Wednesday afternoon, the Pentagon was preparing to stand down forces and allow troops to return to base, with a senior US military official describing the presidents comments as an off-ramp. Long-range bombers in the US had been placed on alert for potential secondary strikes, the paper reported, but that posture was quietly paused by late afternoon. In recent weeks, Trumps rhetoric and actions have swung sharply between threats of military strikes and sudden pauses, leaving analysts to debate whether this apparent unpredictability is strategic, chaotic or a blend of both. Some strategists argue that such signals are meant to deter further Iranian repression and potentially force Tehran toward concessions without an actual strike. Earlier, the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, told Fox News there is no plan by Iran to execute people in retaliation for the anti-government protests. Hanging is out of the question, he said. In a video posted on Wednesday by Tasnim, a news agency close to the Revolutionary Guards, the judiciary chief, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, said: If we want to do something, we have to do it quickly, do it at the right time. Erfan Soltani, the first Iranian protester sentenced to death since the unrest began, was widely expected to be executed on Wednesday, but his family have since been told it has been postponed. On Thursday, the Iranian judiciary said Soltani had not been sentenced to death and if he was convicted, the punishment, according to the law, will be imprisonment, as the death penalty does not exist for such charges. The governments internet blackout has entered its eighth day although calls can be made inside the country. Before Trumps statement, Iran closed its airspace to almost all flights early on Thursday, and airlines, including Lufthansa, said their flights would avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. Some personnel at a key US military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate, and the US embassy in Kuwait ordered its personnel to temporarily stop going to the numerous military bases in the small Gulf Arab country. The US embassy in Saudi Arabia also urged staff to exercise caution and avoid military installations. The UK said it was evacuating staff from Tehran. A senior Iranian official said Tehran had told regional countries hosting US bases, such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey, that it would attack those targets in the event of a US strike. In June, Iran struck al-Udeid base after the US hit nuclear enrichment facilities in Iran, though the strike was telegraphed and largely symbolic. In his Fox News interview, Araghchi toned down the rhetoric, urging the US to find a solution through negotiation. Asked what he would say to Trump, Araghchi said: My message is: between war and diplomacy, diplomacy is a better way, although we dont have any positive experience from the United States. But still diplomacy is much better than war. There is no sign of a backroom breakthrough in the issues that divide Washington and Tehran over its insistence on enriching uranium domestically and its stockpile of the product. Iran executed more than 1,500 prisoners last year and Amnesty International urged the international community to act decisively to bring its systematic human rights abuses to an end. The latest comments from Trump prompted a 3% drop in oil prices as concerns over possible disruption to global supplies lessened. Gold and silver also dipped on the news. Crude prices had surged in recent days as Trump talked about coming to the aid of Iranian protesters. In a Reuters interview on Wednesday night, Trump expressed uncertainty over whether the exiled opposition figure Reza Pahlavi would be able to muster enough support within Iran to challenge the regime. He seems very nice, but I dont know how hed play within his own country, Trump said. And we really arent up to that point yet. I dont know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me. Early on Thursday, the UN security council scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the protests at the request of the US. Foreign ministers from the G7 group said they were prepared to impose additional restrictive measures on Iran over its handling of the protests, and the deliberate use of violence, the killing of protesters, arbitrary detention and intimidation tactics. Erfan Soltani is understood to have been denied a lawyer Erfan Soltani loved fashion. The 26-year-old spent years selling clothes in small shops around Karaj, learning the trade and developing a personal style in a country where standing out can be dangerous. In the evenings, he went to the gym. He lifted weights and followed workout plans. He was trying to make a prosperous life for himself under a regime that had put the economy in reverse gear. When protests erupted across Iran on December 28, Mr Soltani went out into the streets. Friends and relatives say he was never the loudest voice in a crowd, nor a figurehead. He did not belong to an opposition group. But he believed showing up mattered. As demonstrations spread from economic grievances into open defiance of the Islamic Republic, he joined thousands of others demanding change knowing full well what it could cost him. In the days before his arrest, Mr Soltani told family members that he was under surveillance. He had received threatening messages from security-linked numbers warning him to stop his activities. He knew he was being watched. But he continued anyway. Relatives search for their loved ones among killed protesters - UGC/AFP via Getty Images On Thursday evening last week, he was arrested near his home in Fardis, a working-class district of Karaj, west of Tehran. Then came silence. For three days, his family heard nothing. No confirmation of his detention. No information about where he was being held. On Sunday, the phone rang. Security officials told the family that Mr Soltani had been sentenced to death and that his execution would take place on Wednesday. There was no explanation of the charges. There had apparently been no court hearing and he had not been allowed a lawyer. The family was told the verdict was final. Late on Tuesday night, his family travelled to Qezelhesar Prison, but no further updates have been verified since then. Arina Moradi, from Hengaw, a Norway-based Kurdish rights group, said: We have not received confirmation as to whether the family was ultimately able to see him, nor whether the sentence has been implemented. Iran typically carries out hangings at dawn, during the morning call to prayer, when the faithful are summoned to worship and the condemned are summoned to die. A burn-out car after unrest in Tehran is broadcast on Irans state media - IRIB via WANA/Reuters With the internet still down in much of the country, no official reports have emerged confirming whether Mr Soltani has been executed. But according to Hengaw his execution has been postponed as of Wednesday night. While Mr Soltani may have been reprieved for the moment, authorities have warned his family that speaking publicly about the case could lead to the arrest of other relatives, and Hengaw said there were serious and ongoing concerns for his life. A family member who is a lawyer attempted to intervene and take on his defence, but was blocked by security officials and threatened. They told him there is no case to review, according to a person close to the family. It is possible that he has been charged with waging war against God. This vaguely defined offence has repeatedly been used to justify the execution of those who rise up against the Islamic Republic and its supreme leader, who presents himself as Gods representative on Earth. This is the quickest we have seen a case move, Ms Moradi said. 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. Mr Soltani is believed to be held in Qezelhesar prison, a sprawling complex notorious for executions. His killing, if carried out, would be the first known hanging ordered during Irans current nationwide protests. It could spark another war in the Middle East. Demonstrations began late last year over economic collapse and soaring living costs but quickly spread to all 31 provinces, evolving into demands for the end of clerical rule. Irans security forces responded with overwhelming force. More than 2,500 people had been killed, including security forces. Human rights groups believe the real figure may be higher. Tens of thousands have been arrested. The regime has also imposed a total communication blackout, now lasting more than 130 hours, cutting off information from inside the country as hospitals fill and morgues overflow. What makes Mr Soltanis case different is the stance of the man in the White House. Donald Trump has promised very strong action if protesters are hanged - Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images Donald Trump has warned explicitly that hanging protesters would cross a red line. We will take very strong action. If they do such a thing, we will take very strong action ... We dont want to see whats happening in Iran happen, he said. And you know, if they want to have protests, thats one thing, when they start killing thousands of people, and now youre telling me about hanging well see how that works out for them. Its not going to work out good. He has repeatedly threatened to use military force if Tehran continues to kill demonstrators, having already announced 25 per cent tariffs on any country trading with Iran. Some personnel from the US air base in al-Udaid, Qatar, have been advised to leave the area by Wednesday night, Reuters reported. On Tuesday, Mr Trump urged Iranians to continue protesting, writing on his Truth Social platform that HELP IS ON ITS WAY. He has cancelled meetings with Iranian officials, imposed fresh economic pressure, and warned that the regimes killers and abusers would pay a big price. An anti-regime protester sets light to a picture of Ali Khamenei outside the US consulate in Milan - Piero Cruciatti/AFP via Getty Images The Islamic Republic appears unmoved. Irans judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has pledged to fast-track trials for protesters, dismissing the demonstrations as riots. State media has been broadcasting confessions, which rights groups say were extracted under torture. Mr Ejei himself interrogated one. Mr Soltanis cousin, Somayeh, cannot process what is happening to her family and has pleaded with Mr Trump to save him. I was in so much shock, I cried so much... I keep feeling as if I am in a dream, she said. She described Mr Soltani as someone who always wanted people to be at least free in the most basic aspects of life. She said: He has always fought for the freedom of Iran, and today we see him standing under the gallows. She denied that Soltani had ever resorted to violence during the protests. Her cousin, she said, wanted nothing more radical than basic human freedom the kind of freedom the Islamic Republic cannot tolerate. Our demand now is that Trump truly stand behind the words he said, because the Iranian people came to the streets based on those statements, Somayeh said. An unarmed population trusted these words and is now under gunfire. I beg you, please do not let Erfan be executed. Whether Mr Soltanis death becomes a turning point forcing Donald Trump to act on his threats remains uncertain. What is clear is that a young man whose life once revolved around clothes and workouts has become a symbol of how far Irans rulers are willing to go to crush dissent. He went out to protest. For that, the Islamic Republic now intends to kill him. More than 181,000 post-9/11 veterans, service members and military family members in Kansas are eligible for high-quality, accessible care at The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a global not-for-profit integrated network of mental health clinics for service members, veterans, and their families, today announced that it will be opening its first mental health clinic in Kansas. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone in collaboration with the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and will be located near Fort Riley at 1960 Kimball Avenue, Suite 375, Manhattan, KS 66502. It is expected to open in early 2026. Care will be available in-person and through CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy. "The launch of our first clinic in Kansas reflects CVN's dedication to meeting military families where they are and ensuring they have access to the high-quality mental health care they deserve," said Dr. Anthony Hassan, President and CEO of Cohen Veterans Network. "We are proud to again partner with Centerstone and deeply grateful to the Robert R. McCormick Foundation for helping us bring this essential resource to a community and state in need of greater access to care." The Kansas clinic marks an expansion of CVN's partnership with Centerstone, which also operates Cohen Clinics in Clarksville, TN; Fayetteville, NC; Jacksonville, FL; and Hinesville, GA. "This clinic represents a critical opportunity to help veterans, active service members and their families address their mental health needs," Centerstone Regional Chief Executive Officer Ben Middleton said. "With its closeness to Fort Riley, this clinic will provide a trusted resource for those who have given so much, offering care that strengthens individuals and the entire community." The clinic is principally funded by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and Steve Cohen. Colonel Robert R. McCormick served with the 1st Infantry Division in France during WWI, which shaped his deep respect for servicemembers and veterans. The McCormick Foundation continues his commitment to those who wear the uniform. Today, the Foundation invests in the Fort Riley community to support the 1st Infantry Division service members, veterans, and their families. In Kansas and in Chicago, the Foundation supports efforts to improve access and the quality of mental health care for veterans. "We are committed to the Fort Riley community and grateful to our partners, the Cohen Veterans Network and Centerstone, for helping us deepen our support for the service members, veterans, and families of the 1st Infantry Division and other members of Kansas' military community," said Timothy P. Knight, President and CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation. "With this clinic, we are bringing accessible, high-quality care to military families in Kansas and continuing Colonel McCormick's legacy of service to the men and women who serve in our military." The clinic will address a range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, military transition challenges, adjustment issues, PTSD, anger, grief and loss, family issues, relationship challenges, and children's behavioral problems. In addition to therapy, the clinic will provide comprehensive case management services to support clients with social drivers of health, including employment, finances, housing, and more. Since its inception in 2016, CVN has provided care to more than 94,000 clients in over 855,000 clinical sessions. The Cohen Clinic at Centerstone in Kansas will become the network's 23rd clinic, extending services to 21 states. ABOUT COHEN VETERANS NETWORK Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is a 501(c)(3) global not-for-profit philanthropic organization for post- 9/11 veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. CVN focuses on improving mental health outcomes, operating a network of outpatient mental health clinics in high-need communities, in which trained clinicians deliver holistic evidence-based care to treat mental health conditions. It was established in 2016 by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen with a commitment of $275 million to build the network. Learn more about CVN at cohenveteransnetwork.org. ABOUT CENTERSTONE Centerstone is the largest nonprofit behavioral health organization in the United States. With more than 10,000 team members working at 360 locations in communities across the country, Centerstone provides healing and hope to people of all ages through mental health services, addiction care and social supports. Centerstone is a leader in operations for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Centerstone's Military Services offers specialized care nationwide for veterans and the military community. Centerstone's Institute provides guidance through research and technology, leveraging the best evidence-based practices for use across its communities. Centerstone's Foundation secures philanthropic resources to support the work and mission of delivering care that changes lives. Learn more at http://Centerstone.org. ABOUT THE ROBERT R. MCCORMICK FOUNDATION The Robert R. McCormick Foundation envisions a Chicagoland with educated and informed individuals who are engaged in improving their communities. The Foundation invests in organizations working to build thriving communities where all individuals have the resources and opportunities to succeed. Established in 1955 upon the death of Col. Robert R. McCormick, longtime editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune, the McCormick Foundation has issued grants of more than $2 billion. The Foundation's Board also oversees Cantigny, Col. McCormick's 500-acre estate in Wheaton, Illinois, which encompasses a park, formal gardens, a museum dedicated to the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, in which Col. McCormick served, and a 27-hole public golf course. Learn more at mccormickfoundation.org. SOURCE Cohen Veterans Network Daniel Kebede has been accused of using inflammatory rhetoric and failing to protect Jewish members - Guy Smallman Jewish members of Britains biggest teaching union have accused the organisation of institutional anti-Semitism. The National Educational Union (NEU) has hired a barrister to investigate accusations that it has created a hostile environment for its Jewish members. The investigation was reportedly launched more than a year ago, but has only just come to light. It was commissioned by Daniel Kebede, the unions general secretary, who said, debate on contentious issues can often be complex. The inquirys existence came to light in the same week a Jewish MP was banned from visiting a school after a campaign by pro-Palestine activists. A visit by Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East, to a school in his constituency was cancelled after action by the local branch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which members of the NEU reportedly helped to carry out. Damien Egans visit to a school in his constituency was cancelled by pro-Palestine activists - Carl Court/Getty Images Last year, the union accused Israel of genocide and apartheid and said it would develop classroom materials about Gaza for members to use in schools. The union also encouraged teachers to hold a day of action at their place of work to highlight the Palestinian struggle for freedom. In 2024, Peter Block, 76, a Jewish member of the union, was reportedly heckled off stage at the unions annual conference when he challenged a motion to blame Israel for the conflict in Gaza. Karon Monaghan KC, from Matrix Chambers, is leading the examination of allegations against the union. She has interviewed a former member who resigned in September after accusing the union of institutional anti-Semitism. The member, who asked not to be named, accused Mr Kebede of inflammatory rhetoric and a failure to protect Jewish members. He said in his letter: I will not remain part of an organisation whose leadership has created and sustained an environment that is hostile to Jewish members, in breach not only of moral responsibility but of the law. Mr Block, who emailed the union several months ago announcing his own resignation, said: I resigned from my membership because I felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall. I still havent had an apology for what happened to me. Its obvious to me theyre not interested at all in the rise of anti-Semitism in the union. This investigation wont change anything. The NEU said the investigation had not been triggered by a member complaint. A spokesman told the Daily Mail: It is not accurate to say this is a report solely about anti-Semitism. Daniel Kebede, upon being elected as general secretary, made a proactive and positive decision, of his own volition, to review the processes and policies of how debate of contentious issues is handled within the union, as well as the processes for member complaints. Regarding Mr Egans school visit being cancelled, the spokesman said the NEU head office had no knowledge of the cancellation at the time. The NEU was approached for comment. Heavy rain on Thursday has prompted a yellow weather warning for large parts of England. (Getty) (Joe Giddens - PA Images via Getty Images) Large parts of England are set for heavy and persistent rain and strong winds on Thursday, with a yellow weather warning put in place by the Met Office. Initially, the warning covered parts of London and the south of the UK, but the forecaster has updated it to include the Midlands, south-west, and eastern England, which now also advises of strong winds. The warning is in place across all affected areas until 10pm on Thursday night. The Met Office said as much a 20mm or rain could fall in just a few hours, with up to 50mm in some isolated areas most likely across southern and south-eastern England. Maps show where heavy rain will fall on Thursday A yellow weather warning for rain is in place for Thursday. (Met Office) Maps show heavy rain across large swathes of England on Thursday afternoon. (Met Office) Flood alerts and warnings are in place for Thursday. (Environment Agency) Gusts of around 50 mph may also be possible along some exposed coasts. Meanwhile, the Environment Agency has three flood warnings in place for England, meaning flooding is expected, along with 36 flood alerts where flooding is possible. The yellow weather warning says flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible, while bus and train services will probably be affected with longer journey times and there could be flooding on roads. Looking ahead, Met Office spokesman Stephen Dixon said there will be some showers in western areas on Friday and patchy cloud elsewhere, with a similar picture over the weekend. The warning comes the week after Storm Goretti brought gusts of almost 100mph and a rare red warning for dangerous, stormy winds in the south-west of England. The storm caused widespread disruption, including power and water outages, transport disruption, and one man was found dead after a tree fell onto a caravan in Helston, Cornwall. Brahim Kaddour-Cherif is confronted by police following his accidental release from Wandsworth Prison in November A migrant who was released in error has admitted to biting police officers while stealing phones. Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, 24, bit two off-duty police officers on a London Underground platform after they confronted him over trying to snatch passengers phones, a court heard. The Algerian national was at the centre of a manhunt in November after he was released from HMP Wandsworth mistakenly while awaiting trial. He had been overstaying his visa in the UK since 2020, and in 2024 was convicted of exposing himself in a London park. At Highbury Corner magistrates court on Thursday, Kaddour-Cherif admitted assaulting two police officers at Blackhorse Road Underground station, in north-east London, on July 20. His pleas come ahead of his sentencing for other offences at Snaresbrook crown court later this month. Kaddour-Cherif was at the centre of a manhunt in November after he was mistakenly set free from HMP Wandsworth Deborah Kol, prosecuting, said police officers Jason Norton and Bradley Glynn had seen Kaddour-Cherif attempting to take phones from two Tube passengers. It was a coincidence that the officers, unknown to each other and not in uniform, were on the train at the same time. One passenger had been asleep when Kaddour-Cherif tried to take her phone between 6.30am and 7am. Mr Glynn intervened and told him to return the device and the two exited the carriage, with a scuffle ensuing in which Mr Glynn called for help and attempted to arrest the defendant, Ms Kol said. Mr Norton came to Mr Glynns aid and both officers tried to restrain Kaddour-Cherif, who bit them. The officers called for police assistance, which arrived, and Kaddour-Cherif was arrested. Their injuries required cleaning and a weeks course of penicillin, the prosecutor said. He does apologise There is some grey area as to what he was doing on the train in relation to the other persons, and they have not given statements, Jeffrey Shine, defending, said. Not all the factual matrix is accepted, Mr Shine said, but added: He does apologise. Hes happy thats probably the wrong word but hes quite prepared to be sentenced today. Ive seen photographs of the bites. Theyre not, thankfully, high-level bites, but a bite is a bite and it needs to be treated accordingly. Kaddour-Cherif has six convictions for 10 offences between 2024 and last year, including offences against a person and ones that relate to police, the court heard. Magistrates decided they were not in a position to sentence him for the assaults until after the Snaresbrook Crown Court hearing, at which he may receive a custodial sentence. This was because a high-level community order is the maximum sentence that can be imposed for his two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker exercising their lawful duty, said magistrate Lady Jane Grabiner. A community penalty may not be an available option if he is jailed, she added. Damien Egan, the MP for Bristol North East and the vice-chairman of Labour Friends of Israel, was banned from visiting Bristol Brunel Academy - Carl Court/Getty Images Ofsted has launched an inspection of a Bristol secondary school after a Jewish MPs visit was cancelled following a campaign by pro-Palestine protesters. Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East, had planned to visit Bristol Brunel Academy in September last year. The visit was cancelled after the Bristol branch of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) intervened, reportedly helped by members of the National Education Union (NEU). Steve Reed, the Communities Secretary, described the news as an outrage. The schools watchdog has now said it will investigate claims the school may have been intimidated into cancelling the visit. Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsteds chief inspector, said an inspection of the school began on Thursday. I was concerned to learn that a school may have been intimidated into cancelling a visit from their local MP, he said. I am troubled by the message this sends to children especially children from the Jewish community. Those of us privileged enough to be working in education have a professional and moral duty to stand against discrimination. Last weekend, I tasked inspectors to consider the evidence, speak with the school and determine whether further action was needed. They have concluded the threshold for an inspection was met and they are at the school today. The school was informed this morning and I am very grateful to them for their openness in engaging with the inspectors. The cancellation was described as one of the most serious incidents of anti-Semitism that has happened in this country by Lord Mann, Labours anti-Semitism adviser. The peer said on Tuesday that the cancellation appeared to be motivated by straightforward racism. Very serious, very concerning The incident emerged after Mr Reed told the Jewish Labour Movement conference at the weekend that it was an outrage that a Labour MPs visit was cancelled in case his presence inflames the teachers. Mr Reed did not name the MP but it is widely understood to be Mr Egan, who has yet to comment publicly on the schools refusal to let him visit. The visit was cancelled after the Bristol branch of the PSC intervened, following concerns raised by the staff group of the NEU about Mr Egans position as vice-chairman of Labour Friends of Israel. At the time of the incident, the PSC posted: Victory for parents, teachers and the community. The planned school visit today by Damien Egan, MP for Bristol North East, has been cancelled after concerns were raised by the NEU trade union staff group, parents and local constituents. This is a clear message politicians who openly support Israels genocidal assault on Gaza are not welcome in our schools. The school has previously said it rearranged Mr Egans visit for an alternative date and that his visit was cancelled because of plans for a public protest outside the school. Sir Keir Starmer said on Wednesday that the case was very concerning. Can I start by thanking you for raising this case, because it is very serious, very concerning, and all members of parliament should be able to visit anywhere in their constituency, schools or other places without any fear of anti-Semitism, he said. A spokesman for the Cabot Learning Federation, which runs the school, said: We take our responsibilities to educate young people about British values extremely seriously, which is why we invited Mr Egan to speak to our students in the first place. Whilst we took the decision to postpone the visit due to concerns about student safety and the disruption to their education from the planned protest, a date for the rescheduled visit had already been confirmed by Mr Egans office. This was long before any of the most recent concerns were raised. Appalling decision A spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism welcomed the Ofsted inspection. The fact that teachers from this school opposed and threatened to protest a visit by their local Jewish MP is outrageous and raises questions about their fitness to hold educational positions. It also raises questions about the schools leadership and the role of the National Education Union, they said. From what we currently understand, this was an appalling decision, and we await the results of this snap inspection with considerable interest. Fiona Sharpe, a spokesman for Labour Against Antisemitism, said: Our schools are meant to be safe spaces of learning and tolerance for our children. It is unconscionable that they are being exploited by groups such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and that this sectarian intimidation campaign is supported by the National Education Union. Mr Egan, a Jewish man, is the local MP and had planned to visit the school in that role. We cannot allow our education system to be manipulated by those expressing such extremist views. Nobody sends their children to school for them to be taught hate and discrimination. The Prince of Wales visited John and Laura Bowlers farm in Herefordshire to highlight the importance of mental health support - Richard Pohle/The Times/PA The Prince of Wales has warned that British farmers are in a vicious circle when trying to juggle their mental health and keep their businesses afloat. The heir to the throne, 43, said that farmers faced a great deal of uncertainty during a visit to Bridge End Farm in Herefordshire on Thursday, where he rolled up his sleeves to prune an apple tree and feed sheep. Speaking to farmer John Bowler, 35, the Prince asked when he was able to carve out the space to juggle his mental health and the farms day-to-day chores, adding: Thats the problem, its a vicious circle because once youre in it, its very hard to come out of it. Mr Bowler, who has run his 190-acre family farm since the death of his father in 2012 with his wife, Laura, told the Prince that it had been a tough year because of Labours inheritance tax raid as well as falling prices of their sale of stock and bad weather. The Prince feeds the sheep at Bridge End Farm - Ryan Jenkinson/Kensington Palace Discussing the impact that getting help had given him, he added: Sometimes you just need somebody to step in and say that, because I probably knew it deep down, that we needed to make some changes. The Princes remarks following a backlash to Rachel Reevess inheritance tax raid on farmers. Labour provoked an outcry after the Chancellor announced plans to charge 20 per cent tax on inherited agricultural assets worth more than 1m from April this year. Farmers staged huge tractor protests in Westminster while farming trade bodies warned the policy would break up family farms. Sir Keir Starmer also acknowledged last month that he was aware some farmers were considering suicide over the policy. The Government was eventually forced into a climbdown over the policy. The Prince and Mr Bowler spoke about the mental health impact of the profession with Sam Stables, a farmer who came close to ending his own life and, with his wife Emily, has applied himself to saving others from a similar rock bottom. The couple created the charity We Are Farming Minds, which the Prince became patron of in March, to address this problem. Mr Bowler explained to the Prince that he called the charitys 24/7 support line in spring last year because everything came all at once, including a devastating house fire on their property which meant his grandparents had to move out. He said that Laura urged him to make the initial call to the charitys mental health helpline, which the Prince was told is actually common practice for many farmers. The Prince said: Yes, its so true, but it gives you reason to ring [the line] and you dont feel quite so its hard to ring them off your own back. The Prince prunes an apple tree at the Bowlers farm - Richard Pohle/The Times/PA Mr Bowler admitted he was initially worried he was taking help away from someone who needs it, but now wished that he rung way earlier and not when the couple felt they were at breaking point. Mr Stables, who was present during Thursdays engagement, has previously guided the Prince and Princess of Wales on a tour of his own farm in Hereford. His charity now offers the 24/7 support line for farmers as well as funding for counselling, mental health training, social meet-ups and a minibus to get people there. The Prince was told that for the last two years, April had been the busiest month for the helpline. William chats with John and Laura as he takes a look round their farm - Richard Pohle/The Times/PA I find that surprising, the Prince responded, because when youre outside youre seeing all your work come to fruition in the spring, nature is waking up [and] fields are waking up. Mr Bowler explained that the work was usually flat out during that season, saying that you dont have time to think. He also explained that there was a misconception about the wealth of farmers because of land values, which meant you dont get much sympathy. The third-generation farmer said: I see it all the timepeople are like, Oh well yeah, but these farms are worth 3m and I think theres a misconception about that. Most farmers arent in it for the money, otherwise nobody would be doing it. All were asking for is enough money so that we can carry on farming, that is all anybody wants. The future king, one of the countrys largest landowners since he inherited the Duchy of Cornwall, shook his head and agreed, saying: Its not quite right. He also asked Mr Stables and Mr Bowler whether they thought we are asking too much of our farming community, adding: Theres only so much managing you can do. The more things you layer on, then the more there is a chance youre going to break, that just seems common sense. The Prince meets Sam Stables and his wife Emily, who created the charity We Are Farming Minds. William became patron in March - Ryan Jenkinson/Kensington Palace Speaking before the Princes arrival, Mr Stables said that William was very much aware of the troubles facing farmers amid the inheritance tax raid. To have him supporting what is at the minute unprecedented times for British farming, and what farming families are going through everything that he does to help is immense and massively appreciated, he said. During the visit, the Prince also tried his hand at the day-to-day jobs on the farm in the wet weather, including pruning an apple tree in Mr Bowlers nine-acre orchard and emptying feeding bags for his flock of sheep. After the work on the farm, the Prince privately took Mr Bowler and a number of other local farmers to a pub to discuss the challenges they faced in the industry. Thursdays visit comes after the Prince launched a mental health scheme for the Duchy of Cornwall in 2023 to support farmers on the 130,000-acre estate he inherited upon the death of his grandmother. He said at the time that it was his absolute priority in his approach to running the estate that his tenants felt supported and has previously spoken about his intention to make the Duchy a positive force for good that will make peoples lives better. He told The Telegraph last year: Were not the traditional landowner, we want to be more than that. Helping out with the sheep feed - Richard Pohle/The Times/PA A significant part of his mission with the Duchy has been supporting the mental health of farmers and arranging get-togethers to combat rural loneliness. The Prince aims to typically visit parts of the estate once every four to six weeks, often meeting families and staff during private visits. Thursdays engagement marked another in an increasing number of farm visits to champion mental health in the industry, including one last year in which he was accompanied by Kaleb Cooper, Jeremy Clarksons celebrity farmhand from Clarksons Farm. Since taking it over, the future king has attempted to modernise the 700-year-old Duchy, which he insisted he could do without losing its key spirit of community. As part of that, the Prince is determined to shift the focus away from the revenue-raising of old to put social impact at the centre. 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. It is feared that under-16s are too freely able to access sexualised, violent, or racist content. (Getty) (miljko via Getty Images) The government has said it will consult on implementing an Australian-style social media ban for under-16s in the UK after MPs and campaign groups demanded action on the issue. The consultation will look at options including raising the digital age of consent and restricting potentially addictive app design features such as "streaks" and "infinite scrolling". It is one of several legislative options the government is now considering around lowering phone and social media use among young people, with No10 indicating earlier this month it was open to a full ban for under-16-year-olds. Elsewhere, the government has said it will direct Ofsted to examine schools mobile phone policies and how effectively they are implemented during inspections. The government will also produce screen time guidance for parents of children aged five to 16. Guidance for parents of under-fives will be published in April, it said. Ministers will visit Australia as part of the consultation, where a social media ban for under-16s came into force in December. Kemi Badenoch has already said the Conservative Party would introduce a ban for under-16s if it was in power. The consultation comes after numerous campaigns urged the government to take action on the issue. Esther Ghey, whose 16-year-old daughter Brianna was murdered by two other teenagers in 2023, said on Monday that a ban would be "a vital step in protecting children online". Many people have said an age restriction on social media is exactly what the UK needs, however, with more than 100,000 people emailing their MPs calling for "reasonable, age-appropriate boundaries" as part of a coordinated campaign. A template from the grassroots organisation Smartphone Free Childhood says parents across the country are "deeply concerned about the impact smartphones and social media are having on their children" and that they face an "uphill battle" without "legislative boundaries". But Ian Russell, who lost his daughter Molly Russell in November 2017, has warned that following Australia in introducing a 16 and over age limit could have "unintended consequences" for children. He suggested that a ban would ease pressure on social media companies to improve safety, could drive some children to riskier sites and would create a "cliff edge" for teenagers turning 16 who are unprepared for potentially harmful content, The Telegraph reports. It comes as the UK government faces increased pressure to look into child protection online after it emerged that the AI system Grok on X was being used to create sexualised images of children. Who is calling for the ban? Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has said she would introduce a ban on social media for under-16s if her party got back into power. "We tell children what to do all the time. Children are not adults. Freedom is for adults... Children, we need to protect," she told the BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programe last week. While the Labour government is yet to commit to a ban, it is facing growing calls from within the party, with more than 60 Labour MPs writing to prime minister Keir Starmer calling on him to back the idea, the Guardian reports. The prime minister has not ruled out a ban, saying "all options are on the table". The House of Lords could vote as early as this week on a cross-party amendment that advocates a ban in the UK similar to that in Australia, while the Liberal Democrats have tabled a separate amendment that would introduce age ratings more commonly seen in film classification. The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) has called for a ban, claiming that children's sustained social media use is associated with reduced attention span and capacity for sustained learning, and is a primary factor in the deterioration of pupil behaviour. Ofsted's Chief Inspector of schools Sir Martyn Oliver told ITV News that social media is "chipping away at children's attention spans and that children should "be able to live their childhoods not watching it on a screen". Jonathan Haidt, a high-profile advocate of social media age restrictions and author of the Anxious Generation, was reportedly invited by health secretary Wes Streeting to speak to officials. Haidt's main proposal is that children should not use social media until they are at least 16, arguing that a rise in teen depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide over the past decade correlates strongly with smartphone and social media use. A UK parliamentary e-petition calling for a ban on social media accounts for under-16s, received over 132,000 signatures, reflecting public support behind the idea. Campaigners may struggle to compete with the lobbying power of Silicon Valley, however, with the Guardian revealing that tech companies have been meeting government ministers at a rate of more than once per working day. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) says the government should take another direction. Rani Govender, Policy Manager for Child Safety Online, told Yahoo News UK: "Protecting young people from the harms of social media is essential, but a blanket ban for those under 16 is a blunt approach to a complex issue. "Such a ban would infringe on their rights to connect with friends and family, learn about the world, and seek support. Furthermore, it may push them toward unregulated online spaces, increasing their exposure to even greater risks. "We should not penalise young people for tech companies failure to create safe online environments." How would a UK social media ban for under-16s work? There is no outright ban for under 16s currently in the UK, but the Online Safety Act requires social media companies to protect children from harmful or inappropriate content. This includes mandatory age verification for adult content and social media platforms, removing harmful content once identified and providing reporting and support tools. Most social media platforms, such as Facebook or Instagram, set their own age minimum at 13 in their terms of service. The UK government would have a number of options, including a blanket ban for under-16s, a partial ban on some websites, or limiting usage to certain times of day. Asked about the possibility of an Australia-style ban or alternative measures, the prime minister told journalists that "all options are on the table". He said his government would take further action to protect children "across the board" and that one specific issue he wants to see progress on is under-fives and excessive screen time. In April last year, Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said his department was watching the introduction of TikTok's 10pm curfew for users under 16. Conservative party Leader Kemi Badenoch and Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott discuss social media restrictions for children, with concerned parents in London. (Leon Neal/Getty Images) (Leon Neal via Getty Images) He also said the government was examining tools for parents to switch off access to social media or certain websites at set times. It seems that any measures would need the UK to define which social media platforms need monitoring, and Ofcom would presumably enforce any ban with financial penalties for rule breaches. The NSPCC has said it would advocate for a risk-based approach, similar to film classifications, where age ratings reflect the potential harm of the content. It believes not all social media platforms carry the same risks and cite their own research which concluded that 40% of reported online grooming cases, where the platform was specified, occurred on a single site. They argue this approach would allow children continued access to safer platforms and avoiding a sudden "cliff-edge" at the age of 16. How has the ban worked in Australia? The Australian government identified 10 social media platforms that were covered by the under-16s ban; these are Twitch, Kick, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, Instagram, Snap, X, TikTok and Reddit. The sites were deemed to meet three tests: that their sole or "significant purpose" was to enable online social interaction, that they allow users to interact with some or all other users and they allow users to post material. Social media companies deactivated around 4.7 million accounts held by under-16s just a month after the ban came into force on 10 December, Reuters reports. Companies now use techniques, including asking users to upload ID, making an AI age estimation using facial recognition or other tech to define a user's age. If they fail to implement similar features, they can be fined up to about A$49.5 million (25.5m). Would it work? As UK politicians wait for the data from Australia, opinion is divided over whether a similar ban would work in the UK. The Molly Rose Foundation say they have major concerns about the unintended consequences of the ban may include pushing harm to unregulated areas rather than making online spaces safe by design for children. It suggested that the UK government strengthen the Online Safety Act to force social media platforms to offer safe experiences as a precondition for operating in the UK. The NSPCC believes the ban would be unenforceable for tech-savvy teens and would drive children to more dangerous, unregulated spaces online. The UK Parliaments youth select committee concluded that a social media ban for under-16s would be "neither practical nor effective", again imploring tech companies to be held accountable for content on their sites. Research by the University of Manchester suggests screen time spent on social media does not cause mental health problems in teenagers. The study of 25,000 11 to 14-year-olds over three school years found no evidence that heavier social media use or more frequent gaming increased teenagers symptoms of anxiety or depression over the following year. However, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges has said clinicians have spoken of "horrific cases" involving tech devices and children, and that it plans to spend the next three months gathering evidence on this issue. The academy said it already had "evidence of the impact on children and young people's physical and mental health both from excessive screen time as well as exposure to harmful online content". The age ranges at which reserves can be called to serve are being expanded in order to support regular forces amid heightened tensions in Europe - Sean Gallup/Getty Images Military veterans aged 65 face being mobilised under new powers to prepare the Armed Forces for war. The Government is set to increase the age at which the nations pool of retired soldiers, known as the strategic reserve, can be called upon from 55 to 65. The new measures are being introduced as part of a new Armed Forces bill, which will be published in Parliament later. The changes will make it easier to mobilise tens of thousands of former military personnel. The Army has shrunk to its smallest number in more than 200 years, with just over 70,000 full-time, fully-trained troops ready to deploy to the frontline. Under existing rules, the pool of retired soldiers can be called upon in the event of national danger, great emergency or attack in the UK. However, under the new changes, this will be lowered to warlike preparations, which is already the threshold for reservists who have recently left the Armed Forces. The measures come amid fears Britain could be dragged into a full-scale war with Russia in a matter of years. Defence and security chiefs have repeatedly warned of the potential for large-scale war in recent months. Al Carns, the Armed Forces minister, said just before Christmas that war was already knocking on Europes door and that Britain had to be prepared for a conflict that was bigger than those fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last week, the UK announced it would be deploying troops to Ukraine, alongside France, if and when a ceasefire deal between Moscow and Kyiv is agreed. While it is unclear exactly how many troops could be involved, reports have suggested up to 7,500 UK personnel could be deployed. If this figure is accurate, it would effectively mean that around 21,000 personnel would be committed to Ukraine with one cohort deployed, another in training and a third recovering for operations there. However, military analysts have warned such a deployment would stretch the Armed Forces and would effectively become an all of Army effort to maintain. Sources at the Ministry of Defence have pushed back against suggestions that 7,500 troops could be deployed, with insiders saying it could be lower. 28 billion funding black hole On Friday, the Government pledged to spend 200m to upgrade armoured vehicles and buy new kit in preparation for the peacekeeping mission. The proposed changes would come into force next year if approved by Parliament, the BBC reported. The Government estimates there are around 95,000 people within the strategic reserve, including veterans from the Royal Navy, Army, and RAF. These are different to the reserve forces, which comprise personnel who volunteer part-time to serve in the military. Currently, there are almost 32,000 active reservists across the three wings of the Armed Forces. The military has struggled to recruit and retain personnel in recent years. The Army has suffered the most, having shrunk from more than 100,000 personnel in 2010 to just over 70,000 now. The most recent figures show a very marginal increase in the number of people joining the military. But it is still at its lowest ebb since the Napoleonic Wars. Meanwhile, the Armed Forces is grappling with a 28 billion funding black hole over the next four years despite plans to boost defence spending. Sir Keir Starmer was warned about the shortfall by the head of the military, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, a few days before Christmas. On Monday, Sir Richard admitted Britain did not have the cash to deliver its military ambitions, which were set out by the PM in June as part of the Strategic Defence Review. The Chief of the Defence Staff told MPs on the Commons defence committee: Ill be completely honest with you we will not be able to do everything that we would wish to do as quickly as we might want to do it. If we wanted to do everything thats currently in the programme and do all the extra things in the SDR [strategic defence review], could we do that with the budget that we have got? The answers no. UK not ready to defend itself This is despite Sir Keir having announced last year that defence spending would rise from 2.3 per cent of GDP to 2.6 per cent by 2027. Looser pledges were also made in the strategic defence review to hit 3 per cent in the early 2030s and 3.5 per cent by 2035. As part of the Strategic Defence Review, Sir Keir vowed to build 12 new nuclear attack submarines and spend billions more on new defence technology. Britains military spending is the subject of increasing criticism, with a parliamentary report last year warning the country was not ready to defend itself against attack. Earlier this month, the UK fell down the global defence spending rankings, and is now Natos 12th-biggest spender in terms of GDP compared with third in 2021. News of the latest shortfall is said to have prompted Sir Keir to order a key MoD document, the defence investment plan, to be overhauled. The Defence Investment Plan, which will set out how the Governments long-term defence plans will be paid for, was originally due to be published in the autumn. However, it now appears to be stuck in financial purgatory, with Sir Richard telling MPs the MoD do not have a date for when it will be released. It prompted concerns that the Armed Forces could soon be forced to make sweeping cuts to balance the books. Miami is often associated with beaches and nightlife, but crime statistics show that some neighborhoods experience higher-than-average violent crime. In contrast, several Caribbean islands maintain stronger safety records, particularly in areas where most visitors spend time. These places combine low violent crime rates, visible security, political stability, and healthcare systems capable of handling serious emergencies. Anguilla Credit: Wikimedia Commons This island regularly reports fewer than two serious crimes per 1,000 residents each year. Police response times remain under ten minutes because there is a single main road and limited sprawl. Visitors often walk between beach hotels and restaurants after dark without issue, as supported by travel surveys. The local hospital handles routine emergencies and uses daily airlifts to Puerto Rico for complex care. Cayman Islands Credit: Wikimedia Commons Strict gun laws help keep violent crime low across Grand Cayman, where most visitors stay. Uniformed officers patrol Seven Mile Beach on foot and by bike until midnight. The island operates a cardiac center and hyperbaric chamber that meet United States medical standards. Bonaire Credit: Wikimedia Commons Bonaire stands out for its low level of violent crime and a strong sense of respect for property. The island lies outside the main hurricane belt, which reduces the kinds of emergencies that can overwhelm local services elsewhere. Roads are well-maintained and clearly marked. For serious medical needs, care is closely linked to the Netherlands. Turks and Caicos Credit: Getty Images Following a brief spike in crime in 2022, the expansion of policing led to a 40% drop in robberies by 2024. Grace Bay Beach now has a daily police presence and better lighting along restaurant areas. Providenciales offers both public and private medical facilities with modern equipment. Barbados Credit: pexels Barbados takes visitor safety seriously, with a dedicated Tourism Police Unit that regularly patrols hotel districts on scooters and in marked vehicles. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital offers comprehensive trauma care, a rarity for an island of this size. Barbados has also avoided a major hurricane since 1955, which has contributed to its long-term stability. Saint Barthelemy Credit: Wikimedia Commons Saint Barthelemys French law enforcement and a small population keep violent crime close to zero. The island lacks large cruise ports, which limits crowd-related crime. Medical care follows French national standards, including helicopter evacuation options. Antigua Credit: Wikimedia Commons Crime has dropped by about 50% over the past decade, largely due to the expansion of CCTV and community policing. Permanent police posts are located at cruise ports and historic harbors. Mount St. Johns Medical Centre ranks among the best-equipped public hospitals in the eastern Caribbean. British Virgin Islands Credit: Wikimedia Commons Police infrastructure improved significantly following the 2017 hurricanes, resulting in faster response times. Officers use high-speed boats to reach charter yachts quickly, which reduces maritime crime. Road Town Hospital expanded its services by opening new clinics on the outer islands. Martinique Credit: Getty Images Crime levels mirror those of rural France rather than of a major American city. French gendarmes patrol in marked vans across tourist and residential areas. Hospitals meet European standards and include multiple decompression chambers for divers. Dominica Credit: Getty Images Small-village life fosters informal community oversight that discourages serious crime. Tourist police now accompany major hiking routes following a single incident in 2023. The main hospital in Roseau upgraded its emergency department with support from the World Bank. Cars drive next to a collapsed crane that crushed two vehicles during construction of an elevated highway in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand, January 15, 2026. Thai Rescue Worker Association/ Handout via REUTERS Cars drive next to a collapsed crane that crushed two vehicles during construction of an elevated highway in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand, January 15, 2026. Thai Rescue Worker Association/ Handout via REUTERS By Panarat Thepgumpanat BANGKOK, Jan 15 (Reuters) - A crane collapsed onto a road near Thailand's capital on Thursday, crushing two vehicles and killing two people a day after a similar accident in the northeast caused the derailing of a train and the deaths of 32 passengers. Thailand's transport minister said construction firm Italian-Thai Development PCL, whose crane fell onto the train in northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province a day earlier, was also involved in the crane accident near Bangkok. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who faces a general election next month, said on Thursday that his government is moving to cancel two contracts with ITD involving the two accident-hit projects, and vowed legal action against the firm. "The Ministry of Transport has been instructed to terminate the contracts with the contractors, pursue all legal action available, and place them on a blacklist," he told reporters. The government has also ordered a pause to around a dozen active ITD construction projects involving the state and put them under review, transport minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said. Italian-Thai, founded in 1958 by Italian and Thai partners, said in a statement shortly after the prime minister's remarks that it accepts responsibility for providing care, compensation, and remedies for the losses incurred in both incidents. "The company will review and strengthen its safety measures to ensure stricter and more comprehensive standards going forward," the ITD statement to the Thai stock exchange said. SERIES OF FATAL CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENTS Thursday's incident took place in Samut Sakhon province, where the crane, which was being used in building an elevated highway, fell onto the road beneath and crushed two cars, according to local police, who said two people were also injured. It was the latest in a series of fatal accidents at construction projects in Thailand, several involving Italian-Thai, including the collapse of a partially-built Bangkok tower last year that killed at least 89 people during a 7.7-magnitude earthquake and led to charges of negligence against 23 people. Images from the scene on Thursday showed a mangled green crane and huge pieces of concrete that had crushed the vehicles below. Video from news outlet Thai Rath showed cars reversing to avoid the wreckage amid a cloud of dust from the collapsed concrete. Thailand, Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy, has been undergoing significant infrastructure development, from elevated highways and high-speed rail lines to major expansion of its elevated rail network in Bangkok. HIGH SPEED RAIL Authorities said an investigation into Wednesday's accident in the northeast was ongoing. As well as the 32 fatalities, 66 of the 195 passengers on the train were injured after a crane involved in building structures for an elevated high-speed rail project collapsed onto an existing train line below. The cross-country high-speed rail project will connect to China through Laos. The government said last year that more than a third of construction had been completed in the segment connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, with the whole line to Nong Khai at the border with Laos ready by 2030. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Additional reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Orathai Sriring; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by David Stanway and Toby Chopra) PHOENIX, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- January 15, 2026 ConnectDER, a leading developer of meter socket adapters for solar, battery storage, and EV charging installations, today announced that its newest device, IslandDER, is approved for use by Arizona's three largest utilities: Arizona Public Service (APS), Tucson Electrical Power (TEP), and Salt River Project (SRP). This announcement builds on existing Arizona support for ConnectDER's devices, where the company's Solar Meter Socket Adapter is already approved by all three utilities and Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC), with high usage from installers in the state. The company's EV Meter Socket Adapter is currently cleared for use within APS and TEP service territory. IslandDER now brings additional benefits to installers as the state shifts to a storage-first model. These approvals streamline the installation process of distributed energy resources (DERs) for millions of Arizonans, enabling installers to cut costs and timelines. Arizona is part of ConnectDER's growing national footprint of 48 utilities reaching over 30 million householdsa number expected to exceed 50 million in 2026. See all utility approvals on the ConnectDER website. ConnectDER's plug-and-play meter socket adapters, or meter collars, simplify residential DER connections by plugging directly into the meter socket outside the home. This innovation bypasses the need for laborious main panel upgrades, full service replacements, or circuit relocationsall of which lead to lost revenue and scheduling challenges for installers and increased costs for end customers. By eliminating these hurdles, crews can complete more jobs per week while homeowners save thousands in surprise electrical costs and drywall repairs with less disruption to their daily lives. "Arizona has always been a solar leader, and the next frontier is storage," said Ivo Steklac, ConnectDER President and CEO. "We commend the state, APS, SRP, and TEP for their foresight in implementing battery-first rewards programs that maintain clean energy momentum even as the federal subsidy landscape shifts. Approval of our IslandDER adapter clears a path for residents to more easily access these incentives and secure energy independence. For our installer partners in the Southwest, IslandDER enables operational efficiency; we're helping crews overcome hardware, labor, and cost hurdles so they can focus on what they do bestdeploying a resilient, storage-backed grid at scale." "Meter socket adapters are paving the way for the future of Virtual Power Plants (VPP) and energy storage," said Jake Bastien, CEO of Icon Power in Arizona. "By helping to reduce costs, we're excited to see more of these innovative solutions like IslandDER becoming available in the market." As the third-ranked state for residential solar capacity, Arizona is now leveraging its solar abundance to prioritize grid resilience, with recent battery attachment rates reaching an estimated 47%. This shift is driven in part by homeowners seeking financial stability against rising electricity rates, to optimize Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plans by pulling from their stored energy, and to participate in utility VPPssuch as APS' Storage Rewards and TEP's Energy Storage Rewardswhich offer hundreds of dollars in annual electricity buy-backs. For installers, however, Arizona homes present a distinct technical challenge: meter-main combination sockets that lack the space for essential system components required for storage and home backup power. ConnectDER's IslandDER solves this by integrating a Microgrid Interconnect Device (MID), Current Transformers (CTs), voltage sensing, and communication protocols for real-time grid disconnect ("islanding")into one singular, compact device. IslandDER handles complex meter-main combos in just 15 to 30 minutes without additional electrical work. It works with leading storage systems including FranklinWH, Lunar Energy, SolarEdge, and EcoFlow, providing flexible choice to both installers and homeowners. This efficiency extends to Arizona's burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) sector, where registrations have tripled in recent years to more than 90,000, creating massive demand for fast at-home charging. For Arizonans with older 100- or 125-amp service, a standard EV charger install can trigger a main panel upgrade (MPU) costing $2,000 on average in the state, but can get as high as $25,000 and add 1-3 days of install time depending on the home's existing wiring and electrical setup. ConnectDER's EV Meter Socket Adapter bypasses this bottleneck, eliminating the need for an MPU in most cases and allowing installers to reclaim lost time and revenue while making at-home charger installations more affordable for all. About ConnectDER ConnectDER has been a pioneer in designing and developing meter socket adapters (MSAs) since 2011, simplifying the connection of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging equipment. ConnectDER's products help accelerate installations, avoid complex electrical work, and reduce costs for both installers and homeownersmaking renewable energy solutions more accessible and affordable for all. ConnectDER's MSAs are UL-listed and NEC-compliant, approved by utilities across the U.S., and used by top local, regional, and national solar installers. Installers can purchase ConnectDER's MSAs through their preferred distributor. Email [email protected] to talk to a ConnectDER sales representative. For more information, visit www.connectder.com. Media Contact Dave Armenti Sr. Marketing Director [email protected] SOURCE ConnectDER, Inc. MELBOURNE, FL NASA conducted its first medical evacuation from the International Space Station on Wednesday, Jan. 14, after a Crew-11 astronaut developed a health issue last week. The astronauts returned to Earth in the early hours of Jan. 15. The crew splashed down at 3:41 a.m. ET off Southern California. Areas along the California coast could hear a sonic boom as the spacecraft reenters Earth's atmosphere faster than sound. Instead of waiting for Crew-12's arrival, the four-person Crew-11 will return to Earth early via the SpaceX Dragon they traveled up in. SpaceX released a reentry trajectory map. Dragon will pass directly over Santa Barbara, California, past Los Angeles and Long Beach, California, heading for a splashdown off the coast of San Diego. 2025 spaceflight in photos. See images of Blue Origin, SpaceX missions 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. The departure marked the first time in the station's 25-year history that a crew on the orbital outpost has cut a mission short to be medically evacuated. NASA has emphasized that there is no emergency, but that the problem one of the astronauts experienced requires monitoring on the ground. NASA's decision to return the crew early was swift and unprecedented, but the space agency said astronauts and teams on the ground prepared for every possible situation. NASA has not identified the astronaut or the medical issue due to privacy concerns. "I am beyond impressed," NASA's new Administrator Jared Isaacman told Florida Today, part of the USA TODAY network, about the space agency's handling of the situation. "Space enthusiasts ... the American public should have a lot of confidence in NASA's ability to manage developments because we are NASA, and we train for this. We drill for it over and over again ...for situations exactly like this." Crew-11 marked the 11th crew rotation and 12th overall astronaut launch by SpaceX under contract for NASA. Humans in space: NASA's 1st human moon mission in 50 years could be month out. What to know "Regardless of the phase of the mission, we would have executed it exactly the same way. However, I'll saw Crew-11 made it easy, and they achieved almost all their on-orbit objectives. They were weeks away from coming home anyway." said Isaacman. "Crew-12 is fully trained and prepared to go up and relieve them." Crew-11 consists of NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Having launched back in August 2025 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, the four were onboard the ISS for NASAs latest crew rotation and planned to stay for a 6- to 8-month mission. Fincke called the decision to come home early "bittersweet" but necessary, praising NASA and support teams for their quick response. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NASA crew departs ISS to return home early after astronaut falls ill Image Credit: Shutterstock Olga Miltsova In todays health-conscious world, parents often strive to provide nutritious meals for their families while balancing taste and convenience. Breakfast, often touted as the most important meal of the day, is no exception. However, a recent warning from cardiologists sheds light on a popular choice that may not be as healthy as many believe: turkey bacon. Understanding the Appeal of Turkey Bacon Turkey bacon has surged in popularity in recent years, often marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional pork bacon. Many parents opt for turkey bacon because it typically contains less fat and fewer calories, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce their familys overall fat intake. Its often perceived as a guilt-free way to enjoy a beloved breakfast staple, especially for those who want to indulge without the same level of saturated fat found in pork bacon. However, experts are now cautioning that the health benefits of turkey bacon may be overstated. According to cardiologists, this seemingly innocent breakfast item could lead to significant health risks, particularly concerning heart health. The Hidden Dangers of Processed Meats Turkey bacon is a processed meat, and like many processed foods, it can contain hidden dangers. Cardiologists warn that the sodium levels in turkey bacon are often alarmingly high, sometimes exceeding those found in traditional bacon. High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Moreover, turkey bacon is often cured with preservatives like nitrates and nitrites, which can form harmful compounds when cooked at high temperatures. These compounds have been linked to an increased risk of various health issues, including certain types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The Real Impact on Heart Health The American Heart Association emphasizes that consuming processed meats, including turkey bacon, can contribute to the hardening of arteriesa condition known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits build up in the arteries, making them narrow and less flexible. This can lead to serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. Dr. Elizabeth Smith, a cardiologist based in California, explains that while turkey bacon may seem like a healthier option, the long-term effects on heart health can be detrimental. Choosing processed meats, even those marketed as healthier, can still lead to increased cholesterol levels and ultimately heart disease, she notes. Alternatives for a Healthier Breakfast So, what are parents to do? If turkey bacon is not the best choice, what can you serve at breakfast that is both delicious and nutritious? Fortunately, there are several alternatives that can satisfy your familys cravings without the associated health risks. 1. Whole Grain Pancakes or Waffles: Instead of bacon, consider serving whole grain pancakes or waffles topped with fresh fruit and a drizzle of pure maple syrup. This adds fiber and nutrients into the meal and keeps it satisfying. 2. Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and can be prepared in various waysscrambled, poached, or in an omelet packed with vegetables. Adding spinach, peppers, or tomatoes not only enhances flavor but also boosts nutritional content. 3. Greek Yogurt Parfaits: Layering Greek yogurt with fresh fruits and granola creates a delicious breakfast option that is high in protein and calcium, keeping your family full and energized throughout the morning. 4. Smoothies: A smoothie can be a quick and nutritious breakfast. Blend together fruits, vegetables, and a protein source like Greek yogurt or nut butter for a filling meal that is easily customizable. 5. Avocado Toast: This trendy breakfast option is rich in healthy fats and can be topped with a poached egg or tomato slices for extra flavor and nutrients. Making Informed Choices As parents, it is essential to stay informed about the food choices we make for our families. While turkey bacon may have seemed like a reasonable option for breakfast, understanding its potential health risks allows parents to make better choices for their loved ones. Experts recommend reading labels carefully and being mindful of sodium and preservative content in processed foods. Fresh, whole foods are typically the best options for promoting health and wellbeing in a family setting. Incorporating a variety of wholesome breakfast choices can help ensure that your family not only enjoys their meals but also supports their long-term health. As you plan your next breakfast, consider exploring some of these healthier alternatives that are sure to please both the palate and the heart. Displaced Syrians at a river crossing near the village of Jarirat al Imam, in the eastern Aleppo countryside, near the front line with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in Deir Hafer, Syria, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Omar Albam) HAMIMA, Syria (AP) A trickle of civilians left a contested area east of Aleppo on Thursday after a warning by the Syrian military to evacuate ahead of an anticipated government military offensive against Kurdish-led forces. Government officials and some residents who managed to get out said the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces prevented people from leaving via the corridor designated by the military along the main road leading west from the town of Maskana through Deir Hafer to the town of Hamima. The SDF denied the reports that they were blocking the evacuation. In Hamima, ambulances and government officials were gathered beginning early in the morning waiting to receive the evacuees and take them to shelters, but few arrived. Farhat Khorto, a member of the executive office of Aleppo Governorate who was waiting there, claimed that there were "nearly two hundred civilian cars and hundreds of people who wanted to leave the Deir Hafer area but that they were prevented by the SDF. He said the SDF was warning residents they could face sniping operations or booby-trapped explosives along that route. Some families said they got out of the evacuation zone by taking back roads or going part of the distance on foot. We tried to leave this morning, but the SDF prevented us. So we left on foot we walked about seven to eight kilometers until we hit the main road, and there the civil defense took us and things were good then, said Saleh al-Othman, who said he fled Deir Hafer with more than 50 relatives. Yasser al-Hasno, also from Deir Hafer, said he and his family left via back roads because the main routes were closed and finally crossed a small river on foot to get out of the evacuation area. Another Deir Hafer resident who crossed the river on foot, Ahmad al-Ali, said, We only made it here by bribing people. They still have not allowed a single person to go through the main crossing." Farhad Shami, a spokesman for the SDF, said the allegations that the group had prevented civilians from leaving were baseless. He suggested that government shelling was deterring residents from moving. The SDF later issued a statement also denying that it had blocked civilians from fleeing. It said that any displacement of civilians under threat of force by Damascus constitutes a war crime" and called on the international community to condemn it. Today, the people of Deir Hafer have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to their land and homes, and no party can deprive them of their right to remain there under military pressure, it said. Government offensive is likely looming The Syrian armys announcement late Wednesday which said civilians would be able to evacuate through the humanitarian corridor from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday appeared to signal plans for an offensive against the SDF in the area east of Aleppo. Already there have been limited exchanges of fire between the two sides. Thursday evening, the military said it would extend the humanitarian corridor for another day. The Syrian military called on the SDF and other armed groups to withdraw to the other side of the Euphrates River, to the east of the contested zone. The SDF controls large swaths of northeastern Syria east of the river. The tensions in the Deir Hafer area come after several days of intense clashes last week in Aleppo city that ended with the evacuation of Kurdish fighters and government forces taking control of three contested neighborhoods. The fighting broke out as negotiations have stalled between Damascus and the SDF over an agreement reached last March to integrate their forces and for the central government to take control of institutions including border crossings and oil fields in the northeast. Some of the factions that make up the new Syrian army, which was formed after the fall of former President Bashar Assad in a rebel offensive in December 2024, were previously Turkey-backed insurgent groups that have a long history of clashing with Kurdish forces. The SDF for years has been the main U.S. partner in Syria in fighting against the Islamic State group, but Turkey considers the SDF a terrorist organization because of its association with Kurdish separatist insurgents in Turkey. Despite the long-running U.S. support for the SDF, the Trump administration has also developed close ties with the government of interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and has so far avoided publicly taking sides in the clashes in Aleppo. Ilham Ahmed, head of foreign relations for the SDF-affiliated Kurdish-led administration in northeast Syria, at a press conference Thursday said SDF officials were in contact with the United States and Turkey and had presented several initiatives for de-escalation. She said that claims by Damascus that the SDF had failed to implement the March agreement were false. Associated Press journalist Hogir Al Abdo in Qamishli, Syria, contributed. A student uses a smartphone inside a book during class, concealing the screen from view. Photo: RDNE Stock project / Pexels (The Center Square) In an act of bipartisan unity, the Michigan House passed a bill on its first day of the 2026 legislative session banning all K-12 students from using cellphones during school. House Bill 4141, which failed to pass last summer, was reintroduced Wednesday and passed with 99 yes votes. There were only 10 no votes. Rep. Mark Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills, told TCS in an exclusive interview that this was a positive way to start off the session. Its proof that, if you do the necessary work in a cooperative manner, we can pass big pieces of legislation in an election year, Tisdel said. People might have to give up on worrying so much about who gets credit and just focus on what makes sense and what's the right thing to do. The bill will amend the Revised School Code to require the boards of all public and charter schools implement a wireless communications device policy. For students enrolled in elementary or middle school, the policy will have to prohibit use of a phone on school grounds during: Instructional time Breaks between instructional time Lunch Recess For students enrolled in high school, the policy will have to prohibit the use of a phone only during instructional time. These are the minimal requirements that schools will be directed to adopt. They are allowed to adopt more stringent requirements. There are a number of exceptions laid out in the legislation, including for medically-necessary devices, district-owned devices, and more. While many states have adopted some sort of cell phone policy for schools, this will be one of the more strict versions. This is a very big deal, Tisdel said. This is every K-12 public school classroom across the state and every student. Tisdel first introduced the bill in the 2024 legislative session, but it never received enough support from Democrats to move forward. After Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, expressed her support for such legislation in her 2025 State of the State address, he decided to reintroduce it. Last July, Tisdel brought another version of the bill to the House for a vote. At that time, he fully expected it to pass with bipartisan support, but ended up missing the mark by just three votes. Tisdel blamed politics and a breakdown in communication for the bills failure, as previously reported by TCS. This time around, Democrats and Republicans were on board with the bill, which serves as an olive branch going into what will likely be a contentious election year for Michigan politicians. The bill is now headed to the state Senate for its consideration. Tisdel said he has been working with the Democrat majority there to ensure their support for the bill and he is hopeful it will quickly make its way into law. The governor has been very much for securing legislation of this sort, he said. So, there is an opportunity now to pick this up quickly in the Senate, pass it, and get it on to the governor's desk. AP The Iran regime recently demonstrated the brutality it is willing to display against dissidents in its own country - and even those who have been living in the United States for years - when it returned the body of an Iranian citizen who had been living in California to his American family with the mans tongue and heart removed. Reports of the number of protestors Iranian authorities have gunned down in recent weeks have ranged from 1,000 to more than 12,000. But human rights groups and attorneys are also concerned about attacks against Iranian dissidents traveling abroad or even on U.S. soil, or those living in the United States who have spoken out against the Iranian government. The body in question belonged to Jamshid "Jimmy" Sharmahd, an Iranian citizen and "freedom advocate" who defected to the United States and was living in California legally. Iranian forces abducted him abroad in 2020 and hauled him back to Iran, where he faced torture and a sham trial for spying, until he was executed in 2024, according to Dylan Barket and Jason Poblete, counsel for the Sharmahd family, and a team of several other attorneys. Last week, the Sharmahd family filed suit against the Islamic Republic of Iran in the U.S. District Court of Columbia, a largely symbolic act against Tehran to formally protest the kidnapping, torture, unlawful detention, and extrajudicial killing and mutilation of their husband and father. In early January, Barket also wrote Trump a letter demanding concrete action to prevent Iranians from trying to target and kill dissidents on U.S. soil. National media coverage over the last several years has focused on the Iranian assassination attempts against President Trump and his national security team. On Wednesday, Iranian state television posted a video of the assassination attempt against Trump in 2024 with text in Persian saying the next shot wont miss. But there has been very little press scrutiny of Iranian plots against dissidents and other legal residents and citizens of the United States on U.S. soil. It took more than a year for Iran to return Sharmahds mutilated body to his family. Now the group of human rights attorneys are pressing President Trump to try to prevent any future Iranian attacks and attempted assassination attempts on U.S. soil. More than 15 years before Sharmahd was kidnapped while traveling abroad, an Iranian-hired assassin tried to kill him in California. In 2009, Mohammad Reza Sadeghnia was arrested near Los Angeles International Airport after attempting to hire a hitman to murder Sharmahd for $32,000. Sadeghnia pled guilty in Los Angeles Superior Court and received a one-year jail sentence, which the attorneys describe as "consistent with Californias historically lenient approach toward serious offenders." "Even more troubling, the court permitted him to travel back to Iran, purportedly to visit an ailing parent," the attorneys wrote. "Foreseeably, he never returned." After Sadeghnias easy escape from U.S. justice, subsequent U.S. government records revealed that he had ties to Iranian intelligence and was involved in surveillance and efforts to coordinate and facilitate assassinations of regime critics in the United States and the United Kingdom, according to the lawyers. Still, the Obama and Biden administrations did little to rein in Irans belligerent behavior, whether it was broken promises on its nuclear deal or the targeting of dissidents on U.S. soil. Also, Californias weak response to an Iranian assassin operating in its state signaled weakness and left other dissidents vulnerable, the attorneys argued. "[It] communicated the worst possible message: That hostile nations like Iran can target dissidents in the United States and evade meaningful accountability," they asserted. "For years, Iran has openly flouted U.S. law and every international obligation placed upon it-enriching uranium, conducting cyberattacks and targeting dissidents in America, and around the world, without fear of consequence," the lawyers continued. "The failures have repeatedly signaled weakness and invited further aggression by Iran." In order to prevent further attempts on U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents on U.S. soil, the attorneys urged Trump to: Direct a comprehensive investigation of Iran-directed plots and intimidation within the United States since 2009 to expose the activities and ensure that strong, unmistakable consequences are imposed so no foreign regime ever believes it can target people on American soil with impunity. Urge DOJ and FBI to review the Sadeghnia matter with California authorities and report exactly which procedural failures enabled Sadeghnia's flight back to Iran. Direct the FBI, in coordination with ICE, CBP, DHS, DOJs National Security Division, the ODNI, the CIA, and the State Departments Diplomatic Security Service, to create unified policies and procedures that close the gaps between state and federal authority that allow foreign operatives to evade meaningful accountability. Meet with the Sharmahd family to discuss accountability for Sharmahds murder and protections for dissidents who are targeted by foreign regimes while living in the United States. "This is not only about Jimmys case," the letter concludes. "It is about reminding our adversaries that foreign operatives are not welcome in the United States of America, and those who target Americans-whether through intimidation or acts of violence-will face consequences, not leniency." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Tuesday, Trump encouraged the people of Iran to "keep protesting." "TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!" Trump posted on Truth Social. "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!!!" The president followed up Wednesday afternoon, noting that he has "been notified" that Iran has agreed to stop the killing of protesters. "Weve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping. Its stopped. It is stopping, and theres no plan for executions ..." he told reporters. "Ive been told that on good authority. We will find out about it." Susan Crabtree is RealClearPolitics' national political correspondent. Now he has his Nobel Peace Prizesort of. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presented President Donald Trump with the Nobel Peace Prize medal she was awarded in December, she told reporters on Capitol Hill Thursday. Machado said she made the presentation when she met with Trump for lunch at the White House earlier in the day. I presented the President of the United States the medal the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado said. When she made the presentation, she said she told him a story of a similar medal with George Washingtons face on it that General Marquis de Lafayette, the French military officer who helped win the American Revolution, had given Simon Bolivar, who helped liberate Venezuela and five other Latin American countries from Spanish rule. She said she called Trump, as the American President, the heir of Washington and told him: The people of Bolivar are giving back to the heir of Washington a medalin this case a medal of the Nobel Peace Prize and the recognition of his unique commitment to our freedom. Trump has repeatedly said he deserves the award and his supporters have criticized Machado for accepting it. The day Machado won the award, she called Trump at the White House to tell him she was dedicating the prize to him. Machado told Fox News host Sean Hannity last week that she would like to tell him personally that the Venezuelan people want to give it to him and share it with him. Soon after, the Norwegian Nobel Institute released a statement asserting that its prizes cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred. Machados main objective on Thursday was to impress upon Trump the importance of transitioning Venezuela from an autocracy to a government elected by Venezuelans that protected individual freedoms. It may be an uphill climb. Since Trump ordered the arrest of the countrys dictator Nicolas Maduro in a military raid on Jan. 3, he has signaled support for Maduros ally Delcy Rodriguez as Venezuelas interim President, calling her terrific, while slighting Machado as not respected enough by Venezuelans to be their next leader. In the nearly two weeks since Maduros ouster, Rodriguezs government has sent armed militias into the streets to search phones and arrest people who expressed support for Maduros capture. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio want whats left of Maduros autocratic government to fulfill U.S. demands to control Venezuelas oil output and to stop drug smuggling. He hasnt said publicly when he wants the current government to agree to allow free elections in the country. Maduros government refused to step down in July 2024 when Maduro lost the countrys presidential election. Machados ally Edmundo Gonzalez won that election after Machado was banned from the ballot. As the high-stakes meeting was underway, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was looking forward to having a good and positive discussion. Leavitt praised Machado as a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people in Venezuela. Contact us at letters@time.com. Christopher Parente wasn't shocked to learn that a federal immigration agent had shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good in her car in Minneapolis. Last fall, Parente defended in court Marimar Martinez, a U.S. citizen who was shot five times by a Border Patrol agent in Chicago and survived. The news out of Minnesota, Parente said, was a stark reminder of what happened to his client just months earlier. I was heartbroken, Parente, a defense attorney and former federal prosecutor, told USA TODAY. But I wasnt surprised. The shooting of Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent has put a spotlight on violent and sometimes deadly interactions involving federal agents carrying out the Trump administrations deportation agenda. Immigration agents have fired upon at least 10 people since August, USA TODAY has found. In each case, agents shot at drivers or into moving cars a practice that has largely been discouraged by law enforcement because of risks to public safety. Federal agents continue surge of immigration enforcement in Minnesota 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. Footage of the incidents shows agents swarming vehicles, smashing windows and trying to pry open car doors within seconds of approaching drivers. On multiple occasions, body camera video and cell phone footage has contradicted federal officials' initial claims about the shootings. The Department of Homeland Security and federal prosecutors defended the agents and accused drivers of trying to run them over. Of the four drivers charged by federal prosecutors, three have had their charges dropped, court records show. Similarities between the various shootings have raised concerns among public officials, judges and policing experts over the aggressive tactics used by federal agents nationwide. There seems to be a pattern of shoot into vehicles and then justify it by saying the vehicles are trying to run them over, said Geoffrey Alpert, a professor of criminology at the University of South Carolina who specializes in the use of deadly force. Federal agents conduct an immigration raid days after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jan. 13, 2026. Each year, local police officers stop tens of millions of drivers on American streets, leading to a wealth of best practices and common procedures aimed at mitigating risk to officers and the public. Alpert and former law enforcement officials said many of the tactics being used by federal agents from reaching into vehicles to stepping into the path of cars are in stark contrast to well-known policing standards. The growing number of incidents where we see agents resorting to deadly force without any reasonable basis is a recipe for disaster, said David Harris, a law professor at the University of Pittsburgh who focuses on police procedure. These actions dont reflect the current thinking of law enforcement generally or best practices. In a statement, Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said: The pattern is not of law enforcement using deadly force. Its a pattern of vehicles being used as weapons by violent agitators to attack our law enforcement. "When faced with dangerous circumstances, DHS law enforcement used their training to protect themselves, their fellow officers, and the public," she said. The brave men and women of DHS will not be deterred and will continue arresting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. Anyone who attacks law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." Federal agents grab a woman to drag her away from her car, days after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jan.13, 2026. What happened to Renee Good? An ICE agent shot and killed Good on Jan. 7 in a suburban neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis. Videos show multiple agents approaching her SUV as it idled on a residential road as one of the officers yelled at her to get out of the car. Within seconds of approaching her, an agent tried to open Goods door. She reversed briefly before moving forward with her wheels turned away from the agents. When her car began to lurch forward, an agent near the front left-side of the SUV drew his gun and shot her at close range. Video analysis by USA TODAY and other outlets shows the agent appeared to be standing just beside the SUV, out of the vehicles path, when he opened fire. A separate video from the officer who pulled the trigger shows the agent walking around Goods vehicle before stopping near the front of the SUV. The last thing Good a U.S. citizen with no criminal history could be heard saying is: That's fine, dude. Im not mad at you. Federal agents gather next to a vehicle with a bullet hole the windshield after its driver was shot by a U.S. immigration agent, according to local and federal officials, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jan. 7, 2026. The Trump administration said the agent, Jonathan Ross, acted in self-defense and accused Good of engaging in domestic terrorism. Trump administration officials including Vice President JD Vance pointed to the agent's video to justify their position that he acted appropriately. Minnesota state and local officials vehemently disputed those claims, calling them propaganda and BS. Use-of-force and policing experts called for a full investigation into the shooting, and several criticized the agents actions. The officer is moving away from the vehicle as the car slowly turns to the right, away from the direction hes moving, Harris said. Given what I saw, the use of deadly force is not reasonable. A person places flowers next to a photo of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed in her car by an immigration agent in Minneapolis, during a vigil in honor of Good, in protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in front of the U.S. embassy in Berlin, Germany, January 11, 2026. Feds appear quick to use domestic terrorist label In many ways, the deadly shooting in Minneapolis resembles Martinez's shooting in Chicago by a Border Patrol agent. In that case in October, DHS authorities said Martinez ambushed federal agents and rammed officers with her car. Like the shooting in Minneapolis, agency officials within hours described Martinez, who has no criminal history, and another person initially charged in the incident as domestic terrorists." We will not allow domestic terrorists to attack our law enforcement, McLaughlin said in a statement at the time. If you lay a hand on law enforcement, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. But after a few weeks in court, the case fell apart, leading the Justice Department to drop the charges. The case was ultimately dismissed in November. In court, the agent walked back the Department of Homeland Securitys initial claims that the officers were rammed by Martinez. To me, ramming is the front of a vehicle striking another vehicle. And that is not what happened, the agent said, according to a transcript of an evidentiary hearing Nov. 5. Exhibits presented in court show the Border Patrol agent, Charles Exum, apparently bragging about the shooting in a Signal group chat with other federal officers. An exhibit presented in federal court in Chicago after a federal agent shot Marimar Martinez, a U.S. citizen, five times. The exhibit shows a message he wrote in a Signal group chat with other officers. "I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys," the agent said. I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys, Exum wrote. In court he explained the text by saying I'm a firearms instructor. And I take pride in my shooting skills, according to a transcript of an evidentiary hearing in November. In reaction to being deployed to another city, Exum wrote in another chat, Cool. Im up for another round of (f---) around and find out a reference to FAFO, internet slang that has become a fixture of social media posts and statements by officials in the Trump administration. When asked about the meaning of that text, which was sent less than 72 hours after the shooting, the agent told the court, I would be up for another round of ... that means illegal actions have legal consequences. And you're up for it? Parente asked. That's my job, Exum replied. Videos show agents firing at moving vehicles Several incidents raised concerns about immigration agents firing at moving vehicles, a major safety hazard that has been increasingly prohibited by law enforcement agencies nationwide. In August in San Bernardino, California, multiple immigration officers swarmed the vehicle of Francisco Javier Longoria, an undocumented immigrant. Videos show he drove away from agents after one began smashing his drivers side window. Seconds after his truck started moving forward, multiple shots can be heard. The truck had bullet holes on the passenger side where Longorias 18-year-old son, a U.S. citizen, was seated, videos show. Harris, the law professor, watched footage of the incident and said its by sheer luck that the passenger was not killed. A similar incident unfolded in Franklin Park, Illinois, the next month and ended with the death of a civilian. Federal agents shot and killed Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, a 38-year-old Mexican immigrant, after they say he resisted arrest and dragged an agent with his car. Video evidence from the scene shows the agent describe his wounds as "nothing major." Graciela holds a framed photo of her brother, Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, 38, a man from Michoacan who was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Franklin Park, Illinois, during his burial at a cemetery in Irimbo, Mexico, Sept. 26, 2025. Videos also show one of the agents reaching into the vehicle just before Villegas-Gonzalez steps on the gas a move that is not in accordance with long-standing police procedures. Thats a huge no-no, said Seth Stoughton, a former Tallahassee police officer and law professor at the University of South Carolina. The tactical approach that policing has emphasized for decades is: 'Dont reach into a car, dont overextend, don't reach for the keys.' Police department and federal agencies also discourage officers from shooting at moving vehicles. A study commissioned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in 2013 recommended the agency prohibit officers from shooting at moving cars unless deadly physical force is being used by means other than a moving vehicle. The authors of the report reviewed 15 cases in which agents shot at moving cars and found that officers had often put themselves in harms way, exposing themselves to additional risk and creating justification for the use of deadly force, the report said. According to its latest policy document, the Department of Homeland Security allows agents to shoot at vehicles if theres an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury, including from the vehicles themselves. Immigrant fatally shot after dragging ICE agent with car: See photos from the scene Police officers and first responders work at the scene following reports of a shooting in Franklin Park village, northwest of Chicago, in Cook County, Illinois, on Sept. 12, 2025. Former law enforcement officers say shooting at a driver poses a risk to public safety because, if a driver is incapacitated, the vehicle can become an unguided missile. In the Minneapolis and Franklin Park shootings, the drivers were killed and their vehicles careened down public roads before crashing into other cars. There were no reports of injuries from the collisions. Agent shoots TikTok creator; US marshal injured by gunfire In December, a federal judge dismissed charges against a Los Angeles-based TikTok creator who was shot by a federal agent. In that case, prosecutors accused Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a Mexican national, of ramming into law enforcement vehicles in an "attempt to dislodge his car during an immigration arrest." During the incident, a federal agent opened fire, wounding Parias as well as a deputy U.S. marshal who was struck by a ricochet, prosecutors said. Body camera footage obtained by the Los Angeles Times raised serious questions about the agents conduct. The footage shows the ICE agent holding a gun in one hand as he smashes Parias passenger-side window, the outlet reported. As the agent tries to open the passenger door, he moves the gun into his other hand before firing. The Times reported that at the time, Parias car did not appear to be moving and other agents could be seen near the drivers side door. Similar to the shootings in Minneapolis, Chicago and San Bernardino, video of the incident challenged the initial claims by federal prosecutors and DHS officials. On other occasions, information from local police has challenged Homeland Security's accounts. Last week, the agency walked back claims that two men in Maryland were inside a vehicle that allegedly rammed into federal officers, leading one agent to fire "defensive" shots. The change came after the Anne Arundel County Police Department announced that one of the two people was in ICE custody at the time of the shooting. An image of a van involved in a shooting in Glen Burnie, Maryland, on Dec. 24, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security said the driver of the van "weaponized his vehicle" and tried to run over federal agents. A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fired at the driver, injuring him, officials said. "It's unprofessional," said Alpert, pointing to what he described as a rush to judgment by federal law enforcement officials soon after the shootings. "How can you make these judgments without a thorough investigation? I think its doing everyone a disservice. Will the agents face any recourse for shootings? After the Minneapolis shooting, Martinez called Parente in a panic. She called me from work, distraught and heartbroken, Parente said. It could have easily been her had these bullets traveled an inch to either side. The two discussed the similarities of the cases and what Parente described as the nearly identical conduct of the agents involved. Like the ICE agent in Minneapolis, the Border Patrol officer who shot Martinez had worked for the Department of Homeland Security for more than a decade, according to court records. The agent, Exum, was posted on the Canadian border in Maine before he was sent to Chicago. After the shooting, Exum turned over his gun but was able to return to Maine within days. He was soon in conversations about being deployed to another U.S. city, court records show. When asked if he had ever faced suspension over the shooting in Chicago, he told the court he hadnt. 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. None of the agents involved in the shootings has been publicly suspended or reprimanded. McLaughlin, a spokesperson for DHS, said shootings involving ICE agents are reviewed by an "appropriate investigative agency" as well as internally. After the shooting in Minneapolis, Vance said the officer has "absolute immunity," which legal experts have challenged. As Democrats and state officials call for independent investigations, former law enforcement agents and police experts say they're worried that without accountability, more violence will follow. "It's very concerning," Harris said. "Having this type of policing operation with a very strong willingness to use force is just a recipe for more of these shootings." This story was updated to add comments from the Department of Homeland Security.Christopher Cann is a national breaking news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact him via email at ccann@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: ICE, Border Patrol shootings fit pattern in Minneapolis, Chicago, LA Editor's note: This page summarizes news on the Minneapolis ICE shooting for Wednesday, Jan. 14. For the latest news on the aftermath of the Minneapolis ICE shooting, please read USA TODAY's updates for Thursday, Jan. 15. A federal agent shot a person in the leg in Minneapolis on Wednesday after being assaulted during an arrest, the Department of Homeland Security said, sparking further protests in a city on edge after the deadly shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent earlier this month. In a statement on X, Homeland Security said that federal officers were conducting a "targeted" traffic stop in Minneapolis at about 6:50 p.m. local time. The traffic stop involved a Venezuelan national, who the agency claimed was in the United States without authorization. The person initially fled from federal agents in a vehicle but crashed into a parked car and then took off on foot, according to Homeland Security. An officer attempted to apprehend the person and was assaulted, the agency said. Federal agent fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis: See chaotic scene 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. While they were on the ground struggling, Homeland Security said "two subjects came out of a nearby apartment and also attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle." "Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life. The initial subject was hit in the leg," Homeland Security said. "All three subjects ran back into the apartment and barricaded themselves inside." The officer and the person involved in the traffic stop are both in the hospital, according to Homeland Security. A person familiar with the situation told Reuters that the wounded suspect was in stable condition. The two people who allegedly attacked the officer were taken into custody. In a statement, the Minnesota Department of Criminal Apprehension said that it is investigating a "use-of-force incident" involving an ICE officer. "Our team has processed the scene and left the area," the department said on X. "This will be an independent BCA investigation. No further information is available tonight. More information will be released in the coming days." Protesters throwing rocks, ice, and fireworks clashed with law enforcement agents who fired tear gas and crowd-control munitions late into the night following the shooting, which came a week after a U.S. immigration officer fatally shot Good, 37, a U.S. citizen, in her car in Minneapolis. Minneapolis mayor: 'This is not sustainable' Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey renewed his call for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to leave the city after a federal agent shot a man in the leg. The mayor said the presence of federal immigration agents throughout the city and across the state is "creating chaos." "This is not sustainable. This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in," Frey said during a news conference Wednesday night. "And at the same time, we are trying to find a way forward to keep people safe, to protect our neighbors, to maintain order." Frey also condemned hostile protests in the city and urged people to go home. "We cannot counter Donald Trump's chaos with our own brand of chaos," Frey added. "And I have seen thousands of people throughout our city peacefully protesting. For those that have peacefully protested, I applaud you. For those that are taking the bait, you are not helping, and you are not helping the undocumented immigrants in our city." Federal agents stand guard as community members in Minneapolis protest after federal law enforcement agents were involved in a shooting incident on Jan.14, 2026. Minneapolis police chief says federal agent shot man during a struggle During the news conference, Frey said city officials had "limited" information about the shooting. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said police received a 911 call reporting a shooting on the 600 block of 24th Avenue North. Preliminary information indicated that there was a "struggle with a federal agent" in front of a residence in the area, according to O'Hara. "During the struggle, the federal agent discharged his weapon, striking one adult male," the police chief said. "The adult male then retreated inside of the residence, where he remained inside and refused to come out." Federal agents later made entry into the residence, and the man was transported the hospital, O'Hara said. He added that the Minneapolis Police Department secured the crime scene, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI were at the scene processing evidence. Who was Renee Nicole Good? What we know about the woman killed by ICE Police chief asks protestors to disperse O'Hara confirmed that a crowd was gathering in the area and was "engaging in unlawful acts." He said people were throwing fireworks at officers, who had deployed gas multiple times. "Police are attempting to disperse this unlawful assembly at this time," O'Hara said. "I urge anyone that is at the scene to leave immediately. This is already a very tense situation, and we do not need this to escalate any further." A large crowd of protesters gathered near the scene of the shooting, according to CBS Minnesota, FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, and the Minnesota Star Tribune. Protesters clashed with federal agents as officers deployed chemical irritants and rubber bullets to push people away from the scene, Fox 9 and the Star Tribune reported. Protesters continued to shout and blow whistles at federal officers. Minneapolis urges residents to remain calm Earlier Wednesday, the City of Minneapolis said on X that it was aware of reports of a shooting involving federal law enforcement in north Minneapolis and was working to confirm additional details. In an update, the city confirmed that a man was shot by federal immigration enforcement agents and was taken to a local hospital with apparent non-life-threatening injuries. "We understand there is anger. We ask the public to remain calm," the city said on X, reiterating its demands that "ICE leave the city and state immediately." "We stand by our immigrant and refugee communities know that you have our full support," the city added. Federal agents continue surge of immigration enforcement in Minnesota 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. Walz to Minnesota: Use your phones to record ICE injustices The incident came after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called on the public to use their phones to record federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations in the state. His appeal comes a week after Good, 37, was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis amid an enforcement action on Jan. 7. "Help us establish a record of exactly whats happening in our communities," Walz said in an address on Wednesday. "Help us create a database not just to establish a record for posterity but for future prosecutions." State and local officials have clashed with federal authorities over the latest violence in an ongoing nationwide immigration crackdown. Tensions have also remained high across the city, with thousands of protesters marching and gathering to condemn the aggressive enforcement. Homeland Security has called its activity in Minnesota its "largest immigration operation ever." Immigration authorities say fraud cases from the pandemic in the state, which officials have alleged is tied to Somali immigrants, are what led to the surge in federal agents. Earlier on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said he would cut off federal funding next month for any state that includes sanctuary cities where officials have prohibited local law enforcement from cooperating in federal immigration enforcement operations. 'Beautiful light of our family.' Goods family reveals new details about morning she was killed by ICE Immigration shootings fit growing pattern The fatal shooting of Good by an ICE agent has put a spotlight on previous violent and sometimes deadly interactions involving federal agents carrying out the Trump administrations deportation agenda. Immigration agents have fired upon at least 10 people since August, USA TODAY has found. In each case, agents shot at drivers or into moving cars a practice that has largely been discouraged by law enforcement because of risks to public safety. Footage of the incidents shows agents swarming vehicles, smashing windows, and trying to pry open car doors within seconds of approaching drivers. On multiple occasions, body camera video and cellphone footage has contradicted federal officials' initial claims about the shootings. Similarities between the various shootings have raised concerns among public officials, judges, and policing experts over the aggressive tactics used by federal agents nationwide. Read more here. Christopher Cann Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minneapolis shooting: Homeland Security says agent shot man in leg A monument of Turkmenistan's former president, in Ashgabat. NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images An Air France flight from India to Paris diverted to Turkmenistan. It was already running almost a whole day late before it departed. After 21 hours in Ashgabat, a spare plane took the passengers on to France. Air France passengers were delayed by nearly two days after they were diverted to Turkmenistan. Monday's Flight 191 was already running 21 hours late when it departed Bengaluru, India, shortly after 11 p.m., according to data from Flightradar24. It was supposed to land in Paris about 10 hours later. However, four hours into the journey, the Boeing 777 started descending. It made a U-turn to land in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, a sparsely populated nation in Central Asia. Registered as F-GSPI, the jet is 26 years old. The cause of the diversion has not been confirmed, though The Independent reported that the plane suffered an engine issue. Passengers then had to wait nearly another whole day to continue their journey to Paris. Turkmenistan is ruled by what Human Rights Watch has described as a totalitarian, hereditary government and is one of the world's most politically secluded countries. Air France did not respond to a request for comment sent by Business Insider. Given that the flight departed from India, there were a number of Indian nationals on board, who were hosted by the nation's consulate in Turkmenistan. It is unclear where the majority of the passengers on the flight stayed during their time in Ashgabat. Consular Officials of @IndiainTurkmen1 met the Indian passengers of Air France Flight AF 191 which made an emergency landing at Ashgabat Airport earlier today and assured them of Embassy's full support for their smooth onward journey to Paris.@IndianDiplomacy @DrSJaishankar pic.twitter.com/nxVnhQj5DG India in Turkmenistan (@IndiainTurkmen1) January 13, 2026 Ultimately, a new aircraft was dispatched to collect the passengers. Flight-tracking data shows another Air France Boeing 777 left Paris on Tuesday morning and arrived in Ashgabat after a five-hour flight. It spent about three hours on the ground before departing Turkmenistan shortly after 1 a.m. That's nearly 22 hours after the passengers first arrived there. The plane then landed in the French capital at 3:23 a.m. on Wednesday. Along with the departure delay, that's 43 hours later than passengers initially expected to get there. Flight-tracking data appears to show that the original plane is still on the ground in Ashgabat as of Thursday morning, three days after it landed there. This wasn't the first time that Air France has sent a plane to rescue stranded passengers. In May 2024, one of its Boeing 787s was flying from Paris to Seattle when a burning smell was detected in the cabin. The pilots declared an emergency and diverted to Iqaluit, the capital of Canada's Nunavut territory. A different flight was canceled so a Boeing 777 could take the passengers to New York. Read the original article on Business Insider A judge in a robe holds a gavel over a desk in a courtroom. Photo: Shopify Partners / Burst (The Center Square) The Illinois Supreme Court is considering whether Amazon must compensate warehouse workers for time spent waiting in line and completing mandatory COVID-19 screenings during the pandemic, a case that could have broad implications for wage and hour law in the state. The lawsuit, filed by former Amazon employees Gale Miller-Anderson and Lisa Johnson, claims the company required unpaid COVID screenings before shifts. Amazon argues Illinois law follows federal rules that allow some pre-shift time to go unpaid. The case centers on whether Illinois Minimum Wage Law offers broader worker protections than federal law. Plaintiffs Miller-Anderson and Johnson are represented by attorney Donny Foty. Theres a federal law called the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the Fair Labor Standards Act, generally speaking, is the law that applies to all states in the country, Foty told TCS. Foty explained federal law sets minimum wage and overtime requirements, but Congress later carved out exceptions that limit what counts as paid work. Broadly speaking, the Fair Labor Standards Act defines what exactly is work, Foty said. And then Congress later passed an exception that basically says not all work is compensable. Under federal law, only an employees principal activity, or tasks that are integral and indispensable to it, must be paid, meaning some pre-shift or post-shift activities are not compensable, according to Foty. But Foty said Illinois law is different. Amazon points to a 2014 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Integrity Staffing Solutions v. Busk, which held that warehouse workers did not have to be paid for time spent in mandatory anti-theft screenings after clocking out. In that case, the Supreme Court said no, the employer didnt have to pay for that time, Foty said. The reason was that the anti-theft screening was not integral and indispensable to the workers principal activities. Amazon argues the same logic applies to COVID screenings. Some states have enacted their own version of a wage and hour law, he said. Illinois has. The General Assembly of Illinois has passed the Illinois Minimum Wage Law. Attorney General Kwame Raoul has filed a brief supporting the workers position, signaling the states interest in how the law is interpreted. Nothing in the Illinois Minimum Wage Law expressly incorporates the exceptions from federal law, Foty said. Instead, if you look at the regulations interpreting the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, the law is actually contrary to federal law. A ruling in favor of the plaintiffs could affect employers statewide by expanding what activities must be paid under Illinois law, while a ruling for Amazon would reinforce alignment with federal standards. 'Creative Styles Tool' makes creativity personal with insights that boost creative confidence and foster collaboration EASTON, Pa., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Crayola, the iconic brand that inspires colorful self-expression and creativity, today announced the launch of the Crayola Creative Styles Tool. This free, research-backed resource is designed to help parents and teachers identify and understand their personal creative styles so they can leverage their unique creative strengths, foster an appreciation for diverse creative styles in others, and better nurture this essential skill for lifelong growth. Crayola Creative Styles: Think Perceive Engage Crayola Creative Styles Tool Within five minutes of answering a series of simple questions, users receive a customized report that reveals their natural creative tendencies, explains their unique approach to the creative process, and suggests ways to collaborate with those who have other creative styles. The groundbreaking tool explores the three dimensions of creativity: How You Think Examines how people generate and respond to ideas ranging from divergent (expansive, broad) to convergent (curated, focused) thoughts to guide their creative process. Examines how people generate and respond to ideas ranging from divergent (expansive, broad) to convergent (curated, focused) thoughts to guide their creative process. How You Engage Interprets how people form, respond to, and participate in creative experiences ranging from a reflective style (remembering, anticipating) to a transformative style (actively experiencing and experimenting). Interprets how people form, respond to, and participate in creative experiences ranging from a reflective style (remembering, anticipating) to a transformative style (actively experiencing and experimenting). How You Perceive Reveals the way people see the world and make sense of it from distinct (independent) to connected (interwoven) perceptions, offering opportunities for innovation. "These insights help you understand your creative style and appreciate the different ways creativity shows up in others," said Cheri Sterman, Senior Director of Education, Crayola. "We believe creativity is innate to the human experience and needs to be nurtured at every stage of life. When parents and teachers understand their creative styles, it boosts their confidence in being able to support children's creativity." Research shows that creativity is essential to problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation. It also predicts career achievement and boosts job satisfaction. Creative experiences support overall well-being, foster resilience, and strengthen interpersonal relationships. However, creativity is often misunderstood. Recognizing this, Crayola began a series of initiatives to broaden traditional views about what creativity is and how it shows up in the world, including developing the Creative Styles Tool. A diverse team of Crayola experts joined by Dr. Gerard Puccio, a State University of New York Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Center for Applied Imagination at Buffalo State University, began working on the tool five years ago with the goal to make creativity tangible and personal, as well as dispel some of the myths around creativity. For example, it demonstrates that adults do not outgrow creativity as they age, and that creativity is not limited to only a few lucky people. Puccio also provided a comprehensive review of contemporary creativity studies and ensured that the Crayola Creative Styles Tool was grounded in a strong research-based foundation. "Our ultimate ambition is to empower adults to embrace creativity as an essential life skill," Sterman said. "Each customized report confirms that every participant is creative, and that the world needs both divergent thinkers who brainstorm, as well as convergent thinkers who curate ideas." The debut of the Crayola Creative Styles Tool comes as the brand marks the fifth anniversary of Crayola Creativity Week (Jan. 26-Feb. 1), a free learning program that provides educators and parents with inspiring and interactive content delivered by world-renowned creative talent. Highlighting the transformative power of creativity across core subjects, the virtual event reached more than 13.2 million students in over 120 countries last year. Crayola Creativity Week is an integral part of the brand's Campaign for Creativity advocacy program that challenges the narrow definitions of creativity, speaks to the importance of creativity as an essential life, and inspires a lifetime of creative moments to help everyone reach their full potential. To discover your creative style, visit crayola.com/CreativeStyles or search "Crayola Creative Styles" in any online browser. Media Contact: Constance Walker [email protected] SOURCE Crayola A gavel rests on a block atop a judges bench in an empty courtroom. Photo: Shopify Partners / Burst (The Center Square) The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that law schools in the state will no longer be required to obtain accreditation from the American Bar Association. During a ruling on Jan. 6, the court stated its approval alone is sufficient for law school accreditation. In an earlier opinion issued during its review of the issue, the justices explained their reasoning more directly, stating their preliminary view that the ABA should no longer have the final say on whether a law schools graduates are eligible to sit for the Texas bar exam and become licensed to practice law in Texas. The decision comes amid broader concerns raised by the Trump administration regarding the bar association's objectivity. In February 2025, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the organization [h]as subjected law faculties and law students to unlawful race and sex discrimination under the guise of diversity mandates by forcing schools to ensure staff and students are diverse in gender, race and ethnicity. That requirement blatantly violates our nation's civil rights laws, Bondis letter stated. Accreditation organizations for higher education have been criticized for requiring institutions to adhere to diversity, equity and inclusion frameworks as a condition for recognition. Amid these threats of federal action by the Trump administration, many accreditors have reportedly scaled back these requirements. The Councils status as the sole accrediting body of American law schools is a privilege, and mandatory diversity objectives are an abuse of that privilege, which is subject to revocation, Bondi wrote. Even if it does not come to that, it is unclear how state bars can lawfully continue to require prospective lawyers to attend ABA-accredited law schools if the Council continues to abuse its privilege in this way. In its order, the Texas Supreme Court emphasized that it seeks to ensure continuity and fairness for law schools. [T]he Court advised that it intends to provide stability, certainty, and flexibility to currently approved law schools by guaranteeing ongoing approval to schools that satisfy a set of simple, objective, and ideologically neutral criteria using metrics no more onerous than those currently required by the ABA, the court order stated. The Center Square reached out to the ABA for comment, but did not receive a response. Several federal prosecutors in Minnesota were formally fired on Wednesday after they gave notice that they had resigned in the wake of internal disagreements over the Justice Departments handling of a shooting investigation involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The DOJ, at the direction of Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, terminated the employment of five prosecutors in the U.S. attorney's office in Minnesota, including Joseph Thompson, the No. 2 official there, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Their resignations and the internal disputes about the shooting probe first surfaced in the New York Times. The prosecutors were positioned to receive paid leave for months prior to their firings on Wednesday, according to the sources. Why The Fbi Can Exclude State Authorities From Minnesota Shooting Probe Demonstrators gather in New York City during an anti-ICE protest following an ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis. Protest signs included messages such as "CRUSH I.C.E." and "ICE Cold Killers." (Fox News) Thompson was spearheading a massive, high-profile investigation into welfare fraud in the state before he submitted his resignation. His exit came after he clashed with officials in Washington, D.C., over the investigation into the ICE shooting, which left 37-year-old Renee Good dead. Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota in an effort to reach Thompson for comment. Thompson had expressed during a call with DOJ and FBI officials last week that he was on board with investigating the ICE shooting as an assault on or obstruction of a law enforcement officer, a source familiar with the call told Fox News Digital. Read On The Fox News App Another one of the fired prosecutors, Melinda Williams, who was also involved in the fraud work, was on the call as well, the source said. Thompson also indicated that he believed the shooting was justified, two sources said. Prior to the shooting, he had already been discussing the possibility of resigning, the sources said. Videos of the shooting showed an ICE agent opening fire on Good at close range after she was seen accelerating toward the agent in her vehicle while he was standing in front of it. Critics have argued that the agent improperly used deadly force against Good and that she had turned the wheels of her vehicle away from the agent before accelerating. A crashed car at the scene where an ICE agent shot Renee Good. The FBI is investigating the incident and has excluded Minnesota prosecutors from the probe, which the Trump administration has said is justified because the incident involved a federal officer. Minnesota leaders have denounced that decision and launched their own parallel investigation. While supportive of conducting the investigation as an offensive against law enforcement rather than a civil rights matter against the agent Thompson had reservations during last week's call about the DOJs plan to also investigate Goods widow and other possible co-conspirators, the source familiar with the call said. The Fbi had developed evidence that suggested Good and her spouse had at some point been following ICE officers on the day of the shooting, the source said. That revelation echoes Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's allegations during a recent press conference that Good had been "stalking and impeding" Ice throughout the day of the shooting. Noem said Good "weaponized" her vehicle and that the ICE agent who fired shots feared for his life. In a statement to Minnesota Public Radio, Good's spouse, Becca, said that on Jan. 7, the day of the shooting, she and Renee "stopped to support [their] neighbors." "We had whistles. They had guns," Becca Good said. Familiar Protest Groups Mobilize Immediately After Ice Shooting Of Minnesota Protester Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey speaks to the media at City Hall on Jan. 9. Frey has repeatedly called for federal immigration authorities to leave his city. (Getty Images) Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other Democrats have lauded the prosecutors who resigned, framing their departures as a valiant boycott against DOJ. "These prosecutors are heroes, and the people pushing to prosecute Renees widow are monsters," Frey wrote on X. At this stage, there is no sign that the DOJ is planning to bring charges against Becca Good, despite the DOJ and FBI pursuing an investigation into her as part of a broader probe into any conspiracies to hinder federal law enforcement operations. Fox News Digital reached out to the DOJ for comment. David Spunt contributed to this report. Original article source: Top federal Minnesota prosecutors officially terminated after dispute over ICE shooting probe Some of President Donald Trumps supporters said they support the administrations recent efforts to further Americas interests in the worlds safety through action in Venezuela and potential military intervention in Iran and Greenland. But others were more conflicted. Ryan Sun/AP - PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks at the Detroit Economic Club, Jan. 13, 2026 in Detroit. ABC News spoke with some of Trump's 2024 voters who responded to the late October ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll on the Trump administration, the economy and since-concluded government shutdown. Kay Wattigney, a voter from Louisiana who is retired, told ABC News she supported Trump's decisions on Venezuela -- including the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Iran protests: Trump says 'HELP IS ON ITS WAY' for Iran as protest death toll tops 2,000 I just think he's doing the right things, she said of Trump, adding that Maduro and his government "werent [doing the right things] so he tried to reason with him. They didnt listen. But she said that she feels more uncertain over potential action in Iran or Greenland, and that she would hate our men to get hurt if there were potential U.S. military action. Some of the military options Trump could consider against Iran after warning about protests Robert Rose, a caregiver in Arizona, said he was absolutely elated that the United States, as the assumed enforcer of international law -- and assumed by every other nation in the world, that if something happens, the United States is going to take care of it. Video Obtained By Reuters via Reuters - PHOTO: Smoke rises from explosions in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 3, 2026, in this screen grab of a video obtained by Reuters. As for Iran, Rose said he does not want boots on the ground, but pointed to how the military could also use cyber operations or technological, covert operations against the regime. My idea of a military action is something that is advanced and can be an action that is painless but effective; that is not lethal, but its still even more effective than if it were to be lethal, he said. He added that he doesn't think the White House needs to be clearer about possible different types of military actions: "It's not up to the White House to paint a specific picture." On Greenland, Rose said he sees the country as a "strategic necessity for us in this day and age, being poised between China and Russia, but would want to understand more about the conversations between Denmark and Trump, and if any have led Trump to discuss potentially responding militarily. Denmark and European allies have pushed back on Trumps comments on the matter, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen saying there's not an "instant threat from China and Russia -- at least not a threat we can't accommodate. Joe Raedle/Getty Images - PHOTO: A Greenland flag flies near the flag of Denmark, March 11, 2025, in Ilulissat, Greenland. Janelle Manes, a self-employed voter in Wisconsin who owns her own business, shared a differing opinion. She told ABC News that she does not agree completely with Trumps decision to strike Venezuela and take Maduro. "I don't know the legalities behind that," she said, adding that she believes the move is "great for the citizens of Venezuela, absolutely." While conflicted about whether the move was right, she said she does believe the reason the Trump administration made the move is because of drug trafficking, not to tap Venezuelas oil. Trump has said that the action in Venezuela was an anti-drug law enforcement operation, though Venezuelan leaders have denied the government is involved in narcotics. Manes also said she was opposed to potential military action in Greenland. "I do not agree with the United States trying to come through and take over Greenland, she said, contrasting it with Alaska, once a territory that the U.S. purchased from the Russian empire. Danish and Greenlandic officials have previously said the island isn't for sale. Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' seeks influence over Western Hemisphere citing old US policy Christopher Friedman, a probation officer in Washington state, told ABC News that he voted for Trump mainly based on domestic issues such as crime and the economy. He said he felt indifferent about the Venezuela operations, since he does not feel any direct impact to his life or know anyone from there. Friedman said he did personally think the Iranian government was restrictive and a bad regime, but regarding the U.S. taking action, Friedman said, I don't think we have any, necessarily, any major interests in going there and intervening. I think the people of Iran need to carve out their own destiny. West Asia News Agency via Reuters - PHOTO: Iranians attend a pro-government rally in Tehran, Iran, January 12, 2026. As for Greenland, Friedman said he did not think the U.S. will take any military action there. I dont think the U.S. should intervene militarily I don't think a physical conflict is necessary at least with our European neighbors, where, in such cases, where we could negotiate a peaceful outcome or transition into something that maybe all three parties agree [on], because this is an issue with the U.S, Denmark, and then, of course, the people of Greenland included, he said. So there's three parties here of interest, and I think there's three parties then to satisfy. He added that he is not opposed to a potential purchase of the territory, given how the U.S. previously purchased Alaska from the Russians or Louisiana from the French -- although he said the price of the territory could be concerning given the United States' current national debt. The split among the voters who spoke with ABC News over the completed or potential interventions is similar to how Americans are largely split on them more broadly, according to recent polling. A Quinnipiac University poll published Wednesday found that 70% of U.S. voters say the U.S. should not get involved in Iran if protesters in the country are killed while demonstrating against the Iranian government, including majorities of independent voters (80%), Democratic voters (79%) and Republican voters (53%). That poll also found that registered voters are roughly split on the Trump administration's capture of Maduro, with 47% in support and 45% opposed. A majority of Republican voters (85%) support it, while a majority of Democratic voters (79%) oppose it. A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll published on Wednesday found that two-thirds of Americans (66%) are concerned that U.S. efforts to acquire Greenland will damage the NATO alliance and the U.S. relationship with European allies, including about 9 in 10 Democrats, 7 in 10 independents and 4 in 10 Republicans. ABC News' Mariam Khan and Emily Guskin contributed to this report. President Trump departs after he delivered remarks at the House Republican Party member retreat in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2026. Credit - Mandel NganAFP/Getty Images Four weeks before the beginning of his second term as President, Donald Trump abruptly floated the idea of taking back the Panama Canal. It had been a quarter-century since the U.S. formally ceded to Panama ownership of the channel connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. With one social media post, Trump threw a seemingly stable relationship off-kilter, accusing Panama of overcharging U.S. ships for passage and recklessly permitting China too much influence in the canals operations. Looking back, it was an early sign of how Americas relationship with the rest of the world was about to be shaken to its core. Trumps maximalist threat sent his foreign policy advisers scrambling. Within days of his Inauguration, military planners started work on options for taking the canal by force, according to a former Trump Administration official. Were going to take it back, or something very powerful is going to happen, Trump warned. Ultimately, no military operation was necessary. Panamas President Jose Raul Mulino quickly and quietly agreed to a number of concessions, including re-examining Chinese investment in the country. But 800 miles east, Trumps threats of force were not merely a negotiating tactic. Nearly a year later, following months of escalating pressure on Nicolas Maduros regime, Trump in early January authorized a daring military operation to capture the Venezuelan strongman, a move Trump cast as both a blow against drug trafficking and a grab for Venezuelas huge oil reserves. The operation marked the most consequential use of U.S. military power in the western hemisphere in decades, and a striking demonstration of Trumps readiness to act unilaterally, without the painstaking coalition-building that once defined American intervention abroad. Breathtaking bluntness defined Trumps foreign policy in his first year back in the White House. In rapid succession, he bombed militants in Yemen and Iranian nuclear facilities, midwifed a fragile cease-fire in Gaza, forced European leaders to increase their defense spending, extracted commercial and strategic pledges from China, demanded Denmark hand over Greenland, and threatened tariffs against almost every major U.S. trading partner. He also committed billions to bail out an Argentine President, freed a former Honduran President convicted of drug trafficking, and approved strikes that killed more than 95 people on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, raising accusations of war crimes. In recent days, Trump has signaled additional strikes on Iran may be imminent. Illustration by Tim O'Brien for TIME Buy TIME's Trump's Next Move issue here The sprawl of activity, unmatched by any modern American President, is the Trump Doctrine in action: American power as a lever deployed at will, subject to change at his whim, concentrated not in institutions but in the person of the President. Trumps frenetic diplomacyif diplomacy is even the wordhas transformed U.S. foreign policy into a solo act, casting aside a foreign policy establishment that one predecessor dubbed the blob. But one element of an establishment is stability. Career diplomats and lawmakers interviewed for this story describe a narrowing circle of influence around the Oval Office, with advisers selected for loyalty rather than expertise. The results have destabilized the usually staid world of global diplomacy, where even the smallest changes often require elaborate behind-the-scenes choreography. As the second Trump era dawned, senior U.S. officials openly encouraged the rise of right-wing movements in Europe and pushed through sudden, debilitating cuts to foreign aid that triggered warnings of devastation and preventable deaths in the developing world. We need a strong defense, but we also need diplomacy, a strong and organized State Department, and development, says Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat who sits on the Foreign Relations Committee. And the Trump Administration has essentially crossed out two of those in diplomacy and development. Analysts note that Trumps chaotic process produces potentially ephemeral outcomes. In Gaza, the cease-fire halted the worst of the fighting but left the disarmament of Hamas unresolved and the question of full Israeli withdrawal open-ended. In Ukraine, Trumps push for peace has been roundly criticized as strengthening Russias hand. And some more modest peace deals touted by Trump have been panned as premature or overhyped. But while Trumps unpredictability can be a liability, it is also his leverage. World leaders fear his wrath and adjust their behavior to avoid provoking him. The approach may not be fostering the most durable alliances, but many concede it has yielded movement where previous Administrations faced stasis. The most consistent through line is Trumps belief that the United States has underused its power globally, says historian Hal Brands, who views the Administrations first year as a mix of foreign policy failures and wins. The areas where Trump has succeeded on his own terms are pretty numerous. The question is: Are those successes actually good for the U.S. position over the long term? When the Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize, she had a problem. Trump had openly campaigned for the honor since returning to the Oval Office. His Administration had also become a major supporter of her effort to oust Maduro and restore democracy in the country. Trumps allies were already grumbling that the Nobel Committee had bypassed him. Machado needed to do some damage control, says a longtime Venezuelan democracy advocate in frequent touch with her. Machado got on the phone with Trump that same day and told the President she was dedicating the prize to him. But the gesture wasnt enough. Trump felt slighted by the Nobel Committeeand by Machado for accepting the prize. On Thursday, as Machado visits the White House, the world will be watching to see if part of her charm offensive will involve handing over her Nobel to Trump. Machado is just the latest in a line of high-profile figures who struggled to navigate Trumps Nobel obsession. For months, the leaders of Israel, Pakistan, Cambodia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Malta, and the Democratic Republic of Congo had all told Trump he deserved the Nobel, with several making a big show of formally nominating himin truth a rhetorical exercise, as there is no formal nomination process. The public displays underlined one of the central shifts in this new era of American foreign policy: that world leaders were increasingly treating the management of Trumps emotions as a strategic priority. European leaders publicly flatter him; some privately compete to do so. The NATO Secretary-General referred to Trump as daddy. A Swiss delegation presented Trump with a gold bar. Qatar gifted him a $400 million plane, raising massive ethical red flags. Dozens of Presidents and Prime Ministers traveled to Washington last year to demonstrate how seriously they take Trumps support. A White House official says Trump hosted more than 40 foreign heads of government at the White House in 2025, more than double the number Joe Biden did in his first year in office. Where supporters see proof of Trump exercising U.S. might, world leaders increasingly see something else: a President whose personal irritation is a geopolitical variable. He likes to approach the world stage as a punitive actor, says Javier Corrales, a political-science professor at Amherst College. Hes going to treat you badly until you show up with a remarkable offering. Charts show new tariff rates by Country at the White House on April 2, 2025 Alex WongGetty Images Exhibit A for this line of argument: Trumps use of tariffs as a kind of diplomatic hammer. After vowing to hike tariffs on virtually every trading partner, he spent much of the year rejiggering taxes on imports across a range of goods and countries. Trump has deployed tariff threats to shape the behavior of India, Pakistan, Canada, Europe, and the U.K. Hes also wielded the threat of military escalation, and of withholding support, to jolt negotiations in Mexico, the Middle East and elsewhere. His White House has demanded rare earth mineral access from Ukraine in exchange for U.S. assistance. He has told advisers that backing for European defense will increasingly require material commitments to American arms manufacturers. These moves reflect a worldview in which American power is transactionalnot a public good but an asset to be traded. Anna Kelly, the White House deputy press secretary, says foreign policy decisions come down to ensuring that the benefit to the U.S. is clear and tangible. All of these decisions are through the lens of America first and have direct impacts on the welfare of the American people, she says. Yet his foreign affairs efforts are not sitting well with his MAGA base. Once devoted lawmakers like former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene now complain that Trump cares more about burnishing his legacy overseas than bringing costs down at home. I think the President is stuck between these two impulses, says Jon Hoffman, a Middle East expert at the Cato Institute. One is to not get involved in quagmires and yet at the same time to maintain American primacy. So which is it? His Administration is staffed with people on both sides of this. That tension was on full display in the National Security Strategy the Administration released in December. The 33-page document included a lengthy broadside against Europe, describing the Continent as at risk of civilizational erasure and becoming majority non-European. While Congress moved forward with a bipartisan defense bill reaffirming long-standing commitments to NATO and other allies, the Administrations document recast those same commitments as conditional: Europe would receive continued U.S. security backing only if it increased defense spending, accelerated contributions to American weapons programs, and aligned trade policy with the U.S. Allies that spent decades anchoring their security to the U.S. felt as if they were being put on probation. The response in Europe was extremely strong and extremely emotional, says Amanda Sloat, who was senior director for Europe at the National Security Council during the Biden Administration. Theres been a real sense of incredulity about the way the American Presidentthe leader of a country that has for decades been Europes closest and strongest allyhas launched these broadside attacks on them. Republican Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska says Trumps foreign policy lacks a moral compass and echoes where the GOP was nearly a century ago, when many Republicans argued against entanglement in Europe even as fascist powers expanded. If you read the 1930s views of many Republicans, says Bacon, its like they were in a time machine and jumped forward 90 years. Trump will spend 2026 staring down an ominous deadline. U.S. intelligence analysts are convinced Chinas leader Xi Jinping has ordered the Peoples Liberation Army to build the military forces it needs to invade Taiwan by 2027. Joe Biden repeatedly vowed as President to defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion. While Trump has been more circumspect, his Administration has said it is working to maintain military overmatch with China. But theres also an economic contest at work. Speaking in Singapore in May, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned countries against increasing economic ties with China, which he said would deepen the Peoples Republics malign influence and make defense cooperation with the U.S. harder. Our goal is to prevent war, to make the costs too high, and peace the only optionand we will do this with a strong shield of deterrence, forged together with you, Hegseth said. The Administrations National Security Strategy reflects that shift. It treats China primarily as an economic rival rather than an ideological one, emphasizing commerce, supply chains, and market access over values or governance. Taiwan is singled outdescribed less as a democratic partner than as a strategic fulcrum whose geography, shipping lanes, and semiconductor production carry enormous economic and military weight. Many Trump Administration officials say outmaneuvering China has been their top priority all along. The threat to take back the Panama Canal pushed that country closer into the U.S.s sphere. The $20 billion bailout to Argentinas libertarian President Javier Milei headed off Buenos Aires from seeking needed capital from China. His efforts in Venezuela are intended to force out Chinese investments in that countrys oil sector. But some pro-Trump strategists question the Administrations focus. While Trump kept in place Bidens submarine deal with Australia, preserving a key pillar of U.S. deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, his approach to China has otherwise been more transactional. We are locked in great-power competition with China, says Katherine Thompson, who was a deputy senior adviser in the Pentagon early in Trumps second term. Unfortunately, we are 10 months in and we have gotten incredibly distracted. In June, NATO allies agreed to increase their annual defense-spending target to 5% of GDP by 2035, acquiescing on an issue Trump had been harping on for years. It was a success that Trump sees as proof his deal-oriented style can bear fruit. It also potentially frees up the U.S. to relocate more resources to the Indo-Pacific region. Trumps bravado works best when he sets a clear goal and follows through, says Thompson. She compared his dealings with Panama and Houthi militants in Yemenwhere such clarity led to accomplishmentswith situations like Venezuela. Thats where the America First and Trumps mantra of foreign policy begins to fall short, she says. Where we dont have clear presidential intent, with clear left and right boundaries defined. Bacon says allies in the Pacific are watching Trumps decisions elsewhere and drawing their own conclusions. They see statements on Ukraine and NATO, they probably wonder, what does this mean for them, he says, suggesting that Beijing may be asking a more pointed question: whether American ambiguity in Europe signals opportunity in Asia. If I was President, says Bacon, I would be ensuring Taiwan had the weapons they need to deter right now, because day one of the war is too late. At home, Trumps approval rating slid in December to 36%. His unpopularity puts a limit on how much political capital he can spend on international goals. But Trump insists his globe-spanning diplomacy is domestic policy. He sees himself extracting investment promises from the Gulf to build up manufacturing and tech development in the U.S. He wants to open Venezuelas vast oil reserves to U.S. energy production. He made more European defense investment part of the price for support of Ukraine. As his first year back in the White House comes to a close, Trump says he wants a string of historic deals in year twoa lasting Gaza peace, an end to the Ukraine war, concessions from China on trade and minerals. He also vows to hold Venezuela firmly inside the U.S. sphere of influencean update of the 19th century Monroe Doctrine hes dubbed the Donroe Doctrine. If he achieves even a fraction of this, the world will look different. Certainly the coming 12 months will test whether his roughshod approach to international affairs yields sustainable winsor simply incubates deeper global instability. If we end up with a scenario where U.S. alliance relationships are still intact, but everybody is paying much more and investing much more in defensethats not the worst outcome in the world, says Brands. But that assessment comes with a warning. Trumps bravado risks undermining trust in the very alliances that have sustained American power. If allies start to believe the U.S. just fundamentally wont be there when a security crisis comes, Brands says, then were looking at a much bigger and more disruptive geopolitical reordering. Contact us at letters@time.com. President Donald Trump takes questions from members of the media during a meeting with oil and gas executives in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 9, 2026. Credit - Alex WongGetty Images The Trump Administration secured its first sale of Venezuelan oil since its aggressive military operation in the South American country that led to the capture of the nations president, Nicolas Maduro. The sale, confirmed to TIME by a Trump Administration official, is valued at $500 million. The official added that more sales are expected to be finalized in the coming days and weeks. President Trump brokered a historic energy deal with Venezuela, immediately following the arrest of narcoterrorist Nicolas Maduro, that will benefit the American and Venezuelan people, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement to TIME. President Trumps team is facilitating positive, ongoing discussions with oil companies that are ready and willing to make unprecedented investments to restore Venezuelas oil infrastructure, she continued. President Trump is protecting our Western Hemisphere from being taken advantage of by narcoterrorists, drug traffickers, and foreign adversaries. Details of the sale were first reported by Semafor. The news outlet also reported that revenue from the deal is being kept in bank accounts controlled by the U.S. government, including one based in Qatar. Read more: Whats Happening With the U.S. and Venezuela, Explained In the aftermath of Maduros capture, Trump said that the U.S. would run the country until a proper and judicious transition of power took place. He indicated that the U.S. would take control of the oil industry in the South American nation. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the U.S. plans to seize and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, the funds from which would be disbursed, by the U.S. government, in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people, not corruption, not the regime. Were going to have our very large United States oil companies, the biggest anywhere in the world, go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country, the President said earlier this month. Contact us at letters@time.com. The Trump administration is halting visa processing for countries whose nationals had high rates of dependency on social welfare in the United States. (belterz/Getty Images) Travelers from several countries visiting the United States for tourism and business purposes are now being required to pay a visa bond between $5,000 to $15,000 that experts say is designed to drown immigrants and travelers in bureaucracy. The State Department expanded its visa bond program this week to more countries, including Cuba, Venezuela, Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica. Under the pilot program, consular officers set hefty fees on people applying for B1/B2 visas, used to travel the U.S. for tourism and business. But the policys impact will be minimal for countries whose students, tourists, and professionals are already banned under a presidential proclamation in June blocking Cubans, Venezuelans, Antiguans, Barbudans, Dominicans and nationals from over a dozen other countries. Instead, the overlapping policies are part of an overarching strategy of layering bureaucratic hurdles to reduce legal immigration altogether, especially from certain nationalities, lawyers told the Miami Herald. The door thats immediately in front of you is closed, and if you somehow manage to open that one, you encounter another door that is also shut that you then have to deal with, said Jorge Loweree, managing director of Programs and Strategy at the American Immigration Council. Loweree added that the visa bond might also be the Trump administrations insurance in case the federal courts stop the travel ban. The presidential proclamation, announced in June 2025 and expanded in December, suspends a persons ability to enter the United States. Some countries are subject to a partial ban, others to a full ban. The State Department has stopped issuing many visas altogether for the 39 countries listed under the travel ban, save for limited exceptions. Under those narrow limitations like the persons entry into the U.S. being in the national interest or a professional athlete coming for a major sporting event someone could still be issued a visa and subjected to the bond, said Shev Dalal-Dheini, senior director of Government Relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association. These exceptions are going to be in very rare instances, Dalal-Dheini said. The June proclamation included exceptions for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens such as spouses, foreign adopted children, and others. The December proclamation did not have those exceptions. The development comes days after the United States snatched Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and as President Donald Trump foreshadows that the Cuban government will soon collapse on its own. It also comes as Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda brokered agreements to accept deportees from the United States as part of the Trump administrations aggressive expansion of third country deportations. Read more: Migrants deported from U.S. could soon land in two Caribbean countries The Trump administration announced the visa bond program last year. It runs through August 2026. The original list focused on African countries. After its expansion, the list continues to be dominated by nations in the African continent, but also includes Asian nations like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan; and island nations within Oceania, like Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. The administration has clearly identified countries that they deem to be undesirable, and they are targeting very intentionally and carving their citizens out of our immigration system, said Loweree. Travelers from the countries with visa bond requirements can only fly in and out of Boston Logan International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport. A Herald review of future flights in the coming month shows no direct flights from the capital cities of Havana in Cuba and Rousseau in Dominica. There is one daily nonstop flight to JFK from St Johns in Antigua and Barbuda, but no directs to Boston and Washington D.C. There have been no direct flights from Venezuela to the U.S. since 2019. To enter the United States, travelers must clear customs at the first airport where they land, even with connecting flights to the U.S. That means travelers subject to the visa bond who make it past the travel ban will need to first travel to other countries with nonstop connections to those three U.S. airports and have the required visas to enter the other country adding burdensome airfare and travel time. Under the visa bond program, the federal government returns the bond amount to applicants whose visas are denied, if visas expire before travel, or if a traveler leaves before their visa expires. However, the State Department breaches of the visa bond program include overstaying in the United States and claiming asylum on a non-immigrant visa. According to the Federal Register, the rule targeting certain foreign nationals is based on factors including visa overstay rates, whether foreigners can acquire citizenship in those nations through financial investments, and gaps in screening and vetting information. Data from the Department of Homeland Securitys Fiscal Year 2024 Entry/Exit Overstay Report, which the Federal Register cites, show that Cuba and Venezuela do not have the highest overstay rates. Antigua and Barbuda nationals had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 1.19%, Dominicans nationals had a rate of 4.09%, Cuban nationals had a rate of 6.84 percent , and Venezuelan nationals had a rate of 8.42 percent. Other countries reported higher rates. Sir Ronald Sanders, the ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to the United States, said in a statement that no government included in the expanded visa bond list had been notified of their inclusion. The record shows that our countrys visitor overstay rate is consistently low, significantly below that of many countries not subject to bond requirements, said Sanders. Discussions are ongoing on removing restrictions for visas on legitimate Antigua and Barbuda travelers. Neither the visa bonds nor the entry suspension apply to existing visa holders already in the United States. The Trump administration must periodically review the travel ban. If the administration removes the ban from certain countries, then the visa bonds would apply to more travelers from currently banned countries. That hasnt happened so far. Its just continuing to make life difficult for individuals from these countries, said Dalal-Dheini. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House, Oct. 20, 2025. Photo: Daniel Torok / Official White House Photo via Flickr / United States Government Work (The Center Square) By the slimmest of margins, the U.S. Senate successfully derailed a resolution that would have curtailed the Trump administrations power to continue military action in Venezuela. Of the five Republicans who originally voted to advance the war powers resolution, U.S. Sens. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.; and Todd Young, R-Ind.; flipped and voted for the majority leaderships motion to tank it. After numerous conversations with senior national security officials, I have received assurances that there are no American troops in Venezuela[and] that [if] American forces are needed in major military operations in Venezuela, the Administration will come to Congress in advance to ask for an authorization in force, Young wrote on X. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; Susan Collins, R-Maine; and Rand Paul, R-Ky.; did not change their stances, prompting Vice President J.D. Vance to cast the tie-breaking vote. We still have an entire military blockade of a country, Rand pointed out on the Senate floor. I dont know how we argue that thats not war. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who pressed the holdouts to fold, has promised to provide updates on the Venezuelan situation to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in two weeks. Democrats had introduced the war powers resolution after the Trump administration carried out a large-scale strike against the Venezuelan government, arresting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. A few days later, the U.S. seized two sanctioned Venezuelan vessels operating in the Caribbean and North Atlantic. Maduro and his wife will stand trial in New York, and both have already pleaded not guilty of narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States. Ill be honest, Im not a fan of gatekeeping in general, so Im about to share a place in Columbia, South Carolina that you should absolutely add to your must-visit list. Not only did I dine here for breakfast on my birthday, but Ive already made plans to go back when Im in town next. The Gourmet Shop was passed on to me by word-of-mouth by a family member, and for someone who loves cheese and wine, this spot was right up my alley. However, what I didnt expect was how much more this cozy restaurant has to offer. Located in the heart of Columbia's vibrant Five Points neighborhood, The Gourmet Shop has been a beloved culinary and shopping destination for locals and visitors alike for more than four decades. Since its transformation into The Gourmet Shop in 1979 under owner Dennis Hiltner, this unique establishment has grown into a true community staple, reflecting both the evolving tastes of its customers and the rich cultural fabric of the area. Photo by Megan Todaro Only In Your State At its core, The Gourmet Shop is a place where everyday meals and exceptional food experiences meet. The cafe side of the business welcomes guests seven days a week with a menu that spans brunch and lunch, offering house-made salads, signature sandwiches, and a selection of artisanal favorites like the famed chicken salad croissant and roasted shrimp salad. Sandwiches, paninis, wraps, cheese plates, charcuterie boards, and even plant-based options round out a menu that's casual yet distinctly flavorful, encouraging patrons to linger over fresh food and lively conversation. As soon as you walk in, youre greeted by the marketplace, which is filled with kitchen appliances, gourmet foods, and case upon case of fresh cheeses by weight from all over the world. To the right is the wine shop, and to the left is the cafe, which was my first stop. Photo by Megan Todaro Only In Your State Since it was my birthday, I treated myself to a mimosa-reasonably priced and made with fresh orange juice, which is always a win. Our table sampled a variety of dishes, including cheesy grits with eggs, a croissant breakfast sandwich, a Belgian waffle, and turkey bacon on the side. Everything was flavorful, but the croissant sandwich stood out. The buttery, flaky crust gave way to rich, salty cheese and soft, fluffy scrambled eggs, making it my clear favorite. Unlike a typical cafe, The Gourmet Shop also functions as a sophisticated gourmet market. Shelves and displays are stocked with an array of specialty cheeses - from aged blues to soft-ripened favorites - alongside fine wines, handcrafted chocolates, imported olives, and high-quality pantry items that appeal to home cooks and gift buyers alike. I ended up choosing a Manchego, a soft brie, and a specialty cheddar, all hand-cut by the cheesemonger with tools Ive never seen before, who was happy to explain about the cheese and the processes along the way. JackF stock.adobe.com The wine shop at The Gourmet Shop isn't just an afterthought - it's a major draw in its own right and a key part of what makes the destination so beloved in downtown Columbia. Rather than being a small corner rack of bottles, the wine section is a fully curated boutique experience with more than 1,500 wine labels from around the world, including Champagne, Bordeaux, Tuscany, Burgundy, Oregon, Spain, Germany, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. I opted for two birthday bottles to savor later in the week, one I can only find in select shops and another brand new red I couldnt wait to try. Over the years, The Gourmet Shop has become more than just a place to grab a bite or buy cheese - it's a gathering point in Columbia where weekend brunches, kitchen shopping, and afternoon coffee breaks converge. Its mix of casual dining, gourmet retail offerings, and community roots makes it an experience worth savoring for anyone exploring the city's food scene. Plan your own trip to other little-known places in South Carolina, with Only In Your State's AI-powered itinerary planner. Grok will no longer be allowed to generate AI images of real people in sexualized clothing. Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images After major backlash, X said Grok won't generate AI images of real people in sexualized clothing on the site. California Attorney General Rob Bonta said he launched an investigation into Grok's AI deepfakes. Indonesia and Malaysia suspended Grok amid concerns over sexualized images of women and minors. Grok will no longer be allowed to create AI photos of real people in sexualized or revealing clothing on X, after widespread global backlash. "We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis," X's safety account said in a blog post on the platform on Wednesday. "This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers." The change was announced hours after California's top prosecutor, Rob Bonta, said he launched an investigation into sexualized AI deepfakes, including those of children, generated by Grok. Bonta said that there had been a flood of reports in the last few weeks that Grok users were taking pictures of women and minors they found online and using the AI model to undress them in images. "xAI can and should put better safeguards in place to protect children and women from the harms of sexually explicit materials being generated without their consent," a representative of the California Attorney General's office said in a statement to Business Insider on Wednesday after Grok's changes. The representative added: "While this is an encouraging development, California DOJ is investigating to determine whether xAI violated the law with the conduct that has occurred." xAI develops Grok and also owns the social media site X, where the chatbot is integrated to respond to users when tagged. Global pressure on Grok intensifies Indonesia and Malaysia suspended Grok because of the images, the first countries in the world to ban the AI tool. Lawmakers in the UK publicly considered suspending it, and the country's communications regulator Ofcom launched an investigation. Liz Kendall, the UK's technology secretary, said Thursday that she welcomes the change from X but expects "the facts to be fully and robustly established by Ofcom's ongoing investigation." In Wednesday's blog post, the social media company reiterated that image creation and the ability to edit any type of image via Grok on X will now only be available to paid users as an additional safety measure. The company restricted non-paying users last week after complaints from officials globally, but it was criticized for being insufficient. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at the time that it "simply turns an AI feature that allows the creation of unlawful images into a premium service." Elon Musk, the CEO of xAI, said that the UK government wanted "any excuse for censorship" in response to a post questioning why AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT were not being looked into. On Wednesday, a few hours before X's official account posted about the ban on creating sexualized images, Musk asked users to try to get around the AI model's image restrictions. Grok is also available as a stand-alone web and mobile application. It's unclear if it's still possible for users to make sexualized images on its webpage and app. xAI could not be reached for immediate comment. X said in its blog post that its safety team was working to add additional safeguards. "We now 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 those jurisdictions where it's illegal," X said. 'The end of unchecked AI experimentation' Dipal Dutta, CEO and founder of IT company Redoq UK, told Business Insider that xAI should implement several technical constraints to prevent the creation of non-consensual images "at the point of origin." They include automatically denying user requests containing words on a blocklist, training future versions of Grok on datasets free from explicit content, and using "secondary AI models" to detect and block intimate content before it is generated. Sarah Armstrong-Smith, a UK government cyber advisory board member and a former Microsoft chief security advisor, told Business Insider that Grok reflected a "growing divide" among AI companies. "On one side are organizations prioritizing responsible AI and safety frameworks," she said. "On the other, are organizations positioning themselves as protecting freedom of expression by resisting regulatory control." "Perhaps the real opportunity is whether this finally signals the end of unchecked AI experimentation," she added. Read the original article on Business Insider A Jewish woman whose baby photo was used as Nazi propaganda after winning a contest to represent the Aryan race died at her San Francisco home on Jan. 1 at the age of 91. Hessy Levinsons Taft, born in Berlin in 1934 to Latvian Jewish parents, was 6 months old when German photographer Hans Ballin took her picture. Jewish Hessy Taft poses holding a photograph of herself taken in 1935 by German photographer Hans Ballin in 1935. REUTERS Without the familys knowledge, Ballin later entered her photo in a national contest led by the Nazi propaganda minister to find the ideal Aryan baby. After the photo of Taft won the contest, her image appeared on the cover of the Nazi magazine Sonne ins Haus (Sunshine in the House). When Tafts parents confronted Ballin, he told them he had deliberately wanted to slip in the little Jewess as a joke. The front page of the Nazi propaganda family magazine Sonne ins Hous shows Jewish baby Hessy Taft as the ideal German Aryan baby. AFP via Getty Images In 2014, after donating a copy of Sonne ins Haus to Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, Taft told the organization: I feel a sense of revenge, good revenge. While her immediate family survived the Holocaust, most of her extended family in Latvia was murdered by the Nazis. A Nazi nurse with German children. Nazi scientists tried to lighten their hair and eyes to a more Aryan appearance. Universal Images Group via Getty Images Tafts family fled Germany for Paris in 1938, then escaped in 1941 before finding refuge in Cuba. By 1949, they had made their way to the United States, where Taft pursued her studies at Barnard College and later earned a masters degree in biochemistry from Columbia University. Soon after, Taft married Earl Taft, with whom she had two children while working as a professor at St. Johns University. She first shared the story behind the photo in 1987 for the book Muted Voices: Jewish Survivors of Latvia Remember, by Gertrude Schneider. Asset purchase agreements reached across all Del Monte Foods business segments, including Vegetable, Fruit, Tomato, and Broth & Stock businesses Company remains focused on delivering high-quality food products through the transition process WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Del Monte Foods Corporation II Inc. (the "Company" or "Del Monte Foods"), a leading producer, distributor, and marketer of premium quality, packaged food products, today announced that it has selected three successful bidders in its court-supervised auction process. The Company has negotiated asset purchase agreements (the "Sale Transactions") with the three parties for substantially all of its assets and business operations as going-concern businesses. The Sale Transactions are: The sale to Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (NYSE: FDP), of the Company's vegetable, tomato, and refrigerated fruit business assets, including Del Monte and S&W packaged vegetable brands, Del Monte, Contadina, and Take Root Organics packaged tomato brands, Del Monte refrigerated fruit brand, and the JOYBA beverage brand, together with global ownership of the Del Monte brand and related intellectual property, subject to existing licensing arrangements; The sale to B&G Foods, Inc. (NYSE: BGS), of all assets in the "Broth & Stock" business segment, including College Inn and Kitchen Basics brands; and The sale to Pacific Coast Producers of the shelf-stable fruit business assets (other than production assets), including the rights and licenses to use the Del Monte and S&W brands for shelf-stable packaged ambient fruit and ambient fruit sauces, in the United States (including Puerto Rico) and Mexico. The Sale Transactions are expected to provide Del Monte Foods with a clear path forward for the Company's assets and business operations to continue under the new ownership of three well-regarded strategic operators and represent the highest or otherwise best offers for the Company's assets and businesses. "This outcome represents a successful result in our sale process and demonstrates the enduring value of Del Monte Foods' brands and operations," said Greg Longstreet, Chief Executive Officer. "These transactions will create an opportunity for our beloved brands and businesses to thrive under the ownership of three of the leading companies in the food industry. We are committed to working closely with all parties to support a smooth transition of operations and are grateful to our team members, customers, and vendor partners for their steadfast commitment and meaningful contributions to Del Monte Foods during this pivotal time." The successful bidders were selected after careful consideration of all alternative proposals following a comprehensive sale process. The Sale Transactions are subject to the approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey (the "Court") at a hearing currently scheduled for January 28, 2026, and customary closing conditions. Following Court approval, the Company will work with the buyers to transition ownership of the businesses and/or related assets in connection with the closing of the Sale Transactions, all of which are expected to occur by the end of the first quarter of 2026. Del Monte Foods continues to serve customers and fulfill orders across its portfolio of beloved brands at this time. The Company remains committed to supporting its team members, growers, vendors, and suppliers, while delivering high-quality food products that are healthy, delicious, and convenient. Additional information regarding the Company's chapter 11 process is available at https://cases.stretto.com/DelMonteFoods. Stakeholders with questions can contact the Company's claims agent, Stretto, by calling (833) 228-5497 (US and Canada toll-free) or +1 (714) 263-3709 (International) or emailing [email protected]. Advisors Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (US) LLP and Cole Schotz P.C. are serving as legal counsel, Alvarez & Marsal North America, LLC is serving as financial advisor, PJT Partners is serving as investment banker, and C Street Advisory Group is serving as strategic communications advisor to the Company. About Del Monte Foods For nearly 140 years, Del Monte Foods has been driven by our mission to nourish families with earth's goodness. As the original plant-based food company, we're always innovating to make nutritious and delicious foods more accessible to consumers across our portfolio of beloved brands, including Del Monte, Contadina, College Inn, Kitchen Basics, JOYBA, Take Root Organics and S&W. We believe that everyone deserves great tasting food they can feel good about, which is why we responsibly source and produce food for a healthier tomorrow. For more information about Del Monte Foods and our products, please visit www.delmontefoods.com or www.joyba.com. The Del Monte Foods entities are the U.S. indirect subsidiaries of Del Monte Pacific Limited (Bloomberg: DELM SP, DELM PM) and are not affiliated with certain other Del Monte companies around the world, including Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., Del Monte Canada, Del Monte Asia Pte. Ltd., Conagra/Productos Del Monte, or Del Monte Panamerican. Media Contact C Street Advisory Group [email protected] SOURCE Del Monte Foods, Inc. Many Rohingya have fled Myanmar, ending up in neighbouring Bangladesh and in other Asian countries [AFP via Getty Images] Myanmar wanted to erase the Rohingya people through its use of "genocidal policies", The Gambia's foreign minister Dawda Jallow has told the UN's top court. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing a landmark case brought by the Muslim majority, West African nation in 2019, which accuses Myanmar of deliberately trying to destroy the minority Muslim population. Myanmar has previously denied the allegations. Jallow said The Gambia had reviewed "credible reports of the most brutal and vicious violations imaginably inflicted upon a vulnerable group". Thousands of Rohingya were killed and more than 700,000 fled to neighbouring Bangladesh during an army crackdown in Myanmar in 2017. Jallow told the court on Monday that the Rohingya "had suffered decades of appalling persecution and years of dehumanising propaganda", which was followed by the military crackdown and "continual genocidal policies meant to erase their existence in Myanmar". A damning report issued by the UN in 2018 said top military figures in Myanmar must be investigated for genocide in Rakhine state and crimes against humanity in other areas. Myanmar rejected the report and has consistently said its operations targeted militant or insurgent threats. It will be given the opportunity to respond to The Gambia's allegations during the ICJ hearings, which are expected to last until the end of the month. The court has also set aside three days to hear from witnesses, including Rohingya survivors, but these sessions will be closed to the public and media. A final decision is not expected for several months, if not years. While the ICJ cannot prosecute individuals for crimes of the utmost severity, such as genocide, its opinions carry weight with the UN and other international institutions. Jallow said that his country had bought the case against Myanmar out of a "sense of responsibility" following its own experience with a military government. "Sadly, Myanmar appears to be trapped in the cycle of atrocities and impunities," Jallow said, referring to the military's overthrow of the civilian government in 2021. The country's former leader, Aung San Suu Kyi - who was deposed during the coup and jailed under charges widely condemned as politically motivated - saw her international reputation as a champion of human rights tarnished after she defended the army's actions following allegations of genocide against the Rohingya. Myanmar's former leader Aung San Suu Kyi was moved from jail to house arrest in 2023 [EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock] "We don't just hope to get justice, we demand it and we would like to ask the court to take the actions against the Myanmar dictators, the leaders of the Myanmar military who committed the genocide," one survivor, Monaira, told the Reuters news agency outside the court in the Hague in the Netherlands. More than one million Rohingya still live in refugee camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar region alone - some of the largest and most densely populated camps in the world, according to the UN's refugee agency. Others have made dangerous sea journeys to reach countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia. "We don't want any more refugee life in Bangladesh because it's been a long time, and this is the time when the final hearing is going to happen," another survivor, Salma, said. The case is expected to set precedent in other genocide cases, including that bought by South Africa against Israel over the war in Gaza, as it is the first to be heard in more than a decade and is being seen as an opportunity for the ICJ judges to refine the rules around the definition of genocide. The 1948 UN Genocide Convention, under which The Gambia accuses Myanmar of breaching in its treatment of the Rohingya, was adopted following the mass murder of Jews by Nazi Germany and defines genocide as crimes committed "with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group". Dawda Jallow said that "its words will be meaningless unless they are acted upon and enforced" in the case of Myanmar. He added that The Gambia was supported in its efforts to seek justice for the Rohingya by the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, as well as 11 other intervening countries including the UK, France, Germany and Canada. As well as the ICJ case, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating Myanmar's military ruler, Min Aung Hlaing. The State Department announced on Wednesday that it is pausing the processing of immigrant visas from 75 countries as it seeks to screen out immigrants they argue will rely on welfare programs. The move, which will affect nearly 40 percent of the countries on the globe, impacts only those seeking to immigrate to the U.S. and does not apply to student or tourism visas. Nonetheless, its the latest effort by the Trump administration to curb immigration by pointing to potential use of U.S. safety net programs. The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates, the department posted on the social platform X. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people. The list of 75 countries includes Somalia, Haiti, Iran, Afghanistan, Egypt, Brazil, Russia and Pakistan. The department said it will stop processing visas from these countries on Jan. 21. We are working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused, the department wrote in a follow-up post on X. The pause, first reported by Fox News, comes amid the Trump administrations sweeping efforts to restrict both legal and illegal immigration into the U.S., as well as its probes into social services fraud in Minnesota, which has focused on the Somali American community. The State Department in November informed visa officers they could deny immigrant visas to those with certain medical conditions if they deem the applicant likely to rely on public benefits should they have medical issues. That guidance instructed officers to consider both an applicants health and overall financial picture when determining whether to issue a visa. Common conditions like cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, and diabetes were among those on the list. Beyond limiting immigration, the State Department has also been revoking existing visas, announcing this week that it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since Trump returned to office a year ago. The State Department did not release a copy of the memo nor did it respond to additional questions posed by The Hill. We are working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused, the department wrote in a follow-up post on X. The full list of countries impacted by the pause is: 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. Updated at 3:07 p.m. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Trump administration has 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. Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, who was released from ICE detention in June, poses for a portrait at his apartment in Brooklyn on 25 August 2025. Photograph: Ahmed Gaber/The Guardian (Photograph: Ahmed Gaber/The Guardian) A federal appeals court on Thursday reversed a lower court decision that ordered the release of the former Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil from immigration detention, delivering the Trump administration a victory in its efforts to deport the pro-Palestinian activist. A 2-1 panel of the Philadelphia-based third US circuit court of appeals ordered the dismissal of a lawsuit Khalil filed challenging his detention after finding that federal immigration law stripped the lower court of jurisdiction over his claims. Khalils legal battle has been unfolding in two different courts. While an immigration court was considering his potential removal from the US, his lawyers simultaneously challenged the legality of his detention in federal court, arguing that it violated his constitutional rights. Thursdays decision finds that the district court judge who ordered his release lacked the proper authority to consider Khalils release petition, concluding that the judge did not have subject-matter jurisdiction over the case. Circuit judges Thomas Hardiman and Stephanos Bibas, appointed by presidents George W Bush and Donald Trump, respectively, said in their opinion: The scheme Congress enacted governing immigration proceedings provides Khalil a meaningful forum in which to raise his claims later on in a petition for review of a final order of removal. That scheme ensures that petitioners get just one bite at the apple not zero or two, adding: But it also means that some petitioners, like Khalil, will have to wait to seek relief for allegedly unlawful government conduct. Related: Trump threatens to use Insurrection Act in Minnesota in response to ICE protests Hardiman and Bibas said Khalils case regarding his petition for release should have been addressed by an immigration court. In her dissenting opinion, third circuit judge Arianna J Freeman said Khalil had alleged serious violations of his fundamental rights and had shown he suffered irreparable harm as a result of his detention. The government does not challenge the finding that Khalils speech was being chilled. Nor could it, as it presented no contrary evidence in the District Court, Freeman wrote in her dissent. She added: Despite the irreparable injury from Khalils past detention and forthcoming re-detention, the majority opinion says Khalils claims are not now-or-never. It reasons that Khalil can seek review of the legal and factual questions later. But that is not the relevant question. Instead, we must ask whether the alleged harms can be remedied later. In a statement on Thursday, Khalil said: Todays ruling is deeply disappointing, but it does not break our resolve. The door may have been opened for potential re-detainment down the line, but it has not closed our commitment to Palestine and to justice and accountability. I will continue to fight, through every legal avenue and with every ounce of determination, until my rights, and the rights of others like me, are fully protected. Khalil is a permanent resident and recent Columbia University graduate who became a prominent figure in pro-Palestinian campus activism, helping to organise protests and encampments calling for a ceasefire and an end to US support for Israel. He is married to an American citizen and has an American child. He was detained in March 2025, with the US government arguing that Khalil could be expelled because his views constituted a threat to US foreign policy. According to the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, who said that Khalils activities were otherwise lawful, letting him stay in the US would undermine US policy to combat antisemitism around the world and in the United States, in addition to efforts to protect Jewish students from harassment and violence in the United States. His detention by immigration authorities last year drew widespread criticism from civil liberties groups who condemned the Trump administration for its crackdown on pro-Palestinian speech. Last June, Khalil was released from immigration detention after being held for more than three months. Ordering his release, the federal judge Michael Farbiarz said Khalil posed no flight risk and was not a danger to the community, period, full stop, adding that the government had clearly not met the standard of detention. In a statement on Thursday, the American Civil Liberties Union commented on the federal appeals court decision, saying: This ruling doesnt go into effect immediately, and we will use every legal avenue possible to keep him free. The opinion is about a technical question the core issue of whether Mahmouds free speech rights were violated hasnt yet been decided by a court. Dissent cant be grounds for detention or deportation, and well keep fighting to uphold that core principle, it added. Meanwhile, a Boston federal court is set to address remedies on Thursday after issuing a blistering decision in September ruling that the Trump administrations efforts to deport Khalil and other pro-Palestinian scholars were unconstitutional and designed to intentionally chill free speech rights. Judge William G Young, a Reagan appointee who had called the case perhaps the most important ever to fall within the jurisdiction of this district court ruled at the time that non-citizens lawfully present here in the United States actually have the same free speech rights as the rest of us. But the court has yet to determine how to hold the government to that decision and it is unclear how Thursdays hearing, coming right after the appellate court decision in Khalils case, may affect the governments ongoing efforts to deport him. The Boston case challenged the governments claim that it had the authority to deport non-citizens who have committed no crimes but whose presence it deems poses a threat to US foreign policy. Reuters contributed reporting After a standout first year, the two-time Emmy-nominated chef expands her partnership with innovative virtual mentoring, campus events, and an international on-the-road stop on The Ultimate Dish podcast in 2026. SCHAUMBURG, Ill., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts has announced the expansion of its partnership with two-time Emmy-nominated Top Chef host and NY Times best-selling author Kristen Kish in 2026, broadening her Chef-in-Residence role to include new student initiatives, virtual mentoring, and experiential opportunities that connect aspiring chefs to real-world culinary perspectives. Escoffier announces expansion of chef Kristen Kishs Chef-in-Residence role for 2026 (Kristen Kish seen here with Escoffier students). Building on a milestone inaugural year, Kish's 2026 new initiatives will include virtual office hours, expanded campus events such as the Young Escoffier competition , multimedia content, and an international stop in Canada for the on-the-road edition of Escoffier's The Ultimate Dish podcast. Each initiative reflects Kish's thoughtful approach to mentorship and Escoffier's belief that true culinary learning grows from curiosity, community, and hands-on experience. "This first year has been about connectionsharing ideas, experiences, and perspectives," Kish said. "As we look ahead, I'm excited to build on those conversations to listen, to create, and to help students discover confidence in their own culinary voice." Kish's continued partnership reflects Escoffier's mission to connect students with leading culinary voices and offer unique opportunities for growth, creativity, and professional insight. That impact, according to Escoffier leadership, is already visible in classrooms and across campuses. "Kristen has elevated the dialogue in our classrooms," said Kirk T. Bachmann, Boulder campus president and provost. "She has challenged students to think critically about their craft and inspired chef instructors to explore new approaches to teaching. Her influence is measurable in student participation, in faculty engagement, and in the confidence we see developing in our graduates." Escoffier leaders agree that Kish's presence has influenced both students and faculty. Kathleen Ahearn, Escoffier's vice president of academic affairs, added that Kish's involvement contributes to a richer and more connected learning environment. "Kristen's influence has encouraged students to slow down, ask questions, and connect their passion to purpose," Ahearn said. "Her work embodies the kind of reflective, values-driven learning we champion at Escoffierone rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and care for the craft." During her first year, Kish engaged with 500+ Escoffier students and chef instructors through live and virtual Q&A sessions, seminars, and campus visits. She participated in culinary-focused conversations, appeared on The Ultimate Dish podcast, and took part in Escoffier's Young Escoffier high school culinary scholarship competition, encouraging the next generation of culinarians. During her inaugural year as Chef-in-Residence, Kish participated in numerous events and educational initiatives that strengthened student engagement and professional development opportunities, including: For more information about Escoffier's Chef-in-Residence, visit https://www.escoffier.edu/about/chef-instructors/kristen-kish/. About Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts is the largest culinary school brand in the U.S.*, with a community of thousands of alumni represented across the United States and internationally. Escoffier's programs blend a classic and contemporary approach to culinary and pastry arts, emphasizing sustainability, farm-to-table practices, business skills, and food entrepreneurship. The Austin, Texas, campus is nationally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), and the Boulder, Colorado, campus (including online programs) is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Escoffier is ranked one of the Best Colleges for Culinary Arts in America 2026 by Niche.com. Both the Boulder and Austin campuses are Great Place to Work-Certified institutions. Escoffier's Boulder campus (including online programs) has also been recognized as a Military Friendly School and by Newsweek as a Top Online Learning Provider for 2026. For more information, visit www.escoffier.edu . *Based on comparable student population data for Austin and Boulder as currently reported in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). SOURCE Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts Microsoft Australia and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) will move ahead with a landmark Framework Agreement to prioritise workers voices in the design, development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) across Australian workplaces. The Australian- agreement outlines a set of commitments that recognise the need for a strong collective worker voice during the nations AI transformation, and it affirms the rights and protections of workplace union delegates to fulfill vital representative functions. It also builds on an previous agreement between Microsoft and the ACTU, Australian Services Union (ASU), the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), and Professionals Australia that recognises the need for workers to have a strong collective voice amid the AI transition. The newly signed Framework Agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding already agreed between unions and Microsoft concerning labour rights. These rights provide an explicit recognition of the rights and protections of workplace union delegates to fulfil their vital representative functions. In a statement Microsoft said it is committed to to ensuring mechanisms to elevate worker voice, respond to worker concerns, and maintain open lines of communication with unions demonstrates the consultative and collaborative approach to the AI transition that can help Australia get the most out of this technology while maintaining the fair go. The agreement is grounded in three core objectives and includes provisions for information sharing, worker voice in technology development, and collaboration on public policy and skills. by Vladimir Rozanskij The assault on the television centre in January 1991 definitively ruined the plans for perestroika, also giving Gorbachev the reputation of a dictator and persecutor of the freedom of peoples, destroying his image as a reformer. After Lithuania, it was the turn of Latvia and Estonia, with Yeltsin himself signing an appeal to the UN on the unacceptability of military interference. Today, this conquest of freedom and civilisation remains a faint memory. Moscow (AsiaNews) - Officially, the Soviet Union was dissolved on 31 December 1991 by Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who sent Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev home. In reality, the first date marking the dissolution of the Soviet empire is 11 March 1990, when the Lithuanian authorities declared the independence of the main Baltic country, the first of the 15 republics to leave the USSR. This act of secession was followed by ten months of energy blockade by Moscow, until 10 January 1991, when the regime's special forces stormed the television centre in Vilnius, from where calls for revolt were being broadcast, definitively ruining the plans for perestroika and also giving Gorbachev the reputation of a dictator and persecutor of the freedom of peoples, destroying his image as a reformer. The day before the forceful action, Gorbachev had addressed the Lithuanians with the claim of restoring the validity of the USSR constitution, and then sent the army to block all rail and air links with the Lithuanian capital, including telephone networks. Thousands of citizens had gathered at the television centre, and as a result of the assault, 15 people died and over 900 were injured. Instead of strengthening Moscow's control, the action only hastened the dissolution of the Union. As writer and journalist Mikhail Zygar recalls in his recent book The Dark Side of the Earth, the night of the Alfa special forces' invasion of Vilnius was very cold, and the demonstrators had been deployed in a very precise manner, in front of the parliament and other strategic locations, with buses running continuously to transport citizens from one part of the city to another. Participants' testimonies state that everyone was in a very excited and festive mood, people brought thermos flasks with hot tea and warm food, it was a communal feast of shared freedom that melted the external chill of the air and history in their hearts. At midnight, many returned home and turned on the television to see the news of the Soviet assault with grenade explosions and machine-gun fire. Some say they thought of becoming forest brothers, like the Lithuanians who continued to hide in the forests after the end of the Second World War to continue the partisan struggle against the USSR. The live television coverage of the takeover of the city centre was the worst image Gorbachev could have attributed to himself, and the night's events in Vilnius became the main world news the following morning. Some of the protagonists say they tried to telephone the USSR president during the night, but Gorbachev was asleep, while the scenario of Tiananmen Square in Beijing in 1989 was repeated. Gorbachev himself later acknowledged that he had been held hostage by the army, which was acting independently in response to the Lithuanian protests of the previous months, which had thrown mud and insults at the soldiers and their families. The result was that after these events, everyone began to curse Gorbachev: the Lithuanians, the army and democrats throughout Russia. After Lithuania, barricades began to be erected in the streets of Riga, the capital of Latvia, where the army also sent tanks, while in Estonia it was the local military itself that threatened the Kremlin with closing all access to the republic. The leader of Armenia, Ter-Petrosyan, tried to convince Landsbergis, his Lithuanian counterpart, to dialogue with the military, as we have been trying to do for three years. The events in the Baltics shocked all citizens of the USSR and, above all, created panic in Moscow, where even the new republican president, Boris Yeltsin, was uncertain about what to do. The leaders of the Baltic republics, Landsbergis, Burbulis and Rjuitel, decided to meet in Tallinn, where they were joined by Yeltsin himself, and together they signed an appeal to the UN and the peoples of the USSR on the unacceptability of military interference in the internal affairs of sovereign republics, where for the first time Russia became an active subject of international law. Thirty-five years later, this achievement of freedom and civilisation remains only a faint memory. by Dario Salvi Tomorrow, Cardinal Parolin and Bishop Berardi will lead the ceremony to elevate the historic place of worship in Al Ahmadi. In its latest report on the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, AsiaNews presents the day of celebration local Catholics enjoyed. For the parish priest, Father Fernandes, it is a point of reference in daily life, pastoral care, and spirituality. Challenges and critical issues face the local Church. Kuwait City (AsiaNews) Tomorrow, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Bishop Aldo Berardi, Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia,[*] will lead the Eucharistic ceremony for the elevation of the Church of Our Lady of Arabia in Al Ahmadi to a Minor Basilica. This will be a day of celebration and a visible sign of the Christian presence in Kuwait and the Gulf region, in a land where Muslims are the majority and Catholic communities are largely composed of migrant workers from Asia. Thousands of faithful are expected at the event, which represents a "milestone" in the history of the local Church. The Virgin venerated in Al Ahmadi, in fact, is a symbol of unity and a silent, yet tenacious presence rooted in faith. What is more, its elevation to the status of a Minor Basilica implies a closer and more tangible relationship with the Apostolic See, as evinced by the papal signs. In Kuwait, there is not a single Church, but rather various realities with specific needs in each of its four parishes: the Co-Cathedral of the Holy Family in Kuwait City, long the seat of the vicariate; the parish church of Our Lady of Arabia in Al Ahmadi, now a minor basilica; the parish of Saint Teresa in Salmiya; and the parish of St Daniel Comboni in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, better known as Abbasiya. The first two are government-recognised places of worship; the third performs its services regularly despite its lack of external signs; while the fourth is more reminiscent of underground communities. The Apostolic Vicar, Bishop Berardi, has described the situation as one of suffering, but not without hope, starting with the two parishes awaiting places of worship. For this very reason, discussions are underway. Talks are underway on the upcoming legislation on non-Muslim worship, the prelate explained speaking to AsiaNews, and the authorities have agreed to an ecumenical meeting of all the Gulf Churches" that should take place by the end of the month. A vibrant community Father Darel Fernandes, the basilicas parish priest, introduced us to the churchs history. A Franciscan who hails from India, in the past few months he has been at the helm of one of the most important centres not only of the Vicariate of Northern Arabia, but of the entire Church in the Gulf. This church is the first Catholic place of worship built in the emirate, dedicated to the Mother of God (along with Saint Elijah the Prophet and Saint Therese of Lisieux) and is considered the "mother church" of the Vicariate itself. Al Ahmadi is a major oil hub, attracting many economic migrants, especially from India and the Philippines, who began settling in the area, initially (from 1948 to 1955) using a temporary chapel, blessed on 8 December 1948. On that day, the devotion to "Our Lady of Arabia" was born, a devotion that has continued to this day, within a Catholic community that the priest describes as vibrant. The foundation stone of the future basilica was laid on 8 September 1955, by Father Teofano Ubaldo Stella, the first Catholic priest resident in the country, who immediately worked to create a place of worship capable of welcoming the faithful. The project was realised thanks to the contribution of the Kuwait Oil Company, which granted the building permits, followed by the construction of a bell tower and, more recently, a new hall built thanks to a donation from the Kuwaiti government. Over the years, the shrine was renovated to house the statue of Our Lady of Arabia, a replica of the one on Mount Carmel, enthroned on 6 January 1950 and crowned on 25 March 1960. A Church on the move "According to accounts from that time," Father Fernandes said, "there was a strong desire for a place of worship where people could gather and pray, even though the situation was not easy for the early Christian communities, while today it is certainly better," despite some "restrictions. For example, processions or services cannot be held outside." The place of worship is not used only by Catholics, the priest added, but is also open to other Christian denominations such as Copts and Orthodox, "who share it with us" in the spirit of harmony and good relations, even if "there are no particular interactions. At a community level, "we have different linguistic realities and different rites," he noted, and each celebrates its own Masses and services following the principle of unity in diversity. Socially and economically, all Christians face the same challenges as in other regions of great migration, including job loss, difficulties in finding new employment, wages that aren't always paid, and the high cost of living that impacts salaries. For Catholics in Kuwait, the church is not just a place of worship, but also a point of reference in daily life. "We have various cultural programmes," the Indian priest noted, "anniversaries, celebrations, Jubilees (of Saint Arethas and the recently concluded Jubilee of Hope), and we have focused our work precisely on the theme of hope from a Christian perspective." The faithful, Father Fernandes explained, need spiritual guidance, and it is the priests' duty to be present and dedicate our time. The people who come to church perceive the value of freedom, which is why we want it to be open to everyone, without restrictions. In pastoral care, "one of the future goals is to ensure that those who lost their connection with their parish can return." The clergyman also hopes to see a church that increasingly goes out" to those in need, to those who are even physically distant from their place of worship. Here, it is the Church that must reach out to its people, not the people who go to church as in the West. Lights and shadows The Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Arabia and the co-cathedral are the two billboards of the Catholic presence in Kuwait. However, there are two more, hidden if not "underground entities that operate amid challenges and critical issues. The first is the parish of Saint Teresa in Salmiya. Led by an Indian priest, Father Savio D'Souza, its church displays no visible sign on the outside, be it a cross, a bell, or a light, even during the Advent season in preparation for Christmas, when we visited. This unassuming building is like many others from the outside, but inside it contains holy images, a tabernacle, an altar and pews for Mass, offices for priests, and spaces for prayer. There is no name, no cross," Father D'Souza told AsiaNews, but we have to pay close attention to the decorations. Still, upon entering, one observes a "happy, active, and engaged community, made up of different languages and nationalities, quite commonplace in the Gulf, with Masses celebrated in English, Tagalog, Tamil, Malay, Hindi, and more. Father Savio emphasised the great "collaboration" with the other parishes and priests in Kuwait, who "help us. In this sense, it is a warm, vibrant Church that expresses a sense of community. On holidays, there is a succession of religious services from six in the morning until evening, but the celebrations rarely combine all the rites or languages, if for no other reason than the lack of space. Each person, observes the Mumbai-born cleric, has their own requests and needs. Another important aspect is catechism, for some 1,700 children speaking different languages. We also have a school (dedicated to Don Giovanni Bosco), although we cannot use the name of God or speak of religion within it. Finally, there is the parish of St Daniel Comboni in Abbasiya, which is even more peculiar because it lacks a real permanent place of worship, with the faithful using the basements in certain buildings, alternating between them, to celebrate rites and services. This is an underground church, in many ways similar to that of the catacombs, where faith and celebrations are going strong amid hardships and some fear, as noted by the parish priest, Father Sojan Paul, originally from Kerala (India), who is assisted by five other priests. Our situation is difficult to resolve, admitted the priest, as he led me on a tour of two underground churches nestled among the streets and buildings, some dilapidated and showing obvious signs of deterioration, in the neighbourhood where the parish is located. The underlying issue is not so much the violation of religious freedom, but rather a differential treatment, red tape that affect the daily lives of Catholics, starting in the workplace. "Ninety-five per cent of the families," the parish priest explained, come from India, then there are some Filipinos, and about 1 per cent from Africa. There is a sense of insecurity, of instability, which is certainly linked to being migrant workers," though there is also a sense of belonging to the country that welcomed them. "Our situation," Father Paul admitted, "is hard to resolve, and we cannot predict what will happen," amid the obvious need for space and to be able to live the faith freely, not, as is currently the case, in private homes with a careful ear to the volume of the songs. Last year, we put up stars and other decorations outside for Christmas, but the police arrived and asked us to take them down, he noted. In Kuwait, we cannot speak of a persecuted Church; that's not the point, but of a different, unique reality, one that has different needs and requires assistance. PREVIOUS ARTICLES: Monsignor Berardi: Gifts of peace for Gaza from the children of the Vicariate of Arabia What's really changing in Riyadh? Taking the 'pulse' through Saudi youth Vicar of Arabia: A Christmas of diverse rites and traditions, hope for a living Church Our Christmas as Catholics in Saudi Arabia I, an Indian Catholic in Arabia, and faith that flourishes in unexpected places [*] Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. by Shafique Khokhar The court ordered the release of Aneeqa. Abducted in late December and subjected to a fake conversion, she was recognised as a child based on official records. Her abductors arguments were rejected and he was ordered arrested. According to The Edge Foundation, Such rulings restore faith in the justice system and give hope to countless families facing similar threats. Islamabad (AsiaNews) Last Monday, the Lahore High Court ordered the release of Aneeqa, a 13-year-old Christian girl abducted late last month, and her return to the custody of her parents. This is a landmark ruling that strengthens the protection of children and minority rights. The court ordered the immediate arrest and judicial custody of the defendant, rejecting claims that the girl was an adult, reiterating that the law does not recognise a minor's consent to marriage or religious conversion. Aneeqa was reportedly abducted on 29 December 2025. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed at the Sadar Sheikhupura police station under Section 365-B of the Pakistan Penal Code, which concerns abduction for marriage. During the trial, the accused, identified as Aslam, allegedly falsified the girl's age, claiming she had converted to Islam to enter into marriage. However, official records produced by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), submitted to the court, confirmed that Aneeqa is a minor. Based on these documents, the Lahore High Court rejected the defence's arguments and ordered the defendant be placed under judicial custody. Judge Tariq Saleem Sheikh cited the Child Marriage Restraint Act and settled jurisprudence, holding that a minor is legally incapable of consenting to a union or changing their religion. He also stressed the state's duty to protect children, particularly those from vulnerable communities. The Court also noted that coercion and manipulation cannot be legitimised under the guise of consent. The Edge Foundation initiated legal action in this case with a constitutional petition seeking the minor's recovery and the protection of her fundamental rights. Following the petition, the Honourable Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh ordered the child's immediate recovery and instructed police authorities to ensure her safe return to her parents. Azhar S. Malik, co-chair of the foundation, welcomed the ruling as a significant step towards justice. We are extremely pleased with todays judgment. This is a rare but powerful victory for a vulnerable minority child and a clear message that the law does not permit child marriage or coercion in the name of religion, he said. Such rulings restore faith in the justice system and give hope to countless families facing similar threats. Mr Malik noted that court cases involving underage girls and young women, particularly those from minority religious communities, often encounter delays, intimidation, and procedural manipulation. In his view, swift and decisive judicial intervention is essential to prevent irreparable harm and uphold the rule of law. Aneeqa's parents expressed profound relief at the court's decision, saying that they were grateful that their daughter had been safely returned to them and that the judiciary had recognised her status as a child in need of protection. The case will now proceed before the Sheikhupura District and Sessions Court, where the FIR was originally filed. In accordance with due process, Aneeqa's statement will be recorded by the police and subsequently brought before a magistrate. The Edge Foundation's legal team is committed to providing continued legal assistance to the family throughout the trial. Reiterating its call for strict enforcement of child protection laws, the advocacy organisation has urged authorities to ensure that perpetrators of child abductions, forced marriages, and religious coercion are prosecuted without delay, emphasising that the protection of childrens rights must remain a paramount legal and moral priority. Today's headlines: Tehran reopens its airspace after closing it overnight due to fears of a US attack; The Chinese embassy in Phnom Penh warns its citizens of the risk of crime and fraud; Nepal is also on alert for cases of Nipah virus that have emerged in West Bengal, India; Turkish prisons are housing 130% more inmates than their actual capacity; Iran, Russia, Afghanistan and Thailand are among the 75 countries for which the Trump administration has suspended the issuance of visas. PHILIPPINES - JAPAN Manila and Tokyo today signed two agreements on defence, including one that allows their forces to exchange supplies and services to strengthen regional security cooperation in response to growing regional tensions. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi signed the agreements in Manila during a nine-day tour of the Middle East and Asia with stops in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Qatar and India. IRAN US President Donald Trump said overnight that the killings in Iran have stopped, putting military action on hold, at least for the time being, while expressing concerns about Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Shah, whom many point to as a possible leader in the (as yet remote) event of the collapse of the Islamic Republic. Meanwhile, Tehran has reopened its airspace after a closure of at least five hours due to fears of a joint US (and Israeli) attack. On the subject of repression, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said yesterday that there is no plan to hang the arrested demonstrators, as reported by several international NGOs. CHINA - CAMBODIA The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia has warned of crimes and scams at work targeting Chinese citizens, following cases of kidnapping and illegal detention in the Southeast Asian country. Recently, the police uncovered two cases of kidnapping and illegal detention of Chinese nationals in Phnom Penh and in the province of Tboung Khmum, rescuing a dozen people. NEPAL - INDIA In West Bengal, two new cases of Nipah virus infection have been reported in the last few hours, with the patients hospitalised in critical condition in a hospital in Kolkata. The health department has identified more than 120 people in close contact with the two nurses, a male and a female, who contracted the disease. Meanwhile, the authorities in neighbouring Nepal have also raised the alert, following the cases recorded across the border in India, with cross-border movement likely to increase the spread of the disease, which has a mortality rate of 40-75% according to the WHO. TURKEY In Turkey, prisons are bursting at the seams, with occupancy exceeding current capacity by 130%. According to data from the Civil Society in the Penal System Association (CISST), there are approximately 100,000 more people than the actual capacity. However, the total prison population has decreased by 7.27% compared to the previous month and by 2.84% over the last six months, with 402,012 inmates. ASIA - UNITED STATES The administration of US President Donald Trump has indefinitely suspended the issuance of visas for visitors from 75 countries around the world starting on 21 January, some of which are in Asia. The measure affects Iran, Russia, Afghanistan and Thailand, among others. In November, the White House promised to permanently stop migration from Third World countries after a shooting carried out by an Afghan citizen. RUSSIA - VIETNAM During the New Year holidays, Russian tourists travelled mainly to Vietnam, one of the top five destinations, with Vietnamese tour operators leading sales, according to the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RST). There were numerous charter flights organised from all cities in Russia, with Hanoi on a par with other destinations in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as well as Cuba, Turkey, Thailand, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka. The wealthiest travellers went to the Maldives, Seychelles or Mauritius. KYRGYZSTAN It will be possible to make Mudaraba financial deposits online, which, according to Islamic Sharia law, share responsibility between the depositor and the banking institution to ensure that all money is used correctly and in accordance with Koranic rules. Islamic mobile banking will also become accessible, combining the most advanced technologies with religious principles to allow investments only in projects permitted by Sharia law. by Arundathie Abeysinghe Government plans to change the education system have sparked strong protests from teachers, parents, and academics. Criticism centres on flawed teaching materials and the additional costs to families, in a country still coping with the damage caused by recent extreme weather events and where many people still face great economic hardship Colombo (AsiaNews) The education plans proposed by the Sri Lankan government are sparking a growing wave of criticism and protests from teachers unions, who are pressuring the authorities to engage in serious discussions regarding child safety, rising inequality, and the additional costs imposed on families. The reforms are targeted primarily first-grade and sixth-grade students starting this year, while changes for secondary schools have been postponed until 2027 following the protests. The plans call for a modular, student-centred curriculum, with greater emphasis on practical skills and the use of technology. However, according to teachers' unions, the new elements introduced by the Ministry of Education have serious shortcomings. In some cases, rather than revise the curriculum, some pages have been removed piecemeal, while other materials have already been circulated among tutors and private teachers, raising concerns about content management. Last week, Sajith Premadasa, leader of the opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) party, spoke in parliament citing a serious error in a Buddhist textbook, which allegedly used the Ashoka Chakra, a symbol associated with Emperor Ashoka, instead of the Dharmachakra, the wheel representing the teachings of the Buddha. Premadasa noted that the image in the textbook does not even match the one in the official state symbol, calling on the Minister of Education to immediately correct the error. Criticism has also come from the academic world. At a press conference in Colombo, Ayomi Irugalbandara, a professor in the Faculty of Education at the Open University of Sri Lanka, stated that the reforms appear to be inspired by foreign educational models, without real attention to local social and cultural conditions. In particular, Prof Irugalbandara questioned the idea of integrating the use of social media into school curricula, noting that several other countries are going in the opposite direction, limiting access to digital platforms for children under 15. Further concerns involve the use of digital technologies in the new curricula. The Inter-University Students Federation Convener, Madushan Chandrajith, criticised the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) module for sixth-grade students, which includes QR codes linked to a controversial YouTube channel. There should be clear accountability mechanisms for material linked through digital platforms used in schools, he said. For Duminda Nagamuwa, secretary of the Workers Struggle Centre, the approach to reform is wrong since many families are unable to afford the additional costs. Under the new reforms, he said, parents are expected to buy smartphones or tablet computers required for students to access QR code-linked educational content which majority of parents simply cannot afford. According to Nagamuwa, in forging ahead with reforms, the government is ignoring opposition from academics, teachers, and other key stakeholders. Scholars Prashanthi Samarasinghe and Sampath Wijewardena told AsiaNews that any effective education reform should begin with the direct involvement of teachers, principals, and researchers, who work in daily contact with students. At present, they said, teachers and school principals are on a war footing. They believe the reforms are poorly conceived, full of flaws and, above all, impossible to implement under current conditions. The two experts also highlighted the great infrastructural disparities among the country's schools. Many schools lack basic equipment such as interactive smart boards, the purchase of which is sometimes paid for directly by parents. The situation is particularly critical in the areas recently affected by Cyclone Ditwa. In the districts of Badulla, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya, numerous schools are still damaged, and many students have been unable to resume regular classes. If these reforms were implemented without taking this reality into account, many children would risk being permanently excluded from education, the scholars warn. The Five Star Franchising brand ranked No. 123 overall on the prestigious Franchise 500 list SPRINGVILLE, Utah, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Five Star Bath Solutions , the leading bathroom remodeling franchise known for transforming spaces with style, quality and efficiency, has been honored by Entrepreneur as the No. 1 franchise in the Kitchen and Bath Remodeling space. In addition to being named the best in its category, Five Star Bath Solutions was also ranked No. 123 overall on the annual Franchise 500 list, an elite ranking of premier franchise opportunities. Building momentum Five Star Bath Solutions has been recognized by Entrepreneur as the No. 1 franchise in the Kitchen and Bath Remodeling category. With its inclusion on the 2026 version of the list, Five Star Bath Solutions has now made the Franchise 500 for eight straight years. This year's ranking marks significant momentum over last year, when the brand placed No. 233. "Our proven system ensures that total bathroom transformation is easy and affordable, both for the homeowner as well as the franchise owner," said Dean Hartley, President of Five Star Bath Solutions. "We've created an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to begin their own recession-resilient business, with a low financial threshold and quick launch time. Recognition on this list just shows that our approach remains compelling." A competitive edge The Franchise 500 presents a comprehensive ranking for the franchise industry, evaluating brands on the basis of overall awareness, financial stability and unit growth trajectories. Entrepreneur's editorial team determines the final rankings based on more than 150 different data points, encompassing everything from starting costs to platform-level support. "The remodeling industry continues to grow, with interest in professional remodeling increasing from 2024 to 2025, which means the industry itself is becoming more competitive," said Hartley. "It's a testament to our model, our established branding and our robust owner training that Five Star Bath Solutions has become a staple of this list, with our category-specific ranking now at the pinnacle." To view the full ranking, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500 . For more information about Five Star Bath Solutions, visit Five Star Bath Solutions . For more information about Five Star Franchising, visit Five Star Franchising . About Five Star Bath Solutions Five Star Bath Solutions is the premier bath transformation franchise in the home remodeling industry. The company, named to the highly competitive Entrepreneur Franchise 500 for seven consecutive years, designs and builds dream bathrooms through expertise and trust providing affordable transformations and beautiful solutions. Part of the Five Star Franchising portfolio of home service brands since 2014, Five Star Bath Solutions is one of the fastest-growing bath remodeling franchises in the world with more than 250 franchise locations. Five Star Bath Solutions was also recognized as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the U.S. and Canada by Entrepreneur in 2024 and named a Top Low-Cost Franchise for 2023 by Franchise Business Review. For more information, visit fivestarbathsolutions.com . To learn about franchising with Five Star Bath Solutions, click here . About Five Star Franchising Five Star Franchising is an innovative, growing platform of home service brands with more than 1,600 total locations throughout North America. Franchise owners across Five Star's brands, including Five Star Bath Solutions, Gotcha Covered, Bio-One, Mosquito Shield, 1-800-Packouts, and Card My Yard enjoy a robust support network and access to industry-leading tools such as ProNexis, the 24/7 sales support solution tailored for home service businesses, and Five Star Marketing Services, Five Star Franchising's elite marketing engine. Five Star Franchising's commitment to core values Driven, Real, Innovative, Vital, and Enthusiastic (DRIVE) ensures its brands are category leaders and empowers franchise owners to maximize profitable growth and secure their financial destiny. Five Star Franchising is consistently recognized as one of the most successful companies in the industry. The company has appeared on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies in America five times total, ranking #780 in 2025. Five Star Franchising also ranks among the fastest-growing businesses in its home state, with positions on the MountainWest Capital Network Utah 100, the Utah Valley BusinessQ UV50 and the Utah Business Fast 50 lists. For more information, visit fivestarfranchising.com . SOURCE Five Star Bath Solutions 15 January 2026 13:58 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Conflicting reports continue to circulate on the internet and in the media regarding the protests in Iran. Pro-government outlets insist that demonstrations have subsided and claim the situation is under control. Meanwhile, footage of a rally held in Tehran on the night of January 13 flooded social media, directly contradicting official narratives. International reactions have further complicated the picture. On January 14, headlines reported that several regional countries, including Israel, privately urged the United States not to strike Iran, warning that military action or regime change could destabilise the region and disrupt global oil markets. Canada has advised its citizens to avoid all travel to Iran and urged those already in the country to leave if possible. A day earlier, the United States issued a similar warning to its citizens, while France withdrew non-essential diplomatic staff. Some observers suggest these moves signal potential U.S. involvement in the unfolding crisis. True to form, U.S. President Donald Trump shared a post encouraging demonstrators, hinting at support. Although he declined to clarify how Washington might assist, his remarks fueled speculation and raised expectations of regime change. Since coming to power following the Islamic Revolution, Irans government has faced numerous mass demonstrations. The fall of strongmen such as Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi, Hosni Mubarak, Bashar al-Assad, and Ali Abdullah Saleh in the past decade has repeatedly raised hopes that Irans regime might also collapse. Yet each wave of protests has left expectations unfulfilled, frustrating those who anticipated change. Speaking to Azernews, Sadig Isabeyli, Head of the Savalan Research Centre and member of the GAMAC Board of Directors, explained that an ideological regime relies on specific mechanisms to ensure continuity, primarily by masking internal discontent and shortcomings. Looking at the processes after 1979, when the Iranian regime was formed under the banner of the Islamic Revolution, we see that Khomeinis first step was the creation of an ideological military force. Soon after, Hezbollah was established in Lebanon, followed by threats against Iraq. During the eight-year war with Saddams regime, many non-Persian youthsespecially teenagers aged 1418were sent to the frontlines and forced into mine-clearing operations, Isabeyli said. He added that the regime later intensified its ideological propaganda. Branches of the Revolutionary Guards (Sepah Pasdaran) used technical and material resources to build networks and participate in major national projects. Under Ahmadinejad, they began to intervene directly in politics; previously, such interference had been indirect. As their influence grew, so did public discontent, sparking conflicts within institutions. Sepah also pushed for tighter control over citizens. Even today, the issue of compulsory hijab remains unresolved. Therefore, the claim that uprisings have not shaken the regime and will not do so in the future is incorrect. Like other dictatorships, this regime has begun to decay from within, and the signs are visible across all spheres. Ideologically, people no longer accept the narratives promoted by the regime. Assistance to Lebanon and Hezbollah, rooted in sectarianism, is also rejected by the public. The voice saying Enough, leave us alone is growing stronger, Isabeyli emphasised. He noted that politically, protests have intensified. Former President Hassan Rouhani repeatedly stressed that armed groups cannot build a parallel state or monopolise media and resources. Yet the regimes internal problems are accelerating its collapse. According to Isabeyli, the notion that protests or foreign intervention cannot shake the regime is unfounded. From any perspective, the regime is crumbling ideologically, politically, and socially due to its oppression of citizens. Internal dialogue is no longer possible. Such regimes suffer heavy blows in any crisis. Some may argue it is not collapsing, but the facts suggest otherwise: within two days, 12,000 people were killed. Internet and electricity were cut off, phone connections severed. Research indicates the death toll may be between 20,000 and 25,000, though this has not yet been fully proven. However, the killing of 12,000 people is already confirmed. If a regime attacks its own citizens so brutallykilling even children protesting alongside their fathers, using high-calibre weapons such as Kalashnikovsit reveals its true nature. Witnesses claim that bullets not only kill but also tear bodies apart. This is a regime that has no tolerance and refuses to provide any conditions for its people, Isabeyli concluded. 15 January 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more After years of rhetoric, red lines, and stalled negotiations, movement in the South Caucasus is now coming from an unlikely source: process. Armenias decision to publish the implementation framework of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity - TRIPP (Zangazur Corridor), is less dramatic than it first appears, but more consequential than its legal modesty suggests. No signatures were added, no borders redrawn, and no legal commitments announced. Officially, the document creates no binding obligations. Politically, however, it marks another incremental step in a process that has been quietly gaining momentum since the August 8 Washington meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. 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. Seen in this light, the disclosure is not a rupture but a continuation. It reflects the slow, workmanlike consolidation of a connectivity agenda that has moved beyond slogans and into institutional design. The fact that the framework was presented immediately after talks between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio only reinforces that sense of sequencing rather than spontaneity. The most striking feature of the document is not what it promises, but who stands behind it. TRIPP carries Donald Trumps name, and the framework makes clear that Washington is not merely endorsing the idea but anchoring itself inside the mechanism. A U.S.-controlled operating company, long-term construction and management rights, and American involvement in digital customs systems and training programmes all point to a level of commitment that goes beyond diplomatic facilitation. This is the United States inserting itself as a guarantor of process, not just a sponsor of dialogue. For Armenia, this arrangement is carefully framed to avoid the most sensitive red lines. The document repeatedly stresses sovereignty, territorial integrity, and full retention of legislative, judicial, security, and customs authority. The proposed front-office/back-office model, where private operators handle technical and customer-facing tasks while Armenian state bodies retain final decision-making power, is clearly designed to neutralise domestic accusations of lost control. In form, this is not an extraterritorial corridor; in function, it is a tightly managed transit regime. For Azerbaijan, the framework represents something equally important: normalization through practice. By embedding transit connectivity in a commercial, multimodal, and internationally supervised structure, the TRIPP (Zangazur Corridor) shifts the corridor debate away from existential politics and toward operational reality. Railways, highways, digital systems, and revenue models replace zero-sum rhetoric. This is not yet the corridor itself, but it is a rehearsal for one. The emphasis on gradualism is deliberate. The framework does not declare the corridor launched; it presents TRIPP as the next step in its realization. Pilot projects, risk-based inspections, digital documentation, and phased implementation suggest a process intended to advance through accumulation rather than breakthrough. In this sense, the document reads less like a grand geopolitical blueprint and more like the kind of technocratic scaffolding that precedes durable change. Critics will note the asymmetry built into the structure: a U.S. controlling stake, decades-long operating rights, and significant influence over infrastructure that cuts across Armenian territory. Supporters counter that precisely this external anchoring makes the project viable, insulating it from domestic political swings and regional distrust. Both views are valid, but they miss the larger point. The framework is not attempting to resolve every political contradiction upfront; it is designed to keep the process moving despite them. The project is poised to have substantial economic and geopolitical implications that extend far beyond Armenia and Azerbaijan. Economically, the corridor forms a critical segment of the Middle Corridor, the overland trade route connecting East Asia to Europe via the South Caucasus. According to forecasts by the World Bank, annual freight volumes on the Middle Corridor could triple by 2030, reaching around 11 million tonnes, a dramatic increase from current levels. Annual freight capacity for the Zangazur Corridor itself is envisioned at about 15 million tonnes, underscoring its potential as a high-volume transit route. Beyond freight numbers, the corridor could underpin significant economic gains. One modelling exercise suggests the emerging trade route could unlock as much as $50 billion to $100 billion in annual trade value by 2027, driven by reductions in transit times and logistics costs when compared to traditional routes. For Azerbaijan specifically, these projections include an increase of roughly $700 million in exports annually and potential growth of the non-oil economy by around 2 per cent per year once the route is operational. Linked infrastructure developments also promise to stimulate regional economies. For Turkiye, transport analysts estimate that the corridor could deliver TL 147.6 billion (around $3.6 billion) over thirty years in economic value, chiefly by enhancing cargo throughput and unlocking growth in its eastern provinces. From a geopolitical perspective, the corridors significance is multi-layered. It strengthens Eurasian connectivity, offering an alternative to the Northern Route through Russia and Belarus and diversifying global supply chains that have been strained by recent conflicts and sanctions regimes. By knitting together Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, the route creates a continuous land bridge between Asia and Europe that could reduce transit times by more than ten days relative to existing pathways. The corridors strategic appeal also stems from its potential to reshape regional power dynamics. For Ankara, it represents a tangible geoeconomic pivot toward positioning Turkiye as a logistics and energy hub in Eurasia; for Baku, it consolidates a transit role that strengthens ties within the Turkic world and beyond; and for Western capitals it offers a means of integrating the South Caucasus more deeply into Euro-Atlantic and global economic networks. Moreover, increased connectivity may bolster European energy security, as expanded routes could facilitate greater flows of Caspian gas and other commodities to EU markets seeking alternatives to Russian supplies. Projections by energy analysts suggest that closing Armenias connectivity gap would allow Azerbaijan to play a more central role in meeting Europes growing demand for diversified energy imports. Nevertheless, realising this potential depends not only on infrastructure but on political stability and sustained cooperation among regional actors. Skeptics point to the complex sovereignty concerns embedded in passage through Armenias Syunik province and the need for robust international guarantees to reassure all parties. What the TRIPP document ultimately signals is not the sudden arrival of peace or connectivity, but the institutionalization of momentum. It ties the August Washington declaration to a concrete implementation pathway, places the United States visibly on the hook, and reframes regional connectivity as a managed, commercial, and incremental endeavour. Whether the corridor fully materializes will depend on execution, trust, and regional stability. But the logic of the process is now clearer: this is no longer about whether connectivity should happen, but about how it will be made to work. 15 January 2026 16:32 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. The State Social Protection Fund (SSPF) of Azerbaijan plans to increase targeted social assistance payments in 2026, Azernews reports, citing Trend. 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! A life of faith and service continues through a lasting charitable bequest LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE, Calif., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the new year begins, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy (FSHA) and the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose announce with deep gratitude a transformational $1.6 million gift from the estate of Patricia Jean Traviss, Class of 1949. Patricia Jean Traviss '49, whose lifelong love for Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy continues to inspire generations of students. (Right) Patricia "Pat" Traviss '49 - FSHA Yearbook Co-Editor FSHA was more than a place of learning for Travissit was a spiritual home that shaped her values and lifelong commitment to service. "Her remarkable generosity reflects a lifetime devoted to service and dignity, shaped by her own vocation in healthcare and her deep connection to the Sisters who formed her," said Marlena Conroy, president of Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. "Through this extraordinary gift, Traviss ensures that the values instilled on the Hill will continue to guide and uplift future generations of young women." A former Director of Rockhaven Sanitarium in Glendale, California, Traviss often shared that "To truly care for someone is to be there for them when they are in their most vulnerable state. Give them unconditional love so that they may soar with the angels." This belief guided both her professional vocation and her lifelong generosity. She was known for surprising the Sisters with thoughtful gifts at year's end and on special occasions. Traviss gave generously to FSHA during her lifetime, helping advance its mission of forming young women of faith, integrity, and truth. Approximately half of the gift will support Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, while the remaining portion will benefit the ministries of the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. "Her generosity reflects a life rooted in prayer, service, and a belief in the dignity of every person. Through her legacy, the mission entrusted to us will continue to flourish," said Sister Celeste Marie Botello, O.P., congregational prioress for the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. Traviss' gift serves as a powerful reminder that planned giving is an act of faitha way to extend one's values beyond a lifetime and ensure that future generations continue to experience education grounded in compassion and love. About Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy is an all-girls, Catholic, Dominican, independent, college-preparatory, day and boarding school in La Canada Flintridge, a suburb of Los Angeles. We are dedicated to educating young women for a life of faith, integrity, and truth. About the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose are a community of Catholic women religious dedicated to living the Gospel through contemplation, preaching, and service, following the charism of St. Dominic. Rooted in the tradition of the Order of Preachers, they serve the Church and world through ministries in education, healthcare, spiritual direction, and social justice, primarily in California. For over a century, their lives of prayer and action have centered on proclaiming the Word of God and fostering truth, justice, and compassion. Media Contact: Sandra Millett 626-685-8392 [email protected] SOURCE Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy 15 January 2026 12:38 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has heard citizens' appeals in Baku, Azernews reports. Reception held at the Culture Ministry was attended not only by residents of the capital but also by citizens from various regions, including a group of cultural figures. The issues raised by participants mainly related to the evaluation of creative work, proposals concerning the cultural sector, employment opportunities, and other related matters. After all appeals were heard, the issues raised were officially recorded in accordance with established procedures. Relevant instructions were issued to heads of the ministry's structural divisions to ensure that each appeal is carefully examined and resolved in compliance with existing legislation. During the meeting, special attention was given to issues raised by families of martyrs and war veterans. Each of these appeals was registered and placed under supervision to ensure timely and objective consideration. 15 January 2026 17:43 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Azerbaijani cinema continues to hold its ground with remarkable consistency, Azernews reports. Last year, audiences in Azerbaijan's movie theaters were presented with a total of 27 local films, matching the figure recorded in 2024. This steady output reflects the national film industry's persistent rhythm of growth. Overall, 2025 can be seen as a year in which Azerbaijani films demonstrated a stable performance, both in terms of quantity and runtime. As the industry maintains this momentum, local audiences can look forward to a reliable stream of homegrown cinematic experiences in the years to come. The country offers a wealth of scenic landscapes, diverse culture, and rich history, making it an ideal location for film production. To further develop this sector, the Azerbaijani government has implemented several measures aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the local film industry and positioning it on the global stage. The story of Azerbaijani cinema stretches back more than a century. Following the invention of the cinematograph by the Lumiere brothers in 1895, Russian photographer and cameraman Alexandre Michon began filming daily life in Baku, laying the groundwork for the countrys cinematic tradition. The first silent short film, "You Are Caught", premiered in Baku in August 1898, marking the official birth of Azerbaijani cinema. In the early 20th century, foreign film companies such as Pathe, the Pirone Brothers Society, and Film opened branches in Baku and began producing films locally, bringing new techniques and global perspectives to the burgeoning industry. By 1916, Azerbaijani filmmakers were producing works based on local literature, such as "In the Kingdom of Oil and Millions", and adapting cultural classics like "The Cloth Peddler" in 1917, based on the operetta by Uzeyir Hajibayli. The establishment of Soviet power in Azerbaijan in 1923 brought further institutional support. The Azerbaijan Photo and Film Administration (APFA) and the first State Film Factory began operations, producing films such as "Maiden Tower", a feature inspired by local folklore. These early foundations set the stage for a thriving national cinema industry. Today, Azerbaijan's film companies are producing dozens of films annually, many of which have received international acclaim. The industry's rapid expansion provides a platform for filmmakers to explore diverse genres, stories, and creative techniques, ensuring that Azerbaijani cinema continues to grow in both quality and global visibility. From its historic roots to its modern-day achievements, Azerbaijani cinema exemplifies a blend of cultural heritage and artistic innovation, securing its place on the international film map. 15 January 2026 15:36 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more Music lingers in the air long after the last note fades, an invisible current that stirs memory, imagination, and emotion. Inspired by this power, Arts Council Azerbaijan transformed the Fabrika Gallery into a space where sound becomes visible, as artists translated music into color, form, and movement, inviting visitors to experience it not just with their ears, but with their eyes and hearts, Azernews reports. The art project "Music" was dedicated to the anniversary of the organization and, following tradition, is held every January to mark the occasion. Artists affiliated with the council participated, presenting nearly 30 works in various styles. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dadash Mammadov, head of Arts Council Azerbaijan, highlighted the productivity of the past year and emphasized the organization's international activities, noting that over 19 years, its projects have been implemented across four continents. One of the special moments of the event was the awarding of diplomas to artists who had participated in the exhibition held at the UN Headquarters in New York. The awards were presented by Sona Guliyeva, creator of the "Second Life" project, highlighting the council's contribution to international collaboration and the professional development of artists. The exhibition itself impressed visitors with its vibrant display and harmonious blend of colors, forms, and musical inspiration. Walking through the gallery felt like stepping into another world, alive with rhythm, color, and emotion. The event was attended by ambassadors, representatives of cultural institutes, public figures, and creative professionals, all of whom were visibly thrilled and captivated by the art works. The exhibition was organized with the support of the Arts Council of Azerbaijan and Syaht NGO. Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az.Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az. 15 January 2026 18:29 (UTC+04:00) by Peter Marko Tase On January 12, 2026, Azerbaijans Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, the Honorable Sameddin F. Asadov, welcomed in Baku a U. S. Delegation led by Carl B. Kress, Regional Director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). This emblematic bilateral meeting was held at the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, where mutual trade, industrial and regional economic projects were discussed. The Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport expressed his satisfaction with the increasingly productive strategic cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States of America. The two authorities shared views on forthcoming prospects for cooperation between the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency in the areas of railway infrastructure, telecommunications, space technologies, and the construction of data centers for artificial intelligence applications. Trained at the Maastricht School of Management (MSM) and the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University (USA). Sameddin Asadov through this meeting is emphasizing the main pillars of cooperation between Washington and Baku that took shape during the historic meeting of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev with President Donald Trump at the White House on August 8th, 2025. In Azerbaijan, the delegation led by Carl Kress held meetings with a variety of national top officials, including Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Elnur Mammadov. In the meeting, the current state of bilateral cooperation between the countries in areas such as energy, trade, regional connections, including the TRIPP route, economic investment, as well as the promotion of information to U.S. private sector representatives with relevant infrastructure and logistics interests in Azerbaijan, and the prospects for the development of cooperation were discussed. These imperative bilateral meetings and engagements are held in separate institutions with the common objective, and that is to strengthen the framework of the Strategic Partnership Charter, taking shape at the Washington Peace Summit on August 8th last year. Furthermore, the role of Azerbaijan in the energy security of the region was elevated as the nation is focused on developing renewable energy resources, the diversification of trade routes in the Middle Corridor, as well as the existing favorable business and investment environment in Azerbaijan, including the opportunities for establishing new relations. The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) was the centrepiece of these discussions, and Bakus diplomacy and economic policies are pivotal towards a more prosperous and peaceful South Caucasus and Eastern Europe. According to national media outlets: Azerbaijani government agencies have a growing potential to establish new partnerships with US private-sector entities to explore corporate investment in the development of TRIPP infrastructure, as well as participation in renewable energy ventures. "With its strategic location, geographically situated at the heart of Eurasia, Azerbaijan is a nation with immense economic potential in the South Caucasus with unparalleled government performance over regional circular economy initiatives, energy economics and security strategy and dynamics. These geopolitical factors strengthen Washingtons engagement with Baku as President Trump is projecting and forging a new balance of power in the Western Hemisphere, the Middle East and South Asia. The views and opinions expressed by guest columnists in their articles may differ from those of the editorial board and do not necessarily reflect its views. 15 January 2026 14:25 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has described the joint ArmeniaUnited States statement on the TRIPP connectivity project as another cornerstone document of the peace process, following the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani accords signed on August 8, 2025, Azernews reports via Armenian media. Pashinyan made the remarks at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday while commenting on the TRIPP Implementation Framework published jointly by Armenia and the United States. According to him, after the August 2025 statement, the new document represents the next key step in resolving one of the most principled issues of the peace process, the unblocking of regional communications, at a framework level and with answers to all fundamental questions. The meaning and practical significance of the statement is that peace is being established in our republic and our region through very concrete and practical steps, and it has already become a practical reality, Pashinyan said. He stressed that the emerging peace must be handled with care, noting that Armenia, both as a state and as a society, has little historical experience of long-term peace. According to the prime minister, this makes the transition particularly challenging and requires a new political culture and way of thinking. In our language, mindset, and expressions, the logic of conflict is still very strong, and peace is entering our consciousness very slowly. This is normal, given the experience of the past 35 years. However, what is important is that there are already realities on the ground that should contribute to the formation of a social and psychological environment of peace, he said. Pashinyan also emphasized that significant practical work lies ahead. He underlined the need to formalize the agreements reached within the TRIPP framework as soon as possible through legally binding instruments. We need to begin working on draft agreements, as well as on the necessary legal decisions. In particular, a company named TRIPP must be established in the Republic of Armenia. We also need to define the routes, development rights, land use, and construction permits, the prime minister said, adding that state institutions must begin preparatory work immediately. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also reaffirmed on Thursday political will to ensure unhindered connectivity between the main territory of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic through Armenia within the agreed framework. He made the comments at the Cabinet meeting while speaking about the TRIPP Implementation Framework. I want to emphasize and reaffirm our political will: within the agreed framework, we are ready, determined, and unequivocally moving in this direction, including in ensuring unhindered communication between the main territory of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, based on the principles we have repeatedly outlined. Our approach is that here as well, we must move away from the logic of conflict and transition to a normal environment and mindset appropriate to peace, Pashinyan said. The Prime Minister noted that the process will not be quick in either Armenia or Azerbaijan, as narratives shaped by many years of conflict still persist within both societies. He cited as an example the statements circulating around fuel imports, where mutual accusations are voiced on both sides, claiming that the fuel would allegedly be used for military purposes. We must acknowledge that, in both Armenia and Azerbaijan, the prevailing discourse no longer corresponds to todays realities, and this is exactly what I mean. At the same time, it is also not right to blame the people, because the logic that has been circulating for around 35 years or more cannot be stopped by a single action, tool, or brake. Therefore, we need to adopt a more practical approach and focus on work, as the tangible benefits of peace can be far more effective than endless debates over various narratives, doubts, or challenges, Pashinyan said. The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to members of the Cabinet, as well as representatives of the government, legislative, and judicial branches and all state institutions, for the support and work demonstrated during this period, which, according to him, made it possible to reach the current stage. The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a connectivity initiative envisaged under the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani joint declaration signed in Washington, D.C. The project is expected to unlock strategic economic opportunities, encourage infrastructure investment, and enhance regional connectivity as part of the broader normalization and peace process in the South Caucasus. 15 January 2026 10:47 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The US Embassy in Baku has issued a security alert urging American citizens to leave Iran immediately amid heightened regional tensions, Azernews reports. In a statement posted on the embassys official Facebook page, US citizens were advised to consider departing Iran by land through Turkiye or Armenia, provided it is safe to do so. The embassy also warned that entry into Azerbaijan from Iran may be restricted for US citizens during periods of increased tension. U.S. citizens with an urgent need to depart Iran via Azerbaijan should be aware that entry into Azerbaijan from Iran has been restricted for U.S. citizens during periods of heightened tension, such as the June 2025 conflict between Iran and Israel, the statement said. The embassy called on US citizens to consider alternative routes for leaving Iran and to closely monitor official updates as the situation develops. Donald Trump has said he has been assured the killing of protesters in Iran has been halted, adding that he would watch it and see about threatened US military action, as tensions appeared to ease on Wednesday night. Trump had repeatedly talked in recent days about coming to the aid of the Iranian people over the crackdown on protests that Iran Human Rights, a group based in Norway, said had now killed at least 3,428 people and led to the arrest of more than 10,000. But in a surprise announcement at the White House, Trump said he had received assurances from very important sources on the other side that Tehran had now stopped the use of lethal force on protesters, and that executions would not go ahead. Theyve said the killing has stopped and the executions wont take place there were supposed to be a lot of executions today, and that the executions wont take place and were going to find out, Trump said. He offered no details and noted that the United States had yet to verify the claims. 15 January 2026 12:08 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more An official opening ceremony of the ASAN Service Center was held on January 14, 2026, in Islamabad, Pakistan, Azernews reports, citing ASAN Service. The event was attended by Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, members of the Pakistani government, and a delegation from Azerbaijan led by Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. During the ceremony, participants were briefed on the newly established center, which is based on Azerbaijans internationally recognized ASAN Service concept, often described as one of the countrys leading intellectual and governance brands. It was noted that on September 10, 2025, in the presence of Pakistans Prime Minister, an agreement on cooperation between the governments of Azerbaijan and Pakistan was signed to implement the ASAN Service model in Pakistan. Acting on the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijans State Agency provided comprehensive support to the Pakistani side in establishing the center and transferring ASAN Service expertise. At the initial stage, the Pakistan ASAN Service Center is expected to provide 64 public services through 12 government institutions. The center applies ASAN Service standards, incorporates the ASAN Volunteer Program, and utilizes innovative digital and administrative solutions developed in Azerbaijan. A special corner highlighting AzerbaijanPakistan friendship has been created at the entrance of the center, featuring a quote by President Ilham Aliyev emphasizing the brotherly relations between the two countries. Following the tour of the center, Chairman Ulvi Mehdiyev delivered a presentation to the Pakistani delegation on the future development concept of Pakistan ASAN Service, innovative public service solutions, and Azerbaijans DOST social service model. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for supporting the implementation of the ASAN Service model in Pakistan. He described ASAN Service as a progressive and innovative approach to public service delivery and stressed that the model would be widely applied across Pakistan. Currently, Azerbaijan has signed agreements on exporting the ASAN Service model with 30 countries and international organizations. Service centers based on the ASAN model are already operational in six countries, including Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Afghanistan, and now Pakistan. As the worlds second-largest Muslim country, Pakistans adoption of the ASAN Service model holds special strategic importance, strengthening bilateral cooperation and reinforcing partnerships between countries that share common values. The opening ceremony was also attended by Anar Bayramov, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan, and Khazar Farhadov, Azerbaijans Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pakistan. 15 January 2026 12:01 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more An international conference addressing the Indian governments treatment of ethnic minorities will be held in Azerbaijan for the first time on January 16, 2026, organised by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), Azernews reports via BIG's press statement. Entitled Racism and Violence Against Sikhs and Other National Minorities in India: Current Realities, the event will bring together government officials, human rights experts, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss alleged rights violations and discriminatory practices in India. According to BIG, participants will include Punjabs Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Ramesh Singh Arora, senior Indian officials, and prominent representatives of Sikh communities from Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The conference will also host directors of international think tanks, scholars specialising in minority rights, and individuals directly affected by Indias policies. Discussions will centre on claims of systemic discrimination, violence, and political repression targeting Sikhs and other ethnic minorities. Particular attention will be paid to Indias compliance with international legal obligations, including the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the Convention Against Torture. Participants will also explore mechanisms to maintain international attention on the issue, including possible investigations by UN human rights bodies, documentation by special rapporteurs, and broader international monitoring of alleged abuses. The role of non-governmental organisations and academic institutions will be examined, especially their contribution through research, legal analysis, and policy recommendations aimed at influencing international responses. Sikhism, established in the 15th century, promotes equality irrespective of caste, gender, or language and rejects the caste hierarchy historically prevalent in India. Indias Sikh population exceeds 25 million, with most living in Punjab. Human rights organisations report that during violent crackdowns in the 1980s, particularly in 1984, thousands of Sikhs were killed and tens of thousands forced to flee abroad. Between 1980 and 1990, numerous Sikhs in Punjab were allegedly abducted or killed without due process. Today, Sikh activists continue to face imprisonment on charges such as separatism, while police operations in Punjab have reportedly intensified. Overseas, attacks against Sikh activists have occurred, with authorities in Canada and the United States attributing some incidents to Indian intelligence agencies. Much of the Sikh diaspora now resides in Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia, where communities continue to seek international recognition of past abuses and accountability for ongoing repression. 15 January 2026 14:46 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Azerbaijan and Vietnam are exploring potential collaboration in the production of electric vehicles. As reported by Azernews, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, shared details of the discussions on his X account. It was a pleasure to meet with the delegation led by Ms. Le Thi Thu Thuy, Chairwoman of Vietnams VinFast company. We exchanged views on diversifying economic ties with Vietnam, collaborating with the business community, and advancing sustainable development priorities, as well as highlighting Azerbaijans favorable business environment. We also discussed opportunities for joint activity in the electric vehicle manufacturing sector, the minister wrote. 15 January 2026 14:54 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Turkiye hopes to see the Zangazur Corridor implemented in line with Azerbaijans expectations. Azernews reports that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made this statement at a press conference. Fidan emphasized the corridors strategic importance, both in the broader context of the Middle Corridor and regionally for connecting Azerbaijans other territories with Nakhchivan. Turkiyes access to the Turkic world and Central Asia via the Middle Corridor is beneficial, and we are actively working on it. When the Armenian Foreign Minister was in the U.S., a document was released that they call TRIPP, while we refer to it as the Zangazur Corridor. We analyzed this document in detail and discussed it with my Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, for nearly two hours to understand Azerbaijans perspective, which is very important. We also briefed our President on this matter, Fidan said. He added that Ankaras goal is to finalize the initialled peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, paving the way for normalization between the two countries. In the end, we want to continue our path with stability and prosperity. Currently, this political will exists among the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkiye. Armenia still has a few steps to implement. There are upcoming elections in Armenia, and we see Nikol Pashinyan leading in this process. The elections are an important stage, and we support Pashinyans constructive stance, Fidan noted. Recall that the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is a connectivity initiative envisaged under the U.S.-brokered Armenian-Azerbaijani joint declaration signed in Washington, D.C. The project is expected to unlock strategic economic opportunities, encourage infrastructure investment, and enhance regional connectivity as part of the broader normalization and peace process in the South Caucasus. As CIOs and senior IT leaders face increasing pressure to translate strategy into execution amid accelerating technological change, demand continues to grow for strategic forums that combine analyst insight with peer exchange. Building on the momentum of its flagship Info-Tech LIVE conference series, Info-Tech Research Group is expanding its IGNITE events for 2026, delivering a more immersive, two-day regional experience designed to deepen engagement, strengthen local IT communities, and reinforce the research themes shaping enterprise transformation. ARLINGTON, Va. , Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Info-Tech Research Group, a global leader in IT research and advisory, has announced the return and expansion of its IGNITE event series for 2026. Powered by Info-Tech LIVE, IGNITE is a regional conference series that brings the firm's research insights, analyst expertise, and peer-driven discussion to key North American cities through a focused, two-day format. Info-Tech Research Group has announced the return and expansion of its IGNITE event series, delivering insights on execution and leadership through two-day regional conferences across key North American cities. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group) Designed to complement Info-Tech LIVE, the IGNITE series extends the firm's flagship conference experience into regional markets, giving CIOs and senior IT leaders additional opportunities throughout the year to engage with Info-Tech's research, connect with peers, and apply practical guidance to their most pressing priorities. The 2026 series follows the same guiding theme as Info-Tech LIVE, "Transform IT. Transform Everything.", reinforcing Info-Tech's focus on helping technology leaders move from strategy to measurable outcomes. "IGNITE plays an important role in how we support IT leaders throughout the year," says Info-Tech Research Group's Chief Research Officer, Gord Harrison. "By bringing our research, analysts, and peer community into regional markets, IGNITE reinforces the priorities explored at LIVE while giving leaders strategic, focused opportunities to engage with the guidance they need to execute." 2026 Info-Tech IGNITE Event Locations For 2026, Info-Tech has evolved the IGNITE format into a two-day experience to support deeper engagement, more meaningful peer interaction, and expanded access to analyst-led guidance. Each event will feature a curated agenda that includes keynote sessions from Info-Tech analysts, role- and sector-specific breakout sessions, facilitated networking opportunities, and one-on-one analyst meetings, delivering a high-impact experience while maintaining the regional focus of the series. The 2026 Info-Tech IGNITE event series will take place across select North American locations, including: Toronto (April 16 17, 2026) Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Detroit (April 28 29, 2026) The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, United States The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, United States Chicago (May 6 7, 2026) Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois, United States Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, Chicago, Illinois, United States Vancouver (June 1 2, 2026) JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Each Info-Tech IGNITE event is designed to bring together IT leaders from across public and private sectors for focused discussion on leadership, execution, and the technologies reshaping the enterprise. The series also serves as a connective thread across Info-Tech's broader LIVE ecosystem, reinforcing research themes and helping leaders stay engaged with evolving priorities throughout the year. Further details on agendas, featured analysts, and registration will be announced in the coming months. For more information about the event, please visit the Info-Tech Events page. Media Passes for Info-Tech IGNITE 2026 Media professionals, including journalists, podcasters, and influencers, are invited to attend Info-Tech IGNITE events to gain exclusive access to research, content, and interviews with industry leaders and analysts for their audiences. Media professionals can apply for complimentary in-person passes by contacting [email protected]. About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading and fastest-growing research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing professionals around the globe. As a trusted product and service leader, the company delivers unbiased, highly relevant research and industry-leading advisory support to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to expert guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. To learn more about Info-Tech's HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm's SoftwareReviews platform. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected]. For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X. SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group 15 January 2026 17:33 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more On January 15, representatives of Azerbaijan and Armenia jointly reviewed the current state of the Sadarak-Yeraskh railway section, the Cabinet of Ministers announced, as part of cooperation aimed at restoring key transport infrastructure across the South Caucasus, Azernews reports. Officials said the assessment focused on evaluating the technical suitability of the railway section for the movement of specialized construction equipment in preparation for infrastructure restoration efforts. During the visit, the parties exchanged views on the technical condition of the railway and discussed next steps for rehabilitation and reconstruction. The Sadarak-Yeraskh section, which lies on the border between Armenias Ararat region and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan, has been non-operational for decades following the 1990s conflicts, with about four kilometres of tracks dismantled. Restoring this segment is widely viewed as a crucial link for reconnecting Armenia physically with Azerbaijans Nakhchivan exclave and, ultimately, the wider regional rail network. Efforts to unblock rail links in the region have gained renewed momentum following the August 8, 2025 peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and accompanying commitments to reopen transportation corridors. Armenian officials, including Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, have urged Russia, which manages Armenias railways under a concession, to expedite repairs on sections leading to Akhurik (Turkiye) and Yeraskh (Nakhchivan), saying Armenia may take over restoration work if delays persist. Regional connectivity initiatives also include the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), aimed at linking Azerbaijans mainland with Nakhchivan via southern Armenia and integrating with broader transport infrastructure in the South Caucasus. The joint technical review underscores growing practical cooperation between Baku and Yerevan on infrastructure issues, even as detailed planning, financing and restoration work remain ongoing priorities. 15 January 2026 11:27 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more The US administration has announced that it carried out its first oil sale from Venezuela following the military operation and the seizure of Nicolas Maduro in early January, with the deal reportedly valued at $500 million, Azernews reports. White House officials said additional oil sales are planned in the coming days and weeks as Washington moves to reshape Venezuelas energy sector after the operation. The proceeds from the initial sale are being held in bank accounts in Qatar, which US officials have described as a neutral zone under American control. Earlier, President Donald Trump stated that major US oil companies would invest at least $100 billion to help restore Venezuelas collapsed energy infrastructure. According to Trump, the initiative is aimed at reducing energy prices in the United States while boosting Venezuelas oil production by around 50 per cent within 18 months. President Trumps team is facilitating positive, ongoing discussions with oil companies that are ready and willing to make unprecedented investments to restore Venezuelas oil infrastructure, she continued. President Trump is protecting our Western Hemisphere from being taken advantage of by narcoterrorists, drug traffickers, and foreign adversaries. Details of the sale were first reported by Semafor. The news outlet also reported that revenue from the deal is being kept in bank accounts controlled by the U.S. government, including one based in Qatar. In the aftermath of Maduros capture, Trump said that the U.S. would run the country until a proper and judicious transition of power took place. He indicated that the U.S. would take control of the oil industry in the South American nation. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the U.S. plans to seize and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, the funds from which would be disbursed, by the U.S. government, in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people, not corruption, not the regime. 15 January 2026 12:59 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Several NATO countries have begun deploying small numbers of military personnel to Greenland to take part in joint exercises with Denmark, amid escalating tensions sparked by US President Donald Trumps repeated threats to forcibly annex the Arctic island, Azernews reports via CNN. Denmark, which is responsible for Greenlands defense, has warned that any attack on the territory would effectively bring an end to NATO. Copenhagen announced this week that it is expanding its military presence in Greenland in close cooperation with NATO allies. Germany, Sweden, France and Norway have confirmed they are sending troops to Greenland this week for joint exercises with Danish forces. Canada and France have also announced plans to open consulates in Nuuk, Greenlands capital, in the coming weeks, underscoring growing diplomatic engagement. While joint NATO exercises in the Arctic are not unusual and have intensified in recent years, the timing and symbolism of these deployments are widely seen as a strong show of European solidarity at a moment of unprecedented internal strain within the alliance. The United States currently maintains around 150 troops at its Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland. Trump has been increasingly vocal about his ambitions to bring Greenland under US control, including by force if necessary. Speaking at a press conference with oil executives, he said he was going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not. In a subsequent post on Truth Social, Trump argued that US control of Greenland was unacceptable to forego and would make NATO far more formidable. European governments reacted cautiously but firmly. Germanys Defense Ministry said it is sending a 13-member reconnaissance team to Greenland at Denmarks invitation as part of an exploration mission alongside allied forces. Sweden confirmed it had dispatched an unspecified number of officers to help prepare for an upcoming exercise dubbed Operation Arctic Endurance. France and Norway also confirmed participation, with Paris stating that the first French units were already en route. The developments came as Danish and Greenlandic officials held talks in Washington with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen described the discussions as frank but constructive, while acknowledging that a fundamental disagreement remains. The sides agreed to establish a high-level working group to explore possible paths forward. NATOs founding principle holds that an attack on one member is an attack on all, making US threats against Greenland, which is part of the alliance through Denmark, highly controversial. Denmarks Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the idea of a US attack as completely hypothetical, adding that it is unlikely one NATO member would attack another. Canada and France reiterated their support for Denmark and Greenlands sovereignty and territorial integrity. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Ottawa remains committed to Arctic security, while Frances foreign minister urged Washington to stop threatening Greenland, warning that such rhetoric undermines allied interests. As diplomatic efforts continue, the troop deployments highlight growing unease within NATO over the future of the alliance and the stability of transatlantic security relations. 15 January 2026 12:24 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi appeared very nice but questioned whether he could gain sufficient support inside Iran to eventually assume leadership, Azernews reports, citing Reuters. Trump said there was a possibility that Irans clerical leadership could collapse, but stopped short of endorsing Pahlavi, the son of Irans last shah, who was overthrown during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He seems very nice, but I dont know how hed play within his own country, Trump said. And we really arent up to that point yet. I dont know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me. Trump has repeatedly warned that the United States could intervene in support of protesters in Iran, where thousands have reportedly been killed in a crackdown on unrest against clerical rule. However, his comments on Wednesday reflected hesitation about backing any specific opposition figure at this stage. 15 January 2026 19:21 (UTC+04:00) By News Centre Turkiyes Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, has reviewed his ministrys activities for 2025 and shared the outlook for 2026. Emphasizing that 2025 was an active year in the transport sector, Uraloglu noted that 44 projects valued at 190 billion lira were officially inaugurated. He added that, together with ongoing projects not yet officially opened, the ministry entered the year with strong momentum, citing the opening of sections of the Konya Ring Road and the Aydn-Denizli Highway early in the year. On the international stage, Uraloglu highlighted that Istanbul hosted the Global Transport Corridors Forum, which saw participation from 80 countries, including 48 ministers and deputy ministers. Reflecting on other projects implemented in 2025, the minister said: "We completed the 30,000th kilometer of divided highways - a target we had set. Beyond that, after the United States, we implemented the worlds second and Europes first triple-runway operation at Istanbul Airport. As the year ended, we completely renovated the old terminal building at Sabiha Gokcen Airport and inaugurated it. We also laid the foundations for eight investment projects by Turkish Airlines, including a $2.5 billion project at Istanbul Airport." Uraloglu noted that the 5G tender process was completed last year, and that Turk Telekoms fixed services concession agreement was extended until 2050. Looking ahead to 2026, he stated that work would continue across road, rail, air, maritime, and communication sectors, adding: "In a few days, on January 19, we will inaugurate the third runway, new tower, and renovated entrance of Ankara Esenboga Airport, with the participation of our President." Regarding last years completion of 30,000 kilometers of divided highways, Uraloglu said a large-scale event would be held in Istanbul, and noted that on April 1, the first 5G signals - excluding trial phases - would be received. He also highlighted ongoing projects across the country: "We aim to complete the Ankara-Izmir High-Speed Train (YHT) project up to Afyonkarahisar and will work hard to achieve this. Similarly, we plan to inaugurate the high-speed train line from Bilecik to Bursa within this year. We also aim to open certain sections of the railway project between Halkal and Kapkule. We plan to tender the Esenboga Airport Metro Line in Ankara during the first quarter, or at the latest, the first half of the year." Uraloglu emphasized the significance of the Kars-Igdr-Aralk-Dilucu Railway, which spans 224 kilometers and is key to the Zangezur Corridor, noting that foundations were laid last year and work is ongoing. Regarding the Zangezur Corridor, he said: "The Azerbaijani side is continuing works. In the Nakhchivan region, some tasks remain incomplete. The Azerbaijani side will likely begin work this year. You know the other Zangezur crossing began with U.S. involvement. We expect progress there this year as well. By 2030, we plan to bring the Zangezur Corridor into full operation." On the Ankara-Krkkale (Delice)-Corum-Samsun Project, which will connect Ankara to the north, Uraloglu added: "Last year, we tendered the section up to Corum and began construction, progressing very rapidly. In 2026, we will include the section from Corum to Samsun in the Investment Program. Once approved, we will also tender that section in the first half of the year." 15 January 2026 14:19 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more U.S. President Donald Trump says Ukraine, rather than Russia, is holding up a potential peace agreement. Azernews reports that he made the remarks in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday. His comments sharply contrast with the position of European allies, who have long argued that Moscow shows little interest in ending its nearly four-year war in Ukraine. Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to conclude the conflict, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appears more hesitant. "I think he's ready to make a deal," Trump said of Putin. "I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal." When asked why U.S.-led negotiations have yet to resolve Europes largest land conflict since World War Two, Trump simply responded: "Zelensky." Trumps remarks underline his renewed frustration with the Ukrainian leader, reflecting a complex relationship between the two presidents. While tensions have existed historically, Trumps interactions with Zelensky appear to have improved during his first year back in office. At times, Trump has been more willing to accept Putins assurances at face value than some U.S. allies, a stance that has frustrated Kyiv, European capitals, and U.S. lawmakers, including members of his own party. When asked if he would meet Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week, Trump said he would, but offered no details. "I would - if he's there," he said. "I'm going to be there." Asked why he believes Zelensky is holding back in negotiations, Trump did not elaborate, stating only: "I just think he's, you know, having a hard time getting there." Zelensky has repeatedly ruled out territorial concessions to Moscow, saying Ukraine has no constitutional right to cede any land. 15 January 2026 16:11 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has publicly accused Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II of betraying Jesus Christ and the Armenian Apostolic Church, Azernews reports. Ktrich Nersisyan [Garegin II] betrayed Jesus Christ, betrayed the Holy Armenian Church, its followers and his faithful flock. He is not the Supreme Patriarch, he is an ordinary traitor who betrayed Jesus Christ, Pashinyan told journalists after a government meeting. Tensions between Armenias secular leadership and the church have intensified following the countrys political crisis after the 2020 Karabakh war. Pashinyan has repeatedly accused Garegin II and senior clerics of political interference, corruption, and undermining national unity. The Prime Minister has called for reforms within the church, demanded early elections for the position of Catholicos, and described Garegin II and his circle as followers of schism and sectarian thinking. This public confrontation highlights the growing divide between Armenias government and the influential religious institution. Tensions are high in Armenia between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government and the Armenian Apostolic Church, led by Catholicos Garegin II, stemming from post-2020 war fallout, with the government accusing the church of corruption, political interference, and hindering national unity, while the church opposes Pashinyan, leading to government calls for reforms, arrests of clergy, and societal division over the church's historical role versus modern state governance. This conflict touches on Armenia's identity, with Pashinyan pushing for secular authority and accountability, framing it as a reform movement, while critics warn it risks a deeper political crisis and undermining national identity. 15 January 2026 17:07 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said he is expecting Russia to make a decision on the restoration of sections of Armenias railway network connecting the country with Azerbaijan and Turkiye, Azernews reports. Speaking to journalists, Pashinyan noted that the issue has been discussed at multiple levels, including during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as contacts between the deputy prime ministers of the two countries. According to him, Yerevan is now awaiting an official response from Moscow. Processes are underway, and these processes imply that the work needs to be carried out as quickly as possible. We are asking our Russian partners to make a decision on this matter, Pashinyan said, stressing Armenias interest in swift progress. The prime minister recalled that Russia currently operates Armenias railway network under a concession management agreement. He added that Armenia has called on its Russian partners to restore the railway sections leading to the Azerbaijani and Turkish borders. Pashinyan also noted that if Russia is unable to carry out the restoration for any reason, Armenia would consider taking over responsibility for these sections and completing the work independently. 15 January 2026 21:45 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva The Finnish government is preparing to ban social media use for children under the age of 15, Azernews reports. According to the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat, the announcement was made on Wednesday by Finlands Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo. I am very concerned about the inactivity of children and young people. I take this issue very seriously, Orpo said. The Prime Minister emphasized that excessive screen time reduces opportunities for physical activity among children and adolescents, which can negatively impact their health. Beyond individual well-being, he noted, promoting physical activity also benefits public health and strengthens the national economy. Orpo cited a study by Finnish researchers estimating that physical inactivity costs society around 3 billion euros each year. Orpo also pointed to international examples of similar restrictions. Denmark, France, and Norway have either already implemented comparable bans or are in the process of introducing them. Research shows that limiting screen time in childhood not only improves physical health but also supports mental well-being, better sleep patterns, and academic performance. Finlands potential ban could place it at the forefront of global efforts to rethink digital habits for younger generations. 15 January 2026 22:26 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Amazon.com Inc.s Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced on Thursday the launch of the European Sovereign Cloud, an independent cloud infrastructure located entirely within the European Union (EU). The new cloud is designed to be physically and logically separate from other AWS regions, ensuring enhanced data sovereignty and compliance, Azernews reports, citing foreign media. AWS also revealed plans to expand the European Sovereign Cloud footprint from Germany across the EU, aiming to meet strict requirements for data isolation, in-country residency, and low latency. The expansion will begin with new sovereign AWS Local Zones in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Portugal. The company announced it plans to invest over 7.8 billion in the AWS European Sovereign Cloud in Germany alone, creating and supporting an estimated 2,800 full-time equivalent jobs annually. Stefan Hoechbauer, Vice President of AWS Global Sales for Germany and Central Europe, has been appointed as managing director of the AWS European Sovereign Cloud. The launch of a sovereign cloud reflects a broader trend in Europe toward data localization and digital independence, as governments and companies increasingly prioritize the security and control of sensitive information. Analysts note that such initiatives could reshape the competitive landscape of cloud services in Europe, encouraging local innovation while reducing dependence on global cloud infrastructure. IHC and U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) enter strategic agreement Will work to mobilize capital across critical minerals, energy, logistics, healthcare, food security and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Framework enables joint origination, underwriting and execution of high-impact investments Reinforces IHC's global investment reach and DFC's mandate to scale private capital deployment ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- IHC, a global investment company focused on building dynamic value networks, today announced a strategic framework with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to mobilize transformational, private-sector investment across priority sectors and high-growth markets of mutual strategic interest. The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of IHC, with Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, and Ben Black, CEO of DFC. IHC and U.S. Development Finance Corporation The agreement will enable the co-identification, underwriting and execution of investments across critical minerals and mining, energy and infrastructure, logistics and maritime operations, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, ICT and data-center connectivity, food security and advanced agriculture, and other enabling infrastructure. The collaboration will focus on projects spanning emerging and frontier markets, including opportunities aligned with major global trade and connectivity corridors. Under the framework, IHC and DFC will work closely together, supported by a senior-level joint committee, to accelerate transaction execution and deploy capital at scale. The framework is designed to align long-term commercial returns with shared strategic outcomes, while strengthening resilient supply chains and advancing high-standard investment flows between regions. The collaboration reflects the deep and enduring economic relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the United States and combines IHC's global investment reach and operational expertise with DFC's expanded balance sheet and mandate as the U.S. government's international investment arm. Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, said: "This strategic framework with DFC represents a powerful alignment of capital, capability and conviction. By combining IHC's global platform and sectoral leadership with DFC's financial expertise, we are creating a scalable mechanism to deliver transformational investments across critical industries. Together, we aim to unlock long-term value, strengthen resilient supply chains, and drive sustainable economic growth across key markets that matter to both our nations." Ben Black, CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, added: "DFC's work with IHC is a crucial step in executing President Trump's foreign policy vision and deepens the U.S.-UAE bilateral relationship. Together, IHC and DFC will focus on investments that strengthen and expand economic opportunity and advance shared U.S.UAE strategic goals all while making a return for the U.S. taxpayer. By leveraging IHC's and DFC's global reach and investment expertise, both nations will be positioned to deliver highreturn projects and promote worldclass investment standards." Through this framework, IHC and DFC will pursue opportunities that generate measurable economic impact, expand workforce capabilities, support innovation in advanced technologies, and reinforce long-term development and security objectives across partner economies. About International Holding Company (IHC): Established in 1999, IHC has become the most valuable holding company in the Middle East and one of the world's largest investment firms, with a market capitalization of AED 878.5 billion (USD 239 billion). Since then, it has transformed to represent a new generation of investors. IHC's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and economic diversification spans over 1,400 subsidiaries, driving growth across industries like Asset Management, Healthcare, Real Estate, Financial Services, IT, and more. IHC continually looks beyond the stand-alone value of its assets for opportunities, stepping outside of traditional approaches and artificial barriers to unlock opportunities across its portfolio, enabling sector-agnostic Dynamic Value Networks and creating results that are often much greater than the sum of their parts. At IHC, we take our responsibility to shareholders, customers, and employees seriously. Our commitment to responsible investment ensures that we create sustainable value by staying connected to the communities we serve, making a positive difference with every investment. www.ihcuae.com About the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC): The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), established in 2019 with bipartisan support under President Trump, is the international investment arm of the U.S. Government. DFC partners with the private sector to advance U.S. foreign policy and strengthen national security by mobilizing private capital around the world. DFC invests across strategic sectors including critical minerals, modern infrastructure, and advanced technology fostering economic development, supporting U.S. interests, and delivering returns to American taxpayers. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862646/IHC_US_Development_Finance_Corporation.jpg SOURCE IHC Garret Kavanagh has been appointed to the role of managing director for complex engineering at Openreach The director of Openreach in Northern Ireland has been appointed to a major UK-wide role with the company. Garret Kavanagh will begin a new post as managing director for complex engineering at Openreach in April. The changes will mean that Openreach Northern Ireland will move from Openreachs commercial unit to be hosted instead by complex engineering. Mr Kavanagh has led Openreach in NI for four years, after first joining BT Group in 2006. He has led the broadband infrastructure company to a landmark of full-fibre coverage for more than 90% of the region one of the highest coverage levels UK-wide. Clive Selley, chief executive of Openreach, said: Garrets been running our Northern Ireland team with distinction - so hes more than ready to step into this critical role for Openreach. "In complex engineering, Garret will focus on leading the team to finish the UK build, as we get into more complex, rural and remote areas. "He will also continue to transform and enhance our Ethernet business which provides critical connections for public and private sector customers all over the country. Garret Kavanagh has been appointed to the role of managing director for complex engineering at Openreach News Catch Up - Tuesday 13 January Mr Kavanagh, who is returning after a period of family leave which began in spring 2025, said: Im delighted to be appointed managing director for complex engineering and am very much looking forward to joining the team. "Im no stranger to full fibre build with Northern Ireland reaching the 90% milestone last year. I understand the challenges we face as our build programme moves into some of the most complex and rural parts of the UK. "Fast, reliable broadband is no longer a nice to have its essential and Im committed to ensuring that rural communities and harder to reach premises arent left behind during this once in a generation infrastructure project. The company said a new recruitment process had begun to find a new director of Northern Ireland. Lauren McGaughey, acting director of Openreach Northern Ireland It said Lauren McGaughey is to continue in the role of acting director, a position she has held since the start of Mr Kavanaghs family leave. Openreach said Andy Whale will continue in the role of chief engineer. 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? U.S. Congress expected to vote on act to curb Trump's war-making powers Xinhua) 08:16, January 15, 2026 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." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of former investors of The AZEK Company ("AZEK") who received shares in James Hardie Industries plc ("James Hardie" or "the Company") (NYSE: JHX) in connection with James Hardie's acquisition of AZEK on July 1, 2025 ("Merger").for violations of the securities laws. The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. James Hardie reported a significant sales decline in its North America Fiber Cement business on August 19, 2025, which it blamed on "normalization of channel inventories." This news caused the Company's share price to drop significantly. James Hardie may have misrepresented the strength of its North America Fiber Cement business ahead of its Merger with AZEK. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. We also encourage you to contact Brian Schall of the Schall Law Firm, 2049 Century Park East, Suite 2460, Los Angeles, CA 90067, at 310-301-3335, to discuss your rights free of charge. You can also reach us through the firm's website at www.schallfirm.com, or by email at [email protected]. The Schall Law Firm represents investors around the world and specializes in securities class action lawsuits and shareholder rights litigation. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. CONTACT: The Schall Law Firm Brian Schall, Esq. 310-301-3335 [email protected] www.schallfirm.com SOURCE The Schall Law Firm Teacher faked two pregnancies and wore false bump to school in 60,000 maternity fraud Eimear Carroll (43) lied about having two babies in quick succession and made up a husbandShe received 12,425 in maternity benefit and cost the Irish State 46,939.34 for maternity-leave coverGarda searched her Offaly home and found no evidence of babies or a husband living there Stock image: PA Eavan Murray Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 09:43 A primary school teacher faked two pregnancies and wore a fake bump to school in an extraordinary fraud that cost the Irish State nearly 60,000 (52,000), a court has heard. I was thrown against the wall: Constant assaults leading to burnout, say NI healthcare staff More than 72,000 incidents of abuse have been recorded in the last five years I was thrown against the wall - Nurse recalls attack as 72,000 attacks are reported in 5 years Liam Tunney Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 07:20 A Northern Ireland nurse has described being grabbed by the collar and thrown against the wall as she tried to de-escalate a mass brawl in an emergency department (ED) waiting room. Health minister says the figure did not show improvements since the department intervened Just 6.8% of urgent breast cancer referrals were seen within the 14-day target period Quarterly figures that revealed just over one in 20 urgent breast cancer referrals are being seen within the statutory two-week target are shocking, an MLA has said. It comes after the Department of Health (DoH) published its latest statistics on cancer waiting times, which indicated just 6.8% of urgent breast cancer referrals were being seen within the 14-day target in the three months ending September 30, 2025. Of a total 2,699 referrals seen during the quarter, just 183 were able to attend their follow-up appointment within the time period, with patients waiting a median time of 56 weeks and the longest wait some 69 days. In total, 6,194 referrals were received by NI health trusts for suspected breast cancer, with 5,309 classified as urgent. The scale of the problem facing breast cancer services is now undeniable DUP health spokesperson Diane Dodds said the system was failing. These figures are shocking. It is a clear sign that the system is failing those who need it most, she said. "Behind every one of these statistics is a woman living with fear and uncertainty while waiting for what could be a life changing diagnosis. That is unacceptable, and it is letting women and their families down. DUP health spokesperson Diane Dodds The scale of the problem facing breast cancer services is now undeniable. The number of women being referred is rising, yet capacity is not keeping pace. Staff are under huge pressure and patients are paying the price. The Health Minister must show leadership and urgency by setting out a clear plan to expand diagnostic services, reduce backlogs and ensure women are seen quickly when cancer is suspected. "Delay costs lives and early diagnosis is vital to improved prognosis, and this situation cannot be allowed to continue. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said the figures represented a period in which the system was transitioning following reform. "Todays cancer waiting time figures reflect an early stage in the transition to our new regional breast assessment service, he said. "The figures published today relate to July to September 2025, the first quarter in which all five Trusts moved onto the new regional system. This early transition period had a short-term impact on performance, including the 6.8% of urgent breast patients seen within 14 days. "That figure does not reflect the improvements that have followed, nor the reasons why change was required. Improving cancer performance remains a top priority. I recognise the anxiety that delays cause for patients and families "The 14-day breast target has never been consistently met in Northern Ireland and performance was deteriorating before the regional move. Without intervention, the service was becoming less equitable and less sustainable. The data published by the Department showed some 88% of patients began treatment within 31 days of a transition to treat, up by 0.1% from the previous quarter. Health Minister Mike Nesbitt However, the percentage of patients beginning treatment following an urgent referral from a GP fell during the reporting period, from 32.5% to 30.1%. Mr Nesbitt said there had been progress since the end of the reporting period and that the reform had addressed regional imbalance in waiting times. "Before reform, one Trust was achieving 92.9% while another was at 3.8%. That postcode lottery was not acceptable and it was not equitable, he said. "The regional model now ensures patients are offered the earliest available appointment anywhere in Northern Ireland, which is the right approach for cancer care. "No Trust could meet demand on its own. Regional working allows capacity to be pooled and investment targeted where it makes the most difference. "We are now working with NHS Scotland to implement a modern consultant-led model supported by a maximised skill mix. I have allocated 5m recurrent funding to support this work. "Improving cancer performance remains a top priority. I recognise the anxiety that delays cause for patients and families. While todays figures cover an early transitional period, the progress since then shows that reform was necessary. Just 6.8% of urgent breast cancer referrals were seen within the 14-day target period I was thrown against the wall - Nurse recalls attack as 72,000 attacks are reported in 5 years SDLP health spokesperson Colin McGrath said the waiting times were a signal that the Executive had lost focus and needed to take responsibility for the statistics. "For those patients and their families, reassurance and spin mean nothing, they need outcomes, he said. "While 88% of patients began treatment within 31 days of a decision to treat, performance against the more critical 62-day target following an urgent GP referral continues to deteriorate. "Only 30% of patients were treated within that timeframe, a fall on the previous quarter and a clear indication that early diagnosis and rapid access to care are not being delivered. Cancer care is a stated Programme for Government priority, yet these figures show it is slipping down the Executives list. The Minister is heavily focused on selling structural reform and the neighbourhood model of care, but reform without a grip on performance simply leaves patients behind. Cancer does not wait for system change to bed in. The Executive must stop pretending that everything is broadly okay and start taking responsibility for outcomes that are clearly going in the wrong direction. A fundraiser was set up to repatriate couple and their unborn baby to Phillipines The families of a couple and unborn baby killed in a car crash in Co Antrim last weekend have thanked the public for their kindness, generosity and compassion at an unimaginable time. Almost 70,000 has been raised to cover the victims repatriation. Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco, her husband Ralph Anthony Singco and their unborn daughter Kate died in the accident. They were from the Philippines. The families of the deceased, while expressing their thanks, asked that no further donations be made after their target to cover costs was reached. But by Wednesday afternoon, it had already raised more than 64,000. Husband and wife Nak Ralph Singco and Kith Qui Singco Mrs Singco and her unborn baby Kate died in an accident last Sunday, while Mr Singco was taken to hospital, dying from his injuries two days later. The couple had just celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary. Six other people sustained minor injuries in the collision involving a blue Ford Fiesta and a silver Skoda Superb, which collided on the Moira Road at around 2pm. On Wednesday a post on a GoFundMe page set up to help the family by organiser AJ Biacolo thanked people for their generosity and asked no further donations be made as they had reached their target. They said: With deeply grateful hearts, we want to thank each and every person who has supported this GoFundMewhether through donations, sharing the page, messages of comfort, or prayers. Read more Funeral details for tragic couple killed in horror crash released as fundraiser raises over 60k Your kindness, generosity, and compassion during this unimaginable time have meant more to the Singco and Quinones families than words can fully express. Because of your overwhelming support, we have now reached the goal amount needed to help bring Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco, her husband Ralph Anthony Singco, and their beloved baby home to the Philippines. In light of this, the family kindly asks that no further donations be made. At this time, the familys greatest request is for your continued prayersfor strength, peace, and healing for all who are grieving this profound loss. Please keep Cathrene, Ralph, their baby, and both families in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate the days ahead and begin the long journey toward healing. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us, for honouring the lives of Kith and Ralph, and for showing what true community and compassion look like in times of tragedy. Your support will never be forgotten. With sincere gratitude, The Singco and Quinones Family. Husband and wife Nak Ralph Singco and Kith Qui Singco News Catch Up - Tuesday 13 January Funeral details said the Requiem Mass for Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco, Ralph Anthony Singco and their unborn baby Kate will be held on Wednesday January 21. 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. Detective Inspector Stewart, from the Collision Investigation Unit, said: We are investigating what happened and require the publics assistance with our enquiries. Ralph Anthony Singco, and his wife Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco, who were killed in a road collision along with their unborn baby daughter (PNSI/PA) Police have named a man who died alongside his wife and unborn baby in a crash in Crumlin last week. Ralph Anthony Singco, aged in his 30s, was killed in the two-car collision near Nutts Corner. His pregnant wife Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco, was also killed, as was their baby daughter, whose name has been confirmed as Kate Singco. A GoFundMe has raised more than 68,000, which will help to pay for the family to be repatriated to their home country of the Philippines (PSNI/PA) A GoFundMe page set up to pay for the familys repatriation to their home country of the Philippines has raised more than 68,000. The page reads: It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Cathrene Kith Quinones Singco and her husband, Ralph Anthony Singco. 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 wellbeing of those in their care. It added: The Singco family were valued members of our community, 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. The couples unborn baby daughters name has been confirmed as Kate Singco (PSNI/PA) Detective Inspector Stewart, of the Collision Investigation Unit, said: A number of other people sustained minor injuries in the collision, which involved a blue Ford Fiesta and a silver Skoda Superb, which collided on the Moira Road at around 2pm on Sunday. Our thoughts are with the family of the couple, who have requested privacy in order to be allowed to grieve the loss of their loved ones at this very sad time. The Government publicly revealing the identity of the agent Stakeknife could help to persuade more Catholics to join the police in Northern Ireland, Jon Boutcher has told MPs. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Constable also said he did not believe the naming of the of the Armys spy within the IRA during the Troubles would hamper intelligence efforts in Russia, China or Iran. Operation Kenova, which delivered its final report in December, looked at the actions of Stakeknife, an agent in the IRAs internal security unit, who has been linked to at least 14 murders and 15 abductions. He was widely believed to be west Belfast man Freddie Scappaticci, who was 77 when he died in 2023. The final Kenova report by the PSNI into Stakeknife (Liam McBurney/PA) The Kenova report urged the UK Government to publicly reveal the identity of Stakeknife. The Government has resisted the calls, arguing that departing from its policy of neither confirm nor deny (NCND) in regard to the identity of agents would have implications for national security. Mr Boutcher, who headed the Kenova team before joining the PSNI, and its current lead officer Sir Iain Livingstone, appeared before the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Wednesday. The Chief Constable told MPs a compelling argument had been made why the Government should move beyond NCND in this instance. He said: The PSNI are going to be recruiting this week. I am desperate for this society to move forward all communities; not just the two traditional communities, all communities. If you look at any of the news outlets in Northern Ireland, a week does not pass by where theres not a mention of a legacy case. And because of our approach to this case and others the nationalist community see this as a continuation of whats always happened: protection of wrongdoing by the state. Kenova chief Sir Iain Livingstone and Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (Liam McBurney/PA) He added: To help society move forward, to help me get Catholic officers into the PSNI, we need to start making some difficult choices. And each secretary of state that Ive dealt with, and Ive dealt with a number, now get the same advice. Im just asking, please listen to other people who have some considerable experience and understanding and more accountability in policing than in the intelligence agencies. Mr Boutcher was asked if naming Stakeknife would pose any risk to current agents. He pointed to previous incidents where agents had been named and said the sky didnt fall in. He also referenced the PSNI approach during the inquest into the death of Sean Brown, a Catholic father murdered by loyalists in 1997. Mr Boutcher said police had provided a gist of intelligence information to the proceedings and that didnt mean that we lost any agents. He added: There are outside elements, international challenges that they (the Government) also have to consider. Will that have an effect? I find it hard to believe that internationally, whether its China, Russia, Iran, that people are looking at us naming the agent Stakeknife that means theyre not going to work for the security forces. But Im happy to listen to arguments to the contrary. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn previously said the Government would wait until the conclusion of a Supreme Court ruling in a separate Troubles case before making a decision on the call from Kenova for Stakeknife to be named. In December, the Government won an appeal which prevented a coroner in Northern Ireland disclosing certain sensitive material at a Troubles inquest into the death of Liam Paul Thompson in Belfast in 1994. In its judgment, the court said while it had considerable sympathy with the desire of the Mr Boutcher to be transparent, the responsibility lay with the Northern Ireland Secretary over assessing risks to national security. Sir Iain told MPs he did not see anything in the Thompson judgment which precluded Mr Benn from authorising the naming of Stakeknfe. Army bomb disposal teams have dealt with a toy gun in west Belfast. Police responded to reports of a suspected firearm being discovered in the Lenadoon area of west Belfast on Wednesday night. After inspecting the suspected firearm, officers asked for specialist assistance in the form of the army bomb disposal team. Several residents were told to remain indoors while the item, later discovered to be a toy, was made safe. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, a resident who did not want to be named said, They all showed up at the bottom of the road where the black taxis sometimes sit. The bomb vans then showed up later; the cop at the door told me it wasnt a device, but I still needed to stay inside. There were cops everywhere; they were all over the alleys around here during it. ATO attended the incident (Stock image) News Catch Up - Wednesday 7 January "They had torches out searching the place; we werent really sure what had happened. After an examination by bomb disposal teams, the object was declared to be a toy gun. The area had returned to normal shortly after midnight. The PSNI has arrested a 31-year-old after reports of a masked republican gunman firing shots in Londonderry. Councillors from the city have also condemned the scenes as disgraceful. Images show three armed men wearing black clothing displaying the flag of Oglaigh na hEireann. A video shows one man kneeling down before firing a volley of shots into the air. Police said they investigating a report that gunshots were fired in the Tullymore Road area of Derry. As a line of enquiry into the report made shortly before 11pm on Sunday 11 January, detectives from the PSNIs Serious Crime Branch made an arrest and seized a vehicle on Tuesday 13 January. "A 31-year-old man was arrested following a search of a property in the Claudy area and subsequently released on bail to allow for further police enquiries to be conducted, the PSNI said. Police continue to conduct reassurance patrols of the area and, as part of the police investigation, enquiries also include vehicle check points, house-to-house enquiries and checking CCTV. Today, separately, Thursday 15 January, police received a report of a video circulating of shots being fired, and are making enquiries in relation to this to establish if it is linked to the report made on Sunday 11 January. SDLP Waterside councillor Sean Mooney criticised the incident which he said happened in the Currynierin area. Mr Mooney said: These were disgraceful scenes that have no place in our communities. They hark back to our dark past and the people of the Currynierin area do not want to see this kind of incident on their doorsteps. Footage of masked gunmen firing shots has understandably caused fear and concern across the area and the wider city. Those involved have nothing to offer our community and will not be allowed to intimidate people who are simply trying to get on with their lives. The presence of a firearm is deeply worrying and it is vital that it is taken off our streets before anyone is seriously hurt. I would urge anyone with information to come forward to the police so those responsible can be held accountable. Local Sinn Fen councillor Christopher Jackson said the armed men are criminals masquerading as republicans. He added: They have nothing to offer the people of this area but fear and intimidation and should get off the backs of the local community. I have been inundated with concerns from local residents who are angered because these people in no way reflect them or their estate. What is even more frustrating is the fact that the counciI is on the verge of securing significant new investment in Currynierin to improve the lives of the people who live there. We wont allow those with a destructive agenda to derail that work but it also underlines the stark contrast between those who want Currynierin to thrive and those who want to drag it back to the past. Police appeal to anyone with information, or who may have relevant footage, to contact them on 101, quoting reference 1489 of 11/01/26 or reference 191 of 15/01/26. Information can also be provided online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org 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. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jumex, the beloved brand known for bringing real fruit beverages to millions of households, announces its first expansion beyond beverages with the launch of Jumex GoMix gummies. This new chewy candy line marks a bold evolution for the brand, extending its trusted heritage of quality, flavor, and authenticity into the confectionery category. Jumex GoMix gummies are now available at select Albertsons stores in West Texas and New Mexico, with additional availability coming soon to select Walmart locations and online at jumexus.com. Available in two irresistible versions the Original Mix and the Spicy Original Mix GoMix brings Jumexs fruit heritage and signature flavor craftsmanship to the snack aisle in a bold new way. Crafted with real fruit juice, natural flavors and colors, and no high fructose corn syrup, Jumex GoMix gummies deliver a vibrant and authentic fruit experience inspired by the flavors that made Jumex famous Mango, Strawberry, Peach, and Guava. Available in two irresistible versions the Original Mix and the Spicy Original Mix GoMix brings Jumex's fruit heritage and signature flavor craftsmanship to the snack aisle in a bold new way. The Original Mix captures the juicy, natural sweetness of Jumex's iconic nectars, while the Spicy Original Mix offers a sweet and spicy twist dusted with cayenne pepper for a uniquely Mexican-inspired flavor experience. "With Jumex GoMix, we're bringing the essence of our brand real fruit, real flavor, and real joy into an entirely new space," said Carlos Madrazo, Country Manager, Jumex USA. "Consumers know and trust Jumex for its quality and authenticity. GoMix is our way of celebrating those same values in a fun, modern format that connects with both new and longtime fans of the brand." About Jumex Founded in 1961, Grupo Jumex is a leading Mexican beverage company recognized for its iconic "little blue can" and a broad portfolio of fruit nectars, juices, and innovative beverages. From its roots as a family-owned business, Jumex has grown into an international brand with operations in Mexico, the United States, and global markets. With the recent expansion of Jumex USA, the company continues to evolve through new product development, category innovation, and its mission to share the richness of fruit with the world. For more information, visit https://jumexus.com. Media Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Grupo Jumex Enoch Burke arrives outside Wilsons Hospital School in Co Westmeath in defiance of a court order (Brian Lawless/PA) Enoch Burke has appeared at the gates of Wilsons Hospital School the day after he was released from Mountjoy Prison. On Wednesday, a High Court judge said he should be released to prepare for a case launched against an appeals body due to review his dismissal from the Westmeath school. Speaking to journalists, supporters and protesters gathered outside the school on Thursday, Mr Burke said: Im coming here to do a days work, thats what Ive always done. I should never have been in prison in the first place, this is my work place, this is where I teach. Enoch Burke was prevented from entering the school grounds (Brian Lawless/PA) In the High Court on Thursday morning Rosemary Mallon, the schools barrister, said he had passed the gates of the school. She said there were quite a number of protesters with placards and flags and some of them had also trespassed. Ms Mallon said the schools private security guard was in attendance and the Gardai had also turned up. She asked for a hearing on Thursday afternoon, where the possibility of Mr Burke returning to prison will be discussed. 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. The judge had 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 and as he walked out of Mountjoy Prison on Wednesday. He repeated his comments again at the school gates on Thursday and in a tirade against the Irish judicial system and media he accused the judges in this country of telling lies. He said his case was an insult from beginning to end to the institutions of our State and a disgrace. He said he was brought to court because he simply could not address a pupil using the pronoun they, saying it was anti Christian, but as well as that, it is nonsense. RTE hands back 52,000 painting by Belfast artist to Dublin gallery after ownership claimed Legal firm acting on gallerys behalf sent broadcaster an affidavit that outlined the history of the paintings ownership and how it ended up at its Montrose campus The 'Kitchen Interior with Seated Woman' artwork by Gerard Dillon. Image: RTE John Burns Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 19:36 RTE has handed back a painting by a Belfast artist worth 60,000 (52,000) to a gallery in Dublin that claimed ownership of it. Robert Jenricks dismissal from the Tories and switch to Reform UK caps a dramatic political reinvention for the man once derided as the centrist Robert Generic. Less than four years ago, he was installed by Rishi Sunak as immigration minister in what was widely seen as an attempt to moderate the instincts of then-home secretary Suella Braverman. The intervening time has seen him adopt an aggressive, social media-friendly style, becoming a Conservative firebrand still talked of as a potential replacement for Kemi Badenoch. But his chances of leading the Tories suffered a fatal blow on Thursday, as he was sacked as shadow justice secretary and suspended from the party, accused of preparing to defect to Reform. When he later joined Nigel Farage at a press conference to confirm he was joining his party, Mr Jenrick insisted that he was resolved to leave the Conservatives before being given the boot but that I didnt know I was going to leave today. It ends a shadow frontbench tenure lasting little more than a year and marked by both eye-catching campaigns and controversy. Robert Jenrick came second to Kemi Badenoch in the 2024 Tory leadership race but speculation he planned to replace her continued (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Appointed after coming second to Mrs Badenoch in November 2024, he embraced social media, using viral videos to boost his messages on crime, immigration and activist judges. Those videos also brought criticism. One, in which he challenged fare-dodgers on the Tube, brought a rebuke for failing to get permission to film on the London Underground. And his appearance at last years Tory conference was overshadowed by racism accusations after the leak of a recording in which he complained that, while filming a video in Handsworth, Birmingham, he had not seen another white face. His response was typically unapologetic, telling the BBC he would not shy away from these issues of immigration and integration. That style saw him become something of a problem for Mrs Badenoch, who consistently faced questions about whether he was plotting to depose her or quit the party for Reform. And in April, she had to reject suggestions that the Conservatives could form an electoral pact with Reform after another leaked recording in which Mr Jenrick suggested creating a coalition to fight Labour though his allies later said he had been talking about voters and not parties. Once seen as a centrist, Robert Jenrick came to Parliament after seeing off a strong challenge from Ukip at the 2014 Newark by-election (Lynne Cameron/PA) Born in Wolverhampton to working class parents his father was a gas fitter who set up his own business and his mother a secretary Robert Jenrick was nevertheless privately educated. His fees at Wolverhampton Grammar School were paid for by his grandmother with the help of a life insurance payout following the death of his grandfather. The first in his family to go to university, he won a place to read history at Cambridge before going on to qualify as a lawyer, although friends said his heart always lay in politics. He stood unsuccessfully in the 2010 general election, before finally achieving his dream of becoming an MP in a by-election in Newark in 2014, fending off a strong challenge from Ukip. He first came to prominence when, as a junior Treasury minister, he joined Mr Sunak and fellow centrist Oliver Dowden in calling on Mr Johnson to stand for the leadership in the wake of Theresa Mays resignation in 2019. His reward for his early support for the new prime minister was a big step up to the Cabinet, becoming communities secretary at the age of just 37. Boris Johnson appointed Robert Jenrick as communities secretary in 2019, but eventually sacked him after a string of controversies (Lynne Cameron/PA) Within months he was embroiled in a political firestorm after he overruled a government planning inspector and approved an application by billionaire Tory donor Richard Desmond to build a 1 billion luxury housing development on the Westferry printworks site on the Isle of Dogs in east London. He subsequently had to admit the decision was unlawful after it emerged Mr Desmond had approached him over the scheme when they were sitting together at a Tory fundraising dinner, even showing him a promotional video on his mobile phone. In the event, Mr Jenrick issued his approval 24 hours before the levy was due to kick in, saving the tycoon more than 40 million. Shortly afterwards, Mr Desmond donated 12,000 to the Conservatives. The disclosures prompted furious demands for Mr Jenricks resignation, but Mr Johnson stood by him. Other controversies followed, including over the award of a 25 million government grant to his own constituency from a scheme for left behind areas, and claims he had ignored Covid lockdown regulations. The final straw, however, came when his proposals to ease the planning laws to speed up the rate of house building had to be abandoned to stave off a revolt by angry Tory MPs. By now, Mr Johnson had had enough and in September 2021 Mr Jenrick was sacked in a Cabinet reshuffle. At that point his future prospects appeared bleak. Robert Jenrick reinvented himself as an anti-immigration, anti-woke campaigner taking on activist judges (Peter Byrne/PA) The arrival of Liz Truss in No 10 the following year, however, offered the start of a way back with his appointment as minister of state for health. When she was succeeded in short order by his old ally Mr Sunak, he was given the key post of immigration minister. While the intention behind this may have been to keep Ms Braverman in check, he was soon echoing her hardline rhetoric, warning that uncontrolled migration was threatening to cannibalise public compassion. After Ms Braverman was sacked, and with the Tories showing no sign of recovery in the polls, Mr Jenrick finally turned decisively on Mr Sunak, quitting in December 2023 and dealing a further blow to his premiership. Mr Jenricks supporters say his spell at the Home Office radicalised him in favour of a heavy reduction in immigration and against the European Convention on Human Rights. Others, however, remain unconvinced, seeing instead an ambitious politician prepared to say whatever it takes to reach the top of the greasy pole. When Mr Farage faced questions of whether he could trust the new recruit to his front line team, Mr Jenrick said he had put aside his own personal ambition to join Reform. He accused the Conservative Party of failing to own up to the impact it has had on the country as he set out reasons for his defection, and said as a Tory minister he had been let down by Mr Johnson and Mr Sunak. He said: The party hasnt changed and it wont. The bulk of the party dont get it. Dont have the stomach for the radical change this country needs. The UK has sent a military officer to Greenland as Denmark steps up its military presence in the Arctic and High North, amid repeated calls by Donald Trump for the US to assume control of the territory. Denmarks defence minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, said on Wednesday an upcoming joint operation would involve several allied countries, warning that no one can predict what will happen tomorrow. Downing Street confirmed one UK military officer had been sent at Denmarks request to join a reconnaissance group ahead of a planned Arctic Endurance exercise, but denied it amounted to a deployment. We share President Trumps concern about the security of the High North. And you see this as part of Nato and JEF nations stepping up to reinforce security in the High North, a spokesperson said. US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Suzanne Plunkett/PA) Stepping up with stronger exercising, to deter the Russian aggression and the Chinese activity. Asked about the move later on Thursday, a No 10 official insisted the visit was a routine part of military planning ahead of a Danish-led exercise. We regularly join our allies on their recces, he said, adding: This is not a deployment of troops, its a military recce ahead of future Danish-led exercises. Germany, Sweden, Norway, and France confirmed they would send personnel to the joint mission, which aims to map out further cooperation to bolster regional security and strengthen our ability to operate in the area, Denmarks Ministry of Defence said in a statement. Renewed security concerns come amid fresh pressure from Mr Trump, who has long insisted that the US must take over Greenland to prevent Russia or China from gaining control of the territory. His 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. Since the US began openly discussing the annexation of Greenland at the start of 2026, the UK has stepped up discussions on Arctic security, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer raising the issue in calls last week with Mr Trump, the Danish prime minister and the Nato secretary-general. Rasmus Jarlov, the chair of Denmarks defence committee, told the BBC that support from European allies meant the world. We are very grateful for the support, also from the UK, from Keir Starmer, who has been very crystal clear as well that they support us in this, he said. That means the world to us, because Denmark alone against the United States, thats a tough battle, so we really need the help and the backing of allies, so sending some troops up there is a very good signal. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Wednesday his country had agreed to join the joint military operation. At the request of Denmark, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organised by Denmark in Greenland, Operation Arctic Endurance, he said in a post on X. The first French military elements are already on their way. Others will follow. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged to step up Arctic security during her tour of Scandinavia. 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. 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. Danish officials agreed to create a working group during a Wednesday meeting in Washington with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio, despite a fundamental disagreement over a proposed American takeover of the territory. Robert Jenrick is one of many Tory MPs who have defected to Reform UK (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Robert Jenrick has become the latest Tory MP to defect to Reform UK, making a scathing attack on his former party as he did so. Accusing the Conservatives of lacking stomach for the radical change this country needs, the ex-shadow justice secretary is perhaps the most senior figure in the party to jump ship. Here, the Press Association looks at some of the biggest names to defect from the Conservatives to Nigel Farages outfit. Robert Jenrick The Newark MP, who served as immigration minister in Rishi Sunaks government, blasted the party he has been a member of for nearly 30 years as he defected to Reform UK on Thursday. He won his seat in a 2013 by-election after sitting Conservative MP Patrick Mercer resigned following a scandal over paid advocacy. Announcing his move at a Westminster press conference, Mr Jenrick said: I cant kid myself any more. The (Conservative) party hasnt changed and it wont. Nadhim Zahawi Nadhim Zahawi announced he had joined the party on Monday (Lucy North/PA) The former Conservative chancellor, who led the Conservative governments vaccine programme in the early days of the pandemic, joined Reform UK on Monday. An ex-MP and minister, Mr Zahawi was sacked as Conservative Party chairman in 2023 after he was found to have breached the ministerial code over his tax affairs, later confirming he paid a nearly 5 million penalty to HMRC to settle the issue. In a video message announcing his defection, he said Britain is drinking at the last chance saloon and really does need Nigel Farage as prime minister. Malcolm Offord Malcolm Offord is the leader of Reform UK Scotland (Andrew Milligan/PA) Reform UK gained its first member of the House of Lords when former Lord Malcolm Offord defected from the Tories in December. But he quit the upper chamber on Thursday as he was named the new leader of the party in Scotland. Mr Offord said he will be campaigning hard between now and the forthcoming Holyrood elections in May. He said: We (Reform UK) represent ordinary, decent, hard-working Scots who are fed up with mid-table mediocrity in Holyrood. Which is why we will be fielding Reform candidates in all 73 constituencies with one sole objective to get Scotland back to the top of the table. Danny Kruger Danny Kruger joined Nigel Farages outfit in September (Stefan Rousseau/PA) In September, Danny Kruger became the first sitting Conservative MP to defect to Mr Farages party. The East Wiltshire MP was a member of Kemi Badenochs shadow front bench when he jumped ship. He condemned his former party as over when he left, adding: We have had a year of stasis and drift and the sham unity that comes from not doing anything bold or difficult or controversial and the result is in the polls. And those voters arent coming back, and every day, more and more people are joining them in deserting the party that has failed. Nadine Dorries Nadine Dorries declared her former party dead when she defected (Jacob King/PA) The former Conservative culture secretary declared her former party dead when she defected to Reform UK. Announcing her decision in September, she said: My decision to leave the party Ive served for more than 30 years is possibly the most difficult Ive ever had to make, and it has taken me 12 agonising months to reach. Before her election to Parliament as MP for Mid Bedfordshire in 2005, she worked for three years as an adviser to the former shadow home secretary and shadow chancellor Oliver Letwin. Ms Dorries was thrust into the limelight in 2012 when she was suspended from the Conservative Party for appearing on Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! without informing the chief whip first. However, she was readmitted to the party in May 2013. A staunch loyalist to then-prime minister Boris Johnson, Ms Dorries was promoted to secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport in September 2021. She stepped down as an MP in 2023 after 18 years in the House of Commons. Lee Anderson Lee Anderson is the partys chief whip (Jacob King/PA) Lee Anderson jumped ship to Reform UK, becoming the partys first MP, after he lost the Conservative whip in February 2024. He had made widely criticised remarks about Sir Sadiq Khan, claiming Islamists had got control of the mayor and London. The Ashfield MP was made Reform UK chief whip after he won the seat he had held for the Conservatives since 2019 for the party in 2024. He slammed the Tories for stifling free speech as he left to join Mr Farages party. And when I find myself suspended for speaking my mind and, by the way, speaking up on behalf of millions of people up and down the country who agree with me that for me is unpalatable, he said. Its a shocker, if Im honest. Dame Andrea Jenkyns Dame Andrea Jenkyns, the Reform UK mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, left the Tory party in November 2024. She had served as Conservative MP for Morley and Outwood in West Yorkshire from 2015 until the 2024 general election, when the constituency was abolished. Appointed assistant whip under the Johnson administration in September 2021, she was made a Department for Education minister in July 2022. When she made the move, she said the Tory party had become tired. An ailing astronaut has returned to Earth with three others, ending their space station mission more than a month early in Nasas first medical evacuation. SpaceX guided the capsule to a middle-of-the-night splashdown in the Pacific near San Diego, less than 11 hours after the astronauts left the International Space Station. Their first stop was a hospital for an overnight stay. Obviously, we took this action because it was a serious medical condition, Nasas new administrator Jared Isaacman said after the landing. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The astronaut in question is fine right now, in good spirits and going through the proper medical checks. It was an unexpected finish to a mission that began in August and left the orbiting lab with only one American and two Russians on board. Nasa and SpaceX said they would try to move up the launch of a fresh crew of four, with liftoff currently targeted for mid-February. Nasas Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke were joined on the return by Japans Kimiya Yui and Russias Oleg Platonov. Officials have refused to identify the astronaut who developed the health problem last week or explain what happened, citing medical privacy. While the astronaut was stable in orbit, Nasa wanted them back on Earth as soon as possible to receive proper care and diagnostic testing. The entry and splashdown required no special changes or accommodations, officials said, and the recovery ship had its usual allotment of medical experts on board. The astronauts emerged from the capsule within an hour of splashdown. They were helped on to reclining cots and taken for standard medical checks, waving to the cameras. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content Mr Isaacman monitored the action from Mission Control in Houston, along with the crews families. Nasa decided a few days ago to take the entire crew straight to a San Diego-area hospital after splashdown and even practised helicopter runs there from the recovery ship. The astronaut in question will receive in-depth medical checks before flying with the rest of the crew back to Houston on Friday, assuming everyone is well enough. Mr Platonovs return to Moscow was unclear. Nasa stressed over the past week that this was not an emergency. The astronaut fell sick or was injured on January 7, prompting Nasa to call off the next days spacewalk by Ms Cardman and Mr Fincke, and ultimately resulting in the early return. It was the first time Nasa had cut short a spaceflight for medical reasons. The Russians did so decades ago. The SpaceX Dragon craft departed from the International Space Station on Wednesday (Nasa/AP) Spacewalk preparations did not lead to the medical situation, Mr Isaacman said, but for anything else, it would be very premature to draw any conclusions or close any doors at this point. It is unknown whether the same thing could have happened on Earth, he added. The space station has got by with three astronauts before, sometimes even with just two. Nasa said it will be unable to perform a spacewalk, even for an emergency, until the arrival of the next crew, which has two Americans, one French and one Russian. Mr Isaacman said it is too soon to know whether the launch of station reinforcements will take priority over the agencys first moonshot with astronauts in more than half a century. The moon rocket moves to the pad this weekend at Floridas Kennedy Space Centre, with a fuelling test to be conducted by early next month. Until all that is completed, a launch date cannot be confirmed. The earliest the moon mission could take off is February 6. For now, Nasa is working in parallel on both missions, with limited overlap of personnel, according to Mr Isaacman. If it comes down to a point in time to where we have to deconflict between two human spaceflight missions, that is a very good problem to have at Nasa, he told reporters. Troops from several European countries have continued to arrive in Greenland in a show of support for Denmark as talks among representatives of Denmark, Greenland and the US highlighted fundamental disagreement over the future of the Arctic island. The disagreement came into starker focus on Thursday, with the White House describing plans for more talks with officials from Denmark and Greenland as technical talks on the acquisition agreement for the US to acquire Greenland. That was a far cry from the way Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described it as a working group that would discuss ways to work through differences between the nations. A German air force transport plane at Wunstorf Air Base in Hanover (Moritz Frankenberg/dpa/AP) 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, he said on Wednesday after the meeting. Before the talks began on Wednesday, Denmark announced it would increase its military presence in Greenland. Several European partners including France, Germany, the UK, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands started sending symbolic numbers of troops or promised to do so in the following days. The troop movements were intended to portray unity among Europeans and send a signal to President Donald Trump that an American takeover of Greenland is not necessary as Nato together can safeguard the security of the Arctic region amid rising Russian and Chinese interest. The European troops did little to dissuade Mr Trump. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that it had no impact on the US presidents decision-making or goal of acquiring Greenland. The president has made his priority quite clear, that he wants the United States to acquire Greenland. He thinks its in our best national security to do that, she said. Mr Rasmussen, flanked by his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt, said on Wednesday that a fundamental disagreement over Greenland remained after they met at the White House with vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio. Greenland foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen arrive on Capitol Hill in Washington (J Scott Applewhite/AP) Mr Rasmussen said it remains clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland but dialogue with the US would continue at a high level over the following weeks. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that the first French military elements are already en route and others will follow, as French authorities said about 15 soldiers from the mountain infantry unit were already in Nuuk for a military exercise. Germany will deploy a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel to Greenland on Thursday, the Defence Ministry said. On Thursday, Danish defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the intention was to establish a more permanent military presence with a larger Danish contribution, according to Danish broadcaster DR. He said soldiers from several Nato countries will be in Greenland on a rotation system. Inhabitants of Greenland and Denmark reacted with anxiety but also some relief that negotiations with the US would go on and European support was becoming visible. Several people said they viewed Denmarks decision to send more troops, and promises of support from other Nato allies, as protection against possible US military action, but European military officials have not suggested the goal is to deter a US move against the island. Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the continuation of dialogue and diplomacy, adding: Greenland is not for sale. Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed from the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States. Denmarks foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen ahead of his meeting with JD Vance and Marco Rubio (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix/AP) On Wednesday, Mr Poulsen had announced a stepped-up military presence in the Arctic in close co-operation with our allies, calling it a necessity 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, he said. Denmark informed Nato that it will be conducting exercises in Greenland, and the alliances supreme allied commander Alexus Grynkewich spoke on Thursday with Denmarks chief of defence, Colonel Martin ODonnell, a spokesperson for Mr Grynkewich told the AP. He said such dialogue is typical and added that we all agree the Arctic including Greenland is important for transatlantic security. The Danish exercises and deployment of additional troops bolster our collective defences there, Col ODonnell said. The Russian embassy in Brussels on Thursday lambasted the Wests bellicose plans in response to phantom threats that they generate themselves. It said the planned military actions were part of an anti-Russian and anti-Chinese agenda by Nato. Russia has consistently maintained that the Arctic should remain a territory of peace, dialogue and equal co-operation, the embassy added. Mr Rasmussen announced the creation of a working group with the Americans to discuss ways to work through differences. 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, he said. Mr Poulsen said the group was better than no working group and a step in the right direction, but added that the dialogue with the US did not mean the danger has passed. The Greenland capital of Nuuk (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) We are really happy that action is being taken to make sure that this discussion is not just ended with that meeting alone, Greenlandic MP Aki-Matilda Hoegh-Dam said on Thursday during a news conference in Copenhagen. She said Greenlandic people understood they were at a pivotal point in a broader transformation of the international rules-based order and felt responsible not just for themselves but also for the whole world to get it right. Speaking on Wednesday after the White House talks, Mr Rasmussen rejected both a military takeover and the potential purchase of the island by the US. Asked whether he thought the US would invade, he replied: No, at least I do not hope so, because, I mean, that would be the end of Nato. He added that Greenlanders were unlikely to vote for US rule even if financial incentives were offered, because I think theres no way that US will pay for a Scandinavian welfare system in Greenland. Mr Trump told reporters: Well see how it all works out. I think something will work out. $800K Contract Supports Next Generation Chip Enabling Intelligent, Resilient, Software-Defined Defense Systems KISTA, Sweden, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sivers Semiconductors AB (STO: SIVE), a global leader in photonics and wireless technologies, today announced it has won an $800K development contract from a leading U.S. defense contractor. Under the agreement, Sivers Semiconductors will apply its industry-leading mmWave beamformers, to support emerging U.S. tactical communications programs. This collaboration represents a strategically significant entry into high-value applications, highlighting the defense sector's accelerating adoption of commercial semiconductor technologies. "Defense programs are increasingly emphasizing intelligent, software-defined architectures, particularly as attritable platforms including drones, become central to modern defense strategies," said Harish Krishnaswamy, Managing Director of the Wireless Business at Sivers Semiconductors. "Our proven mmWave technology enables defense contractors to deliver innovative solutions that reduce program risk, solution size and weight while accelerating time to deployment." For more information, please visit https://www.sivers-semiconductors.com/. About Sivers Semiconductors Sivers Semiconductors is a critical enabler of a greener data economy with energy efcient photonics & wireless solutions. Our differentiated high precision laser and RF beamformer technologies help our customers in key markets such as AI Datacenters, SATCOM, Defense and Telecom solve essential performance challenges while enabling a much greener footprint. For additional information, please visit us at: www.sivers-semiconductors.com. (SIVE.ST) Media Contact Tyler Weiland Shelton Group +1-972-571-7834 [email protected] Company Contact Heine Thorsgaard CFO and Head of Investors Relations [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/sivers-semiconductors/r/leading-us-defense-contractor-awards-strategic-development-contract-to-sivers-semiconductors,c4292737 SOURCE Sivers Semiconductors 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. The annual community food drive with a twist is organized by UNICO of Pittsfield, which is asking Berkshire residents to donate non-perishable foods that can be eaten from a bowl to a number of community partners serving as drop-off locations. The Florida Campaign, published by Frequency99, returns to the public domain origins of science fiction's most famous man out of time OCALA, Fla., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What if Anthony Rogers never left Earth? Philip Francis Nowlan's 1928 novella Armageddon 2419 A.D. now in the public domain, introduced a WWI veteran who awakens five centuries later to find America conquered by the Han Empire. That story launched the character who became Buck Rogers, one of science fiction's most enduring icons. But Nowlan quickly sent his hero into space, trading occupied forests for asteroid belts and Martian adventures. New Military Sci-Fi Series Reimagines 1928 Classic Buck Rogers New Military Sci-Fi Series Reimagines 1928 Classic Buck Rogers Author David Edward asked a different question: What if Rogers stayed to fight? The protagonist's famous nickname has been changed from Buck to Rock, a deliberate choice respecting existing trademarks while grounding the character in Edward's grittier reimagining. As the series opens, Rogers earns the new name the hard way: by becoming the foundation others build on when everything falls apart. Rock Rogers in the 25th Century: The Florida Campaign is a ten-book military science fiction series built on Nowlan's public domain foundation. It returns to the original vision of forest guerrillas with jury-rigged technology waging asymmetric warfare against an overwhelming empire. No space opera. No interplanetary detours. Just the brutal, tactical reality of resistance and liberation. "Nowlan gave us something extraordinary in 1928," says Edward. "A premise with real tactical thinking, real stakes, real moral weight. I wanted to explore what that premise actually costs, in lives, in moral compromise, in the slow grinding work of building something worth fighting for." The series follows Commander Wilma Deering's expedition into Kane's territory, where ancient technology and twisted lieutenants guard secrets that could reshape the war. Ten interconnected stories track one military operation from planning to devastating consequences, featuring tactical realism, a complete character arc for Wilma Deering as commander rather than sidekick, and enemies whose virtues have curdled into vice. Edward's series joins a tradition of authors reimagining public domain works, bringing fresh perspectives to stories that belong to everyone. The Florida Campaign is both an homage to Nowlan's original creation and a conversation with it, asking what classic pulp looks like with modern storytelling and the moral weight that war stories demand. Rock Rogers in the 25th Century: The Florida Campaign is available now on Kindle. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GD554NNC https://frequency99.com Media Contact: David Edward, Ocala, Florida, [email protected], 970.646.5865 SOURCE Frequency99, INC. Stay up to date on Berkshires news with Berkshires in Brief, our free daily newsletter NORTH ADAMS Two North Adams officials have been selected by the Citizens' Housing and Planning Association as part of the first group of Housing Leadership Fellows. The current statewide cohort of 33 fellows, accepted from a pool of 145 applicants, is the first for the program. Virginia Riehl, a North Adams planning board member, and Lillian Zavatsky, a freshman North Adams city councilor, will represent Berkshire County in the group. The six-month educational program will culminate in each fellow developing a proposed housing project. "This is going to create value," Riehl said of the program designed to give officials a better understanding of Massachusetts' housing landscape. The Citizens' Housing and Planning Association is a nonprofit working to preserve housing stock and encourage more production for low to moderate-income families. The organization accomplishes this through lobbying efforts and programs, such as the Massachusetts Housing Leadership Academy. "We heard countless times that local officials often want to create more housing options that meet the diverse needs of their communities, but dont know where to start," said Jenna Connolly, the director of communications and events for the association. Zavatsky and Riehl who are founding members of the North Adams Community Housing Organization will meet once a month on Zoom with other fellows to discuss topics like what are the causes of the housing crisis, how to navigate zoning laws and how to finance affordable housing projects. These meetings are facilitated by experts in their respective niche of building and maintaining housing. The first Zoom session had presentations from university researchers studying the ways Massachusetts municipalities conduct zoning board meetings. On top of the entire cohort meeting monthly, the program also has regional breakout groups that will meet monthly as well, Riehl said, something she is looking forward to. "The people who will be in our cohort will be people who are more toward the western side of the state and who have more common problems as a result," Riehl said. At the end of the program, each fellow will find a housing-related problem in their town, identify a possible initiative or solution and then plan how to implement that solution. While Riehl and Zavatsky are not yet ready to commit to a final project, they said they are eager to learn more and connect with like-minded municipal officials. "Just being able to meet other people, and see how are they using this knowledge in their own communities, and that they already have used some of this knowledge in their own communities is really fascinating," Zavatsky said. LENOX As tributes continue to pour in following Shakespeare & Companys co-founder and longtime artistic director Tina Packers death at 87 last weekend, its obvious that her impact on cultural life in the Berkshires, especially the vibrant theatrical scene, cannot be overstated. Shakespeare & Company co-founder remembered as a mentor, an educator and 'an actor's director' Tina Packer, co-founder of Shakespeare & Company, died on Friday, having worked until the day before. Her life will be celebrated at a "star-studded," all-day event on the campus May 31. She was indefatigable. She put true meaning into that word, said Allyn Burrows, the artistic director of the theater company since 2016. The world was her stage. She was always thinking globally. Packer, a strong-willed, mischievous and fierce force of nature, always struck me as a character right out of one of William Shakespeares plays. She had directed nearly all of them and acted in eight notably Antony and Cleopatra in 2007, considered by Burrows as her most memorable role. Her inspirational impact on young actors, directors and future theater company leaders is a legacy well worth celebrating, as it surely will be on May 31 at a special event on the theater companys Kemble Street campus. Burrows told me he had known Packer since 1988 and had done several shows with her when the troupe was based at The Mount and also on the current campus. During his previous stint as artistic director of the Actors Shakespeare Project in Boston, he had hired her to direct several productions. We worked together on both sides of the stage throughout the years, said Burrows. Kate Maguire, the artistic director and CEO of the Berkshire Theatre Group, was a Boston-area actor 40 years ago and worked with Packer, then artistic director of the short-lived Boston Shakespeare Company. After it merged into the Lenox company, Packer introduced Maguire to the Berkshires. It was a big deal and changed my life, Maguire recalled. In 1995, Maguire became artistic director of the Stockbridge-based Berkshire Theatre Festival, which merged with Pittsfields Colonial Theater in 2010. As I grew our own company at Berkshire Theatre Group, I had learned about taking responsibility for an organization, about loyalty, said Maguire. She listed numerous young people, including her daughter Isadora Wolfe, a dance-theater artist and director, who were inspired by Packers early hillside productions at The Mount, where Shakespeare and Company was based from 1978 until 2000. It was enchantment that I observed on the hillside, Maguire remembered, among many children who have gone onto wonderful careers. Maguire described Packer as fiercely loyal to her ideas and notions of what theater was in the world. Whether you agreed or not with the practices that she put in place, you cant discount her commitment to that training process. She informed my performance and how I teach as well, for sure. There are teachers all over the country who follow her thoughts and ideas about ways to teach and to speak the language. Maguire also commented that the state of theater today is very fragile, more fragile than Ive seen in my life, not only economically but facing living in America right now, where our government doesnt necessarily value the arts or the freedoms the arts should have. To have been inspired by Tina and her fierce determination to keep going was really important for me. With what were up against now, that kind of fierceness is absolutely necessary for those who want to survive in the theater or in the arts. Elizabeth Aspenlieder, the longtime actor and now director of community relations for the company, had been living and working in Toronto when she joined the troupe 30 years ago as one of Packers proteges and confidantes. She was a dynamo, a titan, a lioness, Aspenlieder said. When she was talking to you, you were the most important thing, and I felt heard, included and supported. Everybody felt like they had a unique and very special relationship with her, and they did. She had met Packer three years earlier at a workshop on Shakespeares texts. It really sparked a fire in me, she recalled. A year later, Aspenlieder attended the annual midwinter acting intensive and by 1995 was cast in Much Ado About Nothing. I fell in love with Shakespeare & Company, joined the circus, left my country, left my family, and left everything, she said. The stars aligned, and I knew I had to be here with this extraordinary group of artists. Were here for the love of storytelling and the transformation this work can do. Packers legacy is certain to loom large as the theater company she founded, recently emerging from debt and achieving financial stability, remains a bedrock of the Berkshires always-evolving cultural scene. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close President Donald Trump speaks to reporters on Jan. 13 before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. Medhavi Skills University inks MoU with NephroPlus to strengthen work-integrated healthcare education January 15, 2026 | Thursday | News Blending MSUs academic framework with NephroPluss domain expertise Medhavi Skills University (Sikkim), a pioneer in industry-led skill-based higher education, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NephroPlus, Indias largest dialysis network operating more than 500 dialysis centres across the country and internationally in Nepal, the Philippines, Uzbekistan and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This collaboration marks a significant step in bridging the gap between healthcare education and real-world industry requirements. The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Kamal Shah, Co-Founder, NephroPlus, along with Vishal Asam and Balkrishna from the NephroPlus team. Representing MSU were Devender Kumar Saini, Group Chief Strategy Officer, who formalised the partnership on behalf of the varsity and Shradha Pranay Trivedi, Sr. General Manager - Corporate Solutions. The collaboration aims to jointly deliver Work Integrated Skill-Based Higher Education (WISE) programmes aligned with the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF), and NEP 2020. Through this partnership, MSU and NephroPlus are offering UG Diploma in Dialysis Technology and B.Voc in Dialysis Technology programmes. As part of the partnership, both institutions will jointly develop an industry-integrated curriculum that blends MSUs academic framework with NephroPluss domain expertise, ensuring that students receive strong academic grounding along with practical competencies. Students will undertake extensive on-the-job training at NephroPlus centres across India under their recognised learning brand Enpedia powered by NephroPlus, enabling immersive, real-world learning experiences. To further support learners, NephroPlus will provide stipends and provide assured career progression and opportunities for the meritorious student-trainees. The organisation will also hold priority for recruitment of trained students, strengthening the employability outcomes of the programmes. Additionally, students will benefit from MSUs digital learning infrastructure, including access to the Universitys LMS, digital resources, and continuous academic monitoring. LONDON, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Applaud today released its 2026 State of HR Service trends report , based on first-party research conducted with Censuswide among 1,000 UK employees at organizations with 2,000+ staff. The research highlights a growing "service gap" between how often employees need HR help and how quickly they get it. Nearly four in five employees (79%) seek HR help at least once a month, averaging 3.6 HR needs per person per month, equating to ~86,500 HR-related needs per year in a 2,000-person organization and more than 2 million in a 50,000-person enterprise. Yet much of that demand is hidden because employees start in email, chat, with managers, and informal conversations, not formal cases. Key findings: Where employees start: Only 26% go to an HR system/portal first; 24% email, phone, or message HR; and just 15% use knowledge/FAQs. For frontline workers, 34% ask a colleague first and only 20% use HR systems. Speed: Only 6% receive help instantly via AI/chat. Meanwhile, 36% wait at least a full day, and ~22% often wait several days or a week or more. Self-service plateau: Employees resolve only 47% of HR needs themselves. A quarter self-serves just 025% of needs; hospitality workers self-serve 33%. Cost: A typical 1,000-employee organization loses ~12,800 hours per year to routine HR queries, about $385,000 / 300,000 in productivity. Live HR interactions average US$22 versus US$2 for self-service (a 91% difference). "Employees are asking for clear, fast, trustworthy support across every channel," said Ivan Harding, CEO at Applaud. "The organizations that win in 2026 will make service feel joined-up, with governed knowledge and AI that can both answer and act." The report outlines five shifts shaping modern HR service delivery in 2026: hidden demand, fragmented channels, stalled self-service, the cost of clunky service, and the new standard for employee-first support. About Applaud Applaud is the HR-focused, employee-led disruptor for the world of work. Our HR service delivery suite creates a more human, joined-up experience across every channel, powered by governed knowledge and agentic AI, so employees get fast, trustworthy help and HR can do more for their people. Report link: https://www.applaudhr.com/the-2026-state-of-hr-service-report-five-shifts-redefining-hr-service-delivery Company site: https://www.applaudhr.com SOURCE Applaud Irish Love Island star Maura Higgins has been praised for an interaction with former Friends actor Michael Rapaport on the US edition of The Traitors. Higgins, 35, is a contestant on the American version of the hit TV series. When Rapaport said "we got rid of them" referring to murdered contestants, Higgins replied: "Why did you say, 'we got rid of'? Does that mean youre a Traitor?" The actor replied: "Let me tell you something, Maura. Im as faithful as a faithful." When she asked him about using the word 'we' again, Rapaport replied "I've said a lot of things", before Higgins cut him off and said: "Maybe just stop talking." Rapaport, 55, is most recognised for his role as Phoebe's boyfriend Gary on Friends. He also appeared on the likes of My Name is Earl, Justified and Atypical. Advertisement The actor was a controversial choice for the show due to his political views. A staunch advocate of Israel, he supported the Israeli army's massacre in Rafah, while he has also made derogatory remarks about Palestinians. He is a harsh critic of New York mayor Zohran Mamdani and launched an expletive-laden tirade after his electoral victory. In 1997, Rapaport was arrested for harassing ex-girlfriend Lili Taylor and charged with two counts of aggravated harassment. Fans of the show were full of praise for Higgins on social media for "standing up" to the actor who they labelled a "bully". Maura Higgins attends the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 11th, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images Other contestants on the US edition of The Traitors include Shirley Ballas' son Mark, Travis Kelce's mother Donna and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna. Speaking about the show, Higgins recently said: Well, Im starting off wearing a cape so I hope that Im a traitor, and I hope to kill everyone one by one. Someone comes for me at the roundtable. God love them. Sounds a bit traitor-y to me. I speak my mind, not really a shadow kind of girl. That sounded really devious, didnt it? She was also pictured on the Golden Globes red carpet on Sunday. AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading email signature provider Crossware has acquired German-headquartered CI Solutions GmbH in a multimillion-dollar acquisition as it plans to further build its presence in the European Union (EU). CI Solutions GmbH is Germany's largest email signature provider with a well-established foothold across the EU and this acquisition will now see the Crossware group process more than five million emails a day. New Zealand SaaS company Crossware continues global expansion with acquisition of Germany's largest email signature provider CI Solutions GmbH This combined organisation is now one of the largest worldwide providers of cloud-based email signature solutions for enterprise, delivering highly scalable, secure, scalable and compliant technology for its clients across Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. For Crossware Limited Managing Director Troy Adams this acquisition marks a significant milestone in the company's global expansion. "Our acquisition of CI Solutions GmbH significantly scales our presence in the European Union and establishes us as one of the leading email signature providers globally," said Mr Adams. "This new merged entity will see us process over five million emails every single day, clearly demonstrating our ability to deliver our enterprise email signature management solutions reliably and at scale. This is a significant milestone for the business and this increased scale will see us well-placed to meet growing demand from the public and private sector for compliant, secure, and scalable cloud-based communication management solutions." As a leading platform for email signatures globally, Crossware's software is used on over 1.8 billion emails annually across 80 countries, giving it a 10 per cent share of the global email market. Crossware's email signature management solution easily integrates within the Microsoft 365, Microsoft Exchange, HCL Domino and Google Workspace ecosystemsa factor that makes it highly attractive for its global clientele. Its clients benefit from the ability to manage the email signatures of thousands of employees, while maintaining compliance with legal requirements and reinforcing brand messaging. Email signature solutions are essential for brand consistency, compliance, and effective marketing, with Crossware recognised as an industry leader providing robust and flexible solutions that meet the needs of organisations worldwide. According to Mr Adams, these factors are why the acquisition of CI Solutions GmbH comes at a critical time as it will allow the brand to firmly establish itself as the global leader in email signature management. "We are very excited to start 2026 with this announcement as the combined platform will become one of the largest email signature providers in the world," Mr Adams said. "Not only will we have one of the leading solutions from a management standpoint, we will also establish ourselves as a market-leader in data protection and governance, meeting the regulatory requirements of the EU and other key international markets. This focus allows our clients to confidently manage brand consistency, legal disclaimers and marketing content within email communications in a secure and compliant manner." About Crossware Crossware is a global leader in email signature solutions, trusted by organisations around the world to deliver consistent, professional, and compliant email signatures. With a focus on innovation, reliability, and customer success, Crossware's solutions empower businesses to elevate their communications and achieve their goals. For more information, visit crossware365.com . For media inquiries contact Sean Braybrook at [email protected] Media Contact: Sean Braybrook +61 406 961 067 [email protected] SOURCE Crossware A Palestinian actor said he feared how Palestinians would react while he was making the Gaza docudrama The Voice of Hind Rajab. London-based Motaz Malhees portrays Omar Alqam, a Palestine Red Crescent Society worker who attempts to rescue a five-year-old girl from a bullet-riddled car in Gaza City in January 2024. The movie, directed by Tunisian film-maker Kaouther Ben Hania, won the Silver Lion award at the Venice Film Festival and has been longlisted for the 2026 Bafta Film Awards for best director and film not in the English language. The film is based on true events and uses the real audio from Hind Rajabs call to the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Motaz Malhees stars in The Voice of Hind Rajab ( Altitude Films/PA) Speaking at a screening in London, Malhees said: I was scared of how my people would react, because they could have reacted very differently. But they felt proud, proud to see that this was happening. I was afraid of the reaction, and I would have accepted it whatever it was. I would have understood it. The fact that people are happy we made this film is something Im truly grateful for. Advertisement Malhees stars alongside Jordanian-Palestinian-Canadian actress Saja Kilani, Palestinian actor Amer Hlehel and Palestinian-American actress Clara Khoury. The 34-year-old actor said Ben Hania did not allow the cast to listen to the recordings in full while preparing for their roles, as it would have been too traumatic. You remember those two minutes that circulated on the internet, hearing a five-year-old girl begging the world to rescue her and we all let her down. This is the reality, said Malhees. I didnt hear the full recordings. I asked, but the director refused and she was 100% right. She said she would make us hear it, but only in small parts, scene by scene. Saja Kilani and Motaz Malhees play Palestine Red Crescent Society workers (Altitude Films/PA) Its too overwhelming to listen to the full recordings before filming; its not something you can just sit down and experience all at once. He added: I really wanted to hear it to understand more, but I trusted her, and I understood on set why she made that choice. She said, with everything we were already experiencing, watching a live genocide and the depression it caused and hearing it all at once would have been too much. Malhees, who grew up in Jenin, a city in the West Bank, said making the film evoked his own childhood traumas. It reminded me so much of my childhood, he said. Advertisement I grew up in Jenin and in 2002 there was a massive invasion in my city. You could see the army everywhere, in the sky and on the ground. I was 10-years-old and I felt like we were the next target, that the next rocket could hit my house. For me, working on this film brought me back to my childhood. It made me realise how much trauma I had carried without ever really sitting with it. In a way, this film became a mirror for me. The Voice of Hind Rajab will be released in Irish and UK cinemas on Friday. A man accused of murder called his two best friends back home in Brazil on FaceTime and told them he had killed his ex-girlfriend before then turning his phone camera around to show them her body on a bed, a 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 his girlfriend of five years, Bruna Fonseca. Bruna (28) was found dead in a bed in a flat in Liberty Street in Cork city centre on New Years Day 2023. Bruna moved to Ireland with her niece in September of 2022 in search of a better life. Miller relocated to Ireland in November 2022 to be reunited with Bruna. However, the couple, who grew up in the same town, broke up within a few days of his arrival in Cork. Advertisement Pedro Enrique Eduardo gave evidence by video link on Thursday. He said that, on New Years Eve 2022, his friend Miller sent him videos of Bruna kissing a man. Miller also texted Pedro saying: Forgive me for everything. You are the best of all of us. You and Felipe. (Their other friend). Mr Eduardo said he and his friend Felipe were at a New Years party in their native Brazil when he received the message. The men were concerned about Miller and called him. Mr Eduardo said that a few minutes into the FaceTime call Miller told them that he had killed Bruna. Mr Eduardo said that it was hard to comprehend what his friend was saying. We couldnt believe it so he (Miller) went and showed us Bruna lying on her belly. She was covered with a blanket. Felipe turned his face not to look. "What I can remember is that she (Bruna) was lying on the bed. Her hair was covering her face and there was a blanket coming up to her shoulder. Mr Eduardo contacted a first cousin of the deceased who was living in Cork. She in turn called the gardai. Mr Eduardo said that he had never known his friend Miller to be violent. He also told the court that Miller had sold everything and left everything behind in his life to go to Ireland. Mr Eduardo said that if he was not mistaken (the breakup with Bruna occurred) less than a week after Miller moved to Ireland. Advertisement He said that his friend had been depressed in 2022 and that during the New Years Eve FaceTime call he was concerned he might end his life. Felipe Jose Costa Peroni said in his video that at 2:15am (Brazilian time) on New Years Day 2023 he received a message from Miller which read : Im sorry there is no way to come back to Brazil. Mr Costa Peroni said the Miller had been the best man at his wedding and the pair had known each other since they were children. . He said that he and Pedro decided to FaceTime Miller. I remember telling him he (Miller) that should come back to Brazil and he said he had killed Bruna. We got in to shock. We couldnt believe the news. Mr Costa Peroni said that his wife Ludmilia walked in to the room. He decided to leave the phone call to contact Brunas cousin. I had (Ludmillia) stay on the phone (with Miller). We were afraid he would commit suicide. He (Miller) had his hands on his forehead. He was shaking his head and crying. He said that Miller was very down in 2022 possibly because he and Bruna had broken up for a period in Brazil and also arising out of her booking a plane ticket to Ireland. Ms Ludmillia Milo Faria also gave evidence by video link. She said she walked in to the room where her husband and friend were FaceTiming Miller. She said that Miller then turned his camera to show them a body on a bed. Advertisement I remember seeing a body on a bed. It was covered. It appeared her hair was falling on the bed. The body was covered by a blanket. Ms Milo Faria said that she stayed on the phone with Miller so that he wouldnt make another mistake. (End his life). Meanwhile, Katie Silva told the court that she first met Miller Pacheco at an English class in Cork in December 2022. He introduced her to the late Bruna Fonseca. She said that she spoke with Miller on Christmas Day 2022 when he was angry, upset and frustrated about the break up with Bruna. He called her bad names I dont want to say the names. He said that Bruna does not care about his feelings. Ms Silva said that Miller had seen text messages between Bruna and an An Argentinian man. He said he wants to kill him. I told him (Miller) to move on. He asked if she (Bruna) had been with anyone else. I said, She is single, leave her alone. I did not meet him (the man from Argentina) but Bruna talked to me about him. The jurors also heard evidence from Alamo Morais who said that he danced with and kissed Bruna at the New Years Eve party in the Oyster Tavern in Cork city. He said at one point during the evening he noticed a man staring at him. I did not understand. In Brazil, people dont stare at you for no reason. Usually people at a party dont stare at you for no reason. I was kissing her, hugging her and talking about the New Year. At that point I was happy and enjoying myself. Advertisement The jury also heard evidence from Mercy University Hospital Radiographer Barbara OSullivan. At the time of her death Bruna was employed at the hospital. Ms OSullivan said that she was approached by a man at the hospital on Christmas Day 2022. He showed her a picture of a woman and asked if he knew Bruna Fonseca. She said that the man was hanging around the hospital and seemed erratic and distressed. The trial continues tomorrow on Friday in front of a jury of seven women and five men. It is being presided over by Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford. The late Bruna Fonseca was a college graduate who had trained as a librarian. Her family members are in attendance at the trial. The accused man worked as an engineer before he moved to Ireland. A man who threatened to firebomb his ex-partner's home and to break her father's legs has been jailed for 12 months. The 41-year-old Dublin man pleaded guilty to three counts of making a threat to kill or cause serious harm in May and June 2023. He cannot be named for legal reasons. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the man and woman had been in a relationship for many years, which ended before this offending took place. In May 2023, the woman contacted gardai about calls she was getting from the man. In one call, he told her that she better let him speak to their child, or I swear to God, I'm going to petrol bomb the house. He also told her to make sure the child was not staying there that night. Advertisement The court was told this threat was overheard by others, including gardai. Several weeks later, the child was due to attend a party. The man had made further abusive calls to the woman. In one call, he screamed at her that you are meant to be at a party, you are all lying to me. He started screaming and calling the child's name, asking where they were. The child told the man they were in the woman's house. The man then said he was going to go down and smash the house up. The woman's parents were present and the child asked the man to calm down. The victims father then intervened, asking the man not to speak to his daughter that way. The man called the woman's father a faggot, said he was twice his size and would break his knees. The woman told the man she would bring the child to the party. Her parents were going to go as well due to concern that the man might arrive at the party as well. The man made further threats, telling the woman he would never leave you alone, that she would never go back to that house or to her job. He then told the woman when I see you, I'm going to cave your head in. The woman hung up. They went to the party, but stayed in the car for some time as they were afraid the man would appear. He was arrested and detained for questioning in late June 2023, with nothing of evidential value obtained. Advertisement The man entered his guilty plea on the morning of his trial, the court heard. In a victim impact statement read to the court, the woman said she has experienced emotional distress and anxiety. She described the impact on her sense of safety and that her focus is on ensuring consistency and a sense of security for her child. She said the man has complied with a protection order over the last two years and has not contacted her or family members. She asked the court to put conditions in place to ensure her and her child's ongoing safety. Her father declined to provide a victim impact statement. The man has 39 previous minor convictions including two for violent behaviour in a garda station, possession of knives, theft and road traffic offences. The investigating garda agreed with defence counsel that drugs and alcohol played a role in the man's offending. It was further accepted that the woman indicated at an earlier court date that she would not like to see the man get a prison sentence and that there has been no contact between the parties. Counsel said he is instructed that his client's sister received a cancer diagnosis around the time that his relationship broke down. His client was also experiencing mental health difficulties and everything got on top of him. The man has a long history of employment and work available upon his release from custody. Several family members were in court to support him. A letter of apology and several references were handed in to the court. Advertisement The man is doing well in custody and intends to complete an anger management course. Imposing sentence, Judge Orla Crowe said the threat to firebomb the woman's home was incredibly serious and all of the threats would have been very frightening to hear. The judge said the man threatened the woman on two separate occasions. She noted that the couple's young child heard overheard some of the threats and this must have been utterly distressing. She said the threats were designed to destabilise and unsettle. The judge said the end of a long relationship is a sad affair, but most people manage to do that without having to resort to offending of this nature. The judge said the court accepted the man's assertion in his letter that he did not intend to carry out the threats as sincere. She also noted that his mother's letter outlines her bewilderment at his offending, which she does not condone. Ireland Man charged with murder of ex-girlfriend recorded her at party dancing with another man Read more Judge Crowe said no evidence was provided about the man's issues with alcohol and drugs, but these were issues he would have to address. She imposed an 18-month sentence, backdated to when he went into custody. She suspended the final six months on condition that he is of good behaviour and stays away from the injured parties for two years. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Womens Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800-341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Mens Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01-554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information. Safe Ireland also offers a number of local services and helplines at safeireland.ie/get-help/where-to-find-help/. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112. Minister of State with special responsibility for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digitalisation Niamh Smyth has welcomed the corrective action taken by social media platform X about Grok AI. Still, she emphasised that up to now X was breaking the law. There were robust laws already in Ireland, she told RTE radios News at One. Ms Smyth said that if anything were to happen again, she would immediately take action. She added that she would be meeting with X officials on Friday. When asked if X had already implemented this corrective action, the Minister said officials in her department had told her that such action had been taken I met with the Taoiseach, but I am meeting with the AG this afternoon because I want to have the absolute confidence that there are no loopholes here for X or any other platform, because having met with Coimisiun na Mean we had a very in-depth meeting as opposed to the technology that's behind this and how X have come around this and how they've used and developed this app in two different formats. Advertisement "One as an app on its own, but secondly as an app that they have infiltrated on their X platform, which of course has given them very, very far-reaching traffic to have Grok disseminated as far and as widely as possible But as I said from the outset, in my mind, we have the online safety media regulation bill. We have Coco's law, we have Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998. "All of those give me the confidence to know that X has been breaking the law up to this point. As I said, I'm glad that it's taken the corrective action that is absolutely required within this jurisdiction. Ms Smyth said she would encourage the chair of the Oireachtas Media Committee, Alan Kelly, to ensure that X officials do appear, with all other platforms, before the committee on February 4th. They are accountable to the media committee, they're responsible to me, they're responsible to the government. I said, while X and Grok has been the topic of conversation over the last number of weeks, we want to be certain that our children, that our citizens, men and women, are protected while online. And I am certainly striving towards ensuring that that is the case into the future It is my ambition, when I'm in this department and with this responsibility of AI that we have AI for positive use within the country, within enterprise, within education, and many other industries, but not for anything with nudity apps or the awful stuff that we've seen that is possible with Grok. "That is not what AI is intended for. And the new AI Act, which I am introducing, along with the AI Office, will ensure that high risk harmful content, damaging apps, damaging technology like that, that is of no value to any citizen in our country, young or old, will not be allowed to continue in this country. The Moriarty Tribunal has now entered its 30th year, racking up more than 78m in costs. It kicked off in September 1997, when Bertie Ahern was taoiseach. The tribunal was set up to to examine payments to former Fianna Fail taoiseach Charles Haughey and former Fine Gael minister Michael Lowry. Mr Lowry was at the centre of the most recent government formation talks as he leads the group of eight Regional Independent TDs who prop up the Fianna Fail/Fine Gael Coalition. The most recent payment was in October, when an unnamed witness received 599,939, The Irish Times reports. Sinn Feins Pa Daly and People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Paul Murphy intend to apply for legal costs incurred in their failed High Court challenge to the constitutionality of super junior ministers attendance at meetings of Government. The deputies brought separate but similar challenges, arguing that Article 28 of Bunreacht na hEireann limits the number of government members to 15, and provides that they meet and act as a collective authority. A three-judge High Court, comprising the court president Mr Justice David Barniville, Ms Justice Siobhan Phelan and Mr Justice Conleth Bradley, in December held that no provision of the Constitution is breached by the attendance and participation of the junior ministers at Cabinet meetings. It remains open to both TDs to seek permission to appeal the High Courts judgment. Advertisement Senior government ministers are appointed by the President of Ireland on the advice of the taoiseach and with prior approval of Dail Eireann. Ministers of State attending Cabinet, or super junior ministers, are appointed by the Government on the nomination of the Taoiseach. Super junior ministers participate in Government meetings, but do not vote. On Thursday, the Attorney General Rossa Fanning told the three judges the deputies side wished to apply for their legal costs. Mr Fanning said he would be opposing such an application. Mr Fanning suggested to the court the case could be adjourned to allow the parties to compile submissions on the issue of costs. Feichin McDonagh SC, for Mr Daly, said he was agreeable to the suggestion. John Rogers SC, for Mr Murphy, also agreed with the proposition to allow time for submission, and said there was a clear need to hold a hearing to decide the issue of costs. Mr Justice Barniville said he would adjourn the case to a date in February. The chair of Shannon Airport warned the Minister for Transport that protests and airside incursions at the airport were a grave risk and a threat to the international reputation of the State. The letter to Minister Darragh OBrien last May said security breaches at Shannon that month were part of a persistent and deeply concerning trend. However, a further incident took place in November when protesters managed to reach an apron and taxiway, before spray painting a US military aircraft. In last years correspondence, the airport chair Conal Henry pleaded for help, saying the incursions posed a very serious security risk. The letter said: Shannon Airport is strategically vital national infrastructure, serving not only commercial air traffic but also facilitating military traffic at the direction of Government. The regular and continued instances of trespass and criminal damage caused by unauthorised individuals on restricted airside areas represent a grave risk. Advertisement Mr Henry said he recognised and respected the right of protest; however, the repeated airfield incidents needed to be addressed urgently. He wrote: Given the ongoing threat, your intervention on this issue would send an important message about the seriousness with which the State views these breaches and the importance of safeguarding the integrity of Shannon Airport. A Department of Transport submission for Minister OBrien said Shannon Airport had repeatedly flagged their concerns as protest activity has intensified. It said a letter had been sent to the Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan in late May requesting a meeting on how to manage the risk. In response, Mr OCallaghan said he had been in touch with An Garda Siochana and that increased policing resources were being allocated. It said Minister OBrien should write to Shannon Airport acknowledging the gravity of the recent protest-related incidents, their escalation and the operational implications for the airport. The letter would also recognise the legitimate concerns raised and the necessity of protecting critical infrastructure. Large sections of the submission were redacted under Freedom of Information laws on grounds of national security and confidentiality. Ireland Three medical diversions to Shannon Airport in less than 17 hours Read more A draft copy of Minister OBriens letter said: Unauthorised incursions into secure areas of an airport raise significant and legitimate concerns for public safety, critical infrastructure resilience and national security. I also appreciate the operational pressures and reputational risk this poses for Shannon Airport and wish to acknowledge the continued engagement with my officials on this matter. Asked about the discussions, a spokesperson said the safety and security of airports was of high priority and that any concerns raised by airport authorities were taken very seriously. They said: There is a comprehensive suite of provisions available in law to address such incidents, and prosecutions are currently before the courts. The governing body of rowing in Ireland has suffered a major setback after being refused planning permission for a new high-performance training centre on the shore of Blessington Lakes in Wicklow because of its potential impact on a protected species of wild goose. An Coimisiun Pleanala upheld an appeal against the decision of Wicklow County Council to approve the development by Rowing Ireland of the proposed facility, including a new boathouse at Burgage Moyle about two kilometres south of Blessington, Co Wicklow. The Commission said it could not be satisfied beyond reasonable scientific doubt that the proposed development would not have a significant adverse effect on Greylag Geese a protected species found in the adjoining Poulaphouca Reservoir Special Protection Area. It pointed out that to permit the development in such circumstances would be contrary to the EU Habitats Directive as well as the objectives of the Wicklow County Development Plan. Advertisement The ruling comes almost nine years after a planning application for the new facility was first made by Rowing Ireland. A delay arose after the High Court quashed the original decision by the Commissions predecessor, An Bord Pleanala, to grant planning permission for the project in March 2022 due to flaws in the assessment of environmental issues. The High Court directed that the planning application by Rowing Ireland should be remitted to the Commission for fresh consideration and determination. The case arose from a judicial review sought by an objector to the plans, Raymond OSullivan, who was also behind the successful third-party appeal against the councils recent ruling. Mr OSullivan claimed the proposed facility would result in the destruction of habitat and disturbance to wildlife which would lead to piecemeal destruction of an EU-designated site of international ecological importance. He also argued that there were no overriding reasons of public interest to suggest that the new high-performance training centre should proceed. Mr OSullivan said the development would also have a detrimental impact on the roosting habitat of Greylag geese. However, Rowing Ireland claimed it had proposed mitigation measures which would have dealt adequately with the potential impact of rowing on the Blessington Lakes. It estimated that there would only be a small increase in the number of boats on the lakes as a result of the new boathouse, while there would be no rowing during hours of darkness. The rowing body claimed the location of the new facility was a positive measure for Greylag geese as it was further away from the part of the lakes where they roosted than an existing boathouse used by rowers. Advertisement Rowing Ireland said the need for the new boathouse was not to attract new members but to increase the storage facilities for boats for rowers training professionally, who currently transported their boats to the lakes. It also claimed other potential sites were considered but ruled out for reasons including poor access as well as environmental and health and safety concerns. Although Rowing Ireland already has a high-performance centre with the National Rowing Centre in Farran Wood, Ovens, Co Cork, it claimed there was a need for a similar facility for rowers in the east of Ireland, particularly those living in the greater Dublin area where there are a large number of rowing clubs. In its latest ruling, the Commission rejected the recommendation of its own planning inspector to grant planning permission for the project. The Commission said it was not satisfied there was sufficient information provided by Rowing Ireland to assess the impact of the development together with the continued operation of an existing boathouse on the conservation objectives of the Poulaphouca Reservoir Special Protection Area. The proposed facility would have contained a 1,598m boathouse with eleven bays for rowing boats and an ancillary building for safety boats and equipment, as well as changing areas, gym, meeting rooms and balcony. Sky Ireland Ltd is required to comply with EU regulations requiring that customers must be informed their contracts are about to end and about alternative tariffs, the High Court has ruled. Ms Justice Eileen Roberts found that the communications regulator, Comreg, was entitled to orders requiring the company to end its practice of automatically renewing customers' contracts without first giving them that information. Comreg claimed Sky is in breach of the EU regulations by failing to provide consumers with "best tariff advice" in relation to all its services - TV, broadband and mobile - before the contracts are automatically prolonged. Sky is the only one of the five big providers refusing to do so, Comreg said. Sky disputed Comreg's interpretation of the relevant legal provisions and said they only apply to contracts with a fixed duration. Its customers' contracts are subscription contracts of indeterminate duration, it said. Advertisement The regulations, Sky argued, are designed to address the potential harm of consumers getting automatically prolonged in the contract for a second term without their knowledge. This harm did not arise in relation to Sky customers as its contracts do not follow this type of model in Ireland, it argues. Comreg said customers should be afforded an opportunity of making an informed decision to stay with their current provider on the same or different package or to switch to a new provider. This was important particularly as customers may be losing discounts and therefore incurring higher prices and, in the case of Sky customers, this could include bundled TV, broadband and telephone services. Ireland Albanian teen jailed after landing in Dublin without passport Read more Comreg also said Sky's UK arm, Sky UK Ltd, has taken a different position to its Irish counterpart and provides best tariff information to its customers. This followed enforcement action against Sky UK by the UK watchdog, Ofcom, in 2021 which concluded in Ofcom's favour. In a judgment, Ms Justice Roberts was satisfied that Sky is required to comply with Regulation 89(6)of the European Union (Electronic Communications Code) Regulations 2022. Accordingly, she said Sky must provide its customers with the relevant information on the expiry of the customers relevant minimum periods of commitment,as set out in their contracts, and best tariff advice annually thereafter. As it was accepted that this information is not being provided by Sky to its customers, she granted ComRegs application and she listed the case to later this month for the making of final orders and costs. An unannounced inspection of Mountjoy Prison found that inmates were being subjected to degrading treatment in conditions that did not meet minimum human rights standards, according to a report published today. Some inmates had spent up to 92 days in solitary confinement despite a previous commitment to eliminate the practice, which the Office of the Inspector of Prisons (OIP) said contravened the UN Mandela Rules 2015. Infestations of cockroaches and vermin was an ongoing issue at the prison, according to the report, which it said was particularly disconcerting for inmates who were forced to sleep on cell floors. Mountjoy Prison was overcrowded and recreational areas were bleak and in poor condition at the time of the inspection, which took place at the end of 2022. The report was only published by the Department of Justice for the first time today. Advertisement It found that the reception or committal area was being used for the informal punishment of prisoners without any legal provision allowing for this practice. Inmates detained here had no access to services or activities. There was poor and inconsistent out-of-cell time for inmates at Mountjoy Prison, and conditions did not encourage a dignified and healthy environment, the report stated. Prisoners had little privacy when using toilets or showers.] Sexual assaults The OIP noted that there had been three sexual assaults on prisoners reported between January and November 2022, along with 31 prisoner-on-prisoner assaults, 27 assaults on staff, as well as three allegations of sexual misconduct and a threat of rape. Nearly half of the prisoner population was on protection at the time of the inspection, with 46 per cent of inmates having been removed from the main population on grounds of vulnerability. Convicted and unconvicted prisoners were also being accommodated together, contrary to guidance provided in EU Prison Rules. Prisoners who were engaged in essential work were inadequately compensated, the report said. The OIP made 44 recommendations arising from the unannounced inspection. A total of 25 of these were accepted, 13 were partially accepted, and six were not accepted by the Irish Prison Service (IPS). One of these was a recommendation to partition sanitary areas in cells. The IPS contended that this was not possible due to the impact that it would have on the floor space of cells. OUTFRONT to Bring In-Real-Life Media and Real-World Brand Presence to ANA's Most Influential Marketing Forums NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- OUTFRONT today announced that it has joined the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) as a Strategic Partner for 2026, becoming the first out-of-home media company to participate in the ANA Strategic Partner program. Through the partnership, OUTFRONT will engage across ANA programs and initiatives throughout 2026, bringing the power of in-real-life (IRL) media to the association's most influential stages. "The ANA is pleased to welcome OUTFRONT Media as a Strategic Partner for 2026," said Bob Liodice, CEO of the ANA. "Out-of-home plays a powerful role in how brands connect with people in the real world, and OUTFRONT brings unmatched scale, creativity, and cultural relevance. We're excited to have OUTFRONT join our Strategic Partners, alongside some of the biggest and most prominent brands in the world, to help shape the future of marketing." As a Strategic Partner, OUTFRONT will maintain an active presence across ANA events and initiatives, including the flagship ANA Masters of Marketing Conference, the association's most influential annual gathering of senior brand marketers. Stacy Minero, CMXO of OUTFRONT, will also join the ANA CMO Growth Council. "OUTFRONT elevates brands in the real world, where culture is shaped every day," said Nick Brien, CEO of OUTFRONT. "Joining the ANA as its first out-of-home Strategic Partner allows us to bring that real-world perspective directly into conversations with today's leading marketers. We're excited to contribute how IRL media drives relevance, trust, and impact for brands at scale." OUTFRONT's participation reflects the growing role of IRL media as a dynamic, data-driven, and creatively powerful channelone that enables brands to show up in physical environments, influence culture, and connect with audiences, from the world's largest brands to those shaping communities locally. Through the partnership, OUTFRONT will collaborate with ANA leaders and members to share insights on how brands can leverage IRL media to drive innovation, creativity, effectiveness, and cultural impact as part of modern marketing strategies. About the ANA The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) is the definitive voice of the marketing industry. Since 1910, we have set and advanced the agenda for marketing transformation, connecting over 1,600 member companies to an influential global network, insights and resources that drive growth. Our members represent 20,000 brands and $400 billion in annual marketing investment. Through industry-leading research, the CMO Growth Council, and our proprietary Growth Agenda and Practices, the ANA empowers marketers to shape the future of marketing and create lasting impact for their organizations and the industry. About OUTFRONT Media OUTFRONT is one of the largest and most trusted out-of-home media companies in the U.S., helping brands connect with audiences in the moments and environments that matter most. As OUTFRONT evolves, it's defining a new era of in-real-life (IRL) marketing, turning public spaces into platforms for creativity, connection, and cultural relevance. With a nationwide footprint across billboards, digital displays, transit systems, and other out-of-home formats, OUTFRONT turns creative into powerful real-world experiences. Its in-house agency, OUTFRONT STUDIOS, and award-winning innovation team, XLabs, deliver standout storytelling, supported by advanced technology and data tools that can drive measurable impact. CONTACTS Public Relations: Courtney Richards OUTFRONT Media 646-876-9404 [email protected] Matt Biscuiti The Lippin Group for OUTFRONT Media 212-986-7080 [email protected] Investor Relations: Stephan Bisson OUTFRONT Media 212-297-6573 [email protected] SOURCE OUTFRONT Media Inc. The murder of four-year-old Mason O'Connell-Conway by his stepmother dominates the front pages of Ireland's papers this Thursday morning. The Danish foreign minister has told the US secretary of state that an American attack on Greenland would be a threat to Danish territory, reports the Irish Times. The country has expanded its military presence after the two countries held a phone call that lasted 50 minutes. A data centre in West Dublin uses ten times the electricity of a nearby pharmaceutical plant employing 2,000 people - the equivalent of 200,000 homes - an internal document has revealed. And the number of US citizens seeking asylum increased fourfold last year. The HSE has issued an apology following the death of a woman after she used a home-birth pool provided by the HSE, reports the Irish Examiner. Laura Liston's death was recorded as a medical misadventure. Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee has said that Musk's AI chatbot Grok should be banned, and JCD has acquired a site for a Cork office for 30 million. Advertisement Cork councils are considering their use of the X platform following the sexualised deepfakes from its AI chatbot Grok, reports The Echo. This comes after an Oireachtas committee meeting where it was revealed that gardai are currently investigating 200 cases of images possibly containing child sexual abuse material. The family of Mason O'Connell-Conway, 4, who was murdered, have questioned why he was in the care of his father John Paul OConnell and killer stepmother Tegan McGhee, despite concerns being raised with Tusla before he died, according to the Irish Independent. The Irish Daily Mirror also covers the story of Mason O'Connell-Conway, looking at the "evil stepmum" Teghan McGee, who abused the four-year-old for four months. The Irish Daily Star leads with Mason's story, also showing a picture of his mother alongside the four-year-old and his step mother. Michael Flatley has been accused of trying to hijack the Lord of the Dance tour to fund his debts and lifestyle, according to the Irish Daily Mail. The company that runs the tour has sought an injunction against the dancer. And finally, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has spent nothing on fire safety advertising campaigns over the past three years according to the Belfast Telegraph, with last year being the worst for blazes in the last 25 years. The High Court has ordered that immediate steps be taken to serve papers on teacher Enoch Burke seeking his return to prison after he again breached an order not to trespass on Wilson's Hospital School in Westmeath. On Thursday afternoon, Mr Justice Brian Cregan granted Rosemary Mallon BL, for the school, permission for a short service of proceedings seeking his attachment and committal to prison for breaching a previous order not to trespass. This followed a comment earlier in the day by the judge that, having reflected on the matter since he released Mr Burke from prison on Wednesday, it would be necessary to bring a new attachment and committal motion to jail him again if he returned to the school. Mr Burke told the judge, via video link on Wednesday, that he had every intention to return to "his place of work" upon release. Advertisement Mr Burke has already spent more than 560 days in prison, over different periods over the last three years, since he was dismissed over his conduct following a refusal to obey a direction from the then school principal to call a transgender pupil by a new name and by the they/them pronoun. Each time he has been jailed, it has been as a result of a breach of an order not to trespass on the grounds. Ms Mallon told the court today that the principal had informed the school solicitor that at 10:07am, Mr Burke had returned and walked a number of feet past the gate before his way was blocked by a security man. There were also several protesters outside the school with placards and flags, some of whom who had also walked on to the grounds. Ms Mallon said the school finds itself in the "invidious situation" where, within 24 hours of his release from prison, he had returned to the school even though the court made it abundantly clear it was to allow him to prepare for a new case he was bringing over his dismissal from the school and that he was not to trespass. Ireland Enoch Burke returns to Westmeath school a day after being released from prison Read more Mr Burke has brought new proceedings challenging the composition of a new Disciplinary Appeals Panel which will hear his appeal against his dismissal. Ms Mallon said while she was not suggesting Mr Burke was responsible for the protesters, she had been informed that teachers and others found it hard to access the school with the protesters there. She agreed with the judge that while they had a right to protest outside the school, that "without Mr Burke's presence," it was highly doubtful they would be there. The judge permitted Ms Mallon to serve the proceedings via Mr Burke's email address and adjourned the matter to Friday afternoon. "I would expect to see you and/or Mr Burke here tomorrow", he said. "You'd probably get a bag of cocaine delivered to you faster than a pizza," said a recovering addict who is also highlighting the dangers of drug use and porn among males. Chris Jenkins says his nose collapsed due to cocaine use, he overdosed twice and while in cocaine-induced psychosis, he hid in a bush, believing there were hidden cameras in his home. He also walked the streets with a knife, convinced he was being chased by people wanting to kill him. But since Chris started posting about his cocaine addiction which went hand-in-hand with his porn use, his social media following has exploded with men relieved that they are not alone. His downhill journey started when he was 16 years old on the beach near his home in Bettystown, Co Meath, when he made 'a stupid decision' to take his first line of coke. Advertisement "I just absolutely fell in love with it right then. I just didn't want to stop. It was like it wrapped me up in cotton wool to protect me from the world but I know now it is a drug that deceives," he said. He was let go from an apprenticeship at a garage and from a job in the Department of Justice because of his drug use, though he says the latter did offer him in-house help and support. He was dropped from Bohemians U18 and U20 and League of Ireland because he didn't bother turning up for training. A semi-professional contract with a club in Perth in Australia was also nullified. A full-time move to Spain was scuppered and he had to return to Ireland after he lost his home there because his finances were spent on cocaine and premier porn sites. Since he started posting about the destructive combination of cocaine and porn, Chris has been contacted by men of all ages from all over the world. "No one talks about cocaine and porn together and the guilt it leaves. Men have thanked me for saving their lives because of the guilt they feel. "I speak about it and my experience because I've been to hell and back and I don't care. Cocaine takes control and you need more and more dopamine. Porn is almost just as much a problem for coke addicts as the coke itself, in my opinion. "So many men have hated themselves after making risky decisions and risky behaviour after a mix of cocaine and porn. Advertisement "I was blackmailed. My ex-partner was sent a naked image of me doing weird stuff on cocaine. Thankfully, I didn't take my life over it, but I really believe similar circumstances have had a devastating effect on many." After being clean for seven months, Chris relapsed for 12 days, overdosing and ending up on O2 therapy in hospital where medics told him he may not see 35. "I'm 35 now. I've been clean since last May. My soul woke up and I swore I'd never touch a drug, porn or alcohol again. I've a daughter to take care of. I'm taking it day by day, but day by day I'm getting stronger and a lot of that strength is coming from helping others." He says he still thinks of cocaine every day and gets flashbacks but will never return to those 19 years that were robbed from him. "My nose collapsed and my septum is permanently damaged internally and I've lost three teeth, all due to cocaine use." Chris believes that it is too late to stop the tide of cocaine but insists that education and people like him talking about their experiences will help save some young people. "I give talks now, and out of ten people in the room, maybe two will take my advice on board. The others will tell themselves they are untouchable, like I told myself - until it happens. "Don't do it because the first time you take it, you're f***ed. If your best friends are taking it - stay away from them. "You can get a bag of coke delivered now quicker than a pizza. It's too late to stop it now. It's everywhere." Chris posts his story on Instagram at @rebuildwithChris. Troops from several European countries have continued to arrive in Greenland in a show of support for Denmark as talks among representatives of Denmark, Greenland and the US highlighted fundamental disagreement over the future of the Arctic island. The disagreement came into starker focus on Thursday, with the White House describing plans for more talks with officials from Denmark and Greenland as technical talks on the acquisition agreement for the US to acquire Greenland. That was a far cry from the way Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen described it as a working group that would discuss ways to work through differences between the nations. A German air force transport plane at Wunstorf Air Base in Hanover (Moritz Frankenberg/dpa/AP) 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, he said on Wednesday after the meeting. Before the talks began on Wednesday, Denmark announced it would increase its military presence in Greenland. Advertisement Several European partners including France, Germany, the UK, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands started sending symbolic numbers of troops or promised to do so in the following days. The troop movements were intended to portray unity among Europeans and send a signal to President Donald Trump that an American takeover of Greenland is not necessary as Nato together can safeguard the security of the Arctic region amid rising Russian and Chinese interest. The European troops did little to dissuade Mr Trump. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that it had no impact on the US presidents decision-making or goal of acquiring Greenland. The president has made his priority quite clear, that he wants the United States to acquire Greenland. He thinks its in our best national security to do that, she said. Mr Rasmussen, flanked by his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt, said on Wednesday that a fundamental disagreement over Greenland remained after they met at the White House with vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio. Greenland foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen arrive on Capitol Hill in Washington (J Scott Applewhite/AP) Mr Rasmussen said it remains clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland but dialogue with the US would continue at a high level over the following weeks. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday that the first French military elements are already en route and others will follow, as French authorities said about 15 soldiers from the mountain infantry unit were already in Nuuk for a military exercise. Advertisement Germany will deploy a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel to Greenland on Thursday, the Defence Ministry said. On Thursday, Danish defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the intention was to establish a more permanent military presence with a larger Danish contribution, according to Danish broadcaster DR. He said soldiers from several Nato countries will be in Greenland on a rotation system. Inhabitants of Greenland and Denmark reacted with anxiety but also some relief that negotiations with the US would go on and European support was becoming visible. Several people said they viewed Denmarks decision to send more troops, and promises of support from other Nato allies, as protection against possible US military action, but European military officials have not suggested the goal is to deter a US move against the island. Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the continuation of dialogue and diplomacy, adding: Greenland is not for sale. Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed from the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States. Denmarks foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen ahead of his meeting with JD Vance and Marco Rubio (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix/AP) On Wednesday, Mr Poulsen had announced a stepped-up military presence in the Arctic in close co-operation with our allies, calling it a necessity 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, he said. Advertisement Denmark informed Nato that it will be conducting exercises in Greenland, and the alliances supreme allied commander Alexus Grynkewich spoke on Thursday with Denmarks chief of defence, Colonel Martin ODonnell, a spokesperson for Mr Grynkewich told the AP. He said such dialogue is typical and added that we all agree the Arctic including Greenland is important for transatlantic security. The Danish exercises and deployment of additional troops bolster our collective defences there, Col ODonnell said. The Russian embassy in Brussels on Thursday lambasted the Wests bellicose plans in response to phantom threats that they generate themselves. It said the planned military actions were part of an anti-Russian and anti-Chinese agenda by Nato. Russia has consistently maintained that the Arctic should remain a territory of peace, dialogue and equal co-operation, the embassy added. Mr Rasmussen announced the creation of a working group with the Americans to discuss ways to work through differences. 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, he said. Mr Poulsen said the group was better than no working group and a step in the right direction, but added that the dialogue with the US did not mean the danger has passed. The Greenland capital of Nuuk (Evgeniy Maloletka/AP) We are really happy that action is being taken to make sure that this discussion is not just ended with that meeting alone, Greenlandic MP Aki-Matilda Hoegh-Dam said on Thursday during a news conference in Copenhagen. She said Greenlandic people understood they were at a pivotal point in a broader transformation of the international rules-based order and felt responsible not just for themselves but also for the whole world to get it right. Advertisement Speaking on Wednesday after the White House talks, Mr Rasmussen rejected both a military takeover and the potential purchase of the island by the US. Asked whether he thought the US would invade, he replied: No, at least I do not hope so, because, I mean, that would be the end of Nato. He added that Greenlanders were unlikely to vote for US rule even if financial incentives were offered, because I think theres no way that US will pay for a Scandinavian welfare system in Greenland. Mr Trump told reporters: Well see how it all works out. I think something will work out. Britain's Prince Harry is expected to appear in court next week to give evidence in his legal action against the publisher of the Daily Mail. Harry, and a group of six others are bringing the claim at the London court, alleging that Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) carried out or commissioned unlawful activities such as hiring private investigators to place listening devices inside cars, blagging private records and accessing private phone conversations. The group includes Sir Elton John, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, politician Sir Simon Hughes, and actresses Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley. Harry is expected to give evidence lasting a full day next Thursday, according to a draft trial timetable seen on Thursday. Elton John is among the group of people suing the Daily Mails publisher (Yui Mok/PA) Other people expected to give evidence during the nine-week trial include Lawrence, John and Ms Hurley. A hearing on Thursday dealt with a number of outstanding issues ahead of the trial, which is due to begin on Monday. Advertisement This included a challenge by the groups lawyers against some of the wording in ANLs proposed opening arguments relating to an alleged scheme of camouflage. The High Court in London heard that ANL lawyers have made serious allegations of dishonesty and fraud against some representatives in the claimants legal team. Prince Harry's barrister, David Sherborne (Lucy North/PA) David Sherborne, for the claimants, said in written submissions: The allegations made by the defendants are exceptionally serious, of fraud, dishonesty and professional misconduct. They cannot be introduced by assertion in opening written submissions and are not simply commentary on pleaded issues. He added: The allegations made by the defendants are not confined to the credibility of witnesses, as above, the defendant explicitly seeks findings, and also asserts as a fact that actions amount to a calculated attempt to withhold the true position from the court. Antony White KC, for ANL, told the court the submissions were simply an attack on the credibility of some of the witnesses. He said in court: It is not necessary to plead a case if the other sides witnesses are not telling the truth. Mr Justice Nicklin ruled that ANLs trial opening note should be amended, saying: In my judgment, the camouflage scheme that is relied upon by the defendants goes far further than an attack on credibility. He added: It seems to be that the requirements of fairness mean that the defendant must seek to amend its defence. Mr White told the court he would condense the claims in his opening note. The hearing before Mr Justice Nicklin is due to conclude on Thursday. Iran closed its airspace to commercial flights for hours without explanation early on Thursday as tensions remained high with the United States over Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. The closure ran for more than four hours, 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 7am local time. Iran previously shut its airspace during the 12-day war against Israel in June and when it exchanged fire with Israel during the Israel-Hamas war. However, there were no signs of current hostilities. Several airlines have already reduced or suspended services, and most carriers are avoiding Iranian airspace, said the website SafeAirspace, which provides information on conflict areas and air travel. President Donald Trump said he had been told that plans for executions in Iran have stopped (Alex Brandon/AP) The situation may signal further security or military activity, including the risk of missile launches or heightened air defense, increasing the risk of misidentification of civil traffic. Iran in the past has misidentified a commercial aircraft as a hostile target. In 2020, Iranian air defence shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 with two surface-to-air missiles, killing all 176 people on board. Iran for days adamantly dismissed allegations of downing the plane as Western propaganda before finally acknowledging it. Advertisement The airspace closure came as some personnel at a key US military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate. The US Embassy in Kuwait also ordered its personnel to temporary halt going to the multiple military bases in the small Gulf Arab country. US President Donald Trump made a series of vague statements on Wednesday that left it unclear what American action, if any, would take place against Iran. In comments to reporters, Mr Trump said he had been told that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, without providing many details. The shift comes a day after Mr Trump told protesters in Iran that help is on the way and that his administration would act accordingly to respond to the Islamic Republics deadly crackdown. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi also sought to tone down the rhetoric, urging the US to find a solution through negotiation. Asked by Fox News what he would say to Mr Trump, Mr Araghchi said: My message is: Between war and diplomacy, diplomacy is a better way, although we dont have any positive experience from the United States. But still diplomacy is much better than war. Advertisement The change in tone by the US and Iran came hours after the chief of the Iranian judiciary said the government must act quickly to punish the thousands who have been detained. Activists warned that hangings of detainees could come soon. The security forces crackdown on the demonstrations has killed at least 2,615, the US-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. A jury has convicted an 83-year-old US man of murder after he shot an Uber driver who he wrongly thought was trying to rob him after scam phone calls deceived them both. William J Brock, of Ohio, shot Lo-Letha Toland-Hall after assuming she was in on a plot to get 12,000 dollars (9,000) in supposed bond money for a relative, authorities said. She had fallen victim to the same scammer, driving to Brocks home between Dayton and Columbus to pick up a package for delivery, according to investigators. Booking photo of William J Brock (Clark County Sheriffs Office/AP) He shot the 61-year-old, from Columbus, six times when she showed up at his home in March 2024, authorities said. Brock, of South Charleston, was convicted of murder, felonious assault and kidnapping. He is scheduled to be sentenced next week. Advertisement His lawyer said the shooting was in self-defence and the scammer had made threats against him and his family. Brock told the court he felt threatened when the driver arrived at his house, but prosecutors said Ms Hall was unarmed and posed no threat when he shot her. Investigators said the driver was unaware of the scam call Brock had received with threats and demands for money. Clark County prosecutor Daniel Driscoll told reporters after the verdict that both families lost loved ones because of the scam. The really sad part about this is that we know there are still criminals out there, he said. We know that the scammers, the folks who started this, havent been brought to justice. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has said she presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. Ms Machado detailed having given her prize to Mr Trump in comments to a group of reporters after the meeting, but did not provide further details. The White House did not immediately say if Mr Trump accepted the medal. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado greets supporters on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) That followed her having met with Mr Trump to discuss her countrys future, even though he has dismissed her credibility to take over after an audacious US military raid that captured then-president Nicolas Maduro. Visiting Mr Trump presented something of a physical risk for Ms Machado, whose whereabouts have been largely unknown since she left her country last year after being briefly detained in Caracas. Advertisement Nevertheless, after a closed-door discussion with Mr Trump, she greeted dozens of cheering supporters waiting for her near the gates -stopping to hug many. We can count on President Trump, she told them, prompting some to briefly chant Thank you, Trump, but she did not elaborate. The jubilant scene stood in contrast to Mr Trump having repeatedly raised doubts about Ms Machado and his stated commitment to backing democratic rule in Venezuela. He has signalled his willingness to work with acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who was Maduros number two. Along with others in the deposed leaders inner circle, Ms Rodriguez remains in charge of day-to-day government operations and was delivering her first state of the union speech during Ms Machados Washington trip. In endorsing Ms Rodriguez so far, Mr Trump sidelined Ms Machado, who has long been a face of resistance in Venezuela. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado greets supporters on Pennsylvania Avenue near the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) That is despite Ms Machado seeking to cultivate relationships with the president and key administration voices such as secretary of state Marco Rubio, in a gamble to ally herself with the US government and some of its top conservatives. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called Ms Machado a remarkable and brave voice for the people of Venezuela, but also said that the meeting did not mean Mr Trumps opinion of her changed, calling it a realistic assessment. Mr Trump has said it would be difficult for Ms Machado to lead because she doesnt have the support within or the respect within the country. Her party is widely believed to have won 2024 elections rejected by Maduro. Ms Leavitt went on to say that Mr Trump supported new Venezuelan elections when the time is right but did not say when he thought that might be. 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 Eating outBest of From old-school to new-wave: 19 of Melbournes best Greek restaurants Consider this your hitlist for halloumi, tarama, octopus and more. Dani Valent and Emma Breheny January 16, 2026 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 Greek food is nothing new in Melbourne. Most of the city speaks fluent spanakopita, galaktoboureko and kefalograviera. But in the past few years, a new dialect entered the chat, one that represents the cuisine more fully. Rustic village-style cooking was the pitch of Kafeneion, the first Greek venue from serial restaurateur Con Christopoulos and the second of his business partner Stavros Konis, whose family runs 57-year-old Salona in Richmond. Con Christopoulos at Kafeneion, his first Greek restaurant. Arsineh Houspian. The pair initially opened Kafeneion as a pop-up on Bourke Street in May 2023, with a menu including simple braises of pork, celery and lemon; vegetables cooked with nothing more than olive oil and time; and Victorian-made yoghurt with Cretan honey. The idea, says Konis, was to serve food that would make Yiayia happy, but then it became its own thing. It just grew; it went crazy. Advertisement A permanent location inside Melbourne Supper Club followed in early 2024 and, since then, homespun Greek restaurants have multiplied around Melbourne. Some, like Brunswick Easts Taverna, are run by leading names such as Angie Giannakodakis (ex-Press Club). Others are from fresh faces, like the friends behind The Pontian Club. Spots such as Yarravilles Tzaki offer a window into what Athenians are eating now. All strive to write a fresh chapter in Melbournes Greek epic. Grilled octopus at Tzaki in Yarraville. Chege Mbuthi People are doing a deeper dive into regional dishes and doing things that come from Greece, not just the proven taverna stuff, says Konis. Advertisement Even if they dont officially fly the blue-and-white flag, other restaurants around town are also weaving feta, skordalia and yoghurt into their menus. To taste the full spectrum of Melbournes Greek offering, you might work your way through the following venues, all found in 2026 The Age Good Food Guide. South Yarras Astoria Bar Ke Grill is a dream thats been bubbling away for decades. Owner Nik Pouloupatis is a child of the 1970s who spoke Greek before he learnt English. After 35 years in hospitality, he is finally sharing his version of taramasalata (fluffy, whipped with potato) and stifado, a stew made here with octopus and tomato-tinged gravy heady with cinnamon and star anise. Sesame bread with tarama and eggplant dip at the Astoria Bar ke Grill. Luis Enrique Ascui Further south, Oakleigh is Melbournes Hellenic heart, with pedestrian-only Eaton Mall a lively hub. Longstanding Vanilla Lounge has opened Vanilla Dessert Bar across the road, serving fro-yo with Greek flair. Around the corner, Olympia is a rooftop bar with Santorini-style spritzes in summer and Greek mulled wine (and heating) in winter. Advertisement In December, Bar Sophia sprung up in Glen Iris with former Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year Nicholas Deligiannis running his first Greek kitchen. Wood-fired plates for sharing are the draw prawns with capers, halloumi with lemon and paprika plus a strong line-up of Greek beers, ouzo and vermouth. Salona owners Stavros and Alex Konis. Simon Schluter Some classics never get old. Jims Greek Tavern in Collingwood has been sizzling saganaki for more than 50 years and still pulls crowds for BYO feasting. In Richmond, Salona has a new lease on life following renovations but the food, especially goat baked with potatoes, still hums with soul. Stalactites is a reliable late-night gap-filler and one of few hold-outs in the citys former Greek hub around Lonsdale Street. Nearby, Good Food Guide Critics Pick Kafeneion is another late-night option, offering hangover-banishing soups such as magiritsa between 10pm and 1am. Ioannis Kasidokostas has proven himself at Carnegies mod-Med Sowl; hes leaned further into Greek traditions at Aegli in South Melbourne serving lamb of the gods: slow-cooked, pressed shoulder. Lively and fun Jims Greek Tavern. Joe Armao Advertisement Advertisement Correction: an earlier version of this article stated Kafeneion was in the former Melbourne Supper Club. The two share the space, and Melbourne Supper Club is still open for business. Related Collection The complete list of venues in The Age Good Food Guide 2026, by region The Richard and Melanie Gonzmart Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Program addresses the special needs of TGH cancer patients ages 15 and up. TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tampa General Hospital Foundation announced today that it has received a $1 million gift from Richard and Melanie Gonzmart in support of the TGH Cancer Institute's Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer (AYA) Program. Now named the Richard and Melanie Gonzmart Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Program, the program helps young patients from age 15 and up who require elevated services and a holistic approach to treatment. The Tampa General Hospital Foundation announced today that it has received a $1 million gift from Richard and Melanie Gonzmart in support of the TGH Cancer Institutes Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer (AYA) Program. "Tampa General Hospital has a record of providing world-class academic health care to adolescents and young adults facing a life-changing cancer diagnosis," said John Couris, president and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center | Tampa General Hospital. "Richard and Melanie Gonzmart are trusted partners who will help us continue to provide hope and excellent outcomes for these patients." "This transformative gift will help us elevate and innovate the care needed for vulnerable adolescent and young adult patients, a population that for many years the oncology field did not pay much attention," said Dr. Eduardo M. Sotomayor, vice president and executive director of the TGH Cancer Institute. "It makes it possible to diagnose and provide a state-of-the-art care specifically designed for this particular patient population that has quite different needs than other cancer patients." The AYA program, which is led by medical oncologist Dr. Victoria Rizk, addresses everything from diagnosis to barriers to care such as childcare expenses, fertility preservation and transportation issues. "Patients diagnosed with cancer at a young age face a unique set of challenges that older individuals may not experience," Rizk said. "Our role is to identify and anticipate these needs through psychology, genetics, nutritional guidance and a dedicated nurse navigator to guide each patient and support them through every step of their journey." The fourth-generation caretaker of the 1905 Family of Restaurants, Richard Gonzmart has invested in cancer research for many years and is a former board member of Florida Health Science Center. He was inspired by the loss of a childhood friend when he was just 12 and is awed by how academic medicine has evolved to save so many lives now. "My 20 years of investing in children's cancer research has been the best investment I've ever made in my life," Gonzmart said. "Seeing a child who was once given no hope and then seeing that same child 15 or 20 years later, alive, thriving and working some even in the health care field is truly amazing. It feels good in a way that words can hardly convey. None of us are as strong as all of us, and together with the TGH AYA Program, we will find a cure." "Richard and Melanie Gonzmart are inspirational philanthropists who are dedicated to bettering our community in many ways, one of which is driven by their passion to fight childhood cancer," said Frann Leppla, executive vice president and TGH Foundation president. "We are tremendously grateful for their partnership in innovating care for the young patients at our TGH Cancer Institute." ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL Tampa General Hospital, the Tampa Bay region's only academic health system, is a 1,530-bed not-for-profit network of hospital and outpatient services spanning across Florida. As the only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care center serving 23 counties, Tampa General delivers world-class care. The system's hospitals include Tampa General Hospital, Tampa General Rehabilitation Hospital, Tampa General Behavioral Health Hospital, all in Tampa; Tampa General Brooksville, Tampa General Spring Hill and Tampa General Crystal River. Tampa General is the highest-ranked hospital in Tampa Bay in U.S. News & World Report's 2025-2026 Best Hospitals, with six medical specialties ranking among the top 50 in the nation and five additional medical specialties ranked among the top 10% best hospital programs in the United States. As the first hospital in Florida to open a clinical command center for real-time situational awareness, the academic health system has elevated its digital care coordination center to the next level by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and its analytics platform across inpatient and outpatient care to ensure patients receive leading-edge care as quickly and safely as possible. Tampa General's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by three prestigious Forbes magazine rankings in the 2025 America's Best Large Employers, ranked as the Tampa Bay region's #1 employer in the health care category for the fifth year in a row, and among the top five in the state of Florida, in the 2025 Best Employers by State and the 2023 America's Best Employers for Women. Tampa General is the area's safety-net hospital, caring for anyone regardless of ability to pay; in fiscal year 2024, Tampa General provided a net community benefit of approximately $289.1 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It was the nation's No. 1 adult solid organ transplant center in 2024 and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With five medical helicopters, Tampa General transports critically injured or ill patients from surrounding counties to receive the advanced care their conditions require. Tampa General has a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center and its 32-bed Neuroscience, Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It is home to the Muma Children's Hospital at TGH, the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed neonatal intensive care unit and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General's footprint includes TGH North, which consists of three hospitals and several outpatient locations in Citrus and Hernando counties; 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices; TGH Family Care Center Kennedy; two TGH outpatient centers; TGH Virtual Health; and 19 TGH Imaging outpatient radiology centers throughout Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Palm Beach counties. Tampa Bay area residents receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care, powered by the Fast Track network of clinics. To see a medical care professional live anytime, anywhere on a smartphone, tablet or computer, visit Virtual Health | Tampa General Hospital (tgh.org). For more information, go to www.tgh.org. Media Contact: Danielle Caci Public Relations Manager (813) 844-4666 [email protected] SOURCE Tampa General Hospital Axed Palestinian author reinvited to future Adelaide Writers' Week An Australian-Palestinian author who was axed from Adelaide Writers' Week has been invited to next year's event as the new board seeks to repair reputational damage. Advertisement Updated NationalNSWAir travel Dozens of flights cancelled at Sydney Airport amid critical staffing issue Daniel Lo Surdo Updated January 15, 2026 4:38pm ,first published 3:01pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Dozens of domestic flights at Sydney Airport are cancelled and several others will face hours-long delays because of a shortage of air traffic control staff. About 30 Qantas and Jetstar flights have been axed and eight Virgin flights were cancelled, as Airservices Australia activates spacing intervals for flights arriving and departing Sydney to safely manage operations on Thursday. Dozens of flights are cancelled amid a critical staffing issue at the air control tower. Wolter Peeters Airservices Australia said the measure was triggered after a number of staff took short-notice sick and carers leave. We will keep delays to a minimum and apologise for any impact to our customers and the travelling public, a spokesperson said. Advertisement Airservices Australia said flights could also be impacted in other cities, including Perth and Brisbane. Related Article Exclusive Airports The stench that overwhelmed Sydney airports air traffic control tower Stephen Beckett, chief executive of Airlines for Australia and New Zealand, which represents all Australian airlines, was among travellers caught in the delays, which he said were problematic and would affect the entire national network. Most aircraft fly in and out of Sydney on any day, so when there are delays it impacts the whole network, Beckett said. In a statement, Sydney Airport urged passengers to check with their airline regarding the status of their flight. Advertisement Air traffic control staff are entitled to unlimited sick leave, while a small number of absences can overwhelm the workforce, which suffered a large exodus during the COVID pandemic. There were mass flight cancellations and nationwide delays at Sydney Airport in February 2024 after just two staff members called in sick, as workers scrambled to control movement on the tarmac. Airlines for Australia and New Zealand chairman Graeme Samuel, whose flight to Melbourne has been delayed by more than 90 minutes, hit out at Airservices Australias outrageous conduct on Thursday. This has to stop, its frankly getting nonsensical its all going wrong, and its all attributable to air traffic control, said Samuel, the former ACCC chair who spoke to the Herald while his plane was grounded on the tarmac. You can only use COVID for so long. Weve had two to three years, and if Airservices havent got its act together in that time, then something is awfully wrong. Advertisement Airservices Australia said recruitment remained a top priority, and it had added 91 air traffic controllers in 2025. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive NationalNSWICAC Former ICAC fugitive faces multiple criminal offences Cindy Yin January 15, 2026 6:30pm 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 The alleged mastermind of a multimillion-dollar scheme has been charged with multiple criminal offences after he went on the run from police for months and failed to appear before an anti-corruption inquiry. Now-sacked Transport for NSW official Ibrahim Helmy, who was at the centre of a $343 million kickback scandal engulfing the state agency, failed to appear in May before an Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry, which prompted the commission to issue a warrant for his arrest and later charge him for breach of bail conditions set by the ICAC. A family member had told the commission that Helmy took the rubbish out on a Sunday night and did not return. But after four months on the run from police, he was discovered hiding in a cupboard in a red-brick Lakemba unit on September 26 and arrested. Ibrahim Helmy was arrested on September 26 after detectives found him hiding in a cupboard at a home in south-western Sydney. NSW Police The 39-year-old has also been charged with three counts of failing to comply with conditions of his release between May and September 2025. He owned more than one mobile phone, failed to live at his Merrylands home, and failed to report to Merrylands Police Station three days a week, court documents reveal. Advertisement Some of his other bail conditions required him to surrender his passport and restricted him from leaving NSW or going within 500 metres of any international departure point in Australia without permission from the ICAC. Helmy is also banned from owning any encrypted devices or communicating on encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegraph, or Signal, and must also hand over passwords to any internet-connected devices to ICAC investigators on demand. Sacked Transport for NSW official Ibrahim Helmy appears in the witness box at the ICAC inquiry. ICAC The ICAC recently concluded a public inquiry into allegations that Helmy was the mastermind behind corrupt relationships with nine companies that were paid at least $343 million in Transport for NSW contracts in exchange for kickbacks. Helmy is accused of receiving $11.5 million in kickbacks including cash, gold bullion and cryptocurrency from the contractors in return for their being awarded work on the states roads. Less than two weeks after being arrested, Helmy appeared for the first time in the witness box on October 7 last year, and fronted the inquiry 18 more times after. Advertisement Detectives and ICAC officers conducted raids in September 2024, uncovering $12,317 in cash, gold bullion bars and items, including a cash counter, that were seized from Helmys Merrylands home, as well as computers on which he saved spreadsheets recording his dealings with contractors. The NSW Crime Commission also seized $413,000 worth of cryptocurrency held by Helmy, and $8 million in a crypto account in his sisters name. Related Article ICAC Bundles of cash, gold bullion and luxury cars: Inside ICAC probe into NSW transport department Helmy worked at Transport for NSW for 15 years before he was terminated in February 2025. Five other Transport for NSW officials are accused of having roles in the kickback scandal. The public inquiry into the alleged kickbacks is part of an ICAC investigation known as Operation Wyvern. It is the fourth ICAC probe in the past six years into procurement practices at Transport for NSW, which spends almost half the governments capital budget each year more than $22 billion. Helmy will appear before Downing Centre Local Court on January 27, where his bail conditions are expected to continue. 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 NationalNSWProtests Police warn protesters not to march as ban extension looms Jack Gramenz Updated January 15, 2026 11:54am ,first published 11:29am 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 Police are working on contingencies for major protests planned for Australia Day if a ban on marches through Sydneys streets is extended. A decision could depend on what happens at rallies planned for the CBD in the coming days. An additional extension of the declaration prohibiting marches could capture Invasion Day protests. Flavio Brancaleone A restriction on public assemblies came as part of the state governments response to the Bondi Beach terror attack and was first put in place on December 24, hours after the laws came into force. A protest on Friday will be calling for the repeal of the anti-protest laws at Town Hall, but no march is planned. Advertisement Another protest calling for a new inquiry into Aboriginal deaths in custody is planned for Hyde Park in the Sydney CBD at noon on Sunday. The protest is linked to the 10th anniversary of David Dungay jnrs death in custody. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said the prohibition on marches was about promoting calm and social cohesion following the most horrific terror attack in Australias history. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna says protesters can still gather, but not march. Dominic Lorrimer This is time to bring that community tension down. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon first extended the restriction for another fortnight on January 6. Advertisement An additional extension, if made, would capture the Invasion Day rallies typically held on January 26, as well as an anti-immigration March For Australia rally run by a soon-to-disband neo-Nazi group planned for the same day. The declaration means police are not accepting public assembly applications, which exempt protesters being charged for blocking roads or footpaths during marches. McKenna said community tension and social cohesion would be assessed again before the commissioner decides on Tuesday whether to make another 14-day declaration. At the moment we are working with the organisers for various public assemblies on Australia Day, and we will have different contingencies in place to work with them, regardless of whether there is a declaration or if there isnt. Stop the War on Palestine spokesperson Adam Adelpour said Fridays rally against the state government anti-protest legislation would feature a wide representation of the community voicing their opposition to these draconian laws and genocide. Advertisement Well be standing against [Premier] Chris Minns anti-protest laws and his disgraceful attempt to exploit the Bondi tragedy to silence critics of Israels genocide, Adelpour said on Thursday. Protest is like a muscle, if you want to keep it, you need to keep using it. Meanwhile, David Dungay jnrs nephew Paul Silva told AAP this week he expected Sundays march to go ahead. Protesters will be able to gather and stand there. Dominic Lorrimer Were not there to create any violence or conflict between police or any other members in society, Silva said, adding it would be disgusting if the declaration prohibiting marches was extended. Advertisement McKenna said on Thursday police were negotiating with the organisers of Sundays rally but had not yet had contact with organisers of Fridays protest. Were getting the message out to them, regardless, that we will be there in numbers and we will speak to them very early on in the piece and make sure they understand exactly what is expected. McKenna said police were not anti-protest and facilitated about 1000 in the Sydney CBD last year. What the declaration means is that were not accepting form 1 [applications] at the moment, McKenna said. When theres no form 1 in place, it means you cannot block pedestrians, block footpaths, block roadways, march down streets, that sort of thing. Advertisement People can still have free speech, people can still gather in a park or somewhere that theyre not impeding people, McKenna said. Demonstrators march against some aspects of the NSW governments response to the Bondi terror attack gathered at Town Hall in the days before the laws passed. Dominic Lorrimer There have been 25 static protests since the declaration restricting applications was first made in December, McKenna said. A challenge against the laws have has been filed in the Supreme Court, to return on January 29. Palestine Action Group organiser Josh Lees vowed to defy the protest ban following a hearing in court last Friday. Advertisement We reject the NSW governments undemocratic anti-protest laws and the ludicrous, baseless justifications for them, he told this masthead on Thursday. Related Article Updated Bondi shooting Dont let the perfect be the enemy of the good: Jewish groups urge Ley to back bill Lanyon first extended the ban days after a rally following the US capture of ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. The rally was held hours after Maduros capture, but public assembly applications are typically required to be submitted at least seven days beforehand, unless otherwise approved by the police commissioner or Supreme Court. Three people were arrested at the Venezuela protest, but no charges were laid. Advertisement A crowd also gathered outside the US consulate in North Sydney on Tuesday in support of protests in Iran. 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 NationalNSWPolice Ready 2 chalk out every Alameddine: Cartel threatens to wipe out notorious crime family Perry Duffin January 15, 2026 11:25am 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 Sydneys most notorious gangland family is being hunted by a breakaway group that has torched the home of a key figure and released images of guns and bullets along with a warning they are ready to chalk out the Alameddines. The Alameddine organised crime network, for the past decade, has deployed brutal violence and enlisted the help of smaller street gangs to control large swathes of the citys highly lucrative drug trade from its home suburb of Merrylands. The car on the property belonging to the Alameddines erupted in flames on Tuesday night. But three years of police crackdowns, high-profile arrests and internal spats have left the once-sprawling criminal empire at war with its own soldiers. On Tuesday night, two men approached a Toongabbie home and poured accelerant on an SUV parked in the driveway, before setting it alight. Advertisement Coconut Cartel on top, one called out as they fled the scene. Later that evening, an image was shared by Sydney Crime Network, an underworld social media outlet, showing a rifle, bullets and a threat. Bilal Alameddine is the suspected target of a series of threats, and the Toongabbie firebombing. Come out and play you midget f--- PS Coconut Cartel, a handwritten note next to the gun reads. Both the firebombing, and the threat, were directed at Bilal Alameddine, who is 150 centimetres tall. Advertisement Detectives from State Crime Commands Criminal Groups Squad are aware of an image depicting a firearm, along with associated threats against an Organised Criminal Network, circulating on social media, NSW Police said in a statement. Investigations have commenced into yesterdays firebombing in Toongabbie (Wednesday 14 January 2026), the firearm image, and the inference of conflict between the two OCNs. A threat from the Coconut Cartel to Bilal Alameddine sent by SCN Worldstar. A second threat, attached to the images sent to SCN Worldstar, said Coconut Cartel were Ready 2 Chalk Out Every Alameddine. SCNs Zaky Mallah told the Herald the cartel was linked to a group of Islander boys who had been hired by the Alameddines but had since fallen out with the OCN. Advertisement Some of the Islander boys were once hired by the Alameddines to carry out some work, then an internal infighting happened. Then some of these boys flipped and created the Sydney Cartel, he said. But, Mallah said, they were not claiming affiliation with other established gangs. They are not linked to anyone. For example, If you are against the Alameddine family, or anyone that gets in their way, you can join [the cartel], Mallah said. So long as you record your movie on camera, youre welcomed in. Its not known, by police or anyone outside the conflict, whether the cartel is connected with another large defection of foot soldiers from the Alameddines last year. Advertisement A street gang of predominantly Fijian Australians, known as KVT, broke away from the Alameddines, triggering a series of public shootings in 2025 that shocked the city. NSW Police established Taskforce Falcon to halt the infighting after an Alameddine leader was marked for assassination and shot at multiple times. He cannot be identified for legal reasons. One of his bodyguards was killed in one shooting at Parramatta, and an innocent woman shot in a kebab shop in the second. Theres been a division and thats the problem, Detective Superintendent Jason Box, Falcons commander, said last July. It was one organised crime network working as a collective theres now a division, and that hasnt been accepted internally, hence the conflict. Advertisement In 2015, Bilal Alameddine tried to leave Australia to join Islamic State terrorists in the Middle East as a 16-year-old. Months later, a relative, Talal Alameddine, supplied the gun used by a radicalised teenager in the murder of police accountant Curtis Cheng outside NSW Police headquarters. In 2017, Bilal Alameddine was arrested after selling handguns a Desert Eagle and Smith & Wesson and more than $100,000 worth of cocaine to undercover officers. He was ultimately granted parole in late 2022 despite bad behaviour, including violence and hidden mobile phones, behind bars. 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 NationalNSWBondi shooting To stay or go? Council debates future of Bondi pedestrian bridge David Barwell January 15, 2026 9:04pm 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 Bondi residents, community groups and Jewish leaders have urged Waverley Council not to demolish the footbridge at the centre of the Bondi Beach terror attack amid staunch public debate about whether the heritage-listed landmark should be retained or removed. The fate of the pedestrian bridge at Bondi Park remains in limbo following a 2-hour council meeting convened by Waverley Council on Thursday night, attended by a packed public gallery and overseen by a heavy presence of police and security guards. The future of the footbridge at Bondi Beach was subject to debate at Thursdays council meeting. Louise Kennerley On the meeting agenda were four items, including consideration of the future of the pedestrian bridge, which was used as a vantage point by the father-and-son gunmen on December 14 when they killed 15 people and injured dozens more in an antisemitic attack on the first night of Hanukkah. The meeting resulted in councillors voting in favour of seeking a report into the costs, timetable and approvals process associated with either replacing or restoring the pedestrian bridge, with a final decision on its future not expected to be made until at least the middle of this year. Advertisement Security and police were on hand for the Waverley Council meeting at Bondi Junction. Sitthixay Ditthavong A structural report commissioned by the council in 2024 concluded the pedestrian bridge, along with a southern pedestrian bridge also crossing Park Drive at Bondi Park, were deemed to have reached the end of their useful lives and require replacement within several years. Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh, speaking during the meeting, noted the replacement of the bridge would be considered in the context of discussions about the establishment of a permanent memorial in Bondi Park to honour the victims of the attack. He said a final decision would be subject to further community consultation, including with the families of the 15 people killed. Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh at Bondi Beach. Flavio Brancaleone The vote comes one day after NSW Premier Chris Minns added his voice to the debate, calling for the structure be torn down to prevent it from becoming a ghoulish reminder while also noting his preference for families to be given the final say. Advertisement Waverley Deputy Mayor Keri Spooner said it was far too soon to be making definitive decisions and urged the response to the attack not to be solely defined by debate around the pedestrian bridges. The council will be listening to everyone in our community, and nothing will be happening until an appropriate time, she said. Councillors at the meeting also voted in favour of a range of other measures in response to the attack, including holding a civic function in appreciation and gratitude of first responders, dedicating mural panels along the Bondi Beach Sea Wall promenade to community artwork for 12 months, and holding an exhibition at Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery showcasing the cultural and community artistic response to the tragedy. Friends of Bondi Pavilion member Nicolette Boaz, speaking at the meeting, called on councillors to honour the heritage value of the existing bridges and broader parklands. The parklands, the beach, the pavilion, and the bridge are synonymous with Bondi and we cannot let the terrible attack that happened hurt us more by allowing the destruction of public heritage, she said. Advertisement Those sentiments were shared by Sandy Hollis of the Sydney Jewish Museum, who advocated for the bridges to be retained as a memorial to those killed and as a lasting symbol of what Australia stands for. Residents attend the Waverley Council meeting in Bondi Junction on Thursday. Sitthixay Ditthavong Shua Solomon, president of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, called for the memorial to become a public display of Jewish pride and light. Michelle Goldman, chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, said the attack had left lasting scars that have touched every corner of Waverley just as it touched every corner of the Jewish community. Jewish communities across Australia have experienced unprecedented levels of antisemitism since October 7, 2023. It has no place here, not in our schools, not in our universities, not in our streets and public places and certainly not in Bondi, she told the meeting. Advertisement Goldman also urged other councils to follow Waverley Councils lead by adopting strategies that carried commitments to combat antisemitism in local communities. 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 NationalQueenslandExtreme weather PM tips in an extra $26m for Qld flood recovery as Crisafulli slams outdated tech Dominique Tassell January 15, 2026 2:46pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced another $26 million in funding for Far North Queensland amid a significant rain event, bringing the total to $66 million. The newly announced $26 million is a joint commitment between the state and federal governments. It follows days of criticism from Premier David Crisafulli, who said outdated systems meant those in the community were sitting ducks during extreme weather. Anthony Albanese announces $26 million in funding for Far North Queensland following recent damaging downpours. Nine Speaking from Clermont where flash flooding wiped out 50,000 head of cattle and triggered a number of swift-water emergency rescues the prime minister said state governments and local councils were responsible for their infrastructure, but that the government has committed significant funding to help them. Advertisement More than $200 million has been allocated by the federal government over 10 years to upgrade rain gauges, rain towers, warning signs and cameras, Albanese said. Related Article Updated Extreme weather Sitting ducks: Crisafulli doubles down on BOM criticism The operational questions are best directed to the Bureau [of Meteorology], he said. At the moment, local councils and state government agencies own the majority of flood gauges. Theyre responsible for their own infrastructure, but thats why we have established this fund. We are putting $263 million we have on the table over 10 years. Advertisement I have a good working relationship with the premier, David Crisafulli. I dont seek to politicise any of these issues. We will work constructively; just like today, were announcing working constructively with [the local council]. Earlier this week, Crisafulli blamed the federal BoMs flood gauge system and radar coverage for failing to provide sufficient information during flooding disasters. Crisafulli has repeatedly criticised the bureaus radar range and communication tools throughout the wet season, initially labelling the service as flawed when south-east Queensland residents were caught off guard by severe storms in October. Inland floodwaters in north Queensland, where flash flooding has triggered a number of swift-water rescues. Cloncurry Shire Council On Tuesday, he said outdated rain gauges and stretched radar coverage in remote regions meant residents were sitting ducks during disasters. Advertisement In many cases, youve got areas where youve got two radars so far apart that youve got areas that arent covered, Crisafulli said. It hasnt had the investment in facilities, and you wouldnt cop it if it was in a capital city. There is no world that says if there was a couple of streets in Sydney or Melbourne where they werent given information that could put them in harms way, that that wouldnt be fixed by lunchtime thats the truth. Crisafulli said the blame did not lie with the bureau but with a lack of investment in resources for Far North Queensland dating back multiple federal governments. Information is the difference between life and death, and communities are flying blind because there hasnt been the investment in things like rain gauges and, in many places, radar to warn of the impending danger, he said. Advertisement When asked to respond to Albaneses comments about the existing funding on Thursday, Crisafullis office sent through audio of comments he made on Tuesday. It did not respond to questions about the number of state- and council-owned gauges in Queensland, or the portion of the $263 million allocated to the state. The new federal funding will also go towards the primary producers support package, extraordinary disaster recovery assistance grants, the mental health recovery program, and immediate recovery needs for Isaac Regional Council. Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the impacts of the recent flooding were not yet fully known, but the federal government would help with additional assistance if required. 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 NationalQueenslandWorkplace safety Qld hydro workers again allegedly served a smorgasbord of contamination Dominique Tassell January 15, 2026 2:15pm 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 Workers at a renewable energy project in Far North Queensland were allegedly served mouldy and fly-riddled food on Thursday morning, a day after food safety concerns at the site were publicised. Workers at the Genex Pumped Storage Hydro Project at Kidston a remote town inland from Townsville were served food covered in maggots earlier this month. Genex chief operations officer Arran McGhie claimed the incident was isolated and said no workers had presented to the on-site nurse with gastrointestinal illness or symptoms. Workers at the remote Genex Pumped Storage Hydro Project at Kidston were allegedly served mouldy and fly-riddled food on Thursday morning. But on Thursday, photos of the breakfast provided to workers at the camp showed mouldy oranges and fly-riddled rice and eggs. Advertisement Workers were directed back to work earlier this week, despite what the union claimed were serious and unresolved health concerns. Related Article Renewables Turnbull pushes pumped hydro, even if Australia goes nuclear Electrical Trades Union state organiser Robert Hill said there was an intolerable ongoing risk to workers health. Our members dont know whether the next meal theyre served will make them sick. What theyre experiencing is a smorgasbord of contamination maggots, flies, mould and its happening in a remote camp where workers have no alternative food options, he said. Workers are literally playing Russian roulette each time they eat. Advertisement The level of desperation is extraordinary. Workers have reported feeling hungry, frustrated and mistreated, with some now discussing paying out of their own pockets to helicopter a food drop into the remote area a situation more reminiscent of a humanitarian aid operation than a state-backed infrastructure project. A stop-work action was carried out at the project late last year over unacceptable conditions. Unsafe food standards and unclean accommodation were among the concerns raised at the time. The old Kidston gold mine, 280km south-west of Cairns, is being turned into a pumped hydro project by Genex. Brian Cassey The project is a joint venture between John Holland and McConnell Dowell, which promised to increase cleaning staff to ensure standards would be met. Advertisement A Food Services Audit report was commissioned by John Holland and McConnell Dowell in November, but was never completed. However, the partial audit found food-handling practices posed a real and imminent risk to health and safety. Issues identified included unsafe food handling, poor sanitation, inadequate temperature control and storage, failures in monitoring and record-keeping, and a lack of effective corrective action. These are not minor issues, Hill said. They are fundamental food safety failures. In a statement late on Thursday, Genex said it was taking additional steps following the ongoing alleged complaints. It said an audit by the camp operator would be carried out, as well as a third-party independent audit, which will reportedly begin next week. Advertisement Genex said it would follow all recommendations from the investigation into all aspects of food safety at the site. ETU officials said it was unacceptable that workers were expected to continue living and working onsite under the current conditions. They called for workers to be flown home at no expense while the issues were resolved. Genex said on Wednesday its workers health, safety, and wellbeing was its highest priority. Genex has been contacted for further 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 NationalVictoriaCourts Case for Tom Silvagnis appeal against rape conviction revealed Melissa Cunningham January 15, 2026 2:15pm 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, will argue a phone call between him and a woman he sexually assaulted should have never been used as evidence in his rape trial, as his legal team fights to have his conviction quashed. Documents released by the Supreme Court on Thursday detail the grounds for his appeal, with his lawyers set to argue that County Court Judge Gregory Lyon erred in two ways during the rape trial. Tom Silvagni during his County Court trial in November. Nine News The 23-year-old was found guilty of two counts of rape last month after a January 2024 attack in which he snuck into a bedroom at his familys Melbourne home, pretended to be someone else and sexually assaulted a woman. Silvagni then doctored an Uber receipt the next day to try and cover up his crime. The Supreme Court confirmed on Wednesday that Silvagni had launched an appeal against his two rape convictions, releasing the appeal documents to the media on Thursday. Advertisement Silvagnis appeal centres on a phone call the victim made to Silvagni on January 25, days after the sexual assault occurred and after she had reported the rape to police. Related Article Crime Tom Silvagni files appeal against rape conviction His legal team will argue that Lyon erred in determining that statements made by Silvagni to the complainant during this pretext call were capable of constituting evidence of incriminating conduct. The jury heard during the 10-day trial that the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke to Silvagni 11 days after the rape over a pretext call, which means police were recording their conversation. The learned trial judge erred in determining that the statements made by (Silvagni) to the complainant during the pretext call (a) were capable of constituting evidence of incriminating conduct, (b) were reasonably capable of being viewed by the jury as evidence of incriminating conduct and (c) could be relied upon by the prosecution as evidence of incriminating conduct, the document says. Advertisement His legal team will also argue Lyon failed to properly instruct jurors on the way the evidence could be used. The learned trial judge erred in his directions to the jury concerning (a) the permissible use to which the evidence relied upon as incriminating conduct might be put by the jury and (b) the limited circumstances in which the evidence relied upon as incriminating conduct might be used by the jury, the second grounds for appeal says. Stephen and Jo Silvagni outside the County Court in December last year. Joe Armao Silvagni was sentenced to six years and two months behind bars and is eligible for parole after three years and three months. The maximum jail term for rape is 25 years, with an average of seven to 10 years. Advertisement Last month, Lyon allowed the sentence to be broadcast live after Silvagnis identity was kept secret due to a suppression order for more than a year. 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. Loading The suppression order was the subject of an ongoing legal battle between media outlets and the Silvagni family. 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. Advertisement 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. Related Article Updated Courts Tom Silvagni, you raped me: Victim says she will carry trauma for the rest of her life 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. 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. Advertisement 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. Do you know how scary it is to have a big strong man hold hands behind your back so you cant escape his grip? If Silvagnis appeal is successful, the Court of Appeal would quash his convictions and either order a retrial or acquit him. Tom is the youngest son of Carlton great Stephen Silvagni and his wife Jo, a former television host, and the grandson of Blues Hall of Famer Sergio. Advertisement 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 with Jo outside court following a pre-sentence hearing for his son in December. Loading 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. Advertisement Our goal is to clear his name and bring him home. We ask for our privacy and to be respectful. 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). Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app. Prestigious Annual Awards Program Celebrates a Decade of Recognizing Top Internet-of-Things Innovators Around the Globe DETROIT LAKES, Minn., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SJE, Inc. , the global industry leader in control systems, today announced that its icontrol, a full-featured web-hosted SCADA solution has been selected as winner of the "Overall Smart City Solution of the Year" award in the 10th annual IoT Breakthrough Awards program conducted by IoT Breakthrough , a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the most innovative companies in the global Internet-of-Things (IoT) market today. SJE - IOT Breakthrough Award Badge SJE delivers state-of-the-art control panels and true end-to-end industrial IoT solutions built for the water industry, enabling water companies to harness operational and environmental benefits and take a data-driven and sustainable approach to urban water management. SJE's PRIMEX brand offers a web-based SCADA system, icontrol, that integrates water control devices with control SCADA/HMI servers using the most appropriate communication systems. icontrol utilizes existing local telemetry and open-architecture PLC Controls, including lift or booster stations, elevated tanks, flow, pressure and temperature. Additionally, SJE's recent acquisition of AMI Global, an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology company providing end-to-end remote connectivity solutions for industrial equipment, including hardware, SaaS, and software, aimed at providing customers with turn-key digital integration, development, and go-to-market support. By using AMI Global's solutions, cities can augment their current installed base with branded IoT connectivity seamlessly integrated via embedded or bolt-on gateway hardware. This integration provides real-time condition monitoring and alerts of pump systems, including wastewater lift stations, which can be accessed through our non-invasive IoT devices and bolt-on submersible condition monitoring sensors. "Water infrastructure is a pillar in our society. Imagine turning on the tap and there's no water or looking out the window to see the sewers overflowing. Our solutions are equipping smart cities and homes with comprehensive, secure, and modular smart water systems that enhance operational oversight, conserve water, and improve customer experience," said Bjorn Haldorsen, CEO of SJE. "We're grateful for receiving this award from IoT Breakthrough. Water companies can look to us to keep them running, as we continue to power the digital transformation and unlock the full digital potential of this critical industry." The mission of the IoT Breakthrough Awards program is to conduct the industry's most comprehensive analysis of the global Internet-of-Things industry and recognize the breakthrough innovators, leaders and visionaries driving progress in a range of IoT categories, including Industrial and Enterprise IoT, Smart City technology, IoT Security, Connected Home and Home Automation, Connected Vehicles, and many more. This year's program attracted thousands of nominations from over 15 countries around the world. "SJE's new suite of products enables both industry and individual consumers to tap into the potential of digital in water. Water infrastructure is critical, but in a digital world, water companies need to follow the technology, tapping into productivity while increasing the quality they deliver to consumers. However, this is costly and has stopped many projects before they get started," said Steve Johansson, managing director, IoT Breakthrough. "SJE's portfolio enables them to support both water companies, industry and home-owners with the technology they need to keep the water flowing. We're pleased to award them with 'Overall Smart City Solution of the Year!' for their incredible ecosystem of smart water solutions." SJE has provided industry-leading control and sensor solutions to water infrastructure for 50 years. About SJE Inc. SJE was founded in 1975. Over 50 years later, SJE has evolved into a global industry leader in control systems, operating throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in international markets. SJE, a privately held company, is comprised of over nine well-respected brands known for their innovation and quality. SJE has locations throughout the United States, Mexico, and Asia. SJE offers a wide variety of control products for residential, commercial, municipal, water, wastewater, and industrial markets, representing the most reliable integration of engineering and manufacturing capabilities in the industry. To learn more, visit www.sjeinc.com . About AMI Global Founded in 2009, AMI Global is an Industrial Internet of Things technology company providing end-to end remote connectivity solutions for industrial equipment, including: hardware, SaaS and software aimed at providing customers with turn-key digital integration, development, and go-to-market support. AMI Global consists of a deeply knowledgeable and experienced team in all facets of IoT. To learn more, visit www.amiglobal.com. About IoT Breakthrough Part of the Tech Breakthrough , a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the IoT Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in Internet-of-Things technologies, services, companies and products. The IoT Breakthrough Awards program provides a forum for public recognition around the achievements of IoT companies and products in categories including Connected Home and Home Automation, Enterprise IoT, Connected Vehicles, Industrial IoT (IIoT) and Smart City, Consumer IoT and more. For more information visit IoTBreakthrough.com . Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. SOURCE SJE Inc Advertisement NationalVictoriaEducation Schools data hack exposes students for years to come, experts warn Bridie Smith and Caroline Schelle January 15, 2026 6:30pm 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 The unprecedented cyberattack exposing thousands of Victorian students data could have long-lasting implications, cybersecurity experts have warned. University of Canberra adjunct professor Samuel Spencer said the sensitive information, which the Department of Education revealed on Wednesday had been stolen from a departmental network, would likely remain for sale on the dark web for years to come. More than a million state school students could have been impacted by the breach. istock Unlike a stolen car that can only be sold once, this data can be sold again and again and again re-victimising those impacted, Spencer said. All state schools have been affected by the breach, with more than a million past and current state school students potentially exposed. Advertisement The department temporarily disabled its systems and reset student passwords, locking secondary students out of their accounts a fortnight before school resumes. This data might may not have value now, Spencer said, but as students enter the workforce, it may be valuable if someones security question is, what school did you go to? So the risk isnt just the impact on people today, it could be five years down the track. Melbourne University computer security expert Dr Shaanan Cohney agreed the data risked being used as a negotiating tool to access further information in the future. Even if the hackers were kicked out, they now know more about their targets, he said. It means that they can leverage information to make them [the hackers] seem trustworthy down the track and potentially gain access to other schools and partners. Advertisement Swinburne University cybersecurity expert Professor Yang Xiang said the breach was unusually large given the number of people affected. Behind the students are hundreds of thousands of families, and the hackers can link information details and further exploit other information sources, he said. This might bring a significant impact to the whole education sector, so I think this is quite a serious incident. Xiang agreed hackers were likely to keep the information for future use, especially if they were organised criminals. Advertisement The department confirmed on Wednesday that the unprecedented incursion by an external third-party occurred, but did not say when the attack took place. Editor's pick Exclusive Climate crisis On a hot day, astroturf can reach up to 75 degrees. Thats only the start of its problems The names, year levels, school names and school-issued email addresses of primary and secondary state school students were accessed. Personal data including dates of birth, phone numbers and home addresses were not obtained. It is understood that the information was accessed through a school network. Compass Education, which is used by schools and teachers, confirmed it was not compromised in the breach. Advertisement The usual flow of student information to third parties (including Compass) was paused while the matter was investigated, a company spokesman said. We understand that the department is currently in the process of re-establishing these flows. There are more than 1500 primary, secondary, combined prep to year 12 schools and specialist government schools in Victoria. Education Minister Ben Carroll said he expected the department and relevant authorities to take every measure to protect students data. Parents and students have been provided with information and guidance on how schools are managing the situation ahead of the return to school, he said. Advertisement The departments acting deputy secretary, Stacey Gabriel, wrote to school leaders on Wednesday and provided a letter for schools to send to families. Related Article Updated Education Victorian student information stolen in major data breach Gabriel also urged principals to contact families if they held serious concerns for their safety, adding that Victoria Police and domestic violence support service The Orange Door could also be called upon. Family violence expert Professor Troy McEwan said that although it is likely only a small number of students were subject to serious non-contact orders in the state, the hack was nonetheless anxiety-provoking. Its quite frightening for families to cut off contact with an abusive person and feel their information may be at risk, the Swinburne academic said. Advertisement McEwan said it was important for people to carefully monitor the situation, but to be realistic. Its really important to be realistic about the risk. It doesnt mean people can find them at the moment, but that is a potential [risk], she said. A spokesperson from Safe and Equal, a body that specialises in family and gender-based violence, said it was essential that timely and clear updates are provided to impacted families. While the scale of this data breach was reportedly limited, even basic details like names, email addresses and schools can increase risks for victim-survivors and reveal information that has purposefully been kept from perpetrators for safety reasons. The spokesperson said any data breach involving children and young people was incredibly concerning, especially in the context of family violence. 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 NationalWAAir accident One year on, Rottnest seaplane crash survivors open up on fateful day Hamish Hastie and Cameron Myles January 15, 2026 3:07pm 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 survivors of the Rottnest seaplane crash in January last year say they hold no anger about the incident that claimed the lives of three people, including the pilot. Speaking for the first time about their harrowing ordeal, Jeremy and Patricia Connor said they felt relief that they survived and grateful for the first responders who helped saved their lives. Rottnest seaplane crash survivors Jeremy and Patricia Connor. Hamish Hastie Three people died when the Cessna 208 Caravan seaplane plunged into the waters of Thomson Bay in front of horrified onlookers as it attempted to take off for a flight back to the mainland on January 7 last year. Jeremy said the crash felt like it happened instantaneously and that the response from those who witnessed the plane hit the water was just as quick. Advertisement But the main point I wanted to make, as soon as we managed to get out of that plane, there was people there, and you dont really think about whats going on. You just go into response mode. And then theres these people there who help you do that, he said. It seemed like a long time, but if you read some of the facts in the report, it was probably only a matter of maybe two minutes. Jeremy offered particular thanks to a man who first swam toward himself and Patricia, then helped her to a nearby boat where he looked after her injured arm. Jeremy and Patricia Connor with the first responders who saved their lives after the January 7 Rottnest seaplane crash. Hamish Hastie He said shortly after being rescued, the two survivors were flown by RAC rescue helicopter to Fiona Stanley hospital, where he was still drenched in seawater. Advertisement Jeremy revealed that the fateful day had started filled with excitement as they met the other couples at the South Perth jetty ahead of their flight to the island in the morning. Were all a similar age, three couples together, doing the same thing, going to Rottnest in the summer, to have a great day out and it was just a good vibe and they were just nice people, he said. Jeremy said the couple held no anger about the tragedy and that they were doing well mentally. Theres no anger...youre on a plane, youre just doing something thats pretty normal, and it didnt go as planned. You cant change that, you just have to keep going, he said. With the help that weve had, were both in a good place. Advertisement I think this for us is a bit of closure, and put a line under it. The couple presented a plaque to the Rottnest Island Authority thanking first responders for their efforts that will be displayed near the islands nursing post. The seaplane being retrieved from the ocean floor. Were in such a fortunate, special place in the world, where we do have resources, but without those people who are willing to do it, its not worth as much, but theyre there to help when things go wrong, and they did, he said. Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said the Connors rescue was aided by a lot of really fortunate coincidences, including that water police were working off the island on the day of the crash. Advertisement Their actual response, I think from memory, was in the order of, like, three minutes, he said. [First responders] all regularly plan and prepare and practice for this type of an event, or events of this nature where theres a major response required, so they coordinate and collaborate really effectively at very short notice, he said. The police divers had a pretty confronting task for recovering the people who tragically lost their lives in that crash too. Pilot James Wong, 34, and two international tourists in their 60s died in the crash, while the Connors, also aged in their 60s, survived, along with the tourists partners. In December, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau released its interim report into the crash, which examined Wongs actions, whether the planes stall warning system had been switched off, and the crashworthiness of the seaplane. Advertisement The ATSB said Wong surveyed the normal take-off area twice in the afternoon of the accident and, due to strong winds, decided to take off in an easterly direction instead of the usual southerly track. The plane crashed after passing Phillip Rock, when it hit sea swell, became airborne, then rolled to the left before crashing back into the water. ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said the identification of factors contributing to the survivability of the planes passengers was an important area of focus for the probe. Examination of the wreckage identified the wings hinged backwards at impact, and the trailing edge of each wing penetrated the cabin in the area of the second row of passenger seating, Mitchell said. The investigation is considering the crashworthiness of the Cessna Caravan aircraft and the suitability of the manufacturer and operators emergency equipment and procedures for accidents involving immersion in water. Advertisement The report said the planes operator, Swan River Seaplanes, stated it had been aware some Cessna 208 pilots would disconnect the stall warning circuit-breaker due to false alarms and their impact on passengers during water take-offs, but this was not a common practice of Swan River Seaplanes pilots. The ATSB is expected to hand down its final report in the second half of next year. Advertisement PoliticsFederalMurray-Darling Basin Water wars ahead now Australias longest river officially critically endangered Mike Foley Updated January 15, 2026 11:50am ,first published 10:53am 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 Australias longest waterway is under such dire threat of collapse that the entire lower Murray River ecosystem, which stretches nearly 1000 kilometres from western NSW, through Victoria and to the sea in South Australia has been classified as critically endangered. The new designation was announced by Environment Minister Murray Watt on Thursday, sounding the alarm on the rivers health and setting up a potential conflict with big agribusiness and a political battle with the federal opposition, as the Albanese government blames their predecessors for a decade of inaction on conservation. The new designation sets up a potential conflict with big agribusiness and a political battle with the federal opposition. Ecosystems are threatened by over extraction of water, feral animals, habitat loss, weeds and salinity and those threats are, of course, made worse by increasingly severe droughts and floods caused by climate change Watt said on Thursday. This listing will guide future government action to protect and restore the lower Murray. A critically endangered designation, the highest risk rating, will apply national environmental protections to the lower Murray River, the plants and animals in it as well as surrounding floodplains and wetlands. Advertisement This means major project proposals, such as expansion of the wide-scale irrigation operations in the region to grow almonds, cotton, wine and citrus, will be subject to tougher tests over their impacts to native flora, fauna and the river system. Humane World for Animals Australia made the application to classify the lower Murray as critically endangered. The groups campaign director, Nicola Beynon, welcomed the announcement. These ecosystems have been so deteriorated by catchment degradation and water extraction, exacerbated by climate change, they have been identified as being at risk of ecological collapse, Beynon said. The critically endangered classification was recommended to Watt by the federal governments committee of expert conservation advisers and applies to native ecosystems and excludes existing farmland and urban development. The Macquarie Marshes in north-west NSW were also designated as endangered on Thursday. Advertisement The National Farmers Federation said its members were extremely concerned by the move, which it said was unnecessary and argued the government should focus instead on removing feral carp from the ecosystem. Declaring carp a key threatening process and properly funding control and eradication would deliver far greater environmental gains, said the federations water spokesman Malcolm Holm. The designation is a significant win for many South Australian residents, where the marine algal bloom choking waterways has heightened public awareness of environmental management. Labor campaigned in the past two federal elections on boosting the health of the Murray River, promising Adelaide residents who live at the end of the catchment that they would restore balance to management of the system. The area was listed as critically endangered in August 2013 by the Rudd Labor government, a status repealed four months later when the Abbott government was elected. Advertisement South Australian Senator Penny Wong, who was climate and water minister in the Rudd government from 2007 to 2010, said the Coalition had shamefully scrapped protections for the river and ignored the needs of her state. Related Article Water buyback controversy Historic moment for Murray Darling as water wars reignite South Australians know that the Liberal and National Parties have been focused on upstream states and have never done the right thing by South Australia when it comes to the Murray River, Wong said on Thursday. Opposition water spokesman Senator Ross Cadell said the governments move raised serious concerns for agribusiness and demanded the government stop playing politics. If every location where an endangered species, like the Murray cod, is present becomes a trigger point, we could see essential infrastructure and community projects across the southern Basin grind to a halt, Cadell said. Advertisement Murray Darling Conservation Council campaigns co-ordinator Char Nitschke said the critically endangered listing recognised the river was in crisis. When Abbott overturned the listing it was a triumph of politics over science, and today we are finally seeing his sabotage undone, Nitschke said. Australian Conservation Foundations Basha Stasak said the designation would provide better protections for hundreds of species including the bell frog, orange-bellied parrot, regent parrot, fairy tern, Murray cod and trout cod. In its first term, the Albanese government rebooted the nations water wars for the first time in nearly a decade when in 2024 it opened a new round of controversial large-scale water buybacks in NSW and Victoria to boost flows in the Murray. Governments started buying back farmers water entitlements in 2007, and water recovery ramped up in 2012 after creation of the $13 billion Murray-Darling Basin plan. Advertisement However, the former Coalition government paused buybacks in 2015 after furious campaigns from irrigation communities up and down the river system in communities such as Shepparton in Victoria, Griffith in NSW and Dirranbandi in Queensland. The world-famous Macquarie Marshes depend on closely managed environmental flows in the Murray-Darling Basin. Nick Moir Watt said on Thursday that the former Coalition government had for nine years failed the river system with a lack of conservation action. Past activities and decisions regarding the Murray-Darling Basin have consequences and its why the Albanese government has been so determined to change course, he said. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsWAHospitals Heres why your local hospital takes so long to fix its leaky roof Hamish Hastie January 15, 2026 4:50pm 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 Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey has declared the buck stops with him as he embarks on wholesale reform of the states sluggish hospital maintenance program following the release of a scathing probe. Former under-Treasurer Michael Barnes and former Health Department boss Neale Fong made 24 scathing findings about the state of WAs hospital maintenance system, including that it lacked clear key performance indicators, consolidated data and compliance oversight, and was reactive rather than preemptive. WA Health Director General Shirley Bowen and Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey. Hamish Hastie The review compared the state to other health agencies in Australia and New Zealand and found WA was one of the few jurisdictions without a structured rolling program to replace ageing plant equipment like air-conditioning and ventilation. It also found that maintenance spending had no target or benchmarks. Advertisement The report also found lower-value maintenance works were subject to overly prescriptive controls a result of past corruption watchdog probes which were necessary but creating delays. Carey initiated the audit following reports in August last year by The West Australian about mould and water leaks in WAs ageing hospitals. Carey said Fong and Barnes audit provided frank and fearless advice that the government would act on. Let me be very clear, ultimately, this reform program, the buck stops with me. Im the Minister for Health infrastructure. Ive got to deliver it, he said. There is a big job ahead, but as the states first Health Infrastructure Minister, I am committed to driving that shake-up of procurement and contract management, which I would point to as Ive done as the Housing Minister. Advertisement When asked why last year he stridently defended the states hospital maintenance program, Carey said he accepted the findings of the audit. I take them seriously. I know there is a big job ahead, and Im committed to reform of procurement, he said. Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Getty Images Carey said the governments response to the report would include bringing in the Department of Housing and Works into the fold to accelerate procurement processes. It would also establish a specific health-related trades panel to make maintenance easier and establish KPIs and clear expectations for maintenance activities across hospitals. Advertisement He also committed to providing further transparency of maintenance expenditure in future state budgets. Health service providers have been at the centre of a number of high-profile corruption probes, including an August 2018 investigation which found bribery in procurement went undetected within the maintenance and contract division of the North Metropolitan Health Service for nearly 10 years. When asked about corruption risk by loosening procurement processes, Carey said there was a balance to be struck. It is a considered approach. It is a fine balance. But we asked for an independent review. This was an independent review that did us that it did a system-wide audit, he said. There will still be significant checks and balances in place via the system manager, which is the Department of Health. Advertisement In August last year a $50 million Health Asset Maintenance Fund was established to undertake a maintenance blitz at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Royal Perth Hospital and the Armadale Health Service. Just $6 million in works have been completed across Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital so far, while a further $14 million has already been committed for works in progress. Department of Health Director General Shirley Bowen conceded she may have needed to do more to raise the maintenance issues with the WA Government. We actively have raised that we have work that needs to be done, she said. When asked by a reporter that whatever she did raise with the government wasnt working, she said: Perhaps it wasnt. Advertisement Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said if he were Carey, he would be embarrassed today. These failings sheet home to him. He cant say Ive been in the job five minutes. Hes had carriage of this portfolio for the entirety of this current term of Parliament. So this is on him, he said. Id be especially embarrassed if I was the premier, and particularly embarrassed if I were Amber-Jade Sanderson. They had carriage of the health portfolio for four years, and then another four years into this term of Parliament. What weve seen here is systemic failure to act. Theres been no planning, theres been no forethought. Australian Medical Association WA president Dr Kyle Hoath said the audit was a we told you so moment. Advertisement No one wants to be that told you so guy but I feel like we say the same thing over and over and over again, and we hear world class, and we hear dodging this, and we hear there are no problems. Theres nothing to see here, he said. So it was kind of validating today to actually see that these problems are real, these problems in our health system, they are there. Its not a world class health system. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Hospitals Perth Hamish Hastie is WAtoday's state political reporter and the winner of five WA Media Awards, including the 2023 Beck Prize for best political journalism. or email. Connect via X Astronauts leave space station in NASA's first medical evacuation The four returning astronauts are aiming to splash down on Thursday evening (AEDT) in the Pacific near San Diego. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaCrime Woman who accused NY party circuit twins of sexual assault found dead in NSW Debra Kamin January 16, 2026 7:09am 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 Kate Whiteman, the Australian woman whose accusation of sexual assault against twin brothers Oren and Alon Alexander opened the floodgates for dozens of similar allegations from women across the globe, was found dead in the NSW central west late last year. She was 45. Whitemans death, which has not been previously reported, was confirmed by a spokesperson for the NSW coroner. The death of Katie Whiteman at Cowra was reported to the coroner in late 2025, the spokesperson said. The circumstances were found to be non-suspicious. The investigation is concluded and the file is awaiting closure and finalisation. Oren Alexander in court in Miami, Florida, in late 2024. Bloomberg Whiteman sued Oren Alexander, a high-profile real estate agent, and his twin brother, Alon, in March 2024. She said she met the brothers, regulars on the New York party circuit, at a Manhattan nightclub in 2012 and they forced her into an SUV as she was leaving the club. They drove her to the Hamptons, she said, where she was assaulted at Sir Ivans Castle, a party mansion in the Southampton town of Water Mill. Advertisement Her accusations were followed the next day by a lawsuit from Rebecca Mandel, who accused the brothers of drugging and then assaulting her at a party in Manhattan in 2010. Mandel described consuming a drink her first of the evening that Alon had handed to her before her memory went hazy. But in the lawsuit, she recalled Oren forcefully penetrating her while Alon held her down. She said they then switched places and the assault continued, according to the lawsuit. Orens twin brother, Alon Alexander. Bloomberg The brothers have denied all allegations. Their lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Whitemans death. Evan Torgan, Whitemans lawyer, declined to comment. Advertisement Text messages and compromising photographs between Whiteman and the brothers had been leaked to The Daily Mail, which ran a story in July with a headline claiming that raunchy nude-filled sexts threaten to blow the case wide open. Oren Alexander had been one of the top-earning real estate brokers in New York alongside his older brother Tal Alexander, who was his partner first at the brokerage Douglas Elliman, and then at Official, a boutique luxury brokerage the two founded in 2022. A Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department image of Alon (left) and Oren Alexander. AP They regularly smashed real estate records, including with the 2019 sale of a nearly $US240 million penthouse at the time, the most expensive residential sale in US history. Alon Alexander, who worked as an executive at his familys private security company, was his brothers regular sidekick at social events and private clubs from Mykonos to Miami. Advertisement Charismatic and armed with youth and millions of dollars, Oren, Alon and Tal Alexander together built an image of jet-setting bachelors. But whispers that the brothers may have assaulted people had followed them since high school. In the summer of 2024, those whispers spilled into public view when The Real Deal, a real estate trade publication, first reported that Whiteman and Mandel had filed lawsuits against the twins. A third woman soon sued the twins and Tal Alexander, and a chorus of allegations began mounting on social media against all three. In July 2024, 10 women shared with The New York Times personal accusations of sexual assault against the brothers. Seven of those women said they believed they had been drugged, describing a fog that erased or clouded their memory. Advertisement Tal Alexander, like the twins, has denied all allegations, and the brothers began a public-relations campaign to clear their names. But in December 2024, in a series of raids by Miami police and the FBI, all three were arrested and charged with a federal sex-trafficking conspiracy. Prosecutors have filed 11 counts against the three men. Their trial is set to begin in Manhattan federal court on January 26. A 2024 display showing images of Alon, Oren and Tal Alexander. Bloomberg The brothers have been held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, and in the 13 months since their arrest, have sought to frame both the civil lawsuits and criminal allegations as an intertwined conspiracy led by women seeking to extort them. Last year, the three men sued The Real Deal for defamation, accusing the publication of refusing to consider or publish anything that called into question its false narrative of the case against them. Advertisement In exhibits accompanying their lawsuit, the brothers included photographs and screenshots of suggestive messages Whiteman had sent to Oren and Alon Alexander in the months after the alleged assault the same material that The Daily Mail published. Oren Alexander had personally given the messages to The Real Deal, according to the suit. TRD refused to let facts get in the way of an opportunity to make millions of dollars profiting off printing false allegations against the Alexanders, the brothers said in their complaint. Amir Korangy, the publisher of The Real Deal, did not immediately provide a comment when reached by the Times. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Advertisement Anyone needing support can contact 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. 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 Very tense situation: Clashes break out after second person shot in Minneapolis Michael Koziol Updated January 15, 2026 3:15pm ,first published 1:46pm 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: Federal agents have shot another person in Minneapolis as the city rapidly becomes the epicentre of a national reckoning over President Donald Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration and protests egged on by Democrats. As protesters gathered at the shooting scene late on Wednesday night, clashing with law enforcement, the Minneapolis mayor and police chief told them to go home, warning the chaos in the city was draining police resources and was unsustainable. Federal immigration officers shoot pepper balls as tear gas is deployed at the scene of the shooting. AP The Department of Homeland Security said the shooting occurred when an illegal alien from Venezuela fled a targeted traffic stop and crashed his car, before attempting to escape on foot. As law enforcement officers tried to apprehend the man, two people came out of a nearby apartment and attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle, as did the initial subject, the DHS said. Advertisement Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life, DHS said. The initial subject was hit in the leg. All three subjects ran back into the apartment and barricaded themselves inside. Law enforcement at the scene of the shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday night, US time. AP The department said the attacked officer and the target were both in hospital, while the other two people were in custody. US television networks showed large crowds gathered at the scene of the shooting, a residential area that was being guarded by masked police with guns. Photos and footage showed tear gas and flash bangs being deployed against the crowd. In a late night news conference, Minneapolis police chief Brian OHara said the gathering was an unlawful assembly and the crowd should disperse. This is already a very tense situation, and we do not need this to escalate any further, he said. Advertisement Democratic Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Grey told the crowd not to take the bait and to go home. We cannot counter Donald Trumps chaos with our own brand of chaos, he said. This is not sustainable. This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in. We are trying to find a way forward to keep people safe. Law enforcement officers stand amid tear gas at the scene of the shooting. AP The incident, which occurred about 7pm local time on Wednesday (midday Thursday AEDT), comes a week after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed 37-year-old US citizen Renee Good in Minneapolis at a protest against the immigration agency. Good was driving her car and appeared to be attempting to leave the scene when Ross shot her in the head. The Trump administration said Good was using her vehicle as a weapon, and attempted to run Ross over. He walked from the scene but sustained injuries and was taken to hospital, the administration said. Advertisement ICE has dispatched more than 2000 agents to Minnesota, focused on Minneapolis, in what the agency called its largest enforcement operation ever. The city is now a tinderbox, with anti-ICE protesters gathering daily and frequently clashing with law enforcement. Renee Good in her car, moments before she was shot dead. Alpha News/X In its statement on the latest shooting, DHS blamed Minnesotas Democratic leaders Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Frey for actively encouraging an organised resistance to ICE and federal law enforcement officers. Their hateful rhetoric and resistance against men and women who are simply trying to do their jobs must end, DHS said. Walz on Thursday (AEDT) delivered a video message to Minnesotans saying ICE was conducting a campaign of organised brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government. He encouraged residents to keep protesting, though peacefully. Advertisement Walz alleged ICE agents were indiscriminately pulling people over, ordering people to point out where their neighbours of colour lived, breaking windows, dragging pregnant women down the street [and] just plain grabbing Minnesotans and shoving them into unmarked vans. In the immediate aftermath of Goods death, Frey said ICE needed to get the f--- out of Minneapolis. The Trump administration has by-and-large maintained resolute defence of Ross and ICE agents, even declaring they enjoyed immunity from prosecution in the course of their duties, while branding Good and fellow protesters domestic terrorists. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said on Fox News: 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. Advertisement 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. Trump has previously voiced full support for Ross and joined the condemnation of Good. But on Thursday he struck a more neutral tone. Loading Its sad to see on both sides, Trump told newswire Reuters. I dont get into right or wrong. I know that it was a tough situation to be in There was very little respect shown to the police, in this case, the ICE officers. Trump has, however, maintained his political pursuit of Walz. This week he called the Minnesota governor moronic over allegations of fraud by Somali immigrants in the state, and told Minnesotans: The day of reckoning and retribution is coming. Advertisement Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaImmigration Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act as protests grow in Minneapolis over shootings Doina Chiacu January 16, 2026 8:13am 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: US President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces in Minnesota after days of angry protests over a surge in immigration agents on the streets of Minneapolis. Confrontations between residents and federal officers have become increasingly tense after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot US citizen Renee Good in a car last week in Minneapolis, and the protests have spread to other cities. Loading Trumps latest threat came a few hours after an immigration officer shot a Venezuelan man whom the government said was fleeing after agents tried to stop his vehicle in Minneapolis. The man was wounded in the leg. If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, Trump wrote on social media on Thursday (Friday AEDT). Advertisement Trump, a Republican, has for weeks derided the states Democratic leaders and called people of Somali origin there garbage who should be thrown out of the country. Related Article Updated US politics Very tense situation: Clashes break out after second person shot in Minneapolis He has already sent nearly 3000 federal officers into the Minneapolis area, who have carried guns through the citys icy streets, wearing military-style camouflage gear and masks that hide their faces. They have been met day and night by loud, often angry protests by residents, some blowing whistles or banging tambourines. On Wednesday night, crowds of nearby residents gathered near the area where the Venezuelan man was shot. Some shouted in protest, and federal officers ignited flash-bang grenades and released clouds of tear gas. Later, after most of the residents had been dispersed, a small group vandalised a car they believed belonged to the federal officers, one person daubing it with red graffiti saying: Hang Kristi Noem, in reference to the Homeland Security secretary who oversees ICE. Advertisement Since the surge began, agents have arrested both immigrants and protesters, at times smashing windows and pulling people from their cars, and have been shouted at for stopping black and Latino US citizens to demand identification. The Department of Homeland Security identified the man its officer shot as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. Federal officers attempt to disperse demonstrators protesting against ICE in St Paul, Minnesota, on Thursday. Bloomberg He had been allowed into the US by the administration of Trumps predecessor, Joe Biden, in 2022 through the governments humanitarian parole program. The Trump administration has since revoked the parole granted to Venezuelans and others admitted under Biden. In its statement, DHS called him a convicted criminal under Minnesota law after being caught driving without a licence and giving a false name to a police officer. Court records of those cases reviewed by Reuters show he was only convicted of petty misdemeanours, which Minnesota state law says do not constitute a crime and for which the maximum punishment is a $US300 ($448) fine. Advertisement According to the DHS account, federal officers tried to stop Sosa-Celis in his vehicle. He fled the scene in his vehicle, crashed into a parked car, and then ran away on foot, the DHS said. One officer caught him and while the two were in a struggle on the ground, two other Venezuelan men came out of a nearby apartment and attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle, the statement said. Teargas is deployed to disperse protesters in Minnesota. Bloomberg Sosa-Celis got loose and began hitting the officer with a shovel or a broomstick, and so the officer fired defensive shots to defend his life, the DHS statement said. Reuters was unable to verify the account given by DHS. Advertisement The men fled into the apartment and all three were arrested after officers went in, DHS said. Sosa-Celis and the officer were recovering in hospital from injuries, according to the department and city officials. Related Article Analysis Trump's America Two wildly varied reports of the same incident reflect the two Americas of our time The Trump administration and Minnesota leaders have each blamed the other for stoking anger and violence. In a late-night press conference, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the ICE surge an invasion and said he had seen conduct from ICE that is disgusting and is intolerable. We cannot be at a place right now in America where we have two governmental entities that are literally fighting one another, Frey said, calling for peace. Advertisement The Insurrection Act of 1807 is a law allowing the president to deploy the military or federalise soldiers in a states National Guard to quell rebellion, an exception to laws that prohibit soldiers being used in civil or criminal law enforcement. It has been used 30 times in US history, according to New York Universitys Brennan Centre for Justice. The Supreme Court has ruled that the president alone can determine if the acts conditions have been met. A man is pushed to the ground as federal immigration officers confront protesters. AP Trump has already taken the unusual step of federalising National Guard soldiers to help with immigration law enforcement in Democrat-run cities over the objections of state governors, including in Los Angeles last year, which a judge ruled in December was unconstitutional. Trumps aggressive moves in Minnesota have divided his supporters: 59 per cent of Republicans favoured a policy prioritising arrests by immigration officers even if people get hurt, while 39 per cent said officers should focus on not harming people even if it means fewer arrests, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey released on Thursday. Advertisement If Trump sends soldiers to Minnesota, he would almost certainly face legal challenges by the state. The Minnesota attorney-generals office has already sued the Trump administration this week, saying ICE agents were engaged in a pattern of unlawful, violent conduct, including racial profiling and forced entry into residents homes without warrants. The American Civil Liberties Union also filed a similar lawsuit against the Trump administration on Thursday. Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last week. Alpha News/X 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 Updated WorldNorth AmericaVenezuela Trump accepts Nobel Peace medal from Venezuelan opposition leader Nandita Bose , Gram Slattery and Steve Holland Updated January 16, 2026 1:45pm ,first published January 16, 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 Washington: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a White House lunch meeting as she tries to gain some influence over how he shapes the South American countrys political future. In a social media post, Trump wrote: Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria! Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado departs the White House after meeting President Donald Trump. AP A White House official confirmed that Trump intended to keep the medal, and the White House later posted a photograph of Trump accepting it from Machado. Machado, who described the meeting on Thursday (Friday AEDT) as excellent, said the gift was in recognition of what she called his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. Advertisement Machados attempt to sway Trump came after he dismissed the idea of installing her as Venezuelas leader to replace the deposed Nicolas Maduro. Trump openly campaigned for the prize before Machado was awarded it last month and complained bitterly when he was snubbed. Donald Trump and Maria Machado with the Nobel Peace Prize at the White House on Thursday. X/The White House Last week, Trump said he would accept the prize if Machado offered it to him when they met. Though Machado gave Trump the gold medal that honourees receive with the prize, the honour remains hers; the Norwegian Nobel Institute said the prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked. Advertisement View post on X Asked this week if he wanted Machado to give him the prize, Trump told Reuters: No, I didnt say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize. The meeting, which appeared to last slightly over an hour, marked the first time the two have met in person. Machado then met more than a dozen senators, both Republican and Democratic, on Capitol Hill, where she has generally found more enthusiastic allies. Machados daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her mothers behalf last month. Bloomberg While the visit was ongoing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had been looking forward to meeting Machado, but that he stood by his realistic assessment that she did not currently have the support needed to lead the country in the short term. Advertisement Machado, who fled Venezuela in a daring seaborne escape in December, is competing for Trumps ear with members of Venezuelas government and seeking to ensure she has a future role in governing the nation. After the US captured Venezuelas long-time leader, Maduro, in a snatch-and-grab operation this month, various opposition figures, members of Venezuelas diaspora and politicians throughout the US and Latin America have expressed hope that Venezuela will begin the process of democratisation. Democratic senator Chris Murphy, who met Machado, said she had told senators that repression in Venezuela was no different now than under Maduro. Venezuelas interim President Delcy Rodriguez was a smooth operator who was growing more entrenched by the day thanks to Trumps support, he said. Delcy Rodriguez (centre) in Caracas overnight. Getty Images I hope elections happen, but Im sceptical, Murphy, of Connecticut, said. Advertisement Trump has said he is focused on securing US access to Venezuelas oil and economically rebuilding the country. He has on several occasions praised Rodriguez, who was Maduros second-in-command and who became Venezuelas leader upon his capture. In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Trump said, Shes been very good to deal with. Related Article Explainer Nobel Prize How do you win a Nobel Prize? Machado was banned from running in the 2024 presidential election by a top court stacked with Maduro allies. Outside observers widely believe Edmundo Gonzalez, an opposition figure backed by Machado, won by a substantial margin, but Maduro claimed victory and retained power. While the current government has freed dozens of political prisoners in recent days, outside groups and advocates have said the scale of the releases has been exaggerated by Caracas. Maria Corina Machado leaves the Capitol after meeting Congress members, following her lunch meeting with Donald Trump. AP Advertisement Enabling Safer, Smarter, and More Scalable Autonomous Operations Across Industrial Facilities ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Md., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- STEER Tech, a leading innovator in autonomous vehicle technology, and KINEXON , a global leader in real-time location tracking and industrial IoT solutions, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the capabilities of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in depot operations, and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). This collaboration integrates STEER Tech's autonomous navigation software with KINEXON's real-time location systems (RTLS), driving the next generation of autonomous solutions for industrial applications. STEER Tech and KINEXON integrated systems and vehicles are supporting active sites in the USA, delivering an end-to-end autonomy framework for modern depots and logistics hubs. Integrated working facility Transportation warehouse complex The partnership integrates KINEXON's advanced sensor technology and real-time position tracking data into STEER Tech's high-precision autonomy stack and fleet platform to deliver enhanced operational efficiency, safety, and intelligence of autonomous vehicles in indoor environments. Together, the combined system enables safer vehicle movements, more efficient fleet coordination, and reliable navigation across dynamic depot environments. Key Objectives of the Collaboration: Seamless Integration : STEER Tech's autonomous vehicle software and Command and Control Platform will be enhanced by KINEXON's advanced real-time location systems, ensuring precise localization and improved navigation for AVs, AMRs and AGVs across a variety of industrial environments. : STEER Tech's autonomous vehicle software and Command and Control Platform will be enhanced by KINEXON's advanced real-time location systems, ensuring precise localization and improved navigation for AVs, AMRs and AGVs across a variety of industrial environments. Fleet Optimization : The collaboration will provide businesses with a robust fleet management solution, offering real-time insights into vehicle status, location, and task progress, leading to more efficient and optimized workflows. : The collaboration will provide businesses with a robust fleet management solution, offering real-time insights into vehicle status, location, and task progress, leading to more efficient and optimized workflows. Safety and Reliability : The integration of KINEXON's real-time tracking sensors with STEER Tech's autonomy software will enable advanced safety features, including enhanced obstacle detection, collision avoidance, and route optimization to ensure safe operations in dynamic environments. : The integration of KINEXON's real-time tracking sensors with STEER Tech's autonomy software will enable advanced safety features, including enhanced obstacle detection, collision avoidance, and route optimization to ensure safe operations in dynamic environments. Scalability: The solution is designed for easy scalability, allowing businesses to deploy autonomous systems across large facilities, such as warehouses, factories, and logistics centers, with minimal effort and maximum impact. A Vision for the Future of Autonomous Operations "STEER Tech is a true leader in autonomous vehicle technology, and we're excited to partner with them to bring even more advanced capabilities to our customers," said Mehdi BenTanfous, Chief Revenue Officer, at KINEXON." By combining KINEXON's real-time location tracking with STEER Tech's autonomous navigation software, we are enabling precise vehicle movement, reducing manual handling, and giving operators real-time visibility for safer, more efficient operations." "Partnering with KINEXON is a major step forward in our mission to revolutionize industrial automation, especially as an alternative to GPS," said Anuja Sonalker, CEO of STEER Tech. "With KINEXON's expertise in real-time tracking and ubiquitous sensor technology, we can enhance the precision, safety, and scalability of our autonomous systems, helping businesses optimize their operations in a smarter and more connected way." About STEER Tech STEER Tech is a global leader in autonomous precision movement, developing advanced autonomy software and retrofittable modules for commercial, defense, and specialty logistics operations. Our mission is to revolutionize industries through smart, scalable automation that enhances operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. From depots and material handling to tactical and non-tactical missions, STEER Tech's technology enables continuous driverless movement, seamless fleet orchestration, and customizable workflows that reduce downtime, maintenance, and damage. Built to perform in complex and contested environments, STEER Tech's solutions empower organizations to transform the way they move, manage, and deploy their fleets, whether in commercial logistics or defense applications. About KINEXON KINEXON is a global leader in real-time location tracking and industrial IoT solutions, specializing in sensor-based technologies for industries like logistics, manufacturing, sports, and healthcare. KINEXON's proprietary technology enables businesses to track assets, optimize workflows, and create intelligent, connected environments. With a commitment to driving operational efficiency and safety, KINEXON's solutions are trusted by organizations worldwide to enhance productivity, reduce downtime, and enable smarter decision-making. For Media Inquiries, Please Contact: STEER Tech Press Contact: Clemie Cahir Marketing Associate [email protected] http://www.steer-tech.com KINEXON Press Contact: Linh Nguyen Content Marketing Manager IIoT +49 151 72 67 90 97 [email protected] SOURCE STEER Tech By Stephen Blank In Washington on August 8, 2025, the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan signed what amounts to a framework for a peace treaty. The agreement ratified both sides support for creating the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) in the area formally known as the Zangezur corridor, in Armenias Syunik province, and entrusts management of the corridor to a U.S. private company on a 99-year lease. It is also likely that U.S. security personnel will supervise the corridors planned intermodal rail and highway transportation. As a result, Azerbaijan will have direct overland contact with its Nakhchivan province while a direct land route will be established from the Caspian Sea straight through to Turkey, allowing a substantial growth of Central Asian trade with Europe. The agreement represents the first and considerable sign of a tangible U.S. presence in the Caucasus and comes at the expense of Russian and Iranian interests. U.S. President Donald Trump, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Armenian President Nikolas Pashinyan sign the new Azerbaijan-Armenia peace accord in the White House (Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons) BACKGROUND: After many years of unclear U.S. policies towards Central Asia and the Caucasus, the Trump Administration has made a major move to upgrade U.S. presence in the Caucasus and provide a decisive impetus towards the conclusion of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan as well as a strong impetus for the so-called Middle Corridor between Asia and Europe. The Zangezur corridor has been a bone of contention in the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks to terminate the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, since the corridor passes through Armenia. This sliver of territory has been at the heart of disputes dating back to the Soviet conquest of Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1920-21, when the Soviet leadership deliberately separated Nakhchivan from Azerbaijan to prevent its proximity to Kemalist Turkiye. Armenias conquest of Nagorno-Karabakh in 1993-94 led to widespread ethnic cleansing and thousands of Azeri refugees as well as a strong Azeri irredentist movement that has now triumphed over Armenia and led Pashinyans government to sue for peace. Domestic nationalist opposition in Armenia has vigorously protested Azerbaijans demand for the corridor, which would connect it to both Nakhichevan and Turkiye with potentially huge economics payoffs for both states. The issue has generated an impasse in the bilateral negotiations, often directly conducted by Presidents Pashinyan and Aliyev. The domestic pressure in Armenia and from the Armenian diaspora to refuse concessions to Azerbaijan has triggered a serious domestic crisis leading Pashinyan to arrest high-ranking members of the church on the grounds that they were plotting a coup. There is some evidence of Russian support for the coup plotters. Pashinyans reform agenda is anathema to Armenian reactionaries and nationalists are resisting what they call a surrender to Azerbaijan. Moscow evidently has its own interests in backing these disaffected elites to reverse Pashinyans reforms to prevent their emulation elsewhere. Moreover, strife between Yerevan and Baku benefits Moscow, allowing it to play the states off against each other and regain its influence in Armenia. Indeed, it has reinforced its military presence in Armenia despite the war in Ukraine. IMPLICATIONS: In this context, Trumps offer could present a way out of the current impasse. Washington will pay Armenia for a 99-year lease of the corridor, which would formally respect Armenias sovereignty but give the U.S. operating control over the area and allow it to place forces there to maintain the corridor and provide security. Armenia has previously hinted that it might be open to a proposal that preserves its sovereignty but allows for third party management of the corridor. The U.S. proposal allows Baku and Yerevan to sidestep the vexed question of sovereignty over the corridor until passions have subsided. Azerbaijan, meanwhile, gets de facto ability to link with Nakhchivan and to operationalize the routes traversing this territory. A working and well-maintained overland trade route to Turkiye, Europe, and the Levant constitutes a giant step towards consummating the Middle Corridor from China to Europe, allowing Azerbaijan to benefit as a key middleman on this route. At the same time, Armenia needs peace to deal with its domestic opposition, institute Pashinyans democratic agenda, and terminate the state of war so that Armenia can restore relations with Turkiye and profit from the expansion of international trade corridors into the Caucasus. The agreement also incentivizes both sides to move quickly towards a peace treaty where they and neighboring states, including in Central Asia, stand to gain economically and politically. Trumps proposal also works to stabilize the Caucasus by minimizing Russian opportunities for interference. For over a century, Russia has endeavored to manipulate the tensions between Armenians and Azeris to enhance its imperial reach and standing in the Caucasus. Azerbaijans victories of 2020 and 2023, plus the pressure of the war in Ukraine have forced Russia to retreat in the Caucasus and elsewhere. The agreement will likely strengthen Pashinyans government at home against his pro-Russian and Russian-backed enemies. Moreover, Trumps proposal, by creating a basis for completing the Middle Corridor, undermines Russias increasing efforts to create an International North-South Trade Corridor (INSTC) from India to Iran, Central Asia and Russia. Despite much recent Russian diplomatic effort, this proposed route is nowhere near as complete as Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, which relies on the Middle Corridor that bypasses Russia. Turkiye stands to make major gains through this proposal and clearly supported it as part of its improving ties with Washington. While Russia sought to exploit Armeno-Azeri tensions; Turkiyes massive aid to Azerbaijans military and alliance agreement with it gave it a lasting presence in the Caucasus. Washington seems to be at peace with this outcome, and the proposal could only have come about with Turkish support behind the scenes. This U.S.-proposed solution therefore enhances Turkiyes reach and power projection through the Caucasus, which is increasingly important to Ankara given its rising multi-dimensional profile in both the Caucasus and Central Asia. Beyond the serious implications for local actors, the proposal entails equally meaningful consequences for actors beyond the Caucasus. Iran, for example, is a major loser and has already declared its opposition. After its defeat by Israel and the U.S. it has no choice but to make a rapprochement of some sort with Azerbaijan. Simultaneously, Irans connection to Armenia will be seriously impaired and it will no longer be able to resupply Armenia with weapons or incite resistance against Baku over Zangezur. Furthermore, the real possibility of completing the Middle Corridor with U.S. help would imply a lasting U.S. presence on Irans northern border. This will seriously complicate Irans ability to rebuild either its network of terrorist proxies or its nuclear program. Conversely, China gains from this proposal. If it materializes, it will give a major impetus to the realization of Chinas BRI and the accompanying Middle Corridor. It also buttresses Chinas growing economic position in the Caucasus most prominently embodied in its development of the Anaklia port in Georgia. China has invested considerable economic and political capital in the combination of major land and maritime trade and transport routes. If implemented, the proposal will represent another instance whereby China has gained influence and position in Eurasia at Russias expense. The proposal also permits the EU an opportunity to expand its presence in Armenia and the Caucasus. A democratizing Armenia, freed of the Nagorno-Karabakh incubus, is already seeking EU membership. The EU also buys large amounts of Azerbaijans oil and gas and the prospect of real peace in the Caucasus can only redound to its benefit. The EU also stands to gain from the completion of the Middle Corridor, which provides it with a secure land route for trade to and from the Caucasus, Central Asia, and China. CONCLUSONS: Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the proposal constitutes the first major U.S. initiative in the Caucasus and Central Asia since the Clinton Administration helped develop the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline to connect Transcaucasian oil to European markets. While consonant with the Administrations overall perspective of using large-scale economic projects and/or trade opportunities as instruments to facilitate peaceful solutions to long-lasting wars, the proposal also marks the first sign that Washington realizes the importance and opportunity presented by the independence of South Caucasian states. If this project is implemented, awareness will likely grow that the Caucasus and Central Asia offer Washington many genuine and plentiful opportunities for increasing its economic and political influence. This project may also reflect a growing U.S. awareness that the Caucasus and Central Asia are areas of strategic significance that both want a consistent engagement with Washington and offer new and exciting vistas regarding energy, rare earths, trade, investment, large-scale environmental cooperation, and security cooperation. That awareness has hitherto been missing in U.S. policy. Indeed, Trumps policies regarding these regions has been quite inconsistent given Trumps imposition of tariffs exactly the wrong move on Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and their neighbors. Policymakers need to understand the necessity and benefits of long-lasting partnerships for all parties since this project, if it comes to pass, creates opportunities for peace, cooperation among many international actors, enhanced trade, and greater independence for the South Caucasian states. These outcomes are not only in the interests of Azerbaijan and Armenia; they could also become the basis for very different development in the Caucasus than has been the case in the past. AUTHORS BIO: Stephen Blank is a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. 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For generations, developing a superior seed variety was often an inexact science a decade-long pursuit often relying heavily on a breeder's hunch. Now, a new initiative powered by artificial intelligence promises to slash that timeline in half, aiming to deliver resilient, high-yield crops in just three to four years. Officially known as the Future Agriculture Nexus, or Fan, the project is a joint creation of the Yazhou Bay National Laboratory and Chinese tech company Huawei Technologies Co. The hub aims to transform breeding into a precise, predictive science a critical move for a nation safeguarding its food security in an era of climate uncertainty. The goal is in line with China's strategic needs, with seeds seen as the "chips" of global agriculture. During an inspection of the Yazhou Bay laboratory in April 2022, President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of pursuing agricultural technological breakthroughs to achieve self-dependence in the seed sector. "We should rely on Chinese seeds to ensure China's food security," he said. Yuan Xiaohui, a senior scientist at the Yazhou Bay National Laboratory, said that "as the only national-level laboratory in China's agricultural sector, our lab's mission is to develop major strategic crop varieties to meet real demand". "We are fully aware that AI holds immense potential to empower agricultural science, but data remains the core bottleneck hindering its practical application," Yuan said. "There is an urgent need for us to build a system capable of integrating global field and laboratory data while providing intelligent analytical capabilities." Chen Fan, deputy director of the laboratory, outlined the fundamental shift required. "Traditional breeding work relies heavily on experience. Moving from traditional to precision breeding requires analyzing correlations between massive amounts of data on crop traits and genotypes," Chen said. Connecting data islands For generations, breeders have operated like explorers in a vast, uncharted biological wilderness. The process of selecting parent plants, crossbreeding, and evaluating thousands of progeny over multiple growing seasons is painstakingly slow, with the success rate often below 1 percent, experts said. This challenge, Chen added, is compounded by deeply entrenched "data silos". "Data on genotype, phenotype, environment, and even soil are all kept separate. This fragmentation creates a critical bottleneck," he said. Yuan said: "Researchers often know neither the source and quality of data, nor can they discern which data AI can understand. This causes AI to falter or worse, produce erroneous results." It is this precise problem that the Fan project is engineered to solve, acting as a "central nervous system" to connect disparate data islands a full-chain AI technical system built on Huawei's AI data solution. Yuan Yuan, vice-president of Huawei's data storage product line, said the Fan platform tackles the problem in three ways. First, it aggregates and standardizes multisource data on environment, traits, phenotype, and genotype from across the country. Second, it utilizes specialized tools to enable the rapid construction of customized, industry-specific AI large language models, which can cut model development time from 15 days to five, Yuan said. Finally, its core "breeding AI agent" can intelligently screen this unified data, automate complex analysis workflows, and validate models to identify optimal breeding pathways, he said. "The impact is transformative," Yuan said. "It can shorten the traditional 20-generation cultivation cycle for crops like rice, which usually takes eight to 10 years, to just five generations, or three to four years." This represents a 50 percent reduction in the breeding cycle and can boost overall efficiency by an estimated 30 percent. The project represents more than a technical advancement. It is also a statement of strategic intent aligned with a national blueprint. "This intelligent system currently does not exist globally," said Chen. The goal is to rapidly advance the construction of the "Nanfan Silicon Valley" and establish a leading hub for future agriculture. "Nanfan" refers to a unique breeding method using Hainan's warm winters as a natural way to accelerate the process. According to a national plan, the Nanfan breeding base, located in Hainan, is set to evolve into the "Silicon Valley" of China's seed industry by 2030, serving as a comprehensive hub for agricultural research, industry, and technology exchange. This ambition mirrors high-level national directives. On Nov 13, 2025,China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs convened a national conference to advance the seed industry revitalization action, charting the course for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30). The conference called for accelerating the realization of self-reliance and self-improvement in seed technology and securing a firm grip on seed sources. At the industry level, the plan emphasizes upgrading the Nanfan Silicon Valley scientific base into a national seed innovation hub that integrates research, commercialization, and application. "Digitalization and intelligence are undoubtedly the future directions for building the Nanfan Silicon Valley," Chen said. "We must use advanced technology to serve and transform both agricultural production and research." This initiative is part of a broader push to harness AI for agricultural progress across the nation. In 2024,Yazhou Bay National Laboratory researchers, in collaboration with China Agricultural University and the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, developed China's first large language model for seed design, known as SeedLLM, or Fengdeng. This AI platform provides expert insights on breeding, cultivation and industry trends empowering farmers and researchers with practical knowledge. In July 2025, Fengdeng was upgraded to an AI agent with three core research functions, said Yang Fan, a scientist at the laboratory. The first function is knowledge summarization, which addresses key questions like "which traits are regulated by what type of genes". It does this by automatically integrating over 98 percent of relevant global crop research literature to build a gene-trait-environment association map. The second is gene-trait association prediction, enabling autonomous genome-wide screening of key genes beyond traditional reasoning. The third is experimental reasoning and design optimization, where it simulates expert logic to automate the entire research cycle from hypothesis generation and experimental design to result analysis, Yang said. Agricultural researchers study agronomic traits of rice at Nanfan breeding base, Yazhou Bay, on Feb 10. ZHAO YINGQUAN/XINHUA Nationwide effort Agricultural innovation is also advancing at other Chinese institutions and research bodies. At the China National Seed Group, researchers use an AI-powered, cloud-based system to remotely monitor fields and collect real-time data on crop health, enabling prompt intervention. The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences is also exploring the transition from experience-driven to data-driven breeding. In the past, breeders tested thousands of combinations to find a single superior hybrid. Now, AI-powered genomic analysis predicts high-yield combinations before field trials begin, said Li Huihui, deputy director of the National Nanfan Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Li Jiayang, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, spoke highly of the concept of "intelligent creation of intelligent varieties", underscoring the potential of integrating AI, biotechnology and information technology to develop crops that autonomously adapt to environmental challenges. Despite these advancements, challenges remain. "Our country's total number of research papers in the seed field has surpassed that of the United States," said Wan Jianmin, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and former vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. "However, the connection between basic research and breeding application is not tight enough, and the innovation capacity in breeding theory and methodology is relatively weak," Wan said. Wan also highlighted gaps in frontier biotechnology. "Our R&D capability and level in biotechnology still lag noticeably behind the US. This is evident in core patents. While China's core patent quantity ranks second globally, the US holds far more high-value patents and controls the majority of core biotechnology patents," he added. China's smart breeding sector also trails global seed giants in terms of data-sharing infrastructure and commercialization, said Qian Qian, another Chinese Academy of Sciences academician. "Given the complexity of crop traits, understanding the relationship between genes and traits requires computational power and advanced algorithms," Qian said. "Accelerating the development of high-yield, high-quality and climate-resilient 'super varieties' is crucial," Qian said, calling for interdisciplinary collaboration among breeding institutions, AI researchers and agribusinesses, to drive innovations in smart breeding. Experts examine bananas at a trial plantation in Yazhou Bay science and technology city in July. YANG GUANYU/XINHUA Global quest These endeavors have been built on a foundation of immense biological resources. China hosts the world's largest and most structurally diverse repository of agricultural germplasm, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. The latest national census of agricultural germplasm resources collected 139,000 new crop germplasm resources, providing a rich "source supply" for future breeding innovation. The industry's scale is also expanding. The domestic seed market value surpassed 150 billion yuan ($21.51 billion) for the first time in 2023, while R&D spending reached 7.6 billion yuan, a 20 percent increase from 2021, according to People's Daily. The use of AI in agriculture is not confined to China. Scientists and entrepreneurs worldwide are using algorithms to build a more resilient and productive food system. In the US, the drive is spearheaded by a vibrant ecosystem of startups emerging from top research hubs. Heritable Agriculture, a spin-off from Google X's moonshot factory, applies machine learning to analyze plant genomes, aiming to identify genetic combinations that enhance yield, reduce water use, and increase soil carbon storage all without direct genetic modification. Researchers from Longping Biotechnology (Hainan) Co work on corn hybridization in Yazhou Bay science and technology city in February. ZHAO YINGQUAN/XINHUA To share the technological progress it has made, the Yazhou Bay National Laboratory is also deepening international cooperation. In December, it signed a cooperation memorandum of understanding with agricultural research institutions from Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile. "It is positive to strengthen Global South collaboration, integrating experience and knowledge from both sides to tackle food security and sustainability issues," said Agustin Zsogon, a professor at Brazil's Federal University of Vicosa. Santiago Signorelli, a biochemistry professor at the University of the Republic in Uruguay, said China's advanced technologies hold great potential for contributing to scientific work in Uruguay. From the experimental fields of Hainan to farms worldwide, a common narrative is emerging. The daunting challenges of climate change and resource scarcity are being met with the converging power of advanced biology and AI. Huawei's Yuan said: "Our future collaboration prospects are very broad; this is just the beginning." (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) FREMONT, Neb., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sycamore released the Sycamore Parent App for iOS and Android, giving families a single place to pay school fees using Sycamore Payments, track attendance, and view gradesright on their phones. The app supports schools across the United States and in more than 40 countries. "Parents want quick answersbalance due, today's attendance, this week's grades," said Dr. Ryan Lowe, CEO of Sycamore. "The Sycamore Parent App brings those essentials into one screen so families act faster and schools field fewer support calls." Using Sycamore Payments, parents can pay on the go. Need to check attendance or grades? Sycamore's app has you covered. Quickly check attendance and grades with Sycamore. The perfect solution for parents on the go. The app streamlines three essentials for families: pay tuition and activity fees with ACH or credit card and review balances and history; check daily attendance with clear views of absences and tardies; and see up-to-date grades by class and assignment throughout the year. Beyond the basics, the app adds time-savers for families and business offices: flexible account payments (pay one fee or select several at once), one-tap filtering by student, self-serve statements, instant branded receipts, and smart notifications that reduce late payments. Built for K12, the app supports role-based access for parents and students. Information entered by teachers and administrators in Sycamore is instantly available in the appfewer portals for families, fewer support calls for schools. To protect payment data, Sycamore Payments uses leading processorsStripe and PayPalboth certified PCI Service Provider (Level 1). "Sycamore is a multifaceted student information system that stands out for its integration with Google, excellent technical support, and high degree of individualization for schools. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for managing student data and communication, making it a valuable asset for Catholic schools seeking a streamlined and adaptable solution." Cathy Mulligan, Technical Director, St. Therese School, Diocese of Kansas CitySt. Joseph. Availability + Start Available today on iOS and Android. Search "Sycamore Parent App" to download. Schools can share store links and rollout materials from Sycamore's mobile-app page. Press kit with app icon, screenshots, and App Store/Google Play QR codes is available for media. Sycamore Mobile App iOS App Store Google Play Store About Sycamore Sycamore is an all-in-one school management system that helps K12 schools simplify operations and keep families informed, with tools for attendance, grading, billing, communication, and more. Media Contact John Viscardo (813) 777-4489 [email protected] SOURCE Sycamore MORE than 30 people in Carlow came before local courts on burglary charges in the first nine months of 2025, according to figures provided to Ireland South MEP and former barrister Cynthia Ni Mhurchu by the Irish Courts Service. This puts Carlow in the middle of the road in a ranking of the number of burglaries per district court area. Nationally, 1,187 people came before the district courts across Ireland for 1,771 cases of burglary between January and September 2025. A further 347 people were sent forward for trial in the circuit court for burglary offences during this period. Figures from the Irish Courts Service. The figures point to a relatively small group of repeat offenders that are responsible for a disproportionate share of burglary offences. In the circuit court, 529 offenders were tried for 729 burglary cases. Gardai have called for people to stop posting holiday pictures on social media, which advertises that they are not at home. Neighbours should also keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles or activity nearby, especially in very rural parts of the country during the dark winter months, which is a peak time for the offence of burglary. MEP Ms Ni Mhurchu has called for an end to the practice of letting burglars out on temporary release from prison. Thirty-eight burglars were on temporary release as of 23 June 2025, according to figures provided by the Irish Prison Service. She has also called for more targeted community supports, including a doubling of funding under the Community Safety Fund, more funding for community CCTV and consideration to be given to expanding the Seniors Alert Scheme to include grants for house alarms. According to Ms Ni Mhurchu, community leaders she has met dont know about the Community Safety Fund, which redistributes proceeds of crime seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Siochana back into communities for things like diversion, drug awareness and restorative justice initiatives. Ms Ni Mhurchu asked the Department of Justice to inform community groups of the 4m funding allocation for 2026, consider doubling it and advise politicians and community leaders when the funding call opens for applications. A CARLOW man who stole money through a phishing scam and spent it on online casinos has been sentenced to eight months in prison at Carlow District Court. Jozef Miclescu, 18 Oaklawns, Old Dublin Road, Carlow pleaded guilty to money laundering and possession of drugs under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. The court heard that Mr Miclescu had stolen a substantial amount of money, 5,000, which was not recovered. A probation report had been directed with a request for him to bring 1,000 compensation in the interim, which he did. However, Judge Geraldine Carthy noted that two probation appointments had been offered but Mr Miclescu (22) had not attended either and that when he requested another appointment, he was refused. Defence solicitor Joe Farrell told the court that his client had recently started work in a pub restaurant in Dublin and had brought 1,000 compensation to court, which had been obtained through hard work. He seems to have turned things around. He seems to be on the straight for the first time. He is only 22 and has been on the (court) list forever, Mr Farrell said. He acknowledged that his client hadnt met with his assigned probation officer but said he had engaged with the system. In mitigation, he said Mr Miclescu had broken his leg during this period and that it wasnt a straightforward break. The court also heard evidence in relation to a drugs charge. On 14 February 2023, a Carlow residence was searched and 10 worth of cannabis was found. Mr Miclescu made a full voluntary admission that it was for his own personal use and was fully co-operative with gardai. The defendant has 21 previous convictions, six of which relate to possession of drugs. His last drugs offence dated back to June 2023. His last conviction was for theft, for which he was given a community service order in lieu of a five-month prison sentence. Judge Carthy noted that a bench warrant had been issued in November 2025 but was vacated when he arrived at court late. Mr Farrell said: If he is put in custody, he will lose his job. We are aware of previous convictions and I imagine the courts mind is made up. I'm not prejudging, but thats the position as it stands. Judge Carthy said that in respect of the money laundering charge, a probation report had been requested due to consideration of a custodial sentence. Matters might have been different, she said, sentencing the defendant to eight months with 1,000 due in compensation to the injured party. The Section 3 drugs offence was taken into consideration. Funded by the court reporting scheme WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury hospitality has reached an inflection pointone where innovation enhances, rather than replaces, human connection. This theme resonated throughout the International Luxury Hotel Association's (ILHA) recent conference, INSPIRE Las Vegas, as global industry leaders shared perspectives on how care, craft, and technology are shaping the next chapter of luxury travel. The Soul of Luxury: A Conversation with Horst Schulze Horst Schulze speaking at the International Luxury Hotel Association conference The conference opened on a powerful and deeply human note with an intimate fireside chat featuring Horst Schulze, co-founder of The Ritz-Carlton and Capella Hotels, interviewed by Phil Keb, Senior Advisor, Global Corporate Investments and Transactions at IHG. Schulze challenged the industry to resist becoming a commodity business focused solely on rooms, urging leaders instead to return to the art of caring. He reframed luxury service as a simple but disciplined practice: a genuine welcome rooted in respect, an unwavering commitment to fulfilling guest wishes, and a meaningful farewell. His legendary "$2,000 rule"empowering every employee to resolve a guest issue on the spotwas positioned not as a cost, but as an investment in lifelong brand ambassadors. In a conference rich with innovation, Schulze's message set the tone: technology may enable scale, but trust and care create loyalty. Boardroom Realities: Capital, Costs, and the Trophy Effect From philosophy to financial reality, the Boardroom Perspectives: Turning Headwinds into Opportunity session, moderated by Jonathan Falik, Founder & CEO of JF Capital, delivered a candid look at the state of luxury hospitality investment. Panelists shared that luxury continues to outperform all other asset classes globally, driven in part by the rise of branded residential components, now essential for new developments to pencil. With ultra-luxury projects surpassing $5 million per key and construction costs continuing to rise, the discussion turned to the growing "trophy asset" marketwhere buyers prioritize iconic locations and legacy value over traditional cap-rate logic. The session reinforced that luxury today lives at the intersection of emotion, scarcity, and long-term vision. Technology That Gives Time Back to Humans Multiple sessions reinforced a common theme: the most effective technology does not replace peopleit empowers them. In Beyond Human Hours: How AI Employees Are Transforming Hotel Profitability, hosted by Xquic, speakers explored how AI-driven "digital employees" are recovering lost revenue by automating tasks such as chargebacks, commission audits, and no-show fees. While the ROI is compelling, the greater impact is culturalfreeing teams to focus on the guest experience. That same philosophy surfaced in Insights for Improvement: Turning Hospitality Data Into Better Guest Experiences, Smarter Operations, and Stronger Sales, hosted by Encore. Shannon Macallum, Vice President of Hotel Operations at Resorts World Las Vegas, shared how the resort's digital concierge, "Red," handled more than 259,000 guest requests last year, with 50% completed without human interaction. Macallum emphasized that true luxury lies in guest choiceallowing travelers to move seamlessly between high-tech convenience and high-touch service. Jill Hunt, Vice President of Customer Experiences at Encore, added that intelligent data use ensures guests feel recognized without having to repeat themselves, reinforcing a sense of personal connection. Intelligent Luxury, Powered by Partnership As Diamond Sponsor, Honeywell led Intelligent Luxury: Redefining Guest Experience Through Smart Tech, a session focused on meaningful, responsible innovation. The discussion explored how secure, intelligent systemsfrom Zero Trust networks to Small Language Modelscan protect guest privacy, personalize experiences, and support operational excellence without intrusion. The takeaway was clear: the most luxurious technology is thoughtful, trusted, and nearly invisible. Encore: Bringing the Experience to Life The conference experience itself was elevated through ILHA's partnership with Encore, its official audiovisual partner. Encore delivered end-to-end production and event management, designing dynamic stages that included a podcast-style set and a TV studio-style environment. These formats created new, engaging ways for speakers to share ideas and for audiences to connect with content beyond traditional panels. From seamless transitions to flawless execution, Encore's work ensured the industry's most influential voices could shine without distraction, reinforcing the power of experience-driven storytelling. Wellness, Margins, and the New Luxury Consumer Additional sessions expanded the dialogue around margin intelligence, wellness, and evolving guest expectations. Panels explored how operators are preparing for slower RevPAR growth by pairing cost discipline with emotionally resonant "wow" momentssmall, thoughtful gestures that leave lasting impressions. Conversations around wellness and longevity highlighted how advanced diagnostics and personalized health programs are redefining luxury, with human connection emerging as the ultimate premium. Digital storytelling and social media sessions further examined how luxury brands are shifting toward psychographic communities and micro-narratives, meeting guests where they are while maintaining brand integrity. Connection Beyond the Stage The energy of INSPIRE Las Vegas extended beyond the sessions themselves. Networking momentsfrom the President's Dinner to spontaneous conversations between panelsproved as impactful as the programming. A standout highlight was Sips & Serenity, hosted by Avendra International in the Inspire Hub, where cocktails and canapes created space for meaningful dialogue and long-term relationships to take shape. A Collective Effort INSPIRE Las Vegas was made possible through the collaboration of an exceptional community of partners, each contributing expertise, perspective, and support that shaped the experience from start to finish. Across content, production, hospitality, and connection, every partner played a vital role in bringing the conference to lifedemonstrating once again that collaboration is at the heart of ILHA and the future of luxury hospitality. About the International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) The ILHA is the leading trade association in the luxury hospitality industry, uniting hoteliers, travel professionals, and industry partners across the globe. With a community of over one million professionals worldwide, ILHA advances growth, best practices, and innovation in luxury hospitality. SOURCE International Luxury Hotel Association FSU governance has driven major restoration and expansion in addition to record public engagement over the last quarter century SARASOTA-TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (The Ringling), the official State Art Museum of Florida, is celebrating 25 years under the stewardship of Florida State University (FSU), a transformative partnership that has led to major restoration and expansion in addition to record public engagement. Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art, opened in 2016, presenting over 3000 years of history and culture from across the Asian continent The Ringling Museum courtyard "We are grateful for the steadfast stewardship of The Ringling by Florida State University these past 25 years," says Steven High, Executive Director of The Ringling. "Their support has allowed us to flourish and advance our mission to serve as the legacy of John and Mable Ringling and to inspire, educate, and entertain. We look forward to our continued partnership and success together in the years to come." Under FSU's governance, The Ringling has experienced significant transformation, driven by disciplined financial management, strong infrastructure, and long-term planning. Several key initiatives have included: Addition of 12,500 works to the collection between 2000 and 2022, eclipsing the 8,000 objects acquired in the 54 years prior Growth of the endowment from $4 million to $65 million Enhanced preservation and conservation efforts, including a $15 million restoration of Ca' d'Zan in 2002, John and Mable Ringling's historic mansion Expansion of education, programming, and outreach that now welcome over 45,000 visitors annually New facilities, including: John M. McKay Visitors Pavilion, housing the Historic Asolo Theater, the Children's Welcome Center, Mable's Coffee Shop, the Ringling Grillroom, and the Museum Store Johnson-Blalock Education Center, housing one of the largest art research libraries in the southeastern United States and conservation laboratory Tibbals Learning Center, housing a 3,800 square-foot Howard Bros. Circus Model, and The Greatest Show on Earth Gallery Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing, providing more than 20,000 sq. feet of exhibition space Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art, presenting over 3000 years of history from across Asia Keith D. Monda Gallery for Contemporary Art Kolter-Coville Glass Pavilion, showcasing The Ringling's growing collection of studio glass "Today, The Ringling is one of the largest university-based art museums in the US," says Jim Clark, PhD, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs at Florida State University. "It is a testament to the power of partnership and collaboration between the state, the university, and the vibrant Sarasota and Manatee communitiesa partnership that preserves history, inspires learning, and keeps the arts alive for generations to come." As Florida's official state art museum, The Ringling is a public asset owned by all Floridians. State funding for The Ringling is delivered back fivefold to taxpayers, providing a clear net gain for Floridians. Students at FSU gain invaluable experience in arts administration, museum studies, and education. As The Ringling and Florida State University celebrate 25 years of shared stewardship, both institutions recognize the importance of maintaining a relationship that preserves John and Mable Ringling's mission and legacy. About The Ringling As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling is Florida's center for the arts, history, and learning. It brings the past and contemporary culture to life through extraordinary visitor experiences and welcomes roughly 400,000 visitors annually to its campus in Sarasota, Florida. It is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. For more information: www.ringling.org Media Contact Elizabeth Knight [email protected] 941-468-1554 SOURCE The Ringling Museum VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Thesis Gold Inc. ("Thesis" or the "Company") (TSXV: TAU) (WKN: A3EP87) (OTCQX: THSGF) is pleased to announce the filing on SEDAR+ of the Pre-feasibility Study (the "2025 PFS") for the wholly owned Lawyers-Ranch gold-silver Project (the "Project", or "Lawyers-Ranch"), located in the Toodoggone District, in Northern British Columbia. Results from the 2025 PFS were announced by the Company on December 1, 2025. Refer to the news release entitled "Thesis Gold Announces Positive Prefeasibility Study for Lawyers-Ranch Project: After-Tax NPV5% of $2.37 Billion and 54.4% IRR". The Report, entitled "Lawyers-Ranch Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Pre-feasibility Study", was prepared by Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC., Mining Plus Canada Ltd., Knight Piesold Ltd., Equilibrium Mining Inc., P&E Mining Consultants Inc., pHase Geochemistry Inc., F. Wright Consulting Inc, and SLR Consulting Ltd. in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). 2025 PFS Highlights Strong Economics at US$2,900 per ounce of gold (oz Au) and US$35 per ounce of silver (oz Ag) Pre-tax: 73.5%, internal rate of return ("IRR") and $3.73 billion net present value at a 5% discount rate ("NPV5%") After-tax: IRR of 54.4% and an NPV5% of $2.37 billion Quick Payback period of 1.1 years Significant Upside at US$4,100/oz Au and US$51/oz Ag: Pre-tax: 117.4% IRR and $6.86 billion NPV5% After-tax: 87.8% IRR and $4.36 billion NPV5% Strong Early Production: Strong gold-equivalent ("AuEq")* annual production rates for the first three years averaging 266,000 ounces**, and 187,000 ounces** over a 15-year Life of Mine ("LOM"). Mineral Reserve: Maiden Mineral Reserve statement with 76.16 million tonnes of ore grading 0.97 g/t Au and 28 g/t Ag for a total AuEq* grade of 1.33 g/t. Low All-in Sustaining Costs ("AISC"): Average AISC of US$1,185 per AuEq** ounce. Significant Exposure to Silver: Silver production accounts for approximately 23% of revenue. Capex: Initial capital expenditure is estimated at $736.2 million, with a compelling after-tax NPV5%:initial capital ratio of 3.2:1. The initial capital estimate does not consider a potential revenue of $91.1 million in pre-production revenue from processing stockpiles as part of the initial commissioning and ramp-up plan. Project Upside: Significant project upside exists both in the potential to further optimize engineering design through a Feasibility Study, and in the project-wide exploration potential that remains untapped. *AuEq reported for the mined materials/mill feed in mineral resource estimate and mineral reserve estimates assumes a conversion of 80:1 for Ag to AuEq based on expected average expected recoveries of 93% Au and 86.1% Ag at US$2,000/oz Au and $24.50/oz Ag. **AuEq production values are based on payable ounces as calculated by the financial model and have varying gold and silver recoveries by deposit at a US$2,900/oz Au and US$35/oz Ag. AISC costs consist of mining costs, processing costs, mine-level G&A, offsite charges, royalties, sustaining capital, expansion capital, and closure costs. The 2025 PFS is available on SEDAR+ and on the Company's website, www.thesisgold.com. Qualified Persons The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc, P.Geol., P.Geo., a non-independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Thesis Gold Inc., "Ewan Webster" Ewan Webster Ph.D., P. Geo. President, CEO, and Director About Thesis Gold Inc. Thesis Gold Inc. is a resource development company focused on unlocking the full potential of its 100%-owned Lawyers-Ranch Gold-Silver Project, located in British Columbia's prolific Toodoggone Mining District. The recently published Prefeasibility Study outlines robust project economics, including a 54.4% after-tax IRR and an after-tax NPV5% of C$2.37 billion (at US$2,900/oz Au and US$35/oz Ag), underscoring the Project's strong value-creation potential. The Company has commenced the Environmental Assessment Process and plans to initiate a Feasibility Study in 2026 to further advance and de-risk the Project. Through these milestones, Thesis Gold is working to elevate the Lawyers-Ranch Project to the forefront of global precious metals development. 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. Non-GAAP Measures Certain financial measures referred to in this press release are not recognized measures under IFRS and are referred to as non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. These measures have no standardized measures under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The definitions established and calculations provided by the Company are based on management's reasonable judgment and are consistently applied. These measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. The non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release are: All-in Sustaining Cost and AISC per AuEq Ounce AISC is reflective of all of the costs that are required to produce an ounce of gold from operations. AISC includes mining costs, processing costs, mine-level G&A, offsite charges, royalties, sustaining capital, expansion capital, and closure costs. AISC per AuEq ounce is calculated by dividing total AISC by the LOM payable AuEq ounces. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information All $ amounts expressed in this news release are in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise indicated. This press release contains "forward-looking information" including FOFI (as defined below) and financial outlook within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limitation, statements regarding the development of the Lawyers-Ranch in the 2025 PFS, mineralized material processing, highlights of the 2025 PFS including the pre and after tax IRR, payback period of 1.1 years, average annual production rates for the first three years and over the LOM, a range of potential gold prices, the extension of the operation of the mine life to 15 years, information respecting a Maiden Mineral Reserve statement, low AISC and average AISC, capital expenditures at the Project, optimization of engineering design through a Feasibility Study in 2026 to further advance and de-risk the Project, outlines of processing and production potential, including the portion of revenue accounted for by silver, projected mining operations under the 2025 PFS, and information respecting a Mineral Resource Estimate and Mineral Reserve Estimate. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or, in each case, their negative and words of similar meaning are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions, risks, estimates and uncertainties that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. These risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described in the 2025 PFS and herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in 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 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. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are risks respecting uncertainties inherent to the conclusions of economic evaluations and economic studies, the ability of Thesis to complete further exploration activities, including drilling, the ability of exploration activities to accurately predict mineralization, errors in management's geological and financial modeling, changes to the parameters of the Project, including budget and schedule, uncertainties with respect to actual results of current exploration activities, delays in the advancement of the Project, including with respect to drilling activities, equipment availability and/or issues, labour force shortages, fluctuations in metal and foreign exchange rates, limitation on insurance coverage, accidents, lack of available capital to the Company, failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals as the Project advances, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, the ability of the Company and stakeholders to realize the anticipated benefits of the Project, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities, opposition by social and non-government organizations to mining projects, including First Nations communities, the Company's interest in and title to its properties, including the Lawyers-Ranch, resulting from unanticipated title disputes, claims or litigation, the ability of the Company to maintain all current and required permits, cyber-attacks and other cybersecurity risks and changes to tax regimes and other regulatory environments in the jurisdictions relevant to the Company, the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms or at all, the ability of management of the Company to operate and grow Thesis' business effectively, fluctuations in metal prices, the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, and other risks described in the Company's filings, including in the risk factors in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis, which are available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information contained in this press release also includes financial outlooks and other forward-looking metrics relating to the Company and the Project, including references to financial and business prospects, future results of operations, performance and estimated NPV and IRR. Such information, which may be considered future oriented financial information ("FOFI") or financial outlooks within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, has been approved by management of the Company as of the date hereof. Such FOFI and financial outlooks are based on assumptions which management believes are reasonable as of the date hereof, having regard to the industry, business, financial conditions, plans and prospects of the Company, including the 2025 PFS. These projections are provided to describe the prospective performance of the Project and readers are cautioned such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Such information is highly subjective and should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results and actual results may differ significantly from such projections. FOFI and financial outlook constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the same assumptions, uncertainties, risk factors and qualifications above. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. SOURCE Thesis Gold Inc. Tuesday, January 13, A deer sprinted into the side of a vehicle in the 10900 block of Apison Pike and instantly regretted it. A resident in the 5200 block of Spalding Drive reported that their vehicle had been hit while it had been parked. Investigators are pretty sure it wasnt the deer from the previous call. An alarm was accidentally activated at a bank in the 9500 block of Apison Pike. Everything checked out ok. Officers responded to individuals soliciting in the West District of Robinson Farms. The individuals were advised to obtain a permit from city hall before continuing further. Police were requested to assist a parent who had an emergency custody order for their child at the College Park apartments. Contact was made with the other parent and child, who lived in the apartments, and custody of the child was given to the parent who had the order. During the contact, the residential parent was found to have an active Collegedale warrant and was arrested. They were booked and released on bond. A business alarm was activated in the 5300 block of Apison Pike. Everything checked out ok. Collegedale police were dispatched to Wolftever Creek Elementary after a child had threatened to harm teachers and staff with rocks and sticks in the playground. The school decided not to press charges. An individual came by the station to report that their license plate had been lost in the mail. A two vehicle crash was reported in the 5900 block of Main Street between a plumbing truck and an SUV. The Bradley County Sheriffs Office made contact with two Collegedale fugitives during the night. Both were transported to the Hamilton County Jail. The Advisory Board for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 20, in Room 102 of the James R. Mapp Building (410 E. 8th St.). The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. ET.The UTC Advisory Board was created pursuant to the UT FOCUS Act passed by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2018. The board is comprised of five members appointed by the governor and approved by the General Assembly, one UTC faculty representative appointed by the UTC Faculty Senate, and one UTC student representative.The full agenda and materials for the meeting are available by contacting the individual below.Disabled persons who wish to attend the meeting may contact the individual below to request auxiliary aids or services needed to facilitate attendance.Contact may be made in person, in writing, by email, by telephone, or other manner and no later than 5 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 16. Years after walking away from college, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga chemical engineering student Jessica Hobbs is preparing to graduate and study abroad in the Netherlands this spring after earning the Gilman Scholarship.The U.S. Department of States Gilman Scholarship Program was created to enable students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to national security and economic prosperity."The significance of the Gilman Scholarship lies in its ability to make global experiences accessible to a broader range of students," officials said."By covering travel, tuition and living expenses, the scholarship removes financial obstacles and allows recipients to immerse themselves in new cultures, languages and academic pursuits."A graduate of Signal Mountain High School, Ms. Hobbs began her college journey in 2015 as a nursing student at Chattanooga State Community College, but left after realizing the profession was not the right fit. Determined to return to college but lacking the financial resources to do so, she enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve.I wasnt going to just stop going to college or give up on my degree, she said.In 2021, Ms. Hobbs was deployed to Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, where she served as a heavy equipment operator working with bulldozers, backhoe scrapers, graders and other heavy machinery. After her year-long deployment, she advanced in her role and earned the rank of construction engineering sergeant.Ms. Hobbs enrolled at UTC in 2023, taking advantage of a fall transfer scholarship. Now an Innovations in Honors student in the UTC Honors College, she is known on campus as Sarge and has actively engaged with campus resources for veteran and military-affiliated students.I deployed for this degree, Ms. Hobbs said. Were going to get the most out of it.On top of schoolwork and attending mandatory Army drills, Ms. Hobbs has completed internships as a nuclear systems and components intern at the Tennessee Valley Authority and as a process technology intern at Olin, a chemical manufacturing plant in Charleston, Tn. She has also completed training at a Noncommissioned Officer Academy at Fort McCoy, Wi., where she graduated first in a class of 126 sergeants.As she looks ahead to graduation in May, Ms. Hobbs said she plans to continue her career in chemical engineering and build long-term financial stability.I was very determined to get my degree, she said. I wasnt going to stay a college dropout forever. The Pi Omega and Zeta Kappa Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. reaffirm their commitment to Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood through their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.In the spirit of Dr. Kings legacy of compassion, equity and action, chapter members will partner with the Matthew 25 Ministry of Olivet Baptist Church to serve individuals experiencing homelessness in the Chattanooga community. Together, members will distribute to-go meals and backpacks filled with essential winter supplies, including blankets, gloves, socks, ponchos, masks and hygiene itemsmeeting immediate needs while offering dignity, care and hope.The event will take place Monday, Jan.19 from 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Olivet Baptist Church in the fellowship hall."Pi Omega Chapter has been on the front lines leading and serving for 100 years in our community and beyond," officials said. "That need remains urgent. Each year, more than 4,000 individuals experience homelessness in Chattanooga, including over 1,000 children enrolled in public schools. In response, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. remains steadfast in addressing systemic inequities, while uplifting underserved communities through direct service, advocacy and education. In addition to meeting basic needs, the chapters emphasize the importance of civic engagement. Voter registration and participation remain vital tools in advancing policies that directly affect marginalized communities - such as affordable housing, economic justice, environmental protection and access to quality education. Civic participation empowers communities to shape their futures and amplify their voices." Chattanooga State Community College invites proposals from artists and/or artist teams for a permanent outdoor sculpture to be installed on the campus to commemorate the College's 60th Anniversary. Artists and/or artist teams may propose up to three sculptures. The large-scale sculpture will serve as the focal point and reflect ChSCC's identity as an ever-evolving community rooted in connectivity. The sculpture must be visually striking, artistically enriching and foster engagement and dialogue among students, staff, faculty and the community at-large. The sculpture should embody themes of transformation, creativity, community and joy. Complete proposal packages must be received by Friday, Jan. 23, by 11:59 p.m. To request the full RFP, please contact Liza Blair at liza.blair@chattanoogastate.edu. Please use Chattanooga State Sculpture Project in the subject line. Partnership brings U.S. customers access to one of the world's most trusted brands in battery care. SOUTH BEND, Ind., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tire Rack, America's leading online tire and wheel retailer, has announced the addition of CTEK's premium battery charging and maintenance products to its extensive lineup. This partnership brings U.S. customers access to one of the world's most trusted brands in battery care. Tire Rack Now Offers CTEK Battery Charging And Maintenance Products "We're excited to have Tire Rack offering CTEK products," said Steve Hayes, Head of North American Operations at CTEK. "Tire Rack is a nationally recognized retailer with a reputation for excellence. As two premium brands, our collaboration is a natural fit CTEK delivers proven quality and innovation, and Tire Rack provides the perfect platform to connect those solutions with drivers across the country." CTEK is known globally for its innovation and reliability in battery management, offering solutions that ensure optimal performance, extended battery life, and greater convenience for drivers. "While Tire Rack is widely known for offering consumers a huge tire selection and independent tire test data and advice, we know our customers rely on us for many top-quality automotive maintenance products and accessories," said Bill Grove, Tire Rack SVP of Non-Tire Products. "CTEK's reputation for advanced technologies and quality products perfectly aligns with the Tire Rack product portfolio and what our customers have come to expect." With this partnership, Tire Rack customers across the United States can now purchase a wide selection of CTEK battery chargers and maintenance products directly at www.tirerack.com ABOUT TIRE RACK Tire Rack, family-owned and headquartered in South Bend, Ind., is a leading independent tire tester and consumer-direct source for tires, wheels, and performance accessories. Their team tests tires from every major tire manufacturer at the company's 12-acre test facility on the headquarter campus, at Treadwell Research Park in Pearsall, Texas, and winter test facilities in Northern Michigan. Findings are published on the company's website, www.tirerack.com/, where consumers can make an educated decision on their purchase. Tire Rack has also collected the largest known cache of consumer ratings and reviews anywhere, with more than 200,000 consumer surveys representing over 2.9 billion miles of real-world tire data. Its testing and informational videos are available online in their Video Center at www.tirerack.com/videos. Since 1979, Tire Rack has grown from a single-point retail store in Indianapolis, Indiana to encompass over 2.9 million square feet of space in 12 distribution centers across the country. A diverse and broad in-stock inventory from 26 major tire and nearly 60 wheel brands can be delivered most anywhere in the country in one business day. A national network of over 10,000 independent Recommended Installers is available to assist customers across the country with installation of their purchases. Tire Rack continues to revolutionize the tire buying process with their mobile tire installation option in many areas that will install tires in your driveway, at work, or wherever you are. In 2021, Tire Rack was acquired by privately owned The Reinalt-Thomas Corporation, which does business at more than 1,200 retail locations as Discount Tire and America's Tire and owns full-service auto repair operations of Dunn Tire, Suburban Tire, and Ellisville Tire & Service. About CTEK Established in Dalarna, Sweden, CTEK is the leading global brand in vehicle charging solutions. CTEK offers products ranging from 12V and 24V battery chargers to charging solutions for electrical vehicles. CTEK's E-mobility solutions range from individual EV chargers to larger corporate and commercial installations with multiple charging stations, that require load balancing and integrate seamlessly with monitoring and payment equipment. CTEK's products are sold via a carefully selected network of global distributors and retailers: as original equipment; supplied to more than 50 of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers; and through charge point operators, property owners and other organizations/individuals providing EV charging infrastructure. CTEK takes pride in its unique culture based on a passion for innovation and a deep commitment to supporting the transition to a greener mobility, by adhering to industry leading ESG standards. Press Contact Michelle Suzuki 310-930-6655 SOURCE CTEK The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) announced on Thursday that United Airlines will expand its current service to Chattanooga with new Saturday seasonal nonstop flights to Denver International Airport (DEN) starting May 23, through Oct. 24. The new route offers Chattanooga another major gateway to the west, with dozens of connections to major business hubs, key cities across the U.S., and more than 35 global destinations. The long-awaited addition of nonstop Denver service represents a milestone achievement driven by sustained collaboration between municipal leaders, the business community, and airport officials, underscoring Chattanooga's ability to unite behind strategic priorities that enhance regional connectivity. "Our local passengers have made it clear that Denver access is a priority, and we've worked closely with United to make it happen," said April Cameron, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Airport. "This route opens up the West in a way we've never had before. We want to thank United for its ongoing commitment to Chattanooga. It's a testament to their belief in this market and to every passenger who chooses to fly local. That loyalty is what drives airlines to invest here." The new service has drawn support from state leaders who recognize the route's potential to enhance Tennessee's competitive position in attracting business investment and tourism dollars. "Securing direct service to Denver strengthens Tennessee's position as a competitive hub for business and tourism," said State Senator Bo Watson. "This route connects our region to critical western markets and demonstrates what's possible when state and local partners align around economic development priorities. It's an investment in Chattanooga's future that will pay dividends for years to come." The route provides travel options for both business and leisure passengers while supporting broader economic development goals for the region. "Ive been advocating for a flight to Denver since I took office and United has delivered this new destination for Chattanooga, said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. "This route will improve access for residents heading to the Rockies and create stronger ties for our growing business community. Air service development is economic development, and this is another example of how our city keeps moving forward." Airport authority officials say the route launch reflects years of strategic relationship building and demonstrates the power of coordinated community advocacy. Securing a route to a premier hub like Denver takes dedication and unity," said Jim Hall, chairman of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority. "This is what happens when local government, business leaders and the airport speak with one voice. We showed United that Chattanooga is ready for this opportunity, and they answered." Beginning May 23, United will operate Saturday service to Denver using an Embraer E-175 regional jet, providing Chattanooga travelers with single-connection access to destinations throughout United's global route network. Were excited to launch nonstop service between Chattanooga and Denver, creating greater connectivity between the two cities, said Mark Weithofer, Uniteds managing director of Domestic Network Planning. This new route will not only connect travelers in Chattanooga to Denver but give them greater access to Uniteds global route network with one-stop connections to destinations around the world. Community leaders say Chattanooga's track record of collaboration will continue to be the foundation for pursuing additional air service enhancements that benefit the region's residents, employers, and visitors. Flight Schedule: That 2026 calendar might not even be on the wall yet, but the time is fast approaching to make spring break and summer vacation plans for the campers in your life. On Wednesday, Jan. 28, early sign-ups for spring and summer camp sessions at the Tennessee Aquarium will begin for Aquarium members and River Society members. Registration for the general public will open the following Monday, Feb. 2. Aquarium camps are a popular option among many parents, but have attendance caps. Now is the perfect time to activate a gift membership you received over the holidays or to become a first-time Member to make the most of the early registration window. The Aquarium's camp offerings include a selection of general-interest and themed sessions for campers from pre-kindergarten through high school. Campers will have fun and connect more deeply with nature through daily animal encounters, behind-the-scenes experiences, games, and crafts led by counselors and experienced Aquarium educators. Some camps also include special perks, like guided, off-campus field trips. This year, Aquarium camps will be headquartered in the new S.T.R.E.A.M. Learning Center, supported by Unum. Located on the Aquarium Plaza, S.T.R.E.A.M. will serve as the new pick-up and drop-off location, situating campers closer to the River and Ocean Journey buildings while providing safe and easy access for parents. Three spring sessions, targeting campers ages 5-9, will be offered this year. These will run concurrent with Hamilton County's spring break and a pair of upcoming teacher in-service days, including: Feb. 16: Animal Reporters Photograph Aquarium residents and interview ambassador animals March 16-20: Home Travelers Explore the many ways animals find their way home each spring March 23: Buds and Buddies Hang out and observe the natural world as it slowly wakes up for spring Weekly summer camp sessions will be offered from June 8 until the week beginning Aug. 3. General camps for ages 512 will be available from June 8 to July 31. Camps last for four to five days and are designed around four themes, including: Tennessee Treasures Around the World Survival of the Fittest Ancient Animals A pair of specialty camps will also be available for older campers between the ages of 9 and 16. These camps feature unique perks, such as off-campus excursions or an overnight at the aquarium (Nocturnal Wonders only). This years themes include: Nature Detectives (ages 9-14) Nocturnal Wonders (ages 13-16) This year features the return of a popular option for camping newcomers or younger kids with shorter attention spans. The Tiny Tides camp is designed for Pre-K 4- to 5-year-olds. Two Tiny Tides sessions will be offered with a focus on building independence, making new friends, and improving kindergarten readiness. The last camp of summer, Nature Nuts, is specifically available only to rising kindergartners. Single-day Nature Nuts sessions will be offered during Hamilton Countys phase-in dates from Aug. 3 to Aug. 7. Summer camps take place daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Before- and after-care are available for an additional fee. These include extended hours for drop-off 7:30-9 a.m. or pick-up 4-5:30 p.m. as well as light breakfast or snacks. Camp pricing (Aquarium Members receive a 10% discount): Five-day general camps: $300 Four-day general camps: $240 Nature Detectives and Nocturnal Wonders specialty camps: $400 Tiny Tides camps: $300 Nature Nuts (rising Kindergartners only): Daily basis $60 A limited number of camp scholarships are available to underwrite between 75%90% of the program fee. Applications open on Feb. 2 and close on March 2 for spring camp and March 31 for summer camp. Scholarships are awarded based on the availability of space, financial need, and the date the application is received. Interested youth may apply to be a Teen Counselor-in-Training. Look for these opportunities on the Aquariums volunteer website from Feb. 27 to April 30, or until all positions are filled. The Tennessee Aquariums Camp programs are presented by the Childrens Hospital at Erlanger. View a daily packing list, expanded camp theme descriptions, and a session schedule at tnaqua.org/camp The 2026 World Watch List, Open Doors annual ranking of the 50 countries where Christians face the most severe persecution. | Photo credit: Open Doors A new global report from Open Doors US indicates that Christian persecution and discrimination have reached unprecedented levels, with millions more believers facing severe pressure because of their faith. The nonprofit released its 2026 World Watch List on Wednesday, ranking the 50 countries where Christians experience the most extreme persecution. According to the findings, the number of Christians living under high levels of persecution rose again over the past year. The report shows that 388 million Christiansmore than one in seven worldwidenow face high levels of persecution or discrimination for their faith, marking an increase of more than 8 million compared to the previous year. Ryan Brown, the CEO of Open Doors US, told The Christian Post that multiple overlapping factors are driving the increase, with a particular rise in extreme violence, much of it concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, where 14 countries appear 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. According to the report, Nigeria remains the worlds deadliest country for Christians, 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 in Nigeriaup from 3,100 the year before. Outside Africa, Somalia ranked as the second-most dangerous country for Christians for the fourth straight year. Syria recorded its highest-ever persecution score after experiencing the largest single-year increase since Open Doors began using its current ranking methodology in 2014. Brown drew a distinction between violent smash persecution, such as mass killings and church attacks, and what he called squeeze persecution, which restricts daily Christian life without overt violence. He said squeeze persecution is becoming increasingly common, particularly in China, where the government continues to tighten surveillance and state control over religious expression. 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, Brown 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 added. Christians are being told that they can't engage in worship or engage in community with one another. The report also highlights increasing technological repression in countries such as North Korea, which again ranked as the most dangerous nation for Christians overall. According to Open Doors, authorities are now using artificial intelligence and advanced surveillance tools to detect suspicious behavior patterns that could indicate Christian belief. Home News Democratic senator says he prays for Trump, president is 'not my enemy' Quick Summary AI Summary Democratic Sen. Chris Coons explains why he prays for Republican President Donald Trump. Coons discussed his mixed reactions after praying with Trump at the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast. He emphasized the importance of civility and bipartisanship in addressing national challenges, saying Trump is not his 'enemy.' 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 Democrat U.S. Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware recently revealed that he prays for Republican President Donald Trump and does not consider him to be my enemy. New York Avenue Presbyterian Church of Washington, D.C. hosted an event on Monday titled Living Out One's Faith in Difficult Times: An Evening with Senator Chris Coons. During his remarks, Coons, who has served in the Senate since 2010, said he received mixed reactions when he prayed with Trump on stage during the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. I said, Mr. President, would you please stand with me? I want to pray for you, Coons recounted, when talking about the risks that one takes in faith. Now why is that a risk at all? And to the hundreds who called and texted and complained about what I did, I said what part of pray for your enemies did you not understand? And he is not my enemy. How many of us pray for Donald Trump every day? Anybody? Coons asked his audience, with the senator raising his own hand while asking. Joe Biden said you cant just love your country when youre winning. Coons said he prays for our former president and our current president, joking that the next time he meets with Trump he will tell him that hes been very good for my prayer life. The 62-year-old Democrat acknowledged the challenges facing the country regarding civility and division. He noted that while things are hard and he was struggling these days, he found comfort in Philippians 4:6-7. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus, reads the biblical passage. While claiming that some of the Trump administration's policies are centered on cruelty, such as the cutting of the United States Agency for International Development and other programs, Coons also discussed the importance of bipartisanship and finding common ground. During the question-and-answer segment, Coons said he has introduced both prophetic bills that he knows will not pass, but also pragmatic legislation built on compromising with ideological opponents. Donald Trump signed five of my bills into law last month. Five, Coons said, receiving some applause from the audience. Coons spoke about working with Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska to pass a bill that added $100 million for research into ALS and for improved access to treatments for the disease. What gives me hope in Congress is that we still do things like that, he said. We still find a way to find each other to say I may hate you but you've got some good ideas and a bill that I'm willing to carry forward. I'm willing to put aside that I don't like what you did on this day or what you said on that day. But if I can see my way towards helping our people, I'll do it. Coons said he often wears an American flag lapel pin on his jacket, as many members of Congress do. But he does not wear the item whenever he attends worship. I wear a flag pin most days when I'm on the floor when I'm serving. I took it off as I walked in, said Coons to his church audience. I take it off when I go to worship. I take it off to remind myself that as a Christian, my loyalty, my heart, my commitment belongs to Christ. A Christ of all peoples and all nations of all backgrounds. Not of one country, not of one flag, not of one time. Coons, an attendee of First & Central Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, Delaware, who holds a divinity degree from Yale, has often spoken about his faith and how it influences his politics. In an interview with Fox News Sundays Shannon Bream on her Livin The Bream podcast last year, for example, Coons made the point that the Gospel is neither Republican nor Democrat. It does not say, you know, thou shalt prioritize tax cuts over feeding the hungry. It does not say, you know, thou shalt put at the top of your list this concern or that concern, Coons told Bream. There are 2,000 references directly in Scripture to the poor and to the widow and the orphan and the refugee. And it is what Christ focused on, in reading a passage from Isaiah 61 in his first sermon. Exclusive cruise program delivers VIP experiences while driving higher-value bookings for travel advisors NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel Leaders Network is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Distinctive Voyages program, an exclusive cruise offering designed to provide clients with VIP amenities, curated experiences and added value available only when booking through a Travel Leaders Network advisor. Travel Leaders Network is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Distinctive Voyages program, an exclusive cruise offering designed to provide clients with VIP amenities, curated experiences and added value available only when booking through a Travel Leaders Network advisor. Since its launch, Distinctive Voyages has served more than 200,000 cruise passengers worldwide and now features more than 500 sailings annually across 14 premium and luxury cruise lines, visiting top destinations around the globe. In 2025 alone, 28,000 passengers cruised with Distinctive Voyages, making it the program's largest and most profitable year yet. Bookings through the program continue to outpace standard cruise bookings on participating lines, with Travel Leaders Network advisors realizing an average $300$500 increase in booking value per sailing. A hallmark of the program is its collection of exclusive onboard and shoreside experiences, including Private Welcome Receptions hosted on every sailing and the services of a dedicated Distinctive Voyages Host. Hosts are carefully selected for their knowledge of the ship and itinerary and assist guests with everything from dining and spa reservations to recommendations for unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences in port. Distinguishing the program further is a series of curated shore events, available only to Distinctive Voyages guests, designed to foster deeper connections with local culture. Past experiences have included introductions to Native artisans in Alaska, guided food tours in Paris and immersive visits to South Korea's vibrant markets and neighborhoods. On select cruises, travelers may also enjoy private touring options with a dedicated car and driver. The program also includes culinary-themed sailings through its Culinary Collection, featuring demonstrations and events led by world-renowned chefs, along with cooking classes, tastings and regionally inspired dining experiences. "We created Distinctive Voyages to give travel advisors a meaningful advantage and clients something they can't get by booking direct," said Stephen McGillivray, Chief Partner Marketing Officer for Internova Travel Group, the parent company of Travel Leaders Network. "Twenty years later, the program continues to elevate the cruise experience while helping advisors drive growth and loyalty." According to Pam Jarvis, Director of Cruise Programs for Internova, the program's longevity reflects broader industry trends. "Today's cruise clients are looking for greater value and more personalized experiences, and advisors are using Distinctive Voyages to deliver both." With a growing share of luxury cruise bookings and an expanding slate of sailings, Distinctive Voyages remains central to Travel Leaders Network's cruise strategy. More information about Distinctive Voyages can be found here. To book a Distinctive Voyages cruise, connect with a travel advisor at www.travelleaders.com. For travel agencies interested in learning more about the award-winning programs and diverse offerings of Travel Leaders Network in leisure, luxury travel, business travel, honeymoon and destination weddings as well as active and adventure travel visit TravelLeadersNetwork.com. About Travel Leaders Network Travel Leaders Network (www.TravelLeaders.com), an Internova Travel Group company, assists millions of leisure and business travelers annually and is one of the largest sellers of luxury travel, cruises and tours in the travel agency industry, with approximately 5,700 travel agency locations across the United States and Canada. CONTACT: Berit Griffin [email protected] 651-442-5173 SOURCE Travel Leaders Network Home News Evangelical leader criticizes Trump for flipping off factory worker: 'Coarsening of civic conduct' Employee raises over $600K after suspension Quick Summary AI Summary FRC President Tony Perkins decries "coarsening" of civic conduct after President Trump flips off a factory worker. The Ford employee was suspended after the incident. Over $800,000 has been donated through online campaigns to support the suspended worker. 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 A prominent conservative Evangelical political leader has criticized President Donald Trump's explicit gesture to a Ford factory worker in Michigan this week, calling out the "coarsening of our civic conduct." Tony Perkins, who heads the Washington-based Christian conservative advocacy group Family Research Council, took to Facebook on Wednesday to respond to a news article about Trump's interaction with a factory worker who shouted at him. Video of the encounter shared by TMZ shows Trump standing on an elevated walkway, shouting an obscenity and raising his middle finger after the factory worker reportedly called him a pedophile protector," a reference to the ongoing controversy over the president's handling of federal records related to the late billionaire and registered sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "We need to reverse this coarsening of our civic conduct," Perkins, who has also served as a Southern Baptist pastor, wrote. "Pray for our leaders to be role models, setting the example of civil dialogue, even when there is disagreement. Then we each need to do the same." Perkins, who has in the past been among those who have criticized the president's push to weaken the Republican Party's stance on abortion, contends that "words have the power to build up or tear down." Trump's tour of the Ford F-150 assembly facility in Dearborn was part of his efforts to bolster support for U.S. manufacturing ahead of the 2026 election cycle. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defended Trump's interaction on Wednesday, telling CBS News that "[a] lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response." The worker in question was subsequently suspended by Ford, according to the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, which represents employees at the plant. In a statement, the UAW identified the employee as a proud member of the union, adding that he believes in freedom of speech, a principle we wholeheartedly embrace, and we stand with our membership in protecting their voice on the job. Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyone including the President of the United States, the union added. Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford downplayed the event as an unfortunate six-seconds in an otherwise successful hour-long tour, expressing embarrassment but noting that most employees welcomed Trump with cheers, photos, and handshakes, according to Reuters. A UAW Local 600 member and line worker at the Dearborn Truck Plant, TJ Sabula, 40, later identified himself as the heckler. Sabula confirmed his suspension with The Washington Post and said he had definitely no regrets whatsoever. Following his encounter with Trump and suspension, over $800,000 has been raised between two onlinefundraising campaigns to support Sabula as of Thursday morning. The confrontation between the sitting U.S. president and a factory worker drew comparisons to former President Joe Biden's confrontation with a factory employee in Detroit in March 2020, where Biden pointed his finger and used profanity to address the worker. During a visit to a Fiat Chrysler assembly plant in Detroit as part of his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination, Biden was approached by a worker in a hard hat who accused him of "actively trying to end our Second Amendment right" and attempting to "take away our guns," citing videos of Biden discussing gun control measures like banning assault weapons. The exchange quickly escalated, with Biden retorting that the worker was "full of s," insisting he supported the Second Amendment but opposed high-capacity magazines, asking, "Do you need 100 rounds?" As the argument intensified, the worker pressed closer, declaring, "Youre working for me, man." Biden, standing mere inches away, pointed aggressively at the individual and replied, "Im not working for you ... Give me a break, man. Dont be such a horses a." Biden's aides intervened to pull him away, and his security team moved in as a precaution. The worker, later identified as Jerry Wayne in interviews, described Biden as having "went off the deep end" and claimed he had approached respectfully but let the candidate "dig a hole" with his responses. Unlike the Trump incident, there were no reports of suspension or formal repercussions for Wayne, though the clash drew widespread media attention. Home News Iran temporarily shut airspace as strains deepen with US; Qatar base personnel asked to evacuate Iran abruptly shut down its airspace to commercial traffic for over four hours early Thursday amid heightened tensions with the United States over Tehrans violent crackdown on nationwide protests, prompting global aviation reroutes. Separately, the U.S. reportedly advised some personnel at a key military base in Qatar to evacuate. The temporary closure caused multiple international airlines to divert flights, though Irans Civil Aviation Authority later said skies were open and operations had resumed, without acknowledging the shutdown, The Associated Press reported. The incident came as the U.S. Embassy in Qatar advised its staff to avoid nonessential travel to Al Udeid Air Base and recommended that American citizens do the same, according to Reuters. The embassy in Kuwait also ordered a pause in travel to military facilities. The Gulf nation of Qatar confirmed the evacuations were linked to current regional tensions. Al Udeid is the largest U.S. military air base in the Middle East, serving as a central hub for U.S. regional operations and houses thousands of American troops, making it strategically important in any U.S. response to Iran. Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Irans supreme leader, referred to a June missile attack by Tehran on Al Udeid, calling it a demonstration of Irans response capabilities. The base houses thousands of U.S. military personnel and had previously been targeted in retaliation for U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. In a statement posted online, Qatars international media office reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens and critical infrastructure, saying it had taken necessary steps in response to rising security threats. The measures at Al Udeid were described as precautionary. The United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency session Thursday afternoon at the request of the United States to discuss the developments. President Donald Trump issued a series of statements over the past two days, saying he had been told that Iran had stopped plans to execute protesters detained during recent anti-government demonstrations. On Tuesday, he told Iranian protesters that help is on the way and that the U.S. would act accordingly. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, responding to questions about possible U.S. action, said he preferred a diplomatic resolution but expressed skepticism about American intentions. My message is: Between war and diplomacy, diplomacy is a better way, although we dont have any positive experience from the United States, he told Fox News. Human rights groups reported that at least 2,615 people have died in the governments crackdown on nationwide demonstrations since late December over Irans collapsing economy and a steep decline in the value of its currency. Videos shared by activists depict rows of bodies in Tehrans morgues, with claims that hundreds more remain unaccounted for. According to AP, the current death toll surpasses that of any previous unrest in Iran since the 1979 revolution. Iranian authorities confirmed opposition activist Erfan Soltani was arrested on charges of collusion and propaganda against the regime but denied that he had been sentenced to death, Sky News reports. A relative was quoted as saying that Soltani had not been executed despite being scheduled for hanging the previous day. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency had earlier said Soltani would be the first executed protester, with the State Department warning others could follow. Trump had repeatedly warned of consequences if executions were conducted. In a separate development, Iranian satellite internet access improved after Elon Musks SpaceX dropped its Starlink fees in Iran, enabling more people to bypass government restrictions. The AP quoted activists as saying that Starlink also issued a firmware update to counter signal jamming. The service, though banned by Iranian law, allowed videos from protest sites to reach global audiences. Trump recently told reporters aboard Air Force One that he intended to ask Musk to assist protesters in Iran, a move later confirmed by the White House press secretary. SpaceX has not officially commented. In his Oval Office interview with Reuters, Trump expressed doubt about the ability of exiled Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi to unify Iranians, saying, He seems very nice, but I dont know how hed play within his own country. Pahlavi, the son of Irans deposed shah, has lived abroad since before the 1979 revolution. Trump said the regime in Tehran could fall but added, Whether or not it falls or not, its going to be an interesting period of time. Home News Karoline Leavitt blames 'deranged' Democrat officials for inflaming violence against ICE Quick Summary AI Summary Karoline Leavitt accuses Democratic officials of inciting violence against federal law enforcement. Leavitt claims some Democratic governors and mayors hinder cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. President Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act amid unrest involving attacks on ICE officials. 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 WASHINGTON White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused Democratic elected officials during a Thursday briefing of inflaming violence against federal law enforcement, but stopped short of revealing how much more President Donald Trump might tolerate before invoking the threatened Insurrection Act of 1807. "That's only a question, frankly, the president can answer," Leavitt said in response to a question about what Trump's "tipping point" is on using the 19th-century law, which she noted remains "a tool at the president's disposal." In a Truth Social post on Thursday morning, Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 to restore order amid ongoing riots against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Minneapolis following a second ICE-involved shooting Wednesday night. The shooting took place when an ICE officer shot Julio Cesar Sosa Celis, an illegal Venezuelan immigrant, in the leg after Celis allegedly fled a traffic stop and later joined two other suspects in ambushing him with a shovel and broom handle. The Insurrection Act, which allows the president to federalize the National Guard and deploy the military domestically to quell insurrection or domestic unrest, has been invoked by several presidents in U.S. history to assert federal authority, including Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. It was last invoked by former President George H.W. Bush in 1992 at the request of California's Republican governor to quell riots in Los Angeles following the Rodney King trial. "As you know, it has been used sparingly, but it has been used by previous presidents in American history," Leavitt said of the Insurrection Act. "I think the president's Truth Social post spoke very loud and clear to Democrats across this country elected officials who are using their platforms to encourage violence against federal law enforcement officers, who are encouraging left-wing agitators to unlawfully obstruct legitimate law enforcement operations." Leavitt accused some Democratic governors and mayors of hamstringing state and local police from cooperating with federal law enforcement to enforce immigration law. "It's truly shameful that now, for more than a year, you've had elected Democrat governors and mayors who have basically held their state and local law enforcement hostage, and told them, 'You cannot cooperate with federal law enforcement.' Why? They cooperated under the Biden administration." "It's because these Democrats are deranged in their hatred for President Trump, and they are holding their state local law enforcement hostage as a result," she added. "You don't see these riots and this vandalism taking place in states like Florida. Why? Because you have a governor in that state who has empowered federal and local authorities to work together, and it's despicable what we're seeing from these Democrat politicians, especially in sanctuary states and cities across the country," Leavitt said. Leavitt later displayed images taken Wednesday amid unrest in Minneapolis, showing vandalized law enforcement vehicles scrawled with profane graffiti cursing and threatening ICE agents. One image showed a woman in what appeared to be Islamic garb giving a middle finger to the camera beside a destroyed vehicle. "They are simply trying to enforce the law," she said of ICE. "And the Democrat Party has demeaned these individuals. They even refer to them as Nazis and as the Gestapo, and that is absolutely leading to the violence we're seeing in the street." "People don't do this without encouragement from people in power who make them feel like it's okay." After the ICE-involved shooting Wednesday night, footage circulated on social media showing agents deploying tear gas amid enraged anti-ICE protesters, some of whom reportedly ripped a weapons locker out of a federal vehicle and stole a rifle and ammunition. Leavitt also criticized how the legacy media has often framed ICE and its operations, and singled out The Hill's White House columnist Niall Stanage when he asserted that the ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Nicole Good last Wednesday "acted recklessly and killed her unjustifiably" after she drove her car into him. Stanage's framing of the incident, which reportedly left the officer with internal bleeding, prompted Leavitt to respond by accusing him of being "a biased reporter with a left-wing opinion" and "a left-wing hack," which drew an audible gasp from someone in the briefing room. .@PressSec absolutely nukes a Fake News loser: "You're a left-wing hack. You're not a reporter. You're posing in this room as a journalist... You and the people in the media who have such biases but fake like you're a journalist you shouldn't even be sitting in that seat." pic.twitter.com/ebZzHj7hPs Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 15, 2026 "You should be reporting on the facts. You should be reporting on cases. Do you have the numbers of how many American citizens were killed at the hands of illegal aliens who ICE is trying to remove from this country? I bet you don't. I bet you didnt even read up on those stories," she said. She went on to add that "the brave men and women of ICE are doing everything in their power to remove those heinous individuals and make our communities safer." Home News Oklahoma city council rejects proposal to build 15-acre Islamic center, mosque Democrats accuse residents of deliberately mispronouncing Muslim names Quick Summary AI Summary Oklahoma city council rejects a proposal to build a 15-acre Islamic center and mosque. Council voted 4-1 against the rezoning request during a meeting attended by over 1,000 residents. Opponents raised concerns about traffic and infrastructure, while supporters emphasized religious freedom. 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 City officials in Oklahoma have rejected a plan to build a 15-acre development with an Islamic center and mosque. In a packed special meeting that drew more than 1,000 attendees and lasted nearly four hours, the Broken Arrow City Council voted 4-1 on Monday night to deny a rezoning request for a proposed Islamic center and mosque on 15 acres of land near South Olive Avenue in the city, a suburb of Tulsa. The land, purchased in 2014 by the North American Islamic Trust and affiliated with the Islamic Society of Tulsa, has been at the center of intense local debate since late last year. The proposal sought to rezone the property from agricultural to commercial general to permit construction of a place of worship, along with community services such as a food pantry and a free medical clinic. More than 400 residents on both sides of the issue signed up for public comment at Mondays meeting, as supporters emphasized religious freedom, community integration, and the need for a second worship space to relieve overcrowding at existing facilities in the Tulsa area, where as many as 10,000 Muslims reside. "We are asking nothing more than the freedom to worship peacefully and to continue positively in the community," one attendee told the council. "Regardless, religious freedom does not exist only when it is comfortable or popular. It exists for moments like this." Opponents, however, raised concerns about traffic congestion, stormwater management, floodplain issues, parking and other logistical concerns. In response to the final vote, the Tulsa County Democratic Party issued a sharp statement criticizing the handling of the discussion. Regardless of what you think of the merits of the infrastructure claims against the proposed Islamic mosque in Broken Arrow, it is a FACT that the majority of the oppositions concerns were overtly tied to the religion of the applicants. Democrats also criticized Broken Arrow residents who they claim intentionally mispronounced Islamic names, adding that many laughed and snickered while they butchered the names of Muslim Broken Arrow residents knowing there were dozens of people within 20 feet who would have willingly held a microphone and announced names properly and respectfully. City and state officials, however, maintained that the decision focused on land-use planning, infrastructure capacity, and adherence to Broken Arrows long-term municipal strategy, not religion. Oklahoma state Sen. Christi Gillespie, R-Broken Arrow, released the following statement addressing the city council's decision: Last night's decision reflects what many residents have been saying for years: the city of Broken Arrow must follow its Comprehensive Plan and protect long-term economic growth in our community. This proposal did not comply with the Comprehensive Plan's clear designation of this corridor for commercial and employment-focused development, nor did it adequately address serious concerns related to infrastructure, traffic capacity, stormwater and floodplain management. The city council vote comes nearly a month after the Broken Arrow Planning Commission voted Dec. 18 to approve the construction proposal. Robert Goransson, chair of the Planning Commission, clarified the vote was strictly on the feasibility of the construction plans and not the cultural ramifications, he said. Explaining his vote in favor, Planning Commission member Jason Coan said he considered property rights when casting his vote. "With a lot of comments that have been made, if it was your religious organization trying to build a temple, how would you feel about having your rights denied? he said. You all have the right to do what you want with your land as long as [it] meets the criteria set by [the] city and government." But most attendees were concerned about the impact on their community. "I have a daughter who is 15 years old, one resident said. I don't want this ideology imposed on her." A supporter of the project told the commission, "Our Muslim neighbors are already part of the heartbeat of this community we call Green Country. They are teachers, doctors, business owners and parents. The land for the proposed development was purchased by the North American Islamic Trust (NAIT) in 2014, according to city records. Founded in 1973 by the Muslim Students Association of the United States and Canada (MSA) and affiliated with the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), NAIT holds title deeds to properties in more than 40 states, according to the NAIT website. Home News Portland police chief cries, confirms DHS report of Tren de Aragua ties in Border Patrol shooting Quick Summary AI Summary Portland Police Chief Bob Day confirmed ties between suspects in a Border Patrol shooting last week and Tren de Aragua. Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras are in federal custody. Day emphasized commitment to the rule of law amid community concerns. 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 Portland Police Chief Bob Day appeared to wipe away tears as he addressed reports from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that the suspects shot by Border Patrol agents during a targeted immigration enforcement operation were affiliated with Tren de Aragua. During a news conference on Friday, Day provided updates on the Jan. 8 incident in Portland, Oregon. The suspects, Luis David Nino-Moncada and Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, were hospitalized and are in federal custody, according to the police chief. Day said that Nino-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras are confirmed to have "some nexus to involvement" with Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan transnational gang with a record of committing acts such as human trafficking, theft and drug crimes. "I want to speak for just a moment, specifically to my Latino community. It saddens me that we even have to qualify these remarks because I understand, or at least have attempted to understand, through your voices, your concern, your fear, your anger," Day said, appearing to become emotional. "This information, in no way, is meant to disparage or to condone or support or agree with any of the actions that occurred yesterday. But it is important that we stay committed to the rule of law, that we stay committed to the facts, that we stay a trustworthy and legitimate police department of all of Portlanders," he added. The shooting involving Nino-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras took place on Thursday after Border Patrol agents initiated an immigration enforcement operation on a vehicle that reportedly belonged to a female engaged in a Tren de Aragua prostitution ring. According to a Monday statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Nino-Moncada is an illegal alien and a known associate of Tren de Aragua, who was living in Portland despite a judge having ordered his removal in 2024. The female passenger in the vehicle at the time had previously been arrested by Border Patrol in El Paso, Texas, and later failed to report to immigration authorities, according to the DOJ. The same woman is also believed to have been involved in a shooting stemming from a bad prostitution deal, according to law enforcement reports referenced by the DOJ. After the agents initiated the operation, according to the DOJ, Nino-Moncada repeatedly struck a law enforcement vehicle with his own vehicle during a traffic stop, threatening the lives of multiple Border Patrol agents and causing considerable damage to government property. In an interview after authorities apprehended him, Nino-Moncada reportedly confessed to purposely ramming the vehicle with the full knowledge that there were Border Patrol agents in it. Authorities have charged Nino-Moncada with aggravated assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon and also depredation of federal property exceeding $1,000. The DHS issued a statement the day after the shooting, declaring that the Border Patrol agent took "immediate action to defend himself and others" after the suspects "weaponized their vehicle" against the agents. According to the DHS, Zambrano-Contreras is a criminal illegal alien from Venezuela with ties to the Tren de Aragua gang. The federal agency blamed the Biden administration for releasing Zambrano-Contreras into the country after she illegally entered the U.S. in 2023 near El Paso, Texas. Zambrano-Contreras has played an "active role" in a Tren de Aragua prostitution ring and was involved with a prior shooting in Portland in July, according to the DHS. The DHS stated that Nino-Moncada "illegally entered the U.S. in 2022 and was RELEASED into the country by the Biden administration" and was later "arrested for DUI and unauthorized use of a vehicle," with "a final order of removal." "Only one day after an ICE officer was almost ran over in Minneapolis, two vicious Tren de Aragua gang members let loose on American streets by Joe Biden weaponized their vehicle against Border Patrol in Portland," Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a Friday statement. "The agent took immediate action to defend himself and others, shooting them. Thankfully, no law enforcement was injured as these criminals fled. Our law enforcement officers are on the frontlines arresting terrorists, gang members, murderers, pedophiles, and rapists," McLaughlin continued. "They are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them, a 3,200% increase in vehicular attacks against them, and an 8,000% increase in death threats against them. The violence must end." Home News Lily Phillips responds to critics who question her faith, won't quit making porn Quick Summary AI Summary In a statement to CP, Lily Phillips defended her faith and vowed to continue creating pornographic content. The 24-year-old claims her relationship with God is personal and ongoing, not defined by public approval. Critics question her commitment to Christianity in light of her career choices and views on social issues. 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 Porn star Lily Phillips, whose rebaptism has drawn mixed reactions from Christians, responded to critics who have questioned her commitment to rebuilding her relationship with God in light of her plans to continue creating pornographic and sexually explicit content. The 24-year-old OnlyFans star defended her decision in response to a report this week by Protestia, which claimed that Phillips plans to participate in an orgy and is posting advertisements about it on her social media. Phillips did not confirm or deny the report when asked about it by The Christian Post. Even though I am Christian, I dont plan on quitting my job anytime soon," she told CP. "I understand that my faith and my work dont fit neatly into everyones expectations of what a Christian should look like. Ive spent a lot of time reflecting, praying, and being honest with myself about both." Phillips said that her relationship with God is "personal, ongoing, and rooted in grace, not in public approval or moral perfection." Christianity, for me, isnt about pretending I have everything figured out or meeting other peoples standards," she said. "Its about sincerity, growth, and trusting that God meets people where they are, not where others think they should be. You dont have to agree with my choices, but questioning my faith or worth isnt something Im open to. Phillips, who is known for claiming to have slept with over 1,000 men in 12 hours, shared a video last month on her Instagram documenting her rebaptism. The video showed Phillips standing in a baptismal pool as a minister submerged her in the water. The song God Is by Kanye West played in the background. In an interview with US Weekly after the rebaptism, Phillips said that she faced a little bit of a hardship in her personal life, which led her to look to God for help in that and give [her] more strength in that. I think for a while Id kind of deviated from religion, and I think I was kind of in denial for a lot of it, she said. Quite a big thing happened more in my personal life, where I kind of felt the need to start speaking to God again. I hadnt really practiced faith for a while. I just wanted to get rebaptized to kind of reinstate my relationship with God. Phillips insisted that there are a lot of Christian girls who are in this industry, adding people might not know it and they might not feel comfortable talking about it because of the judgment. Detailing her religious upbringing, Phillips said that her family has "always been religious. She admitted they didnt always practice their faith, but claimed her family was always close to God and that they were delighted about her rebaptism. While the OnlyFans star acknowledged that many people will probably not think she is a good Christian because of her career, she said that she isnt claiming to be a traditional Christian. She also noted that she condones same-sex marriage and is pro-choice, values that dont align with traditional Christian beliefs. But that doesnt mean to say that I cant be Christian. I would just hope that the Christian community welcomes me, because I guess everyones relationship with God is bespoke to them, she argued. Phillips faces mixed reactions regarding her baptism, with critics noting that she continues to work in the pornography industry and holds views that do not align with the Christian faith. In an X post earlier this month, Christian social media commentator Jon Root suggested that Phillips baptism was part of a strategy to grow her platform. Currently, I dont see the fruit of saving faith in Jesus Christ, Root stated, adding that she still sells pornographic material, doesnt mention Jesus Christ in her reasoning to be baptized, and still has immodest content on her social channels. While the Christian commentator acknowledged that God can save anyone, he doesn't "see any evidence of good fruit" in Phillips. Christianity has become a grift for many to elevate their brand a lot lately," Root concluded. "I dont think this is anything more than lip service, especially after reading her explanation for baptism to US Weekly. If she was real, shed leave her old life of debauchery, not justify her sin, while claiming to follow God." Joshua Broome, a former porn star who became a Christian ministry leader, urged Christians to pray for Phillips in response to the news of her baptism. I dont know her personally. I dont know the legitimacy of the baptism or her faith. Thats not something that I know for sure, and not something I can determine. Only God knows her and her heart, Broome said in an Instagram video earlier this month. God is not limited by imperfect people, unclear motives or messy beginnings, Broome said. Ive read stories of people who were working on The Chosen, men and women who were actors and actresses who did not have a faith and they were simply portraying biblical characters or reading Scripture as part of a role and yet something happened. Home News Shooting at Greg Lockes home sparked by 'beef' between stepson and shooter: prosecutor Quick Summary AI Summary The 2024 shooting at Greg Locke's home is connected to a 'beef' between the shooter and his stepson, a prosecutor said. Tyler Poole, 21, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. Poole blasted the pastors home with more than 60 gunshots. 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 A 2024 shooting at the former home of controversial Tennessee Pastor Greg Locke, which forced him to relocate, was sparked by a beef between the shooter and his 17-year-old stepson and was not an attack on the pastor or his ministry, according to the Wilson County District Attorneys Office. This had nothing to do with Greg Locke, except he owned the house where it [shooting] happened. It wasn't retribution for anything he did. It had nothing to do with his teachings, Wilson County Assistant District Attorney Tammy Meade told The Christian Post on Thursday. I have some of the best investigators in the country that worked this case. There is no doubt in my mind, and I've been doing this for 30 years, that this had nothing to do with that church. It was between the juvenile and one of his friends. It was a beef between young men. Tyler Poole, 21, of Hermitage, pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of aggravated assault and two counts of reckless endangerment related to the Sept. 3, 2024, shooting at Lockes former home located at 1729 Chandler Road, Mt. Juliet. Poole reportedly blasted the outspoken pastors home with more than 60 gunshots. He was sentenced to five years in prison on the aggravated assault charge, plus two years each for the reckless endangerment charges. Officials told The Tennessean that Poole has received time served for the more than one year he has been in jail. Locke, who leads the Global Vision Bible Church, which was relocated from Mt. Juliet to Lebanon, previously stated that he believes the Lord slowed his family down while they were driving home from Pigeon Forge on the night of the shooting and painted Poole as a madman. In a statement to The Christian Post, Locke said he never claimed that the shooting was in retaliation for his beliefs or preaching. "It was my family and our home, so it had everything to do with me. Ive never claimed it was over my preaching. I said, and still say, when youre making the devil angry, he fights you," Locke said. "My kids could have died, so the WHY means absolutely nothing to me. It only means something to critics and liars looking for 15 minutes of fame." "People use tragedy to fabricate a narrative that makes them seem credible," Locke added. "The Lord will reward them according to their words. When I made the post the night it took place, everyone was still in shock and had no idea what was happening. Anyone who has that many bullets riddle their home and personal vehicle will never get over it. Weve forgiven the young man and plan on visiting him in jail very soon. We wish him nothing but the best. All of us have made dumb decisions, and those decisions can either destroy us or define us." The Wilson County Sheriff's Office Capt. Scott Moore told The Tennessean at the time that when deputies responded to Locke's home at around 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 3, they found 30 to 40 shell casings around the house, the garage and a vehicle. Following the shooting, Locke said investigators advised him not to return to the home. "We have not been allowed to be back at our house since then, and other than packing stuff up, we're not going back anyhow," Locke told his congregation in September 2024. "They told us that they fear retaliation at this moment." Just days after the shooting, Locke addressed speculation about the reason for the shooting online, but didn't previously clarified that the shooting was related to a dispute between his stepson and Poole. When the shooting happened in the subsequent days, I've really tried to stay out of the media limelight because of it. Because it's a serious situation. It's not something you want to just glorify and talk about every five seconds of your life, but it's interesting how many people online, maybe even some good, sincere folks, saw these videos [and said] 'Well, you know what, this was a warning to Global Vision,' Locke said. He later compared the shooting to the persecution of the apostles in the Bible. This was a warning to Greg Locke. This is a warning to his family because God allowed this to happen to bring forth elements of disobedience. And I'm like, 'OK, . let me ask you a question. You going to say that about the apostles and the disciples?' Locke asked. That all of them were eventually assassinated except John. They boiled him in chicken grease. I believe I'd take the assassination over that, but he did write 22 chapters of the Book of Revelation, praise God, when his body was completely boiled over in that grease. Home News Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act amid unrest after second ICE-involved shooting Quick Summary AI Summary Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 amid unrest following a second ICE-involved shooting Protests erupted in Minneapolis after an ICE officer shot an illegal immigrant from Venezuela who tried to beat the agent with a shovel after a traffic stop. Tensions escalated with reports of agents deploying tear gas against anti-ICE protesters. 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 President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 on Thursday to restore order amid ongoing riots against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Minneapolis in the wake of a second ICE-involved shooting Wednesday night. "If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don't obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State," Trump said in a Truth Social post. Trump's threat came the morning after an ICE officer shot an illegal Venezuelan immigrant in the leg after he allegedly fled during a traffic stop and attempted to beat the officer with a shovel, according to the Department of Homeland Security. DHS claimed the officer was "fearing for his life and safety" when the suspect "violently assaulted" him. The suspect was reportedly in stable condition, and the ICE agent remains hospitalized. The shooting came a week after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, video of whom shows her driving her vehicle into him after refusing to comply with officers. Tensions broke out around the scene shortly after the second shooting Wednesday night, with footage circulating on social media that shows agents deploying tear gas amid enraged anti-ICE protesters, some of whom reportedly ripped a weapons locker out of a federal vehicle and stole ammunition. Nick Sortor is asking to please share this video Minneapolis rioters broke open a weapons locker in a federal vehicle They stole a rifle and ammunition He was able to capture the thiefs face and license plate on the getaway vehicle ???? pic.twitter.com/PFUcQBH62g Wall Street Apes (@WallStreetApes) January 15, 2026 The Insurrection Act of 1807, the precursor of which was enacted by the first Congress in 1792, allows the president to assert federal authority by nationalizing the National Guard and deploying the military domestically to enforce the law and suppress rebellion. It has been invoked by several presidents, including Andrew Jackson during Nat Turner's slave rebellion, Abraham Lincoln when southern states seceded and John F. Kennedy during the riots over desegregation. Former President George H.W. Bush was the last to invoke it to quell the 1992 riots in Los Angeles following the acquittal of four LAPD officers who were charged with using excessive force against Rodney King. Trump stopped short of invoking it during the Black Lives Matter riots in 2020, though he threatened to do so. During a primetime speech riddled with technical difficulties delivered shortly before the latest ICE shooting, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz implied ICE officers are racist, accusing them of "going door to door, ordering people to point out where their neighbors of color live" and "kidnapping innocent people with no warning and no due process." "News reports simply don't do justice to the level of chaos and disruption and trauma the federal government is raining down upon our communities," he said. He urged Minnesotans to record ICE agents to "bank evidence for future prosecution." "Carry your phone with you at all times," he said. "If you see these ICE agents in your neighborhood, take out that phone and hit record." "Help us create a database of the atrocities against Minnesotans." The White House mocked Walz for his glitchy address and urged him to resign. "Tampon [Walz] is currently attempting to do a live, highly produced statewide address to condemn the enforcement of our immigration laws in Minnesota but it's not going so well," an X post from the White House's Rapid Response account said, referring to Walz by a popular nickname that mocks him for signing legislation that placed tampons in boys' restrooms in Minnesota public schools. "You're a loser, @GovTimWalz and you always will be," the post added. "Just resign in disgrace, you buffoon." Tampon is currently attempting to do a live, highly produced statewide address to condemn the enforcement of our immigration laws in Minnesota... but it's not going so well ???? You're a loser, @GovTimWalz and you always will be. Just resign in disgrace, you buffoon. pic.twitter.com/pYhKNyZ8ra Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 15, 2026 After news of the shooting broke, Walz appeared to call for peace, writing, "I know you're angry. I'm angry. What Donald Trump wants is violence in the streets. But Minnesota will remain an island of decency, of justice, of community, and of peace. Don't give him what he wants." He also issued a statement Thursday morning urging Trump "to turn the temperature down." Amid scrutiny regarding allegations of widespread social services fraud in his state, Walz announced earlier this month that he would be stepping aside from running for a historic third term as governor, claiming he doesn't have enough time to campaign while "defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences." Home Opinion Political division is ruining relationships in the Church What is tearing this country apart is not merely politics. It is something far deeper, far older, and far more consequential. We are witnessing a moral rupture. Recently, a man informed a friend of mine by text message that he could no longer maintain a friendship with him because of his Republican values, which he described as ungodly. He insisted he bore no hatred, yet declared the relationship effectively over. In just a few lines on a phone screen, a friendship ended. It was heartbreaking, but something increasingly common. It also reveals the real nature of our national divide. What we are experiencing is not primarily a contest between parties or platforms. It is a conflict between moral authorities. One vision holds that moral truth is received revealed by God and preserved in Holy Scripture while the other increasingly treats moral truth as constructed, fluid, and subject to cultural reinvention. The consequences of this divergence now dominate nearly every major debate in our public life: marriage, sexuality, the sanctity of human life, the definition of family, human nature, and even truth itself. The Bible warned us of this moment. Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20), the prophet Isaiah declared. This inversion is no longer theoretical; it is institutionalized. Long-standing moral boundaries are being erased and rewritten, while those who hold to historic Christian teaching are portrayed as dangerous, intolerant, or unfit for civil society. Increasingly, citizens are encouraged not merely to disagree with people of traditional faith and moral absolutes, but to sever relationships with them and in some quarters, even to treat them as enemies. In 1858, standing before the Illinois Republican Convention, Abraham Lincoln spoke words that still echo across American history: A house divided against itself cannot stand. Lincoln was not addressing party politics as we know them today. He was diagnosing a moral estrangement the growing conflict between the self-evident truth of human dignity and the institution of slavery. Lincoln understood that a nation could not endure half committed to freedom and half committed to bondage. One ethical vision would ultimately have to prevail over the other. He was absolutely right. The division did not heal itself through polite disagreement or procedural compromise. It hardened and deepened. In time, it tore the nation apart in civil war. Lincolns warning remains painfully relevant in every generation: a society cannot survive for long when its people no longer agree on what is morally true. This is where we find ourselves today. What we are witnessing is not merely political conflict, but a clash of competing worldviews over good and evil, truth and falsehood, human responsibility and divine authority. There was a time, not so long ago, when Americans broadly agreed that life at every stage possessed inherent dignity, that marriage had a God-ordained structure, that religious conviction deserved respect rather than suspicion, and that truth was not endlessly negotiable. Today, these foundations are openly contested. Just as in Lincolns day, the result is not mere disagreement; it is destabilization. Yet while the cultural conflict is real and the moral stakes could not be higher, the Christian response must remain radically different from the spirit of this age. We do not surrender conviction in order to preserve peace, nor do we surrender love in order to defend truth. We tenaciously hold to both without compromise and without bitterness. Jesus never retreated from moral clarity, but neither did He withdraw from those who opposed Him. He spoke truth plainly, and He loved relentlessly. The apostle Paul captured this posture with rare precision: Speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). That balance is not weakness. It is the highest form of strength. The tragedy of moments like the one my friend experienced when he received a text ending a long-standing friendship is not simply the loss of that relationship. It is the replacement of tolerance with political tribalism, the elevation of ideology over the commonality of our human dignity, and the quiet assumption that loyalty to a political party now determines righteousness. God help us. The Church doesnt navigate moral storms by retreating into factions or mirroring the hostility of the culture. It traverses the treacherous terrain by standing unflinchingly on the authority of Gods Word, while extending grace to those who reject it. Genuine Christianity does not fear disagreement. Neither does it answer rejection with resentment. Nor does it abandon the Gospel of reconciliation when reconciliation becomes costly. The path before Christians in this moment is narrow but clear: unwavering allegiance to biblical truth, combined with an unwavering commitment to Christlike love even toward those who misunderstand, oppose, or reject us. Sometimes this witness is carried in the simplest of replies. When my friend received the sad text message, he was deeply saddened and contacted me to ask what he should do. I suggested he might respond by sending the following text in return: Im truly sorry you feel that way truly I am. I have always valued the time and friendship weve shared, even though we have often seen some things very differently. But I dont believe our differences should cancel our human connection. There are still areas of life where we agree, and we may need each other someday. Nevertheless, I respect your decision. I wish you all the best, and Ill leave my door wide open if you ever want to reconnect. If the world must divide, let it never be said that Christians forgot who they were and to whom they belonged. Bioretec Ltd Company announcement 15 January 2026 at 5:30 p.m. EET TAMPERE, Finland, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bioretec Ltd., a pioneer in absorbable orthopedic implants appoints Tuukka Paavola (M.Sc. Industrial Engineering, CFA) as Chief Financial Officer, effective 20 January 2025. In this role, Paavola will report to Chief Executive Officer Sarah van Hellenberg Hubar-Fisher and will join the company's management team. Tuukka Paavola brings over 20 years of experience in finance, capital markets, and strategic planning. Previously, he has served as the CFO of Nightingale Health Plc, and in multiple leadership positions at Nordea Bank Plc. Paavola holds a master's degree in industrial engineering and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). In his new role, he will oversee all financial operations, including planning, reporting, and compliance, and will play a key role in shaping the company's long-term financial strategy. "I am delighted for the opportunity to join Bioretec at this very exciting moment and help the company in continuing its global growth journey", says Paavola. "We are excited to welcome Tuukka to Bioretec, and we look forward to his leadership and contributions as we continue to advance our mission to become a global leader in absorbable implants focused on healing. Tuukka join us at a pivotal and exciting time in our journey as a company and we look forward to his contributions in realizing our goals", says CEO Sarah van Hellenberg Hubar-Fisher. "We also want to express our gratitude to Anne-Mari Matikainen, who has served as Interim CFO during the past months and supported us during a critical transition period for the company. Anne-Mari will continue to support the transition process until the February 13, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity in our financial operations." Further enquiries Sarah van Hellenberg Hubar-Fisher, CEO, +31 6 1544 8736 Certified Adviser Nordic Certified Adviser AB, +46 70 551 67 29 About Bioretec Bioretec is a globally operating Finnish medical device pioneer at the forefront of transforming orthopedic care with fully biodegradable implant technologies. The company has built unique competencies in the biological interface of active implants to enhance bone growth and accelerate fracture healing after orthopedic surgery. The products developed and manufactured by Bioretec are used worldwide in approximately 40 countries. The company's latest innovation, the RemeOs product line, is based on a high-performance magnesium alloy and hybrid composite, introducing a new generation of strong absorbable materials for enhanced surgical outcomes. The RemeOs implants are absorbed and replaced by bone, which eliminates the need for removal surgery while facilitating fracture healing. The first RemeOs product market authorization was received in the U.S. in March 2023, and in Europe, the CE mark approval was received in January 2025. Bioretec's Activa product line features fully bioabsorbable orthopedic implants made from a proprietary, self-reinforced PLGA both CE marked and FDA cleared for a wide range of indications in adult and pediatric patients. Bioretec is shaping the future of orthopedic treatment with a focus on healing through absorption, paving the way for more effective and patient-friendly solutions. To learn more about Bioretec, visit www.bioretec.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/bioretec/r/tuukka-paavola-appointed-as-chief-financial-officer-of-bioretec,c4293101 SOURCE Bioretec The Charity Commission is assessing governance and management concerns at a mining charity amid a long-running staff strike. More than 40 workers at the National Coal Mining Museum began industrial action in August last year due to a dispute over pay, and have been on strike since then. Today, the regulator told Civil Society that it had opened a compliance case into the National Coal Mining Museum to assess wider information about the charitys governance and management, and determine any next steps. In line with our guidance, the charity has submitted a serious incident report in relation to an ongoing pay dispute, a spokesperson said. Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2025 show that the charity employed an average of 109 staff last year. Extended strike action Strike action began last year after UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside suggested a 5% pay rise or 1 per hour increase for all staff at the charity, whichever was greater, in response to it offering a 1 per hour increase for mine guides and 5% for everyone else. The union said the charitys initial offer wouldve given a bigger pay rise to the male mine guides than to the women employed elsewhere in the museum. In a subsequent meeting with conciliation service ACAS, the charitys managers made an offer of 80p an hour or 5% for all workers, whichever was the greater, despite a previous pledge to recommend their own offer, according to the union . The strike, which was due to run until the end of January, has been extended three times and is now expected to continue until June. UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside said in a reballot that closed on 9 January, 92% of the charitys staff backed strike action, with a turnout of 86%. Staff have been left with no option other than to continue the walkout due to the behaviour of museum chief executive Lynn Dunning, who has failed to return to negotiations with an acceptable offer, it said. The union believes this demonstrates a lack of leadership at the helm of the popular attraction, which showcases the UKs industrial heritage. According to the union, since staff began striking, the charitys senior managers have put forward one revised pay offer, whose terms were worse than a proposal rejected before the strike action began. Issues go far beyond our pay dispute In a Facebook post shared this week, UNISON Wakefield District said: UNISON Wakefield has repeatedly raised serious concerns about leadership failure, poor decision-making and a lack of accountability at the very top of the organisation. The Charity Commissions involvement underlines that these issues go far beyond our pay dispute. Our members have shown extraordinary resolve in standing up for fair pay, dignity at work and the future of this important heritage institution. A spokesperson for the National Coal Mining Museum told Civil Society: The charity remains fully committed to transparency throughout this period of industrial action and continues to make all efforts to clarify and address misrepresentations about the charity that may have arisen from information shared by third parties. Well continue to engage fully with the Charity Commission, providing any additional information they may require. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, By Olivier Le Moal, Adobe An increase in the proportion of long-term grants being handed out to charities has been revealed in new research. The percentage of organisations which stated that grantmakers made a long-term investment in their work increased by at least eight percentage points from 2022 to 40% in 2025, according to the latest Third Sector Trends report. This has marked a change for voluntary sector organisations which for many years have complained about the short-term investment they receive from grantmaking foundations, according to the report. Rob Williamson, chief executive of Community Foundation North East, said: An important shift is happening towards increased long-term, core funding, which is vital to enable charities and community groups to thrive. Unrestricted or core funding had increased from 2019, when 46% stated they received funding, to 60% in 2022. However, this declined to 56% in 2025. Some 8,680 people across England and Wales between June and September last year responded to the survey which also found that charities with annual incomes below 10,000 form 36% of the sector but receive less than 1% of its total funds. The percentage of TSOs which stated that innovation had been expected as a condition of grant funding increased from 50% in 2022 to 62% in 2025, but this remains below its 2019 level of 74%. Williamson said that the drift back towards funders requiring innovation gave some cause for concern. Some 35% of voluntary organisations stated that grantmaking trusts helped them to develop skills in 2025, up from 27% in 2022. In 2025, 57% of TSOs said these trusts took the time to get to know us, up from 48% in 2022. However, that happened more often with larger funding recipients, 65%, than with the smallest, 47%, the report revealed. Multi-year grant offers encouraging, ACF says Responding to the research, Jim Cooke, head of practice and learning at the Association of Charitable Foundations, said: Many charities have called for longer-term funding, so it is encouraging to see evidence that more trusts and foundations are responding with multi-year grants. Flexibility to fund over different time periods is a key strength of foundations, from responding quickly to emergencies or one-off needs, to enabling deeper impact through long-term partnerships. Cooke, however, said that as demand for grants rise a tension between supporting organisations for longer periods and remaining open longer to new applicants develops. He added: Each foundation needs to consider how best to balance this in their own context, with a clear understanding of their role in the wider funding ecosystem. Intense competition for finite resources The percentage of voluntary organisations expecting income to rise fell to 28% in 2025, down from 32% in 2022 and 36% in 2019. In 2025, however, just 18% of TSOs actually had rising incomes, a similar percentage from 2022 and 2019. Between 2022 and 2025, the proportion of voluntary organisations which used reserves for essential costs fell from 30% to 27%, according to the research. The latest report says that bigger organisations are more likely to be thriving financially, 16%, compared with 4% of the smallest charities. Professor Tony Chapman of Durham University, who authored the report, said: External factors can shape the financial prospects of TSOs, such as national economic and labour market conditions. But to blame external forces alone for the plight of voluntary organisations financial prospects is a serious mistake. The laudable, but extremely high levels of ambition amongst charities to achieve their social objectives has the inevitable consequence of producing intense competition over finite financial resources. This means that there will always be winners and losers. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Cyber once again ranked as the top global risk in 2026, according to the latest Allianz Risk Barometer, coming in No. 1 in every region and across all company sizes. Artificial intelligence took the No. 2 spot, up from tenth in 2025the biggest jump in this years ranking. Both cyber and AI now rank as top five concerns for companies in almost every industry sector. Respondents to the corporate risk survey also named business interruption, changes in legislation/regulation, climate change and geopolitical risks among their top concerns in 2026. Top 10 Risks Cyber incidents Artificial intelligence Business interruption Changes in legislation and regulation Natural catastrophes Climate change Political risks and violence Macroeconomic developments Fire/explosion Market developments Cyber was named the top global risk for the fifth year in a row, with its highest-ever score (42% of responses). Cyber ranks as the main corporate concern in every region (Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa and Middle East) surveyed in the Allianz Risk Barometer and is again ranked as the top risk for large (>$500 million annual revenues), mid-sized ($100 million to $500 million) and smaller companies (<$100 million). The risk covers cyber attacks (including data breaches and malware/ransomware), IT network and service disruptions, as well as associated fines and penalties. Allianz said that growing reliance on a small number of third-party suppliers in areas like cloud services, software as a service, AI solutions and data processing is particularly concerning, noting that several attacks and outages over the past 12 months have caused significant disruption to businesses, their supply chains, customers and the wider economy. Digital infrastructure and technology are now critical to all businesses and their supply chains. Complex interconnected systems exist within organizations, third-party suppliers and customers. As we have seen with recent incidents, a cloud outage, technical glitch or malicious attack can have huge implications for a businesss ability to produce and sell its goods and services, with the effects rippling through supply chains, said Rishi Baviskar, Global Head of Cyber Risk Consulting at Allianz Commercial. Artificial intelligence climbed to No. 2 (32% of responses) in this years Risk Barometerits highest-ever position, up from No. 10 in 2025. Allianz said that AIs rapid climb up the rankings this year reflects both the risks associated with AI as well as its potential societal, political and economic implications. The risk is interlinked with other key risks in the top 10, Allianz said, including cyber, political risk, macroeconomic and market developments, and changes in legislation and regulation. Companies increasingly see AI not only as a powerful strategic opportunity, but also as a complex source of operational, legal, and reputational risk. In many cases, adoption is moving faster than governance, regulation, and workforce readiness can keep uppushing AI into the top tier of global risks for the first time, said Ludovic Subran, Chief Economist, Allianz. Organizations are becoming more aware of the challenges that come with AI implementation, such as data-quality constraints, integration hurdles and a shortage of AI-skilled talent. New liability exposures are emerging around automated decision-making, biased or discriminatory models, intellectual-property misuse, and uncertainty over who is responsible when AI-generated outputs cause harm. Respondents also cited disinformation and the potential for deepfakes as growing risks. Education, retraining and upskilling initiatives are the main actions being taken by companies to mitigate the impact of increasing AI adoption on the workforce (49% of respondents). Some companies are looking to reshape roles to focus on adaptability and collaborative problem solving (45%), while others say they are eliminating low-skilled roles and replacing them with high-skilled ones (40%). Asked about the most plausible black swan scenarios that could occur in the next five years, 19% of respondents said they fear a breakthrough in quantum computing that renders current encryption obsolete. Business interruption dropped to the third spot in 2026 (29%) after having ranked either No. 1 or 2 for the last decade. Allianz said the peril remains a significant concern since supply chains can be impacted by other risks in the global top 10, such as cyber, climate change, trade policies and geopolitical conflict. Allianz noted that 2025 saw a shift toward protectionist trade policies and tariff wars, bringing uncertainty to the world economy. There were also regional conflicts in the Middle East and Russia/Ukraine, as well as border disputes between India/Pakistan and Thailand/Cambodia, and civil wars in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar. Global supply chain paralysis due to a geopolitical conflict ranked as the most plausible black swan scenario likely to materialize for business interruption in the next five years (51%), according to respondents. Mass social unrest and political instability impacting business continuity ranks No. 4 (29%). Despite the rising pressure from geopolitical risks, only 3% of survey respondents view their supply chains as very resilient. Half of respondents said they are exploring new markets and products; 49% are renegotiating and diversifying supply chains, while a similar number said they are streamlining operations to cut costs, and/or investing in advanced analytics and supply chain management software. Just over a third (35%) are exploring nearshoring and evaluating domestic manufacturing options. Changes in legislation and regulation remained at No. 4 for the third year in a row, with 26% of respondents picking it as a top risk. Allianz said that divergence is the defining regulatory risk of 2026, with major jurisdictions moving in different directions when it comes to digital/AI, prudential and sustainability rules. The U.S. is pushing for deregulation aimed at lowering business costs and boosting competitiveness, Allianz said. Europe is trying to simplify regulation while maintaining its long-standing commitment to robust rules and safety. Meanwhile, China is trying to foster innovation while preserving state oversight and strategic control of key sectors. This divergence is fast becoming a critical driver of global risk: it fragments compliance expectations, reshapes competitiveness, and increases uncertainty at a time of geopolitical, technological, and financial volatility, said Subran. Natural catastrophes dropped two places on the Allianz Risk Barometer, coming in at No. 5 (21%) globally after two years in the third spot, driven by factors such as a quieter hurricane season last year. However, Allianz noted that insured losses caused by catastrophe events still hit $100 billion for the sixth year in a row. A good chunk of that loss came from the January 2025 Palisades and Eaton wildfires in California, which took place outside the traditional fire season and spread quickly in urban areas, incurring insured losses of $40 billion, according to Swiss Re. So-called secondary or non-peak perilssuch as flooding, severe thunderstorms and wildfirescontinue to drive substantial losses. These events demonstrate that losses from perils once considered secondary are now comparable to traditional peak risks, with climate change amplifying both their frequency and severity, said Keerthy Mohandas, Catastrophe Risk Research Analyst, Allianz Commercial. This blurring of lines between primary and secondary perils underscores the need for insurers and reinsurers to integrate emerging hazards into their nat cat risk assessment, capital planning, and resilience strategies. Speaking of climate change, the risk came in at No. 6 this year (19%), falling from the fifth spot in 2025. The impact on business interruption risks, such as supply chain bottlenecks and disruption of logistics due to extreme weather events, is the main climate-related business concern for 63% of respondents, according to Allianz. Respondents were also concerned about the physical impacts of climate change, such as damage to production sites due to extreme weather events (57%), as well as environmental risks (40%) like rising sea levels and higher temperatures that could affect food production. Political risks and violence climbed to an all-time high in 2026, coming in at No. 7 in this years Risk Barometer (15%) compared to No. 9 in 2025. Top fears in this category include war perils (53%, up from 48% in 2025), civil unrest threats (49%), and terrorism and sabotage (46%). Shifting global alliances and economic realignment; war in Ukraine; tariff wars; rising xenophobia and anti-immigration protests in Europe; decreasing trust in governments; and the deepening economic crisis globallyit is not hard to see why political risk and violence perils have risen sharply over the last 12 months and are front of mind for risk industry professionals, said Srdjan Todorovic, Global Head of Political Violence and Hostile Environment Solutions at Allianz Commercial. Macroeconomic developments took the No. 8 spot (14%), down from No. 7 in 2025. Allianz said that global momentum will increasingly be shaped by forces such as trade and migration constraints, the rapid acceleration of AI, and a comeback of industrial policy. The firm also said it expects 2026 will mark a fifth consecutive rise in global business insolvencies. Fire, explosion dropped to No. 9 (13%) after holding the No. 6 spot in both 2024 and 2025. Fire remains a significant cause of business interruption and supply chain disruption, especially where critical components such as semiconductor chips or automotive components are concentrated geographically or are among a small number of suppliers, Allianz said. Taking the final spot in the Top 10 was market developments (13%), down two from No. 8 in 2025. Allianz said businesses appear slightly more relaxed about market risks after another strong year for equity and M&A markets. However, there is concern about the potential for an emerging AI bubble. Methodology: The 15th Allianz Risk Barometer incorporates the views of 3,338 respondents from 97 countries and territories. The annual corporate risk survey was conducted among Allianz customers, brokers and industry trade organizations. It also surveyed risk consultants, underwriters, senior managers, claims experts, as well as other risk management professionals in the corporate insurance segment of Allianz Commercial and other Allianz entities. Respondents were questioned during October and November 2025. The survey focused on large, smaller and mid-size companies. Risk experts from 23 industry sectors were featured. The rebranding signals a sharper focus on the African continent for this exclusive angel investor network SINGAPORE, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- XA Africa, the exclusive operator-led investment network founded by global technology veterans, today announced its official launch as A54. The rebrand marks a significant milestone in the network's evolution, reflecting its deepened commitment to the 54 nations of the African continent and its growing impact as a primary bridge between global expertise and local innovation. Just over one year since its public launch as XA Africa in Q4 2024, the network has rapidly established itself as a critical player in the ecosystem. To date, A54 has successfully deployed more than a quarter million US$ in capital to support the continent's most promising startups. A Proven Model for "Smart Capital" A54 distinguishes itself by moving beyond traditional venture capital. As a global community of senior leaders from the world's most prominent technology companies - including many from Google and YouTube - the network provides "smart capital" that combines funding with hands-on operational mentorship. "Our mission has always been to connect exceptional founders with the guidance they need to scale globally," said Nitin Gajria, Co-Founder of A54 and former MD of Google Sub-Saharan Africa. "As we rebrand to A54, we are doubling down on our hypothesis that operator-led investment is the most effective way to unlock Africa's profound opportunities. We aren't just investors; we are partners who have built and scaled the very products that define the modern tech landscape." Progress and Portfolio Highlights The transition to A54 follows a year of significant momentum. The network has completed 9 core investments in high-growth startups across the continent - strategically concentrated in major African tech hubs, such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. A54's early portfolio already demonstrates diverse sector backing - with notable companies including: "Partnering with this network has been a game-changer," said Michael Ogundare, CEO of Crop2Cash. "Their strategic guidance has opened doors to new opportunities that go far beyond the initial check." Looking Ahead: The A54 Vision The name A54 represents the network's dedication to the entire African continent. In 2026, the network aims to expand its "Regional Hubs" - inclusive of both investors and VC / technology partners - in key tech centers across Africa to facilitate even more seamless investment into the region. "Africa is home to 25% of the world's youth but currently receives only 1% of global venture funding," said Marek Dawidowicz, Co-Founder of A54 and Marketing Director at YouTube. "A54 is here to change that, by proving that with the right combination of capital and global expertise African startups can lead the next wave of global innovation." Upcoming African Startup Demo Day: The A54 team will be hosting their next public [A54 Network] Startup & Investor Demo Day webinar on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 1PM (GMT+1). This quarterly event offers an exclusive opportunity for Africa-focused investors to meet the founders of our most recent portfolio companies and learn more about the A54 investment model. Any investor or African startup ecosystem evangelist can register for the event via the A54 website or LinkedIn page. About A54: A54 is a global, operator-led investment community supporting Africa's most promising founders. Founded by veterans from the world's leading tech companies, A54 provides curated access to early-stage and growth-stage deals, combining capital with hands-on expertise to help startups scale with confidence. For more information and media queries, please visit: www.a54.network CONTACT: [email protected] SOURCE A54 (Strategic Expansion Positions YI TING as Resilient Supply Partner, Cutting Lead Times By Up to 30% for Sustainable Filtration) TAOYUAN, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Trusted by world-renowned specialty coffee equipment innovators and Tier-1 roasters, YI TING Non-Woven, a leading Taiwanese manufacturer of engineered nonwoven materials, today announced a major capacity doubling to scale support for its rapidly growing client base across Europe and North America. This expansion leverages YI TING's expertise in biodegradable PLA-blend materials and high-precision engineering to provide advanced solutions for the coffee, tea, and various industrial sectors. As a premier OEM/ODM partner, YI TING is now positioned to reduce development-to-mass-production lead times by up to 30% for Tier-1 global brands focused on supply chain resilience and ESG mandates. YI TING Non-Woven Doubles Capacity for Sustainable Solutions, Strengthening Presence in Europe and North America Global Demand Is Accelerating YI TING Responds with Scalable, High-Reliability Production Across the beverage and food industries, global brands are shifting toward sustainable materials and diversified manufacturing sources. YI TING's expansion strengthens its role as a stable, high-trust production partner in a global landscape increasingly shaped by ESG mandates and supply-chain resilience strategies. The capacity upgrade includes: Increased monthly output across coffee and tea filtration materials. Higher automation levels for consistent pore distribution and bonding strength. Expanded clean-processing lines for food-contact applications. Dedicated production slots for large international OEM programs. Reduced development-to-mass-production lead times by up to 30%. "The shift to high-performance, verifiable sustainable materials is no longer a trendit's an industry requirement," said Kasley Lee, CEO of YI TING. "Global OEM clients are demanding transparency and functionality without compromise. Our focus is precisely on closing that gap, providing precision materials whether it's the 40-micron filtration required for coffee or the certified biodegradability needed for advanced tea packaging." Engineering Stability-at-Scale: A Key Advantage for OEM Partners The capacity expansion is anchored by YI TING's proprietary Pure.F multi-layer nonwoven fabric platform. This engineering design ensures superior performance consistency, enabling the material to maintain a precisely consistent 40-micron cutoff point. As a leading provider of nonwoven coffee filter solutions, YI TING's expanded capabilities include: Precision Geometry: High-performance materials optimized for both cone-shaped and V-shaped coffee filters . High-performance materials optimized for both and . Specialized Functionality: Advanced options such as hydrophobic coffee filter grades, engineered for controlled fluid flow and aroma preservation. Advanced options such as grades, engineered for controlled fluid flow and aroma preservation. Versatile Applications: YI TING's high-precision nonwoven fabric for coffee filters demonstrates why our technology leads the industry; for more nonwoven fabric examples in technical filtration, please visit our product gallery . This level of technical reliability is why YI TING remains the trusted production partner for premier specialty brands and global industry leaders across Japan and North America who demand uncompromising quality at scale. Meeting Global ESG and Compliance Requirements International beverage and food brands increasingly require suppliers with certified biodegradable material options, traceable raw materials, and food-safe, migration-tested substrates. YI TING's expansion incorporates equipment upgrades that reduce energy consumption and improve materials traceability, helping OEM partners meet tightening regulatory requirements in Europe, North America, and Japan. This commitment to sustainability is a key factor in strengthening long-term supply chain partnerships. Beyond Coffee: Multi-Sector OEM Capabilities YI TING's expanded production lines support a wide range of fast-growing applications: Tea & Food Packaging: Improved bonding strength and lower breakage rates help premium tea producers achieve stronger consumer retention and cleaner product presentation. YI TING offers options that support advanced packaging methods, including ultrasonic bonding, and certified biodegradable substrates. Our solutions include materials for heat sealable tea bags and are increasingly used in reusable spice bags for cooking applications. In a recent case study, an organic tea brand adopted YI TING's PN33 nonwoven tea bag material and reported a significant reduction in breakage rates, leading to a 30% increase in customer repurchase rates. Improved bonding strength and lower breakage rates help premium tea producers achieve stronger consumer retention and cleaner product presentation. YI TING offers options that support advanced packaging methods, including ultrasonic bonding, and certified biodegradable substrates. Our solutions include materials for and are increasingly used in applications. In a recent case study, an organic tea brand adopted and reported a significant reduction in breakage rates, leading to a 30% increase in customer repurchase rates. Agriculture: Lightweight, breathable nonwoven fabrics used for frost protection , pest control, and moisture management support more sustainable farming with reduced pesticide reliance. Lightweight, breathable nonwoven fabrics used for , pest control, and moisture management support more sustainable farming with reduced pesticide reliance. Eco-Industrial & Medical: Marine oil-absorption bags, reusable mesh, and medical-grade substrates demonstrate YI TING's ability to meet high safety and hygiene standards. Our multi-sector materials, including PP Spunbond nonwoven fabric , provide essential solutions for Medical & Hygiene sectors, ranging from protective surgical components to high-purity hygiene substrates. Kasley Lee, CEO, added, "Our capacity doubling and strategic expansion into North America and Europe is more than just growthit is our definitive commitment to becoming the most trusted, Asia-based supply chain alternative in sustainable filtration. We are ensuring that our global OEM partners can meet tightening regulatory and ESG demands without compromising on material precision, translating our environmental responsibility directly into a core competitive advantage." About YI TING YI TING NON-WOVEN CO., LTD. is a leading Taiwanese manufacturer specializing in the research, development, and scalable OEM/ODM production of engineered nonwoven materials. Since its founding in 2015, YI TING leverages its proprietary Pure.F multi-layer nonwoven platforma core strengthto provide high-precision filtration, protection, and packaging solutions across diverse sectors including food & beverage (coffee and tea filter media), agriculture, industrial, and medical applications. Driven by a commitment to sustainability and technical excellence, YI TING delivers materials that meet stringent global compliance standards (e.g., food-contact safety and biodegradability), and is established as the trusted partner for international brands seeking supply-chain resilience and innovation. # # # Media Contact Kasley Lee, CEO, YI TING NON-WOVEN CO., LTD. Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.yitingnw.com/en/ Phone: +886-3-328-6585 SOURCE YI TING NON-WOVEN CO., LTD. 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And the country maintained its position as the world's largest trading nation in goods last year. As China navigated through a bunch of internal and external uncertainties throughout the turbulent 2025 - ranging from rising geopolitical tensions, tariff wars to weak global demand - the record-breaking reading not only offers a window gauging into the strong resilience, adaptability and competitiveness of its foreign trade engine, but also underscores the country's irreplaceable role as both locomotive and stabilizer of the global supply chain, observers said. China's exports grew by 6.1 percent year-on-year to reach 26.99 trillion yuan last year, while imports grew by 0.5 percent year-on-year to reach 18.48 trillion yuan, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs (GAC) on Wednesday. "Under the complex situation where the international environment undergoes profound changes and the global economic and trade order faces major challenges, the achievements in China's foreign trade sector are extraordinary and hard-won," Wang Jun, deputy head of the GAC, said at a press conference on Wednesday on the release of the data. "The performance has beaten the market expectation, especially taking account that the effects of China-US trade conflicts, rising global tariffs and the appreciation of the Chinese yuan against the US dollar were kicking in," Tian Yun, an economist based in Beijing, told the Global Times on Wednesday. In 2025, China's goods imports reached 18.48 trillion yuan, setting a new historical record, and the country has maintained its position as the world's second-largest import market for the 17th consecutive year, according to Wang. "Some countries are politicizing economic and trade issues, imposing restrictions on exports of high-tech products to China under various pretexts. Otherwise, China would import even more," Wang said. Tian noted that the 0.5-percent growth in imports, though modest, still carries great ramifications in terms of how China has been sharing its development dividends with the world - backed up by a consumer market of 1.4 billion people. This growth is particularly evident in the noticeable import growth from developing countries and least developed countries, he added. Improvement in both quality, quantity The development trajectory of China's foreign trade was vividly illustrated by the experience of Zhu Qiucheng, CEO of Ningbo New Oriental Electric Industrial Development, an exporter specializing in pet furniture and home furnishing products. 2025 proved a volatile year for Zhu amid downward pressure on global trade. But Zhu's company still managed to achieve an impressive business growth of 25 percent to 30 percent, which he believes was a combined result of market diversification strategy and product innovation efforts. Likewise, China's export market was increasingly diversified last year. The country has established trade ties with over 240 countries and regions, and its trade with over 190 countries and regions reported positive growth, customs data showed. While China's trade with the US plunged last year, the slew of data highlighted a 6.3 percent year-on-year increase in trade with Belt and Road partner countries, accounting for 51.9 percent of the country's total foreign trade value. China's trade with ASEAN grew by 8 percent year-on-year, trade with Latin America rose 6.5 percent year-on-year, and trade with Africa jumped 18.4 percent year-on-year, according to the GAC. "The figures show that Chinese traders have shaken off the tariff clouds posed by the US. The group has made substantial progress in diversifying export destinations, while an increasing number of countries have been actively looking to strengthen trade ties with China in pursuit of certainty and stability," Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Also China's high-tech exports have been gearing momentum, a trend that is in line with the country's industrial upgrade, customs data showed. Numerous milestones were recorded last year. For example, China's exports of high-tech products climbed 13.2 percent year-on-year to reach 5.25 trillion yuan in 2025. In particular, the exports of industrial robots jumped 48.7 percent last year, with exports exceeding imports for the first time, which transformed China into a net exporter of such robots. Commenting on China's AI exports last year, Wang Jun said at the press briefing that China's material-handling robots are equipped with vision systems and algorithms that enable them to avoid obstacles, and welding robots can automatically scan and model work pieces and calculate optimal welding solutions. "These two types of robots have demonstrated strong capabilities in overseas infrastructure, transportation, and other large-scale construction projects, with export growth rates in 2025 reaching roughly over 60 percent," Wang said. When asked about the product innovation and upgrade strategy, Zhu said the company draws inspiration from Pop Mart's approach and has launched IP-based, limited-edition DIY assembly wooden products, which has given it strong pricing power. Analysts also believe the success of China's foreign traders, including Zhu, also mirrors how the world's second-largest economy, defying headwinds, forges a path of steady progress by prioritizing innovation and embracing openness. This approach also allowed the country to achieve its annual GDP growth target of around 5 percent last year, they said. Upbeat outlook Regarding the foreign trade situation this year, overall, global trade lacks growth momentum, and China's foreign trade development still faces a severe and complex external environment, Wang Jun said. "At the same time, we must recognize that China's institutional strengths, market advantages, industrial system strengths, and talent resource advantages have become more prominent. Our trade partners have become more diverse, and risk resistance capabilities have been significantly enhanced. The fundamentals of China's foreign trade remain solid," the official said. Zhou also expects China's foreign trade to grow in a stable and sound manner this year. "This year marks the beginning year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), so this stability not only refers to a stable increase in trade volume, but also more stabilizing economic relations with major trading partners," Zhou noted. Tian said that although downward pressure due to geopolitical tensions could weigh in this year, it is likely that China's foreign trade could grow at around 5 percent this year, which will further drive the total volume to hit the 46-trillion-yuan threshold. "China's standing in the global industrial and supply chain will be further cemented," Tian noted. Analysts expect that this year, China is likely to sustain and accelerate import momentum as more measures to stimulate domestic demand gradually take effect. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) CNBC's Jim Cramer on Wednesday parsed earnings results from JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America , Citigroup , which saw losses during the session. He said the numbers were solid, but investors had high expectations and were put off by cautious commentary from management. "After looking at the numbers, my verdict is that these stocks can keep working this year as long as the economy doesn't deteriorate from here," he said. "But they are taking a breather after coming in way too hot." Cramer said he's not overly worried about these losses because many of the major banks have had huge runs, so "they were due for a pullback." By close, JPMorgan shed 0.97%, Wells Fargo was down 4.61%, Bank of America lost 3.78% and Citigroup declined 3.34%. Here's Cramer's analysis of five top banks that reported this week: Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today. Sign up for free to receive it directly in your inbox. Here's what CNBC TV's producers were watching as the S & P 500 logged back-to-back declines, and what's on the radar for the next session. BlackRock The financial giant reports quarterly numbers on Thursday morning. CEO Larry Fink will be on " Squawk on the Street " in the 9 a.m. hour ET. BlackRock has fallen about 8.6% over the past three months. Shares are down 10.5% from the Oct. 15 high. BLK 3M mountain BlackRock in the past three months Goldman Sachs Goldman Sachs will report before the bell, as well. Watch for the numbers and instant reaction on " Squawk Box ." CNBC TV's financial reporter Leslie Picker is covering the banks. Shares have jumped 21% in the last three months. The stock is off 3% from last week's high. Morgan Stanley The stock has jumped 16% in three months. Morgan Stanley shares are off 4.25% from last week's high. MS 3M mountain Morgan Stanley shares in the past three months Taiwan Semiconductor The chipmaker will report Thursday morning. Taiwan Semi shares are up 10.5% in three months. The stock hit a new high on Tuesday but has dropped 2.7% from the high mark. CNBC TV chip reporter Kristina Partsinevelos will have the full details and stock reaction. Jobless claims Watch for the number and instant reaction on "Squawk Box" with Becky Quick, Andrew Ross Sorkin and Joe Kernen. The number comes out at 8:30 a.m., but the big show starts at 5:59 a.m. Don't miss a minute of it. Keep on truckin' J.B. Hunt Transport will report after the bell on Thursday. CNBC TV's Frank Holland covers the company and will be on the case. The stock has been moving in the last three months: up more than 47%. It hit a new high on Tuesday. JBHT 3M mountain J.B. Hunt Transport Services in the past three months Commercial real estate CNBC TV's real estate reporter Diana Olick will have exclusive information on the sector Thursday. CBRE is off 3.5% from the October high. Vornado is 26% from the February 2025 high. SL Green is 29% from last year's high. Brookfield Property Partners is 8% from the February 2025 high. Brandywine Realty is down 45% since its last 52-week high on Jan. 30, 2025. In this article AMZN Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT People walk past the logo of Amazon Web Services (AWS) at its exhibitor stall at the India Mobile Congress 2025 at Yashobhoomi, a convention and expo center in New Delhi, India, October 8, 2025. Anushree Fadnavis | Reuters Amazon 's "sovereign cloud" offering in Europe is a "big bet" for the company, AWS CEO Matt Garman told CNBC as it launched on Thursday, in a move designed to keep it among the leading players in the region amid stringent regulations there for tech giant. The term sovereign cloud broadly relates to cloud computing services where the data is stored, handled and not moved out of a specific jurisdiction. "We think it's a big potential here. We're making a big bet," AWS CEO Matt Garman told CNBC in an exclusive interview. The European Union (EU) has pushed for companies operating in the bloc to be compliant with its various data and privacy regulations, as concerns have risen about the dominance of U.S. tech giants in the cloud space and potential access to European citizens' data. The Amazon Web Services (AWS) European Sovereign Cloud, based in Brandenburg, Germany, and first announced in 2023, is a new concept. Amazon said in a press release on Thursday that the cloud is "physically and logically separate" from other AWS regions. To do this, Amazon has created a new parent company for the sovereign cloud that will be locally controlled in the European Union (EU) and run by EU citizens. watch now Garman said that customers wanted more controls around sovereignty before they moved data stored on-premise into the cloud. "And now we're giving them a cloud that doesn't force them to make those trade offs. And we think that that unlocks a huge amount of business," he said. The European Sovereign Cloud includes customer-controlled encryption, for instance, where customers can control the keys to their encryption and so that "that if anyone was even able to get access to [their data], they wouldn't be able to read it," Garman said. "We think that those various levels of protection, both technology protections as well as policy protections, really layer that on and provide a really unique offering that's just different than anything out there today," he added. Stephane Israel will lead the AWS European Sovereign Cloud. Stefan Hoechbauer, who is vice president of AWS global sales for Germany and Europe Central, has been appointed as a managing director. AWS also announced five new members of an advisory board for the sovereign cloud, three of which are Amazon employees. AWS said the sovereign cloud has "no critical dependencies on non-EU infrastructure" and it can continue to operate in the event of a communications disruption with the rest of the world. Under "extreme circumstances, authorised AWS employees of the AWS European Sovereign Cloud, who are EU residents, will have independent access to a replica of the source code needed to maintain the AWS European Sovereign Cloud services," the company said. For the past few years, European politicians and regulators have grown concerned about the dominance of U.S. tech firms over critical technology infrastructure. Despite the EU pushing for regional companies to grow their businesses, AWS, Microsoft and Google account for 70% of the cloud computing market in the region, according to Synergy Research Group. In this article GOOGL META Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT A notification on the Instagram app on a smartphone arranged in Sydney, Australia, on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images It's been a month since Australia banned under-16s from social media platforms, and some teens are glad to be free of the distraction, while others have found ways to bypass the law. The Online Safety Amendment Act requires major social media platforms like Meta's Instagram, ByteDance's TikTok, Alphabet's YouTube, Elon Musk's X, and Reddit to implement age verification methods such as facial estimation through selfies, uploaded ID documents, or linked bank details. Tech companies not parents and teens face repercussions for any breaches. This includes a fine of up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32 million) if they fail to take "reasonable steps" to comply. Australia's government argued it would protect teens from the addictive algorithm design that hooks people and mental health harms attributed to social media, such as reduced sleep and increased stress. Opponents of the ban argued it would be ineffective. Here are the top three takeaways on how the ban is going, a month in. The teen view Some teens are embracing new habits, while others are trying to circumvent the law. Amy, 14, kept a diary since the ban started and told the BBC in a recent report that she feels "free" without the pressure of maintaining a presence on Snapchat one of the affected platforms. "I often used to call my friends on Snapchat after school, but because I am no longer able to, I went for a run," Amy wrote in her diary. The BBC reported that downloads of some apps that were not affected, such as ByteDance-owned Lemon8, Yope, and Discord, surged in the days after the law was implemented. Downloads of VPNs, which hide users' locations to bypass country-specific restrictions, increased before the ban. Downloads have now fallen back to normal and social media platforms are expected to detect VPNs as part of the law. However, the Australian government caught on. Lemon8 has since complied with age restriction requirements after self-assessing that it should be included in the ban, according to The West Australian. The Australian government also asked Yope to self-assess whether it should do so. Tech firms push back While the tech firms are complying, they're urging the Australian government to reconsider. Meta said in January that it blocked over 500,000 under-16 accounts in Australia, but added that age verification needs to extend to the app store. It said that teens use over 40 apps a week, including many are not under the scope of the ban, arguing this means they can still be exposed to harmful content. The tech giant previously warned that the ban would cut off teens from friends and community. Reddit, another banned platform, has taken it further and launched a legal challenge against the Australian government, saying the ban is inefficient and curtails young people's freedom of speech. Reddit previously said in a statement to CNBC that the law could isolate teens "from the ability to engage in age-appropriate community experiences (including political discussions)." "The political views of children inform the electoral choices of many current electors, including their parents and their teachers, as well as others interested in the views of those soon to reach the age of maturity," Reddit added. Where next? Australia was the first country to implement such a sweeping social media ban for under-16s as concerns about the negative impacts of platforms have escalated. Now, others might follow suit. Australia blocked teens from using social media in December in a new regulation. George Chan | Getty Images News | Getty Images Bank of America analysts see significant upside potential in Siemens Healthineers ahead of its full-year results on Feb. 5, as one healthcare investor pointed to the German medical technology group's "compelling" product portfolio. BofA reiterated its Buy rating in a note this week, setting a 65 euro price target for the stock a 38.4% upside from the current level of 46.97 euros per share. "We continue to like Siemens Healthineers," analysts Julien Ouaddour and Anna Ratcliffe said Tuesday, pointing to what they described as an "unprecedent" product cycle across advanced therapies, photon-counting CT, and the company's radiation oncology subsidiary, Varian Medical Systems. They added that the stock's momentum is supported by several structural growth drivers, including the rise of radiopharmaceuticals, where Siemens Healthineers is seen as a key beneficiary. Shares in the Erlangen, Bavaria-headquartered company which spun out of German engineering multinational Siemens AG in 2017 have gained 4.7% since the start of 2026, and are up 6.4% over the past month. SHL-DE YTD mountain Siemens Healthineers. Kaspar Hallsten, a portfolio manager at Rhenman & Partners Asset Management, a Stockholm-based global healthcare-focused hedge fund, described Siemens Healthineers as "one of the more attractive large-cap medtech companies in Europe," pointing to its "compelling" product portfolio and strong long-term pipeline. "The company has the potential to compound over time and could ultimately trade at a higher multiple, especially if U.S. investors become more eager to build positions," Hallsten told CNBC in an email. Yet some near-term pressures remain. In November last year, Siemens AG announced it was selling 30% of its stake to shareholders, reducing its holding to about 37% as part of a longer-term deconsolidation plan. BofA said uncertainty around the exit, as well as lingering tariff and foreign exchange pressure, could limit share price appreciation and dent profits. Hallsten said 2026 is seen as a transition year for the company, with "meaningful relief" unlikely to materialize before the second half of the year. He said the current limited free float and concentrated ownership structure remain key constraints. "While Siemens AG's planned share spin-off or a potential Diagnostics divestment could increase the free float and improve liquidity over time, the outcome and timing remain to be disclosed," said Hallsten. "An increase in the free float could lead to temporary selling before broader interest." He added: "Beyond the transition year, management reiterated its ambition to deliver double-digit adjusted EPS growth in the mid-term through 2030, reinforcing the attractiveness of the long-term investment case for patient investors." Here are the biggest calls on Wall Street on Thursday: RBC initiates Nvidia as outperform RBC began coverage of Nvidia with a price target of $240 per share and says the stock has plenty of upside. "NVDA's $500b+ backlog, surging inferencing demand, and accelerating enterprise AI adoption give us further conviction." Rothschild & Co Redburn reiterates Nvidia as buy The firm raised its price target to $268 per share from $245. "We conclude that Nvidia will remain a positive outlier in terms of size, growth and profitability and that its moat is proving more durable than many expected." Raymond James reiterates Amazon as outperform Raymond James lowered its price target to $260 per share from $275 on Amazon. "More tactically, we are constructive heading into Q4 supported by robust holiday trends, favorable ad checks and beatable AWS estimates though believe the AI Narrative is likely the primary factor influencing stock performance in the year ahead and look for meaningful progress against Trainium/Neuron, Nova/Kira, Alexa+/Rufus, Zoox/Prime Air Drones and/or Robotics to improve AI Stack positioning." Wedbush reiterates Netflix as outperform Wedbush lowered its price target to $115 per share from $140 ahead of earnings next week. "Shares have been in decline since Netflix reported underwhelming Q3 results and Q4 guidance, after several quarters of phenomenal results, amid the overhang from the contentious pending WB acquisition." Bernstein reiterates Boeing as outperform Bernstein raised its price target on best ideas Boeing to $298 per share from $277. "Boeing is our top Aerospace & Defense pick for 2026, as we have increasing confidence in the growth path for the company." Goldman Sachs reiterates Tesla as neutral Goldman says it's cautious heading into Tesla earnings later January. "For Tesla (Neutral), our 4Q EPS estimate is similar to the Street. Our 2026 auto delivery forecast is below Visible Alpha consensus, and we expect a soft 1Q26, but we expect Tesla to launch the Y L in the US/Europe early to mid year and for this to help volumes especially in 2H." Rosenblatt initiates Quantum Computing as buy Rosenblatt says it sees "alot of ways to win" for the quantum computing company. "Quantum Computing Inc . has legitimate quantum assets across photonics, compute, security and sensing as well as burgeoning thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) fabs that could supply both their and industry needs for integrated quantum photonics, nonlinear optics and optical waveguides." UBS upgrades CI & T to buy from neutral UBS says it sees a sector recovery for the Brazilian IT company. "We updated our CI & T model, raising PT to $7.00 (from $6.80) and upgrading the stock to Buy." Barclays upgrades Applied Materials to overweight from equal weight Barclays said in its upgrade of Applied Materials that investors should buy the dip in the semis materials and engineering company. "The company has underperformed due to valid concerns around China competition and exposure." HSBC upgrades Digital Realty to buy from hold HSBC says the stock is a primary beneficiary of data center usage. "Pricing power is likely to remain robust for large power blocks and could support strong revenue growth at DLR in the next 2-3 years." Wells Fargo upgrades DraftKings to overweight from equal weight Wells says DraftKings is well positioned for growth. "As we launched coverage on the group we wanted to be more constructive on DKNG, but also wanted to see the company meet/exceed on EBITDA. Our analysis of state level data on Handle, Hold and Promo levels suggests that time has come." Read more. Barclays upgrades Dell to overweight from equal weight Barclays says it sees robust AI server orders for Dell. "We are more positive on DELL given the strength in AI server orders, stability of AI op margins, expanding opportunities in enterprise server and storage, and DELL's consistent disciplined opex management. We are encouraged by what we are seeing now and upgrading the name to OW from EW as we see more upside to come. We maintain our price target of $148." Morgan Stanley upgrades Nokia to overweight from equal weight The firm says the stock is underappreciated. "Following multiple years of restructuring and portfolio simplification, Nokia is emerging as a leaner company with underappreciated exposure to data center growth." Raymond James initiates BankUnited to outperform from market perform Raymond James says the regional bank has a robust balance sheet. "We are initiating coverage of BankUnited, Inc. (BKU) with an Outperform rating and a $51 price target." Citi upgrades Asana to buy from neutral Citi says it likes the work management company's new CEO. "We are upgrading ASAN to Buy/HR from Neutral/HR, maintaining our $16 TP" UBS downgrades GE Healthcare to sell from neutral UBS downgraded the stock mainly on valuation. "Detailed analysis suggests expectations fully reflect opportunities...less so risks GEHC has almost fully recovered from April 2025 lows, and is now just < 10% off all time highs - materially outperforming close peers." Morgan Stanley upgrades Amplitude and Descartes Systems to overweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley says it's bullish on both software stocks in 2026. "We upgrade AMPL to Overweight from Equal-weight the company stands to benefit from capturing higher amounts of digital product user behavior data as GenAI accelerates development of digital products like mobile and web applications. ... .Descartes Systems Group - Beneficiary of Supply Chain Disruption at a Growth Inflection Point." UBS upgrades Entegris to buy from neutral UBS says the semiconductor materials supplier is a self-help story. "We upgrade ENTG to Buy and raise our PT to $145 (from $90)." JPMorgan upgrades Calix to overweight from neutral JPMorgan says the telecommunications company has plenty more room to run. "We are upgrading shares of Calix to Overweight (from Neutral) and raise our December 2026 price target to $90 (from $75) led by expectations of a strengthening spending backdrop from Broadband Service Providers (BSPs) in relation to network upgrades, as well as a focus on higher fiber adoption as part of those upgrades." Wells Fargo upgrades Broadcom to overweight from equal weight Wells says investors should buy the weakness in Broadcom. "Recent Pullback Provides Opportunity to Get Constructive w/ AI Expansion Catalysts Ahead; GM% Concerns Overdone." Wells Fargo initiates Kinsale Group as overweight Wells says the specialty insurer has "superior growth." "We initiate KNSL (PT $490) with an Overweight rating on: superior growth prospects even in a soft market driven by new products, strong growth in TAM as more premium moves to the E & S market, and technology stack allowing for higher quote / binding ratios..." Wells Fargo initiates American Financial Group as overweight Wells says the specialty insurer is best positioned for growth. "We initiate AFG (PT $165) with an Overweight rating on: (1)accelerating growth, (2) stable margins with low property exposure, an area seeing the most pricing pressure..." Evercore ISI initiates Phillips Edison as outperform Evercore says it sees "growth opportunities" for the real estate investment trust. "We are initiating coverage of Phillips Edison & Company (PECO), a pureplay shopping center REIT that focuses on grocery anchored neighborhood shopping centers with an O/P rating and a 12-month PT of $41." Morgan Stanley downgrades Albertsons to underweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley says it's concerned about rising competition. "For ACI , we are downgrading UW and lower our PT to $14 as ACI screens most at risk within the intensifying grocery wars..." Morgan Stanley names Dick's a top pick The firm says Dick's a best idea in 2026. " DKS , which fits both the 'leadership' and 'idiosyncratic' frameworks, is not expensive, and has embedded EPS accretion optionality from FL." Citi upgrades Southwest Gas to buy from neutral Citi says it sees an attractive entry point for the gas company. "We are upgrading SWX t o Buy ($99 price target) and initiating a positive catalyst watch into SWX's establishment of EPS growth guidance on the Q4 release." JPMorgan upgrades F5 Networks to overweight from neutral JPMorgan says it sees upside to consensus. "We are upgrading shares of FFIV to Overweight from Neutral and raising our PT to $345 from $295 as we believe the risks contemplated to the financial outlook for FY26 on account of the security incident were overly conservative and we see upside to both consensus earnings estimates medium-term as well as upside in relation to the valuation multiple which has retraced since the time of disclosure of the security incident. watch now A version of this article first appeared in CNBC's Inside Wealth newsletter with Robert Frank, a weekly guide to the high-net-worth investor and consumer. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox. When Peter Buffett learned that he and his siblings would be in charge of giving away the fortunes of their father, Warren Buffett, his response was clear. "I did not want it," Peter Buffett told CNBC. "I called him up and said, 'I want to opt out.' He said, 'I don't blame you.' It obviously puts an enormous amount of pressure on us." In 2024, Warren Buffett announced that after his death, his fortune would be directed to a new charitable foundation overseen by his three children, Susan A. (Susie) Buffett, Howard G. (Howie) Buffett and Peter Buffett. The 95-year-old's wealth is now estimated at more than $150 billion, according to Bloomberg. Adding to the challenge, the legendary investor requested that all the money be given away within 10 years of his death. Another catch: All three must unanimously agree on how to disburse the funds. The magnitude of Buffett's wealth means his children will need to give away at least $15 billion a year, which would equal about 4% of annual charitable giving in America, according to data from Giving USA through 2024. The amounts are likely to increase even further with time, as Buffett's fortune continues to grow. "It's something nobody has done, certainly not as a family," Howie Buffett said. Adds Susie Buffett: "It's just so much money." The bequest has suddenly thrown the low-profile Buffett children into the spotlight. After Warren Buffett's death, Susie, Howie and Peter will become three of the most important philanthropists in the world, scrutinized by the media, widely followed by other wealthy donors and barraged with requests for funds. In a rare interview with CNBC's Becky Quick, the three Buffett heirs said their world view, priorities and approach to philanthropy began in the Buffett household. While their father's wealth was starting to grow, the children lived a middle-class or upper-middle-class life. They took the bus to public school every day. They did chores for an allowance and had jobs. Warren Buffett drove a blue Volkswagen bug when they were growing up, they said. Their mom, Susan T. Buffett, volunteered for various groups and hosted exchange students from around the world. When Susie Buffett was in elementary school, she recalls she had to fill out a census form listing her father's occupation and her mother told her to write "security analyst." "I thought he checked burglar alarms," Susie Buffett said. watch now As they went on to form their own families and find their own causes, the Buffett children grew as philanthropists. Since 2006, the longtime Berkshire Hathaway CEO has given shares of the firm to each of the three children's foundations every year, giving them each more than 20 years of philanthropic experience. Susie Buffett lives in Omaha, Nebraska, and focuses on early childhood education and social justice, through the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation and the Sherwood Foundation. Howie Buffett, who lives in Illinois and heads the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, devotes more of his time and resources overseas, working on food security and conflict resolution. Peter Buffett, who lives in upstate New York and leads the NoVo Foundation, works on health and economic programs for women and children. Warren Buffett hasn't given the siblings explicit instructions for the money, they say. His only guidance is that it be used for those "less fortunate," Peter Buffett said. In his 2024 Thanksgiving letter, Warren Buffett explained his confidence in giving them so much money and such wide discretion. Get Inside Wealth directly to your inbox The Inside Wealth newsletter by Robert Frank is your weekly guide to high-net-worth investors and the industries that serve them. Subscribe here to get access today. "I know the three well and trust them completely," he wrote. "The 2006-2024 period gave me the chance to observe each of my children in action and they have learned much about large-scale philanthropy and human behavior. They enjoy being comfortable financially, but they are not preoccupied with wealth. Their mother, from whom they learned these values, would be very proud of them. As am I." Susie, Howie and Peter will likely each focus on different causes, while also funding some joint efforts. The requirement that all disbursements be unanimous is both a challenge and blessing, they say, since each sibling can blame one another if they don't want to fund a cause. "It makes it really easy to say no," Susie Buffett said. "It's like, 'I'm sorry, I'd like to do it, but my brothers would hate it. So call them.'" As the Buffetts prepare for a historic giving campaign, here are five principles and strategies they say they've leaned about effective use of capital and philanthropy: 1. Flexibility Since the world is constantly changing along with its needs, philanthropists need to quickly adapt. The broad causes they support can shift, as well as the individual organizations and people they support. Warren Buffett "has always said, 'This is what I think matters now. I don't know if that will be true 20 years after I'm dead or 10 years after I'm dead,'" Susie Buffett recalled. Howie Buffett said that funding programs in Africa, for example, frequently requires working with governments, which also change. "We work in a lot of places where things can happen quickly, like in Eastern Congo or something. So you need flexibility," he said. 2. Embrace risk and failure Howie Buffett called philanthropy the "risk capital of the world" and said foundations need to make bigger bets even if they fail. "Sometimes things don't work out the way you think they will," Susie Buffett added. "Sometimes that's a good thing. You learn from it." She added that being in Omaha, outside of the spotlight, also allows for more experimentation. "My staff has said to me many times, 'It's refreshing to be in a place where we can screw up, we can make a mistake,'" Susie Buffett said, noting her team rarely goes to conferences, where other nonprofit leaders are more reluctant to take risks and "are afraid to go back and talk about things that might not work." Not all failures are worth celebrating, however: "It's not OK if you really screwed up and did something you shouldn't have done," Howie Buffett said, "but if it failed for reasons that you knew might be a challenge, then it's OK." 3. Seeing is believing Philanthropists can read all the reports and research on a subject, but nothing replaces seeing a problem or population in person. "I've been to Africa 97 times and the 98th time that I go to Africa I'll learn something new," Howie Buffett said. "Every time you put yourself in a dynamic environment you see things." His brother Peter has his own saying: "You won't know if you don't go." When Peter Buffett started his foundation, he said he felt like he could "change the world." Then he visited Sierra Leone, Liberia and Bangladesh and said the scale of the need was "overwhelming," he said. "Slowly we retracted." Among his current projects is helping the community of Kingston, New York, near his home, where he can remain close to the fabric of daily life and learn about which causes are the most effective. "I had to be in a place where I could essentially be there every day," he said. 4. Trust but verify Giving away more than $150 billion will require writing mega-checks of hundreds of millions, or even billions, of dollars. Typically, only governments and large institutions can handle such large gifts. Yet as Howie Buffett said, "I don't trust them that much to make good judgements, or they have big overheads." Developing trust and accountability is paramount. Howie Buffett said his grant letters always include a clause that they can terminate the money at any time for any reason. He also includes a "no-cost extension" provision, which requires that any funds left over from a budgeted project be returned rather than spent on other projects. Over time, he said he has found nonprofits and groups they can rely on. "We have five or six partners where we give tens of millions of dollars a year to regularly," he said. "And we've built that trust. You know how they operate. They know what your expectations are." Trust also includes sharing negative outcomes: "I want every bit of bad news if there is bad news," Susie Buffett said. "You have to get super clear with people, like 'I want to hear everything.'" 5. Efficiency China's artificial intelligence chip sector has drawn heavy investor interest following a string of successful initial public offerings. But while those newly listed firms have led market gains, analysts say they are not leading China's effort to reduce reliance on Nvidia. Instead, most analysts point to tech giant Huawei and its secretive chip unit, HiSilicon, as standing out among domestic competition, not only in technological advancement, but also in scale and its broader supply chain. Huawei , however, is not expected to go public. The U.S.-sanctioned company, best known for its smartphones and telecommunications business, has long maintained its intention to remain privately held, unlike smaller chipmakers that have recently listed shares. Huawei, in response to CNBC inquiries, declined to comment on its intention to list or stay private. That stance has limited options for mainland investors seeking exposure to China's push to build a domestic alternative to Nvidia, currently the world's most valuable company by market capitalization. Instead, investors have turned to smaller firms such as Biren Technology , MetaX , Moore Threads and Shanghai Iluvatar CoreX Semiconductor , all of which were listed recently. Moore Threads, a graphics processing unit developer founded in 2020, raised over $1.1 billion in its public listing on Dec. 5 . MetaX, which also develops GPUs, followed on Dec. 17, raising nearly $600 million . Chinese tech giant Baidu recently also announced plans to spin off its AI chip subsidiary, Kunlunxin , and list it in Hong Kong. Huawei is still likely to remain ahead of other Nvidia alternatives in China's AI processor and GPU market... The reason is not just any single chip, but the stack. Principal analyst at Counterpoint Wei Sun Analysts say that despite those firms' strong market performance, Huawei continues to dominate China's AI processor market in terms of market share and breadth of offerings. In a report last month, analysts at Bernstein estimated that Huawei and Nvidia were neck and neck in China, with each accounting for about 40% of processor sales by dollar value. Bernstein projected Nvidia's share would shrink to 8% under export restrictions, while Huawei's share could rise to a dominant position at 50%, subject to policy changes. Cambricon, China's largest AI chipmaker by market capitalization, was expected to hold about 9% of the market, with smaller firms such as Hygon and MetaX trailing further behind. While analysts expect Chinese players to continue capturing a greater share of the domestic market, they say the sector is also due for consolidation. "Semiconductor companies tend to consolidate with bigger players in order to invest in higher research and development," said Qingyuan Lin, a senior analyst covering China semiconductors at Bernstein. Full stack Huawei has expanded its Ascend series of AI chips in recent years and plans to launch its next-generation Ascend 950 in 2026. Though these chips remain less powerful than their cutting-edge counterparts from Nvidia on a one-to-one performance basis, analysts said other innovations have set the Shenzhen-based firm apart in China. "Huawei is still likely to remain ahead of other Nvidia alternatives in China's AI processor and GPU market," said Wei Sun, a principal analyst at Counterpoint. "The reason is not just any single chip, but the stack... That matters more than headline specs." The "stack" refers to multiple layers of the AI computing supply chain, spanning chip design, data center construction and software development. Last year, Huawei released its "AI CloudMatrix 384" system, which links large numbers of its cutting-edge Ascend chips to maximize performance . Analysts found that the cluster outperformed Nvidia's leading system at the time on some metrics. Besides AI infrastructure, Huawei is also developing its CANN software layer to compete with Nvidia's CUDA, putting them in direct competition across multiple layers of the AI ecosystem. Sun said that these factors have helped give Huawei a clear lead, though it does not mean the firm is unchallenged. Other technology giants in China, including Baidu , have been pursuing similar full-stack strategies. Production constraints Many newly listed Chinese AI chip firms, such as Moore Threads, are designers rather than manufacturers, meaning they rely on external foundries to produce chips. Nvidia, for example, depends on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co to fabricate its designs. For Chinese chip designers, the closest thing to TSMC at their disposal is Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp., or SMIC. However, according to analysts, SMIC's limited production capacity has constrained output, with Huawei so far receiving priority access. "The situation at SMIC, where Huawei is being prioritized, probably under some direction from industrial planning authorities, leaves little capacity for the other leading GPU makers such as Biren, MetaX, Enflame, Illuvatar, Sophgo, and others," said Paul Triolo, Partner and Senior VP for China at DGA Group. "Once some of the new companies burn through IPO revenue, there could be a reckoning if they can't get sufficient production at SMIC and the market uptake for their product is slow." Staying private Despite Huawei's dominance in China's AI chip sector, analysts do not expect the company or its chip arm, to go public any time soon. But that's not due to a lack of interest. "Huawei, as a listed company, would be getting a ton of investor interest, given its broad product line, significant lead in AI hardware and software development," said DGA Group's Triolo. However, Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei has preferred to retain internal control over all aspects of the business rather than answer to shareholders, according to analysts. The firm is also less likely to see a need to raise capital as compared to smaller competitors, given the profitability of its other businesses, and funding from Beijing's backing of the domestic semiconductor industry. "In a post-Ren era, it is not inconceivable that the company considers listing," Triolo said. "But so far there has been no problem with revenue and funding for R & D, given the success of Huawei's telecommunications and smartphone business." Still, Ren reportedly wrote in a 2021 letter to employees that Huawei could "gradually enter the market in the future." Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt prepare at the Danish embassy for a meeting with the U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Foreign Minister Marco Rubio that will take place at the White House, in Washington D.C., U.S., January 14, 2026. Top officials from Greenland, Denmark and the U.S. met at the White House Wednesday to discuss Washington's controversial bid to assert ownership over Greenland. The session ended without an agreement, reflecting what Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called a "fundamental disagreement" between U.S. President Donald Trump and Copenhagen. That's hardly surprising. Even before convening in the White House, Greenland has made it clear it will "choose Denmark," while Trump emphasized anything less than U.S. control of the island is "unacceptable." There could be worrying consequences. A potential armed clash over Greenland would trigger "monumental consequences" for the Western alliance and the global order, Iceland's former President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson told CNBC. On a separate foreign policy front, the president signaled more flexibility on Iran. Trump indicated that he might refrain from attacking the country because "we've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping" though there was a slight scare early Thursday stateside when Iran briefly closed its airspace for 5 hours. Following Trump's comments, oil prices fell roughly 1.5% during Wednesday U.S. trading. However, global geopolitical turmoil, as well as Trump's apparent attack on the Federal Reserve's independence, is pushing up the prices of gold and silver. The latter has already popped 26.6% within the first two weeks of 2026. Over in U.S. markets, major indexes fell on Wednesday, dragged down by chip stocks. But they might get a speedy recovery. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the world's largest contract chip manufacturer, reported a better-than-expected 35% increase in fourth-quarter profit from a year earlier. In other words, demand for artificial intelligence semiconductors isn't abating yet. Still, investors now have to make the tricky balance between hedging against geopolitical risks and playing the AI theme. The pan-European Stoxx 600 finished the session 0.6% higher, with most major bourses and sectors in positive territory. LONDON European stocks closed higher Thursday, led by AI chip stocks which surged following record earnings by TSMC. Dutch semiconductor equipment maker ASML popped as much as 7% in early afternoon dealmaking, sending it to record highs, as investors responded to stronger-than-expected earnings from Taiwan's TSMC . ASML finished the day 6% higher. TSMC reported a 35% increase in fourth-quarter profit, beating estimates and hitting a fresh record as demand for artificial intelligence chips remained strong. ASM International closed 11.2% higher, and BE Semiconductor gained 7.3%. UniCredit rose 1.4% after the Italian bank said that recent reports that it was planning to buy a stake in rival lender Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena are "speculative in nature and unjustified" and "pure invention." European bank M&A activity is expected to pick up this year with Italy seen as a deal hotspot and analysts see MPS as among the key targets. "M&A is a strategic tool for the bank," UniCredit said in a statement. Regional investors were assessing the outcome of a high-stakes meeting between senior officials from the U.S., Denmark and Greenland on Wednesday to discuss the ownership of the Arctic island. U.S. President Donald Trump's sees the semi-autonomous Danish territory as critical for national security and has threatened to seize it by force, if necessary. A meeting at the White House between officials from Greenland, Denmark, and the U.S. Wednesday ended with "fundamental disagreement" over the ownership of the island, a Danish official said following the meeting, but that both sides would continue to talk. Ahead of the talks, Trump doubled down on acquiring the territory, stating on social media that anything less than Greenland becoming a part of the United States was "unacceptable." Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt meet with U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) in King's office on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C., U.S., Jan. 14, 2026. Top officials from Greenland, Denmark and the U.S. met at the White House Wednesday to discuss Washington's controversial bid to assert ownership over Greenland. The session ended without an agreement, reflecting what Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called a "fundamental disagreement" between U.S. President Donald Trump and Copenhagen. That's hardly surprising. Even before convening in the White House, all parties appeared to have made their stance regarding the issue abundantly clear. "If we have to choose between the USA and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark. We choose NATO, the Kingdom of Denmark and the EU," Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Tuesday. And in a social media post just prior to the Wednesday meeting, Trump reiterated his desire for unequivocal U.S. control of Greenland, insisting that "Anything less than that is unacceptable." On a separate foreign policy front, the president signaled more flexibility on Iran. Trump indicated that he might refrain from attacking the country because "we've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping." Following his comments, oil prices fell roughly 1.5% during Wednesday U.S. trading. However, global geopolitical turmoil, as well as Trump's apparent attack on the Federal Reserve's independence, is pushing up the prices of gold and silver. The latter has already popped 26.6% within the first two weeks of 2026. Over in U.S. markets, major indexes fell on Wednesday, dragged down by chip stocks. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the world's largest contract chip manufacturer, will report full-year earnings later today. If it provides optimistic guidance, a speedy recovery for semiconductor stocks might be in the books. CNBC's Sam Meredith and Kevin Breuninger contributed to this report. Mining companies with projects based in Greenland, the Arctic island at the center of a political firestorm between the U.S. and Europe, have seen share prices surge in 2026. Following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3, the U.S. has ramped up rhetoric around acquiring Greenland by diplomatic or military means, citing national security concerns. Investors also have their eyes on commercial interests in the semi-autonomous territory, which is owned by Denmark. Shares in seven mining stocks tracked by CNBC have posted gains ranging from the single digits to over 100% so far this year. CRML ETM-AU,BRW-V,80M-GB,GROC-GB YTD line Stocks with mining interests in Greenland moves 2026 YTD Critical Metals Corp has seen the biggest increase in 2026, rising 158%. Energy Transition Minerals , Brunswick Exploration , and 80 Mile have risen more than 70%. Gains have also been seen for others. Eclipse Metals has increased by around 29%, GreenRoc Strategic Materials 30%, and Amaroq 6%. There's been growing interest in recent years in the rare earth and critical minerals deposits in Greenland, with climate change causing ice to melt and, in theory, making them more accessible. Trump has stressed national security as the key concern when discussing acquiring Greenland, but former national security advisor Mike Waltz told Fox News in January last year that U.S. interest in the island was about "critical minerals." Some see Greenland's deposits as a potential way to break China's dominance in the sector. The world's second-largest economy accounted for 70% of global rare earth mining in 2024, according to Statista. While the Arctic island is home to two rare earth deposits that are among the largest in the world, no rare earth mining has yet taken place on the island, according to U.S. think tank the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Despite that, investors' bullishness on many stocks with Greenland mining interests isn't new to 2026. Over the past year, following a pickup in interest in the territory after Trump reaffirmed his desire to acquire the island, Critical Metals Corp rose 128%, Eclipse Metals Ltd gained over 300%, Energy Transition Minerals added around 60%, Brunswick Exploration Inc up129%, 80 Mile up 155%, and GreenRoc Strategic Materials added 70%. Amaroq, though down 5% in the past year, is developing a number of critical mineral mining projects across Greenland and has seen an increase in attention from investors in the past year as geopolitical tensions brought supply chains for critical minerals into focus, CEO Eldur Olafsson told CNBC last week. The company's shares are trading 7% up since the start of 2026. The company reported in November that "commercial levels" of germanium and gallium critical minerals crucial for building advanced AI chips that saw export bans imposed by China in 2025 were present in a mining project it owns in Greenland. Olafsson also told CNBC that U.S. government bodies were considering investment opportunities in projects run by Amaroq. In recent days tech investors have been sounding out how the U.S. acquiring Greenland would affect the viability of critical and rare earth minerals mining there, Tony Sage, CEO of Critical Metals Corp, a company with a mining project in development on the Arctic island, told CNBC. Critical Metals Corp's project is in the early stages of building a plant to extract heavy rare earth elements (HREE), which can be used to provide heat resistance and magnetic stability in advanced technology ranging from EVs to AI data center infrastructure. Sage said he doesn't expect the geopolitical uncertainty to affect the company's plans. Despite rising investor interest, experts point to difficulties in extracting rare earth and critical minerals from Greenland. The idea that the Arctic island could offer short-term success was "absurd," John Mavrogenes, professor of economic geology at the Australian National University, told CNBC. A Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules is parked on the tarmak at Nuuk international airport on January 15, 2026 in Nuuk, Greenland, the day after it arrived transporting Danish military personnel. Several NATO members are deploying small numbers of troops to Greenland for a joint military exercise, in the wake of tense talks at the White House about the U.S. desire to annex it. Denmark, which is responsible for Greenland's defense, Germany, France, Sweden and Norway have all confirmed plans to send military personnel to the sparsely populated island this week. U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his sights on taking the island following an audacious military intervention in Venezuela to depose its president, Nicolas Maduro, on Jan. 3. The troop deployment comes shortly after the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland held talks with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House. Speaking to reporters alongside Greenland's Vivian Motzfeldt, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said there had been a "fundamental disagreement" with the U.S., but said the hourlong meeting was "frank but constructive." Vance and Rubio did not immediately comment after the meeting. Trump, however, told reporters in the Oval Office: "We need Greenland for national security." The U.S., Denmark and Greenland agreed to establish a high-level working group to discuss the future of the island, although, as had been widely expected, the three countries were unable to find a diplomatic resolution to defuse tensions. Greenlandic flags are fixed on a building in Nuuk, Greenland, on Jan. 14, 2026. Alessandro Rampazzo | AFP | Getty Images A high-stakes meeting between the U.S., Denmark and Greenland over the Arctic island's future ended without a major breakthrough, amplifying concerns about the prospect of a near-term solution. The White House meeting on Wednesday between U.S. Vice President JD Vance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's Vivian Motzfeldt lasted for about an hour. Denmark's Rasmussen described the conversation as "frank but constructive," but added that U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated threats to take control of Greenland were "totally unacceptable." CNBC takes a look at five key takeaways from the White House showdown. A working group For some, the White House talks did achieve something significant. The U.S., Denmark and Greenland agreed to establish a high-level working group to try to determine a way forward for the self-governing Danish territory. By doing so, Penny Naas, senior vice president at GMF, a Washington-based think tank, said the three countries had averted a worst-case scenario. "Greenland's strategic importance has made it a focal point of sustained U.S. interest, including periodic pushes for acquisition. Yet Greenlanders have been unequivocal: they value their deep ties with Denmark, NATO, and Europe, and do not see their future as part of the United States," Naas told CNBC by email. "Bridging this gap, between a U.S. administration that still signals a desire to 'own' Greenland and a Greenlandic population firmly committed to self determination, will require creativity and a realistic appreciation of the concerns on all sides," she added. Rasmussen said the working group planned to meet over the coming weeks in a bid to find a compromise. He said Denmark and Greenland were receptive to the possibility of the U.S. opening more military bases on the island but insisted there were some "red lines" Washington could not cross. Trump stands firm Just hours before Wednesday's meeting was set to get underway, Trump said anything less than Greenland becoming a part of the United States would be "unacceptable." He later reiterated this stance, telling reporters in the Oval Office: "We need Greenland for national security." Guntram Wolff, senior fellow at Bruegel, a Brussels-based think tank, said Trump's push to take control of Greenland is seen as "totally unacceptable" to Europe and raises questions about the integrity of the NATO military alliance. 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. Francis Chung | Politico | Bloomberg | Getty Images "If the U.S. president says he can only defend what he owns, well what he is basically saying is he cannot defend Europe under any circumstances because he doesn't own Europe, right?" Wolff told CNBC's "Europe Early Edition" on Thursday. "And so, that means Article 5 of NATO, the support of the U.S. president for European security, cannot be taken for granted anymore," he added. NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause means that an attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against all allies. The U.S. and Denmark, which is responsible for the defense of Greenland, are both NATO members. What about Russia and China? Trump, who has long coveted control of the mineral-rich island, has repeatedly said in recent weeks that only the U.S. can counter an alleged threat from Russia and China to Greenland. "The problem is there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland, but there is everything that we can do," Trump said on Wednesday, referring back to the U.S. military operation in Venezuela on Jan. 3. It is true that Russia and China have been deepening and widening their areas of cooperation in the Arctic, including with their militaries and dual use of infrastructure and research, said Marisol Maddox, a senior fellow at the Institute of Arctic Studies at Dartmouth. A Greenland flag flies as people walk on the day of a meeting between top U.S. officials and the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland, in Nuuk, Greenland, Jan. 14, 2026. Marko Djurica | Reuters "However, Greenland is not where we are seeing this activity. Where we are seeing joint Russian and Chinese military activity is off the coast of Alaska, which remains under-invested in by the US," Maddox told CNBC by email. "Since President Trump initially voiced concern about Greenland's security, Denmark has stepped up and announced billions of dollars of game-changing defense investments," Maddox said. "Through Allied cooperation, we have successfully headed off predatory investments by Chinese state-linked companies in Greenland and other parts of the Arctic," she added. NATO to deploy troops to Greenland At Denmark's request, several NATO members have confirmed plans to send military personnel to Greenland this week as part of a joint exercise referred to as "Operation Arctic Endurance." Before the White House meeting, Denmark announced plans to beef up its military presence in Greenland, saying the activities could include guarding national infrastructure, deploying fighter aircraft and conducting naval operations. watch now Germany, France, Sweden and Norway have all confirmed plans to take part in a show of support for both Copenhagen and Nuuk. "As part of the NATO alliance, it is a core priority for the Government of Greenland, that defence and security in and around Greenland are strengthened, and that this is achieved in close cooperation with our NATO allies," Greenland's Motzfeldt said in a statement. Where do we go from here? Looking ahead, analysts were struggling to see the potential for a solution to the standoff. Rasmus Brun Pedersen, associate professor at Denmark's Aarhus University, said he expects Denmark and NATO allies to bolster their military presence in Greenland as part of a push to convince the Trump administration that it is taking Arctic security seriously. "We will have a significant arms increase of NATO in the region and hopefully that we be something that we can say to the United States, well you had some security concerns, look at this, we have reacted," Pedersen told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Thursday. watch now Security forces are seen during a pro-government rally on Jan. 12, 2026, in Tehran, Iran. Iran reopened its airspace early Thursday after a temporary closure that barred most incoming and outgoing flights for several hours amid concerns the U.S. could carry out military strikes, raising risks for airlines. The restriction, which ended at 3:30 a.m UTC, or 10:30 p.m. EST Wednesday, was in place for 5 hours. Live data from flight tracker FlightRadar24 showed most aircraft still skirting Iranian airspace as of 4 a.m. UTC, though some domestic carriers had begun resuming flights. The initial order exempted international flights to and from Tehran, provided they received prior approval from Iran's civil aviation authority. The airspace closure comes as tensions escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened intervention following a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran. Trump has publicly said he would "come to the rescue" of Iranian protestors if the violent crackdown continued. The U.S. has begun relocating some personnel and equipment from American military bases in the Middle East amid Iranian threats to strike those locations if Washington launches an attack. Trump later appeared to soften his tone. Speaking at the White House on Wednesday night, Trump said he has been assured that the killings of protestors in Iran had stopped and that he would "watch it and see" regarding potential U.S. military action. Energy markets have been rocked by volatility in recent days, as investors weigh a violent crackdown on civil unrest in oil-rich Iran and the response from Washington. The possibility of U.S. military action against Iran was only the latest geopolitical development in 2026 to concern traders, following the seizure of the president of Venezuela, another oil-rich country, in a daring raid on Jan. 3. Oil prices rose to multi-month highs earlier in the week after the U.S. and the U.K. were reported to be pulling personnel from a military base in Qatar, fueling speculation that a strike on Iran was imminent. But prices sank on Thursday after President Donald Trump appeared to step back from the brink. Global benchmark Brent crude futures with March delivery traded 0.1% higher at $63.85 per barrel on Friday morning, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures with February delivery stood little changed for the session at $59.23. @LCO.1 5D line Brent crude price CNBC spoke to energy analysts and market participants about how they're navigating the uncertainty. A 'Choppy ride' Marc Ostwald, chief economist and global strategist at London multi-asset brokerage ADM Investor Services, told CNBC that traders were bracing for further price swings. "Oil markets are very much subject to two opposing forces, and the overall profile of supply outpacing demand leaving the market trading oil from the short side," he said on Thursday. "On the other hand, the potential disruption to supply from geopolitical tensions in Iran and Venezuela leaves it vulnerable to short squeezes, particularly with that U.S. threat of 25% tariffs on any country trading with Iran." However, he said that fears of further U.S. military interventions were overriding these issues, as traders were concerned that this could have implications for the critical shipping route along the Strait of Hormuz, or prompt Iranian retaliation against the Gulf states. "As long as those factors remain in play, it's going to be a choppy ride," he said. 'No real change' Ed Bell, acting chief economist and group head of research at Emirates NBD, one of the UAE's biggest lenders, told CNBC's "Access Middle East" on Thursday that, though markets were watching the situation closely, little had actually changed. "When it comes down to it, markets are going to be watching out for: Has there been a change to production in the critical Gulf producers? No. Has there been a change to oil supply or natural gas supply coming out from the Gulf to international markets? No," he said. He added that investors' outlooks could change if geopolitical tensions escalated around Iran, an OPEC member that produces around 3 million barrels of oil a day. "We have no indication that any of that has been interrupted as a result of the protest movement that we have seen in the last couple of weeks," he said. "But clearly that is a substantial amount of oil that could be at risk if there is any further escalation or an aggravation of a military event." Asked why markets were selling off on Thursday, Bell said the reaction was similar to many other geopolitical events in recent years, likening the movements to those seen after the U.S. joined Israeli bombardments of Iranian nuclear facilities last June. "You had a very rapid and aggravated move upward in oil prices, but as it became clear that there was no change to the fundamental picture, that sold off quite quickly so we're [now] seeing that encapsulated in a very short, kind of 48-hour time frame," he said. "As no real change in the situation has materialized, and we have this cooling of the rhetoric coming from Trump, we are seeing markets react accordingly." Bell's team's base case for oil this year, before the unrest in Iran, had been for a large supply of oil to enter the market, a modest rise in demand, and "a big inventory overhang." He told CNBC he does not see that scenario changing. "Until we have any kind of real material change in the movement of molecules out of the region, then we will expect to see prices normalized back to what we had anticipated for 2026 prior to the focus on Iran," he told CNBC. Geopolitical tensions lend price support Paul Jackson, global market strategist, EMEA, at Invesco, told CNBC by email on Thursday that he expected oil prices to get support this year from an accelerating global economy. "However, the price has recently been pushed in opposite directions by two geopolitical events," he said, referring to hopes that Venezuela would rejoin global oil supply after the U.S. strike, and then the situation in Iran. "Geopolitical developments are difficult to predict and can rapidly change course," he said. He added that the situation in Iran "could have the bigger immediate impact, thus lending an upward bias to price forecasts. If anything, this adds to our conviction that the oil price will rise this year based on global economic acceleration." Jackson's year-end price forecast for brent crude is $75 per barrel. That represents a premium of around 16% from current levels, but still far from a recovery to the $82.63-per-barrel price seen this time last year. Fallout for OPEC Tamas Varga, an analyst with oil broker PVM, agreed that geopolitical events would support prices to an extent but added in an email Tuesday that the risks must be balanced against a market that is widely expected to be oversupplied. "Geopolitics prevents prices from falling heavily, and perceived oversupply hampers them from rallying hard," he said. "The base case scenario is that the recent move higher from below $60/bbl last week will not last, unless Iranian oil production and exports are materially affected by a possible U.S. military strike (unlikely). We see the downside around $55/bbl basis Brent, unless Venezuela manages to considerably ramp up its production." But he said it was "implausible" that Venezuela a founding member of the influential OPEC oil alliance would achieve this. Trump has been focused on bringing the country's oil production under the control of U.S. oil giants since the operation that captured President Nicolas Maduro. The White House has said Venezuela will give the U.S. millions of barrels of oil. "What is interesting to contemplate is how OPEC or Saudi Arabia will react to the U.S. takeover of the oil sector of a member country (and to the attacks on two other OPEC members, Iran and Nigeria)," Varga said. "Should the Venezuelan oil industry rise from the ashes, who will set quotas? How will OPEC manage their shrinking influence on the supply side? Will OPEC retaliate by ramping up production or cutting it again?" watch now A version of this article first appeared in the CNBC Property Play newsletter with Diana Olick. Property Play covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, from individuals to venture capitalists, private equity funds, family offices, institutional investors and large public companies. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox. For the second month in a row, heat came out of the commercial real estate market in November. Transaction volume was 10% lower than November 2024, with just 1,800 deals overall, according to monthly data provided by Moody's as a media exclusive to CNBC's Property Play. It tracks the top 50 commercial real estate property sales across the U.S., in core segments of multifamily, office, industrial, retail and hotel. October was the first month of negative year-over-year transaction volume growth since the post-Fed rate hike recovery began in early 2024, but this was not just a continuation of that trend. November transactions were even lower than November 2020, the first year of the Covid pandemic. "This stems from the combination of higher-for-longer interest rates, policy uncertainty, a tenuous labor market, and caution on the part of CRE lenders and investors," said Kevin Fagan, head of CRE capital market research at Moody's. "However, market liquidity is still selectively open at two-thirds the volume of pre-pandemic, with a concentration in greater scale." Get Property Play directly to your inbox CNBC's Property Play with Diana Olick covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, delivered weekly to your inbox. Subscribe here to get access today. Investors are leaning toward larger-scale acquisitions and bigger, higher-quality assets. For example, all transaction sizes dropped markedly, during the month, except those sales greater than $100 million, which were 51% higher year over year. That pushed the average deal size in November to $14.2 million, compared with an average of $12 million since the start of 2019. In addition, the majority of assets in the top 50 sales were Class A. Sector highlights Oil prices fell more than 4% on Thursday, after comments from U.S. President Donald Trump eased market speculation that an American strike on Iran could be imminent. Brent crude oil futures, the global benchmark, lost 4.15%, or $2.76, to close at $63.76 a barrel. Front-month West Texas Intermediate crude lost $2.83, or 4.56%, to settle at $59.19 a barrel. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said he had been informed by "very important sources" in Iran that "the killing has stopped." "There's no plans for executions, I've been told that on good authority," he said, adding that the White House would watch how the situation unfolds. The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday announced sanctions on Iranian officials such as Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed after mass unrest in Iran was met with a violent crackdown by the Islamic Republic's security forces. Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene if civilians are killed or executed by the state. Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. ET. Here's a recap of Thursday' s key moments. 1. The three major stock averages are up on Thursday, as investors react positively to news headlines, including President Donald Trump saying that he's not planning to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Jim Cramer is focused on today's star portfolio gainers. "What's really happening is that we are seeing an explosion for some of the companies that we own," he said. BlackRock shares soared more than 5% after a strong quarter, and Goldman Sachs gained more than 4% despite mixed results. 2. Despite Wednesday's dip, our trusted S & P 500 Short Range Oscillator is now "technically overbought," said Jeff Marks, director of portfolio analysis for the Club. These levels are enough to "scrutinize" the markets, Jim added, as the Club scouts its next play. "It's tough to buy here," he said. Instead, we booked profits in Dover this morning to raise cash and trimmed Honeywell on Wednesday to capitalize on the stock's recent rally. 3. Taiwan Semiconductor had an earnings blowout with guidance exceeding expectations. The company forecast 2026 revenue at roughly 30% year over year, up from the previously expected 25%, citing AI demand as the driver. The company also said demand for smartphones and PCs remains strong. Taiwan Semi's latest earnings are positive signals for both of our chipmakers, Nvidia and Broadcom . Apple is also a winner and shares "should be bought, if not aggressively." 4. Stocks covered in Thursday's rapid fire at the end of the video were: Morgan Stanley , Applied Materials , Draft Kings , and GE Healthcare . (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long AVGO, BLK, DOV, GS, NVDA, AAPL. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. HBO's medical drama "The Pitt" is one of the most lauded shows on television, winning two Golden Globe awards on Sunday after picking up five Emmy Awards in September. For two of its stars, the show's breakout success even allowed them to quit their day jobs. When actors Patrick Ball and Supriya Ganesh landed their roles on the show, which premiered in January 2025, they were both struggling actors waiting for their big breaks. Ball, 36, was bouncing between theater roles across the U.S. and working as a barista in Brooklyn, New York, before landing a starring role as Dr. Frank Langdon in "The Pitt" in 2024, he told E! News in a Jan. 4 interview at the Critics Choice Awards 2026. "Eighteen months ago, I was in Brooklyn working three jobs. I was making coffee and thinking about moving back to North Carolina," said Ball. Ball studied acting at both the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Yale University's School of Drama. He "spent five years traveling around, doing regional theater across the country," Ball said in an interview with UNC Greensboro's alumni website in September 2025. "I spent 12 years hustling and pounding the pavement, working for $700 a week," he said. "I'd play the lead in a big [theater] show, move back to Brooklyn with nothing to show for it, and have to start again from scratch." Ball "auditioned for a bunch of films and TV and came close on some," he said. "The Pitt" was only his second-ever television role, after a guest spot on "Law & Order" in 2023. "The fact that I got pulled on to this show at age 35, when I thought I had missed the boat, and now I'm standing here at the Critics Choice Awards is just crazy," Ball told E! News. His work on the show's first season earned him a Critics Choice Awards nomination in the supporting actor category. DON'T MISS: How to build custom GPTs and use AI agents As for Ganesh, 28, she'd put a potential medical career on hold to pursue acting while earning extra cash working as a tutor. In 2019, Ganesh earned a degree in neuroscience from Columbia University, where she was pre-med and always planned on becoming a doctor, she told Cosmopolitan on Jan. 8. However, she also loved acting, and landed a guest role on CBS' "Blue Bloods" before graduating college. When acting jobs dried up during the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA actor strikes, Ganesh began the process of going to medical school. She scored in the 99th percentile on her Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), according to Columbia Magazine, and earned extra money as an MCAT tutor while working medical internships. "I'd start off in a bio lab, and then in the evening, I'd be taping an audition for some indie movie," she told Cosmopolitan, admitting she "felt so torn" between pursuing careers in both acting and medicine. That indecisiveness continued even after Ganesh landed her role on "The Pitt" as Dr. Samira Mohan. She was still reluctant to give up her tutoring gig, for both the money and the remaining tie to her medical aspirations, she told Canadian media outlet eTalk in an interview posted to YouTube on Saturday. "I felt like the show was going to be a success ... But I was like, 'Just in case I'm wrong. I'm going to keep my day job and I'm going to tutor,'" said Ganesh. "I was tutoring through Season 1. Even after the show started airing, I was still tutoring." Eventually, "people started signing up for my [tutoring] class just to see me," she said. "I was like, 'Oh, OK. Maybe I can't do this anymore.'" Want to get ahead at work with AI? Sign up for CNBC's new online course, Beyond the Basics: How to Use AI to Supercharge Your Work. Learn advanced AI skills like building custom GPTs and using AI agents to boost your productivity today. Use coupon code EARLYBIRD for 25% off. Offer valid from Jan. 5 to Jan. 19, 2026. Terms apply. The Toyota Industries Corp. logo at the company's Nagakusa plant in Obu, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Shares of forklift manufacturer Toyota Industries jumped to a record high on Thursday, a day after Toyota Motor sweetened the tender offer price for buying out the carmaker by more than 15% to over $35 billion. Shares of Toyota Industries rose almost 6% to 19,080 yen, soaring past the revised offer price, signaling investors likely expect an even better deal. Shares of Toyota Motor, the world's largest carmaker by sales, advanced over 2%. Toyota Motor said late Wednesday it had raised the buyout offer for the group company to 18,800 yen ($118.11) per share, from 16,300 yen apiece announced in June last year, advancing plans to take the company private. Last year, Toyota Motor had sought to acquire Japan's largest corporate group for 4.7 trillion yen. The deal included 1 billion yen from chair Akio Toyoda, and Toyota Motor's investment of about 700 billion yen in non-voting preferred shares. In December, Toyota Industries said it had asked for a higher price, citing concerns that the deal's chances of success were limited. U.S. President Donald Trump, in front of U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., delivers remarks at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., Sept. 22, 2025. President Donald Trump on Thursday rolled out the broad outline of a health-care plan that the White House claims will lower drug prices and insurance premiums. The announcement came as a congressional effort to extend key Affordable Care Act tax credits faces headwinds from Senate Republicans, leaving millions at risk of seeing their health insurance premiums spike. The Trump administration dubbed the initiative "The Great Healthcare Plan," the president said in a video unveiling the policy Thursday morning. "I'm calling on Congress to pass this framework into law without delay," Trump said. "Have to do it right now." The plan would codify the deals Trump recently struck with major drugmakers to slash the cost of certain prescription drugs in the U.S. by pegging them to lower prices abroad, as part of his "most-favored-nation" policy. More than a dozen pharmaceutical companies agreed to lower prices on certain products for Medicaid patients in exchange for a three-year exemption from tariffs. As part of those deals, companies also agreed to sell some medicines at a discount on Trump's direct-to-consumer platform, Trump Rx. Trump, in his video announcement, said those lower drug prices will take effect on the platform when it launches this month. He claimed that those prices would plunge by as much as 500%, even though that would mean prices would fall far below $0. The health-care framework would "make more verified safe pharmaceutical drugs available for over-the-counter purchase," according to a White House fact sheet. It would also purportedly send money for health insurance coverage "directly to the American people" instead of giving "big insurance companies billions in extra taxpayer-funded subsidy payments," the fact sheet says. Trump has repeatedly floated similar proposals in recent remarks. The plan would additionally "fund a cost-sharing reduction program," which the administration says would "reduce the most common Obamacare plan premiums by over 10%." Other components of the policy include requiring health insurers to prominently post coverage comparisons "in plain English" on their websites, along with other information about overhead costs and claim denial rates. It would also require providers who accept either Medicare or Medicaid "to publicly and prominently post their pricing and fees to avoid surprise medical bills." The new proposal from the White House comes as senators remain at loggerheads on a deal to extend the now-lapsed ACA, or Obamacare, subsidies. A bipartisan group of senators has been working for weeks on a way forward, but hit a snag recently on language relating to the Hyde Amendment, a statute that bars the use of federal funds for abortion services. (L/R) US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio depart the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus after a meeting with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt in Washington, DC, on Jan. 14, 2026. Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images Any U.S. attempt to seize Greenland by force would trigger "monumental consequences" for the Western alliance and the global order, Iceland's former President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson said, as President Donald Trump sharpens rhetoric on controlling the Arctic territory. Grimsson warned on CNBC's "Access Middle East" that "the fallout would be on a scale that we have never seen in living memory." Grimsson, the longest-serving president of Iceland from 1996 to 2016, currently serves as the Chairman of the Arctic Circle, the world's largest annual gathering on Arctic issues. Trump has framed Greenland an autonomous region within the Kingdom of Denmark as central to U.S. national security, saying China and Russia were building up their influence in the strategically located minerals-rich area around the island. watch now A meeting at the White House between officials from Greenland, Denmark and the U.S. Wednesday ended with "fundamental disagreement" over the ownership of the island, a Danish official said following the meeting, adding that both sides would continue to talk. Trump had doubled down on his rhetoric on Greenland ahead of the talks, saying on social media that anything less than Greenland becoming a part of the United States was "unacceptable." Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen made it clear Tuesday that the country would choose Denmark over the United States if it had to make a choice. The European Union Commissioner for Defense and Space Andius Kubilius said earlier this week that any American military takeover of Greenland would be the end of NATO, the U.S.-led military alliance of 32 countries that includes Denmark. A group of European countries, led by Britain and Germany, has reportedly been discussing plans to boost their military presence in Greenland to deter Trump's aggressive takeover bid. Grimsson pointed out that concerns about Russia or China's growing influence in the Arctic were overblown. "At the present there is not a direct, clear, obvious threat from Russia and China in the Arctic," he said. China's most prominent role is in Russia's Arctic zone, where it has been involved in mining, energy resources exploration and potentially in military exercises, said Grimsson. Beyond that across the Canadian, U.S. and Nordic Arctic "China is not a big player," while Russia "is not there," he added. U.S. should 'start at home,' not 'buy Greenland' Grimsson also argued that if Trump's goal is a stronger U.S. posture in the Arctic, Washington should focus on domestic capacity. The U.S. is "already an Arctic country," he said, noting its Arctic expanse is larger than Texas. watch now In a ruling that could reshape how foreign capital is structured into India, the Supreme Court on Thursday, January 15, held that Tiger Globals share sale routed through Mauritius was an impermissible tax avoidance arrangement, denying capital gains tax exemption under the IndiaMauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Allowing the Revenues appeal, the apex court ruled that capital gains arising from the transaction are taxable in India, reinforcing the principle that treaty benefits are available only to genuine entities with real commercial substance, and not to conduit or paper companies created primarily for tax avoidance. The judgment marks a significant shift in Indias treaty interpretation landscape and sends a strong signal to global investors that economic substance will prevail over legal form, even where formal documentation such as a Tax Residency Certificate (TRC) exists. Court reasserts tax sovereignty In strong observations, the Supreme Court underscored that the power to tax income arising within a country is an inherent aspect of sovereignty and cautioned against arrangements that dilute that power. The Court noted that allowing treaty benefits to entities lacking commercial substance poses a threat to economic sovereignty, and that it is prudent for nations to retain their taxing rights. The ruling also takes cognisance of amendments made to the IndiaMauritius DTAA, which were specifically introduced to curb treaty shopping and round-trippingpractices that had become widespread tools for tax minimisation. TRC no longer a shield One of the most consequential aspects of the judgment is the Courts treatment of the Tax Residency Certificate. While earlier jurisprudence, notably the Azadi Bachao Andolan ruling, accorded near-conclusive value to a TRC, the Supreme Court has now clarified that mere possession of a TRC does not bar Indian tax authorities from examining whether an arrangement is a conduit for tax avoidance. Amit Maheshwari, Managing Partner at AKM Global, said the ruling recalibrates two decades of settled understanding. The Court has categorically held that a TRC is not conclusive evidence of treaty entitlement when the surrounding facts show lack of commercial substance. Treaty benefits cannot be claimed mechanically or in isolation from economic reality, he said. Maheshwari added that the Courts endorsement of the Revenues position could have implications even for investments that were earlier considered grandfathered under the amended IndiaMauritius treaty, if found wanting on substance. GAAR and grandfathering under focus Tax experts say the ruling will now be studied closely for its implications on the applicability of General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR), particularly in relation to capital gains on investments made prior to April 1, 2017. Pranav Sayta, National Leader, International Tax and Transaction Services, EY India, said the judgment opens several interpretational questions. Stakeholders will closely analyse the observations on GAAR, the scope of grandfathering under the amended IndiaMauritius treaty, and the evidentiary value of the TRC. Justice Pardiwalas remarks on tax sovereignty also add a broader constitutional dimension to the ruling, Sayta said. He noted that while the case relates to the IndiaMauritius treaty, the principles laid down could extend to other treaties, including the IndiaSingapore DTAA, affecting a wider set of cross-border structures. Implications for private equity and venture capital For the private equity and venture capital industry, the judgment is both a warning and a turning point. Structures that rely primarily on treaty residency, without demonstrable economic substance or independent decision-making in the treaty jurisdiction, are likely to face heightened scrutiny. Sandeepp Jhunjhunwala, Partner at Nangia Global, said the ruling reinforces the global shift towards substance-based taxation. The verdict signals a stricter approach to treaty interpretation and emphasises economic substance over legal form. Where intermediary entities function merely as conduits, lacking real business purpose or decision-making authority, the Revenue may pierce the structure and deny treaty protection, he said. At the same time, Jhunjhunwala cautioned that the ruling could dampen foreign investment sentiment in the short term, particularly for inbound M&A transactions and exit planning. Pros and cons for the industry From a policy perspective, the judgment strengthens Indias anti-abuse framework and aligns the country with global standards under the BEPS regime. It gives tax authorities greater confidence to challenge aggressive structures and reduces the scope for round-tripping and treaty shopping. However, industry participants warn of potential downsides. Increased litigation risk, uncertainty around grandfathered investments, and the possibility of retrospective scrutiny could make investors more cautious, especially in capital-intensive and long-gestation sectors. Ajay Rotti, Founder of Tax Compaas, said the ruling raises the bar but does not shut the door on IndiaMauritius structures altogether. The judgment should be read as a caution against aggressive, factually weak structures rather than a wholesale dismantling of the IndiaMauritius DTAA. The real inflection point will be how the Court addresses the continuing relevance of CBDT Circular 789, which historically provided comfort on treaty availability based on a TRC, he said. What lies ahead The Supreme Courts ruling marks a clear departure from form-driven treaty claims and reinforces Indias commitment to substance-based taxation. For investors, the message is unambiguous: treaty benefits will be available only where there is demonstrable commercial rationale, genuine economic presence, and real decision-making in the treaty jurisdiction. As the detailed reasoning of the judgment is digested, the industry will be watching closely to see how tax authorities apply the principles in practiceand whether clarity emerges on the treatment of grandfathered investments and long-standing CBDT circulars. The Supreme Court of India is likely to rule on whether or not to levy tax on Tiger Globals $1.6 billion Flipkart stake sale to Walmart in 2018. This landmark ruling will determine the legality of international tax-treaty use by firms regarding the 2018 transaction. The court battle, being closely followed by overseas investors, concerns how Tiger Global used the India-Mauritius tax treaty to claim tax exemptions, as well as New Delhis strong objections. The verdict will affect how India uses tax principles in cross-border transactions.Tiger Global and Indian tax authorities are embroiled in a court battle over its 2018 equity sale in Indian e-commerce business Flipkart to Walmart for 144.4 billion rupees ($1.6 billion).According to Mukesh Butani, managing partner of Indian law firm BMR Legal, which advises clients on international tax laws and treaties, The ruling is likely to redefine the treaty interpretation law, Reuters reported.January 2025 | In January, the apex court stayed the Delhi High Courts ruling exempting Tiger Global International III Holdings and its connected businesses from capital gains tax in the Flipkart share sale to Walmart. The bench also issued a notice to Tiger Global in response to a plea filed by the Authority for Advanced Ruling (Income Tax) (AAR) challenging the HC ruling.August 2024 | In 2024, the Delhi HC ruled in favour of Tiger Global International III Holdings, exempting the company from paying capital gains tax on share sales under the India-Mauritius DTAA. The HC overturned an AAR decision from 2020 that granted Tiger Global the India-Mauritius Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) on the basis that the transaction was intended to avoid tax.May 2024 | The Delhi High Court reserved its judgment on Tiger Globals petition challenging the AAR ruling.March 2020 | The AAR rejected Tiger Globals plea, ruling the transaction was structured for tax avoidance.2019 | TGI approached the Income Tax Department (ITD) in 2019 to request an exemption from paying capital gains taxes due to the benefits given by the India-Mauritius DTAA. The corporation relied on Article 13(3A) of the DTAA, which exempts Mauritian residents from Indian capital gains tax for shares purchased before April 1, 2017.2018 | Between 2011 and 2015, TGI acquired shares of Flipkart Singapore, which had significant investments in Flipkart India, and then sold them to Walmart in 2018, resulting in capital profits. IndiGo on Thursday, January 15, announced the cancellation of three international flights scheduled for January 16 due to the closure of Iranian airspace. The affected flights include 6E-1816 from Almaty to Mumbai, 6E-1821 from Mumbai to Tashkent, and the return sector 6E-1822. The airline cited route disruptions affecting Central Asia services and advised passengers to check flight status or contact helplines. Earlier, Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet had issued travel advisories regarding delays and possible cancellations caused by the airspace closure, linked to escalating tensions between Iran and the US. Separately, Air Indias A350 flight AI101 had to return to Delhi after a ground incident around 5:25 am IST. During taxiing in poor visibility, the aircrafts No.2 engine ingested a cargo container, causing major damage. A preliminary investigation points to a BWFS tug as the source, where a container reportedly toppled onto the taxiway. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a probe into the incident. Passengers of all three airlines were urged to stay updated on flight status and reach out to airline helplines for assistance. Also Read: Iran extends closure of airspace to commercial aircraft as US tensions rise, says report January 13, 2026: Ukrainian partisans have added hacking to their toolbox. Last month the Atesh group carried out a hack that disabled reestrpovestok.RF, the Russian electronic military draft network. This network sends out draft notices to men in Russia plus Russian-occupied portions of Ukraine. It took weeks to get the system fully functional again. Atesh also carries out attacks on Russian railroads, usually by disabling engines or switching systems. These attacks take place deep inside Russia, where security is thin to non-existent. Three years ago, Ukraine began organizing partisan groups within Russian-occupied portions of Ukraine as well as in Russia itself. Many Russian civilians were unhappy with this war, which was getting lots of Russian soldiers killed and causing economic problems inside Russia. This led to the formation of several armed groups of pro-Ukraine Russians as well as making it easier for Russian-speaking Ukrainian operatives to operate inside Russia collecting information and organizing sabotage missions. Most of the sabotage was made to appear as an accident or lack of maintenance, both of which are common inside peacetime as well as wartime Russia. Since the Americans would not supply Ukraine with satellite photos of possible targets inside Russia, Ukraine used its agents to locate or confirm the location and condition of potential targets. This is what made the drone attacks possible on eighteen Russian fuel refining and storage locations in one year. This caused fuel shortages and higher fuel prices inside Russia. Attacks were also on manufacturers of key components for military equipment as well as warehouses containing military equipment, including explosive items. Those nighttime attacks, even more than the ones on fuel depots, produced dramatic explosions and fires that could be seen for many kilometers. So many of these occurred that the state controlled mass media could not effectively conceal what was happening and that it was the Ukrainians who were doing it. Ukraine deliberately carried out these attacks near major cities like Moscow, St Petersburg, and more distant cities like Kazan, which is 730 kilometers east of Moscow. Nearly half the population of Kazan are native Tatars who would rather live in a Tartar nation than one dominated by Russians. There are many other ethnic minorities in Russia and Ukraine can find locals willing to aid the Ukrainians in their fight against Russia. The Ukrainians had already organized and in some cases armed thousands of Ukrainian civilians living in Russian controlled areas. These partisans devote most of their efforts to obtaining detailed information on what local Russian forces are doing and what shape these Russian troops are in. It can take days to get status reports to Ukrainian forces about Russian military activities. These reports often result in Ukrainian drone attacks on key Russian targets. Russia has had less success maintaining agents inside Ukraine. At the start of the war, it was revealed that Russia had lots of agents, some of them in the Ukrainian government and military. During the first year of the war most of these Russian agents were revealed, often as they sought to carry out acts of sabotage. By the second year of the war Russia had few agents left inside Ukraine while Ukraine had a growing number of agents inside Russia. This was because few Russians could see any justification for Russia invading Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has become increasingly unpopular inside Russia and more Russians are acting against their own government. Ukraine appears to have little contact with these anti-government Russians other than not interfering with them if they base themselves on the Ukrainian side of the border in between attacks inside Russia. In response to these partisan attacks, the Russian army has deployed over 30,000 soldiers in border areas where the partisans, both Russian and Ukrainian, were operating. The partisans are numerous, with up to 100,000 Russian members of these pro-Ukrainian groups who support and carry out operations inside Russia. As the war in Ukraine gets more Russian soldiers killed and does more damage to the Russian economy, the Russian partisans inside Russia become more active and troublesome. January 13, 2026: Late last year Taiwan successfully conducted sea trials for six SeaShark 680 naval drones. These drones, including, eventually, the larger SeaShark 800, carry payloads that include an autonomous guidance system, navigational sensors, explosives and an AI/Artificial Intelligence enhanced navigation and communications system that enables groups of SeaSharks to form and maintain a swarm formation despite enemy use of electronic jamming. Taiwan is buying 1,350 SeaSharks at a cost of $750,000 each. The larger SeaShark 800 will carry a ton of explosives. American military analysts believe that the successful Ukrainian use of airborne and naval drones against Russia in the Black Sea provides a realistic solution to the problems Taiwan faces in defending itself against an attack by the Chinese navy. As a major supplier of military aid to Ukraine, the Ukrainians share details of their experience with new weapons against the Russians. The problem is that the United States refuses to adopt the Ukrainian designed drones and instead sticks with similar, but much inferior, systems developed by politically favored defense contractors in the United States. Among the U.S. Navy-developed drones is the Remus 100 that the navy successfully used in the Persian Gulf during 2008. Remus 100 is a 37 kg vehicle that looks like a small torpedo. It is 1.6 meters long and 190mm in diameter. Carrying side-scanning sonar and other sensors, a Remus 100 can stay underwater for 22 hours, traveling at a cruising speed of five kilometers an hour. Top speed is about nine kilometers an hour. Remus is actually a UUV/Unmanned Underwater Vessel that can operate up to 100 kilometers from its operator and dive up to 100 meters. The UUV keeps costs down by using GPS, in addition to inertial guidance. The UUV surfaces every hour or two to get a GPS fix, and then goes back to doing what it was programmed to do. Ukraine could use them to find and eliminate Russian bottom mines in shallow coastal waters, but that has not been a problem for Ukraine because the Russians have already been defeated by Ukraine designed and manufactured drones. Worse, the U.S. proposed Remus 100 was designed mainly for civilian applications like inspecting underwater facilities, pollution monitoring, underwater survey, or search. In theory there are similar military and police applications, notably searching for naval mines. Russia did try to use naval mines, the floating kind, not the ones that lie on or are chained to the sea bottom. Russia tried to block Ukraine from importing or exporting goods via their main port of Odessa, which is in western Ukraine near the costs of NATO members Romania and Bulgaria. Those mines were cleared in 2023 using conventional methods, plus the drones that forced the Russian navy to move over a thousand kilometers away, to the distant Sea of Azov in the northeastern portion of the Black Sea. Even there, Ukrainian drones continue to threaten and attack Russian warships taking refuge in ports there. The Ukrainian drones prevent Russia from importing or exporting any goods via the Black Sea route. Remus is not an offensive weapon, which the Ukrainian designed drones are, and it was with these drones that Ukraine defeated the Russian Black Sea fleet. That was quite an accomplishment for a country that does not have a navy. The Russians were not only defeated, but they were also humiliated. If the United States wants to give Taiwan useful advice and assistance, they must adopt what worked for the Ukrainians, not try to create something new that can be described as made in America. Currently the US Navy established USVRON\Unmanned Surface Vessel Squadron 3 at a navy west coast base. The squadron operates drones known as GARCs/Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft. These are small, 1.6 ton, 4.8 meter long drones with a top speed of 65 kilometers an hour. Range varies depending on cruising speed. At 54 kilometers an hour max range is 750 kilometers. At 11 kilometers an hour the range is 1,300 kilometers. GARCs are designed to handle 2.5 meter waves and moderate winds. Any more than that and a GARC will be blown off course until the seas return to normal. GARCS were developed to carry out reconnaissance and surveillance missions and transmit their video images back to another ship or land station for a human operator to monitor if needed. GARC can also carry sonar and use that to detect submarines. Any contacts are reported to a warship which can then use anti-submarine torpedoes or dispatch helicopters equipped with one or more anti-submarine torpedoes. GARC is also well suited to detecting and destroying naval mines. GARCs autonomous behavior and sensors make it ideal for port patrol and identifying and reporting any actual or potential threats. GARCs have been successfully used this way in the Persian Gulf to protect ports where American ships are berthed. In addition to GARC and Remus, there are several other autonomous vessels including surface and underwater craft that can spend months at sea monitoring and recording conditions. These vessels include surface vessels like the 7 meter long Saildrone Explorer that stay at sea for a year while moving along at a speed of 5.6 kilometers an hour. Speed depends on how much wind there is because Explorer actually has a small sail. This includes conditions underwater, which are valuable to submarines, especially USN nuclear submarines that remain underwater for months at a time. What the U.S. Navy has not been able to produce are the cheap, effective, armed drones and drones the Ukrainian used to cripple the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The problem is situational and political. The American situation is peacetime, not wartime. When you are at war things are done quickly, effectively, and inexpensively. Ukraine demonstrated that with its domestic drone and USV programs. In the United States peacetime defense procurement is a lot more expensive and takes longer than it would in wartime. That means the Ukrainian type drones and UUVs will cost the USN far more than the Ukrainian models and take years to reach the U.S. Pacific Fleet. If China goes to war over Taiwan, that situation will change overnight. Meanwhile you go to war with what you have when war is declared. Right now the American navy has few of those clever and effective Ukrainian drones and drones. Keep in mind that it took the Ukrainians over a year after the Russian invasion to come up with their brilliant and effective drone designs and tactics that crippled and defeated the mighty Russian Black Sea Fleet. The United States knows what Ukraine did in the Black Sea but that knowledge does not quickly translate into similar American weapons. The primary problem is so few American naval commanders understand exactly what the Ukrainian did and how to replicate that for the American Pacific Fleet, where such Ukrainian technology is needed. Four years ago, Taiwan produced a novel and apparently effective anti-radar drone. Their Chien Hsiang drone is a 2 meter wide and 1.2 meter long propeller-driven drone that weighs about 100 kg. Taiwan has not revealed the actual weight. Chien Hsiang has a top speed of 185 kilometers an hour, which is apparently used once it finds a target and attacks it as quickly as possible. This drone is built for endurance and apparently moves slowly most of the time so it can stay in the air for up to 100 hours. The guidance system can be programmed to follow several different strategies while the difficulty in spotting the small drone makes it a threat to enemy ships or land-based radars. Chien Hsiang is launched from launch/storage containers that are mounted on a flatbed tractor-trailer truck carrying the launcher boxes stacked four high. Chien Hsiang apparently launches from the box via a small rocket. Each stack of boxes can be raised at an angle so the drones can easily gain altitude. Chien Hsiang bears a resemblance to the earlier Israeli Harpy anti-radar drone. The Harpy was heavier at 136 kg, larger and had an endurance of five hours. Taiwan believes that smaller with longer endurance is better. In what appears to be a case of diplomatic mind games in action, one day after the US government issued a regulation clearing the way for Nvidia to sell its H200 artificial intelligence processors to Chinese companies on a case-by-case basis, a published report has revealed Chinese custom officers have been told not to let them into the country. The ruling announced Monday by the US commerce departments Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the primary agency that oversees export controls, represents a revision to its licensing policy for semiconductor exports to China, it said in a release. The BIS will now review license applications for Nvidia H200 and similar chips providing that certain security requirements are met, including the stipulation that exporting these products to China will not reduce global semiconductor production capacity currently available to US customers. by Austin Bay January 14, 2026 The Trump administration's grand policy goal is reordering and resetting the world political and economic system to protect the U.S. militarily and benefit American citizens economically. The ballpark historical frame for this huge effort (YUGE in Trump lingo): President Trump wants to replace the fossilized post-World War II/Cold War global system that 1) China has strategically manipulated with malice to weaken the U.S. and 2) has allowed anti-American regional "bad actors" to damage American interests and criminally exploit America's free society (to the benefit of China and Russia). Example fossil system faults: 1) Slacker European and Canadian (!) reliance on the U.S. for their military defense. 2) Uncle Sucker's open home market and hard currency pocket picked by everyone via unbalanced trade policies. To achieve this history-reshaping goal, the Trump administration employs what I call Raid War (last week's column) and Trade War operations. Arresting Venezuela's drug-dealing dictator Nicolas Maduro and the Midnight Hammer bomber strike on Iranian nuclear weapons facilities are dramatic Raid War actions. These raids can remove or damage "bad actor" regimes that wage slow but destructive and disintegrative war on American society. Successful raids forward U.S. peace and economic diplomacy worldwide. ICE, FBI and National Guard deployments to enforce federal illegal drug trafficking, human trafficking, immigration and other criminal statutes are a form of Raid War. Since oil is money and energy, Coast Guard seizures of "ghost fleet" oil tankers (raids of a type) segue into Trade War. I admit Trade War is a very diffuse category. Money War may be a more accurate name, but Money doesn't rhyme with Raid -- and a little poetry can help make an important point: Trump uses money, sources of money and access to systems that move money as political leverage. He will directly attack an enemy's sources of money. (Raid attacks on drug smuggling boats and drug smuggling facilities are an attack on a bad actor's cash cow.) Trade is shorthand for using economic power to accomplish two goals: 1) To obtain political leverage to achieve an array of political goals in almost every international situation. For example, on Jan. 12, said nations who continue to do business with ayatollah Iran could face an additional 25% tariff rate on any trade with the U.S. 2) To prepare to physically defend the U.S. by ensuring America controls its own manufacturing, resource and hemispheric bases. Secure control means: 1) the manufacturing base is located in U.S. territory (OK, if Canada behaves, Ontario) and 2) the resource base is either within sovereign U.S. territory or in close proximity (meaning North America, Caribbean basin, Western Hemisphere). This means building more ships in the U.S. This means China cannot control ports in Panama. It also means the U.S. continues to utilize Greenland's strategic position. The U.S. has been Greenland's defender since April 1940 when Nazi Germany invaded and occupied Denmark. In 1941, Danish diplomats and Greenland authorities essentially made Greenland an American protectorate. Denmark couldn't protect it. In 2026, Denmark can't protect Greenland from China and Russia. So Greenland remains a U.S. protectorate -- which is why Trump wants to end the charade and buy it. Buying Greenland -- with money. Side deals can include resource royalties to Danes and Greenlanders. Royalties paid in greenbacks, not Chinese yuan. Which segues back to the Trade War Super Villain: China. In June 2019, I wrote a column discussing Trump's Trade War 2019. Yes, Trump waged a form of Trade War back then. The column noted Trump's Trade War 2019 against communist China risked red ink, not blood. Quote: "In 2019, if not January 2017, the U.S. decided to engage communist China using Chinese rules." Translation: We will hit you where you hurt. The size of a nation's market is a very powerful force, and America is the superpower of markets. In 2019, Trump reduced China's once unfettered access to the U.S. market. Trade War 2019 targeted Chinese intellectual property theft. For decades, theft of U.S. intellectual property (e.g., computer chips, medical breakthroughs) provided the dark energy behind Chinese economic expansion. Trump policies exposed China's immature financial systems were and remain sensitive to disruptions. When the tariffs were imposed in early 2018, the Chinese stock market fell 20%. Mainstream media didn't notice. But Beijing did. 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. In a dramatic language takedown, Lake Superior State University in Michigan has unveiled its 50th annual Banished Words List, officially branding the viral '67' phrase as public enemy number one for 2026. The long-running tradition, which began at a boozy New Year's Eve party in 1976, takes gleeful aim at words and expressions that have worn out their welcome, transforming from clever and catchy into relentlessly irritating. What started as a tongue-in-cheek protest against 'mis-, mal-, over-use, or general uselessness' in the English language has since exploded into a global ritual of collective eye-rolling. This year's linguistic purge attracted more than 1,400 nominations, flooding in from all 50 US states and far beyond, including submissions from Uzbekistan, Brazil, Japan and the UK. The volume alone underscores just how passionately people feel about the phrases they are forced to endure in everyday conversation. University officials then comb through the complaints, winnowing them down into a final list that is deliberately equal parts amusing and alarming. The result serves as both comic relief and cultural mirror, capturing how language can spiral out of control once buzzwords go viral. Now marking its 50th year, the Banished Words List has become an international phenomenon, charting the rise and fall of once-trendy expressions and reminding the public that not every popular phrase deserves a permanent place in our vocabulary. '6-7' Tops the Hit List And It's No Surprise Leading the pack of linguistic offenders is '6-7', that lazy shorthand for 'six or seven' that's infiltrated texts, tweets, and chit-chat everywhere. Submitters were relentless, with Paul E. from Wisconsin cheekily noting there are 'six or seven reasons why this phrase needs to be stopped.' Scott T. from Utah piled on, insisting it's high time to '86' it, borrowing diner lingo for ditching menu items. Their gripe is that it's vague, repetitive and utterly unnecessary, turning precise communication into a numerical guessing game. With nominations for this one alone threatening to hog the entire list at least slots six through seven it's clear the public is fed up. From TikTok Trends to Corporate Cliches: The Full Roster of Rejects The list doesn't stop at numbers. 'Demure' riding high on the TikTok wave with 'very demure, very mindful' got the axe for being 'very said more than very done,' as Tammy S. put it. Madison C. echoed that overuse has eroded its true essence of modesty. Then there's 'cooked', slang for being done in or overwhelmed, which left Zac A. from Virginia's brain feeling fried; parents led the revolt, with James C. from Washington advocating a blanket ban on all 'cook' variants to make them rare indeed. 'Massive' was slammed by Don and Gail K. from Minnesota for its 'way overused' status, often slapped on things far from gigantic. Corporate speak took a hit too: 'Incentivize' grated like 'nails on a chalkboard,' with Patricia from Texas wondering why we can't just say 'motivate.' 'Full stop' was deemed redundant, much like the previously banished 'period.' 'Perfect' irked in customer service scripts; Jo H. from California questioned how anything's truly perfect, while Char S. from Ohio pondered its vague meaning. 'Verb-ifying' nouns continued with 'gift' or 'gifted', a repeat from 1994, as James S. from Oklahoma revived the complaint for personal satisfaction. Apology faux pas 'my bad' was called out for sounding 'infantile,' unchanged since its 1998 ban, per Elizabeth P. from Michigan and Andrea R. from Ohio. 'Reach out', once warm with support vibes, has devolved into absurd overuse, straying from its 1994 intent, as Kevin B. from the UK observed. The Stubborn 'Repeat Offenders' That Keep Coming Back For this milestone anniversary, LSSU dusted off 'repeat offenders;' words that defied past bans and sneaked back. 'Absolutely' returned from 1996 and 2023, now a lazy default for agreement; will it aim for a third? 'At the end of the day' notched a rare triple ban (1999, 2022, 2024), blamed on pundits and Hollywood elites by Mike M. and Randall H. 'Awesome' resurfaced from 1984 and 2007, with Elnora V. decrying its application to mundane events, echoed by Thai nominators calling it meaningless. 'Game changer' doubled up from 2009, with Cynthia declaring 'game over' for the cliche, only for Patrick from DC to note in 2025 that if everything's a game changer, nothing is. Even the redundant 'hot water heater' echoed its 1982 and 2018 slaps, courtesy of anonymous radio listeners and later reminders. Over five decades, this list has evolved from a PR stunt by W.T. (Bill) Rabe into a cultural touchstone, poking fun at jargon while celebrating language's fluidity. Thousands of contributors keep it alive, venting frustrations and ensuring our words stay sharp, not stale. Originally published on IBTimes UK Kemi Badenoch recently acquired a chunky new leather handbag. At 11.06am we learned that it contained a Kalashnikov. Bang bang! Mrs B was on a campaign visit to Scotland, home of Macbeth, when she posted a social-media video announcing she'd rubbed out Robert Jenrick. Shadow justice secretary Bobby J was not only relieved of his frontbench duties but was also suspended as a Tory MP. Macbeth observed, 'twere well it were done quickly.' Or as Al Capone more likely put it, 'cement da kid's shoes before he reaches for his roscoe'. Mrs Badenoch's video was an instant, meme-ready classic. It appeared to have been filmed on the campaign trail in some kitchen or launderette. Out of focus in the background were two microwave ovens or washing machines. Kemi was remarkably twinkly-eyed about assassinating her former leadership rival and plunging the Right into ruptures. Mr Jenrick had been caught plotting. Some chump had left his Reform-defection strategy on a photocopier. Mrs Badenoch pounced on the great Xerox bungle and, in the process, gave British politics a monocle-popping moment. The Commons at that very hour was discussing Sir Keir Starmer's ID cards fiasco. At 11.11, listless Labour backbenchers started nudging each other and gawping at their telephones. The junior minister entrusted with explaining the Government's ID cards incompetence was shown the Jenrick news. He slumped back in his seat with a look of almost weepy relief. All the talk now would be about the riven Right. Labour's inadequacies would recede from view. This is how we ended up with Sir Keir in the first place and it might now happen again. Nigel Farage, like Mrs Badenoch, was north of the border, in sun-kissed Kirkcaldy, doing a turn with a drawly laird who will lead Reform's efforts for the Scottish Parliament. One moment the laird, a purplish 1950s booby lacquered in hair oil, was the object of everyone's rapture. The next moment, ping! No one gave a monkey's what he thought. All the questions were now about the Jenrick sensation. Mr Farage seemed as surprised as anyone. He gaily confirmed that he had been in discussions with Mr Jenrick. So much for the latter's protestations of innocence. 'I'll give him a ring this afternoon,' chortled Mr Farage. 'I might even buy him a pint.' The Reform leader's plan for the day included a flight south for a Press conference in London, originally about Labour's cancellation of local elections. The rolling-news networks were on double-spin. At 12.15 Sky News suggested that Mr Jenrick could become a 'John the Baptist figure' for Mr Farage, who thus presumably becomes the Messiah. Given that the Baptist's head ended up on Salome's platter, that might be an analogy Mr Jenrick and his wife (tigress) might not wish to pursue. At 1.14 an expression of solidarity to Mr Jenrick came from the TUC, which never likes to see a chap peremptorily sacked. An hour later Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg shimmered on to the ether, elegantly to hedge his bets. Kemi Badenoch did not hesitate when it came to sacking Robert Jenrick from her top team The former Conservative Cabinet minister moments before his defection was announced Underneath Big Ben in the Westminster cloisters a Jenrick special adviser was seen almost eating his iPhone as he had an urgent conversation. Hailed by reporters, the aide scuttled to a distant hollow. Mr Jenrick, normally publicity-prone, was nowhere to be seen. Would he deny everything? Join Reform? Trigger a Newark by-election? A hundred known-unknowns were dancing a waltz. Politics at such times is an addictive mix of eightsome reel and Russian roulette. Who will partner whom? Will they have their brains blown out mid-jig? The most obvious beneficiary of all this chaos, Sir Keir Starmer, happened to be in Scotland, too. What a day for Highland news hacks. The nasal knight waddled up to the television cameras and accused 'Badenoch' (he would not deign to call her Mrs) of dithering timidity. He can blinking talk! Soon Kevin Hollinrake, Conservative party chairman, popped up to say Mr Jenrick had been 'treacherous'. 'There were no policy differences this was about the interests of Robert Jenrick,' complained Mr Hollinrake, whose TV live-feed earpiece leapt out of his lughole while he was mid-performance. Naked ambition. It is both the essence and curse of democracy. The last time there was a rumpus quite like this was when Ted sacked Enoch in 1968. And then to a foetid room at the top of a Westminster skyscraper to see Mr Jenrick's arrival in the arms of doting grandfather Farage. At 4.38pm, after a briefly awkward pause, he stepped up to the lectern and made a remarkably fluent speech, which dissed, by name, some of his former colleagues. All due allegiance was paid to old Nigel, just as wolves were once expected to howl their loyalty to Akela. Mr Farage, who said he had never received such a late Christmas present, sat at an adjacent chair, admiring his fingernails. Nasty cough he has, by the way. But now a successor is in place. Just before dawn, in a concrete yard inside an Iranian prison, the condemned is led out with his hands tied behind his back. A coarse cloth hood is pulled over his head. A noose is slipped around his neck and cinched tight beneath the jaw. There is little ceremony. Sometimes he is suspended from a beam, sometimes from the arm of a construction crane. A stool is kicked away, a trapdoor released or the crane begins to rise. His body drops. Death often comes slowly: not with a clean snap of the neck or spine, but by strangulation. He convulses. His legs kick involuntarily. His chest heaves as the airway collapses. In some cases as former prisoners and defectors have described the executioner or a guard pulls down on the legs to hasten the end. After several minutes, a doctor checks for a pulse. If done in public, the body is often left dangling for a while, a warning to others. This is how the Islamic Republic of Iran dispenses justice. In past days, the name Erfan Soltani has emerged as that of the latest young Iranian protester rushed through the mullahs industrial machinery of death. Erfan Soltani was charged with moharebeh (waging war against God), which carries the death penalty and, in its medieval absurdity, tells you all you need to know about the Islamic Republic Arrested in the protests now sweeping the country, tried in a revolutionary court and denied meaningful access to a lawyer, Soltanis case has moved with terrifying speed. He was charged with moharebeh (waging war against God), which carries the death penalty and, in its medieval absurdity, tells you all you need to know about the Islamic Republic. He is the first known protester to face execution in the current wave of demonstrations but unlikely to be the last. From detention to Death Row in days. The regime is no longer content to imprison and beat protesters or to blind them, which is a particular favourite. It is now reminding the country, the world and, most of all, its own people that if you rise up for freedom, the rope awaits. Almost as bad is the sordid ritual that surrounds it. Families are called in at the last minute; given almost no time with their son or daughter. Members of Soltanis family were reported to be heading to the Ghezel Hesar prison to see him late on Tuesday night, but sometimes families are informed only after the burial often in an unmarked grave. In ordinary criminal cases, the process can take years. In political cases, especially in moments of crisis for the regime like this, the process is accelerated with deliberate cruelty. Revolutionary courts, never scrupulous, dispense with normal standards of evidence. Thugs extract confessions under torture. The state then broadcasts these on television. Appeals are cursory or meaningless. In Iran the law is a state weapon, speed a part of the punishment. And why not? There are few checks and balances to restrain them when their blood lust is up. The head of Irans judiciary himself, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, invented the trumped up charges demonstrators now face when he said yesterday: If a person burned someone, beheaded someone and set them on fire, then we must do our work quickly. This is the context in which Soltanis case must be understood, no matter that President Trump has warned Iran that the hanging of protesters is a red line that must not be crossed. It is no isolated act of judicial savagery. It is a signal and a clear one. But, perhaps, not the signal the regime thinks it is. As someone who has studied authoritarian systems, it is clear to me that when a regime is secure, it can afford not to hurry. It can afford at least the display of due process, fairness before the law and even a strategic measure of mercy. When it is insecure it reaches for the most absolute instrument it possesses: mass execution. The promiscuous use of the gallows is not the language of strength but of desperation. Nowhere is this clearer than with the Islamic Republic. Hanging has always been integral to its practice of governance and display of power. From the earliest days after the 1979 revolution, when opponents of Ayatollah Khomeini were strung up in public squares to the routine pre-dawn killings in prisons today, the noose has been among the states most favoured method of expression. The mullahs regime was baptised amid a melee of vengeance: in its first two years alone, sources report that revolutionary courts sent roughly 3,000 to 5,000 people to their deaths, including former ministers, generals, intelligence officers, judges and political rivals. The head of Irans judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, invented the trumped up charges demonstrators now face As the regime consolidated its rule and the Iran-Iraq war raged, the killing deepened: between 1981 and 1988 its likely that around another 10,000 political prisoners were executed or disappeared. Then came the 1988 prison massacres, when some 4,000 to 5,000 supporters of a rebel group the Peoples Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MeK) which advocated democracy and womens rights were hanged in a matter of months, quietly and industrially. In its first decade the Islamic Republic is estimated to have put 15,000 to 20,000 of its own citizens to death, not the mark of a revolution secure in its legitimacy but of one that, from pretty much its outset, has been condemned to rule by terror. Today, the context is different. The Islamic Republic is not a young system imposing itself on a nation. It is an ageing and reviled theocracy confronting a society that has long ceased to believe in it. The young loathe its ideology. The business classes no longer trust its economic management. The countrys women have long had enough. After the 2022 uprising that followed the death in prison of 22-year-old Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini who was tortured and beaten for not wearing her hijab correctly around a dozen were executed. Protesters were executed after the 2022 uprising that followed the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who was tortured and beaten in prison for not wearing her hijab correctly The protests grew once again, yet more of the regimes legitimacy dribbled away. But when legitimacy evaporates, terror must work all the harder. Its all part of the states broader drive to embed its violence within social and religious practices, turning death into a spectacle of perverted authority. In so-called retribution cases where the family of a murder victim is permitted under Iranian law either to pardon the accused or to insist on execution, the ritual can become even more brutal with relatives sometimes personally kicking away the stool the condemned is standing on. Theres no doubt a growing list of protesters and dissidents are to face the same fate as Soltani. The charges will be similar: enmity against God will be joined by the equally sinister fasad-fil-arz (corruption on Earth). The evidence will be laughable, the trials swift, the outcomes final. Families will be warned not to speak out. The logic is clear. The regime hopes that fear of the rope will succeed where its propaganda has failed. It hopes that the knowledge that a protest can lead, not merely to prison but to a noose, will empty the streets But it is wrong. Erfan Soltanis imminent hanging will only reaffirm what Iranians already know: this is a desperate and dying revolutionary state that they must oppose with everything they have. by Mary Hrovat We sometimes say that someone is living in the past, but it seems to me that the past lives in us. It lives in our houses; it lies all around us. As I write this, Im sitting on the couch under two blankets crocheted by my grandmother, who was born around the turn of the 20th century. The laptop sits on a folded blanket that came from Mexico via a friend years ago. And thats just the surface layer. My closets and file cabinets are also full of the past. Ive thought about the ways that objects can keep the past alive, to some degree, by conjuring other times. Even as a child, I was inclined to save things that seemed to mark a particular moment that had meaning for me. As Mary Oliver put it, Ive tried to keep as I can some essence of the hour, even as it slips away. I do this in part by keeping journals, but Im also fond of saving things that call to mind certain times or places or people. A friend who retired last year expressed a conundrum thats familiar to me. He has time now to sort through the things in his house, and hes thinking about which emotionally meaningful books and art he wants to keep, and which hed like to pass along to others. I dont want to lose the fondness, he said, but Im not sure if I need the things. I understand the need to sometimes let go of things that have meant a lot to me, and the need to leave space (physical and emotional) for growth and change. Some things, though, are so charged with meaning that its hard to imagine ever letting them go. I have a few of my old vinyl albums, including a recording of Shostakovichs Fifth Symphony performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Eugene Ormandy. I heard that symphony at the first live classical concert I attended, Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra in Tempe in the summer of 1977. Id just graduated from high school, and Id asked my parents if they would take me to the concert to celebrate. They rarely went out in the evening, and I was thrilled when they said yes. I loved the concert, and later I bought the album, probably with money I earned on my first job, a summer job at a public library. So many of the threads of my life come together in that one object. Sometimes I wish Id kept a few more of the albums I used to ownfor example, a recording of Van Cliburn playing Tchaikovskys first piano concerto. I found it in a thrift shop when I was with my mother; it was made of an older kind of plastic that was thicker and more brittle than the vinyl albums I knew in the 1970s as a teenager. Theres no practical reason for wanting that record back, or for keeping any of my old vinyl. I dont even have a turntable. But being able to look at those old albums reminds me of the world they came from and the person I was. Ive saved all of my projects for the two semesters of lab classes I took in astronomy. The lab class on astronomical techniques was probably the most enjoyable class Ive ever taken. The work Ive saved includes sunspot drawings from 40 years ago and 5 4 negatives of photographs of the moon. My lab partner and I used a simple old camera, which we loaded with glass plates or film sheets in a darkroom. I dont know what happened to the glass plates, but I still have some of the film negatives, as well as the prints I made from them. I loved learning how to use older tools such as glass plates and an iris photometer, as well as newer instruments such as a photoelectric photometer and a CCD camera. I cherish these tangible reminders of that time. I had only brief work experience in the world of professional astronomy, a summer job at a solar observatory in New Mexico while I was still an undergrad. I have a binder of photographs and papers from that time, in which I did rewarding work in a beautiful place. For a long time I regretted not being able to find a permanent home in academia, but those regrets have faded considerably with time. Even so, I like to be able to go through these old things that remind me that I really did get that degree and learn those things and do that work, and how those experiences felt. I also have my mothers hairpin box, a small square wooden box containing mostly the hairpins she used when she put her hair up in pin curls when I was a child, but also (surprisingly) a pair of dice (one red, one green, provenance unknown) and a wooden Monopoly house. Mom would put her hair up on Saturday night so shed look nice for church on Sunday. For a while when I was roughly middle-school age, I put my own hair up in pin curls. Seeing the box evokes a complicated set of feelings and experiences having to do with femininity and church and beauty and who I thought I was supposed to be. Some of the memories associated with this small intimate memento are uncomfortable, because tensions around these topics were part of my relationship with my mother. Im not sure how some things have become as valuable as they are. About 30 years ago, my mother wrote a brief sweet note and slipped it into the box of Christmas goodies she sent that year. For some reason, I put the note in the box where the Christmas ornaments live. Now its a very small part of my annual holiday rituals to re-read the note. She wrote it on the back of a flyer for a restaurant in Phoenix called Hal O. Penos, a bit of frugality that was characteristic of her. After I read the note each December, I turn it over to look at the flyer, which features a drawing of a jalapeno pepper that has a human face and is wearing a sombrero. Its a rather silly representation of one aspect of my home town. The passage of time has burnished this sweet but absurd object into a treasured keepsake. Im not sure how that works. On the other hand, some of the things Ive saved are mute, representing someone elses memories and not my own. I have photos of my mothers family that go back to before her own birth and unfortunately are not well labeled. They came to me after Mom died. Ive thought for years that I would try to identify at least some of the people in them by comparing these photos to a smaller batch of photos that Mom photocopied and included in a short memoir she wrote, with captions describing who everyone was. I might do that yet. However, with or without names, the people will never be alive for me. I never met most of them, and theyre all gone now. My mothers mother, the one who made the blankets under which I sit, lived with us when I was a child. Other than that, I havent spent much time with either my mothers or my fathers family. The connection represented by those photos is quite tenuous, but for some reason I want to hang onto it. When Im gone, I expect it will be easier for my children than it is for me to let those photos go. Thats as it should be. I would remember my past selves, of course, even without all the things Ive saved. Id remember my grandmother even if I didnt have the blankets she made. But theyre warm and sturdily constructed and comforting on cold days. I used to spread them on the floor for my grandchildren (Grannys great-great-grandchildren) to play on when they were very small, before they learned to walk. Its good to have the things of the past around me and to carry them a little way into the future. I can picture time as having strands that are braided together. Were surrounded by the things of the past, and the future is at least latent in the people and things around us. The past overlaps the future, and the future grows from the past through the present. I like to think that the people I love, and my house with its books, and my grandmothers blankets, will continue into the future after Im gone. The people who know me will carry their memories of me, as I carry the memories of people I know. It comforts me to think that Ill always be part of the braid. Image by Annette from Pixabay The Mary Oliver quote is from her essay Sister Turtle, which appears in the collection Upstream. You can see more of my work at MaryHrovat.com. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. He says he didn't do it. After an arrest warrant was issued on Friday for actor and director Timothy Busfield, 68, on charges of child sexual abuse, he went missing for days. His wife, Melissa Gilbert most famous as Half Pint on Little House on the Prairie, and herself an avowed crusader against child abuse in show business, claiming she was 'expected to fall in love with' and kiss a grown man onscreen when she was 15 deactivated her Instagram account and went silent. If Busfield is convicted, what did 61-year-old Gilbert know, and when did she know it? In a statement, her representative said she 'stands with and supports her husband'. That might not age well. And now a new allegation has emerged. A bombshell court filing on Wednesday accuses Busfield of sexually assaulting a third child, this time a 16-year-old girl auditioning for him in Sacramento, California. According to the filing: 'While auditioning for the defendant at B Street Theatre' which Busfield founded 'the 16-year-old reported that [he] kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates.' If Timothy Busfield is convicted, what did his wife Melissa Gilbert know, and when did she know it? Busfield, the filing alleges, then 'begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy.' The alleged victim's father, himself a therapist, 'thought at the time that was the best thing to do.' It can't be said enough: Child predators and again, these complaints against Busfield are allegations he denies can't be therapized or rehabilitated. The only answer is to put them away for life. We've also learned that in the 90s, Busfield reached a private settlement with a 17-year-old girl, who had worked as a extra on his movie Little Big League and reportedly claimed that he had sexually assaulted her. He subsequently sued the Minneapolis law firm that represented the girl for defamation, alleging they had invented the accusations. In 1996, a judge dismissed Busfield's civil case and ordered the actor to pay the firm $150,000 to cover their legal expenses. Now, the affidavit involving these twin boys child actors he is accused of assaulting in New Mexico between 2022 and 2024 while he was directing the Fox series The Cleaning Lady along with Busfield's apparent reluctance to turn himself in, is potentially damning. So damning, in fact, that it felt thoroughly cathartic to see heavily armed US Marshals ram their way into Busfield and Gilbert's $300,000 'retreat' in upstate New York. The message was clear: No one is above the law, not even an Emmy-winning actor. Busfield has since issued what he calls an explanation in a video given to TMZ on Tuesday. His affect, in my opinion, is a little too glib, a little too friendly. 'Hey everybody, it's Tim,' he says, sounding as if he's giving an update on his latest vacation. He then explains why he's been missing since Friday, claiming that he had to get in a car why? and drive the 2,000 miles from New York to Albuquerque again, why? and soon this will all be over, because these allegations, he says, are all made up. Total fabrications. 'I'm gonna confront these lies,' he says. 'They're horrible. They're all lies.' In a statement, Gilbert's representative said she 'stands with and supports her husband'. That might not age well. (Pictured: Busfield's mugshot) This was filmed, presumably, before he got word of the new third allegation, because he only references the two boys. 'I did not do anything to those little boys,' Busfield continued. 'Uh, and, um, I'm gonna fight it And I'm gonna be exonerated. I know I am'. Multiple accusations spanning 30 years, in different states? Sounds to me like he's in for a tough time, but here's our friendly neighborhood Tim, hubristically telling us all to 'hang in there' I wouldn't presume most of America is rooting for you, Tim and 'hopefully I'm out real soon and back to work.' NBC announced days ago that it was pulling the January 15 episode of Law & Order: SVU in which he had guest-starred SVU being the acronym for 'Special Victims Unit', a police division which handles sex crimes. And the Albuquerque investigation has been going on for over a year. Police and prosecutors have apparently done their due diligence here. According to the affidavit, the boys' response to their mother asking if anyone had touched them inappropriately was: 'You mean like Uncle Tim?' 'Uncle Tim', according to the affidavit, was what Busfield told the boys to call him. Busfield was their boss. Even by showbiz standards actually, especially by showbiz standards that would be an enormous red flag. The boys were examined at the University of New Mexico Hospital, and Dr. Tyler Christensen then called police, asking for a sex abuse investigation to be opened. Investigators also spoke to a therapist who treated one of the boys and who claims he told her 'the director' had 'touched his penis and buttocks', had nightmares and suffered PTSD. The other brother told investigators that 'Mr. Tim started touching them for the first two years, and he did not want to say anything, because he did not want to be mean to him.' Melissa Gilbert was on speakerphone with Busfield when he was interviewed by New Mexico authorities on November 3, 2025. After he was Mirandized, Busfield said it was 'highly likely' that he would have had physical contact with the boys picking them up or tickling them and that it was their father who kept encouraging the boys to hug him, even though Busfield claimed he didn't want to. Then the investigator asks if there was 'a protocol' for a director physically engaging with child actors, or if it was even 'allowed'. Busfield's answer is tortuous and potentially conflicting. 'It's not allowed at all,' he begins. Then why was he doing it? Busfield continued: 'There is no, there is no protocol. I mean, I'm always around people, right? Uh, uh, uh, it would be, it would be, you know, in front of the parents. There would never be a weird moment about it. There I don't really remember picking those boys up. Uh, I remember picking up the boy who followed them.' Then his story changes he has no recollections of the boys in question. At all. 'I don't remember those boys,' Busfield said. 'No, I don't, I don't actually, I don't, I don't remember it, it, if it happened, I don't remember overtly tickling the boys ever, but it wouldn't be uncommon for me.' So he doesn't remember, but it wouldn't be uncommon for him to tickle little boys, even though adults touching children on movie and TV sets isn't allowed. Oh, and he and Gilbert bought the boys Christmas presents and socialized with them outside of work several times which prosecutors believe was as much a grooming of the parents as the children. Melissa Gilbert has a lot to answer for here. On Wednesday evening, Busfield stood before a New Mexico judge, in an orange prison jumpsuit, and was denied bail. His wife was nowhere to be found. A mother-of-two has shared the subtle warning sign that lead to both of her children being diagnosed with a rare type of childhood dementia. Megan Kempf, 37, from Illinois, had a completely normal pregnancy and she and her husband, Kyle, were so excited to welcome their baby girl, Poppy, into the world. But after three normal years, the stay-at-home mother began to wonder if her daughter was somehow different to her peers. She said: 'We had noticed that her drawing skills had regressed; she would be able to draw bodied characters, and suddenly she'd regressed to drawing circles.' When Poppy, now 9, started school, her differences became more pronounced and she was diagnosed with mild intellectual disability - which involves slower development in thinking, social and processing skills. But her parents felt there was still more to uncover, as Poppy became increasingly anxious around bedtime. 'We started to investigate more things, and found that Poppy had sleep apnoea,' Megan said. Sleep apnoea occurs when a person's breathing stops and starts while they're sleeping and can make it very hard to concentrate during the day. The condition can also cause mood swings, fatigue and headaches. Megan had a completely normal pregnancy, and was blissfully unaware the dark turn her life was about to take At just three years old, Poppy began to show signs of developmental delays and regression When Poppy started school, her delays became even more apparent as she fell behind her peers 'I was concerned that her sleep apnea was maybe exacerbating her delays,' Megan added, 'but nothing was super identifiable or severe so we were being told to wait and see. Finally, a neurologist referred the family to a geneticist - a doctor who specialises in diagnosing genetic disorders and conditions such as learning difficulties associated with other problems, familial cancers and chromosomal abnormalities. Recalling the life-changing appointment, Megan said: 'We had Poppy's entire DNA genome sequencing, and that came back testing positive for Sanfilippo syndrome type B.' Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare type of childhood dementia - a memory robbing condition caused by more than 145 rare genetic disorders which are progressive and life limiting. While these conditions are extremely rare, there is a commonality that they cause dementia in children. Whilst in some cases symptoms can present in babies and young children, on others that may not appear until teenage years. In Poppy's case, she was just three when her parents began to notice some of the little-known but tell-tale signs of the devastating condition, including a loss of motor skills. The rare disease which eventually causes fatal brain damage is caused by a lack of an enzyme that normally breaks down and recycles a large molecule called heparan sulphate. Without this gene, the molecule builds up and stops cells from working properly. After years of trying to get a diagnosis for their daughter, the couple were finally referred to a geneticist who diagnosed Poppy with an extremely rare disease called Sanfilippo Syndrome Dubbed childhood dementia the devastating condition can cause loss of speech, cognitive decline, seizures and eventually death Whilst the couple were relieved to finally have an answer, they soon realised that this meant their newborn son, Oliver, was also at risk of developing the disease Over time, brain cells fill up with waste that the body is unable to process, triggering hyperactivity, disordered sleep, loss of speech, cognitive decline, seizures, and eventually death. 'At that moment, we realised, as it is genetic, that we needed to get our son, Oliver, tested too,' Megan continued. 'Three weeks later, we were told that Oliver, aged 2, had tested positive too. 'To have a diagnosis provided a sense of relief, but never in a million years did we expect to get a life expectancy for our children. 'We were told most children with Sanfilippo syndrome type B don't survive past 19, and that there was nothing the doctors could do. 'Poppy is nine - she is halfway there. We were given clinical guidelines, and they told us we were going to qualify for Make-A-Wish and told to make the best time with our kids. 'We were not going to be okay with that.' Determined not to give up and find a treatment to save their children, the couple have so far raised $5.5million along with other families for enzyme replacement therapy. Megan said: 'Never in a million years did we ever expect to get a life expectancy for both our children.' Megan and Kyle were told there was nothing else doctors could do, and that they should cherish what little time left they have with their children But the couple have not given up hope and are fundraising to help get a new drug treatment therapy approved by the FDA Whist the drug has not yet been approved by the Food and Drink Administration (FDA), the Cure Sanfilippo Foundation believe enzyme replacement therapy is a promising treatment option. Megan added: 'We are hopeful that the drugs will be on the market next year, but it will take a lot of attention and effort to get there. 'It is hard to get a rare disease to market, and if it's a paediatric disease, your patient doesn't live long. We mostly want there to be an answer for all these children.' According to the Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases (MPS Society), a charity which supports children living with Sanfilippo Syndrome, around 140 children in the UK have the life-threatening condition. A mother-of-three feared that she would burn to death when her vape exploded in her coat pocket. Kerrie Roberts, 52, from Essex, was sitting in her friend's car when she claims her rechargeable vape blew up in her coat pocket without warning on October 19th last year. She said: 'It was like a firework going off in the car and at first I didn't know what it was. 'The seat went up in flames, the battery must have burnt through my pocket and exploded. 'The battery continued to melt through the car as it was still hot, I jumped out of the car when I realised it was me.' At the start of the incident, Ms Roberts and her friend believed the stationary vehicle was malfunctioning and the whole car was going to set alight. But Ms Robert's initial suspicions that the problem was inside the car were short lived when she realised that actually she was the source of the inferno. She jumped out of the motor and rolled on the floor to put out the flames. Kerrie Roberts feared she would burn to death when her vape exploded in her pocket Ms Roberts was left with serious burns from the exploding vape She needs to stay out of the sun for two years while the skin heals 'I had a brand-new coat and dress on and I realised it was me that was on fire,' she said. 'My leg started to hurt and was burning, my friend looked over at my leg and it had started to bubble and form blisters.' Horrifying photos show large holes in Ms Roberts new coat, dress and part of her friend's car seat, which she claims has cost 300 to replace. Realising her skin was scorched, and as blisters bubbled up on her right thigh, she rushed to The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow to get her wounds treated. Ms Roberts, who is the CEO of a homeless charity, was put on an IV drip and had her blisters popped before her leg was bandaged up. Thankfully she will not need a skin graft, and after having silver dressing applied to the burn, there is now blood flow back in the affected area, meaning that her body will slowly heal naturally. She is under strict instructions to keep her burns out of the sun for two years and moisturise her wounds up to four times a day to make a full recovery. Ms Roberts is now warning others to not keep their vapes in their pockets or close to their body to avoid the same thing happening to them. Ms Robert's vape (left); and the type of battery which exploded inside it (right) Ms Roberts believes her thick coat stopped her from being more badly maimed (left); the car seat which cost 300 to repair (right) She had been vaping for a decade and said she had used this kind of rechargeable vape for three years as she believed it to be the 'safest option'. She said: 'I thought I was using the safest one and I don't use disposable [vapes]. 'The scary thing is, I had that same battery on a plane with me the week before this happened. 'It would have been so scary [if this happened on a plane]. I'm scared to go on a plane now. 'I was scared that the whole car might set alight. Luckily, we were just outside the garage on a quiet road, but what if we were on a busy road going quickly?' Since the incident, Ms Roberts has said she won't vape again. Kerrie said: 'I don't vape anymore. I've bought a resistance breather, which is like a vape [but not harmful] to stop me vaping. 'I would tell people to not carry your vape in your pocket and not have it so close to you. Ms Robert's charred coat lays bare the severity of the fire 'I was lucky to not have it in my trouser pocket. As if this was the case, it would have been so much worse for me. 'Luckily my coat was padded and I had layers between. 'Don't leave it in pockets in the back of the car where your kids are either.' Britons are now vaping in unprecedented numbers, with roughly one in ten adults estimated to be hooked on the little gadgets' nicotine-infused flavoured mist. While vapes are still a recommended method for quitting smoking, experts have warned of the health dangers from the chemicals, solvents, sweeteners and flavourings in e-cigarettes. According to 2024 data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published in November last year, there are now 5.4 million adults in Britain who vape daily, compared to 4.9 million cigarette smokers. In other words, vaping has overtaken smoking. And among children, the situation is even more disturbing. The bright colours, sweet flavours, and sleek designs of disposable vapes are clearly marketed to appeal to teens, whatever manufacturers might claim. And social media has amplified the problem with TikTok videos normalising vaping as fashionable and cool. Emily McAllister experienced a 1-in-2,500 debilitating reaction that led to the loss of nearly 90 percent of her skin, including the skin on her face. Doctors say McAllister suffered a rare side effect from her use of lamotrigine, a common drug used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder, which triggered a case of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS). McAllister, a mother-of-one in Chicago, has also permanently lost sight in both her eyes, even after several reparative surgeries. SJS causes widespread, painful, blistering skin rash and is potentially fatal. McAllister began noticing odd symptoms about 16 days after starting the medication, including red, dry eyes and swelling in her lips and face. Those signs quickly turned into a growing red, painful rash. She said: 'I thought I wasn't sure what it was, I just knew something didn't feel right. The second day, my sister came to my house, and I was pretty incoherent. 'I was having a hard time breathing and was disoriented. That's when the rash started to spread across my face and left me with blisters. It was very painful.' When her symptoms persisted, she went to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with SJS and was admitted to the burn unit for seven weeks. Over the past three years, Emily has endured the loss of 87 percent of her skin, followed by a grueling series of procedures: eyelid reconstruction, a stem cell transplant, a salivary gland transplant and three uterine surgeries because of the severe scarring that SJS caused in the lower reproductive tract. Chicago mother Emily McAllister has permanently lost vision in both eyes, despite multiple reparative surgeries. Her blindness resulted from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a reaction triggered by lamotrigine, a medication for epilepsy and bipolar disorder Your browser does not support iframes. SJS is extremely rare, affecting an estimated 1 to 2 people per million annually in the United States. It is most frequently triggered by medications like antibiotics and anticonvulsants. The immune system can mistakenly identify these drugs or their metabolic byproducts as foreign threats, launching a fierce assault on the body's own skin and mucous membranes, the body's first lines of defense. This attack triggers a catastrophic inflammatory cascade that causes widespread cell death, leading to severe blistering, skin detachment and organ damage. Around 2 million Americans take lamotrigine, with nearly 11 million prescriptions filled in 2023. While primarily for epilepsy and bipolar disorder, lamotrigine is often prescribed off-label for migraines, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and chronic pain resulting from damage to the nervous system. McAllister was prescribed lamotrigine in September 2022. On day 17 of taking the medication, when her breathing began to deteriorate, she became incoherent and the rash, which had spread from her face to her torso, began blistering. Suddenly, she realized she needed medical attention. A few days into her hospital stay, McAllister temporarily lost her vision. Although it returned upon discharge, it remained significantly blurred. Over the following months, her sight deteriorated gradually, culminating in a complete loss of vision within a two-month period. The odds of experiencing a widespread skin rash linked to the medicine is rare but potentially fatal inflammatory reaction that involves flu-like symptoms, a spreading red and purple rash and blistering skin that peels off The whole-body inflammation caused by SJS can damage the cornea and the surface of the eye, leading to scarring and blistering. SJS frequently presents with intense conjunctivitis, or pink eye, characterized by significant inflammation of the eye's mucous membranes. Over time, persistent inflammation can lead to ocular surface disease, disrupting the eye's protective tear layer and impairing its structure and function, thereby worsening dry eye. Overall, McAllister has undergone six eye surgeries since she broke out in that potentially deadly rash in 2022. Now legally blind in both eyes, she said her 'whole life is different' since recovering from SJS. Three specialists have told her that her vision will never return on its own. But McAllister has not given up hope of regaining her sight. She is due to have more surgeries on her left eye in the future. She said: 'Now I'm blind in both eyes. In the left eye, I don't have any vision and in the right eye, I wear a special contact lens that helps a little bit, but I'm still considered legally blind.' SJS and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) are prominently noted on the lamotrigine label. Because these reactions are life-threatening, the FDA mandates a Black Box Warning, the agency's strongest alert, emphasizing the need for careful dosing and vigilant patient monitoring, particularly when the patient first begins taking the medication. The immune system can mistakenly identify certain drugs and their byproducts as foreign threats, triggering a severe attack on the body's own skin and mucous membranes, its primary defensive barriers Before the entire ordeal, McAllister claims a doctor warned her about the possibility of a severe rash but did not go into detail about it, stressing its rarity. When the disease struck McAllister, she was blindsided. She said: 'There's not enough awareness about SJS, you trust your doctor, then something like this happens. 'Before this, I never would've worried about any medication prescribed by a doctor.' Stevens-Johnson syndrome can occasionally develop into TEN. SJS is when the inflammation affects less than one-tenth of the body surface area, but when the lesions cover about one-third or more of the body surface area, it is considered toxic epidermal necrolysis, in which the entire top layer of skin undergoes full-thickness death. The condition can get progressively worse until it causes potentially deadly sepsis, respiratory failure and multiple organ failure. McAllister said: 'I do feel lucky to be alive because SJS can be fatal. I'm a completely different person now. It makes daily life a lot more difficult. I feel like I've lost a lot of my independence. 'I face a lot of medical issues and setbacks and my life is unfortunately never going to be what it was prior to SJS, but at the end of the day I am lucky to continue to live life and be there while my daughter grows up.' It's the happiest place on earth... especially after a bar crawl through the park. A Disney adult has been slammed for embarking on a boozy day out at Epcot - a theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Content creator Sydney Lint shared a video of her alcohol-fueled excursion, stopping at eight different areas that are famously named after countries around the world and getting a drink at every one - much to the chagrin of some fans. Lint, donning a bright pink mini-skirt and a Disney princess tee tied up to show her midriff along with Mickey Mouse ears, began her trip around the world in Canada, where she drank an Ottawa Apple. She then hopped across the pond to England to get a lager, before heading to France for a mulled wine. Her fourth drink was in Morocco, where she sipped on a mint tea with gin as the sun was setting in the park. The model then stopped in Italy for a glass of wine, and her fifth stop of the night was Japan, where she enjoyed a Japanese punch, enthusiastically telling the camera she was 'surviving' the bar crawl just in fine. Lint's seventh country of choice was Germany for a beer, before heading to China for a cocktail to finish the bar crawl as neared the end of her multi-continent outing. Disney adult Sydney Lint has been slammed for embarking on a boozy day out at Epcot - a theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida 'I feel like my tolerance is high,' she said to the camera, holding up the pink drink. 'We're cooking.' Lint's next stop was in Norway before finishing the crawl in Mexico. While the Disney enthusiast appeared to have had a great time drinking around the Epcot globe, naysayers flooded her comment section. Many questioned why she was drinking in a place aimed to primarily entertain children - as well as to criticize her choice of outfit. 'Adults in Disney without kids will forever be cringe,' one user declared. 'Put your shirt down, you're not a little kid,' slammed someone else. 'Why is her skirt tucked in on the left-hand side? She knows it is. It looks trashy. This entire video was cringe as f**k,' snarked another. Others argued that anyone should be allowed to enjoy the park however they wish. The content creator shared a video of her alcohol-fueled excursion, stopping at eight different areas that are famously named after countries around the world While the Disney enthusiast appeared to have had a great time drinking around the Epcot globe, naysayers flooded her comment section Epcot welcomed approximately 12.1 million visitors in 2024 - equating to over over 33,233 people every day, according to data reports 'Drinking around the world at Epcot is one of the best bar-hopping spots in the country,' someone commented. 'Everyone is allowed to have fun even if they don't have kids or can't have kids...' defended another. Epcot's World Showcase features 11 pavilions representing different countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan, Morocco, France, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The attraction welcomed approximately 12.1 million visitors in 2024 - equating to over over 33,233 people every day, according to data reports. A British man who regularly visits Australia has made an uncanny observation about the music played in stores and supermarkets - and its accuracy has impressed locals. Milo Edwards, from Essex in southeast England, recently declared in a video that 'Australia is the nation of the forgotten banger' - a conclusion he had drawn from hearing snatches of songs in supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations. What the Englishman had picked up on was the penchant of Aussie retail stores to play long-forgotten hit songs. 'Uniquely in this country - I think, more than any other country on earth - you'll just be at a service station - and the nation of Australia will ask you: "Would your experience of buying some petrol and a meat pie be improved by the addition of Usher's 'Bad Girl 'from 2004?" 'Or, you're in the supermarket. You're minding your own business. The voice of Australia chimes in. It says: "Would your experience of buying a few grapes, perhaps, be uplifted in some way by the addition of 'Life is a Roller Coaster' by Ronan Keating?"' The video - which was filmed while walking the streets of Sydney - concluded with the comedian even encountering a 'prime example' in the wild. As Milo strolls through an ordinary suburban shopping mall, a store he passes is blaring the 1993 Counting Crows hit 'Mr. Jones'. 'This is exactly what I'm talking about - they're just playing this. Why? Im not against it, but why?' Milo says. British comedian Milo Edwards observed that 'forgotten bangers' are frequently played in ordinary Australian retail settings The video was shared to Milo's social media accounts ahead of his upcoming Australian comedy tour - and quickly generated thousands of views, likes and comments. The majority of replies came from Aussies who were unaware that tunes from bygone eras were not regularly played at retail stores in other countries. 'Never realised it was not usual around the world. It's seriously awesome shopping for milk and then Blondie comes on,' read one reply. 'Do people overseas not experience a curated soundtrack to their mundane activities, drawing from a vast catalogue of nostalgic hit songs? Does this also mean that their future generations will never again hear Ronan Keating?' Several people commented on how the hits of yesteryear greatly elevated the everyday shopping experience. 'Why not? Life is more fun with a soundtrack,' one woman replied. 'Random songs being played in shops and servos or in the background is just a nice experience.' 'I love hearing people quietly singing along as I'm cruising the aisle with my trolley,' added another. The comedian shared a video about his observation to @milo_edwards social media accounts. Even as he filmed the video (right), Milo passed a store inexplicably blaring the 1993 Counting Crows hit 'Mr. Jones' 'Love a little dance in the aisle,' another woman agreed. 'If you're not walking around Woolies singing a banger you forgot existed, are you even grocery shopping?' jokingly added another. Many shoppers declared a specific affinity for Coles Radio - with multiple replies branding it 'elite'. 'I love Coles Radio. I walk along doing shopping, singing along, dancing if my kids are with me to embarrass them. Good times.' A Coles spokesperson told Daily Mail that their in-house music station aims to give 'customers and our team members a mix of chart toppers, trending tracks and classic hits to enjoy while they shop and work'. 'We love seeing customers trolleytapping and having fun, so we work hard to select music that everyone can enjoy,' the spokesperson added. 'Our playlists are constantly curated to match the mood and time of day, focusing on songs that make people feel good.' Coles Radio is even popular outside the store, with their playlists accessible digitally via iTunes or Windows Media Player. Coles Radio-inspired Spotify playlists highlight some of the 'forgotten bangers' that are regularly heard in supermarkets, such as the 2013 song 'On Top of the World' by Imagine Dragons, the 2006 Aussie hit 'Pictures' by Sneaky Sound System, Jason Mraz's 2008 tune 'I'm Yours', and Martika's 1998 song 'I Feel the Earth Move'. A number of shoppers cited Coles' in-house music station, Coles Radio, as 'elite' A Coles spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'We love seeing customers trolleytapping and having fun, so we work hard to select music that everyone can enjoy.' Other Aussies cited specific examples of how a retro pop hit enhanced their retail experience. 'I was in Big W recently and Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" came on. And I have never felt better,' read one reply. 'Was in Coles today and got surprised by "I Don't Want to Wait" by Paula Cole. Couldn't resist singing along.' 'I'm buying apples at the fruit and veg shop, and suddenly I'm hit with some 1988 Crowded House "Better Be Home Soon", and I'm feeling more than I have in years,' another said. But one cheeky remark declared: 'Oof. Mate, you've hit the magic age where supermarkets' and other stores' music hits perfectly. In other words - you're old.' Popular Mexican content creator Isaac Efrain Valadez, known online as Chakin Valadez, has been found dead inside his truck. He was 44. Valadez was found on January 10 with fatal gunshot wounds, according to local newspaper El Heraldo de Mexico. Police in Ensenada, Mexico, received a report of an armed attack, discovering Valadez inside his truck just before 7am. He was pronounced dead at the scene. At least seven shots were fired, as per the online report. No arrests have been made yet. Valadez, a package delivery driver, had a following of over 164,000 people on Facebook, and was known for documenting his travels throughout Mexico. Hauntingly, Valadez shared a video to social media just hours before his untimely death, posting a clip of his drive to the town of Catavina and commenting on the strong winds. 'The drive was challenging with strong winds throughout the entire area from Chapala to Catavina, Baja California. The wind was quite strong, heavenly Father,' the translated post read. Popular Mexican content creator Isaac Efrain Valadez, known online as Chakin Valadez, has been found dead inside his truck He also shared a cryptic post to Facebook, calling the trip 'the last one.' 'But we gonna enjoy it like it's the first of the year,' the post continued in Spanish. 'Nothing is as real as the speed that persists when looking or feeling through the windows of the soul.' According to the Baja California Post, Vaadez was from Baja California Sur, and the incident occurred in the San Borja neighborhood. He was married with three daughters, as per his Facebook profile. An outpouring of messages has flooded social media following the influencer's death, with fans taking to Facebook to share their condolences. 'Rest in peace. Beautiful videos that not everyone is going to watch as they will miss you,' one fan wrote. 'It was a pleasure to have known him through his videos,' commented another. Valadez was found on January 10 with fatal gunshot wounds, according to local newspaper El Heraldo de Mexico Valadez, a package delivery driver, had a following of over 164,000 people on Facebook, and was known for documenting his travels throughout Mexico Valadez was a truck and delivery driver. No arrests have been made yet in connection to his arrest 'I was lucky enough to know and work with Chaquin for a while,' shared another. 'He was an honest, hardworking man, always with a big smile.' 'Rest in the greatest friend my best wishes for your family and my condolences,' penned another. 'Rest in peace, I will miss his journeys discussed by the people, and his positive attitude. I didn't know him in person but he radiated happiness that was contagious!!' said another. 'Strength to the family rest in peace,' mourned one fan. For as long as we can remember, there has always been an influx of women from New York City all the way to Hollywood going under the knife - but what about the men? It seems like more than than ever, famous men in the Tinseltown spotlight are turning back the clock, appearing to look younger and younger with every red carpet appearance. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recorded the uptick in male surgeries - with 1.6 million cosmetic procedures being performed on men last year, per Stat News. This number is four percent higher than 2022, according to the ASPS. Multiple plastic surgeons interviewed by Daily Mail agree that there has been an increase in male plastic surgery over the past few years, with more and more men opting to undergo cosmetic 'tweakments' - both big and small - at their practices. In 2024, John Cena revealed to People that he underwent a hair transplant, while Bravo host Andy Cohen recently admitted to Botox and veneers. America's Got Talent host Simon Cowell Cowell previously revealed he had a $2,600 treatment, dubbed a 21st-century facelift. He also got a Silhouette Soft Lift in 2018, which involves sewing bioplastic-infused thread into the face and neck and tugging it to get rid of sagging skin. Not to mention, designer Marc Jacobs, who documented getting a facelift procedure on his Instagram page in 2021. It seems like more than than ever, famous men in the Tinseltown spotlight are turning back the clock, as they look younger and younger with every red carpet appearance (stock image) In 2024, John Cena revealed to People that he underwent a hair transplant The increase in males going in for cosmetic operations is something that Dr. David Shafer, of New York City's elite Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue, has seen firsthand. 'Yes, there has been a noticeable and sustained rise in men seeking aesthetic treatments, both surgical and non-invasive,' Dr. Shafer, who has treated a number of stars, told Daily Mail. 'What is most significant is not just the increase in volume, but the shift in attitude,' he added. 'Men are more open, educated, and proactive about addressing concerns related to confidence, body image, and aging.' It's not only New York City's doctors that are seeing the increase, either - Dr. Sean McNally, a plastic surgeon in Portland, Oregon, has noticed similar patterns happening at his practice. Dr. McNally told Daily Mail that there has been a 'huge increase' in male plastic surgeries in his office. 'Tummy tucks and chest lifts are the most common larger procedures men get,' Dr. McNally revealed to Daily Mail. 'They differ in many ways from their female counterparts since the goals are entirely different. For smaller procedures, liposuction is still the most common,' he shared. America's Got Talent host Simon Cowell Cowell revealed he had a $2,600 treatment, dubbed a 21st-century facelift. He got a Silhouette Soft Lift in 2018, which involves sewing bioplastic-infused thread into the face and neck and tugging it to get rid of sagging skin Bravo host Andy Cohen recently admitted to Botox and veneers after speculation swirled about his looks GLP-1s, like Ozempic and Wegovy, have also been driving the desire for body contouring, as many experience rapid weight loss on these medications. Dr. McNally said that this will remain a big reason for the increase in body contouring, especially in men. Similarly, Dr. Shafer has seen his clients come in for eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, abdominal and chest liposuction, gynecomastia surgery, Botox, and skin tightening and sculpting treatments. There are vast distinctions between what men and women want, too, and the primary difference is their 'intent,' the New York-based plastic surgeon explained. 'Men prioritize natural-looking outcomes that preserve masculine anatomy,' he said. 'The goal is to look proportionate, confident, and refreshed without obvious signs of intervention. They also are looking for quicker recovery and less downtime.' This has led to a boom in interest when it comes to male-specific procedures, too - and some of them are the kind that you can't always see, like penile enhancement. Similarly, Dr. Shafer has seen his clients also come in for eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, abdominal and chest liposuction, gynecomastia surgery, Botox, and skin tightening and sculpting treatments (stock image) At his office, Dr. Shafer has been performing his non-surgical penis enhancement treatment, Shafer Width and Girth, or, as he likes to call it, S.W.A.G. 'S.W.A.G. uses hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, the same FDA-approved products used in the face, to safely and effectively increase penile width and girth with minimal downtime,' the plastic surgeon explained. 'The procedure is performed in-office while the patient is awake, allowing for immediate results,' he said. And the rise in male plastic surgery seems like it's only just beginning. This coming year, in 2026, Dr. Shafer believes that there will continue to be growth in 'non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures' that provide immediate results and nearly zero downtime, as well as other operations, like facelifts. 'Male-focused body contouring, skin tightening, and injectable treatments will remain popular, along with procedures that address intimate concerns such as penile enhancement,' Dr. Shafer told Daily Mail. 'Preventative aesthetics will also play a larger role, with younger men seeking treatments earlier to maintain results long-term,' he said. 'In middle-aged and older men, facelift surgery is booming in parallel with women seeking traditional plastic surgery.' Dr. Shafer credits it to a 'decrease' in cultural stigma and more procedures to choose from. 'Men today are more comfortable investing in their appearance and overall confidence,' he explained. 'Cultural stigma has significantly decreased, and there is greater awareness of safe, effective options that fit into busy lifestyles,' he continued. 'When procedures are discreet, customizable, and designed with natural-looking results in mind, men see aesthetic treatments as a practical and empowering choice.' The hats are available in four colours - black, beige, brown and burgundy Australians are once again proving that a viral fashion moment doesn't have to come with a luxury price tag. Nor does it have to come from a fashion retailer, it seems. This week, shoppers have been flocking to Bunnings Warehouse Australia for a surprise style staple in the form of vintage-washed logo caps. Originally designed as practical merch rather than a trend piece, the caps, priced at a 'bargain' $5.50, have exploded online after shoppers began sharing photos, try-ons and 'haul' posts, with many admitting they're now hunting down all four colours. 'We got our hands on three of the four Bunnings Warehouse Australia hats at only $5.50 they are a BARGAIN,' one shopper wrote. 'Wait they come in different colours? I only have the grey one! I NEED THEM ALL!' another joked. The caps, which feature embroidered Bunnings branding and a relaxed, vintage-washed finish, have quietly expanded beyond the classic green-and-black versions many Aussies already owned. The newer colourways - including beige, washed brown and burgundy - have struck a chord with shoppers thanks to their muted, on-trend palette. This week, shoppers have been flocking to Bunnings Warehouse Australia for a surprise style staple in the form of vintage-washed logo caps priced at a 'bargain' $5.50. Pictured: Bunning's fan Sarah Gutzke Keen shopper, Sarah Gutzke (pictured), admitted to visiting multiple stores in her area to secure the goods, saying she was 'disappointed' she could only find the purple and brown hats, but not the cream 'I love that they're a washed colour, it just makes them so much more trendy,' one fan commented, echoing hundreds of similar reactions online. One shopper, Sarah Gutzke, admitted to visiting multiple stores in her area to secure the goods, saying she was 'disappointed' she could only find the purple and brown hats, but not the cream. While other Bunnings fans are leaning fully into the irony of it all. 'I would wear this loud and proud,' one person said, while another added: 'How funny that these are trending now. I love mine!' For some, the appeal is simply the price. '$5 for a cap? Are you kidding me?' one shopper wrote, after trying several on in store. The caps are made from 100 per cent cotton with a garment-washed finish, giving them a soft, worn-in feel straight off the shelf. They're adjustable, durable and easy to style with activewear, denim or a beach-day outfit. The caps are made from 100 per cent cotton with a garment-washed finish, giving them a soft, worn-in feel straight off the shelf The Bunning's website lists the caps as adjustable and durable. Pictured: The black-washed hue Add the instantly recognisable Bunnings logo and a sub-$6 price point, and it has quickly become a great last-minute purchase item at the checkout. 'We bought ours back in October,' one savvy shopper shared. 'I pointed them out to my boys while we were waiting to pay and they asked to get one each.' 'My partner came home the other week with matching hats for us,' another said of the unexpected purchase. However, some are taking a little more time coming round to the idea that these caps are, in fact, 'trendy'. 'Can someone explain to me like I'm a five-year-old why these hats have gone viral am I missing something?' a confused commenter asked. But this is not the first time a non-fashion retailer has accidentally created a cult style moment. This is not the first time a non-fashion retailer has accidentally created a cult style moment. Back in 2020, IKEA sent the internet into meltdown after turning its iconic blue shopping bags into a bucket hat. Pictured: A Sydney shopper wearing the hat The one-size 'KNORVA' hat sold for just $3.50 and quickly sold out across Australia. Fans dubbed it the 'only acceptable bucket hat' and joked it would 'match our tote bags', while critics questioned whether it was an elaborate April Fools' joke Back in 2020, IKEA sent the internet into meltdown after turning its iconic blue shopping bags into a bucket hat. The one-size 'KNORVA' hat sold for just $3.50 and quickly sold out across Australia. Fans dubbed it the 'only acceptable bucket hat' and joked it would 'match our tote bags', while critics questioned whether it was an elaborate April Fools' joke. Much like the Bunnings caps, the appeal was equal parts irony, affordability and brand recognition. With shoppers now actively searching multiple stores to complete their colour collections, and some admitting they already own all four, the humble Bunnings cap is shaping up to be the next cult Aussie accessory. The cost of monthly rent fell at the end of 2025, only the second time this has happened in the past five years. The average advertised rent for homes outside of London fell 1.1 per cent in the final three months of last year to 1,370 per month, according to Rightmove data. While this only equates to 15 in cash terms, it is rare for rents to fall rather than rise. The last time this happened was in the final three months of 2024, which was the only other time asking rents have fallen in a five-year period. In the three month period immediately preceding, rents had risen by 1.5 per cent. Inside London, rents fell by 0.7 per cent or 20, going from 2,736 per month in July to September 2025 to 2,716 in October to December. Down: Asking rents tumbled by -1.1% in the final three months of 2025, Rightmove says Across the whole of 2025, Rightmove said average advertised rents outside London rose by 2.2 per cent or just 29 compared to 2024. In the capital they edged up by 0.8 per cent. However, renters in some cities saw rises that far outstripped these averages. In Hulme in Greater Manchester, rents soared by 20.7 per cent, going from 1,660 to 2,003, while in nearby Altrincham they rose 18.9 per cent from 2,641 to 3,141. Harrogate, Maidenhead, Preston and Stockport also recorded rises of more than 10 per cent. Regionally, tenants in the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber saw the biggest rent rises over 2025, at 3.6 per cent and 3.1 per cent respectively. Join the debate Is the current rental market making life harder or easier for tenants across the UK? AREAS WITH THE BIGGEST RENT RISES IN 2025 Area Region Average asking rent per calendar month December 2024 Average asking rent per calendar month December 2025 Annual change Hulme, Manchester, Greater Manchester North West 1,660 A2,003 20.70% Altrincham, Greater Manchester North West 2,641 A3,141 18.90% Harrogate, North Yorkshire Yorkshire and The Humber 1,390 A1,624 16.80% Maidenhead, Berkshire South East 2,156 A2,405 11.50% Preston, Lancashire North West 978 A1,084 10.80% Stockport, Greater Manchester North West 1,253 A1,386 10.60% Bracknell, Berkshire South East 1,784 A1,961 9.90% Huddersfield, West Yorkshire Yorkshire and The Humber 884 A970 9.70% Poole, Dorset South West 1,746 A1,905 9.10% Liverpool, Merseyside North West 1,066 A1,163 9.10% Why have rents stopped rising as fast? Tenants were faced with huge rent rises in recent years, as the number of tenants looking for properties outstripped the supply of new homes coming to the rental market. Average UK private rents increased by 9.1 per cent in the 12 months to November 2024, according to Office for National Statistics data. There are signs this could be easing, as Rightmove reports the total number of available homes to rent is currently 9 per cent higher than last year. The website said there were an average of ten enquiries for every available rental home last year, higher than the pre-pandemic 2019 average of six, but lower than 2024's figure of fourteen. However, demand is still hot in some areas including Scotland where sixteen tenants enquired about each home in 2025. Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove, said: 'Existing tenants or those looking to rent their own home for the first time are likely to experience a much more settled and balanced market than a few years ago, when the competition to secure a home was frenetic. 'There is much greater availability of homes, and fewer tenants to compete with now, which should hopefully make the experience more positive for renters.' It has also been suggested that more tenants are taking advantage of falling mortgage rates to get on the property ladder, reducing competition for homes to rent. Although raising a deposit is still a challenge for many, data indicates that first-time buyer numbers increased last year. Those getting on the ladder for the first time were responsible for almost 39 per cent of transactions in 2025, according to Zoopla, up from 35 per cent the year before and above the 25-year average. In 2026, Rightmove predicts that average advertised rents will rise by 2 per cent across the year. Among Rachel Reeves favourite themes is to ask why UK pension funds cant be more like Canadian and Aussie counterparts by investing in Britain. The Chancellor has a point. UK pension funds have fled Britain and own just 4 per cent of the listed stocks in London. Managers use tax reliefs, ultimately funded by higher-rate taxpayers, to lavish cash on Wall Street, in the Pacific... anything but Britain. Residents of Sussex and Kent, including a family friend living in Tunbridge Wells, likely will have a very different view of ownership of South East Water. Negligence of those at its top by governments and Ofwat (possibly the most useless regulator in the UK) means water and sewage services except for a handful of listed companies operate a highly financialised, debt-fuelled model. Consumers are treated as cannon fodder. Up to 30,000 homes in East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells and other havens of genteel living continue to be, or have been, without water supply since the weekend. Wash out: Britain's water and sewage services except for a handful of listed companies operate a highly financialised, debt-fuelled model A friend visiting Tunbridge Wells found himself caught in a terrible traffic tie-up. It was caused by ordinary citizens queuing for cartons of bottled water. A text from a Tunbridge Wells acquaintance reports she has no water, her kids schools are closed and doctors and hospitals are in trouble. It turns out that South East Waters largest investors are the Utilities Trust of Australia, a Canadian pensions outfit and our home-grown NatWest pension fund. It is never that simple. An infographic of the ownership structure is enough to make one dizzy. The principle is broadly the same as in other financialised ownership models. Big rewards for directors and dividends (and interest payments) to the owners alongside gross underinvestment. South East boss David Hinton earned 405,000 in 2024 and 515,000 last year, including a substantial bonus. As consumers suffer discoloured water and unexplained cessation of supply notices, dividends and interest payments flow overseas. Ofwat says it is conducting a probe of this and previous disruptions. But one doesnt need an investigation to know that the company has a rotten leakage record and cash which should be devoted to renewing pipes and sewage treatment is draining out of the back door. The sooner our utilities are returned to the public markets, where they cannot escape transparency and accountability, the better it will be for everyone. Green waste Maybe Energy Secretary Ed Miliband should take a close look at BP before committing great dollops of taxpayer money to his gold-plated green ambitions. In the latest writedown of its now abandoned swerve towards a low-carbon future, BP has revealed a hit of up to 3.7billion on its green assets. Together with previous impairments, the cost of former chief executive Bernard Looneys attempt to embrace the climate change zeitgeist has now reached 15billion. As a longstanding shareholder, I find it irritating beyond belief, but understand equities are a risk asset. One wouldnt want to see hard-earned tax revenues wasted in the same way. The current standard at Shell, which demands the comparable returns for zero carbon assets as fossil fuels, is a sensible approach, rooted in market values. It is not entirely clear who the puppet master at BP is at present with a temporary chief executive in Carol Howle in charge. Some of the radical decisions taken, such as the sale of Castrol, bear the fingerprints of chairman Albert Manifold. He has adopted the same kind of interventionalist stand as Archie Norman at Marks & Spencer, until he felt ready to cut chief executive Stuart Machin some slack. Pru choice Filling the chairmans seat at Asia and Africa-focused UK insurer Prudential has been tricky. The group has now settled on veteran HSBC hand Douglas Flint, who is moving on from fund manager Aberdeen. Predecessors Paul Manduca and Shriti Vadera, who he replaces, sensibly opted to maintain a London listing, out of the direct line of fire from Beijing. May it continue! I want to buy a used compact EV for under 10,000. It needs to have a decent range but I don't want a Tesla. I need to be able to travel at least 200 miles between charges and I have no brand affiliation, so am open minded about all other manufacturers. It too needs to be spacious enough for my husband, who is taller than average and often struggles with comfort in cars. But we also don't want a huge SUV that we'll struggle to park. Can you help? Sally, Essex Freda Lewis-Stempel is our resident EV expert and has driven just about every electric car on the market Freda Lewis-Stempel, Daily Mail and This is Money motoring reporter, replies: Electric cars have earned themselves a reputation for being expensive to buy brand new and then suffering a big drop in value. This is bad news for the first owner, who can end up taking a big financial hit, but great news for those who would prefer to buy second hand and can pick up an EV for a fraction of its showroom price. Motor industry experts recently told us that now may be the best time ever to buy a used electric car, as sharp depreciation means prices have hit rock bottom. For example, a Skoda Enyaq electric car with a 38,945 brand new list price in November 2024 could be picked up for 21,950 at the end of November 2025, according to motoring data specialist Solera Cap HPI. You would have saved 44 per cent on its original price, as long as you were willing to accept a one-year-old car with 10,000 miles on the clock. Buying a used EV can be a very smart decision because you'll skip the most punishing depreciation period for electric cars. This occurs in the first 12 months and tends to see around 30 to 50 per cent of the new value disappear, depending on the car. This is a consequence of both a lack of demand for used cars and an increase in market availability, as more electric cars enter the used space at the end of finance and lease contracts. What it isn't is a reflection of the quality of the vehicles. This has come on in leaps and bounds over recent years, as the better selection of new EVs filters down to the used market. I have driven most of the electric cars that you can currently buy new or used. The current crop of EVs on offer second hand are capable, full of tech, comfortable, reliable and - most importantly - offer good ranges. With your budget of 10,000, you'll easily find an EV with an adequate range for your needs that's between three and five years old. There are a lot of what's known as crossover models on the market that can cater for your husband's frame, these are higher-riding cars that aren't as big as a full-on SUV. But even small EVs tend to be on the larger side these days, so space shouldn't be too much of an issue. Just make sure you make sure you and your husband are properly comfortable in a car before committing to buy. Meanwhile, the range you require is relatively standard for battery cars of this age, especially for larger city cars or small SUVs/crossovers. The fact that you're open minded to brands - except one very popular EV maker - means you'll have plenty of choice. Although it should be noted that by shunning Tesla, you are missing out on some very good electric cars. There are a few things I would suggest that you need to look out for. Firstly, your budget limit will mean the EVs on offer tend to have higher mileage. While this isn't a problem for wear and tear - as used EVs can have hundreds of thousands of miles on the clock but retain more than 80 per cent of their original battery capacity and range - it can mean they are over the manufacturer battery warranty mileage or that their age is close to the warranty ceiling. There are ways around this though, and you can still find EVs with at least a few years of manufacturer warranty to play with. Used warranties are also available on the market, which are worth investigating. You can compare prices through the This is Money Motoring Club. With the help of Autotrader, I scoured the second-hand market to find five examples of used EVs that would fit the bill. 1. Volkswagen ID.3 Used price: 9,500 The VW ID.3 is a very popular small EV as it is smart and comes with a premium badge. Autotrader has some on the website for under 10k but they tend to have higher mileage The ID.3 has already sold over 500,000 examples globally since it launched. It arrived in the UK in September 2020, and has proved to be a very popular small, smart EV. It's known for having ample legroom for passengers and a decent 385-litre boot. An example on Autotrader that I found is a Pro Performance Life ID.3 with a 58kWh battery, which, when new, had a claimed 260 miles of range. It's advertised for 9,500. This 2020 car has 98,000 miles on the clock, which might sound a lot and - according to Autotrader - is 60,000 miles more than the average five-year-old ID.3. However, even with this mileage, the battery is still - just - under warranty... VW warranty - how covered is your EV? A new ID.3 comes with a standard three-year/60,000-mile warranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile high-voltage battery warranty, which guarantees at least 70 per cent of its original capacity. This means you could have the battery checked by VW to ensure it reaches the minimum battery performance requirement - and have it replaced if not. That said, a recent test in Germany suggested the ID.3 battery still performs very strongly, even after covering over 100,000 miles. ADAC - Germany's equivalent to the AA - and its team of vehicle accessors have been extensively using an ID.3 for the last four years. In that time, it clocked 107,000 miles. As such, it has now exceeded the 77kWh high-voltage battery's 100,000-mile warranty. Analysing the battery's health and found it has declined nine per cent an average of 2.25 per cent annually. This has translated to a loss of just eight miles for its measured full-charge range. And despite covering more than 100,000 miles, it has undergone just two scheduled services costing a total of 427 (370), of which almost half was to re-gas the air conditioning system - something that needs to be done to petrol and diesel models too. All Volkswagen electric ID models have two-year service intervals, irrespective of the mileage. This is due to the fewer moving mechanical parts. The Kia Soul EV is now discontinued so there are some bargains to be had. Range is good - 280 miles - for a small EV and the Soul has a surprisingly spacious interior 2. Kia Soul Used price: 8,599 South Korean brand Kia has become a leader in EVs, and its Soul was one of the first mass-market EVs, launching in the UK in 2014. Distinctively styled, the compact crossover has good range - 280 miles - for a small EV and a surprisingly spacious interior. Its boxy proportions also means there's loads of headroom and is suitable for anyone up to 6ft7. After three generations, it's now being discontinued in the UK this year to make way for the Kia EV3. So, it could be the perfect time to snap up a used Soul bargain. Autotrader has an example Soul EV on its website for 8,599, with 109,000 miles on the clock. The 2020 reg is a First Edition trim with a 64kWh battery. Kia warranty - how covered is your EV? Kia has a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty plan and a separate eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery pack as long as it has at least 70 per cent of its original capacity. This means the model listed is outside of its warranty period. If you were to take out an extended used warranty - covering the vehicle and battery up to 150,000 miles - it would cost an extra 48 a month with a voluntary contribution of 250 towards any claims. The Kia e-Niro has been a popular, affordable EV since it launched in 2019. Kia has a standard 7-year warrant and a separate 8-year/100,000 miles battery warranty 3. Kia e-Niro Used price: 6,495 As we've said, Kia has become renowned for its quality EVs, and the Niro is one of its most absolute best - and most popular - battery models. It's always been a relatively affordable EV, and thanks to its practicality, a family-friendly electric option. It launched in 2019, setting new standards for range, performance and easy driving. The second generation arrived in 2022 and continues to be a huge success. Being a crossover, it's really spacious and offers ample head and shoulder space in the front. Your husband shouldn't have any complaints. It's a solid buy no matter the year, and Autotrader has more than 10 examples under 10,000 currently on its site, and there's one model that's only 6,495. The Kona is a rival to the Kia e-Niro. The Kona might be a compact electric SUV but it has great range - just under 300 miles - and lots of practicality 4. Hyundai Kona Used price: 9,999 The Konda launched in 2018 and quickly became one of Hyundai's best-selling EVs in Europe. The SUV arrived with 292 miles of range, and the first generation remained a very popular buy from 2018 to 2021. This was largely due to its price; the Kona EV ranged from 30,450 to 37,900 and provided a lot for that price point. The Kona is now in its second generation (revealed in 2022) and has continued to be immensely popular. While it might not look it in images, the Kona is relatively wide and tall for a crossover. Interior space shouldn't be a complaint raised here. Options on Autotrader include a 2019 64kWh Premium SE model with 69,200 miles on the clocks and 12 months of EV warranty for 9,999. There are multiple options with mileage around this point for under 10k, from both dealers and private sellers. Hyundai warranty - how covered is your EV? Hyundai offers a warranty for the five years from the date of first registration, and the mileage is unlimited. High-performance high-voltage batteries are separately warranty-protected for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Newer versions of the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, formerly the Corsa-e have up to 266 miles of range and it's a good choice if you want a used EV that's the electric equivalent of a car you already know 5. Vauxhall Corsa Electric Used price: 7,000 The Vauxhall Corsa Electric is probably one of the most well-known EVs. The electric equivalent to the ever-popular Corsa hatchback, it's an easy transition electric car for people who want their first EV to be a make and model they know well. Originally the Corsa-e and now simply called the Corsa Electric, the hatchback EV debuted in 2019. Initially it had a modest 209-mile range but this has grown to a healthier 266 miles over the years and has had a post-2023 facelift. Easy to drive, familiar and very efficient, it's a great buy especially for anyone getting their first used EV. While it will be the most cramped of the five options for your husband, it's still one of the larger superminis and is more spacious than its compact dimensions suggest. This is particularly the case up front, where there's decent levels of head and elbow rooms, so it could be an adequate fit. There are various examples with relatively low mileage for well under 10k, all of them capable of covering 200 miles. Vauxhall warranty - how covered is your EV? Vauxhall new cars are only covered by a three-year (from the date of registration) warranty. Mileage is unlimited in the first year and then capped at 60,000 miles in the second and third year. Vauxhall EVs are covered by an additional warranty for the battery which guarantees that at least 70 per cent of its capacity is maintained for 100,000 miles, or eight years. The examples I've found for sale are all under five years old and have done half the mileage allowance for the warranty, so should be covered for another three years. Is it ok to buy a used EV? Despite worries EV batteries typically last 10 to 15 years, or over 150,000 miles. Many manufacturers offer warranties of seven or eight-years/100,000 miles Is now a good time to buy a used EV? Marc Palmer, Autotrader's head of strategy and insights, responds: 'The used electric car market has reached a real tipping point. Were seeing more choice, better value and much quicker sales as confidence grows among buyers. 'There are currently 1,258 used EVs on sale for under 10,000 on Autotrader, and two in five electric cars on the platform are now below the 20,000 mark. 'Electric models are also selling faster than ever, averaging just 23 days to sell, the quickest across all fuel types. 'Buyers have clearly found their sweet spot with three- to five-year-old EVs,' Palmer, adds. 'They offer strong value, plenty of range, and more competitive pricing than ever, with average prices now almost level with petrol cars of the same age. For drivers looking to make the switch affordably, its a really exciting time.' Electrifying.com founder and chief exec Ginny Buckley says dealers should offer battery health checks on used EVs to give buyers peace of mind Should you get a used EV battery warranty Ginny Buckley, chief executive of Electrifying.com, the electric car buying and advice site advises: 'Nearly all brands offer eight year or 100,000-mile cover for the battery though, but check the small print to make sure this is still valid. 'Many dealers will now offer a battery health check on a used EV too, which will show you how much of the original capacity remains and give you extra peace of mind. 'If you are considering a Renault Zoe or Nissan Leaf, make sure the car isnt a linked to a battery lease - this will make the purchase price cheaper, but you will need to pay an ongoing monthly rental for the battery. It makes the car very difficult to sell on. 'Otherwise, the advice is the same as for any used car, so check the history and condition carefully.' Three quarters of UK drivers have serious concerns about purchasing a second-hand EV, with the biggest issue being the remaining life of the battery Steve Fowler, co-founder of car review site carblah, says: 'Buying a used EV neednt be that different to buying any used car condition and history is key. 'Any seller should know plenty about the car theyre selling, while the buyer should ask lots of questions about service history and maintenance, and consider a history check, you can also check a cars MoT record online, too. 'There are plenty of tools available today that can give you a steer on the health of the battery, but in my experience battery degradation is much less than you might expect. 'Making sure the car has a warranty is always worthwhile and you dont have to buy one from your dealer; online warranty company Warrantywise has an excellent reputation and may well offer better cover for less money than a dealers warranty where the dealer will be making a cut.' ClearWatt's EV Check Plus shares insight into three areas: Range and Performance, Practicality and Ownership and Vehicle History and Legal Used car battery health checks and certificates Freda says: These days you can purchase a used electric car battery health check certificate from a number of independent providers. They give a real-world view of how healthy your battery is, to see how much usable life is left in it, how it has been used, how it performs under load and charging performance - as well as many other data points. Some providers, like EV retailer Car360 will supply the used EV with the certificate, while other battery health check providers such as Clear Watt are self-service mobile apps that use telematics, connect car data and connected chargers to measure key battery indicators - you just drive as normal and the app runs in the background. These checks are becoming increasingly popular for promoting transparency and confidence in the used EV market. Ros Altmann is a former Pensions Minister who now sits in the House of Lords. The investment trust industry is under attack and ordinary shareholders should beware because time is running out. Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trusts investors need to wake up now and vote if they want to protect their long-term interests against a hostile takeover by US hedge fund Saba Capital. The voting deadline is 17 January, but if you own Edinburgh's shares through an online platform some will need earlier notification, so you should contact them and act now. The shareholder meeting is on 20 January. The long-term, patient-capital model of trusts like Edinburgh and others is being challenged by the short-termism of overseas investors, hedge funds and private equity firms. Lady Altmann: The investment trust model depends on boards acting for all shareholders, not just an aggressive minority with a short time horizon UK investment trusts are one of the strengths of our financial system, making up one third of the FTSE250. They have been successfully channelling patient capital into innovative, long-term assets which open-ended funds often struggle to hold. They are ideal investments for pension funds and retail investors who could not access these investments efficiently themselves. But the investment trust model depends on boards acting for all shareholders, not just an aggressive minority with a short time horizon. Saba intends to sack EWITs entire board and replace it with three 'independent' candidates of its own choosing, although one has to question how they can be independent if they are chosen by Saba. The candidates do not appear to collectively match the relevant experience of the current board. This seems like the same game as before gain control of the board, and thus the assets of the trust, then have freedom to pursue Sabas agenda to profit from taking control. Retail investors and all other shareholders need to assess the threats and opportunities they are facing and use their vote. Saba is back on the attack after it failed, last year, to take over seven UK investment trusts, to remove their boards and install its own nominees. The hedge fund was banking on the inertia of the high proportion of retail shareholders who make up the investment trust register, many of whom have traditionally not voted on corporate actions. Thankfully, galvanised by the media and the sheer self-interested audacity of the proposals, shareholders turned out in numbers to reject the bids. This new assault could herald similar actions against numerous other UK investment trusts in which Saba has taken stakes. There is a serious risk that EWITs retail investors do not realise what is happening and fail to exercise their vote. Boaz Weinstein: Founder and chief investment officer of Saba Capital Management Allowing a determined hedge fund to keep returning to the register until low turnout hands it victory is not healthy shareholder democracy. Under current rules, disruptive resolutions can pass unless enough other shareholders actively vote against. Given the Financial Conduct Authoritys Consumer Duty rules to protect retail investors from foreseeable harm, the regulator should ensure attempts like these, to remove the board, must be approved by well over 50 per cent of shareholders, rather than the simple majority required now. In this context, regulators also need to ensure platforms are doing enough to properly inform their clients and make voting as simple as possible. For now, if EWITs shareholders have doubts as to whether this takeover would be in their interest, they need to make their voice heard again and exercise their right to vote. Shareholders in other investment trusts also need to be vigilant to protect their long-term interests against raiders who may be more interested in short-term profit than long-term success. Hopefully retail investors, wealth managers, pension trustees and regulators will consider the longer-term risks of allowing short-term trading interests to impact confidence in investment trusts. The closed-ended models traditional long-term investment approach has served investors well over time. Netflix is set to beef up its bid for Warner Bros Discovery as it fends off rival Paramount Skydance in the Hollywood shootouts latest twist. The streaming giant is said to be preparing a cash deal after a previous offer of 62billion in cash and shares. Bosses at Netflix the home of Bridgerton and Squid Game hope this will amount to a quicker, simpler transaction for Warner shareholders. It comes as Paramount, whose films range from The Godfather to Top Gun, seeks seats on the Warner board in a bid to swing the takeover tussle its way. Warner has rejected its 81billion offer, backed by a 30billion guarantee from Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison whose son, David, runs Paramount. The firm is looking to buy the whole of Warner Bros Discovery, whereas a deal with Netflix would involve just its film studios and streaming business; its cable TV assets would be spun off. A takeover would hand Netflix the studio behind films such as Harry Potter, while its HBO arm made Sex And The City. Six people have been arrested after the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) launched a 300million bribery and fraud probe into the past management of social housing landlord Home REIT. The investment trust, which houses vulnerable people including the homeless listed on the stock market in 2020. It has been mired in crisis since an investor report questioned its business model three years ago. The Daily Mail has led the way in exposing the company. After listing, Home REIT raised 850million in the first three years. Investors were told their money would be used to buy and restore properties to be let to charities and housing associations for rough sleepers, veterans and addicts, the SFO said. Returns would be generated by rental payments but, in November 2022, an investor raised concerns about valuation of properties and the ability of tenants to pay rent, and shares were suspended in January 2023. Probe: Home REIT, which houses vulnerable people including the homeless, has been mired in crisis since 2022 when an investor report questioned its business model Emma Luxton, director of operations at the SFO, said: This company had a meteoric rise, spending millions on properties that were supposed to house the most vulnerable in society and provide returns for investors. Its chaotic downfall has left many with unanswered questions. Ellie Reeves, the Solicitor General, said: The allegations are deeply serious. Vulnerable people were promised homes, while investors who funded millions of pounds were promised returns. Both groups deserve answers. The SFO said it searched seven properties in Altrincham, Maidenhead and London while a commercial site in Manchester was also raided, with the National Crime Agency assisting. A home in Venice was also searched by Italian authorities with the help of the SFO. Home REIT said in 2024 that it faced a probe by the Financial Conduct Authority. And last year, accounting watchdog the Financial Reporting Council launched an investigation into auditor BDO over its scrutiny of its 2021 accounts. In November, Home REIT said it had struck an agreement to sell 700 of its 853 properties for 123million to European firm Patron Capital in a bid to stay afloat. Damning revelations include a probe by accountants Alvarez & Marsal which uncovered transparency and due diligence failings by its former investment adviser. Mastercard, Visa and Revolut have lost a legal challenge against the UK payments regulator's plans to introduce a cap on card fees on international transactions. The three firms brought a case at London's High Court after the Payments System Regulator (PSR) said in December 2024 that it would consult on introducing a cap on interchange fees. Interchange fees are levied on banks by Visa and Mastercard when a consumer from one country purchases something from a merchant in another country. The PSR had previously voiced concerns that the firms had raised such fees to an 'unduly high level'. Mastercard, Visa and Revolut lost a challenge against the Payments Systems Regulator over the regulator's plans to introduce a cap on international transaction card fees Mastercard, Visa and Revolut argued that the PSR did not have the power to impose price caps. But High Court Judge John Cavanagh today ruled that the regulator, which merged with the FCA last year, has the authority to impose its proposed price caps on interchange fees. The level of the price caps and timing of their implementation are yet to be decided. Mastercard declined to comment. Visa and Revolut did not immediately respond to a request for comment on today's ruling. Visa previously said it disputed the PSR's findings and said price caps can 'negatively impact the value people and businesses receive' from card payments. PSR managing director David Geale welcomed the decision which he said 'confirms our powers to ensure card payment costs are fair for UK businesses and consumers'. 'This enables us to drive forward the work we have been doing to ensure cross-border interchange fees are set at an appropriate level.' Rachel Reeves U-turn on pub taxes has been branded a temporary sticking plaster amid calls for a complete overhaul of the broken business rates system. As the backlash over the Chancellors botched reforms of the property levy mount, ministers were warned the proposed relief package for pubs goes nowhere near far enough. Ros Morgan, chief executive of the Heart of London Business Alliance, said countless other firms also face sharp increases in their rates bill from hotels and galleries to cafes and independent shops. Warning that the levy chokes our high streets and penalises bricks-and-mortar businesses, she called for a 2pc levy on online sales to raise 6bn a year to cut business rates bills by a third. Rachel Reeves has faced a fierce backlash over business rates since the November Budget The comments came after Hilton hotels chief told the Mail Labour is squeezing the life out of the hospitality sector. Sir Rocco Forte, chairman chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels, described the business rates row as a mess of the governments own making and said it is frankly embarrassing that the Treasury has been trying to claim it didnt understand the impact of its own policy. Reeves is now scrambling to put together a relief package for pubs but this has sparked fury across the wider industry amid signs they will miss out. Britains beloved pubs might have just been spared a tax disaster but the Governments latest concession on business rates is a temporary sticking plaster when whats needed is surgery, said Morgan. Unfortunately, it goes nowhere near far enough. Other sectors who won't be helped are already in uproar. The business rates system itself is broken. She pointed out that hotels face a 115pc rise in their bills while pharmacies are braced for a 140pc increase pools, gyms and leisure centres are set for a 60pc hike. Temporarily easing the burden for pubs alone does little for the broader economy or the millions of jobs tied to our high streets and town centres We can and must do better than this piecemeal approach, said Morgan. Yes, the immediate relief for pubs is a necessary response to an imminent emergency. But it should be accompanied by a solid commitment to real rates reform so that this never happens again. The political test is now clear. The Government can continue to offer temporary fixes for individual sectors - or it can seize the opportunity to overhaul a broken system, bringing fairness, growth and resilience back to the heart of the British economy. If ministers truly care about vibrant high streets, thriving towns and sustainable jobs, they will choose reform over more reactive tinkering. The future of our communities and our economy depends on it. Business rates system is broken - and Labour's plans go nowhere near far enough By Ros Morgan, chief executive of Heart of London Business Alliance Britains beloved pubs might have just been spared a tax disaster but the Governments latest concession on business rates is a temporary sticking plaster when whats needed is surgery. After weeks of uproar from landlords, many of whom banned Labour MPs from their premises, prompting a backbench revolt, ministers have signalled a U-turn on planned business rates hikes for pubs, with a proposed 300million relief package. Ros Morgan says a 2% levy on online sales will raise 6billion to help the High Street This is welcome news and will soften the blow for pubs whose bills had been set to soar as properties are revalued for business rates. It shows that smart campaigning works when livelihoods are at stake. Unfortunately, it goes nowhere near far enough. Other sectors who won't be helped are already in uproar. The business rates system itself is broken. My members were thrilled when Labour promised before the last election to replace it with something fairer and more fit for a 21st century economy. This isn't the first government to duck that challenge. Successive administrations have looked at real rates reform and shied away. But what's clear from this latest row is that this cannot go on. We currently have a tax system that chokes our high streets, penalises bricks-and-mortar businesses and fails to face up the realities of an increasingly digital economy. Make no mistake, the crisis is real. The business rates revaluation conducted by the Valuation Office Agency is recalculating rateable values across England and Wales, reflecting current market conditions for the first time since 2023. For pubs and other hospitality venues that had enjoyed temporary pandemic reliefs, the shock of seeing those measures vanish and values reset has meant potential bill increases of tens of thousands of pounds per year. Pubs were facing rate rises of 76 per cent over three years. But what about hotels which apparently won't be helped by the Government's U-turn - which are facing increases of 115 per cent? Theatres, galleries, gyms, independent shops, pharmacies, cafes and countless other businesses that underpin vibrant communities are all also experiencing sharp increases. Pharmacies, for example, are braced for a 140 per cent increase in rates, while gyms, pools and leisure centres face a 60 per cent rise. Temporarily easing the burden for pubs alone does little for the broader economy or the millions of jobs tied to our high streets and town centres. We can and must do better than this piecemeal approach. Business rates were introduced in 1990, long before the explosion of online commerce and digital services that now make up more than one-fifth of national GDP. Yet property-light digital businesses usually pay only a tiny fraction of the tax burden that physical retailers and hospitality venues shoulder. Thats why the Heart of London Business Alliances Hybrid Business Rate solution makes sense. It is picking up significant support from industry and we're already talking to the Treasury about it. I urge ministers to consider this reform for the next Budget. Instead of clinging to an outdated model that taxes occupancy rather than economic activity, we should expand the tax base to include a small levy on online sales, collected via the existing VAT system. A levy of around two per cent on online sales could raise roughly 6billion a year, allowing us to reduce the burden on traditional business rates by around a third for bricks-and-mortar firms. This approach is fair, practical and forward-looking. It recognises that the way we buy, sell and consume has changed and ensures that all businesses - whether operating from a shop in my patch of London or a server in the cloud - pay something towards the public services they benefit from. It would widen the tax base, protect local services and give high-street businesses breathing space to invest, hire and grow. So yes, the immediate relief for pubs is a necessary response to an imminent emergency. But it should be accompanied by a solid commitment to real rates reform so that this never happens again. The political test is now clear. The Government can continue to offer temporary fixes for individual sectors - or it can seize the opportunity to overhaul a broken system, bringing fairness, growth and resilience back to the heart of the British economy. If ministers truly care about vibrant high streets, thriving towns and sustainable jobs, they will choose reform over more reactive tinkering. The future of our communities and our economy depends on it. Burberry and Chanel are among a whos who of the luxury world owed money by glitzy department store owner Saks Global as it filed for bankruptcy protection. The British fashion house is joined on the list of creditors by everyone from the owners of Gucci, Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo and Versace to LVMH and Christian Louboutin. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Burberry, which is owed 7million by Saks Global Bankruptcy documents reveal Saks Global the parent of Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman owed a total of 2.5billion when it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this week. It marked one of the largest retail collapses of recent years and plunged the future of an outfit that dates back to 1867 and built a reputation dressing Hollywood stars and society figures into doubt. The once-glitzy flagship on Fifth Avenue in New York became a tourist attraction in its own right and long-loved by the rich and famous, from Gary Cooper to Grace Kelly. But it is struggling under a mountain of debt and competition from online as well as from luxury brands opening their own stores. As its troubles mounted, and it struggled to pay suppliers, they began withholding stock, driving shoppers to rivals such as Bloomingdales. Rich people are still buying, Morningstar analyst David Swartz said last month, just not so much at Saks. French fashion house Chanel is listed as the largest unsecured creditor with around 100million of unpaid bills followed by Gucci owner Kering at 45million. Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo and Versace owner Capri Holdings is owed 25million, Richemont, whose brands include Cartier, Dunhill and Montblanc is owed 22.5million and LVMH, the luxury giant behind Dior, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy and Tiffany as well as Moet & Chandon and Glenmorange, has a claim of close to 20million. Christian Louboutin, meanwhile, is owed 16million and Burberry 7million. Charlize Theron features in adverts for Dior, which is owned by LVMH, the luxury goods giant owed close to 20million Saks Global continues to trade and has appointed Geoffroy van Raemdonck, the boss of Neiman Marcus, its chief executive to lead it through the process raising hopes that creditors could be paid. Gary Wassner, chief executive of financing company Hilldun Corp, said the prospects for getting repaid in the coming months depend on whether Saks Global becomes profitable after emerging from bankruptcy. The more they make, the more they pay to the unsecured creditors, Wassner told Bloomberg. I believe the new management will take steps to reduce operating costs and increase their margins and turn this into a profitable situation. More households are being dragged into paying inheritance tax because of property price rises, new data reveals. Housing wealth now accounts for 47 per cent of the total wealth, on average, in estates which pay inheritance tax (IHT) in London, and there are four other regions where it accounts for more than a third. This is according to a Freedom of Information request obtained by retirement specialists Just Group, which highlights how paying death duties is no longer solely the preserve of the cash-rich. Inheritance tax-paying estates in the capital have 862,222 of property wealth on average, as house prices have soared over the previous decades. Just 37 per cent of the value of these estates were made up with cash and investments, the lowest across the country. Cash and securities matches or trumps property in all other regions, according to the latest available data from HM Revenue & Customs which is from the 2022-23 tax year, but the gap is narrowing. High house prices in the capital mean property wealth makes up half of an estate Who pays inheritance tax? IHT often called Britain's most hated tax - is levied at 40 per cent on estates over a 325,000 threshold. Those who leave their property to direct descendants have an extra 175,000 tax-free allowance. Spouses can pool their allowances, which means a couple could leave a family home worth 1million free of IHT. Families can also give away money and valuables during their lifetime to slim down their estate, which means a lower death duty bill for grieving loved ones. > Ten ways to avoid inheritance tax legally How much does property wealth contribute to inheritance tax? Region Total No. of Estates Av. Estate Value Av. Value of Property Proportion of Average Estate Av. value of securities & cash Proportion of Average Estate London 5100 1,601,961 862,222 47% 720,032 37% South East 6650 1,309,774 661,896 42% 640,750 43% East of England 3430 1,221,574 589,226 42% 585,525 42% South West 3640 1,250,000 547,855 36% 647,356 46% East Midlands 1470 1,088,435 422,581 33% 609,338 50% North West 2040 1,073,529 404,000 32% 615,884 52% Wales 1030 1,029,126 384,703 32% 472,539 42% West Midlands 1840 1,173,913 440,268 30% 665,402 51% Yorkshire & Humber 1460 1,136,986 402,439 30% 642,114 51% North East 555 1,000,000 324,201 26% 628,094 58% Northern Ireland 334 970,060 298,182 25% 678,231 57% Scotland 1680 1,220,238 363,971 24% 736,140 55% The donor usually needs to survive for seven years after making the gift for the amount to fall outside of the estate when they die. Despite this lucrative allowance, thousands of families across the UK are being caught out by the death levy. Other regions where property wealth makes up a huge chunk of the estate are the south east and the east of England some 42 per cent each. While house values are beginning to struggle in the capital and its surrounding area, price tags have soared over the past two decades which means property is a major driver behind a familys wealth. However, in other regions where house prices are typically lower, property accounts for a smaller proportion of the estates value. Your browser does not support iframes. In Scotland, for example, property makes up just 24 per cent of an IHT-paying estate the lowest across the country. In cash terms, it is 363,971. Meanwhile in Northern Ireland it makes up just 25 per cent and in the north east it is just 26 per cent. In 2022-23, IHT-paying estates in London had the highest average value across the country at 1,601,961. The next highest is the south east at 1,309,774 closely followed by the east of England at 1,221,574. The numbger This amount is likely to have risen since then due to house price increases. Unspent pensions will also be included in IHT calculations from 2027, adding to the number of families who will have to pay. At the other end of the scale, it is those liable to pay death duties in Northern Ireland that have the lowest amount in their estates at 970,060. Families in the north east are also at the bottom end with a 1million estate. South east has MOST inheritance tax payers It is the southeast which has the highest number of estates which are liable for death duties some 6,650. In London the figure is a high 5,100 while in the south-west there were 3,640 estates in the IHT tax net. Northern Ireland is again at the bottom of the list with 334 estates while in the north east it is a small 555. David Cooper, of Just Group, said: It is evident that housing wealth in regions like London, the east and the south east makes up a larger proportion of the estates compared to other regions. 'The average value of property in London estates paying IHT is nearly double that of most other regions across the UK. 'With asset prices continuing to grow and the IHT regime seeing a significant tightening in the Autumn Budget 2024, its likely more people will be dragged into paying the tax through the value of their property. In 2022-23, just under 5 per cent of estates paid death levies but this is set to climb in the coming years as even more families will be dragged into the tax net. The nil-rate band which is 325,000 has been frozen since 2009. This punitive tax freeze has pulled droves of more middle-income families into paying death duties net as their estates and property values soar, a phenomenon known as fiscal drag. Chancellor Rachel Reeves also extended the freeze to April 2028 which will hit even more modest families with a tax liability. The exchequer raked in a bumper 5.8billion into its coffers in the first eight months of this tax year, official figures show. It is set to pull in a record take into its coffers from inheritance tax this tax year as fiscal drag eats away at the inheritance left to loved ones. And this is only set to soar in the coming years as pensions which are currently exempt from the duty will fall into estates from April 2027, a move that has caused reams of savers to upend their financial planning. Little-known tricks to cut your tax bill You can gift any amount to family or friends completely free of death duties so long as you survive for seven years after making the gift. If you want to pass on any cash or material gifts, make them earlier instead of later to start the seven-year clock ticking. If you die within seven-years of making the gift, it wont fall outside of your estate completely. However, it could benefit from taper relief. The closer to the full seven years you survive, the less tax your estate needs to pay. For a payment made in the last three years before death, the full 40 per cent is levied. Plan ahead: Gifting money to family seven years before you die usually makes it free of IHT But any gifts made four to five years ago face a 24 per cent charge, while those made five to six years before your death have a 16 per cent IHT rate. Those given six to seven years ago are charged at 8 per cent. Make payments sooner rather than later to lessen the chance that your loved ones will foot a huge 40 per cent tax bill. Plus, you can make the most of your gifting allowances to pass on wealth tax-free while you are still alive. Everyone gets a 3,000 annual gift allowance, which is exempt from their estate. If you didnt use it in the previous year, you can carry the allowance forward, but only by one year. This means that a couple can gift as much as 12,000 in one year completely free of death duties. The seven-year rule does not apply here, so if you die within that period of making these gifts there is still no tax payable. But you can also give away an unlimited number of small gifts up to 250, so long as you haven't used another IHT allowance on the same recipient. Another trick to reduce the tax bill on your estate is to make a tax-free gift to someone getting married or entering a civil partnership. You can give 5,000 to a child, 2,500 to a grandchild or great-grandchild and 1,000 to anyone else. But these gifts need to be made 'in consideration of' a marriage or civil partnership so payments must be made just before it takes place and not after. Growing numbers of families are also considering putting life insurance policies into trust to pay any potential tax bill. These pay out to your loved ones when you die and if they are placed correctly into trust they are treated as if they are not part of your estate and therefore free of inheritance tax. You can appoint one or more beneficiaries who will be paid the full policy sum when you die. However, this can be a costly planning tool and may come with risks. For example, you may forfeit the cover if you stop paying the premiums at any point. Once you start paying it, it can be difficult to increase your cover should your IHT liability rise. Seek expert advice before going ahead. Arguably the most generous allowance is known as gifts out of normal expenditure, where you can gift an unlimited amount of money. Beware, there are strict criteria you must meet. The payment must be regular, out of income and must not affect your standard of living - and you must keep good records. Former Dragons' Den star Julie Meyer is still styling herself as 'Dr' and 'MBE' despite being stripped of both titles following a 200,000 legal dispute, Daily Mail can reveal. The venture capitalist, 59, was awarded an MBE in 2012 for her services to entrepreneurship and was invited to sit on two government advisory panels that year. She was also handed an honorary doctorate in law from Warwick University in 2014. But in 2022, she found herself at the centre of a legal wrangle in which she was accused of failing to pay 200,000 to her solicitors, Farrer & Co. Meyer was then scolded by a British judge for being 'selfish' for refusing to turn up to court or pay her lawyers. She was handed a six-month suspended sentence for contempt of court after she repeatedly failed to submit documents and attend hearings relating to the matter. The legal clash directly led to Warwick University forfeiting her honorary doctorate degree in 2022, while the Cabinet Office stripped Meyer of her MBE in August 2025 for 'bringing the honours system into disrepute'. However, Daily Mail has found that Meyer - the CEO and founder of VIVA Investment Partners - is still promoting herself using both titles. On her LinkedIn profile, the Swiss-based businesswoman describes herself as 'Dr Julie Meyer MBE'. Listings on Companies House for her company VIP Opportunity I LLP, which was registered at an address in Wembley, Middlesex, and dissolved in November, also have her recorded as 'Dr Julie Meyer MBE'. Her most recent filing of accounts from July 2024 refers to her as 'Dr Julie Meyer' - despite the withdrawal of her honorary doctorate some two years previously. Daily Mail has also seen a profile of 'Dr Julie Meyer MBE' on a website for Follow The Entrepreneur (FTE) Capital Markets, which describes Meyer as the 'FTE Capital Markets founder'. Meyer was awarded an honorary MBE in 2012 for her services to entrepreneurship, but forfeited the award for 'bringing the honours system into disrepute' Daily Mail has discovered Meyer is still using MBE after her name and Dr before her name despite being stripped of the honours. Pictured: Her now-removed profile on the FTE Capital Markets website FTE Capital Markets describes itself on the site as 'a proven platform for investors and entrepreneurs'. Within her FTE profile, Meyer is said to have 'received her honorary doctorate for Ecosystem Economics and has been awarded an MBE by Elizabeth II'. There is no clarification on any of these mentions that 'MBE' might refer to anything other than the British honour handed to her in 2012. Since being contacted by Daily Mail, the profile has been removed but the FTE website still lists the businesswoman as 'Dr Julie Meyer MBE'. The American-born businesswoman was hailed as one of two new Dragons chosen for an online version of the BBC Two show in 2009 and she formerly advised David Cameron's government. When Daily Mail approached Meyer for comment over still using the MBE title after her name, she denied having received any 'official' correspondence relating to this - and said 'MBE' referred to 'another organisation'. She said: 'I have not received any official letter from the UK government about my MBE being removed. 'The MBE which you appear to be referring to does not refer to the Member of the British Empire award. It refers to another organisation which was set up many years ago. This has nothing to do with the UK at all. 'I don't advertise myself or my FTE Events at all. They are private events, and there is no website for them.' Meyer has denied the allegations and said in a statement: 'The MBE which you appear to be referring to does not refer to the Member of the British Empire award' Julie Meyer's LinkedIn profile refers to the businesswoman as 'Dr Julie Meyer MBE' On her LinkedIn profile, Meyer has listed that she is a 'Member of the Board of EcosystemEconomics(r) Association (MBE)' Her public listing on Companies House refers to her as being 'Dr' and having an 'MBE' Her most recent filing of accounts from July 2024 refers to her as 'Dr Julie Meyer' - despite the withdrawal of her honorary doctorate some two years previously On her LinkedIn profile, Meyer has listed under her experience that she is a 'Member of the Board of EcosystemEconomics(r) Association (MBE). Despite enquiries, Daily Mail has not found any evidence of the EcosystemEconomics(r) Association or its associated board. Prior to becoming a Dragons' Den star, Meyer had been lauded for her business instinct and support of major internet and tech brands early on in their development, including lastminute.com and Skype. The American moved to London in July 1998 and made millions from the $50million sale of her firm First Tuesday, a networking group for entrepreneurs and investors, in July 2000. In her Dragons' Den biography, she was described as a World Economic Forum Global Leader for Tomorrow, an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year and a regular speaker on entrepreneurship and leadership. But her name hit the headlines in 2022 when she became embroiled in a legal fight with Farrers, the law firm engaged by the late Queen Elizabeth II. When she failed to turn up to a court hearing on Valentine's Day that year, the judge dramatically issued a warrant for her arrest. Controversially, the entrepreneur said she had been unable to travel from her home in Switzerland due to conjunctivitis and not having received a Covid vaccine. But it was ruled her medical evidence was not grounds to avoid attending the court hearings in person. She was said to owe almost 200,000 to Farrers, which represented her in a court case in Malta. The High Court heard she failed to pay Farrer partner Julian Pike 197,000, claiming the firm had provided a poor standard of service, which had been worth about 50,000. When Meyer was handed a six-month suspended sentence, Mr Justice Kerr said she had shown herself 'to be a selfish and untrustworthy person'. The judge said: 'I am satisfied there is every prospect that the defendant will continue to flout orders of the court unless coerced into obeying them.' He added that some of the evidence filed on Meyer's behalf sought to show her as 'too important for the courts of England and Wales to take precedent over her other interests'. In her defence, Meyer said the law firm had 'abused their privileged position as the Queen's lawyers' and claimed they had 'harassed' her and her firm. She lost an appeal to overturn the suspended prison sentence. In August this year, Meyer's name appeared alongside 11 others on an updated list published by the Cabinet Office of individuals who had been stripped of their prestigious gongs. At least six of these - all men - were stripped after being convicted of child sex offences, while the others were found guilty of misconduct or acting inappropriately. Meyer is also one of only two women on the infamous list in recent years - the other being former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells, who forfeited a CBE for her handling of the Horizon IT scandal. After being contacted by Daily Mail, Meyer maintains that she has not received 'any communication to me personally from either of the institutions'. She added that 'one cannot revoke an award or an honour by posting something online'. The Cabinet Office confirmed that recipients who are stripped of their titles are informed of the decision before it is made public. Those who have forfeited their honours will then appear on an official notice published in the London Gazette and on the gov.uk website. Meyer's name appears on both the online list and in a notice published in the London Gazette. Daily Mail contacted Warwick University, which confirmed that she was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in 2014. A spokesperson added that the university had written to her at the time it was revoked in 2022. After being made aware that Ms Meyer was still styling herself as 'Dr' three years after the revocation, Warwick University said '[We have] contacted Ms Meyer to request removal of any reference to the award.' A father who died in a narrowboat fire on Christmas Day is being remembered as a kind-hearted man who wanted to help and care for people. Gabriel Murphy, 43, was killed alongside his assistant dog Hugo during the early morning blaze on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, close to Crooke Marina in Standish. His daughter Juliette Murphy was woken by her partner at 7.30am on December 25 after receiving a call from emergency services. The 23-year-old said even though they couldn't confirm it was her father, she instantly knew. She heartbreakingly recalled to the Daily Mail: 'Hugo just never left his side, and they found the dog cuddled up to whoever they thought the person was at the time.' It was an anxious wait for Juliette while she received multiple calls throughout the day. The NHS health care assistant said: 'I was meant to be proposing to my girlfriend that day, so that didn't happen. We were just kind of waiting. I was sick a lot. I was crying a lot. 'I was just really confused because it was quite hard, they've given me like half the information, obviously that's their job. Gabriel Murphy and his service dog Hugo who both perished in the Christmas Day fire The 43-year-old father served in the army's REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) for seven years and during that time toured Iraq 'I had to send them photos that I had of him, and they said that they couldn't identify him because of the severity of the burns, which was really hard to hear. 'I had to help identify him through his tattoos as well, so that was all on Christmas.' Gabriel Murphy served in the Army's Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) for seven years and during that time toured Iraq. He then switched to serve as a paramedic in North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) for eight years, which Juliette said gave him a sense of purpose. She recalled: 'He just wanted to help people...it helped him being able to physically help people and like immediately bettering people's lives and being able to keep people safe.' Juliette, who has started a GoFundMe to raise money to give her father the send-off he deserves, described him as a 'rugged' man with a 'kind heart'. She said Gabriel was known for his bear hugs and for being a listener, while putting his own mental health issues to the side to assist others. She explained how his service dog Hugo brought out the best in him: 'He was literally my dad's shadow so Hugo would go wherever my dad went. 'My dad was a different person after Hugo. He really struggled with his PTSD, his anxiety, and depression. 'Hugo just brought this new lease of life into him, he was able to do more things. 'I have dogs myself and I've never seen anything like that relationship with a dog and a person, and it was a very, very special relationship. Hugo was described as his shadow and never left his side Gabriel has been described as a 'rugged' man with a 'kind heart' who was known for his bear hugs and for being a listener, while putting his own mental health issues to the side to assist others Her trauma was intensified after a heartbreaking mistake saw Hugo cremated and his ashes discarded by a charity that had been asked to keep them safe. Juliette said this meant they now could not honour the bond between her father and his beloved dog. She continued: 'The plan was to have Hugo and my dad cremated and kept together and spread... so obviously that can't happen anymore, so it was just another really big blow, and it's just been very, very hard because it just feels like nothing is going right.' Juliette is currently awaiting the results of an inquest by the Greater Manchester Police and the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service into the circumstances of the blaze. She said her father had recently re-enrolled in university and was taking an open course, along with counselling to get back on his feet. She is now urging others to aid service personnel by donating to veteran charities and veteran causes in a bid to support those whose mental health has deteriorated after serving. Juliette said: 'Because of what they've been through and what they've done for our country, our families. I don't think they really get what they need.' Juliette Murphy with her father as a child - she told the Daily Mail one of her favourite childhood memories with her dad includes visiting a chocolate shop at Cheshire Oaks in Birkenhead Gabriel spent a lot of time in Ireland and loved Guinness Juliette is now set to get married at the end of the year and plans to include her father in the ceremony. One of the last messages she sent to her father was of her wedding dress. She said: 'Obviously it's really hard, because it's someone that's meant to be there, so that's been quite difficult to kind of get my head around for this year. 'I'd probably have something at my wedding just to like have a nice memorial for him. He loved Guinness, so I'll probably make everyone drink Guinness or something.' She also wants to visit Ireland since her dad spent a lot of time there and feels as though she will be able to connect back to him there. Greater Manchester Police said the fire had been confirmed as non-suspicious and the case is now with the coroner to determine Gabriel's cause of death. A Wyoming mother who allegedly gunned down her 11-month-old son instead of ceding custody to his biological father is asking to be freed. Madeline Daly, 35, is accused of first-degree murder after a month-long custody battle ended in the murder of her son, Basil Stoner, just two days before Christmas. Daly allegedly kidnapped the boy back in November and fled to New Mexico, defying a court order granting custody to his father, Jake Stoner. Police were attempting to serve the mother with a felony kidnapping warrant when she rushed the boy into an RV, cops said. Trying to reach Daly, police eventually spoke with her by phone after she refused to leave the van. A SWAT team was dispatched after authorities learned she might be armed, and shots were fired before they could intervene, per the release. Authorities said they found the 35-year-old inside the RV with a gun pointed at her head and Basil on the floor with a gunshot wound. Basil Stoner, the 11-month-old baby who was allegedly gunned down by his mother, Madeline Daly Daly and Basil together, she is facing first-degree murder and other charges Responders fought to save the 11-month-old, but he died before he could be airlifted to the hospital. Daly was arrested and thrown behind bars at the Grant County Detention Center, where she remains held without bail. The 35-year-old's attorney made a bombshell push for her release from jail, but District Attorney Mark Abramson refused, citing the outrageous circumstances,' per Cowboy State Daily. 'A mother absconded with her child from Wyoming, traveled around, we're not sure where, but ended up here being confronted by law enforcement and chose to murder her child, her own child, with a nine millimeter gun to the face,' Abramson said, per the outlet. 'We are concerned that not only is the case strong, but the likelihood that this defendant would abscond again and would find herself outside of the jurisdiction of Grant County or New Mexico is just too great.' Abramson said the mother's crime is 'as personal as you can get.' Daly was arrested and thrown behind bars at the Grant County Detention Center, where she remains on no bail Daly allegedly kidnapped the boy back in November and fled to New Mexico, defying a court order granting custody to his father, Jake Stoner Grant County Detention Center where Daly is being held 'There are just too many red flags in this case, and there are no circumstances that would justify release of this defendant into our community.' The judge slammed the request, citing safety concerns for Daly and those around her. He pointed to Dalys chilling statementJake cant get Basilas evidence of her alleged intent to harm her son and defy the Stoners, warning that the family could be in danger if she were released. Cops are investigating whether a woman impersonated a mysterious Chinese heiress by pretending to be the 23-year-old multimillionaire at a police station. LanLan Yang is facing a raft of serious charges which could land her in prison after her $1.5million Tiffany blue Rolls-Royce Cullinan crashed into a Mercedes van in Sydney's east. Chauffeur George Plassaras, who drove regularly for radio king Kyle Sandilands, suffered life-changing injuries in the collision and might never work again. As part of her bail conditions, Yang is required to report to Rose Bay police station once a week and to live at her luxury penthouse in Watsons Bay. On Wednesday, a young Asian woman wearing a Chanel top and Chanel jeans arrived at that police station about 5.15pm in a black Rolls-Royce Ghost convertible driven by a tattooed man. After presenting herself as Yang to a constable at the station desk, the woman walked out onto Wunulla Road carrying bail papers and stopped when asked a series of questions by the Daily Mail. Reporter: 'Are you LanLan or someone else?' Woman: 'I'm someone else.' Cops are investigating whether a woman impersonated a mysterious Chinese heiress by pretending to be the 23-year-old multimillionaire at a police station. The woman is pictured on Wednesday LanLan Yang (above in August) is facing a raft of serious charges which could land her in prison after her $1.5million Tiffany blue Rolls-Royce Cullinan crashed into a Mercedes van in Sydney's east As part of her bail conditions Yang (above in September) is required to report to Rose Bay police station once a week and to live at her luxury penthouse in Watsons Bay Reporter: 'Do you want to tell me who you are if you're not LanLan?' Woman: 'No.' Police followed all normal procedures for a routine bail report. The woman who presented herself to Rose Bay station lowered her face mask so her features could be compared to an image of Yang kept on file. A senior police source told the Daily Mail an investigation had been launched into the identity of the woman, as well as whether Yang was currently living at the Watsons Bay address. 'We are taking this very seriously because what's being alleged would be a very serious offence, or offences,' the source said. The Daily Mail has seen no sign of Yang at the Watsons Bay apartment since October and police confirmed they were visiting the property on Thursday. Yang's lawyer has been contacted for comment. Yang, a Chinese national who has been studying in Australia, has never appeared in person on any of the four occasions her case has been mentioned in court. On Wednesday, a young Asian woman wearing a Chanel top and Chanel jeans arrived at that police station about 5.15pm in a black Rolls-Royce Ghost convertible driven by a tattooed man After presenting herself as Yang to a constable at the station desk the woman (above) was asked by the Daily Mail if she was LanLan Yang or someone else. 'I'm someone else,' she said. LanLan Yang is pictured leaving Waverley police station last July after being charged over her collision with a Mercedes being driven by Kyle Sandilands's chauffeur George Plassaras It is not suggested that Yang has not complied with her bail obligations or that there has in fact been any attempt by her Yang to avoid those obligations, only that the police are investigating whether or not the woman who presented herself to Rose Bay police station on Wednesday impersonated Yang. Away from court, she has regularly been photographed wearing designer clothes, has never spoken a word to the media, and routinely runs when approached by reporters. Since her arrest, Yang has usually been shuttled around town in a white Toyota Vellfire peoplemover driven by a man who gets out to escort her if media are around. The woman who reported to police on Wednesday was driven there by a different chauffeur and told the Daily Mail the black Rolls-Royce Ghost was not hers. That Rolls-Royce appeared to be the same Ghost convertible Yang used to keep unregistered in a garage below her apartment when it was painted white. The last four digits of the vehicle identification number of both cars are the same. Yang's case was last mentioned in Downing Centre Local Court on November 14 when lawyer Michael Korn told a registrar his client had been excused from attending. On that day, Mr Korn entered not guilty pleas to four charges and denied Yang had been receiving special treatment from the court. Since her arrest, Yang has usually been shuttled around town in a white Toyota Vellfire people mover driven by a man who gets out to escort her if media are around. She is pictured last July This picture was taken after Yang reported for bail at Rose Bay police station in October When Yang's matters were previously mentioned on October 17 a registrar had said Yang would be expected to appear in person the next time. Yang is accused of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, an offence which carries a maximum penalty of seven years in jail. She is also facing a back-up charge of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, as well as failing to submit to a breath test and not giving particulars to police. Yang had to surrender her passport to be granted bail but there was no condition imposed which prohibited her from approaching airports or other points of international departure. Yang's barrister John Korn disclosed some of his client's background when her case was mentioned for the second time on September 26. Mr Korn said Yang's parents had sent her to Australia at attend school when she was 14 and she was now a permanent resident. The university student had rarely returned to China, suffered 'considerable' mental health issues and 'hardly leaves her home', Mr Korn said. Mr Plassaras had just started work when his van was allegedly struck by Yang's Rolls-Royce on New South Head Road, Rose Bay, about 3.20am on July 26. Yang (above in September) has regularly been photographed wearing designer clothes and has never spoken a word to the media. She routinely runs when approached by reporters The woman who reported on bail on Wednesday walked calmly across Wunulla Road after telling the Daily Mail she was not Yang He was trapped in the wreckage of his Mercedes and could be heard yelling for help as police and Fire and Rescue NSW worked to free him from the crushed vehicle. The impact reportedly caused Mr Plassaras to suffer a broken spine, shattered hips, two broken femurs, busted ribs, a ruptured spleen and torn-open abdomen. The crash catapulted Yang into an almost instant celebrity-like status, particularly among Chinese Australians who have been intrigued by her obvious wealth. The first time Yang was listed to face court on August 15 scores of Chinese Australians lined up outside to catch a glimpse of the camera-shy moneybags. Yang disappointed her huge new fan base by appearing only briefly on screen from her lawyer's office. She has not appeared on screen since that day. One onlooker told the Daily Mail: 'It's very rare to see, or have the opportunity to see, someone in person who is ultra wealthy and has power.' 'You don't see 23-year-olds who can drive two Rolls-Royces.' Yang has gone to extreme measures to keep her face out of public view in the past six months. The woman who reported to police on Wednesday was driven there by a man who was not her usual chauffeur and told the Daily Mail the black Rolls-Royce Ghost (above) was not hers The black Rolls-Royce appeared to be the same Ghost convertible Yang used to keep unregistered in a garage below her apartment when it was painted white (above) The only time Yang has been photographed without a mask is when the Daily Mail snapped her with a friend dining at the Museum of Contemporary Art on September 3. She arrived without wearing a mask, but wore both a white one and a black one during her time at the restaurant - the second with a slit across the mouth, allowing her to eat. On that occasion, Yang also wore a $4,326 Louis Vuitton jacket, $3,000 Louis Vuitton cargo pants, $2,600 Hermes ankle boots and $1,220 Louis Vuitton Iconic cap. Yang called herself Cynthia on Instagram and was known to her peers as Yang Lanlan, with her family name written first. Since the head-on collision, which police allege occurred when Yang crossed double yellow lines, she has deleted her local social media accounts. One of Yang's contemporaries told Daily Mail she was only aware of Yang having been in Australia since 2021. She said Yang was enrolled in a business course at the University of Sydney but 'she never actually goes to school herself'. 'We move in the same friend circle and have many mutual friends,' the acquaintance said. 'She only socialises within the Chinese community because her English is poor.' The acquaintance said Yang's Instagram had been filled with images of her 'shopping crazy' and visiting some of the best restaurants in Sydney but she was obsessive about obscuring her face in posts. 'She eats fine dining every single day,' the acquaintance said of Yang's life before the collision. 'She also frequently shops at Chanel and Louis Vuitton, sometimes renting out the entire store for herself.' Yang's devotion to high-end labels extends to pet accessories. Her Shiba Inu - named Wangzai - wears a $990 Celine collar and has its own Louis Vuitton pillow and Hermes blanket. She is due to appear in court again later this month. A married businessman tried to kiss a male flight attendant after drinking vodka and wine as he and his wife returned from the Bahamas, a court heard. Philip Gould, 64, had been drinking heavily on the BA flight from the Bahamas to London Heathrow on June 25 last year. Gould was returning home from a luxury holiday in Grand Cayman with his wife when he slapped her and then abused the cabin crew. When the businessman was refused more drink, he crudely propositioned a male flight attendant. The sozzled flyer repeatedly called cabin crew 'c***s' before he lunged towards the cockpit door and began angrily shouting at the captain. Gould earlier admitted sexual assault, acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft and being drunk in an aircraft. At a new hearing today at Isleworth Crown Court, Judge Fiona Barrie adjourned sentencing until next month but warned the married businessman he faces jail. Philip Gould, 64, had drunk vodka and wine on the BA flight from the Bahamas to London Heathrow on June 25 last year 'This court takes a very dim view of people who behave drunk on an aircraft,' she said. 'A prison sentence is a likely possibility here. It is in your interests to be represented by counsel.' Ashleigh Ettienne, prosecuting, said at an earlier hearing: 'After three hours into the flight, the defendant appeared to be drunk and cabin crew were made aware. 'Ten minutes later he approached the cockpit and started banging on the door and was seen shouting at cabin crew, the captain and passengers. 'Cabin crew deemed his actions a serious safety issue so they positioned themselves between the flight deck door and the defendant. 'The defendant pushed a cabin crew member in his chest with his arm which caused him to stumble back and bump into a passenger.' BA staff alerted the pilot and told Gould to calm down, which only aggravated him more. Gould then screamed at cabin crew, 'I'll kill you - there are not enough people on the plane to restrain me', before he slapped his wife and grabbed her by the hair. When a panicked air hostess tried to intervene, Gould shouted at her: 'Why are you talking to my wife, you are a s**g. You're pretty'. Ms Ettienne said Gould then stood up and put his arms around her and - while doing so - kissed a male flight attendant on the right cheek before nibbling on his ear. The prosecutor said: 'The defendant's escalating behaviour was frightening and he became a serious safety issue.' Gould pictured outside Isleworth Crown Court Gould eventually fell asleep but was arrested at Heathrow when the Boeing 777-200 twinjet touched down. In an attempt to explain his actions, Gould claimed the combination of wine and vodka 'had sent him over the edge.' Manny Arora, defending, said his client suffers from PTSD and was 'remorseful'. He told the court: 'He accepts he consumed some vodka. But when he entered the aircraft, he was not intoxicated.' Gould, of Woking, Surrey, was wearing blue jeans and a puffer jacket in court this morning. He earlier admitted being drunk in an aircraft, sexual assault on a male, two counts of assault by beating and recklessly acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft. Gould was granted unconditional bail ahead of sentence on February 11. He is formerly director of a business management consultancy firm called Blacklight Management, which he ran with his wife, according to Companies House documents. A callous hitman who shot a little girl on her birthday while disguised as a Deliveroo rider has been jailed for 38 years. Bungling assassin Jazz Reid fired almost a dozen shots at the eight-year-old girl and her father as they sat in a car in Ladbroke Grove, west London, on 24 November 2024. The schoolgirl and her 34-year-old father - who cannot be named for legal reasons - had just returned from a local trampoline park to celebrate her birthday when they were both shot. The pair miraculously survived, alongside the girl's mother and two-year-old sister in the back seats, who were unharmed. Reid was sentenced by judge Sarah Whitehouse at the Old Bailey today, who raised the possibility of 'contract killings', given there was no evidence he knew his victims. The girl suffered life-changing injuries and is showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, suffering 'flashbacks of what they call "the bad man",' the court heard. The Metropolitan Police said one of the bullets remains inside her body, while her father requires round-the-clock care and may never walk again. In a victim impact statement read before the court, the girl's mother said: 'That night shattered my family's life. I have flashbacks every day, and nightmares. Jazz Reid, 33, was convicted of attempted murder following a trial at the Old Bailey Reid assumed the guise of a Deliveroo driver in order to 'blend in' and shoot his victim 'I carry huge guilt from not protecting them. Every time I see a Deliveroo bike I shudder, even though I know it is not him. My kids have been robbed of the version of their dad who can run with them, chase them. It makes me sick that there is a bullet inside my baby. Reid, 33, denied attempted murder and three counts of wounding with intent, telling jurors he was in the area as a drug dealer, but was convicted of all offences following the trial. It means police have never been able to find a motive for the attacks. Delivering his sentence, the judge said: 'You are a dangerous offender. You have a disregard for innocent members of the public.' He claimed the gun - a counterfeit semi-automatic HS Produkt XD9 - was planted under the patio at his home in Uxbridge, West London to set him up because he owed a 10,000 drug debt. The court heard Reid also carried out two other shootings earlier in the year, including on the same father. He used an e-bike to get around and disguised himself as a Deliveroo driver, carrying the distinctive green box used by the takeaway service. Police do not believe he worked for the company. Reid was arrested on November 26 while driving a hire car. He then gave a series of no-comment interviews. Reid, pictured riding an e-bike on the crossing, during one of his murder attempts in west London Video captures the moment Reid was arrested after shooting an eight-year-old girl The court heard Reid's intended target for the car shooting was too terrified to give evidence. Detective Inspector Richard Scott, who led the investigation, told the Daily Mail: 'This was about as bad as it can get without actually being a murder. 'It was 5pm in a residential area, there would have been lots of people about, and Reid would have had no control over where any stray bullets went. 'It's an unbelievably traumatic event for anyone to go through, let alone an eight-year-old child. 'I know that it's been extremely difficult, not only for her, but for her mother to support her, to look after her and to help her through all the difficulties that she is now experiencing as a result. '(The father) was unarmed, going about his day. They'd been to a trampolining party. They had a great day, and were just arriving home.' Mr Scott said he had never experienced a case like this during his 22-year career, where a suspect has gone incognito as a delivery driver. Police footage shows Reid being arrested 'Obviously his intention was to make himself part of the furniture,' he said, 'and someone that members of the public going about their business would not take a second look at.' Police reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, as well as mobile phone and car number plate recognition data to track down and arrest Reid within 48 hours of the final shooting. They were able to track Reid's movements before, during and after all three incidents to build a conclusive case against him. The court heard that during after one of the earlier shootings, a neighbour had phoned the police telling them that they had heard shots and seen a young boy fleeing and screaming. Prosecutor Michael Goodwin KC said of Reid: 'He played a leading role, acting alone in a pre-meditated and planned way. 'This offence marks a very substantial escalation in offending from his previous convictions and demonstrates the hallmarks of a lifestyle related to drug dealing, where criminal activity has become an entrenched part of his life.' Reid was sentenced the week that crime figures showed London's homicide rate had fallen to historic lows, with officers carrying out a series of coordinated raids to disrupt crime gangs linked to drink and drugs. Mr Scott said: 'The community of Ladbroke Grove was terrorised by this guy for weeks. 'We will try from the outset to push for the most serious charges that the evidence will support, and that's to ensure that people like Jazz Reid are locked up for the longest sentence that is applicable in law for the appropriate offence.' Reid performed under the rap name Chaos. Police later discovered some raps on his phone, apparently recorded after the first shooting, which they said described what happened. They said the lyrics: Knock the door, see the target, then I pressed it. Two got sent in, both went in and out, hit the wall, left a dent in, was a reference to two bullets being fired at his victim. The trial heard other lyrics about a pocket rocket and nine times 19 on the bells were references to a hand gun and the type of cartridges used, respectively. The court heard Reid has previous convictions for drugs offences and assault, serving a five-year jail term in 2013 for conspiracy to supply cocaine. A shopper was left bemused after ordering a new mobile phone from a renowned retailer - only to receive two bars of chocolate glued together instead. Jack Bennett, 36, from Rugby, Warwickshire, thought he had found the perfect Christmas present for his wife, Katie, when he bought a brand new Apple iPhone 17 from John Lewis, retailing at 799. Having placed the order, the parcel arrived at his door just under two weeks later, delivered by a DPD courier. But when the project manager opened the box, the only items inside were a pair of superglued Tony's Chocolonely bars, which retail at around 4 each. Believing the retailer would be able to help him, Mr Bennett spoke to customer services but was left dumbfounded after being told he could not receive a refund - because he had ripped the parcel label when opening the box and had therefore 'damaged' the package. He was also told John Lewis and DPD did not stock that specific chocolate bar and were therefore not at fault. Adding to his woes was the fact he had taken out a no-interest payment scheme with John Lewis, resulting in 200 being taken from his account every two weeks - despite his assertion he never received the phone. The retailer initially told Mr Bennett he would need to raise a claim through his bank to receive his money back. Jack Bennett was left bemused after ordering a new mobile phone from John Lewis - only to receive two bars of chocolate glued together instead Instead of an Apple iPhone 17, all Mr Bennett received were two Tony's Chocolonely bars that had been glued together He was left dumbfounded after being told he could not receive a refund - because he had ripped the parcel label when opening the box and had therefore 'damaged' the package After Daily Mail intervened, John Lewis reviewed the case, apologised and confirmed they had issued a refund to Mr Bennett. The father-of-two said the whole saga had been a 'really unpleasant experience' - and claimed John Lewis had tried to 'wash their hands of me' rather than believe he was the victim of a fraud. He added the incident happened at a 'stressful' time for his family. His five-year-old daughter, Harper, has a genetic condition called tuberous sclerosis, which causes tumours to grow within her body. She had only recently gone through an operation to remove tumours from her brain and had wanted to buy a new phone to 'do something nice' for his wife. Speaking about his ordeal, Mr Bennett said: 'I ordered the phone on November 17. When the courier delivered the package, I opened the door and he had placed it on the ground by my feet. 'He took a photograph, I thanked him, picked it up and put it on the meter cupboard by the front door while I got ready to go out. 'Before we left the house I thought I'd better just check the contents - and couldn't believe it when I opened it and found two bars of chocolate. 'I was trying to think back and wondered whether I had made a mistake, but I definitely hadn't - and then realised it was a fraud because they were glued together. Toby Kippax, from Newton Abbott, Devon, hit out at John Lewis after he ordered a brand new mobile phone - only to receive a box full of DPD parcel slips 'I immediately thought to call John Lewis, hoping they would be able to help me.' Mr Bennett was assured the retailer would look into the situation, but an hour later he received a call telling him there would be no refund. 'I was told the chocolate I had received was not stocked at their warehouse, so it wasn't possible that I would have received it [from John Lewis]. They said I should contact my bank for a refund. 'I was quite angry at that, because they were implying I had been making all of this up. 'As it was a high-value item, I had expected they would need to undertake an investigation, but it just felt like they hadn't bothered - and they didn't take my concerns seriously about a problem with their supply chain. 'Either there had been an error, which I suspect was not the case, or it was malicious and deliberate. 'I was highlighting this issue to them, but they were happy to fob me off.' In a statement, John Lewis confirmed the matter had now been resolved and said: 'We were very sorry to hear about Mr Bennett's case. 'We serve millions of happy customers and cases like this remain rare, especially as we regularly review our security measures to stay one step ahead of fraudsters. 'We take all reports of fraud incredibly seriously, and conduct thorough investigations. Having fully investigated Mr Bennet's case, we were able to offer a refund - and are grateful for his patience.' Daily Mail also approached DPD for comment. A spokesperson said: 'We have carried out a full investigation, including a review of all security footage and can confirm that the parcel was delivered compliantly and without any sign of the packaging having been tampered with. 'We also have no reason to suspect the driver, who has been with us for eight years.' The circumstances suggest Mr Bennett could have fallen victim to a scam known as refund or return fraud. In these situations, the fraudster will purchase an item - or intercept a bought item - remove it from the box and then replace it with items of a lesser value that have a similar weight. They will then attempt to return the item and claim a refund. A situation could then arise where the package is erroneously sent to a genuine customer with the lower value items still inside. The latest incident comes after several consumers asked Daily Mail for help after they were targeted by similar scams. Pictured: The moisturiser inside the packaging instead of Mr Taylor's new iPhone. John Lewis said CCTV footage from inside the warehouse showed the 'correct item' had been packed In October, Toby Kippax, who lives in Newton Abbott, Devon, took advantage of a Black Friday deal to buy a Google Pixel 10 for 599 from John Lewis. But he was shocked to discover that instead of a shiny new gadget, his parcel contained two books of red-and-white slips from parcel courier DPD brandishing the words: 'We tried to deliver your parcel!' The 42-year-old solicitor remained confident that a 'trusted' retailer like John Lewis would help rectify the problem. Mr Kippax, however, claims he was instead met with 'stonewalling' from both the retailer and DPD. He said he was left unimpressed by the high street giant's 'dismissive' response to his complaint and said he had been made to feel like a 'liar'. After Daily Mail intervened, Mr Kippax was offered a replacement phone. Meanwhile Gerard Taylor, who lives close to Bristol, said he was left feeling 'powerless' after he ordered a brand new mobile phone - only to receive a package containing a cheap moisturiser. He had wanted to replace his aging device with an iphone 16e in black from John Lewis, priced at 544. Jo Davis, from North Derbyshire, purchased an iPhone 16 Pro from John Lewis, priced at 1,000, but was stunned to find a black bottle of men's aftershave instead But he was astounded to find his parcel contained a 200ml bottle of Olay beauty fluid, valued at around 6.50. The 59-year-old creative art worker admits laughing at first, but his incredulity soon turned to disappointment after a John Lewis investigation concluded the retailer was not at fault - and any refund would have to be sought through a claim raised with his credit card. American Express however also turned down his claim on the basis that the package had been 'delivered' and he had not reported it as a crime within 48 hours. It was only thanks to a friend who had a contact at John Lewis that his case was reviewed again and Mr Taylor was offered a full refund. However, he said the experience had left him feeling let down and frustrated that John Lewis was 'not properly investigating' how this could have occurred. 'I felt like I had 544 stolen from me and I was being accused of theft basically, when actually it was the other way around. 'It was very stressful, the inference that you're trying to pull a fast one and you're trying to make money out of them. 'And I also just felt completely powerless - because in a situation like this they have all the power.' Anya Carroll, 31, from Bradley Stoke, Bristol was left dumbfounded after she ordered a brand new mobile phone from Sky - only to receive a package containing a large lump of clay instead Last January, Jo Davis, from North Derbyshire, was left 'absolutely astounded' after she ordered a top-of-the-range iPhone 16 Pro priced at 1,000 from John Lewis - only to receive a parcel containing cheap aftershave worth 2. To add insult to injury, the fragrance - ironically named Me Time - was not sealed and had been used. The HR manager said she was left feeling 'very let down' by the retailer after an investigation found neither John Lewis or Yodel were at fault - and any refund would have to be sought through a claim raised with her credit card. After three months with no resolution, Daily Mail contacted John Lewis and she received a refund and gift voucher. Meanwhile Anya Carroll ordered a brand new Apple iPhone 16 from Sky only to receive a package containing a large lump of clay. After a brief investigation, she was told there was 'insufficient evidence' her package had been tampered with before delivery and there was nothing further Sky could do. To compound her distress, Miss Carroll was advised to keep making payments for the phone she never received - because she would be the one in breach of contract if the money stopped. She claimed that Sky 'washed its hands of her' after reaching a 'deadlock' on her case, leaving her just with a lump of white clay to show for her 25 monthly payments. Gemma Worley, 39, from Cornwall, thought she was receiving a new Lenovo Yoga laptop - only to discover her parcel contained three mouldy pies instead A trio of baked goodies from Yorkshire Handmade Pies were crammed into the space where her new computer should have been After being contacted by Daily Mail, Sky agreed to cancel her contract and refund the money she had paid to date. Daily Mail also heard from Gemma Worley, 39, from Cornwall, who purchased a 700 Lenovo Yoga laptop from Currys only to receive three mouldy pies instead. The trio of Yorkshire Handmade Pies had been crammed into the space in the box where her new computer should have been. Currys subsequently apologised and offered Mrs Worley a replacement laptop. One in three students now say Reform UK should be banned from speaking on campuses, according to new research suggesting university 'wokery' is getting worse. A new poll of around 1,000 students found 35 per cent think the party should be 'no-platformed' in universities a record high for any political group. When the same survey was carried out in 2022, only 26 per cent wanted the English Defence League banned, while in 2016 only 31 per cent wanted a ban for the British National Party. In the latest poll, only 18 per cent of students thought all political parties should be allowed onto campuses. The research, by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), comes after Reform UK repeatedly led opinion polls among the general electorate. HEPI director Nick Hillman said: 'I am shocked that more than one in three students support banning Reform UK from university campuses. 'The best way to take down democratic political parties that you disagree with is surely through free, fair and fierce debate whether that is on campus or beyond.' One in three students now say Reform UK should be banned from speaking on campuses, according to new research suggesting university 'wokery' is getting worse (pictured: party leader Nigel Farage with former Tory chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, who recently joined) The research also reveals students are becoming more supportive of censorship on a number of other issues. Support for 'safe space policies' which often restrict speech which might offend people has risen to 79 per cent up from 48 per cent in 2016 and 62 per cent in 2022. In addition, 88 per cent of students want 'trigger warnings' for upsetting or offensive content in course material, up from 67 per cent in 2016 and 86 per cent in 2022. And only 25 per cent think university libraries should include all resources, 'regardless of content' down from 47 per cent in 2016 and 34 per cent in 2022. Unsurprisingly, 47 per cent agree with the idea that 'universities are becoming less tolerant of a wide range of viewpoints', double the proportion in 2016 24 per cent. However, despite their apparently militant views, most students 69 per cent also thought 'universities should never limit free speech', up from 60 per cent in 2016 and 61 per cent in 2022. The weighted poll, taken in November by Savanta, involved students across the UK. Richard Tice, Reform UK deputy leader said: 'These findings are appalling. British universities abandoned being centres of genuine learning, rigorous debate and intellectual challenge long ago, instead opting to become echo chambers of far-left indoctrination run by activist academics. 'University leaders bear responsibility for allowing this culture to fester in our institutions. The Government must pull grant funding unless this is changed urgently.' It comes after new legislation came into force last year requiring universities to promote academic freedom. Higher education regulator the Office for Students can investigate universities and impose fines if it is found they have failed to protect free speech rights. A number of politicians have been 'no-platformed' by students at universities in recent years. Last year, a talk at Cambridge by former Tory home secretary Suella Braverman was cancelled due to protests by student activists. In 2020, Amber Rudd, who formerly held the same position, had an invitation to speak at an Oxford student society pulled half an hour before she was due to appear. Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, said: 'The UK is a democracy and Universities UK does not share the view that any legitimate political party should be barred from speaking on university campuses. Universities have a responsibility to uphold free speech within the law. 'While it is good that most students feel able to express their views on campus, elsewhere the surveys findings are troubling. Universities must be places where political debate is fostered not dampened. We will continue to work with university leaders to ensure that free speech and academic freedom, which are fundamental to universities, are protected.' Republican Senator Jim Risch killed a Senate vote on curbing President Trump's military powers in Venezuela via a procedural move Wednesday eveningafter two GOP rebels who'd voted against Trump last week dramatically switched sides. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman argued the war powers resolution should be disregarded because no U.S. troops are currently engaged in hostilities in Venezuela. But the procedural victory came only after Senators Josh Hawley and Todd Youngtwo of five Republicans who'd defied Trump just days earlierreversed course following intense pressure from the White House. Hawley's flip was particularly striking. The Missouri populist had voted last Thursday to advance the resolution restricting Trump's ability to wage war in Venezuela without Congressional approval, helping it pass 52-47. But on Wednesday, Hawley told Punchbowl News he would vote with GOP leaders to kill the effort after Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed 'there are currently no U.S. Armed Forces in Venezuela' and promised to notify Congress of any troop movements. Indiana Republican Todd Younganother of the original five GOP defectorsprovided the final crucial vote. He'd cryptically told reporters Wednesday morning he would have 'a lot more to say about that soon' when asked about his position. Hours before the vote, Senate Majority Leader John Thune admitted he wasn't sure if he had the votes to stop the War Powers resolution from passing. The turnabout also comes as the president has tempered his rhetoric on Iran, but continues to deliberate his options. Trump had unleashed fury at the five Republican senators after last week's procedural vote, naming Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Young and Hawley as members of Congress who 'should never be elected to office again.' This grab taken on January 3, 2026, from UGC footage released by Jose Abreu in his X account @Jabreu89, shows smoke billowing over Caracas after a series of explosions part of a US military operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Madruo President Donald Trump takes part in a signing ceremony in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 14 January 2026 The president described their move to restrain his military authority as one that 'greatly hampers American Self Defense and National Security, impeding the President's Authority as Commander in Chief.' Democratic Senator Tim Kaine argued Wednesday that even though troops aren't currently in combat in Venezuela, Operation Absolute Resolvethe January 3 raid that captured dictator Nicolas Maduro and his wifeisn't necessarily over. Join the debate Should president have the power to launch military action without Congresss approval? Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) gestures toward a crowd of supporters of President Donald Trump gathered outside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 at the US Capitol in Washington, DC Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., speaks during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the nomination of Chris Magnus to be the next U.S. Customs and Border Protection commissioner, Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021 on Capitol Hill in Washington The bipartisan war powers resolution, pushed by Kaine and Paul, came after US Special Forces captured Maduro earlier this month in an operation the Trump administration billed predominantly as law enforcement, not military action. 'This is not an attack on the Maduro arrest warrant, but it is merely a statement that going forward, US troops should not be used in hostilities in Venezuela without a vote of Congress, as the Constitution requires,' Kaine said last Thursday. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer accused Trump of preparing for 'endless war' and urged Republicans to vote against the President's actions. Even Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat vocal in supporting Trump's capture of Maduro, voted to advance the war powers resolution last week. Kaine insisted no lawmaker 'has ever regretted a vote that just says, 'Mr President, before you send our sons and daughters to war, come to Congress.'' Britain's biggest teaching union has brought in a top KC to investigate accusations of 'institutional antisemitism'. The National Education Union (NEU) is using Karon Monaghan of Matrix Chambers to look into allegations of a 'hostile environment' for Jewish members. The NEU said it is part of a wider inquiry into 'how debate of contentious issues is handled within the union' and 'the processes for member complaints'. The probe was commissioned by Daniel Kebede, the General Secretary, in recognition that 'debate on contentious issues can often be complex'. Launched more than a year ago, the inquiry has been kept secret until now. The Daily Mail knows of at least one Jewish member who has been interviewed by investigators after filing a complaint about antisemitism. The revelation comes amid a row this week over a school in Bristol cancelling a visit by a Jewish MP following pressure applied by the local NEU branch. A number of other recent incidents within the union have been labelled 'antisemitic' by Jewish members. Britain's biggest teaching union has brought in a top KC to investigate accusations of 'institutional antisemitism' (pictured: NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede) The National Education Union (NEU) is using Karon Monaghan (pictured) of Matrix Chambers to look into allegations of a 'hostile environment' for Jewish members Members have complained the NEU's militant approach to Israel is one-sided and makes Jews feel ostracised (pictured: an NEU conference delegate wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh) Last year, the union passed a motion accusing Israel of 'genocide' and 'apartheid' and said it would develop classroom materials about Gaza for members to use in schools. It has also previously passed motions declaring support for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), and Palestinian flags are a regular feature at NEU events. In 2024, Jewish member Peter Block, 76, a retired teacher, was heckled and cut off when he tried to speak against the stance at the union's annual conference. He has since left the union in protest. In 2021, before taking over the union's helm, Mr Kebede called on crowds to 'globalise the intifada' at a PSC rally. Members have complained the NEU's militant approach to Israel is one-sided and makes Jews feel ostracised. As part of Ms Monaghan's investigation, she has interviewed a Jewish member who sent union leaders a letter of resignation in September, accusing them of 'institutional antisemitism'. The member, who asked not to be named, accused Mr Kebede of 'inflammatory rhetoric' and a 'failure to protect Jewish members'. The 50-year-old secondary school teacher has been a member of the union for 19 years and acted as a rep in Barnet, North London, for 10 years. He said in his letter: 'I will not remain part of an organisation whose leadership has created and sustained an environment that is hostile to Jewish members, in breach not only of moral responsibility but of the law.' The letter accused the union of spending members' fees on political campaigning, and importing 'one-sided political declarations' into schools, breaching impartiality rules. And it said numerous complaints about the situation by Jewish members have been 'dismissed'. It also said the union was in breach of the Equality Act 2010, because the actions had amounted to 'harassment' of members with a 'protected characteristic'. 'You have fostered a culture where Jewish voices are delegitimised and silenced,' the letter said. 'That culture is nothing less than institutional antisemitism.' It is understood Ms Monaghan will file a report of her findings to the union executive imminently. The high-profile KC previously acted for the Equality and Human Rights Commission in the Maya Forstater case on gender-critical beliefs. She also investigated sexual harassment within the GMB union and in the Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn. Yesterday, Mr Block, who emailed the union several months ago announcing his own resignation, said: 'I resigned from my membership because I felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall. I still haven't had an apology for what happened to me. It's obvious to me they're not interested at all in the rise of antisemitism in the union. This investigation won't change anything.' The investigation comes to light amid a row over Damien Egan, the Jewish Labour MP for Bristol North East, who had been due to speak to students at Bristol Brunel Academy in his constituency. The visit in September was called off due to 'safeguarding' concerns after activists planned to hold a protest outside the school over his links to the Labour Friends of Israel group. Bristol NEU later claimed victory on social media over the cancellation, saying its members in the school had 'raised concerns'. A spokesman for the NEU said the Monaghan report 'was not triggered by a member complaint'. They added: 'It is not accurate to say this is a report solely about antisemitism. Daniel Kebede, upon being elected as general secretary, made a proactive and positive decision, of his own volition, to review the processes and policies of how debate of contentious issues is handled within the union, as well as the processes for member complaints.' They said the NEU wants 'different views' to be heard and to 'respond to a political environment where debate on contentious issues can often be complex'. Regarding the Bristol incident, the spokesman said NEU head office had 'no knowledge' of the cancellation at the time. Matrix Chambers declined to comment. A jacked-up Texas gymgoer was arrested after she allegedly hurled a 25lb weight at the head of a suspected love rival. Aralyn Martinez was charged with aggravated assault against Cindy S Aguilar following an altercation at 24 Hour Fitness outside Houston. Deputies responded to after an emergency call on January 6 and where they were told the 24-year-old had recognized, 'the complainant as someone her partner was involved with'. An altercation arose between the two, and Martinez allegedly tried to cause injury by throwing a weighted plate toward the complainant's head. Martinez attacked the victim saying, 'b**** I'm going to drop this 25lb weight plate on you', according to a criminal complaint filed by the District Attorney's Office and obtained by the Daily Mail. Constable Mark Herman said that the gymgoer was arrested and booked into the Harris County Jail. Her bond was set at $1,000 out of the 488th District Court, which she posted the next day. 'Facts giving rise to probable cause suggest that alcohol was a factor in this offense,' Judge Matthew Peneguy noted in an order setting bond conditions. Aguilar told the Daily Mail that Martinez is 'unstable' and added, 'that is not her boyfriend, never was' in reference to the man at the center of the altercation. Aralyn Martinez, 24, was arrested after allegedly throwing a 25lb weight at someone her partner was involved with Deputies responded to a call at 24 Hour Fitness in Spring on January 6 Martinez was charged with aggravated assault and placed into custody for the alleged attack on victim Cindy Aguilar 'Defendant must not use, possess, or consume alcohol. This includes any food, mouthwash, or over-the-counter medication containing alcohol.' Additionally, Martinez is banned from using marijuana and possessing weapons. She is prohibited from contacting the victim and can not be within 200 feet of the 24 Hour Fitness location where the incident occurred. An X account seemingly run by Martinez contained several different posts about relationships. This included a repost that said, 'fall in love before you get too smart,' and another that added: 'I hate a lustful man. Did you even know how funny I am b****.' In a Facebook post the day after her arrest, Martinez reposted: 'Im really a theres beauty in everything kind of girl, even in the lessons, the waiting, and the becoming.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Martinez's public defender for comment. Space schedule opens with two launches Chinadaily.com.cn) 08:46, January 15, 2026 A Long March 8A carrier rocket lifts off on Tuesday from the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center in Hainan province. The rocket deployed the 18th group of low-orbit satellites into preset orbits. Luo Yunfei/China News Service China launched two carrier rockets on Tuesday, signaling the start of the country's annual space mission schedule, which will feature a robotic lunar landing and two manned spaceflights. At 10:16 pm, a Long March 6A rocket blasted off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province, and it soon placed the Yaogan 50A remote-sensing satellite into a preset orbit. The satellite, built by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, is tasked with obtaining data to support land resource surveys, agricultural yield forecasts, and disaster prevention and mitigation. Data obtained by the Yaogan family, the major series of remote-sensing spacecraft in China, has been widely used by governments, public service sectors and businesses. The Long March 6A, which was also developed by the Shanghai academy, is a medium-lift launch vehicle. It comprises a 50-meter liquid-propelled core booster and four solid-fuel side boosters. The rocket has a liftoff weight of 530 metric tons and is tasked with transporting satellites to multiple types of orbits, including sun-synchronous, low-Earth and intermediate circular ones. The launch marked China's first space mission in 2026 and the 624th flight of the Long March rocket fleet. At 11:25 pm, a Long March 8A carrier rocket lifted off from the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center, a coastal spaceport in Hainan province, deploying the 18th group of low-orbit satellites for China's State-owned satellite internet network. These satellites were designed and developed by the China Academy of Space Technology. With their deployment, the State-run mega internet satellite network now has more than 140 satellites operating in low orbits. The Long March 8A model, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, is 50.5 meters tall, and it has a core booster and two side boosters. The carrier rocket has a liftoff weight of 371 tons and a liftoff thrust of about 480 tons. It is mainly tasked with placing satellites in sun-synchronous orbits, and is capable of transporting payloads weighing up to 7 tons to a typical sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 700 kilometers. This was the seventh time a Long March 8A rocket deployed low-orbit internet satellites. Last year, China conducted 93 space missions, setting a new national record for orbital launches in a single year. Observers said that 2026 will also be a busy year for China's space industry, with several launches scheduled before the end of January. The Chang'e 7, a key mission in the fourth phase of the country's lunar exploration project, is scheduled for launch this year. According to the China National Space Administration, the robotic probe is designed to land on the moon's south pole, and it will survey the surface environment, search for ice and volatile components in lunar soil, and carry out high-precision detection and analysis of lunar terrain, its composition and structure. Program planners said the Chang'e 7 spacecraft will consist of an orbiter, a lander, a rover and a small flying probe capable of reaching lunar pits to search for ice. This year, two manned missions the Shenzhou XXIII and the Shenzhou XXIV are also expected to take place to make crew shifts aboard the Tiangong space station. One of the three Shenzhou XXIII crew members will stay a whole year aboard the space station, attempting the longest orbital journey by any Chinese astronaut. Industry insiders said it is highly likely that a Pakistani astronaut will participate in a flight to Tiangong this year, and will become the first foreign national aboard the Chinese space station. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) This is the dramatic moment sparklers ignited a fire at a trendy Madrid restaurant over the weekend - less than two weeks after a deadly blaze at a Swiss bar also linked to pyrotechnics. The inferno broke out on Saturday night at Fanatico, a fashionable restaurant in the centre of the Spanish capital, and was extinguished in about eight seconds using fire extinguishers, restaurant operator GLH Singular Restaurants said in a statement. Footage shows a curtain catching fire as diners waved lit sparklers while dancers performed as part of a circus-themed show. A waiter is seen quickly intervening with an extinguisher to put out the flames. No injuries and no structural damage to the establishment were reported. In response, GLH Singular Restaurants said it had decided to permanently ban the use of any pyrotechnic elements at its venues. The incident follows a fire at a crowded bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana during New Year celebrations that killed 40 people and injured 116 others. Initial investigations suggest the blaze was caused by sparklers igniting soundproofing foam installed on the ceiling of the bar's basement. A fire broke out on Saturday night at Fanatico restaurant in Madrid after sparklers set some curtains alight Footage shows a curtain catching fire in front of terrified diners The inferno broke out on Saturday night at Fanatico, a fashionable restaurant in the centre of the Spanish capital. Pictured: The exterior of Fanatico in central Madrid Horrific new details of the basement fire in Le Constellation, in the ski resort of Crans Montana, were released on Monday, as its owner, 49-year-old Jacques Moretti, prepared to appear in court. He is in custody and facing a range of charges, including manslaughter by negligence, along with his wife and co-owner, Jessica Moretti, 40. Investigators have now established that 34 of those who died in the early hours of January 1 perished on the cramped stairwell that led up from the basement, which had been narrowed by two-thirds by its owner. This amounts to 85 per cent of the dead, said one enquiry source. They were trapped on the tiny staircase as everyone fought to get out, but they were unable to escape. Many were forced back into the basement when the stairwell became completely overcrowded and fell apart. It had been significantly reduced in size by the owners. Swiss law enforcement officers found numerous bodies at the bottom of the staircase after the wooden steps and handrails collapsed. The fire is believed to have been caused when staff waved champagne bottles plugged with sparklers close to the ceiling. Investigators believe it then rapidly developed into a 'flashover' - likely igniting much of the venue in seconds and rendering escape almost impossible. High quality photographs show the very first moments of the Swiss Constellation Bar fire in Crans-Montana, where 40 people died on New Year's Eve Footage shows flames ripping through the Crans-Montana club as revellers continue singing, dancing and shouting - unaware they are already trapped in extreme danger They are now examining whether the soundproof material used on the ceiling of the bar conforms to safety measures. Former staff have also claimed that safety standards at the club were poor, alleging that fire extinguishers were kept under lock and key and that the bar's emergency exit was often locked. Speaking at a press conference five days after the tragedy, Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud said that no periodic safety inspections had been carried out since 2019 at Le Constellation. He said: 'We are profoundly sorry. We did not have an indication that the checks had not been done. 'We regret that - we owe it to the families, and we will accept the responsibility.' The mayor also confirmed he would not be resigning, telling reporters that he and his officials were elected by the people of Crans-Montana and that they have to be there to help residents. Mr Feraud said that the soundproof foam used in the bar was considered acceptable at the time. All sparkler candles have now been banned inside venues, the mayor added. Sparklers in a cake that was left suspended from the ceiling of a hotel during a wedding in Italy caused the building to go up in flames On December 27, around 200 party guests were left fleeing from the Kristal Palace Hotel in Avellino, after sparks released from fountain candles placed in a wedding cake caused the building to catch fire Footage of the incident captured the orange flames ripping through the hotel while thick black smoke poured out of the entrance and drifted towards the sky The blaze at the Madrid restaurant also comes after a sparklers in a cake that was left suspended from the ceiling of a hotel during a wedding in Italy caused a building to go up in flames. The incident took place just days before the fatal New Year's Swiss ski resort fire, allegedly triggered by sparklers in champagne bottles that ignited foam soundproof cladding in the ceiling. On December 27, around 200 party guests were left fleeing from the Kristal Palace Hotel in Avellino, after sparks released from fountain candles placed in a wedding cake caused the building to catch fire. According to local reports, the newlyweds had organised a sparkler display from their wedding cake before the cutting ceremony. However, rogue sparks hit ceiling decorations and surrounding curtains, causing the room to fill with smoke and flames. The blaze quickly spread from the wedding hall to the lobby, causing significant damage to the hotel and leaving the groom with second-degree burns to his right hand and head after he attempted to put out the flames. The man, whose identity has not yet been released, was rushed to Frangipane Hospital in Ariano Irpino for treatment. He was released later that night. Footage of the incident captured the orange flames ripping through the hotel while thick black smoke poured out of the entrance and drifted towards the sky. Within minutes, the hotel was engulfed in flames, and hotel staff urged terrified guests to evacuate. Firefighters from Ariano Irpino and Grottaminarda, along with several ambulances, arrived on site alongside the local police. Several party-goers suffered from minor smoke inhalation, but there were no reported casualties following the disaster. Suspended Ford worker TJ Sabula has the backing of his union, members of Congress, and a lucrative GoFundMe after he was given the middle finger by Donald Trump for calling him a 'pedophile protector.' Sabula, 40, was suspended but said he had 'no regrets' after the tiff with Trump at a factory in Michigan on Tuesday. UAW Local 600 leadership told the Daily Mail they have Sabula's back and accused the president of having subjected him 'to vulgar language.' '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 anyone including the President of the United States,' they said in a statement. 'The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting union 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.' Sabula was acting 'as an individual, exercising his rights as both a worker and a citizen' and will make certain his rights are upheld. Two separate GoFundMe pages were started on behalf of Sabula and have raised over $600,000 in less than 24 hours, with organizers of one closing it down. Democrat Congressman Pat Ryan of New York called Sabula 'a f**king American hero' when asked about the situation. Suspended Ford worker TJ Sabula has the backing of his union, members of Congress and a lucrative Gofundme after he was given the middle finger by Donald Trump for calling him a 'pedophile protector' Sabula, 40, was suspended but said he had 'no regrets' after the tiff with Trump at a factory in Michigan on Tuesday 'He is exercising his First Amendment rights and his rights as a hardworking union member to speak truth to power. So we're proud of him. We stand with him,' he told Meidas Touch. 'And you saw how the president responded. He showed exactly how he's treated workers despite his rhetoric. He is essentially, you know, in real life giving the middle finger to working-class Americans despite his promises.' Leftist Congresswoman Rashida Tliab, who represents the district Dearborn is in in Congress, said she agreed with Sabula. 'He's right. The president is, in fact, protecting pedophiles. Don't come to my district and expect a warm welcome. Release the Epstein files!' Ford spokesperson David Tovar downplayed the incident in a statement to The Daily Mail. 'We had a great event yesterday and we're proud of how our employees represented Ford,' he said. 'We've seen the clip you're referring to. 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.' Sabula, a line worker, was given the penalty after Trump cursed him out and gave him the middle finger while touring the factory. UAW Local 600 leadership told The Daily Mail they have Sabula's back and accused the president of having subjected him 'to vulgar language' Democrat Congressman Pat Ryan (pictured) of New York called Sabula 'a f**king American hero' when asked about the situation 'As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever,' Sabula told the outlet. 'I dont 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.' A video shows the president walking across a gangway as he points to a heckler below, mouthing, 'F*** you.' Trump then gives Sabula the middle finger as he walks away. Earlier, the heckler could be heard calling the president a 'pedophile protector', an apparent reference to the Jeffrey Epstein saga. '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 told the Daily Mail. A teenager accused of amassing an 'arsenal of weapons' in preparation for a terrorist attack on a synagogue stored Nazi memorabilia in his cottage bedroom, a court heard on Wednesday. The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is said to have been filled with 'hate and racism' and joined a banned neo-Nazi group which encouraged its followers to ignite a race war. He was arrested in February last year at the cottage he shared with his father in Northumberland while wearing his school uniform, Leeds Crown Court was told. On the second day of his trial on Wednesday, jurors were shown images of the boy's bedroom which had an air rifle hanging on the wall and an air shotgun with the words 'natural selection' and 'George Floyd' scrawled on the barrel, in reference to the black man murdered by a white police officer in Minneapolis in 2020. A crossbow was also found on top of a set of shelves. Jurors were also shown an image taken from a video downloaded to the teenager's laptop which showed a male wearing a skull mask, hat and goggles and holding a rifle. At the end of the video clip, the figure puts a magazine into the firearm and aims it directly at the camera. Also found in the room were five knives, two military tactical vests, military helmets, two skull masks, a German military jacket and a Nazi SS officer's cap. The court had earlier heard that the schoolboy had researched a synagogue in Newcastle as a potential target for a far-right attack and had joined a 'neo-Nazi paramilitary hate group' called The Base. The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is said to have been filled with 'hate and racism' and joined a banned neo-Nazi group which encouraged its followers to ignite a race war In his room, five knives, two military tactical vests, military helmets, two skull masks, a German military jacket and a Nazi SS officer's cap were found Pictured: The Nazi SS officer's cap that was found in the room and shown to the court Opening the case to the jury, prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC said: 'He believed in a race war, in white supremacy and he planned to carry out acts of terrorism in furtherance of his beliefs.' On Wednesday, the court heard that police found a diary belonging to the teen in which he described how he was bullied at school and hated by female pupils. In one entry, written on January 30 2023, when he was aged 13, the boy wrote: 'I swear to God I hate my f**king school. 'I want to do horrible things to the people in my school. They are just stupid, loud and just overall obnoxious npcs [non-playing characters]. Some of them should be shot.' He went on to list a 'Mass Murder Ranking' topped by Anders Breivik who killed 77 people in Norway, writing: 'Ultimately he the best he killed the most amount of people to get his point across to people in the world.' Second on the list were Columbine High School shooters Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, who killed 14 people. He wrote: 'They had an amazing plan but they could've and should've killed more.' In another entry he wrote: 'In other terms I'm angry because I know that I will never have a girlfriend.' The bedroom in the home in Northumberland of a 16-year-old boy accused of plotting a terror attack on local synagogues The 16-year-old was arrested in February last year at the cottage he shared with his father in Northumberland while wearing his school uniform, Leeds Crown Court was told. Pictured: A spent cartridge containing white powder found in the home The court has heard that on December 22, 2024, a few days after turning 15, the youth used the Amazon website to purchase potassium nitrate powder and watched a video on how to make black powder explosives. Later that month, he researched Brenton Tarrant, who shot dead 51 worshipers at two mosques in Christchurch New Zealand and then went on to look up a synagogue in Newcastle. On New Year's Eve 2024, he looked for homemade .22 ammunition and a 3D printed firearm known as an FGC-9. Detective Sergeant Jonathan Garrad was among the officers who carried out the raid on the boy's home. Asked what the teenager, then aged 15, did after his arrest, the officer told the court: 'He put his head in his hands, bent over and shook his head.' Frida Hussain KC, defending, asked if the boy looked 'shocked and helpless.' DS Garrad said: 'That's what I have written in my statement, yes.' The youth denies preparing acts of terrorism, membership of a proscribed terrorist organisation, possession of terrorist documents and dissemination of terrorist documents. The trial continues. Nigel Farage is to launch an immediate legal bid to prevent dozens of councils scrapping elections due to be held in May. Ministers announced last month that they were inviting councils in areas undergoing local government reorganisation to postpone their elections. The move triggered an angry backlash, with critics accusing Keir Starmer of 'running scared of voters' ahead of elections in May in which Labour is expected to get a bloody nose. At least 30 councils, covering a combined population of more than five million people, are thought to have applied for a postponement ahead of Wednesday night's deadline. Mr Farage who said the plans were worthy of a 'banana republic' is expected to launch High Court proceedings today to get the decision overturned. The Reform UK leader, whose party is likely to be the biggest loser from any delay, said he was 'primed and ready' to seek a judicial review of the Government's plans. 'We're about settling our arguments at the ballot box,' he said. 'We have this so we that we don't have to fight each other. That principle is what generations that went before gave so much to defend and if the others won't fight it, we will.' He said the delays were 'the actions, not just of a Labour government, but with the connivance of the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. Denying elections is the behaviour of a banana republic.' Ballot boxer: Nigel Farage said court action is needed to protect the right to vote that previous generations fought for Local government minister Alison McGovern said some councils were 'anxious' about trying to hold elections while undergoing reorganisation Ministers invited 63 councils undergoing reorganisation to delay elections. In some cases, elections could be postponed for a second year running. The deadline for applications was midnight on Wednesday and at least 30, mostly Labour councils, are thought to have applied. Around two-thirds of the councils involved are controlled by Labour, including Blackburn, Preston, Exeter, and Thurrock. May's local elections are widely seen as a litmus test for Sir Keir's stuttering leadership. Delays could deprive Reform UK of the chance to gain further political momentum against both Labour and the Conservatives. But they could also limit Labour's losses and boost Sir Keir's chances of survival. The list of councils seeking delays also includes some large Tory-controlled councils, such as East Sussex, West Sussex and Suffolk and Lib Dem-run Cheltenham. Local government minister Alison McGovern defended the move last month, saying many councils had 'expressed anxiety about their capacity to deliver a smooth and safe transition to new councils, alongside running resource-intensive elections to councils proposed to be shortly abolished'. But a government source on Wednesday said it was 'sensible' to allow councils facing a shake-up to avoid costly and 'unnecessary' elections. '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,' the source said. '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.' A third of the councils are two-tier authorities which face being converted into unitaries. A source said merging them would reduce the number of councillors by 5,000 and get rid of 120 senior executive roles, producing significant savings. But the Electoral Commission has said the delays are not justified and warned they risked 'damaging public confidence'. The watchdog, which oversees elections in the UK, said it did not think 'capacity constraints are a legitimate reason for delaying long-planned elections'. Vijay Rangarajan, the watchdog's chief executive, said there was also 'a clear conflict of interest in asking existing councils to decide how long it will be before they are answerable to voters'. She is the Labour donor who has just been nominated for a peerage by Sir Keir Starmer. This is a remarkable decision, given that just before Christmas she admitted to being misleading about her qualifications and, in a separate case, runs a foundation now being investigated by the Charity Commission. But that isn't the limit of Dame Ann Limb's current achievements. I can disclose that her membership of the illustrious Athenaeum the London club known for bishops, boffins and brainpower is no more. 'Her membership has ended, but I don't know in what manner,' an Athenaeum habitue tells me, explaining that Dame Ann's future at the St James's institution had been in doubt ever since it emerged she wrongly claimed she had a PhD. It's a stunning reversal of fortune for Limb, 72, who has so far bunged the Labour Party some 50,000. Until 2024, she was the Athenaeum's chairman the latest and most exalted of a series of positions she's held at the club. But her departure has, I'm afraid, done little to bring relief to Dame Ann's successor in the hot seat: Sir Philip May, husband of former Conservative prime minister Theresa. 'The club authorities are refusing to make any statement,' says a member. They explain that, in consequence, it is unknown whether Dame Ann resigned of her own volition, after Sir Philip had a quiet word with her over coffee, or was expelled. Dame Ann Limb's membership of the illustrious Athenaeum the London club known for bishops, boffins and brainpower is no more 'Many are furious with Philip May because they believe that his refusal to make a statement is bringing the club into disrepute,' one of the disgruntled crowd tells me. But Sir Philip's difficulties are less acute than those now faced by Dame Ann, who, since 2021, has also chaired the City & Guilds of London Institute. The institute is now being investigated by the Charity Commission after being accused of making financial incentives to its executives, encouraging them to sell part of the organisation in a deal which led to the CEO pocketing 1.74million and the CFO 1.2million. Dame Ann holds neither of these positions. A charity spokesman said: 'We remain confident that all actions taken by the trustees have been proper, transparent and in line with our charitable purpose.' Dame Ann declined to comment, as did Sir Philip. Yet I'm intrigued to see that her Who's Who entry last updated on December 1 lists not only her fictional PhD but also an MA, albeit not from the Institute of Linguists, where she previously claimed she had earned an MA, but from Liverpool University. Tory peer Michael Forsyth, who has beaten ex-ballerina Deborah Bull to become Lord Speaker, is not a man naively to trust. Some years ago a new minister, Nick True, was about to make his debut in the Upper House. Pleased to see that the first question was to be from party colleague Forsyth, he gushed: 'I'm glad it's you asking it.' Forsyth replied: 'Yes, yes, good.' Come the event, as True relates: 'He asked me a right b*****d.' Mia and the 'lethal' stately staircase Mia McKenna-Bruce stars in Netflix's adaptation of Agatha Christie's The Seven Dials Mystery The 28-year-old stumbled down the 'lethal' staircase at Badminton House, Gloucestershire Rising star Mia McKenna-Bruce didn't realise she was dicing with real danger when she agreed to play the lead in Netflix's adaptation of Agatha Christie's The Seven Dials Mystery. The 28-year-old actress broke her right foot stumbling down the 'lethal' staircase at Badminton House, Gloucestershire. 'As soon as I walked into Badminton, I thought that floor was over-polished,' says co-star Helena Bonham Carter during an event at the British Library in London. She claims the Duke of Beaufort, who owns the house, above, doesn't even use the staircase because it's so dangerous. And Harry Potter star Helena, 59, says she also slipped. 'The staircase attacked us. They are lethal,' she adds. The duke declined to comment. Hailed as a trailblazer after becoming the first stand-up comic with ataxic cerebral palsy, Rosie Jones has found herself under attack from GB News star Adam Brooks. 'Most won't say, but I will. I find her impossible to watch,' the Essex-based publican says. 'I struggle to understand her, and I don't find her jokes funny at all.' He adds: 'All this attention seems to have gone to her head. 'Let's be honest now, half the people clapping loudly, virtue-signalling loudly about her, are doing so to look like amazing and edgy people.' Rosie, who has appeared on television shows including Live At The Apollo and Channel 4's 8 Out Of 10 Cats, declined to respond. Why Forbes is back in a swimsuit for her super 60s Emma Forbes once swore she'd never wear a bikini again after 55. But now she's 60, the broadcaster feels more confident than she did 20 years ago. Posing on a beach in a black swimsuit for an online post, Emma revealed her sculpted figure is the result of a year-long commitment to nutrition and exercise. 'It's been one hell of a journey,' she says. 'I wish I hadn't waited until my 60th year but better late than never.' On her health regime, Emma, adds: 'I wanted to do it through nutrition and exercise, but as a lifestyle change not a passing fad. It's become my total, utter passion trained as a nutritionist not to practise but to fuel my knowledge. 'I feel better at 60 than I did at 40 or 50.' Turning 90 this year, eccentric actor and explorer Brian Blessed announces optimistic plans for his fourth expedition up Mount Everest. 'I'm very fit and good at altitude,' the Flash Gordon star bellows. 'It doesn't bother me and I'm bench pressing 300lb in the gym. It's my love of life. I'm planning to climb Everest again this coming summer.' His last attempt in 1996, without supplemental oxygen, saw him climb 25,200ft without reaching the summit. Also passionate about space travel, Blessed adds: 'I'm working on a film encouraging people to go to Mars...we belong out there and not just here.' Seattle's new 43-year-old woke mayor was slapped with a fine after failing to report more than $10,000 she took from her parents during her campaign. Katie Wilson took office on January 2 with the promise of 'Trump-proofing' Seattle. She beat out sitting mayor Bruce Harrell with a campaign focused on housing costs and climate action. While on the campaign trail, Wilson admitted to taking handouts from her New York professor parents to pay for her daughter's childcare. The financial support turned out to have repercussions as the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission slapped her with a $250 fine in December. According to the mayor, her parents gave her the money to allow for more flexibility to campaign. 'Before I decided to run for office, my husband and I were just kind of juggling our kid back and forth,' Wilson said per the commission's filing. 'We didn't have her in daycare because it's so expensive. But then when I decided to run, we're like, we really need childcare.' Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson was fined after failing to report more than $10,000 in campaign contributions from her parents Wilson came under scrutiny for accepting money from her parents for her daughter's childcare The Seattle Ethics and Elections Commissions ruled it was campaign money and therefore should have been declared with campaign contributions. An initial complaint on the now-Mayor's finances was submitted on October 28, stating that she had violated the city's contribution limit. 'Katie Wilson has received contributions that exceed Seattle's contribution limit under SMC 2.04.260,' it reportedly stated. The penalty was imposed in November, and may have been more, had the campaign team not been compliant with the commission, according to the Seattle Times. Wilson, who now earns $230,000 a year as mayor, paid the fine promptly before the December 31 deadline. When Martin's parental allowance came to light during her campaign in November, critics worried Wilson would be unable to speak for working-class Seattle residents if she relied on assistance from her well-off parents. Wilson reportedly promptly paid her $250 fine and complied with the commission 'Seattle socialist Mayoral candidate Katie Wilson is 43 years old and still cashing checks from her parents, and she wants to run the city budget?' taunted right-wing Seattle radio host Ari Hoffman. 'Her parents pay her bills, and she wants us to pay her salary. Thats peak Seattle socialism.' But the 'socialist' mayor has used accusations to shed light on just how expensive childcare and cost of living are in Seattle. 'I was talking on the campaign about how so many young families are leaving the city because they can't afford the cost of living here,' she told the South Seattle Emerald. 'I have friends whose parents watch their kid three days a week. There's lots of in-kind help and financial help that family and friends provide, if they can afford it. It's not an unusual situation by any means.' Wilson said her situation was indicative of a larger issue on cost of living in Seattle Daycare for her two-year-old daughter reportedly cost approximately $2,200 per month, according to NPR affiliate KUOW. 'They send me a check periodically to help with the child care expenses,' she told the outlet last October, admitting the money arrived every few months. The average cost for childcare in Washington is well over the national average at more than $14,000 per year. When she was elected in November, Wilson cheekily bit back at her critics. 'After much deliberation and a grueling interview process, I'm pleased to announce that I've accepted a new job and will not need any financial support from my parents to cover the high costs of childcare going forward,' she wrote on X. The Daily Mail contacted the Seattle Mayor's Office for comment. Bill Gates intends to lay off as many as 500 staff over the next five years at The Gates Foundation just days after it was revealed he handed ex-wife Melinda $8billion after they divorced over his rumored friendship with Jeffrey Epstein. The Gates Foundation announced on Wednesday a record-breaking $9billion spent in 2026 as it ramps up efforts in the global health sphere and addressing poverty after major cuts to government spending by the Trump administration. But at the same time, it will begin to reduce staff headcounts by up to 500 people over the next five years after the board introduced a cap on operating costs, impacting staffing, salaries, facilities and travel expenses. These expenses must not exceed $1.25billion - about 14 percent of the foundation's budget. To meet that goal, the foundation must cut up to 500 of its 2,375 staff positions by 2030, including some open roles that may remain unfilled. The effort to reduce expenses will be done incrementally and reviewed annually rather than coming in 'a big wave,' foundation CEO Mark Suzman told the Chronicle of Philanthropy. 'We will do this thoughtfully, carefully, and systematically,' he said. 'We'll be recalibrating it every year. That 500-person target is a maximum target. I very much hope that we won't have to do it as large as that number.' Bill Gates intends to lay off as many as 500 staff over the next five years at The Gates Foundation just days after it was revealed he handed ex-wife Melinda $8billion after they divorced over his rumoured friendship with Jeffrey Epstein Gates' friendship with the pedophile was thrust back into the spotlightin December after he was seen in a photograph with Epstein in a tranche of evidence from the pedophile's estate According to Suzman, the board had concerns about rapidly rising expenditures and wanted to ensure the foundation was spending money prudently and dedicating as many resources as possible to the people who need them. The foundation intends to ramp up spending on programs dedicated to women's health, vaccine development, polio eradication, AI, and US education. It comes after The New York Times last week revealed Gates made a $7.88billion donation to his ex-wife Melinda's Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation in 2024. Melinda resigned from The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that they ran together in May 2024 after separating from the Microsoft tycoon over his rumored closeness to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Gates' friendship with the pedophile was thrust back into the spotlight in December after he was seen in a photograph with Epstein in a tranche of evidence from the pedophile's estate. In undated images from the tranche, Gates was pictured with two women whose faces were blurred. An additional picture reveals that Epstein kept a framed photo of Gates on the wall at his mansion on his private island. Gates was also pictured standing alongside Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew. Join the debate Should billionaires cut jobs while giving away billions to family and philanthropy? Melinda resigned from The Bill and Melinda GatesFoundation that they ran togetherin May 2024 after separating from the Microsoft tycoon over his rumoured closeness to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein Bill and Melinda Gates pictured together in Sun Valley, Utah, in 2015. The couple split six years later with Bill recently donating another $8billion to his wife's foundation Melinda had previously suggested her ex donate $12.5billion to her new foundation which works to advance social progress for women. A representative for women's advocacy group Pivotal confirmed to the Times that the $12.5billion agreement had been fulfilled, and the nearly $8billion donation was part of that agreement. The donation was listed on his 2025 tax filing, but it is unclear how the rest of the $12.5billion agreement was split and where the donations were made. Melinda married Gates in 1994 and split with him in 2021 after the couple had three children together. While very few details of their split have been made public, she has previously admitted that her ex-husband's friendship with disgraced pedophile financier Epstein was a driving factor. In May, Gates announced that he will give away 99 per cent of his immense fortune in the coming years, leaving one per cent for himself and his children. He vowed to shutter the Gates Foundation by December 31, 2045, effectively ending a lifelong project, to achieve his goal of giving away his multi-billion fortune. Gates and Melinda share three adult children, Phoebe, Jennifer, and Rory (pictured left to right) The tech mogul plans to distribute 'virtually all' of his wealth, approximately $200 billion, within the next 20 years. Bill will hold onto just one percent of his fortune - which still equals out to an estimated $1.62 billion. He has three adult children he shares with Melinda - Phoebe, Rory, and Jennifer - who will most likely inherit the remaining millions in cash Gates has upon his death. The Gates Foundation is the world's largest foundation to decide to close. A retired police officer has claimed the Bondi terrorist attack was a tragedy waiting to happen after his pleas for stricter gun ownership fell on deaf ears years earlier. Former senior constable Wayne Jackson spent the last nine years of his 30-year career at the NSW Firearms Registry, where he served as an active duty officer. During his time in the role, he expressed concerns about the thousands of guns being approved for civilian ownership by registry staff. NSW Premier Chris Minns urgently recalled parliament just before Christmas to pass stricter gun laws in the wake of the massacre on December 14. Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, killing 15 innocent people. Sajid held a valid firearm licence and owned six guns. As mourners returned to Bondi on Tuesday to mark the one-month anniversary, Mr Jackson lifted the lid on internal failings at the NSW Firearms Registry. He fought back tears while recalling his fears that a tragedy like the Bondi massacre was inevitable after authorities ignored his calls for reform. Retired senior constable Wayne Jackson spent almost a decade at the NSW Firearms Registry The retired cop believes that the Bondi terror attack was an avoidable tragedy 'It broke my heart. Very heartbreaking and frustrating,' he told A Current Affair. 'My greatest fear, which was clearly what occurred with Bondi We talked about it a lot... when, where, how it was going to happen. What's the effect going to be? 'It was always going to happen and the writing has been on the wall for years.' Mr Jackson claimed that many gun licences were effectively rubber stamped. One in every 30 Australians has a gun licence, with four million registered firearms between them. One quarter of those guns are in New South Wales. Mr Jackson said too much of the process of procuring a firearm was being done by automated systems rather than a human, creating gaps. 'The people casting eyes over these applications - and in turn, issuing the licences - is not there,' he explained. Naveed Akram, 24, (pictured) and his father Sajid allegedly opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, killing 15 innocent lives Mr Jackson said the Firearms Registry is the only body that can actually do the revocation of licences. The police in the field can't do it.' 'When the police go out, they find that the house could be next to an OMCG (outlaw motorcycle gang) chapter headquarters, it could be next to a primary school, it could be next to a street where there's lots of break-ins and domestic violence,' he said. 'It's then that they (police) actually see these things and they become alert of what's going on but it's too late. They've already got their licence and they've already got their gun. The internal processes at the registry also impacted Mr Jackson's role in investigating firearms dealers and collectors. 'In nearly nine years, (I) never went to a firearms dealer without an issue. And that's including missing firearms,' he said. 'I feel that not one of my reports in nine years ever left that office ever.' In one investigation of a gun museum in the Blue Mountains, Mr Jackson noted in his report that the safe storage of firearms was deemed inadequate and posed a significant risk to the state government. Years later, the museum was allegedly broken into and had more than $200,000 worth of antique firearms stolen in 'exactly' the way Mr Jackson had predicted. The Bondi terrorist attack sparked stricter gun reforms in NSW NSW now has the toughest firearm ownership laws in the country in the wake of recently passed reforms, according to Acting NSW Police Minister Paul Scully. Mr Scully admitted that licence processing delays were not uncommon prior to the current Minns government being elected in 2023. 'With new legislation introduced following the Bondi terror attack, we have made it clear we will significantly uplift the Firearms Registry so it can do the critical work required to keep the community safe, including ongoing reviews of licence holders,' the police minister said. 'Under our reforms, firearms licences will be renewed every two years instead of every five, requiring licensees to reprove their genuine reason for holding a firearm.' An 'evil' tradie is behind bars after he raped a 75-year-old customer in her home, blaming his wife because she wouldn't have sex with him. The electrician even asked his wife to give evidence in his defence in court, but it didn't save him despite his partner claiming he was 'loving and respectful'. Amol Vijay Dhumal, 45, was found guilty of sexual intercourse without consent in September after raping the woman in her Mount Colah home in north-western Sydney in 2024. Dhumal was sent to her house to install solar panels on April 22, 2024, where he asked her who she lived with. The woman told him she lived alone before he hugged her and tried to kiss her, saying she reminded him of his mother. She rejected him and told him to leave, which he did with a fellow tradie. Dhumal was back at her house two days later, however, to fix a problem with her power, and it was then he asked her about her children, and how often they came around to visit. Dhumal told the woman his wife never had sex with him, and grabbed the 75-year-old again, trying to drag her into the bedroom. The woman was raped in her lounge room by tradie Amol Vijay Dhumal who was over to fix solar panels The rape occurred in Mount Colah in north-western Sydney in 2024 Judge Craig Everson SC sentenced Dhumal to five years in prison and will be eligible for parole in April 2030. 'You've got to be kidding,' the woman said at the time. Dhumal then attacked her and raped her in her lounge room, causing injury. Judge Craig Everson SC said: 'I'm satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Dhumal asked those questions to ascertain the extent to which he would be detected raping the victim in the minutes that followed.' The woman was too traumatised to be in court with the rapist as Dhumal was sentenced last week. But she wrote a victim impact statement, which said she had been 'not living, but only existing' since the attack. 'This is the most torturous tragedy of my life. I'm in prison in my own home,' she wrote. She said she still lives in fear despite the fact her attacker is behind bars. The woman said she had always given her time to volunteer causes and supported multiculturalism in her community, but after the attack she had 'withdrawn from it all.' Dhumal told NSW police she was a liar who was trying to set him up for the rape 'This home is supposed to give me the security, peace and lasting good memories but now it is a horror tragic place to live,' she wrote. 'I now bolt all the windows and doors and feel so alarmed that out there someone knows I live alone and will just come in again and harm me.' Dhumal's wife, Gauri, was in court for her husband's sentencing, and although she didn't want to comment on the rape, she told the court: 'My husband is loving and respectful.' The court heard Dhumal was remorseless, and the judge said it was 'ludicrous' to think he wasn't at risk of raping again. His victim described him as a 'very evil person who has a very evil mind, evil heart, an evil and filthy mouth.' Soon after the 75-year-old woman reported the rape, Dhumal told police she was a 'liar' who was trying to set him up because he did not answer a phone call from her. 'The fact that he denies the offence and shows no remorse suggests to me that he is at risk of reoffending, at the very least because he's not able to grasp what properly involves consent,' Judge Everson said. Dhumal was sentenced to five years in prison and will be eligible for parole in April 2030. He has lodged an appeal but will stay in jail until his appeal is determined. READ MORE: Albo signs off on 43 PER CENT pay rise for government lawyers One Nation leader Pauline Hanson has launched a fierce attack on the Albanese Government's proposed hate speech laws, warning they could criminalise expressions of national pride - including saying, 'Australia is the best country in the world.' Senator Hanson criticised the nearly 500-page Bill, which the Government plans to introduce to Parliament following the Bondi Beach terror attack. Under the proposed reforms, a new offence would be added to the Criminal Code, carrying a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment for publicly promoting or inciting racial hatred. The Government says the legislation is necessary to address rising extremist rhetoric and online radicalisation. But Hanson warned the laws were overly broad and could capture ordinary political debate about culture, immigration, and national identity. She pointed to a provision in the Bill that outlaws the dissemination of 'ideas of superiority' based on race, colour, or national or ethnic origin. 'It could make someone saying "Australia is the best country in the world" a criminal, subject to five years in prison,' Hanson said. 'Australians will be stripped of their freedom of speech, opinion, and the ability to express pride in their culture and nationality.' Pauline Hanson (right) warned the new laws would make it illegal to show national pride Pauline Hanson (pictured) and One Nation are set to oppose the laws when voted on next week Hanson argued the Bill's definitions of 'intimidation,' 'fear,' and 'hatred' were vague and expansive, meaning routine commentary could fall foul of the law. The legislation would penalise conduct intended to promote hatred toward a person or group based on race, colour, or national or ethnic origin, and ban the sharing of ideas deemed to assert superiority on those grounds. Hanson asked: 'Will flying the Australian flag be an offence as well? That's disseminating ideas of superiority - 'the best' - over a group of people based on their national origin,' she said. Hanson said advocating for policies such as banning the burqa or criticising the immigration program could also be captured under the new laws. 'Criticising the immigration program would probably be an offence because that may cause migrants to feel intimidated because of their national origin.' She accused the Government of rushing the Bill through Parliament without proper scrutiny or consultation. 'These laws have been rushed with inadequate consultation with organisations, politicians, national security agencies and the general public,' Hanson said. 'The Prime Minister wants to appear to have Australians' concerns at heart, but when the public has less than two days to make a submission to a snap inquiry, it's obvious he is not interested in what you have to say.' An Australian teenager has been accused of making hoax calls to US emergency services about mass shootings at schools and retail outlets. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said they were tipped off by the FBI about an Australian-based member of a shadowy, decentralised online crime network linked to the dangerous phenomenon known as 'swatting.' Swatting involves making fake emergency calls to provoke armed police raids and emergency deployments, a crime authorities warn can have deadly consequences. When AFP officers raided a regional NSW home in December, they seized multiple electronic devices and a firearm. The teenage boy now faces serious charges, including 12 counts of using a telecommunications network to commit a serious offence and conveying false information about danger. He also faces a firearm possession charge that carries a maximum penalty of 14 years behind bars. He was due to appear in a NSW Children's Court on Tuesday. Acting AFP Assistant Commissioner Graeme Marshall said the case highlights the global reach and devastating impact of online crime networks. Electronic devices were seized from a home in regional NSW as part of the investigation 'This young individual allegedly caused widespread alarm and turmoil to thousands of people, businesses and services in the US, resulting in significant financial and emotional harm,' Marshall said. 'These perpetrators, often young males aged from 11-25, are engaging in crime types such as swatting, doxxing and hacking to achieve status, notoriety and recognition in their online groups. 'In this investigation, a young boy from regional NSW allegedly caused widespread alarm and turmoil to thousands of people, businesses and services in the United States, resulting in significant financial implications.' The AFP said it was working closely with international law enforcement partners, including the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, Australia, the US, UK, Canada, and New Zealand, under Taskforce Pompilid, launched in October 2025 to dismantle decentralised online crime networks. FBI Assistant Director Jason A. Kaplan warned that swatting is 'a dangerous and disruptive crime that endangers lives and drains critical emergency resources.' 'The FBI views swatting as a dangerous and disruptive crime that endangers lives and drains critical emergency resources,' he said. 'This case demonstrates that anonymity online is an illusion.' AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said members of the network are 'cowards' and are typically young males from English-speaking countries with common beliefs in violent extremism, nihilism, Nazism, Satanism and sadism. The boy has also been charged with having a prohibited firearm 'Members of this decentralised online criminal network are cowards who hide in the dark corners of the internet and partake in criminal activities,' she said. 'These online criminals believe they can hide online and commit abhorrent crimes with no repercussions for the pain caused from behind a keyboard.' A furious ANZ customer whose access to her bank account was blocked after she refused to answer privacy questions has taken matters into her own hands. TikTok user @auroracrystalsbyambre said she planned on withdrawing all her money from her ANZ account after she refused to fill out the Know Your Customer survey. 'So, you think you can turn my money off? I will be here (ATM) every day, getting my money out,' she said. 'My bank account was blocked by ANZ because I decided to not participate in the Know Your Customer. 'I rang up and got it unblocked for seven days but I still have to participate in the Know Your Customer and I haven't.' Know Your Customer (KYC) is what ANZ uses to identify who someone is and verify a customer's details. The bank says it is to protect customers from fraud and financial crime. 'Even if none of your details have changed, we're still required to confirm this information with you on an ongoing basis,' the ANZ website states. The Aussie woman said she was sick of constantly answering privacy questions from her bank 'I don't think it's right that they can block access to all of your money if you don't do what they want,' the woman continued. 'It's reminding me of "just wear a mask and it will be fine", "just use the QR code and it will be fine", "just use the hand sanitiser and it will be fine", "just take the vaccine and it will be fine". None of it was fine. 'I don't like where this is going with my money. I had no access to my money.' Once ANZ eventually allowed her seven-day access to her money, she said she moved it into another account so she could withdraw the cash. 'I need to run bank accounts with a maximum of $500 because there's no way I can lose access to all my money again,' she said. 'I was verified enough to open an account, I was verified enough to operate that account for five years and now they can turn my money off? That's not okay.' KYC is used for all customers, regardless of how long theyve been with the bank. An ANZ spokesperson told Daily Mail: 'Under regulatory guidelines, all Australian banks are required to verify and regularly update customer information to help prevent fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes. This process generally involves customers confirming or updating their details within a specified timeframe.' ANZ Bank says Know Your Customer can protect people and reduce the risk of fraud Online commenters broadly agreed that a little inconvenience in providing details was worthwhile to be protected from scammers. 'I don't understand. It's for your protection,' one person wrote in the comments. 'All banks are legally required to do this and it's to stop non-legitimate people (scammers) from being able to have bank accounts to hold and move scammed funds from legitimate people essentially it is being done to protect you and your money,' another said. In Australia, regulated companies must implement KYC checks in order to comply with regulations and avoid penalties. The questionnaire allows businesses to identify risks of money laundering while protecting the integrity of the financial system. The woman, however, didn't care about the bank or government's intentions. 'I'm tired of the government trying to protect me and keep me "safe",' she wrote. Others agreed it was an overreach for ANZ to block the woman's account. 'Soon as I got that email, I closed my account. It's none of their business about asking those certain questions about their customer,' one person wrote. 'Happened to me with NAB and had been with them for over 20 years,' another said. 'Every bank/financial institution is doing it. The federal government has regulated it,' a third person said. Go out. Just two simple words but for Rodney Johnstons terrified victim, they became a byword for horror. Spoken aloud by the 67-year-old several times a week, they formed the prelude to a grotesque ritual of brutality. The order to go out was the start of hours of abuse during which Johnston forced his victim to have sex with multiple men against her will. Many of the encounters staged in locations chosen for their secrecy, from secluded countryside dogging sites and anonymous hotel rooms to cars parked far from view involved up to 15 men, lasted for hours, and were filmed by Johnston for his gratification. Coerced into sex with at least 100 men although detectives believe the true figure could be closer to 1,000 the degradation inflicted by Johnston, from Starston, Norfolk, lasted decades. It finally ended earlier this month when he was found guilty at Norwich Crown Court of multiple offences, including procuring a woman to have sex by threats or intimidation and causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. Rape in all but name, as Judge Alice Robinson put it as she sentenced Johnston who throughout his seven-week trial denied all the charges and claimed the acts were consensual to life imprisonment following his convictions. That such sustained and calculated abuse could unfold in a small rural community has sent shockwaves through those who live there. Dominique Pelicot had for years been drugging his wife Gisele, pictured, before letting dozens of men rape her as she lay unconscious in their home But it has also brought with it grim echoes of another case one that caused global horror when it, too, was uncovered. In 2023, it emerged that Dominique Pelicot, an outwardly respectable French citizen, had for years been drugging his wife, Gisele, before letting dozens of men rape her as she lay unconscious in their home assaults he meticulously recorded on camera. This footage, discovered by police after Pelicot was arrested for an unrelated offence, proved his downfall. In the investigation that followed, prosecutors identified at least 50 men who had taken part in the abuse. They included firefighters, lorry drivers, soldiers, security guards, a journalist and a DJ a kaleidoscope of French society, as one of Gisele Pelicots lawyers, Antoine Camus, described them. In December 2024, following a lengthy trial, they were all found guilty of rape or sexual assault and received prison sentences ranging from three to 20 years. Dominique Pelicot himself received 20 years, the maximum sentence possible, after being found guilty of aggravated rape, attempted aggravated rape, and taking indecent images. The case a calculated crime committed by an outwardly loving husband who had exploited his wifes routines, vulnerabilities and fears, and compounded by the participation of apparently ordinary men prompted national soul-searching and global outrage. Many believed it to be a vile aberration. Gisele Pelicot did not. Having courageously waived her right to anonymity it is not for us to have shame, it is them, she declared she argued that what had happened to her was not a horrifying one-off, but a reflection of a wider rape culture embedded in society. And, horrifyingly, she may be right. Dominique Pelicot received a maximum of 20 years after being found guilty of aggravated rape, attempted aggravated rape and taking indecent images With several similar cases across Europe investigated or brought to trial in the past two years alone including that of Johnston the grim and deeply unsettling truth is this: the methodical, prolonged abuse of women by husbands, partners or close friends who orchestrate their rape is not an anomaly, but a pattern and one that appears to be accelerating in the West. The ones we know about may just be the tip of the iceberg, as Dr Harriet Garrod, a chartered counselling psychologist with forensic specialisations, puts it. There are lots of other cases like this that havent been publicly documented. A member of the British Psychological Society, Dr Garrod has spent 30 years working in mental health and forensic settings, including with police, prisons and psychiatric services, and says she has pretty much seen what there is to see in the human race. And what she has observed is a significant change in male behaviour over the past two decades. What once was very rare has become normalised, and its perpetuated by things like pornography, she explains. What Im seeing in my therapeutic work is a very obvious increase in misogyny, and in extreme expectations around sex and relationships. Repeatedly, she encounters a fixation on domination. Theres a lot around controlling women. A lot of extreme porn. A warped sense of what normal relationships look like and what normal sexual interaction looks like. Such attitudes, she says, have filtered into her professional environment. In forensic work, detailed assessments examining attitudes towards sex, women and control are sometimes required before one-to-one dealings with a client. Early in her career, such evaluations were rare. You might do one or two a year, only in the biggest cases, she says. Now we do them all the time. Rodney Johnston in a police mugshot. Detectives are now trying to track down the other men involved, captured in 30,000 images and videos kept by Johnston to document the abuse In the wider world, Dr Garrod believes the apparent rise in crimes like those of Pelicot and Johnston is partly a result of better detection improved data collection, more sophisticated digital forensics and a greater willingness among victims to come forward. But she also believes something deeper lies behind it, driven in part by the way the internet has transformed deviant fantasy into something accessible, communal and increasingly unbounded. Prior to the 1990s, people didnt know what they didnt know, she says. Now you can look up anything torture, any kind of sexual encounter you could imagine and youll find websites and communities that cater for it. And it is online that the connective tissue between these cases becomes impossible to ignore. A year-long investigation by German broadcaster ARD uncovered the existence of vast rape chats hosted on encrypted platforms such as Telegram. Some groups had as many as 70,000 members drawn from multiple countries. Within these digital spaces, men openly discussed how to rape and sexually assault women including wives, girlfriends and other family members all the while knowing their anonymity was guaranteed. Online, you can call yourself anything you like, Dr Garrod explains. You can meet anybody you like. And you can do anything you like. That gives people a false sense of power and freedom not accessible in real life. That much is evident from exchanges uncovered by police. In one, members swapped tips on how to sedate partners, sharing links to online shops selling drugs disguised as everyday products. Others posted images and videos of abuse, while in another exchange with chilling parallels to Pelicot, a German man described plans to drug his wife and offer her to other men. In Aachen, Germany, a 61-year-old Spanish national Fernando P was jailed after being found guilty of repeatedly drugging and raping his wife over six years Between 2018 and 2024, Fernando P filmed several assaults, uploading the footage to online platforms where it was shared with strangers In Johnstons case, he made connections through adult social networks and sent out bulk text messages to advertise times and places where men could have sex with his victim. Of course, bleak and unpalatable though it may be, not everyone who consumes extreme material will act on it. Doctor Garrod distinguishes between fantasists those who imagine but never cross the line and those who do. Thats the difference between having a conscience and not having a conscience, she says. Nonetheless, she believes repeated use of such platforms can fuel an addiction that dangerously blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. The more they engage in these chat rooms and websites, the closer they move towards acting out the fantasy, she says. For them, acting it out becomes the ultimate form of self-fulfilment. And thats when things become really dangerous. That danger was illustrated in the city of Aachen, Germany, where last December a 61-year-old Spanish national known only as Fernando P, in accordance with German privacy laws was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of repeatedly drugging and raping his wife over six years. Between 2018 and 2024, he filmed several assaults, uploading the footage to online platforms where it was curated and shared with strangers. Much of the trial was held behind closed doors to protect the womans identity, but the details that emerged were chillingly familiar: sedation, control, sexual violence and an audience. An audience Fernando himself notably did not want in court, where this ordinary looking man with a greying beard attempted to conceal his identity by pulling the hood of his sweatshirt low over his face as he sat in the dock. Familiar, too, was the intimacy between Fernando and his victim the woman who shared his marital bed and the outward respectability of the accused. He worked as a school janitor. As more cases come to light, a horrifying question lingers: how many other victims remain hidden and how many perpetrators are hiding in plain sight? In Norfolk, police involved in the prosecution into Rodney Johnston have now launched an investigation to track down the other men involved, captured in 30,000 images and videos he kept documenting the abuse. Yet, as in the Pelicot case, where around 20 of the men who raped Gisele were never identified and are believed still to be at large, officers are acutely aware some of those involved may never be traced. In the meantime, Johnstons victim is left to grapple with a betrayal of trust so vast as to be almost unfathomable. In a statement following his imprisonment, she described being reduced to nothing more than an object. Explaining how Johnston preyed on her vulnerability and threatened her if she did not comply with his demands, she said it was easier to submit than to face the consequences of defying him. I found myself in a situation I never imagined I would be in, she said. What I then went on to endure I would not wish on anybody. I had no voice, no choice. I felt dirty, sick, used, degraded, humiliated and terrified but his norm became my norm. The decades of abuse have left her with no clear sense of self, and an uncertain future. I no longer know who I am, she said. Now I must rebuild myself, and I often feel lost and unsure where to begin. I feel anxious about the future but for the first time in decades, I am free. They are poignant words, and a reminder that behind every statistic and court case of this kind sits a woman whose suffering unfolded unseen. The internet has sadly given birth to many monsters in this world, as Dr Garrod puts it. It is therefore imperative that better safety monitoring is encouraged to protect women from potential serious harm in dating and relationship situations. Sam Abdulrahim had $965,000 in assets when he died A notorious underworld figure amassed almost $1million in assets, including property, a luxury Mercedes, a speedboat and more than $105,000 in cash before he was executed in broad daylight. Sam 'The Punisher' Abdulrahim, 32, was gunned down by a team of unknown assassins in the underground car park at Preston's Quest Hotel in Melbourne's north on January 28 last year. As the one-year anniversary of his death looms, documents released by the Victorian Supreme Court revealed that the former bikie turned champion kickboxer had assets totalling $965,000. They included an $800,000 property in Coburg North, an $80,000 Mercedes Benz GLC3 and a 2011 Four Winns V285 speed boat worth $50,000, News Corp reported. He had $31,000 in bank accounts, while a separate account held outside Victoria had a $74,918.44 balance. But Abdulrahim's lavish lifestyle meant that he was also in debt, owing a combined $673,000 on his property and Mercedes. Another bank account had a negative balance of $1,156. Estate documents submitted to the court indicate an estate of up to $360,000 once the debts are cleared. Sam 'The Punisher' Abdulrahim was gunned down in a brazen execution The former Mongols bikie turned kickboxer had almost $1million in assets in his name, including a $80,000 Mercedes Benz GLC3 (stock image) He also had a 2011 Four Winns V285 speed boat worth $50,000 (stock image) Abdulrahim did not leave a will, but his three-year-old daughter is understood to be the main beneficiary of his estate. Abdulrahim's father Farouk and sister, Natali, previously lodged separate claims for a slice of his estate. 'I am one of the parents of the deceased,' Mr Abdulrahim previously stated in court documents. 'The deceased left one child, four siblings and two parents. The deceased left no spouse, domestic partner, registered caring partner, grandchildren or great-grandchildren that survived the deceased by 30 days or more.' Abdulrahim is believed to have been shot up to 10 times inside the underground car park of the Quest Hotel. The suspected getaway car, a stolen white Porsche, was found burnt out in nearby Reservoir. The former Mongol bikie had been the target of three murder contracts, a prison bashing, three assaults, a dozen firebombings and seven shootings. Despite a lavish lifestyle, Abdulrahim was also in debt at the time of his death, owing a combined $673,000 on his property and Mercedes Abdulrahim posted a photo of his chest peppered with bullet holes after he was shot eight times in 2022 In one attempted hit while returning home from his cousin's funeral in 2022, Abdulrahim was shot eight times and survived, and in another he escaped a barrage of bullets. At the time of his death, he had been in hiding after two shootings at his former family home in Thomastown in 2024. On the run from underworld enemies, he changed his address five times on the advice of Victoria Police. It's understood he had flown home from Asia days before the deadly ambush. Abdulrahim's killers remain at large. The latest volte-face by the government on the introduction of digital ID, ditching the requirement to make it mandatory by 2029 for anyone wishing to work in the UK, has left me bewildered. In one sense, I'm not surprised. The announcement last September came out of the blue. The Prime Minister made a speech to an international audience. And then there was media silence. Ministers did not appear to have a narrative to follow, nor a plan to explain. Without that, they had no way to win people over to the idea behind digital ID, for an easy-to-use and all-purpose way of identifying ourselves. It was a recipe for failure. No one pretends, least of all me, that government is easy. If it were, challenges from Left and Right would be easily dealt with and every long-standing problem could be resolved. The truth is that governing today is more difficult than it's ever been. The issues facing society are ever more complex, and social media threatens to turn every minor matter into a crisis. In addition, we face international turmoil unprecedented since the Second World War. As a result, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and those close to him have to spend an enormous amount of time and energy on dealing with the day-to-day challenges. This has never been truer than the first two weeks of the New Year. But voters make few allowances for that. If Labour isn't to be wiped out in the elections in Scotland and Wales this May, or in England in the local elections, or faced with meltdown in three years' time at a General Election, something has to change. Lord Blunkett says the Government and 'especially' the Treasury have 'repeatedly made the same mistake' Pictured: Mock-ups of what 'Brit Cards' could look like Campaigners protesting outside Parliament ahead of a debate on Digital ID I'm a Labour peer and a former Labour Cabinet minister a lifelong Labour man. I support this government and will do everything I can to help it succeed. But the digital ID debacle is only one example from the past 18 months of how Keir and his ministers are launching policies without fully appreciating the harsh politics of an issue or the impact it has on electoral fortunes. Almost always, there are rational reasons for these policies. In every case, there's a good argument for what is being proposed... but only if you discount the political price you will have to pay in the real world. After all, most people use digital ID on almost an hourly basis. Every possible aspect of life requires some sort of ID verification, from banking and payment systems through to boarding cards for travel. But if politicians don't explain what they are doing, it won't be surprising when (as in this case) opponents make mischief. Misunderstanding about digital ID was fostered, to the point where 3 million people signed an online petition against it. The government, and especially the Treasury, have repeatedly made the same mistake. Removing the winter fuel allowance from pensioners caused worry and upset to 10 million people, yet resulted in just a quarter of the savings originally envisaged. Then came the perfectly rational suggestion that capital tied up in farmland might actually, in some circumstances, be treated like other investments when it came to inheritance. But the Treasury's failure to understand the impact this could have on small family farms, and the belated change of mind that followed, was another demonstration of a policy badly thought through. Protesters march against UK Government's plan to introduce a digital identification card in central London on October 18, 2025 Then there was welfare reform. I'm a strong believer that we need to fix our welfare system, and I have written extensively about the importance of reducing the exponential rise in spending. We are wasting billions, by propping up systemic failure instead of giving people independence and self-reliance. Once again, the government had to step back as their own backbenchers in the Commons revolted. If there was ever a case for the Prime Minister taking charge and getting a grip, welfare has to be top of the agenda. It is the job of Prime Ministers to harness the historic power of the Treasury and put it to work with the political instincts of the government, to win a second term in office. Short-term thinking cannot achieve this. But right now, there is no political strategy even for the medium term. Each step forward is at constant risk of an immediate reverse. That prevents the government from getting coherent messages across to voters. And the consequences for our democracy could be dire. For it will not be Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives who replace the present government, should they fail to turn things round in the next three years, but Nigel Farage and a bunch of individuals with the political sophistication of primary school children driving a JCB. This week was supposed to see a major announcement on the investment and future development of rail and connectivity in the North of England. That was dislocated by the U-turn on digital ID. And before that happened, we had another three-point turn, reversing the Budget announcement relating to hospitality: specifically pubs. The government had to balance the withdrawal of subsidies which were put in place to mitigate the worst of the Covid pandemic with the adjustment of business rates. It's a complex issue, and it was comprehensively fumbled. Once again, the hand of the Treasury appeared to be on the tiller. I'm sure those who briefed the Chancellor were convinced of their logic. The problem was the politics and the economics didn't match. None of these examples were due to the whims of the President of the United States, the malign influence of Vladimir Putin, or the bullying online threats of Elon Musk. These are problems of Labour's own making. Politicians urgently need to get a grip and start showing some coherence. I believe in Labour values and this government has to let them shine through. Everybody, supporters and opponents alike, needs to see where the country is going and how individual policy announcements fit into that jigsaw. In other words, Labour needs a plan. Keir Starmer and his Cabinet must never make announcements without first thoroughly thinking them through. Ministers must always be prepared to argue their case with genuine enthusiasm, instead of equivocating. And once a decision is made, they must stick to it, short of some dramatic global event which makes a change of heart unavoidable. Clear decisions strongly advocated, powerfully and rapidly implemented and clearly explained must be the resolution for the years ahead. If the government is to succeed (and I'm willing them to do so) then the lessons not just of 2025 but of the past 14 days must be taken on board. This is a turbulent world. The government has to guide us through the storms safely. We need direction, and we deserve leadership... not two steps forward, one step back, U-turn and disillusionment. Lord Blunkett was Home Secretary from 2001 to 2004 Western Australian Police have shared footage of e-bikes and scooters being crushed after confiscating them from teenagers. Officers have seized and destroyed dozens of illegal rideables from Perth's northern suburbs since January in a dramatic show of force under Operation Moorhead. The operation was triggered by public complaints about children tearing through suburban streets on electric scooters and off-road bikes, intimidating pedestrians, flouting traffic laws, and sparking near-misses with cars. Police have confiscated 36 bikes and scooters from kids aged 11 to 16, warning parents they could face hefty fines if the chaos continues. In some cases, teens on e-bikes hurled objects at other vehicles and posted videos of their pranks on social media. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch put riders on notice late last year, confirming e-bikes with a maximum speed of more than 25km/h were considered unregistered motorcycles. Riders must also be over 16. 'When they don't meet the criteria of an e-rideable, they are purely an unregistered motorcycle,' Police Commissioner Blanch said. WA cops are cracking down on unruly teenagers riding e bikes in a targeted operation WA Police are seizing and destroying e-rideables during Operation Moorhead 'I think a lot of people purchasing these things think they are legal, and they are e-rideables, but unless they are quite slow, these are unregistered motorcyclists. 'They are going to be seized and destroyed every single time, there is no giving them back, they are always heading to the crusher because they are not able to meet the registration requirements of state vehicles.' Residents in coastal suburbs, including Hillarys, Sorrento, Quinns Rocks, Butler and Mullaloo have taken to social media to express their frustrations about 'ride-outs', where riders meet up to drive dangerously and antagonise the public. 'Reports indicated that riders were allegedly engaging in antisocial behaviour across the district, including throwing objects at people and vehicles, intimidating members of the public, riding recklessly on public roads, evading police, and posting their actions on social media,' a WA Police spokesman said. Previous vision from residents in Perth's north has shown young children lobbing water balloons and rocks at cars, driving in packs along busy 70km/h Marmion Avenue and driving on footpaths at top speed. And its not just Perth feeling the heat. Across the country, the e-bike crisis is escalating. Teenager Lucas Reid died after he crashed his e-bike in Tasmania on New Year's Eve, despite frantic attempts by a witness to save his life. Lucas had narrowly avoided death four years earlier when he sustained serious injuries in the Hillcrest jumping castle tragedy that killed six children when the inflatable castle was lifted 10m into the air by a gust of wind in 2021. Acting Inspector Scott Gillis (pictured) is urging parents to closely monitor their children's use of e-rideables WA Police have seized more than 30 e-bikes as part of the operation Meanwhile in New South Wales, fresh calls are mounting for mandatory number plates after two shocking incidents in Sydney where teenagers on e-bikes slammed into cars fueling fears this lawless trend is spiraling out of control nationwide Two 16-year-olds were struck by a Mercedes-Benz on Birrell Street in Bondi, Sydney's eastern suburbs, on Tuesday while riding e-bikes. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured and the pair escaped with only minor injuries before being taken to Sydney Children's Hospital. The same day in Crows Nest, on Sydney's Lower North Shore, three 15-year-olds on an e-bike were lucky to walk away with only minor injuries after they were struck by a car. The NSW government recently introduced new safety laws reducing the power and speed of e-bikes; however, NSW opposition transport spokeswoman Natalie Ward said more could be done. Ward believes that licence plates for specific groups, including people under 18, are a necessary step to minimise the number of e-bike crashes. 'For young riders, accountability can't just be a trip to the hospital emergency room,' Ward told the Sydney Morning Herald. 'The overwhelming community view is to take action on these unaccountable rider cohorts who need enforcement and behaviour change before it is too late.' An inquiry into the safety, regulation and penalties associated with e-rideables in WA was triggered following the death of Thanh Phan in Perths CBD earlier this year, when the Perth father was struck by an e-scooter being ridden by a drunk tourist from the UK. Labor's hate speech package is fast turning into a sprawling mess - in design, process, and now in terms of politics too, because the one thing it needs most is support from the Opposition - and that appears lost, with Sussan Ley branding it 'unsalvageable'. The Bondi Beach terror attack exposed something Australians have been watching build for too long: antisemitism hardening into a cultural norm in parts of the community. It was cloaked as anti-Zionism, laundered through activism and ended in extreme violence, with 15 Australians ruthlessly gunned down on the shores of Bondi Beach. Labor has been forced to respond. But making sweeping changes to the rights of all Australians requires deeper thinking than media stunts, and the Prime Minister's rush to craft new hate speech laws appears to have created all manner of unintended consequences that may impinge on freedom of speech. The laws of the land are supposed to be the cleanest, most disciplined expression of state power. They are supposed to have clear definitions, predictable thresholds, tight defences and be forged by a parliamentary process that gives the community confidence in what's crafted. Instead, Labor is rushing Parliament back on January 19 - it is exceptionally rare for Parliament to sit before Australia Day - and plans to ram through an omnibus bill. The design problems in the draft new laws aren't simply lawyerly quibbles. They go to whether this bill can do what it claims without creating new grievances, new loopholes and new legal uncertainty. The centrepiece of the bill, a new criminal vilification offence, carries up to five years' jail and hinges on whether conduct would cause a 'reasonable person who is the target, or a member of the target group' to feel intimidated, fear harassment or violence, or fear for their safety. The Prime Minister is rushing through new hate speech laws in response to the Bondi terrorist attack - and may have to do a deal with the Greens in order to get in done, with the Opposition branding it 'unsalvageable' Pro-Palestine supporters marching in Melbourne during a rally in October 2023 That sounds sensible enough until you consider how it shifts the criminal test towards the perspective of the targeted group, rather than anchoring it in broader community standards. In civil law that might be one thing. In criminal law, however, where the penalty is prison and the stigma is permanent, it opens the door to arguments about subjectivity and inconsistency. What leads one group to feel intimidated or fear harassment may not be the same as another. The government can insist its new draft laws are balanced all that it likes, but it is still choosing a standard that has uncertainty right at the core. Then there is the religious text carve out, which Labor insists is narrow and officials say only applies where conduct consists solely of quoting or paraphrasing religious texts for teaching or discussion purposes, and is therefore not contrary to the public interest. Yet the very reason the carve out exists is because religious texts can contain archaic exhortations. That is exactly why a carve-out might be dangerous. Extremists do not need permission to weaponise scriptures. A defence framed around quotation risks becoming the playbook for getting around the new laws, for anyone determined to keep preaching hatred while staying just inside the technical boundary. Albo dismisses this concern by pointing out some of the extreme content in the Old Testament. But can he point out ways that it is being used by radicals here in Australia to justify violence? It's a deeply false equivalence. Even the Australian Human Rights Commission has cautioned that criminalising the 'promotion of hatred' is an exceptional step that needs careful justification and safeguards. The infamous 'where's the Jews' rally on the steps of the Sydney Opera House in October 2023 And this is where the design mess becomes a political mess. If Labor had produced a tight bill, with clear thresholds, it might have built support on both sides of the aisle. Instead, the government has taken on inherently sensitive areas: free speech, religious freedom and public safety, and turned them into a bundle of contested drafting choices, layered on top of a rushed process. That is not how you keep the Coalition in the tent - or how good laws are made. And right on cue, the Coalition is now signalling it will oppose the new laws. Whether that is about party politics rather than on principle is almost beside the point. Potential laws like this need legitimacy - the legitimacy that comes from the broader parliament buying in on a solution. Lose bipartisanship, and you lose the strongest argument that this is a measured recalibration rather than a panicked overreach. So Labor's pathway now runs straight through the Senate, and that is where the mess risks becoming a farce. The Greens have already indicated that they will not support reforms that, in their view at least, unreasonably restrict political speech and protesting. Especially in and around universities. If Labor can't get the Coalition or the Greens to support its new legislation, it's dead on arrival. If Labor finds a way to get the Greens on board, the amendments will likely lose the mainstream, leaving Labor to respond to Bondi in coalition with the Greens. That's certainly an odd look. Albanese may need to lean on the Greens - including leader Larissa Waters and senator Mehreen Faruqi - to get his laws through Teaming up with the Greens to pass a complex hate speech regime that experts and community voices have already flagged as poorly designed is not a legacy Albo would be thrilled about. It looks like desperation, passing whatever can pass, rather than what should. Labor can still salvage this, but only by admitting what its current plan denies: that haste has made the drafting weaker, not stronger, creating mistrust instead of unity. If the government wants to fight antisemitism and blunt radicalisation, it should do what serious governments do and take the time necessary to get new laws that curtail freedoms right. Ironically, Albo used the excuse of not rushing into announcing a royal commission to justify his weeks-long attempts to avoid even holding one. And the announcement was the easy part - the commission itself will rightly take its time sifting over the evidence. New laws can't be rushed because once legislated they affect people's lives and curtail their rights. Yet Albo's rush to appear active in response to Bondi - legislatively if not in other ways - has precipitated a fresh crisis. Keir Starmer has been likened to a 'plastic bag in the wind' yesterday as Downing Street hinted he was considering further U-turns. Kemi Badenoch seized on the Prime Minister's dramatic change of heart over digital ID cards as evidence that the Government had lost all direction. Sir Keir also faced growing criticism from Labour MPs over the latest reversal. No 10 confirmed that the PM had dropped plans to make the controversial initiative mandatory marking the 13th U-turn of his 18-month premiership. During angry clashes at PMQs in the Commons, Mrs Badenoch welcomed the decision to drop compulsory digital ID cards, which she described as a 'rubbish policy'. But the Tory leader questioned whether Sir Keir could be relied on to stick to any of his policies. 'The reason why he U-turns all the time is because he is clueless,' she said. 'He is blowing around like a plastic bag in the wind, with no sense of direction whatsoever.' Labour insiders have suggested that Sir Keir is pursuing a policy of 'getting the barnacles off the boat' by ditching unpopular policies in order to focus on the cost of living. No 10 confirmed that the PM had dropped plans to make digital ID cards mandatory marking the 13th U-turn of his 18-month premiership With pressure growing on him to change direction on plans to scrap jury trials and extend business rates relief for pubs to the wider hospitality sector, No 10 refused to rule out further U-turns. Asked whether ID cards were the final 'barnacle' which needed to be removed, a spokesman said: 'The PM is focused on delivering on the cost of living. That is what the priority is for 2026.' In the Commons, Sir Keir insisted that he was 'turning the country round'. But the latest policy reversal dismayed some senior Labour figures. Lord Blunkett, who is a longtime supporter of digital ID cards, said he was 'disappointed but not surprised' by the PM's failure to stick to the policy he had announced with great fanfare just three months earlier. The former home secretary told the BBC that the Government had lacked 'any kind of strategic plan' to sell the policy to the voters, allowing critics to fill the vacuum. Labour MP Karl Turner, who is campaigning for the Government to abandon plans to curb jury trials, said his colleagues were 'sick and fed up of defending stuff that was not in the manifesto [and] haven't been run by Parliamentary Labour Party or the Cabinet.' He added: 'We are getting cheesed off about being marched up hills on surprise policies that simply cannot work.' The blizzard of Government U-turns has also triggered disquiet in the Cabinet. Kemi Badenoch likened Keir Starmer to a 'plastic bag in the wind' yesterday Earlier this week, Health Secretary Wes Streeting warned that Labour needed to start 'getting it right first time'. And Business Secretary Peter Kyle said that the Government had to 'get better at explaining our policies'. Previously, Sir Keir said mandatory ID cards were needed to crack down on illegal working, with ministers saying they could be required for children as young as 13 to take up a Saturday job. Yesterday, No 10 said the Government would not allow 'other forms' of digital ID to prove eligibility to work in the UK. Officials were unable to say why other forms of ID could not also continue to be used to access other government services. But it insisted that digital ID could eventually 'transform' the way people gain access to public services. Meanwhile, Sir Keir is reported to be drawing inspiration from Gordon Brown, despite his brief premiership from 2007 to 2010 ending in election defeat. One senior Labour figure told The Spectator magazine: 'For much of the past 15 years, Gordon has been a nuisance caller to Labour leaders. Now they're taking his calls and doing what he wants.' Another said [former Labour prime minister] Tony Blair has 'basically given up on Keir'. Pothole repairs must have a 'five-year guarantee' say campaigners as the AA revealed it was called out last year to 613,638 road damage- related incidents. The Pothole Partnership want contractors to offer the warranty on each non- emergency pothole they fill. The AA, a member of the campaign group, said this would be a 'game-changer' for the quality of road surfaces. To mark National Pothole Day today, the motoring organisation revealed that it attended a daily average of 1,681 pothole call-outs last year though this was 5 per cent down on 2024. Common vehicle problems caused by poor road surfaces include tyre punctures, damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels. The AA said the average repair bill resulting from such an incident was 350. However, the RAC says that when taking tyre repairs out of the equation, the average cost for a typical family car is even higher, at 590. To mark National Pothole Day today, the AA revealed that it attended a daily average of 1,681 pothole call-outs last year though this was 5% down on 2024 It means the cost for UK drivers hitting potholes in 2025 could have been a total of 645million, an increase of 66million from 2024 estimates. Allianz's own data shows that the value of the average pothole-related insurance claim made by drivers in the UK has increased by 55 per cent in the last five years to around 4,000. AA president Edmund King said: 'A five-year warranty on every non-emergency pothole repair would be a game-changer. 'It shifts the focus from short-term patches to long-lasting repairs and ensures accountability from those carrying out the work.' Freedom of Information requests, submitted by the Pothole Partnership, show inconsistencies in how councils measure pothole repairs, with 78 methods used across the UK. The group said the proposed guarantee would mean contractors are required to fix a pothole for free if it reappears within five years. A recent YouGov poll of almost 5,000 Britons recently found that the vast majority believe roads in their area are deteriorating. Just 7 per cent of adults surveyed said they believe the roads in their local area are in a better than average state, relative to 36 per cent who believe their roads are below average. Nearly half (48 per cent) rate their local roadways as average, compared to roads in other parts of the country. The 'Pothole Partnership', which is made up of a group of organisations including the AA, JCB, British Cycling, and the National Motorcyclists Council, says pothole repairs must come with a 5-year guarantee that they won't reappear in the same place David Giles, chair of the UK's Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) said the backlog of local road repairs in England and Wales currently stands at an eye watering 16.8billion. road users. 'Data from the AIA's Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) survey reports that 17.5million potholes have been filled in the last decade in England and Wales. That's the equivalent of one every 18 seconds, costing almost 1.1 billion, yet the condition of our local roads continues to be a cause of national embarrassment,' Giles told the Daily Mail. 'If we want to see an improvement in the condition and resilience of our local roads, the focus needs to shift away from an endless cycle of pothole patch and repair by giving local authority highway engineers the tools they need to do the job so they don't form in the first place.' The RAC echoed the AIA's calls. Its research shows that the condition and maintenance of local roads those which drivers generally begin and end their journeys on is the top motoring concern for the nation's drivers. Some 47 per cent of those surveyed said the state of local, council-run roads is their top bugbear, ahead of any other motoring issue. Three-in-10 drivers (29 per cent) say their vehicles have suffered from pothole-related damage over a 12-month period. RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: 'Fixing potholes as permanently as possible is vital. There's nothing drivers find more incensing than watching them reappear after a few months, simply because they weren't repaired to a high enough standard. 'But it's important not to lose sight of the bigger picture which is that potholes are symptomatic of a lack of preventative maintenance. 'Roads that haven't been surfaced dressed will start to break down as water gets into cracks, freezes and expands in the winter creating more potholes than daffodils in the spring. 'The route to smoother driving surfaces is simple: ensure water can always drain off the roads, fix potholes as permanently as possible, seal roads against water ingress through preventative maintenance, and resurface roads that have gone beyond the point of no return. 'If we continue to obsess with just filling potholes, that's all we'll continue to get.' A Local Government Association spokesman said: 'Councils face a 17billion backlog of road repairs. 'Only longer-term funding certainty will help councils more effectively plan for future maintenance schemes, focusing more on preventative measures.' New red, amber and green ratings let the public see which local highway authorities are fixing potholes effectively Just last week, the Government debuted a new map system that names and shames local authorities which are failing to fix potholes. However, it revealed that Labour-run councils are the worst offenders. Pictured: The best and worst councils for pot holes The new traffic light rating system grades town halls on road conditions as well as how effectively they are spending maintenance funding. Embarrassingly, it ranks Labour-run Greenwich Council home to the Prime Minister's closest parliamentary aide Abena Oppong-Asare and local government minister Matthew Pennycook as one of the worst for pothole repairs. Other Labour councils such as Waltham Forest, Bolton and Cumberland are also in the most serious 'red' for repairs category while Tory-controlled Essex and Hillingdon as well as Reform-run Worcestershire are all given a top green rating by ministers. A separate study by Go.Compare car insurance has also rated the performance of local authorities when it comes to pothole repairs. It found that that Staffordshire County Council - which is a Reform UK authority - is among the slowest across England and Wales at fixing craters after they had been reported. Slowest councils for pothole repairs in England and Wales (2022-24) 1. Staffordshire County Council: 209.6 days 2. Coventry City Council: 82.3 days 3. Stoke-on-Trent City Council: 72 days 4. Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Council: 55.3 days 5. Flintshire County Council: 46.3 days 6. Shropshire Council: 45.9 days 7. South Gloucestershire Council: 42.6 days 8. Bolton Borough Council: 41.3 days 9. Ceredigion County Council: 37.2 days 10. Caerphilly County Borough Council: 34.5 days Source: Go.Compare FOI request to 171 UK councils - 69 responded with data Based on figures the insurer obtained from 69 of the 171 councils across the country, the midlands council took an average of 209.6 days to repair potholes between 2022 and 2024 - by far the slowest response time out of the councils which provided data. After Staffordshire, Coventry City Council had the second slowest average repair time at 82.3 days - less than half the time taken by Staffordshire. Stoke-on-Trent City Council had the third slowest at 72 days. Other councils ranking among the slowest for pothole repairs include Hammersmith and Fulham Borough Council (55.3 days) Flintshire County Council (46.3 days) and Shropshire Council (45.92 days). The Daily Mail has been campaigning for an end to the UK's pothole plague. In November's Budget, the Government committed to providing 7.3billion for local road maintenance funding for the four years. A typo has been discovered on the first page of the Albanese government's new hate speech bill, as the Prime Minister is accused of rushing through the reforms. On the cover of the 319-page Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026 explanatory memorandum, the word antisemitism is misspelt - appearing as ANTISEMITSM without the second i. The document states it was circulated by authority of Attorney-General Michelle Rowland. It comes as the bill faces mounting criticism, with concerns it has not been given enough time to be scrutinised. On Thursday, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley declared the bill in its current form was unsalvageable, joining a growing number of voices warning about the proposals impact on religious freedom and free speech. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed criticism his government was rushing the bill, calling the Coalitions position stunning. The Coalition, day after day, very clearly called for parliament to be recalled - not on Monday, January 19, but during Christmas week,' he said. Sussan Ley, David Littleproud, James Patterson - they were all out there every single day. They were calling for parliament to be resumed immediately. Anthony Albanese (pictured) rejected claims the government was rushing the new laws The word antisemitism is misspelt, written as ANTISEMITSM without the second i. Now theyre saying that this is somehow rushed, even though my government has moved in a considered, orderly way, which is the way that we function. Ley rejected accusations of hypocrisy, standing by her calls to bring parliament back after the Bondi Beach attack. We called for the Parliament to be recalled, to hold a condolence motion to honour the victims, to help the nation come together, and we also wanted immediate action,' she said. 'The government has delivered neither. Ley argued an earlier recall could have allowed proper scrutiny of the bill. Had [the government] listened to us, which they should have in the weeks after Bondi, we could already have had a package introduced into the Parliament with the necessary parliamentary scrutiny already underway, with a month to have had that inquiry, that scrutiny, and that submission, she said. So lets not forget, the sooner Parliament was recalled, the more time we would have had to look at any bill. Ley also criticised the government for failing to consult the Opposition on the proposal, and insisted the bill does not go far enough to address the causes of the Bondi attack. Sussan Ley (pictured) said the bill did not address the issues of radical Islam and antisemitism The legislation does not address the real issues that gave rise to the Bondi attack. It doesnt address Islamic extremism,' she said. 'It doesnt address ISIS influence, and it doesnt address the rise of antisemitism and the associated terrorist threat in Australia.' The Opposition has signalled it will seek to introduce amendments. The government gave the public just three days to provide feedback on the legislation, with public hearings taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Submissions close on Thursday at 4pm. Albanese confirmed the bill will be introduced to parliament on Monday and is intended to be passed through both the Senate and House of Representatives by Tuesday. If the Coalition refuses to support the reforms, Albanese will need all ten Greens senators to secure the bills passage. Donald Trump boasted of a 'very good call' with Interim Venezuela President Delcy Rodriguez after the Senate blocked a resolution that would have limited his powers in the region. It came as Trump praised Rodriguez, formerly Nicolas Maduro's vice president, as a 'terrific person' after the US has left her in charge following the capture of Maduro. 'We just had a great conversation today and shes a terrific person,' he told reporters in the Oval Office. Trump said on Truth Social that 'we are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover. Many topics were discussed, including Oil, Minerals, Trade and, of course, National Security.' 'This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be a spectacular one FOR ALL. Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before!' Rodriguez said on social media that she and Trump had a 'long and courteous conversation.' Trump is scheduled to meet with Maria Corina Machado, the Nobel Prize-winning leader of the opposition to Maduro's party in the last election. Machado has been highly critical of Rodriguez, calling her 'even more ruthless' than Maduro and said she cozied up to America's adversaries. Donald Trump boasted of a 'very good call' with Interim Venezuela President Delcy Rodriguez after the Senate blocked a resolution that would have limited his powers in the region It came as Trump praised Rodriguez, formerly Nicolas Maduro's vice president, as a 'terrific person' after the US has left her in charge following the capture of Maduro Trump's decision to sideline Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez has opened a sharp split with influential Republicans and the Venezuelan-American community, many of whom regard Machado as the country's legitimate leader. Some of Trump's closest allies are now openly breaking ranks. Representative Carlos Gimenez, a staunch Trump supporter and a powerful voice in Miami's exile community, told the Daily Mail that on Machado, the President is simply wrong. 'The community is not divided on her. I think the community is solid behind her,' Gimenez stated. While Gimenez praised Trump for the 'bold action' of the operation itself, he admitted there is a disconnect regarding the country's future leadership. 'The President is my president... but my assessment and his are different,' Gimenez said. Trump's comments came after JD Vance broke a 50-50 tie in the Senate to dismiss a resolution that would have limited Trump's ability to conduct further attacks on Venezuela. Two GOP senators - Todd Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana - reversed their plans to vote against Trump on the war powers resolution which brought about the tie Vance broke. Trump put intense pressure on five Republican senators who joined with Democrats to advance the resolution last week and ultimately prevailed in heading off passage of the legislation. Trump is scheduled to meet with Maria Corina Machado, the Nobel Prize-winning leader of the opposition to Maduro's party in the last election Trump's comments came after JD Vance broke a 50-50 tie in the Senate to dismiss a resolution that would have limited Trump's ability to conduct further attacks on Venezuela Two of the Republicans Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana flipped under the pressure. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine joined the Democrats to vote against it. Vice President Vance had to break the 50-50 deadlock in the Senate on a Republican motion to dismiss the bill. The outcome of the high-profile vote demonstrated how Trump still has command over much of the Republican conference, yet the razor-thin vote tally also showed the growing concern on Capitol Hill over the president's aggressive foreign policy ambitions. Democrats forced the debate after U.S. troops captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in a surprise nighttime raid earlier this month 'Here we have one of the most successful attacks ever and they find a way to be against it. It's pretty amazing. And it's a shame,' Trump said at a speech in Michigan Tuesday. He also hurled insults at several of the Republicans who advanced the legislation, calling Paul a 'stone cold loser' and Murkowski and Collins 'disasters.' Trump's latest comments followed earlier phone calls with the senators, which they described as terse. Trump put intense pressure on five Republican senators who joined with Democrats to advance the resolution last week and ultimately prevailed in heading off passage of the legislation The president's fury underscored how the war powers vote had taken on new political significance as Trump also threatens military action to accomplish his goal of possessing Greenland. The legislation, even if it had cleared the Senate, had virtually no chance of becoming law because it would eventually need to be signed by Trump himself. But it represented both a test of GOP loyalty to the president and a marker for how much leeway the Republican-controlled Senate is willing to give Trump to use the military abroad. Republican angst over his recent foreign policy moves especially threats of using military force to seize Greenland from a NATO ally is still running high in Congress. Hawley, who helped advance the war powers resolution last week, said Trump's message during a phone call was that the legislation 'really ties my hands.' The senator said he had a follow-up phone call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio Monday and was told 'point blank, we're not going to do ground troops.' The senator added that he also received assurances that the Trump administration will follow constitutional requirements if it becomes necessary to deploy troops again to the South American country. 'We're getting along very well with Venezuela,' Trump told reporters at a ceremony for the signing of an unrelated bill Wednesday. As senators went to the floor for the vote Wednesday evening, Young also told reporters he was no longer in support. He said that he had extensive conversations with Rubio and received assurances that the secretary of state will appear at a public hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Young also shared a letter from Rubio that stated the president will 'seek congressional authorization in advance (circumstances permitting)' if he engaged in 'major military operations' in Venezuela. The senators also said his efforts were also instrumental in pushing the administration to release Wednesday a 22-page Justice Department memo laying out the legal justification for the snatch-and-grab operation against Maduro. That memo, which was heavily redacted, indicates that the administration, for now, has no plans to ramp up military operations in Venezuela. 'We were assured that there is no contingency plan to engage in any substantial and sustained operation that would amount to a constitutional war,' according to the memo signed by Assistant Attorney General Elliot Gaiser. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday that Republicans 'abdicated their responsibility' after they voted to dismiss a war powers resolution that would have given Congress a say on Trump's future military actions in Venezuela. 'What has happened tonight is a road map to another endless war,' Schumer said. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine said Democrats will 'file a whole lot more war powers resolutions' as Trump has threatened action in other countries. 'They can run but they can't hide,' Kaine said of Republicans. 'They can't block us from having a vote.' Successful White House efforts to flip two Republican votes, Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana, was to 'stop a debate about a war,' Kaine said. A senior neo-Nazi has been refused bail after a magistrate rejected claims his alleged rape threats against federal MP Allegra Spender were a 'philosophical term of art.' Bondi-based Joel Davis, a high-ranking Sydney member of the National Socialist Network, is charged with using a carriage service to harass a federal parliamentarian. He was taken into custody after allegedly urging members of a Telegram group chat to 'rhetorically rape' independent Wentworth Teal MP Allegra Spender. Police allege Davis made the threat after Spender condemned the group for holding a police-authorised rally outside the NSW Parliament on November 8. But Davis' barrister Sebastian De Brennan argued there was an innocent explanation behind Davis' social media post. Appearing at the Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday and Thursday, Mr De Brennan sought bail for Davis and tendered supporting material, including a sworn affidavit. 'The affidavit annexes some literature that goes some way, in my submission, to explaining that what he said on social media was in fact a philosophical term of art,' De Brennan said. Davis has been in custody for almost two months, with his lawyer arguing the bail application was urgent due to changed circumstances, 'not least of which is delay'. Neo-Nazi Joel Davis has been denied bail Joel Davis (left) pictured alongside NSN leader Thomas Sewell (right) outside Melbourne Magistrates' Court While the Crown prosecutor acknowledged delays in the matter, she told the court a substantial brief of evidence was due to be served on Wednesday. Magistrate Greg Grogin noted the court was dealing with a backlog of about 680 matters and was unable to hear the bail application that day, adjourning it until Thursday. Davis was arrested on November 20 at the Bennett Street Dairy in Bondi, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, where staff described him as a polite regular customer. Davis was denied bail last year, despite Legal Aid lawyer Liam McKibbin telling the court he risked missing the birth of his child if he remained in custody. Mr McKibbin said in November that Davis partner was nine months' pregnant, with her due date having passed the day before the bail hearing. The Daily Mail revealed his partner Ivona Tomaskovicova welcomed the couple's son in late November. In December the mother-of-one was seen with her infant son strapped to her chest in a baby harness at the couple's Bondi unit. Davis had only recently moved from Melbourne to Sydney to be with Tomaskovicova. Joel Davis was arrested at Bennett Street Dairy in November last year The NSN held a police-authorised rally outside the NSW parliament on November 8, Joel Davis (pictured right) Ivona Tomaskovicova seen outside her Bondi home, welcomed the couple's son in late November Last week Australian far-right activist Blair Cottrell used social media to update followers on Davis living conditions while on remand. He claimed Davis was being held in a punishment ward at Long Bay, confined to a cell without a shower or television. Cottrell also claimed prison staff determined when Davis could shower, escorting him to another block at their discretion. He said authorities had labelled Davis a national security threat, resulting in the loss of basic prison rights. According to Cottrell, Davis does not have access to a Bible and is unable to see a priest or chaplain while in custody. Davis' bid for conditional liberty comes as the National Socialist Network announced plans to disband this Sunday as a result of new hate speech laws triggered by the Bondi massacre. Legislation set to be debated in parliament next week would give the government powers to prescribe hate groups that currently fall below terrorist listing thresholds. The neo-Nazi organisation announced it would dissolve to avoid past and present members being prosecuted for recruiting people to spread racial hatred. Under the proposed laws, organisers, supporters, and recruiters of listed groups could face up to 15 years in prison, while ordinary members face seven. He will return to court in February. An angry mob forced a YouTuber out of a building as he tried to track down a business in his quest to uncover Somali fraud scandals in Minnesota. Nick Shirley filmed himself inside a Minneapolis building, asking employees in several of the shops whether they could point him in the direction of transportation company Advanced Mobility. According to the company's website, the business operates out of suite 224 in the one-story building, but Shirley and his colleague David Hoch, both independent reporters investigating the Somali fraud crisis in Minnesota, noted no such suite existed in the building. Their suspicions were furthered by employees for other businesses in the building, who, when asked, admitted they had 'no idea' what Advanced Mobility was. 'Advanced Mobility? Never heard of it,' one said. The initial interaction between the two men appeared civil but quickly took a turn as a mob of Somali employees began hounding Shirley about what he was looking for in the building. They attempted to usher him out, demanding he 'get the f**k out' of the building. 'We don't care about Advanced Mobility,' the crowd shouted. 'Get out, get out. Get the f**k out of here man.' An angry mob forced a YouTuber out of a building as he tried to track down a business in his quest to uncover Somali fraud scandals in Minnesota They attempted to usher him out, demanding he 'get the f**k out' of the building Nick Shirley filmed himself inside a Minneapolis building, asking employees in several of the shops whether they could point him in the direction of transportation company Advanced Mobility As Shirley was ushered out of the building, he once again asked: 'So Advanced Mobility is not anywhere here?' One of the enraged workers shouted: 'If any Somali gets hurt in Minnesota, it is because of Nick f**king Shirley.' Hoch later noted: 'On the State's website, it says it's in Suite 224, but it's a one-story building. None of the suites had the number 2 on them. It doesn't exist and it's been registered since 1999.' Shirley was responsible for unearthing alleged fraudulent activity at 10 Somali-run daycare centers across Minnesota, alleging they had misappropriated over $100 million in taxpayer funds. The daycares were accused of not taking care of children by being empty during normal business hours. Shirley's video received hundreds of millions of views across social media with billionaire Elon Musk promoting it across X. State and federal officials say there is no evidence that the specific daycare centers highlighted in Shirley's videos misappropriated funds or were broadly non-operational, noting inspections found many were licensed and open. Still, the House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance this week announced it would hold a hearing in relation to the allegations of widespread fraud. Shirley will provide testimony. The January 21 hearing will focus on 'transparency, accountability and safeguards that prevent this kind of abuse from happening again,' Representative Laurel Lee told Fox News Digital. Immigration efforts sparked civil uproar in the streets across the nation following the death of activist and mother-of-three Renee Good last week Following Shirley's video, the Department of Homeland Security launched a deportation effort in the twin cities aimed at deporting illegal Somali migrants Embattled Governor Tim Walz (pictured) announced he would not be seeking reelection amid the scandal Shirley's initial viral video accused Somali daycare centers in Minnesota of fraud 'The scale of fraud uncovered in Minnesota is staggering, and it represents an egregious abuse of federal taxpayer dollars by criminal actors,' Lee said. 'The House Judiciary Committee is committed to exposing the full scope of that fraud, understanding how it was carried out, and ensuring that taxpayer funds intended to help vulnerable Americans are not diverted into the pockets of criminals.' Representative Andy Biggs said the state 'seems lawless.' 'You can't keep anything on your porch or in your yard because it gets stolen, you get your windows broken out of your car,' he said. Following Shirley's video, the Department of Homeland Security launched a deportation effort in the twin cities aimed at deporting illegal Somali migrants. A DHS spokesperson also added in a statement that the Trump administration is 'all hands on deck to root out criminals in Minnesota who are defrauding the American people.' The efforts sparked civil uproar in the streets across the nation following the death of activist and mother-of-three Renee Good last week. She was shot dead by an ICE agent in her car during enforcement activity in the state. Denmark's foreign minister has claimed Donald Trump is still set on 'conquering' Greenland after holding talks with the US over its plans to seize control of the island. Officials from both countries were left in 'fundamental disagreement' over how to ensure the region's long-term security following a 'frank' and 'constructive' meeting in Washington on Wednesday. Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen admitted that more work was needed to 'find a common way forward', adding there would be further discussions about the issue in the coming weeks. Speaking to reporters after the hour-long meeting, Mr Rasmussen said 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.' 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. Talking to reporters in the Oval Office hours after the meeting, the President reiterated Greenland's importance to the national security of the US, having previously warned it is 'covered with Chinese and Russian ships all over the place'. But, such claims have been cast in doubt by Sweden's defence minister Pai Jonson, who said on Wednesday that Trump was exaggerating their presence in the region. 'If you state that Greenland is flooded with Russian and Chinese vessels, that's an exaggeration according to assessments that we do for the region,' he reportedly said. Mr Jonson added that while there had been an increase in the number of Chinese research vessels in Greenland's waterways, the scope of this was 'limited'. Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the Oval Office in the White House on Wednesday. He has been accused of exaggerating claims that Russia and China are trying to seize control of Greenland by a senior Nato chief 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 Special operators conduct training in austere conditions at Pituffik Space Base, Greenland Mr Jonson, who was speaking to The Telegraph, is the first senior Nato figure to pour cold water on Trump's 'exaggerated' claims, although earlier this week two senior Nordic diplomats voiced similar criticisms of the US leader. The diplomats, who have access to Nato intelligence briefings, also rejected claims there were Russian and Chinese vessels operating near Greenland. 'It is simply not true that the Chinese and Russians are there. I have seen the intelligence. There are no ships, no submarines,' one told the Financial Times. Another said claims that waters around Greenland were 'crawling' with Russian and Chinese vessels were unfounded, adding that such activity was on the Russian side of the Arctic. Trump has repeatedly said the countries' vessels are operating near Greenland, a claim Denmark disputes. He has not provided evidence to support it. In March last year, Trump claimed the US needed to seize control of Greenland for 'world peace' and claimed it had 'warships all over the place'. 'If you look at Greenland right now, if you look at the waterways, you have Chinese and Russian ships all over the place, and we're not going to be able to do that. We're not relying on Denmark or anybody else to take care of that situation. 'And we're not talking about peace for the United States. We're talking about world peace. We're talking about international security. And right now you look at it, you have warships all over the place going through, right along Greenland.' 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 yesterday, but Trump later addressed reporters in the Oval Office during an unrelated bill signing. He said he still needed to be briefed on what happened, 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.' Trump's warnings that the US could invade Greenland have ignited worry among European countries, especially following its 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 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 military forces participate in an exercise with troops from several European Nato members in Kangerlussuaq, 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 Yesterday, 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 co-operation 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 in the day, 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. The Greens have proposed an $800 cash boost to ease the financial burden on Aussie parents as new data reveals the staggering cost of sending a child to school. As the new school year looms, parents will fork out an average $2,847 for each primary school-aged child in 2026. The figure almost doubles to $5,310 for each high school-aged student, according to a new study unveiled by Finder this week. Almost one third of parents will use a credit card to pay for school costs and save cash by buying second-hand items or opt out of non-essentials such as excursions, electronic devices and canteen lunches. The Finder data is based on a new study released by school finance body Futurity Investment Group, which found that it will cost families in major cities $113,594 per child for 13 years of public education. The amount rises to $247,174 for a private education, while sending a child to an independent school will set parents back an average $369,594. The Greens have called on the Albanese government to adopt their pre-election $800 back-to-school bonus to provide much-needed cost-of-living relief to families. 'Back-to-school costs are just getting higher and higher every year because Labor and the Liberals are short-changing public schools by billions and shifting the costs onto parents,' Greens education spokesperson Senator Penny Allman-Payne said. Aussie parents will fork out an average $2,847 for each primary school-aged child in 2026, according to new data (pictured, Gold Coast students in 2024) The Greens have called on the Albanese government to adopt their pre-election $800 back-to-school bonus to provide much-needed cost-of-living relief to families 'Australian families should be able to expect a free public education, instead they have ever-higher fees and charges and extensive back-to-school shopping lists that can add up to thousands of dollars. 'With one in three big corporations paying no tax, and almost a million children in Australia living in poverty, something is seriously wrong.' Ms Allman-Payne said she 'regularly' spent hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars from her own salary to give students the resources they need. 'If Labor wanted to stop families from having to pay thousands in school fees, they would implement full funding of schools now, and help struggling families with $800 direct cash back-to-school payments as the Greens plan has proposed,' she said. 'Every child deserves a free, world-class public education, and that's what the Greens are committed to delivering.' While Labor is yet to respond to the proposal, there are some state-based bonuses that are available to parents, depending on where they live. The Queensland government has introduced a Back to School Boost which provides $100 for every primary school student to assist families with costs. In NSW, the state government's Back to School vouchers are worth $150 per child and are extended to all students from kindergarten to year 12. In Victoria, payments, annual payments will increase from $154 for primary school students and $256 for secondary school students to $400, from 1 January,2026. A high school teacher accused of plotting the sexual assault of two children known to him has been hauled out of his home in handcuffs. The 63-year-old man was arrested by Child Abuse Squad detectives at his home in Bondi, in Sydney's east, at about 8am on Wednesday. He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station and charged with two counts of incitement to commit aggravated sex assault in company with other/s (DV) and the use of a carriage service to solicit child abuse material. The man was refused bail and is due to face court on Thursday. The arrest followed the arrest of a 35-year-old man in the nearby suburb of Randwick in September. Police allegedly discovered an exchange between the 35-year-old man and the 63-year-old man, from June 2024 and July 2025, plotting the alleged sexual assault of two children known to him. Detectives seized three mobile phones for forensic examination. The younger man was charged with serious child sexual assault offences and remains before the courts. The evil rapist who sexually assaulted a grandmother while fitting solar panels at her home has been pictured for the first time, as his former bosses reveal their horror at his sickening attack. Indian-born Amol Vijay Dhumal, 45, has been jailed for five years for raping the 75-year-old in her Mount Colah home in Sydney's north-west. The electrician, who was a former director at AKYA Solar, had been sent out by the firm to install the solar panels on April 22, 2024. The court heard Dhumal asked her if she lived alone before hugging her and then trying to kiss her, saying she reminded him of his mother. He then left the property. He returned two days later to fix a problem with her power, and told the elderly woman his wife never had sex with him. Dhumal then grabbed the victim and tried to drag her into the bedroom, but failed - and instead raped her in her lounge room as she cried: 'You've got to be kidding.' Now his sickened bosses have told the Daily Mail of their shock on learning the full details of the case. Amol Vijay Dhumal raped the grandmother in her home, but blamed his wife for nto having sex with him The woman was raped in her lounge room by tradie Amol Vijay Dhumal who was over to fix solar panels (stock image) Amol Vijay Dhumal rape occurred in Mount Colah in north-western Sydney in 2024 'We were shocked - I didn't know Amol that well but he was a very simple guy, he had two young kids at home,' said a director who wished to remain anonymous. 'He was a good friend of [my co-director]. But I'd met his family a few times, he had twins, it's shocking that something like this could happen. 'I feel for the family - I believe his wife wasn't working at the time. It's difficult for all.' Dhumal is no longer listed as one of the directors of the company, with the current director insisting his exit from the business was 'unrelated' to his arrest. He stressed Dhumal's rape victim had booked the solar installation through a third party, and AKYA Solar was only contracted by them. The company's other director told the Daily Mail the company had been 'keeping an eye' on the case and was told by investigators to refrain from contacting the victim or her family for privacy reasons. The woman was too traumatised to be in court with Dhumal when he was sentenced last week. He was previously listed as a director at Akya Solar however was removed before the arrest But in a harrowing victim impact statement, she wrote that she had been 'not living, but only existing' since the attack. 'This is the most torturous tragedy of my life. I'm in prison in my own home,' she told the court. She said she still lives in fear despite the fact her attacker is behind bars. The woman said she had always given her time to volunteer causes and supported multiculturalism in her community, but after the attack she had 'withdrawn from it all.' 'This home is supposed to give me the security, peace and lasting good memories but now it is a horror tragic place to live,' she wrote. 'I now bolt all the windows and doors and feel so alarmed that out there someone knows I live alone and will just come in again and harm me.' Dhumal's wife was in court for her husband's sentencing, and although she didn't want to comment on the rape, she told the court: 'My husband is loving and respectful.' The court heard Dhumal was remorseless, and the judge said it was 'ludicrous' to think he wasn't at risk of raping again. Judge Craig Everson SC sentenced Dhumal to five years in prison and will be eligible for parole in April 2030 His victim described him as a 'very evil person who has a very evil mind, evil heart, an evil and filthy mouth.' Soon after the vulnerable grandmother reported the rape, Dhumal told police she was a 'liar' who was trying to set him up because he did not answer a phone call from her. 'The fact that he denies the offence and shows no remorse suggests to me that he is at risk of reoffending,' Judge Everson said. 'At the very least because he's not able to grasp what properly involves consent.' Dhumal was sentenced to five years in prison and will be eligible for parole in April 2030. He has lodged an appeal but will stay in jail until his appeal is determined. An Australian Palestinian author dumped from a writers' festival has been invited back next year after the organisers issued a grovelling apology. Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah was uninvited from the Adelaide Writers' Week amid concerns over 'cultural sensitivity' in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack. Dr Abdel-Fattah had been criticised for past anti-Zionist comments, including the statement: 'If you are a Zionist you have no claim or right to cultural safety.' The decision to dump her sparked a mass exodus of the festival's talent, with more than 180 writers and commentators, including former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and ABC's Sarah Ferguson, pulling out. Adelaide Festival confirmed on Tuesday the event had been axed and would not be going ahead in February, and the entire board of directors would step down. The corporation has now reversed its previous decision to exclude Dr Abdel-Fattah and retracted its earlier statement. 'We apologise to Dr Abdel-Fattah unreservedly for the harm the Adelaide Festival Corporation has caused her,' the statement read. 'Intellectual and artistic freedom is a powerful human right. Our goal is to uphold it, and in this instance Adelaide Festival Corporation fell well short.' Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah (pictured) was uninvited from the Adelaide Writers' Week last week On social media, Dr Abdel-Fattah accepted the apology and said she would consider the board's invitation to participate in the 2027 festival. Dr Abdel-Fattah said the episode highlights the 'profound lack of racial literacy' in public institutions and the need for urgent anti-racism education. 'I accept this apology as acknowledgement of our right to speak publicly and truthfully about the atrocities that have been committed against the Palestinian people,' she wrote. 'I accept this apology as a vindication of our collective solidarity and mobilisation against anti-Palestinian racism, bullying and censorship. 'I accept this unreserved apology as acknowledgment of the harm inflicted on our communities. 'Whilst AF's statement acknowledges the harm done, it is not a quick fix to repair the damage and injury inflicted.' New Adelaide Festival Board chair Judy Potter also apologised to Director Louise Adler after the program she had worked so hard to curate for 2026 was cancelled. Ms Adler's resignation was just one of many departures, with half of the board having resigned over the weekend. Sarah Ferguson was among the talent that dropped out of the festival 'We acknowledge the principled stand she took in the extremely difficult decision to resign from her role as Director,' Ms Potter said. 'Louise is a revered figure of Australian literature who we hold in the highest regard.' South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas has also denied accusations he pressured the board to cancel Dr Abdel-Fattah's appearance. Dr Abdel-Fattah slammed the board after it was revealed she had been uninvited. 'The Bondi terrorist attack was abhorrent and horrifying,' she said. 'Yet it is astonishing to see the Board's erasure of terrorist attacks against First Nations' peoples in Australia, as well as the erasure of the Australian-perpetuated terrorist attack in Christchurch. 'This is not about oppression Olympics, but truthful reckoning with the violence of this colony and understanding the connections between violence not the exceptions.' Dr Abdel-Fattah continued: 'And this is why it is never more important to understand that whilst this was all triggered by a blatant act of anti-Palestinian racism against me as an individual person, it is clear that settler colonial and white supremacist violence against one marginalised person represents violence against all marginalised people.' President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty Wednesday on whether Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi could eventually lead the country. In an Oval Office interview with Reuters, he said that while Pahlavi 'seems very nice,' Trump wasn't sure the Iranian population would accept the crown prince as the country's leader. The conversation happened moments after Trump appeared to pump the brakes on an American military intervention, something the president has been threatening for weeks as the Islamic regime has brutally cracked down on widespread protests. 'He seems very nice, butI don't know how he'd play within his own country,' the president said of Pahlavi. 'And we really aren't up to that point yet.' 'I don't know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me,' Trump added. Trump said it was possible that the government of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could fall amid the demonstrations, though added that, in truth, 'any regime can fall.' 'Whether or not it falls or not, it's going to be an interesting period of time,' Trump added. President Donald Trump was interviewed late Wednesday afternoon by Reuters and expressed uncertainty on whether Iran's exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi could eventually lead the country The 65-year-old former crown prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, fled the country amid the Iranian Revolution in 1979, when his father, the U.S.-backed Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, was replaced by the current Islamic Republic Pahlavi was born in Tehran - the son of U.S.-backed Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi - who Iranians overthrew in 1979, with the current Islamic Republic taking the monarchy's place. But with that came decades of repressive government, on display this week as news leaked out amid purposeful internet blackouts that at least 2,400 demonstrators were killed and another 18,000 were arrested by the regime. The 65-year-old Pahlavi, who lives in the Washington, D.C., suburbs, has played a vocal role in the protests from abroad, but on the ground, there appears to be little organized support for the country to again be ruled by the monarchy. Trump said last week that he has no plans to meet with Pahlavi amid the turmoil in Iran. The president received criticism earlier Wednesday from anti-regime voices online, who used the term 'TACO' - 'Trump always chickens out' - against him, when he seemed to buy the word of the Iranians that killings and executions had stopped. On January 2 - as Trump was preparing to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro - the president said the U.S. was 'locked and loaded' and would take military action against the Iranian regime if protesters were murdered. But on Wednesday, as Trump signed a law about whole milk in schools, he softened his tone. '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,' Trump said. He added, however, that if he finds that's not the case, he would be 'very upset.' President Donald Trump (right) speaks to Reuters' Steve Holland (left), while Communications Director Steven Cheung (upper left) listens Wednesday afternoon from the Oval Office The president has been trepidatious about backing regime change. In Venezuela, instead of turning to the opposition, which the U.S. said had won the 2024 election against Maduro, the U.S. government has currently partnered with Maduro's No. 2, Delcy Rodriguez, who's become the country's acting president. Trump told Reuters that he had had a 'fascinating talk' with Rodriguez earlier in the day, adding 'she's been very good to deal with.' He's expected to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House on Thursday, who had initially planned to offer up her Nobel Peace Prize to the U.S. leader. Since then, the Norwegian group that gives out the annual prize stated that the prize can't be transferred or shared. Trump had vocally lobbied for the prize last year. 'She's a very nice woman,' Trump said of Machado. 'I've seen her on television. I think we're just going to talk basics.' On Iran, too, Trump has green-lit particular strikes, but hasn't done enough to amount to regime change. In June, Trump ordered B-2 bombers to participate in Operation Midnight Hammer, a mission to take out Iran's main three nuclear sites, Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In the early days of 2020, during the president's first term, he also authorized a drone strike to kill Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force General Qasem Soleimani, outside the Baghdad airport. Anthony Albanese has allegedly received his second death threat in as many days. A 19-year-old Perth man is accused of using a social media platform to send messages threatening to kill the Prime Minister and NSW Premier Chris Minns. He was arrested at his home in Meadow Springs just after midnight on Thursday, just hours after he allegedly made the threat. The teenager has been charged with one count of threatening to kill and is due to face Mandurah Magistrates Court in February. He is the second man to be charged with allegedly threatening the prime minister in as many days. 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. A 19-year-old Perthman is accused of using a social media platform to send messages threatening to kill the Prime Minister and NSWPremier Chris Minns Greg William Tait, 43, faced Parramatta Local Court on Wednesday over allegations he threatened Albanese's life in a series of phone calls Tait (pictured) said he stood for 'Team Australia' as he faced court over allegations he threatened the prime minister's life on multiple occasions He did not enter a plea, telling the court he was seeking legal advice. Tait 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, Tait replied: 'It can't be too serious, I'm on bail.' 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.' If found guilty, he could be jailed for a maximum of five years. His matter will return to court on January 28. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey slammed ICE officials for 'creating chaos' in his city after an agent who was 'ambushed' during an arrest shot a suspect in the leg. The Department of Homeland Security said the suspect was an illegal migrant from Venezuela who ran away on foot Wednesday night before joining two others to attack the agent with a 'broomstick or shovel.' The suspect was shot in the leg and remains in a stable condition in hospital. Two accomplices were also in police custody, and the agent involved was also taken to hospital after he was violently set upon by the trio. Law enforcement officers wearing masks were using tear gas and flash bangs on protesters at the scene, just 4.5 miles north of where Good was shot, in an effort to control the crowds. Frey urged protesters who had arrived at the scene to 'go home', warning they were making matters worse and 'taking the bait.' 'For anyone who is taking the bait tonight: stop,' he said at a late-night press conference to address the second ICE shooting to rock his city in a week. 'It is not helpful. Go home. We cannot counter Donald Trump's chaos with our own chaos. 'You are not helping the undocumented immigrants in our city, you are not helping the people who call this place home.' Law enforcement officers wearing masks were using tear gas and flash bangs on protesters at the scene, just 4.5 miles north of where Good was shot, in an effort to control the crowds Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has slammed ICE officials for 'creating chaos' in his city after an agent shot a shovel-wielding assailant in the leg after he was 'ambushed' during an arrest A federal agent walks through tear gas smoke after it was used on protesting community members Federal agents deploy tear gas and pepper balls against community members during protests Frey urged protesters who had arrived at the scene to 'go home', warning they were making matters worse and 'taking the bait' Protesters had been throwing snowballs and fireworks in the direction of officers as they chanted 'our streets' in the wake of the shooting A community member walks through a cloud of tear gas deployed by federal agents A protesting community member attempts to protect themselves as federal agents fire munitions and pepper balls Protesters had been throwing snowballs and fireworks in the direction of officers as they chanted 'our streets' in the wake of the shooting, Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara revealed. 'The crowd is engaging in illegal acts,' he said. 'We ask anyone at the scene to leave immediately. This is already a tense scenario and we do not need it to escalate any further. 'It has absolutely become an unlawful assembly. There are individuals throwing fireworks at officers, ice and other projectiles.' The latest shooting comes amid civil unrest in Minnesota following the death of mother-of-three Renee Nicole Good last week. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the officer involved in the shooting 'feared for his life and safety as he was ambushed by three individuals. 'The officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life,' McLaughlin added. The incident took place about 6.50pm local time as federal law enforcement officers conducted 'a targeted traffic stop in Minneapolis of an illegal alien from Venezuela.' The criminal had allegedly been 'released into the country' by former president Joe Biden in 2022. Community members hug in front of a line of federal immigration enforcement agents at the site where two people were shot by the agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota A member of law enforcement gestures near protesters, as tensions rise after federal law enforcement agents were involved in a shooting incident, a week after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good Authorities said the crowds which had gathered at the site of the shooting were 'engaging in illegal acts' A child was pictured at the scene after tear gas was deployed on protesters An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has allegedly opened fire after being 'attacked with a shovel' by an assailant in Minneapolis 'In an attempt to evade arrest, the subject fled the scene in his vehicle and crashed into a parked car. The subject then fled on foot,' McLaughlin said. 'The law enforcement officer caught up to the subject on foot and attempted to apprehend him when the subject began to resist and violently assault the officer.' During the melee, two more people 'came out of a nearby apartment and also attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. 'As the officer was being ambushed and attacked by the two individuals, the original subject got loose and began striking the officer with a shovel or broom stick.' Authorities said the person who was shot in the leg was the initial subject of the targeted traffic stop. 'The attacked officer and subject are both in the hospital. Both attackers are in custody.' McLaughlin slammed Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey for their continued statements against ICE agents in the state, noting the duo are 'actively encouraging an organized resistance to ICE and federal law enforcement officers. 'Their hateful rhetoric and resistance against men and women who are simply trying to do their jobs must end,' McLaughlin said. Federal law enforcement officers clashes with protesters on the street in the aftermath of the shooting Frey once again called on the Trump administration to recall the ICE agents deployed to Minnesota, warning that he is 'deeply concerned' his city 'doesn't have the time' to go through the legal channels to force agents to leave The shooting comes amid civil unrest in Minnesota following the death of mother-of-three Renee Nicole Good last week during ongoing ICE operations Protesters started to descend on the area where the alleged shooting took place 'Federal law enforcement officers are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest criminals and lawbreakers.' But Frey hit back, arguing the arrival of as many as 3,000 immigration officers had 'created chaos' in the streets and increased the workload of the 600 full time police officers in the community. 'We have ICE agents who, along with border patrol, are creating chaos,' he warned. 'This is not creating safety. It is certainly not creating safety when a huge percentage of the shootings that have taken place this year in the city are by ICE. 'It is disgusting and intolerable,' he said. Addressing the public who may have tuned in from other states across the nation, he implored them to imagine such violent scenes taking place in their own backyards. 'If it were your city, it would be intolerable too.' Frey once again called on the Trump administration to recall the ICE agents deployed to Minnesota, warning that he is 'deeply concerned' his city 'doesn't have the time' to go through the legal channels to force agents to leave. 'People are scared,' he said. 'The atmosphere is tense.' Tensions reached fever pitch after Good's death last week, with classes canceled at public schools in the region as protesters took to the streets to challenge the Trump administration More than 2,000 ICE agents have descended on the streets of Minneapolis amid concerns about rampant fraud within the local Somali community, as the Trump administration seeks to ramp up deportation efforts Protesters had gathered in the area amid mass unrest following the death of Renee Nicole Good last week Walz also weighed in on Wednesday night, issuing a statement calling for calm despite acknowledging the community's 'anger.' 'I know youre angry. Im angry. What Donald Trump wants is violence in the streets,' he said. 'But Minnesota will remain an island of decency, of justice, of community, and of peace. Dont give him what he wants.' As many as 3,000 ICE agents have descended on the streets of Minneapolis amid concerns about rampant fraud within the local Somali community, as the Trump administration seeks to ramp up deportation efforts. Tensions reached fever pitch after Good's death last week, with classes canceled at public schools in the region as protesters took to the streets to challenge the administration and demand the removal of immigration authorities. 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.' 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. The incident comes a week after Renee Good was shot dead The ICE agent who shot Good dead was identified as Jon Ross (pictured) Renee was seen in surveillance footage apparently blocking the road with her SUV for four minutes before she was killed. 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. A manhunt is underway after two men were stabbed in broad daylight on a busy shopping inner-city shopping strip. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Clarendon and Bank Street in South Melbourne at about 11.30am on Thursday after reports of an altercation between two groups of men. Two men found with stab wounds were rushed to hospital with serious injuries. It's understood that three other men fled the scene before police arrived. Police believe those involved in the altercation are known to each other. The crime scene outside a Bank Street office block was cordoned off through the afternoon as police scoured the scene for potential evidence. 'A crime scene has been established as detectives investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,' a police spokeswoman told Daily Mail. Ambulance Victoria said a man in his 20s was transported by road ambulance to The Alfred with upper and lower body injuries. Police are at the scene of a stabbing in South Melbourne Anyone who witnessed the incident, has footage, or information, is urged to call Crime Stoppers. The latest incident comes just days after Muay Thai fighter Jojo Punvaree, 19, was stabbed to death after a night out in Melbourne's CBD. A man, 19, was charged with murder. He was remanded in custody to face a committal mention hearing in May. The incident follows a spate of violent incidents across Melbourne that exposed the failure of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan's new laws banning machetes. CCTV captured a machetewielding gang ambushing two young men on Lygon Street in Carlton just before midnight on New Year's Eve, leaving both with critical injuries as the attackers fled. Days later, dash cam footage along the Monash Freeway at Narre Warren showed masked men, some armed with machetes and metal poles, pouring out of crashed cars and brawling in live traffic. No injuries were reported, and a man questioned by cops was released without charge. Tim Walz had to bail out on a livestream meant to continue his anti-ICE crusade against Donald Trump and Kristi Noem due to embarrassing technical issues. The Minnesota governor, who dropped his run for re-election amid the Somali daycare fraud scandal, spent part of his speech asking Minnesotans to 'create a database' of alleged ICE misdeeds, as another ICE-involved shooting took place in Minneapolis. 'Tonight, let me say once again to Donald Trump and Kristi Noem: End this occupation. You've done enough,' Walz attempted to say. However, a distracting echo was muddling the liberal governor's speech as he tried to offer 'four critical things' to residents amid the media firestorm over the shooting of Renee Nicole Good. 'First: Donald Trump wants this chaos, he wants confusion and yes, he wants more violence on our street. We can't give him what he wants. We must protest loudly, urgently, but also peacefully,' he said as the echo continued. Eventually, former vice presidential nominee's natural audio was cut so that only his echo could be heard on the livestream. The White House Rapid Response team ripped the fiasco, referring to him by the derisive nickname 'Tampon Tim.' 'Tampon is currently attempting to do a live, highly produced statewide address to condemn the enforcement of our immigration laws in Minnesota... but it's not going so well. You're a loser, @GovTimWalz and you always will be. Just resign in disgrace, you buffoon.' Lame duck Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had to bail out on a livestream meant to continue his anti-ICE message against Donald Trump and Kristi Noem due to technical issues Walz said Trump 'wants this chaos, he wants confusion and yes, he wants more violence on our street' Afterward, the governor's office deleted the original video from YouTube. The Daily Mail has reached out to a spokesperson for Governor Walz for comment. At one point in the speech, Walz pleaded: '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.' His comments come the same night as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot a shovel-wielding assailant in the leg after he was 'ambushed' during ongoing ICE operations in Minneapolis. DHS Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told The Daily Mail in a statement that Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey were to blame for the shooting. 'This attack on another brave member of law enforcement took place while Minnesotas top leaders, Governor Walz and Mayor Frey, are actively encouraging an organized resistance to ICE and federal law enforcement officers,' she said. 'Their hateful rhetoric and resistance against men and women who are simply trying to do their jobs must end. Federal law enforcement officers are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest criminals and lawbreakers.' The shooting comes amid civil unrest in Minnesota following the death of mother-of-three Renee Nicole Good last week. The White House Rapid Response team ripped the fiasco, referring to him by the derisive nickname 'Tampon Tim.' Afterward, the governor's office deleted the original video from YouTube An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer has allegedly opened fire after being 'attacked with a shovel' by an assailant in Minneapolis Officials have since confirmed the agent shot a Venezuelan illegal migrant who had tried to attack him as they conducted an arrest operation on Wednesday night. The target was shot in the leg and remains in a stable condition in hospital. Two of his accomplices are in police custody, and the agent involved was also taken to hospital after he was violently set upon by the trio. Law enforcement officers wearing gas masks were using tear gas and flash bangs on protesters at the scene, just 4.5 miles north of where Good was shot, in an effort to control the crowds. At least one ambulance was seen leaving the area as crowds gathered nearby and local authorities joined federal agents. The incident took place about 6.50pm local time as federal law enforcement officers conducted 'a targeted traffic stop in Minneapolis of an illegal alien from Venezuela.' The criminal had allegedly been 'released into the country' by former president Joe Biden in 2022. 'In an attempt to evade arrest, the subject fled the scene in his vehicle and crashed into a parked car. The subject then fled on foot,' McLaughlin said. 'The law enforcement officer caught up to the subject on foot and attempted to apprehend him when the subject began to resist and violently assault the officer.' Tensions reached fever pitch after Good's death last week, with classes canceled at public schools in the region as protesters took to the streets to challenge the Trump administration The ICE agent who shot Good dead was identified as Jon Ross (pictured) During the melee, two more people 'came out of a nearby apartment and also attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. 'As the officer was being ambushed and attacked by the two individuals, the original subject got loose and began striking the officer with a shovel or broom stick.' Authorities said the person who was shot in the leg was the initial subject of the targeted traffic stop. 'The attacked officer and subject are both in the hospital. Both attackers are in custody.' 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. 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. Australians are being warned to expect flight cancellations and major travel disruptions across the Middle East as Iran braces for potential US air strikes. Iran abruptly closed its airspace amid soaring tensions over its bloody crackdown on nationwide protests and fears of American retaliation. The move forced a Qantas flight from Perth to Paris to briefly turn back before rerouting over Saudi Arabia. Flight-tracking data showed Iranian skies virtually empty as the order took effect. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong cautioned the situation could deteriorate rapidly and without warning. 'This may result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, and other travel disruptions,' she told reporters on Thursday. 'I note there are already reports of this occurring online.' The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) updated its Smartraveller advice, warning of missile and drone threats from neighbouring states. Australians in Iran are urged to leave immediately if safe to do so. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong (pictured) cautioned the situation could deteriorate rapidly and without warning Qantas is monitoring the situation in the Middle East closely but at this stage flights between Australia and Europe are operating as scheduled US President Donald Trump on Tuesday consulted with his national security team about next steps after telling reporters he believed the killing in Iran (pictured) was 'significant' The unrest, driven by a deep economic crisis and demands for political change, marks Iran's most serious internal challenge in years, unfolding under mounting global pressure after last year's Israeli and US strikes. Tehran is also seeking to deter repeated threats from US President Donald Trump to intervene in support of protesters, further inflaming tensions. Senator Wong said Australia stands with the Iranian people, condemning what she called 'a brutal regime engaging in the oppression of its citizens.' 'Our government has taken stronger action against Iran than any previous Australian government,' she said, citing expanded sanctions, the expulsion of Iran's ambassador, and the listing of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Australians are also advised not to travel to Iraq, Yemen, Syria, or the occupied Palestinian territories, and to reconsider travel to Lebanon and Israel. 'The security situation in the Middle East is unpredictable,' DFAT warned. 'Conflicts could escalate quickly, leading to airspace closures, flight cancellations and other disruptions. Prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice.' Major airlines are already responding. Lufthansa announced it will avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace 'until further notice,' while Air India said flights are being rerouted or cancelled, warning of delays. Meanwhile, President Trump appeared to soften his stance on Tehran during an Oval Office press conference Wednesday, signalling that pragmatists in his administration may have prevailed. US President Donald Trump (pictured) appeared to soften his stance on Tehran during an Oval Office press conference Wednesday 'We've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping,' Trump said, though he added his administration is 'watching closely' and could still order strikes. The crackdown has left at least 2,586 protesters dead, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. Taxpayers could fork out millions for no outcome Greens and Coalition yet to agree to divisive reforms Australian taxpayers could be slugged an eye-watering $2million to recall Parliament for just two days next week even as Anthony Albanese's divisive hate speech laws appear doomed in the Senate. Both the House and Senate will return to Canberra on 19 and 20 January to debate sweeping national security reforms in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach terror attack. But the government's push is faltering, with the Greens, the Coalition and several crossbenchers refusing to support the bill in its current form. Labor needs support from 10 additional senators. However, both One Nation and a number of key crossbenchers have already vowed to vote it down regardless of the bill's final form. Without support from either the Greens or a deal with the Coalition, the special parliamentary sitting risks producing nothing but deadlock. On Thursday, Greens senators David Shoebridge and Mehreen Faruqi said they would not be pressured into supporting legislation they see as a threat to civil liberties. 'This is very complex legislation. And we did not create the timetable,' Shoebridge said. Anthony Albanese (pictured) is yet to secure the numbers to pass his hate speech bill Pictured is the pedestrian bridge in Bondi used by two alleged gunmen during the shooting 'The government created this timetable, under significant pressure from the Coalition, who tried to force incredibly complex legislation, crucial and sensitive social questions, into some rapid-fire legislative process.' The Greens warned the bill could stifle legitimate political protest, including criticism of Israel or any other foreign government. 'No legislation should be stopping individuals or organisations in this country challenging and questioning the actions of nation stateswhether that's the actions of Australia, or China, or Russia, or Israel,' Shoebridge said. 'That is a fundamental right The fact it's not made clear in this bill, as protected from these legal changes, is causing deep concern across the community.' The Greens were open to amendments, but signalled the bill needed major changes. In a breakdown of the Department of Parliamentary Services budget, it costs roughly $850,000 to operate Parliament House for a single sitting day, factoring in security, Hansard, broadcasting, IT, and building operations. Two days alone will set back taxpayers about $1.7million before any debate or amendments begin. Travel costs drive the total even higher: Australia's 227 MPs and senators each receive a $310-per-night allowance, totalling rougly $140,000 for two nights. David Shoebridge (pictured) signaled the Greens would not support the bill in its current form Most MPs also bring at least two staffers, who are entitled to the same allowance - adding about $281,000. That means flights, accommodation and expenses for more than 680 people. Emergency parliamentary recalls have a history of blowing out budgets, a snap Labor caucus meeting in 2024 reportedly racked up almost $100,000 per MP. Meanwhile, the government's path to passing the bill has narrowed further. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley on Thursday said the bill was 'unsalvageable' citing risks to free speech and religious freedom. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed claims he was rushing the process. 'What we have done is worked through these issues in an orderly way, in a consultative way. We have released draft legislation in good faith, asking for comments to come forward,' he told reporters on Thursday. Albanese pointed out that Ley was one of many Coalition figures calling for Parliament's immediate return after the Bondi attack. Sussan Ley (pictured) accused the government of rushing the bill through Parliament 'We've had two weeks' notice that Parliament will be brought back... one week to examine this legislation, and it is extraordinary that they are now saying it is being rushed,' he said. 'They were demanding, and the front pages of newspapers were demanding - that it be done prior to Christmas.' Nationals MPs have also launched fresh attacks on the bill, particularly its gun buyback provisions, which would see the Commonwealth and state and territory governments required to split costs evenly. Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory have already said they won't contribute. Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie said the buyback 'unfairly target's law-abiding firearm owners' and called for Labor to focus efforts on radical Islam. Parliament will formally open Monday's sitting with a condolence motion honouring the victims of the antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach. The government has signalled it is open to amendments to the bill, but still does not have the numbers to guarantee passage. Stunned witnesses have watched as cars were swept out to sea during flash flooding in Victoria, as caravan parks along the coast are urgently evacuated. Video shared to social media by Michelle MacKenzie on Thursday showed one empty car being lifted off the sand and into the fast-flowing Wye River. 'Wye River has had flash flooding,' Ms MacKenzie wrote from the scene, about 150km southwest of Melbourne. 'Cars washed out to sea from caravan park. Please stay safe everyone.' Multiple cars, believed to belong to people staying at a nearby caravan park, remain submerged under bridges. An estimated 6,500 people are without power. 'There were three cars floating, there were eskies flowing out, and cars submerged,' a witness wrote in the comments. 'Cars had been pushed against each other and were banging against each other.' Other footage shot from the Great Ocean Road showed at least six additional cars stranded after floodwaters quickly encroached. A red car was just one of three reported to have been swept out to sea by the floods on the Wye River, southwest of Melbourne Witnesses could only watch on as cars were swept away in the dangerous waters 'This is unbelievable,' a witness wrote on X. Local Kath said the situation at Wye River escalated about 1.40pm on Thursday. 'It really was like a tsunami of water going out from the river,' she told the ABC. The Great Ocean Road has been closed in both directions between Lorne and the Cumberland River. Caravan parks are now being evacuated along the coast, including at Carlisle River, Cumberland River and the Lorne Foreshore. Police confirmed their aviation unit, Air Wing, would attend the scene at Wye River, adding that no missing people or injuries have been reported. VicEmergency has a watch and act warning for the district due to severe thunderstorms as the SES warned people to stay home. 'This thunderstorm is very dangerous,' the service said. A number of other cars were dangerously close to being taken away in the floods The Wye River goes under the Great Ocean Road and cars were parked near the bridge before being swept away 'It is likely to produce intense rainfall that may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding over the next several hours. 'Prepare to take shelter and be aware of potential hazards caused by the severe weather. Hazards include flash flooding.' Motorists have been told not to drive through floodwaters and to find alternative travel routes. The SES has issued a flash flood emergency warning at 2.36pm for Wye River, Kennett River, Cumberland River, Lorne and surrounding areas. About 115mm of rain was recorded at Mt Cowley on Thursday morning. The flash flooding event has come just days after the state was struck with another natural disaster - bushfires. The infernos left one person dead, at least 400,000 hectares scorched, and more than 700 structures were destroyed, including 228 homes. A fire burning near Longwood destroyed 142 homes, while a fire near Ravenswood South destroyed 54 homes. 'The poor Vic's can't take a trick,' one person wrote on X. Sydney Airport has been thrown into chaos, with a shortage of air traffic control staff sparking dozens of flight cancellations. At least 30 Qantas and Jetstar flights and ten Virgin Australia services were cancelled on Thursday. Some planes were forced to wait on the tarmac for as long as two hours. It marked the worst disruption to air travel at the airport since the Covid pandemic. Airservices Australia, which runs air traffic control, said the disruptions were caused by lack of staff. Airlines for Australia and New Zealand chief executive Stephen Beckett said he had to wait more than half an hour. 'This is not an isolated incident,' he said. 'There have been ongoing and protracted issues with air services, ability to staff the air traffic control towers. Sydney Airport has been thrown into chaos with a shortage of air traffic control staff sparking dozens of flight cancellations The shortage affected Qantas and Virgin Australia flights on Thursday, with some planes forced to wait on the tarmac for as long as two hours (stock image) 'It's causing crush. It's causing consumers a great deal of frustration. 'It's incredibly frustrating that Airservices Australia has been unable to find enough staff to keep the airport running. 'When there are delays in or out of Sydney, it impacts the entire national network.' Airservices Australia released a statement saying it had 'briefed airlines on the need for air traffic controllers to implement spacing intervals for aircraft arriving and departing Sydney today to safely manage operations while a number of our local staff are on short-notice sick and carers leave'. Airservices Australia said 91 air traffic controllers had been hired in the past 12 months and there had been fewer disruptions to services because of staff shortages. 'Despite our heightened focus on holiday resilience, unplanned absences resulted in some ad hoc flow restrictions and service variations around Perth, Brisbane and Sydney,' a spokesman said. In September last year, when there was also long delays at Sydney Airport due to air traffic controllers being off sick, the union which represents the controllers said the shortage of staff will continue to cause problems. 'We've been advocating and trying to address the staff shortages for over a decade,' Civil Air Australia secretary Peter McGuane told the Australian Financial Review. He said properly training new controllers in their critical roles was a lengthy process so it 'will take some time until the system is at full capacity'. A prominent New South Wales politician has pulled back from his work after the sudden death of his wife, which has rocked their local community. Shadow Tourism Minister and Deputy Leader of the state's Nationals, Kevin Anderson, shared a statement on Monday saying he would step away from his duties. 'Due to an unforeseen and tragic family loss I will be cancelling all my commitments for the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival,' he wrote. 'I deeply appreciate the understanding and support my family and I have already received. 'Thank you for the love and care shown to our family at this time.' Anna Anderson, a mother-of-three and pharmacist for nearly 40 years, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday. The cause of her death is yet to be made public. She was a beloved member of the Tamworth community, in northern NSW, and residents have shared tributes to honour her memory. Mrs Anderson co-owned a pharmacy on Peel Street for more than two decades, formerly known as 'Blooms Pharmacy' but now called 'Karen Carter Pharmacy'. Anna Anderson (pictured) passed away on Tuesday Mrs Anderson's husband, Shadow Tourism Minister Kevin Anderson (pictured together), announced he would step back from his duties while grieving Owner Karen Carter described her longtime friend and former business partner's death as an 'absolute shock'. 'All of our customers love her and all of our staff are devastated,' she told Northern Daily Leader. 'She will be missed terribly.' Mrs Anderson received her Bachelor of Pharmacy and Diploma of Hospital Pharmacy from The University of Sydney alongside Ms Carter, who said she had a 'fantastic sense of humour'. Before moving back to Tamworth after completing her degree, Mrs Anderson worked in Quirindi and Moree. 'She loved working in the country,' Ms Carter added. Former business partner Bill Handley described Mrs Anderson as 'very friendly and quite bubbly' and a 'very hard worker'. In a statement shared with the Leader on Thursday, the Anderson family confirmed the passing of 'our much-loved Anna Anderson'. Anderson (pictured) will not attend the Tamworth Country Music Festival, which starts on Friday 'We're devastated by this loss and are being comforted by close friends and family,' it read. 'Anna was deeply loved by many within the community and across the region, and this is a very difficult time for all who knew her. 'The family is sincerely grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received, which stands testament to how cherished Anna was by so many.' The family has asked for privacy while they grieve. Reforms to the nation's hate speech laws are unlikely to pass parliament with the Coalition and Greens both rejecting the government's draft proposal. The Greens would not support the bill in its current form because it could have unintended consequences, senator Mehreen Faruqi said. 'The legacy of the horrific and appalling violence in Bondi cannot be the undermining of political, civil and human rights,' she told reporters in Canberra on Thursday. 'This bill is broad, it is vast and it is really complex and we need to make sure that it is scrutinised and that we do our due diligence on this bill.' Senator Faruqi said any changes to hate speech protections needed to address all forms of discrimination, not just anti-Semitism as intended by the federal government in the wake of December's Bondi Beach massacre. 'Otherwise you're not actually going towards social cohesion,' she said. 'That actually causes more division as people feel targeted and marginalised.' Senator David Shoebridge said the Greens were continuing to work with Labor, but wouldn't be 'trapped' by a timeline of passing the bill next week. The Greens have rejected Anthony Albanese's proposed hate speech laws in their current form and will refuse to rush them through Parliament next week. Above, senators Mehreen Faruqi and David Shoebridge 'The government created this timetable under significant pressure from the coalition who tried to force incredibly complex legislation ... into some rapid-fire legislative process,' he said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was working with Greens leader Larissa Waters and maintained that passing the laws urgently was important. 'What I want to do is fight for our national interest and fight for our national unity. That's my priority,' he told reporters in Queensland. With the opposition also critical of the changes, that appears unlikely without a major rewrite. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the coalition would oppose the bill when parliament resumed, describing it as 'pretty unsalvageable' and a clumsy attempt to combat anti-Semitism. The draft laws seek to crack down on hate preachers, increase penalties for hate speech and create a national gun buy-back scheme after two Islamic-inspired shooters killed 15 people at a Hanukkah event. Ms Ley told reporters in Melbourne on Thursday her party would continue to scrutinise the legislation. 'Our job is to pass laws that contain clear offences for courts and police to use. Instead, the flaws in this bill will add confusion and delay in the charging and sentencing of terrorist offenders,' she said. Both the Opposition and the Greens are opposing the measures - meaning the PM will be forced to the negotiating table Mr Albanese said the opposition had spoken out against the proposed reform without examining what was in the laws. 'People have dismissed this legislation that they called for, without even reading it. They made comments about what is not right,' he said. 'After calling for parliament to be brought back, they're now saying what's the rush, parliament can wait into the never-never before we act on these important issues.' The opposition leader denied she was being hypocritical and maintained parliament should have been recalled before Christmas. 'We wanted immediate action ... they've taken a month to deliver this bad bill,' Ms Ley said. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim urged the opposition to vote for the legislation and 'not allow the perfect to become the enemy of the good'. 'By all means seek to amend the bill to remove its shortcomings but a wholesale rejection of the bill would not at all be warranted,' he said. 'The defeat of the bill would be a retrograde step.' Barnaby Joyce, who has recently joined One Nation, said the party would not back the legislation because it would punish 'recreational pig shooters in country areas' who should not be lumped in with terrorists. A report on the hate speech reforms is due on Friday before debate begins on Monday when parliament returns. Elon Musk's X says AI tool Grok will no longer undress pictures of real people after a furious backlash against its creation of sexualised deepfakes. The chatbot has reportedly been blocked from stripping people down to 'revealing clothing', as Musk bows to mounting criticism from governments and campaigners. An announcement from X read: 'We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis. 'This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers.' It comes amid widespread disgust at a trend that saw Grok being used to remove the clothes of women and even children without their consent. Many women said they felt violated by the ability of total strangers to create compromising images of them against their will, for all to see. The UK government, alongside others, piled pressure on Musk to put a stop to the sickening trend, which sparked an urgent debate about online safety laws and AI. Sir Keir Starmer branded the non-consensual sexual images being produced 'disgusting' and 'shameful', and media regulator Ofcom launched an investigation into X. Grok, the AI chatbot attached to X, will no longer be able to produce sexualised images of real people without their consent Musk has bowed to pressure from governments and campaigners by limiting his AI tool's abilities Part of the update about Grok that was posted to X on Wednesday evening Last week, the ability to create images with Grok was limited to only users who paid a monthly subscription - but even they will no longer be able to produce scantily-clad edits. The full climbdown, announced last night, also came hours after California's top prosecutor said the state was probing the recent spread of AI fakes. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall today welcomed the restrictions, vowing she 'shall not rest until all social media platforms meet their legal duties'. Earlier in the week, she announced she was bringing forward regulations to tighten the law on so-called 'digital stripping'. Ofcom, which has powers to levy fines running into billions of pounds, also welcomed the move but said its investigation was 'ongoing' in order to get 'answers into what went wrong and what's being done to fix it'. Yesterday, Grok began declining such requests and replying with: 'Unfortunately I can't generate that kind of image.' Starmer said during Prime Minister's Questions that it was a step in the right direction, but that he would not 'back down' until X fully complied with UK law. Other countries acted more decisively, with Malaysia and Indonesia blocking Grok altogether amid the fiasco. Facing MPs at Prime Minister's Questions on Tuesday, Sir Keir said that more action was needed After the Prime Minister demanded the US tech billionaire to act to stem the creation of deepfakes the social media tool began refusing to comply with user requests. The US federal government, meanwhile, refused to condemn Musk's creation, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Grok would join Google's generative AI engine in operating inside the Pentagon network. The US State Department even threatened the UK, warning that 'nothing was off the table' if X was banned. After the prime minister's comments at PMQs, Mr Musk wrote on X he was 'not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok' - although the chatbot itself acknowledged it had created sexualised images of children. Musk continued: 'Obviously, Grok does not spontaneously generate images, it does so only according to user requests," he said. 'When asked to generate images, it will refuse to produce anything illegal, as the operating principle for Grok is to obey the laws of any given country or state. 'There may be times when adversarial hacking of Grok prompts does something unexpected. If that happens, we fix the bug immediately.' If X is found to violate the Online Safety Act in the UK, Ofcom can issue a fine of up to ten percent of its global revenue or 18m. It also has the power to seek to block the site through the courts. Former Meta boss Sir Nick Clegg has 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. Three Palestine Action members have ended a 73-day hunger strike after claiming a 'key demand' has been met. Heba Muraisi, Kamran Ahmed, and Lewie Chiaramello announced their decision to end their strikes after Elbit Systems UK failed to win a government contract. They joined Teuta Hoxha, Jon Cink, Qesser Zuhrah, and Amy Gardiner-Gibson, also known as Amu Gib, in receiving medical re-feeding treatment overseen by doctors. Prisoners for Palestine said the company lost out on a 2 billion contract which would have seen it train around 60,000 British troops each year. They claimed the company is one of Israel's largest arms manufacturers and said the loss of the contract is a sign the firm's 'days are numbered'. The campaign group claimed the hunger strike 'will be remembered as a landmark moment of pure defiance' and was an 'embarrassment for the British state'. They are also demanding that the Government lift a ban on Palestine Action, which became a proscribed terrorist organisation in July last year. The three activists, who called themselves Prisoners For Palestine, all starved themselves longer than IRA bomber Bobby Sands, who died in 1981 after refusing food for 66 days. Palestine Action prisoners (left to right) Teuta Hoxha, Kamran Ahmed, Jon Cink, Heba Muraisi, Qesser Zuhrah and Amy Gardiner-Gibson Surviving more than two months without food had already started to take its toll on the protesters. Last week it was reported that 31-year-old lifeguard and florist Heba Muraisi was struggling to breathe, with muscle spasms in one arm, indicating possible neurological damage. She told Metro she was 'terrified' of how her strike may end. She said: 'My body shakes, I get dizzy to the point of nausea and now breathing is getting hard. I am deteriorating in this cell, I am dying.' The family of Teuta Hoxha, 29, also feared she would die in jail after saying she was suffering from continuous headaches and mobility issues. In total, eight activists have taken part in Palestine Action's strike, which is the largest in the UK since 1981 when 10 IRA prisoners died. The hunger strikers have reportedly only been drinking water and a homemade mix of electrolyte solutions to stabilise their blood pressure. Muraisi, who is originally from Yemen and has family in Rafah, Gaza, is accused of being connected to an alleged breakin at the UK site of Elbit Systems, in Bristol in August 2024. She denies the charges. Most of the strikers face charges including aggravated burglary, violent disorder and criminal damage relating to the break-in at the Bristol site. Palestine Action activist Heba Muraisi, 31, starved herself for 73 days and was reported to be 'close to death' Kamran Ahmed is one of the Palestine Action supporters who ended his hunger strike after 73 days At a hearing last month, Woolwich Crown Court was told that six protesters had wielded sledgehammers and sprayed fire extinguishers at security guards. One activist allegedly struck a female police officer, causing a fractured spine. The other strikers allegedly broke into RAF Brize Norton and damaged two military planes. In the aftermath, Palestine Action said two of its activists infiltrated Britain's largest RAF base and sprayed red paint into the engines of two Airbus Voyager aircraft before escaping without being caught. There have been numerous instances of the protesters being rushed to hospital since the strike began over two months ago. In a statement, Prisoners for Palestine said: 'Our prisoners hunger strike will be remembered as a landmark moment of pure defiance; an embarrassment for the British state. 'It exposed to the world Britain has political prisoners in service of a foreign genocidal regime, and has seen hundreds of people commit to take direct action in the prisoners' footsteps. 'While these prisoners end their hunger strike, the resistance has just begun. Banning a group and imprisoning our comrades has backfired on the British state, direct action is alive and the people will drive Elbit out of Britain for good' Pictured: Supporters of the Palestine Action hunger strikers protest in Parliament Square last month Amy Gardiner-Gibson, also known as Amu Gib, joined seven other protesters in ending their strike Lewie Chiaramello spoke after ending his hunger strike yesterday. He said: 'It is definitely a time for celebration. A time to rejoice and to embrace our joy as revolution and as liberation. 'We do this because of Palestine, because we've been inspired, because we've been empowered to take action and to try to realise our dreams for a free Palestine, for an emancipated world.' Fellow hunger striker Amu Gib said: 'We have never trusted the government with our lives, and we will not start now. We will be the ones to decide how we give our lives to justice and liberation.' A Dutch anti-migrant campaigner claims she has been barred from visiting the UK after criticising Sir Keir Starmer over migrants and two-tier justice as well as supporting Tommy Robinson at a London march last year. Eva Vlaardingerbroek, 29, has shared a Home Office message online revoking her 16 electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to come to Britain, with no appeal. She says the decision is indisputable proof that Britain is 'no longer a free country'. 'Im a Dutch citizen, Im not a criminal, Im not under suspicion of any crime, theyre giving me no due process. And yet there are people crossing your channel illegally and theyre able to enter and not me', she said. The Home Office ruling, which means she cannot visit the UK without a visa, said her potential presence was 'not considered to be conducive to the public good'. Ms Vlaardingerbroek, 29, a political activist dubbed 'darling of the young Right' in Europe, has been vocal in her condemnation of the Prime Minister and his Government's approach to immigration as well as Sir Keir's war of words with X owner Elon Musk over the social media platform's AI feature Grok. She attended the 'Unite The Kingdom' rally in London staged by Mr Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - last September, at which 26 police officers were injured and 24 people arrested when violence broke out. She spoke at that event, calling for the 'remigration' of immigrants. Ms Vlaardingerbroek, a former member of the Dutch far-right party Forum for Democracy, was hoping to return in May this year. But her ETA, approved last summer, has been revoked with a few weeks left to run. The digital permission to travel to the UK, costing 16, allows someone travel to Britain for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons for up to six months. MP Rupert Lowe has said he has asked the Home Office to explain the decision. Eva's supporters include Viktor Orban, the Hungarian Prime Minister, who tweeted: 'Youre always welcome in Hungary'. Tommy Robinson supporter Eva Vlaardingerbroek, an activist in the Netherlands, has posted a video on X talking about being denied an ETA to travel to the UK Ms Vlaardingerbroek, 29, shared the message she says she received from the Government The Home Office declined to comment on the case, including whether her ETA was pulled due to her support for Tommy Robinson and criticism of the Prime Minister. But a department source insisted Ms Vlaardingerbroek is not banned from the UK. In a video shared on X, where she has 1.2million followers, Ms Vlaardingerbroek said: 'So I just got an email I didn't expect - I have officially been banned from travelling to the United Kingdom. 'I'm not allowed to enter the country because the UK government under Keir Starmer deems my presence in the UK, and I quote, "not conducive to the public good". 'I don't know what that means. Since when is being conducive to the public good a requirement to enter a country? 'I mean, especially the United Kingdom where, if I'm not mistaken, thousands of illegal immigrants enter through the Channel every day every day. 'Nobody's asking them to be conducive to the public good. But I cannot come and now this email came out of the blue in a sense that I didn't apply for an ETA. 'I went back in September to join the Tommy Robinson rally where I spoke and I'm planning, I was planning to do that again in May. I guess not.' She suggested the ban was linked to her criticism of Sir Keir over not only immigration but also his war of words with X owner Elon Musk over the social media platform's controversial Grok app. The AI feature on X has been condemned for allowing users to have photos manipulated, including undressing women and children - something which X now says it would no longer permit for pictures of real people. Eva Vlaardingerbroek spoke at the 'Unite The Kingdom' rally in London last September X owner Elon Musk (left) has accused the British government of wanting to ban his social media platform after Sir Keir Starmer (right) was critical of the site's AI feature Grok She had written on X last Friday: 'Keir Starmer wants to crack down on X under the pretense of 'women's safety', whilst he's the one allowing the ongoing rape and killing of British girls by migrant rape gangs. Evil, despicable man.' Ms Vlaardingerbroek added in her latest online video: 'The timing is quite suspicious, isn't it? 'Because three days ago I posted this, calling out his hypocrisy that he wants to ban X because of women's safety while at the same time he's the one who's allowing these migrant gang rapes to happen. 'Obviously he's just doing that because he wants to ban free speech and that is also the reason I am now not anymore allowed to go to the UK. 'But it's pretty dystopian I mean, it's a very severe limitation of my freedom and, as it says in the email, I cannot appeal. 'I'm not convicted of any crime, I'm not under suspicion of any crime they just decided, Keir Starmer just decided that someone like me is not welcome in the UK.' She has received backing online, with former Conservative prime minister Liz Truss sharing her post and adding: 'People who tell the truth about what's happening in Britain banned from the country. 'People who come to the country to commit crime are allowed to stay. Dutch activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek is pictured here speaking at a 'Remigration Summit' at Teatra Condominio in Gallarate, Italy, on May 17 2025 An estimated 150,000 protesters attended the 'Unite The Kingdom' protest in London, organised by Tommy Robinson, on September 13 last year At least 26 police officers were injured with kicks and punches and 24 arrests were made on the day as violence broke out on the streets of the capital, the Metropolitan Police said Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban told Ms Vlaardingerbroek: 'You're always welcome in Hungary!' The notification shared by Ms Vlaardingerbroek states: 'Dear Eva Lotte Louise Vlaardingerbroek. Your UK ETA has been cancelled from 13 Jan 2026. 'This means you cannot travel to the UK without a visa. 'This is because: Your presence in the UK is not considered to be conducive to the public good. You cannot appeal this decision.' Ms Vlaardingerbroek was previously a strident opponent of vaccines and lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic. A Colombian fugitive accused of killing two schoolgirls with thallium-laced chocolate raspberries was caught by the Chiswick branch of the RNLI after evading an international police hunt for months. Zulma Guzman Castro is alleged to have killed Ines de Bedout, 14, and her close friend, Emilia Forero, 13, who both died in hospital in Bogota, Colombia, days after eating the poisoned fruit on April 3 last year. The 54-year-old businesswoman evaded Interpol and the authorities in Brazil and Spain after leaving Colombia on April 13, but was dramatically found in the UK on December 16. Castro was rescued from the icy River Thames, near Battersea Bridge, west London, by the RNLI's Chiswick branch. 'You might outrun Interpol but you'll never outpace Chiswick lifeboat,' said James Anthony, the commander of the lifeboat that pulled Castro from the Thames, in a blog for The Chiswick Calendar website. Mr Anthony told how his team - a former postman, an ex-soldier and a retired businessman - were initially baffled by Castro's desire not to be rescued - until they discovered who she was the following day having handed her over to the emergency services. 'Recovering the person on to a boat on a tidal river requires prior practice and isn't for the faint-hearted. While we don't expect hugs and kisses whenever someone is rescued from the Thames, it was quite odd that she seemed so determined not to be assisted,' Mr Anthony said. 'After the usual casualty care, bandages, kind words and warm blanket were administered, the female was handed over to the care of London Ambulance at a pier in Chelsea. Zulma Guzman Castro is accused of killing Ines de Bedout, 14, and her close friend, Emilia Forero, 13, after they died in hospital days after eating the poisoned sweet treat in Colombia on April 3 Ines de Bedout (left) and Emilia Forero died days after they were poisoned by the raspberries Castro was rescued from the icy River Thames, near Battersea Bridge, west London, by the RNLI's Chiswick branch. Pictured: Commander James Anthony 'Job done, slaps on the back and back to Chiswick Pier for a cup of tea. It was only on the following day after a police officer friend had forwarded a newspaper link that we discovered that the casualty, from Colombia, was the subject of an international manhunt in connection with murder.' Mr Anthony says his crews never know what situation they will encounter, but on this occasion it was Castro. 'And so it was, with hundreds of hours of practice and experience behind them, that an ex-journalist, former postman, ex-soldier and a retired business mogul were able to recover a lady who was quite anxious not to be recovered,' he said. RNLI boats from the Met Police and London Fire Brigade were also dispatched to rescue Castro. The lifeboat crews searchlight picked out a small splashing about 25 metres ahead of us, Mr Anthony said. Almost like a small bird trying to fly out of the water, or an otter coursing its way through the river. Except, of course, it was neither, it was a pair of arms. Flailing in the icy Thames. Castro has been held in a psychiatric unit since she jumped into the Thames but was last week arrested by the National Crime Agency. Later that day, she appeared in Westminster Magistrates' Court for an extradition hearing. The former Colombian Dragons' Dens star is alleged to have killed the two girls in an 'act of vengeance' after a secret six-year affair with Ines's father, Juan de Bedout, which started in 2014 and came to an end shortly before his wife's death. An National Crime Agency spokesman told the Daily Mail: 'Zulma Guzman Castro, aged 54, has today [January 6] been arrested by officers from the NCA's National Extradition Unit. Castro, who is wanted by the Colombian authorities in relation to murder and attempted murder, was arrested in the W10 area of London. 'She is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court this afternoon (6 January 2026).' Last month, it emerged that Castro had reportedly given her location away after drinking Buxton water during a TV interview. The alleged double killer was spotted drinking from the British water brand during an interview with Colombian TV, where she broke her silence to deny the allegations. A source said: 'The bottle of water she drank from was Buxton Natural Mineral Water, a product mainly commercialised in the UK. 'The size of the bottle she was drinking are sold in street shops, which would indicate Guzman is in an apartment or house and not in a hotel.' An Interpol Red Notice to find Castro was issued last month, with authorities warning the fugitive had visited Brazil, Spain and the UK since leaving Colombia. It's understood Castro came to Britain on November 11 and the National Crime Agency were actively hunting for her. She said in a message while on the run: 'I find myself in the middle of a very serious situationwhere I'm being accused of having been the person who sent a poison that killed two girls. The former Colombian Dragons' Den star had a relationship with Ines's father, Juan de Bedout (pictured), between 2014 and 2020 Zulma Guzman Castro drinks from a bottle of Buxton mineral water during an interview, which may have given away her location in the UK 'They accuse me of having fled to Argentina, and then to Brazil, Spain and the UK. Those who know me know I haven't fled anywhere. They know I've been working in Argentina and began a masters in journalism here. 'I went to Spain more than a month ago, with a stopover in Brazil, and then to the UK because of my son. 'I imagine they're accusing me because I had a secret relationship with the father of one of the girls.' Castro denies the killings and claimed in an interview: 'I was Juan de Bedout's lover for so many years, and I think I'm practically very easy to implicate in that.' Colombian media report that police are also investigating whether Castro was involved in the death of Mr de Bedout's late wife, who doctors believe was poisoned with thallium twice before she died of cancer in August 2021. Tehran has confirmed that Iranian protester Erfan Soltani will not face the death sentence, after US President Donald Trump threatened to take military action if the regime executed anti-government demonstrators. The judiciary said Soltani, 26, is being charged with 'colluding against the country's internal security and propaganda activities against the regime' but that the death penalty does not apply to such charges if they are confirmed by a court. It comes as Trump said he had been told by 'very important sources on the other side' the killings of protesters in Iran had been halted, and that executions would not go ahead. He had earlier warned clerics America would take 'very strong action' when asked what he would do if the Iranian regime started executing captured protesters, adding: 'If they hang them you're going to see something.' Soltani, a clothes shop owner, was arrested for taking part in the January 10 protests last week and was being held in the Ghezel Hesar prison in Karaj. His family was told he would face the death penalty and that his imminent execution was scheduled for January 14. The Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights told the Daily Mail last night that relatives of Soltani had been informed that the execution order was postponed, however. Trump had repeatedly talked in recent days about coming to the aid of the Iranian people over the crackdown on protests, which Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) says has left at least 3,428 people dead. But in a surprise announcement at the White House, Trump said that Tehran had now stopped the use of lethal force on protesters, adding that he would 'watch it and see' about threatened US military action. He told reporters: 'They've said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place - there were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions won't take place - and we're going to find out.' Tehran has confirmed that Iranian protestor Erfan Soltani will not face the death sentence US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had been told the killings of protesters in Iran had been halted, but added that he would 'watch it and see' about threatened military action Protesters set fire to makeshift barricades near a religious centre on January 10, 2026 Asked by an AFP reporter in the Oval Office if US military action was now off the table, Trump replied: 'We're going to watch it and see what the process is.' His comments sent oil prices plunging on Thursday morning, as concerns eased of a looming supply shock in energy markets. Iran makes up around three percent of global oil production. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later said there would be 'no hanging today or tomorrow,' in an interview with US network Fox News, while accusing Israel of orchestrating violence, without providing evidence. Araghchi contends the peaceful protests about economic hardship that began December 28 devolved into widespread violence between January 7 and 10 because the protests were infiltrated by external 'elements who had a plan to create a big number of killings in order to provoke President Trump to enter into this conflict and start a new war against Iran'. Iran's Minister of Justice Amin Hossein Rahimi echoed that allegation, telling state news agencies that after January 7, 'those weren't protests any longer' and anyone who was arrested on the streets then 'was definitely a criminal'. Late Wednesday, UN leadership announced a meeting of the Security Council Thursday for 'a briefing on the situation in Iran,' as requested by the United States. Araghchi said the Iranian government was 'in full control' and reported an atmosphere of 'calm' after what he called three days of 'terrorist operation'. Iran also struck a defiant tone about responding to any US attack, as Washington appeared to draw down staff at a base in Qatar that Tehran targeted in a strike last year. Iran targeted the Al Udeid base in June in retaliation for US strikes on three of its nuclear facilities. Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Trump the strike showed 'Iran's will and capability to respond to any attack'. Al-Udeid is the largest US military base in the Middle East, with about 10,000 personnel and around 100 UK staff. Speaking to Fox News, Araghchi warned the US president to 'not repeat the same mistake that you did in June,' adding: 'If you try a failed experience, you will get the same result.' Your browser does not support iframes. Fears of possible US military action continued to rile the region. The British government said its embassy in Tehran had been 'temporarily closed,' while the US embassy in Saudi Arabia urged staff to exercise caution and avoid military installations and India's government urged its citizens to leave the country. Germany's Lufthansa on Wednesday said its flights would avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace 'until further notice' after the US threats against Iran. The country had earlier issued a notice to air operators recommending that flights do not enter Iranian airspace, citing potential danger from 'escalating conflict and anti-aviation weaponry'. Trump has threatened to intervene militarily in Iran several times since the protest movement that has shaken the country began in late December. The protests are the largest since the Islamic Republic was proclaimed in 1979. In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, the US President urged Iranians to keep protesting and remember the names of those abusing them, saying help is on the way. 'Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!... HELP IS ON ITS WAY,' Trump said, without specifying what that help might be. He said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the 'senseless killing' of protesters stopped and in a later speech told Iranians to 'save the name of the killers and the abusers ... because they'll pay a very big price'. Clashes between protesters and security forces in Urmia, in Iran's West Azerbaijan province, on January 14, 2026 Iranian demonstrators gather in a street during a protest over the collapse of the currency's value, in Tehran on January 8, 2026 Protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire in Tehran on January 9, 2026 Rights monitors say that under cover of a five-day internet blackout, Iranian authorities are carrying out their harshest repression in years against demonstrations openly challenging the theocratic system. Iran's judiciary chief vowed fast-track trials for those arrested, stoking fears authorities will use capital punishment as a tool of repression. Some 18,470 people have been detained since protests began in late December, according to US-based Human Rights Activists news agency. Since then, there have been 617 protest gatherings in 187 cities across the country, the group said. In Tehran, authorities held a funeral for more than 100 security personnel and other 'martyrs' killed in the unrest, which officials have branded 'acts of terror'. G7 nations said Wednesday they were 'deeply alarmed at the high level of reported deaths and injuries' and warned of further sanctions if the crackdown continued. Monitor NetBlocks said Iran's internet blackout had lasted 144 hours. Despite the shutdown, new videos, with locations verified by AFP, showed bodies lined up in the Kahrizak morgue south of Tehran, wrapped in black bags as distraught relatives searched for loved ones. The US-based Institute for the Study of War said authorities were using 'an unprecedented level of brutality to suppress protests,' noting reports of protest activity had sharply declined. A senior Iranian official told journalists there had been no new 'riots' since Monday, distinguishing them from earlier cost-of-living protests. 'Every society can expect protests, but we will not tolerate violence,' he said. Prosecutors have said some detainees will face capital charges of 'waging war against God.' State media reported hundreds of arrests and the detention of a foreign national for espionage, without giving details. Empty airspace over Iran amid concerns about possible military action from the United States 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 Erfan Soltani was arrested on Thursday evening last week near his home in Fardis, a working-class district of Karaj, west of Tehran. For three days, his family didn't receive any news about the 26-year-old, and weren't told about where he was detained or what charge he was facing. On Sunday, a phone call from a regime official arrived, telling them he was sentenced to death and that his execution would take place on Wednesday. That would make Soltani the first known protester in the latest Iranian uprising to be condemned to the death sentence. His relatives didn't receive any explanation about the charges, and Soltani was denied access to a lawyer as well as a court hearing. On Tuesday night, the family travelled to Ghezel Hesar prison to protest for his release. The Islamic Republic typically carries out hangings at dawn, during the morning call to prayer, when the faithful are called to worship and the condemned are summoned to experience their last moments. In a desperate plea for Soltani, one of his cousins, Somayeh, called on Trump to urgently intervene to save him. 'I beg you, please do not let Erfan be executed, please,' she told CNN. 'We need Trump's help by the second.' On Wednesday night, the family were informed that the scheduled execution had been postponed, according to the human rights group Hengaw. Rubina Aminian, 23, was shot in the back of the head by Iranian security services after joining the street protests after a day of classes in her textiles programme at Shariati College on Thursday Rebin Moradi, 17, was shot dead during protests in Tehran Erfan Faraji died a week after 18th birthday It comes after Rubina Aminian, a 23-year-old fashion student, was shot in the head 'from close range' during last Thursday's protests. She studied at the Shariati College in Tehran, a prestigious institution reserved for women. Her Instagram feed shows her proudly displaying clothes inspired by her Kurdish origins in the west of the country, but also the region of Sistan-Baluchistan in its southeast. On the evening of January 8, the first night of mass protests in which thousands of Iranians flooded into the streets, she left her college and joined the demonstrations, according to the IHR, which analysed and verified her case. She was shot at close range from behind, with a bullet striking her head, it quoted a family source as saying, adding that relatives travelled from Kermanshah in western Iran to identify her body and were 'confronted with the bodies of hundreds of young people killed in the protests'. They were able to retrieve her body after overcoming objections from officials but, on returning to Kermanshah, were not allowed to hold any mourning ceremony and were forced to bury her by the side of the road. Erfan Faraji, a resident of Rey, outside Tehran, was shot dead by Iranian government forces during the protests a day earlier, Hengaw said. He had turned 18 just a week earlier. A source close to Faraji's family told Hengaw his body was identified among those transferred on Saturday to the Kahrizak morgue, from where images of dozens of body bags sparked international alarm. His family collected his body on Saturday and he was buried without any public announcement. Rebin Moradi, a 17-year-old Kurdish student, originally from Salas-e Babajani in Kermanshah province but a resident of Tehran, was a member of the capital's youth premier football league and a youth player with Saipa Club at the time of his death. He was seen as 'as one of the promising young talents in Tehran's youth football scene,' Hengaw said. Moradi was killed by Iranian government forces who shot him last Thursday, Hengaw said. A source familiar with the case told the organisation that Moradi's family received confirmation of his death but that they had not yet been allowed to take possession of his body. Mehdi Zatparvar, 39, from Rasht in the Caspian Sea province of Gilan was a former bodybuilding champion who became a coach and held a master's degree in sports physiology. 'Zatparvar began weightlifting at the age of 13 and earned national and international titles in powerlifting and weightlifting between 2011 and 2014,' Hengaw added. He was shot and killed on Friday. The protests broke out in two major markets in downtown Tehran after the Iranian rial plunged to 1.42million to the US dollar, a new record low, compounding inflationary pressure and pushing up the prices of food and other daily necessities. This was after the Iranian government had raised prices for nationally subsidised gasoline in early December, with Central Bank head Mohammad Reza Farzin resigning a day later as the protests spread to cities outside of Tehran, where police fired tear gas to disperse demonstrations. The UN human rights chief said on Tuesday that he was 'horrified' by mounting violence by Iran's security forces against peaceful protesters. 'This cycle of horrific violence cannot continue. The Iranian people and their demands for fairness, equality and justice must be heard,' Volker Turk said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday that he was 'shocked by reports of violence and excessive use of force by the Iranian authorities against protesters resulting in deaths and injuries in recent days'. The US State Department on Tuesday urged American citizens to leave Iran now including by land through Turkey or Armenia. David Hockney has called plans to move the Bayeux Tapestry to Britain 'madness', warning it could destroy the fragile 1,000-year-old cloth. The artist claimed it was a 'vanity' project by the British Museum, after the Government agreed to insure the tapestry for up to 800million. Plans are being finalised to ship the 11th-century, 70-metre embroidery, which depicts the Norman invasion of 1066, from Bayeux in northern France to the British Museum in London. The journey will mark the first time the tapestry - which some historians believe was woven in Kent - has crossed the Channel in more than 900 years, with it due to go on display in September. Mr Hockney, 88, who now lives in Normandy, says the plan should be scrapped. Writing in the Independent, he said the tapestry is 'too precious to take a risk with'. He 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.' Artist David Hockney, 88, has launched a last-minute bid to stop the move of the Bayeux Tapestry to London The Bayeux tapestry is over 900 years old and 70 metres long, and depicts the Norman conquest over Britain The Battle of Hastings, seen here, is a key event depicted in the tapestry's 58 scenes Stitched onto the cloth is the story of William the Conqueror's journey to becoming the first Norman king of England. Among the 58 scenes is the famous moment Harold Godwinson, the Anglo-Saxon king, was shot in the eye with an arrow during the Battle of Hastings. The British Museum responded with a reassurance that the tapestry was in safe hands. Director Nicholas 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.' The French and British governments have agreed the tapestry will be loaned to the British Museum July 2027 while the Bayeux Museum - its usual home - is renovated. Some French art experts have also flagged concerns about the plan, suggesting the tapestry is too delicate to be transported, but French officials insist it can be done. Mr Hockney recalled visiting the tapestry for the first time in 1967, and said he has viewed it more than 20 times in the last three years alone. The legendary artist described the work as 'something that has defined my life for more than eight decades'. He wrote: '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.' Mr Hockney also dismissed the 800million - the figure the Treasury is reportedly insuring the tapestry for - as 'meaningless', because the artwork is 'priceless'. He continued: 'The linen backing is weakened by age, and the wool embroidery threads are vulnerable to stress," he said, adding that he had researched the process. 'Rolling, unrolling or handling it in a new way can cause damage.' The tapestry has already been taken off display in France and moved into storage, in preparation for its journey. Mr Hockney claimed the move was being carried out for 'the vanity of a museum which wants to boast of the number of visitors'. The British Museum said it had consulted and was working closely with specialists in France to ensure no damage is done. Cullinan said they 'send and receive thousands of loans each year - including ancient frescoes and textiles which are older than the Bayeux tapestry'. He added that their condition and safety was 'always of paramount importance'. The eyewatering insurance pledge comes through the Government Indemnity Scheme. This is an alternative to commercial insurance that allows art and cultural objects to be shown in the UK. An HM Treasury spokesperson said last month: 'The Government Indemnity Scheme is a long-standing scheme that allows museums and galleries to borrow high-value works for major exhibitions, increasing visitor numbers and providing public benefits. 'Without this cover, public museums and galleries would face a substantial commercial insurance premium, which would be significantly less cost-effective.' The scheme is estimated to have saved UK museums and galleries 81 million compared to commercial insurance. The son of a British couple detained in Iran said he fears for their welfare after the UK closed its embassy in Tehran amid the deadly crackdown on anti-regime protests. Lindsay and Craig Foreman were taken into custody in January last year during a motorcycle tour around the world and were later charged with espionage. The couple, from East Sussex, deny the allegations and are in Tehran's notorious Evin prison. Mrs Foreman's son, Joe Bennett, fears his mother and her husband are in a 'dangerous position' after the UK announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran on Wednesday. He added that the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) informed him they are still 'assessing the situation'. Mr Bennett says he worries about 'overcrowding' in the jail due to anti-regime protests, after previously revealing the couple's 'deteriorating' health and how his mother has been crying on the phone, 'begging' to come home. It comes as about 12,000 protesters have been killed by the Iranian regime as of Wednesday, according to claims made by Iranian opposition website Iran International. Tehran's attorney general, Mohammad Movahedi Azad, had warned that anyone taking part in the protests would be considered an 'enemy of God', punishable by a death-penalty charge. Britain's ambassador and all consular staff were evacuated on Wednesday following a security assessment and fears for staff safety. Mr Bennett said if his parents were released, they had planned to go to the British embassy. Lindsay and Craig Foreman (pictured) were taken into custody in January last year during a world motorcycle tour and were charged with espionage Mrs Foreman's son Joe Bennett (pictured) has been tirelessly campaigning for the couple's release 'The trouble is, their plan was to go to the embassy, to try to get to the embassy because they feel that that's safe ground and now... Where do they go? What do they do?' he told the BBC. He added that during a brief communication with the couple on Wednesday, they told him of the prison's 'frightening' conditions. 'There are vermin in the kitchen and in beds. It is overcrowded, it's even more overcrowded now that these protests have gone on in Tehran,' he said. Mr Bennett also told of his family's 'frustration' with the apparent lack of support from the UK government. 'I look at other nations, France for example, US, Italy, when their citizens are put in a similar situation, there's an advocacy from them at the highest level of government... and the UK haven't done that,' he claimed. Earlier this month, Mr Bennett handed in a petition to Downing Street calling on the Government to do more to free them. The petition was given after a choir of concerned supporters sang a rendition of Stand By Me. Mr Bennett previously said that every day the couple are in prison it 'chisels away at their mental and physical health'. 'Their health is deteriorating. It is tough for them. They shield us about what the actual reality is like for them because they do not want us to be afraid,' he said. 'My mum is the most important person in the world to me and when you hear her down, dejected, crying and begging to come home - it is hard to take.' Mr Bennett handed in a petition to Downing Street calling on the Government to do more to free his mother and her husband. Pictured left to right: Anoosheh Ashoori, his daughter Elika Ashoori, Mr Bennett, Sue Clarke and Richard Ratcliffe outside number 10 Downing Street on January 3, 2026 Protesters set fire to makeshift barricades near a religious centre in Gorgan, Iran, on January 10, 2026 He has been tirelessly calling on the UK government to take more action to ensure the safety of the couple. 'They (the Government) need to come out and defend their citizens - that is what we want,' he said. 'We want public acknowledgement that it is completely barbaric they are being held on these charges of espionage, that they are not spies for the British state and they are going to do everything they can to get them home. 'When you call it for what it is, hopefully it gives you more leverage to be able to get the right thing done.' Mr Bennett said he is able to speak to his family in prison but the couple are 'being as brave as possible'. An FCDO spokesperson said: 'We remain deeply concerned that Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been charged with espionage in Iran. We continue to raise this case directly with the Iranian authorities. 'We continue to provide Craig and Lindsay with consular assistance and remain in close contact with their family members.' On the closure of the British Embassy in Tehran, a government spokesperson said: '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.' Supporters of Mr and Mrs Foreman hold placards outside Downing Street during a demonstration on January 3, this year Richard Ratcliffe (left), Joe Bennett (second left), Elika Ashoori (second right), and her father Anoosheh Ashoori (right) arrive to hand in a petition to number 10 Downing Street on January 3, this year Tehran today confirmed that Iranian protester Erfan Soltani will not face the death sentence, after US President Donald Trump threatened to take military action if the regime executed anti-government demonstrators. The judiciary said Soltani, 26, is being charged with 'colluding against the country's internal security and propaganda activities against the regime' but that the death penalty does not apply to such charges if they are confirmed by a court. It comes as Trump said he had been told by 'very important sources on the other side' the killings of protesters in Iran had been halted, and that executions would not go ahead. He had earlier warned clerics America would take 'very strong action' when asked what he would do if the Iranian regime started executing captured protesters, adding: 'If they hang them you're going to see something'. Soltani, a clothes shop owner, was arrested for taking part in the January 10 protests last week and was being held in the Ghezel Hesar prison in Karaj. His family was told he would face the death penalty and that his imminent execution was scheduled for January 14. A teacher who allegedly plotted to drug and sexually assault two minors has lost his bid for bail after being deemed a danger to the community. Peter James Adam, 63, had been employed by International Grammar School in inner Sydney at the time he was arrested in Bondi in the city's east on Wednesday. Police swooped after finding allegedly incriminating messages between him and another accused, Todd Anthony Soulas, who is also before the courts. In conversations between the men from June 2024 to July 2025, Adam allegedly plotted the sexual assaults. Police prosecutors described the alleged facts behind the case as 'abhorrent and concerning', when the teacher first appeared in a virtual Bail Court on Thursday. 'These facts depict the accused actively taking steps to allow (the children) to be drugged and sexually assaulted by the co-accused,' magistrate Margaret Quinn was told. Adam watched the hearing by videolink from a cell at Surry Hills police station. In reading the alleged conversations, Ms Quinn said: '(They're) fairly revolting sort of messages I have to say - graphic'. Peter James Adam (pictured) allegedly plotted to drug and sexually assault two minors Prosecutors revealed the 63-year-old had talked about 'pimping' out the young boy so he could get extra cash and sending the girl's underwear to Soulas' place. Adam took photos of both children in vulnerable positions with his 35-year-old co-accused planning to use artificial intelligence to create child abuse material, police prosecutors said. The teacher allegedly said the girl was going to be much harder to get involved in the plot. 'Well, that's fine, we can drug her,' Soulas allegedly said. 'We can record her having sex with a dog and own her anonymously.' Prosecutors opposed Adam's release on bail, saying he would pose a danger to the alleged victims and the community and could interfere with witnesses. Legal Aid solicitor Julian Balloot urged the court to release his client, proposing a suite of bail conditions to mitigate any risk. This included living at a North Sydney address, reporting to police daily, surrendering his passport and being barred from using encrypted apps or more than one mobile phone. PAdam (pictured during arrest) previously worked at International Grammar School in Sydney Ms Quinn did not release the teacher on bail, finding the risk was too great. She noted the exceedingly strong case against him. Adam did not speak but bowed his head as the decision was handed down. His wife Genet Erickson-Adam, a deputy head at prestigious private school Cranbrook, was also listening to the virtual hearing. Police located the chats after three mobile phones were seized from Soulas' home before he was arrested in September. Soon after police publicised that Adam had been charged, International Grammar School edited social media posts from October to remove any reference to the teacher. Posts on Instagram and Facebook celebrating World Teacher's Day were scrubbed of the man's name and photo on Thursday morning. Adam was arrested on Wednesday morning, charged with two counts of incitement to commit aggravated sex assault in company and using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material. An International Grammar School spokeswoman said he would be stood down. 'The school has assured parents and carers that the safety of IGS students remains the school's highest priority,' she told AAP. 'Ongoing support has been offered to members of the IGS community who may experience distress or have concerns in response to the allegations.' Soulas has been hit with 23 separate charges including the aggravated sexual assault of a child, child prostitution, using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material, and possessing and disseminating child abuse and bestiality material. He remains on remand and will next appear before Burwood Local Court on February 4. Adam's next appearance will be before Waverley Local Court on March 12. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) Regulator Ofwat has launched an investigation into South East Water after repeated outages left thousands of households across Kent and Sussex without drinking water. Ofwat said today it had launched a probe into whether the supplier had breached its licence condition by failing to comply with customer service standards obligations and offered appropriate support to affected customers during supply interruptions. If the regulator decides South East Water has breached the conditions and should be stripped of the licence, the supplier could fall into a special administration regime until a new buyer was found. If Ofwat rules that the supplier is in breach, but does not revoke the licence, penalties can include a fine of 10 per cent of the firm's annual turnover. The latest incident has seen thousands of properties in Kent and Sussex left without drinking water for the sixth day running, with South East Water blaming the outage on Storm Goretti causing burst pipes and power cuts. As of this morning, water had been restored to 16,500 properties in East Grinstead, but 7,500 customers in Kent remain without water, South East Water said. Around 6,500 of those still affected are in Tunbridge Wells on a 'booster system', which the company said it now has a 'new recovery plan' for. Tunbridge Wells also suffered a sustained outage in November and December, with around 24,000 properties in and around the Kent town left without drinkable water for almost two weeks. Workers at a bottled water station for those impacted by outages in Tunbridge Wells today A bottled water distribution station is seen operating in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, today Workers at a bottled water station for those impacted by outages in Tunbridge Wells today Ofwat has already launched an investigation into South East Water's supply resilience, looking at whether it has failed to develop and maintain an efficient water supply systems, which is ongoing. Lynn Parker, Ofwat senior director for enforcement, said: 'The last six weeks have been miserable for businesses and households across Kent and Sussex with repeated supply problems. 'We know that this has had a huge impact on all parts of daily life and hurt businesses, particularly in the run-up to the festive period. 'That is why we need to investigate and to determine whether the company has breached its licence condition.' It is the first investigation launched by Ofwat into a potential breach of the customer-focused licence condition. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said yesterday that ministers were holding emergency daily meetings over the ongoing South East Water outage. A number of schools in Kent and Sussex have also been forced to close due to the outage. The water company has said it is supporting schools, care homes, medical providers, and those with livestock with bottled water deliveries, along with supporting hospitals with tankers of water. South East Water's incident manager Matthew Dean said today: 'In total, around 7,500 properties across Kent are currently without water, and we are very sorry to all our customers who have been and continue to be affected. 'We know and understand how difficult going without water for such a long period of time is and how difficult it makes everyday life. A bottled water distribution station is seen operating in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, today Workers at a bottled water station for those impacted by outages in Tunbridge Wells today Your browser does not support iframes. 'We are continuing to use 26 tankers to pump water directly into our network to increase the amount of water available in the affected areas and our leak repair teams are working around the clock to fix the leaks and bursts across Kent and Sussex, with extra resources available to help carry out repairs.' In a similar incident last month, 24,000 properties in and around Tunbridge Wells were left without drinkable water for almost two weeks. South East Water chief executive David Hinton was grilled by MPs for his company's handling of that crisis last week. On Tuesday, Alistair Carmichael, chairman of the Parliamentary Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, said he and his colleagues remained 'deeply sceptical' about South East Water's version of events presented to MPs last week. He indicated that they plan to recall Mr Hinton and the chairman of South East Water, Chris Train, to provide further evidence to the committee. Liberal Democrat MP for Tunbridge Wells Mike Martin has been calling for Mr Hinton to resign for more than a month. Other politicians have voiced their dissatisfaction as well, and Kent County Council leader Linden Kemkaran said on Tuesday that 'heads must roll' as a result of the ongoing outages. The majority of those still affected were in East Grinstead, where approximately 11,500 properties remained without water yesterday. David Hinton, the chief executive of South East Water, is facing growing calls to resign Temperatures in East Grinstead have already fallen to -1C (30F) this week, and the area is under a Met Office weather warning for heavy rain today. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for South East Water to be stripped of its licence for failing 'over and over again', during an exchange at Prime Minister's Questions yesterday. He said: 'Families, pensioners, schools, care homes and businesses without any water since Saturday, and the water company bosses involved now stand accused of misleading Parliament over their failures. 'South East Water keeps failing its customers over and over again. So will the Government immediately strip them of their licence?' Sir Keir replied that the situation is 'totally unacceptable'. The Prime Minister said: 'He will want to know that ministers have chaired daily emergency meetings to hold the company to account to deliver on the change that's urgently needed at the moment in all the areas that he mentioned. 'We've also doubled the compensation rates for individuals and businesses and we're absolutely clear the company must urgently invest in infrastructure and we'll publish the water White Paper in due course.' Bottled water stations were in place in Tunbridge Wells, East Grinstead and Maidstone. The waitress blamed for starting the New Year's fire at a Swiss ski resort bar was made to wear a promotional crash helmet, which prevented her from seeing sparklers, a witness has claimed. Cyane Panine, 24, was filmed wearing the crash helmet from Dom Perignon, the Champagne brand, as she was lifted onto the shoulders of Mateo Lesguer, 23, the in-house DJ. This was 'at the request' of the bar manager, Jessica Moretti, 40, the witness states in an official report compiled by the Swiss authorities. The Dom Perignon 'motorcycle crash helmet' covered Cyane's face completely with a black visor, meaning she could hardly see anything as she carried champagne bottles plugged with sparklers. The sparklers are said to have ignited soundproofing foam in the basement ceiling, leading to 40 deaths and 116 others being horrifically burned at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana. Mateo, who was wearing a carnival mask that also hid his face, tragically died alongside Cyane in the bar. Ms Moretti is now under investigation for multiple alleged crimes, including 'manslaughter by negligence'. The bar manager, who is currently on bail and wearing an electronic tag, has confirmed the battery-powered helmet, which flashed from green to pink, was part of a stunt designed to sell champagne. Cyane Panine, 24, was filmed wearing the crash helmet from Dom Perignon, the Champagne brand, as she was lifted onto the shoulders of Mateo Lesguer, 23, the in-house DJ The Dom Perignon 'motorcycle crash helmet' covered Cyane's face completely with a black visor, meaning she could hardly see anything Jessica Moretti is now under investigation for multiple alleged crimes, including 'manslaughter by negligence' 'These are Dom Perignon helmets,' she said. 'These helmets are delivered by our champagne supplier, and we wear them from time to time when we serve champagne.' With her field of vision significantly reduced, Cyane was unable to see the sparklers 'touching the ceiling', the official report reads. Sophie Haenni, lawyer for Cyane's bereaved family, also claims that 'Cyane wasn't supposed to be serving at the tables'. Ms Haenni said: 'Jessica Moretti asked her to go down to the basement to help her colleagues, given the large number of champagne bottles ordered. 'Cyane simply followed the instructions given, did her job, and did so in front of the manager. She was never informed of the ceiling's danger and received no safety training.' Ms Moretti is facing trial alongside her 49-year-old husband, Jacques Moretti, who is in pre-trial detention for at least the next three months. Mr Moretti is an ex-pimp who has spent time in prison for previous offences. Both the Morettis have claimed Cyane was like a 'step-daughter' and 'sister' to them. But Ms Haenni said this was false, and Cyane had in fact contacted 'the workers' protection service' over her employment conditions with the Morettis. She was entitled to all of these documents under Swiss law, but the Morettis appeared reluctant to give her basic documents, including an employment contract, or to pay her a decent wage. Cyane and the Morettis 'addressed each other formally in messages,' while Cyane complained of 'orders' given to her by Jessica Moretti. Ms Haenni said: 'In 2025, Cyane confided in her family about the significant difficulties she was experiencing with her employers. 'She indicated that she had to work tirelessly. She was working endless days. Shortly before her death, Cyane told her family about her physical and emotional exhaustion. 'She expressed her incomprehension at her employers' lack of empathy and understanding.' High quality photographs show the very first moments of the Swiss Constellation Bar fire in Crans-Montana A dramatic video captured the moment the ceiling of a Swiss ski bar caught fire In video footage someone can be seen trying desperately to extinguish the fire, but within seconds it takes hold, erupting into a deadly fireball that engulfs the packed bar Cyane's parents, Jerome and Astrid Cyane, are particularly angry at the tear-filled, highly sentimental words uttered by Jessica 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'. Ms Haenni said: 'They were quite hurt, because for them it didn't reflect her behaviour on the evening.' Ms Haenni said: 'The image the Moretti family is trying to project contradicts certain elements of the case' and 'there was no familiarity' between them and Cyane. 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 sneaking in and avoiding the table charges equivalent to around 900 each. Ms Panine said: 'If the door had been open, maybe there wouldn't have been any deaths.' Like the Morettis, Cyane was a French national and was buried in her hometown of Sete, on the country's southern coast, on Saturday. Investigators have 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. 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 has to wear an electronic tag and has had her passport confiscated, while having to report to a local police station every three days. The investigation into the fire continues. Russia has expelled a British diplomat from the country, accusing him of acting as a spy. Moscow's foreign ministry said today it had received information 'regarding the affiliation of a diplomatic employee at the embassy with the British secret service'. The ministry said it had summoned British charge d'affaires Danae Dholakia to lodge a 'strong protest' and inform her that the diplomat was being expelled. The ministry did not identify the diplomat, but said he must leave Russia within two weeks. The ministry - which is headed by Vladimir Putin's attack dog Sergey Lavrov - said Moscow would not 'tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers in Russia'. It has warned of retribution if London were to 'escalate the situation' with a tit-for-tat expulsion of a Russian diplomat. Both Russia and the UK have periodically expelled each other's diplomats from the country since the start of Putin's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement on its Russian-language Telegram channel, accompanied by a video that appeared to show the diplomat leaving its building in Moscow. As she did so, she was challenged by reporters and heckled by a Russian rent-a-mob who shouted 'Britain is a terrorist country' and 'your weapons kill children'. Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow yesterday. Russia has expelled a British diplomat over allegations he is a spy Charge d'affaires Danae Dholakia (pictured) was summoned today and informed that a member of staff at the British embassy was being expelled Others carried signs reading 'Where are the Skripals?' - a reference to Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, victims of the Russian-engineered Salisbury poisonings, who now live under new identities in Britain - and 'London sows death'. She made no comment as she left, and spent 15 minutes inside, according to Russian news agency Tass. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Telegram: 'On January 15, the British Charge d'Affaires in Russia, D. Dholakia, was summoned to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and lodged a strong protest against information received by Russian authorities regarding the affiliation of one of the embassy's diplomatic staff with the British intelligence services. 'D. Dholakia was informed that, in light of this, and in accordance with Article 9 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, this individual's accreditation was revoked. He must leave the Russian Federation within two weeks.' It continued: 'It was reiterated that Moscow will not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers in Russia. 'It was stated that Russia's uncompromising position on this matter will continue to be implemented in accordance with the national security interests of our country. 'A warning was also issued that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will give a decisive 'mirror' response.' Danae Dholakia arrived in Moscow as the Deputy Head of Mission to Russia in June 2025, according to an official Government biography, having previously served in diplomatic roles in China and in several parts of Africa. She also served as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's deputy director, and held roles in the Home Office, Nato and the European Union; prior to becoming a civil servant she worked for NGOs. Danae Dholakia was summoned to Russia's Ministry of Affairs in Moscow on Thursday morning (file photo) Join the debate How do YOU think Britain should respond to Russias accusations of espionage? Amid the war in Ukraine, Russia and the West have repeatedly accused each other of unfurling espionage campaigns of an intensity not seen since the Cold War. Russia says that the CIA, MI6 and France's DGSE have all stepped up attempts to steal secrets, recruit Russians and sow discord inside the country. Western European spy chiefs say that the FSB, Russia's SVR foreign intelligence service and the GRU military intelligence service have mounted major cyber attacks and sabotage campaigns across the Western world, something Moscow denies. The diplomatic showdown comes days after Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would send troops to Ukraine in the event of a peace deal being struck - alongside France, a key partner in the so-called 'coalition of the willing'. Sir Keir made the announcement following a meeting with French president Emmanuel Macron, calling it a 'vital part of our iron cast commitment to stand with Ukraine for the long term'. But Moscow has warned that any presence of Nato troops in Ukraine would be perceived as a threat and a legitimate target. On Saturday Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, accused European leaders of seeking a wider conflict. Using a derogatory nickname for the French President, he wrote on X: 'The ruling European dimwits want a war in Europe after all. It's been said a thousand times: Russia won't accept any European or NATO troops in Ukraine, but no, Micron keeps peddling this pathetic b*******.' Attaching footage of a Russian strike on Ukraine, he added: 'Well, come on then. This is what you'll get.' The Foreign Office said it was 'carefully considering' its response to Russia's expulsion of a British diplomat, saying claims they were a spy are 'malicious and baseless'. Responding to the expulsion, a spokesman added: 'This is not the first time the Kremlin has made malicious and baseless accusations against our staff. 'Their targeting of British diplomats comes out of desperation and actions like this undermine the basic conditions required for diplomatic missions to operate. 'We are carefully considering our options in response.' Downing Street left open the possibility of expelling a Russian diplomat from the UK following Moscow's announcement. Asked whether the UK could expel a Russian diplomat, a No10 spokesman said: 'I won't get ahead of any decisions. 'We're considering our options.' The wife of Australian children's author Craig Silvey has been seen with their three daughters for the first time since his dramatic arrest earlier this week. 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, 22km south of Perth CBD, on Monday. Prosecutors have alleged some of the illegal material found by police was taken by Silvey in the home's office, 7News reported. On Thursday, Silvey's wife Clare Testoni broke cover for an outing with their three-year-old daughter Matilda and nine-month-old twins Hazel and Stella. Wearing a blue day dress and straw hat, the writer and puppeteer held onto Matilda with one hand and carried one of the twins in the other as she was seen for the first time since Silvey's arrest. The other twin was shaded from the sun in a double stroller, pushed by an unknown woman. The trio were seen outside family home in Fremantle, with Ms Testoni packing the pram into the car while wearing earbuds. There was no sign of Silvey, who was granted bail on Tuesday. Craig Silvey's wife Clare Testoni was spotted with her children in Perth on Thursday, just days after her husband was arrested at the family home in Fremantle Silvey (pictured with his wife) was charged with one count of distribution of child exploitation material and one count of possession of child exploitation material Testoni walked with the couple's nine-month-old twin daughters and three-year-old daughter Court documents have revealed Silvey allegedly used the alias 'Jimmy Jimmy Jimmy' to chat with other paedophiles on adult sites. He was arrested and charged with one count of distribution of child exploitation material and one count of possession of child exploitation material. The father-of-three then appeared in Fremantle Court on Tuesday but wasn't required to enter a plea. Magistrate Thomas Hall approved Silvey's 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.' It comes as WA's education department looks to distance itself from the author by pulling his books from the state curriculum. Testoni was seen wearing a blue day dress and a straw hat outside the family's Fremantle home on Thursday The mother-of-three had earbuds in as she loaded a stroller into the car 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 own publisher issued a statement, reading: 'Allen & Unwin is aware of serious charges brought against author Craig Silvey in Fremantle this week. 'The nature of the allegations is deeply distressing. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all survivors of child exploitation and their families. 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 Silvey was set to publish another instalment of the Runt series in November '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 Silvey's work while the legal process takes its course. 'We are unable to provide further comment while this matter is before the courts.' 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 was set to publish another instalment of the Runt series in November. Silvey is expected to face court again on February 10. A Cabinet minister sounded defiance on cancelling 'pointless' local elections today - as Nigel Farage launches a legal bid to force votes. At least 30 councils - covering more than five million people - are expected to have applied to postpone contests by a deadline that expires at midnight. Ministers had invited authorities in areas caught up in devolution reforms to put in for delays, sparking accusations of a panicky effort to prevent Reform gains and save Keir Starmer. But local government secretary Steve Reed batted away anger at the move, insisting there was no point running elections in May for 'short-lived zombie councils'. Nigel Farage who has branded the election delays worthy of a 'banana republic' is expected to launch High Court proceedings today to get the decision overturned Local government secretary Steve Reed batted away anger at the move, insisting there was no point running elections in May for 'short-lived zombie councils' Writing in The Times, Mr Reed said: 'Ask the public if they think it's a good idea to elect thousands of councillors to jobs that are set to be abolished. 'Ask them if they want to protect local government duplication across the country two chief executives, two sets of councillors, two finance officers and so on. 'Then tell them running a series of elections for short-lived zombie councils will be costly, time consuming and will take scarce resources away from frontline services like fixing potholes and social care. They would probably say: don't do it.' Mr Reed swiped that Reform wanted 'pointless elections' while 'Labour wants to fix potholes'. 'Outside of Westminster it's obvious what's more important,' he added. Mr Farage who has branded the delays worthy of a 'banana republic' is expected to launch High Court proceedings today to get the decision overturned. The Reform UK leader said he was 'primed and ready' to seek a judicial review of the Government's plans. 'We're about settling our arguments at the ballot box,' he said. 'We have this so we that we don't have to fight each other. That principle is what generations that went before gave so much to defend and if the others won't fight it, we will.' He said the delays were 'the actions, not just of a Labour government, but with the connivance of the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats. Denying elections is the behaviour of a banana republic.' Your browser does not support iframes. Join the debate Do YOU think politicians should have the right to cancel local elections? The local elections are gearing up to be a critical moment in deciding Sir Keir fate, with Labour MPs increasingly mutinous. The party is facing apocalyptic polls in Scotland and Wales, as well as a battering on councils. Some 63 local authorities undergoing reorganisation were invited to delay elections -- in some cases for a second year running. Around two-thirds of the councils involved are Labour-controlled, including Blackburn, Preston, Exeter, and Thurrock. The list of councils seeking delays also includes some large Tory-controlled councils, such as East Sussex, West Sussex and Suffolk and Lib Dem-run Cheltenham. Iran fears the US could launch a 'surprise attack' despite Donald Trump appearing to dial down the threat of military action in response to the violent crackdown on anti-government protesters. Hassan Ahmadian, an academic at the University of Tehran, says the Iranian regime is unlikely to believe the threat of US military action has receded after Trump said he has been told 'the killing has stopped'. Speaking from Tehran, Ahmadian said that while Trumps comments signalled a de-escalation in rhetoric from Washington, Irans leaders would remain wary of the threat of attack. 'I think the Iranians will have a hard time believing anything this president says because previously the Iranians were in talks with him and then the country was attacked,' he said, referring to US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as Washington joined in Israels 12-day war in June. 'There is a possibility of him trying to surprise-attack Iran.' It comes as Tehran confirmed that protestor Erfan Soltani will not face the death sentence, after President Trump threatened to take military action if the regime executed anti-government demonstrators. The judiciary said Soltani, 26, is being charged with 'colluding against the country's internal security and propaganda activities against the regime' but that the death penalty does not apply to such charges if they are confirmed by a court. This live page has closed Lucy Connolly claims she is being threatened with a return to prison after probation officers sent her a warning letter about her social media posts in recent weeks. The former childminder from Northampton was jailed for 31 months in October 2024 for stirring up racial hatred against asylum seekers after the Southport murders. She was released from prison last August after serving 40 per cent of her sentence and has been serving the remainder on licence under the probation service's supervision. But the 42-year-old claims she has now been sent a 'warning letter' after retweeting a comment on X appearing to joke that President Donald Trump should remove Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the same way the US seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Mrs Connolly said she was also warned about an interview she gave GB News last month about activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah, who returned to the UK after being released from detention in Egypt before attracting criticism over his past social media posts. She served 380 days in prison but could be returned to jail if she commits any further offences before her licence period is over or breaches her release conditions. Mrs Connolly told Dan Wootton's Outspoken show yesterday: 'I am at the stage now - my original tweet aside, we're not talking about that, we're not talking about those words - I generally don't know what is okay by their standards to say and what is not. 'I've been pulled up for several things last week with a warning letter which is telling me that it's not of good behaviour. And none of which I'm in agreeance with.' Lucy Connolly with her former Conservative councillor husband Raymond Connolly last year Lucy Connolly retweeted a comment on X appearing to joke that Donald Trump should remove Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the same way the US seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro It comes after she retweeted a message by X user 'The Jackal' who wrote on January 3: 'Dear @realDonaldTrump - now you've taken out the socialist Venezuelan undemocratic PM, any chance you can pop over to the UK and do the same here? @Keir_Starmer is a complete c**t. Thanks muchly - Great Britain.' The Jackal's post was retweeted 5,700 times, liked 44,000 times, viewed 533,000 times and attracted 1,200 comments. Mrs Connolly told Mr Wootton: 'I reshared a tweet of someone else's where they jokingly, you know, tongue-in-cheek, said, "could you come and get if Trump could come and take Starmer like they did, you know, in Iran, sorry, in Venezuela". 'And apparently somebody called probation and said they were very offended by this post and it's inciting violence, so I got a b****cking.' She added that probation had also mentioned 'something else that I said on GB News, I was talking about the [Alaa Abd] El-Fattah situation'. Mrs Connolly continued: 'I'm genuinely at the point now where I feel like, can you just give me a list of thing that I am allowed to say? 'Because every time I say something that you don't agree with or that you don't find funny, you're threatening to recall me to prison. Obviously I don't want that to happen. 'I completely appreciate for all the lunatics out there that I am on licence, I must toe the line, adhere my licence conditions, but, again, they tell us time and time and time again that we have free speech in this country. 'And those that will argue with me will go 'well, we do have free speech but we don't have incitement and we don't have violence'. 'Fine, even if I accept that, I don't think you'll find anything on my Twitter since I've made a return to Twitter since I've been to prison, that you would deem offensive or incitement. It's just not.' Lucy Connolly said probation had also mentioned 'something else that I said on GB News' in relation to activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah. She is pictured speaking about him on December 29 Alaa Abd El-Fattah was released and came to the UK after years of detention in Egypt Mrs Connolly spoke at length about Mr Abd El-Fattah's entry into the UK on GB News on December 29, although it is not clear what quotes were highlighted by probation officials. She told Mr Wootton: 'Obviously what I wrote wasn't okay, but certainly what he's been writing over the past Lord knows how many years isn't okay either. 'Do I think he should go to prison? No, I don't because I believe in free speech and free speech is not free if there are consequences. However, do I think we should revoke his citizenship and send him packing? Absolutely. 'He's targeting Jews. I think they've got enough on their plates right now of all the, you know, all the hate marches and everything else that's going and what's happened in Australia recently and what happens here. 'Unfortunately for the Jews, they're having a really, really hard time at the minute. And we deem it acceptable in this country to ship in another one, another person to hate on them.' She added that her case compared to the Egyptian's was '100 per cent' evidence that Britons were living in a 'two-tier society'. Mr Abd El-Fattah was released and came to the UK last month after years of detention in Egypt, but was soon found to have previously written tweets which appeared to show him calling for violence against Zionists and the police. The Conservatives and Reform UK both suggested he should have his British citizenship stripped for the posts, but it is understood there are no current plans for this and law does not appear to provide grounds to deport him. Lucy Connolly in a police mugshot, issued when she was jailed for 31 months in October 2024 The retweeted post appeared to make a joke referring to Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro He was granted UK citizenship in December 2021 under former Conservative prime minister Boris Johnson, reportedly through his UK-born mother. Mr Abd El-Fattah has now apologised for the social media posts, saying he understood 'how shocking and hurtful' his previous comments were. Mrs Connolly's case made international headlines after she posted on X on July 29, 2024: 'Mass deportation now, set fire to all the f***ing hotels full of the b****rds for all I care if that makes me racist so be it.' She was arrested on August 6, by which point she had deleted her social media account, but other messages which included further racist remarks were uncovered by officers who seized her phone. A bid to challenge her sentence at the Court of Appeal was dismissed in May 2025, before she was freed from prison last August after serving 40 per cent of her 31-month term, the automatic release point for her sentence. Mrs Connolly - married to former West Northamptonshire Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly - will remain on licence until the end of her sentence. The Ministry of Justice declined to comment to the Daily Mail. The Police and Crime Commissioner refusing to sack Craig Guildford is a Jeremy Corbyn supporting former lawyer. Simon Foster is the only man with the power to dismiss the West Midlands Police chief, but has so far declined to do so in the face of significant pressure. The former legal aid lawyer is described as a stickler for process and has argued he needs more time to decide Mr Guildford's fate, despite a 'devastating' report published yesterday by Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Andy Cooke. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also declared she had lost confidence in the Chief Constable in a rare intervention in the Commons, piling yet more pressure on Mr Foster to act. Currently, PCCs are the sole officials with the legal power to sack police chiefs on performance grounds, although Ms Mahmood now plans to restore this power to Home Secretaries. But in a statement issued through his office yesterday, he said: 'In order to give all these issues full and proper consideration, I will be taking this matter to a meeting of my accountability and governance board, held in public, on Tuesday Jan 27 2026 and asking questions of the chief constable. 'In consideration of these matters, it is vital that all involved act in accordance with due process and the law at all times.' One source was quoted as suggesting Mr Foster's legal background made him 'very aware of the importance of following due process'. Simon Foster is the only man with the power to dismiss the West Midlands Police chief, but has so far declined to do so in the face of significant pressure The former legal aid lawyer - seen in 2024 after being elected PCC for a second time - is has argued he needs more time to decide Mr Guildford's fate After a 45-year career in law, Mr Foster defeated his Labour rival Mike O'Brien to become the party's PCC candidate in 2019. He previously served as chairman of the south Birmingham branch of Momentum, the grassroots Labour movement founded after Jeremy Corbyn's successful campaign to become Labour leader. Mr Foster, who earns 101,900 in his role as PCC, is also said to be close to Zarah Sultana, the hard-left former Labour MP who co-founded Your Party alongside Mr Corbyn. In 2020, when Mr Corbyn was replaced as Labour leader by Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Foster 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 appointed Guildford in 2022 after a recruitment process overseen by a panel that included the leader of Green Lane mosque, which had previously attracted criticism for hosting radical speakers. He was elected as the West Midlands PCC for a second time in May 2024, with 327,844 votes - or 58 per cent of the total - beating Conservative candidate Tom Byrne. His victory followed a successful legal challenge to the government's decision to scrap his role and merge it with the position of West Midlands mayor. However, the Home Secretary has since announced that PCC roles will be abolished. Loading further pressure on Mr Foster, Wes Streeting declared this morning that he will be 'horrified' if Mr Guildford remains in place by the end of the day. 'Bluntly, I am absolutely shocked that he is still in post,' the Health Secretary told Times Radio. 'I genuinely thought that, having misled Parliament, that having misled the public, and having had one of his own local MPs, the Home Secretary, saying she had lost confidence in him, I honestly thought that anyone with integrity would at that point say ''I have to resign''.' 'The fact he hasn't, I really think, is a stain on his character that, if he doesn't act quickly, he won't be able to remove. 'I hope he does the right thing. I will be horrified if he is still in post at the end of the day.' The row comes after Sir Andy Cooke blasted senior police for fabricating and exaggerating evidence to justify banning Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from travelling to their game against Aston Villa last November. His report identified widespread failings by West Midlands Police in overstating the threat posed by Israeli fans, citing inaccurate information about links between fans and the Israeli Defence Forces, the targeting of Muslim communities, the burning of Palestinian flags and attacks on police officers. As the decision then caused an almighty backlash, condemned by the Prime Minister as 'wrong', the force then mislead the public, the audit found. And hours before the watchdog's report was published, Mr Guildford apologised for misleading MPs to whom he had given evidence last month after it emerged that the force had even used an 'AI hallucination' to try to justify the ban, citing 'evidence' from a Maccabi match that never happened. Rachel Reeves has warned Labour MPs and ambitious Cabinet ministers she cannot see a 'credible alternative' to Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. The Chancellor moved to shore up Sir Keir's position in No10 amid rumours of a push by his own backbenchers to oust him if May's local elections go badly. Ms Reeves argued she and Sir Keir Starmer have a clear plan to 'turn around the economy' after being elected in a 'massive landslide' 18 months ago. It came as the party - and Sir Keir personally - tank in the polls after a series of high-profile U-turns, the latest of which saw them row back on mandatory ID cards. 'In an unstable world, this Government is delivering the stability and investment and reform that is needed,' the Chancellor told ITV's Peston. 'We're delivering on our plan. I can't see a credible alternative from anyone else. We stick to the plans, we'll see the benefits.' When asked if the 'Starmer-Reeves duo' was 'here to stay', the Chancellor confirmed: 'We are.' Appearing on ITV's Peston show, the Chancellor moved to shore up Sir Keir's position in No10 amid rumours of a push to oust him after May's local elections. It came as the party - and Sir Keir personally - tank in the polls after a series of high-profile U-turns, the latest of which saw them row back on mandatory ID cards. She also touted the Government's work in 'reducing the cost of living, cutting energy bills, and slashing rail fares'. The comments come amid backlash over Government U-turns on pub tax hikes and the watering down of digital ID proposals. Labour MPs are poised for Sir Keir to execute more chaotic U-turns today with even Cabinet ministers joking about his inability to stick to policies. The embattled PM has cemented his reputation for flip-flopping with two more major concessions in 2026, just a fortnight into the New Year. Having spent months extolling the virtues of digital ID cards for curbing illegal immigration, Sir Keir bowed to a backlash yesterday by confirming they will be entirely voluntary. Ms Reeves has also announced that she is drawing up a bailout package for thousands of pubs facing collapse following her Budget hikes to business rates. But there are fears that the climbdowns have only opened the floodgates, with increasingly mutinous Labour MPs pushing on multiple fronts. The abject weakness of the PM is particularly extraordinary given his triumphant parade into Downing Street just 18 months ago, having won one of the biggest Commons majorities in history. This week Wes Streeting, seen as a possible successor leader - mounted a furious defence of civil servants against Labour critics - including the PM - who have accused them of frustrating government attempts to improve Britain. The Health Secretary warned his own party not to 'parrot' arguments made by the Tories and Reform about 'stakeholder capture' of the government. He used a speech at the Institute for Government (IfG) conference to warn that the attacks risked harming the party yet further because it suggested it was impotent to change anything. Sir Keir spoke of his 'frustration' at the slow pace of change late last year and one of his former aides earlier this month went public with his own criticism of the 'stakeholder state'. Earlier this month he vowed he would be Prime Minister in 2027, insisting frequent leadership changes are not in the 'national interest'. 'Under the last government, we saw constant chopping and changing of leadership, of teams, it caused utter chaos, utter chaos, and it's amongst the reasons that the Tories were booted out so effectively at the last election,' Sir Keir told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg. The Labour leader insisted he was 'confident' about 2026, which he claims will be the year Britons start to feel 'positive change', and believed his party would win the next general election. The flamboyant boss of an award-winning curry house which traded on its historic connections has gone on the run after being charged with multiple food safety and hygiene offences. Sajjadur Aziz Malik, 49, is believed to have fled the country after environmental health inspectors found cockroaches at his restaurant - alive and dead - inside almond flour, sugar and spices. Malik's restaurant The Cottage is situated in a 16th century medieval former guesthouse in Warrington, Cheshire, where Oliver Cromwell was reputed to have stayed during the English Civil War. The site was also the backdrop when the leader of the Roundheads sent dispatches proclaiming victories over King Charles I Scottish Royalists. Malik's eaterie even won a regional award in 2018 at the annual Tommy Miah Awards organised by the celebrity chef Tommy 'The Curry King' Miah whilst his customers included comedian Roy 'Chubby' Brown. But the restaurant shut down in December 2024 after getting a zero star food hygiene rating the previous July. Investigators from Warrington Borough Council said that live and dead cockroaches were found in refrigerators, freezers and chillers and even a food preparation bowl. At Warrington Magistrates Court a warrant was issued for Malik's arrest, after he failed to face JPs accused of 11 allegations under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations of 2013. His original hearing was on September 24, 2025, but the case was adjourned for two months to give investigators a chance to find the runaway restaurateur, whose firm Samco Spice Limited also faces food safety offences. Sajjadur Aziz Malik (pictured) is believed to have fled the country after receiving multiple food safety and hygiene charges The Cottage Indian restaurant in Warrington, Cheshire (pictured) traded on its history, which had links to Oliver Cromwell According to his Facebook Malik, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, is now living in Bangladesh where he is running a business which encourages young entrepreneurs. He claims to have a media and broadcasting background and to have previously worked with Channel 4. Companies House lists the fugitive as having run a Bangladeshi TV company and a multi-media organisation. In court, Rachel Maddocks, a lawyer representing Warrington Borough Council said: 'The director, Mr Malik, we believe has fled the country. 'We cannot find him. 'There was a bench warrant on the last occasion but the company has not been wound up. It is still live. So, the prosecution should proceed but until we can find that director we cannot do anything. 'We can adjourn to see if he reappears. That would be helpful.' Miss Maddocks said that the company director was the sole officer able to represent Samco Spice. Charges accuse the restaurant owner of failing 'to keep the cold storage units on the ground floor within the premises in such good order, repair and condition to minimise any risk of contamination, in that live and dead cockroaches were found in refrigerators, freezers and chillers'. Further allegations against Malik read: 'You failed to keep all articles, fittings and equipment with which food comes into contact effectively cleaned and where necessary disinfected, in that a food preparation bowl contained a cockroach. Now, the restaurateur-turned-fugitive is believed to be living in Bangladesh, where he runs a business encouraging young entrepreneurs They continued: 'You failed to have adequate procedures in place to control pests, in that there were living and dead cockroaches and their young throughout the food preparation and storage areas of the premises. 'You failed to ensure that ingredients are kept in appropriate conditions designed to prevent harmful deterioration and to protect them from contamination in that in that non sealing flip-lid bins were used to store ingredients and cockroaches were found in almond flour, sugar and spices.' Other allegations against the company include failing to keep food premises clean and maintained in good repair including, for example, the vinyl floor covering in the kitchen and the first floor food preparation and storage areas. The cooking range and a non-working refrigerator used for storing desserts was found to be unhygienic along with the walk-in storage refrigeration units on the first floor, and the external extraction units and window sill which were heavily encrusted in grease. In addition, the restaurant also alleged to have failed to make available an adequate number of washbasins, suitably located and designated for cleaning hands. A last charge stated the company 'failed to ensure food handlers were supervised and instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters commensurate with their work activity as the diary sheets were not accurately recording relevant matters'. The case has been adjourned until March 11. The restaurant opened in 2002 and underwent a refurb approved by the National Trust. It was previously described as 'the finest Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine in Cheshire' and was rated four stars on TripAdvisor. A new Indian restaurant called Flaver's now occupies the site and has gained a five-star food hygiene rating. History tells how the armies of both Cromwell and the Earl of Derby stayed near the old town centre of Warrington. Popular legend holds that Cromwell lodged in the cottage on August 20, 1648, to be precise. A plaque on the building commemorates the link to Cromwell and his victory at the Battle of Winwick Pass, which led to the surrender of Scots forces on August 25. The defeat of Royalist armies in the north of England ultimately hastened the end of the second English Civil War and led to the execution of Charles I in January 1649. Two cousins of a wealthy bachelor who died without a will have won a legal fight for his 2million fortune after heir hunters proved they were blood relatives. McDonald Noel was born in Trinidad, emigrated to London in 1960 and died a rich man in 2018 at the age of 84, leaving behind an estate worth 2.7million. But unmarried McDonald had no children and left no will, meaning his money was unclaimed and set to go to government coffers until genealogists got involved. The line of inheritance was muddled because wealthy McDonald's father, Stanley Dorant, had a convoluted love life which made it difficult to find relatives. Heir hunters tracked down potential relatives in the UK and the Caribbean, but then a row broke out over which of them was a real blood relative of the dead multi-millionaire. It ended up in the High Court, where the case heard about four families who all claimed to have descended from Stanley Dorant. Yesterday Judge Master Katherine McQuail, having been asked to carry out a rare legal 'kin enquiry' and rule on who should inherit, handed victory to cousins Shaka and Desiree Dorant after ruling their fathers were also Stanley's sons and so half brothers to the late McDonald. The court heard during the trial of the case last year that McDonald Noel - a shopkeeper and property tycoon - died in London in April 2018, intestate and without a spouse or children. He left behind a sizeable fortune, including his 1.5million house in Kensington, west London. Two cousins of wealthy bachelor McDonald Noel have won a legal fight to inherit 2m of his fortune after heir hunters proved they were blood relatives The High Court heard McDonald's father, Stanley Dorant, had a convoluted love life, making it difficult to work out who should inherit his fortune. Pictured McDonald Noel as a young man The potential size of his estate attracted the interest of heir hunters, who delved into his family tree in the UK and the Caribbean. They were looking for his nearest living relatives, but found a tangled genealogical web. McDonald had been born in 1934 in Trinidad to Stanley and Neutrice Dorant, with Neutrice already having another child, Stella, born the previous year. When Neutrice died in 1938, Stanley married fellow Barbadian Clementina Forde, with the couple living in Trinidad. They had a son, Francis. Clementina had two sons, Clyde and St Clair Dorant, from a previous relationship at the time of her marriage. Descendants of the sons claimed in court that it was actually Stanley who had fathered Clyde and St Clair during visits to Barbados, meaning they too were blood relatives. In court, St Clair's five children were represented by his daughter Desiree Dorant, and Clyde's grandchildren were represented by his granddaughter Tyler Dorant. Francis's son Shaka also laid claim to a share of the millions. Stella's son Gerard Burton applied for a claim on the entire fortune, stating that Stanley was the biological father of Stella, making her McDonald's full sister rather than half-sister. Daniel Burton, for Desiree and her siblings, told the judge: 'It is the romantic life of McDonald's father Stanley which is central to the genealogical questions which arise in this case. McDonald Noel died a rich man in 2018 at the age of 84, leaving behind an estate worth 2.7m, including his 1.5million house in Kensington, West London (second from right) 'It was a firm of heir hunters, Hoopers, who started to identify possible beneficiaries of McDonald's estate. 'Stanley was born in Barbados in 1906 and died in Trinidad in 1968. The documentary records show that he travelled between Trinidad and Barbados and fathered children on each island.' He told the judge that documentary evidence suggested Stanley and Clementina were from the same area and knew each other before he left Barbados for Trinidad. 'The questions before this court in this trial are how many children Stanley fathered, with whom, and who they were.' Aidan Briggs, for Francis's son Shaka, told the judge that even if Stanley had acted as a father to all of the children, it should not be assumed they were his. He said Stanley had lived in a society in which relationships outside of marriage were common and there was a trend for 'mothers attributing paternity to men particularly for financial reasons - what is referred to in the British Caribbean as "giving a man a jacket".' 'It's important not to apply middle-class English norms to a Caribbean setting,' he said. Giving her ruling, Master McQuail said: 'I am being asked to determine the paternity of children born in the 1930s. Absent conclusive DNA results, there can be no certainty and so I must do my best on the available evidence. Desiree Dorant, daughter of St Clair Dorant, who the High Court ruled was a half-brother of McDonald. The judge has awarded part of the estate to Desiree and her siblings 'Each of Gerard, Tyler and Desiree have the burden of proving that their respective parent or grandparent was a child of Stanley. If I am not satisfied with the evidence, then the relationship is not proven. 'That it cannot be established who else might have been a particular child's father does not mean I should presume it was Stanley. 'So far as concerns Francis, Shaka has the benefit of a presumption that Francis is the child of Stanley as he was born during the marriage of Stanley and Clementina and both parents are named on Francis's birth certificate. 'I conclude that Francis was the child of Stanley and Clementina. 'There are no legal presumptions so far as concern St Clair. There is no evidence of acknowledgment by Stanley of St Clair as his child,' the judge said, but went on to declare that he was probably Stanley's child due to evidence he had visited St Clair's mum Clementina in Barbados nine months before his birth. 'The relevant passenger list shows that Stanley left Port of Spain, Trinidad, on 23 December 1935 for Barbados, the likelihood is he arrived the next day in Barbados. 'St Clair was born on 30 September 1936, 282 days or 40 weeks and three days later in Barbados. 'I have concluded that Stanley and Clementina had a relationship which pre-dated Clementina's 1939 arrival in Trinidad. That, combined with the co-location of Stanley and Clementina in Barbados at around Christmas/New Year 1935/1936 and the date of St Clair's birth, leads me to the conclusion that it is more probable than not that Stanley was St Clair's father,' she said. St Clair Dorant was found to have been the biological son of Stanley and therefore a half-brother to late millionaire McDonald But she went on to rule against the claims by the descendants of Clyde and Stella. The judge said: 'The position with Clyde is much less clear than with St Clair. There is no evidence that Stanley was in Barbados at the time when Clyde must have been conceived. 'In the absence of evidence of co-location of Stanley and Clementina at the relevant time, to conclude that Stanley was Clyde's father would require an inference from the known facts that Clementina would not have conceived a child with anyone other than Stanley in around early January 1933. 'There is no material from which such an inference might reliably be made. 'I am unable to conclude on the balance of probabilities that Stanley was Clyde's father.' In relation to Stella, she said that whilst there was evidence of a visit by Stanley before her birth, the dates did not line up like in St Clair's case. 'There is no documentary evidence of Stanley being in Trinidad earlier than 4 July 1932 and there is no record of Neutrice ever travelling to Barbados. Stella was born to Neutrice on 10 March 1933 in Trinidad. 'Assuming Stanley is the 'S Durant' in the relevant passenger manifest, his arrival in Trinidad was only 35 weeks and four days before the date of Stella's birth. While it was proven in court that Stanley fathered St Clair, the judge found there was not enough evidence to conclude the same for Clyde (pictured) 'Even if Stella were conceived immediately after Stanley's arrival in Trinidad, her birth would have been premature which, in the absence of any other evidence, is less likely than not. 'I am not satisfied on the balance of probabilities that Stella was Stanley's child. 'I conclude that Stanley's biological children were McDonald, St Clair and Francis only. 'Accordingly I will direct that distribution of the estate should be amongst the issue of McDonald's half-siblings.' The court heard Shaka is the only grandson of Stanley through Francis, but that Desiree has four siblings. Up to 5,000 people have been evacuated and a secondary school was forced to close today after two unexploded World War Two bombs were discovered in separate locations across Devon. Police declared a 'major incident' as bomb squads raced to a building site in Plymouth and a marina in Exmouth after a 'very large' device was dredged from the water. Up to 2,000 homes and businesses were emptied after emergency crews enforced huge cordons, as residents living within 1,300ft warned they still might not be able to return tonight. Exmouth resident Eleanor Bradburn said she saw large numbers of police arrive last night before getting a 'knock on the door' and ordered to evacuate. She said: 'I just grabbed a few things.. and went to the pub'. Office worker Fiona Bolt says she was at her desk which overlooks the marina when she was told to leave. 'We don't know when we're going to get back. I don't know when I can open my office again. I'd like to know what's the likely time scale for this to be sorted. While parts of Plymouth have been brought to a standstill, one defiant cafe owner insisted they were staying open. Blooming Brew in Plymouth - which sits just outside the city's no-go zone - told its customers: 'No WW2 bomb will stop us from closing. We are still open today.' News of the discovery in Plymouth was something of a Groundhog Day for locals, with one posting on X: 'When you hear a WW2 bomb has been found in Plymouth' along with a viral meme of 'Brenda from Bristol' and her famous slogan: 'You're joking, not another one!' In February 2024, the city famously went into lockdown with 10,000 people evacuated when unexploded WW2 bomb was discovered in a back garden by a father digging the foundations of his daughter's new extension. The discovery brought out the best of the city's community spirit as kind locals took in evacuated residents while the 500kg explosive was extracted and transported by a military convoy through the city before being dropped into the sea. An unexploded World War Two bomb was discovered at a building site in Plymouth One local posted a viral meme of 'Brenda from Bristol' after a bomb was found in Plymouth for the second time in two years One business defiantly declared 'No WW2 bomb will stop us' after a the a major incident was declared in the city A police cordon was set up in Plymouth after a bomb was found at a building site Police set up a cordon in Plymouth after a World War Two bomb was found at a building site a 400 metre cordon is in place around Exmouth Marina after a device was found during routine dredging A local school in Exmouth offered PE kits and packed lunches to families who could not go home last night Your browser does not support iframes. The world watched on as the Army conducted the nerve-shredding mission to shift the live Nazi bomb through the streets of Plymouth - marking one Britain's largest ever peacetime evacuations. While the latest discovery looks unlikely to cause chaos on the scale seen in 2024, displaced locals have been told they face 'another night' away from their homes. East Devon District Council leader Paul Arnott said: 'It would be dishonest of me not to say there is another night of this, where people are going to have to be in temporary accommodation.' It comes after a German SC50 bomb, an explosive used by the Luftwaffe during World War Two, was discovered in Exmouth's marina yesterday morning. A 1,300ft cordon remains in place. Exmouth Beach has also been closed as a precaution, with the device likely to be detonated out at sea. Separately, a major incident was declared in Plymouth after a 50kg German WW2 bomb was found on a building site yesterday morning - causing its port to close. Royal Navy experts in Plymouth are currently awaiting specialist X-ray equipment to determine the safest way to make the explosive device safe. The bomb in Plymouth is 'relatively small' but could wreak 'quite considerable' damage, according to Dr Harry Bennett, from Plymouth University. He told the BBC: 'It's a general purpose bomb and of course the Germans dropped a substantial number of them over Plymouth during March and April 1941 as part of the Plymouth Blitz causing massive devastation. 'It's a relatively small bomb but you don't want even a relatively small bomb going off in a relatively built up area.' Plymouth Council said that a 'much larger' bomb has been found in Exmouth, which will have first use of the X-ray device. A spokesperson said there will be no further evacuation of residential properties, but could not confirm when the area would be made safe. Members of the public were urged to avoid the Millbay area as residents were evacuated A Royal Navy bomb team was called to Plymouth after an ordnance was found in the Millbay area A 320ft cordon is in place in the city's Millbay area with those living nearby being 'strongly advised to leave their homes'. Pupils from the nearby Millbay Academy were forced to evacuate from their classes yesterday, and have not been able to return today. Bomb squads arrived in the city last night but had to pause their work when it became too dark, leaving locals stranded overnight. Devon MP David Reed said he was proud of the way the 'community has come together during this unexpected turn of events'. He added: 'A huge thank you to all the teams working around the clock to bring this situation to a safe conclusion, particularly in very wet and challenging conditions. 'Thanks as well to the LED staff, volunteers, and council staff for the care, reassurance, and support they are providing to those affected.' Coastal towns and cities in Devon were a major target for German aircraft during WW2 due to important ports and infrastructure in the county. More than 2,000 bombs are believed to have been dropped over Plymouth, with around 10 per cent failing to detonate. Labour MPs are poised for Keir Starmer to execute more chaotic U-turns today with even Cabinet ministers joking about his inability to stick to policies. The embattled PM has cemented his reputation for flip-flopping with two more major concessions in 2026, just a fortnight into the New Year. Having spent months extolling the virtues of digital ID cards for curbing illegal immigration, Sir Keir bowed to a backlash yesterday by confirming they will be entirely voluntary. Rachel Reeves has also announced that she is drawing up a bailout package for thousands of pubs facing collapse following her Budget hikes to business rates. But there are fears that the climbdowns have only opened the floodgates, with increasingly mutinous Labour MPs pushing on multiple fronts against the 'embarrassing' and 'shameful' PM. Sir Keir's weakness is particularly extraordinary given his triumphant parade into Downing Street just 18 months ago, having won one of the biggest Commons majorities in history. Keir Starmer has cemented his reputation for flip-flopping with two more major concessions in 2026, just a fortnight into the New Year The government is facing massive resistance to proposals for curbing rights to jury trials, with campaigners warning ministers they will only look stupid if they continue to defend the measure publicly. Asked if he was sure that the plans would be implemented given the government's 13 major U-turns, Health Secretary Wes Streeting told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Yes... As sure as any of us can be.' In a thinly-veiled rebuke to the premier, Mr Streeting said when the government was 'doing big things or things that might be controversial' it should 'have the debate in advance of the decision rather than the debate after the decision'. Mr Streeting also made clear that the government is looking seriously at an Australia-style social media ban for under-16s. Sir Keir told the Observer just last month that he was not personally in favour of a ban, arguing it was 'more about how you control the content that children can see rather than simply saying a blanket ban'. Mr Streeting said he was 'in favour of action' on the issue, suggesting Sir Keir was right to allow a policy to develop. Speculation has been growing that the Chancellor will have to extend promised business rates relief for pubs to the wider hospitality sector - something that could heap more strain on the government's finances. MPs are demanding hotels and restaurants are given the same treatment, with fears many will be driven to the wall by the same toxic combination of revaluations and withdrawal of Covid-era breaks that is hammering pubs. Science Secretary Peter Kyle acknowledged yesterday that he was 'concerned' about the way the government was making its arguments. Ms Reeves made an effort to quell rumours about Sir Keir's future last night, telling ITV's Peston programme there was 'no credible alternative' as PM. Meanwhile, Ed Miliband urged restless MPs to recognise it is better to change course than 'dig in'. Sir Keir himself has flatly denied that the ID cards shift is a U-turn, even though there will now be no compulsory element to the proposals. Wes Streeting made clear that the government is looking seriously at an Australia-style social media ban for under-16s - something that ministers previously appeared cool on Labour MP Karl Turner, who has been leading a revolt on the jury trial plans, said the 'Cabinet has embarrassed the Parliamentary Labour Party on so many issues now' and it was 'causing pain'. He suggested that ministers should simply refuse to go on TV to advocate unsustainable policies. 'There is absolutely no wonder @UKLabour MPs are cheesed off,' he posted on X. 'They keep marching us up hills, defending the indefensible, only to be marched back down again. Come on now @Keir_Starmer get a grip.' Mr Turner told Sky News he was 'ashamed' of the PM for his stance on jury trials. 'I'm not going to be bullied by threats of losing whips or anything else. It's taken me 16 years to lose my temper at a government policy,' he said. 'I'm only sorry that it's my own government, led by Keir Starmer, King's Council, who has built his professional career on a brilliant reputation of being an incredibly impressive eminent lawyer and, sadly, a human rights lawyer. 'So, when I say I'm ashamed of Keir Starmer, I mean it.' Local elections in May are increasingly looking like a critical moment to decide Sir Keir's fate. The son of 80s pop legend Paul Hardcastle has been killed in a motorcycle crash as he was being chased by police. Paul Hardcastle Jnr. who was in his thirties, died in the smash on Monday at around 6.30pm. The accident happened on the A414 near Bobbingworth, Essex, and police confirmed he was being followed after earlier refusing to stop for officers. The driver of a van, which was also involved in the crash, was arrested and subsequently released. On Monday night, jazz musician and 80s music legend Paul Hardcastle paid tribute to his son on Facebook, writing: '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.' The 68-year-old songwriter and radio presenter, best known for his song '19' which went to number one on the UK Singles chart in 1985, had three children with his wife Dolores Baker. Paul Hardcastle Jnr, 35, was a professional saxophone player whose musical career in the footsteps of his father began when he was aged just 16. Paul Hardcastle Snr (left) with his son Paul Hardcastle Jnr (right), a 35-year-old saxophone player who was killed in a motorcycle crash on Monday following a police chase The 80s pop legend paid tribute to his son, writing: 'my super talented son Paul Hardcastle Jnr was in a fatal motorcycle accident earlier and has sadly died' He secured a residency at an Ibiza nightclub just two years later, and his debut single Touch and Go - released in 2010 and produced by his father - went on to reach number one on the Billboard Jazz songs chart in the US. Fans paid tribute to the 80s pop legend, with one writing on Facebook: 'Keep his memory close to your heart. 'I am so dearly sorry for your loss. My son is a biker and it terrifies me when he's out. 'My dad became disabled in a bike accident. But I know they love what they do. Be gentle with yourselves. 'Losing your child is the worst thing in the world. My heart goes out to you.' Another user commented: 'Your son was so kind to my teenage son after he'd had a mental health episode. 'I will never forget his kindness at a time it was needed. May he rest peacefully. 'I am so sorry for your deep loss.' Paul Jnr was a musician who followed in the footsteps of his father, securing a residency at an Ibiza nightclub aged 18 A spokesperson for the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) said: 'We have begun an independent investigation into the actions of Essex Police prior to a fatal collision on the A414 near Bobbingworth, Essex, involving a motorbike that reportedly failed to stop for police. 'We were notified that, at around 6.35pm on Monday, Essex Police officers attempted to stop a motorcyclist and a pursuit was then authorised after the motorcyclist failed to stop. 'Shortly after, the motorcyclist was involved in a fatal collision with a van. 'Paramedics were called and sadly the rider of the motorbike was pronounced dead at the scene. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the incident. 'IOPC investigators have begun the process of gathering and reviewing evidence as we work to determine the circumstances leading up to the collision. 'We were notified by Essex Police shortly before 10pm and declared an independent investigation at 1am, January 13.' Essex Police said: 'A man has died following a collision on the A414 near Bobbingworth. 'It was reported that a motorbike and a van were involved in a collision at around 6.38pm on Monday, January 12. 'Sadly, the motorbike rider - a man aged in his 30s - died at the scene. 'The driver of the van was arrested in connection with the incident and has since been released under investigation. 'At the time of the collision, the motorbike was being pursued by an Essex Police vehicle following a report that it had failed to stop for officers in Ongar High Street a short time earlier. 'The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is a mandatory step in circumstances such as this. 'The IOPC has confirmed that it will carry out an independent investigation.' Essex Police refused to confirm the identity of the deceased motorcyclist. Dramatic footage shows the moment police rammed a taxi carrying two leaders of a British drug cartel as they tried to flee. Andrew Fitzgerald, 35, and Sean Richardson, 34, were chased by officers as they sped along the A617 near Newark, Nottinghamshire, in July 2024. Both men were trying to escape after flooding the county with crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin. Footage shows four undercover police cars closing in on the taxi carrying the pair in a high-stakes bid to catch them. The first police car positions itself in front of the the taxi, while the second blocks it from all other lanes and two close in from behind. One police vehicle appears to ram into the back of the taxi as it is forced to brake - before officers rush to open the vehicle's doors and arrest the two men on the ground. Realising that the net was closing in around them, a third member of the 15-strong gang tried to get rid of drug phones by dropping them into paint tins - only for police to find them and recover vital evidence. Detectives discovered the cartel had been using five mobile phone lines to advertise, take orders and sell Class A drugs. Footage shows Andrew Fitzgerald, 35, and Sean Richardson, 34, being arrested on the A617 near Newark, Nottinghamshire, in July 2024 Officers rush to open the taxi's doors and arrest the two men on the ground Andrew Fitzgerald (left), 35, and Sean Richardson (right), 34, tried to escape the UK after flooding Nottinghamshire with crack cocaine, cocaine and heroin They sold the drugs in the Kirkby, Sutton and Eastwood areas of Nottinghamshire, as well as Skegness in Lincolnshire. Between January 2023 and July 2024, the Nottingham-based gang raked in hundreds of thousands of pounds. When police raided a number of properties linked to the cartel, they discovered 125,000 worth of drugs as well as 40,000 in cash. They also seized expensive jewellery as well as weapons including an air pistol, knives and a cross bow. The gang were finally nailed when police seized a mobile phone from one of the group's suppliers, Tyrone Shand, that identified the bulk purchasing of Class A drugs. On Wednesday, 15 members of the gang - including a brother and sister - were jailed at Nottingham Crown Court for a combined total of more than 70 years. Fitzgerald admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was jailed for 12 years. Richardson admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was jailed for eight years. Judge Stuart Rafferty KC said there could be 'no doubt this was a category one conspiracy' and that he was satisfied that 'at least 15kg of Class A drugs, perhaps even 20kg, were trafficked by this group'. He said the group had shown an 'utter disregard to the misery and risk of life', adding: 'It is clear that the enterprise operated daily and was busy for much of the day. When police raided a number of properties linked to the cartel they discovered 125,000 worth of drugs Drugs found after police raided numerous properties during an investigation into the gang Other members of the large gang who were also nailed by police An airgun found during the investigation into the drugs gang Police also seized other weapons including knives and a cross bow The cross bow seized by police during the investigation into the drugs cartel 'There is evidence to suggest this was a 24-hour a day operation. 'Without a shadow of a doubt, it would have continued to run had it not been dismantled by the police.' The court heard Corey Graham, Andrew Cox and Nathan Sharp controlled the drug lines on behalf of Fitzgerald and his lieutenants. Detectives discovered the gang stored large volumes of drugs at designated 'stash houses' in Bulwell and Bestwood, Nottinghamshire Other gang members would then deliver the drugs to customers in Nottinghamshire and Skegness. After two police operations, the Nottingham gang were convicted of a string of drugs charges. Members of the cartel received the following sentences: Andrew Fitzgerald, 35, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was jailed for 12 years; Sean Richardson, 34, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was jailed for eight years; Aaron Miller, 35, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was jailed for 11 years; Nathan Sharp, 34, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was jailed for eight years; Andrew Cox, 41, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was jailed for eight years; Corey Graham, 24, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was jailed for six years; Keenan Williams, 36, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and received 18 month suspended sentence; Jaime Buxton, 26, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and received 18 month suspended sentence; Craig Beeson, 41, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and GBH and was jailed for eight years and nine months; Stacey Beeson (Craigs sister), 39, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and received 18 month suspended sentence; Yvette Davis, 56, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and received a two year suspended sentence; Claire Lidgett, 41, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and received 18 month suspended sentence; Tyrone Shand, 38, admitted conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and was jailed for six years and nine months; Chadwyck Walton, 31, admitted permitting the use of his home to store Class A and Class B drugs and was jailed for four-and-a-half years; Temika Morris, 29, admitted permitting the use of his home to store Class A and Class B drugs and received an 18-month community order. After the sentencing hearings, Detective Constable Steven Fenyn, of Nottinghamshire Police's Serious Organised Crime unit, said: 'These were callous criminals who only cared about making vast amounts of money. 'They didn't care how lethal their commodities were or the consequences for the communities and innocent people who would be irrevocably affected by this. 'They thought they were untouchable but we were able to systematically dismantle the group and show them this wasn't the case.' Rents have hit record highs in all Australian capitals bar Melbourne, but property analysts expect the cultured metropolis to yield long-term growth. The latest Domain Rent Report reveals Melbourne has the cheapest house rents in the country at a median weekly rate of $580, while Sydney has the highest at $800. Brisbane recorded the biggest jump in rents over the last quarter, to $670 a week, with the Sunshine State being the only capital with a rental growth boost for both houses and units. Housing experts say many have relocated to other cities due to unaffordability of markets, moving further away from city centres and into greenfield developments. A tighter supply in Brisbane was helping fuel that growth, financial and property firm Your Future Strategy's managing director Gareth Croy said. But after the early 2030s it is expected Melbourne would stand out as a 'hero' for growth in capital cities. 'Based on the growth rates across other capital cities, it (Melbourne) is going to become substantially cheaper, and therefore it's going to draw demand because that's the option that people can afford,' Mr Croy said. A report by the firm has found the nation's property growth cycle in 2026 won't be led by prestige suburbs or trendy inner-city postcodes, but instead areas where infrastructure and lifestyle are improving. The median price of weekly rent Sydney is the highest in Australia, at $800 (stock image) Melbourne has the lowest house rents at a median weekly rate of $580 but is expected to grow in the 2030s (pictured, people queue for a one bedroom apartment in Sydney) In Sydney, Parramatta stands out for buyers with the western suburb now a 'second CBD' and the median house price at $1,480,000. 'It's good old fashioned property economics around people wanting to live close to employment, so reducing travel time to and from work,' Mr Croy said. 'So proximity to the CBD is less important for people and the creation of that hub is becoming desirable for people to just stay around that same area.' Werribee West and Box Hill in Melbourne are two suburbs expected to remain attractive to buyers, with the former recording a median house price of $580,000. In Brisbane, Bracken Ridge and Kedron were the two suburbs expected to remain in high demand. The moment a teenager launched a bottle attack on a man who was branded a paedophile and beaten to death with rocks has been shown in court. Three teenagers - a 16-year-old girl and two boys, 15 and 16 - are accused of murdering Alexander Cashford, 49, on the Isle of Sheppey last August after they allegedly lured him there to meet the girl. All three children, who had travelled to the seaside resort from London for a holiday, deny the murder charges against them, but the 16-year-old boy today admitted to the lesser charge of manslaughter. Woolwich Crown Court heard he was seen throwing a large boulder at Mr Cashford's 'apparently lifeless body'. The jury was shown footage filmed by the girl on the evening of Mr Cashford's death on August 10, 2025, in Leysdown-on-Sea, Kent. Prosecutor Kate Blumgart KC said the girl showed 'unwavering enthusiasm for the venture' which could be heard in her 'shrieks' as she recorded the attack. She said the footage was 'undoubtedly planned to be evidence of their own successful hunt'. The 16-year-old boy, wearing a grey T-shirt, is seen smacking Mr Cashford over the back of the head with an empty glass bottle, prompting him to flee down the beachfront promenade. A video seen by the jury shows the 16-year-old boy smacking Mr Cashford over the back of the head with a glass bottle Mr Cashford then runs away down the beachfront promenade with the teens in chase Alexander Cashford, 49, was beaten to death with rocks in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey on August 10, 2025 He is pursued by the 16-year-old boy and another wearing a red T-shirt. Running at full speed, the 49-year-old electrician trips and falls, with the boy in red falling over him, before recovering to his feet. Mr Cashford takes off again down the path, and the 16-year-old boy appears to try to kick his heels. The video ends with all three youths still in chase, but without them having caught up with Mr Cashford. Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb told jurors: 'The prosecution say the evidence shows the three co-defendants are guilty of murder, not manslaughter. 'The prosecution case is that all three defendants were acting together, with each of them sharing at least the intent to cause really serious bodily injury to Mr Cashford if the circumstances arose.' Ms Blumgart previously told the court a witness later saw the 16-year-old boy throwing rocks towards Mr Cashford, describing the first throw as 'like a lob', 'frantic' and with 'a lot of power around it'. Two boys - one in a grey T-shirt and one in a red T-shirt, were seen to chase Mr Cashford down the path Police search the area around Leysdown-on-Sea, Kent, in the aftermath of the incident She said that after a later throw, 'Mr Cashford did not react at all, he was lying face down in the mud.' The victim was later found dead with multiple injuries. 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. A witness on holiday in the area described seeing the 16-year-old boy 'smirking like he had just won the candy out of the candy shop' after the fatal assault. The prosecutor said Mr Cashford had met the girl by chance at an arcade in the seaside resort two days earlier, on Friday, August 8. He gave her a business card that had his phone number on it. 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 talking to a 16-year-old girl called Sienna. He claimed to be 30, asked her if she liked champagne and said he wanted to kiss her. 'Sienna' then suggested they meet at her parents' empty home and told 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 Sunday, 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. '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 caught them up and hit him on the back of the head with a bottle. The girl allegedly shouted, 'f****** paedophile, I'm f****** 16, get him', as she filmed the attack. Ms Blumgart said: 'He [the 16-year-old] 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.' 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' 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 15-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl both deny murder and manslaughter. The 16-year-old boy admits manslaughter but denies murder. The trial continues. Two of Sydney's most exclusive private schools have been caught up in a sexual assault scandal that allegedly occurred during Schoolies celebrations on the Gold Coast. A 17-year-old female student from the single-sex school Loreto Kirribilli was allegedly digitally raped at the Hilton Hotel in Surfers Paradise by a student, 18, from the all-boys' Shore School on December 3. It was alleged the 18-year-old entered the girl's room in the early hours of the morning while she was sleeping, before the assault took place. The alleged incident was reported to Surfers Paradise police station a short time later. The victim was 'distraught', and there continues to be anger among parents and the school community, The Daily Telegraph reported. When asked about the alleged rape, Queensland Police confirmed to the Daily Mail there had been an investigation into the matter. 'Police investigated an alleged sexual assault that occurred at a Surfers Paradise hotel on December 3, 2025,' police said. 'On December 17, the victim informed police that she did not wish to proceed with a formal complaint.' A student from Sydney's Shore School was accused of raping a girl from Loreto Kirribilli at Schoolies Surfers Paradise on December 3 (Crowds pictured at Schoolies in 2022) The Shore School student allegedly entered the girl's room at the Hilton Hotel Surfers Paradise (pictured) and digitally raped her It is understood however, the case remains open. The Daily Mail has contacted Shore School and Loreto Kirribilli for comment. The development comes after police and organisers praised school-leavers for their good behaviour at last years festivities. Queensland Police Acting Chief Superintendent Brett Jackson said in November that there had been a positive trend in 2025, with Schoolies revellers looking out for one another and far less incidents than previous years. 'I was out there myself... and the Schoolies themselves have been behaving fantastically,' he said at the time. 'The kids have been engaging with our police officers and other emergency services.' Officers only made one arrest within the first two nights of Schoolies 2025 at Surfers Paradise and praised teenagers for their 'fantastic behaviour'. Gold Coast Schoolies events ran for two weeks, from 22 November to 7 December. A group of tradesmen have discovered human remains while on a job digging for old pipes at a holiday home south of Melbourne. Its understood plumbing work was being done on the property at Hazelwood Court in Silverleaves on Phillip Island at about 8.35am on 15 January. Police said that, during the job, the workmen unearthed human bones. Riley Weinzierl said he saw his colleague digging for an old sewer pipe when he found a suspected human skull. 'He just pulled a bit of sand out and emptied his bucket, and that's when he saw the human head,' Mr Weinzierl told 7News. 'The rest of them stopped excavating at that point and had a look around in the sand, and there were a few more bones and things.' The team didn't find any remnants of clothing on the skeleton, which is believed to be an adult. 'The more they dug, they probably would have found more. But we stopped,' Mr Weinzierl said. A group of workmen discovered human remains at a Phillip Island holiday home on Thursday Tradie Riley Weinzierl (pictured) was one of the workmen digging for a sewer pipe when the bones were discovered The group found a suspected human skull (pictured) which is undergoing forensic testing Victoria Police are investigating the matter, and the missing persons squad has also been notified. 'A crime scene has been established and detectives from the Homicide Squad have been deployed to the scene,' police said. 'The bones will undergo forensic testing and, at this stage, the circumstances surrounding the death of the person are yet to be determined. 'This includes whether the matter is suspicious.' The house is believed to have been built in the 1980s, and the original owners lived there for about 20 years before it was used as a holiday rental property. Current homeowner Greg and his wife bought the home, located on one of Victoria's biggest tourist hotspots, three years ago. Both were horrified to learn about the discovery, Nine News reported. 'It was pretty obvious what they'd found because we went into the backyard and saw what was going on,' Greg said. 'You go through quite a range of emotions, from disbelief through to shock. 'I'm hopeful that it's somebody's very sad story, which will now come to closure.' Anyone with information about the matter has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers. A senior European leader has issued a chilling warning that an internal NATO conflict over Greenland would spell catastrophe for the Western world, as tensions mount over Donald Trump's bid to claim the Arctic island. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday that his country would not send soldiers to Greenland, making clear that any aggression between NATO allies would shatter the foundations of global security. 'An attempt to take over (part of) a NATO member state by another NATO member state would be a political disaster,' Tusk told a press conference. 'It would be the end of the world as we know it, which guaranteed a world based on NATO solidarity, which held back the evil forces associated with communist terror or other forms of aggression.' His comments come amid growing unease across Europe after the US President renewed his long-running claim that Greenland is vital to American security, and suggested Washington could take drastic action to secure it. Trump has repeatedly argued that the US must own Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, to prevent Russia or China from gaining a strategic foothold in the Arctic. He has insisted that all options remain on the table to ensure control of the mineral-rich island, declaring that if Washington does not act, 'China or Russia will'. The rhetoric has sent shockwaves through NATO, an alliance that has underpinned Western society since World War II. A Royal Danish Air Force Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules at Nuuk international airport on January 15, 2026, the day after it arrived transporting Danish military personnel Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that the US must own Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, to prevent Russia or China from gaining a strategic foothold in the Arctic The White House taunted Greenland on X. The post refers to Trump's claims that if Washington does not act, 'China or Russia will' Trump's statements have already put unprecedented strain on relations between allies, raising fears of a crisis that was unthinkable just years ago. As concerns escalated this week, military personnel from France and Germany headed to Greenland on Thursday, joining Denmark and other allies in a series of exercises aimed at reinforcing the island's security. Germany's defence ministry said the reconnaissance mission by several European NATO members aims 'to explore options for ensuring security in light of Russian and Chinese threats in the Arctic'. The deployments were announced shortly after a meeting between US, Danish, and Greenlandic officials in Washington failed to resolve what officials described as a 'fundamental disagreement' over the future of the island coveted by Trump. France, Sweden, Germany, and Norway confirmed on Wednesday that they would deploy military personnel to Greenland's capital, Nuuk, as part of the mission. A British military officer is also among the international force of European troops being deployed to Greenland. UK Defence Secretary John Healey said: 'At the request of the Danish government, there is one UK military officer that is part of this reconnaissance group.' Downing Street insisted sending a UK military officer to Greenland was not a 'deployment of troops' and was part of 'routine' planning ahead of an Arctic endurance exercise. On Thursday, the Netherlands joined the tally, declaring it would send one military officer in support of a European mission to Greenland. 'Security in the Arctic region (including Greenland) is of strategic importance to all NATO members,' said Dutch Defence Minister Rubens Brekelmans in a statement. 'That is why the Netherlands is participating with other NATO countries in joint reconnaissance in Greenland for a military exercise in the Arctic,' he added. 'The Defence department will send one naval officer,' announced Brekelmans. Danish forces have also stepped up their presence, underlining Copenhagen's determination to maintain sovereignty over the territory. It comes after Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen admitted that more work was needed to 'find a common way forward', adding there would be further discussions about Trump's plans in the coming weeks. Speaking to reporters after the hour-long meeting, Mr Rasmussen said 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'. Poland, however, is keeping its distance. Tusk stressed that while Europe must stand united, Warsaw would not contribute to troops, saying he would 'do everything he could to ensure that Europe remained united on the issue of Greenland'. And the escalating NATO activity has not gone unnoticed in Moscow. Russia said it was seriously concerned by the arrival of alliance forces in Greenland, accusing NATO of exploiting the situation to expand its footprint in the Arctic. 'The situation unfolding in the high latitudes is of serious concern to us,' the Russian embassy in Belgium, where NATO is headquartered, said in a statement published late Wednesday. NATO is 'building up its military presence there under the false pretext of a growing threat from Moscow and Beijing,' the embassy added. Sweden's defence minister Pai Jonson, also said on Wednesday that Trump was exaggerating their presence in the region. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday that his country would not send soldiers to Greenland, making clear that any aggression between NATO allies would shatter the foundations of global security Danish military forces participate in an exercise with troops from several European NATO members in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, September 2025 Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen (left) and Greenland's foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt (right) speak at a press conference following their meeting with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio 'If you state that Greenland is flooded with Russian and Chinese vessels, that's an exaggeration according to assessments that we do for the region,' he reportedly said. Mr Jonson added that while there had been an increase in the number of Chinese research vessels in Greenland's waterways, the scope of this was 'limited'. Two senior Nordic diplomats voiced similar criticisms of the US leader. The diplomats, who have access to NATO intelligence briefings, also rejected claims that there were Russian and Chinese vessels operating near Greenland. 'It is simply not true that the Chinese and Russians are there. I have seen the intelligence. There are no ships, no submarines,' one told the Financial Times. Another said that claims that waters around Greenland were 'crawling' with Russian and Chinese vessels were unfounded, adding that such activity was on the Russian side of the Arctic. While neither the Russian foreign ministry nor the Kremlin has commented directly on the deployments, the message from Moscow is unmistakable. Both NATO and Russia have increased their military presence in the Arctic in recent years, driven by climate change that is melting sea ice and opening the region to international shipping routes and lucrative mining opportunities. Greenland's strategic location, vast natural resources, and proximity to key transatlantic routes have long made it a focal point of global power politics, but never before has a NATO ally openly floated the idea of seizing territory from another. According to the Russian embassy, the internal disputes within NATO over Greenland are making the alliance's ability to reach agreements 'increasingly unpredictable' - a claim that will alarm Western capitals already wary of deepening fractures. Meanwhile, Denmark and its European partners are scrambling to project unity and calm, even as Trump continues to push his provocative case. Britain's 'biggest fare dodger' admits riding for free 112 times and not paying for more than 18,000 of train tickets A man thought to be one of Britain's most prolific fare dodgers has admitted 112 offences of ticket evasion totalling more than 18,000. Charles Brohiri, 29, freeloaded from train company Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) for almost two years, riding on railways across the south and east of England without paying his way. The railway operator has previously said he may owe as much as 30,000 for more than 180 instances of fare evasion in all after being caught by ticket inspectors. Brohiri, who has said he is homeless, has been convicted of 112 offences of evasion on Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern services - all of which GTR operates -going back as far as February 2024. The fare dodger was convicted of 36 counts of fare evasion last year in his absence, totalling 5,600 in unpaid fares and fines. He spent several minutes quietly admitting another 76 offences worth a 12,700 at Westminster Magistrates Court today. Brohiri's offending streak took in stations in London, across the south coast of England and as far north as Peterborough, mostly on journeys to and from the capital. Some offences even took place on consecutive days as he darted back and forth from Brighton. Between his last appearance in December and his hearing today, it was alleged that he had once again sought to avoid buying a ticket several times, as recently as Monday - despite the fact he had been banned from using GTR trains while on bail. He did not enter a plea for the new allegations. They will instead be taken into consideration when he is sentenced next month. Charles Brohiri (pictured in August 2025) avoided 112 fares on trains over nearly two years Brohiri avoided more than 100 fares on trains operated by Govia Thameslink Railway (pictured: a Thameslink train) He was taken through each of the offences and asked to plead. In response to each charge, Brohiri, who was dressed from head to toe in black and wore a black slouch beanie hat, quietly said: 'Guilty.' In all, he owes GTR 18,386 across 3266.90 in avoided fares and 15,120 in costs towards the prosecution. Lyndon Harris, prosecuting on behalf of the train firm, told the court: 'Between a combination of (convictions made in) the offender's absence and his pleas he stands convicted of 112 offences. 'There are a number of other offences that we think, in due course, will be subject to an application to be taken into consideration. 'The last offence was committed on the 12th of this month, despite the restriction of conditional bail.' Ahead of sentencing on February 11, Judge Tempia bailed him again. Once again, she ordered him not to travel on any Govia Thameslink trains, or else face arrest. She also warned him that he could face a custodial sentence given the number of offences he has committed. The judge added: 'I'm remanding you on bail on the same conditions as before. If you break your conditions you will be arrested and could be remanded in custody.' Asked if he understood this, Brohiri replied: 'Yeah, sure.' Brohiri hails from Croydon and had previously lived in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, but told an earlier hearing he did not own a mobile phone and has relied on libraries for internet access since becoming homeless. Under the name Rvre Dean, he is also a rapper, performing songs rife with lyrics about wearing diamond jewellery and driving a Mercedes-Benz. He founded a 'creative agency' called ClvssyMvrty and had signed up for a modelling agency, according to one online biography. Following his conviction, a GTR spokesperson said today: 'We welcome the court's decision to uphold the earlier findings of guilt on 36 offences and we note that, following the 76 guilty pleas he entered today, he now stands convicted of 112 fare evasion offences. 'Through the careful use of prosecutions, targeted ticket checks, focused action at known hotspots, and better reporting tools for staff, ticketless travel on our network is at its lowest level since 2022.' Lawyers acting for Brohiri had last month sought to have the 36 convictions made in his absence quashed, and the other charges thrown out, on a point of law. Barrister Eleanor Curzon had claimed GTR's use of a lay prosecutor was a breach of the Legal Services Act, which she argued barred those are who are not qualified lawyers from litigating cases. But District Judge Nina Tempia ruled that the train operating company had acted within the rules to bring the case to court - in a victory for the firm and the wider railway industry. Brohiri's case was called at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London (above) following a private prosecution by the rail firm Judge Tempia's judgment has huge implications for the way railway operators chase up unpaid fares - despite Government guidance and a recent court case suggesting that the use of lay prosecutors to litigate cases may be breaking the law. Train companies have used lay prosecutors as a cost-effective means of catching fare evaders for years. But in June, Department for Transport officials advised them to take legal advice on their use amid fears that it could be a 'criminal offence'. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander then underlined this in August following recommendations from the Office of Rail and Road. In a letter to firms, she said: 'As 'good' and 'efficient' operators, we would not expect you to use lay prosecutors to present cases in court and carry out other regulated legal activities until you are confident that it is lawful to do so.' Matters faced being complicated when the High Court that only qualified solicitors were permitted to conduct litigation in what has become known as the Mazur case. That ruling, in September, sent shockwaves through the law profession, which often relies on paralegals and other people who are not qualified lawyers to carry out legal duties. Prior to Judge Tempia's judgment handed down today, Brohiri's laywers had sought to rely on the judgment in the Mazur case to have his offences thrown out. But her ruling concludes that rail operators are exempt from the requirement to use qualified lawyers, citing the Criminal Procedure Rules followed by the Judiciary and several existing laws. 'I agree with the full analysis provided and argued by GTR that the activities of non-legally qualified professionals is authorised,' she wrote. 'Therefore, I agree that a lay prosecutor can commence proceedings. They are exempt persons and Mazur has no relevance in this case. 'The court has been aware of this arrangement for many years, and I agree it is arguable that in these circumstances the court has granted rights of audience.' A Spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group said: 'All Train Operators take their legal responsibilities very seriously, and make sure they always act fairly towards customers. As a result of last year's legal advice on the use of Lay Prosecutors Train Companies have taken steps to review the way they carry out prosecutions, so they are certain they comply with their legal obligations, and make sure they are fair and robust. 'Fare evasion remains a significant challenge for the industry, costing the railway between 350-400 million pounds each year. That's money that can't be used to improve services, which increases the burden on customers and taxpayers.' The boss of Britain's biggest teaching union has promised not to repeat his call for pro-Palestinians to 'globalise the intifada'. Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), said he 'certainly will not use phrases like that' while he remains in the role. He made the vow as he was quizzed about the controversial cancellation of a Jewish MP's visit to a school following a campaign by pro-Palestinian teachers and parents. Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East, had been due to speak to students at Bristol Brunel Academy in his constituency in September. But the visit was called off due to 'safeguarding' concerns after activists highlighted his links to the Labour Friends of Israel group. The local branch of the NEU hailed the cancellation of the visit as a 'victory for education workers, parents and the community'. They added it 'sent a clear message' that 'politicians who openly support Israel's genocidal assault on Gaza are not welcome in our schools'. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has condemned the incident as 'very concerning', adding that all MPs 'should be able to visit anywhere... without fear of anti-Semitism'. Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), said he 'certainly will not use phrases like that' while he remains in the role Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East, had been due to speak to students at Bristol Brunel Academy in his constituency in September before the visit was cancelled Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Mr Kebede insisted it wasn't the position of the NEU at a national level that Mr Egan shouldn't attend the school. But the NEU boss was asked if the local branch of his union might have been inspired by his own past comments. In 2021, Mr Kebede appeared at a pro-Palestine rally in Newcastle where he told a crowd: 'It's about time we globalise the intifada.' Intifada is an Arabic term for 'uprising', with calls to 'globalise the intifada' seen by some Jewish people as an incitement to violence. Quizzed about his past use of the phrase, Mr Kebede said: 'On the school and the MP, it's right that that MP attends that school. 'And, actually, union groups cannot stop visits. That's just beyond their power. 'On the issue of what I said in I think it was 2019... 2021. I gave a speech about how support for the Palestinians was an anti-racist struggle. 'This was at the time of the evictions in Sheikh Jarrah in east Jerusalem. 'There was a general strike at the time in the West Bank and across Palestine that was called the 'unity intifada'. 'I certainly recognise now, as general secretary of this union, I cannot and I certainly will not use phrases like that.' The cancellation of Mr Egan's school visit has been highlighted now after Cabinet minister Steve Reed told a recent conference about a Jewish MP being banned. Mr Egan converted to Judaism after meeting his Israeli-born husband Yossi Felberbaum and is an honorary vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel. Mr Kebede said of the September incident: 'My understanding of the situation is that there were concerns raised to the rep. 'And, of course, there were some parents raising concerns also around the MP's attendance. 'The school actually took it upon themselves to postpone that visit and it has been reinstated. 'You've got to remember as well, in September we were in the most fiercest part of the genocide that has been happening in Gaza - that is internationally recognised - and that feelings were running incredibly high.' Asked if someone like Mr Egan - who is Jewish with links to Labour Friends of Israel and who has been to Israel - is welcome in schools, Mr Kebede replied: 'Absolutely. 'I think he should be in schools and visiting schools and getting a deep understanding of the crisis in funding, crisis in workload that exists in education at the moment.' Eight Conservatives have switched to Reform UK since 2024, they are: Lee Anderson in March 2024 Lee Anderson jumped ship to Reform UK, becoming the party's first MP, after he lost the Conservative whip in February 2024. He had made widely criticised remarks about Sir Sadiq Khan, claiming "Islamists" had "got control" of the mayor and London. The Ashfield MP was made Reform UK chief whip after he won the seat he had held for the Conservatives since 2019 for the party in 2024. Andrea Jenkyns in November 2024 Dame Andrea Jenkyns, the Reform UK mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, left the Tory party in November 2024. She had served as Conservative MP for Morley and Outwood in West Yorkshire from 2015 until the 2024 general election, when the constituency was abolished. Appointed assistant whip under the Johnson administration in September 2021, she was made a Department for Education minister in July 2022. When she made the move, she said the Tory party had "become tired". Nadine Dorries in September 2025 The former Conservative culture secretary declared her former party "dead" when she defected to Reform UK. Announcing her decision in September, she said: "My decision to leave the party I've served for more than 30 years is possibly the most difficult I've ever had to make, and it has taken me 12 agonising months to reach." Jake Berry in September 2025 Sir Jake represented the Lancashire constituency of Rossendale and Darwen from 2010 until 2024, when he lost his seat to Labour. During his time in Parliament he was a close ally of Boris Johnson and served in several positions including in the Cabinet Office and as Northern Powerhouse minister. He was appointed as the Conservative Party chairman by Liz Truss during her brief tenure as prime minister. Danny Kruger in September 2025 In September, Danny Kruger became the first sitting Conservative MP to defect to Mr Farage's party. The East Wiltshire MP was a member of Kemi Badenoch's shadow front bench when he jumped ship. He condemned his former party as "over" when he left, adding: "We have had a year of stasis and drift and the sham unity that comes from not doing anything bold or difficult or controversial and the result is in the polls. "And those voters aren't coming back, and every day, more and more people are joining them in deserting the party that has failed." Jonathan Gullis in December 2025 In March 2024, he was appointed deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, replacing Luke Hall who had been appointed Minister of State for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education. In May 2025, ten months after losing his seat, Gullis was appointed as Mayor of Kidsgrove for a one year term. Nadhim Zahawi in January 2026 The former Conservative chancellor, who led the Conservative government's vaccine programme in the early days of the pandemic, joined Reform UK on Monday. An ex-MP and minister, Mr Zahawi was sacked as Conservative Party chairman in 2023 after he was found to have breached the ministerial code over his tax affairs, later confirming he paid a nearly 5 million penalty to HMRC to settle the issue. In a video message announcing his defection, he said Britain is "drinking at the last chance saloon" and "really does need Nigel Farage as prime minister". Robert Jenrick in January 2026 The Newark MP, who served as immigration minister in Rishi Sunak's government, blasted the party he has been a member of for nearly 30 years as he defected to Reform UK on Thursday. He won his seat in a 2013 by-election after sitting Conservative MP Patrick Mercer resigned following a scandal over paid advocacy. Announcing his move at a Westminster press conference, Mr Jenrick said: "I can't kid myself any more. "The (Conservative) party hasn't changed and it won't." West Wing star Timothy Busfield has angrily pushed back at suggestions the alleged pedophile was a fugitive while US Marshals were looking for him. Busfield, 68, surrendered to police in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Tuesday, just four days after authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on alleged sex abuse charges. The Emmy award-winning actor was dubbed a 'fugitive' during those four days, but his lawyer Larry Stein says Busfield was driving across the country to hand himself in while being 'hunted', because he had been banned from flying. Stein told KOAT that his client was forced to drive to Albuquerque from upstate New York because the warrant prohibited him from flying. They requested that a New Mexico judge pull the warrant so Busfield could board a plane, but Stein said the request was denied. 'As soon as he got here in Albuquerque, his local criminal lawyer walked him into the courthouse and he surrendered,' the attorney added. At least 10 heavily armed officers from the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force raided his Highland Lake, NY home on Tuesday in an attempt to arrest him. But by the time agents arrived at the secluded property, the actor, charged with two counts of child sex abuse, had already turned himself in to cops in New Mexico. Busfield was ordered held without bond at his first court appearance Wednesday. Timothy Busfield (pictured in court Wednesday) drove across the country 2,000 miles from New York to New Mexico to turn himself in to Albuquerque police Busfield is married to actress Melissa Gilbert (pictured in October 2025). The couple live in a mountain property in Highland Lake, NY a 20-minute drive from the Pennsylvania border The suspected pedophile appeared before the judge remotely via a video link from jail, where he was booked Tuesday. Whether he remains in jail will be the subject of a detention hearing that will be scheduled within the next five business days. Albuquerque police issued a warrant for his arrest last week 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 the city. Busfield, who is married to Little House On The Prairie actress Melissa Gilbert, has vowed to fight the charges. In a video shared before turning himself in, he called the allegations lies. The allegations have left Busfield feeling 'distraught' but he has remained firm that he 'wants to use the court system to prove his innocence,' Stein told KOAT. 'He denies 100 percent any of the allegations against him, and he's confident that he will ultimately prevail,' the attorney added. During Wednesday's brief court appearance, Busfield stood silent and expressionless, dressed in orange prison clothes, while a defense attorney spoke on his behalf. Prosecutors are seeking to keep Busfield in custody pending trial. Busfield (pictured in his jail booking photo) was charged last week with sexually assaulting twin boys on the set of TV series The Cleaning Lady. He denies the allegations and has vowed to fight the charges They filed a motion early Wednesday pointing to what they described as a documented pattern of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority and grooming behavior by Busfield over two decades. They also said witnesses have expressed fear regarding retaliation and professional harm. Busfield says he drove 2,000 in three days to hand himself in in Albuquerque, but the armed raid at his and Gilbert's mountain property in New York went ahead an hour after he was processed by authorities in New Mexico. The operation lasted around 20 minutes, and when asked by a Daily Mail reporter at the scene whether they were aware Busfield had already handed himself in, one stern-faced officer declined to comment. Since then, officials at the US Marshals Service have ignored repeated requests for comment and have yet to explain why the raid went ahead when Busfield was already in custody. The move has sparked fresh scrutiny over how the operation was approved and whether agencies were working from outdated information. When approached by the Daily Mail, officials at the Albany, New York, branch of the US Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force said they were unaware of the raid, adding that it may have been authorized as part of a federal probe. Albuquerque police said during a press conference Tuesday that they involved the US Marshals Service in the case because Busfield was 'out of town or living outside of the state so just asked for their assistance in locating and getting him into custody.' Busfield (pictured on ABC's For Life) is feeling 'distraught' in wake of the allegations, his lawyer Larry Stein (not pictured) revealed Busfield was charged last week with sexually assaulting twin boys on the set of TV series The Cleaning Lady from 2022 until 2024. According to the criminal complaint, an investigator with the police department says the child reported that he was 7 years old when Busfield touched him multiple times on private areas over his clothing. Busfield allegedly touched the boy on another occasion when he was 8, the complaint said. 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 boy's twin brother also told authorities that he was touched by Busfield but did not specify where. He said he didn't say anything because he didnt want to get in trouble. The mother of the twins reported to Child Protective Services that the abuse occurred between November 2022 and spring 2024, the complaint said. In an interview with police last fall, Busfield denied the allegations and suggested that the boys' mother was seeking revenge for her children being replaced on the series. The argument was echoed by Busfield's attorney Tuesday. The investigation began in November 2024 after 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. Busfield's attorney said an independent investigation by Warner Bros. was unable to corroborate allegations of inappropriate behavior by Busfield. But prosecutors in their filing argued that the investigator failed to talk to key witnesses. The actor has also now been accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl while she was auditioning for a show. The alleged victim's father told police Busfield groped the aspiring actress 'several years ago' at the theater he founded in Sacramento, California. 'While auditioning for the defendant at B Street Threatre, the 16-year-old reported that (he) kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates,' the motion states. Busfield allegedly 'begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy,' and the alleged victim's father, being a 'therapist himself, thought at the time that was the best thing to do.' Stein has claimed that Busfield (pictured in April 2022) submitted to an independent polygraph test within the last couple of days and that he passed without issue Stein has claimed that Busfield submitted to an independent polygraph test within the last couple of days. There was 'no deception - (he) passed the polygraph test,' Stein told AP via telephone on Wednesday. 'We plan on responding in detail to establish that he should not be detained' as the case proceeds, Stein said. New Mexico is among a few states that allow polygraph evidence in criminal cases. But a judge would have final say over whether it can be used and there are strict requirements for admission. An activist who set fire to a Tesla dealership has been hit with a prison sentence after making two embarrassing mistakes during his destructive plot. Ian William Moses, 35, was caught on camera carrying a red plastic gas can while approaching the building on April 25. Footage showed him putting fire starter logs next to the dealership before pouring gasoline on the building and three Tesla cars. He then lit a huge fire which destroyed a silver Cybertruck. Moses also spray-painted the building but made a mistake - mispelling 'thief' as 'theif'. He fled the dealership on a bicycle but was arrested not long after. He was found wearing the same clothes as he had on in the video surveilance, making him easy to identify for law enforcement. Police also found a hand-drawn map of the area in his pocket. It had a box with the letter 'T' inside it marking the dealership's location. Ian William Moses, 35, was caught on camera carrying a red plastic gas can while approaching the building on April 25 Footage showed him putting fire starter logs next to the dealership before pouring gasoline on the building and three Tesla cars Moses also spray-painted the building, but misspelled the word 'thief' as 'theif' Moses, 35, pleaded guilty to federal charges of maliciously damaging property and vehicles by means of fire. He was sentenced to five years in prison on Tuesday plus an additional 36 months of supervised release. A hearing is scheduled for April 13 to determine what he must pay for damaging the dealership and vehicles. 'Arson can never be an acceptable part of American politics. Mr. Moses' actions endangered the public and first responders and could have easily turned deadly,' US Attorney Timothy Courchaine said. 'This five-year sentence reflects the gravity of these crimes and makes clear that politically fueled attacks on Arizona's communities and businesses will be met with full accountability.' The incident was part of a wave of arson attacks on Tesla dealerships last year that came in retaliation for the car manufacturer's CEO, Elon Musk's deep ties to the Trump administration. Attorney General Pam Bondi has vowed to prosecute those who attacked Tesla dealerships and vehicles to the fullest extent of the law and called Moses' attack 'domestic terrorism.' 'Today we are pleased to announce federal charges against a Tesla attacker arrested in Arizona,' she wrote on X when he was indicted last April. 'If you engage in domestic terrorism, this Department of Justice will find you, follow the facts, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. No negotiating.' Police found a hand-drawn map of the area in Moses' pocket, which included a box with the letter 'T' marking the dealership's location Surveillance cameras captured Moses at the Tesla dealership in Mesa wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, a tan ball cap, grey pants, black boots, and a black mask, and carrying a red plastic gas can and a black backpack Moses was sentenced to five years in prison and a hearing is scheduled for April 13 to determine the restitution he must pay for damaging the dealership and vehicles In Missouri, a transgender teen is facing 30 years behind bars for allegedly firebombing two Tesla Cybertrucks last year. Owen McIntire, 19, could spend the remainder of his youth behind bars for the March 17, 2025, Molotov cocktail attack on two of the EVs at a Tesla dealership in his native Kansas City. The teen, who was receiving so-called gender-affirming care at the time of the attacks, has denied federal charges of malicious destruction of property and unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device. One charge carries with it a mandatory five years in prison, and he could spend 30 years behind bars if found guilty on all counts. He'd be 49 on release if the maximum sentence was imposed. McIntire's trial is scheduled to begin on August 10. The collapse of a highway construction crane has killed two people in Thailand just a day after 32 people died when a train was smashed by building equipment operated by the same firm. Car dashcam footage showed the moment the massive crane fell on Thursday, unleashing clouds of dust and rubble across the area, as several vehicles pulled over or reversed to avoid falling debris. Motorcycle-taxi driver Booncherd La-orium said he no longer felt safe driving in the area. 'I had goosebumps just thinking about how risky it is to be here. It could have happened to me,' the 69-year-old told reporters. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn linked the firm Italian-Thai Development to the country's second deadly crane collapse in two days, according to local media. 'We have to find out the facts,' Phiphat told a local outlet. Italian-Thai Development was also contracted to build a section of a China-backed high-speed rail project where a huge crane fell on Wednesday, derailing a passenger train below and killing 32 of nearly 200 people on board. The first tragedy happened in Nakhon Ratchasima province, nearly 200 miles from Thursday's disaster in Samut Sakhon province, outside Bangkok. In a note to Thailand's stock exchange, Italian-Thai expressed condolences to the victims of the crane accident on Thursday, saying it would provide compensation. Car dashcam footage showed the moment a massive crane fell in Thailand on Thursday, unleashing clouds of dust as well as rubble across the area, as several vehicles pulled over or reversed to avoid falling debris The collapse killed two people just a day after 32 people died when a train was smashed by building equipment operated by the same firm Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn linked firm Italian-Thai Development to the country's second deadly crane collapse in two days, according to local media The firm also pledged to 'review and improve safety measures to be more thorough and stringent moving forward', the note said. Italian-Thai earlier promised compensation to victims of Wednesday's crane collapse and train derailment. The company - one of Thailand's biggest construction firms - has seen several deadly accidents at its sites in recent years. The crane that fell Thursday at the under-construction Rama II Expressway left two people dead, a police official told reporters from the scene. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters his government would terminate the contracts with the contractor of the two projects where the accidents occurred, without specifying a firm by name. Anutin said legal action would be taken and the contractor would be blacklisted. 'It has happened three or four times by one contractor. The government is not comfortable letting this kind of company work for the government,' he said. In other verified footage from the same vehicle as the dashcam, someone is heard saying: 'I almost died... Please pull over first'. Another person replies: 'That's okay now. It's not falling further.' Smoke billowing from the wreckage of a passenger train after a construction crane collapsed onto it in Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on Wednesday 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 Your browser does not support iframes. 'That was close,' the first person says. Rescue worker Sutthiwat Thanomsat told reporters he arrived at the scene shortly after the crane crashed down, and witnessed the aftermath of a pickup truck driver killed by the impact. The Rama II Expressway, a main artery linking the capital to Thailand's south, hosts several major infrastructure projects, including tollway construction. Construction work has been underway for years to expand the road's capacity and reduce congestion but the project has been beset by delays and fatalities, earning it the nickname 'Death Road'. Surachai Wongho, a 61-year-old retiree who drives on Rama II regularly, said he is haunted by the thought that one day he could be hurt in an accident. 'It's the same incident happening over and over again in Thailand. It's time for the government to do something,' he said. In March, a concrete beam forming part of an under-construction elevated roadway collapsed on Rama II, killing several people. A crane collapse in November 2024 killed at least three workers. The incident on Thursday followed the crane collapse in Nakhon Ratchasima a day earlier, one of Thailand's deadliest rail accidents in years. A wreckage vehicle seen at the collapsed construction crane area at Rama II road in Samut Sakhon on Thursday A view of the wreckage of a collapsed construction crane in Samut Sakhon, Thailand Motorcycle-taxi driver Booncherd La-orium said he no longer felt safe driving in the area. 'I had goosebumps just thinking about how risky it is to be here. It could have happened to me,' the 69-year-old told reporters A massive launching gantry crane, used by Italian-Thai in the construction of a high-speed rail project, collapsed onto a passenger train below. At the site of the deadly accident on Thursday, construction workers milled around the scene, snapping photos of the wreckage, as relatives of victims visited to mourn and pray in silence. The crane was left hanging off giant concrete pillars, built to hold up the future elevated high-speed rail line - a joint Thailand-China endeavour. The nation's rail operator said it ordered Italian-Thai to halt construction until an investigation was completed. The crane operator was Thai and had fallen and died in Wednesday's accident, an Italian-Thai worker who declined to give her name said. The heavily scrutinized investigation into the death of Ellen Greenberg is set to be reopened by federal prosecutors, according to a report. Law enforcement sources told the Philadelphia Inquirer that prosecutors recently sent out subpoenas for documents from the investigation into the schoolteacher's death in 2011. Greenberg, 27, was found by her fiance, Sam Goldberg, with more than 20 stab wounds to her body, including to her heart and the back of her head, and her death was initially ruled a homicide before being controversially classified as a suicide. The case, which has been plagued by allegations of a 'cover-up', received renewed attention late last year as officials again ruled that Greenberg's death was a suicide when it was re-evaluated by the city of Philadelphia. According to sources speaking to the inquirer, prosecutors are not focusing on the manner of Greenberg's death, but are centering questions on how a variety of agencies handled the case. The new probe is set to look into whether any missteps by investigators at the time could amount to criminal corruption, the outlet reported. Greenberg's parents have long sought answers over her death and say they do not believe that she could have inflicted the many stab wounds on herself, which included her being found with a kitchen knife sticking out of her heart. The family's attorney Joe Podraza told the Daily Mail at the time that the medical examiner's conclusion was 'tripe, an embarrassment to the City, and an insult to Ellen and her family.' The heavily scrutinized investigation into the death of Ellen Greenberg, who was found dead by her then-fiance, Sam Goldberg, is set to be reopened by federal prosecutors Greenberg was discovered with more than 20 stab wounds to her body, including to her heart and the back of her head, as seen in the Philadelphia medical examiner's analysis. Her death was initially ruled a homicide before being controversially switched to suicide Following news of the new investigation, Podraza said in a statement to the Inquirer that Greenberg's parents are 'ecstatic' that the case is being reopened. 'If that is in fact correct and accurate, that the federal government is going to investigate... this is exactly what we've wanted all along,' he said. 'It's unfortunate it's taken more than seven years to get to this point but we are really grateful and thankful to the US attorneys and, of course, are available to assist in any way we can in helping their investigation.' When Greenberg was found in her apartment by her then-fiance, Goldberg, investigators at the scene immediately treated the incident as a suicide because he told them the apartment was locked from the inside. Although he said he broke down the door to get inside, police said there were no signs of a break-in when Greenberg died, and said she had no defensive wounds. Her death was ruled a homicide the next day by then-Philadelphia medical examiner Marlon Osbourne, noting that she suffered knife wounds to the back of her neck, heart, and many bruises in various stages of healing. Investigators returning the next day to the apartment found that it had been professionally cleaned and that devices owned by Goldberg had been removed by Goldberg's uncle, James Schwartzman, who was at the time the Chairman of the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board. In a lawsuit brought by Greenberg's family in 2022, they alleged that errors in the handling of the investigation and evidence from the apartment was 'embarrassingly botched' and resulted in a 'cover up.' Greenberg was found dead by Goldberg in their apartment in 2011, and a Hulu documentary last year revealed that when he called 911, he told a dispatcher she 'fell on a knife' In remarks to the Daily Mail, one of the first times Goldberg had spoken of the case, he said renewed scrutiny on his former fiance's death was 'awful' due to the documentary In October last year, the case received renewed national attention in a Hulu documentary, which brought scrutiny on Goldberg and his actions at the time of Greenberg's death. This included the documentary revealing Goldberg's call to 911 when he found her body, as he told dispatchers she 'fell on a knife.' In remarks to the Daily Mail, he said things had been 'awful' since the documentary was released. The Daily Mail asked Goldberg, now a married father-of-two living in Manhattan, if he felt he had been 'screwed over' by a recent Hulu documentary exploring Greenberg's final days. 'Yeah I have been. It's awful and it sucks,' he told the Mail, which was one of the first times he had spoken of the case. 'But I have nothing else to say,' he added at the time. The new probe is set to focus on the way agencies handled the investigation, and not specifically on Greenberg's manner of death. Greenberg's family said a ruling last year stating that her manner of death was suicide was 'an embarrassment to the City, and an insult to Ellen and her family' A spokesman for the US Attorney's Office said it could 'neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation' following news that new subpoenas had been issued. Other agencies involved in Greenberg's case include the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, the Philadelphia Law Department, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. In 2024, errors in the investigation were acknowledged by Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Court, even as it dismissed a lawsuit brought by Greenberg's family to change her manner of death certificate. In a ruling, the court said it had 'no choice under the law' to have it changed, but admitted, 'this court is acutely aware of the deeply flawed investigation of the victim's death by the City of Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) detectives, the City of Philadelphia District Attorney's Office (DAO), and the MEO [Medical Examiner's Office].' A lesbian judge was condemned after telling a female defendant who'd suffered a pregnancy scare to buy a vibrator because it would cause her 'less trouble', former staffers said. Bexar County Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez oversees Reflejo Court, which is a trauma-informed treatment program which hopes to help first-time domestic violence offenders deal with the root causes of their issues rather than jail time. Despite the nature of the program, Gonzalez - who was once fined for bringing a loaded rainbow-painted gun through an airport - has become increasingly erratic in the last year and started attacking defendants, former workers have claimed. Cynthia Garcia, who provided therapy to court participants, told KSAT that Gonzalez' behavior shifted dramatically in the last year. This included Gonzalez, who is a member of San Antonio Women's Hall of Fame, allegedly telling a female defendant to 'invest in batteries' and buy a vibrator, telling the woman it would be 'less trouble', Garcia said. In another outburst, Garcia claimed that Gonzalez gave another dressing down to an 18-year-old homeless man after sexual content was found on his phone. According to Garcia, she called the teenager a 'f****** poser' in open court, which left him 'shaking'. In July of last year an email from Garcia listed her concerns about a defendant, which prompted an abrasive response from Gonzalez. Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez (pictured) has been accused of terrorizing the domestic violence court that she oversees in San Antonio, Texas Gonzalez is pictured with one of her fellow judges in an undated photo. She is accused of letting her ego get out of control in her courtroom She replied that staff should 'stay in our respective lanes' before telling those on the email chain to seek therapy if they thought she was singling anyone out. The next day Garcia was called into her manager's office and then told she was being removed from Reflejo Court. She was employed by the nonprofit American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions at the time, but with her hours slashed after being removed she quit. Speaking with KSAT, she said: '[Gonzalez] began lashing out at defendants in court. I couldn't believe some of the things that were being put on the record.' On her being removed, she said: 'It was hurtful because I put my heart into my work. And just the betrayal from somebody I considered a friend. 'I was doing my work to the best of my ability and reaching the women, to really change and encourage them to use their voice, build up their confidence, learn to be independent and just really build up their strength.' It wasn't just Garcia who noticed a massive shift in her behavior, with complex care manager Crystal Ochoa also left appalled at her change in demeanor. In 2022, Gonzalez was fined $2,40 after carrying this rainbow-painted gun that was loaded with bullets through security at San Antonio International Airport. She claimed she had made an honest mistake She told the outlet: 'The behavior she gave was aggressive, when it did not need to be. 'It became very like "No, this is what Im saying. Im the judge. Im going to do this, whether you all like it or no". It was just not appropriate.' Like Garcia, she too was removed from the court with the facility she worked for then terminating her position for not completing case notes. She told the outlet that this was not the actual reason for her dismissal, believing that her former employer, Center for Health Care Services, feared Gonzalez. Ochoa said: 'I remember specifically one of my supervisors saying, "I dont want to get into another phone call with this judge and it being like her yelling at me". 'How could you allow someone who is not even part of your agency remove someone when there is no cause? Gonzalez with a friend. The judge has refused to comment on specifics of bullying allegations made against her 'Its her court. She can do as she pleases, but I dont think she took into account the situations that these individuals were going through. And I think that was heartbreaking for a lot of them.' In September of last year, Gonzalez issued a no-contact order which stopped the remainder of court staff from speaking with Garcia, Ochoa and two others. Her email, obtained by the outlet, said: 'A breach of this directive will be grounds for removal from the team.' It wasn't just care workers that were affected also, with Gonzalez ordering a defense attorney placed in cuffs and placed in the jury box in 2024, KSAT reported. Attorney Elizabeth Russell and Gonzalez had a back and forth over a motion to throw out a probation hearing when Russell's client pleaded 'true' to an allegation. She asked for time to speak with her client privately, before Gonzalez said: 'Stop. Its on the record. Your argumentative ways are not going to work today. 'Stop. Stop, or Ill hold you in contempt, Ms. Russell. I will hold you in contempt.' Russell was then held in custody and put in the jury box, with Russell later filing a criminal complaint accusing her of oppression and unlawful restraint. In a statement, Gonzalez said: 'At this time, I will not be disclosing information regarding any individual or non profit vendor involved. 'Out of respect for process, privacy, and the integrity of our partnerships, it is important that we allow the appropriate systems to function without speculation or distraction. Judge Gonzalez previously hit the headlines in 2022 after being ordered to take down a Pride flag from her courtroom. The following year she won an appeal and the emblem was allowed to remain. In October 2022, Gonzalez was fined almost $2,500 after she was caught bringing a loaded pistol with a rainbow paint job through San Antonio International Airport. She said she had made an honest mistake and forgotten the weapon was in her bag. Robert Jenrick's unceremonious defenestration from the Conservative Party today ends a tumultuous chapter in a checkered political journey that has taken him from scandal-prone minister to leadership hopeful and then to outcast. The former immigration minister was kicked out of his shadow justice role and had his party membership cancelled by leader Kemi Badenoch today after she was handed what she said was clear evidence he planned to defect. Mr Jenrick, who was pipped to the party leadership by Mrs Badenoch in late 2024, has long been tipped to abandon the struggling Tories and line up alongside Nigel Farage. He had raise eyebrows among commentators and his own colleagues as he appeared to regard every brief in the shadow cabinet as part of his responsibility. As well as his mid-ranking justice brief, he would frequently dip into his former home affairs speciality, the shadow chancellor's role opposing the Treasury, defence, communities and housing to name a few. Last May he made headlines when he filmed himself approaching three men at Stratford station in East London in an attempt to show the extent of fare dodging in the capital. And his appearance at last year's Tory conference was overshadowed by racism accusations after the leak of a recording in which he complained that, while filming a video in Handsworth, Birmingham, he had not seen 'another white face'. He has also been the subject of comment over his noticeable weight loss, finally admitting he had used weight-loss drugs. While denying he was planning to defect to Reform he made several warm overtures towards Mr Farage, even when it went against Mrs Badenoch's party line. In April he was recorded proposing a 'coalition' to unite Tory and Reform UK voters at the next election. He told Conservative students that 'one way or another' centre-Right voters had to be united to ensure Keir Starmer does not 'sail through the middle' again. But just six weeks ago he publicly denied he was going anywhere, telling Times Radio: 'It wasn't very long ago that I was running to be leader of the Conservative Party so I'm not going anywhere.' And in 2024, Mr Farage branded the MP 'Robert Remainer Generic', a dig at his changing position on big issues and support for staying in the EU in 2016. Mr Jenrick, who was pipped to the party leadership by Mrs Badenoch in late 2024, has long been tipped to abandon the struggling Tories and line up alongside Nigel Farage. While denying he was planning to defect to Reform he made several warm overtures towards Mr Farage, even when it went against Mrs Badenoch's party line. Mr Jenrick, who was born in Wolverhampton and raised in Shropshire, had working class parents but went on to attend Cambridge. He trained as a solicitor and previously worked in corporate law at leading international law firms in London and Moscow. During his Tory leadership election campaign the father of three made much of his humble roots. In his speech to the conference last month he said: '50 years ago, in 1974, my Dad, Bill, and my Mum, Jenny, came here to Birmingham. 'Dad had a job at the last great iron foundry in the Black Country, in Coseley. A vast, Victorian metalworks that made the pots and pans of the Empire.' He later posed with his parents and his wife, Michal Berkner, who is nine years his senior. The pair met at Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom a New York law firm which has done work for Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs, including former Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich. At the age of 19, in an interview with Cambridge student magazine Varsity in 2001, the history undergraduate was asked what he would like to be in 10 years' time. He replied: 'A millionaire businessman fighting my first election to Parliament.' After university he turned his attentions to business, working in senior commercial management at the world-famous global art firm Christie's. Having won Newark in a 2014 by-election (which included Nigel Farage), Theresa May promoted him to a Treasury minister in January 2018. Ms May's demise saw him climb higher, with Boris Johnson promoting him to secretary of state for housing, communities and local government when the former premier took office in July 2019. But his time around the cabinet table ended in controversy, when he was sacked after a string of high-profile and damaging incidents, including the unlawful approval of a Tory donor's housing development and eyebrow-raising journeys during lockdown. Jenrick met his wife, Michal Berkner, who is nine years his senior, at a New York law firm which has done work for Russian and Ukrainian oligarchs, including former Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich. Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick is under increasing pressure to quit for allegedly defying a ban on travelling to second homes by going 150 miles from London to his mansion in Herefordshire Then PM Boris Johnson stuck by Mr Jenrick despite anger over his approval of media mogul Richard Desmond's 1,500-home Westferry Printworks development in east London, which happened after they sat next to each other at a Tory function. The permission came the day before a new council community levy would have cost Mr Desmond's company an extra 40 million. Mr Jenrick later had to quash his own approval, conceding the decision was 'unlawful' due to 'apparent bias'. There was also criticism over Mr Jenrick's decision to travel 150 miles from his London property to his Herefordshire home - also 130 miles from his constituency - and then journeying for more than an hour to visit his parents in Shropshire while the country was in Covid lockdown. After it emerged he traveled from the capital to the country pad near Leominster - despite having a 2.5million flat near Parliament - he said it was his family's main home. But his website at the time said he, Michal and their three daughters 'live in Southwell near Newark, and in London'. Parliamentary expenses records at the time show that he had claimed 100,000 in rent, council tax and travel expenses for Newark since being elected . The role also saw him take on another thorny issue where a misstep can draw the ire of the Tory backbenches planning reform. With controversies mounting, and his popularity fraying with Tory MPs who objected to what they feared would be too much housebuilding in the wrong place, a reshuffle saw Mr Jenrick shown the door. The arrival of Liz Truss in Number 10 saw him return to Government for a short stint in the Department of Health. Then in October 2022, with Rishi Sunak taking the top job, Mr Jenrick was appointed immigration minister. The role was never going to be an easy task, with many in the Tory party and beyond calling for the Government to reduce the number of people crossing the English Channel in small boats and while also reducing legal migration. A commitment to 'stop the boats' was one of Mr Sunak's five pledges at the start of year, putting Mr Jenrick's brief right at the top of the Government's priorities. He made headlines by ordering the removal of Mickey Mouse artwork at an asylum centre for unaccompanied children. Murals depicting cartoon characters were painted over at a Kent facility used to hold those who arrive in Britain after crossing the Channel in small boats. Mr Jenrick was reported to have felt the murals gave the impression the UK was too 'welcoming' to migrants arriving from France after undertaking sea journeys. But despite Mr Sunak's stated commitment to do 'everything it takes' to make the Rwanda scheme operational, Mr Jenrick shocked Westminster by resigning and becoming one of the PM's most strident backbench Tory critics. A peaceful city in the Bay Area has been shaken by plans to open a huge homeless encampment in their neighborhood. Homeowners in San Rafael only learned about the plan a few months ago - despite Mayor Kate Colin revealing that city officials have been mulling over the project for years. Resident Frank Mason said he felt 'blindsided' after learning of the project through a press conference held near his home in October. 'That was how they introduced it to the neighborhood,' Mason told The San Francisco Chronicle. Residents have accused city officials of hiding the project because they knew it would receive pushback. The San Rafael City Council unanimously voted to acquire the property for the tiny homes in November, even as dozens of people packed the meeting to show their distaste for the decision. A newly-formed group called Marin Citizens for Solutions Not Secrecy told The Chronicle that the city should put up homeless people in a neighborhood with daycares and assisted living facilities. The property, bought by Marin County for $7 million, has a storage facility to its north, an eight-lane freeway to its east, a Mexican restaurant and several other businesses to its south and single-family homes directly across Merrydale Road to the west. San Rafael (pictured) will be the site for a new tiny home community for about 70 people who are currently living in homeless encampments The city's plan is to transition the temporary shelter into 80 units of affordable housing before the end of the decade (Pictured: A group of homeless people on a sidewalk in nearby San Francisco) The shelter program could last for up to four years before it is redeveloped into some 80 units of affordable housing. San Rafael, however, has agreed to push through approvals for the property to become affordable housing by June 2028. And by June 2029, anyone living in the tiny homes will have to leave. Homeless people will be able to move into the tiny homes by August of this year, and officials have said it will cost $2 million annually to staff the shelter. This project comes as San Rafael has seen a 63 percent increase in its homeless population since 2019, when there were 161 people living in encampments or on the street. That number has risen to 264 as of 2024, the most recent year data is available. Colin told The Chronicle that 'not enough outreach' was done within the community about how the city should reasonably address the homeless issue. 'I was insensitive because I was so enthusiastic about it,' Colin said. 'I see things at a very macro, big level that unfolds over years. I see things at a different vantage point. The disconnect was a big vision and not taking the time to bring everyone along.' One thing that worries residents is the fact that there is no explicit requirement for shelter users to be sober or off drugs. It's part of the city's 'housing first' policy, which prioritizing guaranteeing a roof over people's heads no matter what. Kim Wik, whose $500,000 home has a view into the forthcoming homeless shelter, plans to build an eight-foot fence so no one can look into her bedroom. Mayor Kate Colin acknowledged that she did not take 'the time to bring everyone along' on the tiny home project, something that's been in the works for years An aerial view of the eight-lane freeway in San Rafael that borders the tiny home shelter Gary Naja-Riese, Marin County's homelessness and coordinator care division director, defended the housing first policy. 'Housing First does not mean a lack of rules or accountability clear expectations, behavior standards, and laws still apply,' he told The Chronicle. 'But it removes barriers that can prevent people from accessing shelter and support in the first place.' Residents who end up living in the tiny cabin community will be assigned a case manager who will help them in their goal to obtain more permanent housing. Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings will also be held on the site, according to the city. The shelter will have a 24/7 security team, mental health professionals and EMTs. 'These are harm-reduction strategies that we know work,' John Stefanski, assistant city manager for the city of San Rafael, told The Chronicle. 'We've had increased rates of sobriety by people being able to have a stable environment to live in.' The search for a young Mormon woman who was preparing for a mission trip to Italy has ended in tragedy. Nicole Bennett, 19, was reported missing on Tuesday after she went out on a hike. Her car was found at the Red Cliffs Recreation Area trailhead, and police launched an emergency search for her. Early the next morning, a family member helping with the search found Bennett's body. While her death is still under investigation, preliminary findings indicate that it was accidental and she fell, ABC4 reported. 'It's one of the harder situations that we have to deal with, and we wish that we didn't have to deal with situations like that. I can't imagine what the family's going through right now,' Sergeant Jacob Paul told KUTV. 'She's known to hike this area, and she's local. This is one of the more popular hiking areas in the area, so I'd imagine that she's done it before.' At the time of her death, Bennett was preparing to serve on a mission trip for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Italy, according a to GroupTogether page made for her family. Nicole Bennett, 19, was reported missing on Tuesday after she went out on a hike Bennett was preparing to serve on a mission trip in Italy 'She fell while out hiking alone. Her body was found with her scriptures, mission prep guide, and Italian dictionary beside her,' the family wrote. 'We want to provide reassurance that her death was the result of an accident, not suicide, and thank you for your concern.' Young adults in the Mormon church typically serve on voluntary international mission trips for one or two years to share their religion and perform humanitarian aid. One local hiker told KUTV he spoke with Bennett's grandmother, and she told him the young woman was excited about her future. '[Bennett] was looking forward to going on a mission trip to Italy in the near future,' hiker Ron Graham said. '[She] was approaching a birthday, I believe she said, next week. The loss of life seems tragic.' Family friend Darillyn Southworth wrote on Facebook that Bennett was passionate about her faith and loved baking. 'Nicole was the ultimate hype girl for bringing others unto Christ. She made every room brighter and every person in it feel welcome. She was a talented musician and baker,' she wrote. Family friends described Bennett as passionate about her family and a selfless young woman who loved baking Her body was found in the morning on Wednesday. Preliminary findings indicate that it was accidental and she fell Another family friend, Heather Bringhurst Ence, also posted that Bennett was a selfless and compassionate young woman. 'It feels impossible to put into words who Nicole was, but what we do know is this: she was extraordinary. Nicole was the kind of person who was always looking for ways to help others,' she wrote. 'She devoted her time and energy to raising money to feed and support people in need, and she lived with a compassion and selflessness that inspired everyone around her. The world is better because she was in it.' Bringhurst Ence added that the entire Bennett family shares the same values and is asking for privacy at this time. 'Her family reflects that same kindness, generosity, and love. They are truly one of the most incredible families we know, and our hearts ache for them as they walk through this unimaginable loss,' she said. A cat born with a one-in-a-million heart defect has been saved thanks to pioneering treatment that cost 21,000. Kobi underwent five hours of surgery that was overseen on Zoom by a vet in Germany who is one of the few people in the world to have carried out the procedure before. The one-year-old tabby was born with five arteries feeding blood to his heart instead of one. This meant he was in the early stages of heart failure because of the extra work the its heart was having to do and he would have died without help. The surgery involved blocking off four of the arteries with stents using a wire thinner than a human hair which had been custom made. The life-saving surgery cost 12,500. Much of that was covered by insurance and a veterinary research grant because of the unique nature of Kobi's case. Owners Marie Ruffell and Paul Lovatt believe Kobi has cost them a total of 21,000 taking into account all vet bills, specialist food, transport costs and other expenses. Mr Lovatt said: 'He's probably the most expensive cat in Bournemouth'. Owners Marie Ruffell and Paul Lovatt at home with Kobi whose treatment cost 21,000 The one-year-old tabby was born with five arteries feeding blood to his heart instead of one. Ms Ruffell, 54, from Poole, Dorset, said: 'Without the operation he would have died for certain, 'I made it clear that putting him to sleep would have been the absolute last resort and if we had been advised that was the best thing for him we would have done. 'But if there was any glimmer of hope for him then we would do whatever was needed to save him. If the surgery would have cost more then we would have sold whatever was necessary to cover it, such as our car. 'It has paid off and it is incredible to see Kobi now. He is so energetic and playful.' The couple bought Kobi as a kitten in December 2024 after their 20-year-old cat Maisy died. Not long after they got him home Mr Lovatt noticed the pulse in his neck was racing. They took him to their regular vet in Poole who picked up on it. Mr Lovatt, a 47-year-old bathroom fitter, said: 'He had a really strong pulse on his neck and whenever he played with his cat toys he got out of breath and ended up panting which wasn't right especially for a kitten.' It was then discovered that Kobi had additional arteries in his neck going to his heart which was in overdrive. Kobi was referred to Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists in Ringwood, Hants, for further assessment. They had never come across such a case before and with Kobi still being so small operating on him was a complex and challenging procedure. The vets called upon the help of Prof. Matthias Schneider from the University of Giessen in Germany, an advanced consultant who has treated a number of animals with anomalies like Kobi's before. Using the incredibly thin wire, the vets inserted stents to block off the extra arteries which helped reduce the size of Kobi's heart. Tobias Wagner, head of cardiology and clinical director at Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists Ms Ruffell said: 'Southern Counties Vets were amazing. It was all about how to make Kobi better. 'They needed a couple of weeks to work out what to do with him and then went through it all with us. 'He was going to die without it and there was no choice and we had to give them that chance. 'They used special equipment because he was still so small and a vet joined in on Zoom from Germany because it hadn't been done in the UK before. 'Kobi was out of intensive care the next day and he has recovered incredibly well.' Kobi was diagnosed with complex arteriovenous malformation, an abnormal connection of arteries and veins. Marie said she was told that one in a million cats were born with it. Tobias Wagner, head of cardiology and clinical director at Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, said: 'This was a very rare case and not one that we had seen before. 'There were multiple abnormal blood vessel connections between the artery going in the neck to the head and the jugular vein. 'A lot of blood flow was going through this connection which enlarged the heart severely and sent Kobi into heart failure. 'Kobi was already in heart failure when we saw him. If untreated, the heart failure would have progressed, and while we would have been able to deal with this using medication for a short time period, in the end Kobi would have died. 'The small patient size was a challenge as blood vessels in a small cat are small and it requires a lot of skill to get the cardiac catheters into the blood vessels. 'We do have custom made very tiny thin wires to gain initial access to these small blood vessels. As these were multiple abnormal vessels in between normal vessels, it is very important to close the correct one, closing the wrong one would be fatal. 'The connections were closed with multiple devices from the human field which brought Kobi out of heart failure.' A Republican lawmaker has been condemned after calling for 'foreign invaders' to be deported in response to a congressional campaign by the son of Somali migrants. Liban Mohamed, 27, announced his campaign for a newly created House district in a video earlier this month. Mohamed, who is a US citizen, wrote alongside the post: 'My story is rooted in Utah. 'Born and raised here by Somali immigrant parents, I grew up in a community that cherished service and the belief that when people come together, anything is possible.' His announcement was met with strong responses, including a post from Republican Trevor Lee. 'This is what happens when past policies to incentivize foreigners and not protect your culture run unchecked,' Lee wrote on X. 'We need to roll back all benefits and past policies that dont put Utahns first. Housing, welfare of any kind, healthcare and most importantly prosecuting and deporting foreign invaders who shouldnt be here in the first place. Lee's comment was in response to one made by the Libertarian Party in New Hampshire's on Mohamed's video which read: 'In under 200 years the white ethnic mormons took an unihabited desert wasteland and turned it into one of the most beautiful cities in the American West. Republican Trevor Lee has been condemned after calling for 'foreign invaders' to be deported Liban Mohamed announced his campaign for a newly created House district in a video earlier this month 'Somalia has been populated continuously since the Paleolithic era and the only thing they've done is rob and scam whites.' The post went viral on X, and the Utah Democratic Party condemned the racist attacks directed at Mohamed. 'The flood of racist and religious hate directed at Liban Mohamed is disgusting,' the party said. 'Lets be clear where its coming from: the racism and white fragility on display from Republicans across this state is dangerous and embarrassing.' The party accused Republicans of attacking Mohamed based on his ethnicity instead of engaging in debate based on character, values, or ideas. They also slammed President Trump for 'normalizing and enabling this behavior,' calling MAGA Republicans who engaged in racial or religious attacks 'moral rot.' In response to Lee's tweet, a constituent named Chad Iverson emailed multiple Republican representatives calling on them to advocate for his censure, local Utah outlet KSL reported. 'One of your fellow colleagues continues to act like a bigot and a racist. HERE IN UTAH. IN 2026. The only way to stop him is for my fellow Republicans to have the courage to speak out against him,' the email wrote. Iverson called on Representatives Cal Roberts, Dan McCay, Kirk Cullimore, and John Johnson to advocate for Lee's censure. He also included House Speaker Mike Schultz on the email chain, asking whether Schultz has had conversations with Lee about his online behavior. Senator Derrin Owens responded to the email, saying he doesn't 'follow social media sites' and asked for concrete evidence that Lee exhibited racism. Representative Nicholeen Peck and Senator John Johnson replied that Lee had a right to express his opinions online and that his constituents could vote him out if they disapproved. Representative Troy Shelley defended Lee, writing in an email: 'Silencing the voice of a representative because a person does not agree with their viewpoint is common practice in third-world countries.' Nate Blouin, a candidate running against Mohamed in the Democratic primary, reacted to the email chain published by KSL on X: 'In case you're wondering what @UtahGOP legislators are worried about right now, it's not air quality, it's not ICE cracking down on our community... it's defending Rep. Trevor Lee on a reply all email chain from a constituent who expressed anger over Lee's racism & homophobia.' Lee defended his post in a statement to KSL, writing: 'The accusation that my posts represent "bigotry and racism" is completely unfounded and disappointing.' 'My comments have always focused on policy specifically, the need to enforce our nation's immigration laws consistently, protect American culture and sovereignty, and ensure that progressive platforms (like those promoted by Mr. Mohamed) align with the values most Utahns hold dear.' Lee, pictured above with Steve Bannon, defended his comments One constituent called on Utah State House Speaker Mike Schultz to censure Lee The Daily Mail has reached out to Lee for further comment and to Mohamed's campaign team. Mohamed is running a primary campaign for Utah's first congressional district against five Democratic candidates. He grew up in the state and graduated from the University of Utah. Mohamed has also lived in New York City and Washington, DC, and has worked for Meta and TikTok. The newly established House seat was approved by a judge in November. It marked the first time in decades that the red state had a district safely favoring Democrats. A fight over an Alabama woman's mother allegedly being 'disrespected' ended with two people shot to death at a wake, according to police. Jasmine Allen, 35, has been charged with capital murder in the deaths of her greatuncle, 76yearold Carlton Rufus Allen, and her uncle, 43yearold fatherofseven Sonny Arrington. She is also charged with attempted murder for shooting her sister, Jasmine Ross, who survived a gunshot wound to the leg. Detectives said Allen and her daughter had arrived at the apartment earlier that evening in a Lyft to join relatives gathering at her mother's home in the Tuxedo Terrace complex in Ensley. The family had spent the day mourning Ja'Oree Marquel BrownAllen, who was shot and killed a week earlier in Fairfield. Investigators said Allen fired 10 shots through the closed front door of the apartment just before 11.30pm on December 6, while family members were inside eating after the funeral. When police arrived, the door was riddled with bullet holes, and Arrington and Carlton Allen were found dead in the hallway, both shot multiple times. The shooting followed an argument between Allen and one of her sisters over Allen allegedly being 'disrespectful' to their mother, Rory Dawson, according to Detective Albanellys Perez. Jasmine Allen, 35, has been charged with capital murder in the deaths of two relatives and attempted murder in the shooting of her sister Sonny Arrington, 43, was killed after police say shots were fired through the front door of an apartment during a family wake Witnesses told police that after the fight, Allen said she was going to get her gun, Arringtons wife, Candace, later said she overheard. Minutes later, shots blasted through the door. Dawson told police she believed her daughter 'took it upon herself to shoot into our front door.' Surveillance video from a neighbor's camera and from the apartment complex showed a woman in a black jacket and gray pants approaching the door moments before the gunfire. Another angle captured the same figure standing directly at the door, then running away after the shots. Detectives said Allen fled in a burgundy van driven by her son's girlfriend. Investigators were able to zoom in on the license plate from surveillance footage, which led officers to Allen's home in Bessemer. She was arrested within two hours of the shooting. A search of the home uncovered gray pants and a black jacket matching the suspect captured on camera, as well as 9mm ammunition consistent with shell casings found at the scene. Sonny Arrington is survived by his wife, Candace, their two daughters and five sons Carlton Rufus Allen, 76, was also killed in the line of fire The gun used in the shooting has not been recovered. Detective Perez testified that Allen's son told investigators his mother admitted getting into a fight and then firing shots. Prosecutors said she later called him and confessed: 'I shot family.' During Wednesday's preliminary hearing, prosecutors argued the barrage of rounds showed Allen intended to kill those behind the door. 'She shot 10 rounds directly in front of the door, intentionally trying to kill the person or people behind it,' Deputy District Attorney Nick Taggart said, according to AL.com. Her attorney, Bret Gray, countered that the act was reckless, not targeted, and did not meet the threshold for capital murder under Alabama law. Jefferson County District Judge William Bell sent the case to a grand jury for indictment consideration and ordered Allen held without bond. Arrington leaves behind his wife, Candace, two daughters and five sons. A GoFundMe has been established to help Candace with expenses following his death. A Utah billionaire's plan to build a massive industrialstyle brown mansion inspired by mines in a ritzy resort city is facing pushback from neighbors and local authorities. Matthew Prince, 51, is seeking to construct an 11,000squarefoot home in Park City, a picturesque mountain-top community about 35 miles east of Salt Lake City. The exclusive resort is popular with the rich and famous, and is widely known for being the place where Gwyneth Paltrow was caught up in a ski crash which later went to trial. Prince, who was raised in the city, is the cofounder and CEO of cybersecurity giant Cloudflare and is worth about $5.9billion, making him the richest man in Utah, according to Forbes. He is now seeking permission to build a huge singlefamily home with an outdoor pool and terrace that would overlook the valley. But his application has sparked multiple lawsuits, with neighbors Eric Hermann, 73, and Susan FredstonHermann, 70, suing to stop the mansion from being built. A decision on Prince's mansion could be made on Thursday after years of friction, as the Park City Council will meet to consider a consent agreement for the home. The agreement would effectively decide whether Prince gets permission to proceed with his plans, as he is only missing a building permit. Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince's 11,000squarefoot home plan in Park City, Utah, would feature an outdoor pool, terrace and underground parking Prince, seen here with his wife Tatiana, said his massive industrialstyle proposal was inspired by Park City's mines Prince initially submitted plans for the gargantuan home that included 7,000 square feet of finished living space and 4,000 square feet of underground parking in 2022. The permit applications for the home also mentioned 6,000 feet of unfinished living space. Prince has repeatedly backed his desire to build the mansion by pointing to its design rooted in local history and support from the local community. 'I'm proud of the fact that the Historic Society, Friends of [Ski Mountain Mining History], the [Park City] museum, have all said, 'This is something that if it was on the side of the hill, we would be able to point at and say it was inspired by the mines of Park City',' he said in 2024. Meanwhile the city has been clear about its determination to make sure new developments are in line with its historical district, a battle the mayor reportedly told KCPW said related to the Prince home dispute. 'We've been in this threeyear defense of our historic district, and you've seen us at the legislature fighting back on attempts to take away any sort of local control around the historic district,' Mayor Ryan Dickey told the outlet. 'That defense has been successful and really hard,' he added, saying that 'after three years, we now have a house that was approved by the planning commission.' Plans for Prince's mansion overlooking the valley, which includes 7,000 square feet of finished living space and 4,000 square feet of underground parking, were first submitted in 2022 The exclusive resort is popular with the rich and famous, and is widely known for being the place where Gwyneth Paltrow was caught up in a ski crash In 2024, his downhill neighbors the Hermanns sued to block the Park City Planning Commission's decision granting Prince authorization to build the mansion. They said the potential consent agreement would not solve their concerns. 'The proposed consent agreement between the city and Prince would deny us our right to have our concerns heard in court,' Eric Hermann said. He added: 'A consent agreement won't stop the court hearing unless all parties agree to stop the court hearing.' Park City is involved after Prince's limited liability company sued following a decision made by the board of adjustment which reversed aspects of his planned home. If the consent agreement goes through, that legal action would likely be dismissed. However, the angry neighbors believe that would leave them without a say in the process. Neighbors Eric Hermann and Susan Fredston-Hermann argue his proposal violates zoning laws - a declaration eight others in the neighborhood have rallied behind Prince previously filed suit against his neighbors over the allegedly menacing behavior of their Bernese Mountain dogs Hermann added that approving Prince's home plans would 'open the doors to any moneyed interest that is willing to threaten the city with legislation.' However, a memorandum from the city's attorney has stated that an agreement would not set new precedent, with approval by the city council being site-specific. Amid the furious back-and-forth between the neighbors, Prince filed his own action over the 'menacing' behavior of their two Bernese Mountain dogs. 'I get that we're rich a**holes, but at some level I'm also a father and I have to protect my daughter,' Prince told the Wall Street Journal in 2024. He alleged the two dogs had 'barked, snarled and charged' at his toddler and threatened his 82yearold mother. The Hermanns said the billionaire never asked them to leash their dogs before the suit, and that 'the dogs have had no interaction' with his family. The Daily Mail has reached out to Bruce Baird, Prince's attorney, Eric Hermann and the Park City mayor's office for comment. Armed police swooped on Britain's 'prettiest street' amid fears a gunman was on the loose after a suspected shooting at a property in the centre of a planning row. Gloucestershire Constabulary officers headed to the picturesque Cotswolds village of Bibury on Monday morning after the window of an excavator was shattered. Contractors at the development on Awkward Hill claimed they had been shot at with a rifle when they started work just after 8.15am which left them shaken up. Armed officers were sent along with sniffer dogs and drone units, but police claimed no one has confirmed any shots were heard and no projectile has been found. Detectives are currently treating the incident as criminal damage but are carrying out forensic examinations and combing through CCTV to establish what happened. Villagers claim the project has been making their lives a nightmare after years of construction works which have caused noise, verge erosion and blocked roads. Craig Chapman, chairman of Bibury Parish Council, told the Daily Mail: 'I was in the area when suddenly police came hurtling around the corner. I thought: 'Oh my God'. 'Officers had balaclavas on and machine guns. It was very dramatic. They clearly sent in the experts. I approached them and told them I was from the parish council. A cement lorry blocking the road during construction on Awkward Hill in Bibury last year Digegers and construction materials on the building site at Awkward Hill in Bibury last year 'They told me there had been a report of a gunshot. There had been a local shoot that day. You can hear the shooting but there's no way it is close enough to land any shots near us. The police found no rounds of ammunition. 'Personally, I think it's related to building work and something might have hit the window or something. Police treated it as a precaution.' One source close to the development told GloucestershireLive today that contractors have faced a large amount of verbal abuse since work began at the site. Other residents claimed to the Mail that there had been heated verbal exchanges between residents and the builders in recent days, but said there was no evidence anyone had shot at them. People living on Awkward Hill in the famous group of houses called Arlington Row - a much-photographed line of medieval buildings which were converted into weavers' cottages in the 17th century - were told to stay indoors by police, according to locals. One couple trying to leave were allegedly told: 'No, you can't go yet, you've got to go back inside because we are worried about a gunman being on the loose.' Another 'appalled' resident said: 'It's one thing to put in a planning objection but it's another thing altogether to do something as dangerous and as nasty as this.' A third said: 'I saw police cars going up Hawkers Hill. Armed police came out and there were five or six vehicles. They said someone had reported an armed person.' A Gloucestershire Constabulary spokeswoman told the Mail: 'Police are investigating a report of criminal damage in Bibury on Monday morning. A large cement mixer in the narrow lane during construction works in Bibury last year A file photograph of the Arlington Row houses on Awkward Hill in Bibury, Gloucestershire 'Officers received reports that a window on an excavator shattered in the presence of workmen. This happened in the grounds of a private property at around 8.30am. 'Initial investigations have found damage to the window frame of the excavator and whilst the workmen were shaken by what had happened, no one was injured. 'Officers conducted a search of the area. At present, no suspect has been identified. CCTV and house-to-house enquires, as well as a forensic examinations, are ongoing to identify what was used to cause the damage. 'Due to the initial report received by police, an armed response was deployed, with support from the dogs and drone units. Investigations are continuing and, at present, nobody has confirmed that any shots were heard and no projectile has been found. 'Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and investigating officers are now asking anyone with information, who hasn't already spoken to police, to make contact.' The Daily Mail revealed earlier this month that the homeowners at the centre of the planning row are a wealthy couple from Turkey called Metin and Gulbin Dener. The renovations at their Grade-II listed property have left neighbours wanting to sell their chocolate-box cottages where average house prices sit at 1.5million. The couple bought the cottage for 1.1million in 2022 and works have been ongoing since 2023, but locals have said this is making their lives an 'absolute nightmare'. Did you witness the 'shooting' incident? Please email: tips@dailymail.co.uk Robert Jenrick has been reimagined as a competitor on The Traitors on social media after he was expelled from the Tories for allegedly plotting to defect to Reform. The Liberal Democrats broke out Photoshop to reimagine Mr Jenrick, who had been shadow justice secretary, as a Traitor on the hit BBC show. He was depicted as sitting down in the show's iconic confessional chair - where both Traitors and Faithfuls confide in viewers - and described as 'Robert, 44, Wannabe Prime Minister'. The Lib Dems shared the image with the caption: 'Tonight's turret meeting will be pretty awkward.' It was one of several memes shared online in the wake of Jenrick's expulsion from the Tories after leader Kemi Badenoch said she had been presented with 'irrefutable evidence' that he was planning to pledge his allegiance to Nigel Farage. Alongside the Lib Dems, another user on X also shared a meme of Jenrick competing on the psychological hit show. The user shared what appeared to be an AI generated image of Jenrick in a black hood, captioned: 'I am, and have been since the startA TRAITOR!' Meanwhile, the Trades Union Congress wrote a post with tongue firmly wedged in cheek as it asked Jenrick, who has consistently voted in favour of anti-union legislation: 'Do you need a union rep x'. Others used memes of Alan Partridge - to whom Jenrick has been unfavourably compared for his awkward public stunts chasing train fare dodgers - to send up Jenrick's dismissal. 'Robert Jenrick is the subject of a sacking,' wrote one, in the voice of the Steve Coogan comedy creation, accompanied by an image of Partridge. Another parodied scenes from I'm Alan Partridge in which the character uses a dictaphone to make a note of mundane ideas. Alongside an image of Coogan in character, they wrote: 'Sack #RobertJenrick for being unloyal, disloyal, and for plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible to his employer...call Bill Oddie.' Others pointed out tweets where Nigel Farage - who recently met Jenrick for dinner - had criticised Jenrick when he was still on the Conservative front bench. One such post written by Farage during the 2024 Tory leadership contest said: 'Formerly a man that believed in nothing, Robert Jenrick now pitches himself as the great hardliner. 'This is almost certainly done for political gain and not out of conviction. He will divide the party. I doubt that Jenrick will last long if he wins.' Pope Leo XIV has met the Italian families of the victims of the Swiss bar fire on New Year's Eve, telling them that God has not abandoned them. The blaze in Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski-resort town on Crans-Montana, in the Valais region, saw 40 people perish in the early hours of January 1. A further 116 people were injured, with 83 pf them being treated for severe burns. The victims, who were celebrating the new year at the time, came from all over the world. Of those who died, six were Italian, while a further 10 were injured. Speaking at the Vatican, the American pope today told those who are still alive, as well as the families of those who died: 'I am very moved and distraught as I meet you at this time of great pain and suffering, dear families. 'One of your dearest, most beloved people has lost their life in a catastrophe of extreme violence, or has been hospitalized for a long time, with their body disfigured by the consequences of a terrible fire that has struck the consciousness of the whole world'. Pope Leo told them that despite the hardship they have endured, God had not abandoned them. Despite this, he recognised the impotence of his mere words. He said: 'What can you say in a situation like this? What meaning can you give to events like this? Pope Leo XIV meets relatives of victims of the Crans-Montana fire, at the Vatican, January 15, 2026 Speaking at the Vatican, the American pope today told those who are still alive, as well as the families of those who died: 'I am very moved and distraught as I meet you at this time of great pain and suffering, dear families' The blaze in Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski-resort town on Crans-Montana, in the Valais region, saw 40 people perish in the early hours of January 1 'Where can you find consolation worthy of what you feel, comfort that isn't empty and superficial words, but that touches you deeply and rekindles hope?' It comes as investigators are still trying to piece together exactly what happened on New Year's Eve in Crans-Montana. The waitress blamed for starting the fire was made to wear a promotional crash helmet, which prevented her from seeing sparklers, a witness has claimed. Cyane Panine, 24, was filmed wearing the crash helmet from Dom Perignon, the Champagne brand, as she was lifted onto the shoulders of Mateo Lesguer, 23, the in-house DJ. This was 'at the request' of the bar manager, Jessica Moretti, 40, the witness states in an official report compiled by the Swiss authorities. The Dom Perignon 'motorcycle crash helmet' covered Cyane's face completely with a black visor, meaning she could hardly see anything as she carried champagne bottles plugged with sparklers. The sparklers are said to have ignited soundproofing foam in the basement ceiling, leading to 40 deaths and 116 others being horrifically burned at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana. Mateo, who was wearing a carnival mask that also hid his face, tragically died alongside Cyane in the bar. Jessica Moretti is now under investigation for multiple alleged crimes, including 'manslaughter by negligence' Cyane Panine, 24, was filmed wearing the crash helmet from Dom Perignon, the Champagne brand, as she was lifted onto the shoulders of Mateo Lesguer, 23, the in-house DJ The Dom Perignon 'motorcycle crash helmet' covered Cyane's face completely with a black visor, meaning she could hardly see anything Ms Moretti is now under investigation for multiple alleged crimes, including 'manslaughter by negligence'. The bar manager, who is currently on bail and wearing an electronic tag, has confirmed the battery-powered helmet, which flashed from green to pink, was part of a stunt designed to sell champagne. 'These are Dom Perignon helmets,' she said. 'These helmets are delivered by our champagne supplier, and we wear them from time to time when we serve champagne.' With her field of vision significantly reduced, Cyane was unable to see the sparklers 'touching the ceiling', the official report reads. New York City's notorious new renters' tsar has now revealed her desire to restructure the housing market so that all Americans live in 'full social housing.' Cea Weaver has gone viral yet again over controversial comments she made about the free housing market in a resurfaced video. 'The beauty of rent stabilization and rent control is that it weakens the speculative value of the real estate asset,' she said in the clip. It is unclear when the footage was initially recorded. 'The value is no longer based on what the landlord is able to get, but rather it's based on a state public board deciding how much rent is going up.' Socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani's tenant advocate also argued that a strong rent control campaign that weakens the entire housing market would ultimately 'strengthen our ability to fight for social housing.' In another interview that resurfaced this week, Weaver argued that 'white, middle-class homeowners are a huge problem for a renter justice movement.' She argued that US public policy has pitted renters and 'cash poor homeowners, working class homeowners, and middle class homeowners' against each other. She admitted that homeownership is America's only guaranteed retirement income, but still argued that her goal is to 'undermine the institution of homeownership.' Cea Weaver burst into tears when approached by the Daily Mail last week. Now she has gone viral again over controversial comments she made about the free housing market In a resurfaced video, Weaver revealed her desire to restructure the market so that all Americans live in 'full social housing' 'It's so messed up, too, because we don't have free college. We don't have Medicare for all. We don't have healthcare. We don't have stable pensions, so your home is the only way you can get that,' she said on the Bad Faith podcast in 2021. She admitted that by telling Americans not to become homeowners, that 'we're taking away the only "welfare system" that the United States has.' Weaver, however, justified the assertion by arguing that homeownership 'serves to completely divide working class people and protect those at the top.' 'It's really quite difficult because Blackstone is a bigger and worse target than Mrs Smith who owns 15 buildings, but Mrs Smith... still kind of sucks and has a lot more stability than renters,' she said. Blackstone, based in NYC, is the largest alternative investment management company in the world. Weaver claimed that there are more independent owners, whom she identified as being white and middle-class, than there are institutions like Blackstone, alleging that this poses a 'challenging dynamic' for renter justice overall. 'Unless we can undermine the institution of homeownership and seek to provide stability in other ways, I don't know it's a really difficult organizing situation we find ourselves in,' she continued. The comments are just the latest in a slew of remarks that have seen the tenant advocate ridiculed by critics. In another interview that resurfaced this week, Weaver argued that 'white, middle-class homeowners are a huge problem for a renter justice movement' Weaver has failed to respond to any of the Daily Mail's requests for comment. On January 7 she was confronted outside her apartment in Brooklyn over her assertion that it is racist for white people to own homes Social media users have questioned the legality of Weaver's beliefs, likened her to communist Karl Marx and accused her of being uneducated about real estate and economics. 'She has zero clue how [the] market actually works. Woefully unqualified for any role beyond barista,' one X user wrote. 'This mirrors almost exactly what Marx said about wages. Prices are set by workers' wages, not by markets,' another said. 'By that reasoning, we could simply pay everyone $500K/year, and prices would surely fall in line accordingly. Could we offer free tuition to ECON 101 and 102 for this woman?' Another added: 'Not sure if it's constitutional or not but either way [the] elite [are] completely idiotic. If you remove incentives you will restrict supply. Simple as that.' 'She isn't concerned with constitutionality. She is so certain that her goals are right that she doesn't care about laws or even her fellow humans,' a poster replied. One user even went on to argue that Weaver was actively trying to change America's core foundations. 'I've never witnessed anyone so arrogantly discuss the destruction of the American dream,' the poster wrote. Weaver was named New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani's new director of the city's Office to Protect Tenants on his first day in office this month The comments are just the latest in a slew of remarks that have seen the tenant advocate ridiculed by critics Although Weaver has been extremely vocal about the dismantling of the American housing system, she has kept strangely quiet about her own family's contributions to the problems she has vowed to combat. The hardline leftist's mother, Celia Applegate, a professor of German studies at prestigious Vanderbilt University, owns a gorgeous $1.4 million home in America's fastest gentrifying city, where longtime black residents are quickly being priced out. Applegate and her partner, David Blackbourn, a professor of history, purchased their home in Music City USA's Hillsboro West End neighborhood in July 2012 for $814,000, according to county property records. Since then, its value has soared by nearly $600,000 - a surge in value likely to infuriate Weaver, who in July 2018 tweeted: 'Impoverish the white middle class. Homeownership is racist.' The activist, who has outraged New Yorkers with her calls to 'seize private property' and branded gentrification an act of white supremacy, has similarly failed to address how the push would impact her father, a history professor who is also a landlord. Stewart A Weaver and his wife, Tatyana Bakhmetyeva, live in a picturesque home in Rochester's Highland Park neighborhood worth more than $514,000. But the couple also own a near-$159,000 townhouse in nearby Brighton that they rent out as a secondary stream of income. Her mother, Celia Applegate, owns a $1.4 million home in the gentrified Hillsboro West End neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee Weaver's father, Stewart A Weaver, and his wife, Tatyana Bakhmetyeva, own and are landlords of a $159,000 townhouse in Brighton, New York The University of Rochester professor and his wife purchased the home in June 2024 for $224,900, property records showed. But the Monroe County assessor's office last year only valued the residence at $158,600. Mr Weaver has publicly backed his daughter's calls for tenant protections and even testified before the New York State Assembly's housing committee in May 2019 in favor of 'robust tenant protection' and rent stabilization. Weaver has failed to respond to any of the Daily Mail's requests for comments. Last week, she burst into tears outside her apartment in Brooklyn when confronted by a reporter over her assertion that it is racist for white people to own homes. Clad in country attire, Prince William tried his hand at feeding sheep and pruning an apple tree as he spoke to farmers about their mental health. The future king warned that British farmers are in a 'vicious circle' when trying to juggle their wellbeing at the same time as keeping their businesses afloat. William, 43, highlighted the 'uncertainty' the farming community experiences year-on-year during a visit to Bridge End Farm in Herefordshire, where he also rolled up his sleeves to try his hand at some of the day-to-day jobs undertaken by John Bowler, 35, and his family. Speaking to Mr Bowler - who has run his 190-acre family farm since the unexpected death of his father in 2012 - the Prince asked when he was able to 'carve out the space' to juggle his mental health and the farm's day-to-day. William said: 'That's the problem, it's a vicious circle because once you're in it, it's very hard to come out of it.' Mr Bowler, who runs the business with his wife Laura, told the Prince that it had been a 'tough year' because of falling prices of their sale stock, government policy insecurity as well as bad weather. Discussing the impact that getting help had given him, he added: 'Sometimes you just need somebody to step in and say that, because I probably knew it deep down, that we needed to make some changes.' The pair spoke about the mental health impact of the profession with Sam Stables, a farmer who came close to ending his own life and, with his wife Emily, has devoted himself to saving others from a similar rock bottom. The Prince of Wales, patron of We Are Farming Minds, during a visit to a family farm in Herefordshire today Prince William made the visit to promote the importance of mental health support for agricultural workers The Prince talked mental health with farmers John and Laura Bowler and founder of We Are Farming Minds Sam Stables He helped out with daily tasks on the farm near Bromyard, Herefordshire, such as apple picking William was also seen feeding the Bowlers' sheep during his trip to the farm on Thursday The Prince was meeting with farmers John and Laura Bowler (pictured) - Mr Bowler sought help from a mental health charity after taking over his father's farm at just 19 Prince William listens to farmer John Bowler during a visit to his family farm today The couple created the charity We Are Farming Minds, which the Prince became patron of in March, to address this problem. Mr Bowler explained to William that he called the charity's 24/7 support line in spring last year because 'everything came all at once', including a devastating house fire on their property which meant his grandparents had to move out. He said that it was his wife, Laura, who urged him to make the initial call to the charity's mental health helpline, which William was told is actually common practice for many of the farmers. The Prince said: 'Yes, it's so true, but it gives you reason to ring [the line] and you don't feel quite soit's hard to ring them off your own back.' Mr Bowler admitted he was initially worried he was 'taking help away from someone who needs it,' but now wishes that he 'rung way earlier' and not when the couple felt they were at 'breaking point'. We Are Farming Minds now offers the 24/7 support line for farmers as well as funding for counselling, mental health training, social meet-ups and a minibus to get people there. The Prince was told that for the last two years, April has been the busiest month on the helpline. 'I find that surprising,' William responded, 'because when you're outside you're seeing all your work come to fruition in the spring, nature is waking up [and] fields are waking up.' The Prince became a patron of We Are Farming Minds in March 2025 (Pictured: William tries his hand at pruning apple trees) William royally mucked in while helping with the daily grind of the farm The Prince of Wales, patron of We Are Farming Minds, during a visit to a family farm in Herefordshire to highlight the importance of mental health support across the farming community on Thursday Prince William greets farmers John and Laura Bowler after arriving at their farm near Bromyard, Herefordshire, today Mr Bowler explained that the work is usually 'flat out' during that season, saying that 'you don't have time to think'. He also explained that there is a 'misconception' about the wealth of farmers because of land values, which means 'you don't get much sympathy'. The third generation farmer said: 'I see it all the timepeople are like 'oh well yeah but these farms are worth 3m' and I think there's a misconception about that. 'Most farmers aren't in it for the money, otherwise nobody would be doing it. All we're asking for is enough money so that we can carry on farming, that is all anybody wants.' The future king, one of the country's largest landowners since he inherited the Duchy of Cornwall, shook his head and agreed, saying 'it's not quite right'. He also asked Mr Stables and Mr Bowler whether they think 'we are asking too much of our farming community', adding: 'There's only so much managing you can do. 'The more things you layer on then the more there is a chance you're going to break, that just seems common sense.' After the work, William privately took the couple and a number of other local farmers to a pub to discuss the challenges they are facing in the industry. Thursday's visit comes after William launched a mental health scheme for the Duchy of Cornwall in 2023 to support farmers on the 130,000-acre estate he inherited upon the death of his grandmother. During his trip to the Bowlers' farm, also met with Mr Bowler's grandmother, Berry, who, at 91, still helps out. The Prince helped out with some of the daily tasks around the farm during his visit, despite battling poor weather William tried his hand at tree pruning, a skill the farmers warned was harder than it looked Prince William smiles as she speaks with John and Laura Bowler William became a patron of Mr Stables' charity, which offers counselling, a 24/7 support line, training and social events to those it supports, in March 2025. Speaking ahead of William's arrival, Mr Stables revealed that calls to the charity's helpline have more than doubled in the last year. He explained that Labour's inheritance tax raid on farmers - which was watered down last month following public backlash - was high on the list of reasons why this was the case. He said: 'We are seeing unprecedented calls to our support line from farmers who are struggling beyond. Our counselling referrals, everything has gone to another level. We're in crisis, farming is in crisis, so to have the support of the Prince is incredible.' Mr Stables added that Prince William is 'very much aware' of the troubles facing the agricultural industry. He said: 'It staggers me what farmers are having to go through for many reasonsbut they're at breaking point, things need to be done.' The farmer, who is also Herefordshire-based, added: 'For me, it's an honour that he recognises and is incredibly passionate about the countryside, farming families and obviously mental health is a massive passion of the Prince's.' 'To have him supporting what is at the minute unprecedented times for British farming, and what farming families are going througheverything that he does to help is immense and massively appreciated.' Elsewhere, Mr and Mrs Bowler said the pressures on farming has become 'much worse'. 'There were certain mornings where you struggle to wake up because every morning feels like there's a mountain to climb,' Mr Bowler said of the time they decided he had to call We Are Farming Minds. He said: 'It's been a massive help and the more people talk about it and find it, especially family farms, it's just really tough out there.' The 35-year-old added that there was still a certain amount of 'macho-ness' in the industry, which sometimes prevents farmers from seeking out mental health help, but added: 'We've made some changes since meeting Farming Minds that definitely makes it easier to get up every morning.' Laura, his wife of two years who works alongside him, added: 'A lot of farmers have got the weight of the world on themwe both reached breaking points.' 'I don't know where we would be without Farming Minds, it's really given us a lifeline and a way for us to continue,' she said. Announcing him as patron, the charity said on its website: 'We are so excited that the HRH, The Prince of Wales has officially joined us as a patron of our charity. 'Prince William has a deep passion for the work we do, and we're incredibly honoured to have his support. 'With a longstanding commitment to charitable work, Prince William's values align closely with ours. As patron, he will help raise awareness of our mission, amplify our voice, and support us in creating lasting impact for those who need it most within the farming community. 'Having The Prince of Wales on board marks an exciting chapter in our journey. Together, we aim to reach even more people, inspire greater change, and continue building a better future for all.' A Connecticut girl allegedly starved to death by her mother and her boyfriend had a sole blueberry in her stomach when she died, according to a chilling autopsy report. The body of Jacqueline 'Mimi' TorresGarcia was found in an advanced state of decomposition near an abandoned home in New Britain about 30 miles south of New Haven last October. The 11-year-old's mother Karla Garcia, 29, and her exboyfriend Jonatan Nanita, 30, have been accused of her murder. Jacqueline was facing 'severe malnourishment' when she died of fatal child abuse, according to the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. She also had amphetamines and an antihistamine in her system, according to her autopsy. However, Jacqueline had never been prescribed those drugs or diagnosed with a disorder that would require the stimulants. Her weakened body had very little body fat and also showed signs of severe muscle atrophy. Garcia, Jacqueline's mother, has pleaded not guilty to murder. Nanita exercised his right to a probable cause hearing last month and has not yet entered a plea. Jacqueline 'Mimi' TorresGarcia, 11, was in an advanced state of decomposition when her remains in New Britain last October The preteen's remains only weighed 27 pounds after they were found near an abandoned home Karla Garcia, Jacqueline's mother, and Jonatan Nanita, her mom's ex-boyfriend are accused of starving the girl to death Jacqueline was allegedly starved, ziptied and prevented from going to the bathroom, according to arrest warrant affidavits cited by the Hartford Courant. Her mother told investigators that she had not fed Jacqueline for roughly two weeks before her death. The family previously lived in a condo in Farmington, and it is believed that Jacqueline's tragic death happened there around September 2024. The preteen's body was allegedly stored in the basement of the condo for months before the family moved. Once they were in New Britain, Nanita allegedly disposed of the child's remains in a tote near the abandoned home. He told police that Garcia, his girlfriend at the time, asked him to get rid of the tote's belongings. She never 'confirmed that Jacqueline was in the bin' but 'would give him hints,' according to FOX61. The girl's remains only weighed 27 pounds when they were found last October, with a near absence of fat under her skin. Jacqueline had amphetamines and an antihistamine in her system, although she had not been prescribed those drugs She was allegedly starved and ziptied without being allowed to go to the bathroom before dying She did not have recent fractures or major trauma but was found 'folded into a tight fetal position,' per the autopsy cited by WTNH. The drugs found in her system included diphenhydramine, an antihistamine sold under the brand name Benadryl. Garcia was initially granted custody of Jacqueline in 2022. Until then, the girl lived with her paternal grandmother until she was 9. The mother obtained full custody months before Jacqueline's death. Officials have noted that the girl was homeschooled, which made it harder to verify that she was alive. The Consolidated School District of New Britain previously said Jacqueline was a student in the district from kindergarten through fifth grade, but that her mother withdrew her from school when she was about to start sixth grade. Garcia went so far as to deceive the Department of Children and Families (DCF) by pretending that someone else on a video call was her daughter even though this happened months after Jacqueline died. The girl's father, Victor Torres, previously told KSFB that he had only learned of Jacqueline's death through police. He plans to sue the DCF for $100million for negligence in connection to his daughter's grisly death. The mothers sister, 28-year-old Jackelyn Garcia, was also arrested in connection to her death The child's mother was charged with murder with special circumstances, conspiracy to commit murder with special circumstances, risk of injury to a minor, firstdegree unlawful restraint, intentional cruelty to a child under the age of 19, tampering with evidence and improper disposal of a dead body. She is set to appear in court on January 30. Nanita, her exboyfriend, was charged with murder with special circumstances, conspiracy to commit murder with special circumstances, risk of injury to a minor, unlawful restraint and intentional cruelty to a child. Last month, he exercised his right to a probable cause hearing. Nanita is yet to enter a plea, WFSB reported. The girl's aunt, 28yearold Jackelyn Garcia, was charged with cruelty to persons, firstdegree unlawful restraint, firstdegree reckless endangerment and four counts of risk of injury. She lived with the family and allegedly saw how they were abusing Jacqueline, but did nothing to stop it, according to police. A pro-ICE protester who bragged about the killing of Renee Good has been caught out lying about his background. Volatile protests have erupted across the country after Good, 37, was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis last week. During demonstrations in the city the day after Good was killed, Jayden Scott, 24, was filmed abusing anti-ICE protesters. 'All you liberal commie motherf*****s keep your hands to yourself or you are going to get hurt today alright. We executed one of you yesterday,' he shouted. Scott was later identified on social media, and a business website claimed he was the CEO of the private healthcare investment firm Harmony Investment Group. A few days after the protest, Scott posted on LinkedIn that he was resigning from the company. 'It was a great run. We built many great things. Mountains were moved. Fortunes were made. Until next time, so long, my friends. Thank you for everything,' he wrote. However, the actual CEO of Harmony Investment Group, Zain Sikander, came forward to clarify that Scott has no affiliation with the company. Jayden Scott, 24, was filmed counterprotesting in Minneapolis on January 8, the day after Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent Scott was identified as the protester on social media, and a business website claimed he was the CEO of private healthcare investment firm Harmony Investment Group Sikander told Fox 2 he has known Scott for sometime because both lived in the same area in Michigan, but they have never worked together. He said that Scott created a fake website for the business. 'We must acknowledge as a nation that inaccurate reporting and false associations have severe ramifications for real lives,' Sikander wrote on LinkedIn. 'This includes the actions of agitators, such as an individual who was inaccurately associated with our organization without due diligence or fact-checking during a deeply regrettable incident in Minneapolis. 'Behind these headlines are real people - dedicated parents, children, grandparents, doctors, nurses, neighbors, and caregivers who deserve our respect and rely on our organization for their livelihood.' According to Scott's website, he is 'a seasoned entrepreneur and fund manager specializing in e-commerce acquisitions and business strategy.' He claims to have 'facilitated the successful acquisition and exit of 17 businesses' and completed at least one 'multi-million dollar acquisition.' The Republicans of Bay County, Michigan also removed Scott from their Facebook group for his behavior. Join the debate How should we hold individuals accountable for spreading false claims during emotionally charged events? The actual CEO of Harmony Investment Group, Zain Sikander, came forward to clarify that Scott has no affiliation with the company The Republicans of Bay County, Michigan also removed Scott from their Facebook group for his behavior 'Jayden Scott has been stirred up again. I've gone ahead and banned him from my groups and blocked him,' party chair Peter Nixon wrote on Facebook. 'He chose to walk a path that is not a part of the American or Christian way, and I'm not willing to go there or host it here.' Daily Mail has contacted Scott for comment. Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy US military forces in Minnesota as protests escalate around federal immigration enforcement. The law of 1807 gives the President the legal authority to send out troops on American soil to quell civil disobedience. It was first invoked by Thomas Jefferson to deal with a plot to create a separate nation in the American West. Clashes between federal agents and demonstrators in Minneapolis have surged in recent days following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer last week. 'If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added, 'Many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State.' Trump's threat comes following the shooting of a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis, who allegedly assaulted an immigration officer during a traffic stop on Wednesday night. The Department of Homeland Security said that two individuals attacked the federal agent with a broomstick and snow shovel as he tried to detain the Venezuelan, whose leg was struck by a bullet. The act was last used by President George HW Bush in 1992 after he deployed federal troops during the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles. Donald Trump is threatening to deploy US federal troops to Minnesota amid clashes with demonstrators and immigration agents Federal agents clash with rioters on the streets of Minneapolis on Wednesday night A member of law enforcement gestures to protesters during a clash on Wednesday night Protests and civil unrest scenes have become common on the streets of Minneapolis since the death of Good, 37, on January 7 amid a massive immigration crackdown that has seen thousands of ICE officers sent into the Twin Cities. Agents have yanked people from cars and homes and been confronted by angry bystanders who are demanding that officers pack up and leave. Mayor Jacob Frey described the situation as not 'sustainable.' It is unclear whether Trump plans to federalize the National Guard or deploy US Army troops to Minnesota if he authorizes the Insurrection Act. Federal agents have used tear gas and flash bangs during nightly battles on the streets of Minneapolis, while protesters have responded by launching fireworks at officers. State and local leaders have condemned the federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, with Governor Tim Walz referring to it as an 'occupation' and saying agents were 'kidnapping people for no reason.' Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche claimed Frey and Walz were inciting an 'insurrection' with their recent statements. 'Its disgusting. Walz and Frey - Im focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary. This is not a threat. Its a promise,' Blanche wrote on X last night. Last year, the President repeatedly threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in order to federalize National Guard troops in major US cities. A federal agent walks through tear gas smoke during clashes with rioters in Minneapolis on Wednesday night A liberal city has unveiled a bill that offers protection against discrimination for residents who are in polyamorous and open relationships. Robert Vanderpool, a member of the Olympia City Council in Washington state, requested the ordinance that would give people in 'diverse family and relationship structures' a new legal avenue to sue people and businesses that discriminate against them. Vanderpool's referral was unanimously approved by the council. 'This is for anyone who lives with anyone,' he said. 'It could be their mother-in-law, it could be their friends if they don't have blood relatives. It could be the single mother or father. It could be a member of the LGBTQI two spirit plus community.' Two spirit plus refers to Native Americans who believe they have masculine and feminine spirits or gender roles. The model legislation says legal protections would also be extended to multi-parent families, step families, multi-generational households and people in asexual or aromantic relationships. Vanderpool explained that creating the protections will help them if they encounter discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare, education or other public services. The city of Olympia (pictured) is on track to guarantee discrimination protections to people in open or polyamorous relationships A draft ordinance was proposed by Robert Vanderpool, a member of the Olympia City Council. His referral was unanimously approved As part of his push, he mentioned President Donald Trump and accused him of trampling on people's constitutional rights. 'This is essentially an expansion of civil liberties at a time when the federal executive acts as if liberties don't matter or exist,' Vanderpool said. 'This is not taking away anything. This is allowing more folks to have protections, and I think that is important, especially right now where we are in the world.' Mayor Dontae Payne, who supports expanding protections, said that any possible ordinance would, in practice, primarily protect people in non-monogamous or polyamorous relationships. 'I will say that primarily we don't typically see a whole lot of discrimination in housing based on somebody living with their grandmother. Not to say that it doesn't happen, but it's not as much of a thing as it for those who are in relationships with more than one partner or people who are LGBTQ+,' Payne said. Multiple studies have shown that four to five percent of American adults currently engage in consensual non-monogamy. One in five report having been in this type of relationship at one point in their life. A few US cities have adopted laws to offer discrimination protections for people with diverse relationship statuses. In March 2023, Somerville, Massachusetts, became the first city in the country to pass similar legislation. Cambridge, Massachusetts - home to Harvard University - quickly followed suit, while Oakland and Berkeley, California, passed their own laws in 2024. Ofsted inspectors have launched an emergency inspection of a Bristol school over fears it was intimidated into cancelling a visit from a Jewish MP. The watchdog said inspectors arrived at Bristol Brunel Academy this afternoon following reports Damien Egan was prevented from speaking to pupils. Earlier this week, the school said it had to postpone the visit for safety reasons because pro-Palestinian activists planned to hold protests outside the school. The activists objected to Mr Egan, who is MP for Bristol North East, being vice-chairman of the Labour Friends of Israel parliamentary group. After the cancellation, the local branch of the National Education Union (NEU) claimed victory, saying its members at the school had raised concerns. It comes a day after the Daily Mail revealed the NEU is investigating antisemitism claims within its ranks following complaints. Announcing the emergency inspection, Ofsted chief Sir Martyn Oliver said: I was concerned to learn that a school may have been intimidated into cancelling a visit from their local MP. I am troubled by the message this sends to children especially children from the Jewish community. Those of us privileged enough to be working in education have a professional and moral duty to stand against discrimination. Ofsted has launched a probe after Damien Egan (pictured), the Labour MP for Bristol North East, had his talk cancelled by Bristol Brunel Academy in his constituency After Mr Egan's planned visit was cancelled in September, the Bristol branch of the National Education Union (NEU) hailed a 'victory for education workers, parents and the community' Mr Egan converted to Judaism after meeting his Israeli-born husband Yossi Felberbaum He said the move came after press reports about the incident, which happened in September. Last weekend, I tasked inspectors to consider the evidence, speak with the school and determine whether further action was needed, he said. They have concluded the threshold for an inspection was met and they are at the school today. The school was informed this morning and I am very grateful to them for their openness in engaging with the inspectors. The cancellation was highlighted on Sunday by Cabinet minister Steve Reed. Speaking at a Jewish Labour Movement conference, Mr Reed said a Jewish MP was refused permission to visit a school 'in case his presence inflames the teachers'. 'That is an absolute outrage,' the Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary added. 'They will be called in, and they will be held to account for doing that, because you cannot have people with those kinds of attitudes teaching our children.' After Mr Egan's planned visit was cancelled, the Bristol branch of the National Education Union (NEU) hailed a 'victory for education workers, parents and the community'. Bristol NEU posted on Facebook: 'Damian [sic] Egans planned school visit at Bristol Brunel Academy this Friday has been cancelled after concerns were raised by the NEU trade union staff group, parents and local constituents. 'This is a clear message: politicians who openly support Israel's genocidal assault on Gaza are not welcome in our schools. 'Egan is Vice Chair of Labour Friends of Israel and has visited Israel since the current onslaught on Gaza began, demonstrating his support. 'We celebrate this cancellation as a win for safeguarding, solidarity, and for the power of the NEU trade union staff group, parents, and campaigners standing together.' The Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign also posted the same message on its Facebook page. Mr Egan converted to Judaism after meeting his Israeli-born husband Yossi Felberbaum. A spokesperson for Bristol Brunel Academy said: 'Damien Egan MP... in common with other local MPs from across the political spectrum was invited in September to visit Bristol Brunel Academy, a secondary school situated in his constituency of Bristol North East. 'Mr Egan was due to discuss democracy and the role of an MP, while helping to raise aspirations among students who may have an interest in pursuing similar career paths. 'On the evening before Mr Egan's scheduled visit, we were made aware of plans for a public protest outside the school. 'As this protest was scheduled to coincide with the end in the school day, we opted to postpone Mr Egan's visit to ensure everyone would continue to feel safe when entering and exiting school and to prevent any disruption to our students' learning. 'We have remained in contact with Mr Egan, and an alternative date for his visit was arranged some time ago. 'We have also been in contact with the police and followed their advice.' A spokesperson for the Cabot Learning Federation, which runs the school, said: 'We take our responsibilities to educate young people about British values extremely seriously, which is why we invited Mr Egan to speak to our students in the first place. 'Whilst we took the decision to postpone the visit due to concerns about student safety and the disruption to their education from the planned protest, a date for the rescheduled visit had already been confirmed by Mr Egans office. This was long before any of the most recent concerns were raised.' Speaking at Prime Ministers Questions yesterday, Sir Keir Starmer said the case was very serious, very concerning and added that all MPs should be able to visit anywhere in their constituency, schools or other places, without fear of antisemitism. He later added: 'We will be holding those to account who have prevented this visit to this school.' Meanwhile, the NEU leadership has distanced itself from the incident. Speaking on Radion 4 this morning, General Secretary Daniel Kebede said that 'it's right that that MP attends that school' and added: 'union groups cannot stop visits'. He also promised not to repeat his call for pro-Palestinians to 'globalise the intifada', which he made in 2021 during a protest before he took up the helm. A spokesman for the NEU said: 'The NEU is an organisation rooted in anti-racism in all forms, including antisemitism. 'The National Education Union head office had no knowledge that the school had rescinded the invite to the local MP until it was reported in the press yesterday. Indeed, the school is quoted as saying this was a decision that they took and the visit has been rescheduled. 'It is good that MPs, especially those in the party of Government, seek to engage with schools, especially on issues such as the dire state of school funding, the intensity of teaching and the impact of social media on young people. 'It is also legitimate for constituents to express their views to MPs on national and international issues, including the extraordinary human suffering in Gaza. The NEU believes in democratic engagement. Central to that is dialogue and discussion, and sometimes this will include a robust exchange of views.' President Trump is turning up the heat on Mexico, demanding a dramatic escalation in the war on drugs: putting American boots on the ground to hunt down cartel chemists. The White House is aggressively pushing the Mexican government to greenlight joint military operations, U.S. officials told the New York Times. Their goal would be to allow U.S. forces to cross the border and directly dismantle the laboratories churning out fentanyl before it reaches American streets. This idea was reportedly shot down on arrival early last year, White House officials said. However, it came back up after US forces completed Operation Absolute Resolve and captured President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. The new strategy would require embedding American troopsspecifically Special Ops or C.I.A. agentsdirectly within Mexican units to execute joint raids on drug production facilities, according to American officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to the Times. Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected US plans to interfere militarily in Mexico by sending troops across the border, but has said that the two countries could partner to fight the drug cartels in other ways. After speaking with Trump, Sheinbaum said in a news conference Monday morning that the President 'generally insists on the participation of U.S. forces' but that 'we always say that is not necessary.' The two agreed to continue working together. Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected US plans to interfere militarily in Mexico by sending troops across the border The war on drugs continues as President Trump turns up the heat on Mexico, demanding a dramatic escalation in the war on drugs: putting American boots on the ground to hunt down cartel chemists US Army soldiers guard the construction of a secondary border wall in Santa Teresa, New Mexico The White Houseis aggressively pushing the Mexican government to greenlight joint military operations, U.S. officials said to the New York Times Fentanyl is now officially classified by the White House as a 'weapon of mass destruction' Last week, Trump went on Fox News Channel, explaining the need for U.S. involvement in Mexico. 'We've knocked out 97 percent of the drugs coming in by water, and we are going to start now hitting land, with regard to the cartels,' he explained. Mexico has countered the U.S. demand for joint combat missions, suggesting both nations simply swap more intelligence. Sources say Mexico wants the U.S. to be restricted to command centers rather than the battlefield. Currently, American advisers are already embedded in Mexican military posts, feeding data to local troops. A clandestine C.I.A. programfirst started under Bidenuses hightech drones to sniff out hidden labs from the clouds. This mission has exploded in scale since Trump took office. The Defense Department said in a statement that it 'stands ready to execute the orders of the commanderin chief at any time and in any place.' Fentanyl is now officially classified by the White House as a 'weapon of mass destruction.' In a policy shift last year, the U.S. also designated the ruthless cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. Experts say fentanyl labs are tough to locate and destroy. US officials explain that the administration is still creating tools to find the drug. The labs produce fewer chemicals than a meth lab, which are reportedly easily detected by drones. As for Trump's abilities and authorities in Mexico top Republicans on Capitol Hill who could check President Donald Trump's military authority largely believe he has carte blanche to order military strikes anywhere, anytime. 'He's the commander in chief,' House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan told the Daily Mail when asked if the president can strike any country of his liking. 'I think what he did in Venezuela is a good thing.' When pressed again on whether Trump has unlimited power to strike any location worldwide, the Ohio Republican admitted 'the president could make his case, and we'd go from there.' The president never sought approval from Congress to strike Venezuela and depose its exdictator Nicolas Maduro, or to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities in the summer. Trump made those decisions on his own, albeit with some feedback from his Cabinet. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast told the Daily Mail that the president's actions fall within his constitutional authority and that he's allowed to strike any place on the globe at any time. 'Should he want to, based upon his article two authority, if there's a credible and imminent threat to the United States of America, absolutely yes,' the Florida Republican said. As for Trump's veiled threats to conduct military operations in countries with flourishing drug production industries, like Mexico, well, Congress does not seem concerned with holding the president back. 'They're on the menu,' Mast said of Mexico. 'I think it's a coin flip between them and people in Cuba.' Mast then noted how he had a friend who went missing while traveling to Mexico, underscoring how dangerous the country has been for decades. 'Long story short, they found him like six months later, divided up into a couple separate garbage bags.' The White House and C.I.A declined to comment on the story. President Donald Trump could very well face his first second-term impeachment if he crosses the line to take Greenland by force, according to a retiring GOP congressman. Republican Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska claims a US invasion of the Arctic island might go too far and could prompt his party to launch a third impeachment against the two-term president. He acknowledged that while the president doesn't like 'being told no,' he might need to accept it in this case, according to the Omaha World-Herald. The lawmaker who is not seeking reelection in the fall said that many in the Republican Party are angry with Trump's escalated rhetoric towards Greenland and his refusal to rule out using the military to take the Danish territory. 'I'll be candid with you: There's so many Republicans mad about this,' Bacon said on Wednesday. 'If he went through with the threats, I think it would be the end of his presidency.' 'He needs to know: The off-ramp is realizing Republicans aren't going to tolerate this and he's going to have to back off. He hates being told no, but in this case, I think Republicans need to be firm,' Bacon insisted. Trump was impeached by the Democrat-controlled House twice during his first term, but was acquitted both times by the Senate. Bacon, while a sharp critic of Trump on several issues, voted against both impeachments at the time. President Donald Trump could face Republican wrath in Congress if he uses military force to invade Greenland amid his desire to acquire the Arctic island from Denmark Republican Congressman Don Bacon said that members of his party are not happy with President Trump's rhetoric towards Greenland and suggested he could face impeachment for the move He declined to definitely say if he would support a hypothetical impeachment related to Greenland, but admitted he would strongly consider it should it come to that. 'I don't want to give you a definite yes or no, but I would lean that way,' he said. 'It would be a total mistake to invade an ally. It would be catastrophic to our allies and everything.' Bacon concluded: 'It's just the worst idea ever in my view.' Trump has continued to publicly talk about taking over control of Greenland from Denmark, which has controlled the island in some capacity since the 14th century. Danish and Greenlandic leaders have snubbed the president's potential purchase of the territory. Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt came to Washington, DC on Wednesday to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, who visited Greenland last year. It resulted in no agreement or major breakthrough, but was described as 'respectful' by the Danish delegation. They admitted that Denmark and the US remain at odds over the future of Greenland. The Danish and Greenlandic ministers also met with senators on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, including Senate Arctic Caucus members Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Angus King of Maine. Meanwhile in Greenland, European leaders dispatched on Wednesday night military forces following threats by Trump to take the island. Denmark led military exercises with France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands, Politico reported. A Canadian spokesperson denied to the outlet that the country was involved in those exercises. 'The goal is to show that Denmark and key allies can increase their presence in the Arctic region,' a person briefed on the plans said. Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen (pictured) and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt came to Washington, DC on Wednesday to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance Trump posted to Truth Social that the US 'needs Greenland for the purpose of national security,' and said 'anything less than that is unacceptable.' He told the Daily Mail on Air Force One on Sunday that he isn't worried about upsetting NATO with a forced takeover because the allies 'need us much more than we need them.' The president also quipped over the weekend that Greenland's only defenses right now are 'two dogsleds.' A bipartisan delegation is heading to Denmark this week to meet with officials and show unity with the NATO ally. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Lisa Murkowski have dismissed the idea of military intervention as unrealistic, with Murkowski warning that any attempt to take the territory by force would 'degrade our national security and international relationships.' Senator Mitch McConnell and Senator John Kennedy have been even more blunt, with McConnell calling the threats 'counterproductive' and Kennedy labeling the idea of an invasion 'weapons-grade stupid.' A pensioner faced with losing her home over a boundary dispute with her neighbour has seen her last-ditch bid to stop the eviction thrown out of court. Jenny Field, 77, is due to have her 420,000 bungalow seized at the end of the month by bailiffs after losing a five-year legal battle over a 1ft strip of land. The property in an otherwise quiet cul-de-sac in Poole, Dorset, will then be sold to cover the 113,000 legal bill she owes neighbour Pauline Clark, 64. Last year a county court judge ruled in favour of Mrs Clark in the drawn out saga over a party fence between their two bungalows. Ms Field applied to have the decision struck out and the eviction notice against her set aside. But at Bournemouth County Court, a judge pointed out that she was not legally allowed to make the applications because she was the subject of a limited civil restraint order. These orders are imposed on a serial litigant like Mrs Field to prevent them making further applications in ongoing legal proceedings without first getting a district judge's permission. They are designed to stop frivolous applications and save court time and money. Jenny Field beside the fence dividing the two neighbours' properties which is at the centre of the dispute Pauline Clark, pictured leaving Bournemouth County Court in September, said she had been 'living a nightmare' The boundary between Ms Field's bungalow on the left, and Mrs Clark's on the right has been at the centre of a five-year dispute Recorder Richard Paige said without the permission he had no option but to dismiss her applications. Mrs Field now faces eviction in 11 days. The dispute was centred on the placement of a party fence put up by Mrs Clark in 2020. Grandmother Ms Field claimed her neighbour moved the fence 12ins onto her land when it was installed. So she hired her own contractors two months later and had the 6ft fence taken down and repositioned to reclaim 'her land'. The matter ended up in a protracted civil court case which Mrs Field lost last year. She was ordered to cover the cost of the fence she took down and two thirds of Mrs Clark's legal fees, about 21,000 at the time. But Ms Field refused to accept the outcome and the case has been back before court multiple times since, sending the legal bill skyrocketing to six figures. She was given a deadline of December 6 last year to pay, before an eviction notice was made when she failed to do so. Recorder Paige told Ms Field today: 'You are subject to a limited civil restraint order, in place since June last year. The bungalows overlook a green boasting mature trees in the quiet cul-de-sac Jenny Field has vowed to 'sit tight' at her house, but bailiffs are now set to evict her 'You need the permission of a district judge to make an application and no such person has been sought or granted. 'The applications are automatically struck out, that means I have no jurisdiction to hear these applications. It's as if they do not exist. There's absolutely nothing I can do. 'As I understand it there's an eviction notice due to be effected on January 26. On that day the high court bailiffs will be able to come to your house, evict you, change the locks and prevent you from re-entering. 'This is a matter that was determined years ago. You have made repeated attempts to set that aside, none of which has been valid. 'There is a successful judgement and numerous consequential orders made and also a limited civil restraint order made against you. All those orders are valid, there is no successful appeal, no successful setting aside. 'It's legally enforceable, it's a binding judgement.' A defiant Ms Field told the judge: 'It's my property, on my land. She can't claim my property on a misrepresented claim. It should never have come to court in the first place. 'I am not going to be evicted from my home because I have trespassed on my own land, that's ridiculous.' She tried to ask what she was supposed to do now but Recorder Paige said he could not give her legal advice. After the hearing, Ms Field said: 'I'm going to go to the police and say that she has made a false claim and my property has been damaged. 'They are just going to have to rip the eviction notice up, she can't claim property that's mine.' Ms Field, a divorcee, bought her three bedroom property in 2016. Mrs Clark bought the next-door property a year earlier. Mrs Clark said she has undergone private counselling to help her through the 'horrendous' situation with her neighbour. She told the Daily Mail this afternoon: 'I can't wait for this ordeal to be over.' She added: 'I thought this was all finished after the first court hearing in around 2022 but she (Ms Field) keeps managing to drag it out. 'She's been in denial about the whole thing.' Anna Curtis, Mrs Clark's solicitor, has previously said there was ample equity in Ms Field's property for her to pay the debt and still be able to buy a comfortable retirement property mortgage free and and have cash leftover. In the legal papers previously served on Ms Field, it states that she will be allowed time to move her possessions out on January 26 after the bailiffs turn up. She has been given advice about speaking to the local council's housing department to be rehomed and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Jill Biden's former husband has been left out of the obituary for his second wife, who was found dead at the couple's home last month following reports of a domestic dispute. Linda Stevenson, 64, was pronounced dead inside her Wilmington, Delaware, home on December 28. Linda, whose husband, Bill Stevenson, 77, was married to the former first lady between 1970 and 1975, was discovered unresponsive in the living room. Her online obituary said she 'passed away unexpectedly' and mentions her family including her daughter Christina Vettori and her granddaughter Ciara. Absent is any mention of her husband Bill or that she was ever married, only focusing on her family, her love for the Philadelphia Eagles and her bookkeeping business. It added: 'Linda will be remembered as tenacious, kind-hearted, and fiercely loyal. 'Her strength, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and friends will never be forgotten, and her absence will be felt deeply by all who knew her.' A spokesperson for New Castle County Police told the Daily Mail on Thursday that detectives were still probing her death, an official cause of death remains unknown. Linda Stevenson, 64, the wife of Jill Biden's ex-husband, Bill Stevenson, was found in critical condition following a reported domestic dispute and later died at the scene Police were photographed by the Daily Mail swarming outside the Stevenson home in Wilmington, Delaware, late last month Bill Stevenson has not been arrested or charged with any crime. An initial statement from the department said Linda was found unresponsive inside the living room of the three-bedroom home. A domestic dispute in the 1300 block of Idlewood Road in the Oak Hill neighborhood was reported to New Castle County Police around 11.16pm. Linda was given life-saving measures by officers but did not survive and was declared dead at the scene. No further details of the alleged 'dispute' have emerged. A police spokesman added: 'Detectives from the division's criminal investigations unit were notified and responded to the scene to assume the investigation.' Bill married Jill Jacobs, later Biden, in 1970, and previously told the Daily Mail that they worked on Joe Biden's first Senate campaign together. He said he first suspected Biden and his then-wife Jill were having an affair in August 1974. At the time, he was 26, Jill was 23 and Joe was 31. Bill said: 'I know exactly when it was. Bruce Springsteen was going to play at The Stone Balloon and I had to go to Northern New Jersey to pay him in advance. 'I asked Jill to go with me and she said no she had things to do, she had to look after Joe's kids, Beau and Hunter. Despite police calling it a 'death investigation,' Vettori (right) insisted that 'it's still a murder investigation' when asked for comment on the tragedy Bill, now 77, is pictured with Jill Biden in the 1970s. The couple were married between 1970 and 1975 Jill and former President Joe Biden are seen here last January prior to the inauguration of Donald Trump 'It was kind of a big deal to go meet Springsteen. I had no idea she and Joe were that kind of friendly. 'Then one of her best friends told me she thought Joe and Jill were getting a little too close. I was surprised that she came to me.' Linda's daughter Christina, Bill's stepdaughter, previously claimed to the Daily Mail in a telephone interview that her mother's death was being treated as a homicide. Audio from the 911 call placed to the couple's residence mentioned a cardiac arrest, according to TMZ. The Daily Mail has approached Christina and Bill for further comment on the obituary. Police seeking to bring HSTikkyTokky back to the UK so he could be prosecuted over a car crash spent almost 16,000 chartering a private jet, a court has heard. The 24-year-old influencer, whose real name is Harrison Sullivan, evaded justice for a year after crashing a McLaren supercar in Virginia Water, Surrey in March 2024. He had also been accused of leaving his friend and fellow influencer General G injured in the wreck. He then fled to Dubai, Thailand and Spain, continuing to make social media content about his purported wealth - including making videos featuring financial advice that regulators say is 'unauthorised' - while evading justice. Among the posts he made was one in which he mocked General G - real name George Elliot - as he lay injured by the roadside following the smash. Posts mocking the crash have since been purged from his social media. The court heard that Surrey Police spent 15,990 on the chartered flight from Malaga to London after he was detained in Spain on unrelated matters. It maintains that a private flight was necessary because Sullivan - whose content on finance, wealth and women puts him squarely in the 'manosphere' alongside the likes of Andrew Tate - would be recognised by the public on a commercial plane. And in a new statement issued on Friday, the force said that 'all other options had been considered and were unfortunately not viable to mitigate the perceived risks'. It added: 'Surrey Police is committed to reducing the number of fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads and we will hold people to account who endanger the lives of others. 'The manner of Sullivan's driving was incredibly dangerous. He was driving at 70mph in a 40mph speed zone, and collisions at this speed often result in serious injuries and fatalities. 'Sullivan then actively evaded police and it was imperative for the safety of Surrey's roads, that we returned Sullivan to the UK to face trial for the offences he was originally charged with.' Harrison Sullivan (pictured), 24, moaned that he could not pay a 17,000 justice bill after he was extradited from Spain - despite previously claiming online to make millions each year The influencer, who posts under the name HSTikkyTokky, earns just 2,000 a week, the court was told - despite regularly posing in supercars (above) Pictured: The destroyed 230,000 purple McLaren that Sullivan crashed in March 2024 before he fled Britain for a year In all, police and prosecutors spent 28,350.27 on bringing him in and hauling him through court. But District Judge Julie Cooper said she would not make him pay the total cost of the jet because its used was 'not necessary or proportionate' when other means of transport were available at a lower cost. She ordered Sullivan to pay 9,270 in prosecution costs, and 8,050.27 in police costs - bringing the total bill to 17,320.27. However, the influencer moaned that he couldn't afford to pay this bill 'within a year' despite earning 2,000 a week at a hearing at Staines Magistrates' Court on Thursday because his income was 'inconsistent'. His videos on social media have regularly featured him posing with supercars - including the McLaren he pranged - and leaning on high-rise balconies in Dubai. He also espouses to own properties in the United Arab Emirates, a fact not lost on District Judge Cooper. Defence solicitor Salin Sood told her: 'There is no way he will be able to make this payment in one go, or even in a year's time.' But Judge Cooper replied: 'What about his properties in the United Arab Emirates? 'I'm going to give him six months to pay this and if there is a problem with that, he is going to have to come back and explain why.' Prosecutor Kane Alexander said police had opted to bring Sullivan in via a private jet because of the risk he would be easily recognised. But the judge said she didn't understand the reasoning. 'In my view, it is not just or reasonable for him to pay a chartered flight when I have been given no satisfactory explanation for why that should be,' she said. 'I can understand that there would be some issues with social media. 'But the problem could have been resolved or reduced had first-class flight been obtained to place the defendant in that area, so he was not in view of members of the public whilst in handcuffs.' A police-issued image of the trashed McLaren. Sullivan had been driving at 71mph in a 40mph at the time of the smash Sullivan posed with another McLaren days after the crash after fleeing to Dubai - and even mocked a man he had been accused of leaving injured by the roadside Sullivan's posts on fitness (pictured), finance and women place him squarely in the so-called 'manosphere' of online content Ms Sood told the judge Sullivan was 'surprised by the private jet' and was 'completely calm and compliant' while in police custody. She said: 'We understand that Mr Sullivan did evade custody, we understand that more than usual costs had to be incurred, but a private jet did not have to be chartered.' Referring to the costs incurred throughout the investigation, Ms Sood added: 'It's not rocket science trying to locate where Mr Sullivan is, judge - he livestreams everyday.' The judge was also told the decision to charter a private jet was made following a risk assessment conducted by the National Extradition Unit (NEU) - the details of which were not disclosed in court. Sullivan was handed a one-year suspended custodial sentence at Staines Magistrates' Court in November last year after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance. The social media star has also been disqualified from driving for two years. He will have an electronic tag for three months and is expected to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation. The court previously heard Sullivan was seen by witnesses 'in a supercar going extremely fast' with one saying he was travelling at 'at least 100mph or more' before the crash in Surrey in March 2024. Data from the crashed McLaren indicated Sullivan was travelling at 71mph in a 40mph zone at the moment of the crash, the court heard. 'It was going 30mph over the speed limit on a single carriageway in broad daylight with other road users,' Mr Alexander previously said. Sullivan was ordered to wear an electronic tag for three months and complete 300 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation (pictured in his police-issued mugshot) Sullivan reportedly owns properties in the United Arab Emirates - a fact that was not lost on the court Last year, the Daily Mail exposed how Sullivan's seemingly jet-set lifestyle was nothing more than an illusion. He previously claimed to make 56,000 every day - now since confirmed to the court as a far less impressive 2,000 a week. He has regularly given unregulated financial advice on social media - prompting the Financial Conduct Authority to issue a warning that he could be purporting 'scams'. 'This firm may be providing or promoting financial services or products without our permission. You should avoid dealing with this firm and beware of scams,' the FCA's advice, published in 2024, revealed. The fitness influencer is set to appear in a Louis Theroux documentary for Netflix exploring the impact of online misogyny on young boys. In one viral clip, Theroux is seen reciting a previous remark Sullivan had made: 'Call me racist, call me a misogynist, call me homophobic, call me a scammer - I'm all those things.' Sullivan responded: 'That's my way of saying I don't care. Say what you want about me, I am that, cool. I don't care. And what?' He then insisted he does not see himself as any of those things - before being reminded that he once said he would 'disown' any future son if they turned out to be gay. Sullivan replies: 'That's not homophobic. I'm not homophobic. I just don't want my family it's your definition of homophobic versus mine. 'If I had a son and he turned out to be gay... he wouldn't be. I believe being gay is a product of parenting - okay?' This is the dramatic moment US forces stormed an oil tanker as the Trump administration throttles Venezuela's geopolitical lifeline. Video posted on X showed troops rappelling from a helicopter onto the deck of The Veronica in a pre-dawn seizure in the Caribbean on Thursday. Marines and sailors captured the vessel without incident, the military command responsible for Central, South America and the Caribbean said on X. 'The only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully,' it said. The tanker is the sixth seized in recent weeks. Donald Trump is set to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado later today at the White House. Machado, who dedicated her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump last year, has urged the president to ramp up his pressure campaign following the capture of Communist dictator Nicolas Maduro on January 3 in Caracas. She told CBS on Wednesday: 'We need to increase the cost of staying in power by force. Once you arrive to that point in which the cost of staying in power is higher than the cost of leaving power, the regime will fall apart.' Machado fled the country last week where Maduro's deputy Delcy Rodriguez is now ruling with Trump's endorsement - though under constant US threat. Video posted on X showed troops rappelling from a helicopter onto the deck of The Veronica in a pre-dawn seizure in the Caribbean Marines and sailors seized the vessel without incident, the military command responsible for Central, South America and the Caribbean said on social media. Donald Trump tours the assembly line at the Ford River Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan, on Tuesday Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado speaks during a press conference in Oslo, Norway December 11 Trump said yesterday he had a 'great conversation' with Rodriguez, their first since Maduro was seized and flown to the US to face drug-trafficking charges. 'We had a call, a long call. We discussed a lot of things,' Trump said during a bill signing in the Oval Office. 'And I think we're getting along very well with Venezuela.' Rodriguez said her government would continue releasing prisoners detained under Maduro rule in what she described as 'a new political moment' in her first public press conference since taking power, delivered on Wednesday. The Maduro loyalist is walking a tightrope as she is tasked with placating an unpredictable president who has said he will 'run' Venezuela, while also consolidating power in a government that resents American interference. Trump has enlisted Rodriguez to help secure US control over Venezuela's oil sales despite sanctioning her for human rights violations during his first term. To ensure she does his bidding, earlier this month, Trump threatened Rodriguez with a 'situation probably worse than Maduro,' who is being held in a Brooklyn jail. Senate Republicans voted Wednesday to dismiss a war powers resolution that would have limited the president's ability to conduct further attacks on Venezuela after two GOP rebels backed down, cementing Trump's kingmaking. Trump put intense pressure on five Republican senators who joined with Democrats to advance the resolution last week and ultimately prevailed in heading off passage of the legislation. Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez waves next to National Assembly president Jorge Rodriguez (left) and Minister of Interior Diosdado Cabello during a press conference regarding the release of prisoners in Venezuela at Miraflores Palace on January 14 Senators Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana flipped under the pressure. Vice President JD Vance had to break the 50-50 deadlock in the Senate on a Republican motion to dismiss the bill. The outcome of the high-profile vote demonstrated how Trump still has command over much of the Republican conference, yet the razor-thin vote tally also showed the growing concern on Capitol Hill over his aggressive foreign policy ambitions. A 68-year-old woman has been stabbed to death and a 39-year-old man rushed to hospital following an incident in a pretty Hampshire village. Police have launched a murder investigation after the woman was found at a property in Cheriton. Officers from Hampshire Constabulary were called to the address off the B3046 at 10.31am last Friday, where they discovered the seriously injured woman, who has since been named as Gilly Livie. Ms Livie had sustained a stab wound to the neck. Police also found a 39-year-old man, who was known to Ms Livie, with life-threatening injuries to his neck and leg at the scene. He was rushed to hospital and is currently in a stable condition. The force is not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: 'Sadly, despite the best efforts of attending officers and our colleagues in the ambulance service, she was pronounced dead at the scene. 'Her next-of-kin have been informed and they are being supported by specialist officers. Police have launched a murder investigation after the woman was found at a property in Cheriton A 39-year-old man was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries following the incident, and police are not looking for anyone else A police cordon remained was in place on Friday after the 68-year-old woman was stabbed to death Officers from Hampshire Constabulary were called to the address off the B3046 at 10.31 am last Friday 'A post-mortem has been carried out and confirmed that Gilly died as a result of a stab wound to the neck.' They added: 'The man had injuries to his neck and leg that were initially described as life-threatening. He was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.' Tributes poured in for Ms Livie, with locals describing her as a 'much-loved mother and grandmother' and a 'beautiful soul'. One friend wrote in an online tribute: 'Gilly was such a wonderful lady. This is heartbreaking for all involved. So much love to all those affected.' A second added: 'Gilly was a beautiful soul, generous and kind with a wonderful hug.' Chief Inspector Korine Bishop said: 'We know this incident will cause great shock in the community. I want to reassure people we have a large number of officers working hard on this investigation. 'While those enquiries are ongoing, we do not believe there is any further or ongoing risk to the community. At this time we are not looking for any other third party in connection to this investigation, but will continue to investigate with an open mind. 'Our officers have been carrying out enquiries at the address since this was reported to us and are likely to remain in the area in the coming days. 'If you live locally and have any concerns or questions, please speak to those uniformed officers.' The force is appealling for anyone who lives in Cheriton and has CCTV to check their footage between the hours of 11pm on 8th January, and 11am on 9th January. Anyone with information can submit it online or call 101, quoting the reference number 44260012077. The Daily Mail unmasked a new lead suspect in the Zodiac murders - nearly six decades after the infamous killing spree terrorized California. Now, relatives of suspect Marvin Merrill have revealed the troubling behavior he displayed long before the new investigation, published in December, identified him as the serial killer. Independent researchers named Merrill, a former Marine who died in 1993, after decoding a cipher sent to police in 1970 as part of the Zodiac's campaign of taunts. They also uncovered a trove of evidence linking him to the killing of the Black Dahlia, a Los Angeles cold case from decades earlier. Speaking today, on the 79th anniversary of the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short, members of Merrill's family described him as a 'habitual liar' who stole from relatives and repeatedly 'disappeared' for long periods. In an exclusive interview, Merrill's niece - who asked to be identified only as Elizabeth - said her uncle scammed family members and behaved violently or threateningly toward his own children, leading his siblings to eventually cut him off. Another relative described Merrill as 'mysterious and volatile', 'mean', and confirmed he had periods of no contact with his family. Merrill was named as a potential suspect by cold case consultant Alex Baber, who decoded his name from a cipher mailed to the San Francisco Chronicle by the Zodiac in 1970 after his two-year killing spree. Marvin Merrill (in an undated family photo) has been named by a cold case investigator as the suspected perpetrator of the Black Dahlia and Zodiac crimes Marvin Margolis in a high school yearbook photo (left) and a later photo obtained and enhanced by Alex Baber Born in 1925 in Chicago, Merrill had two younger brothers, Milton and Donald. All three are deceased, but Donald's daughter Elizabeth told the Mail her father warned her of her uncle's duplicity and fraught relationship with his family. 'He was a pathological liar,' she said. 'It's like having an addict as a sibling. You want to believe they're in recovery, and then they slip again. 'They wanted to believe he's not going to con them, and then he'd do it again.' Elizabeth, a Georgia-based homemaker in her 40s, would not go so far as to believe he was capable of murder. But she said his lies and deception were deeply concerning. She gave an example of Merrill bragging in 1960s newspaper interviews that he was an artist who studied under famous painter Salvador Dali. 'He never studied under Salvador Dali. He was not an artist, that was my father. He actually stole my father's artwork and sold it,' she said. 'He was just his next con, that was it. 'At one point, he disappeared for a while. When they found him, he had been working as an architect for multiple years, even though he had no formal training.' Elizabeth never met Merrill herself, as her father cut him off from his family to protect them from his alleged scams, but said Donald told her about his behavior. One alleged scam the brother recounted was that Merrill took money from his mother and in-laws. 'He borrowed money from his in-laws for a house. He was supposed to pay them back when he sold the house, and never did. That's the kind of man he was,' she said. 'He was getting money from my grandmother. He was playing her and taking all her money. My parents had to get a loan from her to protect the money from him, then pay her back in increments.' A composite sketch and description circulated by San Francisco Police as they tried - in vain - to catch the Zodiac killer In 1947, aspiring Hollywood actress Elizabeth Short, known as the Black Dahlia, was found dead and her body mutilated in Los Angeles Elizabeth said that her uncle even stole his siblings' clothes and sold them, after returning from serving in Japan in World War II and moving back in with his parents. 'You're not a well person if that's how you live your life, in my opinion,' she said. Property records place Merrill in southern California during the 1960s, when the Zodiac terrorized the state killing five and wounding two others in four horrific attacks around the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite other compelling evidence, Baber has not been able to produce records showing Merrill was in the Bay during the 1968 and 1969 attacks. But Elizabeth said that her uncle repeatedly 'disappeared', breaking off contact with family and was only traced by the locations he picked up his medicine. 'He would disappear. My uncle [Milton] would call the VA hospital and that's how they would find him,' she said. 'He would have to get medication, so he would always check in with the VA hospital.' Elizabeth said she did not know what medications he was on at the time. Marvin Merrill in a newspaper article where he described himself as an artist. His relative Elizabeth said he 'was not an artist' but 'actually stole my father's artwork and sold it' Merrill told his family he left the Navy after taking shrapnel or a bullet to the stomach while serving as a US Marine in Okinawa, Japan, in World War II. But his Veteran Affairs records, released among grand jury investigatory files from the Black Dahlia case, show that in fact he was discharged on 50 per cent mental disability grounds, with medical notes describing him as 'resentful' and 'apathetic' with an affinity for 'aggression'. Elizabeth said family members had told her Merrill was violent or threatening towards his children at times, though she said it did not seem out of the ordinary for the period he grew up in. 'To me, it's inexcusable who hits a child? But that was done at that time,' she said. Another relative, who asked not to be named, told the Mail Merrill would disappear for periods and that they traced him to as far afield as Florida at one point. 'His brothers didn't have a good relationship with him. I was told words like 'mean',' the relative told this website. 'Whereas Donald and Milton were the nicest humans you could have ever imagined.' Merrill's sister-in-law Anne Margolis also described him to family members as 'mysterious' and 'volatile', the relative said. Margolis appeared in local paper The Garfieldian after he returned home from the Second World War. The article showed him posing with a Japanese military rifle propped against a wall A high school yearbook photo of Marvin Margolis. His family are now speaking out to the Daily Mail However, the family member cautioned that being volatile 'doesn't make him a murderer'. Elizabeth was also skeptical of his status as a Zodiac and Black Dahlia suspect. 'A lot of this is based on things that he said he did, that were lies,' she said. The Georgia mom pointed out that Merrill was six weeks into his first marriage when Black Dahlia victim Elizabeth Short was killed, which made her doubtful of his ongoing romantic involvement with Short one key link between the young victim and Merrill. 'The timing does not make sense,' she said. 'He was not a well man, but I don't believe in any way, shape or form, that he was a murderer.' Former Ethiopian President shares deep bond with China People's Daily Online) 09:05, January 15, 2026 "Whenever I go to China, I feel like (I'm) going back to my second home," said former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome during an exclusive interview with People's Daily. Back in 1976, Teshome, as a government-sponsored international student, went to study Chinese in the Beijing Language and Culture University, then known as the Beijing Language Institute. After one-year of language learning, he transferred to Peking University to pursue a bachelor's degree in philosophy. In 1991, he obtained a doctoral degree in international politics at Peking University. The former Ethiopian President believes that his time studying in China was a crucial period for his personal growth. Not only did he build deep friendships with his Chinese teachers and classmates in both life and study, but he also achieved all-round intellectual development, laying a solid foundation for his future journey. Teshome was elected as President of Ethiopia in October 2013. About nine months later, he chose China as the first country to visit after taking office. Years of studying, working and living in China, along with multiple visits to the country, have left Teshome deeply impressed by China's progress and transformation across various fields. Teshome believes that China has explored its own path toward modernization in line with its national conditions, which provides valuable experiences for other developing countries, including African countries. In his view, China's policy towards Africa focuses on common progress, reflecting firm commitment to solidarity, dialogue, and win-win cooperation. He added that Africa and China work together for the common progress of humanity, which will make greater contributions to building a community with a shared future for humanity. (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Madison Sheahan, the deputy director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, has told leadership she will resign and launch a run for Congress in her home state of Ohio, the Daily Mail can exclusively reveal. The 28-year-old is expected to make the announcement later Thursday morning, sources tell the Daily Mail. In a glowing farewell email obtained by the Daily Mail, the outgoing ICE deputy confirmed her departure and praised President Trump and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem for what she called their 'leadership' and 'steadfast commitment' to ICE, saying the agency had been 'empowered to put the safety and security of the American people first.' 'Together, we strengthened our agency, restored its purpose, and set a new standard for excellence,' Sheahan wrote, adding: 'The progress we achieved was driven by your determination, perseverance, and relentless spirit.' Her decision comes amid a turbulent moment for the agency, which has been leading a massive crackdown on illegal immigration that has sparked protests nationwide, including the January 7 demonstration in Minneapolis that resulted in the death of protester Renee Nicole Good. Sheahan, who previously served as secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, has been a close ally of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her senior adviser Corey Lewandowski. ICE insiders told the Daily Mail that Sheahan was a polarizing figure in the department who earned the mocking nickname 'Fish Cop' for her prior experience in Louisiana. 'Most feared her because she had many employees reassigned, but few respected her,' one ICE source said. ICE deputy director Madison Sheahan will leave her position to launch a run for Congress, the Daily Mail has learned Sheahan's resignation comes at a volatile moment for ICE, which has been leading a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration that has sparked protests nationwide 'She was seen as very immature, someone who knew little about ICE and law enforcement and who was riding the coattails of Noem and (Louisiana Governor) Jeff Landry.' Another insider said: 'This explains why she has been MIA since last week while everything has been happening in Minnesota. She was in Ohio making campaign videos.' Noem, however, offered a ringing endorsement of Sheahan in a statement to the Daily Mail on Thursday. 'I've known her for years, she loves her family, Ohio and her country. She will be a great defender of freedom when she goes to Congress,' the DHS Secretary said. 'Madison Sheahan is a work horse, strong executor, and terrific leader who led the men and women of ICE to achieve the American people's mandate to target, arrest, and deport criminal illegal aliens. We wish her all the best.' Sheahan was appointed less than a year ago by Noem to serve directly under ICE Director Todd Lyons, a close ally of Noem's chief rival, Trump border czar Tom Homan. Homan and Noem have been locked in a power struggle inside Trump's second-term immigration apparatus, with Homan pushing aggressive, enforcement-first mass deportations while viewing Noem as slow and overly political, sources close to Homan have told the Daily Mail. Sheahan was appointed in March 2025 by close ally DHS Secretary Kristi Noem The rivalry has hardened as rank-and-file ICE agents and DHS officials increasingly align with Homan's hardline leadership style over Noem's public-facing approach at DHS. Sheahan's departure indicates Noem's grip over the department may be slipping amid pressure from the White House to increase deportations. On Wednesday, the Daily Mail revealed ICE has come under scrutiny by DHS watchdogs after Good's shooting death by ICE officer Jon Ross rattled national confidence in the agency. 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 amid protests and controversy surrounding recent ICE enforcement actions. 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. ICE Special Response Team members are pictured demonstrating how to enter a residence in the pursuit of a wanted subject at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) in Brunswick, Georgia 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. Two Lisbon police officers have been accused of torturing and raping people, filming their alleged abuse and sharing the videos with other cops in a WhatsApp group. The two officers, aged 21 and 24, are being investigated by the Department of Investigation and Criminal Action of Lisbon following their arrest on July 10 last year. In an indictment filed in court by the Public Prosecutor's Office on January 9, it was stated that the two officers abused detainees with 'punches, slaps, and blows to the head with their gun butts, even filming and photographing some of these situations and the respective victims'. They allegedly targeted drug addicts and petty criminals, many of whom were foreign nationals or homeless. In one particularly shocking instance, one of the defendants allegedly used a baton to rape and beat a man, before abandoning him in the street. The indictment additionally reads: 'The use of a baton... was reported in another situation, where a broom handle was also used.' In another case, a detained man allegedly had a gun pointed at his head and was subjected to 'slaps to the face, punches to the head, and blows to the body' by the two officers. Upon finding a knife on the man, one of the cops 'cut off some of his dreadlocks and threw them into a trash can' as the other officer filmed everything on his phone. Two Lisbon police officers have been accused of torturing and raping people, filming their alleged abuse and sharing the videos with other cops in a WhatsApp group (File image of Lisbon police) 'Everything was filmed and often shared in WhatsApp groups with dozens of other police officers,' the indictment read. Prosecutors have said that the alleged crimes were committed by the two cops, who were early in their careers, over a short period of time. They said that this demonstrated 'a repeated, cold and deliberate behavioural posture, marked by a lack of empathy and the conscious instrumentation of their position of authority'. One of the cops has been handed 29 charges, while the other has been charged with six crimes. Several more people were identified as alleged co-perpetrators, but were not formally charged by police. West Wing actor Timothy Busfield was banned from a California theater more than two decades ago over allegations that he molested a teenage girl. Busfield, 68, was charged in New Mexico last week with sexually assaulting twin boys on the set of TV series The Cleaning Lady from 2022 until 2024. An unrelated allegation of sexual abuse was included in a pretrial detention motion filed Wednesday, accusing Busfield of having abused a 16-year-old girl while she was auditioning for a show in Sacramento. The victim claimed that during her audition at B Street Theatre roughly 25 years ago, Busfield 'kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates.' B Street Theatre notified of the accusations, conducted an investigation and subsequently banned the Emmy-award winner from working with the institution, a spokesperson told People. After the alleged assault, Busfield's wife actress Melissa Gilbert 'begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy,' the court filing stated. The detention motion further claimed that the alleged victim's father, who was a therapist himself, 'thought at the time that was the best thing to do.' Busfield denies all the allegations against him and has vowed to fight the charges he faces. His lawyer Larry Stein has also dismissed the allegations involving the teenage girl as being unrelated to the New Mexico case. Timothy Busfield (pictured in court Wednesday) has been charged in New Mexico with two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse Timothy Busfield was banned from B Street Theater in Sacramento in 2001 after he was accused of molesting a 16-year-old girl. Busfield (right) is pictured with his brother Buck (left) at the theatre many years ago Busfield has 'not had any role' at B Street Theater since 2001, a spokesperson said Thursday in a statement to the Daily Mail. 'He is not involved in our current operations, staff, leadership, or programming,' the statement continued. 'Although he is listed as an emeritus board member, he has not participated in theatre governance or attended a board meeting since that time.' The statement doubled down on the company's commitment to providing a 'safe, creative, and inclusive environment for artists, students, families, and audiences.' B Street's statement added that the company was keeping 'everyone affected by abuse or exploitation' in in thoughts. Citing the active investigation in New Mexico, the theater declined to provide further details about the allegations. Stein has seemingly denied the accusations at B Street. He told People: 'The allegations were never challenged, they were never proved, and they're 25 years old. 'And there doesn't seem to be any connection between these allegations regarding women 25 years ago and the allegations regarding these young boys.' The Daily Mail has also approached Stein for comment. The father of the 16-year-old girl who was allegedly molested by Busfield in California claims the actor's wife Melissa Gilbert 'begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy'. Gilbert and Busfield are pictured together in fall of 2025 Busfield has 'not had any role' at B Street Theater since 2001. Busfield's lawyer Larry Stein has dismissed the allegations involving the teenage girl in Sacramento as being unrelated to the New Mexico case (File photo of The Sofia at B Street Theater) Albuquerque police issued a warrant for Busfield's arrest last week 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 the city. He surrendered to police in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Tuesday, just four days after authorities issued a warrant for his arrest on alleged sex abuse charges. The actor was dubbed a 'fugitive' during those four days, but Stein says Busfield was driving across the country to hand himself in while being 'hunted', because he had been banned from flying. Stein told KOAT that his client was forced to drive to Albuquerque from upstate New York because the warrant prohibited him from flying. They requested that a New Mexico judge pull the warrant so Busfield could board a plane, but Stein said the request was denied. 'As soon as he got here in Albuquerque, his local criminal lawyer walked him into the courthouse and he surrendered,' the attorney added. At least 10 heavily armed officers from the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force raided his Highland Lake, NY home on Tuesday in an attempt to arrest him. But by the time agents arrived at the secluded property, the actor, charged with two counts of child sex abuse, had already turned himself in to cops in New Mexico. Busfield (pictured in his jail booking photo) denies all the allegations against him and has vowed to fight the charges he faces Busfield was ordered held without bond at his first court appearance Wednesday. Prosecutors are seeking to keep Busfield in custody pending trial. Whether he remains in jail will be the subject of a detention hearing that will be scheduled within the next five business days. They filed a motion early Wednesday pointing to what they described as a documented pattern of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority and grooming behavior by Busfield over two decades. They also alleged that witnesses have expressed fear regarding retaliation and professional harm. Busfield's 61-year-old wife also refused to comment on child sex abuse charges filed against her husband when reached by the Daily Mail on Tuesday. A suspended NHS doctor who praised a female Palestinian suicide bomber and her October 7 terrorist son as 'martyrs' has been arrested on suspicion of expressing support for Hamas. Footage captured the moment police officers entered the South Gloucestershire home of Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, 31, during the early hours of this morning, and told her she had been detained. The trauma and orthopaedics doctor reacted in a shocked manner as she was told she had been arrested under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Police later confirmed her arrest pertained to online posts 'allegedly expressing support for a proscribed organisation Hamas' during November and December 2025. Her latest arrest marks the fourth time she has been detained since October, when she was first arrested for 'malicious communication times three and for inciting racial hatred'. Dr Aladwan is also currently the subject of an investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC). In November she was suspended from practice for 15 months over a series of alleged anti-Semitic and pro-terrorism comments that she has posted online. Concerns were raised about her fitness to practise after a series of posts on X in which she talked of a 'Jewish supremacy', labelled Israelis 'worse than Nazis' and allegedly showed support for Hamas and the October 7 attacks on Israel. Others labelled Britain's chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis 'Rabbi Genocide' and claimed the wide media attention following the Manchester synagogue attack, in which two men died and others were injured, was an example of 'Jewish supremacism'. Suspended NHS medic Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, 31, has been arrested on suspicion of expressing support for Hamas The trauma and orthopaedics doctor reacted in a shocked manner as she was told she had been arrested under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000, on Thursday morning Her latest arrest marks the fourth time she has been detained since October, when she was first arrested for 'malicious communication times three and for inciting racial hatred' Just hours before her latest arrest, Dr Aladwan referred to a female Palestinian suicide bomber and her son, who went on to become a terrorist killed during the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023, as 'martyrs'. In a post seen by the Daily Mail, the beleaguered medic posted a photograph of Reem Al-Riyashi, the first female suicide bomber sent by Hamas, who was a mother-of-two from Gaza City. Dr Aladwan wrote: 'The first woman from Gaza Strip to carry out martyrdom operation. 'On this day in 2004, the Palestinian Reem Al-Riyashi carried out an operation near the 'Israeli' Beit Hanoun checkpoint north of the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the killing of four soldiers and the wounding of others.' Dr Aladwan went on to write of Al-Riyashi's child, who was three-years-old at the time of his mother's actions: 'Her son ascended as a martyr on October 7.' Within hours of that post, officers from Met Police and Avon and Somerset forces arrived at her front door just after 6am on Thursday to place Dr Aladwan in custody. Dr Aladwan's strongly-held views, which are openly posted onto her social media accounts, have sparked controversy on several previous occasions. They include the claim that 'British Jewish children are taught that they are superior to non-Jews, that they have the right to colonise Palestine, and are groomed through birthright trips to become colonisers'. Just hours before her latest arrest, Dr Aladwan posted on X referencing a female Palestinian suicide bomber and her son, who went on to become an October 7 terrorist as 'martyrs' Dr Aladwan is currently the subject of an investigation by the General Medical Council (GMC). In November she was suspended from practice for 15 months over a series of alleged anti-Semitic and pro-terrorism comments that she has posted online Dr Aladwan's strongly-held views, which are openly posted onto her social media accounts, have sparked controversy on several previous occasions On July 30, she alleged the Royal Free Hospital in north London, which serves a large Jewish community, was a 'Jewish supremacy cesspit'. And in September she sparked outrage after describing two gunmen involved in a fatal mass shooting in Jerusalem as 'two Palestinian martyrs'. Dr Aladwan made the comment to her more than 33,000 followers on X just hours after the frenzied attack took place and resulted in the deaths of six people, including a pregnant woman. In other social media posts, Dr Aladwan described antisemitism and the Holocaust as 'concepts' used by Jewish people to 'promote a narrative of victimhood'. In the aftermath of October 7 and Israel's military response to Hamas, her posts have included pictures of masked men holding rifles alongside fire emojis and a photo of a masked toddler wearing the trademark fluorescent green Hamas headband. She additionally shared a picture of a masked militant holding a large gun with the words: 'A picture of AlQasem a day keeps the Zs [Zionists] locked away,' an apparent reference to the Al-Qassam brigade, the military wing of Hamas. A spokesperson for the Met said: 'On Thursday, 15 January Metropolitan Police officers arrested a 31-year-old woman at an address in South Gloucestershire for allegedly expressing support for a proscribed organisation Hamas contrary to Section 12 (1A) of the Terrorism Act 2000. 'The allegation relates to online activity in November and December 2025. 'The woman was taken into police custody.' Explosions in the Dutch city of Utrecht have caused extensive damage to buildings, and several people have been left injured. A major fire has since broken out following the blasts on Visscherssteeg in the city centre at around 3.30pm, prompting an emergency response from the local fire and ambulance services. At least four people have sustained injuries due to the blasts, and a search is now underway for more possible victims. 'It's also possible that there are still people under the rubble,' city mayor Sharon Dijksma said. Fire crews reported a 'gigantic explosion'. Surrounding buildings have been left destroyed, with smashed windows and debris scattered over the pavements and roads. 'I live on the other side of the center, and even here the windows were shaking from an explosion,' one resident wrote on X following the blast. Images from the scene show large plumes of smoke billowing above the historical city center and rubble strewn across the cobbled streets. Emergency services are at the scene of a large fire at a house on Visscherssteeg Images from the scene show large plumes of smoke billowing above the area Surrounding buildings have been left destroyed, with smashed windows and debris scattered on the streets Images from the scene show large plumes of smoke billowing above the area Your browser does not support iframes. 'I knew right away that this was bad,' said one witness, Margot Schroevers. 'The ground was shaking,' she added. Two trauma helicopters landed in nearby Lepelenburg Park while a police helicopter continues to circle the area. Six ambulances raced to the scene. Rescuers also evacuated homes and businesses on Mariaplaats and Springweg. A building has partially collapsed, and police are expecting more explosions, an officer told a reporter at the scene. 'Nothing can be said yet about the cause of the explosions,' a police spokesperson said. The affected buildings will be disconnected from the gas supply, but residents are being urged not to approach the area as investigations into what caused the explosions are carried out. 'Numerous units have been called in to assist. Everyone is therefore asked to give emergency responders space and not to approach the incident area,' the emergency services office stated. UMC Utrecht has activated its Calamity Hospital, which can rapidly accommodate a large number of casualties. The facility is purpose-built to scale up to full operational capacity within half an hour during disasters or other large-scale emergencies. The Dutch Red Cross has now called on Red Cross volunteers to go to the disaster hospital. Debris at the scene Firefighters work to extinguish a large fire at a residential house in Visscherssteeg, Utrecht Residents are being urged not to approach the area 'Our emergency response team is on site and is supporting the emergency services in the centre,' they said on X. A spokesperson explained that the emergency response team consists of nine people. 'They can, for example, assist with minor injuries if any arise,' they said. Following the incident, the D66 Party Leader, Rob Jetten, took to X to thank the emergency services for their rescue work. 'Disturbing images from Utrecht following the explosion in the city centre,' he said. 'Much strength to everyone involved and anxiously awaiting more clarity. 'Great thanks to the emergency services who are now scaling up and pulling out all the stops. Give them the space to do their work'. Attorneys for a FedEx driver accused of abducting and strangling a seven-year-old girl in Texas have argued that the alleged murderer's autism should bar him from the death penalty. Tanner Horner's lawyers filed 28 new motions on Tuesday in the 297th District Court in Tarrant County, ahead of his trial for the capital murder of Athena Strand. Strand was snatched from her family's home in North Texas on November 30, 2022. Horner claimed he was delivering Barbie dolls to the house when he accidentally hit the girl with his truck, 'panicked,' grabbed her, and put her in his vehicle. The little girl's lifeless body was found dumped beside a country road, seven miles from her home, on December 2. Strand is accused of strangling her to death. Now, the 34-year-old FedEx driver's attorneys have claimed that their clients autism warrants the removal of the death penalty as a sentencing option. Horner has pleaded not guilty. His capital murder trial is set to begin on April 7. The new motion to dispel the death penalty read: 'Mr. Horner's autism spectrum disorder (ASD) reduces his moral blameworthiness, negates the retributive and deterrent purposes of capital punishment, and exposes him to the unacceptable risk that he will be wrongfully sentenced to death,' KHOU 11 reported. Strand's mother, Maitlyn Gandy, has vehemently supported the death penalty for Horner if he's found guilty of murdering her daughter. Tanner Horner's attorney now claim he has autism after he was charged with kidnapping and murdering a seven-year-old girl in Texas Athena Strand was allegedly strangled to death after she was hit by Horner as he was delivering a package from his FedEx truck. She was found on December 2 The filing stated that individuals with ASD have impaired reasoning, social skills, impulse control, and communication - which places Horner under the category of people with intellectual disabilities. The Supreme Court ruled that those with autism are 'less culpable than the average criminal,' according to the filing. Under Texas law, capital murder of a person under ten years old qualifies the perpetrator for the death penalty. Horner was arrested on December 2, 2022, the same day Strand's body was found. He allegedly confessed to police that he abducted and kidnapped the child during a delivery to her family's home. On February 17, 2023, a jury in Wise County formally charged Horner with kidnapping and murdering the young girl. On top of the murder charge, Horner was charged with sexually assaulting a child almost a decade ago and faces three additional counts of sexually abusing a child in 2013 in Fort Worth. In the new filing, Horner's attorneys cited the infamous case of Robert Roberson - who is on death row for killing his daughter in Texas in 2002 - as an example of another defendant's autism leading to a 'wrongful conviction,' as cited by Fox 4. Roberson's execution was halted in 2025, a week before it was set to take place, and his case was sent back down to a lower court based on a plea stemming from the state's Junk Science Law. This allows for a second look at a conviction that was based on science that has since been debunked. In Roberson's case, the defendants argue his autism was 'misunderstood' and used against him in evidence during his trial. Roberson was only diagnosed with autism after he was found guilty of murder. Horner's lawyers filed an additional motion on December 4, seeking to suppress three interrogations by law enforcement, claiming that the interviews continued despite the alleged murderer invoking his right to speak with an attorney. Maitlyn Gandy, Strand's mother supports the death penalty and her father, Jacob Strand has launched legal action against FedEx, claiming they did not carry out sufficient background checks At a news conference, Gandy told how Horner, was delivering a You Can Be Anything Barbie to Strand's father and stepmother's house in Paradise Strand's mom Maitlyn Gandy, released a statement after Horner was indicted - expressing her love for her late daughter, and support of capital punishment. Gandy said at the time: 'I would like to thank the Wise County grand jury for their role in this process. Hearing the facts and circumstances of my seven-year-old daughter's kidnapping and murder was undoubtedly very difficult for them.' 'I want them to know that their work is deeply appreciated,' she added. 'Tanner Horner's indictment is the beginning of a long road through the justice system. 'I appreciate everyone's continued support and for keeping Athena's name and memory alive. Please take a moment to hug your children and loved ones. No one is promised another day.' 'I support the death penalty. In any sentencing that may come,' Gandy told WFAA. The former FedEx driver was charged with sexually assaulting a child almost a decade ago and faces three additional counts of sexually abusing a child in 2013 in Fort Worth, Texas 'Every breath he takes is one my daughter doesn't. 'If I could sit down in front of him, I would tell him that he is nothing, but that Athena is absolutely everything - and I will make sure that everybody in this world knows that he is nothing and that she is everything.' Strand's father, Jacob, has launched legal action against FedEx, claiming they did not carry out sufficient background checks before hiring Horner. Former state district court Judge George Gallagher has been appointed to the trial, as the former driver is being held in Tarrant County Jail. This is the moment snowboarders began a brawl with a skier at a French Alps resort following a collision on the piste. The shocking moment was captured by Renan Vitor, 32, through his Ray-Ban Meta glasses as chaos erupted in Val Thorens. Footage showed the crash taking place, with an argument quickly breaking out. The skier was see wielding a broken ski pole as he got into a shouting match with several others. He was seen being held back as he shouted at a man on skis in a yellow jacket. The footage then cuts to a snowboarder chasing him down and kicking him hard. A second person ran up to the skier and took a huge swing at his face, knocking him to the floor. Several more people then joined the fight, before the footage ends. The brawl raged for around ten minutes before security from a nearby venue stepped in Six men reportedly chased and repeatedly struck the skier, who desperately tried to dodge their blows Renan said the fight began when a skier ran over a snowboarder, sparking a furious response from the snowboarder's friends. Six men reportedly chased and repeatedly struck the skier, who desperately tried to dodge their blows. The brawl raged for around ten minutes before security from a nearby venue stepped in, followed by the French Gendarmerie. According to Renan, no arrests were made. Renan, a public administrator from Madrid, Spain, said: 'At first, I couldn't believe what was happening. 'I tried to intervene after taking off my skis, but it was too dangerous. 'Some of them had ski poles and were kicking with their boots.' A nuclear bunker could be 'days away' from falling into the sea. The brick building, found above Tunstall Beach between Withernsea and Hornsea, on the East Yorkshire coast, was constructed around 100 yards from the cliff's edge in 1959. Almost 70 years on, the coastline has slowly eroded away, and it now sits precariously 25 feet above the sand and sea below. Amateur historian Davey Robinson has been filming the bunker's final days and uploading the footage to his YouTube channel Timothy's Travel. He believes it's 'a few days away' from crumbling over the edge. The hidden structure was constructed as a lookout station in the Cold War-era. It was commissioned and operated by the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) and formed part of the UK's Cold War civil defence network, used for nuclear blast detection and radiation monitoring. It includes two small underground chambers intended for short-term occupancy, mainly by volunteers, and was decommissioned in the early 1990s. The brick bunker, found above Tunstall Beach between Withernsea and Hornsea, on the East Yorkshire coast, was built around 100 yards from the cliff's edge in 1959 Almost 70 years on, the coastline has slowly eroded away and it sits precariously 25 feet above the sand and sea below The East Riding Council has since warned people not to visit the area out of fear the building could collapse According to the Environment Agency, East Yorkshire has one of the fastest-eroding coastlines in the UK. It said since Roman times, the land has lost around 3 miles along the coastline due to erosion. The East Riding council has since warned people not to visit the area out of fear the building could collapse. A spokesperson from the council said: 'Recognising the risk posed by the structure, the council would ask that people avoid the area, both at the cliff top and at the beach as it descends the cliff. 'The council would also remind visitors and residents to always maintain a safe distance to the base of eroding cliffs, due to the risks associated. 'East Riding council does not have any statutory responsibilities connected to the structure. 'The structure sits on an area of privately owned land. 'This location lies within Policy Unit E (Rolston to Waxholme) of the Shoreline Management Plan. 'The approach for this location remains at "no active intervention". 'Therefore, the coast is undefended in this area, which allows coastal processes to continue. 'The Ministry of Defence originally requisitioned the land to build the structure. 'But following its closure, the land was returned to the landowner, which included any military infrastructure upon it. 'The responsibility for this infrastructure therefore belongs to the landowner, and the management responsibility for the rural beach in this area sits with the Crown Estate.' Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has picked up a second job by signing with a speaking agency, it was revealed today. The Labour MP, who was forced to quit her Government roles in September amid a furious tax row, is being paid by Chartwell Speakers. A letter issuing her with advice on her appointment revealed Ms Rayner will 'speak at one event for a pensions insurance specialist and then occasionally at private events'. She is said to have promised to 'not provide any insight into your time in government that is covered by confidentiality restrictions' in her work with the agency. Ms Rayner has taken on the paid work, on top of her 93,904 salary for being MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, despite having previously criticised politicians' outside earnings. She posted on social media in May 2023: 'Being an MP isnt a second job. It is the job. Labour will put an end to this racket.' As well as resigning as deputy PM in September, Ms Rayner also quit as housing secretary and Labour's deputy leader. It came after a Whitehall probe found she broke ministerial rules for failing to pay correct stamp duty on an 800,000 flat. Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has picked up a second job by signing with a speaking agency Ms Rayner has taken on the paid work, on top of her 93,904 salary for being MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, despite having previously criticised politicians' outside earnings Ms Rayner had referred herself for investigation after she tearfully admitted she had paid around 40,000 less property tax than she should have done. She told the House of Commons in October that she would pay any taxes she owed to HMRC, amid reports she might owe a five-figure sum on top of a fine. Despite her resignation following the row over her purchase of a new apartment in Hove, East Sussex, Sir Keir has said Ms Rayner will one day return to the top level of his Government. Asked last month if she would be back in his Cabinet, the Prime Minister said: 'Yes. She's hugely talented.' Ms Rayner asked for advice from Sir Laurie Magnus, who is Sir Keir's ethics adviser, on her appointment by Chartwell Speakers. In a letter to the ex-deputy PM, Sir Laurie revealed she had pledged to not 'provide any insight into your time in government that is covered by confidentiality restrictions.' He also highlighted the 'standard conditions' issued to former ministers on taking paid employment outside of Parliament. This included not lobbying the Government or arm's length bodies on behalf of Chartwell Speakers for two years from her last day in office. Over the same period, Ms Rayner was also told she should not undertake any work with Chartwell Speakers 'that involves providing advice on the terms of, or with regard to the subject matter of a bid with, or contract relating directly to the work of, the UK Government or its arms length bodies'. Ms Rayner was also told she would have to wait a minimum of three months before taking up the appontment. The former Labour deputy lashed out at MPs' 'shameful' outside earnings in 2023 following a 'sting' operation by the campaign group Led By Donkeys. Undercover footage revealed former Tory ministers Matt Hancock and Kwasi Kwarteng agreed to work for a fake South Korean company for 10,000 a day. MPs are allowed to have second jobs and there is no suggestion of parliamentary rule-breaking. Other politicians to have signed with Chartwell Speakers include former Tory PM Liz Truss, and ex-Conservative chancellors George Osborne and Philip Hammond. Ms Rayner's office has been contacted for comment. Nigel Farage unveiled Robert Jenrick as his newest Reform MP tonight - hours after the former minister was brutally sacked by the Tories. Mr Farage boasted that Mr Jenrick had been 'handed to me on a plate' by Kemi Badenoch as he held a press conference in Westminster this evening. Bizarrely Mr Jenrick failed to appear for several minutes after he was invited up on stage, prompting awkward time-filling from Mr Farage. But when he finally arrived he said: 'It's time for the truth.' He said the Tories had 'betrayed voters' and 'most of the party' had 'lost its way', lacking the 'stomach' for 'real change'. Mr Jenrick said a key moment had been at a Shadow Cabinet meeting when his colleagues tried to deny that Britain is 'broken'. 'Over the last year I have realised that I was naive... I respect Kemi. But I don't trust the Conservative Party on immigration.' He added: 'I can't kid myself any more.' In an impassioned defence of his choice, Mr Jenrick said: 'If we don't get the next government right Britain will likely slip beyond the point of repair.' Mr Jenrick added of Mr Farage: 'I don't agree with everything he's ever said, and he definitely won't have agreed with everything I've ever said. But in retrospect, I see that in this period when the two main parties were failing Britain, Nigel was all too often a lone voice of common sense.' The moment marked the culmination of a day of high drama and confusion that could decide the shape of British politics for years. Mrs Badenoch kicked off the chaos by announcing that she had seen 'irrefutable evidence' Mr Jenrick was intending to betray her. 'He's Nigel Farage's problem now,' she swiped. Mr Jenrick is alleged to have left the text of a near-completed resignation speech and a 'media plan' lying around where it could be discovered - although when challenged by the Tory chief whip Rebecca Harris in a phone call this morning he apparently protested his innocence. The Conservatives released some details of the text this evening, claiming that Mr Jenrick had been intending to say: 'If like me, you've backed another party but know it's lost its way, don't stay. Don't stay in a party that hasn't been loyal to you. When your country needs you.' Nigel Farage boasted that Robert Jenrick had been 'handed to me on a plate' as he held a press conference in Westminster this evening Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she has sacked Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick due to 'irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect' from the party Nick Timothy, a respected figure on the Right of the party, has been installed in the vacant shadow frontbench post. Mrs Badenoch seemed to time her ambush carefully so Mr Farage was grilled on the breaking news during a visit to Scotland this morning. He denied that he had been about to unveil Mr Jenrick as a defector, accusing Mrs Badenoch of 'panic'. But he confirmed that they had been in talks, adding: 'I'll give him a ring this afternoon... I might even buy him a pint, you never know.' Even when arriving for the press conference this afternoon, Mr Farage said he had 'yet to decide' whether Mr Jenrick would be allowed to join. Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake called Mr Jenrick 'treacherous', 'disloyal' and 'unforgivable', stressing there is 'no way back'. One MP told the Daily Mail that the only tears they were crying over the departure were 'of laughter'. 'That woman has got some cojones,' they added. However, Mr Farage goaded that he would 'buy Kemi lunch next week and say thank you' as he confirmed the defection this evening. 'I've had to think very quickly as to how I should respond to this, and I just want to say thank you to Kemi Badenoch, this is the latest Christmas present I've ever had,' the Reform UK leader told a press conference. 'The negotiations with Jenrick are over. There's nothing more to be said or to be done. You've handed me on a plate the man that is by far the most popular figure, 60 per cent approval rating on ConHome 'You've perhaps today, really done anything more than anybody in history to help realign the centre-right of British politics, which is much needed against a dreadful Labour Government and increasingly worrying extreme left-wing voice in this country. 'So I can't offer you drinks all round, but I'll buy Kemi lunch next week and say thank you. And on that note, I will welcome Robert Jenrick into this room and into Reform UK.' Mr Jenrick said his 'first loyalty' is to 'our country' as he said 'both Labour and the Conservatives broke Britain'. He said they were 'committed to a set of ideas that have failed', accusing Labour of starting mass migration and the Tories of failing to stop it. Dropping her bombshell in a video posted on social media at 11.06am, Mrs Badenoch said: 'I have sacked Robert Jenrick from the Shadow Cabinet, removed the whip and suspended his party membership with immediate effect. 'I was presented with clear, irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible to his Shadow Cabinet colleagues and the wider Conservative Party. 'The British public are tired of political psychodrama and so am I. They saw too much of it in the last government, they're seeing too much of it in this Government. I will not repeat those mistakes.' Join the debate Is Robert Jenrick a bold truth-teller or just betraying his party for personal ambition? In an impassioned defence of his choice, Mr Jenrick said: 'If we don't get the next government right Britain will likely slip beyond the point of repair.' Mr Jenrick is now one of six Reform MPs in the House of Commons, alongside Mr Farage, Richard Tice, Lee Anderson, Sarah Pochin and Danny Kruger Mr Jenrick said his 'first loyalty' is to 'our country' as he said 'both Labour and the Conservatives broke Britain' The Reform chief has already unveiled one high-profile Tory recruit this week, with former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi jumping ship. Mr Jenrick is said to have raised suspicions by consorting with senior Reform figures, including having dinner with Mr Farage himself last month. Meanwhile, Mrs Badenoch's own position is seen as having strengthened recently, after a string of potent performances at Tory conference and in the Commons sparked an uptick in the polls. Mr Jenrick was defeated by Mrs Badenoch for the Tories' top job in November 2024. However, he constantly fuelled speculation about his ambitions by roving well beyond his justice portfolio. There were persistent rumours linking him with a move to Reform, but he has previously played the idea down. On December 4 Mr Jenrick said: 'It wasn't very long ago that I was running to be leader of the Conservative Party so I'm not going anywhere.' Some big players in Reform have also suggested they would not want him, while Mr Farage previously insisted he 'always' thought Mr Jenrick was a 'fraud'. The Lib Dems jibed that the Tories looked to be recreating scenes from hit TV game show The Traitors. At a press conference in Scotland this morning Mr Farage was coy about how advanced his talks with Mr Jenrick has been. 'I'm very surprised that this news is broken,' he said. Asked if he had been speaking to Mr Jenrick, the Reform leader said: 'I never reveal private conversations of anybody, which is why when people like Malcolm (Offord) came to me to talk, and he was a frontbencher, nothing ever leaked. A timeline of 'treachery': How Jenrick's sacking unfolded Here is how the events around Robert Jenrick's exit from the Tories unfolded: 2 November, 2024 Mrs Badenoch is announced as the winner of the Tory leadership election as she defeated Mr Jenrick, delivering a huge blow to her rival's political ambitions. The new Tory leader went on to appoint Mr Jenrick to her top team as her Shadow justice secretary. December 2025 Mr Jenrick is reported to have met Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for dinner. 'He had been speaking to people within Westminster about the possibility of a defection,' a Tory source said. Wednesday night Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake revealed that this is when his party saw 'compelling' written evidence that Mr Jenrick was planning to defect. 'We were appalled by what we saw - the evidence was clear and compelling,' he told the BBC. 'This is treachery and disloyalty. It was also going to be done in a way that sought to completely undermine the party.' Mr Jenrick is alleged to have left the text of a near-completed resignation speech and a 'media plan' lying around where it could be discovered. 11.06am Thursday When challenged by the Tory chief whip Rebecca Harris in a phone call on Thursday morning, Mr Jenrick apparently protested his innocence. At 11.06am, Mrs Badenoch posted a video on social media to drop the bombshell news that she had sacked Mr Jenrick, stripped him of the Tory whip, and suspended his party membership with immediate effect. 'I was presented with clear, irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect,' she said. 11.25am Speaking at a press conference in Scotland, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expresses his surprise at the news of Mr Jenrick's sacking. He revealed he had 'conversations' with Mr Jenrick, but added: 'Was I on the verge of signing a document with him? No.' Asked if Mr Jenrick had been considering leaving the Tories for Reform, Mr Farage added: 'I've little doubt it's been in his mind.' The Reform leader denied he had been planning to unveil Mr Jenrick as a defector at another planned press conference in London later on Thursday. He said he would call Mr Jenrick 'this afternoon'. Advertisement 'I'm going to say that I've had conversations with a number of very senior Conservatives over the course of the last week, over the course of the last month.' Pressed again about whether he had spoken to the now ex-Shadow justice secretary, Mr Farage said: 'Of course I've talked to Robert Jenrick. Was I on the verge of signing a document with him? No. But have we had conversations? Yes.' Mr Farage added: 'I think virtually every Conservative is considering leaving the Conservatives, yes.' Asked if this included Mr Jenrick, he replied: 'I think that's been in his mind, yes. I've little doubt it's been in his mind.' Mr Hollinrake told the BBC: 'It's fair to say Rob didn't take losing the leadership contest very well, so I think it's been difficult at times with Rob trying to get him on side. 'We didn't expect this. We didn't want this. But having seen what we've seen, there was no other course of action Kemi could take.' He told Radio 5 Live's Matt Chorley show that the sources for the information were sensitive, but added: 'I've seen the evidence. It is compelling, it is irrefutable and it is damning.' A Tory source said of Mr Jenrick: 'We have had lots of reports coming in that he was meeting with Reform. He went for dinner with Nigel Farage last month, he had been speaking to people within Westminster about the possibility of a defection. 'His team has spoken to various people, including journalists, about defection. 'Kemi doesn't take decisions lightly, she thinks about these things, she analyses things properly. But the evidence was just totally irrefutable that this was going to be done to inflict maximum pain on the party.' One Tory ally of Mr Jenrick cast doubt over whether anyone would follow him out the door. They told the Daily Mail they are 'going nowhere', adding: 'I don't think anyone else is leaving either.' Nadine Dorries, one of the first big Conservative names to defect to Reform, said Mrs Badenoch had taken the 'least worst' of all the 'worst' options she faced. But the ex-minister told GB News that the leader looked 'scared' and 'weak'. 'She's acting like a wife who's discovered that her husband is having an affair and she's thrown his clothes onto the driveway,' she said. Former cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said he initially thought reports of the sacking were an 'AI fake'. The Tory told Sky News that Mrs Badenoch needs to release proof of Mr Jenrick's looming betrayal. 'If the evidence is there she has made a really bold move that will strengthen her leadership. It makes her look decisive capable and strong,' he said. If on the other hand the evidence is not there then she has kneecapped a potential challenger for the leadership... it is either a very good decision or a very bad one.' Ex-chancellor George Osborne also warned that the 'psychodrama' in the Tories is 'just beginning'. He told the Political Currency podcast: 'Is Kemi Badenoch forcing his hand or has her hand been forced because he'd already made his decision? She's certainly saying she'd seen evidence he was about to defect. 'Then that is the proper beginning of the civil war inside right about who is going to lead the right, and what are Tory MPs going to do? 'Are they going to defect to Reform? Is the pressure going to grow to have an alliance with Reform? Or are they going to say, look, the Jenricks of this world can leave, but we think the future lies with the Tory party 'If she thinks the psychodrama is over, I'm afraid it's just beginning.' Join the debate Is this strong leadership from Badenoch or a sign of Tory chaos? The Lib Dems jibed that the Tories looked to be recreating scenes from hit TV game show The Traitors Mr Farage previously insisted he 'always' thought Mr Jenrick was a 'fraud' Nigel Farage seemed to be alerted to the breaking news by a press officer as he was unveiling the party's new leader in Scotland The Conservative councillor for the Newark West ward on Nottinghamshire County Council has said he feels 'totally betrayed' by Mr Jenrick. Keith Girling said: 'I'm obviously very, very, very disappointed in Robert. I'm a great believer in loyalty and he's shown a complete lack of loyalty there. 'I think Kemi has done absolutely the right thing when she finds evidence of what he's plotting to do. She's shown real leadership there to sack him, kick him out of the party, and we'll deal with the aftermath.' Asked if he felt betrayed, Mr Girling said: 'Totally betrayed. We've supported Robert with his political ambition, you know, he obviously wanted to be the leader (of the Conservative Party). 'Clearly he was disappointed he didn't get that. But that's not down to the efforts of this association who's always supported him, you know, and he's really just sort of turned his back on all that, on that loyalty, and gone his own way. 'I think that's quite shameful, really.' Keir Starmer said Mrs Badenoch had only 'got round' to sacking Mr Jenrick when he was about to defect, branding her 'weak'. An outraged mom has slammed tech giant Google, claiming the company sent a 'predatory' email to her 12-year-old son about turning off parental controls. Melissa McKay, 46, said her son received an email from Google saying he could change the settings on his 13th birthday. The Utah mom shared a screenshot of the email, which notified her child about how to change his account. McKay explained that the email her son received told him how to remove parental controls and change his account, and blasted the company for 'grooming for data.' After her LinkedIn post calling Google out went viral, she said in an interview with The Times: 'There is this growing tsunami of rage among parents, who just feel so disempowered right now.' 'You have Chromebooks given out in school. They have to have email accounts for all these school and social events. A lot of parents feel like their kids have to be online.' She argued that the decision to remove parental controls from a Google account should be up to a teen's parents, not the teen. 'A trillion-dollar corporation is directly contacting every child to tell them they are old enough to "graduate" from parental supervision,' McKay wrote in her viral LinkedIn post. Melissa McKay, pictured above, issued a scathing message to Google after her 12-year-old son received an email notifying him that he could turn off parental controls when he turned 13 The email, seen above, said that her son could get access to more Google apps and customize his Google account to abandon parental controls when he turned 13 'It reframes parents as a temporary inconvenience to be outgrown and positions corporate platforms as the default replacement,' she added. 'Call it what it is. Grooming for engagement. Grooming for data. Grooming minors for profit. She went on to say that the practice was 'absolutely reprehensible,' concluding that corporations 'should stay the hell away from our kids.' McKay is a senior fellow for alliances and advocacy at the Family Policy Alliance. She said that Google's policy allowing kids to turn off parental controls at 13 was 'among the most predatory corporate practices' she had seen in her 10 year tenure as an online safety advocate. Google allows children on Family Link to manage their own accounts when they turn 13, according to the company's help center. 'When a child turns 13 (or the applicable age in their country), they get an email to inform them that they're now eligible to update their account,' Google states on their support site. 'The parent who supervises the account also gets an email.' When the teen turns off parental controls, they lose connection to YouTube Kids and can see videos that were previously blocked. Google's policy, pictured above, allows a child to take control of their account when they turn 13 McKay, pictured above last March, called Google's policy 'predatory' and an example of 'grooming' They can also add or remove payment cards to Google Wallet or Google Pay and make transactions. If the teen doesn't change their account, the parental controls will automatically stay in effect. In response to the backlash, Google updated its settings so that parents would have to approve switching the controls off. Google's Head of Global Policy Kate Charlet wrote on LinkedIn: 'These changes better ensure protections stay in place until both the parent and teen feel ready for the next step. 'As always, many of our safeguards are automatically enabled for everyone under 18, regardless of whether or not they are under parental supervision,' she continued. 'Our focus remains on empowering families with the tools they need to navigate the digital world safely.' McKay told The Times that the update was a 'positive step, but it barely scratches the surface of what still needs to be fixed.' She argued that 13-year-olds shouldn't be treated as adults and claimed that age ratings in Google's app store aren't accurate. McKay (middle) is an advocate for device and online safety. She helped advocate for Utah's App Store Accountability Act and is pictured above at the state capital with one of the bill's sponsors, Senator Todd Weiler (right) McKay is a longtime advocate for device and online safety and helped draft Utah's App Store Accountability Act. Governor Spencer Cox signed the bill into law last April. It marked the country's first state law requiring app store providers to verify the age of all users. The law requires app store providers to obtain verifiable parental consent for all minors before they can download or make purchases. The law went into effect last May, but obligations on app store providers won't be enforced until May 2026. The Daily Mail has reached out to Google and the Family Policy Alliance for comment. Former Tory colleagues of Robert Jenrick tonight blasted his defection to Reform and said he appeared to have lost his mind. Conservatives in Westminster and Mr Jenricks Newark constituency who were left stunned by Tory leader Kemi Badenochs decision to sack him - expressed their disappointment at his secret scheme to join Nigel Farages rival party. Some said Mr Jenrick was consumed by personal ambition rather than by loyalty to his former political allies. One member of the Shadow Cabinet told the Daily Mail: I think hes actually lost his mind. It makes no sense. Its like hes gone a bit crazy. Jenrick became consumed with personal ambition, both in the last leadership election and then later when it looked like Kemis position might have been under threat. When it became clear that in fact Kemi wasnt going anywhere, Jenricks ambition was frustrated and now hes done this stupid thing. Jenrick is damaged goods. Farage purports to be setting himself apart from other politicians, why would he even accept him into Reform? Former Tory Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick shakes hands with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage at a press conference, this afternoon after defecting All Jenrick cares about is becoming leader, and now that his ambition has been frustrated he seems to have lost his mind. The Shadow Cabinet member confirmed Mrs Badenochs office had obtained a document which outlined Mr Jenricks secret plan to defect. This was the clear, irrefutable evidence referred to in Mrs Badenochs bombshell statement announcing Mr Jenricks sacking this morning. I have spoken to someone in the leaders office who had it in their possession, the Tory politician told the Daily Mail. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch's statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, earlier today announcing she had sacked Robert Jenrick The document was apparently very rude about quite a few Shadow Cabinet members. It appeared to back up Mrs Badenochs comments to Sky News that she acted because Mr Jenrick was not only planning to defect but to do so in a way that would hurt other people in the party, which she said was quite wrong. The Shadow Cabinet source said it was very strange that such a crucial document had made its way to Mrs Badenochs office, and suggested: Maybe one of Jenricks advisers was carrying it around and left it on a table. After winning the Conservative Party leadership contest on November 2, 2024, Kemi Badenoch is pictured being congratulated by Robert Jenrick Im sure this will be picked over endlessly by political historians. The source said there were no indications of the forthcoming storm during the usual Shadow Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. During a very general discussion on defence and foreign policy, and on Britains place in Europe and the world, Jenrick was making the case for isolationism, the source said. Join the debate Is political ambition ever a valid reason for switching parties, or does it betray voters' trust? Robert Jenrick speaking at a Reform UK press conference in Westminster, London, this evening Ive heard him say in the past that we should not be helping Ukraine, that its far away and nothing to do with us. In the last couple of weeks hes been saying that he doesnt think we should have boots on the ground in Ukraine. But his points in Wednesdays Shadow Cabinet were more general isolationist points. And that was his final contribution to the proceedings of a Conservative Shadow Cabinet. A Conservative councillor on Nottinghamshire County Council said he felt totally betrayed by Mr Jenrick. Newark West ward councillor Keith Girling said: I'm obviously very, very, very disappointed in Robert. I'm a great believer in loyalty and he's shown a complete lack of loyalty there. I think Kemi has done absolutely the right thing when she finds evidence of what he's plotting to do. She's shown real leadership there to sack him, kick him out of the party, and we'll deal with the aftermath. Asked if he felt betrayed, Mr Girling said: Totally betrayed. We've supported Robert with his political ambition, you know, he obviously wanted to be the leader (of the Conservative Party). Clearly he was disappointed he didn't get that. But that's not down to the efforts of this association who's always supported him, you know, and he's really just sort of turned his back on all that, on that loyalty, and gone his own way. I think that's quite shameful, really. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who shot Renee Nicole Good dead is now a millionaire after receiving thousands of crowdfunder donations. Officer Jonathan 'Jon' Ross, 43, has amassed more than $1 million in funds from supporters on GoFundMe and GiveSendGo. Neither campaign was created by Ross. The GoFundMe has received more than $747,000 in donations. Campaign organizer Clyde Emmons branding Good a 'domestic terrorist' and wrote that Ross was '1000 percent justified in the shooting deserves to have a go fund me.' GiveSendGo campaign creator Tom Hennessey called Good 'a radical leftist agitator' and urged 'America First patriots' to help support 'fearless' Ross who 'fired in self-defense to neutralize the threat'. The campaign has raised more than $279,000. Although most of the more than 21,000 donations have been contributed anonymously, billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman - who endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 election - was listed as the top donor on the GoFundMe. Ackman gifted $10,000 to the agent and, in a post on X, described the shooting as a 'tragedy.' The Pershing Square CEO added that he tried to support a fundraiser for Good's family, but it was already closed after reaching more than $1.5 million. FBI investigators are conducting a thorough inquiry into the fatal shooting of Good, although sources close to the investigation suggested that Ross is 'increasingly unlikely' to face criminal charges. 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, an insider told the New York Times. ICE Officer Jonathan 'Jon' Ross, 43, (pictured the day he shot Renee Nicole Good dead) has amassed more than $1 million in funds from supporters on GoFundMe and GiveSendGo Ross (with his wife in 2012) suffered internal bleeding to his torso during the shooting, the Trump administration has claimed Renee Nicole Good was shot dead on January 7 after refusing ICE orders to get our of her car Federal investigators are reportedly investigating Good's possible connections with activist groups protesting Trump's immigration crackdown. The DOJ 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. It remains unclear whether Good, a 37-year-old mother-of-three, was involved in any activism in Minneapolis besides participating in the protest against ICE actions on the day that she was killed. Good's family has hired Chicago-based firm Romanucci & Blandin, which represented George Floyd's family, to conduct a civil investigation into the deadly shooting. The firm - which helped secure a $27 million settlement for Floyd's family - said it will release information in the coming weeks. The Good family is accusing federal immigration officers of killing her and, in a statement Wednesday, said they want remembered as 'an agent of peace'. They also urged the public not to use her death as a political flashpoint. Similarly, Ross has sought legal counsel from Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel, KSTP reported. Madel confirmed his involvement in the case to the outlet. He also pointed out that Ross has applied for legal representation under federal regulations and, if necessary, would likely by defended by DOJ officials. The Trump administration has defended the ICE officer's actions, saying he fired in self-defense while standing in front of Good's vehicle as it began to move forward. That explanation has been panned by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and others based on videos of the confrontation. Join the debate Should law enforcement officers be barred from personal fundraisers in such cases? The GoFundMe has received more than $747,000 in donations. Campaign organizer Clyde Emmons branding Good a 'domestic terrorist' and wrote that Ross was '1000 percent justified in the shooting deserves to have a go fund me' GiveSendGo campaign creator Tom Hennessey called Good 'a radical leftist agitator' and urged 'America First patriots' to help support 'fearless' Ross who 'fired in self-defense to neutralize the threat'. The campaign has raised more than $279,000 GiveSendGo co-founder Jacob Wells did confirm that all campaigns on his platform will go directly to Ross, noting that some funds from his site have already been released to the officer Although most of the more than 21,000 donations have been contributed anonymously, billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman- who endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 election- was listed as the top donor on the GoFundMe Ross suffered internal bleeding to his torso during the encounter on January 7, the Trump administration confirmed to the Daily Mail on Wednesday. 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. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said he was taken to the hospital afterward and released the same day. In addition to the main fundraisers on both GoFundMe and GiveSendGo, Ross's supporters have established several other campaigns in his honor, although those have not received nearly as many donations. GiveSendGo co-founder Jacob Wells did confirm that all campaigns on his platform will go directly to Ross, noting that some funds from his site have already been released to the officer. It is unclear if the same applies with the GoFundMe campaigns. The Daily Mail has contacted the fundraising site for comment, with a spokesperson recently saying they only usually suspended campaigns for people who have been charged with a crime. Wells also blasted other crowdfunding sites for allegedly censoring the types of fundraisers that are permitted on their platforms. 'I can confidently say that a key reason the fundraising campaign for the ICE agent on GoFundMe continues to be allowed is because GiveSendGo exists,' he tweeted. 'Our competitors have a history of canceling law enforcement fundraisers who were caught in similar difficult moments. There was a time when they thought they could cancel anyone with impunity. That time has ended. Now they know better as they continue to lose market share to us.' Footage allegedly recorded by Ross shows how Renee Nicole Good and her partner apparently taunted ICE agents before the fatal shooting Witnesses have said Good and her partner Rebecca (pictured moments before the shooting) were acting as legal observers and filming the protest that day Video of the deadly shooting quickly became highly politicized, with one side saying Good was intentionally trying to hit Ross with her car, and the other saying she was just trying to drive away. Good's partner Rebecca Good and other relatives claimed that the couple had just dropped off their 6-year-old child at school on January 7 and stopped to observe the law enforcement activity. Footage shows a red SUV driven by Renee Good sitting perpendicular and blocking part of the road. She is pressing the horn repeatedly. A short time later, a truck carrying immigration officers pulls up, two get out and one of them orders Good to open her door. She reverses briefly, then turns the steering wheel toward the passenger side as the officer says again, 'get out of the car.' Almost simultaneously, Rebecca, standing on the passenger side and trying to open the door, shouts, 'drive, baby, drive!' The SUV pulls forward and gunshots are heard as an officer who in front of the vehicle opens fire. She was then shot in the face before crashing her car. Ross seen walking away after the incident. Rebecca released a statement to Minnesota Public Radio on Friday saying the couple had stopped to support their neighbors: 'We had whistles. They had guns.' She has referred to Renee Good as her wife. But Romanucci & Blandin has since said Renee and Becca were 'not legally married but were committed partners dedicated to their family.' In surveillance footage, Good was seen apparently blocking the road with her SUV for four minutes before she was killed Good was shot three times in the face at a protest in Minneapolis and died at the scene Rebecca, in a harrowing video captured at the scene, admitted that she encouraged her wife to confront agents. She said: 'I made her come down here, it's my fault' Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have claimed that Good was allegedly after Ross that day, and that she committed 'domestic terrorism' and was a 'professional agitator.' But on Monday, Good's grieving family said that was not at all who she was, and that she does not have a criminal past, as many online users have alleged. 'I've 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 we've seen the false claims and the wrong Renee Good's info being posted (criminal history? She didn't have one),' Fletcher, who is related to Good's late ex-husband, Timmy Macklin Jr, said. Three illegal migrants who allegedly assaulted federal agents in Minneapolis with a shovel and broom handle have been charged with attempted murder. Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis was taken into custody Wednesday after a targeted traffic stop turned violent, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents tried to pull him over, but Sosa-Celis allegedly sped off, crashed into a parked car and then fled on foot. A pursuit ensued and agents tried to detain him, but he resisted arrest and violently assaulted an officer, the Trump administration said. A struggle broke out, bringing both Sosa-Celis and the officer to the ground. That's when Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledzema allegedly came out of a nearby apartment and began to attack the agent with a snow shovel and broom handle. Sosa-Celis managed to escape while the other suspects carried out their attack. He then picked up the shovel or broom and started to strike the officer. The agent, who DHS said had feared for his life, fired a 'defensive shot' at Sosa-Celis, striking him in the leg. The three suspects, all Venezuelan nationals who entered the US under the Biden administration, ran back inside and barricaded themselves in the apartment. They were later arrested by ICE officials. Venezuelan nationals Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledzema (left to right) have been charged with attempted murder after they allegedly assaulted federal agents in Minneapolis with a shovel and broom handle Law enforcement officers stand amid tear gas at the scene of an ICE officer-involved shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday Sosa-Celis and the agent were treated at a nearby hospital for their injuries. Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara said the suspect did not have a life-threatening injury. The nature of the officer's injuries remain unknown. DHS did note that all three suspects were arrested and remain in ICE custody, implying that Sosa-Celis may have been released from the hospital. Sosa-Celis entered the US illegally in 2022. He was previously arrested for driving without a license and two counts of giving a false name to a peace officer. But DHS alleged that he was 'released by Minnesota authorities before ICE could even lodge a detainer.' Ajorna and Hernandez-Ledezma both entered the country illegally in May 2023. A final order of removal was issued for Ajorna after he failed to show up for his immigration hearing, officials said. It is unclear when the order was issued. Trump's DHS also accused the Biden administration of having designated Hernandez-Ledezma as a 'non-enforcement priority.' Federal agents launch tear gas at residents protesting an ICE agent involved shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Wednesday night Federal agents guard a perimeter following the shooting of Sosa-Celis (not pictured). The Venezuelan national was struck in the leg and did not sustain life-threatening injuries DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has condemned the trio's alleged attack on ICE and urged Minnesota lawmakers to 'get their city under control.' 'What we saw last night in Minneapolis was an attempted murder of federal law enforcement. Our officer was ambushed and attacked by three individuals who beat him with snow shovels and the handles of brooms,' Noem said. 'Mayor [Jacob] Frey and Governor [Tim] Walz have to get their city under control. They are encouraging impeding and assault against our law enforcement which is a federal crime, a felony. This is putting the people of Minnesota in harm's way.' Noem's criticisms come as President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and deploy troops to quell persistent protests against the federal officers sent to Minneapolis to enforce his massive immigration crackdown. The threat appeared come as a direct response to the incident involving Sosa-Celis, Ajorna and Hernandez-Ledezma. Trump has repeatedly threatened to invoke the rarely used Insurrection Act to deploy the US military or federalize the National Guard for domestic law enforcement, over the objections of state governors. 'If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don't obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of ICE, who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State,' he said in a post on his Truth Social platform. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has condemned the trio's alleged attack on ICE and urged Minnesota lawmakers to 'get their city under control' A protester holds an umbrella as sparks fly from a flash bang deployed by law enforcement on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Minneapolis Presidents have invoked the law more than two dozen times, most recently in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush to end unrest in Los Angeles. In that instance, local authorities had asked for the assistance. 'I'm making a direct appeal to the President: Let's turn the temperature down. Stop this campaign of retribution. This is not who we are,' Gov. Tim Walz said on X. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison also responded that he would challenge Trump evoking the law in court. Ellison is already suing to try to stop the surge by DHS, which says it has made more than 2,000 arrests in the state since early December. Wednesday's officer-involved shooting further heightened the fear and anger that has radiated across Minneapolis since ICE agent Jonathan 'Jon' Ross fatally shot Renee Good in the head on January 7. Good was killed after three ICE officers surrounded her SUV on a snowy street near her home. Bystander video shows that Ross, standing in front, raises his gun and fires at least three shots at close range as the vehicle begins to move forward. He steps back as the Honda Pilot advances and turns. Noem has said Ross was struck by the vehicle and that Good was using her SUV as a weapon - a self-defense claim that has been criticized by Minnesota officials. Renee Nicole Good was shot dead on January 7 after refusing ICE orders to get our of her car Good was shot three times in the face at a protest in Minneapolis and died at the scene ICE agent Jonathan 'Jon' Ross fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis last week Meanwhile, smoke filled the downtown streets Wednesday night near the site of the latest shooting as federal officers wearing gas masks and helmets fired tear gas into a small crowd. Protesters responded by throwing rocks and shooting fireworks. Demonstrations have become common in Minneapolis since Good was fatally shot on January 7. Agents who have yanked people from their cars and homes have been confronted by angry bystanders demanding they leave. 'This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in and at the same time we are trying to find a way forward to keep people safe, to protect our neighbors, to maintain order,' Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said. He's just being silly. President Donald Trump is joking when he says US elections should be canceled, the White House claims. The president first floated the idea to a group of Republican lawmakers earlier this month when discussing Democrats and the 2026 midterms at the Trump-Kennedy Center. 'How we have to even run against these peopleI wont say cancel the election, they should cancel the election, because the fake news would say, "He wants the elections canceled. Hes a dictator." They always call me a dictator,' Trump told the room of lawmakers. But then the president invoked the line again while speaking with Reuters on Wednesday. 'When you think of it, we shouldn't even have an election,' the president replied when talking about the midterms with the outlet. When pressed by the Daily Mail on why the president is repeatedly saying US elections should be terminated, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said it's evidence of Trump's humor. 'The president was simply joking,' she responded, noting how the print interview was not accompanied by video or audio that could convey the executive's tone. President Donald Trump has spoked about cancelling US elections when talking about the ipcoming midterms, which he believes may be won largely by Democrats 'The president was simply joking,' Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Daily Mail when asked about the president's comments Midterm elections, the congressional elections halfway through a president's term, are typically won by the party that does not hold the presidency, in this case, the Democrats 'He was saying, "Were doing such a great job, were doing everything the American people thought, maybe we should just keep rolling." But he was speaking facetiously.' When another reporter sought clarification from Leavitt, the exchange turned testy. 'You said that he was joking about canceling the elections, but Americans, for generations, have fought and died for democracy, for this democracy,' the reporter said. 'Are you saying the President finds the idea of canceling elections funny?' Leavitt quickly dismissed the follow-up in a stern voice. 'Were you in the room? No, you weren't. I was in the room. I heard the conversation, and only someone like you would take that so seriously.' Both times the president spoke about cancelling the elections he referenced how the midterms typically get won by the party that does not hold the presidency, which in this case is the Democrats. From 1934 - 2018, the president's party has averaged a loss of 28 House seats and four Senate seats, according to the American Presidency Project. During the 2018 midterms, halfway through Trump's first stint as president, the House lost 40 GOP seats while the Senate gained two Republican senators. 'It's some deep psychological thing, but when you win the presidency, you don't win the midterms,' Trump told Reuters on Wednesday. Karoline Leavitt has furiously attacked a British journalist who questioned her about an ICE agent who shot dead a protester in Minneapolis. Donald Trump's mouthpiece berated The Hill's Niall Stanage as he grilled her about the killing of 37-year-old Renee Good last week. Stanage asked: 'Thirty-two people died in ICE custody last year, 170 US citizens were detained by ICE and Renee Good was shot in the head and killed by an ICE agent. How does that equate to them doing everything correctly?' Leavitt shot back her own question: 'Why was Renee Good unfortunately and tragically killed?' The reporter, taken aback, said: 'Oh you're asking me my opinion?' 'Yeah,' the press secretary nodded. The Northern Irishman stated: 'Because an ICE agent acted recklessly and killed her unjustifiably.' Leavitt then launched into a ferocious personal attack, calling him a 'biased reporter with a left-wing opinion' and stating he should not be in the press room because he was 'posing as a journalist.' White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a news briefing in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House on Thursday The offending question was asked by The Hill's Niall Stanage 'You shouldn't even be sitting in that seat, but you're pretending like you're a journalist, but you're a left-wing activist and the question that you just raised in your answer proves your bias,' Leavitt said. 'Do you have the numbers of how many American citizens were killed at the hands of illegal aliens who ICE is trying to remove from this country? I bet you don't, I bet you didn't even read up on those stories. 'I bet you never even write about Laken Riley or Jocelyn Nungaray or all of the innocent Americans who were killed at the hands of illegal aliens in this country and the brave men and women of ICE are doing everything in their power to remove those heinous individuals and make our community safer.' Leavitt added: 'Shame on people like you in the media who have a crooked view and have a biased view and pretend like you're real, honest journalists.' Good, a mother of three, was shot dead after driving her car at ICE agent Jonathan Ross, who was attempting to arrest her for blocking the road with her SUV during protests against Trump's immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. The FBI is investigating her death which has set off a wave of riots in the city. Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act if 'the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don't obey the law and stop the professional agitators.' Tensions rose further overnight and more protests broke out as another person was shot and wounded by a federal agent in the frigid northern city that is a Democratic stronghold. Join the debate Do YOU see this exchange as press scrutiny or political theatre? The White House press secretary berated The Hill's Niall Stanage as he grilled Donald Trump's mouthpiece about the killing of 37-year-old Renee Good on January 7 A family member reacts after a federal immigration officer used a battering ram to break down a door before making an arrest Sunday Trump reacted on Truth Social with his latest threat to invoke the Insurrection Act, a 19th century law that allows the president to deploy soldiers for law enforcement purposes to put down unrest deemed to be an insurrection and has not been used in more than 30 years. In recent months Trump has threatened several times to use the law as he reacted angrily to protests and court decisions blocking his drive to deploy the National Guard in his muscled crackdown on illegal immigration. But so far he has stopped short of resorting to the law as he presses an agenda that has drawn accusations of authoritarian overreach and periodic mass rallies with the mantra 'No Kings.' 'If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don't obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of ICE, who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT... and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State,' Trump posted on social media. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, addressing reporters outside the White House, declined to say if she thinks Trump should invoke the law. 'I think that the President has that opportunity in the future. It's his constitutional right, and it's up to him if he wants to utilize it to do it,' Noem said. Asked if Trump is likely to take this major step, she said 'I don't know.' The Insurrection Act was last invoked in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush at the request of California's Republican governor, who was facing unprecedented riots in Los Angeles following the acquittal of police officers who had beaten black motorist Rodney King the previous year. She endured nine months of hell after being abducted from her bed at knifepoint and held captive as a teenager. But Elizabeth Smart says happy endings are possible even after terrible things happen after rebuilding her life with her Scots husband. The 38-year-old, who opens up about her ordeal in a Netflix documentary that airs next week, was 14 when she was snatched from her Salt Lake City home in the US in 2002 and subjected to months of sexual abuse. Her case became one of the most high-profile and harrowing child abduction investigations in the countrys history and, while her family never gave up hope, many feared she had been murdered. Almost a quarter of a century on, she is now a happily married mother of three having met Aberdeen man and future husband Matthew Gilbert six years after her ordeal. In a social media post ahead of the release of Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart on Wednesday, she said she hoped her story would show other victims of sexual abuse that you can still have a wonderful life. She wrote: There will be victims and survivors who watch this, and I hope they realise theyre not alone, and that they dont have to be ashamed of what happened to them. I hope people who watch this can gain compassion and understanding for other families going through this. Elizabeth Smart, 38, with Aberdonian Matthew Gilbert and their children Olivia, Chloe and James In 2002 Brian David Mitchell broke in to Elizabeth's family home in Salt Lake City and forced her out at knifepoint Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee subjected the girl to a nine-month ordeal of physical and sexual abuse 'I also hope it brings comfort that there are happy endings and that even after terrible things happen, you can still have a wonderful life. Ms Smart was asleep in her bedroom when Brian David Mitchell, who had previously done handiwork for the family, broke in and forced her out at knifepoint. He and his wife Wanda Barzee then subjected the girl to a nine-month ordeal of physical and sexual abuse. Ms Smart was spotted by locals in her home state of Utah during her captivity, after the couples attempts to kidnap other young girls failed, before she was rescued on March 13, 2003. Nine years later she went on to marry Mr Gilmour, having met him in 2009 while the pair were doing missionary work in France. After he proposed in 2012, the couple married in Hawaii a month later and now have daughters, Olivia and Chloe, and a son, James. Mr Gilmour did not know anything about Ms Smarts history when they met. Her younger sister Mary Katherine, who pretended to be asleep as the abduction took place before running to alert her parents, is one of several family members who share their accounts of what happened during the ordeal. Police investigators, reporters and Utah residents who encountered Ms Smart during her captivity, also feature in the Netflix show, which looks at never-before seen material as it follows her capture, rescue and journey to recovery. Elizabeth was held captive by Mitchell and Barzee when she was just 14 She told Netflix fan site Tudum: After I was rescued, when I first got home, I did not want to talk about what happened. 'And when the trial finally happened, I remember sitting up on the stand, giving these answers, and feeling like there was no context around them. I remember thinking that if all of this was going to be out there anyway, I wanted it to have some meaning, and for it to serve a purpose. I wanted to have some ownership over my story. 'That helped me decide to share it. Ms Smart now dedicates her life to helping other victims of sexual violence through her charity, the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. The documentary will premiere on Netflix on January 21. The family of the transgender lover of Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin revealed where he is living after disappearing following the shocking murder. Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in front of a crowd of hundreds of people on September 10 while holding a live debate event at Utah Valley University in Orem. Authorities claim Kirk's alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, held a 'leftist ideology' and may have been 'radicalized' online before he was arrested for killing the MAGA influencer. Prosecutors have released text messages between Robinson and his live-in transgender boyfriend, Lance Twiggs, 22, seemingly confessing to the killing. While no connection has been made between Twiggs and Robinson regarding the assassination, Twiggs has remained a mystery ever since the shooting. For weeks, Twiggs was nowhere to be found near the Utah apartment he shared with Robinson Now, an anonymous family member of Twiggs has finally spoken out in an interview with NewsNation's Brian Entin and revealed where he is living. 'First few weeks, because there were so many threats against his family and him, my understanding is that they did have a little bit of FBI detail, and they kind of moved around a little bit, but they're not any more. He's with his family,' she said. The family of Lance Twiggs (pictured), who is the transgender lover of accused killer Tyler Robinson, revealed where he is living Authorities claim Robinson held a 'leftist ideology' and may have been 'radicalized' online before he was arrested for killing the MAGA influencer, and he allegedly texted his lover after the murder Twiggs hasn't been charged with any crimes, and authorities said he was cooperating with the investigation, but the family member claimed he was not being forthcoming with the information. 'When I first found out about how he was taken in and talked to by the police, I know they said he was very cooperative, but they had to go get him and bring him in,' she said. 'He didn't voluntarily go in and say, "Hey, I heard about this, and I have some knowledge." 'He handed things over when they asked for them, but he didn't give up any information until he had to.' The woman said that Twiggs and Robinson were both promising young men who were corrupted by online culture. 'Both of them are super smart. Lance was a concert pianist, his talent for piano music was off the charts... That's what I've heard about Tyler, that he was just so smart. It's just a shame that these kids had so much potential and such a bright future,' she said. 'Being as anti-social as they were, from my understanding, playing these games and being a part of this discord group... they didn't seem like they were in a real world.' Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder for the shooting, and prosecutors have announced their plans to seek the death penalty. Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in front of a crowd of hundreds of people on September 10 while holding a live debate event at Utah Valley University in Orem While no connection has been made between Twiggs (pictured) and Robinson regarding the assassination, Twiggs has remained a mystery ever since the shooting The accused assassin has not yet entered a plea and is fighting to have the prosecution removed from the case, KUTV reported. His defense has argued that the adult child of a deputy county attorney was at the event when Kirk was killed and it creates a conflict of interest. While the prosecution has admitted the adult child was there, they argue that there is no conflict of interest. A judge has not yet ruled on the matter, and Robinson is due back in court on January 16. A nun who carried out a sadistic campaign of abuse against vulnerable children at two Scots care homes has been jailed. Carol Buirds, 75, kicked, punched and struck youngsters at homes run by Catholic order the Sisters of Nazareth in Ayrshire and Midlothian. Buirds known as Sister Carmel Rose at the time force-fed children, rubbed urine-soaked bedding into their heads and locked one child in an unlit cellar without food or water. She also assaulted youngsters with implements including a belt, a stick, a ruler and a slipper, and repeatedly forced one child to eat soap and laughed when the victim was trying to vomit. One child was said to have been left mute for five years and a second hospitalised for 12 months due to the trauma and abuse inflicted by Buirds. The offences took place at facilities in Lasswade, Midlothian, and Kilmarnock, and an unknown location in Dunbar, East Lothian, between September 1975 and May 1981. Buirds, of Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, was found guilty following a five-week trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in November. Jailing her for 15 months yesterday, Sheriff Iain Nicol said: Your offending spanned five-and-a-half years and involved children aged seven to 15. Carol Buirds, 75, is behind bars after she carried out a campaign of abuse against children at two care homes The worst examples included repeatedly striking childrens heads off walls and kicking them to the head and body. Co-accused Eileen McElhinney, 78, was found guilty of two assault charges and three of cruel and unnatural treatment. Known as Sister Mary Eileen, she assaulted one young boy by punching him and attacked a second by repeatedly striking his buttocks with a hairbrush. McElhinney, of Bishopbriggs, Dunbartonshire, was ordered to do 240 hours of unpaid work. Dorothy Kane, a retired childrens home worker, was found guilty of cruel and unnatural treatment towards children. The 68-year-old, of Lasswade, was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work. A survivor who gave evidence against Buirds said: There is only one word to describe my time at Nazareth House fear. No one wanted to hear about the abuse I endured and I have carried that trauma throughout my life alone. Until today. It just felt right seeing the handcuffs on the woman who abused me as a child. Today I have been heard. Today and forever more I am believed. John Swinney has refused to say if biological males in female prisons are men or women as his jails policy was described as appalling by an SNP MSP. The First Minister was pressed by former Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross on the issue as the Scottish Government continues to contest the impact that the Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman has on the human rights of men in womens prisons. Asked about the court battle over guidance allowing some biological males in womens prisons, Mr Swinney insisted that the Supreme Court ruling is accepted by the Scottish Government but it is looking to ensure policies comply with legal obligations including the European Convention on Human Rights. Mr Ross said: Im not allowed to call the First Minister a liar, but that answer was not truthful. 'Hes not giving a truthful answer, its desperate stuff from the First Minister. How on earth can he stand up here and say the Government is respecting the Supreme Court ruling when it is in court arguing the very opposite. First Minister John Swinney failing to answer a question about three biological men, all killers, housed in women's prisons in Scotland Tory MSP Douglas Ross said Swinney was not being truthful and branded it 'desperate stuff' He highlighted three current cases of biologically male murderers in female prisons, including one who assaulted a female member of staff but has still not been moved. Mr Ross said: Let me ask the First Minister this: these evil killers are all housed with female prisoners. Are they male or female? Mr Swinney did not directly answer, and said the Scottish Government has got to ensure in all occasions that our policies comply with our legal obligations. He said: In these situations, the Government has got to wrestle with complex situations and make difficult decisions that balance and reflect the interests and rights of individuals. SNP MSP Ruth Maguire also raised concerns about the policy. She said: The need for protection of space for women who sit at board tables has been protected and the law corrected but a policy that means female prisoners a majority of whom have experienced male violence may have to share close quarters with male-bodied inmates while in the care of the State is being defended. Knowing everything that we do about trauma, given the countless testimonies of women on this matter, including both privately and publicly by a number of his own party colleagues, does the First Minister understand just how appalling the Governments actions feel to many of us, and how difficult it is to reconcile the Scottish Governments words on the protection of single-sex spaces for females with their actions on this matter? Russell Findlay had finally found a tax cut he didnt like. The Tory leader conceded that Shona Robisons Budget would cut taxes for some, but that at its most generous this would translate to 61 pence a week. That wouldnt even buy you a bag of peanuts, he hooted. The line was stepped on by his colleague Rachael Hamilton who, at almost the exact same moment, hollered Peanuts! The echo made her sound like an old-timey picture-theatre usherette peddling snacks during the intermission. Findlay laughed. Hamilton laughed. Even the SNP backbenches laughed. John Swinney sat impassively. The First Minister has all the personality of a turnstile and had to wait for the joke to scan before springing into action. I am pleased to see that auditions for pantomime dame are being entered early, he droned, with all the wit of a suddenly sentient android. Some observers worry about politicians relying on AI to write their remarks. It worries me more that Swinney doesnt. Findlay labelled the Budget a boorach, which must be the First Ministers kill switch, for it seem to prompt his programme to reboot: Our budget delivers on the priorities of the people of Scotland, strengthening our NHS and supporting people and businesses Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay branded the SNP's budget 'a boorach', the Gaelic word for muddle or mess From his perch on the blue benches, Stephen Kerr chuntered: Rubbish! While the Presiding Officer gave him a ticking off, Swinneys script reloaded again: This budget delivers on the priorities of the people of Scotland about strengthening our NHS and about supporting people and businesses Anyone looking for spontaneity was catered for sumptuously across the city, where Reform was serving a banquet of political chaos. Nigel Farage was there to unveil the leader of Reforms tartan fringe when a wave of brrrrrs and piiiings washed over the room. Breaking news: Kemi Badenoch had just sacked Robert Jenrick for plotting to defect to Reform. The Opposition leader had withdrawn the whip, suspended his party membership, and imposed the severest penalty of modern-day excommunication by kicking him out of the WhatsApp group. Farage assured the Press that Jenrick wasnt plotting to defect, but said he would phone him in the afternoon. I might even buy him a pint, he added. A lucky Scottish taxpayer could cover the cost of the peanuts. By tea time, Jenrick was a Reform MP, having not so much crossed the floor as been frog-marched across it. In all the drama, Reforms new Scottish leader, Lord Offord, was forgotten, somehow upstaged by his own party. There was a lot of chatter yesterday about all these shenanigans being like an episode of The Thick of It, but the most memorable moment at Holyrood was ice-cold serious. The thing to know about the Scottish Government is that it accepts the Supreme Courts ruling on the legal definition of sex. No one has ever accepted a court ruling so thoroughly. Ministers would do anything for that ruling except implement it. The First Minister was also asked by Mr Ross why the government were going to court to maintain the policy of keeping biological men in women's prisons So Douglas Ross asked why they were going to court to maintain their policy of putting men in a womens prison. Somewhere on Swinneys motherboard, the gender chip was engaged and out came the robotic patter: The judgment of the Supreme Court is accepted by the Scottish Government. Ross shot up, flushed and furious. I am not allowed to call the First Minister a liar but that answer was not truthful, he spat, asking why anatomical men were being locked up with women. Swinneys spiel began again, but Ross started barking over and over: Are they male or female? Swinney cut a pathetic sight, unable to tell the truth about biology because it might offend sociopaths with green hair. So much of modern politics is about pretending to believe copper-bottomed lunacies to placate the implacable while treating rationalists like witch-burning flat-earthers. To insist on reason in this atmosphere is an act of bravery, and none are so brave-hearted as Ruth Maguire, an SNP MSP who rose to denounce her own government as appalling for forcing women to share a jail with men. Maguire didnt need a programme or a script because she had the truth. Kemi Badenoch dismissed Reform UK as a dictatorship after Nigel Farage installed a former Tory minister as his Scottish leader. The Conservative leader attacked the Reform leader for appointing former Tory peer Lord Malcolm Offord yesterday without giving his partys members a say. She dismissed the prospect of Lord Offord being an electoral asset, saying he has never delivered a leaflet in his life. Speaking to the Scottish Daily Mail during a visit to Edinburgh as Lord Offord was being unveiled by Mr Farage at a Reform press conference in Fife, Mrs Badenoch said: Thats not a political party, its a one man band. Its one guy who is running things and telling people what to do. Good luck to all those people who are going there its a dictatorship rather than a democracy. We are a democratic party. I cant just do whatever I like, we have a constitution, a party board. Kemi Badenoch talks to the Scottish Mail's Political Editor Michael Blackley in Edinburgh Reform UK leader Nigel Farage unveils Malcolm Offord as his party's Scottish leader Farage said time was running out if any would-be defectors wanted to join Reform UK for the Holyrood elections Yes Im the leader, I set the direction, I set the policy, but there are checks and balances and that is what is normal. It came as Mr Farage appealed directly to would-be defectors at Holyrood, saying they have just a few days if they want to stand for his party in Mays election. He said Labour and Conservative MSPs who want to do better with us had better get in touch. He was speaking after confirming millionaire financier Lord Offord, who defected from the Tories last month, as his handpicked choice to be Reforms leader in Scotland. Lord Offord, who is now in the process of resigning from the House of Lords following his defection, served as a junior minister under Mrs Badenoch when she served as business secretary. Asked if he was a good politician, she said: No, hes never delivered a leaflet in his life. She also said: I worked with him, he was a good junior minister, nothing exceptional but very ambitious. Lord Offord has said he defected to Reform because he felt the Tories have no ambition for Scotland and because he didnt think Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay believed he could become First Minister. Health bosses must end the bureaucratic oppression of Sandie Peggie, Kemi Badenoch has said following talks with the remarkable nurse who fought for single-sex spaces. The Conservative leader became the highest profile politician to meet with the NHS Fife nurse in the wake of her tribunal case about her concerns around having to share a female-only changing room with a transgender doctor. She also accused the SNP Government of being in denial about a Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman as it continues a court battle over the issue. Following talks in Edinburgh, Mrs Badenoch said: Sandie is a remarkable woman, Ive wanted to meet her for a long time. Just looking at how brave she was, many people would have crumbled under that kind of pressure. The ridiculous court judgement that was based on hallucinating AI just shows that a lot of people are not taking this issue seriously and dont really understand it. The key thing is the Supreme Court has ruled and people are not following these rules, so I just wanted to let her know that I was very supportive and very admiring actually of all that she has done a lot of women out there have her back. NHS Fife was found to have harassed Mrs Peggie, but employment judge Sandy Kemp dropped the other allegations she made against the health board and all those she made against Dr Upton. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she wanted to meet 'remarkable' Sandie Peggie for some time Mrs Peggie attending the Dundee employment tribunal last year Dr Beth Upton, the trans-identifying male doctor that Mrs Peggie objected to being in the women's changing room at the Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy But the experienced A&E nurse is set to lodge an appeal against the decision imminently. She has criticised the ruling as one which falls short in many respects and vowed to not give up her legal fight any time soon Mr Kemps decision has found itself at the centre of controversy after he was forced to issue an unprecedented series of corrections. Last month, Ms Peggie told the Mail that she felt health bosses, backed by the SNP Government, had set out to destroy her. Following the talks with the nurse yesterday, Mrs Badenoch said: I think she is concerned about being left in limbo. She wants to get on with her life, its all going around in circles taking too long. Its this bureaucratic oppression, I dont like it, I think its wrong and she deserves better. She urged the UK and Scottish Governments to get propaganda from trans activists out of institutions, and claimed that too many are misinformed about the law. She also condemned the SNP for threatening to seek a declaration of incompatability between the Supreme Court ruling and guidance relating to biological men in womens prisons. Mrs Badenoch said: Its all nonsense. They are in denial, they have been captured by activists. We all know what a man and a woman is, if the SNP dont know then they should not be running the country. Speaking to journalists later, the Tory leader said Ms Peggie has been through hell. Mrs Badenoch said: I had a fantastic conversation with Sandie. I think she is an admirable person who has been through hell and actually needs a win. I think that what has happened to her, and the way people have tried to malign her reputation has been terrible. We had a very, very good conversation with her and For Women Scotland on what more we can do on womens rights. She also said it is a disgrace that guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission has not been published. A French Olympic swimming champion has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of a teenage girl. Yannick Agnel, who won two gold medals in the 2012 London Olympics, is suspected of having had a relationship in 2016 with a then-13-year-old girl. The prosecutor general's office in Colmar confirmed that the 33-year-old retired Olympian will stand trial since he was an adult at the time of the alleged acts. He has 10 days to appeal to France's top court, the Court of Cassation. Agnel was first arrested in December 2021 and at the time admitted to a relationship with an underage girl but denied coercion. His legal representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The girl was 13 and Agnel was 24 in 2016 at the time of the alleged acts in several locations including the French city of Mulhouse, where the swimmer was training, Rio de Janeiro during the Olympics, Spain and Thailand, according to French judicial officials. Agnel won two gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics - in the 200-metre freestyle and the 4x100-metre freestyle relay - and retired in 2016. Olympic medallist Yannick Agnel (pictured in 2012) has been charged with the rape and sexual assault of a teenager Agnel was first arrested in December 2021 and at the time admitted to a relationship with an under-age girl but denied coercion In 2021, France passed a law that characterises sex with a child under the age of 15 as rape and punishable by up to 20 years in jail, bringing its penal code closer to many other Western nations. French media previously said the investigation was launched after a swimmer who trained with Agnel in Mulhouse from 2014-16 filed a lawsuit. LEquipe newspaper said several swimmers, current and retired, have already been questioned as part of the investigation. Benjamin Netanyahu asked Donald Trump to not launch military strikes against the Ayatollahs Islamic regime over fears Iran would retaliate against Israel. The Israeli prime minister spoke to Trump on Wednesday shortly before the president told reporter that he had received information from 'very important sources on the other side' that Iran had stopped executing anti-regime protesters. Netanyahu had previously spoken to vice president JD Vance on Tuesday, the same day that White House officials met to discuss military options against Iran, according to the New York Times. Other Gulf nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Egypt, have also implored the White House not to attack Iran over fears it could lead to a regional conflict. Senior officials from the Gulf states have been lobbying Trump officials with this message for the last two days. Israeli and Arab officials both feared that Iran would respond to a US strike by attacking their countries. Sources also revealed that Arab nations were coordinating their messaging to not only Washington but also top regime officials in Tehran. A senior official noted that Trump had not set aside military options for attacking Iran and his decision still relies on how Iranian officials deal with the remaining protests. Benjamin Netanyahu urged Trump not to strike Iran over their crackdown on anti-regime protesters Thousands of Iranians have died in recent weeks after the regime began cracking down on protests with mass executions Other Gulf nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Egypt, have also implored the White House not to attack Iran over fears it could lead to a regional conflict Over the last few weeks mass protests against the regime have broken out across Iran that have left 2,500 protesters dead. 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. Two Israeli defense officials now claim that the rate of mass killings in Iran has dropped. The regime's efforts since Sunday to crackdown on demonstrators by cutting off internet access across the country has resulted in fewer protests. Protesters have been demonstrating against the Ayatollah since late December with some of the largest protests in decades. Join the debate Should the US risk wider conflict to stand up against Irans crackdown on protesters? Iran ignored Trump's threats and vowed to fast-track executions after detaining 18,000 protesters as the regime continues its brutal crackdown Trump has also issued positive statements after a report surfaced that an unnamed Iranian protester would not be sentenced to death. 'This is good news,' Trump said on Thursday on Truth Social. 'Hopefully, it will continue!' A socialite who accused a pair of playboy twin brothers of sexually assaulting her at a party mansion in the Hamptons has been found dead in unexplained circumstances. Kate Whiteman was found dead in Sydney late last year, it was revealed on Thursday. The 45-year-old Australian's cause of death remains unclear. A spokesman for the New South Wales coroner said an investigation had been launched because there are questions over whether Whiteman died of natural causes. Whiteman sued famous realtor Oren Alexander and his twin Alon in March 2024. She claimed she met the siblings in New York City in 2012 and traveled with them to a mansion designed to look like a castle in the Hamptons after a night out. Whiteman said she was sexually assaulted by the pair after arriving at the castle. Oren, Alon and their brother Tal all remain in custody and face multiple rape and sex trafficking charges spanning more than a decade. They deny the allegations made against them. Before their arrest in December 2024, Oren and Tal were well-known luxury real estate agents, while Alon worked at a private security company owned by his family. In July 2025, court documents exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail showed Whiteman continued to send the brothers sexually explicit messages and invited herself to their social events for over a year after she alleged they attacked her. Identical twins Alon and Oren Alexander are pictured in July 2015 Kate Whiteman, a socialite who accused the pair of playboy twin brothers of sexually assaulting her at a 'castle' in the Hamptons, has been found dead in unexplained circumstances The Alexander twins, 36, were accused in a civil lawsuit of raping a woman together in 2012 at Sir Ivan Wilzig's castle in the Hamptons (pictured) - which they deny A spokesperson for the brothers told The Daily Mail that they were unaware of Whitman's death until it was reported in the media on Thursday. 'Her attorney and the federal prosecutors were in court with us earlier this week and made no mention of it, perhaps because Ms. Whiteman was never part of the federal prosecution,' the rep said. 'The decision to release this information publicly on the eve of trial invites obvious questions.' Allegations against the playboy twins Alon and Oren Alexander were sparked in 2024 in a civil lawsuit brought by Whiteman, alleging that they raped her at 'Sir Ivan's Castle,' a mansion owned by recording artist and songwriter Ivan Wilzig, in the Hamptons in 2012. Her claim triggered a wave of subsequent allegations from dozens of other women, and the brothers were arrested in June 2024 and remain in custody in New York. They have maintained their innocence. Federal prosecutors say they have spoken to at least 60 women who claim to be victims of at least one of the Alexander brothers. In a motion to dismiss Whiteman's claims obtained by the Daily Mail last year, it was alleged that messages Whiteman sent to the brothers after the alleged attack undercut her allegations. Her attorneys disputed this. Court documents showed that Whiteman allegedly sent a slew of explicit messages, erotic photos and social invites to the Alexander brothers for over a year and a half after the alleged rape. Alon and Oren Alexander at Sir Ivan's Medieval Madness Birthday Bash For Model Mina Otsuka in 2011 Oren (right) is pictured with fashion designers Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo in 2017 She claimed in her original lawsuit that she was 'terrified' of the brothers and was 'so distraught after' that 'for months, she stayed in bed and very rarely left her home due to extreme depression, anxiety and fear for her own safety.' But the motion to dismiss the lawsuit claims that just one month after the alleged rape, Whiteman wished Oren a happy birthday and asked if she could bring two female friends to his party. And, one year after the alleged assault, Whiteman asked the brothers to return to 'Sir Ivan's Castle.' Whiteman's attorneys filed a memorandum in opposition of the Alexanders' motion to dismiss, in which they accuse the brothers of 'cherry-picking' the messages from Whiteman. Whiteman alleged in her initial civil complaint that the rape unfolded on Memorial Day Weekend in 2012, and claimed that Alon grabbed her as she was leaving a nightclub and forced her into a waiting SUV with Oren. In her complaint, she said she was driven to 'Sir Ivan's Castle' where she claimed she was prevented from running away by a security guard, had her phone taken away and was forced to strip. They then took her to a large bedroom where she was 'sexually assaulted, abused, raped, pinned, groped, harassed, battered, and fondled by defendants Alon and Oren,' according to her complaint. But the motion to dismiss claims that in the months after, it was Whiteman who continually reached out to the brothers with explicit images of herself and invites to social events. The Alexanders' motion to dismiss included messages sent 10 months after the alleged rape. In one, Whiteman sent Oren nude images of herself and said it would be 'fun to get over' her recent breakup if he came over to her apartment in Manhattan's East Village, according to the filing. The Alexanders' lucrative real estate careers were upended after dozens women accused the brothers of sexual assault. The brothers were once famed realtors with the renowned Douglas Elliman real estate firm and were often spotted rubbing shoulders with high-profile socialites. They made their name selling what was at the time America's most expensive property ever, a $238 million penthouse overlooking Central Park in 2019. Oren Alexander (left) and his identical twin brother Alon (right) have both pleaded not guilty The brothers (pictured Tal far left, Oren second left, Alon far right) come from a well-known real estate family in Miami. Their father is top Florida developer Shlomi Alexander (pictured center right alongside businessman Howard Lorber) Alon and Oren, along with their older brother Tal, were arrested in December 2024 and were charged with orchestrating a sex trafficking scheme for over a decade, according to the federal indictment. The brothers have been accused of working together and with others to drug, sexually assault and rape dozens of women. Federal prosecutors say they have spoken to at least 60 women who claim to be victims of at least one of the Alexander brothers. The Alexanders have also been accused of using deception, fraud and coercion to lure victims to private locations for trips or events, where the brothers allegedly raped and sexually assaulted them, per the indictment. It is alleged that they used drugs to impair their victims, which prevented the victims from providing consent or fighting back. In addition to federal charges, the Alexander brothers - who are currently awaiting their 2026 trial behind bars without bail at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center - also face multiple sexual assault lawsuits across multiple states. They have maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to criminal charges and denying liability in the civil cases. Disgraced property developer Salim Mehajer has shared fresh details about his explosive tell-all autobiography by firing a warning shot at former associates. It's been almost six months to the day since bankrupt one-time Auburn deputy mayor walked out of western Sydney's John Morony Correctional Centre last July, following a five-year stint behind bars. He had been in prison since November 2020, when he was jailed for lying to a court, and served back-to-back sentences for a string of other offences, including domestic violence against an ex-partner. Since his highly publicised release, when he was followed by a large media pack across Sydney, Mehajer has mainly kept a quiet profile, apart from the occasional post on his private Instagram account, a court appearance, and running errands in a Tesla Model 3. Mehajer, 39, recently told his 128,000 followers that he has been busy writing his memoirs and to stay tuned. He hinted that it will be an explosive read, warning former associates that 'not many have made it out unscathed.' Mehajer shared new details this week and vowed to share several extracts prior to the book's highly-anticipated release. 'Hi, yes, I'll still be releasing a couple of chapters from my autobiography as a sneak peek,' he wrote. It's been six months since Salim Mehajer Mejajer revealed that he's been busy writing his autobiography 'I'm still waiting on legal advice clearance Nobody has been spared.' The post ended with an upside-down smiley face emoji. Potential targets in the book include former business partners and developers, lawyers and legal professionals he believes failed him, ex-partners and political rivals from his days on the now-defunct Auburn Council. Whether he will open up about his lengthy stint in jail remains to be seen. His incarceration included stints in Sydney's infamous Silverwater maximum-security prison and a week in Goulburn Supermax while in transit from Cooma. Mehajer refused protective custody to avoid associating with 'rapists, paedophiles and informants'. 'I lost my freedom but I was not going to lose my dignity. Being forced into that environment is something I find intolerable,' he recently told news.com.au. He passed the time by studying law and going into 'fight mode'. Salim Mehajer has vowed to turn around his tarnished reputation The one-time Auburn deputy mayor first created headlines in 2015 with his wedding to Aysha Learmonth 'I made time pass by in ways that kept me holding on. I wrote frequently, often 100 pages a week. I jotted down my thoughts, reflections, and even plans for the future, just to remind myself that my mind was still mine,' he said. As he tries to turn his tarnished reputation around, Mehajer has launched an appeal against his domestic violence convictions and sentence, which he claimed 'simply didn't happen.' He will ask the Court of Criminal Appeal for a retrial when the matter returns to court and hasn't ruled out a civil suit or taking his fight to the High Court of Australia. Prior to his release last July, NSW State Parole Authority ruled that Mehajer had completed all possible programs in prison and that his rehabilitation was better served in the community under the supervision of a psychologist and community corrections officers. As part of his strict parole conditions, Mehajer must undergo drug and alcohol testing, participate in domestic violence programs if directed, and not communicate with any outlaw motorcycle gang bikies or associates. He is also banned from contacting his domestic violence victim and travelling to the NSW Central Coast. Mehajer reappeared on social media within hours of his release from jail. The disgraced property developer has shared the occasional update to his private Instagram followers 'I am forever grateful,' he shared on Instagram. 'I am fully committed to fulfilling the expectations placed before me. 'Additionally, I express my sincere appreciation for the unwavering support of my family and friends, as well as the dedication of my legal representative, who has consistently stood by me throughout this journey.' While in jail, Mehajer launched a desperate attempt to have his bankruptcy discharged amid a slew of legal fights but the Inspector-General in Bankruptcy rejected his appeal and he remains bankrupt until May 2026. Under the terms of his bankruptcy he is not allowed to own a car worth more than $9,600 after taking into consideration any loan owed against it, with strict restrictions on him being able to borrow money. Mehajer rose to prominence following his elaborate western Sydney wedding, to Aysha Learmonth in 2015, which reportedly cost $1million. The ceremony began with the groom arriving via helicopter and featured a motorcade of luxury vehicles and doves. The wedding stirred controversy after the event closed a street in Lidcombe and Mehajer sent fake flyers to neighbours warning them their cars would be towed if they got in the way. But despite leaving the local council and police furious, Mehajer remained unapologetic about the chaos he caused, instead telling the media he wanted to be the next 'superstar.' The mother of Hunter Biden's child has asked an Arkansas judge to have him arrested for failing to fulfil a child support agreement, in new court filings. Lunden Roberts, 34, filed an emotional plea to the judge on Tuesday, reopening her child support case against the felonious former First Son, who is now an artist. Roberts settled her claims against Hunter for alleged millions in unpaid child support in 2023, letting him off the hook with a reported $5,000 per month in support payments and an agreement that he would meet with their daughter, then age 4, and let her pick out some of his paintings. But in her filing on Tuesday, Roberts claimed Hunter has failed to follow through - and asked Judge Holly Meyer to 'incarcerate him in the Independence County Detention Center as a civil penalty until he purges his contempt by complying with this court's orders'. Roberts wrote in the filing that their daughter Navy Joan - given the alias 'MC1' in the documents - yearned for contact with her father, who allegedly 'ghosted' her. 'MC1, who believes her father will go to heaven, once stated that she 'could not wait to get to heaven' so she could 'be with [her] dad' because her dad does not see or talk to her because her dad 'lives far away and is really busy,' Roberts wrote in the legal filing. Hunter initially denied paternity, but it was proven by a court-mandated DNA test, after which he began to engage with his youngest daughter, Roberts said. 'The child and her dad started building the foundations of a missing, but exceedingly important, father-daughter relationship,' her filing said. Hunter Biden could face jail time after the mother of his daughter accused him of failing to live up to a child support agreement Lunden Roberts, 34, filed an emotional plea to the judge on Tuesday, reopening her child support case against the felonious former First Son 'The defendant and his daughter talked several times during a series of scheduled calls and were able to bond.' But she wrote that in 2024, 'suddenly and without warning or explanation, Mr. Biden ghosted sweet, little MC1who was then only five-years-old.' Roberts claimed that Navy Joan, 6, had 'recently experienced emotional trauma at a family member's wedding when she realized that her dad would not walk her down the aisle or dance with her at her own wedding reception.' Roberts claimed that Hunter had sent some paintings to his daughter, but that they were not ones picked out by the child - and that what was important to her was the contact with the little girl that the agreement would entail. 'MC1 received some paintings, but they were the ones chosen by Mr. Biden and not MC1,' Roberts wrote in the filing. 'The defendant's actions are a willful and contemptuous violation of this court's prior orders. 'This court should allow the child to select her paintingswhich will be her only real connection to her father and his side of the family to date.' Lunden Roberts claimed Hunter has failed to follow through on his child support payments and asked Judge Holly Meyer to incarcerate him' 'To this day, MC1 has not heard again from her father, and this is baffling to the plaintiff and her family because Mr. Biden said that he had 'lived in guilt and remorse every second of every day that [he] hasn't been in [MC1's] life,' the filing said. 'It is now clear that Mr. Biden's statement was only meant for the purpose it accomplishedsuccessfully inducing Ms. Roberts to agree to take less money for her daughter's support.' Roberts also asked the judge to reassess Hunter's monthly child support payments, pointing to an apparent lavish lifestyle by the Biden family. 'All of MC1's siblings live at a means above that of the average American. For Thanksgiving of 2025, the Biden family (minus MC1, who is not allowed to participate in family activities) gathered at an exclusive Nantucket locale,' Roberts wrote. 'Additionally, all of Mr. Biden's children except MC1 were seen at renowned Nantucket restaurants and other social scenes. President Joe Biden (left) and Hunter Biden (right) go shopping in Nantucket together over the Thanksgiving holiday. The president pardoned his son the day after the trip 'No one can force Mr. Biden into being a good dad for MC1, but this court can make it so that MC1 has, at least, the same level of support as MC1's younger half-brother.' Hunter claimed in his 2021 memoir that he had 'no recollection' of Roberts, after she sued him for paternity and child support. But the Daily Mail revealed records from his abandoned laptop showing he employed her at his firm, after reportedly meeting her at a Washington DC strip club. The two had a fling around December 2017, and the baby was born in August of 2018. But Hunter's text messages from the laptop show he asked his assistant to make sure she had been kicked off his company's health insurance plan just three months after the birth. Even after a DNA test proved he was the father, the former president's son claimed he did not have enough money to pay child support - despite living in a $12,000-per-month home in Hollywood and driving a Porsche at the time. Roberts' filing was first reported by conservative nonprofit Marco Polo on social media site X. The organization published an extensive report about Hunter's abandoned laptop and the evidence of alleged criminality therein. Robert Jenrick threw a hand grenade into the politics of the British Right yesterday as he defected to Reform just hours after being outed as a Tory turncoat. On a dramatic day at Westminster, the former Conservative leadership contender became the highest-profile defector to Nigel Farage's insurgent party. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail last night, he said his once all-conquering former colleagues now had as much chance of winning the next election as the Greens and urged all centre-Right voters to 'rally behind Nigel Farage.' A senior Reform source said Mr Jenrick was set to be rewarded with the post of Reform's 'shadow chancellor' with a brief to strengthen the party's economic credentials. The former immigration minister had been in secret talks with Mr Farage since September. But his cover was blown after a Tory mole stumbled across a printed draft of his defection speech, suggesting he was set to jump ship any day, and handed it to Kemi Badenoch. The Conservative leader launched an extraordinary pre-emptive strike on her former rival. In a video released just after 11am, Mrs Badenoch said she had sacked him and booted him out of the party after being presented with 'clear irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible'. In a warning designed to head off further defections, she added: 'The British public are tired of political psychodrama and so am I. 'They saw too much of it in the last government, they're seeing too much of it in this government. I will not repeat those mistakes.' Robert Jenrick threw a hand grenade into the politics of the British Right on Thursday as he defected to Nigel Farage's Reform Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she sacked Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick due to 'irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect' from the party Join the debate Is this strong leadership from Badenoch or a sign of Tory chaos? Her intervention briefly plunged Mr Jenrick's future into doubt before his defection was confirmed at a joint press conference with Mr Farage five hours later at which he launched a stinging all-out attack on the party he joined at 16. Mr Jenrick said he would not fight a by-election in his Newark seat, claiming that his constituents were already aware of his views. Mr Farage, meanwhile, thanked Mrs Badenoch for driving Mr Jenrick into his arms, saying the defection had only been '60:40' to happen at that point. However, senior Tories believe he was only days away from quitting, despite having sat round the Shadow Cabinet table just 24 hours earlier. His former colleagues rounded on him last night. One Shadow Cabinet minister described him as a 'snake' while another said he had 'lost his mind'. The source added: 'When it became clear that Kemi wasn't going anywhere, Jenrick's ambition was frustrated and now he's done this stupid thing.' His departure dismayed those warning that Labour can only be ousted at the next election if the Conservatives and Reform reach an accommodation to 'unite the Right'. Mr Jenrick yesterday told the Mail there is 'not going to be a pact', while Mr Farage insisted that the Right could now only be united behind him. Former Tory Cabinet minister Sir-Jacob Rees-Mogg urged the two parties to form a common front against Labour. 'It remains absolutely essential in a first-past-the-post system that you have to unite your wing of politics,' he said. Keir Starmer celebrated the chaos on the Right, saying: 'We're seeing a flood of Tory politicians, ex-politicians, going across to Reform because they know that the Tory party is a sinking ship' The former Immigration minister had been in secret talks with Mr Farage since September In an impassioned defence of his choice, Mr Jenrick said: 'If we don't get the next government right Britain will likely slip beyond the point of repair' Mr Jenrick is now one of six Reform MPs in the House of Commons, alongside Mr Farage, Richard Tice, Lee Anderson, Sarah Pochin and Danny Kruger Mr Farage previously insisted he 'always' thought Mr Jenrick was a 'fraud' 'It is the duty of the Right to unite in the national interest because this Labour Government is so incompetent.' Amid rumours of further defections, Sir Jacob encouraged those on the Right of the Tory party to stay, as those on the Left 'won't do a deal' with Reform. Mr Farage and Mr Jenrick have repeatedly traded blows in the past. The Reform leader branded Mr Jenrick a 'fraud' after he toughened his stance on immigration. As recently as March last year, Mr Jenrick said the Reform leader 'can't even run a five-a-side team, so he's not going to be able to run a country'. Mr Jenrick yesterday admitted the two men had not always seen eye-to-eye. But he said he was now convinced that only Mr Farage could beat Labour and turn the country around. He told the Mail his former party had 'betrayed every principle it ever had', adding: 'if you want to get rid of this failing Labour Government and to turn the country around, you have to rally behind Nigel Farage and Reform'. Mr Farage told other prospective defectors to move fast, saying he would not take further applications after the local elections in May when he predicted the Tories would 'cease to be a national party'. He dismissed claims that Reform was becoming another version of the Tory party and revealed that he would unveil a prominent Labour supporter next week. Keir Starmer celebrated the chaos on the Right, saying: 'We're seeing a flood of Tory politicians, ex-politicians, going across to Reform because they know that the Tory party is a sinking ship.' The Nobel committee sent a pointed message reiterating that its prizes 'cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others' in the wake of Maria Corina Machado gifting hers to Donald Trump. The president posed for a photo in the Oval Office smiling widely as he held the prize and stood next to Machado, the leader of Venezuela's opposition party. Machado told reporters in Capitol Hill on Thursday afternoon that she had given Trump her medal, which she won last year due to her commitment to turning Venezuela into a democracy. However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee posted a lengthy tweet Thursday that noted while many prizes 'have been passed on' after the winner's death, they cannot be gifted. 'A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot.' They repeated the official ruling they published last week: 'But one truth remains. As the Norwegian Nobel Committee states: Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time.' Machado didn't listen, recalling to reporters how a medal commissioned for President George Washington was presented to the family of French military officer Marquis de Lafayette, who had helped the Americans win the Revolution. 'I presented the president of the United States the medal, the Nobel Peace Prize,' she said. The Nobel committee sent a pointed message reiterating that its prizes 'cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others' in the wake of Maria Corina Machado (pictured right) gifting hers to Donald Trump Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado departs the White House after meeting with President Donald Trump Machado, the leader of Venezuela's opposition party, told reporters in Capitol Hill on Thursday afternoon that she had given Trump her medal, which she won last year due to her commitment to turning Venezuela into a democracy Trump thanked Machado on Truth Social: 'It was my Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today. She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much. Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria!' Machado said she bestowed the medal on Trump, calling him the 'heir of Washington', because the president had made a 'unique commitment with our freedom'. The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment. Trump had publicly lobbied to win the Nobel Peace Prize last year. The White House did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. The president did not invite the press into the meeting, so there were no immediate photographs of Trump with the prize. Ahead of their White House meeting, the first since the United States military captured and imprisoned Venezuela's dictator, Nicolas Maduro, Machado expressed that she was open to gifting Trump the Nobel. While the US government's stance was that Maduro did not rightfully win the 2024 election with the winner being a member of Machado's opposition movement after she was barred from running herself Trump has not pushed for full regime change in Venezuela despite arresting its leader. Instead, the US government has been working with Maduro's No. 2, Delcy Rodriguez, who's become the country's acting president. Join the debate Should Nobel Peace Prize winners have the right to gift their awards to political leaders? Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado walked around Washington, DC, as she headed to the White House to meet with President Donald Trump. It marked the leaders' first meeting since the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro earlier this month Maria Corina Machado waves from her vehicle Thursday as she departs Capitol Hill following an earlier meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump Last week, the president hosted leaders of oil companies to the White House, pushing them to invest in Venezuela, with some company heads expressing doubts due to the country's previous political instability and history of seizing oil company assets. But that didn't deter Trump from continuing to work with the current regime. In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Trump spoke of the 'fascinating talk' he had with Rodriguez, saying: 'She's been very good to deal with.' As for Machado, he added, 'She's a very nice woman.' 'I think we're just going to talk basics,' Trump said. The White House has yet to provide a readout of their meeting. Machado was captured smiling and walking out onto Pennsylvania Avenue when she departed from the White House meeting. Her trip to Washington, DC, marked an end to Machado's political isolation. Maria Corina Machado (center) embraces Republican Senator Ted Cruz (left) during a meeting with a bipartisan group of US senators in Capitol Hill on Thursday. California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla (right) also attended the meeting The US government has been working with Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez (center), who had been dictator Nicolas Maduro's No.2. President Donald Trump told Reuters on Wednesday that Rodriguez has 'been very good to deal with' The opposition leader has been in hiding since she was briefly detained by Maduro's government in Caracas last year, fleeing the country afterward. Cheering supporters met Machado outside the White House's gate, the Associated Press reported. She then headed to Capitol Hill to meet with a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Republicans, including Senators Ted Cruz and Rick Scott, posed alongside Democratic Senators Dick Durbin, Alex Padilla, Ruben Gallego, Peter Welch and others. Machado ignored shouted questions about how her meeting with Trump went. A man has been rushed to hospital after being shot in the leg during an early-morning attack in Sydney's west. Police rushed to a home on Urana Street in Villawood just before 4.20am on Friday. Officers discovered a man, believed to be in his 40s, suffering from a gunshot wound to his leg. He was treated at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to hospital in a stable condition. A crime scene has been established at the home. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the shooting. An Australian woman who accused a pair of playboy twin brothers of sexually assaulting her at a party mansion in the Hamptons has been found dead in unexplained circumstances. Kate Whiteman was found dead in Sydney late last year. The 45-year-old woman's cause of death remains unclear. A spokesperson for the NSW coroner said an investigation had been launched because there are questions over whether Whiteman died of natural causes. Whiteman sued famous realtor Oren Alexander and his twin Alon in March 2024. She claims she met the siblings in New York City in 2012 and traveled with them to a mansion designed to look like a castle in the Hamptons on New York's Long Island after a night out. Whiteman says she was sexually assaulted by the pair after arriving at the castle. Oren, Alon and their brother Tal all remain in custody and face multiple rape and sex trafficking charges spanning more than a decade. They deny the allegations made against them. Before their arrest in December 2024, Oren and Tal were well-known luxury real estate agents, while Alon worked at a private security company owned by his family. Identical twins Alon and Oren Alexander are pictured in July 2015 Kate Whiteman, a socialite who accused the pair of playboy twin brothers of sexually assaulting her at a 'castle' in the Hamptons, has been found dead in unexplained circumstances Ms Whiteman (pictured) was found dead in Sydney The Alexander twins, 36, were accused in a civil lawsuit of raping a woman together in 2012 at Sir Ivan Wilzig's castle in the Hamptons (pictured) - which they deny A spokesperson for the brothers told The Daily Mail that they were unaware of Whitman's death until it was reported in the media on Thursday. 'Her attorney and the federal prosecutors were in court with us earlier this week and made no mention of it, perhaps because Ms. Whiteman was never part of the federal prosecution,' the rep said. 'The decision to release this information publicly on the eve of trial invites obvious questions.' In July 2025, court documents exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail showed Whiteman continued to send the brothers sexually explicit messages and invited herself to their social events for over a year after she alleged they attacked her. Allegations against the playboy twins Alon and Oren Alexander were sparked in 2024 in a civil lawsuit brought by Whiteman, alleging that they raped her at 'Sir Ivan's Castle,' a mansion owned by recording artist and songwriter Ivan Wilzig, in the Hamptons in 2012. Her claim triggered a wave of subsequent allegations from dozens of other women, and the brothers were arrested in June 2024 and remain in custody in New York. They have maintained their innocence. Federal prosecutors say they have spoken to at least 60 women who claim to be victims of at least one of the Alexander brothers. In a motion to dismiss Whiteman's claims obtained by the Daily Mail last year, it was alleged that messages Whiteman sent to the brothers after the alleged attack undercut her allegations. Her attorneys disputed this. Court documents showed that Whiteman allegedly sent a slew of explicit messages, erotic photos and social invites to the Alexander brothers for over a year and a half after the alleged rape. Alon and Oren Alexander at Sir Ivan's Medieval Madness Birthday Bash For Model Mina Otsuka in 2011 Oren (right) is pictured with fashion designers Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo in 2017 She claimed in her original lawsuit that she was 'terrified' of the brothers and was 'so distraught after' that 'for months, she stayed in bed and very rarely left her home due to extreme depression, anxiety and fear for her own safety.' But the motion to dismiss the lawsuit claims that just one month after the alleged rape, Whiteman wished Oren a happy birthday and asked if she could bring two female friends to his party. And, one year after the alleged assault, Whiteman asked the brothers to return to 'Sir Ivan's Castle.' Whiteman's attorneys filed a memorandum in opposition of the Alexanders' motion to dismiss, in which they accuse the brothers of 'cherry-picking' the messages from Whiteman. Whiteman alleged in her initial civil complaint that the rape unfolded on Memorial Day Weekend in 2012, and claimed that Alon grabbed her as she was leaving a nightclub and forced her into a waiting SUV with Oren. In her complaint, she said she was driven to 'Sir Ivan's Castle' where she claimed she was prevented from running away by a security guard, had her phone taken away and was forced to strip. They then took her to a large bedroom where she was 'sexually assaulted, abused, raped, pinned, groped, harassed, battered, and fondled by defendants Alon and Oren,' according to her complaint. But the motion to dismiss claims that in the months after, it was Whiteman who continually reached out to the brothers with explicit images of herself and invites to social events. The Alexanders' motion to dismiss included messages sent 10 months after the alleged rape. In one, Whiteman sent Oren nude images of herself and said it would be 'fun to get over' her recent breakup if he came over to her apartment in Manhattan's East Village, according to the filing. The Alexanders' lucrative real estate careers were upended after dozens of women accused the brothers of sexual assault. The brothers were once famed realtors with the renowned Douglas Elliman real estate firm and were often spotted rubbing shoulders with high-profile socialites. Oren Alexander (left) and his identical twin brother Alon (right) have both pleaded not guilty The brothers (pictured Tal far left, Oren second left, Alon far right) come from a well-known real estate family in Miami. Their father is top Florida developer Shlomi Alexander (pictured center right alongside businessman Howard Lorber) They made their name selling what was at the time America's most expensive property ever, a $238 million penthouse overlooking Central Park in 2019. Alon and Oren, along with their older brother Tal, were arrested in December 2024 and were charged with orchestrating a sex trafficking scheme for over a decade, according to the federal indictment. The brothers have been accused of working together and with others to drug, sexually assault and rape dozens of women. Federal prosecutors say they have spoken to at least 60 women who claim to be victims of at least one of the Alexander brothers. The Alexanders have also been accused of using deception, fraud and coercion to lure victims to private locations for trips or events, where the brothers allegedly raped and sexually assaulted them, per the indictment. It is alleged that they used drugs to impair their victims, which prevented the victims from providing consent or fighting back. In addition to federal charges, the Alexander brothers - who are currently awaiting their 2026 trial behind bars without bail at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center - also face multiple sexual assault lawsuits across multiple states. They have maintained their innocence, pleading not guilty to criminal charges and denying liability in the civil cases. Robert Jenrick burned all bridges with the Conservatives on Thursday as he rounded on Kemi Badenoch and other senior figures just 24 hours after sitting around the Shadow Cabinet table with them. At a press conference to unveil his defection to Reform, Mr Jenrick repeatedly insisted he had 'respect' for Mrs Badenoch, who pipped him to the Tory leadership. But in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail he derided her chances of turning around the party's fortunes. 'I respect Kemi,' he said. 'But Kemi has as much chance of being the next prime minister as Zack Polanski [the Green Party leader].' Mr Jenrick, who was once seen as a possible broker for a deal between the Conservatives and Reform, yesterday declared the idea dead. 'There's not going to be a pact,' he said. 'Why would people who feel the Conservative Party let them down want to invest in them the future of the country? That's not going to happen. 'The way to beat Labour at the next election... if you want to get rid of Keir Starmer, if you want to get rid of this failing Labour Government and turn the country round then you have to rally behind Nigel Farage and Reform.' Earlier, he had also launched attacks on Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride, who he blamed for Britain's ballooning welfare bill, and Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel, who he said was responsible for the points-based immigration system which led to an explosion in arrivals. Robert Jenrick unveiled his defection to Reform on Thursday after being sacked by Kemi Badenoch The Tory leader (right) said she sacked Jenrick (left) due to 'irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to 'defect' from the party He told the Daily Mail: 'I don't believe for one minute that the Conservative Party would get a grip on immigration, that the Conservative Party will reform our benefit system, that the Conservative Party will get growth going again in the economy, because it hasn't apologised for the mistakes it made when it was in office, and it's still led by exactly the same people.' On a day of political high drama, the former Tory justice spokesman said his former party 'lacked the stomach' for the change the country needed. He revealed he had first approached Reform's leader in September and resolved to quit at some point. But he was left with little choice on Thursday following Mrs Badenoch's decision to sack him after rumbling his resignation plans. At a dramatic press conference, Mr Farage unveiled Reform's sixth MP, who he said would sit on the party's front bench. A moment of farce threatened to overshadow the event when Mr Jenrick failed to appear as he was announced, prompting Mr Farage to joke that he'd changed his mind. But he soon took to the stage to launch into a scathing denunciation of his former party, as well as Labour. 'The two main parties are rotten. They are no longer fit for purpose. They both broke Britain, and neither can fix it,' he said. In a devastating critique of his party's record, he said that while Labour had started mass migration, the Tories had 'ramped it up', leaving out his own stint as immigration minister. He said his former party had 'failed in government', adding: 'There was hardly a principle they didn't betray.' Nigel Farage boasted that Robert Jenrick had been 'handed to me on a plate' as he held a press conference in Westminster this evening 'Our taxes? They were left at a 70-year high. Sound money? Well, the debt tripled. Defence? Utterly hollowed out. Work should pay? Welfare exploded. Law and order? Prisons overflowed,' he said, adding: 'I can't, in good conscience, stick with a party that's failed so badly, that isn't sorry, that hasn't changed, that I know in my heart won't can't deliver what's needed.' The Newark MP also said he would not resign to force a by-election in his Commons seat. Mr Farage concluded the press conference by saying he would unveil a Labour defection next week. Prior to Mr Jenrick, two sitting MPs Lee Anderson and Danny Kruger, Boris Johnson's former chief of staff had joined Mr Farage's party. Another 21 former MPs have also defected, including Nadhim Zahawi, the former chancellor, who announced his decision on Monday, and former culture secretary Nadine Dorries. When Charity Beallis was found dead alongside her six-year-old twins last month, her surviving son shuddered as he cast his mind back to their final text exchange. In it, Charity described plans to move away and start a new life after divorcing her abusive doctor husband - but she also spoke of a deep fear that it wasn't going to end well if he did not get his way. Charity, 40, and her two youngest children, Maverick and Eliana, were found shot dead inside their sprawling $750,000 home in Bonanza, Arkansas, on December 3 - not even 24 hours after she finalized her separation from her husband, Dr. Randall Beallis, 56. Beallis was convicted last year of battery after admitting to strangling Charity in front of their children. Bealliss previous wife also died from a gunshot wound in 2012, though her death was ruled a suicide. Police have not said how Charity and her children died or whether Beallis is a suspect, though a flurry of search warrants executed in the aftermath has signaled a complex and ongoing investigation. Charity's only surviving son, John Powell, told the Daily Mail he believes his mother and siblings were murdered and that suspicion should be directed at his stepfather. He said the final text message his mother sent him has fueled that belief - offering a stark reflection of the fear she was living with in the months before her sudden death. 'She texted me in the summertime and was telling me she loved me and that she was going to make it through this and do the right thing,' said Powell, 24. In a new photo shared by her family, Charity Beallis is seen were her six-year-old twin children, Maverick and Eliana. All three were found shot to death on December 3 Their deaths came just 24 hours after Charity's divorce from her husband, Dr. Randall Beallis, 56, was finalized in court 'Then she told me she was going to need all the help she could get from everyone, because she knew it wasn't going to end good if [Beallis] didn't get what he wanted.' Powell claims that in the months before her death, Charity confided numerous times that she was 'terrified' of her husband. 'She was always worrying about something happening,' he said. 'She was fighting so hard to protect her kids.' Court records show Charity had been seeking full custody of the twins and had obtained a protective order against Beallis, citing his history of abuse. The details of the custody ruling were not made public, but Beallis's attorney told the Mail that she failed in that effort and that a judge awarded joint custody at the final hearing on December 2. Police found Charity and the two children dead the following day. Each had suffered fatal gunshot wounds, though authorities have not disclosed further details and the circumstances of their deaths remain under investigation. In her final texted exchange with Powell, Charity also voiced hope for a future away from Beallis, beyond the years of abuse her family claims she was forced to endure. 'She was going to move somewhere else, get a good job and let the kids have a good life,' Powell added. 'Then she wanted to hopefully one day become a good grandmother and just enjoy the things that any normal family would want.' Powell shared with the Daily Mail a series of never-before-seen photographs of Charity and the twins. One undated image shows Maverick and Eliana smiling gleefully in front of a Christmas tree, visibly excited for a holiday season they would not live to see this year. The Sebastian County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation into Charity and her children's deaths, with assistance from numerous other law enforcement agencies, including the Arkansas State Police, the U.S. Secret Service and Homeland Security. Officials have declined to say whether Beallis is considered a suspect and no arrests have been made. Beallis has denied any wrongdoing and is said to be cooperating with police. The last statement issued by SCSO came on December 9, when officials said six search warrants had been served and a dozen more were in progress - a level of investigative activity that underscores the complexity of the case. One undated image shows the children smiling gleefully in front of a Christmas tree, visibly excited for a holiday season they would not live to see this year Charity's family say she was a loving mother who was desperate to protect her children Court records show Charity obtained a restraining order against Beallis in February 2025 after he attacked her at home. She filed for divorce the following month and Beallis later pleaded guilty to domestic battery, receiving a suspended sentence. Powell and Charity's father, Randy Powell, have both said they do not believe Charity would have been capable of harming her children. 'I can't picture my mom shooting with a gun and killing my little brother and sister at six years old,' said the younger Powell. 'She was terrified, and she was hoping that she could get out of there safe and go on with her life to become the person she always wanted to be.' Three days after they were found dead, a dumpster diver sifting through trash 15 miles away in Fort Smith found a garbage bag filled with Charity's belongings and other intimate family keepsakes, including photos and a gold necklace engraved with the kids' names. It remains unclear how the items came to be discarded, but Powell said the discovery has only deepened his suspicions. Investigators with SCSO also called the discovery a 'red flag' but declined to elaborate further. In a statement, Beallis's attorney, Michael Pierce, told the Daily Mail his client is fully supportive of the sheriff's office investigation and hopeful the 'truth about what happened' to Charity and the children will soon come to light. Pierce denied any wrongdoing on his client's behalf and said the shootings occurred two days before Charity was required to turn the children over to Beallis for court-ordered visitation. Charity and the twins all suffered fatal gunshot wounds, though authorities have not disclosed further details and the circumstances remain under investigation The horrifying discovery was made at the Beallis' $750,000 home in Bonanza, Arkansas Explaining the outcome of the custody hearing, Pierce said Beallis was awarded joint custody, with a favorable schedule that would have placed the children with him for two weeks at a time and with Charity for only one week. 'She was ordered to provide them to Mr. Randall Beallis on Friday, December 5, 2025,' said Pierce. 'He is now heartbroken that the return of his children was taken away from him.' As the investigation continues, Beallis's past conduct and criminal history have also come under renewed scrutiny. Beallis, a family practitioner licensed in Arkansas for nearly two decades, has faced multiple complaints involving his family, which were reviewed by the Arkansas State Medical Board, records first obtained by 5News show. In January 2018, the board reprimanded Beallis for prescribing opioid medication to Charity following a surgery - conduct he later acknowledged was inappropriate. He faced no disciplinary action. The board reviewed Beallis again in February 2021 following a dispute involving Charity's son, John Powell, in which Beallis and Charity were accused of slashing the teenager's truck tires with knives during an argument. Beallis later pleaded no contest to misdemeanor criminal mischief and received a suspended sentence. The medical board again took no action. Beallis appeared before the board again in 2025 after Charity filed domestic abuse charges, claiming he attacked her in front of their children. In written responses, Beallis denied the allegations, saying the incident stemmed from a dispute over her phone and insisting he never choked or strangled her. He later pleaded guilty to third-degree battery and was issued a suspended sentence. Charity's son, John Powell (left, pictured with Charity's dad, Randy) told the Daily Mail he believes the deaths were the result of foul play and that suspicion should be focused on Dr. Beallis No disciplinary action had been taken against Beallis by the time Charity and the children were found dead. State records show his medical license remains active and is due to expire in February 2027. Beallis's attorney claimed that Charity made several false accusations against Beallis in the past, pointing to passages in a self-published memoir she released in 2019 as evidence. In the book, Charity described a decade-old incident in which she acknowledged pulling a gun on her husband, later writing that she regretted portraying him as an abuser. 'The lie was that I had assaulted my husband with a firearm in self-defense,' Charity wrote. 'The truth is I did it because that's what I had seen growing up as the best way to control people: fear.' Her family has said the memoir recounts a period of trauma and does not diminish the abuse they say Charity later endured. Family members of one of Beallis's former wives have also raised questions about his past. Beallis's second wife, Shawna Beallis, was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound in 2012. Her death was ruled a suicide, a conclusion her family has long disputed. Records show the case was briefly reopened in 2021 after additional information was raised with police, before being closed again due to limited evidence. A relative of Shawna's, who asked not to be named for their own safety, told the Daily Mail they see troubling parallels between her death and that of Charity and her children - a concern shared by Powell. Charity was laid to rest by her family on December 29th. Powell had hoped to lay his mom and siblings to rest together, but a judge ruled that the twins' remains be released to Beallis, leaving his mother to be buried alone. Powell called the decision the final, punishing blow to a family already winded by insurmountable grief. 'It's sickening,' he said. 'The worst part is, I don't even know if the kids have been buried or cremated, or where they may be. 'I don't know anything at the moment, because [Randall] has told me nothing.' If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US on 988. WHEN Princess Michael of Kent attended the late Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral at Westminster Abbey three-and-a half-years ago, she owed her a special debt. Her husband Prince Michael had to get permission from the monarch to marry the former Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz, as she was a Catholic and a divorcee. So, he persuaded Lord Mountbatten of Burma, who was Prince Philip's uncle and a distant cousin of the Queen, to lobby the monarch, who gave her assent as long as her cousin forfeited his place in the line of succession. The couple married at Vienna Town Hall in 1978, two weeks after she was divorced from her first husband, the English banker Thomas Troubridge. And they went onto have two children Lord Freddie Windsor, 46, and Lady Gabriella Kingston, 44, in one of the Royal family's most enduring marriages. However, there is a charming footnote to the story: after Mountbatten described to the Monarch the Baroness's noble lineage, the monarch pithily replied: 'Too grand for us.' Now, as Princess Michael celebrates her 81st birthday today, her relationship with the Royal family has once again come under the spotlight. In the 48 years, she has been a member of the Royal family, she has been derided, for being 'more Royal than the Royals', nicknamed 'Princess Pushy', allegedly by Princess Anne, and compared to the extravagant last Queen of France Marie Antoniette. Mountbatten described to the Monarch the Baroness's noble lineage, the monarch pithily replied: 'Too grand for us.' The Queen gave her assent as long as Prince Michael forfeited his place in the line of succession Princess Michael of Kent was forced to apologise to the Queen after she made a series of unflattering remarks about senior Royals to an undercover News of the World reporter But, instead of following the late Queen's mantra 'never complain, never explain,' she went on the offensive in a 2000 interview with W magazine claiming that she had more royal blood than any other Royal brides or bridegrooms. 'The fact is,' she said, 'of those who married into the family since Prince Philip, I had more royal blood. It's just a genealogical thing, a fact of life.' And refuting claims that she was too grand for the Royal family, she explained that Mountbatten had been amused by the Queen's remark that he repeated the story and it was turned against her. 'I was not born a Royal Highness so technically I am a commoner, but I happen to have a lot of royal blood,' she explained matter-of-factly. 'So, he was telling the Queen about my grand ancestry, about how I was descended from Charlemagne, this king, that king, this queen. 'Mountbatten was a genealogist . . . so he laid it on a bit thick until she finally turned to him and said: "Well Dickie, she sounds a bit too grand for us."' However, five years later, the Princess was forced to apologise to the Queen after she made a series of unflattering remarks about senior Royals to an undercover News of the World reporter. She dropped the clangers as she served tea and cake to the journalist, who became known as the fake sheik, while trying to sell her 6 million Gloucestershire manor house Nether Lypiatt. In a secretly taped conversation, she accused Prince Charles of using Diana as a 'convenient womb' to produce an heir and described Diana as 'bitter', 'nasty' and 'strange'. Princess Anne is flanked by Lord Mountbatten upon arrival in Vienna Friday, where Princess Anne attended the civil wedding of Prince Michael of Kent and Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz in the Vienna townhall Princess Michael of Kent described Princess Diana as 'bitter', 'nasty' and 'strange' She also predicted that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall would become Queen, in contradiction to official guidance from Buckingham Palace, and confided that King Charles would never hand over the throne to Prince William. In his book Princess Margaret: A Biography, author Theo Aronson, described the antipathy between the Queen's sister Princess Margaret and her cousin's wife. 'Equally instantaneous was the strong dislike she took to her cousin's wife, Princess Michael of Kent,' he wrote, 'whom she is alleged to have regarded as a limelight-seeking adventuress far too keen to force her way into the Royal Family's inner circle. 'Her antipathy became obvious during one carriage procession at Ascot. The two were seated side by side, and while Princess Michael chatted animatedly in an effort to be friendly, Princess Margaret replied with a series of grunts. 'Afterwards, she tackled the Queen, complaining: "Why did you put me next to that woman?" Her sister replied: "Because it would give you a chance to do what you like best - concentrate on the two attractive men sitting opposite."' 'Margaret's attitude seems to have filtered through to her son, Lord Linley, who remarked that as a Christmas gift to his worst enemy he would give "dinner for two with Princess Michael."' When Princess Diana made a landmark visit to Angola in January 1997 to campaign for a global landmine ban, it sparked vast political controversy. Dressed in body armour, the Princess of Wales calmly strode down a path surrounded by landmines from East Germany, Russia and China alongside mine removal expert Paul Heslop from charity organisation The Halo Trust. 'My mind was in overdrive trying to make sure I wasn't going to be the most famous person in the world the next day for blowing up the Princess of Wales,' Mr Heslop later told the BBC. Diana also remotely detonated a live landmine, declaring 'one down, 17 million to go' as she pushed the button on January 15, 1997. But Conservative government ministers spearheaded a deluge of criticism over the princess's actions and argued that her calls for a worldwide ban appeared to endorse the Labour Party's policy on the issue. At the time, the Conservative Party's stance was that it would only agree to a global ban in the instance that all countries unanimously agreed to do so. In response to the princess's visit, Earl Howe, then junior defence minister for the Conservatives, reportedly described Diana, then 35, as a 'loose cannon' who was 'ill-informed on the issue of anti-personnel landmines'. Yet, British ambassador Roger Hart claimed that Diana saw such criticism as an 'unnecessary distraction', while Mike Whitlam, then director general of the Red Cross, thought they were merely a 'piece of mischief'. In January 1997, Princess Diana (pictured) visited Angola and strode down a path surrounded by landmines from East Germany, Russia and China to campaign for a global ban on their usage At the time, the Daily Mail described her famous landmine walk as an effort to 'focus worldwide attention on the menace of anti-personnel mines and the plight of their victims'. Meanwhile, Diana herself pledged: 'All I am trying to do is help. I am trying to highlight a problem that is going on all around the world, that's all.' 'I'm not a political figure, nor do I want to be one. I come with my heart and I want to bring awareness to people in distress, whether it is in Angola or any part of the world,' the princess told reporters at the time. 'The fact is I am a humanitarian figure, always have been and always will be.' According to a Foreign Office dispatch document from Angola released by the National Archives in 2020, the 'furore' over Diana's seemingly controversial presence in Angola 'had little local impact on the visit'. 'The Angolan authorities were delighted that the Princess made the visit. The British Red Cross were pleased and so too was the Princess of Wales,' added Mr Hart. Images of the princess walking through the minefield sent shockwaves around the globe and the high-profile coverage helped raise global awareness of landmines and the repercussions they caused for innocent people. The princess was brought to tears when she met then 16-year-old Sandra Thijika, a victim of a landmine explosion, and watched on as the young teenager was measured for a prosthetic leg after a nine-year wait. Conservative government ministers spearheaded a deluge of criticism towards the Princess of Wales. Earl Howe, then junior defence minister for the Conservative Party, reportedly described Diana, then 35, as a 'loose cannon' who was 'ill-informed' The princess was brought to tears when she met then 16-year-old Sandra Thijika (pictured), a victim of a landmine explosion, and watched on as the young teenager was measured for a prosthetic leg after a nine-year wait Pictured: The Daily Mail's front page coverage of Diana's historic trip. British ambassador Roger Hart claimed that Diana saw public criticism towards her Angola visit as an an 'unnecessary distraction', according to files released by the National Archives in 2020 A poignant image of Sandra sat on the princess's knee underneath a fig tree at a orthopaedic centre was broadcast around the globe and highlighted the exponentially high death and disability rates the country was enduring due to landmines. 22 years later, Sandra revealed that she had named her young daughter after Diana in a loving tribute to the princess who she fondly described as a 'friend'. 'I gave my daughter the name Diana because I loved her and she was such a good person. I loved her way with people. She was famous and she made me feel famous I will never forget her,' she emotionally recalled. 'We were not together long but when she left I felt I was saying goodbye to a friend.' At the time of the princess's visit, one in every 300 people in Angola had lost a limb due to the more than 15 million landmines across the country. For Diana, her trip to Angola marked just the beginning of her landmine campaign work, with the princess also making a three-day visit to Bosnia in August of that year. Heartbreakingly, it would be her final humanitarian trip. 'She was talking about following it up with visits to other heavily-mined countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Kuwait,' added Mr Hart. These future campaigning trips never occurred. Just seven months later, on August 31, 1997, Diana tragically died in a car crash in Paris. Yet the impact of her high-profile landmine visit would live on in the aftermath of her death. At the time, the Daily Mail described her famous landmine walk as an effort to 'focus worldwide attention on the menace of anti-personnel mines and the plight of their victims'. Meanwhile, Diana herself pledged: 'All I am trying to do is help' According to a Foreign Office dispatch document from Angola released by the National Archives in 2020, the 'furore' over Diana's seemingly controversial presence in Angola 'had little local impact on the visit' According to Lou McGrath, who co-launched Mines Advisory Group (MAG) in 1989, Diana's trip marked a 'turning point' in the campaign for a global landmine treaty. In December 1997, 122 governments signed up to the Ottawa Treaty According to Lou McGrath, who co-launched Mines Advisory Group (MAG) in 1989, Diana's trip marked a 'turning point' in the campaign for a global landmine treaty. Speaking to the BBC on the 20th anniversary of the princess's death, Mr McGrath said: 'She'd been heavily criticised by MPs for being political, but actually governments of the world had agreed it was a humanitarian issue. 'Without her we couldn't have brought forward what was the fastest arms control treaty in the world.' Shortly after Diana's death, recently elected Prime Minister Tony Blair pledged to ratify the Ottawa Treaty, a key international agreement that bans the use, production, stockpiling and transfer of anti-personnel landmines, by the first anniversary. In December 1997, 122 governments signed up to the Ottawa Treaty. Officially known as the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, the life-changing policy entered into force on March 1, 1999. At the time of writing, 164 countries are parties to the treaty. However, notable countries, including the United States, Russia and China, have not yet signed the agreement to ban their use. While it is unknown exactly how many landmines there still are globally, as of November 2025, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iraq and Ukraine are still significantly contaminated, according to MAG. Now, 29 years since Diana's famous Angola trip, the minefield where she walked has been cleared and re-developed by The Halo Trust into a 'thriving community hub', known as Avenida 28 de Maio. The site is also home to the Princess Diana School, where children can now learn and play in safety, free from the fear and danger of landmines. The United States will celebrate its 250th birthday this year, and the Daily Mail's Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things podcast is marking the occasion with a special three part series on the Revolutionary War. In the first episode of The Last King of America, royal historians Robert Hardman and Kate Williams chart the founding of the USA, from the arrival of the first English colonists to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Williams describes how the lives of those early colonists were fraught with danger. The mortality rate was high and the opportunities for personal enrichment vastly overstated. The historian explained: 'I compare those first settlers to people who say they would go and live on Mars today. 'They knew they would be boarding a ship and going to a place they would likely never come back from. The US will celebrate its 250th birthday this year, and Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things podcast is marking the occasion with a special series on the Revolutionary War Royal historians Robert Hardman and Kate Williams chart the founding of the USA, from the arrival of the first English colonists to the Declaration of Independence in 1776 The Last King of America - Part 1 is available now on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts 'They knew they could die on the journey. They didn't know what was waiting for them when they arrived. 'Still, they went because the prospect of making a success of their lives was so entrancing.' Mystery still surrounds the first failed attempt at establishing a permanent settlement in North America. Known as the Lost Colony of Roanoke, the settlement was planned and funded by legendary explorer Sir Walter Raleigh on behalf of Queen Elizabeth I. The Queen had high hopes for the venture, looking to challenge Spain's dominance over the riches of the New World. Despite the deep pockets of the Crown and the experience of Raleigh, the colony would collapse when all 117 colonists vanished in eerie circumstances. Williams explores the competing theories over what happened to the lost settlers. The Lost Colony of Roanoke Raleigh entrusted John White, an artist and cartographer, to lead the expedition and govern the new colony. White had already visited North America in 1585, when an attempt was made to establish a military outpost. Sir Francis Drake had to evacuate the base a year later after the soldiers stationed there ran out of supplies following clashes with local Native American tribes. Confident the mistakes of the failed outpost had been learned, White brought his pregnant daughter and son-in-law with him on his return voyage, part of a group of 117 men, women and children. Their mission immediately got off to a rocky start. The settlers were meant to be dropped off in Chesapeake Bay but the ship's pilot refused to take them any further, instead abandoning them at the site of the military outpost. Within days of landing, one colonist was killed in a skirmish with tribesmen. The colonists then retaliated but targeted the wrong tribe, souring relations with all Native Americans in the area. The settlers burnt through their food stores and without the help of local tribes, struggled to farm the land. They appealed to their leader White to return to England and come back with the necessary supplies to keep the colony afloat. Just nine days after the birth of his granddaughter Virginia, the first English settler born in North America, White set sail back to England. War with the Spanish would delay his return to Roanoke by almost three years. In 1588, Queen Elizabeth I commandeered every vessel to protect England from the mighty Spanish Armada. Upon White's return, he found Roanoke completely uninhabited with no obvious clues as to the colonists' whereabouts. The only hint as to what might have happened to them was the word 'Croatoan' ominously etched into the side of a tree. Known as the Lost Colony of Roanoke, the settlement was planned and funded by legendary explorer Sir Walter Raleigh on behalf of Queen Elizabeth I Upon White's return, he found Roanoke completely uninhabited with no obvious clues as to the colonists' whereabouts 'It's a mystery what happened', Williams told the podcast. 'Did they die or where they assimilated into the local population?' One theory states that the settlers fled the outpost in desperation for food and were massacred somewhere deeper inland or succumbed to starvation. Many historians believe, as Williams alludes to, that the English instead assimilated into a local tribe. Archaeologists who support the idea point to excavations of Native American villages on nearby Hatteras Island that have uncovered English pottery, German coins and European sword fragments. There are also reports that colonists who arrived later to North America claimed to meet native people with blue eyes who could speak perfect English. If White's settlers did join a friendly tribe, it could also explain the tree etching. Perhaps, one of the colonists wanted to leave a note of where they had gone, joining the Croatoan tribe. The mystery will likely never be solved, although scientists are conducting genetic analysis of local burial sites in search of European DNA. The first permanent English settlement in America did not happen for another two decades, with Jamestown in 1607. It is thought that the failure of the colony at Roanoke contributed to Jamestown's success, with those settlers working with the Native Americans for access to supplies and information. To hear more history like this, search for Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things now, wherever you get your podcasts - or on YouTube. The family of a 21-year-old paramedic who died in an ambulance crash have been honoured by King Charles. Gill and Graeme Clark, from Kent, will receive the award on behalf of their daughter, Alice, who was involved in a fatal car crash on January 5, 2022, when the ambulance she was travelling in crashed into a cement lorry on the A21 near Sevenoaks, Kent. The paramedic driving the ambulance pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, and a coroner ruled the ambulance service had failed to properly investigate complaints about the driver before the crash. The Elizabeth Emblem is awarded by the King to the next of kin of public servants who died in the line of duty. The emblem is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which honours members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack. Along with families of other recipients of the emblem, Mr and Mrs Clark met Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones in Number 10 yesterday. After the meeting, Mr and Mrs Clark said their daughter had been working her usual 'blue light' shift responding to emergency callouts when she lost her life. Mrs Clark said: 'At about 6.30 (in the evening), there was a knock on the door to say that she had been killed. Alice Clark a paramedic who died in a fatal car crash on January 5, 2022 when the ambulance she was travelling in crashed into a cement lorry on the A21 near Sevenoaks, Kent Alice's parents Graeme and Gill Clark (pictured) have accepted the Elizabeth Emblem on the behalf of their daughter. The emblem is awarded by the King to the next of kin of public servants who died in the line of duty 'She was doing the job we knew she wanted to do. 'She was originally looking to be a doctor... But decided she wanted to be on the front line,' Mr Clark added. 'She loved her job, loved life and loved helping people,' he said. During the pandemic, Alice worked as carer and for the London Ambulance Service on a work placement. Her mother described her as outgoing, with a wicked sense of humour. She said: 'She was so dedicated. She was funny, adventurous, brave. 'She liked to travel, even on her own. As soon as you could fly again (after the pandemic), she was off. 'We've gone through so much to get here, with the court case, coroner's court. Paying tribute to her daughter Mrs Clark said: 'She was so dedicated. She was funny, adventurous, brave' Along with families of other recipients of the emblem, Mr and Mrs Clark met Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones (pictured) in Number 10 Pictured from left to right: Gill Clark, Graeme Clark, Darren Jones MP, Diane Taylor, Janette Hall, Mary Weaving and Kristina Penny, during a reception at Downing Street 'Dealing with all the horrible stuff on top of losing Alice. 'To have this, and to have her recognised... It's an amazing honour for her,' Mr Clark said. Mr and Mrs Clark will receive a silver, oval emblem with an inscription reading, 'For a life given in service', surrounded by a rosemary wreath - a symbol of remembrance, and a Tudor crown. Alice's name will be inscribed on the reverse of the emblem. The Clarks were joined by the family of lollipop lady Stephanie Davies, who was on duty outside a primary school in Salford when she was hit and killed by a bus which mounted the pavement in September 2006. Mr Jones also met the family of Jonathan White, who died aged 28 on Christmas Day 1986, after he was seriously injured during an accident putting up Christmas lights. Mr White, who worked for Blackpool Borough Council, fell 30ft from a platform where he was putting up the display, and landed directly onto a road. An inquest ruled his accidental, and the council accepted liability. They are among 53 recipients of the emblem to be named this month, in the third list to be published since the emblem was established in March 2024. A removals van arrived at Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Royal Lodge home this morning as the disgraced ex-prince prepares to leave the Windsor mansion. The former Duke of York is expected to move into a temporary property on the King's Sandringham estate in Norfolk at some point over the coming fortnight. Andrew is set to stay at that property until Easter, when renovation works on Marsh Farm - anticipated to be his new home on the estate - are scheduled to be finished. Photographs taken outside Royal Lodge this morning also appeared to show Andrew leaving in a Range Rover, before the van was also seen leaving in the afternoon. Marsh Farm is getting a revamp with workers installing Sky TV and a new security fence while Andrew leaves Royal Lodge before his 66th birthday next month. Sky engineers were spotted up ladders this week outside the property in Wolferton, just two miles away from Charles's Sandringham home. A six-foot wooden privacy fence has also sprung up, replacing the wire mesh previously on the perimeter. Insiders have said Marsh Farm needed a lot of work to 'make it habitable'. Workers have also been spotted using a JCB digger and installing security lights on the walls. A local security firm's van was parked on the driveway, and team of at least six people have been toiling through the cold and the rain this week. A removal lorry leaves Andrew's Royal Lodge in Windsor in the heavy rain this afternoon A removal van arrives at Royal Lodge in Windsor this morning before Andrew moves out Andrew appeared to be travelling in a Range Rover leaving Royal Lodge this morning The van arrives at Royal Lodge in Windsor today as the disgraced ex-prince prepares to leave Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor rides during heavy rain on the Windsor estate on Tuesday Workers at Marsh Farm in Wolferton, Sandringham, today - Andrew's anticipated new home New fencing at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, pictured this morning Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate today, which is believed to be Andrew's next home Workers at Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, pictured this morning A sign for Wolferton village, near Marsh Farm on the Sandringham estate, pictured today Andrew is reportedly moving in to the farmhouse after vacating Royal Lodge. He will first move into a temporary property on the King's Norfolk estate as early as the end of this month. Andrew is set to stay there until Easter, when the work on Marsh Farm is scheduled to be finished. It is understood that the farmhouse and the surrounding outhouses' previous tenant died some time ago. The Sandringham no-fly zone was extended at the end of last year to include the property and a drone ban was extended last autumn. The farm lies in the secluded village of Wolferton, which has a church and a social club, but no pubs or village shops. It is also near the King's Wood Farm estate, where Prince Philip lived after his retirement. Andrew reportedly wanted to live at Wood Farm on Sandringham, which is a five-bedroom cottage near the stables and pheasant shooting grounds, but there were concerns that would leave him 'too close' to the rest of the family. On Saturday the Daily Mail revealed how Royal Lodge was not once inspected by officials in the 22 years he lived there rent-free despite his lease having strict conditions. 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. The van is driven towards Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's Royal Lodge home this morning A Sky engineer up a ladder against the wall of Marsh Farm where Andrew is expected to move A team of at least six have been working on the Marsh Farm property in Norfolk this week A solid six-foot high wooden fence has sprung up around parts of the Marsh Farm perimeter Workers are getting Marsh Farm ready for Andrew's expected arrival around Easter time A JCB digger and a van from a local security firm parked on the driveway at Marsh Farm Marsh Farm is a much smaller property than Andrew is used to at Royal Lodge in Windsor A workman measures up for the installation of new security lights on one of the red brick walls The panelling replaces flimsy wire that stood before and allowed a good view from the road Marsh Farm is two miles west of the monarch's Sandringham House in Norfolk 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. The King's brother was finally banished from the Royal Family last year. Andrew had been embroiled in controversy for years over his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and allegations, which he denies, that he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre when she was a teenager and had been trafficked by Epstein. Ms Giuffre's death by suicide in April, her posthumous memoir Nobody's Girl and the release of documents and emails relating to Epstein intensified the focus on the late Queen's second son. It emerged he emailed Epstein telling him 'we are in this together' in 2011, three months after he claimed he had broken off all contact with the sex offender. Andrew stepped away from his public role in 2019 and later paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Ms Giuffre, whom Andrew claimed never to have met despite being pictured with his arm around her at now-convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell's home in London. Royal Lodge, the lavish Windsor mansion Andrew still shares with his ex-wife Sarah (file image) Andrew has lived at the 30-bedroom property Royal Lodge in Windsor since 2003 (file image) The entrance to Royal Lodge and the property can be seen in Windsor's Great Park (file image) In 2022, his mother Queen Elizabeth II ordered him to stop using his HRH style and removed his honorary military roles. Andrew agreed to no longer use his Duke of York title last October, but the King went a step further a fortnight later and dramatically stripped him of both his right to be a prince and his dukedom, making Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor a commoner for the first time. Just before Christmas, newly-surfaced emails from the Epstein files revealed one sent from Balmoral and signed 'A' asking Maxwell 'have you found me some new inappropriate friends?'. Andrew has faced calls from a powerful US congressional committee to give evidence about Epstein, who died by suicide in jail in 2019. The loss of Andrew's titles meant his ex-wife reverted back to her maiden name of Sarah Ferguson, with the former duchess also criticised for writing to Epstein after his conviction calling him a 'supreme friend', despite publicly disowning him in the media. When The Mail on Sunday revealed at the weekend that Prince William and Catherine had hired a crisis-management expert, Liza Ravenscroft, many readers will have been left bemused. Why on earth would the Prince and Princess of Wales need a crisis manager when they are the calm amid the royal storm? King Charles has to deal with the continuing, sordid scandal of his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsors friendship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. And the King must do so while still undergoing treatment, although now reduced, for an unspecified form of cancer. By contrast, the Prince and Princess of Wales have no such problems. They are deeply grateful that Catherine is now in remission from cancer and are enjoying life at their new Windsor home, Forest Lodge, where they moved last November and which they hope will be their forever home. William has settled into his role as head of the Duchy of Cornwall, the vast private estate valued at more than 1billion, and Prince George is due to start secondary school in September (probably at Williams alma mater, Eton College). William and Catherine are more respected than ever and regularly top opinion polls as the most popular members of the Royal Family. So, surely, the last person they need is a crisis manager? Here is what Ive been told about Ms Ravenscrofts appointment and I found it absolutely fascinating. The Prince and Princess of Wales are deeply grateful that Catherine is now in remission from cancer and are enjoying life at their new Windsor home, Forest Lodge Her CV stresses that she has told companies how to get past an issue as quickly as possible with minimum dents....Its often front-page stuff: from boycott campaigns to sexual allegations to serious safety issues, geopolitical and ethical risks. However, everyone at Kensington Palace is desperately keen to emphasise that she has been hired for her general abilities as a communications expert and not just because of her experience at dealing with crises. Liza is joining in a non-crisis role based in the KP press office, working on the day-to-day Press interaction Kensington Palace has, a source said. People who work in communications for the Royal Household come from an array of backgrounds. However, William and Catherine know that there may be trouble ahead, and its likely to come from a familiar source Prince Harry and Meghan. The Establishment plot to bring the Duke and Duchess of Sussex back to Britain is gathering pace, with a decision expected within the next couple of weeks on the reinstatement of the couples automatic armed police protection paid for by British taxpayers when they make return visits to this country. Over the past few days we have seen gushing front-page stories in red-top newspapers from sources close to the Sussexes. One was about how Meghan could visit Britain this summer, bringing her children, Prince Archie, aged six, and Princess Lilibet, four, to see their grandfather, the King, for the first time in four years. Another was about Harry inviting his father to open the forthcoming Invictus Games, his event for injured and sick former soldiers, which is due to be held in Birmingham next summer. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Invictus Games in Germany in 2023. It is said that Harry will invite his father to open the forthcoming games in Birmingham next summer Join the debate Does Prince William need a crisis manager? Both these stories, and other similar ones, serve to put pressure on the King and the rest of the Royal Family to roll out the red carpet for the Sussexes, even though the California-based couple have never apologised for their disgraceful attacks on their relations in television interviews, Harrys tawdry memoirs and in their Netflix docu-series. This PR offensive is all part of the Establishment plot I have reported on over recent months which aims to restore the Sussexes to the affections of the British public. The plot is known as Project Thaw because the aim is to warm up the dukes and duchesss frosty relationships with the rest of the Royal Family and with the British people. As I wrote last September: Worryingly, King Charles has been drawn into this, aided by some key figures of the Establishment behind the scenes. These are disturbing developments for William and Catherine, who are carefully and quietly establishing themselves as King and Queen in waiting. Harry and Meghan returning to set up their rival royal court at the same time as trying to make a fortune for themselves has the makings of a future crisis for the monarchy. So, while Liza Ravenscrofts new role at Kensington Palace may be a non-crisis one for now, it might not be long before she needs all the skills she acquired while dealing with disasters in the corporate world. Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark - the aunt of King Felipe of Spain - has passed away today aged 83. The beloved royal had never married or had children but was known for her bond with her siblings: Sofia, 87, the former Queen of Spain, and the late Constantine II, known as the last King of Greece. She also had links to the British monarchy; Irene was the great-granddaughter of German Emperor Wilhelm II, whose grandmother was Queen Victoria. It is understood the princess, whose health is thought to have been in decline in recent years, was with her sister - who had cancelled all engagements this week - in her final moments. On Thursday, the Spanish royal household released a statement saying: 'Their Majesties the King and Queen and Her Majesty Queen Sofia regret to announce the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Irene of Greece at 11.40am today at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid.' Irene, the daughter of of King Paul and Queen Frederica of the Hellenes, was born on May 11, 1942, in Cape Town, South Africa - where her parents had been living in exile, after Greece fell to the Axis Powers during World War II. A talented pianist, she was trained to play from a young age by renowned musician Gina Bachauer. Irene herself was a professional concert pianist for some time in the 70s, earning a three-minute ovation after performing at the Royal Festival Hall in 1969. She was known fondly by her nieces and nephews as 'Aunt Pecu' - short for 'peculiar', due to her 'eccentric' nature. Princess Irene of Greece and Denmark - the aunt of King Felipe of Spain- has passed away today aged 83. Pictured in 1963 Irene, the daughter of of King Paul and Queen Frederica of the Hellenes, was born on May 11, 1942, in Cape Town, South Africa - where her parents had been living in exile, after Greece fell to the Axis Powers during World War II. Pictured in February last year The beloved royal had never married or had children but was known for her bond with her siblings: Sofia, 87, the former Queen of Spain, and the late Constantine II, known as the last King of Greece. Pictured from left to right in 1947, Sofia, Constantine and Irene A talented pianist, she was trained to play from a young age by renowned musician Gina Bachauer. Irene herself was a professional concert pianist for some time in the 70s, earning a three-minute ovation after performing at the Royal Festival Hall in 1969 'They tease me quite a bit,' she quipped in an interview with Hello!. 'I'm the eccentric one in the family and they laugh a lot. When they play pranks on me, my sister doesn't defend me, she doesn't say anything, she agrees with them.' While Irene shied away from the spotlight, and was known for a myriad of interests, from music to philosophy - she dealt with a turbulent upbringing, moving back and forth from Greece due to political unrest. Her family were able to return to Greece by 1947, where her father King Paul's reign began. He passed away 17 years later, following a battle with stomach cancer - placing her brother Constantine in power, aged just 23. However, public support for him waned and civil unrest followed. A military coup in 1967 saw him deposed and eventually fleeing to Italy. Just a few years later, the Greek monarchy was abolished in 1973. Princess Irene and her mother moved to India in wake of the chaos, during the 1970s. Irene pictured with her mother in 1964 Sofia (right) pictured with Irene during the opening ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium in Athens After her mother passed away in 1981, Irene, then 39, joined her sister - who had by that point married King Juan Carlos - in Spain. Irene pictured in green, during a family holiday with Queen Letizia of Spain, Princess Sofia, Crown Princess Leonor of Spain, Queen Sofia and King Felipe VI, in 2024 Princess Irene and her mother moved to India in wake of the chaos. There, she became fascinated with Hinduism, and according to Tatler, even converted to the faith, becoming 'an 'ardent devotee of the scholar Shankaracharya'. 'The Vedas and Indian philosophy alone could show a path of peace to the world,' she is reported to have said, as per the outlet. 'The Vedic life was above caste, region, religion and country. World peace can be achieved by following Vedic life.' After her mother passed away in 1981, Irene, then 39, joined her sister - who had by that point married King Juan Carlos - in Spain. 'I came to Madrid for five days and stayed for five years,' she told Hello!. 'And as time went on, I understood that my place was beside Sofia.' She had honoured the sentiment for the rest of her life, often appearing alongside her family at public engagements but never taking to the spotlight. Despite this, she had been an ardent philanthropist, and donated her inheritance to an NGO she founded in 1986. 'I have no status; I am the Queen's sister, nothing more, and I am not an official,' she said. 'They are the official ones.' In 2018, she had became a Spanish national. Princess Irene had suffered from cancer in 2002, and has in recent years been pictured attending events in a wheelchair. Just last year, she had been spotted at her brother Prince Nikolaos's wedding, as he tied the knot with Chrysi Vardinogianni. Pesticides linked to cancer have been detected in 60 per cent of children's playgrounds, a new study warns. Experts from Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) found residues of the weedkiller glyphosate and its toxic breakdown product AMPA across play areas in England. The charity tested samples of soil and plant material and swabbed children's play equipment in 13 playgrounds across three English counties and two London boroughs. They found traces of the pesticide in eight of the 13 the equivalent of 61.5 per cent and on common play equipment such as slides and swings. None of the playgrounds were particularly close to agricultural fields, suggesting the contamination detected is likely to originate from the widespread use of glyphosate by UK councils to remove unwanted plants in public spaces. 'It is deeply concerning to find a Highly Hazardous Pesticide like glyphosate present in the very places where our children play,' Nick Mole, from PAN UK, said. 'UK glyphosate use has skyrocketed in recent years, as has the evidence linking this chemical to serious health conditions. 'We all know that young children tend to put their fingers and other items in their mouths so finding glyphosate residues in playgrounds, including on play equipment such as swings and slides, is particularly worrying.' The researchers found traces of the pesticide in eight of the 13 playgrounds and on common play equipment such as slides and swings Children are more vulnerable than adults to the health impacts of pesticides since their brains and bodies are still in development and less able to cope with toxins. Glyphosate has been repeatedly linked to a range of chronic diseases, most notably cancer, the researchers warned. A 2023 study from UC Berkeley School of Public Health found that childhood exposure to glyphosate and AMPA threatens to increase the risk of developing serious disease in later life, such as liver cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. While roughly 45 per cent of UK councils are taking action to end or reduce their pesticide use, the majority continue to use glyphosate in public spaces such as parks and pavements, usually for cosmetic purposes. Councils reported using a total of 354 tonnes of pesticides in 2024, roughly equivalent to the weight of 23 double decker buses. According to official data, glyphosatebased products make up 96 per cent of all pesticide active substances applied by local councils. Professor Michael Antoniou, a specialist in Molecular Genetics and Toxicology at Kings College London, contributed to the research. He said: 'Our studies have shown that exposure to glyphosate herbicides is a significant risk factor for the development of a range of serious health conditions, including fatty liver and kidney disease and, most worryingly, a wide range of cancers including leukaemias. Glyphosate is the world's most popular weedkiller but it is 'probably carcinogenic to humans', according to the WHO (file image) 'The assertion by government regulators that glyphosate is 'safe' does not stand up to latest scientific scrutiny, which shows that a 'safe' dose of glyphosate is, at present, unknown. 'Thus, all efforts should be made to reduce glyphosate herbicide use in both agricultural and urban settings, and to eliminate unnecessary routes of exposure, especially for children.' The areas tested as part of the study include playgrounds in Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Kent, and Hackney and Tower Hamlets in London. Hackney was the only location where neither glyphosate nor its breakdown product AMPA were found. Hackney Council went pesticidefree in all its parks and green spaces and on housing estates in 2021. They have also introduced a range of other measures which have significantly decreased the amount of pesticides used in other settings across the borough. PAN UK is urging all UK councils to adopt its tried and tested 'threeyear phase out plan' to join the fifty UK councils that have already gone pesticidefree. NASA has carried out the first-ever medical evacuation of astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS), rushing a four-person crew back to Earth after an in-orbit health emergency. The Crew-11 capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California at approximately 3:41am ET on Thursday, ending a roughly 10-hour return flight after leaving the ISS the day prior. The return was prompted by a medical issue that NASA flight surgeons determined could not be fully treated in microgravity. On board were NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. The spacecraft fired its engines to deorbit at 2:50am before enduring a fiery re-entry through Earth's atmosphere, deploying four parachutes to slow its descent into the ocean moments before splashdown. A recovery vessel with medical personnel retrieved the capsule at sea, conducted immediate health assessments, and transported the astronauts by helicopter and jet to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for further evaluation. The American space agency has declined to identify the affected crew member or disclose the nature of the condition, citing medical privacy. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman decided to bring the crew home early out of an abundance of caution, noting that the astronaut's medical episode was considered 'serious' and would require additional medical care on Earth. The spacecraft fired its engines to deorbit at 2:50am before enduring a fiery re-entry through Earth's atmosphere, deploying four parachutes to slow its descent into the ocean 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) A live press briefing was held about one hour after the crew returned to Earth, where Isaacman said the crew member of concern is doing fine, and NASA will release more when possible. NASA's chief medical officer, Dr James Polk, said last week they were in stable condition and were not in any immediate danger. He noted that the astronaut's medical condition had nothing to do with an upcoming spacewalk on January 8, which was cancelled, or any other operations on board the station. Boats swarmed the capsule as it bobbed on top of the water, which pulled the craft towards a recovery vessel in the distance, following splashdown. The capsule was then hoisted onto the vessel, and the SpaceX ground team quickly went to work cooling it down and removing any debris that may have attached to the hatch door during the descent. The hatch was opened at 3:19am, giving the astronauts their first breath of fresh air since launching to the ISS on August 1. Medical doctors were the first to meet the crew for a quick routine health check. Fincke was the first to emerge from the capsule, followed by Cardman, Platonov and Yui. The SpaceX Dragon capsule hit the water at 3:41am, brining the four-person Crew-11 home The return capsule was hoisted onto a recover vessel that was waiting nearby in the Pacific Ocean The crew spent 10 hours soaring through space before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. Pictured is Crew-11 inside the capsule 'It's so good to be home,' said Cardman, the capsule commander. This was her first space mission. Each astronaut was put on a stretcher, as they had been in zero-gravity for more than 100 days, and then carried off for more medical tests. The four astronauts who were evacuated had been trained to handle unexpected medical situations, said Amit Kshatriya, a senior NASA official, praising how they have dealt with the situation. Crew-11 is set to stay overnight at a medical facility outside of San Diego. Michael Fincke was the first to emerge from the capsule (PICTURED) Pictured is cosmonaut Oleg Platonov after emerging from the capsule The four astronauts were scheduled 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. 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. Located 250 miles above Earth, the ISS functions as a testbed for research that supports deeper space exploration, including eventual missions to return humans to the moon and onward to Mars. The ISS is set to be decommissioned after 2030, with its orbit gradually lowered until it breaks up in the atmosphere over a remote part of the Pacific Ocean called Point Nemo, a spacecraft graveyard. China has applied to launch almost 200,000 satellites into space, sparking concerns that the nation seeks to build a 'mega-constellation'. On December 29, a newly formed body called the Institute of Radio Spectrum Utilisation and Technological Innovation filed applications for two satellite constellations. Each of these enormous collections of spacecraft, dubbed CTC-1 and CTC-2, would contain 96,714 satellites spread over 3,660 different orbits. If completed, China's new mega-constellation would dwarf even SpaceX's bold ambition to put 49,000 Starlink satellites in orbit. Together, CTC-1 and CTC-2 would be the largest assembly of satellites ever put in orbit, and would effectively lock competitors out of a region of low-Earth orbit. With Chinese authorities remaining quiet about the satellites' intended use, experts have raised concerns that the constellation may pose a security or defence threat. As reported by China in Space, the Nanjing University of Aeronautics claims that the satellites will focus on: 'Low-altitude electromagnetic space security, integrated security defence systems, electromagnetic space security assessment of airspace, and low-altitude airspace safety supervision services.' This suggests the constellations may play a similar role to the SpaceX Starshield satellites used by the US military for secure tracking and communications. China has filed an application to launch almost 200,000 satellites into orbit, sparking concerns that the country might be building a mega-constellation (stock image) These applications were filed with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), a UN body that allocates spectrum allowances in space. With the applications filed, other operators will need to demonstrate to the ITU that new satellites in this orbit won't interfere with the constellation's operations. These satellites may have any number of benign functions, from tracking extreme weather and providing navigation for aircraft to offering Starlink-style communication services. However, the applications come at a time of increasing tension between the space ambitions of China and the US. Not only are the two nations racing to be the first to establish a permanent presence on the moon, but they are also competing for dominance in the field of low-Earth orbit. Military satellites form part of the so-called 'kill mesh', an automated network linking sensors, satellites, communications systems and weapons. In the war in Ukraine, satellite communications and the ability to jam the enemy's own satellites have been critical to shaping the conflict. Additionally, analysts have recently become concerned that the behaviour of China's satellites is becoming increasingly erratic and dangerous. The Chinese People's Liberation Army has increasingly pursued space capacity to provide communications and surveillance. Experts are concerned that this new constellation could form part of that capacity The constellation may be similar to Starlink's Starshield system for secure communications, which has been used to great effect by Ukrainian troops fighting Russia's invasion (pictured) China appears to be testing several 'fast movers' capable of moving around the geostationary orbit belt (GEO), lifting falling satellites back into orbit or potentially sabotaging US space assets. Speaking at an event at Chatham House in March, Chief Master Sergeant Ron Lerch, deputy chief of Space Operations for Intelligence with the U.S. Space Force, said: 'There are a number of what the Chinese refer to as these experimental communication satellites that are out in GEO, and yet these GEO satellites. 'Theyre sliding, or theyre moving very frequently across the GEO belt, which is a behaviour that is very uncharacteristic of a satellite thats intended to provide satellite communication.' Mr Lerch added: 'We [U.S. Space Force] see great risk right now because of the unprecedented growth, as well as the unmanaged competition.' For its part, China has been clear that it sees space as a legitimate frontier for competition with the US. As early as 2021, President Xi Jinping claimed that space was an 'important strategic asset for the country that must be well managed and utilised and, more importantly, protected.' China now has approximately 1,000 satellites in orbit, marking a significant increase from around 40 satellites in 2010. While these two new constellations might become part of China's growing military space presence, the more serious worry is that they may be part of a 'land grab'. China has been clear that it sees space as a legitimate area for competition, with President Xi Jinping (pictured) calling space 'an important strategic asset for the country' By staking their claim with the ITU, the Institute of Radio Spectrum Utilisation and Technological Innovation has effectively locked off a huge section of GEO. Under the ITU's rules, they must launch at least one satellite within seven years of the initial filing, with another seven years to complete launching all the satellites. China might have legitimate aims to build the constellations, but there is nothing preventing China from filing a 'dummy' application to lock off a section of space for later use. Victoria Samson, Chief Director of space security and stability for Secure World Foundation, told New Scientist: 'It is possible theyre just trying to create some space for later on.' This would not be the first time that a nation has attempted such a manoeuvre. In 2021, Rwanda filed an application for a constellation of 327,000 satellites in 27 orbits that it had absolutely no realistic ability complete. Similarly, it seems extraordinarily unlikely that China even has the capacity to complete CTC-1 and CTC-2 if it wanted to. China's commercial sector can currently produce about 300 spacecraft per year, with plans to expand up to 600, while the state can produce several hundred more. China does not have the rocket launch capacity to realistically complete this project, launching only 94 rockets last year. This makes it likely that the application is a form of 'land grab' to secure orbital space for future use. Pictured: A Chinese Long March-2F rocket launches in October 2025 However, China would need to launch 500 satellites per week, every week, for seven years to get 200,000 satellites in orbit. In 2025, China launched a record 92 rockets into space but hundreds, if not thousands, would be needed to complete the project. Even within China, experts don't seem to seriously believe that this project will ever be completed. Yang Feng, General Manager of commercial satellite maker Spacety, told China Daily: 'Leading in terms of filing applications does not mean surpassing in final execution. 'Turning these plans into operational constellations faces major challenges in terms of systems engineering, manufacturing and launch capacity.' This makes it more likely that China is simply attempting to secure a large section of orbit for later use. Perhaps ironically, this move comes just weeks after China lambasted SpaceX for creating 'safety and security' concerns by locking off sections of orbit with its own satellite constellations. 'With the unchecked proliferation of commercial satellite constellations by a certain country, in the absence of effective regulation, has given rise to pronounced safety and security challenges,' a Chinese representative said at an informal UN Security Council event. A detailed map of hidden landscapes beneath Antarctica's ice sheet reveals what really sits beneath the colossal frozen block. The sheet, which covers an area of almost 14 million km, is the largest single mass of ice on Earth. Scientists know less about the landscape hidden beneath than they do about the surface of Mars or Venus, as making observations through ice is difficult. Now, they have combined a new mapping technique with satellite data to provide the most detailed view to date. It reveals previously unknown features including thousands of subglacial hills and valleys, mountain ranges and deep canyons. The team said their findings could provide crucial insight into the behaviour of Antarctica's ice sheet, which is retreating and thinning due to warming oceans and air. Co-author of the study, Professor Robert Bingham from the University of Edinburgh's School of GeoSciences, said: 'Over millions of years Antarctica's ice sheet has sculpted a landscape consisting variously of flat plains, dissected plateaus and sharp mountains, all hidden under the present milesthick ice cover. 'With this technique we are able to observe for the first time the relative distributions of these highly variable landscapes over the whole continent.' This photograph shows the Thwaites ice shelf the widest glacier on the planet. It spans an area equal to the island of Great Britain (file image) A new map has revealed Antarctica's hidden landscapes including plateaus, mountains and flat plains For their study, an international team - led by researchers from the University of Edinburgh - used a mapping technique called Ice Flow Perturbation Analysis (IFPA). This identifies characteristic shapes in the glacial surface generated by the ice flowing over hills and valleys. They combined IFPA data with the latest satellite observations to reveal the landscape across the whole continent, including previously uncharted regions. Previous research has shown that rough areas of subglacial land such as jagged hillsides and sharp mountain ridges can slow the retreat of Antarctica's glacial sheet by providing frictional resistance against the ice flowing towards the sea. The latest map serves as an important guide to inform scientists where future surveys should be focused. It will also help develop more accurate projections of where and how much sea levels could rise in the future, the team says. 'Because making scientific observations through ice is difficult, we know less about the landscape hidden beneath Antarctica than we do about the surface of Mars or Venus,' lead author Dr Helen Ockenden said. 'So it's really exciting that this new method allows us to use satellite measurements of the ice surface to fill all of the gaps in our maps, revealing new details about mountain ranges, canyons and geological boundaries.' For their study, the researchers combined a new mapping technique with satellite data to provide the most detailed view to date Antarctica's rugged landscape is hidden by ice. Pictured: Gentoo penguins in Antarctica. The mountains in the background could represent what the buried topography looks like (file image) Mathieu Morlighem from Dartmouth College, US, said: 'Understanding the landscape beneath Antarctica is really important for icesheet models. 'In particular, rougher areas with more hills can really slow down the retreat of the ice sheet, and so this new map will help our models to produce better projections of where and how much sea levels will rise in the future.' Coauthor Professor Andrew Curtis said the method they used to project ice surface information down from satellites 'provides a completely new way to see through ice sheets'. 'Over several years we have proven that it works well in detailed tests and this application across all of Antarctica demonstrates its power,' he added. The findings were published in the journal Science. Verizon's massive nationwide network outage on Wednesday may have been caused by a failure in just one East Coast state. Officials believe a network server in New Jersey going down was the likely trigger of the day-long network crash, according to an initial investigation by law enforcement agencies on the East Coast searching for signs of sabotage. Many people on social media immediately began to speculate that the hours-long network disruption switching cell phones into SOS mode was caused by a cyberattack. New York State Assembly member Anil Beephan has called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to open a probe into the outage, but no signs of tampering or hacking by cybercriminals have been found so far. However, James Knight of DigitalWarfare.com told the Daily Mail that cyberwarfare experts are very suspicious about this outage being able to spread across the entire US within minutes. 'True single-point failures shouldn't cascade this way in a properly engineered system, and the silence on exact causes only heightens doubts,' Knight explained. Knight added Verizon's 'built-in redundancies,' including spread out data centers, constant system tests, and multiple routing paths for signals, should have prevented this kind of long-term and widespread service blackout. 'That said, there are no credible signs or evidence this was cyberwarfare, a cyberattack, or foreign interference,' the cyberwarfare expert noted. Tens of thousands of Verizon customers had their phones switching into SOS mode due to a network outage on Wednesday (Stock Image) Your browser does not support iframes. While Verizon's network failure mirrored a 2024 AT&T outage that was blamed on 'internal software' problems, Knight called the timing 'suspicious' based on the geopolitical tensions between the US and adversaries like China and Iran. 'Everyone I've spoken to is either tight-lipped or suspicious,' he told Daily Mail. Despite the timing, no groups or nations have claimed responsibility for any kind of potential attack on Verizon's server, which Knight said would have been typical for disruptive actors seeking visibility for a major hack. The telecommunications giant has yet to provide any details on the exact cause of the mysterious blackout, leaving customers without the ability to make calls or send text messages. On Thursday, Verizon told Daily Mail that all customers affected by the outage would receive a $20 credit to their account, which they will need to redeem using the myVerizon app. 'This credit isnt meant to make up for what happened. No credit, really, can. But its a way of acknowledging our customers' time and showing that this matters to us,' a spokesperson for Verizon said. The spokesperson added that business customers would be contacted directly about being compensated, but did not provide specifics on how many Verizon users were affected or how the company knows who was impacted. During the outage, Verizon users reported that the problem seemed to be random, affecting some of their accounts but not others. Some families noted having one phone go into SOS mode while another was working all day. A Verizon worker repairs a network tower during service disruptions Despite Verizon reporting that 'the outage has been resolved' at 10.20pm ET on Wednesday night, some customers have continued to report issues with Verizon's service lasting well past midnight and into Thursday. 'I have some data now, but absolutely no call goes through.. says call failed. Its been almost a full 24 hours and this is ridiculous,' one Verizon customer reported at 9.10am ET. According to outage-tracking website Down Detector, the network began to break down just before 12 noon on Wednesday. Within an hour, there were more than 180,000 reports from across the US saying that their mobile phone had gone into SOS mode, meaning they had no connection to Verizon's network and could only make emergency calls to 911 and send emergency texts. Major cities along the East Coast, including New York and Washington DC, appeared to be the hardest hit areas, with customers in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Seattle also reporting widespread outages. Although Verizon began providing a series of updates on their efforts to fix the network issues starting just after 2pm, none of the company's social media posts revealed the specific issue, calling it a 'service issue' and 'service interruption.' Daily Mail's attempts to contact Verizon on Wednesday were not answered, and an automated message said the company was dealing with 'an emergency condition.' Ticking off every destination on your travel bucket list can be an expensive feat to complete. Summer can feel like a natural time to visit certain spots, but can also be pricey. Meanwhile, the winter months can drive up costs with tourists jetting off to festive locations. Fortunately, there are certain months where some destinations might work out to be cheaper to travel to. Go2Africa has calculated the best locations for every month of the year read on below to find out where to head to save some pennies. January Denmark Italy Greece Denmark has a rich history and an abundance of great cities to explore, from Copenhagen, Odense and Aarhuse. Another European spot, Italy draws in visitors with its delicious cuisine and landscapes. Meanwhile, Greece has endless coastline and sandy beaches, and is still quite mild in January with highs of 15 degrees. Greece has endless coastline and sandy beaches, and is still quite mild in January with highs of 15 degrees February Croatia Poland Hungary Croatia is another affordable spot and has miles of coastline, countless small islands and historic cities to explore. Elsewhere, an average hotel in Poland costs $84 (62), according to Go2Africa, and the country is known for offering decently priced food and drink too. Hungary boasts impressive architecture and for those wanting to take a warm dip in an otherwise chilly time of the year, its capital Budapest has welcoming thermal baths. March Algeria The Netherlands Portugal Algeria is typically less busy than other destinations like Morocco and has plenty to enjoy. While the Netherlands boasts its iconic canals and waterways, as well as colourful buildings in locations like Amsterdam. Portugal is usually seen as a summer destination but still offers amazing cuisine and beautiful cities to explore during cooler months too. An average hotel in Poland costs $84 (62), according to Go2Africa, and the country is known for offering decently priced food and drink too April Georgia Germany Georgia has everything from stunning beaches to dramatic mountain landscapes, and temperatures typically hover around a pleasant 15 degrees in April, making it ideal for sightseeing. Meanwhile, Germany is less than a two-hour flight from the UK and offers excellent value in spring, with mild weather, fewer crowds and vibrant cities such as Berlin, Munich and Hamburg to explore, alongside historic towns, castles and renowned beer halls. May Czechia Japan Turkey Czechia is bursting with beautifully preserved historic cities like Prague to explore, and visitors can sip on the country's beloved beer while doing so. For somewhere further afield, Japan works out as more affordable in May, with the average hotel cost coming to $153 (113). Turkey is popular in the summer but proves to be much cheaper in May when travellers can enjoy its beaches and hotels without the crowds. Many travellers consider Finland as a great viewing spot for the Northern Lights, but it has so much more to offer. There are lush landscapes, impressive lakes and healthy, clean air to take in too. For somewhere further afield, Japan works out as more affordable in May, with the average hotel cost coming to $153 (113) June Serbia Grenada Zambia The cheapest time of the year to head to Serbia, according to Go2Africa, is in June when you can take in the country's vibrant culture. For a taste of the Caribbean without the hefty price tag, Grenada could be worth visiting in June. Elsewhere, Zambia has unspoiled landscapes and the opportunity to go on impressive safaris. July Finland Cambodia Many travellers consider Finland to be a great viewing spot for the Northern Lights, but it has so much more to offer. There are lush landscapes, impressive lakes and healthy, clean air to take in too. Or if white sand, palm trees and good food is more your thing, Barbados proves to be more affordable then too. Over in Asia, Cambodia has ancient jungle temples and a vibrant food scene to enjoy. August China Australia Papua New Guinea August happens to be the cheapest time of the year to visit China, where a hotel can be bagged for $83 (61). Elsewhere, Australia is also more affordable during this time, when the country will be in its winter season. Meanwhile, Papua New Guinea has diverse coral reef wildlife and lush natural landscapes to take in. Over in Asia, Cambodia has ancient jungle temples and a vibrant food scene to enjoy September Argentina Barbados With stunning canyons and waterfalls that will blow you away, Argentina is well worth visiting and is less pricey in September. Or if white sand, palm trees and good food are more your thing, Barbados proves to be more affordable then too. October Brazil Belgium Brazil boasts lush forested mountains and a beautiful coastline, and October is one of the cheaper times of the year to explore it all. If good beer and waffles appeal to you, Belgium is a great place to visit and you might find yourself skipping a lot of the crowds in October too. November Norway Canada Estonia Norway has countless miles of natural beauty to enjoy and an average hotel comes to just $153 (113) in November. The long-haul flight might be worth it with Canada, as it's the second-biggest country on Earth but one of the least populated. What's more, Canada has the longest coastline in the world. Estonia works out to be more affordable in November, and its medieval capital Tallinn is worth checking out for its impressive architecture. Or if white sand, palm trees and good food is more your thing, Barbados proves to be more affordable in September December Madagascar Tunisia Madagascar will amaze you with its biodiversity and jaw-dropping landscapes. Plus, it works out at around $67 (50) for a hotel on average in December. Elsewhere, Tunisia is another affordable location in December and has delicious cuisine to delve into as well as a rich history. Two British airports have been given the accolade no hub would want - to be named amongst the world's most stressful places to catch a plane. A new report by Travel Insurance comparison service, iSelect, listed both Gatwick Airport and Manchester amongst the top ten places around the world that are likely to leave you with shredded nerves if you're flying from them in 2026. While Gatwick, the UK's second-largest airport, ranked eighth in the list, Manchester made the top three - but was pipped to the top spot by Newark Liberty International Airport in the US, with Humberto Delgado Airport in Portugal placing second. The London airport was under 'constant operational pressure' because of its single runway, the findings, which were published by Conde Nast Traveller, said, with minor disruptions often escalating, particularly at the height of the summer holiday season. Meanwhile, Manchester found itself named as the world's third most stressful airport thanks to continual congestion and 'operational disruption' - with an average flight delay time of 23 minutes and a baggage claim delay score of 69%. While the research recognised Manchester's efforts to improve, it said passengers jetting off this year were still very likely to experience peak-time bottlenecks and delays in collecting baggage. Gatwick, the UK's second busiest airport made the list of the world's most stressful hubs in 2026, according to research by iSelect The global analysis by iSelect looked at how airports perform under 'sustained pressure' as well as including capacity and accessibility. The comparison service looked at 50 major global airports and ranked them according to everything from ease of getting to the airport to delays, cancellations and security wait time. It's been a treacherous week for travellers flying from central Europe this week. Icy weather has hampered the travel plans of many, with major hubs in Budapest, Hungary, Vienna in Austria and Bratislava in Slovakia forced to shut. Yesterday, Budapest Airport told passengers it had to close due to black ice and 'extreme icing' and runways in Vienna were reportedly coated by a thick layer of ice and kept refreezing, forcing it to close temporarily. And Manchester came third in the list, with persistent operational problems cited for the high ranking Earlier this week, passengers travelling to Birmingham Airport were redirected following a technical fault. Arrivals were suspended after a power failure affected a radar facility operated by National Air Traffic Services (NATS). Over 20 inbound flights were cancelled or diverted and several flights were delayed by over four hours. January may be deemed the most depressing month of the year by many - with daylight and warm weather in short supply, but the first month of the year does deliver on one thing...prices tumble at many major attractions. And if you're prepared to wrap up warm - in Europe at least - and go last-minute, you can save hundreds of pounds on holidays that are often much pricier during peak season. Google Trends data for this week shows searches for beating the January blues are up 150% with bookings for quick getaways buoyant. Research by AttractionTickets.com found that popular family-friendly breaks to places such as Orlando's theme parks, Center Parcs and Butlins deliver a winter boost at a fraction of the price you'll pay later in the year. The study examined traveller satisfaction, destination popularity and online reviews to compile the list of winter pick-me-ups. Where are people heading? Paris, just a two-hour hop from London, ranks in the top spot, scoring 24.65 out of 25. And just behind it is Disneyland Paris. Across the board, theme park trips in January are also proving popular, particularly in the US, where the mercury is higher - it's currently a comparatively balmy 14 degrees in Orlando. Close to home, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London and the Natural History Museum are popular winter days out, the study finds. Bring on the feel good! Winter pick-me-up breaks have been ranked by AttractionTickets.com - and London's Warner Bros. Studio Tour is among them For longer stays in the UK, Center Parcs and Butlins fare well too, with January seeing the lowest prices at both holiday parks. Chris Bradshaw, travel expert at AttractionTickets.com, said of the findings: 'January is a month when motivation can dip and many people look for small ways to lift their mood after the festive season. 'This ranking suggests that destinations built around escapism and shared experiences are particularly appealing at this time of year, offering a welcome break from winter routines.' Advises Bradshaw: 'For those looking for a last-minute January deal, you need to be flexible with travel dates and ensure that youre looking beyond weekend bookings. 'You can also try bundling attraction tickets with accommodation, which can make a big difference when booking late.' Center Parcs is significantly cheaper in January - and ideal for a last-minute mid-winter getaway TOP TEN HAPPIEST WINTER DESTINATIONS 1). Eiffel Tower 2). Disneyland Paris 3). Warner Bros. Studio Tour 4). Walt Disney World 5). Universal Orlando Resort 6). Center Parcs Longleat Forest 7). Butlins Skegness 8). Discovery Cove 9). Top of the Rock 10). Natural History Museum Advertisement Last week, Disneyland in California came under fire from its guests after eliminating a fanfavorite perk that had long drawn visitors to the iconic theme park. Until now, visitors staying at a Disneyland hotel enjoyed a 30minute head start before the park in Anaheim, California, opened to everyone else. For many, the incentive was one of the biggest draws of staying at more expensive onsite hotels even with cheaper options just a short distance away. However, the early access perk was officially scrapped as of Monday, leaving many Disney fans reeling and sparking backlash among longtime visitors. 'I've always stayed on property, but I won't after this,' one Reddit user wrote. 'There's simply no reason.' Others blasted the theme park's constant price changes and complained that the so-called Disney magic was disappearing as a result. 'The 'Magic' is now the Excel spreadsheet that helped the CSuite make these decision[s],' another user said. Until this week, hotel guests could enter the park early, letting them ride popular attractions, shop freely and dine with far fewer crowds. The perk applied to anyone staying at the theme park's three hotels, which are the Disneyland Hotel, the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and the Pixar Place Hotel. Now, guests will receive just one Lightning Lane entry to a Lightning Lane Multi Pass attraction during their stay. Disney's Lightning Lane is a paid service that lets visitors skip the regular line and wait in a separate, shorter line after reserving a ride in advance. A furious traveller has branded a fellow flyer selfish for not pulling down their window shade on a recent night flight - and divided travellers on social media with his rant. Carlos Gil, an influencer who lives in Dubai, posted a photograph showing the person seated in front of him with light streaming through their plane window - and called the decision not to close the black-out panel on the long haul flight 'diabolical'. Gil revealed that he was on a 14-hour flight - and that every other window shade in the economy class cabin was closed. The furious flyer wrote on threads.com: 'Its 4am back home, were on a 14 hour flight, cabin lights are off, everyone is asleep (except me), and the dude in front of me has his window shade WIDE OPEN like were filming a National Geographic documentary.' The person seated in front of Gil appears to be asleep in the photo. Sparking debate, the influencer asks: 'Am I crazy for wanting to reach over and close it without saying a word or is this one of those unspoken airplane rules where touching the shade starts a problem?' He added: 'Be honest do you shut it down or accept youre not sleeping?' Gil asked and the opinions poured forth, with many agreeing that it was selfish behaviour to let sunlight enter the cabin when people were clearly trying to sleep. Influencer Carlos Gil, who lives in Dubai, shared a photo of a passenger in the seat in front of him with their window shade open on a night flight on a threads.com post - and split opinions on whether it was bad form or not (Stock image) One person wrote: 'Seems to me that the attendant should ask him to close it! I think it is inconsiderate of that person.' Another added: 'You call the flight attendant. Some airlines require you to keep it down if everyone is sleeping.' However, plenty suggested that if you're buying a window seat, you get to control whether the shade is up or down. One traveller penned: 'If it bothers so much, wear an eye mask. I dont sleep in planes and if I fly overnight Europe bound I usually open it from time to time to try getting a glimpse of Northern Lights. Last 2 times it worked.' Another chimed in: 'I dont think you understand the meaning of the word diabolical. If everyone else is asleep but youit sounds like a personal problem to me. Shut your eyes and see what happens.' And one said health reasons were behind her keeping the shade open, writing: 'I buy a window seat & keep it open the whole time. I have anxiety when flying, but something about the shade open helps. Closed is claustrophobic for me.' Some of the reaction sparked by Carlos Gil's post - travellers were largely divided on the issue There is no official protocol on window shades on planes, more an unwritten rule that when the lights go off, the shades go down. Earlier this week, another furious passenger slammed an airline after being served the 'worst sandwich' he'd ever had - and says he 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. Unwritten rule? Is it bad form to keep your window open when the lights are out in the main c 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. '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.' All-you-can-eat buffets have long been a go-to for diners craving generous helpings of virtually any food they desire, all at a low price point. But for those who have grown tired of the greasy, mundane offerings of chips and spring rolls typically served up at their local joints, a lavish alternative awaits - but it'll cost a pretty penny. At The Ned, a members' club and hotel located in the City of London, diners can feast on lobster tail, oysters, roast meats and gourmet salads - washed down with free-flowing champagne for an extra fee, of course. Ned's Feast is served across Millie's Lounge and The Nickel Bar booths every Sunday, offering the finest of foods to those who don't mind forking out 120 for the ultimate buffet experience. Known for its high-quality seafood, the Feast is packed with fresh, limitless lobster, oysters, prawns, crevettes and smoked salmon. As for starters and salads, the options are endless. Guests can choose from a variety of crisp, freshly prepared salads, including grain and Caesar. Those who'd prefer to snack on something a little moreish, options such as deviled eggs, avocado toast, sausage rolls and charcuterie are available. But a swanky buffet on a Sunday isn't complete without a top-tier roast dinner - one that would most certainly put its budget competitors to shame. At The Ned, diners can feast on lobster tail, oysters, roast meats and gourmet salads each Sunday - but it'll cost a pretty penny Located in the City of London, Ned's Feast is served across Millie's Lounge and The Nickel Bar, giving diners the opportunity enjoy the finest of foods in a two-hour time slot from 120 per person Across Millie's Lounge, guests will have all they'll need to construct a seriously impressive Sunday Roast - starting with roast meats like beef, chicken and pork. As for trimmings, the Ned offers a myriad of choices, including Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, veg, stuffing, pigs in blankets, cauliflower cheese, and mac & cheese. Room for dessert? Cakes, tarts, brownies, fruit salads, cheese boards and even sweet stations are among the options for those with a sweet tooth. Both soft drinks and alcohol are available, as well as Prosecco upgrades. While the standard buffet experience costs 120 per person for two hours, those who wish to elevate their meal with an equally luxurious tipple (or two), free-flowing champagne is available for an extra 70, bringing the total cost to 190. Standard soft drinks, hot beverages and alcoholic options are also available, including Prosecco upgrades. Adult prices apply to those aged 12 and over, while guests aged between four and 12 can enjoy the feast at half the cost. Children aged three and under eat for free, as detailed on The Ned's website. So, if you fancy elevating your all-you-can-eat experience with premium food and live jazz music inside a former bank, now is your cue to skip your local joint and spend a Sunday afternoon dining like royalty at one of most expensive buffets in the world. No Sunday buffet is complete without a roast dinner - at the Ned, guests can start with roast meats like beef, chicken and pork and piles their plates with all the trimmings As for starters, options such as deviled eggs, avocado toast, sausage rolls and charcuterie are available While free-flowing champagne costs an extra 70 per person, soft drinks and other alcoholic drinks are also available Desserts such as tarts, brownies, fruit salads, and even candy stations are available for those with a sweet tooth Meanwhile, a man has revealed what it's like to try the 'most expensive burger in London' - complete with a caviar garnish and a price tag that'll make your eyes water. Otto's French Restaurant in Bloomsbury prides itself on offering 'classic, elegant, and romantic Gallic fine dining'. It was here that Carmie Sellitto, a TikTok creator turned restaurant critic, tried the 300 burger. Otto's Le Burger Deluxe is crafted from four prime cuts, topped with a lobster claw and an entire pot of caviar. It also comes with white sauce, egg yolk and potato crisps. When you think of cities famous for their cuisine, the first destinations that usually come to mind are Rome or Paris. However, London has been named as 2026s best food city in the world by Tripadvisor. The UK capital came top in the Travellers' Choice Awards, which looked at last year's eight million online reviews to compile its 'best of the best' list. Announcing London's surprising foodie win, Tripadvisor said: 'From Shoreditchs swaggering style to Camdens punky vibe and chic Portobello Road, London is many worlds in one. 'The citys energy means that no two days are the same. 'Explore royal or historic sites, tick off landmarks from your bucket list, eat and drink in exclusive Michelin-starred, enjoy a pint in a traditional, or get lost down winding cobbled streets and see what you stumble across the possibilities are endless.' In the ranking, London beat out Dubai, in second place, and Rome, in third place. Meanwhile, Hong Kong - famous for its Pan-Asian cuisine - came in fourth place. London has been named as 2026s best food city in the world by Tripadvisor In the ranking, London beat out Dubai, in second place Rome was surprisingly in third place Majorca was in sixth place, followed by Doha, Qatar, in seventh, Crete in eighth, Bangkok in ninth, and Marrakech in tenth. Despite being the city with one of the most Michelin-star restaurants in the world, it was Paris that rounded out the top five. The list was compiled using Tripadvisor's 'above-and-beyond reviews and opinions'. The travel site's website adds: 'The Travellers Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. 'Its awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. 'Out of our eight million listings, fewer than one per cent achieve this milestone.' Some people may not be too shocked by London's culinary prowess, as it's home to many restaurants that have been ranked the best in the world. Three-Michelin-star chef Sergio Herman recently brought Frites Atelier - said to serve the 'world's best fries' - to 34 Old Compton Street in Soho. Da Michele was named Best Artisan Pizza Chain in the World - and has two branches in London Core by Clare Smyth was ranked one of the best restaurants in the world by La Liste A historic five-star hotel in Mayfair, London, The Ritz is known for its elegance, charm and opulent interiors At this Dutch chain, diners can choose from a delicious menu of chips, chips and more chips. Meanwhile, the 'world's best pizza' can be found on Baker Street and in Soho, at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele. London also does burgers very well. Bleecker Burger and Black Bear Burger came in second and third place, respectively, in the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurant burger awards. Both restaurants have various joints across the capital. Finally, seven London restaurants featured on La Liste's ranking of the top 1,000 restaurants in the world. These are Core by Clare Smyth, The Ritz, Helene Darroze at The Connaught, Gordon Ramsay London, Sushi Kanesaka, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, and Brooklands by Claude Bosi. Iconic BBC drama Ballykissangel is returning to screens for the first time in more than a decade - with all 58 episodes of the series free to view. Freeview channel Great TV will air all six seasons of the comedy-drama series that starred the likes of Stephen Tompkinson, Dervla Kirwan and Hollywood star Colin Farrell, and aired on Sunday nights in the 1990s. The show, which was made by BBC Northern Ireland, a family favourite when it first aired in 1996, has not been available to watch on British TV since 2016. At its height, the series - which ran for five years and was filmed in the real village of Avoca in County Wicklow - attracted more than 10million viewers a week. Now, it will make its return, with the first episode shown on February 2nd at 3pm, with subsequent episodes airing at the same time Monday through Friday. The return of the beloved show offers new audiences a chance to discover the gentle humour and romantic entanglements of the fictional village of Ballykissangel. Iconic BBC drama Ballykissangel is returning to screens for the first time in over a decade - with all 58 episodes of the Northern Ireland based series free to view Freeview channel Great TV will air all six seasons of the comedy-drama series that starred the likes of Stephen Tomkinson and Dervla Kirwan and aired on Sunday nights in the 1990s It follows the story of Catholic priest Father Peter Clifford, played by Wild at Heart actor Stephen, who arrives from Manchester to serve under prickly old Father MacAnally (Niall Toibin). Father Clifford soon finds himself drawn into the messy, funny, and often heartwarming lives of the villagers. He is quickly entangled in a slowburn relationship with Dervla's Assumpta Fitzgerald, the fiercely independent publican who owns the local pub, Fitzgeralds. Their chemistry and moral dilemma a priest falling for a woman who questions the Church gave the show much of its dramatic pull. Other main characters included Brian Quigley (Tony Doyle) as the villages wheeler dealer businessman, always ready with a scheme or investment. Tina Kellegher and Peter Caffrey played Niamh Egan, the warmhearted daughter of Brian Quigley, and Ambrose Egan, the local Garda, giving the series one of its central village families. Siobhan (Deirdre OKane) was the no nonsense village vet. Several of the shows leads and recurring actors used Ballykissangel as a launchpad or stepping stone - including a young Colin Farrell. The show last aired in 2001 and was taken off screens in 2016 Hollywood star Colin Farrell also found his big break on the BBC series He joined the show aged 22 as barman and handyman Darren Byrne in one of his first screen roles. Great TVs marketing director Kate Gartland said: 'We are absolutely delighted that we can bring back this wonderful, heartwarming series for our viewers. 'In the late 90s it was an absolute must-see for millions of families who would sit down in front of the telly to watch it every Sunday night. 'The return of all 58 episodes taps into a wider appetite for comfort viewing and 1990s nostalgia that we know that Great TV viewers love to watch. 'For original viewers, it is a chance to revisit those storylines that were watercooler talk at the time. And for a new generation of viewers, it allows them to discover a truly iconic comedy drama.' So where are the actors of the iconic BBC series now? From starring in major Hollywood productions, to performing on the West End and beyond, we've got the lowdown on the stars of Ballykissangel. Stephen Tompkinson Since leaving the show, Father Peter Clifford's Stephen launched a long TV career including starring roles in Wild at Heart, Grafters, In Deep, and the crime series DCI Banks Since leaving the show, Father Peter Clifford's Stephen launched a long TV career including starring roles in Wild at Heart, Grafters, In Deep, and the crime series DCI Banks. He has also appeared in comedy Drop the Dead Donkey earlier in his career and theatre, including stage productions in the West End and on tour. In 2023, he returned to the stage just weeks after a jury cleared him of inflicting grievous bodily harm. The DCI Banks star was accused of punching a drunk man in the head, who fell to the ground and broke his skull, after finding him and a friend drinking and making noise at the bottom of his driveway in the early hours of May 30, 2021. The 57-year-old was cleared by a jury of inflicting GBH at Newcastle Crown Court. The actor told jurors he only pushed Mr Poole away in self-defence and the contact 'wasn't enough to knock a sober man off his feet'. Tompkinson began touring with the Original Theatre company starring as Nobel prize winner and playwright Samuel Beckett opposite Andrew Lancel, who plays fellow Nobel prize winner and playwright Harold Pinter. Dervla Kirwan Since Ballykissangel, Dervla has starred in Goodnight Sweetheart with Nicholas Lyndhurst, 55 Degrees North, The Silence, Injustice, Silent Witness and The Stranger. Assumpta Fitzgerald's Dervla remains a prominent presence on British and Irish screens and stage. Since Ballykissangel, she starred in Goodnight Sweetheart with Nicholas Lyndhurst, 55 Degrees North, The Silence, Injustice, Silent Witness and The Stranger. She returned to screens again in 2025 in Netflix's big hitter drama House of Guinness, and throughout her career has been awarded two IFTA Awards. Married to Spooks star Rupert Penry-Jones, she has also had an extensive theatre career in London and Dublin. In 2023, she joined The Handmaid's Tale's Joseph Fiennes, who played Gareth Southgate, in Dear England when it moved to the Prince Edward Theatre in London. 'I'm thrilled to be taking on the role,' Kirwan said at the time. 'I've not performed in the West End for a while. 'It's such a special experience and I'm delighted to return to the heart of Soho in a theatre large enough to bring James Graham's acclaimed play to a whole new audience. Rehearsals are just beginning but the company already feels like a winning team.' Colin Farrell Colin Farrell has enjoyed the most success from the show, becoming Irelands best known film stars, with major roles in Hollywood and European cinema Colin Farrell has enjoyed the most success from the show, becoming Irelands best known film stars, with major roles in Hollywood and European cinema. His performances in In Bruges, The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, The Banshees of Inisherin and mainstream hits like Phone Booth and S.W.A.T. have earned awards, nominations, and critical acclaim. He also maintained a presence in mainstream cinema with roles in major franchises and films, including Fantastic Beasts and starred at the Penguin in The Batman. Among his accolades are three Golden Globe Awards, one Screen Actors Guild Award, and one Volpi Cup, in addition to nominations for an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2023, and The Irish times hailed him as Ireland's fifth-greatest actor in 2020. Deirdre O'Kane Since appearing on Ballykissangel, Deirdre OKane has balanced acting with a successful standup comedy career Since appearing on Ballykissangel, Deirdre OKane has balanced acting with a successful standup comedy career. She became a familiar face on Irish television through comedy and panel shows, most notably starring in the satirical sketch series The Savage Eye. OKane also took on memorable acting roles in television dramas and comedies such as Moone Boy. In film, she appeared in acclaimed projects like Noble, contributing to socially engaged Irish cinema alongside her comedy career. Niamh Egan Niamh Egan's Tina Kellegher went on to feature in a range of Irish television and film projects, including In the Name of the Father, Striking Out and Blood. Niall Toibin Father MacAnally's Niall Toibin passed away in 2019 Niall Toibin (Father MacAnally), a veteran Irish actor and comedian, continued to work in film and television, including appearances in Veronica Guerin and The Clinic. He remained active on Irish television, appearing in popular series such as Fair City. While he also took on supporting roles in major Irish films, including Veronica Guerin and The Wind That Shakes the Barley. He was also in demand for radio drama and voice work, where his distinctive voice and measured delivery made him particularly effective. He passed away in 2019. Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard is worlds away from Weatherfield in the first look at her explosive soap comeback. The actress, 68, played iconic Liz McDonald on and off in the ITV soap from 1989 until 2020. Beverley is now set for a new journey, having joined the cast of Irish soap opera Fair City. She is playing Lily, the long-lost mother to already established character Gwen (Emily Lamey). Promo pics show Beverley getting into character, with the star wearing a black leather jacket in one. Another shows the actress dressed in a cream ruffled jacket and denim jumpsuit as she poses next to a 'Welcome to Carrigstown' sign. Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard returns to the soap world in an explosive first look at her new role The actress - who played Liz McDonald on and off from 1989 to 2020 - has joined the cast of Fair City as Lily Beverley originally starred in Corrie from 1989 to 1998, while making multiple comebacks in the years since Last month, it was first announced that Beverley had signed up to join the long-running series. A source told The Sun: 'Fair City is hugely admired in Ireland, but it's not known quite as well back in England so it's a bit of a rogue move. 'But Beverley is really excited about the opportunity to be going in as a regular and plans to make her mark on the soap.' Her beloved character, Liz McDonald, first graced Coronation Street's cobbles more than three decades ago, when she arrived with her family. The clan included husband Jim (Charles Lawson), as well as twin sons Andy (Nicholas Cochrane) and Steve (Simon Gregson) - the latter now a stalwart on the show. Beverley initially left the role in 1998, with further stints from 2000 to 2001, 2003 to 2011 and most recently, 2013 to 2020. Announcing her exit from the role in 2019, she told Loose Women at the time: 'I did think, because its [the show] 60 next year, I thought theyll kill me. Theyre not. They said theyre not. The character of Liz McDonald is very associated with the Rovers Return pub (pictured in 1993 with Sarah Lancashire as character Raquel Wolstenhulme) 'I dont know what it is yet, truly I dont, they said she will go with a bang. So Im quite looking forward to that.' In late 2020, Beverley starred in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here, in the first series filming at Gwrych Castle due to Covid restrictions. She appeared alongside Vernon Kay, Shane Richie, Sir Mo Farah and eventual winner Giovanna Fletcher - while forming a close bond with Jordan North. In September 2025, it was reported that Beverley had signed up for the second I'm A Celebrity All Stars series, shot in South Africa. Other famous names in camp are rumoured to include Gemma Collins, Harry Redknapp, Scarlett Moffatt and past campmate Sir Mo Farah. Beverley's original I'm A Celeb stint saw her paid a reported 125K and now her second comes after she was understood to be facing bankruptcy for a second time over a 100K tax bill. A source said at the time: 'Beverley's first taste of I'm A Celebrity was in a cold, wet castle in Wales and it was a tough experience - although she loved making so many new friends. 'When the chance came up to fly to South Africa and have a second spin of the wheel she jumped at the chance.' They told The Sun: 'She is out there now filming and will be trying her best to make it through to the final.' Love Island have insisted Jack Keating has only returned for All Stars because of his famous father. Jack, 26, is one of the former islanders returning to the reality villa in South Africa for a second chance at finding 'love'. The dad-of-one is the son of Boyzone star and TV presenter Ronan Keating. Jack first appeared on the eighth series of Love Island in 2022 and lasted just five days before he was dumped from the show. And, as the Irish hunk returned during Thursday night's launch episode, fans immediately claimed nepotism is at play over his appearance. Taking to social media, one said: 'Come and see nepotism, Jack didn't contribute a single thing last time round'; Love Island have insisted Jack Keating has only returned for All Stars because of his famous father Ronan Keating Jack, 26, is one of the former islanders returning to the reality villa in South Africa for a second chance at finding 'love' Jack first appeared on the eighth series of Love Island in 2022 and lasted just five days before he was dumped from the show 'Who even is Jack, he was on air for 2 seconds bye'; 'We all know the real reason Jack gets women. And it's not his Irish charm. Life really is a rollercoaster'; 'Nepotism is crazy. Jack Keating wasn't even the most interesting casa reject, yet he landed a spot on all stars'; 'Did Jack's dad bribe a producer to get him back on 'cause what?' Speaking on his decision to return to the show, Jack said: 'I feel like I have to come back and redeem myself, my experience before was short and sweet, I was in there for four days and I didn't couple up with anyone, so it didn't really go to plan. 'The revenge tour is here! I've been single for a year now and I'm looking for love.' Elsewhere, fans were left hot under the collar as host Maya Jama turned heads as she showed off her sensational figure in a white beach dress. The 31-year-old's dress featured a plunging neckline and plunging side hem as she flashed her side boob while strutting into the villa. Her entrance look was completed with chunky gold jewellery and her dark locks were styled in voluminous waves. As the Irish hunk returned during Thursday night's launch episode, fans immediately claimed nepotism is at play over his appearance Maya Jama set pulses racing in a plunging white dress as she made a killer entrance during the Love Island All Stars launch It comes after she revealed earlier today that she has 'no plans' to leave Love Island despite hopes of launching an acting career in The Gentleman. The show host admitted that an acting career has always been in the back of her mind' after she suffered from a failed attempt when she auditioned for Skins as a teenager. And as the third season of Love Island: All Stars launches, Maya revealed that she used to say, 'You can get what you need out of a show in two years, and then you move on,' in an interview with Variety. With the continued success of Love Island though, she has confessed that she has no plans to leave. She told the publication: 'But with a show like Love Island, it just feels like it keeps growing and Id be silly to leave now. 'Its not my whole life and its fun, so I think as long as I enjoy it, Ill keep it up.' There was an unexpected reunion on the launch episode of Love Island: All Stars as two of the contestants revealed they've known each other since they were teenagers. Charlie Frederick from series four and Helena Ford from series 12 told how they met when they were 15 and she was left unimpressed when he called her a 'dolphin'. In the first challenge, the girls had to place a sash around the boy they thought was 'good' - and give him a kiss - and the boy who they thought was 'no good'. Helena decided Charlie wasn't for her and then revealed they met as teens and he said she looked like a dolpin which stuck with her. 'I don't remember it,' Charlie said. 'We were literally like 15,' Helena replied. Charlie Frederickfrom series four and Helena Ford from series 12 told how they met when they were 15 and she was left unimpressed when he called her a 'dolphin' Helena decided Charlie wasn't for her and then revealed they met as teens and he said she looked like a dolpin which stuck with her Charlie was asked by Millie Court if he said it and he replied: 'I don't think I did but I must've. It was such a long time ago.' However, the viewers appears to think their might one day be a spark between the pair as they were coupled up after the public vote. The dating show was supposed to air on Monday (12 January 2026), after it was due to start filming last Saturday, but was postponed due to the South Africa wildfires. 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'. 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. In the first challenge, the girls had to place a sash around the boy they thought was 'good' - and give him a kiss - and the boy who they thought was 'no good' While Charlie didn't get a akiss from Helena, he did get a smooch from Helena 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. 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. 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 Maya Jama ensured all eyes were on her as she arrived at the Love Island villa for filming the new series of All Stars 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. On Wednesday, Maya 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. Blac Chyna has excused her ex-boyfriend Twin Hector of domestic violence, via physical and verbal abuse, in a new legal filing. The 37-year-old reality star filed paperwork on December 30, 2025 in rebuttal to an assault and battery lawsuit Hector, 28, filed against her in 2024 claiming she attacked him while he was sleeping, the Daily Mail has learned after reviewing docs in the case. Chyna claimed in legal docs that some aggressive actions she took against Hector in varied instances were done as a means of self-defense - claims which Hector's attorney Kirk Edward Schenck pushed back on as 'a feeble attempt to deflect attention from her own violence' in a statement to the Daily Mail on Wednesday. Schenck said, 'Aggressors with no defense for their action often try to "blame the victim". Quite simply, we believe [Chyna] has no defense for her vicious attack on Mr. Hector while he slept.' The Washington, D.C. native, whose real name is Angela Renee White, is mother to son King Cairo Stevenson, 13, with Tyga, and daughter Dream Renee Kardashian, nine, with Rob Kardashian. Chyna told the court that in one instance in 2023, both children were physically nearby when Hector (whose full name is Taiyon Hector) choked her and spat on her; Hector has denied the claims, calling them 'blatantly false'. The Daily Mail has reached out to reps for Chyna for further comment on the story. Blac Chyna accuses her ex-boyfriend Twin Hector of domestic violence, via physical and verbal abuse, in a new legal filing. Pictured in London last year Chyna estimated that she and Hector were romantically involved between 2020 and March 2023. Chyna said in the legal filing that Hector had 'engaged in a pattern of abusive, intimidating, and threatening behavior' throughout the course of the yearslong relationship. Chyna pointed to a March 28, 2023 argument, saying that Hector 'refused to leave' her home as she was getting ready for an out-of-state trip. Chyna told the court that they began arguing over his insistence on staying at the home, at which point he became increasingly 'hostile and violent.' Chyna told the court that Hector had been 'choking [her], spitting on [her], verbally abusing [her], and engaging in intimidating conduct' all witnessed by the family nanny. Chyna said in the legal filing that she was afraid 'not only for her own safety, but also for the safety and well-being of her children.' Chyna said that 'law enforcement was ultimately contacted, and [Hector] was removed from the residence.' Chyna, whose real name is Angela Renee White, claimed in legal documents she filed that some aggressive actions she took against Twin Hector in varied instances were done as a means of self-defense, which he disputes. Chyna said in legal documents that any actions she took that were aggressive with Hector, who is 'physically larger' than she is, were done 'solely in self-defense during the incident.' Chyna told the court that Hector had also damaged 'both personal property and business inventory' in destroying fashion-related items she owned including wigs, extensions and clothes, causing her 'substantial financial loss.' Chyna said in her legal filing that Hector's escalating rages led her to 'fear for her safety.' Hector has 'continued a campaign pattern of harassment and intimidation, including repeated public attacks against [her] on social media,' Chyna told the court. Chyna said in the legal filing that on December 15, 2025, Hector 'posted profane and derogatory statements targeting [her] by name on Instagram.' Hector used Chyna's 'photograph without her consent' with the posts, Chyna told the court. Chyna told the court that the nature of Hector's posts appeared to 'incite others to target her,' adding that his latest album - titled I Hate You - includes inflammatory statements that were 'clearly directed' toward her. Chyna said in legal documents that she wanted her home address redacted from the filing, as Hector's 'continued public hostility, threats, and inflammatory statements may incite third parties' to take action against her. Chyna said in her legal filing that Hector's escalating rages led her to 'fear for her safety' Chyna's filing stated that Hector put her and her 'minor children at heightened and unreasonable risk of harassment, stalking, or physical harm.' Hector's attorney Schenck said Chyna 'has faced allegations of physical violence before' adding that 'Hector is not the first person to claim Ms. White has attacked them. He added: 'We have the evidence. We will prove our case and extensive damages.' He told Daily Mail of his client: 'Anyone who knows Mr. Hector knows he is a gentleman who has never engaged in any form of violence or aggression, against Ms. White, or anyone else.' Schenck advised Chyna to retain the services of a lawyer for the case, adding, 'She is going to need one.' Hector in the fall of 2024 accused Chyna of domestic violence, civil assault and battery in a $10 million lawsuit filed in California Superior Court. Hector said in a legal complaint that Chyna verbally abused him frequently in the three years they dated from August of 2020 thru March of 2023. Chyna 'would regularly drink alcohol and use other drugs, to excess,' Hector said, which led to her behaving in a 'physically violent and verbally threatening and abusive' manner Hector said in legal docs reviewed by People in 2024 that Chyna threatened to murder him multiple times - and was particularly mercurial after she consumed alcohol. Hector told the court that Chyna battered him in a 'vicious attack' in September 2021 as he slept. Hector and Chyna initially crossed paths in August of 2020 and he quickly moved in with her, in Woodland Hills, California. Chyna 'would regularly drink alcohol and use other drugs, to excess,' Hector said in legal docs, which led to her behaving in a 'physically violent and verbally threatening and abusive' manner. Hector told the court that the outbursts would come 'for no apparent reason.' Hector told the court that he 'would always do his best to avoid the blows' when Chyna was hitting him, and would try to restrain her. When she was sober afterwards, Chyna would either not remember the incidents or say she was sorry for them - without a measure of 'sincere remorse' - Hector said in legal docs. Hector said that he suggested to her to 'seek medical and/or psychological treatment for her propensity for violence,' but she declined, and demanded he abide 'by her every instruction or demand.' Chyna's outbursts would come 'for no apparent reason,' her ex said in court docs Hector told the court that he 'would always do his best to avoid the blows' when Chyna was hitting him, and would try to restrain her. When she was sober afterwards, Chyna would either not remember the incidents or say she was sorry for them - without a measure of 'sincere remorse' - Hector said in legal docs. Hector told the court that in the incident in which he pummeled him while he slept, she threw a series of 'multiple closed-fisted punches, elbow blows, and knee kicks to his body and face.' Hector said in legal docs that 'without warning,' he found himself bleeding profusely and 'virtually blinded by the blows to his eyes.' Hector said in legal docs that when Chyna realized how bad she had hurt him physically, she called her doctor to make a house call and render first aid to him. He said the doctor recommended he see multiple specialists - including a plastic surgeon, neurologist, ophthalmological surgeon and psychiatrist - to treat his injuries. Chyna 'has had violence and anger issues resulting from her abuse of alcohol for many years, and that the primary victims of such violence and abuse are the partners with whom she is in intimate relationships,' Hector told the court. Chyna said in her legal filing that Hector's escalating rages led her to 'fear for her safety.' Pictured 2024 Hector said in legal docs that he's dealt with PTSD, headaches and insomnia as result of the abuse he says Chyna inflicted on him. He told the court that physical injuries he incurred while they dated included a broken nose, nerve damage, whiplash, facial cuts and a scar. Hector said in legal docs that he hopes the suit will persuade Chyna 'to get help' and show that her celebrity status does not make her 'above the law, especially when it comes to domestic violence.' Hector told the court he 'sincerely hopes that [Chyna's] damaging acts or omissions as alleged in this complaint never occur, to anyone, ever again.' People who are experiencing domestic violence are implored to contact National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. Calls are toll-free and confidential; and the line is open 24/7 in more than 170 languages. Late night legend Jay Leno appeared to have a swollen left cheek and bruised finger nail while out in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The 75-year-old comedian was spotted grabbing lunch in Los Angeles on Tuesday - the left side of his face appearing slightly puffy. His middle finger also seemed to have some redness to it as well as an unmissable black nail that was visible as he clutched a beverage. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Leno for comment but have not yet heard back. Unclear what - if anything - had happened, but Leno is somewhat accident prone. In 2024, Leno fell 60 feet down a hill in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - an accident that left him with heavy facial bruising and an eye patch. Jay Leno appeared to have a swollen left cheek and a bruised finger nail while grabbing lunch in Los Angeles on Tuesday Leno, pictured June 2025, is somewhat accident prone He told Inside Edition at the time: 'I hit a bunch of rocks, it was 60 feet. I broke my wrist. Lost my nail on the finger, I'm all black and blue from 60 feet of hitting rocks. 'The rock hit me in the eye, I'm fine!' - before adding his left eye is currently swollen shut. Leno was also badly burned when a vintage 1907 steam engine he was working in his garage on exploded in his face in November 2022. Leno was hospitalized following the fiery explosion at his garage, where he keeps a number of vintage cars as part of a collection. George Swift, a mechanic in the comedian's personal garage, told ET that it was a steam car that sent Leno to the hospital. 'It was a steam car. This steam was made by gas. It got sprayed, as a gas,' Swift, a mechanic who works at the garage, said. 'He called me, and he told me there was a fire and the fire department is coming,' the employee continued. The Burbank Fire Department then confirmed they were dispatched to the late-night host's home at around 12.30om that day, and when they arrived they assessed and treated 'one adult male.' Leno's bruised finger nail was visible as he clutched a beverage The TV icon was clad in his usual denim uniform for the relaxed outing In 2024, Leno fell 60 feet down a hill in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - an accident that left him with heavy facial bruising and an eye patch Leno is a Hollywood legend who entertained audiences for years as the host of The Tonight Show; pictured with Jimmy Kimmel in 2008 Leno was then transported to a local emergency room before being transferred to the Grossman Burn Center for further care. A spokesperson for the medical center told People at the time that Leno 'is in good humor and is touched by all the inquiries into his condition and well wishes. 'He wants to let everyone know he is doing well and is in "the best burn center in the United States."' Leno later issued a statement himself, saying he 'got some serious burns from a gasoline fire.' 'I am ok,' the former late-night host said. 'Just need a week or two to get back on my feet.' He also told TMZ that it was his friend, Dave, who saved his life, by jumping on him and smothering the flames. The host said that he was repairing a clogged fuel line when he got sprayed on his hands and face with gasoline. The Stranger Things documentary director has addressed wild rumors that the show's creators Ross and Matt Duffer used ChatGPT to write the series finale. When One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 premiered on Monday, many longtime fans of the show claimed they saw the AI platform's icon open on a computer. While the Duffer brothers discussed how they structured their ideas for the finale, the documentary showed a Google Doc open on their laptops. The show's creators received harsh backlash from furious fans accusing them of turning to AI and even suggesting that they used fan theories on Reddit forums for the show. Now, director Martina Radwan has broken her silence and is coming to the Duffer brothers' defense, wholly denying the fan speculation and allegations. Radwan told The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday: 'I mean, are we even sure they had ChatGPT open?' The Stranger Things documentary director addressed rumors that the show's creators Ross and Matt Duffer had used ChatGPT to write the series finale; Millie Bobby Brown pictured in season five episode still The show's creators received harsh backlash from furious fans accusing them of turning to AI and even suggesting they used fan theories on Reddit forums for the show After being asked about the unsubstantiated claims, Radwan denied them and suggested it was 'impossible' to use AI as a tool to write such a complex series with so many characters and storylines. 'Well, there's a lot of chatter where [social media users] are like, "We don't really know, but we're assuming." But to me it's like, doesn't everybody have it open, to just do quick research?' She continued: 'How can you possibly write a storyline with 19 characters and use ChatGPT, I don't even understand.' Radwan later clarified that she 'did not witness an unethical use of generative AI in the writers room.' 'Again, first of all, nobody has actually proved that it was open,' she said. 'That's like having your iPhone next to your computer while you're writing a story.' She said the existence of ChatGPT on their computers would only suggest that the Duffer brothers and other people working behind the scenes of Stranger Things 'just use these tools while multitasking.' She explained 'there's a lot going on all the time, every time' while creating the show. Radwan also shared her disappointment at the accusations by fans. 'What I find heartbreaking is everybody loves the show, and suddenly we need to pick it apart,' she said. Director Martina Radwan broke her silence two days later as she came to their defense, wholly denying the speculation and allegations; pictured to the right of Lisa Remington in March 2025 When One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5 premiered on Monday, many longtime fans of the show claimed they saw the AI platform's icon open on a computer As for what she saw in the writers room, she again clarified and denied seeing the showrunners use ChatGPT to put together the scripts. 'I witnessed creative exchanges. I witnessed conversation. People think "writers room" means people are sitting there writing. No, it's a creative exchange. It's story development,' she said. 'And, of course, you go places in your creative mind and then you come back [to the script]. I think being in the writers room is such a privilege and such a gift to be able to witness that.' Furious fans have been up in arms since the release of Stranger Things' finale on New Year's Day - as the sci-fi series came to an end after ten years. Viewers tuned in to watch the final episode of the sci-fi hit show on New Year's Day, which drew to a close the winding story of Millie Bobby Brown's Eleven and her band of friends in the fictional Indiana town of Hawkins. The action-packed two-hour episode saw the group of teens, made up of Will, Mike, Dustin, Lucas and Max, and their siblings and pals, Steve, Nancy, Jonathan and Robin, take on bad guy Vecna in one final battle. With the help of beloved characters Joyce, Hopper and Murray, season two star Kali, the friends launched an interdimensional attack against Vecna, known also as 001, Mr Whatsit and Henry Creel, and his master, the Mind Flayer. With high levels of anticipation from fans for the finale, which comes almost ten years after the first episode dropped in 2016, the ending was divisive among viewers. While the Duffer brothers discussed how they structured their ideas for the finale, the documentary showed a GoogleDoc open on their laptops After being asked about the unsubstantiated claims, Radwan denied them and suggested it was 'impossible' to use AI as a tool to write such a complex TV series Furious fans have been up in arms since the release of Stranger Things' finale on New Year's Day - as the sci-fi series came to an end after ten years While some praised the 'nostalgic' ending, others felt there were many unanswered questions in the finale for it to truly spell the culmination of the series - with some hitting out against the Duffer Brothers for 'a series of plot holes'. It saw a growing fan theory begin circulating online, called Conformity Gate, which suggested the ending viewers saw was not the real one. Some fans believed that another episode was due to drop on January 7 after a series of clues pointing towards the date, suggesting the finale was just an illusion created by show villain Vecna, who is still alive. Fans took to social media to compile evidence for the case, pointing towards a series of inconsistencies in the story which would suggest the seemingly perfect ending has been manufactured. However, the fan-driven theory was debunked when January 7 came and no new episode was released. Rebel Wilson has suffered a major blow in her lawsuit against the producers of her film The Deb. The Australian actress made public accusations about embezzlement, sexual harassment of the film's lead actor Charlotte MacInnes, bullying over the sexual misconduct claims, and obstruction of the film's release. Those producers Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden sued the high-profile actor for alleged defamation in California. The Pitch Perfect star responded with her own lawsuit in which she doubled down on the claims of a 'troubling pattern of illicit, egregious behaviours, including theft, bullying and sexual misconduct'. However, a Los Angeles judge this week removed several pages of Wilson's complaint that accused producer Amanda Ghost of a long history of 'seedy practices and unethical behaviour,' according to The Hollywood Reporter. The publication reported that Judge Thomas Long said many of Wilson's claims, including an allegation that the producer stole 'partial ownership' of the James Blunt song You're Beautiful, were irrelevant to the case. Rebel Wilson has suffered a major blow in her lawsuit against the producers of her film The Deb 'Thats not the kind of stuff I would be letting in at trial,' the judge said. 'We do not have time to say, "Lets go back to the beginning of time, when this person first started their career."' The judge also dismissed Wilson's allegations as 'debris that just obscures the real issues in the case'. The publication reported that much of Wilson's complaint stemmed from allegations that Ghost had made promises to the actress to secure a commitment to partner with production companies AI Film and Unigram on the yet-to-be released movie. The alleged promises included a shared writing credit, a record label deal with Warner, an option to sign Australian artists to the label, and ownership rights to the film's soundtrack. However, Judge Long dismissed the claims, concluding that Wilson had failed to allege sufficient details about 'how, when, where, and by what means the representations were made'. Wilson's lawyers requested an opportunity to amend the complaint, but the judge said that they had failed to explain any of the proposed amendments. Six of Wilson's claims were dismissed, including fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, historical misconduct allegations, and breach of contract. A Los Angeles judge this week removed several pages of Wilson's complaint that accused producer Amanda Ghost of a long history of 'seedy practices and unethical behaviour,' according to The Hollywood Reporter. Pictured: The cast and crew of The Deb on location The publication reported that Judge Thomas Long said many of Wilson's claims, including an allegation that Ghost (right) stole 'partial ownership' of the James Blunt song You're Beautiful, were irrelevant to the case. Also pictured: producer Gregor Cameron The ruling concluded that Ghost, who still faces a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress along with the other producers, wasnt a party to the oral agreement between Wilson, AI Film and Unigram. The producers also moved to strike allegations of Ghost's "extensive history of seedy practices and unethical behaviour", her 'highly inappropriate relationship with MacInnes, as well as Cameron's 'propensity for physical intimidation and coercive tactics.' Despite Wilson claiming the allegations were relevant to the case, the court disagreed. It comes after Wilson suffered another blow in the bitter legal stoush last month when her lawsuit in the US against the companies headed by her co-producers was shut down by the NSW Supreme Court. 'There is valid concern that not injuncting part of [Wilson's] cross-complaint risks conflicting findings or inconsistent judgments between the Californian and NSW courts,' Justice Elisabeth Peden wrote in her judgment. The blocked claims include allegations that Cameron and Holden embezzled $900,000 from the film's budget. It also alleges Wilson was forced to sign contracts under duress. However, the court upheld Wilson's ability to pursue other legal action in California. The US case is one of several lawsuits that have erupted after filming wrapped in 2023. Wilson's lawyers requested an opportunity to amend the complaint but the judge said that they had failed to explain any of the proposed amendments. Six of Wilson's claims were dismissed, including fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, historical misconduct allegations, and breach of contract Lead actor MacInnes has sued Wilson in the Federal Court over social media posts which claimed the film's star revealed she was subjected to sexual harassment. MacInnes' denials that any sexual misconduct took place have not deterred Wilson, who has stood by the claims. Rialto has reportedly acquired distribution rights for The Deb in Australia and New Zealand, with plans for a wide theatrical release in January. Emma Willis has told of her shock at being diagnosed with a hole in her heart. In April last year, the TV presenter, 48, told fans she discovered she had a hole in her heart since she was born and so had surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. Keyhole heart surgery involves making small incisions in the chest as opposed to the breastbone as in traditional open heart surgery. This meant she avoided an open-heart recovery and instead had a 'smooth' recovery, but has had to learn to adjust. 'I was floored as I had gone 48 years oblivious, not knowing anything was wrong. 'The mental shift was the biggest challenge because when you hear those words, it terrifies you. I'm hoping sharing my story will help others going through something like this.' Emma has become involved with a campaign by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to raise awareness of people living with heart conditions. Emma Willis has told of her shock at being diagnosed with a hole in her heart In April last year, the TV presenter, 48, told fans she discovered she had a hole in her heart since she was born and so had surgery at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London The BHF is unveiling 65 red benches, one for each year they have been running, across the UK in tribute to people with cardiovascular disease. Last summer, Emma revealed the lifelong impact of undergoing heart surgery during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine. Host Lorraine Kelly told her: 'We were worried about you, obviously, the best thing you did was to put that online so you saw you were going through this heart operation, but you were okay! You didn't even know...' Emma said: 'I found out in January - I've had it my whole life. Thank you for the kindness online. 'I genuinely just wanted to thank the hospital, they had been so amazing and everyone that looked after me, they were great. 'The amount of people since said that happened to me, and I found out after having a stroke. 'That kind of really makes you realise, actually, "oh that's what I could have been dealing with". So I was so lucky.' Lorraine asked: 'It was kind of a routine check-up thing wasn't it?' Emma said: 'The mental shift was the biggest challenge because when you hear those words, it terrifies you' Last summer, Emma revealed the lifelong impact of undergoing heart surgery during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine Emma explained: 'I had um... my doctor... I've got really high cholesterol.' She giggled: 'It's getting very into my medical history. They said "Go see a cardiologist". 'I was like, "okay, I did, I had an MRI last year on my heart," and he was like "one side of it is enlarged, and that's not okay". 'And he from there went on... I've got a metal plug in it and its ticking still which is great.' It comes after Emma revealed she has 'terrible anxiety' as she opened up about her 'psychological recovery' following the surgery. Emma told The Sun: 'It's a bit of a head scramble when you find out something like that, that you've had something there your whole life, and you had no idea about it. 'I'm a brilliant overthinker, and my mind will go in every possible direction and scenario, so going into something like surgery, I really got myself at it, I get really anxious and nervous.' 'It's been a smooth recovery, it's been much more of a psychological adjustment, because you don't have a wound that you can see. The healing is all internal and you can't feel it. She recently returned from a sun-soaked break in Thailand. And Myleene Klass continued to show off her svelte physique as she slipped into a daring satin co-ord to attend a charity performance of The Red Shoes at The Sadlers Wells Theatre on Wednesday. The presenter, 47, caught the eye in her look as she arrived at the London venue, having been a longtime supporter of The Royal Academy Of Music. Myleene teamed her revealing look with a brown faux fur coat as she strutted into the theatre for the charity show. The star recently returned from her trip to Asia, which she documented with a string of bikini-clad social media snaps. Myleene has become synonymous with white bikinis ever since her appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here in 2006. Myleene Klass showed off her svelte physique as she slipped into a daring satin co-ord to attend a charity performance of The Red Shoes at The Sadlers Wells Theatre on Wednesday The presenter caught the eye in her look as she arrived at the London venue, having been a longtime supporter of The Royal Academy Of Music Myleene teamed her revealing look with a brown faux fur coat as she strutted into the theatre for the charity show The nation's attention was grabbed when the star went for a shower in the jungle while sporting a tiny two-piece, which showcased her incredible frame. Her stunning post comes a week after Myleene donned a matching white two-piece bikini for fans as she posed up a storm at a waterfall. Alongside the pictures, Myleene penned: 'The OG (Although you cant turn this waterfall off). '20 years ago, my name became a verb. "Doing a Myleene". 'Ill be eternally grateful for that moment in the Australian jungle, only to be repeated in South Africa for the All Stars battle royale and the crown 17 years later. 'Honestly, that white bikini has put my kids through school.' Myleene previously revealed that the first white bikini she wore in 2006 sold for a whopping 7,500 after the show, after she bought it for just 40. 'I bought that white bikini for 40. After the show, I sold it off - for 7,500!' she said ahead of entering the jungle for the all-stars edition in 2023. The star recently returned from her trip to Asia, which she documented with a string of bikini-clad social media snaps It's been a year of highs and lows for Myleene who recently went through the trauma of going to court to see her stalker finally convicted The court ordeal came after a year high for Myleene when she was an awarded an MBE by King Charles for raising awareness of miscarriages and women's health It's been a year of highs and lows for Myleene, who recently went through the trauma of going to court to see her stalker finally convicted. Peter Windsor was found guilty of stalking Myleene after sending her an air pistol and calling her a 'naughty vixen' to her Classic FM offices during a nine-month campaign of harassment. He also asked her in sick correspondence to 'correct him' with a whip and cane, as well as sending her letters and gifts including fancy dress costumes and jewellery. Many items were intercepted by office security before she saw them. The 61-year-old, from Stetchford, Birmingham, tried to argue some of his gifts were a 'joke', but was found guilty of stalking Myleene between November 2023 and August 2024, following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court in October. Speaking to The Times she has revealed that the court considered many of the items she was sent to be too distressing for her to see or be reported on. The court ordeal came after a year high for Myleene when she was an awarded an MBE by King Charles for raising awareness of miscarriages and women's health. Bella Hadid wowed onlookers as she arrived at the New York City premiere of FX's hotly-anticipated new series The Beauty. The Beauty is the latest jaw-dropping show by American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy, who is also the genius behind Kim Kardashian's All's Fair and Fox's Glee. The 11-episode series, which will begin airing on January 22, marks Hadid's latest major Hollywood role after over a decade of dominating the modeling world and a stint on reality TV. Hadid first made her acting debut on Hulu's Ramy in 2022 before landing a surprise cameo in the final season of CBS's Yellowstone. And the supermodel looked every bit the screen starlet on Wednesday as she made her way down the red carpet outside NYC's The Museum of Modern Art. The supermodel, 29, wore a ravishing red floor-length gown - an homage to The Beauty's color scheme - with see-through panels that flashed her tiny waist and slim legs. The racy halter dress had a modest train that pooled at Hadid's feet as she moved from pose to pose. Bella Hadid wowed onlookers as she arrived at the New York City premiere of FX's hotly-anticipated new series The Beauty on Wednesday night The 29-year-old model made her way down the premiere's red carpet outside NYC's The Museum of Modern Art in a ravishing red gown She looked absolutely gorgeous The Vogue covergirl's sandy blonde hair was slicked back off her face and she had a sun-kissed glow to her complexion. As for makeup, Hadid made her green eyes pop with shimmering bronze shadows and achieved a 90s lip by painting her pout a frosty nude shade. Her cheeks looked perfectly sculpted and she accessorized with dainty silver jewelry. Later in the night, Hadid reappeared in a low-cut black minidress with a tight leather skirt. She posed up with two people dressed in red latex bodysuits with lips for heads carrying giant syringes. Amelia Gray was also in attendance as she made her grand arrival in a dramatic blue fur coat. The model, whose mom is soap star Lisa Rinna, had on a flesh-toned slip dress and wore her dark brunette hair in glamorous tendrils. Gray had a sparkly diamond choker sitting atop her collar bones and she added height to her runway-worthy frame with a pair of black heels. Ashton Kutcher, who stars alongside Hadid in the forthcoming horror hit, made a rare red carpet appearance at the premiere in NYC. The actor, 47, looked stylish in a gray coat layered over a blue button-up shirt, which he tucked into charcoal gray trousers. Hadid's red floor-length gown had sexy see-through panels that flashed her tiny waist and slim legs The Vogue covergirl's sandy blonde hair was slicked back off her face and she had a sun-kissed glow to her complexion No doubt all eyes were on the super model Her dress featured a backless design The racy halter dress had a modest train that pooled at Hadid's feet as she moved from pose to pose As for makeup, Hadid made her green eyes pop with shimmering bronze shadows and achieved a 90s lip by painting her pout a frosty nude shade Her cheeks looked perfectly sculpted and she accessorized with dainty silver jewelry She blew kisses at her adoring fans Hadid oozed confidence as she braved the event's step-and-repeat solo She happily flashed the peace sign The Beauty marks Hadid's latest major Hollywood role after over a decade of dominating the modeling world and a stint on reality TV Hadid blew kisses at cameras Later in the night, Hadid reappeared in a low-cut black minidress with a tight leather skirt She posed up with two people dressed in red latex bodysuits with lips for heads carrying giant syringes Hadid had a blast posing for photos At one point, she blew kisses at one of the characters After the premiere, Hadid was seen bundled up in a blue and black windbreaker She had a scarf over her blonde hair and sunglasses over her eyes The runway maven still had on the sky-high heels she wore to the premiere Hadid blew kisses at photographers during her night out Kutcher was without his longtime wife Mila Kunis, 42, with whom he shares two young children. Instead, the That 70s' Show alum cozied up to his The Beauty co-star and Hollywood legend Isabella Rossellini. The Blue Velvet beauty, 73, turned heads in a highly patterned look that included a silky robe, quirky tie and classic black vest and trousers. Rebecca Hall exuded elegance in a unique brown floral coord that included a one-shoulder top with rivets and a low-rise maxi skirt. The actress, 43, stood on strappy black heels and wore her silky brunette hair in a slicked back style. As for her makeup, the English stunner opted for a glowing complexion paired with a soft eyeliner look and peachy pink lips. The Beauty star Jeremy Pope, 33, smoldered for shutterbugs in an incredible chartreuse-toned suit complete with a matching vest and brown tie. Evan Peters, who is among the cast of The Beauty and a Ryan Murphy favorite, looked handsome in a brown shirt. Amelia Gray was also in attendance as she made her grand arrival in a dramatic blue fur coat The model, whose mom is soap star Lisa Rinna, had on a flesh-toned slip dress and wore her dark brunette hair in glamorous tendrils Gray had a sparkly diamond choker sitting atop her collar bones Gray added height to her runway-worthy frame with a pair of black heels Ashton Kutcher, who stars alongside Hadid in the forthcoming horror hit, made a rare red carpet appearance at the premiere in NYC The actor, 47, looked stylish at the event He wore a gray coat layered over a blue button-up shirt, which he tucked into charcoal gray trousers The That 70s' Show alum cozied up to his The Beauty co-star and Hollywood legend Isabella Rossellini The Blue Velvet beauty, 73, turned heads in a highly patterned look Rossellini's look included a silky robe, quirky tie and classic black vest and trousers At one point, Kutcher got on his knees and bowed to Rossellini Rebecca Hall exuded elegance in a unique brown floral coord that included a one-shoulder top with rivets and a low-rise maxi skirt The actress, 43, stood on strappy black heels and wore her silky brunette hair in a slicked back style As for her makeup, the English stunner opted for a glowing complexion paired with a soft eyeliner look and peachy pink lips The Beauty star Jeremy Pope, 33, smoldered for shutterbugs in an incredible chartreuse-toned suit complete with a matching vest and brown tie Evan Peters, who is among the cast of The Beauty and a Ryan Murphy favorite, looked handsome in a brown shirt The actor, 38, completed his outfit with a white dress shirt and tie Hamilton star Anthony Ramos, 34, who rounds out the show's main cast, went the classic route in a perfectly fitted black suit and tie The cast posed together for a photo during the red carpet soiree in NYC; (L-R) Ashton Kutcher, Jeremy Pope, Anthony Ramos, Bella Hadid, Rebecca Hall, Evan Peters and Isabella Rossellini a Fashion designer Christian Siriano bundled up in a trendy black leather bomber jacket and square-toed shoes Martin Scorsese's nepo baby daughter Francesca, 26, flashed her midriff in a see-through mesh top Calvin Klein model Stella Lucia cut a stylish figure in black capri paints and a whimsical blouse The actor, 38, completed his outfit with a white dress shirt and tie. Hamilton star Anthony Ramos, 34, who rounds out the show's main cast, went the classic route in a perfectly fitted black suit and tie. The Beauty is set in the world of high fashion and follows FBI agents investigating models who begin dying in gruesome and mysterious ways. X Men star Evan Peters plays agent Cooper Madsen, and Iron Man's Rebecca Hall as his co-worker agent Jordan Bennett, who are sent to Paris to uncover the truth. Delving deeper into the case, they uncover a sexually transmitted virus that transforms ordinary people into the vision of physical perfection. But for individuals who are infected, while their looks begin to morph, they are eventually met with a terrifying consequence. The agent's investigation leads them into the crosshairs of The Corporation, led by a shadowy tech billionaire, played by Ashton Kutcher, who has secretly engineered the miracle drug dubbed The Beauty. The Beauty will be available to stream on Disney+ from January 22 And he will do anything to protect his trillion-dollar empire, including unleashing his lethal enforcer The Assassin, who is portrayed by Hamilton star Anthony Ramos. As the epidemic continues to spread, Jeremy Pope's Jeremy, a desperate outsider, is caught up in the chaos, and starts searching from Paris to Venice, Rome to New York to stop a threat that could alter humanity. Alongside Bella Hadid, Me Too singer Meghan Trainer, Nicola Peltz Beckham, Amelia Gray Hamlin, Isabella Rossellini, Jessica Alexander and Julie Halston will also feature. While Ari Graynor, Billy Eichner, Jaquel Spivey, Jon Jon Briones, John Carroll Lynch, Lux Pascal, Peter Gallagher and Vincent D'Onofrio will also appear in the series. The Beauty will be available to stream on Disney+ from January 22 Carrie Bickmore has dropped a major hint about an Aussie star's potential reality TV debut. The radio star, 45, took to Instagram on Thursday to question whether her co-host Tommy Little was heading into the jungle on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! She posted a photo that showed the pair happily posing at what looked to be an Adelaide 500 Supercars event. Captioning the post, Carrie reminded followers that she would be returning to the airwaves on The Carrie and Tommy Show on the Hit Network next week. 'Back on air with this funny human Monday @carrieandtommyshow. Tune in from 3pm on @hitmusicaus,' she captioned the post. However, Carrie signed off her post with a telling hint that her rumoured love interest had been busy filming for the popular reality show. Carrie Bickmore has dropped a major hint about an Aussie star's potential reality TV debut The radio star, 45, took to Instagram on Thursday to question whether her co-host Tommy Little was heading into the jungle on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! Pictured: Hosts Julia Morris and Robert Irwin 'I assume you are not in the jungle, @mrstommylittle,' Carrie added. Producers have already teased that this year's cast will include a Hollywood sitcom star, an international supermodel, a rugby league Romeo and soap royalty, alongside a master chef, an AFL A-lister, a Logie-winning actor, a reality TV bad boy, a jungle princess, a stand-up comedian and a '90s pop star. The hints sent fans into a guessing meltdown, and when it came to the stand-up comedian, Tommy was at the top of the wish list alongside the likes of Sam Pang, Melanie Bracewell and Wil Anderson. As anticipation around the cast of I'm A Celebrity reaches fever pitch before its Sunday premiere, the first contestant was revealed this week. Former NRL and Bachelor star Luke Bateman confirmed on Wednesday morning that he will be joining the 2026 line-up. 'In some very exciting news, I'll be trading the Australian outback for the African jungle on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! which premieres this Sunday on Ten,' he said. Continuing, Luke said that he would be attempting to win the $100,000 prize money for rural charity Farm Angels. 'I'll be going into the jungle representing my charity, Farm Angels, which is a charity very close to my heart. They do amazing work in my community.' She posted a photo that showed the pair happily posing at what looked to be an Adelaide500 Supercars event 'I assume you are not in the jungle, @mrstommylittle,' Carrie added Luke added that he could not wait to see what hosts Robert Irwin and Julia Morris had in store for this year's crop of jungle celebrities. 'I'm very excited to see what Robert and Julia have cooked up for me,' he said. 'I'm sure there'll be some delectable food items and some fear-instilling trials. I can't wait. I'll see you all in the jungle.' Luke rose to fame as an NRL star, playing for the Canberra Raiders from 2015 to 2019. He parlayed his sporting success into reality TV fame, starring in the eleventh and final season of The Bachelor in 2023. Dubbed The Bachelors, the show saw Luke star alongside fellow suitors Ben Waddell and Wesley Cortes. He eventually declared his love for Ellie Rolfe and they remained the only couple still together after the final episode. It comes after former NRL and Bachelor star Luke Bateman confirmed on Wednesday morning that he will be joining the 2026 line-up However, the romance proved to be short-lived, with Luke confirming he had split with Ellie in March 2024. Luke made international headlines in June last year after signing a two-book deal with Atria Books Australia. He has become quite the 'BookTok' star, with his @lukesreads page, where he reviews risque romance and fantasy novels, currently boasting 406,000 followers. I'm A Celebrity premieres Sunday at 7pm on Channel 10 Jennifer Lawrence claimed she lost out on the role of Sharon Tate in Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood because of criticism of her looks. Back in 2017, fans were agog at the news that Quentin Tarantino was making a movie involving the Manson murders, and rumors started flying that he was trying to choose between Lawrence and Margot Robbie to play Tate. Tate's sister Debra broke her silence on the matter, flatly declaring Lawrence was 'not pretty enough' for the part and that she would prefer Robbie. Tarantino eventually did select Robbie, amid a cast that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margaret Qualley, Dakota Fanning and Austin Butler. Now Lawrence, 35, has shared her own memory of how the situation unfolded, saying Tarantino 'did' want her for the part 'and then everybody was like: "She's not pretty enough to play Sharon Tate,"' during a recent event for 92NY. 'That's not true,' said interviewer Josh Horowitz, to which Lawrence replied: 'I'm pretty sure it is true, or it's that thing where I've been telling that story this way for so long that I believe it, but I'm pretty sure that happened.' Jennifer Lawrence claimed she lost out on the role of Sharon Tate in Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood because of online mockery of her looks; pictured last week at a 92NY event Sharon Tate (pictured), the star of such films as Valley of the Dolls, was eight months pregnant by her husband Roman Polanski when she was murdered by the Manson Family in 1969 The Hunger Games actress added: 'Or he just never was considering me for the part and the internet just went out of their way to call me ugly.' Sharon Tate, who acted in Valley of the Dolls, was eight months pregnant by her husband Roman Polanski when she was murdered by the Manson Family in 1969. Her sister Debra has since become a vocal crime victims' rights activist, fervently campaigning against the release of Manson Family members from prison. Back in 2017, when speculation was rife that Lawrence was up for the role of Tate in Tarantino's film, Debra went viral for pouring cold water on the idea. 'She's not pretty enough to play Sharon,' Debra famously pronounced in an interview with TMZ. 'My pick would be Margot simply because of her physical beauty and even the way she carries herself is similar to Sharon.' Shortly thereafter it emerged that Robbie had indeed been cast, leading to a blizzard of conjecture about whether Debra's remarks had factored into the decision. Debra visited the set of the film and raved afterwards that watching Robbie portray her sister 'made me cry because she sounded just like Sharon,' via Vanity Fair. Meanwhile Tarantino himself once remarked that Lawrence was considered for Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, but not for the role of Sharon Tate. Tarantino eventually selected Margot Robbie, amid a cast that included Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margaret Qualley, Dakota Fanning and Austin Butler; Robbie pictured in the film Meanwhile Tarantino himself once remarked that Lawrence was considered for Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood, but not for the role of Sharon Tate According to Tarantino, Lawrence read for the role of Manson Family member Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme, who was eventually played by Dakota Fanning (pictured) According to Tarantino, Lawrence read for the role of Manson Family member Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme, who eventually went to prison for attempting to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford in 1975 and who was played in the movie by Dakota Fanning. Tarantino shared that Lawrence 'came down to the house to read the script, 'cause I wasn't letting it out,' on a 2021 episode of Marc Maron's podcast WTF. 'So she came down to the house and I gave her the script and said: "Go in my living room or go outside by the pool and read it,"' he recalled. 'She read it, and afterward, we talked about it a little bit. She was interested in doing it, but something didn't work out,' he said vaguely. In her new interview with Josh Horowitz, Lawrence confessed that she had previously rejected the female lead in Tarantino's 2015 movie The Hateful Eight. 'I turned it down, which I should not have done,' she said with a rueful laugh. Jennifer Jason Leigh ultimately played the ruthless bandit Daisy Domergue in The Hateful Eight, which also featured such names as Samuel L. Jackson, Walton Goggins, Kurt Russell, Bruce Dern, Michael Madsen and Channing Tatum. Guy Fieri has shared an update on his health nearly two months after he suffered a freak accident that left him temporarily wheelchair-bound. The Food Network icon, 57, was rushed to the hospital in late November 2025 after he fell down a flight of stairs and tore his quad 'in half' while shooting his new series, Flavortown Food Fight. After undergoing emergency surgery, he was spotted in a wheelchair and had to spend the holidays off of his feet while recovering. 'I'm doing better,' Fieri told People on Wednesday before later admitting it was 'the worst thing I've been through in the last 20 years.' 'It was definitely a trying holiday, but you know what, you get some real appreciation for having the ability to just get up and walk around and do everything you used to.' He explained that he was 'taking it easy' now but admitted the past two months have been difficult since he had to avoid any physical activity while recovering. Guy Fieri has shared an update on his health nearly two months after he suffered a freak accident that left him temporarily wheelchair-bound; seen in 2020 'I'm a big CrossFit and hiking guy, so eight weeks of no hiking has driven me kind of crazy,' he said. 'But I'm looking forward to it, trying to take it easy.' Back in November, he first spoke about how he was injured after falling down a set of stairs and said 'it sucked.' 'I slipped down a set of steps and one foot went forward and the other foot got caught on the threshold,' he told Fox News Digital at the time. 'So, you know, it extended me out.' He continued: 'I looked like I was probably doing the splits, but when my right leg compressed into itself, the giveaway point and the doctor said he's never seen you know, in 20 years he hasn't seen a tear in the biggest, thickest part of your quad in half. Yeah, it sucked.' He said the tear in his quad was 'right in the center' of the muscle, causing the injury to 'explode.' And to prevent the muscle from 'receding,' Fieri had to undergo emergency surgery. He also recalled being told he had to be in a wheelchair or on crutches for eight weeks following the surgery. While his two-month recovery journey has wrapped, he said that he plans to continue taking it slow and not overextending his muscle to make sure he is fully recovered by the time he is set to throw a Super Bowl LX tailgate party in Daly City, California. Fieri, 57, was rushed to the hospital in late November 2025 after he fell down a flight of stairs and tore his quad 'in half' while shooting his new series, Flavortown Food Fight; seen in 2024 He told People this week that his doctors advised him against too much physical activity. 'My doctors are all like, "We know you want to get after it, but let's not go back to where we were." And I'm like, "We are never going back to that!"' He also admitted that the accident and the long recovery journey was 'the worst thing I've been through in the last 20 years.' 'But now I'll be up and ready and healthy and rolling by the time we hit the Super Bowl for sure,' he added. He also previously opened up about how he spent the holidays with his kids and recalled how his sons stepped up to take over Thanksgiving duties while he was recovering. After undergoing emergency surgery, he was spotted in a wheelchair and had to spend the holidays off of his feet while recovering; seen in 2022 'I'm doing better,' Fieri told People on Wednesday before later admitting it was 'the worst thing I've been through in the last 20 years'; seen in 2025 Fieri shares sons Hunter, 29, and Ryder, 20, with wife Lori and has raised nephew Jules, 26, as his own since his sister's death in 2011. Prior to the family gathering in November and after his surgery, Fieri recalled getting an amusing text from his youngest son Ryder while he was away at college. Fieri told Fox News Digital: 'He said, "Well, I guess all the training you've given me and all the cooking I've been doing while I was at school, it was going to be my time to shine." 'And I said, "I am so happy you're asking me about this versus me telling you, "You have to do it."' John Jarratt terrified a whole generation of Australians with his starring turn as serial killer Mick Taylor in the Wolf Creek horror franchise. And as the latest instalment of the film series gets underway, the iconic actor appeared in a social media post sporting a new look. Posing alongside actor Shane Withington, Jarratt, 73, showed off his salt and pepper beard and white hair. Looking trim and cheerful, the star beamed for the camera while wearing reading glasses. 'Now who would you rather go camping with?' Shane joked in his caption, in a nod to John's terrifying on-screen persona. John is returning for the latest entry in the outback thriller franchise, called Wolf Creek: Legacy. John Jarratt terrified a whole generation of Australians with his starring turn as serial killer Mick Taylor in the Wolf Creek horror franchise. Pictured this week with actor Shane Withington John is returning for the latest entry in the outback thriller franchise, called Wolf Creek: Legacy. Pictured in the 2005 film He will again play ruthless murderer Mick Taylor alongside It Chapter Two actor Jay Ryan and Late Night with the Devil star Laura Gordon. Directed by Sean Lahiff, who worked as an editor on Wolf Creek 2, the slasher is slated to arrive at cinemas later this year. It comes after Australian screen legend Jarratt launched an extraordinary broadside at the Hemsworths. In a 2024 radio interview, the star said Chris Hemsworth and his brother Liam should be making more films Down Under - and using their native accents. Jarratt, who has a movie career stretching back to 1975, made the unfiltered comments after he was asked about the state of the local film industry. 'Well, it's gone to America, hasn't it?' he said of the Australian movie scene during an interview on 104.5 Triple M Brisbane's The Rush Hour. He then continued: 'Even, and if we get any of our big stars like, to come back to Australia, Australian big stars like the Hemsworths, et cetera, they... when was the last time you heard them use an Australian accent? Not very often.' He then went on to slam the trend of big budget superhero films. He will again play ruthless murderer Mick Taylor alongside It Chapter Two actor Jay Ryan and Late Night with the Devil star Laura Gordon 'So we've got to get Australian films back up and start using Australians, and someone's got to ban Spandex movies.' Jarratt recently appeared in the Australian-made gangster film Double or Nothing. He began his acting career in major films with Peter Weir's 1975 Australian hit Picnic at Hanging Rock. The actor went on to star in other classic films Down Under, including Vietnam drama The Odd Angry Shot (1979) and We of the Never Never (1979). However, during the segment Jarratt was asked if had to make a choice between appearing in a super hero or a soap, which would he pick? However, during the segment Jarratt was asked if he had to make a choice between appearing in a super hero or a soap, which would he pick? 'Spandex...if I've got to sell my soul it's a lot more money [than a soap],' he joked. Sophie Piper showed off her incredible curves in a barely-there red bikini as she enjoyed a romantic holiday to the Maldives with boyfriend Josh Ritchie. The Love Island stars, who started dating on All Stars in January 2024, looked more loved-up than ever as they soaked up the sun during a lavish getaway. Sophie, 27, sent temperatures soaring in a tiny red bikini which boasted a triangle top and matching tie side bottoms. The stunner flaunted her incredible figure in the eye catching two-piece as she sipped on a coconut drink at the picturesque beach. Sophie later posed for a sizzling mirror selfie while Josh, 31, showed off his muscles in a pair of black swimming shorts. The reality stars looked happier than ever as they cosied up for a selfie as Josh planted a kiss on Sophie's cheek. Sophie Piper showed off her incredible curves in a barely-there red bikini as she enjoyed a romantic holiday to the Maldives with boyfriend Josh Ritchie The Love Island stars, who started dating on All Stars in January 2024, looked more loved-up than ever as they soaked up the sun during a lavish getaway In another photo, the sister of presenter Rochelle Humes wore a pair of glasses as she sipped on an iced coffee on a swinging seat. Sophie later pulled on a pair of stylish white linen trousers over her red bikini and sported a pair of 597 Prada flip flops as she explored the luxury resort. Cooling off from the sun, the TV personality took a dip in their private infinity swimming pool while holding a large glass of wine. Sophie, who found fame on the sixth series of Love Island, met series one alum Josh on All Stars in January 2024 and finished in third place to winner Molly Smith and Tom Clare. The couple proved they are still going strong two years after finding love on the ITV2 series as they continue to share loved-up snaps together. The new series of Love Island: All Stars is set to launch on Thursday evening, the Daily Mail revealed. The show's third season, delayed for four days due to dangerous wildfires in Cape Town, South Africa, will return with Maya Jama hosting. 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.' Sophie, 27, sent temperatures soaring in a tiny red bikini which boasted a triangle top and matching tie side bottoms The stunner flaunted her incredible figure in the eye catching two-piece as she sipped on an iced coffee while relaxing on a swinging chair In another photo, the sister of presenter Rochelle Humes hit the beach as she modelled the barely-there bikini Styling her dark tresses loose in curls, Sophie stunned as she sipped on a coconut Sophie later pulled on a pair of stylish white linen trousers over her red bikini and sported a pair of 597 Prada flip flops as she explored the luxury resort 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 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. Cooling off from the sun, the TV personality took a dip in their private infinity swimming pool while holding a large glass of wine Sophie later posed for a sizzling mirror selfie while Josh, 31, showed off his muscles in a pair of black swimming shorts Sophie, who found fame on the sixth series of Love Island, met series one alum Josh on All Stars in January 2024 and finished in third place to winner Molly Smith and Tom Clare 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. Sass & Bide have shuttered their operations and withdrawn from Myer stores. The label described the move as a 'reinvention' in an announcement shared on Instagram on Thursday. 'Reinvention in progress,' the notice began, before continuing: 'It's never too late to reinvent yourself.' 'That's why we're excited to share some big news about Sass & Bide. At the end of January, our standalone stores and Myer concessions will close.' The brand, which had international A-list fans like Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna, and Kim Kardashian, said even the online store will soon cease trade, but promised a comeback. 'We'll still be available to shop online until the end of February. Then we'll be taking a little break there, too,' they continued. Sass & Bide have shuttered their operations and withdrawn from Myer stores. The label described the move as a 'reinvention' in an announcement shared on Instagram Stories on Thursday. Model Miranda Kerr is pictured walking for the brand in 2010 The brand continued the notice with news that even the online store will soon cease trade, but promised a comeback after a period of restoration 'While we're offline, we'll be re-imagining what Sass & Bide can and should look like. The direction may be new, but a free-spirited and distinctly Australian attitude is at the heart of who we are, and that will never change. 'We know this change may come as a surprise. But at Sass & Bide. we've never been one for following the rules. 'It's not goodbye. It's see you soon.' The news follows the brand closing 10 stores across the country in late 2024 The brand has been at the forefront of women's designer fashion for 25 years. The stores impacted included Bondi, Paddington and Miranda in New South Wales, Rundle Street in South Australia, Doncaster, Chadstone and Emporium in Melbourne, Karrinyup in Western Australia and Newmarket in New Zealand. Only a selected few remain open - including one in Victoria, one in WA and two in Queensland. Sass & Bide managing director Paula Mackenzie confirmed the news in October 2024. The brand has found fans in A-listers like Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna, and Kim Kardashian. Beyonce is pictured wearing a Sass & Bide dress in 2009 Best friends Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton launched the brand in 1999. Pictured is a runway look from Sass & Bide in 2022 'We will be offering all available support to them and will offer redeployment, where possible, for our store team members,' she told Rag Trader. 'These decisions were not taken lightly but they are necessary to ensure the business is repositioned for growth and is sustainable into the future.' The brand also reduced support office roles, though an exact number hasn't been revealed. Best friends Sarah-Jane Clarke and Heidi Middleton launched the brand in 1999. In September 2013 the two co-founders handed the business over to Myer who bought it for $72.3 million. At the time Middleton told Vogue Australia it was a joint decision to leave the brand that they built up from a London market stall. 'It was an instinctive decision that we both felt and we've always based our larger decisions in the business on intuition,' she said. Clarke added: 'We came together, we're leaving together. We just felt that was the perfect cycle.' Brooklyn Beckham says he is 'so excited for the world to see' wife Nicola Peltz's latest project as she follows in the footsteps of her estranged mother-in-law Victoria. It has been revealed that actress Nicola, 31, will follow in fashion mogul Victoria's dance footsteps bY taking on the role of a ballerina in The Morelli Brothers' (Luca and Alessandro Morelli) latest film. The billionaire heiress will star alongside Jack Huston, Betty Gabriel and Academy Award winners Faye Dunaway and Mira Sorvino in the new indie drama Prima. Brooklyn gushed how 'proud' he is of his 'talented' wife as he shared the exciting news on Instagram. He wrote: 'Wow x I am so proud of you @nicolaannepeltzbeckham x you are the most talented person I know and I am so excited for the world to see what an incredible film you have created xx. 'I love you so so much'. Brooklyn Beckham says he is 'so excited for the world to see' wife Nicola Peltz's latest project as she follows in the footsteps of her estranged mother-in-law Victoria Beckham It has been revealed that Nicola, 31, will follow in Victoria's dance footsteps be taking on the role of a ballerina in The Morelli Brothers' (Luca and Alessandro Morelli) latest film According to Deadline, the drama, which will be the Morelli Brothers' directorial debut, follows Margo (Nicola) a dedicated prima ballerina raised by her disciplinarian and 'guardian of the art' grandmother (Faye). Things begin to unravel for Margo when the head of her ballet company (Jack) marries a contemporary choreographer (Betty), disrupting the companys tradition and igniting a power struggle that threatens the very future of the institution. As events unfold, Margo begins to question if the choices made in life are really worth it in the end, a question so many face as difficult decisions can change your life forever. Prima is currently in production and is based on a story and character by Nicola Peltz Beckham after being adapted from a script to a screenplay by Jenny Taylor-Whitehorn. Nicola revealed she was taking ballet lessons for the new project in October last year as she shared a series of snaps in a studio wearing a black leotard and tutu. The actress, whose last project was 2024 movie Lola which she wrote, directed and starred in, looked the part as she worked on her moves in a barre class and practised her plie. Nicola has followed Brooklyn's estranged mum Victoria, who gushed about her passion for dance in her Netflix documentary last year. The Spice Girl explained how dance was her first love and sparked her passion for performing as she tried to escape childhood insecurities and bullying and isolation at school. The actress will star alongside Jack Huston, Betty Gabriel, Faye Dunaway and Mira Sorvino in the new indie drama Prima. Sharing the exciting news Brooklyn gushed over his 'talented' wife Nicola has followed Brooklyn's estranged mum Victoria, who gushed about her passion for dance in her Netflix documentary last year The Spice Girl (R) explained how dance was her first love and sparked her passion for performing with Nicola (L) now taking lessons for her new project Victoria's first love was dance, but she admitted in the documentary that she didn't have a natural talent and her dad constantly encouraged her to work hard to stand out Sharing photos from her early dance performances and home videos, Victoria explained in the docuseries: 'I used to enjoy the sense of escapism. You become someone else.' 'I was definitely a loner at school, I was bullied, I wasn't particularly sociable. I just didn't fit in, at all. But when you're on stage, for that moment you're somebody else. 'I didn't really wanna be me, I didn't like me. I desperately wanted to be liked.' Victoria's first love was dance, but she admitted in the documentary that she didn't have a natural talent and her dad constantly encouraged her to work hard to stand out, particularly once she was accepted to theatre school - a venture he remortgaged the family home for. In one moving moment, Victoria explained how despite inheriting her dad's work ethic, she knew she was never going to fit in or excel at her dance school. 'I didn't look like a lot of the other girls. That's where I started getting a lot of criticism about my appearance, my weight,' she remembered. 'I remember the principal of the theatre school saying to me "at the end of the show, we're gonna just fly you girls in at the back" meaning that we weren't looking as aesthetically pleasing as some of the others.' 'I remember phoning my mum crying "I wanna come home" and my mum said "come home, we'll go and buy a new pair of shoes" but then my dad would come on the phone and he'd say "you stay there. You work hard".' Victoria is also seen trying to learn a TikTok dance with the help of her daughter Harper, 14, in the docuseries. After successfully recording it, as they watch it back Victoria quips: 'Look she's still got moves! Look at that! This is a good angle for me as well!' The drama, which will be the The Morelli Brothers' directorial debut, follows Margo (Nicola) a dedicated prima ballerina raised by her disciplinarian grandmother (Faye) Things begin to unravel for Margo when the head of her ballet company (Jack) marries a contemporary choreographer (Betty), disrupting the companys tradition While Harper, and Victoria's younger sons Romeo, 23, and Cruz, 20, all feature in the series, Brooklyn only features in childhood throwback footage and in one blink and you'll miss it cameo with Nicola. It comes after the Daily Mail revealed that Brooklyn instructed his parents to only speak to him through lawyers. The aspiring chef 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 comes as Nicola was reportedly liked a social media comment about Brooklyn 'joining such a nice family'. As the feud continues to escalate, the Sun has now claimed that she's been 'liking' certain comments on recent social media posts. One comment reportedly read: 'I'm glad Brooklyn was able to join such a nice family.' They claim another that she liked said: 'I'm sorry but no one knows what goes on behind closed doors There's obviously a reason why Brooklyn doesn't speak with his parents. 'No child would ever choose to cut off their parents without good reason.' 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. Last week the Daily Mail revealed that Brooklyn instructed his parents to only speak to him him through lawyers '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 has contacted representatives for Brooklyn and his parents for comment. The row escalated on Saturday when Nicola wiped all traces of the Beckhams from her Instagram. In contrast, Brooklyn has not followed suit. 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... 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 'There was a feeling that the wedding was all about the Peltz family, as you can imagine, as it was their house and their daughter and their son making the speeches.' Nicola later confirmed the rumours had begun after she didn't wear Victoria's design. While she denied there was a 'feud', she explained that Victoria's atelier simply hadn't had time to make the dress, as she insisted: 'No family is perfect.' Nicola said: 'It's not a feud! I keep seeing everywhere that word, "feud, feud, feud!?" I mean, maybe they picked up on something? And now they're labelling it feud?' 'I think it all started, and I've said this before, because I didn't end up wearing Victoria's wedding dress, but the real truth is, I really, really wanted to wear it and I thought it was so beautiful that Brooklyn's mom got to make that for me!... '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. Nicola has since 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 Last month, Cruz confirmed that Brooklyn had blocked his entire family on social media following reports they had unfollowed him It was also claimed that despite his feud with his parents, he has been in regular contact with four family members - both sets of his grandparents. Brooklyn said he didn't want his parents to contact him, or make public statements about him on social media. There was no legal action between them and no legal basis for the letter, which was simply a request. But it followed what Brooklyn considered to be a series of 'nasty' briefings about his wife Nicola, including the suggestion that he was a 'hostage' being 'controlled' by his wife. This week, publicists and friends on both sides refused to discuss the matter, still hoping that things will calm down and be resolved. However one source said: 'David was told to speak to them via Schillings. That was the only way for them to communicate.' The 'talk to my lawyers' move might explain why Brooklyn opted to block his parents and siblings Romeo, Cruz and Harper on social media just before Christmas. The family had been viewing and liking his cooking posts. And it was felt this was contrary to Brooklyn's wish they would leave him and his wife alone. It comes as Brooklyn appeared to copy estranged dad David while celebrating wife Nicola's 31st birthday on Friday as their family feud rages on. He lavished the heiress with a bouquet of white roses, identical to the blooms Victoria was sent by her husband when turning 51 last April. Brooklyn also treated Nicola to a 5,000 bottle of his mum's favourite Screaming Eagle wine, sharing a snap of them enjoying a glass with the caption: 'Special bottle for a special day.' Back in 2017, Victoria posted her own photo after cracking open a bottle of the wine with David and Brooklyn, before their bitter estrangement. Meanwhile on Monday David reflected on his 'amazing' weekend in the countryside after his daughter-in-law Nicola deleted all traces of her in-laws from her social media. Following the move, David, 50, took to Instagram as he shared snaps from his weekend in the countryside, away from the noise and bustle of the city. The dad-of-four put on a brave face amid the family turmoil as he shared wholesome snaps from his walks in the snow while bringing his dogs along for the stroll. David could be seen wrapped up in two selfies, wearing a tweed jacket and hat to keep his head warm. He also held onto his walking stick as he trekked through the blanket of snow at his lavish Cotswolds mansion. Alongside the snaps, he captioned the post: 'Amazing weekend in the country and nice and chilly Simba not so happy.' While fans commented on David's picturesque view, others mentioned his estranged son Brooklyn. One wrote: 'Oldest son, someday he'll regret (be strong)'; 'Stay strong papa'; 'So much peace in the countryside. Nothing like it'; 'TEAM DAVID'. Mia McKenna Bruce has revealed she broke her foot on the staircase at Badminton House while filming Netflix's Agatha Christie adaptation Seven Dials. The rising star, 28, puts on her detective hat in the role of Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent, as she sets out to solve an enigmatic murder. However, while filming the upcoming mystery drama, Mia broke her right foot stumbling down the 'lethal' staircase at the country estate in Gloucestershire. 'As soon as I walked into Badminton, I thought that floor was over-polished,' co-star Helena Bonham Carter told Daily Mail's Richen Eden during an event at the British Library in London. She claimed the Duke of Beaufort, who owns the house, above, doesn't even use the staircase because it's so dangerous. And Harry Potter star Helena, 59, revealed she also slipped. 'The staircase attacked us. They are lethal,' she added. Mia McKenna Bruce has revealed she broke her foot on the staircase at Badminton House while filming Netflix's Agatha Christie adaptation Seven Dials The rising star, 28, puts on her detective hat in the role of Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent, as she sets out to solve an enigmatic murder However, while filming the upcoming mystery drama, Mia broke her right foot stumbling down the 'lethal' staircase at the country estate in Gloucestershire The duke declined to comment when contacted by the Daily Mail. It comes as the cast put on a glamorous display at the premiere of the new series on Thursday. Stepping out for the premiere, Helena, 59, showed off her ageless beauty. Helena wore a black and pink floral lace midi-dress in a sheer tulle fabric, which featured a bejewelled belt, high neckline and a tiered skirt. She paired the dress with chunky black, tan and white patent loafers, with her dark locks in tight curls and a bright red lipstick. Meanwhile How To Have Sex star Mia, who won the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2024, looked sensational in a black velvet figure hugging gown. The strapless gown featured a lace lining at the bodice and ruched fabric, with the actress pairing it with a feather boa shawl. Mia posed for snaps on the red carpet with Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story star Corey Mylchreest, who plays Gerry Wade in the Netflix Agatha Christie adaptation.It comes as the cast put on a glamorous display at the premiere of the new series on Thursday. It comes as the cast put on a glamorous display at the premiere of the new series on Thursday (pictured Helena and Mia) Mia posed for snaps on the red carpet with Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story star Corey Mylchreest, who plays Gerry Wade in the Netflix Agatha Christie adaptation All three episodes of Agatha Christie's Seven Dials are set to land on Netflix on Thursday, January 15 Also in attendance was Sherlock star Martin, who plays Superintendent Battle Edward Bluemel, who also stars in the series as Jimmy Thesiger, wore a striking navy cape coat over a pale blue shirt and black trousers Corey opted for an all-black ensemble, featuring a tailored blazer with a t-shirt and high-waisted pants, as he sported a full beard. Also in attendance was Sherlock star Martin, who plays Superintendent Battle. Martin looked dapper in a navy pinstripe double breasted suit, paired with a patterned tie and brown suede loafers. Edward Bluemel, who also stars in the series as Jimmy Thesiger, wore a striking navy cape coat over a pale blue shirt and black trousers. The trailer begins at a masquerade ball in the mid-1920s, where the handsome Gerry Wade is seen flirting and dancing with Bundle, before being interrupted right as it seems he is about to propose. However, the next morning the household are disturbed by the noise of a cacophony of alarm clocks from Gerry's room, sparking the ire of Lady Caterham. A shocked and devastated Bundle investigates only to find her future fiance lying dead in his bed, with seven clocks arranged on his mantelpiece. Channelling her grief and despair into vengeance, she vows to uncover who is responsible for Gerry's death, telling her mother: 'Im not going to rest until I find out what happened to him'. The gripping three-part seires is an adaptation of Agatha Christie's 1929 novel But as she begins to delve into the mystery of 'the Seven Dials', she received repeated warnings to stay away by her friends Ronnie Devereux and Jimmy Thesiger, as well as Battle, a Scotland Yard superintendent looking into the case. Ronnie warns: 'Be careful who you speak to about this', as Battle echoes: 'This is treacherous with a high degree of peril.' But ignoring their warnings, Bundle is seen stubborn continuing her investigation to get 'the full picture' while Lady Caterham insists: 'People who go looking for trouble usually find it'. And the trailer shows that trouble is indeed brewing, as scenes flash of someone being shot, a masked figure, Bundle weeping over a bloodied body and then falling from a window. However, she proclaims she will keep going until she finds out who murdered Gerry, vowing: 'I am not going to stop until I get to the truth'. The timeless mystery has been reimagined for a modern audience by Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall and is directed and executive produced by Chris Sweeney. Speaking about the ways they've adapted it, Mia told Tudum: 'It was really important to make Agatha Christie feel accessible to people who hadnt read her work but also hold on to the heart of those murder mysteries. I really feel like we did what we set out to do.' While she explained how her character, Bundle, also behaves differently to how upper-class women were expected to in the 1920s. All three episodes of Agatha Christie's Seven Dials are set to land on Netflix on Thursday, January 15. It marks the latest adaptation of one of the Queen of Crime's novels for the small screen, following a slew of versions by the BBC, including Witness For The Prosecution, And Then There Were None and last year's Towards Zero. An increasingly toxic feud may well be tearing David and Victoria Beckham away from their eldest son, but fans still know which side they're on - at least when it comes to social media. Brooklyn Beckham and his actress wife Nicola Peltz are at the heart of an acrimonious divide that has resulted in the couple snubbing all significant family celebrations over recent months, including his father's milestone 50th birthday. Likewise, the cooking influencer's family - including brothers Romeo, Cruz, and sister Harper - were not invited to his marriage renewal ceremony in New York's Westchester County on August 2. But the widening rift has had a notable impact across social media, where Brooklyn, 26, makes an income through online cooking tutorials and the continuing promotion of his hot sauce brand, Cloud 23. While the influencer still commands an impressive 16 million followers on Instagram, the decision to cut ties with his immediate family is understood to have lost him an average 188 followers a day over the last month. Not so his parents, whose already prodigious following on the social media platform - David boasts 88.5 million followers to Victoria's 33.4 million - has dramatically risen by an average 2,633 a day. An increasingly toxic feud may well be tearing David and Victoria Beckham away from their eldest son, but fans still know which side they're on - at least when it comes to social media The widening rift has had a notable impact on Instagram, where influencer Brooklyn - who makes an income through online cooking tutorials - has lost an average 188 followers a day A source for Ace.com, who collate the day-to-day figures, told The Sun: 'Follower trends show where audience attention and engagement sit. 'The data points to a notable divergence in public sentiment.' David and Victoria, as well as Brooklyn's brothers Romeo and Cruz, were not part of the 200 strong guest-list at his 'second' wedding ceremony, which took place at the Peltz estate in Westchester County, New York. Brooklyn's 14-year-old sister Harper, his grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles were also absent on the day. 'Victorias heart is breaking behind closed doors,' a source told The Mirror. 'Brooklyn is her firstborn and shes worried shes never going to get him back. 'Seeing him and Nicola renew their vows without her and David was tough. They have missed out on some big family moments already and Victoria is afraid that the longer this goes on, the less chance there is of it being resolved.' The Daily Mail revealed that relations between the Beckhams broke down so completely last summer that at one point, Brooklyn asked his parents to contact him only via their respective lawyers, Schillings and Harbottle & Lewis. One source told the Mail: 'David was told to speak to them via Schillings. That was the only way for them to communicate.' Brooklyn is currently estranged from his entire family (pictured L-R: Cruz, Harper, Romeo, Victoria and David Beckham) The wayward influencer is now based in the United States with his actress wife, Nicola Peltz It's understood that Brooklyn doesn't want his parents to contact him directly, or make public statements about him on social media. There was no legal action between them and no legal basis for the letter, which was simply a request. However, Brooklyn still remains in regular contact with both sets of grandparents. An insider told The Sun: 'Brooklyn absolutely adores them, and knows how much pain this is causing everyone. So he has reached out in his own time, but tried to keep it low-key so as not to drag them into it. 'Brooklyn is navigating this soul-crushing family feud as best he can but it isn't easy on anyone. Nicola remains his absolute rock.' All Saints legends Nicole and Natalie Appleton are set to return to the charts in their band Appleton - 23 years after they last released music. The sisters, aged 51 and 52 respectively, released their new single Falling Into You, which they co-wrote with Gareth Young, on Wednesday. Nicole said: 'We hadn't worked with Gareth since we made our 'Everything's Eventual' album, so we were amazed at how quickly everything clicked into place again. This song just flowed out of us because it's very much the story of us.' The duo, who acted as half of All Saints alongside Melanie Blatt and Shaznay Lewis, hit the scene again in 2023 when they re-released their 2003 song Everything's Eventual, however this is the latest new music to return. Their debut hit Fantasy hit the charts in September 2002 and soared to number two before they released top five ballad Don't Worry a few months later. All Saints legends Nicole and Natalie Appleton are set to return to the charts in their band Appleton - 23 years after they last released music The sisters, aged 51 and 52 respectively, released their new single Falling Into You, which they co-wrote with Gareth Young, on Wednesday (pictured in 1998) The duo acted as half of All Saints alongside Melanie Blatt (centre left) and Shaznay Lewis (centre right) (pictured in 1998) Nicole went on: 'The entire music scene has changed since we put out the first Appleton album. We're going into this with no expectations and enjoying the process of writing and performing again for the love of it'. On the feeling of returning after so many years, she said: 'I think the industry as a whole is much more difficult. Financially, you know, I think people are having a really hard time just touring and making ends meet because its so expensive.' Natalie told Grazia: 'When we walked into [the studio] it was like walking into a time warp. It was like we walked out 20 years ago, and we were walking back in. Its easy. Appleton will perform on BBC Radio 2's Piano Rooms with the BBC Concert Orchestra on 19 February and later at the iconic Mighty Hoopla festival in May. Nicole teased details of their sets, saying: 'We're planning on throwing in a fun cover or two but you'll definitely hear all the songs you expect from us.' Natalie told Grazia: 'When we walked into [the studio] it was like walking into a time warp. It was like we walked out 20 years ago, and we were walking back in. Its easy' (pictured in 1998) Nicole's son Gene, 24, who she shares with ex Liam Gallagher, was one of the driving forces behind the reunion - potentially following his father's Oasis reunion last year (pictured in September) The duo have not performed together for over 20 years and last toured with All Saints nearly five years ago. Nicole's son Gene, 24, who she shares with ex Liam Gallagher, was one of the driving forces behind the reunion - potentially following his father's Oasis reunion last year. She revealed: 'It was all because when we released Everything Eventual on vinyl [in 2003] we had such great feedback from it that our children, our sons in particular, were like, Why dont you guys go back in the studio? a Gene was like, Why dont you ask Aunty Nat? And I was like, should we? Cara Delevingne got playful as she joined her sister Poppy for a fun evening out at The Traitors: Live Experience. The model, 33, and actress Poppy, 39, got their investigative caps on as they tried to figure out who was playing a Traitor and who was a Faithful. Taking to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Poppy documented the experience for her followers. She first shared a black-and-white snap outside the venue with the caption: 'CAN'T TRUST ANYONE ANYMORE,' accompanied by the Traitors theme tune. This was followed by a snap of Cara in the iconic Traitor's cloak as she held a lighter with the caption: 'ESPECAILLY THIS ONE.' Poppy then finished with a clip revealing whether she or her sister had been honest with each other. Cara Delevingne got playful as she joined her sister Poppy for a fun evening out at The Traitors: Live Experience The model, 33, and actress Poppy, 39, got their investigative caps on as they tried to figure out who was playing a Traitor and who was a Faithful When asked what she played, Poppy revealed she was a Faithful before Cara shocked her with the news that she was a Traitor. 'PROOF,' she penned on top of the clip. It comes as Cara looked worlds away from her former party girl days as she posted a series of pouty snaps. The model and actor unveiled her super-glam new image as she attended the star-studded Academy Museum Gala in October. Cara was famous for her party girl image in the 2010s, bursting on the showbiz scene as a model before making a foray into Hollywood. But recently, the star has shown off her newly-glam Hollywood glow-up in an array of glitzy and elegant ensembles. And the big occasion was no exception as Cara dazzled in a glitzy silver gown with a ruffled blue neckline for the gala. Taking to Instagram, Cara shared a carousel of flawless snaps of her ensemble ahead of the event, where she was seen pouting at the camera. It comes as Cara looked worlds away from her former party girl days as she posted a series of pouty snaps Cara was famous for her party girl image in the 2010s, bursting on the showbiz scene as a model before making a foray into Hollywood (Seen in 2013) She captioned the snaps: '@theacademy gala dump! Scroll through to reveal the truth behind the glitz and glamour.' Earlier in the month, Cara looked less than impressed as she was forced to wait in line before entering the Stella McCartney show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday. She rocked a black tank top and sunglasses as she stood with her hands on her hips while queuing behind a group of women. Cara looked fuming as she pushed her way to the front and said: 'Ok I'm just going to walk in, it's getting crazy'. However, things weren't smooth sailing for the Suicide Squad star as security stopped Cara and asked for her QR code for entry. One of her team informed the security guard 'she doesn't have one' before Cara added, 'this is just crazy'. Eventually, the actress lifted up her sunglasses and asked, 'Can I go in?' prompting the security to finally recognise the star and reply, 'Oh, sorry yes go in'. Cara thanked the security before storming past, tucking a large black leather coat over her handbag and entering the building. The star was later seen joining a different 'guests' queue where she patiently waited in line before eventually taking her seat on the front row next to Helen Mirren. Nadia Bartel knows how to make a fashion statement. And the former WAG and designer certainly commanded attention as she attended the Australian Open in Melbourne on Thursday. The 40-year-old opted for a pair of white trousers that were completely see-through, and flashed a glimpse at her matching underwear. Nadia paired the pants, which are from her own brand, Henne, with a white, sleeveless blouse with frayed edges, also from her own collection. In posts shared to Instagram Stories, the brunette stunner modelled the look and revealed she was wearing a size six. Nadia finished the look with a pair of designer heels in white and a chunky silver watch. Nadia Bartel (pictured) knows how to make a fashion statement. And the former WAG and designer certainly commanded attention as she attended the Australian Open in Melbourne on Thursday The 40-year-old opted for a pair of white trousers that were completely see-through, and flashed a glimpse at her matching underwear It comes after the fashionista revealed she is planning a quiet year spent with family for 2026. Nadia has been dating Peter Dugmore for three years - and while the pair do plan to marry, Nadia says she is in no hurry. 'I feel like 2026 is going to be really quiet on the home front,' she told Daily Mail as she attended the Grey Goose party at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Monday. 'There is nothing too exciting planned I just want to slow down and spend more time with my boys,' Nadia continued. 'This year is about being home, being present and really soaking up that time with my kids.' Work, however, is bound to keep her busy, Nadia admitted. 'Business is actually the opposite though... there is a lot happening behind the scenes,' Nadia explained. 'We are planning a few overseas trips which is really exciting. 'I will be heading to Dubai and the US and having some big conversations about what the next chapter looks like. Nadia paired the pants, which are from her own brand, Henne, with a white, sleeveless blouse with frayed edges, also from her own collection In posts shared to Instagram Stories, the brunette stunner modelled the look and revealed she was wearing a size six Nadia has been dating Peter Dugmore (right) for three years - and while the pair do plan to marry, Nadia says she is in no hurry 'It feels like the start of a really new and exciting phase for the business.' When asked if marriage is on the cards, Nadia told the Herald Sun at the same event that she will wed again - just when her sons, Aston, 10, and Henley, 7, who she shares with Jimmy Bartel, are older. 'Can you believe that? He hasn't (proposed yet),' Bartel joked. 'Do you know we've barely even spoken about it. It's funny, as you get older, I've been married before, we live together, I don't think about it that much, but it would be nice. 'We will get married one day, once the boys are a bit older.' Nadia added that she still has hopes to use IVF to have a child with Peter. 'It's so special to be able to carry a baby with your partner, it's a unique experience and would be nice for Pete and I to have that,' she said. Bartel and Dugmore made their first public appearance at the 2024 Australian Open after dating for two years. Former EastEnders star Dean Gaffney has been fined and slapped with three penalty points after he was caught speeding in his 45,000 Audi. The soap legend, 47, was clocked travelling 61mph in a 50mph zone in his Audi A7 in Ockham, Surrey. Gaffney, who played Albert Square road sweeper Robbie Jackson from 1993 to 2015, received a 146 fine for exceeding a temporary 50 mph restriction - due to roadworks at Crawley Magistrates' Court on January 7. The Watford-born actor spends large portions of the year in partying locations including Ibiza and Dubai, but still has prominent ties to the UK, namely his twin daughters Charlotte and Chloe. He became a grandad in 2021 aged 43 when the latter welcomed daughter Mimi. Chloe gave birth to a second daughter Penelope in 2023. Gaffney split from his daughters mum Sarah Burge in 2015 following cheating claims. In October last year, it was reported Gaffney had fallen for ex-Harvard graduate Kate Black, 31, who studied international relations at the top US university. Former EastEnders star Dean Gaffney has been fined and slapped with three penalty points after he was caught driving 61mph in a temporary 50mph zone in his 45,000 Audi Gaffney played Albert Square road sweeper Robbie Jackson in EastEnders from 1993 to 2015 (pictured with his beloved pet dog, Wellard) They were introduced by mutual friends and started dating in April, a month after she split from her long-term boyfriend. Two months later, they were spotted together on holiday in Ibiza. Gaffneys colourful love life has overshadowed his acting and his off-screen antics with the opposite sex has also landed him in trouble. In 2019, he was axed from EastEnders after reportedly begging a stranger for X-rated pictures of her breasts and backside. The actor, who had just come out of a relationship with model girlfriend Rebekah Rose-Ward who was allegedly sick of feeling like a trophy on his arm, is said to have reached out to dental nurse Theresa Hayman in the middle of the night on Facebook asking her for intimate snaps. She told The Daily Star: 'Hes old enough to be my dad. He just went straight in with talking about my boobs. There was no effort to strike up an intellectual conversation. I just dont know how he came across me but looking back its quite clear why he started talking. 'When I got the friend request I thought it was a fake account as theres so many weirdos on Facebook. I asked him about the random add and he said I came up as a suggested friend, which I find hard to believe.' Gaffney split from his daughters mum Sarah Burge (pictured) in 2015 following cheating claims In October last year, it was reported Gaffney had fallen for ex-Harvard graduate Kate Black (pictured), who studied international relations at the top US university The actor had just come out of a relationship with Rebekah Rose-Ward (pictured) when he was axed from EastEnders for asking a complete stranger for intimate snaps on Facebook In 2023, he appeared in the spin-off series Im a Celebrity South Africa, 17 years after his first appearance in the original ITV jungle show After leaving EastEnders, Gaffney was thrown a career lifeline last year when he was offered a part alongside Vinnie Jones in new British movie Reckless, his first acting role in six years. His previous acting credits include a stint in The Bill in 2006 and the following year, he toured with the Agatha Christie Theatre Company, performing The Unexpected Guest. Plus, hes also no stranger to Panto, appearing as Wishee Washee in Aladdin at the Thurrock Thameside Theatre in Grays, Essex in 2011 and in 2015, he took on the same role in a pantomime in Runcorn. But away from acting, hes perhaps better known these days for his stints in reality TV. In 2023, he appeared in the spin-off series Im a Celebrity South Africa, 17 years after his first appearance in the original ITV jungle show. He also appeared in E4 dating series Celebs Go Dating in 2020, returning five years later to give dating advice to new contestant, his pal Wayne Lineker. Deans brother Gary once claimed the soap star slept with over 1,000 women during his EastEnders heyday and he had an obsession with the opposite sex, which the star later denied. Timothy Busfield has officially been dropped from his talent agency following his arrest on child sex abuse charges this week. The 68-year-old actor - who is married to Little House On The Prairie alum Melissa Gilbert - was let go from Innovative Artists on Wednesday after he surrendered to police in New Mexico one day earlier, per Deadline. Busfield is known for starring in a number of projects in Hollywood including Thirtysomething and The West Wing. The star is facing felony charges including two counts of sexually assaulting twin boys, and a newly-filed charge involving a 16-year-old female victim. Busfield made his first appearance in court on Wednesday in New Mexico wearing an orange jumpsuit as he stood in front of a judge. Gilbert - who 'supports her husband' amid the shocking charges - was not seen inside the courtroom at the time. Timothy Busfield, 68, has officially been dropped from his talent agency following his arrest on child sex abuse charges this week The star is facing felony charges including two counts of sexually assaulting twin boys, and a newly-filed charge involving a 16-year-old female victim Last week, an arrest warrant was issued for Busfield for charges of child abuse and criminal sexual contact with a minor. However, the actor has since denied the allegations - labeling them as 'lies' and vowed to fight the charges in a video to TMZ. 'I will confront these lies. I did not do anything to those little boys,' he told the outlet. Busfield has been accused of inappropriately touching two young boys in 2022 on set of the crime drama series The Cleaning Lady which he was directing. He then continued, 'I was ordered to come to Albuquerque, and well, I'm here now. I got the call Friday night, I had to get a lawyer, and on Saturday I got a car and drove 2,000 miles to Albuquerque.' The star once again called the allegations lies and said, 'I did not do anything.' Busfield told TMZ, 'I'm gonna fight it with a great team, and I know I'm going to be exonerated. I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies.' Following his arrest, he is being at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Bernalillo County, per documents obtained by the Daily Mail. The actor was let go from Innovative Artists on Wednesday after he surrendered to police in New Mexico one day earlier, per Deadline; seen in 2022 in New Jersey Busfield made his first appearance in court on Wednesday in New Mexico wearing an orange jumpsuit as he stood in front of a judge Gilbert - who tied the knot with Busfield in 2013 - broke her silence over her husband's arrest earlier this week. Her representative told the Daily Mail, 'Melissa Gilbert is not making public statements at this time. 'Any purported "statements" circulating online - including AI-generated deepfakes of her 'breaking her silence' - should not be treated as coming from her.' The rep added, 'She is honoring the request of Tim's 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.' And in a statement additionally obtained by the Daily Mail, Busfield's civil attorney, Stanton "Larry" Stein, called the actor 'innocent' and labeled the claims as 'false.' Busfield's arrest took place on Tuesday after he surrendered to police. And on Wednesday, the star appeared in New Mexico court looking stony-faced as he faced his child sex abuse charges in public for the first time. His wife was not seen inside the New Mexico courtroom during the arraignment. Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Judge Felicia Blea-Rivera told the Emmy award-winning actor he would not be allowed bail during the brief two-minute hearing. 'Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. We ask that their privacy be respected,' Gilbert's rep told the Daily Mail; seen in 2020 in NYC And in a statement additionally obtained by the Daily Mail, Busfield's civil attorney, Stanton "Larry" Stein, called the actor 'innocent' and labeled the claims as 'false'; seen in September 2025 Prosecutors filed a motion on Wednesday seeking to prevent Busfield from being granted bond as his case is transferred to a Second Judicial District Court judge. Judge Blea-Rivera approved the motion. 'You will continue to be held without bond,' she told a somber-looking Busfield. 'Your next hearing will take place within the next five business days.' Wednesday's hearing is the first time Busfield has been seen since he released a shocking video to TMZ addressing the allegations. His lawyer also told the Daily Mail on Wednesday: 'Tim Busfield denies the allegations in the criminal complaint and maintains they are completely false.' Stein continued, 'As a voluntary step, he submitted to an independent polygraph examination regarding those allegations and passed.' The actor and producer was charged last week with sexually assaulting twin boys on the set of TV series The Cleaning Lady from 2022 until 2024. Then this week, he was accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl while she was auditioning for a show. The alleged victim's father told police Busfield groped the aspiring actress 'several years ago' at the theater he founded in Sacramento, California. Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Judge Felicia Blea-Rivera told the Emmy award-winning actor he would not be allowed bail during the brief two-minute hearing; seen (right) in The West Wing Judge Blea-Rivera approved the motion. 'You will continue to be held without bond,' she told a somber-looking Busfield. 'Your next hearing will take place within the next five business days'; seen in 2020 in NYC As Busfield turned himself to New Mexico authorities, heavily armed US Marshals raided his upstate New York home he shares with his wife. In exclusive photos obtained by Daily Mail, Marshal agents were seen forcibly entering the door of the tiny home in Highland Lake in the Catskill Mountains. The raid, witnessed by the Daily Mail, took about 30-minutes as agents armed with assault rifles and tactical gear used a battering ram to knock down the front door. No one was apprehended at the home and it is unclear if Gilbert was with her husband when he turned himself in to Albuquerque authorities. According to a criminal complaint filed last week in New Mexico, an investigation into Busfield was opened in November 2024 when staff at the University of New Mexico Hospital called police and reported seven-year-old children potentially being groomed on the studio set of the TV show, The Cleaning Lady. Busfield was the director and executive producer of the Fox show for three seasons before its final episode on June 2025. According to an arrest warrant obtained by the Daily Mail, Busfield allegedly told the children, 'to call him Uncle Tim,' and 'would tickle them on the stomach and legs, despite them not liking the tickling.' The children did not allege sexual touching at the time, but in October 2025 one of the parents reported to Child Protective Services that her child disclosed alleged sexual abuse by Busfield, the warrant said. As Busfield turned himself to New Mexico authorities, heavily armed US Marshals raided his upstate New York home he shares with his wife; seen in 2015 The child told a therapist that Busfield touched his 'genitalia' and 'bottom' while in a bedroom on the set of the TV show, according to the affidavit. When he was questioned by detectives, Busfield said he had 'playful' contact with the children on his set, but denied any wrongdoing. When Busfield was interviewed by police about the allegations on November 3, 2025, his arrest warrant said that his wife, Gilbert, listened to the phone call over speakerphone. Busfield reportedly told investigators that the allegations against him were a revenge plot by the parents of the boy and his twin brother because he didn't invite them back to the show. Virginia Madsen recently opened up about the loss of her brother, Michael Madsen, six months after his death. In a new interview, released this week, the actress, 64, reflected on his larger-than-life presence, the pain he endured in his final years and the sense of peace she believes he ultimately found. 'He was bigger than life, over six feet tall and barrel-chested,' Virginia recalled fondly to People of her brother. 'You could hear him coming in the room with his cowboy boots before he got there.' She went on to admit she once imagined a very different ending for the charismatic actor. 'I thought he was going to be one of those old guys telling stories with a big cigar,' she said. That dream was cut short on July 3, 2025, when the Kill Bill star tragically died of cardiac arrest at age 67, following a long struggle with alcoholism. Virginia Madsen recently opened up about the loss of her brother, Michael Madsen, six months after his death; seen in 2007 The loss came after years of profound family tragedy. In January 2022, Michael's son Hudson Madsen, an Army sergeant that had completed a tour of duty in Afghanistan, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at age 26. The loss of her nephew ended up inspiring Virginia to make the film Sheepdog, which explores the challenges combat veterans face after returning home. 'I made this film to honor him,' Virginia, 64, said of her nephew. 'He was on my mind every moment of every day.' 'I wish he could have been home and able to get help. It was very intense grief for Deanna (his mom Deanna Madsen) and Michael, and his brothers and also the finality,' she said. By that point, she said, communicating with Michael had become increasingly difficult. 'It was impossible to talk to my brother about it. He was just shut down. It was really hard to communicate with Michael during these last years because he really wasn't communicating with anybody. And that addiction will do everything it can to separate loved ones from the person who's suffering.' She continued, 'He tried really hard over and over again until he just got farther and farther away. And it's a terrible thing because you lose them while they're still walking around alive.' In a new interview, the actress, 64, reflected on his larger-than-life presence, the pain he endured in his final years and the sense of peace she believes he ultimately found (seen in 2002) 'He was bigger than life, over six feet tall and barrel-chested,' Virginia recalled fondly to People of her brother. 'You could hear him coming in the room with his cowboy boots before he got there' (seen in 1996) As painful as his death was, Virginia says there was also a quiet truth that brought some comfort. 'And so when he died, it wasn't a surprise,' she said. 'And I suppose the only thing that was also a truth was that he was no longer in pain. He was no longer suffering. It wasn't another hospital. It wasn't another accident.' Their mother, now 94, felt that peace as well. 'She felt a really strong sense that he was at peace,' Virginia shared. In the months since, Virginia has found healing in time spent with Michael's children, who gathered over the holidays at the home she shares with her husband, Nick Holmes. 'There started to be laughter and stories that were not just crazy Michael stories 'about when dad took us to Hawaii.' Beautiful stories about when we were little,' she says. 'There began to be this really intense bonding of all the family together.' 'My brother loved Christmas,' she adds. 'People think of him being so dramatic and dark and morose. He was ridiculous as Santa Claus.' She went on to admit she once imagined a very different ending for the charismatic actor, including seeing him as an old man 'telling stories with a big cigar' (pictured 2019) The star - known for his frequent Quentin Tarantino collaborations - is pictured with Kill Bill co-stars Uma Thurman in 2004 While acknowledging that no one can replace their father, Virginia said the family found comfort in celebrating him together. 'What we can do is just be really close, as close as they'll let me be.' Amid her grief, she stressed that she sees Michael's legacy living on through his sons. 'The best sides of him are a part of who his sons are,' she said. 'They look at the sunset the way he did. In that way, there are parts of him that will never be gone.' Following Michael's death, his management confirmed he was found unresponsive at his Malibu home, where deputies responded to a 911 call early that morning. He was pronounced dead at the scene, with his manager later stating the cause was cardiac arrest. His lawyer also confirmed the actor had been battling alcohol addiction prior to his death. Michael, famed for his tough-guy roles in films like Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs, died of cardiac arrest at age 67, following a long struggle with alcoholism; seen in April 2025 In a statement to DailyMail.com, Michael's representatives said he had been focused on a creative resurgence, working on several independent films and preparing to release a new book titled Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems. 'Michael Madsen was one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, who will be missed by many,' the statement read. Known for his frequent collaborations with director Quentin Tarantino, Michael also appeared in The Hateful Eight, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Donnie Brasco. He is survived by his five children, his estranged wife DeAnna and sister. Following his death, Virginia paid tribute to her brother in a statement to Variety. 'My brother Michael has left the stage. He was thunder and velvet. Mischief wrapped in tenderness,' she wrote. 'A poet disguised as an outlaw I'll miss our inside jokes, the sudden laughter, the sound of him. I miss my big brother.' If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for support 24/7. Niki Taylor was a top model in the 1990s and won fans all over the world with her beauty. The blonde with the radiant smile landed her first magazine cover for Seventeen when she was just 14-years-old. In 1990, she won a coveted Vogue cover, becoming the second youngest person, at age 15, to take the front of the fashion bible. Taylor went on to grace the covers of Cosmopolitan, Allure, Elle, Marie Claire and Shape. Campaigns for major brands like L'Oreal, Gap, Cover Girl, Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier followed, as well as appearances in dozens of fashion shows. And she had all the right friends including Cindy Crawford and Kate Moss. Now the 50-year-old has been seen in stunning photos for a campaign with de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry. Niki Taylor was a top model in the 1990s. The blonde with the radiant smile landed her first magazine cover for Seventeen when she was just 14-years-old Seen in 1989. She started young and just kept working nonstop In 1990, she won a coveted Vogue cover, becoming the second youngest person, at age 15, to take the front of the fashion bible Last year, Taylor explained that, for her, age is more about your state of mind and 'what's inside' than your appearance. 'As long as you feel good and healthy, you can pretty much take on anything,' she told the Daily Mail. For decades, there has been a serious stigma about aging within the fashion and beauty industries, with many models speaking out about feeling as though they had a 'shelf life'. However, in recent years, that has begun to shift, with more and more models finding success later on in life. Taylor believes that this shift has been a long time coming, explaining that she has seen industry insiders making moves towards increasing diversity for years - a trend that she is happy to see is now being represented in advertisements and campaigns. 'It was unheard of to see a fashion model in her 30s back in the day. [But] its just a number, really! Were all getting older, were all changing,' she said. Still, Taylor joked that she prefers the word 'timeless' rather than 'ageless', noting that it better captures her views on aging. While she looks as though she hasn't aged a day since her first CoverGirl campaign, her life has changed a great deal in the years that followed her history-making 1992 partnership with the brand. Seen on the runway in the early 1990s, left, and in 1989, right, working for Cover Girl She landed on a group Vogue cover in 1992 with Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Karen Mulder, Elaine Irwin, Yasmeen Ghauri, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell and Tatjana Patitz Niki's sister Krissy, who was also a successful model, passed away from heart disease in 1995 The supermodel is a mother to four children: twin sons, Jake and Hunter, whose father is her ex-husband Matt Martinez, and a daughter, Ciel, and son Rex with her husband of more than 14 years, Burney Lamar. She now balances her work as a successful model with her commitments at home in Nashville. Though sometimes the two worlds collide, as they did with her new CoverGirl campaign, which she revealed that husband Burney helped her to shoot. 'This was the first time [that I've shot a campaign myself at home]... I transformed my house into a set!' she shared. Now the 50-year-old sensation has been seen in stunning photos for a campaign with de Boulle Diamond & Jewelry Here she was seen dripping in jewelry 'My husband helped me film it with my iPhone. I did hair and makeup. It was very cool. Then I just sent [CoverGirl] a whole bunch of stuff to edit.' Taylor has also endured heartbreaking tragedy and difficult trauma over the years. In 1995, just three years after signing her first deal with CoverGirl, her sister and best friend Krissy suddenly passed away from heart disease at the age of 17. 'We were very close. We worked together. We did everything together. I miss her very much,' the model said of the tragic loss during an interview with Oprah in 2014. Then, in 2001, Taylor herself was involved in a near fatal car accident in Atlanta, Georgia, while being driven by then-boyfriend Chad Renegar. Renegar was apparently attempting to answer his phone when he lost control of the car and crashed into a utility pole. Over the years, she has spoken candidly about how she dealt with the loss of her sibling, and her recovery in the wake of her car crash, and today, she works closely with two charities that remain close to her heart in the wake of the tragedies. 'My charities that I love are the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association, those are personal to me,' she explained. Teyana Taylor is walking back her initial claim that Leonardo DiCaprio was chatting with her during a now-viral moment at the 2026 Golden Globes. While appearing on The Tonight Show on Wednesday night, the star, 35, admitted that the animated exchange that went viral on TikTok did not, in fact, involve her after all. 'Yesterday, I thought I broke the Da Vinci Code,' Taylor joked, referencing an earlier interview in which she believed DiCaprio was speaking to her during the show. Taylor explained that she initially assumed the Oscar winner was reacting to her excitement over KPop Demon Hunters after it won Best Motion Picture (Animated) and Best Original Song. 'When I first saw it, I didn't watch the whole thing,' she admitted. 'I was like, "Oh, you're talking about *KPop Demon Hunters" - he's talking about me.' But after rewatching the clip and seeing online lip-reading speculation, Taylor decided to clear things up - directly with DiCaprio himself. Teyana Taylor is walking back her initial claim that Leonardo DiCaprio (pictured over the weekend) was chatting with her during a now-viral moment at the 2026 Golden Globes 'I had to call Leo,' she said. 'I was like, "You can't be talking to me - were you talking to me?" Because I already told people you was talking to me.' According to Taylor, DiCaprio revealed he had more than one KPop Demon Hunters conversation that night and couldn't even remember who the exchange was actually with. 'He was like, "I don't even know,"' she laughed, adding that she jokingly accused him of "kekeing" with someone else in their signature expressive style. The moment went viral after DiCaprio was seen laughing, gesturing wildly and clapping during a commercial break, prompting widespread speculation online about who had him so bubbly. Taylor had previously told Access Hollywood that the two were chatting about the film and her daughters, Iman 'Junie' Tayla Shumpert Jr., 10, and Rue Rose Shumpert, 5 - but now says the clip simply caught DiCaprio mid-conversation with someone else nearby. The buzz came during a banner night for Taylor and DiCaprio's film One Battle After Another, which picked up four Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy), while Taylor won for her performance as Perfidia Beverly Hills. Both stars are also nominated at the upcoming Actor Awards on March 1. DiCaprio's unexpectedly lively demeanor sparked multiple viral moments throughout the ceremony - including an exchange with Julia Roberts, where he was photographed repeatedly mouthing, 'That's star power!' Fans also delighted in seeing the famously private actor react to host Nikki Glaser, who roasted his dating history during her sharp opening monologue. The actress, 35, appeared on The Tonight Show on Wednesday, where she told host Jimmy Fallon that the animated exchange captured on the ceremony's official TikTokpage did not, in fact, involve her after all; seen in 2026 'Yesterday, I thought I broke the Da Vinci Code,' Taylor joked, referencing an earlier interview in which she believed Leonardo DiCaprio was speaking to her during the show (seen on Sunday) After applauding DiCaprios glittering career, Glaser went straight for the jugular, poking fun at his well-documented taste for younger women as he currently dates Italian supermodel Vittoria Ceretti, 27. The most impressive thing is that youve been able to accomplish all of this before your girlfriend turned 30, she quipped. Cameras immediately cut to DiCaprio, whose sheepish, visibly uncomfortable reaction quickly became the moment everyone was talking about. He even offered up an awkward thumbs up. Glaser swiftly followed up with an apology for the cheap joke, admitting the famously private actor rarely gives the public much to work with beyond his dating history. She then capped off the roast by asking whether pasta, pasta, and more pasta was still his favorite food - a nod to a teen magazine interview from the 90s - prompting an amused Yes from DiCaprio as the crowd erupted. Ceretti, who first sparked romance rumors with DiCaprio in 2023, did not accompany him to the Golden Globes. Sean Penn and his girlfriend, Valeria Nicov, were seen holding hands in a rare public display of affection, just days after he sparked controversy for smoking indoors during the Golden Globe Awards. After making headlines for carelessly flouting the rules inside the Beverly Hilton, a smoke-free venue, the cinematic legend, 65, enjoyed some quality time with his much younger love, 30. The couple, who were first romantically linked since September 2024, appeared in high spirits as they indulged in some retail therapy. For their laid-back excursion, the two-time Oscar winner opted to wear a navy blazer over a white button-down while Nicov turned heads in a timeless all-black ensemble. On Sunday evening, Penn caught the attention of viewers at home after he was caught smoking inside the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday night. Penn is said to risk facing a fine following his choice to light a cigarette inside the venue. It has been illegal to smoke indoors in California since 1995. Sean Penn and his girlfriend, Valeria Nicov, were seen holding hands in a rare public display of affection, just days after he sparked controversy for smoking during the Golden Globe Awards According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, fines range from $81 to $324 and $100 for first time infraction in state law. Unable to get through the Golden Globes without his nicotine fix, Penn was photographed smoking next to Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Hudson. Fans on X, who pointed out the supposed fine, have branded the long-time smoker 'arrogant' for ignoring protocols at the star-studded ceremony. Previously, the actor was slammed for chain-smoking through a news conference at the 2024 Marrakech International Film Festival. According to smoking guidelines in Los Angeles, smoking and vaping are now prohibited in all smoke-free places. Penn - who had high-profile romances with Madonna, Robin Wright and Charlize Theron - has made headlines for his controversial behavior and fiery temper. His first issue came in 1985 when the actor physically attacked two journalists trying to photograph him and Madonna in Nashville - an incident which began a dangerous pattern that led to Penn being sentenced to prison two years later. Penn was already on probation when he was shooting Colors following a charge of misdemeanor battery for assaulting songwriter David Wolinski at Helena's nightclub in Los Angeles. Join the debate Should celebrities like Sean Penn be held to stricter standards when they break public rules? After making headlines for carelessly flouting the rules inside the Beverly Hilton, a smoke-free venue, the cinematic legend, 65, enjoyed some quality time with his much younger love, 30 The couple, who were first romantically linked since September 2024, appeared in high spirits as they indulged in some retail therapy He was under strict conditions not to break his probation, but all hell broke loose while he was on set of the film, and his reputation was further tarnished. In 1987, Penn had another brush with the law after punching an extra on the set of his film Colors. After he attacked Jeffrey Klein, he was arrested and sentenced to 60 days in jail for assault. Penn served 33 days of the 60-day sentence. In a joint interview with Julia Roberts last year, Penn critiqued cancel culture and the absence of shame as they discussed her 'provocative' Me-Too film After The Hunt. A major point of discussion was Julia's recent film After The Hunt - which follows a college professor [Roberts] whose star pupil makes a sexual assault accusation against one of her colleagues causing a dark secret from her own past to surface. The film looks at the complexities of a person's loyalties and bonds being put in direct competition with their ethical and moral compass. On Sunday evening, Penn caught the attention of viewers at home after he was caught smoking inside the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday night Unable to get through the Golden Globes without his nicotine fix, Penn was photographed smoking next to Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Hudson Penn shared how he thought it was refreshing to see the 'provocative' film challenge the idea that no one should be made to feel uncomfortable, adding: 'I think shame is underrated these days. It's got a bad name this decade. Why shouldn't people be ashamed of things?' The thrice-divorced Malibu native has won two Academy Awards for his leading performances in Clint Eastwood's 2004 crime thriller Mystic River and Gus Van Sant's 2009 Harvey Milk biopic Milk. In November 2022, Penn gave away one of his Oscar statuettes to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy eight months after the Academy refused to allow the politician to speak during the same ceremony they allowed Will Smith to slap Chris Rock. 'It's just a symbolic silly thing, but if I know this is here with you, then I'll feel better and strong enough for the fights,' Penn said at the time. 'When you win, bring it back to Malibu because I'll feel much better knowing there's a piece of me here.' Nigel Farage unveiled Robert Jenrick as his newest Reform MP tonight - hours after the former minister was brutally sacked by the Tories. Mr Farage boasted that Mr Jenrick had been 'handed to me on a plate' by Kemi Badenoch as he held a press conference in Westminster this evening. Bizarrely Mr Jenrick failed to appear for several minutes after he was invited up on stage, prompting awkward time-filling from Mr Farage. But when he finally arrived he said: 'It's time for the truth.' He said the Tories had 'betrayed voters' and 'most of the party' had 'lost its way', lacking the 'stomach' for 'real change'. Mr Jenrick said a key moment had been at a shadow cabinet meeting when his colleagues tried to deny that Britain is 'broken'. Jenrick Says He No Longer Trusts the Conservatives on Immigration 'Over the last year I have realised that I was naive... I respect Kemi. But I don't trust the Conservative Party on immigration.' He added: 'I can't kid myself any more.' In an impassioned defence of his choice, Mr Jenrick said: 'If we don't get the next government right Britain will likely slip beyond the point of repair.' Mr Jenrick added of Mr Farage: 'I don't agree with everything he's ever said, and he definitely won't have agreed with everything I've ever said. But in retrospect, I see that in this period when the two main parties were failing Britain, Nigel was all too often a lone voice of common sense.' The moment marked the culmination of a day of high drama and confusion that could decide the shape of British politics for years. Mrs Badenoch kicked off the chaos by announcing that she had seen 'irrefutable evidence' Mr Jenrick was intending to betray her. 'He's Nigel Farage's problem now,' she swiped. Alleged Leaked Resignation Speech Fuels Tory Turmoil Mr Jenrick is alleged to have left the text of a near-completed resignation speech and a 'media plan' lying around where it could be discovered - although when challenged by the Tory chief whip Rebecca Harris in a phone call this morning he apparently protested his innocence. The Conservatives released some details of the text this evening, claiming that Mr Jenrick had been intending to say: 'If like me, you've backed another party but know it's lost its way, don't stay. Don't stay in a party that hasn't been loyal to you. When your country needs you.' Nick Timothy, a respected figure on the Right of the party, has been installed in the vacant shadow frontbench post. Mrs Badenoch seemed to time her ambush carefully so Mr Farage was grilled on the breaking news during a visit to Scotland this morning. He denied that he had been about to unveil Mr Jenrick as a defector, accusing Mrs Badenoch of 'panic'. Farage Confirms Talks While Tories Rage Over Defection But he confirmed that they had been in talks, adding: 'I'll give him a ring this afternoon... I might even buy him a pint, you never know.' Even when arriving for the press conference this afternoon, Mr Farage said he had 'yet to decide' whether Mr Jenrick would be allowed to join. Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake called Mr Jenrick 'treacherous', 'disloyal' and 'unforgivable', stressing there is 'no way back'. One MP told the Daily Mail that the only tears they were crying over the departure were 'of laughter'. 'That woman has got some cojones,' they added. However, Mr Farage goaded that he would 'buy Kemi lunch next week and say thank you' as he confirmed the defection this evening. 'I've had to think very quickly as to how I should respond to this, and I just want to say thank you to Kemi Badenoch, this is the latest Christmas present I've ever had,' the Reform UK leader told a press conference. Reform UK Leader Celebrates Political Realignment 'The negotiations with Jenrick are over. There's nothing more to be said or to be done. You've handed me on a plate the man that is by far the most popular figure, 60 per cent approval rating on ConHome 'You've perhaps today, really done anything more than anybody in history to help realign the centre-right of British politics, which is much needed against a dreadful Labour Government and increasingly worrying extreme left-wing voice in this country. 'So I can't offer you drinks all round, but I'll buy Kemi lunch next week and say thank you. And on that note, I will welcome Robert Jenrick into this room and into Reform UK.' Mr Jenrick said his 'first loyalty' is to 'our country' as he said 'both Labour and the Conservatives broke Britain'. He said they were 'committed to a set of ideas that have failed', accusing Labour of starting mass migration and the Tories of failing to stop it. Badenoch Sacks Jenrick in Dramatic Social Media Announcement Dropping her bombshell in a video posted on social media at 11.06am, Mrs Badenoch said: 'I have sacked Robert Jenrick from the Shadow Cabinet, removed the whip and suspended his party membership with immediate effect. 'I was presented with clear, irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible to his Shadow Cabinet colleagues and the wider Conservative Party. 'The British public are tired of political psychodrama and so am I. They saw too much of it in the last government, they're seeing too much of it in THIS government. I will not repeat those mistakes.' The Reform chief has already unveiled one high-profile Tory recruit this week, with former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi jumping ship. Mr Jenrick is said to have raised suspicions by consorting with senior Reform figures, including having dinner with Nigel Farage himself last month. Badenochs Authority Strengthened Amid Party Turmoil Meanwhile, Mrs Badenoch's own position is seen as having strengthened recently, after a string of potent performances at Tory conference and in the Commons sparked an uptick in the polls. Mr Jenrick was defeated by Mrs Badenoch for the Tories' top job in November 2024. However, he constantly fuelled speculation about his ambitions by roving well beyond his justice portfolio. There were persistent rumours linking him with a move to Reform, but he has previously played the idea down. On December 4 Mr Jenrick said: 'It wasn't very long ago that I was running to be leader of the Conservative Party so I'm not going anywhere.' Some big players in Reform have also suggested they would not want him, while Mr Farage previously insisted he 'always' thought Mr Jenrick was a 'fraud'. Opposition Mocks Tory Turmoil as The Traitors The Lib Dems jibed that the Tories looked to be recreating scenes from hit TV game show The Traitors. At a press conference in Scotland this morning Mr Farage was coy about how advanced his talks with Mr Jenrick has been. 'I'm very surprised that this news is broken,' he said. Asked if he had been speaking to Mr Jenrick, the Reform leader said: 'I never reveal private conversations of anybody, which is why when people like Malcolm (Offord) came to me to talk, and he was a frontbencher, nothing ever leaked. 'I'm going to say that I've had conversations with a number of very senior Conservatives over the course of the last week, over the course of the last month.' Pressed again about whether he had spoken to the now ex-shadow justice secretary, Mr Farage said: 'Of course I've talked to Robert Jenrick. Was I on the verge of signing a document with him? No. But have we had conversations? Yes.' Farage Claims Defection Is on Every Torys Mind Mr Farage added: 'I think virtually every Conservative is considering leaving the Conservatives, yes.' Asked if this included Mr Jenrick, he replied: 'I think that's been in his mind, yes. I've little doubt it's been in his mind.' Mr Hollinrake told the BBC: 'It's fair to say Rob didn't take losing the leadership contest very well, so I think it's been difficult at times with Rob trying to get him on side. 'We didn't expect this. We didn't want this. But having seen what we've seen, there was no other course of action Kemi could take.' He told Radio 5 Live's Matt Chorley show that the sources for the information were sensitive, but added: 'I've seen the evidence. It is compelling, it is irrefutable and it is damning.' A Tory source said of Mr Jenrick: 'We have had lots of reports coming in that he was meeting with Reform. He went for dinner with Nigel Farage last month, he had been speaking to people within Westminster about the possibility of a defection. 'His team has spoken to various people, including journalists, about defection. 'Kemi doesn't take decisions lightly, she thinks about these things, she analyses things properly. But the evidence was just totally irrefutable that this was going to be done to inflict maximum pain on the party.' One Tory ally of Mr Jenrick cast doubt over whether anyone would follow him out the door. They told the Mail they are 'going nowhere', adding: 'I don't think anyone else is leaving either.' Mixed Reactions as Badenochs Gamble Divides the Right Nadine Dorries, one of the first big Conservative names to defect to Reform, said Mrs Badenoch had taken the 'least worst' of all the 'worst' options she faced. But the ex-minister told GB News that the leader looked 'scared' and 'weak'. 'She's acting like a wife who's discovered that her husband is having an affair and she's thrown his clothes onto the driveway,' she said. Former Cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg said he initially thought reports of the sacking were an 'AI fake'. The Tory told Sky News that Mrs Badenoch needs to release proof of Mr Jenrick's looming betrayal. 'If the evidence is there she has made a really bold move that will strengthen her leadership. It makes her look decisive capable and strong,' he said. If on the other hand the evidence is not there then she has kneecapped a potential challenger for the leadership... it is either a very good decision or a very bad one.' Ex-chancellor George Osborne also warned that the 'pyschodrama' in the Tories is 'just beginning'. He told the Political Currency podcast: 'Is Kemi Badenoch forcing his hand or has her hand been forced because he'd already made his decision? She's certainly saying she'd seen evidence he was about to defect. 'Then that is the proper beginning of the civil war inside right about who is going to lead the right, and what are Tory MPs going to do? 'Are they going to defect to Reform? Is the pressure going to grow to have an alliance with Reform? Or are they going to say, look, the Jenricks of this world can leave, but we think the future lies with the Tory party 'If she thinks the psychodrama is over, I'm afraid it's just beginning.' The Conservative councillor for the Newark West ward on Nottinghamshire County Council has said he feels 'totally betrayed' by Mr Jenrick. Local Party Figures Condemn Jenricks Lack of Loyalty Keith Girling said: 'I'm obviously very, very, very disappointed in Robert. I'm a great believer in loyalty and he's shown a complete lack of loyalty there. 'I think Kemi has done absolutely the right thing when she finds evidence of what he's plotting to do. She's shown real leadership there to sack him, kick him out of the party, and we'll deal with the aftermath.' Asked if he felt betrayed, Mr Girling said: 'Totally betrayed. We've supported Robert with his political ambition, you know, he obviously wanted to be the leader (of the Conservative Party). 'Clearly he was disappointed he didn't get that. But that's not down to the efforts of this association who's always supported him, you know, and he's really just sort of turned his back on all that, on that loyalty, and gone his own way. 'I think that's quite shameful, really.' Keir Starmer said Mrs Badenoch had only 'got round' to sacking Mr Jenrick when he was about to defect, branding her 'weak'. Reform UK announces more defections 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. 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.' Read the full story here Air Industries Group (NYSEAMERICAN:AIRI Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 69,432 shares, an increase of 215.9% from the December 15th total of 21,979 shares. Approximately 2.2% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 541,621 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 541,621 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days. Approximately 2.2% of the companys shares are short sold. Institutional Inflows and Outflows An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Air Industries Group stock. Citadel Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Air Industries Group (NYSEAMERICAN:AIRI Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 24,629 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $77,000. Citadel Advisors LLC owned approximately 0.52% of Air Industries Group as of its most recent SEC filing. Institutional investors own 42.68% of the companys stock. Get Air Industries Group alerts: Air Industries Group Trading Up 0.6% Shares of NYSEAMERICAN:AIRI traded up $0.02 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $3.36. 194,861 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 334,735. The company has a quick ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. Air Industries Group has a one year low of $2.77 and a one year high of $4.64. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.06 million, a PE ratio of -6.00 and a beta of 0.02. The businesss 50 day moving average is $3.04 and its two-hundred day moving average is $3.18. Air Industries Group Company Profile Air Industries Group ( NYSEAMERICAN:AIRI Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The company reported ($0.01) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $10.31 million for the quarter. Air Industries Group had a negative net margin of 4.01% and a negative return on equity of 12.48%. As a group, research analysts forecast that Air Industries Group will post -0.21 earnings per share for the current year. (Get Free Report) Air Industries Group, Inc (NYSE American: AIRI) is a precision engineering company headquartered in Ronkonkoma, New York. The firm specializes in the design, development and manufacture of air and gas handling solutions for high-performance applications. Its core offerings include turbomachinery components such as blowers, fans, compressors and turbines, as well as heat exchangers and related assemblies. Air Industries Group serves as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and a trusted supplier to a range of industries, with a particular focus on defense and aerospace. The companys product portfolio addresses the demanding requirements of military and commercial aerospace platforms, providing mission-critical airflow and thermal management systems. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Air Industries Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Air Industries Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF (NYSEARCA:FLTW Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $63.79 and last traded at $63.9140, with a volume of 64788 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $63.40. Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF Stock Performance The company has a market cap of $673.26 million, a PE ratio of 17.84 and a beta of 0.94. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $60.64 and a 200-day moving average of $58.11. Get Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Jane Street Group LLC raised its position in Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF by 132.2% in the second quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 369,257 shares of the companys stock valued at $19,272,000 after purchasing an additional 210,245 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF by 261.4% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 251,060 shares of the companys stock worth $14,745,000 after acquiring an additional 181,593 shares in the last quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main grew its stake in Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF by 323.4% during the 2nd quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 173,898 shares of the companys stock worth $9,076,000 after buying an additional 132,829 shares during the last quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP purchased a new stake in Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at $5,194,000. Finally, Bank of Nova Scotia lifted its holdings in shares of Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF by 52.3% during the third quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 51,830 shares of the companys stock worth $3,044,000 after purchasing an additional 17,800 shares during the period. Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF Company Profile The Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF (FLTW) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the FTSE Taiwan RIC Capped index, a market-cap-weighted index of Taiwanese companies, excluding small-caps. FLTW was launched on Nov 2, 2017 and is managed by Franklin Templeton. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Franklin FTSE Taiwan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (NYSEARCA:SPHQ Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $77.46 and last traded at $77.44, with a volume of 512096 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $77.35. Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF Stock Down 0.2% The stocks 50-day moving average price is $75.00 and its 200 day moving average price is $73.46. The company has a market cap of $15.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.36 and a beta of 0.92. Get Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Berkshire Money Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $28,000. Independence Bank of Kentucky bought a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Ancora Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF in the third quarter valued at $35,000. Dunhill Financial LLC raised its stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF by 10,060.0% in the third quarter. Dunhill Financial LLC now owns 508 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 503 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Burkett Financial Services LLC bought a new position in Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF in the third quarter worth $37,000. About Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF The Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large-cap stocks selected by return on equity, changes in net operating assets and financial leverage. Stocks are weighted by these quality factors, scaled by market cap. SPHQ was launched on Dec 6, 2005 and is managed by Invesco. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF Common Class (TSE:CDZ Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$41.60 and last traded at C$41.56, with a volume of 9106 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$41.51. iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF Common Class Price Performance The firm has a 50-day moving average price of C$40.49 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$39.54. About iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF Common Class (Get Free Report) The investment objective of the Fund is to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of the S&P TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index the Index, net of expenses. To achieve its investment objective the Fund uses an indexing strategy. Under this strategy, the Fund seeks to replicate the performance of the Index, net of expenses, by employing, directly or indirectly, through investment in one or more iShares ETFs and/or through the use of derivatives, a replicating strategy or sampling strategy. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF Common Class Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF Common Class and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rogers Communications (TSE:RCI.B Free Report) (NYSE:RCI) had its price target lifted by Scotiabank from C$57.50 to C$58.00 in a research report released on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a sector perform rating on the stock. RCI.B has been the topic of a number of other reports. National Bankshares boosted their price target on Rogers Communications from C$59.00 to C$60.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Desjardins dropped their target price on Rogers Communications from C$57.00 to C$55.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on Rogers Communications from C$59.00 to C$62.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price target on shares of Rogers Communications from C$55.00 to C$57.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Finally, TD Securities boosted their price objective on shares of Rogers Communications from C$62.00 to C$64.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of C$56.92. Get Rogers Communications alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Rogers Communications Rogers Communications Trading Up 1.2% About Rogers Communications RCI.B opened at C$50.09 on Monday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is C$52.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$49.85. The stock has a market capitalization of C$27.06 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.02, a P/E/G ratio of 0.32 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a current ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 436.50. Rogers Communications has a 12 month low of C$32.42 and a 12 month high of C$56.15. (Get Free Report) Rogers is the largest wireless service provider in Canada, with its more than 10 million subscribers equating to one third of the total Canadian market. Rogers wireless business accounted for 60% of the companys total sales in 2021 and has increasingly provided a bigger portion of total company sales over the last several years. Rogers cable segment, which provides about one fourth of total sales, offers home internet, television, and landline phone service to consumers and businesses. Remaining sales come from Rogers media unit, which owns and operates various television and radio stations and the Toronto Blue Jays. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Rogers Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rogers Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Heavy (OTCMKTS:SOHVY Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Monday . Approximately 1,200 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 1,835% from the previous sessions volume of 62 shares.The stock last traded at $7.20 and had previously closed at $6.7550. Sumitomo Heavy Stock Up 5.3% The company has a current ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The company has a market cap of $3.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 105.71 and a beta of 0.20. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $6.71 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $6.07. Get Sumitomo Heavy alerts: Sumitomo Heavy (OTCMKTS:SOHVY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $0.11 earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of $1.75 billion for the quarter. Sumitomo Heavy had a return on equity of 4.86% and a net margin of 0.36%. About Sumitomo Heavy Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (OTCMKTS: SOHVY) is a Japanese multinational manufacturer specializing in a broad range of industrial machinery and heavy equipment. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company operates as a core member of the Sumitomo Group, a major keiretsu with roots dating back to the early Meiji era. Sumitomo Heavy serves diverse markets by developing and producing advanced systems for material processing, energy generation, environmental management and transportation. The companys product portfolio encompasses industrial machinery such as metalforming presses, injection molding machines and power transmission systems. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Sumitomo Heavy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sumitomo Heavy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zedge, Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:ZDGE Get Free Report) saw a significant decline in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 314,591 shares, a decline of 65.0% from the December 15th total of 899,066 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 246,005 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.3 days. Approximately 3.3% of the companys shares are sold short. Approximately 3.3% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 246,005 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.3 days. Institutional Trading of Zedge A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in ZDGE. Heron Bay Capital Management increased its holdings in shares of Zedge by 285.0% in the 2nd quarter. Heron Bay Capital Management now owns 87,976 shares of the companys stock valued at $353,000 after acquiring an additional 65,127 shares during the last quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC bought a new position in Zedge in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $322,000. Corsair Capital Management L.P. bought a new stake in shares of Zedge during the second quarter valued at about $128,000. Bailard Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Zedge in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $47,000. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP acquired a new position in shares of Zedge during the 2nd quarter valued at $331,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 29.37% of the companys stock. Get Zedge alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, UBS Group set a $6.00 price objective on Zedge in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Zedge Stock Performance Zedge stock traded up $0.14 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $3.85. The stock had a trading volume of 127,950 shares, compared to its average volume of 153,587. Zedge has a twelve month low of $1.73 and a twelve month high of $4.89. The stock has a market capitalization of $48.05 million, a PE ratio of -42.78 and a beta of 1.37. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $2.96 and its 200 day simple moving average is $3.26. Zedge Company Profile (Get Free Report) Zedge, Inc (NYSE American: ZDGE) is a digital media and technology company that operates a mobile personalization platform. Through its flagship Zedge app and website, the company provides consumers with a wide range of downloadable digital content, including wallpapers, ringtones, notification sounds, app icons and lock screens. The platform accommodates both free and premium content, enabling users to customize their smartphones and tablets according to personal taste. The companys platform features content created by independent designers and established media brands, and it supports multiple languages and regional preferences. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Zedge Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zedge and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meritage Portfolio Management reduced its position in shares of Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA Free Report) by 21.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 135,484 shares of the specialty retailers stock after selling 37,312 shares during the period. Alibaba Group comprises approximately 1.6% of Meritage Portfolio Managements portfolio, making the stock its 7th largest position. Meritage Portfolio Managements holdings in Alibaba Group were worth $24,215,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its holdings in Alibaba Group by 40.4% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 3,411 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $289,000 after buying an additional 981 shares during the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Alibaba Group during the first quarter worth approximately $254,000. Focus Partners Wealth lifted its stake in Alibaba Group by 23.8% during the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 17,993 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $2,379,000 after purchasing an additional 3,456 shares during the last quarter. NBC Securities Inc. boosted its holdings in Alibaba Group by 11.1% in the second quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 7,058 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $800,000 after purchasing an additional 706 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Hardin Capital Partners LLC increased its stake in Alibaba Group by 5.8% in the second quarter. Hardin Capital Partners LLC now owns 6,374 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $726,000 after purchasing an additional 350 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 13.47% of the companys stock. Get Alibaba Group alerts: Key Stories Impacting Alibaba Group Here are the key news stories impacting Alibaba Group this week: Positive Sentiment: AI leadership and open-source momentum reports highlight Alibabas Qwen achievements and the firms recommitment to open-source AI, cited as a catalyst for investor optimism. Article Title AI leadership and open-source momentum reports highlight Alibabas Qwen achievements and the firms recommitment to open-source AI, cited as a catalyst for investor optimism. Positive Sentiment: Regulatory tailwinds for commerce/food delivery China moves to curb price wars could relieve margin pressure for delivery and e-commerce players, a development that lifted Alibaba shares alongside peers. Article Title Regulatory tailwinds for commerce/food delivery China moves to curb price wars could relieve margin pressure for delivery and e-commerce players, a development that lifted Alibaba shares alongside peers. Positive Sentiment: AI ecosystem wins Alibaba-backed PixVerse launched a real-time AI video-generation tool, showcasing the companys influence in fast, cost-efficient AI applications and reinforcing the AI narrative. Article Title AI ecosystem wins Alibaba-backed PixVerse launched a real-time AI video-generation tool, showcasing the companys influence in fast, cost-efficient AI applications and reinforcing the AI narrative. Neutral Sentiment: Elevated trading activity markets show unusually large options volume in BABA, indicating heightened short-term interest and positioning but not a directional guarantee. Article Title Elevated trading activity markets show unusually large options volume in BABA, indicating heightened short-term interest and positioning but not a directional guarantee. Neutral Sentiment: Institutional mentions and analyst coverage fund letters and analyst notes (e.g., Oakmark, Zacks) show continued investor focus and some upbeat analyst sentiment, which can support sentiment-driven buying. Article Title Institutional mentions and analyst coverage fund letters and analyst notes (e.g., Oakmark, Zacks) show continued investor focus and some upbeat analyst sentiment, which can support sentiment-driven buying. Negative Sentiment: Cash-flow and margin pressure analysts warn Alibabas spending on AI, cloud and quick commerce is outpacing monetization, straining cash flow and making growth more expensive. Article Title Cash-flow and margin pressure analysts warn Alibabas spending on AI, cloud and quick commerce is outpacing monetization, straining cash flow and making growth more expensive. Negative Sentiment: Cloud competition and profitability concerns comparisons to Microsoft highlight Azures stronger margins and backlog, underscoring competitive headwinds for Alibabas cloud business and potential pressure on profits. Article Title Alibaba Group Stock Performance Analyst Ratings Changes Shares of BABA stock opened at $170.02 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $155.94 and its 200 day moving average price is $147.13. The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The stock has a market capitalization of $405.70 billion, a PE ratio of 23.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.56 and a beta of 0.37. Alibaba Group Holding Limited has a 52-week low of $81.82 and a 52-week high of $192.67. Several research analysts have recently issued reports on BABA shares. Rosenblatt Securities set a $195.00 target price on shares of Alibaba Group in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Erste Group Bank raised shares of Alibaba Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Alibaba Group from $200.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Freedom Capital cut Alibaba Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on Alibaba Group from $240.00 to $230.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Seventeen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Alibaba Group presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $191.84. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Alibaba Group Alibaba Group Company Profile (Free Report) Alibaba Group Holding Limited is a Chinese multinational conglomerate founded in 1999 in Hangzhou, China, by Jack Ma and a group of cofounders. The company built its business around internet-based commerce and related services and has grown into one of the largest e-commerce and technology companies in the world. Alibaba completed a highprofile initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014. The company operates a portfolio of online marketplaces and platforms serving different customer segments: Alibaba.com for global and domestic B2B trade, Taobao for consumer-to-consumer shopping, and Tmall for brand and retailer storefronts targeted at Chinese consumers. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Alibaba Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alibaba Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. AMN Healthcare Services Inc (NYSE:AMN Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Thursday after BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on the stock from $22.00 to $25.00. BMO Capital Markets currently has an outperform rating on the stock. 1,559,756 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 17% from the previous sessions volume of 1,331,662 shares.The stock last traded at $19.87 and had previously closed at $19.55. Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Zacks Research raised shares of AMN Healthcare Services from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Truist Financial boosted their target price on AMN Healthcare Services from $20.00 to $24.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 13th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of AMN Healthcare Services in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Citigroup reiterated a market outperform rating on shares of AMN Healthcare Services in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Citizens Jmp dropped their target price on 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. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $22.36. Get AMN Healthcare Services alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on AMN Institutional Investors Weigh In On AMN Healthcare Services AMN Healthcare Services Stock Up 1.9% Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC lifted its stake in shares of AMN Healthcare Services by 238.5% in the 3rd quarter. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC now owns 1,713 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 1,207 shares during the last quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in AMN Healthcare Services in the 3rd quarter valued at about $63,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC lifted its position in AMN Healthcare Services by 49.2% in the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 3,093 shares of the companys stock valued at $64,000 after buying an additional 1,020 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in AMN Healthcare Services by 13.9% during the third quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 4,747 shares of the companys stock worth $92,000 after buying an additional 579 shares during the period. Finally, Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of AMN Healthcare Services during the first quarter valued at about $95,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.23% of the companys stock. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $16.32 and its 200-day moving average price is $18.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.31, a quick ratio of 1.05 and a current ratio of 1.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $765.32 million, a PE ratio of -2.77 and a beta of 0.20. AMN Healthcare Services (NYSE:AMN Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $0.39 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.19 by $0.20. AMN Healthcare Services had a negative net margin of 10.14% and a positive return on equity of 10.89%. The firm had revenue of $634.50 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $618.08 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.61 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 7.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that AMN Healthcare Services Inc will post 1.33 earnings per share for the current year. 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. SG Americas Securities LLC lessened its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report) by 93.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,590 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 96,554 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. were worth $2,041,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. J.Safra Asset Management Corp increased its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 209.1% during the second quarter. J.Safra Asset Management Corp now owns 102 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares during the last quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 650.0% in the 2nd quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 105 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 91 shares during the period. Steph & Co. bought a new stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the 2nd quarter valued at about $40,000. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division raised its stake in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 40.6% during the third quarter. Central Pacific Bank Trust Division now owns 135 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $42,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the period. Finally, Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the second quarter worth about $45,000. 85.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Stock Performance Shares of AJG opened at $256.91 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $253.58 and a 200 day moving average price of $281.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $65.98 billion, a PE ratio of 38.40 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a quick ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 52-week low of $236.34 and a 52-week high of $351.23. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Announces Dividend Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. ( NYSE:AJG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.32 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.51 by ($0.19). The company had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.34 billion. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a return on equity of 11.98% and a net margin of 13.58%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 20.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.26 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th were given a $0.65 dividend. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 5th. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s dividend payout ratio is 38.86%. Insider Activity In related news, CAO Richard C. Cary sold 6,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $261.00, for a total transaction of $1,566,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 50,668 shares of the companys stock, valued at $13,224,348. This trade represents a 10.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 5,000 shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $258.05, for a total value of $1,290,250.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 95,777 shares in the company, valued at approximately $24,715,254.85. The trade was a 4.96% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 32,100 shares of company stock worth $8,243,865 in the last quarter. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently commented on the company. Wolfe Research set a $289.00 target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $292.00 target price on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Morgan Stanley set a $300.00 price target on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $290.50. Check Out Our Latest Report on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. About Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Free Report) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co is a global insurance brokerage and risk management firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Founded in 1927 by Arthur J. Gallagher, the company has grown from a regional broker into an international professional services organization that arranges insurance, provides consulting and designs risk-transfer solutions for commercial, industrial, public sector and individual clients. The companys core activities include property and casualty insurance brokerage, employee benefits consulting and administration, and a range of risk management services. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AJG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Booking, Trip.com Group, Expedia Group, Travelers Companies, and MakeMyTrip are the five Travel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Travel stocks are shares of companies whose primary business depends on people travelingairlines, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, car rental companies, online travel agencies, tour operators and related service providers. Their revenue and share prices tend to be highly cyclical and seasonal and are sensitive to factors such as consumer demand, fuel and labor costs, economic conditions, currency moves, geopolitical events and public-health crises, which can make them more volatile than the broader market. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Travel stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Booking (BKNG) Booking Holdings Inc, formerly The Priceline Group Inc., is a provider of travel and restaurant online reservation and related services. The Company, through its online travel companies (OTCs), connects consumers wishing to make travel reservations with providers of travel services across the world. It offers consumers an array of accommodation reservations (including hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, apartments, vacation rentals and other properties) through its Booking.com, priceline.com and agoda.com brands. Trip.com Group (TCOM) Trip.com Group Limited, through its subsidiaries, operates as a travel service provider for accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and in-destination, corporate travel management, and other travel-related services in China and internationally. The company acts as an agent for hotel-related transactions and selling air tickets, as well as provides train, long-distance bus, and ferry tickets; travel insurance products, such as flight delay, air accident, and baggage loss coverage; and air-ticket delivery, online check-in and seat selection, express security screening, real-time flight status tracker, and airport VIP lounge services. Read Our Latest Research Report on TCOM Expedia Group (EXPE) Expedia Group, Inc. operates as an online travel company in the United States and internationally. The company operates through B2C, B2B, and trivago segments. Its B2C segment includes Brand Expedia, a full-service online travel brand offers various travel products and services; Hotels.com for lodging accommodations; Vrbo, an online marketplace for the alternative accommodations; Orbitz, Travelocity, Wotif Group, ebookers, CheapTickets, Hotwire.com and CarRentals.com. Read Our Latest Research Report on EXPE Travelers Companies (TRV) The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Read Our Latest Research Report on TRV MakeMyTrip (MMYT) MakeMyTrip Limited, an online travel company, sells travel products and solutions in India, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Peru, Colombia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The company operates through three segments: Air Ticketing, Hotels and Packages, and Bus Ticketing. Read Our Latest Research Report on MMYT Featured Articles Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Get Free Report) had its price objective lifted by research analysts at BMO Capital Markets from $31.00 to $36.00 in a note issued to investors on Monday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a market perform rating on the oilfield services companys stock. BMO Capital Markets price objective points to a potential upside of 9.79% from the companys current price. Other research analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Hsbc Global Res raised Halliburton from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Morgan Stanley set a $34.00 price objective on shares of Halliburton in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Rothschild & Co Redburn began coverage on shares of Halliburton in a report on Monday, November 3rd. They issued a buy rating and a $35.00 target price for the company. Zephirin Group raised their price objective on shares of Halliburton from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Redburn Partners set a $35.00 target price on Halliburton in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $33.57. Get Halliburton alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on HAL Halliburton Price Performance Shares of HAL traded down $0.25 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $32.79. 9,752,877 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 18,015,135. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 1.43 and a current ratio of 1.95. The company has a market cap of $27.60 billion, a PE ratio of 21.72 and a beta of 0.78. Halliburton has a 52-week low of $18.72 and a 52-week high of $33.72. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $28.19 and a two-hundred day moving average of $24.74. Halliburton (NYSE:HAL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The oilfield services company reported $0.58 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.50 by $0.08. Halliburton had a net margin of 5.91% and a return on equity of 20.12%. The firm had revenue of $5.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.39 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.73 earnings per share. Halliburtons revenue for the quarter was down 1.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that Halliburton will post 2.64 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity at Halliburton In other Halliburton news, EVP Lawrence J. Pope sold 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $32.25, for a total value of $3,225,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 419,800 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,538,550. The trade was a 19.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Van H. Beckwith sold 8,854 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $27.89, for a total transaction of $246,938.06. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 333,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,302,095.92. This trade represents a 2.59% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 268,854 shares of company stock valued at $7,915,138 over the last ninety days. 0.56% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Halliburton A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Clearstead Trust LLC boosted its position in shares of Halliburton by 7.4% in the 3rd quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 5,370 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $132,000 after purchasing an additional 370 shares in the last quarter. Angeles Wealth Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Halliburton by 3.6% during the third quarter. Angeles Wealth Management LLC now owns 11,320 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $278,000 after acquiring an additional 392 shares in the last quarter. True Wealth Design LLC raised its position in shares of Halliburton by 21.0% in the 4th quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 2,434 shares of the oilfield services companys stock valued at $69,000 after purchasing an additional 423 shares during the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust boosted its stake in Halliburton by 22.2% in the 3rd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 2,369 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $58,000 after purchasing an additional 431 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Profund Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Halliburton by 0.9% during the third quarter. Profund Advisors LLC now owns 51,508 shares of the oilfield services companys stock worth $1,267,000 after buying an additional 463 shares during the period. 85.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Halliburton News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Halliburton this week: Halliburton Company Profile (Get Free Report) Halliburton is one of the worlds largest providers of products and services to the energy industry, offering a broad portfolio that supports the lifecycle of oil and gas reservoirs from exploration and drilling through production and abandonment. Founded in 1919 by Erle P. Halliburton as an oil-well cementing company, the firm is headquartered in Houston, Texas and has developed into an integrated oilfield services company serving upstream operators globally. The companys activities encompass drilling and evaluation, well construction and completion, production enhancement and well intervention. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Halliburton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Halliburton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (NYSE:CRL Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $228.88 and last traded at $225.56, with a volume of 153606 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $218.82. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on CRL. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on Charles River Laboratories International from $165.00 to $190.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of Charles River Laboratories International in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays increased their price objective on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $210.00 to $215.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Charles River Laboratories International from $250.00 to $260.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Robert W. Baird set a $224.00 price target on Charles River Laboratories International in a report on Friday, January 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $203.07. Get Charles River Laboratories International alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on CRL Charles River Laboratories International Trading Up 3.1% The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $189.73 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $173.19. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.98 billion, a PE ratio of -143.04, a PEG ratio of 6.55 and a beta of 1.61. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a current ratio of 1.37. Charles River Laboratories International (NYSE:CRL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The medical research company reported $2.43 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.32 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $1 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $990.43 million. Charles River Laboratories International had a negative net margin of 2.07% and a positive return on equity of 15.78%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down .5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.59 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. will post 9.36 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Charles River Laboratories International Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in CRL. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its stake in Charles River Laboratories International by 1,491.1% during the 3rd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 613,604 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $96,005,000 after purchasing an additional 575,039 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its holdings in Charles River Laboratories International by 29.1% during the 2nd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 2,291,126 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $353,750,000 after buying an additional 516,521 shares in the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI grew its holdings in Charles River Laboratories International by 117.7% during the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 946,769 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $148,131,000 after buying an additional 511,901 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new stake in shares of Charles River Laboratories International during the second quarter valued at approximately $76,952,000. Finally, Balyasny Asset Management L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Charles River Laboratories International by 722.5% in the second quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 434,226 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $65,885,000 after buying an additional 381,432 shares in the last quarter. 98.91% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Charles River Laboratories International (Get Free Report) Charles River Laboratories International, Inc is a leading provider of research models and preclinical and clinical support services for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. The companys core offerings include discovery, safety assessment, toxicology, and pathology services, as well as supply of laboratory animals and related diagnostics. Services extend across in vivo and in vitro testing, biologics testing, and support for advanced therapies, helping clients accelerate drug development from early discovery through regulatory submission. Founded in 1947 in Wilmington, Massachusetts, Charles River has grown through strategic investments and acquisitions to establish a broad portfolio of capabilities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Charles River Laboratories International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles River Laboratories International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gamma Communications (LON:GAMA Get Free Report) had its price target reduced by Citigroup from GBX 1,420 to GBX 1,400 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,London Stock Exchange reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. Citigroups price target suggests a potential upside of 56.77% from the companys previous close. GAMA has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Peel Hunt reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 1,820 price target on shares of Gamma Communications in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,570 price objective on shares of Gamma Communications in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 1,572.50. Get Gamma Communications alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on GAMA Gamma Communications Trading Up 0.6% Insider Activity at Gamma Communications LON:GAMA traded up GBX 5 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting GBX 893. The company had a trading volume of 338,860 shares, compared to its average volume of 776,595. The firm has a market cap of 823.10 million, a P/E ratio of 12.87, a P/E/G ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 0.82. Gamma Communications has a fifty-two week low of GBX 867.57 and a fifty-two week high of GBX 1,448. The businesss fifty day moving average is GBX 921.69 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 1,002.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.08, a quick ratio of 2.45 and a current ratio of 2.78. In other Gamma Communications news, insider Martin Hellawell purchased 2,650 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of GBX 945 per share, with a total value of 25,042.50. Company insiders own 4.44% of the companys stock. About Gamma Communications (Get Free Report) Gamma Communications plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of technology-based communications and software services for small, medium, and large sized to businesses in Western Europe. The company offers Unified Communications as a Service products for enabling businesses to raise productivity, boost agility, and increase collaboration; Contact Centre as a Service, through a software platform that allows contact centres to operate over the internet for SMEs and Enterprise; and Direct Routing and Operator Connect services, designed to enable seamless and integrated calling between Teams and the local telephony infrastructure. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Gamma Communications Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gamma Communications and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (OTCMKTS:DSEEY Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $9.69, but opened at $10.2075. Daiwa Securities Group shares last traded at $10.2075, with a volume of 715 shares trading hands. Daiwa Securities Group Price Performance The firms fifty day simple moving average is $8.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is $8.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.10, a current ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.52. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.47 billion, a PE ratio of 13.14 and a beta of 0.51. Get Daiwa Securities Group alerts: Daiwa Securities Group (OTCMKTS:DSEEY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The financial services provider reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.15 by ($0.02). The firm had revenue of $2.44 billion for the quarter. Daiwa Securities Group had a net margin of 11.23% and a return on equity of 7.00%. Daiwa Securities Group Company Profile Daiwa Securities Group Inc is a leading Japanese financial services firm established in 1902 and headquartered in Tokyo. Operating as a holding company, Daiwa oversees a network of subsidiaries active in securities brokerage, investment banking and asset management. With a history spanning over a century, the group has evolved to meet the changing needs of individual and institutional clients, building a reputation for comprehensive capital markets solutions. The groups core businesses include retail brokerage, offering equity, fixed income and mutual fund products to individual investors in Japan. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Daiwa Securities Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Daiwa Securities Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DPM Metals Inc. (OTCMKTS:DPMLF Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $34.78 and last traded at $34.22, with a volume of 41669 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $33.68. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. National Bankshares reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of DPM Metals in a research note on Friday, December 5th. Zacks Research upgraded DPM Metals from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. CIBC restated a neutral rating on shares of DPM Metals in a report on Friday, December 5th. Scotiabank restated an outperform rating on shares of DPM Metals in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Macquarie raised DPM Metals to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 17th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, DPM Metals currently has a consensus rating of Buy. Get DPM Metals alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on DPM Metals DPM Metals Price Performance The firm has a market cap of $7.45 billion and a P/E ratio of 19.30. The businesss 50-day moving average is $28.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $22.75. DPM Metals (OTCMKTS:DPMLF Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.73 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.58 by $0.15. DPM Metals had a return on equity of 22.84% and a net margin of 39.03%.The business had revenue of $267.41 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $227.95 million. Equities research analysts predict that DPM Metals Inc. will post 1.52 EPS for the current year. DPM Metals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dundee Precious Metals Inc (OTCMKTS:DPMLF) is a Canadabased precious metals producer with a focus on gold and copper mining. The companys primary operations are located in southeastern Europe, where it owns and operates the Chelopech mine, a highgrade goldcoppersilver underground mine in Bulgaria. In addition to goldcopper production at Chelopech, Dundee Precious Metals is advancing the Krumovgrad gold project, also in Bulgaria, which is expected to further diversify its output and extend the companys production profile. At Chelopech, Dundee Precious Metals employs a conventional flotation process to recover gold, copper and silver from sulphide ores. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for DPM Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for DPM Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eiffage SA (OTCMKTS:EFGSY Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 619 shares, a drop of 54.9% from the December 15th total of 1,371 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,308 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,308 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Eiffage Stock Down 7.7% OTCMKTS EFGSY traded down $2.27 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $27.06. The company had a trading volume of 2,736 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,167. The firms 50 day moving average is $27.73 and its 200 day moving average is $26.94. Eiffage has a fifty-two week low of $17.06 and a fifty-two week high of $30.35. Get Eiffage alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating on shares of Eiffage in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Eiffage Company Profile (Get Free Report) Eiffage SA, traded over the counter under the symbol EFGSY, is a leading French construction and concessions group that offers a wide range of engineering and infrastructure services. The companys core activities span civil engineering, metalworks, building construction and renovation, roadworks, and energy services. Through its integrated business model, Eiffage delivers turnkey solutions for public and private clients, from project financing and design to construction and long-term asset management. In its concessions division, Eiffage invests in, finances and operates major transport and energy infrastructure assets such as motorways, tunnels and power distribution networks under publicprivate partnership arrangements. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Eiffage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eiffage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR Free Report) had its target price boosted by Mizuho from $137.00 to $143.00 in a report released on Monday, Marketbeat reports. Mizuho currently has an outperform rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. UBS Group dropped their price objective on shares of Extra Space Storage from $156.00 to $148.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Truist Financial dropped their price target on shares of Extra Space Storage from $150.00 to $142.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Wall Street Zen cut Extra Space Storage from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Extra Space Storage in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price target on Extra Space Storage from $155.00 to $152.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 5th. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eleven have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Extra Space Storage has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $146.27. Get Extra Space Storage alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Extra Space Storage Extra Space Storage Trading Up 3.1% EXR opened at $144.88 on Monday. Extra Space Storage has a 52 week low of $121.03 and a 52 week high of $162.77. The company has a quick ratio of 0.24, a current ratio of 0.24 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $132.27 and a 200-day simple moving average of $139.81. The firm has a market cap of $30.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.34, a P/E/G ratio of 2.60 and a beta of 1.27. Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.08 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.06 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $858.46 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $736.26 million. Extra Space Storage had a return on equity of 6.56% and a net margin of 28.40%.Extra Space Storages revenue for the quarter was up 4.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the business posted $2.07 EPS. Extra Space Storage has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.120-8.20 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that Extra Space Storage will post 8.1 earnings per share for the current year. Extra Space Storage Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th were issued a dividend of $1.62 per share. This represents a $6.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. Extra Space Storages payout ratio is 144.64%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Extra Space Storage Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Avalon Trust Co purchased a new stake in Extra Space Storage in the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new position in Extra Space Storage in the third quarter valued at $28,000. Chung Wu Investment Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Extra Space Storage in the second quarter valued at about $29,000. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 60.2% during the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 213 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 80 shares during the period. Finally, Davis Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of Extra Space Storage during the third quarter worth about $35,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 99.11% of the companys stock. About Extra Space Storage (Get Free Report) Extra Space Storage (NYSE: EXR) is a real estate investment trust that specializes in the ownership, development and operation of self-storage properties. The company provides storage solutions for residential and commercial customers, offering a range of unit sizes, climate-controlled units and specialized options such as vehicle and boat storage. Extra Space Storage markets itself as a customer-focused operator, with online rentals, contactless move-in options and ancillary retail products like packing supplies and insurance to support tenant needs. Its business model combines property ownership with third-party management and development activities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Extra Space Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Extra Space Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian PM to make official visit to China Chinadaily.com.cn) 09:16, January 15, 2026 Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will make a four-day official visit to China starting on Wednesday, making him the first Canadian head of government to visit the country in eight years. President Xi Jinping will meet with Carney to "offer new strategic guidance for further improving and developing China-Canada relations", the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday. Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, will hold separate talks with Carney to conduct comprehensive and in-depth exchanges on bilateral relations and issues of common concern, according to the ministry. "China looks to take this visit as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue and communication, enhance political mutual trust and expand pragmatic cooperation," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in Beijing. China hopes to properly manage differences, address each other's concerns and consolidate the momentum of improvement in China-Canada relations to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples, she said. "The sound and stable development of China-Canada relations serves the common interests of both countries and their peoples, and also contributes to world peace, stability, development and prosperity," she added. Carney, who took office in March last year, succeeded former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau. The latter made an official visit to China in December 2017. Chinese officials and scholars noted that since last year, China-Canada ties have gradually improved and developed through joint efforts. In October, Xi and Carney met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, the Republic of Korea. Last week, when meeting with visiting former Canadian prime minister Jean Chretien in Beijing, Vice-President Han Zheng said the two leaders reached important consensus and provided strategic guidance for improving and developing bilateral relations, "opening a new chapter in China-Canada ties". "China and Canada have extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation," Han added. Official data shows that in 2024, China was Canada's second-largest trading partner, second-largest source of imports and second-largest export market. Last year, a record 125 Canadian companies participated in the 8th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, and China reinstated Canada's approved destination status for group travels. Su Xiaohui, an associate research fellow with the China Institute of International Studies, said that Carney's upcoming visit is a positive sign, serving to implement the consensus reached in his October meeting with Xi and further advance the momentum of recovery in bilateral ties. "Ottawa seeks to advance cooperation in sectors such as agriculture and energy, strengthen economic and trade ties, and broaden areas for collaboration," she said. Carney's visit "aims to make rational and objective choices in its foreign policy", Su said, adding that "the visit will be helpful for Canada to foster a proper perception of China". Last week, the Canadian prime minister's office said in a statement that Carney will meet with Chinese government officials and business leaders to "elevate engagement on trade, energy, agriculture and international security". The Canadian government is moving the country's economy "from reliance to resilience", building strength at home, working to double non-US exports and attracting massive new investment, the statement added. (Web editor: Wang Xiaoping, Liang Jun) Fresenius SE & Co. (OTCMKTS:FSNUY Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $15.13, but opened at $14.35. Fresenius SE & Co. shares last traded at $14.35, with a volume of 3,698 shares traded. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently weighed in on the company. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Fresenius SE & Co. in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating on shares of Fresenius SE & Co. in a report on Monday, October 27th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Fresenius SE & Co. alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on FSNUY Fresenius SE & Co. Trading Down 4.7% The business has a fifty day moving average of $14.17 and a 200-day moving average of $13.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a current ratio of 1.26. The company has a market capitalization of $32.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.22 and a beta of 0.76. Fresenius SE & Co. (OTCMKTS:FSNUY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.23 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.21 by $0.02. Fresenius SE & Co. had a net margin of 5.26% and a return on equity of 9.72%. The firm had revenue of $6.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.38 billion. Analysts anticipate that Fresenius SE & Co. will post 0.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Fresenius SE & Co. Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fresenius SE & Co KGaA is a global healthcare group headquartered in Bad Homburg vor der Hohe, Germany. Founded in 1912 by Eduard Fresenius, the company has grown into one of the worlds leading providers of products and services for dialysis, hospitals and outpatient medical care. Trading on major European exchanges and available over the counter in the U.S. as FSNUY, Fresenius SE & Co brings together a portfolio of specialized healthcare businesses under one corporate umbrella. The company operates through four main business segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fresenius SE & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresenius SE & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Heidelberg Materials (OTCMKTS:HDLMY Get Free Report) saw unusually-high trading volume on Thursday . Approximately 205,367 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 210% from the previous sessions volume of 66,209 shares.The stock last traded at $54.47 and had previously closed at $53.68. Analyst Ratings Changes HDLMY has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Zacks Research cut shares of Heidelberg Materials from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Friday, December 26th. Royal Bank Of Canada cut Heidelberg Materials from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Finally, Barclays raised Heidelberg Materials from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Heidelberg Materials alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Heidelberg Materials Heidelberg Materials Price Performance Heidelberg Materials Company Profile The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $51.72. (Get Free Report) Heidelberg Materials (OTCMKTS: HDLMY) is a Germanybased multinational building materials company with a core focus on cement production, aggregates, readymixed concrete, asphalt, and other construction solutions. As one of the worlds leading cement producers, the company supplies essential raw and processed materials used in infrastructure, commercial, and residential construction projects. Its product portfolio also encompasses specialty cement, mineral additives, and tailored concrete technologies designed to meet diverse engineering and environmental requirements. Operating in more than 50 countries across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, Heidelberg Materials maintains an extensive network of production facilities and distribution channels. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Heidelberg Materials Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Heidelberg Materials and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF (NYSEARCA:PCEF Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 37,642 shares, a drop of 80.3% from the December 15th total of 191,149 shares. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 237,759 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Based on an average trading volume of 237,759 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the company are sold short. Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF Price Performance Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF stock traded down $0.02 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $20.12. 97,810 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 95,431. Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF has a 12 month low of $16.35 and a 12 month high of $20.25. The business has a 50 day moving average of $19.84 and a two-hundred day moving average of $19.85. The firm has a market capitalization of $832.77 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.11 and a beta of 0.78. Get Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF alerts: Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF Cuts Dividend The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Monday, November 24th were issued a $0.1302 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 24th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.8%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF Company Profile Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. CX Institutional bought a new stake in shares of Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $35,000. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new stake in Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF during the third quarter valued at approximately $40,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new stake in Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $45,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF in the second quarter worth approximately $92,000. Finally, Global Retirement Partners LLC grew its position in shares of Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF by 11,170.5% during the 3rd quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 4,959 shares of the companys stock valued at $99,000 after acquiring an additional 4,915 shares during the period. (Get Free Report) PowerShares CEF Income Composite Portfolio (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S-Network Composite Closed-End Fund Index (the Index). The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in securities of funds included in the Index. The Index tracks the overall performance of a global universe of United States listed closed-end funds that are organized under the laws of the United States selected by S-Network Global Indexes LLC (the Index Provider). Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco CEF Income Composite ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Octavia Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:IEFA Free Report) by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 175,740 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 6,063 shares during the quarter. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF comprises approximately 1.5% of Octavia Wealth Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 18th biggest position. Octavia Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $15,344,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Denver PWM LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 0.4% during the second quarter. Denver PWM LLC now owns 29,189 shares of the companys stock worth $2,437,000 after buying an additional 117 shares during the period. Rothschild Investment LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 4.4% in the second quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 2,830 shares of the companys stock valued at $236,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. Retirement Planning Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 2.4% during the third quarter. Retirement Planning Group LLC now owns 5,094 shares of the companys stock worth $445,000 after purchasing an additional 120 shares during the period. First Bank & Trust grew its position in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter. First Bank & Trust now owns 21,171 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,848,000 after buying an additional 123 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cypress Wealth Services LLC increased its stake in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Cypress Wealth Services LLC now owns 10,498 shares of the companys stock valued at $876,000 after buying an additional 127 shares during the period. Get iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF alerts: iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Performance IEFA stock opened at $92.50 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $158.18 billion, a PE ratio of 16.18 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a fifty day moving average of $89.22 and a 200-day moving average of $87.01. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF has a one year low of $66.95 and a one year high of $87.36. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Company Profile The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI EAFE IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed-market stocks in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excludes North America IEFA was launched on Oct 18, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IEFA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:IEFA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Austria ETF (NYSEARCA:EWO Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 93,649 shares, an increase of 95.2% from the December 15th total of 47,970 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 60,987 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.5 days. Currently, 2.6% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Currently, 2.6% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 60,987 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.5 days. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI Austria ETF during the first quarter worth about $30,000. Comerica Bank lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Austria ETF by 466.0% during the 1st quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 1,217 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 1,002 shares during the period. BFI Infinity Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Austria ETF by 200.0% during the 4th quarter. BFI Infinity Ltd. now owns 6,567 shares of the companys stock worth $233,000 after acquiring an additional 13,134 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Austria ETF by 92.1% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 9,134 shares of the companys stock worth $269,000 after acquiring an additional 4,380 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC bought a new position in iShares MSCI Austria ETF in the third quarter valued at approximately $300,000. Get iShares MSCI Austria ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Austria ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:EWO traded up $0.09 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $36.24. 9,740 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 72,371. The company has a market capitalization of $137.69 million, a P/E ratio of 11.04 and a beta of 0.93. iShares MSCI Austria ETF has a 1-year low of $21.14 and a 1-year high of $36.25. The business has a 50 day moving average of $33.85 and a 200 day moving average of $31.78. iShares MSCI Austria ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI Austria Capped ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Austria IMI 25/50 Index (the Underlying Index). The Underlying Index consists of stocks traded on the Vienna Stock Exchange. The Underlying Index is a free-float adjusted market capitalization weighted index with a capping methodology applied to issuer weights so that no single issuer of a component exceeds 25% of the Underlying Index weight and all issuers with weight above 5% do not exceed 50% of the Underlying Index weight. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Austria ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Austria ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kaiser Reef Limited (ASX:KAU Get Free Report) insider Bradley Valiukas acquired 625,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 9th. The shares were bought at an average cost of A$0.31 per share, for a total transaction of A$190,625.00. Kaiser Reef Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $40.39 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.79 and a beta of 1.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.49, a quick ratio of 1.66 and a current ratio of 1.17. Get Kaiser Reef alerts: About Kaiser Reef (Get Free Report) Recommended Stories Kaiser Reef Limited engages in the exploration, development, and production of gold projects in Australia. The company holds a 100% interest in the Stuart Town project; and Macquarie North project located in the Lachlan Fold Belt, New South Wales. It also holds a 100% interest in the Maldon Goldfield located within the central portion of the Bendigo-Ballarat zone of the Lachlan Fold Belt; and the A1 Gold Mine located in Eastern Victoria. The company was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Subiaco, Australia. Receive News & Ratings for Kaiser Reef Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kaiser Reef and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) had its price objective increased by TD Cowen from $520.00 to $600.00 in a research report issued on Wednesday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the aerospace companys stock. TD Cowens price objective would suggest a potential upside of 3.83% from the stocks current price. LMT has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of Lockheed Martin from $500.00 to $540.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday. Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and set a $543.00 target price (down from $630.00) on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $513.00 to $580.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on Lockheed Martin from $398.00 to $425.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $515.00 price target (up previously from $465.00) on shares of Lockheed Martin in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating, sixteen have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $538.53. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin Stock Up 0.9% NYSE LMT traded up $5.15 on Wednesday, hitting $577.85. 1,688,275 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,607,705. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $478.53 and a 200-day moving average of $470.20. Lockheed Martin has a 12 month low of $410.11 and a 12 month high of $579.60. The company has a market cap of $133.71 billion, a PE ratio of 32.26, a PEG ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 0.24. 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 data on Tuesday, October 21st. The aerospace company reported $6.95 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.33 by $0.62. Lockheed Martin had a return on equity of 111.84% and a net margin of 5.73%.The firm had revenue of $18.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $18.45 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $6.84 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Lockheed Martin has set its FY 2025 guidance at 22.150-22.350 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Lockheed Martin will post 27.15 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity at Lockheed Martin In related news, COO John Frank A. St sold 7,792 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $491.04, for a total value of $3,826,183.68. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 1 shares in the company, valued at approximately $491.04. This represents a 99.99% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.14% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lockheed Martin A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of LMT. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Lockheed Martin by 2.0% in the 4th quarter. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc. now owns 985 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $476,000 after purchasing an additional 19 shares during the period. Old North State Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in Lockheed Martin by 2.0% in the third quarter. Old North State Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,073 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $539,000 after buying an additional 21 shares in the last quarter. Investment Advisory Services Inc. TX ADV raised its stake in Lockheed Martin by 4.7% in the second quarter. Investment Advisory Services Inc. TX ADV now owns 486 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $225,000 after buying an additional 22 shares in the last quarter. Broadway Wealth Solutions Inc. lifted its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 4.5% in the second quarter. Broadway Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 511 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $237,000 after buying an additional 22 shares during the period. Finally, GS Investments Inc. boosted its position in Lockheed Martin by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. GS Investments Inc. now owns 2,231 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,114,000 after acquiring an additional 22 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.19% of the companys stock. Key Stories Impacting Lockheed Martin Here are the key news stories impacting Lockheed Martin this week: About Lockheed Martin (Get 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 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. Meritage Portfolio Management boosted its stake in U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Free Report) by 25.8% in the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 129,480 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 26,530 shares during the quarter. Meritage Portfolio Managements holdings in U.S. Bancorp were worth $6,258,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Parcion Private Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Parcion Private Wealth LLC now owns 53,412 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,581,000 after purchasing an additional 218 shares during the last quarter. Curbstone Financial Management Corp boosted its holdings in U.S. Bancorp by 0.6% in the second quarter. Curbstone Financial Management Corp now owns 39,982 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,809,000 after acquiring an additional 222 shares during the last quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC boosted its holdings in U.S. Bancorp by 4.4% in the third quarter. Bogart Wealth LLC now owns 5,507 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $266,000 after acquiring an additional 234 shares during the last quarter. Hoxton Planning & Management LLC grew its position in U.S. Bancorp by 3.4% during the third quarter. Hoxton Planning & Management LLC now owns 7,021 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $339,000 after acquiring an additional 234 shares during the period. Finally, Allen Mooney & Barnes Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in U.S. Bancorp by 0.5% during the third quarter. Allen Mooney & Barnes Investment Advisors LLC now owns 43,289 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $2,092,000 after acquiring an additional 235 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.60% of the companys stock. Get U.S. Bancorp alerts: Insider Transactions at U.S. Bancorp In other U.S. Bancorp news, EVP James L. Chosy sold 26,909 shares of U.S. Bancorp stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.86, for a total transaction of $1,260,955.74. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 226,375 shares in the company, valued at $10,607,932.50. The trade was a 10.62% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Andrew Cecere sold 140,445 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.34, for a total value of $6,508,221.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the chairman directly owned 1,360,414 shares in the company, valued at approximately $63,041,584.76. The trade was a 9.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 0.23% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. U.S. Bancorp Trading Down 1.1% NYSE USB opened at $53.46 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $83.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.23, a PEG ratio of 0.94 and a beta of 1.07. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $51.51 and its 200-day simple moving average is $48.72. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.10. U.S. Bancorp has a 52 week low of $35.18 and a 52 week high of $56.19. U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.11 by $0.11. U.S. Bancorp had a net margin of 16.89% and a return on equity of 13.34%. The business had revenue of $7.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.17 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.03 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that U.S. Bancorp will post 4.38 EPS for the current fiscal year. U.S. Bancorp Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of $0.52 per share. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. U.S. Bancorps payout ratio is presently 47.60%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on USB shares. UBS Group lifted their price objective on U.S. Bancorp from $49.00 to $50.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed a positive rating on shares of U.S. Bancorp in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of U.S. Bancorp in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their target price on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $53.00 to $58.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of U.S. Bancorp from $50.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $56.30. Get Our Latest Stock Report on USB More U.S. Bancorp News Here are the key news stories impacting U.S. Bancorp this week: Positive Sentiment: Announced acquisition of BTIG (investment banking, sales & trading, research, prime brokerage) to accelerate its capitalmarkets push expands fee businesses and underwriting/trading capabilities that can lift revenue and diversify earnings. Read More. Announced acquisition of BTIG (investment banking, sales & trading, research, prime brokerage) to accelerate its capitalmarkets push expands fee businesses and underwriting/trading capabilities that can lift revenue and diversify earnings. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analysts and previews expect continuing earnings growth for Q4 2025 and suggest USB could post another beat, supporting longerterm earnings momentum. Read More. Analysts and previews expect continuing earnings growth for Q4 2025 and suggest USB could post another beat, supporting longerterm earnings momentum. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Broker upgrade/buy calls (e.g., HSBC) underline analyst conviction that the stock can re-rate as growth and capitalmarkets benefits materialize. Read More. Broker upgrade/buy calls (e.g., HSBC) underline analyst conviction that the stock can re-rate as growth and capitalmarkets benefits materialize. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Coverage and commentary emphasize strategy rationale and expected capabilities from BTIG important for medium-term thesis but not an immediate earnings certainty. Read More. Coverage and commentary emphasize strategy rationale and expected capabilities from BTIG important for medium-term thesis but not an immediate earnings certainty. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Fundamentals remain mixed: USB trades above its 50 and 200day moving averages and carries a midteens net margin profile, so market reaction will hinge on deal financing and Q4 results. Fundamentals remain mixed: USB trades above its 50 and 200day moving averages and carries a midteens net margin profile, so market reaction will hinge on deal financing and Q4 results. Negative Sentiment: The BTIG deal is up to $1B in cash and stock sizable nearterm cash outflow and potential share issuance or dilution, plus integration and revenue synergies that may take time to realize. Read More. The BTIG deal is up to $1B in cash and stock sizable nearterm cash outflow and potential share issuance or dilution, plus integration and revenue synergies that may take time to realize. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Some analysis questions whether USBs current pricing fully reflects excess returns and sector headwinds; investors may be taking profits into earnings and deal uncertainty. Read More. About U.S. Bancorp (Free Report) U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) is a bank holding company and the parent of U.S. Bank, a national commercial bank that provides a wide range of banking, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services. The company operates through consumer and business banking, commercial banking, payment services, and wealth management segments. Its product set includes deposit accounts, consumer and commercial lending, mortgage origination and servicing, credit and debit card services, treasury and cash management, merchant processing, and institutional and trust services. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for U.S. Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for U.S. Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meritage Portfolio Management decreased its position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 9.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 120,592 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 12,520 shares during the period. Meritage Portfolio Managements holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $10,108,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Hidden Cove Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 2.0% in the third quarter. Hidden Cove Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,948 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $499,000 after purchasing an additional 119 shares in the last quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. increased its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 2.0% in the 3rd quarter. Zullo Investment Group Inc. now owns 6,340 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $532,000 after buying an additional 122 shares during the period. Embree Financial Group increased its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Embree Financial Group now owns 3,330 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $279,000 after buying an additional 126 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Vermont raised its stake in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 12,098 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,014,000 after buying an additional 126 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Traphagen Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 2.0% during the 3rd quarter. Traphagen Investment Advisors LLC now owns 6,346 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $532,000 after acquiring an additional 127 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.90% of the companys stock. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Wells Fargo & Company Price Performance Shares of WFC stock opened at $89.30 on Thursday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $90.07 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $84.72. The stock has a market cap of $280.33 billion, a PE ratio of 14.69, a PEG ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.84 and a current ratio of 0.84. Wells Fargo & Company has a 52-week low of $58.42 and a 52-week high of $97.76. Wells Fargo & Company Dividend Announcement Wells Fargo & Company ( NYSE:WFC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.76 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.66 by $0.10. Wells Fargo & Company had a return on equity of 12.51% and a net margin of 17.18%.The business had revenue of $21.29 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.63 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.43 EPS. Wells Fargo & Companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th were issued a dividend of $0.45 per share. This represents a $1.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. Wells Fargo & Companys payout ratio is presently 29.61%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently weighed in on WFC. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Wells Fargo & Company from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, October 4th. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on Wells Fargo & Company from $100.00 to $104.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Dbs Bank upgraded Wells Fargo & Company to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Robert W. Baird reaffirmed an underperform rating and issued a $90.00 price target on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Baird R W cut Wells Fargo & Company from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $94.03. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Wells Fargo & Company Key Headlines Impacting Wells Fargo & Company Here are the key news stories impacting Wells Fargo & Company this week: Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile (Free Report) Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, U.S.-based financial services company headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, the firm has evolved from its origins in express delivery and pioneer-era banking into one of the largest full-service banks in the United States. The company provides a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial, and institutional clients. Charles W. Scharf serves as chief executive officer. Wells Fargo operates across several core business segments, including consumer banking and lending, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mesa Royalty Trust (NYSE:MTR Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 5,120 shares, a growth of 87.6% from the December 15th total of 2,729 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 22,156 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 22,156 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days. Mesa Royalty Trust Trading Down 5.5% Shares of MTR traded down $0.25 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $4.33. 21,356 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 19,776. The company has a market cap of $8.07 million, a P/E ratio of 18.83 and a beta of 0.45. The companys 50-day moving average price is $4.51 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $5.11. Mesa Royalty Trust has a 52-week low of $4.03 and a 52-week high of $10.42. Get Mesa Royalty Trust alerts: Mesa Royalty Trust (NYSE:MTR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The energy company reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $0.13 million for the quarter. Mesa Royalty Trust had a return on equity of 13.63% and a net margin of 76.84%. Mesa Royalty Trust Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a dividend of $0.0184 per share. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. Mesa Royalty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 95.65%. Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d) rating on shares of Mesa Royalty Trust in a research note on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to MarketBeat, Mesa Royalty Trust presently has an average rating of Sell. Get Our Latest Analysis on MTR Mesa Royalty Trust Company Profile (Get Free Report) Mesa Royalty Trust (NYSE: MTR) is a statutory trust that holds overriding royalty interests in oil and natural gas properties primarily located in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico. Established in 1981 by Mesa Production Oil & Gas, Inc, the trusts portfolio comprises interests in thousands of producing wells across key producing areas, including the Midland, Delaware and Central Basin platforms. These interests provide the trust with net revenue rights to a portion of the hydrocarbons produced from the underlying formations. The trusts core business activity is the collection and distribution of royalty income derived from the sale of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mesa Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mesa Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Navigation Wealth Management Inc. lifted its holdings in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:JNK Free Report) by 304.8% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 61,024 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 45,950 shares during the period. SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF accounts for 8.8% of Navigation Wealth Management Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 2nd biggest position. Navigation Wealth Management Inc.s holdings in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF were worth $5,981,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. State Street Corp increased its stake in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF by 19.9% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 11,085,683 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,078,304,000 after buying an additional 1,842,852 shares during the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. grew its holdings in shares of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF by 6.5% in the 2nd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 5,066,020 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $492,772,000 after acquiring an additional 309,551 shares in the last quarter. Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF by 9,700.8% in the 2nd quarter. Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC now owns 2,657,493 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $258,494,000 after acquiring an additional 2,630,378 shares in the last quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp acquired a new stake in shares of SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF in the second quarter valued at about $118,767,000. Finally, Man Group plc raised its holdings in SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF by 24.6% during the second quarter. Man Group plc now owns 1,111,502 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $108,116,000 after acquiring an additional 219,125 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 87.54% of the companys stock. Get SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF alerts: SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA JNK opened at $97.74 on Thursday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $97.14 and a 200 day moving average price of $97.17. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.67 billion, a PE ratio of 19.96 and a beta of 0.42. SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF has a 52 week low of $90.40 and a 52 week high of $98.24. SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF Company Profile SPDR Barclays High Yield Bond ETF (the Fund), formerly SPDR Barclays Capital High Yield Bond ETF, seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the Barclays Capital High Yield Very Liquid Index (the Index). The Index includes publicly issued United States dollar denominated, non-investment grade, fixed-rate, taxable corporate bonds that have a remaining maturity of at least one year, regardless of optionality, are rated high-yield using the middle rating of Moodys, S&P, and Fitch, respectively, and have $600 million or more of outstanding face value. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JNK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:JNK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Persimmon (LON:PSN Get Free Report) was downgraded by Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft to a hold rating in a research note issued on Thursday,London Stock Exchange reports. They presently have a GBX 1,419 target price on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts price objective suggests a potential upside of 0.89% from the stocks current price. Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on Persimmon in a research report on Monday, November 24th. They issued a buy rating and a GBX 1,446 price objective on the stock. Citigroup increased their price objective on Persimmon from GBX 1,613 to GBX 1,615 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price objective on Persimmon from GBX 1,801 to GBX 1,790 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Persimmon from GBX 1,520 to GBX 1,800 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Peel Hunt reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,330 price target on shares of Persimmon in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 1,509.38. Get Persimmon alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Persimmon Persimmon Stock Up 4.1% Persimmon Company Profile Shares of LON PSN traded up GBX 55 on Thursday, reaching GBX 1,406.50. 1,473,907 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,955,042. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 1,313.45 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 1,210.78. Persimmon has a 12 month low of GBX 1,030.50 and a 12 month high of GBX 1,454. The company has a market cap of 4.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 1.37. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 4.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.91. (Get Free Report) Persimmon Plc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a house builder in the United Kingdom. The company offers family housing under the Persimmon Homes brand name; housing under the Charles Church brand name; and social housing under the Westbury Partnerships brand name. It also provides broadband services under the FibreNest brand; and timber frame, insulated wall panels, and roof cassettes under the brand Space4. Further, it offers concrete bricks and roof tile. Persimmon Plc was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in York, the United Kingdom. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Persimmon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Persimmon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A number of firms have modified their ratings and price targets on shares of Biohaven (NYSE: BHVN) recently: 1/6/2026 Biohaven had its price target lowered by analysts at Morgan Stanley from $26.00 to $21.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 12/29/2025 Biohaven had its sell (d-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/26/2025 Biohaven had its market perform rating reaffirmed by analysts at William Blair. 12/26/2025 Biohaven had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Citigroup Inc.. 12/26/2025 Biohaven had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at HC Wainwright. They now have a $11.00 price target on the stock. 12/22/2025 Biohaven had its sell (d-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/15/2025 Biohaven had its sell (d-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/8/2025 Biohaven had its sell (d-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/3/2025 Biohaven was downgraded by analysts at HC Wainwright from a buy rating to a neutral rating. They now have a $11.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $30.00. 12/1/2025 Biohaven had its sell (d-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/26/2025 Biohaven was downgraded by analysts at UBS Group AG from a buy rating to a neutral rating. They now have a $11.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $26.00. 11/24/2025 Biohaven had its sell (d-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/20/2025 Biohaven had its price target lowered by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $47.00 to $15.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 11/18/2025 Biohaven had its price target lowered by analysts at Morgan Stanley from $54.00 to $26.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 11/18/2025 Biohaven had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at BTIG Research. They now have a $16.00 price target on the stock. 11/17/2025 Biohaven had its sell (d-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Gregory Bailey purchased 400,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 13th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $7.50 per share, with a total value of $3,000,000.00. Following the purchase, the director directly owned 2,020,071 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $15,150,532.50. This trade represents a 24.69% increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director John W. Childs acquired 3,333,333 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 13th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $7.50 per share, with a total value of $24,999,997.50. Following the transaction, the director owned 5,653,904 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $42,404,280. The trade was a 143.64% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Insiders acquired 4,416,999 shares of company stock worth $33,144,833 in the last ninety days. 16.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Get Biohaven Ltd alerts: Biohaven Ltd. (NYSE BHVN) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing therapies for neurological and neurovascular diseases. Founded in 2013 as a spin-out from Yale University, Biohaven focuses on addressing high-unmet medical needs through innovative small-molecule and peptide-based platforms. The company is headquartered in New Haven, Connecticut, and maintains research activities across the United States, with collaborative ties in Europe and Asia via strategic partnerships. The companys most advanced program centers on calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists for the acute and preventive treatment of migraine. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Biohaven Ltd Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Biohaven Ltd and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A number of research firms have changed their ratings and price targets for Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP): 1/12/2026 Union Pacific had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $267.00 to $270.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 1/8/2026 Union Pacific was given a new $264.00 price target on by analysts at Citigroup Inc.. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 1/7/2026 Union Pacific was given a new $255.00 price target on by analysts at BMO Capital Markets. 1/7/2026 Union Pacific was downgraded by analysts at BMO Capital Markets from an outperform rating to a market perform rating. They now have a $255.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $270.00. 12/18/2025 Union Pacific was given a new $280.00 price target on by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada. 12/18/2025 Union Pacific had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada. 12/16/2025 Union Pacific had its overweight rating reaffirmed by analysts at Barclays PLC. They now have a $285.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $270.00. 12/11/2025 Union Pacific was given a new $245.00 price target on by analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft. 12/11/2025 Union Pacific was downgraded by analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a buy rating to a hold rating. They now have a $245.00 price target on the stock, down previously from $272.00. Union Pacific Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th were issued a dividend of $1.38 per share. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 5th. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio is 46.90%. Get Union Pacific Corporation alerts: Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest freight railroad companies in the United States. Its principal operating subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, has roots that trace back to the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 and the construction of the first transcontinental rail link completed in 1869. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates as a holding company for rail transportation and related services. Union Pacifics core business is the movement of freight by rail across an extensive rail network serving the western twothirds of the United States. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Corporation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific Corporation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stephens Inc. AR cut its holdings in shares of Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK Free Report) by 13.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 22,705 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 3,501 shares during the period. Stephens Inc. ARs holdings in Rockwell Automation were worth $7,936,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in ROK. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. raised its stake in Rockwell Automation by 468.8% in the third quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 91 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Rexford Capital Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Rockwell Automation during the second quarter worth about $33,000. Legend Financial Advisors Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Rockwell Automation during the second quarter valued at about $39,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. increased its holdings in shares of Rockwell Automation by 48.7% during the second quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 116 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $39,000 after acquiring an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Financial Gravity Companies Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Rockwell Automation in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.75% of the companys stock. Get Rockwell Automation alerts: Key Stories Impacting Rockwell Automation Here are the key news stories impacting Rockwell Automation this week: Positive Sentiment: Morgan Stanley raised its price target to $440 and kept an overweight rating, implying additional upside from current levels and signaling institutional confidence. Read More. Morgan Stanley raised its price target to $440 and kept an overweight rating, implying additional upside from current levels and signaling institutional confidence. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Zacks published an upgrade / bullish note (Zacks Rank #2 Buy) highlighting improved earnings prospects, which can attract momentum buying. Read More. Zacks published an upgrade / bullish note (Zacks Rank #2 Buy) highlighting improved earnings prospects, which can attract momentum buying. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Analysts expect Rockwell to report double-digit EPS growth for Q1 FY2026; the upcoming earnings release is a near-term catalyst that could lift the stock if results and guidance beat. Read More. Read More. Analysts expect Rockwell to report double-digit EPS growth for Q1 FY2026; the upcoming earnings release is a near-term catalyst that could lift the stock if results and guidance beat. Read More. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Customer win: THG Nutrition (led by Myprotein) selected Rockwells Plex MES to standardize operations a concrete software/automation win that supports recurring revenue and cross-sell potential. Read More. Customer win: THG Nutrition (led by Myprotein) selected Rockwells Plex MES to standardize operations a concrete software/automation win that supports recurring revenue and cross-sell potential. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Zacks and other outlets ran pieces highlighting Rockwells growth attributes and style scores, providing supportive backstory but not new company-specific catalysts. These help investor sentiment but are informational. Read More. Zacks and other outlets ran pieces highlighting Rockwells growth attributes and style scores, providing supportive backstory but not new company-specific catalysts. These help investor sentiment but are informational. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: ROK is trading near a 52-week high; while that confirms momentum, it also raises valuation/expectations questions for some investors. Read More. ROK is trading near a 52-week high; while that confirms momentum, it also raises valuation/expectations questions for some investors. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Mixed analyst signals: another Zacks note indicated a downgrade from strong-buy to hold in some coverage, which can introduce short-term selling pressure or increased volatility despite other upgrades. Read More. Rockwell Automation Trading Up 0.1% NYSE ROK opened at $417.28 on Thursday. Rockwell Automation, Inc. has a 1 year low of $215.00 and a 1 year high of $420.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.77. The company has a market capitalization of $46.85 billion, a PE ratio of 54.48, a P/E/G ratio of 2.78 and a beta of 1.52. The company has a fifty day moving average of $394.83 and a 200 day moving average of $363.97. Rockwell Automation (NYSE:ROK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $3.34 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.94 by $0.40. The company had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.19 billion. Rockwell Automation had a return on equity of 32.69% and a net margin of 10.42%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 13.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.47 EPS. Rockwell Automation has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.200-12.200 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Rockwell Automation, Inc. will post 9.35 earnings per share for the current year. Rockwell Automation Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were given a dividend of $1.38 per share. This is an increase from Rockwell Automations previous quarterly dividend of $1.31. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. Rockwell Automations dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 72.06%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, SVP Tessa M. Myers sold 1,020 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $402.07, for a total value of $410,111.40. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 6,021 shares in the company, valued at $2,420,863.47. The trade was a 14.49% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Blake D. Moret sold 61,700 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $391.56, for a total transaction of $24,159,252.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 83,873 shares in the company, valued at $32,841,311.88. This trade represents a 42.38% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 88,053 shares of company stock valued at $34,718,919 in the last three months. 0.76% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Rockwell Automation in a research note on Monday, December 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded Rockwell Automation from a sell rating to a neutral rating and raised their target price for the stock from $329.00 to $448.00 in a research note on Tuesday, December 16th. Evercore ISI assumed coverage on Rockwell Automation in a research report on Monday, December 15th. They set an in-line rating and a $440.00 price target for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Rockwell Automation from $357.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Zacks Research cut Rockwell Automation from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have issued a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $406.44. Get Our Latest Report on Rockwell Automation About Rockwell Automation (Free Report) Rockwell Automation is a global industrial automation and digital transformation company headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The firm designs, manufactures and supports control systems, industrial control hardware and software, and related services that help manufacturers and industrial operators automate processes, improve productivity and enable data-driven decision making. Rockwell traces its heritage to the Allen-Bradley and Rockwell automation businesses and positions itself as a provider of integrated automation solutions across discrete and process industries. The companys product portfolio includes programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), variable frequency drives, sensors, safety components and other industrial control hardware, often marketed under the Allen-Bradley brand. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Rockwell Automation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rockwell Automation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC grew its position in shares of NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU Free Report) by 103.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,369 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,206 shares during the quarter. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in NewMarket were worth $1,962,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Parallel Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of NewMarket by 2.1% during the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 740 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $511,000 after purchasing an additional 15 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in shares of NewMarket by 7.3% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 220 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $182,000 after buying an additional 15 shares in the last quarter. MAI Capital Management boosted its stake in shares of NewMarket by 20.8% in the 2nd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 122 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $84,000 after buying an additional 21 shares during the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of NewMarket by 3.5% in the third quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 703 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $582,000 after acquiring an additional 24 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ritholtz Wealth Management increased its position in shares of NewMarket by 2.4% during the second quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 1,110 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $767,000 after acquiring an additional 26 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 61.09% of the companys stock. Get NewMarket alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of NewMarket in a research report on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, NewMarket currently has an average rating of Buy. NewMarket Trading Down 0.0% Shares of NEU stock opened at $710.75 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $738.87 and a 200-day moving average of $761.86. The company has a quick ratio of 1.43, a current ratio of 2.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. NewMarket Corporation has a 12-month low of $480.57 and a 12-month high of $875.97. The firm has a market cap of $6.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.02 and a beta of 0.49. NewMarket (NYSE:NEU Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The specialty chemicals company reported $10.67 EPS for the quarter. NewMarket had a return on equity of 28.53% and a net margin of 16.33%.The business had revenue of $690.31 million for the quarter. NewMarket Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 2nd. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a dividend of $3.00 per share. This represents a $12.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. This is a positive change from NewMarkets previous quarterly dividend of $2.75. NewMarkets dividend payout ratio is currently 25.35%. NewMarket Profile (Free Report) NewMarket Corporation is a specialty chemicals and lubricants company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Through its Valvoline business, the company markets a broad portfolio of automotive aftermarket products, including engine oils, transmission fluids, greases and vehicle care solutions. Valvoline products are distributed through retail and commercial channels as well as a network of quick-lube service centers that provide oil changes, preventive maintenance and related services. In its chemical additives segment, NewMarket develops, manufactures and sells performance additives for fuels, lubricants and industrial fluids. See Also Receive News & Ratings for NewMarket Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NewMarket and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC boosted its holdings in shares of CMS Energy Corporation (NYSE:CMS Free Report) by 145.2% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 25,009 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 14,810 shares during the quarter. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in CMS Energy were worth $1,832,000 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. HM Payson & Co. lifted its position in shares of CMS Energy by 65.6% during the 3rd quarter. HM Payson & Co. now owns 356 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 141 shares in the last quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont raised its position in CMS Energy by 127.7% during the second quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 535 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the period. Tobam lifted its holdings in CMS Energy by 35.0% during the second quarter. Tobam now owns 559 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of CMS Energy by 2,870.0% in the second quarter. Capital A Wealth Management LLC now owns 594 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 574 shares during the period. Finally, CYBER HORNET ETFs LLC purchased a new stake in shares of CMS Energy during the second quarter worth about $53,000. 93.57% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get CMS Energy alerts: CMS Energy Stock Performance Shares of CMS Energy stock opened at $70.88 on Thursday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $71.70 and its 200 day moving average price is $72.10. The company has a market cap of $21.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.48, a PEG ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 0.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.84, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.90. CMS Energy Corporation has a one year low of $65.10 and a one year high of $76.45. CMS Energy Dividend Announcement CMS Energy ( NYSE:CMS Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The utilities provider reported $0.93 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.86 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $2.02 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.83 billion. CMS Energy had a return on equity of 12.10% and a net margin of 12.62%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 15.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.84 EPS. CMS Energy has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.800-3.870 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 3.560-3.600 EPS. On average, research analysts predict that CMS Energy Corporation will post 3.59 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 7th were issued a $0.5425 dividend. This represents a $2.17 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. CMS Energys payout ratio is presently 62.72%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CMS has been the topic of a number of research reports. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of CMS Energy from $71.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. KeyCorp increased their target price on CMS Energy from $76.00 to $79.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of CMS Energy in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays set a $74.00 price objective on CMS Energy in a research note on Wednesday. Finally, UBS Group lowered their target price on shares of CMS Energy from $81.00 to $77.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $77.58. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CMS Energy Insider Buying and Selling at CMS Energy In other news, SVP Brandon J. Hofmeister sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $72.47, for a total transaction of $289,880.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president owned 64,259 shares in the company, valued at $4,656,849.73. This trade represents a 5.86% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. CMS Energy Company Profile (Free Report) CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is an energy company based in Jackson, Michigan, whose principal business is the regulated utility operations of its subsidiary, Consumers Energy. The company is primarily focused on providing electric and natural gas service to customers in Michigan, operating the generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure necessary to deliver energy to residential, commercial and industrial customers. Headquartered in Jackson, CMS Energy conducts its core activities within the state and is regulated by state utility authorities. Through Consumers Energy and related subsidiaries, CMS Energy develops, owns and operates a portfolio of generation assets and delivers a range of customer-facing services, including electricity and natural gas supply, grid management, energy efficiency programs and demand-response offerings. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for CMS Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CMS Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC bought a new stake in Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE:DIN Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 80,219 shares of the restaurant operators stock, valued at approximately $1,983,000. SG Americas Securities LLC owned about 0.52% of Dine Brands Global as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. lifted its stake in Dine Brands Global by 33.3% during the 2nd quarter. Mountain Hill Investment Partners Corp. now owns 2,000 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $49,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the period. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its holdings in shares of Dine Brands Global by 307.6% during the second quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,091 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $51,000 after purchasing an additional 1,578 shares during the last quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC lifted its position in Dine Brands Global by 36.7% during the second quarter. AdvisorShares Investments LLC now owns 4,474 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $109,000 after purchasing an additional 1,200 shares during the period. Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its position in Dine Brands Global by 544.8% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 7,235 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $176,000 after purchasing an additional 6,113 shares during the period. Finally, Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd purchased a new stake in Dine Brands Global in the second quarter valued at $245,000. 92.83% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Dine Brands Global alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have weighed in on DIN. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Dine Brands Global in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Zacks Research upgraded Dine Brands Global from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Sanford C. Bernstein set a $29.00 price target on Dine Brands Global in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Barclays upped their price objective on Dine Brands Global from $26.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Mizuho raised their price objective on shares of Dine Brands Global from $28.00 to $34.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $31.29. Dine Brands Global Trading Up 3.4% Shares of DIN stock opened at $38.77 on Thursday. Dine Brands Global, Inc. has a 12-month low of $18.63 and a 12-month high of $38.88. The businesss 50 day moving average is $31.75 and its two-hundred day moving average is $26.96. The company has a market capitalization of $559.09 million, a P/E ratio of 17.31 and a beta of 0.92. Dine Brands Global (NYSE:DIN Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The restaurant operator reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.82 by ($0.09). Dine Brands Global had a negative return on equity of 26.01% and a net margin of 3.91%.The business had revenue of $216.17 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $221.61 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.44 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Dine Brands Global, Inc. will post 5.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Dine Brands Global Cuts Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 7th. Investors of record on Tuesday, December 23rd were given a dividend of $0.19 per share. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, December 23rd. Dine Brands Globals dividend payout ratio is 33.93%. Insider Transactions at Dine Brands Global In other news, Director Richard J. Dahl purchased 3,600 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $27.47 per share, with a total value of $98,892.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 3,600 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $98,892. The trade was a increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, Director Howard M. Berk acquired 4,082 shares of Dine Brands Global stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $24.50 per share, with a total value of $100,009.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director owned 41,947 shares in the company, valued at $1,027,701.50. The trade was a 10.78% increase in their position. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Insiders purchased a total of 8,332 shares of company stock worth $220,455 over the last ninety days. 4.56% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Dine Brands Global Company Profile (Free Report) Dine Brands Global, Inc is a leading franchisor and operator of fullservice restaurants in the casual dining and breakfast segments. The companys primary brands include IHOP, known for its wide variety of breakfast offerings and pancakes, and Applebees Neighborhood Grill + Bar, a casual dining concept featuring a range of American entrees, appetizers and cocktails. Through its franchise model, Dine Brands works with independent restaurant owners to develop, market and support both domestic and international locations. The origins of Dine Brands Global date back to the founding of the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) in 1958 in California. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DIN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE:DIN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dine Brands Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dine Brands Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Silverlake Wealth Management LLC trimmed its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) by 55.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 6,732 shares of the companys stock after selling 8,494 shares during the quarter. Silverlake Wealth Management LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $1,309,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 13,080.9% in the 2nd quarter. Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC now owns 2,481,960 shares of the companys stock worth $453,752,000 after purchasing an additional 2,463,130 shares in the last quarter. Soundwatch Capital LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 72,284.9% in the second quarter. Soundwatch Capital LLC now owns 2,437,924 shares of the companys stock valued at $445,701,000 after buying an additional 2,434,556 shares during the period. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. increased its stake in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 4,818.8% during the 2nd quarter. Symphony Financial Ltd. Co. now owns 1,716,464 shares of the companys stock worth $313,849,000 after acquiring an additional 1,681,568 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. bought a new position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $305,974,000. Finally, Orgel Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 56.8% in the 2nd quarter. Orgel Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,954,525 shares of the companys stock valued at $540,146,000 after acquiring an additional 1,070,608 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Stock Performance BATS:QUAL opened at $202.47 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $58.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.59 and a beta of 1.05. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a fifty-two week low of $148.34 and a fifty-two week high of $187.26. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $198.17 and a 200-day moving average price of $192.71. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector. QUAL was launched on Jul 18, 2013 and is managed by BlackRock. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding QUAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vinci SA (OTCMKTS:VCISY Get Free Report) saw unusually-high trading volume on Thursday . Approximately 394,846 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 168% from the previous sessions volume of 147,163 shares.The stock last traded at $33.57 and had previously closed at $34.00. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently issued reports on VCISY. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of Vinci in a research report on Thursday. Zacks Research raised Vinci from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Vinci has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Vinci alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on VCISY Vinci Price Performance Vinci Company Profile The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 0.83. The company has a 50-day moving average of $34.91 and a 200-day moving average of $35.13. (Get Free Report) Vinci (OTCMKTS: VCISY) is a France-based integrated concessions and construction company that develops, finances, builds and operates infrastructure and facilities. The groups activities span large-scale civil engineering and building projects, operation of transport infrastructure, and specialist energy and technical services. Vinci serves public and private clients with capabilities across the full project lifecycle, from design and construction to long-term asset management and operation. Vincis principal business lines include construction (building, civil engineering and major projects), energy and information & communication technology services, and concessions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Vinci Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vinci and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $283.98 and last traded at $280.19, with a volume of 91304 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $276.65. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts recently weighed in on the company. KeyCorp boosted their target price on WESCO International from $258.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of WESCO International from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $262.00 to $302.00 in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on shares of WESCO International from $225.00 to $245.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Barclays increased their target price on shares of WESCO International from $274.00 to $302.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of WESCO International in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, WESCO International currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $259.88. Get WESCO International alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on WESCO International WESCO International Stock Up 2.3% The firm has a market cap of $13.76 billion, a PE ratio of 22.24, a PEG ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a current ratio of 2.09. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $260.26 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $230.26. WESCO International (NYSE:WCC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The technology company reported $3.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.75 by $0.17. The firm had revenue of $6.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.91 billion. WESCO International had a net margin of 2.81% and a return on equity of 13.12%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 12.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $3.58 earnings per share. WESCO International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 13.100-13.600 EPS. On average, analysts predict that WESCO International, Inc. will post 13.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. WESCO International Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th were given a dividend of $0.4538 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 12th. This represents a $1.82 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. WESCO Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 14.20%. Insider Transactions at WESCO International In related news, CAO Matthew S. Kulasa sold 790 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $253.18, for a total value of $200,012.20. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 3,320 shares of the companys stock, valued at $840,557.60. This trade represents a 19.22% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Christine Ann Wolf sold 4,685 shares of WESCO International stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $259.52, for a total transaction of $1,215,851.20. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 30,195 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,836,206.40. This trade represents a 13.43% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders have sold 17,036 shares of company stock worth $4,385,254. 3.30% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On WESCO International Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. boosted its stake in shares of WESCO International by 166.0% during the 3rd quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 133 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares in the last quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC lifted its holdings in WESCO International by 788.2% in the third quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 151 shares of the technology companys stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 134 shares during the period. Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in WESCO International during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. First Horizon Advisors Inc. boosted its position in WESCO International by 129.7% during the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 232 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $43,000 after acquiring an additional 131 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rossby Financial LCC grew its holdings in shares of WESCO International by 117.4% during the 3rd quarter. Rossby Financial LCC now owns 200 shares of the technology companys stock worth $43,000 after acquiring an additional 108 shares during the period. 93.75% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. WESCO International Company Profile (Get Free Report) WESCO International, Inc is a leading global distributor of electrical, industrial, communications and utility products, serving a diverse customer base across maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and construction markets. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products ranging from power distribution and automation solutions to data communications, security systems and lighting controls. Through an extensive branch network, WESCO provides critical components and valueadded services that help organizations streamline operations and improve reliability in their facilities and infrastructure. In addition to its broad product offering, WESCO delivers advanced supply chain management and logistics solutions designed to optimize inventory levels, reduce downtime and lower overall procurement costs. Read More Receive News & Ratings for WESCO International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WESCO International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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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 Eastern Bank lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 4.2% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 128,838 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 5,164 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company comprises approximately 1.7% of Eastern Banks holdings, making the stock its 16th largest position. Eastern Banks holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $98,304,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the second quarter valued at about $27,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. bought a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Steph & Co. boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 290.0% during the 3rd quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 39 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares during the period. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. acquired a new stake in Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Bare Financial Services Inc increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 263.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bare Financial Services Inc now owns 40 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 29 shares during the period. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Eli Lilly and Company Stock Down 0.4% LLY opened at $1,073.10 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.01 trillion, a P/E ratio of 52.50, a P/E/G ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.71, a current ratio of 1.55 and a quick ratio of 1.24. The firms fifty day moving average price is $1,047.15 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $867.23. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $623.78 and a fifty-two week high of $1,133.95. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 30.99% and a return on equity of 109.52%. The company had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.09 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.18 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 53.9% on a year-over-year basis. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. On average, analysts anticipate that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 13th will be issued a dividend of $1.73 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 13th. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.50. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.6%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.35%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently weighed in on LLY. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued an outperform rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 1st. CICC Research increased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $801.00 to $1,060.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of 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. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald restated an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday, December 1st. 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 stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $1,169.00. View Our Latest Stock Report on Eli Lilly and Company Key Headlines Impacting Eli Lilly and Company Here are the key news stories impacting Eli Lilly and Company this week: Positive Sentiment: Eli Lilly and NVIDIA agreed to build a $1 billion AI-powered drug discovery coinnovation lab to accelerate R&D and manufacturing a structural move that could lower discovery costs and expand pipeline velocity. Read More. Eli Lilly and NVIDIA agreed to build a $1 billion AI-powered drug discovery coinnovation lab to accelerate R&D and manufacturing a structural move that could lower discovery costs and expand pipeline velocity. Read More. Positive Sentiment: BMO Capital reaffirmed a Buy on LLY with a $1,200 price target, citing consolidated incretin leadership and multi-therapy growth; that analyst support helps underpin investor confidence. Read More. BMO Capital reaffirmed a Buy on LLY with a $1,200 price target, citing consolidated incretin leadership and multi-therapy growth; that analyst support helps underpin investor confidence. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Lillys acquisition of Ventyx Biosciences and other moves have calmed some investor concerns about competition from Novos pill, supporting a rebound in sentiment after earlier weakness. Read More. Lillys acquisition of Ventyx Biosciences and other moves have calmed some investor concerns about competition from Novos pill, supporting a rebound in sentiment after earlier weakness. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Clinical readouts continue to favor Lillys pipeline: retatrutide (nextgen incretin) shows promising weightloss efficacy and a potential additional benefit (pain relief), increasing upside optionality beyond pure obesity indications. Read More. Clinical readouts continue to favor Lillys pipeline: retatrutide (nextgen incretin) shows promising weightloss efficacy and a potential additional benefit (pain relief), increasing upside optionality beyond pure obesity indications. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Commentary recapping 2025: LLY gained materially last year (benefitting from weightloss drugs and execution), reinforcing that current valuation embeds significant growth expectations. Read More. Commentary recapping 2025: LLY gained materially last year (benefitting from weightloss drugs and execution), reinforcing that current valuation embeds significant growth expectations. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Management presentations and JPM conference transcripts reiterate focus on obesity/GLP programs and upcoming catalysts (Q4 results commentary and commercial supply preparation). These set the calendar for nearterm stock drivers. Read More. Management presentations and JPM conference transcripts reiterate focus on obesity/GLP programs and upcoming catalysts (Q4 results commentary and commercial supply preparation). These set the calendar for nearterm stock drivers. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Lilly is backing smaller biotech (Aktis) and remains active in dealmaking signals of pipeline breadth but not immediate earnings drivers. Read More. Lilly is backing smaller biotech (Aktis) and remains active in dealmaking signals of pipeline breadth but not immediate earnings drivers. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Opinion pieces argue Novo Nordisks new oral GLP1 (Wegovy pill) could take share and justify switching to Novo, creating headline-driven selling pressure and heightened competitive risk. Read More. Opinion pieces argue Novo Nordisks new oral GLP1 (Wegovy pill) could take share and justify switching to Novo, creating headline-driven selling pressure and heightened competitive risk. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Some market commentators are asking if its time to dump LLY given oral-GLP1 competition and the valuation premium; such narratives can amplify shortterm volatility even if fundamentals remain strong. Read More. Some market commentators are asking if its time to dump LLY given oral-GLP1 competition and the valuation premium; such narratives can amplify shortterm volatility even if fundamentals remain strong. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Coverage comparing Lilly vs Novo highlights an active competitive race for oral and injectable GLP1s; any concrete marketshare losses or faster-than-expected adoption of Novos pill would be a headwind. Read More. About Eli Lilly and Company (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) is a global pharmaceutical company founded in 1876 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and therapies for patients worldwide. Eli Lilly maintains operations and commercial presence across North America, Europe, Asia and other regions, serving both developed and emerging markets. The company has been led in recent years by President and Chief Executive Officer David A. Further Reading 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. McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Get Free Report) insider Joseph Erlinger sold 2,626 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $306.58, for a total value of $805,079.08. Following the transaction, the insider owned 5,398 shares in the company, valued at $1,654,918.84. The trade was a 32.73% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Get McDonald's alerts: McDonalds Stock Down 0.5% NYSE:MCD opened at $307.82 on Thursday. McDonalds Corporation has a twelve month low of $276.53 and a twelve month high of $326.32. The company has a fifty day moving average of $308.41 and a 200-day moving average of $305.30. The firm has a market capitalization of $219.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.26, a P/E/G ratio of 3.07 and a beta of 0.53. McDonalds (NYSE:MCD Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The fast-food giant reported $3.22 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.33 by ($0.11). McDonalds had a negative return on equity of 280.89% and a net margin of 32.04%.The company had revenue of $7.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.10 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $3.23 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 EPS for the current fiscal year. McDonalds Increases Dividend Institutional Trading of McDonalds The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were given a $1.86 dividend. This represents a $7.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. This is a positive change from McDonaldss previous quarterly dividend of $1.77. McDonaldss dividend payout ratio is presently 63.48%. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. WD Rutherford LLC lifted its position in shares of McDonalds by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. WD Rutherford LLC now owns 3,261 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $991,000 after buying an additional 33 shares in the last quarter. Redhawk Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its position in shares of McDonalds by 1.4% during the third quarter. Redhawk Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 2,423 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $736,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares during the last quarter. Symmetry Partners LLC lifted its holdings in McDonalds by 2.0% during the third quarter. Symmetry Partners LLC now owns 1,771 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $538,000 after acquiring an additional 34 shares during the period. Jackson Hole Capital Partners LLC boosted its position in McDonalds by 0.3% in the third quarter. Jackson Hole Capital Partners LLC now owns 11,032 shares of the fast-food giants stock worth $3,352,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the last quarter. Finally, CFO4Life Group LLC grew its stake in McDonalds by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter. CFO4Life Group LLC now owns 1,669 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $507,000 after purchasing an additional 34 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.29% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In MCD has been the subject of several recent research reports. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of McDonalds in a report on Friday, October 31st. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of McDonalds from $340.00 to $345.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. BTIG Research restated a neutral rating on shares of McDonalds in a report on Friday, October 24th. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Mizuho raised shares of McDonalds to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Thirteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $328.88. Read Our Latest Report on MCD Key Headlines Impacting McDonalds Here are the key news stories impacting McDonalds this week: Positive Sentiment: Canada price-lock: McDonalds Canada announced a oneyear $5 meal price lock intended to drive traffic and goodwill in a key market (may pressure shortterm margin but supports comp sales). McDonalds Canada price lock Canada price-lock: McDonalds Canada announced a oneyear $5 meal price lock intended to drive traffic and goodwill in a key market (may pressure shortterm margin but supports comp sales). Positive Sentiment: Promotions & menu tailwinds: Return of highprofile promotions (Pokemon Happy Meal), a large new burger and a permanent menu item after decades are likely to boost traffic and drive incremental sales in the near term. Pokemon Happy Meal Promotions & menu tailwinds: Return of highprofile promotions (Pokemon Happy Meal), a large new burger and a permanent menu item after decades are likely to boost traffic and drive incremental sales in the near term. Positive Sentiment: Operational upgrades: Reports detail major changes to drivethru lanes and a company push to use AI across services/operations potential mediumterm cost savings and capacity gains that investors tend to reward. Drive-thru changes Operational upgrades: Reports detail major changes to drivethru lanes and a company push to use AI across services/operations potential mediumterm cost savings and capacity gains that investors tend to reward. Positive Sentiment: Sales momentum noted: Coverage highlights a recent 2.4% sales jump after reviving an oldschool strategy, supporting the thesis that merchandising and local tactics can lift comps. Sales jump article Sales momentum noted: Coverage highlights a recent 2.4% sales jump after reviving an oldschool strategy, supporting the thesis that merchandising and local tactics can lift comps. Neutral Sentiment: Earnings preview: Analysts expect singledigit bottomline growth in the upcoming quarter a modest outlook that leaves room for either a market boost on a beat or further weakness on a miss. Earnings preview Earnings preview: Analysts expect singledigit bottomline growth in the upcoming quarter a modest outlook that leaves room for either a market boost on a beat or further weakness on a miss. Neutral Sentiment: Franchise/industry items: New leadership at Armadas McDonalds unit and countryspecific menu features (France/Italy/Portugal) matter for execution but are not immediate corporate results drivers. Armada appointments Franchise/industry items: New leadership at Armadas McDonalds unit and countryspecific menu features (France/Italy/Portugal) matter for execution but are not immediate corporate results drivers. Negative Sentiment: Insider selling: Joseph M. Erlinger (President, International Oper.) sold 2,626 shares (~$805k) and trimmed his stake ~33% a disclosure that can weaken sentiment if interpreted as reduced insider conviction. SEC Filing Insider selling: Joseph M. Erlinger (President, International Oper.) sold 2,626 shares (~$805k) and trimmed his stake ~33% a disclosure that can weaken sentiment if interpreted as reduced insider conviction. Negative Sentiment: Legal risk: McRib-related classaction fraud suit alleges product misrepresentation potential reputational and legal costs if it escalates. McRib lawsuit McDonalds Company Profile (Get Free Report) McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is a global quick-service restaurant company best known for its hamburgers, French fries and breakfast offerings. The company develops, operates and franchises a system of restaurants that sell a range of food and beverage items, including signature products such as the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, McCafe coffee beverages and a variety of salads, desserts and seasonal menu items. McDonalds serves customers through company-operated restaurants and franchised locations, and it supports sales via dine-in, drive-thru, digital ordering platforms and third-party delivery partnerships. Founded in 1940 by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald as a single San Bernardino, California restaurant, the business was transformed into a franchising model after Ray Kroc joined in the mid-1950s and led the brands national and international expansion. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for McDonald's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McDonald's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Armed men who fired shots in the Currynierin area at the weekend have been condemned. Footage emerged on social media of three masked men taking part in a so-called show of strength in the estate on Sunday night. The footage shows three masked men armed with handguns and an automatic weapon. Two of the men are holding a flag with Oglaigh na hEireann wrote on it. Police are investigating the incident. As a line of enquiry, into the report made shortly before 11pm on Sunday, January 11 detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Serious Crime Branch made an arrest and seized a vehicle on Tuesday, January 13 when a 31-year-old man was arrested following a search of a property in the Claudy area and subsequently released on bail to allow for further police enquiries to be conducted. Police continue to conduct reassurance patrols of the area and, as part of the police investigation, enquiries also include vehicle check points, house-to-house enquiries and checking CCTV. Today, separately, Thursday, January 15 police received a report of a video circulating of shots being fired, and are making enquiries in relation to this to establish if it is linked to the report made on Sunday, January 11. Police are appealing to anyone with information, or who may have relevant footage, to contact them on 101, quoting reference 1489 of 11/01/26 or reference 191 of 15/01/26. Information can also be provided online via http://www.psni.police.uk/ makeareport/ Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org A spokesperson for Currynierin Community Association condemned the incident, saying the bringing of weapons into the area was causing "deep concern" for residents. "The Currynierin Community Association wishes to express its deep concern and absolute condemnation of recent incidents involving masked individuals bringing weapons onto the streets of our community," the spokesperson said. "Let us be clear: this behaviour is not wanted, it is not supported, and it has no place in Currynierin. Those responsible do not represent this community, its residents, or its values. They are not welcome here. "Currynierin is home to families, children, older people, and residents who deserve to feel safe in their own streets. The presence of masked men and weapons creates fear, anxiety, and risk, particularly for young people and vulnerable residents. This reckless behaviour undermines years of hard work by local people and organisations who have been committed to building a safer, more positive community. "Violence belongs to the past. Our community has paid a heavy price for conflict, intimidation, and coercion, and we will not allow those dark chapters to be revisited. Progress has been made through dialogue, cooperation, and respect, not through threats or displays of force. "We call on those involved to stay out of Currynierin and to cease all activity that endangers residents or disrupts community life. We also urge anyone with influence over those responsible to make it clear that this behaviour is unacceptable and must stop immediately. "Currynierin Community Association will continue to work with residents, statutory agencies, and community partners to promote safety, peace, and positive engagement, particularly through our Community Safety Forum. "We encourage anyone with concerns to report them through the appropriate channels and to support efforts that strengthen, rather than harm, our community. "Currynierin deserves peace, safety, and a future free from fear or intimidation. Weve come too far as a community and society to be dragged back by actions such as these." Local Sinn Fein councillor Christopher Jackson described the masked men as "criminals masquerading as republicans". Cllr Jackson said: Those responsible for this are nothing more than criminals masquerading as republicans. They have nothing to offer the people of this area but fear and intimidation and should get off the backs of the local community. I have been inundated with concerns from local residents who are angered because these people in no way reflect them or their estate. What is even more frustrating is the fact that the council is on the verge of securing significant new investment in Currynierin to improve the lives of the people who live there. We wont allow those with a destructive agenda to derail that work but it also underlines the stark contrast between those who want Currynierin to thrive and those who want to drag it back to the past. SDLP Waterside councillor Sean Mooney condemned masked gunmen who fired shots in the Currynerin area of Derry on Sunday night. Cllr Mooney said: These were disgraceful scenes that have no place in our communities. They hark back to our dark past and the people of the Currynerin area do not want to see this kind of incident on their doorsteps. Footage of masked gunmen firing shots has understandably caused fear and concern across the area and the wider city. Those involved have nothing to offer our community and will not be allowed to intimidate people who are simply trying to get on with their lives. The presence of a firearm is deeply worrying and it is vital that it is taken off our streets before anyone is seriously hurt. I would urge anyone with information to come forward to the police so those responsible can be held accountable. A Derry woman who lost her daughter to drugs has vowed to keep campaigning for stiffer sentences for drug dealers. Pauline Duddy has been campaigning for tougher sentencing since her 21-year-old daughter Jasmin died in February 2023, after taking pregabalin. Pregabalin is usually prescribed by doctors to treat epilepsy and nerve pain. It was made illegal to possess pregabalin in Northern Ireland without a prescription in 2019. Since her daughter's death, Ms Duddy has been campaigning for more jail time for drug dealers. She has launched an online petition and held a number of protests outside Derry courthouse. Ms Duddy has also met with the First and Deputy First Ministers and Justice Minister Naomi Long. Ms Duddy met with the Alliance Party leader in May 2024 in Stormont where she voiced her concerns around sentencing and how drug dealers were dealt with by the courts. Following her meeting with Ms Duddy, Naomi Long said that she was "in full agreement" that dealing drugs should not be considered a "victimless crime", and promised to include those concerns in a review of "sentencing policy issues". On Monday, Ms Duddy held a positive meeting with Alan Weir, Head of the Sentencing Policy Unit within the Department of Justice. Mr Weir confirmed that the concerns raised by Ms Duddy would be included within the scope of the department's planned review of sentencing policy, that would allow the department to undertake the necessary development work to identify changes that could be made to the sentencing framework for these crimes. Following the meeting, Ms Duddy said she was delighted that her concerns have been listened to and would be acted upon by the department. She said: It was such a positive meeting. We talked about changing the law from victimless crime for drug dealing because there are victims. People are dying, they're victims and their families are also victims. Somebody's actually listened and somebody is actually willing to do something about it. However Mr Weir also confirmed that any changes of legislation could not be made during the current mandate in Stormont. I had a good conversation with him (Mr Weir), Ms Duddy said. I told him that the longer the law stays the same more of our young people will die because of drugs and he fully agreed with me. He told me that any changes of the law would have to be made in Westminster but to keep the pressure on and keep campaigning and that's exactly what I'm going to do. Foyle MLAs Mark H Durkan and Ciara Ferguson also attended the meeting and praised Ms Duddy for her campaign to have the law changed. Mr Durkan said: I was honoured to join Pauline Duddy for her meeting with the Department of Justice at Stormont on Monday. Since the tragic death of her daughter Jasmin, Pauline has shown extraordinary strength and courage in channelling her grief into a determined campaign to ensure no other family has to endure the same loss. She has used her voice to advocate for better addiction support and tougher sentencing for those involved in dealing illegal drugs. The SDLP has supported Pauline throughout her campaign and we will continue to work alongside her to secure meaningful change supporting people living with addiction and ensuring those who profit from harmful substances in our communities are held properly to account. Sinn Fein MLA Ciara Ferguson said: No mother should have to go through what Pauline has suffered with the tragic loss of Jasmin and I commend her for her determination to prevent others from doing so. We had a positive meeting with the Justice Department lead on the forthcoming Review of Sentencing where we discussed a number of measures that should be considered to help tackle drugs and the harm they cause within communities. We look forward to continuing to work with all the relevant agencies and our approach will be guided by best practice and measures that have been demonstrably shown to save lives while ensuring those guilty of supplying drugs are held fully accountable by the police and justice system. Recommendations from the Review will then go out to public consultation. Minister Long said: Sentencing is a vital part of the justice system in Northern Ireland. It often involves complex considerations and requires a delicate balance to be struck between the rights of defendants on the one hand and the needs and expectations of victims and the public generally on the other. This challenging task is performed by a skilled judiciary whose job is to deliver fair and appropriate sentences independently of government in every case which comes before the criminal courts. The role of government is to provide a flexible and robust sentencing framework which is fit for purpose and within which the judiciary can exercise its judicial function effectively. Minister Long added: The aim of this Review is to identify proposals to strengthen the sentencing framework in relation to particular types of offences, to ensure that it continues to be effective and proportionate. The Review will also consider the extent to which current arrangements represent an effective sentencing guidelines mechanism and explore the need for reform in Northern Ireland. The review will also take account of recent developments in sentencing policy in other jurisdictions, including England and Wales, and identify potential options for equivalent reform in Northern Ireland. Police have launched a campaign to tackle the rising number of online sexual offences against children that aims to deter potential offenders. The PSNI has partnered with child protection charity Lucy Faithfull Foundation that provides anonymous support for impacted children and people concerned about their own online behaviour. The campaign focuses on discouraging people from viewing sexual images of under-18s and sexual conversations with children under 16, both of which are illegal. Online sexual offences against children are increasing in Northern Ireland, with 2,187 sexual offences against children recorded in 2024, 187 of which relate to grooming and sexual communication with a child. Some 799 offences relating to taking, possessing, sharing or publishing indecent images of children were reported in 2024. In 2024, the PSNI conducted 228 searches and made 76 arrests from intelligence relating to online child sexual abuse crimes. The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, which runs the Stop It Now helpline and website, works to prevent people from offending online in the first place and to get them to stop if they have already started. It directs those engaged in this behaviour to self-help resources and a confidential helpline to give them help to address their online behaviour and stop engaging with harmful and illegal images. In 2025, 83 people in Northern Ireland contacted the Lucy Faithfull Foundation and their website was accessed by 6,544 people from Northern Ireland seeking further information for either themselves or someone else. Detective Chief Inspector Claire McDonald said the evolution of technology has led to an increase in the number of people viewing and sharing indecent images of children, and seeking to use the internet to engage with children for sexual purposes. Ms McDonald said: We will never stop searching online for child predators. My team work incredibly hard and are dedicated to identifying and bringing people before the courts who think their offending can go undetected. We are operating covertly in all digital spaces including the dark web to track and target offenders. There is no place to hide. If you are perpetrating online child abuse, it is only a matter of time before we will be knocking on your door. That being said, we also recognise the need to educate and stop individuals from continuing to offend, or prevent individuals from offending in the first place. Our partnership with the Lucy Faithfull Foundation plays a key role in this, providing an online space or confidential helpline in which to signpost individuals who are about to offend, to recognise the consequences of their actions and to seek support. Tom Squire, head of clinical engagement at Lucy Faithfull Foundation, said thousands of people who are concerned about their online behaviour or sexual thoughts towards children contact them every year. They come from all walks of life, he said. Through our programmes, online self-help modules and non-judgmental, action-oriented conversations with our expert helpline advisers, they can find a pathway out of this behaviour and prevent harm from taking place. We call on anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse, including their own online habits, to contact Stop It Now anonymously and get support to change their behaviour and protect children. This behaviour is illegal and causes great harm to children. There are grave consequences including arrest, losing your job and family. But there is anonymous help to stop and there is a pathway out of this behaviour. Zimbabwes Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services said on Wednesday it will support Econet Wireless plan to develop an industrial park in Harare that will also include a new data centre to support the governments upcoming national AI strategy. In a statement posted on Facebook, Minister Tatenda Mavetera said she met with Econet Wireless deputy CEO Roy Chimanikire recently to discuss the project, which Econet Wireless infrastructure arm, Econet InfraCo, announced last month. As we reported then, Econet said it aims to build a 300-hectare industrial park near Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare. Econet said the project would include a 100-MW solar power plant and a large data centre, although no further techncial details were given. Mavetera said in her statement that the data centre will include expanded power generation to support power-intensive computing, which could boost Zimbabwes AI capabilities. The Zimbabwe government is also planning to launch its national AI strategy later this month, with the aim of transforming industries such as banking, finance, and production, Mavetera said. The government has also reduced costs of doing business, which it hopes will make data and voice services more affordable. "If successful, the project could position Zimbabwe as a key player in the regional digital economy," Mavetera said. According to the Ecofin news agency, Zimbabwe currently ranks 149th out of 193 countries in the United Nations 2024 E-Government Development Index (EGDI). NTT Data, Sumitomo and JA Mitsui Leasing announced plans on Tuesday for a new subsea cable, dubbed Intra-Asia Marine Cable (I-AM Cable), that will connect Japan and South Korea to Malaysia and Singapore. To that end, the three companies have jointly established a new company, Intra-Asia Marine Networks Co., Ltd. (I-AM NW), to construct and operate the 8,100-km cable system, which is expected to cost around US$1 billion. NTT Data said the I-AM Cable will utilise wavelength selective switch (WSS) technology so that the wavelength bandwidth of each route can be remotely adjusted to respond to traffic demand. The cable will also leverage space division multiplexing (SDM) technology, enabling it to accommodate up to 16 fibre pairs per cable for a total initial capacity of around 320 Tbps. The I-AM Cable will initially have three landing points in Japan, and single landing points in Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea. The design allows for branches to be routed to Taiwan and the Philippines. Yoshio Sato, CEO of the new I-AM NW venture, said the new system will support Asia-Pacifics growing digital infrastructure, as well as provide robust resilience against natural disasters in the region. The I-AM Cable is planned to be ready for service in early fiscal year 2029. For years, our digital lives have been fragmented. You have flight tickets in your email, vacation memories in your photos, project drafts in your drive, and that one tutorial you watched last week buried in your YouTube history. Until now, connecting these dots required you to be the bridge copying, pasting, and manually searching across apps. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! With the rollout of Personal Intelligence, a major update to the Gemini ecosystem launched this week, Google is attempting to dissolve those walls. This new layer of capability allows Gemini to do more than just read your files; it allows the AI to reason across them simultaneously, creating a truly personalized assistant that understands the context of your life. Also read: GLM-Image explained: Huawei-powered AI that seriously challenges Nvidia, heres how The concept: Reasoning across your data Unlike standard chatbot extensions that might query one app at a time, like asking for a summary of a single document, Personal Intelligence is designed to synthesize information from multiple sources at once. It creates a knowledge graph of your personal data, enabling Gemini to answer questions that previously would have stumped an AI. For example, you might ask, Can I afford the trip we talked about? With Personal Intelligence enabled, Gemini can check your Gmail for the travel dates discussed with your partner, cross-reference flight prices from Google Search, and potentially even look at a budget spreadsheet in Drive or receipts in your Photos to give a grounded answer. How it connects your apps The feature leverages the deep integration of the Google Workspace ecosystem: Gmail & Drive: It goes beyond simple summarization. Gemini can now hunt for specific details buried in threads, like invoice numbers or project deadlines, and correlate them with files in Drive. If you ask, Whats the status of the Project Alpha launch?, it can pull the latest email updates and the most recent roadmap slide from Drive. Google Photos: This is perhaps the most impressive leap. Using multimodal capabilities, Gemini can see your photos. You can ask, What was the license plate of the rental car we had in Italy? or Find the photo of the tire specs I took last month. It retrieves the image and extracts the data you need instantly. YouTube: By accessing your watch history (with permission), Gemini can answer questions like, Show me the pasta recipe video I watched last Tuesday, saving you from doom-scrolling through your history. Also read: MedGemma 1.5 & MedASR explained: High-dimensional imaging and medical speech-to-text Privacy: The off by default promise Naturally, granting an AI access to your private photos and emails raises immediate red flags. Google has built Personal Intelligence as an opt-in feature, it is off by default. Crucially, Google states that your personal data is not used to train the public Gemini models. The reasoning happens within your secure cloud instance. The system effectively reads your data to answer your specific prompt and then discards that short-term context. You also retain full control to disconnect specific apps; if you want Gemini to read your emails but stay out of your photos, you can toggle that setting individually. Personal Intelligence represents the shift from AI as a chatbot to AI as an agent. It is currently rolling out to Gemini Advanced (AI Premium) subscribers, marking the first time a major AI model has offered such deep, cross-platform fluidity for personal data. While it requires a high degree of trust in Googles privacy guardrails, the convenience of having an assistant that finally knows you might just be worth the trade-off. Also read: Apple Creator Studio vs. Adobe Creative Cloud: Which creative bundle is best for you? 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. Enoch Burke has appeared at the gates of Wilsons Hospital School the day after he was released from Mountjoy Prison. On Wednesday, a High Court judge said he should be released to prepare for a case launched against an appeals body due to review his dismissal from the Westmeath school. Speaking to journalists, supporters and protesters gathered outside the school on Thursday, Mr Burke said: Im coming here to do a days work, thats what Ive always done. I should never have been in prison in the first place, this is my work place, this is where I teach. In the High Court on Thursday morning Rosemary Mallon, the schools barrister, said he had passed the gates of the school. She said there were quite a number of protesters with placards and flags and some of them had also trespassed. Ms Mallon said the schools private security guard was in attendance and the Gardai had also turned up. She asked for a hearing on Thursday afternoon, where the possibility of Mr Burke returning to prison will be discussed. 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. The judge had 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 and as he walked out of Mountjoy Prison on Wednesday. He repeated his comments again at the school gates on Thursday and in a tirade against the Irish judicial system and media he accused the judges in this country of telling lies. He said his case was an insult from beginning to end to the institutions of our State and a disgrace. He said he was brought to court because he simply could not address a pupil using the pronoun they, saying it was anti Christian, but as well as that, it is nonsense. Twenty people were before the district court in Louth for burglary offences in the first 9 nine months of 2025 according to figures provided to Ireland South MEP and former barrister Cynthia Ni Mhurchu from the Irish Courts Service. A further five people were sent forward for trial in the circuit court for burglary offences between January and September 2025. Ms. Ni Mhurchu says the figures point to a relatively small group of repeat offenders that are responsible for a disproportionate share of burglary offences. Nationally, in the first nine months of 2025, 1,771 burglary cases came before the District Court, involving just 1,187 individuals highlighting a high level of repeat or multiple offending. A similar pattern emerged in the Circuit Court, where 729 burglary cases were tried over the same period, committed by just 529 offenders. Dublin tops the table when it comes to burglary figures with 622 people coming before the district and circuit courts there for burglary in the first 9 months of last year. Dublin is quickly followed by Cork and Limerick. Clonmel has a surprisingly high rate of burglary and Waterford, Naas, Mullingar, Wexford, Tralee and Bray also make the top 10 when it comes to number of people before the local courts for burglary. Castlebar, Carrick-on-Shannon and Ballina are some of the local courts with the lowest number of people before them. Ni Mhurchu has reiterated Garda calls on people to stop posting holiday pictures on social media, which advertise that they are not at home and also to look out for any suspicious vehicles or activity on their neighbours property - in particular in very rural parts of the country during the dark winter months a peak time for the offence of burglary. Ni Mhurchu has called for a range of measures to tackle burglary including an end to the practice of letting burglars out on temporary release from prison. Thirty-eight burglars were on temporary release as of the 23rd of June 2025, according to figures provided by the Irish Prison Service. She has also called for more targeted community supports to protect communities against burglary including a doubling of funding under the Community Safety fund, more funding for community CCTV and consideration to be given to expanding grant aid schemes for security alarms to be installed in the homes of older people, in particular those who are living alone in rural Ireland. The Seniors Alert Scheme provides grant support for the supply of personal alarm equipment but not house alarms. The Community Safety Fund allows for the proceeds of crime, seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and An Garda Siochana, to be directed back into communities, in order to fund innovative local projects aimed at building stronger, safer communities. According to Ni Mhurchu, community leaders that she interacts with dont know about the fund. Read Next: REVEALED: Major new stores to open in Dundalk's Marshes Shopping Centre The 4 million funding works within communities to provide funding for things like diversion programmes for repeat and young offenders, drug awareness programmes, and restorative justice initiatives. There is also a stream of funding for community CCTV projects and Community alert support programmes. Ni Mhurchu has asked the Department of Justice to inform community groups of the 2026 funding allocation, consider doubling it and advise politicians and community leaders when the funding call opens for applications. Gardai have seized vehicles and equipment in Louth in recent weeks as part of efforts to stop illegal hare hunting. Louth Gardai - along with officers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service with the assistance of local landowners - have carried out dedicated patrols in relation to illegal hunting, particularly in relation to illegal hare hunting. The Irish hare is a protected species under the Wildlife Act; unlicensed, hunting, trapping or killing hares is illegal. Gardai say that illegal hare hunting is often associated with other criminal activities, including trespass, and criminal damage to private property. A number of people were intercepted during the operation and vehicles and suspected illegal equipment were seized. Criminal investigations are now ongoing. Gardai have said that : An Garda Siochana would like to thank both the National Parks and Wildlife Service and local landowners for their assistance. Read Next: Calling all aspiring actors Castle Players launch six-week drama workshops in Dundalk Members of the public and landowners are urged to report any suspected illegal hunting by contacting your local Garda Station, your local NPWS Office or dialling 999 or 112. NPWS can be contacted on WildlifeEnforcement@npws.gov.ie Louth County Council's decision to grant planning permission for 63 new houses in Dundalk, at a site located on the eastern side of Mount Avenue, has been appealed to An Bord Coimisiun. Moffett Investment Holdings ULC was granted conditional planning permission in December, for the development at Mount Avenue, at a site located on the eastern side of Mount Avenue and which is bounded to the north by an, at the time, under construction residential development of 93 homes, and to the south and east by agricultural fields. The proposed 63 houses are in semi-detached and terraced format ranging in height from two-three storeys. The application proposed that a single new vehicular access off Mount Avenue would be provided to serve the development, with three separate pedestrian only accesses also provided off Mount Avenue. It was also proposed to construct a pedestrian connection across the stream to adjoining residential lands to the north that are currently under construction. The planning application also provided for items including, alterations to ground levels across the site and the undergrounding of ESB powerlines; as well as public lighting; Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points and an ESB sub-station; all landscaping and boundary treatments, including the construction of retaining walls in addition to all associated site development works. Read also: Safe Routes to School works finally begin Bellurgan in north Louth Louth County Council granted planning permission on 8 December subject to 28 planning conditions. A third party appeal against the decision was lodged by Wild Ireland Defence CLG on 6 January 2026. It is not yet known when the case will be decided upon. Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, Cllr Robert Nash has called for out of hours litter wardens in Dundalk. It comes as it was revealed Dundalk had fallen nine places in the in the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey. The town ranked 34th out of 40 towns and cities. Cllr Nash told the January meeting of Dundalk Municipal District that the report was "very disappointing" and noted an increase in dumping over the Christmas period. He said there needs to be more visibility of litter wardens and said it's "too easy" for people to litter. "Cameras on the Racecourse Road were removed, and then dumping seems to have returned. Who monitors these cameras?," he asked. Read Next: Concerns raised amid claims Louth County Council are outbidding first-time buyers Cllr Nash said people were predominantly littering early hours of the morning and late at night. He said any litter patrol needs to be done out of hours. He also noted an "awful lot of rubbish and drug paraphernalia" on Quay Street, in Dundalk. The Fine Gael councillor also called for a roads crew to be sent to Peter Street weekly, and asked about the possibility of a new gate for the alleyway on the street to stop ongoing drug use. "It's happening regularly, where people are going down the alleyway using drugs and leaving syringes around," he said. However, Cllr Nash acknowledged that fire safety regulations may not permit a gate to be installed. Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Meenan said dog waste on the main street is also a huge problem. He said it is "so easy to pick up dog litter" and called it a "lousy thing to do". Patrick Callan, Executive Engineer with Louth County Council agreed that the IBAL ranking was disappointing, but said the council have already met on the issue and hope to have more regular meetings with Tidy Towns. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Children across Louth have been invited to take in part in National Pyjama Day, which takes place on February 27th. The event run by Early Childhood Ireland, has partnered with LauraLynn to raise money for the children's hospice. Last year, over 1,500 children in Louth took part in the event, raising more than 3,750 across the county. Since the event first took place in 2003, it has raised more than 4.5 million for various children's charities. Read Next: 25 face Louth courts for burglary as Ni Mhurchu highlights repeat offenders Teresa Heeney, CEO of Early Childhood Ireland said it is proud to partner LauraLynn for this year's event. "We look forward to a day when children in Louth and across Ireland come together to enjoy a day of fun, kindness and community, while this year supporting the delivery of personalised care to children with palliative and complex needs and vital supports for their families, she said. Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn, said the funds will help them to continue providing specialised care and vital family supports to children with life-limiting conditions. "Funds raised through National Pyjama Day have played a key role in our delivery of first-of-its-kind eco-learning for educators and families. With continued support, we can ensure more children are empowered on their Eco-Emotions journey," she said. Cothrom, a disability rights and equality organisation, co-founded by well-known advocates and activists, Dr Margaret Kennedy from Wicklow and Michael ODowd from Louth, is launching a nationwide campaign calling on councillors to adopt higher employment targets for people with disabilities within their local authorities, and "to lead by example where central government has fallen short". Local authorities across Ireland are being urged to take decisive action to increase the employment of people with disabilities, following what disability advocates describe as a "persistent failure of ambition, transparency, and accountability at national level". The campaign calls for, 8% employment by 2027, and 10% employment by 2030. This stands in stark contrast, Cothrom says, to the Governments recently published strategy, which maintains a 6% target until 2030, a figure Cothrom says should be regarded as a "minimum baseline, not a ceiling". Speaking ahead of the campaign launch, Michael ODowd said: The 6% figure was never intended to be an end point. It should be seen as a baseline the floor, not the ceiling. Freezing it until 2030 turns a minimum standard into a permanent limit. He added that the Government had ignored the outcome of its own consultation process, during which disability organisations and advocates explicitly called for a 10% target by 2030. Stakeholders engaged in good faith and provided clear, evidence-based feedback. That feedback was not reflected in the final strategy. This undermines trust and raises serious questions about how consultation is being used. Read also: North Louth sees significant water savings thanks to Uisce Eireann leak repairs Cothrom said that despite local authorities submitting their disability employment figures at the start of each year, the 2024 outcomes have only now been published, significantly limiting scrutiny and accountability. Councils already hold this data. Delayed publication weakens oversight, prevents timely corrective action, and undermines confidence in the system. Cothrom also highlighted what it said are structural flaws in how disability employment data is collected and interpreted, noting that survey questions and definitions of disability are not applied consistently across public bodies. If disability is defined differently from one organisation to another, the resulting figures are not genuinely comparable. That weakens national targets and makes meaningful accountability impossible. The organisation further noted that the Governments own consultation feedback report explicitly recognised that disability is not a single or uniform experience, and that different groups face distinct employment barriers: There are distinct challenges faced by people born with a disability, those who acquire a disability early in life, those who acquire a disability during their working life through illness, injury, or ageing, and those who receive a diagnosis such as autism, ADHD, or a mental health condition while already in employment. Cothrom said that these findings were not reflected in the final strategy, resulting in policies and targets that are overly blunt and insufficiently responsive to real-world barriers. While recruitment decisions are operational matters, Michael O'Dowd says that policy direction and ambition rest with elected members: Members are elected to drive and effect change. While recruitment decisions are an operational matter for management, policy direction and ambition lie with elected members. "By setting these higher targets, councillors can demonstrate genuine leadership and ensure local government reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Councillors have a mandate on issues, and they can really lead on this issue and drive for real change as they form policy which is crucial. "As part of our strategy, we are determined that there is an increase in the numbers of people with disabilities employed in local authorities to 8% by 2027 and 10% by 2030. Councillors set strategy and priorities. By adopting higher targets and demanding better data and transparency, councils can show leadership and demonstrate that inclusion is a core public value, not a box-ticking exercise. Cothrom said it will now write to all local authorities nationwide, calling on councillors to submit motions committing their councils to: Higher disability employment targets, Robust Disability Employment Implementation Plans, Timely publication of disability employment data. People with disabilities are not lacking in ability. What they face is systemic exclusion reinforced when minimum compliance is mistaken for maximum ambition. Louth residents have until Sunday 18 January at midnight, to apply for free supports from The Hares Corner, an innovative biodiversity initiative developed by the Burrenbeo Trust, a registered charity, which is coming to Louth in partnership with Louth County Council. Landowners, schools and community groups in Louth are invited to apply for support in the creation of wildlife ponds, mini-woodlands, hedgerows, mini-orchards and plans for nature on their land through the initiative, which takes its name from the old farming expression for an awkward section of a field which wasnt intensively farmed and was therefore left to nature. Louth is one of nine counties involved in The Hares Corner project this year, with the others being Limerick, Offaly, Donegal, Monaghan, Kerry, Sligo, Kilkenny and Wexford. Anyone interested in availing of the supports can apply via a simple online application form at www.theharescorner.ie. Last year, the highly successful project marked its fifth anniversary by creating 1,600 habitats for biodiversity in six counties around Ireland. Read also: Decision on Dundalk housing development appealed to An Bord Coimisiun The menu of supports available from The Hares Corner includes a mini-woodland (a mix of 50 native trees and advice), a wildlife hedge (a mix of 50 native trees and advice), a heritage orchard (five heritage apple trees and advice), a wildlife pond (hydrologist advice and some expenses towards machinery costs), and a Plan for Nature (a visit and advice from a trained Hares Corner adviser on how to enhance nature on your site). For more info on the supports and eligibility criteria please visit https://theharescorner. ie/supports/ . The website also offers practical tips, infographics and short videos aimed at helping people to create their own Hares Corners and helpful monthly Hares Corner Clinics are available online for anyone with practical questions on caring for nature. The Hares Corner in 2026 is being funded through a combination of public and private sector funding, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service's Local Biodiversity Action Fund, and is an action of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023 2030. Private funders include SSE Generation Green Community Fund, NTR PLC, Greencoat Renewables PLC, ESB and Intact Insurance. The project is also grateful for the partnership with The Heritage Council's Biodiversity Officer Programme, which is enabling biodiversity officers in each of the nine counties to provide ground support for the initiative, as well as to the Lifes2Good Foundation for their key support. The initiative is coordinated by the Burren-based Burrenbeo Trust, a registered Charity that supports people to take positive action for their local landscapes. Its flagship programmes Farming for Nature, Heritage Keepers and The Hares Corner initiated in and inspired by the Burren are spreading across the country due to their proven efficacy and demand. Ultimately, the project plans to go nationwide and welcomes interest from private and public funders to help achieve this. It is also interested in hearing from ecologists and hydrologists who have hands-on experience of working with people and nature and who would like to join The Hares Corner team as freelance advisers in their own counties. Lee Worrell, The Hare's Corner Coordinator, says: We are delighted to be in Louth for the first time in 2026. It has been heartening for us to see the amount of interest The Hares Corner generates up and down the country. "We genuinely believe that these small, tangible actions for nature can have the collective impact that we need to turn the tide on biodiversity loss while also contributing to climate resilience and the wellbeing of participants. Our hope is that The Hare's Corner will reach every county in Ireland, and we would welcome new sponsors and partners interested in helping us to keep growing the reach of The Hares Corner. Helen Hanratty, Biodiversity Officer, Louth County Council, says: We are delighted to partner with The Hares Corner project this year and to bring the opportunity to create biodiversity habitats to the people of Louth. "Many people want to do something for nature but are confused as to what they can or should do, and how to do it, and The Hares Corner meets this need by providing the encouragement, advice, and micro-funding to do it. The High Court has heard how Enoch Burke trespassed at Wilsons Hospital School the day after he was released from Mountjoy Prison. On Wednesday, a High Court judge said he should be released to prepare for a case launched against an appeals body due to review his dismissal from the Westmeath school. However, on Thursday, he appeared at the school gates along with a number of protesters. Rosemary Mallon, a barrister representing the schools board of management, made an application for short service of fresh attachment and committal proceedings against Mr Burke. As part of her application, Ms Mallon submitted an affidavit to the court that Mr Burke had trespassed, a number of feet past the gate, breaching a previous court order for him not to enter the schools grounds. She said the schools principal, Noel Cunningham, had confirmed by email that Mr Burke had arrived at the school at 9:30 and supplied a photo of him standing past the walls of the school. Mr Justice Brian Cregan told the court he had made it clear as crystal Mr Burke should not return to school. Ms Mallon said the school finds itself in the invidious position of having Mr Burke returned to the grounds around 24 hours after he was released from prison. She said a group of protesters with placards and flags who were also at the school on Thursday morning made it difficult for some teachers to access the school, but emphasised the school was not suggesting Mr Burke was responsible for them Mr Cregan noted they had a right to protest outside the school, but Ms Mallon said some of them did go past the walls, trespassing on school grounds. She said without Mr Burkes presence it would be highly doubtful there would be a protest. Mr Burke will now be informed via his personal email of the application, and another court date has been set to hear the matter on Friday afternoon, which could see him ordered to return to prison. Speaking to reporters outside the school Mr Burke said: Im coming here to do a days work, thats what Ive always done. I should never have been in prison in the first place, this is my work place, this is where I teach. 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 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. The judge had 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 and as he walked out of Mountjoy Prison on Wednesday. He repeated his comments again at the school gates on Thursday and in a tirade against the Irish judicial system and media he accused the judges in this country of telling lies. He said his case was an insult from beginning to end to the institutions of our State and a disgrace. He said he was brought to court because he simply could not address a pupil using the pronoun they, saying it was anti Christian, but as well as that, it is nonsense. 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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 The Year of the Fire Horse 2026 Feng Shui forecast is officially here, and its bringing bold energy, fast changes, and heightened emotions. According to Philippine Feng Shui Queen Marites Allen, Fire Horse 2026 marks a year of increased romance luck, stronger social visibility, and accelerated life shifts especially for people born under the Ox, Snake, and Rooster Chinese zodiac signs. In Chinese astrology and Feng Shui, 2026 activates powerful Peach Blossom luck, the energy associated with love, attraction, popularity, and meaningful social connections. This year, Peach Blossom is symbolized by the Horse, a sign linked to passion, movement, confidence, and visibility. When the Peach Blossom Horse is activated in 2026, romance and social luck naturally rise, Allen explains. For Ox, Snake, and Rooster-born individuals, this can support love, marriage opportunities, better relationships, and stronger professional connections. While Peach Blossom luck is often associated with dating and romance, Feng Shui teaches that it also governs networking, charm, communication skills, and public influence. This makes the Fire Horse year 2026 especially favorable for professionals in leadership, sales, business, media, and public-facing roles. Fire Horse 2026 Feng Shui Energy: Fast Changes and Emotional Intensity The Year of the Fire Horse officially begins on February 17, 2026, ushering in speed, decisiveness, and emotional intensity. In Feng Shui, Fire Horse years accelerate transitions already in motion pushing people to act quickly, adapt faster, and make life-changing decisions. However, with increased speed comes emotional sensitivity. Allen cautions that Rat-born individuals may experience relationship challenges due to clash energy, while Horse-born individuals face a self-penalty year that intensifies inner pressure and restlessness. This doesnt mean relationship failure, Allen says. It means misunderstandings happen faster if emotions arent managed. To stay aligned during Fire Horse 2026, Allen recommends calm communication, emotional regulation, and intentional daily habits. Traditional Feng Shui practices may also activate Peach Blossom luck through the South sector, the Horse direction, or through wearable symbolic support, depending on personal Feng Shui charts. Peach Blossom luck creates opportunity, Allen adds. But the quality of relationships still depends on the choices you make. You can get your charms or wearable symbolic support and Feng Shu cures at Frigga Charmed Life. Fire Horse 2026 and Conscious Living in a Fast-Changing World As technology, artificial intelligence, and automation continue to reshape careers and lifestyles, the Fire Horse 2026 Feng Shui cycle highlights the importance of conscious living. More people are now seeking clarity, balance, and purpose not just financial success. Fire Horse years move fast, Allen explains. When the world accelerates, consciousness must deepen. Preparation is no longer optional its essential. Her 2026 Feng Shui guidance focuses on helping individuals navigate career changes, relationship transitions, wellness goals, and personal reinvention with awareness rather than urgency. Chinese Zodiac 2026 Predictions & Lucky Colors to Wear While the Fire Horse sets the overall Feng Shui energy for 2026, how it manifests depends on your Chinese zodiac sign. Each sign experiences the year differently and wearing the right lucky colors for 2026 helps balance energy, attract opportunities, and reduce stress. Below is the complete Fire Horse 2026 Chinese Zodiac Forecast with lucky colors: 2026 ANNUAL FORECAST by Marites Allen With the Fire Horse setting the overall tone for the year, how this energy shows up in your life depends on your Chinese zodiac sign. Each sign experiences the Fire Horse differently some receive momentum, others face lessons, and many are called to slow down and realign. In Feng Shui, color plays a powerful role in balancing yearly energy. The right colors can calm heightened emotions, attract opportunity, and protect against unnecessary stress. Below is a sign-by-sign look at what 2026 brings plus the lucky colors to wear to stay aligned throughout the year. RAT Growth Through the Plot Twist Year Lucky Colors: Navy Blue, Black, Pearl White RAT 2026 (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020) The Year of the Fire Horse places Rat-born individuals in a direct clash year, a Feng Shui condition that highlights movement, change, and emotional testing. This does not indicate bad luck, but rather a year where flexibility, awareness, and adaptability become essential. Situations may shift unexpectedly, requiring you to reassess priorities and respond with maturity rather than urgency. Progress is still possible, but it comes through patience, reflection, and steady effort rather than force. This year encourages inner growth, self-discipline, and wiser decision-making, preparing you for stronger opportunities ahead. OX Quiet Rebuild, Stronger Foundation Lucky Colors: Earth Brown, Warm Beige, Olive Green OX 2026 (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021) The Year of the Fire Horse brings a period of steady adjustment and reflection for Ox-born individuals. While this is not a clash year, it is a time that encourages reassessment, learning, and measured progress. Situations may require patience and a willingness to adapt rather than relying solely on routines or past strategies. Growth in 2026 comes through experience, discipline, and a calm response to change. When expectations are managed wisely, this year can help the Ox strengthen foundations and prepare for more dynamic cycles ahead. TIGER Power Needs Control Lucky Colors: Deep Blue, Teal, Silver TIGER 2026 (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022) The Year of the Fire Horse brings an active and demanding energy for Tiger-born individuals. This year highlights movement, decision-making, and the need for greater self-control. While opportunities may present themselves, progress depends on how well impulses are managed. Acting too quickly or emotionally may lead to unnecessary complications. 2026 encourages Tigers to slow down, think strategically, and choose responses carefully. When awareness and discipline are applied, this year can become a period of learning, recalibration, and personal strengthening. RABBIT Wealth, Recognition & Smooth Wins Lucky Colors: Gold, Ivory, Blush Pink RABBIT 2026 (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023) The Year of the Fire Horse marks a strong wealth and success cycle for Rabbit-born individuals. This year supports recognition, financial growth, and smoother progress in personal and professional pursuits. Opportunities to increase income or improve material stability may arise more naturally, often through existing skills, networks, or past efforts. When aligned properly, results can come with less resistance than usual. However, this favorable momentum also calls for awareness, as increased activity brings greater responsibility. 2026 encourages Rabbits to enjoy success while remaining grounded, attentive, and prudent in their choices. DRAGON Long-Term Prosperity Mode Lucky Colors: Royal Purple, Sapphire Blue, White DRAGON 2026 (1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024) The Year of the Fire Horse is a significant and favorable period for Dragon-born individuals, as it is supported by the Future Prosperity Star in Feng Shui. This star is associated with long-term growth, rising influence, and opportunities that build lasting success rather than instant results. While progress may not always appear immediate, the year encourages Dragons to focus on vision, positioning, and decisions that shape the future. When approached with discipline and clarity, 2026 becomes a year of planting strong foundations for wealth, recognition, and sustained advancement. SNAKE Silent Moves, Strategic Growth Lucky Colors: Emerald Green, Chocolate Brown, Champagne SNAKE 2026 (1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025) The Year of the Fire Horse brings a quietly favorable cycle for Snake-born individuals, supported by the presence of the Future Prosperity Star. In Feng Shui, this star signifies opportunities that grow over time through wise planning, foresight, and well-timed decisions rather than immediate rewards. For the Snake, 2026 is a year where progress unfolds subtly. Results may not always be obvious at first, but strategic moves made now can shape long-term success. This year encourages patience, clarity, and careful positioning, allowing prosperity to develop steadily and sustainably. HORSE Your Year, Handle With Care Lucky Colors: Sky Blue, Mint Green, White HORSE 2026 (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026) The Year of the Fire Horse is a sensitive and demanding cycle for Horse-born individuals, as it combines a self-penalty year with the influence of the Misfortune Star in Feng Shui. This combination highlights internal pressure, restlessness, and a tendency toward dissatisfaction if energy is not well managed. The Misfortune Star is traditionally associated with repeated disruptions, instability, and a feeling that matters require more effort than usual. This does not indicate unavoidable misfortune, but it does signal the need for caution, grounding, and conscious balance. Progress is still possible, but it comes through restraint, awareness, and deliberate pacing rather than force or speed. SHEEP Protect Your Peace Lucky Colors: Taupe, Cream, Soft Blue SHEEP 2026 (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2027) The Year of the Fire Horse places Sheep-born individuals in a year that requires greater caution and self-protection. The presence of the Robbery and Loss Star indicates heightened vulnerability to unexpected disruptions, carelessness, or physical strain if awareness is lacking. This does not mean misfortune is unavoidable, but it does signal the need to slow down, remain attentive, and avoid unnecessary risks. Progress in 2026 comes through prudence, emotional composure, and making safety a priority. This year encourages awareness, restraint, and a more grounded approach to daily life. MONKEY Think First, Move Smart Lucky Colors: Navy Blue, Metallic Gray, Jade Green MONKEY 2026 (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028) The Year of the Fire Horse brings a year of caution and alert decision-making for Monkey-born individuals. This year is influenced by the presence of the Robbery Star, which in Feng Shui is associated with loss, disputes, injury, or situations arising from carelessness or misplaced trust. This does not indicate inevitable problems, but it does signal the need for vigilance, discipline, and responsible behavior. Progress in 2026 is possible when actions are well-considered and risks are minimized. This year encourages maturity, foresight, and better judgment in both personal and external matters. ROOSTER Communication Is the Lesson Lucky Colors: White, Soft Yellow, Light Blue ROOSTER 2026 (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029) The Year of the Fire Horse places Rooster-born individuals under the influence of a Misunderstanding and Conflict Star, a Feng Shui indication that highlights tension in communication, differing viewpoints, and heightened sensitivity in interactions. This does not suggest inevitable problems, but it does indicate that peace and harmony may be more easily disturbed if words and actions are not handled carefully. Situations may escalate quickly when emotions run high or when assumptions are made without clarity. Progress in 2026 depends on restraint, diplomacy, and conscious effort to maintain balance. This year encourages maturity, patience, and thoughtful responses to avoid unnecessary disputes. DOG Supported, But Balance Is Key Lucky Colors: Muted Red, Forest Green, Off-White DOG 2026 (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030) The Year of the Fire Horse brings a generally supportive and encouraging cycle for Dog-born individuals, as the Horse is considered a friendly ally to the Dog in Chinese metaphysics. This relationship enhances networking luck, cooperation, and the likelihood of receiving help from others. Opportunities may arise through social connections, partnerships, or being introduced to the right people at the right time. However, alongside this positive momentum, the presence of the Illness Star reminds Dog-born individuals to balance activity with self-care. Progress in 2026 comes from making use of strong support systems while remaining mindful of personal well-being. BOAR Slow, Steady, Sustainable Growth Lucky Colors: Powder Blue, Sage Green, Soft White BOAR 2026 (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031) The Year of the Fire Horse presents a mixed but manageable cycle for Boar-born individuals. While the Horses active and restless energy may feel demanding, it also encourages growth through adaptability and emotional maturity. In 2026, Boar-born individuals are also influenced by the Illness Star, which signals the need to pay closer attention to physical well-being and energy management. This does not indicate serious health problems, but it does suggest that fatigue or minor ailments may arise if rest and balance are neglected. Progress this year comes from pacing yourself, setting clear priorities, and maintaining inner calm amid change. Final Feng Shui Tip for Fire Horse 2026 The Fire Horse 2026 Feng Shui year offers speed, opportunity, romance luck, and transformation but only for those who move with awareness. Aligning with your Chinese zodiac forecast, managing emotions, and wearing your lucky colors in 2026 can help you navigate the year with clarity and confidence. Fire Horse 2026 Signals a New Era of Digital Guidance and Conscious Retreat Living As the Year of the Fire Horse 2026 begins on February 17, its fast, high-visibility energy signals a global shift toward speed, constant decision-making, and rapid transformation. In response, Philippine Feng Shui Queen Marites Allen is introducing two forward-looking initiatives designed to help people stay grounded amid the acceleration: DESTARA, her new digital Feng Shui guidance platform, and the expansion of her private island retreat and wellness sanctuary in El Nido, Palawan. DESTARA is built for a world shaped by AI and automation, offering structured Feng Shui insights on timing, personal energy cycles, and conscious choiceshelping users move with clarity, not chaos, in an increasingly digital life. Balancing this digital guidance is Allens long-preserved island sanctuary in El Nido, a nature-based retreat designed for deep rest, reflection, and energetic renewal. Surrounded by pristine beaches, clear waters, coral reefs, and ancient trees, the retreat reflects Feng Shuis belief that nature is essential for restoring balanceespecially during intense cycles like the Fire Horse year. Together, DESTARA and the retreat form a complete Feng Shui lifestyle approach: digital clarity for daily decisions, and intentional pauses in nature for inner recalibration. As the world moves faster, Allen emphasizes that true preparation in 2026 isnt just externalits about alignment, awareness, and conscious living. Chinese New Year traditions you can follow for good luck. Crime writing is experiencing a heyday in Ireland, with Cork authors like Catherine Kirwan. Kevin Doyle, and Catherine Ryan Howard at the forefront of the charge. Crime writing has long held a strong appeal for readers, and its popularity in County Cork reflects both a global fascination with the genre and a local appetite for compelling storytelling, says poet, creative writing facilitator, and co-founder of the Wild Atlantic Way Writers Consultancy, Matthew Geden. Now a Crime Writing Workshop and Murder Mystery Dinner is taking place in Cork next month, to tap into this passion. Other Irish crime writers to have gained popularity in recent years include John Connelly, Tana French, Declan Burke, and Liz Nugent. Readers are drawn to crime fiction because it combines narrative drive with intellectual engagement: a mystery to solve, a puzzle to unravel, and a sense of order restored at the end, explains Matthew. In Cork, where oral storytelling traditions, strong local character, and an awareness of place remain central to cultural life, crime writing offers a way to explore human behaviour, moral choice, and social change through gripping narratives. The Crime Writing Workshop takes place at Courtmacsherry Hotel on Saturday, February 21. The participating writers are Kevin Doyle and Louise Hegarty. It is followed by a Murder Mystery Dinner. The event is organised by the Wild Atlantic Way Writers Consultancy. What many readers enjoy most about crime writing is its accessibility, Matthew said. Unlike some literary forms, crime fiction invites immediate immersion, encouraging readers to follow clues, question motives, and anticipate outcomes. Co-founder of the Wild Atlantic Way Writers Consultancy, Matthew Geden, says crime writing is accessible. It creates an active relationship between writer and reader, where the audience becomes part of the investigation. This participatory quality, combined with suspense and pacing, makes crime writing especially engaging across a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Matthew says crime writing also differs from other forms of writing through its structure and discipline. Plot is paramount, requiring careful construction, logical progression, and a balance between revelation and concealment. At the same time, the best crime writing goes beyond the puzzle, using crime as a lens to examine society, justice, power, and personal vulnerability. Contemporary crime fiction often reflects real-world concerns, making it both entertaining and socially resonant, he said. The enduring popularity of Agatha Christies The Mousetrap demonstrates the timeless appeal of these elements. The play succeeds because of its elegant plotting, memorable characters, and perfectly paced suspense. Audiences delight in being misled, surprised, and ultimately rewarded with a clever resolution. Its closed setting, universal themes, and emphasis on human psychology ensure that it remains as compelling today as when it first premiered, continuing to captivate audiences generation after generation, he added. The Golden Age of Crime Writing is generally regarded as between 1920 to 1939. This era saw the likes of Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie being published, says editor and co-founder of the Kinsale-based Wild Atlantic Way Writers Consultancy, Isobel Creed. These created a template for detective fiction set against the backdrop of an English country house. During this time, a set of conventions were established for the whodunnits which were popularised by writers such as Agatha Christie. The rules of detective fiction were set down in 1929 by Ronald Knox in his Ten Commandments. Famous crime writers from the literary canon include Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammet, Patricia Highsmith, PD James, Elmore Leonard, James Patterson, Lee Child, Val McDermid, Gillian Flynn, Harlen Coben and Ian Rankin. Crime writing is perennially popular because it enables the reader to look to the darker underbelly of the world in a way that is safe and controlled, said Isobel. There will always be a fascination with transgression and death. Crime literature allows the reader to see through the eyes of characters they would be afraid to encounter in real life. It also engages the reader in solving a puzzle. This provides an immediate hook in the novel. The conventions of locked room mysteries provide a template which means the reader doesnt experience any shocks, so this style of crime novel is peculiarly comforting. Novelist Louise Hegarty, author of Fair Play, said: I think, for most crime writers, they wish to write something that on the one hand is thrilling and engaging while on the other hand grapples with the human condition or adds social commentary. I suspect most crime writers start with the ending first: deciding what the crime is, the identity of the killer and what is their motive. Then, building the world around that conclusion: the suspects, clues, and red herrings. Its difficult to fully know where ideas come from, she added. Sometimes, they can be instantaneous - a flash of inspiration - but a lot of the time it is the culmination of ideas and thoughts and events over the space of several years (or indeed, a lifetime). I have always been a fan of detective novels and though I never imagined writing one, it is a genre that I understand well. As regards her novel Fair Play, Louises influences included watching The Singing Detective on TV as a child and coming across the 1973 film The Last of Sheila. I had been thinking a lot about narratives and the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of the world, especially when something shocking or difficult to understand has occurred. As she started to explore these ideas a little more, she realised the familiar structure of a whodunnit created the perfect environment to explore emotions around death and grief. Louise concluded that she finds that having a good outline to begin with, and having an idea of the ending, is very helpful when writing. You really find a novel during the writing process, but having a path to follow and something to aim for makes the process easier. The Health Service Executives (HSE) South West will hold several free walk-in flu vaccination clinics for children in Cork this month. The HSE is encouraging uptake of the childrens nasal flu vaccine (LAIV), as it is a quick and painless procedure that is administered in both nostrils, and provides strong and effective protection against the spread of viral illnesses. The vaccine is aimed at children between the ages of two years old and 17 years old. Dr Rebecca Marshall, specialist registrar in public health medicine, said the flu can be serious for children and those around them. These walk-in clinics offer an accessible way to ensure children are protected and to help reduce the spread of flu in our communities, said Dr Marshall. Clinics will take place at the Blackrock Hall Primary Care Centre from 1pm to 5pm and the Bantry Vaccination Centre from 3pm to 4pm on Thursday, January 15. At the Ballincollig Primary Care Centre from 1pm to 5pm on Friday, January 16; St Marys Primary Care Centre and Mallow Primary Care Centre, from 1pm to 5pm, and at the Kinsale Primary Care Centre from 3pm to 4pm, on January 19; and at St Finbarrs Hospital from 9am to 1pm on Monday, January 20. The clinics come as HSE hospitals and medical facilities across Cork and Kerry faced significant strain over the winter period, with high numbers of flu cases further predicted throughout January. According to the HSE, during December, there were more than 600 flu cases recorded across the South West region and more than 100 hospital admissions. Corks local authorities have both said they are considering the use of social media platform X over revelations that its Grok AI bot has been generating nude images, including ones of children. It comes as a senior member of An Garda Siochana told an Oireachtas media committee hearing yesterday that there are currently 200 reports being investigated by gardai in relation to the platform that are potentially indicative of containing child sexual abuse material. A spokesperson for Cork City Council told The Echo they are very conscious of the broader debate about the role of X in the age of AI-driven platforms like Grok. But even before that debate started, the city council had begun to shift away from X as a key channel of communication, focusing instead on platforms that better support rich content and community interaction. Despite this shift, X remains for many people a source for real-time communication especially for live weather updates and traffic alerts and the city council uses the platform today mostly for such live alerts, the spokesperson added. They added that the matter is being kept under review. Concerns Cork County Council said: While X remains one of the platforms for delivering real-time updates on severe weather events and local authority services, Cork County Council is mindful of recent developments in AI technology associated with X that have raised concerns. As part of our ongoing review, the councils use of X will be considered within the framework of a broader communications strategy, which is currently being updated. Meanwhile, calls have been made for politicians and government departments to remove themselves from the platform. Cork TD Padraig OSullivan told The Echo: If people continue to choose to have personal accounts on X, then thats a matter for themselves. But, given the conduct of the platform in recent times, I think consideration should be given by official departmental accounts to review their presence on X. In the Dail this week, Cork TD and Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns read out just some of the vile prompts given to Grok, saying that it has generated hundreds of thousands of abusive images. She shared some examples: @grok Put her in a bikini and rub her down with baby oil; @grok Replace her outfit with dental floss; @grok Have one of them grab her boobs from behind and the other one put his hand under her skirt while kissing her. Report incidents Taoiseach Micheal Martin said that the public should report these incidents, in the first instance to An Garda Siochana, adding that the Attorney General is providing advice on the issue. I want a rigorous examination of that. Then, if there are any gaps at all in the law and there may be for those to be addressed quickly, he said. Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh confirmed at yesterdays Oireachtas committee meeting that An Garda Siocana has received reports and referrals of content on X that are under investigation. However, he said that the process takes some time. He said the investigative process may result in various different actions, such as execution of warrants, interviewing people responsible, and possible prosecutions. 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, Supt Walsh said. All of these are related to Grok. He encouraged anyone who is a victim of these crimes to contact their local garda station or report it online at https://hotline.ie. More than 1,000 Cork SIPTU members working as Health Care Assistants (HCAs) in the HSE Home Support Service have voted overwhelmingly for strike action, with a Cork representative saying this will have an effect on hospital overcrowding. HCAs in Cork and Kerry as well as Donegal, Clare and Limerick, were balloted and voted by a 95% mandate for industrial action, up to and including strike action, in a dispute arising from their employers failure to honour national agreements on terms and conditions. The issues which remain unresolved include underpayments dating back to 2018, and the non-implementation of rostering agreements. There are also ongoing breaches of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, resulting in worker burnout due to excessive split shifts and inadequate breaks. Natasha Linehan Treacy, a Cork representative in the SIPTU Health Division told The Echo: Our strike committee will meet shortly and serve a 21 days notice on the HSE, as is required for health settings. Unacceptable work conditions have gone on far too long, its nothing to do with pay, its about the terms and conditions, split shifts, inadequate breaks and rostering issues leading to burnout. She said an agreement was made in 2018, and a further one at the Workplace Commission in May of last year, but in six months the HSE hasnt even tried to implement it. Were hoping that HSE South West (Cork and Kerry) will come to the table and negotiate it with us, because striking is the last thing our members want to do." They serve such vulnerable people, and it will cause huge build up in the hospitals. People wont be able to be discharged as theres no step-down services." It comes as Corks three hospitals were struggling with overcrowding this month, with 556 people having been treated on trolleys in Cork University Hospital, 174 in Mercy University Hospital and 73 in Bantry General Hospital in January The Echo recently revealed that nearly 900 people in Cork are on a waiting list for home support, the longest home help waiting list in Ireland, due to retirements outstripping recruitment in the sector. In 2024, more than 160 home support staff in Cork and Kerry resigned or retired but there were only a little more than 100 new staff recruited. Ms Linehan Treacy said: Our members are out working in all weather conditions, going down lanes and up boreens and ditches and even checking in on some clients during red weather warnings. Theyre very dedicated and they dont want to do this, but they cant keep going like this. We need to be able to retain staff and recruit new people into the service. The Echo contacted the HSE for comment. Restarting the Dunkettle interchange video livestream would require garda permission, Cork City Council has said. The traffic live stream at the interchange was disabled in April. Video streams were previously available on a dedicated website and app, informing motorists of traffic conditions. Cork City Council initially installed the cameras. They were overseen by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, which told The Echo that the live streams had been disabled as part of an ongoing review of their use 12 months after the completion of the interchange upgrade. Read More Cork Traffic: Dunkettle live stream disabled pending review At Mondays council meeting, Labour councillor Peter Horgan proposed that the authority seek the costings to adopt the operation of the Dunkettle traffic app to ensure the camera feeds on the app are restarted and maintained. The live stream previously made motorists aware of traffic incidents in the Jack Lynch Tunnell and the Dunkettle Interchange. Picture: Eddie O'Hare He suggested looking at funding streams from the Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and the National Transport Authority to offset the cost. Noel Murtagh, director of local area development and operations, said: An Garda Siochana have got an independent CCTV system located around the city centre to monitor and react to incidents, events, and antisocial behaviour. This is separate and not shared with Cork City Council, for GDPR reasons. Any expansion of the current garda CCTV system in public spaces would require permission under Section 27 of the Garda Siochana (Recording Devices) Act 2023. He said this would involve the Garda commissioner authorising the installation and operation of CCTV, saying any specific request for additional CCTV coverage should be discussed at the Joint Policing Committee. Mr Horgan told The Echo that something needed to be done to ease pressure on commuters caused by traffic in the area. We need to ensure that we have the best transport system that allows flows of traffic, its not good enough for the passing of the parcel on a near-monthly basis now, he said. A 59-year-old man who squared up to gardai during a drunken incident in Cork city and verbally abused them has been given an eight-week suspended sentence. Alan Healy, of Cork Simon Community, appeared at Cork District Court, where he pleaded guilty to being so intoxicated that he was a danger to himself or others and to 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 that when he was released from a prison sentence around this time in October and did not have any immediate arrangements for accommodation. 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 assisting him, Mr Buttimer said. Sergeant Gearoid Davis said that on October 10, gardai observed two males acting aggressively on Patrick Street. Gardai spoke with both parties. Alan Healy, of no fixed address, was intoxicated and became abusive in front of members of the public, he said. Alan Healy told gardai to f**k 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. In a second incident in the city centre around this time, gardai received a report of a male 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, Sgt Davis said. This male was identified as Alan Healy and was subsequently arrested and charged by Garda Aoife McCarthy. A small Cork city centre theatre with a big heart is starting its golden jubilee celebrations next month with the first in a series of three contemporary plays. Cork Arts Theatre opens its 50th anniversary year with Infinity, written by Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch, and directed by Julie Kelleher. Director Julie Kelleher. Picture: Brid O'Donovan The play features three very different people, a mathematician, a musician, and a theoretical physicist, who are exploring themes of love, science and family. Timmy Creed plays Elliot, Martha Dunlea is Carmen, and Blaithin MacGabhann is Sarah Jean and their intertwining stories make for an illuminating, funny, and shocking play about love, sex, and science. The play is the first of three contemporary presentations, produced with Arts Council funding under the banner Re:Directing, and will be followed by Constellations by Nick Payne in June, presented in partnership with Cork Midsummer Festival, and Girl in the Machine by Stef Smith in Autum 2026. Infinity runs at Cork Arts Theatre from Wednesday 5th February Saturday 14th February 2026. Tickets are available now from https://tinyurl.com/y7a3rjcb. Cork County Council is demanding that the Department of Education open promised playing pitches at the countys largest school campus. It has been described as absolutely criminal that around 1,500 students still have no access to grass pitches, which were supposed to have been created as part of the campus planning permission when it opened nearly two years ago. The Cobh Municipal District Council, which is in charge of the Carrigtwohill area, wrote to the department about this, but has received no reply. In frustration, its members sought full council backing to put pressure on the department, winning unanimous cross-party support. Carrigtwohill-based Fine Gael councillor Anthony Barry said that the council previously received permission for the two primary schools and one secondary school campus on the basis that grassed playing pitches would be developed. The department then said the pitches were in floodplains and this could not be done but later accepted the need to develop them. Yet nearly a year on from that, nothing has happened. Once the schools reach capacity, they will have 2,000 pupils. This is likely to occur quickly as the population in the area is growing rapidly. Mr Barry said that even from when he was a child he could not remember the 3.5 acres earmarked for the pitches ever flooding. Even if we had another Storm Babet and they did flood, it would be for just a couple of days, he said. To look at that field with a chain on the entrance to it is absolutely criminal. Clearly the department is dragging its heels on this. "I hope that the new minister for education, Hildegarde Naughton, will push this on. In the current environment, when we are encouraging our young people to be more active and engage in outdoor activities, it is maddening to see this field lying idle. Fine Gael councillor Sinead Sheppard said it was totally unacceptable that such a huge school campus did not have grass pitches. Fianna Fail councillor Patrick Mulcahy, a member of the secondary schools board of management, described the situation as highly frustrating. He added that a number of Dail questions had been put to the department on what progress was being made on developing the pitches, and the replies were vague. Fianna Fail councillor Gillian Coughlan, chairwoman of Cork ETB, said she was shocked to hear of the delay and described it as not good enough. She added that in her capacity her office would do anything it could to put pressure on the department to develop the pitches. The Mayor of County Cork Mary Linehan Foley said it was unacceptable that the department had not replied to the Cobh municipal council. 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 in total. Other major recipients in Cork include Cork Midsummer Festival (497,000), the Irish Association of Youth Orchestras (350,000), and Cork International Film Festival (285,000). Overall in Ireland, the Abbey Theatre will receive the largest amount at 9.5m, while Irish National Opera was awarded 5.53m. Other recipients in Munster include Waterford Spraoi (450,000), and Dance Limerick (294,000). Minister for culture, communications and sport, Patrick ODonovan said: 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. This round of funding represents more than half of the Arts Councils annual investment, with further awards for 2026 announced later, including allocations for disability access. Fifteen organisations in Co Cork which received funding: 1. Cork International Film Festival 285,000. 2. Irish Association of Youth Orchestras 350,000. 3. The Firkin Crane 232,000. 4. Cork Midsummer Festival 497,000. 5. Munster Literature Centre 246,000. 6. West Cork Music 510,000. 7. Cork Printmakers 93,990. 8. Lewis Glucksman Gallery 153,500. 9. National Sculpture Factory Cork 353,200. 10. Sirius Arts Centre 135,000. 11. Triskel Arts Centre 253,000. 12. The Everyman 500,000. 13. West Cork Arts Centre 300,000. 14. Cork City Council 104,000. 15. Cork County Council 95,000. Friends of the man on trial for murdering 28-year-old Bruna Fonseca in Cork on New Years Day 2023 testified on Thursday about the accused telling them that morning by phone, "I killed Bruna", and showing them on the phones screen the deceased lying on a bed. The trial of Miller Pacheco will continue on Friday 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. Pedro Enriquez Eduardo, a best friend of the accused, testified by video link from Brazil today that Miller sent him a video of Bruna kissing another person that New Years Eve. Pedro said that Miller said during a phone call: Forgive me, brother, you was the best of us you and Felipe (another friend since childhood). In a video call, Pedro said Miller looked normal. I think Felipe asked where was Bruna. And he said, I killed Bruna, Pedro said. He said Miller said this about 15 minutes into the phone call. We could not believe it so he went and showed us Bruna lying on the bed and she was covered by a blanket. Felipe turned his face away so he did not see it She was lying on her belly, her back was up. Her hair covered her face, the blanket covering her up to her shoulders, Pedro said. Bruna Fonseca. Pedro and Felipe and Felipes wife, Ludmilla Milo Faria, kept talking to Miller until gardai arrived. Pedro told defence senior counsel, Ray Boland, he had never seen him being violent in his life. Felipe Peroni recalled Miller sending a message: I am sorry, there is no way to come back. He said he thought this was a reference to returning to Brazil. I remember we telling him he should come back to Brazil. Then he said to us he killed Bruna. We got into shock. We could not believe it We were afraid he might commit suicide, Felipe said. Ludmilla testified about Miller telling them he killed Bruna. She said: We were trying to keep him busy and talking to us so he would not make another mistake. Katia Silva testimony Witness Katia Silva told Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford and the jury of seven women and five men that she met Miller for about 40 minutes on Christmas Day 2022. Asked what he said about Bruna, Katia said: He was angry, upset, frustrated He said Bruna does not care about his feelings, she is very selfish. He called her bad names I dont want to say the names. Katia said he also spoke about the Argentinian young man who was seeing Bruna. She testified: He said he wants to kill him I will kill this guy I did not meet him (Argentinian man) but Bruna talked to me about him. The witness said there were flirting text messages being sent between them (Bruna and the Argentinian man) and that Miller saw these messages on Brunas phone. I told him (Miller) to move on. When I was talking with Miller he asked had she been with anyone else. I said, 'Maybe yes but she is single, leave her alone', Katia said, adding that she did not go to the New Years Eve party in the Oyster Tavern herself but she knew that Bruna was very happy about going to it. Ray Boland cross-examined the witness in detail about her evidence that Miller said he was going to "kill" the Argentinian man. Mr Boland said that was not what she said in her statement to gardai, in which she said that Miller told her: I am not going to let the guy get away with it, I am going to get him, and that he did not say the word, kill. Mr Boland reminded her that she even clarified in her garda statement that by "get", she thought he meant that he would hit the other man and did not mean any more than that. Katia said at the end of questioning from Mr Boland and from the judge on this issue: I did alert Bruna because I thought something stronger could happen. Alafo Morais testimony Witness Alafo Morais described the community of Brazilians in Cork as mutually supportive in getting work and accommodation. He said he met Bruna at a Halloween party in 2022. He said that at the New Years Eve party in the Oyster Tavern, he and Bruna were dancing and kissing. I saw this guy staring at me, flower (fluorescent images) on his T-shirt, his eyes. I did not understand. I did not know what it was. He was staring at me In Brazil, people dont stare at you for no reason, Alafo testified. Recalling his interaction with Bruna at the party he said: I was kissing her, hugging her and talking about the new year. Leticia Souza testimony Leticia Souza testified that she was talking to Bruna on December 27, 2022: She was very upset and sad about everything that was going on between her and Miller. Leticia saw Miller staring at Bruna and Alafo at the New Years Eve party, and that Miller looked a bit angry and was standing close to them. Asked how Bruna reacted, Leticia said: She was scared because she did not expect him to be there. Very, very scared. The trial continues. Cork actor Dermot Crowley is a giant of stage and screen. He has performed in theatres around the world, appeared in films including Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi, and starred alongside Idris Elba for five seasons of the BBC hit series Luther. Now, he can be seen in the much-praised short film Brown Bread, written and directed by two-time Emmy-nominated journalist-turned-film-maker Shaunagh Connaire. The film follows Aine (Katie McGrath) who returns home from a successful career in New York for a family event, but receives a cold welcome from her mother, who cant accept that Aine has chosen her career over a life in Ireland. Crowley plays Aines father, while Fionnula Flanagan takes on the role of her disapproving mother. Crowley has worked with many great directors, so how did he feel about working with a first-time film-maker? I had no doubt whatsoever. When I was asked to do it, my agent sent a pack of vision, and I have never seen anything more professional in my life, he said. It summarised the films story. It had shots of what it might look like. I knew then that if the film is even half as good as the pitch, its going to be terrific. The crew that Shaunagh assembled were all on top of their game. She surrounded herself with very good people, which is a very smart move. I absolutely loved working on it. While Aines mother struggles with her daughters choices, Crowley says her father, Seamus, is proud of his successful offspring. Hes a feminist. Hes incredibly proud of his daughter. He has been able to let her go, which is a great gift to give to your children. Essentially, its a film about love and loss, and the effects of emigration, both the successes and joys of it, and the emotional wounds it may inflict on families as well. Before moving into film-making, Connaire served as Director of Communications and Media for George and Amal Clooney. What does Crowley think about working on a project that may have caught Clooneys attention? I didnt realise until I started working with Shaunagh, and it didnt come from her that she had an association with George Clooney, said Crowley. Hes a highly respected guy, a major industry figure, and if shes good enough for him, shes certainly good enough for me. Connaire drew deeply on her own experience of emigration when writing the script, resulting in what Crowley describes as a fresh and original perspective on the emigration stories we typically encounter. Its totally refreshing. Shaunagh has lived that life; shes an immensely successful woman who emigrated from Ireland and has made her mark worldwide. The old way of thinking about emigration is outdated because, on so many occasions, times have been so hard in Ireland that entire generations had to go. Today, it is wonderful to see young people being able to go and make their way around brilliantly in all sorts of ways in the world. Crowley can relate to the film as he emigrated for work in 1968. I left Cork a long time ago, although I go back a lot because I have a house down in the Beara Peninsula, which is the joy of my life. My career took me to London and kept me there for many years, though Ive returned to Ireland to work. Of course, there are things that happen, if your parents become ill, which, in my case, they did, and that was very difficult. You have to balance your career with your personal life. At the end of the day, the personal is more important. The actor says the profession is all-consuming, but he takes a different approach to it now. Acting is all-consuming, particularly in the theatre. Film and television, you do a couple of days here, you might have a week off there, but theatre is different. I did Peter Shaffers play Amadeus years ago. It played for 18 months, eight shows a week. That was very tough, and I wouldnt do that again, because working like that is a young mans game. Brown Bread is produced by Corks Julie Ryan, and Crowley says he loves to work with fellow Corkonians. Julie is such a great producer. Being from Cork is so unique. There is an immediate camaraderie. All you have to do is say one or two phrases, and you both know exactly where you are coming from. Crowley recalls his love affair with the Beara Peninsula began while filming Falling For A Dancer, the adaptation of Deirdre Purcells acclaimed novel. I was born in Cork, but I had never been to West Cork. My dad was from Kanturk, my mother was from Kerry, so our holidays were usually in Fermoy or Killarney. When I was offered Falling For A Dancer, it truly took my breath away when I arrived on the Beara Peninsula. During the shoot, we had plenty of time off, which I spent driving around, hoping to find somewhere to buy. I remember calling my wife, Suzanne, and telling her, I cant leave this place behind. It had such an effect on me. Crowley found the perfect spot and has been going there as often as possible for over 20 years. Im forever grateful to the late, great Deirdre Purcell for writing Falling For A Dancer, which allowed me to buy a small plot right in the heart of one of Irelands most beautiful villages and build a house. Brown Bread is available to stream on Disney +. 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. Sean McCarthaigh George Nkencho was tasered twice before being fatally wounded by armed gardai in the driveway of his home in west Dublin, while it was claimed members of his family tried to alert officers that their brother had mental health issues, an inquest has heard. A sitting of Dubin District Coroners Court heard detailed evidence for the first time of the fatal incident outside Mr Nkenchos family home at Manorfields Drive, Clonee, Co Dublin, on December 30th, 2020, shortly after he had been involved in a disturbance at a nearby supermarket. The third day of the inquest on Thursday heard that the deceased continued to wave a knife in an extremely aggressive manner even after being shot by members of the Garda Armed Support Unit (ASU), and when tasers appeared to have had no effect on him. It also emerged that Garda units dispatched to investigate reports about the incident at the Eurospar outlet in Hartstown were made aware that the individual who had assaulted a store manager had severe mental health issues 10 minutes before he was shot by members of the ASU. 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. However, the DPP directed that no prosecution should arise over the circumstances of Mr Nkenchos death following an investigation by Fiosru, previously known as the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission. One of the first gardai to respond to reports of the incident at the Eurospar store, Garda Desmond Mulvihill, gave evidence that he had been alerted about what happened at 12:15pm. Because he was alone in a patrol car and the case was classified as an armed incident, Garda Mulvihill said he waited for support to arrive before he and two other gardai in an unmarked vehicle followed Mr Nkencho to a green area at the Cherryfield estate Garda Mulvihill said he had recognised Mr Nkencho from previous incidents involving mental health issues, but could not remember his name. He recalled that the other two gardai tried to speak to Mr Nkencho but sought armed assistance after he began waving a knife at them. Garda Mulvihill, who had stayed in his vehicle, said he could not make out what the deceased was saying. The inquest heard all three gardai followed Mr Nkencho in their cars before they got out on foot when he went through a shortcut towards the Manorfields estate. When Mr Nkencho saw them, Garda Mulvihill said he took out his knife again and said, Go back to the shop and get the man. At the same time, he said gardai were telling members of the public to get indoors as they believed they were in immediate danger. He said the deceased ignored firm and clear instructions given by armed gardai who arrived on the scene to drop his weapon. Garda Mulvihill recalled that Mr Nkencho became extremely volatile and aggressive and began brandishing his knife in the air as he walked to the entrance of his house. Armed gardai He recounted how two female and one male member of his family who appeared at the door began shouting, but he could not make out what they were saying. At the same time, the armed gardai were warning them to go back inside for their safety and close the door. Mr Nkencho was then tasered after he began violently swinging the knife at gardai, according to Garda Mulvihill. He said the first use of the taser had no effect, but Mr Nkencho fell to the ground when he was tasered a second time. However, Garda Mulvihill said he became even more angry and aggressive when he got to his feet and was swinging the knife at head height. He then heard two bangs before realising they were gunshots by one of the armed gardai. However, he said Mr Nkencho was still unaffected and continued to swing his knife aggressively at them before he heard further shots. Garda Mulvihill said he could not say how many shots were fired as he was in shock. He described seeing Mr Nkencho fall to the ground and his eyes rolling back in his head, while other family members came out and began shouting and crying erratically. Garda Mulvihill said he only realised when the deceased was outside the house that it was where he lived because of previous dealings with him. He believed he had shouted that to other gardai, but it could have been easily missed because it was a very volatile situation. Garda Mulvihill said he did not have a clue about the identity of a garda who had stated on an open radio channel to other gardai 10 minutes before the fatal shooting that the man involved in the incident at the Eurospar store was known to gardai and had severe mental health issues. In reply to questions from the coroner, Myra Cullinane, the witness said Mr Nkencho had appeared angry and agitated. "Mental issues" Cross-examined by counsel for the deceaseds family, Eanna Molloy SC, Garda Mulvihill said he had not heard Mr Nkenchos relatives trying to tell gardai that he had mental issues. Mr Molloy suggested that the witness took refuge repeatedly in studious vagueness in two interviews he gave to Fiosru investigators. However, Garda Mulvihill told counsel for An Garda Siochana, Ronan Kennedy SC, that he was terrified during the ordeal. I had not been in something like that before, he added. In earlier evidence, the inquest heard details of how gardai, including two ASU unit,s were alerted by controllers at the Garda communications centre in Harcourt Square to reports of the disturbance at the Eurospar store. Sergeant Deirdre Dempsey, who worked as a dispatcher in the control centre, said she had sought ASU back-up after being informed at 12.26pm by a local unit that the suspect had produced a knife. Another message was then broadcast over the radio channel stating: That fella is known to the guards. Severe mental health issues. However, the inquest heard that such information was not passed over a dedicated radio channel used only by ASU members who were sent to the scene, although they were also able to listen to the channel used by local units. Communication logs show a garda reported at 12.34pm that Mr Nkencho had pointed a knife at them. Two minutes later, Sgt Dempsey said she was informed that a number of shots had been fired. She told the inquest she got no immediate response when she sought information on whether the shots had landed on the target. However, she was informed a short time later that Mr Nkencho had been shot a number of times and was gravely ill. Sgt Dempsey said she had twice checked if she needed to send an ambulance, but got no response. However, it was confirmed a short time later that an ambulance had been called to the scene, while members of the ASU were carrying out CPR on Mr Nkencho. Garda Kenneth Kennedy, a dispatcher for Critical and Firearm Incident Command who dealt solely with ASU units, told the inquest that armed gardai on the scene made operational decisions. Garda Kennedy said he had very little information to assist the ASU units responding to the incident, as he did not have Mr Nkenchos name at the time. He confirmed that no request had been made at any stage for a negotiator or on-scene commander. However, Garda Kennedy said alerting the ASU to the incident was justified under Garda policy because someone had been assaulted by an individual who had a weapon. Dr Cullinane confirmed that she had excused one juror during the course of the day. The inquest before a jury of five women and four men will resume on Friday. (Photo: Claus Grue/WCC)A church in Greenland. World Council of Churches head Rev. Jerry Pillay has said that the US government's stated determination to own and control Greenland diametrically opposes the wishes of the territory's people and their political course to independence. "It is tantamount to neocolonialism," said Pillay, a South African, in a statement on Jan. 14. "The World Council of Churches joins with Bishop Paneeraq Siegstad Munk, head of Greenland's Evangelical Lutheran Church," he said. Greenland is the world's biggest island at more than 2 milllions square kilometers with a population of around 57,000 and it is an autonomous territory of Denmark. Separately, UN experts on Jan. 14 expressed grave concern about statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, including suggestions that the territory should be placed under U.S. control and that force could 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 noted that in numerous statements, Trump has repeatedly questioned Denmark's legal sovereignty over the territory, referring to the "ownership and control" of Greenland as an "absolute necessity" for the United States, including for national security reasons. They noted that the U.S, Secretary of State has informed the U.S. Congress that the U.S. government intends to "buy" Greenland. Denmark is an old ally of the United States and a founder member of the NATO alliance. In its statement, the WCC said it is "appealing to all Americans who believe in freedom, dignity, and the right of people to choose their own path, to call upon their elected representatives and their government to stand by the Greenlanders in their right to determine their own future." WCC head Pillay noted that the people of Greenland have an inalienable right to self-determination and are on a clear pathway to independence, as confirmed by both their own representatives and the Danish government. "Their rights and views must be seriously considered and respected," said Pillay. President Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a 25 percent tariff on certain advanced computing chips, the White House has announced. As The New York Times notes, the administration previously threatened much bigger and broader tariffs for chips. Trump even said that he was going to impose a 100 percent tariff on companies unless they invest on semiconductor manufacturing in the United States. The new tariff will only affect advanced chips imported into the US and are meant to be re-exported to other countries to sell. In its announcement, the White House specifically named AMD MI325X and NVIDIA H200 as two products that will be affected by the tariff. The president recently approved H200 for export to China, saying that it isnt NVIDIAs most advanced AI chip anyway and that the company now has newer and more powerful products, such as its Blackwell semiconductors. [W]e're going to be making 25 percent on the sale of those chips, basically, Trump said. Semiconductors imported into the US for use in products to be sold in America or for use in data centers in the country, will not be affected by the new tariff. This tariff will not apply to chips that are imported to support the buildout of the US technology supply chain and the strengthening of domestic manufacturing capacity for derivatives of semiconductors, the White House wrote. But that could still change: The administration said that it may still impose broader tariffs on semiconductor imports and the products that use them in the near future. Verizons network is experiencing technical issues that are impacting calls and wireless data. Verizon customers on X have reported seeing SOS rather than the traditional network bars on their smartphones, and even the network providers own status page struggled to load, likely due to the number of customers trying to access it. Based on the experience of Verizon users on Engadgets staff, the services that are impacted appear to be calls and wireless data. Text messages continue to be delivered normally, at least for some users. On DownDetector, reports of a Verizon outage started growing around 12PM ET and numbered in the hundreds of thousands at their peak. DownDetector also shows spikes in outage reports on competing networks like AT&T and T-Mobile, but in terms of magnitude, theyre much smaller than the issue Verizon is facing. For example, Verizon peaked at 181,769 reports, while AT&Ts was just 1,769 reports. The difference between the two is great enough that those AT&T reports could be from people trying to contact Verizon customers and thinking that their personal network was the problem. In a post on the cell providers news account on X, Verizon acknowledged the issues with its network. We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers, Verizon wrote. 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 Advertisement Based on DownDetectors map of outage reports, issues with Verizons network appear to be concentrated in major cities in the eastern United States. The majority of reports appear to be coming out of Boston, New York and Washington DC, though the map also shows growing hot spots in Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. At 2:14PM ET, Verizon shared on X that its engineering teams remain fully deployed to work on fixing the outage. The company didnt share when the issue would resolved or how many of its customers are currently impacted. Reports on DownDetector have dropped since their peak at 12:43PM ET, but thousands of Verizon customers are still noticing issues with the service. As of 3:09PM ET, Verizon has yet to share more information about the recovery of the companys cell network. Some Verizon customers on X have noticed their cell service returning, but its not clear if this means the networks technical issues have been fixed. At 4:06PM ET, nearly two hours since the companys last statement, at least one member of Engadgets staff reports their service has been restored. The connectivity issues are still affecting Verizon customers, however. DownDetector received over 55,000 outage reports as recently as 3:47PM ET. Verizon posted at 4:12PM ET that work continues on addressing the outage, but the issue hasnt been completely fixed. According to the company, its team is on the ground actively working to fix todays service issue that is impacting some customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of 4:52PM ET, the Verizons network has been experiencing issues for around four hours, making todays outage nearly as long as the last major outage the company had in 2024. Like that 2024 outage, Verizon has yet to share what exactly is causing the issues with its network. Without out an official update, its safe to assume the company is still working on a fix. At 5:41PM ET, DownDetector latest tally still shows over 46,000 people reporting issues with Verizons network. Based on the platforms map, the same cities are filing the bulk of the outage reports, though reporting appears more diffuse than before as news of the outage has spread across the country. At 6:20PM ET, the situation was much the same. Tens of thousands of users (including Engadget editors) still dont have proper service, and Verizon had not updated its customers since 4:12PM ET. There are intermittent reports of service coming back and then failing again but seemingly no true fix has been deployed. At 10:20PM ET, Verizon has announced that the outage has been resolved and has encouraged subscribers still having issues to restart their devices to reconnect to the network. The company also said that it will provide account credits to affected customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both T-Mobile and AT&T have confirmed that their own networks are unaffected by the issues facing their competitor. In a post on X, T-Mobile shared that its network is operating normally and as expected. Meanwhile, AT&T says that for any of its customers experiencing issues, its not us...its the other guys. Update, January 14, 7:25PM ET: This article was published as a developing story and was updated multiple times over a period of around seven hours. These updates were additive, and noted with a timestamp within the article. As of writing, Verizon is still down for tens of thousands of users and the companys support team has not issued an update on the stituation in over three hours. Happy Wednesday! Update January 14, 10:39PM ET: This story has been updated to add Verizons latest update that the outage has been resolved. Millennia-old traditional crafts generate wealth for farmers in SW China's Guizhou People's Daily Online) 09:26, January 15, 2026 Embroiderers test embroidery machines at a wax printing and embroidery cooperative in Zhuchang township, Nayong county, Bijie city, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo/Yang Ying) In the depths of winter, when the cold cuts to the bone, warmth fills the workshop of a wax printing and embroidery cooperative in Zhuchang township, Nayong county, Bijie city, southwest China's Guizhou province. Inside, women work intently to fulfill more than 500 pending orders, their nimble fingers moving swiftly as they revive centuries-old batik and embroidery techniques and transform ancient intangible cultural heritage into a valuable source of income and new hopes for higher earnings. Huang Mei, head of the cooperative, explained that the orders come from clients in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. Founded in 2019, the cooperative not only preserves traditional crafts like wax printing and embroidery but also produces creative cultural products that blend patterns of the Miao ethnic group with modern aesthetics. These products are sold in regions such as Jiangsu, Guangdong, and Shanghai. The cooperative employs over 30 skilled embroiderers. Wang Li, an employee at the cooperative, has secured a stable income thanks to her exquisite skills. "I've been working here since the cooperative was founded. I can earn between 30,000 and 40,000 yuan (about $4,300 to $5,733) a year, while also being able to take care of both the young and elderly in my family. It's far better than working away from home," she said. From "fingertip skills" to a "fingertip economy," the growth of the cooperative has enabled Miao embroiderers to stitch a brocade of prosperity with needle and thread, while allowing a thousand-year-old intangible cultural heritage to be passed down and revitalized in a workshop full of everyday warmth and vitality. Embroiderers test embroidery machines at a wax printing and embroidery cooperative in Zhuchang township, Nayong county, Bijie city, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo/Yang Ying) Embroiderers work at a wax printing and embroidery cooperative in Zhuchang township, Nayong county, Bijie city, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo/Yang Ying) An embroiderer works at a wax printing and embroidery cooperative in Zhuchang township, Nayong county, Bijie city, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo/Yang Ying) An embroiderer works at a wax printing and embroidery cooperative in Zhuchang township, Nayong county, Bijie city, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo/Yang Ying) Embroiderers work at a wax printing and embroidery cooperative in Zhuchang township, Nayong county, Bijie city, southwest China's Guizhou Province, on Jan. 5, 2026. (Photo/Yang Ying) (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Spotify is raising the prices for its premium subscriptions by $1 to $2 across the board, starting this February. Those are similar figures to the companys last price hike in 2024. Subscribers across the US, Estonia and Latvia will soon receive an email, notifying them that theyll be paying a larger amount for their February bill. The streaming service said its raising its prices occasionally to reflect the value that Spotify delivers, to continue offering the best possible experience and to benefit artists. It reported last year that it paid out $10 billion to music rights-holders in 2024. However, its worth noting that several Grammy-nominated songwriters boycotted an awards event it hosted to protest the supposed decreasing royalties songwriters are getting from Spotify plays. Subscribers who choose to keep their accounts will now have to pay $13 instead of $12 a month for an individual plan or $7 instead of $6 for a student plan. The Duo plan will now cost users $19 a month instead of $17, while the Family plan will cost them $22, up $2 from its previous price of $20. Meanwhile, those who decide to cancel their plans can follow our guide right here. Spotify came under fire late last year for running recruitment ads for ICE. It said the advertisements were part of a larger campaign by the US government that ran across platforms, including Meta and Google. The company also recently confirmed that the campaign has ended that there are no ICE ads currently running on the service. YouTube channel Hardware Unboxed is reporting that ASUS has stopped producing the RTX 5070 Ti and 5060 Ti 16GB due to the ongoing memory crunch. In its most recent video, the channel states ASUS explicitly told it the RTX 5070 Ti is currently facing a supply shortage. As a result, the company has placed the model into end of life status, and no longer plans to produce it. Hardware Unboxed also spoke to retailers in Australia, who told the channel the 5070 Ti is no longer available to purchase from partners and distributors, adding they expect that to be the case throughout at least the first quarter of the year. The 5060 Ti 16GB is almost done as well," with ASUS stating it no longer plans to produce that model going forward either. Both GPUs are 16GB models, making them more expensive to manufacture in the current economic climate. And while there might be some hope of the 5070 Ti and 5060 Ti 16GB returning later this year, the channel suggests both are unlikely to make a comeback. Demand for GeForce RTX GPUs is strong, and memory supply is constrained. We continue to ship all GeForce SKUs and are working closely with our suppliers to maximize memory availability, a NVIDIA spokesperson told Engadget. ASUS did not immediately respond to Engadgets comment request. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After uploading its video, Hardware Unboxed published a clarification. ASUS did not tell us that NVIDIA said the RTX 5070 Ti has been discontinued. ASUS told us there is very little supply of the 5070 Ti, so their own 5070 Ti products (e.g, the Prime and TUF Gaming) have been put into end of life status, the channel said. With retailers also unable to source 5070 Ti SKUs from any AIB, this effectively makes it a dead product. The AI boom has created an insatiable demand for RAM and other computer components from data center infrastructure companies. In response, many memory manufacturers have shifted their production lines to focus on high bandwidth memory for those clients at the expense of their regular offerings, leading to dramatically increased prices among consumer RAM kits, GPUs and SSDs. In December, Micron Technology announced it would wind down its consumer-facing Crucial brand to focus exclusively on providing components to the AI industry. ASUS is the first of NVIDIAs add-in board (AIB) partners to comment on the memory crunch. AIBs are the companies that produce the majority of GPUs you can buy from NVIDIA and AMD. Historically, NVIDIA has provided its board partners with both the die and memory needed to make a graphics cards. However, a recent rumor suggested the company had told it partners they would need to start sourcing memory on their own. Update 12:55PM ET: Added more context. Update 2:06PM ET: Added comment from NVIDIA. Update 6:31PM ET: Added additional comment from Hardware Unboxed. During CES 2026, Samsung unveiled plenty of new TVs, monitors and other hardware. However, the company is also looking to expand further into video games and has announced a significant refresh to its Gaming Hub on smartphones. Engadget spoke with Samsungs Jong Woo, VP of Game Services, who explained that the update will offer more personalized, faster ways to play and place greater emphasis on up-and-coming titles. Now available on Galaxy devices, with further updates planned, the new hub wants to be a more active space for the latest mobile games. "We believe that gamers want to find new content that is personalized to them," said the VP of Samsung Games Services. He continued: "We want to bring content to users and make it immediately available for them to play. We have instant plays where, through our cloud streaming technology, we can take Android-native games and put them in the cloud, so that when users want to try them, they don't have to go through the friction of downloading them first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Samsung, the mobile Gaming Hub attracts over 160 million users across smartphones and other devices. However, the VP of Game Services at Samsung believes that, despite the vast library of games across many genres available to mobile users, "mobile game discovery is broken." Samsung Initially, the mobile Gaming Hub was a supplemental app for all purchased games, allowing users to track their collection. With this update, all games purchased from both Google Play and the Galaxy Store are stored in the Gaming Hub. It's designed to be a single place for players to view their owned games, find recommendations, access cloud streaming for select games and even watch highlights from content creators. According to Woo, the larger goal of the new Samsung mobile Gaming Hub is to personalize and guide the mobile gaming experience for players, which has remained nebulous compared with gaming discovery experiences on PC and consoles. We're getting a lot of feedback from the users, a lot of it from focus testing and beta testing, and what we're finding is that we believe we are solving pain points for mobile gamers," said Woo about rebuilding the Gaming Hub. "We're getting an idea of gamer preferences at the individual, personalized level. Based on all of that, we're able to provide different types of recommendations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another reason for the new changes to the Samsung Gaming Hub was to help foster a community for mobile gamers, including players and developers. In addition to sharing YouTube videos and content from gaming creators and streamers, the company plans to add more social elements to the Gaming Hub to make mobile gaming feel more active and less isolating. "Mobile is a very personal experience, right? It's your personal device, and oftentimes when you play games on mobile, it feels like a solitary experience, said Woo. Currently, the revamped Mobile Gaming Hub is only available for Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Users on non-Galaxy devices will still use the previous version of the Gaming Hub, for now. Compared with PC and console online hubs like Steam and PlayStation Network, it's clear that mobile platforms are still figuring out how to create an equally compelling space for engagement. Even with the vast user base, mobile game hubs tend to be a go-between for users to get to the products. There's more work to do, but the new Gaming Hub could be the first step in the right direction. Verizon is offering a very small mea culpa after Wednesday's massive outage, which drew more than 1.5 million reports on Downdetector and lasted hours. Initially, the carrier posted on X that it will offer a $20 credit, but customers must redeem it in the myVerizon app. The company then said the credit could be claimed though customer service (via phone or chat), but our editors attempts to do so via chat were met with a message to wait for a text with further instructions. Engadget editors began receiving the texts this morning (Jan 16) with a link to redeem. From there, you need to log into your account and visit the Account Overview section. Up top, there should be a Take Action or Mobile Actions button with a red notification circle. Click that and youll see a pop-up about the credit and a Redeem Now button. After you click that, youre done, and Verizon says you should see the credit in one or two billing cycles. Of course, youll want to keep an eye out that it actually happens and contact the company if it doesnt show up. "This credit isnt meant to make up for what happened. No credit really can," the company wrote. "But its a way of acknowledging your time and showing that this matters to us." Incensed customers have largely replied with incredulity, both at the miniscule amount, and that it isn't being applied automatically. The entire redemption process takes a few clicks and about a minute to complete, which makes it even more frustrating that it cant be automatically applied to every customers bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Update, January 15 2026, 11:57 PM ET: Verizon says the credit can be claimed through customer service via phone, chat and online in addition to the myVerizon app. Update, January 16 2026, 10:29 AM ET: This story has been updated with detailed info about the redemption process which Verizon now says is completed with a link that will be texted to customers. The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Crew-11 astronauts has splashed down into the ocean after they left the ISS a month earlier than planned due a medical issue. Its the first time NASA cut a mission short due to a medical concern. The agency didnt name the crew member and their condition but stated that they were stable and that it wasnt a case of medical evacuation. NASA merely decided to end the mission early out of an abundance of caution, because the ISS didnt have the tools for a proper diagnosis. NASA astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, JAXAs Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov the members of Crew-11 left for the space station on August 1 and were supposed to stay there until February. Despite the mission being cut early, they still stayed 167 days in space before they made their way back home. The Dragon capsule carrying the members splashed down off the coast of San Diego, California at 3:41AM on January 15. A SpaceX medical doctor was the first person who checked in on them, though that is routine procedure and not because of one members medical issue. I couldnt be prouder of our astronauts and the teams on the ground at NASA, SpaceX, and across our international partnerships, said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. Their professionalism and focus kept the mission on track, even with an adjusted timeline. Crew-11 completed more than 140 science experiments that advance human exploration. Missions like Crew-11 demonstrate the capability inherent in Americas space program our ability to bring astronauts home as needed, launch new crews quickly, and continue pushing forward on human spaceflight as we prepare for our historic Artemis II mission, from low Earth orbit to the Moon and ultimately Mars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With Crew-11 back on Earth, there are now only three people aboard the orbiting lab. Two are Russian cosmonauts, while the other one is NASA astronaut Chris Williams. NASA is now looking at options to be able to send Crew-12 to the ISS earlier than its planned February 15 launch. Update, January 15, 2026, 7:30AM ET: This post has been updated to add Jared Isaacmans statement. OnlyFans mega-star Sophie Rain has launched a scathing attack on Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback, following his controversial proposal to impose a 50% 'sin tax' on adult content creators. The 21-year-old Miami-based creator, who reportedly earned $43 million in her first year on the platform, dismissed the Republican underdog's plan as a 'clout grab' aimed at targeting successful women for political gain. 'No one ever forced me to start an OnlyFans, it was MY decision,' Rain told PEOPLE in an exclusive statement. '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.' Florida Candidate Unveils Controversial Tax Proposal James Fishback, a Republican running in the 2026 Florida gubernatorial primary, has publicly pledged to introduce what he calls a first-of-its-kind 'OnlyFans Sin Tax' that would require content creators residing in Florida to pay a 50% levy on all income earned via OnlyFans. Fishback outlined his plan in an interview released on 12 January 2026 on NXR Studios' YouTube channel, framing the measure as both a moral deterrent and a revenue booster for the state. 'If you are a so-called OnlyFans creator in Florida, you are going to pay 50 per cent to the state on whatever you so-called earn via that online degeneracy platform,' Fishback said. He added that the revenue could fund Florida's education system, crisis pregnancy centres, and a proposed mental health 'czar' for men. Fishback has described the tax as a traditional sin tax, akin to levies on tobacco or alcohol, intended to discourage behaviour he views as harmful. He told NXR Studios that he opposes young women working on OnlyFans instead of 'raising families' and sees the tax as a tool to shift them away from such work. NEW: Florida gubernatorial candidate James Fishback proposes an Only Fans 'Sin Tax' of 50% for OF creators in Florida, says the money will be used to fund the education system. "As Florida governor in year one, I will push for the first of its kind Only Fans Sin Tax." "If you pic.twitter.com/SHDaILyjM2 Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 12, 2026 This proposal would be unprecedented in Florida. The state does not currently have a broad personal income tax; instead, it relies on sales taxes, property taxes, and tourism-related revenue. A targeted 50 per cent tax on digital creators would mark a significant departure from established tax policy and could face significant legal and constitutional challenges. Sophie Rain's Sharp Backlash Sophie Rain, who is based in Miami, built her online presence into a highly profitable brand through OnlyFans and related social platforms. 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. https://t.co/1CGaAuohL1 James Fishback (@j_fishback) January 13, 2026 After Fishback tagged her in a social media post urging her to 'pay up or quit OnlyFans,' Rain responded with sharp criticism. She denounced the proposal as 'the dumbest thing I've ever heard' and questioned the morality of labelling her consensual, legal work as sinful. She argued that no one forced her into her career choice and asserted that her Christian faith supported her autonomy. 'How do you charge a sin tax on a Christian who hasn't sinned?' Rain said, stressing that her decision to join OnlyFans was personal and voluntary. She also questioned why the focus was on content creators rather than subscribers or larger corporations. targeting a group of individuals using their job to survive when there are multibillion dollar corrupt business that dont pay any taxes is the insane. pic.twitter.com/WCGyWc41UB Sophie Rain (@sophieraiin) January 13, 2026 In separate posts on X, Rain framed the tax as hypocritical and politically opportunistic, accusing Fishback of using her and her peers as props to generate online attention for an otherwise little-known campaign. 'Never in my whole life did I think that I would wake up and see a Florida politician trying to start beef with me for clout,' she wrote. sounds like you subscribed and got buyers remorse after dropping your annual salary on an OF girl https://t.co/AWzKjbI2YO Sophie Rain (@sophieraiin) January 13, 2026 She also pointed out that creators already pay federal taxes and compared the proposed sin tax unfavourably to corporate taxation. i pay my 37% income tax proudly, and i would be glad to pay more if big businesses werent paying $0 in taxes https://t.co/fqkOXjMs4R pic.twitter.com/v5eaGg7jbP Sophie Rain (@sophieraiin) January 14, 2026 Political Implications in the Florida Race Fishback's sin tax proposal places an unconventional issue at the centre of a gubernatorial race already shaped by cultural and economic debates. Florida's political climate has been marked by highly partisan disputes over education, taxation, and social policy under outgoing Governor Ron DeSantis, who is term-limited this cycle. Sophie Rain's vocal opposition may also influence public discourse, bringing the debate into national conversations about the rights of digital contractors, taxation fairness and the interplay between personal morality and public policy. In confronting a candidate's campaign finance strategy with her own platform and followers, Rain has highlighted the potential for influencers and internet entrepreneurs to shape political narratives far beyond conventional sectors of public life. The row highlights a growing intersection between the 'influencer economy' and state politics, as digital entrepreneurs like Rainwho recently stunned observers with a $1 million donation to MrBeast's TeamWater fundraiserleverage their massive platforms to challenge traditional legislative proposals. Originally published on IBTimes UK HBO released the official trailer for "Euphoria" Season 3 on Jan. 14, 2026, confirming the long-awaited drama will return on Apr. 12, 2026. The two-minute trailer reveals that the series picks up five years after Season 2, with Rue Bennett (Zendaya) finding herself in Mexico as she attempts to settle her debt with drug dealer Laurie (Martha Kelly). "A few years after high school, I don't know if life was exactly what I wished," Rue says in the trailer. "But somehow, for the first time, I was beginning to have faith," according to Variety. Creator Sam Levinson explained that Rue is "in debt to Laurie, trying to come up with some very innovative ways to pay it off." The trailer shows Rue caught between Laurie and a new drug lord played by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, suggesting her situation remains dangerous. The trailer also confirms that Cassie Howard (Sydney Sweeney) and Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi) are engaged and living in the suburbs, Yahoo News reported. According to Levinson, Cassie has become "very addicted to social media and envious of what appears to be the big lives that all of her high school classmates are living." Footage shows Cassie creating online content, with one scene depicting her in a costume while filming for the internet. The eight-episode season brings back the main cast, including Hunter Schafer as Jules, Alexa Demie as Maddy, and Maude Apatow as Lexi. Notable new additions include Grammy-winning artist Rosalia, who appears as a stripper at the Silver Slipper, and Sharon Stone, who plays a showrunner for whom Lexi works as an assistant. Some familiar faces will not return. Barbie Ferreira, who played Kat, departed the series in 2022, while Storm Reid confirmed in November 2024 that her character, Gia, would not appear. Angus Cloud, who portrayed Fezco, tragically passed away in 2023. The new season arrives more than four years after Season 2 concluded in February 2022. Levinson described the five-year time jump as "a natural place because if they'd gone to college, they'd be out of college at that time." The series will air Sundays on HBO through May 31, 2026, as per Bleedingcool. Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has made her largest-ever gift to The Trevor Project, donating $45 million after the Trump administration cut $25 million in federal funding to the LGBTQ+ youth support group. The nonprofit announced the donation Monday, calling it a lifeline at a critical time for young people in crisis. "This extraordinary contribution the single largest one-time donation in our 27-year history comes at a pivotal moment for our organization and the LGBTQ+ young people we serve," said Jaymes Black, The Trevor Project's CEO, in a statement on the group's website. He described the gift as transformational for the organization's future. The Trevor Project, founded in 1998, offers 24/7 crisis care to LGBTQ+ youth. Its services include phone, text, and chat support for issues such as coming out, identity questions, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The group also provides peer support, education, and advocacy to help prevent suicide among LGBTQ+ young people. The donation comes after the Trump administration ordered the closure of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program last summer. According to People, the move cut an estimated $25 million in funding that The Trevor Project relied on to serve at-risk youth. At the time, Black said, "Suicide prevention is about people, not politics. The administration's decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible." Black said he was stunned when he learned about Scott's gift. "I literally could not believe it and it took some time. I actually gasped," he told the Associated Press. That reaction says a lot about how unexpected and needed this support is right now. Historic moment for LGBTQ+ youth. MacKenzie Scott just gave The Trevor Project $45 MILLION, the largest gift in its 27-year history. : Getty Images : https://t.co/IrAROmsr1N pic.twitter.com/GhJeI98Jb0 Gayety (@gayety) January 12, 2026 Read more: Ja Rule Urges 50 Cent to Donate Earnings From Diddy Documentary to Domestic Abuse Charities Trevor Project Reaches Only a Few Youth in Crisis The Trevor Project estimates that 40 million LGBTQ+ youth worldwide seriously consider suicide each year, yet the organization can only reach a small part of them. "Even at our highest reach, The Trevor Project has only been able to serve a fraction of those youth," Black said. "That means that hundreds of thousands of young people each year still go without the life-saving support they deserve." Research also shows that LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared with their peers. A recent study by The Trevor Project found rising levels of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among LGBTQ+ youth over an 18-month period, CBS News reported. Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, previously donated $6 million to The Trevor Project in 2020. Since 2019, she has given billions to nonprofits through her foundation, Yield Giving. Black said the organization will invest the $45 million "with great care," focusing on strengthening crisis services and expanding reach. "This gift is a powerful step toward building on our sustainable capacity," he said, "but our organization will continue to face one of the largest public health crises of our time: LGBTQ+ youth suicide." Lola Sheen is speaking out to deny claims that she has been dating her sister Sami Sheen's ex-boyfriend. The youngest daughter of Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards took to TikTok on January 14 to set the record straight. "I am never one to defend myself against my sister anymore because I genuinely don't care," Lola, 20, wrote. "But I couldn't let this one slide. I am single, I am not talking to anyone, and I'm definitely not dating her ex-boyfriend. That is absolutely the one thing I will share my side for because this is unbelievable." Lola explained that the man in question had been hired by their mother, Denise Richards, to help care for the family dogs and assist around the house. "He has been working for her almost every day," Lola said, adding that he eventually moved into the home, across the hall from her, People reported. "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," she wrote. "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." Sami Sheen unveiled a shocking bombshell about her sister Lola Sheen. Click the link below for details. (: TIKTOK/INSTAGRAM/BRAVO) https://t.co/NXcF1X455U pic.twitter.com/Vi2A5EDaYc OK! Magazine USA (@OKMagazine) January 14, 2026 Sami Sheen Claims Lola Saw Her Ex Behind Her Back Lola insisted that Sami's claims were "a complete lie" and accused her sister of posting online to turn people against her. Sami, 21, first made the accusation on TikTok on January 13, writing, "Imagine finding out your sister and ex-boyfriend have been seeing each other behind your back the whole time." According to ENews, Sami added in a comment that she discovered "over 300 deleted texts" between Lola and the man. Tensions between the sisters have been high for months, partly due to disagreements over LGBTQ+ issues. Sami, who identifies as LGBTQ+, alleged in June 2025 that Lola had blocked her after a request to attend a Pride Month event together. "I really hope she snaps out of this eventually," Sami said. "I don't know who you are anymore. This is not you. We were not raised like this, and I'm embarrassed." Lola, for her part, said she would never pursue her sister's ex and emphasized the ongoing difficulty of living under the same roof. "I would absolutely NEVER do anything with my sister's ex-boyfriend," she stated. The sisters, who are also daughters of actor Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards, have not been on speaking terms for several months. Richards confirmed on a March 2025 episode of "Denise Richards & Her Wild Things" that the sisters had skipped family events due to their feud. 2 Mucho mas que una fruta: el alimento que protege "todo tu cuerpo", desde el corazon hasta el cerebro President Donald J. Trump loves to point out that farmers love him. The November 2024 election results prove its no boast. In fact, while the then-former president beat Vice President Kamala Harris by a slim 1.5% nationally, he crushed her by 40 points, 69% to 29%, and in farming-dependent counties, Trump walloped Harris by a 78-to-22 margin. But as big as those lovely totals were in 2024, the President didnt return much affection to rural voters in 2025. Farm inputs, health care and food costs continued to rise; yo-yo tariff policies sliced ag exports; and cuts to several federal farm and rural programs clipped rural communities. For example, the administrations shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Americas biggest overseas food aid program, ended government purchases of about $2 billion worth of food from American farmers annually for the Food for Peace program. Losing a $2 billion-a-year customer in your backyard is bad, but an internal USAID memo estimated the programs shutdown also meant an additional 1 million children worldwide would suffer from malnutrition while another 160,000 would die from malaria and 200,000 would become paralyzed by polio. Domestically, USAIDs shutdown will be felt by farmers for decades. USAID funded 17 ag innovation labs on 13 university campuses, 12 at Land Grants; 83% of that funding, however, was cut by DOGE, or the Department of Government Efficiency. By killing these programs, one ag researcher told the New Yorker magazine, (y)oure setting farmers up to not have the tools they need to survive in a changing world. Then theres the cuts to other vital U.S. Department of Agriculture programs like the one that funds the purchase of local farm-fresh foods for school cafeterias and another that funds much of the product available in food banks. Together they amount to more than $1 billion in purchasing. USDA also cut the $3 billion Climate Smart Commodities Program that funded projects to improve soil health, sequester carbon, reduce methane emissions, and encourage other climate-friendly farming practices. The reason, explained Secretary Brooke Rollins, was (the program) was largely built to advance the green new scam at the benefit of NGOs non-governmental organizations not American farmers. Thats nonsense. The Climate Smart program like the local spending for USAID and federal purchases of local food for schools and food banks have a direct economic impact on farm markets and rural communities. Those billions will be irreplaceable in farm country. These losses will be amplified in 2026 and 2027 when deep cuts contained in the so-called big beautiful bill hit both SNAP, the nations key nutrition assistance program used by one on seven rural Americans, and Medicaid, the health care program 24% of rural Americans depend on. Those cuts estimated at $186 billion for SNAP and $100 billion for Medicaid not only mean less food and medical care for hungry and sick Americans, they also remove any lasting, beneficial impact both programs have on local economies. For example, every $1 spent on SNAP generates, on average, $1.65 in the local economy. As such, if coming SNAP cuts reduce rural benefits by $28 billion (15% of total cuts), then rural communities nationwide can expect local economic activity to drop not by $28 billion but by $46 billion, a crushing loss thats impossible to replace. Now add in coming Medicaid cuts, their lost economic impact, a shaky farm economy, stagnant commodity prices, and todays still inexplicable tariff policies and farmers and their farm-dependent counties will need a lot of love in 2026 and beyond. Right now, however, its not coming from the White House. (The Farm and Food File is published weekly throughout the U.S. and Canada. Past columns, recommended reading, and contact information are posted at farmandfoodfile.com. 2026 ag comm) CADIZ, Ohio The Eastern Ohio Grazing Council will host a Grazing Workshop on Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. at the Harrison County Fairgrounds, 550 Grant St, Cadiz, Ohio. Topics include the basics of soil health, presented by Erika Lyon, Ohio State University Extension; protein supplementation for winter feeding, present by Dr. Tina Costarella; and boosting soil fertility through soil health, by Clint Finney. RSVPs are requested by Jan. 16 at Jefferson SWCD at 740-264-9790 or http://bit.ly/EOGCEvents The Eastern Ohio Grazing Council holds winter grazing workshops in January, February and March. Pasture walks are held on the fourth Thursday of each month April through October. Anyone interested in the conservation of soil and water through growing and grazing forages is encouraged to attend the monthly meetings. To get added to the email or mailing list about future events, contact Wendee at wzadanski@jeffersoncountyoh.com to be added to the mail or email list. Check out the Eastern Ohio Grazing Council on Facebook at facebook.com/EasternOhioGrazingCouncil YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio Ford Nature Centers Winter Talks Lecture Series is designed to lift the winter blues with a diverse lineup of engaging topics, all presented by knowledgeable and welcoming speakers. Lectures take place in Ford Nature Centers Education Building, Classrooms A and B, at 840 Old Furnace Road, Youngstown. Coffee and hot chocolate will be provided. Cost per lecture is $5 per person. Visit reservations.millcreekmetroparks.org/programs/ for more information and to register. Oak Hill Cemetery: A Virtual Tour Join Traci Manning, Curator of Education, Mahoning Valley Historical Society, from 10-11 a.m. on Jan. 17 to learn about the history of Oak Hill Cemetery with an image-guided virtual tour. The program will explore several families and individuals interred at the Cemetery and will feature a guide to cemetery and funerary symbols, artwork, monuments and statues. Paid registration due by Jan. 15. Bigfoot: Do You Believe? Join local Bigfoot enthusiast, Amy Bue and members of her investigative team from 1-2 p.m. Jan. 17, as they share their own Bigfoot experiences. Learn where Ohio ranks in the number of sightings by state and how many sightings there have been in Mahoning County. Bring your own Bigfoot stories to share. Program is for those 16 and up. Ages 16+. Paid registration due by Jan. 15. Once Upon a Bedrock: The Story Beneath Mill Creek Park Join Diana Alexander, Geologist and Mill Creek MetroParks Educator, from 10-11 a.m. Jan. 24 for an immersive geological journey through Mill Creek Park. Youll explore the formation of the region and get hands-on experience with local rock types. Travel more than 320 million years into the past to uncover the geologic story of Mill Creek Park, discovering how ancient bedrock formed, how Ice Age glaciers shaped the terrain and how these powerful forces created the remarkable landscape we enjoy today. Paid registration due by Jan. 22. If These Walls Could Talk: Stories of Ford Nature Center Join Mill Creek MetroParks Educator Diana Alexander from 1-2 p.m. Jan. 24 for a journey through the history and memories of Ford Nature Center. Who once lived within its walls? What stories did they leave behind? And how did this historic home become the heart of the Education Department? Paid registration due by Jan. 22. Buzzing with Life: Creating Pollinator-Friendly Spaces Join Alyson Wakeen of Cambium from 10-11 a.m. Jan. 31 to learn how to cultivate habitat for important pollinators right in your own backyard. Ages 16+. Paid registration due by Jan. 29. Backyard Birds: Windows Into the Wild The birds at your bird feeder live incredible lives! Join Park Educator Emily Greve from 1-2 p.m. Jan. 31 as she discusses their journeys, behavior and ecology. The discussion will include techniques and tips that can improve your birding at any level. The program is for those 16 and up. Paid registration due by Jan. 29. The History of Lantermans Mill Join Mill Manager Eric Simione from 10-11 a.m. Feb. 7 for a morning of history and stories about this most iconic Youngstown landmark. Paid registration due by Feb. 5. Paranormal Evidence at Lantermans Mill Join the Collective Paranormal Research Team from 1-2 p.m. Feb. 7 to see evidence of recent paranormal investigations at Lantermans Mill. Review evidence collected and decide for yourself if the Mill is really haunted. Paid registration due by Feb. 5. The Cookie Table: A Steel Valley Tradition Join local author and cookie table enthusiast Alice Crosetto from 10-11 a.m. Feb. 14 on a delectable journey through the tradition of a cookie table at every celebration. Paid registration due by Feb. 12. Youngstown and the Titanic Join Traci Manning, Curator of Education, Mahoning Valley Historical Society from 1-2 p.m. Feb. 14 to learn about area residents who were aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic in both First and Third class their stories, struggles and sacrifices are set against the backdrop of the history of the ship. Explore their legacy and memories as the local area learned of the news and the survivors returned home. Paid registration due by Feb. 12. Where Are the Bears? Where are the Bears? Did bears ever live in the Bears Den area of the park? If so, where did they go? Could bears ever return to Northeast Ohio? Park Educator Emily Greve will discuss the ecology of black bears, the history of their extirpation from our state and potential for return in Northeast Ohio Feb. 21 from 10-11 a.m. This program is for ages 16 and up. Paid registration due by Feb. 19. Bats: Flying Fiends or Furry Friends? Bats remain one of the most misunderstood creatures on Earth. Ford Nature Center is out to change that. Join Park Educator Emily Greve from 1-2 p.m. Feb. 21 and use science to bust bat myths in this presentation focusing on bat behavior, physiology and ecology. This program is for ages 16 and up. Paid registration due by Feb. 19. The Winter Sky and Beyond Join Curt Spivey, Planetarium Engineer at Youngstown State University from 1-2 p.m. Feb. 28, as he discusses whats visible in the winter night sky and the latest news and discoveries from the world of space and astronomy. The program will also include a telescope Q&A session. Paid registration due by Feb. 26. Fifteen social farms across Northern Ireland are set to benefit from more than 120,000 in new grant funding aimed at improving facilities and access for participants. Department of Agriculture (DAERA) minister Andrew Muir confirmed the awards under the 20252026 Social Farming Capital Grant Scheme, which supports farms involved in, or planning to deliver, social farming. The announcement was made during a visit to Primrose Cottage Social Farm, where a 4,960 letter of offer was presented to Anne Brown. Grants of between 1,000 and 10,000 have been awarded to help farms adapt buildings, improve accessibility and develop facilities to support people taking part in social farming activities. I am delighted to be able to announce that fifteen farms across Northern Ireland have been supported with grants, awarding just over 120,000 to help them improve their facilities for the practice of social farming, the minister said. He said the scheme fits closely with wider efforts to address rural poverty and isolation, supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society through farming-based activity. Minister Muir described social farming as a creative and inclusive approach to agriculture that supports therapy, rehabilitation, and social inclusion. He said it provides an alternative to traditional day services for individuals with disabilities and learning difficulties, allowing participants to take part in everyday farming activities within a non-clinical, supportive setting. Social farming has grown steadily across Northern Ireland over the past decade, with farms diversifying their role within rural communities while continuing commercial operations. The minister said participants can benefit from improved wellbeing, skills development and stronger social connections through regular involvement in farm life. Activities form part of the normal working routine of the farm, led by the farmer but shaped by participant input, with seasonal work offering variety and opportunities to take part in longer-term projects. I would encourage anyone interested in delivering Social Farming across Northern Ireland to visit the Rural Support website for more information, he added. The scheme is delivered by DAERA through its Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework. Support for social farming has been provided through the Social Farming Support Service since 2015, delivered by Rural Support. Since 2016, the Social Farming Capital Grant Scheme has awarded 235,000 to improve facilities, enhance accessibility and support the growth of social farming enterprises. The latest funding round is expected to help more farms take part in social farming, strengthening rural communities while providing meaningful support for participants across Northern Ireland. Advances in gene editing that could shape the future competitiveness of British farming must not be traded away as the UK seeks closer ties with the European Union, the NFU has warned MPs. NFU president Tom Bradshaw said a closer trading relationship with the EU would benefit farmers and growers, but only if it does not undermine the UKs more progressive approach to agricultural innovation. Bradshaw was giving evidence to MPs as part of discussions around the governments proposed reset in relations with the EU. He said the NFU welcomed progress on opening new markets, highlighting full access to the Indian market for British lamb, but raised concerns about the impact of recent trade agreements on domestic sectors, including dairy. Turning to EU trade, Bradshaw said exports had been hit hard since Brexit due to increased border friction. He told MPs that the volume of trade with the EU had fallen by 37.4% since 2019, with demand for British products declining as a result of delays and added costs at the border. Bradshaw said this had directly affected farm businesses, particularly those reliant on European markets, pointing to beef exports being down 24% and dairy exports falling by 16%. While he said there was clear opportunity to rebuild trade with the EU, Bradshaw warned that regulatory alignment could come at a cost. He highlighted gene editing and plant protection products as key areas where the UK is no longer fully aligned with EU rules, giving British agriculture a potential competitive advantage. Bradshaw said the UK must seize the opportunity to become a world leader in these areas and warned against sacrificing that position in pursuit of a deal. We can be world-leading if we get a carve-out for gene editing, the NFU president told MPs. The NFU is lobbying the government to secure an explicit exemption for gene editing legislation in any future UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. Bradshaw acknowledged that reducing friction at the border would be in the interests of both sides, particularly for horticultural businesses struggling to import plant material due to border delays and high compliance costs. However, he cautioned that dynamic alignment with EU rules could restrict the UKs ability to innovate. There are some really difficult issues that need solutions to them, he said. I dont think it is as simple as saying theres a bit of give and youll end up in a better position. Bradshaw warned that without a carve-out, the EU itself could miss out on advances in gene editing, as it would lose access to British research if it continued to restrict the technology. He said this, alongside the EUs system for approving plant protection products, should be key focus areas in negotiations to protect British producers. Since leaving the EU, the UK has operated an independent SPS regime in Great Britain, while Northern Ireland remains aligned with EU rules under the Windsor Framework. Routine checks now apply to many agri-food products moving between Great Britain and the EU, adding cost and complexity for farming and food businesses. The government is seeking an SPS agreement to reduce those checks by aligning with EU rules in certain areas. Bradshaw warned MPs that failing to secure carve-outs during early negotiations would make it unlikely they could be achieved later. He also stressed the importance of influence, saying it was paramount that the UK had the expertise and access needed to shape EU decision-making if alignment is pursued. With talks still at an early stage, the NFU said decisions taken now would shape farmers access to markets, technology and innovation for years to come. Hollywood star Tom Hiddleston has once again expressed his deep admiration for Indian cinema, specifically highlighting his long-standing connection with Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. In a recent interaction with Hollywood Reporter India, the actor, globally beloved for his portrayal of Loki, shared nostalgic details about his first experience with Indian films and his thoughts on potential future collaborations. During the conversation, Tom revealed that his journey into Indian cinema began many years ago. When asked about his experience with Indian movies, he shared that the first one he ever watched was the 2002 magnum opus Devdas. Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, the period romantic drama featured an ensemble cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Madhuri Dixit. Reflecting on the experience, Tom recalled watching the film at a local cinema, describing it as extraordinary. He said, "I remember going to see Devdas. I mean, that's quite an old film. I remember going to see that at my local cinema, and it was such an extraordinary. I would say I have never seen anything like that. So, yeah I remember that very much." Toms appreciation for Shah Rukh Khan has been a constant affair. He previously mentioned in 2023 that if anyone from Bollywood were to play a variant of his iconic character Loki, it would be King Khan himself, saying, "Shah Rukh Khan. He would be great. He is a good variant, I think." His association with India often leads back to the superstar as in a past word-association game, Tom even used Shah Rukhs name to describe both India and Bollywood. The interview also touched upon the possibility of Tom venturing into Indian projects. When the name of director SS Rajamouli was suggested as a potential collaborator, Toms reaction was immediate and positive. He responded by calling the idea excellent, showing a clear interest in the filmmakers work. As Tom Hiddleston continues to express his genuine fondness for Indian storytelling, fans are left hopeful for a cross-continental collaboration. Also Read: Tom Hiddleston thinks Shah Rukh Khan will make a great Loki variant Fresh from the success of Sarvam Maya, Nivin Pauly is lining up his next theatrical outing with Baby Girl, a film that marks his first collaboration with Garudan director Arun Varma. Produced by Listin Stephen under the Magic Frames banner, the project continues a long-standing association between the producer and the actor after films such as Thuramukham, Ramachandra Boss and Co and Malayalee from India. A hospital tale rooted in reality Unlike his recent hit, Baby Girl heads into darker territory. Scripted by Bobby and Sanjay, the film is inspired by multiple real incidents and is billed as a medical thriller. Nivin plays Sanal Mathew, a hospital attendant whose seemingly ordinary life is pulled into a web of unsettling developments within the medical system. While the makers are keeping the plot tightly under wraps, the premise suggests a story that unfolds from the ground level of a hospital rather than from the point of view of doctors or administrators. Sharing screen space with Nivin are Lijomol Jose, Abhimanyu Thilakan and Sangeeth Prathap in major roles. The film also boasts a sizeable ensemble cast that includes Aditi Ravi, Sreejith Ravi, Major Ravi, Azees Nedumangad, Jaffer Idukki, Alphy Panjikaran, Kaillash, Kichu Tellu, Nisha Sarang, Aswanth Lal, Prem Prakash and Nandu, indicating a layered narrative with several intersecting characters. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nivin Pauly (@nivinpaulyactor) Arun Varmas return to the thriller zone For director Arun Varma, Baby Girl marks a return to the thriller genre after Garudan, which was praised for its grounded approach to suspense. This time, he shifts the setting to hospital corridors, a space ripe for quiet tension, moral dilemmas and institutional decay. The technical crew complements the films gritty tone. Faiz Siddik is behind the camera, Sam CS composes the music and Shyjith Kumaran handles the editing. Together, they are expected to create a taut atmosphere that blends realism with narrative urgency. The film is scheduled to release on January 23. Baby Girl arrives at a crucial moment in Nivin Paulys career. The actor is currently shooting for Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, a romantic comedy directed by Premalu filmmaker Girish AD. His upcoming slate also includes a political drama with B Unnikrishnan, Dear Students alongside Nayanthara and the Tamil film Benz, where he will be seen in a rare antagonist role opposite Raghava Lawrence. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nivin Pauly (@nivinpaulyactor) Beyond individual projects, Nivin has also signed a multi-film deal with Panorama Studios, signalling a renewed focus on diverse roles and high-concept storytelling. With Baby Girl, the actor seems to be consciously stepping away from familiar terrain. Playing a hospital attendant in a thriller rooted in real-life incidents positions him in a morally complex space that recalls the grounded performances that once defined his stardom. As Malayalam cinema continues to embrace stories drawn from lived realities, this film could mark another turning point in Nivin Paulys evolving filmography. Also Read: Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa Welcome Baby Girl on Wedding Anniversary View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pushpa (@pushpamovie) Allu Arjun, Rashmika bring Pushpa fever to Japan Telugu films get significant traction Pushpa 2: The Rule is releasing as Pushpa Kunrin on January 16. Ahead of its release, Allu Arjun who is presently in Japan has been actively promoting the film in the country. Geek Pictures and Shochiku have joined hands with Mythri Movie Makers and Sukumar Writings to take the Pushpa phenomenon to Japanese cinemas. The film is slated for a grand release across nearly 250 screens in Japan.Allu Arjun recently landed in Tokyo ahead of the films release. The Icon Star, as he is fondly called by fans, received a warm reception by the fans. Rashmika Mandanna too joined Allu Arjun to further push the films visibility. The makers shared pictures of Allu Arjun and Rashmika actively promoting his film. With Allu Arjun and Rashmikas arrival in Japan, the excitement around the release is palpable. Photos and videos of the actors interacting with various media outlets have appeared on social media. Sharing the pictures, the makers wrote, Icon Star @alluarjunonline is giving B2B interviews to the Japanese media marking the release of #Pushpa2TheRule Grand release in Japan on January 16th #Pushpa2 #WildFirePushpa #Pushpa2InJapan #PushpaKunrin."Over the last years, Telugu films have gained significant traction in Japan, and are transforming the Indian film market in Japan. Films like RRR, Baahubali series, and Kalki 2898 AD have drawn huge crowds and created dedicated fan bases extending beyond Indian shores. Pushpa 2: The Rule, which is releasing on January 16 is also following suit. After the action entertainer became a blockbuster at various international venues minting nearly Rs 1800 crore worldwide, the makers are hoping that the Allu Arjun-starrer would strongly resonate with audiences and enjoy a successful theatrical run in the country. The release of the Sukumar directorial marks a strong trend of Indian cinemas global growth, fueled by strong marketing and fan enthusiasm. 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. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Future Fuels Inc. (TSXV:FTUR)(FSE:S0J)(OTCQX:FTURF) ("Future Fuels" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of its 2025 ground gravity survey (the "Survey") at its 100%-owned Hornby Basin Uranium Project (the "Hornby Project" or the "Project"), located approximately 95 kilometres southwest of Kugluktuk, Nunavut. The Survey was completed by EarthEx Geophysical Solutions Inc. (EarthEx) and represents the most detailed gravity dataset ever acquired across the Hornby Basin uranium district. The program successfully delineated several high-priority gravity anomalies spatially associated with major structural corridors, stratigraphic boundaries, and known uranium mineralization, significantly advancing Future Fuels' understanding of subsurface density architecture across the Mountain Lake area. Future Fuels President & CEO Rob Leckie commented: "The data we were able to collect meets the expectations we had for this initiative at Hornby. The gravity response over Mountain Lake has generated clear targets, and the new anomalies we've uncovered have the features of a much larger uranium system. We are optimistic and excited to advance these targets into drilling and unlock what we believe is a district-scale opportunity and use this geophysical technique elsewhere on this massive land tenure." Figure 1: Contours and colours of the Complete Bouguer Anomaly ( 2.67 g/cm^3) overlaid on the ArcticDEM hillshade. The 2025 program forms part of Future Fuels' broader district-scale exploration strategy at the Hornby Project, supporting the Company's objective of expanding on the historical Mountain Lake uranium system and identifying additional mineralized zones along the Helmut-Imperial structural corridor. Field operations were conducted between mid-September and early October. The Company more than doubled the size of the historical IsoEnergy gravity data set, and EarthEx merged the new data together with the datasets from 2022 and 2024. The field program deployed multiple Scintrex CG-5 gravimeters and a dual-frequency Emlid Reach RS2/RS2+ RTK GNSS system. The 2025 campaign included establishing and verifying control stations, drift testing all instruments through extended 24-hour warm-up cycles, and performing daily tie-ins to the Gravity Control Station (GCS) established during the 2024 program. Raw GNSS and gravity data were quality-controlled daily, uploaded from camp, and processed off-site using the Oasis Montaj Gravity and Terrain Correction Module. All newly acquired gravity data were corrected for instrument drift, levelled to the GCS, and merged with the 2022 and 2024 data. Elevation corrections were calculated using high-resolution ArcticDEM models reprojected for NAD83 (CSRS) UTM Zone 11N, and Complete Bouguer Anomaly ("CBA") values were generated at a density of 2.67 g/cm. The merged dataset was gridded at 12.5-metre resolution, and tilt-derivative filtering was applied to enhance subtle density contrasts (see figure 2). Figure 2: Tilt derivative of the Complete Bouguer Anomaly. The resulting product is a unified, district-scale gravity dataset that correlates strongly with mapped stratigraphy, topographic breaks, and major structural features across the Helmut-Imperial corridor. A pronounced northeast-southwest trending gravity fabric dominates the survey area, consistent with the regional structural grain of the Hornby Basin. EarthEx interprets the dataset across three principal structural domains. North of the Helmut Fault, the gravity field is relatively smooth and subdued, likely reflecting significant overburden thickness rather than bedrock density variations. No features in this northern domain are interpreted to be directly related to uranium mineralization. Between the Helmut and Imperial Faults, the survey reveals several discrete gravity highs and lows that correspond with mapped Unit 11-Unit 12 contacts and subordinate faults. Within this central structural block, four priority anomalies (Grav_Anom_1 through Grav_Anom_4) were highlighted, two of which occur immediately adjacent to stratigraphic boundaries known to influence uranium emplacement. In the southwestern portion of this domain, two of the anomalies remain open beyond the 2025 survey limits, suggesting potential extension into areas requiring additional infill and edge closure work (see figure 3). Figure 3: Interpretation Map The most significant results arise from the structurally complex zone south of the Imperial Fault, which hosts the historical Mountain Lake uranium system. Here, the CBA data show a pronounced, localized gravity high (Grav_Anom_5) that spatially coincides with the known systems footprint. This response is particularly notable because the system occurs at surface within low-density Unit 12 sediments and areas of presumed thick overburden. The persistence of a strong, positive gravity anomaly in this environment suggests that the system likely has a measurable density signature at depth-an important validation of gravity as a direct exploration tool for roll-front or structurally hosted uranium systems in the Hornby Basin. Immediately adjacent to this target, in a separate fault block, EarthEx identified an additional gravity high (Grav_Anom_6), representing a newly defined exploration target with similar structural context to Mountain Lake but without historical drilling. This southern domain is interpreted to host the most prospective anomalies for future drilling. EarthEx recommended several next steps to further refine and advance these targets. These include a high-resolution unconstrained 3D inversion of the complete gravity dataset to model subsurface density distributions; 2D forward modelling along profiles constrained by geological mapping and drilling data; advanced 2D frequency-domain filtering to distinguish between structural, stratigraphic, and mineralization-related density contrasts; and completion of the remaining planned gravity grid, potentially expanding to a regional component to fully close the open anomalies identified along the southern and southwestern boundaries of the 2025 survey coverage. Future Fuels is currently evaluating these recommendations in the context of its 2026 exploration planning, which also includes the proposed 10,000-metre drill program, additional geophysical work, and construction of a seasonal exploration camp. Future Fuels is extremely encouraged by the 2025 results, which further confirm gravity is an effective tool for mapping structural controls and identifying density anomalies associated with uranium mineralization at Mountain Lake. The positive response directly over the known system and the presence of multiple newly defined anomalies along the same structural trend support the Company's view that the Mountain Lake area may host additional mineralized bodies beyond the historically defined zone. The data also serve as a critical input into the Company's broader exploration framework, allowing for more precise drill targeting and improved understanding of lithological and structural controls on uranium emplacement across the Hornby Basin. Marketing Update Future Fuels Inc. has entered into a 60-day marketing services agreement dated [January 9, 2026] , with MCS Market Communication Service GmbH ("MCS"), of Ludenscheid, Germany (the "Agreement"). Under the terms of the Agreement, MCS will provide a range of on-line marketing and investor awareness services for the Company, including campaign creation, advertorial production and digital advertising initiatives, designed to enhance visibility across European and North American markets. The total budget for the campaign is 155,000 euros, inclusive of advertising spend and agency fees, with services scheduled to run until early March, 2026. The budget will be paid out of the Company's working capital, with 77,500 euros of the budget to be paid upfront and the remaining 77,500 euros to be paid within 30 days thereafter. MCS specializes in the management of on-line investor relations. MCS and its principal, Monika Woeste, are arm's length to the Company, and (to the best of the Company's knowledge) hold no interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of the company or any right to acquire such an interest. No securities have been or will be issued to MCS or its principals as compensation for the services provided. The terms and conditions of the agreement remain subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure Nicholas Rodway, P. Geo, (NAPEG Licence # L5576) is a consultant of the Company and is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Properties. Mr. Rodway has verified the data and reviewed and approved the technical content in this release. About Future Fuels Inc. Future Fuels' principal asset is the Hornby Project, covering the entire 3,407 km Hornby Basin in north-western Nunavut, a geologically promising area with over 40 underexplored uranium showings, including the historic Mountain Lake System. Additionally, Future Fuels holds the Covette Project in Quebec's James Bay region, comprising 65 mineral claims over 3,370 hectares. On behalf of the Board of Directors FUTURE FUELS INC. Rob Leckie, CEO and Director info@futurefuelsinc.com 604-681-1568 X: @FutureFuelsInc www.futurefuelsinc.com Forward Looking Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include but are not limited to market conditions and the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Hornby Project, the prospects of the mineral claims forming the Hornby Project, which are not at an advanced stage of development, the Company's anticipated business and operational activities, and the Company's plans with respect to the exploration or advancement of the Hornby Project. Factors that could cause actual results to vary from forward-looking statements or may affect the operations, performance, development and results of the Company's business include, among other things, the Company's ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet its current and future obligations; that mineral exploration is inherently uncertain and may be unsuccessful in achieving the desired results; that mineral exploration plans may change and be re-defined based on a number of factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control; the Company's ability to access sources of debt and equity capital; competitive factors, pricing pressures and supply and demand in the Company's industry; and general economic and business. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law. SOURCE: Future Fuels Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/future-fuels-completes-gravity-survey-at-hornby-multiple-priority-anomalies-ident-1127394 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES CALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Reeflex Solutions Inc. (TSXV:RFX) ("Reeflex" or the "Company") ais providing this bi-weekly status update in accordance with National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203"). As previously announced on December 31, 2025, the Company applied for and was granted a management cease trade order ("MCTO") by the Alberta Securities Commission (the "ASC"), as principal regulator of the Company, due to a delay in the filing of its audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certifications (the "Certificates") for the financial year ended August 31, 2025 (collectively, the "Annual Filings") by the required deadline of December 29, 2025. The MCTO restricts the Company's CEO and CFO from trading in the Company's securities until the Annual Filings are made but will not affect the ability of the general investing public to trade in the Company's common shares. As disclosed in the Company's initial default announcement, the Company underwent a complex transaction, transitioning from a private, family-owned business to a fully IFRS-compliant public company by way of a reverse takeover transaction on May 16, 2025, and related acquisition of Coil Solutions Inc. ("CSI") on May 15, 2025 (together, the "Transaction"). The Company changed its year end from December 31, 2025 to August 31, 2025 to align with the year end of its operating subsidiary, CSI. The Company also appointed MNP LLP as its new auditor, who advised that the Company's interim financial statements for the quarter ended May 31, 2025, accompanying MD&A and Certificates (the "Q3 Filings") are required to be restated to reflect CSI's results only from the May 15, 2025 acquisition date, in accordance with IFRS. The need to restate the Q3 Filings, together with first-time public company audit requirements, has extended the time required to complete the audit of the Company's year-end results and the preparation of the Annual Filings. While the Company previously announced that it expected to complete the Annual Filings and restatement of the Q3 Filings on or about January 29, 2026, due to the complexity of the audit requirements, and certain additional staffing constraints, the Company now expects that it may require additional time to complete these filings. The preparation of the Company's interim financial statements for the quarter ended November 30, 2025, accompanying MD&A and Certificates (the "Q1 Filings"), which are due to be filed by January 29, 2026, are also expected to be delayed. The Company has requested, but not yet received, the approval of the ASC to complete the Annual Filings, the Q1 Filings and the restatement of the Q3 Filings on or before February 19, 2026. The Company continues to work diligently and has engaged additional resources to assist with the preparation of the information required to complete the Annual Filings, the Q1 Filings and the restatement of the Q3 Filings. The Company will issue a news release announcing the completion of such filings at that time. In accordance with the requirements of NP 12-203, the Company confirms that as of the date of this announcement (i) there have been no material changes to the information previously disclosed regarding the default that have not been generally disclosed; (ii) there have been no failures by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information guidelines as set out in NP 12-203; (iii) there have been no other specified defaults by the Company under NP 12-203; (iv) the Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings; and (v) there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed. About Reeflex Reeflex Solutions Inc. is a proudly Canadian company that delivers advanced engineering and manufacturing solutions across various industry sectors. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Coil Solutions Inc., we provide coiled tubing injectors and downhole tools for the oil & gas sector. Our manufacturing division, Ranglar Manufacturing, specializes in custom-designed mobile equipment for a wide range of industrial applications. For further information, contact: Reeflex Solutions Inc. Trevor Conway Executive Vice President & CFO (403) 605-6167 Trevor.Conway@Reeflex.ca www.Reeflex.ca Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, including statements included in the "About Reeflex" section of this press release, are forward-looking. Generally, the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "intends", "may", "should", "will" or variations of such words or similar expressions. More particularly, and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements concerning the expected timing for the filing of the Annual Filings, the Q1 Filings and restatement of the Q3 Filings. Reeflex cautions that all forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of Reeflex, including expectations and assumptions concerning Reeflex, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Reeflex's filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Some of these risks include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Annual Filings and restatement of the Q3 Filings are filed later than anticipated. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Reeflex. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Reeflex does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking information or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by law. 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. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. SOURCE: Reeflex Solutions Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/reeflex-solutions-inc.-provides-bi-weekly-status-update-on-mcto-1127400 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Valkea Resources Corp. (TSXV: OZ) (OTCQB: OZBKF) (the "Company" or "Valkea") is pleased to announce that, further to it's news releases dated December 24, 2025, it has closed the non-brokered private placement (the "Financing") for gross proceeds of C$2.5 million. In relation to the financing, a total of 10,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") were issued at a price of $0.25 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price of C$0.35 for a period of 36 months following the closing date of the Financing. "We are very pleased to close this $2.5 million financing with strong participation from our existing shareholders, including key holders maintaining their 9.9% positions," commented Chris Donaldson, CEO and Executive Chairman. "This level of support reflects continued confidence in Valkea's strategy and our Central Lapland gold portfolio. With cash in the bank, Valkea is well positioned to launch 2026 focused on execution and advancing our exploration efforts across Central Lapland, Finland." In connection with the Financing, the Company paid finders fees of $49,500 cash and issued 198,000 finders warrants for the Company (the "Finders Warrants") to eligible arm's length finders. Each non-transferrable Finders Warrant entitles the finder to purchase one common share of the Company (a "Finder Warrant Share") at a price of $0.35 per Finder Warrant Share until January 14, 2029. The securities issued in connection with the Financing are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. Closing of the Financing is subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Directors and officers of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 220,500 Units for gross proceeds of $55,000 under the Financing. Participation by insiders of the Company in the Financing constitutes a related-party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The issuance of securities is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of Section 5.4 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 as the common shares of the Company are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The issuance of securities is also exempt from the minority approval requirements of Section 5.6 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.7(1)(b) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value was less than $2,500,000. Proceeds from the Financing will be used for exploration of the Company's the flagship Paana project and working capital purposes. The securities offered have not been 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 the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. OPTION GRANT The Company also announces that it has granted an aggregate of 1,000,000 stock options to certain consultants of the Company. Each option is exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.40 per share for a period of 5 years, in accordance with the terms of the Company's stock option plan. The options are subject to applicable regulatory approvals and any necessary hold periods as required by the TSX Venture Exchange. About Valkea Resources Valkea Resources is at the forefront of gold exploration in Finland's highly prospective Central Lapland Greenstone Belt (CLGB). With an extensive portfolio of high-potential projects, including the flagship Paana project, Valkea Resources is committed to discovering and advancing significant gold deposits in one of the world's emerging gold districts. Contact 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 release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements in this news release include but are not limited to statements regarding the use of proceeds. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Management believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the Company not receiving the necessary regulatory or exchange approvals in respect of the Financing; recent market volatility; the inability of the Company to use the proceeds of the Financing as currently anticipated; and the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include but are not limited to: the Company's early stage of development; the fluctuation of the price of metals; the availability of additional funding as and when required; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; the timing and ability to maintain and, where necessary, obtain necessary permits and licenses; the uncertainty in geologic, hydrological, metallurgical and geotechnical studies and opinions; infrastructure risks, including access to water and power; environmental risks and hazards; risks associated with negative operating cash flow; and risks associated with dilution. For a further discussion of risks relevant to the Company, see the Company's other public disclosure documents. Although management has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There is 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 forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as, and to the extent required by, applicable securities laws. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. WIRE SERVICES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280420 Source: Valkea Resources TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / 1514341 Ontario Inc. (the "Company") announces that the Company has entered into an agreement with Pasinex Resources Limited (the "Issuer") to convert an aggregate principal amount of $750,000.00 of debt (the "Settlement Amount") owing by the Issuer to the Company into common shares of the Issuer (the "Common Shares") on a non-brokered private placement basis pursuant to the accredited investor exemption in section 2.3 of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus and Registration Exemptions (the "Debt Settlement Transaction"). The Company will acquire ownership and control of 7,500,000 Common Shares (the "Settlement Shares") in exchange for the settlement of the Settlement Amount at a price of $0.10 per Settlement Share. Prior to acquiring the Settlement Shares, the company and its president Larry Seeley owned and controlled 34,490,817 Common Shares, representing approximately 16.8% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares as of January 13, 2026, on a non-diluted basis. Following the Debt Settlement Transaction, the Larry Seeley and the Company will own 41,990,817 Common Shares representing approximately 17.6% of the outstanding common shares of the Issuer on a non-diluted basis, assuming the simultaneous issuance of Common Shares by the Issuer to other acquirors under similar debt settlement agreements. The Company is incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, and its principal business is to act as a holding company. Larry Seeley, Chairman of the Issuer, owns all of the common shares of the Company. Mr. Seeley also holds, directly and indirectly, a total of 1,000,000 options to acquire additional Common Shares of the Issuer. The Settlement Shares were acquired by the Company for investment purposes and the Company intends to evaluate its investment and to increase or decrease holdings in the future as circumstances warrant. The Settlement Shares were not acquired on a market. This news release is issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bids and Insider Reporting Issues, which also requires a report to be filed with regulatory authorities in each of the jurisdictions in which the Issuer is a reporting issuer containing information with respect to the foregoing matters ("Early Warning Report"). The Early Warning Report will be filed and made available under the SEDAR+ profile of the Issuer at www.sedarplus.ca. To obtain a copy of the Early Warning Report directly, please contact Larry Seeley at (705) 313-2553. The head office of the Issuer is 550 Burrard Street, Suite 2900, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6C 0A3. 1514341 Ontario Inc. /s/ "Larry Seeley" Larry Seeley, President SOURCE: 1514341 Ontario Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/1514341-ontario-inc.-news-release-1127426 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2026) - Chesapeake Gold Corp. (TSXV: CKG) ("Chesapeake" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed a prospectus supplement (the "Prospectus Supplement") dated January 14, 2026, to its short form base shelf prospectus (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") dated February 23, 2024, with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, other than Quebec, to qualify the public distribution of 3,751,500 units of the Company (the "Units") at an offering price (the "Offering Price") of $4.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of $15,000,300 in connection with the Company's previously announced "bought deal" public Offering (the "Offering") (see news releases dated January 12, 2026). Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of $5.65 at any time on or before that date which is 36 months following the Closing Date (as defined herein). The Offering is being made pursuant to an underwriting agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") dated January 14, 2026 among the Company and Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud") as lead underwriter and joint bookrunner, and Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation, joint bookrunner (together with Red Cloud, the "Underwriters"). Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, the Company has granted to the Underwriters an option (the "Over-Allotment Option"), exercisable in whole or in part, at any time for a period of up to 30 days after and including the Closing Date, to purchase for resale at the Offering Price up to an additional 535,725 Units of the Company (the "Over-Allotment Units") at the Offering Price to cover over-allotments, if any, and for market stabilization purposes. The Prospectus Supplement to the Base Shelf Prospectus qualifies the grant of the Over-Allotment Option and the issuance of the Over-Allotment Units pursuant thereto. The Company has agreed to pay the Underwriters a cash fee equal to 6% of the gross proceeds of the Offering (which shall be reduced to 2% for gross proceeds from the sale of Units to certain purchasers on the president's list (the "President's List") agreed to by the Company and Red Cloud), including in respect of any gross proceeds raised on the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option. The Underwriters will also receive, on the Closing Date (as defined herein), as additional compensation, non-transferable broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants") to purchase that number of Common Shares (the "Broker Warrant Shares") equal to 6% of the aggregate number of Units issued by the Company under the Offering (including pursuant to the exercise of the Over-Allotment Option) (which shall be reduced to 2% from the sale of Units to purchasers on the President's List). Each Broker Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Broker Warrant Share at a price of $4.20 per Broker Warrant Share for a period of 36 months from the Closing Date. The full particulars of the Offering along with the possible exercise and issue of Over-Allotment Units pursuant to the Over-Allotment Option are set out in the Prospectus Supplement. The Offering is expected to close on or about January 27, 2026 (the "Closing Date"), or on such date as agreed upon between the Company and Red Cloud. The closing of the Offering is subject to the Company receiving all necessary regulatory approvals, including the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Delivery of the Base Shelf Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, and any amendments to such documents will be satisfied in accordance with the "access equals delivery" provisions of applicable securities legislation. The Prospectus Supplement, the Base Shelf Prospectus, and any amendment, as applicable, are accessible under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. An electronic or paper copy of the Prospectus Supplement, the Base Shelf Prospectus, and any amendment, as applicable, may be obtained, without charge, from Red Cloud Securities Inc., attention: Victoria Ellis Hayes, 120 Adelaide St. West, 14th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 1T1, email: ecm@redcloudsecurities.com by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable. The securities described 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 applicable securities laws of any state of the United States, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) or persons in the United States unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and any other applicable securities laws of the United States or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of these securities within any jurisdiction, including the United States, in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. For Further 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 news release. About Chesapeake Chesapeake Gold Corp.'s flagship asset is the Metates Project ("Metates") located in Durango State, Mexico. Metates hosts one of the largest undeveloped gold-silver deposits in the Americas1 with over 16.77 million ounces of gold at 0.57 grams per tonne (g/t) and 423.2 million ounces of silver at 14.3 g/t within 921.2 million tonnes in the Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource category and a further 2.13 million ounces of gold at 0.47 g/t and 59.0 million ounces of silver at 13.2 g/t within 139.5 million tonnes in the Inferred Mineral Resource category. See the technical report titled "Metates Sulphide Heap Leach Project Phase I" dated January 13, 2023, and news release dated February 22, 2023. Forward-looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements with respect to the Offering, the completion of the Offering and the timing in respect thereof, and the timely receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Such forward looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the continued advancement of the Company's technology; conditions in general economic and financial markets; the price of gold and silver; the availability and costs of mining equipment and skilled labour; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results; timing and amount of capital expenditures related to drilling programs; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; and the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones, assuming the recovery of the San Vicente 3 concession on the Metates. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward looking statements as a result of risk factors, including the risks to development of the Company's technology, timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling and testing results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles, including the recovery of the San Vicente 3 mineral concession; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market and industry conditions; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; and political instability. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES ________________________ 1 Mexico's biggest undeveloped gold deposits. Bnamericas, Published Tuesday, November 24, 2020. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280470 Source: Chesapeake Gold Corp. EQS Newswire / 15/01/2026 / 12:50 UTC+8 January 14, 2026 - WuXi XDC has issued a positive profit alert for fiscal 2025 and announced a cash tender offer for BioDlink, whose shares were suspended from trading at 9am on December 29 pending details of the bid. The alert underscores the ADC CRDMO leader's strong performance: it forecasts 45% year-on-year revenue growth in 2025, alongside over 70% gross profit growth and more than 45% growth in adjusted net profit (excluding interest income and expenses). Stripping out exchange rate fluctuations, adjusted net profit growth is projected to hit 65%. A pioneer in the ADC CRDMO space, WuXi XDC has driven synergistic growth through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions amid strong business momentum. The BioDlink acquisition will boost its operational capacity in China, expand production scale, enhance support for biotech firms via value-added services, broaden its project portfolio and customer base, and reinforce its leading position in the ADC CDMO sector. "Capital for time": WuXi XDC targets CDMO capacity bottlenecks The bioconjugate drug industry has reached a commercial inflection point as clinical pipelines expand, widening the capacity gap. Public data shows 21 ADC drugs had been approved globally by end-December 2025. Emerging classes such as AOCs, RDCs and PDCs are advancing rapidly with robust late-stage pipelines, emerging as new growth drivers in biopharma. Against accelerating global bioconjugate commercialisation, insufficient capacity has become a major constraint for CDMOs. Rapid pipeline expansion and upcoming commercial demand have made "capacity delivery capability" a core competitive advantage and key metric for investors assessing CDMO growth potential. For leading CDMOs, the approach to resolving capacity bottlenecks directly shapes market influence. Building new production lines-from site selection and construction to certification-typically takes three to five years, too slow to keep pace with surging bioconjugate commercial demand. WuXi XDC's proactive strategy of acquiring existing facilities, using efficient capital operations to capture market opportunities, stands out as optimal in the sector. The BioDlink deal aligns with this logic, enabling rapid capacity expansion via external integration and ensuring steady performance growth. Building on strengths: Tech platforms and talent drive growth WuXi XDC leads the industry with advanced conjugation and payload-linker technologies, and extensive bioconjugate drug development experience. It has rolled out innovative platforms including WuXiDARx, dual-payload conjugation, X-LinC linker, and WuXiTecan-1/2 payload-linker technologies. To meet global customers' diverse ordering needs and complex R&D requirements, it adopts a two-pronged "independent R&D plus external collaboration" strategy to build an integrated technology platform. This enriches technical reserves, boosts front-end R&D pipeline generation, and strengthens its R&D leadership. Talent is critical to the bioconjugate CDMO sector, but rapid industry growth has outpaced professional talent supply, a key growth constraint. WuXi XDC has long prioritised talent development; its workforce exceeded 2,600 by end-2025. The expanded professional team has formed a talent cluster, underpinning long-term growth. Riding the wave: WuXi XDC's global capacity push Data from PharmaCube's NextPharma shows China's innovative drug overseas licensing transactions hit $135.655bn in 2025, including $7bn in upfront payments across 157 deals-far outstripping 2024's $51.9bn and 94 transactions. Overseas licensing has seen explosive growth, with upfront payments and total volume at record highs. As a key bioconjugate segment, ADCs are a focus for global capital. WuXi XDC has delivered standout performance here, with steady post-listing revenue growth underscoring both the bioconjugate CDMO track's potential and the company's core competitiveness. Sustained business growth has made capacity expansion a key driver of high growth. By end-December 2025, WuXi XDC had worked with over 640 global customers on 252 iCMC projects. It also holds 18 PPQ projects and one commercial project, with nearly 1,000 production batches of drug substance (DS) and drug product (DP). These figures highlight strong market expansion and capacity deployment, reflecting robust demand for its services. The industry's capacity shortage is both quantitative and structural, marked by a lack of "high-quality, integrated" capacity. Hundreds of ADCs globally are in active clinical phases, creating strong demand for commercial capacity. Meanwhile, bioconjugates' complex production processes, high industry barriers and long supply chains have further widened the gap. Against this backdrop, WuXi XDC has established capacity in Wuxi, Jiangyin, Hefei (China) and Singapore. This global network meets global customers' local production needs, improves operational efficiency via coordinated capacity allocation, strengthens its bioconjugate CDMO lead, and allows it to fully capture industry growth opportunities. Table: WuXi XDC's capacity layout as of end-2025 Layout Capacity Wuxi Site XBCM1(Conjugation DS): 5-500L per batch XBCM2 L1&L2(Dual-function lines for antibody and conjugation DS): 50L to 2000L per batch for monoclonal antibody intermediates or up to 2000L of DS per batch Conjugation DP Lines: XDP1: annual capacity of 3 million vials XDP2: annual capacity of 5 million vials XDP3: annual capacity of 7 million vials XDP5: annual capacity of 12 million vials, expected to GMP release in 2027 XDP6: annual capacity of 10 million vials, expected to GMP release by late 2027 / early 2028 XPLM1 (Kilogram-scale payload-linker Line, business from former Changzhou site is being gradually transferred to Wuxi site) Singapore Site XBCM3(Dual-function line for antibody and conjugation DS): 50L to 2000L per batch for monoclonal antibody intermediates or up to 2000L of DS per batch, expected to GMP release in 2026 XBCM4(Conjugation DS): up to 500L per batch, expected to GMP release in 2026 XDP4(Conjugation DP): annual capacity of 8 million vials, expected to be operational in 2026 Jiangyin Site Integrated Commercial Manufacturing Site: serves as a nearby expansion for Wuxi site, including large-scale commercial small molecule production and conjugation production workshops. Hefei Site Non-GMP Manufacturing: Peptide annual capacity of ~600 batches, ~30kg GMP Manufacturing: Peptide annual capacity of ~200 batches, ~10kg Data source: Company filings WuXi XDC to sustain capacity expansion drive Looking ahead, WuXi XDC will continue to advance overseas capacity expansion steadily and proactively, further entrenching its global leadership in the bioconjugate CDMO sector. In September 2025, the company completed a $350m refinancing, leveraging strong performance and industry reputation. Combined with a previous $200m credit facility and operational reserves, it has built a sufficient capital pool to support global capacity expansion. Backed by solid capital and mature expansion experience, WuXi XDC will pursue overseas capacity growth at an "active yet prudent" pace. It is evaluating global expansion opportunities to optimise its production network-moves that will enable local delivery, deepen penetration in the global bioconjugate CDMO sector, and reinforce its industry lead. Outlook WuXi XDC's accelerated capacity deployment mirrors the rapid growth of ADC and other bioconjugate industries, driving the CDMO sector into a golden growth period. Frost & Sullivan data shows the global ADC drug market reached $17.2bn in 2025, with a 30.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2032, and is set to exceed $115.1bn by 2032. The global ADC outsourcing market is also growing strongly, projected to hit $11bn by 2030 with a 28.4% CAGR from 2022 to 2030. High growth in both sectors offers ample room for CDMO expansion. Capacity shortages are a phased challenge in the booming bioconjugate CDMO industry, unlikely to be fully resolved short-term. Over the medium to long term, however, new capacity from leading players and rising industry concentration will ease the supply-demand imbalance. WuXi XDC's early focus on "acquisition plus expansion"-backed by accurate industry trend judgment-has secured its edge in current capacity competition and positioned it to dominate the future bioconjugate CDMO landscape, leveraging strengths in capacity scale, technical barriers and global reach. Sources 1. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) 2. WuXi XDC 3. Frost & Sullivan 4. PharmaCube 5. Insight Database 6. WuXi XDC presentation, 2025 Jefferies London Healthcare Conference 15/01/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News . The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Media archive at www.todayir.com View original content: EQS News Under the 12-year agreement, Microsoft will purchase 2.85 million soil carbon removal credits from Indigo, supporting thousands of American farmers across millions of U.S. acres BOSTON, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Indigo Carbon PBC today announced one of the largest soil carbon deals to date. Under the 12-year agreement, Microsoft will purchase 2.85 million credits generated under the Carbon by Indigo program, Indigo's U.S.-based project, emphasizing regenerative agriculture's role in high-integrity carbon removals. As Indigo and Microsoft's third transaction, this deal builds on prior purchases of 40,000 tonnes in 2024 and 60,000 tonnes in 2025, underscoring Microsoft's commitment to being carbon negative by 2030 and Indigo's leadership in delivering scalable, high-integrity soil carbon removals. Regenerative agriculture practices have been recognized by governments and climate organizations as a valuable tool for carbon removal, with the ability to remove more than 3.5 gigatons of carbon-dioxide equivalent every year* in addition to improving soil health, increasing crop resiliency and yields, and scaling local investment. Amidst rising water scarcity, regenerative agriculture programs also offer support to rural communities with meaningful co-benefits including improved water infiltration and water conservation. "Microsoft's purchase highlights the transformative power of regenerative agriculture to support watersheds, support farming communities, and advance global net-zero goals," said Meredith Reisfield, Senior Director of Policy, Partnerships and Impact at Indigo. "Indigo is a proud catalyst of today's soil carbon market, with our long-standing history of farmer collaboration and proven impact, already saving 64 billion gallons of water and issuing nearly one million tonnes of CO2e carbon removal credits since 2018." At a time when farmers face mounting economic and environmental pressures, this deal delivers meaningful financial incentives for the adoption and expansion of regenerative practices, improving farm resiliency, and creating new revenue streams for farmers. Indigo is proud to work with farmers across eight million acres, paying farmers $40 million across all of Indigo's programs to date, independently of government funds. "Microsoft is pleased by Indigo's approach to regenerative agriculture that delivers measurable results through verified credits and payments to growers, while advancing soil carbon science with advanced modeling and academic partnerships. Indigo is strengthening the carbon market through their commitment to enhancing project quality, championing the improvement of third-party standards, and producing high-integrity carbon removal credits," said Phillip Goodman, Director of Carbon Removal at Microsoft. This agreement is also one of the first soil carbon deals to feature credits approved under the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market's (ICVCM) Core Carbon Principles. With its peer-reviewed research, on-the-ground science, and cutting-edge remote sensing and machine learning, Indigo has issued 927,296 carbon removal and reduction credits from CAR1459, using the Climate Action Reserve's Soil Enrichment Protocol (SEP). Indigo has added measures to reduce reversal risk throughout the 40-year durability term agreed with Microsoft, in addition to the SEP's 100-year monitoring and reversal compensation obligations. About Indigo Ag: Indigo Ag is setting a new standard for agriculture-delivering proven solutions that enrich soils, support healthy watersheds, and drive lasting farm productivity, while building an enduring global food system. Indigo connects farmers to proven programs and products to grow resilient crops, while enabling businesses to invest in farms, soils, and ecosystems that strengthen over time. With more than a decade of delivered impact, Indigo and its affiliates have paid tens of millions of dollars to farmers committed to regenerative practices and removed over one million tons of carbon from global croplands. By establishing the benchmark for scientific and agronomic integrity and scalability, Indigo proves what's possible today while pioneering what's next-creating prosperity for farmers, businesses, and the planet. The Carbon by Indigo program is operated by Indigo Carbon PBC, a public benefit corporation and subsidiary of Indigo Ag. Learn more at indigoag.com *Climate Change Synthesis Report (2023), Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862102/Indigo_Logo_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/indigo-to-sell-2-85-million-tonnes-of-carbon-removal-to-microsoft-supporting-soil-health-through-regenerative-agriculture-302661954.html Regulatory News: CTP, Europe's largest listed owner, developer and manager of logistics and industrial real estate by gross lettable area, has signed a new deal with Crisp, the fast-growing Dutch online supermarket at its state-of-the-art multistorey last-mile logistics hub, CTPark Amsterdam City. Crisp has signed a 15-year lease on around 13,000 sqm of warehouse space and 3,000 sqm of mezzanine space to optimise its operations and support its next phase of growth. At CTPark Amsterdam City, Crisp is consolidating its logistics operations into one ultramodern multistorey facility that will also support the expansion of the firm's professional production kitchen. The deal highlights the rapid modernisation of food fulfilment supply chains where logistics, production, and quality control converge under one roof, enabling innovative firms like Crisp to meet rising consumer demand for fresh, ready-to-eat food products. That Crisp, an innovative modern business, has chosen to locate its last mile facilities at CTPark Amsterdam City is evidence of the scheme's credentials as a sustainable high-quality urban logistics hub located within easy reach of millions of people. CTPark Amsterdam City is BREEAM Excellent and benefits from an almost entirely self-sufficient energy system that is supported with solar power, wind power, and large-scale battery storage, ensuring a reliable power base for Crisp in an area where power capacity is scarce. CTPark Amsterdam City also enables efficient emission free distribution for occupiers with abundant EV charging points, and direct road and water links to Amsterdam's canals. Tom Peeters, CEO of Crisp, said: "This new location supports a future-proof logistics setup. It allows us to scale optimally and prepares us for the further development of our own professional production kitchen, 'Freshly Prepared by Crisp', through which we will meet the rapidly growing demand for tasty and healthy ready-to-eat meals. This is a distinctive segment for Crisp, and one that keeps customers coming back." Across Europe more businesses are consolidating their production and supply networks into fewer more advanced last-mile hubs to gain efficiencies, be closer to their customers, and support growth. At the same time power scarcity and grid bottlenecks due to increasing renewable energy integration, demand from electric vehicles, and new investment in grid infrastructure being required, are well known issues in the Netherlands. This is making autonomous facilities like CTPark Amsterdam City with onsite power generation attractive to occupiers that increasingly see this as an essential component for supporting supply chains. CTPark Amsterdam City is the Netherlands' first XXL multistorey cityhub, uniquely located in the Port of Amsterdam Europe's fourth-largest port directly on the North Sea Canal and just 3 km from the A10 ring road. The park offers over 120,000 sqm of highly flexible storage and distribution space, with direct access to cross-dock facilities, a private quay for electric inland shipping, and extensive charging infrastructure for emission-free logistics. The site is designed for high-density logistics performance, with around 200 loading docks, advanced cold storage and production facilities. In constrained markets like Amsterdam where last-mile logistics space is undersupplied, multistorey and high-density logistics facilities such as CTPark Amsterdam City are set to see more demand from occupiers, as they offer the flexibility and scale companies need to expand. Urban logistics facilities in major developed cities including Amsterdam are also especially attractive to high growth SMEs and start-ups that benefit from being located in densely populated areas within easy reach of millions of people. About CTP CTP is the largest listed developer, owner and operator of logistics and industrial real estate by gross leasable area ("GLA"), with a portfolio of 13.8 million sqm of GLA in 11 countries as at 30 September 2025. CTP certifies all new buildings according to the BREEAM standard "Very Good" or higher and has consistently strong 3rd party ESG ratings, underscoring its commitment to being a sustainable business. For more information, visit CTP's website: www.ctp.eu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114749123/en/ Contacts: CONTACT DETAILS FOR ANALYST AND INVESTOR ENQUIRIES: Maarten Otte, Head of Investor Relations and Capital Markets Mobile: +420 730 197 500 Email: maarten.otte@ctp.eu Pavel Svihalek, Funding and IR Manager Mobile: +420 724 928 828 Email: pavel.svihalek@ctp.eu CONTACT DETAILS FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES: SEC Newgate UK Email: ctp@secnewgate.co.uk 24-Year Merck Veteran and Former SVP of R&D IT Joins TetraScience to Help Industrialize Scientific Data and AI Across Biopharma BOSTON, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TetraScience, the Scientific Data and AI company, today announced the appointment of Matt Studney as Chief Customer Officer. Studney is a seasoned business, R&D, and technology leader with more than two decades of experience operating at the intersection of science, data, and engineering. Most recently, Studney served as Senior Vice President of R&D IT and Key Partnerships at Merck, where he led large-scale modernization of scientific, laboratory, and development platforms and helped scale data, cloud, and AI capabilities across the full R&D continuum. His work enabled faster scientific decision-making, improved reproducibility, and more resilient digital foundations for over 18,000 scientists and researchers worldwide. Studney's decision to join TetraScience reflects a broader inflection point in the biopharma industry. As scientific complexity accelerates and AI becomes central to competitive advantage, platform-based approaches to scientific data and AI are increasingly replacing bespoke, project-driven solutions across discovery, development and manufacturing. "Matt has lived firsthand the limits of artisanal approaches to scientific data and AI," said Patrick Grady, Co-Founder and CEO of TetraScience. "His move to TetraScience signals that the center of gravity is shifting-from bespoke internal efforts toward shared platforms purpose-built to make scientific intelligence durable, cumulative, and scalable." "Matt is a world-class operational leader with unparalleled credibility and relationships within the pharmaceutical industry, and his appointment represents a safe and trusted choice for pharmaceutical companies looking to partner with TetraScience on their scientific data and AI transformation journeys," added Grady. At Merck, Studney designed, established and governed strategic partnerships with AWS, Accenture, Veeva, NVIDIA, BCG X, and QuantumBlack, while overseeing modernization across lab, clinical, and manufacturing technologies. His initiatives helped reduce discovery cycle times by 33%, accelerate regulatory submissions by up to four weeks, and deliver more than $100 million in savings within the first six months of a multi-year optimization program. "Over the course of my career in one of the world's most complex pharmaceutical organizations, I've seen firsthand what works-and what breaks-when you try to scale scientific intelligence inside global pharma," said Studney. "The AI era makes clear that true transformation now requires a fundamentally new architectural foundation. Scientific intelligence cannot scale on fragmented data or bespoke workflows. TetraScience has built the platform needed to industrialize scientific data and make learning cumulative across the enterprise. Patrick's long-standing vision for Scientific AI, combined with the company's deep technical and scientific capabilities, makes clear that TetraScience is the natural steward of this next phase of the industry." Studney is a recognized industry voice across global technology and biopharma leadership forums, advising organizations on AI enablement, platform strategy, and partnership governance. At TetraScience, he will partner closely with biopharma customers to help them move beyond project-by-project modernization toward a shared scientific data and AI platform, working side-by-side through the organizational and operational change this transition requires. Through TetraScience's Sciborg model, his mandate is to translate platform architecture into durable adoption and measurable scientific, operational, and economic outcomes across discovery, development, and manufacturing. About TetraScience TetraScience is the Scientific Data and AI Company building Tetra OS, the operating system for scientific intelligence. Tetra OS integrates the Scientific Data Foundry, Scientific Use Case Factory, Tetra AI, and Sciborgs into a single, AI-native platform. Together, these capabilities turn fragmented scientific data and workflows into governed, reusable, and compounding intelligence across discovery, development, and manufacturing. TetraScience is trusted by leading biopharma organizations and ecosystem partners including NVIDIA, Databricks, Snowflake, Google, and Microsoft. For more information, visit tetrascience.com. Media Contact:pr@tetrascience.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2749538/tetrascience_logo_logo_color_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/tetrascience-appoints-matt-studney-as-chief-customer-officer-signaling-industry-shift-toward-platform-based-scientific-ai-302660753.html Gradual increase in bio-based acid production and first significant revenue for AFYREN NEOXY Sales secured for 100% of volumes produced Regulatory News: AFYREN (Paris:ALAFY), a greentech company offering manufacturers biobased, low-carbon ingredients through a unique fermentation technology based on a circular model provides an update on production and sales for the year 2025. Nicolas SORDET, Chief Executive Officer of AFYREN, stated: "The year 2025 marked our transition to continuous production and the validation of our technology on an industrial scale. The hundreds of tons produced at the end of 2025 enabled AFYREN NEOXY to record its first significant revenue. All volumes produced benefit from secure outlets, and we expect revenue growth to accelerate in 2026." AFYREN NEOXY: first significant revenue and gradual increase in production AFYREN NEOXY produced about 400 tons of bio-based acids in 2025, along with significant volume of associated fertilizer. This production represents total sales1 of approximately 1 million, of which 0.5 million has already been invoiced at year-end. Although this revenue is below the initial target "in the low single-digit million euros range", it marks the first significant revenue in AFYREN NEOXY's history. In the second half of 2025, production was paused during two voluntary shutdowns to consolidate operations and address bottlenecks, which limited available capacity between July and October. Production then rose significantly, with nearly half of the year's total volume (about 200 tons) produced in the final two months of 2025. Ongoing productivity improvements are expected to support a gradual increase in production and sales in early 2026. Secured outlets for 100% of volumes produced Production during the past financial year enabled the delivery of products to nine customers: Five orders from the backlog of secured contracts (as a reminder, 165 million in volumes contracted with a dozen customers) were delivered; - Four new customers from various sectors, including Flavors and Fragrances, Life Sciences (Agrochemicals, Cosmetics2, and Environment), with volumes large enough to establish meaningful commercial relationships. Commercial successes include winning a competitive tender for 2026 from a leading player in the Flavors and Fragrances sector, offering attractive development prospects for high value-added derivative products. Sales outlets for all produced volumes are fully secured, with additional potential to generate value through market segmentation and further commercial expansion. About AFYREN AFYREN is a French greentech company, founded in 2012, focused on providing innovative, sustainable solutions to reduce reliance on fossil-based resources. AFYREN's proprietary, nature-inspired fermentation technology valorizes local biomass from non-food agricultural co-products to produce 100% biobased, low-carbon carboxylic acids. The company's sustainable solutions address decarbonization challenges in a wide variety of strategic sectors, including human and animal nutrition, flavors and fragrances, life sciences, materials science, plus lubricants and technical fluids. AFYREN's competitive, plug-and-play, circular technology enables manufacturers to adopt sustainable solutions without modifying production processes. The company's first industrial plant, AFYREN NEOXY, a joint venture with Bpifrance's SPI fund, is based in the Grand-Est region of France, serving primarily the European market. AFYREN is also pursuing a project in Thailand with a global leader in the sugar industry and is building its presence in the Americas, based on existing distribution agreements. At the end of 2025, AFYREN employed 130 people across sites in Lyon, Clermont-Ferrand and Carling Saint-Avold. Committed to continuous innovation, the company invests 20% of its annual budget in R&D to further develop the range of sustainable solutions. AFYREN is listed on Euronext Growth Paris since 2021 (ISIN code: FR0014005AC9, ticker: ALAFY). For more information, visit www.afyren.com and follow us on LinkedIn. 1 Acids plus fertilizer 2 See press release with Esse Skincare View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114892103/en/ Contacts: AFYREN Director for ESG, Communications and Public Affairs Caroline Petigny caroline.petigny@afyren.com Investor Relations Mark Reinhard investisseurs@afyren.com NewCap Investor Relations Theo Martin Mathilde Bohin Tel: +33 1 44 71 94 94 afyren@newcap.eu Media Relations Nicolas Merigeau Gaelle Fromaigeat Tel: +33 1 44 71 94 98 afyren@newcap.eu MC Services AG (international) Investor Relations Bettina Ellinghorst Media Relations Shaun Brown, Dr. Johanna Kobler Tel: +49 89 210 228 0 afyren@mc-services.eu ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric (SEHK: 2727, SSE: 601727) made a high-profile appearance at the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2026, which opened today at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center. At the summit, the company showcased its full-scenario energy solutions, including solar power, desalination, hybrid energy storage, hydrogen energy, and green fuels, demonstrating its commitment to empower the Middle East in building a resilient, intelligent, and sustainable energy ecosystem. The Middle East is endowed with abundant oil and gas resources and ample solar potential, yet faces water scarcity, making its energy transition pathway uniquely complex. As one of the largest and most influential renewable energy events in the Middle East and North Africa, WFES brings together global policymakers, industry leaders and technology innovators to address energy transition challenges and promote sustainable energy solutions. "Energy transition is not a simple combination of individual technologies. It is a system-level undertaking," said Zhu Weiwen, Deputy Director of Marketing at Shanghai Electric Power Generation Group. "Shanghai Electric acts as system integrator. We view high-penetration renewable integration, grid stability, green fuel production and industrial decarbonization as an interconnected whole, enabling us to provide executable transition pathways for customers in the Middle East." Against this backdrop, Shanghai Electric's exhibition adopted an immersive, scenario-based design, presenting four integrated solution zones that illustrate the full energy value chain-from generation and storage to conversion and efficient utilization. In the Integrated Solar and Water zone, projects such as the Dubai Solar Park were highlighted as reference projects demonstrating the complementary integration of concentrated solar power, photovoltaic power, and energy storage for 24-hour electricity supply. The zone also showcased Shanghai Electric's seawater desalination capabilities, including its mastery of both thermal-based multi-effect distillation (MED) and membrane-based reverse osmosis (RO) technologies. The Grid Support and Hybrid Storage zone focused on grid stability under high renewable penetration. Shanghai Electric highlighted its "flywheel energy storage plus synchronous condenser" solution, which provides critical inertia support and fast frequency regulation. The solution has been deployed in multiple projects, including the Penasco photovoltaic power plant in Mexico. In the Power-to-X and Hydrogen Energy zone, Shanghai Electric showcased its Bristack series electrolyzers, featuring an industry-leading energy consumption level of 3.94 kWh/Nm, alongside a scale model of the Taonan Green Methanol Demonstration Project in Jilin Province, China. As China's first large-scale green methanol demonstration project, it integrates wind power-generated hydrogen with biomass-based green methanol production technology, and has obtained full-process ISCC EU certification. The Zero-Carbon Industrial Parks zone illustrated pathways for high-energy-consuming industrial parks to achieve low-carbon transformation through the synergy of high-efficiency industrial turbines and intelligent energy management systems, enabling system-level efficiency improvements and smart dispatch. Each solution showcased at the Shanghai Electric booth is backed by proven project delivery. From the 2 GW AI Sadawi Photovoltaic Project in Saudi Arabia and the Safi Seawater Desalination Project in Morocco, to the Pancevo Gas-Fired Power Plant in Serbia and the Taonan Green Methanol Project in China, these projects across multiple countries and application scenarios underscore Shanghai Electric's capability to deliver complex, cross-regional integrated energy systems. On the first day of the summit, Shanghai Electric hosted multiple technical roadshows addressing key regional topics such as energy-desalination coupling, green fuels and grid stability, attracting strong interest from industry participants. As a trusted energy system partner, Shanghai Electric continues helping the Middle East and global markets transform abundant natural resources into sustainable, reliable and green energy for the future. For more information, please visit: https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/ Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862430/WFES2026.mp4 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2346204/Shanghai_Electric_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/shanghai-electric-showcases-the-power-of-integration-at-wfes-2026-with-full-scenario-energy-solutions-for-the-middle-east-302662048.html Nummular eczema is a debilitating skin condition that is distinct from atopic dermatitis but involves similar disease mechanisms including IL-13 and therefore makes targeting IL-13 with lebrikizumab a potentially promising therapeutic option. LumiNE is part of Almirall's ongoing lifecycle management activities to enable more patients to benefit from advanced treatments such as Lebrikizumab targeting patients with dermatological conditions and high unmet medical needs. The phase III study will be initiated within the first half of 2026 and will evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of lebrikizumab in at least 270 patients with nummular eczema in Europe for up to 48 weeks of treatment. Almirall, S.A. (ALM), a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to medical dermatology, announces the planned start of a phase III study assessing the efficacy and safety of Lebrikizumab (Ebglyss, currently approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis) in patients with nummular eczema. This study will be initiated in the first half of 2026 and is aligned with Almirall's ambition of leadership in medical dermatology and is part of the ongoing lifecycle management activities Almirall is conducting for its products to enable more patients to benefit from advanced treatments targeting dermatological conditions with high unmet medical need. Nummular eczema is distinct condition from atopic dermatitis, requiring a specific treatment regime, but is thought to involve a similar disease mechanism with the cytokine IL-13 playing a key role. This makes targeting IL-13 by lebrikizumab a monoclonal antibody with high affinity to IL-13 a potentially promising therapeutic option for patients suffering from nummular eczema. "We are excited to start this phase III study with lebrikizumab in patients suffering from nummular eczema as it has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the treatment of this debilitating disease. The proven efficacy of lebrikizumab in atopic dermatitis, its high affinity to the cytokine IL-13, and the scientific evidence pointing to a central role of IL-13 also in nummular eczema could enable us to expand the benefits of lebrikizumab to these patients, in line with Almirall's purpose to transform people's lives" stated Karl Ziegelbauer, Chief Scientific Officer at Almirall. "This is an important clinical study as it is aimed at addressing the unmet needs of patients living with nummular eczema, and the latest scientific insights that show a potential role of IL-13 in the development of this debilitating chronic skin disease. We are looking forward to initiating this phase III study as soon as possible and to assessing the potential for lebrikizumab to extend its benefits to addressing nummular eczema" commented LumiNE coordinating investigator Prof. Dr. Kilian Eyerich, Medical Director of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at the Medical Center University of Freiburg, Germany. About LumiNE LumiNE (M-27501-30) is a Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, multicenter clinical trial with a double-blind extension evaluating efficacy, safety, and tolerability of lebrikizumab for up to 48 weeks of treatment in adult participants with nummular eczema who are not adequately controlled with topical corticosteroids or when this treatment is not medically advisable. The study is planned to be initiated within the first half of 2026 and will initially randomize approximately 270 participants at around 60 centres across Europe, with a potential extension to additional patients. The primary endpoint is the improvement of IGA-NE (Investigator's Global Assessment of nummular eczema) and the key secondary endpoints are pruritus NRS (Numerical Rating Scale) improvement from baseline and absolute change in DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index). About nummular eczema Nummular eczema (NE) is a chronic skin disorder characterized by red, scaly, itchy, coin-shaped patches and is often difficult to manage with standard topical therapies. NE, also referred to as discoid eczema, may present in individuals with or without atopic dermatitis and is a frequently relapsing inflammatory skin condition which significantly impairs the patients' quality of life due to persistent itch, sleep disruption, and social stigma. NE has an estimated prevalence range from 0.1% to 9%, with higher prevalence in older adults and specific ethnic populations. It is frequently misdiagnosed due to its resemblance to other inflammatory dermatoses. While NE shares some features such as barrier dysfunction and type 2 immune activation with atopic dermatitis, it is a distinct clinical condition that may present in individuals with or without atopic dermatitis. A growing body of evidence suggests NE requires specific tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Recent scientific data show that the cytokine IL-13 is a central mediator in NE and plays an important role in the onset and relapse of the disease, specifically contributing to triggering inflammation, pruritus, eosinophilic infiltration, and barrier dysfunction in NE. About Lebrikizumab Lebrikizumab is a high-affinity monoclonal antibody that selectively binds the cytokine IL-13 which is a factor in atopic dermatitis, driving the type-2 inflammatory loop in the skin, leading to skin barrier dysfunction, itch, skin thickening and infection. Lebrikizumab (Egblyss), currently approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis) prevents the formation of the IL-13Ra1/IL-4Ra heterodimer complex and subsequent signaling, thus inhibiting the biological effects of IL-13 and its role in the disease pathogenesis of Atopic dermatitis. Lebrikizumab represents a step forward for patients with moderate-to-severe AD not controlled with topical therapy due to its selective mechanism of action, proven efficacy, favorable safety profile, and a 4-weekly maintenance dosing. Lebrikizumab has demonstrated clinical efficacy in both, monotherapy and in combination with topical corticosteroids with 4-weekly maintenance dosing across a variety of clinical studies and in real-world evidence settings. Ebglyss was approved in Europe in October 2023 and in the US in August 2024. Almirall has exclusive rights to develop and commercialize EBGLYSS for the treatment of dermatology indications, including atopic dermatitis, in Europe. Almirall's partner Lilly has exclusive rights for development and commercialization of EBGLYSS in the U.S. and the rest of the world outside Europe. About Almirall Almirall is a global pharmaceutical company dedicated to medical dermatology. We closely collaborate with leading scientists, healthcare professionals, and patients to deliver our purpose: to transform the patients' world by helping them realize their hopes and dreams for a healthy life. We are at the forefront of science to deliver ground-breaking, differentiated medical dermatology innovations that address patients' needs. Almirall, founded in 1944 and headquartered in Barcelona, is publicly traded on the Spanish Stock Exchange (ticker: ALM, total revenue in 2024: 990 MM, over 2000 employees globally). Almirall products help to improve the lives of patients every day and are available in over 100 countries. For more information, please visit almirall.com Legal notice: This document includes only summary information and is not intended to be exhaustive. The facts, figures, and opinions contained in this document, in addition to the historical ones, are "forward-looking statements." These statements are based on the information currently available and the best estimates and assumptions that the Company considers reasonable. These statements involve risks and uncertainties beyond the control of the Company. Therefore, actual results may differ materially from those declared by such forward-looking statements. The Company expressly waives any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, goals, or estimates contained in this document to reflect any changes in the assumptions, events, or circumstances on which such forward-looking statements are based, unless required by the applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114791875/en/ Contacts: Corporate Communications: Corporate.communication@almirall.com Phone: (+34) 659 614 173 Investor Relations investors@almirall.com Phone: (+34) 93 291 30 87 2025 revenue declined compared to 2024 (18.7M), impacted by low OEM sales prior to the ramp-up of the Jungheinrich contract. Confirmed international reach: 73% of revenue generated outside of France, including 21% in North America and 43% in Europe (excluding France). A redeployment of resources toward the core AI business for OEMs (Manufacturers and Tier One) and end users. Arcure invites retail investors to participate in a webinar held today at 4:45 PM CET. Arcure, a specialist in artificial intelligence for enhancing safety and productivity in the industrial sector, today announced unaudited annual revenue of 12.6 M for the 2025 fiscal year, a decrease compared to the 2024 fiscal year (18,7 M). Franck GAYRAUD, Arcure Chairman and CEO commented: For the first time in our history, 2025 saw a decline in revenue compared to the previous fiscal year. Beyond the 4M base effect related to the final Blaxtair 3 production order from our OEM client Liebherr, we were significantly impacted by the contraction of industrial investment and low-cost competition. The cost-saving plan launched mid-year reduced our fixed cost base by 1.7M, allowing us to preserve our cash position. Paradoxically, our OEM commercial activity has never been more intense, and we anticipate a sharp increase in market volumes over the medium term. To capitalize on this situation and leverage our technological differentiators-as our products are recognized by customers as the most advanced and high-performing on the market-we announced a strategic pivot and internal reorganization last month. This shift aims to focus our efforts on the AI algorithms that form the core of our unique value proposition. This offering helps address the challenges manufacturers will face in the coming years, particularly in the fields of autonomy and functional safety for AI (Safe AI). Smart Sensing: Low-cost solutions rise in 2025; OEMs brace for the ultimate showdown Arcure launched its Blaxtair AHD solution in mid-2025. While positioned as an entry-level model, it still delivers the guaranteed performance Blaxtair is known for. During the second half of the year, this version became the best-seller in our product portfolio, alongside Blaxtair Origin, our premium, full-feature version. In 2026, the AHD version is expected to account for the majority of our sales. Vianney Jeanselme, Sales Director, commented: "With Blaxtair AHD, we are providing a highly competitive offering that features full Blaxtair performance-meaning no compromises on safety-backed by a global service network to support our customers anywhere in the world." Throughout 2025, Arcure moved forward with more than 20 OEM negotiations, involving both machine manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers. Today, all manufacturers recognize the need for an intelligent perception offering to meet the demands of an increasingly mainstream market. In September, we announced the first serial production orders from Jungheinrich, with volumes expected to grow significantly in 2026. We anticipate additional OEM contracts with major players throughout 2026. Mastering algorithms: the key to success for years to come Sixteen years ago, Arcure pioneered this market, and today, our vision is being realized: all industrial vehicle users are now demanding intelligent perception. As this technology becomes widespread, hardware will become a commodity, benefiting from the advancements made in the automotive and consumer electronics markets. The competitive landscape is now shifting toward algorithmic performance, where manufacturers expect ambitious breakthroughs. These advancements are designed to support a roadmap toward the total or partial autonomy of industrial vehicles. This journey involves several stages where AI will enhance intelligent perception surrounding the equipment. The goal is to improve operational safety and provide intelligent environmental analysis to increase both productivity and reliability. Moving forward, our expertise will be focused on developing a suite of AI applications that will drive our growth and profitability in the coming years. Building on our operational and technological experience in this field, we can quickly expand our portfolio with high-performance applications that address our customers' most demanding challenges. Patrick Mansuy, Deputy CEO, commented: 'In 2026, our revenue and margins will still stem from our historical business model, but we will have fully transformed our organization to position ourselves within this new market.' Coming Next: Webinar in French for retail investors January 15, 2025, at 4:45 PM CET. Register at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ArcureCA2025 Only pre-registered investors will be able to attend this webinar. Next Financial Release: 2025 Results April 8th 2026 Before Markets Opening About Arcure Founded in 2009, Arcure is an international group specializing in Artificial Intelligence applied to image processing for the industrial sector. The company develops and markets solutions designed to enhance the autonomy and safety of industrial vehicles and robots. Arcure notably developed Blaxtair, a cutting-edge intelligent pedestrian detection solution that improves safety around industrial vehicles in various settings, particularly in the most extreme environments. With over 25,000 units already sold across more than 50 countries, Blaxtair is used by global industrial leaders and is being increasingly adopted by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Arcure is headquartered in France, where it also maintains its R&D centers and operational units. The company has a subsidiary in the United States and sales offices in Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Arcure is listed on the Euronext Growth market (ISIN: FR0013398997 - Ticker: ALCUR). For the 2025 fiscal year, the group reported revenue of 12.6 million, with 73% generated from international markets. For more information, visit www.blaxtair.com CONTACTS INVESTORS RELATIONS investisseurs@arcure.net MEDIA RELATIONS investisseurs@arcure.net ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: lJlqYZmcYWrFyWpyaMiYbGNkam6TlZPHm2KamJKcmMjJa3JknGuUbMmeZnJmnm5o - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-95992-20260115_arcure_cp_ca_2025_en.pdf Fleet expansion for even more capacity and sustainability in Baden-Wurttemberg's regional transport A contract worth around 500 million euros including maintenance and servicing for nearly 30 years Coradia Max regional trains offering climate-friendly mobility with more comfort, more frequent and faster connections for passengers 15 January 2026 - Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has signed a contract for the delivery of 26 additional double-decker trains of the Coradia Max type to the Landesanstalt Schienenfahrzeuge Baden-Wurttemberg (SFBW). The order also includes an agreement for the maintenance of the vehicles until the end of 2055. The order value for the additional 26 trains and the long-term full-service contract is around 500 million euros1. The trains are scheduled to be delivered from mid to late 2028. The order is part of an option contingent agreed in May 2022 as part of a major order for 130 Coradia Max trains and associated FlexCare Perform maintenance and servicing. At that time, the contract included the possibility of ordering up to 100 additional trains. Winfried Hermann, Minister of Transport of the State of Baden-Wurttemberg, said: "We are investing a total of around 3 billion euros in 156 state-of-the-art and comfortable Coradia Max trains. This puts us at the forefront in Germany with numerous new high-performance trains. We are thus creating capacity for the high passenger demand of recent years. More capacity helps where it is already full today. More comfort ensures that passengers feel comfortable on board with us. With these vehicles, we will be able to significantly improve local and regional transport services, especially after railway hub Stuttgart 21 goes into operation. We have made sure that the very powerful vehicles with high top speed are nevertheless energy-efficient. Baden-Wurttemberg is a pioneer in sustainable and climate-friendly mobility in rail transport. We attach great importance to high-quality vehicles." Tim Dawidowsky, President for the Central and Northern Europe region at Alstom, said: "We are proud to be able to add another chapter to our cooperation with the state of Baden-Wurttemberg. The expansion of the Coradia Max fleet will offer passengers even more capacity, comfort and speed in regional transport. As a partner for long-term maintenance and servicing, we will make a decisive contribution to the reliable operation of the vehicles for decades to come." Phased in from 2026 The double-decker trains will be introduced from December 2026 and will be gradually used on various routes in Baden-Wurttemberg. They will be made available to the railway companies DB Regio Baden-Wurttemberg and Arverio in rail network 35's Lot 1 and Lot 2 (Stuttgart-Bodensee-Netz) and will thus run on various Regionalexpress and Metropolexpress lines in the future. With a top speed of 200 km/h, the Coradia Max train for Baden-Wurttemberg provides the fastest travel experience in German regional transport. The four-car trains consist of two double-decker control cars and two single-deck intermediate cars with a total of 380 seats. They have a length of 106 meters and can run in multiple traction. Powerful air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, charging facilities for mobile phones and laptops as well as reading lamps contribute to a pleasant travel experience. High comfort, top speed and energy efficiency In addition, lounge areas as well as conference and family compartments ensure a high level of comfort for all passenger needs, while spacious multi-purpose compartments offer space for large luggage, prams and bicycles. Wide single-leaf doors allow for quick entry and exit. The vehicles are designed to be barrier-free for travellers with mobility impairments. For example, the thresholds allow step-free access from the standard platform with a height of 760 mm above the top of the rails, and for stations with different platform heights, the vehicles have special lifts for passengers in wheelchairs. The trains are also equipped with modern signalling and automation technology as part of the lighthouse project "Digital Hub Stuttgart" (DKS), the first digitised railway hub in Germany. The trains will run in the well-known bwegt colours of white-yellow-black. Coradia Max is a state-of-the-art low-floor, high-performance electric multiple unit (EMU) with a top speed of up to 200km/h, offering a modular design that allows operators to choose the optimal configuration and interior. The trains have been designed with passenger comfort in mind, providing, among other things, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, multiple charging options for mobile phones and laptops, reading lights, multi-purpose spaces for large luggage, prams and bicycles, as well as a range of facilities for people with reduced mobility. More than 500 Coradia Max have been ordered across Europe. Alstom is the market leader in rail services, supporting customers over the entire asset lifecycle with the broadest portfolio of services solutions. Alstom's FlexCare Perform maintenance services are tailored to customer needs and operational requirements, from technical support with spares to fully outsourced maintenance solutions. Alstom maintains over 36,000 vehicles worldwide and is a trusted partner for servicing both Alstom and non-Alstom rail assets. ALSTOM, Coradia Max and FlexCare Perform are registered trademarks of the Alstom Group About Alstom Alstom commits to contribute to a low carbon future by developing and promoting innovative and sustainable transportation solutions that people enjoy riding. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, Alstom offers its diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. With its presence in 63 countries and a talent base of over 86,000 people from 184 nationalities, the company focuses its design, innovation, and project management skills to where mobility solutions are needed most. Listed in France, Alstom generated sales of 18.5 billion for the fiscal year ending on 31 March 2025. For more information, please visit www.alstom.com. Contacts Presse: Alstom HQ Stephane SAVIGNARD - Tel.: +33 (0) 7 63 00 48 76 stephane.savignard@alstomgroup.com Alstom Germany Andreas FLOREZ - Tel.: +49 (0)1 74 92 27 632 andreas.florez@alstomgroup.com Jorn BISCHOFF - Tel.: +49 (0)1 74 92 50 348 joern.bischoff@alstomgroup.com Alstom Investor Relations: Cyril GUERIN - Tel: +33 (0) 6 07 89 36 16 cyril.guerin@alstomgroup.com Guillaume GAUVILLE - Tel: +44 (0) 75 88 02 27 44 guillaume.gauville@alstomgroup.com Jalal DAHMANE - Tel: +33 (0) 6 98 19 96 62 jalal.dahmane@alstomgroup.com 1 This order was booked in the 3rd quarter of Alstom's 2025/2026 financial year. It is one of the 3 orders referred to in the Note to Investors published on 5 January 2026 ("Alstom awarded three contracts for a total value of approximately 2.5bn"). Highlights: The Company is undertaking a fully funded 30,000 metre drill program at its flagship N2 Gold Project in Quebec, host to a global historic resource of ~871,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~810,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central) 2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone 2,4 . Phase 1 has been expanded to approximately 14,000 metres based on the results of the fieldwork to-date, which includes the following significant intervals: N2-25-008: 208.8 metres of target mineralization was intercepted beginning at 28.6 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 40 metres in width including up to 70.0 metres. N2-25-011: 166.8 metres of target mineralization was intercepted beginning at 60.0 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 20 metres in width including up to 70.6 metres. 13 drillholes totalling 3,879 metres have been completed to-date, with mineralization starting within the first 10 metres in 4 drillholes and the first 25 metres within 6 drillholes. In addition to the above, long mineralized intervals were observed in each of the other drillholes, with a further 3 drillholes returning over 100 cumulative metres of target mineralization, and 4 greater than 80 metres. Assays will be released shortly following final compilation and interpretation. The intense quartz-carbonate veining and sulfide mineralization (pyrite/arsenopyrite) in sheared and brecciated zones observed visually is directly comparable to the material that yielded long gold intervals in historical drilling including 245-91-151, which intercepted 1.7 g/t Au over 35.0 metres. The Company has working capital of ~C$12.3M with zero debt. Inclusive of provincial tax credits from the Quebec government, Formation's exploration budget for 2025-2026 is set at ~$8.1M. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Formation Metals Inc. ("Formation" or the "Company") (CSE:FOMO)(FSE:VF1)(OTCQB:FOMTF), a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company, is pleased to provide an update from the fully funded 30,000 metre drill campaign underway at its flagship N2 Gold Property ("N2" or the "Property"), located 25 km south of Matagami, Quebec, where the Company is targeting a multi-million ounce conceptual open-pit resource. The Company has finished drilling the first thirteen holes of its Phase 1 drill program, and based on the findings to-date, has elected to expand Phase 1 to 14,000 metres following the identification of the following multiple stand-out intervals where target mineralization was identified in greater than 100 metre intervals downhole, including the following: N2-25-003: 152.9 metres of target mineralization was intercepted beginning at 23.1 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 30 metres in width up to 37.9 metres. N2-25-006: 102.6 metres of target mineralization was intercepted beginning at 15.3 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 10 metres in width including up to 23.4 metres. N2-25-008: 208.8 metres of target mineralization was intercepted beginning at 28.6 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 40 metres in width including up to 70.0 metres. N2-25-009: 135.7 metres of target mineralization was intercepted beginning at 23.3 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 30 metres in width including up to 43.4 metres. N2-25-011: 166.8 metres of target mineralization was intercepted beginning at 60.0 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 20 metres in width including up to 70.6 metres. N2-25-013: 121.7 metres of target mineralization was intercepted beginning at 51.6 metres downhole, with multiple intervals over 10 metres in width including an interval of up to 30.8 metres with visible gold (see press release dated November 26, 2025). In addition to the above, long mineralized intervals were observed in each of the other drillholes, with each of N2-25-01, N2-25-04, N2-25-07 and N2-25-10 returning total mineralized intervals cumulatively exceeding 80 metres, with mineralization starting within the first 10 to 20 metres. Deepak Varshney, CEO of Formation Metals, stated, "The consistency of this deposit observed within this drill campaign has been spectacular. Building a bulk tonnage open-pit resource requires finding repeatable mineralization across long strikes and widths, and the target mineralization we are observing fits what Formation is focused on its maiden drill campaign." Mr. Varshney continued: The thick continuous zones of mineralization observed significantly expand the potential for a large-scale, low-strip multi-million ounces open pit development. With 30,000 metres fully funded and just over C$12 million in working capital, Phase 1 is the first step on our journey to realizing this conceptual model and we look forward to sharing further updates in the coming weeks." To-date, the Company's maiden drill program has focused on assessing the first three hundred metres vertical, with 3,879 metres of drilling completed on near surface targets at the "A" and "RJ" zones where historic drill database reveals auriferous composite intervals up to 35 metres at 1.7 g/t gold. (Table 1). The drilling in the "A" zone was particularly successful, where a significant correlation was identified in terms of lithological intervals and sequences, alteration products and mineralization forms and variety between the geological features along these holes and those of surrounding historic drill holes. The Company is finalizing its data compilation and interpretation and will shortly release assays. The expanded drill program will focus on testing further along strike and within large gaps of the historical block model within the "A" zone. Table 1 summarizes the drilling completed to-date. The drill holes were designed and oriented perpendicular to the identified historic auriferous strikes in both the "A" and "RJ" zones correlated with and controlled by main deformation zones and associated with EM conductivity anomalies which successfully intersected targeted geological structures and notable mineralization in both zones, consistent with the project's historic geological model (Figures 1 and 2). Table 1- Drill Collar Details Figure 1 - Drillholes advanced within the "A" Zone. Figure 2 - Drillholes advanced within the "RJ" Zone. The NQ diamond drill holes drilled by Forage DCB Drilling and the collected drill core have been transferred to the Technominex facility in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, where they completed core logging and split the core in half utilizing a water-cooled diamond core saw. Samples were systematically collected in 0.5 metre to 1.5 metre intervals down the holes where geological features identify special intervals of interest and sample length. The collected samples were securely marked up and stored in the logging facility until being dispatched to the Laboratoire Expert Inc. in Rouyn-Noranda. Qualified person The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Babak V. Azar, P.Geo., geo (OGQ#10876) an independent contractor and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Historical reports provided by the optionor were reviewed by the qualified person. The information provided has not been verified and is being treated as historic. Quality Assurance and Quality Control A comprehensive Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) program was implemented during the drilling program to ensure the integrity, reliability, and representativeness of all collected samples. This program strictly adhered to industry best practices, encompassing the development and adherence to detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for core handling, logging, and sampling. Quality control measures included the insertion of certified reference materials (standards), barren blanks, and field duplicates into the sample stream at a rate of 10% of the total samples. A rigorous chain-of-custody was maintained throughout the sampling process, from the drill site to the independent analytical laboratory, Laboratoire Expert Inc. Project Summary Comprising 87 claims totaling ~4,400 ha within the Abitibi sub province of Northwestern Quebec, Formation's flagship N2 Gold Project is an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~871,000 ounces comprised of 18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~810,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2, There are six primary auriferous mineralized zones in total, each open for expansion along strike and at depth (Figure 3) Compilation and geophysical work by Balmoral Resources Ltd. (now Wallbridge Mining) from 2010 to 2018 generated numerous targets that have not yet been investigated with diamond drilling. The drilling at N2 is designed to focus on discovery drilling at new high-potential targets along the mineralization strikes at the "A", "RJ" and "Central" zones in the northern part of the Property in order to discover new auriferous trends and unlock new zones of gold mineralization. The program will also focus on high-priority infilling and expansion targets in these zones to significantly enhance the auriferous zones identified to-date (Fig. 6). Historical highlights from the top two priority zones include: A Zone: A shallow, highly continuous, low-variability historic gold deposit with ~522,900 ounces identified at a grade of 1.52 g/t Au. ~15,000 metres have been drilled historically across 1.65 km of strike, with over 3.1 km of strike remaining to be tested. 84% of historical drillholes intercepted auriferous intervals including up to 1.7 g/t over 35 metres. RJ Zone: a high-grade historic gold deposit with ~61,100 ounces identified at a grade of 7.82 g/t Au, with high-grade intercepts from historical drill holes as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres and 16.5 g/t Au over 3.5 metres2. This zone was the target of the most recently drilling at the Property by Agnico-Eagle Mines in 2008, when the price of gold was ~US$800/oz. Only ~900 metres of strike has been drilled, with 4.75+ km of strike remaining to be tested. Figure 3 - Property overview summarizing historical work completed at each of the six mineralized zones and their respective historical resource. The Company also believes that N2 has significant base metal potential, where it recently completed a revaluation process which revealed significant copper and zinc intercepts within historic drillholes known to have significant gold grades (>1 g/t Au). Assay results range from 200 to 4,750 ppm and 203 ppm to 6,700 ppm, for copper and zinc, respectively, indicating strong potential for elevated base metal (Cu-Zn) concentrations across the property, specifically at the A and RJ zones. Property wide geology at N2 features volcanic and sedimentary rocks formed in regional anticlinal and synclinal flexures. Three principal deformation structures, oriented along the known NW-SE to WNW-ESE structural trends typical of VMS deposits in the Matagami region, function as critical geologic controls for mineralization on the property. For the 2026 exploration season, Formation plans to concentrate its efforts on the northern part of N2, targeting gold deposit expansion and discovery along identified zones and fault systems associated with the main deformation features (specifically WNW-ESE trend), with IP surveys and drilling planned to model mineralized zones that will hopefully contribute to an updated NI 43-101 compliant resource. Formation will also look to further review historic base metal assays from older drill core and undertake additional work in 2025 to assess the property's copper and zinc potential. Property Shares The Company also announces that, further to its news release of January 24, 2025, it has issued 1,000,000 common shares (the "Shares") at a deemed price of $0.33 per Share to Wallbridge Mining Company Limited ("Wallbridge Mining"), pursuant to its property option agreement (the "Option Agreement") entered with Wallbridge Mining on January 15, 2025 respecting N2. This issuance of Shares represents the first anniversary payment owing to Wallbridge under the Option Agreement. The Shares are subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. About Formation Metals Inc. Formation Metals Inc. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Formation's flagship asset is the N2 Gold Project, an advanced gold project with a global historic resource of ~871,000 ounces (18 Mt grading 1.4 g/t Au (~810,000 oz Au) across four zones (A, East, RJ-East, and Central)2,3 and 243 Kt grading 7.82 g/t Au (~61,000 oz Au) across the RJ zone2,4) and six mineralized zones, each open for expansion along strike and at depth including the "A" zone, of which only ~35% of strike has been drilled (>3.1 km open), and the "RJ" zone, host to historical high-grade intercepts as high as 51 g/t Au over 0.8 metres. FORMATION METALS INC. Deepak Varshney, CEO and Director For more information, please call 778-899-1780, email dvarshney@formationmetalsinc.com or visit www.formationmetalsinc.com. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Notes and References: Readers are cautioned that the geology of nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of the geology of the Property. The above referenced resource estimates do not have a category, are considered historical in nature, and are based on prior data prepared by a previous property owner, and do not conform to current CIM categories. While the Company considers the estimates to be reliable, a qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current resources in accordance with current CIM categories and the Company is not treating the historical estimates as a current resource. A 0.5 g/t Au cut-off was used in the preparation of the historical estimates with a minimum 2.5 metre mining width. Significant data compilation, re-drilling, re-sampling and data verification may be required by a qualified person before the historical estimates can be classified as current resources. There can be no assurance that any of the historical mineral resources, in whole or in part, will ever become economically viable. In addition, mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The Company is not aware of any more recent estimates prepared for the N2 Property. Needham, B. (1994), 1993 Diamond Drill Report, Northway Joint Venture, Northway Property; Cypress Canada Inc.; 492 pages. Guy K. (1991), Exploration Summary May 1, 1990 to May 1, 1991 Vezza Joint Venture Northway Property; Total Energold; 227 pages. Forward-looking statements: This news release includes "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements respecting: the Company's plans for the Property and the expected timing and scope of the drilling program at the Property; the Company's goal of delivering a near-surface multi-million-ounce deposit the Property; the Company's view that the Property has the potential for over three million ounces of gold; the Company's planned 30,000-metre drilling program; and statements respecting the Offerings, the timing thereof and the expected use of proceeds therefrom. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. SOURCE: Formation Metals View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/formation-metals-expands-phase-1-drill-program-to-14-000-metres-at-its-advanced-n-1127387 Evercore announced today that Kaan Kesedar has joined the firm as a senior managing director in the financial sponsors group. He will be based in London partnering with Tiarnan O'Rourke and other senior managing directors across the region and globally to serve Evercore's private equity clients in EMEA. Matthew Lindsey-Clark, co-head of Evercore's EMEA investment banking business, said, "We are delighted to welcome Kaan to Evercore. His experience and relationships across the financial sponsor universe will further strengthen our capabilities to serve these important clients. We continue to view the financial sponsors ecosystem as an area of strategic focus for Evercore where we are well positioned to capitalize on increasing activity." "I am excited to join Evercore and assist in enhancing the firm's dedicated financial sponsors coverage effort. I look forward to contributing to Evercore's continued growth in this important space and supporting Evercore's clients," said Mr. Kesedar. Mr. Kesedar brings nearly 20 years of investment banking experience to Evercore. Most recently, he served as managing director at Citi. Previously, he held positions at Credit Suisse and Accenture. Mr. Kesedar earned an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a B.A. at Vanderbilt University. About Evercore Evercore (NYSE: EVR) is a premier global independent investment banking advisory firm. We are dedicated to helping our clients achieve superior results through trusted independent and innovative advice on matters of strategic and financial significance to boards of directors, management teams and shareholders, including mergers and acquisitions, strategic shareholder advisory, restructurings and capital structure. Evercore also assists clients in raising public and private capital, delivers equity research and equity sales and agency trading execution, and provides wealth and investment management services to high-net-worth and institutional investors. Founded in 1995, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices and affiliate offices in major financial centers in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. For more information, please visit www.evercore.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115290296/en/ Contacts: Business Contact: Matthew Lindsey-Clark Co-head of Evercore's EMEA investment banking business Communications@Evercore.com Media Contact: FGS Global Evercore-Europe@fgsglobal.com Jamie Easton Global Head of Communications External Affairs Communications@Evercore.com Investor Contact: Katy Haber Head of Investor Relations ESG InvestorRelations@Evercore.com SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) and Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, today announced a multi-year strategic technology partnership to accelerate AI-assisted innovation across Syngenta's global operations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115682130/en/ Jeff Rowe CEO of Syngenta Group (left) and Christian Klein CEO of SAP (right) The partnership will embed artificial intelligence at the core of Syngenta's enterprise, modernizing operations and enabling accelerated innovation through advanced data analytics across the business from manufacturing and supply chain to grower-facing products and services. Agriculture continues to navigate challenges driven by climate variability, supply chain complexity, and global uncertainty. By deploying AI-assisted tools enterprise-wide, this partnership positions Syngenta to meet the challenge of feeding a projected 10 billion people by 2050, while unlocking faster innovation, stronger operational resilience, and scalable impact across the business. "AI is the catalyst for agricultural transformation and has quickly become a core competitive edge for Syngenta," said Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Syngenta Group. "Our partnership with SAP is transforming how we run the enterprise, modernizing core operations and unlocking new ways to work a testament to our commitment to becoming an agriculture company with AI at its core." "Syngenta's transformation sets a benchmark for digital innovation in agriculture," said Philipp Herzig, Chief Technology Officer at SAP SE. "Together, we're demonstrating how cloud and AI technologies can drive sustainable growth and efficiency in one of the world's most critical industries. This partnership will help Syngenta future-proof its operations to feed the world responsibly." Scaling an AI-First Operating Model for Agriculture Syngenta's transformation will begin with SAP Cloud ERP Private solutions, modernizing core operations across the value-chain to deliver agility, resilience, and scalability. The company's ambition is clear: unlock innovation faster, strengthen its leadership in agriculture, and future-proof operations against volatility. Through SAP Business Data Cloud, Syngenta will create a unified, more secure, and scalable data foundation essential for real-time decision-making and AI integration. Combined with SAP Business AI and AI-assisted tools such as the Joule copilot, this will help the company explore smarter, faster decisions that drive operational efficiency and accelerate innovation. Additionally, Syngenta will be able to deliver better products and services to growers worldwide while enabling them to retain control and privacy over their proprietary information. About SAP As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP (NYSE:SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best by uniting business-critical operations spanning finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, and customer experience.Visit the SAP News Center. Get SAP news via LinkedIn and Bluesky. About Syngenta Syngenta is a global leader in agricultural innovation with a presence in more than 90 countries. Syngenta is focused on developing technologies and farming practices that empower farmers, so they can make the transformation required to feed the world's population while preserving our planet. Its bold scientific discoveries deliver better benefits for farmers and society on a bigger scale than ever before. Guided by its Sustainability Priorities, Syngenta is developing new technologies and solutions that support farmers to grow healthier plants in healthier soil with a higher yield. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland; Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. Read our stories and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram X. Data protection is important to us. You are receiving this publication on the legal basis of Article 6 para 1 lit. f GDPR ("legitimate interest"). However, if you do not wish to receive further information about Syngenta, just send us a brief informal message and we will no longer process your details for this purpose. You can also find further details in our privacy statement. Syngenta's Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. 2026 Syngenta. Rosentalstrasse 67, 4058 Basel, Switzerland. SAP's Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements, which are predictions, projections, or other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to materially differ. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties may be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the risk factors section of SAP's 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F. 2026 SAP SE. All rights reserved. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. Web Resources Pictures View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115682130/en/ Contacts: Media Contacts Syngenta Media Relations media@syngentagroup.com SAP Media Relations press@sap.com +1 (610) 661-1000 Medscape reporting and survey data show why doctors are coming to the UK, what it takes to work in the NHS and what's now pushing many to look elsewhere. Doctors trained overseas make up a substantial and growing share of the UK medical workforce, with new data underscoring the NHS's deep reliance on international recruitment at a time of mounting uncertainty. More than two-thirds of doctors who joined the UK medical register in 2023 trained outside the UK, according to the General Medical Council (GMC), while internationally trained doctors now account for 44% of all registered practitioners. New reporting and survey data from Medscape shed light on what sits behind those figures-why doctors continue to come to the UK, the barriers they face in joining and progressing within the NHS, and the factors now prompting many to consider leaving. Medscape's dossier "Expat MD: The Ultimate Guide to Working Abroad" compiles insights from the UK, Europe, the Americas and Australia, alongside new survey data from over 1,200 physicians worldwide. The findings reveal that the NHS remains a major destination for doctors trained overseas, but growing uncertainty around training, progression and long-term prospects is prompting many to reconsider their future in the UK. International medical graduates (IMGs) underpin care across hospital wards and general practice, often filling posts in areas facing the most severe staffing shortages. Medscape reports the challenges overseas doctors face to work in the NHS. To practise in the UK, overseas doctors must meet English language requirements, pass exams such as the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB), secure General Medical Council registration and a sponsored work visa-a process costing months and thousands of pounds before their first shift. "The fact that people get world-class treatment for free was a big selling point for me," said Dr Pushpo Babul Hossain, who moved from Bangladesh to the UK in early 2020. But she told Medscape that adapting to the NHS came with unexpected challenges, from an unfamiliar workplace culture to gaps in induction and professional support. Hossain, now IMG lead at the Doctors' Association UK, said overseas doctors are often relied upon for service provision without receiving the structured training or mentoring available to UK graduates. "It's quite hard for people who are international to get used to the NHS," she said, adding that delayed or insufficient inductions can leave doctors feeling unsupported and exposed to risk. Separate Medscape analysis shows that these pressures are unfolding at a time when policy signals are shifting. The UK government has set out ambitions to reduce reliance on overseas recruitment over the coming decade, while proposals to prioritise UK-trained graduates for postgraduate training have raised concerns among international doctors about career progression. The GMC warns that such changes risk driving doctors away. In 2024, nearly 5,000 non-UK-qualified doctors left UK practice-up over 25% from the previous year. Only 13% of doctors who gained registration after passing PLAB secured a UK job within 6 months, a sharp decline from previous years. Medscape's survey of 1,271 doctors shows that most respondents (70%) plan to work abroad for better work-life balance and quality of life, while 46% cite financial incentives. Europe remains the top destination for doctors working abroad, followed by the United States and Australia. UK-trained doctors favour Australia for their lighter rotas, more predictable hours, and better recovery time between shifts-though Medscape reporting notes the emotional strain from family separation and ongoing system pressures across borders. Taken together, Medscape's reporting suggests the global medical workforce is becoming increasingly mobile and selective. Doctors weigh lifestyle, training opportunities, safety and long-term security alongside pay when deciding where to build their careers. "As health systems worldwide compete for talent, the UK faces a pivotal moment," said Peter Russell, Medscape UK editor. "Overseas doctors continue to keep the NHS running-but our findings suggest that without clearer pathways, better support and a more welcoming environment, many may choose to take their skills elsewhere." To learn more about doctors in the UK, please visit: The Overseas Doctor's Path to Working in the NHS IMGs Keep the NHS Running 'But We Feel Overlooked' Is the Grass Really Greener for UK Doctors Abroad? UK at Risk of Driving Out International Doctors, GMC Warns About Medscape Medscape is the leading source of clinical news, health information, and point-of-care tools for health care professionals. Medscape offers specialists, primary care physicians, and other health professionals the most robust and integrated medical information and educational tools. Medscape Education (medscape.org) is the leading destination for continuous professional development, consisting of more than 30 speciality-focused destinations offering thousands of free C.M.E. and C.E. courses and other educational programmes for physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. Medscape is a subsidiary of WebMD Health Corp. About WebMD Health Corp. WebMD Health Corp., an Internet Brands company, is at the heart of the digital health revolution that is transforming the healthcare experience for consumers, patients, healthcare professionals, employers, health plans and health systems. Through public and private online portals, mobile platforms, and health-focused publications, WebMD delivers leading-edge content and digital services that enable and improve decision-making, support and motivate health actions, streamline and simplify the healthcare journey, and improve patient care. The WebMD Health Network includes WebMD Health, Medscape, WebMD Ignite (encompassing Krames, The Wellness Network and Mercury Healthcare), Jobson Healthcare Information, MediQuality, Frontline, Vitals Consumer Services, Aptus Health, PulsePoint, The Wellness Network, SanovaWorks, MNG Health, MedicineNet, eMedicineHealth, RxList, OnHealth, Medscape Education, and other owned WebMD sites. WebMD, Medscape, CME Circle, MedPulse, eMedicine, MedicineNet, theheart.org and RxList are among the trademarks of WebMD Health Corp. or its subsidiaries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115692721/en/ Contacts: For more information contact: Jaberta Bennett WebMD jbennett@webmd.net Phone: +1 404 660-7002 Alexandrine Lawrie Accenture Song alexandrine.lawrie@accenture.com The rebranding signals a sharper focus on the African continent for this exclusive angel investor network SINGAPORE, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- XA Africa, the exclusive operator-led investment network founded by global technology veterans, today announced its official launch as A54. The rebrand marks a significant milestone in the network's evolution, reflecting its deepened commitment to the 54 nations of the African continent and its growing impact as a primary bridge between global expertise and local innovation. Just over one year since its public launch as XA Africa in Q4 2024, the network has rapidly established itself as a critical player in the ecosystem. To date, A54 has successfully deployed more than a quarter million US$ in capital to support the continent's most promising startups. A Proven Model for "Smart Capital" A54 distinguishes itself by moving beyond traditional venture capital. As a global community of senior leaders from the world's most prominent technology companies - including many from Google and YouTube - the network provides "smart capital" that combines funding with hands-on operational mentorship. "Our mission has always been to connect exceptional founders with the guidance they need to scale globally," said Nitin Gajria, Co-Founder of A54 and former MD of Google Sub-Saharan Africa. "As we rebrand to A54, we are doubling down on our hypothesis that operator-led investment is the most effective way to unlock Africa's profound opportunities. We aren't just investors; we are partners who have built and scaled the very products that define the modern tech landscape." Progress and Portfolio Highlights The transition to A54 follows a year of significant momentum. The network has completed 9 core investments in high-growth startups across the continent - strategically concentrated in major African tech hubs, such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. A54's early portfolio already demonstrates diverse sector backing - with notable companies including: Zeno (Kenya) (Kenya) PBR Life Sciences (Nigeria) (Nigeria) BuuPass (Kenya) (Kenya) Kaya AI (South Africa) (South Africa) Talamus Health (Nigeria) (Nigeria) Crop2Cash (Nigeria) (Nigeria) Tix Africa (Nigeria) (Nigeria) PowerLabs (Nigeria) (Nigeria) Cantant (Nigeria) "Partnering with this network has been a game-changer," said Michael Ogundare, CEO of Crop2Cash. "Their strategic guidance has opened doors to new opportunities that go far beyond the initial check." Looking Ahead: The A54 Vision The name A54 represents the network's dedication to the entire African continent. In 2026, the network aims to expand its "Regional Hubs" - inclusive of both investors and VC / technology partners - in key tech centers across Africa to facilitate even more seamless investment into the region. "Africa is home to 25% of the world's youth but currently receives only 1% of global venture funding," said Marek Dawidowicz, Co-Founder of A54 and Marketing Director at YouTube. "A54 is here to change that, by proving that with the right combination of capital and global expertise African startups can lead the next wave of global innovation." Upcoming African Startup Demo Day: The A54 team will be hosting their next public [A54 Network] Startup & Investor Demo Day webinar on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 1PM (GMT+1). This quarterly event offers an exclusive opportunity for Africa-focused investors to meet the founders of our most recent portfolio companies and learn more about the A54 investment model. Any investor or African startup ecosystem evangelist can register for the event via the A54 website or LinkedIn page. About A54: A54 is a global, operator-led investment community supporting Africa's most promising founders. Founded by veterans from the world's leading tech companies, A54 provides curated access to early-stage and growth-stage deals, combining capital with hands-on expertise to help startups scale with confidence. For more information and media queries, please visit: www.a54.network CONTACT: contact@a54.network View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xa-africa-rebrands-to-a54-signaling-a-new-era-for-african-tech-investment-302661160.html ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Future Energy Summit (WFES), the Middle East's leading renewable energy and clean technology platform, was held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center from January 13-15, 2026. CLOU showcased its latest utility-scale energy storage systems and C&I solutions. Products drawing significant focus included liquid-cooled energy storage systems and associated AC-side power conversion solutions specifically engineered for harsh desert conditions, demonstrating CLOU's core capability to precisely meet diverse regional market needs through technological innovation. The UAE is aggressively transforming its energy mix to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Through policy initiatives, major project investments, and technological innovation-particularly in energy storage-the country is advancing clean energy integration and grid stability. While abundant in solar resources, the UAE's extreme desert climate heightens demands on storage technology and operations. Leveraging 16 years of global energy storage expertise, CLOU is emerging as a key partner for local enterprises, bolstering the region's energy transition. At the summit, CLOU showcased the customized Aqua-C3.0 Pro liquid-cooled energy storage system and the AC-side solution, providing high-performance energy storage solutions for complex high-temperature desert application scenarios. The Aqua-C3.0 Pro system comes with a 600+Ah ultra-large-capacity cell, with a single cabinet capacity of 7.345MWh. Thanks to multiple innovations such as direct cooling technology, CLOU's proprietary Smart Scales active balancing technology, and the SiC string PCS, it achieves a significant leap in system efficiency, safety, and operation and maintenance convenience, with a reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO) of 10.63%. To improve its adaptability to the hot desert environment in the Middle East market, the system features three customized designs: thermal management technology, AC-side adaptation, and customized sand protection. In terms of thermal management technology, the thermal insulation structure design is matched with a high-power liquid-cooled unit to achieve stable full-power output. To enhance AC-side adaptability, and address the challenge of transformer and PCS derating in hot environments, this solution achieves capacity coverage in hot environments through a high-capacity PCS (MV Skid), ensuring the continuous full-power output of the battery system effectively. In response to sand invasion, the customized Aqua-C3.0 Pro improves the system's operational reliability in harsh environments significantly by sealing key parts and providing a dust screen. CLOU has nearly 30 years of experience in the field of electricity, and has implemented multiple iconic projects for worldwide diversified complex environments successfully. CLOU's energy storage and micro-grid solutions can address various challenges successfully, be it scorching sandstorms in the Atacama Desert in Chile, the extremely cold 4100-meter plateau in Argentina, or the sea salt mist climate in Guangdong, China. This stems from its insights into electricity needs and environmental characteristics in different parts of the world, and precise customization capabilities. CLOU is leading energy transformation and strengthening its position as a leader in the global energy storage industry with differentiated innovative solutions. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862519/CLOU_s_Booth_WFES_2026.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/clou-debuts-at-wfes-in-abu-dhabi-to-showcase-latest-energy-storage-solutions-302662130.html Paramount, California--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Logistics provider 3PLGUYS has announced an expansion of its Southern California fulfillment and kitting operations as e-commerce brands seek more reliable alternatives following recent changes in major marketplace preparation programs. The expansion includes increased warehouse capacity, additional processing lines, and new fulfillment workflows designed to support higher order volumes, more complex product assembly, and faster turnaround times for online retailers. The company said the move was driven by rising demand from high-volume sellers who need more control over their packaging, labeling, and shipping processes. According to the company, the upgrade allows 3PLGUYS to handle a significantly larger number of inbound shipments and multi-component product kits while maintaining tighter inventory accuracy and faster dispatch times. The expanded operation also adds dedicated teams focused on compliance-ready packaging and custom kitting, enabling sellers to prepare inventory for multiple sales channels from a single location. Jonathan Ashberg, founder of 3PLGUYS, said the expansion was planned in response to increasing pressure on e-commerce sellers to manage more of their fulfillment preparation independently. "Retailers are dealing with tighter delivery windows and stricter inbound requirements," Ashberg said. "This expansion gives our clients more capacity, more control, and more stability at a time when many fulfillment workflows are being reshaped." The upgraded facilities are located near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, allowing imported inventory to move directly from port to processing with fewer handoffs. The company also expanded its use of warehouse management and tracking systems to provide real-time visibility into inventory, kitting progress, and outbound shipments. While many of 3PLGUYS' clients operate on large online marketplaces, the company said the expansion is designed to support multi-channel sellers who distribute through a variety of e-commerce and retail platforms. The added capacity allows brands to scale product launches, promotional campaigns, and seasonal demand without moving inventory between multiple service providers. Ashberg said the company expects the expansion to support both existing clients and new sellers entering the market. "This investment positions us to serve a much broader range of growing brands," he said. "As fulfillment requirements become more complex, sellers need partners that can adapt quickly. This expansion allows us to do exactly that." About 3PLGUYS 3PLGUYS is a Los Angeles-based third-party logistics provider specializing in kitting, fulfillment, and port-centric logistics for e-commerce brands. The company supports online retailers by managing product preparation, inventory handling, and outbound shipping from facilities located near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280072 Source: Plentisoft Rich Communication Services (RCS) and WhatsApp mitigate pre-purchase uncertainty, boost post-purchase engagement and streamline returns While UK retailers celebrated a festive spending spree in December, January ushers in a different, more costly reality the burden of returns. Global cloud communications platform, Infobip, highlights Rich Communication Services (RCS) and WhatsApp, as crucial tools enabling retailers to combat this growing challenge, as data from Retail Economics predicts the cost of annual returns could exceed 27 billion for the UK retail sector.1 Returns place a significant financial and operational strain on businesses, with serial and slow returners contributing disproportionately to return volumes. These behaviours, often driven by opportunistic tactics such as "buy-to-try" and "wardrobing," exacerbated by delayed returns, erode profit margins and complicate inventory management. Kim Johal, Retail Specialist at Infobip, said: "Each year we see retailers impacted by the burden of managing post-Christmas returns. At times, it can seem like an unavoidable aspect of online shopping, but there are ways of managing return levels and reducing their business impacts. By offering richer communications, including high-quality images, and facilitating two-way conversations, RCS and WhatsApp are helping retailers to address the leading causes of returns and streamline the returns process." Rich messaging channels can reduce the impact in the following ways: Mitigating pre-purchase uncertainty: By delivering rich media content such as high-resolution images, 360-degree views, and interactive sizing tools directly within the messaging app, RCS and WhatsApp help customers make more informed decisions and reduce returns caused by mismatched expectations. Enhancing post-purchase engagement: After a sale, rich messaging channels facilitate personalised communication of care instructions, usage tips, and styling advice. This proactive engagement can boost satisfaction and minimize returns stemming from perceived issues. Streamlining the returns process: For unavoidable returns, RCS and WhatsApp offer a seamless, in-channel experience for initiating returns, generating digital labels, and providing real-time tracking updates. This user-friendly approach encourages timely returns, reducing inventory becoming outdated and processing costs. Kim Johal continued: "RCS and WhatsApp are emerging as an indispensable components of an omnichannel communication strategy, empowering retailers to drive efficiency across marketing and customer service. This approach leverages new technologies that provide greater transparency and efficiency throughout the customer journey, crucial for improving margins and building trust with consumers." ____________________ 1 Retail Economics, The Cost of Serial Returners in 2024 https://www.retaileconomics.co.uk/retail-insights/thought-leadership-reports/the-cost-of-serial-returners-in-2024-zigzag-retail-economics About Infobip Infobip is a global cloud communications platform that enables businesses to build connected experiences across all stages of the customer journey. Accessed through a single platform, Infobip's omnichannel engagement, identity, user authentication and contact centre solutions help businesses and partners overcome the complexity of consumer communications to grow business and increase loyalty. It offers natively built technology with the capacity to reach over seven billion mobile devices and 'things' in 6 continents connected to over 9,700+ connections of which 800+ are direct operator connections. Infobip was established in 2006 and is led by its co-founders, CEO Silvio Kutic and Izabel Jelenic. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115567566/en/ Contacts: For more information, contact: Highbury Communications Sarah Penney spenney@highburycomms.com Infobip Wendy Schellens Wendy.SchellensEXT@infobip.com Medical AI Made Easy-From Lab to Real-World Training & Practical Use CHEROKEE, Texas, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MediCapture Inc., a global leader in medical imaging systems, today announced the launch of aiScope, software that runs Vision AI models in real-time, locally on MediCapture's MTRs and selected MVR imaging systems. First aiScope pilot deployment will be in veterinary science. The technology will be demonstrated live at VMX 2026 in Orlando, Florida, working on MediCapture's VUEES University Edition and on portable VUEES Mobility platforms. (abbreviated as Veterinary Ultrasound and Endoscopy Education Systems). Medical AI Made Easy iScope enables real-time object detection, image classification, and AI-assisted video analysis directly on medically certified MediCapture MTR and MVR devices - eliminating the need for external PCs, GPUs, or complex proprietary systems in the operating room or in the field. "By embedding AI Vision at the point of care, aiScope solves the long-standing "last-mile problem" that has prevented many research AI models from being used in real-world clinical and teaching environments", says Bernd Jotzat, Senior Product Manager at MediCapture. Powerful data collection engine for your Vision AI datasets MediCapture MTRs and MVR with aiScope turn your surgical camera into a powerful vision data capture device, enabling classification or detection in real-time. Using custom models, aiScope analyses captured images and automatically generates bounding boxes and labels. Future updates will add auto-annotation and pre-annotated exports, cutting manual review and labelling time. Vendor Neutral and Open Source aiScope is vendor-neutral and operates with an MTR or MVR to run Vision AI applications across endoscopic, microscopic, and surgical camera systems. It supports open source models and training, conversion and deployment of publicly available models, and integration of community-developed models. First Deployment in Veterinary Education The aiScope pilot launches on January 15 during VetExpo Europe in Leipzig, Germany, and this Saturday, January 17 at the VMX Expo in Orlando, USA. It will run through the spring, then extend to data collection programs for veterinary universities and research centers for the remainder of 2026. Medical AI in the Field with VUEES Mobility MediCapture's MTR with aiScope can fit easily into a case the size of a carry-on. Using under 20 watts of power, an MTR can run aiScope for 8+ hours on a quality power bank. MediCapture will demonstrate aiScope on VUEES Mobility at VMX 2026 in Orlando, USA, on January 17. MediCapture President and CEO Michael Bishop explained the company's decision to begin in veterinary science: "Veterinary medicine spans more than 65,000 vertebrate species. That's where science begins. That's how discovery accelerates. aiScope is portable, allowing us to bring AI-driven imaging to every corner of the earth." Availability aiScope planned availability for university pilot participants is in March, 2026 with broader commercial availability on select MediCapture systems early this summer. About MediCapture MediCapture Inc. designs and manufactures innovative imaging, recording, and archiving solutions for medical use in surgery, endoscopy, ultrasound, and clinical education. With a strong focus on vendor-neutral devices, OR integration tools, smart workflow engines, and Vision AI technology, MediCapture empowers human healthcare professionals and veterinary professionals worldwide to capture more, understand more, and teach more. For more information, visit medicapture.com or contact sales@medicapture.com For Media Inquiries: Global Marketing Communications Department marketing@medicapture.com MediCapture Inc. - All Rights Reserved 2026 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861683/AiScope_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/medicapture-launches-aiscope-pilot-for-veterinary-sciences-at-vmx-2026-302661534.html LONDON, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Applaud today released its 2026 State of HR Service trends report , based on first-party research conducted with Censuswide among 1,000 UK employees at organizations with 2,000+ staff. The research highlights a growing "service gap" between how often employees need HR help and how quickly they get it. Nearly four in five employees (79%) seek HR help at least once a month, averaging 3.6 HR needs per person per month, equating to ~86,500 HR-related needs per year in a 2,000-person organization and more than 2 million in a 50,000-person enterprise. Yet much of that demand is hidden because employees start in email, chat, with managers, and informal conversations, not formal cases. Key findings: Where employees start: Only 26% go to an HR system/portal first; 24% email, phone, or message HR; and just 15% use knowledge/FAQs. For frontline workers, 34% ask a colleague first and only 20% use HR systems. Speed: Only 6% receive help instantly via AI/chat. Meanwhile, 36% wait at least a full day, and ~22% often wait several days or a week or more. Self-service plateau: Employees resolve only 47% of HR needs themselves. A quarter self-serves just 0-25% of needs; hospitality workers self-serve 33%. Cost: A typical 1,000-employee organization loses ~12,800 hours per year to routine HR queries, about $385,000 / 300,000 in productivity. Live HR interactions average US$22 versus US$2 for self-service (a 91% difference). "Employees are asking for clear, fast, trustworthy support across every channel," said Ivan Harding, CEO at Applaud. "The organizations that win in 2026 will make service feel joined-up, with governed knowledge and AI that can both answer and act." The report outlines five shifts shaping modern HR service delivery in 2026: hidden demand, fragmented channels, stalled self-service, the cost of clunky service, and the new standard for employee-first support. About Applaud Applaud is the HR-focused, employee-led disruptor for the world of work. Our HR service delivery suite creates a more human, joined-up experience across every channel, powered by governed knowledge and agentic AI, so employees get fast, trustworthy help and HR can do more for their people. Report link: https://www.applaudhr.com/the-2026-state-of-hr-service-report-five-shifts-redefining-hr-service-delivery Company site: https://www.applaudhr.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/new-research-79-of-employees-seek-hr-help-monthly-but-only-6-get-instant-support-302658718.html Global agri-food innovation competition names four winning startups during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. HyveGeo, Permia Sensing, Flybox, and Akorn Technology to share USD 2 million to pilot and scale solutions in the UAE and the Global South. ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The third edition of the UAE FoodTech Challenge, a global competition that identifies and scales the world's most promising agri-tech innovations, concluded at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week with the announcement of four winning startups: Category: Climate-Smart Food Production Permia Sensing uses AI, bioacoustic sensors and drone imaging to monitor tree health. Already covering over 15,000 hectares of palm plantations in Sri Lanka, the technology offers early detection of stress factors, such as dehydration and pest infestations, enabling farmers to boost yields and reduce waste. They now plan to work with local partners to finesse and localize their solution for the UAE and scale its application across the Middle East. uses AI, bioacoustic sensors and drone imaging to monitor tree health. Already covering over 15,000 hectares of palm plantations in Sri Lanka, the technology offers early detection of stress factors, such as dehydration and pest infestations, enabling farmers to boost yields and reduce waste. They now plan to work with local partners to finesse and localize their solution for the UAE and scale its application across the Middle East. HyveGeo turns agricultural waste into a carbon-rich biochar, then enriches it with microbes to create a high-performance soil enhancer. This circular, nature-based approach is already being used by farmers and landscape managers across the UAE, transforming arid, desert soil into fertile, arable land. As winners, they plan to expand their research and launch pilots in markets across the Global South. Category: Food Loss & Waste Reduction Akorn Technology produces a natural, edible coating for fruit and vegetables, including a vegetable protein to slow ripening, a wax to reduce moisture loss, and a vegetable oil to maintain color. Their solution is already being used in Egypt and Ghana to extend the shelf life of produce and cut post-harvest losses, and will now be optimized for use in the UAE and arid environments across the region. produces a natural, edible coating for fruit and vegetables, including a vegetable protein to slow ripening, a wax to reduce moisture loss, and a vegetable oil to maintain color. Their solution is already being used in Egypt and Ghana to extend the shelf life of produce and cut post-harvest losses, and will now be optimized for use in the UAE and arid environments across the region. Flybox uses black soldier fly larvae to convert agricultural byproducts into high-quality protein and fertilizer, while reducing waste sent to landfill. Housed in shipping containers, their off-grid, low-cost solution is currently being used in Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria, and will now launch in the UAE, with plans for working with local waste management partners to deploy at scale. From an initial pool of 1,215 submissions from 113 countries, ten finalists advanced to the final stage of the competition, presenting their solutions in live pitches to an international judging panel comprising senior leaders and experts in food systems, sustainability, investment, and international development. Following evaluation, the four winning startups were announced during an awards ceremony on the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week main stage. Rima Al Mokarrab, Chair of Tamkeen and Co-Chair of the FoodTech Challenge, remarked: "Building resilient and secure food systems is central to the UAE's long-term vision for a prosperous future. The latest winners of the UAE FoodTech Challenge now join a growing community of past awardees, who have since raised over USD 48 million in follow-on funding and launched more than 50 pilot projects across the UAE and other markets. As they begin this next phase of their journey, support from our network of partners and UAE's world-class innovation ecosystem will serve as a launchpad for their solutions, enabling them to contribute to more resilient and sustainable food systems in the UAE, the global south, and worldwide." The four teams will share a USD 2 million prize and will be invited to scale their solutions in the UAE, where they will receive tailored in-kind support, including pilot opportunities, access to research facilities, market-entry guidance, mentorship, and investor introductions through an extensive network of local and international partners. From this base, the winners will work to deploy and scale their solutions across key markets in the Global South, supporting more resilient and sustainable food systems. Fatema Almulla, Senior Specialist Development, International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court, said: "The UAE plays a leading role in international development, with agricultural innovation central to its global engagement. Through the UAE FoodTech Challenge, winning startups are embedded within a proven development ecosystem; where advanced technologies, policy leadership, and global expertise come together to accelerate solutions from pilot to scale. This is how innovation is translated into measurable impact, from the UAE to climate-vulnerable regions worldwide." This year's FoodTech Challenge is organized by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkeen, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, ne'ma (The National Food Loss and Waste Initiative), and Silal. The finalist cohort represents a diverse range of approaches to food system innovation, including advanced technologies for post-harvest preservation, waste-to-value conversion, precision agriculture, and resource-efficient food production. Shelly Sundberg, Deputy Director of Adaptive and Equitable Food Systems at the Gates Foundation, said: "The UAE FoodTech Challenge plays an important role in advancing practical, scalable, and accessible solutions that can strengthen food security across underserved and climate-vulnerable populations. At the Gates Foundation, we are proud to support initiatives that translate innovation into real-world impact, helping food systems reduce loss, improve sustainability, and expand access to safe, affordable and nutritious food. These are essential to building more resilient food systems in the face of climate and economic pressures." Khuloud Nowais, Chief Sustainability Officer at Emirates Foundation and Secretary General of the ne'ma Steering Committee, said: "Seeing the caliber of this year's winners and the diversity of their solutions has been truly inspiring. As a judge, it has been encouraging to witness the growing sophistication of solutions that address food loss and waste challenges. At ne'ma, we are proud to support initiatives that turn ideas into actionable, lasting impact for food systems." The UAE FoodTech Challenge identifies and accelerates agri-food technology solutions that boost food production and reduce food loss and waste in arid and increasingly climate-stressed environments. Attracting technology-driven innovations that can be refined in the UAE and scaled internationally, the competition directly supports the UAE's long-term food security ambitions and contributes to global food system resilience. To learn more about the FoodTech Challenge, visit: www.foodtechchallenge.com See YouTube videos of the winners here: Akorn Technology Permia Sensing Flybox HyveGeo Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862529/The_UAE_FoodTech_Challenge.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-uae-foodtech-challenge-2026-winners-to-join-national-agri-tech-ecosystem-and-support-global-food-security-302662199.html Audience intelligence company adds to roster of insights agents LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Pulsar, the AI intelligence platform for the enterprise, today announced Pulsar CLEAR, a new Agentic AI solution designed to help brands accelerate creative production while ensuring full compliance with rapidly evolving advertising regulations. CLEAR analyses every claim, image and frame in an ad using a multi-agent AI architecture and a live regulatory knowledge graph, delivering transparent, auditable compliance assessments in minutes. It is the first system to combine multimodal ad understanding with explainable risk scoring built specifically for regulated and reputation-sensitive industries. "CLEAR gives brands the ability to move fast without compromising on trust or accuracy," said Francesco D'Orazio, CEO of Pulsar. "It turns compliance from a bottleneck into a strategic advantage." CLEAR launches today with support for UK ASA, CAP and BCAP codes, with U.S., EU and APAC rulebooks rolling out in 2026. It integrates directly into intelligence and creative workflow platforms including Pulsar, Adobe, Figma, Canva, Workfront and Slack. The platform is designed for sectors such as energy, financial services, healthcare, public sector and consumer tech - and is already in deployment with several global enterprise advertisers. Pulsar CLEAR is available today to select Pulsar customers. Learn more and request a demo at pulsarplatform.com. Contact Information Davide Berretta VP Brand & Content Marketing, Pulsar davide.berretta@pulsarplatform.com SOURCE: Pulsar View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/pulsar-unveils-clear-the-first-agentic-ai-system-for-real-time-ad-1081975 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / GoodData , a leading AI-native decision intelligence platform, today announced strong Q4 results driven by record product development velocity, the launch of its Intelligence Layer for trustworthy AI, and continued expansion across the financial services sector. The quarter underscored GoodData's commitment to delivering inclusive, governed AI at scale, marked by significant accessibility milestones and sustained adoption among global enterprises. Business highlights GoodData's momentum accelerated throughout Q4, fuelled by a surge in development activity and deepening strategic partnerships. The company delivered a 50% year-on-year increase of product releases in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024, with a three-fold increase in AI-focused development activity in agentic workflows in H2. "Our performance in Q4 shows that speed and trust are not mutually exclusive," said Roman Stanek, CEO and Founder of GoodData. "With the launch of the Intelligence Layer and our focus on accessibility and governance, we are giving enterprises the guardrails they need to embrace agentic AI. A 296% increase in AI development activity demonstrates the velocity at which we are moving to help customers turn data into intelligent action." Strategic enterprise deployments delivered strong growth. In a major global rollout for a strategic payments partner, GoodData onboarded more than 2,000 client organisations and 13,600 users. The deployment achieved a 40% higher activation rate and generated 27 times user growth in the MEA region, laying the foundation for continued expansion in 2026. Product innovation Q4 was marked by GoodData's launch of its Intelligence Layer, designed to unify governed, trustworthy AI analytics across enterprise data environments and enable organizations to operationalize AI with confidence and consistency. The release introduced new tools to strengthen trust and governance, including the Analytics Catalog, which simplifies asset discovery and management, and the Semantic Quality Agent, which continuously assesses and improves semantic layer accuracy. GoodData also introduced AI Memory, enabling analytics experiences to incorporate historical context and deepen decision confidence. Analytical capabilities were further enhanced with Key Driver Analysis, allowing users to identify the factors influencing business metrics, and Aggregate Awareness, which improves performance by automatically leveraging pre-aggregated data. Accessibility remained a core focus throughout the quarter. GoodData published an independent Accessibility Conformance Report confirming that GoodData Cloud aligns with WCAG 2.1 Level AA, Section 508 and EN 301 549, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive analytics. Additional milestones Industry-specific innovation continued with the debut of Agentic AI for Financial Services, delivering compliant, audit-ready AI agents for fraud detection, regulatory reporting and more. This was reinforced by GoodData's expanded presence at Money20/20 in Las Vegas. The company also strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Tom Strachan to lead the US market, supporting the expansion of GoodData's enterprise AI sales footprint. About GoodData GoodData is an AI-native decision intelligence platform built to help enterprises turn trusted data into confident action. Designed for governed, scalable analytics, GoodData enables organizations to operationalize insights, automate decisions, and embed intelligence directly into products and business workflows. With a composable architecture and a governed semantic layer at its core, GoodData ensures AI-powered analytics are transparent, auditable, and aligned with how enterprises define and trust their data. Organizations use GoodData to move from insight to impact faster, while maintaining enterprise-grade security, governance, and performance. GoodData serves over 140,000 of the world's leading companies and 3.2 million users, helping enterprises close the gap between data and decision-making. For more information, visit GoodData's website and follow GoodData on LinkedIn , YouTube , and Medium . 2026 GoodData Corporation. All rights reserved. GoodData is a registered trademark of GoodData Corporation in the United States and other jurisdictions. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others. Contact: number +1 415-200-0186 email press@gooddata.com SOURCE: GoodData View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/gooddata-accelerates-in-q4-with-product-innovation-and-business-g-1126989 Advanced sensor suite will add situational awareness capabilities to Stryker armored vehicles, including 360-degree visibility, thermal imaging, and long-range threat detection Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), announced that it has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army worth up to $32 million to deliver and integrate advanced electro-optical (EO/IR) systems for the Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) Recon Kit. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115305529/en/ Teledyne FLIR Defense has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Army worth up to $32 million to deliver and integrate advanced electro-optical (EO/IR) systems for the Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle (ICV) Recon Kit. The contract was awarded by the U.S. Army Contracting Command as part of a Foreign Military Sales agreement to support Bulgaria's military modernization. Bulgaria is acquiring nearly 200 U.S.-made Stryker armored vehicles to replace its Soviet-era tactical vehicle fleet and enhance interoperability with NATO forces. The contract was awarded by the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., as part of a Foreign Military Sales agreement to support Bulgaria's military modernization. Bulgaria is acquiring nearly 200 U.S.-made Stryker armored vehicles to replace its Soviet-era tactical vehicle fleet and enhance interoperability with NATO forces. Teledyne FLIR Defense will provide long range thermal imaging sights and radars for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISR-T), adding advanced capability in all-weather conditions, day or night, to Bulgaria's Strykers. Products featured in the effort include the TacFLIR 280 HDEP EO/IR imaging system, Ranger R20SS long-range radar, and Cameleon control software for tracking and targeting threats. Later phases of the vehicle modernization program will include FLIR Defense unmanned aircraft and launch systems, combined with Teledyne's nuclear, biological and chemical detection sensors, to provide standoff identification of these deadly threats to Bulgarian Land Forces. "This initiative will help a key NATO ally upgrade its force capabilities, boost interoperability within NATO, and improve situational awareness," said Dr. JihFen Lei, president of Teledyne FLIR Defense and senior vice president of Teledyne Technologies. "We are proud to support this U.S. Army-led effort and will work closely with our partners and end users in Bulgaria to deliver technology solutions that can have an immediate impact on the battlefield." The contract has a three-year performance period. The Stryker ICV Recon Kits will be manufactured across multiple Teledyne FLIR facilities in the United States and Canada, and then integrated on-site after the vehicles are delivered to Bulgaria. Visit us online to learn more about the full line of Teledyne FLIR Defense ISR-T solutions. About Teledyne FLIR Defense Teledyne FLIR Defense has been providing advanced, mission-critical technology and systems for more than 45 years. Our products are on the frontlines of the world's most pressing military, security and public safety challenges. As a global leader in thermal imaging, we design and build sophisticated surveillance sensors for air, land and maritime use. We develop the most rugged, trusted unmanned air and ground platforms, as well as intelligent sensing devices used to detect chemicals, biological agents, radiation and explosives. At Teledyne FLIR Defense we bring together this expertise to deliver solutions that enable critical decisions and keep our world safe from any threat, anywhere. To learn more, visit us online or follow @flir and @flir_defense. About Teledyne Technologies Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne's operations are primarily located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Western and Northern Europe. For more information, visit Teledyne's website at www.teledyne.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115305529/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Joe Ailinger, Jr. Teledyne FLIR Defense joe.ailinger@teledyne.com Agreement Calls for Over 100,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) across 3 Years GURUGRAM, India, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Varaha, a leading developer of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects with smallholder farmers across Asia, today announced a major offtake agreement with Microsoft for biochar carbon removal in India. Varaha will develop 18 industrial gasification reactors that will operate for 15 years, with a total projected removal volume exceeding 2 million tonnes of CO2 over the project's lifetime. The project sources cotton stalks from smallholder farms in Maharashtra, India for use as the feedstock for biochar production. After harvest, these stalks are treated as waste biomass, and open-field burning is a common practice across the region's cotton belt. This project provides an alternative use for the stalks, converting them into biochar through Varaha's biomass gasification facilities and sequestering biogenic carbon for centuries. Delivering Local Impact Varaha's biochar project also delivers measurable benefits for farmers and communities: Improvement in Air Quality : The project mitigates the widespread burning of cotton crop residue, significantly reducing PM 2.5 pollutants that contribute to poor air quality. By providing an economically viable alternative to field burning, the initiative tackles a major source of seasonal air pollution. : The project mitigates the widespread burning of cotton crop residue, significantly reducing PM 2.5 pollutants that contribute to poor air quality. By providing an economically viable alternative to field burning, the initiative tackles a major source of seasonal air pollution. Promotion of Regenerative Agriculture : Farmers participating in the program adopt regenerative practices like crop residue mulching and biochar application to soils, improving soil health, water retention, and long-term agricultural productivity. : Farmers participating in the program adopt regenerative practices like crop residue mulching and biochar application to soils, improving soil health, water retention, and long-term agricultural productivity. Lifting Farmer Livelihoods: The program directly enhances the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers, who receive payment both for contributing agricultural biomass and for implementing crop residue incorporation practices. "This agreement demonstrates that high-integrity carbon removal can drive transformative co-benefits for communities and ecosystems," said Madhur Jain, Varaha CEO. "We're not just removing carbon-we're creating economic incentives for farmers to mitigate open burning of crop residues." The project's first reactor will operate alongside Varaha's 52-acre cotton research farm in Maharashtra, where Varaha works directly with farmers to test sustainable practices, including soil application of biochar, under real-world conditions. With up to 18 total reactors funded across India's cotton belt through Microsoft's commitment, the focus remains clear: scaling quickly while putting farmers first. Setting New Standards for Asian Carbon Markets The agreement signals growing recognition of the region's potential for high-quality carbon removal projects. Biochar offers permanent carbon storage on geological timescales while supporting agricultural systems, making it one of the most promising pathways for durable carbon dioxide removal. "This offtake agreement broadens the diversity of Microsoft's carbon removal portfolio with Varaha's biochar project design that is both scalable and durable. It represents a step forward in scaling biochar CDR growth in Asia and advancing co-benefits for farmers-improved soils, cleaner air, and shared economic opportunity," said Phil Goodman, program director, CDR at Microsoft. The credits generated through the Varaha program meet rigorous standards for measurement, reporting, and verification, ensuring that each tonne represents genuine, permanent carbon removal. About Varaha Varaha is a leading developer of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects in Asia, with a mission of scaling smallholder farmer-led climate solutions to remove carbon from the atmosphere and strengthen rural livelihoods. Specializing in regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering projects across South Asia, Varaha has pioneered a technology- and science-driven approach to carbon project development since its founding in 2022. Varaha is headquartered in Gurugram, India, and operates 20 carbon projects across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861911/Farmers_biochar_Varaha_ClimateAg.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861912/Varaha_ClimateAg_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/varaha-signs-carbon-removal-agreement-with-microsoft-302662123.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - American Eagle Gold Corp. (TSXV: AE) ("American Eagle" or the "Company") is pleased to announce drill results that further expand the South Zone at its NAK copper-gold project in British Columbia. Holes NAK25-55 and NAK25-62 extend shallow mineralization nearly 150 meters east-southeast, while NAK25-69 and NAK25-72 expand it 150 meters to the west-southwest. Notably, NAK25-55 and -62 highlight near-surface mineralization along the southern edge of the Babine porphyry stock shown in Figure 1. Additionally, Figure 2 highlights the South Zone growth achieved through the drill results presented in this release. Highlights: NAK25-62: Extended near-surface mineralization 150 m east of NAK25-46, intersecting 140 m of 0.74% CuEq within 189 m of 0.61% CuEq starting near surface. NAK25-55: Extended near-surface mineralization 150 m south of NAK25-62, intersecting 134 m of 0.40% CuEq starting near surface. NAK25-69: Extended mineralization 150 m south of NAK25-41, intersecting 130 m of 0.62% CuEq within 409 m of 0.33% CuEq starting 215 m downhole. NAK25-72: Further westward extension of NAK25-69 drilled from the same location at a shallower inclination, intersecting 455 m of 0.31% CuEq starting 166 m downhole. The NAK Online 3D Viewer showcases the growth potential of the South Zone and highlights the findings in this release, which further expands the known mineralization footprint. Strategic Importance of the South Zone: The South Zone is characterized by strong grades, shallow mineralization, and minimal overburden, making it a logical focus for continued step-out and infill drilling. This area has the potential to support early-stage development scenarios while providing optionality for bulk mining approaches in adjacent, yet-to-be-defined zones across the NAK project. With these latest results, the South Zones dimensions extend over 700 m in the east-west direction, 500 m in the north-south direction, and to over 800 m in depth. The holes in this release have contributed a high-confidence expansion of over 150 m in both the east-west and north-south dimensions from the previous iteration of the model, and a substantial increase over the previous seasons of drilling (see Figure 3). Strong potential for expansion remains along the southern margin of the Babine Porphyry stock, where the Company has completed additional widely spaced step-out drilling, within a 1 km trend of open, highly prospective ground, extending eastward from the currently modeled bounds of the zone (see Figure 4). "These results reinforce the South Zone as the focus of our drilling program, yet they also highlight that it sits within what is clearly an exceptionally large and continuous copper-gold system at NAK that exists far beyond what is the South Zone. The consistent near-surface mineralization and significant step-out extensions in multiple directions confirm both the scale and the potential of NAK," said Anthony Moreau, CEO of American Eagle Gold Corp. View Interactive 2D Map of NAK View Core Photos for Released Holes Watch: Webinar with Anthony Moreau and Neil Prows Discussing Significance of January 15 Results NAK25-62 Assay Results (Table 1) and Details * Hole From To Length Cu % Au g/t Ag g/t Mo ppm CuEq % NAK25-62 124 264 140 0.28 0.35 1.2 100 0.74 Within NAK25-62 75 264 189 0.23 0.28 1.1 90 0.61 And NAK25-62 483 701 218 0.17 0.15 0.4 49 0.37 Within NAK25-62 32 827 795 0.13 0.12 0.5 51 0.30 View Clean Cross Section l View Combined Hole Cross Section l View Hole Location * Copper Equivalent (CuEq) shown in Tables for drill intercepts are calculated on the basis of US$ 4.50/lb for Cu, US$ 3,375/oz for Au, US$ 60/oz for Ag and US$ 25/lb for Mo, with 80% metallurgical recoveries assumed for all metals (since it's unclear what metals will be the principal products, assuming different recoveries is premature at this stage). The formula is: CuEq. = Cu % + (Au grade in g/t x (Au recovery / Cu recovery) x [Au price 31] / [Cu price x 2200 x 1%]) + (Ag grade in g/t x (Ag recovery / Cu recovery) x [Ag price 31] / [Cu price x 2200 x 1%] + (Mo grade in % x (Mo recovery / Cu recovery) x [Mo price] / [Cu price]). The assays have not been capped. NAK25-62 was collared approximately 150 m to the east of NAK25-46 and drilled steeply to the west. This hole was designed to expand the known extent of South Zone mineralization to the east of the tested zone. NAK25-62 collared into interbedded siltstone, sandstone, and conglomerate, before transitioning into a well mineralized package of sandstone at a depth of 75 m. Concordant with the Company's modelling, mineralization, consisting of disseminated and vein hosted chalcopyrite remained strong to a depth of 264 m, where the hole transitioned to a thinly bedded, less well mineralized package of fine-grained sedimentary rock. Disseminated chalcopyrite mineralization abruptly increases in abundance below this unit, at a depth of 480 m, coinciding with a transition to the well constrained mineralized conglomerate. As the hole traversed deeper, sulfide speciation gradually shifted to pyrite/pyrrhotite dominant, bottoming in concretion-bearing fine sandstone cut by narrow mafic dyking. NAK25-55 Assay Results (Table 2) and Details* Hole From To Length Cu % Au g/t Ag g/t Mo ppm CuEq % NAK25-55 97 231 134 0.13 0.21 1.3 14 0.40 And NAK25-55 503 808 305 0.12 0.07 0.5 60 0.23 Within NAK25-55 119 884 765 0.09 0.07 0.6 40 0.21 View Cross Section l View Hole Location NAK25-55 was collared approximately 150 m south-southeast of NAK25-62 and drilled steeply to the west-northwest. The hole was designed to test both near surface and deep mineralization beyond the southeastern extent of drilling in the South Zone. The hole collared into interbedded sandstone and siltstone with subordinate lenses of conglomerate, to a depth of 300 m, where the hole's first instance of fine grained mafic intrusive was encountered. The mafic unit continued to a depth of 400 m, where the hole transitioned into sparsely feldspar phyric porphyry dyking followed by conglomerate. Conglomerate predominated to a depth of 600 m, where thin beds of sandstone were interspersed with numerous intervals of fine grained mafic intrusive rock, which remained the dominant lithology to end of hole. Mineralization in NAK25-55 consisted of sparse chalcopyrite disseminations and stringers, primarily confined to sandstone and conglomerate lithologies, with local punctuations of vein hosted bornite confined to narrow zones within the lower intercept of mafic dyking. NAK25-69 Assay Results (Table 3) and Details* Hole From To Length Cu % Au g/t Ag g/t Mo ppm CuEq % NAK25-69 452 582 130 0.32 0.16 1.0 175 0.62 Within NAK25-69 215 624 409 0.18 0.08 0.8 77 0.33 Within NAK25-69 13 787 774 0.13 0.05 0.6 62 0.23 View Cross Section l View Hole Location NAK25-69 was collared from the same location as NAK25-49, and drilled steeply to the west. This hole was designed to test the southern limits of mineralization, approximately 100 m south of the stronger than anticipated mineralization encountered in NAK25-41. The hole collared into interbedded sandstone and siltstone interspersed with thin beds of conglomerate, before entering dominantly conglomerate units at a depth of 175 m. The hole remained in conglomerate, cut by numerous instances of compositionally and texturally variable porphyry dyking, to a depth of 450 m, where interbedded fine to coarse sandstone prevailed as the dominant lithology. Mineralization in NAK25-69 was characterized by broad zones of low to moderate grade, represented by sparsely distributed chalcopyrite bearing quartz-anhydrite veins and sparse chalcopyrite disseminations, punctuated by shorter intervals of stronger grade, associated with bornite and dense chalcopyrite mineralization. The strongest zones of mineralization are commonly associated with the presence of porphyry dyking, notably between 452 and 582 m, where the dykes themselves host abundant chalcopyrite and bornite disseminations. NAK25-72 Assay Results (Table 4) and Details* Hole From To Length Cu ppm Au g/t Ag g/t Mo ppm CuEq % NAK25-72 166 245 79 0.28 0.11 1.3 217 0.54 And NAK25-72 416 570 154 0.27 0.08 1.6 72 0.42 Within NAK25-72 166 621 455 0.18 0.06 1.0 72 0.31 View Cross Section l View Hole Location NAK25-72 was collared from the same location as NAK25-69 and drilled shallowly to the west, designed to test westward from the encouraging mineralization encountered previously in the steeper oriented NAK25-69. The hole collared into interbedded sandstone and siltstone, transitioning to conglomerate at a depth of 75 m. Conglomerate predominated to a depth of 350 m, succeeded by fine to coarse grained sandstone for the remainder of the hole. As with NAK25-69, mineralization was characterized by broad intervals of low grade disseminated chalcopyrite, punctuated by zones of vein hosted bornite and densely disseminated chalcopyrite mineralization commonly within and enveloping porphyry dykes of variable composition. Sulfide speciation within the disseminated mineralization transitions from chalcopyrite dominant to pyrite-pyrrhotite dominant, as the hole traverses farther to the west, with local zones of chalcopyrite dominant sporadically throughout. NAK25-65 Assay Results (Table 5) and Details* Hole From To Length Cu % Au g/t Ag g/t Mo ppm CuEq % NAK25-65 211 339 128 0.18 0.05 0.8 23 0.26 Within NAK25-65 7 575 568 0.09 0.03 0.6 20 0.15 View Cross Section l View Hole Location NAK25-65 was collared approximately 120 m west-southwest of NAK25072/69, designed to test the southwestern limits of known South Zone mineralization. This hole encountered a similar association of interbedded coarse to fine sedimentary rocks, transitioning to conglomerate, and finally sandstone, as described above in NAK25-72 and 69. Similarly to NAK25-72, the best mineralization was strongly associated with narrow intervals of feldspar phyric porphyry dyking, intruding weakly mineralized sedimentary host rocks. Sulfide speciation within the sedimentary units transitions from chalcopyrite-pyrite to pyrite dominant as the hole traversed farther to the west, and consistent with drilling elsewhere at NAK, the hole was terminated when pyrite was observed to be the dominant disseminated sulfide. Collar details for holes in this release (table 6): Hole UTM_Grid UTM_East UTM_North Azimuth Inclination TD (m) NAK25-55 NAD83_Z9 675620 6129124 280 -75 884 NAK25-62 NAD83_Z9 675575 6129266 265 -75 827 NAK25-65 NAD83_Z9 675191 6129109 265 -50 575 NAK25-69 NAD83_Z9 675297 6129153 255 -75 787 NAK25-72 NAD83_Z9 675297 6129153 255 -55 621 QA/QC and Sampling Protocol Sampling at NAK follows a rigorous methodology and internal QA/QC protocol. Drill core is halved on site, and samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry in Langley, British Columbia for preparation and analysis. ALS is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for assays. All analytical methods include quality control standards inserted at set frequencies. The entire sample interval is crushed and homogenized, and 250 g of the homogenized sample is pulped. All samples were analyzed for gold, silver, copper, molybdenum and a suite of 45 other major and trace elements. Analysis for gold is by fire assay fusion followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) on 30 g of pulp. Analysis for silver, copper, and molybdenum and all other major and trace elements are analyzed by four-acid digestion followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Internal QA/QC protocols dictate that individual core samples are no less than 70 cm and no greater than 3 m in length. To control standard, blank, and duplicate sample frequency, and to better constrain pass/fail re-analysis intervals, samples are submitted to the lab in 50 sample batches. Within each 50-sample batch, there is one gold-copper standard and two coarse reject duplicates, inserted at regular intervals, and two blank samples, inserted sequentially following well-mineralized samples where possible, for a total of 10% QA/QC samples. All gold and copper standard analyses from the 2024 program passed within 3 standard deviations of expected values. Where duplicate values differed significantly, the lower values from the resulting re-analyses were used. About American Eagle's NAK Project The NAK Project lies within the Babine copper-gold porphyry district of central British Columbia. It has excellent infrastructure through all-season roads and is close to the towns of Smithers, Houston, and Burns Lake, B.C., which lie along a major rail line and Provincial Highway 16. Historical drilling and geophysical, geological, and geochemical work at NAK, which began in the 1960's, tested only to shallow depths. Still, the work revealed a very large near-surface copper-gold system that measures over 1.5 km x 1.5 km. Drilling completed by American Eagle in 2022, 2023, and 2024 returned significant intervals of high-grade copper-gold mineralization that reached beyond and much deeper than the historical drilling, indicating that zones of near-surface and deeper mineralization, locally with considerably higher grades, exist within the broader NAK property mineralizing system. Drilling is currently in progress, with over 16,500 metres drilled across 26 holes out of the planned 30,000-metre drill program. Three drills are actively operating, including one helicopter-supported hole, and expected to continue into December. For the latest videos from American Eagle, Ore Group, and all things mining, subscribe to our YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@theoregroup About American Eagle Gold Corp. American Eagle is dedicated to advancing its NAK copper-gold porphyry project in west-central British Columbia, Canada. The Company benefits from over $36 million in cash, bolstered by two strategic investors formed in the past two years with Teck Resources and South32. With substantial financial and technical resources, American Eagle Gold is well-positioned to drill, de-risk, and define the full potential of the NAK Copper-Gold porphyry project. Q.P. Statement Mark Bradley, B.Sc., M.Sc., P.Geo., a Certified Professional Geologist and independent 'qualified person' for the purposes of Canada's National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Properties, has verified and approved the information contained in this news release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to: including statements relating to the use of proceeds of the Offering, the tax treatment of the Charity FT Shares, the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals in connection with the Offering, the 2025 drill program or its anticipated results at the Company's NAK project, the ability of the Company to make the Qualifying Expenditures as anticipated by management, and other matters ancillary or incidental to the foregoing. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results might differ materially from those suggested in forward-looking statements. American Eagle Gold Corp. assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to American Eagle Gold Corp. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by American Eagle Gold Corp. with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under American Eagle Gold Corp. profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the TSX Venture Exchange policies) accept 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/280459 Source: American Eagle Gold Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Nexus Uranium Corp. (CSE: NEXU) (OTCQB: NEXUF) (FSE: JA7) ("Nexus" or the "Company") announces the acquisition of the Deadhorse uranium project in South Dakota. The project was acquired via staking and is wholly owned with no underlying royalties. The Deadhorse project comprises 17 unpatented lode mining claims totalling approximately 340 acres, located within three miles of the Company's flagship Chord uranium project in Fall River County, South Dakota. The strategic acquisition consolidates Nexus's land position in a historic uranium district and advances the Company's goal of building a standalone ISR project in South Dakota, along with its portfolio of US assets. "The Deadhorse acquisition reinforces our thesis that the lands surrounding the Chord project host significant uranium exploration potential," said Jeremy Poirier, CEO. "With nuclear energy firmly established as a critical component of the clean energy transition, the United States faces a structural supply deficit-importing over 90% of its uranium requirements. By systematically expanding our footprint in South Dakota, we are positioning Chord to be a standalone uranium project to contribute to domestic supply security while creating value for our shareholders." Project Details The Deadhorse claims are located in the located in the historic Edgemont uranium district, part of the broader Black Hills region which has documented historical uranium production from sandstone-hosted deposits in the Inyan Kara Group of approximately 3.2 million pounds1 of U3O8. The claims cover prospective ground within the same geological setting as the adjacent Chord project, where uranium mineralization is associated with Cretaceous-age sandstones and paleochannel systems within the Inyan Kara Group. Figure 1: Deadhorse Claim Location Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7273/280456_fed5b7e6a49b58b4_001full.jpg Figure 2: Nexus South Dakota Projects Map To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7273/280456_fed5b7e6a49b58b4_002full.jpg About Nexus Uranium Corp. Nexus Uranium is a Canadian exploration company focused on uranium projects in North America. In the United States, the Company holds the Chord, Wolf Canyon, and Deadhorse projects in South Dakota, and the South Pass project in Wyoming. The Great Divide Basin project in Wyoming is now under option to Canamera Energy Metals Corp. In Canada, Nexus holds the Mann Lake project in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. For more information, visit www.nexusuranium.com. The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Warren D. Robb, P.Geo. (BC), a director of Nexus Uranium Corp. and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Referenced nearby resources, deposits, projects and mines provide geologic context for the Deadhorse and Chord uranium projects, but are not necessarily indicative that they host similar potential, size or grades of mineralization. No mineral resources have been estimated at the Deadhorse uranium project and there is no assurance that further work will result in a mineral resource classification. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the Company building a standalone ISR project in South Dakota, the Chord project becoming a standalone uranium project and contributing to domestic supply security, the Company's exploration plans for the Deadhorse project, the potential for uranium mineralization, the strategic benefits of the acquisition, and the Company's objectives with respect to its uranium portfolio. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, including that the Company will have sufficient capital to fund planned activities, that regulatory approvals will be obtained, and that market conditions will support the Company's business objectives. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially, including risks related to exploration and development, commodity price fluctuations, regulatory changes, and the ability to obtain financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Nexus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as 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 release. 1 Gabelman, D. L. (1968). Geology and production history of the uranium deposits in the northern Black Hills, South Dakota and Wyoming. In Uranium deposits in the northern Black Hills: 20th Field Conference Guidebook (pp. 263-275). Wyoming Geological Association. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280456 Source: Nexus Uranium Corp. Highlights: 73.5-line km IP survey completed-the first large-scale, systematic survey at Thierry. Strong IP anomalies detected between K1 and K2, east of K1, and west of K2. Anomalies indicate potential sulphide mineralization between K1 and K2. Broad conductive corridors suggest district-scale exploration targets. Nearing Completion of Full K2 Database Reinterpretation; Leveraging 210,000m of Drilling Data Thierry positioned for an active 2026 exploration season. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - XXIX Metal Corp . (TSXV: XXIX) (OTCQB: QCCUF) (FSE: 5LW0) ("XXIX" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of a 73.5-line kilometre induced polarization (IP) survey at the Thierry project, the first, systematic and detailed IP survey on the property. IP surveying is an important tool in defining geology, mapping subsurface mineralization and guiding drilling priorities. Multiple Anomalies Identified at K1 and K2 Between K1 and K2 (Grids East and L), a wide anomaly extends for more than 2.5km along a contact between geophysical domains, highlighting multiple new drill targets. This anomaly represents an area of potential sulphide accumulation between the K1 and K2 deposits. East of K1 (Grids E and K), the survey outlined a broad, highly conductive corridor spanning >6.5 km, supporting a district-scale target trend. West of K2 (Grid West), a wide conductive horizon was mapped over ~1.5 km and remains open at both ends - highlighting the potential for additional targets. This area has not been tested previously. Figure 1) IP Chargeability Survey Details of the IP Survey XXIX completed 73.5 line km of IP surveying over three grids (E, K and L) to advance target definition along the broader Thierry trend. Results from the IP survey were processed and interpreted together with 25.6 line-km of historical IP surveys completed in 2011, ultimately generating unique project-scale IP interpretation maps leading to new exploration targets along the Thierry trend. Positioned for an Active 2026 Exploration Season Given the strong anomalies generated by the IP survey, Thierry is positioned for an active 2026 exploration season, where the Company intends on advancing its understanding of the Thierry property and the potential connection of K1 and K2, while honing in on high-potential targets generated for follow-up drill testing. Thierry's Database Validation and Re-Intrepretations XXIX is also nearing completion of a full database validation and reinterpretation of the K2 deposit, following the same proven process used for the K1 and the Opemiska deposits. Thierry's database contains over 210,000 metres of drilling, making it an exceptionally valuable resource. The Company emphasizes its deep expertise in database management and geological reinterpretation, which will allow for more precise targeting and better-informed exploration decisions. QP Statement The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Denis McNichols, P.Geo and geo., Vice President Exploration for XXIX Metal, a Qualified Person, as defined in "National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About XXIX Metal Corp . XXIX is advancing its Opemiska and Thierry Copper projects, two significant Canadian copper assets. The Opemiska Project, one of Canada's highest-grade open pitable copper deposits, spans 21,333 hectares in Quebec's Chapais-Chibougamau region, with strong infrastructure and nearby access to the Horne Smelter. An October 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment outlined a 12,500 tpd open pit operation over a 17-year mine life, generating an after-tax NPV8% of $505M, IRR of 27.2%, and a 2.3-year payback period ($4.35/lb copper price, $3,000/oz gold price, $30/oz silver price). The Thierry Project hosts the K1 (near-surface) and the past-producing K2 (underground & surface) zones (see XXIX news release dated October 1, 2024 for details regarding resources). Thierry has significant infrastructure in place including an all-season road, an airport within 5km, a provincial power grid within 8km, and nearby rail. With these two high-potential projects, the Company has solidified its position as a key player in the Canadian copper sector and has established itself as one of Eastern Canada's largest copper developer. For further information, please contact: Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements about the Company's belief that Opemiska has potential for continued growth, various cost, price and production assumptions used to inform the PEA, and outstanding risk factors, including Opemiska's proximity to the Town of Chapais, Historical Assay validation, Geotechnical considerations of open stopes in the eastern pit wall, the Venture sill, the Gwillim fault, host rock competency and Historical Stope Modeling. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof. Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things: risks related to uncertainties inherent in drill results and the estimation of mineral resources; and risks associated with executing the Company's plans and intentions. These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. The reader is advised that the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) summarized in this news release is intended to provide only an initial, high-level review of Opemiska's economic potential. The PEA mine plan and economic model include numerous assumptions and the use of inferred mineral resources. Inferred mineral resources are considered to be too speculative to be used in an economic analysis except as allowed for by NI 43-101 in PEA studies. There is no guarantee that inferred mineral resources can be converted to indicated or measured mineral resources, and as such, there is no guarantee Opemiska's economics described herein will be achieved. XXIX may be eligible for Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (CTM-ITC). This legislation has been enacted on June 20, 2024. There is no guarantee the Company will be able to access the CTM-ITC. Non-IFRS Financial Measures XXIX has included certain non-IFRS financial measures in this news release, such as C1 Cash Cost which are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. As a result, these measures may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other corporations. Each of these measures used are intended to provide additional information to the user and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280441 Source: XXIX Metal Corp. Highlights: Roger Copper-Gold mineralization appears truncated NE by a NNW fault, dropping the continuation by ~200 m, suggesting significant upgrade potential. 3D review of historical drilling shows mineralization is not limited at depth, opening potential below 350 m. The thickest Roger zone aligns with the core of a volcanic dome, with strongest geophysical targets on the SW and NE flanks, consistent with VMS systems. Recent geophysical results support Auriginal's interpretation of a Cu-Zn-Au-Ag VMS system at Roger. Geological similarities reinforce parallels between Roger and Agnico Eagle's LaRonde Mine in the southern Abitibi. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Auriginal Mining Corp. (TSXV: AUME) ("Auriginal" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the development of a 3D model of drillhole data from the Roger Project ("Roger") has identified new targets, enhancing the exploration potential of the property. In addition to previously identified VMS targets, the results indicate further potential to expand the historical Cu-Au resource on the project (see Press Release, December 1, 2025). Figure 1 - Longitudinal drill section showing current outline of the Roger Cu-Au Zone (in green): looking South Figure 2 - Oblique Longitudinal drill section showing current outline of the Roger Cu-Au Zone (in green): looking vertically above and to the SSE Figure 3 - Overhead 3-D View looking Northeast (Roger Cu-Au Zone in Green) 3D Resource Model Indicated Strong Potential for Expansion A preliminary 3D model has been developed using the digital exploration database for the Roger project and rendered using Leapfrog. The intent of this exercise was to complete a preliminary validation of the historical drillhole data for the property and to identify additional targets of opportunity that enhance the value proposition of the Roger. A series of 3D plans, geological and resource wireframe cross-sections and longitudinal sections were created. Additional validation of the model using all historical exploration information was also undertaken. In addition to the VMS model currently being evaluated by our upcoming drill program, strong indications that the historical porphyry-style Cu-Au mineralization identified at Roger, appears to be open at depth below and along strike from the deepest drilling on the property. The planned program will be testing the depth continuity of the Roger zone and constitutes an additional resource target of interest. The longitudinal section created from the data shows a significant thickening of the Roger mineralization (see Figure 1) believed to be the axis of an interpreted volcanic dome or cryptodome, the required heat source for a VMS mineralizing system. The most important basemetal sulphide intersections returned from historical drilling (see Kintavar Press Release - November 12, 2025) occur along the NE and SW flanks of the interpreted dome structure axis, in support of the VMS model develop for the property. The longitudinal image also indicates the Roger zone to plunge toward to NE. Our visualization indicates that the Roger zone is abruptly cut by an NNE-striking fault (see Figure 2) which shows significant thickness changes of the volcanic stratigraphy on either side of the fault plane. Also, the alteration envelop that characterizes the periphery of the Roger zone, appears to have been displaced vertically down by at least 200 m on the east side of the interpreted fault. We believe that this is strong indication that the Roger porphyry mineralization remains open towards the NE and at depth. A strong Borehole EM (BHEM) was detected from our earlier survey work (see Press Release, November 12, 2025), believe to be related to massive basemetal sulphide mineralization has also been observed in that direction. Revisions to the Proposed Diamond Drill Program Given the enhanced mineralization potential identified from the 3D visualization work, modifications to the previously proposed drilling have been made (see Press Release, December 4, 2025). Adjustments to the drillhole positioning and lengths is presented in Table 1 (see Figure 3). Drilling is expected to start early March 2026. Drillhole Name Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Extension Target Depth (m) Revised Final Depth (m) 2026-001 542678.7 5534716 378.7078 153 -65 80 527 667 2026-002 542443.6 5534629 378.4501 153 -65 75 516 650 2026-003 542222.3 5534514 379.133 153 -65 50 515 622 2026-004 541967 5534466 380.6841 153 -65 100 524 687 2026-005 541750.9 5534329 379.8992 153 -65 60 527 646 2026-006 541551 5534248 375.3405 160 -65 60 525 644 2026-007 541332.8 5534128 374.9073 160 -65 40 523 619 2026-008 541096.9 5534043 373.5164 160 -65 40 523 619 Revised Total (m) 5154 About Auriginal Mining Corp. Auriginal is a Quebec-focused copper and gold company with one of the province's largest and most diversified exploration portfolios. Its 100%-owned flagship Roger Project, located in the Chibougamau district, hosts a known gold-copper deposit with strong potential to host volcanic-hosted polymetallic massive sulphide deposits. With a diversified pipeline of greenfield projects across Quebec's best-known mining regions and backed by the Ore Group's proven exploration and capital markets team Auriginal has a clear focus on discovery and growth for copper, zinc and gold. The company is well-positioned to immediately execute an aggressive exploration and acquisition strategy and attract broader market attention. Further details on Auriginal are available on the company website at https://auriginal.ca/. Qualified Person Statement The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Charles Beaudry, P.Geo (1202) and geo. (311), a Qualified Person, as defined in "NI 43-101". For further information, please contact: Cautionary Statement Certain information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking statements)", including details about the business of Auriginal Mining. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Auriginal Mining expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the Auriginal Mining's control, including the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, currency fluctuations, environmental risks, operational risks, competition from other industry participants, stock market volatility. Although the Company believes that the expectations in its forward-looking statements are reasonable, its forward-looking statements have been based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. Risks, uncertainties, material assumptions and other factors that could affect actual results are discussed in Auriginal Mining's public disclosure documents available at www.sedarplus.ca. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document and, except as required by applicable law, Auriginal Mining does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. 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. Figure 1 - Longitudinal drill section showing current outline of the Roger Cu-Au Zone (in green): looking South To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3259/280435_11ce95f27487d97a_0006full.jpg Figure 2 - Oblique Longitudinal drill section showing current outline of the Roger Cu-Au Zone (in green): looking vertically above and to the SSE To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3259/280435_11ce95f27487d97a_0007full.jpg Figure 3 - Overhead 3-D View looking Northeast (Roger Cu-Au Zone in Green) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3259/280435_11ce95f27487d97a_0008full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280435 Source: Auriginal Mining Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Scorpio Gold Corporation (TSXV: SGN) (OTCQB: SRCRF) (FSE: RY9) ("Scorpio Gold", or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a property option agreement (the "Agreement") with an arm's length third party (the "Optionor") and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Optionee") to acquire a 100% interest in the thirty-two unpatented lode mining claims known as the Betty East Property, located in Nye County, Nevada ("Betty East" or the "Property"). Details of the Property Historically, the Property has seen limited exploration. Nevada Goldfields Inc. conducted shallow reverse-circulation drilling and trenching in the early 1990s, which identified near-surface gold mineralization at the Knolls area and outlined additional interpreted near-surface and deeper conceptual targets. Available historic data includes drill logs and results from fifteen shallow RC holes, trench mapping, detailed geological sections, and a historical geological report, which together suggest potential for both shallow oxide mineralization and a larger, structurally controlled mineralized system at depth. More recent historic work on the at the Knolls, by Sierra Grande Minerals Inc.,[1] has been limited to a sample soil geochemical survey of approximately 290 samples. Initially,140 samples were taken in the south-central part of the claim block on a 650 m (north-south) and 325 m (east-west) grid of 50 m east-west spaced lines with samples taken between 25 m and 50 m along the lines. The results demonstrate a pronounced, north-south epithermal Au-As-(Ag-Hg) signature with locally very high Au soil results, including 6.27, 5.06, 1.19 and 0.69 g/t Au. This lies within an envelope of anomalous Au and As and extends to a background of <20 ppb gold. Following this, the same company completed a northeast-southwest elongate grid of 150 samples taken on a nominal 100 m spacing, covering 1,300 m by 800 m. Sampled immediately to the northeast of The Knolls, this grid outlined a broad, east-northeast trending zone that is highly anomalous in As, Hg, Ag, Sb and Mo, along with locally elevated Au and consistently elevated Zn, Cu and W. The new, east-northeast trend is >1.5 km long, up to 1 km wide, and displays elements of both epithermal and intrusive-related signatures. All historic soil samples were analysed for gold by fire assay and multi-element ICP at ALS's laboratory in Reno. The Property is interpreted to be geologically contiguous with the southern portion of the Manhattan District, with mineralization occurring within favourable lower-plate sedimentary units associated with regional structural controls. Scorpio Gold has also staked additional claims between the Property and its existing Manhattan District land position, consolidating continuous claim coverage and enhancing the Company's ability to systematically explore and test mineralized trends across the broader district. "The Betty East option meaningfully expands our footprint at the southern end of the Manhattan District and gives us control of a highly prospective and underexplored part of the camp," said Zayn Kalyan, CEO of Scorpio Gold. "Importantly, we have staked the intervening claims that connect Betty East to our existing claim block, creating continuous land tenure across a favourable geological corridor. This consolidation allows us to evaluate mineralized trends in a district-scale context, integrate historical work with modern exploration methods, and prioritize targets that may complement and extend the broader Manhattan mineral system. We see Betty East as a strategic addition that strengthens our long-term exploration optionality in one of Nevada's most productive gold belts." Figure 1: Map of Scorpio Gold claims including Betty East. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9779/280381_13c197a9a4835872_002full.jpg Terms of the Agreement The Company, through the Optionee, has been granted the option to acquire 100% of the Property from the Optionor (the "Option") by making staged cash and share payments totalling USD$900,000 and 950,000 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Shares") and incurring an aggregate of USD$1,000,000 in exploration expenditures on the Property over five years, as follows: USD$30,000 and 100,000 Shares within five days following the later of the effective date of the Agreement (the " Effective Date ") and the date on which the Company receives TSX Venture Exchange (" TSXV ") approval of the Agreement; USD$30,000 and 100,000 Shares on or before the 1st anniversary of the Effective Date; USD$$30,000, 150,000 Shares and USD$150,000 in exploration expenditures on or before the 2nd anniversary of the Effective Date; USD$50,000, 150,000 Shares and USD$200,000 in exploration expenditures on or before the 3rd anniversary of the Effective Date; USD$50,000, 200,000 Shares and USD$250,000 in exploration expenditures on or before the 4th anniversary of the Effective Date; and USD$710,000, 250,000 Shares and USD$400,000 in exploration expenditures on or before the 5th anniversary of the Effective Date. Upon the exercise of the Option, the Optionor will be granted a 2% net smelter returns royalty (the "NSR Royalty) on the Property, with the Company retaining the right to buy back one-half (1%) of the NSR Royalty by paying the Optionor an amount equal to the value of 500 ounces of .999 fine gold. The Agreement is subject to the approval of the TSXV. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed, verified and approved by Leo Hathaway, P. Geo., Chief Geologist of Scorpio Gold, a "Qualified Person", as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Verification included review of laboratory certificates, review of field logs and chain-of-custody records, inspection of blank/standard/duplicate performance, and review of collar and down-hole survey data. No limitations or failures to verify were identified. About the Manhattan District Manhattan, located in the Walker Lane Trend of Nevada, USA, is road accessible and lies approximately 20 kilometers south of the operating Round Mountain Gold Mine, which has produced more than 15 million ounces of gold. For the first time, the Company has consolidated Manhattan's past-producing mines under a single entity that holds valuable permitting and water rights. Historically, Manhattan has produced approximately 700,000 ounces of gold from high-grade placer and lode operations dating from the late 1890s through to the mid-2000s. The maiden mineral resource estimate (the "Maiden MRE") covering the Goldwedge and Manhattan Pit areas of Manhattan is comprised of 18,343,000 tonnes grading 1.26 g/t gold for a total of 740,000 oz contained gold in the inferred category. A historical mineral resource estimate (the "Historical MRE") covers the Black Mammoth, April Fool, Hooligan, Keystone, and Jumbo areas of Manhattan and comprises 1,652,325 tonnes grading 5.89 g/t gold for a total of 303,949 oz contained gold. The deposit is interpreted as a low-sulfidation, epithermal, gold-rich system situated adjacent to the Tertiary-aged Manhattan caldera in the Southern Toquima Range of Nevada. A "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") has not done sufficient work to make the Historical MRE current, and the Company is not treating the Historical MRE as current. Notes Adjacent Properties: The Company has no interest in, or rights to, any of the adjacent properties mentioned, including the Round Mountain Gold Mine, and exploration results on adjacent properties are not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Company's properties. Any references to exploration results on adjacent properties are provided for information only and do not imply any certainty of achieving similar results on the Company's properties. Historical Data: This news release includes historical information that has been reviewed by the Company's qualified person. The Company's review of the historical records and information reasonably substantiate the validity of the information presented in this presentation. The Company encourages readers to exercise appropriate caution when evaluating these data and/or results. Third-Party Mineral Projects: These deposits are cited solely for geological context. The Company cautions that these properties are not necessarily adjacent to, nor does the Company or have any interest in or control over them. Although certain geological features may be similar, there is no assurance that mineralization comparable to these deposits will be discovered on any of the Company's properties. Information regarding the aforementioned deposits is taken from publicly available sources and technical reports believed to be reliable, but has not been independently verified by the Company. The Company encourages readers to exercise appropriate caution when evaluating these data and/or results. Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE): All scientific and technical information relating to Manhattan pertaining to Maiden MRE contained in this news release is derived from the Technical Report dated October 23, 2025 (with an effective date of June 4, 2025) titled "Mineral Resource Estimate and NI 43-101 Technical Report" (the "Technical Report") prepared by Matthew R. Dumala, P.Eng (BC) of Archer Cathro Geological (US) Ltd., Patrick Loury, M.Sc., CPG (AIPG) of Daniel Kunz & Associates, Annaliese Miller, LG (WA) of Geosyntec Consultants, Inc. and Art Ibrado, PhD, PE (AZ) of Fort Lowell Consulting PPLC. The information contained herein in respect of the Maiden MRE is subject to all of the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in the Technical Report and reference should be made to the full text of the Technical Report, a copy of which has been filed with the applicable securities regulators and is available under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. Historical MRE: A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to make the Historical MRE current, and the Company is not treating the Historical MRE as current. The Company considers the Historical MRE relevant as it demonstrates the presence of significant gold mineralization across multiple zones within Manhattan; however, its reliability is uncertain because it was prepared prior to the adoption of the current CIM Definition Standards and current QA/QC practices. The Historical MRE provides limited disclosure of assumptions, parameters, estimation methods, cutoff grades, and QA/QC protocols, and therefore these cannot be fully verified by the Company. The categories used in the historical estimate predate, and are not directly comparable to, current CIM Definition Standards, and the Company is not treating the Historical MRE as a current Mineral Resource Estimate. To upgrade and verify the Historical MRE in order to make it a current Mineral Resource Estimate, the Company would be required to undertake confirmatory drilling, modern QA/QC sampling, validation and digitization of historical datasets and updated geological modeling followed by the preparation of a new Mineral Resource Estimate in accordance with CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101. The Company encourages readers to exercise appropriate caution when evaluating the Historical MRE. All scientific and technical information relating to Manhattan pertaining to the Historical MRE contained in this news release is derived from the Technical Report dated May 1997 titled "Exploration and Pre-Production Mine Development, Manhattan District Project, Nye County" (the "Historical Technical Report") prepared by New Concept Mining, Inc.. The information contained herein in respect of the Historical MRE is subject to all of the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in the Historical Technical Report and reference should be made to the full text of the Historical Technical Report. References: (1) Strachan, D. G., and Master, T. D., 2005: Update and Revision of the Gold Wedge Project Development, Nye County. Report prepared for Nevada; Royal Standard Minerals, Inc. and dated March 31, 2005; (2) Dumlala, M. R., and Lowry, P., 2025: Mineral Resource Estimate and NI 43-101 Technical Report, Manhattan Property, Nye County, Nevada. Report prepared for Scorpio Gold Corporation and dated October 23, 2025 (with an effective date of June 4, 2025); and (3) Berry, A., and Willard, P., 1997: "Exploration and Pre-Production Mine Development, Manhattan District Project, Nye County". Report prepared for New Concept Mining, Inc. and dated May 1997. Connect with Scorpio Gold: Email | Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | X | YouTube To register for investor updates please visit: scorpiogold.com (TSXV: SGN) (OTCQB: SRCRF) (FSE: RY9) Forward-Looking Statements The Company relies on litigation protection for forward-looking statements. This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur, and include, without limitation, statements regarding: the Company's exploration plans and ability to systematically test mineralized trends; the work required to upgrade or verify the Historical MRE to a current mineral resource; the intention of the Company to make all payments towards the Option and to exercise the Option on the terms and conditions set out under the Agreement; and the approval of the TSXV for the Agreement. There is significant risk that the forward-looking statements will not prove to be accurate, that the management's assumptions may not be correct and that actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in such forward-looking statements, including those risk factors outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis as filed on SEDAR+. 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 thereof. Neither the TSX Venture 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. [1] https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/soil-geochemistry-results-highlight-exciting-new-targets-at-sierra-s-betty-east-property-western-nevada-869074092.html To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280381 Source: Scorpio Gold Corp Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Vortex Metals Inc. (TSXV: VMS) (FSE: DM8) (OTCQB: VMSSF) ("Vortex" or the "Company") today announced that its board of directors has appointed Mr. Michael Williams as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Williams is a co-founder of Vortex Metals and the Company's Executive Chairman and brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience in the junior mining industry. Mr. Vikas Ranjan will continue in his role as President of Vortex Metals, working closely with Mr. Williams and the board of directors. His focus on capital markets and corporate development will ensure continuity during the leadership transition and support the Company's growth strategy. Mr. Williams has been instrumental in founding, structuring and advancing several Toronto Stock Exchange-listed companies in the resource sector. In addition to his roles at Vortex, Mr. Williams is the founder and Executive Chairman of Aftermath Silver Ltd., a publicly listed company, with market cap in excess of C$375 million. As Executive Chairman, he has held similar roles with numerous public companies, including Underworld Resources Ltd., which was sold to Kinross Gold Corp. for approximately $138 million in 2010. He has developed an international banking and financing network that includes extensive contacts with both institutional and retail investors, enabling him to raise significant capital for advanced exploration and development projects worldwide. "Michael has been deeply involved in the strategic direction of Vortex since its inception, and we are confident that his leadership will ensure continuity as we advance our projects in Chile and Mexico," said Vikas Ranjan, co-founder and director of Vortex Metals. Michael's appointment underscores the board's commitment to advancing Vortex's high-potential assets," added Mr. Ranjan. "His stature and experience, coupled with our strong project portfolio in Mexico and Chile, position Vortex to deliver significant value for our shareholders and stakeholders." "I am pleased to step into the role of interim Chief Executive Officer," stated Michael Williams. "Vortex has assembled a compelling portfolio of copper-gold exploration assets, and I look forward to working closely with our team and stakeholders to unlock the value of our projects for the benefit of shareholders and the communities in which we operate." Vortex's flagship projects include the Riqueza Marina and Zaachila properties in Oaxaca, Mexico. These projects consist of four exploration concessions covering 15,308 hectares within an underexplored volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) district. Five high-potential target areas have been identified based on geology, geochemistry and geophysics. Improved infrastructure, including access roads and proximity to a major port, combined with high-grade mineralized outcrops and geophysical anomalies, make these concessions promising for a significant copper-gold VMS discovery. In Chile, the Company's Illapel Copper Project is a brownfield property with demonstrated high-grade mineralization. Phase 1 drilling conducted last year confirmed copper-silver and gold-copper mineralization. With multiple surface expressions of copper, a growing list of geophysical targets, and indications of IOCG and gold-bearing vein systems, the Company believes Illapel holds significant discovery potential. About Vortex Metals Inc. Vortex Metals Inc. is a copper-gold focused exploration and development company with a diversified portfolio of exploration projects in Chile and Mexico. Vortex holds an option to acquire up to 80% interest in the brownfield Illapel Copper Project in Chile and through its Mexican subsidiary Empresa Minera Acagold, S.A. de C.V., it owns 100% interest in two drill-ready high-potential copper-gold volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) properties, Riqueza Marina and Zaachila, in Oaxaca, Mexico. The Company emphasizes responsible exploration, community engagement, and environmental stewardship to meet the rising global demand for copper. 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 This release includes statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the intended use of proceeds raised under the Offering and the receipt of final regulatory approval from the TSXV. 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 Company will not receive the required regulatory approvals or approval from the TSXV in connection with the Offering and that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated. In making the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated and that the Company will receive approval from the TSXV in connection with the Offering. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280378 Source: Vortex Metals Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Cabral Gold Inc. (TSXV: CBR) (OTCQB: CBGZF) ("Cabral" or the "Company") is pleased to announce results from seven additional diamond drill holes ("DDH") and two reverse circulation ("RC") drill holes at the Machichie Main gold deposit within the Cuiu Cuiu Gold District, Brazil. Highlights Drilling at the Machichie Main zone located 500m north of the MG gold deposit, continues to both infill and extend the mineralized zone at depth. RC587 returned 5m @ 4.70 g/t gold from 35m depth including 2m @ 10.76 g/t gold. In addition, DDH353 returned 6m @ 1.78 g/t gold from 285.5m depth including 1m @ 8.36 g/t gold 60m down dip of the deepest intercept on section 552900E Drilling has also intersected a new and previously unrecognized zone of mineralization located approximately 100m south of the Machichie Main zone with results of 5.4m @ 1.41 g/t gold including 0.5m @ 12.18 g/t gold. The zone remains open to the east, west and at depth Drilling has recommenced at Cuiu Cuiu following the end-of-year break with results pending on several holes at J Cima and Moreira Gomes. In parallel with the ongoing construction of the Phase 1 gold-in-oxide starter project, the Company is expanding the current exploration drill program and expects to add a fourth drill rig during February Alan Carter, Cabral's President and CEO commented, "The recent drill results from the Machichie Main zone are encouraging and extend the mineralized zone at depth. This should have positive implications for the definition of an initial resource in the hard-rock mineralization at Machichie Main in the coming months. In addition, the identification of a previously unrecognised zone of mineralization 100 metres south of and parallel to the Machichie Main mineralized zone is a positive development which will require further drilling. This discovery is further evidence that exploration of the Cuiu Cuiu gold district is still in the formative stages and that additional discoveries are likely. The ramping up of the exploration drill program and the addition of a fourth rig, in parallel with the ongoing drone magnetic survey is expected to result in continued growth of the resource base within the district. Following the end of year break, construction activities on site with respect to the Phase 1 gold-in-oxide heap-leach project have resumed. Favourable weather conditions in early January have resulted in above plan productivity in both the earthworks and civil works. Procurement of key capex items is almost complete, and the project remains on schedule." Machichie Main Drill Results The Machichie Main zone is an E-W trending zone of gold mineralization located 500 metres ("m") north of the MG gold deposit (Figure 1). As with the MG and Central gold deposits, the zone of primary mineralization within intrusive rocks is overlain by an extensive weathered layer consisting of near-surface sediments and underlying saprolite (weathered intrusive rock). Both types of material are considered gold-in-oxide material. A preliminary Inferred resource estimate of 3.73 million tonnes ("Mt") @ 0.5 grams per tonne ("g/t") gold was calculated for the gold-in oxide material only at Machichie Main and was released in October 2024 (see press release dated October 21, 2024). Thus far, no resource has been estimated for the primary gold deposit at Machichie Main but drilling and trenching to date have outlined the mineralized zone over 900m strike extent. The mineralized zone is open down-dip on every section. The current drill program is aimed at defining an initial resource in the hard rock material at Machichie Main. Figure 1: Map showing location of known gold deposits at Central, MG and JB. The location of new discoveries at PDM, Machichie NE Jerimum Cima as well as the Machichie Main discovery are also shown. Machichie Main is located just 500m north of the MG gold deposit and 3.5km SE of the Central gold deposit. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/280489_fa2a7c00f4d59919_002full.jpg Results have been obtained on seven additional diamond drill holes (DDH343, 345, 348, 350, 352, 353, and 354) and two reverse circulation drill holes (RC587 and RC588) at the Machichie Main zone. RC587 and RC588 were drilled on sections 552930E and 552810E respectively as infill holes in the central part of the Machichie Main deposit (Figure 2) aimed at providing better certainty regarding the location of the mineralized zone between existing drill holes. Neither section had any previous drilling. Both holes were drilled into areas of unclassified mineralized material where spacing between drill hole fences was greater than 75 m. Results demonstrated excellent continuity of the projected mineralized zones. RC587 returned 5m @ 4.70 g/t gold from 35m depth in intrusive rock including 2m @ 10.76 g/t gold confirming continuity of high grade over the 75m drilling gap. RC588, drilled 120m to the west, cut multiple mineralized intervals in saprolite including 12m @ 0.50 g/t gold from 33m depth including 1m @ 2.52 g/t gold, and 3m @ 2.78 g/t gold from 49m depth including 1m @ 7.65 g/t gold from 51m depth. DDH353 and DDH354 were drilled in the central part of the Machichie Main gold deposit on section 552900E. DDH353 was drilled from north to south at an angle of 50 degrees and returned multiple mineralized intercepts but the main zone returned 6m @ 1.78 g/t gold from 285.5m depth including 1m @ 8.36 g/t gold (Figures 2 and 3, Table 1) extending the mineralized zone at least 60m further down dip. DDH354 was drilled from the south to north and similarly intersected the main mineralized zone at depth along with a previously unknown mineralized structure at 45.7m depth returning 5.4m @ 1.41 g/t gold including 0.5m @ 12.18 g/t gold 100m south of the known Machichie Main structure (Figures 2 and 3, Table 1). Drill holes DDH348, DDH350 and DDH352 were all drilled in the western part of the Machichie Main target which is separated from the main deposit to the east by a north-south tending fault that is coincident with a large magnetic low anomaly. The holes cut multiple mineralized intervals in both saprolite and hard rock (Figure 2, Table 1). Highlights include DDH348 which returned 0.8m @ 2.99 g/t gold in intrusive rock from 23.4m depth and 6.4m @ 2.04 g/t gold from 50.0m depth again in intrusive rock. DDH350 similarly intercepted 12.7m @ 0.79 g/t gold from 10.4m depth and 7.6m @ 1.74 g/t gold from 32.0m depth, and 3.6m @ 2.38 g/t gold from 53.5m depth, 0.7m @ 7.68 g/t gold from 148.0m depth and 2.5m @ 2.41 g/t gold from 177.9m depth, all in intrusive rock. DDH352 also intersected a number of mineralized intervals including 8.9m @ 0.54 g/t gold from 69.1m depth in intrusive rock (Figure 2, Table 1). Oriented core measurements from these holes show the gold mineralization trends primarily southwest-northeast likely due to fault block rotation. Mineralization is thus open to the southwest where further drilling is planned. Figure 2: Map showing the Machichie Main target area and drill results reported in this press release. Background image is RTP airborne magnetic data. The location of diamond drill holes DDH343, 345, 348, 350, 352, 353, and 354 and RC drill holes RC587 and RC588 is also highlighted. Terms: g/t = grams / tonne, m = metres, Au = gold. True widths may be 50% of actual drill intercepts. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/280489_fa2a7c00f4d59919_003full.jpg Figure 3: Cross section 552900E at the Machichie Main gold deposit showing results from DDH353 and DDH354. DDH353 extends the Machichie Main zone down dip by a further 60m and DDH354 cut a previously unknown mineralized structure 100m south of Machichie Main. True widths may be 50% of actual drill intercepts. Terms: g/t = grams / tonne, m = metres, Au = gold. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3900/280489_fa2a7c00f4d59919_004full.jpg Drill Hole # Weathering From (m) To (m) Thickness (m) Grade g/t gold DDH343 Intrusive rock 129.0 130.5 1.5 0.30 156.1 158.4 2.3 0.30 EOH 178.3 DDH345 Saprolite Intrusive rock 15.0 19.0 4.0 0.79 29.0 31.0 2.0 0.60 198.4 200.2 1.8 0.61 EOH 230.85 DDH348 Blanket Saprolite Intrusive rock 0.0 5.0 5.0 0.23 7.0 14.4 7.4 0.23 23.4 24.2 0.8 2.99 50.0 56.4 6.4 2.04 69.9 72.0 2.1 0.28 125.6 126.2 0.6 1.22 EOH 141.40 DDH350 Blanket Saprolite Intrusive rock 5.0 7.7 2.7 0.21 10.4 23.0 12.7 0.79 32.0 39.6 7.6 1.74 47.6 48.1 0.5 1.26 53.5 57.0 3.6 2.38 91.8 93.4 1.6 0.55 148.0 148.7 0.7 7.68 161.0 163.9 2.9 0.25 177.9 180.4 2.5 2.41 EOH 226.4 DDH352 Blanket Saprolite Intrusive rock 4.0 9.6 5.6 0.10 23.0 26.4 3.4 0.16 42.0 43.0 1.0 0.48 50.5 61.0 10.6 0.15 69.1 78.0 8.9 0.54 Incl. 75.0 76.0 1.0 2.55 88.8 90.0 1.2 0.62 EOH 240.15 DDH353 Blanket Saprolite Intrusive rock 0.0 10.9 10.9 0.10 25.0 31.0 6.0 0.34 198.4 200.4 2.0 3.12 Incl. 198.9 199.4 0.5 10.00 256.8 257.3 0.5 0.57 274.0 276.5 2.5 0.42 278.5 279.2 0.7 0.83 283.5 284.0 0.5 0.53 285.5 291.5 6.0 1.78 Incl. 288.5 289.5 1.0 8.36 EOH 310.05 DDH354 Intrusive rock 45.7 51.0 5.4 1.41 47.2 47.7 0.5 12.18 131.5 132.0 0.5 0.17 146.4 147.2 0.8 0.98 156.8 157.3 0.5 0.18 160.1 160.6 0.5 0.24 210.6 212.4 1.8 2.05 221.7 222.2 0.5 0.28 236.0 238.0 2.0 0.70 EOH 240.90 RC0587 Saprolite Intrusive rock 0.0 4.0 4.0 0.92 35.0 40.0 5.0 4.70 Incl. 35.0 37.0 2.0 10.76 57.0 58.0 1.0 0.48 EOH 78.0 RC0588 Blanket Saprolite 1.0 3.0 2.0 0.15 33.0 45.0 12.0 0.50 Incl. 39.0 40.0 1.0 2.52 49.0 52.0 3.0 2.78 Incl. 51.0 52.0 1.0 7.65 68.0 70.0 2.0 0.70 EOH 80.0 Table 1: Drill results from diamond drill holes DDH343, 345, 348, 350, 352, 353, and 354 and two reverse circulation drill holes (RC587 and RC588) at the Machichie Main discovery. All of the diamond holes were drilled at a dip of 50 degrees except for holes DDH343 and DDH345 which were drilled at 60 degrees and 55 degrees dip respectively. All of the diamond drill holes were drilled on a bearing of 180 degrees except for DDH354 which was drilled on a bearing of 0 degrees. RC holes, RC0587 and RC588 were both drilled at 60 degrees dip on a bearing of 180 degrees. Terms: g/t = grams / tonne, m = metres, Au = gold, EOH = end of hole. True widths may be 50% of actual drill intercepts. Drilling Plans Drilling has recommenced at Cuiu Cuiu following the end-of-year break, with results pending on several RC holes at Moreira Gomes (MG) and a number of diamond drill holes at Jerimum Cima and MG. RC drilling at MG is focused on the south side where gold-in-oxide and primary mineralization are open beyond the current resource shells. The principal objective of the diamond drilling at MG is to extend the known deposit down-dip where the modeled gold zones are open at depths below 200m depth. This campaign will also check for the presence of parallel mineralized structures in areas of widely spaced drilling. At Jerimum Cima, where first pass drilling has defined at least three parallel east-west zones of gold mineralization covering a strike length of more than 700m, the objective of the drilling is to determine the extent of both the gold-in-oxide blanket mineralization and the underlying primary zone of mineralization. Previous drilling at Jerimum Cima has returned results that include 49m @ 2.0 g/t gold (see press release dated May 21, 2025). The Company is currently awaiting final drilling results from 2025 and will lay out a follow-up drilling program to be executed early this year. The priorities for the exploration drilling program over the next 6 months include the expansion of the MG and CentraI gold deposits, the definition of the mineralized bodies at Jerimum Cima, Machichie West, and Machichie NE, as well as follow-up reconnaissance drilling at the Mutum target. Several early-stage first pass drilling programs are planned to test early-stage exploration targets such as Morro da Lua, Jerimum Meio, Guarim, and others. The ongoing drone magnetic survey announced on December 4, 2025, is expected to provide significant insights on the structural controls to mineralization in the +50 targets so far identified at Cuiu Cuiu and consequently exploration drilling priorities are likely to change as additional data becomes available. In parallel with the ongoing construction of the Phase 1 gold-in-oxide starter project, the Company is expanding the current exploration drill program and expects to add a fourth drill rig during February. About Cabral Gold Inc. The Company is a junior resource Company engaged in the identification, exploration, and development of mineral properties, with a primary focus on gold properties located in Brazil. The Company has a 100% interest in the Cuiu Cuiu gold district located in the Tapajos Region, within the state of Para in northern Brazil. Three main gold deposits have so far been defined at the Cuiu Cuiu project which contain National Instrument ("NI") 43-101 compliant Indicated resources of 12.29Mt @ 1.14 g/t gold (450,200oz) in fresh basement material and 13.56Mt @ 0.50 g/t gold (216,182oz) in oxide material. The project also contains Inferred resources of 13.63Mt @ 1.04 g/t gold (455,100oz) in fresh basement material and 6.4Mt @ 0.34 g/t gold (70,569oz) in oxide material. The resource estimate for the primary material is based on the NI 43-101 technical report dated October 12, 2022. The resource estimate for the oxide material at PDM and MG is based on a NI 43-101 technical report dated October 21, 2024. The resource estimate for the oxide material at Central and Machichie is based on a NI43-101 technical report ("Updated PFS") dated July 29, 2025. The Tapajos Gold Province is the site of the largest gold rush in Brazil's history which according to the ANM (Agencia Nacional de Mineracao or National Mining Agency of Brazil) produced an estimated 30 to 50 million ounces of placer gold between 1978 and 1995. Cuiu Cuiu was the largest area of placer workings in the Tapajos and produced an estimated 2Moz of placer gold historically. Quality Assurance / Quality Control Cabral maintains a Quality Assurance / Quality Control ("QAQC") program for all its exploration projects using industry best practices. Key elements of the QAQC program include verifiable chain of custody for samples, regular insertion of certified reference materials, blanks, and duplicates, as well as check assays on results. RC samples are split, collected in plastic sample bags, and sealed on drill hole location. Drill core is halved by saw cut or slicer (in soft saprolite). RC and core samples are shipped in sealed bags by independent contractor to SGS GEOSOL Laboratorios in Vespasiano, Brazil, an independent analytical services provider with global certifications for Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 (ABS Certificates 32982 and 39911) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation (CRL-0386)). Gold analyses are routinely performed via 50g fire assay with secondary assay techniques applied on higher grade samples. Final assay results are validated by Cabral Geological Staff prior to insertion into the database. Additional information regarding the Company's data verification processes is set out in the CBR, 43-101, PFS Technical Report, July 2025, which can be found on the Company's website. Qualified Person and Technical Information Technical information included in this release was supervised and approved by Brian Arkell, B.S. Geology and M.S. Economic Geology, SME (Registered Member), AusIMM (Fellow) and SEG (Fellow), Cabral Gold's Vice President, Exploration and Technical Services, and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. 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 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 the words "will", "expected" 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. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280489 Source: Cabral Gold Inc. Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland and Labrador--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (the "Company" or "First Atlantic") notes that its Pipestone XL discovery of awaruite, a rare, naturally occurring nickel-iron-cobalt alloy, is relevant to critical mineral supply chain vulnerabilities outlined in the White House proclamation published January 14, 2026. The proclamation, titled "Adjusting Imports of Processed Critical Minerals and Their Derivative Products into the United States" states that processed critical minerals and their derivative products (PCMDPs) are being imported into the United States in quantities that may threaten to impair national security. The proclamation identifies nickel and cobalt as essential minerals for critical infrastructure, defense applications, and battery energy storage systems. The proclamation further notes that, "Even where the United States has domestic mining capacity, such as for cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, the United States lacks the domestic processing capacity to avoid downstream net-import reliance." In response, the Secretary of Commerce recommended that the President "negotiate agreements with foreign nations to ensure the United States has adequate critical mineral supplies and to mitigate the supply chain vulnerabilities as quickly as possible." Canada is considered a "domestic source" under Title III of the U.S. Defense Production Act (DPA) and produces 21 of the 50 minerals designated as critical by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), as well as 10 of the 12 NATO defense-critical raw materials1. USGS Identified Awaruite - A Rare Magnetic Nickel-Cobalt Alloy - as a Potential Solution to Nickel Concentrate Shortages First Atlantic's Pipestone XL discovery represents the first large-scale reported drilled discovery of awaruite in the Western Hemisphere since the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) identified this rare magnetic nickel-cobalt alloy as a potential solution to nickel concentrate shortages in its 2012 annual report on nickel. The USGS stated: "The development of awaruite deposits in other parts of Canada may help alleviate any prolonged shortage of nickel concentrate. Awaruite, a natural iron-nickel alloy, is much easier to concentrate than pentlandite, the principal sulfide of nickel." Figure 1: Quote from USGS on Awaruite Deposits2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6963/280485_11877b5644b768b3_001full.jpg Awaruite's Magnetic Processing Bypasses Smelter and Permitting Constraints of Conventional Nickel Sources The White House proclamation emphasizes that "mining a mineral domestically does not safeguard the national security of the United States if the United States remains dependent on a foreign country for the processing of that mineral." Awaruite offers the potential to bypass the processing bottlenecks and challenges associated with conventional nickel sources. Unlike conventional nickel sulfide deposits, which typically require pyrometallurgical smelting, or laterite deposits, which often rely on high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) or roasting, awaruite can be processed using magnetic separation and flotation. This process may eliminate certain processing and permitting bottlenecks associated with nickel sulfide or laterite ores. Awaruite concentrate can be shipped directly from mine to refinery, where nickel sulfate (NiSO4), a critical mineral derivative product, may be produced for the battery cathode manufacturing supply chain. Awaruite is a naturally occurring, sulfur-free nickel-iron-cobalt alloy with nickel content of approximately 77%3. Its magnetic properties and simple flotation characteristics result in lower electricity requirements and reduced emissions relative to conventional nickel processing methods. In addition, the absence of sulfur reduces the risk of acid mine drainage and certain permitting challenges commonly associated with sulfide mineralization. Limited North American Smelter Capacity Constrains Nickel Sulfide Processing According to the August 2025 report "From Rocks to Power: Strategies to Unlock Canada's Critical Minerals for Global Leadership in Energy Storage, EVs, & Beyond," North America currently only has two operational pyrometallurgical nickel smelters: Glencore's Sudbury Smelter and Vale's Copper Cliff Smelter & Refinery, both located in Ontario. Vale's Thompson Smelter in Manitoba was permanently closed in 2018, further constraining processing capacity. The United States currently has no operating domestic nickel smelters. This limited processing capacity represents a key vulnerability identified in the White House proclamation. Awaruite's ability to be processed without smelting may provide an alternative pathway that reduces reliance on constrained or foreign-controlled processing infrastructure. Awaruite Nickel-Cobalt Concentrate: Direct From Mine to Refinery Without Smelting Preliminary metallurgical testing at Pipestone XL has returned a magnetic concentrate averaging approximately 1.3% nickel and secondary cobalt in alloy mineralization from large, disseminated, near-surface zones. Ongoing metallurgical work is focused on upgrading this magnetic concentrate by approximately 45-fold, from 1.3% to ~60%, through flotation. As stated in the August 2025 report "From Rocks to Power" from the Battery Metals Association of Canada4: "Awaruite is not a sulfide nor an oxide nickel ore but a high-content native nickel-iron ore. Simple beneficiation processes after mining could provide 60% Ni concentrate, ready for leaching for battery cathode purposes and would yield MHP as a by-product. This process would bypass pyrometallurgy or early hydrometallurgy stages and be among the lowest carbon-intensive nickel production sites in the global nickel market." The Battery Metals Association of Canada has also stated in June 20255: "A future nickel metallurgical plant could be designed to produce nickel sulfate or even precursors to the cathode active material (pCAM) for NMC batteries. Nickel sulfate can be produced by leaching nickel matte from nickel sulfide concentrates if the facility is a smelter, or it can be easily produced from a hydrometallurgical facility leaching awaruite concentrates." Section 45X Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit Section 19 of the U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit (45X) defines qualifying nickel as nickel that is "converted to nickel sulphate" or "purified to a minimum purity of 99 percent nickel by mass." The ability of awaruite concentrate to be directly converted to nickel sulfate, without intermediate smelting or roasting, may position it favorably within this framework, potentially enabling domestic production of 45X-compliant nickel and cobalt concentrate for the US Battery Manufacturing Supply Chain. Chromium Identified as Potential Additional Recoverable Mineral The Company's metallurgical program now includes evaluation of chromium following confirmation of chromite mineralization with elevated chromium content in the awaruite-bearing magnetic concentrate. Chromium has been recovered alongside nickel through Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) magnetic separation testing, and additional metallurgical work is underway to assess the potential to produce a salable chromite concentrate by-product. North America currently lacks sufficient quantities of mined chromium concentrates required for stainless steel and advanced alloy manufacturing. Chromite recovery represents a potential additional critical mineral supply chain opportunity addressed by the Pipestone XL project. Phase 2X RPM Drilling and Upcoming Pipestone XL Drill Program The Company anticipates providing updates on drill holes AN-25-11 through AN-25-14 from the RPM Zone Phase 2 program. Following the recent closing of a $2.61 million financing, the company is evaluating various targets for a new winter drill program to further delineate and expand the Pipestone XL Nickel Alloy Project. RPM ZONE DRILLING SUMMARY Table 1: RPM Zone - Complete Intervals for All RPM Drill Holes Reported to Date Drill Hole Zone Section From (m) To (m) Interval (m) DTR Ni (%) Mag Conc Ni (%) Mass Pull (%) AN-24-02 RPM S1 11.0 394.1 383.1 0.13 1.37 9.50 AN-24-03 RPM S1 18.0 234.0 216.0 0.11 1.32 9.12 AN-24-04 RPM S1 12.0 378.0 366.0 0.14 1.46 9.53 AN-24-05 RPM S2 6.0 357.0 351.0 0.12 1.47 8.21 AN-25-06 RPM S2 5.65 453.0 447.35 0.11 1.27 9.02 AN-25-07 RPM S2 9.0 495.0 486.0 0.09 0.97 9.60 AN-25-08 RPM S3 11.0 491.0 480.0 0.12 1.35 8.79 AN-25-09 RPM S3 9.0 483.0 474.0 0.08 0.93 9.00 AN-25-10 RPM S1 8.0 236.0 228.0 0.15 1.44 10.48 AN-25-11 RPM S1 East TBA - Eastern Expansion AN-25-12 RPM S1 East TBA - Eastern Expansion AN-25-13 RPM S4 TBA - 400m Northern Extension AN-25-14 RPM S0 South TBA - 200m Southern Step-Out DTR nickel percentage is calculated by multiplying the mass pull (%) by the magnetic nickel concentrate grade (%). This number represents the proportion of nickel recoverable through magnetic separation and is not equivalent to a standard assay result. Every 3-meter interval throughout each drill hole was processed using this metallurgical method. DTR results may vary depending on equipment settings and ongoing technological advancements. Figure 2: Pipestone XL Alloy Project showing target zones along a 30km trend over total magnetic intensity (TMI). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6963/280485_11877b5644b768b3_002full.jpg Figure 3: Aerial image looking over RPM zone extension highlighting flat undulating terrain typical at the Pipestone XL nickel alloy project. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6963/280485_11877b5644b768b3_003full.jpg Figure 4: RPM Zone Area Map Showing Phase 2X Expansion Drill Hole Locations and Surface Sample DTR Nickel Results Outlining the Priority Target Areas. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6963/280485_11877b5644b768b3_004full.jpg Investor Information The Company's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "FAN", the American OTCQB Exchange under the symbol "FANCF" and on several German exchanges, including Frankfurt and Tradegate, under the symbol "P21". Investors can get updates about First Atlantic by signing up to receive news via email and SMS text at www.fanickel.com. Disclosure Adrian Smith, P.Geo., a director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. The qualified person is a member in good standing of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL) and is a registered professional geoscientist (P.Geo.). Mr. Smith has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed herein. Analytical Method & QA/QC Samples were split in half on site, with one half remaining in the core box for future reference and the other half securely packaged for laboratory analysis. The QA/QC protocol included the insertion of blanks, duplicates, and certified reference material (standards), with one QA/QC sample being inserted every 20 samples to monitor the precision and accuracy of the laboratory results. All analytical results successfully passed QA/QC screening at the laboratory, and all Company inserted standards and blanks returned results within acceptable limits. Samples were submitted to Activation Laboratories Ltd. ("Actlabs") in Ancaster, Ontario, an ISO 17025 certified and accredited laboratory operating independently of First Atlantic. Each sample was crushed, with a 250 g sub-sample pulverized to 95% - 200 mesh. A magnetic separate was then generated by running the pulverized sub-sample through a magnetic separator which splits the sub-sample into magnetic and non-magnetic fractions. This involves running a 30 g split of the pulp through a Davis Tube magnetic separator as a slurry using a constant flow rate, a magnetic field strength of 3,500 Gauss, and a tube angle of 45 degrees to produce magnetic and non-magnetic fractions. The magnetic fractions are collected, dried, weighed and the magnetic fraction is fused with a lithium metaborate/tetraborate flux and lithium bromide releasing agent and then analyzed on a wavelength dispersive XRF for multiple elements including nickel, cobalt, iron and chromium. The magnetically recovered nickel grade was then calculated by multiplying the XRF fusion nickel value by the weight of the magnetic fraction and dividing by the total recorded feed weight or magnetic mass pulled from the sample. True widths are currently unknown. However the nickel bearing ultramafic ophiolite and peridotite rocks being targeted and sampled in the drilling programs at the Pipestone XL Project are mapped on surface and in drilling as several hundred meters to over 1 kilometer wide and approximately 30 kilometers long. About First Atlantic Nickel Corp. First Atlantic Nickel Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the discovery and development of awaruite, a rare, naturally occurring nickel-iron-cobalt alloy, at its 100%-owned Pipestone XL Project in Newfoundland. The project spans the 30-kilometer Pipestone Ophiolite Complex, where multiple zones contain awaruite (nickel-cobalt) mineralization along with secondary chromium. Awaruite's magnetic properties enable processing through magnetic separation, potentially eliminating the need for conventional smelting or high-pressure acid leaching while reducing dependence on foreign-controlled processing infrastructure. Forward-looking statements: This news release may include "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and are based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the timing, scope, objectives and results of the Company's exploration and drilling programs at Pipestone XL (including the Phase 2X expansion drill holes, the timing of updates for drill holes AN-25-11 through AN-25-14, and any planned winter drilling program); the potential to expand the drill-confirmed dimensions of the RPM Zone and the broader RPM Zone target; the potential size, continuity and extension of awaruite-bearing mineralization and associated chromite/chromium mineralization; the interpretation and application of DTR results and other metallurgical test work; the expected performance and viability of magnetic separation and flotation, including the ability to upgrade magnetic concentrate; the potential for awaruite concentrate to be transported to and processed at third-party facilities and/or refined into nickel sulfate; the potential relevance of Section 45X and other U.S. critical mineral initiatives to downstream processing scenarios; and the Company's ability to advance its projects, obtain financing and execute its business plans. Forward-looking information is based on, among other things, assumptions regarding: the continuity of geology and mineralization suggested by drilling, sampling, and surface work to date; DTR recoverability results and metallurgical recoveries remaining comparable under similar processing conditions; magnetic separation performance continuing to be consistent with test results; the availability of drill rigs, contractors, services, personnel, supplies, and equipment; the receipt of required permits and approvals within expected timeframes; prevailing and future commodity prices, market conditions, and demand; and the Company's ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms to fund planned exploration and metallurgical programs. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, risks inherent in mineral exploration; variations in geology, grade and recoverability; metallurgical and processing risks (including variability in DTR and flotation results and scale-up risk); the risk that concentrate may not be suitable for or accepted by third-party processing/refining facilities on acceptable terms; changes in laws, regulations or government policies (including the interpretation or application of Section 45X or other U.S. critical mineral initiatives); capital market and commodity price volatility; financing risks; environmental and permitting risks; operational risks; and delays in obtaining approvals. Additional factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents which can be found under the Company's profile on http://www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no mineral reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. 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. 1 https://connect2canada.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/critical-minerals.pdf 2 https://d9-wret.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets/palladium/production/mineral-pubs/nickel/mcs-2012-nicke.pdf 3 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0892687522003648 4 https://transitionaccelerator.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/From-Rocks-to-Power-Nickel.pdf 5 https://netzeroindustrialpolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/BMAC_TA_EFL_Western_Canadian_Battery_Value_Chain.pdf To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280485 Source: First Atlantic Nickel Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Predictmedix AI Inc. (CSE: PMED) (OTC Pink: PMEDF) (FSE: 3QP0) ("Predictmedix" or the "Company"), a pioneering leader in artificial intelligence-enabled health and safety technology, proudly announces its highly selective inclusion in the Official Canada Trade Mission to Mexico, scheduled for February 15-20, 2026, with key activities centered in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. This elite delegation brings together only the most export-ready Canadian innovators and market frontrunners, carefully chosen to align with Canada's bold strategic priorities for forging deeper global commercial alliances. The mission forms a cornerstone of the federal government's high-impact economic strategy, building directly on the Canada-Mexico Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Action Plan. Led by the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, and backed by senior leaders from the Trade Commissioner Service, this prestigious initiative delivers unparalleled, government-orchestrated access to Mexican business leaders, high-level government decision-makers, and prime commercial partners. It enjoys broad, cross-portfolio support across Canada's trade and economic ecosystem. "Securing a spot on this elite government mission represents a powerful validation of Predictmedix's proven commercial maturity and appeal in international markets," said Dr. Rahul Kushwah, COO of Predictmedix AI Inc. "As we surge into 2026 armed with robust technology validation, a razor-sharp commercialization roadmap, and now the full backing of the federal government, we stand ready to unlock transformative opportunities in one of North America's most dynamic and strategically vital export destinations." Government-Orchestrated Market Access: Unlocking Premier Clients, Distributors, and Revenue Streams Predictmedix's participation provides exclusive, federally facilitated access to pre-qualified clients, distributors, and channel partners, coordinated by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service to fast-track commercial negotiations and high-value revenue opportunities in Mexico's growing workplace safety, industrial health, and technology sectors. The mission includes: Sector briefings by senior government officials and local industry authorities Networking with influential government and private-sector leaders Strategic site visits to Mexico's top industry clusters Concierge-level support to convert discussions into binding commercial partnerships With over 130 million people and integration into North American supply chains, Mexico offers tariff-free access under CUSMA and efficient pathways for technology deployment, making it an ideal launchpad for scalable innovation. Building Strategic Commercial Momentum on a National Stage Predictmedix's selection aligns with Canada's national agenda for export diversification and innovation leadership, arriving amid growing bilateral economic momentum with Mexico. Key high-growth sectors including advanced manufacturing, ICT and AI, cleantech, and clean energy offer strong demand for Canadian technology, positioning Predictmedix to capitalize on surging global opportunities. This mission advances Predictmedix's strategic objectives: Expanding the international sales pipeline Securing high-impact distribution and commercialization partners Accelerating market entry into Mexico Leveraging government-backed trade infrastructure for scalable growth Quantum Computing Integration and Distribution Leadership: Elevating the Competitive Edge To dominate during this mission and beyond, Predictmedix is spotlighting its groundbreaking integration of quantum-inspired algorithms into its core AI framework. This revolutionary enhancement dramatically boosts data processing speeds, elevates diagnostic precision, and delivers unparalleled predictive power for enterprise-scale deployments, ensuring the Company's solutions remain future-proofed against the next wave of computing advancements. To drive rapid, large-scale adoption across the LATAM region, Predictmedix is also in the process of onboarding top-tier industry veterans and specialized logistics experts to helm its regional distribution network. These high-caliber leaders, with entrenched relationships in Mexico's healthcare and industrial ecosystems, provide the strategic expertise needed to commercialize Predictmedix's next-generation technology. Participation in this rigorously selective, government-led trade mission signals exceptional credibility and governmental confidence in Predictmedix's trajectory. This landmark achievement affirms the Company's technological sophistication, accelerating commercialization momentum, and seamless alignment with Canada's export and innovation priorities. It marks a defining step in Predictmedix's transformation into a high-execution, growth-oriented company, aggressively capturing international markets and unlocking substantial, scalable revenue streams. Details of the company's recent product validations, pilot programs, and strategic partnerships can be found in earlier press releases available at: https://predictmedix.com/press-releases/ About Predictmedix AI Inc. Predictmedix AI Inc. (CSE: PMED) (OTC Pink: PMEDF) (FSE: 3QP0) is an emerging provider of rapid health screening and remote patient care solutions globally. The Company's Smarthealth AI stations - powered by a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) - use multispectral cameras to analyze physiological data patterns and predict a variety of health issues including 19 physiological vital parameters, impairment by drugs or alcohol, fatigue, or various mental illnesses. Predictmedix AI's proprietary remote patient care platform empowers medical professionals with a suite of AI-powered tools to improve patient health outcomes. To learn more, please visit our website at www.Predictmedix.com or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results of the Company. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. The Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulations under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any Page 4 of 4 future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein, such as, but not limited to dependence on obtaining regulatory approvals; the ability to obtain intellectual property rights related to its technology; limited operating history; general business, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties, and in particular, uncertainties related to COVID-19; risks related to factors beyond the control of the Company, including risks related to COVID-19; risks related to the Company's shares, including price volatility due to events that may or may not be within such party's control; reliance on management; and the emergency of additional competitors in the industry. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except required by law. Disclaimer: The Company is not making any express or implied claims that its product has the ability to diagnose, eliminate, cure or contain the COVID-19 (or SARS-2 Coronavirus) at this time. THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED NOR DOES IT ACCEPT 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/280407 Source: Predictmedix AI Inc. Key Highlights Strong multi-element geochemical coherence: Gold-in-till anomalies are spatially coincident with elevated copper ( Cu ), molybdenum ( Mo ) and bismuth ( Bi ) defining a large, zoned geochemical footprint consistent with a fertile gold and/or copper system. Gold-in-till anomalies are spatially coincident with elevated copper ( ), molybdenum ( ) and bismuth ( ) defining a large, zoned geochemical footprint consistent with a fertile gold and/or copper system. Intrusive-centred metal zonation identified: Elevated Cu-Mo-Bi responses are concentrated within the large Isle aux Morts Granite located within the Cape Ray West area, along structural corridors and intrusive contacts, providing vectors toward potential mineralised centres. Elevated Cu-Mo-Bi responses are concentrated within the large Isle aux Morts Granite located within the Cape Ray West area, along structural corridors and intrusive contacts, providing vectors toward potential mineralised centres. Large, coherent anomaly footprint: Multi-element anomalism extends for several kilometres along strike and across multiple structural orientations, significantly expanding the prospective footprint at Cape Ray West. Multi-element anomalism extends for several kilometres along strike and across multiple structural orientations, significantly expanding the prospective footprint at Cape Ray West. New targeting framework established: Integration of mineral system models, surficial geochemistry, structural interpretation, airborne electromagnetic and magnetics data has materially refined several priority targets within the Isle aux Morts Granite and along its margins. Integration of mineral system models, surficial geochemistry, structural interpretation, airborne electromagnetic and magnetics data has materially refined several priority targets within the Isle aux Morts Granite and along its margins. 2026 follow-up program planned: Targeted infill till sampling, detailed structural mapping, channel sampling of outcrop, and drilling is planned to advance these top priority targets. Targeted infill till sampling, detailed structural mapping, channel sampling of outcrop, and drilling is planned to advance these top priority targets. Assays pending: Results from the Cape Ray diamond drilling and Hermitage geochemical surficial survey remain outstanding and are expected in the first quarter of 2026. Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - AuMEGA Metals Ltd (ASX: AAM) (TSXV: AUM) (OTCQB: AUMMF) ("AuMEGA" or "the Company") is pleased to report the results of a multi-element surficial geochemistry interpretation over the Isle aux Morts Granite ("IMG") located at Cape Ray West, part of the Company's 110-kilometre landholding along the Cape Ray Shear Zone ("CRSZ") in southwestern Newfoundland, Canada (Figure 1). This program builds on favourable results derived from surficial geochemistry work completed at Cape Ray West in mid-2025 and has materially elevated the IMG to a high-priority drill target for the 2026 field season1. The IMG, measuring approximately 16 square kilometres, is a large, underexplored felsic intrusion located immediately adjacent to the Company's existing resource corridor, which currently hosts a defined gold Mineral Resource of 6.2 million tonnes grading 2.25 g/t gold for 450,000 ounces of Indicated Resources, and 3.4 million tonnes grading 1.44 g/t gold for 160,000 ounces of Inferred Resources2. Historically, the IMG (Figure 2) was considered non-mineralised, due to previous interpretations of its age of emplacement, and as a result has never been systematically explored. AuMEGA's reinterpretation using modern, multi-element geochemistry, geological mapping and high-resolution geophysics now suggests that this intrusion may in fact represent a previously unrecognised and potentially fertile mineral system, opening an entirely new exploration search-space within the Cape Ray district. AuMEGA Metal's Managing Director and CEO, Sam Pazuki, commented: "What we're seeing at the Isle aux Morts Granite is the emergence of a completely new opportunity within our district. This is a large, underexplored intrusion that has never been seriously considered as prospective for gold or copper mineralisation and as a result, it has never been effectively explored, let alone drill tested. Our latest work is changing that. "The scale, coherence and metal associations we are seeing are exactly what you might want to see in searching for a fertile mineral system. This is no longer a conceptual target as we have clear vectors, clear targets, and a compelling geological story to follow up. For us, this has become one of the most important areas in our portfolio, and we're eager to move it toward drilling." Figure 1: AuMEGA Metals portfolio on the Cape Ray Shear Zone and Hermitage Flexure. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10713/280475_7fc0e90ef459885f_002full.jpg Figure 2: Isle aux Morts Granite looking south. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10713/280475_7fc0e90ef459885f_003full.jpg Isle aux Morts Granite Results The surficial geochemistry program was designed to expand the discovery footprint west of the existing resource corridor and assess the broader fertility of the IMG. A total of 439 till samples were collected across a north-south oriented survey grid using line and station spacing of 160 metres by 80 metres, respectively (Figure 3). This recent work has outlined several large, coherent gold-in-till anomalies displaying strong spatial relationships with both north-south and east-west trending geophysical lineaments, as well as coincident zoned textural variations within the intrusion identified from our magnetic data3. These coincident features suggest that mineralisation is structurally controlled and linked to internal architecture within the granite complex. Importantly, the till material collected is homogeneous and dominated by locally derived granite fragments with predominantly feldspar, quartz and biotite mineralogy. This, together with a strong spatial association between gold, copper, molybdenum and bismuth anomalies and geophysical features, suggests limited glacial transport and supports a proximal bedrock source for the geochemical responses observed. Figure 3: Surficial geochemical program results for the 2025 Cape Ray West survey extension over the Isle aux Morts Granite. The figure shows all gold-in-till results for 2025 in relation to the historic surficial geochemical footprint (>20 ppb Au) overlying the greyscale reduced to pole - first vertical derivative magnetics with a digital elevation model background. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10713/280475_7fc0e90ef459885f_004full.jpg Western Corridor The most significant of the identified targets is the Western Corridor, which extends for approximately two kilometres along a north-south strike (Figure 4). This corridor is coincident with a prominent north-south striking geophysical lineament and is located near the interpreted contact between the IMG and the Port aux Basques Gneiss Complex. The convergence of strong gold-in-till anomalism, major structural features and intrusive contacts suggests this corridor represents a highly favourable geological setting for mineralisation and the Company has ranked it as one of the highest priority targets generated to date. Figure 4: Surficial geochemical program results for the 2025 Cape Ray West survey phase one and extension over the Isle aux Morts Granite. The figure shows all 2025 gold-in-till results overlying the greyscale reduced to pole - first vertical derivative magnetics with a digital elevation model background. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10713/280475_7fc0e90ef459885f_005full.jpg Central Isle aux Morts Granite Four additional target areas have been identified within the central areas of the intrusive complex. These are spatially coincident with a pronounced textural break in the magnetic response, which is interpreted to reflect either multiphase intrusive activity or zones of hydrothermal alteration (Figure 5). These targets are also spatially associated with the same dominant east-west and north-south trending geophysical lineaments, suggesting a strong structural influence on fluid flow and potential mineralisation. Figure 5: Textural zonation in the Isle aux Morts Granite. The figure shows the greyscale reduced to pole - first vertical derivative magnetics. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10713/280475_7fc0e90ef459885f_006full.jpg A strong and coherent multi-element response, dominated by elevated copper, molybdenum and bismuth defines a broad, multi-station anomaly across this central area (Figures 6-8). This metal association is characteristic of fertile intrusive systems and is commonly associated with the deeper or hotter portions of intrusive-related mineralised environments. Together, these patterns support the interpretation that the IMG represents a complex, evolving hydrothermal system, rather than a post-mineralisation barren intrusion. This is an interpretation that fundamentally changes the exploration potential of this unit and other similar granites along the CRSZ. Figure 6: Surficial geochemical program results for the 2025 Cape Ray West survey extension over the Isle aux Morts Granite. The figure shows all copper-in-till results overlying the greyscale reduced to pole - first vertical derivative magnetics with a digital elevation model background overlain by gridded copper-in-till results. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10713/280475_7fc0e90ef459885f_007full.jpg Figure 7: Surficial geochemical program results for the 2025 Cape Ray West survey extension over the Isle aux Morts Granite. The figure shows all bismuth-in-till results overlying the greyscale reduced to pole -first vertical derivative magnetics with a digital elevation model background overlain by gridded bismuth-in-till results. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10713/280475_7fc0e90ef459885f_008full.jpg Figure 8: Surficial geochemical program results for the 2025 Cape Ray West survey extension over the Isle aux Morts Granite. The figure shows all molybdenum-in-till results overlying the greyscale reduced to pole - first vertical derivative magnetics with a digital elevation model background overlain by gridded molybdenum-in-till results. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10713/280475_7fc0e90ef459885f_009full.jpg Cape Ray West - Next Steps Seven target areas have now been defined across the greater Cape Ray West area. AuMEGA is integrating all geological, geochemical and geophysical datasets to rank and prioritise the highest-conviction targets for drill testing in 2026. Concurrently, the Company plans to extend surficial geochemistry coverage and geological mapping across the full extent of the Isle aux Morts Granite (Figure 9). Figure 9: Exploration targets for follow-up in the 2026 season. The figure shows all gold-in-till results overlying the greyscale reduced to pole - first vertical derivative magnetics with a digital elevation model background. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10713/280475_7fc0e90ef459885f_010full.jpg The Company intends to: Extend till sampling and mapping to cover the entire IMG; Complete detailed geological mapping (1:5,000 scale) and channel sampling over the seven target areas to define drill targets for the 2026 drilling campaign; and, Execute a focused diamond drilling program in summer 2026, testing a select group of high-conviction targets rather than broad early-stage coverage. < END > This announcement has been authorised for release by the Company's Board of Directors. To learn more about the Company, please visit www.aumegametals.com, or contact: About the Company AuMEGA Metals Ltd (ASX: AAM) (TSXV: AUM) (OTCQB: AUMMF) is utilising best-in-class exploration to explore on its district scale land package that spans 110 kilometers along the Cape Ray-Valentine Shear Zone, a significant under-explored geological feature recognised as Newfoundland, Canada's largest identified gold structure. This zone currently hosts Equinox Gold's Valentine Gold Project, a multi-million-ounce deposit which is the region's largest gold project, along with AuMEGA's expanding Mineral Resource. The Company is supported by a diverse shareholder registry of prominent global institutional investors, and strategic investment from B2Gold Corp, a significant, intermediate gold producer. Additionally, AuMEGA holds a 27-kilometre stretch of the highly prospective Hermitage Flexure and has also secured an Option Agreement for the Blue Cove Copper Project in southeastern Newfoundland, which exhibits strong potential for copper and other base metals. AuMEGA's Cape Ray Shear Zone hosts several dozen high potential targets along with its existing defined gold Mineral Resource of 6.2 million tonnes grading an average of 2.25 g/t gold, totaling 450,000 ounces of Indicated Resources, and 3.4 million tonnes grading an average of 1.44 g/t gold, totaling 160,000 ounces in Inferred Resources4. AuMEGA acknowledges the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program, Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Reference to Previous Announcements In relation to this news release, all data used to assess targets have been previously disclosed by the Company and referenced in previous JORC Table 1 releases. Please see announcements dated: 11 August 2021, 30 May 2023, 2 October 2025 and 16 October 2025. In relation to the Mineral Resource estimate announced on 30 May 2023, the Company confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in that announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement. Competent Person's Statements Till Sampling All till samples are collected using a hand auger to collect roughly 2 kg of material, the 'C-Horizon' is targeted but the 'B-Horizon' is collected where this is not possible. Notes are taken on the sample horizon as well as the sand vs silt fractions and moisture content. Samples are then sealed in pre-marked calico bags. Till samples are organized at the Company's facilities in Channel Port-aux-Basques, NL., before they are driven by company personnel to Eastern Analytical's facilities in Springdale, NL., for drying at 60C and sieving to -63 m. The dried and sieved fraction is then shipped to ALS Global ("ALS") facilities in Vancouver, BC where they undergo ICP-MS for 53 elements after an aqua regia digestion. All QA/QC data is reviewed by the Database Manager, Exploration Manager and/or Competent Person to ensure quality of assays. Batches containing multiple CRMs that report outside of two standard deviations from expected values are re-assayed. Both Eastern Analytical and ALS are ISO certified and are independent from the Company. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this press release was reviewed and approved by Shamus Duff, P. Geo., Project Geologist. Mr. Duff is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and a Professional Geologist registered with Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador (PEGNL). Mr. Duff consents to the publication of this press release and certifies that the information is provided fairly and accurately represents the scientific and technical information disclosed within it. 1 New Release 16 October 2025 2 New Release 30 May 2023 3 News Release 11 August 2021 & 2 October 2025. 4 News release dated 30 May 2023 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280475 Source: AuMEGA Metals Ltd. The UK's leading medical cannabis clinic launches the service offering prescribed patients on-demand legal guidance following updated police guidance. January 15, 2026. Releaf, the UK's fastest-growing medical cannabis clinic, has today announced the launch of Releaf Protect, a first-of-its-kind for UK cannabis patients legal guidance service designed to strengthen patient confidence and protection. Available to eligible members as part of Releaf+, the most comprehensive subscription plan for cannabis patients, Releaf Protect provides access to a dedicated legal helpline offering practical, situation-specific guidance for issues connected to lawful medical cannabis treatment in the UK. The launch follows the recent publication of an updated police report last week, which provided new guidance on how officers should approach interactions with legally prescribed medical cannabis patients. While this represents an important step forward for patient clarity, many patients still face uncertainty in high-pressure, real-world situations. Tim Kirby, CEO of Releaf, said, "Medical cannabis has been legal in the UK for several years, yet patients are still too often left carrying the burden of explaining the law in moments that can feel intimidating or stressful. As the UK's leading medical cannabis healthcare provider, we believe our responsibility doesn't end with prescribing; it extends to ensuring patients feel supported, protected and confident in everyday life. Releaf Protect is a meaningful step towards closing that gap, offering practical, responsible support at the moments it genuinely matters." The service is intended for specific, active situations, such as workplace disputes and interactions with police or other authorities. It forms part of Releaf's wider commitment to leading innovation in the UK cannabis industry, alongside the Releaf Medical Cannabis Card, providing patients with clear, verifiable evidence of their prescription. Kirby added, "Releaf continues to lead the industry in patient care and confidence. Our Medical Cannabis Card is uniquely supported by a secure two-factor verification process, enabling third parties to independently confirm a patient's lawful prescription if it is ever challenged. The card and new legal guidance service, combined with our one-of-a-kind technology platform, reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation, building real-world solutions that make medical cannabis safer, clearer and more accessible for patients across the UK." The legal guidance is provided by Irwin Mitchell, a leading UK law firm with extensive experience advising on regulatory, employment, and public law matters. Releaf does not receive the content of legal advice and does not influence the guidance given, ensuring patients receive independent, situation-specific support when it is needed most. Together, these initiatives are designed to give prescribed medical cannabis patients greater confidence in everyday situations. By improving clarity, reducing misunderstandings and helping prevent unnecessary escalation, Releaf aims to promote better awareness and understanding of lawful medical cannabis prescriptions across the UK. [END] 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 15, 2026 / Nations Royalty Corp. (TSX-V:NRC)(OTCQB:NRYCF)(FSE:Y96) ("Nations Royalty"or the"Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud"), as co-lead underwriter and sole book runner, pursuant to which Red Cloud and Canaccord Genuity Corp. (collectively with Red Cloud, the "Underwriters"), as co-lead underwriter, have agreed to purchase for resale 6,250,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$1.60 per Unit (the "Offering Price") on a "bought deal" basis in a private placement for gross proceeds of C$10,000,000 (the "Underwritten Offering"). Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (each, a "Unit Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$2.25 at any time on or before that date which is 36 months after the Closing Date (as herein defined). The Company will grant to the Underwriters an option, exercisable up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date, to purchase for resale up to an additional 1,250,000 Units at the Offering Price for additional gross proceeds of up to C$2,000,000 (the "Over-Allotment Option"). The Underwritten Offering and the securities issuable upon exercise of the Over-Allotment Option shall be collectively referred to as the "Offering". The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for acquisitions of royalties, income and commodity streams, annual benefit payments and similar interests, as well as for working capital purposes. Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Units under the Offering will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in all of the provinces of Canada except Quebec pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The Unit Shares and the Warrant Shares underlying the Units are expected to be immediately freely tradeable in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada. The Units will also be offered in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, by way of private placement pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements provided for under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and in jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement or equivalent basis, in each case in accordance with all applicable laws, provided that no prospectus, registration statement or other similar document is required to be filed in such jurisdiction. There is an offering document (the "Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.nationsroyalty.ca. Prospective investors should read this Offering Document before making an investment decision. The Offering is scheduled to close on January 30, 2026 (the "Closing Date"), or such other date as the Company and Red Cloud may agree. Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. On closing of the Offering, the Company has agreed to pay to the Underwriters a cash commission equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds of the Offering. In addition, on closing of the Offering, the Company has agreed to issue to the Underwriters warrants of the Company exercisable for a period of 36 months following the closing of the Offering, to acquire in aggregate that number of Common Shares which is equal to 6.0% of the number of Units sold under the Offering at an exercise price equal to the Offering Price. The securities offered in the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Nations Royalty Corp. The Company's vision is to unite First Nations and Indigenous groups across Canada, welcoming external investors to join the Company as shareholders. Together, they will combine royalties, income and commodity streams and annual benefit payment entitlements from resource projects, tapping into the growth, diversification and value potential typical of publicly traded royalty companies. As a leader in the spirit of economic reconciliation, Nations Royalty's mission includes capacity building of Indigenous People in public companies and capital markets. Nations Royalty's foundation begins with five annual benefit payment entitlements in place in respect of the following properties in Canada: The high-grade Brucejack gold mine operated by Newmont Corporation; The KSM Copper-Gold-Silver-Molybdenum deposit, currently in development by Seabridge Gold Inc.; The Premier Gold Project, currently evaluating a restart decision by Ascot Resources Ltd.; The Red Mountain Gold Deposit, owned by Ascot Resources Ltd.; and The Kitsault Molybdenum Deposit, a large, fully permitted brownfield site owned and being actively advanced by New Moly LLC, majority-owned by Resource Capital Fund VI L.P. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Nations Royalty Corp. "Derrick Pattenden" Derrick Pattenden, President, CEO and Director derrick.pattenden@nationsroyalty.ca (604) 609-6126 For more information, please contact: Kody Penner, VP Corporate Development kody.penner@nationsroyalty.ca (604) 356-4995 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information Except for the statements of historical fact, this news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words, or variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this news release include, without limitation, statements regarding the Offering, the closing of the Offering, the anticipated closing date of the Offering, the intended use of proceeds from the Offering and the filing of the Offering Document. By their nature, forward-looking statement involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual result, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the Offering may not close on the terms currently contemplated, or at all; the potential inability of the Company to continue as a going concern, risks associated with potential governmental and/or regulatory action with respect to the Company's operations, the potential inability of the Company to implement its business plan going forward. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company and are based on information currently available to the Company. In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the Company has made assumptions regarding the Company successfully completing the Offering. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such information due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Any forward-looking information 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 information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. 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: Nations Royalty Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/nations-royalty-announces-bought-deal-life-private-placement-for-gross-proceeds-o-1127427 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Scottie Resources Corp. (TSXV: SCOT) (OTCQB: SCTSF) (FSE: SR80) ("Scottie" or the "Company") is pleased to report new assays from its 2025 drilling of the Road and Blueberry Contact Zone within the Scottie Gold Mine Project ("Scottie Gold Mine" or the "Project"). The road-accessible Scottie Gold Mine Project, which includes the 100%-owned past-producing Scottie Gold Mine and the adjacent Blueberry Contact Zone, is located 35 kilometres north of Stewart, BC, and is the subject of a newly released Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") entitled Scottie Gold Mine Project (see news release dated October 28, 2025). In addition to a high-grade intercept in the Fifi Zone, drilling results also confirm the discovery of a new near surface vein in the Bend. Notably, at the Road Zone, drilling encountered a high-grade intercept outside of the current resource model but within the PEA's open pit shell. "These results clearly demonstrate the success of Scottie's 2025 drill program, delivering increased geological confidence on our high-grade vein systems such as Fifi, confirming resource expansion potential within the existing open pit shell, and highlighting the discovery of new veins at the Bend area," stated Dr. Thomas Mumford, President. "This drilling underscores the strength of our systematic exploration approach, delivering results across multiple fronts and reinforcing the significant upside across the project. We look forward to returning to the drill this season as we continue to advance and expand the system." Highlights: SR25-416 intersected 16.1 grams per tonne (g/t) gold over 4.60 metres (m), including 56.5 g/t gold over 1.10 m in the Fifi vein zone (Table 1, Figures 1,2,4). SR25-409 intersected 4.39 g/t gold over 5.00 m including 16.8 g/t gold over 1.00 m at the Road Zone. Intercept was outside of the resource block model but within the open pit shell (Table 1, Figures 1,2,3). While drilling a hydrological hole for ongoing ground water monitoring, SR25-400 in the Bend area intersected a newly discovered vein grading 3.09 g/t gold over 3.00 m in a near surface intercept (Table 1, Figure 2). Table 1: Highlight results from new drill assays (uncut) - Bend and Blueberry Contact Zone Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Width* (m) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Sub Zone SR25-400 17.00 20.00 3.00 3.09 20.3 Bend area SR25-401 27.00 29.00 2.00 1.12 0.00 Bend area SR25-402 36.75 37.90 1.15 1.99 45.0 Bend area 62.00 63.00 1.00 1.31 0.00 Bend area 70.00 71.00 1.00 2.29 2.00 Bend area SR25-405 40.20 41.20 1.00 1.07 0.00 Road 46.35 47.35 1.00 35.8 0.00 Road SR25-406 14.75 16.15 1.40 3.01 0.00 Road SR25-407 57.10 58.50 1.40 1.49 9.00 Road SR25-409 18.30 23.30 5.00 4.39 1.20 Road including 19.30 20.30 1.00 16.8 6.00 Road 49.00 53.40 4.40 3.49 0.00 Road 58.00 59.00 1.00 1.02 0.00 Road 70.00 71.00 1.00 2.76 0.00 Road SR25-416 140.50 145.10 4.60 16.1 10.0 Fifi including 141.60 142.70 1.10 56.5 26.0 Fifi *True width of the intervals has not yet been established by drilling Figure 1: Segmented vertical long section of the Blueberry Contact Zone illustrating the distribution and status of drilled targets from the 2025 season and the reported results thus far, relative to intercepts from previous drilling campaigns. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/280444_e5e44d1ba4785aea_002full.jpg Figure 2: Overview plan view map of the Blueberry Contact Zone and Bend, illustrating the locations of the reported drill results, cross-sections (Figures 3,4), and the distribution of the modelled sulphide-rich cross-structures. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/280444_e5e44d1ba4785aea_003full.jpg Discussion of Results Fifi Recent drilling at the Fifi vein zone continues to validate its importance within the Scottie Gold Mine Project, delivering high-grade intercepts within and adjacent to the existing open-pit shell. These results support increased confidence in grade continuity, provide opportunities to enhance early-stage mill feed through higher-grade material, and offer potential to improve project economics through selective mining and sequencing. The growing definition of the Fifi zone adds flexibility to mine planning while reinforcing the potential for near-surface, high-margin ounces. Bend During the 2025 season a number of hydrological drill holes were proposed by SLR (collecting baseline environmental data for permitting) in collaboration with Tetra Tech for purposes of ground water monitoring and geotechnical support. Reported holes 400-402 were drilled in the Bend area to support design of the open pit for the Bend Vein. Hole 400, a vertical hole, 21.5 metre deep, intercepted a sulphide-rich vein hosted in andesite (same setting as the Bend vein) grading 3.09 g/t Au over 3.00 m. This newly discovered, near surface vein will be further targeted in the 2026 drill program. Drilling within PEA Open Pit Shell - Road Zone An objective during the 2025 program was expansion of the resource within the open pit shells defined in the PEA, i.e. the volume of rock within the open pit shell outside the block model. This rock, modelled in the MRE and PEA as waste, is seen to have potential to host low to medium-grade gold and had not been actively targeted in the past. Testing of these areas was done through either dedicated drill holes, or re-design of holes to test this additional zone enroute to their primary target. One such hole, SR25-409, intersected 4.39 g/t gold over 5.00 m including 16.8 g/t gold over 1.00 m at the Road Zone demonstrating opportunity to expand the resource in this area. Figure 3: Cross-section displaying Blueberry Contact Zone intercepts from drill holes SR25-405 to 407, and 409. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/280444_e5e44d1ba4785aea_004full.jpg About the Scottie Gold Mine Project Over the past six years, exploration at the Scottie Gold Mine Project has delivered exceptional results - highlighted by the discovery of four new high-grade zones (Blueberry Contact Zone, Domino, D-Zone, and P-Zone) and the expansion of several historically drilled targets (Scottie Gold Mine, C-Zone, Bend Vein, and Stockwork). A clear spatial relationship has emerged between these high-grade zones and the contact with the Jurassic-aged Texas Creek Plutonic Suite, providing a powerful framework for ongoing targeting. Detailed geological, structural, mineralogical, and geochemical studies now point to a shared mineralizing event across the property - linking the deposits into a broader, interconnected system with significant growth potential. The Blueberry Contact Zone, located 2 km northeast of the 100%-owned past producing Scottie Gold Mine in BC's Golden Triangle, has rapidly advanced from a lightly drilled high-grade vein Figure 4: Cross-section displaying Blueberry Contact Zone intercepts from drill hole SR25-416. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11118/280444_e5e44d1ba4785aea_005full.jpg showing into a major growth target. The target was significantly advanced during Scottie's 2019 drill program when an interval was intersected in a new N-S oriented zone adjacent to the main Blueberry Vein. The drill results received from 2020 - 2024, coupled with surficial mapping and sampling suggest that the N-S mineralized trend is a controlling structure that hosts an array of SW-trending, sub-parallel, sulphide-rich veins that obliquely crosscut it which host high-grade gold. As of the end of 2024, the extent of the N-S zone, defined by the contact between andesite and siltstone units of the Hazelton Formation and the presence of the cross-cutting sulfide-rich structures, has a drilled strike length of >1,550 metres and has been tested to >525 metres depth. The Blueberry Contact Zone is located on the Granduc Road, 20 kilometres north of the Ascot Resources' Premier Mine. Newmont's Brucejack Mine is located 25 kilometres to the north. The Company has recently completed a PEA which evaluates a low-capital DSO operation to deliver a gold-rich gravel product to Asian copper/precious metals smelters. At a gold price of US$2600/oz the project estimates an after-tax NPV(5%) of $215.8 M CAD with an IRR of 60.3%. By design, the operation will eliminate the need for a gold processing plant and tailings facility, thereby significantly reducing the capital required and resulting in a minimal environmental footprint, resulting in an initial capital cost of $128.6 M CAD. The project envisages a shallow open pit on the Blueberry Zone to start, followed by underground production from both Blueberry and the past-producing Scottie Gold Mine. The PEA also evaluates a toll milling scenario through the nearby Premier Mill, which results in an after-tax NPV(5%) $380.1 M CAD and an IRR 89.9%. Scottie's 2025 Bulk Sample program exemplifies the unique characteristics of this mining project, and its ability to rapidly progress. From permitting to mining, crushing, transporting, shipping and sale of the product, the program was executed in under a year, generating an estimated $9M in new revenue. With this proven pathway, Scottie's has confidence in the simplicity and efficiency of its DSO model. Quality Assurance and Control Results from samples taken during the 2025 field season were analyzed at SGS Minerals in Burnaby, BC. The sampling program was undertaken under the direction of Dr. Thomas Mumford. The majority of drill core was NQ in diameter, with select holes of HQ size primarily taken for geomechanical purposes. Prior to sampling drill core was cut in half lengthwise, with half sent for assay and the remaining half kept in Stewart, BC. Standards, blanks, and duplicate samples were taken at intervals and frequencies that meet or exceed industry best practices. A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing all samples. Gold was assayed using a fire assay with atomic absorption spectrometry and gravimetric finish when required (+9 g/t gold). Analysis by four acid digestion with multi-element ICP-AES analysis was conducted on all samples with silver and base metal over-limits being re-analyzed by emission spectrometry. Dr. Thomas Mumford, P.Geo., non-independent President of the Company, a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release on behalf of the Company. ABOUT SCOTTIE RESOURCES CORP. Scottie Resources holds 100% interest in the Scottie Gold Mine Property, which includes the high-grade, past-producing Scottie Gold Mine and the adjacent Blueberry Contact Zone. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the Georgia Project, host to the past-producing Georgia River Mine, as well as the Cambria, Sulu, and Tide North properties. In total, Scottie controls approximately 58,500 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims within the Stewart Mining Camp in British Columbia's Golden Triangle-one of the world's most prolific mineralized districts. Scottie's current resource estimate on the Scottie Gold Mine Project includes a total of 703,000 gold ounces at an average grade of 6.1 g/t (Inferred category) in 3.6 millon tonnes, highlighting the development potential for a significant near-surface, high-grade deposit. The Company's strategy is to continue expanding this resource and to define additional mineralization around past-producing mines through systematic drilling and surface exploration. The Company has recently completed a PEA for the Scottie Gold Mine. The PEA outlines a robust Direct-Ship Ore (DSO) development scenario with strong economics and significant upside through a potential toll-milling option utilizing excess capacity at the nearby Premier mill. The base case DSO project delivers an after-tax NPV(5%) of $215.8-$668.3 million at gold prices of US$2,600-$4,200/oz, respectively. Under the toll-milling scenario, project economics improve substantially, with an after-tax NPV(5%) of $380.1-$831.7 million (no agreement currently in place). The PEA estimates initial capital costs of $128.6 million, average annual production of ~65,400 oz gold over seven years, and a payback period of 1.7 years for the after-tax DSO case-reduced to just 0.9 years under the toll-milling opportunity at US$2,600/oz. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company 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 may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date such statements were made. 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. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280444 Source: Scottie Resources Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. (CSE: API) (OTCQB: APAAF) (FSE: A0I0) (MUN: A0I0) (BER: A0I0) (the "Company" or "Appia") is pleased to announce that Jason Bagg has been appointed Vice-President Corporate Development, effective January 15, 2026. Mr. Bagg brings over 25 years of financial and uranium sector experience, including his position as Chief Executive Officer of Urano Energy Corp, and Puranium Energy Ltd. Tom Drivas, CEO of Appia, commented: "On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to welcome Jason to the Appia team. His experience in the financial markets and the uranium sector comes at a pivotal time as the Company advances to its next phase of growth." Mr. Jason Bagg, VP Corporate Development Mr. Jason Bagg brings over 25 years of financial industry experience in the technology, real estate and mining sectors to the Appia Team. He started his career with large firms in the capital markets space as an advisor at RBC and an options trader at Scotia Capital working with retail and institutional investors. He later focused on the junior mining sector, supporting TSX Venture listed companies through investor relations initiatives aimed at enhancing market visibility and shareholder value. For the past four years, Mr. Bagg has been working with several publicly listed uranium exploration companies in the areas of senior management, public relations and corporate finance. About Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. Appia is a publicly traded Canadian company in the rare earth element and uranium sectors. The Company holds a 25% interest in the Ultra Hardrock and Ultra IAC Projects, which is 42,932.24 ha. in size and located within the Goias State of Brazil. The Company is also focusing on delineating high-grade critical rare earth elements and gallium on the Alces Lake property, and exploring for high-grade uranium in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Otherside, Loranger, North Wollaston, and Eastside properties. The Company holds the surface rights to exploration for 94,982.39 hectares (234,706.59 acres) in Saskatchewan. The Company also has a 100% interest in 13,008 hectares (32,143 acres), with rare earth elements and uranium deposits over five mineralized zones in the Elliot Lake Camp, Ontario. Appia has 194.9 million common shares outstanding, 206.6 million shares fully diluted. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange 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. For more information, visit www.appiareu.com. As part of our ongoing effort to keep investors, interested parties and stakeholders updated, we have several communication portals. If you have any questions online (X, Facebook, LinkedIn) please feel free to send direct messages. To book a one-on-one 30-minute Zoom video call, please click here. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280436 Source: Appia Rare Earths & Uranium Corp. Winter Drill Programs Planned for Key Extension and Nebula Projects Geophysics Programs Planned Across High Priority Exploration Projects Saskatoon, Saskatchewan--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQX: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7) ("CanAlaska" or the "Company") is pleased to announce exploration plans for multiple projects in 2026 across its 500,000 hectare exploration portfolio focused on the eastern Athabasca Basin (Figure 1). Most notably, the Company will have drill programs starting in the coming weeks focused on the Key Extension and Nebula projects, located immediately south of the Key Lake Mine and Mill. The Key Extension and Nebula drill programs will focus on a series of high-priority exploration target areas that have been identified through recent airborne geophysical surveys. In addition, the Company is evaluating opportunities on multiple other projects, preparing them for future drill programs through the completion of ground and airborne geophysical programs. The Company also announced the start of the $15 million exploration program on the West McArthur Project (see News Release dated January 13th, 2026). The Company is fully funded to complete its exploration programs in 2026. Figure 1 - Active Project Locations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/280433_d821b39da4d779c5_001full.jpg 2026 Key Extension and Nebula Exploration Programs Winter drill programs are planned to start in Q1 of 2026 on the 100% CanAlaska-owned Key Extension and Nebula uranium projects located 15 km and 30 km to the south of the past-producing Key Lake Mine and currently operating Key Lake Mill in the southeastern Athabasca Basin. The planned programs will focus on a series of high-priority target areas identified from recent airborne geophysical surveys and the results of historical drilling. Recently, the Company has assembled a large exploration land portfolio located 10 to 80 km south of the Key Lake Mine and Mill through low-cost staking and project acquisitions. Since assembling this large land portfolio, the Company has completed high-resolution helicopter-borne radiometrics and magnetics surveys over most of the land package. In addition, the Company has supplemented historical VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) surveys in this area with modern VTEM surveys in areas that were lacking sufficient coverage. The goal of these high-resolution surveys was to identify and prioritize basement conductors, characterize lithological and alteration variations, refine areas of interest for ground prospecting, and map the structural setting of the project in support of future drill campaigns. Figure 2 - Winter 2026 Target Areas on Key Extension Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/280433_d821b39da4d779c5_004full.jpg During the winter of 2026, the Company will be focused on first-pass exploration testing on a series of high-priority target areas identified based on the recent airborne geophysical surveys and the review of historical drilling (Figures 2 and 3). The surveys have outlined a series of long-linear magnetic low corridors associated with mapped conductivity highs that are interpreted to extend from the Key Lake Mine and Mill complex, through the Company's Key Extension project, and onto the Nebula project. The magnetic lows with associated conductivity highs are interpreted to represent the graphitic metasedimentary rocks of the lower Wollaston Domain in the highly prospective Wollaston-Mudjatik transition zone. Drill targets within the graphitic metasedimentary packages are focused on areas of interpreted structural complexity, where interpreted bends, breaks, and shifts in the conductive rocks may create and indicate the potential for transport and trap of hydrothermal uranium-bearing mineralizing fluids. Figure 3 - Winter 2026 Target Areas on Nebula Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/280433_d821b39da4d779c5_006full.jpg On the Key Extension project, the Company has identified three priority target areas, representing over ten kilometres of largely untested conductive corridor. One of these priority target areas is immediately up-ice along the interpreted glacial ice direction of the historically reported radioactive Orchid Lake boulder field (Figure 2). The last drilling program on the Key Extension project, completed in 2023, successfully intersected graphitic host rocks showing evidence of multiple post-Athabasca structural reactivation events, hydrothermal alteration, and associated uranium enrichment (see News Release dated August 29th, 2023). On the Nebula project, the Company has identified two priority target areas, highlighted by over 13 km of untested target conductor corridor with a similar geological configuration to Cameco's Eagle Point Mine. In addition, the Karpinka Lake boulder train, with uranium grades up to 0.35%, is interpreted to be immediately down-ice of the highest priority target areas (Figure 3). The Company believes that historical drilling in the Karpinka Lake area has not successfully identified the source for this boulder train. Additional 2026 Exploration Programs The Company is preparing several additional discovery opportunities within its 500,000-hectare eastern Athabasca-focused land portfolio. The Company is evaluating a ground-based electromagnetic survey on the Waterbury South project in the northeastern Athabasca Basin. The goal of the survey is to identify conductive corridors to generate targets for future drilling programs and follow up on historical mineralization and geochemical anomalism that was intersected during previous drill programs. The Waterbury South project is 100% CanAlaska-owned and is located just 10 km southeast of the Cigar Lake Mine. The Company is evaluating a ground-based electromagnetic survey on the Cree East project in the eastern Athabasca Basin. The goal of the survey is to further refine historical geophysical targets that were identified during compilation work ahead of the 2025 exploration program. Assuming the survey is completed, the Company will evaluate and consider the potential for a summer drill program on the Cree East project. The Cree East project is located 35 km west-northwest of the Key Lake Mine and Mill complex and is 100% CanAlaska-owned. The Company recently received the Cree East project back fully unencumbered following the termination of an option agreement by Nexus Uranium. Under the option agreement, Nexus Uranium completed $3.4 million in new exploration work and defined numerous new priority exploration targets for follow-up drill testing (see News Release dated September 24th, 2025). On the Moon Lake South project, the Joint Venture has approved a geophysical exploration program for 2026. The program is expected to focus on the collection of high-resolution helicopter-borne VTEM and magnetics to map untested conductive corridors. The goal of the survey is to generate exploration drill targets to further advance the Moon Lake South project toward discovery. The Moon Lake South project is adjacent to Denison's Wheeler River property, host to the Gryphon and Phoenix deposits. The Moon Lake South project is a Joint Venture with Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison"), the operator. CanAlaska currently holds a 25% ownership in the project and will fund the Company's share of the 2026 exploration program. The Company is also evaluating potential for summer drill programs on the Key Extension, Nebula, Voyager, and Enterprise projects. These summer drill programs would be focused on further testing of exploration targets along long linear magnetic low corridors associated with mapped conductivity highs from modern VTEM surveys. The Voyager and Enterprise projects are 100% CanAlaska-owned and are located between 20 and 30 km south of the Key Lake Mine and Mill. CanAlaska CEO, Cory Belyk, comments, "The CanAlaska portfolio of projects is a world class opportunity for discovery of new uranium deposits. The team has been diligently and strategically assembling much of this portfolio over the past few years and now is the time to initiate exploration work on several priority targets. Importantly, it is our belief the portfolio of projects located south of the Key Lake Mine and Mill are vastly underexplored for basement-hosted unconformity-related uranium mineralization. The Nebula project targets outlined for 2026 represent some of the best early-stage Eagle Point uranium deposit style exploration discovery opportunities I have seen in my career. I look forward to the first drillholes into this exciting 16-kilometre-long target corridor." Other News The 2026 winter drill program on the West McArthur project is currently ongoing, with the Company working to achieve an estimated 20 to 25 unconformity target intersections along the C10S corridor. The West McArthur drill program is focused on building upon the past several exploration programs with continued step outs from the Pike Zone high-grade mineralization to evaluate for additional zones of uranium mineralization and continuation of the associated large hydrothermal alteration system. The West McArthur project, a Joint Venture with Cameco Corporation ("Cameco"), is operated by CanAlaska that holds an estimated 88.86% ownership in the Project as a result of sole-funding exploration in 2025. The 2026 exploration program will be co-funded by Cameco and CanAlaska under the Joint Venture. The Company will be attending the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference ("VRIC") on January 25th and 26th in Vancouver, BC and will have representatives at booth #102. The Company will also be attending the Investor Icebreaker: The Michael Gentile Mining Showcase Event on January 27th in Vancouver, BC. Technical Disclosure - Historical Results, Neighbouring Properties, and Grab Samples The historical results contained within this news release have been captured from the Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment Database (SMAD) as available and may be incomplete or subject to minor location inaccuracies. Management cautions that historical results collected and reported by past operators unrelated to CanAlaska have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person; however, the historical results form a scientific basis for ongoing work on the subject projects. Any historical rock / boulder samples are selective samples by nature and as such are not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted across the property. This news release refers to neighbouring properties in which the Company has no interest. Results, discoveries, or mineralization on proximate land or neighboring properties, whether in stated current resource estimates or historical resource estimates, are not necessarily indicative of results, discoveries, or mineralization on the Company's properties. About CanAlaska Uranium CanAlaska is a leading explorer of uranium in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada. With a project generator model, the Company has built a large portfolio of uranium projects in the Athabasca Basin. CanAlaska owns numerous uranium properties, totaling approximately 500,000 hectares, with clearly defined targets in the Athabasca Basin covering both basement and unconformity uranium deposit potential. The Company has recently concentrated on the West McArthur high-grade uranium expansion with targets in 2024 and 2025 leading to significant success at Pike Zone. Fully financed for the upcoming 2026 drill season, CanAlaska is focused on uranium deposit discovery and delineation in a safe and secure jurisdiction. The Company has the right team in place with a track record of discovery and projects that are located next to critical mine and mill infrastructure. The Company's head office is in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada with a satellite office in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is Nathan Bridge, MSc., P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration for CanAlaska Uranium Ltd., who has reviewed and approved its contents. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Cory Belyk" Cory Belyk, P.Geo., FGC CEO, President and Director CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. 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. Forward-looking information All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. 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. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and the Company cautions against placing undue reliance thereon. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update these 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/280433 Source: CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - US Critical Metals Corp. (CSE: USCM) (OTCQB: USCMF) (FSE: 0IU) ("USCM" or the "Company") is pleased to provide a year-end summary of key corporate milestones achieved through 2025 and outline its initial 2026 operational focus at the McDermitt East Lithium Project ("McDermitt East") in Nevada. USCM's strategy continues to emphasize United States ("U.S.")-based critical mineral assets that can support chain resilience, particularly as North American lithium projects advance and western governments intensify efforts to strengthen supply independence. 2025 Key Milestones Over the last year, USCM made material progress to align the Company with stated objectives. This specifically includes: Securing an amendment to the McDermitt East Option Arrangement that provides a clear path for USCM to acquire a 100% interest in McDermitt East within the McDermitt Caldera district. This includes a current operating ownership of 50% and option to acquire the remaining 50% interest for CAD $500,000 in cash or shares of the Company (reference full press release, here). Completing the acquisition of a 100% interest in the Clayton Ridge Lithium Project following satisfaction of the applicable option agreement terms. This positions USCM with strong property positions in two of the foremost lithium districts in the US (reference full press release, here). Reporting strong uranium-vanadium grades in black shale sampling at Long Canyon Uranium and Vanadium Project, and additionally reported carbonate-replacement (CRD-style) mineralization. This supporting the presence of multiple mineralizing styles and a significant prospective trend (reference full press release, here). Closed a $510,000 private placement financing to support corporate development and advancement of its U.S. critical minerals portfolio (reference full press release, here). These developments over the course of 2025 have positioned USCM to enter 2026 with key areas of focus. This aligns with renewed market interest and price stabilization within lithium markets. 2026 Exploration Focus USCM is pleased to further outline its planned 2026 exploration strategy and focus for McDermitt East. McDermitt East is located on the eastern margins of the McDermitt Caldera and is approximately 19 kilometers from Lithium Americas' Thacker Pass lithium project, which is located on the south-western margin of McDermitt Caldera1. Situated within the same regional lithium-bearing claystone system that hosts Thacker Pass, the Company believes the project is well positioned to benefit from both the advancing development and growing strategic importance of the district. Thacker Pass is one of the most strategically significant lithium developments in the U.S. and is anticipated to commence initial production in 2027, marking a major milestone for U.S. domestic lithium supply. Thacker Pass has received strategic investments from both the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors.2,3 Figure #1: Location of McDermitt East Lithium Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8837/280357_b2f74bf25493a829_001full.jpg USCM plans to undertake additional geological mapping and surface sampling at McDermitt East in early 2026, with the objective of further refining and prioritizing drill targets across the highest priority prospective areas. This work will build on previous exploration programs, including detailed trench-dump sampling conducted in Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, which generated anomalous lithium values up to 2,129 ppm - the highest lithium grades to date at McDermitt East (reference full press release, here) - confirming the presence of elevated lithium within the system and delineating a prospective zone for further evaluation. The initial 2026 field program is designed to expand upon those results by improving geological understanding of the project area, integrating regional datasets, and guiding efficient drill target definition, with the plan to complete a maiden drill program in 2026. Management Commentary "2025 was a highly transitional and foundational year for USCM," comments Mr. Darren Collins, CEO and Director of the Company. "We deliberately focused on strengthening our asset base, simplifying ownership structures, and positioning the Company within premier lithium districts. By securing a clear path to 100% ownership at McDermitt East, completing the Clayton Ridge acquisition, advancing Long Canyon with encouraging multi-commodity results, and strengthening our balance sheet, we believe we have materially aligned the Company with its stated strategic objectives." "As we commence 2026, USCM is well positioned to capitalize on a more constructive lithium market backdrop," continued Mr. Collins. "With U.S. government support accelerating for domestic lithium supply, large-scale projects such as Thacker Pass advancing toward production, and growing recognition of emerging supply constraints, we see increasing strategic value in high-quality, U.S.-based lithium assets. Our planned 2026 exploration program at McDermitt East is designed to efficiently advance the project toward a maiden drill program and position USCM for the next phase of growth as the sector continues to re-rate." Marketing Contract Extension USCM is pleased to announce it has extended its contact with Think Ink Marketing Data and Email Services Inc. ("Think Ink"), a marketing and public relations company based in Santa Ana, California, to provide investor relations and marketing services. Pursuant to marketing and public relations program extension, Think Ink will facilitate the creation and distribution of marketing materials and paid advertisements for USCM. The extension provides for an additional up to USD $250,000. Either party may terminate the Agreement by providing thirty (30) days' written notice. The extension will commence on signing of the extension agreement and terminate within a period of 6 months. Think Ink will provide the Company with an opportunity to review all content describing the Company generated by or on behalf of Think Ink prior to its publication and Think Ink will not publish or distribute any content without the prior approval of the Company. Think Ink is an arm's length party. To the best of the Company's knowledge, Think Ink does not hold, directly or indirectly, any securities of the Company or have any right to acquire any such securities. The compensation to be paid to Think Ink does not include any securities of the Company. The contact information for Think Ink is: Think Ink Marketing Data and Email Services Inc., 3308 W. Warner Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92704, Telephone: 310-760-2616, Email: claire@thinkinkmarketing.com. Cautionary Statements and Source(s) (1) The qualified person has been unable to verify the information and that the information is not necessarily indicative to the mineralization on McDermitt East. (2) Lithium Americas Corp. (2025, January 9). Lithium Americas increases mineral resource and reserve for Thacker Pass. https://lithiumamericas.com/news/news-details/2025/Lithium-Americas-Increases-Mineral-Resource-and-Reserve-for-Thacker-Pass/default.aspx (3) Lithium Americas Corp. (2025, August 14). Lithium Americas reports second quarter 2025 results. Retrieved December 2025, from https://lithiumamericas.com/news/news-details/2025/Lithium-Americas-Reports-Second-Quarter-2025-Results/default.aspx Qualified Person The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Robert J. Johansing, BSC. geology, MSc economic geology, who is a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101. Mr. Johansing is a consultant of the Company. About US Critical Metals Corp. USCM is focused on mining projects that will further secure the U.S. supply of critical metals, which are essential to fueling the new age economy. USCM's assets consist of five discovery focused projects in the U.S. These projects include the McDermitt East Lithium Project located in Nevada, Clayton Ridge Lithium Property located in Nevada, Long Canyon Uranium Property located in Idaho, the Haynes Cobalt Property located in Idaho, and the Sheep Creek REE Property located in Montana. A significant percentage of the world's critical metal and rare earth supply comes from nations with interests that are contrary to those of the U.S. USCM intends to explore and develop assets with near- and long-term strategic value to the advancement of U.S. interests. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking information" with respect to USCM within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause USCM's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information contained in this press release may include, without limitation, the expected payment of remaining option payments and issuance of the related shares, exploration plans and expected exploration and drilling results at the McDermitt East and other properties of the Company, results of operations, and the expected financial performance of the Company. Although USCM believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by its nature, forward-looking information involves assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, level of activity, 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 information. Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the timing of such approvals; that USCM maintains good relationships with the communities in which it operates or proposes to operate; future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; USCM's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of USCM to implement its business strategies; competition; the risk that any of the assumptions prove not to be valid or reliable, which could result in delays, or cessation in planned work; risks associated with the interpretation of data, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that results will not be consistent with USCM's expectations; as well as other assumptions, risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to USCM, including as set forth in the USCM's public disclosure documents filed on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of USCM as of the date of this press 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. While USCM may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280357 Source: US Critical Metals Corp. IHC and U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) enter strategic agreement Will work to mobilize capital across critical minerals, energy, logistics, healthcare, food security and Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Framework enables joint origination, underwriting and execution of high-impact investments Reinforces IHC's global investment reach and DFC's mandate to scale private capital deployment ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- IHC, a global investment company focused on building dynamic value networks, today announced a strategic framework with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to mobilize transformational, private-sector investment across priority sectors and high-growth markets of mutual strategic interest. The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of IHC, with Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, and Ben Black, CEO of DFC. The agreement will enable the co-identification, underwriting and execution of investments across critical minerals and mining, energy and infrastructure, logistics and maritime operations, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, ICT and data-center connectivity, food security and advanced agriculture, and other enabling infrastructure. The collaboration will focus on projects spanning emerging and frontier markets, including opportunities aligned with major global trade and connectivity corridors. Under the framework, IHC and DFC will work closely together, supported by a senior-level joint committee, to accelerate transaction execution and deploy capital at scale. The framework is designed to align long-term commercial returns with shared strategic outcomes, while strengthening resilient supply chains and advancing high-standard investment flows between regions. The collaboration reflects the deep and enduring economic relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the United States and combines IHC's global investment reach and operational expertise with DFC's expanded balance sheet and mandate as the U.S. government's international investment arm. Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, said: "This strategic framework with DFC represents a powerful alignment of capital, capability and conviction. By combining IHC's global platform and sectoral leadership with DFC's financial expertise, we are creating a scalable mechanism to deliver transformational investments across critical industries. Together, we aim to unlock long-term value, strengthen resilient supply chains, and drive sustainable economic growth across key markets that matter to both our nations." Ben Black, CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, added: "DFC's work with IHC is a crucial step in executing President Trump's foreign policy vision and deepens the U.S.-UAE bilateral relationship. Together, IHC and DFC will focus on investments that strengthen and expand economic opportunity and advance shared U.S.-UAE strategic goals - all while making a return for the U.S. taxpayer. By leveraging IHC's and DFC's global reach and investment expertise, both nations will be positioned to deliver high-return projects and promote world-class investment standards." Through this framework, IHC and DFC will pursue opportunities that generate measurable economic impact, expand workforce capabilities, support innovation in advanced technologies, and reinforce long-term development and security objectives across partner economies. About International Holding Company (IHC): Established in 1999, IHC has become the most valuable holding company in the Middle East and one of the world's largest investment firms, with a market capitalization of AED 878.5 billion (USD 239 billion). Since then, it has transformed to represent a new generation of investors. IHC's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and economic diversification spans over 1,400 subsidiaries, driving growth across industries like Asset Management, Healthcare, Real Estate, Financial Services, IT, and more. IHC continually looks beyond the stand-alone value of its assets for opportunities, stepping outside of traditional approaches and artificial barriers to unlock opportunities across its portfolio, enabling sector-agnostic Dynamic Value Networks and creating results that are often much greater than the sum of their parts. At IHC, we take our responsibility to shareholders, customers, and employees seriously. Our commitment to responsible investment ensures that we create sustainable value by staying connected to the communities we serve, making a positive difference with every investment. www.ihcuae.com About the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC): The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), established in 2019 with bipartisan support under President Trump, is the international investment arm of the U.S. Government. DFC partners with the private sector to advance U.S. foreign policy and strengthen national security by mobilizing private capital around the world. DFC invests across strategic sectors including critical minerals, modern infrastructure, and advanced technology - fostering economic development, supporting U.S. interests, and delivering returns to American taxpayers. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862646/IHC_US_Development_Finance_Corporation.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ihc-and-us-development-finance-corporation-forge-landmark-collaboration-to-mobilize-global-capital-across-strategic-sectors-302662393.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Amarc Resources Ltd. ("Amarc" or the "Company") (TSXV:AHR)(OTCQB:AXREF) materially strengthened its position during 2025 as one of Canada's leading copper-gold exploration companies. Continued discovery success built on a foundation of systematic and informed exploration across the JOY, DUKE and IKE Copper-Gold Districts validates Amarc's district-scale exploration model. This is being accomplished at JOY and DUKE while preserving significant shareholder leverage through staged, non-dilutive funding under joint venture agreements with major mining companies to secure up to $200 million in funding, of which approximately $81 million has been received so far. Amarc is positioned to deliver wealth through disciplined execution, discovery success and continued advancement of a district-scale copper-gold portfolio in British Columbia ("BC"). Momentum is now building towards potential transactions with the effective advancements of the Districts. The AuRORA Discovery and the JOY District In January 2025, Amarc announced the discovery of the exciting new, high grade near surface gold-rich porphyry copper-gold-silver ("Cu-Au-Ag") AuRORA Deposit, hosted in the emerging JOY Cu-Au District (see Amarc January 17, 20 and February 28, 2025 releases). Amarc believes that the rare combination of high Au with strong Cu and Ag grades, deposit geometry, continuity of mineralization and the emerging scale of AuRORA indicates that not only does it now stand as one of the most important recent porphyry Cu-Au discoveries in BC, but it has the hallmarks of a Tier One asset in the making. Heading into drilling this past year, the Amarc team anticipated that the mineralization discovered in 2024 by 20 drill holes over an area of approximately 600 m by 600 m had significant expansion potential. Twenty-three step-out deposit expansion holes over an area of approximately 1 km by 1 km, and a single infill hole were drilled in 2025. Assay results for 11 of the expansion holes announced to date and drilled along four sections indicate that the deposit has been expanded at least 300 m to the north, 200 m to the east and 300 m to the southeast (see Amarc September 22, November 3 and December 10, 2025 releases). Assay results from the remaining 12 expansion holes drilled at AuRORA in 2025 are being received and will be released shortly. The AuRORA Deposit lies within the high potential 630 km 2 JOY Cu-Au District ("JOY") is located within the prolific Toodoggone-Kemess porphyry Cu-Au region ("Toodoggone") of north-central BC. Amarc believes the discovery of AuRORA has rewritten the exploration play book in this region; it is not only integral to bringing rapidly forward the potential of the JOY District, but could be the key to the emergence of a world-class porphyry Cu-Au district in the Toodoggone. In addition to the AuRORA Deposit, the TWINS and Canyon Discoveries, the PINE, Brenda and MEX historical deposits and new, high potential deposit targets are also actively being advanced at JOY. There is clearly a lot more to come from the JOY District. The JOY District is now being advanced through AuRORA Minerals Ltd, ("AML") a private joint venture corporation held 60% by Freeport-McMoRan Mineral Properties Canada Inc. ("Freeport") and 40% by Amarc (see September 4, 2025 release). In addition, Freeport has elected to earn a further 10% interest in the JOY District by funding an additional $75 million in staged expenditures. Freeport's investment decision underscores both the scale potential of the district and the quality of Amarc's technical framework. In support of this momentum, Amarc executed on behalf of AML, an expanded exploration program exceeding $16 million in 2025, completing substantial drilling at AuRORA and across multiple other deposit targets. Concurrently, significant planning and technical work progressed towards optimizing a development strategy for the JOY District as a whole. DUKE District At the DUKE District, Boliden Mineral Canada Ltd. ("Boliden"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Boliden Group, is funding exploration activities (see November 22, 2022 release). Boliden funded approximately $10 million during the year with most applied to drilling, following $20 million invested through the end of 2024. Having funded a total of $30 million in exploration expenditures Boliden earned a 60% interest in the DUKE District, with the option to advance to 70% interest through a further $60 million investment at 2025 year end. To the end of 2024, the exploration program included 52 drillholes totaling 21,728 metres, supported by extensive district-wide surface work, including soil geochemistry and induced polarization geophysical surveys. Drilling expanded the DUKE Cu-Mo-Ag Deposit and identified additional resource potential, while surface programs advanced several compelling new targets. Surface surveys to refine targets and initial scout drilling were the focus in 2025. IKE District Amarc's 100%-owned IKE District captures one of BC's most prospective mineral belts for both bulk-tonnage copper and higher-grade Cu-Au systems. Exploration efforts to date include drilling, relogging and re-assaying of historical core, comprehensive geochemical sampling, geological mapping, and ground and airborne geophysical surveys. The Company previously discovered the large-scale IKE Cu-Mo-Ag deposit and, in 2025, announced the results of a nine hole drill program which confirmed and built on those from historical drilling at the higher-grade Empress Cu-Au deposit. The District is positioned for significant advancement as conditions allow. Outlook With copper playing an increasingly critical role in global electrification and decarbonization trends and geopolitical uncertainty continuing to buoy interest in gold, Amarc enters 2026 with a high value, high demand pipeline of exploration and development opportunities. Copper is one of several metals expected to increase in value again this year, aided by clean tech manufacturing. [1] Most analysts expect gold prices to moderate in 2026 compared to 2025, but with continuing upside potential. [2] Amarc remains focused on disciplined, discovery-driven growth and on advancing its assets in a manner that maximizes the creation of shareholder value. Momentum is building towards potential transactions. Qualified Person Mark Rebagliati, P.Eng., a Qualified Person ("QP") as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific information in this news release. Mr. Rebagliati is not independent of the Company. For further details on Amarc Resources Ltd., please visit the Company's website at www.amarcresources.com or contact Dr. Diane Nicolson, President and CEO, at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114, or Kin Communications, at (604) 684-6730, Email: AHR@kincommunications.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AMARC RESOURCES LTD. Dr. Diane Nicolson President and CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor any other regulatory authority accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward Looking and other Cautionary Information This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All such statements, other than statements of historical facts that address exploration plans and plans for enhanced relationships are forward-looking statements. Although the Company 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. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements include the following: Amarc's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of Amarc's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining activities, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and tenure and delays due to third party opposition, changes in and the effect of government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation including the effects of land use plans that may impact activities on or access to properties, exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, which may cause permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Amarc Resources Ltd., investors should review Amarc's annual Form 20-F filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and its home jurisdiction filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca . [1] The Economist, World Ahead 2026, November 13, 2025. [2] https://www.investopedia.com/gold-prices-record-highs-2026-outlook-11871125#:~:text=Most%20analysts%20see%20the%20price,bond%20exposure%20to%20gold%20ETFs SOURCE: Amarc Resources Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/amarc-builds-on-disruptive-aurora-discovery-success-and-advances-pipeline-of-high-1127391 MIAMI, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Bebuzee Inc. ($BBUZ), the all-in-one digital super-app, today announced a major acceleration phase aimed at global scale-positioning itself as the next-generation platform for social networking, commerce, payments, and digital life. Designed for creators, users, and investors alike, Bebuzee combines social media, video streaming, messaging, e-commerce, digital payments, and AI-powered tools into one seamless ecosystem. A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity Bebuzee is entering the market at a pivotal moment, as millions of users and investors seek alternatives to traditional Big Tech platforms. With privacy-first design, creator-friendly monetization, and integrated services, Bebuzee is poised to capture significant market share, particularly in US, Europe, Africa and emerging markets. "We're not just building another app-we're building digital infrastructure for the next generation," said Joseph Onyero, Founder & CEO of Bebuzee. "The companies that defined the last 20 years-Amazon, Apple, Meta, Google-were once dismissed as too ambitious. Bebuzee is being built with that same bold vision, but for today's world." Built to Scale. Built for Revenue. Built for Investors. Bebuzee is engineered to unlock multiple high-margin revenue streams, including: Digital advertising Creator monetization & revenue sharing E-commerce and in-app transactions Financial services and payments Premium subscriptions and enterprise tools The company is targeting hundreds of millions of users worldwide, unlocking new markets historically underserved by Big Tech and providing investors early access to an emerging global powerhouse. Momentum Is Building-And Stock Buyers Are Watching Advanced platform development with global rollout initiatives already underway Strategic campaigns in regions with massive adoption potential Long-term executive compensation 100% performance-based, directly aligning leadership with shareholder value "Everything we do is designed to create value," Onyero added. "Our vision is simple: empower creators, respect users, and scale a platform people love. Shareholders who recognize this moment early could see historic returns." Why $BBUZ Could Be the Next Big Thing Bebuzee sits at the intersection of four explosive global trends: The rise of super-apps as one-stop digital ecosystems The creator economy revolution The global expansion of digital payments The shift away from surveillance-based platforms For early investors, Bebuzee represents a rare opportunity-akin to spotting Amazon, Apple, Airbnb, or Meta before they became household names. Looking Ahead Bebuzee continues executing its roadmap with focus on sustainable growth, platform reliability, and global expansion. As adoption scales, Bebuzee is setting the stage to become one of the most significant digital platforms of the next decade. About Bebuzee Bebuzee is a global super-app company building an integrated digital ecosystem that combines social media, video, messaging, e-commerce, payments, and AI tools into one seamless platform. Its mission is to empower users, creators, and businesses worldwide through innovation, privacy-first design, and economic opportunity. Contact Information: Bebuzee, Inc. Press Relations www.bebuzee.com/ press@bebuzee.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, about Bebuzee, Inc. and the company's industry that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding the proposed terms of the shares, the completion, timing, and size of the proposed offering of the shares, and the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the proposed offering of the shares are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as "anticipate," "believe," "contemplate," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "going to," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," or "would" or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions. Bebuzee cautions you that the foregoing may not include all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release. You should not rely on forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Bebuzee has based the forward-looking statements contained in this press release primarily on its current expectations and projections about future events and trends, including its financial outlook and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, that it believes may affect the company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties related to: Bebuzee's financial performance; the lack of historical profitability; the ability to generate and sustain positive cash flow; the ability to attract and retain users, publishers, and advertisers; competition and new market entrants; managing Bebuzee's international expansion and growth and future expenses; compliance with new laws, regulations, and executive actions; the ability to maintain, protect, and enhance Bebuzee's intellectual property; the ability to succeed in existing and new market segments; the ability to attract and retain qualified and key personnel; the ability to repay outstanding debt; future acquisitions, divestitures or investments; and the potential adverse impact of climate change, natural disasters, and health epidemics, as well as risks, uncertainties. In addition, any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on assumptions that Bebuzee believes to be reasonable as of this date. Bebuzee undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. SOURCE: Bebuzee Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/bebuzee-bbuz-poised-to-become-the-next-global-super-app-targeting-1127183 STERLING, Va., Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SKYWAVE, an ORBCOMM company, today announced the launch of the ST 4000, a hybrid IoT module that delivers seamless global connectivity across satellite and cellular networks and provides direct-to-device (D2D) capabilities for mission-critical industrial applications. The ST 4000 addresses a fundamental challenge for IoT solution providers: efficiently building reliable systems that work anywhere without the complexity and cost of managing multiple connectivity technologies. By integrating satellite reach with cellular flexibility in a single module, SKYWAVE reduces complexity by eliminating the need to maintain separate device SKUs or build custom failover logic into applications. A single ST 4000 now covers the full operational geography, from urban distribution centers to remote industrial operations. As ORBCOMM's dedicated brand for industrial IoT solution enablement, SKYWAVE's focus is to deliver mission-critical visibility for every remote asset on Earth through an integrated platform of devices, satellite and cellular networks and applications. "In IoT, complexity adds unnecessary risk," said Dave Roscoe, President, SKYWAVE. "The ST 4000 was built to unify satellite and cellular capabilities into a single device. This enables our partners to reap the benefits of hybrid technology without the traditional complexity and cost of managing both technologies." More than a dozen solution providers have already deployed the ST 4000 across a range of industrial applications, including environmental monitoring systems that require uninterrupted data collection, remote asset tracking where cellular gaps create blind spots and energy infrastructure management where connectivity failures delay maintenance decisions. The SKYWAVE Connect ecosystem supports the company's mission to accelerate digital transformation by providing its network of more than 500 global partners with intelligent infrastructure for high-value, low-data mission-critical applications. About SKYWAVE , an ORBCOMM company SKYWAVE, an ORBCOMM company, is a global provider of IoT solution enablement technology. We empower solution providers, system integrators and OEMs to serve their customers through satellite and cellular managed IoT networks and a complete application enablement platform. We provide a fully integrated ecosystem of purpose-built devices, data automation and connectivity services for high-reliability, low-data solutions. SKYWAVE is where IoT powers mission-critical applications for the transportation, agriculture, oil and gas and maritime industries. Media Contact Daniel Schreff SVP, Global Marketing +1 315-982-5483 Schreff.Daniel@orbcomm.com Craftable enhances industry-leading A/P digital invoice processing with Automated Accounts Payable Solution DALLAS, TX AND ORLANDO, FL / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Craftable, the hospitality industry's leading SaaS platform, and Finexio, the industry leader in embedded AP payments as a service, today announced a partnership that brings turnkey B2B payment capabilities to Craftable customers. Craftable's enterprise-grade technology platform for invoice management, accounts payable (AP) processing, coding, and operational reporting for accountants and finance experts in the hospitality industry has been extended to include Finexio's high-touch AP Payments as a Service platform and services. Finexio AP Payments as a Service provides Craftable customers with turnkey, fully managed payment delivery, supplier management, payment data management and security, with revenue generation through virtual card payment adoption. For Craftable customers, the adoption of AP Payments as a Service is seamless, replacing the tedious and labor-intensive process of manual bill payments with automated AI-powered workflows that optimize, monetize, secure, and deliver approved payments to vendors. This strategic addition to the Craftable platform empowers finance teams, elevates AP from a cost center to a profit generator, provides new levels of spend visibility, adds the highest standards of fraud protection, and provides the financial agility that is critical in an increasingly complex business landscape. "For us, this is about finishing the job," said David Cantu, CEO of Craftable. "Invoice automation is only half the story. With Finexio, we're extending control and visibility through the final mile of AP - the moment money actually leaves the business. Moving payments digital means better security, less fraud, lower processing costs, and meaningful cash flow upside for our customers. It's a smarter, more modern way to pay, and it closes a critical gap in the back office." "Finexio's partnership with David and the team at Craftable represents a powerful combination of next-generation AP automation and our comprehensive B2B payments platform. By integrating our AI-powered supplier enablement and secure payment services with their innovative solution, we'll help their end users transform accounts payable from a cost center into a strategic driver of value," said Ernest Rolfson, CEO and Founder of Finexio. Craftable's partnership with Finexio highlights both companies' commitment to transforming AP workflows into streamlined, efficient, and secure operations for food and hospitality industry finance teams. About Craftable Craftable is the leading back-office platform designed for hospitality. Trusted by thousands of operators, Craftable connects purchasing, inventory, accounting, and analytics into a single, integrated system that powers smarter decisions and healthier margins. With solutions purpose-built for restaurants, hotels, and multi-unit operations, Craftable helps teams turn stressful operations into smooth experiences - so they can focus on what they do best: creating memorable moments that bring guests back again and again. About Finexio Finexio is a trailblazer in the B2B payments industry, pioneering an innovative Accounts Payable Infrastructure as a Service model. Embedded within the world's leading Procure-to-Pay software suites, Finexio's platform delivers a fully managed, AI-powered solution that optimizes, monetizes, and secures the entire payment lifecycle. Finexio significantly enhances operational efficiency, payment security, and customer satisfaction for our Procure-to-Pay partners and corporate clients. Trusted by hundreds of forward-thinking CFOs and processing billions in secure, efficient payments annually, Finexio is driving a paradigm shift in financial operations for mid-market and enterprise organizations across diverse industries. Learn more at the Finexio website and follow us on LinkedIn. Media Contacts Craftable: Brenna McNally (brenna@craftable.com) Finexio: Colton Moran (colton@finexio.com) SOURCE: Finexio View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/hospitality-saas-platform-craftable-announces-partnership-with-ap-pa-1127134 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / International Olympic Committee news In recognition of its progress in reducing its corporate carbon footprint by 30%, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has received the Low Carbon Award from 2050Today, the Geneva-based climate action network of international organisations. Key Facts Between 2021 and 2024, the IOC reduced its corporate carbon footprint by 30 per cent compared to the 2016-2019 baseline - an intermediate step towards a 50 per cent reduction by 2030. The Low Carbon Award was presented by 2050Today, a Geneva-based climate action network bringing together more than 60 institutions of "International Geneva". As part of the prize, the Jet d'Eau, one of Geneva's landmarks, was illuminated in the colours of the Olympic rings on 8 December 2025. Presented on 3 December 2025 during a ceremony organised by 2050Today in Geneva, the Low Carbon Award acknowledges the IOC's efforts to cut its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. The jury highlighted the IOC's work to reduce emissions from business travel, supported by the introduction of internal carbon budgets that guide travel planning and decision-making across the organisation. To achieve this 30 per cent reduction, the IOC implemented a series of measures focused on its largest sources of emissions. For business travel - which represents a significant share of its indirect (scope 3) emissions - the IOC refined the frequency and format of meetings, increased the use of videoconferencing, introduced sustainable travel principles and set carbon budgets for each department. Staff were given access to tools to monitor the CO2 impact of their trips, helping to embed climate considerations into everyday choices. These measures enabled the organisation to meet its 30 per cent corporate emissions reduction target and stay on track to halve emissions by 2030. It is a true honour for the IOC to receive the 2050Today Low Carbon Award, Climate change is affecting all of us, and as a global organisation we have a responsibility to reduce our own footprint, to lead by example and to share what we learn with others. Christophe De Kepper, IOC Director General While these efforts relate to the IOC as an organisation, its climate commitment goes further, with a particular focus on reducing the footprint of the Olympic Games. Organising Committees are required to minimise Games-related carbon emissions and to encourage stakeholders to take meaningful climate action. As part of the prize, Geneva's Jet d'Eau was illuminated in the colours of the Olympic rings earlier this week. 2050Today is a climate action network bringing together more than 60 institutions of "International Geneva" - including permanent missions, United Nations agencies and other international organisations such as CERN and EPFL - that are working collectively to measure and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The jury for the Low Carbon Award was composed of representatives from the Canton of Geneva, the City of Geneva, the Industrial Services of Geneva (SIG) and 2050Today. For further details about the IOC's climate commitments and progress, visit the IOC's sustainability webpage and consult the latest IOC Sustainability Report. 2050Today Low Carbon Award - Geneva's Jet d'Eau View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International Olympic Committee on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: International Olympic Committee Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-olympic-committee Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: International Olympic Committee View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/ioc-receives-low-carbon-award-from-geneva-climate-network-2050to-1127458 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Evolve Funds Group Inc. ("Evolve" or the "Manager") is pleased to announce the Evolve International Equity UltraYield ETF (TSX: INTY) ("INTY") has closed its initial offering of units and will begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") today under the ticker symbol: INTY (Hedged ETF Units). Cash distributions on INTY are anticipated to be paid twice per month, with the possibility of more frequent distributions at the Manager's discretion. The first distributions for INTY are indicated in the table below. ETF Name Ticker Symbol Ex-Date and Record Date Pay Date Distribution per Unit Evolve International Equity UltraYield ETF INTY January 30, 2026 February 6, 2026 $0.26000 February 13, 2026 February 23, 2026 $0.26000 INTY seeks to provide attractive income and long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of leading international equity securities that have the potential to generate significant option premiums. To enhance yield, as well as to mitigate risk and reduce volatility, INTY will employ a covered call option writing program at the discretion of the Manager. The level of covered call option writing may vary based on market volatility and other factors. INTY will use modest leverage in order to seek to achieve its investment objective. The maximum aggregate leverage of INTY will not exceed approximately 33%, or 1.33x, of its NAV. Leverage will be created through the use of cash borrowings and/or Derivatives, or as otherwise permitted under applicable securities legislation. About Evolve Funds Group Inc. With over $8.5 billion in assets under management, Evolve specializes in bringing innovative ETFs to Canadian investors. Evolve's suite of ETFs provide investors with access to: (i) index-based income strategies; (ii) long term investment themes; and (iii) some of the world's leading investment managers. Established by a team of industry veterans with a demonstrated ability to succeed, Evolve creates investment products that make a difference. For more information, please visit www.evolveetfs.com. Join us on social media: X | LinkedIn | Facebook | Youtube Evolve Funds Group Inc. is the investment fund manager and portfolio manager. Evolve International Equity UltraYield ETF ("INTY") will be offered by Evolve Funds Group Inc., and distributed through authorized dealers. The information contained herein is a general description and is not intended to be specific investment advice to any particular investor nor intended to be investment or tax advice. You should not act or rely on the information contained herein without seeking the advice of an appropriate professional advisor. Leverage increases risk. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with exchange traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. ETFs and mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Investors may incur customary brokerage commissions in buying or selling ETF and mutual fund units. Investors should monitor their holdings, as frequently as daily, to ensure that they remain consistent with their investment strategies. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to a future outlook and anticipated distributions, events or results and may include statements regarding future financial performance. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "intend" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Evolve undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors which affect this information, except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280499 Source: Evolve ETFs Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Hillcrest Energy Technologies (CSE: HEAT) (OTCQB: HLRTF) (FSE: 7HI) ("Hillcrest" or the "Company") is pleased to provide shareholders with an update on recent strategic developments and key commercialization milestones expected in 2026. "As we enter 2026, Hillcrest stands at a pivotal inflection point where years of technology development are translating into tangible commercial opportunities across multiple high-growth sectors," said Don Currie, CEO of Hillcrest Energy Technologies. "Our strategic collaboration with Pasqua First Nation and Apeiron Resources, combined with successful completion of our financing, provides both the resources and market access to accelerate commercialization of our ZVS technology across Canada while we continue to advance opportunities in automotive and data center sectors globally." Strategic Foundation Established In October 2025, Hillcrest announced a collaboration with Pasqua First Nation ("PFN") and Apeiron Resources Ltd. ("Apeiron") to establish an Indigenous-majority owned entity focused on commercializing Hillcrest's Zero Voltage Switching ("ZVS") power conversion technology throughout Canada. The structure contemplates creating a framework to market, distribute, sell, and potentially manufacture ZVS products across energy storage systems, AI data centers, remote microgrids, and critical infrastructure applications. PFN's investment of $3 million directly into Hillcrest demonstrates confidence in both the technology and the business model. The collaboration is actively pursuing additional operating capital through government grants and qualified investment entities, with the goal of creating non-dilutive funding pathways to support commercialization activities in the Canadian market. Last week, Hillcrest successfully closed the final tranche of its private placement offering, raising total gross proceeds of approximately $4.4 million through the cash offering and settling approximately $2.8 million in debt. The financing strengthens the Company's balance sheet to support further development of ZVS technology, marketing and investor relation activities, retirement of existing accounts payable, and general working capital. "The strategic investment from Pasqua First Nation reinforces the value of our collaborative approach to commercializing ZVS technology," added Currie. "Combined with the successful retirement of debt, we're now positioned to accelerate development and deliver on the commitments we've made to our shareholders and partners." Building on 2025 Progress Throughout 2025, Hillcrest completed extensive validation testing with multiple automotive OEMs and Tier One suppliers, demonstrating measurable performance advantages in real-world automotive applications. These technical validations have translated into advanced commercial conversations with several global entities, exploring pathways to monetize ZVS technology in the automotive sector. 2026 Commercialization Focus With technology validation complete and strategic collaborations in place, 2026 represents a pivotal year for accelerating commercial efforts. Grid and Data Center Applications The ZVS PCS1000, a 200kW, 1000V power conversion system, is expected to be ready for customer demonstrations in Q2 2026. The explosive growth of AI is creating unprecedented demand for efficient power conversion, and the ZVS PCS1000 is expected to be a purpose-engineered solution for 800V DC distribution architectures being standardized by the Open Compute Project, the consortium driving data center innovation for companies like Meta, Microsoft, Intel and NVIDIA. The 200kW modular design will scale to 1.2MW and beyond with N+1 redundancy and hot-swap capability for zero-downtime maintenance. Ultra-low electromagnetic interference is critical for sensitive computing infrastructure, and superior efficiency will translate directly to operational cost savings. An additional 0.5% efficiency improvement translates to 500kW of avoided losses in a 100MW facility, representing the potential for substantial energy and cooling infrastructure savings. Canada's clean energy market is projected to grow from 115 GW to 149 GW by 2030, with energy storage capacity expected to expand from 1 GW to 12-16 GW by 2035, representing over $140 billion in investment opportunities (Source: Renewables Association of Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Market Outlook 2025). The federal government has committed $93 billion in Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits through 2034, including up to 30% refundable credits for clean technology manufacturing (Source: Canada Revenue Agency, Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits). Canadian Market Expansion The collaboration with Pasqua First Nation and Apeiron Resources is expected to position Hillcrest to accelerate market penetration across multiple Canadian sectors. PFN brings established relationships in Saskatchewan's industrial, military and resource sectors, while Apeiron's expertise in Indigenous business development and government funding programs accelerates access to capital and market opportunities. The Pasqua First Nation Group of Companies ("PFNGC") holds opportunities such as PRO Metal, a subsidiary focused on metal fabrication and manufacturing, creating potential synergies for future Canadian manufacturing of ZVS products. Indigenous-led collaborations have become increasingly central to Canada's clean energy infrastructure expansion, with Indigenous communities now participating in nearly 20% of the country's clean electricity infrastructure development (Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2025). The Seven Stars Energy Project, in which PFN is a partner alongside Enbridge and five other Indigenous partners, will produce emissions-free power for over 100,000 Saskatchewan homes when operational in 2027. Automotive Sector Advancement Hillcrest continues to advance multiple pathways to monetize its ZVS technology in the automotive sector. The Company is progressing in joint development and licensing opportunities with several established industry players. The Company's Automotive Center of Excellence in Germany, operated through its collaboration with Systematec GmbH, continues to support these ongoing efforts. Market Opportunity and Technology Advantages The data center power market is projected to reach $50 billion by 2030 (Source: MarketsandMarkets, Data Center Power Market via PR Newswire), driven by AI infrastructure expansion requiring up to 200kW per rack with ultra-low EMI and high reliability requirements. Battery energy storage systems in the 100kW to 1MW range represent a market projected at over $100 billion by 2030 (Source: Battery Energy Storage System Market Research Reports), requiring dynamic grid response capabilities and superior efficiency. Emergency power systems represent an $18 billion market by 2030 (Source: Emergency Power System Market Research Reports), while portable and mobile power applications over 100kW represent more than $10 billion in annual market opportunity (Source: Portable/Mobile Power Market Research Reports) across remote operations, construction, military, and emergency response applications. The Company's ZVS technology delivers performance advantages that create competitive differentiation. Superior efficiency exceeding 99% compares favorably to current inverters on the market operating at 96-98% efficiency. Ultra-low electromagnetic interference addresses critical requirements in sensitive applications like data centers and reduces filtering and shielding requirements across many applications. Enhanced power quality through higher switching frequencies enables cleaner waveforms with lower total harmonic distortion, while advanced power density through the elimination of switching losses enables more compact installations with up to 50% capacitor and 60% filter size reductions. Path Forward Hillcrest is well positioned with the financial resources to execute on near-term commercialization priorities. The strategic investment from Pasqua First Nation demonstrates confidence in both the technology and the collaboration structure. The pursuit of additional operating capital through government grants and qualified investment entities creates additional funding pathways to support commercialization activities. Three key factors differentiate the Company's position as it enters 2026. First, proven technology backed by extensive validation that delivers measurable performance advantages across multiple applications. Second, diverse market access spanning automotive, data centers, renewable energy, and industrial applications reduce dependence on any single sector while creating multiple pathways to revenue generation. Third, strategic collaborations from the Indigenous-led initiative with Pasqua First Nation and Apeiron Resources to automotive and grid sector relationships globally accelerate the path from technology to revenue. The global power conversion market is experiencing convergent growth drivers through electrification mandates, AI infrastructure buildout, renewable energy deployment, and industrial decarbonization. Hillcrest's ZVS technology sits at the intersection of all four trends, positioning the Company to capitalize on multiple market opportunities as these sectors continue their rapid expansion. "We're not just ready for 2026-we're positioned to lead," concluded Currie. "Thank you to our shareholders, partners, and team members for your continued support and dedication. Together, we're building the power conversion standard for the next generation of clean energy infrastructure." Other Updates The Company also announces the grant of 7,583,333 restricted shares units of the Company ("RSUs") to several executives of the Company. The RSU's are being granted in relation to performance in 2024 and 2025 performance. The RSUs and any underlying common shares in the capital of the Company are subject to a four month hold pursuant to the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. About Pasqua First Nation Pasqua First Nation is a Treaty First Nation in Saskatchewan. PFN has established a wholly owned entity, Pasqua First Nation Group of Companies (PFNGC), through which it conducts various business investments and economic development activities. PFNGC's portfolio includes PRO Metal, a subsidiary focused on metal fabrication and manufacturing. PFN is also actively involved in renewable energy development, including participation in the Seven Stars Energy Project, a 200-megawatt wind energy initiative being developed in partnership with Enbridge and five other Indigenous partners. The project, targeted to be operational in 2027, will produce emissions-free power for over 100,000 Saskatchewan homes and represents significant Indigenous ownership and participation in clean energy infrastructure. About Apeiron Resources Ltd. Apeiron Resources Ltd. is a Metis, First Nation, and Native American owned corporation and Certified Indigenous Business driven by a single purpose: to build stronger communities through sustainable socio-economic partnerships. Rooted in their Nations, they invest time, resources, and passion into volunteer leadership, community sponsorships, and capacity-building initiatives that empower citizens and honours cultural heritage. Through Apeiron's family of companies, they secure federal and provincial grants, provide fuel solutions, corporate indigenous governance, deliver skills training, and forge trust-based relationships between industry and Indigenous Nations. By connecting non-Indigenous organizations with authentic inclusion opportunities, they help the energy sector and beyond engage meaningfully with First Nation, Metis, and Native American tribes. Every project they undertake reflects cultural values, fosters economic empowerment, and delivers generational impact. Together with their partners, they create lasting change by bringing employment, training, and economic growth back to communities while guiding their partners in reconciliation to achieve more. About Hillcrest Energy Technologies Hillcrest Energy Technologies is a Canadian clean technology company focused on providing advanced power conversion technologies and digital control systems for next-generation powertrains and grid-connected renewable energy systems. From concept to commercialization, Hillcrest is investing in the development of energy solutions that will power a more sustainable and electrified future. Hillcrest is publicly traded on the CSE under the symbol "HEAT," on the OTCQB Venture Market as "HLRTF," and on the Frankfurt Exchange as "7HI." For more information, please visit: https://hillcrestenergy.tech/ CONTACT INFORMATION FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release 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 in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the expected benefits and opportunities arising from the collaboration with PFN and Apeiron; the formation and operation of NEWCO; the commercialization and potential manufacturing of ZVS products in Canada; market opportunities in various sectors including data centers, energy storage, and renewable energy; the Company's product development timeline; the completion of prototype development and customer demonstrations; potential revenue generation; and the use of proceeds from the financing. 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 the formation and operation of NEWCO; risks related to obtaining necessary regulatory approvals and financing; risks related to the successful development and commercialization of the Company's technology; risks related to market acceptance of the Company's products; political and regulatory risks; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; competition from other technologies and products; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's business. 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, except as required by law. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations or projections. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. ### To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280460 Source: Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - TNR Gold Corp. (TSXV: TNR) ("TNR", "TNR Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Leopold Sutton to its Board of Directors. Mr. Sutton brings nearly a decade of experience in business transformation consulting, including the design and delivery of enterprise-wide change programs across FTSE 100 organizations. His analytical work has spanned business case development, impact assessments, and governance oversight for complex business transformations. He holds a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CIMA) designation from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, an M.A. in Transformational Leadership from Canterbury Christ Church University, and a B.Sc. in Combined Honours in Natural Sciences from the University of Durham. The Company also announces the resignation of Tobias Higgins from the Board of Directors, to accommodate his new professional commitments. Kirill Klip, the Company's Executive Chairman, commented, "On behalf of the Board of Directors, we extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Higgins for his valuable contributions to the Company during his nearly three years of dedicated service. We wish him continued success and fulfilment in his future endeavours." Mr. Klip added, "We are also pleased to welcome Mr. Sutton to the Board. His extensive expertise in complex business transformations, particularly in financial transformation consulting, will strengthen the Company's governance practices. His expertise will further support the Audit Committee and help ensure we continue to adhere to best practices in financial oversight." ABOUT TNR GOLD CORP. TNR Gold Corp. is working to become the green energy metals royalty and gold company. Our business model provides a unique entry point in the creation of supply chains for critical materials like energy metals that are powering the energy rEVolution, and the gold industry that is providing a hedge for this stage of the economic cycle. Our portfolio provides a unique combination of assets with exposure to multiple aspects of the mining cycle: the power of blue-sky discovery and important partnerships with industry leaders as operators on the projects that will potentially generate royalty cashflows to contribute significant value for our shareholders. Over the past twenty-nine years, TNR, through its lead generator business model, has been successful in generating high-quality global exploration projects. With the Company's expertise, resources and industry network, the potential of the Mariana Lithium Project and Los Azules Copper Project in Argentina, among many others, have been recognized. TNR holds a 1.5% NSR royalty on the Mariana Lithium Project in Argentina, of which 0.15% of such NSR royalty is held on behalf of a shareholder of the Company. Ganfeng Lithium's subsidiary, Litio Minera Argentina ("LMA"), has the right to repurchase 1.0% of the NSR royalty on the Mariana Project, of which 0.9% is the Company's NSR royalty interest. The Company would receive CAN$900,000, and its shareholder would receive CAN$100,000 on the repurchase by LMA, resulting in TNR holding a 0.45% NSR royalty and its shareholder holding a 0.05% NSR royalty. The Mariana Lithium Project is 100% owned by Ganfeng Lithium. The Mariana Lithium Project has been approved by the Argentina provincial government of Salta for an environmental impact report. Ganfeng officially inaugurated Mariana Lithium's start of production at a 20,000 tons-per-annum lithium chloride plant on February 12, 2025. TNR Gold also holds a 0.4% NSR royalty on the Los Azules Copper Project, of which 0.04% of the 0.4% NSR royalty is held on behalf of a shareholder of the Company. The Los Azules Copper Project is being developed by McEwen Inc. TNR also holds a 7% NPR on the Batidero I and II properties of the Josemaria Project that is being developed by the joint-venture between Lundin Mining and BHP. TNR provides significant exposure to gold through its 90% holding in the Shotgun Gold porphyry project in Alaska. The project is located in Southwestern Alaska near the Donlin Gold project, which is being developed by Barrick Gold and Novagold Resources. The Company's strategy with the Shotgun Gold Project is to attract a joint venture partnership with a major gold mining company. The Company is actively introducing the project to interested parties. At its core, TNR provides a wide scope of exposure to gold, copper, silver and lithium through its holdings in Alaska (the Shotgun Gold porphyry project) and royalty holdings in Argentina (the Mariana Lithium project, the Los Azules Copper Project and the Batidero I & II properties of the Josemaria Project), and is committed to the continued generation of in-demand projects, while diversifying its markets and building shareholder value. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Kirill Klip Executive Chairman www.tnrgoldcorp.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. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "will", "could" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "could" occur, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Specifically, forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements made in relation to: TNR's corporate objectives and future potential transactions being considered by the Special Committee and the Board, and the benefit that TNR's shareholders may derive from same; TNR's future receipt of cash flows from its royalty holdings and the subsequent contribution of significant value to its shareholders; the possible growth of TNR's value; timing for its 2026 AGM; future revenue and increased valuations of TNR's royalty holdings caused by potential strategic alliances with major mining companies and investment institutions; the use of potential future cash flows to fund a normal course issuer bid; the potential spin-out of the Shotgun Gold Project; future investment of substantial capital in the development of the Shotgun Gold Project by a potential partner of TNR; the future potential of the Kuskokwim Gold Belt in southwestern Alaska; the possible benefits that may accrue to the Los Azules copper project; the potential acceleration of the Los Azules project's potential due to Rio Tinto's involvement in the project; and the potential benefits caused by delivering 'green copper' to Argentina and the world. Such forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the sections entitled "Risks" and "Forward-Looking Statements" in the Company's interim and annual Management's Discussion and Analysis which are available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile on www.sedarplus.ca. While management believes that the assumptions made and reflected in this news release are reasonable, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. In particular, there can be no assurance that: TNR will enter into one or more strategic transactions, partnership or a spin-out, or be able to complete any further royalty acquisitions or sales of royalty interests, or portions thereof; debt or equity financings will be available to TNR; or that TNR will be able to achieve any of its corporate objectives. TNR relies on the confirmation of its ownership for mining claims from the appropriate government agencies when paying rental payments for such mining claims requested by these agencies. There could be a risk in the future of the changing internal policies of such government agencies or risk related to the third parties, in future, challenging the ownership of such mining claims. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements included herein are not guarantees of future performance, and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied on. In formulating the forward-looking statements contained herein, management has assumed that business and economic conditions affecting TNR, and its royalty partners, McEwen Inc., Ganfeng Lithium and Lundin Mining will continue substantially in the ordinary course, including without limitation with respect to general industry conditions, general levels of economic activity and regulations. These assumptions, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information herein and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280430 Source: TNR Gold Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - BioMark Diagnostics Inc. (CSE: BUX) (FSE: 20B) (OTCQB: BMKDF) ("BioMark"), a leading developer of liquid biopsy technologies for early cancer detection, is pleased to announce that its long-term investment in integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into metabolomic profiling has achieved a major milestone. As the global healthcare investment community is focused on the transformative power of AI at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, BioMark has received this week notification that its research regarding a machine learning-driven predictive model for lung cancer detection has been accepted for publication in the prestigious, peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Oncology. The accepted article, titled "Translational impact of machine learning-driven predictive modeling with pathway-based plasma metabolomic biomarkers for lung cancer detection," represents a successful realization of BioMark's strategy to utilize advanced computational tools to enhance diagnostic precision. This achievement validates the company's past capital allocation toward sophisticated AI infrastructure and confirms the scientific rigor of its metabolic pathway analysis. By moving beyond traditional biomarker identification and utilizing pathway-level data, BioMark has demonstrated a more comprehensive way to interpret the metabolic signatures of early-stage lung cancer. This research was made possible through a strategic collaboration with Dr. Maria Vaida and her team at the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. BioMark is proud to highlight that the work led by Dr. Vaida has been recognized for its high quality and its significant contribution to the field of oncology. The publication describes the use of pathway-based features from the Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) and explores the mechanistic drivers of cancer through interpretability tools such as SHAP analysis. This methodological approach allows for a deeper understanding of how specific metabolic pathways, such as those involved in nutrient processing and tumor growth, contribute to diagnostic models. The partnership with Harrisburg University has been instrumental in bridging the gap between complex data science and clinical application, ensuring that BioMark's technological foundation is built upon peer-reviewed, world-class scientific inquiry. "The acceptance of our work in Frontiers in Oncology is a pivotal moment for BioMark, as it provides third-party validation of the investments we have made in AI and machine learning over the past several years," said Rashid Ahmed Bux, President and CEO of BioMark. "At a time when the healthcare industry is increasingly looking for 'proof of concept' in AI applications, this publication confirms that our collaborative work with Harrisburg University meets the highest standards of scientific excellence. We have successfully demonstrated that integrating machine learning with metabolomics is not just a theoretical pursuit, but a validated methodology that provides deep insights into the metabolic complexities of lung cancer." The full paper is expected to be published later this month and will be made available through BioMark's website. This milestone reinforces the company's commitment to scientific transparency and its position at the intersection of oncology, metabolomics, and advanced data science. About BioMark Diagnostics Inc. BioMark Diagnostics Inc. is a leading developer of liquid biopsy tests for the early detection of cancer that leverages the power of metabolomics and machine learning algorithms. The company's proprietary technology utilizes a simple blood draw to detect the presence of cancer-associated biomarkers, enabling earlier diagnosis and improved patient outcomes. The technology can also be used for measuring response to treatment and potentially for serial monitoring of cancer survivors. BioMark Diagnostics Inc. is committed to developing innovative and accessible diagnostic solutions to address unmet medical needs in oncology. Further information about BioMark Diagnostic Inc. is available under its profile on the SEDAR+ website www.sedarplus.ca and the CSE website https://thecse.com. Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of BioMark Diagnostics Inc. Forward-Looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of the company. Although it believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because BioMark Diagnostics Inc. can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-Looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. BioMark Diagnostics Inc. disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. The CSE has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved of the content of this press release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280406 Source: BioMark Diagnostics, Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. (CSE: ICS) (OTCQB: IGCRF) (FSE: Y4G) dba Integrated Quantum Technologies ("IQT" or the "Company"), a pioneer in building quantum-ready infrastructure for global organizations that handle highly sensitive data, today announced the launch of its updated corporate website and a new investor presentation, now available at www.integratedquantum.com. The new domain and refreshed corporate materials reflect the Company's evolving identity and strategic focus on next-generation, post-quantum artificial intelligence infrastructure, designed for enterprise environments. The updated website provides streamlined access to corporate information, while the new investor presentation offers additional context around IQT's long-term vision, technology roadmap, and the drivers shaping demand for foundational AI infrastructure. The new website provides a comprehensive overview of Integrated Quantum Technologies' core platform AIQu and first product VEIL, including details around intended usage, and role in business and enterprise settings. Market Opportunity: AI Infrastructure at an Inflection Point The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence is exposing foundational limitations in today's digital infrastructure. As AI systems become more autonomous, data-intensive, and deeply embedded into mission-critical operations, enterprises are encountering growing challenges related to data integrity, trust, governance, compute efficiency, and the protection of sensitive information across the entire AI lifecycle. Traditional architectures were not designed to support AI pipelines at scale, often requiring organizations to expose, replicate, or centralize sensitive data in ways that increase regulatory, operational, and systemic risk. These challenges are being compounded by the emergence of quantum-era considerations, which are expected to increase risks related to security, cryptography, and system durability. For large enterprises and regulated industries, the convergence of AI scale, data sensitivity, and quantum risk is creating demand for infrastructure-level solutions capable of enabling privacy-preserving AI pipelines while simultaneously supporting AI safely, efficiently, and sustainably over long-time horizons. Integrated Quantum Technologies believes this environment is driving the need for quantum-resilient AI infrastructure, a new category of foundational technology designed to support AI systems end-to-end while preserving data privacy and addressing the structural risks introduced by increasing complexity, regulation, and future computational shifts. AIQu and VEIL: Building Infrastructure for a Quantum World As outlined in the investor presentation, AIQu serves as Integrated Quantum Technologies' core platform initiative focused on post-quantum AI infrastructure. AIQu is intended to address critical challenges facing enterprise AI adoption, including data protection, model integrity, compute efficiency, and governance across global and highly regulated environments. VEIL (Vector-Encoded Information Layer) is AIQu's first commercial infrastructure product, forming the foundation of the AIQu platform and enabling privacy-preserving AI by eliminating exposure of sensitive information across the AI and machine learning lifecycle. VEIL operates at the infrastructure layer for enterprise AI environments where data sensitivity, regulatory exposure, and operational risk are paramount. Together, AIQu and VEIL reflect the Company's long-term vision of building infrastructure technologies purpose-built for artificial intelligence systems operating in a quantum-impacted world. Updated Investor Materials The new investor presentation provides enhanced insight into the Company's strategy, intellectual property foundation, and the market dynamics driving demand for quantum-resilient and privacy-preserving AI infrastructure. Together with the website, these materials are intended to support ongoing engagement with institutional, strategic, and long-term investors as the Company advances its platform development initiatives. About Integrated Quantum Technologies Integrated Quantum Technologies is building quantum-ready infrastructure to help secure and scale artificial intelligence. The Company's AIQu platform underpins its product strategy for privacy-preserving and resilient AI systems and VEIL, its first product, which is designed to protect sensitive AI data and workflows in enterprise environments. IQT's proprietary technologies address the threats of emerging post-quantum security risks, increasing compute demands, and the complexity of deploying AI at scale. To learn more, visit www.integratedquantum.com. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Alan Guibord Director & Chief Executive Officer Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. dba Integrated Quantum Technologies Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward looking information or statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, the technical, financial, and business prospects of the Company, its assets and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward looking information or statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking information or statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking information or statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, the ability to achieve its goals, expected costs and timelines to achieve the Company's goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, and that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward looking information or statements reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties included in documents filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking information or statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, failure to compete effectively with competitors, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to comply with applicable laws, including environmental laws, risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties. The Company does not undertake to update forward looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law. 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/280400 Source: Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Trinity One Metals Ltd. (TSXV: TOM) (OTC Pink: ARJNF) (FSE: 5D5) (the "Company" or "Trinity One") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement dated January 5, 2026 (the "Agreement") with 1560287 B.C. Ltd. (the "Target"), pursuant to which Trinity One will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Target (the "Target Shares") (the "Transaction"). The Target owns 100% of Ecuador Gold S.A. ("EGE"), the registered titleholder of the San Bartolome Project, comprised of the "Silver-1" concession (the "Project") and herein referred to as the Silver-1 Mine. The Silver-1 Mine is a past producing, high grade silver system with multiple clear pathways for modern verification and expansion. Upon closing of the Transaction (the "Closing"), Trinity One will obtain full corporate control of the entity that holds the Silver-1 Mine concession and associated historical project data, permitting information, and documentation. "This is a project with a substantial technical record and a long history of work that has been documented in public technical reporting and peer reviewed literature," said Thomas Wood, Chief Executive Officer of Trinity One. "Our near term focus will be on systematic verification of historical data to advance toward a current mineral resource estimate in accordance with National Instrument 43-101." Mr. Wood continued, "The Silver-1 mine positions Trinity as one of the lowest market cap companies on the TSXV with a past producing silver asset. We're excited to advance this Project quickly and responsibly, starting with verifying the historic work and moving toward a focused confirmation program." About the Silver-1 Mine The Silver-1 Mine concession comprises approximately 3,108 hectares and is located in Azuay Province, southern Ecuador, approximately 20 kilometres southeast of the city of Cuenca. The project area lies at elevations ranging from approximately 2,800 to 3,300 metres above sea level and is accessible by road from Cuenca, providing established regional infrastructure and access. Mineralisation at Silver-1 consists of numerous sub parallel, near vertical sulphide veins arranged in elongated, step like zones striking east-northeast. The deposit is classified as an epizonal silver-lead-zinc vein system and forms part of the broader Canar-Azuay silver belt of southern Ecuador, a metallogenic belt that has been the subject of multiple regional geological studies and documented mineral occurrences. The Silver-1 Mine was initially discovered in 1966 following a regional geochemical survey conducted by the United Nations Development Programme. This early work identified anomalous silver and base metal signatures, which prompted a series of follow up exploration programs aimed at delineating the extent and character of mineralisation within the area. Subsequent exploration undertaken between 1969 and 1972 included geophysical surveys, detailed soil geochemistry, trenching, and eight diamond drill holes. These programs successfully identified mineralisation in two principal sectors: the Shunaste Sector, located immediately north of the town of San Bartolome, and the Ocashuaico Sector, situated to the northwest. Both sectors are fully contained within the boundaries of the Silver-1 Mine concession and represent the core focus of historical exploration and development activity. Between 1976 and 1978, the United Nations Rotary Foundation conducted more advanced investigations across both sectors. This work program included additional trenching, drilling, and the excavation of exploration pits, further confirming the continuity and structural control of the mineralised vein systems and supporting the advancement of the project toward small scale production. From 1989 to 1994, a joint venture between Nissho Iwai of Japan and Ag-Armeno Mines & Minerals Inc. of Canada conducted further exploration and small scale mining activities at the Silver-1 Mine. During this period, mining operations were carried out on two principal vein structures accessed from three main levels via adits, employing standard underground mining methods. Approximately 3,570 metres of underground development was completed during this phase of operations. During this time, a 100 tonne per day mill was reported to have been in operation. The average silver price over this period was approximately $4-5/oz. An historical tailings dam has been identified on site and will be subject to further economic assessment by the company. The Company has not yet verified historical site infrastructure. A 1993 publication on the mine reported that operations were exploiting a mineralised zone approximately 500 m by 100 m, with a vertical extent of about 90 m, accessed via four haulage levels, with a fifth level under development at the time. That publication also reported estimates of tonnage and grade. However, as the underlying primary source report is not currently available and key estimation methodologies, parameters and assumptions are not disclosed, the Company is not treating these figures as a current mineral resource or mineral reserve. Accordingly, the company is treating the tonnage and grade solely as an exploration target, expressed as ranges and derived from the secondary source, with a potential quantity of approximately 200,000 to 700,000 tonnes grading between 15 and 25 oz/tonne silver, with associated zinc grades of 2.2% to 3.6% and lead grades of 0.9% to 1.4%. The potential quantity and grade of the exploration target is conceptual in nature, there has been insufficient exploration by Trinity One to define a current mineral resource, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. Published literature indicates that mineralisation at the Silver-1 Mine remains open both along strike and down dip beyond the limits of the historical underground workings (Mulshaw and Puig, 1994; Mulshaw et al., 1997) References Puig, C.A. (1993) Ecuador, Mining Annual Review 1993 (Mining Journal Ltd., London, United Kingdom), p. 128 Jemielita, R.A. and Bolanos, J. (1993). San Bartolome. In: Ore Deposits of Ecuador, Mining Journal Ltd., London, United Kingdom, p. 35 Mulshaw, S.C. and Puig, C.A. (1994). Silver mineralisation at San Bartolome, Azuay, Ecuador. In: Mining Latin America, Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, Chapman and Hall, pp. 165-180. Mulshaw, S.C., Puig, C., Spiro, B., and Buchanan, D.L. (1997). Genesis of Epizonal Ag Vein Mineralization at San Bartolome in Central Ecuador: Textural Evidence, Fluid Inclusions, and Stable Isotope Geochemistry. Economic Geology, Vol. 92, pp. 210-227. United Nations Development Programme (1972). The San Bartolome Silver prospect (operation #5, Azuay Province). Technical Report No. 17: Survey of metallic and non-metallic minerals (Phase III), Republic of Ecuador. Cautionary Note Regarding 1993 Exploration Target In this cautionary note, the term "Historical Estimate" refers to historical tonnage and grade information summarised in Puig (1993), which is a secondary source, and which is disclosed by the Company solely as an exploration target. The Historical Estimate is considered relevant in that it relates to historical mining and reserve reporting at the Project; however, its reliability is uncertain because the source does not disclose key estimation parameters and assumptions required under current standards, including the estimation methodology, data verification procedures, sampling and analytical QA/QC, density, cut off grade, dilution and mining recovery, metallurgical recoveries, and the economic assumptions and modifying factors necessary to support a mineral reserve declaration. The Historical Estimate predates NI 43-101 and current CIM Definition Standards. While the terms "proven" and "probable" used in the Historical Estimate are terminology historically applied to mineral reserves and have similar names to CIM "Proven Mineral Reserve" and "Probable Mineral Reserve" categories, the historical terminology was not reported with the level of supporting technical/economic studies and disclosure of modifying factors required under current CIM Definition Standards to support CIM Mineral Reserve classifications. The Historical Estimate therefore cannot be meaningfully reconciled to current CIM Definition Standards or reported as a current mineral reserve in the absence of the required supporting technical and economic analysis and disclosure of modifying factors. The 0.20-0.70 Mt quantity range is derived from the tonnages reported in Puig (1993) by combining 55,000 t + 150,000 t (205,000 t, rounded) for the lower end and including the additional Shunaste tonnage estimate (205,000 t + 500,000 t = 705,000 t, rounded) for the upper end. The grade ranges are derived by applying an indicative 25% factor to the single set of grades reported in Puig (1993), reflecting that the underlying primary source report(s) are not available and Shunaste is described only as "similar grade" without separate grade disclosure. As of the date of this news release, the Company has not identified any more recent published current NI 43-101 mineral resource or mineral reserve estimates for the Project; however, a public technical report authored by Ing. Jaime Aldaz Santana dated 25 October 2007 summarises historical operating information (including historical concentrate grades and recoveries) and other historical technical information. A Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify the Historical Estimate as a current mineral resource or mineral reserve, and Trinity One is not treating the Historical Estimate as current. In order to verify and upgrade the Historical Estimate, the Company would need to obtain and validate the underlying historical data (including assays, QA/QC, surveys and documentation), confirm density and geological interpretations, and complete sufficient modern drilling/sampling and analytical work under appropriate QA/QC and chain of custody procedures to support a current mineral resource estimate prepared in accordance with NI 43-101. Transaction Summary Under the Transaction, total consideration consists of: (i) US$540,000 in cash (the "Cash Consideration"); and (ii) 5,000,000 common shares of the Company (the "Consideration Shares"). The Cash Consideration is payable as follows, with all timelines commencing from the Closing: US$90,000 paid on the Closing; US$50,000 payable on the 6 month anniversary of the Closing; US$200,000 payable on the 13 month anniversary of the Closing; and US$200,000 payable on the 18 month anniversary of the Closing. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a statutory four month hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws and will also be subject to additional voluntary resale restrictions such that 1/3 of the Consideration Shares may not be transferred or resold until 12 months after the Closing date, 1/3 may not be transferred or resold until 24 months after the Closing date, and 1/3 may not be transferred or resold until 36 months after the Closing date. The Transaction and the issuance of the Consideration Shares remains subject to final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). The Transaction is a non-arm's length transaction. No finder's fees are payable in connection with the Transaction. Upon the Closing, the Company expects to assume the known liabilities and obligations of 1560287 as at Closing, including a US$43,500 balance payment obligation. The Company also intends to progress a structured process to bring EGE and the Silver-1 Mine concession into good standing, including addressing outstanding governmental, administrative and concession related obligations, as such liabilities arise and are quantified, and subject to ongoing legal and regulatory review. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Enkhtuvshin Khishigsuren, P.Eng., an independent geological consultant to the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Trinity One Metals Ltd. Trinity One Metals Ltd. (TSXV: TOM) is a precious and base metals explorer focused on building a portfolio of high growth projects with exposure to some of the world's most in demand metals. The Company's strategy is to acquire and advance assets with strong geological fundamentals, clear catalysts, and the ability to deliver discovery and growth through disciplined modern exploration. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "believes", or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward looking information in this news release includes statements related to: the completion of the Transaction (including receipt of TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") acceptance); the timing and payment of consideration; the assumption and settlement of liabilities and obligations; the Company's intended process to bring Ecuador Gold S.A. ("EGE") and the Silver-1 Mine concession into good standing; and the Company's anticipated plans for compilation, verification and confirmation work programmes in respect of the Project. Forward looking information is based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations and opinions as of the date of this news release. A variety of factors, including known and unknown risks, many of which are beyond the Company's control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward looking information in this news release. These include meeting the conditions to close the Transaction, receipt of TSXV acceptance, the availability and reliability of historical records, the ability to verify historical information, the results of any future exploration and confirmation programmes (which cannot be guaranteed), availability of capital and labour, changes in laws or permitting requirements, and such other factors as may impact the Transaction and any future activities in respect of the Project. Additional risk factors can also be found in the Company's public filings under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and 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 required by applicable securities legislation. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in TSXV policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. For further information, please contact: Annexure To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/4933/280440_41c9fa6a044aea37_001full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280440 Source: Trinity One Metals Ltd. APOZ Project Will Be Presented at the PIPEs Conference in Atlantic City this Month BRADENTON, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / ASC Global Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Token Communities ( OTC ID / Stock Symbol:TKCM ), it will be presented the APOZ ( Asia Pacific Opportunity Zone ) project at the PIPE Conference ( Private Investment in Public Entity ) in Atlantic City this month. According to Mr. David Champ, who is the president and CEO of the Company that the management team attended the PIPEs Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida last month and was invited to present the APOZ Project in the upcoming DealFlow Events ( January 28-29 ). The Company will present this unique Tariff-Play concept which it is the only known FTZ + QOZ ( Foreign Trade Zone + Qualified Opportunity Zone ) dual-federal status business park the U.S. today to the entire PIPEs Community. 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-is-going-to-be-pitched-at-pipes-conference-1127239 Membership underscores commitment to dialogue and partnership in shaping the future of global investing iCapital1, the global fintech company shaping the future of investing, today announced its membership in the World Economic Forum (WEF), joining a global community dedicated to improving the state of the world. Through dialogue and engagement with influential leaders from business, government, academia, and civil society, iCapital will share expertise, drive thought leadership, and support educational efforts that promote transformative solutions that will shape the future of global investing. This year's Annual Meeting theme, "A Spirit of Dialogue," reflects the Forum's mission to foster constructive engagement on critical issues, such as economic resilience, technological transformation, and sustainability. "Joining the World Economic Forum is an opportunity to collaborate with a diverse network of leaders committed to addressing the world's most pressing challenges," said Lawrence Calcano, Chairman and CEO of iCapital. "The Forum's emphasis on dialogue and partnership aligns with our belief that innovation in financial technology can drive greater efficiency, transparency, and inclusion. We look forward to contributing to these conversations and learning from others as we collectively work toward global growth." Through participation in the Forum's Centre for Monetary and Financial Systems, iCapital will contribute insights on modernizing financial infrastructure and advancing innovation. The company's engagement will center on topics such as digital transformation, blockchain, data analytics, and retirement-investing areas that are reshaping global markets and investor access. As part of the WEF membership, iCapital will also become a member of the WEF Innovator Community, Unicorn Program-an invite-only, curated network of technology-driven, high-growth companies shaping the future of global industries. "The World Economic Forum connects leaders from business, government, civil society, international organizations, academia, and the next generation to make sense of global challenges and move the world forward together," said Verena Kuhn, Head of Innovator Communities at the World Economic Forum. "We are delighted to have iCapital on board as a part of our Unicorn community." About iCapital iCapital is a global leader, shaping the future of global investing for financial advisors, wealth managers, asset managers, and other industry participants. iCapital offers a diverse and complete range of non-traditional investment products on iCapital Marketplace, Enterprise Solutions, and both Technology and Data Services, designed to help drive better outcomes2 for all participants in the ecosystem. With strategic investment from leading alternative asset managers, wealth managers, and service providers globally, iCapital provides unrivaled access, data connectivity, education, and research programs to advisors and their clients. Leveraging AI and machine learning for digital identity (KYC/AML), iCapital supports compliant and secure investment lifecycle processes. iCapital's end-to-end platform manages the lifecycle of non-traditional investment products, making it easier to learn about, buy, manage, and integrate alternative assets, structured investments, and annuities into portfolios, driving growth, scale, and efficiency. Our solution(s) can be customized and offers specific modules as needed. iCapital has more than 1 trillion3 of assets serviced globally on its platform, including $283.9 billion in alternative platform assets, $228.8 billion in structured investments and annuities outstanding, and $542.2 billion in client assets reported on, and serves over 3,000 wealth management firms and 121,000 active financial professionals. Headquartered in New York, iCapital operates globally with 18 offices, including major hubs in Zurich, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, and Toronto, and an industry-leading R&D center in Lisbon. iCapital is recognized for its innovation and leadership, with accolades from Euromoney (World's Best Technology Provider for Wealth Management), CNBC (World's Top Fintech Companies), and Forbes Fintech 50. For more information, visit https://icapital.com X (Twitter): @icapitalnetwork LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/icapital-network-inc About the World Economic Forum The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. (www.weforum.org). ________________________________ 1iCapital, Inc. and its affiliates (together, "iCapital") 2 iCapital delivers better outcomes by streamlining financial operations, enhancing technology infrastructure, and empowering smarter decision-making through reporting and analytics. 3 As of October 31, 2025 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115774173/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Christine Dusek Senior Vice President, Global Head of Communications media@icapital.com Global partnerships and industry recognition reinforce Invisible Technologies' leadership in enterprise AI operations, governance, and real-world impact Invisible Technologies, the AI software platform for the enterprise, today announced it has joined the World Economic Forum, expanding its role in shaping global dialogue on how AI is governed, deployed, and operated across enterprises and government agencies. Through its membership in the World Economic Forum, Invisible will contribute to global research and collaboration focused on AI deployment in regulated and high-stakes environments. The company will work alongside policymakers, business leaders, and technology organizations to help define operating models that embed accountability, human oversight, and measurable outcomes into AI systems. As part of its engagement with the World Economic Forum, Invisible will attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos this month. Invisible will host two events at Davos focused on enterprise and public sector AI operations, governance, and execution. "In the next phase of AI adoption, success will be defined by execution, governance, and trust," said Matt Fitzpatrick, CEO of Invisible Technologies. "This is a revolutionary technology that will change how we work and live. Invisible is joining the World Economic Forum because we believe in being a core part of the dialogue helping enterprises and government agencies operationalize AI with clear accountability and measurable results." Invisible continues to build global momentum, with expanded international operations following the opening of a Warsaw office in 2025, participation in leading global forums including the World Economic Forum and the Partnership on AI, and recognition as a 2026 BIG Innovation Awards winner. Together, these milestones reinforce Invisible's position as a trusted partner for organizations navigating the next era of AI, grounded in performance, accountability, and a mission to make AI work. About Invisible Technologies Invisible Technologies is the AI software platform for the enterprise. Their end-to-end AI software platform structures messy data, builds digital workflows, deploys agentic solutions, evaluates and measures impact, and mobilizes relevant human experts. Invisible has trained foundation models for more than 80% of the world's leading AI model providers, including Cohere, Microsoft, and AWS, and has the expertise to customize AI for any industry, function, or use case. Invisible makes AI work in the real world. In 2024, the company reached $134M in revenue and was named the #2 fastest growing AI company on the Inc. 5000. That momentum continued in 2025 with recognition on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115792211/en/ Contacts: Media Contact press@invisible.co Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) ("Colibri" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has resumed reverse circulation ("RC") drilling in the Plomo area of its 100%-owned EP Gold Project in Sonora, Mexico. The current phase of work is designed to systematically evaluate priority structures and targets identified within the Plomo area, which has seen limited historical drilling, using a disciplined, first-pass exploration approach. Prior to the year-end break, the Company completed an initial phase of drilling at the San Perfecto and Banco de Oro targets consisting of eleven (11) RC drill holes totaling approximately 906 metres, with samples submitted for assay in December. The resumed program continues the first-pass evaluation of the San Perfecto target, while expanding testing to additional priority targets identified within the Plomo area. The Company plans to complete an additional six (6) to ten (10) RC drill holes as part of this phase of work. The Plomo area hosts multiple exploration targets within the broader EP Gold Project and has experienced minimal historical drilling. Colibri's ongoing work at Plomo is part of a systematic, staged exploration strategy aimed at evaluating multiple targets across the area through a reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the EP Gold Project. Samples from the Company's December drilling campaign are currently at the laboratory. Based on current laboratory guidance, the Company anticipates that assay results from these initial drill holes may begin to be received in early February, subject to laboratory turnaround times. Results will be reported once received, compiled, and reviewed. "This phase of work represents a disciplined continuation of our first-pass exploration strategy at Plomo," said Ian McGavney, President & CEO of Colibri Resource Corporation. "Our focus remains on systematically evaluating priority targets through careful execution and data collection, while maintaining operational momentum as we await results from the initial drill program." About Colibri Resource Corporation Colibri Resource Corporation (TSXV: CBI) is a Canadian junior mining company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metal properties, with a focus on gold exploration in Sonora, Mexico. Colibri holds a 100% interest in the EP Gold Project, a 49% joint venture interest in the Pilar Gold & Silver Project, and a 60% interest in the Diamante Project. For more information on Colibri Resource Corporation and its projects, please visit www.colibriresource.com. Qualified Person The technical and scientific information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jamie Lavigne, P.Geo., an independent Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Notice Regarding Forward-Looking 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. This news release contains "forward-looking statements". Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280507 Source: Colibri Resource Corporation Flin Flon, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Boreal Gold Inc. (CSE: BGLD) ("Boreal") has received gold assay results from 12 samples collected from the bulk sample pit where underground vein material extracted from a sill 224m long at the 100-foot vertical level was stored on surface. The underground sample from the 100 feet vertical level averaged 0.29 Au oz/t in the north part of the sill and 0.27 Au oz/t in the south part of the sill. (Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release May 25, 2004). 12 samples were selectively collected from the underground material that was stored sequentially at surface. The sampling occurred at regularly intervals (approximately 8 meters), along the length of the pit by Boreal Gold in the fall of 2025, to confirm and verify the rough grade of this material for corporate purposes of confidence. The samples assayed 0.3 g/t Au to 81.4 g/t Au in sample 336277 with 6 of the samples assaying over 20.3 g/t Au and two samples assaying over 36.8 g/t Au. A complete list of gold assays from all 12 samples are found in the table below. Boreal Gold is waiting for the pending assays of silver, copper and zinc from SRC Laboratories of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (certification ISO/IEC 17025:2017). Gold characterization was determined by screen metallic analysis on these samples to capture any coarse gold that may be present. The gravimetric overlimit analysis (method Au 9) was completed on all samples collected. Sample Rock Name Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Zn (%) Cu (%) 336274 Quartz Vein 31.6 pending pending pending 336275 Quartz Vein 6.1 pending pending pending 336276 Quartz Vein 14.1 pending pending pending 336277 Quartz Vein 81.4 pending pending pending 336278 Quartz Vein 8.7 pending pending pending 336279 Quartz Vein 36.8 pending pending pending 336280 Quartz Vein 8.4 pending pending pending 336281 Quartz Vein 0.3 pending pending pending 336282 Quartz Vein 7.5 pending pending pending 336283 Quartz Vein 20.3 pending pending pending 336284 Quartz Vein 32.0 pending pending pending 336285 Quartz Vein 33.3 pending pending pending The samples were collected along the bulk sample pit from grid coordinates 49+30N to 50+30N, 50E to 50+ 25E at UTM coordinates U 14 400098 6077288 to 400101 6077360. These values offer significant encouragement in this property and validates why its acquisition is transformational and brings accretive value to a company that has been public for just over a year. Milestones The first milestone was the acquisition of the large Fay Lake Property (2719 Ha) located between Hudbay's Vamp Lake Deposits and Minnova's Puffy Lake Gold Mine which was covered by a new airborne EM survey. The Fay Lake properties contained the Redwin Deposit with significant gold and copper along a similar VMS horizon as Vamp Lake (now completely mapped), as well as other gold showing similar to Puffy Lake Mine style mineralization. The second milestone was bringing Boreal Gold public on December 17, 2024 on the CSE; The third milestone was obtaining the North Star -Gold Rock Group that because of the work that has already been completed and the milestones made by previous explorers, will bring accretive value to Boreal's shareholders, as further work on these high-grade deposits will only grow the deposits which are open along strike and depth. Boreal Gold is now poised to bring real growth (the fourth milestone to be obtained) by drilling the selected targets on its Fay Lake Property, but more importantly further drilling to enhance and grow the Gold Rock Deposit as well as other targets on this structure that could lead to a new discovery. Boreal focussing more on gold is on the backdrop of rising gold and silver prices that are at record levels with gold over $4500/oz US or greater than $6300/oz Canadian today and silver over $87/oz US or greater than $121/oz Canadian today. In 2026, Gold exploration will be mainly focussed on Boreal Gold's North Star and Gold Rock gold deposits located west of Snow Lake: Drilling is planned for this winter and spring, subject to financing and permitting with additional prospecting and detailed mapping in the summer of 2026 of the under explored one km intervening area between the North Star and Gold Rock Deposits respectfully located at the north and south ends of the 2 km long structure to locate additional drill targets. As mentioned in Boreal's April 17, 2025 News Release: Since 2003 the North Star Group property became an advanced exploration property where more than $9 million has been spent on it in the last 20 years with the following work completed: Five major drilling programs, 135 drill holes at North Star and 143 drill holes at Gold Rock Ramp access and underground development and sampling; Large surface blast hole sampling and trenching together with extensive assaying for gold, trace elements and whole rock geochemistry. Average grade from blast holes and trench faces was over 0.35 oz/t gold. (Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release April 16, 2003). Gold on April 16, 2003 was $332.60 to 333.40 oz (https://www.usagold.com/daily-gold-price-history/) compared to over $4500/oz US or greater than $6300/oz Canadian today. Extensive metallurgical testing at Lakefield established 85% recovery of gold by gravity alone. LR10572-002-Progress Report #1(Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release May 3, 2003). A large grid covers the gold shear with mapping, prospecting and geophysical surveys carried out. The Shear is still open to the north and south and the grid can be extended to follow the shear on strike (unexplored). The shear zone in between the Gold Rock and North Star deposits has seen little drilling. There is a two km of all-weather road to the North Star site, as well as 15 km of the Dickstone road being brought back to all weather road status with creek crossings improved and adjoining swamps lowered to improve road quality plan for this summer. Numerous environmental surveys were completed, including: ungulate, rare plant, raptor, fish surveys and other surveys required for the establishment of tailings facilities. A digital topographical airborne survey was carried out over the main area of the vein, and potential areas for tailings disposal and water intake. Camp site and storage areas were established and permitted. These permits are still valid as is the road permit. A mill foundation; a concrete slab shop floor and a water waste disposal pond were completed. A VTEM survey was carried out over the entire claim group in 2010. Highlights from the history above were: At North Star 2003 A 6,000 tonne bulk sample was extracted from a 120m long pit that was blasted to a depth of 6m and an average width of approximately 5m. The average grade from the pit face and blast hole is 0.35 oz/ton gold (13 g/t Au). Blast holes were drilled at 1.35 m (4 foot) centers. (2003 Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Releases February 26, March 11, March 17, March 19, March 31, April 16). 2003 -2004 48 NQ drill holes with selected examples of NS-03-02 24.29 g/t Au over 2.2m, NS-03-05 14.94 g/t Au over 4.8m, NS-03-11 23.4 g/t Au over 2.5m, NS-03-32 31.98 g/t Au over 1.7m and NS-03-45 21.83 g/t Au over 1.5m. (2003 Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release August 5, August 25). 2003-2004 Geophysical ground surveys, environmental studies and geological mapping 2004 Spring Underground Development/Bulk Sample. Overall grade of 0.28 oz Au/ton over 2.2 m true width. An 8,000-tonne bulk sample was extracted from a sill 224m long at the 100-foot vertical level The underground sample from the 100 feet vertical level averaged 0.29 Au oz/t in the north part of the sill and 0.27 Au oz/t in the south part of the sill. (Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release May 25, 2004). All weather Road Completed 2003-4 Winter Metallurgical Testing by SGS Lakefield Research Limited, A gold recovery of approximately 97% with a gravity, flotation, and cyanidation process and 85% by gravity alone. (Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release May 3, 2003). Drilled 35 NQ diamond drill holes, 4979.9m. Several drill holes returned excellent gold intersections. For example: NS-04-57 assayed 23.34 g/t Au over 1.9m and NS-04-71 16.33 g/t Au over 1.4m. 2005 Fall New Resource Estimate (North Star Only) 19,100 t, grading 10.6 g/t, at a cut-off grade of 7.0 g/t and are classified as indicated resources based on the close spacing of the data. Note high cut-off grade as gold was at $400/oz. (Roscoe Postle Associates Inc., Wayne W. Valliant NI43-101 Technical Report September 23, 2005), The estimate supersedes Pearson and Hogan (May 3, 2004) report of 28,000 t grading 9.3 g/t Au with a cut off of 5 g/t Au which was based on an Inverse Distance Squared technique on a resource block model using only diamond drill data. Using a 1 g/t Au cut off grade, the tonnage is 160,900 tonnes with an average grade of 3.61 g/t Au. 2005 Winter Drilled 50 NQ diamond drill holes on the extremities of North Star Zone. Stephen Masson departs as President of Foran. 2006 Copper Reef Mining Corp. acquires the North Star Group from Foran Mining Corp. At Gold Rock (The Resource for this Vein System has not been calculated) 2007 Geological Mapping and Prospecting, Discovery of the new Richard quartz vein, where a grab sample assayed 0.91 oz/ton gold. 2008 Drilling at Gold Rock, Drilled 79 HQ diamond drill holes, 2,873.7m. Several drill holes returned excellent gold intersections, such as: GR-08-06 24.14 g/t Au over 3.9m, GR-08-14 61.2 g/t Au over 1.8m, GR-08-30 24.6 g/t Au over 2.9m, GR-08-31 81.73 g/t Au over 1.6m, GR-08-43 27.85 g/t Au over 1.8m, GR-08-50 104.39 g/t Au over 3.4m, GR-08-52 22.42 g/t Au over 5.4m, GR-08-59 30.61 g/t Au over 2.4m, GR-08-78 25.54 g/t Au over 2.0m. (Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. (VOY) Press Release October 16, 2009). 2009 Drilled 33 HQ diamond drill holes, 1,176.9m. Several drill holes returned excellent gold intersections, such as: GR-09-81 11.02 g/t Au over 3.8m, GR-09-91 15.95 g/t Au over 2.9m, GR-09-95 6.95 g/t Au over 1.9m, GR-09-108 6.66 g/t Au over 3.95m, GR-09-111 5.78 g/t Au over 1.9m. (Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp (VOY) Press Release January 27, 2010, July 30, 2010). 2010 Step out drilling at Gold Rock Drilled 23 HQ and 1 NQ diamond drill holes, 3,350.6m. Significant values from step outs are: the Richard Vein (A new vein to the North East) assayed 14.41 g/t Au over 3.3m (11 ft.) in hole GR-10-114 and on the Gold Rock Vein in a new deeper lens to the south assayed: 7.79 g/t Au over 2.1m. in hole GR-10-119 and 7.01 g/t Au over 2.3m in hole GR-10-125. (Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. (VOY) Press Release April 28, 2010). 2011 Extension of the North Star Grid 1 km to the north of the Gold Rock Vein with detailed mapping, included the Richard Vein Area. Sampling Methods and Quality Control The Company employs QA/QC protocol on all aspects of its analytical procedures. When samples were taken in the field, the sample location was marked in the field book and the grid and/or GPS coordinates were entered in the sample book with the sample description. The sample number was written on flagging tape that was tied to a rock or a tree at the sample site. When collecting samples for protolith whole rock analysis, every effort was made to get representative samples with minimal alteration, veining and sulphide content, so that lithological classification is not skewed by introduced material. In the case of samples collected, to measure the degree of alteration only veining is avoided. For each sample two rocks were collected, with one rock sent for analysis and one kept as a representative sample. The rock samples were placed in standard plastic bags which were then were placed into rice bags that were wired shut for shipment. The rice bags were delivered to Gardewine North Trucking by staff of M'Ore Exploration and shipped to SRC Laboratories in Saskatoon. Gardewine delivered the samples directly to the lab in Saskatoon. Stephen L. Masson, M.Sc., P.Geo. is the "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this property has confirmed the visual descriptions, supervised the Quality Control and all aspects of the exploration program. Mr. Masson acts as a consulting geologist for the company. Sample preparation and analytical work is conducted at SRC laboratories in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (certification ISO/IEC 17025:2017) utilizing the gravimetric overlimit analysis (method Au 9). About Boreal Gold Inc Boreal Gold Inc is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company with a specific focus on mineral properties in northwest Manitoba and northeast Saskatchewan, Canada. All of the Issuer's properties are currently at the exploration stage. The Issuer has assembled a portfolio of base metal and precious metal prospects in strategic locations in the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. No stock exchange or securities regulatory authority has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Some of the statements contained in this release are forward-looking statements, such as estimates and statements that describe the Issuer's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Issuer or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280506 Source: Boreal Gold Inc. The US-registered infrastructure provider officially discloses its CIK code and MSB regulatory number, placing the AI-driven "Athena Engine" and "Veritas Layer" transparency protocols under strict US legal oversight to eliminate market uncertainty. DENVER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / At a critical moment when the global digital asset market seeks security and transparency, YWWSDC Group US Ltd (hereinafter referred to as "YWWSDC"), a next-generation digital asset infrastructure provider registered in the United States, today officially released a strategic announcement. The company disclosed its dual regulatory milestones at the US federal level: successfully completing the Securities Exemptions Filing (Form D) with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Money Services Business (MSB) registration with the US Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). This series of legal confirmation actions not only establishes YWWSDC's legal status as a regulated US enterprise but also constructs a legitimate "Bridge Protocol" for the "Financial Singularity" strategy outlined in its whitepaper-connecting the $16 trillion Real-World Asset (RWA) market between traditional finance and the digital economy. Defining Trust with Official Data: Dual Endorsement from SEC and FinCEN Addressing market concerns regarding the compliance of emerging platforms, YWWSDC has taken a step toward complete transparency by directly disclosing its regulatory identity as the strongest evidence to counter market FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt): SEC Federal Filing: YWWSDC has obtained the Central Index Key (CIK) code: 0002104385 assigned by the SEC and completed the Regulation D filing (File No.: 021-569446). This marks that the company has been brought under the regulatory purview of federal securities laws regarding capital operations and shareholder transparency, with a clear legal structure for its issued 100 million common shares. FinCEN MSB Registration: YWWSDC has successfully obtained the MSB registration qualification (Registration No.: 31000317594954) issued by FinCEN. This qualification authorizes the company to compliantly conduct "Dealer in foreign exchange" and "Money transmitter" businesses across 50 US states and territories such as Puerto Rico. "Trust should not be based on verbal promises, but on public records," stated Kaelen Rostova, Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) at YWWSDC. "Our entity registration (Entity ID: 20258333256) combined with federal-level compliance qualifications constitutes a legally protected financial fence, physically isolating YWWSDC from unregulated offshore entities." Convergence of Technology and Compliance: Empowering the RWA Economy Under a strict compliance framework, YWWSDC has officially deployed its core technology stack to solve the efficiency and trust challenges facing the RWA market: Athena Engine: This is a natively integrated AI intelligence layer capable of processing millions of market data points in real-time under compliance prerequisites. It provides institutional investors with predictive risk analysis, ensuring precise risk identification when onboarding complex assets like real estate and bonds. Veritas Layer: To comply with MSB requirements for fund flow transparency, YWWSDC has deployed the Merkle Tree-based Veritas Layer. This technology provides real-time on-chain Proof of Reserves, allowing users to independently verify asset solvency, achieving a transparency standard of "Code is Law." Fortress Architecture: The Security Promise of 98% Cold Storage Regarding operational resilience, YWWSDC reiterates its "Fortress Security Architecture." Addressing cybersecurity threats, the platform adheres to a "Cold Storage First" strategy, storing over 98% of user assets in physically isolated cold wallet systems. Combined with a 3 million TPS (Transactions Per Second) high-frequency matching engine, YWWSDC not only ensures system stability during extreme market conditions but also eliminates single-point-of-failure risks through Multi-Party Computation (MPC) technology. This institutional-grade risk control system, paired with regulated fiat on/off-ramps, provides global investors with a secure, verifiable, and legally protected trading environment. About YWWSDC YWWSDC Group US Ltd is a next-generation compliant digital asset infrastructure provider focused on utilizing the AI-driven Athena Engine and proprietary Veritas Layer technology to solve the trust, scalability, and security challenges between traditional finance and the crypto economy. Headquartered in the United States and operating globally, the company is dedicated to providing a federally protected RWA asset liquidity channel for sophisticated investors and institutions seeking stable returns, technology-driven solutions, and rigorous risk management through a strict "Compliance-by-Design" framework. Media Contact: Company: YWWSDC Contact Person: Kaelen Rostova Email: official@ywwsdc.com Website: https://www.ywwsdc.com SOURCE: YWWSDC View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/ywwsdc-discloses-fincen-msb-and-sec-filings-anchoring-16t-rwa-trust-w-1127471 New Level 7 FTDs will support pilot training for emergency medical operations Frasca International, Inc., a FlightSafety International company, today announced it has signed a contract with Global Medical Response (GMR) to supply four new Level 7 Flight Training Devices (FTDs). The new devices include an Airbus EC135, a Pilatus PC-12, a Beechcraft C90, and a Beechcraft B200. Each FTD will feature Frasca's unique motion system to provide enhanced realism in training. The devices will be installed at GMR's new training facility currently under construction in Denton, Texas. Frasca has supported GMR's pilot training efforts for nearly two decades, beginning with the delivery of their first device in 2005 for Air Evac Lifeteam, a GMR company. Since then, Frasca simulators have played a central role in preparing GMR's flight crews for the complex and high-stakes environments they encounter in emergency medical operations. With the delivery of these new devices, GMR will operate a total of 15 Frasca simulators, including seven Level 7 FTDs and eight Helicopter Training Devices (HTDs). "We are proud to continue our long-standing relationship with GMR, an organization that provides critical emergency medical services every day," said John Frasca, President of Frasca International. "These new devices will further enhance the realism and effectiveness of GMR's training, supporting the highest standards of safety and preparedness." GMR is one of the largest emergency medical service providers in the world with over 5.5 million patient care events annually. Its fleet includes 367 rotary-wing aircraft, 119 fixed-wing aircraft, 7,286 ambulances, and 382 air base locations across the United States. "Frasca devices have been essential in ensuring our pilots are ready for the challenges of emergency medical operations," said Josh Brannon, National Vice President, Aviation Operations, Global Medical Response. "As we expand training operations, the new FTDs will give our crews access to even more advanced training tools, ultimately benefitting the patients and communities we serve." The new FTDs will be available at GMR's Denton, Texas facility in alignment with the center's opening later this year. About Frasca International, Inc. Frasca, a FlightSafety International company, has been a global leader in flight simulation since 1958. With a commitment to innovation and pilot training excellence, Frasca delivers simulation solutions to airlines, training organizations, universities, and military customers worldwide. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260112451615/en/ Contacts: Media Contact FSI Press Fsipress@apcoworldwide.com Historic Digital Gathering Aims to Set a World Record While Advancing Education, Safety, and Legal Awareness MIAMI, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Remergify, Everest Networks, and Kanab.Club today announced The Great Smoke Out, a global online cannabis event designed to promote safe, legal, educational, and responsible cannabis use, while attempting to establish a world record for the largest number of participants engaging simultaneously in a legally compliant online cannabis experience. Scheduled for April 20, 2026 at 4:20 PM, The Great Smoke Out will bring together participants from jurisdictions where cannabis use is legal, using a secure online platform that emphasizes compliance, age verification, education, and harm-reduction best practices. Unlike traditional cannabis promotions, the event is explicitly modeled after how alcohol is responsibly marketed and consumed - with a focus on moderation, legality, informed choice, and adult participation. "Cannabis is no longer an underground activity - it's a regulated, multi-billion-dollar global industry," said a spokesperson for Remergify. "The Great Smoke Out is about normalizing responsible cannabis use, removing stigma, and demonstrating that education and compliance can scale globally." A Responsible Approach to a Global Industry Participants will have access to: Educational content on responsible use and local compliance Legal disclaimers and jurisdiction-based participation requirements Harm-reduction guidance similar to alcohol safety campaigns Community discussions focused on wellness, culture, and innovation The event will be hosted online by Kanab.Club, leveraging infrastructure developed by Everest Networks, with digital identity, content governance, and participation tracking supported by Remergify's Web3 and compliance-focused technologies. Not a Sales Event - An Awareness Initiative The Great Smoke Out is not a cannabis sales or distribution event. No cannabis will be sold, shipped, or provided through the platform. Participants are responsible for complying with all local laws and regulations. "This is about education and culture - not consumption pressure," said an Everest Networks representative. "Just as beer festivals evolved into responsible, regulated events, cannabis deserves the same maturity." Looking Ahead As global cannabis laws continue to evolve, The Great Smoke Out aims to serve as a model for future compliant digital cannabis events, providing regulators, industry leaders, and consumers with a blueprint for responsible engagement at scale. For participation details, legal requirements, and updates, visit https://Kanab.Club About Kanab.club Kanab.Club is a purpose-built social network and community platform for the legal cannabis ecosystem, designed to bring consumers, licensed businesses, content creators, cultivators, and industry professionals together in a compliance-aware digital space. The platform blends traditional social networking features - such as friend feeds, posts, groups, events, and live video - with tools tailored specifically for the cannabis community, including monetization options for creators, business dashboards with built-in compliance guardrails, tipping and subscription features, and e-commerce capabilities. Originally incubated as a niche cannabis social hub, Kanab.Club has been revitalized through a strategic partnership between Remergify and Everest Networks and is now in exclusive beta with plans to scale to a public launch and mobile apps, filling a long-standing gap in mainstream social platforms for the legal cannabis industry. About Remergify Remergify is the go-to partner for transforming dormant companies and undervalued assets into industry-leading powerhouses. With an extensive portfolio of ready-to-deploy intellectual property, brands, and technology, Remergify competes at the forefront of corporate revitalization. About Everest Networks Everest Networks delivers cutting-edge technology and compliance solutions tailored for the regulated cannabis industry. They build compliant social networks designed to educate and build safe communities. Media Contact: Stuart Fine stuart@remergify.com SOURCE: Remergify, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/publishing-and-media/remergify-everest-networks-and-kanab.club-announce-%22the-great-smoke-out%22-a-glo-1127474 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / As we reflect on the past year, the Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) would like to recognize and sincerely thank Nicolas Clerget, Global Director of Net Zero Carbon Strategy at HEINEKEN, for his outstanding leadership as BIER's 2025 Steering Committee Chair. Throughout his tenure, Nicolas brought an exceptional level of industry insight, strategic perspective, and deep engagement to BIER's leadership. He demonstrated a rare ability to see both the immediate realities facing the beverage sector and the longer-term shifts shaping its future. His perspective consistently helped the Steering Committee and broader membership think more clearly and ambitiously about what meaningful progress looks like. Nicolas was highly engaged with both the Steering Committee and the BIER team. He came to discussions well prepared, asked thoughtful, probing questions, and offered perspectives grounded in practical experience while remaining oriented toward long-term impact. He served as an invaluable sounding board, helping to pressure-test ideas, sharpen priorities, and ensure that conversations stayed focused on outcomes that matter. Under Nicolas's leadership, BIER advanced several vital initiatives that strengthened collaboration and extended the organization's reach. This included supporting the organization of the BIER European Summit in Sevilla, which fostered deeper dialogue across the industry and created space for engagement beyond BIER's core membership. Nicolas also encouraged outreach to non-BIER companies, helping broaden participation in industry platforms and reinforcing BIER's role as a convening forum for shared learning and collective action. Perhaps most notably, Nicolas brought a forward-thinking mindset to his role as Chair. He encouraged proactive dialogue around emerging issues and supported BIER's efforts to begin shaping its 2030 roadmap, emphasizing the importance of pairing long-term vision with concrete goals. His leadership helped ensure that strategic discussions remained grounded in execution, accountability, and real-world impact. Through his guidance, Nicolas helped foster a constructive, solutions-oriented culture within the Steering Committee, one where companies could engage candidly, align on priorities, and collaborate on shared challenges. His leadership reinforced BIER's role as a trusted forum where members can collectively raise the bar for environmental performance across the beverage sector. As BIER continues to build on nearly two decades of collaboration and impact, Nicolas's stewardship in 2025 has strengthened the organization and positioned it well for the work ahead. His commitment, insight, and leadership have left a lasting mark on BIER and its community. We are deeply grateful for Nicolas's time, dedication, and thoughtful leadership. Thank you, Nicolas, for your service as Chair and for the meaningful contributions you have made to advancing environmental sustainability across the beverage industry. The Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable (BIER) is a technical coalition of leading global beverage companies working together to advance environmental sustainability within the beverage sector. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/beverage-industry-environmental-roundtable Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Beverage Industry Environmental Roundtable View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/recognizing-nicolas-clerget-biers-2025-steering-committee-chair-1127478 FREMONT, CA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Exclusive Networks, a global leader in cybersecurity, achieved a significant milestone in its quest to address a significant and ongoing challenge for the IT community, onboarding its 100th student in its Exclusive Networks CyberFarm program. This structured skills development initiative began as an internal talent incubator in 2022 on the campus of California Polytechinc State University San Luis Obispo and has now expanded to support the recruitment and training needs of its solution provider and vendor communities. According to a recent GTIA study, nearly 40% of North American technology firms are concerned that the lack of skilled tech workers, particularly in fields like cloud computing, cybersecurity and AI, poses a significant challenge to the success of their businesses. Many small and mid-size solution providers and MSPs struggle to attract and retain talent in this highly competitive and labor-constrained market. The investments required to identify, recruit, train and manage a skilled workforce can make it more difficult for channel companies to not only scale their operations but take advantage of all the potential new business opportunities with the rising demand for cybersecurity and other innovative solutions. Collaboration between the IT industry and academia can help minimize, if not resolve this critical talent shortage, and Exclusive Networks North America has been leading by example through the Exclusive Networks CyberFarm initiative with Cal Poly SLO. More than a mentorship or educational partnership: Exclusive Networks CyberFarm is a comprehensive and immersive on-the-job training program that ensures each student has the skills and experience to succeed in the tech industry during their college career and after graduation. Solution providers and vendors can select from a pool of pre-qualified candidates and collaborate with Exclusive Networks to develop a specific onboarding, training and, when applicable, certification plan. The Cal Poly engineering program ranks among the highest in North America along with its renowned business school, providing Exclusive Networks and participating companies with access to a broad knowledge base and skill set. Each student is employed by Exclusive Networks and works at least 20 hours a week in a well-paid position that aligns with their career aspirations and educational pursuits. Those functional areas include technical, presales, BDR, finance, operations, and marketing. Exclusive Networks also provides support to program participants to locate job opportunities in the technology industry after graduation. That final piece differentiates Exclusive Networks CyberFarm from other programs, transitioning participants from hands-on student training to meaningful roles in the industry. "Exclusive Networks CyberFarm is a unique talent incubation program designed to address the cybersecurity talent shortage using a collaborative approach that limits risks for solution providers and vendors," says Jason Beal, President of Exclusive Networks North America. "Partners identify needs and work with our team to ensure the selected students receive the right training and support to excel in a real-world business environment. As a leader in cybersecurity, Exclusive Networks understands the struggles of this community and we are developing solutions to help our partners overcome some of their biggest challenges, and this critical talent shortage sits at the top of that list." That commitment started more than three years ago when Exclusive Networks established its North American SLO campus in Cal Poly Technology Park. This office houses the on-site HR and business management teams to support this much needed and rapidly expanding talent development venture. The program expanded from three participants in the first year to approximately three dozen students at varying stages of their academic careers today, including those pursuing advanced computer science, engineering, marketing, and business degrees. Exclusive Networks is now celebrating its 100 students currently enrolled or who have completed the program since its inception, with 98% of participants placed in IT-related positions. A Solution Provider's Perspective The cybersecurity talent shortage is especially difficult for MSPs, VARs and SIs that are competing with a host of larger competitors and companies with much deeper pockets to land these highly skilled workers. Hiring and developing from within is typically the most cost-effective route. However, training and retaining cybersecurity professionals requires time, financial investments and other resources many solution providers simply do not possess. "As MSPs, we constantly recruit to ensure we have the talent to grow the business, but we don't have the same size budgets as manufacturers and other large businesses, so bringing on new employees is riskier, especially when they know little about managed services" said?Don Wisdom, President of Datalink Networks Inc. "Some applicants may have knowledge and experience with firewalls, networking or even security, but relatively few truly understand what our companies do, and more tenured professionals are typically less willing to adapt to our business model. Exclusive Networks has people who can train, guide and mentor, and provide structure to the students we select." Datalink Networks has several program participants working with different business units across the country, from its California headquarters to Arkansas and other locations, contributing in a variety of ways to ensure the organization's overall success. "One of the Cal Poly Exclusive Networks CyberFarm students joined our SOC team, but he is also gaining experience on the help desk and learning other foundational skills that are crucial to cybersecurity and managed services operations,' added Wisdom. "We recently onboarded our first marketing intern through the program and we are planning to add business development representatives, which will serve as a training ground for new account managers." Contact Exclusive Networks North America for more information on the Exclusive Networks CyberFarm program or to learn more about our comprehensive cybersecurity services and support offerings. About Exclusive Networks Exclusive Networks is a global cybersecurity go-to-market specialist that provides partners and end-customers with a wide range of services and product portfolios via proven routes to market. With offices in over 45 countries and the ability to serve customers in over 170 countries, we combine a local perspective with the scale and delivery of a single global organization. Our best-in-class vendor portfolio is carefully curated with all leading industry players. Our services range from managed security to specialist technical accreditation and training and capitalize on rapidly evolving technologies and changing business models. For more information visit https://www.exclusive-networks.com/usa/ .? FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Suzanne Mattaboni CommCentric (on behalf of Exclusive Networks)? smattaboni@commcentric.com SOURCE: Exclusive Networks View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/exclusive-networks-cyberfarm-addresses-north-american-technology-1126998 Yunnan's Nakeli Village becomes popular winter travel destination Xinhua) 09:36, January 15, 2026 A tourist buys local food at a stall in Nakeli Village, in Hani and Yi Autonomous County of Ning'er, Pu'er City, southwest China's Yunnan Province on Jan. 14, 2026. The village of Nakeli, previously witnessed boisterous camel caravans carrying sacks of tea leaves while winding through ancient China's vast western area all the way to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Today, the village has become a popular winter travel destination for tourists, thanks to its unique Tea Horse Road culture and pleasant climate. Besides visiting historical sites, tourists can also immerse themselves in activities such as making Pu'er tea products, retracing ancient paths on horseback, and tasting intangible cultural heritage cuisine. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) Villagers make Pu'er tea beverage at their tea store in Nakeli Village, in Hani and Yi Autonomous County of Ning'er, Pu'er City, southwest China's Yunnan Province on Jan. 14, 2026. The village of Nakeli, previously witnessed boisterous camel caravans carrying sacks of tea leaves while winding through ancient China's vast western area all the way to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Today, the village has become a popular winter travel destination for tourists, thanks to its unique Tea Horse Road culture and pleasant climate. Besides visiting historical sites, tourists can also immerse themselves in activities such as making Pu'er tea products, retracing ancient paths on horseback, and tasting intangible cultural heritage cuisine. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) Tourists ride a horse in Nakeli Village, in Hani and Yi Autonomous County of Ning'er, Pu'er City, southwest China's Yunnan Province on Jan. 14, 2026. The village of Nakeli, previously witnessed boisterous camel caravans carrying sacks of tea leaves while winding through ancient China's vast western area all the way to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Today, the village has become a popular winter travel destination for tourists, thanks to its unique Tea Horse Road culture and pleasant climate. Besides visiting historical sites, tourists can also immerse themselves in activities such as making Pu'er tea products, retracing ancient paths on horseback, and tasting intangible cultural heritage cuisine. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) This photo taken on Jan. 14, 2026 shows Pu'er tea products in Nakeli Village, in Hani and Yi Autonomous County of Ning'er, Pu'er City, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The village of Nakeli, previously witnessed boisterous camel caravans carrying sacks of tea leaves while winding through ancient China's vast western area all the way to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Today, the village has become a popular winter travel destination for tourists, thanks to its unique Tea Horse Road culture and pleasant climate. Besides visiting historical sites, tourists can also immerse themselves in activities such as making Pu'er tea products, retracing ancient paths on horseback, and tasting intangible cultural heritage cuisine. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) Tourists visit Nakeli Village, in Hani and Yi Autonomous County of Ning'er, Pu'er City, southwest China's Yunnan Province on Jan. 14, 2026. The village of Nakeli, previously witnessed boisterous camel caravans carrying sacks of tea leaves while winding through ancient China's vast western area all the way to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Today, the village has become a popular winter travel destination for tourists, thanks to its unique Tea Horse Road culture and pleasant climate. Besides visiting historical sites, tourists can also immerse themselves in activities such as making Pu'er tea products, retracing ancient paths on horseback, and tasting intangible cultural heritage cuisine. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) A drone photo taken on Jan. 14, 2026 shows a view of Nakeli Village, in Hani and Yi Autonomous County of Ning'er, Pu'er City, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The village of Nakeli, previously witnessed boisterous camel caravans carrying sacks of tea leaves while winding through ancient China's vast western area all the way to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Today, the village has become a popular winter travel destination for tourists, thanks to its unique Tea Horse Road culture and pleasant climate. Besides visiting historical sites, tourists can also immerse themselves in activities such as making Pu'er tea products, retracing ancient paths on horseback, and tasting intangible cultural heritage cuisine. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) FARMINGTON, CT / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Otis (NYSE:OTIS), the world's leading company for elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation and service, is making its successful Little Engineers program available everywhere the company does business. What is Little Engineers? Little Engineers is a hands-on, elevator-focused STEM education initiative designed to teach young students about the technology, safety and history of the elevator and escalator industry. Originally launched in Hong Kong SAR, more than 800 students across Greater China and the Asia Pacific regions have engaged in the Little Engineers program. Where is it expanding? Now, Otis is expanding the program globally, strengthening community engagement by empowering Otis colleagues to serve as Little Engineers volunteers, and motivating students to explore STEM fields early. The program recently expanded to the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, Otis volunteers partnered with the Jeddah Orphans Association to deliver meaningful STEM experiences to young learners. And in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, volunteers led 50 students through the program at Sharjah Indian School. What do the students do? Through interactive lessons, hands-on projects and virtual adventures, primary school students can explore the science behind elevators and escalators, learn about vertical mobility technologies, and build mini elevators and pulley systems. Why is it important? The global expansion of Little Engineers supports Otis' commitment to inspire youth around the world to become part of our dynamic industry, while reinforcing its dedication to safety, innovation, and community engagement. "This global expansion reflects Otis' commitment to engaging meaningfully in the communities we serve. Through initiatives like Little Engineers, we're helping young people discover the excitement of STEM, gain a basic understanding of elevator systems and core technology and learn and practice safe-riding tips," said Matt Turner, Vice President of Social Impact at Otis. "Programs like Little Engineers also allow us to introduce students to the human side of engineering - its creativity and real-world impact. It's a way to spark interest early and share the passion that drives so many of our engineers today." How does Little Engineers compare with other Otis Social Impact programs? Little Engineers complements Otis' flagship social impact program, Made to Move Communities. While Made to Move Communities focuses on students ages 14 and older with innovation-driven problem solving, Little Engineers engages younger learners through hands-on exploration. To learn more about the Little Engineers program and how Otis is investing in the future of vertical mobility, visit https://www.otis.com/en/us/our-company/social-impact. About Otis Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation and servicing of elevators and escalators, we move 2.4 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.4 million customer units worldwide - the industry's largest Service portfolio. You'll find us in the world's most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 44,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook @OtisElevatorCo. Hands-on learning initiative aims to inspire the next generation of innovators View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Otis Worldwide Corporation on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Otis Worldwide Corporation Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/otis-worldwide-corporation Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Otis Worldwide Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/otis-expands-little-engineers-stem-program-globally-1127493 Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSXV: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) ("Ucore" or the "Company") today expressed support for President Trump's recent initiatives under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act aimed at strengthening secure, domestic, and allied supply chains for processed critical minerals, including rare earth elements. Ucore believes these actions reinforce a growing policy consensus that processing capacity-not mining alone-represents the critical chokepoint in rare earth and critical minerals supply chains, and that long-term resilience requires domestic and allied separation, refining, and downstream capabilities. In his January 14 Proclamation entitled "Adjusting Imports of Processed Critical Minerals and their Derivative Products into the United States", President Trump noted, "In fact, although the United States is the second largest producer of mined, unprocessed rare earth oxides in the world, the United States' limited processing capacity still requires rare earth oxides to be exported for further refining and processing before being reimported for domestic use." "Mining a mineral domestically does not safeguard the national security of the United States if the United States remains dependent on a foreign country for the processing of that mineral." The Company's strategy is centered on establishing U.S.-based rare earth processing infrastructure using feedstock sourced from allied jurisdictions. Ucore's Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex, utilizing its proprietary RapidSX rare earth separation technology, is being developed to provide scalable, modular processing capacity-particularly for heavy rare earth elements essential to permanent magnets, defense systems, and advanced energy technologies. RapidSX has been engineered to support policy-driven supply chain objectives, including: Significantly accelerated separation timelines compared to conventional solvent extraction, supporting faster domestic deployment compared to conventional solvent extraction, supporting faster domestic deployment Modular, repeatable system architecture designed for rapid scaling as demand and policy frameworks evolve designed for rapid scaling as demand and policy frameworks evolve Reduced physical footprint and lower reagent inventories , supporting improved environmental and permitting outcomes , supporting improved environmental and permitting outcomes Independent of Chinese sourced equipment , relying solely on North American and allied-nation suppliers. , relying solely on North American and allied-nation suppliers. DPAS (Defense Priorities & Allocations System) Status, dictating that rated purchase orders must be prioritized by participating suppliers to meet national defense preparedness requirements. Ucore notes that the Section 232 framework places increasing emphasis on processed materials and derivative products, signaling that export-and-reimport supply models remain exposed to future trade actions. In contrast, vertically integrated and allied-nation processing strategies are expected to benefit from emerging trade, pricing, and industrial policy mechanisms. "Critical minerals security requires domestic processing capability that can be deployed quickly, scaled efficiently, and operated responsibly. RapidSX was developed with those exact objectives in mind, and we believe Ucore is well positioned to support the next phase of U.S. and allied supply chain development." said Pat Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Ucore Rare Metals Inc. "Ucore applauds the leadership of the Trump Administration and their efforts to secure the rare earth supply chain for national security and U.S. economic needs. We look forward to partnering with them in this effort." # # # About Ucore Rare Metals Inc. Ucore is focused on rare- and critical-metal resources, extraction, beneficiation, and separation technologies with the potential for production, growth, and scalability. Ucore's vision and plan is to become a leading advanced technology company, providing best-in-class metal separation products and services to the mining and mineral extraction industry. Through strategic partnerships, this plan includes disrupting the People's Republic of China's control of the North American REE supply chain through the near-term development of a heavy and light rare-earth processing facility in the US State of Louisiana, subsequent SMCs in Canada and Alaska and the longer-term development of Ucore's 100% controlled Bokan-Dotson Ridge Rare Heavy REE Project on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, USA ("Bokan"). Ucore is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol "UCU" and in the United States on the OTC Markets' OTCQX Best Market under the ticker symbol "UURAF." For further information, please visit www.ucore.com. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release (other than statements of historical facts) that address future business development, technological development and/or acquisition activities (including any related required financings), timelines, events, or developments that the Company is pursuing are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance or results, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Regarding the disclosure in the press release above about government support for Ucore, the Company has assumed that the applicable projects (including each of the associated milestones) will be completed satisfactorily and in accordance with the respective agreements or letters of intent (as applicable) for such government support. For additional risks and uncertainties regarding the Company, its business activities, its ability to qualify for and receive any additional funding from any U.S. or Canadian government, the CDF and the aforementioned projects (generally), see the risk disclosure in the Company's MD&A for Q3-2025 (filed on SEDAR+ on November 25, 2025) (www.sedarplus.ca) as well as the risks described below. Regarding the disclosure above in the "About Ucore Rare Metals Inc." section, the Company has assumed that it will be able to procure or retain additional partners and/or suppliers, in addition to Innovation Metals Corp. ("IMC"), as suppliers for Ucore's expected future SMCs. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be found to continue and complete the ongoing research and development work required at the CDF and also later prepare a new National Instrument 43-101 technical report that demonstrates that Bokan is feasible and economically viable for the production of both REE and co-product metals and the then prevailing market prices based upon assumed customer offtake agreements. Ucore has also assumed that sufficient external funding will be secured to continue the development of the specific engineering plans for the SMCs and their construction and eventual commissioning and operations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, without limitation: IMC failing to protect its intellectual property rights in RapidSX RapidSX failing to demonstrate commercial viability in large commercial-scale applications; Ucore not being able to procure additional key partners or suppliers for the SMCs; Ucore not being able to raise sufficient funds to fund the specific design and construction of the SMCs and/or the continued development of RapidSX adverse capital-market conditions; unexpected due-diligence findings; the emergence of alternative superior metallurgy and metal-separation technologies; the inability of Ucore and/or IMC to retain its key staff members; a change in the legislation in Louisiana or Alaska and/or in the support expressed by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) regarding the development of Bokan; the availability and procurement of any required interim and/or long-term financing that may be required; and general economic, market or business conditions. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined by the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. CONTACTS Mr. Michael Schrider, P.E., Ucore Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for the content of this news release and may be contacted at 1.902.482.5214. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280523 Source: Ucore Rare Metals Inc. Strong operations and guidance raised - business development supports growth The interim financial statements of Hagar hf. for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year were approved by the company's Board of Directors and CEO at a board meeting held on 15 January 2026. The statements cover the period from 1 March to 30 November 2025. The interim financial statements include the consolidated accounts of the company and its subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The statements have neither been reviewed nor audited by the company's auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers ehf. Key figures* Sales in Q3 amounted to 49,068 m.ISK (12.4% increase from Q3 2024/25). Sales in 9M amounted to 149,000 m.ISK (10.9% growth from 9M 2024/25). [Q3 2024/25: 43,659 m.ISK, 9M 2024/25: 134,305 m.ISK] in Q3 amounted to 49,068 m.ISK (12.4% increase from Q3 2024/25). Sales in 9M amounted to 149,000 m.ISK (10.9% growth from 9M 2024/25). [Q3 2024/25: 43,659 m.ISK, 9M 2024/25: 134,305 m.ISK] Gross profit Q3 amounted to 12,335 m.ISK (25.1%) and 36,828 m.ISK (24.7%) for 9M. [Q3 2024/25: 9,885 m.ISK (22.6%), 9M 2024/25: 29,596 m.ISK (22.0%)] Q3 amounted to 12,335 m.ISK (25.1%) and 36,828 m.ISK (24.7%) for 9M. [Q3 2024/25: 9,885 m.ISK (22.6%), 9M 2024/25: 29,596 m.ISK (22.0%)] Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) Q3 amounted to 4,566 m.ISK or 9.3% of sales. EBITDA 9M amounted to 14,097 m.ISK or 9.5% of sales. [Q3 2024/25: 3,653 m.ISK (8.4%), 9M 2024/25: 10,881 m.ISK (8.1%)] Q3 amounted to 4,566 m.ISK or 9.3% of sales. EBITDA 9M amounted to 14,097 m.ISK or 9.5% of sales. [Q3 2024/25: 3,653 m.ISK (8.4%), 9M 2024/25: 10,881 m.ISK (8.1%)] Profit for Q3 amounted to 1,692 m.ISK or 3.4% of sales. Profit for 9M amounted to 5,413 m.ISK or 3.6% of sales. [Q3 2024/25: 1,391 m.ISK (3.2%), 9M 2024/25: 3,964 m.ISK (3.0%)] for Q3 amounted to 1,692 m.ISK or 3.4% of sales. Profit for 9M amounted to 5,413 m.ISK or 3.6% of sales. [Q3 2024/25: 1,391 m.ISK (3.2%), 9M 2024/25: 3,964 m.ISK (3.0%)] Comprehensive income for Q3 amounted to 2,264 m.ISK and 5,905 m.ISK for 9M. [Q3 2024/25: 1,391 m.ISK, 9M 2024/25: 3,964] for Q3 amounted to 2,264 m.ISK and 5,905 m.ISK for 9M. [Q3 2024/25: 1,391 m.ISK, 9M 2024/25: 3,964] Basic earnings per share in Q3 were 1.55 ISK and 4.94 ISK for 9M. [Q3 2024/25: 1.29 ISK, 9M 2024/25: 3.66 ISK]. Diluted earnings per share in Q3 were 1.29 ISK and 4.28 ISK for 9M. [Q3 2024/25: 1.26 ISK, 9M 2024/25: 3.59 ISK] in Q3 were 1.55 ISK and 4.94 ISK for 9M. [Q3 2024/25: 1.29 ISK, 9M 2024/25: 3.66 ISK]. in Q3 were 1.29 ISK and 4.28 ISK for 9M. [Q3 2024/25: 1.26 ISK, 9M 2024/25: 3.59 ISK] Equity amounted to 41,380 m.ISK at the end of the period and equity ratio was 34.8%. [Year end 2024/25: 38,489 m.ISK and 36.6%] amounted to 41,380 m.ISK at the end of the period and was 34.8%. [Year end 2024/25: 38,489 m.ISK and 36.6%] Management's guidance for the financial year 2025/26 was increased in connection with the publication of Q3 and assumes that EBITDA will be 17,600-18,100 m.ISK. *SMS became part of Hagar Group in Q4 2024/25 and therefore the impact is not reflected in the previous year's comparative figures. Operational highlights The third quarter delivered strong results, with solid performance across all business segments. with solid performance across all business segments. The gross margin reached 25.1%, an increase of 2.5 percentage points in the quarter - excluding SMS, the gross margin was 24.2%. an of 2.5 percentage points in the quarter - excluding SMS, the gross margin was 24.2%. Customer visits to grocery stores in Iceland increased by nearly 5% during the quarter. The number of units sold also grew , by just under 3% over the same period. by nearly 5% during the quarter. The , by just under 3% over the same period. Fuel sales volume decreased by 10% in the quarter - retail fuel sales remained solid, while total volume decreased due to lower sales of jet fuel and volume shifts between periods. by 10% in the quarter - due to lower sales of jet fuel and volume shifts between periods. Customer visits at SMS in the Faroe Islands increased by 2.5% during the quarter. in the Faroe Islands increased by 2.5% during the quarter. In mid-November, SMS opened a new 3,000 m 2 retail center in Runavik in the Faroe Islands , adding to Hagar's property portfolio, which now totals around 65,000 m 2 - , adding to Hagar's - During the quarter, preparations were completed for Hagar's new loyalty program, Takk, which launched on 14 January - Takk is expected to enhance customer value, service, and overall experience - which launched on - Takk is expected to - Hagar has established a new centralized operating unit, Hagar Media , leveraging the Group's strong infrastructure to distribute third-party information to customers. , leveraging the Group's third-party to customers. Hagkaup began a partnership with Wolt for grocery ordering and home delivery within less than one hour from stores in the Reykjavik area and Akureyri. Finnur Oddsson, CEO: Hagar's operations are performing well across the board, as reflected in the results for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, which were slightly above forecasts. Product sales in the Group amounted to ISK 49.1 billion and increased by 12.4%, and performance strengthened compared to previous year; EBITDA amounted to ISK 4,566 million and profit to ISK 1,692 million, representing a meaningful increase from last year. Comparisons between periods are affected by the inclusion of SMS in the Faroe Islands in the Group's consolidated results, as SMS was not part of the Group in the prior year. Revenue from Stores and Warehouses - Iceland amounted to just over ISK 33.7 billion, representing an increase of just under 8% compared to last year, and EBITDA amounted to around ISK 3.0 billion and strengthened as well. The number of customers visiting grocery stores and the number of units sold continued to grow. Bonus is at the forefront in this respect, with strong sales growth driven by the above-mentioned increase in units sold and customers seeking value and convenient grocery shopping, along with a broader assortment of fruit and vegetables, health products, and ready-made and time-saving meals. The number of Bonus stores offering "Gripi & Greitt" self-scan continues to increase and "Odyrast vikunnar i Bonus" (e. Value of the Week in Bonus) grows in strength and saves customers tens of millions of ISK per month. As before, there is a strong emphasis on limiting price increases, and around half of the product range in stores has remained unchanged or decreased in price compared to the same time last year. At Hagkaup, volumes have also increased in a quarter that is typically busy as November has become one of the largest retail months of the year. Theme days, including those related to health and Italian cuisine, were well attended, and online sales continue to increase significantly, especially in November with numerous promotional days. Hagkaup's new service in partnership with Wolt has been well received, giving customers access to Hagkaup's wide assortment online with home delivery within an hour. Operations at Afong and Bananar performed well, in line with increased volume in stores, as did Zara, Eldum rett and Storkaup. Operations at Olis performed well, despite a decline in revenue, which amounted to ISK 11.8 billion. The number of liters sold to industries decreased, mainly due to lower sales of jet fuel and volume shifts between periods. Olis' results were similar to last year, with strong performance driven by improved operational efficiencies achieved in recent quarters, increased revenue from general goods sales, foodservice, and new services such as home delivery with Wolt and well-attended Glans car wash stations. A new Glans location was recently opened at Bjarlind in Kopavogur. Our business in the Faroe Islands, SMS, is performing well and results are slightly above forecasts. A new SMS retail center was opened in November, where the company operates two stores and a restaurant as well as leasing retail space to a third party. The property, located in Runavik, is added to Hagar's property portfolio, which now totals around 65,000 m. SMS revenue in the quarter amounted to just over ISK 3.7 billion, and the overall outlook for operations is positive. In recent quarters, both a technological and knowledge foundation has been laid to build new solutions that enhance customer service and/or create new revenue streams within Hagar's operations. Among these projects is Hagar's loyalty program, which was formally launched on January 14 under the name Takk (e. Thank you). Takk is a loyalty program, in a new app, that offers customers better terms, attractive benefits and new services. Customers earn "Takk kronur" when they buy selected products at Bonus, Hagkaup and Eldum rett and can redeem them again in Bonus and Hagkaup stores nationwide. In addition, the Takk app provides access to a wide range of events, games, new services and attractive offers from partners such as Glans, Grill 66 and Lemon. Going forward, Takk will be used as a platform to build further new services for Hagar's customers. As part of business development within the Group, a new operating unit has been established, "Hagar Milar" (e. Hagar Media), whose role is to leverage the Hagar's diverse infrastructure to distribute advertising, information and engaging content from third parties to customers, both in stores and online. This is a new business unit at Hagar, but retail media has been in rapid growth internationally, as point-of-sale media is both more targeted and more effective than traditional advertising channels. Hagar Media will create a new revenue stream built on underutilized infrastructure within Hagar, while also enhancing customer service through more effective information sharing and improved experience. Construction has commenced on new facilities for Eldum rett and Ferskar kjotvorur at Alfabakki 2, with operations expected to relocate in the autumn of 2026. The new facilities will provide improved efficiency of production and create a range of opportunities to expand the companies' product offerings. Hagar's operations continue to perform well, and we are pleased with both the results of all operating units and the new strategic initiatives that point to future revenue streams. As before, it is the outstanding team of employees at Hagar and its subsidiaries who deserve the credit for the strong results and the company's current position, strong financial standing and the fact that operating performance of the main units is above forecasts. For this reason, and following strong trading in December, the earnings forecast has been updated and EBITDA for the year is expected to be in the range of ISK 17,600 - 18,100 million. The outlook for Hagar's operations remains positive. Presentation meeting on Friday, 16 January 2026 A presentation meeting for investors and market participants will be held at Nautholl, Nautholsvegur 106, Reykjavik, on Friday, 16 January 2026, at 8:30 a.m. At the meeting, Finnur Oddsson, CEO, and Gurun Eva Gunnarsdottir, CFO, will present the company's operations and financial performance and answer questions. The meeting will also be live-streamed, and registration for the stream is available at: https://www.hagar.is/skraning. Questions related to the financial results can be sent to the email address fjarfestakynning@hagar.is and will be answered as possible at the end of the meeting. Presentation materials will be available in Icelandic on Hagar's website, www.hagar.is, at the start of the meeting. Presentation materials will be made available in English no later than 19 January at https://www.hagar.is/en/. For further information, please contact Finnur Oddsson, CEO (fo@hagar.is), and Gurun Eva Gunnarsdottir, CFO (geg@hagar.is), by telephone 530-5500 or email. Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC - Result of AGM PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, January 15 15 January 2026 Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC (the "Company") Result of Annual General Meeting The Board is pleased to announce that at the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on Thursday, 15 January 2026, all resolutions as detailed below were duly passed by shareholders on a poll. Resolutions Votes For % Votes Against % Total Votes Cast Votes Withheld 1. To receive the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2025. 42,203,654 99.80 82,619 0.20 42,286,273 592,387 2. To re-elect James Ashton as a Director of the Company. 41,874,591 99.32 285,598 0.68 42,160,189 718,471 3. To re-elect Kate Cornish-Bowden as a Director of the Company. 41,905,512 99.40 252,210 0.60 42,157,722 720,938 4. To re-elect Sandra Kelly as a Director of the Company. 41,905,700 99.40 252,272 0.60 42,157,972 720,688 5. To re-elect Pars Purewal as a Director of the Company. 41,908,380 99.35 272,566 0.65 42,180,946 697,714 6. To re-elect Lorna Tilbian as a Director of the Company. 41,865,071 99.31 292,901 0.69 42,157,972 720,688 7. To receive and approve the Directors' Remuneration Report for the year ended 30 September 2025. 41,787,262 99.14 360,517 0.86 42,147,779 730,881 8. To receive and approve the Directors' Remuneration Policy. 41,791,916 99.12 372,966 0.88 42,164,882 713,778 9. To appoint Deloitte LLP as Auditor to the Company, to hold office from the conclusion of this meeting until the conclusion of the next general meeting at which financial statements are laid before the Company. 42,007,991 99.57 179,492 0.43 42,187,483 691,177 10. To authorise the Audit Committee to determine the remuneration of the Auditor of the Company. 42,098,719 99.77 97,257 0.23 42,195,976 682,684 11. To receive and approve the Company's Dividend Policy, as set out in the Annual Report. 42,088,797 99.66 145,281 0.34 42,234,078 642,254 12. To approve the Company continuation in its present form as an investment trust, in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association. 41,538,064 97.19 1,203,126 2.81 42,741,190 141,957 13. To allot securities in the Company. 41,949,818 99.42 243,873 0.58 42,193,691 678,648 14#. To disapply the rights of pre-emption in relation to the allotment of securities. 41,913,817 99.36 270,977 0.64 42,184,794 691,538 15#. To disapply pre-emption rights on the sale of Treasury Shares and to sell Treasury Shares at a premium to the net asset value per share. 42,027,705 99.62 158,939 0.38 42,186,644 689,688 16#. To authorise the Company to make market purchases of Ordinary shares in the Company. 40,699,242 96.43 1,506,466 3.57 42,205,708 670,624 17#. That the Directors be permitted to call General Meetings (excluding the AGM) on not less than 14 clear days' notice. 42,010,617 99.51 206,616 0.49 42,217,233 659,604 # - Special Resolution A vote Withheld is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the proportion of votes "For" and "Against" a resolution. Notes: Any proxy votes which are at the discretion of the Chairman have been included in the "for" total. A vote withheld is not a vote in law and is not counted in the votes for or against a resolution. As at the date of the Annual General Meeting, the total number of voting rights in the Company was 117,508,631. The Company had 107,482,672 ordinary shares held in Treasury. In accordance with UK Listing Rule 6.4.2 and UK Listing Rule 6.4.3, the full text of the special business resolutions passed has been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at: https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism . Resolutions 12 to 17 will additionally be filed at Companies House. Terms not otherwise defined in this announcement have the meaning given to them in the Notice of Meeting. For further information, please contact: BROOKLYN, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / IEH Corporation (OTC:IEHC) announced today that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dismissed the Division of Enforcement's proceeding seeking revocation of the registration of IEHC's securities. Dave Offerman, President and CEO of IEH Corporation commented, "It is incredibly gratifying and validating to have this matter dismissed. The SEC has recognized that although we were late in filing several periodic reports, we rectified the issues that led to the delinquencies and have been current since November 2023. We are very pleased to finally have this matter behind us and will immediately commence efforts to uplist our stock to a platform that allows for greater liquidity, shareholder visibility and investment opportunities. As our business continues to grow, we welcome this latest positive development and look forward to sharing more good news in the months and years ahead." A copy of the Opinion of the SEC in SEC Administrative Proceeding File No. 3-20973 will be attached as an exhibit to Form 8-K which will be filed by IEH. The Opinion can also be located at https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/opinions/2026/34-104601.pdf About IEH Corporation For over 80 years and 4 generations of family-run management, IEH Corporation has designed, developed, and manufactured printed circuit board (PCB) connectors, custom interconnects and contacts for high performance applications. With its signature Hyperboloid technology, IEH supplies the most durable, reliable connectors for the most demanding environments. The Company markets primarily to companies in defense, aerospace, medical, space and industrial applications, in the United States, Canada, Europe, Southeast and Central Asia and the Mideast. The Company was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Certain statements contained in this press release, and in related comments by the Company's management, include "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation, statements or expectations regarding our financial condition, statements or expectations regarding our revenues, cash and backlog, expectations regarding future cash requirements, revenue and revenue recovery, including for fiscal year 2026 and beyond are forward-looking statements. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "will," "may," "would," "should," "could," or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made on its current expectations and projections about future events. The Company believes these judgments are reasonable, but you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company's actual performance or results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors beyond our control. Among other items, such factors could include: our ability to reduce costs or increase revenue; changes in the macroeconomic environment or in the finances of our customers; changes in accounting principles, or their application or interpretation, and our ability to make accurate estimates and the assumptions underlying the estimates; our ability to attract and retain key employees and key resources; and other risk factors discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 12, 2025, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in our filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, we do not undertake or intend to update or revise our forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. Thus, you should not assume that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures we make in our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our business. Contact: Dave Offerman IEH Corporation dave@iehcorp.com 718-492-4448 SOURCE: IEH Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/aerospace-and-defense/sec-dismisses-proceeding-against-ieh-corporation-1127523 The Forum activates its vast data stores through Agentforce 360, enabling a level of preparation and decision-making for its over 3,000 attendees previously unachievable by human processing alone Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the world's #1 CRM, today announced the activation of the World Economic Forum's institutional knowledge powered by Agentforce 360 to support over 3,000 of the world's most influential leaders at the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. The Forum has launched a new proactive, high-precision concierge app, "EVA," built on the Agentforce 360 Platform, Salesforce's agentic platform. EVA will empower attendees to move beyond traditional information access, with an AI agent that doesn't just answer questions, but can reason, prioritize, and act on a leader's behalf for the 2026 Annual Meeting. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115571119/en/ Scheduled for January 19-23 in Davos, Switzerland, this year's event is set to be the largest meeting in the organization's history. With over 450 high-impact sessions and thousands of specialized interactions, the gap between available insight and the speed and ability to take action can be wide. By reasoning within the context of more than a decade of the World Economic Forum's trusted institutional data, EVA acts as a force multiplier for attendees. It moves beyond chatbots and traditional FAQs, serving as a unified interface to help leaders navigate the physical event space, manage personal agendas, and facilitate networking. Using Agentforce 360, the new app brings together AI agents, data, and people on one trusted platform to help elevate every attendee's experience. EVA reduces manual tasks by recommending high-impact sessions, scheduling bilaterals, and generating comprehensive briefing documents in seconds. This turns what once required extensive preparation into instant, actionable intelligence. "As we power the largest Davos ever, we're excited for every attendee to experience what it means to have an AI agent working alongside them and how Agentforce elevates what people and organizations can achieve," said Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO of Salesforce. "EVA, powered by Agentforce 360, is far more than a chatbot. It's an agentic concierge, grounded in trusted data, that helps leaders move faster, prepare better, and take action. This is the Agentic Enterprise coming to life." "We are deploying AI agents to support our staff in the event preparation, and to augment the experience for our participants," said Brge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum. "We aren't just optimising agendas; we are unlocking the full depth of the World Economic Forum's institutional knowledge and putting it directly into the hands of every single attendee." Precision Planning: The Agent-Powered Concierge For the 56th Annual Meeting, members can now use EVA to: Personalize Schedules: Recommend, book, reschedule, or cancel bilaterals and sessions on behalf of attendees. Recommend, book, reschedule, or cancel bilaterals and sessions on behalf of attendees. Navigate the Campus: Provide turn-by-turn navigation by connecting to event maps and wayfinding features. Provide turn-by-turn navigation by connecting to event maps and wayfinding features. Prepare for Bilaterals: Create briefs with background details from the full World Economic Forum database on upcoming bilaterals and sessions, empowering participants to be as prepared as possible as they move through their day with the right information, in an easily digestible format created by the agent. The Agentic Enterprise in Action To reason and take action, the Agentforce 360 Platform pulls from Data 360, Salesforce's hyperscale data engine, Agentforce Marketing, and the World Economic Forum's event-specific knowledge articles to provide instant, contextual support. Data 360 hosts more than 500 custom objects from Salesforce CRM, forming Agentforce's centralized knowledge base for resolving FAQs autonomously. The deployment, led by Salesforce's forward deployed engineering team, is part of a broader infrastructure that powers the Annual Meeting and additional events the Forum hosts throughout the year: Personalized Support: Agentforce Service powers customer support across web and mobile, including omnichannel assistance, advanced case management, and portals such as UpLink, the Forum's open innovation platform. Agentforce Marketing handles outreach and engagement by enabling personalized, multi-channel communications, event invitations, user journeys, and community engagement at scale. Agentforce Service powers customer support across web and mobile, including omnichannel assistance, advanced case management, and portals such as UpLink, the Forum's open innovation platform. Agentforce Marketing handles outreach and engagement by enabling personalized, multi-channel communications, event invitations, user journeys, and community engagement at scale. Connecting Data: MuleSoft securely connects the Forum's Salesforce CRM to their third-party finance, HR, travel, and operations systems. MuleSoft securely connects the Forum's Salesforce CRM to their third-party finance, HR, travel, and operations systems. Actionable Insights: Tableau transforms this data into actionable insights, tracking engagement, participation, and account activity across initiatives. Looking ahead, the Forum plans to scale Agentforce 360 by simplifying membership registration and case management, solidifying its position as an Agentic Enterprise one that delivers high-touch, personalized experiences at scale without increasing manual workload for staff or attendees. About Salesforce Salesforce helps organizations of any size become Agentic Enterprises integrating humans, agents, apps, and data on a trusted, unified platform to unlock unprecedented growth and innovation. Visit www.salesforce.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115571119/en/ Contacts: PR Contact: pr@salesforce.com Alstom will manufacture 70 state-of-the-art, six-car Metropolis metro trains for the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) The agreement, valued at 2.3 billion CAD (approx. 1.4 billion euros), includes New Subway Trains to replace the fleet on Toronto's Line 2 as well as to serve on subway extension projects The new trains will be designed and engineered in Canada, with final assembly in Thunder Bay (Ontario) and testing in Kingston (Ontario), creating up to 945 direct jobs in the country. 15 January 2026 - Alstom, global leader and Canada's national champion in smart and sustainable mobility, has reached an agreement valued at 2.3 billion CAD (approximately 1.4 billion euros)1 with the Toronto Transit Commission to provide 70 New Subway Trains (NSTs) for the Toronto subway network. The contract includes options for up to 150 additional trainsets as needed. Fifty-five of the 70 state-of-the-art, six-car Metropolis metro trains will replace the aging fleet on Line 2 of Toronto's subway system. The remaining 15 trains are planned to serve on the extension of Line 1 to Yonge North and the extension of Line 2 to Scarborough. The NSTs will provide comfort, safety and accessibility with features including brighter, more spacious, interiors with open gangways and multi-purpose areas for wheel-chair users, strollers or bikes. Enhanced with energy-efficient lighting and smart technology like active levelling system and wireless smartphone charging, the NSTs will provide a modern passenger experience. The trains will be protected by the latest in cybersecurity technology. The NSTs will also incorporate eco-design features such as advanced propulsion, smart climate controls, and the use of virtual reality design tools that will collectively improve sustainability and reduce environmental impacts across the entire product lifecycle. Metro trains designed and assembled in Canada The trains will be designed and engineered in Canada, with final assembly at Alstom's manufacturing facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Alstom is also investing in its local production capabilities and leveraging its network of national suppliers, notably by using Canadian carbon steel and aluminium. This strategic work re-positioning will strengthen Canadian expertise in rail manufacturing and innovation, create hundreds of jobs Canada-wide, renew onshore industrial capabilities, and reinforce Canada's resilience against current and future trade disruptions. In total, this agreement is expected to generate up to 945 direct high-paying jobs in Canada, including over 600 at Alstom alone. Over 1,700 indirect jobs are expected to be created in Canada to support the project workforce. "We thank the Toronto Transit Commission for their trust in Alstom to supply the new metro trains. These state-of-the-art trains will contribute to improving reliability and passenger's comfort" said Michael Keroulle, President of Alstom Americas. "This new fleet of metro trains will be designed and engineered here in Canada, assembled in our Thunder Bay site, supported by an expanded network of local suppliers, and tested in our Kingston site. With close to 1,000 Canadian jobs created, these NSTs set the bar for what it means to build in Canada, for Canadians". "The TTC is grateful to all funding partners for their support for these new subway trains, and for their commitment to providing better transit for the hundreds of thousands of riders who use the TTC's Line 2 every day. We are also pleased that these trains will support Canadian jobs and content through Alstom in Thunder Bay," said TTC CEO Mandeep S. Lali. The agreement between Alstom and the TTC is the result of a collaboration between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of Toronto. The goal is to ensure safe and reliable trains for the future of Toronto's growing subway system while supporting Canadian workers and quality manufacturing jobs within Ontario. Metropolis metros keep your city breathing Alstom's modern metro trains are serving the different needs of customers worldwide for over 60 years. Designed to fit new and existing infrastructure, Metropolis metro trains can be adapted to multiple capacity needs. With flexible configurations from 2-to-9-cars, small to large gauge profiles, different voltage systems, and individual interior designs, Alstom's metros can be operated manually or driverless. Metropolis metros feature low noise levels, high recyclability, and optimised energy-efficiency to minimise environmental impact. Over 35,000 metro cars have been ordered or are in operation in more than 70 cities in 40 countries. For more information, on Metropolis metros, please visit: Metropolis metros: Keeping your city breathing | Alstom A national champion in smart and sustainable mobility With over 5,000 highly skilled Canadian employees, Alstom is the only rolling stock manufacturer in the country, and provides a full suite of signalling solutions, and operations and maintenance services for major rail projects in Canada. Alstom is Canada's national champion for urban rail mobility solutions and is proud to be at the centre of mobility projects across Ontario, including Toronto, Kitchener, Waterloo, Ottawa, as well as other Canadian projects in Edmonton, Montreal, Vancouver and soon, Quebec City. ALSTOM and Metropolis are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group. About Alstom Alstom commits to contribute to a low carbon future by developing and promoting innovative and sustainable transportation solutions that people enjoy riding. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, Alstom offers its diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. With its presence in 63 countries and a talent base of over 86,000 people from 184 nationalities, the company focuses its design, innovation, and project management skills to where mobility solutions are needed most. Listed in France, Alstom generated sales of 18.5 billion for the fiscal year ending on 31 March 2025. For more information, please visit www.alstom.com. Contacts Press: HQ Philippe MOLITOR - Tel.: +33 (0) 7 76 00 97 79 philippe.molitor@alstomgroup.com Canada Stacy PATENAUDE - Tel.: + 1 (438) 336-5191 stacy.patenaude@alstomgroup.com Investor Relations Cyril Guerin - Tel.: +33 (0) 6 07 89 36 16 cyril.guerin@alstomgroup.com Guillaume GAUVILLE - Tel.: +44 (0)7 588 022 744 guillaume.gauville@alstomgroup.com Jalal DAHMANE - Tel.: +33 (0)6 98 19 96 62 jalal.dahmane@alstomgroup.com 1 This order was booked in the 3rd quarter of Alstom's 2025/2026 financial year. It is one of the 3 orders referred to in the Note to Investors published on 5 January 2026 ("Alstom awarded three contracts for a total value of approximately 2.5bn"). EQS-News: KAOUN International / Key word(s): Conference The World Advanced Manufacturing & Future Mobility Exhibition (WAM Morocco) debuts in Casablanca, spotlighting progress and regional collaboration in advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 15.01.2026 / 18:10 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The programme tackles high-impact priorities including data centres for future-ready industries, global capital flows into smart manufacturing, green manufacturing, and future freight mobility and transport CASABLANCA, Morocco, January 15, 2026/APO Group/ -- The World Advanced Manufacturing & Future Mobility Exhibition (WAM Morocco) makes its debut in Casablanca from 20 to 22 January, positioning itself as the region's first Industry 4.0-focused platform dedicated to advanced and intelligent manufacturing, future mobility, industrial innovation and supply-chain transformation. Designed to connect Morocco's industrial ecosystem with the world's leading technology and manufacturing players, the event accelerates investment, technology adoption and cross-border collaboration across Africa and global markets. Organised by KAOUN International (DWTC), WAM Morocco is delivered in close partnership with a powerful network of regional and international stakeholders, including MSC Pro, CDD, UM6P, Advantage Austria and Der Mittelstand. BVMW (Germany), uniting public and private sector leaders to drive tangible Industry 4.0 transformation across borders. Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, said: "WAM Morocco is a strategic accelerator for Morocco and Africa's rise in intelligent manufacturing and future mobility. By connecting global expertise with regional ambition, the event creates new pathways for investment, collaboration and next-generation industrial growth." This first edition highlights the growing confidence of international manufacturers in Morocco's industrial future. With 100+ participating companies from 18+ countries, spanning Morocco, Nigeria, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Germany, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Saudi Arabia, WAM Morocco unites global leaders including Schneider Electric, SAP, Engie, Sumitomo Corporation, Zoho, Rockwell Automation, Hitachi, Vigel and Vivo Energy, driving large-scale collaboration and real-world Industry 4.0 adoption across Africa. A spokesperson from Schneider Electric shared: "Intelligent manufacturing is reshaping global industries, and Morocco is emerging as a place where this transformation can accelerate at scale. As the energy technology partner of every industry, business and home, our participation at WAM Morocco reinforces our commitment to supporting the industrial ecosystem with the technologies, expertise and collaboration needed to build the factories of the future." At the heart of the event, the conference delivers the most ambitious debut agenda for industrial transformation in the region, with three days of programming, four core themes, eight key sectors, 60+ hours of content and 60+ global expert speakers across two dedicated stages. The programme tackles high-impact priorities including data centres for future-ready industries, global capital flows into smart manufacturing, green manufacturing, and future freight mobility and transport, alongside strategic discussions on industrial infrastructure sovereignty, AI factories, large-scale decarbonisation and energy transition. WAM Morocco convenes world-class decision-makers from government, industry and finance. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Mehdi Snene, Chief AI Officer, United Nations (Switzerland); Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, NITDA (Nigeria); Dr. Ghita Mezzour, Former Minister of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform (Morocco); Khalid Safir, Director General, Groupe CDG (Morocco); and Yasmina Lahlou, Executive Director, Bank of Africa Group (Morocco). The event also marks the first speaking appearance in Morocco of several global leaders, including Fatou Haidara (UNIDO, Austria), Alain Sanchez (Fortinet, France), Maxime de Bonrepos (ENGIE, France) and Isaac Chetrit (Blazie Holdings, USA), underscoring its international calibre. WAM Morocco will present a line-up of promising international startups, including Xane. ai ( https://Xane.ai ) (India) and Dinabi (Spain), supported by an Invest India country pavilion that fast-tracks cross-border industrial innovation. This is reinforced by the Supernova Challenge, a flagship industrial pitch competition featuring a USD 10,000 cash prize and a live stage where Africa's most disruptive manufacturing startups connect directly with investors, scale partners and industry leaders. The programme brings together 100+ global investors managing over USD 50 billion in AUM across 20+ countries, connecting leading networks such as Alex Angels (Egypt) with institutional players including AMIC (MENA), Harvard Consulting (USA) and Bpifrance, accelerating capital deployment into advanced manufacturing and next-generation mobility. In association with GITEX Africa, WAM Morocco is powered by one of the world's most influential technology ecosystems, leveraging shared DNA to position Morocco as a continental epicentre for Industry 4.0 and advanced industrial transformation. WAM Morocco takes place in Casablanca from 20 to 22 January. Industry leaders, innovators and investors are invited to be part of the region's defining platform for advanced manufacturing. To register, visit WAM Morocco's official website ( www.WAMMorocco.com ). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KAOUN International. Download Image 1: https://apo-opa.co/4bxZK6D Download Image 2: https://apo-opa.co/3LH5rEO About KAOUN International and WAM Morocco: KAOUN International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), is at the forefront of organizing transformative global events that foster collaboration, innovation, and industry growth. Building on a rich legacy of landmark exhibitions such as GITEX GLOBAL, the world's largest tech and AI event, KAOUN International is also responsible for the Kingdom's most significant food industry events, including the Saudi Food Show and the thriving Saudi Food Manufacturing show. In line with its mission to advance global industry and logistics, KAOUN International presents World Advanced Manufacturing & Future mobility Exhibition (WAM Morocco), Africa's leading industrial and logistics expo. Organized by the team behind the renowned GITEX and GITEX AFRICA events, WAM Morocco reflects Morocco's steadfast commitment to sustainable and inclusive industrial development. This landmark event aims to empower African nations, driving partnerships, investment, and technological advancement that will elevate the continent's global competitiveness and realize the vision for a stronger, interconnected, and innovative industrial economy across Africa. For health reasons, Didier Truchot resigns as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ipsos. The Board of Ipsos appoints Laurence Stoclet as Chair of the Board. Paris, January 15, 2026 - Ipsos' Board of Directors met today in Paris, January 15, 2026. Didier Truchot informed the Board of his intention to step down as Chairman. He said that he had been suffering from digestive tract cancer for nearly four years and that the recent evolution of his disease would require an increasing share of his attention and energy. His resignation will be effective on February 28th, 2026. Didier Truchot said that he intended to remain involved in the life of the company as a director of the Board and by remaining its main shareholder. On the recommendation of the Appointments and Compensation Committee, the members of the Board unanimously decided to appoint Ms. Laurence Stoclet as Chair of the Board of Directors. Laurence Stoclet has held various executive positions at Ipsos since 1998, first as Chief Financial Officer, then since 2010 as Deputy Chief Executive Officer. She had left her executive duties on September 30, 2022. She has been a member of the Board of Directors of Ipsos since 2002. Laurence Stoclet will take up her duties as Chair of the Board of Directors on March 1st, 2026. In addition, in order to strengthen its governance, the Board has decided to appoint Mrs. Anne-Marie Couderc as Lead Independent Director. Ms. Anne-Marie Couderc has been a member of the Board of Directors of Ipsos since June 20th, 2025. She is also Chair of the Company's Appointments and Compensation Committee. Didier Truchot shared with the members of the Board his conviction that the Company will be able to seize the considerable opportunities offered by the development and implementation of new technologies, particularly those related to artificial intelligence. He also expressed his confidence in the action of Jean Laurent Poitou, the Company's new Chief Executive Officer, and in his ability, with his team, to implement the changes that will enable Ipsos to assert itself in the months and years to come as an undisputed world leader in its market. The members of the Board expressed their full support and friendship to Didier Truchot, before appointing him Chairman Emeritus. ABOUT MS. LAURENCE STOCLET: Laurence Stoclet is a company director and board member with extensive experience in managing international operations and developing technology platforms. Laurence Stoclet is a market research and survey specialist and has held various executive positions at Ipsos for 24 years, after three years managing the Etudes ESCP association at ESCP Business School, from which she holds an MBA (1989 - Banking and Finance track). In 1998, she joined Ipsos as Chief Financial Officer to prepare the Group's IPO, and was then appointed Deputy CEO, a position she held until September 2022. In this role, she oversaw more than 100 acquisitions and integration plans, which have helped to make Ipsos a leader in its sector, present in 90 countries. She also managed the Group's back-office operations and human resources for some time. She directly managed investments in new technologies as well as the Group's 1,000 professional IT engineers and launched the Ipsos.digital platform in January 2020. At the beginning of her career, she was a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, then for six and a half years, Manager in Audit and Consulting at Arthur Andersen. For two years, she was in charge of treasury, financing and investor relations at Metaleurop, a publicly traded industrial company. Today, she is the Chief Executive Officer of DT & Partners, the main shareholder of the Ipsos Group, and is a director of a number of Group entities; in particular, she is a director of a Chinese fund "OneWorld", which invests in big data and marketing platforms in China, and is an advisor to Jean Laurent Poitou, Ipsos' global CEO, for the monitoring of other equity interests, minority interests that are not consolidated in the Group's financial statements or that have minority partners. An expert in financial, legal and tax matters, she holds a DESCF (Higher Diploma in Accounting and Finance). She is also certified Director - Sciences Po/IFA and specialist in audit committees (EcodaEurope) and an ACPR-approved professional. From 2023 to March 2025, Laurence Stoclet served as Chair of DFCG Ile-de-France, the national association of finance executives. Finally, since late 2022, she has been an independent director on the Board of Ingenico, the global leader in payment solutions owned by the Apollo fund, where she also chairs the Audit and Risk Committee. In May 2025, she was appointed as MEDEF's representative to the Board of Directors of Action Logement Services, a major player in social housing in France, and serves on its Audit Committee. ABOUT IPSOS Ipsos is one of the largest market research companies in the world, present in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people. Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques. "Game Changers" - our tagline - summarises our ambition to help our 5,000 clients navigate with confidence our world of rapid change. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since 1 July 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120, Mid-60 indices and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD). ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP www.ipsos.com 35 rue du Val de Marne 75 628 Paris, Cedex 13 France Tel. +33 1 41 98 90 00 Attachment Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) ("Zodiac Gold" or the "Company"), a West African gold exploration company, is pleased to announce that, due to continued strong investor demand, it has further upsized the listed issuer financing exemption offering previously announced on January 13, 2026 and January 14, 2026 (the "Offering") from gross proceeds of up to $5.0 million to gross proceeds of up to $5.5 million. Each unit is priced at $0.20 (the "Unit). Each Unit will consist of (i) one common share of the Company (a "Share") and (ii) one-half of one non-transferable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable for a period of 36 months from the Closing Date (as defined herein) (the "Warrant Term") and will entitle the holder thereof to purchase one additional common share (a "Warrant Share") at an exercise price of $0.30 per Warrant Share if duly exercised on or before the date that is 36 months following the Closing Date. In connection with the upsizing, the Company will be filing a second amended and restated offering document related to the Offering and the use by the Company of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca and will also made it available on the Company's website at www.zodiac-gold.com. Prospective investors should read the second amended and restated offering document before making an investment decision. It is expected that closing of the LIFE Offering will take place in tranches, with the final closing to occur not later than January 30, 2026, or such other date(s) as may be determined the Company. Closing of the LIFE Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSXV. Proceeds from the LIFE Offering will be used primarily to fund a diamond drilling program at the Company's Ben Ben target, aimed at expanding resource development and building on the Company's recent discovery success at Arthington, within the broader Todi Gold Project in Liberia and for other exploration activities, technical studies, and general working capital. The Company anticipates paying finder's fees in connection with the LIFE Offering to certain eligible finders who introduce investors to the Company. Any commissions or finder's fees payable will be in accordance with the policies of the TSXV. The securities being offered have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, a U.S. person. "U.S. Person" and "United States" are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, or elsewhere. About Zodiac Gold Zodiac Gold Inc. (TSXV: ZAU) is a West-African gold exploration company focused on its flagship Todi Gold Project situated in Liberia-an underexplored, politically stable, mining friendly jurisdiction hosting several large-scale gold and iron ore deposits. Strategically positioned along the fertile Todi Shear Zone, Zodiac Gold is developing a district-scale gold opportunity with additional iron ore potential, covering a vast 2,316 km2 land package. The Todi Gold Project has undergone de-risking, showcasing proven gold occurrences at both surface and depth, with five drill-ready targets, of which two have been drilled and high-grade gold intercepts. Forward Looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections, and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "budget" and "intend" and statements that an event or result "may", "will", "should", "could" or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results are forward-looking statements that involve various 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. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital, and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials, and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events, or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking 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/280538 Source: Zodiac Gold Inc. The "Electronic and Digital Signatures Understanding the Law and Best Practice Training Course (Apr 22, 2026)" training has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Everybody signs documents. In an increasingly virtual world, there are increasingly virtual ways to sign documents or are there? Use of electronic signatures rather than 'wet' signatures may be increasingly widespread but the law on the use of these is far from clear as to when it is, and when it is not, allowed. The law is a combination of European legal remnants in English law (the eIDAS Regulation which continues to apply post-Brexit), English statute and the common law. Understanding these laws will ensure that contracts and other documents signed digitally are legally binding and can be upheld in court. Compliance with these laws also helps to mitigate against risks associated with fraud, identity theft and unauthorised document alterations. This session will explore the critical ins and outs of using digital signatures, covering practical advice as well as covering the latest proposals for reform of the law in this area. There will also be time during the event for you to ask the expert trainer your questions. Benefits of attending By attending this course you will: Understand the latest law around digital signatures the latest law around digital signatures Learn about the validity of electronic signatures about the validity of electronic signatures Get to grips with the differences between non-electronic and electronic forms of signature with the differences between non-electronic and electronic forms of signature Consider proposed reforms for the law in this area and how it might affect practices Certifications: CPD: 1.5 hours for your records Certificate of completion Who Should Attend: This programme has been specifically designed for all those who have to sign documents, including: In-house lawyers Private practice lawyers Compliance officers Company secretaries Board members HR professionals Marketing professionals And anyone with an interest in new ways of doing business and/or new technologies. Key Topics Covered: Legal validity of electronic signatures ECA 2000 eIDAS Intention to authenticate Capability Other formalities needed in law Admissibility in evidence Non-electronic forms v electronic forms of signature The special case of Deeds and electronic signatures Individuals CA 2006 companies Witnessing and attestation Reform? For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4b87xx 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/20260115583984/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 Through this agreement, both entities will explore technological synergies and knowledge-sharing opportunities. The bank reinforces its commitment to technological innovation through its venture capital investments. Bit2Me is set to accelerate its EU expansion plans backed by its strategic partners and its newly obtained European regulatory license. MADRID, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bankinter has reached an investment agreement with Bit2Me, the leading digital asset company in the Spanish-speaking market. Under the terms of the deal, the bank acquires a stake in the company's capital, joining the 30 million funding round originally announced last August. The primary objective of this investment is to explore and achieve technological and knowledge-based synergies. Furthermore, Bankinter positions itself alongside a national technological partner in the development of solutions using Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). For Bankinter, this operation reflects the entity's ongoing commitment to technological innovation and to generating synergies with specialized fintech startups like Bit2Me. This strategy allows the bank to anticipate future trends in the financial landscape. This investment agreement, coupled with Bit2Me's attainment of the European regulatory license on July 29, and the support of strategic partners such as Telefonica, Inveready, Investcorp, Tether, and BBVA, will enable the Spanish fintech to accelerate its expansion plans across the European Union. It will also strengthen its presence in Argentina and other Latin American countries, consolidating its position as a key player in the crypto ecosystem within both Europe and the Spanish-speaking world. Bit2Me's capital structure also includes participation from Unicaja and Cecabank. Pablo Casadio, CFO of Bit2Me, stated: "This alliance confirms that the banking sector can leverage our deep industry know-how to enhance their offering. Instead of competing, we are integrating strengths. Spain and Europe present an unrivaled scenario, and thanks to our technological and regulatory solidity, Bit2Me is the ideal partner for financial entities to capitalize on this environment, providing their clients access to the crypto ecosystem with maximum security and guarantees." About Bankinter Bankinter is the fifth-largest Spanish bank by size and the most resilient among listed entities in the Eurozone, as recognized by the European Banking Authority. It is a prominent player in European banking, with a presence in Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Its differentiation lies in its profitability, efficiency, and asset quality, along with a strong specialization in Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, and a significant presence in Private Banking. Throughout its 60-year history, the bank has distinguished itself as a pioneer in digitalization, providing innovative solutions for customers across all segments. It was the first to launch mobile banking, the first digital broker, and the first robo-advisor from a bank in Spain, among other milestones. About Bit2Me Bit2Me is the leading crypto-asset company in Spain, registered with the CNMV as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP). The company has been building crypto infrastructure for over 10 years and holds multiple certifications in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, including: ISO 27001 (Information Security Management); ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management); ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery and Corporate Ethics); ISO 37301 (Compliance Management Systems); UNE 19601 (Criminal Compliance Management); and the CSA STAR Level 1 certification. Bit2Me has been recognized as one of the most trusted exchanges and awarded "Best Cryptocurrency Exchange" in Italy and Portugal by Rankia. The company is also committed to cryptocurrency education and adoption through Bit2Me Academy, the largest Spanish-language crypto educational platform, offering over 450 free articles and certified courses. Disclaimer Important Information Regarding Crypto-Assets. This marketing communication has not been reviewed or approved by any competent authority of the European Union. Bit2Me acts as an authorized crypto-asset service provider. It is important to note that crypto-assets are not covered by deposit guarantee schemes or investor compensation schemes established in the EU. Exchange rates are highly volatile and there is a risk of total loss of the investment. You can find more information about the risks at: bit2me.com/legal/riesgos Website: www.bit2me.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862739/Bit2Me.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bankinter-joins-bit2mes-capital-structure-following-30-million-funding-round-302662810.html ALULA, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the official opening of Desert X AlUla 2026, the landmark fourth edition of the international, open-air biennial exhibition. Arts AlUla, in collaboration with Desert X, welcomes visitors to experience a stellar line-up of Saudi and international multi-generational artists whose site-responsive earthworks, sculptures, and installations will engage in a powerful dialogue with the awe-inspiring landscapes and layered heritage of AlUla. As a premier destination rich in ancient history and breathtaking nature, AlUla, located in Northwest Saudi Arabia, solidifies its position on the global stage as a dynamic, emerging land art destination with Desert X AlUla, the region's first public art biennale, and a key highlight of the AlUla Arts Festival. The 2026 edition of Desert X AlUla brings together 11 acclaimed artists whose diverse works reflect a wide spectrum of ideas, materials, and traditions. From monumental kinetic sculpture to sound-based explorations above and below ground, each commission is deeply rooted in relationships to AlUla's distinctive environment, further cementing Desert X AlUla's reputation as a globally significant platform for site-responsive land art. Desert X AlUla runs until February 28, 2026, as a cornerstone of the annual AlUla Arts Festival. Curated by Wejdan Reda, Zoe Whitley, with artistic direction by Neville Wakefield, and Raneem Farsi, its fourth edition explores 'Space Without Measure.' Inspired by Kahlil Gibran, the theme fosters contemplation of imagination within AlUla's natural settings. The exhibition, set in the desert canyons of AlUla, serves as a pre-opening programme for Wadi AlFann, offering a pivotal glimpse into AlUla's plans to create a permanent land art 'Valley of the Arts.' Hamad Alhomiedan, Director of Arts & Creative Industries at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said: "At Desert X AlUla 2026, audiences will engage with art that deeply converses with AlUla's unique landscapes and rich heritage. These compelling commissions highlight AlUla's dynamic transformation into a major global destination, where ancient and contemporary expressions converge. This exhibition is part of our broader revitalisation of AlUla as a culturally rich destination to live, work and visit and integral to positioning AlUla in the global dialogue of contemporary art and as a precursor to monumental projects like Wadi AlFann." Participating artist/artworks are: Sara Abdu , A Kingdom Where No One Dies: Contours of Resonance , Mohammad Alfaraj , What was the Question Again? , Mohammed AlSaleem , The Thorn, AlShuruf Unit, The Triangles, Flower Bud, and Al Ahilla (courtesy of Royal Commission for Riyadh City) , and Tarek Atoui , The Water Song Bahraini-Danish , Bloom , Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons , Imole Red , Agnes Denes , The Living Pyramid , Ibrahim El-Salahi , Haraza Tree , Basmah Felemban , Murmur of Pebbles , Vibha Galhotra , Future Fables , Hector Zamora, Tar HyPar For further information, please contact: Sabrine.Shaw@bursonglobal.com AlUlaArtsFestival@bursonglobal.com Multimedia gallery: High-resolution photos of all 11 artists and their artworks can be found here. About AlUla and Arts AlUla Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km, includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned. The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. AlUla is also home to ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and Lihyan Kingdoms and considered to be one of the most developed 1st millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula, and Jabal Ikmah, an open air library of hundreds of inscriptions and writings in many different languages. AlUla Old Town Village, a labyrinth of more than 900 mudbrick homes was developed from at least the 12th century and has been revitalised as the vibrant hub for visitors and residents. The creation of Arts AlUla within The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) is a commitment to crafting the next chapters in a millennia of artistic creation - celebrating cultural inheritance and shaping a future inspired by artists built be artists. The work of Arts AlUla seeks to preserve this legacy: fuse the old with the new; the local with the international, keeping the arts central to the spirit of AlUla as a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. Wadi AlFann, meaning 'Valley of the Arts,' will be a global cultural destination for land art, unveiling from 2028 onwards, where era-defining works by artists from around the world will be permanently sited in the monumental landscape of AlUla, the extraordinary desert region of north-west Saudi Arabia. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2863002/Desert_X_AlUla_2026.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/desert-x-alula-2026-monumental-land-art-exhibition-opens-in-the-ancient-oasis-of-alula-302662854.html PARK CITY, UT / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Mountain Mediation announces a generous $100,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation. The check presentation will be held on Friday, January 16th, at 3pm at the historic McPolin Barn (3000 UT-224, Park City, UT 84060)*. It will be a chilly day by the thermometer, but hearts will be warmed by the foundation's generosity and some hot cocoa from Mountain Mediation. The substantial contribution will be used to scale and strengthen Mountain Mediation's existing Eviction Prevention program and support the hiring of a Program Coordinator and two bilingual housing mediators. The Program Coordinator will design and deliver housing mediation training for any Utah court-rostered mediator. The grant also funds educational experiences and resources for landlords and tenants, helping them both better understand their rights and responsibilities and highlighting the benefits of mediation for conflict resolution. "Legal eviction is one of the most destabilizing events a family can face. Research shows that eviction filings have profound and long-lasting consequences - including difficulty securing future housing, emotional trauma, and disconnection from schools and communities," says Gretchen Lee, Executive Director of Mountain Mediation. "This program is about housing stabilization. We want to help our community before legal action is taken. The grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation allows us to reach more people, providing invaluable housing education and mediations." "Wells Fargo is proud to support Mountain Mediation and their efforts to keep individuals and families safely housed," said Nathan B. Paddock, Wells Fargo Commercial Banking Market Executive for Utah. "Stable housing is a foundation for financial stability and long-term wellbeing, and Mountain Mediation's eviction prevention work provides exactly the kind of early, community-based support that makes a meaningful difference. By investing in this program, we are helping expand access to resources, education, and mediation services that empower both tenants and landlords to find fair, sustainable solutions. This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening communities and increasing housing access for those who need it most." About Mountain Mediation: Mountain Mediation's mission is to bring people together to prevent conflict, resolve disputes, and improve communication for a more inclusive community. The nonprofit provides mediation services, landlord/tenant education, communication training, and community conversations. Mountain Mediation has developed a comprehensive landlord/tenant eviction diversion program and also offers communication training to help individuals, organizations, schools, and businesses engage in constructive dialogue and effectively manage and resolve conflicts. Program Overview: The need for timely, tenant-focused support has never been greater. Mountain Mediation's Eviction Prevention Program helps people stay housed and avoid the financial and emotional strain of eviction. Through early intervention, education, and mediation, we help tenants and landlords find fair solutions before problems worsen. This promotes stable housing and better financial outcomes for individuals and families. Contact: Nicole E. Droitsch "Ned" Associate Director | Mountain Mediation 435-450-8193 ned@mountainmediationcenter.org View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Wells Fargo & Company on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Wells Fargo & Company Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/wells-fargo Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Wells Fargo & Company View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/mountain-mediation-receives-100-000-wells-fargo-grant-to-support-evi-1127604 New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Skye Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYE) between November 4, 2024 and October 3, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important January 16, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Skye 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 Skye class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48064 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 16, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, throughout the Class Period, defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding Skye's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) nimacimab was less effective than defendants had led investors to believe; (2) accordingly, nimacimab's clinical, regulatory, and commercial prospects were overstated; and (3) as a result, defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Skye Bioscience class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48064 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. ------------------------------- To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280562 Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Silver North Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:SNAG) "Silver North" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud") to act as sole agent and bookrunner in connection with a "best efforts" private placement (the "Marketed Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,000 from the sale of (i) up to 5,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$0.40 per Unit and (ii) up to 5,357,143 flow-through units of the Company to be sold to charitable purchasers (the "Charity FT Units", and together with the Units, the "Offered Securities") at a price of C$0.56 per Charity FT Unit. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Charity FT Unit will consist of one common share of the Company to be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a "FT Share") and one-half of one Warrant. Each whole Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at a price of C$0.56 at any time after the 60th day following the Closing Date (as herein defined) to the date that is on or before that date which is 36 months after the Closing Date. The Company has also granted Red Cloud an option, exercisable in full or in part up to 48 hours prior to the closing of the Marketed Offering, to sell up to an additional C$1,000,000 in any combination of Units and Charity FT Units at their respective offering prices (the "Agent's Option"). The Marketed Offering and the securities issuable upon exercise of the Agent's Option shall be collectively referred to as the "Offering". The Company intends to use the gross proceeds from the Offering for exploration and related programs on the Company's Haldane and Veronica properties in Yukon Territory as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes, as is more fully described in the Offering Document (as herein defined). The gross proceeds from the sale of FT Shares will be used by the Company to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" that qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as both terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Qualifying Expenditures") related to the Company's Haldane and GDR projects on or before December 31, 2027. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of the Charity FT Units effective December 31, 2026. If the Qualifying Expenditures are reduced by the Canada Revenue Agency, the Company will indemnify each Charity FT Unit subscriber for any additional taxes payable by such subscriber as a result of the Company's failure to renounce the Qualifying Expenditures as agreed. Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Offered Securities under the Offering will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The securities issuable from the sale of the Offered Securities are expected to be immediately freely tradeable in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada. The Units will also be offered in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, by way of private placement pursuant to the exemptions from the registration requirements provided for under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and in jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement or equivalent basis, in each case in accordance with all applicable laws, provided that no prospectus, registration statement or other similar document is required to be filed in such jurisdiction. There is an offering document (the "Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.silvernorthres.com. Prospective investors should read this Offering Document before making an investment decision. The Offering is expected to close on or about February 5, 2026 (the "Closing Date"), or such other date as the Company and Red Cloud may agree. Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, as amended, or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States or the US persons except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. About Silver North Resources Ltd. Silver North's primary assets are its 100% owned Haldane Silver Project (next to Hecla Mining Inc.'s Keno Hill Mine project), the Tim Silver Project (under option to Coeur Mining, Inc. in the Silvertip/Midway District, BC and Yukon) and the GDR (Veronica) project also in the Silvertip/Midway district. Silver North also plans to acquire additional silver properties in favourable jurisdictions. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "SNAG", trades on the OTCQB market in the United States under the symbol "TARSF", and under the symbol "I90" on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. For further information, contact: Jason Weber, President and CEO Sandrine Lam, Shareholder Communications Tel: (604) 807-7217 Fax: (888) 889-4874 To learn more visit: www.silvernorthres.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/SilverNorthRes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/silvernorth-res-ltd/ 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. STATEMENTS IN THIS NEWS RELEASE, OTHER THAN PURELY HISTORICAL INFORMATION, INCLUDING STATEMENTS RELATING TO THE COMPANY'S FUTURE PLANS AND OBJECTIVES OR EXPECTED RESULTS, MAY INCLUDE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. The forward-looking statements and information in this news release include, without limitation, statements regarding the Offering, the closing of the Offering, the anticipated closing date of the Offering, the intended use of proceeds from the Offering and the filing of the Offering Document. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE BASED ON NUMEROUS ASSUMPTIONS AND ARE SUBJECT TO ALL OF THE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES INHERENT IN RESOURCE EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT. AS A RESULT, ACTUAL RESULTS MAY VARY MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DESCRIBED IN THE FORWARD- LOOKING STATEMENTS. SOURCE: Silver North Resources Ltd View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/silver-north-announces-brokered-life-private-placement-for-gross-proceeds-of-up-t-1127601 The "UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) Marking for Medical Devices Training Course (Apr 15, 2026)" training has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This course, designed for medical device manufacturers, provides essential guidance to help stakeholders understand and navigate the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking process in the context of these regulatory shifts, ensuring readiness, compliance, and strategic alignment in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Since 1 January 2021, the landscape for placing medical devices on the UK market has undergone significant change. With further major reform to the UK's regulatory framework for medical devices scheduled for 2025 and 2026, the sector is entering a critical period of transition. A key milestone in this reform is the introduction of a new Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) regulation for medical devices in Great Britain, which came into force on 16 June 2025. These developments present growing challenges for medical device manufacturers, regulators, and conformity assessment bodies alike. The evolving requirements will directly impact technical documentation, labelling, logistics, and overall regulatory compliance. Benefits of attending Understand the requirements to achieve UKCA the requirements to achieve UKCA Know the differences between UKCA and CE marking the differences between UKCA and CE marking Learn how to align your conformity assessment procedures to meet UKCA and CE marking requirements how to align your conformity assessment procedures to meet UKCA and CE marking requirements Consider the requirements for the Northern Ireland market Certifications: CPD: 6 hours for your records Certificate of completion Who Should Attend: Medical device professionals who wish to gain knowledge and understanding of the new UKCA requirements Regulatory affairs managers Medical device manufacturers Business development managers Key Topics Covered: UK Medical Device Regulation and your obligations The UK medical device regulations explained Transitional arrangements The use of standards in the UK UK guidance for medical devices UKCA marking explained (placement of UK CA mark) Registering as a manufacturer to sell medical devices in the UK Registering medical devices in the UK The role of the UK responsible person UK conformity assessment bodies Technical files and UK declaration of conformity UKCA technical file versus EU technical documentation, differences and similarities Aligning your conformity assessment procedures New Post-market surveillance regulation for medical devices in Great Britain UKNI marking and the future The process in Northern Ireland Proposed future changes to UK regulations Workshop case study on obtaining the UKCA mark Workshop feedback Q&A Speakers: Tina Amini Pharmacist Aston University Dr. Tina Amini is a pharmacist with a PhD in Pharmaceutics from Aston University. She joined Lloyd's Register as Senior Technical Specialist in 2018. She has previously worked at BSI as the lead Pharmaceutical Expert and Combination Product Specialist for several years. Tina has been involved in the classification of borderline products and consultation process with several EU competent authorities for device/drug products. Prior to joining Notified Bodies, Tina worked in the Pharmaceutical Industry for over 17 years in a variety of disciplines where she took products through from discovery to commercialisation. For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/p0p8kg 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/20260115900191/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 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / As part of CNH's ongoing commitment to sustainability and community, its Basildon plant in the UK is excited to announce a new tree-planting Initiative across the site. The project - funded by Trees for Climate and supported by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) - involves members of environmental charity, the Thames Chase Trust's Programmes Team, the Thames Chase Conservation volunteers, and volunteers from the Basildon plant. It aims to enhance the landscape, support biodiversity, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Paul Cumming, Basildon's Environmental Health and Safety Advisor, together with Becky Gibson, Thames Chase Programmes Manager, organised and led the planting of the first 28 trees and 200 whips for the hedgerows in December. More tree planting days are planned in the first quarter of this year amounting to around 200 new trees in total. The initiative divides the site into seven distinct planting zones, each carefully matched with tree species that offer both visual appeal and ecological value. Options include native species such as Wild Pear, Rowan, Silver Birch, and Oak - each selected for their ability to provide shade, improve air quality, and create habitats for local wildlife. UK-based grant program, Trees for Climate, funds large-scale tree planting projects to help combat climate change. Beyond beautifying the environment, these trees will play a vital role in capturing carbon, regulating soil and water, and supporting pollinators and birds. The project also fosters staff engagement, with opportunities to volunteer for the planting days. Volunteers will be recognized as "Planting Champions" on our sustainability board. "This initiative is about more than planting trees - it's about working together to create a healthier, more vibrant workplace and community," said Ed Kerley, UK Head of HR for CNH. "Everyone's input helps ensure we choose the best mix for aesthetics, biodiversity, and long-term value." "It has been fantastic to finally get spades in the ground, planting trees around the tractor plant. The change is instantly noticeable and the trees will have great benefits for people, the environment and wildlife, added Becky Gibson, Programmes Manager, Thames Chase Trust. "Plant staff have voted for their favourite tree species, selected for their blossom, fruit, autumn colour or attractive bark. The staff are being involved in the planting of the trees too and with a sense of ownership will be key to helping them flourish with regular watering particularly in the drier months. We are extremely pleased to be involved in such a great project." Read more and join the conversation on LinkedIn here! View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: CNH Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cnh Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: CNH View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/cnhs-basildon-uk-plant-launches-tree-planting-initiative-1127946 KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / GoMyHire Travel Sdn Bhd, a Southeast Asia-based travel and tour technology company, is expanding its presence in the region through its growing focus on tech-powered tourism mobility. With newly incorporated entities in Singapore and Hong Kong - Gomyhire PTE. LTD. and Gomyhire (HK) Company Limited, the company is laying the foundation for a cross-border transportation ecosystem that serves Asia's travel industry. What began as a focused airport transfer platform has now evolved into a full-scale B2B2C tourism mobility solution. Today, GoMyHire supports operations and service coverage in 10 key markets: Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam. With plans to establish localized teams and partners in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, the company continues to develop its regional tourism transport network. "We're building more than just a transportation platform-we're building the mobility foundation of tomorrow's travel ecosystem," said Wilson Teh, Founder and CEO of GoMyHire. "Our technology, driver network, and partnerships are designed to help tourism operators move with confidence, scale with speed, and serve travelers across borders." GoMyHire's platform is designed to integrate into the workflows of travel brands. With built-in AI powering its dispatch engine, automated customer support, and instant quotation system for its Global Distribution System (GDS), the platform enables real-time, seamless integration across booking journeys and loyalty ecosystem. Strategic partnerships with leading online travel platforms and Online Travel Agency (OTA) ecosystem in the airport transfer marketplace enable GoMyHire's transport services to be embedded directly into travel flows, providing partners with a plug-and-play transport layer without competing with their core offerings. Whether handling first-mile airport pickups, days tour & charter, or last-mile drop-offs for groups and VIPs, GoMyHire's platform provides dependable, tech-enabled transport for travelers and the businesses that serve them. At the heart of the company's offering is a proprietary dispatch system that supports both real-time and pre-scheduled rides. GoMyHire's "Business-to-Driver" (B2D) model empowers local drivers to participate in the formal tourism economy, while ensuring consistency, service quality, and availability for its B2B partners. Unlike traditional ride-hailing, GoMyHire operates as a professional chauffeur service, offering a range of vehicles from 5-seaters to 18-seaters tailored for Free Independent Travellers (FIT) and small group travelers. Pricing stability is another key differentiator: GoMyHire avoids algorithmic surge pricing to deliver predictable costs to both clients and drivers, especially important for hotels, travel agencies, and MICE organizers. The platform also boasts multi-language booking flows, QR-code ride confirmations, and an API ecosystem that allows for instant integration with Online Travel Agency (OTA). These features make GoMyHire particularly attractive to corporate travel departments, credit card reward programs, and hospitality groups seeking scalable and reliable transport solutions. With travel demand continuing to rise across Asia, GoMyHire is positioning itself as the mobility layer that connects people, places, and platforms. The company's long-term ambition is to become the regional standard for tourism transport infrastructure-offering every traveler a seamless ground mobility experience, no matter the destination. For more information, visit www.gomyhire.com About GoMyHire GoMyHire Travel Sdn Bhd is a travel tech company that provides cross-border mobility solutions for the tourism industry. With active operations in Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, and service coverage across eight countries in Asia, the platform enables seamless transportation for international travelers, travel agencies, hotel groups, and corporate partners. Powered by a proprietary dispatch engine and a growing ecosystem of driver-partners, GoMyHire is reshaping the future of tourism mobility across Asia. Media Contact Organization: GoMyHire Contact Person Name: Wilson Teh Website: https://gomyhire.com/ Email: general@gomhire.com City: Kuala Lumpur Country: Malaysia SOURCE: GoMyHire View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/transportation/gomyhire-accelerates-asia-expansion-with-new-entities-in-singapore-and-hong-kong-1128006 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - MAX RESOURCE CORP. (TSXV: MAX) (OTC Pink: MXROF) (FSE: M1D2) ("Max" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news release dated December 24, 2025, the Company confirms the effective date for the consolidation of one (1) post-consolidation share for every four (4) pre-consolidation shares. Effective at the opening on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the shares of the Company will commence trading on the TSX Venture Exchange on a consolidated basis. The name and stock symbol of the Company shall remain the same. Post-Consolidation Capitalization: Unlimited common shares with no par value of which approximately 55,507,331 common shares are issued and outstanding. Transfer Agent: Computershare Trust Company of Canada Trading Symbol: MAX CUSIP Number: 57772U406 (new) About Max Resource Max Resource is a mineral exploration company focused on copper and precious metals assets in Colombia and exploration development of a high purity iron project in Brazil. Mora Gold-Silver in Colombia Project encompasses over 40 historic, 5 active mines, a series of exposed polymetallic structures over 2,500m by 1,000m surrounded by Collective Mining's (TSX: CNL) (NYSE: CNL) Guayabales Project and Aris Mining's (TSX: ARIS) (NYSE: ARMN) Marmato Gold Operations. Serra Azul Copper-Silver Project in Colombia sits along the Colombian portion of the world's largest producing copper belt (Andean belt), with world-class infrastructure and the presence of global majors (Glencore and Chevron). Serra Azul is fully funded by global miner Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX) relating to rights to earn up to 80% by funding $50 million of accumulated expenditures. Backed by support of Freeport-McMoRan the team views as validation of the geological and mining potential of Serra Azul. Floralia High-Purity Iron Project in Brazil lies adjacent to the largest iron ore mines in Minas Gerais, Brazil's largest iron ore and steel producing State. Exploration includes drilling an upgraded Exploration Target of 50-70Mt at 55%-61% Fe. As fully funded through an option to purchase by Bolt Metals Corp (CSE: BOLT) issuing an aggregate of 32.3m shares. The transaction is subject to satisfactory applicable regulatory approvals. Max cautions investors the potential quantity and grade of the iron ore is conceptual in nature, and further cautions there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and Max is uncertain if further exploration will result in the geological target being delineated as a mineral resource. Hematite mineralization tonnage potential estimation is based on in situ high-grade outcrops and interpreted and modelled magnetic anomalies. Density value used for the estimate is 2.8t/m. Hematite sample grades range between 55-61% Fe. The 58 channel samples were collected for chemical analysis from in situ outcrops in previously mined slopes of industrial materials. For more information, visit on Max Resource: https://www.maxresource.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. Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. 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. 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 including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for Max Resources Corp. 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. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280581 Source: MAX Resource Corp. ROME, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Flor de Cana, the sustainably crafted premium rum from Nicaragua, is pleased to announce a new distribution partnership in Italy with Fratelli Branca Distillerie, effective January 1st, 2026. This new chapter represents a strategic step in strengthening Flor de Cana's presence in one of Europe's most important spirits markets, partnering with a family-owned company with more than 180 years of history and a portfolio of iconic premium brands deeply rooted in Italian culture. Both companies share a strong commitment to family tradition, long-term vision, and excellence, with Flor de Cana and Fratelli Branca Distillerie proudly led today by their fifth generation. Sustainability is also a core value for both organizations, alongside a shared philosophy of "innovating while preserving tradition". This alignment of values and heritage will support Flor de Cana's ambition to further strengthen its strategic distribution, elevate brand positioning, and build meaningful, long-lasting partnerships across the Italian market. The distribution agreement covers the full portfolio of Flor de Cana rums, which are naturally and sustainably aged in American white oak barrels, without artificial ingredients, at the base of an active volcano. Founded in 1890, Flor de Cana is internationally recognized for its uncompromising quality and excellence, with accolades such as Best Rum Producer of the Year (UK), Among the Finest Products in the World (USA), and World's Best Rum Distillery (Spain). The brand is also a global leader in sustainability, distilling its rum with 100% renewable energy, capturing all CO2 emissions during fermentation, planting over one million trees, and being Carbon Neutral Certified. Looking ahead to 2026, and as part of the joint efforts of this new partnership, Flor de Cana will also unveil a new and refreshed packaging, with further details to be revealed in the coming months. Media Contact: corporatecommunications@flordecana.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862863/Flor_de_Cana_Rum_Portfolio.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/flor-de-cana-and-fratelli-branca-distillerie-join-forces-to-conquer-the-italian-market-302662917.html All references to dollar amounts are references to Canadian Dollars Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Kuya Silver Corporation (CSE: KUYA) (OTCQB: KUYAF) (FSE: 6MR1) (the "Company" or "Kuya Silver") is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously-announced "best efforts" brokered private placement (the "Offering") of units (each, a "Unit") for aggregate gross proceeds of $25,500,000. Pursuant to the Offering, the Company sold 25,500,000 Units at a price of $1.00 per Unit. Each Unit consisted of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half of one (1/2) Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at a price of $1.30 per Common Share until January 15, 2029. The Offering was completed pursuant to National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions set forth in Part 5A thereof, as amended by the Canadian Securities Administrators' Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "LIFE Exemption") to purchasers resident in Canada, except Quebec, and such other jurisdictions outside of Canada in compliance with applicable securities laws of those jurisdictions pursuant to an exemption from the prospectus requirements in Canada available under Ontario Securities Commission Rule 72-503 - Distributions Outside Canada ("OSC Rule 72-503"). The Units issued in the Offering pursuant to the LIFE Exemption and pursuant to OSC Rule 72-503 will not be subject to any statutory hold period, subject to limitations under applicable Canadian securities laws. An amended and restated offering document dated January 7, 2026 (the "Amended Offering Document") can be accessed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at: www.kuyasilver.com. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering and other available funds for general corporate and working capital purposes, to advance the Company's Bethania project in Peru ("Bethania Project") with the acquisition of and/or development of concentrate processing capacity (which may include, at the Company's discretion, the acquisition of processing operations or equipment that may be located outside of the immediate Bethania Project area), to continue to explore the Silver Kings Project in Ontario and for discretionary growth capital, as more specifically detailed in the Amended and Restated Offering Document. The Offering was co-led by A.G.P. Canada Investments ULC and Integrity Capital Group Inc. , A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners acted as US Agent (the "Agents"). As consideration for their services, the Agents received aggregate cash fees of 6% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering plus a structuring fee of 1% of the gross proceeds from the Offering (up to $150,000). In addition, the Agents received broker warrants equal to 6% of the aggregate number of Units sold (the "Broker Warrants"). Each Broker Warrant is exercisable into one Unit at a price of $1.00 until January 15, 2029, and is subject to a statutory hold period expiring May 16, 2026, in accordance with the polices of the Canadian Securities Exchange and applicable Canadian securities laws. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Kuya Silver Corporation Kuya Silver is a Canadian-based, growth-oriented mining company with a focus on silver. Kuya Silver operates the Bethania silver mine in Peru, while developing district-scale silver projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions including Peru and Canada. Reader Advisory This press release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering and the Company's goals, plans and objectives. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements and information reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic, regulatory, or other unforeseen uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, without limitation: success of the Company's projects; prices for metals remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; availability of funds for the Company's projects; capital estimates; prices for energy inputs; labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities or performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such risks, uncertainties and factors are described in the periodic filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including the Company's quarterly and annual Management's Discussion & Analysis, which may be viewed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. /NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280585 Source: Kuya Silver Corporation WEST VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Drilling has resumed on Bitterroot Resources Ltd.'s (TSXV:BTT) 100%-owned Nighthawk Gold/Silver Project. Nighthawk is located on BLM-managed Federal land, some 25 miles west of the historic Tonopah gold/silver district in the Walker Lane Belt of west-central Nevada. Drilling is expected to test up to five targets for structurally-controlled epithermal gold/silver mineralization. While drilling was paused, several of the previously-identified targets were further refined using ambient/active seismic geophysical surveys and proprietary processing software. The seismic surveys were designed to improve target resolution. The Nighthawk Project is contiguous with A2 Gold's Castle Project, comprising the past-producing open pit/heap-leach Boss Mine and the undeveloped, near-surface Castle, Berg and Black Rock gold deposits. Additional information on the Nighthawk Gold/Silver Project is available on the Company's website www.bitterrootresources.com. Mr. Charles Greig, M.Sc, P.Geo, is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this news release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Michael S. Carr Director and CEO About Bitterroot Resources Ltd.: Through its US subsidiary Trans Superior Resources, Inc., Bitterroot owns a 100%, royalty-free interest in the 219-claim Nighthawk Gold/Silver Project near Tonopah, NV. Trans Superior also owns a 51% interest in the LM Nickel/Copper Project in the highly prospective Roland area of the Baraga Basin in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Baraga Basin hosts the USA's only operating nickel/copper mine, Talon Metals Corp.'s (previously Lundin Mining's) Eagle Mine, plus the Boulderdash and Roland prospects, which are being aggressively explored by Talon. Bitterroot's LM and Talon's Roland prospects are likely parts of the same nickel/copper-mineralized conduit system. More drilling is planned at LM, subject to financing. Bitterroot also owns 5.9% of Perseverance Metals Inc., a Quebec and Michigan-focused nickel/copper exploration company. Perseverance's management plans to drill new magmatic nickel/copper targets in the Upper Peninsula in early 2026. 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: Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects" or "it is expected", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. This document contains statements about expected or anticipated future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, such as general economic, market and business conditions, regulatory processes and actions, technical issues, new legislation, competitive conditions, the uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans, the occurrence of unexpected events and the company's ability to execute and implement its future plans. Actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. For such forward-looking statements, we claim the safe harbour for forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Legislation Reform Act of 1995. CONTACT: Michael Carr, CEO Tel: 604 922 1351 Email: infoman@bitterrootresources.com SOURCE: Bitterroot Resources Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/oil-gas-and-energy/drilling-resumes-on-the-nighthawk-gold%2fsilver-project-nevada-1128450 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Syntheia Corp. (CSE: SYAI) ("Syntheia" or the "Company") (syntheia.ai), is pleased to announce that it intends to settle an aggregate of $100,000 of indebtedness to an arm's length creditor of the Company through the issuance of 833,334 common shares (the "Common Shares") in the capital of the Company (the "Debt Settlement"). The Debt Settlement remains subject to receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Common Shares issued pursuant to the debt settlement will be subject to a four-month hold period, and completion of the transaction remains subject to final acceptance of the Canadian Securities Exchange. About Syntheia Syntheia is an artificial intelligence technology company which is developing and commercializing proprietary algorithms to deliver human-like conversations and deploying our technology to enhance customer satisfaction while dramatically reducing turnover and traditional staffing issues. Cautionary Statement 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. This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. 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. Forward-looking statements in this news release includes, but are not limited to, the synergies derived from the acquisition of the assets in the Transaction. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning the business of the Company's future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. Please refer to the Company's listing statement available on SEDAR+ for a list of risks and key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280564 Source: Syntheia Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Regency Silver Corp. (TSXV: RSMX) (OTCQB: RSMXF) ("Regency Silver" or the "Company") announces its prior engagement of Ares Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Ares") to provide marketing and corporate communication services to the Company in accordance with TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") Policy 3.4 - Investor Relations, Promotional and Market-Making Activities ("Exchange Policy 3.4") pursuant to a Consulting Services Agreement dated January 7, 2026 (the "Agreement"). Under the terms of the Agreement, Ares has been engaged for a 3-month term commencing January 7, 2026 to provide market support services (the "Services") to the Company in accordance with Exchange Policy 3.4. The Services will include providing assistance with shareholder communications and market awareness initiatives. Ares will assist the Company in coordinating a series of announcements over the coming months, including updates related to corporate developments, investment opportunities and issuer growth. Under the terms of the Agreement, Ares will receive an aggregate of USD$200,000, of which an initial payment of USD$100,000 was made on January 7, 2026 with subsequent installments of USD$50,000 are payable on each of February 1, 2026 and March 1, 2026. Ares Capital Markets Group is a structured-deals and liquidity strategy firm for micro- and small-cap public companies. They design capital solutions, build durable investor demand, and engineer trading efficiency-so great stories convert into visibility and valuation. Ares and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities, and as of the date of the Agreement, neither Ares nor its principals hold any direct or indirect interest in the securities of the Company. Clarifying Disclosure Further to its press release dated December 19, 2025 regarding the completion of its $4.1 million financing (the "Private Placement"), the Company would like to clarify that, in addition to the 1,864,457 non-transferable broker warrants that it issued in connection with the Private Placement, it also issued an aggregate of 1,165,285 units of the Company (the "Corporate Finance Fee Units") as a corporate finance fee to Centurion One Capital Corp., as lead agent and sole bookrunner for the Private Placement. Each Corporate Finance Fee Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant entitling the holder to acquire an additional Common Share at a price of $0.26/share until December 19, 2028. ABOUT REGENCY SILVER CORP. Regency Silver Corp. is a Canadian resource company exploring for gold, copper, and silver in Mexico. Regency Silver is led by a team of experienced professionals with expertise in both exploration and production. Regency's flagship project is the Dios Padre project in Sonora, Mexico where Regency made a gold-copper-silver discovery which appears to be a magmatic-hydrothermal system which widens at depth. Drill results have included 38 metres of 7.36 g/t gold in hole REG 23-21, 36 metres of 6.84 g/t gold, 0.88% copper and 21.8 g/t silver in hole REG 22-01, and 29.4 m of 6.32 g/t gold in hole REG 23-14. For further details about Regency Silver please visit www.regency-silver.com. CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect Regency Silver's current expectations. When used in this news 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 news release include information relating to the Services to be provided by Ares and any other statements that are not historical in nature. 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. There are a number of important factors that could cause Regency Silver's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: currency fluctuations; limited business history of the Company; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; results of operation activities and development of projects; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, fluctuations in commodity prices, and general market and industry conditions. Regency Silver cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Regency Silver has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF REGENCY SILVER 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. WHILE REGENCY SILVER MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. 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. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280590 Source: Regency Silver Corp. Frederick Rentschlers R-1340 Wasp reshaped aviation, a legacy that Pratt & Whitney president Shane Eddy says will guide propulsions next century, with India playing a central role. L-R: Rick Deurloo, President Commercial Engines at Pratt & Whitney; Ashish Saraf, Vice President and Country Head at Pratt & Whitney; Shane Eddy, President at Pratt & Whitney; Satheeshkumar Kumarasingam, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Pratt & Whitney. Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, celebrated its centennial in New Delhi in December 2025, marking one hundred years since founder Frederick Rentschler revolutionized aviation with the air-cooled R-1340 Wasp radial engine. The 1925 innovation transformed an industry dominated by liquid-cooled engines, establishing engineering principles that continue to guide the company today. President Shane Eddy led celebrations highlighting Pratt & Whitneys deep partnership with India, which spans more than seven decades. A Legacy Built on The Best Engines Over 100 years, Pratt & Whitney has evolved from a single Hartford factory into a global propulsion leader with more than 90,000 engines in service. Eddy said the vision of founder Frederick Rentschler still holds: Weve always had the belief that the best airplanes are always going to be designed around the best engines. Pratt & Whitney founder Frederick B. Rentschler in front of his Wasp-engined Vought O2U Corsair. He linked that philosophy directly to economic impact and security. Our customers have very important missions. They connect people, they grow economies and they defend freedom. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India as a Growth Engine and Innovation Base Eddy called India an extremely important market, noting it is now the third largest by passenger traffic in the world today and growing at 7% to 10%. Singleaisle aircraft dominate domestic skies, while regional connectivity schemes are expanding demand for turboprops and smaller aircraft. Pratt & Whitney and RTX are embedding themselves across this ecosystem. At the RTX level, we have over 8,000 employees today in India. About 900 of those are with Pratt & Whitney, Eddy said, pointing to engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, digital capability, and training roles. He added that RTX has a little over half a billion a year that were buying from trusted Indian suppliers and expects that figure to rise quickly. Beyond engines in service, Pratt & Whitney and RTX are building a long-term operational and digital presence in India. Over the past five years, RTX has invested about $250 million across training, engineering, operations, and digital centers, including the Collins India Operations Center in Bengaluru. This is a highly technical business, so we have really strong technical teams in India from which we can continue to grow our presence and the overall supply chain here, he said. Hyderabad is a key part of that footprint, with a Customer Training Center focused on training customers all the way from the far east to Asia to the Middle East, alongside engineering and digital capabilities elsewhere in India that support Pratt & Whitneys global engine programs. Supply Chains, Startups, and AIdriven Efficiency Eddy argued that Indias aerospace supply base is not only cost-competitive but increasingly sophisticated. We have great suppliers here in India - the supply base is really mature and facilitates that growth itself, he said, noting decades of presence on both product and supply sides. Partnerships with Indian startups are adding a digital edge. Eddy highlighted the Percept AIbased tool, codeveloped locally, which supports Pratt & Whitney Canadas fleet and enables faster, more efficient leasedengine turnarounds. On AI, he said the company looks through two lenses: One is a process lens, from design to manufacturing and support of our products, and the other is the product side, where our products in operation generate tremendous amounts of data that AI can unlock for better insight and performance. GTF Advantage, HybridElectric and Sustainable Fuels On technology, Eddy positioned the geared turbofan (GTF) as a defining step change for commercial aviation. The geared turbofan was a revolution for commercial aviation, delivering up to 20 percent fuel efficiency and 75% lower noise, he said, stressing benefits for airlines and communities near airports. The next derivative, GTF Advantage, has already been certified by the FAA and EASA, and is expected to enter service for the A320neo family this year. For us, the next phase is having that go into production and start delivering to customers in 2026. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He underlined its impact: It brings additional performance, and most importantly, it brings up to double the time on wing of the current engine today. On regional turboprops, Pratt & Whitney is developing hybrid electric technology into the PW100 family, a market where nine out of ten regional turboprops worldwide are powered by its engines. Looking ahead, Eddy expects a growing role for sustainable aviation fuels and hybridelectric concepts, while hydrogen remains a few decades out in front of us as technology and infrastructure mature. Defense, MRO, and Indias Policy Ambitions Indias defense modernization and Make in India agenda are opening another front for growth. Pratt & Whitney engines already power platforms such as the C17 Globemaster III and the C295, and the company sees further opportunity as India evaluates new medium transport aircraft that could also use its engines. Eddy said being part of RTX, with its established engineering and manufacturing footprint in India, positions us well to be able to meet the needs of the market here. He also backed Indias ambition to become an MRO hub, calling a local maintenance facility for GTFpowered singleaisle aircraft definitely on strategy and just a matter of time, given the size and growth of the fleet. Charting the Runway Ahead for India and Pratt & Whitney Eddys message to Indian policymakers, airlines, and partners is clear: India is not just a growth market, but a coarchitect of Pratt & Whitneys next century of flight. Were proud to have been part of the aviation journey in India for the past 70 years and were excited about the future of aviation in India, he said, linking history, current investment, and longterm commitment. With sustained investments in engineering, digital capabilities, supply chains, and future propulsion technologies, the company is betting that Indias rise as an aviation power will move in lockstep with its ambition to define the future of efficient and dependable engines. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article. It does not have any involvement of the Firstpost editorial team and Firstpost claims no responsibility for its content.) State-backed Chinese oversupply and slowing Western markets are capping prices, margins, and export growth for Indian manufacturers. Indias chemical industry is facing a deepening structural and macroeconomic squeeze as Chinese overcapacity, elevated crude oil prices, and weak demand across major Western markets combine to weigh on profitability and growth prospects, according to a report by brokerage Nuvama. The report warned that one of the most persistent structural challenges for Indian chemical manufacturers stems from Chinas overwhelming dominance in global commodity chemical capacities. China controls a significant share of global production in key products such as soda ash, caustic soda, phenol, PVC, polycarbonates, epoxy resins, TDI, phthalic anhydride, and acetic acid. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite subdued demand, utilisation levels in Chinese plants remain well below optimal levels, keeping global chemical prices under sustained pressure. Nuvama noted that state-backed Chinese producers continue to operate even at losses, distorting global supply-demand dynamics and capping any meaningful recovery in prices and margins for Indian chemical companiesparticularly those focused on bulk and mid-value products. The pressure is being compounded by weakening demand in the West. Europe and the United States, which together account for a large share of Indias chemical exports, are witnessing a prolonged slowdown across housing, consumer goods, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, and construction-linked sectors. This has weighed heavily on volume growth and pricing power for Indian exporters. According to the report, the slowdown in construction has dampened demand for products such as PVC, caustic soda, and polycarbonates, while subdued activity in agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals has reduced offtake for intermediates and solvents. Nuvama also flagged currency-related pressures, noting that any appreciation of the rupee could erode Indias cost competitiveness at a time when global chemical prices are already under strain. Domestically, policy and execution gaps continue to challenge the sectors ability to capitalise on global realignments. Citing a NITI Aayog assessment, the report highlighted delays in environmental clearances, weak enforcement of anti-dumping duties, and high logistics and energy costs as key impediments to competitiveness. Without faster approvals and more supportive trade policies, Nuvama warned that India risks missing a strategic opportunity created by Europes ongoing industrial decline and the gradual reshaping of global supply chains. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Foreign institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 1,499.81 crore ( around $166 million ), marking the seventh consecutive session of net outflows this month Indian equity markets slipped as foreign fund outflows and weak global cues weighed on investor sentiment. Investors stayed cautious amid global uncertainties and tariff concerns, keeping trading subdued across sectors. On Wednesday, the Sensex fell 244.98 points to 83,382.71, while the Nifty 50 dropped 66.70 points to 25,665.60. Persistent foreign selling and mixed global markets contributed to the decline. Foreign investors continue selling Foreign institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 1,499.81 crore ( around $166 million ), marking the seventh consecutive session of net outflows this month. Traders said the pressure was felt most on large-cap stocks. Global markets add to the pressure Asian markets were mostly lower, with Chinas SSE Composite in the red. US indices ended lower overnight, and Wall Street futures indicated a weak start. Sentiment remains guarded amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, tariff-related uncertainties, persistent foreign selling, and firmer crude prices, Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, told Moneycontrol. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Tariff concerns weigh on investors Markets were cautious ahead of the US Supreme Courts likely ruling on the legality of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration last year. The tariffs, ranging from 10 - 50 per cent on major trading partners, have faced legal challenges over presidential authority. President Trump also recently warned that countries trading with Iran could face a 25 per cent US tariff, adding to market unease. International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva arrived in Kyiv early on Thursday for highlevel talks as Ukraine prepares to mark the fourth anniversary of Russias fullscale invasion on February 24 International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva arrived in Kyiv early on Thursday for high-level talks, two sources familiar with the matter said, as Ukraine prepares to mark the fourth anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion on February 24. The IMF managing director is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and central bank chief Andriy Pyshnyi, as well as business executives during her trip, one of the sources said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Details of Georgievas visit to Ukraine were tightly held given security concerns. The IMF chief, who has close family ties to Ukraine, last visited the country in February 2023. Georgievas brother is married to a woman from Ukraine and was in Kharkiv, the second-largest city, when Russia invaded. Ukraine and the IMF reached a preliminary agreement on an $8.2 billion, four-year lending program in November, contingent on several actions, including passage of a budget and shoring up donor financing assurances. IMF officials say Ukraine has made progress and expect board consideration in several weeks. Approval of the funding is critical, since it will unlock additional external investments needed to close Ukraines financing gaps, which the IMF has calculated at around $136.5 billion for the period through 2029, given the ongoing war. The war soon to enter its fifth year has hit the Ukrainian economy hard, with the country slated to spend the bulk of state revenues 2.8 trillion hryvnias or around 27.2% of GDP to fund its defense efforts in 2026. Georgieva will review Ukraines progress on several actions, including passage of a 2026 budget, taking steps to boost domestic revenues by broadening its tax base, and ensuring large-scale external donor financing on grant-like terms. FOCUSED ON ENDING TAX EVASION When it announced the preliminary deal, the IMF said Ukrainian authorities had also agreed to accelerate efforts to prevent tax evasion and avoidance, including by taxing income earned through digital platforms, closing customs loopholes for certain imports and removing exemptions for value-added tax. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The IMF expects Ukraine to introduce some of these measures in parliament, but isnt counting on higher revenues until 2027. In addition to working to de-shadow the economy, which has a high level of informal businesses that lack balance sheets, Ukraine also vowed to keep anti-corruption institutions independent, and fix loopholes in the current labor code. Ukraine passed a big milestone toward closing financing gaps last month when European Union leaders agreed to lend it 90 billion euros ($105 billion) for two years. Ukraine must only service the loan if Russia pays reparations after the war ends, which means it wont pose a burden on the budget. It also completed restructuring of $2.6 billion in growth-linked debt, easing pressure on Kyiv, which had warned that the instruments could have cost as much as $20 billion through 2041. The new IMF program will replace its current four-year $15.5 billion program, of which some $10.6 billion has been disbursed, which had assumed the war would end in 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The new preliminary agreement assumes the war will end this year, but includes a downside scenario that the war winds down slowly and does not end until 2028. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Indias merchandise trade deficit widened marginally to $25.04 billion in December 2025, as a sharp rise in imports outpaced the modest recovery in exports, official data released on Thursday showed. Merchandise exports rose 1.8 per cent year-on-year to $38.51 billion, up from $38.13 billion in November, signalling resilience despite geopolitical tensions and higher trade barriers in key markets. Imports, however, jumped 8.7 per cent to $63.55 billion, pushing the trade gap wider from $24.53 billion in the previous month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Economists polled by Reuters had expected the deficit to widen further to $27 billion. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said exports remained in positive territory, adding that Indias combined goods and services exports are expected to cross $850 billion in FY26. Government estimates showed services exports at $35.50 billion in December, while services imports were pegged at $17.38 billion, translating into a services trade surplus of $18.12 billion, which helped cushion the widening merchandise deficit. During AprilDecember 2025, merchandise exports grew 2.44 per cent to $330.29 billion, driven by stronger shipments of electronics, pharmaceuticals, marine products, and select engineering goods. Exports to the United States stood at $6.89 billion in December, marginally lower than $7 billion a year ago, amid higher tariffs imposed on some Indian goods by the US administration. India has been stepping up efforts to diversify export markets towards China, Russia, and the Middle East, backed by incentives and ongoing trade pact negotiations, including with the European Union. New Delhi and Washington are also in discussions to revive a bilateral trade agreement after talks collapsed last year. Analysts say while export growth remains steady, the faster pace of imports reflects strong domestic demand and elevated global commodity prices, which could keep pressure on Indias trade balance in the near term. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In an EXCLUSIVE interview with Firstposts Lachmi Deb Roy,Emran Hashmi and Neeraj Pandey talk about their newly released show Netflixs Taskaree: The Smugglers Web, how customs officers work and more. Taskaree: The Smugglers Web is a high-stakes Netflix crime thriller created by Neeraj Pandey, starring Emraan Hashmi as a sharp customs officer battling international smuggling syndicates. The show makes us believe that sometimes the biggest heroes dont really need to be loud and make noise and throw their power around. In fact, the biggest heroes of our country wear uniforms. We have seen enough movies on armed force personnel and police, but thanks to director Neeraj Pandey of _Taskaree_ for helping us see the hard life of custom officers and what goes behind the scenes. Taskaree: The Smugglers Web on Netflix shines a spotlight on these real-life heroes: Indias customs officers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Edited excerpts from the interview with Emran Hashmi and Neeraj Pandey: What was the research that went behind Taskaree: The Smugglers Web****? Neeraj Pandey: It was a new thing completely for us. We know about the incidents of customs and how it works. But we dont know how the entire mechanism works. So, right from the moment you send your luggage and when you are travelling back to Mumbai, you dont know what has happened. Your luggage goes into the flight and comes out of the flight in Mumbai and then goes into in-line where it gets scanned. But there is a long process also behind this. What was your preparation for the role as customs officer? Emran Hashmi: First thing, I read the script inside-out. The external bit of the preparation is different, but the internal bit is all in the script. I had to learn his cathartic journey through the show. Understanding the mannerisms of the officers at the airport, how his work-day is generally like; I had to understand all that. They have that hawk-eye vision and they are constantly checking out their surroundings. I have travelled so much, so that also helped. What are the air ports that you are targeting or looking at in the Taskaree: The Smugglers Web show? Neeraj Pandey: Essentially it is the Mumbai International Airport, a port somewhere in the Middle-East, there is Milan, UK, Thailand and there are ports in South-African countries also that we refer to in the series. Games View All It is a seven episode show, so how does all the characters evolve in the show? Emran: Basically, we are trying to show how the government wants to crack down on the smuggling nexus. My characters come on work Arjun. He has been suspended and he has been called back on this mission. These are young, hungry motivated officers who take on this huge responsibility. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What are your expectations from the show? Emran: That it is a success! (laughs) I want audiences to see, what I actually experienced while working on the show. It is a new world for all of us - smuggling, Customs officers. Actually, we have never made a film on custom officers. We have explored on Army, Airforce, Police, but never a film or show on Customs officers. That itself is so new and fresh; I am sure it is going to be a treat for all. Neeraj Pandey: I have seen these things on the news channels, but we really dont know about the journey. So, its going to be a completely new thing. WATCH the trailer of Netflixs Taskaree: The Smugglers Web here: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex might return to the UK this year, but as per reports this can be a high-risk move. So, is she risking it all for relevance. Prince Harry once said that without public-paid security, he will not bring wife Meghan, or his two children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, to his home country. He still according to reports published in Mirror pays a private security team to protect him when he comes to the UK. Despite that hes argued that they dont have access to the proper intelligence, or hold the right jurisdiction that will ensure the safety of his family. So, the question is, whether Meghan is risking it all for relevance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Daily Mail columnist Sarah Vine, UK return could lead to a massive pay day for Meghan by boosting her royal status and, as a result, the success of her jam brand As Ever. Vine claimed that after nearly six years in America, the royal fairy dust is finally wearing off. The commentator added that Meghan needs to re-up on that magic. She needs to remind the world of who her in-laws are, to stay relevant and, more importantly, to stay commercial. How coming to UK, can be a high risk move for PR to the stars Mayah Riaz had to say, Her commercial power has always been strongest in the US, where the royal association already works as shorthand for global status. American audiences do not need to see her on British soil to be reminded she married into the Royal Family. That story is already baked into her brand. Mayah further added, A UK visit would not automatically equal positive brand lift. In fact, I believe it would be high risk, high noise. The UK media landscape is far less forgiving, and any return would be dissected frame by frame. For Meghan, a visit would likely reignite old narratives rather than create new ones. From a PR standpoint, that is rarely a smart trade. Games View All On the other hand, 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 The World Economic Forum (WEF) in its Global Risks Report warned that geoeconomic conflicts are the biggest risk facing major powers in 2026. It also said that cybersecurity, wealth inequality and a lack of a social safety net are among the biggest threats facing India this year The World Economic Forum (WEF) on Wednesday released its Global Risks Report. The WEF, in its paper, warned that geoeconomic conflicts are the biggest risk facing the major powers of the world in 2026. It also said that cybersecurity, wealth inequality and a lack of social safety net as among the biggest threats facing India. But what do we know about the report? How was it compiled? What did it warn the world and India about in detail?Lets take a closer look. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How the WEF compiled its report This was the 21st edition of the WEFs Global Risks Report. The international group, in its survey, polled 1,300 business leaders, academics and civil society figures across the world. It uses the Global Risks Perception Survey (GRPS) as its main data source. The respondents were queried about several facets of risks. This included: Assessing risk in the short term (12 years) Medium term (up to 10 years) Long term (beyond 10 years) The risks were then rated on a sliding scale from low to high impact. The survey also explored how some risks could trigger others. Respondents were also asked to give feedback on what approaches or strategies they thought could best manage or tamp down the risks. It also asked respondents about how they thought nation states could cooperate and how this could affect the future. The WEF also used data from the Executive Opinion Survey (EOS) while compiling its report. This data was compiled from over 11,000 business leaders across more than 100 nations. The WEF said the report identified global trends and localised risks by combining the GRPS and EOS. Biggest risks to the world in 2026 The WEF, in its report, listed geoeconomic confrontation, such as sanctions and tariffs, as the top risk for 2026. It said 18 per cent of respondents polled labelled such geoeconomic confrontations as the main concern for the world. The WEF warned that rules and institutions that have long underpinned stability are under siege in a new era in which trade, finance and technology are wielded as weapons of influence. Its very much about state-based armed conflict and the concerns around that. So overall, nearly a third of our respondents are very concerned in 2026 about what that means for the global economy and, essentially, the state of the world, WEF Managing Director Saadia Zahidi told CNBC. Trump, after returning to the Oval Office in January 2025, had announced his Liberation Day tariffs in April. The United States had levied tariffs on hundreds of its trading partners, including India, China, Japan, Germany and Brazil which led to tensions between the countries. It listed state-based armed conflict such as the war raging in Ukraine as the second biggest risk for respondents at 14 per cent. Israel and Iran also fought a brief 12-day conflict in 2025. Meanwhile, Trump sent special forces to Venezuela to depose its long-time President Nicolas Maduro. Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Reuters Extreme weather events came in third at eight per cent. This indicates that economic and geopolitical tensions now outweigh environmental and technological risks, which have traditionally been a major concern, at least in the short term. However, the report warned that though the environment may have receded in the background in the short term, it remained a massive risk in the long term. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The WEF report also listed societal polarisation and misinformation and disinformation as notable social risks. This comes as misinformation has gone viral during elections on platforms such as X and Facebook and amid the rise of deepfakes, particularly content generated by AI. It said that around half of respondents think the next two years will be turbulent or stormy, a 14-point increase from the survey last year. However, for the long term, it noted that the biggest risks came from the climate emergency. It listed extreme weather events as topping the list, followed by biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse and critical change to Earth systems. Extreme heat, drought, wildfires and other extreme weather events are likely to become more intense and frequent, the report stated. Unlike in the two-year outlook, where these have declined in rankings, the existential nature of environmental risks means they remain as the top priorities over the next decade, it added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Around 57 per cent of respondents said they expected prolonged instability over the next decade. Biggest risks to India The report highlighted cybersecurity as the biggest risk to India in 2026. Much of this is down to Indias growing dependence on digital infrastructure, particularly when it comes to governance and making payments. Though it cited Indias Unified Payments Interface as an example of a government improving the banking system, it also flagged income inequality and a lack of social welfare schemes as key risks for India. It said India also faces risks to its stability from potential slowdowns and external shocks. It said tariffs and supply chain issues could heighten the risk of a slowdown domestically. A child stands near Chenab River with the Baglihar hydroelectric project in the background, about 155 km northwest of Jammu. File photo/Reuters It also highlighted how critical infrastructure is becoming a growing flashpoint between nations. It cited water security concerns and noted that the Indus River Basin between India and Pakistan could become a bone of contention. India has already suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. Experts say the world has much to watch out for in 2026. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Today is not a moment of a big global crisis, its a moment of poly-crises, Marsh CEO John Doyle told CNBC. Its a lot for businesses to confront and to manage, he said. Zahidi said that even though leaders remain highly distracted by wars that dont end and other concerns, the climate remains a long-term issue. That big looming existential risk around climate is still there. But our collective capacity and mind share to act on it, thats whats been reduced, she said. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump is set to meet Nobel Peace Prize winner and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House today. The meeting comes at a time when Venezuela is facing an uncertain political transition following Nicolas Maduros capture by the US. In Turkey, a new hearing in connection with the former mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglus case, is scheduled to take place Trump demands US control of Greenland for national security and Golden Dome, calls NATO stance unacceptable ahead of White House talks. US President Donald Trump will meet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado today. A new hearing for the jailed former mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, is scheduled to take place today. Presidential elections are set to take place in Uganda today. In India, 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra will head to the polls today. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to hear a plea regarding the Tamil film Jana Nayagan. Here are some of the events taking place across the world. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump to meet Machado at White House US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House today. The meeting comes amid an uncertain political transition in Venezuela following the US operation that captured former leader Nicolas Maduro on January 3. Machado, the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has expressed a desire to share or give her prize to Trump. But this is an offer that the Norwegian Nobel Institute has clarified is not possible to transfer. The sit-down highlights the complex US strategy, as the Trump administration has been simultaneously working with Delcy Rodriguez, Maduros former vice president, who was sworn in as acting president. New hearing for jailed Istanbul mayor A new hearing for the former mayor of Istanbul, Ekrem Imamoglu, is scheduled to take place today. The proceedings will take place in a courtroom within the Marmara Closed Prison campus (Silivri). Jailed mayor of Istanbul Ekrem Imamoglu (centre) along with his wife Dilek Kaya Imamoglu (right) arrive at rally in front of the Istanbul Courthouse. File image/AFP On March 18, 2025, Istanbul University annulled Imamoglus degree from the English Business Department, citing alleged irregularities in his horizontal transfer procedures decades ago. Under the Turkish Constitution, a university degree is a prerequisite for presidential candidates. Imamoglu, considered the main rival to President Erdogan for the 2028 elections, has appealed this cancellation as a political siege intended to disqualify him from future office. Presidential elections in Uganda Ugandas general elections are scheduled to take place tomorrow, January 15, 2026. Voters will elect the President and Members of Parliament. Political tensions are elevated, and there have been reports of repression against opposition parties during the campaign. Internet services have been suspended ahead of the polls, citing security concerns. Travel advisories have been issued urging caution and vigilance. BMC election to take place Maharashtra is heading to elections for 29 municipal corporations. All eyes remain on Mumbai, where the BJP-led Mahayuti is locked in a battle with the united Thackeray front for control of the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 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. SC to hear plea of Jana Nayagan film The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear a plea regarding the Tamil film Jana Nayagan over the films censorship and release. The producers are challenging an interim order from the Madras High Court that stayed a previous directive for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to grant a U/A 16+ certificate. The CBFC Chairperson had referred the film to a Revising Committee following complaints that it allegedly misrepresented the armed forces and could hurt religious sentiments. The producers argue this move was unauthorised after the initial Examining Committee had already recommended certification. A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Augustine George Masih is expected to hear the petition. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump is now threatening to deploy the US military in Minnesota. The development comes as the states largest city, Minneapolis, witnessed protests over the presence of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) personnel. But what sparked this latest row? A member of federal law enforcement walks through tear gas after using the chemical on angered community members, as tensions rise after federal law enforcement agents were involved in a shooting incident, a week after a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, in Minneapolis. Reuters Things are getting out of hand in Minnesota. US President Donald Trump is now threatening to deploy the US military in Minnesota. The development comes as the states largest city, Minneapolis, witnessed protests over the presence of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) personnel. It also comes a week after an Ice agent shot a US woman dead in Minneapolis, the states largest city. The Trump administration has sent hundreds of federal agents to the city to continue the crackdown on immigrants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what happened? Why is Trump threatening to use the military in Minnesota? And what do we know about the Insurrection Act? Face-off between protesters and police Minneapolis has witnessed fresh clashes between protesters and police overnight. As per CNN, the flashpoint occurred around 6:50 pm on Wednesday evening when a federal officer attempted to stop a Venezuelan national during a targeted traffic stop. Authorities have claimed that the Venezuelan national attempted to flee the scene after crashing his vehicle into a parked car. The officer gave chase and attempted to nab the suspect, who resisted arrest and began to violently assault the officer. At the same time, two people emerged from a nearby apartment and began to assault the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. Authorities said the officer fired a defensive shot, wounding the Venezuelan national in the leg. The three men then sought refuge in an apartment. However, they were taken into custody. Both the officer and the Venezuelan were taken to hospital. Protesters then began gathering at the scene and faced off with law enforcement, who let off tear gas and flashbang grenades. US Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovin is on the ground in Minneapolis. The Trump administration has sent hundreds of federal agents to the city to continue the crackdown on immigrants. Reuters City leaders have called for the protesters to stay calm. For those who have peacefully protested, I applaud you. For those who are taking the bait, you are not helping, and you are not helping the undocumented immigrants of our city. You are not helping the people who call this place home, Democratic Mayor Jacob Frey said. We have two governmental entities that are literally fighting one another, Frey added. It is not sustainable. Why Trump is threatening to deploy military Trump has now threatened to use the Insurrection Act in Minnesota if protesters do not back down. If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Insurrection Act is a law authorising the president to deploy military forces on US soil. Trump previously threatened to use the Act to send US troops to Portland last year when the city witnessed massive anti-Ice protests. The law was last used by a sitting president over three decades ago. In 1992, the then California Governor asked President George HW Bush to help handle the Los Angeles riots. What is the Insurrection Act? Under the US Constitution, federal troops are not allowed to be deployed on US soil. The 1878 Posse Comitatus Act says the military cannot get involved in civilian law enforcement unless explicitly approved by Congress or in situations expressly authorised by the Constitution. However, the Insurrection Act allows the president to do so in the case of an emergency. It states: Whenever there is an insurrection in any state against its government, the president may, upon the request of its legislature or of its governor if the legislature cannot be convened, call into federal service such of the militia of the other states, in the number requested by that state, and use such of the armed forces as he considers necessary to suppress the insurrection. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Donald Trump previously threatened using the Insurrection Act over Ice protests. The law says it can be used whenever the president considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States in any state by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings. The Act is usually invoked by the US president after a request from the state governor or the legislature. However, the President of the United States can do so on his own authority. This can be done under Section 252 to enforce the laws of the United States, or suppress rebellion whenever unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion make it impracticable to enforce federal law in that state by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings. Section 253 of the Act lets the president do so to quash any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy that so hinders the execution of the laws that any portion of the states inhabitants are deprived of a constitutional right and state authorities are unable or unwilling to protect that right. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Section 253 also lets the president act against any insurrection, domestic violence, unlawful combination, or conspiracy in a state that opposes or obstructs the execution of the laws of the United States or impedes the course of justice under those laws. Some critics have contended that the administration has been sending thousands of federal agents to Minneapolis in the hope of escalating tensions with anti-Ice protesters. They accuse the Trump administration of trying to manufacture a reason for deploying the military on US soil and call the US president a dictator-in-waiting. Some in the first Trump administration had also urged the then president to try to invoke the Insurrection Act as a way to stay in power after his loss to Joe Biden in 2020. With inputs from agencies More than 2,400 protesters have been killed since the brutal crackdown began in Iran, as per a US-based rights group. Several countries, including India and Spain, have asked their nationals to leave the West Asian country as the possibility of US military action looms large Irans crackdown on anti-government protesters has killed thousands of people. An internet blackout and severing of telephone lines abroad have made it difficult for the rest of the world to grasp the full scale of the demonstrations. However, online videos and testimonies gathered by activists and international media indicate that security forces have been using live fire and other weapons to quell the anti-government protests. With a communication blackout at home and a bloody crackdown on the streets, how bad is the situation in Iran? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We take a look. Deadly crackdown in Iran Over 2,400 protesters have been killed in Iran during the brutal crackdown, according to a US-based rights group. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has said it has verified the deaths of 2,435 protesters and 153 government-affiliated individuals, reported Reuters. The protests erupted in Iran on December 28 over soaring prices and the plunging Iranian currency rial, before ballooning into demonstrations against the clerical regime. More than 16,780 protesters have been arrested since the unrest began, according to HRANA. The atmosphere in Tehran is extremely heavy and tense, a resident told CNN. A person living near the Iranian capital with access via the Starlink satellite service told BBC Persian that there were checkpoints in every block, where cars and the phones of those inside were being inspected by security forces. Yasi, a protester in her 30s who works for a publishing company, told New York Times (NYT), The regime is on a killing spree. She recounted that she was marching with her friends along Andarzgoo Boulevard in Tehran on the night of January 9 when security forces shot a teenage boy in the leg. His mother screamed in anguish. My son! My son! They shot my son! the woman cried, Yasi said. I managed to get connected for a few minutes just to say its a bloodbath here, Saeed, a Tehran-based businessman, told the newspaper as he used a satellite internet connection to tell the world what has been happening in Iran. He said the brutality of the current crackdown surpassed anything he witnessed during previous protest movements, including those in 2022. This is unlike any of the protests that came before. I personally saw a young man get shot in the head, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As per NYT, eyewitnesses have alleged that government forces have started opening fire, apparently with automatic weapons and indiscriminately at times, on unarmed protesters. Hospital workers reported that earlier protesters were coming with pellet injuries, but now are arriving with gunshot wounds and skull fractures. Mass unlawful killings are being committed on an unprecedented scale amid ongoing unrest, Amnesty International said Wednesday, citing verified videos and eyewitness testimony. Continuing impunity for the crimes committed by security forces in current and past protests has emboldened Iranian authorities to persist in their criminal conduct, the group said. People inside Iran told Reuters that protests seem to have abated since Monday. Countries issue travel advisory for Iran Amid Irans brutal crackdown on protests, the US has repeatedly threatened to intervene if the West Asian nation continues to use force against protesters. The US has not ruled out the possibility of striking Iran. Tensions escalated on Wednesday (January 14), with Iran saying it warned neighbours that it would target American bases in the region in case of US strikes. Amid the threat, some US personnel have been told to leave a US military base in Qatar as a precaution, sources told CNN. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Several countries have also asked their nationals to avoid travel to or leave Iran. Indias embassy in Tehran urged Indian citizens to leave Iran by available means. The Centre has also strongly advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to the West Asian country. According CNN-News 18 sources, India is planning to evacuate its nationals from Iran. The first batch of Indians in Iran has been asked to remain ready to leave at 8 am on Friday. The Indian embassy in Iran on Wednesday had asked all citizens in the country to register with the embassy. Major airlines, including Air India, had to reroute flights today as Iran closed its airspace to all flights for about five hours amid concerns about possible US military action. IndiGo issued an advisory that some flights could be delayed due to the closure of the Iranian airspace. European countries, including Italy, Poland, Germany and Spain, also called on their citizens on Wednesday to leave Iran due to security concerns. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Around 600 Italians are in the country, mostly in Tehran, the Italian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, adding that Rome strongly reiterates its call on Italian citizens in Iran to leave the country. People walk past closed shops, following protests over a plunge in the currencys value, in the Tehran Grand Bazaar in Tehran, Iran, January 15, 2026. West Asia News Agency via Reuters The Polish Foreign Ministry on X wrote in a post, advising against all travel to Iran. Germany issued a warning to its citizens against travelling to Iran, and urged those already in the Islamic Republic to depart. There is a risk of arbitrary arrest, the German Embassy in Tehran said in a statement. German authorities urged airlines to avoid Iranian airspace amid the potential use of anti-aviation weaponry. German airline Lufthansa said it would only operate day flights to and from Tel Aviv and Amman. Spain also advised its nationals to leave Iran. Due to the highly unstable situation in Iran and the region, travel to Iran is strongly discouraged. Spaniards currently in Iran are advised to leave the country using available means, the Spanish Foreign Ministry said in a travel advisory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United Kingdom (UK) temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, saying all staff have been withdrawn from Iran. The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office also advised against all travel to Iran. How Iran crackdown is affecting Indians As many as 10,765 Indian nationals are present in Iran. Of these 10,320 are Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and the remaining are Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Thousands of Indian students, mainly from Kashmir, are also studying in the West Asian country. As per a Moneycontrol analysis of data from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, roughly 2,000 Indian students chose Iran for higher education in 2024. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday (January 15) said he spoke to External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar about the situation in Iran and was assured of actions to safeguard the interests of people from the Union Territory stranded in Iran. Just spoke to EAM @DrSJaishankar ji about the evolving situation in Iran. He shared his assessment of the ground situation & the plans that the External Affairs Ministry is working on, he wrote in a post on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Im grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students & other people from J&K who are in Iran now, Abdullah posted All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi urged EAM Jaishankar to help evacuate an Indian student stranded in Tehran. He reposted the post of an X user named Mohammed Abulhasan, who had flagged the issue. The AIMIM leader wrote on X, Sir @DrSJaishankar request your urgent attention to evacuate this Indian student (Ayman Fatima) stranded in Tehran, Iran. He said that the student originally hailed from Noorkhan Bazar in Darulshifa in Hyderabad, and was studying at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Owaisi said that Fatimas passport was with the Iranian university authorities and the family has had no contact with the Indian student recently. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump has claimed that the Iranian government has assured him that the killings of protesters have stopped and executions wont take place. Reports say that US Vice President JD Vance is among those urging Trump to conduct diplomacy with Iran. But what do experts think? Is Donald Trump taking a step back on Iran? The US president has said that he has received assurances that the killing is stopping in Iran. Trumps statement comes after Tehran has claimed that executions are out of the question. https://youtu.be/5DT9gpCWigE Many were worried that the Trump administration was looking to conduct strikes on Tehran after taking out Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. But what happened? What has Trump said? Has the US president changed his mind on Iran? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. What has Trump said? Trump has claimed that the Iranian government has assured him that the killings have stopped. Theyve said the killing has stopped and the executions wont take place there were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions wont take place and were going to find out, Trump said. Asked if US military action was now off the table, Trump replied: Were going to watch it and see what the process is. This comes after Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Fox News: There is no plan by Iran to execute people in retaliation for the anti-government protests. Hanging is out of the question, Araghchi claimed. According to reports, the family of Erfan Soltani, the first Iranian protester sentenced to death since the unrest against the Islamic regime began, has been told that his execution has been postponed. The hanging of Erfan Soltani has reportedly been delayed. Image Courtesy: @sarahraviani/X Trump in recent days had claimed that help is on the way. He urged Iranian patriots to keep protesting and to take over the institutions. Trump also claimed that he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing had ceased. There are reports that thousands of protesters have been killed in clashes with the Iranian security forces. Trump also claimed the US would take very strong action if the regime hangs protesters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also urged protesters to save the names of the killers and abusers, saying they would pay a big price. The White House earlier this week said Trump was unafraid to use military force on Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that, though diplomacy remained the first option, Trump was unafraid to use the lethal force and might of the United States military if and when he deems that necessary. Trump had also announced a 25 per cent tariff for any countries doing business with Iran. 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, he wrote on social media. From last week, he claimed the US government was set to go to the rescue of Iranian protesters if the regime used violence. The US was locked and loaded and ready to go, Trump added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to reports, Iran closed off its airspace on the intervening night of January 14 and 15. It came amid speculation that the US could conduct air strikes on Iran amid rising tensions and the ongoing nationwide protests. The US Aviation Authority noted that most flights were restricted in Iranian airspace between 1:45 am and 4:00 am local time, and from 4:44 am to 7:00 am on Thursday. This applied to all commercial flights that did not have permission from Irans Civil Aviation Organisation (CAO). Al Jazeera quoted Safe Airspace, a website run by the aviation safety organisation OpsGroup, as saying the development could be a sign of further security or military activity. It warned of the risk of missile launches or heightened air defence, increasing the risk of misidentification of civil traffic. The closure lasted for nearly five hours, after which Iran reopened its airspace. Domestic flights were seen in the sky again once restrictions were lifted. It makes sense that Tehran is taking precautions. In 2020, Irans air defences shot down a Ukraine International Airlines flight shortly after take-o Jatin ff. All 176 people on board were killed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Has the US president changed his mind? Possibly. Trump has recently referred to the US attempt to rescue US hostages in Iran under the Jimmy Carter administration, which went horribly wrong. Eight US servicemen died after a helicopter and EC-130 transport aircraft collided on the ground in Irans eastern desert. I dont know that he would have won the election, Trump told journalists from The New York Times. But he certainly had no chance after that disaster. Experts say predicting what Trump will do is a fools game. Its hard to tell exactly what course of action Trump is likely to take, Will Todman, senior fellow in the Middle East programme at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told the BBC. Given we dont know what his full aim is here. I think the risks of regime change are so great that I dont 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Wall Street Journal quoted unnamed sources as saying that Vice President JD Vance had been urging Trump to pursue diplomacy with Iran. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. AFP The smartest thing for them to have done, Vance told reporters last Thursday, is for them to actually have a real negotiation with the United States about what we need to see when it comes to their nuclear programme. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a key Trump ally, is among those urging Trump to attack Iran sooner rather than later. Graham told reporters that he believes Trump is serious when he says help is on the way, and that an attack on the regime is the only help that really matters. Some say a limited strike could do the trick. All Trump has to do is shoot to cause panic inside the regime, said Bilal Saab, an associate fellow in the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House. A US strike could embolden the protesters and distract the regime, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, he warned this could embolden the regime. It could harden the resolve of the regime and its still-large support base across the country. A rallying around the flag wouldnt be shocking, he said. Thats more likely if the strike is symbolic or a one-off. Others warn that the regime is far from ready to collapse. There is clearly a cohesive government and military and security service in Iran, Roxane Farmanfarmaian, a senior associate at the Royal United Services Institute think tank, told The Guardian. The government is showing it doesnt have any red lines: it is going to secure its borders and streets, and the extraordinary number of body bags reveals its determination to do so, she added. A number of nations, including India, have called on their citizens to leave Iran. With input from agencies FedEx, Walmart and Verizon are among the US businesses that are witnessing anti-Indian racism. This comes as the Trump administration is cracking down on immigration, including by overhauling H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers that benefits Indians the most A Walmart worker in a holiday costume gathers shopping carts in the parking area of a Walmart Supercenter store in Monroe, New York, US, December 9, 2025. File Photo/Reuters As the Trump administration expands its crackdown on immigration, the United States is witnessing a spike in rhetoric against Indians. The Indian-American community have become a visible target of the far right and conservatives in the US. A growing number of American businesses are facing a rise in anti-Indian racism. This comes amid the US administrations crackdown on H-1B visas for skilled foreign workers. We take a closer look. US businesses face anti-Indian racism FedEx, Walmart and Verizon are among the US businesses experiencing racism against Indians, according to a Financial Times (FT) report. A video of a wrecked FedEx lorry spread on X just before Christmas, leading to attacks against the Indian heritage of the logistics companys chief executive. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Stop the fucking Indian takeover of our great American companies, a user commented. FedEx chief executive Raj Subramaniam has been accused of firing white American workers and replacing them with Indians. These allegations have been fanned by right-wing commentators, including Andrew Torba, founder of social media platform Gab. FedEx has denied the charges. For more than 50 years, FedEx has fostered a merit-based culture that creates opportunity for everyone, the company was quoted as saying by FT. We take great pride that this has resulted in a workforce that represents the diversity of the more than 220 countries and territories we serve. Last September, the US government launched Project Firewall to probe allegations of widespread H-1B visa fraud. This resulted in anonymous social media accounts doxxing the information of current and former employees at Walmart, Verizon, Dish Network and other companies, claiming they were illegally selling jobs to Indians and taking kickbacks. Indian Green Card Managers must be kicked out of the country, a post featuring screenshots of a Walmart recruiters LinkedIn page read. The incident prompted a sharp rebuke from Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, an ally of President Donald Trump. The idea that a heritage American is more American than another American is un-American at its core, Ramaswamy said at the conservative conference AmericaFest in December. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ramaswamy, who was born to Indian immigrants, has himself faced xenophobic attacks from Trumps Maga base. Social media users told him to Go back to your country and fix his home on his Halloween post. Recently, Turning Point USA affiliate and influencer Kambree shared a clip on X, saying that parts of DallasFort Worth, Texas, no longer feel like America and likened the area to India due to its visible Indian community and businesses. The video, originally tweeted by content creator Wall Street Apes, demonstrated a street with various Indian grocery stores and eateries. The caption of the clip said, Americans in Dallas, Texas say they arent in Texas anymore, Were in India This is actually wild, we are losing our country Dallas Texas is the most Indian place in America (sic). To this, Kambree posted: Its not just Dallas, its the ENTIRE DFW area. This started 16 years ago. Why anti-India rhetoric is surging in the US Threats of violence against South Asian people rose 12 per cent in the year to November, FT reported, citing an analysis by advocacy group Stop AAPI Hate and counterterrorism company Moonshot. As per the group, online use of slurs against South Asians increased 69 per cent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The non-profit Center for the Study of Organized Hate has tracked co-ordinated campaigns to harass Indian American entrepreneurs who received loans from the government agency Small Business Administration. The hostility, according to executive director Raqib Naik, is a part of a spike in discrimination and harassment in the US portraying Indians as job stealers and visa scammers. Hate against Indians has surged in the US with the Trump administration cracking down on immigration, including revamping the H-1B visa system. Indian nationals make up 71 per cent of H-1B visa holders. Trumps Maga base has criticised the H-1B visa system as it is not America First enough. The Trump administration has announced a $100,000 (Rs 90.43 lakh) fee on H-1B worker visas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has said it will give preference to H-1B applications from the highest-paid workers from February, in an effort to better protect American workers. As per experts, anti-Indian rhetoric online spiked after Trump announced changes to the H-1B visa programme in September. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shift in US companies stance Amid Trumps crackdown, many US companies have refrained from commenting on racial issues. Last year, dozens of companies suspended their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts after opposition from top Republicans. Advocacy groups told FT that this shift has made companies more hesitant to call out against anti-Indian racism or to support cultural celebrations such as Diwali. FBI Director Kash Patel has come under fire from Maga over his Diwali greetings. Patels brief post on X last year read: Happy Diwali celebrating the Festival of Lights around the world, as good triumphs over evil. This triggered a storm of anti-Hindu remarks on the social media platform. With inputs from agencies In the face of US President Donald Trumps renewed push for Greenland, Denmark and its European allies are stepping up military coordination and diplomatic efforts to protect the Arctic territorys sovereignty. Copenhagen confirmed a fundamental disagreement with Washington while US senators warn this could destabilise Nato and benefit Russia An anti-MAGA cap "Nu det NUUK!" which is sold in the clothing store McKorman on Noerrebrogade, is displayed, in Copenhagen, Denmark, January 13, 2026. File Image/Ritzau Scanpix via Reuters Despite diplomatic engagement in Washington, Denmark has made it clear that its position remains unchanged, even as European allies increase their military presence in the region and explore political strategies to safeguard Greenlands sovereignty. United States President Donald Trumps insistence that the island is essential to US national security has unsettled European capitals and raised concerns within Nato. While Denmark has sought to manage the situation through dialogue and cooperation, European leaders are increasingly debating how to respond if Washington escalates its pressure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How did Denmark & Greenlands meeting with Washington go? On January 14, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Greenlands Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt met US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House to discuss the future of Greenland. The meeting had been highly anticipated, as Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire for the United States to acquire the territory, which is a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Following the talks, Rasmussen acknowledged that the two sides were far from aligned. He said there was a fundamental disagreement over Greenlands status and confirmed that Trump had not backed away from his ambition. 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. He also said it remains clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. Despite the disagreements, Denmark and the United States agreed to establish a working group aimed at discussing American security concerns related to Greenland. Rasmussen described the initiative as a way to keep communication open, even though Copenhagen has no intention of compromising on sovereignty. Earlier that day, Rasmussen had expressed his frustration with the ongoing pressure from Washington, saying, IT IS NOT easy to think about solutions when you wake up every morning to new threats. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump did not attend the meeting, but he reinforced his stance publicly. Speaking to reporters, he said, We need Greenland for national security. Well see how it all works out. I think something will work out. Trump has consistently argued that Nato should support the US in gaining control of Greenland, claiming that anything short of American ownership would be unacceptable. Before the Washington talks, he posted on social media that the alliance should be leading the way in helping the US secure the island. Greenlands foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, struck a more diplomatic tone after the meeting, suggesting that the discussions could still prove useful. We have shown where our limits are and from there, I think that it will be very good to look forward, she said. Why does Trump say he wants Greenland? Greenlands strategic importance has increased in recent years as climate change accelerates ice melt in the Arctic. The changing environment could open shorter maritime routes between Europe and Asia, potentially transforming global trade patterns. In addition, Greenland holds large untapped reserves of critical minerals used in electronics such as computers and smartphones. Trump has also linked Greenland to US missile defence. He has described the island as vital to the Golden Dome missile defence programme and has repeatedly claimed that Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic poses a serious threat to American security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to Trump, US control of Greenland is necessary to counter these risks. He has insisted that anything less than full American ownership would fail to protect US interests. However, experts have questioned whether these security arguments are grounded in reality. Andreas Osthagen, an Arctic specialist at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute in Oslo, told The Economist, Theres not really a security case for a Nato mission in Greenlandic waters. Osthagen also dismissed Trumps claim that Greenlands surrounding seas are filled with Russian and Chinese vessels, saying evidence for such activity is limited. Analysts note that other parts of the Arctic, including areas near Alaska, face more immediate strategic challenges. In terms of natural resources, many of Greenlands rare earth and mineral deposits lie deep beneath thick ice sheets, making extraction costly and technically difficult. While American companies are free to apply for mining licences without any change in sovereignty, few have shown strong interest so far. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is the US military presence in Greenland? Under an open-ended agreement signed in 1951 and updated in 2004, the United States already has extensive rights to station troops in Greenland. The arrangement allows Washington to deploy personnel and establish military facilities with the consent of Denmark and Greenland. After the Cold War, the US significantly reduced its military footprint on the island, shrinking from a large presence to fewer than 200 troops at a single base in north-west Greenland. That base is now used for space surveillance and early-warning radar operations. A view shows the US militarys Pituffik Space Base in Greenland on March 28, 2025. File Image/Pool via Reuters The facilitys annual resupply depends on a Canadian icebreaker, highlighting the logistical challenges of operating in the Arctic. Greenland also remains under Natos collective security umbrella, meaning it already benefits from alliance protection. Danish officials have said the US is welcome to expand its existing military presence if it believes additional assets are needed for security purposes. How has Denmark & Nato responded to address Trumps concerns? Denmark has announced plans to strengthen its military presence in Greenland and the surrounding Arctic and North Atlantic regions. In Copenhagen, Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the country would expand its security efforts in close cooperation with our allies. He stated that the current global security climate is unpredictable, noting that no one can predict what will happen tomorrow. Several European allies have already confirmed their involvement. Germany, France, Norway and Sweden are sending personnel to Greenland to participate in joint exercises with Danish forces or to explore future military cooperation in the Arctic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Additional troops from the Netherlands, Canada and Germany are also taking part, according to European diplomatic sources. France has likewise confirmed its involvement in the Arctic activities. Nato is reviewing how member states can collectively increase their presence in the region, though officials remain cautious about publicising specific plans. What can Europe do to defend Greenland from Trump? Some European officials wonder whether the US wants to divide Greenlanders from the Danes, persuade Greenland to accept closer American ties, or even attempt to seize the territory outright. For now, European policymakers are focusing on three broad approaches, reported The Economist: reducing tensions by addressing US concerns, discouraging any attempt to alter Greenlands status, and hoping Trumps attention shifts elsewhere. The first goal is to show that American security interests can be met within existing legal frameworks. Rasmussen said US concerns would be addressed through a high-level working group. Within Nato, Britain and Germany have pushed for discussions on an Arctic Sentry naval surveillance mission. Some British figures have also suggested deploying forces under the Joint Expeditionary Force, a coalition of ten northern European nations. On January 6, eight European leaders issued a statement reaffirming Denmark and Greenlands right to manage their own affairs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Can Europe cut trade ties with the US? Some European leaders believe more robust measures may be needed to discourage any US attempt to assert control over Greenland. In Brussels and other capitals, there has been discussion of using economic and political tools to signal the seriousness of the issue. These ideas include suspending parts of the European Unions recently agreed trade deal with the United States or imposing tighter regulatory pressure on American technology companies operating in Europe. More radical proposals have also surfaced, such as closing US military bases on European soil or selling off European holdings of US Treasury bonds. However, these options would require broad political support, which may be difficult to achieve. Jeremy Shapiro, research director of the European Council on Foreign Relations, has warned that many of these measures amount to retaliation rather than effective deterrence. He suggests that Europe should focus on actions that could influence decision-making in Washington. Such steps could include establishing a rotational European troop presence in Greenland, committing in advance to sanction American companies that exploit Greenlandic minerals without local consent, and quietly lobbying Republican lawmakers and sympathetic figures within the US administration. Can Europe rely on Trump losing interest? Some European officials hope that Trumps attention may shift to other priorities. Unlike a long-term political strategy aimed at encouraging Greenlandic independence, a direct military takeover would be simpler to execute but far more controversial. Such a move would test loyalty within the US government, armed forces and Congress. Several bills designed to prevent annexation have been announced, although they are unlikely to gain majority support. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Public opinion in the United States also appears to be against the use of force. Only 4 per cent of American voters support military action to obtain Greenland. With midterm elections approaching and foreign policy challenges mounting, including tensions with Iran, Trump may decide that Greenland is no longer worth the political effort. Some European leaders believe his tough rhetoric could simply be a negotiating tactic aimed at extracting concessions from Denmark on security cooperation or mineral access. What do EU leaders think about this? European leaders are not unified in how far they are willing to go. French President Emmanuel Macron has taken a hard line, warning his cabinet that Trumps actions could trigger a cascade of unprecedented consequences. Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has also raised the stakes, saying that an attack on Greenland would effectively mean the end of Nato. Robert Habeck, a former German vice-chancellor now working at the Danish Institute for International Studies, has warned that a US move on Greenland could embolden Russia in northern Europe. This is a nightmare, so all measures must be on the table, he said. Others, however, urge restraint. Jurgen Hardt, foreign-policy spokesperson for Germanys ruling Christian Democrats, believes the issue can be resolved through diplomacy. The problems we have can be solved with Greenland as part of Denmark under the existing treaties, Hardt said. Im sure that this argument will convince President Trump. Some European officials also worry that escalating tensions with Washington could have unintended consequences, particularly regarding US support for Ukraine. Europe currently provides most of the assistance for Kyivs war effort, but antagonising the White House could complicate broader security cooperation. What next for Trump & Greenland? Despite the criticism, Trump has continued to signal his determination to pursue Greenland. Last month, he appointed Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to the territory. Landry did not attend the January 14 meeting in Washington, but his spokesperson said he was scheduled to travel to the US capital later in the week for discussions that would include Greenland. Following Trumps latest comments, Landry posted on X that the president was absolutely right about acquiring Greenland, calling the territory a critical component of our nations national security portfolio. Trump has also suggested that Nato should play a role in helping the US gain control of the island, a position that has left alliance leaders uncomfortable. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has sought to keep some distance from the dispute, avoiding direct involvement in the confrontation between Washington and Copenhagen. For now, European governments continue to focus on diplomacy, symbolic military coordination, and political messaging to defend Greenlands status while hoping that the issue does not escalate into a deeper crisis. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump has warned of possible military action as protests have resulted in thousands dead in Iran. With American warships redeployed and stealth bombers, missiles, and cyber tools still available, Washington retains powerful options if it decides to intervene against Tehrans crackdown on demonstrators Grenades are displayed by Israel's military, that they say were seized during the ground operation in Lebanon, at Julis army base, in southern Israel, October 9, 2024. Representational Image/Reuters The United States posture towards Iran is hardening as protests take a violent turn in the West Asian country where thousands across the country are challenging the clerical establishment that has ruled since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Initially sparked by worsening economic conditions, the demonstrations have evolved into a broader political confrontation, prompting warnings from US President Donald Trump that Washington could intervene militarily if the Iranian authorities continue their violent crackdown. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On January 13, Trump addressed Iranian demonstrators directly on his Truth Social platform, writing, 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 The phrase MIGA refers to Make Iran Great Again, echoing Trumps long-standing political slogan. However, the president did not clarify what form this promised assistance might take. Earlier this month, Trump had already hinted at potential military action, stating that if Iran violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue, adding, We are locked and loaded and ready to go. What military presence does the US have in West Asia? Despite the sharp rhetoric, the US military footprint in the region is currently smaller than it was during the 12-day war last year. In June 2025, the USS Gerald Ford the worlds largest aircraft carrier sailed from Norfolk, Virginia, to the Mediterranean, signalling Washingtons readiness to project power. The carrier has since been reassigned to the Caribbean under US Southern Commands Operation Southern Spear, which has been building off the coast of Latin America since November 2025. Its accompanying strike group vessels have also largely left the Mediterranean. According to an October 2025 analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the USS Gerald Ford would require roughly 10 days to travel from the Caribbean back to the Mediterranean at an average speed of 20 knots (37 km/h or 23 mph). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD From there, it would likely take an additional week to reach the Persian Gulf and Irans coastline. Similarly, a Patriot air defence unit that had been redeployed from South Korea to the US Central Command (CENTCOM) area in March 2025 to reinforce missile defences against Iran and Houthi threats returned to the Korean Peninsula on October 30, 2025, for equipment upgrades. Even so, the United States continues to operate a wide network of military facilities across the region. It maintains sites at at least 19 locations in West Asia, including eight permanent bases in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. One of the most critical of these is Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the region, housing around 10,000 troops. According to unnamed diplomats cited by Reuters, some personnel were instructed to leave the base by Wednesday evening, though the reason for the move remains unclear. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The development has heightened concerns about a possible US strike and the risk of Iranian retaliation. What can we learn from the 2025 US strikes on Irans nuclear sites? The Trump administration frequently points to last years bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities as a major military success. In 2025, US Air Force B-2 stealth bombers carried out long-range missions to strike multiple Iranian nuclear installations. Fourteen of the worlds largest conventional bombs were dropped, and the operation was completed without any US casualties or aircraft losses, including among the fighter jets, refuelling tankers, and support planes that took part. Those attacks were narrowly focused on nuclear targets. A new operation aimed at supporting Iranian protesters would likely look very different, analysts say. Rather than concentrating on enrichment plants, any future strikes would probably focus on command centres linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Basij militia, and Iranian police forces the institutions most directly involved in suppressing the protests. However, many of these facilities are located in densely populated areas, increasing the likelihood of civilian casualties. Analysts warn that such losses could undermine US objectives, strengthening Tehrans propaganda efforts and alienating Iranians who want reform but do not want foreign bombs falling on their cities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Speaking to CNN, Peter Layton, a visiting fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute in Australia, acknowledged the risks but said Washington still has a broad range of potential targets. He noted that Irans senior leadership could be vulnerable, particularly as Tehran has already learned from Israeli operations that killed high-ranking Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists last year. What options does Trump have to strike Iran now? While B-2 bombers spearheaded the 2025 nuclear strikes, analysts believe other weapons could be better suited for a more diverse target set. One option is the Tomahawk cruise missile, which can be launched from US Navy submarines and surface ships positioned far from Iranian shores, reducing the danger to American personnel. Another is the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), which carries a 1,000-pound penetrating warhead and has a range of up to 620 miles (1,000 kilometres). JASSMs can be fired from a wide array of US aircraft, including F-15, F-16, and F-35 fighters, B-1, B-2, and B-52 bombers, as well as Navy F/A-18 jets. Unmanned drones could also play a role, analysts say, offering surveillance and strike capabilities with lower risk to US pilots. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the absence of a US aircraft carrier in the region limits Washingtons immediate options. As of Monday, the nearest carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, was operating thousands of miles away in the South China Sea. This means any near-term airstrikes would likely originate from US air bases in the Persian Gulf or from more distant locations. During last years B-2 missions, the stealth bombers flew nonstop from Missouri to Iran with multiple aerial refuelling operations. Other US aircraft capable of carrying JASSMs can also refuel mid-air. Analysts say that increased movement of tanker aircraft, as well as the repositioning of strike platforms like the B-1 bomber or F-15 Strike Eagle closer to Iran, could signal preparations for an imminent operation. Layton believes that if the Trump administration does act, it will seek a highly visible and rapid outcome. The administration is attracted to theater. This means dramatic, media-attracting, head-turning events, he said. He added that any strike would likely be brief, echoing the short duration of last years nuclear facility attacks. The administration likes short-duration raids that involve the lowest risk to the US forces involved. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One possible option, according to Layton, would be targeting Irans oil infrastructure 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. How can Trump use AI-driven cyber warfare against Iran? Beyond physical weapons, the US has also expanded its use of cyber and electronic warfare tools. US Central Command has focused on disrupting Irans digital counter-insurgency systems, including through electronic jamming to protect Starlink satellite signals. This would help protesters and opposition groups maintain communication during government-imposed internet shutdowns. Cyber operations could also target Irans integrated air defence networks and drone command-and-control systems, limiting Tehrans ability to respond with its own swarm drone tactics. The US has strengthened its regional missile defence network with Patriot and THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) batteries stationed in Israel and Qatar. These systems are linked to an air defence coordination cell at Al Udeid Air Base, which uses AI-driven tracking to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles. If Washington were to launch strikes aimed at protecting Iranian protesters from state violence, it could also deploy AGM-158 JASSM-ER missiles from B-52 bombers or B-21 Raider prototypes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These weapons allow for standoff attacks that hit targets from beyond the reach of Irans surface-to-air missiles. With any inputs from agencies Of the three new infections, one is a doctor at the same Barasat hospital, while the others are a nurse and a staff member from the Katwa subdivisional hospital who had contact with an already infected female nurse Three more individuals, including a doctor, a nurse, and a health staff member, have tested positive for the Nipah virus in West Bengal, bringing the total number of active cases in the state to five. The initial two patients, a male nurse from Purba Medinipur and a female nurse from Mongolkot in Purba Bardhaman who were employed at a private hospital in Barasat, remain in intensive care. Of the three new infections, one is a doctor at the same Barasat hospital, while the others are a nurse and a staff member from the Katwa subdivisional hospital who had contact with the infected female nurse. These three patients have been moved to the infectious diseases hospital in Beleghata for treatment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since the first two cases were confirmed on Monday, the West Bengal government has placed about 100 people in home quarantine. Health Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam told The Indian Express, We are taking all measures possible and following protocols. There is no need to panic. Among those in quarantine, roughly 30 are being monitored with extra care. A senior health department doctor explained, These include family members of the patients, doctors, nurses, drivers, and others who have come into contact with the patients. We have asked them to go into home quarantine for 14 to 21 days. We are keeping a watch on them. About the new cases Health officials are currently gathering details from Nadia, Purba Bardhaman, and North 24 Parganas to identify anyone else who may have been exposed. Blood samples from those who had contact with the first two nurses have been sent to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Kalyani for testing. According to a relative, the female nurse had been feeling unwell since December 25 but continued working in Barasat until December 30. She returned home on January 2 with a high fever and fainted that night, leading to her being taken to Katwa subdivisional hospital before eventually being transferred back to the private hospital in Barasat. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The health department has identified at least 60 people from Purba Bardhaman, including medical staff and ambulance drivers from the Katwa hospital, who had contact with her. Her travel history shows she attended a family wedding in Nadia on December 15 and 17 and visited several locations, including Santiniketan, before falling ill. The infected male nurse had worked night shifts with her on December 20 and 21. To manage the situation, a dedicated ward has been set up at the Beliaghata infectious disease hospital. A health official stated, We are also following various protocols, and all hospitals have been informed to remain vigilant for such cases. If any hospital encounters a patient with Nipah virus symptoms, they should transfer them immediately to the hospital. A detailed report has been prepared documenting all the latest activities of aerial threats and activities that will serve to prepare comprehensive, multi-agency, multi-force counter-arrangements Days after reports of drone sightings along the Line of Control (LoC) alarmed security officials, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Khalistani extremist groups have reportedly acquired paragliders and associated equipment, raising concerns about Indias security. According to News18, a detailed report has been prepared documenting all the latest activities of aerial threats and activities that will serve to prepare comprehensive, multi-agency, multi-force counter-arrangements. Suspected Pakistani drones were sighted along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmirs Rajouri district on Tuesday, prompting security forces to maintain high alert. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Several drone-like objects were first seen hovering over Dheri Dhara village near the Keri sector around 7:35 pm before moving towards Kalali village. Security agencies opened fire and activated counter-drone measures, after which the objects were observed returning across the border. Monitoring along the LoC has been intensified. The report indicates that the global use of drones to target world leaders and critical infrastructure is on the rise, marking a significant shift in asymmetric warfare and terrorist strategy. Within this framework, experts noted that Hamass deployment of motorised paragliders during its attacks on Israel serves as a prime example of how unconventional tools are being used to circumvent traditional security measures and execute large-scale strikes. Earlier on Tuesday, an encounter broke out between security forces and suspected militants in Kathua district. Gunfire was reported after forces launched a search operation based on intelligence about militant movement in a remote village. Officials said intermittent firing came from the Najote forest area of Billawar, about 10 km from the Kamadh nallah in the Kahog forest belt, where a similar exchange occurred on January 7. Suspected militants fired upon observing security forces, who retaliated while moving deeper into the forest. The cordon-and-search operation has been strengthened, and efforts are ongoing to track the militants. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said India had conveyed a clear warning to Pakistan over the recent UAV sightings, describing such activity as not acceptable. From the African savannah to Madagascars forests, these countries famous for wildlife offer unforgettable encounters with lions, tigers, elephants, and rare endemic species. Explore the worlds most incredible wildlife destinations! These countries famous for wildlife offer unforgettable encounters with lions, tigers, elephants, and more. Pexels Experiencing the diversity of our planets animals and ecosystems is truly captivating, and fortunately, there are so many countries famous for wildlife. From majestic predators and gentle giants to colorful birds and mysterious creatures, certain countries have become world-famous for their incredible fauna. For travelers, nature lovers, and photography enthusiasts, visiting these wildlife-rich nations is nothing short of a dream. Here are eight countries around the world most famous for their wildlife, where nature takes center stage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 1. Kenya Home to the Great Migration and iconic savannahs, Kenya is Africas ultimate safari destination. Pexels Kenya is synonymous with Africas iconic savannahs and spectacular wildlife spectacles. Home to the Maasai Mara, the country hosts the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains each year. Big cats like lions, cheetahs, and leopards roam freely, making Kenya a top destination for safari lovers. 2. South Africa Famous for the Big Five and diverse ecosystems, South Africa offers unmatched wildlife adventures. Pexels South Africa is famous for the Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. From Kruger National Park to private reserves, the country offers diverse ecosystems and unparalleled wildlife viewing. Visitors also flock to the coastline to spot seals, penguins, and even great white sharks for the adventurous at heart. 3. Australia Kangaroos, koalas, and the Great Barrier Reef make Australia a haven for unique wildlife encounters. Pexels Australia is a continent of wildlife wonders. Kangaroos hopping across red deserts, koalas snoozing in eucalyptus trees, and the elusive platypus in freshwater streams make it an extraordinary destination. Its Great Barrier Reef is also home to countless marine species, making Australia a haven for both land and sea wildlife enthusiasts. 4. India From Bengal tigers to one-horned rhinoceroses, Indias national parks showcase rich and diverse wildlife. Pexels Indias wildlife is as diverse as its culture. From Bengal tigers in Ranthambore to elephants in Kerala and Kazirangas one-horned rhinoceroses, the country offers unforgettable encounters. Birdwatchers are equally rewarded, with over 1,300 species fluttering across forests, wetlands, and mountains. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indias national parks and sanctuaries make it a top wildlife destination in Asia. 5. Brazil The Amazon Rainforest and Pantanal wetlands offer incredible biodiversity, from jaguars to colorful birds. Pexels Brazil is home to the Amazon Rainforest, the worlds largest tropical rainforest. Jaguars, sloths, macaws, and river dolphins are just a glimpse of the wildlife wonders hidden in its dense forests and winding rivers. The Pantanal wetlands, the largest in the world, also provide one of the best opportunities to spot jaguars in the wild. 6. Tanzania Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater make Tanzania a bucket-list destination for wildlife lovers. Pexels Tanzania is another African gem famous for its wildlife. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Selous Game Reserve offer breathtaking safari experiences. Tourists flock here for lions, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, and the Great Migration - making it a bucket-list destination for wildlife enthusiasts. 7. Canada Grizzly bears, moose, and whales roam Canadas vast wilderness and breathtaking national parks. Pexels Canadas vast wilderness is home to some of the planets most iconic animals. Grizzly bears fishing for salmon, moose wandering forests, and whales and penguins breaching in icy waters make the country a paradise for nature lovers. Its national parks, such as Banff and Jasper, offer breathtaking landscapes alongside unforgettable wildlife encounters. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 8. Madagascar Lemurs, chameleons, and endemic species make Madagascar a unique wildlife paradise. Pexels Madagascar is a wildlife lovers dream, boasting species found nowhere else on Earth. Lemurs, chameleons, and rare birds populate this islands forests, while its unique ecosystems make it a hotspot for biodiversity. Travelers seeking unusual and unforgettable wildlife experiences often place Madagascar at the top of their bucket list. It would be unfair to compare the roles of the two Asian powers, as India and China differ markedly in perspective and capability. Nevertheless, Chinas extensive engagement with Africa offers valuable lessons for India Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinas minister for foreign affairs, paid an official visit to Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Lesotho from January 7 to 11. Representational image At a time when Chinas presence in Latin America appears to face a new challenge from the US, it may be instructive to assess developments in Chinas extensive ties with Africa, an important segment of the Global South. In 1991, the Chinese government began a diplomatic tradition of sending its Foreign Minister on official visits to several African countries each January to mark the start of his annual calendar. This remains unbroken till the present day. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinas minister for foreign affairs, paid an official visit to Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Lesotho from January 7 to 11, skipping Somalia for security reasons, which too was on his original itinerary. Between January 1991 and January 2026, Chinas multidimensional equation with Africa has undergone a dramatic transformation, benefiting both sides, while raising controversial issues about this relationship of essential dependency by a continent of 1.4 billion people on the worlds second-largest economy and the Number 2 nation among the Great Powers. This relationship offers lessons for others, especially India, which considers Africa its privileged strategic partner. How the Visit Unfolded Wang Yi began his visit with Addis Ababa, where he interacted with Abiy Ahmed Ali, Ethiopias Prime Minister, and Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission. The latter meeting was focused on broader aspects of the progress achieved in China-Africa relations since the commencement of the Forum of China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) process in October 2000. Nine conferences have been held to date; the most recent was in Beijing in September 2024, at which Beijing announced a joint plan to expand cooperation for 202527 and a new commitment of $50 billion to achieve the agreed-upon goals. The meeting at the AU headquarters was particularly significant, as the building was constructed as a gift from the Chinese government. The two leaders inevitably discussed recent developments in Venezuela and, in a joint statement, stressed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected, and the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law must be adhered to. They also agreed to enhance coordination and cooperation to inject positive momentum into global and regional peace, stability, and development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The discussion with the Ethiopian leadership provided an opportunity to review bilateral cooperation. Ethiopia remains one of Chinas closest partners. Wang Yi further conveyed Chinas commitment to elevating the all-weather strategic partnership between the two nations. PM Abiy Ahmed added that they discussed deepening cooperation across the full spectrum of trade, the economy, infrastructure, modern technologies, and renewable energy. While in Tanzania, the visiting Foreign Minister held meetings with his counterpart and President Samia Suluhu Hassan. An essential feature of these discussions was the highlighting of the significance of the TanzaniaZambia Railway (Tazara) as a symbol of ChinaAfrica friendship. The two sides agreed to collaborate to revitalise the railway and establish the Tazara Prosperity Belt as a contribution to Tanzanias comprehensive development. In his meeting with Lesothos Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, the latter expressed willingness to strengthen mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and collaborate to implement the decisions taken at the last FOCAC summit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In all these meetings, the Chinese side conveyed appreciation for Africas support for the One-China principle. It projected that its diplomacy was committed to Chinas four much-talked-about initiatives, namely the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI), and the most recent Global Governance Initiative (GGI). The Macro Picture It has been estimated that since 2009, Chinese leaders have made 200 visits to 48 African countries. South Africa received the highest number of high-level visits from Chinese visitors, followed by Egypt, Senegal, Ethiopia, and Kenya. Tanzanian leaders made the most high-level visits to China, followed by Zimbabwe, Zambia, Seychelles, South Africa, and Sierra Leone. Foreign Minister Wang Yi has visited Africa 57 times between 2013 and 2025. No other foreign minister may come anywhere close to his impressive record of clocking flying miles. The available data confirm that Chinas proactive Africa policy has produced positive results. When the attention of other international competitors has been diverted to different geographies, Chinas consistency and predictability appear to be paying off. The total China-Africa trade touched $295 billion in 2024. China has remained the top trading partner of African countries for the past 15 years. Chinas top trade partners have been South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Shifting trends in funding, however, have been noted. Total new loan commitments fell significantly from a peak of $28 billion to under $1 billion in 2022. China has been shifting toward smaller projects focused on peoples livelihoods while promoting private-sector investment and proceeding cautiously with large-scale, state-funded infrastructure loans. In a January 7, 2025, analysis, the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies offered a measured assessment: Chinas Africa policy is part of a global strategy to create dependencies and interdependencies that make countries and regions more inclined to support Chinas global ambitions Yet, African interests are still discernible and, at times, not aligned with those of China. Lessons for India The key purpose behind studying the trajectory of China-Africa cooperation is to draw appropriate lessons for India. It would be unfair to compare the roles of two Asian powers because they have different perspectives and capabilities. After all, the Indian economy accounts for about one-fifth of Chinas GDP. But there are lessons, embedded in Chinas extensive interactions with Africa. Three may be pinpointed below. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One, consistency pays. Indias approach to focus on the tripod continental, regional, and bilateral dimensions of the partnership with Africa is essentially wise and must be pursued consistently, without a break. A specific policy suggestion offered by some Indian experts earlier that the External Affairs Minister needs to consider initiating a strategic dialogue with the Chairperson of the AU Commission deserves thoughtful consideration. Two, after a rich calendar of VVIP visits before the Covid-19 era, India picked up the threads again, arranging a total of 12 visits by its President, Vice President, or Prime Minister to 17 countries during 202225. MEA needs to conduct a meticulous audit of outcomes and progress in implementing the decisions made during these visits. It should also be borne in mind that concessional lines of credit are now unwelcome in debt-stressed Africa; therefore, the grant component and private-sector investment need to be increased significantly and rapidly. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Third, a substantial fund should be established to support rigorous field research in Africa by Indian scholars, think tanks, and journalists interested in African affairs. Without investing in a solid body of knowledge about Africa, this countrys endeavours to elevate the relationship may remain constrained. To cooperate more effectively with Africa, India needs to study and understand the continent more deeply and sustainably. (Rajiv Bhatia is a Distinguished Fellow at Gateway House Mumbai and a former Indian High Commissioner to Kenya, South Africa, and Lesotho. His book India-Africa Relations: Changing Horizons (Routledge, 2022) received critical acclaim. The views expressed in this article are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.) Pakistans sale of JF-17 aircraft and other systems is not a transient burst of export activity, but a deliberate effort to convert battlefield narratives into strategic capital Pakistan is now selling the warcontract by contract, region by region, and increasingly to Indias strategic doorstep. In image: Pakistans Defence Minister Khwaja Asif/ File Photo When Pakistans Defence Minister, Khwaja Asif, recently declared that aircraft have been tested, and we are receiving so many orders that Pakistan may not need the IMF in six months, the remark sounded less like strategic confidence and more like political theatre, centred on the gap between economic reality and political rhetoric. The claim was made just weeks after Pakistan secured another lifeline from the International Monetary Fund, which included $1 billion released under its $7 billion Extended Fund Facility and an additional $200 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Facilitytaking total IMF disbursements to approximately $3.3 billion. For a country that has returned to the IMF 24 times since 1958 and stood as the Funds fourth-largest debtor at $8.96 billion as recently as October 2025, the idea that arms exports might replace financial rescue borders on the structurally implausible. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The JF-17 and Its Cousins Yet Asifs confidence is not conjured out of thin air. Pakistans defence industry has indeed become more visible in select markets. Reportedly, Pakistan made export deals worth $10 billion in 2025, the highest it has to date. This has been made possible particularly through two platforms that now form the core of its export pitch: the JF-17 Thunderdeveloped jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and the Chinese Chengdu Aircraft Corporationand the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. These systems have the advantage of being inexpensive, with no political strings attached, and packaged with financing arrangements attractive to states unableor unwillingto procure Western equipment. At a time when sanctions, budgetary stress and shifting alliances are reshaping procurement patterns across parts of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, Pakistan has found buyers receptive to good enough military technology at lower prices and strategic convenience, positioning Islamabad as an accessible supplier of battle-hardened equipment after May 2025. Pakistans Recent Defence Deals Seen in this light, the Defence Ministers rhetoric raises a more consequential question. If Pakistan is not on the brink of an export-led economic turnaround, what exactly do these much-touted defence deals represent? More importantly, who are the buyers, what strategic calculations shape these purchases, and how do they fit into Pakistans evolving geopolitical positioning? Saudi Arabia One of the most recent deals made by Pakistan will certainly contribute considerably to managing its immediate financial distress. According to a Reuters exclusive, Islamabad and Riyadh are in discussions to convert roughly $2 billion in Saudi loansextended in 2023into a defence transaction centred on the JF-17 Thunder, though the number of jets remains undisclosed. This proposed debt-to-defence conversion is significant not only for its commercial scale but also because it follows the SMDA (Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement), which seems to promise an extended conventional and possibly nuclear umbrella. Pakistan has one of the largest standing military forces in the region, and with this large defence deal, the partnership will be further solidified, serving as an instrument of diplomacy, economic stabilisation and long-term alignment in a shifting regional order. Libya The deal with Libya marks something far more consequential: Pakistans entry into a conflict theatre under international embargo. In December 2025, Pakistan finalised what is being described as one of the largest defence exports in its historyan estimated $4 billion to $4.6 billion packagefollowing a meeting in Benghazi between Pakistans Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Libyan National Army (LNA) Deputy Commander-in-Chief Saddam Khalifa Haftar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the Pakistani government has not formally confirmed the full scope, reports specify that the deal includes 16 JF-17s, 12 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, and a wider basket of land, sea, and air systems to be delivered over roughly two and a half years. The deal reflects the rise of an alternative arms market beyond Western regulation and what is being called a South-South military-industrial channel that bypasses both Western and Russian gatekeeping. It also directly undermines the credibility of the UN arms embargo on Libya, in force since 2011. That does not seem to bother Islamabad at all, nor has it received adverse comments from the West. Sudan Islamabad, as of early January 2026, is also in the final stages of finalising a $1.5 billion arms and aircraft agreement with Sudan aimed at strengthening the Sudanese army in its prolonged conflict against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The package, reportedly mediated by Saudi Arabia, is said to include 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft, more than 200 drones for reconnaissance and loitering-munition roles, advanced air-defence systems, and potentially Super Mushshak trainers and JF-17 jets, though exact figures and delivery timelines remain undisclosed. The inclusion of both light attack jets and extensive drone fleets suggests an export model calibrated for asymmetric conflict environmentsaffordable yet capable systems that sidestep the cost, politics and technical barriers of high-end platforms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bangladesh For India, the most worrying development is that Bangladesh is emerging as a potential new market for Pakistans defence industry. Dhaka formally expressed interest in the JF-17 fighter aircraft following a meeting between Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan and his Pakistani counterpart on procurement, training, maintenance and long-term cooperation on January 6. The ISPR stated that discussions are also on for fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, a comprehensive pilot training framework and sustained technical support. Bangladesh further sought assistance in maintaining its ageing fleet and integrating air-defence radar systems to enhance surveillance. All this points to a long-term relationship between the two and follows frequent high-level military contacts, fuelling speculation about a defence deal on lines reminiscent of Pakistans accord with Saudi Arabia. Over the past several months, senior Pakistani military officialsincluding the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the navy chief and the head of the ISIhave made back-to-back visits to Bangladesh, laying the groundwork for deeper strategic engagement ahead of Bangladeshs national elections. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The End Result What emerges from all this is not a transient burst of export activity but a deliberate effort to convert battlefield narrative into strategic capital. Well-established sources like Forbes have referred to the JF-17s capabilities against India, describing it as combat proven. This was also visible in the $1.6 billion JF-17 deal made with Azerbaijan in September 2025. Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munirs statement that our recent war with India demonstrated our advanced capabilities to the world has now become a marketing strategy. All of this conveniently ignores the very real problems the JF-17 aircraft earlier faced in terms of its poor safety record and Myanmars earlier declaration that it was unfit for operations. Nigeria has also grounded its fleet of JF-17 Block II aircraft recently. True, the JF-17 has undergone improvements over the years with Chinese assistance, but this still does not explain the all-out market for the aircraft, with Indonesia now the latest prospective buyer. This seems to hint at a Chinese nudge, with different packages for each customer. For instance, any package for Libya and Sudan would fundamentally differ from that of the Saudis. Bangladesh may even receive significant cost cuts, given that it has a huge strategic fallout for India. The aircraft is already one of the cheapest available, at roughly half the cost of a Sukhoi-57 and about a third of a top-line Rafale. Ultimately, what this translates into is Pakistans export strategy challenging India at the level of narrative and norms. By projecting conflict with India as proof of capability, Islamabad seeks to normalise confrontation as a marketable credential. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An honest evaluation must also note that Indias shooting down of JF-17s in the air has foundered in international media. This was not even about narrative but very real proof of capability. What is unfolding, therefore, is not simply a story of arms sales. It is Pakistan monetising military confrontation, embedding itself within non-Western supply chains, and translating this into long-term geopolitical positioning. For India, the challenge is not only to counter individual deals but to recognise the broader architecture taking shapeone that links conflict, commerce and diplomacy into a single instrument of statecraft. Pakistan is now selling the warcontract by contract, region by region, and increasingly to Indias strategic doorstep. Time to step up our act on all fronts, particularly the narrative war. After all, it is about bringing truth to power. (Tara Kartha is Director (R&A), Akashika Mate is Research Assistant, Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS). Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Firstpost.) STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Data compiled by Workforce.ai for CNBC shows energy-related hiring surged by 34 per cent in 2024, nearly matching the previous years pace and sitting a solid 30 per cent higher than pre-AI levels in 2022, when ChatGPT first sparked the generative AI boom. Microsoft, Amazon and other big tech are on a hiring spree for energy experts (Photo: Reuters) Artificial intelligence may be the most transformative technology of our time, but its also one of the hungriest. The worlds biggest tech companies are not unknown to the fact that the true cost of powering AI isnt just financial, its electrical. As data centres multiply to feed the growing appetite for generative AI, US grid operators are issuing urgent pleas to Big Tech: ease up on your energy demands before the lights go out. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Behind the glossy AI demos and trillion-dollar valuations, theres a quiet panic brewing over the one thing that could stall the AI revolution, a shortage of power. And Big Tech knows it. Thats why the industrys ongoing big hiring spree isnt for machine learning engineers or data scientists. Its for energy experts. Big Tech hiring spree for energy experts Over the past two years, technology giants have been racing to recruit specialists who can help them manage, source, and even produce their own power. Data compiled by Workforce.ai for CNBC shows energy-related hiring surged by 34 per cent in 2024, nearly matching the previous years pace and sitting a solid 30 per cent higher than pre-AI levels in 2022, when ChatGPT first sparked the generative AI boom. Microsoft has emerged as one of the biggest players in this quiet energy arms race. Since 2022, the company has added more than 570 hires with expertise in energy markets and infrastructure. Among them is Betsy Beck, who joined as director of energy markets after holding a similar role at Google. Microsoft also appointed former General Electric CFO Carolina Dybeck Happe as its chief operating officer in 2024, a move that hinted early on at its long-term energy ambitions. Not to be outdone, Amazon has brought on around 605 energy-related hires, including those at AWS, making it the leader of the pack. Its vast network of data centres already consumes more electricity annually than some small nations, and the company is now exploring on-site generation solutions to manage that load. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Google, meanwhile, has been playing catch-up in both AI and energy infrastructure. But its closing the gap fast. The company has hired 340 energy experts since 2022, including Eric Schubert, a veteran of BP who now advises on regulatory affairs, and Tyler Norris, a researcher from Duke University now leading energy market innovation. Alphabets market cap recently surged past Apples for the first time since 2019, and its expanding energy strategy could be part of the reason. In other words, the AI boom isnt just reshaping the software industry. Its transforming the energy sector too. US grid operators to Big Tech For the people who keep Americas lights on, AIs energy demands have become impossible to ignore. Grid operators across the US are now urging Microsoft, Amazon, and Google to rethink their approach. Some are proposing that companies adopt a bring your own generation model pairing new data centres with dedicated energy sources, such as renewable farms, natural gas plants, or even small nuclear reactors. That way, Big Tech can expand its AI footprint without destabilising public power networks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Others are suggesting conditional grid connections, where data centres would be allowed to plug in early, but only if they agree to temporary disconnections during periods of extreme demand. The idea has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that cutting off data centres, even briefly, could cripple cloud services. Still, regulators say the current trajectory is unsustainable. AI data centres already consume staggering amounts of energy, and as models grow larger and more complex, their power draw is only increasing. Mass resignations and deep budget cuts have weakened Nasas lunar program as China advances with successful missions and clear timelines. With Trumps tariffs , the US risks of losing strategic and technological ground in space missions. The NASA logo is seen at Kennedy Space Center. File image/Reuters For decades, the idea of a space race belonged to history books. The United States had planted its flag on the Moon, the Cold War had ended, and space exploration became routine, bureaucratic, and often political. That sense of finality is now gone. China and the US in past decades had been locked in a space race, a contest to see which nation could put its people on the moon. US and space missions A new race is underway, and for the first time since Apollo, the US is not clearly in the lead. Under US President Donald Trump, Nasa has been pushed into turbulence. Nearly 4,000 employees have exited the agency following administrative upheaval and imposition of about 24 per cent tariffs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD No structure designed Senior leadership has changed repeatedly, long-term planning has been disrupted, and flagship lunar programs have become entangled in politics rather than engineering. Former Nasa officials describe the situation bluntly: the US framed the Moon as a race again without building a structure designed to win it. At the centre of Americas return-to-the-Moon effort is Artemis, a program meant to revive crewed lunar landings. But Artemis is weighed down by compromises. The Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule are expensive repurposings of older technology. They have flown together only once. Key elements, including the lunar lander being built by SpaceX, are still under development. Meanwhile, mission timelines have slipped repeatedly, and even optimistic projections push a sustainable human presence on the Moon toward the late 2020s. China: A planned space program Chinas approach looks very different. Its space program is centrally planned, methodical, and shielded from electoral cycles. In 2024, the Chinese spacecraft Change-6 successfully returned samples from the far side of the Moon, a first in human history. The mission demonstrated precision landing, autonomous operations, and deep-space communication capabilities that directly support future crewed missions. Beijings ambitions go beyond planting a flag. China is targeting the Moons south pole, a region believed to contain water ice and valuable resources such as helium-3. Control over these areas could shape future energy systems and space-based industries. The upcoming Change-7 mission aims to extract lunar water, a critical step toward sustaining long-term human activity on the Moon. Chinas commercial space sector, though younger and less dominant than Americas, is accelerating. State-backed firms and private launch companies are testing reusable rockets, expanding launch capacity, and building satellite constellations. While the US still leads the global space economy, the gap is narrowing, especially in areas where consistent funding and long-term vision matter more than innovation alone. The contrast is stark. While China integrates its private firms into a national strategy overseen by the China National Space Administration, the US space program has become fragmented. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amid the ongoing Grok AI scrutiny, CEO Elon Musk claims that he was not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. He said it does so only according to user requests. Elon Musk said on Wednesday he was not aware of any explicit images of minors generated by xAIs Grok as scrutiny of the chatbot and his social media platform X intensifies worldwide. He wrote in a post on X he was (quote) not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero. 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 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Musks comments come after three Democratic US senators last week called on Apple and Google to drop X and Grok from app stores, citing the spread of nonconsensual sexual images of women and minors on the platform. A coalition of women's groups, tech watchdogs, and progressive activists called for a similar move. Jenna Sherman works for a womens rights advocacy group called UltraViolet, We are telling them that 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. And were saying this is not acceptable. The Musk-owned apps are also facing government investigations and bans or legal action in countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. Musk reiterated that Grok is programmed to refuse illegal requests and must comply with the laws of any given country or state. Musk said earlier on X that anyone using Grok to make illegal content would suffer the same consequences as if they uploaded illegal content. Last week, X curtailed Groks ability to generate or edit images publicly for many users, however industry experts and watchdogs have said that Grok was still able to produce sexually explicit images. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They said restrictions such as paywalls may not fully block access to AI image tools. In the UK, the law is set to change this week to criminalize the creation of sexually explicit images by Grok. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday that X is working to comply with the new rules. He said, The actions of Grok and X are disgusting and theyre shameful. Groks misuse has triggered global outrage as AI-generated sexual deepfakes target women and minors. With bans, probes, and regulatory pressure mounting worldwide, the controversy highlights a deeper failure to safeguard privacy amid rapid AI expansion. AI chatbots are largely built to help users solve problems and access information. Lately, though, that promise has been overshadowed by serious concerns around misuse. Grok has found itself at the centre of that debate after being accused of violating the privacy and dignity of women and young girls. X, a platform widely used by public officials and governments, has long positioned itself as a key space for public discourse. Thats what makes the controversy more troubling. This is no longer just about data privacy. It is about how women and minors are being portrayed in ways that are deeply disturbing and unacceptable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The illegal practice The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) charity said its analysts uncovered criminal imagery of girls aged between 11 and 13 that appeared to have been created using Grok. According to the charity, sexualised and topless images of girls were found on a dark web forum where users claimed the chatbot had been used to generate them. Grok is an AI chatbot embedded within X and owned by xAI, the artificial intelligence firm led by Elon Musk. It is accessible through its own website and app, as well as via X. Notably, the standalone Grok app offers advanced image and video generation tools that go beyond what is available on X. Critics say these tools have been exploited to create graphic and, at times, violent sexual imagery, far more explicit than content generated directly on the platform. The rise of so-called digital undressing and AI-generated sexual deepfakes has triggered global outrage. A viral trend saw users prompting Grok to create explicit images of real people, including minors, pushing regulators and governments to step in. In a digital setting the digital undressing has sparked outrage among people calling for further investigation after the platform being flooded by undressed images of women and sexualised images of minors. Is this the only way AI chatbots are to be used? Grok has a separate app and a separate website, the app is separate from X which also includes sophisticated video generation which is not available on X and is being used to produce graphic, sometimes violent, sexual imagery of adults that is vastly more explicit than images created by Grok on X. International pressure has been mounting on Musk to rein in Grok on the heels of a viral trend where users have asked the AI tool to generate sexually explicit deepfakes. Certain governments like Britain, EU, India, Australia have issued a notice to X on January 2, 2026, demanding fixes for Groks generation of obscene, non-consensual sexualised images, including audits and user penalties. The governments around the world are also launching investigations. The latest came on Monday as the UK media regulator, Ofcom, launched a probe into the social media platform, which could result in a ban. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Block over Grok Recently Indonesia, Malaysia have become the first countries to block Grok, and now Philippines has said on Thursday that they are planning to impose a ban on the AI chatbot after facing global backlash. This raises a harder question. Is banning a chatbot the simplest fix, or just a temporary patch? As critics point out, similar abuses can occur with any AI system given the right prompt. The Grok controversy has exposed a deeper problem: the gap between rapid AI innovation and the safeguards needed to protect people, especially women and children, from harm. It is not enough to introduce a few corrective measures and assume the problem is solved. What is needed goes beyond investigations. Platforms must build strong safeguards, enforce clear accountability, penalise misuse, and take responsibility for preventing harm before it happens, not after damage is done. US President Donald Trump signed an order on Wednesday to impose 25 per cent tariffs on AI chips which will be effective from Thursday. US President Donald Trump has imposed 25 per cent tariffs on AI chips on Wednesday, which is seen as a necessary step in the White Houses decision to allow Nvidia to sell advanced AI chips to China. Trump signed an order which will be effective from Thursday, and applies to chips that are transshipped through the United States to other foreign countries, White House staff secretary Will Scharf said at an event. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This covers technology like the Nvidia H200 chip and AMDs MI325X, a government fact sheet added. The proclamation follows a nine-month investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and targets a number of high-end semiconductors meeting certain performance benchmarks and devices containing them for import duties. US allows Nvidia to export H200 chip to China Last month, Trump said that he reached an agreement with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to allow US chip giant Nvidia to export the H200s into China, with the US government getting a 25-percent cut of sales and under certain restrictions. The deal was confirmed by the US Commerce Department on Tuesday. The changes introduced will allow Nvidia to sell its H200 chip to Chinese buyers under certain conditions. 25 per cent tariffs on chips China wants them, and other people want them, and were going to be making 25 percent on the sale of those chips, Trump said at an event on Wednesday. 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. Trump in December said he would slap tariffs on Chinese semiconductor imports over Beijings unreasonable pursuit of chip industry dominance, but delayed the action until June 2027. Separately, Wednesdays order directed US trade officials to continue negotiations relating to the imports of semiconductors and chip-making equipment into the United States, as Washington tries to spur domestic manufacturing in the critical sector. Irans integration of Chinas HQ-9B and Russias S-400 creates a layered air defence that could blunt US military options, testing American strategy and raising regional and geopolitical stakes. US President Donald Trumps recent threats of military action against Iran come on the heels of a high-profile operation in Venezuela that successfully targeted Nicolas Maduro. In Caracas, US forces were able to neutralise the Venezuelan air defence system which included Russian-made long-range S-300VM and medium-range Buk-M2E surface-to-air missiles with strikes supported by electronic warfare from EA-18G Growler aircraft. Analysts warn, however, that Iran presents a far more complex challenge due to its more sophisticated and multi-layered air defence network. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Unlike Venezuela, Iran has been actively upgrading its capabilities, incorporating advanced systems such as Chinas HQ-9B long-range surface-to-air missiles alongside Russias S-400. These additions make the Iranian air defence far more resilient against conventional US strike methods. The HQ-9B, part of Chinas most advanced exported missile technology, is likely to play a central role if Tehran faces aerial attacks, raising questions about whether US military tactics used in Venezuela could succeed against Iran. Chinas technology at the centre of Irans shield Irans growing reliance on Chinese missile systems has become a focal point in strategic assessments. The HQ-9B, integrated into Iranian networks, provides long-range detection and interception capabilities, complementing the S-400 systems acquired from Russia in July. Experts said that combining Chinese and Russian technology creates overlapping coverage zones that complicate potential US targeting strategies. In essence, Irans upgraded air defences are a mix of two of the worlds most advanced surface-to-air technologies, making pre-emptive strikes considerably more challenging. The inclusion of HQ-9B missiles also has broader geopolitical implications. China appears willing to export its most advanced air defence systems to Tehran, even under the shadow of US scrutiny. For Washington, this adds a layer of diplomatic complexity; any strike against Iran could be perceived as confronting Chinese-supplied assets, potentially escalating tensions between the worlds two largest economies. Military experts caution on US options US analysts suggest that Trumps Venezuela-style operations may not be directly replicable in Iran. The combination of electronic countermeasures and layered missile defences that failed in Venezuela would face far greater resistance in Tehran. Irans systems are designed to counter both traditional air strikes and sophisticated electronic warfare, reducing the likelihood of a decisive US intervention without substantial risk of losses. As Trump continues to signal willingness to act, military planners must weigh the robustness of Irans air defences, the presence of Chinese technology, and the regional fallout of any confrontation. Experts argue that the stakes are far higher than in Venezuela, where a single targeted operation was sufficient to destabilise the regime. In contrast, Irans integrated systems could withstand initial attacks, complicating U.S. strategy and forcing a more cautious approach. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With tensions escalating and Irans capabilities improving, the coming weeks are likely to test both US military planning and Chinas role in regional defence dynamics. Observers suggest that the Trump administration faces a far more difficult military puzzle than previously encountered in Latin America, making Iran a strategic test of modern air defence systems and geopolitical calculations. US President Donald Trump said that the Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi seems very nice but expressed uncertainty over his prospects of leading the West Asian nation. People hold up photos of Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's toppled Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, during a demonstration, in Istanbul, in support of the nationwide mass protests in Iran against the government. AP Amid the growing turbulence in Iran, US President Donald Trump said that the Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi seems very nice but expressed uncertainty over whether Pahlavi would be able to muster support within the West Asian nation and eventually take over the country. The remarks from Trump came during his interview with Reuters in the Oval Office on Wednesday. During the conversation, Trump said that there is a chance Irans clerical government could collapse, but he remains uncertain about whether the Iranian prince can make a political comeback in the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is pertinent to note that 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. However, he remains reluctant to offer full support to Pahlavi, the son of the late shah of Iran, who was ousted from power in 1979. More from World Iran protests intensify as security forces fire tear gas, opposition urges more rallies He seems very nice, but I dont know how hed play within his own country, Trump told Reuters. And we really arent up to that point yet. I dont know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me. Trump remains hesitant about Pahlavi Trumps comments came a week after he told reporters that he had no plans to meet the Iranian prince. The US-based Pahlavi, 65, has lived outside Iran since before his father was toppled in the 1979 Islamic Revolution and has become a prominent voice in the protests. Irans opposition is fragmented among rival groups and ideological factions - including the monarchists who back Pahlavi - and appears to have little organised presence inside the Islamic Republic. In the Reuters interview, Trump said that it is possible that the government in Tehran could fall due to the protests, but that in truth any regime can fail. Whether or not it falls or not, its going to be an interesting period of time, he said. With inputs from Reuters. Denmark and allies dispatch troops to Greenland amid Trumps unrelenting drive for US control of the Arctic outpost. Denmark and its allies ramp up military deployments to Greenland with French and German troops arriving Thursday, aiming to reassure US President Donald Trump amid his persistent push to take control of the strategic Arctic island. Wednesdays White House talks with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio yielded a joint working group but no shift in Washingtons demand for ownership, which Denmark flatly rejects as a sovereignty violation. European nations frame the moves as both deterrence and a serious response to American security worries over Russia and China. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Troop arrivals begin French and German forces touched down in Nuuk on Thursday to kick off joint drills, with a German Airbus A400M carrying 13 reconnaissance staff and Danish aircraft unloading soldiers in fatigues. Frances President Emmanuel Macron confirmed more units en route, stressing NATO unity and boosted surveillance. Ambassador Olivier Poivre dArvor told France Info the effort proves EU commitment to regional defence without yielding ground. Initial steps look modest but lay groundwork for larger scale operations planned later this year. Trumps ownership demand Trump insists Greenlands minerals and position make it essential for US security and his Golden Dome project, claiming Denmark lacks strength to block Russian or Chinese footholds. He deems anything short of full US control unacceptable and has floated all options, alarming allies who warn forced takeover risks shredding NATO. Greenland leaders call sale talk reckless, pledging allied cooperation instead. The row echoes past spats but carries fresh edge given Arctic resource grabs and great power jostling. Ally response strategy Ahead of talks, Denmark and Greenland announced Arctic build ups with NATO partners to counter critique. Germany, France, Sweden and Norway commit personnel for groundwork toward bigger exercises later in 2026. Danish Defence Ministry plans weeks of tests to shape sustained presence. Expert Marc Jacobsen at Royal Danish Defence College sees dual aims: ready defence if needed, plus proof of stepped up patrols. These steps aim to show resolve without direct clash, buying time for dialogue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD White House talks outcome Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlands Vivian Motzfeldt met US counterparts but saw no climbdown on acquisition goal. Parties agreed to a task force for wide issues like surveillance, resources and joint patrols, yet sovereignty stands firm. The group will tackle practical gaps while allies pour in troops. Deployments signal to Washington that Europe means business on guarding the territory, blending firmness with alliance loyalty. Broader implications NATO cohesion hangs in balance as Trump tests allied unity over Arctic stakes. Denmark bets on multinational shows of force to defuse pressure without concession. Success hinges on scaling presence fast enough to match rhetoric. For now, boots on Greenland ice mark a starting line in a high stakes game. Hannah Natansons deep reporting on the federal workforce and her ability to cultivate hundreds of new sources have earned her the newsroom nickname the federal government whisperer (File) Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks at a news conference at the Justice Department, on Feb. 12, 2025, in Washington. AP The home of a Washington Post reporter was searched by the FBI late on Wednesday as part of an investigation into a leak involving a Pentagon contractor accused of mishandling classified national defence information. The Justice Department said that agents seized Hannah Natansons phone, two laptops and a Garmin watch from her home in Virginia. Natansons deep reporting on the federal workforce and her ability to cultivate hundreds of new sources have earned her the newsroom nickname the federal government whisperer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why was Natansons home searched? 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. 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 Nations national security. What has WaPo said? While The Washington Post confirmed that neither the paper nor Natanson are targets of the investigation, Executive Editor Matt Murray condemned the search as an extraordinary step. In a memo to staff, Murray argued the move threatens the constitutional protections vital to investigative journalism. Reaffirming the Posts commitment to reporter independence, he labelled the governments actions deeply concerning and called for total transparency as the case proceeds. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France was now providing twothirds of intelligence information to Ukraine, largely replacing the United States, which until last year had delivered the bulk of those services. File- French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as he arrives for a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on December 1, 2025. (Photo: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters) French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France is now supplying roughly two-thirds of the intelligence shared with Ukraine, largely stepping into a role previously filled by the United States, which until last year had provided most of that support. In March 2025, Washington decided to halt intelligence-sharing with Kyiv as part of a broader effort to increase pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage with President Donald Trumps push for peace talks with Russia, following Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since then, ties between the two sides have fluctuated, although there has been no sign that the United States has sharply reduced the intelligence assistance it provides to Ukraine. Speaking during a New Year address to Frances armed forces, Macron also highlighted Europes role over the past two years in assuming responsibility for key elements of military support to Ukraine. He said a coalition of some 35 countries was now providing all of the support, including financial, to Kyiv after Washington had decided to no longer fund or directly give weapons to Ukraine. Where Ukraine was extremely dependent on American intelligence capacity, huge majority (of it) a year ago, in (the space of) a year, two-thirds is today provided by France, Macron said. The comments are in contrast to Kyrylo Budanov, who was appointed head of Zelenskiys office and is the former chief of Ukraines military intelligence, who said in December that Kyiv was critically dependent on Washington for intelligence ranging from satellite imagery to early warning systems after ballistic missile launches. Ukraines GUR military intelligence agency declined to comment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A French defence ministry official declined to comment specifically on the presidents assertions, but said much of the intelligence was of technical origin. When Washington suspended intelligence in 2025, Frances then Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the U.S. halt to intelligence sharing would have a significant operational impact on Ukraine, but that Frances own intelligence provided to Kyiv was not reliant on Washington. With inputs from agencies Denmarks Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said that there is still a fundamental disagreement between the US and the Danes over Greenland as Rubio & Vances meeting failed to make a breakthrough An American flag is displayed on the facade of the US consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. AP After an hour-long meeting with the US officials, Denmarks Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said that there is still a fundamental disagreement over the Greenland issue as US President Donald Trump remains stern on his ambition to take over the autonomous Danish territory. The Danish foreign minister said the meeting with Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday had been frank but constructive. However, he maintained that 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. Soon after the meeting, Trump reiterated that Greenland is "crucial" for American national security, questioning Denmarks capability to defend the Arctic territory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the hour-long meeting between the US, Denmark and Greenland officials failed to bring a major breakthrough, all sides agreed to set up a high-level working group to discuss the future of the overseas Danish territory. While speaking to reporters outside the White House, Rasmussen said there were red lines the US could not cross, and the working group would meet in the coming weeks to find a compromise. He went on to mention that both Denmark and Greenland were open to the possibility of the US opening more military bases on the island. Its productive to start discussions at a high level, he said. Rasmussen also noted that there was an element of truth in Trumps view that security should be bolstered to counter Russian and Chinese interests in the Arctic. However, he made it clear that Trumps remarks about the presence of Russian and Chinese warships around Greenland were not true. Why Greenland matters Despite the Arctic region being sparsely populated, Greenlands 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. In light of this, Trump has repeatedly said that the island is vital for national security. It is pertinent to note that the United States already has more than 100 military personnel permanently stationed at its Pituffik base in Greenlands northwestern tip, a facility that has been operated by the US since World War 2. Under the existing agreement with Denmark, the US has the power to bring as many troops as it wants to Greenland. Following the talks on Wednesday, which involved US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Vance and Rubio did not immediately comment after the meeting. Trump repeatedly told reporters in the Oval Office: We need Greenland for national security. 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, he said, adding that he does not believe the US can rely on Denmark to defend the island. The talks also took place as allies in Europe moved quickly to show support for Greenland. On Wednesday, Sweden pledged to send armed forces to the territory at Denmarks request. Frances foreign minister said the country planned to open a consulate on the island next month. Meanwhile, 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. Amid the support, 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Overall, it remains unclear if 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. As the situation continues to worsen in Iran, India is preparing to evacuate citizens from the country. The first batch of Indians may leave the country as early as tomorrow. Cars burn in a street during a protest over the collapse of the currency's value in Tehran, Iran, on January 8, 2026. (Photo: Stringer/WANA via Reuters) As the situation has continued to worsen in Iran, India is preparing to evacuate citizens from the country, sources in the government have told CNN-News 18. The development has come a day after India asked all citizens to leave Iran. The advisory was issued in the midst of continuing threats from US President Donald Trump that raised the prospects of an American attack on Iran that could destabilise the country and the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sources said that the first batch of Indians in Iran have been informed to be ready to leave at 8 am on Friday. In the advisory, the Embassy of India in Iran on Wednesday asked all citizens in the country to register with the embassy. But the process has been slow due to the internet shutdown in the country. Family members of Indians in Iran could register on their behalf at https://www.meaers.com/request/home. The advisory 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. The embassy said it has set up four helplines: +98 9128109115, +98 9128109109, +98 9128109102; +98 9932179359. For more than two weeks, Iran has been rocked by nationwide protests that began with outrage over the collapse of currency and the broader disgruntlement against the poor state of the economy. The movement soon turned into a nationwide revolt against Irans theocratic regime and its failure to ensure economic stability and grant meaningful personal and freedom freedoms. The protests have emerged as the greatest threat to Irans theocratic regime in five decades. Among all the protests in recent years, the death toll in ongoing protests has been considered to be the highest. Estimates have ranged from hundreds to 2,000 to 12,000 and higher. As Irans theocratic regime faces its greatest challenge in five decades, it is confronting not only the fury of the people disillusioned by the Islamic Revolutions unfulfilled promises but also Western technology. Rattled by Elon Musks Starlink, Irans regime now finds satellite internet emerging as a new weapon and internet signals as the latest battlefield that can be fired in the shadow war with the United States. Cars burn in a street during a protest over the collapse of the currency's value in Tehran, Iran, on January 8, 2026. (Photo: Stringer/WANA via Reuters) In the weekslong nationwide protests, Irans theocratic regime has been facing the fury of people disillusioned by the Islamic Revolutions unfulfilled promises. The economic unrest has threatened the legitimacy of the Ayatollah rule, and has also cracked open its iron door, giving its regional and Western rivals a foothold to test the regimes supremacy. Along with this has come a technological challenge the threat of mounting a cyber-offensive with debilitating effect. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As Irans rulers unleashed a brutal crackdown on protests, they imposed a complete communication shutdown no internet or phone connectivity. But satellite internet provided by the likes of Elon Musks Starlink can easily bypass government restrictions because it does not rely on physical infrastructure inside the country as fibre or cellular internet-providers do. This limits the governments ability to enforce a shutdown. With , Iranian activists abroad reported that Musks Starlink had made satellite internet free for users inside Iran. Although Starlink is banned in the country, thousands of terminals have been smuggled in over the years and have often served as Iranians last tool of connectivity with the world during crackdowns. This time, however, Iran mounted an unprecedented cyber-offensive. Trump weaponised Starlink & Iran countered it As in other conflict zones, Musk-owned Starlink emerged in Iran as an instrument of hard power. A day after Trump said he would talk to Musk about making Starlink available in Iran, SpaceX waived the subscription fee for Iranians so they could access the internet for free, Ahmad Ahmadian, Executive Director of Holistic Resilience which works with Iranians to secure internet access told Bloomberg. But military-grade jamming targeted Starlinks internet signals, disrupting around 30 per cent of its uplink and downlink traffic in the early hours, which later rose to more than 80 per cent at one point, internet researcher Amir Rashidi told IranWire. Rashidi said he had never witnessed such interference in his 20 years of research and noted that the technology involved is highly sophisticated and military-grade and was likely supplied by Russia or China if not developed domestically. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: US mobilising forces for Iran strike? Some military staff asked to leave Qatar airbase, Tehran on alert Even with the full powers of the state at its disposal, Iran could not enforce a complete ban. People inside the country still managed to share videos of protests, accounts of the crackdown, and estimates of the death toll. Despite the cyber-offensive, Reuters reported that Starlink continued to work in several pockets of the country, particularly in border areas. A source said they were personally aware of dozens of people using Starlink inside Iran. Similarly, Alp Toker, founder of internet watchdog NetBlocks, said there remained some access to Starlink, adding that it is patchy but still there. Completely blocking satellite internet nearly impossible While it is certainly possible to block satellite internet in a specific area, it is nearly impossible to block it across an entire country, Ashwin Prasad, a researcher with the Takshashila Institutions High-Tech Geopolitics Programme, told Firstpost. In theory, however, it is possible to extend such a blockade to the entire country but it had not been done anywhere yet. A ground jammer has a limited line of sight. To cover a whole country, you would need thousands of them. An airborne mesh of drones or balloons could theoretically cover a whole island like Taiwan though it hasnt been done yet, said Prasad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Iran and elsewhere, authorities can block satellite internet by targeting either GPS signals or internet signals. Blocking GPS signals is much easier. A satellite internet terminal on the ground, such as those used by Starlink, does not need GPS to access the internet itself, but it does need GPS to lock on to the fast-moving satellites in low-earth orbit that beam the internet downwards. By overpowering GPS signals with noise, authorities can prevent terminals from determining their true location and receiving the GPS signals needed to identify which satellite to connect to. But this requires extremely powerful transmitters and is highly localised and limited to specific neighbourhoods or at most a single city, said Prasad. The nationwide implementation of such a shutdown from jamming is nearly impossible because of the sheer number of transmitters and the power it would take. Moreover, most authorities do not look for blanket shutdowns but opt for localised shutdowns, such as in conflict zones or in neighbourhoods where protests are intense, Prasad told Firstpost. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moreover, in the cat and mouse game between internet-providers and regimes like Iran, Starlink has now pushed an update that makes such jamming hard. While Starlink terminals prefer GPS for fast setup, SpaceX pushed a firmware update after Russian jamming in Ukraine that allows terminals to use Doppler shift or satellite triangulation to find their location even if GPS is totally jammed. As a result, Iran has resorted to spoofing GPS signals another way to jam internet. GPS spoofing refers to broadcasting fake signals instead of blocking real ones. It confuses Starlink terminals. Prasad said that GPS spoofing can degrade performance but it does not completely kill the connection anymore. He said that terminals can often fight through it albeit with slower speeds. In a third method, authorities can target the internet signals directly in what is known as noise jamming. It involves overwhelming the signal. In this approach, authorities transmit powerful radio noise in the same frequency bands the satellite link uses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In simple terms, it is like running a jet engine next to people trying to have a conversation. With the noise, they cannot hear each other. But Prasad said that this type of jamming is much harder. It is much harder than GPS jamming because Starlink uses phased array antennas that create a very tight, directional beam like a laser pointer between the terminal and the satellite. To jam this, you need the noise to be exactly in the path of the beam. Since the satellite moves across the sky in minutes, the jammer effectively has to be everywhere to block it consistently. This also confirms why nationwide jamming is so hard, said Prasad. For such reasons, localised jamming of satellite internet has been observed in Iran but a nationwide shutdown has not been possible. Prasad said that there have been previous instances of localised jamming elsewhere, such as in the war in Ukraine where Russia has attempted to block satellite internet and has reportedly succeeded in disrupting it in certain frontline pockets but has not been able to shut it down across Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This shows the limitations of both satellite internet-providers and the authorities trying to block them. In the ongoing war, it means that neither is satellite internet a magic bullet nor is blocking it absolute. Realistically, authorities can only identify hotspots of satellite internet activity or sensitive areas and block satellite internet there. A nationwide shutdown would be nearly impossible, said Prasad. Indian airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, have issued travel advisories for some of their international passengers amid the closure of Iranian airspace. In a post on X, IndiGo said, Due to the sudden airspace closure by Iran, some of our international flights are impacted. Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives. Travel Advisory Due to the sudden airspace closure by Iran, some of our international flights are impacted. Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives. This development is beyond our IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) January 14, 2026 Similarly, Air India said, Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays. Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled. Days after a US federal agent killed a woman during President Donald Trumps crackdown on immigrants, another agent has shot a man in Minnesotas Minneapolis. Members of law enforcement gather as tensions rise after federal law enforcement agents were involved in a shooting incident a week after a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in north Minneapolis, Minnesota, US, on January 14, 2026. (Photo: Ryan Murphy/Reuters) Days after a US federal agent killed a woman during President Donld Trumps crackdown on immigrants, another agent on Wednesday evening shot a man in Minnesotas Minneapolis. The victim continues to be in hospital. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the citys Democratic mayor, Jacob Frey, traded blame over the incident. While the DHS said the man resisted arrest and assaulting the officers, Frey condemned the shooting as disgusting and intolerable. He further urged people to not clash with federal personnel STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We cannot counter Donald Trumps chaos with more chaos Anyone who is taking the bait tonight, stop. You are not helping the undocumented immigrants in our city, said Frey. DHS Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said that federal agents were trying to arrest a man from Venezuela who was in the country illegally in a targeted traffic stop at around 6:50 pm, according to New York Times. McLaughlin said that after the man fled from agents, an officer caught up to him and the man began to resist and violently assault the officer. She said two people came out of a nearby building and, along with the man suspected to be an illegal immigrant, attacked the officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. The shooting sparked protests and clashes with the police personnel. While the police said they had to resort to gas to disperse crowds, The Times reported that federal agents sprayed unidentified chemical agents at protesters. Last week, an ICE agent killed Renee Nicole Good, a 17-year-old US national, after getting into an argument with her. Good and her wife, Becca, were part of a protest against Trumps crackdown on immigrants at the time of the killing. Trump administration doubles down on shooting Even as Democrats condemned the shooting, the Trump administration doubled down in their justification. Currently, as many as 3,000 immigration officers are either in Minneapolis or are on their way to the city. McLaughlin justified the shooting as an act of self-defence. The officer feared for his life and fired shots, hitting the man who agents were seeking in the leg, according to McLaughlin. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The two other persons who allegedly helped the man who was shot were in custody, said McLaughlin. She said the agent and the man who was shot were in the hospital, and the other two people she accused of attacking the agent were in custody. Mayor Frey said that the activities of immigration officers were not sustainable. In recent weeks, as the Trump administration has ramped up raids and detentions in the city, several rounds of protests have been held in the city. This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in. And at the same time, we are trying to find a way forward to keep people safe, to protect our neighbors, to maintain order, said Frey. Minneapolis police chief Brian OHara said the crowd at the scene was engaging in unlawful acts and said they have thrown fireworks at police officers and at multiple times, gas has been deployed, according to The Times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When several heavily armed Border Patrol agents arrived in a large, military-style vehicle at the site of shooting, protesters swarmed the vehicle, yelled at them, and threw snowballs at agents. While retreating, the agents fired at least two gas canisters that made it difficult for some to breathe. A few minutes, two ICE agents returned and sprayed protesters with a chemical agent that led to one person complaining he was not able to see anything. Weeks ahead of the elections, the Nepali Congress has split into two parties, with both factions claiming to be the real party. The matter is now before the Election Commission (EC) and is likely to end up in the Supreme Court as the ECs decision is almost certain to be challenged. Nepali Congress leader Gagan Thapa speaks at a convention that his faction had called to declare his faction as the real party amid a split. (Photo: X/Gagan Thapa) Weeks ahead of the parliamentary elections, the Nepali Congress (NC) on Wednesday split into two factions. The split happened as negotiations between the Gagan Thapa-Bishwo Prakash Sharma and Sher Bahadur Deuba factions failed to reach an agreement. Following the failure of the talks, the Thapa-Sharma faction claimed that 60 per cent of NCs national delegates attended a convention and elected Thapa as President, Sharma and Guru Ghimire as General Secretaries, and Farmullah Mansoor as Vice Chairman, according to The Indian Express. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thapa and Sharma have claimed their faction as the real party. As both the factions are laying claim to be the real party, the matter is now before the Election Commission (EC) and is likely to end up in the Supreme Court as the ECs decision is almost certain to be challenged. Nepal is scheduled to hold elections to the parliaments lower house, the House of Representatives, on March 5. The house was dissolved last year after the youth-led protests topped the government of then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. On its part, the Deuba faction has called a meeting of NCs central working committee and decided to take disciplinary action against Thapa and Sharma, which included stripping them of their party membership, according to The Kathmandu Post. In their arguments before the EC, The Post reported that Thapa-Sharma faction has argued that their convention had dissolved Deubas central working committee so any decision by the committee was invalid. On its part, the Deuba faction has argued that any decision by Thapa and Sharma was not valid because they had been expelled from the party. The Express reported that dissent against Deubas leadership had been brewing for months within the NC that was fuelled after he unilaterally decided to join the coalition of then-PM Oli of Communist Party of Nepal-Union Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML). The government was eventually overthrown in the youth-led movement in September 2025. Trump said Wednesday he had been told the killings of protesters in Iran had been halted, but added that he would watch it and see about threatened military action Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Iran does not have any plan to execute any anti-government protestors, as US President Donald Trump hits out at Tehran for killing demonstrators. Speaking with Fox News after Trump said that Tehran had assured him that there are going to be no more killings, Araghchi said there is no plan for hanging at all. Hanging is out of the question, he said. What has Trump said? Trump said Wednesday he had been told the killings of protesters in Iran had been halted, but added that he would watch it and see about threatened military action. Trump had repeatedly talked in recent days about coming to the aid of the Iranian people over the crackdown on protests that rights groups say has left at least 3,428 people dead. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But in a surprise announcement at the White House, Trump said he had now received assurances from very important sources on the other side that Tehran had now stopped, and that executions would not go ahead. Theyve said the killing has stopped and the executions wont take place there were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions wont take place and were going to find out, Trump said. World reacts While the UN Security Council will huddle on Thursday to discuss the situation in Iran, G7 nations have said they were deeply alarmed at the high level of reported deaths and injuries and warned of further sanctions if the crackdown continued. Monitor NetBlocks said Irans internet blackout had lasted 144 hours. Despite the shutdown, new videos, with locations verified by AFP, showed bodies lined up in the Kahrizak morgue south of Tehran, wrapped in black bags as distraught relatives searched for loved ones. 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 Former Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko, slammed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alleging that his government is engaging in a purge tied to the elections in the war-torn nation. Former Prime Minister of Ukraine, Yulia Tymoshenko, slammed the countrys current President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alleging a purge tied to the elections in the war-torn nation. The remarks from Tymoshenko came after her office was raided by Ukrainian corruption investigators probing alleged bribery of parliamentarians to sway their votes. The allegation is significant since Tymoshenko is a likely rival of Zelenskyy if he stands for reelection. I categorically reject all these absurd accusations in a response posted to her Facebook page. It is pertinent to note that Ukraine is long overdue for presidential elections. The polls have been put on hold because of Russias ongoing invasion of the country, triggering martial law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Constitution of Ukraine forbids elections when martial law is in place, and the country is engaged in a war-like situation. However, Zelenskyy has said that he would be willing to hold elections very quickly once peace is restored or at least a ceasefire is in place. The Ukrainian leader has been open to conducting elections amid concerns from the Trump administration about his popularity and credibility. Although it is still not clear if Zelenskyy himself would run in the poll. In the past, the Ukrainian leader has said that he is not a peacetime leader, and voters may want someone with a new mandate. It seems the elections are much closer than they appeared, Tymoshenko, a Peoples Deputy of Ukraine with the Batkivshchyna party, said in her statement on Wednesday. And someone has decided to begin a purge of competitors. This is not the first political hit job against me. Persecution and terror have been my daily reality for many years. I have long since stopped being afraid, because I know that I am honest with myself, with the people, and with Ukraine. No one can break me or stop me. And this time, once again, we will prove the truth, she added. What Zelenskyys future looks like In an interview with Axios back in September, Zelenskyy shared an insight into his political future. He insisted that he was ready not to stand in elections once the war is over. My goal is to finish the war, Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine would hold presidential elections when the Russian invasion ends. The Ukrainian comedian-turned politician was elected to lead the country in a landslide in 2019. If it had not been Russias invasion of the Eastern European nation, his term would have ended in May 2024. Since his time in the office, Zelenskyy's popularity has fluctuated from the highs of over 90 per cent at the start of the war to still well above 60 per cent. However, despite his decent popularity as a wartime leader, Zelenskyy has also faced protests in July 2025 after his allies in parliament tried to weaken the countrys independent anti-corruption agencies, before the move was reversed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He has also faced backlash over the conscription of Ukrainians to fight in the war with Russia. Not only this, Zelenskyys inner circle was rocked last year by a $100 million corruption scandal that toppled his influential chief of staff and longtime ally, Andriy Yermak. In March 2025, four senior members of Trumps team held secret talks with Zelensky's top election rivalsTymoshenko and former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenkoand discussed whether the country could hold wartime elections. Both Poroshenko and Tymoshenko confirmed they had been in touch with Trump administration officials at the time. However, they said that they opposed the idea of conducting polls during wartime. With inputs from agencies. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk pointed to Russian secret services as the likely culprits behind a major cyberattack on the nations energy grid late last December. He praised Polands defences for blocking any real harm during the incident, which energy minister Milosz Motyka described as the worst such strike in years. Tusk stopped short of firm proof but voiced strong conviction on Moscows role, framing it as part of broader hybrid warfare patterns. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Attack scale revealed The assault slammed Polands power network in the last week of December, standing out as the most severe cyber hit in recent history. Motyka laid out the details on Tuesday, highlighting how operators faced intense barrages yet kept lights on nationwide. Tusk backed this account during a Thursday press call, underscoring the grids resilience under duress from sophisticated foes. Tusk cited ample clues linking the operation to outfits tied directly to Russian intelligence arms. While holding back from overreach, he left no room for doubt on the origins of both planning and motive. Groups prepped this with Moscow direction, acting on clear inspiration from the East, he stated flatly. Such moves echo Kremlins playbook of probing Western weak spots through digital means, a tactic seen from Estonia to recent Ukrainian blackouts. Defences hold strong Polands cyber shields stood tall, spotting threats early and shutting down incursions before damage spread. Tusk called the result a clear win against destabilisation efforts, with zero risk to key systems at any point. Quick teamwork between energy firms, cybersecurity units and state agencies nipped the plot in the bud. No outages hit homes or factories, proving investments in digital fortification paid off handsomely. Broader context Tusks public finger pointing serves notice to allies and adversaries alike, fitting Warsaws firm line on Russian aggression. Energy grids top hit lists for state backed hackers chasing influence sans full war. Poland eyes deeper NATO collaboration and fresh sanctions talks in response. The non event outcome boosts confidence yet warns of relentless pressure ahead, urging sustained vigilance across Europe. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys first China visit in eight years signals a cautious reset in ties with Beijing, driven by US tariff pressure, trade diversification goals and stalled Canada-China economic relations. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carneys arrival in Beijing this week goes beyond a long-delayed diplomatic visit. It pointed to a shift in Canadas approach as it deals with rising pressure from its closest ally, the United States while exploring ways to mend a relationship with China that has remained strained for years. On his first visit to China since taking office 10 months ago and the first by a Canadian leader in eight year, Carney said the two countries were entering a new era of relations, a phrase that reflects both economic urgency and geopolitical caution. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At home, Carney is grappling with a structural challenge sharpened under US President Donald Trump: Canadas heavy reliance on the American market. More than three-quarters of Canadian exports go to the United States, leaving Ottawa exposed to tariff shocks and policy uncertainty south of the border. Trumps latest round of higher import tariffs has further intensified that exposure, prompting Carney to quicken efforts to diversify trade. His stated aim to double exports to non-US markets over the next decade has made renewed engagement with the worlds second-largest economy harder to sidestep. China sees opportunity as ties with US allies strain China, for its part, appears open to such renewed engagement, seeing an opening in Washingtons tougher trade stance towards its allies. Beijing has long argued that the United States pressures partners such as Canada to align against China, especially during the previous Biden administration. In this context, Chinese officials have portrayed Carneys visit as both a warming of diplomatic ties and a test of how far US allies are prepared to pursue a more independent foreign policy amid fresh American pressure. Meeting Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday, Carney spoke of building a new partnership rooted in past cooperation while responding to current challenges. Li welcomed the visit as a sign of improved relations after years of tension. Carney is due to meet President Xi Jinping on Friday, a meeting that carries added importance given the lengthy pause in senior-level political contact between the two countries. Past disputes cast a long shadow over reset effort The context for the visit is a relationship weighed down by repeated flashpoints. Strains deepened in late 2018 when Canadian authorities detained Meng Wanzhou, Huawei Technologies chief financial officer, at the request of the United States, which was seeking her extradition. China responded by detaining two Canadian citizens on espionage charges, pushing bilateral ties into a prolonged freeze and weakening trust on both sides. Trade disputes have added to the strain. In 2024, Canada followed the U.S. lead under former prime minister Justin Trudeau by imposing tariffs of 100% on Chinese-made electric vehicles and 25% on steel and aluminium. China hit back with 100% duties on Canadian canola oil and meal, 25% tariffs on pork and seafood and a 75.8% levy on canola seeds. Together, these steps effectively closed the Chinese market to Canadian canola, dealing a sharp setback to a sector that depended heavily on Chinese demand. Despite these tensions, Carneys Beijing agenda has remained largely practical. He met several major Chinese companies, including e-commerce group Alibaba, state-owned oil giant China National Petroleum Corp., and battery maker CATL. The meetings suggest Ottawa is placing emphasis on commercial ties even as trade disputes and political sensitivities remain unresolved. Canadas Foreign Minister Anita Anand, who is travelling with Carney, told her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that the prime minister aims to restart dialogue across a range of areas. A statement from Chinas Foreign Ministry said Wang described the visit as a turning point that could create fresh opportunities for bilateral relations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Whether this early effort to reset ties can hold amid competing pressures from Washington and Beijing remains unclear. For now, Carneys visit reflects a bid to limit exposure to US trade pressure while gradually reopening channels with China, an effort driven as much by economic necessity as by a changing global environment. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that it is his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and not Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is derailing the Ukraine war peace efforts. As the Russia-Ukraine peace process remains in a lull, US President Donald Trump said that it is Ukraine and not Russia that is holding up on a potential peace deal. The remarks from Trump came during an exclusive interview with Reuters in the Oval Office on Wednesday. Trumps latest rhetoric marked a contrast to that of European allies, who have consistently argued Moscow has little interest in ending its war in Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the interview, Trump said that the Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to wrap up his nearly four-year-old war against Ukraine. However, the American leader noted that his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is more hesitant about a peace deal. I think hes ready to make a deal, Trump said of the Russian president. I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal. More from World FBI seizes WaPo reporter's phone, watch after Pentagon request in classified leak probe When asked why US-led negotiations had not yet resolved Europes largest land conflict since World War 2, Trump responded with just one word: Zelenskyy. Trumps recent comments reflected his renewed frustration with the Ukrainian leader. The two leaders have shared a volatile relationship, though their interactions seem to have improved over Trumps first year back in office. On numerous occasions, Trump has been more willing to accept Putin's assurances at face value than the leaders of some American allies. The long-stretched negotiation process Trumps take on the matter also came a month after Reuters reported that the US intelligence reports continued to warn that Putin had not abandoned his aims of capturing all of Ukraine and reclaiming parts of Europe that belonged to the former Soviet empire. However, at that time, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard disputed the report. After a long tussle, the US-led negotiations this week have been centred in recent weeks on security guarantees for a post-war Ukraine to ensure that Russia does not invade it again after a potential peace deal. The US have been pushing Ukraine to abandon its eastern Donbas region as part of any accord with Russia. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian officials made it clear that they will not let go of the territories and have demanded Western security guarantees in the talks led by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law. In the midst of this, some European allies of Ukraine have cast doubt on the likelihood of Putin agreeing to some terms recently hashed out by Kyiv, Washington and European leaders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the Wednesday interview, Trump told Reuters that he was not aware of a potential upcoming trip to Moscow by Witkoff and Kushner, which Bloomberg reported earlier on Wednesday. When asked if he would meet Zelenskyy at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week, Trump said he would but implied no plans were set. I would - if hes there, Trump said. Im going to be there. Asked why he believed Zelenskyy was holding back on negotiations, Trump did not elaborate, saying only: I just think hes, you know, having a hard time getting there. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president has publicly ruled out any territorial concessions to Moscow, insisting Kyiv has no right under the countrys constitution to give up any land. With inputs from Reuters. Russia said on Thursday that Natos talk of Russia and China being a threat to Greenland was a myth designed to artificially whip up hysteria and that what it called the Western alliances policy of escalating confrontation in the Arctic was extremely dangerous. Icebergs float in the water off Nuuk, Greenland, on March 7, 2025. Any US attack on a NATO ally would be the end of "everything", Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned on January 5, 2026, after US President Donald Trump repeated his desire to annex Greenland.- AFP Russia on Thursday rejected Natos claims that Moscow and Beijing pose a growing threat to Greenland, calling the narrative a myth aimed at stoking unnecessary fear and justifying what it described as a dangerous escalation of military confrontation in the Arctic. Moscows comments come against the backdrop of increasingly blunt remarks from US President Donald Trump, who has said Washington should take control of Greenland for national security reasons. The United States already maintains military facilities on the island, a Danish overseas territory that occupies a strategically important position in the Arctic. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump has argued that Denmark is failing in its responsibility to defend Greenland, an assertion strongly rejected by Copenhagen. Denmark maintains that it is capable of ensuring the islands security and has criticised suggestions that sovereignty over the territory should change hands under the guise of defence concerns. Tensions have risen further as several European countries, including France, Germany, Norway and Sweden, have begun deploying troops to Greenland. The deployments are being presented as a gesture of support for both Nuuk, Greenlands capital, and Copenhagen, as Denmark prepares to hold a military exercise on the island. The troop movements have added to an already charged atmosphere in the High North, where strategic competition has intensified in recent years. In a statement reflecting mounting unease, Russia said it was watching developments around Greenland with serious concern and stressed the need to keep the broader Arctic region peaceful and stable. Moscow warned that steps taken by Nato risk undermining that stability and could push the region towards heightened confrontation. NATO has embarked on a course of accelerated militarisation of the North, building up its military presence there under the fictitious pretext of a growing threat from Moscow and Beijing, Russias embassy in Belgium said in a statement to the Izvestia newspaper. Belgium hosts Natos headquarters, making it a focal point for diplomatic messaging aimed at the alliance. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russia framed Natos actions as part of a broader Western strategy that, in its view, exaggerates external threats to justify expanding military footprints closer to Russian territory. It argued that portraying Russia and China as dangers to Greenland serves political purposes rather than reflecting actual security realities in the Arctic. At the same time, Moscow highlighted what it sees as a contradiction in Western criticism. Russia itself has, in recent years, moved to reopen and modernise a wide network of military bases across the Arctic, citing the need to protect its national interests and infrastructure in a region that is increasingly accessible due to melting ice. Western countries have frequently pointed to these steps as evidence of Russian militarisation. By pushing back against Natos narrative, Russia sought to underline its position that the Arctic should remain a zone of cooperation rather than conflict. It warned that continued military build-ups and sharp rhetoric risk creating a self-fulfilling spiral of tensions in a region where major powers interests increasingly intersect. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We can see that the alliance is using high-profile statements from Washington on the Greenland issue solely to promote an anti-Russian and anti-Chinese agenda, it said, listing recent European statements on Greenlands defence. The instigators of these bellicose plans appeal to mythical challenges that they themselves generate, the embassy said, noting that even Western diplomats with access to Nato intelligence briefings cited in the media had acknowledged that no Russian or Chinese submarines had been spotted near Greenland in recent years. This exposes the artificiality of the hysteria that is being whipped up, it said. The statement did not directly criticise Trump, however, at a time when he remains a key interlocutor for Moscow in efforts to reach a peace deal in Ukraine. It turned its fire instead on Nato as an institution and on its European member states, which it also accuses of blocking peace efforts in Ukraine. We consider the alliances policy of escalating confrontation in the Arctic to be counterproductive and extremely dangerous, the embassy said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies An explosion on a residential street in the center of the Dutch city of Utrecht injured at least four people Thursday, an emergency services official said. The cause of the blast was not immediately known. Firefighters extinguish the fire at the scene of an explosion in Utrecht, Netherlands, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Ahmad Seir) Several people were injured after a powerful explosion sparked a fire in a building in central Utrecht, one of the Netherlands largest cities, on Thursday afternoon. The blast triggered a major fire and caused extensive damage, forcing people to flee into nearby shopping areas. Fire crews worked to contain the flames but were unable to immediately enter the affected buildings due to concerns over structural instability. Local authorities said that multiple structures collapsed following the explosion and confirmed that four people were injured. They were taken to an emergency hospital for medical care. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD By Thursday evening, the fire was still ongoing. Authorities said it was unclear whether anyone remained inside the damaged building, as conditions were too dangerous for firefighters to search the site. Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma said emergency services were unsure whether people were trapped beneath the debris, noting that rubble was present and that police were continuing their investigation. An emergency services spokesperson, Sjaak Haasnoot, said the injured individuals were taken to a hospital in the city, adding that the severity of their injuries was not immediately known. Officials also said it remained unclear whether there were any fatalities. It is very difficult at the moment to say how many victims are under the rubble," Haasnoot said. The fire department cannot enter the building because it is still unstable. Local authorities said there was extensive damage in this densely populated area of the town, adding the cause of the explosion was still unknown. Residents who had to leave their homes for safety reasons have been accommodated in a hotel nearby. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had held a long call with Venezuelas interim president Delcy Rodriguez, the first known contact between the two leaders since the ouster of Nicolas Maduro. Venezuelan Vice President and Oil Minister Delcy Rodriguez gives a press conference at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, March 10, 2025. AP US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had held a long call with Venezuelas interim president Delcy Rodriguez, the first known contact between the two leaders since the ouster of Nicolas Maduro. We just had a great conversation today, and shes a terrific person, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He later said on social media that he and Rodriguez had discussed many topics, including oil, minerals, trade and national security. We are making tremendous progress, Trump said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After Maduros capture in a deadly US special forces operation on January 3, Trump said he was content to let his former deputy Rodriguez take over as long as she gave the United States access to Venezuelan oil. He has suggested the United States could maintain oversight of the Caribbean country for years. Rodriguez has been walking a diplomatic tightrope, trying to meet Trumps demands without alienating Maduro loyalists, who control Venezuelas security forces and feared paramilitaries. Writing on Telegram, she described her call with the US leader as productive and courteous and characterized by mutual respect. New political era The 56-year-old added that she and Trump, 79, had discussed a bilateral work agenda for the benefit of our people, as well as outstanding issues in relations between our governments. Earlier, she said at her first press conference as interim president that Venezuela was entering a new political era marked by greater tolerance for ideological and political diversity. Under pressure from Washington, Venezuela has released dozens of political prisoners in the past week, but kept hundreds still behind bars. Rodriguez claimed a total of 406 political prisoners had been released since December in a process that has not yet concluded. The Foro Penal legal rights NGO, which defends many of the detainees, gave a much smaller tally of around 180 freed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD AFPs count, based on data from NGOs and opposition parties, showed 70 people released since the fall of Maduro, who was taken to the United States to face trial for alleged drug trafficking. Trump has so far sidelined opposition leader Maria Corina Machado from Venezuelas post-Maduro transition, claiming the Nobel Peace Prize laureate does not have enough respect in the country. Machado, who is currently residing outside of Venezuela, will meet Trump on Thursday at the White House to press her demands for the opposition to be given a pre-eminent role. Released out of view The trickle of prisoner releases continued on Wednesday, with the release of 17 journalists and media workers. Roland Carreno, a journalist and prominent opposition activist, who was detained in August 2024 during post-election protests, was part of the group. A leading member of the Popular Will party, he was previously imprisoned between 2020 and 2023 on charges of terrorism a charge frequently used to lock up opposition members in Venezuela. In a video shared by another freed journalist, Carreno called for peace and reconciliation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To avoid scenes of jubilant opposition activists punching the air as they walk free from prison, the authorities have been releasing them quietly at other locations, far from the TV cameras and relatives waiting outside detention centers. Carreno was released at a shopping mall. Former presidential candidate Enrique Marquez, one of the first to be released, was driven home in a patrol car. A US State Department official confirmed on Tuesday that Americans have been released, without saying how many or from where. Under US President Donald Trump, the United States conducted more military strikes on foreign soil in one year than it did under former President Joe Bidens four-year term, a report by a conflict watchdog shows. Under US President Donald Trumps second term, the United States has conducted more unilateral strikes on foreign soil in one year than his predecessor, Joe Biden, did in his entire four-year term. The figure to support the argument was shared by the nonprofit Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project and was reviewed by Newsweek, reflecting how turbulent Trumps first year has been for the world order. As per the report, the US carried out 573 air and drone strikes between January 20, 2025, and January 5, 2026, compared to 494 strikes in four years under the Biden administration. Trumps tally rose to 658, if adding the strikes the US conducted alongside its coalition partners, such as Syria and Iraq, against the ISIS targets in the region. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The number of US-involved coalition strikes is fast approaching Bidens four-year total of 694, the data showed. In the past year, the US military strikes were recorded in at least nine nations, while the death toll from the strikes has been hard to assess by the body count. According to ACLED, the second Trump administration so far has been involved in 1,008 US foreign military events resulting in an estimated 1,093 fatalities. This compares to 1,518 deaths from 1,648 events during Bidens time in office. The figures included the publicly disclosed killings of over 110 alleged drug traffickers in international waters in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which were ordered by US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. Meanwhile, anywhere between 40 and 100 military personnel, including Cuban security forces, may have died in this months US surgical strikes in Venezuela. Houthis became the prime target The report noted that over 80 per cent of the US strikes were directed at Yemens Houthis from January to December. The strikes accounted for over 530 deaths in the region. It is pertinent to know that the Red Sea crisis began during Bidens time in the office, right from the start of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Trumps first year of foreign strikes shows a strike first, ask questions later strategy, ACLED said in its analysis. The numbers show that the Trump administration has leaned hard on rapid, high-impact military action as a first response, moving quickly and with fewer constraints than in previous years." Meanwhile, the White House attempted to defend the second Trump administration, insisting that Trump always picked the diplomatic route before conducting such military actions. President Trumps first instinct is always diplomacy, and his dealmaking expertise has helped him negotiate better trade agreements, secure a 5 per cent defence spending pledge from NATO allies, end eight wars, and more," Anna Kelly, White House Deputy Press Secretary, told Newsweek. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why it matters The report is coming to light just weeks after the US conducted lethal strikes over Venezuelas key military sites in Caracas while American special operations forces captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a swift raid that critics said likely violated international law. Currently, the US government is prosecuting both Maduro and his wife on charges of narcoterrorism and drug trafficking. Interestingly, back in 2024, Trump ran on a campaign as the president of peace. However, he has now been escalating threats against longtime American adversaries like Cuba & Iran, while also putting significant pressure on Denmark to relinquish control of its strategic Arctic territory, Greenland, to counter China and Russia. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Trump shrugged off international law and said he answers to nothing but his own morality. His White House also operated on the same lines: The President always has a host of options at his disposal, and all of his actions have put America First while making the entire world safer, Kelly told Newsweek in an email. US President Donald Trump repeated his claim that taking over Greenland is crucial for American national security as he questioned Denmarks capability of defending the overseas territory. Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen, Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, begin a meeting on Capitol Hill as officials from Denmark and Greenland meet with lawmakers from the Arctic Caucus, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. AP After a high-stakes meeting between officials from the United States and Denmark, US President Donald Trump reiterated on Wednesday that Greenland is "crucial" for American national security. Trump went on to question Denmarks capability of defending the overseas territory from countries like China and Russia. The remarks from the American leader reflected that fundamental differences remain between the three sides even after the meeting. Greenland is very important for the national security, including that 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier on Wednesday, the Danish foreign minister said 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 minister, 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," he added. Rasmussen went on to urge Washington to engage in respectful cooperation over the Arctic island that is controlled by Copenhagen. Europe comes in Denmarks support Meanwhile, in a signal of European support, France, Germany and Norway have all said that 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 concluded after nearly an hour. US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted 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. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Before the meeting, 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 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. Overall, the issue continues to remain unresolved. Former Rep. Billy Long on Tuesday night cracked a joke on the House floor, according to a report by Politico, prompting members to raise eyebrows over Trumps next annexation plans As US President Donald Trump is pulling all the strings to acquire Greenland, his nominee for Iceland has described himself as the governor of the 52nd state, referring to the European country. Former Rep. Billy Long on Tuesday night cracked a joke on the House floor, according to a report by Politico, prompting members to raise eyebrows over Trumps next annexation plans. Earlier this year, former Republican Congressman Billy Long of Missouri was nominated by Donald Trump to serve as the US Ambassador to Iceland. While that nomination still awaits Senate confirmation, Long recently held a high-level interim role, serving a brief one-month stint as the acting commissioner of the IRS during the summer of 2024. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Trump has reiterated his desire to take over Greenland, despite a just okay meeting between his officials and Danish and Greenlandic counterparts. Trump said 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. 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 said. What happened in the meeting? After an hour-long meeting with the US officials, Denmarks Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said that there is still a fundamental disagreement over the Greenland issue as US President Donald Trump remains stern on his ambition to take over the autonomous Danish territory. The Danish foreign minister said the meeting with Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday had been frank but constructive. However, he maintained that 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. Soon after the meeting, Trump reiterated that Greenland is crucial for American national security, questioning Denmarks capability to defend the Arctic territory. While the hour-long meeting between the US, Denmark and Greenland officials failed to bring a major breakthrough, all sides agreed to set up a high-level working group to discuss the future of the overseas Danish territory. While speaking to reporters outside the White House, Rasmussen said there were red lines the US could not cross, and the working group would meet in the coming weeks to find a compromise. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Weeks after capturing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the United States made its first sale of Venezuelan oil as the Trump administration flexes its muscles in the Latin American nation. The vessel tanker Bella 1 at Singapore Strait, after US officials say the US Coast Guard pursued an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela. File image/Reuters Weeks after capturing the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the United States has completed its first oil sale, which belonged to the Latin American nation. According to a report by Semafor, the oil sale was valued at $500 million and was eventually confirmed by the US President Donald Trumps administration on Wednesday. The official, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Hill that additional sales are expected in the coming days and weeks. According to the Semafor report, the deal, including the revenue from it, is being held in American bank accounts, including one in Qatar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD All the money from the oil sale is currently being controlled by the US government. President Trump brokered a historic energy deal with Venezuela, immediately following the arrest of narco terrorist Nicolas Maduro, that will benefit the American and Venezuelan people, White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in a statement on Wednesday. The Trump administration encourages investment in Venezuela The White House spokesperson reiterated that the Trump administration is encouraging private investment in the Latin American nation. President Trumps team is facilitating positive, ongoing discussions with oil companies that are ready and willing to make unprecedented investments to restore Venezuelas oil infrastructure. President Trump is protecting our Western Hemisphere from being taken advantage of by narcoterrorists, drug traffickers, and foreign adversaries, Rogers averred. What makes the deal significant is the fact that this is the first since the US ousted Maduro, who is currently facing drug trafficking charges in New York. After conducting a massive operation in Venezuela, Trump quickly indicated that the US oil firms would be involved in pumping Venezuelas rich oil reserves following Maduros capture. Last week, Trump hosted the chiefs of numerous American oil firms at the White House, encouraging them to invest in the Venezuelan oil infrastructure. During the meeting, Trump assured the oil giants of complete safety, but made it clear that the money will only come out of private businesses and not the American government. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado met US President Donald Trump at the White House amid shifting Washington policy on Venezuela, oil seizures, prisoner releases and questions over democratic transition. Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado arrived at the White House on Thursday for discussions with US President Donald Trump, who has largely sidelined her since the removal of Nicolas Maduro and has openly expressed interest in her Nobel Peace Prize. Dressed in a white suit, Machado reached the White House complex in Washington in an SUV and was escorted inside for what officials described as a private lunch meeting with Trump. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The visit comes a day after Trump spoke positively about his first known phone conversation with Venezuelas interim president Delcy Rodriguez, signalling approval that Maduros allies remain in power for now. Machado is expected to seek Trumps backing following those remarks. Since the US military operation on January 3 that led to Maduros capture, Trump has said Machado lacks sufficient domestic support to lead Venezuela, a significant setback for the 58-year-old opposition leader. Machado has said she is willing to share her Nobel Peace Prize with Trump, and the president suggested she may offer it to him during their meeting, despite the Norwegian Nobel Institute stating that the award cannot be transferred. I understand she wants to do that. That would be a great honour, Trump said in a recent interview with Fox News. Sixth tanker seized Trump fumed about not getting the award himself after the Nobel committee gave it to Machado for her activism in pursuit of democracy in Venezuela, despite threats of imprisonment by Maduros government. After she appeared in Oslo last month to collect her Nobel prize following a daring escape by boat she did not return to Venezuela and remained in effective exile. Since Maduros capture, Trump has said that the United States will run Venezuela but has appeared content to let Rodriguez remain in power. Trump on Wednesday called Rodriguez a terrific person and hailed terrific progress by Venezuela. Rodriguez said the call was productive and courteous, and characterized by mutual respect. Many topics were discussed, Trump said on social media, including Oil, Minerals, Trade and, of course, National Security. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Notably absent was any mention of a political transition, an issue Washington has set aside to focus on its economic demands, particularly access to Venezuelan oil. The United States on Wednesday seized a sixth oil tanker in its campaign to control oil leaving the fossil fuel-rich South American country. Marines and sailors apprehended the Tanker Veronica in the Caribbean without incident in a pre-dawn raid, the US military said on social media, with a video showing soldiers rappelling onto a vessels deck. The only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully, it said. Separately, a US official told AFP on Thursday that the first US-brokered sale of Venezuelan oil, worth around $500 million, has been finalized, without identifying the buyer. Prisoner releases Machado, who campaigned for years to end Maduros rule, will seek during her lunch with Trump to bring the issue of a democratic transition back into the foreground. Venezuelas opposition has argued and presented evidence that Maduro stole the 2024 election from the candidate of Machados party, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia claims supported by Washington. Venezuelan electoral authorities, seen as allied with Maduro, never released data from the vote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hundreds of people were arrested in post-election protests, and while Gonzalez Urrutia fled to Europe for asylum, Machado remained in the country in a hidden location, appearing only intermittently at rallies. Under pressure from Washington, Venezuela has released dozens of political prisoners in the past week, though hundreds remain behind bars. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced on Wednesday the launch of the second phase of a US-brokered plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip Witkoffs visit comes at a time when frustration is growing in the White House. Reuters/File Photo US President Donald Trumps special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced on Wednesday the launch of the second phase of a US-brokered plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Witkoff confirmed the news in a post on social media. He said that Trumps 20-point Gaza plan is moving from ceasefire to demilitarisation, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. The second phase will establish a transitional administration to govern over the bombarded Palestinian territory and see the full demilitarisation and reconstruction of Gaza, Witkoff said. 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 furthered. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, according to Al Jazeera, Israel has violated the US-brokered ceasefire more than 1,190 times since it came into effect in October. The Gaza authorities noted that around 400 Palestinians lost their lives since the ceasefire was announced. Neither officials from Israel nor Hamas commented on Witkoffs announcement as of now. 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 Why it matters The 20-point Gaza peace plan was initially proposed by the United States in September last year. It also includes the establishment of a Board of Peace chaired by Trump and the deployment of an international stabilisation force to oversee security in Gaza. Last week, Netanyahu said former United Nations Middle East envoy Nikolay Mladenov would lead the board, which will be tasked with overseeing the Palestinian technocratic government governing Gaza. Meanwhile, mediators from Qatar, Turkey and Egypt have welcomed the formation of the Palestinian technocratic body, which they said would be headed by Ali Abdel Hamid Shaath. The mediators express their 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, they said in a joint statement on Wednesday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD They also emphasised that all parties must fully commit to implementing the agreement to achieve a sustainable peace and create the appropriate conditions for the reconstruction of Gaza. Meanwhile, the UN and leading humanitarian groups working in Gaza continue to call on Israel to allow unimpeded deliveries of aid into the territory, including food, shelter supplies, and equipment needed to clear rubble and rebuild homes. Hence, it will be interesting to see how the second phase will pan out. La com choquante de la police anti-immigration Des references a des films, des jeux video ou des dessins animes La police anti-immigration ne manque pas de refs pour faire sa com, alors que sa presence est de plus en plus contestee, plusieurs jours apres la mort de Renee Nicole Good, tuee par un policier de lICE . Protest in Copenhagen voices opposition to U.S. plans on Greenland Xinhua) 09:45, January 15, 2026 A woman participate in a protest against U.S. plans on Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark, Jan. 14, 2026. About 200 protesters rallied outside the U.S. Embassy in Denmark Wednesday, expressing opposition to Washington's plans on Greenland as Danish and Greenlandic officials met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. (Photo by Liu Zhichao/Xinhua) OSLO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- About 200 protesters rallied outside the U.S. Embassy in Denmark Wednesday, expressing opposition to Washington's plans on Greenland as Danish and Greenlandic officials met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. The demonstration, named "Greenland Belongs to the Greenlanders," began at 4 p.m. local time (1500 GMT) in front of the embassy and was later moved by police to the opposite side of the street. The protest lasted around two hours. "We only want to be ourselves. We want to belong to Greenland as Greenlanders, and we will stay strong and committed to that," a Greenlander, Andersen, told Xinhua. "Nobody should be able to take over another country - not because someone thinks they are strong and therefore can take whatever they want," said Simon Vincent Nelson, a Copenhagen resident, adding that he was "very angry about it and felt offended." The rally followed U.S. President Donald Trump's renewed remarks to acquire Greenland, which have been firmly rejected by Denmark, Greenland, and NATO allies. People participate in a protest against U.S. plans on Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark, Jan. 14, 2026. About 200 protesters rallied outside the U.S. Embassy in Denmark Wednesday, expressing opposition to Washington's plans on Greenland as Danish and Greenlandic officials met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. (Photo by Liu Zhichao/Xinhua) People participate in a protest against U.S. plans on Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark, Jan. 14, 2026. About 200 protesters rallied outside the U.S. Embassy in Denmark Wednesday, expressing opposition to Washington's plans on Greenland as Danish and Greenlandic officials met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. (Photo by Liu Zhichao/Xinhua) People participate in a protest against U.S. plans on Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark, Jan. 14, 2026. About 200 protesters rallied outside the U.S. Embassy in Denmark Wednesday, expressing opposition to Washington's plans on Greenland as Danish and Greenlandic officials met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. (Photo by Liu Zhichao/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Nathan graduated with his journalism degree from Auburn University in 2017. After growing up in the flatlands of rural Alabama with his parents and older sister, Nathan enjoys Western Colorado's natural resources and recreational opportunities. He currently covers education and business for The Daily Sentinel. Contracts Contracts for Jan. 14, 2026 ARMY Torch Technologies Inc.,* Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $195,451,542 firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials contract for research and development for evaluating system capabilities and enhancements throughout the acquisition lifecycle. Place of performance and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 13, 2031. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, is the contracting activity (47QRAA-23-D-007A/W31P4Q-26-F-0002). Anvil Builders Inc., Emeryville, California, was awarded a $35,919,823 firm-fixed-price contract for sediment retention structure construction. Work will be performed in Toutle, Washington, with an estimated completion date of May 7, 2028. Fiscal 2026 civil operation and maintenance Recovery Act funds in the amount of $35,919,823 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, is the contracting activity (W9127N-26-C-A009). NIC4 Inc., Frederick, Maryland, was awarded a $18,818,923 firm-fixed-price contract to provide cybersecurity hardware, general purpose automatic data processing equipment, cybersecurity installation and integration, extended warranty, training, and options for equipment and services. Work will be performed in Frederick, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Oct. 31, 2029. Fiscal 2026 Foreign Military Sales (Iraq) funds in the amount of $4,547,047 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, is the contracting activity (W91CRB-26-C-5018). NAVY Stantec-AECOM SIOP JV, Burlington, Massachusetts, is awarded a $150,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, architect-engineering contract for various projects in support of the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program under the cognizance of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), Atlantic. The maximum dollar value, including the base period and four option years, is $150,000,000. Work will be performed at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Kittery, Maine, and will be completed in January 2031. Fiscal 2024 military construction - design funds in the amount of $10,000 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the sam.gov website, with one offer received. NAVFAC Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N62470-26-D-0001). AIR FORCE Peraton Inc., Herndon, Virginia, was awarded a $17,041,909 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Product Data Systems Support services. This contract provides systems management, data management, and enterprise migration and sustainment support required for continued performance of highly specialized technical services supporting product data systems and infrastructure, data management, conversion and migration processes, and transformation initiatives. Work will be performed at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, and is expected to be completed to be completed by 13 Jan 2027. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Fiscal year 2026 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $6,205,768 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Sustainment Center, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, is the contracting activity (FA8530-26-F-B001). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY H.C. Contracting Inc.,** doing business as Ferrara Manufacturing, Long Island City, New York, has been awarded a maximum $13,404,012 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for dress coats. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. The ordering period end date is Jan. 13, 2031. Using customers are Navy and Coast Guard. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2026 through 2031 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE1C1-26-D-0016). UPDATE: HME Inc.,* Wyoming, Michigan (SPE8EC-26-D-0010, $523,000,000), has been added as an awardee to the multiple award contract for fire and emergency vehicles, issued against solicitation SPE8EC-21-R-0005 and awarded July 24, 2023. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. UPDATE: Fidelis Sustainability Distribution LLC (SPE2D1-26-D-0006, $45,000,000), Carson City, Nevada, has been added as an awardee to the multiple award contract for medical equipment and accessories for the Defense Logistics Agency Electronic Catalog, issued against solicitation SPE2DH-21-R-0002 and awarded Feb. 10, 2022. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. *Small business **Women-owned small business https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4379809/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on January 5 - 11, 2026 Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2026-01-13 International cooperation On January 5-11 fighter aircraft of the NATO Air Policing Detachment were scrambled in response to international flight regulation violations once. On January 5 NATO fighter aircraft conducting the Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states were alerted in response to one Su-30SM flying from Kaliningrad to mainland Russia via international airspace. Its onboard transponder was switched off, the crew had no flight plan but it was maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre. NATO Air Policing fighter aircraft also identified and escorted one AN-26 which was flying through international airspace from mainland Russia to Kaliningrad. Its onboard transponder was switched off, the crew was maintaining radio communication but had no pre-filed flight plan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Danish Armed Forces expand their presence and continue exercises in Greenland in close cooperation with allies Danish Ministry of Defence 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 - in close cooperation with NATO allies. The purpose is to train the ability to operate under the unique Arctic conditions and to strengthen the alliance's footprint in the Arctic, benefiting both European and transatlantic security. January 14, 2026 - 15:18 As part of the increased presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, the Danish Armed Forces are, from today, deploying capabilities and units related to the 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 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. Joint Arctic Command will keep citizens of Greenland continuously informed about the activities and engage in close dialogue with relevant Greenlandic authorities and key stakeholders. Background for the initiatives In the summer of 2025, the Danish Armed Forces strengthened their presence and exercise activity in and around Greenland with a number of initiatives and capabilities, including contributions from allies such as Germany, France, Sweden and Norway. The initiatives involved the deployment of capabilities at sea, on land, and in the air, as well as exercises related to protection of Greenland's critical infrastructure. The Government of Greenland, and the Danish Ministry of Defence continue to collaborate closely on the initiatives to ensure local involvement and insight into local conditions. Greenland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Research Vivan Motzfeldt states: "As part of the NATO alliance, it is a core priority for the Government of Greenland, that defence and security in and around Greenland are strengthened, and that this is achieved in close cooperation with our NATO allies. The Danish Ministry of Defence and the Government of Greenland, are working closely together to launch initiatives and cooperation among both our Arctic and European allies. Once the exercises commence, the Greenlandic people will be kept continuously informed about the activities via Joint Arctic Command's platforms." Danish Minister for Defence Troels Lund Poulsen states: "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. We did this in 2025, and as a natural extension of these efforts, we will continue and expand the cooperation in 2026. The Danish Armed Forces, 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." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide on today's meetings in Washington between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States Government of Norway News story | Date: 14/01/2026 It is positive that the meeting between the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States today was constructive, and that they have agreed to continue their work through a joint working group. NATO member states agree on the importance of security in the Arctic. Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Both the Danish and Greenlandic Ministers of Foreign Affairs took part in today's meeting. Norway fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark in this matter. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chairman Mast, Rep. Self pledge to work closely with Trump admin on modernizing arms control approach ahead of New START Treaty expiration U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs January 14, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Europe Subcommittee Chairman Keith Self pledged to work alongside the Trump administration in meaningfully modernizing the United States' arms control and risk reduction approaches amid increasing challenges posed by Russia, China, and other adversaries. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio the lawmakers underscored Russia's blatant violations of the New START Treaty, an Obama-era negotiated arms control agreement set to expire on February 5, 2026. The agreement, which entered into force in 2011, has attempted to set verifiable limits on deployed nuclear warheads and delivery systems, while ensuring transparency through inspections, notifications and data exchanges. But the lawmakers note that Russia has repeatedly exploited the terms of the agreement, while placing constraints on the United States. "It is long past time to recognize that the New START Treaty no longer advances meaningful nuclear arms control with the Russian Federation, nor contributes to the broader goal of international denuclearization," the lawmakers wrote. Among the concerns raised by the lawmakers, is Russia's suspension of its inspection and data-exchange obligations under New START in 2022, which have weakened the treaty's transparency mechanisms and raised doubts about Moscow's willingness to abide by its commitment. "The Trump administration has rightly emphasized that arms control agreements are ineffective without robust verification measures and a commitment to enforcing compliance," the lawmakers wrote. "Further, such weak agreements offer a false sense of safety rather than actually addressing international security challenges, as seen in Moscow's Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces or INF Treaty violations and development of banned missiles for nuclear coercion." Russia's disregard for the agreement, the lawmakers note, reflects a broader pattern of destabilizing behavior that complicates arms-control diplomacy and heightens the risk of miscalculation. Additionally, the lawmakers underscored the growing arms-control challenges posed by other U.S. adversaries, including China and North Korea. China's nuclear arsenal has reached over 600 operational warheads. Beijing is also on track to field 1,000 weapons by 2030. For the first time in the nuclear age, the U.S. faces two nuclear peer adversariesRussia and Chinawhile also confronting rising threats from smaller, unpredictable nuclear powers like North Korea, as well as aspiring actors, such as Iran. In their letter, the lawmakers note that they are encouraged by the Trump administration's efforts to address these challenges, including the confirmation of the Under Secretary for Arms Control and International Security which will ensure the necessary personnel are in place to review, negotiate and enforce future arms control agreements. "The Committee stands ready to work with the Trump administration and its efforts to modernize arms-control approaches to incorporate these critical developments, consistent with President Trump's emphasis on responsible risk reduction," the lawmakers wrote. Read the full text of the letter here: 1.13.26-letter-from-chairman-mast-et-al-to-secretary-rubio-new-start-and-counterproliferation.pdf (271.49 KB) ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A look at the Defence news 5 - 11 January 2026 Netherlands Ministry of Defence News item | 14-01-2026 | 09:50 Last week, Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans visited the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, where he conducted an official tour of Aruba, Sint Maarten, Curacao and Bonaire. During his trip, the minister stressed that Defence remains alert and vigilant, in view of the recent developments surrounding Venezuela. On the islands, he inspected several military units and held discussions with local authorities about the current security situation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Greenland: UN experts urge United States to respect international law and right to self-determination Press releases Special Procedures 14 January 2026 GENEVA -- UN experts* today expressed grave concern about statements made by the President of the United States of America regarding Greenland, including suggestions that the territory should be placed under U.S. control and that force could 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 noted that in numerous statements the U.S. President has repeatedly questioned the Kingdom of Denmark's legal sovereignty over the territory, referring to the "ownership and control" of Greenland as an "absolute necessity" for the United States, including for reasons of national security. Moreover, the Secretary of State has informed the Congress that the Government intends to "buy" Greenland. "Any threat or use of force to alter the political status of Greenland or to challenge the sovereignty of another State is clearly prohibited by Article 2(4) of the UN Charter," the experts said. "Such statements risk eroding fundamental principles of the UN Charter, including the prohibition of the use of force, respect for territorial integrity and the political independence of all States. These statements are inconsistent with international human rights law and the right to self-determination." The experts warned of a pattern of U.S. military aggression, including attacks on several sovereign countries, numerous extrajudicial killings, weaponization of tariffs, and multifaced coercive diplomacy. "If tolerated, such actions would normalise lawlessness in international relations and risk fatally and irreversibly undermine the global order," they said. "The peoples of Greenland, as a distinct people, are entitled to the full and free exercise of their right to self-determination, a core purpose of the United Nations, enshrined in Article 1 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which the United States has been a party since 1992, as well as in articles 3 and 4 of the UN Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples." "They have the right to freely determine their political status and to pursue their economic, social and cultural development, without external coercion or interference, with full associated sovereignty over natural resources", the experts said. The experts stressed that any unilateral attempt to modify Greenland's territorial or current constitutional status - as an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark - would not only violate international law, but could also undermine regional stability in the Arctic, an area of major importance for the international community, and beyond, as well as weakening respect for broader multilateral norms and the peaceful settlement of disputes. "Any change in the constitutional status must be grounded in the freely expressed will of the peoples of Greenland, not external pressure or threats," they said. "The United States must unequivocally reaffirm its commitment to the UN Charter, in particular article 2 (3) to settle their international disputes by peaceful means and refrain from making statements that could be interpreted as threats of the use of force, while respecting - in both word and deed - the sovereignty of States and the right of all peoples to self-determination," the experts said. They stated that any strengthening of the United States' military presence on the island under the 1951 agreement between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark should only be undertaken with the full agreement of Greenland. The experts have been in contact with the Government of the United States about these issues. *The experts: 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 Nicolas Levrat, Special Rapporteur on minority issues Surya Deva, Special Rapporteur on the right to development Cecilia M. Bailliet, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity Reem Alsalem, Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Endorsed by: Richard Bennett, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Navy assures security for Filipino fishers in WPS Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno January 14, 2026, 4:11 pm MANILA -- Should the Philippine Navy (PN) be directed by higher authority, the naval service is more than capable of escorting Filipino fishermen looking to fish in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This was stressed by PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad when asked if the Navy is capable of securing these fisherfolk should Chinese naval and coast guard ships make it a habit to harass the Filipino fishermen going about their lawful business. "It (is) the complete package that we could provide depending on our current capabilities," he said during an interview with reporters Wednesday. For security reasons, Trinidad did not give details on how these can be done. Earlier, the fishing boat FFB Prince LJ was subjected to aggressive actions by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and China Coast Guard (CCG) while heading for the fishing grounds west off Bajo de Masinloc noontime Monday. Trinidad said these actions by the PLAN and CCG were meant to destroy 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 added. In an interview with radio DZBB on Wednesday, Trinidad said they are looking to conduct more multilateral maritime cooperative activities" (MMCAs) and "bilateral maritime cooperative activities" (BMCAs) with the country's allies to help reduce aggressive activities of Chinese maritime forces in the WPS. He said they noticed Chinese behavior seems to change a bit every time the country schedules MMCAs and BMCAs. "Tuwing may mga ganong activities eh nagbabago ng bahagya ng konti (Every time we conduct these activities, there seems to be change in the) ang actuations ng (of the) People's Liberation Army Navy, ng (China) Coast Guard at ng (and the) Maritime Militia," he said. "Ibig sabihin mas dadamihan natin yung ating mga MMCAs, BMCAs para tuluyang magbago ang kanyang behavior (This means we will increase the numbers of our MMCAs and BMCAs so that their behavior will change)," he added. As of last year, the Philippines has so far conducted a total of eight MMCAs and 12 BMCAs with its security partners. These naval drills formally started in November 2023. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah warns Lebanese government disarming group could spark civil war Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 7:08 PM A senior Hezbollah official has warned that the push by the Lebanese government to disarm the group as part of a US-backed plan outlined in the November 2024 ceasefire agreement following Israel's devastating war on the country could lead to chaos and potentially spark a civil war. Mahmoud Qmati, a senior political official with Hezbollah, warned on Wednesday that "the path taken by the Lebanese government and state institutions will lead Lebanon to instability, chaos, and perhaps even civil war." In an interview with Russia's state-owned RT television, Qmati described the government's effort to enforce a state monopoly on arms north of the Litani River as "the biggest crime committed by the state." Qmati noted that Hezbollah, however, would not be dragged into a confrontation with the Lebanese army. "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," the senior Hezbollah official added. The Beirut government has pledged to bring all arms in Lebanon under state control. However, Hezbollah maintains that this measure applies specifically to the southernmost region of Lebanon, which borders the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. Last week, the Lebanese army announced it had assumed operational control of the area between the Litani River and the border with Israeli-occupied lands. Hezbollah has stated that Israeli troops must pull out of five hilltop positions they occupy in southern Lebanon, halt near-daily airstrikes on Lebanon, and release Lebanese hostages before any further disarmament is discussed. Since the ceasefire took effect last year, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Lebanese citizens, effectively breaking the truce. Under the agreement, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January. However, the withdrawal has been partial, with Israeli forces maintaining a military presence at five border outposts, further violating the terms of the ceasefire. On December 18, French, Saudi Arabian, and American representatives convened in Paris with the leader of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to discuss and finalize a roadmap aimed at establishing a mechanism for disarming Hezbollah. The resistance group maintains it will not disarm while Israel occupies southern Lebanon and carries out attacks in the region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel legalizes five illegal settlements in West Bank, defying global outrage Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 6:54 PM The Israeli regime has granted official licenses to legalize five unauthorized settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank, intensifying its land grab and defying widespread international condemnation. Israel's far-right Israeli finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced the move on X on Wednesday, revealing that Israeli authorities have assigned official "settlement codes" to the Homesh settlement in the northern West Bank, alongside four other outposts. The other settlements include Yondif in the al-Khalil Hills, Jibot in the Gush Etzion bloc south of occupied al-Quds, Betron in the Jordan Valley, and Kedom Arava in the north. A "settlement code" is an administrative designation by Israeli authorities that formally recognizes an outpost's existence and integrates it into official planning, infrastructure, and services. In the past month alone, Israeli authorities have issued at least 20 new settlement codes, further accelerating the expansion of illegal settlements. Smotrich described the move as continuing efforts "to crush the idea of a Palestinian state," stating that settlement activity in the West Bank will continue to expand unchecked. This announcement comes in the wake of Smotrich's earlier proposal to annex more than 80 percent of the occupied West Bank, a move aimed at permanently blocking the establishment of a Palestinian state. The international community, including the United Nations, has repeatedly warned that the expansion of settlements in the West Bank undermines the viability of a "two-state solution." Palestinian authorities have long called on the international community to apply pressure on Israel to halt its settlement activities, which are deemed illegal under international law. Despite these calls, Israeli settlement construction continues to intensify, particularly since Israel's genocidal war on Gaza began on October 7, 2023. Since the start of the war, Israeli forces and illegal settlers have killed at least 1,103 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East al-Quds, injured nearly 11,000, and detained around 21,000. These actions, along with home demolitions and forced displacement, are seen as part of Israel's broader strategy to solidify its occupation of Palestinian territories. In a landmark ruling last July, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian land illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East al-Quds. However, Israel has ignored the court's decision, continuing its illegal occupation and settlement expansion with full impunity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel has demolished over 2,500 buildings in Gaza since ceasefire: Report Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 7:24 AM Israel has demolished more than 2,500 buildings in the Gaza Strip since the start of the US-backed ceasefire last October, a report says. Citing analysis of satellite imagery from Planet Labs, the New York Times (NYT) reported that the majority of the demolitions have occurred in territory on the Israeli-controlled side of the so-called yellow line, which runs down Gaza from north to south, splitting it in two halves. Israeli forces were supposed to withdraw to the "yellow line" in October as part of the first phase of US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan with Hamas. "In satellite images taken shortly after the truce, clusters of intact buildings can be seen in the Shujaiya neighborhood, which spans the Yellow Line. Shots of the same area months later show that it has largely been reduced to wasteland," the NYT wrote. The satellite imagery showed that entire blocks have been erased since the ceasefire, along with farmland and agricultural greenhouses. "Israel is wiping entire areas off the map," Mohammed al-Astal, a political analyst in Gaza, said, adding, "The Israeli military is destroying everything in front of it - homes, schools, factories, and streets. There's no security justification for what it's doing." Shaul Arieli, a former Israeli army commander, also said, "This is absolute destruction," adding, "It's not selective destruction, it's everything." Israel has so far killed over 71,000 Palestinians since the launch of the genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023 following the al-Aqsa Flood operation by Palestinian resistance in response to the regime's occupation and relentless attacks. A ceasefire deal was reached in the strip last October, but the Tel Aviv regime continues to violate it in defiance of international calls to abide by it. Israeli intelligence reports leaked in the early stages of the war on Gaza suggested officials in the regime were seeking to implement a plan to forcefully relocate hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Gaza to tent camps in the neighboring Sinai region in Egypt. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Maduro Is Gone From Venezuela, But Russia May Not Be By Ulviyya Asadzade January 14, 2026 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 House...suggests 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 byBloomberg 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 suggestedon 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. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/maduro-us-russia- ukraine-invasion-war/33640477.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 US Pulls Military Personnel From Key Middle East Bases Amid Rising Tensions With Iran - Report Sputnik News 20260114 The US is withdrawing some personnel from key bases in the Middle East as a precautionary measure amid rising tensions in the region, the agency reports, citing an unnamed US official. "The US is pulling personnel from key bases in the region as a precautionary measure amid heightened regional tensions," the agency writes. The move follows comments by a senior Iranian official who said that Tehran had warned neighboring countries hosting US forces that US bases would be targeted if Washington carries out strikes against Iran, the report added. In late December, US President Donald Trump said he would support new strikes on Iran if Tehran attempted to continue developing its missile and nuclear programs. Later, amid protests and unrest in Iran, Trump threatened the country with a strike if protesters were killed, stressing that he would come to the aid of the Iranian people if necessary. Washington's threats of strikes against Iran are absolutely unacceptable, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lavrov Blasts US's Illegal Venezuela Op as Blatant Violation of International Law Sputnik News 20260114 Russia's stance on the US's illegal operation in Venezuela remains unchanged, since it is a flagarant violation of international law, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. Lavrov said that Russia and Venezuela share a long history of strong strategic relations and emphasized that Moscow's position on the current situation remains unchanged. "Our position remains unchanged. This position is fundamental, based on the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, whose governments naturally represent the interests of the entire population. And Venezuela was precisely such a state, therefore our fundamental assessments of the illegal operation carried out by the United States remain valid, they are shared by the overwhelming majority of states of the global majority, the countries of the global South, the global East," Lavrov told a press conference after talks with Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musavyi. Washington's actions in Venezuela violate international law, the top diplomat added. "I can not predict what will happen next. But at this stage, we see that the Venezuelan leadership is defending its national priorities and defending its national sovereignty and the need to participate in international relations as an equal, sovereign, and independent state. I sincerely hope that everyone interested in relations with Venezuela, including the United States, will reciprocate and respect these principles, which, in my opinion, should be universal," Lavrov noted. At the same time, Russia remains committed to agreements with Venezuela, the diplomacy chief also said. Other statements by Lavrov: US looks unreliable, announcing 25% tariff on any business with Iran US sanctions policy cannot last long, will trigger greater crisis in international relations The West's statements about the idea of implementing a ceasefire are an attempt to give Ukraine more time The meetings between Putin, Witkoff, and Kushner were serious and focused on addressing the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'We must strengthen Arctic defences to deter Putin' Foreign Secretary says during Arctic visit Press release Travelling to Finland and Norway, the Foreign Secretary will call on NATO to step up its work in the Arctic to protect Euro-Atlantic interests in the region. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP Published 14 January 2026 Foreign Secretary says "Arctic security is critical to protecting Britain and NATO" as she pledges support for allies on visit to High North Yvette Cooper to call for NATO to step up its work in the Arctic as she visits Finland and Norway UK at forefront of Arctic Security as climate change turns region into a hotspot for geopolitical competition and a critical flank for security The Foreign Secretary is touring the Arctic Circle to see UK efforts to bolster regional security and to highlight the importance of stronger challenge against hostile states who seek to meddle in the High North. Travelling to Finland and Norway, she will call on NATO to step up its work in the Arctic to protect Euro-Atlantic interests in the region. The High North is home to key shipping routes and vital critical national infrastructure such as undersea cables, is key to the UK's security, prosperity and environment. In Finland, the Foreign Secretary will meet Border Guards defending NATO's eastern flank with Russia. In Norway, she will visit Royal Marines taking part in a live training demonstration at Camp Viking. The military base acts as the year-round operations hub for the UK Commando Force, providing essential cold weather training for up to 1500 personnel. The UK and Norway share a determination to ensure Russia does not succeed in its illegal war of aggression. Sanctions against the Shadow Fleet by the UK and partners have anchored an estimated 200 ships. Norway recently selected the UK to supply them with Type 26 frigates designed for anti-submarine warfare in the deal worth 10 billion. This Government is set to significantly increase defence spending to 2.6% from April 2027, with an ambition of 3% in the next parliament. This is a generational increase in defence and security spending, underlining the UK's commitment to national security and honouring the UK's commitment to be a leader in NATO. The UK has also long been a leader in the Joint Expeditionary Force with 10 like-minded nations committed to security in the High North. The JEF recently conducted its largest military activity to date - Tarassis - which saw thousands of troops, including over 1,700 British personnel, dozens of ships, vehicles and aircraft deployed from the Baltics to Iceland. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper 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. As climate change opens the Arctic, the region will become an ever more critical frontier for NATO. The UK has a long and committed bond with our Allies in the Arctic Circle. Our world class Royal Marine Commandos have been training alongside Nordic partners for over half a century. This government is reinforcing our diplomatic and security commitment to the region. 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. Russia's actions pose the greatest threat to Arctic security, through efforts to militarise the region, continued threat to undersea infrastructure and using its reckless and illegal Shadow Fleet which pose a systemic threat to maritime security globally. As warming seas unlock the Northern Sea Route, other state actors are seeking to grow their sphere of influence further afield. Climate change developments are shaping the High North, creating new shipping routes and exposing resources, turning the region into a hotspot for geopolitical competition and a critical flank for European and UK security. The visit comes as the Government has boosted its defences with Nordic partners. Last month, the UK and Norway signed a defence agreement that will see British and Norwegian navies operating side-by-side in the North Atlantic to protect critical infrastructure from Russian submarines. And last week, the UK provided support to the United States to interdict the vessel Bella 1, accused of Shadow Fleet activities. UK armed forces provided pre-planned operational support, including basing, to U.S. military assets interdicting the Bella 1 between the UK and Iceland. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Disunity in Southern Yemen is in no one's interests and only undermines efforts towards lasting peace and prosperity for the Yemeni people: UK statement at the UN Security Council Speech Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Charge d'Affaires to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Yemen. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki CMG Published 14 January 2026 Location: United Nations, New York Delivered on: 14 January 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) First, I would like to start by reaffirming this Council's strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Yemen, as well as to the Presidential Leadership Council and the Government of Yemen, as outlined in our statement of 23 December. Disunity in Southern Yemen is in no one's interests and only undermines efforts towards lasting peace and prosperity for the Yemeni people. Given recent events, our priority must now be stabilisation. After eleven years of conflict and insecurity, we must renew efforts towards dialogue and a comprehensive political settlement to give the Yemeni people the future they deserve. In this regard, we welcome the Southern Dialogue Conference announced by the Yemen Government and hosted by Saudi Arabia. Second, we reiterate this Council's call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained by the Houthis. The UK strongly condemns the recent death sentences issued by the Houthi authorities and continued detention of aid workers. These actions flagrantly violate fundamental rights and due process. Finally, we must not lose sight of the fact that Yemen remains one of the most acute humanitarian crises in the world. The 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan projects 21 million people will be in need of assistance, an increase of 1.5 million since last year. Levels of food insecurity remain worryingly high, with pockets of famine in parts of the country and growing rates of malnutrition amongst children. With less funding available, the UN is rightly focussed on a global humanitarian reset to pursue greater localisation and prioritisation of humanitarian responses. If we act now, together with the UN, INGOs and Yemeni NGOs, we can reach the most vulnerable and limit already severe levels of suffering. President, we have heard from Special Envoy Grundberg that, despite the many challenges, there remains hope for Yemen. The UK is steadfast in its support to the role of the Special Envoy and an intra-Yemeni peace process under UN auspices, to help build that more hopeful future. 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 14 January 2026 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. All right, good afternoon. ** Briefings A couple of programming notes to share with you. At 2 p.m. this afternoon there will be a briefing here by the President of the General Assembly of the United Nations, Annalena Baerbock. She will brief you following her remarks she made in the General Assembly this morning. Tomorrow, the Secretary-General will also speak at the General Assembly to deliver his traditional start of the year remarks. He will underscore in the remarks that we will be sharing with you shortly that we must continue to uphold the principles that guide multilateral cooperation, defend human rights, and promote peace and justice for all. Tomorrow, also, our guest at the briefing will be Jorge Moreira da Silva, as you know, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services, better known as UNOPS. He will be joining us from Jerusalem to speak about his ongoing trip to the region. And finally, on Friday, our guest will be Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the head of Peace Operations department. He will join us from Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia, to also brief on his recent trip to that same region. ** Secretary-General/Group of 77 This afternoon, the Secretary-General is scheduled to deliver remarks at the ceremony marking the handover of the Group of 77 and China chairmanship from Iraq to Uruguay. Mr. [Antonio] Guterres will stress that, more than six decades on, the Group of 77 and China remains a strong pillar of multilateralism and an indispensable force for global cooperation. He is also expected to highlight the urgent challenges facing the world, including conflicts, widening inequalities, climate impacts, debt distress and rapid technological change. The handover will take place in the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) Chamber, and you will be able to follow it on the UN Web TV platform. ** Haiti I want to start with an update from Haiti, which we haven't updated you on for a while. Our colleagues from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) tell us that clashes continue to drive people from their homes in the capital, Port-au-Prince. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), some 6,000 people have been displaced since 6 January. Most of them sought refuge with host families, while others have settled in two displacement sites. The escalating violence has significantly impacted humanitarian programmes in the area. Our friends at Doctors Without Borders announced on 8 January that they were suspending all its medical activities in the Bel Air neighbourhood of Port au Prince. That was until further notice. This comes at a time when only 10 per cent of health facilities with inpatient capacity in Haiti are fully operational, while approximately 4.9 million people in Haiti need emergency health assistance. Internal displacement linked to violence has doubled in the past year and has now reached 1.4 million people or 12 per cent of the population of Haiti. This year, 6.4 million people in Haiti or more than half of the population need humanitarian aid. We and our partners are appealing for $880 million to help the 4.2 million of the most vulnerable Haitians. ** Sudan Turning to Sudan: Today, in Cairo, the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, is attending the Sudan Consultative [Group] meeting, which is been hosted by the Republic of Egypt. This is the fifth meeting of this group since 2024. It brings together key international stakeholders working to advance peace in Sudan. Yesterday, Mr. Lamamra discussed with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty the ongoing efforts to secure a de-escalation in Sudan. In Cairo, he also met with the Secretary-General of the Arab League, [Ahmed Aboul Gheit], US Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos, as well as other officials, including Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Saudi Arabia's Deputy Foreign Minister all of this to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts to end the horrendous war in Sudan. ** Democratic Republic of the Congo In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warn that severe access restrictions, resulting from both insecurity and administrative hurdles, are hampering life-saving operations in the territories of Fizi, Mwenga and Uvira all of this in the province of South Kivu. Although a period of relative calm this month has allowed schools to gradually reopen in the cities of Uvira and Baraka, the humanitarian situation remains in flux. The area hosts more than 330,000 human beings who have fled conflict. 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. While our humanitarian partners are scaling up their response, fighting and red tape continue to slow down humanitarian operations. Key roads have been designated as zones of military operations, and at least three vehicles belonging to our humanitarian partners have reportedly been confiscated by armed groups since 22 December. Restrictions on transport across lakes have delayed the delivery of supplies to respond to cholera. OCHA continues to engage with local authorities to secure guarantees for humanitarian access to all those areas that need to have it, and we continue to advocate for unhindered access for aid workers and their supplies. We also continue to urge all parties in the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the [Democratic Republic of the Congo] to respect international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles, and to facilitate immediate, safe and unhindered access. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to Gaza, our Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, is continuing his visit to Gaza that we started to talk to you about yesterday. In Gaza City and North Gaza governorate, he visited several health service pointsand nutrition facilities, as well as atemporary learning space. He met with our partners and heard from Palestinians who are receiving services at these locations. He also went to a food distribution point in Beit Lahyia, which was activated to serve thousands of peoplewho have recently returned to the area, as well as a joint distribution point in Gaza. Dr. Alakbarov thanked ourpartners for their tireless efforts to serve people in need and reaffirmed his support for their continued dedication. Tomorrow, he will be visitingmore different facilities in southernGaza. Meanwhile, our humanitarian colleagues on the ground warn that insecurity in Gaza that includes airstrikes, shelling and armed clashes is on the rise, leading to civilian casualties. Last week saw the highest number of incidents resulting in casualties since the ceasefire went into effect, with more than 300 of those [incidents] reported. OCHA reiterates that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected at all times. Meanwhile, our partners continue to distribute shelter assistance to people in need across the Gaza Strip. Since Sunday, we and our partners have provided more than 9,700 families with tents, mattresses, blankets and warm clothes, as well as hundreds of cooking pots and kitchen utensils. OCHA also continues to stress the need for the unrestricted flow of critical supplies into Gaza. These include timber, plywood,cement and tool kits to reinforce shelters and repair people's homes, in addition to equipment to clear debris and break down rubble, along with water pumps and sandbags to drain stormwater and mitigate flooding. Our partners report thatsince the ceasefire took effect, they havere-opened 36 health facilities and established26 new ones. They also warn, however, that only around 40 per cent of health facilities are functioning, most of them only partially. ** Yemen/Security Council Earlier today, you may have seen that the Security Council met to discusses Yemen. Hans Grundberg, our Special Envoy for Yemen, spoke via videoconference from Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia. He focused on the developments in southern Yemen. He highlighted his ongoing engagement with Yemeni stakeholders, regional partners, and the international community, including recent discussions in Cairo, in Muscat, and in Riyadh, where he is currently is. All of those aimed at easing tensions and supporting a political path forward. Also briefing was Ramesh Rajasingham, the Director [of the humanitarian division] at OCHA. He briefed the Council remotely from Geneva, warning that more than 18 million Yemenis, that's half the population of that country, are expected to face acute [food] insecurity just next month. This is of course compounded by the severe funding cuts that humanitarian colleagues have seen. Mr. Rajasingham has urged Security Council members to use their influence to secure the release of 73 of our colleagues who remain arbitrary detained by the Houthi authorities in Yemen. He also encouraged them to boost funding for the worsening crisis and stay united in their response. ** Global Temperatures Last, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in Geneva today confirmed that 2025 was one of the three warmest years on record. This is continuing the streak of extraordinary global temperatures. WMO also pointed out that [the past] 11 years have been the 11 warmest on record. The global average surface temperature on earth was 1.44C above the 1850-1900 average. That is what WMO's consolidated analysis [of eight datasets] tells us. Two of these datasets ranked 2025 as the second warmest year in the 176-year that we have been keeping records, and the other six ranked it as the third warmest year. The World Meteorological Organization added that a separate study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences shows that ocean temperatures were also some of the highest on record in 2025, reflecting the long-term accumulation of heat within the climate system. More depressing information is available on WMO's website. ** Questions and Answers Spokesman : Edie and then Gabriel. Question : Thank you, Steph. First, the [Donald] Trump Administration announced today the start of phase two of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on that announcement? Spokesman : I mean, we just saw the announcement made literally a few minutes ago. I think we continue to urge all parties to abide by the commitments they made under the agreement. And the agreement, as you know, includes a number of phases. We saw that, in the past month, we have been able to do as much as we can to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid. That was what was expected of us, and I think that's what all our colleagues on the ground did. There remains a lot of hurdles as we speak to every day on the humanitarian front and the humanitarian needs continue to be great. You know, as we said when the ceasefire was announced, what's important is that all of the parties involved in this conflict have been given an opportunity, and they need to seize it to put a credible political path forward, leading, as we continue to say, to a two-State solution. Sorry. Go ahead. Question : On Iran, is there any update on contacts between the UN and senior Iranian officials? Spokesman : Yes. We're trying to schedule something. As soon as something is confirmed, you will be the second to know. Gabriel? Question : Thanks, Steph. Follow-up to Edie's question. How does the Secretary-General assess phase one of the ceasefire? Spokesman : Look. I think phase one, as I just told Edie, phase one allowed us to deliver much more humanitarian aid than we had done, obviously, while the conflict was going on to start to meet the humongous needs of the Palestinian people. Obviously, there continue to be clashes. We've seen continued Israeli airstrikes. We've seen clashes between Palestinian armed groups. This is an opportunity that needs to be seized as we move forward. Question : And does the Secretary-General anticipate the role of the UN changing at all in phase two? Spokesman : I think we will see. Obviously, we are ready to support the full implementation of the agreement. Dezhi, then Pam. Question : A follow-up on Edie's question on Iranian situation now. We saw both US and Iranian started to have a very... yeah, how to say that, have a very vicious rhetoric against each other. Is the Secretary-General worried that there might be another major escalation to destabilize the region? Spokesman : I think, of course, we are concerned. You were concerned by the rhetoric. We continue to be extremely concerned by the situation in Iran on the ground, by the pictures that are coming out of protesters having been killed of violence in the demonstrations. And we once again urge the Iranian authorities to allow people to protest peacefully and protect their right to protest peacefully. Question : Another question. I heard the rumour that the US Mission is considering paying part of the contribution to the UN. Do you have any confirmation on their...? Spokesman : Confirmation of your rumours? Question : Yeah. Spokesman : No. I will tell you something. Given our past experience, and this is life advice to all of us, don't count your money until the check is cleared. [laughter] Question : Okay. Just to be clear of one thing. If the US or whichever Member States pay their dues, can they choose to pay which year or they have to pay up their arrears? Spokesman : Member States have dues that are owed per year, right? We want them, and we've encouraged them, and the Secretary-General did that in writing a few days ago when he sent out the assessment letters is for them to pay in full as quickly as possible. And you saw a number of countries heeded that call. Question : But... Spokesman : Hold on a second. When they give us partial payments for the regular budget and if they have arrears going back, they will say to us, this is for the arrears of such and such a year. Question : But can they put the arrears aside and pay the New Year's contribution? Spokesman : I'll have to check on that technicality. Question : Okay. Spokesman : Miriam? Question : Steph, after killing more than 12,000 people, the Islamic Republic of Iran and their officials are threatening protesters who were arrested to be executed now. And Mai Sato, the Special Rapporteur for Iran in Geneva, already warned the international community about that. What does the Secretary-General think about that? Spokesman : We stand firmly against the use of the death penalty in all circumstances. And we have spoken out in the past on the high numbers of executions in Iran. Question : Do you have a number, now that communication has been restored? Spokesman : Yeah. I do not have a number that we can use as our own. We've seen numbers vary from 2,000 to 12,000. All of those numbers are horrendous, but I don't have a number to share with you. Question : Question on Afghanistan. Is Rosemary DiCarlo traveling to Afghanistan at the end of this month? And what is the purpose of this trip? Spokesman : Yes. I can confirm that Rosemary DiCarlo and her staff are working on a visit later this month. We'll obviously make the announcement when we're ready to make it. We've seen that something has come out of Kabul. The visit is to follow up on the Doha process, which the Secretary-General initiated in May 2023. And the visit is also aimed as a principled and pragmatic engagement with Afghanistan for the benefit of all the people in Afghanistan. Namo? Sorry, I'll go to you, Pam. Go ahead, Namo, and then I'll go to Pam. Question : Just one question. Is there any update on the humanitarian and security situation in Aleppo? Yesterday, you said about 120,000 people remain displaced. And have you been able to deliver aid to... [cross-talk] Spokesman : No, I was not given an update today. So, if I get something, I'll let you know. Pamela, welcome back. Question : Thank you. Following up on phase two of the Gaza plan, what do you foresee the UN aid or UN agencies from UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) to OCHA and the demilitarization of Hamas? How do you see that moving forward? Is there... [cross-talk] Spokesman : Well, we hope that phase two will also allow us to deliver even more humanitarian aid, right? And as I said, we stand ready to help the parties in the implementation. The UN is not involved in the demilitarization of armed groups in Gaza. Our focus right now is on the humanitarian work, but we stand ready to be helpful in any other way that we could. Question : And you usually don't answer these questions, but are you optimistic...? Spokesman : Then I won't. Question : Are you optimistic about phase two? Spokesman : I think we all have to be realistic. Ibtisam? Question : Yes. My question is on that regard to, does the UN have any other role than delivering humanitarian aid? Spokesman : At this point, our focus as outlined in the agreement is to focus on the humanitarian aid. We will be, as [the] Secretary-General said, we will be ready to support the initiatives that help restore political horizon for both Palestinians and Israelis towards a two-State solution. Question : And who's from the UN in contact with the Americans and Israelis on the ground when it comes to the...? Spokesman : I mean, the lead is Mr. Alakbarov, who's the senior UN representative on the ground. But obviously, other contacts are being had. But in terms of the day-to-day contacts with Israelis and Americans in the region, it is Mr. Alakbarov. Question : And is there any plan to appoint a Middle East envoy, a new one? Spokesman : You know, it's kind of like Dezhi's question about money. We'll announce it when it's in the bank. Linda and then Evelyn. Question : Thank you, Steph. Apropos of Iran, I was just wondering what is the UN presence in Iran these days, particularly since the bombings last June. Spokesman : We continue to have a full country team. I can even give you the number. I think we shared it by email yesterday. To tell you the truth, to all of you anyway, I'll find you the numbers. We have about 46 international staff and about 448 national, and they're all accounted for. Evelyn and Miriam. Question : Thank you. On the Sudan meeting in Cairo, is there any hint there might be a product? Spokesman : Let's wait for the meeting to end. Question : Okay. And secondly, in case I missed it, has there been any official announcement on the White House order eliminating so many UN programmes? Spokesman : No updates. Question : Thank you. Spokesman : Zahra? Question : Thank you, Steph. Iran's Mission, in second letter to the UN Secretary-General regarding President Trump's remarks, stated the United States and Israeli regime bear direct and undeniable legal responsibility for resulting loss of innocent civilians' lives, particularly among the youth. What is the position of the UN Secretary-General on this matter? Spokesman : Look, right now, the letter, I'm sure will be responded to. The Secretary-General was very troubled about what he saw the pictures coming out of Iran. We have no way of commenting right now on the claims made by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. What we want is to see people be safe as they protest peacefully and just as people have a right to protest peacefully anywhere around the world. I'll get back to you. I have two people on screen. I need to put my glasses on. Islam, please. Question : Thank you, Stephane. I have two questions. One question is just to clarify. You said last week the highest number of incidents resulting in casualties, around 300 incidents. I believe it was the number of incidents, right? Spokesman : So, what part of the world are we talking about? Question : We are talking about the Gaza. You said the last week about it was the highest since the ceasefire. So, you said with the 300 of these reported, it was the number of incidents. I believe I just would like to clarify that. Spokesman : Since you need clarification. I need to clarify, before I clarify, so I'll get back to you on that. Question : And also, could you add if you have any casualty number in that clarification concerning the last week? And second question, special envoy Steve Witkoff shared a post today on his social media account, and he said: "In phase one, delivered historic humanitarian aid." What's your reaction to this phrase? Spokesman : I mean, the UN was able to deliver a humongous amount of humanitarian aid, but not enough, right? And I think we talked about all the impediments and the challenges that continued. But the UN was asked to scale up humanitarian aid and the UN delivered. We did not deliver as much as we wanted to, but I think we delivered as much as we were able to, given all of the challenges that remain. Question : And to the best of your knowledge, Stephane, in past three months, is there any day that 600 trucks enter to Gaza as a humanitarian aid, as far as you know? Spokesman : Okay, so, on the trucks, and I know we love truck counting, I would encourage you to look at the dashboard of the 2720 mechanism, which has, I think, a lot of good data. But that only shows humanitarian cargo that we coordinate. It does not show the bilateral arrangements made by some countries. But their data is out there. You need to analyse it. And I think your colleague above you on the squares has a question, so please go ahead. Question : Hi, Steph. Thank you. So, there is actually a report that claimed that a confidential MOU (memorandum of understanding) was signed between the US and the UN that signalled a shift in balance of power among UN relief agencies. So, do you think this could pave a way for other countries to pick and choose where they want their money to go to? And does the SG think that this could lead to politics getting in the way of humanitarian efforts in certain parts of the world? Yeah, that's my question. Spokesman : I'm not sure what MOU you're referring to? Question : Apparently the US pledged to give approximately 2 billion [dollar] throughout 2026, and they asked this money to go to certain relief areas that is operating in. Spokesman : This was no secret. I think, it was done very publicly at the US Mission to the UN in Geneva, I believe on 29 December. Mr. [Tom] Fletcher attended on behalf of the UN. We thank the US for its $2 billion donation. I will remind you that all our humanitarian operations are voluntarily funded. So, donors have always had the flexibility to give to agencies that they want, right? This is the difference between the voluntarily-funded humanitarian agencies and the Secretariat and the peacekeeping, which is funded through assessed contributions, which is in a sense not voluntary. Those are treaty obligations. So, all Member States who give have traditionally chosen which agencies to give to. I mean this was done very much in the open. There is nothing secret about what happened. Okay, Linda, then Ibtisam. Question : Thank you. Following up on the UN staff in Iran, can you just share with us, like, what are their... what agencies and organizations? Are they affiliated like OCHA? Spokesman : I don't have the list in front of me, but I would encourage you... We can try to get you something but just look at the UN in Iran website. It'll show which agencies work there, the kind of programmes they're working on, which are humanitarian development, refugee related, all of that. Okay. Ibtisam? Question : Just to follow up on your answer. Do members regarding donation that Member States give the UN to different agencies, can they also decide to which countries these donations like? Spokesman : For humanitarian work, whether it's WFP (World Food Programme), UNHCR (United Nations refugee agency), UNICEF. They are country appeals, right? So, donors have always been able to choose. I mean, I look at our humanitarian appeals, right? Donors give more to some rather than others. We want people to give to all of them with equal generosity. But the fact is that Member States and private donors and public donors can choose where the money goes. All right, thank you all. Dezhi, you have a question and then we'll go to lunch. Question : Sorry. Something we just learned. According to Reuters report, the US could launch military strikes against Iran within the next 24 hours. Spokesman : I'm not going to comment on press reports, A, that I haven't seen and that are unconfirmed. But I think you know what are our position is on, as you put it, the rhetoric that we've seen. Okay, thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address East Jerusalem: Forced shutdown of UN clinic signals escalating disregard for international law 14 January 2026 - The temporary closure of a UN-run health centre in East Jerusalem is the latest phase in "a pattern of deliberate disregard" for international law, the head of the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said on Wednesday. Israeli forces stormed the UNRWA-operated health centre on Monday and ordered it to close for 30 days. They also demanded the removal of UN signage. Furthermore, water and electricity supply to multiple UNRWA facilities are scheduled to be cut off in the coming weeks, affecting schools, health centres and other critical buildings. Legislative campaign The development marks "a new step in a pattern of deliberate disregard for international law and the United Nations," UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini tweeted. "This is a direct result of legislation passed by the Israeli parliament in December, which stepped up existing anti-UNRWA laws adopted in 2024," he added. The UNRWA Jerusalem Health Centre serves hundreds of Palestine refugee patients every day, agency spokesperson Jonathan Fowler told UN News. "For most of them, it's their only possibility of having access to primary healthcare," he said. "So, there's a right to health involved in this." He stressed that UNRWA facilities are United Nations premises, which are protected under international law, and this applies across the globe. 'An anti-humanitarian gesture' Mr. Fowler described the impending water and power shutdown as "kind of an anti-humanitarian gesture in many ways," saying "it's particularly shocking." He recalled that in October, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) "restated in crystal clear fashion that the State of Israel is obliged under international law to facilitate UNRWA's operations, not hinder or prevent them. And yet this continues." He also warned of the potential wider consequences. "These are disgraceful moves. And it's very, very important that there be global awareness about what's going on, because this is much more than directly in East Jerusalem," he said. "It goes beyond even UNRWA. This is something which potentially has global implications because of this pattern of disregard for international law." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen's fragile calm unravels as hunger and aid restrictions deepen crisis By Vibhu Mishra 14 January 2026 - A fragile political calm in Yemen is fraying, with renewed instability and aid restrictions deepening hunger, illness and displacement for millions of civilians, senior UN officials warned the Security Council on Wednesday. Briefing ambassadors, UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg said recent political and security developments - particularly in the south - underscored how quickly stability could unravel without a credible, inclusive political process. "Absent a comprehensive approach that addresses Yemen's many challenges in an integrated manner, rather than in isolation, the risk of recurrent and destabilising cycles will remain," Mr. Grundberg said. Tensions in the south While military de-escalation has been achieved in recent days, he cautioned that the security situation remains fragile, especially following rival deployments in southern governorates. In December, forces affiliated with the separatist Southern Transitional Council sought to expand their presence in Hadramout and Al Mahra, while government-aligned forces, backed by Saudi Arabia, moved in early January to reassert control over key infrastructure. Mr. Grundberg said the future of southern Yemen could not be determined "by any single actor or through force," urging Yemeni leaders to pursue dialogue. He welcomed President Rashad al-Alimi's proposal to convene talks with a broad range of leaders in the south, calling it a potential step toward rebuilding a Yemen-wide political process under UN auspices. Instability preys on economy Political uncertainty is being felt most sharply in Yemen's economy, he added, with rising prices, unpaid salaries and faltering services eroding household resilience. "Even short-lived political and security instability can trigger currency pressure, widen fiscal gaps, and stall reform efforts," Mr. Grundberg warned. The economic strain is being compounded by weak institutions and irregular salary payments, particularly for public sector workers. Mr. Grundberg urged Yemeni authorities to shield economic institutions -including the Central Bank - from political disputes, warning that erosion of confidence could further destabilise the country. Severe humanitarian consequences Ramesh Rajasingham, Director of the Humanitarian Sector for the UN aid coordination office (OCHA), said Yemen's crisis is worsening as needs rise, and humanitarian access has become more restricted amid funding shortfalls. More than 18 million Yemenis - about half the population - will face acute food insecurity next month, while tens of thousands could fall into "catastrophic hunger," facing famine-like conditions, he warned. The health system is also collapsing. Over 450 facilities have already closed and thousands more are at risk of losing funding. Vaccination programmes are also under threat and only two thirds of Yemen's children are fully immunised, largely due to lack of access in the north. "As a result, millions of Yemeni children are vulnerable to deadly yet vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, diphtheria, cholera and polio," Mr. Rajasingham said. Aid efforts restricted Humanitarian operations are further constrained by the continued detention of 73 UN staff by the Houthi de facto authorities, Mr. Rajasingham said, calling for their immediate release. The detentions have severely restricted aid delivery in areas home to around 70 per cent of humanitarian needs nationwide. Despite the challenges, aid continues where access allows. UN partners reached 3.4 million people with food assistance late last year and delivered emergency support during floods and disease outbreaks. But gains are fragile. "Humanitarian action saves lives," Mr. Rajasingham said, "but when access is obstructed and funding falls away, those gains are quickly reversed." Attacks in the Red Sea Earlier on Wednesday, the Security Council also voted to extend for six months, the monthly reporting requirement on attacks by the Houthi armed group - which controls much of Yemen - against merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea. The resolution was adopted with 13 votes in favour, while Russia and China abstained. The mandate was established in January 2024 amid a surge in Houthi attacks on international shipping linked to the conflict in Gaza. It tasked the UN Secretary-General to provide regular updates on maritime security incidents, their humanitarian and economic impact, and implications for regional stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Yemen UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Sharp spike in violence drives humanitarian needs, casualties OCHA warns that insecurity - including airstrikes, shelling and armed clashes - is on the rise, leading to civilian casualties. Last week saw the highest number of such incidents since the ceasefire went into effect, with more than 300 reported. OCHA reiterates that under international humanitarian law, civilians and civilian infrastructure must always be protected. Meanwhile, UN and humanitarian partners continue to distribute shelter assistance to people in need across the Strip. Since Sunday, they have provided more than 9,700 families with tents, mattresses, blankets and warm clothes, as well as hundreds of cooking pots and kitchen utensils. OCHA continues to stress the need for the unrestricted flow of critical supplies into Gaza. These include timber, plywood, cement and tool kits to reinforce shelters and repair people's homes, in addition to equipment to clear debris and break down rubble and water pumps and sandbags to drain stormwater and mitigate flooding. Humanitarian partners report that since the ceasefire took effect, they have re-opened 36 health facilities and established 26 new ones. Aid organizations warn, however, that only around 40 per cent of health facilities are functioning, most of them only partially. Today, the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ramiz Alakbarov, continued his visit to Gaza. In Gaza city and North Gaza governorate, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov visited several health service points and nutrition facilities, as well as a temporary learning space. He met with humanitarian partners and heard from Palestinians who are receiving services at these locations. Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov also visited a food distribution point in Beit Lahyia, which was activated to serve thousands of people who have recently returned to the area, as well as a joint distribution point in Gaza city. Dr. Alakbarov thanked humanitarian organizations for their tireless efforts to serve people in need and reaffirmed his support for their continued dedication. Tomorrow, Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov will visit more facilities in southern Gaza to see how the response continues to scale up and to discuss remaining challenges. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza with urgent support. Democratic Republic of the Congo Fighting and red tape hamper cholera response in South Kivu OCHA warns that severe access restrictions - resulting from both insecurity and administrative hurdles - are hampering life-saving operations in the territories of Fizi, Mwenga and Uvira in South Kivu province in the east of the country. Although a period of relative calm this month has allowed schools to gradually reopen in the cities of Uvira and Baraka, the humanitarian situation remains in flux. The area hosts more than 330,000 people who have fled conflict. It is also facing a surge in cholera cases. In the first half of this month, health authorities in the territories of Fizi, Mwenga and Uvira have reported more than 1,200 suspected cholera cases and 28 deaths. While humanitarian partners are scaling up their response, fighting and red tape continue to slow operations down. Key roads have been designated as zones of military operations, and at least three vehicles belonging to aid organizations have reportedly been confiscated by armed groups since 22 December. Restrictions on transport across lakes have delayed the delivery of supplies to respond to cholera. OCHA continues to engage with local authorities to secure guarantees for humanitarian access and to advocate for the unhindered movement of aid workers and supplies. OCHA urges all parties to respect international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles, and to facilitate immediate, safe and unhindered access to people in need. Haiti Renewed violence forces 6,000 people from their homes OCHA reports that clashes continue to drive people from their homes in the capital, Port-au-Prince. According to the International Organization of Migration, 6,000 people have been newly displaced since 6 January. Most of them sought refuge with host families, while others settled in in two displacement sites. The escalating violence has significantly impacted humanitarian programmes in the area. Doctors Without Borders announced on January 8th that it was suspending all its medical activities in the Bel Air neighborhood of Port-au-Prince until further notice. This comes at a time when only 10 per cent of health facilities with inpatient capacity in Haiti are fully operational, while approximately 4.9 million people need emergency health assistance. Internal displacement linked to armed violence has doubled in the past year and has now reached 1.4 million people - or 12 per cent of the population. This year, 6.4 million people in Haiti - or more than half that population - need humanitarian aid. The UN and its humanitarian partners are appealing for $880 million to help the 4.2 million vulnerable Haitians. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Haiti with urgent support. Yemen At Security Council, Head of OCHA Geneva calls for the release of UN and other personnel held in Yemen Ramesh Rajasingham, the Director of OCHA's Humanitarian Sector Division - speaking on behalf of Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator - urged the Security Council today not to consign the people of Yemen to the margins at a time when they desperately need more, not less, support. He noted that Yemen's humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate, underscoring that needs are rising, access is contracting, and funding has not kept pace. The result, he said, is that millions of Yemenis are not receiving the aid they need to survive. "We know that when humanitarian organizations can operate safely, effectively and in a principled manner, and when resources are available, humanitarian assistance works. It reduces hunger, it prevents disease, and it saves lives. But when access is obstructed and funding falls away, those gains are quickly reversed," Mr. Rajasingham said. He called on the Security Council to exert their influence and pressure to bring about the release of the 73 UN workers along with the dozens of INGO, NGO, civil society and diplomatic corps employees and former employees held by the Houthi de facto authorities. Posted on 14 January 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Briefing to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Yemen by Ramesh Rajasingham, Head of OCHA Geneva and Director of the Humanitarian Sector Division, on behalf of Tom Fletcher, USG for Humanitarian Affairs UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs As delivered Mr. President, As we begin 2026, Yemen's humanitarian crisis has further deteriorated: needs are rising, access is contracting, and funding has not kept pace. The result is that millions of Yemenis are not receiving the aid they need to survive. Mr. President, I will turn first to the plight of civilians and the difficult operating environment for humanitarians before outlining the challenges ahead. Every Yemeni - no matter where they live - must have access to essential services and, where their needs remain unmet, humanitarian aid. But in reality, too many Yemenis are still cut off from vital assistance. In areas held by the Houthi de facto authorities, the continued detention of 73 UN staff continues to severely restrict critical humanitarian work. I reiterate the Secretary-General's call for the de facto authorities to rescind the referral of UN colleagues to special criminal courts and to work in good faith toward the immediate release of all detained personnel of the UN, NGOs and diplomatic community. The unavoidable reality is that the United Nations must continue to reevaluate and reorganize our humanitarian operations on the ground in DFA-held areas of Yemen - home to around 70 per cent of humanitarian needs countrywide. We remain committed to supporting the people of Yemen where we can, including through continued support to our NGO partners on the ground. As ever, I thank the Special Envoy for his efforts to reinvigorate political discussions and support a path towards a negotiated political settlement led by the Yemeni people. Mr. President, In the past month, the situation in the south of Yemen has been extremely volatile, uprooting families and disrupting civilian and humanitarian movement. We welcome the recent military de-escalation; the stabilization of the situation will bolster support for good governance and reduce disruptions that might otherwise push already fragile communities further into humanitarian need. As the Secretary-General has warned, any further deterioration in security will worsen Yemen's already dire humanitarian needs, triggering more displacement and cutting millions more off from life-saving assistance. Mr. President, As I noted at the outset, the humanitarian situation in Yemen is worsening, particularly in the critical areas of food security, nutrition and healthcare - all issues OCHA has repeatedly raised in this Council. We know that when humanitarian organizations can operate safely, effectively and in a principled manner, and when resources are available, humanitarian assistance works. It reduces hunger, it prevents disease, and it saves lives. Where conditions have allowed, our partners continue to deliver. In Government-controlled areas, WFP has maintained food assistance in two-month cycles, reaching almost 3.5 million people in late 2025. During the recent flooding, more than 27,000 families received emergency assistance within weeks. Coordinated responses in Marib also demonstrated the effectiveness of cash assistance, helping families recover more quickly from floods. But when access is obstructed and funding falls away, those gains are quickly reversed. More than 18 million Yemenis - or half the population - will face acute food insecurity next month. They will be hungry - tens of thousands catastrophically so, facing famine-like conditions. This is worse than one year ago, with at least one million additional people now hungry. Women and girls are hit hardest, often eating last and least. Nearly half of Yemen's children under the age of five are acutely malnourished, but funding shortfalls last year meant that only 2 million people out of the nearly 8 million targeted for critical nutrition interventions were reached. More than 2,500 supplementary feeding programmes and outpatient therapeutic programmes were forced to shutter. Mr. President, Yemen's health system is collapsing. More than 450 health facilities have closed across both Houthi de facto authority and Government-controlled areas due to funding cuts. By the end of 2025, fewer than 60 per cent of the health facilities still operating were fully functional, including, for instance, providing basic emergency obstetric and newborn care. We estimate that 2,300 clinics risk losing funding, leaving millions without access to life-saving care. Vaccination programmes are also under threat. Only two thirds of Yemen's children are fully immunized, largely due to restrictions on campaigns in the north. As a result, millions of Yemeni children are vulnerable to deadly yet vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, diphtheria, cholera and polio. Last year, Yemen reported the highest caseload of measles cases in the world, one of the highest polio cases globally, and ranked among the top three countries globally for suspected cholera cases. This is not the legacy the children of Yemen and their families deserve. Despite these challenges, our partners working in health continue to save lives. With what funding and access they have, they supported more than 3,000 health facilities and carried out vaccination campaigns, reaching 2.2 million children in DFA-held areas with measles-rubella jabs and 1.4 million children in government-controlled areas with polio vaccines. Our partners have responded to the cholera crisis, scaling up preparedness activities, training local health workers, delivering supplies to nearly 3,200 primary care facilities and supporting 15 life-saving treatment centres. Mr. President, I will close by restating our asks for this Council. First, all Council Members must exert their influence and pressure to bring about the release of the 73 UN workers who remain held by the Houthi de facto authorities, along with the dozens of INGO, NGO, civil society and diplomatic corps employees and former employees. This deplorable situation cannot be allowed to persist. End this arbitrary detention, return these staff to their families and loved ones, and allow humanitarians to do their job safely and unimpeded for all those in need. Second, step up funding to a crisis that shows no sign of lessening. Do not consign the people of Yemen to the margins at a time when they desperately need more, not less, support. And third and finally, maintain the unity that has served this Council so well on the issue of Yemen. Stay pragmatic and patient about the challenges ahead - and firm in defending the humanitarian values that guide us. Thank you. Posted on 14 January 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Council, Adopting Resolution 2812 (2026), Extends Reporting on Houthi Attacks in Red Sea for Six Months Meetings Coverage Security Council 10089th Meeting* (AM) SC/16274 14 January 2026 The Security Council today adopted a resolution extending the Secretary-General's monthly reporting on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea for six additional months, citing its many previous condemnations of the group's attacks on merchant and commercial vessels. The 15-member Council adopted resolution 2812 (2026) (to be issued as document S/RES/2812(2026)) by a vote of 13 in favour to none against, with 2 abstentions (China, Russian Federation). By its terms, members recalled all relevant Council resolutions on the situation in Yemen and the Red Sea, including resolution 2722 (2024) and extending its reporting request to the Secretary-General to provide written monthly reports to the Council on any further Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, until 15 July 2026. The representative of the United States, one of two lead negotiators on the text, welcomed the adoption of the resolution, adding: "It reaffirms the Council's responsibility for continued vigilance against the Houthi terrorist threat to the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the surrounding waterways." Global Impact of Red Sea Insecurity The Houthi threat reverberates well beyond the region, creates risks for commerce and supply chains and endangers the safety of seafarers, she said. All Member States are obligated to implement UN sanctions against the Houthis, including by preventing the transfer of arms and dual-use items that advance Houthi weapons programmes. Greece's representative, the other lead negotiator, agreed that the security environment in the Red Sea remains extremely volatile, as recent developments in southern Yemen and Somalia have shown. The Houthis have the means to continue their attacks, despite any temporary pauses. "Shipping companies are increasingly forced to divert vessels towards safer yet significantly more costly and longer alternative routes", she said, warning that restoring trust along critical international maritime routes remains essential. "Challenges in the Red Sea have consequences far beyond its shores", agreed Somalia's representative, Council President for January, in his national capacity. The waterway's stability is closely linked to global peace and prosperity. He stressed the need to fully respect the sovereignty of Red Sea coastal States and neighbouring countries and rejected Israel's recent decision to recognize a breakaway faction in Somalia, which could set a dangerous precedent in the region. China, Russian Federation Abstain, Question Value of Continued Monitoring However, the two abstaining members struck a different tone, stressing that the Council's time and resources could be better spent elsewhere. "We cannot support this document", said the representative of the Russian Federation. The technical rollover before the Council today has no added value. While Moscow will not block its adoption, at the request of its regional partners, she emphasized that given the current reality the Council would do better to monitor shipping vessels in the Caribbean, not in the Red Sea. She pointed out that no incidents have been recorded in the Red Sea since September 2025, indicating that attacks in recent years were closely linked to the conflict in Gaza. As such, the Council's efforts should now be focused on advancing stability and lasting normalization in Yemen. China's representative said his abstention reflects China's consistent position that safeguarding the Red Sea, a major global trade navigation route, is the responsibility of all countries. Voicing regret that, following the adoption of resolution 2722 (2024), one State took military action against Yemen and thereby escalated tensions in the Red Sea, he agreed with the Russian Federation's delegate that recent incidents were linked to the Gaza war and the Council can turn its attention to other matters of peace and security. __________ * The 10088th Meeting was closed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters complete first operational ICBM convoy security mission Published Jan. 14, 2026 By John Turner 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. (AFNS) -- Two MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conducted their first operational Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile convoy Jan. 8, marking an important milestone in the modernization of Air Force Global Strike Command's nuclear security operations. The MH-139s shepherded a column of missile maintenance and armored security vehicles to and from a launch facility located more than 100 miles east of Malmstrom Air Force Base without needing to refuel during the six-hour movement, demonstrating the superior capabilities of AFGSC's newest helicopter as the Air Force prepares to retire the UH-1N Huey after more than five decades of service. "Executing our first convoy mission with two MH-139s marks a significant step forward in strengthening our missile security operations," said Maj. Gen. Stacy Huser, 20th Air Force commander. "The MH-139 allows us to continue supporting our ICBM enterprise for decades to come with increased speed, range and lift." Speed and reach are demanded specifically due to the more than 100 launch facilities dispersed across Malmstrom AFB's 13,800-square-mile area of responsibility that spans diverse topography of prairies, plains and mountain ranges. Not only is the MH-139 approximately 50% faster than the UH-1N and can arrive on-site several minutes sooner - armed and with twice as many troops on board - it also has enhanced defensive systems and is built to support missile field security missions across vast and austere terrain. The recent convoy escort mission gained valuable operational experience for AFGSC as 20th AF progresses toward initial operational capability of its Grey Wolf fleet. "I am incredibly proud of our Airmen who made this success possible," said Col. Bryant Bevan, 582nd Helicopter Group commander. "This mission provided us a multitude of lessons learned, which we will utilize as we continue to work toward accomplishing IOC for the MH-139." The MH-139's implementation into Air Force operations has been an ongoing program for the last several years. Boeing delivered the first MH-139A to the United States Air Force on Dec. 19, 2019, at Duke Field, Florida. This began combined developmental testing for the UH-1N replacement program. Malmstrom AFB then hosted a welcome ceremony for the MH-139A on March 9, 2024. The 550th Helicopter Squadron at Malstrom AFB began MH-139 conversion training the following month. The first Initial Operational Test and Evaluation flight in support of nuclear security operations was on Jan. 29, 2025. The MH-139 doesn't just replace an airframe; it directly upgrades how quickly security forces can mass combat power where it's needed. It has been evaluated specifically for nuclear security tasks that mirror Malmstrom AFB's real-world demands: convoy support and emergency response, including launch facility recapture and recovery scenarios that measure how quickly crews can go from idle to airborne. "Our ICBM mission is the foundation of strategic deterrence, and it demands absolute reliability, security, and readiness," said Col. Daniel Voorhies, 341st Missile Wing commander. "The MH-139 strengthens nuclear surety by giving our Airmen a more capable platform to protect our forces as they carry out the nation's most imperative mission, 24/7/365." The first operational use of the MH-139 that occurred on January 8 was described by Malmstrom AFB's Striker Airmen as both historic and reassuring. "The performance of the helicopter was impressive," said Maj. Nicholas Smith, 40th HS MH-139 pilot. "This test proved that the Grey Wolf can bring all the required firepower necessary to defend our nation's nuclear force in a real scenario." Smith said the helicopter's improved Forward Looking Infrared and its avionics systems enhanced his crew's situational awareness and their ability to support the ground force commander. "The MH-139 integrated seamlessly and provided an immediate increase in helicopter support capabilities," Smith said. Malmstrom AFB's mission remains shaped by its northern-tiered reality as its remoteness and distance defines the fight today - security forces must be able to respond, reinforce and sustain operations far from the main installation, often with little margin for delay. "The transition from the UH-1N Huey to the MH-139A Grey Wolf is one of the first visible steps toward the next era of the Global Strike mission, eventually leading to the full mission integration with Sentinel," said Tech. Sgt. Samuel Earney, 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron Tactical Response Force flight sergeant. "The transition from the battle-tested Huey to the high-tech Grey Wolf has been bittersweet, but given the increased capabilities of the new helicopter, it makes sense as to why the Air Force chose to make the move." Convoy Response Force members working on the ground below the helicopter also appreciated the presence of Grey Wolf helicopters during the movement. "I think the MH-139 being on a mission is a very good addition to convoys due to the fact that it has a faster top speed," said Senior Airman Nicholas Scaramucci, 341st MSOS convoy team leader. "I felt honored to be a part of it," said Senior Airman Dwight Panton, 341st MSOS convoy team leader. "It was one of those experiences where training and real-world application finally came together." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Coast Guard awards record $200 million contract to rebuild Station South Padre Island, Texas United States Coast Guard Press Release | Jan. 14, 2026 WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Coast Guard has awarded a $200 million design-build contract to The Haskell Company for the comprehensive recapitalization and expansion of Coast Guard Station South Padre Island in South Padre Island, Texas. This award marks the largest single task order in the history of the Coast Guard's military construction program. The contract, funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will deliver the design and construction of more than 120,000 square feet of essential facilities and supporting infrastructure, directly enhancing mission readiness and execution for Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection personnel on the southwest U.S. border in Texas. Preliminary design and environmental work will begin immediately, with project completion anticipated in summer 2028. Located six miles north of the United States-Mexico border, Station South Padre Island is at the forefront of securing the U.S. southern border. The recapitalization project will support the Coast Guard's operations to secure the U.S. border and maritime approaches, facilitate commerce vital to economic prosperity and strategic mobility, and respond to contingencies along the Gulf Coast and surrounding waterways. The scope of work includes: Environmental assessment, site survey investigations, and design services for various facilities Construction of new station facilities Construction of Unaccompanied Personnel Housing (UPH), additional berthing, and mission support facilities Rebuilding of waterfront infrastructure Construction of a Joint Operations Center and Customs and Border Protection support space Forward operations space for Deployable Specialized Forces Delivery of a new harbor operations center and other mission support facilities Comprehensive site development, utilities, and outfitting The project represents the largest award value for a shore infrastructure construction project in Coast Guard history and will be delivered on the shortest timeline to date. The planning phase was compressed from the standard 18 months to 45 days, while the contracting process was reduced from 15 months to four months. On April 20, 2025, a fire severely damaged the boat house at Station South Padre Island, forcing crews to relocate operations. The next day, station personnel responded to reports of illegal fishing and interdicted a vessel in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone, where they discovered 130 pounds of red snapper and 75 pounds of shark on board. "The courageous team of Station South Padre Island showed resilience and determination," said Admiral Kevin Lunday, acting Commandant of the Coast Guard. "The day after fire severely damaged facilities at Station South Padre Island, this crew was back on patrol, successfully interdicting illicit activity in one of our most complex operating environments. This project will provide Station South Padre Island with modern facilities and empower them to continue operations to control, secure, and defend our southern border." For media inquiries contact mediarelations@uscg.mil. ### About the U.S. Coast Guard With more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, 25,000 miles of navigable rivers and 4.5 million square miles of U.S. exclusive economic zone, the U.S. Coast Guard defends the Nation, protects the marine transportation system, regulates and safeguards ports and waterways, leads the Nation in maritime drug interdiction and secures the maritime border. As a member of the joint force, a law enforcement organization, a regulatory agency and a member of the U.S. intelligence community, the Coast Guard employs a unique mix of authorities to ensure the safety and integrity of the maritime domain to protect the economic and national security of the nation. More than 76,000 members of the Coast Guard operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of more than 220 cutters, 185 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, 1,300 boats and its own dedicated cyber command to protect critical maritime infrastructure. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S., Denmark, Greenland to set up work group as "fundamental disagreement" persists People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:09, January 15, 2026 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump says anything less than Greenland becoming part of U.S. "unacceptable" People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:01, January 15, 2026 WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday morning that anything less than Greenland becoming a part of the United States "is unacceptable." Hours later, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, are expected to meet with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House to discuss the issue. "The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building," Trump said on his Truth Social. "NATO should be leading the way for us to get it," he claimed. "NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable." One day earlier, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's 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." 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." Nielsen said that if Greenland must choose between the United States and Denmark, "we choose Denmark." 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. Danish broadcaster DR reported on Wednesday that Denmark is deploying military equipment and advance troops to the island. 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denmark sends military reinforcements to Greenland People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:17, January 15, 2026 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU, NATO allies rally behind Greenland amid rising Arctic tensions People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 08:13, January 15, 2026 The Danish Ministry of Defense confirmed Wednesday that Denmark is increasing its military presence in and around Greenland, working closely with NATO allies. OSLO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) and NATO allies have stepped up political and military support for Greenland, as concerns grow over security in the Arctic following recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about the strategically important island. The Danish Ministry of Defense confirmed Wednesday that Denmark is increasing its military presence in and around Greenland, working closely with NATO allies. According to a press release, the enhanced presence starting Wednesday includes additional capabilities such as ships, aircraft and soldiers. The announcement came ahead of a meeting between Denmark, Greenland and the United States held in Washington. "The purpose is to train the ability to operate under the unique Arctic conditions and to strengthen the alliance's footprint in the Arctic, benefiting both European and transatlantic security," the ministry said. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the move as "a clear response to the challenges facing the Arctic" and said the government is committed to establishing "a more permanent and larger military presence" for Denmark and its NATO allies in and around Greenland. Denmark's actions have been accompanied by concrete support from NATO allies. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday that Sweden had sent military personnel to Greenland at Denmark's request, noting that the deployment is linked to preparations for "Arctic Endurance," an operation planned by Denmark. The Swedish Armed Forces confirmed that Swedish personnel were among the initial contingent arriving on the island. Norway has also contributed personnel. At a press conference with his Danish counterpart held on Wednesday, Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik said that Norway is sending two military staffers to Greenland to "map out the further cooperation between allies." He added that there is ongoing dialogue within NATO on how to strengthen security in the Arctic, including in and around Greenland. Beyond direct military deployments, political support has been voiced at both national and EU levels. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Wednesday called on NATO to "step up its military and security presence in the Arctic," describing the region as "a front line of geopolitical competition." The European Parliament's political group leaders on Wednesday issued a statement condemning remarks by the Trump administration regarding Greenland as a "blatant" challenge to international law and to the sovereignty of NATO member Denmark. They urged EU institutions to define "concrete and tangible" support for Denmark and Greenland and stressed that decisions concerning Greenland belong to Denmark and Greenland alone. "External attempts to alter the status quo are unacceptable," the leaders said. 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, Trump 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 Greenland's future in dispute as US and Denmark fail to reach agreement Iran Press TV Thursday, 15 January 2026 6:48 AM High-level talks over the future of Greenland have ended in disagreement as the US President Donald Trump reiterates the "need" to seize control of the territory amid rising tensions with European allies. The meeting, which took place in Washington on Wednesday, involved US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen, and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt. However, the talks ended without a resolution, with Rasmussen stating that the sides had "agreed to disagree." "We have decided to form a high-level working group to explore if we can find a common way forward," Rasmussen said "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," he added. Trump doubled down on his stance after the talks, "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." Trump's remarks follow an illegal US military aggression in Venezuela earlier this month, in which US forces kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Rasmussen insisted that a US takeover of Greenland as suggested by Trump is "totally unacceptable". Meanwhile, Sweden, France and Norway have begun sending armed forces to Greenland at Denmark's request. Denmark is also increasing its presence and will send additional aircraft, ships and soldiers to the island as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen NATO's presence in the Arctic. Earlier in the day, Rasmussen said Denmark shared Trump's concerns that there was a changing security environment in the Arctic and the country wanted to work with the US to counter threats. "The big difference is whether that must lead to a situation where the US acquires Greenland, and that is absolutely not necessary," he emphasized. The meeting with the top White House officials was arranged after Trump reiterated that the US "needs" total control of the island, hinting he could take it by force if other ways fail. Trump has suggested paying Greenlanders large sums of money to accept to join the US. Meanwhile, Greenlanders reacted to the high-level talks over the future of Greenland in Washington saying they felt relieved that the meeting did not end in a shouting match. "We have this concern that it could be a kind of [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelensky meeting," said Nuuk resident Peter Jensen, referencing a heated, live-broadcast meeting between the Ukrainian leader, Trump and Vance last year. "So I'm happy that it was a meeting without press because it would have escalated what the Americans want to have." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump - Spheres of Influence The Portrait of the Four Tetrarchs probably depicts the first Tetrarchy, the four rulers of the Empire instituted by Emperor Diocletian. He appointed as co-Augustus Maximian; they chose Galerius and Constantius I as their Caesares; Constantius was father to Constantine the Great. It is suggested that the Eastern rulers form a pair and the Western rulers form the other pair, each pair consisting of the senior Augustus and the junior Caesar. The sculptural group has been fixed to a corner of the facade of St Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy since the Middle Ages. Spolia from the Fourth Crusade, the Portrait of the Four Tetrarchs is a porphyry sculpture group of four Roman emperors dating from around 300 AD. Porphyry stood in for the physical purple robes Roman emperors would wear to show their status because of its purple colouring. Porphyry made the emperors unapproachable in terms of power and nature, belonging to another world, the world of the mighty gods, present for a short time on earth. Trump's "America First" doctrine represented a fundamental shift in U.S. strategy away from post-Cold War liberal internationalism - which emphasized global alliances, democracy promotion, and multilateral institutions - toward a more pragmatic, transactional model that acknowledges distinct spheres for the United States, China, and Russia. This approach aimed to reduce American overextension, prioritize core national interests, and minimize risks of escalation with rival powers, though critics warned it could embolden adversaries and erode the stability provided by American global leadership. The Trump administration's approach rested on several premises. First, that American resources are finite and cannot sustain global hegemony indefinitely. Second, that attempting to maintain predominance everywhere leads to overextension and strategic failure. Third, that other great powers have legitimate interests in their peripheries that the United States should recognize to avoid unnecessary conflict. Fourth, that transactional relationships based on reciprocal interests are more sustainable than alliances based on shared values. This represented a return to classical realpolitik after decades of liberal idealism. Rather than viewing the world as potentially unified under democratic governance and free markets, the Trump approach accepted permanent great power competition and division into spheres. Rather than promoting universal values, it sought to secure American interests within a recognized sphere while tolerating Russian and Chinese predominance in their respective regions. Critics argued this approach abandoned American leadership, betrayed allies and democratic values, and invited aggression by signaling American retreat. Supporters countered that it represented necessary adjustment to changed circumstances, realistic assessment of American capabilities, and prudent avoidance of conflicts peripheral to core American interests. The debate reflected fundamental disagreement about America's role in the world and the sustainability of the liberal international order. The American Sphere Redefined Under Trump's framework, the U.S. sphere focused primarily on the Western Hemisphere, including North and South America, with emphasis on border security, bilateral trade deals, and countering Chinese economic inroads in Latin America. This echoed the Monroe Doctrine but with modern emphasis on energy dominance, tariff leverage, and immigration control. Trump strengthened ties with ideologically aligned leaders like Javier Milei in Argentina and Nayib Bukele in El Salvador while pressuring Canada and Mexico on trade and migration through renegotiation of NAFTA into USMCA and threats of tariffs. The administration sought to reverse Chinese infrastructure investment and diplomatic gains in Latin America, encouraging countries to reject Huawei telecommunications equipment and reduce dependence on Chinese finance. However, the transactional nature of Trump's approach created uncertainty among traditional partners. Countries could not rely on American support based on shared democratic values or longstanding alliance commitments, only on immediate alignment of interests. This pushed some Latin American nations to hedge by maintaining relationships with both the United States and China, seeking to avoid dependence on either. Tacit Recognition of the Chinese Sphere Trump's approach to China involved tacitly recognizing Chinese influence in the Asia-Pacific, including over Taiwan and the South China Sea, in exchange for trade concessions and reduced U.S. commitments. During his first term, Trump suggested Taiwan should pay for American protection and questioned why the United States should risk war over islands thousands of miles away. This signaled potential acceptance of Chinese predominance in its periphery if China offered economic concessions and avoided direct challenges to American interests. However, influenced by advisors like Secretary of State Marco Rubio in his second term, Trump adopted a tougher stance on China, including aggressive tariffs, technology restrictions particularly on semiconductors and artificial intelligence, and stronger support for Taiwan. This reflected tension within the administration between those advocating retrenchment and sphere recognition versus those viewing China as an existential threat requiring confrontation. The inconsistency created strategic confusion. American allies in Asia could not determine whether to prepare for American withdrawal and accommodation with China or to strengthen security partnerships for potential conflict. China could not assess whether American commitments to Taiwan and other regional partners were credible or negotiable. This ambiguity may have served some purposes - maintaining uncertainty to deter Chinese aggression - but it also risked miscalculation and crisis. Accommodation with the Russian Sphere In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Trump signaled acceptance of Russian dominance in areas like Ukraine and parts of the former Soviet Union, prioritizing de-escalation over NATO expansion. This included reduced U.S. aid to Ukraine during his first term, skepticism about Ukrainian NATO membership, and calls for European nations to handle their own defense rather than relying on American security guarantees. Trump's approach to Ukraine during Russia's 2022 invasion evolved but maintained consistent themes: criticism of unlimited American financial and military support, pressure on European allies to contribute more, and advocacy for negotiated settlement even if it required Ukrainian territorial concessions. During his second term, Trump sought to broker negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, proposing various settlement frameworks that would effectively recognize Russian control over occupied territories in exchange for peace. Critics viewed this as appeasement that would embolden Russian aggression, abandon American commitments to Ukrainian sovereignty, and signal to other nations that the United States would not defend partners against great power aggression. Supporters saw it as realistic acknowledgment that Ukraine falls within Russia's sphere of influence, that American interests do not justify risking great power war over Ukrainian borders, and that European security should be Europe's responsibility given American resource constraints and more pressing challenges in Asia. The approach also aimed to split Russia from China by offering accommodation of Russian interests in Europe in exchange for Russian neutrality or even cooperation regarding China. This reflected classical balance-of-power thinking: prevent the two main rivals from allying by accommodating the weaker (Russia) against the stronger (China). Whether Russia would accept such an arrangement or maintain its "no limits" partnership with China remained uncertain. NATO and European Strategic Autonomy Trump's skepticism toward NATO and demands for higher defense spending by European members forced EU nations to reconsider assumptions about American security guarantees. Trump repeatedly questioned NATO's Article 5 collective defense commitment, suggested the United States might not defend allies that did not meet the 2% of GDP defense spending target, and threatened to withdraw from the alliance if European members did not increase contributions. This pressure produced mixed results. Some European nations, particularly Poland and the Baltic states, significantly increased defense spending and strengthened their militaries. Others, particularly France and Germany, began discussing European strategic autonomy - the ability to defend European interests independently of American support. French President Emmanuel Macron warned of NATO's "brain death" and called for Europe to develop its own defense capabilities. The possibility of reduced American commitment potentially created a European sphere of influence separate from both American and Russian spheres. European nations might form tighter security cooperation, develop independent military capabilities, and pursue foreign policies diverging from American preferences. This could include accommodation with Russia to ensure European security without American involvement, or alternatively, a militarized Europe capable of containing Russia independently. Trump's policy toward NATO thus embodied paradox: pushing European allies to strengthen defenses while undermining the alliance's cohesion and credibility. The intended outcome - Europeans paying more while remaining subordinate to American leadership - conflicted with the likely outcome - Europeans developing autonomy and potentially diverging from American strategy. Middle East Realignment In the Middle East, Trump's policies aligned U.S. interests primarily with Saudi Arabia and Israel, countering Iranian influence while avoiding deep military entanglements. The Abraham Accords normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, creating an anti-Iranian coalition. Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and imposed maximum pressure sanctions, aiming to force Iranian concessions or regime change. However, Trump also sought to reduce American military presence in the region, viewing Middle Eastern conflicts as peripheral to core American interests. This created tension: supporting partners against Iran while refusing substantial military commitment. The assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020 demonstrated willingness to use force against Iranian targets, but Trump's restraint in responding to Iranian retaliation signaled limits on American willingness to escalate. This approach strained relations with traditional European allies, who opposed withdrawal from the Iran deal and favored diplomatic engagement. European nations increasingly pursued independent Middle East policies, maintaining economic ties with Iran despite American sanctions and criticizing Israeli actions that the United States supported. This divergence reflected broader transatlantic split over how to manage regional spheres of influence. Africa, Latin America, and the Global South Trump's transactionalism inadvertently boosted multipolar alternatives like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as nations in the Global South hedged against American unpredictability. Reduced American diplomatic engagement, aid cuts, and perceived disrespect created openings for Chinese and Russian influence. African nations increasingly turned to China for infrastructure investment and development finance, accepting terms that created debt dependencies but provided immediate benefits American assistance did not offer. Chinese military presence expanded through the base in Djibouti and security cooperation agreements with multiple African nations. Russian mercenary groups, particularly the Wagner Group, provided security assistance to governments willing to overlook human rights concerns. In Latin America, countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua deepened relationships with Russia and China to balance American pressure. Brazil and other regional powers pursued more independent foreign policies, joining BRICS and seeking to create alternatives to dollar-dominated financial systems. The effort to establish common BRICS currency and expand the group's membership reflected growing desire for multipolarity and escape from American economic hegemony. The Tripolar World and Return to Great Power Spheres Some analysts suggest Trump's actions contributed to a tripolar world dominated by the United States, China, and Russia, reviving the concept of great power spheres of influence not seen since the 19th century or Cold War. This represents fundamental restructuring of international order away from American unipolarity and liberal institutionalism toward balance-of-power politics and recognized zones of predominance. The emerging system features several characteristics. First, acceptance that great powers have legitimate security interests in their peripheries that other powers should respect to avoid conflict. Second, transactional relationships based on reciprocal interests rather than shared values or multilateral institutions. Third, reduced American willingness to enforce liberal order globally, creating space for alternative governance models. Fourth, great power consultation and dealmaking over the heads of smaller states, reminiscent of 19th century Congress diplomacy. This shift created what some observers called a "global realignment of alliances," with smaller states navigating between spheres to avoid dominance by any single power while maximizing their own autonomy and benefits. Countries pursued multi-alignment rather than non-alignment, maintaining relationships with multiple great powers to hedge against dependence on any single patron. This required sophisticated diplomacy but offered greater leverage than choosing sides definitively. Debates and Implications The sphere-of-influence concept embodies fundamental tension between sovereignty and stability. Recognizing spheres potentially reduces conflict by establishing clear zones of predominance that great powers respect, avoiding the spiral of challenge and counter-challenge that can lead to war. Historical examples like the Anglo-Russian Convention temporarily reduced tensions and prevented conflict over Persia and Afghanistan. However, sphere recognition inherently violates sovereignty of states within the sphere, denying them full independence in foreign policy and subjecting them to external domination. The liberal international order sought to replace sphere politics with universal sovereignty, where all states enjoy equal rights regardless of size or power. Critics of sphere recognition argue it legitimizes imperialism, enables great power aggression, and abandons smaller states to the mercy of regional hegemons. The debate continues between those who view sphere recognition as realistic acceptance of power disparities and prudent conflict avoidance, versus those who see it as immoral abandonment of principles and dangerous appeasement that invites further aggression. The Ukraine war crystallizes this debate: is it wise to recognize Ukrainian territory as falling within a Russian sphere to avoid escalation, or does such recognition reward aggression and encourage future Russian expansion? Multipolarity Versus Unipolarity The return to sphere-of-influence politics reflects broader shift from American unipolarity toward multipolarity. Advocates of multipolarity argue it represents more natural international order reflecting actual power distribution, reduces American overextension, and allows for diverse governance models rather than imposing Western liberal democracy globally. They contend that accepting Chinese and Russian spheres reduces conflict risk by accommodating legitimate great power interests. Critics warn that multipolarity historically correlates with great power war, as seen in the run-up to both World Wars. They argue that American hegemony, while imperfect, provided stability through clear hierarchy and enforcement of rules. Abandoning this system for multipolar spheres risks returning to 19th-century balance-of-power politics that eventually failed catastrophically. The question is whether nuclear weapons have changed the calculus, making great power war too costly regardless of international system structure. Values Versus Interests Sphere-of-influence politics prioritizes state interests over universal values. Traditional American foreign policy, particularly after the Cold War, emphasized promoting democracy, human rights, and rule of law globally. The sphere approach accepts that different regions may have different governance systems and that attempting to impose Western values everywhere risks conflict with powers that reject them. This creates moral and strategic dilemmas. Should the United States tolerate authoritarian governance within Russian and Chinese spheres to avoid conflict? Should it abandon partners in those regions who seek democracy and freedom? Does accepting spheres mean abandoning human rights advocacy? Or can spheres be managed while still promoting values through non-military means? These questions lack easy answers. Pure realism risks moral bankruptcy and strategic shortsightedness - authoritarian regimes within spheres may eventually threaten broader international order. Pure idealism risks endless conflict and overextension - attempting to democratize the entire world exceeds American capabilities and may trigger great power war. The challenge is finding balance that protects core interests and values without precipitating catastrophe. Conclusion: The Future of Spheres Spheres of influence have returned as an organizing principle of international relations after a brief post-Cold War hiatus. Whether this represents regrettable retreat from liberal internationalism or necessary adjustment to multipolar reality remains contested. The emerging system will likely feature elements of both sphere recognition and continued competition over where spheres' boundaries lie and what authority great powers can exercise within them. The critical question is whether this new sphere-based order can remain stable. Historical precedents offer mixed lessons. Some sphere arrangements persisted for decades, managing great power competition and avoiding general war. Others collapsed into conflict when one power challenged another's sphere or when nationalist movements within spheres rejected external domination. Nuclear weapons add unprecedented stakes - great power war over sphere boundaries could mean civilizational catastrophe. The answer may depend on several factors: whether great powers can negotiate mutually acceptable sphere boundaries, whether states within spheres accept their constrained sovereignty or resist violently, whether economic interdependence creates incentives for cooperation despite sphere competition, and whether nuclear deterrence can prevent escalation of sphere disputes into war. The coming decades will reveal whether humanity can manage sphere-of-influence politics without repeating the catastrophes of the 20th century or whether some alternative international order can emerge that transcends sphere divisions entirely. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 14 January 2026 - Day 1421 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that Russia likely sustained approximately 415,000 casualties (killed and wounded) in the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2025, the second highest yearly total since launching the illegal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This is a slight decrease from the approximately 430,000 casualties Russia sustained in 2024, the highest yearly total. Russia has likely sustained approximately 1,213,000 casualties overall. The average daily Russian casualty rate during December 2025 was 1,130 according to Ukrainian General Staff reporting, an increase from 1,030 in November 2025, and the fourth consecutive monthly increase. Russia's average daily casualty rates from August 2025 to December 2025 were the five lowest monthly average rates reported since April 2024. Russia's monthly casualty rate has risen again in conjunction with increasing advances across the frontline. Russia will highly likely continue to experience high casualty rates over January 2026 with continued dismounted infantry attacks on multiple axes. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Defense Forces are directing efforts to disrupt the execution of Russian invaders' offensive plans and exhaust their combat potential. Since the beginning of the day, there have been 118 combat clashes. The Russian enemy launched 31 air strikes, dropped 71 controlled air bombs, carried out 3,736 kamikaze drone strikes and 2,854 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, Ukrainian soldiers repelled one attack of Russian invaders, the Russian enemy made 105 shells, three of which were from reactive systems of salvage fire. 13 combat clashes took place in the South Slobozhansky direction - in the areas of Vovchansky, Zelenoy and towards the settlements Grafskke, Vovchanski Hutory, Krugle. Four clashes are currently underway. In the Kupyans ,komu direction, Russian forces made three attacks on the position of Ukrainian troops towards Petropavlivka, Pi any, Borovoi, two confrontations are still ongoing. In the Lyman direction, Russian troops stormed 11 times the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of the settlements of Zarichne, Karpivka, Novoselivka, Torske and towards the settlements of Stavka, Drobisheve, Dibrova. The four clashes are still ongoing. Ukrainian soldiers today repelled five Russian attacks on Ukrainian positions in the Slovak direction. Units of the occupiers tried to advance in the areas of fedorivka, svato-pokrovsky and towards zakitnogo. In the Kramators komu direction the Russian opponent did not carry out offensive actions. In the Konstantinivka direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders 13 times in the areas of settlements of Konstyantinivka, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Pleschievka, Ivanopilya, Scherbinivka, and towards Sofiyivka, Novopavlivka and Torsky. In the Pokrovsky direction, Russian forces made 23 attempts to submerge Ukrainian units in the areas of populated areas of Nikanorivka, Mirnograd, Kotline, Udaachne, Filiya and towards populated areas Dorozhne, Rodinske, Grishine, Novopavlivka. According to preliminary calculations, in this direction Ukrainian soldiers have eliminated 50 and wounded 25 Russian invaders, destroyed one artillery system, three motorcycles, 55 unmanned aircraft, two units of automobile equipment, a ground robotic complex, three manpower shelters and one BPLA control point. In addition, six artillery systems, five automobile units and one special equipment unit, one REB device, two BPLA control points and seven Russian personnel shelters were hit. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, the Russian enemy attacked 10 times near the settlements of Sichneve, Zlagoda and in the direction of Ivanivka and the New Zaporizhia One battle is going on. Gavrilivka suffered an enemy air strike. In the Gulyaipil direction, Ukrainian soldiers today repelled 17 Russian attacks in the area of Gulyaipol and in the direction of Dobropil, Zelenoy, Svyatopetrivka. The Russian enemy launched an air strike on Staroukrainci. In the Orihiv direction there was one collision in the area of Primorsky. The Russian enemy caused air strikes on Christmas and Zaliznychny. In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Russian opponent did not carry out offensive actions. In other directions, significant changes in the environment have not been recorded. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. As a result of active and resolute actions, units of the Sever Group of Forces liberated Komarovka in Sumy region. Russian troops engaged formations of one mechanised brigade, one air assault brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade close to Khoten, Yastrebinoye, and Kondratovka (Sumy region). In Kharkov direction, units of three mechanised brigades of the AFU and one border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine have been hit near Krugloye, Ternovaya, Staritsa, and Volchanskiye Khutora (Kharkov region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 190 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, 16 motor vehicles, and two field artillery guns. One fuel depot and three material depot were destroyed. Units of the Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, one engineering brigade of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and two national guard brigades close to Shiykovka, Osinovo, Glushkovka, Berezovka, Kupyansk-Uzlovoy, Kutkovka, Cherneshchina (Kharkov region), Mayaki, and Krasny Liman (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses amounted to up to 200 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, 26 motor vehicles, two artillery guns, and one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-fire radar station. Six ammunition depots were wiped out. Units of the Yug Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line. Russian troops hit three mechanised brigades, one airmobile brigade, one assault brigade of the AFU, one marine brigade, and the Azov Special Forces Brigade near Zakotnoye, Konstantinovka, Kramatorsk, and Novotroitskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU lost up to 125 troops, six armoured fighting vehicles, including one Italian-made Puma armoured personnel carrier, 15 motor vehicles, four field artillery guns, including two Western-made ones, and two electronic warfare stations. The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. The Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of five mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one airborne brigade, two air assault brigades, two assault regiments of the AFU, one marine brigade, one territorial defence brigade, four national guard brigades, and the Azov Special Forces Brigade near Belitskoye, Grishino, Shevchenko, Toretskoye, Lenino (Donetsk People's Republic), Ivanovka, Novopavlovka, and Novopodgorodnoye (Dnepropetrovsk region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 440 troops, two tanks, one infantry fighting vehicle, two U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carriers, four Kazak armoured fighting vehicles, and seven motor vehicles. The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences. Manpower and hardware of three mechanised brigades, three assault brigades, and four assault regiments of the AFU have been hit near Kopani, Rizdvyanka, Vozdvizhevka, Zaliznichnoye, Zhovtnevoye, Ternovatoye, Staroukrainka (Zaporozhye region) and Malomikhaylovka (Dnepropetrovsk region). The AFU losses amounted to more than 300 troops, one armoured personnel carrier, seven armoured fighting vehicles, 16 motor vehicles, one 155-mm Bogdana self-propelled artillery system, and one Czech-made Vampire MLRS. Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on units of one mountain assault brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Novoyakovlevka, Orekhov, and Pavlovka (Zaporozhye region). More than 55 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, 15 motor vehicles, two field artillery guns, one counter-battery warfare station, three electronic warfare stations, and four ammunition and materiel depots have been neutralised. Operational-tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have inflicted damage on the storage and pre-flight training areas of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, fuel depots, power industry facilities that provides work to the Ukrainian defence industry, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 145 areas. Air defence systems shot down seven guided aerial bombs, six HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 260 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 670 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 108,925 unmanned aerial vehicles, 645 anti-aircraft missile systems, 27,115 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,641 MLRS vehicles, 32,567 field artillery guns and mortars, and 51,746 special military vehicles have been neutralised. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia Welcomes US Designation of Muslim Brotherhood Branches in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as Terrorist Groups Saudi Press Agency Wednesday 25/07/1447 Riyadh, January 14, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the designation by the United States of America of the Muslim Brotherhood branches in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon as terrorist organizations. The ministry affirmed the Kingdom's condemnation of extremism and terrorism, its support for all that achieves security, stability, and prosperity of Arab countries, and the security of the region and the world. -- SPA 11:55 Local Time 08:55 GMT 0017 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Poll shows Minnesota ICE shooting case stirs backlash against Trump administration People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:35, January 15, 2026 LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer led to a wave of backlash against the Trump administration with a poll published on Tuesday showing that more Americans support abolishing the agency. The latest poll from The Economist and YouGov found 46 percent of people supported abolishing the ICE, compared to 43 percent who are in opposition of the movement; 12 percent were unsure. This result meant the public opinion was undergoing a major change. Support for abolishing the ICE has been rising since U.S. President Donald Trump began his second term, the Forbes reported Tuesday, saying 25 percent were in favor of getting rid of the agency before Trump's inauguration compared to 42 percent after the death of Good, which has triggered nationwide protests and fueled renewed debate over its investigation authority and accountability. Good, a 37-year-old Caucasian U.S. citizen, was seated in her vehicle when she was shot in the head by ICE officer Jonathan Ross last week in Minneapolis. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which runs the ICE, alleged that the victim was attempting to run over law enforcement officers. As local officials have disputed the DHS's claim, this case triggered a sharp debate about whether the officer should face criminal charges and how the agency could be held accountable for its officers' actions. The ICE is a federal agency under the DHS. In the United States, questions over who investigates and who prosecutes can become contested when a federal officer is involved and state authorities seek to pursue their own inquiry. Media outlets in Minnesota and Washington, including the Minnesota Star Tribune and the Washington Post, reported that a state investigative agency claimed that federal agencies had denied it access to the information required to determine whether the agent should face state charges. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said the state does not have jurisdiction. Mary Moriarty, Hennepin County attorney in Minnesota, said her office was reviewing what options, if any, remained for a state-level role in the case. The Minnesota Star Tribune reported Tuesday that at least six attorneys had left the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota, including members of its leadership team, and linked the departures to directives from top federal officials after the Good shooting and broader frustration within the office. Minnesota resignations occurred the same time that several supervisors in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division gave notice after learning there would not be a civil rights investigation into Good's killing. Amy Klobuchar, the U.S. Senator from Minnesota, warned against prosecutions being driven by politics and said Good's family deserved justice. The poll published Jan. 13 from The Economist and YouGov, conducted Jan. 9 to 11, found that 53 percent of respondents said the ICE officer should face criminal charges, while 30 percent said he should not and 17 percent said they were not sure. Overall, the public is skeptical of the force used: 53 percent of respondents felt the officer went too far, compared to 28 percent who felt the actions were justified. The chaos of the judicial system in investigating the case has fueled Americans' suspicion of and disgust with the ICE, even among Trump's supporters. Joe Rogan, one of the most popular podcasters in the country who endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential election, compared the ICE to "the Gestapo" in his latest show posted Tuesday. Rogan said that "most people" believed law enforcement should arrest criminals, but that many of the same people also believe the ICE is "operating illegally." "Are we really going to be the Gestapo? Where's (are) your papers? Is that what we've come to?" Rogan asked. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kuwait - PATRIOT Program Sustainment and Follow-On Technical Support NEWS | Jan. 14, 2026 Media/Public Contact: T_Outreach_PM@state.gov Transmittal No. 25-65 WASHINGTON, January 14, 2026 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Kuwait of PATRIOT Program Sustainment and Follow-On Technical Support and related equipment for an estimated cost of $800 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Kuwait has requested to buy equipment and services related to sustainment and follow-on technical support for its PATRIOT program. The following non-Major Defense Equipment items will be included: spare and repair parts; storage and aging; surveillance firing; stockpile reliability; shared and country-unique PATRIOT PAC-3 Missile Support Center (P3MSC) support; operator and maintenance support; test program set development process support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; studies and surveys; transportation; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $800 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. The proposed sale will improve Kuwait's capability to meet current and future threats by assisting it in maintaining higher levels of operational readiness while meeting its modernization and professionalization goals. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractors will be RTX Corporation, located in Waltham, MA, and Huntsville, AL; Lockheed Martin, located in Bethesda, MA, and Huntsville, AL; LEIDOS, Inc., located in Reston, VA, and Huntsville, AL; and KBR, located in Houston, TX, and Huntsville, AL. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of six U.S. Government and four contractor representatives to provide technical support and equipment familiarization. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Political-Military Affairs Outreach team, at T_Outreach_PM@state.gov. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Telephone conversation with President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. January 14, 2026 18:15 The leaders exchanged views on current international issues, focusing on the situation surrounding Venezuela. They emphasised Russia and Brazil shared fundamental stances as to ensuring the sovereignty and national interests of the Bolivarian Republic. In addition, they agreed to continue coordinating their efforts, including within the UN as well as through BRICS, with the aim of deescalating tensions in Latin America as well as other regions of the world. In light of the upcoming meeting of the Russian-Brazilian High-Level Commission on Cooperation, to be held in February 2026, the leaders had a thorough discussion of issues pertaining to further development of the bilateral ties in a wide range of areas. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address CPC calls for reinforced anti-corruption efforts during 15th Five-Year Plan period People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 16:44, January 14, 2026 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on January 14, 2026 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China Updated: January 14, 2026 20:19 AFP: Argentina's 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. We've 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 China's 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 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. China's 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. We've 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: We've 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 world's 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 China's 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 China's position on the latest remarks by Donald Trump? Mao Ning: On the situation in Iran, we've 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, what's 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. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China ready to work for steady, sound ties with Canada: FM Global Times By Xinhua Published: Jan 15, 2026 01:30 PM Updated: Jan 15, 2026 02:51 PM China is willing to strengthen communication, enhance trust, eliminate interference, and deepen cooperation with Canada to bring bilateral relations forward on a steady and sound track in solid strides under the new circumstances, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Thursday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Beijing. Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China, the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years, Wang said the trip marks a milestone in bilateral ties and signals a turning point in the relationship. The leaders of the two countries will hold meetings and talks, which are expected to open up new prospects for bilateral relations, Wang added. The world today is undergoing profound and complex changes, and the impact of China-Canada relations transcends the bilateral scope, Wang noted. He said that China and Canada have different social systems, stemming from different historical and cultural heritage, and based on the choices of their respective people. He urged both sides to view each other in a rational and amicable manner with an inclusive mindset, handle issues on the basis of mutual respect, focus on the agenda of cooperation, and send positive messages so as to foster optimism, inject greater confidence into the development of bilateral relations, and jointly build a new type of strategic partnership between China and Canada. Anand said the new Canadian government attaches great importance to relations with China. She also added that Prime Minister Mark Carney looks forward to engaging in in-depth exchanges with Chinese leaders during the visit to set the course for the development of bilateral relations, resume dialogue in various fields, pursue more mutually beneficial outcomes, enhance coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs, and further advance the strategic partnership between the two countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Xi: Advance rigorous Party self-governance People's Daily Online (Chinadaily.com.cn) 09:11, January 15, 2026 Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, called on Monday for advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance with higher standards and more concrete measures, highlighting that the battle against corruption is a major struggle that the Party cannot afford to lose and must never lose. Xi, who is also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing the opening of the three-day fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, China's top anti-graft body, in Beijing. He urged efforts to confine power to an institutional cage in a more well-conceived and effective way, and press ahead with the anti-corruption drive with a clearer vision and stronger resolve, thereby providing a strong guarantee for achieving the goals and tasks of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period. Reviewing anti-corruption efforts in the past year, Xi said that in 2025, the CPC Central Committee intensified efforts to improve Party conduct, uphold integrity and combat corruption, achieving notable results. Efforts were made to maintain a tough stance against corruption and eradicate the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption, he said. Xi emphasized that implementing the major decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee is a fundamental requirement for upholding its authority and its centralized, unified leadership. Party organizations at all levels and Party members and officials should implement the decisions and plans of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee with concrete actions, he said. Noting the importance of strengthening scrutiny over the exercise of power, Xi said that confining power to an institutional cage is an important task in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance in the new era. He underlined the need to improve the institutional framework while strengthening strict enforcement of related law and regulations. All are equal before the law and regulations, compliance with them admits no privilege, and enforcement of the law and regulations allows no exception, he said, urging leading officials to take the lead in enforcing the law and regulations. Xi pointed out that corruption is a stumbling block and an obstacle in the development process of the Party's and the country's undertakings, emphasizing that the fight against corruption is a major battle that the Party cannot afford to lose. He said the current anti-corruption situation remains grave and complex, and the task of eliminating the soil and conditions breeding corruption remains arduous. It is essential to maintain a firm stance to leave corrupt officials with no place to hide, he added. Xi underscored the need to stay attuned to new trends and features of corruption, and urged efforts to innovate methods and approaches, promptly detect and accurately identify corrupt practices, and effectively address all forms of corruption, in order to continuously enhance the penetrating power of anti-corruption efforts. He also urged strengthening coordination among all forms of oversight to advance integrated governance through whole-process collaboration, and called for sustained efforts to forge a loyal, upright and responsible disciplinary inspection and supervision force that dares to and is good at fighting corruption. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, China has maintained strong momentum in its anti-corruption drive, which remains a key priority as the Party steers the country forward on the path toward modernization. Over the past year, China's rigorous anti-corruption campaign continued relentlessly, with discipline inspection and supervision authorities vowing "no pause or retreat" in their sustained efforts to root out graft and misconduct. Emphasis was placed on reinforcing political oversight, thoroughly studying and implementing the guiding principles of the CPC Central Committee's eight-point decision on improving Party and government conduct, decisively fighting corruption and undesirable work styles, rectifying misconduct affecting the public, and completing inspections across all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities. The crackdown on corruption also made continuous progress in areas affecting the daily lives of ordinary people. From January to November, 536,000 low-ranking officials were disciplined, with around 20,000 referred for prosecution, according to information released on the website of China's top anti-corruption authorities. The country's anti-corruption watchdogs kept a close watch on key senior officials and optimized inspections to ensure power operates under strict oversight. During the entire year, 65 centrally administered officials, mostly at the ministerial level or above, were placed under investigation for corruption, with nine of the cases initiated in December alone. Those detained or under investigation included top officials in charge of China's provinces and cities, senior administrators in ministries, top financial regulators and bankers, senior executives of State-owned enterprises, and heads of prestigious universities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Delivering on Our Commitment: U.S. Disaster Assistance to the Cuban People US Department of State Press Statement Marco Rubio, Secretary of State January 14, 2026 Today, we are announcing the first in a series of direct humanitarian shipments to Cuba as part of the $3 million of disaster assistance committed by the Trump Administration following Hurricane Melissa. These shipments reflect our sustained commitment to the Cuban people as they continue to recover from the devastation. While the storm has passed, humanitarian needs remain acute, and recovery efforts are ongoing. A U.S.-supported humanitarian flight will depart from Florida, carrying much needed relief supplies. A second flight will follow on January 16, and a commercial vessel will deliver additional assistance within weeks. These shipments include food, hygiene kits, and other essential items to help Cuban families recover and rebuild. Consistent with our longstanding policy, we have taken extraordinary measures to ensure that this assistance reaches the Cuban people directly, without interference or diversion by the illegitimate regime. We are working in close partnership with the Catholic Church in Cuba to deliver aid transparently and effectively. For further information on this humanitarian assistance, please review our associated fact sheet. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Disaster Assistance to the Cuban People US Department of State Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson January 14, 2026 The Trump Administration is following through on our commitment to deliver $3 million in much-needed disaster relief to the Cuban people affected by Hurricane Melissa. The United States remains steadfast in supporting the Cuban people's post-disaster recovery. The first in a series of shipments of humanitarian assistance are designed to reach those most in need, bypassing regime interference, and ensuring transparency and accountability. Our humanitarian assistance is part of a broader effort to stand with the Cuban people as they seek a better future. Key Facts: This support will reach an estimated 6,000 familiesapproximately 24,000 individualsin the hardest-hit provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Granma, and Guantanamo. Charter flights carrying assistance will depart from Miami on January 14 and January 16 and arrive in Holguin and Santiago de Cuba, respectively. Each flight will deliver more than 525 food kits and 650 hygiene and water treatment kits, reaching over 1,000 families. A commercial vessel scheduled to dock in Santiago de Cuba in a few weeks will carry the rest of the assistance. Types of assistance include but are not limited to: Food Kits: Rice, beans, oil, and sugar to help families meet basic nutritional needs. Hygiene and Water Treatment Kits: Water purification tablets and storage containers for safe drinking water. Kitchen Sets: Pots and cooking utensils to help families prepare meals. Household Items: Sheets and blankets to stay warm, solar lanterns for lighting during outages, and other essentials. We are working closely with the Catholic Church to ensure assistance reaches the Cuban people directly and without regime interference. See further information on the State Department's response to Hurricane Melissa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN experts: Egypt must lift restrictions on released human rights defenders Press releases Special Procedures 14 January 2026 GENEVA -- Independent human rights experts* today expressed concern over restrictions faced by human rights defenders in Egypt following their release from detention. "We recently raised concerns about the continued detention of human rights defenders on renewed and similar charges," the experts said. "Even those who have been released continue to face restrictions that severely limit their ability to return to normal life." Many human rights defenders charged under Egypt's counterterrorism law have faced a travel ban, had their assets frozen, or ended up back on the country's terrorism watchlist after being released. "Such restrictions have severe consequences for the affected individuals and their families and their ability to enjoy economic and social rights," the experts said. Gasser Abdel Razek, Karim Ennarah and Mohamed Bashir, three members of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), were arrested in November 2020. They were released following an international outcry, but were immediately placed under an asset freeze and a travel ban. "This is deeply concerning, particularly given that Egyptian law guarantees the right to appeal asset freeze decisions, which the three individuals have done, but to no avail," the experts said. Human rights lawyer Mohamed El-Baqer was detained in connection with several cases involving similar charges. During his incarceration in late 2020, his name was added to Egypt's terrorism watchlist for a period of five years, leading to a travel ban, withdrawal of his passport, and freezing of his bank account and other assets. El-Baqer received a presidential pardon in 2023, but he has remained on the terrorism watchlist. "What makes it all the more shocking is that, just one day before the end of the five-year period, El-Baqer was added to the terrorist list for another five years, despite no evidence being provided," the experts said. Human rights defender Samir Abdel Hai was arrested in early 2021 after returning from university in Vienna where his studies focused on Egypt's anti-abortion laws. He was sentenced to three years in prison but was freed by a presidential pardon in summer 2022. Since then, Abdel-Hai has been banned from travelling, with the official reason given being that he was a "threat to national security." The experts asked how Abdel-Hai could still be regarded as a threat to the country after he received a presidential pardon. "These human rights defenders were criminalised under vague counterterrorism laws. They have either served their sentences or been granted presidential pardons. They should not continue to face restrictions," they said. The experts urged authorities in Egypt to put an end to these restrictions in line with international human rights standards. The experts are in contact with the Government on these issues. *The experts: Mary Lawlor , Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders , Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Irene Khan , Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression , Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression Ben Saul, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 22nd High-level meeting between Indian Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard held in New Delhi India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Both sides reaffirm commitment to free, open and rules-based maritime order Posted On: 14 JAN 2026 10:10PM by PIB Delhi The 22nd High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) was held in New Delhi on January 14, 2026, reaffirming the strong and enduring maritime partnership between both the nations. The meeting was co-chaired by Director General 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 to 17, 2026, leading a nine-member delegation. The High-Level Meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review the existing framework of bilateral cooperation for further strengthening operational engagement. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in key areas such as Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR), Marine Pollution Response (MPR), Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE), and capacity building. 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. 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. India's 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 JCG conveyed its assurance of participation in the ICGFR through the deployment of its ship and aircraft, reflecting the depth of bilateral maritime cooperation and the importance attached to these engagements. The meeting also took note of the India-Japan Joint Declaration issued in August 2025, which reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime order. The discussions highlighted the crucial role of the ICG and the JCG in translating the strategic vision outlined in the Joint Declaration into tangible and practical co-operation at sea. As part of the visit programme, the JCG delegation will visit Mumbai from January 16 to 17, 2026, where they are scheduled to undertake an industrial visit to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and participate in professional interactions aimed at strengthening maritime industrial and operational linkages. Additionally, a Japan Coast Guard National Strike Team (NST) is also visiting Mumbai and will conduct a joint exercise with the ICG pollution response team, focusing on Hazardous and Noxious Substances spill response. The exercise is aimed at enhancing preparedness, operational coordination, and mutual understanding in responding to complex marine pollution incidents. *** SR/SS (Release ID: 2214755) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tsahkna: Estonia supports the people of Iran in their pursuit of freedom Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14.01.2026 | 11:34 Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said today that Estonia stands alongside the people of Iran in their pursuit of freedom. "The Iranian people's demands for freedom and human dignity are justified, and the international community must act decisively against tyranny and oppression," the foreign minister said. According to Tsahkna, the international community must respond jointly and unequivocally to mass killings, violence, arbitrary detentions and the shutting down of information channels. "Estonia is working to ensure that the European Union designates the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation and imposes additional sanctions on those responsible for repression. The IRGC is the regime's central instrument of terror, and this must be met with a clear political and legal response," Tsahkna stressed. As a member of the UN Human Rights Council in 2026-2028, Estonia will also do everything possible to keep the human rights situation in Iran on the agenda in this international forum. "Secondly, through internet and media freedom coalitions, Estonia is currently exploring ways to help ensure that the people of Iran and civil society organisations have access to the internet and remain connected to the free world," Tsahkna said. "In addition, we have decided to provide extraordinary support for the Iran project under the Open Technology Fund programme." The Open Technology Fund ensures access to an uncensored internet in authoritarian countries such as Iran and enables the opposition, journalists and citizens more broadly to obtain critical information. "I also call on the Riigikogu to issue a statement recognising the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. This would be a clear sign of Estonia's principled support for the people of Iran," Tsahkna added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on the planned execution of Erfan Soltani Government of Norway News story | Date: 14/01/2026 'The planned execution of Erfan Soltani is unacceptable and must be stopped,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. 'Soltani is one of the many who have taken part in the ongoing protest in Iran. Norway demands that Iran uphold its obligations under international law and immediately end the use of the death penalty,' said Eide. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs on summoning of Iranian Ambassador Government Offices of Sweden Statement by Ministry for Foreign Affairs Published 14 January 2026 Today, 14 January, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs summoned the Iranian Ambassador in Stockholm. The Ministry summoned the Ambassador to strongly protest against Iran's use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators and widespread arbitrary detention. When the Ambassador was summoned, it was stressed that Iran must respect the right to freedom of expression and assembly and the right to peaceful gatherings. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC intelligence details successful confrontation against US-, Israeli-backed unrest drive Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 10:38 PM The Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has issued a comprehensive report outlining the organization's successful confrontation against a United States- and Israeli-backed drive aimed at sowing unrest throughout the Islamic Republic. The organization issued the report on Friday, detailing its countermeasures against the coordinated campaign seeking to create chaos and instability within the country. According to the report, nearly 400,000 public reports had been received detailing security breaches, suspicious activities, and potential terrorist threats. These reports, the organization said, were prioritized for investigation, resulting in follow-up actions and, in certain instances, arrests. The organization further recounted preemptive identification of and confrontation against the field elements of rioters and their financial, arms, and intelligence supporters, who were linked to the intelligence agencies of the United States and the Zionist regime, in a southern Iranian city. The report also cited destruction of teams associated with counterrevolutionary elements that had been tasked with triggering altercations on streets across nine provinces with intent to, what they had identified as, bringing the streets under their control. Elsewhere, the organization reported arrest of the ringleader of a team associated with separatist ethnic groups, before planned execution of a "terrorist attack" on two military and law enforcement bases in border areas. The report additionally cited identification of and prompt confrontation against 31 dissident elements, who had expressed their readiness to cooperate with the Israeli regime's Mossad spy agency. The organization, meanwhile, warned that, although popular and defensive efforts had thwarted the main objective of the adversaries' plan to create chaos and disorder, the enemies were continuing to try to afflict the Islamic Republic with insecurity and unrest by creating consensus against the country across international forums, afflicting military and security costs on it, conducting widespread cognitive warfare, and continuing financial and intelligence support for the remaining terrorist elements. It vowed that it would continue to enhance its intelligence capabilities in effectively and proactively confronting instigators and perpetrators of insecurity. "We will not spare any effort in confronting the enemy's combat networks," the organization asserted. The organization, meanwhile, predicted that domestic and external security conditions faced by the United States and its allies might "evolve in a way that the results of their incendiary actions against the Islamic Republic will affect their own security environment." The report came after riotous elements began trying to hijack economic protests throughout Iran earlier in the month and derail them towards unrest. Also on Wednesday, Major General Mohammad Pakpour, chief commander of the IRGC, issued a stern warning to both the US and the Israeli regime, emphasizing that any miscalculation on their part or on the part of their allies would be met with a decisive and crushing response from the Corps. Pakpour referred to the riots caused by foreign-backed elements as the work of "Daesh-style mercenaries" under the direction of foreign parties, specifically Washington and Tel Aviv. He identified US President Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the primary architects behind the riots and ensuing bloodshed, stating that their actions against the Islamic Republic would be addressed at the appropriate time. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC warns of decisive response to miscalculations by US, Israel Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 6:49 PM The Chief Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has warned the United States, Israel, and their Daesh-style mercenaries that any miscalculation will be met with a decisive and crushing response. In a statement, Major General Mohammad Pakpour said the IRGC remains at the highest level of readiness to dismantle "delusional plots" devised by the White House and Tel Aviv. General Pakpour described those behind recent unrest as "Daesh-style mercenaries" operating under the direction of foreign powers. "The powerful and popular IRGC is at the height of readiness to provide a decisive response to miscalculation by the enemy and their Daesh-style domestic mercenaries," Pakpour stated. "With reliance on Almighty God, under the leadership of the Leader, and through the sacred unity of the Iranian nation, we will nullify the schemes of the rulers in the White House and Tel Aviv against a 'Strong Iran.'" The IRGC commander identified US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the main architects of the recent bloodshed. "Undoubtedly, Trump and Netanyahu are the killers of Iranian youth and the defenders of the state's security," the statement said. He referred to Trump as a "criminal gambler" and "Nimrod of the time," and Netanyahu as a "child-killer," saying their "brutal crimes" across the Iranian homeland will never be forgotten and will be met with retaliation at the appropriate time. General Pakpour also paid tribute to the massive nationwide rallies held on January 12, praising the "insight and courage" of Iranians who stood in solidarity with the martyrs of security. He said the large public turnout at funeral ceremonies reflected the nation's unshakable dignity and its firm refusal to bow to external pressure and state-sponsored terrorism. Some Iranian cities have been the scene of foreign-backed rioting over the past few days, damaging public property and leaving a number of security forces and civilians dead. Iran's police officials say they've shown maximum restraint towards the rioting and tried hard to separate ordinary people concerned with the rising cost of living from rioters and terrorists attacking security forces. Trump has, over the past few days, repeatedly threatened to attack Iran if the country kills what he has termed as "peaceful protesters". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mayor says riots inflicted over $20 million in damage on Tehran Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 6:46 PM The Iranian capital suffered more than $20 million in losses during recent riots and terrorist acts that accompanied peaceful economic protests, according to Mayor Alireza Zakani. Zakani said on Wednesday that initial estimates put the damage to the city's infrastructure, including its transport network, at nearly 30 trillion rials. He said rioters set fire to 89 buses, 57 of which sustained major damage, leaving some out of service. Two municipality buildings and eight newly purchased firefighting vehicles were also destroyed during the unrest that erupted on January 8. He added that a full list of damaged properties will be submitted to the administrative government for a final decision on compensation and repairs. The governor of Tehran Province, which includes the capital, also said on Wednesday that around 1,000 public and private cars were damaged in the recent riots. Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian said some 54 ambulances and 71 firefighting vehicles were destroyed by rioters. Motamedian noted that damage was also recorded in 44 mosques, 26 government buildings, and several homes and shops in Tehran and surrounding cities. The official IRNA news agency published a report on Wednesday detailing damage to public property in major cities across Iran. The report showed that urban infrastructure in cities such as Rasht in the north, Mashhad in the east, and Kerman in the south suffered extensive losses. Iranian authorities say the rioters and terrorists involved in Thursday's attacks on public property were backed by the Israeli regime and the US government. They say Washington and Tel Aviv have been exploiting public discontent over Iran's economic situation since June, when they launched failed military attacks on the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US tariff threat can't impact Russia-Iran ties: Lavrov Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 6:07 PM Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Moscow and Tehran maintain strong relations that cannot be affected by any third party, as US President Donald Trump announced 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran. Lavrov commented on Trump's announcement at a press conference on Wednesday. "I don't think any third party can change the fundamental nature of the relationship between Moscow and Tehran. These relations are based on agreements reached by the presidents of Russia and Iran. It responds to the interests of the two states and peoples." He said such a nature is reflected in many practical projects, such as the construction of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant and the implementation of transportation infrastructure plans like the International North-South Transport Corridor. "I think we should just work and implement all these agreements that were reached between Iran and us, and between Russia and all our other trade and economic partners," Lavrov stated. Trump's tariff threat came as calm has been restored across Iran after recent riots, which authorities said were fueled by agents supported by the US and Israel. Lavrov said Washington "started acting in a way that ignored all the norms they themselves promoted" and was damaging its own image. "They propagated a model they called globalization, but then they refused all their principles. Of course, this makes one think that American colleagues who act in such a way look rather unreliable," he said. Referring to Washington's anti-Iran threats and the kidnapping of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Russia's top diplomat said the US was fragmenting the international system. "We are talking about a gross violation of international law," Lavrov said of the US abduction of Maduro. On January 3, US forces abducted Maduro and his wife from Caracas and transferred them to New York following a military attack involving heavy bombing, aircraft, warships, and commandos. Hours after the attack on Venezuela, Trump said the United States would run Venezuela at least temporarily and be "very strongly involved" in the country's oil industry. The military attack on Venezuela follows months of pressure on the country under the pretext of combating illegal drugs destined for the United States. Caracas firmly denied any connection to drug trafficking and maintained that Washington aimed to overthrow the Venezuelan president in a bid to take control of the nation's vast oil reserves. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM warns Trump against Israeli push to drag US into war on its behalf Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 5:03 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a warning to US President Donald Trump, urging him to resist long-standing Israeli efforts to manipulate the United States into direct military conflict with Iran. In an X post on Wednesday, Araghchi highlighted a historic pattern of behavior by the Zionist regime, which has consistently sought to achieve its regional objectives through American blood. Araghchi noted a shift in the transparency of these efforts, saying that while Israel has "always sought to drag the US into fighting wars on its behalf," the regime is now "saying the quiet part out loud." The minister pointed to recent admissions by Israeli figures regarding the orchestration of internal instability within Iran. He specifically cited reports that the Israeli regime has played a direct role in militarizing riots, leading to significant loss of life. "With blood on our streets, Israel is explicitly gloating about having 'armed protesters with live weapons' and [claiming] 'this is the reason for the hundreds of dead,'" Araghchi said. He was specifically referring to a Tuesday tweet by senior Israeli journalist Tamir Morag, in which he suggested that Israel and the US have been arming the rioters. "We reported tonight on [Israel's] Channel 14: foreign actors are arming the protesters in Iran with live firearms, which is the reason for the hundreds of regime personnel killed." The minister said these admissions expose the true source of the violence that has recently affected Iran. The minister said the violence was not a domestic movement, but a calculated external operation designed to provoke a wider escalation. "President Trump should now know exactly where to go to stop killings," Araghchi said. Some Iranian cities have been the scene of foreign-backed rioting over the past few days, damaging public property and leaving a number of policemen, Basij volunteer forces, and civilians dead. Iran's police officials say they have shown maximum restraint towards the rioting and tried hard to separate ordinary people concerned with the rising cost of living from rioters and terrorists attacking security forces. Trump has, over the past days, repeatedly threatened to attack Iran if, as he put it, the country kills what he has termed "peaceful protesters." The commander of the Aerospace Force of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Majid Mousavi, said on Wednesday that the force has achieved the highest level of its defensive preparedness and stands ready to crush any aggression against Iran. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Persian Gulf states warn US strike on Iran will plunge region into turmoil Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 4:30 PM Arab states along the Persian Gulf have urged the United States to refrain from any military action against Iran, warning that a strike in support of foreign-backed unrest could destabilize the region and trigger broad economic and political turmoil. According to the Wall Street Journal, Saudi Arabia, along with Oman and Qatar, has been quietly lobbying the Trump administration after the White House warned them to brace for a potential military strike against Tehran. Officials from the Persian Gulf states have warned that any military action aimed at unseating Iran's political leadership could severely disrupt international oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway that handles nearly 20% of the world's oil supply. They are reportedly concerned about domestic backlash, economic setbacks, and the potential for retaliatory strikes from Iran if the US launches an attack. As per reports, Saudi officials have given their Iranian counterparts assurance that they would not participate in any anti-Iran action or allow US military aircraft to use their airspace. Trump has reviewed military options against Iran but has not yet made a final decision. However, he has pushed rioters inside the country to persist in their acts of sabotage and terror. This comes as Iran has warned neighboring countries hosting American troops that it will target US military bases if Washington launches an attack. Three unnamed diplomats told Reuters that some personnel had been advised to evacuate al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the primary US air base in the region, by Wednesday evening. There were no immediate signs of a large-scale evacuation of troops. Meanwhile, massive crowds took part in rallies in Tehran and across the country on Wednesday and Monday. Demonstrators carried placards in condemnation of foreign interference as they voiced support for the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The demonstrations were a response to several days of deadly foreign-backed riots. In response, the government declared three days of national mourning. While officials have acknowledged legitimate economic grievances, linked to unilateral US sanctions targeting Iran's oil and banking sectors, they have made a clear distinction between peaceful protests and violent rioting. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New US sanctions 'a form of revenge' against Iranian nation: Foreign Ministry Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 2:14 PM Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says the recent sanctions imposed by the United States against Tehran are a "form of revenge" against the Iranian nation for supporting their homeland in the face of foreign-backed plots. He made the remarks after US President Donald Trump said on January 12 that countries doing business with Iran will be subjected to a 25% tariff on their trade with the United States. Trump's tariff threat came as calm has been restored across Iran after recent riots, which authorities said were fueled by agents supported by the US and Israel. "The Iranian people have been under oppressive and illegal economic sanctions and pressure from the United States and some of its allies for more than 75 years, under various pretexts," Baghaei said. "This reflects the reality of entrenched resentment against the integrity of Iran in the policy-making and political decision-making system in the US," he added. Noting that the sanctions contradict the fundamental principles and rules of the UN Charter and international law, including those governing international trade, the spokesman said, "US economic sanctions, by violating and infringing upon the fundamental rights of every Iranian citizen, constitute a crime against humanity." He said those imposing the sanctions "must be held accountable for the consequences and repercussions of these crimes." Baghaei warned against the "dangerous effects" of the United States' unilateral coercive measures on the international trade system, calling on the United Nations and its organizations, including the Secretariat, to fulfill their duties to protect the rule of law at the international level. He said the Iranian nation, thanks to its capabilities and experience in dealing with oppressive attacks and pressures, will undoubtedly continue the path of progress and development steadfastly. What began as peaceful protests late December gradually turned violent, as rioters rampaged through cities across Iran, killing security forces and attacking public property. Iranian officials have linked the riots and terrorist acts to the US and the Israeli regime, with President Masoud Pezeshkian saying that armed rioters were trained by the US and Israeli spy agencies. Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref said the recent riots in Iran marked the second phase of the Israeli regime's war against the Iranian nation after the 12-day war in June 2025. On January 12, Iranians from different walks of life took part in nationwide rallies to denounce the foreign-backed riots, demonstrating their unwavering support for the Islamic Republic. Officials described the nationwide rallies as evidence of unity and solidarity in the face of the enemy's plots to sow chaos and division through mercenaries and terrorists. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Araghchi slams EU over diplomat ban, warns Iran will retaliate Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 10:58 AM Iran will retaliate against any restrictions imposed by the European Union, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warns, after the EU barred Iranian diplomats from entering the European Parliament. In a post on his official X account on Tuesday, Araghchi criticized Europe's double standards, saying more than two years of genocide in Gaza, which has killed 70,000 Palestinians, has failed to prompt any meaningful action by the European Parliament against Israel. He added that despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu being sought by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over war crimes, he continues to travel freely through European airspace. In contrast, he said, "it takes only a few days of violent riots in Iran for the European Parliament to physically ban our diplomats." Peaceful protests over economic hardship escalated into riots last week, fueled by remarks by US and Israeli leaders, with armed groups damaging public property and causing casualties among civilians and security forces. Dozens of Iranian civilians and security personnel have been martyred at the hands of the rioters, who have been confirmed by the Islamic Republic's intelligence to have been in receipt of intelligence, operational, logistical, and financial support by Washington and the Israeli regime's Mossad spy agency. The officials have, meanwhile, underlined on all occasions that the country exerts due effort to address economic shortcomings across various sectors, but, at the same time, stands firmly in the face of any attempt at derailing protests towards unrest. "People are not stupid. They see what is unfolding with their own eyes," he noted, underlining that Iran does not seek hostility with the European Union but will "reciprocate any restriction." On Tuesday, Araghchi also slammed Germany for its double standards and hypocrisy on human rights, following comments by Chancellor Friedrich Merz accusing the country of killing protesters. "When Iran defeats terrorists who kill civilians and police officers, the German chancellor rushes to declare that 'violence is an expression of weakness,'" Araghchi posted on X. His comments came in the wake of Merz's remarks questioning the legitimacy of Iran's government and suggesting it was nearing collapse following the recent riots across the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran files UN complaint over Trump's remarks inciting violence, military threats Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 9:49 AM Iran has formally complained to the United Nations over remarks by US President Donald Trump, rebuking him for threatening military action and inciting rioters to take control of state institutions. In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of the Security Council Samuel Zbogar on Tuesday, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative Amir Saeid Iravani referred to a statement made by Trump, in which he openly incites violence inside Iran and threatens military intervention. "Addressing Iranian protesters, he stated: 'Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! ... HELP IS ON ITS WAY,'" Iravani said, adding that this reckless statement "explicitly encourages political destabilization, incites and invites violence, and threatens the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security" of Iran. In recent days, Trump and other American officials said that the United States would resort to military aggression against Iran in the event of what they called Tehran's "suppression" of sporadic riots that have followed the decline of rial, the Iranian currency. The Islamic Republic has repeatedly stressed that it would exert due effort to address economic protests, but stands firmly in the face of attempts at derailing protests towards disorder. Iravani noted that Trump's statement constitutes a flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, in particular the prohibition of the threat or use of force and the principle of non-intervention in the internal affairs of States. "This interventionist rhetoric forms part of a continuing and escalating pattern aimed at political destabilization by the President of the United States over the recent weeks, during which he has repeatedly threatened the use of force against Iran, as documented in our previous communications dated 30 December 2025, 2 January 2026, and 9 January 2026," he added. The letter said Trump's remarks should be viewed in the context of the failure of a 12-day war of aggression against Iran in June 2025 and as part of a broader regime-change policy involving "maximum pressure," expanded unilateral sanctions, deliberate social and economic destabilization, and efforts to incite unrest among Iran's youth. On June 13, Israel launched an unprovoked war against Iran, assassinating many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and ordinary civilians. More than a week later, the United States also entered the war by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in a grave violation of the United Nations Charter, international law, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In response, the Iranian Armed Forces targeted strategic sites across the occupied territories as well as the al-Udeid air base in Qatar, the largest American military base in West Asia. "The United States and the Israeli regime bear direct and undeniable legal responsibility for the resulting loss of innocent civilian lives, particularly among the youth," Iravani said. Peaceful protests over economic hardship escalated into riots last week, fueled by remarks by US and Israeli leaders, with armed groups damaging public property and causing casualties among civilians and security forces. Dozens of Iranian civilians and security personnel have been martyred at the hands of the rioters, who have been confirmed by the Islamic Republic's intelligence to have been in receipt of intelligence, operational, logistical, and financial support by Washington and the Israeli regime's Mossad spy agency. The Islamic Republic's authorities have observed that through the riots, Iran's adversaries have been seeking to make up for their failures during direct military aggression against the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Calm 'restored' across Iran after foreign-backed unrest: FM Araghchi Iran Press TV Wednesday, 14 January 2026 9:22 AM The Iranian foreign minister says calm has been restored across the country after recent unrest, which was fueled by the incitement of terrorist elements supported by Israel and the US. "Through the vigilance of the people and law enforcement forces, calm has been established," Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday, referring to recent protests that he said were initially peaceful but later turned violent. Araghchi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the phone call, Araghchi referred to the recent unrest in Iran, saying "it occurred as a result of the incitement of certain terrorist elements by Israel and the US, with the aim of pushing peaceful public protests into chaos." He reiterated that public awareness and the actions of security forces had led to the restoration of order. Araghchi also pointed to what he described as provocative statements by US officials, which he said constituted clear interference in Iran's internal affairs. He stressed the determination of the Iranian people to defend national sovereignty and security against what any form of foreign hostility or intervention. Sheikh Abdullah, for his part, underscored the importance of continued consultations between Iran, the UAE and other regional countries, stressing the need for joint efforts to strengthen regional stability and security. The two officials also discussed regional and international developments as well as bilateral relations. In a separate telephone call on Tuesday evening, Araghchi spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, during which the two ministers exchanged views on the latest regional developments. During the conversation, Araghchi outlined events of recent days in Iran and said peaceful protests had been driven into violence by foreign-linked violent elements. He said the unrest resulted in the deaths of several Iranian citizens. He also shared details with his Turkish counterpart regarding foreign interference and the course of the unrest. Araghchi also held a telephone conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments. During that call, the two sides exchanged views on relations between Iran and France in various fields, including consular matters. Araghchi referred to the events of the previous days in Iran and said peaceful protests had been turned violent by foreign-trained terrorist elements. He said the violence led to the killing of a number of Iranians, damage to people's property and destruction of public infrastructure. He also called on France to condemn interventionist actions by foreign actors in the internal affairs of countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Interview: Iran's Clerical Rulers Likely To Survive Protests, But 'Gradual' Collapse Looms By Kian Sharifi January 14, 2026 Weeks of nationwide protests have posed one of the gravest threats to Iran's 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. 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. 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 [Iran's 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 Iran's 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 Iran's 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 year's [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? It's 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. They're 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. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-trump- gregory-brew/33648080.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 On The Ground In Iran: Security Forces Flood Karaj As Families Hide Their Dead By RFE/RL's Radio Farda January 14, 2026 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. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-security-forces- flood-karaj-dead-protests/33648076.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 US Asks EU Countries to Share Intel on Potential Iran Targets - Reports Sputnik News 20260114 In late December, US President Donald Trump said he would support new strikes on Iran if Tehran attempted to continue developing its missile and nuclear programs. Later, amid protests and unrest in Iran, Trump threatened the country with a strike if protesters were killed, stressing that he would come to the aid of the Iranian people if necessary. "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," The Washington Post cited unnamed sources as saying. Donald Trump was earlier reportedly briefed on military options and a spate of other scenarios, including cyberattacks on Iranian government infrastructure, measures to counter Iran's blocking of protesters' communications, and strikes on targets related to the country's security services. The US president himself, meanwhile, made it clear that the time for negotiations with Iran is up, and that "help" is "on its way." When asked to clarify, Trump said "You're going to have to figure that one out." Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN Amir Saeid Iravani, in turn, accused the US and Israel of being directly responsible for the ongoing protests in his country and meddling in its internal affairs. Washington's threats of strikes against Iran are absolutely unacceptable, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran briefly closes airspace as US reportedly deploys warships, submarine to Middle East; Chinese Embassy in Qatar warned Chinese nationals, companies to strengthen security precautions Global Times By Zhao Yusha Published: Jan 15, 2026 11:43 AM Iran reopened its airspace after a near-five-hour closure amid concerns about possible military action between the US and Iran that forced airlines to cancel, reroute or delay some flights, Reuters reported on Thursday. Iran closed its airspace to all flights except international ones to and from Iran with official permission at 5:15 p.m. ET (2215 GMT) on Wednesday, according to a notice on the US Federal Aviation Administration website. US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he's been told "on good authority" that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, according to Associated Press. The US 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. Trump has reportedly deployed three missile destroyers and at least one submarine to the Middle East amid heightened tensions with Iran over its crackdown on protests, according to The New York Times and other US media. The destroyers are equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, bringing them within striking range. Meanwhile, some personnel are being urgently evacuated from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military base in the region. Politico reported the British embassy in Tehran has closed, and the German government has advised airlines to avoid Iranian airspace due to risks of escalation and anti-aircraft weapons. The US is withdrawing some personnel from its bases in the Middle East, a US official told the Reuters news agency on Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbors it would hit US bases if Washington launches strikes on Iran. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the US was pulling some personnel from key bases in the region as a precaution given heightened regional tensions, Reuters reported. 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," per Xinhua. Regarding the evacuation, an informed Iranian official said in Tehran on Wednesday that the move could be part of US psychological warfare against Iran, according to Xinhua News Agency. The official added that the Iranian armed forces are fully prepared for any scenario to unfold, are monitoring all the developments and US movements in the neighboring countries, and will take the necessary actions in case of any attack against the country. After the reported US personnel evacuation from Qatar base, the Chinese Embassy in Qatar on Wednesday reminded Chinese nationals and Chinese-funded enterprises in the country to closely follow relevant news reports and strengthen security precautions. Another Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity told the Reuters on Wednesday that direct contacts between Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had been suspended, reflecting mounting tensions. The Iranian official was quoted by Reuters as saying that Tehran had asked US allies in the region to "prevent Washington from attacking Iran," saying that Tehran has told regional countries that US bases in those countries will be attacked if US targets Iran. Reuters reported that Trump appears to have decided on a military strike against Iran. Two European officials told the news agency that US military intervention appeared likely. An Israeli official also said it appeared Trump had decided to intervene, although the scope and timing of any strike had yet to be made clear. In recent days, Trump has further escalated rhetoric about potentially striking Iran, threatening to "take very strong action" in a CBS News interview broadcasted on Tuesday night. Addressing a media question regarding US President's related claim, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that "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," Mao added. Sun Degang, director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times that should Washington ultimately decide to use force against Iran, it would most likely opt for a limited, punitive strike. In his view, a strike of excessive scale or intensity could easily drag the US into a prolonged war of attrition with Iranan outcome Washington is keen to avoid. Historical experience suggests that when the US intervenes militarily against Iran, Tehran often strikes back by targeting US-linked countries in the Middle East, Niu Xinchun, executive director of the China-Arab Research Institute at Ningxia University, told the Global Times, noting that the scale of US intervention in Iran has a direct bearing on regional security. Should Washington choose large-scale military action, the entire Middle East would face severe and widespread security risks, the expert warned. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump Says Iran Halts Executions But Doesn't Take Military Action Off The Table By RFE/RL's Radio Farda January 15, 2026 Summary President Donald Trump said Iran has postponed planned executions of protesters, citing sources, but gave not details. Rights groups report over 2,400 protesters killed and 18,000 detained amid a severe crackdown and ongoing Internet blackout. Tensions remain high as the US considers possible military or other action against Tehran. Iran has stayed executions of protesters, President Donald Trump said quoting "very important sources on the other side," but tensions remained high across the Middle East as the possibility of US military action against Tehran remains. "They've said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place -- there were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions won't take place -- and we're going to find out," Trump reporters at the White House on January 14. "We've been told on good authority, and I hope it's true." Iranian authorities have launched one of the most brutal crackdowns ever after hoards of people across the country took to the streets in antigovernment protests seen as one of the biggest challenges to clerical rule since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The independent US-based rights monitor HRANA said that according to its confirmed and verified data on January 13 the death toll in the protests had risen to 2,403 protesters, with more than 18,000 others detained. But it and many other sources say the real number of those killed is likely several times higher. In light of the reports of the violent crackdown, Trump has warned several times that the United States may intervene to halt the killings while urging Iranians to continue their protests. Information about the situation on the ground has been difficult to obtain and verify as authorities cut almost all access to the Internet soon after the demonstrations, initially sparked by a dismal economy and a currency in freefall, started in late December. "Metrics show Iran remains offline as the country wakes to another day of digital darkness," Internet watchdog NetBlocks said in a post on January 14. "With the Internet blackout now past its 132nd hour, early reports indicate thousands of casualties. The true extent of the killings is masked by the absence of connectivity," it added. Rights groups had reported that one detained protester, 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, would be executed on January 14, six days after his arrest on charges of "waging war against God" over his role in the protests. Trump said late on January 13 in an interview with CBS News that if the authorities carried out the execution -- the first of a participant of the current wave of protests -- "you're going to see some things." The Norway-based Hengaw rights group, citing relatives of Soltani, said late on January 14 that the execution had not taken place, though "serious and ongoing concerns" remain. "In a conversation with Erfan Soltani's relatives, Hengaw has learned that his death sentence, which was previously announced to his family to be carried out on Wednesday (January 14), has not been carried out and has been postponed," it said. "Due to the ongoing Internet outage and severe communication restrictions, it is not possible to provide further information on this matter." Trump has not elaborated on what actions the United States may take against Iran and when, but some personnel have been advised by Washington to leave the main US air base in the region after Tehran warned neighboring countries hosting US troops that it would retaliate against American bases if Washington carries out its threats. Flight tracking website Flightradar24 said on January 14 that Iran issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), announcing the closure of its airspace to all flights except international flights to and from the country that had been granted permission. The NOTAM was valid for "a little more than 2 hours," it said. Iran's Islamic leadership has weathered previous protests, but the latest unrest comes as Tehran is still recovering from last year's war with Israel -- when the United States joined in a set of air strikes aimed at Iran's nuclear facilities -- and its regional position is weakened by blows to regional allies. Trump is thought to be mulling options including limited military strikes, a more concerted campaign of strikes against the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), or nonmilitary moves such as a full economic blockade or cyberattacks to disrupt the communication and decision-making systems of Iranian security agencies. A journalist inside Iran who managed to send a report to RFE/RL's Radio Farda on January 13 said a taxi driver they talked to spoke of security forces attacking medical centers, kidnapping wounded protesters, and killing those who could not be transported. His claims could not be independently verified by RFE/RL, but they do match up with human rights sources and other reports from inside the country about the severity of the crackdown on the protests and the "mass killing" of protesters. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-iran-executions- protests-death-toll/33648538.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 Iraq - Very Small Aperture Terminals NEWS | Jan. 14, 2026 Media/Public Contact: T_Outreach_PM@state.gov Transmittal No. 24-121 WASHINGTON, January 14, 2026 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Iraq of Very Small Aperture Terminals and related equipment for an estimated cost of $110 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress. The Government of Iraq has requested to buy additional Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT); VSAT modems; VSAT hubs; L-band tactical satellite service (L-TAC) manpacks; spare parts; personnel training; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services and personnel services; and other related elements of logistics and program support that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold. The original Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case, valued at $46 million ($0 in Major Defense Equipment), included VSATs; VSAT modems; VSAT hubs; L-TAC manpacks; commercial satellite services; satellite ground terminals, modems, and hubs; spare parts; field service representative services; and technical support and training. The estimated total cost is $110 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner. The proposed sale will improve Iraq's capability to meet current and future threats by improving its satellite communication capability across the Ministry of Defense's communication infrastructure. This investment in the Government of Iraq's command and control capabilities is crucial to protecting its borders, energy infrastructure, and residents. Iraq will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Network Innovations, located in Frederick, MD. At this time, the U.S. Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of two additional U.S. Government and five U.S. contractor representatives to Iraq for a duration of five years to support quarterly program management reviews, provide engineering consulting and technical assessments for equipment upgrades and evolutions to the VSAT hubs and modems, and to conduct in-country training. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Political-Military Affairs Outreach team, at T_Outreach_PM@state.gov. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin Marat Khusnullin reported to the President on the performance of the construction sector in 2025. In particular, all road development plans have been fulfilled. Over the past five years, traffic-related death rate has dropped by almost 25 percent. The report also addressed water supply to the Donetsk People's Republic. January 14, 2026 14:15 The Kremlin, Moscow President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, Mr Khusnullin. Let's talk about the results and begin with the construction sector. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin: Mr President, the performance in 2025 was quite good. The volume of completed real estate, both residential and non-residential, is comparable to 2024. The figures are slightly lower for housing but almost matching for non-residential construction. This means we have met our performance indicators. Vladimir Putin: Excellent. Congratulations to all construction workers, engineers, and production managers on this outcome. Marat Khusnullin: Thank you, Mr President. With respect to roads, we have exceeded all our targets. Where possible, we have already started on the 2026 programme. Construction projects are already underway in the southern regions. We exceeded the targets for 2025 by approximately 20 percent, thanks to priority funding and the well-coordinated efforts of regional officials and all state customers. We succeeded. Despite the fact that it was the first year of the Infrastructure for Life national project, we managed to achieve all the targets set under this national project. Vladimir Putin: I want to acknowledge the road construction teams as well. Marat Khusnullin: Thank you. The next issue you have repeatedly raised is traffic safety. Mr President, despite the fact that traffic has increased by 11 percent and road freight has grown by 25 percent, along with higher levels of road tourism, the fatality rate has dropped by almost 25 percent in the past five years since the launch of the programme. We have fulfilled all the tasks you set. Vladimir Putin: That is a good result. Marat Khusnullin: At present, our objective is to achieve a further 1.5-fold reduction in mortality by 2030. This is achievable as we are consistently addressing road construction, repairs, tackling alcoholism, educating children, and improving pedestrian crossings in urban areas. We have a big commission on road traffic safety is in place, and we collaborate with all governors. Each governor is aware of their responsibilities, and step by step, we are reducing road fatalities and accidents. Vladimir Putin: Very good. It is declining systematically, year after year. Marat Khusnullin: Yes, steadily for five years now. You inquire about the results annually, and each year we make progress towards reduction. Vladimir Putin: Very good. This is also thanks to the efforts of the Interior Ministry, including the road patrol service. They are performing well, too. Marat Khusnullin: Thank you. Regarding the reunited territories, I can report that the programme has been 99.5 percent fulfilled in terms of funding. All planned measures have been completed. Everything that you endorsed as part of the programme has been accomplished - both by federal contractors and all supervising regions. In some specific areas, there is minor underperformance, while in others, targets have been exceeded. Overall, the programme's objectives have been fully realised. Here, too, we are working systematically under the state programme. Vladimir Putin: Good. However, as you reported to me, people also raised the issue of the water pipeline and water supply in the Donetsk People's Republic during the Direct Line news conference. I ask that you not overlook this. You reported it to me yourself. As you mentioned, repairing the existing pipeline would cost roughly the same as building a new one. I will not even mention the need to secure territories previously used for water supply. But a thorough analysis is required. I request a report and proposals on this matter. Marat Khusnullin: Yes, Mr President. We will report fully. We are consistently addressing water loss as well: two additional pipelines have been built, adding nearly 180,000 cubic metres per day. This work is being conducted in a command-and-control mode, with weekly progress reviews. Vladimir Putin: Good. Marat Khusnullin: We hope that with a little more time, the situation will improve. Vladimir Putin: Good, thank you. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's talks with Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia Selma Ashipala-Musavyi 14 January 2026 18:58 31-14-01-2026 On January 14, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks in Moscow with Minister of International Relations and Trade of the Republic of Namibia, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, who is currently on a working visit to Russia. The discussions comprehensively addressed the current state and prospects for the further progressive development of the traditionally friendly Russian-Namibian relations. Both sides reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of Moscow and Windhoek to intensifying political dialogue and contacts, and to the effective coordination of their positions within the United Nations and other multilateral formats on a broad range of international and African issues of direct interest to Russia and Namibia. It was agreed to continue regular political consultations on these matters. The significant potential and mutual interest in achieving tangible results in strengthening constructive partnership in trade, economic, investment, cultural, and other spheres were noted. The ministers underscored the pivotal role of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (IGC) in advancing business collaboration between the two countries, with a focus on geology and mining, energy, transport infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries, healthcare, education, culture, and tourism. The importance of invigorating joint efforts to enhance the legal framework of bilateral relations was also highlighted. A substantive exchange of views took place on a number of pressing issues on the international and African agenda, with an emphasis on the formation of a multipolar world order, the reform of the United Nations Security Council, the fight against terrorism and extremism, and the resolution of regional crises and conflicts in Africa. The parties also discussed the topics of Middle Eastern and Western Saharan settlement. During her stay in Moscow, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, who serves as Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Russian-Namibian Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, was received by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev, who heads the Russian side of the IGC. The conversation focused primarily on preparations for and the substantive content of the upcoming 11th IGC meeting in Windhoek. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks and answers to media questions at a joint news conference following talks with Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, Moscow, January 14, 2026 14 January 2026 16:57 30-14-01-2026 Ladies and gentlemen, I have held extensive and insightful talks with the Republic of Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi as a follow-up on our previous contacts in Cairo last month on the sidelines of the 2nd ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum. The Minister assumed her post not long ago. I am glad we had this opportunity to review in detail bilateral relations and international and regional issues. We reiterated that the Moscow-Windhoek friendly ties rooted in the traditional principles of equality, solidarity, mutual respect, and support are steadily expanding. We highly appreciate the fact that our Namibian friends remember the assistance the Soviet Union provided them during the years of struggle against colonialism when that country was building the foundations of its statehood. We welcomed the intent of Namibia's new leadership, and personally President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, to deepen ties with Russia. We spoke in favour of strengthening the dialogue, including at the top and high levels. Without a doubt, we are interested in resuming regular foreign policy consultations. We had these in place before, but they were broken off by the COVID-19 pandemic, among other things. Today, the Minister and I firmly agreed to resume them at the level of deputy foreign ministers of Russia and Namibia and directors of the relevant departments. We noted regular close contacts between our countries' legislators. The Federation Council and the National Council of the Republic of Namibia cooperate based on the relevant agreement. Friendship groups have been created in both chambers of our countries' parliaments, and they regularly exchange visits. Russian and Namibian parliamentarians participate in mutual election observations at different levels in our countries. This is also a good and beneficial practice. We highly praised cooperation between the political parties. In February 2024, the South West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) supported the initiative advanced by United Russia Party to establish a Forum of Supporters of the Fight against Modern Practices of Neocolonialism. By decision of the UN General Assembly, December 14 will be observed as the International Day Against Colonialism in All Its Forms and Manifestations. We consider this a fundamentally important decision, since after our African friends gained political independence, economic dependence on the West remained. In recent years, we have witnessed it getting even stronger. Therefore, what we refer to as "Africa's second awakening" is a highly urgent international matter. Our party entities, SWAPO, United Russia, and other parliamentary parties of the Russian Federation are cooperating to counter all forms of colonialism and neocolonialism, which the West is trying to revive. We agreed to deploy additional efforts in order to step up trade and economic cooperation. The Minister discussed these matters with Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev as they co-chair the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation. The Minister and the delegation also held productive meetings at the Rosatom State Corporation. The discussions in Moscow made it clear that geological exploration, production and processing of mineral resources (including uranium), energy, agro-industrial complex, and fisheries are promising areas of cooperation in the material sphere. The Intergovernmental Commission met in Moscow in 2024, and will meet next time in Windhoek. The Minister and Yury Trutnev will decide on a date for this important event. We believe that both sides should come up with specific proposals for this meeting, including proposals related to potential expansion of the Russian companies' participation in economic and infrastructure projects in Namibia. Many of our companies are interested in becoming part of these projects. We will do our best to support them. Healthcare also boasts good prospects and has made significant progress. The personnel training has traditionally been an integral part of our cooperation. Many thousands of Namibians have been trained in the Russian Federation or the Soviet Union, and many are being trained now. We discussed contacts in culture and sports, and the Minister proposed several very interesting initiatives. Tourism is another area that clearly has strong potential. We reaffirmed our readiness to continue supporting our Namibian friends in international forums, including through the provision of humanitarian aid via the UN World Food Programme. We share the view that the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum, established on the initiative of Russian and African heads of state, has been a success. We commended the outcome of the second ministerial meeting. Today, we underscored the importance of preparing for a third Russia-Africa summit. The inaugural summit was held in Sochi in 2019, followed by the second in St Petersburg in 2023. Discussions are ongoing regarding the organisation of a third summit in 2026. Our positions converge, or are very similar, on most, if not all, international and regional issues. Within the United Nations, we jointly advocate for the democratisation of international relations, strict adherence to the principles of the UN Charter - primarily the sovereign equality of states - and the necessity of resolving all issues through mutually respectful dialogue. The principles of the Charter must be applied in their entirety and interdependent integrity. This principle gains particular significance as we witness not merely attempts, but concrete actions aimed at dismantling the entire post-war international order, which is enshrined and codified in the UN Charter. This issue merits dedicated attention and will undoubtedly feature prominently at the upcoming third Russia-Africa Summit. We emphasised the need to improve the UN's working methods, including the long-overdue reform of the Security Council. Russia consistently supports Africa's legitimate demands for greater representation on the Council. This collective position of the African Union enjoys the unwavering support of the Russian Federation. We are grateful to our Namibian friends for their support of Russian initiatives at the UN. These include fundamentally important proposals, especially in the current global context - such as combating the glorification of Nazism, opposing neo-colonial practices, promoting cooperation in information security, ensuring the peaceful use of outer space, and advancing key disarmament agendas. We also appreciate Namibia's support for Russian candidacies in elections to UN bodies and other international forums. In turn, Russia consistently supports Namibian initiatives and candidacies in elections. We noted today the productive cooperation among diamond-producing and -processing countries within non-UN frameworks such as the Kimberley Process. Considerable attention was paid to African issues, including the situations in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Sahara-Sahel region. Developments there are complex, driven largely by attempts of extra-regional actors to pursue interests unrelated to the legitimate aspirations of African peoples, as well as by efforts of terrorist groups to revive their activities across the continent. We firmly uphold the principle of 'African solutions to African problems.' External actors who sincerely wish to help should respect approaches developed by Africans themselves and provide every possible assistance in their practical implementation. In this context, Russia fully respects the central role of African regional organisations, particularly the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), of which Namibia is an active member. We welcome Windhoek's contribution to deepening integration in Southern Africa and have affirmed our shared commitment to develop cooperation between Russia and SADC. A cooperation agreement already exists between the Russian Government and SADC. Today, we agreed to accelerate the preparation of an action plan to implement this agreement. We are grateful to our Namibian friends for their objective and balanced position regarding the situation in and around Ukraine, including its recognition of the detrimental effects of attempts by our Western colleagues to 'Ukrainise' the agendas of international organisations, dominating them with this issue. We appreciate Namibia's understanding in this matter. We share the view that the Ukrainian crisis can only be resolved by addressing the root causes that led to the current situation. We are highly pleased with the outcome of today's negotiations. I am pleased to have accepted an invitation from Foreign Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi to visit Namibia. Question: The Foreign Ministry of Russia has provided several comments on the alarming situation that has developed in Venezuela at the beginning of this year. How would you describe the current developments there? Sergey Lavrov: Our position has not changed. It is a position of principle based on the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states where the governments represent the interests of all people residing in its territory. Venezuela is one such state. That is why our principled assessment of the illegal operation carried out by the United States remains in effect. It is shared by the overwhelming majority of the Global Majority and the countries of the Global South and East. Only West European and other allies of Washington are diffidently trying to avoid taking a principled stance even though it is clear that we are talking about a flagrant violation of international law. Overall, the other actions we are seeing on the international stage are evidence of not just an attempt by our American colleagues but a policy aimed at destroying the system that was created over many years with their direct involvement. I am not only referring to UN structures but also the principles of globalisation which the United States promoted under the slogans of free market, fair competition, the inviolability of property and many other things which have been thrown down the drain. Globalisation has been replaced with the fragmentation of the global economy. Russia and Venezuela share a long history of positive strategic relations. We are committed to the agreements we have reached. We are looking with great interest and concern at the efforts by the Venezuelan authorities to protect their rights and their independence while demonstrating flexibility and readiness for dialogue with the United States. Interim President Delcy Rodriquez has stated this readiness many times, indicating that the form and essence of this dialogue must be based on the principles of equality, mutual respect and renunciation of unilateral dictatorial methods in politics, let alone the use of force. I am not in a position to predict what will happen next. At this stage, we can see that the Venezuelan authorities are upholding their national priorities, national sovereignty and the importance of being involved in international affairs as an equal, sovereign and independent state. I hope that those who are interested in maintaining relations with Venezuela, including the United States, will reciprocate this stance and show respect for these principles, which I believe must be universal. Question: Donald Trump has announced the imposition of 25 percent tariffs on all countries cooperating with Iran. How would you comment on these remarks? Do you think they could affect the bilateral relations between Moscow and Tehran in any way? Sergey Lavrov: I do not believe that any third party can alter the fundamental nature of the relations between Moscow and Tehran. This nature is grounded in the agreements reached between the Presidents of the Russian Federation and the Islamic Republic of Iran. It serves the interests of both states and both peoples. This nature is embodied in a range of practical, tangible projects, such as the construction of the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the implementation of plans in the sphere of transport infrastructure, including the International North-South Transport Corridor, and numerous other items on the agenda of Russian-Iranian relations, which hold particular significance for the development of the entire region and the Eurasian continent. Certainly, when the United States begins to act in disregard of all the norms it once promoted, advocating a model it termed "globalisation," and subsequently abandons all its own principles, it raises the question of whether our American colleagues appear unreliable when behaving in such a manner. They are betting on the idea that wherever there is oil or other strategically important natural resources, they should think only of how to advance their own interests, employing threats and methods of direct pressure, such as tariffs, to achieve this. Partners of Iran have been subjected to 25 percent tariffs. US Senator Lindsey Graham, who features on our relevant lists, has recently become notably "animated" and is actively pursuing an initiative for 500 percent tariffs on trade with all countries that trade with the Russian Federation. This may provoke laughter, anger, or rejection, but I believe the focus should simply be on working to implement the agreements we have with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and between Russia and all our other trade and economic partners. When a powerful country like the United States resorts to such unscrupulous methods - methods of unfair competition - it only indicates that the competitive standing of the United States is steadily deteriorating. However, there are surely more equitable ways to defend one's position than such a blatantly discriminatory deployment of sanction mechanisms. This cannot persist indefinitely, as it will lead to an even more severe crisis in international economic and political relations. We openly discuss this in the dialogue we maintain with Washington, which we wish to continue. We address this frankly. There must be some semblance of a foundational order in the methods employed on the international stage. Question: Reportedly, US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will come to Moscow one of these days to meet with President Vladimir Putin. What can you say about this? What does Moscow expect from another round of consultations on Ukraine? Has there been any progress at all? Sergey Lavrov: President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly, most recently during several events over the past couple of weeks, conveyed that we are open to negotiations on Ukraine if these talks are approached seriously and if the stakeholders are truly ready for them and have things to say (I'll note briefly why I emphasise the seriousness of any initiatives). Look, French President Emmanuel Macron has once again stated that he will definitely contact Vladimir Putin within a few weeks. This isn't the first time he's said this. First things first, we are adults, and when adults hold public offices, and especially so when they suggest discussing matters of war and peace, they should suggest making contacts to discuss these matters. But when someone like President Macron says he'll need to talk to President Vladimir Putin anyway, so he'll come up with ideas a few weeks down the road, that doesn't sound serious to me. That's grandstanding. It's microphone- and megaphone-based diplomacy, which has never led to anything good. President Vladimir Putin, on the contrary, is always open to a serious discussion. All previous meetings with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner who joined him recently, were serious, specific, and aimed at figuring out the root causes of the Ukraine crisis and agreeing on ways to overcome them. Otherwise, no sustainable and lasting peace can be expected to ever materialise. People who are saying the Europeans' (Germany and Britain) number one priority is a ceasefire (either 60 days or permanent) are not serious. However, we are willing to sit down and talk with them as well. But when they say that anything other than a ceasefire is a secondary matter, we know right away what they are talking about. They are once again bargaining for additional time to support the Kiev regime and to preserve its very nature. The initiatives discussed by Europe, including those discussed in Paris with the participation of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are aimed solely at preserving the current Nazi regime in that portion of Ukraine they hope will remain Ukrainian after the settlement, which will subserviently carry out the will of the West, primarily that of the EU and NATO-driven Brussels. Collective Brussels is focused on getting ready for war against the Russian Federation. They are open about it. That is what our European colleagues want. However, relying on what we learned from our previous contacts with the United States, beginning with the Anchorage summit and subsequent talks with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, we know that the United States is fully cognisant of the unrealistic nature of this scenario and wants to cut short any attempts to draw Ukraine into NATO. They are well aware that nothing will work without settling the issue of the people living in Crimea, Novorossiya, and Donbass, who flat-out reject the Kiev regime and have expressed their desire to return to Russia. The Americans understand this. To reiterate, we are open to contacts with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. President Vladimir Putin has met six times with US President Donald Trump's special envoy. I can say with confidence that if they show such interest, it will be met with understanding. I'm not in a position to give a good answer to your question about progress during the talks. If we're talking about the talks in Paris between the "coalition of the eager," or whatever it's called, with the participation of Zelensky, to which Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner had been invited, its participants issued a final document, a declaration of intent of sorts, which the United States chose not to join. We don't yet have any specific information about what actually took place there or what lies behind this declarative document. If our US colleagues wish to brief us on their impressions, we would be interested to find out what they have to say, all the more so as our contacts with the Americans on Ukraine rest on a solid foundation of the Alaska summit, where we reached an understanding shared by the United States and Russia alike. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Discusses Situation in Venezuela With Brazilian President - Kremlin Sputnik News 20260114 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, during which they discussed the situation in Venezuela, the Kremlin said on Wednesday. "The leaders exchanged views on current international issues, with a focus on the situation in Venezuela. They emphasized the shared fundamental approaches of Russia and Brazil regarding ensuring the state sovereignty and national interests of the Bolivarian Republic," the Kremlin said in a statement. The leaders agree to continue coordinating efforts to deescalate the situation in Latin America and other world regions, the statement said, adding that they also discussed bilateral cooperation in various areas. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Presidential impeachment hearings begin as parties clash over constitutionality ROC Central News Agency 01/14/2026 06:58 PM Taipei, Jan. 14 (CNA) Taiwan's Legislative Yuan opened public hearings on Wednesday to discuss impeaching President Lai Ching-te (), with sharp exchanges between ruling and opposition lawmakers as well as invited legal experts. The first public hearing was held on Wednesday, with a second hearing scheduled for Thursday as part of the legislature's impeachment review process. The Committee of the Whole Yuan will hold formal review meetings on Jan. 21 and Jan. 22, during which the lead sponsors will explain the grounds for impeachment and President Lai will be invited to give a 15-minute statement followed by questioning by lawmakers. A second review meeting is scheduled for May, after which the impeachment case will be put to a vote on May 19. Chung Chia-pin (), caucus whip of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), said the impeachment case is "without legal basis" and is aimed at forcing the president to submit to "unconstitutional questioning" at the legislature. Chung said the opposition is attempting to impeach Lai after the Constitutional Court ruled that provisions of the Law Governing the Legislative Yuan's Power requiring the president to deliver a state report and face real-time questioning were unconstitutional. He urged opposition lawmakers to "return to legislators' core duties" and focus on reviewing the central government general budget for 2026 and the national defense special act. Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmaker Hsu Chiao-hsin () said that because the premier is appointed by the president, Lai is the "true initiator" of serious misconduct that "damages the separation of powers" and therefore should be impeached. Hsu was referring to the fact that Cho refused to countersign a fiscal planning bill in December, arguing that doing so would force the central government to illegally borrow beyond the 15 percent borrowing cap. KMT lawmaker Lin Te-fu () said it was "utterly absurd" for Lai to describe the impeachment effort as a waste of time, adding that the president had "violated the constitution and trampled on the law," and that filing impeachment cases was appropriate. Taiwan People's Party (TPP) lawmaker Liu Shu-bin () said the impeachment cases are "not for party victory or defeat" but are meant "to let constitutional responsibility be recorded in history." Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo () urged opposition lawmakers to "keep in mind national development and public welfare" and quickly pass the national budget and defense-related legislation. The Committee of the Whole Yuan also convened a separate hearing featuring invited scholars and legal experts who engaged in pointed exchanges over the impeachment cases. Lin Teng-yao (), a retired law professor at Tunghai University, said Lai had violated the Constitution and "disrupted constitutional governance," and "should be impeached." Former Control Yuan member Chang Kuei-mei (), recommended by the KMT caucus, said opposition parties were exhausting constitutional mechanisms, including impeachment, to realize separation of powers and checks and balances under a minority government and minority legislature. Lawyer Huang Ti-ying (), recommended by the DPP caucus, said impeachment requires the support of two-thirds of lawmakers and subsequent review by the Constitutional Court and the Council of Grand Justices. Under the current legislative seat distribution, Huang said, the opposition "clearly does not meet the threshold." (By James Thompson, Lin Ching-yin and Wang Yang-yu) Enditem/kb 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 2026.01.15 Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date: 6 a.m. Jan. 14 (Wed.) to 6 a.m. Jan. 15 (Thu.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities: 9 sorties of PLA aircraft and 11 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 out of 9 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. 3.PRC balloon activities: 1 PRC balloon was detected during this timeframe. 1150115_PLA 1150115_PLA 1150115_PLA 1150115_PLA NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Defence Secretary Sweden press conference opening remarks Speech The Defence Secretary today gave opening remarks ahead of a press conference in Sweden From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP Published 14 January 2026 Location: Sweden Delivered on: 14 January 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Thank you for the warm words, thank you for the very warm welcome. Not just for that, but I am pleased to be here today. Sweden is a critical ally of the United Kingdom. We have your back, you have ours. We share, as two nations, the same values. We face the same threats. And Baltic and High North security is of increasing importance. You saw that very clearly in our Strategic Defence Review last year. We know that Russia is re-establishing, rapidly, its military presence and activities in the region, including reopening old Cold War bases. This new era of threat demands a new era for Defence. Pal and I agree that the best way for European nations to step up our European security is to step up our European solidarity. And I've been struck since coming into office Pal by the breadth and strength of the cooperation and partnership between our two nations. And our two nations now want to do more together to step up coordinated action to disrupt Russia's shadow shipping, to choke off the funds that fuel their war in Ukraine, and help pressure Putin to come to the negotiating table to seal the deal that President Trump is able to secure. For us, a secure Europe requires a strong Ukraine. And if Putin prevails in Ukraine, he won't stop in Ukraine. The important work we are doing, Pal, through the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) we believe both enhances our ability to deter Russian aggression and rapidly respond to crises. And as JEF nations, we all agree on the need for a strong Baltic and Arctic security. We are developing new plans. And tomorrow the UK will chair a meeting of JEF Chiefs of Defence Staff. We also have a series of activities and exercises planned across the Baltic and the High North. We train together now so that, if we must, we know that we can fight together tomorrow. Let me also thank you for your leadership on Ukraine. Sweden is a true friend of Ukraine. Your support, not just as the Swedish nation, but you personally as Swedish Defence Minister, throughout this full scale invasion has been exceptional. You help keep their forces strong in the fight now, you help in the planning to secure a long term peace, when it comes. And for all of us, Putin's brutal invasion of Ukraine has changed the shape of international security. Sweden is now in NATO. Hard to think it has been less than two years since you joined. You've become such an active, integral, important part of the NATO security operation. And I am proud, as we saw last year, as we had RAF planes and Swedish Air Force planes flying together as part of the air policing of NATO's eastern flank. Just as we deter together, we build together. And our commitment to industrial partnership and innovation grows stronger still. It's something I want to strengthen further, that we had a chance to discuss today. We are in the age now of hard power, strong alliances, and sure diplomacy. And Pal, on all those fronts, I look forward to our two nations, and the work that we will do together, in the months ahead to strengthen that. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Systemic changes to strengthen Ukraine's military: Denys Shmyhal reports to parliament on his tenure as minister of defense Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 13 January, 2026, 1:55 PM EET During his address to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal presented a report outlining the key results of his tenure as Minister of Defence of Ukraine. According to him, the primary focus was on strengthening Ukraine's military across three priorities: people, weapons, and the system. "The front is held first and foremost by people Ukraine's military. That is why the Ukrainian soldier has been and must remain at the center of all policies and decisions," Denys Shmyhal said. Priority 1. People The Ministry of Defense has developed new contracts for service members with clearly defined durations of service, additional remuneration, and a post-contract deferment from mobilization. In 2025, direct funding for combat units increased by a factor of thirty. The Minister also noted that defensive infrastructure had been reinforced through the establishment of thousands of strongpoints and the construction of thousands of kilometers of anti-tank trenches and other engineering obstacle systems. He also emphasized that the Military Ombudsman institution has become fully operational as an independent mechanism for protecting the rights of service members. Priority 2. Weapons Within the framework of centralized procurement, 76% of weapons are procured by the state from Ukrainian manufacturers. Over the past six months, more than 2.2 million drones of various types have been delivered to the military, including nearly 1.8 million FPV drones, 352,000 fiber-optic-controlled drones, around 23,000 deep-strike drones, and more than 53,000 reconnaissance drones. To protect cities and carry out missions at the front, 1,500 interceptor drones are supplied daily. The DOT-Chain Defence marketplace has helped speed up drone deliveries to the military, reducing average delivery times to 6-10 days. Denys Shmyhal also reported that UkrOboronProm increased production by 1.5 times in 2025 and that the special legal framework, Defence City, became operational in Ukraine. Particular emphasis was placed on international support. According to the Minister, in 2025, Ukraine secured USD 45 billion in security assistance from partners. The PURL initiative became operational, with 24 countries joining it. "This includes missiles for Patriot, HAWK, and other U.S. systems, as well as new air defense systems. The total value of contributions under PURL exceeds USD 5 billion, and we expect it to expand further," Denys Shmyhal said. In 2025, Ukraine received 23 long- and medium-range air defense systems and 11,000 missiles for them, including four Patriot systems that strengthened Ukraine's capabilities. Ukraine also received over 2.4 million artillery shells as a result of agreements with partners. The Minister also reported on efforts to enhance the aviation component and advance capability integration, including initiatives involving Gripen and Rafale aircraft. He also noted that in 2025, Ukraine's defense industry secured over USD 6 billion in foreign investment. The President of Ukraine's Build with Ukraine and Build in Ukraine initiatives were also fully rolled out: Ukraine has agreements with the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands on joint drone production, while 25 foreign defense companies are localizing their operations in Ukraine. Priority 3. System Ukraine's military has completed the transition to a corps-based structure. DELTA is now mandatory for the entire Ukrainian military, with 200,000 registered users and the capability to support the daily engagement of around 2,700 enemy targets. As of the beginning of 2026, procurement for Ukraine's military has been conducted by a unified Defence Procurement Agency. More than 200 military units have transitioned to daily operations of the Impulse military personnel record-keeping system. An IT vertical is being established within the military, with up to 5,000 officers responsible for digital transformation. Modernization of the Army+ ecosystem is ongoing: the application is used by around 1 million service members, and more than 60,000 changes of duty station between units have been processed through Army+. In conclusion, Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude to all those who support Ukraine's military, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ministry of Defence team, the Government team, and members of parliament. "I am grateful to all soldiers, sergeants, officers, and commanders at every level, as well as to all our combat units and brigades. Thanks to you, Ukraine is holding firm. I leave this position with confidence that the processes now underway will form the foundation for further changes and reforms, and that our shared achievements will serve as the basis for Ukraine's resilience," Denys Shmyhal concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 2025 results: 130 more Ukrainian Armed Forces military medics completed advanced surgical training through the ASSET course Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 13 January, 2026, 1:08 PM EET In 2025, 80 military surgeons and 50 operating room nurses from the Armed Forces of Ukraine successfully completed the ASSET (Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma) training program. The training sessions were conducted in Warsaw, Poland, with the support of Aspen Medical and in partnership with the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The ASSET course is recognized as the "gold standard" of surgical training in NATO countries. It is a mandatory stage of preparation for U.S. Army military physicians before deployment to mobile hospitals or forward surgical teams. The training curriculum follows the standardized ACS methodology and focuses on practical skills. The course's primary goal is to improve surgical techniques aimed at saving lives in combat trauma scenarios. ASSET is an intensive, hands-on training program focused on practicing critically important surgical exposure techniques to anatomical structures in cases where injuries pose a threat to life or limb. The training curriculum covers mastery of 26 types of surgical procedures used in the treatment of critical injuries. Training for Ukrainian specialists was conducted across 10 training cohorts. The training enabled a systematic increase in the competence of Ukrainian surgical teams, bringing their practices closer to modern approaches to emergency care for severe injuries used by partner countries. Notably, cooperation with international partners enabled the inclusion of the ASSET course in U.S. Department of Defense assistance programs for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. All instructors are certified specialists of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). Training military medics in accordance with international standards remains a priority for preserving the lives and health of Ukrainian defenders. Reference information: Training of Ukrainian medical personnel under the ASSET program has been conducted regularly since December 2023. A total of 17 training cohorts have been conducted for members of the Security and Defence Forces. Overall, 220 medical professionals have completed the course, including 135 surgeons and 85 operating room nurses. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sergiy Boyev calls for strengthening Ukraine's air defense at extraordinary NATO-Ukraine Council meeting Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 13 January, 2026, 11:27 AM EET Sergiy Boyev, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine; Oleksandr Mishchenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; and Roman Andarak, Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine, participated in the NATO-Ukraine Council meeting. At the request of Ukraine's Mission to NATO in Brussels, an extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council convened in the Political Affairs Committee format. The meeting was convened in response to recent large-scale russian strikes against Ukraine, including the use by russia of the intermediate-range ballistic missile 'Oreshnik'. The meeting was joined online by Sergiy Boyev, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine; Oleksandr Mishchenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine; and Roman Andarak, Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine. Ukrainian representatives briefed Allies on the current security situation and the russian federation's systematic attacks on Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure. They stressed that these actions are intended to trigger a humanitarian catastrophe during the winter period by depriving Ukraine's civilian population of electricity, water, and heating. Ukrainian officials emphasized that the situation in the energy system remains extremely challenging and that Ukraine urgently requires additional capabilities to protect it, including strengthened air defense. "russia has substantially increased its missile and drone attacks against Ukraine. This clearly demonstrates russia's exclusive focus on further escalation. We urgently require additional missiles for Patriot and NASAMS systems," Deputy Minister of Defence Sergiy Boyev said. He further emphasized that russia's use of an intermediate-range ballistic missile near NATO's borders constitutes another manifestation of its aggressive policy and its total lack of commitment to peace. He also called on Allies to invest in the PURL program and in the development of defense production, particularly in the interceptor drone segment. Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Andarak briefed meeting participants on the measures Ukraine is taking to ensure the stable operation of the energy system and outlined priority needs to protect, repair, and restore damaged energy infrastructure and to support its resilience. For their part, Allies firmly condemned the russian attacks, describing them as acts of outright terror against the Ukrainian civilian population, and reaffirmed their steadfast support for Ukraine and their readiness to provide the necessary assistance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address As the Relentless War in Ukraine Grinds on, Humanitarian Partners Aim to Reach 4.1 Million People in 2026 UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs UN and partners appeal for US$2.3 billion in 2026 to assist 4.1 million of the most vulnerable people in Ukraine (Kyiv, 13 January 2025) -- As the relentless war in Ukraine soon enters its fifth year, humanitarian organizations are launching the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (the "Plan") to provide life-saving support, including food, health care, shelter, protection, cash assistance and other aid, to 4.1 million of the most vulnerable people in 2026. Overall, an estimated 10.8 million people across Ukraine will require humanitarian assistance this year, including internally displaced and war-affected non-displaced people. To help them, humanitarian partners ask for US$2.3 billion. Front-line areas and northern border regions continue to face the highest humanitarian needs due to intensified shelling, destruction of civilian infrastructure and persistent disruptions to essential services. Repeated missile and drone strikes across the country continue to cause civilian casualties, damage homes and drive new displacement. People living in territories occupied by the Russian Federation remain largely cut off from essential services and protection systems, facing serious rights violations and insecurity, while humanitarian access remains extremely limited. "Ukraine's humanitarian crisis has been driven by relentless attacksfrom the full-scale invasion in 2022 to the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in 2023 to more recent massive strikes on civilian infrastructure," said Matthias Schmale, Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine. "Today, we face yet another critical turning point: widespread disruptions to power and heating during extreme winter conditions are creating a crisis within a crisis and pushing people's ability to cope to the breaking point. As the nature of this war continues to shift, humanitarian action must adaptresponding to new risks and intensifying needs. We must do the best we can to ensure that Ukraine's most vulnerable can endure with as much dignity as possible." The 2026 Plan focuses on four areas to address the most urgent needs of the most vulnerable people in critical situations: people living near the front line; those forced to flee in search of safety; people whose homes are damaged or who have lost access to basic services after strikes; and vulnerable people, including internally displaced people, at risk of falling into the cracks of social protection support system. Humanitarian partners are determined to respond quickly as the situation shiftswhether it's new attacks, waves of forced displacement or seasonal hardships, such as disrupted basic services after attacks on energy during the freezing winter. Humanitarian assistance is delivered, while maintaining close dialogue with the Government of Ukraine, complementing national systems and supporting government-led evacuation efforts. National and local organizations, alongside international partners, play a central role in the response, often the first to act in the most difficult and dangerous conditions. The US$2.3 billion required for 2026 reflects the scale of prioritized needs and the realities of delivering life-saving assistance in a high-risk environment amid shrinking humanitarian resources. "We appeal to the international community, member states, other donors and people everywhere to maintain their solidarity with the most vulnerable people in Ukraine," said the Humanitarian Coordinator. "We hope support continues for the work we do for the people in Ukraine." Note to editors: The Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is coordinated by OCHA on behalf of the Humanitarian Country Team and partners. It outlines priority humanitarian needs and the collective response to assist people most affected by the war in Ukraine. Resources For further information, please contact: Viktoriia Andriievska, OCHA: +380 50 419 6323, viktoriia.andriievska@un.org 13 January 2026 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Europe from Ukraine to the Arctic: international law at a turning point Council of Europe Insights from the Secretary General's speech to European countries at the Committee of Ministers Council of Europe Strasbourg 14 January 2026 Secretary General Alain Berset spoke at the first meeting of 2026 of the Committee of Ministers - the decision-making body of the Council of Europe -with an acceleration of conflict and strife very much to the fore on the continent and around the world. However, Alain Berset asserted that "This acceleration is not normal. And we must not normalise it." He reminded the representatives of European countries and observer states that "collective effort remains possible and necessary" if we are to avoid cynicism and fragmentation. Ukraine: accountability and reconstruction Turning to Ukraine, the Secretary General described the appalling situation of the population there, battered by bombardments and deprived of heating, light and power. The military escalation, he said, "weighs heavily on the prospects for peace, even as efforts are underway in Europe and with our US partners to identify a credible route towards ending the war". The eventual settlement needs to be a "fair and lasting peace". Alain Berset reiterated to the assembled Council of Europe member states that the organisation was prepared to bring its expertise to the post-conflict situation, to help Ukraine build a "democratic society capable of resisting aggression, disinformation and foreign interference and to support Ukraine on its European path". Venezuela situation poses risks to rules-based order Secretary General Berset stated that the recent intervention in Venezuela was, for the Council of Europe, "raising serious questions of a violation of international law", particularly the core principles of "sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference... It cannot be reduced to a choice between condemnation and support. It is part of the wider context, of the continual weakening of the rules-based international order." Alain Berset's thoughts were with the Venezuelan people, whom he hoped would see a "peaceful and democratic transition ... through an inclusive process, with credible elections". The Venice Commission's important work to continue On the withdrawal of the United States from the Venice Commission - the Council of Europe's advisory body on constitutional matters - the Secretary General recounted firstly that that body had "for decades, helped countries far beyond Europe to strengthen their constitutional and legal frameworks in the service of the rule of law. Its expertise is widely recognised and respected internationally." The United States participated constructively as a member in these tasks for many years. Its decision "could only be a matter of regret", said Alain Berset. "We hope to continue cooperating with the US authorities on constitutional and justice matters." However, the Venice Commission's work will continue unhindered as, he asserted, the body remained "essential in a context where the rule of law is being tested". Greenland: a challenge for Europe The United States was also on Secretary General Berset's mind when coming to the subject of Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, a member of the Council of Europe. He described the US overtures towards the territory as "creating profound uncertainty. For the people of Greenland, for Denmark, ... for international stability and security." The declarations from the US government were representative of "a profound change in the current international environment, where the use of force is becoming increasingly commonplace", said Alain Berset. "It is for the people of Greenland, and the Danish people, to decide their future ... The right of self-determination of peoples remains a pillar of our collective security". "For the Council of Europe, however, the legal framework is clear. Any use of force on the territory of a member state would constitute a direct violation of international law," he added. Crisis in Iran The violent suppression of protest, arrests, the use of lethal force, and the cutting off of the internet in Iran "raised serious questions concerning human rights" and presented a "clear risk of regional destabilisation", said the Secretary General. The Council of Europe "has a clear mandate. To defend human dignity, freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest ... This mandate does not stop at our borders", he said, stressing that "only respect for human rights and inclusive dialogue can prevent further escalation, which would have serious consequences." Gaza: humanitarian situation remains critical Secretary General Berset also had a word on Gaza, where, "despite the ceasefire, violence is continuing, and the humanitarian situation remains grave". The Council of Europe reiterated that the ceasefire should be maintained. "The decision by the Israeli authorities to restrict access to Gaza for a large number of international humanitarian organisations is a cause for serious concern. These organisations play an indispensable role in assisting and protecting civilians ... unhindered humanitarian access and the protection of civilians are fundamental obligations under international humanitarian law". 2026: a pivotal year "We are entering 2026 at a turning point. The last two weeks, through very different situations, have revealed an acceleration. An international environment where the use of force is becoming commonplace and where the law is increasingly being tested. A world governed by exceptions, double standards or competing spheres of influence is a more dangerous world," summarised Secretary General Berset. However, he called the Council of Europe and its member countries to action: "Democracy, the rule of law and human rights are not weaknesses. They are our strengths. And in 2026, they must remain capable of protecting, deciding and acting ... And that is the mission that awaits us." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna: the Schengen entry ban must be extended to all Russian fighters Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 14.01.2026 | 15:21 Last week, Estonia imposed a permanent entry ban to the Schengen area on the first 261 fighters of Russia's aggressor forces who have taken part in the aggression against Ukraine. Estonia's aim is for the Schengen ban to be extended to all those who have fought for Russia in Ukraine, and for countries to strengthen cooperation in this regard. "More than one million Russian citizens have fought against Ukraine in Russia's ranks," Tsahkna said. "They include convicted criminals sent from prisons to the front line, as well as individuals with clearly hostile attitudes towards Europe." Tsahkna stressed that their potential travel to the Schengen area, or settling here, poses both a criminal and a security threat, as former fighters represent a suitable recruitment pool for Russian special services and can be used for sabotage, subversive activities and involvement in organised crime on European soil. "Individuals who have taken part in Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine have no place in a free Europe. We have a duty to protect the security of our people and our society, and therefore a unified ban must be introduced on the issuance of Schengen visas and EU residence permits to all those who have fought for Russia," Tsahkna said. "Such a step also carries an important political message about raising the cost of aggression - taking part in a war of aggression has concrete long-term consequences. This is an important step in ensuring Europe's long-term security," Tsahkna stressed. "I will raise this need at the next meeting of EU foreign ministers at the end of January and in my upcoming bilateral meetings with European foreign ministers." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by Commissioners Dombrovskis and Kos on the loan to support Ukraine's financial needs for 2026 and 2027 European Commission Speech Jan 14, 2026 Brussels "Check against delivery" Commissioner Dombrovskis Thank you. Good morning, everyone. As the President said, are now approaching the fifth year of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Throughout this time, by bravely defending their homeland, Ukraine has also protected the entire European continent from Russian aggression. Europe can and must continue to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to ensure its financial stability and ability to defend itself. This is the only way that we can secure a just and lasting peace. A peace which ensures real security for Ukraine and Europe for the long-term. In December, EU leaders confirmed our resolve to help Ukraine meet its urgent and sizable financing needs. Today, we have taken the necessary step to put forward a proposal to deliver this crucial support. Allow me now to highlight some important elements. The funds can be disbursed through either Macro-Financial Assistance or the Ukraine Facility. On Macro Financial Assistance specifically, it is a tried-and-tested instrument for supporting Ukraine, or countries in balance of payments difficulties. It is well suited to providing fast and flexible financial assistance while driving the implementation of meaningful reforms. It also complements and amplifies IMF programmes, as has been demonstrated in Ukraine over the past decade. Both Macro Financial Assistance and the Ukraine Facility provide for strong conditionality, especially on the fight against corruption. The 60 billion indicatively allocated to support Ukraine's defence industrial capacity will allow Ukraine access to the equipment it needs to defend itself. At the same time, it will provide a very significant boost to the rapidly developing European and Ukrainian defence industries. Finally, as said before, Ukraine will only repay the Ukraine Support Loan if it receives reparations from Russia for the destruction its war has caused. This is why the proposal also makes it clear that, in line with the conclusions by the Leaders, the Union reserves its right to use the cash balances from immobilised Russian assets held in the EU to repay the Ukraine Support Loan. Of course, time is of the essence. The European Commission will work with the co-legislators to ensure a swift adoption of today's proposals. We will also liaise with Ukrainian authorities to prepare financing strategy and ensuing steps needed to operationalise the proposal swiftly. With regard to the broader support from our international partners, the implementation of the G7-led Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration loans initiative is progressing well. 35 billion has already been disbursed to Ukraine from G7 partners and the EU. And we will continue to engage closely with international partners, including the G7, to ensure delivery on their commitments for 2026 and beyond. To conclude, supporting Ukraine is a litmus test for Europe. The outcome of Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine will determine Europe's future. Today's proposal shows that we are determined to continue providing Ukraine with the support it needs. And it also represents a crucial investment in Europe's own security. Thank you. Commissioner Kos As we have just heard from the President, today we take a next step in our support to build a stronger and more stable Ukraine. This budgetary support package is about much more than financial assistance. It reconfirms that we Europeans continue to shoulder the lion share of support for Ukraine to defend itself in the short-term - but also prepare for its recovery and long-term prosperity and EU membership. We also send a clear message that time is not on Russia's side. Ukraine's financing needs will be secured and predictable budgetary support guaranteed in the form of a loan to be repaid by reparations due to Russia. Our proposal includes the Ukraine Facility as a pillar for disbursement of the loan, closely tying in a strict reform programme to advance accession negotiations. This reflects our continued determination to support the decisive implementation by Ukraine of an accelerated reform agenda, central for a credible EU accession path. We know that reforms are difficult. They are difficult for any government, and even more so when a country is fighting a war. But the Ukraine Facility has a track record of effectively achieving these reforms for Ukraine's future under the most difficult circumstances. And it works. It has helped Ukraine to keep the course. The implementation of the Ukraine Plan has been broadly successful, with 63 steps completed out of 68 due by the last payment requests in the areas of the rule of law, anti-corruption, energy market, public administration, and state-owned enterprises in Ukraine. This works needs to continue for Ukraine's society and economy to grow stronger, and to deliver its future prosperity and social cohesion. The Ukraine Support Loan will build on these achievements and further prepare Ukraine for EU membership. At the same time, we are operating in uncertain times. As explained by the President our proposal today brings in the necessary flexibility to address Ukraine's urgent budgetary needs and unexpected financial needs. Today's decision will undoubtedly make us better equipped to navigate what is to come while keeping clear sight of our long-term objective for a secure and prosperous Ukraine with economic growth inside the European family. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Commission presents a financial support package for Ukraine for 2026-2027* European Commission Press release Jan 14, 2026 Brussels Today, the European Commission adopted a set of legislative proposals to secure continuous financial support to Ukraine in 2026 and 2027. This marks a significant milestone in the EU's strong support for the country's defence against Russia's war of aggression. The legislative package consists of: A new proposal establishing a support loan for Ukraine (based on art. 212 TFEU) for an amount of 90 billion. A new proposal to amend the Ukraine Facility (based on art. 212 TFEU), as one of the means to implement budgetary assistance for Ukraine. A new proposal to amend the Multiannual Financial Framework Regulation (based on art. 312 TFEU) to allow the coverage of the loan to Ukraine from the EU budget "headroom". In December, the European Council agreed to provide 90 billion in decisive support for Ukraine's budgetary and military needs over the next two years. That agreement reaffirms the European Union's unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine. This financial commitment will take the form of a 90 billion limited recourse loan to Ukraine for 2026 and 2027 - known as the Ukraine Support Loan. The proposed support would be structured in two components, with approximately two thirds, amounting to 60 billion, allocated to military assistance, and the remaining one third, corresponding to 30 billion, provided as general budget support. The support will help Ukraine strengthen its defence capabilities and ensure the continued functioning of the state and basic public services, while also contributing to Ukraine's resilience and its closer integration with Europe's defence industrial base. The Union reserves its right to use the Russian assets immobilised in the Union to repay the loan, in full accordance with EU and international law. The reparation loan, as proposed on 3 December 2025, remains on the table. The agreement was taken under enhanced cooperation, a mechanism that allows EU Member States to collaborate in specific areas, when it has become clear that the EU as a whole cannot achieve the goals of such cooperation within a reasonable period. The support to Ukraine will be financed through common EU borrowing from capital markets, as initially proposed by the Commission among the available financing options. The loan to Ukraine will be guaranteed by the "headroom" of the EU budget as it is the case for other financial assistance programmes for Ukraine implemented since 2023, such as the Macro-Financial Assistance+, Ukraine Facility and the Macro-Financial Assistance loan under the G7-led Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loans initiative. Building on the European Council's decision, the European Commission promptly adopted a proposal for a Council Decision authorising enhanced cooperation to establish a loan for Ukraine. Today's proposals further operationalised the agreed financial support, helping Ukraine sustain essential state functions and strengthen its resilience and defence capabilities. Next steps The legislative proposals have been submitted to the European Parliament and Council, with a view to launching the legislative process for their examination and adoption. For the European Commission to begin providing financial support to Ukraine in the second quarter of 2026, in line with the agreement at the European Council last December, it is essential that these acts are adopted swiftly. Once this is achieved, the Commission will move forward with the adoption of the relevant Implementing Decisions, and work closely with the Ukrainian authorities to put the necessary arrangements in place so that the Commission can make its first disbursement of the loan. As with other EU financial support mechanisms for Ukraine, this package will be underpinned by strong conditionality mechanisms. This includes the measures to strengthen the rule of law and the fight against corruption foreseen under the Ukraine Plan. Background Since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU and its Member States have provided 193.3 billion in overall support to Ukraine and Ukrainians, including 3.7 billion from the proceeds of immobilised Russian assets - more than anyone else. The support package presented today covers two thirds of Ukraine's overall financing needs for the next two years, according to assessments by the International Monetary Fund. Continued and coordinated support from international partners therefore remains essential, including timely delivery on commitments by the G7 for 2026 and beyond, notably under the G7-led ERA loans initiative. Quote(s) We all want peace for Ukraine. And for that Ukraine must be in a position of strength - on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. Today we table our proposal for a loan of EUR 90 billion for 2026 and 2027- stable, predictable funding for our brave partner and neighbour. Above all it reaffirms Europe's unwavering commitment to the security, defence, and future prosperity of Ukraine. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission Today's proposals will safeguard Ukraine's financial stability and strengthen its ability to defend itself. This represents an essential step towards ensuring just and lasting peace that guarantees real, long-term security for both Ukraine and Europe. It demonstrates once again our solidarity with the people of Ukraine and represents a vital investment also in Europe's security. Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification Nobody should doubt that the EU will continue to back Ukraine. Our support goes beyond Ukraine's funding needs. It provides a clear reform plan that helps strengthen public institutions, attract investment, and move closer to EU membership. Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by President von der Leyen with Commissioners Dombrovskis and Kos on the loan to support Ukraine's financial needs for 2026 and 2027 European Commission Statement Jan 14, 2026 Brussels In just over a month, we will mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Today, Russia shows no sign of abating. No sign of remorse. No sign of seeking peace. On the contrary. Over the Christmas break, Russia intensified its strikes, killing civilians and hitting energy infrastructure. This must end. We all want peace for Ukraine. And for that, Ukraine must be in a position of strength. This is the reason why we agreed in the fall that we would cover the military and budgetary financial needs of Ukraine for the years 2026 and 2027. In December, at the European Council, we agreed to support Ukraine with stable and predictable funding. This morning, the Commission adopted the legal proposals that deliver on that agreement. We will provide Ukraine with a loan of EUR 90 billion for 2026 and 2027. This is done in enhanced cooperation with 24 out of 27 Member States participating. With this support, we make sure that Ukraine can on one hand bolster its defence on the battlefield and strengthen its defence capabilities - so, its military needs -, and on the other hand keep the state and basic services running. Above all, it reaffirms Europe's unwavering commitment to the security, defence, and future prosperity of Ukraine. We propose to split the EUR 90 billion in two parts: Two-thirds for military assistance, namely EUR 60 billion. And one-third, that is, EUR 30 billion for general budget support. With this military assistance, Ukraine can stand strong against Russia. And at the same time, it can integrate more closely into Europe's defence industrial base. Now, how to use the funds: we will more or less structure it like in the SAFE proposal. The funds will be used to purchase equipment mainly from Ukraine, from the EU, and from our EEA/EFTA partners. But if these necessary equipment are not available in this region or in due time, it might be occasionally possible to acquire these equipments outside the European Union and outside the geographical region I just mentioned. So, in general, European preference, but in cascading principle, European preference first, and then if not possible, purchasing abroad. The budget support - the EUR 30 billion - is also designed to help Ukraine advance with its reforms and to modernise the country, the investment is conditioned to reforms, also to bring it closer to European Union membership. This includes, the commitment of Ukraine towards strong democratic processes, the rule of law, and anti-corruption measures. These conditions are non-negotiable for any financial support. You know our principles, investment together with reforms, also to make sure Ukraine moves forward on its path of accession to the European Union. In parallel to today's package, as agreed in the European Council in December, our proposal for a Reparations Loan remains on the table. This should serve as a stark reminder to Russia that we reserve the right to make use of their immobilised assets. The document shows that the assets will remain immobilised until the war ends and reparations are being paid. You also see this reflected in the fact that Ukraine would not have to pay back the loan until reparations are being paid. To conclude, Today, we are demonstrating our continued and steadfast support to Ukraine. We now count on the European Parliament and Council to agree swiftly on these proposals. In this way, we can make sure that Ukraine gets its first disbursement very soon in April. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Approves 90 Billion-Euro Loan To Support Ukraine's Budget And Military Needs By Rikard Jozwiak January 14, 2026 The European Commission has formally unveiled a 90-billion-euro ($105 million) loan for Ukraine, intended to cover a large part of Kyiv's 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 Kremlin's 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 bloc's 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." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-90-billion-loan-ukraine-2026- 2027/33647986.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 Comment by Foreign Ministry Official Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on recent terrorist attacks against commercial tankers in the Black Sea 14 January 2026 19:23 32-14-01-2026 On January 13, Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles struck oil tankers chartered to transport Kazakh oil to foreign consumers near the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) marine terminal in the Black Sea. We strongly condemn this latest act of terrorism perpetrated by the Kiev regime against civilian commercial vessels operating in full compliance with international law. This barbaric attack provides further evidence that the Kiev regime not only disregards global energy security but also acts against the interests of Kazakhstan, with which it professes to seek friendly relations, as well as those of its American partners, who are among the CPC's largest shareholders. In this context, we fully share the serious concerns expressed by the Republic of Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its spokesperson's statement of January 14. We stand with our allies in their call for effective measures to ensure the safety of hydrocarbon transport - measures which, in our view, should serve to bring the criminal Kiev regime to its senses. We support Astana's position on the necessity of joint steps to prevent such incidents in the future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Strongly Condemns Ukraine's Attack on Caspian Pipeline Consortium Oil Tankers Sputnik News 20260114 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia strongly condemns Ukraine's attack on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) oil tankers, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday. "On January 13, oil tankers chartered to transport Kazakh oil in the interests of foreign consumers were attacked by Ukrainian drones in the Black Sea near the marine terminal of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. We strongly condemn another terrorist attack by the Kiev regime on commercial civilian vessels that comply with all norms of international law," Zakharova said. The attack on tankers confirms that Kiev has no regard for interests of Kazakhstan and US partners, who are the largest shareholders of CPC, the diplomat said. "We fully share the opinion of our allies on the need to take effective measures to ensure the safety of transportation of hydrocarbons, which, in our opinion, should reason with the Kiev criminal regime. We support Astana's idea on the need for joint steps to eliminate such incidents in the future," Zakharova concluded. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tanker Matilda Attacked by 2 Ukrainian UAVs on January 13 - MoD Sputnik News 20260114 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian oil tanker Matilda, flying the flag of Malta, was attacked by two Ukrainian attack UAVs at a distance of about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the city of Anapa in the Krasnodar Territory, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday. "The tanker Matilda, flying the flag of Malta, was attacked by two Ukrainian attack UAVs at a distance of about 100 kilometers from the city of Anapa, Krasnodar Territory," the statement read. On January 13, a distress signal was received via the international security channel from the Matilda tanker in the Black Sea, the ministry said in a statement. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Loses Up to 440 Soldiers in Fighting With Russia's Tsentr Battlegroup Sputnik News 20260114 Russia's Tsentr battlegroup has eliminated up to 440 Ukrainian military personnel over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said. "The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces amounted to up to 440 military personnel, two tanks, an infantry fighting vehicle, two US-made M113 armored personnel carriers, four Kozak armored vehicles and seven vehicles," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. Ukraine has also lost up to 200 soldiers in battles with the Zapad battlegroup and over 300 soldiers in battles with the Vostok battlegroup over the past day, the statement read. Russian forces reported Ukrainian losses in other directions as well. Russia's Sever battlegroup eliminated up to 190 Ukrainian military personnel, destroying two armored combat vehicles, 16 motor vehicles and two field artillery guns, the ministry said. A fuel depot and three logistics warehouses were also destroyed, it added. "Strikes were carried out against units of a mechanized brigade, an airborne assault brigade, and a territorial defense brigade of the Ukrainian military near the settlements of Khoten, Yastrebinoye, and Kondratovka in the Sumy Region. On the Kharkov axis, strikes targeted subunits of three Ukrainian mechanized brigades and a border guard detachment of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service near the settlements of Krugloye, Ternovaya, Staritsa and Volchanskiye Khutora in the Kharkov Region," the ministry said. Russia's Dnepr battlegroup eliminated more than 55 Ukrainian troops and destroyed two armored vehicles, 15 motor vehicles, two artillery systems, a counter-battery radar station, three electronic warfare stations, four ammunition and supply depots, the ministry said. The Dnepr battlegroup struck units of a Ukrainian mountain assault brigade and a territorial defense brigade near the settlements of Novoyakovlevka, Orekhov, and Pavlovka in the Zaporozhye Region, the ministry added. Russia's Yug battlegroup of forces eliminated up to 125 Ukrainian military personnel and destroyed six armored combat vehicles, including an Italian-made Puma APC, 15 motor vehicles, four field artillery guns and two electronic warfare stations, the ministry said. Units of the Yug battlegroup improved their position along the front line. Strikes were carried out against formations of three mechanized brigades, one air mobile brigade, one assault brigade, a marine infantry brigade, and the Azov special-purpose brigade 9designated a terrorist organization in Russia near the settlements of Zakotnoye, Kostantinovka, Kramatorsk and Novotroitskoye in the Donetsk People's Republic, the ministry said. The Russian Armed Forces struck critical infrastructure supporting Ukraine's war effort, the ministry added. Operational and tactical aviation, strike drones, and missile-artillery units hit storage and flight preparation sites for long-range drones, fuel depots, and energy facilities linked to Ukraine's defense-industrial complex. Temporary deployment points for Ukrainian units and foreign mercenaries were also targeted across 145 districts, the ministry said. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's Jiangsu unveils AI action plan to boost smart economy Xinhua) 10:08, January 15, 2026 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Olexandr Mischenko took part in the meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development - GUAM Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 14 January 2026 20:08 On January 14, a meeting of the Council of National Coordinators of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development - GUAM was held, in which Ukraine was represented by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Olexandr Mischenko. As part of the discussion of the situation in the Organization's Member States, Olexandr Mischenko informed about the situation on the frontline, as well as the consequences of the latest Russian missile and drone attacks against the civilian population of Ukraine and critical infrastructure facilities. In this regard, the Ukrainian diplomat expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan and Georgia for allocating government humanitarian assistance to the energy infrastructure of Ukraine, which is suffering from daily shelling by the Russian aggressor, as well as to the business community and non-governmental organizations of Moldova, which continue to send essential items to the most affected regions of Ukraine. During the meeting, the results of the Organization's activities in 2025 were summed up and plans for 2026 were agreed. The representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called on the partners within GUAM to intensify practical interaction and fully utilize the existing potential of the Organization as an effective platform for coordinating efforts, deepening regional cooperation and promoting common interests of the participating states. In this context, the Ukrainian side drew the partners' attention to the need to hold the next meeting of the GUAM Council of Foreign Ministers as soon as possible. The greatest attention was paid to the issue of the transfer of the chairmanship and electing a new Secretary General in accordance with the GUAM Charter. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mykhailo Fedorov appointed as Ukraine's new Minister of Defence Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 14 January, 2026, 1:21 PM EET Following a submission by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a decision appointing Mykhailo Fedorov as Minister of Defence of Ukraine. The appointment received the support of 277 Members of Parliament of Ukraine. In his address to the Verkhovna Rada, the newly appointed Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov, reviewed key defense achievements and set out future priorities. Among the key achievements in the defense sector since the onset of the full-scale invasion, he cited the following: The provision of 50,000 Starlink terminals to Ukraine by international partners; The launch of the "Army of Drones" initiative; The formation of strike unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) companies; Deregulation and the opening of markets for manufacturers of drones, electronic warfare (EW) systems, ground robotic systems, missiles, and other defense products; The establishment of Brave1: the cluster now includes over 2,350 companies and more than 4,900 solutions, with over 730 grants totaling more than UAH 2.6 billion awarded to companies; The launch of the e-Points incentive system; The launch of the "Drone Line" initiative; In his new role, Mykhailo Fedorov outlined several key priorities: Military reform; Enhancement of frontline infrastructure; Elimination of corruption risks; Fostering leadership and trust as a new institutional culture. "The President has set a clear objective: to build a system capable of countering the enemy in the air, halting advances on the ground, and intensifying asymmetric and cyber strikes against the enemy and its economyto make the cost of war for russia unsustainable," the new Minister of Defence emphasized. Furthermore, Mykhailo Fedorov identified key areas of focus, including the training of Ukrainian service members, improving their financial and social support, deepening cooperation with international partners, and developing the defense industry. He underscored that anti-corruption efforts would become a foundational principle of the new Ministry of Defence. "One of the first decisions as Minister of Defence will be to ensure brigades have a baseline provision of drones, which are currently in short supply," Mykhailo Fedorov concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address I Have Tasked a Review of Curfew Regulation: During This State of Emergency, Curfews Can Be Lifted for Some Cities and Communities - Address by the President President of Ukraine 14 January 2026 - 20:01 Dear Ukrainians! It's been a long day. I just held an energy-sector meeting - the most important one today. Many issues have been discussed. Denys Shmyhal has been appointed First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Ukraine; his key task is to handle the current emergency situation in the energy sector caused by Russian strikes and the harsh winter weather. We separately analyzed the situation in some of our cities - it's especially difficult in Kyiv, as well as Odesa, Dnipro region - Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih - and several other cities and regions. We can see that much has been done, particularly in Kharkiv, where local authorities were prepared. Kyiv, unfortunately, has done much less - far too little has been done in the capital. And even these past few days, I haven't seen sufficient effort - all of this must be urgently corrected. Decisions must be made. Legally, the state of emergency in the energy sector will be officially declared - this will provide more possibilities. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will simplify to the maximum all processes related to connecting backup energy equipment to the grid. Zero bureaucracy. I have instructed them to increase electricity import capacities - using all business opportunities. In Kyiv and other cities, there must be more, much more, assistance points for people - Points of Invincibility. I have tasked a review of curfew regulations: during this state of emergency, curfews can be lifted for some cities and communities where the security situation allows it. The government officials must present the corresponding proposals. So that people have access to all necessary support at any time, and that businesses can plan their operations more rationally. I would like to especially thank all energy companies, regional and local authorities, and everyone ready to work together with us, with the state institutions. Unity must be maximized for the sake of shared results. I held a meeting with the new Minister of Defense of Ukraine, Mykhailo Fedorov. The top priority is the protection of the skies. Decisions, tasks - he's got everything. We must support the front. Provisioning for brigades, funding, drone supplies - transformation is coming. There are specific tasks for our diplomats - the entire Ukrainian diplomatic corps, which must live with the same problems, the same emotions, the same goals as all Ukrainians. We need more support for our state and our people, for our resilience, for recovery. The necessary requests to partners have been made. And one more thing. Today, I spoke with Rustem Umerov and other members of our negotiating team. Work on the documents - security guarantees, economic agreements, and the political document - needs to be swift. On our end, we are being as productive as possible. We also expect energy from the American side in their work. I personally am very much expecting this. I thank everyone who stands with us, who stands with Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sanctions Pressure Has Created Serious Problems for Russia's Economy, Ukraine Proposes Concrete Steps to Strengthen It - Vladyslav Vlasiuk President of Ukraine 14 January 2026 - 11:30 Advisor - Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk held a briefing for the heads and representatives of the diplomatic missions of the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan accredited in Ukraine. The event was dedicated to analyzing the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia and identifying priority areas for further strengthening sanctions pressure. Deputy Heads of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva and Ihor Brusylo also took part in the briefing. Vladyslav Vlasiuk informed partners about the impact of sanctions on the Russian economy, which, according to him, is currently in a phase of stagnation. Despite attempts to stimulate economic activity through record domestic borrowing, this tool has only a limited effect. By the end of the year, all industrial sectors in Russia showed a decline. In particular, in November-December 2025, a drop of 2-5% was recorded compared to the previous year, while oil and gas revenues fell by 24% compared to 2024. Special attention was paid to the need for further strengthening of sanctions, including countering schemes for supplying foreign components to Russia and imposing restrictions on Russian defense manufacturers. Vladyslav Vlasiuk noted that over the past year, Russia imported more than 2 million electronic components and purchased about 700 units of high-tech equipment used in military production. According to him, another important area remains tightening sanctions in the financial and banking sectors, including with regard to cryptocurrency operations. He separately emphasized the need for more decisive action against tankers belonging to the so-called shadow fleet, including measures to stop and seize such vessels. These sanctions are already having a significant effect. Service costs are rising: freight rates for shipping oil to India are up 49%, to China up 36%, and insurance for vessels in the Black Sea has increased by 200%. "Most of the countries you represent are currently preparing new sanctions packages. Ukraine is ready to share information and analytical materials to help intensify pressure on Russia. This opens additional opportunities for impact and may become an important factor in advancing negotiations toward a dignified peace," Vladyslav Vlasiuk stated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Guarantees for Ukraine and Increased Pressure on Russia: Meeting with Polish Delegation Took Place at the Office of the President President of Ukraine 14 January 2026 - 09:30 First Deputy Head of the Office of the President Sergiy Kyslytsya and Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with Poland's Secretary of State Marcin Bosacki. Sergiy Kyslytsya thanked Poland for its unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and for the comprehensive assistance that Warsaw has been providing since the start of Russia's full-scale aggression. Poland's participation in the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing held on January 6 in Paris was noted. Its outcomes demonstrated significant progress in developing security guarantees for Ukraine from the United States and European partners. The Ukrainian side reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high momentum in the negotiation process to achieve a just and lasting peace. The Ukrainian side also expressed hope that Poland would maintain consistent support for Ukraine's integration into the European Union, as this is one of the key security guarantees for our state. Marcin Bosacki noted the success of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Warsaw in December and emphasized the importance of developing bilateral dialogue and cooperation. To strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, the parties agreed on further coordination of steps to implement joint defense projects, including through relevant European mechanisms. Ihor Zhovkva paid special attention to the SAFE initiative and called on Poland to allocate an appropriate share of funds for mutually beneficial projects with Ukraine. He also thanked Poland for its $100 million contribution to the PURL mechanism. Both sides share a common understanding: Russia is not interested in achieving peace, therefore it remains essential to coordinate actions aimed at increasing pressure on the Russian Federation and significantly limiting its resources. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Rio Tinto and BHP have agreed to work together to extract up to 200 million tonnes of iron ore at their neighbouring Yandicoogina and Yandi iron ore operations in the Pilbara. Under two non-binding Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), the companies will explore the potential for: Collaboration on the development of Rio Tinto's Wunbye deposit; and BHP to supply its Yandi Lower Channel Deposit ore to Rio Tinto for processing at its existing wet plants under agreed commercial terms. These new opportunities build on a 2023 agreement between Rio Tinto and BHP to mine the Mungadoo Pillar, which allowed mining of ore from the shared tenure boundary that was previously inaccessible. Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Matthew Holcz said: "By working smarter, we can better leverage existing infrastructure to unlock additional production with minimal capital requirements. "Together we will extend the life of these operations, create additional value, and further support Western Australian jobs and local communities." BHP WA Iron Ore Asset President Tim Day said: "This is a clear example of productivity in action - unlocking new opportunities by making the most of our existing resources. "By sharing our expertise and infrastructure we will create new value and deliver benefit to our people, partners, customers and communities." Rio Tinto and BHP have agreed to progress a conceptual study followed by an order of magnitude study. Subject to a final investment decision, first ore from both deposits is anticipated early next decade. Any potential implementation would be subject to regulatory and joint venture approvals, and engagement with Traditional Owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114415776/en/ Contact Please direct all enquiries to [email protected] Media Relations, United Kingdom Matthew Klar M +44 7796 630 637 David Outhwaite M +44 7787 597 493 Media Relations, Australia Matt Chambers M +61 433 525 739 Alyesha Anderson M +61 434 868 118 Rachel Pupazzoni M +61 438 875 469 Bruce Tobin M +61 419 103 454 Media Relations, Canada Simon Letendre M +1 514 796 4973 Malika Cherry M +1 418 592 7293 Vanessa Damha M +1 514 715 2152 Media Relations, US & Latin America Jesse Riseborough M +1 202 394 9480 Investor Relations, United Kingdom Rachel Arellano M +44 7584 609 644 David Ovington M +44 7920 010 978 Laura Brooks M +44 7826 942 797 Weiwei Hu M +44 7825 907 230 Investor Relations, Australia Tom Gallop M +61 439 353 948 Eddie Gan-Och M +61 477 599 714 Rio Tinto Plc 6 St James's Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885 Rio Tinto Ltd. Level 43, 120 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 riotinto.com Category: Pilbara TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2026 - Belo Sun Mining Corp. ("Belo Sun" or the "Company") (TSX: BSX; OTCQB:BSXGF) announces that the Federal Court of Altamira, Para, Brazil, denied the Company's request for recognition of provisional compliance with a prior judgment of the Federal Court of Appeals. That appellate judgment conditioned the effectiveness of the Construction License (Licenca de Instalacao - LI) for the Volta Grande Gold Project on (i) completion of the Indigenous Component Study based on primary data, and (ii) the conduct of prior, free, and informed consultation with the affected Indigenous communities. As a result of the decision, the Construction License remains legally valid but suspended. In its ruling, the Federal Court held that, at this stage, sufficient compliance with the applicable conditions had not yet been demonstrated, citing recent technical opinions issued by Brazil's National Indigenous Peoples Foundation (FUNAI) and a report from the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office. The Company reaffirms its commitment to full compliance with all applicable environmental, social, and regulatory requirements, as well as to maintaining transparent and timely communications with the market. Belo Sun will, in due course, evaluate and pursue all appropriate legal remedies. Clovis Torres, Chief Executive Officer of Belo Sun added: "Belo Sun believes that the Court's interpretation differs from the requirements originally established by the relevant authorities, with which the Company considers itself to be fully compliant. The Company had anticipated this outcome as one of several possible scenarios and does not consider it to affect the underlying merits of the project or the strength of our permitting framework. Rather, it represents another procedural step for the Company to work through. Belo Sun continues to work closely with its legal advisers, regulators, and stakeholders to respond constructively to the issues raised and to advance the project in a responsible manner. Subject to final legal advice, the Company intends to appeal this decision to the Federal Regional Court, which has previously confirmed in related proceedings that Belo Sun meets the applicable requirements for lifting the license suspension. The Company remains confident in the validity of its licenses, the consistency of prior court decisions, and its ability to advance and deliver a world-class gold project for the benefit of all stakeholders." Further updates regarding this matter will be disclosed as required under applicable laws and regulations. About the Company The Volta Grande Gold Project is located in Para State in Brazil. Belo Sun Mining Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company with gold-focused properties in Brazil. Belo Sun's primary focus is advancing and expanding its 100% %-owned Volta Grande Gold Project. Belo Sun trades on the TSX under the symbol "BSX" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "BSXGF". For more information about Belo Sun please visit www.belosun.com. For further information, please contact: Belo Sun Mining Corp. (416) 309-2137 Caution regarding forward-looking information: This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the ruling from the Federal Court of Altamira; plans to appeal and the merits of the case; the status of Company's existing permits; and the timeline and plans to bring the Volta Grande Project into production and future plans of the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including risks inherent in the mining industry and risks described in the public disclosure of the Company which is available under the profile of the Company on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Company's website at www.belosun.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in 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 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. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Toronto, January 14, 2026 - Lithium ION Energy Ltd. (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 Strategic Investor Michael Gentile and Other Cornerstone Investors Maintain Their Holdings Vancouver, January 14, 2026 - Valkea Resources Corp. (TSXV: OZ) (OTCQB: OZBKF) (the "Company" or "Valkea") is pleased to announce that, further to it's news releases dated December 24, 2025, it has closed the non-brokered private placement (the "Financing") for gross proceeds of C$2.5 million. In relation to the financing, a total of 10,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units") were issued at a price of $0.25 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company at an exercise price of C$0.35 for a period of 36 months following the closing date of the Financing. "We are very pleased to close this $2.5 million financing with strong participation from our existing shareholders, including key holders maintaining their 9.9% positions," commented Chris Donaldson, CEO and Executive Chairman. "This level of support reflects continued confidence in Valkea's strategy and our Central Lapland gold portfolio. With cash in the bank, Valkea is well positioned to launch 2026 focused on execution and advancing our exploration efforts across Central Lapland, Finland." In connection with the Financing, the Company paid finders fees of $49,500 cash and issued 198,000 finders warrants for the Company (the "Finders Warrants") to eligible arm's length finders. Each non-transferrable Finders Warrant entitles the finder to purchase one common share of the Company (a "Finder Warrant Share") at a price of $0.35 per Finder Warrant Share until January 14, 2029. The securities issued in connection with the Financing are subject to a four-month and one-day hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws. Closing of the Financing is subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Directors and officers of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 220,500 Units for gross proceeds of $55,000 under the Financing. Participation by insiders of the Company in the Financing constitutes a related-party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The issuance of securities is exempt from the formal valuation requirements of Section 5.4 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 as the common shares of the Company are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. The issuance of securities is also exempt from the minority approval requirements of Section 5.6 of MI 61-101 pursuant to Subsection 5.7(1)(b) of MI 61-101 as the fair market value was less than $2,500,000. Proceeds from the Financing will be used for exploration of the Company's the flagship Paana project and working capital purposes. The securities offered have not been 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 the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. OPTION GRANT The Company also announces that it has granted an aggregate of 1,000,000 stock options to certain consultants of the Company. Each option is exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.40 per share for a period of 5 years, in accordance with the terms of the Company's stock option plan. The options are subject to applicable regulatory approvals and any necessary hold periods as required by the TSX Venture Exchange. About Valkea Resources Valkea Resources is at the forefront of gold exploration in Finland's highly prospective Central Lapland Greenstone Belt (CLGB). With an extensive portfolio of high-potential projects, including the flagship Paana project, Valkea Resources is committed to discovering and advancing significant gold deposits in one of the world's emerging gold districts. Contact 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 release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements in this news release include but are not limited to statements regarding the use of proceeds. Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Management believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the Company not receiving the necessary regulatory or exchange approvals in respect of the Financing; recent market volatility; the inability of the Company to use the proceeds of the Financing as currently anticipated; and the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include but are not limited to: the Company's early stage of development; the fluctuation of the price of metals; the availability of additional funding as and when required; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; the timing and ability to maintain and, where necessary, obtain necessary permits and licenses; the uncertainty in geologic, hydrological, metallurgical and geotechnical studies and opinions; infrastructure risks, including access to water and power; environmental risks and hazards; risks associated with negative operating cash flow; and risks associated with dilution. For a further discussion of risks relevant to the Company, see the Company's other public disclosure documents. Although management has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There is 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 forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as, and to the extent required by, applicable securities laws. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. WIRE SERVICES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280420 Thesis Gold Inc. ("Thesis" or the "Company") (TSXV: TAU) (WKN: A3EP87) (OTCQX: THSGF) is pleased to announce the filing on SEDAR+ of the Pre-feasibility Study (the "2025 PFS") for the wholly owned Lawyers-Ranch gold-silver Project (the "Project", or "Lawyers-Ranch"), located in the Toodoggone District, in Northern British Columbia. Results from the 2025 PFS were announced by the Company on December 1, 2025. Refer to the news release entitled "Thesis Gold Announces Positive Prefeasibility Study for Lawyers-Ranch Project: After-Tax NPV5% of $2.37 Billion and 54.4% IRR". The Report, entitled "Lawyers-Ranch Project NI 43-101 Technical Report and Pre-feasibility Study", was prepared by Ausenco Engineering Canada ULC., Mining Plus Canada Ltd., Knight Piesold Ltd., Equilibrium Mining Inc., P&E Mining Consultants Inc., pHase Geochemistry Inc., F. Wright Consulting Inc, and SLR Consulting Ltd. in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). 2025 PFS Highlights Strong Economics at US$2,900 per ounce of gold (oz Au) and US$35 per ounce of silver (oz Ag) Pre-tax: 73.5%, internal rate of return ("IRR") and $3.73 billion net present value at a 5% discount rate ("NPV5%") After-tax: IRR of 54.4% and an NPV5% of $2.37 billion Quick Payback period of 1.1 years Significant Upside at US$4,100/oz Au and US$51/oz Ag: Pre-tax: 117.4% IRR and $6.86 billion NPV5% After-tax: 87.8% IRR and $4.36 billion NPV5% Strong Early Production: Strong gold-equivalent ("AuEq")* annual production rates for the first three years averaging 266,000 ounces**, and 187,000 ounces** over a 15-year Life of Mine ("LOM"). Mineral Reserve: Maiden Mineral Reserve statement with 76.16 million tonnes of ore grading 0.97 g/t Au and 28 g/t Ag for a total AuEq* grade of 1.33 g/t. Low All-in Sustaining Costs ("AISC"): Average AISC of US$1,185 per AuEq** ounce. Significant Exposure to Silver: Silver production accounts for approximately 23% of revenue. Capex: Initial capital expenditure is estimated at $736.2 million, with a compelling after-tax NPV5%:initial capital ratio of 3.2:1. The initial capital estimate does not consider a potential revenue of $91.1 million in pre-production revenue from processing stockpiles as part of the initial commissioning and ramp-up plan. Project Upside: Significant project upside exists both in the potential to further optimize engineering design through a Feasibility Study, and in the project-wide exploration potential that remains untapped. *AuEq reported for the mined materials/mill feed in mineral resource estimate and mineral reserve estimates assumes a conversion of 80:1 for Ag to AuEq based on expected average expected recoveries of 93% Au and 86.1% Ag at US$2,000/oz Au and $24.50/oz Ag. **AuEq production values are based on payable ounces as calculated by the financial model and have varying gold and silver recoveries by deposit at a US$2,900/oz Au and US$35/oz Ag. AISC costs consist of mining costs, processing costs, mine-level G&A, offsite charges, royalties, sustaining capital, expansion capital, and closure costs. The 2025 PFS is available on SEDAR+ and on the Company's website, www.thesisgold.com. Qualified Persons The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc, P.Geol., P.Geo., a non-independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Thesis Gold Inc., "Ewan Webster" Ewan Webster Ph.D., P. Geo. President, CEO, and Director About Thesis Gold Inc. Thesis Gold Inc. is a resource development company focused on unlocking the full potential of its 100%-owned Lawyers-Ranch Gold-Silver Project, located in British Columbia's prolific Toodoggone Mining District. The recently published Prefeasibility Study outlines robust project economics, including a 54.4% after-tax IRR and an after-tax NPV5% of C$2.37 billion (at US$2,900/oz Au and US$35/oz Ag), underscoring the Project's strong value-creation potential. The Company has commenced the Environmental Assessment Process and plans to initiate a Feasibility Study in 2026 to further advance and de-risk the Project. Through these milestones, Thesis Gold is working to elevate the Lawyers-Ranch Project to the forefront of global precious metals development. 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. Non-GAAP Measures Certain financial measures referred to in this press release are not recognized measures under IFRS and are referred to as non-GAAP financial measures or ratios. These measures have no standardized measures under IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The definitions established and calculations provided by the Company are based on management's reasonable judgment and are consistently applied. These measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. The non-GAAP financial measures used in this press release are: All-in Sustaining Cost and AISC per AuEq Ounce AISC is reflective of all of the costs that are required to produce an ounce of gold from operations. AISC includes mining costs, processing costs, mine-level G&A, offsite charges, royalties, sustaining capital, expansion capital, and closure costs. AISC per AuEq ounce is calculated by dividing total AISC by the LOM payable AuEq ounces. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information All $ amounts expressed in this news release are in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise indicated. This press release contains "forward-looking information" including FOFI (as defined below) and financial outlook within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limitation, statements regarding the development of the Lawyers-Ranch in the 2025 PFS, mineralized material processing, highlights of the 2025 PFS including the pre and after tax IRR, payback period of 1.1 years, average annual production rates for the first three years and over the LOM, a range of potential gold prices, the extension of the operation of the mine life to 15 years, information respecting a Maiden Mineral Reserve statement, low AISC and average AISC, capital expenditures at the Project, optimization of engineering design through a Feasibility Study in 2026 to further advance and de-risk the Project, outlines of processing and production potential, including the portion of revenue accounted for by silver, projected mining operations under the 2025 PFS, and information respecting a Mineral Resource Estimate and Mineral Reserve Estimate. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or, in each case, their negative and words of similar meaning are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions, risks, estimates and uncertainties that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. These risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described in the 2025 PFS and herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in 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 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. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are risks respecting uncertainties inherent to the conclusions of economic evaluations and economic studies, the ability of Thesis to complete further exploration activities, including drilling, the ability of exploration activities to accurately predict mineralization, errors in management's geological and financial modeling, changes to the parameters of the Project, including budget and schedule, uncertainties with respect to actual results of current exploration activities, delays in the advancement of the Project, including with respect to drilling activities, equipment availability and/or issues, labour force shortages, fluctuations in metal and foreign exchange rates, limitation on insurance coverage, accidents, lack of available capital to the Company, failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals as the Project advances, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, the ability of the Company and stakeholders to realize the anticipated benefits of the Project, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities, opposition by social and non-government organizations to mining projects, including First Nations communities, the Company's interest in and title to its properties, including the Lawyers-Ranch, resulting from unanticipated title disputes, claims or litigation, the ability of the Company to maintain all current and required permits, cyber-attacks and other cybersecurity risks and changes to tax regimes and other regulatory environments in the jurisdictions relevant to the Company, the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms or at all, the ability of management of the Company to operate and grow Thesis' business effectively, fluctuations in metal prices, the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, and other risks described in the Company's filings, including in the risk factors in the Company's most recent management's discussion and analysis, which are available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking information contained in this press release also includes financial outlooks and other forward-looking metrics relating to the Company and the Project, including references to financial and business prospects, future results of operations, performance and estimated NPV and IRR. Such information, which may be considered future oriented financial information ("FOFI") or financial outlooks within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, has been approved by management of the Company as of the date hereof. Such FOFI and financial outlooks are based on assumptions which management believes are reasonable as of the date hereof, having regard to the industry, business, financial conditions, plans and prospects of the Company, including the 2025 PFS. These projections are provided to describe the prospective performance of the Project and readers are cautioned such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Such information is highly subjective and should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results and actual results may differ significantly from such projections. FOFI and financial outlook constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the same assumptions, uncertainties, risk factors and qualifications above. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/thesis-gold-files-pre-feasibility-technical-report-for-the-lawyers-ranch-gold-silver-project-302661794.html SOURCE Thesis Gold Inc. Vancouver, January 15th, 2026 - Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE:WSR) (OTC:WSRIF) (the "Company") announces that it has amended the terms of its previously announced non-brokered private placement originally disclosed on October 20, 2025. Under the amended terms, the Company proposes to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to $1,500,000 through the issuance of up to 10,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.15 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional common share at a price of $0.30 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the private placement to define high-priority drill targets at its Western Star Project, advance its critical metals initiative in Nevada, and for general working capital and market awareness purposes. Key Highlights from Past Producing Rowland Property: High grade Tungsten project with values of 3.38% WO? reported A road accessible past producing mine, located in the historical Jarbidge mining district, located about 6 miles southwest of Jarbidge. Rocks exposed in the area are limestones, shales, and quartzites intruded by a quartz monzonite stock. Adjacent to the intrusive the shales and limestones have been extensively metamorphosed to skarn and hornfels in zones as much as 100 feet wide. Mine workings consist of two shallow shafts and several hundred feet of open cuts. Scheelite occurs as coarse crystals and is also finely disseminated with molybdenite, powellite, pyrite, chalco- pyrite, and limonite in a garnet, epidote, quartz, and calcite skarn. In 1943, W. J. Rowland shipped 4.5 tons of ore containing 3.38 percent WO to Metals Reserve Co During 1954-56 about 1,000 tons of ore containing 0.5 to 1.0 percent WO was produced. Why The Past Producing Rowland Property is a Strategic Asset Critical Mineral Status: Tungsten is indispensable for defense, aerospace, energy, and semiconductor industries. The U.S. currently has no domestic commercial production, making it highly dependent on imports, with ~85% of global supply controlled by China. Exploration Upside: Identified in the 1940s, this project has identifiable mineralization but remain under-explored using Modern exploration techniques Alignment with U.S. Policy: Recent Executive Orders prioritize fast-tracking domestic tungsten projects, with federal grants and defense-sector support available for qualifying assets. Western Star Property/Discovery Property 2 Revelstoke - Mining District, British Columbia 4,740 ha (46.4 Km2) - District Scale 100% Owned and permitted CRD - Carbonate Replacement Deposit; precious metals rich over 6.2 km Mineralized strike length limited results to date, by surficial prospecting in well exposed areas 246.76 g/t silver, 1 to 50.1% lead, 8.22 g/t Au, 3.68% Cu - High Grade Samples The Western Star Property hosts twelve MINFILE showings: Black Bear, Lardeau-Goldsmith, Hunter, Wide West, Goodenough, Kitsap, Banner, Daffodil, Royal, Morning Star, Lexington, and Alma 2. The Alma showing consists of intermittent occurrences of massive bands, streaks and lenses of galena-sphalerite in crosscutting quartz-carbonate veins within siderite alteration zones. The Kitsap showing along the northwest trending ridge, early prospectors/miners, have pitted and drifted on the Kitsap showing. Limestone hosting galena-sphalerite mineralization is encountered. Sericite alteration zone of phyllite is approximately 4 m to the west of contact with limestone, and nearly 30 m wide on the eastern contact with limestone2. The Lardeau-Goldsmith showing is reported to have high silver values a 15-metre adit was driven in 1899. It is inferred that mineralization is similar to nearby showings consisting of pyrite, galena and sphalerite2. At the Lexington showing a 3.6-metre-wide quartz vein contains 1.5 metres of massive galena in the footwall which assayed high silver values. Mineralization in a series of occurrences along strike to the southeast consists of intermittent lenses of galena-sphalerite in crosscutting fractures and quartz-carbonate veins within siderite or ankerite alteration zones The Morning Star contains numerous quartz and calcite stringers is a vein 2.1 metres wide striking 310 to 320 degrees, dipping 62 to 75 degrees east. The vein has been traced by numerous open cuts and trenches. A crosscut adit was begun in 1914 to cut the vein at a vertical depth of 9 metres and reached 21 metres length2. Banner Showing is 32-metre adit in 1900 with the object of cutting the vein at depth. Mineralization consists of intermittent lenses of galena-sphalerite in crosscutting fractures and quartz-carbonate veins within siderite or ankerite alteration zones2. The Black Bear showing consists of massive pyrite with minor galena-sphalerite in quartz gangue. Float in a boulder train is of siliceous pyritic dolomite with disseminated magnetite and traces of galena and sphalerite. In 1896, a shaft was sunk 3 metres deep. The mineralization at the Royal showing consists of galena in two parallel quartz veins. Mineralization in a series of occurrences along strike to the southeast consists of intermittent lenses of galena-sphalerite in crosscutting fractures and quartz-carbonate veins within siderite or ankerite alteration zones. The mineralization at the Daffodil showing is similar to the Royal showing where galena is in two parallel quartz veins. Mineralization in a series of occurrences along strike to the southeast intermittent lenses of galena-sphalerite in crosscutting fractures and quartz-carbonate veins within siderite or ankerite alteration zones. The Goodenough showing. Mineralization consists of galena-sphalerite-(chalcopyrite) in concordant to irregular quartz-chlorite veins in shears at the limestone-phyllite contact and in fractured and/or brecciated ankeritic limestone over a strike length of 160 metres The Hunter-Trapper showing consists of intermittent disseminated to massive galena-sphalerite in a brecciated quartz-siderite-chlorite vein at the limestone contact with phyllite. A chip sample across a 1-metre-wide quartz-siderite pod with massive to scattered sphalerite-galena analysed greater than 102.8 g/t silver, 3.08 % lead and 4.38 % zinc. The Wide West Showing is massive to disseminated bands and stringers of galena, sphalerite, and pyrite with minor chalcopyrite form pods in a series of 0.5- to 3m in width stratabound lenses within limestone beds, typically forming at contacts with sericite altered phyllite2. The 100% Discovery Property consists of three known showings: Completing the full Western Star Package (press release July 11, 2025). The Glenside Showing is of three quartz and galena veins can be traced from Lardeau Creek to a point about 300 metres distant where they unite in one large vein which can be traced for kilometres. At a point about 150 metres below where the three veins unite, a tunnel is in a distance of 24 metres, on the centre small vein. The Muskateer Showing is on the east side of Ferguson Creek, a southerly flowing tributary of Lardeau Creek. The Muskateer Showing have disseminations and large pockets of massive pyrite and pyrrhotite in phyllite. The Muskateer showing is underlain by folded, deformed and schistose rocks of the middle member of the Jowett Formation. The unit contains deformed argillite and limestone, and brown, grey and greenish tuff and volcanic breccia - some of which contains fragments of limestone. The Copper Mountain Showing was discovered in the early 1900s, traces of copper were located in debris below a cliff of chlorite schist, above an alpine glacier near the head of Surprise Creek. By 1912, a 6.7 metres long adit had been driven into the schist at 1844 metres elevation. The Copper Mountain showing is underlain by folded, deformed and schistose rocks of the Index Formation. The Property is underlain by the Badshot Formation that is composed of a thick Cambrian limestone that is a distinctive marker horizon in the Trout Lake area. It is underlain by Hamill Group quartzite, and it is overlain by a younger assemblage of limestone, calcareous, graphitic and siliceous argillite and siltstone, sandstone, quartzite and conglomerate, and also mafic volcanic flows, tuffs and breccias, all of which belong to the Lardeau Group. In 2012 Mineral Mountain Resources Ltd undertook a 1662 line km AEROTEM airborne geophysical survey undertaken which part appears to cover the part of the Discovery Property. The 2012 geophysics appears to illustrate natural extension from the Western Star Property to the Discovery Property2. With over 6kms of strike, drill permits in place. The Western Star team is eager to press ahead towards its maiden drill program. As proposed, the issuance of securities pursuant to the private placement would exceed 100% of the Company's current issued and outstanding common shares on a fully diluted basis and is therefore subject to shareholder approval in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). The Company intends to obtain such approval by way of written consent of shareholders holding more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities. The private placement remains subject to the receipt of all required approvals, including acceptance of the CSE, as well as the execution of definitive documentation. All securities issued will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable securities laws and CSE policies. The Company may pay finder's fees in connection with the private placement, subject to CSE approval. This news release amends and supersedes the Company's news release dated October 20, 2025. The Company also announces that it has completed the acquisition of the past-producing Rowland tungsten property in Nevada, pursuant to the previously announced option agreement, pursuant to which the Company acquired from two vendors all of their rights, title and interest in and to an existing option agreement in respect of the Rowland property. The transaction was completed in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange, including CSE Policy 6 - Distributions, Acquisitions and Corporate Changes. The Company issued an aggregate of 1,000,000 common shares of the Company at a deemed price of $0.20 per share to the two vendors on closing. All securities issued in connection with the transaction are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance. Please see the Company's news release dated November 5, 2025 for more details regarding the transaction. Additional Information Additional information about the Company and the Transaction is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca under the Company's profile. The summary of the Transaction set out above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the description of the Transaction in the Company's filing statement posted on SEDAR. Derrick Strickland, an independent qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Tungsten deposits in Nevada, Author: Harold K. Stager and Joseph V. Tingley Year: 1988 Series No.: Bulletin 105 Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology NI 43-101 on the Western Star Property, British Columbia, Revelstoke Mining Division, NTS 82K13/14, 50.85 North Latitude -117.52 West Longitude," with an effective date November 27, 2020. Strickland, D Found on sedarplus under company profile. About Western Star Resources Western Star Resources is a mineral exploration and development company. The company's objective is to increase shareholder value through the development of exploration properties using cost-effective exploration practices, acquiring further exploration properties and seeking partnerships by either joint venture or sale with industry leaders. The company currently owns nine non-surveyed contiguous mineral claims totaling 2,797 hectares, which are located within the Revelstoke mining division of British Columbia. The Western Star property group is located approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Revelstoke, B.C., and roughly 10 kilometers north of the abandoned community of Camborne. Contact Information: Blake Morgan, CEO and Director 236-878-4938 [email protected] 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. 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. Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver - Au Gold Corp (TSXV: AUGC) ("AUGC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement (the "Agreement") with Leviathan Gold Australia ("LGA"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Leviathan Metals Corp. (TSX.V: LVX), dated January 12, 2026, to acquire (the "Acquisition") a 100% interest in the 11,663 hectare Havelock Gold-Antimony Project ("Havelock", or the "Project"), located in the heart of the Victorian gold fields in Australia, half-way between Bendigo and Ballarat. Highlights of Havelock: Shallow, undrilled epizonal and mesozonal gold +/- antimony targets Historical production from multiple small-scale underground workings with recorded gold grades between 1 - 10 ounces per ton Antimony reported in historic underground workings History of coarse alluvial gold (nuggets) on the property Excellent access with year-round exploration potential Marc Blythe, AUGC's President and CEO stated, "Recent success at Fosterville (Agnico Eagle), Sunday Creek (Southern Cross Gold) and Costerfield (Alkane Resources) has highlighted the potential of Victoria's epizonal gold-antimony deposits. At Havelock, mining in the 1880's recovered high-grade gold-bearing quartz reef with abundant stibnite (antimony sulphide) at one of at least seven workings along a 9 km trend within the project area. This historic mining has never been followed up with modern exploration programs or drilling. We are very excited to start exploration, including testing high priority gold-antimony targets at Havelock". Epizonal gold systems, such as those mentioned above, have created high-grade gold deposits that are now a focus for modern exploration. Significant antimony with gold in this part of Victoria is regarded as a reasonable proxy for epizonal gold mineralization4. The Company has agreed to pay LGA, an arms length party, C$75,000 and issue 5 million shares of AUGC for a 100% interest in the Project. In addition, AUGC will pay per ounce payments for future resource definition - see "Transaction Details" below. The Acquisition is subject to acceptance for filing by the TSX Venture Exchange. About the Havelock Gold-Antimony Project The Project is located in the heart of the Victorian goldfields near Maryborough, roughly halfway between Bendigo and Ballarat and about 1.5 hours drive from Melbourne, Australia. Paved highways and roads, along with gravel tracks provide year-round, ready access to all areas of the Project. Land ownership is a combination of government (Crown) land and private property. The first discovery at the Maryborough goldfield was made on this property in 18535, with nuggets and alluvial gold, which led to small scale hard rock mining. Water pumping and processing technologies were rudimentary during this period and mining generally targeted high grades above the water table. Two significant gold-bearing structural trends cross the property with numerous historical workings evident. The first is the Shaw-McFarlane Trend ("SMT"), which comprises about 9 km of intermittent small scale historic workings with recorded multi-ounce per ton gold production in the late 1800's6. The SMT has had minimal modern exploration and most targets have never been drilled. In 2010, a local landowner had a water storage dam excavated on their property (situated in the central part of the SMT) and a metal detector operator reportedly recovered 514 ounces of gold, including 23 kg of gold bearing quartz material from the excavation7. Management believes the dam excavation intersected the top of a gold-bearing quartz vein (reef) that has never been explored historically or drill tested (see Figure 1). The samples shown in Figure 1 were obtained from the dam spoil material, located at 5,904,195 N, 746,275 E (GDA94 Zone 54). Samples were identified as gold-bearing, first by metal detector response and then visually. Individual sample weights varied between 0.238 g and 3.07 g. The reader is cautioned that the sample selection process described above is designed to identify high-grade samples which may not be representative. The disclosure is included because these samples will be used as a vector to guide future exploration activities specifically at the dam target. The gold-bearing samples were delivered to On Site Laboratory Services, located in Bendigo, Victoria by LGA. On Site Laboratory Services is a NATA accredited laboratory, certified as compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 (2017) - Testing. Samples were assayed using fire assay with gravimetric finish (Code PE01S). Results were reported as parts per million and subsequently converted to percent gold content. LGA did not report QA/QC protocols and no blanks or standards were added to the sample stream by LGA. On Site Laboratory Services added one standard and one blank to the sample batch and these samples returned values within industry accepted standard deviations. There is no relationship between On Site Laboratory Services and the Company. Figure 1 Photograph of gold-bearing quartz The second structural trend is the Leviathan-Mariner's Trend ("LMT"), which covers 3 km of historic workings. In 2021, Leviathan completed an 8-hole diamond drill program along a 270 m portion of the LMT targets. The drill program returned significant results from 4 of the 8 drillholes, justifying further work. Table 1 Leviathan 2021 Drill Highlights Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Gold (g/t) 21LEV002 232.05 239.15 7.10 3.06 and 242.40 243.51 1.11 56.40 21LEV004 241.00 245.20 4.20 4.75 21LEV005 335.13 337.90 2.77 18.86 21LEV006 224.50 227.74 3.24 6.91 Historic underground mining reached a maximum depth of 500 feet (152 m) on the SMT and 900 feet (274 m) on the LMT, limited by mining techniques and the presence of ground water. Mesozonal and epizonal gold systems are known to have depth extents of more than 1,000 m at other locations in Victoria, highlighting the potential below these historic workings. Epizonal gold systems are believed to have formed in the Late Devonian, specifically between 380 - 370 Ma. A dyke at Bristol Hill Mine (Maryborough), about 10 km south of Havelock was dated at 370 Ma, while a granite 10 km northwest of Havelock was dated at 391 Ma +/- 8, indicating that Late Devonian intrusions potentially exist on or near the property. LGA previously referred to the Project as the Timor property. The Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal people are the traditional owners of the land on which the Project is located. A Land Use Activity Agreement is in place for the project, providing clarity for both the Dja Dja Wurrung and the project operator. The Company advises that there are no current Mineral Resources on the Project and cautions that despite the documented historic production, there is no certainty that exploration will result in mineral resources being estimated. ___________________ 1885-Q4, The Gold-Fields of Victoria, Reports of the Mining Registrars, Department of Mines, Victoria. 2Whitelaw, H.S., 1899, Notes on Antimony ores in Victoria, G1643. 3Dunn, E.J., 1912 List of Nuggets Found in Victoria, Geological Survey of Victoria Memoir 12. 4Moore, D.H., 2007, Gold Undercover - Classifying gold bearing deposits in central and western Victoria, Australia, Department of Primary Industries, Victoria. 5https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/2298 6Howitt, A.M., 1913, The Maryborough Gold-Field, Geological Survey of Victoria Memoir 11. 7Whitehouse, K., 2021, Personal communication. Transaction Details For a 100% interest in the Project, AUGC has agreed to pay LGA: 5 million AUGC common shares $10,000 (CAD) on signing of the Agreement $65,000 (CAD) on TSX Venture Exchange acceptance for filing In addition, AUGC will pay LGA $3 per ounce discovered (measured, indicated or inferred category). AUGC also agrees to honour an agreement between LGA and Mercator Gold Australia ("Mercator") who vended the project to LGA. Under this agreement, a payment of A$1 per ounce discovered (measured, indicated or inferred) and A$1 per ounce produced shall be paid to Mercator. Payments to Mercator are capped at A$1 million for ounces discovered and A$1 million for ounces produced. AUGC has incorporated a wholly owned Australian subsidiary, Havelock Gold Pty Ltd to hold the project. No finders fees are payable in connection with this transaction. The Company will also replace a A$10,000 environmental bond which is already in place by LGA. Post-closing, the Company plans to move quickly to commence exploration on the project. The Transaction is a Fundamental Acquisition under TSX Venture Exchange policies and a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report on the Project is being prepared for AUGC by an independent Qualified Person. The Technical Report will be filed on SEDAR+ once it has been reviewed and accepted by the TSX Venture Exchange. Technical information in this press release was prepared under the supervision of Mr. William Wengzynowski, P.Eng., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Wengzynowski is AUGC's Exploration Manager. Following completion of the transaction, LGA will beneficially own and control 5,000,000 Common Shares, representing 11.16 % of the issued and outstanding Common Shares of the Company on a non-diluted basis. This press release and LGA's corresponding early warning report (the "Early Warning Report") which is expected to be filed on SEDAR+ in the near term, constitutes the required disclosure pursuant to section 5.2 of National Instrument 62-104. Take-Over Bids and Issuer Bids ("NI 62-104"). The securities acquired by LGA are for investment purposes. LGA has no current intention to enter into any of the transactions listed in clauses (a) to (k) of item 5 of Form 62-103F1 of National Instrument 62-103. The Early Warning System and Related Take-over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues ("NI 62-103"), but in the future LGA may acquire or dispose of securities of the Company depending on market conditions, reformulation of plans and/or other relevant factors, in each case in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Early Warning Report that will be filed on SEDAR+ will satisfy the requirement of section 5.2 of NI 62-104 to have the Early Warning Report filed by an acquiror, in this case by LGA, with the securities regulatory authorities in each of the jurisdictions in which the Company is a reporting issuer and which contains the information required by section 3.1 of NI 62-103, which includes the information required by Form 62-103F1. A copy of the Early Warning Report filed by LGA in connection with the Offering will be available under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. For further information, please contact: Au Gold Corp Marc G. Blythe, MBA, P.Eng., President & Chief Executive Officer Sandrine Lam, Investor Relations Phone: 1-604-687-3520 Ext. 250 [email protected] augoldcorp.com About Au Gold Au Gold Corp (TSX-V: AUGC) is a gold exploration company focused on advancing its flagship Havelock gold-antimony project in the Victorian Gold Fields in Australia and the Ponderosa gold project in the Spences Bridge Gold Belt in British Columbia, Canada. Cautionary Note This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the completion of the Acquisition, receipt of TSX Venture Exchange acceptance, future exploration activities including drilling on the Project, and the preparation and filing of a National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the TSX Venture Exchange), changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, currency fluctuations, market uncertainty, as well as those factors discussed in the Company's most recently filed management's discussion and analysis and other filings of the Company with Canadian securities authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. In making the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will be able to complete the Acquisition as anticipated, that it will obtain all necessary regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange and that the Company will be able to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its planned exploration activities. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbour. Click Image To View Full Size Figure 2 Havelock Project Detail Map Click Image To View Full Size Figure 3 Project Location Map Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Featured GH Tourism to go beyond December in GH Gifty Owusu-Amoah Showbiz News Jan - 15 - 2026 , 11:00 3 minutes read After December once again emerged as Ghanas peak tourism period, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, says efforts are underway to reposition the country as an all-year destination. She noted that while last years December festivities significantly boosted arrivals, sustaining the gains will require stronger regional participation, improved stakeholder coordination and a deliberate shift beyond branding Ghana solely as a December tourism hub. "Tourism is now translating into real opportunity, it is creating jobs for our youth, opening doors for entrepreneurs, empowering creatives and fueling a fast -growing industry of content creators who are telling Ghana's story in fresh and compelling ways. "At GTA, we are intentionally focused on harnessing the energy, supporting talent, elevating standards and ensuring that tourism growth is inclusive, sustainable and impactful. And that is why we are positioning Ghana not just as a December destination but an all-year tourism powerhouse," she said. The CEO was speaking at a media engagement held at Accra City Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, January 13, to give firsthand information on the success of 2025 December in Gh as well as the Authority's outline to make Ghana a true tourism destination in the sub-region. She highlighted the growing global appreciation of Ghana's culture, fashion, music, cuisine and heritage, and explained that tourism is increasingly driving job creation, particularly among the youth. "Today, the world is not only coming to Ghana for events, they are coming to experience our culture, fashion, culinary experience and people. "As such, the media must narrate the positive stories that make Ghana a preferred destination for tourists globally. '" We are not asking the media to do PR job or propaganda for the Authority. That is not it at all. However, in writing about Ghana's tourism, let's be mindful to put out well-balanced stories, not ones that skew the positive image of our country,' she said. The media engagement was attended by some leading management of GTA, including Deputy CEO, Operations, Ekow Sampson, Deputy CEO, General Services, Bernard Anane Nsiah and Deputy CEO, Marketing and Special Duties, Abeiku Aggrey Santana. In his address, Mr Anane Nsiah noted the efforts of GTA will be null and void should the media focus on projecting negative stories about the image. He challenged the media to shape the perception of Ghana's tourism through insightful research on the sector. Mr Abeiku Aggrey Santana said the world was watching and Ghana's media must not lend its attention to unproductive news items that don't contribute to Ghana's growth. He said the tourism bar has been raised globally and the world is watching Ghana to take the industry to the next level. "But here's the truth: if the story is not told well, the progress will not be felt," he added. One of the major highlights of the forum was the disclosure of the CEO of the government's intention to work on the bad road networks of popular Tourist sites, as well as the continuation of Marine Drive which has been on hold for many years. 'I can say on both projects that the sector Minister has tabled them before the relevant authorities and we will start working on the bad roads this year. "For the Marine Drive, the ban that stopped its construction has been lifted so we will see work on it this year,'' she added. Featured Benin offers citizenship to African diaspora Reuters International News Jan - 15 - 2026 , 11:20 2 minutes read Isaline Attelly, a native of the Caribbean island of Martinique, had been living in Benin for nearly a year before she learned that her family's connection to the West African country went back much further. Genealogical records confirmed her great-grandmother on her mother's side was born in what is now Benin and, at the height of the transatlantic slavery, was trafficked across the Atlantic Ocean. The discovery last year prompted Attelly, a 28-year-old content creator, to enrol in a new programme offering Beninese citizenship to people of African descent. The "My Afro Origins" programme is an important piece of President Patrice Talon's plan to raise his country's profile, including among prospective tourists, by highlighting its prominent role in the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved people. "For me, it's a source of pride. It feels like my journey has come full circle," Attelly told Reuters after her naturalisation ceremony. "I am proud and very happy to be able to represent my ancestors." The first naturalisation ceremonies have coincided with the unveiling of projects intended to bring that history to life, including a new "Door of No Return" in Ouidah, a common departure point for transatlantic trafficking, and a replica of an 18th-century ship that transported enslaved people with sculptures inside representing nearly 300 captives. Both are still under construction. The government also plans to open a new International Museum of Memory and Slavery at the former residence of Francisco Felix de Souza, a prominent trafficker of enslaved people in the 18th and 19th centuries, this year. Talon, who survived a coup attempt last month and is expected to end his 10-year tenure after a presidential election in April, has recruited star power to publicise his vision. Filmmaker Spike Lee and his wife, Tonya Lee Lewis, were last year named ambassadors for the programme to the African-American community. REUTERS Featured Labubu toy manufacturer exploited workers, labour group claims BBC International News Jan - 15 - 2026 , 11:26 2 minutes read A labour rights organisation claims it has found evidence of worker exploitation in a Chinese factory that makes the viral Labubu dolls. China Labor Watch (CLW), a US-based non-governmental organisation, alleges that its investigation found that one of Pop Mart's suppliers made employees work excessive overtime shifts, sign blank or incomplete contracts and did not give them paid leave. The furry Labubu dolls have surged in popularity around the world in recent years and are best known for selling toys in "blind boxes", which hide its content from buyers until it is opened. Pop Mart told the BBC that it is investigating the claims. The Beijing-based toy retailer said it appreciated the details from the review and that it will "firmly" require companies making its toys to correct their practices if the allegations are found to be true. Pop Mart added that it conducts regular audits of its suppliers, including yearly independent third-party reviews carried out by internationally recognised inspectors. CLW said in its report that it had carried out the in-depth probe into Labubu-maker, Shunjia Toys Co Ltd, in the southern Chinese province Guangdong. The BBC has been unable to contact Shunjia Toys Co Ltd for comment. CLW said its researchers conducted 51 in-person interviews with the factory's employees to discuss matters of recruitment, contracts and their working conditions. The factory is a "core manufacturing facility" of Pop Mart toys and employed more than 4,500 workers, according to CLW. The organisation flagged labour issues at Shunjia Toys Co Ltd's factory in Xinfeng County, including what it said were illegal overtime hours, unclear contract practices and a lack of safety training and protections. No child labour was identified at the factory, but it had employed 16-year-old workers who were subject to the same working conditions as adults, without special care that is required under Chinese law, said CLW. It urged Pop Mart to take "immediate action" to address the issues in its supply chain. The non-profit said the firm should compensate affected workers and ensure that its production line complies with Chinese labour laws and internationally recognised labour standards. Such facilities, called original equipment manufacturers (OEM), make products according to pricing and production schedules set by the client. "As a result, labour conditions in OEM facilities are closely shaped by brand sourcing practices," said CLW. Labubus - the fictional elf-like creatures with a row of jagged teeth have become hugely popular. The craze has sparked long queues in shops worldwide. Celebrity endorsements from the likes of Kim Kardashian and Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink have helped Pop Mart to become a major toy retailer. Featured Education Minister affirms schools must use only biological definitions of male and female Mohammed Fugu Education Jan - 15 - 2026 , 17:21 2 minutes read The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has stated that there should be no ambiguity regarding the definitions of male and female, or sex, in any educational literature. He said the Ministry recognises only the biological definitions of these terms, which must be reflected in every publication, curriculum, and communication on educational matters. Every publication, curriculum, and communication from the Ministry must reflect the biological definitions of these terms, he emphasised. His comments come in the wake of controversies over alleged LGBTQ-related content being introduced into the countrys Senior High School curriculum. Speaking on the sidelines of an event in Tamale on Thursday, Mr Iddrisu insisted that the claims were false and misleading. He explained that the mishap, which occurred in a viral document developed in 2024, does not reflect the position of the Ministry. Nonetheless, he said the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA) has taken urgent action to revise the Year Two Teacher Education Curriculum. NaCCA will ensure that all educational materials are clear, accurate, and standardised across all schools in the country. Our stance on using biological definitions is meant to eliminate confusion, promote uniformity, and ensure that all teaching and learning content aligns with national standards, he added. Training and discipline The Minister made the remarks at the opening of a two-day National Master Training on Essential Values for Ghanaians, organised by the Ghana Education Service. The training seeks to equip facilitators to prepare, train, and support school-level teams in implementing Value Learning Communities (VLCs) and the new Guidance and Counselling framework. The event brought together selected guidance and counselling coordinators from across the country. Mr Iddrisu said the training would help facilitators instil core values, discipline, and good behaviour among students, which are essential for fostering a productive learning environment. He added, Discipline in schools is the foundation for academic excellence and moral development. Through these trainings, we aim to empower educators to guide students not just academically, but also in character and ethics. He highlighted the Ministrys efforts to uphold national educational standards and ensure consistency in value-based learning and discipline across all schools. Pianim, Duffuor, Sam Jonah and Wampah named among members of new Presidential economic advisory group Next article: Pianim, Duffuor, Sam Jonah and Wampah named among members of new Presidential economic advisory group Featured 35 police personnel promoted for arresting suspects in Adabraka gold robbery incident Mohammed Ali Jan - 15 - 2026 , 15:17 1 minute read Thirty-five police personnel have been promoted by the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, for their role in the arrest of suspects linked to the Adabraka gold robbery in Accra. The promotions were carried out in Accra on January 15, 2026, after the officers took part in operations connected to the case. The robbery took place at a jewellery shop in Adabraka in November 2024 and occurred in broad daylight, according to the police. The Ghana Police Service said the officers who were promoted were directly involved in actions that led to the arrest of suspects linked to the robbery. Police pick up key suspect in daylight robbery at Adabraka jewellery shop after one year investigation Adabraka robbery getaway vehicle tracked to Ashaiman Daylight robbery in Accra: Gunmen escape with sacks of money from Adabraka market Mr Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board, addressed the officers and asked them to treat their promotions as a call to higher responsibility, leadership and accountability in the discharge of their duties. He also urged them to continue to apply diligence in their work. In a statement issued by the Ghana Police Service on Thursday, the promotions were described as part of efforts to recognise merit and reward performance within the Service. Faith in democracy: The elephant in the room? Prof Jeffrey Haynes Jan - 15 - 2026 , 09:57 4 minutes read The Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) presented its recommendations to President John Dramani Mahama on December 22, just as the festive season was commencing. The lengthy 127 page document was promptly made available for public scrutiny and its contents have, understandably, been the subject of much private and public debate over the last few weeks. The CRCs work, which took nearly a year to complete, and which represents a sustained and laudatory effort on the part of the CRCs eight members, focuses on strengthening democracy, accountability, and governance, and proposes significant changes. These include banning members of parliament from being ministers, electing metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives, limiting executive power, reforming the judiciary and electoral system, enhancing separation of powers, improving mechanisms to curb corruption and, more generally, modernising the 1992 Constitution for current needs. Key proposals include capping the number of ministers, making presidential salaries taxable, allowing independent candidates, ensuring asset declarations for officials, reducing the age of presidential candidates from 40 to 30 years and extending the term of the president from four to five years. Highlights The 10 topic clusters highlighted in the CRC report Lands and Natural Resources, Decentralisation and Local Government and Chieftaincy, Public Services and State Enterprises, Advisory Councils, Independent Constitutional Bodies/Offices, The Directive Principles of State Policy and Social and Economic Rights, Political Parties, The Political Branches (Executive & Legislature), The Judiciary, Miscellaneous (Discretionary Power, Dual Citizenship, Amendment Procedure) are displayed at the CRC website for public scrutiny (https://constitutionreviewgh.org/citizens-voices/). What of the elephant in the room? In almost a year of public deliberations, there was no desire by stakeholders to formalise the position of faith in Ghanas democracy. In other words, although Ghana is a highly religious country, with around 95 per cent of Ghanaians professing membership of one of the three main religions: Christianity, Islam and African Traditional Religions, the CRC did not encounter public concerns about what role should faith play in the constitution or in Ghanas democracy more generally. Faith and democracy To what extent does faith impact Ghanas democracy and political framework? Faith has no formal constitutional role in Ghanas governance, no formal place in the countrys democracy. Although faith is not one of the topic clusters, it would be wrong to assume that the CRC ignored religious leaders. Christian and Muslim representatives met with the CRC at the Alisa Hotel in Accra during the week beginning 15 September 2025. According to a participant in the meeting, around 75 per cent of the time was spent focusing on the issue of whether Ghana is a secular or a religious country. Religious leaders uniformly claimed that Ghana is a religious country, denying that it is a secular polity. What this might suggest is a fundamental misunderstanding of what secular means in the context of Ghanas 1992 Constitution. For religious leaders, secular appears to be a synonym for atheist. This is erroneous. Ghana is, according to the 2021 census 71.3 per cent Christian, but this does not mean that Christianity is privileged over other religions. This is what secular means: all religions are officially equal. An atheistic constitution, on the other hand, would likely be a strictly secular document that establishes a government and legal system based purely on human reason, rights, and evidence, rather than divine authority or religious texts. It would look very similar to the constitutions of highly secular nations, such as the Nordic countries (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland). Faith and public life Going forward, faith remains a very prominent feature of public life in Ghana. Christianity, in particular, seeps into every aspect of life, including political decision-making. The first line of the constitutions preamble states that the Constitution is promulgated in the name of Almighty God. In addition, the 1992 constitution states that religious liberty is guaranteed: All citizens are free to believe and manifest any religious faith or none. In addition, the Constitution prohibits the elevation of any religious organisation into a State religion (see article 56 of the 1992 Constitution). In the second part of this article, I examine further the role of faith in Ghanas democracy and highlight how different faith actors impact the countrys governance. The writer is an Emeritus Professor, London Metropolitan University, UK. Featured Kaiser Flats residents condemn alleged forced evictions Benjamin Xornam Glover Jan - 15 - 2026 , 08:22 4 minutes read Residents of Kaiser Flats in Tema Community 4 have raised alarm over what they describe as an unlawful and forceful eviction exercise allegedly carried out by officials linked to the Tema Development Company (TDC). The development has drawn strong condemnation from the residents, who insisted that the action was unacceptable. Some residents indicated that some staff of TDC Ghana Ltd undertook an exercise during which they marked buildings and issued occupants with a seven-day ultimatum to vacate their homes. The move, the residents said, sparked fear and confusion among families who said they had lived in the area for decades. The targeted multi-storey residential block at Kaiser Flats in Tema Community 4 shows signs of neglect, with cracked concrete balconies, exposed electrical wiring, worn railings, and patched doors, heightening concerns amid the alleged eviction threat. Reacting to the situation, the Assemblyman for the Horticulture Electoral Area, Baba Tunde Lasisi, said he was taken by surprise when residents contacted him about the development. He stated that as the Assembly Member, he immediately sought clarification from TDC to verify the authenticity of the exercise. I personally went to TDC to find out whether their Estates or Legal Department was aware of what was going on, and I was told clearly that they did not know about any eviction exercise, he said, adding, I also contacted the Mayor, and he confirmed that nothing of that nature had been approved. The Assembly Member questioned the rationale behind the alleged evictions, especially considering that some of the buildings in question were demolished in 2018 without any redevelopment taking place since then. Not even a common stone has been laid on those lands. You cannot suddenly come back and tell people to move just so certain individuals can have their way, he said Governance must be about fairness, not using power to intimidate ordinary people, he added, while questioning whether the central government supported the alleged eviction exercise, noting that the timing could not be worse for residents already grappling with economic hardship. People have just gone through the festive season and are now struggling to pay school fees and meet basic needs. You cannot add another burden by forcing them out of their homes. It does not speak well of us as a country," he said. Relocation The Assembly Member rejected claims that residents could be relocated to housing estates outside Tema, describing such proposals as impractical and insensitive. He explained that Kaiser Flats was strategically located close to Temas industrial hub, the harbour, making it ideal for workers. Telling people to move to areas like Community 26, where traffic can take up to two hours, is unfair. Some residents living in three-bedroom houses here in Tema are being asked to move to two-bedroom units elsewhere under poorer conditions. Mr Lasisi reaffirmed his commitment to defending the interests of his constituents, warning that he would not support any action that undermines their welfare. "The interest of the people must always supersede individual or private interests. I will not support any eviction that is not lawful, humane and transparent, he stated. Meanwhile, checks at TDC Ghana Ltd indicate that the Managing Director of the company has requested a meeting with the affected residents to deliberate on the matter. Background The Kaiser Flats were built in the 1960s to temporarily accommodate expatriates and workers who were building the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO). Over the period, some of the structures have deteriorated. In 2013, TDC Ghana Ltd planned to demolish the flats, but the exercise was aborted owing to some litigation. The occupants sought a court injunction to restrain the TDC from ejecting them. However, a High Court in Tema ruled in favour of TDC in July 2017 after years of litigation. Later, some occupants went to court to plead for some time to vacate the flats. The court gave the occupants up to the end of January 2018 to completely vacate the flats. The TDC subsequently obtained a writ of possession to remove the occupants to pave the way for the redevelopment scheme for the entire Tema, especially the Kaiser Flats area. In 2018, the TDC engaged the 48 Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to demolish four blocks within the Kaiser Flats enclave in Tema, which were declared unfit for human habitation by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). The occupants of the four blocks, namely 407, 408, 410 and 415, were all evacuated and some allocated accommodations at Community 26, while others were compensated. Upper East, Volta regions record highest maternal mortality Beatrice Laryea Jan - 15 - 2026 , 09:57 4 minutes read Ghanas maternal mortality rate remains alarmingly high at 301 deaths per 100,000 live births, with stark regional disparities exposing deep inequities across the country, according to a report on the "State of Maternal Mortality in Ghana." The report, put together by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advisory Unit, Office of the President, National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) stated that the Upper East Region recorded the highest maternal mortality ratio at 465 deaths per 100,000 live births, followed by the Volta Region with 393; North East, 341; Upper West, 335 and Ahafo, 329. In contrast, Greater Accra has the lowest rate at 191, which is still below Ghanas national average but remains short of the global target of 197. The wide gap between regions such as Upper East and Greater Accra highlighted where urgent, targeted interventions were needed, particularly in northern and rural areas, the report stated. Lifetime risk Presenting the report, the Principal Planning Analyst at the Development Policy Division, NDPC, Nii-Odoi Odotei, said that although Ghana has reduced the lifetime risk of maternal death from 13.4 per cent in 2010 to 9.9 per cent in 2021, nearly one in 10 women still face the risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes. He said the burden is highest among women aged 3034, adolescent girls aged 1519, women in the poorest wealth quintiles and those living in rural communities. The presentation attributed high maternal deaths to a mix of direct medical causes such as haemorrhage, hypertension, sepsis and unsafe abortion and systemic failures, including shortages of blood, oxygen and emergency drugs, weak referral systems, poor road networks, financial barriers and delays in receiving quality care. Event This was revealed at a High-Level Dialogue on Maternal Mortality Reduction in Ghana jointly organised by the SDGs Advisory Unit at the Office of the President, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) last month and formed part of a presidential initiative aimed at accelerating the reduction of maternal mortality in the country. Held under the theme: No Woman Should Lose Her Life to Give Life, the dialogue was moderated by the Deputy Minister in charge of Government Communication, Shamima Muslim. Decisive action Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, who chaired the roundtable discussion on Accelerated Reduction in Maternal Mortality in Ghana, described maternal deaths as a national crisis that demands urgent, high-impact action. She noted that nearly 900 maternal deaths recorded this year show that progress has stalled and that incremental improvements are no longer enough. "Despite the efforts made over the years, the reality before us is sobering. Many women in Ghana still lose their lives while performing one of the most natural and sacred acts of humanity: giving life. The data is clear, and the human stories behind the data are even more compelling." "What is required now are decisive, high-impact actions that confront the root causes with honesty and urgency," she said. She commended President John Dramani Mahama for elevating maternal mortality to a national priority, requiring coordinated, cross-sectoral action beyond the health sector, including transport, financing, procurement and community accountability. Highlighting the government's interventions, she cited the uncapping of the National Health Insurance Scheme, the Mahama Cares initiative and nationwide free health screenings led by the First Lady, Lordina Mahama, which have improved early detection of high-risk pregnancies. She praised UNFPA, the National Development Planning Commission and the SDGs Advisory Unit for convening the dialogue, stressing that the lives of women across Ghana depend on concrete actions taken after the meeting. Gender equality crisis The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described Ghanas high maternal mortality rate as a national development crisis, a human rights issue and a major gender equality concern, calling for urgent, coordinated action across all sectors. Dr Lartey stressed that maternal mortality was driven not only by medical causes but by deep-rooted structural inequalities, poverty, weak emergency transport and referral systems, harmful cultural practices and limited decision-making power for women, especially in rural communities. She warned that each maternal death devastates families, deepens poverty and undermines national development. She called for scaling up proven district-level successes, improving emergency transport, blood availability, supply chains and psychosocial support, and strengthening maternal death surveillance and accountability. "When women survive childbirth, families thrive, communities prosper and nations grow. Let us act now so that in Ghana, giving life never costs a woman her own. Let us act together so that motherhood is saved, dignified and celebrated. Saving women's lives is not charity. It is justice," she said. Featured Vice-President expresses concern over rise in drug abuse among young people Diana Mensah Jan - 15 - 2026 , 09:57 4 minutes read The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has expressed concern over the increasing misuse of drugs among young people. Speaking during a working visit to the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment in Accra yesterday, she said it had become even more crucial to protect children from early exposure to harmful substances. The visit was part of a broader engagement with key ministries to understand their challenges and support their needs. She had earlier visited the ministries of Education, Health, and Gender, Children and Social Protection. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was accompanied by the Chief of Staff in her office, Alex Percival Segbefia, along with other staff. She was received by the sector Minister, George Opare Addo, together with management, staff and heads of agencies under the ministry Issues The Vice-President discussed employment and labour migration, stressing the need for dignity, respect and protection for young people, particularly women involved in domestic and overseas work. She condemned exploitative labour arrangements and pledged the governments commitment to ensure proper safeguards for those seeking opportunities abroad. People being sent out should have the right protections. Somebody should be holding their back, she said. She called for public cooperation to protect vulnerable citizens, saying, We dont want to read stories about people being locked up, unfed or denied decent living conditions, she said, stressing that protecting vulnerable citizens is a shared responsibility between the government and the public. She urged greater cooperation to prevent exploitation and abuse. Commendation Prof. Opoku-Agyemang commended the ministry for going beyond the traditional 30 per cent affirmative action benchmark to achieve 50 per cent representation, describing the move as very impressive and urged the ministry to sustain its inclusive approach. She commended the ministry for making a conscious effort to ensure that young women are not sidelined in youth-focused policies. The Vice-President stressed that youth issues cut across all sectors of national life, including education, health, agriculture, industry and security. She assured the ministry of the governments support in working with other state institutions, emphasising that governance should not be about territorial boundaries but about collective national impact. While acknowledging the ministrys focus on students and young people in formal education, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang urged the ministry to pay equal attention to vulnerable youth who are out of school, including young people working in markets, on the streets or struggling to support families. She called for targeted interventions for those falling through the cracks, particularly in relation to drug abuse, violence and mental health challenges. She further urged the ministry to prioritise tracking and impact studies to measure the effectiveness of youth interventions over time. According to her, these evidence-based assessments would help the government sustain and expand successful programmes. She encouraged collaboration with researchers and academic institutions to track beneficiaries and long-term outcomes. When we are able to measure impact, then we know how to sustain and how to extend, she said. Data The minister said a recent research conducted by the Global Info Analytics in some tertiary institutions, including nursing training, teacher training, technical universities and traditional universities, revealed that 41 per cent of tertiary students and 37 per cent of second-cycle students were aware of substance abuse on their campuses. He said data further showed that drug use often began early, with 26 per cent of respondents under 15 getting to know about substances on school campuses, while 41 per cent reported first use between ages 16 and 17. Mr Opare-Addo said alcohol emerged as the most commonly abused substance, followed by cannabis-infused edibles, shisha, cigarettes and prescription drugs. He said alarmingly, seven per cent of students reported awareness of cocaine use and 5 per cent of heroin use on campuses. He added that mental health challenges were also flagged as a growing concern, with depression and anxiety linked to lifestyle pressures, peer influence and betting activities. Metro Mass to receive more than 350 new buses in February 2026 Previous article: Metro Mass to receive more than 350 new buses in February 2026 Featured Ghana orders four Airbus helicopters to boost defence and emergency operations Kweku Zurek Jan - 15 - 2026 , 14:00 3 minutes read Ghana has moved to strengthen its national emergency response and security infrastructure with the acquisition of four advanced helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, following a contract awarded by the Ministry of Defence. The deal covers two H175M multi-mission helicopters and two Airbus Corporate Helicopters platforms, one ACH175 and one ACH160, in a move that positions Ghana to enhance its capacity for search and rescue, emergency medical services and disaster relief operations. Cost The government will fully finance the purchase of the multipurpose helicopters over four years, with an initial instalment of 62.5 million. This will be followed by subsequent payments in May 2026, March 2027 and December 2028. According to an Airbus Helicopters press release, the H175M aircraft will be deployed for transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services and disaster relief missions, providing the country with greater flexibility in responding to both civilian emergencies and security-related operations. Announcing the agreement, the Head of Africa and Middle East Region for Airbus Helicopters, Arnaud Montalvo, described the contract as a renewed partnership between Ghana and the manufacturer. The commitment from Ghana marks the return of Airbus Helicopters to the country with a defined focus on customer support and partnership, he said. He noted that the selection of the H175M platform reflects Ghanas operational needs across defence and humanitarian missions, while the inclusion of corporate helicopters underscores the governments focus on reliable and modern transport for official duties. We are particularly excited that the H175M will be operated in Ghana, demonstrating the aircrafts versatility across defence and security missions. This key deal also makes Ghana a leading customer in West Africa for our premium corporate helicopters, the ACH160 and ACH175, Mr Montalvo added. About the helicopters The H175M is the militarised variant of the super-medium H175 helicopter, which has been in service globally since 2014. The aircraft is designed to combine long range, high payload capacity and smooth flight performance, making it suitable for a wide range of missions including disaster response, public services and military operations. The ACH160 and ACH175 are part of Airbus corporate helicopter range and feature enhanced cabin designs tailored for executive and government transport, with a strong emphasis on comfort, technology and operational efficiency. Airbus Helicopters did not disclose the cost of the contract or delivery timelines for the aircraft. The acquisition comes amid increased investment by African governments in modernising air assets to support security, humanitarian and public service operations. Airbus Helicopters currently has more than 500 aircraft in service across Africa, operating in roles ranging from law enforcement and medical evacuation to offshore energy support. For Ghana, the addition of the new helicopters is expected to improve rapid response capabilities during emergencies and disasters, while also strengthening air mobility for defence and government operations. Featured Man faces court over alleged GH500,000 auction vehicle scam in Adenta GNA Jan - 15 - 2026 , 16:57 2 minutes read A 55-year-old man has appeared before an Adenta Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a businessman of GH500,000 under the pretext of securing an auctioned vehicle. Bawah Yusif Sarkodie, who allegedly presented himself as a national security operative, is accused of collecting the amount to facilitate the purchase of a Toyota Land Cruiser. The prosecution said the vehicle was purportedly seized by the government and advertised for auction at the Tema Harbour, but Sarkodie failed to deliver after collecting the money. Charged with defrauding by false pretences, Sarkodie pleaded not guilty. The court admitted him to bail in the sum of GHC600,000 with two sureties and ordered him to report to the police every Monday. Presenting the facts, the prosecution, led by Chief Superintendent of Police Patience Mario, told the court that the complainant, Charles Amoakoh, is a businessman engaged in car rental services at Adenta Pantang Junction, while the accused is a businessman resident at West Legon. In May 2025, Sarkodie, who had been renting vehicles from the complainant, visited him at his garage and introduced himself as a National Security operative and an official of the National Democratic Congress, the prosecution said. Sarkodie allegedly told the complainant that he could assist him to acquire Toyota Land Cruisers seized by the government and being auctioned at GHC500,000 per vehicle at the Tema Harbour. He further claimed to have an office near the Tema Community 18 Municipal Assembly and invited the complainant to meet him there with the money to facilitate the transaction. On May 6, 2025, at about 1000 hours, the complainant, accompanied by two witnesses, met Sarkodie at the stated location, according to the prosecution. The court heard that Sarkodie requested the complainant to hand over the money, claiming it was needed to pay a token to some officials at the Assembly to enable easy access to the vehicle. While seated in the complainants car, Sarkodie allegedly received the GHC500,000 but deliberately left GHC20,000, his Samsung mobile phone and two reflective jackets in the vehicle before entering one of the buildings at the Assembly, pretending he was going to make the payment. The prosecution said the complainant waited for some time but became suspicious when Sarkodie failed to return. A search for him proved futile, as he had switched off his phones and fled. A complaint was subsequently lodged with the police, and Sarkodie was arrested on September 11, 2025, following investigations. Further investigations revealed that the accused was allegedly involved in a series of similar fraudulent activities in Accra. The case has been adjourned to March 9, 2026. Featured Metro Mass to receive more than 350 new buses in February 2026 Mohammed Ali Jan - 15 - 2026 , 14:14 2 minutes read Metro Mass Transit Limited (MMTL) says it expects to take delivery of more than 350 new buses by the first week of February to expand services and ease pressure on heavily patronised intra-city routes in Accra. According to the Head of Communications at MMTL, Mohammed Mubarak Watara, the buses form part of a government procurement programme aimed at stabilising public transport, particularly during peak periods when commuters often face long waiting times and congestion. In December 2025, the Minister of Transport sent his deputy Dorcas Affo-Toffey to Egypt to inspect at first-hand the ISUZU buses being procured for the MMTL. Speaking in a radio interview with Accra based Citi FM on Thursday [January 15, 2026], Mr Watara said Metro Mass had restructured its operations to prioritise intra-city movement, despite operating with a significantly reduced fleet. He explained that some intercity services had been scaled down to allow buses to be redeployed to busy Accra corridors, including Adenta to Accra, Kaneshie to Kasoa, Circle to Amasaman and Nsawam. At the moment our fleet is low, but we have adjusted to what the minister directed, Mr Watara said, adding that operating hours on selected routes had been extended to meet rush-hour demand. Mr Watara noted that Metro Mass currently operates about 115 buses nationwide, far below the number required to serve all assigned routes. As a result, the company has been compelled to give priority to intra-city services at the expense of some long-distance operations. He said delivery of the new buses was delayed after final inspections revealed the need for additional specifications to reflect changes in transport operations. The managing director and the Deputy Minister went for the final inspection last month. There were a few things that needed to be added, which is why the buses have not arrived yet, Mr Watara said. According to him, the first batch of buses is expected to arrive by the end of January or, at the latest, the first week of February. The deliveries form part of a broader government fleet renewal programme announced in 2025 by the Minister for Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari-Nikpe. Featured Police bust alleged robbery and gang rape syndicate in Juaso Jemima Okang Addae Jan - 15 - 2026 , 12:22 1 minute read The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested six suspects believed to be members of a robbery and gang rape syndicate operating in Juaso in the Ashanti Region, following an intelligence-led operation. The suspects, identified as David Adusah, also known as Vibes; Samuel Amantor, known as Road; Andrew Odei, also known as Salinco; Sharif Mohammed, also called Isco; Joseph Addo, known as Moves; and Chidi Arinze, also known as Orga Happiness, were arrested on January 8, 2026. Police said searches conducted at the residences of the suspects led to the retrieval of 49 mobile phone covers, a bayonet case, a green dress resembling a military uniform, and a photograph showing the alleged leader of the group dressed in military-style camouflage. A Toyota RAV4 vehicle, believed to have been used in the groups criminal activities, was also retrieved and impounded. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted their involvement in the reported robbery and gang rape cases. On January 12, 2026, the suspects were arraigned before a court and remanded into lawful custody to reappear on January 28, 2026, to enable the police to complete their investigations. The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all persons found culpable will be held accountable for their actions. Students are learning how to connect and lead at Washington Elementary. During Tuesday's Sweetwater County School District No. 2 board meeting, Washington Elementary Principal Danelle Burd gave a presentation about the school's unique peer mentorship program. Burd highlighted the program's benefit to student relationships, the overall benefits of student leadership and how the program operates. Burd explained some of the specific benefits of student relationships within the program. "In regard to our younger students we see them building relationships with their older peers, which helps younger students feel a sense of belonging with positive role models, offers peers who are able to help navigate the challenges of school, and can help reduce their anxiety at school," she said. Burd went on to explain how older students also see a lot of advantages in being a part of the program. "It helps our older students build leadership skills as they gain responsibility as a role model, helps them reinforce their own learning of both academic and social skills, helps them feel a sense of purpose as they guide younger peers, and helps develop or reinforce empathy as they help someone navigate learning through a different perspective," she added. Burd also stressed the importance of how the program benefits everyone, by building relationships and helping students learn leadership. "This program helps the school culture feel more connected and can reduce bullying behaviors, it promotes collaboration among students as well as school staff," Burd said. "These benefits promote a more positive environment.' The presentation spotlighted the social-emotional learning aspects including confidence and self-esteem; developing social-emotional skills like patience, empathy, and communication skills; and taking ownership and responsibility, helping students become more invested and engaged. Critical thinking is also in the forefront of the school's program. Some of the leadership roles require students to think critically and find solutions to a variety of challenges they may have never anticipated, preparing the students for future endeavors. Some of the leadership roles within the program include Patriot Pals, where upper grade level students are paired with a younger grade level peer. They may do projects together, read, or mentor their younger grade level peers. Burd said, "Patriot Pals develops relationships that the younger kids adore, and the bigger kids take seriously. They support each other and cheer on each other." Another leadership role at Washington Elementary comes through the student-led assemblies. The fourth grade students are put in charge of the assemblies. The school has two virtual assemblies and two in person assemblies each school year. Burd described how the different options help students shine while feeling comfortable doing so. "These options give our more extroverted students a chance to lead in front of the school, while virtual assemblies give our more introverted students an opportunity to lead in a more comfortable way," she said. "They have scripts, tell jokes, sing, and introduce teachers. Either way that they present, they are brave and lead our celebration of students and their achievements." Burd conveyed that the successful program's ultimate goal is to foster relationships and allow for students to feel safe to take the risks of leadership. The Green River Police Department reported the successful recovery of a missing vulnerable adult following the issuance of an Ashanti Alert early Tuesday morning, Jan. 6. "This outcome highlights the effectiveness of the alert system and the commitment of law enforcement to community safety," the GRPD said in a press release. The alert was shared through the Ashanti Alert System, a program designed to assist in locating missing adults who may have vulnerabilities or other concerns for their welfare. The alert went out after midnight, being shared on social media by groups like the Wyoming Highway Patrol, and going out to cell phones after 1 a.m. The public was asked to help locate Paul Kincaid, an 80-year-old male. The alert shared that Kincaid was suffering from dementia and diabetes. While the GRPD said there have been some questions and concerns about the alert itself, Police Chief Shaun Sturlaugson stated: "This is exactly why the Ashanti Alert System exists-to protect our most vulnerable community members. The quick response and collaboration between agencies ensured a safe outcome, and we are thankful for the support of the public in these critical situations." The GRPD also clarified that the alert was issued shortly after the individual was reported missing to police department. "While the individual had not been in contact with friends and family for several days, he was not reported missing until that time," the press release explained. "Any statements suggesting otherwise are inaccurate." The GRPD said their officers in partnership with the Wyoming Highway Patrol were able to issue the alert quickly thanks to a rapid and well-coordinated investigation. As a result, the individual was located safely within a few hours, nearly 200 miles from his home. "His family expressed deep gratitude for the swift response and the effectiveness of the system," the press release said. For anyone who prefers not to receive future notifications, alerts such as those from the Ashanti System can be customized or disabled on your mobile device. Online resources and video tutorials are available to assist with this process. For more information about the Ashanti Alert System, visit the U.S. Department of Justice website and use the search feature to access detailed resources. "We appreciate the community's understanding and support in these critical situations," the GRPD said. "The safety and well-being of our residents remain our highest priority." Former wildlife officials warn Trump-appointed team they can't haphazardly dispose of refuge land, though many support a review of the embattled national system. A Wyoming mule deer advocate is leading a Trump administration review of the National Wildlife Refuge System as former agency officials worry the effort is being rushed and may lead to divesting of federal land owned by all Americans. Josh Coursey, a Donald Trump-appointed senior advisor to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik, will undertake a "programmatic comprehensive review" of the 573-unit refuge system, according to Nesvik's Dec. 16 order. The review also will inventory five marine national monuments, 71 national fish hatcheries and more. Coursey is the co-founder of Wyoming's Muley Fanatic Foundation. WyoFile was unable to reach him for an interview before this story published. Nesvik is the former director of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The review of hatcheries, marine monuments and 96 million acres of national refuge land - an area larger than Montana - is being rushed and may not account for the purposes for which various refuges were established, seven former career refuge system officials wrote to Nesvik in a Jan. 5 email obtained by WyoFile. The retirees, who have hundreds of years of combined experience, warned Coursey that the Fish and Wildlife Service "does not have broad authority to dispose of lands" in the refuge system. "With certain limited exceptions, [refuge] lands can be disposed of only by act of Congress," the retirees wrote. The seven retirees, who reached the upper echelon of the Fish and Wildlife Service, signed the email to Nesvik, Coursey and Dave Miko, the agency's acting deputy director for operations. They include four former deputy directors: Marshall Jones, Gary Frazer, James Kurth and Greg Siekaniec. The other three signers are: retired National Wildlife Refuge System Chief Geoffrey Haskett, Division of Migratory Bird Management Chief Brad Bortner and Megan Durham, a former deputy assistant director of external affairs at Fish and Wildlife. The ad-hoc group also appears worried that Nesvik's order signals some refuges or hatcheries might be eliminated. Nesvik asked field managers to "look for refuges or hatcheries established for a purpose that no longer aligns with the [U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service] mission." Nesvik's directive calls for "an initial summary of organizational change recommendations" due by Monday with final recommendations due Feb. 15. That's a rushed timeline, the former officials contend. "Such a large and important analysis should certainly be given more time and resources to develop a thoughtful and useful product," their email reads. Nesvik responded immediately, according to Jones, one of the deputy directors who signed the email. "Brian stays on top of his email," Jones told WyoFile in a Wednesday telephone interview. "I'm very impressed." Nesvik wrote, "I appreciate you and the other co-signers' efforts to provide your initial thoughts and offer your assistance in our review," according to Jones, who didn't share the email but read it to WyoFile. Nesvik sent the email to Durham, one of the retirees. "You can expect to hear from someone on the team in the coming weeks as we conduct this important work," Nesvik wrote. Room for improvement The ad-hoc group of retirees supports the overall review. "We think it's a good idea," Jones said. "I'm sure there's always improvements that can be made." The National Wildlife Refuge Association's president is also cautiously standing behind the Coursey-led assessment. "It is a good and necessary thing to understand the complexity of the situation," President Desiree Sorenson-Groves told WyoFile. The audit comes on the heels of long-term declines in staffing and funding that have left the whole system "at risk," with not a single refuge possessing the resources it requires, according to a recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service inventory. Since 2010, national wildlife refuges have hemorrhaged more than 30% of their employees, mainly as a result of losing funding, Sorenson-Groves said. "Before the second Trump administration, the refuge system was already in a dire place," she said. Trump's "Department of Government Efficiency" exacerbated the situation, further trimming staff at refuges and hatcheries in Wyoming and beyond. Last month, 20 Democratic U.S. senators wrote Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to "sound the alarm" on the service's "staffing crisis." "A startling amount of staff and expertise needed to manage the refuge system and protect America's wildlife have been lost due to the administration's firings, early retirement programs, and other efforts to push staff out of FWS," the senators wrote in a Dec. 18 letter. "We ask that you provide Congress with your plan to address FWS's staffing crisis..." Meanwhile, Sorenson-Groves is holding out hope that the audit now underway won't result in recommendations that further whittle away at wildlife refuges, or proposals that would sell them off. "If that is the case, then we will deal with that," she said. "You don't just divest refuges, as they [the retirees] pointed out in that letter. There's a process, most of them are public processes, and there would have to be a really good reason." Another underpinning to the retirees' worries is the distinction between the refuge system and the Fish and Wildlife Service itself. That difference appears lost in Nesvik's order. "The refuge system has its own organic act that lays out the purposes of the system - the way the system should operate," Jones said. "It's not just a subsidiary part of the Fish and Wildlife Service." (Fish and Wildlife Service's mission is "working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people," according to the agency website.) The retiree's email to Nesvik states that federal laws establish specific purposes for individual refuges, "and any review should use these as a guideline, not the overall mission of the FWS." Federal laws say refuge units should be managed for "the specific purposes for which each refuge was established," the email says. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act also obligates the U.S. to conserve cross-border avian migrants, the retirees stated. 'Things that concern me' Jones wouldn't characterize his former colleagues' views about what's been called Trump's anti-environmental agenda, but he has worries. "It's not about the political party - it is about the mindset and what people think is important," Jones said. "There are things that concern me about the current administration. The concerns are very significant now." Migratory birds are declining, and even mule deer are another species "in trouble," Jones said. It's "a fight" to educate people about the needs of wildlife and make sure those needs are taken into account amid development pressure and pollution that weighs on the natural world, he said. "The worries don't magically disappear, depending on what administration is in power in Washington D.C. or state capitols," he said. "We are passionate advocates of the refuge system [and marine sanctuaries]. These areas are important to the American people for the long-term health of our country's resources, and they make large financial contributions to the communities involved." According to Nesvik's order, the National Wildlife Refuge System review is to be completed along with "a list of actionable recommendations" no later than Feb. 15. The agency is not soliciting comments from the general public, but it did establish a system so that refuge system staff could anonymously provide feedback. The National Wildlife Refuge Association will be weighing in too, using the same approach the retirees did - sending an email. "Josh [Coursey] and Dave [Miko], I know that they're actually interested in hearing feedback," Sorenson-Groves said. "I'm not jumping to any conclusions because I want to see where they go with this." WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy. Residents complain state board has inadequately addressed concerns. Then, Gov. Mark Gordon and Secretary of State Chuck Gray get into ugly spat. For 2.5 hours Thursday, state officials heard testimony and emotional pleas from nearly two dozen residents throughout central and southeast Wyoming about a growing "wall" of wind turbines that critics say threatens to proliferate unchecked. The State Board of Land Commissioners, most speakers agreed, has fumbled its responsibility to effectively engage the public, has approved state land leases for various industrial projects that it sometimes regrets and generally failed to consider cumulative impacts critics say threaten private property, ranching and small communities. "This is no longer a series of isolated projects," Cheyenne area resident Wendy Volk said. "It is a continuous, or near continuous, industrial corridor stretching across multiple counties and landscapes." Niobrara County rancher Bobby Giesse was more direct. "Why is it when 90% of the people are saying, 'We don't want this. [It threatens] things like the oil and gas industry. It's against tourism. It is in direct conflict with agriculture.' But yet it's getting pushed down our throats and people aren't listening. So the question is, why?" The board, made of Wyoming's top five elected officials, held the special meeting in Douglas - one of the hotbeds of existing and planned large energy projects, including the controversial Pronghorn H2 wind and hydrogen energy proposal. Board members empathized with residents' frustrations. "One of the complaints I've heard about this decision is that we aren't willing to admit we made a mistake," Auditor Kristi Racines said, referring to the board's decision last year to grant state land leases to the Pronghorn H2 developer. "And so me, personally, I am here today to tell you that I apologize. I apologize for the mess that this has become." The board has sometimes whiffed on public notices, Racines added, and failed to give the public a proper platform to engage, including a December meeting that didn't allow for a full discussion between the board and concerned residents. "I was horrified by the way that came out," Racines said. "It was very unsatisfying to everyone there." Though wind energy stood at the center of the discussion, residents and local officials alike referenced myriad new energy projects, as well as what appears to be a wave of data center proposals. Combined, the tsunami of industrial ventures threatens viewsheds, tourism, agriculture and scarce water resources without a cohesive government venue to deal with either specific projects or bigger picture impacts. "My request today is very simple," Cheyenne area resident Niffy McNiff Bube told the board. "Please slow down, take a broader view and fully consider cumulative impacts when evaluating, when leasing on state-trust lands, especially in the areas where development is forming continuous corridors." Though public testimony was emotional at times, the decorum of the hearing went smoothly - until a spat erupted between board members Gov. Mark Gordon and Secretary of State Chuck Gray. The two have frequently sparred in public forums. While hashing out procedural matters at the end of the hearing, Gordon accused Gray of casting aspersions against Attorney General Keith Kautz, who was not at the meeting. Gray denied doing so, and things quickly escalated. "Step outside," Gordon said to Gray. "Do you want to step outside?" "Are you threatening me?" Gray responded while seated next to the governor. "No, I'm asking if you want to step outside?" Gordon said. "Are you threatening me?" Gray said again. The bickering de-escalated from there, with Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder commenting, "This has been very unproductive the last couple of minutes. I'd like to get us back on track." Asked for an explanation regarding the governor's remarks, Gordon Communications Director Amy Edmonds told WyoFile, "The governor just wanted to sort of cleanse the palate. Step outside, have a conversation. And really, it was asking the secretary, 'Do you need to go outside?'" State board's role The Office of State Lands and Investments, which includes the State Board of Land Commissioners, has come under increasing public pressure for its outsized role in determining the viability of energy and mining projects. The agency administers more than 3 million acres of school trust lands scattered throughout every county in the state. Because of that scattered pattern, energy and mining projects - if their footprint is large enough - commonly include state-owned lands, or "school sections." If a developer acquires a state land lease, it makes their project seem much more viable to investors and other permitting agencies, several concerned residents asserted. Some argued Thursday that developers even seek out state land leases as a fulcrum to gain leverage over neighboring landowners. There can also be an inherent conflict between the agency's fiduciary duty to utilize state school sections to maximize revenue for K-12 schools via mining and oil development and other, less lucrative uses, such as recreation and grazing. Sometimes priorities differ between the state and a county's land use plan. A recent example is the dispute over a proposed gravel mining operation at the base of Casper Mountain - an ongoing episode that began with the board of commissioners approving mining leases without reviewing the applications or consulting with locals. Responding to a rancher's criticism of a singular focus on maximizing revenues from school sections, Treasurer Curt Meier offered empathy, but no apologies. "I'm going to continue to live up to my constitutional duties" as a state board of land commissioner, Meier said. "I can't do anything less. I understand the situation that you guys are in. You're impacted." Still, residents said they feel like the state is failing them. "Our regulatory framework, designed decades ago, was not intended to address development at this scale or concentration," Volk said. "Evaluating projects one-by-one while ignoring what surrounds them creates blind spots large enough to affect entire landscapes, surface lessees and communities. Wyoming deserves better than a piecemeal process for decisions of this magnitude." More recently, the board has been in hot water with residents living between Glenrock and Douglas, who are frustrated that Colorado-based Focus Clean Energy, the Pronghorn H2 developer, received leases despite widespread opposition. A rancher challenged the state leases - spanning some 15,500 acres in total - in district court and won, resulting in an order to repeal the leases. Gordon earned the ire of Secretary Gray - who voted against granting the leases - when Attorney General Kautz appealed the decision to the Wyoming Supreme Court. Gordon and Kautz have said the primary reason for the appeal was that the lower court's ruling appears to redefine leasing language in a way that might open the state to much broader challenges. Gordon also surmised on Thursday that other board members might want the attorney general to withdraw his appeal to the state's high court and voluntarily rescind the Pronghorn H2 state leases. In response to a motion by Gray to do just that, Gordon noted that the board had not provided public notice for such actions and declared the motion "out of order." Potential solutions Several board members appeared to concede that the agency's narrow focus, combined with a bureaucracy of siloed institutions at the local, state and federal levels, has proven inadequate to meet the challenge of orchestrating development guided by cultural and land values. Gordon, during the meeting, likened such deficiencies to criticism during the coalbed methane gas boom of the 2000s. He issued a statement after the meeting, noting "Wyoming has spent decades finding the 'sweet spot' - from the coalbed methane fields to today's discussion on wind. "The broad takeaway is these are issues Wyoming has been struggling with for decades and those of us who are constitutionally entrusted with the responsibility of these lands by the people have grappled with similar issues over time," he continued. "Getting to the perfect solution for everyone may not be possible but it's clear everyone is working toward getting as close to that outcome as possible." One potential tool, Gordon suggested during the meeting, is to "repurpose" the rare or very uncommon provision in the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act - a tool that has been mostly neutered by the Legislature, he said. "It allowed for a nomination to be done that could set aside portions of state land," Gordon said while addressing Glenrock Republican Rep. Kevin Campbell. "I have been trying for at least four years to repurpose that provision so that citizens like these could say, 'This is a very special part of Wyoming. This needs to be protected,' which would then give this board more of an opportunity to say, 'Here's a reason why we shouldn't be talking about fiduciary'" duties alone. Campbell accepted an invitation from Gordon to take up such a measure in the Legislature. Meantime, concerned residents pressed for a broader solution and perspective. "I would like to emphasize that asking for cumulative corridor level review is not opposition to wind energy," Volk told the board. "It is a request for responsible asset management. Wyoming's trust lands are finite. Once they're fragmented and industrialized at this scale, the loss of flexibility, productivity and landscape integrity cannot be undone." WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy. 2/17/1964 - 12/30/25 Danny Brown, a cherished resident of Green River, Wyoming, passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the age of 61. Born in Auburn, California, Danny was the beloved son of the late Raymond Brown and Ann Smith. Growing up in California, Danny attended local schools and graduated from Rio Linda High School. He was known for his strong work ethic and spent many years working in the construction industry, particularly skilled in pouring asphalt. His dedication to his craft and attention to detail earned him respect among his peers. Outside of work, Danny had a passion for riding Harleys and a deep love for cars, which he enjoyed working on in his spare time. He found joy in camping and hunting, and had a deep appreciation for weaponry, often sharing these interests with those close to him. Danny leaves behind a loving family, including his son, Matthew Brown of Green River, Wyoming, and his brother, Darren Gehrke of Sacramento, California. He was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Matthias, Danny, Autumn, Lily, and Michael, who will all remember his adventurous spirit and storytelling. Danny was preceded in death by his parents, his maternal and paternal grandparents, and his siblings, Larry Gehrke and Linda Gehrke, who undoubtedly welcomed him with open arms. In accordance with Danny's wishes, there will be no formal services following his cremation. Friends and family are invited to leave their condolences at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com. Danny will be remembered fondly for his vibrant personality, love for adventure, and the indelible mark he left on the hearts of those who knew him. Dear Editor, One of the greatest benefits of living in Wyoming is our public school system. The state Constitution and multiple court rulings require that our schools receive enough money to ensure every child gets a high-quality education. Public education is important to me and my family: I attended Wyoming schools from kindergarten through graduation, have worked as an educator in various towns in the state for nearly 18 years, and my child attends our local elementary school. Throughout these experiences I have seen how valuable the education system is for young people of our state. Its up to the Wyoming Legislature to ensure our students get a quality education by approving enough funding for schools. Lawmakers will take an important step toward that goal on Jan. 22 and 23, when a panel known as the School Finance Recalibration Committee votes on recommendations for school funding. A lawmaker from Green River, state Rep. Scott Heiner, is a member of that committee, and his vote will help determine whether thousands of students in Lincoln, Sweetwater, Uinta county school districts get the good education they need to become successful, productive citizens who make a positive contribution to their communities. You can help by contacting Rep. Heiner and urging him to make sure our public schools get full, robust funding to protect our students futures. His email and phone number, listed on the Wyoming Legislatures website, are [email protected], (307) 870-2859. Please let Rep. Heiner know just how important properly funded education is to you. Thank you. Brian Spicer Laramie On January 21, 2026, the City of Green River will mark the retirement of Sherry Schumacher, who has dedicated the past 34 years to the City's Parks and Recreation Department with unmatched energy, professionalism, and compassion. Sherry's journey began in March of 1992 when she was hired as an Account Clerk. Her hard work and commitment to community service quickly became apparent, leading to promotions through roles such as Recreation Facility Coordinator and Leisure Programs Coordinator before she became Recreation Program Supervisor in 2003-a title she has held with distinction ever since. Over three decades, Sherry has been the creative force behind some of the city's most beloved recreation programs and community events. From teaching generations of Green River children how to swim through American Red Cross Swim Lessons, to organizing annual traditions like the Middle School New Year's Eve Party, Summer Run Series, Chalk It Up, Quilting on the Green, and countless fitness classes, Sherry has touched nearly every facet of Green River's recreational life. Her impact also extended to important community partnerships, including more than a decade of collaborative school wellness initiatives with Sweetwater County School District #2. Programs like Movies in the Park, the Water Easter Egg Hunt, and adult volleyball and wallyball leagues grew under her leadership and brought together residents of all ages. Sherry's excellence has been recognized both locally and statewide. She received the Wyoming Recreation and Park Association's Outstanding Professional Award in 2017 and, in 2022, was honored with their highest distinction-the WRPA Fellow Award-celebrating her long-standing leadership and service to the profession. In 2010, she played a key role in an initiative that earned the City of Green River the Wyoming Association of Municipalities Innovation Award. Most notably, Sherry crafted the award-winning application that led Green River Parks and Recreation to win the National Gold Medal Award in 2020 from the National Recreation and Park Association-the first time any Wyoming community received this prestigious national honor. A true professional, Sherry continuously sought opportunities to expand her expertise. She earned her Associate of Science degree from Western Wyoming Community College in 2008 and her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Wyoming in 2013. She also completed the NRPA Director School in 2024 and maintains a long list of professional certifications, including Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP), Certified Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), and Water Safety Instructor Trainer. Colleagues and community members describe Sherry not only as a program leader but as a mentor and friend. She has trained and guided hundreds of part-time employees-many of whom began their first jobs under her supervision-and has always been known for seeing the person behind the task. Her warm demeanor, supportive nature, and ability to lift others up have made her a beloved presence at the Recreation Center, and across the Green River community. Whether checking in with a colleague, encouraging a young swim instructor, or leading a class with humor and heart, Sherry brings authenticity and care to everything she does. As Sherry retires, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence, innovation, and community service that will continue to enrich Green River for generations to come. The City of Green River extends its deepest gratitude for her decades of service and wishes her all the best in this next chapter. The community is warmly invited to help us celebrate Sherry's remarkable career. An Open House will be held in her honor at the Green River Recreation Center, 1775 Hitching Post Drive, on Wednesday, January 21st, from 1 to 3 p.m. Friends, former employees, colleagues, and members of the public are encouraged to stop by, share memories, and wish Sherry well as she begins her retirement. There's been a lot of news about the Google Pixel 10a in the past couple of days or so. First, its colorways leaked along with a rough release timeframe, then a purported official image leaked. Now a new rumor from a tipster on X claims to have pricing information and an exact release date: February 17. The 128GB model will allegedly cost 500, while the 256GB version will go for 600. Official color-matching cases will go for 20 each. Google Pixel 9a Of course this pricing, if accurate, applies to the Eurozone. What's notable here is that the starting price is 50 lower than the Pixel 9a's was last year. Big if true, as the saying goes. Another notable thing is that, according to the source of this rumor, the 128GB model will be available in all four colors (Obsidian, Berry, Lavender, Fog), while the 256GB version will only be offered in Obsidian for some reason. That's odd, but Google's done weirder things before, so we wouldn't put it past it. Google Pixel 9a Source Back in October, Samsung launched its web browser called Internet on Windows. This was a pretty important development, as Samsung Internet had before that point been relegated to Android devices. Samsung Internet for Windows was a beta release and only available in Korea and the US. That changes today. Samsung Internet for Windows is now available to everyone regardless of locale (even though the official website may still claim it's only available in Korea and the US, the Download button works everywhere). It is still a beta release, that hasn't changed. The wider availability does hint at it maybe reaching stable status soon, but no official announcement on the matter has been made. You can of course use Samsung Internet to browse the web, just like you do on Chrome or Edge or Firefox or Opera or Vivaldi. Samsung Internet comes with a built-in sync feature, that works across your Android devices and the Windows browser. And with Samsung Pass, your passwords are safe and synced across devices too. You can even continue browsing web pages across devices. Via The global rollout of the Redmi Note 15 begins in earnest, here are the prices They took their sweet, sweet time, but the Redmi Note 15 series phones have finally arrived in Europe. The series made its debut in China with slightly different specs, then launched in India. The global launch originally happened in mid-December, so weve been waiting for a while. The five new models are finally available. And yes, its five models as Xiaomi continues building 4G versions for the Pro and vanilla members (the Pro+ is 5G only). This generation is defined by Redmi Titan Durability. This includes the first SiC batteries in the Redmi Note family the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ and 15 Pro have 6,500mAh batteries with 10% SiC content. They support 100W HyperCharge and 22.5W reverse charging. All Pro models (including the 4G one) also feature a Xiaomi Surge battery chip, which will help the battery keep at least 80% of its original capacity after 1,600 charge cycles thats 6 years of typical use. Redmi Note 15 Pro+ highlights The Redmi Note 15 Pro+ and Redmi Note 15 Pro debut the new 200MP HPE sensors (1/1.4). They have 2x and 4x in-sensor zoom, DAG HDR and advanced AI processing. They feature 6.83 OLED displays and are powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and Dimensity 7400 Ultra, respectively. Redmi Note 15 Pro highlights As part of their Titan Durability, they have reinforced mid-frames, multi-layer shock absorption, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and high-strength motherboards. They have been tested for drop resistance from 2.5m heights (did you watch the live durability test?). The Pro+ also features a fiberglass back panel for even better impact absorption. It also has the best water resistance with IP66 (splashes), IP68 (submersion down to 2m for up to 24h), IP69 and IP69K (cold and hot water jets) ratings. Redmi Note 15 highlights The Redmi Note 15 is the slimmest Redmi Note model yet with a 7.35mm profile. It houses a 5,520mAh SiC battery. Its LTE sibling, the Redmi Note 15 4G, is thicker at 7.9mm but it also has a bigger 6,000mAh battery. These two run on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and Helio G100 Ultra chipsets, respectively, and have 108MP cameras with 3x in-sensor zoom. Redmi Note 15 4G highlights The Redmi Note 15 Pro 4G has a 200MP camera, but it uses an older sensor. It also has a smaller 6.77 display, which it shares with the Note 15 and Note 15 4G. While not as tough as the Pro+ and Pro 5G, these three also have enhanced dust and water resistance. Redmi Note 15 Pro 4G highlights Below are the prices for the Redmi Note 15 series in Europe. Note that there are some early bird discounts and trade-in bonuses available over on Mi.com. The prices below are the MSRPs. The discount on the Pro+ model is 80 in the UK, while the Pro 5G is 50 off in Germany. Check your local Mi.com for more details as the deals vary by model. Also, we have reviews for the Pro 5G and Pro+ models, the reviews of the other three models are in progress (check out the links above). Source Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G (Global) Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G (Global) These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. 256GB 8GB RAM $ 404.99 512GB 8GB RAM $ 424.99 Show all prices Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 5G (Global) In less than 24 hours, the Trump administration reinstated nearly $2 billion in cuts to funding for substance use recovery and mental health programs, including more than $6 million for the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center that could put patients and jobs at risk. We are relieved that these harmful cuts have been reversed, Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said in a statement Thursday, a day after describing the funding cuts as heartless. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, SAMHSA, on Tuesday night canceled some 2,000 discretionary grants and others representing almost $2 billion for behavioral health and addiction treatment grants. SAMHSA is a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Tuesdays bombshell announcement of funding cuts drew swift bipartisan backlash from states and territories, including Guam. In termination notices sent to grantees, SAMHSA said its adjusting its discretionary award portfolio, which includes terminating some of its awards, in order to better prioritize agency resources. Wednesday night in Washington, D.C., the Trump administration reversed course. The funding at stake supports life-saving services for people struggling with addiction, mental illness, and crisis, the Guam governor said. These are not abstract dollarsthey represent care, stability, and hope for real families here on Guam, she added. This episode exposed the risks of uncertainty driven by federal executive action, Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio said in the same statement from Adelup. The cuts would have eliminated over $6 million in funding through 2028 for the Guam Behavioral Health and Wellness Center and its nonprofit partners, including WestCare Pacific. Adelup had begun contingency planning to temporarily fund services with local dollars to prevent job loss for nearly 20 GBHWC employees and service interruptions. This experience underscores why Guam must always be prepared to protect essential services when federal decisions are made without warning or consultation, Leon Guerrero said. We will continue to advocate for stability, predictability, and respect for the people who rely on these programs. Leon Guerrero and Tenorio said inconsistencies in policy pronouncements from Washington, D.C. must not lead to chaos in Guam. The Democrat governor also earlier called on Republican Del. James Moylan and the proud Friends of Trump in the Guam Legislature to get the message to their president in the White House of the impact of these cuts on Guam. This is not the first time that the Trump administration has reversed course, and contingencies must be in place that allow for reasoned, thoughtful responses that best serve the people of Guam, Adelup added. Haiti - News : Zapping... Operation in the "Barbecue" stronghold Wednesday January 14, 2026, an operation by the Haitian National Police (PNH) carried out jointly with the Armed Forces of Haiti (FAD'H), the Gang Supression Force (GSF) and officially a mercenary unit took place in the stronghold of "Barbecue", leader of the terrorist group "Viv Ansanm", in Delmas 6, notably in one of the places where he resides but absent at the time of the operation. This vast operation aimed to dislodge all the terrorist bandits who occupy this neighborhood and restore peace. Kamikaze drones would have been used and the clashes would have been intense. USA : Immigration visas suspended for 75 countries The US State Department is suspending the processing of immigrant visas for 75 countries to combat applicants who may become a burden on the state. The list includes among others Haiti, Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Nigeria, Thailand, Yemen... The suspension takes effect on January 21 and will remain in effect indefinitely, pending a re-evaluation of visa processing. This measure does not affect tourist or business visas subject to strict checks. US$500 million for border security In order to strengthen border security, fight against smuggling and collect customs fees with the Dominican Republic, a draft contract between the Haitian State and a consortium of international firms including the firm Evergreen, Alex Stewart International for a period of 10 years was transmitted to the Superior Court of Auditors and Administrative Disputes (CSC/CA) for approval. The Consortium is committed to investing $500 million (notably in equipment) for this project and will receive a payment that is partly fixed and partly variable, based on a % of customs revenue depending on performance. Italy supports 1,000 households in Delmas Thanks to the support of Italian Cooperation, more than 1,000 households in Delmas benefit from monetary transfers from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO - Haiti) to cover their immediate needs. This initiative quickly strengthens the food security of people displaced in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince due to insecurity. Project for a prosthesis manufacturing center (video) 16 years after the earthquake of January 12, 2010, an initiative bringing hope is born. The Office of the Secretary of State for the Integration of People with Disabilities (BSEIPH) is officially launching a rehabilitation and manufacturing center for prostheses and orthotics, intended to improve the care of people living with disabilities. A project supported by the United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health (UNFPA) and the National Fund for Education (FNE), which we invite you to discover in this report. Message from the American Embassy "ANY PERSON who enters the United States illegally through the recently established national defense zones along the southern border is subject to legal prosecution" is the message broadcast by the United States Embassy in Haiti. HL/ HaitiLibre (HedgeCo.Net) Wall Streets major banks reported stronger-than-expected revenue growth in prime brokerage this week, driven by record activity among hedge funds and soaring balances across equities and derivatives trading desks. According to Reuters reporting today, Bank of America, Citigroup, and JPMorgan all saw double-digit increases in prime brokerage performance for 2025, underscoring the vital role alternative asset managers now play in fueling institutional profit engines. Prime Brokerage Engines Burning Hot The surge in prime brokerage revenue comes amid a robust year for hedge fund performance, particularly in macro and multi-strategy mandates where firms leveraged technology-driven insights and nimble risk adjustments to generate strong returns. By some measures, hedge funds such as D.E. Shaw and Bridgewater Associates produced double-digit results in 2025, buoyed by AI-enhanced trading systems and volatile market conditions triggered by geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic shifts. The collapse and wind-down of Credit Suisses brokerage business over the past year has accelerated market share shifts, funneling client flows and custody balances to U.S. banks. This dynamic has allowed Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs to aggressively court former Credit Suisse hedge fund clients, locking in new relationships and generating recurring fee streams. What This Means for Alternative Managers For hedge funds and multi-strategy managers, the uptick in prime brokerage performance reflects greater access to leverage, financing, and trading platforms that support more sophisticated strategies. As leverage levels remain near historic highs, fund managers are intensifying their use of quantitative signals, systematic execution models, and cross-asset arbitrage plays to enhance risk-adjusted returns. It also suggests that prime brokers themselves will continue to innovate expanding financing solutions, risk analytics, and API-integrated trading tools tailored to hedge funds of all sizes. For the broader alternatives ecosystem, improved prime services may reduce barriers for emerging managers and institutional allocators alike. Market Outlook Analysts now project that prime brokerage units will grow at a steady pace through 2026 as hedge funds diversify exposures into new arenas such as private credit secondaries and structured credit solutions, reinforcing the linkage between liquid strategies and private market access. We expect further announcements from other Wall Street firms in the coming weeks. Fortinet is distributing updated software to close, in some cases critical, security vulnerabilities in FortiSIEM and FortiFone, among others. IT managers should install them quickly, as vulnerabilities in Fortinet products are frequently targeted by cybercriminals. Continue after ad In FortiSIEM, attackers from the network can inject arbitrary commands and code via specifically prepared TCP requests (CVE-2025-64155, CVSS 9.4, Risk critical). The reason is insufficient filtering of elements used in operating system commands. Versions FortiSIEM 7.4.1, 7.3.5, 7.2.7, and 7.1.9 correct the errors. Those using older versions must migrate to one of the error-corrected versions. FortiFone 7.0.2 and 3.0.24 or newer also plug a gap through which unauthorized attackers can spy out sensitive information from the FortiFone web portal via manipulated HTTP or HTTPS requests without having to log in first (CVE-2025-47855, CVSS 9.3, Risk critical). Further security vulnerabilities Updates in FortiOS and FortiSwitchManager plug a high-risk security vulnerability. With prepared requests to the cw_acd daemon, unauthenticated attackers from the network can provoke a heap-based buffer overflow. Injected malicious code can then be executed (CVE-2025-25249, CVSS 7.4, Risk high). As a temporary measure, administrators can remove fabric access on all interfaces. Versions FortiOS 7.6.4, 7.4.9, 7.2.12, 7.0.18, and 6.4.17, FortiSASE 25.2.c, and FortiSwitchManager 7.2.7 and 7.0.6 or newer correctly seal the security leak. FortiSASE 25.1.a.2 is vulnerable, but migration to 25.2.c is required to fix the vulnerability. In addition, Fortinet is correcting other security-relevant errors with medium or low-risk ratings in FortiClientEMS, FortiVoice, and FortiSandbox. The list of individual security advisories: Continue after ad Fortinet security vulnerabilities are repeatedly targeted by attackers. Last week, the US IT security authority CISA warned, for example, about ongoing internet attacks on a critical security vulnerability from 2020. In mid-December, there were also attacks in the wild on a vulnerability in the single sign-on of FortiOS, FortiProxy, FortiSwitchManager, and FortiWeb. (dmk) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. For over fifty years, the Interrail pass has enabled affordable train travel across Europe. The package deal, which initially targeted young people primarily, is managed by Eurail B.V. in Utrecht, Netherlands. This company is now warning its customers about a data leak: an unknown individual had access to the company's customer database and could have potentially accessed the personal and identification data of Interrail users. Continue after ad There are not many details about the incident, but Eurail states that the unknown attacker could have accessed the following data: Order and reservation information, Contact and identification data, and Number, issuing country, and expiry date of passport or ID card. Interrail does not store a copy of the identification document for customers, only the provided data, Eurail explains. However, this does not apply to all customers. Those who purchased a ticket as part of the DiscoverEU program must also expect that copies of identification documents, IBANs, and health data may have fallen into the wrong hands, according to a separate announcement. Details are unclear; investigations are ongoing Eurail does not explain when the incident occurred or whom specifically they suspect of the intrusion. However, the company is apparently confident that it was only a single individual. They are investigating further details with IT security specialists and forensic experts, have closed the security vulnerabilities, changed compromised access credentials, and strengthened security measures. All directly affected customers have been informed, and the responsible supervisory authority, the Dutch Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens, has also been notified. Eurail urges its customers to be vigilant. The attackers could use the stolen data to launch phishing or fraud attempts, and identity theft is also conceivable. The company has set up an FAQ to provide further assistance. Continue after ad Train tickets at a flat or monthly rate are attractive targets for fraudsters and counterfeiters. The Deutschlandticket was offered via illegal shops, causing damages of up to half a billion euros for transport companies since 2024. Copies of identification documents are also popular because they help with identity fraud; they are sometimes traded by the thousands on the darknet. (cku) Don't miss any news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn or Mastodon. This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical assistance and editorially reviewed before publication. The fourth-quarter figures show a broad-based drop in free-market rents, with decreases registered in 23 cities. In the capital region, rents fell 1.3 percent compared to the previous year, while elsewhere in the country, the drop was 0.5 percent. The national average decline was 0.8 percent, marking the first such nationwide contraction in the data series dating back to 2015. Private rental prices across Finland fell at the end of 2025 in a nationwide decline not previously recorded in official statistics, according to data from Statistics Finland . Eemeli Karlsson, chief economist at the Finnish Landlords Association, said the development is no longer confined to oversupply in large cities but now reflects broader economic pressure on tenants. Rents are falling even in towns with tight rental markets where demand used to exceed supply. In places like Vaasa and Lappeenranta, we now see clear downward movement, Karlsson said. In Vaasa, rents dropped by 2.4 percent year-on-year, the steepest decline in the country. Lappeenranta followed with a 1.7 percent fall, and Vantaa with 1.6 percent. Rises were recorded only in a handful of smaller cities, including Rovaniemi (+0.8 percent), Kotka (+0.6 percent), and Kouvola (+0.2 percent). Tenants' weakening purchasing power and reductions in housing benefits are key contributors, according to economists. It's not just supply. The affordability gap is widening. When support mechanisms like housing benefits are scaled back, tenants face greater difficulty meeting existing rent levels, Karlsson said. The declines are most evident in two-bedroom flats. In the capital region, rents for one-bedroom units fell by 0.8 percent, two-bedrooms by 1.9 percent, and three-bedroom units by 1.0 percent. Elsewhere, one-bedroom rents remained flat, while two-bedroom and three-bedroom units saw drops of 0.9 percent and 0.4 percent respectively. In contrast, state-subsidised ARA housing rents increased, further narrowing the gap between regulated and market rents. In the capital region, ARA rents rose by 3.4 percent. Nationally, the increase was 2.4 percent. The sharpest increases in ARA rents were recorded in Joensuu (+5.3 percent), Mikkeli (+4.5 percent), and Turku (+4.3 percent). These rents are determined by actual cost levels, unlike market rents, which respond to supply and demand. Meanwhile, the shift in rent levels is affecting new construction. Developers are now struggling to make projects financially viable. Construction costs are up, rents are down, and projects cant be built cheaper than before. That combination freezes new building activity, Karlsson said. Private landlords, he added, are increasingly reluctant to invest in new construction, leading to fewer housing starts. Karlsson said talk of a looming rental housing shortage is unfounded. Despite falling rents, new rental-only projects are still entering the market. I dont see a shortage in the near future. We should let the market adjust naturally without interference, he said. Calls from political quarters to remove property transfer taxes or to boost construction subsidies were dismissed by Karlsson as potentially distorting the market further. Sometimes the best policy is to do nothing at all, he said. HT The Finnish Ministry of Defence said on Thursday that the officers will assess training opportunities in the region. The deployment is part of a wider initiative involving several NATO allies, including Sweden, Norway, Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Finland will send two liaison officers to Greenland in response to a request from Denmark, as NATO members expand joint military cooperation in the Arctic. According to Danish officials, the exercise currently underway, known as Operation Arctic Endurance, aims to lay the foundation for a rotational force based on the island. This has been a goal throughout Finlands NATO membership, said Antti Hakkanen, Finlands Minister of Defence. Our security improves when our allies develop their capabilities to operate in the Arctic. Greenlands Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said after a recent meeting with US officials in Washington that while Greenland seeks closer cooperation with the US, it does not intend to become American territory. We want partnership, not ownership, she said. The high-level meeting in Washington included talks between Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers, US Vice President J. D. Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Although no policy changes were agreed, the parties announced the formation of a new working group to continue discussions. Denmarks Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen acknowledged that fundamental disagreements remain. The US and Denmark still differ on key principles concerning Greenlands autonomy and territorial integrity, he said. Finlands participation is primarily symbolic. Other countries have also committed small contingents. Germany is sending 13 soldiers, Norway two, and Sweden has pledged a limited unit to support the exercise, which runs from Thursday to Saturday. Finlands foreign and security policy leadership, including the President and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy, discussed the Greenland deployment in a meeting on Thursday. HT County receives $9.2 million to acquire flood-prone property Related Stories Henderson County will receive $9.2 million to acquire flood-prone properties as part of a new Helene recovery aid package of $117 million, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards announced Wednesday. Whtever we get is gonna be with us until midweek," he said. Overall, Western North Carolina will receive an additional $72 million in FEMA Public Assistance funding and $44.6 million through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to support ongoing recovery efforts. Besides Henderson County, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program payments included $14.2 million to Buncombe County. Public Assistance funding helps repair and replace damaged public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, water and sewer systems, schools, and public safety facilities. These funds allow communities to restore essential services, reopen public facilities, and accelerate recovery efforts without diverting limited local resources. Both Henderson County and the city of Hendersonville have tallied up tens of millions of dollars worth of damage caused by Hurricane Helene to parks, water and sewer systems and other public property. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding supports long-term projects designed to reduce future disaster damage. These investments help communities strengthen infrastructure, protect critical facilities and reduce the risk of repeat losses during future storms, saving taxpayer dollars and improving resilience across the region. Yet, Gov. Josh Stein said last October that FEMA had approved none of the more than 800 applications for buyouts property owners had made in Western North Carolina. Ever since Hurricane Helene devastated the lives of more than half a million North Carolinians, I have been working non-stop to obtain approval for federal relief necessary to rebuild Western North Carolina," U.S. Sen. Ted Budd said in a news release Wednedsday. "In recent months, Ive engaged extensively with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA regarding applications under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. I am glad that today, in addition to another tranche of public assistance funding totaling over $72 million, Secretary Noem has approved $44.6 million in grants for projects under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. While this is another promising step in the right direction, there are still families awaiting buyouts for their damaged and destroyed properties. "As I have with the public assistance program, I pledge that I will continue to work closely with all federal, state, and local leaders to continue to identify projects that qualify for federal reimbursement, and I will be in constant contact with FEMA to get these dollars to Western North Carolina communities." FEMA Public Assistance grants obligated include: $34.7 million to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for road and bridge repairs across more than 300 sites in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Henderson, Mitchell, Surry and Watauga counties. $17.6 million to Rutherford County for the removal of nearly 700,000 cubic yards of debris and 75,000 trees and limbs from public rights of way, and the operation of four debris reduction sites. $10.5 million to the city of Asheville for potable water distribution, repair or replacement of more than 100 fleet vehicles, DeBruhl Water Treatment Plant repairs, and road repairs. $3.7 million to the Town of Beech Mountain for repairs to the towns sewer system and wastewater treatment plant. We still have far to go, but todays tranche of released funds helps us take yet another giant step forward," Edwards said. "When Hurricane Helene struck, it caused widespread damage to the infrastructure our communities rely on every day. Public Assistance funding helps restore essential services and get communities back up and running, while Hazard Mitigation funding ensures we rebuild smarter and stronger. City business owner among those hit with 'potentially catastrophic' premium increases For months, Adrian Pitts followed the news with bated breath as Congress fought and eventually shut down the federal government over whether to extend COVID-era subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace health plans. Pitts, a 57-year-old small business owner and Hendersonville resident, was one of the beneficiaries of the enhanced premium tax credits which greatly reduced the out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans who are covered under the ACA. Waiting to see whether hed have to pay thousands more for his health insurance in 2026 was stressful, Pitts told Carolina Public Press. The open enrollment period began in November without a deal in sight. Then, the government shutdown ended with a meager promise from Republicans to bring the issue to a vote in January, after most enrollees had already been locked into their insurance plans for the new year. Pitts, who has a Blue Cross Blue Shield plan which covers him and his wife, told CPP his monthly payment rose from about $1,000 per month to $2,670. By the time he cut his first check of the new year, his stress had turned to resignation, he said. He and his wife weighed the option of going without insurance, but ultimately decided that it wasnt a realistic option for them. We look at it somewhat as bankruptcy insurance, he said, in the case that one of them experiences a major health emergency. The added expense has changed the way Pitts is planning for his future. I have had to re-engineer things that Im doing in terms of how Im saving for retirement, he said. That has had to be reduced somewhat to assist with these increased premiums. So what that potentially does is create a situation where I may have to work longer. Pitts situation will sound familiar to many North Carolinians who are facing similar insurance premium hikes this year. More than 975,000 people, representing 8.8% of the states population, enrolled in an ACA marketplace plan in 2025, according to KFF. Michael Kimsal, a resident of Franklin County who runs a software consulting business, told CPP that the out-of-pocket cost for his marketplace plan rose from $650 per month to $1690 without the subsidy. This is really the limit as to whats manageable for us, he said. Kimsal said the premium increase will force him and his wife to limit their spending this year, including travel to visit family in other parts of the world. Insurance premium hikes Pitts and Kimsal are prime examples of the types of people affected by the expiration of the subsidies, according to Natasha Murphy, director of health policy at the left-leaning thinktank Center for American Progress. The biggest beneficiaries of the enhanced premium tax-credits were middle-income earners, she told CPP. People who are self-employed and retirees who no longer have employer insurance but arent yet eligible for Medicare tend to have ACA marketplace plans and could see large spikes in their premiums this year. Because the ACA allows plans to rate by geographic location and age, these are individuals who historically were paying thousands of dollars a month for their insurance coverage, and the enhancements help to drop that amount from thousands to hundreds of dollars, Murphy said. And so when we look at the data, we are seeing that its often going to be older adults who are seeing those significant premium increases. Analysis from the center found that a 62-year-old couple living in Charlotte with an ACA marketplace plan would see their annual premium rise from $7,225 up to $31,446. The annual cost for a family of four in North Carolina earning $129,000 would increase by $11,221. A single parent with one child earning $85,000 would have their premium spike by $9,976. These are potentially catastrophic price increases for people, Murphy said. It brings health insurance from being something they could be able to afford to something they absolutely just cant pay for anymore. House backs extension; Senate deal complicated The situation playing out on Capitol Hill is fluid. Last week, the House of Representatives passed a clean three-year extension of the ACA subsidies, meaning it has no additional policy changes that could cause debate. Seventeen Republicans bucked party leadership and joined Democrats to pass the measure, although none of those GOP votes came from the North Carolina delegation. Getting legislation through the Senate has proven to be more difficult. There doesnt seem to be much appetite (from the Senate) for passing the clean three-year extension, Murphy said. There continues to be negotiation around different policy tweaks. While the dealmaking has largely been done in secret, Murphy said those policy changes offered up include minimum insurance premiums, capping eligibility for higher earners and additional restrictions regarding coverage for abortions. If a deal does get made, Murphy said health care marketplaces have the infrastructure in place to ensure that insurance premium reductions go into effect this year. That may involve extending open enrollment, which ended Jan. 15, or opening a special enrollment period. Republican lawmakers have generally balked at the idea of subsidizing the Affordable Care Act, which they blame for driving up health care insurance premiums in the first place. CPP reached out to U.S. Reps. Chuck Edwards, Brad Knott and Tim Moore for comments on their nay votes to extend the ACA subsidies, but none responded. Families across Eastern North Carolina and millions more nationwide are having to pay the price for Washington, D.C.s failure to extend health care subsidies, Don Davis, a Democrat representing a portion of eastern North Carolina, said in a statement following the vote. The Senate must follow the Houses lead and extend these subsidies so families can keep affordable coverage. We can fix whats broken and bring accountability without pulling the rug out from under so many. Sen. Thom Tillis, who could end up playing a pivotal role in a potential Senate deal, also did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for Sen. Ted Budd also did not give a statement and deferred to a thread of posts he made on X in October blaming the Affordable Care Act for surging health care costs. Pitts, who resides in Edwardss Congressional District, isnt buying that message. The time for taking rigid stances on ideologies around issues such as these has passed, he said. Theres a pretty tremendous segment of the population now thats having to make decisions like myself." Do I keep health care insurance or do I wing it? What really needs to happen is for people to, instead of standing on opposite sides of the room and shouting, to somehow find the middle and for everybody to sit down and decide what theyre willing to give up. * * * * * Lucas Thomae is a staff reporter for Carolina Public Press, focusing on coverage of government accountability and transparency issues. Lucas, who is based in Raleigh, is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Email Lucas at lthomae@carolinapublicpress.org to contact him. Exhibition on gold-threaded textile artifacts held at Chengdu Museum Xinhua) 10:25, January 15, 2026 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) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Interview: China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges in line with Agenda 2063, says former AU official Xinhua) 10:39, January 15, 2026 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) The new eco-chi lifestyle island resort, Eri Maldives, has officially opened its doors in the North Male Atoll, introducing a new standard of accessible island living. Located just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, the resort combines the convenience of short-haul travel with the seclusion of a natural island, offering an immediate escape for travelers seeking authenticity over artificial luxury. Set upon a natural island, Eri distinguishes itself with natural greenery and a thriving house reef accessible directly from the shore. The guest experience is engineered around "The Island of Becoming", a philosophy that replaces standard hospitality scripts with genuine cultural immersion. From local arts to traditional cuisine, Maldivian heritage is the core of the daily rhythm and guest experience. This commitment to authenticity is paired with a focus on mindful living, creating a sanctuary where sustainability and wellness are naturally woven into the stay allowing guests to unplug, slow down, and connect with themselves, with others, and with the island's culture. Accommodation at Eri is divided into four distinct categories designed for comfort, connection, and island ease. Beach Pool Villas feature private pools embraced by tropical greenery, offering a secluded slice of paradise. Beach Villas provide direct access to the shore and beautiful sunset views over the lagoon. For a more compact escape, Beach Studios are located on the ground floor, just moments from the sand, while Sky Studios on the upper level feature private balconies with sweeping lagoon views. This ease of living extends to the culinary experience, with flexible Full Board Plus and All-Inclusive plans available across three distinct venues: global dining at Soul Kitchen, barefoot bites at the Beach Shack, and sunset refreshments at Sip & Dip. To balance adventure with restoration, the resort features a 5-star PADI dive centre managed by Euro-Divers, providing guided access to over 30 renowned dive sites and a comprehensive watersports menu. For those seeking a slower pace, the Eskape Spa serves as a secluded sanctuary within the island's tropical canopy, offering holistic treatments and ocean-inspired rituals grounded in Maldivian tradition. Additionally, for those looking to celebrate life's milestones, the resort curates bespoke experiences ranging from starlit destination dining to authentic vow renewals accompanied by traditional Maldivian Bodu Beru drummers. Eri Maldives is now welcoming guests. To celebrate the launch, the resort has released an exclusive opening offer featuring exceptional savings and thoughtful inclusions. For more details, please visit the website: www.erimaldives.com. Hotel website Airbnb Co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky shared the following email with employees around the globe today: Hey team, I'm excited to share that Ahmad Al-Dahle is joining as our new Chief Technology Officer. Ahmad is one of the world's leading experts in AI. He joins us from Meta, where he led Generative AI and the team behind the Llama family of open source models. I've known Ahmad for a couple of years, and I want to share more about who he is and why he's the right leader to join Airbnb at such a pivotal moment. Ahmad grew up in Winnipeg, Canada, one of the coldest places in the world. It was so cold that he would often stay inside playing video games with his friends, which is where his interest in computers and programming began. Before long, he was building his own games and computers. He studied engineering at the University of Waterloo, and in 2005, while still a student, he began working at Apple on the iPhone, two years before it launched. After graduating, he joined full time. At Apple, Ahmad worked on the frontier of technology. He was one of the core technologists behind the iPhone's display and multitouch systems. He later worked in Apple's core technology platform group, shipping major features in nearly a dozen devices, including the first Apple Watch. In 2014, Ahmad created and led Apple's autonomous technology group, responsible for developing the core AI systems for the company's self-driving car project. In 2020, Ahmad joined Meta to lead mapping and applied AI within Reality Labs. In early 2023, following the launch of ChatGPT, he founded Meta's Generative AI group. He led the launch of Llama, a family of open-source AI models downloaded over one billion times with more than 60,000 derivative models, helping catalyze the modern open-source AI movement. He also led the teams bringing AI features to Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Ahmad and his wife, Whitney, are parents to twin three-year-old girls, whose birthdays are today! He has many fun facts, but my favorite is that he and Whitney got married at an Airbnb. They live in the Bay Area, and Ahmad will be working out of the San Francisco office most days. Ahmad is joining Airbnb at a pivotal moment. Technology is shaping our lives in ways we never fully intended. Our phones, once tools for creativity and connection, have become vortexes for our attention. We spend hours scrolling feeds, often watching other people's lives instead of living our own, and consuming content that is increasingly generated by AI. In a world becoming more artificial, people are craving what's real: real connection with real people in the real world. No company is better positioned to meet this need than Airbnb. We have a rare opportunity, and responsibility, to shape how people travel, live, and interact with AI in a way that strengthens human connection and draws people into the physical world, not away from it. This isn't just a technical challenge; it's a human one. And it requires leadership that understands both the power of technology and how to responsibly use it. That's why Ahmad's decision to join Airbnb matters. He connects big ideas with technical depth, highly values design, and believes engineering should be a true strategic partner in everything we do. More importantly, he shares our belief that technology should serve peoplenot the other way aroundand that its highest purpose is to bring us closer together. I couldn't be more excited to welcome Ahmad to Airbnb. I'll be introducing him tomorrow during our World@ meeting. Please join me in giving him a warm welcome. I can't wait for what we'll build together, and how we can make the world feel a little more human. Brian Nickelson joins Casa Don Alfonso with more than a decade of leadership experience in high-volume, hospitality-driven environments. Most recently, he led operations at Olive + Oak, one of St. Louis' most acclaimed restaurants, where he oversaw a 30-person team and implemented training systems that elevated both guest satisfaction and staff engagement. His career also includes key roles with Niche Food Group, where he contributed to revitalizing service standards under James Beard Award-winning leadership, as well as Rockwell Beer Company and Craft Beer Cellar, where he launched Missouri's first hybrid beer retail concept. Nickelson's leadership style centers on authenticity, warmth, and a relentless commitment to excellence. "At Casa Don Alfonso, our mission is to honor the Iaccarino family's rich heritage while evolving our service culture to new heights of Midwestern hospitality," Nickelson says. "It's an honor to lead this talented team and continue building a dining experience that reflects both the best of St. Louis and the spirit of Southern Italy." Aloft New Orleans is pleased to announce the appointment of Ty Bolton as General Manager. With over two decades of management experience, Bolton has established himself as a leader in driving high-impact strategies, revenue growth, and brand performance across award-winning properties and event destinations. He joins Aloft New Orleans from PeachState Hospitality where he served as Area General Manager directing operations and financial performance of one property, in addition to overseeing three additional properties within the portfolio. Prior to that, Bolton was the General Manager at Marriott Dallas/Fort Worth Westlake where he directed all facets of hotel operations and revamped business models to drive a 63.9% increase in ITR, earning a perfect Brand Standard Audit score. With proven success in leading multimillion-dollar estates, Bolton is perfectly positioned to advance operations and the guest experience at Aloft New Orleans. 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. 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. 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. Belmond today announced the appointment of Steve Mitchell (Mitch) as Managing Director, Global Lodges, effective immediately. This appointment reflects the brand's strategic ambition to expand its global lodge portfolio and advance its next phase of growth. Mitch will play a pivotal role in developing Belmond's future lodges worldwide, reinforcing the brand's leadership in Slow Luxury travel through experiences rooted in nature and culture. He will also be responsible for leading Belmond's existing safari lodges in Botswana: Eagle Island Lodge and Savute Elephant Lodge, with the focus on enhancing both guest and employee experiences, while fostering meaningful relationships with trade partners, local communities, and non-profit organisations to ensure lasting positive contributions to Botswana. Mitch brings a distinctive and inspiring leadership profile, shaped by a combination of strong commercial acumen and a deep passion for purpose-led hospitality, and the role it can play in protecting the world's most remarkable natural attractions. Most notably, Mitch co-founded Angama and served as its CEO, leading the business from an entrepreneurial start-up into a renowned African safari brand known for its highly personalised guest experiences and intentional impact. Over his twelve-year tenure, he guided Angama's development in exceptional locations across East Africa, such as the Maasai Mara and Amboseli in Kenya. He also founded and led the Angama Foundation, an affiliated non-profit organisation which supports education, healthcare and conservation initiatives, ensuring that the business contributed positively to the communities and environments in which it operates. Mitch will report to Iain Langridge, Vice President of Operations & Divisional Leader of Northern Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Namron Hospitality did not start as a conventional hotel story. I do not come from a background of hospitality, Yves Naman told Hospitality Net, tracing his path from business school in Canada to Mexico, where he fell in love with the countrys creativity and the way people host. We were really amazed by the level of hospitality, he said, describing being cared for by Mexican friends like last time I was taken care of like that was when I was born and my mother had me in her arms. Today, Namron Hospitality is building a portfolio of boutique hotels across Mexico and into the United States, with a philosophy rooted in three ideas: comfort, a locally grounded design language, and genuine human connection. People want comfort. People want a little bit of design, seeing something different when they travel, and a natural connection, Naman said. In this episode of Brand Insiders, he also challenges the industrys current obsession with tech-led hyper personalization, arguing that real personalization comes from listening and relationship, not automation. What is the elevator pitch for Namron Hospitality? Naman describes Namron as a company he created ten years ago, sparked by Mexicos scale, diversity, and creative energy. Mexico, he said, has the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Caribbean. It has mountains. It has volcanoes. It has everything . He was also drawn to the countrys design talent. There is a bunch of young architects that were doing cool things, he said. The brands origin story begins in Mexico Citys Roma neighborhood, where he had an empty three-floor office and decided to try hospitality the way I see it . The concept was a response to a gap he observed while travelling: big chains delivered reliability but there is no soul to it, while many boutique hotels focused on food and beverage economics and sacrificed comfort. The water was not hot. The bed was not always good, he said. His aim was to blend the two: comfort first, then design, then hospitality as human connection. How did La Valise become the proof of concept? La Valise was built around what Naman believes guests actually value in a hectic city: an amazing bed, amazing linen, and a sense of ease the moment they return from the energy outside. Mexico City, he said, is a city in which you never stop, so the hotel should be where guests really feel at ease. The third component was service delivered through familiarity. In small hotels, he explained, guests see the same faces, talk naturally, and connection becomes part of the stay. Here you have a real genuine conversation, he said. That formula worked commercially, too. The hotel reached the top of TripAdvisor at a time when it was a dominant reputation platform: When you become the first hotel out of three hundred hotels in Mexico City you become known. Where are you today as a group? We are going to finish the year with around twenty hotels, Naman said. The portfolio spans multiple regions and formats: beach hotels, colonial cities, and urban properties in Mexico, plus new openings in Miami. La Valise remains the best known brand, with other concepts including Nest and Xella. Namans approach is intentionally multi brand. I believe that you do not have one type of hospitality, he said. People want different things. He also draws a clear size line around boutique. Up to fifty, sixty room, it is a boutique hotel, he said. Above that, it can be called a lifestyle hotel. His largest properties sit around that fifty room mark. What does real personalization look like? Naman is skeptical of tech-driven hyper personalization as an end goal. I do not believe that this personalization through technology is a real personalization, he said, referencing CRM-driven memory, questionnaires, and automated preferences. For him, personalization is relational and specific, built on listening and initiative. He shared a story from Encantada in Tulum, when a returning guest arrived and a team member had a surprise waiting: a box of green peppers preserved in vinegar, because a year earlier the guest had loved them. That is what I really believe a personalization, he said. Another example came from the kitchen. A guest felt homesick and wanted food from Lebanon. The chef did not know about Lebanon, Naman said, but listened, learned, and created something with Mexican ingredients that met the emotional need behind the request. This is what I mean by real hospitality, he said, especially because it was driven by a chef, not only the front of house. He also described an unplanned moment of guest recognition linked to storytelling: when a producer behind Coco stayed at La Valise around Day of the Dead. The team researched who the guest was and staged the room with marigold-like flowers to place them inside that world. We filled the room with all these flowers so that she could feel that she was already in the Coco adventure, he said. Why did Namron build a cluster in Tulum, and how did Tulum shape the brand? Namans relationship with Tulum goes back to his first trip to Mexico, when there was nothing. He watched it evolve, then accelerate through social media: Instagram becomes big. And it is a blessing and a curse, he said. Tulums early appeal was its freedom to build small, different, locally made concepts. No regulation and people were building with what was around, he said, turning it into a global design magnet. His entry came through Encantada, a small hotel already number one on TripAdvisor. He kept its soul intact after acquisition. The first guest told me, please do not change anything, he said. Why would I change? This is making people happy. From there, adjacent opportunities and operational realities drove growth. Tulum is not an easy place, he said. You do not have electricity. You do not have water. You do not have a sewer. You have to do everything by yourself. The complexity became the rationale for clustering, because it builds operational backbone and consistency: The cluster allowed us to have a better operation, he said, and ultimately to be very reliable. Reliability, he argues, is central to brand trust: The most important in hospitality is to be reliable. The bed that rolls outside: how do signature ideas happen? One of La Valises most recognizable design features is the bed that rolls onto the terrace. The origin story is refreshingly simple. We were inside, and we were taking a drink at night and we said, it would be cool to have the bed outside, Naman recalled. When asked what they were drinking: We were drinking mezcal. The implementation was equally direct. Two days after he had it on the sketch, he said, crediting Roberto, now head of interior design. The concept is not motorized. It is not motorized you have to push it, Naman said, framing that manual simplicity as part of the charm. And the accounting approval story is pure hotel life: We invited him with his wife in the bed outside and it was done. He was convinced. Why focus value on the room rather than the lobby? Namans design logic is shaped by a childhood travel memory: a spectacular hotel lobby followed by a disappointing room. I felt like my father felt like what happened, he said. I paid for the lobby and this is what we did not want. His alternative is to put budget and imagination where guests feel it most. We wanted the guests to not pay for the lobby, but pay for the room, he said. I can do very nice rooms and I can do very nice and unique experience. He described La Valise Tulum as a sequence designed to deliver a reveal: arriving through confinement, then suddenly opening to ocean and horizon. You start seeing the ocean open, he said, and the framing creates a duality: On one side you see the beach on the other side you see the jungle. For Naman, this is the point of luxury. I do not believe that this is luxury, he said, referring to marble and finishes as the default definition. Instead, luxury is a feeling, a wow moment, and a sense that the journey was worth it. Mazunte, resilience, and building where nature can push back Namans new La Valise property in Mazunte opened seven months ago. It is a location with dramatic natural exposure, and he does not romanticize the realities. We had two times to redo the deck, he said, after hurricanes. He also referenced a fire that destroyed La Valise in Tulum and the rebuilding that followed. His general managers summary resonates: He defines us by resilient, Naman said. For him, resilience is not only an operational necessity, it is a cultural trait that shapes how the company handles adversity. Why Miami, and what is different about operating in the United States? Naman has lived in Miami for a decade and sees it as transformed, more international and more cultural. Namron recently opened two hotels there. One is Le Particulier, in an Art Deco building on Collins Avenue and Forty Second, with an aim to revive t his oldie look of Miami, but not in a cheesy way. The second is Maison Felix, rebuilt from the shell up, led with a local creative partner: We work with Felix that has lived in Miami for thirty five years, Naman said, describing him as autodidact and deeply embedded in the citys design language. He was candid about the operational shift. The United States are challenging compared to what I know in Mexico, he said, pointing to stricter regulations and heavier compliance. Even so, he sees it as a necessary test of whether Namrons hospitality model can travel. What is next, and how does self funding shape your strategy? Namans growth ambition is balanced by a clear boundary: We want to stay boutique and we want to stay particular. He is interested in continuing in the United States now that Namron has started there, and he also sees potential in Europe, where many boutique hotels are family owned and may benefit from added operational professionalism. He also explained why Namron remains multi brand. Trends shift quickly. Today it is wellness, longevity. Next, after tomorrow, it is going to be spirituality, he said. The constant, in his view, is not the trend but the host: You are either a good host or not such a good host. The most unusual detail is financial. We did all that with no funds behind us, Naman said. We currently have zero debt, and growth is funded by reinvesting profits into projects, systems, and people. It gives freedom, but also discipline. We grow less fast, he said, but it also protects the ability to choose projects for creative and cultural fit, not only to satisfy a mandated return. He closed with the priority that underpins the whole operating model. The first thing I want is our people inside the company to be happy with what we do, he said. Because otherwise I cannot do anything without them. SAN FRANCISCO, CA Canary Technologies, the industrys leading AI-powered Guest Management System, has been recognized as the Best Voice & Call Center Software in the 2026 HotelTechAwards by HotelTechReport. Introduced this year, the award spotlights the industrys top innovators in call management and routing services. This win highlights the impact of Canarys AI Voice, a fully integrated voice automation solution that answers calls and resolves guest requests 24/7. With it, hotels reduce hold times, automate responses to common guest questions and intelligently route calls for faster, more consistent service. The award also underscores Canarys rapid innovation in omnichannel AI including AI Voice, AI Webchat and AI Messaging which power instant, personalized responses to guests over text, calls and web chats. Were thrilled to see excitement across hospitality for our AI Voice solutions. Were seeing customers transform operations and better manage call volume both to the property and the call center. This award recognizes the advancements were delivering with our AI solutions for smarter automation and more personalized service. Harman Singh Narula, Co-founder and CEO of Canary Technologies With the introduction of this category, HotelTechReport highlights the growing importance of AI communications in hospitality. Canarys AI Voice is already live with leading hotels, management companies and global brands such as Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Hoteliers with AI Voice see more direct bookings and upsells revenue, operational efficiency gains and instant, personalized service for guests. This award is one of nine HotelTechAwards Canary received this year, including Best Guest Experience Platform, Best Guest Messaging Software, and Best Contactless Check-In. About Canary Technologies Canary Technologies is modernizing the hotel tech stack with its award-winning AI-powered Guest Management Platform. Digitizing guest touchpoints from booking to checkout, Canary's cutting-edge solutions simplify hotel operations, increase revenue, and elevate the guest experience. Enabling these innovations is Canary AI, the most advanced artificial intelligence model built specifically for hotels. Trusted by over 20,000 hotels in 100+ countries, Canary powers hospitality at the world's most renowned brands, including Marriott International, Four Seasons, Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, BWH Hotels, and Intercontinental Hotel Group. Recognized as the #1 Guest Experience Platform by HotelTechReport for multiple years, Canary has earned recognition from Deloitte, Business Insider, Fast Company, the American Hospitality and Lodging Association, TravelTech Breakthrough and more. For more information, visit https://canarytechnologies.com. Amanda McDowell Content Marketing Manager View source Global Asset Solutions, the independent hotel asset management and advisory firm, announce a milestone year defined by global expansion, strategic senior appointments, portfolio growth and the evolution of its service offering. During 2025, Global Asset Solutions significantly strengthened its international footprint, expanding its team across EMEA, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Key senior appointments included David Ordonez as asset manager, Leanne Reddie as chief commercial officer based in Singapore, Adnan Shamim as managing partner for the Middle East, and Duncan Kinnear as hotel asset manager. Together, these hires added deep expertise across hospitality finance, asset management, investment, and commercial strategy, reinforcing the firms position as a trusted global advisor. Financially, 2025 represented the largest expansion in the firms history. Since its foundation in 2007, Global Asset Solutions has now advised on over USD 27 billion in hotel assets globally. As the firm enters 2026, it is actively asset managing USD 6.6 billion across Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific - representing portfolio growth of approximately 35% in a single year. Reflecting on the year, Alex Sogno, principal, Global Asset Solutions said: In a hospitality industry marked by volatility and structural change, long-term value creation depends on continuous analysis, adaptability and owner empowerment: principles that remain at the core of Global Asset Solutions approach. A defining moment of the year was the reopening of Global Asset Solutions Singapore office signalling a renewed commitment to the Asia Pacific region. This move was further strengthened by the merger with Hong Kongbased Perception Hospitality, adding nearly 60 luxury and upper-upscale hotels worth of experience to the platform and appointing Douglas Louden as managing partner APAC. Innovation and knowledge-sharing remained central to GASs mission throughout the year. In 2025, the firm launched a redesigned website, published more than 60 thought leadership pieces across EMEA and APAC, and released an enhanced edition of its online Asset Management Course, featuring new commercial-focused modules aligned with current market realities. On the projects side, Global Asset Solutions advanced complex hotel developments and repositioning strategies in key markets including Paris, Venice, Almaty and Australias Gold Coast, consistently aligning ownership vision with operational and financial performance. The year also marked a strategic evolution of the firms service offering with the expansion into Investment Services. Complementing its core asset management expertise, Global Asset Solutions now provides M&A advisory, strategic consulting, agency support and fund management services to institutional investors, private equity firms, owners and brands. Click here to view the highlights from 2025 About Global Asset Solutions Global Asset Solutions operates worldwide providing independent hotel asset management services. Clients include PE firms, institutional investors, sovereign funds and family offices, with over $20bn of assets managed in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The company leans on decades of experience in the luxury sector to deliver bespoke solutions which allow investors to grow their asset value and realise the potential of their assets. www.globalassetsolutions.com Expedia and Booking is not a duopoly. I said this some weeks ago when I got a sneak peek at the OTA research data. Trip.com is significantly larger than Expedia, and strangely almost never mentioned in the same conversations. Using market cap isn't so practical, organic traffic is more accurate (they are discovery platforms after all). For example Airbnb. Their market cap is $84B, yet its actual discovery reach is just 20 million. Compare that to Trip.com (group) whose market cap is $50B and they their reach is 172 million. From a hotel demand perspective, that distinction matters a lot. Japan has massive domestic players. India does too. Latin America, Southeast Asia, Central Europe all have OTAs that are enormous in their own regions but far less relevant elsewhere. It is interesting to look at the numbers. The 10 Minutes News team are giving away the dataset to anyone who is subscribed. Check it out here. While you're clicking, check out my newsletter here: https://martinsoler.substack.com/ When I ran a hotel, we hit a moment where we needed to grow distribution. Our channel manager has this cool thing (now called a marketplace) where there was many distributors and we could simply click to add. Dozens of potential distributors. Some I had heard of. Most I hadnt. It felt like someone had emptied a bucket of logos onto our screen. There was no guidance. No indication of size, strength, geography, or fit. I called in whoever I could from the team asking for opinions (so random - but I needed some guidance) they knew this one and thought that one was strong in XX market. So we started adding them, but it really felt random. I still believe more distribution is better than less, but there are better ways to do it. We didnt know where to focus. Thats why I think the new global distribution chart and Google Sheet dataset just published by the 10 Minutes News team is such a useful tool. It shows where the big players are actually big. Japan has its own ecosystem. So does India. The US might be Expedia/Booking territory, but beyond that, the world looks very different. These arent side players, theyre massive - many of them a lot larger than the big ones in the media. But just adding distribution isnt really a smart way. Following the idea on how to find a hotel USP (survey only the happiest guests), we applied that to our distribution. We saw that our reviews from UK guests were consistently strong. They liked our property, they understood our offer, and they tended to book again. Conversely, we noticed that guests from Japan werent rating us as well. Different expectations, maybe we werent equipped to meet them yet (we didnt have anyone who spoke the language which is a bad start). So pushing into the Japanese market before fixing those issues wouldve just made things worse. So I agreed with the 10 Minutes team to release the dataset not just the infographic. And I think thats quite a great help for everyone. The simple tip is start with the biggest platforms for the markets you already have good reviews in. Use only the best reviews as a guide. The chart isnt perfect, China is notably absent, and a few data points feel debatable. If you see something missing or off, leave a comment. The team is updating it, and your feedback makes it better. View source IHCL Signs Agreement for Ginger Hotel in Tuticorin, Tamil IHCL has announced plans to open a 100-room Ginger hotel in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, marking its entry into the city. The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has signed an agreement to develop a new Ginger hotel in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. The project is a greenfield development that will add 100 rooms to the company's regional portfolio. The planned hotel will be located along the Tirunelveli-Tuticorin highway, providing access to the city's industrial and commercial areas. Facilities at the hotel will include a restaurant, bar, meeting spaces, and a fitness center. Tuticorin is a port city on the Coromandel Coast in Tamil Nadu, known for its shipping, salt production, fishing, and growing industrial and manufacturing sectors. The city has seen increased investment in the automotive and energy industries, which has contributed to demand for long-stay accommodation. The agreement for the new hotel was made in partnership with Thangam Real Estate & Thangam Plots & Farms Pvt. Ltd. The project is part of IHCL's strategy to expand its presence in high-demand locations across India. With this announcement, IHCL will have 28 hotels in Tamil Nadu, including 10 properties currently under development. The timeline for the opening of the Ginger Tuticorin hotel has not been disclosed. Amir Golbarg - Image Credit Minor Hotels Minor Hotels has appointed Amir Golbarg as Chief Operating Officer for the Middle East and Africa, effective January 1, 2026. Minor Hotels announced the appointment of Amir Golbarg as Chief Operating Officer for its Middle East and Africa division, effective January 1, 2026. The appointment follows a period of growth for the companys regional portfolio, which has included new hotel signings and expansion in markets such as Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Golbarg joined Minor Hotels in 2012 as Director of Operations and Hotel Openings in Bangkok. He later held several international roles, including Hotel Manager at Souq Waqif Hotel Doha. In 2019, he returned to the company as Vice President of Operations for the Middle East and Africa. His responsibilities expanded in 2021 to include Southern Africa, Mauritius, and Seychelles. During Golbargs tenure, the Middle East and Africa portfolio received several industry recognitions in 2025. Properties under the Anantara brand received awards from publications including Conde Nast Traveller Middle East and Travel + Leisure, and Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara received a Michelin Key. Golbargs appointment comes as Minor Hotels continues to increase its presence in the Middle East and Africa. The company has reported multiple new hotel signings and ongoing expansion in core markets. The companys regional office is based in Dubai. Golbarg began his hospitality career in 2007 in Dubai and is a graduate of the Glion Institute of Higher Education in Switzerland. He is based in Minor Hotels Middle East Regional Office in Dubai. The appointment is part of Minor Hotels ongoing regional leadership structure and is intended to support further business growth in the Middle East and Africa. Banyan Groups First Safari Resort: Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape - Image Credit Banyan Group Banyan Group will open new properties in Tanzania, Benin, the Dominican Republic, Montenegro, China, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines in 2026 as part of its ongoing expansion. Banyan Group has announced a series of new property openings and developments scheduled for 2026, following the milestone opening of its 100th resort in 2025. The group currently operates 100 hotels and resorts, over 140 spas and galleries, and more than 20 branded residences in more than 20 countries. In Africa, Banyan Group will enter the safari hospitality sector with the opening of Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape in Tanzania. This marks the groups first property in East Africa. In West Africa, the group will open Dhawa Ouidah in Benin, expanding its presence in the region. In the Caribbean, Banyan Group will establish its presence in the Dominican Republic with the opening of Angsana Cap Cana and Cassia Punta Cana. These properties will introduce both resort and extended-stay offerings to the market. In Europe, Mamula Island by Banyan Tree in Montenegro will officially reopen for the 2026 season, following design enhancements and updates to dining and spa facilities. Across Asia and the Middle East, Banyan Group will continue its multi-brand expansion. The Banyan Tree brand will open Banyan Tree Guangzhou Jiulong Lake and Banyan Tree Mount Emei in China. The Angsana brand will add Angsana Ashar Valley Tents in Saudi Arabia and Angsana Bogor in Indonesia. The group will also open Garrya Danang in Vietnam and expand the Homm brand with new properties in the Philippines, China, and Indonesia. Folio Bogor in Indonesia will become the second Folio hotel globally. Banyan Group will also expand its wellbeing-focused offerings in 2026. The Banyan Tree Connections program, a private wellbeing experience, will be available at eight additional resorts from April 2026, including locations in China, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. Advertisement In 2025, the group opened its 100th resort, Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree in Singapore. The opening event attracted over 4,000 visitors and raised more than SGD 600,000 (approximately USD 468,000) for charity. The group also expanded its branded residences portfolio in 2025 with eight new sales launches, including its first residential development in Europe, Banyan Tree Padilla Madrid Residences. The new Bellaguna residential brand was also introduced, with the first development, Bellaguna Lake Residences Lotus, designed for year-round living. Banyan Groups artisan-led retail concept, Banyan Gallery, expanded its international presence in 2025, partnering with more than 339 artisan communities and operating more than 70 outlets worldwide. The Banyan Spa & Wellbeing Academy has trained more than 2,800 therapists since 2001. Banyan Group is planning further expansion in branded residential projects, with up to USD 1 billion in new residential launches anticipated in Phuket over the next two to three years. EVT Acquires QT Auckland Hotel from NZ Hotel Holdings EVT has acquired the QT Auckland hotel from NZ Hotel Holdings, adding 150 rooms to its portfolio in Aucklands Viaduct Harbour. EVT has completed the acquisition of the QT Auckland hotel from NZ Hotel Holdings (NZHH), increasing its owned hotel assets in New Zealand. The transaction adds 150 rooms and suites to EVTs portfolio and is located in Aucklands Viaduct Harbour. The QT Auckland hotel includes a rooftop bar, conference facilities, and a restaurant. The property is recognized as a significant hotel asset in Aucklands central business district. The sale was managed by CBRE Hotels, with Michael Simpson, Peter Hamilton, and Nick Hill acting as brokers for the transaction. CBRE stated that the sale reflects continued investor interest in hotel properties located in central Auckland. According to NZHH, the sale aligns with its strategy to develop hotel assets and reinvest proceeds into further growth opportunities. The transaction is part of EVTs broader plan to increase its earnings from owned hotel assets and expand its hotel brand presence in New Zealand. The acquisition comes ahead of the planned conversion of EVTs Queenstown property to the QT brand, which is expected to further strengthen EVTs position in the New Zealand hotel market. Auckland is considered a key market for international visitors to Queenstown, and the addition of QT Auckland is intended to support EVTs strategic objectives in the region. No financial terms of the transaction were disclosed. The timeline for the integration of the QT Auckland hotel into EVTs portfolio was not specified. The transaction follows ongoing trends in the New Zealand hotel sector, where investors have shown interest in acquiring centrally located properties with established operations. The sale of QT Auckland's individual asset was chosen over a portfolio sale, according to CBRE. EVTs acquisition of QT Auckland is the latest in a series of transactions aimed at expanding its presence in the Australasian hotel market. The company has indicated plans to continue growing its portfolio through acquisitions and brand conversions in key markets. Scandic Go Plans Second Location in Norway With New Troms Hotel - Image Credit Scandic Scandic has announced a long-term lease agreement to open a new 170-room Scandic Go hotel in central Troms, Norway, with an expected opening in 2028. Scandic has entered into a long-term lease agreement with Nordlyskvartalet AS to open a new Scandic Go hotel in Troms, Norway. The hotel will be located in a new mixed-use development in central Troms that will also include residential housing and municipal services. The project is scheduled to begin after the summer of 2026, with the hotel expected to open in 2028. The planned hotel will have approximately 170 rooms. This will be the second Scandic Go property in Norway and the third Scandic-branded hotel in Troms, joining Scandic Ishavshotel and The Dock 6939 by Scandic, which opened recently. Troms will become the first location outside of a capital city in Norway where all three Scandic brands are present. The agreement is part of Scandics strategy to expand its presence in key destinations in the Nordic region. The company currently operates two hotels in Troms and has identified the city as a market with growing tourism demand. The new hotel will operate under the Scandic Go brand, which focuses on economy accommodations in central urban locations. The property will prioritize the use of recycled materials and is planned to be certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, the official environmental certification in the Nordic countries. The development is part of a broader mixed-use project led by Nordlyskvartalet AS. The hotel will be located in central Troms, an area that has seen increased tourism and hospitality sector activity in recent years. Construction is expected to start after summer 2026, with the opening scheduled for 2028. The agreement between Scandic and Nordlyskvartalet AS covers a long-term lease for the hotel portion of the mixed-use property. Scandics expansion in Troms reflects ongoing investment in the Norwegian hospitality sector and continued interest in the region as a travel destination. The Travel Industrys Most-Read DerbySoft Stories of 2025 - Image Credit DerbySoft 2025 was a year defined by uncertainty. Questions around artificial intelligence, tariffs, global economics, distribution control, and traveler behavior moved from abstract debate into daily operational reality. Across travel and hospitality, leaders were forced to make decisions without the comfort of stable assumptions or predictable demand patterns. The most widely read DerbySoft stories from the past year reflect that environment. They surfaced concerns about how AI is actually applied, how external forces influence demand, how payments affect scale, and how distribution strategies must adapt to fragmentation. At the same time, they reveal a forward-looking mindset across the industry. Readers gravitated toward perspectives that focused on execution, system design, and practical ways to operate more effectively in complex conditions. Taken together, these stories show an industry that is not standing still. Travel leaders are actively redefining how they use technology, structure commerce, and respond to change. They are prioritizing clarity, accountability, and resilience over speculation. Here are the five most-read DerbySoft stories of 2025 and what they signal for the travel industry in 2026.. 1. AI Is Now Table Stakes: What Comes Next for Travel and Hospitality By 2025, artificial intelligence had moved beyond proof-of-concept initiatives and into production environments that run continuously. What made this story resonate was its insistence that AI value must be measured by operational outcomes, not ambition. Agentic AI systems now validate bookings, confirm payment credentials, reconcile commissions, and resolve exceptions without human intervention. These systems operate across time zones and volumes that manual teams cannot scale. The significance lies in the shift from experimentation to responsibility. AI decisions now affect revenue accuracy, settlement speed, and partner trust. The industry response reflected a growing recognition that AI is infrastructure. Once embedded, it requires governance, ownership, and performance measurement aligned to business outcomes such as reduced manual intervention, fewer disputes, and faster financial close cycles. Read the full article here 2. Traveler Sentiment Toward the USA: Regional Impacts of Tariffs and What Lies Ahead Travel demand in 2025 proved increasingly sensitive to forces outside traditional pricing models. This story drew attention because it examined how trade policy and economic signals influence traveler confidence and booking behavior at a regional level. Industry research consistently shows that shifts in traveler sentiment often precede measurable changes in demand [UNWTO tourism sentiment research]. Tariffs and geopolitical signals influence perception, which in turn shapes destination consideration well before rate or availability adjustments appear in booking data. The insight that resonated most was practical. Revenue and distribution planning now requires awareness of external forces earlier in the cycle. Demand forecasting based solely on historical performance is no longer sufficient when perception itself becomes a demand variable. Read the full article here 3. Virtual Card Market on Track to Triple by 2030: Heres What It Means for Global Travel Commerce Payments emerged as a strategic concern in 2025 because they directly affect scalability. This story gained traction by focusing on what payment modernization enables across global distribution. Industry projections indicate the virtual card market is expected to expand by roughly three times by 2030, driven by adoption across travel, procurement, and B2B commerce [industry payment analysts cited broadly in travel payments research]. For travel organizations, this growth matters because virtual cards accelerate settlement, improve reconciliation accuracy, and reduce fraud exposure. The broader implication is structural. Faster settlement improves cash flow. Automated reconciliation reduces operational cost. Secure payment flows strengthen partner trust. Payments are no longer a background function. They are a core component of modern travel commerce. Read the full article here 4. Capturing Experiential Travel Experiential travel gained prominence in 2025 not as a branding exercise, but as a shift in how travelers define value. This story resonated because it addressed experiences as commercial inventory rather than marketing narrative. Industry spending data shows continued growth in experience-driven travel categories such as activities, wellness, and local engagement [global tourism spend reports]. Travelers increasingly evaluate trips based on outcomes and relevance, not just accommodation quality or price. The implication for distribution is substantial. Experiences must be discoverable, bookable, and supported by payment and fulfillment systems that meet traveler expectations. Distribution platforms that treat experiences as peripheral risk missing a growing share of traveler spend. Read the full article here 5. Why the Next Phase of Hotel Distribution Will Depend on Multi-Sourcing Strategy Distribution complexity remained one of the most persistent operational challenges in 2025. This story resonated because it addressed how organizations are adapting through diversified sourcing supported by stronger controls. Industry data continues to show that no single channel consistently delivers reach across all traveler segments. Multi-sourcing expands visibility while protecting rate integrity and content accuracy when managed correctly [travel distribution performance analyses]. The focus is not channel replacement, but orchestration. The significance lies in acknowledging operational reality. Modern distribution requires connectivity across multiple demand sources, governed by technology that maintains transparency, compliance, and commercial balance. Read the full article here Looking to 2026 The most-read DerbySoft stories of 2025 shared a clear signal. They captured how travel commerce operates when growth, complexity, and external pressure converge. That context becomes more relevant heading into 2026. Industry forecasts point to continued increases in global travel volume, rising transaction density, and broader adoption of AI across pricing, distribution, payments, and content operations. Virtual card usage and automated settlement models are also expanding as travel commerce becomes more digitized and interconnected. These trends are increasing expectations around accuracy, speed, and accountability across the entire value chain. As volumes rise, the margin for error narrows. Inventory accuracy, booking resolution, payment reconciliation, and content consistency move from operational details to business-critical requirements. Distribution continues to diversify as travelers engage through more channels and touchpoints, placing additional pressure on systems to perform reliably at scale. This is where the DerbySoft travel commerce ecosystem comes into focus. By supporting connectivity between hotels, distributors, and partners, while enabling payments, data intelligence, and marketing activation on top of that foundation, DerbySoft helps the industry manage growth without introducing unnecessary complexity. The ecosystem is designed to support how travel commerce actually functions, from sourcing and distribution to settlement and performance insight. The engagement these stories received reflects a broader shift across the industry. Travel leaders are spending less time debating change and more time evaluating how well their systems support daily execution. In 2026, attention will continue to move toward reliability, transparency, and the ability to adapt as conditions evolve. That is where the real momentum of the next year begins. To read these articles and explore more travel and technology insights, visit our DerbySoft Resource Library. IHCL to Acquire 51% Stake in Brij Hotels - Image Credit IHCL Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has signed definitive agreements to acquire a 51% stake in Brij Hospitality, the owner of the Brij Hotels brand, expanding its presence in Indias boutique leisure segment. Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has entered into definitive agreements to acquire a controlling 51% stake in Brij Hospitality, which owns and operates the Brij Hotels brand. The transaction will give IHCL ownership of the Brij brand and is intended to support the development of the boutique leisure hotel segment in India. Brij Hotels currently operates a portfolio of 22 hotels across various locations in India, with 11 additional properties in the pipeline. The brands properties are located in destinations including Jaipur, Varanasi, Ranthambore, the northern hills, the northeast region, and Goa. The acquisition will add these locations to IHCLs portfolio, which now comprises 610 hotels, including 253 in the pipeline. The agreement marks a shift from IHCLs previous marketing and distribution partnership with Brij Hotels to a majority shareholding. IHCLs strategic objective is to consolidate its position in Indias leisure tourism sector, particularly in cultural, spiritual, and wildlife destinations. The transaction is part of IHCLs broader expansion strategy, which aims to reach 700 hotels under its Accelerate 2030 plan. The addition of Brij Hotels is expected to diversify IHCLs portfolio by increasing its presence in boutique and experiential leisure segments. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions. No financial terms were disclosed. The founding promoters of Brij Hospitality will continue to collaborate with IHCL following the transaction. IHCLs expanded portfolio now includes properties in both established and emerging leisure destinations, following the integration of Brij Hotels. The move is intended to address growing demand in Indias hospitality sector, driven by increased consumer spending and interest in experiential travel. No timeline for completing the acquisition has been specified. Further details regarding integration and operational plans were not disclosed. Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam - Image Credit Mandarin Oriental Mandarin Oriental has assumed management of the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam, marking its first property in the Netherlands. Mandarin Oriental has taken over management of the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam, effective immediately. The property will now operate as Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam. This move marks Mandarin Orientals entry into the Netherlands and expands its European portfolio. The hotel is located in Amsterdams Museum Quarter and first opened in 2011. The property will maintain its existing local character and historic features under the new management. Mandarin Oriental plans to implement phased upgrades to guest rooms and suites, beginning with the Deluxe Rooms. The hotels lounge will undergo a design refresh and will place greater emphasis on afternoon tea service. The 1,000-square-metre Akasha Spa will continue to operate for hotel guests and members. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the rebranding, attended by representatives from Mandarin Oriental and the Akirov family, the hotel's owners. Mandarin Oriental has also announced new culinary developments for the property. In early 2026, chef Yotam Ottolenghi will open his first restaurant in the Netherlands at the hotel. The restaurant, inspired by Ottolenghis ROVI in London, will focus on a vegetable-led menu with sharing plates using locally sourced ingredients. The new venue will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the hotels glass atrium, with further details to be released in the first quarter of 2026. The hotels existing restaurant, Taiko Cuisine, will remain part of the culinary offering. Led by Head Chef Lars Drost, Taiko will continue to serve Asian-inspired dishes with a focus on seasonal produce and classic techniques. Taiko has operated at the property since 2014. The rebranding and management transition are part of Mandarin Orientals strategy to expand its presence in key European cities. No changes to ownership have been announced, and the hotel will continue to operate at its current location. Further updates on renovations and culinary offerings are expected as plans progress. This 2026 combined ladder and pumper will replace a 1999 ladder truck. North Adams Council OKs $1.75M Borrowing for New Ladder Truck NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The Fire Department is picking up a hot deal in the form of a 2026 ladder truck. The City Council on Tuesday authorized a borrowing of $1,751,351 for the purchase of the new E-One HR 100 aerial ladder truck. "There was a ladder truck ordered by another community who cannot complete the purchase," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey. "The vendor knows that we've been talking about improving our equipment, and called us and somewhat put us at the top of the list. Several other communities vying for this ... "This is a tremendous opportunity for us to get a truck that is somewhat priced at 2025 values and keep us in certification." She pointed out that it will replace a 1999 ladder truck that she had purchased as the city procurement officer 27 years ago. Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre, in his slide presentation to the council, stated that purchasing this truck will save the city between $500,000 and $600,000 compared to ordering one now, and it will be ready in a few months, rather than up to three years. "This ladder truck represents a critical investment in public safety, the operational readiness of North Adams Fire Department and safety of our firefighters," he said. "The replacement is necessary to maintain effective emergency response capabilities, protect our firefighters and continue to provide level of service our residents expect from the North Adams Fire Department." The current Smeal ladder truck has been in frontline service for 27 years a dozen past the National Fire Protection Association's recommended industry standard. Lefebvre said the truck should have been put in reserve at age 15 and retired at 20. "At 27 years old, this truck has exceeded that benchmark and is increasingly difficult and costly to maintain," he said, and is in danger of losing its NFP certification. "This was the last new piece of apparatus purchased in whole by the city. Other new pieces of apparatus that have been purchased have been through AFG [federal Assistance to Firefighter Grants Program] grant funding with minimal matches by the city." The department's newest apparatus is the 2015 E-One Cyclone II that replaced a 30-year-old engine. The new ladder truck also has something the current one doesn't a pump and a 500-gallon tank. The old truck requires a separate vehicle to supply it water. "This reduces flexibility at emergency scenes and can slow down critical operations," the chief said. "Additionally, the technology and safety systems on the truck are outdated by today's standards, increasing operational and safety risks." The new truck also has the latest technology and safety features such as advanced aerial controls, improved stabilization systems, enhanced lighting for nighttime operations and monitored cab safety features. "A modern, reliable ladder truck allows us to respond more effectively to fires, perform rescues more safely, and protect critical infrastructure," he said, with the mayor noting that fire operations is weighed into home insurance rates. In response to questions, Lefebvre said the department had initially looked to spec out a smaller quint truck, one that combines water pumping and ladder capabilities, which this truck qualifies as with larger aerial capabilities. The Smeal is too old to be traded in, requires at least $30,000 to bring it up to standard, so would be sold off privately, and stored at the city yard until then. The mayor said the debt service on the 15-year term at 3.32 percent is about $153,000 a year and will be part of the annual budget. That should be manageable, she said, as $628,175 in debt and interest falling off this year. These include costs related to construction at Colegrove Park Elementary, the public safety building roof and highway equipment. E-One is expected to complete the truck's build in March and deliver it to the city's dealer for painting and signage. The Fire Department should be receiving the truck in April. "This will fit in our building, by the way," said the chief. "I was told to say that, and I completely missed that part of my slide. I promise it will fit." In other business: The council approved a resolution in support of the Massachusetts Teachers Association Fiscal Crisis Campaign, postponed from the last meeting, on a vote of 7-1, with Councilor Peter Breen voting no and Councilor Marie McCarron abstaining and recusing herself from discussion as she is an active member of the MTA. The council referred proposed updates to the Rules of Order to the General Goverment Committee. The council approved bonding levels of $250,000 for the treasurer/tax collector, $62,500 for the assistant city treasurer, and $15,000 for the city clerk. The mayor announced appointments of Nancy Bullett, Aimee Annichiarico, Ross Jacobs, Wayne Wilkinson and Christine Girard to the new Affordable Housing Trust. Bullett and Annichiarico terms will end Jan. 13, 2028; Girard, Jacobs and Wilkinson on Jan. 13, 2027. William Hooper was appointed to the Airport Commission, replacing Andrew Fitch and with a term to expire Feb. 1, 2028, and Rita Sporbert, until Jan. 13, 2029; reappointed were John Treski and Robert Simons to the Commission on Disabilities, until Dec. 1, 2028; Gabrielle West and Paul Marino to the Historical Commission, until Jan. 2, 2029; Lisa Lescarbeau and Richard Taskin to the library trustees, until Jan. 2, 2029; Lawrence Burdick to the Cemetery Commission until Jan. 1, 2029; Peter Oleskiewicz to the Planning Board, until Feb. 1, 2030; and Ross Jacobs and Christopher Thomas to the Zoning Board of Appeals, until Jan. 1, 2031. Longtime Willinet director Debby Dane is leaving town at the end of June. Above, she accepts the Scarborough-Salomon-Flynt Community Service Award on behalf of the public access channel at the 2021 annual town meeting. WilliNet Facing Dane's Retirement, Uncertain Fiscal Future WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The face of and driving force behind the town's community access television station will retire this summer. At Monday's Select Board meeting, the president of the board of WilliNet announced that longtime Executive Director Debby Dane will leave the non-profit on June 30 and move to California, "following her 5-month-old granddaughter." "The search committee has begun its work to find a replacement hire," Mary Strout told the Select Board. "Deb will be hard to replace, however the board is confident we will find an individual well suited to move the organization forward." "Now, I'm speechless," Chair Stephanie Boyd replied on hearing of Dane's departure. Earlier, before Strout made news, Boyd praised the town's Public, Educational and Governmental (PEG) Access station, founded in 1994. "As everybody knows, WilliNet holds our community together, gets our town meetings and committee meetings online as well as all of the work in the town," Boyd said. "I know, after looking at so many towns' public TV stations over the last month that we're very close to the best. Maybe we even are the best. "I can't say enough good things about WilliNet, the website, the programming, the professionalism. It's really, really incredible. We should all be very grateful for the hard work of Deb [Dane] and Jack [Criddle] and the rest of the team." Part of that team, including Dane, was before the Select Board on Monday to renew the operating agreement between WilliNet and the town, which, for decades, has designated the nonprofit as the town's provider of PEG programming and the recipient of money generated by a portion of the monthly service fee paid by cable television customers. Strout and Dane told the board that WilliNet is challenged by the prospect of declining revenue because the number of cable customers in Williamstown like everywhere else is on the decline. "WilliNet receives over $100,000 from Charter/Spectrum, the terms of which are delineated in the cable contract," Dane told the board, alluding to the 10-year licensing agreement the Select Board renewed with the cable company in September 2024 "Charter/Spectrum pays a percentage of their revenue. Over a third of the households in Williamstown continue to pay for cable TV. And that funds three cable channels, 1303, 1302 and 1301, that cablecast local programming." Williamstown, however, is not immune to national trends. A Pew Research Center study found that 83 percent of U.S. adults use streaming services; just 36 percent subscribe to cable. In light of those numbers and the fact that the trend could continue, WilliNet's board proposed a renewed operating agreement with the town that acknowledges the possibility that declining revenue will make it impossible for the nonprofit to continue its current offerings. Those offerings expanded considerably in the last five years as WilliNet expanded its own online offerings, including the creation of an app for popular streaming services Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire. That expansion came at a cost, and continuing streaming services will mean ongoing expenditures. The COVID-19 pandemic and the availability of state and federal funds for municipalities allowed WilliNet at the encouragement of Town Hall to acquire technology that enabled wider distribution of the PEG programming through online services. "The state and federal money allowed us to purchase equipment for digital, high-definition, live, online distribution of all programming that, previously, our cable TV-funded budget could not afford," Dane said. "However, as our draft [agreement] indicates, WilliNet's banked COVID funds that finance the online distribution will be depleted in the next four to seven years. WilliNet will not be in a position to replace the servers at their end-of-service life, along with software licensing." Therefore, the WilliNet board's draft agreement renewal with the town included three paragraphs that call out the financial uncertainty, proposing that the non-profit agree to providing, "its current suite of online platforms, as long as doing so is financially feasible." Boyd questioned why the town and WilliNet should commit to an agreement that ensures, "the first thing to go [is] the service we like the most?" Boyd countered with her own version of an agreement that struck the phrase, "as long as doing so is financially feasible," in all references to online and streaming platforms. Boyd also added a clause that would see the agreement between the town and nonprofit reviewed "every two years or upon request of either the Town of Williamstown or WilliNet." Dane pushed back on both amendments to what the WilliNet board proposed. She said the town's agreement with the nonprofit should be for the same term, 10 years, as the town's license with the cable company that funds WilliNet. And she noted that the town is legally bound by the contract with Charter/Spectrum that generates that money. "The Select Board has committed to a 10-year contract with Charter that says as long as they're providing cable, as long as there is one person here and they're still getting cable, that there's three channels you guys signed for and WilliNet is the place for those cable funds," Dane said. She said she did not know if it was legal for the town to decide that the PEG money paid by the cable company will be directed toward streaming services to the detriment of cable access. "Of course, everybody wants it to be online," Dane said. "We want to go where the audience is. Of course, we all want that. But our funding, and what the Select Board signed is a 34-page document, and part of it says, 'As long as there is cable, it's to go to cable-access TV.' We would love to use that money elsewhere, and if town counsel says we can use that money in other ways, great. "I think the town needs counsel on PEG. It's committed to PEG access. It's your agreement. We're here because there was a cable advisory committee over the years." That cable advisory board, a town body at the inception of WilliNet in the mid-1990s, long since has been defunct, shifting the authority to the Select Board. Reached for comment after Monday's meeting, Dane said she agreed that in addition to the legal question of whether the town can direct fees from cable TV users to a streaming service while cutting PEG cable channels, there is an ethical question of whether the town should do so. Two members of the currently four-person Select Board, Shana Dixon and Matthew Neely, said they were ready to sign the agreement proposed by the WilliNet board. A third, Peter Beck, said he "generally liked" WilliNet's proposal but wanted feedback from town counsel on a couple of points before finalizing the agreement. At one point, Town Manager Robert Menicocci said both the commonwealth and the federal government are looking at potential fees for streaming services to help make up for the PEG revenue lost as more Americans "cut the cord" and drop cable TV. Neely pointed out that whatever the board and the nonprofit decide, market forces are driving change in the industry. "You said there were a third of the households in town [currently on cable] ... you lose 100 a year," Neely said. "It will be online only in a few years. Something is going to change. It's not just us saying, 'You've got to have it online.' It's like, it's only going to be online." Boyd asked Neely where WilliNet would get the money to continue as an online service in that case. "I'm not going to be on the Select Board when that happens," Neely joked. "And Deb's going to be in California." China committed to bringing benefit of science, technology to whole humanity: FM spokesperson Xinhua) 10:59, January 15, 2026 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) It is time to make 2026 yours and step into the New You. 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FTEB -245565, 245575, 245573, and 243999 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. 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 Singapore prime minister Lawrence Wong has formally removed Pritam Singh from his post of the leader of opposition, a day after parliament voted that the politician was unfit to continue following his conviction for lying under oath. The move, the first of its kind in Singapore, ends the Workers Party chiefs tenure as Singapores first officially designated opposition leader, a role he has held since 2020. In February last year, a Singapore court found Singh guilty of giving false testimony to a parliamentary committee in 2021 about fellow party member, Raeesah Khan, who admitted to lying in a parliamentary speech about an account of her accompanying a sexual assault victim to make a police report. The court fined him S$14,000 ($10,880; 10,430). His appeal was dismissed in December. While Singh remains a member of parliament and secretary-general of the Workers Party, he will lose the titles associated privileges, including additional allowances, staffing support, and priority speaking rights during parliamentary debates. In a statement, Mr Wong said: Having considered the matter carefully, I have decided that Mr Singhs criminal convictions, taken together with parliaments considered view of his unsuitability, make it no longer tenable for him to continue... Mr Singhs designation as the LO (leader of opposition) will therefore cease with immediate effect. He said the move was necessary to uphold the rule of law, as well as the dignity and integrity of parliament. Mr Wong also invited the Workers Party to nominate another elected MP to assume the opposition leadership, saying that the nominee should not have been implicated in the earlier findings of the Committee of Privileges, and must be able to meet the high standards expected of this office. The parliaments decision followed more than three hours of debate on Wednesday, after lawmakers backed a motion initiated by Leader of the House Indranee Rajah. The motion expressed regret over Singhs conduct, describing it as dishonourable and unbecoming of an MP, and concluded that his continuation as opposition leader would undermine public confidence in parliament. All 11 Workers Party MPs present voted against the motion. During the debate, Ms Rajah said that Singhs lies strike at the trust Singaporeans place in parliament and accused him of failing to take responsibility. open image in gallery Pritam Singh, secretary-general of the opposition Workers Party, speaks to reporters after the verdict in his trial for allegedly lying to the Committee of Privileges (COP), at the State court in Singapore on 17 February 2025. - Singapores opposition leader was convicted of covering up a lie told in parliament by a fellow party member in a case that could disqualify him from running in the upcoming national elections ( AFP via Getty Images ) She later said: We cannot endorse dishonourable conduct or ignore the court judgment, and we cannot talk about a first world parliament and effective checks and balances if fundamental values of honesty, integrity and accountability are not upheld as MPs, we have a solemn duty to make sure that politics in Singapore remains upright and honourable. Singh defended himself in parliament and maintained that he was innocent. My conscience remains clear, he said, adding that he disagreed with the motions findings. He told MPs: Whatever parliament decides, and as long as Im a member of parliament, I will continue my work as an MP on the ground. Meanwhile, the Workers Party said that it would consider Mr Wongs letter internally and respond in due course. The party has also said it is conducting its own disciplinary review into whether Singh breached party rules. 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 two people were killed near capital Bangkok on Thursday after a construction crane collapsed onto a busy road, the second such accident in Thailand within 48 hours. The latest incident took place in Samut Sakhon, just outside the Thai capital, when a crane being used to build an elevated highway fell onto Rama II Road, one of the main routes linking Bangkok to the south, police said. Two vehicles were crushed, killing two people and injuring at least five others, according to the police. Rescue teams cordoned off the area as investigators examined the wreckage. The latest accident has intensified the scrutiny of safety standards of the countrys major infrastructure projects. The countrys acting transport minister told the Bangkok Post the construction work in both incidents was being handled by the same company. Yes, it is Italian-Thai. I still do not understand what happened, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told the newspaper on Thursday when asked about the Rama II incident. He was referring to the company Italian-Thai Development Plc. We have to find out the facts, whether it was an accident or something else. It came a day after a crane from a high-speed rail construction site fell onto a moving passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima, killing 32 people and injuring at least 66 others, authorities said. That crash derailed a train travelling between Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani and prompted a national investigation into construction practices on major transport projects. Thursdays collapse adds to a growing list of fatal construction accidents, particularly along Rama II Road, which has seen multiple serious incidents over the past year. open image in gallery A construction crane that collapsed on the Rama 2 Road elevated expressway in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand on Thursday ( AP ) In April 2025, an engineer was killed after concrete slabs fell from an overhead structure onto his pickup truck while he was driving beneath the same highway project. Weeks later, a fallen cable damaged several vehicles on the route, narrowly avoiding further casualties. Thai media and safety experts have increasingly questioned why accidents continue to occur on large, government-backed infrastructure projects despite repeated warnings. Following Wednesdays train disaster, caretaker prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul demanded accountability from the State Railway of Thailand, saying those responsible must be held to account. Police have said evidence is being collected and criminal charges are being considered. He asked why the contractor involved in the high-speed rail project had not been blacklisted despite the recurrence of similar accidents. open image in gallery An aerial view of the wreckage of a train that crashed when a construction crane collapsed in Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima province on January 14, 2026 ( AFP/Getty ) The back-to-back tragedies have fuelled public anger and renewed debate over safety oversight, contractor accountability and enforcement of building standards in Thailand. The company, one of Thailands biggest construction firms, has been linked to several deadly accidents at its sites in recent years. The Italian-Thai Development PCL said it would take full responsibility for Wednesdays accident and provide full compensation and medical care to the families of victims and the injured. Authorities say investigations are ongoing into both incidents, with initial findings expected in the coming days. Transport officials have pledged reviews of safety procedures across major construction sites. For now, traffic on parts of Rama II Road remains disrupted, while families of the victims prepare funerals. The Independent has reached out to Italian-Thai Development Plc for a 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 Thailand has experienced a second construction accident in as many days, with reports of at least one fatality near Bangkok on Thursday. This incident at an elevated road construction site follows Wednesday's devastating crane collapse onto a passenger train in the northeast, killing at least 32. Official confirmation of deaths from Thursday's accident is pending, but the Fire & Rescue Thailand Facebook page, monitoring volunteer emergency services, reported one person had died. The search for survivors from Wednesdays Nakhon Ratchasima train disaster has concluded. Provincial governor Anuphong Suksomnit stated three previously missing passengers are presumed to have disembarked earlier; investigations are ongoing. Officials believed there had been 171 people aboard the trains three carriages, which were being removed from the scene on Thursday. The latest accident on the outskirts of Bangkok saw a construction crane collapse on the Rama 2 Road elevated expressway in Samut Sakhon province at around 9 a.m., according to the government's Public Relations Department, which added that two vehicles were trapped in the wreckage, which included massive metal girders. Rescue operations were underway, the statement added. The construction project, an extension of the Rama 2 Road expressway a major artery leading from Bangkok has become notorious in recent years for construction accidents, some of them fatal. A construction crane that collapsed on the Rama 2 Road elevated expressway in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Arnun Chonmahatrakool) At the train accident scene in Nakhon Ratchasima, work to remove the wreckage continued Thursday, after search and rescue operations concluded Wednesday night. The accident saw a falling crane derail and crush parts of the train under it. The authorities said the crane that fell was a launching gantry crane, a mobile piece of equipment often used in building elevated roadways. Narongsak Promta, the provincial police chief of Nakhon Ratchasima, told reporters at the site that police are working to verify the status of all passengers to determine the status of the three people listed as missing. He said police are still collecting evidence and interviewing relevant parties and have not yet pressed charges against any party. South Korea's Foreign Ministry reported that one South Korean national, a man in his late 30s, was among the dead. The ministry is providing consular services to the bereaved family. The two-stage high-speed rail project on which the accident occurred 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. In August 2024, a railway tunnel on the planned route, also in Nakhon Ratchasima, collapsed, killing three workers. Anan Phonimdaeng, acting governor of the State Railway of Thailand, said the projects contractor is Italian-Thai Development, with a Chinese company responsible for design and construction supervision. A statement posted on the website of the company, also known as Italthai, 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. The rail accident sparked outrage because Italthai was also the co-lead contractor for the State Audit Building in Bangkok that collapsed during construction in March last year during a major earthquake. 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 and Chinese companies involvement in the construction of several expressway extensions in and around Bangkok where several accidents, some fatal, have occurred. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Wednesday the government was aware of the reports about the rail accident and had expressed condolences. It was not immediately clear which companies were involved in Thursday's road construction accident. 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 Thailands acting prime minister has called for tougher laws to blacklist the construction company involved in the deadly accident that led to a train crash killing 32 people. Anutin Charnvirakul visited Nakhon Ratchasima province, northeast of Bangkok on Wednesday evening after a crane involved in the construction work plunged onto a moving train. According to the latest update from Thailands public health office, as many as 32 people were dead and 64 injured, including seven who were critical. Three passengers remain missing among the total 171 people who boarded the train. The incident has sparked outrage after it emerged that the company Italian-Thai Development, which was responsible for the construction stretch that collapsed, was also the co-lead contractor in a Bangkok high-rise building that collapsed in March 2025 during an earthquake. About 100 people were killed after the under-construction State Audit Building collapsed after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake epicentred in Myanmar struck. It was the only major structure in Thailand to suffer the damage. open image in gallery Relatives of the victims react near the site where a construction crane fell into a passenger train on Wednesday, in Nakhon Ratchasima province ( AP ) Mr Anutin, who boarded a helicopter to visit the site of the disaster after cancelling his campaign rally, said it was clearly the fault of the construction company as he offered sympathies to the families of the victims. It is time to change the law to blacklist construction companies that are repeatedly responsible for accidents, he said. The prime minister questioned why the contractor had not been barred from state projects earlier, noting a pattern of repeated incidents involving the same companies. He said accidents on this scale were not isolated. He also fumed over the proposed compensation of 40,000 baht (950 approx), calling it inadequate. He said the compensation should be in millions of baht per family as he questioned whether the governor of the State Railway of Thailand should resign, according to Thai Examiner. Mr Anutin was picked by his party to stand as its candidate for prime minister in a general election in early February, as he bids to benefit from a wave of nationalism arising from an ongoing border conflict with Cambodia. Less than 100 days after he was elected premier, Mr Anutin dissolved parliament earlier this month when his minority government faced the threat of a no-confidence vote. open image in gallery Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party leader and prime ministerial candidate, visits the site where a train was derailed when a construction crane collapsed and fell onto its carriages, causing several casualties, in Sikhio district ( REUTERS ) The crash occurred on part of a planned high-speed rail project that will eventually connect China with much of Southeast Asia. The project's contractor is Italian-Thai Development, with a Chinese company responsible for design and construction supervision, said Anan Phonimdaeng, acting governor of the State Railway of Thailand. 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. open image in gallery Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party leader and prime ministerial candidate, visits the site ( REUTERS ) The Italian-Thai Development PCL said it would take full responsibility of the accident and provide full compensation and medical care to the families of victims and the injured. The Chinese foreign ministry said it would investigate the incident but added, at present, it appears that the relevant section is being constructed by Thai companies, and the cause of the accident is still under investigation. A new construction accident on a road near Bangkok was reported on Thursday, just 24 hours after the construction crane accident. There was no immediate official confirmation of deaths in Thursdays accident, but the Facebook page of Fire & Rescue Thailand, which covers the activities of volunteer firefighters and rescue workers, said at least one person was killed. Thank you for registering Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in 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 With at least 10 major conflicts ongoing around the world at the start of 2026 and events in Iran, Venezuela and Greenland stealing the headlines in recent days Yemens civil war, which began in 2014, too often falls under the radar. Amid the carnage, the Yemeni people are caught in an escalating humanitarian crisis. Some 23 million people , or two-thirds of the population, required humanitarian aid at the end of 2025, and the country is facing the worlds second-biggest food crisis, with nearly half of all children under five considered to be chronically malnourished. At the same time, the amount of humanitarian aid reaching the country has been slashed following cuts imposed by Donald Trump and others, with just 24 per cent of requirements met in 2025, leaving a funding shortfall of $1.8bn. Oxfam Yemen, one of the key humanitarian actors in the country, has told The Independent that its funding collapsed by 80 per cent in 2025 compared to a typical year. In the north of Yemen, humanitarian operations are further complicated by the Houthis, one of the main groups fighting in the war, arbitrarily detaining aid workers, including some 69 UN staff and dozens of civil society staff over the past 18 months, which has deterred some international NGOs from continuing to operate in Houthi-held territory. The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is no longer in the headlines, which is really sad, because you go into the streets here and you can see the despair in peoples faces, many of whom have not received a salary for more than 10 years, Nada al-Saqaf, from Oxfam Yemen, tells The Independent. So often we hear about the resilience of the Yemeni people in this crisis, but this is not a nice word for us to hear. Its romanticising our struggle when we are only trying to survive. Conflict amplified by climate change As well as enduring conflict that has killed an estimated 400,000 people, Yemen is also considered one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. It is grappling with ever more frequent extreme weather events, including flash floods, drought, and extreme temperatures. Precipitation in the already arid country has fallen by an average of 6.25mm per decade since 1971, according to the World Bank. Extreme heat and the falling use of traditional water-storage infrastructure mean that overall water availability in the country has declined by 60 per cent since 1990. Experts see the twin challenges of climate change and conflict as exacerbating one another. Climate change was not the cause of the conflict, but it deepens the wounds, explains Saqaf. It multiplies the problems farmers are facing and makes everything more difficult. Around half of Yemens workforce are farmers, and the common view is that weather patterns are changing, and that seasons are becoming more and more confusing, according to Saqaf. Those affected include 37-year-old Ahmed Mohammed Naji Abdullah, from the Taiz region in western Yemen, who is struggling to keep his familys farm going amid rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and the threat of pests. The heat burned our seedlings, and the cold damaged what survived. Everything became unpredictable, he recalls. For 51-year-old Mujib Mohammed Ali, another farmer from Taiz, the major problem has been access to water, with dried-up wells forcing the community to walk long distances to collect water. Even our animals had no place to graze, he says. Life becomes harder every day. open image in gallery Ahmed Mohammed Naji Abdullah, here seen planting saplings, has been struggling to keep the family farm going amid rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and the threat of pests ( Ahmed Hakim/Oxfam ) open image in gallery Mujib Mohammed Ali, 51, has encountered serious difficulties in getting enough water ( Ahmed Hakim/Oxfam ) Research from the think tank ODI Global, shared exclusively with The Independent, finds that an absence of trust between communities, local authorities, and external actors is increasing local tensions over water in Taiz, a region that is controlled variously by Houthis and the Yemeni government. There is now widespread unregulated borehole drilling, described by interviewees as anarchy, while there have been notable escalations in local conflicts relating to disputes over wells, land use, energy, and transport. The paper also finds that water governance in Taiz is undermined by unclear regulatory mandates and legal ambiguity, as well as the fact that the regions branch of the National Water Resources Authority operates on a budget of less than $10,000 per year. This regulatory void fuels pre-existing grievances over poor service delivery, which in turn is undermining the Yemeni governments legitimacy and hindering peacebuilding and economic reform. War is obviously the immediate crisis, but climate stress doesnt pause during conflict; it comes on top of it. It deepens and prolongs human insecurity, Mauricio Vazquez, head of policy at ODIs Global Risks and Resilience programme, tells The Independent. If you ignore climate, you make recovery harder and conflict more protracted. Climate action in conflict settings isnt a distraction from peace, its part of what makes peace and recovery possible. Vazquezs comments come just weeks after the minister for the environment for Yemen, Tawfeeq al-Sharjabi, told The Independent at Cop30 in Brazil that despite the government facing immense operational and political challenges, climate action and accessing climate finance remain a policy priority due to just how severe extreme weather and droughts are becoming in the country. The war, with all its tragedies, has obscured a more fundamental crisis: the catastrophic and escalating repercussions of climate change, he said. We cannot hope to build lasting peace when communities are infighting for the last drop of water or a loaf of bread, and we cannot rely on humanitarian aid only: we need to create and nurture our own resilient solutions. Climate adaptation against the odds Despite the challenges presented by ongoing conflict, a trickle of positive stories from some communities in Yemen shows that people are still able to prosper with the right financial support. Back in Taiz, Ahmed, working on his familys farm, received training, drought-resistant seeds, and materials to establish a greenhouse with the help of Oxfam. Today, he cultivates avocado, pomegranate and papaya, and also supplies other members of the community with seedlings. Before, heat and wind destroyed everything, he says. Now, with the greenhouse, my seedlings grow faster, stronger, and with real profit. In Mujibs area, meanwhile, Oxfam has constructed a floodwater-collecting barrier, which is helping to retain water in the soil, replenish the wells, and restore farming conditions. Peoples spirits have returned, Mujib says. We feel secure again, and our farms and animals are recovering. Another Taiz resident, 55-year-old Jameel Mahyoub Saif, has seen his villages well and reservoir rehabilitated with concrete through support from Oxfam. We used to buy water at high prices, and women walked long distances to bring it home, he recalls. Now we drink safely. The water stays clear, and floods cant damage the reservoir any more. open image in gallery Jameel Mahyoub Saif, 55, is pictured next to water infrastructure that has been rehabilitated with concrete in his village ( Ahmed Hakim/Oxfam ) open image in gallery Jameel says he and his fellow villagers used to pay high prices for water and carry it home on foot ( Ahmed Hakim/Oxfam ) According to Mohammed Hassan, Oxfams programme manager in Taiz, the NGO has so far provided greenhouses for 16 farmers, provided capacity-building training to a further 58 farmers, built two dams, and restored numerous water-harvesting tanks. He acknowledges that this might just represent a small number of beneficiaries, but the focus has been to support those communities that are hardest to reach. Its short-term funding, but this is long-term investment, he says. These people are looking to give their land to their children, so the investment lives on. The harsh truth, however, is that Jameel, Ahmed and Mujib are among the lucky ones. Most of Yemens millions of smallholder farmers have been left to fend for themselves amid climate- and conflict-driven challenges they did nothing to create. Most people in Yemen are just looking for a way to live, Hassans colleague Nada al-Saqaf tells The Independent. These projects are small in cost, but the impact is huge. Yemen cannot be forgotten from these kinds of interventions. This article was produced as part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project 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 Mexico, Guatemala and Belize have announced plans to create a huge reserve of tropical forest spanning across the three countries. Pushing out criminal gangs and protecting the land from ranchers, miners and loggers won't be easy. The nature reserve announced last week and called the Great Mayan Jungle Biocultural Corridor would stretch across jungle areas of southern Mexico and northern parts of the two Central American nations, encompassing more than 14 million acres (5.7 million hectares). It would become the second largest reserve in the Americas, behind only the Amazon. In interviews this week, the environment ministers of Mexico and Guatemala emphasized the need for security, while also expressing the intention of administrations in both countries to avoid destructive projects in the area. The first thing is that the security forces begin to have a presence, because the region has been abandoned and left to organized crime, Guatemala Environment Minister Patricia Orantes said. This is not primarily an environmental battle. Were talking about the Guatemalan state needing to retake control of its territory. Environmental groups have long said that the jungle on both sides of the Mexico-Guatemala border is dotted with clandestine landing strips for cocaine-laden planes, smugglers moving migrants north and illegal loggers. Mexico Environment Secretary Alicia Barcena said that all three countries will need to boost their security presence in the reserve. Were not going to protect the forest ourselves, the security secretary has to help, the army, Barcena said. Communities as allies Just sending troops will likely be insufficient, as Mexicos experience along another part of its southern border in Chiapas has shown. Organized crime has infiltrated economically-strapped communities with few options and it has been difficult to root them out. Guatemalan lawyer and environmental activist Rafael Maldonado said it will be vital to convert communities that are believed to participate in drug trafficking into allies of the park. To do that, Orantes said the government must offer economic alternatives to those residents. One proposal from Mexico is the expansion of its Planting Life program, which offers landowners money to grow certain kinds of trees either for fruit or timber. The program has a $2 billion budget, Barcena said. But the program, which dates to ex-President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has faced criticism. In 2021, the World Resources Institute reported that it had actually incentivized deforestation in Campeche state. Barcena said the program is being adjusted to better meet environmental objectives. Mexican sustainability and climate action expert Juan Carlos Franco, who works in southern Mexico, said security is crucial and requires the government to act as guarantor. But the work has to be carried out with civil society in the local communities, including in places where locals have found ways to coexist with the illegal activity surrounding them, he said. Communities oriented toward the biocultural management of the territory can overcome despite the crime, thats the most revealing message, he said. No megaprojects Another challenge will be holding governments over the long term to commitments to forgo big projects that promise economic development but threaten environmental damage, such as Mexico's tourist rail operation, the Maya Train, which Belize is interested in extending to its territory. Orantes, the Guatemala minister, said that Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo would not allow megaprojects in the reserve because when access is opened in the forest it becomes difficult to control everything that follows. Arevalo recently declined to renew the contract of a petroleum company that had been operating for 40 years in a Guatemalan reserve known as the Maya Biosphere. Guatemala is making the largest land contribution to the reserve, encompassing 27 existing protected areas. Arevalo had already made clear that he would not run an extension of the Maya Train proposed by Mexicos last president through protected areas. In Mexico, Barcena noted that the 950-mile (1,500-kilometer) train line, which started running in late 2023 and goes in a rough loop around the Yucatan Peninsula, lies outside the new reserves territory. She said her agency was working to alleviate some of the environmental impacts of the train line, in collaboration with companies operated by the Mexican Army, which built a large portion of the rail line and operates the train. To avoid destructive projects in the new reserve, the three governments agreed to create a council made up of environmental authorities, as well as an Indigenous advisory council, Barcena said. Any proposed projects in the reserve would have to pass through them. Some Mexican activists, like Pedro Uc who lives in the Yucatan, remain skeptical of the governments commitment to conservation considering the same political party that brought the Maya Train remains in power in Mexico. Others like Franco are willing to move ahead and keep the pressure on the three governments to maintain their commitments. This week, Mexico, Guatemala and Belize formed a committee to build a roadmap for the reserve over the next month to define which institutions will be involved, how they participate and how the project is funded, Barcena said. She believes theyll be able to pull together about $6 million to get started. Orantes, her Guatemalan counterpart, laid out the intention: We dont want it to be just anything there, we dont want it to be an international cooperation agenda, nor a business agenda. We want it to be the Maya forest agenda. __ Verza reported from Mexico City. 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 man described as one of Britains most prolific train fare dodgers is facing prison over 112 convictions for unpaid train tickets. Charles Brohiri, 29, pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court to evading more than 3,000 in fares on Govia Thameslink services over a period spanning nearly two years, concluding last November. Dressed in all black, Mr Brohiri entered dozens of guilty pleas, repeating the word guilty in a soft, low voice as each charge was read out by the court legal adviser. The process reportedly took around 20 minutes. Brohiri now could face a custodial sentence because of the number of offences he has committed, said District Judge Nina Tempia. He also faces the prospect of having to pay back tens of thousands of pounds in unpaid rail fares, costs, and court fees that have accrued in the legal proceedings. open image in gallery Brohiri could be told to pay back all the unpaid fares, totalling 3,266, as well as the cost of 15,120 of bringing the 112 prosecutions ( Ben Whitley/PA ) In addition, Brohiri, from Hatfield in Hertfordshire, is accused of failing to pay fines worth 48,682 from separate prosecutions brought through the courts between August 2019 and April 2025. Judge Tempia adjourned sentencing until 11 February so that a pre-sentence report can be drawn up on Brohiri. According to court documents, Brohiri could be told to pay back all the unpaid fares, totalling 3,266, as well as the cost of bringing the 112 prosecutions: 15,120. He is also accused of continuing to dodge Thameslink fares in late November and December last year, as well as days before Thursdays court appearance. The charges he has admitted relate to unpaid fares on journeys from London to Brighton in Sussex, and on the Thameslink lines into Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. The court was told Brohiri continued his campaign of fare dodging after being banned last April from entering Thameslink stations as part of his bail conditions. open image in gallery Brohiri pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court ( Rick Findler/PA ) In August, a judge drew up a bail condition to specifically ban Brohiri from getting on to a Thameslink train, telling him: Its very important you take these bail conditions seriously you dont get on any train without having the money. But Brohiris offending is said to have continued unabated, with the last allegation of fare dodging recorded three days ago on 12 January this year. Brohiri has pleaded guilty to 76 charges of failing to pay for a rail ticket. He was convicted in his absence in August 2024 of a further 36 charges. On Thursday, Judge Tempia dismissed Brohiris bid to have those convictions overturned on a legal technicality. He argued that the prosecutions were unlawful because they had not been brought by a qualified legal professional. But handing down her judgment, the judge concluded: There has been no abuse of the court process. At sentencing, Brohiri is also likely to ask for a further seven offences to be taken into consideration, so that all his offending can be dealt with together. Brohiri has been set free on bail until sentencing. A Govia Thameslink Railway spokesperson said: We welcome the courts decision to uphold the earlier findings of guilt on 36 offences and we note that, following the 76 guilty pleas he entered today, he now stands convicted of 112 fare evasion offences. Through the careful use of prosecutions, targeted ticket checks, focused action at known hotspots, and better reporting tools for staff, ticketless travel on our network is at its lowest level since 2022. 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 Independent readers have come out strongly against plans to bring the Bayeux Tapestry to the UK following an intervention by David Hockney. The reaction follows an exclusive piece for The Independent by Hockney, in which the artist condemned the proposal as madness and warned it could cause irreversible damage to the fragile medieval artwork. Responding to his column, reader opposition was emphatic, with a poll showing 79 per cent also believe the tapestry should be left in France. The 11th-century work looks set to be transported from Bayeux to the British Museum for a nine-month exhibition later this year. But, writing exclusively for The Independent, Hockney argued the risks of moving the tapestry far outweigh any symbolic or educational value. Many readers echoed those concerns. Commenters repeatedly argued that the tapestry is best seen in its original setting and that relocating it to London would strip it of historical context, while serving little more than a high-profile visitor draw for the British Museum. The danger of damage during transport and display was the main concern, with readers stressing that historic textiles are uniquely delicate and irreplaceable. Some acknowledged that the tapestry must in any case be removed from its current display case while the Bayeux museum undergoes major renovation works. Even so, many said this did not justify sending it abroad, suggesting storage or an alternative location in France would be safer. Heres what you had to say: Stripping historical context Hockney is not wrong. Ive seen it, and its such a stunning piece of art and history. Let people go to it rather than trying to make it some money-spinning attraction. Its better seen where it is to have it in the centre of London strips it of all historical context. No, no, no! Moo100 Something will go wrong I agree with Hockney. Inevitably, something will go wrong and damage will be done during this totally unnecessary physical move. Leave it where it is and let the French look after it. OlTom This tapestry is priceless This tapestry is priceless and historically very important; it should not be moved. It would be better to move the replica, which is also housed in Bayeux. If people really want to see the original, then go to Bayeux it doesnt cost much to get there and it is well worth the visit. Gotterdammerung Bayeux is easy to get to I agree with Hockney, so leave the original in Bayeux. Both my children went there on school trips, and we are planning to go either this spring or after the tapestry returns from the British Museum. Importantly, Bayeux is easy to get to, and the tapestry is very delicate. DMJ It is hardly on the other side of the world It is hardly on the other side of the world. Anyone really wanting to see this already can. It would probably be cheaper for me to go to France to see it than London. slapand It will need to move somewhere I do worry about possible damage, given that historic textiles are notoriously fragile, but the Bayeux museum is about to close for major repairs. The tapestry is going to have to move somewhere while the work is carried out, whether it is to the British Museum, an alternative location in France or into storage. Textile conservators are an extremely risk-averse bunch (for obvious reasons theres a lot that can go wrong as a result of changes in heat, light exposure and humidity, as well as physically moving objects), so I assume this loan wouldnt have been agreed unless the team which looks after the tapestry are convinced it can withstand a temporary move to London. Tanaquil2 Put the Hastings Embroidery back on display Very strange throwback for me, as a child in Hastings in 1966. You better believe that the Battle of Hastings was celebrated in every possible way I was part of the horde of archers in a film made by a number of local schools. Back then, the issue of the Bayeux Tapestry being relocated temporarily was discussed and rejected on the understandable grounds that it was too fragile. As something of a consolation, a new work The Hastings Embroidery was commissioned, consisting of some 27 panels denoting 900 years of the history of the UK. It was displayed for some years in a dedicated structure, the Triodome, on Hastings Pier. Wikipedia tells me it is currently in storage, though it was on public display in 2019. Maybe put the Hastings Embroidery back on display instead of risking the Bayeux Tapestry? Daksol One of the greatest tragedies in English history The tapestry documents one of the greatest tragedies in English history (if not Welsh and Irish), as the Norman Conquest was beyond imagination in its brutality and changed England for the worse. In fact, we are still living with the awful consequences of the Norman invasion today. Great English heroes (Hereward the Wake, Eadric the Wild, Edwin and Morcar), who led rebellion after rebellion to try to push back Williams men, have all but been erased from history. The Norman assaults on Ireland, begun in 1069; on Wales, begun in 1070; and on Scotland, in 1072 which history has continually blamed England and the English for were cruel and devastating, but nothing compared to Williams Harrying of the North. Angered by northern rebellions (supported by the Scots), William set out to raze northern England to the ground in 1069 using a policy of scorched earth. In excess of 150,000 Englishmen were slaughtered and starved in the space of a few months. The French can keep their tapestry. Weve no need being reminded of William the B****** here. saghia Some of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity. Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the days top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click log in or register in the top right corner to sign in or sign up Make sure you adhere to our community guidelines, which can be found here. For a full guide on how to comment, click here 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 A Bristol school is facing an inspection by the education watchdog following claims it was "intimidated into cancelling" a visit from its local Jewish MP. Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East, was reportedly prevented from attending Bristol Brunel Academy after intervention from pro-Palestinian activists. Ofsted chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver said in a statement: I was concerned to learn that a school may have been intimidated into cancelling a visit from their local MP. I am troubled by the message this sends to children especially children from the Jewish community. Those of us privileged enough to be working in education have a professional and moral duty to stand against discrimination. After considering the evidence, inspectors concluded an inspection was warranted and were at the school on Thursday, Sir Martyn said. A spokesperson for the Cabot Learning Federation, which runs the school, said: We take our responsibilities to educate young people about British values extremely seriously, which is why we invited Mr Egan to speak to our students in the first place. Whilst we took the decision to postpone the visit due to concerns about student safety and the disruption to their education from the planned protest, a date for the rescheduled visit had already been confirmed by Mr Egans office. This was long before any of the most recent concerns were raised. Speaking at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said the case was very serious, very concerning and added that all MPs should be able to visit anywhere in their constituency, schools or other places, without fear of antisemitism. The Prime Minister added on Wednesday: We do take this serious. Were providing more funding for security and support were putting in across the country, and we will be holding those to account who have prevented this visit to this school. Communities Secretary Steve Reed mentioned the cancellation while appearing at the Jewish Labour Movement conference on Sunday, describing it as an absolute outrage. Sir Martyn said he is grateful to the school for its openness in engaging with Ofsted inspectors. 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 Google has been accused of grooming teenagers by emailing under-13s and outlining steps to turn off parental controls on their accounts. A mother accused the tech giant of asserting authority over its teenage users by contacting them and outlining the steps they can take to update their account so that they get access to more Google apps and services once they turn 13. Until children are 13, or the applicable age in their home country, their Google accounts must be managed by their parents - what it calls a supervised account. This allows parents to block certain content, control their childs screen time and view their browsing history. Once 13 - the age at which people in the UK and the USA can consent to their data being processed - the settings become optional and children no longer need to have their accounts managed. Google said it has always notified the teenage user and their parents when they were approaching the age of digital consent and could make changes to their account. But, after a policy change this week, the parent will now have to approve any changes to the supervision of the account. The issue was raised by Melissa McKay, president of US-based online safety group Digital Childhood Institute, after her son received an email from Google. A screenshot of the email read: Your birthdays coming up. That means when you turn 13, you can choose to update your Google Account to get access to more Google apps and services, customize your Google Account to make it your own. Ms McKay wrote on LinkedIn: A trillion dollar corporation is directly contacting every child to tell them they are old enough to graduate from parental supervision. open image in gallery The screenshot of the email sent to Melissa McKays son ( Melissa McKay / LinkedIn ) The email explains how a child can remove those controls themselves, without parental consent or involvement. 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. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) said allowing children to make such decisions about their own accounts could put them in harms way. Rani Govender, the NSPCCs policy manager for child safety online, told The Independent: Every child develops differently, and parents and carers should be the ones to decide with their child when the right time is for parental controls to change and how they want to approach this as a family. 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. Google has since announced it would change its policy for accounts belonging to those approaching the age of 13. The companys global head of privacy, safety and security, Kate Charlet wrote on LinkedIn: Currently, Google emails both children and their parents before the minor reaches the age of digital consent to help ensure the transition to a teen account is a collaborative family decision. open image in gallery Google said it was changing its policy for accounts for teenagers ( PA Archive ) Under our planned policy update, any supervised minor will have to get parental approval before they can turn off supervision. A Google spokesperson told The Independent: Building on our commitment to family safety, were making a planned update to require formal parental approval for teens to leave a supervised account. These changes better ensure protections stay in place until both the parent and teen feel ready for the next step. This builds on our existing practice of emailing both the parent and child before the change to facilitate family conversations about the account transition." A government spokesperson said: "We expect all platforms covered by the Online Safety Act that operate in the UK to adhere to our laws and put children's safety first. "We've already taken some of the boldest steps globally to keep children in the UK safe online and make sure content is genuinely age appropriate. The Act places clear duties on tech companies to protect young people from harm. "These measures strike the right balance: protecting UK children from harm while ensuring they can benefit safely from the digital world." 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 An artist who claimed her ex-husband signed over their 1.5m home to her via WhatsApp after they split has lost a High Court "test case" fight to keep it. London based painter Hsiao Mei-Lin, 54, married Icelandic financier Audun Mar Gudmundsson, 54, in 2009, but they had a troubled marriage and separated in 2016. During their time together, they lived in a 1.5m house in affluent Tufnell Park, north London, which became the centre of a High Court fight, with Ms Lin desperate to remain in her home. Although she was awarded the house in their divorce, unbeknownst to her Mr Gudmundsson had one week earlier been made bankrupt, eliminating her chance of receiving his half share. She went on to fight an important legal test case at the High Court over when statements made in WhatsApp messages become legally binding. Ms Lin insisted that messages her ex sent her before his bankruptcy legitimately handed sole ownership to her and that because they appeared on her phone under his name and from his device, they amounted to a written and signed document. open image in gallery Hsiao Mei-Lin outside court ( Champion News ) But giving judgment on appeals in the case today, Mr Justice Cawson has now thrown out her arguments and ordered her to get out of the house by the end of July next year. Finding that the messages did not count as being signed because her ex-husband's name appeared at the top of them, he said: "I consider that the header within a WhatsApp 'chat' identifying the sender is analogous to the email address that is added by the relevant service provider to the top of an email. "It is not, as I see it, part of the actual message itself, but merely provides a mechanism designed by the relevant service provider to allow the sender of the email or WhatsApp message to be identified. "It is, I consider, therefore, properly to be regarded as incidental to the message itself, rather than as forming part thereof." But he also found that, whether considered "signed" or not, Mr Gudmundsson's messages had not been intended to immediately hand over his interest in the property. open image in gallery Icelandic financier Audun Mar Gudmundsson ( Supplied by Champion News ) The evidence fell "well short" of proving that he had wanted to immediately relinquish his share and was more likely to have been part of negotiations towards an eventual divorce settlement in the future. London's High Court heard the couple met around 2006 and married in 2009, settling into their new home in Southcote Road, Tufnell Park, north London. Ms Lin was a Taiwan-born British citizen, who studied at the Royal Academy School of Arts in London, and enjoyed a successful painting career, while her husband ran a mezzanine finance company. However, despite having two children, the marriage was troubled, with Mr Gudmundsson becoming "addicted to methamphetamine and cocaine," said Ms Lin's barrister, Tom Robinson KC. The couple separated in 2016 and Ms Lin began divorce proceedings the following year. The divorce was finalised in March 2020, when a judge ordered that Mr Gudmundsson hand over his 50 per cent stake in the family home to Ms Lin. open image in gallery The 1.5m house in affluent Tufnell Park, north London ( Champion News ) But unbeknownst to her, he had only a week earlier been made bankrupt on a petition from a former friend, allegedly owing him and others more than 2.5m. It meant Ms Lin was unable to take sole ownership of the house and, after a hearing at the High Court in 2024, a judge declared her only 50 per cent owner, with the other half going into Mr Gudmundsson's bankruptcy. She was ordered to leave the house and sell it to enable his creditors to get their money, with the judge delaying the order until 2032 when both her children will be adults. In a two-day appeal hearing last month, the trustees, Maxine Reid-Roberts and Brian Burke, disputed that the WhatsApp messages validly "disposed of" Mr Gudmundsson's interest in the house. One of the messages stated: "I suggest that the responsibility for taking care of the kids goes to u 100%, then I can sign over my share of Southcote road to u without any complications as I don't need any accommodation in London." He continued, Please let me know that u r happy with this and we can then close the financial part of the divorce this week, with Ms Lin replying, with some monthly maintenance then ok. Ms Lin's lawyers claimed that, because Mr Gudmundsson's name appeared in the header to the messages when they reached her phone, they should be considered "signed." But for the trustees, barrister Steven Fennel argued that the messages had not been signed and so were not legally binding and if found to be so, "the result will be that a WhatsApp message in and of itself, without a 'signature' in the text, will in all cases count as signed for the purposes of all statutory requirements for signature. "If the sender's device is in the recipient's contact list, the app will insert the name from the contact list, which could be anything at all...the fact the identity of the sending account is clear does not mean that messages from that account are 'signed'." He also argued that the content of the messages did not mean Mr Gudmundsson had wanted to give up his share of the house immediately. Ruling against Ms Lin today, Mr Justice Cawson said: "WhatsApp messaging is now a well established method of sending encrypted messages linked to the telephone numbers of mobile phones using the WhatsApp 'app' downloadable to mobile phones. "Communication between two users will create a 'chat' within the app between them. "The app, when the relevant 'chat' is opened on the recipients mobile phone, will show the name of the sender at the top, at least if the sender is in the recipients 'contacts'. Otherwise, it may simply show the senders mobile telephone number. "It is Ms Lins case that Mr Gudmundssons name so appearing in the relevant WhatsApp chat feed on her phone is sufficient to amount to Mr Gudmundssons signature. "It is her case that it does not matter whether or not Mr Gudmundsson put the name there himself, so long as the intention behind the same was to authenticate the fact that the relevant WhatsApps came from him. "I consider that the header within a WhatsApp 'chat' identifying the sender is analogous to the email address that is added by the relevant service provider to the top of an email, utilising the senders email address. "It is not, as I see it, part of the actual message itself, but merely provides a mechanism designed by the relevant service provider to allow the sender of the email or WhatsApp message to be identified. "It is, I consider, therefore, properly to be regarded as incidental to the message itself, rather than as forming part thereof. "Mr Gudmundsson did not, as I see it, cause the heading to appear by sending the relevant messages. Rather the heading was already there in the WhatsApp app as it appeared on Ms Lins phone before the relevant messages were added to the chat. "In these circumstances, I find it difficult to see that there can have been the necessary authenticating intent in relation to the heading and the WhatsApp messages on the basis that the heading was incidental to the messages rather than being an integral part thereof." open image in gallery The rest case at the High Court was over when statements made in WhatsApp messages become legally binding ( Getty/iStock ) As well as finding that the messages did not satisfy the "signed" requirement in law, the judge also found that the content of the messages themselves did not amount to Mr Gudmundsson immediately giving up his share. "I have come to the firm view that they do not demonstrate Mr Gudmundsson evincing an intention at any point to unequivocally and immediately relinquish his interest in the Property in favour of Ms Lin," he said. "The language of the WhatsApp messages does, to my mind, point more towards agreement to Mr Gudmundsson divesting himself of his interest in the property as part of an overall divorce settlement, rather than as pointing to an intention to immediately divest himself thereof. "I therefore conclude that the evidence falls well short of supporting a finding that Mr Gudmundsson...evinced an intention to divest himself immediately of his beneficial interest in the property." Allowing the trustees' part of the appeal, the judge cut the amount of time Ms Lin has to get out of the house, telling her to leave by 31 July 2027 when previously she had been given until 2032. 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 An NHS trust has been ordered to pay more than 1 million in damages to its former chief executive, Dr Susan Gilby, following a successful unfair dismissal claim. Dr Gilby initiated legal proceedings against the Countess of Chester NHS Trust after her suspension in December 2022. She had accused the trusts chairman, Ian Haythornthwaite, of bullying and harassment. Dr Gilby took over at the Countess of Chester NHS Trust, where child serial killer Lucy Letby worked, weeks after Letby's arrest in 2018, and subsequently led the organisation through the pandemic. open image in gallery An employment tribunal ruled last February that Dr Gilby had been unfairly dismissed when she was forced out of her job after raising concerns about the trusts then chairman. ( PA Wire ) An employment tribunal ruled last February that Dr Gilby had been unfairly dismissed when she was forced out of her job after raising concerns about the trusts then chairman. She told the BBC on Thursday she had been awarded 1.4 million in damages, adding that she was relieved the case was over and it was never about the money. Her tribunal heard that in July 2022, the former CEO submitted a grievance against Mr Haythornthwaite over bullying, harassment and undermining behaviour. She entered into settlement negotiations with the trust as she was being ousted but said she had been required to withdraw her allegations. In an email seen by the tribunal, Dr Gilby wrote: The requirement that I must withdraw the allegations of bullying, harassment and intimidation I made against the chairman is an absolute red line for me. If this means there can be no settlement agreement then so be it. The treatment to which I and others have been subjected by the chairman has been appalling. The Countess of Chester NHS Trust has been contacted for comment. 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 Three Palestine Action activists have ended their hunger strike in prison after 73 days, claiming the government has met one of their key demands. Kamran Ahmed, Heba Muraisi and Lewie Chiaramello began re-feeding on Wednesday, campaign group Prisoners for Palestine said. The group have said the government denied Israeli-based defence firm Elbit Systems a 2bn contract, which they said was a key demand of the hunger strikers. The hunger strike participants are in prison awaiting trial for alleged break-ins or criminal damage on behalf of Palestine Action before the group was banned under terrorism legislation charges which they deny and have called to be dropped. open image in gallery Umer Khalid remains the last hunger striker ( Prisoners For Palestine ) Prisoners for Palestine said that national leaders of prison healthcare met representatives of the hunger strike prisoners on Friday to discuss prison conditions and treatment recommendations. The last remaining hunger striker is Umer Khalid, according to Prisoners for Palestines website. Prisoners for Palestine said in a statement: While these prisoners end their hunger strike, the resistance has just begun. Banning a group and imprisoning our comrades has backfired on the British state, direct action is alive and the people will drive Elbit out of Britain for good. Mr Chiaramello said it was a time for celebration as their demands had been met. open image in gallery Clockwise from top left: Kamran Ahmed, Teuta Hoxta, Qesser Zuhrah and Amu Gib have all begun re-feeding ( Prisoners for Palestine ) It is definitely a time for celebration. A time to rejoice and to embrace our joy as revolution and as liberation, they said. We do this because of Palestine, because weve been inspired, because weve been empowered to take action and to try to realise our dreams for a free Palestine, for an emancipated world. They said that alongside the three who ended their strike on Wednesday, Teuta Hoxha, Jon Cink, Qesser Zuhrah, and Amu Gib have now all begun re-feeding in accordance with health guidelines. Since the hunger strike began on 2 November, several prisoners have been taken to hospital. The Press Association has approached the Ministry of Justice for comment. 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 Thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes after suspected Second World War explosives were found in two parts of Devon. The unlinked incidents have seen homes evacuated in Exmouth and Plymouth after the discovery of devices on Wednesday, as emergency services and military specialists continue to work at the respective scenes to make the devices safe. In Exmouth, a 400m cordon was put in place near the marina after a suspected unexploded device was dredged from the water on Wednesday. According to East Devon District Council, the cordon covers 2,000 properties and the local authority estimated 5,000 people have been evacuated. Councillor Paul Arnott, leader of East Devon District Council, warned residents may not be able to return to their homes on Thursday. He told the BBC: "I think it would be dishonest of me not to say there is another night of this, where people are going to have to be in temporary accommodation." open image in gallery A 400m safety cordon is now in place around Exmouth Marina ( East Devon District Council ) Exmouth Police said on Facebook on Thursday morning: This is a major incident. There will be significant impacts to the town. This is a very large WW2 German bomb. There are multiple emergency services present including bomb disposal teams, and there has been residential evacuations. We would ask people to stay away from the area at this time. In Plymouth, a 100m cordon was put in place around a building site in Martin Street, Millbay, following the discovery on Wednesday afternoon. Homes and a hotel were evacuated before people were able to return home in the evening. open image in gallery Experts have said the bomb in Plymouth is a German drop bomb from the Second World War ( SI UXO ) However, they may be evacuated once more on Thursday so that the device can be made safe. ADS Drilling, working with unexploded ordnance risk mitigation company S.I UXO at the scene, said that the device is a Luftwaffe SC50 general-purpose bomb from the Second World War. In an update on Wednesday evening, Plymouth Council said: Royal Navy bomb disposal experts and Police have confirmed that, due to limited daylight and the need for additional equipment, they will not be able to make the device safe this evening. The operation will therefore pause overnight and resume tomorrow morning (Thursday 15 January) as their assessment of the device continues. Milbay Academy is closed on Thursday and the Moxy Hotel will remain closed until the incident has concluded. People have been advised to avoid the Millbay area. The Independent has contacted Devon and Cornwall Police for comment. 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 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. open image in gallery 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. open image in gallery 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. 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 sight of Robert Jenrick shaking hands with Nigel Farage after trashing the reputation of the Conservative Party of which he had been a member since he was a teenager would have been unthinkable to many before Thursday. The pair have been embroiled in a war of words for years, exchanging insults as they vie for the position as the true leader of the rightwing of British politics. But now, after an explosive day in Westminster that saw the former minister defect to Reform UK hours after he was sacked as shadow justice secretary and suspended from the Tories, Mr Farage and Mr Jenrick have agreed to put past bad blood behind them. open image in gallery Nigel Farage has previously described Robert Jenrick as a fraud ( Reuters ) While it has now been revealed that the Newark MP had been courting Reform since September, having dinner with Mr Farage last month, their relationship has been far from smooth. Just last year, they traded insults on social media, with Mr Farage referring to him as a fraud while Mr Jenrick had previously said he wished to send the Clacton MP back to retirement. What has Robert Jenrick said about Nigel Farage and Reform? During a UCL Conservative Society dinner last March, Mr Jenrick ruffled feathers after he appeared to suggest he was determined to bring this coalition together when discussing the threat posed by Reform. Soon afterwards, Ms Badenoch dismissed any prospect of a pact with Mr Farages party and brushed off talk of stitch-ups before an election. Soon afterwards, Mr Jenrick struck a different tone during an appearance on ITVs Good Morning Britain, stating: Well look, Kemi Badenoch and I are on exactly the same page. Kemi has been very clear there wont be a pact with Reform, and Ive said time and again that I want to put Reform out of business. I want to send Nigel Farage back to retirement. In May, Mr Jenrick took aim at Reform backing the lifting of the two-child benefit cap, writing on X: Why is Farage backing this policy? Has he cooked this up after one too many pints at his local? Has a joint found its way into his usual pack of Marlboro Golds? As recently as last August, Jenrick accused Reforms head of policy, Zia Yusuf, of pushing another two lies about his position on migrant hotels and an illegal immigration holding centre in Kent. Mr Jenrick wrote on X: I see Reforms former chairman, Zia Yusuf, has unfortunately pushed another two lies about me. One of which hes already had to delete. On the Manston arrivals and processing centre, he said: The idea I was bragging about opening hotels, or that I thought they were a good thing, is clearly absurd. A complete lie. open image in gallery Robert Jenrick has previously stated he wishes to send Nigel Farage back to retirement ( Getty ) In another jab, Mr Jenrick took aim at the Reform UK leaders appearance at the Cheltenham races, stating that he had swanned off to forget his troubles, while the Tories remained committed to stopping the two-tier sentencing rules. What has Farage said about Jenrick? In recent years, Mr Farages approach to Mr Jenrick could be described as lukewarm at best. He thanked him once for co-signing his ECHR withdrawal bill, which was voted down in the Commons last October, and had previously said he was more than happy to discuss a potential defection. However, he also wrote on X last August: Jenrick is a fraud. Ive alway thought so, this quote proves it. He also shared a picture of the MP with his quote from November 2022 when he was immigration minister, which read: More hotels have been coming online almost every month throughout the whole year. What I have done is procure even more. In a separate post, Mr Farage said: When Robert Jenrick was immigration minister he grew the number of illegal migrants living in free hotels to 56,000. He is no friend of Epping. In another scathing takedown while Mr Jenrick was running for Tory leader, he said: Formerly a man that believed in nothing, Robert Jenrick now pitches himself as the great hardliner. This is almost certainly done for political gain and not out of conviction. He will divide the party. I doubt that Jenrick will last long if he wins. Yet with news that Mr Jenrick has joined Reform UK, a reset on their relationship is looking likely, with Mr Farage telling reporters on Thursday afternoon: I think Rob coming will bring a lot more people and voters to us. I think this is actually a very big moment, and thats why we talked about it for a long time. 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 Former Conservative home secretary Suella Braverman has defected to Reform UK. The right-winger told a Reform UK veterans event in London on Monday that she had resigned her Conservative Party membership of 30 years. Ms Braverman said she would represent her constituency of Fareham and Waterlooville as a Reform UK MP with immediate effect. It comes on the heels of the high-profile defection from the Conservatives of Robert Jenrick and brings the number of sitting MPs in Nigel Farages party to eight. They join Nadhim Zahawi, Lee Anderson, Nadine Dorries and Danny Kruger among the Conservatives joined Reform in the past two years. open image in gallery Suella Braverman ( Reuters ) Here are the other Conservatives who defected to Reform UK: Lee Anderson Mr Anderson was elected in 2019 as an MP for Ashfield for the Conservative Party; he defected to Reform UK in March 2024 and has since become Chief Whip. He retained his seat as a Reform UK MP in the 2024 general election. open image in gallery Lee Anderson was one of the Tory partys more high profile defections(Lucy North/PA) ( PA Wire ) Jonathan Gullis In December last year, Mr Gullis announced he had defected to Reform UK - over a year after he confessed hed been unable to find permanent employment since losing his seat as Tory MP for Stoke-on-Trent North in the 2024 general election. He was a Tory MP from 2019 to 2024 and briefly had a stint as party deputy chairman from March 2024. Nadine Dorries After 25 years as a Conservative Party member, Ms Dorries announced she was leaving for Reform UK in September last year. The former politician was MP for Mid Bedfordshire from 2005 to 2023 and served as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport from 2021 to 2022 under Boris Johnson. open image in gallery Nigel Farage said Nadine Dorries brought government-level experience to Reform UK (Jacob King/PA) ( PA Wire ) David Jones Last summer, the former cabinet minister and MP for Clwyd West defected to Farages party after over 50 years as a member of the Conservative Party. He represented the Clwyd West constituency from 2005 until 2024. In his parting statement, Mr Jones said: "Today, Reform UK is the party that best represents my views - and, I believe, those of many others who have become disillusioned with the two old major parties." Dame Andrea Jenkyns After a career as Conservative MP for Morely and Outwood from 2015 to May 2024, Dame Andrew left the party for Reform UK in November that same year. She later announced her candidacy for Reform in the 2025 election for the newly-created position of Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire last year and joined the partys decision-making board. open image in gallery Danny Kruger defected in September ( PA ) Danny Kruger Mr Kruger, MP for East Wiltshire, previously Devizes, since 2019, was one of the more high-profile defectors to Reform UK in September last year. He told a press conference: "This is my tragic conclusion, the Conservative Party is over, over as a national party, over as the principal opposition to the left." Lucy Allan Former MP for Telford from 2015 to 2024, Ms Allan stood down in the last general election and was suspended from the Conservative Party for publicly supporting the Reform UK candidate for that same constituency she formerly represented. Sir Jake Berry After serving as MP for Rossendale and Darwen from 2010 to 2024, Sir Jake defected to Reform last July. As an MP, he was Chairman of the Conservative Party briefly in 2022 and served as minister of state for the Northern Powerhouse and local growth from 2017 to 2020 under both Theresa May and Boris Johnson. open image in gallery Dame Andrea Jenkyns became the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire last year (PA) ( PA Wire ) Anne Marie Morris Last year, Ms Morris joined Reform UK to head up their social care policy. Prior to this, she was the Conservative MP for Newton Abbot from 2010 to 2024. During her 14-year term in office, she twice lost the party whip for a period of nine months between July and December 2017, and then again between January and May 2022. Marco Longhi In January last year, Mr Longhi defected from the Conservative Party to Reform UK and is now president of Turning Point UK. The former MP for Dudley North had been a member of the Conservative Party since 1999. Ross Thomson Formerly MP for Aberdeen South between 2017 to 2019, Mr Thomson was a key supporter of Boris Johnson. In June last year, he announced he had defected to Reform UK, saying "only Reform have the courage and answers to the issues facing Scotland and the United Kingdom. open image in gallery Mr Farages party has seen a number of new members from the Tories ( PA ) Chris Green Mr Green defected to Reform UK in December last year. He served as MP for Bolton West from 2015 until 2024. Lia Nici Ms Nici defected from the Tories to Reform in December after a career as MP for Great Grimsby between 2019 and 2024. She served as assistant government whip for Liz Truss in her brief stint as prime minister in 2022. Ben Bradley The former Mansfield MP and Nottingham County Council leader announced his defection to Reform in December, stating that trust in the Tories "has gone" and "is not coming back". He has been appointed Reforms head of local government action, and will focus on reducing council spending. open image in gallery Nigel Farage, left, with Nadhim Zahawi (Lucy North/PA) ( PA Wire ) Nadhim Zahawi The former Tory chancellor became the highest-profile politician yet to switch to Reform from the Conservatives at the start of January. Mr Zahawi, who served ministerial positions under Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, said Britain really does need Nigel Farage as prime minister. It was, however, said by some Tory sources that Mr Zahawi jumped ship after a request for a peerage was rejected by Ms Badenoch - a claim he dismissed. Robert Jenrick Mr Jenrick, who was sacked from the role of shadow justice secretary last Thursday, said of his defection: If we dont get the next Government right, Britain will likely slip beyond the point of repair. He added: I cant in good conscience stick with a party thats failed so badly, that isnt sorry and hasnt changed, that I know in my heart wont cant deliver whats needed. Thats why I resolved to leave. Because Nigel Farage has stood consistently, and often alone for whats needed. Andrew Rosindell open image in gallery Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford (PA) ( PA Archive ) Mr Rosindell has been MP for Romford since 2001. He was a shadow minister for home affairs under David Cameron, serving in that position from 2007 to 2010, before being made shadow minister for foreign affairs in November 2024. His move to Reform brings the partys number of MPs up to seven. About it, he wrote on X: Since joining the Conservative Party at the age of 14, I have been a loyal and committed supporter of the principles advocated by Margaret Thatcher that have always underpinned my own political beliefs. However, the time has come to put country before party. The failure of the Conservative Party both when in government and more recently in opposition to actively hold the government to account on the issue of Chagossian self-determination and the defence of British sovereignty, represents a clear red line for me. 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 More than a third of undergraduate students in Britain believe Reform UK should not be allowed to speak at university events, a new poll reveals. Despite this, findings from the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) indicate that two in three students (69 per cent) agree universities should never restrict free speech, a slight increase from previous years. The survey of 1,012 students also found that a significant majority, 90 per cent, feel personally able to express their views without hindrance. Meanwhile, nearly half (47 per cent) of respondents agreed that universities are becoming less tolerant of diverse viewpoints. This figure has almost doubled since 2016, when 24 per cent held the same opinion. The findings come after new legislation was introduced last year, mandating universities and colleges to uphold academic freedom and ensure open discussion on campuses without censorship. Higher education regulator the Office for Students can investigate universities and colleges and impose fines if it is found they have failed to protect free speech rights. HEPI director Nick Hillman said he was shocked at the results of the poll ( PA Archive ) The poll, conducted in November 2025 by Savanta, found 71 per cent of students said they supported the law requiring universities to promote free speech. One in six (16 per cent) students polled in 2025 said Labour should be banned from speaking at events held at universities, compared with 12 per cent who said the Conservatives should be banned. In addition, 7 per cent said the Greens should be, and 6 per cent said the Liberal Democrats. In previous years, around one in four students said the English Defence League and Ukip should be banned from speaking at university events. In 2016, 31 per cent said the British National Party (BNP) should be banned from speaking at events held at universities. HEPI director Nick Hillman said: I am shocked that more than one in three students support banning Reform UK from university campuses. The best way to take down democratic political parties that you disagree with is surely through free, fair and fierce debate whether that is on campus or beyond. Most students (83 per cent) said they have at least somewhat satisfactory protection at their university to stop them from experiencing discrimination or emotional harm. Nearly two in three (63 per cent) agreed or strongly agreed protection from discrimination and ensuring the dignity of minorities can be more important than unlimited freedom of expression. Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said: These findings are appalling. British universities abandoned being centres of genuine learning, rigorous debate and intellectual challenge long ago, instead opting to become echo chambers of far-left indoctrination run by activist academics. University leaders bear responsibility for allowing this culture to fester in our institutions. The Government must pull grant funding unless this is changed urgently. 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 Nigel Farage has unveiled Reform UKs new leader in Scotland as millionaire former Conservative donor, Lord Malcolm Offord. The former Tory minister was made a peer by Boris Johnson before defecting to Mr Farages party in December, and will now lead Reform UKs efforts in Scotland. Announcing his new role during a press conference in Fife on Thursday morning, Farage announced Lord Offord will be giving up his seat in the Lords to stand for election to Holyrood in May. open image in gallery Former banker and Tory minister Sir Matthew Offord defected to Farages party in December ( UK Parliament ) Rather than being elected to the role of leader, Mr Offord was appointed to the post directly by Mr Farage, with the new Scottish leader saying it is a "great honour". He added: "I think we could even surprise ourselves with just how many votes we manage to garner in this elections. "A huge chunk of the Scottish electorate are looking for something different, they're tired of the decline this country has seen under SNP Government." Noting that opinion polls have shown "some considerable shift" towards Reform, Mr Farage continued: "I'm increasingly of the view that these elections on May 7 will be literally a two-horse race in Scotland between us and the SNP. "I believe we will be seen as the main opposition because neither the Conservative Party nor Labour Party have been able to provide genuine, real coherence to much of the damage the SNP have done for Scotland." Mr Offord previously served in the Conservative government as an exports minister before Labour won the 2024 general election. The former Scottish Conservative party treasurer has donated around 150,000 to the Conservatives, and was made a life peer and given his first ministerial job by former prime minister Mr Johnson in September 2021. When he defected to Reform in December, he declared he believed the Scottish Conservatives have given up on Scotland. open image in gallery Ahead of the press conference, photographers crowded around a copy of a letter from the office Lord Offord, appearing to confirm his wish to retire from the House of Lords. ( PA ) Ahead of the press conference, photographers crowded around a copy of a letter from the office Lord Offord, appearing to confirm his wish to retire from the House of Lords. His leadership in Scotland is the latest in a series of announcements the party has made ahead of Mays local elections, which are expected to see a Labour wipeout and a Reform surge. 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 The Conservatives have placed 11 of their MPs on a defection watch list amid fears more could follow Robert Jenrick to Reform UK. Kemi Badenoch dramatically sacked Mr Jenrick from her shadow cabinet on Thursday after his plot to make a move was uncovered by the party, with the Tory leader on Friday branding him a liar who cant be trusted. Former Tory cabinet minister Michael Gove warned Mr Jenricks reputation will be scarred by his treachery and said his scathing attack on his former party would inflict lasting damage on his reputation. Ms Badenoch has insisted his departure would bring stability to the party, but those close to her are concerned that Nigel Farages call to action for anyone considering a move to do so in time for the 7 May local elections or risk being rejected by the party could trigger other departures. The watch list, drawn up before Mr Jenricks defection, and seen by The Independent, includes former ministers and veteran MPs Suella Braverman, Sir John Hayes, Mark Francois, Esther McVey, Andrew Rosindell and Sir Desmond Swayne. Also included on the list are MPs from the 2024 intake Katie Lam, Bradley Thomas and Lewis Cocking, as well as shadow ministers Matt Vickers and Joy Morrissey. It is understood that Nick Timothy had been seen as a flight risk until he accepted the job of replacing Mr Jenrick as shadow justice secretary. But one insider admitted that the number of possibles stretches to more than 20 MPs. open image in gallery Robert Jenrick defected to Reform on Thursday after his plans were leaked to Tory leader Kemi Badenoch ( Reuters ) The party is in a fight for its survival, one senior figure said. If these MPs all defect by 7 May, then it is pretty much game over. There is an admission, though, that the party leadership was completely blindsided by Mr Jenricks plot to jump ship in a damaging way, adding: We just dont know who, what, where next with the defections. The watch list is almost the entire membership of the right-wing Common Sense Group within the Tories, which had previously backed Mr Jenrick. But Ms Badenoch, on Friday, insisted that pretty much all of Robs former supporters have come to me and said sorry in the wake of his defection. She suggested that his decision to quit the party would bring stability to the Tories, telling The Times: We have been destabilised for too long, the traitors are Farages problem now, not mine. Hell have to watch out. The defiant Tory leader accused Mr Jenrick of wanting to burn the Conservative Party to the ground, adding: That is what Reform wants, not to hold Labour to account or transform this country for the better, but to destroy our party. I am never going to let that happen. Launching a sensational attack on her former shadow justice secretary, Ms Badenoch also said Mr Jenrick tells a lot of lies and you cant believe a word that comes out of his mouth. She also claimed his defection was because he doesnt think that he could be leader of the Tory party. She told GB News: This is a man who was asked yesterday morning, Are you going to defect? And he said, never to the chief whip. And then they found evidence he was going to quit. Her comments came as Mr Jenrick denied that personal ambition was behind his decision and said he hoped Thursday would be remembered as a time when the right united, when people put aside party loyalties and came together to fix our country. When asked if he knows how many Conservative colleagues will follow him to Mr Farages party, he told the BBC: I have no idea, and I havent spoken to colleagues or asked them to do so. He said that while he believes many in the Conservative Party are good people, he said the majority of MPs in Westminster dont believe in the things that I believe in. Reform UKs newest MP added: Well have to see, thats ultimately a decision for them its deeply personal. And then it would be a decision for Nigel and Reform as to whether they were able to be accepted in. The Independent has contacted all 11 MPs, and almost all denied they had any plans to defect. But one Tory insider noted: Im afraid Jenrick showed us that people deny they are defecting until they actually defect. open image in gallery Kemi Badenoch has insisted that the former Torys departure would bring stability to the party ( PA ) Mr Thomas, the MP for Bromsgrove, said he was appalled and disappointed to be included on the list, while Ms Braverman said she had no plans to defect. And Mr Francois, who has previously spoken of his anger over the way Reforms performance in the 2024 saw some of his Tory friends lose their seats, took to Talk TV to deny he will make a move. Meanwhile, Sir Desmond pointed to his blog criticising his former colleague, Danny Kruger, for his defection last year. Sir John told The Independent he will not defect and said he had advised colleagues who might be considering it to wait and see because there could be a deal between the Tories and Reform after the next election. He said: Robert Jenricks departure from the Conservative Party is a great loss. He has been our most capable and effective shadow minister, being impressive in the Commons and beyond it, where he is widely admired. Notwithstanding recent events, our close personal relationship will, I am sure, continue to flourish." But The Independent has learnt that one senior Tory MP was wined and dined by Reform deputy leader Richard Tice last week to discuss defection, but rejected the offer. Others, such as Ms McVey, have been highly critical of Ms Badenochs decision to sack Mr Jenrick from the party. She said: I would have advised her not to have done this. There will be a backlash. Another MP on the list added: I think it was a mistake letting Robert go. He represents what most of us think. I dont know what the future holds now. One MP said of the watch list: Its almost as if Kemi is trying to force the right of the party out to join Reform. Its a ridiculous list, while another claimed it demonstrated panic from the top team. It comes after Mr Farage said the local and national elections on 7 May represented a deadline after which no further Tory defections to Reform would be accepted. Mr Jenricks defection occurred just days after former Tory minister Nadhim Zahawi defected to Reform, the latest in a string of high-profile Conservative figures who have jumped ship, including Dame Andrea Jenkyns, Jonathan Gullis and Nadine Dorries. 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 An artificial intelligence error allowed many recently recruited Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to be sent straight to field offices without proper training, according to a report. ICE used an AI tool to scan resumes and mistakenly grouped applicants without law enforcement backgrounds with candidates who were previously law enforcement officers, two sources told NBC News. The tool was used mid-fall to find potential candidates for the agencys LEO program, which stands for law enforcement officer, for recruits who are already law enforcement officers. The program requires four weeks of online training. Meanwhile, applicants without law enforcement backgrounds must take an eight-week in-person course at ICEs academy at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Georgia. Despite these clear distinctions, the AI tool sorted all applicants with the word officer in their resume into the group with the shorter online training, including those who were a different type of officer or wrote that they hoped to become an ICE officer, the officials said. open image in gallery An AI error allowed many recently recruited ICE agents to be sent straight to field offices without proper training, according to a new report ( AFP via Getty Images ) Most of the new applicants were flagged as law enforcement officers, even though many had no experience in any police or federal law enforcement agency, according to the report. They were using AI to scan resumes and found out a bunch of the people who were LEOs werent LEOs, one of the officials said. Both officials noted that the ICE field offices provide additional training beyond what is taught at the academy or in the online course before officers are sent onto the street, and the officers who were impacted by the AI error likely received that training. The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately return a request for comment from The Independent. The mistake occurred mid-fall during a recruitment surge, and ICE immediately began taking steps to fix the error, including by manually reviewing the resumes of new hires, the officials said. They now have to bring them back to FLETC, one official said, referencing the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. Officials said the AI tool was initially used to sort resumes, and that they werent sure how many officers were improperly trained. It was also unclear how many impacted officers had been sent out to begin immigration arrests. The immigration agencys presence across the country has surged in recent months, most recently making headlines following the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by ICE officer Jonathan Ross. open image in gallery Immigration agents have surged in Minnesota, where many have taken to the streets to protest the Trump administrations immigration policies ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Ross had over 10 years of experience with ICE and wouldnt have been affected by the AI mishap. More than 2,000 immigration arrests have been made in Minnesota since the enforcement operation began in December, according to DHS. The agencys presence in Minnesota has sparked widespread protests, prompting President Donald Trump on Thursday to threaten to invoke the Insurrection Act. On his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted Thursday that the protesters, whom he referred to as professional agitators and insurrectionists, were attacking ICE agents, and demanded that corrupt politicians stop the attacks. If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State, Trump wrote. The Insurrection Act is an 1807 rarely used law that allows the president to utilize military troops or federalize National Guard troops in order to suppress uncontrollable protests or other civil disturbance situations. 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 Ashley St. Clair has sued Elon Musks xAI, alleging its Grok chatbot generated nude and sexual photos of her. St. Clair, 27, is a conservative influencer and is the mother to Musks one-year-old son. Now, shes suing Musks artificial intelligence company, claiming it is profiting off of the creation and dissemination of deepfakes, and that this is intentional, according to a copy of the lawsuit filed in New York and reviewed by The Independent. The Independent has contacted xAI for comment. St. Clair is suing on nine causes of action, including "negligence, design defect, manufacturing defect, and "intentional infliction of emotional distress, the lawsuit states. St. Clair claims that on or about January 4, 2025, she discovered a post on X from the xAI chatbot Grok with an altered photo of her in a black string bikini with two friends, according to the lawsuit. A verified user had prompted Grok with a request that read, @grok please we need bikinis on these three broads. Grok obliged, the lawsuit reads. open image in gallery Ashley St. Clair is suing Elon Musks xAI over computer generated explicit images. ( @stclairashley/X ) When St. Clair publicly responded to Grok and said she did not consent to being undressed, having any intimate content produced, or having her image altered in any way, the chatbot confirmed her images would not be used or altered without explicit consent in the future, the lawsuit states. This was a lie, the lawsuit claims. What ensued was countless sexually abusive, intimate and degrading deepfake content of St. Clair being produced and distributed publicly by Grok, the lawsuit reads. Among other things, X users dug up photos of St. Clair fully clothed at 14 years old and requested Grok undress her and put her in a bikini. Grok obliged. Grok fulfilled several users requests to generate images of St. Clair, including one request to put the girl in a bikini made out of floss, the lawsuit alleges. That image was further altered by users who asked Grok to add tattoos or make St. Clair morbidly obese, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit claims that, in another image, St. Clair, who is Jewish, is stripped and put in a string bikini covered with swastikas. St. Clair not only responded to Grok requesting content be removed, she also reported various images to X. She received an email that there was no violation found. Much of the content remained on Groks X account and publicly available for over seven days, the lawsuit reads. X then proceeded to place warnings for nudity, sexual content, violence, gore or hateful symbols on St. Clairs responses to Grok and deboosted her account while simultaneously keeping the images up, the lawsuit continues. open image in gallery Musk is the father of St. Clairs one-year-old. Musk has come under fire after his Grok AI created explicit images of people without permission, including St. Clair ( AFP via Getty Images ) St. Clair also claims that X removed her Premium subscription and demonetized her account, despite her having paid for an annual subscription in August. She is now demanding a jury trial on all issues described in the lawsuit. St. Clair is seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory money, punitive damages, prejudgment interest, costs for the action and injunctive relief on each cause of action. In a statement to The Independent, St. Clairs attorneys said she filed suit against Grok for creating and distributing nonconsensual, abusive, and degrading images of her through its AI system. This harm flowed directly from deliberate design choices that allow Grok to be used as a tool of harassment and humiliation. Companies should not be able to escape responsibility when the products they build predictably cause this kind of harm. We intend to hold Grok accountable and to help establish clear legal boundaries for the entire publics benefit to prevent AI from being weaponized for abuse, her attorneys said. XAI also sued St. Clair in Texas on Thursday, claiming she breached its terms of service agreement by filing the lawsuit, according to the Wall Street Journal. A lawyer for the company claimed that when she signed up for an account on X, she agreed to the terms of service, which require that legal disputes be brought in Texas, the outlet reports. Her attorneys told The Independent: xAI preemptively filed the Texas lawsuit after we provided notice, as required under New York law, that Ashley would be seeking a temporary restraining order. open image in gallery Ashley St. Clair is demanding a jury trial in her lawsuit against Musks xAi ( AFP via Getty Images ) The lawsuits come on the heels of outrage over Groks production of deepfake images. California's Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Wednesday an "investigation into the proliferation of nonconsensual sexually explicit material produced using Grok, an AI model developed by xAI. Musk's X announced later the same day that it had blocked Grok from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis. This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers, X said. In addition, only paid subscribers will now have the ability to edit images via Grok, which the company says adds an "extra layer of protection," as well as helping to identify users who violate the policy. Geoblocks will also be added. When asked about Xs changes, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent Thursday that theyre doing it to avoid accountability, and they're doing it to avoid there being legislation passed that actually protects people, and I don't think that we should accept it." This week, the U.K.'s media regulator, Ofcom, announced an investigation after concerns about sexual deepfakes generated by Grok, and whether the company broke U.K. laws. "It is vital that Ofcom complete this investigation swiftly because the public - and most importantly the victims - will not accept any delay, U.K. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall told the BBC. British Prime Minster Keir Starmer said he was informed Wednesday that X is acting to ensure full compliance with U.K. law. If so, that is welcome, but were not going to back down. They must act, Starmer said. open image in gallery Grok has been under fire from officials in America and the UK for its ability to create explicit images. ( PA Wire ) Musk also said this week he plans to petition a judge to have their son taken away from St. Clair, after she apologized for past comments she made about the transgender community. His announcement came before both lawsuits. I will be filing for full custody today, given her statements implying she might transition a one-year-old boy," Musk wrote on X. Musk, the Tesla CEO who is the worlds richest man, has 14 kids with four different women. Some of his children are estranged from him. In response to Musks push for custody of her child, St. Clair told CNN on Wednesday: "I'm not at liberty to discuss it further, but I think anyone with more than a third-grade reading comprehension level knows what I was saying there. 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 federal appeals court has ruled that a judge lacked the authority to order the release of Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil from immigration detention, marking a significant win for Donald Trumps administration in its efforts to deport the pro-Palestinian activist. The 2-1 decision, handed down by a panel of the Philadelphia-based 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, effectively paves the way for Khalils potential re-arrest. The ruling ordered the dismissal of a lawsuit he had filed challenging his initial detention. U.S. Circuit Judges Thomas Hardiman and Stephanos Bibas, both appointed by Republican presidents, stated that under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Khalils claims should instead be heard through an appeal of a final order of removal from an immigration judge. ( AFP via Getty Images ) They wrote in an unsigned opinion: "The scheme Congress enacted governing immigration proceedings provides Khalil a meaningful forum in which to raise his claims later onin a petition for review of a final order of removal." Khalil did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A prominent figure in pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's war in Gaza, Khalil was arrested on March 8 by immigration agents in the lobby of his university residence in Manhattan. President Donald Trump had previously labelled such protests as antisemitic and vowed to deport foreign students involved, with Khalil becoming the first individual targeted by this policy. Although initially detained in New York, Khalil was moved to New Jersey by immigration officials by the time his lawyer filed a lawsuit, leading to his case being transferred. He had previously been released from a Louisiana immigrant detention centre in June, following an order from U.S. District Judge Michael Farbiarz of Newark, New Jersey, to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Khalil was stripped of his green card and arrested in front of his then-pregnant wife in their New York City apartment building on March 8. He was then sent to an ICE detention center in Louisiana, roughly 1,300 miles away from their home in New York. Following his arrest, Khalil was accused of antisemitic activities for his role in campus-wide demonstrations against Israels war, allegations Khalil and his legal team have resoundingly rejected. Officials concede that Khalil did not commit any crime, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sought to justify Khalils arrest by invoking a rarely used law claiming that Khalils presence in the United States undermines foreign policy interests of preventing antisemitism. 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 Florida wedding venue is refusing to return thousands of dollars in deposits, even after a brides fiance died unexpectedly months before their planned wedding. Tye Hinson and William Coney were set to marry in May at the Crystal Ballroom Lake Mary, a large allinclusive event space chosen to accommodate their growing guest list. But shortly before Thanksgiving, Coney, 42, suffered a fatal heart attack. Hinson says she contacted the venue two days later to inform them of the tragedy. This wasnt like a cancellation. This was a person dying, Hinson told News 6. Despite paying a total of $7,609 to the venue, including a $2,000 nonrefundable administrative fee when she signed the contract in August and an additional $5,609 just two days before Coneys death, Hinson has been denied any refund. The venue cited the terms of the contract as the reason. I understand contracts. I have them, Hinson, who works as a cosmetologist and has provided makeup for weddings and other events, told the outlet. I have issued a refund to someone when a hurricane destroyed their home before their wedding. My compassion as a human being carries over into my business. A Florida wedding venue is refusing to refund a bride whose fiance suddenly died before the ceremony. ( Google Maps ) Instead, Hinson claims a wedding venue employee suggested a heartbreaking alternative. Her suggestion was, Maybe you can do a memorial here on your wedding day, she said Hinson and Coney met over 20 years ago at Orlandos Fashion Square Mall. Despite moving away, they wanted to marry in Central Florida. Hinson said all her other wedding vendors refunded her payments or canceled contracts, even those that were nonrefundable, after learning of Coneys death. Crystal Ballroom owner Lukasz Rogowski expressed sympathy for Hinsons loss but said it is unfair to compare full-service venues to other vendors. They operate under different legal, financial and operational obligations and incur costs well in advance, he told News 6. Rogowski told the outlet that the venues nonrefund policy is clearly stated in writing before clients sign the contract and is reviewed during the initial meeting. The company also recommends third-party cancellation insurance to protect clients financial commitments in unforeseen circumstances. This recommendation is made before contracts are signed and again during the planning process, Rogowski said. We cannot compel anyone to purchase insurance or adopt specific risk-mitigation measures, and our policies exist precisely because events of this nature are complex, emotionally difficult, and often financially significant. Rogowski added that his team tries to accommodate clients facing serious illness, loss, or emergencies through options like alternative space use or postponements, while still following contract terms. He said, without naming Hinson, the company has been communicating with her wedding planner, Patricia Aro, rather than with Hinson directly, News 6 reports. While the overwhelming majority of those experiences are joyful and positive, we have, over time, encountered a small number of complex and unfortunate situations involving illness, accidents, deaths, military deployment, and other life events, Rogowski said. Those experiences shaped our policies and procedures not to avoid responsibility, but to protect clients, vendors, and the venue in a fair, transparent, and legally sound way. Rogowski did, however, donate $525 to a GoFundMe campaign that the wedding planner set up for Hinson, News 6 confirmed, claiming the contribution was made in his personal capacity, unrelated to the Crystal Ballroom. At the time of publication, the campaign raised over $3,500 toward its $4,000 goal. While we understand contracts and policies exist, we believe compassion and care should always lead the way, especially after such a tragic loss, Aro wrote on the fundraisers page. We are hoping that Crystal Ballroom (Lake Mary, FL) will choose empathy and do the right thing for someone who has already lost so much. The Independent has contacted Crystal Ballroom for comment. 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 warden at a Las Vegas-area prison has lost his job after being accused of biting a colleagues ear during an argument at a holiday party. Manuel Portillo, who ran the Southern Desert Correctional Center, was at the Nevada Department of Corrections holiday party at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino on December 13, 2025, when he got into a physical altercation with a department employee, according to a police report obtained by 8 News Now Investigators. The unnamed employee told police Portillo, who appeared to be drunk, started cursing at him and chest-bumped him. Dont call me [expletive] [expletive], Ill beat your [expletive] ass. Do you have a problem? Whats up [expletive], do something, Portillo told the employee, according to the report. open image in gallery Manuel Portillo, a warden at a Las Vegas-area prison, has lost his job after being accused of biting a colleagues ear during an argument at a holiday party ( Nevada Department of Corrections ) During the fight, the employee claimed that Portillo grabbed the back of his neck and bit his ear. Portillo grabbed his colleagues chains and said, Ill take your chains, [expletive], the police report said. The report says that security cameras caught the battery. The Independent has reached out to Stations Casinos, which owns Palace Station, but they declined to comment on the alleged altercation. The Nevada Department of Corrections told The Independent that Portillo no longer works for the department as of last Friday. We cannot comment further on personnel matters, the department said. open image in gallery The fight took place at the Nevada Department of Corrections holiday party at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino on December 13, 2025 ( Google Earth ) According to his biography, Portillo had been working for the department since 2005. During his time at the department, Portillo moved up from correctional officer to senior correctional officer to sergeant and then lieutenant. He also intermittently oversaw the Southern Correctional Emergency Response Team during his tenure. Aside from his work with the department, Portillo served in the Air Force, completing five deployments to Kuwait, Pakistan, and Oman. Its unclear whether Portillo has or will be charged in connection with the incident. The Independent has reached out to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for comment. 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 It's not just about sending federal law enforcement officers into Minnesota. President Donald Trump's administration is also lashing out at the state by threatening to withhold billions in federal money, much of it intended to help low-income families with food aid, health care and child care and with a new lawsuit against the state. Trump's administration has struck out at Democratic-run states broadly, but it's made a prime example of Minnesota, where the president last month called the state's Somali population garbage," targeting it with actions not seen elsewhere. The administration has not spelled out its exact plans in most cases, and it's not clear if some of the money will actually stop flowing or, if so, when. Trump's administration has unleashed a wave of threats to halt the flow of some federal funds to other states, too including federal funds to sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration officials and their states. Minnesota has been singled out in some cuts as Trump repeatedly criticizes Gov. Tim Walz over fraud in federal programs. Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee and a high-profile Trump critic, ended his campaign this month for a third term, saying he couldn't run a campaign while fending off the attacks and running the state. Minnesota is pushing back in courts or otherwise. Here's a look at the planned freezes in Minnesota. Agriculture Department grants suspended The Agriculture Department said its freezing funding in the state and its largest city, Minneapolis but without laying out many details. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a social media post Jan. 9 announcing the action: No more handouts to thieves! In a letter to Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, she cited a major fraud case involving a USDA-funded pandemic relief program that broke in 2022 in which 78 people have been charged and 57 convicted. Rollins said she was suspending all current and future awards to the city and state and told them to provide payment justifications for all transactions since Jan. 20, 2025, the day Trump returned to office. The justifications would be required to receive future money, too. Rollins said the awards at risk total more than $129 million but did not specify which programs are included. Her department has not clarified whether the amount includes payments that go to individuals, or just those to government entities. Based on the figure from Rollins, the freeze would not appear to include funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps about 1 in 12 Minnesota residents buy groceries. Minnesota residents received more than $850 million through that program in 2024. Still, a Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families website says the department is analyzing any impacts to SNAP. It also appears the National School Lunch Program, which provides and subsidizes school meals, is not included. Minnesota was expected to receive more than $240 million in that program in the budget year that ended Sept. 30. The Agriculture Department also runs programs aimed at food producers, including disaster aid and price supports. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson said at a news conference Wednesday that it's not clear exactly which programs might lose funding, but the state has started receiving notices from some pauses, including to a poultry testing lab. He said that leaves uncertainty about who would pay if avian influenza is found at a farm and birds must be removed. Minnesota appeals reduction in Medicaid payments The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also told Minnesota last week that it intends to withhold $515 million every three months from 14 Medicaid programs that were deemed high risk after rejecting a corrective action plan the federal government demanded because of fraud allegations. The programs identified as high risk include adult companion services, residential treatment services and nonemergency medical transportation. The amount to be withheld is equivalent to one-fourth of the federal money for those programs. On a call with reporters Tuesday, state Department of Human Services said they were mounting an administrative appeal to the freeze. They said the department has been emphasizing anti-fraud measures for more than a year and questioned the federal action, which they said is unlike anything they've found in other states. Minnesota cannot absorb the loss of more than $2 billion in annual funding for these programs without catastrophic consequences for the people we serve, Temporary Human Services Commissioner Shireen Gandhi said, adding that the state cant find other examples of similar federal decisions. It's not corrective action, she said. It's a punitive action. Court pauses freeze on child care and other social services money The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told Minnesota in late December that it was freezing funds in the child Care and Development Block Grant, which subsidizes child care for low-income families, telling the state that it had to submit attendance records and other information before the money would flow again. Last week, the Trump administration said it was halting payments of the child care money, along with temporary aid for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which provides job training and cash assistance, and the Social Services Block Grant, which funds a variety of social services, for Minnesota and four other states where Democrats lead the government. The five states along with Minnesota, California, Colorado, Illinois and New York sued. Advocates and officials warned that stopping the childcare subsidy would put many daycare providers at risk of layoffs of closures. And those could put the families of all their clients in binds, not just those who rely on the subsidies. Last week, a federal judge ruled that the administration cannot block the money for now. Federal government launches lawsuit over government hiring practices The federal administration on Wednesday unleashed another line of attack on the Minnesota state government. The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state government in federal court over its affirmative action hiring requirements. The lawsuit seeks to end programs intended to diversify the government workforce, claiming Minnesota requires its hiring managers to jump through additional hoops to hire employees with disfavored skin colors or sex chromosomes." The lawsuit also seeks money for employees and prospective employees who were impacted. The state attorney general's office said it would respond in court. 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 FBI search of a Washington Post reporters home on Jan. 14, 2026, was a rare and intimidating move by an administration focused on repressing criticism and dissent. In its story about the search at Hannah Natansons home, at which FBI agents said they were searching for materials related to a federal government employee, Washington Post reporter Perry Stein wrote that it is highly unusual and aggressive for law enforcement to conduct a search on a reporters home. And Jameel Jaffer, director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, told The New York Times the raid was intensely concerning, and could have a chilling effect on legitimate journalistic activity. Free speech and independent media play a vital role in holding governments accountable by informing the public about government wrongdoing. This is precisely why autocrats like Russias Vladimir Putin have worked to silence independent media, eliminating checks on their power and extending their rule. In Russia, for example, public ignorance about Putins responsibility for military failures in the war on Ukraine has allowed state propaganda to shift blame to senior military officials instead. While the United States remains institutionally far removed from countries like Russia, the Trump administration has taken troubling early steps toward autocracy by threatening and in some cases implementing restrictions on free speech and independent media. Public ignorance, free speech and independent media Ignorance about what public officials do exists in every political system. In democracies, citizens often remain uninformed because learning about politics takes time and effort, while one vote rarely changes an election. American economist Anthony Downs called this rational ignorance, and it is made worse by complex laws and bureaucracy that few people fully understand. As a result, voters often lack the information needed to monitor politicians or hold them accountable, giving officials more room to act in their own interest. Free speech and independent media are essential for breaking this cycle. They allow citizens, journalists and opposition leaders to expose corruption and criticize those in power. Open debate helps people share grievances and organize collective action, from protests to campaigns. Independent media also act as watchdogs, investigating wrongdoing and raising the political cost of abuse making it harder for leaders to get away with corruption or incompetence. Public ignorance in autocracies Autocrats strengthen their grip on power by undermining the institutions meant to keep them in check. When free speech and independent journalism disappear, citizens are less likely to learn about government corruption or failures. Ignorance becomes the regimes ally it keeps people isolated and uninformed. By censoring information, autocrats create an information vacuum that prevents citizens from making informed choices or organizing protests. This lack of reliable information also allows autocrats to spread propaganda and shape public opinion on major political and social issues. When free speech and independent journalism disappear, citizens are less likely to learn about government corruption or failures ( AP ) Most modern autocrats have worked to silence free speech and crush independent media. When Putin came to power, he gradually shut down independent TV networks and censored opposition outlets. Journalists who exposed government corruption or brutality were harassed, prosecuted or even killed. New laws restricted protests and public criticism, while foreign agent rules made it nearly impossible for the few remaining independent media to operate. At the same time, the Kremlin built a vast propaganda machine to shape public opinion. This control over information helped protect the regime during crises. As I noted in a recent article, many Russians were unaware of Putins responsibility for military failures in 2022. State media used propaganda to shift blame to the military leadership preserving Putins popularity even as the war faltered. The threat to independent media in the U.S. While the United States remains far from an autocracy, the Trump administration has taken steps that echo the behavior of authoritarian regimes. Consider the use of lawsuits to intimidate journalists. In Singapore, former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and his son, Lee Hsien Loong, routinely used civil defamation suits to silence reporters who exposed government repression or corruption. These tactics discouraged criticism and encouraged self-censorship. President Donald Trump has taken a similar approach, seeking US$15 billion from The New York Times for publication of several allegedly malicious articles, and $10 billion from The Wall Street Journal. The latter suit concerns a story about a letter Trump reportedly signed in Jeffrey Epsteins birthday book. A court dismissed the lawsuit against The New York Times; thats likely to happen with the Journal suit as well. But such lawsuits could deter reporting on government misconduct, reporting on the actions and statements of Trumps political opponents, and the kind of criticism of an administration inherent in opinion journalism such as columns and editorials. This problem is compounded by the fact that after the Jimmy Kimmel show was suspended following a threat from the Trump-aligned chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, the president suggested revoking the broadcast licenses of networks that air negative commentary about him. Although the show was later reinstated, the episode revealed how the administration could use the autocratic technique of bureaucratic pressure to suppress speech it disagreed with. Combined with efforts to prosecute the presidents perceived enemies through the Justice Department, such actions inevitably encourage media self-censorship and deepen public ignorance. The threat to free speech Autocrats often invoke national security to pass laws restricting free speech. Russias foreign agents law, passed in 2012, forced nongovernmental organizations with foreign funding to label themselves as such, becoming a tool for silencing dissenting advocacy groups. Its 2022 revision broadened the definition, letting the Kremlin target anyone who criticized the government. About the author Konstantin Zhukov is an Assistant Professor of Economics at Indiana University at the Institute for Humane Studies. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Similar laws have appeared in Hungary, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan. Russia also uses vague terrorist and extremist designations to punish those who protest and dissent, all under the guise of national security. After Charlie Kirks murder, the Trump administration took steps threatening free speech. It used the pretext of the violence-inciting radical left to call for a crackdown on what it designated as hate speech, threaten liberal groups, and designate antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. The latter move is especially troubling, pushing the United States closer to the behavior characteristic of autocratic governments. The vagueness of the designation threatens to suppress free expression and opposition to the Trump administration. Antifa is not an organization but a decentralized collection of individual activists, as scholar Stanislav Vysotsky describes it. The scope of those falling under the antifa label is widened by its identification with broad ideas, described in a national security memorandum issued by the Trump administration in the fall of 2025, like anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, and anti-Christianity. This gives the government leeway to prosecute an unprecedented number of individuals for their speech. As scholar Melinda Haas writes, the memorandum pushes the limits of presidential authority by targeting individuals and groups as potential domestic terrorists based on their beliefs rather than their actions. 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 A GOP lawmaker said hed consider supporting an impeachment of President Donald Trump if he launches a U.S. invasion of Greenland and called his push to acquire the territory utter buffoonery, according to a new report. Representative Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska who is not seeking reelection, told the Omaha World-Herald this week that he would strongly consider supporting a Greenland-related impeachment of Trump. "I don't want to give you a definite yes or no, but I would lean that way. It would be a total mistake to invade an ally. It would be catastrophic to our allies and everything. It's just the worst idea ever in my view, Bacon said. Trump has already been impeached twice, but was acquitted by the Senate both times. In 2019, Trump was impeached for the first time on two articles: obstruction of Congress and abuse of power. Trump then became the first president to be impeached twice in 2021, when he was charged with incitement of insurrection following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Bacon is also the sole Republican co-sponsor on a new House bill that seeks to prevent military action against NATO countries and territories, such as Greenland. Bacon said the legislation should be unnecessary. open image in gallery Representative Don Bacon said he would consider supporting a Greenland-related impeachment of President Donald Trump ( Getty Images ) "It's ridiculous that this has to even be done. But when the president talks about taking Greenland one way or the other way every day this last week or so and that it's unacceptable if Greenland refuses to be part of the United States, I felt like I needed to make a statement that Republicans disagree, Bacon told the Omaha World-Herald. He added: It's utter buffoonery to think that we should compel Greenland to be part of the United States. When asked about Bacons remarks, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told The Independent that President Trump was not elected to preserve the status quo he is a visionary leader who is always generating creative ideas to bolster US national security. Many of this Presidents predecessors recognized the strategic logic of acquiring Greenland, but only President Trump has had the courage to pursue this seriously. 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, Kelly said. Trump has repeatedly argued the U.S. must acquire Greenland, which is a territory of Denmark, for national security purposes. However, only 17 percent of Americans approve of Trumps push to acquire the island, and a significant majority of both Republican and Democratic voters oppose using military force to annex it, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Wednesday. Ill be candid with you. Theres so many Republicans mad about this, Bacon told the Omaha World-Herald. If he went through with the threats, I think it would be the end of his presidency. He isnt the only "publicly-dissenting" Republican voice when it comes to Greenland. Sen. Mitch McConnell took to the Senate floor on Wednesday to voice his frustration. Its about whether the United States intends to face a constellation of strategic adversaries with capable friends or commit an unprecedented act of strategic self-harm and go it alone, he said, according to Mediaite, adding it would be more disastrous for the Presidents legacy than withdrawing from Afghanistan was for his predecessor. open image in gallery Denmarks Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt met with U.S. officials Wednesday, and afterwards said a fundamental disagreement remains ( AFP via Getty Images ) Buying the island could also cost the U.S. up to $700 billion which is more than half of the Defense Departments annual budget, according to NBC News. Danish and Greenlandic officials met with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington Wednesday to address the ongoing push to acquire the territory. But Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said a "fundamental disagreement remains following the talks. We didn't manage to change the American position. It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland, Rasmussen said at a press conference Wednesday. We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the kingdom, he added. Following the meeting, Trump reiterated his position while speaking to reporters in the Oval Office. "Greenland is very important for the national security, including of Denmark. 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, Trump said Wednesday. 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 A second shooting involving a federal agent has taken place in Minneapolis, after authorities say a Venezuelan immigrant tried to flee a targeted traffic stop. The man was shot in the leg during a struggle with the agent and two other people, according to the Department of Homeland Security, who said the officer fired the weapon after fearing for his life and safety. The agent was allegedly beaten with a snow shovel and broom handle by two people who came to the assistance of the man. It comes one week after the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, also in Minneapolis, which has since sparked outrage from politicians and protests across the country. In a press release the DHS said the agents were conducting the traffic stop of an illegal alien from Venezuela who was released into the country by Joe Biden in 2022. open image in gallery Law enforcement at the scene of a reported shooting Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Minneapolis. A Venezuelan man was shot in the leg during a struggle with a federal agent and two other people, according to the Department of Homeland Security ( AP ) In an attempt to evade arrest, the subject fled the scene in his vehicle and crashed into a parked car. The subject then fled on foot, the release stated. The department claimed that after the agent caught up with the man, he began to resist and violently assault the officer. Two other people then came out of a nearby apartment and also attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle. Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life. The initial subject was hit in the leg, according to the DHS. All three subjects reportedly ran back into the apartment and barricaded themselves inside, but were later detained by authorities. The arresting officer and the Venezuelan man are both being treated in the hospital, while the other two individuals are in custody. open image in gallery It comes one week after the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, also in the Minneapolis, which has since sparked outrage from politicians and protests across the country ( AP ) The DHS statement also laid blame for the incident at the feet of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. In a press conference Wednesday night, Frey addressed protestors who were taking the bait, telling them to go home. This is not creating safety. It's certainly not creating safety when a huge percentage of the shootings that have taken place so far this year in Minneapolis have been by ICE, he said. So let's be very clear, I've seen conduct from ICE that is disgusting and is intolerable. For those that have peacefully protested, I applaud you. For those that are taking the bait. You are not helping... Go home. Shortly before the latest incident was reported Wednesday, Walz gave a speech in which he called on the Trump administration to end this occupation. open image in gallery Protestors were quick to gather near to the scene of the incident, with residents saying they were there to show solidarity to their community ( AP ) Protestors were quick to gather near the scene of the shooting, with residents saying they were there to show solidarity with their community. I am supportive of my people and my community, and that people who support this are very stupid in ways that cannot be talked about, one woman told CNN, adding that she had seen multiple raids in her apartment complex in the week since Good was shot. The woman added: I cant be outside without being scared, without being worried that something is going to happen with just a turn of my head and Im being locked up... because of the way I look. Its very scary. Heavily armed Border Patrol agents later arrived in large, military-style vehicles to tape off the scene, according to The New York Times. In response the protestors reportedly threw snowballs at them and let off fireworks, forcing the agents back into the vehicles. open image in gallery CNN later reported that several flash-bang grenades and multiple tear gas canisters had been set off, seemingly to disperse protestors ( AP ) ICE agents also came to the scene in an unmarked SUV and sprayed chemicals in the faces of protesters who approached them, per The Times. CNN reported that several flash-bang grenades and multiple tear gas canisters had been set off to disperse protestors making it difficult to breathe. At Wednesdays press conference, Minneapolis Chief of Police Brian OHara said the protests had, in some instances absolutely become an unlawful assembly. There are individuals throwing fireworks at police officers, individuals throwing ice, rocks, other projectiles at police officers. It is well past the line and people need to leave, OHara said. 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 Weeks after Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson wrote a first-person article about how she had become the papers federal government whisperer as she had received over a thousand tips from federal employees negatively impacted by the Trump administration, she suddenly had her phone and laptops seized by FBI agents. The execution of a federal search warrant at Natansons home, which was part of an investigation into a government contractor accused of illegally retaining classified material, sparked across the board outrage from journalists and free press organizations on Wednesday. Searches of newsrooms and journalists are hallmarks of illiberal regimes, and we must ensure that these practices are not normalized here, the Knight First Amendment Institute stated on Wednesday. It also led to Natansons colleagues at the Post standing up for the well-respected reporter, noting that it showed that the administration led by a president who has aggressively ramped up his legal threats and attacks on the media is now directly going after journalists for doing journalism. On top of that, some in the press wondered if this would finally spur Jeff Bezos, the megawealthy owner of the Washington Post who has pushed the papers opinion section to the right in an apparent effort to curry favor with Donald Trump, to speak out against the president. open image in gallery Journalists and free press organizations expressed outrage and anger on Wednesday after the FBI searched the home of a Washington Post reporter and seized her phone and laptops. ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Natanson was at home when FBI agents showed up to her Virginia house on Wednesday morning with a search warrant. The investigators seized her phone, two laptop computers and a Garmin watch. The warrant served to Natanson said that the FBI was investigating Aurelio Perez-Lugones, a system administrator with top-secret clearance who was accused of accessing and retaining classified intelligence that was found in his lunchbox and home. While investigators told Natanson she was not a focus of the probe and the criminal complaint does not currently allege that Perez-Lugones had disseminated any classified information, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel both accused Natanson of reporting on illegally leaked information and placing warfighters in danger. In addition to other oddities about this statement, it's inaccurate: the contractor is not an alleged leaker at least not yet (his charges are about retaining, not disseminating classified information). And he was arrested last week, not this week, Politicos Kyle Cheney noted about Patels tweet about the search of Natansons home, adding: The government argued for his detention, saying he *could* disseminate classified info if released. But no charges on that yet. Additionally, there is no American law that explicitly makes it illegal for a journalist to obtain and publish classified information, though that was almost tested in court after Wikileaks founder Julian Assange was indicted under the Espionage Act in 2019. He would later reach a plea deal with the government in 2024. In an email to the Posts newsroom on Wednesday, executive editor Matt Murray called the search and seizure an extraordinary, aggressive action that is deeply concerning and raises profound questions and concern around the constitutional protections for our work. He added that the paper has a long history of zealous support for robust press freedoms and that the entire institution stands by those freedoms and our work. The former executive editor of the Post, Marty Baron, also noted on Wednesday that this was a clear and appalling sign that this administration will set no limits on its acts of aggression against an independent press. Barons remarks were echoed by Washington Post reporter Drew Harwell, who posted on social media that this is an outrage before sounding the alarm about the administration's actions. Important to be clear-eyed about what this FBI search means, Harwell wrote. The Trump administration is going after a journalist for doing journalism. Other Post reporters told CNN chief media analyst Brian Stelter that theyre all scrambling to figure out what additional precautions we need to take and are scared for ourselves, all while wondering how best to further protect sources and secure our reporting and devices. open image in gallery Reporters called for Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos to speak out publicly about the extraordinary FBI search of one of his reporters home. ( AFP/Getty ) The Bulwarks Sam Stein, meanwhile, was one of several journalists calling for Bezos to publicly comment on the matter, saying this is an important moment for the Amazon chief and even the absence of him speaking out on this would be a psychic blow to the paper and industry. Free speech and press organizations have also expressed alarm over the FBIs extraordinarily rare search of a reporters home. Targeting a reporter in their own home as part of a federal law enforcement action is an extraordinary escalation that strikes at the heart of press freedom. A government action this rare and aggressive signals a growing assault on independent reporting and undermines the First Amendment. It is intended to intimidate sources and chill journalists ability to gather news and hold the government accountable, PEN America journalism and disinformation program director Tim Richardson said in a statement. Such behavior is more commonly associated with authoritarian police states than democratic societies that recognize journalisms essential role in informing the public, Richardson added. The Justice Department and the FBI must immediately provide a clear, public justification for why such an extreme measure was taken against a journalist, and Congress must provide proper oversight. The Knight Institutes executive director Jameel Jaffer stated that searches of journalists warrant intense scrutiny because these kinds of searches can deter and impede reporting that is vital to our democracy, adding that Bondi has weakened guidelines that were meant to protect the free press. The Justice Department should explain publicly why it believes this search was necessary and legally permissible, and Congress and the courts should scrutinize that explanation carefully, Jaffer continued. Searches of newsrooms and journalists are hallmarks of illiberal regimes, and we must ensure that these practices are not normalized here. The National Press Club noted that while leak investigations arent new, 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 added that the country should take seriously instances when those protections appear to be at risk. Physical searches of reporters devices, homes, and belongings are some of the most invasive investigative steps law enforcement can take, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press president Bruce D. Brown said. There are specific federal laws and policies at the Department of Justice that are meant to limit searches to the most extreme cases because they endanger confidential sources far beyond just one investigation and impair public interest reporting in general, he further stated. While we wont know the governments arguments about overcoming these very steep hurdles until the affidavit is made public, this is a tremendous escalation in the administrations intrusions into the independence of the press, Brown concluded. 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 A parent was arrested by ICE agents while waiting with their child at a Minnesota bus stop, school officials said, as the Trump administration ramps up immigration enforcement operations across the state. The incident occurred on Wednesday, according to a news release from the Robbinsdale Area Schools, which includes schools in several Minneapolis suburbs. This morning, ICE agents detained a parent at a bus stop, Superintendent Teri Staloch wrote. First and most importantly, all students, including the student involved, were able to safely board the school bus and arrive at school. The detained individual was with their child at the time of the arrest, which occurred in Crystal, KARE 11 reported, citing a school principal. Our bus driver, school and district administration followed district protocols, Staloch added. The school principal and support staff have been in contact with the family and have communicated with the families of students who were on the bus, as well as all families and staff of the impacted site. open image in gallery A parent was arrested by ICE while waiting at a bus stop with their child, a Minnesota school principal said ( AFP via Getty Images ) The superintendent noted that the district has a series of protocols in place for staff in dealing with these kinds of incidents. For one, staff are required to call 911 if an individual enters school property without a legitimate purpose, and bus drivers are barred from allowing unauthorised individuals onto buses. The district has also allowed some students to take their classes remotely. Staloch described the current moment as an incredibly difficult time, adding, We recognize this news can create fear, confusion, and anxiety for students and for adults across the district. A spokesperson for ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent. open image in gallery Hundreds of federal immigration enforcement agents in have been deployed to the Minneapolis area in recent days ( AFP via Getty Images ) Wednesdays reported bus stop arrest comes as the Trump administration has deployed hundreds of immigration enforcement agents to the state, following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week. And before that, the Minneapolis area had already seen an increase in ICE agents, following the launch of Operation Metro Surge, a DHS crackdown, which began on November 29. Since then, over 2,400 people have been detained in the Twin Cities, according to NBC News. State officials have sued the federal government seeking to bar ICE operations, which they described as an unconstitutional invasion. 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 More than half of U.S. citizens believe the presence of ICE agents in American cities is making them less safe, according to a new poll. Fifty-one percent of people surveyed by SSRS on behalf of CNN said they considered the officers surging into Democrat-run cities like Minneapolis, Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles as part of President Donald Trumps crackdown on undocumented migrants had had a negative impact. Another 31 percent said they believed the opposite that the agents were making a positive difference and 18 percent said they had not noticed a difference either way. The poll was conducted in the aftermath of the killing of Renee Nicole Good on a residential street in Minneapolis on January 7. The 37-year-old mother-of-three was shot dead behind the wheel of her SUV by ICE agent Jonathan Ross after an argument, footage of which was widely seen across social media and provoked a national outcry. open image in gallery An activist brandishes an anti-ICE sign in Minneapolis on January 7, the day Renee Nicole Good was shot dead ( Getty ) Demonstrations against ICEs presence in the Minnesota city continued on Wednesday evening, during which another man was shot by a federal immigration agent, suffering a leg wound. Asked about the fatal shooting of Good, 51 percent of respondents said they considered it an inappropriate use of force by Ross and indicative of wider problems with how ICE conducts itself. Another six percent said they considered it inappropriate but regarded the encounter as a one-off and of no wider significance. Only 26 percent said they believed the agent had acted appropriately and, again, 18 percent said they did not know enough about the incident to offer an opinion. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the poll revealed a sharp divide in opinion between Democrats and Republicans, with the majority of left-leaning respondents opposing ICEs actions and a majority of those on the right in favor. open image in gallery Federal agents advance during an enforcement operation outside of an ICE facility in Minneapolis ( AFP/Getty ) The research also found that 47 percent of Americans were more concerned about the federal response to protests than they were the demonstrations themselves becoming unruly, a cause for alarm to just 37 percent of respondents. Just 38 percent expressed satisfaction with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noems job performance and only 37 percent said they felt great or moderate trust in the federal government under Trump. Finally, CNN found that 52 percent of Americans now believe the presidents deportation push has gone too far, up from 45 percent in February 2025, following a year of controversial incidents such as ICEs clashes with activists and the since-reversed removal of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a mega-prison in El Salvador. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described the current situation as unsustainable, following Wednesdays shooting. This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in and at the same time we are trying to find a way forward to keep people safe, to protect our neighbors, to maintain order, he said. The Department of Homeland Security says it has made more than 2,000 arrests in the state since early December and is vowing to not back down. Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life, the DHS said in response the most recent incident. 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 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. 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 Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has likened President Donald Trumps America to the early days of Nazi Germany. Chicago is one of several major cities targeted by Trumps immigration crackdown. Federal agents arrested more than 4,300 individuals during the Department of Homeland Securitys Operation Midway Blitz last year, the Chicago Tribune reported, citing the agency. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration earlier this week, claiming federal agents have rampaged for months through Chicago and surrounding areas, lawlessly stopping, interrogating, and arresting residents, and attacking them with chemical weapons. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson brushed off the lawsuit as unserious, saying the Trump administration is enforcing federal law, per WBEZ Chicago. Chicagos lawsuit uses aggressive rhetoric meant to smear law enforcement officers and incite violence against them, Jackson said. open image in gallery Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has likened President Donald Trumps America to the early days of Nazi Germany ( Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Vox Media ) In an interview with independent journalist Aaron Parnas, Pritzker attacked the Trump administration for indiscriminately going after people, comparing it to dictator Adolf Hitlers leadership in the 20th century. The governor said that in his state of the state address last February, he likened what Donald Trump was doing in this country to what was happening in the early days of Nazi Germany. That is where we are right now, Pritzker said. They are going after people for being brown and Black. Theyre going after people who are U.S. citizens. Theyre going after people whove done nothing wrong. They do it under the guise of saying that this is about the worst of the worst, but it isnt. The governor said only 2.5 percent of people who were arrested in Illinois under the immigration crackdown had been accused or convicted of a serious crime. open image in gallery The Illinois governor has criticized the Trump administration for its immigration crackdown, which has reportedly led to thousands of arrests in the state ( Scott Olson/Getty Images ) During his February speech, Pritzker said, It took the Nazis one month, three weeks, two days, eight hours and 40 minutes to dismantle a constitutional republic. Tyranny requires your fear and your silence and your compliance. Democracy requires your courage, he added. When announcing Operation Midway Blitz, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused Pritzker and other Illinois politicians of releasing Tren de Aragua gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers on Chicagos streetsputting American lives at risk and making Chicago a magnet for criminals. President Trump and [Homeland Security] Secretary [Kristi] Noem have a clear message: no city is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return, McLaughlin said. 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 Jesse Watters grumbled on Wednesday over Europe pushing back against Donald Trumps threats to take over Greenland, wondering aloud why the nations leaders wont give daddy what he wants. Besides referencing NATO Secretary-General Mark Ruttes infamous description of the president during a fawning press conference last summer, Watters also appeared to be echoing MAGAs long-running obsession with calling Trump daddy something the Fox News star himself has helped contribute to. In recent weeks, despite the American public overwhelmingly disapproving of the idea, Trump has revived his efforts to annex Greenland, which is a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. This latest push, which follows the presidents capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, has included Trump leaving open the option of seizing the large island with military force. The prospect of one NATO member invading the territory of another could result in the implosion of the security alliance. It really is a deal breaker in the trans-Atlantic relationship, NATO analyst Steve Rynning told the New York Times. open image in gallery Fox News host Jesse Watters wondered why Europe's leaders don't just give daddy what he wants when it comes to Donald Trump's fixation on Greenland. ( Fox News ) With troops from several European countries arriving in Greenland amid the presidents escalating threats while Trump attempts to coerce NATO into allowing him to take control of the Danish territory, Watters scolded Americas allies for not yielding to the presidents demands. NATO called Trump daddy. Why wont they give daddy what he wants? Watters pondered during Wednesdays broadcast of Fox News The Five. Jessica Tarlov, the panel shows lone liberal co-host, reacted by telling Watters that sometimes daddy needs to be told no, prompting the MAGA opinion host to retort: By who?! By anyone who has the guts to do it, and it seems like the Danish foreign minister, the Danish prime minister, the head of Greenland, that theyve got the stuff and theyre saying NATO will disband if this happens. It will be an attack on a NATO country, Tarlov replied. Whose side are you on? Watters balked, leading Tarlov to insist she was on the side of America and also Greenland before criticizing the Trump administration for the lack of respect it was showing to a sovereign nation and longtime ally. I get it that you like the way that Trump does diplomacy maybe more than I do. You like the way that he talks. You understand his weaves or his bobs or whatever. But you have a pan-European fleet coming to back up Greenland, she continued, prompting Watters to jump in to mock her. A European fleet! Thats the funniest thing youve said all day, he guffawed. What do they have, one aircraft carrier? Watters is far from the only MAGA figure who has been cheering on Trumps Greenland expansion fixation. With right-wing lawmakers introducing Congressional bills proposing to make Greenland the 51st state and Trump officials saying no one would stop the U.S. from seizing Greenland by force, pro-Trump media has jumped on the bandwagon. open image in gallery Jesse Watters cackles after co-host Jessica Tarlov points out that European nations are sending a fleet of ships to Greenland. ( Fox News ) We should have Greenland, conservative podcaster Tim Pool declared earlier this month, while one of his shows panelists suggested making the territory into Liberia 2.0 and a Black ethnostate with Flava Flav as prime minister. If you fly a flag in the Western Hemisphere, that flag might soon be the stars and stripes, Fox News host Will Cain exclaimed last week, while other pundits at the conservative cable giant urged Americans to cheer on Trump for looking to take over other nations. This also isnt the first time that Watters has advocated for America seizing Greenland, as he declared last week that the U.S. needs oil from the island territory more than they do and that Denmark better wise up. Meanwhile, when it comes to calling Trump daddy, the moniker has been a favorite of the MAGA crowd since October 2024 following an off-the-rails speech by Tucker Carlson at a Turning Points USA event. Yeah, thats right. Dad comes home. And hes p***ed. Dad is p***ed, the fired Fox News host ranted at the time. And when dad gets home, you know what he says? Youve been a bad girl. Youve been a bad little girl, and youre getting a vigorous spanking right now. Youre getting a vigorous spanking because youve been a bad girl. And it has to be this way. Watters himself has long leaned in on the daddy nickname for Trump and has even gone so far as to praise the president for his dad strength. Team Trump has even tried to cash in on the phenomenon, hawking DADDY t-shirts emblazoned with the presidents mugshot following Ruttes use of the term. 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 U.S. forces have seized another oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, the Motor Tanker Veronica, which the Trump administration claims has ties to Venezuela. This action forms part of a broader U.S. effort to assert control over the South American nations oil resources. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on social media on Thursday that the Veronica "had previously passed through Venezuelan waters, and was operating in defiance of President Trumps established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean." A social media post from U.S. Southern Command indicated that Marines and sailors launched from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to effect the capture. Noems post further noted that, consistent with previous raids, a U.S. Coast Guard tactical team conducted the boarding and seizure. Noem also shared a brief video, appearing to show part of the ships capture. The black-and-white footage depicted helicopters hovering over the deck of a merchant vessel as armed troops descended onto the deck by rope. The Veronica marks the sixth tanker seized by US forces as part of the administration of Trumps drive to control the production, refining, and global distribution of Venezuelas oil products. It is the fourth such seizure since the U.S. ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a surprise nighttime raid nearly two weeks ago. In her social media post, Noem stated that the raid was carried out with "close coordination with our colleagues" in the military, as well as the State and Justice departments. In her social media post, Noem stated that the raid was carried out with close coordination with our colleagues in the military ( AP ) "Our heroic Coast Guard men and women once again ensured a flawlessly executed operation, in accordance with international law," Noem added. As with previous posts, Ms Noem and the military framed the seizure as an effort to enforce the law. Ms Noem argued that the multiple captures demonstrate that "there is no outrunning or escaping American justice." However, other officials within the Trump administration have made it clear they view these actions as a means to generate revenue as they seek to rebuild Venezuelas battered oil industry and restore its economy. Last week, Donald Trump met with executives from oil companies to discuss the administration's goal of investing $100bn in Venezuela to repair and upgrade its oil production and distribution. His administration has stated it expects to sell between 30 million and 50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan oil. 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 Congresswoman Lisa McClain dismissed any suggestion that she or her family were engaged in insider trading by saying that if they had been, they'd have gone all-in. The chair of the House Republican conference, who is a three-term Michigan congresswoman, appeared on NewsNation on Wednesday and was asked to respond to a Sludge report revealing that her husband bought xAI shares just days before the Department of Defense announced it was partnering with the artificial intelligence company. There are reports your husband bought stock in Elon Musks AI company which is not publicly traded, xAI, just days before a report surfaced that the Pentagon was expanding xAIs role in military systems," NewsNation host Connell McShane asked. "Can you assure us this purchase wasnt based on inside info? She said she could "100 percent" assure the public she was not trading based on insider information. Because if it was, we wouldnt have bought 100,000 shares. We wouldve bought a heck of a lot more," she said. Congresswoman Lisa McClain denied that she or her family had engaged in insider trading ( Getty Images ) The Sludge report, citing financial transaction disclosures, suggested that McClain's husband purchased between $100,001 and $250,000 in private shares of xAI before the announcement. xAI is Elon Musk's AI company. On Tuesday, the Department of Defense announced that it plans to integrate its systems with Musk's AI, Grok, and to provide the chatbot access to the military's classified networks. Very soon we will have the worlds leading AI models on every unclassified and classified network throughout our department," Hegseth said on Tuesday. Under the STOCK Act, congressional members and their families are barred from using any nonpublic information to inform their stock market investments. If they do make stock transactions, they have to disclose them to regulators within 45 days of the purchase. There is no evidence to suggest McClain received any nonpublic information related to the announcement. McClain told NewsNation that she couldn't have passed any information on to her husband because the Pentagon keeps information like that secret. You know the Pentagon doesnt release that information, McClain said. I can 100 percent assure you that we didnt have the insider information. Sludge's own report notes that there is no evidence that McClain provided her husband with insider trading info. Musks AI has been at the center of several controversies. Grok once proclaimed itself to be "MechaHitler" and more recently had to be tweaked after users spent days prompting it to create nonconsensual, often sexual images of women and children. The issue became an international controversy with foreign governments threatening to ban Grok unless the loophole was fixed. 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 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. open image in gallery 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.) open image in gallery 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. 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 rejected a request from Louisiana to extradite a doctor from the Golden State who was accused of mailing abortion pills to a woman. Louisiana has some of the strictest abortion laws in the country and its Republican governor, Jeff Landry, wrote to Newsoms administration earlier this week to bring this California doctor to justice. But Newsom rejected the request Wednesday in a blunt statement shared on his official press office X account. Louisianas request is denied, Newsom said. My position on this has been clear since 2022: We will not allow extremist politicians from other states to reach into California and try to punish doctors based on allegations that they provided reproductive health care services. Not today. Not ever, he added. We will never be complicit with Trump's war on women. open image in gallery California Gov. Gavin Newsom slapped down a request from Louisiana to extradite a doctor from the Golden State accused of mailing abortion pills to a woman ( Getty Images ) Remy Coeytaux, a physician in the San Francisco Bay Area, faces a criminal charge of abortion by means of abortion-inducing drugs, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced Tuesday. If convicted, the doctor could face up to 50 years in jail and fines, Murrill said. Coeytaux is accused of mailing mifepristone and misoprostol in 2023 to a Louisiana woman who sought the medication through Aid Access, a European online telemedicine service, according to court documents. The woman took the pills in combination to end her pregnancy, investigators wrote in the indictment, which says authorities confirmed Coeytaux as the sender. In a statement to The Independent, the Center for Reproductive Rights, a legal advocacy group that is representing Coeytaux against civil charges, stressed that the criminal charge in Louisiana is an allegation. While we cant comment on this matter itself, one thing is clear the state of Louisiana is going after doctors for allegedly harming women, yet they are enforcing an abortion ban that puts womens lives at risk every day, Nancy Northup, the groups president, said. Landry said Louisiana has a zero tolerance policy for those who subvert our laws, seek to hurt women, and promote abortion in a statement Tuesday. I know Gavin Newsom supports abortion in all its forms, but that doesnt work in Louisiana, Landry said. We are unapologetically pro-life. open image in gallery Louisiana has some of the strictest abortion laws in the country, with a near-total ban following the overturning of Roe v Wade in 2022 ( Getty Images ) Louisiana bans abortion at all stages of pregnancy with no exceptions for rape or incest following the U.S. the Supreme Courts revocation of a constitutional right to abortion by reversing the decades-long precedent held in Roe v Wade in June 2022. There are exemptions when there is a substantial risk of death or impairment to the patient in continuing the pregnancy and in cases where the fetus has a fatal abnormality. Last year, state lawmakers passed additional restrictions targeting out-of-state prescribers and reclassified mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled dangerous substances. The case surrounding Coeytaux is the second time Louisiana has pursued an out-of-state doctor under its abortion restrictions. Physicians convicted of providing abortions in Louisiana face up to 15 years in prison and $200,000 in fines. The physician is also the subject of a separate federal lawsuit filed in July in Texas, where a man alleges the doctor illegally provided abortion medication to his girlfriend. The Associated Press contributed reporting Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump said the U.S. should not have midterm elections later this year because of his accomplishments in office, according to a report in Reuters. In a 30-minute interview with the outlet, Trump said he had accomplished so much in office that when you think of it, we shouldn't even have an election in 2026. Trump also expressed frustration that the Republican Party could lose control of the House of Representatives or Senate in the upcoming midterm elections, according to Reuters. It's some deep psychological thing, but when you win the presidency, you don't win the midterms, Trump said. When asked about Trumps remarks Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that he was joking and speaking facetiously. President Donald Trump told Reuters the U.S. shouldn't even have an election in 2026 because of his accomplishments in office ( Getty ) Historical trends show that the presidents party typically loses seats in the House during midterm elections, according to Brookings. Recent polls have also shown that Democrats running for Congress currently have a modest advantage in the 2026 midterm elections, according to The New York Times poll aggregator. Despite these concerns, Trump told Republican lawmakers earlier this month that hes expecting to break records with the epic midterm victory that we're going to pull off. This comes after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told the Associated Press that Democrats are preparing for Trump to interfere with the 2026 midterm elections. Meanwhile, the White House said such statements were fear-mongering, according to the outlet. Trump will do whatever it takes, and he has no honor and no credibility and no respect for law. But, we are prepared for it, and we believe we will succeed, Schumer said this week. Schumer added that he expects Democrats path to securing a majority in the Senate in November is a much wider path than the skeptics think, and a much wider path than it was three months ago and certainly a year ago. In the same Reuters interview, Trump also dismissed concerns from the public and even some fellow Republicans about to his push to acquire Greenland, which is a territory of Denmark. When asked about a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll that revealed only 17 percent of Americans support his push to acquire the territory, Trump called the survey fake, according to 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 President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota if state lawmakers fail to stop protesters from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E. The president posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Thursday morning that protesters who he referred to as professional agitators and insurrectionists were attacking agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and demanded corrupt politicians stop the attacks. If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State, Trump wrote. Anti-ICE protests have taken place in Minneapolis and other large cities across the U.S. in the days after an ICE agent fatally shot 37-year-old mother Renee Good. Trump administration officials have said the shooting was justified because Good allegedly weaponized her vehicle by making contact with the officer as she attempted to drive away from a group of agents who were swarming around her. The protests escalated late Wednesday after another ICE officer in Minneapolis shot a migrant in the leg after what the administration says was an altercation where the officer was attacked while attempting to make an arrest. It feels like that has been part of the plan of creating this surge so that he could have his authoritarianism be fully carried out, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) told The Independent. Hes a wannabe dictator whos trying to claw as much power as he can. And I think a lot of this, this chaos, this brutality, this confusion, is really to wear down the American people so that he can tear them down. The Trump administration has deployed thousands of ICE and Border Patrol officers to Minneapolis, the North Star States most populous city, as part of its effort to combat fraud by Somali immigrants and arrest the worst of the worst so they can be deported. The massive contingent of federal immigration enforcement personnel have spent the last few weeks roaming the citys streets in unmarked vehicles and aggressively confronting people they believe may be in the U.S. illegally a practice critics say is little more than racial profiling while simultaneously surveilling and often arresting protesters. open image in gallery Protestors clash with federal agents outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Saint Paul, Minnesota, last week ( AFP/Getty ) State and local officials have denounced the massive federal presence as an occupation and have accused the president of deliberately seeking to escalate and inflame the situation and use any resulting unrest as a pretext for a violent crackdown. The irony of it is that they came to terrorize the Somali community, but it is our Latino neighbors that are being terrorized, Omar, who came to the United States from Somalia, said. Its our Asian neighbors that are being terrorized, and its everyday people on the streets that are being terrorized by federal law enforcement. It feels like its a state sanctioned violence. And this shouldnt be happening in the United States of America. The deployment of immigration officers to Minneapolis the latest example of Trumps push to use federal resources to make a show of force against Democratic-led cities and states in hopes of provoking a response that will give him cause to crack down further by sending in active-duty troops under the Insurrection Act, an 1807 law that allows the president to utilize active duty military or federalize National Guard troops in order to suppress uncontrollable protests or other civil disturbance situations in states. Its terror act in our communities, and it is decreasing public safety, Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.) told The Independent. So we need to do the opposite of that. ICE needs to leave Minnesota. While Trump claimed in his Truth Social post that many past presidents had invoked the law, it has been used only on a few select occasions in the last century. The last time it was invoked was more than three decades ago, when then-president George H.W. Bush sent the U.S. Armys 82nd Airborne Division into Los Angeles to quell riots that erupted after a group of police officers were acquitted of charges stemming from the videotaped beating of a Black man, Rodney King, following a car chase. Bush invoked the act via an executive order on the third day of the riots at the request of then-California governor Pete Wilson and subsequently sent thousands of active duty soldiers to back up the many thousands of National Guard troops already deployed there. It was the second time Bush invoked the act; the first was in 1989, to help put a stop to rioting in the US Virgin Islands after Hurricane Hugo. open image in gallery The protests have continued for a week after the shooting and increased again when an ICE officer shot a migrant for allegedly attacking them ( Getty ) President Lyndon Johnson also invoked the law in 1967 to send thousands of paratroopers from the armys 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions into Detroit after then-governor George Romney asked for help because state and local forces were overwhelmed by rioting that ultimately left more than 40 dead. Johnsons two immediate predecessors, presidents John F Kennedy and Dwight Eisenhower, also used the law without the consent of state governors to protect students integrating colleges and high schools in Mississippi and Arkansas. While his predecessors only used the centuries-old law reluctantly or at the request of state officials, Trump has openly sought an opportunity to use active-duty forces who are ordinarily forbidden from being deployed in the United States to enforce domestic laws to occupy and pacify cities led by Democrats and inhabited largely by people who did not vote for him. His preoccupations with Minnesotas largest city and the Insurrection Act date to his first term, when the videotaped murder of a Black man, George Floyd, by a Minneapolis police officer touched off racial justice protests across the U.S. that occasionally turned into limited civil unrest. When the protests reached Washington, Trump openly mused to aides about having soldiers violently put the protestors down. In his 2021 book Frankly, We Did Win This Election, journalist Michael Bender reported that Trump told aides he wanted troops and police to beat the f**k out out of the protesters and crack skulls. He also told top military and law enforcement officials that National Guard soldiers whod been deployed to Washington should just shoot the protesters. open image in gallery Trump has surged ICE officers in to Minneapolis to arrest migrants ( Getty ) When then-Joint Chiefs of Staff chair Gen. Mark Milley and then-Attorney General William Barr pushed back on the suggestion, Trump reportedly moderated his request. Well, shoot them in the leg or maybe the foot, Trump said. But be hard on them! Since returning to office, he has repeatedly threatened to use the Insurrection Act to send troops into other Democratic-led cities, including Los Angeles, Portland and Chicago. Within hours of Trumps bellicose social media post, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told reporters at the White House that shed discussed the Insurrection Act with him but declined to say whether she views the unrest in Minneapolis as an insurrection. I describe it as [a] violent violation of the law in many places, she said. Noem stressed that Trump certainly has the constitutional authority to invoke the law while expressing hope that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis officials would start to work with us to get criminals off the streets. Asked whether shed recommended invoking the act to Trump, Noem replied that she had not done so. We just discussed it, that it was one of the options that he had constitutionally, and we talked about the fact that we're going to continue our operations in Minneapolis and have the resources that we need to get the job done, she said. 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 One year into his second term, President Donald Trump is making one country stronger and it isnt America, according to a new poll. Citizens of countries around the world now believe that China is ascendant, while few say the same of the U.S. Trump's "America First" policies have accelerated this shift, with high tariffs on allies and adversaries alike and his skepticism toward the U.S.-led system of alliances pushing nations into Beijings orbit. Meanwhile, America's foes view Washington with diminished dread, convinced that the era of unchallenged Western dominance has come and gone. These are the findings of the latest global survey from The European Council on Foreign Relations, (ECFR) which sampled 25,949 respondents across 21 nations in November. Donald Trump did not go into politics to make China great again, the ECFR, a European think tank, said. But that is what the latest poll of global public opinionsuggests he has done in the eyes of the world. The poll came as the Trump administration has struck a markedly different tone in its relations with its traditional allies, most notably including Vice President JD Vance's speech to the Munich Security Conference in February, in which he castigated European nations over issues including freedom of speech and election integrity, and the ill-tempered Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky the same month. open image in gallery President Donald Trump is making one country stronger in the eyes of the world and it isn't America, according to a new poll ( AFP via Getty Images ) More recently, Trump and his deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, have refused to rule out military action in trying to take control of Greenland, a territory of NATO ally Denmark. The poll reveals that the majority of people in many major nations believe China will exert more global influence over the next decade, including 54 percent of Americans, 53 percent of European Union citizens, 51 percent of Indians and 72 percent of Brazilians. Meanwhile, fewer people seem to fear the rise of China. Only in South Korea and Ukraine do most people describe China as an adversary or rival. In contrast, half or more of Russians, South Africans, Brazilians, Turks and Europeans characterize China as an ally or necessary partner. The share of respondents who describe Beijing as an ally that shares our interests and values has risen in South Africa, Brazil and India since 2024. Additionally, in a number of countries, people anticipate their nations relationship with China will deepen in the next five years. Seventy-one percent of South Africans and 52 percent of Brazilians foresee this scenario. Large shares of people also predict that China will lead the way in one major industry: electric vehicles. This is the prevailing view in the European Union, and to a lesser extent, in the U.S. open image in gallery The share of respondents who describe China as an ally that shares our interests and values has risen in several countries ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) That said, Chinas ascendance does not necessarily mean America will fall into decline. While fewer than half of respondents said they believe the U.S. will become stronger, many said they think it will remain influential on the world stage, indicating a potential return to a multi-polar world. Americas biggest adversaries also do not expect it to gain more global influence, with just 20 percent of Russians and 34 percent of Chinese expressing this view. In contrast, large majorities of Indians, Brazilians and South Africans said the same. At the same time, the shares of respondents who describe the U.S. as an ally has fallen in numerous countries and blocs, including China, Ukraine and the E.U. In the U.K., just 25 per cent said they considered the United States an ally with which it shares interests and values. That number was just 16 percent in the 10 E.U. countries polled. The only country where a majority of people thought the U.S. was an ally that shared its interests and values was India, with 54 percent. And, in most nations that were sampled, the share of people who think Trumps election was good for Americans, their own nations and world peace has fallen. 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 Trumps signature Liberation Day tariffs, which he introduced in April, were supposed to bring about a renaissance an American manufacturing. Just the opposite has happened, according to data, and manufacturing jobs have declined every month since. Manufacturers shed about 8,000 jobs last month, according to the Labor Department. That capped off a year in which the sector lost between about 68,000 and 72,000 positions. 2025 should have been a good year for manufacturing employment, and that didnt happen, economist Michael Hicks, director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State in Muncie, Indiana, told The Washington Post. I think you really have to indict tariffs for that. Things could get even worse in 2026, as manufacturers struggle with extra inventory they ordered to beat the tariffs and changing consumer spending patterns in the post-pandemic era, as purchasers look to in-person experiences and services over the durable goods they bought during the Covid lockdown. The manufacturing job losses that we see now are really just the beginning of what will be a pretty grim couple of quarters as manufacturing adjusts to a new lower level of demand, Hicks added. open image in gallery President Trumps Liberation Day tariffs have failed to revive job growth in U.S. manufacturing so far, though the administration points to growing factory investment as a positive sign ( AFP/Getty ) The sector has struggled with longer-term uncertainty over the tariff rates, which the administration has introduced, rolled back, and modified throughout the year. The Supreme Court is also considering a case that could strike down the emergency measures for good. Thats left businesses unsure about their input costs, especially given that about half of U.S. imports are intermediate goods American companies then incorporate into their final products. Even in high-priority areas for the White House like tech, the tariffs appear to be making an impact. Semiconductor manufacturers have shed more than 13,000 jobs since April. Fifty-seven percent of mid-sized manufacturers said they had no certainty about their input costs, according to a November survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Smaller companies were even more likely to delay investments in facilities and equipment in response to the tariffs, the research found. Every time I hear that manufacturing is booming, I scream at the TV, J.B. Brown, CEO of BCI Solutions Inc., a metal foundry in Bremen, Indiana, told Reuters. open image in gallery U.S. manufacturers have struggled with fluctuating tariff rates and long-term uncertainty over input costs ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) His workforce is half as small as it was two years ago, with the fewest employees it has had since at least 1993. Despite these signals, the Trump administration insists the economy is on strong footing. During an economics-focused speech this week in Michigan, the president said the U.S. was experiencing the strongest and fastest economic turnaround in our country's history. The administration has also pointed to figures like a surprisingly strong third-quarter GDP growth, modestly declining unemployment, and an increase in factory construction spending, which the White House credits to provisions in the One Big Beautiful Act using write-offs to incentivize new investments and research and development. Overall, in 2025, the U.S. labor market added about 584,000 jobs, the slowest pace of job growth since 2020, and about a quarter of the job figure growth seen in 2024, President Bidens last year in office. 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 Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she presented her Nobel Peace Prize to Donald Trump when the pair met Thursday for a closed-door lunch. I think today is a historic day for us Venezuelans, she told reporters after the meeting, which marks the first time the pair have met in-person. In a Truth Social post Thursday night, Trump said it was a great honor to meet Machado, calling her a wonderful woman who has been through so much. open image in gallery Maria Corina Machado presents her Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump, despite being told by the award body that it cannot be revoked, shared or transferred ( White House via Getty ) Trump confirmed that Machado presented him with the Nobel Prize, which he has long coveted, for the work I have done. He thanked the opposition leader and called it such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. The meeting comes less than two weeks after U.S. military forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife at their home in Caracas and removed them to face trial in New York. Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has since been sworn in as the interim president, and Trump says that he is dealing with her, rather than Machado. Before Thursdays meeting, Machado praised Trump publicly and had announced the intention to share her award with him, which she won for her efforts to turn Venezuela into a democracy, in the hopes of landing on the U.S. presidents good side. open image in gallery Maria Corina Machado on Thursday, hours after her first time meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House ( Reuters ) However, the organizers of the Nobel Prize previously told Machado that the award cannot be revoked, shared or transferred and that the decision to award the medal is final and stands for all time. open image in gallery Machados Nobel win in October was reported to have sparked resentment for Trump, who has long expressed interest in winning the prize ( AP ) Machados win in October was reported to have sparked resentment for Trump, who has long expressed interest in winning the prize and has at times linked it to diplomatic achievements, even though she has been effusive in her support and dedicated her win to him. Trump said earlier this month that being presented with the prize would be a great honor. Well, I understand she's coming in next week sometime, and I look forward to saying hello to her, and I've heard that she wants to do that. That would be a great honor, he told Fox News Sean Hannity. I did put out eight wars, eight and a quarter because, you know, Thailand and Cambodia started going at it again. However, the president has previously said Machado does not have the support to win an election in Venezuela, should one take place. 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 administration will keep the money generated from the sale of Venezuelan oil across multiple bank accounts, the largest of which is located in Qatar, according to a report. Senior officials told Semafor that the U.S. has now completed its first sale of the South American countrys oil in a deal worth $500 million. They justified the decision to hold some of the proceeds in the Gulf state, rather than in U.S. banks, by pointing out that it is a neutral location from which the funds could be freely and safely moved without risk of seizure. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, hit out at the strategy and said: There is no basis in law for a president to set up an offshore account that he controls so that he can sell assets seized by the American military. That is precisely a move that a corrupt politician would be attracted to. open image in gallery President Donald Trump meets with top U.S. oil company executives in the East Room of the White House last week ( AFP/Getty ) Trumps friendly relationship with Qatar was previously placed under the spotlight last May when he was heavily criticized for accepting a $400 million Boeing jet as a gift from the country. The U.S. finds itself in control of Venezuelas natural resources after its forces swept into Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, and abducted its then-president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, subsequently removing them to New York to answer federal drug trafficking charges. Maduro pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan court and insisted he was still Venezuelas rightful leader. In the aftermath of the operation, Trump, flanked by senior members of his cabinet, announced that Washington would run Venezuela until the country was stable enough to hold free and fair presidential elections. That also meant taking control of up to 50 million barrels of the countrys oil selling it and distributing the proceeds back to Caracas. open image in gallery Fuel tanker trucks unload fuel at a gas station in Caracas, Venezuela ( AP ) The president signed an executive order last Friday setting the conditions for those deals and blocking courts or creditors from impounding any revenue, a step he deemed necessary given that the petrostate owes an estimated $170 billion to international bondholders, oil companies, and other stakeholders. When Trump met with oil executives at the White House last week, he made it clear to ConocoPhillips CEO Ryan Lance that the U.S. is not going to look at what people lost in the past, because that was their fault. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered more details in discussion with the Economic Club of Minnesota, saying that his department will oversee the accounts and then, at the direction of Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, be in charge of the disbursement that goes back into Venezuela. The Treasurys role will be making sure the funds get to the proper place, he added. Were the bankers here; we dont direct the funds. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told The Independent: President Trump brokered a historic energy deal with Venezuela, immediately following the arrest of narco-terrorist Nicolas Maduro, that will benefit the American and Venezuelan people. open image in gallery Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said of the Venezuelan oil proceeds: Were the bankers here; we dont direct the funds ( AP ) President Trumps team is facilitating positive, ongoing discussions with oil companies that are ready and willing to make unprecedented investments to restore Venezuelas oil infrastructure. President Trump is protecting our Western Hemisphere from being taken advantage of by narcoterrorists, drug traffickers, and foreign adversaries. A Treasury spokesperson told Semafor: The United States Treasury is fully committed to supporting President Trumps efforts on behalf of the people of Venezuela. The Independent has also reached out to the Treasury for furthrer comment. The administration has work to do on persuading the oil companies to be as cooperative after Trump received a significant rebuff from ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods during his meeting with the energy industry executives. 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, Woods told the president, referring to the fallout from Hugo Chavezs moves to nationalize Venezuelas hydrocarbon sector between 2004 and 2007. If we look at the legal and commercial constructs and frameworks in place today in Venezuela today, its uninvestable. Trump later told reporters aboard Air Force One Sunday as he returned to Washington from Mar-a-Lago: Ill probably be inclined to keep Exxon out. I didnt like their response. Theyre playing too cute. 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 Two Republicans rejoined the ranks of the GOP Senate caucus on Wednesday and voted to defeat a Democratic resolution aimed at constricting President Donald Trump from carrying out further military strikes within Venezuela. Josh Hawley and Todd Young were two of five senators who broke with their party last week to support the resolution, but switched back on Wednesday after several days of intense lobbying that, according to multiple reports, lasted up until the very minute of the vote Wednesday evening. Young and Hawley both told reporters that the keys to their votes being won by the White House were assurances from top officials that, despite the presidents threats to send in ground troops or carry out further strikes, the administration had no plans to do so. Vice President JD Vance cast the tiebreaking vote after the chamber was deadlocked at 50-50. He added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, one of the top Trump officials involved in the discussions related to Venezuela, would appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to testify on the matter. The Senate delivered Donald Trump a symbolic defeat last week when he suffered a major defection on the initial vote to advance the War Powers resolution submitted by Sen. Tim Kaine out of committee, while Democrats voted in unison to support the measure. While the actual consequences of the vote were minimal, it served as a shot across the bow for the president, who has spent weeks alarming the Hill with suggestions about future strikes in Venezuela or other countries and even possibly a military effort to seize Greenland. open image in gallery Sen. Josh Hawley was one of two Republican senators to be won over by the White Houses persuasive efforts over the past week ( Getty Images ) Trump himself reacted with fury after the votes were cast, labeling the five Republican senators (Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Todd Young, Rand Paul and Josh Hawley) disloyal and demanding that voters hand them defeats at the ballot box in the future. One of those senators, Collins, is facing a tight reelection battle this year in a crucial state for the Republican Senate majority. Republicans should be ashamed of the Senators that just voted with Democrats, the president wrote on Truth Social. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and Todd Young should never be elected to office again. Hawley responded, according to Huffpost: I like the president. I feel like we've had a good relationship, and I support him. I take no offense to that. On Wednesday, he spoke on Fox News about his changing vote. Well, for me...this has always been about ground troops, said Hawley. Occupying Venezuela, thats not something I think I would want to do. I talked to the president, I talked to the Secretary of State, I talked to the Department of Justice, Hawley said. And what the Secretary of State said to me very clearly is, Were not doing that. We dont have ground troops in Venezuela; this is not another Iraq, were not going to occupy Venezuela, and you know what? Thats good enough for me. Behind the scenes, Trump and his allies worked down to the wire to win those same senators back into the fold, according to several. They were successful after Rubio guaranteed in a letter to Hawley and Young that the White House would seek congressional authorization before deploying troops to the region. open image in gallery President Donald Trump worked behind the scenes to win back Republicans onto his side after suffering one of his worst defeats in Congress ( Getty ) I have received assurances that there are no American troops in Venezuela. Ive also received a commitment that if President Trump were to determine American forces are needed in major military operations in Venezuela, the Administration will come to Congress in advance to ask for an authorization of force, Young said in a statement. Senators defeated the resolution on a point of order that questioned whether the situation in Venezuela amounted to ongoing hostilities with the United States. The president claimed on Wednesday that Nicolas Maduros number two, Delcy Rodriguez, was cooperating and said that hed spoken with her on a phone call. Semafor reported on Wednesday that sales of Venezuelan oil by the U.S. government have officially begun. Still, more than 200 people are dead between the stunning raid on Caracas, which led to Maduros capture two weeks ago and the months-long campaign of deadly airstrikes targeting small vessels in the Caribbean, the U.S. government says are ferrying drug traffickers. Maduro is now in New York along with his wife, where the pair is facing drug trafficking charges. The DNC trashed the vote in a statement, writing: Just last week, a handful of Senate Republicans were clear about putting guardrails on Trump. But after a few calls from their Dear Leader, Republicans folded killing a bipartisan resolution to rein in Trumps unconstitutional power grab. Americans have been unequivocal in their opposition to the U.S. indefinitely running a foreign country. Republicans had a chance to stand up for the American people, and instead they chose to cower to Trump. Wednesdays vote could embolden the president, who saw representatives from Greenland and Denmark arrive at the White House earlier in the day to confront Rubio and Vice President JD Vance Trump didnt bother to attend. The president has only somewhat backed off his assertion that the U.S. would be directly running Venezuelas government and continues to insist that the U.S. needs Greenland. On Wednesday, he said that Rodriguez, Venezuelas acting president and former vice president to Maduro, was a terrific person. We just had a great conversation today, and she's a terrific person. I think were getting along very well with Venezuela, said the president. Close White House asked what would motivate Trump to invoke Insurrection 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 The White House said Thursday afternoon that President Donald Trump was joking when he told a newspaper the U.S. should cancel the midterm elections. In an exclusive interview with Reuters, Trump reflected on the successes of his second term, saying, When you think of it, we shouldnt even have an election. The comment took many by surprise, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the president was simply joking. Leavitt later brushed off The Independents question about whether the president thought it was funny to cancel elections. Elsewhere Thursday, Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, a rarely-used law allowing the president to deploy the military to quell civil disturbances, in Minnesota if state lawmakers didnt stop protesters from attacking ICE officers. He also met with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for the first time. The two have had a somewhat chilly relationship since she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 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 A federal judge issued a remarkable rebuke directed at President Donald Trump and top administration officials, he says, who have waged an unconstitutional conspiracy against international students for their Palestinian advocacy against Israels war in Gaza. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have failed in their duties to protect the Constitution by depriving the First Amendment rights of students and faculty in their threats to strip them of visas and arrest and deport them, according to Massachusetts District Judge William Young. The 85-year-old judge appointed by Ronald Reagan had previously labeled the administrations actions a full-throated assault on the First Amendment across the board under the cover of an unconstitutionally broad definition of antisemitism in a damning 161-page opinion last year. In a hearing Thursday to determine how the government can remedy such a sweeping threat, an exasperated Young repeatedly appeared shocked by the scope of the administrations actions and delivered a minutes-long speech reading directly from the Constitution. I find it breathtaking that I have been compelled in the evidence to find the conduct of such high-level officers of our government, cabinet secretaries, conspiring to infringe the First Amendment rights, Young said in his closing remarks. open image in gallery An 85-year-old federal judge appointed by Ronald Reagan delivered a stunning rebuke of what he called the Trump administrations unconstitutional conspiracy against pro-Palestinian students ( AFP via Getty Images ) Ive never had a case that approached that level of consequence, he said. But Ive asked myself, why? How did this happen? How could our own government, the highest officials in our government, seek to so infringe the rights of people lawfully here in the United States? His remarks follow a lawsuit brought by university professors and groups representing faculty and graduate students who argued the administration mounted an unconstitutional campaign against campus activists including Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil with the aid of anonymous pro-Israel activist websites. Rubio sought to justify the arrests of international students for their pro-Palestine activism by claiming their presence in the country undermines foreign policy interests to prevent antisemitism. He has said he proudly revoked hundreds of student visas over campus activism, leading to several high-profile arrests, including those of Khalil and Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University. Their cases are now at critical junctures after legal battles secured their release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody over First Amendment violations, for now. open image in gallery Judge William Young accused Secretary of State Marco Rubio of conspiring with other administration officials to violated the First Amendment rights of students whose views on Israel do not align with the presidents ( REUTERS ) The federal governments actions were appalling, Young said Thursday. Homeland Security officers were taken off anti-terrorist investigations to pursue international students, he said. They were taken off human trafficking investigations all to look up what dirt they could find on this group, he added. The very highest levels of [Homeland Security] decided thats the best use of those people. The judge said he was struck by the intentionality among administration officials to violate First Amendment rights. I see this as a conspiracy to deprive your clients of First Amendment constitutional rights, Young told lawyers for the plaintiffs. It's fairly clear that this president believes, as an authoritarian, when he speaks, everyone, everyone, in Article II, is going to toe the line absolutely, he added. He said he was convinced by evidence in the case that high-ranking government officials, including the president, have a view of freedom by whos excluded as though they fear First Amendment protections and exclude from participation everyone who does not agree with them. Hours earlier, in a victory for the Trump administration, a split 2-1 decision from a three-judge federal appeals court panel overturned a lower-court ruling that found Khalils detention and removal likely unconstitutional. The judges determined that the district court did not have subject matter jurisdiction over Khalils immigration proceedings, though what happens next is unclear, as lawyers untangle overlapping cases in federal courts and immigration courts surrounding his arrest and threat of removal from the country. The ruling is deeply disappointing, but it does not break our resolve, Khalil said in a statement shared with The Independent. The door may have been opened for potential re-detainment down the line, but it has not closed our commitment to Palestine and to justice and accountability, he added. I will continue to fight, through every legal avenue and with every ounce of determination, until my rights, and the rights of others like me, are fully protected. 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 Australias federal police are investigating the discovery of 11 pipe bombs in Canberra, sparking concern in the capital. The devices were recovered over two days along a one-kilometre stretch near Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen, a residential area in the national capitals northwest, the Australian Associated Press reported. They were located on footpaths and in green spaces between Joynton Smith Drive and Ginninderra Drive. Detective acting inspector Anna Wronski said some of the devices were detonated before their discovery. A number of the devices have been located intact and a number have been located partially destroyed, she was quoted as saying by the ABC. No injury or property damage was reported. Ms Wronski said investigators were unable to determine how some of the devices had exploded or how long they had remained in place before being discovered. The first report came from a member of the public on 13 January and further calls were received the next day, police said. Specialist bomb disposal teams attended on both days, and destroyed the devices. File. Police close a road in Australia on 10 January 2026 ( Getty ) Detectives, forensic officers and sniffer dogs were seen combing roads and suburban streets in the affected area, measuring sites and collecting evidence. Images released by ACT Policing showed silver or grey cylindrical objects, small enough to fit in one hand, with screw caps at both ends. In one photograph, what appeared to be a fuse could be seen protruding from a cap. Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and not to touch any suspicious items. Absolutely it is an explosive, so we do not want members of the public to pick them up, Ms Wronski said, according to the Canberra Times. We dont want members of the public to bring them to police stations, we want them to call 000 immediately. Triple zero is Australias emergency telephone number, equivalent to 999 in the UK. Though the investigation was still ongoing, police said, the incident wasnt being treated as terrorism and there was no indication similar devices had been found elsewhere in Canberra. Ms Wronski said officers were still examining where the bombs came from and who might be responsible. An explosive in a public place does raise a lot of concern for police, the officer said. 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 French President Emmanuel Macron injected a moment of levity into his New Year's address to Frances armed forces, quipping about a noticeable eye condition. Appearing with a puffy, red eye at the military base in Istres, southern France, Mr Macron reassured attendees that the issue was "completely harmless." He began his speech by acknowledging his appearance, stating: "Please pardon the unsightly appearance of my eye. It is, of course, something completely harmless." Earlier in the day, he had been seen wearing sunglasses during an outdoor troop inspection. Please pardon the unsightly appearance of my eye. It is, of course, something completely harmless, Macron said Mr Macron then joked about the situation, adding: "Simply see an unintentional reference to the Eye of the Tiger ... For those who catch the reference, it is a sign of determination." This was an apparent nod to the hit theme song by American rock band Survivor from the 1982 film Rocky III, starring Sylvester Stallone. Despite the lighthearted interlude, Mr Macrons address focused on critical challenges for the military in 2026. These included Frances accelerated rearmament, continued support for Ukraine, and the decision to send troops to Greenland in a show of support for Denmark. 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. 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 Greenlands foreign minister became tearful as she described the intense pressure of Donald Trumps threats to take over the territory. Vivian Motzfeldt and Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen met with US vice-president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio at the White House on Wednesday for discussions that ended in fundamental disagreement. We have been working very hard in our department, even though there are not many of us, she told national broadcaster KNR in the aftermath of the talks. I would not normally like to say these words, but I will say them: we are very strong. We are doing our utmost. But the last days, naturally... Ms Motzfeldt briefly broke down and held back tears as she said: Oh, I am getting very emotional. I am overwhelmed. The last days have been tough. Our preparations and the increasing pressure, that has been intense. open image in gallery Greenlands foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt said she was overwhelmed by the pressure ( AFP/Getty ) She stressed that the government of Greenland was strong and promised to work to ensure the Greenlandic people in our country can feel safe and live securely, adding: We are using all our strength to achieve this as we continue the work. The US president has made clear that he wants the territory, which he has repeatedly claimed is essential for national security. But he has met with stiff resistance across Europe. Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday that any attempt by a Nato member to take over another member would be the end of the world as we know it. An attempt to take over [part of] a Nato member state by another Nato member state would be a political disaster, he told a press conference. It would be the end of the world as we know it, which guaranteed a world based on Nato solidarity, which held back the evil forces associated with communist terror or other forms of aggression. Nato allies have sent military reinforcements to Greenland in a move to bolster its defences amid the uncertainty. A small contingent of French military personnel, consisting of 15 people, arrived in the territorys capital Nuuk on Thursday. Finland is sending two military liaison officers for a fact-finding mission, while the UK is sending one military officer to the Arctic to assist. Germany deployed a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel as well as an A400M transport plane, but officials said they would only stay in the territory until Saturday. On Wednesday, Sweden confirmed a deployment of military officers to the Arctic at the behest of Denmark. Denmarks defence minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the plan was to have a military presence in rotation with allies taking part in military exercises in the forthcoming weeks, to build towards a more permanent presence. Mr Trumps claims that Greenland is covered with Chinese and Russian ships all over the place were dismissed by Swedens defence minister on Thursday as an exaggeration. open image in gallery Donald Trump has said he needs Greenland ( Getty ) If you state that Greenland is flooded with Russian and Chinese vessels, thats an exaggeration according to the assessments that we do for the region, Pal Johnson told The Telegraph. Denmark and the US have agreed to set up a working group to discuss ways to resolve their differences, as Mr Trump remains adamant that he needs Greenland for the national security of his country. 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, Mr Rasmussen told reporters on Wednesday. He said that a US acquisition of Greenland was absolutely not necessary. 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 Hungary is gearing up for a parliamentary election on 12 April, where Prime Minister Viktor Orban faces his most significant challenge in 16 years. This election marks a critical moment for the nationalist-populist Fidesz party, which has consistently trailed the opposition Tisza party in recent independent polls a disadvantage not seen since Mr Orban took office in 2010. President Tamas Sulyok officially announced the election date on Tuesday, urging citizens to participate. "One of the cornerstones of democracy is the right to vote freely," he stated on social media. The outcome of Mr Orban's re-election campaign will resonate far beyond Hungary's borders, with potential profound implications for Europe and its burgeoning far-right political movements. The nationalist leader maintains an anti-European Union alliance with US President Donald Trump and has fostered close ties with Moscow, even amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Orban vows security, Magyar set to fight corruption Tiszas leader, Peter Magyar, a 44-year-old centre-right lawyer, erupted onto Hungarys political stage less than two years ago. He quickly built a political movement through nearly non-stop rural tours, leveraging dissatisfaction with the countrys chronically stagnant economy, high living costs, and fraying social services. Magyar has also promised to dismantle Orbans system and put Hungary on a more prosperous, democratic track. open image in gallery Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban shake hands during their meeting at Kremlin in November 2025. ( AP ) Orban, the European Unions longest-serving leader, reentered office in 2010 after serving one term as prime minister between 1998 and 2002. He boasts of transforming the European country into an illiberal democracy, and has centralised the countrys institutions and taken control of much of the media. His critics accuse him of overseeing what they say is a widespread network of official corruption. The nationalist premier and his party have framed the April election as a choice between war and peace, claiming that Tisza is nothing more than an EU project contrived in Brussels to topple his government and install a puppet regime that will drain Hungarys finances into the war in neighbouring Ukraine and even involve it directly in the conflict. Orban's Fidesz party campaigns with the slogan "The safe choice," saying it would keep Hungary out of the war in Ukraine, while keeping out illegal migrants. Fidesz politicians and loyal media outlets have also accused Tisza of secretly plotting to raise taxes and institute draconian austerity measures, all claims the opposition party has strongly denied. open image in gallery Peter Magyar addresses people at a campaign rally in the rural city of Debrecen, Hungary. ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Meanwhile, Magyar has vowed that if elected, hed introduce anti-corruption measures and bring home billions of euros in funding the EU has frozen to Budapest over judicial independence and corruption concerns. Magyar has also said that he would keep Hungary firmly anchored in the European Union and NATO and strive for "pragmatic relations" with Russia. Orban has refused to hold a televised debate with Magyar. His last debate against an opponent was before the 2006 election, which he lost. The official campaign period, during which signature collection for parliamentary candidates may begin and election posters can be put up, will begin on Feb. 21. Additional reporting by Reuters. 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 Russia has expelled a British diplomat, accusing him of acting as a spy. The move was announced by Moscow on Thursday morning. The Russian foreign ministry said that it had received information regarding the affiliation of a diplomatic employee at the embassy with the British secret service. British charge daffaires Danae Dholakia was subsequently summoned to lodge a strong protest and be formally informed of the expulsion, according to a translation of a post on the ministrys Telegram channel. While the diplomats identity was not disclosed, he has been given a two-week deadline to depart Russia. The ministry issued a stern warning, declaring that Moscow would not tolerate the activities of undeclared British intelligence officers in Russia. The incident is the latest in a series of reciprocal diplomatic expulsions between Russia and the United Kingdom ( PA ) It said it would respond decisively in kind if London were to escalate the situation. The incident is the latest in a series of reciprocal diplomatic expulsions between Russia and the United Kingdom, a pattern that has become increasingly common since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. In March 2025, Russia accused two British diplomats of spying and expelled them from the country. The expulsions marked the first instance of Western diplomats being ousted from Russia since Moscow and Washington initiated talks to rebuild staff levels at their respective embassies. The effort was part of US president Donald Trumps attempt to improve relations with the Kremlin, a move that caused concern among European allies. Russias Federal Security Service said that the two diplomats provided false information to gain entry into Russia. They were found to be conducting intelligence and subversive work that threatened Russian security, it said. Two days later, the UK expelled a Russian diplomat and a diplomatic spouse in response to the increasingly aggressive and coordinated campaign of harassment against British officials in Moscow. Then-foreign secretary David Lammy said: We are taking immediate action in direct response to Russias pernicious targeting of British diplomats and their families. We will not tolerate the Kremlins relentless and unacceptable campaign of intimidation, nor their repeated attempts to threaten UK security. 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 US president Donald Trump is exaggerating the threat to Greenland posed by Russia and China, Swedens defence minister has said as European troops arrived in the territory. Military reinforcements from France, Germany, Norway and Sweden are set to help boost Arctic security amid the presidents persistent threats of a full US takeover. Part of Mr Trumps justification for his ambitions is that if we dont, Russia or China will, as he insists that Nato should support his plans for its own security. However, Swedens defence minister, Pal Jonson, dismissed the claim as an exaggeration. open image in gallery The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland said there remained fundamental disagreement between their respective countries and the US ( AP ) If you state that Greenland is flooded with Russian and Chinese vessels, thats an exaggeration according to the assessments that we do for the region, he told The Telegraph. President Trump has claimed that the region is covered with Chinese and Russian ships all over the place. But, while there has been an increase in the number of Chinese research vessels being stationed in the Arctic, Mr Jonson said the scope of such placements was limited. I dont think it should be exaggerated: it tends to be predominantly focusing on research vessels, he explained. open image in gallery Danish military assets participate in an exercise involving hundreds of troops from European Nato members in the Arctic Ocean in Nuuk, Greenland last year ( AP ) Europe has been left scrambling for a response to Mr Trumps plans, which some have suggested would mark the end of Nato if they succeed. Frances president Emmanuel Macron is set to hold an emergency meeting with his defence cabinet in Paris on Thursday. Denmark and other Nato allies have increased their military presence in the region amid the uncertainty. Sweden confirmed a deployment of military officers to the Arctic at the behest of Denmark and other countries, including the UK, are expected to follow in the coming weeks. At Denmarks request, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organised by Denmark in Greenland, Mr Macron confirmed in a post on X/Twitter on Thursday. The first French military elements are already en route. Others will follow. open image in gallery Donald Trump has said Russia or China will move to occupy Greenland if the US doesnt ( AP ) Germany will deploy a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel, France will send 15 soldiers, and the UK is expected to send one military officer. It follows strained discussions at the White House on Wednesday that ended in fundamental disagreement between the US and representatives from Greenland and Denmark. The meeting between Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlands foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt was originally meant to take place with secretary of state Marco Rubio, before vice-president JD Vance demanded to be included. Denmark and the US have agreed to set up a working group to discuss ways to resolve their differences as Mr Trump continues to insist that he needs the territory. 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, Mr Rasmussen told reporters on Wednesday. He said that a US acquisition of Greenland was absolutely not necessary. But Mr Trump continued to issue thinly veiled threats, making references to the toppling of the Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, in the immediate aftermath of the diplomatic talks. Greenland is very important for 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. 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 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced he will delare a state of emergency in the energy sector after a barrage of Russian attacks on the grid. Crews have been working around the clock to restore power and heating supplies struck by Russia last week, particularly in the capital, Kyiv. Repairs to thousands of apartment buildings have been compounded by bitterly cold conditions. At night, Ukrainians have been shivering through temperatures close to -20C in one of the coldest winters in years. The consequences of Russian strikes and deteriorating weather conditions are severe, Mr Zelensky wrote in English on the social media platform X. Overall, a state of emergency will be declared for Ukraines energy sector ... Many issues require urgent resolution. open image in gallery Electricians carry out emergency repairs after a Russian strike in Kyiv ( AP ) Later, in his nightly video address, the president said that not enough had been done to deal with the aftermath of the attacks. The state of emergency would allow authorities more options and flexibility, he said. Mr Zelensky called for the establishment of more centres where residents can stay warm and charge their electronic devices. He also said nightly curfews could be lifted in areas where the security situation permitted it. The president accused Kyiv of doing considerably less than other major centres, notably Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, to prepare for the hardships inflicted by the attacks. open image in gallery People get warm and charge their batteries in a tent set up by the emergency service in Kyiv ( AP ) "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 Mr Zelensky over the defence of the capital, rejected the president's criticism. Writing on Telegram, he said that 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," Mr Klitschko wrote. "They may not have weapons in their hands, but through their tireless efforts they are also fighting for their country." In his remarks, Mr Zelensky said a permanent coordination headquarters would be set up in Kyiv. Denys Shmyhal, the newly appointed first deputy prime minister and energy minister, would oversee 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 1,200km (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." 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 United States said on Wednesday it was launching the second phase of its audacious plan to end the war in Gaza. The first phase, aimed at ending hostilities and returning the remaining hostages, has looked fragile since it came into effect in October, rocked by Israeli strikes blamed for hundreds of deaths, and the failure to retrieve the remains of one last Israeli hostage. But Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff insisted it was time to press on and establish a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza, moving ahead with disarmament and reconstruction. Invitations were promptly sent out to people eyed for roles on the Board of Peace meant to govern Gaza temporarily, US officials said, refusing to disclose who was named on the presidents list of recommendations. British prime minister Keir Starmer was said to be among the members offered a role, according to reports, with former Labour leader Tony Blair expected to join a separate committee. Questions remained around the future of Hamas, which welcomed the new administration but still refuses to lay down its weapons. open image in gallery It will take until at least 2040 to rebuild Gaza, according to a UN estimate ( Copyright 2026, The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) What does phase two entail? Phase one of the peace plan was focused on the immediate priorities: ending the conflict, returning the hostages and surging humanitarian aid into Gaza. Phase two will focus on reconstituting the beleaguered Gaza Strip. Hamas agreed in October to hand over governance to a technocratic committee. There was no sign this week that it was planning to renege on that commitment. But the militant group has not committed to giving up its weapons. It remains unclear how Hamas, which has regrouped since a fragile ceasefire began in October, will be disarmed as required by the plan. Trump said on Truth Social on Thursday: With the support of Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, we will secure a COMPREHENSIVE Demilitarization Agreement with Hamas, including the surrender of ALL weapons, and the dismantling of EVERY tunnel. He added: As I have said before, they can do this the easy way, or the hard way. The people of Gaza have suffered long enough. The time is NOW. When the new temporary administration is in place, the committee will have a mammoth task in overseeing the rebuilding of Gaza, which will take until take at least until 2040, and could drag on for decades, according to a 2024 UN report. The UN Development Programme estimated in October that the two-year war had generated at least 55 million tons of rubble, and said it could cost as much as $70bn to rebuild the Strip. Trump acknowledged in October that the phases are all a little bit mixed in with each other. We can take them out of order in a positive way, he said. open image in gallery Keir Starmer (left) could be offered a role on the Board of Peace as Steve Witkoff (centre) and Jared Kushner (right) join the executive committee Who will be involved in running Gaza? The original plan describes a transitional government technocratic and apolitical managing the overall running of Gaza. That would be overseen by an international body called the Board of Peace. The government will have 15 members and will be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority once in charge of developing industrial zones, according to mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey. 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 civilians. 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 technocratic body will be overseen by the international "Board of Peace" that is meant to govern Gaza for a to-be-determined transitional period. open image in gallery Former UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov is expected to represent the Board on the ground ( Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Nickolay Mladenov, a former UN Middle East envoy, is expected to represent the Board of Peace on the ground. Other members 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 Board would include or name them. Sir Keir Starmer was among those considering whether to join the board, according to the Sunday Times. UK diplomats were still seeking clarification on the role of the board and its members, the BBC reported on Tuesday, quoting government sources in saying the prime minister had not yet made a decision. Sir Tony Blair was also still being considered for a role, three sources with knowledge of the plans told FT said he could be joined by Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner. What has been the response so far? 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. 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." open image in gallery Yasmin Shalha sews her torn tent after it was damaged by a storm at a displacement camp in Zawaida ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The US official briefing reporters said that Israel remains skeptical that Hamas will disarm and that the Palestinian people want peace. They said it would be up to Washington to bridge the differences. The goal here is to create the alternative to Hamas that wants that peace, figure out how to empower them, the official said. Now that we have this government, we will be engaging in conversations: with Hamas on the next phase, which is demilitarisation; with Israel, on what amnesty program can be given to Hamas if they do this." Egyptian sources said talks with Hamas will now focus on the group's disarmament. 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 Iranian state TV aired footage of an ominous threat to Donald Trump, after the US president threatened to take military action against the ayatollahs regime. A mourner at a ceremony for Iranian security forces killed in the recent unrest held up a sign with a picture of Trump after he narrowly survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in 2024. The writing in Farsi underneath warned: This time it wont miss. The footage was broadcast on the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN) channel, a state-controlled network in Iran. IRINN could not be reached for comment. open image in gallery A sign held up at a ceremony in Tehran showed Donald Trump following the assassination attempt ( X/IRINN ) The event outside Tehran University was organised by regime allies and broadcast within Iran, according to the AFP news agency. There were also banners reading Death to America on show, Newsweek reported. Military personnel stood alongside coffins on floats paraded through the city as mourners followed the procession, waving flags and pictures of the Ayatollah Khamenei. Some signs read Down with U.S.A. and Down with Israel in both English and Farsi. The semiofficial Tasnim news agency, believed to be close to Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, said that the funeral would be the first among many state funerals held for security forces in the coming days. open image in gallery Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania in July 2024, bleeding following the assassination attempt ( AFP via Getty Images ) Rights groups outside of Iran have reported that more than 150 security and government forces have been killed in more than two weeks of unrest. Iran has framed violence as the work of rioters provoked by the US and Israel. The US-based HRANA rights group said on Wednesday that more than 2,600 protesters have been killed, including 13 children under the age of 18. Iran has also broadcast more than 100 forced confessions, it said. Reporting on casualties has been hampered by Irans efforts to block internet access and limit information coming out of the country since 8 January, when anti-government demonstrations are believed to have peaked. The regime eased some restrictions on Tuesday as Iranians were able to make calls abroad for the first time in days. People outside the country were unable to call in. open image in gallery Iranians attend the funerals of security forces personnel killed in recent protests in Tehran ( AFP/Getty ) People inside the country said on Wednesday and Thursday that the protests appear to have abated since Monday. The White House still did not rule out future strikes on Wednesday, but held off as Iran insisted it was not going to execute protesters. Trump, speaking at the White House, said he has been told that killings in the crackdown were subsiding. Asked who told him that the killings had stopped, Trump described them as very important sources on the other side. Trump said it is possible the government in Tehran could fall due to the protests, but added that in truth any regime can fail. Whether or not it falls or not, it's going to be an interesting period of time, he added. 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 man facing execution for protesting the government will not be killed in a last-minute U-turn, the countrys judiciary said on Thursday just as Donald Trump appears to have climbed down from his threat of imminent strikes. The plight of Erfan Soltani, 26, captured global attention after rights groups said he was due to be killed on Wednesday after participating in the major demonstrations sweeping the nation. But authorities have since said he was charged with colluding against the countrys internal security and propaganda activities against the regime, but claimed he would not face death if the charges are confirmed by a court. The turnaround followed an 11th-hour vow from Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi that the regime would not hang any protesters, as the US appeared to position its forces in the Middle East for conflict. open image in gallery Erfan Soltani was set to be executed on Wednesday, according to rights groups outside of Iran ( via Hengaw ) There is no plan for hanging, Mr Araghchi told the US channel Fox News on Wednesday. Hanging is out of the question. Trump did not rule out future action on Wednesday, but paused as he said Tehran was reining in its brutal crackdown on protesters. Weve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping ... Theres no plan for executions, he said. Follow the latest updates here. Who is Erfan Soltani? Mr Soltani is a resident of Fardis, a neighbourhood just west of Tehran, and owns a clothes shop. The Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights, an independent NGO based in Norway, reported that he was arrested at his home, west of Tehran, last Thursday, 8 January. They said the charges against him were unclear, but that he was arrested in connection with the ongoing protests. Mr Soltani was deprived of his most basic rights, including access to legal counsel and the right to a defence, the rights group said. It said his sister, a lawyer, was also denied access to the case file. The 26-year-old was most recently being held at the notorious Ghezel Hesar prison, Irans largest state facility, infamous for reports of torture, abuse and catastrophic hygiene conditions, according to others rights groups. He was among 18,470 people arrested in connection to the protests, according to the US-based HRANA rights group, which says accurate reporting has been hampered by the ongoing internet blackouts. open image in gallery Trump claimed that Iran was winding down its crackdown on Wednesday, after threatening the regime with military action for attacking protesters ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Why was he due to be executed? Mr Soltani was accused of participating in protests in Fardis. The arresting authority has not been officially identified, and his family were notified of his death sentence just four days after his arrest. They were told that the death sentence was final and would be carried out on Wednesday, Hengaw said, citing a source close to his loved ones. According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights Society, hangings are common in Iranian prisons. Last year, it estimated that the number of executions in Iran had doubled since 2024, with just under 1,000 executions verified to have taken place. Activists say that the rate of executions increases when the regime feels under threat. IHR figures suggest 99 per cent of those executed have been for murder or drug offences. open image in gallery People gather during protest on January 8, 2026 in Tehran ( Getty ) How have his family reacted? Mr Soltanis family were told about his execution on Monday and were refused information about his charges or judicial proceedings, Hengaw said. Arina Moradi, a member of the organisation, said on Tuesday that Mr 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. Mr Soltani was only due to be allowed 10 minutes with his family before his death, the newspaper reported. Despite the apparent reprieve, concerns remain that the execution may only have been postponed rather than cancelled altogether. How many people have died in the protests? open image in gallery Cars set on fire during a protest on Saadat Abad Square in Tehran ( UGC ) US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) says it has verified the deaths of 2,615 people during the protests. Experts have said that this makes it one of - if not the - deadliest repressions of a popular uprising in Iran in the countrys recent history. Among the dead are 2,435 protesters and 153 government-affiliated individuals, HRANA said. Thirteen children and 14 non-protesting civilians were also included in the tally, HRANA said. The group also estimated that 18,470 individuals have been arrested, 105 forced confessions broadcast, and 2,054 severe injuries reported, as of Wednesday, 14 January. 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. 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 has granted a reprieve for Erfan Soltani, the young man facing execution for joining protests against its rulers. Irans foreign minister told Americas Fox TV there would be no hangings today, tomorrow or whatever. His comments were reinforced by Irans judiciary which revealed the legal charge against Soltani, 26, who was scheduled to be executed on January 14, has been downgraded. And U.S. President Donald Trump said he had been told on good authority that the killings had stopped and there were no plans for executions in Iran. open image in gallery Protesters Erfan Soltani had been set for execution on Wednesday ( Hengaw ) The developments in Iran came after President Trump had threatened very strong action against Iran if it executed captured protesters. However, a spokeswoman for Hengaw, which campaigns for human rights in Iran, said Soltans family had been told his death sentence had been postponed not cancelled. Soltani, a clothes shop owner, was arrested after joining the protests last week and held in the Ghezel Hesar prison in Karaj. His family was told he had been sentenced to death and that he would be executed on January 14. In a significant move, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi chose President Trumps favourite Fox TV station to announce the apparent climbdown. He said: There is not any hanging today tomorrow it whatever. I am confident about that. There is no plan for hanging at all. After three days of terrorist operations there now there is calm. open image in gallery Protests in Tehran have spread across the country ( Getty ) Trump said: We are told that the killings in Iran has stopped, is stopping and there is no plan for executions or an execution. I have been told that on good authority. The Iranian judiciary has signalled that the initial charge against Soltan of waging war against God has been changed to colluding against the countrys internal security and propaganda activities against the regime. If the new downgraded charge is confirmed by a court, Soltan will not face the death penalty, it was reported. A spokesman for Hengaw told the BBC that Soltans family had been told his execution has only been postponed for an unknown time. The spokeswoman added: It has not been stopped or cancelled, it has been postponed for now. They (the Iranian regime) have not given any further information on his case. The plight of Soltan, believed to be the first protester to be sentenced to death, has attracted attention around the globe. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An astronaut in need of medical care has departed the International Space Station (ISS) with three crewmates in Nasas first-ever medical evacuation. The four returning astronauts, who hail from the United States, Japan and Russia, are aiming to splash down early on Thursday morning in the Pacific Ocean, near San Diego. The decision from Nasa cuts short their mission by more than a month. Our timing of this departure is unexpected, but what was not surprising to me was how well this crew came together as a family to help each other and just take care of each other, Nasa astronaut Zena Cardman said. Officials have not identified the astronaut with the health issue or provided more details about it, citing privacy. They are stable, safe and well cared for, outgoing space station commander Mike Fincke said earlier this week. This was a deliberate decision to allow the right medical evaluations to happen on the ground, where the full range of diagnostic capability exists. open image in gallery Clockwise from bottom left are Nasa astronaut Mike Fincke, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, Nasa astronaut Zena Cardman, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui ( Nasa ) Launched in August, Ms Cardman, Mr Fincke, Japans Kimiya Yui and Russias Oleg Platonov were due to remain on the space station until late February. But on 7 January, Nasa abruptly cancelled the next days spacewalk by Ms Cardman and Mr Fincke and later announced the crews early return. Officials said the health problem was unrelated to spacewalk preparations or other station operations, but offered no other details. They stressed it was not an emergency situation. Nasa said it would stick to the same entry and splashdown procedures at flights end, with the usual assortment of medical experts aboard the recovery ship in the Pacific. It was another middle-of-the-night crew return for SpaceX, coming less than 11 hours after undocking from the space station. Nasa said it was not yet known how quickly all four would be flown from California to Houston, home to Johnson Space Center and the base for astronauts. One US and two Russian astronauts remain aboard the orbiting lab, just one-and-a-half months into an eight-month mission that began with a Soyuz rocket lift-off from Kazakhstan. Nasa and SpaceX are working to speed up the launch of a fresh four-person crew from Florida, currently planned for mid-February. open image in gallery Routine spacewalks have been halted at the International Space Station ( Nasa ) Computer modelling predicted a medical evacuation from the space station every three years, but Nasa hasnt had one in its 65 years of human spaceflight. The Russians have not been as fortunate. In 1985, Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Vasyutin came down with a serious infection or related illness aboard his countrys Salyut 7 space station, prompting an early return. A few other Soviet cosmonauts encountered less serious health issues that shortened their flights. It was the first spaceflight for Ms Cardman, a 38-year-old biologist and polar explorer who missed out on spacewalking, as well as Mr Platonov, 39, a former fighter pilot with the Russian Air Force who had to wait a few extra years to get to space because of an undisclosed health issue. Ms Cardman should have launched last year but was bumped to make room on the way down for Nasas Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were stuck nearly a year at the space station because of Boeings capsule problems. Mr Fincke, 58, a retired air force colonel, and Ms Yui, 55, a retired fighter pilot with the Japan Air Self-Defence Force, were repeat space fliers. Mr Finke has spent one-and-a-half years in orbit over four missions and conducted nine spacewalks on previous flights, making him one of Nasas top performers. Last week, Yui celebrated his 300th day in space over two station stays, sharing stunning views of Earth, including Japans Mount Fuji and breathtaking auroras. I want to burn it firmly into my eyes, and even more so, into my heart, Ms Yui said on the social platform X/Twitter. Soon, I too will become one of those small lights on the ground. Nasa officials had said it was riskier to leave the astronaut in space without proper medical attention for another month than to temporarily reduce the size of the space station crew by more than half. Until SpaceX delivers another crew, Nasa said it will have to stand down from any routine or even emergency spacewalks, a two-person job requiring backup help from crew inside the orbiting complex. The medical evacuation was the first major decision by Nasas new administrator Jared Isaacman. The billionaire founder of a payment processing company and two-time space flier assumed the agencys top job in December. The health and the wellbeing of our astronauts is always and will be our highest priority, Mr Isaacman said in announcing the decision last week. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice 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. open image in gallery 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. open image in gallery 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. 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 A Coast Guard veteran woke up to US authorities arresting him in his cabin while celebrating his birthday on a Caribbean cruise. Arizona couple Jose Joey Martinez and Tamara Tammy Verhas were in their cabin on the last morning of their eight-day sailing in the southern Caribbean on Carnival Horizon when they received an unexpected wake-up call. After sailing around the Dominican Republic and the Antilles archipelago for Mr Martinez and his friends 50th birthday, the couple and their friends were docking back in Miami, Florida, on Monday 5 January. Just before 7am that morning, the couple heard a banging on their cabin door. It immediately opened, and flashlights came into the room, Ms Verhas told USA Today. Three giant men wearing black, armed, [were] pointing flashlights at us, shouting. open image in gallery Tamara Verhas and Jose Martinez recount Martinez being arrested by Customs and Border Protection officers while on a Carnival cruise ( ABC15 Arizona ) Then men handcuffed Mr Martinez, while his wife filmed the entire ordeal. A female agent came in [and] jumped on top of me in the bed to try and snatch my phone, which she did eventually snatch, Ms Verhas added. And then they disappeared with Joey and my phone for 90 minutes. Mr Martinez was placed in a holding cell at the Miami port while officers checked his credentials. Eventually, authorities explained to the veteran that they were actually looking for another person with Mr Martinezs name who had a warrant out for his arrest. Mr Martinez said he was cleared and led back to the ship, but did not receive an apology. open image in gallery The incident occurred on Carnival Horizon, which had just returned to Miami after a Caribbean sailing ( Getty/iStock ) If it is just based off of my name, what other due diligence did they do? Mr Martinez told Arizona radio station KTAR. What other information did they use to justify the means of going into the room and pulling me out the way they did? He has no record. Hes never been arrested. Hes a veteran. He has been FBI cleared. I mean, you know, Hes the average Joe. I figured he would come back, but the trauma that was going to happen in those 90 minutes was what I was concerned about, Ms Verhas added to Phoenix radio station KJZZ. Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement to The Independent: We are aware that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) took a guest into custody as a person of interest. This was a law enforcement matter and Carnival was not involved with this investigation or action, they added. We defer all further questions to the appropriate authorities. The couple added they have yet to receive an apology from CBP or communication from Carnival following the incident. After the ordeal, the couple said they could not stop crying for the rest of the day and continued to feel the effects of the situation. The fact that what happened to me shows this could happen to anybody, Mr Martinez told ABC15. There are so many other people out there that this is happening to, maybe not on a cruise ship, but maybe on the streets or in their homes. And its just not right. Theres no humanity in it. Its unnecessary. Its dehumanising. The Independent has contacted the CBP for comment. Read more: Norovirus outbreak leaves almost 100 passengers sick aboard cruise ship Karoline Leavitt slammed a reporter in a heated exchange over the death of Renee Good during a press briefing Thursday (15 January). The White House press secretary asked the reporter, believed to be Niall Stanage of The Hill, why he thought Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, prompting him to say the agent acted recklessly. Leavitt accused the reporter of bias, saying, Youre a left wing hack, youre not a reporter, youre posing in this room as a journalist. You shouldnt even be sitting in that seat, the press secretary added. 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 While the Trump administration has dismissed the idea that the presidents tariffs would raise prices, thousands of U.S. businesses are telling a different story. The latest Beige Book from the Federal Reserve - which tracks economic conditions across much of the country - found that businesses are starting to pass tariff costs on to consumers, now that their pre-tariff inventory has been cleaned out. Cost pressures due to tariffs were a consistent theme across all Districts, the Federal Reserve wrote in the January report. Several contacts that initially absorbed tariff-related costs were beginning to pass them on to customers as pre-tariff inventories became depleted or as pressures to preserve margins grew more acute. Low- to middle-income consumers are becoming increasingly price sensitive and hesitant to spend on nonessential goods and services, the report noted. Businesses dealing with President Donald Trumps tariffs are passing the cost along to consumers, according to a new report from the Federal Reserve ( AFP via Getty Images ) Since Trump announced tariffs for dozens of countries on Liberation Day in April, price increases have caused deep anxiety for consumers, and the economy more broadly. By October, 37 percent of companies were passing tariff costs along to the consumer, according to a report from Goldman Sachs. Because tariffs continue to hamper margins, the cost of goods and services is likely to remain high, though some businesses believe the rate at which prices are increasing will slow slightly, the Fed report noted. Looking ahead, firms expect some moderation in price growth, but [anticipate] prices to remain elevated as they work through increased costs, the Fed wrote. That price moderation is likely to emerge at different times across various goods and services. For example, the Fed noted that, while most tariffs on coffee have been lifted, coffee roasters likely wont lower the cost of their products until they sell all their tariff-era inventory. The January Beige Book, one of eight published each year, also held some good news. Economic activity was up in the regions surrounding the cities where the Fed has banks - San Francisco, Dallas, Atlanta, and New York, for example - marking a departure from the stagnant economic growth found in the past three reports. Since the start of the year, it has been rare to wake up without news of a fresh and unheralded demonstration of US power. Yet in recent days, that is what happened or, rather, did not happen. Braced for some risky US intervention in Iran, we awoke this morning to find that well, nothing had happened. The Trump administration might have declared that the US was locked and loaded and ready to go, but it didnt go or hasnt yet. So why not? It is not as though Donald Trump shies away from the use of force, as shown so graphically in recent weeks. From Christmas Day strikes in defence of Christians in northern Nigeria, to the dramatic extraction of the president of Venezuela and his wife in the first days of the new year, to the capture of a Russia-flagged, Venezuela-linked oil tanker in the northeastern Atlantic, and a flurry of reprisal strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria the US military has been exceptionally busy. And threading through all this action was Trumps running commentary on the protests in Iran, which began with a pledge that if Iran violently kills peaceful protesters the United States of America will come to their rescue. There would, Trump said, be very strong action if Iran started hanging protestors. Donald Trump told Iranians help is on the way so where is it? ( AFP/Getty ) He continued with what seemed open encouragement to Iranian patriots to keep protesting, take over your institutions and an assurance that help is on its way. Although what help that might be was unspecified, the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, helpfully noted that, while diplomacy remained Trumps first option, airstrikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table. A day later, Trump said he had been told on good authority that the killings were subsiding, and there were no plans for large-scale executions, as though that somehow justified a retreat. That same evening, who should pop up on pro-Trump TV channel Fox News but Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, who said there is no plan by Iran for hanging at all hanging is out of the question. It might be noted at this point that the US has had no diplomatic relations with Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and launched airstrikes on its nuclear facilities last June, although it is still not known (publicly) to what effect. So, for a US TV channel to host a senior Iranian official with what amounted to a public statement for a US audience was quite an event. It would now appear that any direct intervention in Iran has been paused, if indeed it was ever planned which poses the questions: why, and what next? A preliminary answer has to be one of caution. Military intervention of some kind could still be in the offing. Part of Trumps purpose could be to keep many options open and everyone, especially the ayatollahs, guessing and this is, in a way, a policy in itself. What is more, it could be argued that this policy has not been without results. Were the Iranian authorities constrained by Trumps threats? Unlikely as it might look from a Western viewpoint, did they scale back their use of force for fear of possible consequences? Has Trump actually saved some of those taken prisoner from execution? It would be hard for Iran now to embark on executions, given the direct public statements on US TV by the foreign minister that is, without overt evidence of profound divisions in the Iranian leadership. A bigger reason might be that, when it comes to it, for all his public bravado, Trump is a prime realist. He understood that intervening in what remains essentially a domestic dispute, albeit one bordering on revolution, could have unforeseen and dire consequences in this big and administratively centralised country. Limiting the repressions, in even a marginal way, was the best that could be done at this stage. Such a view would be compatible with Trumps stated contempt for US interventions in Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan. The operations he has mounted, both in his first term and now, are quite narrowly drawn: the 2020 assassination of Qasem Soleimani, leader of a branch of Irans Revolutionary Guard and the capture of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela as well as multiple raids from the air could be defined by what is judged feasible, and where the benefits are calculated to outweigh the risk. It might also be observed that, for all his grand talk, Trump has not engaged in direct regime change. In Venezuela, so far, the US has merely decapitated, but not toppled, a government. In all that he has said about Iran, Trump has also been quite careful not to join calls for the restoration of the monarchy, despite this being a demand from some protestors and the late Shahs heir, Reza Pahlavi, making his claim from exile. Trump is actually on record as saying that he is unsure about the strength of his support the same reason he gave for not replacing Maduro with the opposition figure and Nobel prize-winner, Maria Corina Machado. Considerations of feasibility versus risk may also have led to Trumps caution about further US military backing for Ukraine. He might give every appearance of being a risk-taker, but Trumps own self-description as a deal-maker may remain nearer the mark. This does not mean that the US will not intervene in Iran in the future, but this will depend on how it calculates the odds of success and an orderly transition, and on keeping US boots very far from the ground. Two other calculations may also be in play: the proximity of the congressional midterm elections, where a successful spectacle (Maduro) could play well, but a messy intervention (in Iran) could be a huge liability; and regional dynamics, as the US attempts to move to the second stage of its Middle East plan. When it comes to US foreign policy, it may be worth trying to look beyond Donald Trumps capital-letter shouts to the finer calculations and quieter diplomacy that could lie behind them. Research shows that Ireland tops global league of skills readiness Ireland is currently the best-placed country in the world to equip workers with the skills needed as artificial intelligence reshapes the workplace, according to research by the International Monetary Fund. A Skill Readiness Index developed by IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva ranks Ireland ahead of Finland and Denmark as the countries best positioned to provide skills for the rapidly changing work environment. These countries were ranked because of their robust investment in third level education and lifelong learning programmes to help workers adapt. For the research, the IMF analysed millions of online jobs vacancies. It found that one in 10 jobs postings in advanced economies, and one in 20 in emerging market economies, now require at least one new skill. Professional, managerial and technical roles demand the most new skills, particularly IT skills, which account for more than half the demand. Marketing roles increasingly demand expertise in social media, the IMF noted, while digital health skills are increasingly required in healthcare. Policymaking on the future of work must ensure the gains from AI are broadly shared Ms Georgieva, a former vice-president of the European Commission, said that almost 40pc of global jobs are now exposed to AI-driven change. That has heightened anxiety among workers about job displacement and declining opportunities. This underscores the need for pro-active and comprehensive policymaking that prepares the labour force for the future of work and ensures the gains from AI are broadly shared, she wrote in a blog on the IMF website. The IMFs Skill Imbalance Index uses employment data from a number of countries around the world, including Ireland. It reflects the relative weight of potential future skill demand versus supply, using the United States as a benchmark. Ireland fares best on that index, while Luxembourg is worst. Ms Georgieva said that countries fall broadly into two categories. There are countries with high demand for new skills, but relatively low supply, such as Sweden, Brazil and Mexico. They need to invest in training and ensure better education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, she noted. There are also countries with what Ms Georgieva says is abundant talent but more modest demand. These include Ireland, Australia and Poland. Their challenge is to stimulate innovation and help companies absorb available talent, she notes. Reforms that foster innovation and the creation of new firms and improve business access to finance would help. Her report notes that, broadly speaking, countries need to deploy policies to help workers adapt and acquire new skills, and also to enhance their mobility through affordable housing and flexible work arrangements. Ms Georgieva said that governments also need to redesign education systems for an AI-driven economy. The high demand for new IT skills may not necessarily translate into a one-for-one rise in demand for IT and AI specialists, especially as many IT tasks may progressively be automated by AI, she said. Todays students need cognitive, creative and technical skills that complement AI and help them use it, rather than compete with it. RTE hands back 60,000 painting to Dublin gallery after ownership claimed Legal firm acting on gallerys behalf sent broadcaster an affidavit that outlined the history of the paintings ownership and how it ended up at its Montrose campus The 'Kitchen Interior with Seated Woman' artwork by Gerard Dillon. Image: RTE John Burns Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 06:30 RTE has handed back a painting worth 60,000 to a gallery in Dublin that claimed ownership of it. Tesla switching to subscription model for its self-driving technology Elon Musks compensation is partly dependent on growing the business, including reaching 10 million active self-driving subscriptions The 2026 Tesla Model Y electric vehicle at the Everything Electric show in Vancouver, Canada, last September. Photo: Bloomberg Danny Lee Bloomberg Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 06:30 As figures from the Central Statistics Office showed a 36pc rise in sales of fully electric cars in Ireland last year, Tesla has announced that it will stop selling the assistance system it calls Full Self-Driving (FSD) for a one-time fee and transition entirely to a monthly subscription model. Almost half of people taken to hospital after e-scooter crashes end up in ICU, report finds Government is considering making helmets compulsory following research that found a big increase in admissions E-scooter use is on the increase. Stock image Sarah O'Mahony Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Close to half of all people who are admitted to hospital after e-scooter crashes require treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) , a report has found. Opposition TDs are calling for a review after it emerged that retired civil servants are paying knock-down rents to live in State-owned properties in the Phoenix Park. The OPW, which manages properties on behalf of the State, has said that rents of between 670 and 4,160 per annum are being charged to retired staff or widowed spouses of workers who were required to live in the park as part of their work. A Dublin Airport worker who had nearly 3,000 in crime earnings in his post office account thought it was payment for a car he had sold to a man in Nigeria, a court heard. Haruna Ayuba Gimba (60) had been paid 1,000 for the car, which he had sold for 4,000 and shipped to Nigeria in 2019, but claimed he had been waiting for nearly two years for the balance to be paid. Judge Stephanie Coggans ordered Gimba to donate 500 to the court Poor Box and she struck out the charge, leaving him without a conviction. The defendant, with an address at Claristown, Julianstown, Co Meath, admitted possessing, transferring or acquiring 2,950, which was the alleged proceeds of crime, in his An Post account on September 6, 2021. Sergeant Shane Griffin told Balbriggan District Court that Citibank reported a potential fraud to gardai on September 24, 2021. Sgt Griffin said that an individual in Brussels had been the victim of a fraud email scam, and a total of 2,950 had been taken from their account and transferred through a number of transactions into Gimba's post office account. Defence solicitor Paul Molloy said Gimba was careless and reckless, but he never had any intention of committing a crime. Mr Molloy said Gimba had bought a vehicle in Ireland in 2019 for 800 and had sold it to an individual in Nigeria, at a cost of 4,500. He initially received 1,000, and was awaiting the remainder. Mr Molloy said Gimba had given his bank account details to another party to allow for the transfer of these funds, and he believed the 2,950 was the rest of the car money. Detective Sergeant Shane Dervan, who investigated the matter, acknowledged that Gimba was interviewed and repeatedly told gardai he had initially received 1,000 for the car, and that he had been waiting on a further 3,000. Sgt Dervan said that the car, a Toyota Corolla, had been registered in Gimbas name, but the vehicle was no longer registered, and gardai were unable to prove or disprove Gimbas claim that it had been shipped to Nigeria. Mr Molloy asked the judge to be as lenient as possible, saying Gimba, a father of four, was originally from Nigeria and had lived in Ireland for 20 years. Mr Molloy said Gimba had worked hard since coming to Ireland, and was now in a position of responsibility in his job. A conviction would affect his job, as he required garda clearance, the court heard. Biker who killed his neighbour in unprovoked one-punch assault is jailed for six years Victim Martin Lynn (33) had his hands in his pockets when Christopher ONeill punched him with force in the head Martin Lynn died following a one-punch attack in Dublin in August, 2023 Niamh ODonoghue and Declan Brennan Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 17:06 A motorcyclist who killed his neighbour by punching him once to the head in an unprovoked assault has been jailed for six years. Teacher faked two pregnancies and wore false bump to school in 60,000 maternity fraud Eimear Carroll (43) lied about having two babies, a boy called Oran and a girl called Emily, in quick successionCarroll also made up a husband called Peter ParsonsShe received 12,425 in maternity benefit and cost the State 46,939.34 for maternity-leave coverGarda searched her Offaly home and found no evidence of babies or a husband living there, while only one room was furnished Stock image Eavan Murray Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 06:30 A primary school teacher faked two pregnancies and wore a fake bump to school in an extraordinary fraud that cost the State nearly 60,000, a court has heard. 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 breaking | Wilsons Hospital moves to reimprison Enoch Burke after he returns to school less than 24-hours after release The High Court will hear an application from the schools board of management at 2pmReturning to the school today, Mr Burke said: "this is my work place, this is where I teachMr Burke left Mountjoy Prison yesterday Enoch Burke addresses the media as he arrives at Wilsons Hospital School Shane Phelan and Conor Feehan Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 12:50 Wilsons Hospital School is to seek the reimprisonment of Enoch Burke after the teacher returned to its premises this morning following his release from prison yesterday. On-the-run burglary gang member from Limerick to face extradition to UK after prison escape Barney Casey (24), who is back in custody in Ireland, had been part of a gang which carried out 56 burglary offences in a crime spree across the UK Midlands Barney Casey Eamon Dillon Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 09:33 A member of a notorious burglary gang on-the-run from a British Prison where he was serving a 10-year sentence is now being extradited from Ireland Politics Hamnet may have the Irish touch, but Ireland was also an influence on Shakespeare in his own time Eoin O Broin urges Coalition to launch social media campaign Sinn Fein's Eoin O Broin wants to see more being done. Photo: Getty The Government has been urged to do more to promote the rent tax credit after new figures showed that large numbers of eligible people have failed to claim it. The Divorce Diaries: I told him I didnt love him and he threw a cup of tea against the wall In our Divorce Diaries series, we speak to people around Ireland about their experience of the breakup of a marriage and divorce. This week, a woman (49) with two teenage daughters (13 and 15) tells her story 'When I look back at it now, I realise that it was toxic.' Image: Getty As told to Liadan Hynes Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Im 49, and at this stage of life you appreciate things so differently. Contentment and peace over excitement any day. The house that I was in for the last few years of my marriage, we had done it up and extended it, but I walked on eggshells every single day. I never felt safe or at ease there. The Liberties is attracting modern creatives to its cool, casual vibe, says iconic title CMAT at Lovely Days Live at the Home of Guinness The Liberties has witnessed a modern revival in the last decade, with a surge of artists studios, craft shops, cafes and distilleries leading some locals to call it the Brooklyn of Dublin. Thats according to National Geographic, which this week published a travel story on the rapidly evolving neighbourhood. "The Liberties was established on a foundation of free spirit and resilience, which is what makes it such an alluring home base for creatives, it says. These range from local folk and traditional Irish musicians who play at Dudleys to the Irish print artists displaying their work at Jam Art Factory. Tips range from community-focused foodie stops like The Fumbally and Hens Teeth to creative hubs like La Catedral studios, local distilleries and shops such as Hopeless Botanics. Mixed-media artist Solus is one of several voices quoted in the feature: Setting up home here felt like plugging directly into Dublins bloodstream, he says. The Liberties. Photo: Therese Aherne for Tourism Ireland It follows the Liberties inclusion last September on Time Outs list of the worlds coolest neighbourhoods for 2025. The area ranked 23rd on a list topped by Jimbochu in Tokyo, and including places like Avondale in Chicago, Londons Camberwell and Antwerps Borgerhout. It may be one of Dublins oldest neighbourhoods, but alongside medieval remnants and terraced houses, the Liberties is home to some of the hottest spots in town, wrote Nicola Brady, a Dublin-based travel writer who also contributes to the Irish Independent. Its always hotly debated, but were certain that if you visit any one of these neighbourhoods, youll get to experience the real soul of the city, said Grace Beard, travel editor at Time Out. While such exposure can inspire tourism, and development can add investment and energy to a place, there have also been debates about gentrification, affordability and the future of the Liberties famously close-knit sense of community and place. Phibsboro was included on a previous Time Out list, for example, coinciding with a 14pc rise in property prices the following year, according to a Sunday Independent survey. CMAT at Lovely Days Live at the Home of Guinness National Geographic recommends the Point A, Aloft and Hyatt Centric hotels as plays to stay in the Liberties area, and mentions more established attractions like St Patricks Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse too. The Liberties name dates back to the 12th century, its author says, and still reflects the initial desire for freedom just from an influx of modern innovators with an appreciation for the poetic juxtaposition of old and new. The power and penetration of the internet have conferred on it an invincible authority, one we challenge at our peril. Its high priests, or tech bros, exude an arrogance that befits the superpowers they have ascribed to themselves. Presiding as they do over platforms, as opposed to publications, which must adhere to strict protocols, they appear to believe they are absolved from all responsibility regarding what is posted on their sites. They are dismissive of the harm they might do, even when it is innocent children who are the victims. If it is true that pride comes before a fall, it may well be the nudified images of children being created on Elon Musks Grok AI tool that trips them. One shudders at the thought that something so vile and repugnant as such images is not enough to puncture the idea that these self-appointed masters of the cyber world can remain untouchable. Musk must be beginning to regret last months decision to give the chatbot the ability to alter images of people, including children, to appear to remove their clothing. The global backlash proves the world is not quite ready to lose all sense of decency or dignity, just because a new algorithm has been created. Pushing out the horizon of technology does not come with a licence to ignore the boundaries of right and wrong. It does not confer a right to surrender the vulnerable to the predatory instincts of the dark web. If platforms are not willing to take the protection of children seriously, or worse, collude in their exploitation, they should be boycotted The Oireachtas Media Committee has now been told that hundreds of garda investigations have been opened into content related to Grok. It heard that 200 reports of images that potentially contain child sexual abuse material (CSAM) are being examined. Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh said the people responsible will have to be identified, if that is possible. Experts are certain the problem of the creation and distribution of deepfakes and non-consensual sexualised images is going to get worse as AI tools are exploited by criminals. The Internet Watch Foundation, a UK-based non- profit organisation, has noted that AI-generated CSAM has doubled in the past year and is becoming more extreme. The ease with which safety guardrails can be overridden is alarming. Clearly, anything that could be enabling paedophilia has to be eradicated, no matter what that means for changing the parameters of the law. We are not impotent in this matter. The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they do not have any. Yet we all have agency. If platforms are not willing to take the protection of children seriously, or worse, collude in their exploitation, they should be boycotted. Norman Mailer wrote that there is no greater impotence in all the world like knowing you are right and that the wave of the world is wrong, yet the wave crashes upon you. Do we passively allow such waves to engulf us, or are we finally ready to enforce measures to turn back the toxic tide? I saw on RTE that Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan was to present the International Protection Bill to the Cabinet yesterday, in order to overhaul the asylum system. The minister proposes to implement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in line with EU guidelines, which includes a three-year wait for family reunification if and when the asylum-seeker meets criteria like a 64,000 gross yearly income. Apparently, 47.5pc of households in Ireland had a gross income of less than 60,000 in 2022. So, how then do we ask newly arrived asylum-seekers to earn this amount, as we well know that their chances of finding jobs with high salaries are much lower than other Irish nationals? Obviously, in my view, if the proposals of the Justice Minister are going to be approved, we will be enormously unjust as an Irish society, where values of family unity, dignity and solidarity are still upheld today. Do we want people who are granted asylum in Ireland to be going about their lives constantly in a very sad and pre-occupied way about the safety and welfare of their families? All asylum-seekers I have met want to work and earn a living in Ireland and not depend on welfare. Do we have to ask them to earn a higher salary than half of the Irish households? Is that justice? Myriam Rommers-Mac Cionnaith, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Farming industry needs a big overhaul in order to reshape its role on climate I found the article on your farming pages extraordinary (Billions for farming, but fewer farmers, Irish Independent, January 13). Billions (2.1bn last year) of taxpayers money subsidising farming here but more protection and more support is demanded by the farm lobby and its political sponsors. We should all care about farming. It produces food and does things (good and bad) to the countryside that citizens have a big stake in. But its current form is miles from being fit for purpose in the well-described climate and biodiversity crisis. Farming needs to change fast on these issues. Its own lobby groups (such as the Irish Farmers Association) and the status quo dont help. The Mercosur deal reveals much bigger issues that totally escape your 20 pages of farming news. Trade, in Ireland, in the EU and internationally, that prioritises a much safer climate future with massive nature restoration at the core of it would be worth supporting. The same old, protected and heavily subsidised, isnt. Mark Robins, Cork Increasing cost of a stamp wont affect Christmas cards, we can go digital Seamus Joyce alleges the increase to 1.85 for a postage stamp is harsh, and will lead to fewer Christmas cards in future (An Post stamp price hike might leave more elderly people feeling isolated, Irish Independent, Letters, January 13). In 1960, the equivalent price was pre-decimal four pence; roughly equivalent to 80c. The cost of a stamp has little bearing on Christmas cards, as electronic mail can be used to send seasonal greeting cards. Denmark recently ceased mail delivery, which could well be the future for other countries. The reality is EU and world trade rules oppose taxpayer subsidies for government quangos: regarded as unfair competition for private business. The Irish Government is as are all governments faced with privatisation of the mail service, or attempt to break even. There are many reasons for a drop in Christmas mail if cost is one, surely a stamp a week would be a good purchase for those mailing a number of cards. Declan Foley, Melbourne, Australia US citizens should show true meaning of courage by standing up to Trump One could argue that the US is descending from being a healthy, strong democracy into a banana republic, thanks to the people in power. US president Donald Trump often talks about courage. However, his failure to serve in Vietnam and felony convictions, undermine his credibility on the subject. It seems to me that all he knows is how to manipulate people and abuse his power. Many at the start of 2025 feared a powerful administration whose destruction would go unchallenged, but it has been challenged and it has stumbled, faltered and backed down in many situations. The Trump administration now seems to be getting more extreme and reckless as it grows more desperate, chaotic and unpopular. This year presents us with radical uncertainty, apropos to the fate of this country. Its my contention that all Americans have the power to determine what it will be, if they continue to show up and stand on principle. I find the words once uttered by the Chinese philosopher Confucius to be apposite to the above: To see what is right and not to do it, is want of courage, or of principle. John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Machado-led Venezuelan government would only benefit few at cost to many It was good to see the spotlight turned on what a regime led by the much-fawned-upon Maria Corina Machado would look like (Venezuelan opposition leader meets the Pope ahead of White House visit, Irish Independent, January 13). There has been zero attention paid to what actually lies behind the Machado hype until now. Your report gives a glimpse telling us there have been warnings that her hard-line approach would preclude broader reconciliation. And it is reconciliation that is the key to ensuring Venezuela moves beyond current difficulties and creates a fair and just society. The danger posed by Machado to that vision has been hidden among glib pronouncements that portray her as a symbol for the fight for democratic rights and freedom of expression. If only it was thus. The fact is, far from being a liberal centrist as portrayed, she is firmly on the hard right of the political spectrum. On economic policy, Machado is firmly rooted in a radical neoliberal tradition. She gathers support from parties that define themselves through uncompromising market fundamentalism. She has long advocated sweeping privatisation, including Venezuelas oil, drastic downsizing of the state and prioritising markets over redistribution and social protection. It is clear that a Machado-led government would be of great benefit to a small powerful clique to the long-term detriment of Venezuela and its people. Jim OSullivan, Rathedmond, Sligo The reopening of the Chinese market to Irish beef has been welcomed in North Cork. Photo: Gerry Mooney A Cork Senator has said the reopening of the Chinese market to Irish beef producers is a major boost for Cork farmers. Macroom-based Fine Gael Senator, Eileen Lynch welcomed the announcement that Irish beef exports to China are set to resume. Senator Lynch described the agreement as a significant opportunity for farmers and the wider agri-food sector in Cork North West. Cork North West is a strong beef-producing area and this agreement is very welcome news for farm families, processors and rural communities. Access to a market of this scale provides important diversification for Irish beef at a time when farmers are facing ongoing cost pressures and uncertainty, she said. Senator Lynch praised the work of the government, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Irish officials who engaged with Chinese authorities to progress the agreement. This deal underlines the value of proactive engagement at international level, and the strong reputation grass-fed Irish beef enjoys for quality, traceability and sustainability, she added. The Fine Gael Senator described beef farmers in the region as some of the best in the world. Our farmers produce some of the best beef in the world, and they deserve access to markets that recognise that quality. I will continue to work to ensure that the interests of Cork North West farmers remain at the forefront of national policy, she concluded. The guidelines for the environmental studies included with planning applications for large-scale developments such as solar farms need to be beefed up to prevent developers submitting inadequate one-day inspection reports, an East Cork councillor has said. At this weeks meeting of Cork County Council, Cllr Ann Marie Ahern put forward a motion calling on the council to write to the environment minister and the housing minister regarding the lack of proper environmental study reports over a sustained period of time for large-scale developments applying for planning permission. Concerns brought to me are about inadequate environmental studies for large-scale developments and at times the insufficient and inadequate environmental impact assessments that are being carried out by applicants when they're submitting planning applications on proposed lands. And it seems to be growing with each new application that's being made, Cllr Ahern told the meeting. Objections by local residents are justified when local knowledge and information can so easily contradict the one-day inspection reports that are being carried out by some applicants, she said. Cllr Ahern said planning applications should take into account potential impacts on sensitive areas and special areas of conservation. There are challenges in balancing development with environmental protection, but neither should suffer due to the lack of due diligence by developers submitting applications. I do not believe that the current requirements are strong enough or copper-fastened enough, for example for solar panel applications in particular, due to the lack of legislation that's coming from Dail Eireann in this area, she said. The motion was seconded by the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan-Foley. Cllr Rory Cocking also voiced support, saying were getting a particular concentration of solar developments in East Cork, theyre being foisted on communities at short notice, and unfortunately, I don't think it can continue that way. So any sort of update we can get from the minister would be very much welcome. Cllr Peter O'Donoghue said that in relation to solar energy developments, there's no environmental impact assessment report required. How in the name of God is that the case? We're talking about hundreds and thousands of acres of land, green fields converted into glass and steel. We're affecting habitats, we're affecting wildlife, biodiversity in so many ways. We're bringing in machines, we're clearing land, we're piling concrete into the ground. We're doing so much that affects nature and so much that affects the habitat, yet there's no environmental impact assessment report needed. That has to change. The council will now write to the two ministers about the issue. East Cork has become a hotspot for solar energy proposals in recent years with a slew of planning applications for solar farms that would cover thousands of acres of farmland submitted to Cork County Council. There are currently no specific planning guidelines for solar farms in Ireland. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Sinn Feins Commission on the Future of Ireland will be hosting a public meeting in the Rochestown Park Hotel on Thursday, February 19 at 7pm. The Commission was established in 2022, and its remit is to undertake a grassroots consultation nationally and internationally on the issue of Irish unity. Over 40 public events involving hundreds of speakers and thousands of participants have been held since the commission was established. Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire said the conversation on Irish unity is live, happening in real time with great enthusiasm, and especially amongst our young people. It is increasing in intensity. Successive opinion polls and academic research in the last 12 months are evidence of growing support for and interest in Irish unity. Last October, a Sinn Fein motion calling on the Irish Government to plan and prepare for Irish Unity was passed by the Dail and the motion was also passed in the Seanad in November. Similar motions have also been passed in local Councils North and South. Deputy O Laoghaire said there is an onus on everybody, but particularly on those in political leadership to plan for Irelands future. That is a core responsibility of the Irish Government. It is also a responsibility that rests with the British Government. The British Secretary of State recently claimed there is no appetite for constitutional change. That claim ignores reality. It ignores the depth and breadth of public engagement now happening across society. "Change is coming, declared the Cork TD. The responsible course of action is to plan for it, prepare for it, and shape it together - openly, inclusively and honestly. The conversation is growing - not just within republicanism but right across society - Irelands Future, the SDLPs New Ireland Commission, the Shared Island Initiative, Gaels le Cheile, Belfast Womens Assembly and the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Good Friday Agreement. "People want to talk about the future. The Commission on the Future of Ireland is contributing positively to this process, he added. Deputy O Laoghaire urged people interested in Irish unity to attend the Cork Peoples Assembly on Thursday, February 19. I would urge all of those interested in Irish unity and in the future of our island to come along to the Rochestown Park Hotel and join the conversation on the future by having your say. Rising energy prices and inaccurate estimated billing are putting unfair pressure on households stated Cork Senator Nicole Ryan who revealed that a constituent living on his own recently received an estimated energy bill of over 500, which after being queried revealed a credit was owed to him. Sinn Fein Senator Nicole Ryan said the Irish Government is failing to protect consumers and people are being failed by a system that protects energy companies. Ordinary people are being failed by a system that protects energy companies while households are left struggling to keep the lights on. I was contacted locally by a man living on his own, who received an estimated energy bill of over 500. When he questioned it, he ended up having credit owed to him. That is simply not good enough. It feeds directly into the wider cost-of-living crisis facing households right across Cork North-West and beyond, said Ms Ryan. When people are hit with inflated or inaccurate energy bills, it has a knock-on effect on every other expense, from groceries to heating to childcare. Families are being forced to cut back on essentials, while older people on fixed incomes are left anxious about whether they can afford to keep their homes warm. At a time when prices are rising across the board, the governments failure to rein in energy costs is piling further pressure onto households who are already stretched to their limits. Many people, particularly older people, would never question a bill like this. They trust what they are sent, they worry about falling into arrears, and they pay up. That means people are being overcharged every single day because the system allows it, she added. Senator Ryan said this is happening on the watch of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. Despite repeated warnings, they have failed to properly regulate energy companies or to put an end to inaccurate estimated billing. Instead of standing up for consumers, they continue to sit on the fence while families are pushed to breaking point. The government must stop siding with energy companies and start standing up for ordinary people, stressed Senator Ryan. Energy is a basic necessity, not a luxury, and people should not have to fight energy suppliers just to avoid being overcharged. Urgent action is needed to rein in unfair practices and deliver real relief for households. Dublin arts venue The Complex will shut down following the failure of last-minute crunch talks between venue management, Government and Dublin City Council (DCC) to find an alternative venue or purchase their current premises. In a statement this afternoon, artistic director of The Complex, Vanessa Fielding, said that despite prolonged engagement and repeated reassurances from these bodies, no workable solution was delivered. "The loss of The Complex represents a failure of cultural policy, accountability, and long-term planning within the public system, she wrote. Ms Fielding said efforts had also been frustrated by an inflexible landlord, focused exclusively on achieving vacant possession, to maximise the redevelopment value of the site. This outcome stands in direct contradiction to stated commitments to support Irish arts, cultural employment, and equitable access to cultural life in Dublin, she said. The Complex said it had supported hundreds of artists, designers, technicians, producers and more in the north inner city, providing sustained cultural infrastructure in an area with limited access to the arts. The multidisciplinary arts space, which has occupied its current premises on Arran Street East in Dublin 7 since 2019, was in December issued with a notice to quit by the middle of this month. A major campaign to Save The Complex was launched by the venue in response. In this weeks council meeting, Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said he had contacted the owners of the building twice requesting an extension to the lease, but that he had received a firm no in response. Labour councillor Fiona Connelly said she felt the notice to quit was an unfair deadline considering the goodwill on all sides to find a solution. Mr McAdam said he shares Ms Connellys view, but as Lord Mayor, I wrote to them and was told no. Green Party councillor Donna Cooney, herself an artist, previously told the Irish Independent that the news was devastating, and urged DCC to part-fund the building alongside the Department of Finance, securing The Complexs future in the city. Ray Yeates, the councils arts officer, said the authority would be open to purchasing the building, but only if 80 or 90pc of the funding came from central government. The Department of Finance said it was not involved in funding for the venue, and that it was a matter for the Department of Culture. A spokesperson for the Department of Culture said it provides grants for maintaining and enhancing arts facilities, but not for purchasing buildings. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Kerry man Sean Binder, who was facing 20 years in prison for helping refugees in Greece, has said that he is relieved that all charges against him have been dropped. The Kerry barrister, along with 23 others, was to face a trial before the Court of Appeal of Lesvos, Greece on Thursday, January 15, but the court acquitted the volunteers of the charges. Arrested in 2018, he and 23 others faced felony charges, including membership of a criminal organisation, facilitation of the entry of third country nationals into the country, and money laundering. The charges stem from work carried out in Greece between 2016 and 2018, where the volunteers assisted people whose lives were at risk while trying to reach safety on the island of Lesvos. Speaking after Thursdays decision, Sean, who revealed his life had been on hold since his arrest, said his ordeal is finally over. The court reached the only decision it could based on the limited legal basis of the charges and the flimsy evidence the prosecutor presented. It is a huge relief that I will not spend the next 20 years in a prison cell, but at the same time, it is troubling that this should ever have been a possibility, he said in a statement. Today, it was made clear, as it should always have been, that providing life-saving humanitarian assistance is an obligation, not a crime. That using WhatsApp is normal, not evidence of criminality. That buying laundry machines for a refugee camp does not make someone a money launderer. This acquittal must set a precedent. Born in Germany, Sean Binder moved to Ireland at the age of five. He grew up in Castlegregory where he attended school and later went to secondary school in Tralee. He studied at Trinity College in Dublin before taking a Masters in International Relations at the London School of Economics. He had been volunteering in Greece, helping with the refugee crisis, when he was arrested in 2018 and spent more than 100 days locked up in a Greek prison before being released on bail in December 2018 following a campaign by his family, friends and human-rights organisations. The trial had been widely condemned by international humanitarian organisations, including Amnesty International and Frontline Defenders. Speaking after the trial, Director of Amnesty Internationals European Institutions Office, Eve Geddie, said that the decision is relief not only for Sean but for all of society. Todays decision is a welcome relief for Sean and his friends, family and supporters, but also for civil society in Greece and beyond. While welcoming this reprieve, Amnesty International underlines once again that these charges should never have been brought to trial in the first place, she said in a statement. Seans human rights have been violated, and his life has remained on hold for many years. We hope todays decision sends a strong signal to Greece and other European countries that solidarity, compassion and defending human rights should be protected and celebrated, not punished. The EU must also take note of todays decision and introduce stronger safeguards against the criminalisation of humanitarian assistance under EU law, no one should be punished for trying to help. In an interview with Independent.ie ahead of the trial in December, which was subsequently adjourned to January, Sean said he wanted the nightmare to end. "On one hand it has been awful, I have gone from being 24 years of age to 31, that is a lot of time to pass. I had hoped to have a career and a family but that is not possible, all that had to be put on the back burner, but I did find my direction in life helping people in prison, he said. However, he had to step away from his legal career for the trial, further putting his life on hold as it has been for the past seven years as the charges hung over him. How long do we have to fight? Three generations of road safety lobbying in Killorglin has yielded no results Three generations of Foleys have campaigned for safer walking access to their local town but after 50 years a solution has yet to be put in place. Fiola Foley lives only half a kilometre from Killorglins County Bridge but between her home and the crossing into town lies around 250m of high-speed road. The 80mph stretch is witness to locals and tourists alike chancing their luck with traffic day and night. Ms Foley describes summer visitors to the local caravan park walking back up the road in the evening after a few drinks in Killorglin. Along the N72 east of Killorglin lies over 80 private dwellings as well as Killorglin Holiday Park housing over 600 people during the summer months, and the technology business centre, the RDI Hub. A long history of tragedy hangs over the narrow stretch, with four pedestrians having been killed along it over the years. It was in the 1970s that Fiolas grandfather, Liam Foley, first raised concerns about the safety of the road, back when a footpath known locally as Parsons Walk did exist, but had been worn away and absorbed into the road. Austin O'Reilly and Fiola Foley on the N72 outside Killorglin Today's News in 90 - Thursday January 15 Following its official removal by Kerry County Council in the mid-80s, Mr Foley wrote again, this time to Kerry TD John OLeary, expressing fears over pedestrian safety. A council engineer stated in correspondence at the time that they did not have the funds for the project. Any hope of works lay dormant as four pedestrians were killed and numerous serious road accidents occurred after the paths removal. Ms Foleys father, Fergus Foley, was next in line to campaign for funding, heading a deputation of local residents at a Kerry County Council meeting in 2019. At this point, much of the prior safety precautions had been lifted despite the significant increase. The road speed limit had been reinstated as 80kph, following its downgrade to 50kph, and the once solid white line in the middle of the road had been modified to a dashed line to allow overtaking. Mr Foley pleaded with the council to revert these changes as a matter of extreme urgency while local resident Austin OReilly warned the road might soon be named after a nearby hill - Cnoc na Fola (The Hill of the Blood) as Bothar na Fola (The Road of Blood). The road remains at present a 80kph zone and is still split by a dashed line. For Ms Foley, who dreamt of walking her own daughter to school but is forced to drive, said the reason for the continuing saga is inexplicable. How long do we have to fight for this, she said. And were going backwards. We used to walk and cycle to school. Now we have to fight and fight and fight, to do those things that were told that we should be doing, but we cant do because we dont have the infrastructure. Its not in the direction we hear all the time about living sustainably, reducing carbon footprint, leading active lifestyles, if it takes 50 or 60 years to get a footpath built to service 300 or 400 people living within three kilometres of a busy town. I believe all children should have access to safe infrastructure to be able to walk and ride their bikes. It doesnt have to happen from their doorstep, but it should be accessible and safe for children and their parents to leave their houses. She said the line in the middle of the road has changed from dashed to solid, and back to dashed again, in the last five years, describing the reintroduction of the dashed line as a scandal. There are approximately 28 houses just outside Killorglin, all of which struggle daily to pull out onto a road that is narrow and high speed, and now has the added threat of overtaking traffic. At present, Kerry County Council has developed a plan for a footpath from Killorglin bridge to the RDI Hub but is awaiting Transport Infrastructure Ireland approval before it can be submitted for funding to An Bord Pleanala. While the council expect the application to be submitted to An Bord Pleanala by Q1 this year, they had previously said this would be achieved by early 2025. Meanwhile, other projects on the busy Ring of Kerry road forge ahead, with nearby Fossa receiving an upgraded foot and cycle path where lower speed limits are in place. Residents along Ms Foleys stretch of the road cant help but feel ignored after campaigning for so many years. Fossa had cycleways, pedestrians and a speed limit. In the meantime, theyre doing a massive development in Fossa and were still where we were, said resident Austin OReilly. Theirs gets upgraded while ours doesnt even get implemented, added Ms Foley. And when theyre prioritising other projects in the county, Im not saying they dont deserve them but its just exasperating to continue to fight for these basic rights. The commitment of the local residents to fighting for safe pedestrian access to Killorglin is perhaps personified in the late Tom Moriarty, who fought for years on the issue and whose prophecy that he would die before any path was constructed sadly became true. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme Students took part in the annual bonding event at Lough Key Forest Park on December 2nd. Sligo College of Further Education and Training has announced another landmark year of progress within its Erasmus+ programme, reflecting significant expansion, and enhanced opportunities for both learners and staff. This year, 112 students have been selected to take part in the Colleges Erasmus+ mobility programme. Preparation is now underway for their three-week work placements, scheduled for late January 2026 across a wide range of European destinations: Spain, Tenerife, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Malta, Crete and Cyprus. In addition, a further 10-12 students will participate in short-term group mobilities in Finland and Spain, where they will attend classes, collaborate on joint projects with international peers, and immerse themselves in innovative learning environments. These group mobilities are designed to foster intercultural dialogue, enhance collaborative problem-solving, and allow learners to experience first-hand the diverse educational approaches that exist across Europe. The introduction of two new mobility countries, Crete and Cyprus, represents a major milestone in Sligo College of FETs long-term internationalisation strategy. These additions broaden the Colleges European footprint and open new pathways for learners to access world-class professional environments. Featured placements include: nursing and healthcare learners engaging in hands-on clinical experience at the Mediterranean Hospital of Cyprus. Animal Care learners undertaking training at an internationally recognised equestrian centre in Heraklion, Crete, renowned for preparing Paralympic athletes. With over 40 programmes across the Sligo and Tubbercurry campuses for the 2025/2026 academic year, Sligo CFET continues to embed international mobility across the majority of its courses, offering learners a powerful opportunity to develop their personal, professional and intercultural competencies. A further 20 students will participate in a specialised two-week internship in Barcelona, delivered in partnership with Irish Education Partners. This programme focuses on strengthening transferable and digital skills, enhancing students readiness for the rapidly evolving labour market. Participants consistently report that Erasmus+ mobility provides invaluable benefits, from increased confidence and cultural awareness to improved employability outcomes. To foster teamwork, resilience and problem-solving among the 2025 Erasmus+ cohort, students took part in the annual bonding event at Lough Key Forest Park on December 2nd. Activities included the Boda Borg challenge and a forest navigation exerciseboth designed to build strong peer connections and prepare learners for successful international placements. Sligo College of FET staff have also completed a significant programme of international engagement in recent months: Two staff travelled to Crete and Cyprus to carry out preparatory visits with new host organisations. Others undertook job shadowing at POKE College in Finland, advancing expertise in food nutrition and innovative teaching methodologies. The Erasmus Coordinator represented the College and European Forum for Vocational Education and Training (EfVET) during a high-level work shadowing visit to Taiwan, alongside colleagues from Belgium, Spain and Italy. This global engagement marks the beginning of a promising collaboration between Irish, European and Taiwanese vocational colleges, paving the way for future staff exchanges, shared projects and learner mobility. A Wexford woman is fundraising throughout the month of January to raise money for one of the most well-known childrens charity in honour of her late sister. Emma Dempsey will be undertaking two fundraisers throughout the month to raise funds for Make A Wish Ireland a charity that grants wishes to children between the ages of three and 11 years of age with critical and life-threatening illnesses in Ireland, whether it be a dream holiday, a special event or a chance to meet their heroes. Emma explained that the charity is very close to the familys hearts as they made one of her late sisters dreams come through. "In 2003, aged 11 years old, Aisling was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She died the following year. Ten days before she passing away, through the Make A Wish foundation, she met her favourite band Busted. Despite being incredibly sick at the time, it brought such joy and is a treasured memory, she said. Busted was a popular English band formed in 2000 with members James Bourne, Matt Willis, and Charlie Simpson. Their chart-topping songs which included Year 3000 and What I Go to School For earned them two Brit awards, selling over five million records worldwide. "We would love to raise money to provide other critically ill children with the chance of having their wish come true, she added. They hope to raise money through two fundraisers; Walk for Wishes and Wax for Wishes. Walk for Wishes puts them to the challenge of walking 100km over 30 days while Wax for Wishes will be a waxing event scheduled for the first day in February in the Thatch bar in Kiltealy. Although they have set a goal for 3,000, they have already raised near that amount in the first few days of the new year. On behalf of the family, she said she would be grateful if people could donate or help share the word by sending on the link to their loved ones and friends. People interested in donating to the fundraiser can do so here. U.S., Denmark, Greenland to set up work group as "fundamental disagreement" persists Xinhua) 11:09, January 15, 2026 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. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A local Irish language writer, traditional singer and musician from Gorey is gearing up to officially launch her second poetry book later this month. Eire Ni Fhaolain, the writer of Puisin Beag an Diabhail is hosting a launch for the books release at Gorey Library on Thursday, January 22 at 7pm. The poetry book will be officially launched by the award winning poet, Ben MacCaoilte. Puisin Beag an Diabhail is a collection of nine Irish language poems inspired by the natural world, as well as the folklore surrounding the black cat and the number nine, specifically in Ireland. As the release comes closer, Eire said the process of writing helped her understand the Irish language and culture more and is excited for readers to read her poems. I have learned a lot about myself and about the Irish language throughout the process of creating this book and I cant wait to release it into the world, Eire said. She also spoke about the importance of promoting the Irish language in society, especially as a young writer. The Irish language has always been extremely important to me. I always encourage the use of our native language in literature, which is something I believe to be extremely valuable when preserving a language, she said. The book design and illustrations included in the book are all of Eires own work with some help from her creative brother, Cu Chulainn O Faolain. The poetry book will be printed in Ireland under her familys publishing press, Fomhar (fogmar harvest). Eire has been involved with the upkeep of the Irish language from a young age, is a former student of student from Meanscoil Gharman in Enniscorthy, now currently studying at Trinity College Dublin. From being involved with Fighting Words and Poetry Ireland, and now as the first Oifigeach na Gaeilge with Trinity College Dublins JCR, the Irish language will always remain at the heart of my writing, my singing, my music as well as my overall love for our culture, she said. In 2023, Eire released her first poetry book Tuigim, inspired by a poem she was commissioned to write for the Cosan na mBan programme with Treasa Bhreathnach on RTE Raidio na Gaeltachta. Eires Irish language poetry and composed music in both Irish and English have received several awards and have also been featured on RTEs Raidio na Gaeltachta. Chulain Lo Fhaolain and Eire Ni Fhaolain. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench Playing music alongside her brother as Eire agus Chulainn, the duo had the opportunity to perform Irish songs at Electric Picnic in August 2025, as part of An Chollchoill After dark. For further information on publishing and purchase details for Puisin Beag an Diabhail please email Rachel Ui Fhaolain at ceolmochroi@gmail.com. All are welcome to attend the launch at Gorey Library. Gardai are appealing for information in relation to a silver Nissan Qashqai It was an early start for members of Wexford Gardai this morning as they rushed to respond to a disturbance in a brand new housing estate in a Wexford village just before 6 a.m. In the early hours of Thursday morning, gardai were called to a domestic disturbance in the estate of Forthview, Murrintown. Upon their arrival, a 29-year-old man fled on foot. A short foot chase ensued and gardai eventually arrested the man, who is well known to them, having also made the discovery of knives. He was brought to Wexford Garda Station where he remains in custody and is being questioned. This mornings disturbance is the latest incident for a housing estate which was only officially opened last year. The ribbon was no sooner cut on Forthview, Murrintown by the Housing Minister James Browne in March 2025, than reports started to emerge of issues with alleged anti-social behaviour, fighting between neighbours and drugs. Seven months after the estate was officially launched, local councillor Jim Codd voiced concerns that some of the new residents were already living in fear and seeking to be transferred to other accommodation. "This is a brand new estate and we cannot allow it to be ghettoised by the behaviour of a handful of people out there, he said at the time. When asked about repeated incidents at the new estate, a garda source said that there had been a few calls, and noted it was a pity that a handful of individuals were causing problems for the rest of the residents there. Back in November, when asked about Forthview, a spokesperson for Co-operative Housing Ireland said: It is important to note that Co-operative Housing Ireland takes complaints of anti-social behaviour very seriously and proactively. We are the first approved housing body to introduce a dedicated Safer Neighbourhood Team, which has enhanced how we provide services to families and individuals. Member tenants are encouraged to contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team for support or if they have any concerns, and to report any criminal activity directly to An Garda Siochana. Gardai hadnt long returned to headquarters in Wexford in the wake of the fracas in Forthview, when they were back out the road to Murrintown once more, having received a call to say that a car had been stolen from outside of a home in the village. The owner of the vehicle, a silver Nissan Qashqai, awoke on Thursday morning and looked out to window shortly after 7 a.m. to find the car was nowhere to be seen. It had been parked up at around 6 p.m. on Wednesday evening and was taken from outside the house without the keys. The cars registration plate is 152WX1855 and gardai are appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious, or seen the vehicle between 6 p.m. on Tuesday and 7 a.m. on Wednesday to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 9165200 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111. Investigating members are following leads in relation to the theft and are waiting on further CCTV footage for analysis. They are particularly keen to speak with anyone in the Murrintown area who may have footage of the vehicle in question, be it dashcam footage, phone footage or even a doorbell, within the specified time period. Gardai have yet to definitively rule out if the incidents are connected. Elected councillors within Wicklow County Council chambers have paid tribute to outgoing Bray West councillor Dermot OBrien, who announced his intention to step down as a local representative after nearly seven years of dedicated service. Addressing councillors, including Mr OBrien, at the first full council meeting of the year, Cathaoirleach of the Bray Municipal District Erica Doyle thanked the outgoing councillor for work he has done in his term of office. It's a bittersweet day for us in Bray and indeed in Wicklow. I am delighted in one sense that I am in the chair to be able to lead the tribute to our colleague, Cllr Dermot O'Brien, who I think has been probably one of the biggest surprises to me personally and professionally during my time as an elected representative. Cllr O'Brien and I don't agree on a great many things but where we met was on all the things that we do agree on. And there's a great many of them. And I think it may have surprised both of us to realise that. If I had to use one word to describe Cllr O'Brien it would be integrity. There's no ego about the work that Cllr O'Brien does. And that is a very, very rare thing to find an in an elected representative. I am delighted Dermot is going to go onwards and upwards in his youth work where I think he will be invaluable, and I think now more than ever when we see the way the world is going, I think particularly young people and young men need people like Dermot O'Brien in their lives, so our loss is definitely their gain. His other colleagues in Bray followed suit with their tributes, with Cllr Joe Behan describing him as a magnificent human being. His contributions at council meetings both here and in Bray have been beyond compare in my experience. The depth of his contribution, the depth of his analysis, of his thinking, and of his patient listening to other people's arguments. He's a model for any politician in any forum in the world as far as I am concerned. To my mind it is such a sad day for Wicklow that we're losing him. But it is a magnificent day for the young people of Ireland that he is going to be devoting his laser like focus on improving the service for young people right across this country. And I wish you every success, Dermot, and we'll miss you. Meanwhile Cllr Caroline Winstanley acknowledged his professionalism as he carried out his council duties. I feel that he is genuinely inclusive person. His approach consistently places people at the heart of decision-making. He is known for actively seeking out the views of others and listening with respect and valuing collaboration. Cllr O'Brien's work reminds us that good politics is ultimately about people, and I think his contribution will leave a long and lasting impact. Cllr Gail Dunne thanked him on behalf of Fianna Fail, calling him well-informed and passionate. I think he's a major loss to the chamber, I really do. I rang him the other day and I said it to him that we need good people in the chamber, and we had a conversation saying how difficult it is to get people to stand for election in the first place, and then to go through the full term, and as you can see, we've lost two people over the past year. In the last council we lost a good few councillors as well, and people are not getting involved in politics. Anybody I know in this room; they got involved in politics to help people. And certainly, Cllr O'Brien was that man. And I enjoyed his company. he added. Echoing his sentiments, Cllr Paul OBrien, on behalf of the Labour Party, wished him well in his new endeavours. Cllr OBrien and I agreed on a lot more than we disagreed on, even though that didn't come out in the chamber, our focus was driven by the same. If I was to described Cllr O'Brien in one word it would be decent, because is he a decent man. The new organisation you're going to is certainly a gain to them, but it is our loss and it is the people of Bray's loss as well. Lamenting the loss of yet another councillor in Bray from the Wicklow chamber, Cathaoirleach Melanie Corrigan commended Mr OBrien for setting a shining example through his integrity and compassion. "I want to thank you for being so honest, so accommodating and so hard-working, as chair of the Local Community Development Committee. I have always been able to rely on you for your commitment for turning up to the meetings, you have always been a great voice of reason within that committee. So, I will miss you. I will miss you terribly. Thank you for all the support that you have given me over the years, and for working so well together. Complimenting Mr OBriens commitment to the cause, Cllr Lourda Scott said his contributions will be missed. We need more people of your calibre in the community, working in the chamber and community, not less than that. Your contributions to this chamber were incredibly thoughtful and put together. I don't think you know the meaning of the word waffle, again an unusual attribution in a politician. Following a string of glowing tributes from independent members in the chamber, Cllr Tom Fortune concluded by praising Mr OBrien for being everything a public representative should be. Any time he contributes, it is articulate and very well thought through. He's moving on. The work he has done in youth is phenomenal. I did witness him, and the way he goes about that work is quite special. So, I have no doubt that what he's doing now is a tremendous move for himself as a person, for his career, and that he'll do a super job in it. He will be a big loss to politics. As I said, I think he's probably in my view everything that a public rep should be, and he does his work and has done his work as a public representative in a very calculated and unemotional way. So, I'd like to wish him and his family nothing only the best. After Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer OGorman had eulogised about his passion and respect in how he carries out his work, the departing councillor was invited to speak one last time. I hope I leave here without anyone feeling I was their enemy on any side the chamber, he said. I think you can make friends with other politicians that aren't in your party, and I think that's not a bad message to send out to the world. "And I think you can be in conflict and that can generate things. And if your approach to that is generative, that good things can come from disagreement then we're in a good space. What an honour for anyone and their family to be selected by my party to stand in an election and be elected by the people, to sit here and represent them is an honour that stays with you. After a rapturous applause, Mr OBrien was joined by his colleagues in the centre of the chamber for a photograph, followed by the presentation of a wooden bowl and a treasured memento in the shape of his council nameplate, or as Cllr Fortune remarked, his Toblerone. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme The late Paul Costelloe with his son William Costelloe, who has been appointed to take over the brand. Photo: Barry McCall. One of Paul Costelloes sons has been appointed as the new Creative Director of the world-renowned brand nearly two months since the late designers passing. Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe passed away at the age of 80 on Friday, November 21. One of the most established Irish names in the industry, having dressed Princess Diana, been a fixture in London Fashion Week since its inception in 1984, and a household name through his home collection with Dunnes Stores, he received tributes from all over the world praising his artistry and dedication to his craft. In an official announcement from the house brand, they explained that William Costelloe will now lead the development of all the brands collections moving forward, championing the values of creativity, quality, and craftsmanship laid down by Paul for more than 40 years. Speaking on his appointment, William said that his father instilled in him a unique perspective of viewing fashion through artistic means. "My father taught me to see fashion through the eyes of an artist; to respect materials, the process, the people. I am honoured to be continuing his legacy, and I approach the role with determination, gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead for the Paul Costelloe brand, he said. Explaining his suitability for the role, the brand highlighted that William has worked hand in hand with Paul for the last seven years in developing seasonal landmark catwalk collections. Alongside Paul, he has also led the design and development of collections with their retail and licence partners globally, including ready-to-wear womenswear and menswear, bridal, bags and accessories, and the much-loved homeware lines in Dunnes Stores. William received formal womenswear design and textile training at the Istituto Marangoni in Milan and holds a Bachelors degree in Fine Art Painting from Camberwell College of Art and a Masters degree from Chelsea College of Art in London. Known for his expertise in colour and material, prior to working with his father, he worked as a textile designer for Portuguese bedding manufacturer Piubelle and homeware producer Matceramica. He was also a visual merchandiser and stylist for department store La Rinascente in Milan the same department store that Paul worked at early in his career. In the same announcement, the team revealed that the brand will continue its long-held tradition of opening London Fashion Week on Thursday, February 19, in what will mark the first collection from the brand under Williams leadership and guidance. They added: We offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our customers and partners for their support and look forward to sharing the artistry and elegance of the Paul Costelloe collections in the many years ahead. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has reportedly been offered a temporary home at Sandringham to speed up his relocation from the Grade II mansion Royal Lodge, where he has resided for the last two decades. A more permanent home is being prepared for him on the Norfolk estate, but it is understood that King Charles has offered him a temporary property in the hope he would have left Windsor by Easter. Google has been accused of grooming children for profit by emailing under-13s telling them how to turn off parental controls on their next birthday. The internet giant was accused of bypassing parents after contacting children before they turn 13 to tell them they would soon be able to switch off controls such as safety settings and app limits. Rape, beatings and humiliation using faeces were routinely practised on countless victims The prisoners will never forget the screams that rang through the corridors from the torture chambers. It is here, in Venezuelas El Helicoide prison, that the inmates are strung up, beaten, raped and left with bags of excrement over their heads for hours. In one torture method known as the Russian or white torture, prisoners are crammed into a tiny windowless cell painted completely white with bright lights that are never turned off. Another immigration-related shooting fuels chaos in Minneapolis Government says shooting followed targeted immigration stopVenezuelan national wounded in leg after attempt to fleeOfficer opened fire after two others intervened in struggle- DHSUS officials say officer beaten with shovel, broom stickFederal officer and target in hospital, two others arrested A person is detained by federal agents near the scene where Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer last week, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Gray) Seth Herald, Jonathan Allen, Joseph Ax and Ted Hesson Reuters Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 08:53 A Venezuelan man who fled a traffic stop in Minneapolis was shot in the leg on Wednesday by a U.S. immigration agent, the government said, amid a surge that has spurred dramatic resistance in the Minnesota city. Donald Trump gives the middle finger to heckler at car plant The gesture was an apparent response to a worker at the plant referring to him as a paedophile protector US president Donald Trump. Photo: Samuel Corum/Getty Images Mike Bedigan UK Independent Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 06:30 Donald Trump appeared to mouth an expletive and stick up his middle finger after being heckled at an automotive plant in Michigan. BREAKING | SpaceX capsule with four astronauts splashes into Pacific Ocean in first medical evacuation from International Space Station Astronauts return to earth after first medical evacuation from the ISS Irish Independent Newsdesk Press Association Thu 15 Jan 2026 at 09:59 An ailing astronaut has returned to Earth along with three others, ending their space station mission more than a month early following Nasas first medical evacuation. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said she had presented her Nobel Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump on Thursday during a high-stakes encounter that could affect how Trump seeks to shape the South American country's political future. It was not immediately clear whether he had accepted the medal. Machado, who described the meeting as "excellent," told reporters she had done so in recognition of his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community! Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region. India-EU Trade Deal Set for January 27 Signing in New Delhi: Report India is set to formalize a landmark trade agreement with the European Union on January 27, 2026, marking the blocs largest-ever trade deal. While agriculture remains excluded, the pact signals deeper India-EU economic engagement in other key sectors. The European Union is preparing to formalize its most expansive trade agreement to date with India on January 27, 2026. Senior EU leadership is expected to travel to New Delhi to finalize the pact, according to multiple media reports. An Euractiv report, published on January 14, 2026, suggests that agriculture has been deliberately excluded from the agreement, reflecting Brussels strategic urgency to shape EU-India trade engagement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reportedly briefed Members of the European Parliament in a closed-door session, confirming that the agreement would be signed within the month and would not extend to agricultural sectors. Von der Leyen, alongside European Council President Antonio Costa, is expected to sign the agreement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the New Delhi visit between January 25 and 27, 2026. Strategic significance despite agricultural exclusion Ursula von der Leyen has described the deal as a major signal of the EUs trade priorities, even with the carve-out. She reiterated that agriculture had consistently been outside the scope of the negotiations. Notwithstanding this exclusion, the agreement would still rank as the EUs largest trade deal, offering enhanced access to a market that accounts for roughly one-quarter of the global population. Agriculture remains one of the most sensitive policy areas in India, employing close to 44 percent of the workforce. Consequently, broader EU access to Indian food markets has encountered strong domestic resistance. The European Commission has already confirmed that several products, including dairy and sugar, fall outside the agreements scope. India-EU FTA: Context and broader negotiations The India-EU FTA, if finalized, would become Indias 19th trade agreement and one of its most consequential, given the EUs position as Indias largest trading partner for goods. At a time of global trade disruption, the FTA is expected to drastically expand Indian exports to the 27-member bloc and deepen economic ties. With elevated US tariffs and rising geopolitical tensions reshaping supply chains, the agreement could help Indian exporters diversify markets and reduce external vulnerabilities. CLICK HERE: Why German CEOs Are Betting on India: The India-EU FTA Opportunity Why the India-EU FTA matters The push to finalize the FTA has gained momentum amid rising protectionism, including US tariffs that have reached levels of up to 50 percent in certain sectors. For India, the agreement offers an opportunity to reduce dependence on other economies such as China, strengthen export competitiveness in Europe, and mitigate the impact of restrictive trade policies elsewhere. FTAs typically lower or eliminate customs duties, improve regulatory alignment, and facilitate market access. The India-EU free trade agreement is expected to benefit sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, textiles, steel, petroleum products, and electrical machinery. Labor-intensive industries, including garments, leather, and pharmaceuticals, could see improved competitiveness in EU markets. Indias services exports, particularly in telecommunications, transport, and business services, are also expected to expand. From the EUs perspective, think tank agency Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) notes that European exporters could gain from increased access for aircraft and components, electrical machinery, chemicals, diamonds, and high-value services such as intellectual property, IT, telecommunications, and professional services. Commercial ties at a glance Indias bilateral merchandise trade with the EU reached US$136.53 billion in FY 2024-25, comprising US$75.85 billion in exports and US$60.68 billion in imports. This makes the EU Indias largest merchandise trading partner. Indias Trade Activities with European Union (Value in US$ Million) FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 Exports Imports Total trade Exports Imports Total trade EU countries 75,925.30 61,484.77 137,410.07 75,854.24 60,681.15 136,535.39 Austria 1,136.41 922.23 2,058.64 1,405.72 949.09 2,354.81 Belgium 7,837.17 7,236.82 15,073.99 6,320.14 6,589.99 12,910.13 Bulgaria 223.64 192.31 415.95 230.44 296.69 527.13 Croatia 233.30 58.06 291.36 335.76 76.74 412.5 Cyprus 94.92 41.25 136.17 89.92 48.82 138.74 Czech Republic 1,389.79 735.87 2,125.66 2,062.69 726.49 2,789.18 Denmark 856.24 917.58 1,773.82 871.41 790.75 1,662.16 Estonia 77.29 138.01 215.3 69.66 115.20 184.86 Finland 582.52 913.48 1,496 471.82 838.03 1,309.85 France 7,141.09 7,971.16 15,112.25 7,960.06 7,231.39 15,191.45 Germany 9,839.63 16,644.27 26,483.9 10,628.61 18,947.62 29,576.23 Greece 1,055.17 884.40 1,9939.57 1,056.17 382.04 1,438.21 Hungary 561.46 306.81 868.27 533.65 474.35 1,008 Ireland 702.73 5,681.45 6,384.18 864.67 5,129.02 5,993.69 Italy 8,765.78 5,796.48 14,562.26 7,727.33 6,014.40 13,741.73 Latvia 220.49 183.69 404.18 235.94 237 472.94 Lithuania 314.42 136.39 450.81 258.06 164.33 422.39 Luxembourg 39.65 265.05 304.7 49.90 96.02 145.92 Malta 496.11 35.67 531.78 351.09 24.01 375.1 Netherlands 22,366.86 4,966.49 27,333.35 22,763.41 4,994.81 27,758.22 Poland 2,436.27 1,504.26 3,940.53 2,618.61 1,266.23 3,884.84 Portugal 1,183.80 178.33 1,362.13 920.25 205.92 1,126.17 Romania 1,778.05 1,200.04 2,978.09 1,036.01 410.17 1,446.18 Slovak Republic 193.03 67.60 260.63 380.38 74.23 454.61 Slovenia 586.97 307.74 894.71 586.74 259.88 846.62 Spain 4,793.70 2,454.95 7,248.65 4,763.75 2,217.70 6,981.45 Sweden 1,018.80 1,744.35 2,763.15 1,262.05 2,120.23 3,382.28 Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, GoI The EU accounts for around 17 percent of Indias total exports, while India represents approximately 9 percent of the blocs external shipments. In FY 2023-24, India exported US$75.92 billion in merchandise goods and US$30 billion in services to the EU. EU exports to India during the same period included US$61.48 billion in goods and US$23 billion in services. Spain, Germany, Belgium, Poland, and the Netherlands rank among the top EU destinations for Indian exports. India-EU trade basket: Key products and tariff challenges Indias primary exports to the EU include petroleum products, electronics (notably smartphones), textiles, machinery, organic chemicals, iron and steel, gems and jewelry, pharmaceuticals, and automotive components. However, Indian textile exports currently face EU tariffs of 12-16 percent, placing them at a disadvantage compared to competitors such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, which benefit from preferential access under EU trade arrangements. Indias main imports from the EU include machinery, aircraft and parts, electronics, medical devices, scientific instruments, rough diamonds, chemicals, plastics, and automobiles. In services, India exports business, IT, telecommunications, and transport services, while importing intellectual property and IT-related services from the EU. Alcohol trade forms a notable component of bilateral commerce. In 2023-24, India exported wines worth US$1.5 million and spirits worth US$64.9 million to the EU, while importing wines valued at US$412.4 million and spirits worth US$22.3 million. Investment flows On the investment front, cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) from the EU into India stood at US$117.4 billion between April 2000 and September 2024, accounting for 16.6 percent of total FDI inflows. Around 6,000 European companies currently operate in India. During the same period, Indian outward FDI to the EU amounted to approximately US$40.04 billion, with the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, and Belgium among the largest EU investors in India. ALSO READ: How Indias FDI Rules, FTAs, and Key Sectors Shape Investment in 2026 Background: A protracted negotiation process Negotiations for an India-EU FTA began in 2007 and continued through multiple rounds until 2013, before stalling over disagreements related to automobile tariffs, wine and spirits, data protection for Indian IT firms, intellectual property rights, labor standards, and government procurement. While attempts to revive talks between 2016 and 2020 yielded limited progress, momentum returned after 2020. In June 2022, India and the EU formally relaunched negotiations covering a free trade agreement, an investment protection agreement, and a geographical indications agreement, setting the stage for the current push towards conclusion by January 2026. Image credit : X | @TommyGoBraazy | Chief Keef Shooting Claims Spark Panic Online, But Theres No Credible Proof of Injury Social media erupts over shocking claims about Chief Keef shooting Fact check on the truth behind Chief Keef's viral shooting rumours Prime Timer Claims of Chief Keef being on life support go viral; here's what happened Image credit : X | @culture8144_rap | Social Media Rumors of Chief Keef Being Critically Injured Are Misleading and Unfounded Chief Keef, a Chicago rapper whose real name is Keith Farrelle Cozart, has set social media abuzz on January 14, after alarming reports of him surfaced claiming he had been fatally shot. On Wednesday, a post shared by @TommyGoBraazy on X (formerly called Twitter) alleged that the 30-year-old rapper was "shot six times in the face" after returning to O'Block for the first time in 15 years to record a music video. Following the information that started circulating on the internet, Keef's fans and followers immediately reacted with shock and concern. But how much of this is actually true? Let's find out.A viral post claimed that popular rapper Chief Keef was shot six times in the face after returning to O'Block to shoot a music video. This immediately sent shockwaves across the social media platforms.Moreover, the post also added that he was reportedly on life support, prompting fans and followers to flood the platforms with messages of concern, prayers and disbelief. The alarming claim quickly sparked widespread fear and speculation about the rapper's safety and well-being.One X user wrote, "I guess the saying is true: the streets will always catch up with u.""Getting shot in the face 6 times? Thats that shit I dont like," one said. "I thought this was cap, but damn this shii realhe might die damn.""6 timesss? In the face? Oh he's gonna be blind in both eyes for sureee. Stay out of gangs kids and when you make it out of the hood, never go back for nothing, they finna kill your dumb ass," another added.While one asked, "Is that real ?"According to, there is no truth to the viral claim, and it has not been confirmed by Chief Keef's team. Not only that, but there is no credible evidence to support the idea that the rapper was critically injured in a shooting case in Chicago.Following this, a community note was added to @TommyGoBraazys post, marking it as false. To calm fans, Keefs manager, Idris Dykes, clarified that the rapper had not been shot and hasnt been to Chicago in two years, according to Fox 32 Chicago.Amid the social media rumours, the rapper didn't directly respond to the viral rumour, but his social media activity shortly after the claim surfaced seemed to reassure fans that he was safe. He even hinted that the new video clips would be released soon.Keef hails from Chicago's South Side O Block and is considered a pioneer of drill rap, rising to prominence with tracks like I Dont Like, Love Sosa, and Hate Bein Sober after releasing mixtapes starting in 2010 and making his mark on the Chicago rap scene by 2012.Well, he relocated to Los Angeles in 2014, though it's unclear if he was there when the recent shooting rumours emerged. However, this wasn't his first encounter with violence; he was targeted in a 2018 shooting at New York's W Hotel, connected to a social media feud, and in 2019, Tekashi 6ix9ine associate Kooda B pleaded guilty in relation to the incident.On the other hand, there are false reports circulating around claims that Keef was on life support; that too went viral. Fatal shooting follows social media dispute Suspect turns herself in Alleged confrontation at the home Victim found on kitchen floor Suspects version of events Community shocked by tragedy A teenage girl has died in Louisiana following a violent incident that police say stemmed from an argument over being blocked on TikTok. Eighteen-year-old Kassidy Jackson was found with gunshot wounds at her home last Thursday, while a 19-year-old woman is now in custody on suspicion of murder.Emergency services were called to the property after reports of a shooting. Kassidy was rushed to hospital, but she later died from her injuries.Later that same day, 19-year-old Paulasia Banks voluntarily presented herself to police and was arrested. She has since been charged with first-degree murder and aggravated burglary. Authorities confirmed that she is currently being held at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison as investigations continue.Officers believe the two young women had been in a romantic relationship for several months, although another woman present at the house disputed that claim.According to police records obtained by local media, Kassidy was at home with another female partner when Paulasia arrived with two unidentified men. Investigators allege the group forced their way into the property.Paulasia is said to have confronted Kassidy over unanswered messages sent earlier that day and questioned why she had been blocked on TikTok. A physical altercation reportedly followed between Paulasia and the second woman in the house, who managed to escape the situation.Moments later, the witness allegedly heard a gunshot from another room.When the woman returned, Kassidy was found lying on the kitchen floor with a gunshot wound. Police claim Paulasia then left the scene with the two men without calling for emergency assistance.Kassidy was transported to hospital by first responders but sadly died from her injuries shortly afterwards.During police questioning, Paulasia reportedly stated that she had attempted to speak with Kassidy but was pushed out of the kitchen. She claimed the door was closed on her, after which she fired a gun through it. Authorities have not confirmed how many shots were fired during the incident.The case has left the local community stunned, particularly given the young ages of those involved and the alleged role of a social media dispute in the confrontation.Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the involvement of the two men who accompanied Paulasia to the property. At this stage, it remains unclear whether she will be granted bail. Theater confirms inquiry Image credit : West Wing Wiki - Fandom official page| B Street Theatre confirms a 2001 internal probe and says Busfield has had no role since Allegation reappears in court Image credit : Almost Family Wiki - Fandom official page| Decades-old allegation involving Timothy Busfield resurfaces in New Mexico court filings Focus on past handling Image credit : Doblaje Wiki - Fandom official page| Focus shifts to past institutional handling as Timothy Busfield denies all allegations A fresh layer of scrutiny has emerged around actor and director Timothy Busfield after a Sacramento theater confirmed it conducted an internal investigation in 2001 into an allegation involving a 16-year-old girl. The disclosure comes as Busfield faces unrelated but serious criminal charges in New Mexico, causing renewed attention on past complaints that never resulted in criminal cases.B Street Theatre, a well-known regional theater in Sacramento, acknowledged that it was aware of an allegation involving Busfield that dated back roughly 25 years. The organization stated that it retained legal counsel at the time to conduct an internal investigation into the matter. According to the theater, the alleged incident was said to have occurred during an audition involving a minor. While no public findings from that investigation were released, the theater confirmed the process took place and emphasized that Busfield has not been involved with the organization since 2001.The Sacramento allegation has resurfaced not through new charges but through recent court filings tied to Busfields current legal troubles in New Mexico. Prosecutors referenced the earlier claim as part of a broader effort to show a pattern of behavior. The woman involved in the Sacramento case is now an adult, and no criminal charges were filed at the time. The claim remained largely unknown publicly until it was mentioned in recent legal documents connected to the New Mexico case.The renewed focus has also turned attention toward how institutions handled misconduct allegations in the early 2000s. The theaters confirmation highlights how complaints were often addressed internally rather than referred to law enforcement, particularly within arts and cultural organizations. While the theater maintains that Busfield has had no operational or creative role for more than two decades, his name continued to appear in emeritus listings, raising questions about how institutions manage historical associations amid disputed allegations.Busfield, known for his work in film, television, and theater, has denied all allegations against him, describing them as false and unfounded. The Sacramento matter remains uncharged, while the New Mexico case continues to move through the legal system. Together, the developments have reignited debate over how older, unproven allegations are revisited when new cases emerge years later. Who was Certi2x? Image credit : X | @kenzo2neattt | Everything to Know About the Canadian Rapper Found Dead in a Suspected Targeted Attack Image credit : X | @RTNToronto | Surrey Rapper Certi2x Found Dead; Gang Links Suspected Vancouver Rapper Naseem Mohammed aka Certi2x has died after his house was set on fire. Police did not link any suspects yet. pic.twitter.com/0Cot0GI8Ax RTN (@RTNToronto) January 12, 2026 A quick look at the background of B.C. gang conflict Vancouver Sun. Image credit : X | @604RAW | Rapper Found Dead in Surrey House Fire In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves across the Canadian music industry, rapper Certi2x lost his life in a violent attack in Surrey, British Columbia. In the early hours of January 12, a blaze engulfed a residence in Surrey's Panorama Ridge neighborhood, with reports suggesting that Certi2x was shot prior to the home at 12732 56th Avenue being set on fire. The 27-year-old was celebrated for his energetic style and growing impact on Canada's hip-hop scene, and his untimely death has left fans and fellow musicians grieving while seeking insights into the life and legacy of the promising artist. Let's find out who Certi2x is and how he died.Certi2x, whose real name was Naseem Mohammed, was a 27-year-old Canadian rapper. Certi was reportedly linked to a gang called the Brothers Keepers gang.Well, as a hip-hop and rap artist, he released several singles and collaborations, including his recent track, "Again," with Baby2 that came out on February 4, 2025. Additionally, some of his most notable songs include "Ftos" (2021), "Moddest" (2022), and "Grrt Bye" (2020). In the days leading up to his death, Mohammed had resumed posting videos on Instagram, often showing himself driving around Surrey.On January 12, 2026, Mohammed was found dead by firefighters inside a burning house in the 12700 block of 56 Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia. Meanwhile, according to authorities, his death was a targeted attack connected to the ongoing gang conflict in B.C.After his release from a US prison in the fall of 2024, Mohammed lived in Dubai and maintained a low profile, though he remained a suspect in multiple gang-related murders across BC and another province. Over the years, he frequently posted provocative messages following the deaths of rival gang members. In one notable video after gangster Gary Kang was killed in Surrey in 2021, Mohammed brandished a firearm, flaunted his expensive Louis Vuitton backpack, and taunted Kangs gang, BIBO, saying, I will smoke you myself. You are all pies," reports theMohammeds death occurred only three days after Navpreet Dhaliwal, another member of the Brothers Keepers, was shot and killed in his parents home in Abbotsford. Dhaliwal had been out on bail following a 2024 charge for murder conspiracy. Hardline farming unions have agreed to meet with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, accepting strict government conditionsincluding the cancellation of a mass rally in Athensto break a weeks-long deadlock over production costs. The decision, reached at a nationwide assembly in Palamas, marks the first significant de-escalation since tractor blockades began choking national highways. Government sources expect the high-stakes meeting to take place either Friday or Monday. While Mr. Mitsotakis had insisted that dialogue could not proceed under the threat of disorder, the farmers coordinating committee ultimately accepted the government's terms. These include maintaining open roads and limiting their delegation to 25 representatives and five observers, dropping an earlier demand for a larger, dual-committee format. The breakthrough follows days of mounting tension. Farmers reviewed Mr. Mitsotakis recent remarks warning that the state had reached the limits of its tolerance before voting to engage. The protests in Greece echo similar unrest spreading across Europe, driven by high energy prices and climate-induced crop failures. The upcoming session will be the first direct encounter between Mr. Mitsotakis and the most militant protest blocs since the mobilizations began. Officials reiterated that while the government is open to finding solutions, economic activity must not be disrupted as negotiations move forward. iefimerida.gr ICEYE has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to provide the Swedish Armed Forces with a leading satellite-based SAR system. This is a multi-year, multi-million-euro deal ICEYE: Partnership with the Swedish Armed Forces for advanced satellite capabilities - Minerva Gas, owned by Andreas A. Martinos, has signed a new, expanded Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA) with HD Hyundai Marine Solution, strengthening the strategic cooperation between the two parties in Strengthening strategic cooperation in LNG carriers - TITAN Group accelerated the expansion of its Alternative Cementitious Materials (ACMs) platform through a new long-term agreement with Electric Power of Serbia (EPS), the countrys state-owned power utility. Under the TITAN signs 10-year agreement with Electric Power of Serbia to expand its alternative materials platform - The transfer of military equipment donated by the Hellenic Republic to the Republic of Lebanon was successfully completed on Thursday,... The post Greek armored vehicles arrive in Lebanon: A boost to Defense Diplomacy appeared first on Tribune.gr. Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has commended Nigerias Super Eagles for their gallant display at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Nigerias Super Eagles suffered a heartbreaking loss in the 2025 AFCON after losing 4-2 on penalties to host Morocco in a tense semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, on Wednesday. Mr Rabiu praised the players courage, unity, and determination, describing their performance as worthy of national pride and celebration. Advertisement He disclosed this in his official X handle, where he congratulated the Super Eagles for their impressive performance and national pride. You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage on the pitch. Every Nigerian is proud of you, Mr Rabiu said. He noted that results do not always reflect effort, stressing that the teams fighting spirit and passion resonated strongly with Nigerians at home and abroad. Sometimes our best efforts dont bring the outcome we desire, but the spirit and unity you displayed truly matter. I am going ahead with the $500,000 pledge in recognition of your hard work, dedication, and the joy you brought to our nation, he said. Mr Rabiu had earlier promised the reward following Nigerias 2-0 victory over Algeria in the AFCON 2025 quarter-final. Mr Rabiu urged the players to remain focused, expressing confidence that the lessons from the tournament would inspire future success. Keep your heads high. This experience will fuel greater victories. Nigeria believes in you, the BUA chairman said. An Abuja High Court, on Thursday, struck out the criminal charges instituted by the Federal Government against the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, effectively bringing to an end a high-profile legal battle that sparked national debate. Court records showed that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation filed a Notice of Discontinuance, prompting the court to formally strike out the criminal defamation and related charges that had been earlier preferred against the senator. The case, which attracted intense public scrutiny, stemmed from comments allegedly made by Akpoti-Uduaghan during a televised interview. The prosecution of the matter had generated sustained debate around freedom of expression, political accountability and the limits of prosecutorial powers in a democratic setting. Advertisement The Notice of Discontinuance, dated December 12, 2025, brought proceedings in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/195/2025 to an end. Presiding over the matter on Thursday, Justice C. N. Oji acknowledged the notice and accordingly struck out the case. In his remarks, the judge noted that the development underscored the need for restraint in the exercise of prosecutorial powers. The court hopes that this decision will pave the way for restraint, healing, and respect for the rule of law in our democratic process, he said. Counsel to the Federal Government confirmed the withdrawal of the charges in open court. On behalf of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, we have filed a notice of discontinuance in line with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. This decision is taken in the overall interest of justice and public confidence in the legal system, he said. Reacting after the court session, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan described the outcome as a vindication of her position. Todays outcome affirms my belief in the rule of law. I remain committed to serving my constituents and defending the democratic rights of all Nigerians, she said, while thanking her legal team and supporters for their steadfast backing throughout the proceedings. The striking out of the charges follows months of legal controversy and sustained public discourse, with several civil society organisations and rights groups previously condemning the case as an attempt to stifle free speech and political engagement. The Federal Government has announced that professors in Nigerian universities will receive an additional 140,000 monthly allowance following a landmark agreement signed with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Televisions Politics Today programme. According to the minister, the allowance targets academics in the professorial cadre. Advertisement This allowance is for professors. As long as youre a full-time professor or youre a reader, youll get that additional top-up, Alausa explained. He further broke down the payment structure, stating that while professors will receive approximately 140,000 monthly, readers will get about 70,000 as additional allowance each month. The agreement, unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja, replaces the 2009 FG-ASUU agreement and includes a 40 per cent salary review for university teaching staff alongside the introduction of the professorial cadre allowance. Alausa emphasized that the benefit applies exclusively to full-time academics. Let me emphasize clearly that these allowances apply strictly to full time and not part time professors and readers, he stated during the signing ceremony. The minister described the approval as recognition of the workload carried by senior academics. This approval recognises the significant workload, administrative, scholarly and research responsibilities borne by academics at this level by the virtue of their profession and positions as professors or readers in our universities, he said. Addressing concerns about sustainability, Alausa assured that the government has secured funding for the initiative. When the president was convinced that he had the funding, he signed off. Today we have the funding to support the 40% salary increase that weve given our lecturers in all our tertiary institutions, he noted. The agreement also covers enhanced academic allowances, nine in total, with clear delineation of payment responsibilities between universities and the federal government. Philadelphia volunteer fire departments, explained Carol Smith, historian and archivist at the the Fireman's Hall Museum, stopped fires like this 1794 blaze at Zion Lutheran Church, from extensive damage to the city Read more Colonial Philadelphia a community of wooden dwellings and businesses along the Delaware River back in the 1700s was under constant threat of burning to the ground. Fires could and did start from the haphazard fling of a cigarette, or burning the soot out of chimneys, or sometimes the accidental drop of a lantern. By 1730, the city had just one fire engine a steam-powered box car and dozens of buckets for carrying water to extinguish flames. When a fire that year on Fishbourne Wharf nearly destroyed the city, causing 5,000 pounds in property damage, Ben Franklin took notice. Advertisement The incident prompted him to advocate for fire prevention in his newspaper, The Pennsylvania Gazette, coining the still-used fire safety mantra, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. On Dec. 7, 1736, Franklin and 24 other prominent Philadelphians established the Union Fire Company. The formation of the Union Fire Company will be remembered Saturday at the Firstival to be held at Firemans Hall Museum. Firstivals are the Philadelphia Historic Districts weekly day parties celebrating historic events that happened in Philadelphia before anywhere else in America, and often the world. They are part of a yearlong celebration of Americas 250th birthday. The Union Fire Company, also called the Bucket Brigade, was modeled after mutual aid firefighting organizations in Boston. In its early years, the company only helped its members put out fires in their homes or properties. In 1742, the members voted to help any Philadelphian whose home or property was ablaze. The fact that they helped all Philadelphians, not just members, made the company Americas first volunteer fire department. Within the decade, Philadelphia had eight volunteer fire companies. These early volunteer fire companies were elite organizations that capped their memberships at about 30, explained Carol Smith, curator and archivist at Firemans Hall Museum. Members provided their own equipment: buckets for carrying water to put out fires and bags to salvage items from being destroyed. Companies had several meetings a year and members were fined for absence or tardiness. As the home of the countrys first volunteer firefighting outfit, Philadelphia was progressive when it came to fighting fires they were among the first companies in the country to experiment with innovative hoses. The city also was unique in establishing ways to support Philadelphia residents impacted by fire. In 1752, Franklin started the nations first property insurance company, the Philadelphia Contributionship for the Insurance of Houses from Loss by Fire, still operating today. Philadelphias early network of volunteer firefighters stopped major fires, like the 1794 burning of Zion Lutheran Church, and prevented extensive fire damage to the city. A lot of it was because of the advances in firefighting technology like updated hoses, Smith said. Our volunteer fire departments were very proactive. The Union Fire Company housed its equipment on Old Citys Grindstone Alley and was active through the early 1800s, disbanding in 1843. Its remaining members joined the Vigilant Engine Company, that, in 1871 became Engine 8, one of the citys first municipal fire stations. It remains open. This weeks Firstival is Saturday, Jan. 17, 11 a.m. 1 p.m., Firemans Hall Museum, 147 N. Second St. The Inquirer will highlight a first from Philadelphia Historic Districts 52 Weeks of Firsts program every week. Federal immigration officers prepare to enter a home to make an arrest after an officer used a battering ram to break down a door Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/John Locher) Read more Haverford Township officials voted this week to bar the townships police department from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the agencys civil deportation efforts. Township commissioners overwhelmingly approved the resolution, which says Haverford police officers and resources will not be made available for ICEs 287(g) program. The nationwide initiative allows local police departments to perform certain federal immigration duties, should they choose to enter an agreement with the agency. Advertisement The Monday evening vote came after a weekend of anti-ICE protests in cities across the country spurred by the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an immigration agent during an enforcement operation in Minneapolis. On Wednesday, Bucks Countys sheriff ended the departments own 287(g) agreement with ICE, saying the public safety costs of the partnership vastly outweighed the benefits. The last thing I want to see happen is that our relationship with our police department be hurt by the reckless and criminal activity of ICE, Haverford Commissioner Larry Holmes said before the vote. We have the power to prevent that. Local law enforcement agencies that enter a 287(g) agreement with ICE are offered a variety of responsibilities and trainings, such as access to federal immigration databases, the ability to question detainees about their immigration status, and authority to issue detainers and initiate removal proceedings. The program is voluntary and partnerships are initiated by local departments themselves, though some Republican-led states are urging agencies to enter them. The Department of Homeland Security recently touted that it has more than 1,000 such partnerships nationwide, as the Trump administration continues to make a sweeping deportation effort the focus of its domestic policy. Critics such as the American Civil Liberties Union say the program turns local departments into an ICE force multiplier and that the agreements, which require officers to shift from local to federal duties, are a drain on time and resources. Haverford Townships police department has not made any request to initiate such an agreement with ICE, according to commissioners, who called the resolution a preemptive measure. While ICE has ramped up enforcement in Philadelphia and in surrounding communities like Norristown, there have not been sizable operations in Delaware County. Judy Trombetta, the president of the townships board of commissioners, said the resolution was about protecting the civil liberties of those living in Haverford, as well as the townships public safety. In Trombettas view, a 287(g) agreement could mean those without legal immigration status could be deterred from reporting crimes to Haverford police or showing up to court hearings, while leaving officers confused about their own responsibilities. And as a township, she said, it is not our role to act as federal immigration agents. Its our job as a township to keep people safe, [to] uphold the Constitution, Trombetta said. Commissioners voted 7-2 to approve the resolution. The motion still requires Haverford police to cooperate with federal immigration agencies in criminal investigations. But because many cases involving those living in the country illegally are civil offenses, much of ICEs activities are exempt. Commissioner Kevin McCloskey, voicing his support for the resolution, said the week after Goods killing had been incredibly taxing on the American people, and in his view, it was important to adopt the resolution even if ICE wasnt active in the community. But for Commissioner Brian Godek, one of the lone holdout votes, that reality made the resolution nothing more than political theater. Tensions over Goods killing were on full display during the meeting, as both the resolutions supporters and detractors filled the seats of Haverfords municipal services building. I do not want my tax dollars or Haverfords resources to be used to support a poorly trained, unprofessional, and cruel secret police force that is our current federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, said resident Deborah Derrickson Kossmann. Brian Vance, a resident and a lawyer who opposed the resolution, said he was approaching the matter like an attorney. He questioned whether noncompliance with a federal department would open up the possibility of lawsuits, or the federal government withholding funds for the township. Its legal, its proper, whether we agree with it or not, Vance said of ICEs authority. After the vote, McCloskey, the commissioner, made a plea for unity to those divided over the issue. That included residents who said the resolutions supporters had gotten caught up in the emotion of the Minneapolis shooting. I just ask that you take a step back, McCloskey said. On some level, we should all be able to appreciate that none of us wanted to see a 37-year-old mother in a car get shot. A week after authorities arrested Jonathan Christian Gerlach on charges of stealing human remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery, the consequences of the case continue to unfold from a small police department fielding frantic pleas from families to a coroners office now responsible for safeguarding more than 100 unidentified bones and body parts. Since the arrest, the Yeadon Police Department has been inundated with calls and emails from relatives fearful that the graves of their loved ones were disturbed, Police Chief Henry Giammarco said. The remains recovered during the investigation including skulls, bones, and other human fragments were seized from Gerlachs basement and from a separate storage unit, both in Ephrata, and are now in the custody of the Lancaster County Coroners Office. Advertisement Gerlach is accused of systematically removing skulls and bones from graves at Mount Moriah, a sprawling historic cemetery that spans Philadelphia and Yeadon Borough. The case has drawn national attention, prompting widespread media coverage and intensifying concern among families with relatives buried at the cemetery. As of Wednesday afternoon, Giammarco said, his department had received more than 200 calls and emails from people across Pennsylvania and from as far away as Montreal and Hawaii, many asking whether authorities could confirm whether specific graves had been disturbed or whether their loved ones remains were among those recovered. Inside the coroners office, the remains have been cataloged and placed in secure storage, Coroner Stephen Diamantoni said. They will remain there until Gerlachs criminal case is resolved. Diamantoni said his office does not plan to attempt to identify the remains a task he described as virtually impossible given their age, their condition, and the circumstances in which they were recovered. When the bones were seized from Gerlachs home and storage unit, Diamantoni said, they were not labeled or organized in any way that would indicate where they came from or whom they belonged to. In many cases, he said, remains from different individuals were mixed together, a condition known as commingling, on a scale that Ive never encountered. Compounding the challenge, some of the remains are believed to be hundreds of years old, Diamantoni said, and are in advanced states of decay. Even under ideal conditions, identifying such remains would be difficult. In this case, he said, it would be a herculean task to attempt to match the bones to specific burial sites let alone to determine whose remains they were. Even if that were somehow possible, Diamantoni said, identifying a living family member would present another nearly insurmountable hurdle, given the age of the remains. Back in Yeadon, Giammarco said he has tried to provide as much clarity as possible to families reaching out in distress. While the investigation is ongoing, he said, authorities have identified thefts only from mausoleums and underground vaults structures that are larger and deeper than standard graves and are constructed differently. He spent much of the weekend returning calls and responding to emails, he said, hoping to ease fears. If it would have been my family, Giammarco said, I would have wanted someone to contact me. Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse, whose office is prosecuting Gerlach, said Wednesday the investigation into the crimes was ongoing. Hidden City supervising producer Nathaniel Popkin (left) and Julien Suaudeau at the David Lynch mural outside of Love City Brewing. Their new podcast investigates how David Lynch invented a "cinematic language of fear and strangeness in Philadelphia. Read more When filmmaker David Lynch moved to Philadelphia in 1965 to attend the erstwhile Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, he was instantly moved by the city. Though not exactly charmed. The citys crime, corruption, and urban blight impressed themselves on the young artists mind and lent to his uncanny vision combining the sinister and the absurd. The Twin Peaks creator, however, only spent a short time living in the city. Advertisement By 1970, he had decamped to Los Angeles to study at the American Film Institute and work on his first feature, the cult classic Eraserhead. But Lynchs relatively abridged tenure as a Philadelphian has had an outsized impact. Consider him the Terrell Owens of Philly weirdo transplant artists. In the year since his passing, retrospectives of his films have dominated programming at Philadelphia rep cinemas and art houses, Callowhill (where Lynch used to live and work) got a makeover as Eraserhood, and the neighborhoods Love City Brewings hazy Eraserhood IPA grew in popularity. Now, a new podcast is digging deeper into Lynchs influence on Philadelphia, exploring the extent to which the city impressed itself upon his life and work from PAFA to Hollywood to the soapy subterfuges of the Twin Peaks universe. Launched Jan. 15 (the first anniversary of the filmmakers passing), Song of Lynchadelphia explores, in the words of host Julien Suaudeau, the encounter of the 1950s American innocence with a place where the dream had already, and very concretely, turned into a nightmare. For Suaudeau, a writer and scholar who teaches film at Bryn Mawr College, Philadelphia served as a creative catalyst for Lynch. Many great cities inspire, whether in their beauty, their scale, or deep history. Philadelphia, which Lynch called one of the sickest, most corrupt, decadent, fear-ridden cities that exists. The filmmaker was enamored with its crime and filth in the mid-1960s. He was traumatized by Philly, Suaudeau said, over drinks at Love City Brewing. And he turned that trauma into art, something both beautiful and strange. A Parisian native who moved to the region to teach, Suaudeau felt drawn to Philadelphia, and to Lynch, early in life. As an adolescent living in France, he responded to the anxious, hysterical, at-times deeply disturbing depiction of teenage life offered by Twin Peaks. At the same time, he fell in love with the 70s Philly Soul sound, and admired (then) 76er Charles Barkley. (Suaudeau played power forward in high school and, like Barkley, was also considered undersized.) I didnt know about Lynchs foundational years in Philly, he said, but that convergence feels so meaningful to me today. Song of Lynchadelphia grows out of Song of Philadelphia, a podcast produced by the local public history project Hidden City, which curates the Eraserhood Tours in Callowhill. The new series explores the citys secret stories through a distinctly warped Lynchian lens. The first episode looks into Lynchs rather despairing comments on the Philadelphia of his artistic adolescence, a place of insanity possessed by a beautiful mood. Through interviews with local fans, historians, and Lynchs collaborators (including production designer Jack Fisk, one of Lynchs longtime collaborators and a PAFA classmate), archival clips, and distinctly Lynchian soundscapes, Suaudeau guides the listener through Lynchs relationship with the city. Were always interested in origins, especially among creative people, said author and Hidden City cofounder Nathaniel Popkin, who serves as Song of Lynchadelphias supervising producer. There is a darkness that is particularly important [in Philadelphia]. It was a place imagined to have brought light in the 18th century. And it got dark, real fast. A historian interviewed in the series first episode cites deindustrialization, white flight, racism, rioting, and rising crime as sources of that creeping darkness. This curdling of the so-called American dream, so key to Lynchs filmography, also defines Philadelphia in the period of the directors artistic awakening. Popkin notes Lynch was living in Philly around the same time as Ira Einhorn, the rabble-rousing environmental activist who was arrested after his former girlfriends remains were found decomposing in a suitcase in his closet. Einhorn would claim he was set up by the CIA, because he knew too much about their top secret paranormal mind-control experiments, a defense that could be ripped from a Twin Peaks episode. This very Philly feeling of weirdness and unease, Suaudeau said, permeates Lynchs work, well beyond the early shorts he made here. A character in Twin Peaks calling a cadaver a smiling bag dates back to a late-night tour a young Lynch took of a Philadelphia morgue. Visions of soot-covered buildings reveal themselves, decades later, in a particularly nightmarish encounter in Mulholland Drive. Laura Derns hard-drinking, no-nonsense character Dianne in The Return lives in Philly and, as Suaudeau puts it, is the kind of person you would meet in a Philadelphia bar. In Twin Peaks, Suaudeau believes that Lynch reveals the city as a kind of dreamscape. In the series and accompanying 1992 feature film, Lynch casts himself as a good-natured (and doornail-deaf) FBI director, operating out of the bureaus Philadelphia offices. Philadelphia is the head space of the director, Suaudeau said. Its the room to dream. The idea of Philadelphia as a great American city, once shining like a beacon-on-the-hill, that had gone to seed by the time of Lynchs arrival, is itself Lynchian, as a metropolis perched on the porous boundary between dream and nightmare. Hes interested in crawling beneath the veneer, beneath the surface, Suaudeau said. Its a mood, its an atmosphere, its an aura in his work. Song of Lynchadelphia launched Jan. 15. Dreams & Nightmares: A David Lynch Marathon, an eight-hour Lynch marathon will take place in Phoenixvilles Colonial Theatre on Jan. 18, 11 a.m., thecolonialtheatre.com. A screening of Eraserhead followed by a talk-back with Julien Suaudeau is Feb. 21 at the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, 824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr. brynmawrfilm.org Actor Amanda Seyfried put a major spotlight on her hometown of Allentown during her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert this week. Following the Golden Globes where she was nominated for best actress in a mini-series for Kensington-set show Long Bright River and best actress in a musical or comedy movie for her recent film, The Testament of Ann Lee Seyfried discussed the real-life historical figure she played. Lee founded the Shakers religious group in the 18th century. Advertisement But before that, she spent a few minutes joking about Allentown. Colberts recurring Community Calendar segment invites celebrity guests from small towns to advertise actual events that are actually happening in and around their actual hometowns, the host explained. Previous featured guests were Nick Offerman, Melissa McCarthy, Adam Driver, and Wilmington native Aubrey Plaza. Seyfried joined Colbert on a set reminiscent of old talk show sets from public access TV (complete with grainy camera quality) to hype happenings in Allentown and greater Lehigh County. As we like to say, youll be all in on All-entown, said Seyfried. The pair highlighted several local businesses and quirky events, including Colonial Pizza Eastons all-you-can-eat pasta Wednesdays, a board game night at Quakertowns Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, speed dating for seniors at Tipsys Bar & Lounge, and a pirate-themed murder mystery at Stony Run Winery. As always, the killer is scurvy, Seyfried quipped. At Eastons State Theatre, Seyfried added, audiences can see the Naked Magicians next month. Come for the jokes about a magic wand, stay to see where they pull a rabbit out of, she said. The Mamma Mia star also shouted out the Pennsylvania Dutch tradition Fastnacht Day. Celebrate the last day before Lent by heading to Mary Ann Donut Kitchen for Fastnacht Day, where you can enjoy some traditional Pennsylvania Dutch treats made with lard, sugar, fat, butter, and sometimes potatoes which is why all the items come with the warning, May contain trace amounts of vegetable, she said. Well its not everyday that we are mentioned on national television! wrote the bakery on Facebook. Thank you and we love you, Amanda! Seyfried concluded the segment with another funny fictional saying: As we like to say, you dont have to be high to love Lehigh. But it doesnt hurt! The intimate dining room is hushed but for the clinking of glasses and silverware clattering on gleaming plates. There are only 32 seats. The polished wooden chairs are plushly upholstered. The paintings and a stylized metalwork map that adorn the room are tasteful. A glass wine room, lit golden from within, casts soft light on the silver damask-swathed tables, as do the Napa winery-esque modern chandeliers. This is Carlton Commons, the heart of senior-living, life-planning community Waverly Heights in Gladwyne. Advertisement The mansion in which this dining room is housed was once the elegant Main Line estate of a railway baron. Now, it has the air of a very quiet cruise ship, complete with a dress code: dresses for women, dinner jackets for men. This is a restaurant that has a waiting list thats ostensibly 710 people, about as long as Royal Sushis notorious Resy waitlist. But its arguably far more difficult to get into. You need to be 62 years of age to be a resident (who can bring guests of any age), and the cost of admission for a one-bedroom dwelling requires a $336,000 minimum down payment. (Deluxe apartments start at over a million dollars not a surprise for wealthy Gladwyne.) An osso buco collapses into a tangle of tender fibers at the prod of a fork, melting into the slightly tangy goat cheese polenta puddled beneath. Crunchy fried potato slivers add pleasing texture to each bite. A butternut squash risotto is just as satisfying, a master class in texture, with creamy squash trapped in distinct grains of arborio, beset with balsamic-scented curls of slow-cooked sweet onion. If I closed my eyes, I could very well think I was dining at Le Virtu. Theres a perfectly al dente rigatoni alla vodka upon which a crisp chicken cutlet is nestled, then topped with an oozing cloud of burrata. (Its almost identical to the thoroughly satisfying one I just had at Center Citys Wine Dive.) The specialty of the house is a curiously delicious tomato aspic, served with a tiny slice of cucumber and a dollop of Hellmans mayo. No staff member was able to explain its origins, as it predated all of them. It was always here, said Waverly Heights white-toqued executive chef Michael F. Tiernan, 47. And it is a fan favorite. When Tiernan interviewed for the position in 2017, he was expressly told to not touch the tomato aspic. He could change the shape the kitchens cookie-cutter collection forms it into hearts, circles, and triangles but he was not permitted to riff on the recipe, which consists of unflavored gelatin, tomato juice, vegetable juice, celery, onion, and olives. Its a very traditional, Old World-style recipe, said CEO Tom Garvin. Tiernan has worked at Waverly Heights for eight years, with a cumulative 18 years under his belt cooking at continuing-care facilities. In addition to managing Carlton Commons and changing its menu every three months, he cooks for a packed calendar of special events. On one of my visits, he was preparing for New Years Eve with poached lobster and filet mignon for a dinner that would be a prelude to dancing. The only major difference between a New Years party at Waverly Heights and a typical one: Their ball drops at 9 p.m. We celebrate like were in Australia, Garvin quipped. I dined at Carlton Commons twice, once as a guest of a friends parents who are residents and again after I contacted the life-plan community (the preferred term over retirement community, as I was informed by Garvin), who indulged my request for an interview with no small amount of incredulousness. But I loved my first meal there. And I was deeply curious. A bookshelf in the communitys library is stacked with books written by residents, including volumes on psychology, cardiovascular disorders, and politics. Carlton Commons regular diners had careers as physicians, ambassadors, and scientists. How does one cook for residents like those of Waverly Heights? Well, first, by changing the menu every 90 days, and then by packing it with global influences, frequently rendered into Italian-rooted comfort foods. And hosting lots of themed parties and events. The back of house is, by necessity, an institutional operation. Carlton Commons and Waverly Heights other dining rooms and cafes are executed in partnership with Unidine, the life-plan communitys version of Aramark, though Carlton Commons chef has significant creative control over the menus. The pasta that winds up on my plate tastes far less institutional at many places Ive eaten, including the 100-layer lasagna at Borromini in Rittenhouse. The prices for me, a single guest, are shockingly low. Its $37.50 plus tax for a full meal, including an appetizer, soup or salad, entree, and dessert. No tipping is permitted. I am unable to pay more than $5.75 for a glass of chardonnay, and a nip of Makers Mark costs $4.75. (Theres no sommelier on staff, but there is a wine committee consisting of opinionated residents.) My first dinner there had some slight hiccups. One of my dining companions ordered a steak still pink inside that arrived well done, but it was swiftly replaced by an appropriately cooked one. Another dining companion was startled to discover that her iced tea was presweetened, which took more than a few minutes to rectify. My edamame dumplings swam in a too heavy-handed pour of bracingly salty soy sauce that would have worked better as a dipping sauce, but the dumplings themselves were delightful crispy golden pockets of gently mashed soybeans. My miso sea bass was pristinely roasted, flaking apart into succulent morsels with a gentle nudge. Overall, the food is comforting, gently refined, and on trend in every which way, even to the surprise of Waverly Heights staff (down to the baked potatoes, available as a side every night). And the very early reservations Carlton Commons seats diners between 5:30 and 7:15 p.m., and everyone is asleep by last call reflect recent data that indicate diners are eating out earlier than ever. And I assure you, many of those residents listen to vinyl records, just like in Phillys listening bars. Dining at Carlton Commons reminded me that sometimes, the best meals arent found in the places youd expect. The shingles vaccine was subject to a strong study in Wales showing that it lowers dementia risk for people who receive it. Other studies have confirmed the association. (Dreamstime) Read more Lets be clear: The primary reason to be vaccinated against shingles is that two shots provide at least 90% protection against a painful, blistering disease that a third of Americans will suffer in their lifetimes, one that can cause lingering nerve pain and other nasty long-term consequences. Advertisement The most important reason for older adults to be vaccinated against the respiratory infection RSV is that their risk of being hospitalized with it declines by almost 70% in the year they get the shot, and by nearly 60% over two years. And the main reason to roll up a sleeve for an annual flu shot is that when people do get infected, it also reliably reduces the severity of illness, though its effectiveness varies by how well scientists have predicted which strain of influenza shows up. But other reasons for older people to be vaccinated are emerging. They are known, in doctorspeak, as off-target benefits, meaning that the shots do good things beyond preventing the diseases they were designed to avert. The list of off-target benefits is lengthening as the research has accumulated and accelerated over the last 10 years, said William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. Some of these protections have been established by years of data; others are the subjects of more recent research, and the payoff is not yet as clear. The first RSV vaccines, for example, became available only in 2023. Still, the findings are really very consistent, said Stefania Maggi, a geriatrician and senior fellow at the Institute of Neuroscience at the National Research Council in Padua, Italy. She is the lead author of a recent meta-analysis, published in the British journal Age and Ageing, that found reduced risks of dementia after vaccination for an array of diseases. Given those downstream effects, she said, vaccines are key tools to promote healthy aging and prevent physical and cognitive decline. Yet too many older adults, whose weakening immune systems and high rates of chronic illness put them at higher risk of infectious diseases, have not taken advantage of vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last week that about 31% of older adults had not yet received a flu shot. Only about 41% of adults 75 and older had ever been vaccinated against RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, and about a third of seniors had received the most recent COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends the one-and-done pneumococcal vaccine for adults 50 and older. An analysis in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, however, estimated that from 2022, when new guidelines were issued, through 2024, only about 12% of those 67 to 74 received it, and about 8% of those 75 and older. The strongest evidence for off-target benefits, dating back 25 years, shows reduced cardiovascular risk following flu shots. Healthy older adults vaccinated against flu have substantially lower risks of hospitalization for heart failure, as well as for pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Vaccination against influenza has also been associated with lower risks of heart attack and stroke. Moreover, many of these studies predate the more potent flu vaccines now recommended for older adults. Could the RSV vaccine, protective against another respiratory illness, have similar cardiovascular effects? A recent large Danish study of older adults found a nearly 10% decline in cardiorespiratory hospitalizations involving the heart and lungs among the vaccinated versus a control group, a significant decrease. Lowered rates of cardiovascular hospitalizations and stroke did not reach statistical significance, however. That may reflect a short follow-up period or inadequate diagnostic testing, cautioned Helen Chu, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Washington and co-author of an accompanying editorial in JAMA. I dont think RSV behaves differently from flu, Chu said. Its just too early to have the information for RSV, but I think it will show the same effect, maybe even more so. Vaccination against still another dangerous respiratory disease, COVID, has been linked to a lower risk of developing long COVID, with its damaging effects on physical and mental health. Probably the most provocative findings concern vaccination against shingles, aka herpes zoster. Researchers made headlines last year when they documented an association between shingles vaccination and lower rates of dementia even with the less effective vaccine that has since been replaced by Shingrix, approved in 2017. Nearly all studies of off-target benefits are observational, because scientists cannot ethically withhold a safe, effective vaccine from a control group whose members could then become infected with the disease. That means such studies are subject to healthy volunteer bias, because vaccinated patients may also practice other healthy habits, differentiating them from those not vaccinated. Although researchers try to control for a variety of potentially confounding differences, from age and sex to health and education, we can only say theres a strong association, not a cause and effect, Maggi said. But Stanford researchers seized on a natural experiment in Wales in 2013, when the first shingles vaccine, Zostavax, became available to older people who had not yet turned 80. Anyone who had was ineligible. Over seven years, dementia rates in participants who had been eligible for vaccination declined by 20% even though only half had actually received the vaccine compared with those who narrowly missed the cutoff. There are no reasons people born one week before were different from those born a few days later, Maggi said. Studies in Australia and the United States have also found reductions in the odds of dementia following shingles shots. In fact, in the meta-analysis Maggi and her team published, several other childhood and adult vaccinations appeared to have such effects. We now know that many infections are associated with the onset of dementia, both Alzheimers and vascular, she said. In 21 studies involving more than 104 million participants in Europe, Asia, and North America, vaccination against shingles was associated with a 24% reduction in the risk of developing dementia. Flu vaccination was linked to a 13% reduction. Those vaccinated against pneumococcal disease had a 36% reduction in Alzheimers risk. The Tdap vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) is recommended for adults every 10 years, with vaccination among older adults often prompted by the birth of a grandchild, who cannot be fully vaccinated for months. It was associated with a one-third decline in dementia. Other researchers are investigating the effects of shingles vaccination on heart attacks and stroke and of COVID vaccination on cancer survival. What causes such vaccine bonuses? Most hypotheses focus on the inflammation that arises when the immune system mobilizes to fight off an infection. You have damage to the surrounding environment in the body, and that takes time to calm down, Chu said. The effects of inflammation can far outlast the initial illness. It may allow other infections to take hold, or cause heart attacks and strokes when clots form in narrowed blood vessels. If you prevent the infection, you prevent this other damage, Chu said. Hospitalization itself, during which older patients can become deconditioned or develop delirium, is a risk factor for dementia, among other health problems. Vaccines that reduce hospitalization might therefore delay or ward off cognitive decline. Health officials in the Trump administration have assailed childhood vaccines more than adult ones, but their vocal opposition may be contributing to inadequate vaccination among older Americans, too. Many will not only miss out on the emerging off-target benefits but will remain vulnerable to the diseases the vaccines prevent or diminish. The current national policy on vaccination is at best uncertain, and in instances appears anti-vaccine, said Schaffner, a former member of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. All of us in public health are very, very distressed. The New Old Age is produced through a partnership with The New York Times. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. An engraving of Charles Dickens in his study at Gad's Hill Place, Kent, in England. Read more Philadelphias favorite Victorian novelist made his second, and final, visit to the City of Brotherly Love on this week 158 years ago. Charles Dickens, a few weeks away from his 56th birthday, arrived near midnight in Philadelphia on Jan. 12, 1868. Advertisement He would stay at the Continental Hotel, and most notably, would give readings at the Concert Hall on Chestnut Street to sold-out audiences. His first visit here, in March 1842, Dickens had mixed feelings. He was horrified of how prisoners were treated at the solitary prison Eastern State Penitentiary, but delighted at meeting Phillys other literary hero, Edgar Allan Poe. He also called Philly distractingly regular in his 1842 memoir, American Notes. He also called the city handsome, and What I saw of its society, I generally liked. In December 1843, he would publish his most seminal work, A Christmas Carol, in England. Philadelphia publisher Carey & Hart would publish the first notable U.S. edition of the story, which could help explain why the city fell in love with the author and his penchant for highlighting working-class and underdog characters. Dickens second visit was most notable for his readings from A Christmas Carol and his first novel The Pickwick Papers to unbounded enthusiasm and loud applause, according to an Inquirer report from the time. The rude and boisterous mob which, with flaunting banners, tossing hats and loud cries, follows the horse of some victorious general, The Inquirer wrote. Dickens died in 1870, at age 58. And while the whole world mourned his death, the city he so enraptured would take it a step further. In 1905, Philadelphia became the first city to build a statue of him, despite explicit wishes written into Dickens will against the honor. The statue now sits in Clark Park. Throughout the years, Philly has continued its Dickens tradition. In 2012, the 200th anniversary of Dickens birth, the Free Library held a yearlong celebration of the literary icon. And the library boasts an extensive collection of his artifacts, including his writing desk. One of its prized attractions is the taxidermied body of Grip, Dickens pet raven, which famously inspired Poe. The U.S. Attorneys Office is seeking documents and information from those connected to the case of Ellen Greenberg, whose 2011 death remains shrouded by questions about whether it was properly investigated by authorities, according to sources. The sources, who asked not to be identified, said federal prosecutors recently sent out subpoenas in the matter, and that the investigation does not appear to be focused on the manner of Greenbergs 2011 death by 20 stab wounds which was initially ruled homicide then switched to suicide. Instead, the sources said, the probe appears to be centered on questions about how a variety of agencies handled the case in the years after she died, and whether any of those missteps might amount to criminal corruption. Advertisement Still, the scope of the potential inquiry was not clear Wednesday. Multiple city and state agencies have been involved in Greenbergs case in the last 15 years, including the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office, the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office, the Philadelphia Law Department, and the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office. Spokespeople for all of those city offices would neither confirm nor deny they have received subpoenas. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office said they could neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation. Joseph Podraza Jr., the attorney for Greenbergs parents, said he and his clients are ecstatic. If that is in fact correct and accurate, that the federal government is going to investigate ... this is exactly what weve wanted all along, he said. Its unfortunate its taken more than seven years to get to this point but we are really grateful and thankful to the U.S. attorneys and, of course, are available to assist in any way we can in helping their investigation. From homicide to suicide Greenberg, 27, was found by her fiance, Samuel Goldberg, in the kitchen of their Manayunk apartment with a 10-inch knife lodged four inches into her chest on Jan. 26, 2011. Investigators on the scene treated her death as a suicide because Goldberg told them the apartment door was locked from the inside and he had to break it down to get in. There were no signs of an intruder and Greenberg had no defensive wounds, police have said. During an autopsy the next morning, then-assistant medical examiner Marlon Osbourne noted a total of 20 stab wounds to Greenbergs body, including 10 to the back of her neck, along with 11 bruises in various stages of healing, and ruled her death a homicide. By the time homicide investigators returned to the scene to conduct their investigation, the apartment was already professionally cleaned and electronic devices belonging to Greenberg had been removed by a member of Goldbergs family. Shortly after the homicide ruling, police publicly disputed the findings, citing mental issues Greenberg may have had. Osbourne later changed his ruling to suicide, with no explanation to Greenbergs parents, Joshua and Sandra. Greenberg was dealing with anxiety, had met with a psychiatrist, and was prescribed anti-anxiety and sleep aid medications. Her psychiatrist told police Greenberg felt overwhelmed at work, but there was never any feeling of suicidal thoughts, and according to the medical examiners investigation report at the time, there was nothing indicative of suicide found on Greenbergs computers. She did not leave behind a note. The Greenbergs subsequently retained numerous independent forensic experts who have questioned authorities findings, as first detailed in a March 2019 Inquirer report. In their search for answers, the Greenbergs hired then-civil rights attorney Larry Krasner in 2012. He convened a meeting for the Greenbergs with police officials and the district attorneys office in an effort to get the investigation reopened, but nothing happened, the Greenbergs said. When Krasner became district attorney in 2018, the Greenbergs reached out to see if hed reopen the investigation. Krasner referred the matter to the state Attorney Generals Office, then helmed by now Gov. Josh Shapiro, to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. Shapiros office had the case for more than a year. It was only when The Inquirer pressed the office for answers that Shapiros spokesperson at the time, Joe Grace (now spokesperson for Mayor Cherelle L. Parker), said in a 2019 statement that they had conducted a thorough investigation, the evidence supports Suicide as the manner of death, and that the office had closed the investigation. Grace pointed to search history on Greenbergs computer that included the search terms suicide methods, quick suicide, and painless suicide. When asked why the medical examiners 2011 report said nothing indicative of suicide was found on Greenbergs computer, Grace said his office didnt find the analysis in the file, so we cannot say if anyone, police or prosecutor, ever looked at it. The lawsuits Following the Attorney General Offices review, the Greenbergs filed a lawsuit against the Medical Examiners Office and Osbourne in 2019 seeking to have the manner of their daughters death changed back to homicide or undetermined. The city law department fought to have the case dismissed and a lengthy appeals process followed. In the Commonwealth Courts 2-1 decision in 2024, judges wrote they had no choice under the law but to grant the citys appeal but added that ... this court is acutely aware of the deeply flawed investigation of the victims death by the City of Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) detectives, the City of Philadelphia District Attorneys Office (DAO), and the MEO [Medical Examiners Office]. While that case was ongoing, the Greenbergs filed a second suit in 2022, based on additional details about the case that came to light through the first suit, including new information about the process around how Greenbergs death was classified. In the new suit, Podraza alleged the investigation into Greenbergs death was embarrassingly botched and resulted in a cover-up by Philadelphia authorities. It sought monetary damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress. The city law department fought both suits until February, when Osbourne the pathologist who initially ruled Greenbergs death a homicide then switched it to suicide signed a sworn statement saying he now believes her death should be categorized as something other than suicide. Within days, and shortly before the second case was to go to trial, the city offered to settle with the Greenbergs. The settlement included $650,000, which was paid, and an agreement that the Medical Examiners Office conduct an expeditious review of the manner of Greenbergs 2011 death. As part of the settlement, the Greenbergs agreed to withdraw both of their lawsuits against the city. The first suit had been slated for a hearing before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania last year. In October, Philadelphia Chief Medical Examiner Lindsay Simon delivered her review of the case, in which she said she discovered 20 additional bruises and three additional perforations in the skin never before documented on Greenbergs body, raising the total number of bruises to 31 and stab wounds to 23, up from 20. Simon concluded that Greenberg would be capable of inflicting these injuries herself, and that her death is best classified as Suicide. Aniqa Raihan, an organizer with No ICE Philly, speaks at a December protest at the Criminal Justice Center. She and others had invited Sheriff Rochelle Bilal to speak, though the sheriff did not attend. Read more The judicial district that oversees the Philadelphia court system says that the authority for managing ICEs controversial presence at the Criminal Justice Center rests on Sheriff Rochelle Bilal and that decisions around that are her sole responsibility. That follows a Wednesday morning news conference where the sheriff joined local elected and community leaders who suggested that court officials or legislators needed to address the ongoing turmoil around courthouse immigration arrests. They called for meetings with court leaders to discuss how to set guardrails on ICE activity. Advertisement The First Judicial District responded with a statement late Wednesday: The First Judicial District is always willing to discuss matters of mutual concern with our justice partners, but managing security in court buildings which includes managing ICEs presence is the sole responsibility of the sheriff. These decisions are the sheriffs to make. The Philadelphia Sheriffs Office responded Thursday that it was ready to execute all lawful judicial orders. To be clear, its statement said, security inside court facilities is the responsibility of the Sheriffs Office. Areas outside of court facilities are public spaces, where individuals retain their First Amendment rights, including the right to assemble and protest. Those areas are not under the operational control of the Sheriffs Office." The sheriffs office added that it is committed to maintaining order and safety while upholding the rights of all who enter, and that it remains open to dialogue to ensure clarity, coordination, and public safety. The sheriff has said her office does not cooperate with ICE, does not assist in ICE operations, and does not share information with the agency. She has not directly addressed whether she believes she has authority to bar ICE agents from the property. Her supporters have defended the sheriff by insisting that she does not have that power, that she could only carry out orders issued by a judge or legislature. Meanwhile, the presence of ICE in and around the Criminal Justice Center has provoked demonstrations and controversy, with activists charging that the sheriff has allowed ICE to turn the property into a hunting ground for immigrants. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials did not reply to a request for comment on Thursday. The group No ICE Philly has castigated the sheriff, saying that by not barring ICE as judges and lawmakers in some other jurisdictions have done she has helped enable the arrest of 114 immigrants who were trailed from the courthouse 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. Many people who go to the courthouse are not criminal defendants they are witnesses, victims, family members, and others in diversionary programs. But they have been targeted and arrested by ICE, immigration attorneys and government officials say, causing witnesses and victims to stay away from court and damaging the administration of justice in Philadelphia. Aniqa Raihan, a No ICE Philly organizer who has helped lead courthouse protests, said she was not encouraged by the First Judicial Districts statement. We already know that Sheriff Bilal is not doing all she can to protect people at the courthouse, she said Thursday. However, the First Judicial District is not powerless. The court can make its own policy, like the court in Chicago did, barring civil arrests on and around the courthouse. What were seeing is a lot of blame-shifting and finger-pointing from our leaders at a time when we desperately need teamwork. The issue around ICE access is complicated by the fact that courthouses are public buildings, generally open to everyone. And sidewalks outside the buildings are generally considered public property. Last week the sheriff garnered national headlines and condemnation for calling ICE fake, wannabe law enforcement and for sending a blunt warning to agency officers. If any [ICE agents] want to come in this city and commit a crime, you will not be able to hide, Bilal said in 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, at the news conference at the Salt and Light Church in Southwest Philadelphia, Bilal said her office follows the law and would obey judicial orders and legislative statutes around courthouse security. District Attorney Larry Krasner whose office led the event, and who reiterated his pledge to prosecute ICE agents who commit crimes said victims and witnesses are not showing up for cases due to fear of ICE. About half a dozen elected officials and community leaders gathered, with some calling for ICE to get out of Philadelphia. They asked for the court system to establish rules and protections for immigrants seeking to attend proceedings at the Criminal Justice Center, and for state court administrators to meet with the district attorney, the sheriff, the chief public defender, City Council members, and others. Krasner said Thursday that his office and the other parties look forward to meeting with the leadership of the courts to discuss lawfully regulating ICE activity in and around the Criminal Justice Center. We will be corresponding with the courts to schedule monthly meetings immediately. At the same time, we will continue to do all we can to prioritize safety and justice for victims, witnesses, and families who are navigating the criminal justice system, he said. Unlawful and unnecessary ICE activity in and around the CJC is deeply traumatizing to those who are already navigating pain and unfortunate circumstances. The listing includes a carriage house that can be sold separately for $2 million, but with one caveat: the main home must be sold first and the buyer must not want the carriage house. Read more Hi, Lower Merion! In the market for not one, but two multimillion dollar homes? We take a look at a Villanova property for sale for nearly $10 million. Also this week, a pair of Bala Cynwyd natives are expanding their bagel shop with a Montgomery Avenue outpost, Rosemont College has been asked to submit reports to its accrediting body ahead of its closure, plus there are a dozen other restaurant openings were keeping tabs on. Advertisement If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. A 3.85-acre Villanova estate featuring a sprawling century-old, seven-bedroom home and a more modern carriage house have hit the market for a combined $9.9 million. Located on Creighton Road, which the listing agent says has become known as the estate street, the properties are being sold together or separately, but with one caveat: If a buyer doesnt want both, then the main home must sell first before the owners will entertain offers on the carriage house. The main fieldstone house spans over 11,000 square feet and has a commercial kitchen, a solarium, a wine cellar, a movie room, and a gym, while the carriage house spans just over 1,000 square feet and has a heated saltwater pool. Take a peek inside. Bala Cynwyd brothers Brett and Kyle Frankel are coming home. Sort of. The duo behind West and South Philadelphia shop Barts Bagels is expanding to a third location, this time in their hometown of Bala Cynwyd. The new shop is planned to open this summer at 273 Montgomery Ave. There, the Lower Merion High School alums will dish up kettle-boiled bagels which patrons can watch being made along with smoked meats, egg sandwiches, and unique schmears. Read more about the Frankels and their latest bagel shop. Community News Schools Briefing In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the school district is hosting a Junior Afternoon of Service today from 4 to 6 p.m., when students and their families can help with various community projects. The district is closed Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. There are several concerts today and tonight and Black Rock eighth graders will pose for their class photo tomorrow. Tuesday begins the midyear experience for Lower Merion and Harriton High students. See the districts full calendar here. After new Pennsylvania School Code requirements went into effect at the start of the year, LMSD is reminding families about how it will communicate about weapons found on school property, offering a three-tiered approach. See it here. On our Plate Lower Merions restaurant scene is set to boom in 2026, with nearly a dozen openings in the coming months, including Dim Sum Factory, EMei, and Malooga. A little further along the Main Line, Salt Korean Barbecue Steakhouse/Yugo is planning a late summer opening in Devon, while Testa Rossa, from the team behind White Dog Cafe, is slated to open in Radnor this spring. The Inquirers Michael Klein has rounded up the regions anticipated openings. With so many new restaurants on the way, the Main Line has landed among Kleins hot neighborhoods for dining this year. Speaking of openings, Love & Honey Fried Chicken, which opened last month at 1111 W. Lancaster Ave., is hosting a grand opening for its Bryn Mawr location on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be giveaways, discounted food, a ribbon cutting, and music. And with openings come some closings. Belmont Hills BYOB Core de Roma, which specialized in Roman cuisine, has closed after five years. In a note on its website, the team behind the restaurant said it had decided not to buy the space or extend its lease at 201 Jefferson St. In September, the real estate hit the market with an asking price of $599,000. Things to Do The Ledbetters: Hear the Pearl Jam tribute perform some of the bands biggest hits. Friday, Jan. 16, 8 p.m. $33.38 Ardmore Music Hall Paddington 2: Catch a screening of the sequel to the beloved childrens movie. Theres another screening on Jan. 31. Saturday, Jan. 17, 11 a.m. $6.75-$7.75 Bryn Mawr Film Institute Wallace Dry Goods x Home Appetit Moms Night Out: Geared toward moms, including those who are pregnant or nursing, sample non-alcoholic beverages and light bites. Registration is required. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 5-7 p.m. Free Wallace Dry Goods Herbal Teas, Salves and Tinctures Workshop: Learn to create your own blends during this guided class. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6-8 p.m. $45 Plant4Good On the Market Built in 1900, this Ardmore Colonial blends classic design elements like dormers and a portico with modern living. There are a number of fireplaces throughout, including in the living room, dining room, and a bedroom. The five-bedroom home features original woodwork and crown moldings, has a sunroom leading to the patio, and a kitchen with granite countertops, including a large island. Its five bedrooms are spread across the second and third floors, including the second-floor primary suite which has a walk-in closet, a standalone tub, and a fireplace. Other features include a partially finished basement and a detached two-car garage with a studio apartment. Theres an open house Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. See more photos of the home here. Price: $1.595M | Size: 3,699 SF | Acreage: 0.33 What other Lower Merion residents are reading this week: 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 suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters. Scores of demonstrators protesting the killing of Renee Good by an ICE officer gathered across the region over the weekend, including in Media. Protesters ranging in age chanted United we stand, divided we fall outside the Delaware County Courthouse on Sunday, while some children carried crayon-drawn signs with messages like ICE Cream, not ICE. One Wallingford woman brought her 8-year-old daughter and said she came out because I want to show them its important to stand up to a bully. Could popular HBO series Mare of Easttown return for a second season? Kate Winslet seems to be ready for the Delaware County-set show, created by Berwyn native Brad Ingelsby, to return, and recently indicated filming could start as early as 2027. While the award-winning actor is on board, nothing official has been announced yet. The offerings at the Promenade at Granite Run are growing. Retailer Nordstrom Rack plans to open a 30,000-square-foot shop there this fall, and SweatHouz, which specializes in contrast therapy, opened yesterday. Located in the ground floor retail section of apartment building eleven33, SweatHouz offers infrared sauna and cold plunge therapy in private suites. The Promenade is also adding a small-format Ikea this year and recently welcomed food hall Wonder. Good news for Regional Rail riders: SEPTA last week restored 24 express trips, including on the Media/Wawa line, which had previously been operating as local services. Riddle Hospitals emergency medical service, Riddle EMS, has been rebranded as Main Line Health EMS in an effort to better align it with the wider health system. It serves all four of the systems hospitals, including Riddle. Media Borough has been awarded nearly $600,000 in state grants to support the purchase of a new ambulance, pedestrian enhancements, and the Barrall Park Field and tennis courts project. Heart & Sould, the nonprofit thrift store that supports foster care and adoption services, is now open at its new location at 407 Dartmouth Ave. in Swarthmore. It moved there from its previous home at 14 Park Ave., also in Swarthmore. Kandy Kids Toys and Gifts, located at 5 S. Chester Rd. in Swarthmore, announced last week that it will close at the end of February after 10 years in business. The GameStop at Marple Cross Roads in Springfield shuttered last week as part of a mass closure by the gaming retail store. The rehab hospital at the site of the former Concordville Inn in Glen Mills is getting closer to opening. Encompass Health plans to open the 50-bed inpatient facility in May. It will offer care to patients recovering from strokes, brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations, and other orthopedic conditions. (Philadelphia Business Journal) Ms. Blum also worked in museums in Chicago, Brooklyn, and London. Read more Dilys E. Blum, 78, of Philadelphia, senior curator emeritus of costume and textiles at the Philadelphia Art Museum, author, lecturer, mentor, and world traveler, died Saturday, Dec. 27, of complications from cancer at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. For 38 years, from 1987 to her retirement in 2025, Ms. Blum served as the museums curator of costume and textiles. In that role, she organized the museums vast treasure trove of textile artifacts, traveled the world to research noted fashion designers and eclectic collections, and created more than 40 memorable exhibitions about Renaissance velvets, contemporary fashion, Asian textiles, carpets, African American quilts, and dozens of other curios. Advertisement Among her most popular presentations were 1997s Best Dressed: 250 Years of Style, 2011s Roberto Capucci: Art into Fashion, and 2025s Boom: Art and Design in the 1940s. She organized two displays simultaneously in 2007, and The Inquirer said: One exhibit is elegant, ones eccentric, both are impressive. She was cited as the worlds foremost authority on avant-garde Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, and her 2003 exhibition Shocking! The Art and Fashion of Elsa Schiaparelli drew 83,000 visitors. Francesco Pastore, the heritage and cultural projects manager at the House of Schiaparelli in Paris, said: Her remarkable research, her generosity in sharing knowledge, and her contribution to fashion studies have deeply enriched our field. In a recent tribute, former museum colleagues marveled at her technical expertise and cultural insight, and credited her for reinvigorating the once-neglected textiles collection. Daniel Weiss, director and chief executive officer of the museum, said: She transformed this museums costume and textiles department into a program respected around the world. She told The Inquirer in 1990: We wanted to remind them that we were here. Her exhibitions expanded the possibilities of fashion and textiles as art and brought global recognition to the department she shaped. Colleagues at the Philadelphia Art Museum on Ms. Blum Before Philadelphia, Ms. Blum was a textile conservator at the Chicago Conservation Center and the Brooklyn Museum, and senior assistant keeper of the costume and textile department at the Museum of London. She earned a bachelors degree in art history at Connecticut College and studied afterward at the University of Manchester in England and the Courtauld Institute of Art at the University of London. She was fearless in her pursuit of perfection in her work, said her sister Galen. Her sister Sydney said: She was dedicated to her craft and scholarship. An avid reader and writer, Ms. Blum wrote and cowrote several books about textiles and designers, and 2021s Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love, coauthored with former colleague Laura L. Camerlengo, earned a 2023 honorable mention publication award from the Costume Society of America. She also wrote essays for exhibition catalogs, served on editorial boards for journals, lectured around the world, and was active with the International Council of Museums, the Association of Art Museum Curators, and other groups. In 2025, to celebrate Ms. Blums retirement, Camerlengo praised her deep knowledge, creative vision, and contagious passion for the field. She said: Dilys is one of the most influential figures in the world of fashion and textile arts. With her daring originality and her understanding of the surrealist ethos, Schiaparelli epitomized the artist-couturier. Ms. Blum on Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli Ms. Blums work and fashion viewpoints were featured often in The Inquirer. In 1997, she said: People dont dress up anymore. In 1999, she said: I think weve lost the joy in dressing. Theres this trend away from clutter in dress and decorating. Its pared down to the point of visual boredom. In 2001, she said it was easy to differentiate between New Yorkers and Philadelphians. New Yorkers, she said, will invariably be wearing the accessory of the moment, a pashmina shawl, a Kate Spade bag, a Prada loafer. Dilys Ellen Blum was born July 11, 1947, in Ames, Iowa. She and her parents moved to Hamilton, N.Y., when she was 1, and the family traveled with her father, an economics professor at Colgate University, on teaching sabbaticals abroad. When she was 12, Ms. Blum spent a year with her parents and sisters living in Norway and touring Europe in a Volkswagen Beetle. Her mother was an artist and seamstress, and she and Ms. Blum spent many nights poring over clothes patterns on their dining room table. She enjoyed reading murder mysteries and traveling the world in search of new museum-worthy artifacts. READ MORE: Dilys Blum makes room for fashion at the Art Museum She lived in South Philadelphia, was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, and talked often with her sisters on the telephone. I admired her seriousness and humility, Sydney said. Galen said: From my perspective, I was in awe of her. In addition to her sisters, Ms. Blum is survived by a niece, Juniper, and other relatives. A memorial service is to be held later. READ MORE: From Paris to Wanamaker's to the Philadelphia Museum of Art The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaks on March 25, 1967, at the Chicago peace march. The civil rights leader did not shrink from protest and resistance to injustice, an example that resonates today, writes Paul L. Newman. Read more For 90 years after the Civil War ended, life for many Black Americans saw little change. They were discriminated against, segregated, and denied the right to vote. In 1954, after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. received his doctorate from Boston University, he could have led an easy life as a pastor by joining the ministerial leadership of Ebenezer Baptist Church, much like his father had done. He could have led a comfortable, well-respected, middle-class existence in Atlantas Sweet Auburn neighborhood. Instead, King chose to start his ministry, independent of his father, as the spiritual leader of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala. Advertisement Before Kings arrival in 1954, the Rev. Vernon Johns led that church, but his tenure was cut short, as the congregation was not ready to have an activist minister unafraid to stand up to racial discrimination that confined African Americans to second-class citizenship. Church leaders assumed that King, son and grandson of strong Baptist ministers, would know his limits and not upset the racial status quo. King didnt initiate the Montgomery Bus Boycott, but he quickly became its public voice and de facto leader. King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which he helped found, were not the organizers or heavily involved in 1960s sit-ins and 1961s Freedom Rides, but they supported them. However, he led the demonstrations in Birmingham, Ala., that confronted that citys political power structure, which violently reacted, and pressured it to change its racist policies. A few weeks later, President John F. Kennedy delivered his most forceful statement on civil rights. Two weeks later, King met with Kennedy, who asked King to cancel his planned march on Washington. King refused and led that massive, peaceful march. After Kennedy was assassinated, President Lyndon B. Johnson made passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act his top priority and used his intimate relationship with every senator to ensure it passed. A year later, Johnson secured passage of the Voting Rights Act, despite knowing his beloved Democratic Party would no longer have a strong hold on voters in the South. At that point, King could have rested on his laurels and continued as a congregational minister, or capitalized on his well-deserved fame and earned hundreds of thousands from the lecture circuit. Money was never on Kings mind, as can be seen from his donation of the $54,600 in proceeds ($570,000 today) from his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize award to various causes promoting peace and civil rights. After receiving the prize, King shouldve been considered the main leader of the mid-1960s civil rights movement, but the leadership of the various movement organizations had radically changed and marked King as a persona non grata. Some of that backlash came from his limited opposition to the Vietnam War. Before 1967, he wasnt considered a major player in the anti-war movement. King was highly conflicted. The successful passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act was facilitated by Johnson, the same man who ordered the escalation of the Vietnam War. King owed those successes to Johnson, yet as a man of peace, he knew he must publicly and forcefully confront an unjust war. On April 4, 1967, at New Yorks Riverside Church, King gave a powerful sermon attacking the war and expressing his opposition. He never again met or spoke with President Johnson, his former champion. Why arent todays religious leaders of every denomination in the streets protesting the presidents imperialist policies? Much has changed since Jan. 20, 2025, when President Donald Trump declared a false national emergency. Since then, he has bullied law firms into doing pro bono work; pressured universities to end their diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; pardoned thousands of criminals involved in the failed Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection; exceeded the constitutional powers of his office while encroaching on those reserved for Congress; and dispatched troops to multiple American cities. He has ordered the murders of over 100 sailors in the Caribbean and Pacific without evidence of their crimes; eliminated DEI in all federal and military programs; ordered the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute his enemies; and restored the Confederacy to a place of honor at Army bases and Arlington National Cemetery. He has also upended our healthcare and education systems, insulted reporters, threatened lawsuits to enrich himself, disparaged former political friends, renamed the Kennedy Center for himself, and invaded a sovereign country in a quest for black gold. Why arent todays religious leaders of every denomination in the streets protesting the presidents racist and imperialist policies? Why arent they asking themselves WWMD What Would Martin Do? As we celebrate what would have been the Rev. Dr. Kings 97th birthday, lets honor him by becoming what he called drum majors for justice, for peace, and for righteousness. Paul L. Newman is an amateur historian of African American history. Hes working on a miniseries about the African American civil rights movement of the first half of the 20th century. Hadrian Cissell of Wilmington makes her point in front of the Wilmington Airport in New Castle County, Del., in May. Cissell and others are urging Avelo Airlines to end its contract to carry ICE deportees. Avelo is Delawares only commercial airline. Read more When the Rev. Jack Perkins Davidson and other parishioners in his socially active Spring Glen Church in Connecticut learned last year that budget carrier Avelo Airlines with a major hub at nearby Tweed New Haven Airport was also operating U.S. government deportation flights, the pastor kept thinking about one thing. What would the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. do? Advertisement Davidson said Kings 1955 Montgomery bus boycott against segregation the iconic protest that launched the civil rights movement of the mid-20th century was an inspiration as he and a coalition of activists pressured Avelo to stop aiding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and its mass deportation campaign. I often think about how the Montgomery bus boycott was a very local action, but it became national news, Davidson told me by phone recently. Sometimes when I feel so overwhelmed by the state of the world, I take hope in that example that acting in the local level is a way to create national impact. Davidson and his congregations allies, like Connecticut Students for a Dream and the New Haven Immigrant Coalition, spent nine months pressuring Avelo to drop ICE staging noisy protests, but also doing what the minister called the unglamorous work of gathering petition signatures and attending airport board meetings. Last summer, New Havens mayor signed their petition as the city banned official travel on Avelo. The Connecticut crusaders were joined by activists at other Avelo hubs, including Wilmington. Its impossible to know exactly how much boycotting air travelers hurts the bottom line of the private, Texas-based corporation, but earlier this month, Avelo made a U-turn. A spokesperson said the airline would halt working with ICE, which ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs. Avelos exit from the ugly business of flying often handcuffed and shackled migrants out of the United States was a huge win for the growing movement against the Trump regimes mass deportation raids but it was not an isolated incident. In recent days, the leading music streamer Spotify announced it was no longer running recruitment ads for new ICE agents. The spots urged would-be applicants to fulfill your mission to protect America, but sparked outrage among listeners opposed to the agencys masked goons and its violent raids that have roiled cities from New Orleans to Minneapolis. As with Avelo, Spotifys ties to ICE the U.S. Department of Homeland Security paid the Swedish-based streamer $74,000, according to Rolling Stone sparked a nationwide campaign for a boycott that was led by Indivisible, a leading organizer of the massive No Kings protests. Thousands canceled their paid subscriptions, and some artists pulled their music from Spotify to protest both the ICE ads and the companys ties to a defense contractor. These economic wins come amid a deadly and chaotic start to 2026 that has battered Americas already damaged national psyche. The stunning Jan. 7 Minneapolis murder of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old poet and mother of three, by an ICE agent has only upped the anxiety and the stakes. Tuesday night, the shooting of a Venezuelan refugee by federal agents in north Minneapolis triggered a chaotic night of protest that has Donald Trump now threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act and send in troops, escalating a constitutional crisis. Although the immigration raids are exactly what Trump promised the nation before his narrow 2024 election victory, Goods murder and daily viral videos of federal agents smashing windows or flash-banging peaceful citizens have turned a majority of Americans against ICE and everything it stands for. A new Quinnipiac Poll released this week showed that 57% of Americans now disapprove of the way ICE and other federal agencies are enforcing immigration laws, with 53% saying Goods killing was not justified. A separate Economist/YouGov survey found respondents favoring the abolition of ICE by a 46%-43% majority a first for that political hot-button question. READ MORE: Minneapolis ICE murder is Trumps Waterloo in Americas war for the truth | Will Bunch So, as you can imagine, in a healthy functioning democracy like the United States, the opposition party Democrats are forming a united front in working to abolish ICE, including the withholding of money in the latest budget battle on Capitol Hill, right? Right? Um, not exactly. To be sure, Goods murder and the appalling scenes in Minnesota have triggered a more radical response from some Democrats, including more than 50 members, so far, whove signed on for the impeachment of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. But many in Congress are insisting ICE can somehow be reformed including an utterly bizarre proposal to put scannable QR codes on immigration agents so the public can identify them. Its an echo of the tepid reform ideas that failed to stop police brutality after George Floyds 2020 murder. Clearly, significant reform needs to take place as it relates to the manner in which ICE is conducting itself, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York told MS Now on Tuesday night minutes before agents in Minneapolis reportedly shot a flash-bang grenade into a moving car and injured six children, including a baby. You dont significantly reform the brand of fascism that we can all see on the icy streets of the Twin Cities. You fight it like the existential crisis for American democracy that it is. Millions of everyday Americans are both feeling that urgency and dismayed that the institutions they thought would oppose autocracy Congress, the media, the U.S. Supreme Court arent standing with them. No wonder people are fighting with the only real ammunition they have under late-stage capitalism: their dollars. Nearly one year into the second coming of Trump, many of the major victories by citizens resisting his regime have come through the fingertips of everyday folks clicking on a cancel button. The best-known example came last summer when Disney-owned ABC briefly suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel in a flap over some (fairly tame) comments he made after the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The network raced to put Kimmel back on the air after the cancellation rates for two lucrative Disney-owned streaming services, Disney+ and Hulu, doubled. And Disney recently extended the contract of Trumps least-favorite comic by another year. Other economic pressure campaigns have badly damaged U.S. brands without getting results yet. The best example is the giant retailer Target, whose decision to end its diversity initiatives after Trumps inauguration sparked calls for a boycott by prominent Black activists and some labor unions. Since then, foot traffic at Target stores has dropped (while increasing at more woke rival Costco), and the stock price of the Minnesota-based company has plunged by 33%. This hasnt yet inspired Targets management to fully restore its diversity initiatives, and it more recently has angered some activists by insisting it has no power to stop ICE agents from using its parking lots and even entering its stores to make arrests. None of this should deter the public from keeping the pressure on Target. The weeks of Minnesota mayhem have focused attention on a new corporate bete noire: Hilton Worldwide Holdings. Two of the hotel chains properties in Greater Minneapolis have been the scene of noisy, all-night protests after reports that out-of-town ICE agents are staying there. And Hilton further infuriated activists and sparked calls for a boycott by delisting a third Minneapolis hotel after an employee said ICE was not welcome. I will not stay at any Hilton hotel as long as the company thinks its OK to host masked thugs who are snatching laborers off the street and shooting or tear-gassing anyone who objects to that, and I hope you would consider doing the same. As New Havens Davidson rightly said, using economic pressure to end injustice takes time and hard work that isnt always glamorous or made for the cable-TV cameras. Some 71 years ago in Montgomery, Ala., the King-led bus boycott took 381 days and a lot of sacrifice from unsung heroes like Claudette Colvin, who died this week at age 86, and working-class Black people who walked or carpooled to their jobs until claiming victory. The bottom line has not changed since MLKs time. The color that matters most to corporate America is the color of money. The pursuit of profit is why cowardly law firms or TV networks like CBS are aiding American dictatorship instead of fighting it. But its also what makes them reverse course when they realize that hate is actually bad for business in a consumer society. Boycotts arent the only solution, but in a world where feckless institutions have given up, they have become an essential tool. Spend your dollars with any company that still believes in a decent, diverse America, and put the collaborators out of business. Consider it an early birthday present for Dr. King. Margot Lurie Zimmerman died last week after a long and fruitful life, her son Jonathan Zimmerman writes. He remembers her as someone who devoted her career to international family planning and maternal health, and fought for women to have access to contraceptive information and services, no matter where they lived. Read more Many years ago, when I was a college student, a philosophy professor told me that life was a great cosmic lottery. None of us chooses the parents we have. Instead, they choose to have us. Ive been thinking about his comment because my mother died last week, after a long and fruitful life. Of course, its always sad to lose a loved one. But since she passed, Ive felt more serendipity than sorrow. Advertisement In the great cosmic lottery, I got lucky. I got lucky because Mom taught me that men and women are or should be equal, in all the ways that matter. She never sat me down and said that, but she didnt have to. It permeated everything she did. Mom devoted her career to international family planning and maternal health. She fought for women to have access to contraceptive information and services, no matter where they lived. She thought they should be able to make their own choices about reproduction and everything else. So Womens Lib wasnt just a saying where I grew up, in the 1960s and 1970s. It was a fundamental truth. I never questioned whether women should enjoy the same rights as men. Thats been an enormous boon to me, as a spouse and a parent and a teacher. My wife and I have two daughters, and, because I teach about education, most of my students have been female. I would be much worse at what I do if I believed they were lesser, in any sense. And they would be worse for it, too. I also got lucky because Mom taught me to raise my voice when I had something to say. As an educator, I am constantly trying to get students to do the same. Sadly, some of them dont believe they have anything to say that would be worth hearing. And others are simply afraid to say what they think. I never was. Thats because of Mom, too. If you want to write for newspapers, you need a thick skin. And she gave me one. READ MORE: Can the Brown University tragedy bring the left and the right together? | Jonathan Zimmerman The third way I got lucky was by watching Mom work. And I mean work. Hard. To succeed at anything, she taught me, you need effort. Its not about your inherent abilities. Its about what you do with them. Psychologists call that a growth mindset. I didnt know the term when I was younger, but again, I didnt need to. It was drilled into me, over and over again. If you want something, work for it. And if you dont get it right away, keep at it. Keep going. Thanks, Mom, for the mark you left on me. Thats been a hugely useful lesson in my life. Of course, you can take it too far. Mom insisted that you could achieve anything if you tried hard enough. And thats not true. We are all finite beings, in what we can imagine and create and accomplish. Its good to keep trying, but you also have to accept your own limitations. (I keep trying to do that.) Last, I got lucky by being exposed to the inestimable value of friendship in everything we do. My parents spent their lives traveling the world, and they collected friends at every stop. Those are the people who will nurture and replenish you until your own journey comes to an end. When Mom died, I was overwhelmed by the expressions of love from her friends. And it came on the heels of the death of my dear friend Mark, who lived in Oregon. I went to be with Marks family when he died, and I was on my way home when Mom passed on. READ MORE: To defeat Trump, stop calling him names | Jonathan Zimmerman The novelist Wallace Stegner described friendship as something you needed to create and recreate, over and over again. It is a relationship that has no formal shape, there are no rules or obligations or bonds as in marriage or the family, Stegner wrote. It is held together neither by law nor property nor blood, there is no glue in it but mutual liking. It is therefore rare. But where I grew up, it was as common as sunshine. As a kid, I dont think I appreciated what my Mom did to sustain her friendships. Now I do. And I am lucky again, for her example. Mom was not perfect by any means. She could be prickly, judgmental, and blunt. She didnt know how to read a room, and she also didnt feel like she needed to. Whatever she thought, she said. And sometimes actually, lots of times you didnt want to hear it. But in the great cosmic lottery, I got a pretty darned good ticket. Thanks, Mom, for the mark you left on me. I was lucky to be your son. Jonathan Zimmerman teaches education and history at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the author of Whose America?: Culture Wars in the Public Schools (University of Chicago Press). Lauren Steinmeyer, with Indivisible Philadelphia, leads chants during the march in protest against ICE in Philadelphia, Pa., on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. Read more Top officials across the Philadelphia region are taking a stand against partnerships with ICE. On Wednesday, newly inaugurated Bucks County Sheriff Danny Ceisler terminated a 287(g) agreement with ICE initiated by his Republican predecessor that enabled deputies to act as immigration enforcement officers. Haverford Township also passed a resolution barring participation in a 287(g) agreement. Advertisement And in Philadelphia, elected officials in the so-called sanctuary city have been continuously pushing back against ICEs presence, with some on Wednesday calling for federal immigration agents to get out of the city. These developments come as protests escalate against President Donald Trumps deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to U.S. cities, after an agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis last week. Good, a poet and mother of three, was in her SUV when the agent fired into the vehicle. Also on Wednesday, Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social, that federal funding would be cut from any states that have sanctuary cities. These jurisdictions, which limit local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, have been increasingly targeted by the presidents administration. As local leaders continue to grapple with the ever-changing and escalating Trump immigration policy, heres what to know about how local governments are interacting with federal immigration authorities: Philadelphia Is ICE still in Philadelphia? Yes, ICE is still active in Philadelphia, but Trump has not sent troops or a large swaths of federal immigration agents as he has to other major, Democratic-led cities across the U.S. Everyone has a theory as to why that might be: Could Trump be avoiding the largest city in the most important swing state? Has Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers decision to refrain from publicly criticizing Trump played a role? Is Philadelphia still a sanctuary city? Yes, but city officials have formally started calling Philadelphia a welcoming city, as sanctuary has become an increasingly toxic word because of Trumps intention to target cities with that label. But regardless of the name, a 2016 executive order signed by former Mayor Jim Kenney on ICE cooperation remains in place under Parkers administration. The directive orders city authorities to not comply with ICE-issued detainer requests to hold people in custody unless there is a judicial warrant. What are local leaders saying about ICE? District Attorney Larry Krasner, a progressive in his third term, and members of Philadelphia City Council have been among the most routinely outspoken opponents of ICE deployments. But comments by Sheriff Rochelle Bilal went viral last week when she called ICE fake, wannabe law enforcement. Bucks County The sheriff terminated a 287(g) agreement with ICE what does that mean? Essentially, it means that sheriff deputies are no longer allowed to act as immigration authorities. Last April, Ceislers predecessor, Fred Harran, a Trump-aligned Republican, signed on to the partnership with ICE, stirring up controversy in the swing county. Ceisler, a Democrat who defeated Harran in November, made terminating the agreement a focal point of his campaign. No one in Bucks had been detained under the 287(g) agreement, Ceisler said. On Wednesday, Ceisler signed another order that prohibits deputies from asking crime victims, witnesses, and court observers their immigration status. Does Bucks County still work with ICE? Yes. Bucks County is not a sanctuary county and, in the words of Ceisler, will never be. The Bucks County Department of Corrections will continue to share information with law enforcement agencies, including ICE. The federal agency will also continue to have access to county jails and Bucks will honor judicial warrants from immigration enforcement. Its sporadic, its reports, Ceisler said of ICEs presence in Bucks. I cant get ICE out of Bucks County, he added. I have no authority over them. All I can do is prevent 16 deputies from participating in a program that enables them to perform immigrant enforcement in the community. Bucks County was the only county in the Philadelphia region that did not appear on an initial list published by the Trump administration of sanctuary jurisdictions that could have federal funding at risk. That list was later deleted. The most recent list, published by the administration in August, also does not feature Bucks. Haverford Township Will Haverford Township participate in a 287(g) agreement? On Monday evening, township commissioners in the Delaware County suburb approved a resolution that said Haverford police officers and resources would not be used to give local law enforcement immigration authority. Other municipalities in the county, like Radnor, have also passed resolutions limiting cooperation with ICE. While the police department has not requested to enter an alliance with ICE, township commissioners passed the resolution as a preventive measure. Montgomery County What is Montgomery Countys policy on immigration? Montgomery Countys Democratic commissioners have not passed a formal ordinance or a resolution labeling Montco a sanctuary or welcoming county, citing limits to their power, concerns about creating a false sense of security, and a preference for internal policy changes. In early 2025, county officials approved a policy that limits communication between county employees and ICE officials and said they would not answer prison detainer requests without warrants. What do Montco residents think about it? County residents have urged individual municipalities within the county to limit collaboration with ICE, especially as the county has become a hot spot for immigration enforcement. Norristown, a heavily Latino community, has specifically become a target for ICE. ICE has created a crisis in our neighborhoods, and we cannot afford silence, mixed signals, or leadership that only reacts once harm has already happened, Stephanie Vincent, a resident and leader of Montco Community Watch, said last month during a news conference at a West Norriton church. As of early December, local organizers estimated that only six out of 62 municipalities had enacted policies, though they consider some to be lackluster. Staff writer Katie Bernard contributed to this article. A view of the 1400 block of South Bancroft Street and the Philadelphia skyline, including One and Two Liberty Place, photographed on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Read more A Pennsylvania Republican state senator doubled down Thursday on remarks denigrating Philadelphia, despite backlash from prominent Philly Democrats. Philadelphia wouldnt be such a shithole if District Attorney Larry Krasner prosecuted more crimes, State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, a Republican from Allentown, told Fox News on Wednesday. Advertisement Asked to elaborate Thursday, Coleman cited Philadelphias crime rates, which are higher than the national average. My statement stands. The people of Philadelphia deserve better, Coleman said in a written statement. He was met with condemnation from Democrats who defended the city, which last year recorded its lowest number homicides in more than half a century. Now just imagine the outcry if I, a Democrat from an urban area, said exactly the same thing about a rural area? U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, a Philadelphia Democrat, posted to X Thursday morning. But I wouldnt because I believe all in our society are of equal worth and deserve our respect. Colemans comments came in a broader piece in which he threatened to use a Senate committee he chairs to push back against Krasner and Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal if they interfered with President Donald Trumps administrations immigration enforcement. Last week Krasner and Bilal promised to prosecute any U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents who committed crimes in the city. Bilals comments, made after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, went viral and earned the ire of Trump-aligned social media accounts and public officials across the country. Coleman criticized the Philadelphia officials Wednesday, narrowing in on Krasner, a progressive who has been a frequent target of Republican ire since he was first elected in 2017. His comments were reminiscent of Trumps notorious remarks in his first term when he was reported to have used the same term to describe some countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and Central America during a meeting. Trump confirmed his use of the term nearly eight years later during a recent visit to Pennsylvania, where he recounted it a cheering crowd in Mount Pocono. State Sen. Tony Williams, a Democrat from Philadelphia, echoed Boyles criticism and demanded an apology from Coleman, arguing the senators comments had degraded not just Philly but the country. He should unfortunately be ashamed of the manner in which he described Philadelphia, Williams said. I have that part in me as well, I just dont think its productive in these times to add fuel to the fire of stupidity, he added. State Sen. Nikil Saval, a Philadelphia Democrat, said he would be happy to give Coleman a tour of Philly, which he described as safe, connected, vibrant. The biggest threat to the safety of Philadelphians is the chronic underfunding perpetuated by Pennsylvania Senate Republicans, he said. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker's administration is launching the free tax preparation program after eliminating a popular tax break last year that aided small businesses. Read more Philadelphia small businesses making less than $250,000 can access free tax preparation services through a new city program. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker on Thursday announced the launch of the Philadelphia Free Business Tax Preparation program, which will cost the city $7.5 million per year and is expected to last at least five years. Advertisement Business owners can learn more at phila.gov/businesstaxprep/. The new service is aimed at helping the estimated 50,000 firms this year that will need to start paying Philadelphias business income and receipts tax, or BIRT, following the elimination of a popular exemption that primarily benefited small companies. READ MORE: Why a popular tax break that helped Philadelphias small businesses may be going away BIRT returns are due April 15. How does the Philadelphia Free Business Tax Preparation program work? Under the new program, the city will connect eligible business owners with private tax professionals who will be reimbursed by the city for each client they assist. There will be no cost to the businesses. Only firms based in Philadelphia that made less than $250,000 in 2024 are eligible. The tax professionals will help firms file city, state, and federal tax returns not just BIRT. We want you to be ready, acting Commerce Director Karen Fegley said Thursday. Lets be ready for growth. The city so far has contracted with 19 tax preparation companies to participate in the program, and more may join, Fegley said. Together, they offer services in 13 languages, including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, Italian, Russian, Japanese, and French. Why did the BIRT exemption end? For about a decade, firms with less than $100,000 in revenue from transactions in Philadelphia were exempt from paying the BIRT. That policy, championed by former City Councilmembers Maria Quinones Sanchez and William J. Green IV, effectively allowed the tens of thousands of companies making less than that amount to forgo paying the tax at all. During the COVID-19 pandemic, former Mayor Jim Kenneys administration waived the requirement for those firms to file local business tax returns, providing administrative relief for business owners. But Parker last year convinced Council to eliminate the tax break after a Massachusetts-based medical device manufacturer that does business in Philly sued the city, saying the policy violated the Pennsylvania Constitutions uniformity clause. READ MORE: https://www.inquirer.com/politics/philadelphia/business-income-receipts-tax-birt-parker-administration-20250424.html The policy change will place a significant burden on Philadelphias smallest businesses, both financially and administratively, given the complexity of BIRT. The tax includes two levies: Firms must pay 5.71% of their net income, or profits, made in Philadelphia, as well as 0.141% of their gross receipts, or total income, in the city. Council last year approved a Parker plan to gradually lower the tax rates over 13 years and eventually eliminate the gross receipts levy, but the most significant cuts are years away. READ MORE: Why Mayor Cherelle Parker is asking Council to approve a tax cut that will take effect in 2038 Parker reiterated Thursday that she supported the $100,000 exemption. But she said her administration settled the lawsuit after determining the city would likely lose in court, potentially risking a ruling that City Solicitor Renee Garcia has said could require the city to repay past tax revenue. Critics of the mayors decision to settle the case last year questioned why she didnt fight harder to preserve the tax break. Parker said Thursday that would have been irresponsible. I said, Thats why Im the mayor and youre not, because we cant just do that and put the fiscal stability of the city at risk, Parker said Thursday at a City Hall news conference. To help ease the transition, Parker last year proposed using the money the city expected to gain as a result of more firms paying the BIRT about $30 million to fund business assistance programs. Council increased that total to about $47 million before approving the city budget in June. Most of the money will go to existing programs that provide direct grants for businesses, such as the Philadelphia Catalyst Fund, Fegley said. But Parker is also using the funds to launch the tax preparation service. Small businesses are the backbone of Philadelphia, I dont care what neighborhood you live in, Parker said. What else is being done to help small businesses? In response to the elimination of the $100,000 BIRT exemption, Councilmember Mike Driscoll last year introduced a bill to exclude certain types of businesses entrepreneurs, sole proprietorships, and businesses with one employee from the tax. Many of Philadelphias smallest companies are one-person operations, and Driscoll said he aimed to relieve them of the cost and burden of filing a BIRT return. Parker on Thursday said her administration is still evaluating the proposal, noting that it would cost the city revenue and could potentially run up against the same legal hurdle as the $100,000 BIRT exemption: the uniformity clause, which requires Pennsylvania businesses, property owners, and individuals of the same class to be taxed at the same rate. We will work through that with his team, and do the cost analysis, Parker said, adding that, more importantly, the citys law department will work to make sure we are not in violation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvanias uniformity clause. Council is expected to consider the measure in a committee hearing in the first half of the year. As President Donald Trump threatens to acquire Greenland, Sen. Chris Coons is boarding a plane to Denmark to push back. Coons (D., Del.), who opposes the presidents takeover proposal, is bringing a bipartisan group of House and Senate members on a mission to highlight the longstanding relationship between the U.S. and Denmark, which has control over defense and foreign policy in the semi-autonomous territory, located northeast of Canada. Advertisement Coons said in an interview Wednesday that the delegation will meet with Danish and Greenlandic government and business leaders to discuss issues including Arctic security and strengthening trade relations. Denmark has been a strong close and trusted ally for decades and this is a chance for a bipartisan and bicameral delegation from Congress to go and communicate our respect and appreciation for their close partnership, he said. He said he hopes the visit clarifies there are folks in Congress who do not support an aggressive engagement. Coons noted Danish soldiers fought alongside Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan and suffered some of the highest casualties per capita. The delegation will lay a wreath to commemorate that sacrifice on their trip. Joining Coons will be Democratic U.S. Reps. Sarah McBride of Delaware, Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania, Gregory Meeks of New York, and Republican Sen. Thom Tillis from North Carolina. The delegation will be in Copenhagen Friday and Saturday. Some members of the delegation will continue on to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Trump has threatened to annex Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark, into the United States, contending its an issue of national security to prevent Russia or China from taking it over. Coons called that rationale puzzling, given leaders of Greenland and Denmark have assured him on previous visits that they are happy to collaborate with the U.S. to amp up American military presence in the country and work together on arctic security issues or to explore investments in mineral resources. I asked are you aware of any foreign threats, cyber, or other incursions? Coons said of a previous conversation with Denmark Minister of Foreign Affairs Lars Lkke Rasmussen. Nope, none. Leaders in Greenland this week said they wanted the territory to remain part of the kingdom of Denmark. Greenland does not want to be owned by the USA, Greenlands Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at a news conference Tuesday in Copenhagen. 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. Denmark officials have warned an attack on Greenland, which is part of Denmark and thus under the protection of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, would destroy the alliance, which has been a pillar of U.S.-European relations since 1949. Trump has been seemingly undeterred by foreign protestations. He said on social media Wednesday that anything less than U.S. 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 a Truth Social post. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Dean, who also went on a trip to Denmark in April, said in an interview she hopes to convey the presidents notion is wrongheaded, dangerous, inane and not something we support. Dean said if the president wants to boost security in Denmark he might consider increasing the number of U.S. military bases there, which has precipitously declined, rather than trying to take control of the country. Dean also encouraged her Republican colleagues to speak out against the presidents comments. If somehow this president unleashes military action against Greenland, against the kingdom of Denmark it will destroy 80 years of a NATO partnership that has kept the world in a more peaceful place, she said. Its just a sick irony that this is the same president who so wishes he could win the Nobel Peace Prize. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland Wednesday, a meeting that ended with plans for a working group but also highlighted the fundamental disagreements between the nations. Coons and Deans trip comes as tensions have risen internationally. The government of Greenland and Denmarks Ministry of Defense said there would be an increased military presence in the territory starting Wednesday due to security tensions, CNN reported. Elsewhere, European leaders continue to reject Trumps calls to control the semi-autonomous territory. French President Emmanuel Macron warned Wednesday that the consequences of the US trying to seize Greenland from Denmark would be unprecedented. Through the years, friends and family members have floated the idea of a group of us buying houses next to each other or in some kind of compound. Its a nice dream, although it probably wont become a reality. But three childhood friends have taken this dream a step further. The besties bought a communal house together in West Mount Airy. Advertisement My colleague Zoe Greenberg talked to the friends (one of whom has a husband and kids) about how their living arrangement works for them. Keep scrolling for that story and more in this weeks edition: Hot hot hot: Learn why Zillow says the Philly region will be one of the hottest housing markets of 2026. Promotion incoming: Find out how much the luxury homebuilder Toll Brothers plans to pay its new CEO. From dated to modern: Peek inside this Montgomery County house that a homeowner needed convincing to love. Market update: Scroll for some takeaways about 2025s housing market. Michaelle Bond If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Rachel Luban, Rachel Neuschatz, and Lizzy Seitel had always talked about living together. They ignored the haters who said it wouldnt work. The Rachels met when they were 5 and 6, and then Seitel became an honorary Rachel after they all met in middle school. The friends lived apart as young adults, but when they were ready to settle down, they decided to do it together. A few years ago, they and Seitels husband bought a 4,470-square-foot old stone house in West Mount Airy. Seitel was pregnant with her first child at the time. One of the Rachels said, A lot of people, including lawyers, told us not to do this. Heres why they did it anyway and how they make it work. Would you want to live with friends like this? Share your thoughts. The latest news to pay attention to When Casey Lyons and her husband, James, bought their home in 2021, there was a lot to like. The almost 5,000-square-foot house had oak floors, two fireplaces, and a beamed cathedral ceiling in the living room. The basement included a sauna, gym, and full bathroom. The home had a three-level deck with a hot tub and covered porch. But Casey didnt love the house. So she asked interior designers to help change that. The homeowners got rid of dated features. They added a white marble island and new tiles and fixtures in the kitchen. They whitewashed the stone fireplace in the family room. They painted the deck so it blends better with the surrounding greenery. Peek inside the property and find out what else they changed to make Casey love the house. The market Across the Mid-Atlantic last year, people who wanted to buy homes couldnt afford to, and that held back the housing market. The total number of homes sold in 2025 more than 235,000 was only 0.1% higher than the number sold in 2024, according to the multiple listing service Bright MLS. Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS, said the market has a lot of pent-up demand, and buyers have more choices now because more homeowners are listing their properties for sale. But even with mortgage rates coming down, affordability is still a major challenge for many buyers, particularly first-time buyers, Sturtevant said in a statement. Still, our region had strong home sales last month. The number of closed sales was up 7.1% compared to last December. In the Philadelphia metro area, according to Bright MLS: The number of closed home sales was up 1.3% in 2025 compared to 2024. Bucks and Chester Counties had the strongest sales increases 7.7% and 5.3%, respectively. The number of new listings in 2025 was up 2% from the year before. But the number of homes for sale is still only about half 54% of the pre-pandemic number in 2019. The median sale price in 2025 was $390,000 4% higher than in 2024. Photo quiz Do you know the location this photo shows? If you think you do, email me back. You and your memories of visiting this spot might be featured in the newsletter. Last weeks photo quiz featured an image of the Athenaeum of Philadelphia located next to Washington Square on South Sixth Street. Props to Evan N., Ann B., and Timothy S. for getting that right. Ann told me she wants her ashes to rest in the Reading Room. Ive walked by this building countless times, but this is what makes me want to go inside. Enjoy the rest of your week. 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. Ban can ang nhap e thuc hien chuc nang nay! A more than $182 million settlement has been reached with victims of a deadly 2015 collision between a train and an SUV at a suburban New York crossing. The majority of the settlement with Metro-North Railroad goes to the families of five passengers killed when an SUV got stuck on the tracks in Valhalla, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of New York City, the Journal News reports. About $79 million of the settlement will go to one specific passenger, based on their projected lifetime earnings, according to the newspaper. Payouts to the families of other passengers killed in the crash range from $35 million to $4 million. The Journal News reviewed the settlement last week before it was sealed by a judge and no longer made available to the public. A jury in 2024 found that Metro-North bore 71% of the liability for the five passengers deaths and the injuries of others, and 63% for the death of the SUV driver whose car was on the tracks. The jury specifically faulted the train engineer and the railroads oversight of the lines electrified third rail. Andrew Maloney, a lawyer for some of the roughly 30 injured passengers, said the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the commuter system that also serves parts of Connecticut, should have resolved the litigation sooner. This should have never taken 11 years, he said Monday. They dragged it out. Maloney added that problems identified with the third rails design still have not been corrected all these years later. The MTA declined to comment on the specifics of the settlement. But it said in a statement that it has continued to work with state and federal transportation officials on material railroad crossing safety enhancements throughout the railroad network over the last decade. The Feb. 3, 2015, crash occurred during the evening rush hour as the SUV drove onto the tracks while navigating in backed-up traffic. The crossing gate arm came down onto the vehicle and the driver ended up driving further onto the tracks. The train smashed into the SUV at about 50 mph (80 kph) after the engineer hit the emergency brake only three seconds before the fiery collision. Parts of the railroads electrified third rail ripped off the ground, piercing the SUVs gas tank and slicing into the trains first passenger car. Top Photo: A police officer looks at an SUV that was crushed at the front of a Metro-North Railroad train, Feb. 4, 2015, in Valhalla, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File) Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics New York Denmark said a fundamental disagreement remained after a high-stakes meeting with the US over Greenland as several countries including Germany said theyd send military personnel to the Arctic island. Foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, agreeing to establish a working group thats set to gather within weeks to plot the way forward, while the US refrained from backing down on its demands. On Thursday, Germanys exploration mission will arrive in Nuuk as European nations begin to work out how to ensure security in the region. For us, ideas that would not respect territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self-determination of the Greenland people are of course totally unacceptable and we therefore still have a fundamental disagreement, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told reporters after the talks on Wednesday. We will, however, continue to talk. Read more: Trade and War Worries Haunt Davos as World Seen on a Precipice: WEF Survey For Denmark and Greenland, the meeting was an effort to convince the US administration that theres no need to take over the Arctic island a semi-autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark as President Donald Trump has threatened to do. The meeting was cast in Danish media as one of the most decisive moments for the Kingdom since World War II. The vice presidents office, when asked for a reaction to the meeting, referred to Trumps earlier social media posts that repeated his demand for the US to take control of Greenland for national security reasons. The White House referred questions back to the vice presidents office. Denmark on Wednesday disclosed plans to beef up military presence in the far North, saying the military drill with NATO allies would be permanent in nature. Germany is sending 13 personnel to Nuuk Jan. 15 to 17 to explore the framework conditions for possible military contributions to support Denmark in ensuring security in the region, for example, for maritime surveillance capabilities, according to a statement from the German Defense Ministry. Sweden, Norway and the UK also announced they were sending military personnel. While Bloomberg reported on Sunday that Germany planned to propose setting up a joint North Atlantic Treaty Organization mission to monitor and protect security interests in the Arctic region, the decision to send armed forces personnel to worlds biggest island as early as this week highlights the urgency with which European nations seek to respond to US threats over Greenland. The Danes argue that a comprehensive defense agreement dating back to 1951 already allows the US to use the territory as it needs to for defenses rendering any takeover futile. It was on that basis that Denmark sought to convince the US, to no avail. 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, Rasmussen said. Whether thats doable yeah, I hope and I would like to express that it could take down the temperature. Photograph: An offshore Royal Danish Navel patrol vessel docks at the Port of Nuuk in Nuuk, Greenland. Photo credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics USA The dark fleet of tankers shipping illicit oil around the world is rushing to seek the perceived protection of the Russian flag after the US started seizing vessels involved in the Venezuelan trade. At least 26 ships have switched registration to Russia since the beginning of last month, with the bulk of those happening after the US snatched the Skipper supertanker off the coast of Venezuela on Dec. 10, according to Starboard Maritime Intelligence data. Thats a jump from six in November and just 14 over the previous five months. 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. Using false flags is also a common dark-fleet tactic, enabling ships to avoid having to comply with regulations while appearing legitimate. The recent move toward Russian registration is a calculation by vessel owners that Moscow will provide political cover when other nations wont, according to Charlie Brown, a senior adviser at United Against Nuclear Iran, an advocacy group that tracks the dark fleet. This may offer a new potential solution for the illicit dark-fleet networks, but it also raises the stakes, he said. Because it underscores that sanctions evasion is no longer just a maritime compliance problem, but a strategic challenge involving state protection and geopolitical risks. Those risks were on display in the pursuit of the Bella 1, sanctioned by the US in 2024. The vessel initially evaded capture near Venezuela in mid-December, and then headed north, switching from fake Guyanese registration to a Russian flag and changing its name to Marinera, with the crew even painting Moscows tricolor on its hull. The chase raised fears of a direct conflict between Washington and Moscow. A Russian naval ship was on its way to escort the Marinera but never made it close enough before US forces boarded the supertanker south of Iceland last week, according to people with knowledge of the matter who asked not to be named due to its sensitivity. The US has now seized five tankers involved in the Venezuelan oil trade and, given President Donald Trumps latest threat to slap tariffs on countries buying Iranian goods, oil traders and ship owners are watching to see if the White House will go after vessels carrying crude from the Islamic Republic. The histories and geographical spread of the 26 tankers that have recently switched flags illustrates the growing risks. Theyre currently located across the world, from the Baltic Sea, to the Suez Canal and the Yellow Sea, although its possible some are spoofing their locations. Theyre all sanctioned by at least one Western government. Among their current or former owners or managers, a few names keep popping up: Eight of the vessels are linked to Glory Shipping HK Ltd., a Hong Kong-based entity. Two Russia-registered firms New Fleet Ltd. and North Fleet Ltd. are each listed as new owners for three of the ships, and have addresses that appear to be in the same building as a unit of Russian state-owned shipping line Sovcomflot PJSC in St. Petersburg. Neither Glory Shipping nor the two Russian companies responded to emailed requests for comment. A countrys flag registry makes it the governing body of a vessel to enforce compliance with maritime laws, and safety and environmental standards, although some nations outsource this to commercial entities. The flag also acts like a passport that gives the ship access to friendly ports around the world. The 26 flag-hoppers were observed based on the day they started transmitting with a new nine-digit number for telecommunications. This number, called the maritime mobile service identity, or MMSI, is issued by flag registries and can be immediately observed once a ship changes flag and starts transmitting. For Russia, the MMSI begins with 273. The story is really a persistent, global reflagging of dark-fleet tankers, said Mark Douglas, a maritime domain analyst at Starboard Maritime Intelligence. Its unlikely to stop at this number. Photograph: oil tanker at sea; photo credit: Marcelo del Pozo/Bloomberg Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics USA Energy Oil Gas Russia A crane collapsed onto a road near Thailands capital on Thursday, crushing two vehicles and killing two people a day after a similar accident in the northeast caused the derailing of a train and the deaths of 32 passengers. Thailands transport minister said construction firm Italian-Thai Development, whose crane fell onto the train in northeastern Nakhon Ratchasima province a day earlier, was also involved in the crane accident near Bangkok. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who faces a general election next month, said on Thursday that his government is moving to cancel two contracts with ITD involving the two accident-hit projects, and vowed legal action against the firm. The Ministry of Transport has been instructed to terminate the contracts with the contractors, pursue all legal action available, and place them on a blacklist, he told reporters. The government has also ordered a pause to around a dozen active ITD construction projects involving the state and put them under review, transport minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said. Italian-Thai, founded in 1958 by Italian and Thai partners, said in a statement shortly after the prime ministers remarks that it accepts responsibility for providing care, compensation, and remedies for the losses incurred in both incidents. The company will review and strengthen its safety measures to ensure stricter and more comprehensive standards going forward, the ITD statement to the Thai stock exchange said. Series of Fatal Construction Accidents Thursdays incident took place in Samut Sakhon province, where the crane, which was being used in building an elevated highway, fell onto the road beneath and crushed two cars, according to local police, who said two people were also injured. It was the latest in a series of fatal accidentsat construction projects in Thailand, several involving Italian-Thai, including the collapse of a partially-built Bangkok tower last year that killed at least 89 people during a 7.7-magnitude earthquake and led to charges of negligence against 23 people. Images from the scene on Thursday showed a mangled green crane and huge pieces of concrete that had crushed the vehicles below. Video from news outlet Thai Rath showed cars reversing to avoid the wreckage amid a cloud of dust from the collapsed concrete. Thailand, Southeast Asias second-biggest economy, has been undergoing significant infrastructure development, from elevated highways and high-speed rail lines to major expansion of its elevated rail network in Bangkok. High Speed Rail Authorities said an investigation into Wednesdays accident in the northeast was ongoing. As well as the 32 fatalities, 66 of the 195 passengers on the train were injured after a crane involved in building structures for an elevated high-speed rail project collapsed onto an existing train line below. The cross-country high-speed rail project will connect to China through Laos. The government said last year that more than a third of construction had been completed in the segment connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, with the whole line to Nong Khai at the border with Laos ready by 2030. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat; Additional reporting by Panu Wongcha-um and Orathai Sriring; writing by Martin Petty; editing by David Stanway and Toby Chopra) Photograph: Rescuers lift the wreckage of the train after a construction crane fell onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) 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. Read more: Drones Hit Two Tankers in Black Sea, Driving Up War Insurance Costs 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. Photograph: A ship navigates the Bosphorus Strait as the sun rises on May 03, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) Related: Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Energy Oil Gas This edition of International People Moves details CUO appointments at SCOR and Hamilton Re. A summary of these new hires follows here. SCOR Names Swiss Res Forgeron as P&C Chief Underwriting Officer SCOR announced that Laure Forgeron has been appointed P&C global chief underwriting officer, effective Jan. 5. She reports to Jean-Paul Conoscente, CEO of SCOR P&C, and is a member of the Group Executive Committee. She joins SCOR from Swiss Re where she worked for more than 16 years, in roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, she was CUO casualty, a position she held from April 2023 to January 2026, according to her LinkedIn profile. 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, commented SCORs CEO Thierry Leger, in a statement. Together with her team, she will ensure excellence in risk assessment and underwriting, while bringing strategic insights to the market team to drive performance. *** Hamilton Re Promotes Steinhoff to CUO Hamilton Insurance Group Ltd. announced the appointment of Susan Steinhoff as chief underwriting officer at Hamilton Re, the companys Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance underwriting platform. Steinhoff brings over 25 years of insurance industry experience, having held senior roles at ACE (now Chubb) and joining Hamilton in its early days in 2014. In her new role, which was effective on January 1, Steinhoff will lead underwriting activities across Hamilton Re and reports to Adrian Daws, chief executive officer at Hamilton Re. She succeeds Tim Duffin who became group CUO on January 1, 2026. In connection with Steinhoffs promotion, Peter Riihiluoma will succeed Steinhoff as SVP, head of Property Reinsurance, and Sergio Lottimore will succeed Riihiluoma as SVP, head of Specialty reinsurance. I am delighted to announce Susans well-deserved promotion to chief underwriting officer at Hamilton Re, commented Daws. Susan has been a key member of our executive team, leading the property reinsurance team with distinction. Her expertise and client centric approach have earned her respect across the industry. Hamilton is a Bermuda-headquartered specialty insurance and reinsurance company that underwrites risks on a global basis through its wholly owned subsidiaries. Its three underwriting platforms: Hamilton Global Specialty, Hamilton Select and Hamilton Re provide access to diversified and profitable business around the world. Topics Underwriting Property Casualty Mosaic Insurance, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, has expanded its North America and international transactional tax-liability teams to meet heightened demand in the sector, with the recent addition of four tax-risk specialists and the promotion of another. Mosaics tax team now comprises nine specialists who focus on a range of M&A-related and standalone tax risks. In the U.S., Heather Eskey has joined the company as a senior vice president (SVP), supporting on tax risks in North America. She brings underwriting experience from her previous role leading Chubbs transactional risk tax group. She also served as a tax attorney at top global law and accounting firms, and as in-house corporate tax counsel at AIG. Caleb Smith also joins Mosaics New York office as a vice president in the tax-liability unit. He previously worked as a tax attorney with law firm Davis Polk Wardwell LLP in New York City, advising on US and international tax consequences of corporate transactions. Prior to law school, he spent several years in Washington, DC, serving in a variety of public-policy roles. Zeev Deutsch, who joined Mosaics New York office in 2022, has been promoted to senior vice president in the tax team. He was previously an attorney at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP. Roktim Kaushik, vice president, a former tax attorney at KPMG, also supports the New York-based team. In the UK, Mosaics international tax underwriting teamled by Greg Branagan, SVP, and including Camille Zabukovec, assistant vice president (AVP)has welcomed Byron Thomas, SVP, and Li Hong Gosen, AVP, as tax underwriters. Thomas, a barrister, previously led the international tax underwriting team at Themis Underwriting. Prior, he spent more than 10 years as an international and M&A tax advisor at EY, most recently as a director based in London. Gosen comes to tax underwriting after M&A tax lawyer roles at KPMG and EY in the Netherlands and London. In those posts, she specialized in cross-border structures and transactions for listed, large cap, and mid-market businesses. Transactional liability is one of eight lines of business Mosaic underwrites. The firms other focus areas are: cyber, environmental liability, financial institutions, political risk, political violence, professional liability, and excess casualty. The Hartford Names Hill CUO of Small Business The Hartford has named Pete Hill as chief underwriting officer of its small business unit. He replaces John Russo, who has been named CUO for The Hartfords global specialty wholesale & international business. Hill will report to Chris Jones, head of The Hartfords Small Business unit. Hill has deep underwriting experience with more than 15 years of service at The Hartford. He was instrumental in developing the companys small business underwriting capabilities, which continue to set the industry standard for speed, ease, and accuracy. Most recently, Hill served as vice president, small business product management, responsible for The Hartfords Spectrum line of business, driving consistent profit and growth through challenging market conditions. In his new role, Hill will lead The Hartfords small business underwriting strategy and execution, ensuring consistency, discipline, and profitable growth, including E&S binding. Topics Commercial Lines Business Insurance President Donald Trump nominated David MacNeil to be a US Federal Trade Commissioner, according to statement posted on the White House website. MacNeil is the Chief Executive Officer of WeatherTech, an Illinois-based company selling automotive accessories. He will replace Melissa Holyoak, who left the agency late last year to serve as US Attorney for Utah, and joins two other Republicans, chair Andrew Ferguson and Commissioner Mark Meador. A billionaire who supported Trump starting in 2016, MacNeil gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Republican National Committee and state Republican parties during the 2024 election season, according to campaign finance records. Last year, Trump nominated MacNeil to be the Ambassador at Large for Industrial and Manufacturing Competitiveness. He was never confirmed and the Senate returned his nomination to the president at the end of the year. At WeatherTech, founded in 1989, MacNeil has been a prominent supporter of American manufacturing, producing nearly all products in the US. WeatherTech brought in $900 million in revenue in 2024, according to an interview MacNeil gave last year with CBS Evening News. The FTC polices Made in America claims and enforces truth-in-advertising laws as part of its consumer protection portfolio. Being deceptive, and saying its made in America when its not, is not fair, MacNeil told CBS. We love having American workers and we love having our factories right here on American soil. Contact information for MacNeil wasnt immediately available. MacNeil has spent the past several years in Florida, buying up several properties in Manalapan, a town south of Palm Beach popular with billionaires including Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison, according to the Palm Beach Post. The nomination was announced shortly after the White House pulled its support for its previous candidate for the FTC role, Ryan Baasch, a staffer on the National Economic Council. FTC Chair Ferguson congratulated MacNeil, writing on X, I look forward to working with this outstanding businessman and great patriot. Photo: The Federal Trade Commission headquarters in Washington, DC. Photographer: Ting Shen/Bloomberg Federal immigration officers targeted a construction site in rural Louisiana where Meta Platforms Inc. is building its largest data center, leading to the arrest of two individuals, according to local law enforcement. US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement arrested two individuals who were driving dump trucks headed to Metas construction site in Richland Parish, Louisiana, the local sherrifs office said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. A witness, who asked to remain anonymous speaking about the enforcement activities, said unmarked vehicles arrived at the perimeter of the construction site in Holly Ridge, a town within Richland Parish, earlier Wednesday. ICE responded due to a request from local law enforcement about undocumented workers, a person familiar with the situation said. The person declined to be named to freely discuss a sensitive situation. The Richland Parish Sherrifs Office confirmed to Bloomberg News that the ICE agents were checking the identification of workers en route to the construction site. The two arrested individuals were from Guatemala and Honduras, said the sherrifs office, which assisted with traffic stops involving the dump trucks. The ICE agents didnt enter the Meta site at any time, the sherrifs office said. Meta declined to comment. The Department of Homeland Security, ICE and Metas three general contractors Turner Construction Company, DPR Construction and Mortenson didnt respond to requests for comment. Over the last year, the Trump administration has launched a mass deportation effort, aiming to carry out the largest deportation campaign in US history. The campaign has targeted construction sites and manufacturing plants, including a high-profile raid of a Hyundai Motor Co. electric-vehicle battery plant in Georgia in September. The operation has involved surges of federal agents to cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington DC, New Orleans and most recently Minneapolis, where a federal agent shot and killed a US citizen during a confrontation earlier this month. The sweeps have sparked concerns for those working to build data centers to power a fast-moving artificial intelligence race. US-based tech companies, including Meta, have pledged to spend hundreds of billions of dollars on AI infrastructure in coming years. Thats led to a flurry of new construction projects, from the bayous of Louisiana to the Texas plains. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has been a vocal supporter of the Trump administrations immigration agenda. In September, Landry joined Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to announce a partnership to expand ICE detention space in the state. In Decemeber, DHS launched an enforcement operation dubbed Catahoula Crunch targeting undocumented immigrants in New Orleans and other parts of Louisiana, an effort it said led to hundreds of arrests. A spokesperson for Landry didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics Personal Auto An Oklahoma state senator has proposed a package of insurance reform bills she says will tackle the states skyrocketing insurance costs. Democrat Sen. Julia Kirt, the Minority Leader of the Oklahoma Senate, has pre-filed three insurance-related bills ahead of the legislative session, which begins in early February. The message is clear many people in Oklahoma are having a hard time paying for insurance because prices have skyrocketed in recent years, Kirk said in a statement. This is especially tough for seniors living on fixed income and for families who are already struggling to pay their bills. SB 1438 would establish requirements to determine excessive insurance company profits and require a refund of certain amounts if an insurers profits are deemed excessive. According to the bill, an insurer shall be deemed to have excessive profit if there has been an underwriting gain for three consecutive years combined that is greater than the anticipated underwriting profit plus five percent of earned premiums for those calendar years. The bill states that if an is deemed to have excessive profit, the insurance commissioner shall order a pro-rata return of the excessive amounts after affording the insurer group an opportunity for hearing. SB 1444 would give the insurance commissioner to reject rate increases that are too high. The bill would require insurance companies to file paperwork justifying the rate before being able to move forward with an increase. Oklahoma is currently a use and file state. Insurers can start using new rates before filing with the Oklahoma Insurance Department (OID). The OID generally does not have the authority to disapprove rates or rate changes. SB 1435 would remove a persons credit score from consideration in determining insurance premium prices. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan restrict insurers from using credit scores to determine auto and home premiums. Kirks legislative proposals are sure to face resistance in an Oklahoma legislature dominated by Republicans. The GOP currently has a supermajority in both the House (81 of 101 seats) and Senate (40 of 48 seats). Topics Leadership Politics Oklahoma Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is ratcheting up a campaign against the potential dangers of artificial intelligence and data centers, resisting President Donald Trumps effort to block states from meddling with Big Tech. DeSantis, a two-term governor whos barred from seeking reelection in this years contest, used his last state-of-the-state address to warn about the risks of the data-center buildout and renew his call for AI regulation. He has already proposed legislation that would ban minors chatbot access unless they have parental consent and restrict tech companies from selling or publishing personal data. This technology threatens to upend key parts of our economy in ways that can leave many Americans out of work and with consumers footing the bill for the cost of power-intensive data centers, he told Florida lawmakers Tuesday. It presents real perils for children and parents. DeSantiss warning positions him as an AI skeptic in sharp contrast to many fellow Republicans including Trump, who signed an order last month aimed at thwarting state-level regulation of the technology through lawsuits and funding cuts. DeSantis, 47, has been sounding the alarm on AIs perceived threats to jobs, the electricity grid and the minds of children as he weighs his next steps in politics. Id hate to see what happens after a big hurricane when you try to get the power turned on. Imagine if you want to have the power turned back on in Fort Lauderdale, and the data center comes first. The governor, who dropped out of the 2024 GOP presidential primary against Trump amid cratering poll numbers, used his address in the state capital of Tallahassee to amplify a critique hes been making for months. He has said hes concerned that data centers catering to AI would put the electricity grid at risk of collapse because they use so much power. We are going to make sure Floridians are not roadkills of AI, he said Monday at a news conference about insurance rates. Concerns about power costs have been intensifying, including in the White House. Earlier this week, Trump said tech giants must bear the costs for data center electricity. That drew praise from DeSantis. Weve been beating this drum for months: no passing on electricity costs to consumers for AI data centers, the governor said on X. Still, his cautious approach in Florida stands out as many states rush to win more investment in the projects. In Texas, another big Republican-led state, Governor Greg Abbott has rolled out the red carpet, luring at least $50 billion of planned investments in data centers just since November. He touted the plans of Alphabet Inc.s Google at an event about two months ago, saying Texas moves at the speed of business. Read more: Trump Signs Order Seeking to Limit State-Level AI Regulation In Texas, data centers now consume enough electricity to power 3.3 million homes, with plans that will boost their needs tenfold, according to a Bloomberg analysis of data from DC Byte. In Florida, data centers use enough energy to power 100,000 homes. Id hate to see what happens after a big hurricane when you try to get the power turned on, DeSantis said at this weeks insurance event. Imagine if you want to have the power turned back on in Fort Lauderdale, and the data center comes first. As the governor weighs his next move in politics with about a year left in office, there are signs that AI skepticism has growing appeal across party lines in the US. At least $98 billion of data center projects were blocked or delayed by a wave of local opposition in the second quarter of 2025, according to Data Center Watch, an advocacy group that tracks opposition. AI in Insurance: Florida House Panel Passes Bill Requiring Human Touch on Claims Denials Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics InsurTech Data Driven Legislation Artificial Intelligence Registration is now open for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulations Insurance Summit, set for April 15-16 in Tallahassee. Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky said the registration closes March 30 for the conference that will include a number of state regulators, industry executives, actuaries and attorneys examining the state of insurance regulation. The summit will be in the Augustus Turnbull/Florida State Conference Center on the campus of Florida State University. The proposed agenda can be seen here. Registration information is here. Topics Florida Georgia lawmakers on Tuesday gave final passage to a bill that aims to void a city of Savannah ordinance that imposes fines and possible jail time for leaving guns in unlocked cars. The state Senate gave final approval to the measure, which says cities and counties cant regulate how guns are stored. It also lets gun owners sue local governments who impose any such rules in violation of state law, collecting at least $25,000 in damages if they win. Senate Bill 204 now goes to Gov. Brian Kemps desk for his signature or veto. Mayor Van Johnson and Savannahs city council voted unanimously in 2024 to outlaw keeping firearms in unlocked vehicles, with maximum penalties of a $1,000 fine and 30 days in jail. They said the law would make it harder for criminals to steal guns in a state where lawmakers have widely abolished restrictions on owning and carrying firearms. But the rules have left gun rights advocates fuming, saying that the city is in effect punishing gun owners who had their guns stolen. Ultimately what Savannah was doing was regulating citizens right to have a gun in their car, former state Sen. Colton Moore, a Republican from Trenton, told The Associated Press. Their car was getting broken into, and they were going from a victim of a crime now to being a criminal. And thats what we dont want to happen going forward. Moore resigned from the Senate Tuesday after the bill passed because he filed to run for the congressional seat left vacant by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes resignation. Johnson said Tuesday that if Kemp signs the bill into law, the city will stop issuing citations. Obviously were going to comply with the law, Johnson said in a phone interview with the AP. So should the governor sign it, we wont enforce that ordinance anymore. But there might be other ordinances that come forth. He declined to say what other type of gun safety measure city officials might consider. Johnson, a Democrat and former police officer, has touted the gun ordinance as a way to make gun owners act responsibly without infringing on their rights to own or carry firearms. He said Tuesday that the number of gun thefts from unlocked vehicles reported to Savannah police had dropped 30% since the ordinance took effect. Its a sad thing that the General Assembly says over 200 guns stolen from unlocked vehicles is OK, the mayor said. Georgia law already prohibits city and county governments from regulating firearm possession, ownership, transport, carrying, transfer, sale, purchase (or) licensing. Savannah city officials have insisted since the gun ordinance took effect that they were regulating storage of firearms, something the state law didnt explicitly forbid. State lawmakers changed that by adding the word storage to the existing law. Gun control advocates said lawmakers were wrong to preempt Savannahs ordinance. Time and time again, young people in this state are told that our safety isnt a priority. But this bill takes it a step further by actually punishing the cities that are stepping up to protect us when our state lawmakers wont, Nolan Tanner said in a statement. He is a volunteer with the chapter of Students Demand Action at Jenkins High School in Savannah. In November, a Chatham County Recorders Court judge threw out the case of a man cited for violating the Savannah gun ordinance, ruling that it violates state law and the U.S. Constitution. However, that ruling only applied to the case of the defendant who challenged the gun ordinance as part of his criminal defense. Johnson said at the time the city would keep enforcing it. Johnson also said he is not worried about the additional legal liability and potential fines spelled out in the bill. I dont believe it could be retroactive, he said. Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Georgia Elon Musks artificial intelligence startup, xAI, is under investigation by the California attorney generals office after the companys Grok chatbot was allegedly used to create thousands of sexualized images of women and children without their consent. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the investigation Wednesday, saying in a statement that Groks role in generating nonconsensual, sexualized images of women and girls on the social network X over the past two weeks was shocking. I urge xAI to take immediate action to ensure this goes no further, Bonta said in the statement. We have zero tolerance for the AI-based creation and dissemination of nonconsensual intimate images or of child sexual abuse material. 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. I am calling on the Attorney General to immediately investigate the company and hold xAI Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 14, 2026 Musk has been under fire by governments and regulators around the world because of Groks image-generation technology. Musk has so far defended Grok, arguing that the issue stems from user abuse of the tool, and not the technology itself. Obviously, Grok does not spontaneously generate images, it does so only according to user requests, Musk posted on X Wednesday. When asked to generate images, it will refuse to produce anything illegal, as the operating principle. California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a post on X that he called on the attorney general to immediately investigate the company and hold xAI accountable. A number of European countries have opened similar investigations into xAI and Grok, including France and the U.K. The European Union is also probing whether the images violate the blocs Digital Services Act. A spokesperson for xAI didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Top photo: The Grok logo on a smartphone. Photographer: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg. Copyright 2026 Bloomberg. Topics California A proposed billionaires tax in California has ignited a political uproar in Silicon Valley, with tech titans threatening to leave the state while Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom maneuvers to defeat a levy that he fears will lead to an exodus of wealth. A technology mecca, California has more billionaires than any other state a few hundred, by some estimates. Nearly half its personal income tax revenue, a financial backbone in the nearly $350 billion budget, comes from the top 1% of earners. A large health care union is attempting to place a proposal before voters in November that would impose a one-time 5% tax on the assets of billionaires including stocks, art, businesses, collectibles and intellectual property to backfill federal funding cuts to health services for lower-income people that were signed by President Donald Trump last year. In a state with a vast gap between rich and poor, the plan has resulted in a tangle of competing interests at a time when both Democrats and Republicans are struggling to respond to economic anxiety driven by rising costs ahead of this years midterm elections. An online war of words has tech leaders pondering a hollowing out of Silicon Valley, and millions of dollars are flowing to political committees engaged in the fight. That includes $3 million from billionaire Peter Thiel, a founder of PayPal, to a committee tied to a business group opposing the tax. However its not clear if the proposal will make the ballot, with more than 870,000 petition signatures required for it to qualify. Threatened Exodus Although the tax would affect only a minuscule slice of Californias roughly 39 million residents, it would siphon money from an immense pool of wealth. If would apply retroactively to billionaires living in the state as of Jan. 1. At least 25 billionaires listed among Forbes magazines 2025 rankings of the worlds 500 wealthiest people either lived in California or had some significant ties to the state, based on a review by The Associated Press. But determining whether they were full-time residents or just frequent visitors could turn into a matter of dispute, since many of them own property elsewhere. You are really playing with fire with this one, said Aaron Levie, CEO of the publicly traded Silicon Valley company Box. He fears that the proposed tax would drive entrepreneurs to look elsewhere to run their companies and launch startups. Even liberal-leaning tech pioneers would find it absurd just on pure economic and structural grounds, even if they might agree that the cause itself is very worthy, said Levie, who is not a billionaire. Governor Worries About A Competitive Disadvantage Newsom has long opposed state-level wealth taxes, believing such levies would be disadvantageous for the worlds fourth-largest economy. At a time when California is strapped for cash and he is considering a 2028 presidential run, he is trying to block the proposal before it reaches the ballot. Analysts say an exodus of billionaires could mean a loss of hundreds of millions of tax dollars. Its one of the reasons why Newsoms path to the Democratic nomination is not going to be an easy one, Claremont McKenna College political scientist Jack Pitney said. Hes already facing a (budget) deficit the size of which is uncertain and in the years to come, a billionaires tax that could backfire badly. Democrats Divided on The Issue The proposal has created a deep rift between Newsom and prominent members of his partys progressive wing, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who endorsed it and said it should be a template for other states. Our nation will not thrive when so few have so much while so many have so little, Sanders said on the social platform X. Another supporter, and a potential 2028 Newsom rival, is Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, who mocked billionaires for threatening to flee over a tax intended to provide health care for lower-income people. The measures lead proponent, the Service Employees International Union, sees the threat of an exodus as exaggerated. The tax is a workable response to a crisis created by Congress, Suzanne Jimenez, chief of staff of SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, said in a statement. She added that it would keep emergency rooms open, hospitals staffed and health care systems functioning. The California Business Roundtable, meanwhile, is leading an effort to defeat the measure, saying it would undermine our economy, decimate the state budget, drive investment out of the state and ultimately make everyday life more expensive for working families. A Business Climate Known for Heavy Regulation And Steep Costs Fleeing California because of its high cost of living and reputation for stringent regulations started to gather momentum well before the proposed wealth tax began circulating last year. Elon Musk, the worlds wealthiest man with a $724 billion fortune, bought a home in Texas and moved his electric automaker Tesla to Austin several years ago. The financial threat posed by the proposed tax apparently is pushing even more of Silicon Valleys renowned pioneers to curtail their exposure to California and its liberal policies, including Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, who moved to the state during the mid-1990s for graduate study at Stanford University. Page and Brin stepped away from their executive roles years ago but remain the largest shareholders in Google parent company Alphabet, with stakes that account for most of their combined fortunes of $530 billion, according to Forbes. But both men have begun moving more of their assets to Florida, according to multiple reports. Google, which has been based in Mountain View for the past quarter century, did not respond to an AP inquiry about their recent moves. Liedtke reported from San Ramon, California. Associated Press writer Sophie Austin in Sacramento, California, contributed. Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics California The Russian invasion of Ukraine led to extreme disruptions on the international energy markets. Europe, the worlds largest importing region for oil, natural gas and hard coal, was particularly affected. The loss of major supply routes for Russian natural gas created a bottleneck situation and restricted short-term diversification potential. Three years after the supply shocks of 2022, although the European Union was able to overcome the situation together, the quest to diversify European natural gas supplies remains in many cases a balancing act between existing and new dependencies, still distant from the objective of crisis-resilient energy sovereignty. The upheavals in the wake of Russias war of aggression against Ukraine represented a turning point for energy markets far beyond the European Union. Structures and supply relationships that were believed to be secure abruptly revealed dependencies that had developed over a long period of time. With dependence on Russian energy imports out of the question, the diversification of European natural gas supplies became a central joint task for the EU27, which had agreed on a series of sanctions packages against Russia. The electricity markets were also significantly affected. This was reflected in extreme price swings on the wholesale electricity market, which were the result of the tense situation in the natural gas market. Current natural gas supply flows to Europe In 2021, the last year before Russias invasion of Ukraine, natural gas consumption in the EU amounted to 421 billion m, equivalent to 24% of total European energy consumption. In 2021, a total of 334.3 billion m of natural gas was imported into the EU27, of which around 45% came from Russian natural gas supplies, as shown in Figure 1 (European Commission, 2025a). At 332 billion m, EU natural gas consumption in 2024 was 21% lower than in 2021. Natural gas imports have fallen by 18% since 2021 to 272.9 billion m in 2024. Supplies from Russia still accounted for 18.9% of total EU gas imports in 2024 (European Commission, 2025a). The decline compared to 2021 was mainly due to a sharp increase in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from the US. Almost 45% of total LNG supplies to the EU came from the US in 2024 (Strategic Insights, 2025). Figure 1 Natural gas imports into the EU27 in 2021 and 2024 Sources: European Commission, ENTSO-G, LSEG. Figure 2 shows the most important LNG import routes in the EU, as well as the locations of the relevant terminal infrastructure; a distinction is made between LNG terminals in regular operation, under construction and planned or proposed. The central part of the LNG infrastructure consists of 33 large LNG terminals in regular operation, each with an annual regasification capacity of over 0.7 billion m (N) (Gas Infrastructure Europe [GIE], 2025; Global Energy Monitor [GEM], 2025). Figure 2 European liquefied natural gas infrastructure and import routes, 2025 Note: FSRU: Floating storage and regasification units. Sources: BDEW, ECFR, Eurogas, GEM Project, Rystad Energy, Base map: d-maps. The total annual regasification capacity of all large-scale terminal facilities in the EU27 in regular operation is 215 billion m; of this, 153 billion m or 71% is accounted for by stationary onshore facilities and 62 billion m or 29% by floating storage and regasification units (FRSUs) (GIE, 2024). A further 22 billion m/a is under construction and 78 billion m/a is in the planning stage. Across Europe, a further 100 billion m/a of active regasification capacity and 5 billion m/a under construction will be added (GIE, 2024). The EU member states with the largest active regasification capacities include Spain (67 billion m/a), France (40 billion m/a), Italy (21 billion m/a), the Netherlands (20 billion m/a), Belgium (15 billion m/a) and Germany (14 billion m/a) (GIE, 2024). However, with an additional 11 billion m/a under construction and a further 19 billion m/a in planning, Germany leads the ranking of projected regasification capacities in Europe (GIE, 2024). The main tanker routes for supplying LNG to Europe are the shipping routes through the North Sea and Baltic Sea from Norway and Russia, across the Atlantic from the US and Trinidad and Tobago, along the African coast from Angola, Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria, and through the Mediterranean from Algeria, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. LNG deliveries from Qatar, Oman, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates must continue to pass through the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz and are therefore subject to geopolitical tensions. A basic distinction can be made on the global natural gas market between net export regions and net import regions. Net export regions include Africa, Australia, the Middle East, North America and Russia (Rystad Energy, 2023, p. 134). On the consumer side, the net import regions of Asia and Europe dominate as highly import-dependent regions (Rystad Energy, 2023, p. 134). Figure 3 provides a regional overview of Europes pipeline-based natural gas supply, the border crossing points into the European interconnected network and significant natural gas reserves in the main supplier countries. A distinction is made between five key supply regions: Russia, North Sea I (Norway), North Sea II (United Kingdom), North Africa (Algeria and Libya) and the Caspian Corridor (Azerbaijan) (European Commission, 2024). Figure 3 Pipline infrastructure and main sources of pipeline gas imports to the EU27 Sources: BDEW, GEM Project, GIE, IFRI, Base map: Mapchart. Natural gas from the large Norwegian gas fields Frigg, Heimdal, Sleipner and Troll is transported to the EU via Europipe I (13 billion m/a) and Europipe II (21 billion m/a) through the Dornum border crossing point in Germany. With regard to natural gas flows from the United Kingdom, it should be noted that the two pipelines Balgzand Bacton Line (BBL) (19 billion m/a) and Interconnector (25.5 billion m/a), which connect the British Isles to the Netherlands, can be used bi-directionally, meaning that gas flows to and from the European mainland are possible. Supplies from North Africa are divided into natural gas flows from Algeria and Libya. Algerian natural gas from the Hassi RMel and Haoud El Hamara gas fields reaches the border crossing points to Spain via the Maghreb-Europe (12 billion m/a) and Medgaz pipelines (10.7 billion m/a), while Libyan natural gas from the Bahr Essalam and Wafa gas fields reaches Italy via the Greenstream Pipeline (11 billion m/a) (GIE, 2024). Azerbaijans most important natural gas fields are Shah Deniz and Umid, which are connected to the EU via the South Caucasus Pipeline (24 billion m/a) and the Trans-Anatolian Gas Pipeline (TANAP) (24 billion m/a), with border crossing points into the European gas network located on the Turkish-Greek and Turkish-Bulgarian borders (GIE, 2024). Azerbaijans potential supply volume is limited by the capacity of the pipeline connections to Europe, therefore an expansion of TANAP capacity to 31 billion m is planned by 2026 (GEM, 2025). The remaining Russian natural gas flows reach the EU27 via the Turkstream (31.5 billion m/a) and Bluestream (16 billion m/a) pipelines (Rystad Energy, 2023, p. 81). The most important Russian production areas for European natural gas supplies included the Bovanenkovo gas field, via Yamal-Europe and Northern Lights, the Urengoy and Yamburg gas fields via Brotherhood and Soyuz, and Orenburg via Soyuz. New dependencies vs. diversification The energy targets of the EU member states envisage achieving complete independence from Russian natural gas by 2027, while at the same time phasing out imports of oil and nuclear fuels. A key pillar for meeting this target is the massive expansion of LNG imports and, above all, the purchase of LNG from the US. However, this shift towards US gas harbours the potential for new dependencies. With Donald Trumps re-election, just a few months after his return to the White House, a new threat emerged to the EUs energy security, in which the new dependence on LNG imports became a bargaining chip to pressure the EU into making far-reaching trade concessions (Strategic Insights, 2025). At the same time, by re-establishing unilaterally dominant supply relationships, the EU is paving the way for the US to become an energy superpower. The agreement reached on 27 July 2025 in Prestwick, Scotland, in the latest customs and trade conflict between the EU and the US includes commitments to purchase US energy worth US $750 billion in the period up to 2028 (European Commission, 2025b). The White House fact sheet states that the agreement would strengthen the US dominance in the energy sector, reduce Europes dependence on hostile sources and reduce the US trade deficit with the EU (The White House, 2025). EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, on the other hand, emphasised the expansion of energy cooperation in a communique on the settlement of the dispute. By purchasing energy products from the US, the EU would diversify its sources of supply and thus contribute to the security of energy supply in Europe, with natural gas and oil from Russia being replaced by significant purchases of LNG, oil and nuclear fuels from the US (European Commission, 2025b). In 2024, the total trade value of petroleum, natural gas and coal imported into the EU amounted to 375.3 billion. If this amount is broken down by energy source, the import value was distributed as shown in Figure 4 (Eurostat, 2025). The US accounted for approximately 65 billion of this, equivalent to US $75.9 billion at current exchange rates, representing a share of 17.3%. The US accounted for oil imports worth 42 billion, or 16.1%, while the US was by far the largest supplier of LNG to the EU, with a share of 45.3%. The import value of US LNG was just under 19 billion. Imports from the US also accounted for around one third of the EUs total coal imports, representing a trade value of 4 billion for 2024. Figure 4 EU27 energy imports by country of origin in 2024, share (%) of trade in value Source: Eurostat. Even assuming that the EU completely replaces its remaining natural gas supplies from Russia with purchases from the US, the gap between aspiration and reality remains enormous. In 2024, Russian supplies of pipeline gas and LNG accounted for 17% of the total trade value of natural gas imports into the EU, corresponding to an import value of 17.1 billion, or US $20 billion. However, as neither a sustained increase in EU energy imports nor a significant rise in energy prices on international markets is foreseeable, the US contribution to total EU energy imports would have to increase from 17% in 2024 to more than 50% on average between 2026 and 2028 in order to meet the level of ambition set out in the agreement. This also applies if nuclear fuels, which are not included in the figures mentioned, are taken into account. Such a profound shift in supply sources within such a short period of time is not plausible, especially since it can be assumed that the companies responsible for supplying the markets have already contractually regulated their supply relationships for the period in question, at least in part. There is another factor to consider. It is not consistent with a market economy to impose requirements on market players as to how they should structure their supply relationships. It is also questionable whether the US would be able to provide additional energy volumes for export in the quantities necessary to increase the value of EU energy imports from the US to the aforementioned US $750 billion by 2028. Overview of the competitive situation in the European market Natural gas prices have stabilised since 2024, though they remain above the long-term pre-war level, indicating that market conditions remain tense. The elevated price level is accompanied by high volatility. The main causes are geopolitical uncertainties and the associated risks regarding the availability of the required LNG volumes. These include, for example, the ongoing war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East and the associated potential temporary bottlenecks in LNG logistics, as well as the US governments customs policy. In addition, European storage filling requirements at the end of 2024 also led to unusual price formations for the 2025 calendar year. In the electricity sector, the higher gas price level in the first two quarters of 2025 often led to the preferred use of lignite and hard coal-fired power plants over gas-fired power plants, as the clean spark spreads (CSS) for both base and peak products were often below the clean dark spreads (CDS). On the futures market, the forward curve for TTF (Title Transfer Facility) annual contracts remains in backwardation (Figure 5). Figure 5 Forward price curve for TTF annual contracts on the European Energy Exchange on 15 October 2025 Source: European Energy Exchange. LNG competition Since large parts of pipeline imports from Russia have been lost, LNG imports from non-European countries have become the main source of supply for Europe, alongside deliveries from Norway (European Commission, 2025a). Europe, and Germany in particular, are in direct competition with Asian buyers, especially in Japan, South Korea and China (JKC region). The price relationship between the Northwestern European market and the Asian spot market (JKC) determines which market acts as the premium market and thus attracts LNG deliveries (cargos) preferentially. In periods of high Asian demand (e.g. cold winters or hot summers), this can lead to supply shortages in Europe. The largest supplier of LNG to Europe is currently the US (Eurostat, 2025). The technical condition and utilisation of central export terminals such as Sabine Pass, Corpus Christi, Freeport and Cameron have a direct impact on short-term price volatility. Disruptions in important shipping routes such as the Panama Canal or the Suez Canal also have a noticeable impact on supply flows. The current security situation in the Middle East, including the conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as attacks by Houthi rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea, increase the risk of supply disruptions and transport cost increases. Storage levels and summer-winter spreads The EUs storage policy is a key factor for security of supply and price formation. For storage to be economically viable, the summer-winter spread (the difference between prices for summer and winter deliveries) must exceed the costs of injection and withdrawal. If the summer-winter spread is below the costs of injection and withdrawal, or even becomes negative, storage operators would incur losses when withdrawing gas in winter. The European requirement to fill storage facilities to at least 90% by 1 November 2024 led to negative summer-winter spreads from around October 2024 onwards, i.e. higher prices for deliveries in summer than in winter, as there was a threat of compulsory feed-in if the requirement was not met. With the minimum filling requirement relaxed to 75% within a variable filling window, a positive summer-winter spread could return for 2025 (e.g. Q2 2025 vs. Q1 2026) (European Energy Exchange, 2025). Short-term restrictions on gas transport routes, such as those caused by maintenance work or geopolitical events, can also have a negative impact on the spread. For winter 2026/2027, spreads in the TTF market are currently just in positive territory (around 1/MWh), while they are significantly more positive at the long end of the forward curve (European Energy Exchange, 2025). Outlook for winter 2025/2026 Despite the geopolitical and market risks mentioned above, current storage levels, LNG import capacity and stable supplies from Norway indicate that Europe will be sufficiently well supplied in winter 2025/2026. However, the course of geopolitical conflicts, weather conditions and Asian demand remain decisive factors. In the long term, the planned introduction of a complete EU embargo on Russian natural gas imports is likely to lead to further structural adjustments in supply chains. The extent to which Russia can divert the lost export volumes to the EU to other markets entirely will have a significant impact on global pricing. Outlook for natural gas demand in the EU and in Germany as its largest natural gas market According to estimates by the International Energy Agency (IEA), natural gas consumption in the EU will fall by 22% between 2024 and 2035 as a result of the announced policy measures coming into force, based on the modeled Stated Policy Scenario (IEA, 2025, p. 214). This would be accompanied by a reduction in gas imports into the EU. Taking this assumption into account, EU imports of LNG will increase by 32% compared to 2024 levels, reaching 145 billion m in 2035. This will compensate for the continued decline in natural gas production in the EU and the expected reduction in imports of pipeline natural gas. Nevertheless, total EU imports of natural gas (pipeline gas and LNG) will decline by 65 billion m between 2024 and 2035, which is attributed to the decline in demand (IEA, 2025, p. 217). In Germany, consumption of natural gas, which was the second most important energy source in 2024 with a share of 25.9% of the primary energy consumption after mineral oil, will decline in the future, as it will across the EU. The expected decline in demand can be explained by growing electrification in all sectors (i.e. transport, buildings and industry), the continued increase in the share of renewable energies in electricity generation and improvements in energy efficiency. This assessment is based on the fundamental assumption that gross domestic product will grow at an average annual rate of around 1% and that the population will remain largely stable at around 85 million (DNV, 2025, p. 11). Electricity consumption and generation in Germany, on the other hand, are likely to increase in the future due to increasing electrification in the transport and buildings sectors as well as in industry. By 2035, growth of around a quarter is expected, and by 2050, an increase of around three quarters compared to the 2024 level. In the future, most of Germanys electricity demand will be met by generation based on renewable energies. The target of 80% renewable energy share of gross domestic consumption is to be achieved as early as 2030. However, the fluctuating generation from wind and solar plants in addition to an increase in storage capacities will require a significant expansion of controllable capacity, primarily based on natural gas, which will be partially replaced by hydrogen in the future. The Norwegian consulting and certification company DNV (2025, p. 76), for example, expects peak load in Germany to rise from 75-80 GW in recent years to around 100 GW in 2035 and around 135 GW in 2050. The residual load that cannot be covered by renewable energy plants will require the provision of sufficient secured capacity based on natural gas in the future. As the long-term goal is to replace natural gas with hydrogen, it can be assumed that natural gas consumption for electricity generation will decrease despite rising natural gas capacity. Construction of natural gas power plants to secure future electricity supply The security of the electricity supply depends on the extent to which electricity generation capacity can be assumed to be reliably available at peak load times. The total installed electricity generation capacity in Germany amounted to 265,427 MW at the beginning of 2025. Of this, 177,801 MW came from renewable energies and 87,626 MW from non-renewable energies, in particular fossil fuels. The share of secured capacity in the installed capacity varies for the different technologies. For plants based on nuclear energy, hard coal, lignite and natural gas, more than 90% of the installed capacity can be classified as secured. At the other end of the spectrum is photovoltaics (PV). The PV capacity available at the time of the expected peak load is zero, as the peak load in Germany can occur at a time when it is dark. The situation is more favourable for wind energy, especially for offshore plants. However, it cannot be ruled out that there will be a lull in the wind at the time of peak load, as was the case in the first half of December 2022, for example. Of the 72,781 MW of wind power installed in Germany, a maximum feed-in value of 51,988 MW was achieved in 2024. The average value was 15,736 MW and the minimum value was 42 MW. The 42 MW corresponds to only 0.1% of the installed capacity (Schiffer, 2025, p. 215). According to the German transmission system operators, it can be seen that the feed-in capacity (for wind turbines) is below 1% of the installed capacity for 1% of the time (50Hertz et al., 2025, p. 11). The ratios are significantly more favourable for hydropower, bioenergy and geothermal energy. The latter technologies have the major disadvantage that, for various reasons, they are not freely scalable. Taking the ratios outlined above into account, it can be assumed that Germany will have a guaranteed capacity of 89.5 GW from power generation plants on the electricity market at any given time in 2025. Of this, 77.3 GW will come from conventional power plants (including pumped storage) and 12.2 GW from renewable energy plants, as shown in Figure 6 (Schiffer, 2025, p. 219). Figure 6 Guaranteed vs. net installed capacity of power generation plants in Germany Notes: * Installed net capacity of electricity generation plants according to the Federal Network Agencys power plant list as of 14.05.2025 (renewable energy installations as of 31.12.2024). The installed net capacity of power generation plants is 265,427 MW; 13,331 MW were recorded by the Federal Grid Agency as plants outside the electricity market (including grid reserve power plants). ** Calculation based on the average failure rates for conventional power plants or on unavailability rates for renewable energy installations. According to the transmission system operators and ENTSO-E, these are 5% for nuclear, 9% for lignite and hard coal, 7% for natural gas (and oil), 72% for run-of-river, 35% for biomass and 20% for pumped storage; 95% was set for wind onshore, 90% for wind offshore and 100% for photovoltaics. For other renewable energies as with biomass an unavailability of 35% is assumed. *** Including 2,634 MW battery storage and 4 MW other storage capacity. Source: Schiffer (2025). The secured capacity available in Germany is therefore sufficient to guarantee the electricity supply at all times, both now and in the short term. Germany is also integrated into the European electricity market. If bottlenecks occur, capacity abroad can be drawn on, provided that the capacities available there allow this and the cross-border transmission grids do not represent a limiting factor. However, in winter which is the relevant period for assessing security of supply a shortage of generation capacity is to be expected in all European countries. Moreover, peak load in Germany will increase. This means that a gap between the development of electricity demand and secured capacity will open up in the near future. Market-active, controllable electricity generation capacity will decrease to 67 GW by 2030. This figure takes into account the provisions of the Coal-Fired Power Generation Termination Act (KVBG), the Act on Accelerating the Phase-out of Lignite in the Rhenish Mining Area, and the assumption of a constant gas capacity of 32 GW made in model calculations by the Institute of Energy Economics at the University of Cologne (Energiewirtschaftliches Institut an der Universitat zu Koln [EWI], 2022, p. 13.) The agreement between RWE AG, the state government of North Rhine-Westphalia and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs of 4 October 2022 on the early phase-out of lignite in the Rhenish mining area by 2030 has been taken into account. This figure includes the combined output of 5.6 GW from lignite-fired power plants in Lusatia and central Germany, which are due to be decommissioned between the end of 2034 and the end of 2038 in accordance with the KVBG. With the complete phase-out of hard coal and lignite by the end of this decade, controllable capacity would be reduced to 53 GW by 2030 (EWI, 2022, p. 13). The CDU, CSU and SPD coalition agreement aims to establish reliable investment conditions through technology-neutral tenders, targeting up to 20 GW of new gas-fired power plant capacity by 2030 at existing sites across Germany. The agreement envisions a technology-neutral, market-based capacity mechanism that integrates various generation sources, storage facilities and flexible options to ensure supply security (Federal Government of Germany, 2025a, p. 33). On 3 September 2025, the German government approved the report on electricity supply security prepared by the Federal Network Agency (2025, p. 7). The report forecasts an additional requirement for controllable electricity generation capacity of between 22.4 and 35.5 GW by 2035. Large battery storage systems remain important for short-term applications such as frequency maintenance and peak shaving, but cannot cover longer phases of high winter residual load. Even with a hypothetical expansion of 100 GW of installed capacity, this would only correspond to an energy volume of 200 GWh for two hour systems, which is far below the magnitude of demand during a dark doldrum period lasting several days in Germany. In fact, the storage capacity installed in Germany most recently amounted to around 2.5 GW. This underlines the importance of the power plant strategy planned by the German government. According to the Federal Network Agency, the additional capacity required should be provided via a capacity mechanism. It can be assumed that without a capacity mechanism, investment in additional power plants will be too low. The corresponding tenders for hydrogen-compatible gas-fired power plants must be issued by the beginning of 2026 at the latest so that the plants are available in time. This is also necessary because the construction of a new gas-fired power plant takes at least five years. Conclusions The EUs natural gas supply, which is heavily dependent on imports, is undergoing significant change. This applies to the structure of the countries of origin and the supply routes. Russias war of aggression in Ukraine, which has been ongoing since February 2022, has led to a significant realignment. Norway and the US have replaced Russia as the most important suppliers of natural gas. The supply of LNG has become much more important, at the expense of the previously dominant pipeline supplies. Despite existing geopolitical and market risks, supply bottlenecks are not foreseeable in the winter of 2025/2026. In the first half of 2025, the EU still sourced a considerable amount of natural gas from Russia. According to Eurostat (2025), pipeline gas deliveries in this period had a trade value of 2.9 billion. In addition, LNG worth 4.5 billion was imported from Russia into the EU. The 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which the EU adopted on 23 October 2025, includes a ban on imports of LNG from Russia for long-term contracts from January 2027 and for short-term contracts within six months (Federal Government of Germany, 2025b). Given the foreseeable decline in gas consumption and the growing global export capacity for LNG, the complete cessation of natural gas supplies from Russia to the EU is unlikely to lead to shortages, especially as a number of supply contracts between European companies and foreign natural gas suppliers will come into effect from 2026. Natural gas-fired power plants play an important role in securing the electricity supply, particularly in covering residual load, given the emerging trend in other EU countries away from the use of coal for electricity generation and the foreseeable increase in electricity demand as a result of growing electrification. Due to the limited full-load hours that natural gas power plants have left to cover the load, the additional natural gas volumes required for electricity generation do not appear to be a bottleneck factor. The expansion of natural gas power plants, which is particularly urgent in Germany, is crucial to closing the gap between the expected increase in peak load and the decline in controllable electricity generation capacity. Central policy challenges for the EU include reconciling the need for secure and affordable natural gas supplies with the objective of higher energy sovereignty and the fulfilment of European climate targets. Strengthening internal market integration and storage coordination, diversifying import structures, and accelerating the development of hydrogen-ready gas infrastructure comprise key elements of a coherent policy strategy. In the German electricity sector, the implementation of a central capacity market will help ensure sufficient gas-fired, hydrogen-compatible power plants are constructed to safeguard security of supply during periods of high residual load. References 50Hertz, Amprion, TenneT, & TransnetBW. (2025, January 25). Bericht der deutschen Ubertragungsnetzbetreiber zur Leistungsbilanz 20172021. DNV. (2025). Energy Transition Outlook Deutschland 2025. DNV. Energiewirtschaftliches Institut an der Universitat zu Koln. (2022). Analyse der Versorgungssicherheit bis 2030 Trends und Szenarien im deutschen Stromsektor. EWI. European Commission. (2024, October 7). Interactive Gas Monitoring Dashboard. Joint Research Centre EU Science Hub. European Commission. (2025a, October 9). 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(2025, October 1). ALSI Aggregated LNG System Inventory. Gas Infrastructure Europe. Global Energy Monitor. (2025, May 8). GEM Project Global Gas Infrastructure Tracker. Global Energy Monitor. International Energy Agency. (2025, November 12). World Energy Outlook 2025. IEA. Rystad Energy. (2023, December 14). Rebalancing Europes Gas Supplies (2nd ed.). IOG Europe. Strategic Perspectives. (2025, April 28). EU Gas Insight 2025 The risk of gas overdependence in the EU. Strategic Perspectives. The White House. (2025, July 28). Fact sheet: The United States and European Union reach massive trade deal. The White House. Schiffer, H.-W. (2025). Einfuhrung in die Energiewirtschaft (2nd ed.). Springer. A record 21 Irish companies in the agritech and agricultural machinery sectors will exhibit at LAMMA 2026. Enterprise Ireland announced the record number of Irish client companies attending the agricultural show this week. LAMMA is the UK's leading agricultural machinery, equipment and technology show, attracting over 40,000 visitors each year, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on January 14-15, 2026. According to Enterprise Ireland, Irish agricultural machinery and agritech solutions continue to see strong demand in the UK market, driven by their reputation for durability and innovation. Products in high demand include advanced balers and wrappers, slurry spreading and manure management systems, livestock handling and feeding equipment, grassland management technologies and farm management software, including artificial intelligence (AI) powered solutions that enhance animal welfare, compliance and overall farm efficiency. Highlighting the innovation and excellence of Irish companies, Herdwatch secured a prestigious Silver award at the LAMMA 2026 Innovation Awards in the Digital Technology Innovation of the Year category for their AI app Herdi. The award celebrates a cutting-edge digital solution that transforms on-farm decision-making, streamlines operations, and drives smarter, data-led performance across the agricultural industry. Herdi is an AI-powered assistant integrated into the Herdwatch app and used on over 22,000 dairy, beef and sheep farms. The app provides guidance on animal health, compliance, breeding and pasture management by combining farm records with external data such as weather and market prices alongside specialist AI modules. Herdi utilises existing Herdwatch data from sensors, parlour software and statutory databases so as not to duplicate data. The app aims to turn complex data into actionable insights, saving time, reducing errors and enabling more efficient farm management. Irish agriculture machinery company, McHale, secured two silver awards at the LAMMA 2026 Innovation Awards. The company won silver in the Grassland Innovation of the Year category for its TerraDrive Axle a hydraulic drive system available as an option on McHale Fusion 4 Plus balers that provides enhanced traction in soft, wet or hilly conditions, reducing strain on the tractor and improving performance in unpredictable weather. McHale also received silver in the British and Irish Manufacturer of the Year category, recognising its ongoing commitment to engineering excellence, product innovation, global export growth, sustainability, and support for rural employment. Enterprise Ireland's Senior Market Advisor for Agriculture in the UK, Jane Lycett, said: We are delighted to support this strong contingent of 21 innovative Irish companies at LAMMA 2026. The UK remains a key market for Irish agri-machinery and agritech, with the UK agricultural machinery sector valued at approximately 2.5 billion annually. "Backed by a dynamic Irish farm machinery industry, our clients' reliable, high-performance solutions are highly valued by UK farmers facing similar climatic and operational challenges. The 21 Enterprise Ireland client companies exhibiting at LAMMA 2026 are: Abbey Machinery AgriSpread(on Dales Agri Sales stand) Easyfix Future Grass Technologies Granning Axles and Suspension GrasstecGroup Herdwatch Hi-Spec Engineering JFC Agri JM Agri Design Keenan M-Tec Engineering Major Malone Mastek McHale Quality Tractor Parts Rotospiral Slanetrac Wakely Engineering Zeus Packaging Following Diageos price hike of a pint by 7c, the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) is asking whether these prices will make it back to farmers. IFA grain chair John Murphy said: Whoever is making money along the chain to the taps, its not the farmer growing the crops. "This is the fifth price increase in three years. In the same period, the price of malting barley has halved. Irish malting barley prices are determined from the FOB Creil Index, and they fell by 23% alone in 2025. Mr Murphy said morale among tillage farmers is very low after three financially challenging years. During this period, premium crops such as malting barley helped to support tillage incomes, but the collapse in malting barley prices means this support is unlikely to be there for harvest 2026, he said. Diageo is investing more than 250m in a state-of-the-art carbon-neutral brewery in Co Kildare. The company needs to remember that locally sourced Irish barley is central to sustainability, but tillage farmers have to be financially viable in the first instance, said Mr Murphy. The IFA said it would write to Diageo to highlight farmers concerns about the future of malting barley production in Ireland. In 1650 George Fox, founder of the Religious Society of friends, told a judge to "quake before the word of the Lord". Quaker entered the lexicon as a derogatory nickname but Foxs followers accepted it. A species of South American parrot, first introduced to Science by the Comte de Buffon, bobs up and down. It quakes. Being relatively plain and monkish, the quaker parrot is also known as the monk parakeet. In a research paper just published, zoologist Claire OConnell of the University of Cincinnati claims that this is a socially sophisticated creature. It even tests the waters before approaching a parrot that it doesnt already know. ~double the groups, double the drama~ we are spicing up our third field season with 2 social groups!! pic.twitter.com/s1AXMDJcAf Claire O'Connell (@clairakeet) January 20, 2022 Thrush-sized, and long-tailed, the quaker is slightly smaller than the familiar ring-necked parakeet, which has colonised cities in Europe. Like the ring-necked, it became a hit with the pet trade. Birds were taken from South America to Europe. In due course, some of them escaped from their cages and began nesting in the wild. Colonies were established in Italy, Slovakia, and the Canary Islands. Escapees also set up shop in London and in the English home counties. Vagrants are recorded occasionally in Ireland. Although monogamous, quaker parrots build large high-rise apartment-style nests of sticks. There are numerous chambers and pairs nest in close proximity to each other. Their architectural skills, however, get them into trouble; the bulky nests are often located on electricity pylons and mobile-phone masts, where they cause power outages when it rains. A paired parrot likes to groom its partner. Unpaired ones, however, will perch close to another but keep a discrete distance between them. Claire O'Connell, PhD student in the Hobson Lab at the University of Cincinnati studying the relationship between affiliation and social structure in monk parakeets. Picture: @clairakeet OConnells team took quakers from the wild and kept them in a large outdoor aviary. To study their social interactions and early pair formation, four groups of parrots, unfamiliar to each other, were brought together to form a community. There were 14 males and eight females. How would they behave on encountering strangers? Would they pair up readily and mate with them? Most wild creatures dont beat about the bush when trying to secure mating partners. Faint heart never won fair lady is the general rule. To pass on its genes to the next generation, a would-be suitor must seize the day and, to quote Samuel Beckett, strike before the iron freezes. Intensive monitoring of the Cincinnati birds showed that quaker parrots do things differently. Despite being colonial nesters, tolerant of neighbours, they proved to be very cautious when forming bonds. Deferring gratification, they began making overtures to prospective partners only very gingerly. Their motto, it seems, is fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Such behaviour is unusual among animals, with few exceptions. Vampire bats, however, exercise similar caution; males offer a blood-meal to a prospective partner before attempting to groom her. Like vampire bats teeth, parrot bills are fearsome weapons; they evolved to crack open the hard shells of nuts. A bite sustained during an unwanted encounter could be lethal, so caution is advised. This parrot species is appropriately named. "Our life is love, peace, tenderness and bearing one with another" says the book Quaker Faith and Practice. Misperceptions about immigration in Ireland are widespread and systematically biased, as many with negative feelings believe it is happening on a larger scale than it actually is, a new study has found. Furthermore, factual inaccuracies by public figures about migrants may distort democratic debate, increase public vulnerability to misinformation and worsen tensions, according to research published on Thursday. The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) was commissioned by the Department of Justice to conduct the survey of 1,200 adults which found that people misjudge how much of our population was born abroad, why people come to Ireland, their education levels and employment rates. An informed debate about issues like immigration requires shared understanding of the facts, said Dr Shane Timmons, senior research officer at the ESRI and lead author of the report. While most people do not hold negative attitudes toward immigration, those who do tend to strongly underestimate migrants economic contribution. In reality, fewer migrants are living in Ireland than people think, and far more come for work and education than people believe. The ESRI said its study was conducted against a backdrop of increased public discourse around immigration that has been marked by violent protests at buildings earmarked for asylum seekers, increases in racially motivated hate crimes and the spread of online misinformation. It said that understanding the drivers of attitudes to immigration is important in this context. It also comes as the Government this week unveiled its new International Protection Bill, which it described as the most significant reform of Irish asylum laws in the history of the State, but faced criticism from advocacy groups as cruel and intent on keeping families separated. In its research, the ESRI said it did not expect individuals to know precise immigration statistics but wanted to reflect how any inaccuracies in peoples beliefs might relate to their broader attitudes and behaviours towards immigration. It also did not presume that such misconceptions cause people to feel a certain way towards immigration. The purpose of this study is not to advocate for changing attitudes toward immigration for their own sake, it said. Rather our aim was to identify systematic misperceptions that can distort democratic debate, increase vulnerability to misinformation and exacerbate social tensions. It found most study participants overestimated the size of the migrant population in Ireland, putting at 28% the proportion of people having been born abroad compared to official estimates of 19-22%. They overestimated the number of migrants born outside the EU, UK, and North America, the proportion of the population who are men born abroad and the social housing uptake of migrants. On the other hand, they underestimated migrant employment rates and third-level education levels, while accurately estimating the same rates for the Irish-born population. Misperceptions predicted more negative attitudes to immigration, the ESRI found. Overestimating the share of recent migrants seeking international protection and underestimating the share of recent migrants coming for work and education had the strongest links with negative attitudes. Regarding financial status, there was no association between income and attitudes, but experiencing material deprivation, feeling less well-off compared to others and having less optimism for the future were associated with more negative attitudes. The researchers concluded that misperceptions of immigration are not random and public discourse plays a significant role. It said the findings suggest that the amount of attention given in public discourse to subgroups of migrants like asylum seekers may lead the public to believe that these groups are more representative of the migrant population than they are in reality. Selective amplification of exceptional or politically charged cases, without providing appropriate context, may mislead the public and contribute to misperceptions, it added. This evidence further supports efforts for greater accountability of online platforms that fail to counter disinformation. Grok should be banned due to its ability to create sexually explicit images of women and children, Helen McEntee has said. The foreign affairs minister is the first senior Cabinet member to call for the banning of Xs AI chatbot. Her comments came as gardai confirmed they are currently investigating 200 child sexual abuse images generated by Grok. In recent weeks. Grok has been used to generate explicit images of women and children through whats described as a nudification function. It has been used to remove clothing from pictures published on the site. This is one of the single biggest challenges that we are facing and its something we dont talk about enough," said Ms McEntee adding the Government and EU need to "explore every option to rein in social media firms like X. I think we need, collectively, to be stronger in pushing back against social media companies and not letting this type of technology take hold and cause the damage that it can. The foreign affairs minister said she mainly uses X as a communication tool, but does not engage with the site beyond that. I dont comment, I dont respond on it I mean, social media is a really great way of being able to communicate, to get your message across. But I think in particular X, it is just toxic in my own view of it. At the Oireachtas Media committee, Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh of the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau told the Oireachtas Media Committee there have been 200 reports to date received by gardai, which are being investigated involving content of child sexual abuse material or indicative of CSAM. He said it now had to be shown the images in question were criminal in nature before further investigation could take place. That may lead to the execution of warrants, he said, adding any investigation may not be into X itself, but into the images which have been shared on the platform. Enoch Burke arrived outside Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath on Thursday morning after being released from prison on Wednesday. A High Court judge said on Wednesday that Mr Burke should be released from Mountjoy Prison to prepare for a case launched against an appeals body due to review his dismissal from the 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. Speaking outside the school gates, Mr Burke said he had a "duty" to attend and that he has "a job here". This morning the High Court was told Enoch Burke had returned to the school. Rosemary Mallon BL, for the school, asked Mr Justice Brian Cregan, who released Mr Burke from prison for permission to mention the case again this afternoon when she will present an affidavit outlining what had happened this morning. She said he had returned to the school this morning and passed the gates. "There is a security man there and there is another problem as there were quite a number of protesters who also passed into the school premises", she said. The judge said he had been reflecting on the matter overnight and it appeared the school might have to bring a fresh motion to attach and commit Mr Burke to prison again. He said he would hear this afternoon an application by Ms Mallon for short service of that motion along with the update on what happened today. Mr Burke has been in jail since late November for breaches of a court order directing him not to trespass at Wilsons Hospital School, 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. Enoch Burke speaks to the media as he prevented on arrival from entering Wilson's Hospital School. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire 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. 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. The governing body of rowing in Ireland has suffered a major setback after being refused planning permission for a new high performance training centre on the shore of Blessington Lakes in Wicklow because of its potential impact on a protected species of wild goose. An Coimisiun Pleanala upheld an appeal against the decision of Wicklow County Council to approve the development by Rowing Ireland for the proposed facility, including a new boathouse at Burgage Moyle about two kilometres south of Blessington. The commission said it could not be satisfied beyond reasonable scientific doubt that the proposed development would not have a significant adverse effect on Greylag geese a protected species found in the adjoining Poulaphouca Reservoir Special Protection Area. It pointed out that to permit the development in such circumstances would be contrary to the EU Habitats Directive as well as the objectives of the Wicklow County Development Plan. The ruling comes almost nine years after a planning application for the new facility was first made by Rowing Ireland. A delay arose after the High Court quashed the original decision by the commissions predecessor, An Bord Pleanala, to grant planning permission for the project in March 2022 due to flaws in the assessment of environmental issues. The High Court directed that the planning application by Rowing Ireland should be remitted to the commission for fresh consideration and determination. The case arose from a judicial review sought by an objector to the plans, Raymond OSullivan, who was also behind the successful third-party appeal against the councils recent ruling. Mr OSullivan claimed the proposed facility would result in the destruction of habitat and disturbance to wildlife which would lead to piecemeal destruction of an EU-designated site of international ecological importance. He also argued that there were no overriding reasons of public interest to suggest that the new high performance training centre should proceed. Mr OSullivan said the development would also have a detrimental impact on the roosting habitat of Greylag geese. Rowing Ireland case However, Rowing Ireland claimed it had proposed mitigation measures which would have dealt adequately with the potential impact of rowing on the Blessington Lakes. It estimated that there would only be a small increase in the number of boats on the lakes as a result of the new boathouse, while there would be no rowing during hours of darkness. The rowing body claimed the location of the new facility was a positive measure for Greylag geese as it was further away from the part of the lakes where they roosted than an existing boathouse used by rowers. Rowing Ireland said the need for the new boathouse was not to attract new members but to increase the storage facilities for boats for rowers training professionally who currently transported their boats to the lakes. Although Rowing Ireland already has a high performance centre with the National Rowing Centre in Farran Wood, Ovens, Co Cork, it claimed there was a need for a similar facility for rowers in the east of Ireland, particularly those living in the greater Dublin area where there are a large number of rowing clubs. The commission said it was not satisfied there was sufficient information provided by Rowing Ireland to assess the impact of the development, together with the continued operation of an existing boathouse, on the conservation objectives of the Poulaphouca Reservoir Special Protection Area. The trial of a Kerry humanitarian and lawyer charged with people smuggling after trying to rescue refugees from drowning in the sea has begun what may be its final day in Lesvos, Greece. Sean Binder, alongside 23 fellow defendants, is before the three judge Court of Appeal in Mytilene, Lesvos. Although the trial, which began before Christmas, is not an appeal, the gravity of the charges has placed it in this higher court. The three felony charges they face people smuggling, belonging to a criminal organisation, and money laundering - are amongst the most serious in the State. If convicted, they could face 20 years in prison. Defendants are expected to give evidence today and more than a dozen of them are in court. A doctor from the US, a banker from the Netherlands, and a police officer from the Netherlands are among the 24 people, who range in ages from 20s to late 70s, facing trial. Mr Binder began volunteering for the search and rescue NGO ERCI on Lesvos in 2017, a lethal year for crossing the Mediterranean with more than 3,000 people reported dead or missing. In 2018, the Greek authorities arrested Mr Binder, then age 24, and detained him for more than 100 days before releasing him on bail. Mr Binder has been trapped in limbo for the seven years since, with limitations on his career and having to save to potentially pay for an apartment in Greece so that his mother and partner could visit if he is jailed. 'Chilling' effect on humanitarian efforts Miring humanitarians in seven years of probable lawfare has had a chilling effect on others keen to help vulnerable people arriving in Europe. The uncertainty has scared people away from doing search and rescue, Mr Binder previously told the Irish Examiner. The search and rescue organisation he volunteered for ceased to exist as everyone involved was arrested. Sean Binder with his mother outside court in 2021. File picture: Manolis Lagoutaris/AFP via Getty Images) Targeting humanitarians for helping refugees is not isolated to the 24 defendants in Lesvos. Mr Binder knows of 143 people in similar situations across the EU, including a Swiss pastor who was to be prosecuted for allowing asylum seekers sleep in his church. "But people still have a right to seek asylum. That's still the law. There's still a right not to drown," Mr Binder said. "We still have the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which says we have an obligation to assist people in distress. "The Maritime Convention specifically states we have an obligation to assist people regardless of what their passport, their visa says." Mr Binder was born in Germany but moved to Castlegregory, Co Kerry, at the age of 5. He studied in Trinity College Dublin and at the London School of Economics before training as a barrister. When released from a Greek prison, he spent time with his mother in Togher, Cork. He is now practicing criminal law in London. Its been horrifying to confront the hypocrisy of European border policy. On the one hand, we lecture the rest of the world about the European Convention on Human Rights and how strong Europe is in upholding fundamental rights. And yet, as soon as the responsibility comes to implement those in our own waters, they evaporate, meaningless. People are abandoned to drown." Charges faced by the defendants The lawyer who is leading the defence, Zac Kesses, said that the charges the humanitarians face are extremely serious. They are: forming and participating in a criminal organisation; migrant smuggling; and money laundering. The last charge stems from the police assertion that ERCI was not a humanitarian organisation but criminal, so all funds it held were criminal. In Greece, anyone convicted of membership of a criminal gang or people smuggling must be imprisoned until any appeal. So if anything goes wrong, the defendants will end up in prison pending appeal, Mr Kesses said. Migrant smuggling carries a 10-year sentence per person smuggled. In Greeces case against the humanitarians, more than 100 people were allegedly smuggled, potentially bringing jail terms of more than 100 years. But practically in Greece the maximum sentence a person can serve is 20 years, Mr Kesses said. He expects the humanitarians to be acquitted. But the cases were brought with the goal of pushing humanitarians off Lesvos, he said. Back in 2018 there was a perception that the humanitarian agents were a pull factor in migrant smuggling, Mr Kesses said. Multiple criminal cases were brought against humanitarians to discourage volunteers from coming to provide humanitarian assistance, he said. China calls for political dialogue in Yemen Xinhua) 15:35, January 15, 2026 UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on parties to the Yemen conflict to engage in political dialogue to settle disputes. For some time now, the situation in Yemen has been volatile, with the peace process deadlocked, armed conflict persisting, and the humanitarian situation deteriorating rapidly, said Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. China supports efforts to uphold Yemen's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and calls on the parties to resolve differences and disputes through political dialogue, and create conditions for restoring peace and tranquility in Yemen at an early date, Sun told the Security Council. China supports Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other regional countries, as well as the wider international community, in playing a constructive role in the political settlement of the Yemeni issue, he said. The protracted conflict in Yemen has long demonstrated that military means cannot achieve the desired objectives, and that armed conflict only inflicts further harm, said Sun. "We call on all parties in Yemen to prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people, exercise maximum calm and restraint, avoid triggering new conflicts, and take steady steps toward establishing a nationwide ceasefire." China urges the Houthis to respect the right of commercial vessels from all countries to navigate through the Red Sea in accordance with international law and to maintain the safety of shipping lanes. Relevant parties should respect Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity and cease attacks on Yemen, he said. The situation in the Red Sea highlights the spillover effects of the Gaza conflict. Without a genuine, comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, stability in the Red Sea cannot be fully restored, said Sun. China calls on the international community to expedite the implementation of the two-state solution and promote a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the Yemeni issue and in restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, he said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Following the Half-Yearly Meeting on Saturday 14 February, 2026, members of the General Council and their guests are cordially invited to the General Council Lunch, which will take place, as usual, in the magnificent Playfair Library Hall in Old College. We are delighted to welcome Professor Marion Thain, Director, Edinburgh Futures Institute to give the after lunch talk: Marion Thain comes to Edinburgh Futures Institute from her role as Professor of Culture and Technology at Kings College London, where she was Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities for 6 years. While at Kings she founded and led the Digital Futures Institute, which grew out of her Centre for Attention Studies. She began her career as a Junior Research Fellow at Cambridge University, and worked in English departments at Russell Group universities before moving to New York University as a professor of Arts and Literature (in English and the school of the interdisciplinary global liberal arts) and Director of Digital Humanities. She returned to the UK in 2018. Marion is interested particularly in the relationship between culture and technology (considering technology in the broadest sense) and in formations of disciplinarity and interdisciplinarity. Details can be found at www.marionthain.org. If you would like to attend the next General Council Lunch, please book online at: forthcoming-meeting or complete and return the form on page 16 no later than Friday 30th January 2026. Tickets, at 34 each, include a pre-lunch wine reception followed by a buffet lunch. The High Court was told today that teacher Enoch Burke has returned to Wilson's Hospital School in Westmeath and passed through the gates this morning. As a result, Rosemary Mallon BL, for the school, asked Mr Justice Brian Cregan, who released Mr Burke from prison yesterday, for permission to mention the case again this afternoon when she will present an affidavit outlining what had happened this morning. A court order requiring convicted fraudster Catherine OBrien to clear a debt judgement of almost 300,000 to the estate of a woman she had persuaded to give several loans remains unenforced. OBrien, who has an address in An Ghrianan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, was sentenced on Wednesday in Waterford Circuit Court to 25 months in prison, after being convicted in July of three charges of deception relating to the purchase, transport, and insurance of a French mare. Her sentence is back-dated to July. Following her sentencing, the daughter of Waterford woman Marie OShea has spoken out about efforts her family has made to recover loans given to OBrien by the late Mrs OShea. Roisin OShea said: Catherine took on a daughter-like role, inserting herself into my mothers life daily, portraying herself as kind and loving while convincing this vulnerable woman who lived alone to hand over almost 250,000. A High Court judgment was made in June 2009 after legal proceedings were taken by Mrs OShea when efforts to have the loans repaid to her failed. An enforcement order was made by Judge Terence Finn in Dungarvan District Court in December 2019 that OBrien pay a total of 290,184.72 to the estate of the late Marie OShea, from Stradbally in Waterford. The payment was to be made in weekly instalments of 10,000, according to the court order. The debt arose from loans given to Catherine OBrien over 17 months by Mrs OShea. She died in 2016, and efforts to have the loans and interest repaid to her before her death failed. Roisin OShea said she became aware of the extent of the funds loaned to Catherine OBrien by her mother in 2009 when Marie OShea confided in her. She still held a belief that Catherine was her friend and would give her back her money. When the reality hit, that Catherine would not repay her, my mother was devastated. This proud, fiercely independent woman was unable to process the extent of the betrayal. Efforts by the estate of Ms OShea to have the money repaid have also failed. The loans were given to OBrien by cheque, bank transfer, and cash lodgements between June 2007 and November 2008 by Mrs OShea. The High Court ordered a total of 289,194.47 be paid to Mrs OShea by OBrien to include the balance due to her from the loans, as well as costs, expenses, and interest. An affidavit in the High Court case, seen by the Irish Examiner, stated Mrs OShea had been influenced by the attention, affection, and time given to her by OBrien. A judgment was made in OBriens absence on December 4, 2019, at Dungarvan District Court, that she pay the amount from 2009 to the estate of the late Ms OShea. The order declared failure to make a payment may lead to a further summons being issued against her to attend the district court, which may lead to your being arrested and imprisoned for a period of up to three months. However, the money has not been repaid to date, as the summons server was unable to serve the instalment order on OBrien. The case was due back before the district court in mid-2021, but OBrien failed to appear. The court was told her whereabouts at that point were unknown. Friends of the man on trial for murdering 28-year-old Bruna Fonseca in Cork on New Years Day 2023 testified on Thursday about the accused telling them that morning by phone, "I killed Bruna", and showing them on the phones screen the deceased lying on a bed. The trial of Miller Pacheco will continue on Friday 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. Pedro Enriquez Eduardo, a best friend of the accused, testified by video link from Brazil today that Miller sent him a video of Bruna kissing another person that New Years Eve. Pedro said that Miller said during a phone call: Forgive me, brother, you was the best of us you and Felipe (another friend since childhood). In a video call, Pedro said Miller looked normal. I think Felipe asked where was Bruna. And he said, I killed Bruna, Pedro said. He said Miller said this about 15 minutes into the phone call. We could not believe it so he went and showed us Bruna lying on the bed and she was covered by a blanket. Felipe turned his face away so he did not see it She was lying on her belly, her back was up. Her hair covered her face, the blanket covering her up to her shoulders, Pedro said. Pedro and Felipe and Felipes wife, Ludmilla Milo Faria, kept talking to Miller until gardai arrived. Pedro told defence senior counsel, Ray Boland, he had never seen him being violent in his life. Felipe Peroni recalled Miller sending a message: I am sorry, there is no way to come back. He said he thought this was a reference to returning to Brazil. I remember we telling him he should come back to Brazil. Then he said to us he killed Bruna. We got into shock. We could not believe it We were afraid he might commit suicide, Felipe said. Ludmilla testified about Miller telling them he killed Bruna. She said: We were trying to keep him busy and talking to us so he would not make another mistake. Katia Silva testimony Witness Katia Silva told Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford and the jury of seven women and five men that she met Miller for about 40 minutes on Christmas Day 2022. Asked what he said about Bruna, Katia said: He was angry, upset, frustrated He said Bruna does not care about his feelings, she is very selfish. He called her bad names I dont want to say the names. Katia said he also spoke about the Argentinian young man who was seeing Bruna. She testified: He said he wants to kill him I will kill this guy I did not meet him (Argentinian man) but Bruna talked to me about him. The witness said there were flirting text messages being sent between them (Bruna and the Argentinian man) and that Miller saw these messages on Brunas phone. I told him (Miller) to move on. When I was talking with Miller he asked had she been with anyone else. I said, 'Maybe yes but she is single, leave her alone', Katia said, adding that she did not go to the New Years Eve party in the Oyster Tavern herself but she knew that Bruna was very happy about going to it. Ray Boland cross-examined the witness in detail about her evidence that Miller said he was going to "kill" the Argentinian man. Mr Boland said that was not what she said in her statement to gardai, in which she said that Miller told her: I am not going to let the guy get away with it, I am going to get him, and that he did not say the word, kill. Mr Boland reminded her that she even clarified in her garda statement that by "get", she thought he meant that he would hit the other man and did not mean any more than that. Katia said at the end of questioning from Mr Boland and from the judge on this issue: I did alert Bruna because I thought something stronger could happen. Alafo Morais testimony Witness Alafo Morais described the community of Brazilians in Cork as mutually supportive in getting work and accommodation. He said he met Bruna at a Halloween party in 2022. He said that at the New Years Eve party in the Oyster Tavern, he and Bruna were dancing and kissing. I saw this guy staring at me, flower (fluorescent images) on his T-shirt, his eyes. I did not understand. I did not know what it was. He was staring at me In Brazil, people dont stare at you for no reason, Alafo testified. Recalling his interaction with Bruna at the party he said: I was kissing her, hugging her and talking about the new year. Leticia Souza testimony Leticia Souza testified that she was talking to Bruna on December 27, 2022: She was very upset and sad about everything that was going on between her and Miller. Leticia saw Miller staring at Bruna and Alafo at the New Years Eve party, and that Miller looked a bit angry and was standing close to them. Asked how Bruna reacted, Leticia said: She was scared because she did not expect him to be there. Very, very scared. The trial continues. The High Court has ordered that immediate steps be taken to serve papers on teacher Enoch Burke seeking his return to prison after he again breached an order not to trespass on Wilson's Hospital School in Westmeath. On Thursday afternoon, Mr Justice Brian Cregan granted Rosemary Mallon BL, for the school, permission for short service of proceedings seeking his attachment and committal to prison for breaching a previous order not the trespass. This followed a comment earlier in the day by the judge that having reflected on the matter since he released Mr Burke from prison on Wednesday that it would be necessary to bring a new attachment and committal motion to jail him again if he returned to the school. Mr Burke told the judge, via video link on Wednesday, that he had every intention to return to "his place of work" upon release. Mr Burke has already spent more than 560 days in prison, over different periods over the last three years, since he was dismissed over his conduct following a refusal to obey a direction from the then school principal. Each time he has been jailed it has been as result of breach of an order not to trespass on the grounds. Ms Mallon told the court on Thursday that the principal had informed the school solicitor that at 10.07am this morning, Mr Burke had returned and walked a number of feet past the gate before his way was blocked by a security man. There were also a number of protesters outside the school with placards and flags, some of whom who had also walked on to the grounds. Ms Mallon said the school finds itself in the "invidious situation" where within 24 hours of his release from prison he had returned to the school even though the court made it abundantly clear it was to allow him to prepare for a new case he was bringing over his dismissal from the school and that he was not to trespass. Mr Burke has brought new proceedings challenging the composition of a new Disciplinary Appeals Panel which will hear his appeal against his dismissal. Ms Mallon said while she was not suggesting Mr Burke was responsible for the protesters, she had been informed that teachers and others found it hard to access the school with the protesters there. She agreed with the judge that while they had a right to protest outside the school, that "without Mr Burke's presence" it was highly doubtful they would be there. The judge granted Ms Mallon permission to serve the proceedings via Mr Burke's email address and adjourned the matter to tomorrow afternoon. "I would expect to see you and/or Mr Burke here tomorrow", he said. Chaos had hit the beaches of Lesvos where 3,000 people, including children, many injured or hypothermic after near-lethal journeys at sea, could wash up in a single day in dire need of aid, the trial of a Kerry humanitarian on people smuggling charges heard. What was unfolding on Greek beaches in 2018 was the biggest refugee crisis since World War II and humanitarians were trying to respond and save lives, the court in Lesvos heard. Sean Binder, who grew up in Castlegregory, Co Kerry, was one of 24 people charged with people smuggling, belonging to a criminal organisation and money laundering three extremely serious felony charges that could have resulted in 20 year prison sentences for the defendants. They were all acquitted on Thursday night, eight years after charges were first brought. Some defendants became tearful as they recounted their experiences trying to save people from drowning off Lesvos before they were arrested in 2018. One defendant spoke of seeing people crushed to death on crowded boats, unable to help. She has been unable to erase those harrowing images from her mind. She also remembered lifting childrens cold, limp bodies from those boats, not knowing if they were dead or alive. One defendant, Sara Mardini, a former competitive swimmer and human rights activist who has been named one of Time Magazines 100 most influential people of 2023, said she had felt compelled to help on Lesvos after having to flee her home country of Syria. She had experienced bad treatment as a refugee and she wanted to show others in that situation some humanity and help translate as she spoke Arabic, she told the court. Her colleague on Lesvos, Sean Binder, began volunteering for the search and rescue NGO Emergency Response Center International (ERCI) on Lesvos in 2017, a lethal year for crossing the Mediterranean with more than 3,000 people reported dead or missing. In 2018, the Greek authorities arrested Mr Binder, then age 24, and detained him for more than 100 days before releasing him on bail. The trial eventually got underway late last year and resumed this week. Sean Binder's testimony Mr Binder gave evidence at the three-judge Court of Appeal in Mytilene, Lesvos on Thursday. I just completed my Masters in 2017. In that time, the so called migration crisis was happening. "I felt that as a European citizen and someone with search and rescue training that I could assist, he told the court. Mr Binder found the Greek search and rescue organisation ERCI online and applied to volunteer. He submitted his certification for scuba dive rescue and his driving licence and his application was quickly accepted. He arrived in Greece to volunteer on October 4, 2017. Mr Binder, who grew up in Castlegregory, Co Kerry, had significant experience at sea and in lifesaving, so he believed his skills could be of use. He joined the ERCI search and rescue team. Part of his role involved spotting, when two volunteers would patrol the sea from midnight to 7am, staring into the inky blackness alert to any indication that someone was in distress. If we saw a boat in distress, if permitted, we would go out to sea or respond with a medical team on the shoreline, he said. When he took over as search and rescue co-ordinator in January 2018, some three months after beginning to volunteer, he began to open up their team to co-ordinate more thoroughly with other humanitarians operating on the island. He believed that search and rescue should investigate information from locals, other NGOs, and on social media regarding potential boats in distress. Using WhatsApp WhatsApp was used to coordinate the organisations response, to communicate within the organisation and to communicate with other humanitarian groups operating on the island, he said. It has been alleged that using WhatsApp was nefarious as it is an encrypted messaging app. But the defendants denied this strongly, saying it is a commonly used messaging app and that their messaging on it was in no way secretive. I was open to working with other organisations on the island, I was open to locals coming up and telling us about boats they thought were in distress," he told the court. Any distress call would be confirmed before volunteers contacted the coastguard or woke their colleagues to respond, because not all reports were genuine. We would not share rumours, he told the court. But every time they knew a boat was in distress, ERCI contacted the coastguard about it, he said. Central to the charge of people smuggling is an allegation that they refused to cooperate with authorities and tried to hide their actions from them. This was strongly denied by all defendants. In addition to alerting the coastguard to any search and rescue operation, Mr Binder said that he would email the local port authority every week with names and passport numbers for anyone who would be sent out to sea on the search and rescue team for the week. Although under Mr Binders leadership, the group started to investigate reports of boats in distress made on social media, by locals and other NGOs, he said that the team never patrolled speculatively. They only responded to reports of distress. The scale of the crisis Some 3,000 people were arriving on the beaches of Lesvos on a daily basis on some 50 boats, witness Iasonas Apostolopoulos told the court. He was volunteering with the Platanos Refugee Solidarity charity in 2018 when Mr Binder and his co-defendants were charged. They were trying to save lives in often chaotic, difficult situations, he said, and he denied that they were in any way involved in people smuggling or criminal activity. Allegations that they were using encrypted apps for communication were also spurious as WhatsApp the messaging app they used although encrypted is freely used by people everywhere. There were only two ambulances on the island at the time, but there could be 50 medical emergencies to deal with at once, he said. WhatsApp helped the humanitarians, including many doctors and interpreters, respond to the serious needs across multiple locations, often at the same times, he said. This co-ordination saved lives, he said. Without it, hundreds of thousands of people would likely have died, he told the Irish Examiner after giving evidence. Official organisations, including the UN, were involved in the same WhatsApp groups, he said. And authorities had not yet begun pushing back refugee boats, he said. The then left-wing Greek government was not hostile to those fleeing war, persecution and poverty, so there was no need for humanitarians responding to the crisis to hide their actions or for refugees not to declare to Greek authorities, he said. So there was no motivation to hide people, he said. Humanitarians also co-ordinated directly with the coastguard, he said.Local services were overwhelmed and humanitarians provided support, he said. A Cork man who allegedly robbed 6,260 from the Bank of Ireland in Douglas threatening he had a gun, but saying before he left: Thank you, and Im sorry for this, was remanded in custody until February 12. On the application of Sergeant John Kelleher, Judge John King remanded 42-year-old Noel OBrien, of 68 Maryborough Court, Douglas, Cork, in custody until then to allow time for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. A book of evidence is to be prepared in the case against a man who is accused of punching a woman repeatedly into the face at her home in Cork. Paul Harty, ageed 44, of Bay 11, Shandon Rd halting site, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, appeared at Cork District Court by video link from prison. His solicitor Eddie Burke said in court: A book of evidence will be required. On the application of Sergeant John Dineen, Judge John King adjourned the case until January 28 to allow time for preparation and service of the book of evidence. At an earlier hearing of the case, Paul Harty said the complainant "only got a few scratches, and that she was the one who first assaulted him. Garda Keith Shire charged him with assault causing harm to the woman in the early hours of September 30 at an apartment at Lower Glanmire Rd in Cork. When gardai arrived at the scene, Paul Harty was observed assaulting the woman inside the premises. He pulled her by the hair and while she was on the ground he was punching her to the face with a closed fist. Gardai gained entry to the premises by jumping a back wall and entering via a back door. Paul Harty continued striking the woman until he was physically pulled off her by gardai and restrained. The injured party remains in hospital being treated for her injuries. It is alleged that he does not live there and was verbally aggressive. Having left for a time it is alleged that he returned, entered the property and the physical altercation occurred. The injured party suffered injuries to her nose, her teeth and her face. I believe that if granted bail he would commit further offences of a similar nature. During the incident he allegedly said he would 'do time' for (womans name). This assault continued until gardai intervened and it is the belief of gardai that Mr Harty will attempt to assault her again, Garda Shire said. Represented by Eddie Burke solicitor, Paul Harty testified that he was previously in a relationship with the woman and that she phoned him to come up from Dungarvan to visit her and that, on this date, September 29/30, they were drinking together. We were hugging and kissing. She said, do you want to get back together? I said, No, it is what it is. She snapped. She hit me in the forehead with something. I want no more to do with this woman, as God is my judge. I dont bother with drugs or drink I drink an odd time. She started making swings at me, I ended up assaulting her. She only got a few scratches, Paul Harty said. The sister of child killer Tegan McGhee has described her as an "evil monster", following her sentence of life in prison on Wednesday. Tegan McGhee from Limerick was jailed for the murder of her partners four-year-old son Mason OConnell Conway in 2021. She had pleaded not guilty to the childs murder but changed her plea to guilty after medical evidence was heard at her trial last November. Masons father, John Paul OConnell, has already been jailed for seven years for assisting an offender, neglect, and endangerment of a child. On Tuesday at her sentence hearing, Shannon McGhee shouted at her sister: "I hope you rot in hell." Writing on social media, Shannon said: "I wasnt going to say anything about this, but I refuse to live in someone elses shame. "My sister Tegan is an evil monster, no amount of words can describe how cold and cruel she is. She fooled us all for a full year before she was arrested and the truth came out, I couldnt understand how the person I knew and loved my whole life was someone I didnt even know. "Ive never said anything about this before because they werent allowed to be named. Not me or any member of my family knew of the horrific things that happened to Mason, he was kept from his family as well as us." She said she believed that Mason had fallen from a bunk bed, as claimed by her sister and John Paul OConnell to gardai at the time. "When Mason died, we also lost him," she said. "He was a beautiful little boy who brought so much joy to our lives, and we mourn him every day," she said. "Tegan and John Paul not only took Mason's life but ruined everyone elses along with it. Justice has finally been served although no amount of time can ever compare to the life she stole from Mason. She said: To sit in court and watch her not even show a flicker of emotion speaks volumes she is evil. "I admire the strength Lizzie (Masons mother) has shown and how hard she fought for her son; the nightmare is never really over but at least the long wait for justice is finally over." She posted an image of Mason smiling at the camera under her post. The harrowing trial was anonymised until a successful legal challenge was taken to name those involved in the case. The court heard that Mason was taken to hospital on March 13, 2021, after suffering injuries to his head. His father said he had fallen from a bunk bed. Medical staff said the child was covered in bruises from head to toe which they said were inflected at different times. His rib was broken, his liver was torn and he suffered a catastrophic brain injury. A fisherman has died and another was seriously injured after an accident on a Spanish trawler off the Kerry coast. The tragedy occurred when a rope snapped aboard the vessel, striking two men working on the boat. The incident happened on the Spanish-registered Novo Alborada when it was about 30km off Valentia Island, in what local fishermen have described as fairly difficult sea conditions. One of the men died on board from his injuries and the second fisherman was successfully taken off the trawler and transferred to Cork University Hospital by an Irish Coast Guard helicopter. Two helicopters and a fixed wing Irish Coast Guard plane were used in the mission, which was co-ordinated by the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Valentia, Co Kerry. The trawler regularly fishes off the south-west coastline. In 2018, a 51-year-old fisherman lost his life following an accident involving a trawler door on the same vessel. A file was sent to the DPP in relation to that matter but no prosecution was taken in the case on health and safety grounds. At Cork Coroner's Court in August 2019, coroner Philip Comyn expressed concern that foreign-registered vessels often fail to have safety standards that comply with their Irish counterparts. After a few minutes of deliberations, a verdict of accidental death was recorded in the case. Responding to the latest incident, a Department of Transport spokesperson said: Just after 9am the Irish Coast Guard received a request from the Spanish Coast Guard to provide assistance to the Spanish fishing vessel Novo Alborada 30 nautical miles south-west of Valentia Island. A fixed wing Irish Coast Guard plane took part in the rescue mission along with two Coast Guard helicopters. Two crew members onboard had been seriously injured when a rope snapped. The Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre at Valentia initiated a search and rescue plan utilising the Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter R115 and the Fixed Wing aircraft from Shannon. The Rescue Helicopter R118 from Sligo was also tasked in a support role. The Coast Guard Fixed Wing 120F facilitated the aircraft co-ordinator role on scene with support communications back to the co-ordination centre in Valentia. Sea conditions were challenging with waves of between five and six metres. R118 from Sligo was able to complete winching operations and transfer the first casualty to Cork University Hospital. It was confirmed on board that the second crew member had sadly not survived the accident. In 1960, Edward Shackleton, son of the Anglo-Irish polar explorer, a decorated former pilot and Labour politician, complained that Britain had given up any pretence to think or act for itself when it came to defence. A cash-strapped Conservative government no longer wished to invest in an independent nuclear deterrent but would rely upon the United States to supply the UK with missile technology. We are in a serious position, if we are no longer independent. It is true that we shall have to rely on the Americans to help us out of our difficulties and, with the best will in the world, they may let us down, Shackleton warned. More than six decades later, the UK is one of a group of European countries advocating a European-led Nato mission to Greenland, ostensibly to address rising security concerns in the Arctic, but also to deter any future hostile US military action to seize the country from Denmark. Almost nobody in 1960, including Shackleton, envisaged the potential for armed conflict between Nato member states. Rather than acting with the best will of the world, president Donald Trump has proved to be a faithless member of the transatlantic alliance. Tourists kayak in front of Nuuk Cathedral in Nuuk, Greenland, last summer. The UK is one of a group of European countries advocating a European-led Nato mission to Greenland. File photo: AP/Kwiyeon Ha Instead of championing support for Ukraine and Nato to suppress Russian aggression, he sees Europes vulnerabilities as an opportunity to extract rent and land. Anger in the UK at such a betrayal of trust is justified. There are thousands of relatives and friends who mourn British servicemen and women killed in Afghanistan and Iraq during the US-led war on terror. The UK also hosts many military and intelligence bases that extend US global power and influence. Yet there is a resignation in British policy circles, a sense that there is no alternative to further attempts to placate Trump, if necessary by sycophancy. Chief among British Trump-whisperers, Peter Mandelson, recently praised Donald Trumps "graciousness", a presidential characteristic that even many Trump loyalists in Washington would fail to recognise. Mr Mandelson, a former EU commissioner, had nothing to say in defence of another former commissioner, Thierry Breton, who the Trump administration placed on a sanctions list for his involvement in implementing the EUs Digital Security Act which aimed at regulating illegal or harmful online content. Despite his scandalous friendship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein (which ended his ambassadorship in Washington), much has been made of Mandelsons ability and that of the British government to maintain good relations with Trump. London has appealed to Trumps great loves gilded interiors and television by successively dangling lavish banquets with the British royal family as an incentive for maintaining the special relationship. But what has British prime minister Keir Starmer gained? His government can point to lower tariffs for UK goods entering the US market compared to the EU. Also, despite Trumps threats to remove communications, targeting and intelligence support from the Ukrainian military, that assistance remains in place even if European states have had to significantly increase their proportion of overall funding of Ukraine compared to that previously committed by president Biden. Strategically, Britain is in a bind. Britains defence community has no experience, and little appetite, to imagine what a radically reduced UK strategic dependence on Washington might look like. Encouraging steps towards European defence co-operation were abruptly interrupted in December when the EU imposed an exorbitant entry fee, including payments to EU-funded programmes that the UK itself could not access, for London to join the EU-led Security Action For Europe defence industry initiative. This was not the time for further Brexit punishment; indeed, the debacle raises questions about whether Europe can ever achieve a much greater degree of strategic autonomy and power in a rapidly disordered and threatening world. Edward Burke: 'Trump has repeatedly claimed that the EU was designed to screw the US and has made clear his contempt for the European Commission and the single market.' The announcement last week by the British government of a new defence partnership with Trump ally, Peter Thiels Palantir, for "data analytics capabilities supporting critical strategic, tactical and live operational decision making" was therefore unsurprising. Rather than attempting a dramatic strategic rebalancing of UK foreign policy and defence capabilities, the Starmer government has its fingers crossed that Trump is bluffing and that transatlantic relations will stabilise in the coming months. Starmer has often been slow to respond to repeated, vicious attacks on Londons lord mayor Sadiq Khan by president Trump and vice president JD Vance, their false or exaggerated criticism of the curtailment of free speech, claims about the prevalence of crime in Britain, and their repeated support for Nigel Farages Reform Party. The Irish government, too, has been careful not to directly criticise president Trump. Last year Taoiseach Micheal Martin declined to muster any defence of the EU after Trump repeatedly attacked Brussels during the White House St Patricks Day ceremony. The problem for European leaders who duck Trumps punches is that the edifice behind them is beginning to crack. Trump has repeatedly claimed that the EU was designed to screw the US and has made clear his contempt for the European Commission and the single market. It is no accident that Trump and Vance have consistently offered their support to far-right political movements, like Alternative fur Deutschland and Rassemblement national, who are most determined to destroy the power of the EU. These are Trumps "political allies in Europe", referred to in the recently published US National Security Strategy. However, the same document also reveals the USs greatest vulnerability namely, that transatlantic trade is indispensable to the US economy. In an election year, when tariffs are linked to concerns about increased costs for US households, Trump can ill-afford an escalation in his trade dispute with Europe. The outcome of US congressional elections may yet hobble Trumps wilder foreign policy ambitions. European leaders have understandably been trying to buy time. But instead of ceding to Trumps threats, EU governments should double down on digital sovereignty and moves to reduce reliance on Washington for defence, including by advancing the EU-UK defence relationship. Now is the time to stand up for Europe. Edward Burke is assistant professor in the History of War at UCD Local planners at the County Hall have given the green light for a new Lidl store in Cork. The German retail giant lodged plans in October 2024 to construct a new licensed discount food store at Castlelake Avenue, Cork Road in Carrigtwohill. The approved development, which will span more than 3,790 sq m in total and reach a maximum of four storeys in height, would comprise a retail sales area, an off-license and a bakery, as well as public facilities, offices, a delivery area and a storage area. Ancillary units for various non-retail services are also included in the development. Further information on the plans was sought by the council in September last year, in which Lidl revised its proposal, re-designing the building to incorporate a range of non-retail activities. These will include a hair and beauty salon, a gym, treatment rooms, saunas and ice baths, a dry cleaners, toilets and a reception area. The plans also include a public plaza area with 96 car parking spaces. The primary entrance for both vehicles and pedestrians would be provided via a new site entrance from Castlelake Avenue, with a secondary pedestrian access route provided via the proposed public plaza at the junction of Castlelake Avenue and Cork Road. "Acknowledging the character and range of existing commercial and retail development in the local area and in Carrigtwohill Town Centre, the revised proposal seeks to present a mixed-use development that assigns floorspaces to uses for which, it is understood, there is a likely demand," Lidl said in its submission, adding that uses such as a dry cleaners, a salon and a gym would complement the available retail and non-retail service uses already in the area. The plans received submissions from local residents, who raised concerns about the large, generic building described in the planning application which was not "substantially different" from the previous one lodged in 2024. Despite these submissions, Cork County Council approved the plans, granting permission for the new store with the conditions of the decision yet to be published. Israel will honour the late Charlie Kirk for his work combating antisemitism, four months after the conservative activist was assassinated while speaking at an American university. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said Mr Kirk will be given an award at the International Conference on Combating Antisemitism in Jerusalem later this month. Several pro-Israeli leaders are expected to attend the event, among them Albanian prime minister Edi Rama and former Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz. This year will be the second time Israels government hosts the conference, which it says is dedicated to confronting antisemitism and Holocaust denial in todays world. Mr Kirk was a staunch supporter of Israel. After his death, Mr Netanyahu described him as a lion-hearted friend of the country and a defender of our common Judeo-Christian civilisation. The Turning Point USA co-founder frequently invoked scripture and prophecy to urge American Christians and conservatives to stand by the country against its enemies. But some of his comments about Jewish philanthropy and Hollywood drew accusations of antisemitism. And as debates over Israel have emerged among American conservatives, his legacy on the issue has become contested. Last year, speaking on The Megyn Kelly Show, he said support for Israel had become so rigid that he felt unable to voice even mild criticism of its policies. A jury has convicted an 83-year-old US man of murder after he shot an Uber driver who he wrongly thought was trying to rob him after scam phone calls deceived them both. William J Brock, of Ohio, shot Lo-Letha Toland-Hall after assuming she was in on a plot to get 12,000 dollars (9,000) in supposed bond money for a relative, authorities said. She had fallen victim to the same scammer, driving to Brocks home between Dayton and Columbus to pick up a package for delivery, according to investigators. Booking photo of William J Brock (Clark County Sheriffs Office/AP) He shot the 61-year-old, from Columbus, six times when she showed up at his home in March 2024, authorities said. Brock, of South Charleston, was convicted of murder, felonious assault and kidnapping. He is scheduled to be sentenced next week. His lawyer said the shooting was in self-defence and the scammer had made threats against him and his family. Brock told the court he felt threatened when the driver arrived at his house, but prosecutors said Ms Hall was unarmed and posed no threat when he shot her. Investigators said the driver was unaware of the scam call Brock had received with threats and demands for money. Clark County prosecutor Daniel Driscoll told reporters after the verdict that both families lost loved ones because of the scam. The really sad part about this is that we know there are still criminals out there, he said. We know that the scammers, the folks who started this, havent been brought to justice. Quincy, CA (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) Political analysis aims at understanding events that are only partially knowable by comparing them with conceptual frameworks that have been useful before. Mr. Trumps actions in Venezuela appear chaotic by the standards of policy consistency or national interest. Viewed through the lens of contemporary autocratic practice, his recent moves fit well, eliciting new streams of tribute, bargaining with fellow autocrats, and making progress toward criminalizing the US military. By ordinary political standards, Mr. Trump once again appears to be erratic. He campaigned on keeping the US out of war, bid for the Nobel Peace Prize, then began bombing international waters and a foreign country. He punished Brazil with heavy sanctions for arresting an autocratic traitor, then postured as savior of democracy in Venezuela, only to shun the opposition and embrace the oppressive regime anew. He kills purported drug runners and accuses their countrys president of being a narcotics kingpin, but pardons the former president of Honduras, who is a convicted narcotics kingpin serving time in a US jail. As for national interest, one dimension might be expansion of US oil interests, but experts point to a massive need for infrastructure in pursuit of a category and quantity of oil that is not that attractive. Moreover, US oil does not trust the regime that Mr. Trump has preserved, the CEO of Exxon being widely quoted as declaring Venezuela is uninvestable. The other claimed interest is interdicting drug traffic at sea. Mr. Trumps use of force in no way resembled a serious attempt to lend teeth to international anti-drug efforts. Compare the anti-piracy fleet in the waters of the Middle East to see how legitimate naval protection works. There, despite very complex obstacles, a small international flotilla was able to whittle down the pirate threat with minimal bloodshed, and do so within international law and norms. By contrast, Mr. Trumps unilateral, lethal action, unsupported by actual evidence of drugs endangered the legal status of the sailors who were ordered to do it. Care was taken to assure that no wreckage, survivors, or cargo were recovered, lest any target prove to be innocent. What this does do is undermine the US Navys role as global enforcer of free navigation, lending legitimacy to Chinese assertions of dominance over international waters near its shore. All these actions and words make a great deal more sense when examined through the politics of 21st Century autocracy. In the growing fraternity of authoritarians, economics exists for the sake of political extraction, and private wealth is only permitted on condition of complicity. Cooperation among the new model dictators is problematic, but they emulate one anothers practices, assist one another at times, but will gain at the expense of another if the incentive is sufficient. The forces of order enforce orders not restrained by law. However, the charge of inconsistency only holds if one expects a leader to establish a stable, systemic outcome. Measured by the standards of contemporary autocratic practice, Mr. Trumps actions are characterized by continuity, not surprise. Demonstrating that he is willing to commit crimes to hurt some drug traffickers, and also willing to spare even the worst of them is the classic opening move for setting up a protection racket. Drug corruption is not just bribery, it is selective enforcement. Compare his approach to that of the two relevant drug kingpins. A US DoJ Press Release on Hernandez, updated 2/6/25 says, During his time in office, Hernandez publicly promoted legislation and the efforts he purported to undertake in support of anti-narcotics measures in Honduraswhile at the same time promising drug traffickers who bribed him and followed his instructions that they would remain safe in Honduras. Page 12 of the indictment against abducted Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro Moros alleges that he and his wife, worked together to traffic cocaine, much of which had been previously seized by Venezuelan law enforcement, with the assistance of armed military escorts. At the same time they, maintained their own groups of state- sponsored gangs known as colectivos to facilitate and protect their drug trafficking operation. Mr. Trump has publicly taken his tribute in promises of oil, and there is no record, or even serious suspicion, that Mr. Trump has ever dabbled in the drug traffic. If he ever does, the dark money US political system will hide it better than conventional money laundering. One may still note that Mr. Trumps pardons are consonant with his record of recruiting a certain sort of talented advisors (Paul Manafort, Michael Cohen, Steve Bannon, all convicted of crimes after serving him). His pardons have made available a stellar panel of potential consultants for someone, even if not for himself. Hernandez, convicted of abetting the import of over 400 tons of drugs into the US, is expert in running the top tier of drug corrupted politics. Ross Ulbricht, pardoned from a life sentence, ran the dark web operation Silk Road, covering the digital dimension of addiction servicing. Larry Hoover, pardoned from multiple life sentences, was so adept at street level distribution that he ran the Gangster Disciples and their allies from behind bars. Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios, pardoned while under indictment, led MS-13 from cartel to international terrorist group. There is a big question for the autocratic perspective, though. What happened to the Russians in Venezuela? For years, various outlets have reported that the Caracas regime was secured against domestic or international attack by a tripwire force of 150 Russians from the mercenary Wagner Group. The tripwire was made more effective when Wagner contractors were absorbed into the Russian army. Something above 1,000 allied Cuban troops added heft to the contingent, and Cuba says 32 of their troops were killed in the US raid. If the Russians were technical advisors they might have been out of harms way, but in 2024 they were spotted on the streets, helping with frontline repression of democracy protests. One potential answer is available. Several aviation and defense websites reported that, on October 26, 2025, a Russian heavy air transport plane landed in Caracas, Venezuela after a flight that originated in Moscow. The plane is operated by a Russian company included in US sanctions against Wagner. At the time, this was interpreted as evidence of Russia reinforcing its support for Mr. Maduro. In retrospect, and until any new information emerges, the stronger assessment would be that the plane extracted the Russians, avoiding a clash with the US raiders. Online flight trackers show that it left with no recorded destination, but it seems to have turned off its transponder twice as it traveled to Cuba and Nicaragua, then back to Caracas before departing the hemisphere. The flight was almost simultaneous with a Russian proposal to the US on Ukraine. That proposal became the 28-point, Russian victory formula offered by the US as if it were an American idea. At the time, Secretary of State Rubio stumbled, admitting that the document was handed to the US. He quickly reversed himself, apparently realizing that a truth protecting Mr. Trump was less important than a falsehood protecting Mr. Putin. Barring a coincidence, it appears that Mr. Putin and Mr. Trump may have arranged a trade. Mr. Trump betrayed President Zelensky in exchange for Mr. Putins betrayal of Mr. Maduro. Cubas troops seem not to have been in on the deal. U.S. Air Force crew chiefs watch as F-35A Lightning IIs taxi following military actions in Venezuela in support of Operation Absolute Resolve, Jan. 3, 2026. U.S. military forces are deployed to the Caribbean in support of the U.S. Southern Command mission, Department of War-directed operations, and the presidents priorities to disrupt illicit drug trafficking and protect the homeland. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Katelynn Jackson). Public Domain. Via Wikimedia Commons . Most important to the mutual satisfaction of Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin is that the Venezuelan regime remain undisturbed. Russias primary weapon in its war with the West is refugees. Its interventions in Syria, Libya, and Venezuela generated oceans of refugees to besiege the West, and the Kremlin has had great success promoting political division out of the resulting social strain. Mr. Trump is the primary beneficiary of that program in the Western Hemisphere. Any change that resulted in a serious reversal of the Venezuelan exodus would be bad for both autocrats, so the legitimate winner of last years election has little hope. Last, but not least, this intervention nudges along the criminalization of the US military and law enforcement. They must be ready to block the election in major US cities this November, and there is much to do before then. Again, it is not possible to be completely confident of any insight into a political gesture for which there is a shortage of direct evidence. Nevertheless, what is known about how 21st Century autocracies operate seems a strong guide to understanding the recent episode, while competing approaches are left with confusion that is helpful only to the autocrats. Middle East Studies Association Board | Committee on Academic Freedom | Volker Turk UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro President, UN Human Rights Council Francesca Albanese UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Your Excellencies, Madam Special Rapporteur: We write on behalf of the Board of Directors and the Committee on Academic Freedom (CAF) of the Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) to express our deep concern regarding Israels relentless assaults on Palestinian universities and its targeting of students and faculty in the occupied West Bank. While nearly every institution of higher learning in the Gaza Strip has been destroyed or has sustained considerable damage rendering them unusable, the violent military interventions at universities in the West Bank persist. On 6 January 2026, the Israeli military forcibly entered Birzeit University and fired live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and stun grenades, injuring forty-one students. Eleven students were hospitalized, including nine with gunshot wounds. MESA was founded in 1966 to promote scholarship and teaching on the Middle East and North Africa. The preeminent organization in the field, MESA publishes the International Journal of Middle East Studies and has nearly 2600 members worldwide. MESA is committed to ensuring academic freedom and freedom of expression, both within the region and in connection with the study of the region in North America and elsewhere. During this most recent invasion, the Israeli military destroyed the universitys main gates and raided the campus during formal hours of instruction while more than 8,000 students were present. Upon entry, the military opened fire indiscriminately, turning the university grounds into a military zone. According to Israeli sources, the military sought to disrupt an event in support of terrorism. The event in question was a non-violent, student solidarity action in support of Palestinian political prisoners and the screening of The Voice of Hind Rajab, a film about the final hours of 5-year- old Hind Rajab, who was trapped in a vehicle under heavy Israeli fire in Gaza before she was killed in January 2024. This attack is not an isolated incident. One month prior, on 9 December 2025, the Israeli military raided both Birzeit University and Al-Quds Universitys main campus in Abu Dis. It entered the Birzeit campus during the early morning hours, detained five security guards and stormed several buildings, causing extensive damage to property and equipment. The attack on Al-Quds University took place later that morning during formal hours of instruction. The military positioned sniper units on rooftops, entered classrooms during lecture sessions, and interrogated students. According to Palestinian Authority Ministry of Education and Higher Education statistics, in the period between October 2023 and December 2025, the Israeli military killed 37 university students and injured 259 others in the West Bank. It detained 463 university students 148 of whom are from Birzeit University and 27 higher education staff, most held under administrative detention, that is, without trial or charge. Israeli military raids of Palestinian universities and colleges are routine practices. According to Birzeit University sources, the incursion on 6 January was the 26th raid on the university since 2002. Israels heightened movement restrictions on, and routine harassment of, Palestinians at military checkpoints regularly prevent students, faculty, and staff from reaching their respective campuses or impose on them significant delays, always with considerable threats to their personal security. According to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), there are approximately 849 movement obstacles throughout the West Bank, including 288 gates, 60 percent of which are frequently closed. Israeli settlers, with the acquiescence of the military, routinely impose their own movement restrictions as well. Furthermore, in 2025, according to UNOCHA, Israeli settlers (with the protection, and in some cases, participation of the military) carried out 1,800 attacks in the West Bank that resulted in the injury of 1,190 Palestinians and property damage in about 280 communities across the West Bank, primarily in the Ramallah, Nablus and Hebron governorates where key universities and colleges are located. Israels systematic and ongoing assault on Palestinian institutions of higher learning, its raids on university campuses, ongoing and widespread detention of students, faculty and staff, movement restrictions, and the escalation of settler violence have made it nearly impossible for these institutions to carry out their educational mission. Israels collective punishment measures are an extension of decades-old military occupation policies that seek to undermine the education sector. As evidenced by the many letters we have written [among them, those dated: 23 June 2025; 20 March 2024; 25 January 2024; 28 November 2023; 22 November 2023; 21 November 2023; 16 October 2023], the Government of Israel, its armed forces and the settlers it protects have engaged in persistent, gross violations of international laws and legal norms in their unrelenting attacks on Palestinian university students and institutions of higher education. As an occupying authority, Israels targeting of Palestinian educational institutions through incursions, raids, attacks and detention of students and faculty constitute violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, relating to the protection of civilians in times of war. The Government of Israel and its militarys obstruction of education is also a clear violation of the right to education enshrined in Article 26 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and Article 13 of the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The right to education is an internationally protected human right, and educational institutions are protected under international law; this right is binding in all circumstances and is to be protected in all situations, including during crises and emergencies resulting from civil strife and war. Israel is a party to the UDHR and to the ICESCR and is therefore legally obligated to uphold them. These cumulative attacks on higher education are part of a broader genocidal campaign now being waged against the Palestinian people. We call upon international actors to intervene as they can to put an end to the ongoing assaults on the academic sector and take measures to ensure that Palestinian universities can carry out their educational mission and Palestinian students can continue their education undisturbed. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. Ussama Makdisi MESA President Professor, University of California, Berkeley Judith E. Tucker Chair, Committee on Academic Freedom Professor Emerita, Georgetown University Recommendations To the United Nations: 1. Implement concrete measures, such as the coordination of protective presence in the form of visible international accompaniment at checkpoints, routes to universities, and on college and university campuses, to ensure the protection of students, faculty and staff from Israeli military and settler attacks and arbitrary police actions, so that students can continue their education, faculty can continue to teach and universities can carry out their educational mission. 2. Demand full access to the occupied Palestinian territories to ensure that the UN can carry out independent monitoring and documentation of violations against institutions of higher education. 3. Demand that Israel lift its restrictions on movement that have prevented Palestinian institutions of higher education from properly carrying out their educational mission. To the United States: 1. Ensure the implementation of a permanent ceasefire and call for an end to Israels blockade on the Gaza Strip so that the education sector can begin to be rebuilt and the right to education can be upheld. 2. Demand that the Government of Israel, its armed forces, and the settlers it protects halt their violent and arbitrary attacks against Palestinian universities, and violent harassment of faculty, staff and students. Impose sanctions on Israeli officials and settlers responsible for the blockade and raids against Palestinian institutions of higher education. 3. Pressure Israel to lift its restrictions on movement that have prevented Palestinian universities from properly carrying out their educational mission. To the European Union: 1. Support a permanent ceasefire and call for an end to Israels blockade on the Gaza Strip so that so that educational sector can be rebuilt, and the right to education can be upheld. 2. Demand that the Government of Israel, its armed forces, and the settlers it protects halt their violent and arbitrary attacks against Palestinian universities, and violent harassment of faculty, staff and students. Impose sanctions on Israeli officials and settlers responsible for the blockade and raids against Palestinian institutions of higher education. 3. Pressure Israel to lift its restrictions on movement that have prevented Palestinian universities from properly carrying out their educational mission. 4. Conduct a legal assessment of Israeli violations against the Palestinian higher education sector to determine which aspects of EU-Israel cooperation violate international law and take steps to remedy those violations. cc: United Nations Cheikh Niang, Chair of UN Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People Ajith Sunghay, Head of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory Farida Shaheed, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education Navanethem Pillay, Commissioner of the UN Human Rights Councils Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel Miloon Kothari, Commissioner of the UN Human Rights Councils Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel Chris Sidoti, Commissioner of the UN Human Rights Councils Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator of UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the UN Audrey Azoulay, Director-General, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Noha Abdul-Aziz Bawazir, Head of UNESCO Office in Ramallah and UNESCO Representative in Palestine European Union Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament David McAllister, Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs Mounir Satouri, Chair of European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights Viktor Almqvist, Press Officer for the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Subcommittee on Human Rights of the European Parliament Ursula von der Leyen, President of European Commission Kaja Kallas, Vice-President European Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of European Commission and Council of the European Union Helene Le Gal, Managing Director of European External Action Service Michael OFlaherty, Commission for Human Rights of Council of Europe United States Donald J. Trump, President of the United States Marco Rubio, Secretary of State and US National Security Advisor Peter Hegseth, Secretary of Defense Mike Waltz, Acting Representative of the United States to the UN Other Ahmed Abul Gheit, Secretary General of the League of Arab States H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Highlights: New Zone at Tamarack 1.28 g/t Au over 49.3m 400m to the east Cleary Zone 0.91 g/t Au over 150.9m zone broadening at depth The width refers to drill hole intercepts; true width cannot be determined due to the uncertain geometry of mineralization VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 15, 2026 /CNW/ - Freegold Ventures Limited ("Freegold") (TSX: FVL) (OTCQX: FGOVF) is pleased to announce the successful identification of a new mineralized area at its Golden Summit project, the Tamarack Zone. The Tamarack Zone is situated approximately 400 metres east of the Cleary Zone, extending the mineralized footprint at Golden Summit. As part of Freegold's ongoing efforts to identify additional mineralization adjacent to the primary resource area, four drill holes were completed in the Tamarack Zone. This initiative is designed to evaluate the project's exploration potential further and delineate the extent of mineralization. The identification of the Tamarack Zone marks a significant advancement in expanding the eastern boundaries of Golden Summit's mineralized area. This discovery highlights Freegold's continued success in growing the mineralized footprint at Golden Summit. The new Tamarack Zone demonstrates both grade and width comparable to previous intercepts in the resource area, suggesting the potential for a significant new mineral resource area immediately to the east. The first hole in the Tamarack Zone, GS2536, was collared nearly 400 metres east of one of the easternmost holes in the Cleary Zone (GS2532) and intersected 1.28 g/t gold over 49.2 metres. Freegold is highly encouraged by these initial results. Assays for the remaining three holes in this new zone are pending: GS2540, GS2545, and GS2551. Freegold has planned additional drilling for 2026, targeting the area between Cleary and Tamarack, which contains substantial infill potential in previously untested areas. Hole Depth (m) Dip () Azimuth () From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) GS2536 483.3 -70 330 103.4 113.0 9.6 0.88 279.5 281.7 2.2 23.1 362.0 411.2 49.2 1.28 452.0 473.9 21.9 0.71 The width refers to drill hole intercepts; true width cannot be determined due to the uncertain geometry of mineralization Cleary Zone GS2532 ~ 400m west of GS2536 Hole Depth (m) Dip () Azimuth () From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) GS2532 785.5 -75 360 389.2 395.3 6.1 24.9 529.4 680.3 150.9 0.91 width refers to drill hole intercepts; true width cannot be determined due to the uncertain geometry of mineralization The easternmost drill hole in the Cleary Zone, GS2532, was directed north to assess the down-dip continuity of the Cleary Vein system along its eastern edge. Known for high-grade, narrow, and discontinuous veins at shallower depths, Freegold's exploration is focusing on the potential for wider mineralized zones at depth. Drill hole GS2532 intersected a broad zone of 0.91 g/t gold over 150.9 meters, further validating the current exploration model and provided significant infill data for the upcoming resource update and pre-feasibility study (PFS). (Section 479950E). Drilling was completed in mid-December, with 62 holes drilled. Analytical work, cutting and sampling of the remaining drill holes, is ongoing, and further results will be reported once they have been received and validated. Drilling is planned to re-commence in February, beginning with an initial 50,000-meter program. Comprehensive metallurgical studies and an extensive infill drilling campaign will continue to support ongoing resource modelling and the pre-feasibility study ("PFS"). These efforts are underpinned by a highly successful equity financing round that attracted participation from over 20 institutions and secured capital for continued exploration beyond the main resource area and for completing the PFS. About Golden Summit: Since 2020, the Golden Summit Project has become one of North America's largest undeveloped gold resources. The significant increase in resource ounces and grade is the result of targeted drilling campaigns from 2020 to 2024 (over 130,000 meters), ongoing improvements to geological models, and a better understanding of mineralization controls. Ongoing drilling has continued to delineate zones of higher-grade mineralization and to convert previously considered waste areas into potentially economically viable mineralized zones. Continued westward expansion has led to the discovery of new, higher-grade zones, increasing both indicated gold resources and grades. Positive metallurgical test results have also advanced the project, with recovery rates exceeding 90% achieved using sulphide-oxidizing techniques, including BIOX, POX, and the Albion Process. Recent test work has also included the GlassLock Process, which demonstrated that the gold grade of the concentrate can be increased with no measurable gold loss, and that a direct-to-smelter saleable concentrate can be produced while significantly lowering the arsenic content. As of July 2025, the current Golden Summit resource includes an Indicated Primary Mineral Resource of 17.2 million ounces at 1.24 g/t Au and an Inferred Primary Mineral Resource of 11.9 million ounces at 1.04 g/t Au, calculated using a 0.5 g/t cut-off grade and a gold price of $2,490. Cutting, sampling, and analytical work remain ongoing. Drilling is expected to resume in February. Results from the drill programs are expected provide the basis for an updated mineral resource estimate, which will support the upcoming Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS). Links to the Plan Map and Section 479950E https://freegoldventures.com/site/assets/files/6287/section-479950e.pdf https://freegoldventures.com/site/assets/files/6287/nr-2025-drilling-20260113.pdf HQ Core is logged, photographed and cut in half using a diamond saw, and one-half is placed in sealed bags for preparation and subsequent geochemical analysis by MSA Laboratories in Fairbanks, Alaska or ALS's facilities in Vancouver and Thunder Bay. At MSALABS, the entire sample will be dried and crushed to 70% passing -2mm (CRU-CPA). A ~500g riffle split was analyzed for gold using CHRYSOS PhotonAssay (CPA-Au1). From this, 250g will be further riffle split from the original PhotonAssay sample, pulverized, and a 0.25g sub-sample analysed for multi-element geochemistry using MSA's IMS230 package, which includes 4-acid digestion and ICP-MS finish. MSALABS operates under ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 certified quality systems. Core samples were delivered to ALS's facility in Vancouver, Canada, where each sample was crushed to 70% passing a 2 mm (Tyler 9 mesh, U.S. Std. No. 10) screen. A representative ~500 g subsample was obtained by riffle splitting (SPL-32a) and analyzed for gold using ALS method Au-PA01, (Photon Assay) which provides a detection range of 0.03 to 350 ppm, in Thunder Bay. In addition, a subsample was analyzed for multi-element geochemistry using ALS method ME-ICP61 (34-element, four-acid ICP-AES). A QA/QC program includes laboratory and field standards inserted every ten samples. Blanks are inserted at the start of the submittal, and at least one blank every 25 standards. The Qualified Person for this release is Alvin Jackson, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration and Development for Freegold, who has approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release. About Freegold Ventures Limited Freegold is a TSX-listed company focused on exploration in Alaska. Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information, including, without limitation, statements as to planned expenditures and exploration programs, potential mineralization and resources, exploration results, the completion of an updated NI 43-101 technical report, and any other future plans. These statements address future events and conditions and, as such, involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statements. Such factors include, without limitation, the completion of planned expenditures, the ability to complete exploration programs on schedule, and the success of exploration programs. See Freegold's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31st, 2024, filed under Freegold's profile at www.sedar.com, for a detailed discussion of the risk factors associated with Freegold's operations. News / Education by Gideon Madzikatidze GLENDALE Renowned traditional healer Sekuru Nyangatayani, born Peter Chingudzi, has paid school fees and donated stationery to less privileged and differentlyabled learners at Glengrey Primary School, in a gesture that has been widely praised by the community.The donation also included teaching materials for staff members, forming part of Sekuru Nyangatayani's ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable groups."This is just the beginning. We will be covering three terms throughout the year, especially for differentlyabled and other less privileged learners. As traditional healers, it is our duty to contribute to the wellbeing of our community, and education is key to unlocking their potential," he said.Glengrey Primary School headmaster, Mr Rufasi Kondo, said the support had helped bridge the gap between rural and urban learners."This donation has empowered rural and farming communities whose parents are mostly poor farmworkers struggling to pay fees. It has bridged the marginalisation gap between the rural poor and urban learners," Kondo said.He also welcomed the support given to teachers, who received chalk, books and ballpoints, saying the gesture would ease their work in line with ministry expectations.School Development Committee chairperson Mr Wilbert Chaurika said the donation demonstrated the positive role traditional healers can play in society."This gesture shows that traditional healers also contribute towards the revival and preservation of culture. It is a clear testimony that moral and ethical decency exists among community leaders," he said."There is a mutual relationship between sustainable education and cultural preservation through the heritagebased curriculum."Teacher Silvia Kaputa expressed gratitude, noting that many learners had gone through entire terms without adequate resources due to poverty and economic hardship."This donation is a huge relief," she said.The gesture has brought hope to learners and teachers alike and has been hailed as an example of how communitydriven support can uplift disadvantaged children. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sable Resources Ltd. ("Sable" or the "Company") (TSXV:SAE | OTCQB:SBLRF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding letter agreement with an arms length party, with the intent to enter into a definitive option agreement to acquire a 100% interest for the La Esquina property located in San Juan, Argentina. The La Esquina property comprises four claims located adjacent to two properties previously staked by Sable. This newly consolidated land package consists of 5,236 hectares and will be now called the Zorro Project. Located in the Frontal Cordillera of San Juan, the Zorro Project is directly north of two well known copper and polymetallic deposits: the Minsud/South32 Chita Valley Project, including the Chinchillones deposit1 which contains indicated resources of 188 Mt @ 0.41% CuEq (0.25% Cu, 0.11 g/t Au, 10.6 g/t Ag, 36 ppm Mo, 0.16% Zn) and inferred resources of 573 Mt @ 0.36% CuEq (0.22% Cu, 0.09 g/t Au, 9.0 g/t Ag, 93 ppm Mo, 0.11% Zn), and the Chita South Porphyry Deposit1 which contains indicated resources of 33.1 Mt @ 0.43% Cu and inferred resources of 8.6 Mt @ 0.40% Cu. Sables Don Julio Project, including four active porphyry targets (Gringa, Morro, Punta Cana, and Tocota), is located 21km west of the Zorro Project (Figure 1). Mineral potential at the Zorro Project was identified through Sables regional target generation work. The project contains a number of historical mineral occurrences and excavations surrounding a large magnetic anomaly measuring approximately 7km by 4km (Figure 1). This magnetic feature seems to be caused by a diorite stock that intrudes Carboniferous sediments and Permo-Triassic granites. Sable has conducted a preliminary field review of some of the mineral occurrences and has identified three different mineralization styles: Intrusion-Related Cu Mineralization Sable has identified copper mineralization only 7.7km from the Chita South deposit1 and only 9.8km from the large Chinchillones deposit1. This mineralization has characteristics typical of intrusion-related mineral systems, hosted within Permo-Triassic granite near its contact with the previously mentioned diorite stock. Coarse chalcopyrite is observed within quartz-magnetite-specularite sheeted veins and veinlets with a dominant NNW orientation. Chalcopyrite-bearing veins are observed over an approximately 650m by 500m area. Sable plans to conduct detailed mapping, sampling, trenching, and geophysics in preparation for a planned drill program in the second half of 2026. Magmatic-Hydrothermal Breccias A magmatic hydrothermal breccia zone was observed outcropping for approximately 180m by 100m, exhibiting quartz, sericite, carbonate, and pyrite cement with mainly sedimentary clasts. This breccia has an NNE orientation; the geometry and textures indicate proximity to the breccia cupola zone with expected zoning to copper mineralization at depth. Epithermal Veins A number of discrete epithermal veins occur in the periphery of the magnetic anomaly. These veins were artisanally exploited in old mining works and display different orientations and thicknesses hosted both in sedimentary rocks and the diorite stock. Galena, sphalerite, and minor arsenopyrite have been observed in many of these structures. The geochemistry and structure of these veins will be carefully studied to determine their exploration potential. During the first reconnaissance of the Zorro Project, Sable collected 98 rock samples which are currently being analyzed by ALS Minerals. The Zorro Project has excellent road access (23km from the nearest village), low elevation (2,600 m.a.s.l), and opportunity for year-round work, reducing significantly the total exploration costs. Dr. Ruben Padilla, President and CEO of Sable, commented, The consolidation of the Zorro land will allow us to explore a high-potential project along a world-class mineral belt with chances of discovering porphyry, epithermal or intrusion related mineralization. Adding Zorro to our project pipeline shows our commitment to exploration in San Juan, one of the most attractive jurisdictions in the world. Figure 1. The figure on the left presents the location of Sables projects and the location of well-known ore deposits and advanced projects in the province of San Juan. The figure on the right shows the location of the Zorro Project with respect to the Minsud/South32 Chita Valley land package, with RTP regional magnetics in the background showing the large magnetic feature around which the Zorro Project is centered. (Mineral Resources data for the Chita Valley Project included in Figure 1 was obtained from Minsuds website www.minsud.com) OPTION AGREEMENT DETAILS The binding letter agreement allows the Company to continue its due diligence process up until February 28, 2026. In order to earn a 100% interest in the properties, the Company must: Make a payment of US$25,000 on the date of signing of the letter of intent (paid) Make a payment of US$25,000 on the date of signing the option agreement; Make a payment of US$70,000 prior to the first anniversary of the option agreement; Make a payment of US$120,000 prior to the second anniversary of the option agreement; and Make a payment of US$760,000 prior to the third anniversary of the option agreement. There is 1% net smelter royalty on the property, which may be purchased by the Company for US$1,000,000. QUALIFIED PERSON Luis Arteaga M.Sc. P.Geo., Vice President Exploration, is the Company's Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. He has reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release. ABOUT SABLE RESOURCES LTD. Sable is a well-funded junior grassroots explorer focused on the discovery of Tier-One new precious metal and copper projects through systematic exploration in endowed terranes located in favorable, established mining jurisdictions. Sables focus is developing its large portfolio of new Greenfields projects to resource level. Sable is actively exploring the San Juan Regional Program (163,969 ha) incorporating the Don Julio, El Fierro, Cerro Negro, and Zorro projects in San Juan province, Argentina and the Copper Queen (15,133 ha), Copper Prince (3,980 ha), and Core Mountain (1,925 ha) properties in British Columbia. For further information, please contact: Ruben Padilla, President & CEO at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +1 (520) 488-2520 Related link: sableresources.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. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Sables current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of Sables management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate. While Sable considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined, risks relating to variations in grade or recovery rates, risks relating to changes in mineral prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of minerals, risks related to increased competition and current global financial conditions, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks, and regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and Sable is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. 1 Mineral Resources data for the Chita Valley Project was obtained from Minsud Resources Corp.s website www.minsud.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Nexus Uranium Corp. (CSE: NEXU) (OTCQB: NEXUF) (FSE: JA7) ("Nexus" or the "Company") announces the acquisition of the Deadhorse uranium project in South Dakota. The project was acquired via staking and is wholly owned with no underlying royalties. The Deadhorse project comprises 17 unpatented lode mining claims totalling approximately 340 acres, located within three miles of the Company's flagship Chord uranium project in Fall River County, South Dakota. The strategic acquisition consolidates Nexus's land position in a historic uranium district and advances the Company's goal of building a standalone ISR project in South Dakota, along with its portfolio of US assets. "The Deadhorse acquisition reinforces our thesis that the lands surrounding the Chord project host significant uranium exploration potential," said Jeremy Poirier, CEO. "With nuclear energy firmly established as a critical component of the clean energy transition, the United States faces a structural supply deficit-importing over 90% of its uranium requirements. By systematically expanding our footprint in South Dakota, we are positioning Chord to be a standalone uranium project to contribute to domestic supply security while creating value for our shareholders." Project Details The Deadhorse claims are located in the located in the historic Edgemont uranium district, part of the broader Black Hills region which has documented historical uranium production from sandstone-hosted deposits in the Inyan Kara Group of approximately 3.2 million pounds1 of U 3 O 8 . The claims cover prospective ground within the same geological setting as the adjacent Chord project, where uranium mineralization is associated with Cretaceous-age sandstones and paleochannel systems within the Inyan Kara Group. Figure 1: Deadhorse Claim Location Map Figure 2: Nexus South Dakota Projects Map About Nexus Uranium Corp. Nexus Uranium is a Canadian exploration company focused on uranium projects in North America. In the United States, the Company holds the Chord, Wolf Canyon, and Deadhorse projects in South Dakota, and the South Pass project in Wyoming. The Great Divide Basin project in Wyoming is now under option to Canamera Energy Metals Corp. In Canada, Nexus holds the Mann Lake project in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. For more information, visit www.nexusuranium.com. The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Warren D. Robb, P.Geo. (BC), a director of Nexus Uranium Corp. and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. Referenced nearby resources, deposits, projects and mines provide geologic context for the Deadhorse and Chord uranium projects, but are not necessarily indicative that they host similar potential, size or grades of mineralization. No mineral resources have been estimated at the Deadhorse uranium project and there is no assurance that further work will result in a mineral resource classification. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the Company building a standalone ISR project in South Dakota, the Chord project becoming a standalone uranium project and contributing to domestic supply security, the Company's exploration plans for the Deadhorse project, the potential for uranium mineralization, the strategic benefits of the acquisition, and the Company's objectives with respect to its uranium portfolio. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, including that the Company will have sufficient capital to fund planned activities, that regulatory approvals will be obtained, and that market conditions will support the Company's business objectives. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially, including risks related to exploration and development, commodity price fluctuations, regulatory changes, and the ability to obtain financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Nexus undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as 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 release. 1 Gabelman, D. L. (1968). Geology and production history of the uranium deposits in the northern Black Hills, South Dakota and Wyoming. In Uranium deposits in the northern Black Hills: 20th Field Conference Guidebook (pp. 263-275). Wyoming Geological Association. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - FIRST ANDES SILVER LTD. (TSXV: FAS) (OTC Pink: MSLVF) (FSE: 9TZ) ("First Andes" or the "Company") today reported the identification of a kilometer-scale zoned alteration cell at its 100%-owned Santas Gloria Project ("Santas Gloria" or the "Project") in Peru, following interpretation of the new WorldView-3 ("WV-3") short-wavelength infrared ("SWIR") spectral alteration mineral mapping data ("WV-3 SWIR"). The alteration assemblage, zonation, and structural control are consistent with a well-developed intermediate-sulphidation epithermal ("ISE") system. Key Points Summary: WV-3 SWIR data has defined a 1.3 km x 2 km zoned alteration cell, coincident with several mapped but fully undrilled vein systems which collectively total >5 km of strike length (Figures 1-2); Alteration cell is strongly zoned and exhibits a mineral assemblage consistent with the expected architecture of a well-developed intermediate-sulphidation epithermal system: Sericite-dominant inner core with localized argillic overprint (kaolinite) Hematite-rich iron-oxide zones nested within the sericite-dominant core, interpreted as oxidation of sulphide-bearing structures along principal fluid pathways Broad, lower-temperature clay halo (montmorillonite) that expands away from the core Distal chlorite-epidote calcite alteration interpreted as propylitic wall-rock alteration The alteration cell core hosts a comparable spectral alteration mineral assemblage to the exposed high-grade San Jorge and Tembladera vein systems (Figure 3); The alteration footprint is structurally controlled, forming an elongate corridor with clustered alteration pods, consistent with fault/fracture-focused fluid flow typical of ISE vein systems; WV-3 SWIR mineral mapping provides a new, high-resolution targeting layer to prioritize follow-up work by focusing on core-domain areas with coincident sericite kaolinite and hematitic zones; Results support immediate follow-up fieldwork to ground-truth alteration boundaries, refine structural interpretation, and conduct systematic sampling across core-to-halo transitions; Phase 2 soil sampling over the southern half of the Project (incl. alteration cell) is to commence in March (1,430 samples), and assays from Phase 1 (1,037 soils) are anticipated in 2-3 weeks. "This is a key step forward for First Andes Silver. WorldView-3 interpretation has defined a large, kilometre-scale, zoned alteration cell that is coincident with known epithermal vein occurrences, and no prior drilling," stated Colin Smith, CEO of First Andes Silver Ltd. "With this new targeting tool in hand, First Andes is moving quickly into systematic field validation and soil geochemistry to define targets. We also look forward to the results of the ongoing metallurgical test work to further validate silver leachability in the oxide domains of the vein systems." "WorldView-3 SWIR mapping has defined a 1.3 x 2.0 km zoned alteration cell at Santas Gloria that directly overlaps multiple mapped but undrilled vein systems with a cumulative strike length of >5 km," stated Dr. Christopher Wilson, Chief Geologist of First Andes Silver Ltd. "The zoning is consistent with the expected architecture of the uppermost part of an intermediate-sulphidation epithermal vein system, including a sericite kaolinite core with nested hematite-rich oxides (after base metal sulphides), which grades outward to distal montmorillonite and propylitic chlorite-epidote calcite alteration. This provides a high-resolution targeting layer that helps define the potential core of the broader Santas Gloria epithermal district." Interpretation The Company interprets the WV-3 SWIR alteration mapping to define a coherent, structurally controlled hydrothermal cell characterized by a sericite-dominant core, localized argillic overprint, outward clay zoning, and distal propylitic alteration (Figures 1-3). This core-to-halo architecture is consistent with alteration patterns commonly developed in intermediate-sulphidation epithermal vein systems, where fluid flow is focused along faults and fracture networks and alteration assemblages vary systematically with temperature, permeability, and distance from principal up-flow zones. Importantly, the presence of extensive hematite-rich iron-oxide zones nested within the sericite-dominant core is interpreted to reflect near-surface oxidation along structures that may have originally hosted sulphide-bearing veins and/or breccias. These oxidized zones can provide a practical surface vector to underlying mineralized structures, even where silicification and quartz veining are not directly resolved by SWIR mineral mapping. Figure 1: WorldView-3 SWIR alteration mineral mapping showing the ~1.3 km 2.0 km zoned alteration cell and the distribution of sericite (core), hematite/iron-oxide gossan, localized kaolinite, montmorillonite (clay halo), and distal chlorite-epidote calcite (propylitic) alteration. Figure 2: WorldView-3 SWIR alteration mineral mapping showing the ~1.3 km 2.0 km zoned alteration cell in relation to mapped intermediate-sulphidation vein systems, surface rock sampling, and drilling. Figure 3: WorldView-3 SWIR alteration mapping showing that the alteration cell core shares an analogous spectral mineral signature to the high-grade San Jorge and Tembladera veins (sericite-hematite with localized kaolinite). Targeting Implications The Company will focus follow-up work on the strongest parts of the alteration footprint, especially where sericite (core alteration) occurs together with hematite-rich iron oxides and localized kaolinite within the main cell. These areas may mark the most active fluid pathways and the best locations for epithermal veins and/or breccias. Additional priority will be given to the edges of the corridor where the alteration changes from sericite to montmorillonite, and to clustered "pods" and structural junctions, which can indicate areas where mineralized structures widen or intersect. These vectors will be integrated with soil results, mapping and rock sampling to refine drill-ready targets. Next Steps First Andes will use the WV-3 products as a vectoring tool to advance and prioritize epithermal corridors by delineating loci of intense hydrothermal alteration. Immediate follow-up exploration to include (Figure 4): Field validation of alteration zonation and structural controls across the main cell and satellite pods; Phase 2 soil sampling in March (planned 1,430 samples) to expand geochemical coverage over the southern Project area; and Targeted rock-chip and/or channel sampling across priority alteration domains and any resulting soil anomalies to support subsequent drill targeting. Figure 4: WorldView-3 SWIR alteration map showing planned Phase 2 soil sampling (March start) and completed Phase 1 soil sampling (assays pending) across priority epithermal vein targets. About the Santas Gloria WorldView-3 Program Property-wide (50 km2) WorldView-3 multispectral and SWIR imagery was captured in December 2025 over the Santas Gloria vein field and prospective extensions, providing a high-quality dataset for district-scale alteration mapping. The WV-3 SWIR and visible near-infrared ("VNIR") wavelengths are capable of detecting key alteration-related minerals, including clays (e.g., kaolinite and montmorillonite), white mica/sericite, carbonate (calcite), and chlorite/epidote, as well as iron-oxide minerals such as hematite. The resulting mineral maps and polygons add a new, high-resolution layer for corridor-scale targeting by highlighting alteration mineral distributions and zonation patterns that can be tested and refined through field validation. Qualified Person Dr. Christopher Wilson, P.Geo., a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Wilson serves as Chief Geologist of First Andes Silver Ltd. and is a shareholder of the Company. About First Andes Silver Ltd. First Andes Silver Ltd. is a British Columbia company that holds a 100% interest in the high-grade Santas Gloria silver property, located in a major mining district 55 km east of Lima, Peru. Santas Gloria has excellent established road access, is situated within a well-known intermediate-sulphidation epithermal belt, and hosts over 12 km of multiphase veins mapped at surface that had never been historically drilled or explored by modern techniques prior to 2024. In only two phases of diamond drilling (2024-2025), First Andes has reported strong near-surface epithermal silver intercepts in 21 of 26 drill holes, confirming silver mineralization across multiple vein systems and supporting systematic, project-wide exploration and follow-up drilling in 2026. Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Company's limited operating history, ability to obtain sufficient financing to carry out its exploration programs and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Vortex Metals Inc. (TSXV: VMS) (FSE: DM8) (OTCQB: VMSSF) ("Vortex" or the "Company") today announced that its board of directors has appointed Mr. Michael Williams as interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Williams is a co-founder of Vortex Metals and the Company's Executive Chairman and brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience in the junior mining industry. Mr. Vikas Ranjan will continue in his role as President of Vortex Metals, working closely with Mr. Williams and the board of directors. His focus on capital markets and corporate development will ensure continuity during the leadership transition and support the Company's growth strategy. Mr. Williams has been instrumental in founding, structuring and advancing several Toronto Stock Exchange-listed companies in the resource sector. In addition to his roles at Vortex, Mr. Williams is the founder and Executive Chairman of Aftermath Silver Ltd., a publicly listed company, with market cap in excess of C$375 million. As Executive Chairman, he has held similar roles with numerous public companies, including Underworld Resources Ltd., which was sold to Kinross Gold Corp. for approximately $138 million in 2010. He has developed an international banking and financing network that includes extensive contacts with both institutional and retail investors, enabling him to raise significant capital for advanced exploration and development projects worldwide. "Michael has been deeply involved in the strategic direction of Vortex since its inception, and we are confident that his leadership will ensure continuity as we advance our projects in Chile and Mexico," said Vikas Ranjan, co-founder and director of Vortex Metals. Michael's appointment underscores the board's commitment to advancing Vortex's high-potential assets," added Mr. Ranjan. "His stature and experience, coupled with our strong project portfolio in Mexico and Chile, position Vortex to deliver significant value for our shareholders and stakeholders." "I am pleased to step into the role of interim Chief Executive Officer," stated Michael Williams. "Vortex has assembled a compelling portfolio of copper-gold exploration assets, and I look forward to working closely with our team and stakeholders to unlock the value of our projects for the benefit of shareholders and the communities in which we operate." Vortex's flagship projects include the Riqueza Marina and Zaachila properties in Oaxaca, Mexico. These projects consist of four exploration concessions covering 15,308 hectares within an underexplored volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) district. Five high-potential target areas have been identified based on geology, geochemistry and geophysics. Improved infrastructure, including access roads and proximity to a major port, combined with high-grade mineralized outcrops and geophysical anomalies, make these concessions promising for a significant copper-gold VMS discovery. In Chile, the Company's Illapel Copper Project is a brownfield property with demonstrated high-grade mineralization. Phase 1 drilling conducted last year confirmed copper-silver and gold-copper mineralization. With multiple surface expressions of copper, a growing list of geophysical targets, and indications of IOCG and gold-bearing vein systems, the Company believes Illapel holds significant discovery potential. About Vortex Metals Inc. Vortex Metals Inc. is a copper-gold focused exploration and development company with a diversified portfolio of exploration projects in Chile and Mexico. Vortex holds an option to acquire up to 80% interest in the brownfield Illapel Copper Project in Chile and through its Mexican subsidiary Empresa Minera Acagold, S.A. de C.V., it owns 100% interest in two drill-ready high-potential copper-gold volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) properties, Riqueza Marina and Zaachila, in Oaxaca, Mexico. The Company emphasizes responsible exploration, community engagement, and environmental stewardship to meet the rising global demand for copper. 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 This release includes statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking 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 intended use of proceeds raised under the Offering and the receipt of final regulatory approval from the TSXV. These forwardlooking 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 Company will not receive the required regulatory approvals or approval from the TSXV in connection with the Offering and that the Company will not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated. In making the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated and that the Company will receive approval from the TSXV in connection with the Offering. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Borealis Mining Company Limited (TSXV: BOGO) (OTC Pink: BORMF) (FSE: L4B0) ("Borealis" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced "bought deal" private placement offering pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (as defined below) of an aggregate of 15,341,000 common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of C$1.50 per Common Share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$23,011,500 (the "Offering"), including full exercise of the option granted to the Underwriters (as defined below). Stifel Canada, as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner, together with Haywood Securities Inc. and Red Cloud Securities Inc. (collectively, the "Underwriters"), acted as underwriters pursuant to the terms of an underwriting agreement dated January 15, 2026. The net proceeds of the Offering shall be used to advance the Company's gold projects in Nevada, as well as for general working capital. In accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Common Shares were issued to purchasers resident in certain provinces of Canada, except Quebec, pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). Pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption, the Common Shares issued pursuant to the Offering are not subject to a statutory hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. The Common Shares were also offered in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons, by way of private placement pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and in jurisdictions outside of Canada and the United States on a private placement or equivalent basis, in each case in accordance with all applicable laws, provided that no prospectus, registration statement or other similar document is required to be filed in such jurisdiction. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid the Underwriters an aggregate cash commission of $1,370,689.98 and issued 913,793 compensation warrants (the "Compensation Warrants"). Each Compensation Warrant entitles the holder to acquire a Common Share of the Company at a price of C$1.50 per Common Share for a period of 24 months from the closing of the Offering. The Compensation Warrants and Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Compensation Warrants are subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities law, expiring four months and one day following the issue date, being May 16, 2026. The Offering is subject to final approval by the TSX Venture Exchange. There is an offering document (the "Offering Document") related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at www.BorealisMining.com. 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. The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under 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 account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. About Borealis Borealis is a gold mining and exploration company focused on exploration and resumption of production of the Borealis Mine in Nevada and the advancement of its Sandman project also in Nevada. The Borealis Mine is a fully permitted mine site, equipped with active heap leach pads, an ADR facility, and all necessary infrastructure to support a heap leach gold mining operation. In addition to the mine, the property, comprised of 815 unpatented mining claims of approximately 20 acres each totaling approximately 16,300 acres and one unpatented mill site claim of about five acres located in western Nevada, is highly prospective for additional high-sulfidation gold mineralization. The Sandman project, recently acquired through the acquisition of Gold Bull Resources Inc., is an advanced exploration project with a recently completed (2021) NI 43-101 compliant resource and a recent (2023) Preliminary Economic Assessment which indicates compelling economics, particularly in light of the increase in commodity prices since publication of the study. Borealis is led by a strong board and management team, many of whom have founded, managed, and sold highly successful mining and exploration companies. 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 may contain certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. 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. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES Melbourne, Australia and Vancouver, Canada January 15, 2026 TheNewswire - Mithril Silver and Gold Limited ("Mithril or the "Company") (TSXV: MSG) (ASX: MTH) (OTCQB: MTIRF) is pleased to advise that 2026 drilling is off to a good start with work commenced at Target 3 at its Copalquin District gold-silver project in Durango State, Mexico. Target 3 is a large area with significant historic mining activity on the eastern side of the district. Recent channel sampling results, at the El Jabali historic workings in Target 3 ,returned results up to 0.65 m @ 16 g/t gold and 1,275 g/t silver. (See ASX announcement, 1 December 2025). Approximately 3,300 metres is planned at Target 3 for its inaugural programme as part of the 25,000 metres of drilling planned for the Copalquin District in the first half of 2026. The Target 3 maiden drill programme is designed to test the continuity and scale of mineralisation and represents an important step toward unlocking the broader potential of the Copalquin epithermal system as we continue to advance multiple targets in parallel. Additionally, Target 5 and Target 1 drilling is progressing with the Target 1 drilling scheduled for completion during Q1, 2026 ahead of updating the Target 1 maiden mineral resource estimate (MRE). The drone magnetic survey over the Copalquin and the La Dura mining concession areas will commence this month, and we are expecting further assays from 2025 over the next few weeks. Figure 1. Drill commencing maiden drill programme this week at the Jabali workings in the Target 3 area on the eastern side of the Copalquin District. We are very pleased to have commenced drilling at Target 3 following the Christmas break, marking another important milestone as we continue to advance multiple high-priority areas across the Copalquin District, said John Skeet, Managing Director & CEO. The 3,300-metre maiden drill program at Target 3 is commencing around the El Jabali historic workings, where recent channel sampling delivered high-grade results of up to 0.65 metres at 16 grams per tonne gold and 1,275 grams per tonne silver. Target 3 represents a large and highly prospective area on the eastern side of the district, underpinned by extensive historic mine workings As we have seen across the Copalquin District, multiple high-grade historic workings and targets provide strong evidence of a well-developed feeder-style epithermal system. Our programs are designed to test both continuity and scale of mineralisation at our targets and are important steps in our strategy to unlock the broader district-scale potential of the Copalquin epithermal system as we advance several targets in parallel. Figure 2. Plan map of Target 3 with the planned drill hole locations for the 3.300 m maiden drill programme. Figure 3. Lower half of the Copalquin District showing the channel sampling results at the multiple target areas in the Copalquin District. The maiden drill programme at Target 3 has commenced at the Jabali historic mine in the north of the Target 3 area. Figure 4. Mithrils Copalquin and La Dura property locations in Durango State, Mexico Figure 5. LiDAR identified historic workings across the 70km2 district. Current drilling locations at Target 1 west and Target 5 (El Apomal), and Target 3. ABOUT THE COPALQUIN GOLD SILVER PROJECT The Copalquin mining district is located in Durango State, Mexico and covers an entire mining district of 70km2 containing several dozen historic gold and silver mines and workings, ten of which had notable production. The district is within the Sierra Madre Gold Silver Trend which extends north-south along the western side of Mexico and hosts many gold and silver districts. Multiple mineralisation events, young intrusives thought to be system-driving heat sources, widespread alteration together with extensive surface vein exposures and dozens of historic mine workings, identify the Copalquin mining district as a major epithermal centre for Gold and Silver. Within 15 months of drilling in the Copalquin District, Mithril delivered a maiden JORC mineral resource estimate at the first of several target areas (Target 1), demonstrating the high-grade gold and silver resource potential for the district. This maiden resource is detailed below (see ASX release 17 November 2021)^ and a NI 43-101 Technical Report filed on SEDAR+ Target 1 Maiden Resource: Indicated 691 kt @5.43 g/t gold, 114 g/t silver for 121,000 oz gold plus 2,538,000 oz silver Inferred 1,725 kt @4.55 g/t gold, 152 g/t silver for 252,000 oz gold plus 8,414,000 oz silver (using a cut-off grade of 2.0 g/t AuEq*) 28.6% of the resource tonnage is classified as indicated Table 3. Mineral resource estimate at Target 1 El Refugio La Soledad using a cut-off grade of 2.0 g/t AuEq* Tonnes (kt) Tonnes (kt) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) Gold Eq.* (g/t) Gold (koz) Silver (koz) Gold Eq.* (koz) El Refugio Indicated 691 5.43 114.2 7.06 121 2,538 157 Inferred 1,447 4.63 137.1 6.59 215 6,377 307 La Soledad Indicated - - - - - - - Inferred 278 4.12 228.2 7.38 37 2,037 66 Total Indicated 691 5.43 114.2 7.06 121 2,538 157 Inferred 1,725 4.55 151.7 6.72 252 8,414 372 * In determining the gold equivalent (AuEq.) grade for reporting, a gold:silver price ratio of 70:1 was determined, using the formula: AuEq grade = Au grade + ((Ag grade/70) x (Ag recovery/Au recovery)). The metal prices used to determine the 70:1 ratio are the cumulative average prices for 2021: gold USD1,798.34 and silver: USD25.32 (actual is 71:1) from kitco.com. For silver equivalent (AgEq.) grade reporting, the same factors as above are used with the formula AgEq grade = Ag grade + ((Au grade x 70) x (Au recovery/Ag recovery)) At this early stage, the metallurgical recoveries were assumed to be equal (93%). Subsequent preliminary metallurgical test work produced recoveries of 91% for silver and 96% for gold (ASX Announcement 25 February 2022) and these will be used when the resource is updated in the future. In the Companys opinion there is reasonable potential for both gold and silver to be extracted and sold. ^ The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources or Ore Reserves is based on information provided in the following ASX announcement: 17 Nov 2021 - MAIDEN JORC RESOURCE 529,000 OUNCES @ 6.81G/T (AuEq*), which includes the full JORC MRE report, also available on the Mithril Resources Limited Website. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the relevant market announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. The company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement. Mining study (conceptual) and metallurgical test work supports the development of the El Refugio-La Soledad resource with conventional underground mining methods indicated as being appropriate and with high gold-silver recovery to produce metal on-site with conventional processing. The average vein width is approximately 4.5 metres. Mithril is currently exploring in the Copalquin District to expand the resource footprint, demonstrating its multi-million-ounce gold and silver potential. Mithril has an exclusive option to purchase 100% interest in the Copalquin mining concessions by paying US$10M on or any time before 7 August 2028. Released with the authority of the Board. For further information contact: The Australian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. 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. Competent Persons Statement - JORC The information in this announcement that relates to metallurgical test results, mineral processing and project development and study work has been compiled by Mr John Skeet who is Mithrils CEO and Managing Director. Mr Skeet is a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. This is a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO) under the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Code. Mr Skeet has sufficient experience of relevance to the styles of mineralisation and the types of deposits under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Skeet consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears. The Australian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release. The information in this announcement that relates to sampling techniques and data, exploration results and geological interpretation for Mithrils Mexican project, has been compiled by Mr Darren LeFort who is Mithrils Exploration Manager. Mr LeFort is a member of the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia and a Certified Professional Geologist (P.Geo). This is a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO) under the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Code. Mr LeFort has sufficient experience of relevance to the styles of mineralisation and the types of deposits under consideration, and to the activities undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr LeFort consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears. The information in this announcement that relates to Mineral Resources is reported by Mr Rodney Webster, former Principal Geologist at AMC Consultants Pty Ltd (AMC), who is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. The report was peer reviewed by Andrew Proudman, Principal Consultant at AMC. Mr Webster is acting as the Competent Person, as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, for the reporting of the Mineral Resource estimate. A site visit was carried out by Jose Olmedo a geological consultant with AMC, in September 2021 to observe the drilling, logging, sampling and assay database. Mr Webster consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on information in the form and context in which it appears Qualified Persons NI 43-101 Scientific and technical information in this Report has been reviewed and approved by Mr John Skeet (FAUSIMM, CP) Mithrils Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Mr John Skeet is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101. Samples are sent to ALS Global with sample preparation performed in Chihuahua City, Mexico and assaying of sample pulps performed in North Vancouver, BC, Canada Bonanza Gold Discovery: Surface sampling headlined by exceptional grades of 53.8 g/t Au, among the highest reported in the Atacama region this year. Exceptional Copper Grades: Results include up to 17.7% Cu, confirming the potential for a high-grade sulfide system. Significant Iron Values: 10 assays exceeding 50.0% Fe, 23 assays exceeding 10.0% Fe, levels typically observed in IOCG systems. Strong Grade Distribution: 25% of all assays returned grades exceeding 1.0 g/t Au, demonstrating property-scale mineralization rather than isolated anomalies. VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 15, 2026 /CNW/ - SUPER COPPER CORP. (CSE: CUPR) (OTCQB: CUPPF) (FSE: N60) ("Super Copper" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce a high-grade discovery from rock grab samples following the completion of its Phase 1 surface sampling program at the 100%-owned Castilla Copper-Gold Project, located in the prolific Atacama Region of Chile. The sampling program, which is comprised of mostly selective rock grab samples and floats, has identified a high-grade, multi-commodity mineral system characterized by bonanza-grade gold (Au), exceptionally high copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) values, supporting the presence of a large and robust mineralizing system. Although the sampling was mostly selective rock grab and float samples, and by nature represent a biased high population, the presence of a robust mineralization system is supported by the fact that there are numerous samples from numerous locations that have yielded greater than 1 gram per tonne (g/t) Au and 1 percent (%) Cu along with significant alteration and pathfinder elements as shown in Tables 1 to 3, and on Figures 1 to 5. "These results represent a defining discovery moment for Super Copper," said Zachary Dolesky, CEO. "Grades of 53.8 g/t gold, 17.7% copper, and over 50.0% iron are exceptional on their own, but what matters most is the consistency and scale emerging across the property. The combination of gold, copper, iron and pathfinder elements points to a robust mineralizing system rather than a single isolated occurrence. With multiple mineralized structures identified, Castilla is quickly shaping up as a potential flagship asset in one of the world's premier copper-gold jurisdictions." Discovery Highlights: High-Grade Hit Rate: 24 of 93 samples (25%) returned gold grades over 1.0 g/t Au. 8 of 93 samples returned copper grades over 1.0% Cu, and 24 samples returned higher than 0.1% Cu. 10 of 93 samples returned iron grades over 50.0% Fe, and 23 samples returned iron grades over 10.0% Fe. Bonanza Gold: 53.8 g/t Au (Sample E02610). Quartz vein float from historical mine working. 15.9 g/t Au (Sample E02567). Quartz vein float from historical trench. 6.09 g/t Au (Sample E02521). Sheared/brecciated vein in old near vertical shaft. Exceptional Copper: 17.7% Cu (Sample E02505). Float near excavation of magnetite vein breccia with malachite and minor chrysocolla and azurite. Malachite infilling fractures and in breccia cement. 6.86% Cu (Sample E02525). Float near old mine working. Altered quartz diorite. 3.27% Cu (Sample E02506). Quartz vein hosted in quartz diorite with malachite and chalcocite. High Grade Iron Oxide Veins: 10 of 93 samples returned iron grades over 50.0% Fe, hosted in magnetite-, hematite-, and specular hematiterich veins and brecciated zones with quartz and minor copper sulphides within diorite. Strategic Location: Situated in Chile's Atacama Region, host to multiple world-class copper-gold deposits and established infrastructure. Project Significance The Castilla Project is located within a world-class copper-gold belt. Notably, the lack of direct correlation between peak gold and peak copper values suggests the presence of multiple mineralized structures, rather than a single localized zone, an important indicator of scale. Mineralization is consistent with IOCG style deposits typically reported in the region with possible superimposed events associated with gold bearing quartz veins. Extent and depth of these veins remain to be determined. Table 1: Top Ten Assay Results by Gold Table 2: Top Ten Assay Results by Copper Sample ID Gold (g/t) Copper (%) Sample ID Copper (%) Gold (g/t) E02610 53.8 0.265 E02505 17.70 1.22 E02567 15.9 0.198 E02525 6.86 0.56 E02556 9.38 0.064 E02512 3.40 0.30 E02616 8.45 0.086 E02506 3.27 4.27 E02609 6.1 0.093 E02517 2.96 1.77 E02521 6.09 0.048 E02520 2.15 0.88 E02504 4.52 0.089 E02510 1.88 0.42 E02506 4.27 3.270 E02612 1.42 0.21 E02516 2.46 0.006 E02501 1.10 0.15 E02626 2.38 0.053 E02530 0.98 0.64 Table 3. Significant grab and float values: Sample_ID Easting * Northing* Elevation (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) Fe (%) Co (ppm) As (ppm) Sb (ppm) E02501 326405.1 6921495 516 0.071 0.012 48.8 647 29 10 E02503 326569.9 6923348 440 0.01 0.001 41.8 976 5 11 E02504 327311.1 6922086 472 4.52 0.089 5.18 38 14 20 E02505 326794.4 6922978 451 1.22 17.700 39.1 1310 299 9 E02506 328061.8 6919981 321 4.27 3.270 4.91 52 32 9 E02507 327913.9 6919959 332 1.53 0.224 4.15 11 590 340 E02508 327903.5 6919972 329 1.52 0.736 4.61 14 20 22 E02509 327036.6 6920106 359 1.045 0.643 3.19 5 5 6 E02512 326697.1 6920342 371 0.301 3.400 3.69 53 137 47 E02513 325949.4 6919731 383 1.97 0.100 1.86 7 7 <5 E02514 325947.3 6919726 377 0.331 2.930 6.23 20 29 <5 E02516 333576.8 6922274 345 2.46 0.006 2.88 13 19 65 E02517 326536.8 6917794 360 1.77 2.960 9.17 130 10 <5 E02518 326539.9 6917793 352 0.194 1.405 16.15 106 38 5 E02519 326603 6917723 347 0.188 1.365 7.35 42 16 9 E02521 328385.1 6923473 398 6.09 0.048 9.43 194 965 16 E02523 328213.5 6923649 394 1.565 0.005 10.5 83 442 <5 E02525 324993.5 6918431 376 0.557 6.860 3.28 30 23 15 E02552 326458.9 6921455 483 0.007 0.011 39.6 36 22 <5 E02554 326528.8 6923439 425 <0.005 0.004 >50.0 242 19 8 E02556 327327.7 6922049 422 9.38 0.064 0.79 1 -5 12 E02557 327355.8 6922189 424 0.06 0.003 >50.0 176 40 6 E02559 326470.8 6922455 410 0.012 0.001 >50.0 248 -5 <5 E02560 326797.3 6922971 414 0.041 0.095 >50.0 218 48 5 E02567 327040.1 6920099 332 15.9 0.198 1.33 2 26 20 E02574 326748.1 6917119 296 0.212 0.137 28.8 22 247 <5 E02581 328515.6 6923425 369 0.006 0.001 >50.0 32 9 7 E02583 328238.5 6923643 358 1.465 0.006 6.62 102 438 5 E02601 326643.4 6921326 459 0.005 0.000 26.7 8 -5 <5 E02602 326657.6 6921322 462 0.016 0.001 >50.0 194 19 5 E02603 326585.4 6921372 465 0.024 0.001 >50.0 162 20 <5 E02604 326552.2 6923400 399 0.034 0.002 34.7 400 8 <5 E02605 326554.4 6923399 413 0.019 0.001 >50.0 206 5 <5 E02606 326438.9 6922462 416 0.062 0.004 44 757 8 <5 E02607 326790.9 6922972 435 0.009 0.001 >50.0 185 5 <5 E02608 326742.4 6922881 425 <0.005 0.002 >50.0 94 11 <5 E02609 328065.1 6919957 290 6.1 0.093 3.11 4 32 <5 E02610 327986.1 6920064 296 53.8 0.265 3.1 8 1455 528 E02611 328002.3 6920020 298 0.316 0.068 6.01 19 8340 201 E02616 326081.2 6919551 339 8.45 0.086 0.88 8 32 8 E02621 326466.4 6917503 300 1.395 0.390 7.36 73 13 <5 E02623 326455.3 6917626 278 1.195 0.011 2.56 59 738 73 E02624 326469.9 6917629 324 1.265 0.004 5.51 17 1870 59 E02625 328409 6923467 375 2.36 0.014 6.32 1235 621 12 E02626 328390.8 6923490 351 2.38 0.053 6.93 321 265 5 E02627 328309.8 6923467 368 0.023 0.001 33.7 17 9 <5 E02630 324991.9 6918498 340 1.135 0.009 2.19 15 33 29 E02631 324970 6918403 350 1.945 0.579 3.87 33 401 1845 *WGS 84 Z 19S Upcoming Exploration & Catalysts Building on these results, Super Copper is accelerating exploration activities at Castilla: Further property wide detailed sampling and mapping. Property-Wide Magnetics and IP Survey: Magnetics to map magnetite bearing zones such as iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) veins, breccia zones and related skarns; Induced Polarization geophysics to map sulfide concentrations and identify high-priority targets at depth. Magnetics to map magnetite bearing zones such as iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) veins, breccia zones and related skarns; Induced Polarization geophysics to map sulfide concentrations and identify high-priority targets at depth. Advanced Targeting: Integration of 3D magnetic inversions along with inversions of IP chargeability and resistivity data to refine drill targeting and structural interpretation. Integration of along with inversions of IP chargeability and resistivity data to refine drill targeting and structural interpretation. Drill Planning: Results will be used to finalize Phase 2 drill locations. QA/QC All samples were submitted to ALS Group Chile with a preparation laboratory in Copiapo. Analysis was carried out at ALS Global laboratories in Peru. Gold was determined by Fire Assay with an AAS finish and Gravimetric finish for over-limits. Copper was analyzed via 4-acid digestion ME-MS61 with Cu-OG62 for overlimits. ALS is an accredited geoanalytical laboratory with rigorous QA/QC program with the use of standards and blanks. QP Statement All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by, or approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc., P.Geol., P.Geo. Mr. Dufresne is an independent qualified person (QP) for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Super Copper Corp. Super Copper is a mining exploration company focused on acquiring, advancing and consolidating global copper assets from early discovery through late-stage development. The company is currently advancing its copper projects in Atacama, Chile, a region with world-class infrastructure and the presence of global majors. By operating a single, integrated technical team and a milestone-driven acquisition strategy, Super Copper aims to build a portfolio of scalable projects capable of supplying the world's accelerating demand for copper. | www.supercopper.com The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed this press release and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain 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 anticipates or expects may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the potential for a large, vertically extensive, multi-commodity mineral system at the Castilla Project; the significance of gold, copper, antimony, and arsenic geochemical signatures; the ability of induced polarization, magnetic inversion, and other geophysical surveys to identify IOCG or sulfide-rich targets at depth; the Company's intention to accelerate exploration activities at Castilla; and the expected use of current results to support Phase 2 drill planning. Forward-looking statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, and beliefs as of the date of this news release, including assumptions regarding geological interpretations, the reliability of surface sampling as an indicator of subsurface mineralization, the availability of capital, the ability to obtain required permits or approvals, and the continuation of current commodity prices and market conditions. However, such statements 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. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks inherent in mineral exploration; uncertainty in the interpretation of geological, geochemical, and geophysical data; the possibility that surface sampling results may not be representative of subsurface mineralization; delays in exploration programs; operational or logistical challenges; permitting and regulatory risks in Chile; changes in exploration priorities or budgets; fluctuations in commodity prices; and general economic, market, or geopolitical conditions. Forward-looking statements are often identified by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "plan," "may," "will," "potential," "target," and similar expressions. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct, and actual results may differ materially. Except as required by applicable law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements in this release as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Investors are encouraged to review the risk factors described in the Company's public filings before making any investment decisions. Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire - January 15, 2026 Canary Gold Corp. (CSE: BRAZ; OTC: CNYGF; Frankfurt: K5D) (Canary or the Company) is pleased to announce the mobilization of its 2026 exploration program at the Madeira Project, marked by the arrival of the first drill rig on site. The Company has engaged Geosol, a leading drilling services contractor, to execute a comprehensive, multi-rig drilling campaign focused on defining near-surface mineralization. The exploration program is designed with a dual-rig strategy, combining specialized drilling for geological definition with rapid regional coverage. Figure 1. Excavator and drill rig loaded on transport truck en route to the Madeira River Project. Screw-auger Drilling (Underway) The first drill rig has arrived on site and is currently mobilizing to initial collar locations. The rig utilizes a screw-auger drilling system, a specialized technique that represents a variation of diamond drilling optimized for unconsolidated ground conditions. This method is specifically designed to recover high-quality samples from the favourable "Mocururu" geologic horizon and associated prospective gravel beds. Key highlights of the screw-auger program include: Targeting: Definition of high-priority geological zones (Mocururu and gravel beds). Total drilling: Approximately 5,000 metres across roughly 100 drill holes. Spacing: Initial grid of 200 m x 100 m, with flexibility to tighten spacing based on visual observations and assay results. Depth: Shallow drilling to a maximum depth of approximately 50 metres per hole. Reverse Circulation (RC) Drilling (Commencing Late January) The Company expects the arrival of a second drill riga Reverse Circulation (RC) unitduring the second half of January. While the screw-auger program is focused on defining specific near-surface geological units, the RC rig will be deployed to "sweep" the broader land package included in the original agreement with New Frontiers. This phase of drilling is intended to rapidly assess regional geological continuity and identify new priority targets across the property. Drilling of the additional land package associated with the agreement with Talisman is not contemplated at this stage. Key highlights of the RC program include: Objective: Regional reconnaissance drilling to test the broader extent of the property and identify new geological anomalies. Total drilling: Approximately 15,000 metres across roughly 300 drill holes. Spacing: Wide-spaced reconnaissance grid of approximately 2,000 m x 1,000 m. Depth: Consistent testing of the oxide profile to a maximum depth of approximately 50 metres. Website and Investor Materials Update In parallel with the mobilization of its 2026 exploration program, the Company has completed a comprehensive update of its corporate website and investor presentation. These refreshed materials are designed to more clearly communicate the geological framework, exploration strategy, and scale of the Companys land position, while ensuring consistent and accessible disclosure for investors. The updated website and investor materials reflect the Companys transition into an active execution phase, providing shareholders with improved technical context and a more structured overview of Canarys exploration objectives at the Madeira Project and across the broader Madeira River region. Mark Tommasi, President of Canary Gold Corp., commented: As we move into an active drilling phase, it was important that our public-facing materials evolve alongside our operations. The updated website and investor presentation better reflect where the Company is today and support clear, consistent communication as we move into what is expected to be a very productive year of exploration. Option Issuance The Company also announces that it has granted an aggregate of 6,107,500 stock options to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company pursuant to the Companys Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan. The options have an exercise price of $0.27per common share for a period of five years from the date of grant. All securities are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of grant, in compliance with applicable stock exchange policies. The grant of stock options to certain directors and officers constitutes a related party transaction pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The Company is relying on 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) of MI 61-101, respectively, as the fair market value of the stock options granted to related parties does not exceed 25% of the Companys market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report 21 days before the grant of the stock options, which is reasonable for a grant of stock options given the exemptions being relied upon. Qualified Person Statement (NI 43-101) The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Lee Smith, P.Geo., Executive Director of Canary Gold Corp., who is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Smith is not independent of the Company, as he holds an executive and board position. Data Verification In verifying the scientific and technical information disclosed herein, the Qualified Person has reviewed all available geological logs, field notes, sampling documentation, heavy-mineral concentrate reports, analytical certificates, laboratory procedures, and other relevant technical records associated with the Companys 2025 exploration program. Verification included assessment of sampling methods, chain-of-custody protocols, security of samples from collection through transport to the laboratory, and a review of the analytical methods used by Overburden Drilling Management Ltd. (ODM), an independent Canadian laboratory specializing in heavy-mineral evaluation. Where applicable, drill core photographs, stratigraphic profiles, and field observations were compared against laboratory findings to confirm consistency. Limitations & Stage of Exploration The information disclosed herein relates to early-stage exploration results, including heavy-mineral indicator mineral data, reconnaissance sampling, and preliminary geological interpretations. Heavy-mineral analyses and field-based observations do not provide quantitative gold grades and cannot be used to estimate mineral resources. Additional drilling, systematic sampling, and assay verification are required to determine the significance of the geological features described. Visible Gold Caution The Qualified Person notes that visible gold described in this release is a qualitative field observation only. Visible gold does not confirm grade, continuity, or the presence of economic mineralization. Quantitative determination of gold content requires fire-assay analysis and appropriate QA/QC procedures. Early-stage occurrences of visible gold should not be interpreted as indicative of a mineral resource or economic viability. Exploration Target & Geological Interpretation Caution Any reference to potential mineralization, sediment-hosted or paleoplacer systems, or regional metal enrichment is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource, and it is uncertain whether further exploration will result in the delineation of a mineral resource. Geological models, including interpretations of the Mocururu horizon, sediment provenance, placer maturity, and basin-scale transport mechanisms, are interpretive hypotheses based on limited datasets and should not be considered definitive. Historical or Third-Party Information Where the release refers to historical information, academic references, or third-party geological interpretations (including ODMs technical commentary), such data have not been independently verified by the Qualified Person and may not be representative of mineralization within Canary Golds current tenement boundaries. About Canary Gold Corp. Canary Gold Corp. is a Canadian public exploration company focused on the acquisition and advancement of gold projects in Brazil. The Company holds an option to earn up to a 70% undivided interest in the Rio Madeira Project through a series of staged exploration expenditures and milestone payments. In August 2025, Canary further expanded its regional strategy by entering into a definitive agreement to acquire a 100% interest in ten additional mineral tenements totaling approximately 94,700 hectares from Talisman Venture Partners Ltd., a private British Columbia corporation. The total consideration of CAD $1.7 million is being satisfied through staged cash and share payments, a portion of which remains outstanding in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Talisman retains a 1.0% net smelter return (NSR) royalty on future production from the acquired tenements, one-half of which (reducing the NSR to 0.5%) may be repurchased by the Company at any time for CAD $1.0 million. Together, these interests provide Canary Gold with a dominant and strategically consolidated land position in the Madeira River region of Rondonia State one of Brazils most prospective yet underexplored gold provinces. For Further Information, Please Contact: Canary Gold Corp. Mark Tommasi, President Tel: (604) 318-1448 www.canarygold.ca Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as will, may, should, anticipates, expects, believes, and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Companys planned exploration programs and drill programs and potential significance of results, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include but are not limited to the risks detailed in the Companys Prospectus and in the continuous disclosure filings made by the Company with securities regulations from time to time. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law. No securities exchange or commission has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclaimer 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 securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The securities of the Company 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 in the United States or to U.S. persons (as such terms are 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. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 15, 2026) - Omai Gold Mines Corp. (TSXV: OMG) (OTCQB: OMGGF) ("Omai Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce assay results from eight additional drill holes from the 2025 drilling program at its 100% owned Omai Gold Project in Guyana, South America. Multiple zones of gold mineralization were intersected in each of these holes, most notably, central Wenot Hole 25ODD-150 intersected both 11.48 g/t Au over 10.2m and in a separate zone 10.65 g/t Au over 9.0m. The remaining 2025 drilling results are expected shortly. A total of 79 diamond drill holes (35,300m) were completed on the Omai project in 2025. Of these, 31 were drilled at Wenot subsequent to the August 2025 Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"). These will contribute to an updated MRE that is underway and is expected to be completed in Q1. Drilling recommenced last week employing three of the five rigs that are currently on the property. Initially, drilling will continue at Wenot to focus on areas that have the potential to further expand the resource, including follow up on the new high grade zone discovered at the east end of Wenot (11.07 g/t Au over 14.7m) in late 2025. Drilling will also continue to test between depths of -300m to -450m depths, where many areas are still open, as well as starting drilling to upgrade the large Wenot Inferred MRE. Highlights* from the recent drilling include: (refer to Table 1 for full assays and downhole depths): Hole 25ODD-150 11.48 g/t Au over 10.2m Including 28.54 g/t Au over 4.0m 10.65 g/t Au over 9.0m Including 23.79 g/t Au over 3.8m 3.37 g/t Au over 8.4m Including 7.45 g/t Au over 3.0m Hole 25ODD-145 4.79 g/t Au over 14.5m Including 32.06 g/t over 2.0m 2.61 g/t Au over 19.2m 2.26 g/t Au over 9.5m Hole 25ODD-145W2 15.74 g/t Au over 1.0m 4.24 g/t Au over 9.3m Including 12.25 g/t Au over 2.2m Hole 25ODD-148 2.22 g/t Au over 12.5m Including 3.69 g/t Au over 3.1m Hole 25ODD-149 2.28 g/t Au over 19.7m Including 4.87 g/t Au over 8.7m 4.63 g/t Au over 8.6m Including 15.95 g/t Au over 2.4m Central Wenot Drilling Holes 25ODD-145, 145w and 145w2 were all drilled from the south on section line 304980E, located in the central Wenot area. Hole 145 is the parent hole and 145w and 145w2 were both wedged from the parent hole (Figure 2). Hole 145w (previously released December 8, 2025) intersected multiple gold zones including 13.54 g/t Au over 13.3m (including 27.82 g/t Au over 6.2m) in the central Quartz Feldspar Porphyry ("CQFP"), a very continuous dike located at the contact between the sedimentary rocks on the south and the volcanic rocks on the north. 25ODD-145 first intersected four minor gold zones within the sedimentary sequence, then intersected 4.79 g/t Au over 14.5m within the CQFP and adjacent sheared diorite. Further downhole, within the Dike Corridor, a wide interval of smoky grey rhyolite with andesite and a diorite dike returned 2.61 g/t Au over 19.2m with a subinterval of 5.46 g/t Au over 5.8m. Further yet downhole, an interval of rhyolite with up to 2% pyrite and a high density of quartz veining with visible gold returned 2.26 g/t Au over 9.5m. 25ODD-145w2 is the second wedge of hole 145, drilled above hole 145w. The hole started in the sedimentary sequence on the south side and intersected four mineralized zones within the sediments, the best being 2.32 g/t Au over 3.9m. The CQFP was intersected from 373.0 to 385.1m down hole where it graded 1.65 g/t Au over 12.1m. Further downhole nine mineralized zones were encountered within the volcanics and Dike Corridor, including a quartz ankerite vein with visible gold that returned 15.74 g/t Au over 1.0m at 448.5m downhole. Intersections within rhyolite and diorite dikes include 4.24 g/t Au over 9.3m (including 12.25 g/t Au over 2.2m), as well as multiple minor zones including 1.03 g/t Au over 5.9m and 1.22 g/t Au over 4.1m. Section 304980E: With the recent drilling on this section, multiple drill holes better outline the continuity of the gold zones. For example, on this section there are now six (6) intersections of the CQFP gold zone ranging from vertical depths of -200m to -400m. The additional holes and wedges were designed to reduce the drill spacing on all gold zones. This was particularly effective on the CQFP zones. These new and previous results highlight the vertical continuity of the gold mineralization within this very predictable, near-vertical, CQFP zone that occurs at the contact between the sediments and volcanics. Intercepts from -200m to the -400m depths are as follows: 1.65 g/t Au over 12.1m (hole 145W2), 13.54 g/t Au over 13.3m (hole 145W)**, 4.79 g/t Au over 14.5m (hole 145), 4.05 g/t Au over 20.6m (hole 12WED11)**, 3.13 g/t Au over 43.0m (hole 24ODD-078)**, and 2.31 g/t Au over 24.6m (hole 25ODD-107)** (** previously released) 25ODD-149, located approximately 800m east of hole 145, was drilled from the south side of Wenot. Within the upper part of the hole, 0.37 g/t Au over 11.6m was intersected within the sediments only 111m downhole. The sedimentary sequence continued to 428.6m downhole, with the southern porphyry intruding at 302.5m to 305.4m and assaying 1.11 g/t Au over 2.9m. Four gold mineralized zones were intersected within the sediments, the best being 2.28 g/t Au over 19.7m associated with quartz veining and visible gold within spotted sediments with up to 3% pyrite. The CQFP returned 0.81 g/t Au over 10.1m on this section. North of the contact, in the volcanic sequence and Dike Corridor, abundant mineralization was encountered. A 42.0m wide interval averaged 1.58 g/t Au, which included several higher grade intervals the best being 4.63 g/t Au over 8.6m (including 15.95 g/t Au over 2.4m) in fine-grained andesite with quartz veins, pyrite and visible gold. 25ODD-150, collared 350m west of hole 149, was drilled from the south side of Wenot. The sedimentary sequence, intruded by several diorite dikes, continued downhole to 401.7m. Within this sequence, eight gold zones were encountered including 3.37 g/t Au over 8.3m in zones with intensely altered halos around quartz-ankerite veins with pyrite and visible gold. Additional zones within the sediments returned 1.18 g/t Au over 14.5m, 1.08 g/t Au over 11.3m, and 1.02 g/t Au over 8.5m. These can be expected to contribute to reducing the strip ratio along the southern side of the Wenot deposit. The central zone from 402m to 422m, consists of protomylonite and diorite and 2m of weakly altered CQFP. A transition zone from sediments to sheared protomylonite assayed 10.65 g/t Au over 9.0m, associated with visible gold-bearing quartz veins. Further downhole, the volcanic sequence hosts eight mineralized zones, the best being 11.48 g/t Au over 10.2m (including 28.54 g/t Au over 4.0m) in pyritic basalts with visible gold in milky quartz veins. Additional zones include 6.70 g/t Au over 2.5m, 1.1 g/t Au over 7.7m and 0.42 g/t Au over 21.0m far north within the volcanic sequence. 25ODD-150w is a wedge-up from hole 150 drilling from the south side of Wenot. The hole intersected several spots of visible gold in weakly altered sediments with seven minor gold zones, the best being 1.36 g/t Au over 6.8m. Not as impressive as hole 150, however again intersecting additional mineralization on the southern side of the deposit. The protomylonite and CQFP were only weakly mineralized in this hole assaying 1.72 g/t Au over 2.6m and 1.97 g/t Au over 1.3m, respectively. The best mineralized intercept was in a diorite dike within the Dike Corridor on the north side of the deposit, assaying 2.27 g/t Au over 4.2m. 25ODD-152 was collared on the south side of Wenot, 100m east of hole 145. No significant gold intervals were intersected within the sedimentary sequence and the protomylonite-CQFP assayed only 0.66 g/t Au over 9.4m. Only two minor zones were encountered within the volcanics, however the hole was terminated before the targeted depth was reached due to excessive azimuth deviation. Hole 152w was subsequently drilled, with assays pending. West Wenot Drilling 25ODD-148 was collared from the south side, drilling north at the far west end of the Wenot deposit, well beyond previous historical mining. Results were as expected with minor mineralization in the saprolite followed by the sedimentary sequence that included veined diorite dikes before reaching the CQFP from 209.8m to 228.5m with up to 2% pyrite. A pyritic diorite dike with silica alteration and visible gold assayed 2.22 g/t Au over 12.5m from 115m downhole. This interval included a slightly higher-grade interval of 3.69 g/t Au over 3.1m from 120m downhole. The CQFP assayed only 0.62 g/t Au over 5.9m. Modelling of the main zones at this far west end of Wenot is ongoing. Additional drilling is needed in this area to locate the extensions of the nearby very wide and high-grade gold zones. 25ODD-151 was collared as a further westward step out from 25ODD-148, only 50m away. The hole intersected the sedimentary rocks down to 273m, then the central zone extended 23 m to 296m, then continued in volcanics to the end of hole at 361.4m. The best intercept encountered was 0.32 g/t Au over 4.8m in altered and sheared volcanics. Additional drilling is needed to locate the extensions of the nearby deeper gold zones. Figure 1. Plan Map of Wenot Showing Drill Hole Locations Table 1. Recent Wenot Drill Results* DDH FROM (m) TO (m) INTERVAL Grade (g/t Au) Zone 25ODD-145 227.1 228.2 1.1 1.55 Sediments with Diorite Dikes 323.0 324.1 1.1 1.10 400.4 401.5 1.1 1.62 430.5 433.5 3.0 0.55 438.0 452.5 14.5 4.79 CQFP including 445.0 447.0 2.0 32.06 517.5 536.7 19.2 2.61 Dike Corridor including 519.9 525.7 5.8 5.46 565.5 575.0 9.5 2.26 607.5 612.0 4.5 0.39 Volcanics 25ODD-145W2 288.0 289.1 1.1 1.70 Sediments 316.5 317.5 1.0 0.91 331.0 335.5 4.5 0.61 355.9 359.8 3.9 2.32 373.0 385.1 12.1 1.65 CQFP 448.5 449.5 1.0 15.74 Dike Corridor within Volcanics 454.0 463.3 9.3 4.24 including 454.0 456.2 2.2 12.25 479.5 481.6 2.1 1.10 486.1 492.0 5.9 1.03 517.4 521.5 4.1 1.22 526.0 527.5 1.5 0.68 530.4 534.1 3.7 0.61 539.5 547.8 8.3 0.36 25ODD-148 80.0 81.0 1.0 2.72 Saprolite 88.8 92.5 3.7 0.68 115.4 127.9 12.5 2.22 Sediments w Diorite Dikes including 120.0 123.1 3.1 3.69 209.8 215.7 5.9 0.62 CQFP 221.9 226.8 5.0 0.42 25ODD-149 111.4 123.0 11.6 0.37 Sediments 293.6 295.0 1.4 2.72 302.5 305.4 2.9 1.11 S QFP 331.8 333.0 1.2 1.20 Sediments w Diorite Dikes 365.2 369.0 3.8 0.67 381.0 383.8 2.8 0.53 393.0 412.7 19.7 2.28 including 404.0 412.7 8.7 4.87 435.5 445.6 10.1 0.81 CQFP 499.4 503.6 4.2 1.54 Dike Corridor within Volcanics 518.0 560.0 42.0** 1.58 including 518.0 526.6 8.6 4.63 including 519.0 521.4 2.4 15.95 531.6 560.0 28.4 0.90 25ODD-150 241.8 250.2 8.4 3.37 Sediments with Diorite Dikes including 244.6 247.6 3.0 7.45 290.5 293.0 2.6 1.11 25ODD-150 300.5 309.0 8.5 1.02 (cont'd) 313.5 318.9 5.4 0.89 342.5 353.7 11.3 1.08 360.3 364.0 3.8 0.37 369.0 383.5 14.5 1.18 392.6 396.5 3.9 0.81 401.7 410.7 9.0 10.65 Mylonite - Seds including 406.9 410.7 3.8 23.79 422.0 429.7 7.7 1.10 Volcanics QVs 440.3 442.4 2.1 0.53 458.7 462.3 3.7 0.35 479.2 481.6 2.5 6.70 535.4 545.6 10.2 11.48 including 539.3 543.2 4.0 28.54 549.2 552.1 2.9 1.27 Dike Corridor 576.5 597.5 21.0 0.42 Volcanics (Pillows) 624.5 626.0 1.5 0.62 25ODD-150W 232.5 239.5 7.0 0.90 Sediments with Diorite Dikes 274.9 278.6 3.8 1.10 292.1 293.5 1.4 2.38 297.5 298.5 1.0 2.39 323.1 329.9 6.8 1.36 337.7 339.0 1.3 0.88 349.8 355.2 5.4 0.72 372.3 374.9 2.6 1.72 Mylonite 381.4 382.6 1.3 1.97 CQFP 466.3 467.3 1.0 2.50 Volcanics 486.2 490.4 4.2 2.27 Dike Corridor 25ODD-151 180.4 181.5 1.1 0.74 Sediments 279.3 280.7 1.4 0.76 CQFP 294.9 299.7 4.8 0.32 Mylonite-Volcanic 25ODD-152 434.3 443.7 9.4 0.66 Mylonite - CQFP 451.7 452.7 1.0 0.85 Volcanics - Dikes 488.2 489.5 1.4 1.06 *True widths vary as mineralization at Wenot is generally hosted within stockwork vein systems with alteration halos, with an estimated true width range of 70-90%. Cut-off grade 0.30 g/t Au with maximum 3.0m internal dilution is applied. **If indicated, a maximum 5.0m internal dilution was applied. All grades are uncapped unless otherwise noted. Figure 2. Cross-Section Showing Holes 25ODD-145, 145W and 145W2 Quality Control Omai maintains an internal QA/QC program to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with best practices. Certified reference materials, blanks and duplicates are entered at regular intervals. Samples are sealed in plastic bags. Drill core samples (halved-core) were shipped to Act Labs and some batches to MSALABS, both certified laboratories in Georgetown Guyana, respecting the best chain of custody practices. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g), and pulverized to 95% passing 105 m, including cleaner sand. Fifty grams of pulverized material is then fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA). Initial assays with results above 3.0 ppm gold are re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. For samples with visible gold and surrounding samples within deemed gold zones, two separate 250g or 500g pulverized samples are prepared, with 50 grams of each fire assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, with assays above 3.0 ppm gold being re-assayed using a gravimetric finish. Certified reference materials and blanks meet with QA/QC specifications. Qualified Person Elaine Ellingham, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects" and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Ms. Ellingham is a director and officer of the Company and is not considered to be independent for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101. ABOUT OMAI GOLD Omai Gold Mines Corp. is a Canadian gold exploration and development company focused on rapidly expanding the two orogenic gold deposits at its 100%-owned Omai Gold Project in mining-friendly Guyana, South America. The Company has established the Omai Gold Project as one of the fastest growing and well-endowed gold camps in the prolific Guiana Shield. In August 2025, the Company announced a 96% increase to the Wenot Gold Deposit NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate1 (MRE) to 970,000 ounces of gold (Indicated) averaging 1.46 g/t Au, contained in 20.7 Mt and 3,717,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.82 g/t Au, contained in 63.4 Mt. This brings the global MRE at Omai, including the Wenot and adjacent Gilt Creek deposits, to 2,121,000 ounces of gold (Indicated MRE) averaging 2.07 g/t Au in 31.9 Mt and 4,382,000 ounces of gold (Inferred MRE) averaging 1.95 g/t Au in 69.9 Mt. A baseline PEA announced in April 2024, contemplated an open pit-only development scenario and included less than 30% of the new Mineral Resource Estimate for Omai. Three drills have commenced the 2026 drill program: at Wenot the focus is to further test the limits of the deposit, including both east and west, and to commence upgrading the large Inferred MRE to Indicated. Additional drilling will continue to explore certain known gold occurrences for possible near-surface higher-grade satellite deposits. An updated MRE and PEA are planned for H1 2026 to include the expanded Wenot open pit deposit and the adjacent Gilt Creek underground deposit. The Omai Gold Mine produced over 3.7 million ounces of gold from 1993 to 20052, ceasing operations when gold was below US$400 per ounce. The Omai site significantly benefits from existing infrastructure, including an on-site airstrip, and is connected by road to the two largest cities in Guyana, Georgetown and Linden. 1 NI 43-101 Technical Report dated October 9, 2025 titled "UPDATED MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE AND TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE OMAI GOLD PROPERTY, POTARO MINING DISTRICT NO.2, GUYANA" was prepared by P&E Mining Consultants Inc. and is available on www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website. 2 Past production at the Omai Mine (1993-2005) is summarized in several Cambior Inc. documents available on www.sedarplus.ca, including March 31, 2006 AIF and news release August 3, 2006. +1.416.473.5351 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. Table 2. Drill Hole Coordinates Hole ID Azimuth Inclination Easting Northing Length Status (degrees) (m) (m) 25ODD-145 354 -52 304979 601346 616.4 Reporting 25ODD-145W2 354 -52 304979 601346 553.4 Reporting 25ODD-148 358 -45 304329 601539 424.4 Reporting 25ODD-149 356 -50 305783 601191 575.6 Reporting 25ODD-150 355 -48 305440 601250 626.0 Reporting 25ODD-150W 355 -48 305440 601250 531.7 Reporting 25ODD-151 358 -47 304278 601496 361.4 Reporting 25ODD-152 356 -49 305080 601288 511.7 Reporting Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of completion of the drill program, and the potential for the Omai Gold Project to allow Omai to build significant gold Mineral Resources at attractive grades, and forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and 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 statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; the price of gold and copper; and the results of current exploration. Further, the Mineral Resource data set out in this news release are estimates, and no assurance can be given that the anticipated tonnages and grades will be achieved or that the indicated level of process recovery will be realized. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 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 required by law. Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resource Estimates Until mineral deposits are actually mined and processed, Mineral Resources must be considered as estimates only. Mineral Resource Estimates that are not Mineral Reserves have not demonstrated economic viability. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain, involves subjective judgement about many relevant factors and may be materially affected by, among other things, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other factors described in the Company's public disclosure available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Inferred Mineral Resource in this estimate has a lower level of confidence than that applied to an Indicated Mineral Resource and must not be converted to a Mineral Reserve. It is reasonably expected that the majority of the Inferred Mineral Resource could be upgraded to an Indicated Mineral Resource with continued exploration. The accuracy of any Mineral Resource Estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource Estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling, and development; (iii) results of future test mining and other testing; (iv) metallurgical testing and other studies; (v) results of geological and structural modeling including block model design; (vi) proposed mining operations, including dilution; (vii) the evaluation of future mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (viii) the possible failure to receive required permits, licenses and other approvals. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of a "Inferred" or "Indicated" Mineral Resource Estimate will ever be upgraded to a higher category. The Mineral Resource Estimates disclosed in this news release were reported using Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the "CIM Standards") in accordance with National Instrument 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators ("NI 43-101"). Cautionary Statements to U.S. Readers This news release uses the terms "Mineral Resource", "Indicated Mineral Resource" and "Inferred Mineral Resource" as defined in the CIM Standards in accordance with NI 43-101. While these terms are recognized and required by the Canadian Securities Administrators in accordance with Canadian securities laws, they may not be recognized by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The "Mineral Resource" Estimates and related information in this news release may not be comparable to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements under the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Southern Extension hole cuts 163.5 metres averaging 0.47% Cu MONTREAL, Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Osisko Metals Incorporated (the "Company" or "Osisko Metals") (TSX: OM; OTCQX: OMZNF; FRANKFURT: 0B51) is pleased to announce new drill results from the Gaspe Copper Project, located in the Gaspe Peninsula of Eastern Quebec. New analytical results are presented below (see Table 1), including 35 mineralized intercepts from ten new drill holes. Infill intercepts are located inside the 2024 MRE model (see November 14, 2024 news release), and are focused on upgrading inferred mineral resources to measured or indicated categories, as applicable. Expansion intercepts are located outside the 2024 MRE model and may potentially lead to additional resources that will be classified appropriately within the next MRE update. Some of the reported intercepts have contiguous shallower infill as well as deeper expansion (noted on Table 1 below as Both). Maps showing hole locations are available at www.osiskometals.com. Highlights: Drill hole 30-1144 748.0 metres averaging 0.27% Cu (0.37% CuEq infill and expansion) Drill hole 30-1146 729.0 metres averaging 0.21% Cu (0.29% CuEq infill and expansion) Drill hole 30-1142 585.0 metres averaging 0.24% Cu (0.31% CuEq infill and expansion) 245.0 metres averaging 0.55% Cu (0.70% CuEq expansion) Drill hole 30-1143 (Southern Extension) 163.5 metres averaging 0.47% Cu (0.50% CuEq expansion) Drill hole 30-1141 171.5 metres averaging 0.42% Cu (0.46% CuEq infill) Drill hole 30-0881 (historical re-assay) 62.5 metres averaging 0.29% Cu (0.38% CuEq expansion) 421.8 metres averaging 0.28% Cu (0.39% CuEq expansion) Drill hole 30-1135 201.0 metres averaging 0.20% Cu (0.31% CuEq expansion) Table 1: Infill and Expansion Drilling Results DDH No. From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu % Ag g/t Mo % CuEq* % Type** 30-881 13.7 76.2 62.5 0.29 2.20 0.020 0.38 Expansion And 546.7 592.1 45.4 0.20 1.67 <0.005 0.21 Expansion And 622.7 1044.5 421.8 0.28 1.24 0.026 0.39 Expansion 30-1132 304.8 320.1 15.3 0.66 2.52 0.016 0.73 Expansion And 640.5 694.5 54.0 0.28 1.87 0.005 0.31 Expansion And 735.0 783.4 48.4 0.32 1.91 0.011 0.37 Expansion 30-1135 7.0 33.0 26.0 0.31 1.54 <0.005 0.32 Infill And 148.5 201.0 52.5 0.19 1.56 <0.005 0.20 Infill And 231.0 296.5 65.5 0.28 2.43 0.005 0.31 Infill And 329.9 495 165.1 0.28 2.17 0.051 0.48 Infill And 528.0 729.0 201.0 0.20 1.59 0.026 0.31 Expansion 30-1137 113.0 166.5 53.5 0.19 1.82 <0.005 0.21 Infill And 311.4 345.8 34.4 0.27 2.51 0.007 0.31 Expansion And 424.9 449.5 24.6 0.16 1.34 0.021 0.24 Infill And 496.5 585.4 88.9 0.33 2.27 0.015 0.40 Expansion And 726.2 851.4 125.2 0.20 1.25 0.009 0.23 Expansion 30-1141 94.0 265.5 171.5 0.42 3.12 0.007 0.46 Infill And 507.0 535.5 28.5 0.18 2.09 <0.005 0.19 Infill 30-1142 75.0 660.0 585.0 0.24 0.96 0.017 0.31 Both (including) 75.0 576.5 501.5 0.26 0.99 0.017 0.32 Infill (including) 576.5 660.0 83.5 0.12 0.83 0.018 0.19 Expansion And 761.5 1006.5 245.0 0.55 2.25 0.035 0.70 Expansion 30-1143 21.0 184.5 163.5 0.47 3.41 <0.005 0.50 Expansion And 265.5 313.5 48.0 0.67 6.15 <0.005 0.71 Expansion And 490.5 517.5 27.0 0.37 3.63 <0.005 0.39 Expansion 30-1144 22.0 62.0 40.0 0.23 1.70 <0.005 0.24 Infill And 227.0 975.0 748.0 0.27 1.84 0.023 0.37 Both (including) 227.0 789.4 562.4 0.27 1.74 0.018 0.34 Infill (including) 789.4 975.0 185.6 0.29 2.15 0.039 0.44 Expansion 30-1145 16.0 52.1 36.1 0.14 1.75 <0.005 0.15 Infill And 151.5 208.6 57.1 0.23 2.40 <0.005 0.25 Infill And 257.3 285.0 27.7 0.13 1.50 <0.005 0.15 Infill And 334.5 374.0 39.5 0.24 1.95 0.007 0.28 Infill And 415.3 462.5 47.2 0.18 1.47 0.009 0.23 Infill And 477.7 627.0 149.3 0.15 1.11 0.016 0.22 Expansion And 717.7 770.0 52.3 0.18 1.24 0.024 0.28 Expansion 30-1146 12.0 204.0 192.0 0.31 2.36 <0.005 0.32 Infill And 264.0 399.0 135.0 0.13 1.02 0.014 0.19 Infill And 423.0 1152.0 729.0 0.21 1.48 0.019 0.29 Both (including) 423.0 713.5 290.5 0.21 1.37 0.018 0.28 Infill (including) 713.5 1152.0 438.5 0.21 1.55 0.020 0.29 Expansion * See explanatory notes below on copper equivalent values and Quality Assurance/Quality Controls. ** Both indicates drill holes that have contiguous shallower infill as well as deeper expansion intercepts. Discussion Drill hole 30-0881, located on the western margin of the Copper Mountain pit, was a historical hole that was re-analyzed from available core to include sections that had not been previously assayed. New results added three new significant mineralized intervals (expansion) including 62.5 metres averaging 0.29% Cu, 2.20 g/t Ag and 0.020% Mo, followed by 45.4 metres averaging 0.20% Cu and 1.67 g/t Ag and an additional 421.8 metres averaging 0.28% Cu, 1.24 g/t Ag and 0.026% Mo. The last portion of 144.4 metres of the latter intersection confirmed previously reported results, and this historical hole will now constitute a depth expansion in the upcoming MRE update. Drill holes 30-1132 and 30-1137, located near the eastern margin of the 2024 MRE model, cut multiple intersections of mineralization, 15 to 125 metres thick and distributed in layer cake fashion from surface, including 125.2 metres averaging 0.20% Cu, 1.25 g/t Ag and 0.009% Mo (expansion in 30-1137), extending mineralization in this area to vertical depths of 783 and 851 metres, respectively. Drill hole 30-1135, located in the south-central portion of the 2024 MRE model, cut multiple intersections of mineralization, 26 to 201 metres thick and distributed in layer cake fashion from surface, including a deeper intersection of 201.0 metres averaging 0.20% Cu, 1.59 g/t Ag and 0.026% Mo (expansion), extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 729 metres. Drill hole 30-1141, located on top of Copper Mountain near the centre of the 2024 MRE model and inclined 61 degrees to the north, cut 171.5 metres averaging 0.42% Cu and 3.12 g/t Ag (infill) as well as multiple short 10 to 28 metre intersections to a depth of 695 metres. Drill hole 30-1142, located near the southwestern lip of the Copper Mountain open pit, cut one mineralized interval of 585.0 metres averaging 0.24% Cu, 0.96 g/t Ag and 0.017% Mo (infill and expansion), followed by 245.0 metres averaging 0.55% Cu, 2.25 g/t Ag and 0.035% Mo (expansion). This hole confirmed mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 1006 metres. Drill hole 30-1143, located 50 metres south of the southern margin of the 2024 MRE model in the Southern Extension Zone, cut 163.5 metres averaging 0.47% Cu and 3.41 g/t Ag followed by 48.0 metres averaging 0.67% Cu and 6.15 g/t Ag, once again confirming the higher copper and silver grades of mineralization in this zone. Drill hole 30-1144, located on the western flank of Copper Mountain and inclined 67 degrees to the north, cut two mineralized intervals including 40.0 metres averaging 0.23% Cu and 1.70 g/t Ag (infill) followed by 748.0 metres averaging 0.27% Cu, 1.84 g/t Ag and 0.023% Mo (infill and expansion), extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 895 metres. Drill hole 30-1145, located between holes 30-1135 and 30-1137, cut five intersections of mineralization, 28 to 57 metres thick and distributed in layer cake fashion from surface to a depth of 462 metres (all infill), followed by 149.3 metres averaging 0.15% Cu, 1.11 g/t Ag and 0.016% Mo (expansion) and 52.3 metres averaging 0.18% Cu, 1.24 g/t Ag and 0.024% Mo (expansion), extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 770 metres. Drill hole 30-1146, located on top of Copper Mountain near the centre of the 2024 MRE, cut 192.0 metres averaging 0.31% Cu and 2.36 g/t Ag (infill) followed by 135.0 metres averaging 0.13% Cu, 1.02 g/t Ag and 0.014% Mo (infill) and then 729.0 metres averaging 0.21% Cu, 1.48 g/t Ag and 0.019% Mo (infill and expansion), extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 1152 metres. Mineralization at Gaspe Copper is of porphyry copper/skarn type and occurs as disseminations and stockworks of chalcopyrite with pyrite or pyrrhotite and minor bornite and molybdenite. One prograde and at least five retrograde vein/stockwork mineralizing events have been recognized at Copper Mountain, which overprint earlier, bedding replacement skarn and porcellanite-hosted mineralization throughout the Gaspe Copper system. Porcellanite is a historical mining term used to describe bleached, pale green to white potassic-altered hornfels. Subvertical stockwork mineralization dominates at Copper Mountain whereas prograde bedding-parallel mineralization, which is mostly stratigraphically controlled, dominates in the area of lower Copper Mountain, Needle Mountain, Needle East, and Copper Brook. High molybdenum grades (up to 0.5% Mo) were locally obtained in both the C Zone and E Zone skarns away from Copper Mountain. The 2022 to 2024 Osisko Metals drill programs were focused on defining open-pit resources within the Copper Mountain stockwork mineralization (see May 6, 2024 MRE press release). Extending the resource model south of Copper Mountain into the poorly-drilled prograde skarn/porcellanite portion of the system subsequently led to a significantly increased resource, mostly in the Inferred category (see November 14, 2024 MRE press release). The current drill program is designed to convert the November 2024 MRE to Measured and Indicated categories, as well as test the expansion of the system deeper into the stratigraphy and laterally to the south and southwest towards Needle East and Needle Mountain respectively. The November 2024 MRE was limited at depth to the base of the L1 skarn horizon (C Zone), and all mineralized intersections below this horizon represent potential depth extensions to the deposit, to be included in the next scheduled MRE update in Q1 2026. Most holes are being drilled sub-vertically into the altered calcareous stratigraphy that dips 20 to 25 degrees to the north. The L1 (C Zone) the L2 (E Zone) skarn/marble horizons were intersected in most holes, as well as intervening porcellanites that host the bulk of the disseminated copper mineralization. Table 2: Drill hole locations DDH No. Azimuth () Dip () Length (m) UTM E UTM N Elevation 30-0881 91.9 -86.0 1044.5 315110 5426797 599.2 30-1132 0.0 -90.0 783.4 316403 5426390 667.5 30-1135 0.0 -90.0 846.0 316218 5425935 618.6 30-1137 0.0 -90.0 930.0 316498 5426089 652.6 30-1141 1.0 -61.0 843.0 316151 5426415 742.6 30-1142 0.0 -90.0 1011.0 315401 5426545 584.2 30-1143 0.0 -90.0 714.0 316585 5425554 560.9 30-1144 0.0 -67.0 975.0 315811 5426423 658.5 30-1145 0.0 -90.0 948.0 316465 5426040 656.8 30-1146 0.0 -90.0 1173.0 316000 5426300 741.6 Explanatory note regarding copper-equivalent grades Copper Equivalent grades are expressed for purposes of simplicity and are calculated taking into account: 1) metal grades; 2) estimated long-term prices of metals: US$4.25/lb copper, $20.00/lb molybdenum, and US$24/oz silver; 3) estimated recoveries of 92%, 70%, and 70% for Cu, Mo, and Ag respectively; and 4) net smelter return value of metals as percentage of the price, estimated at 86.5%, 90.7%, and 75.0% for Cu, Mo, and Ag respectively. Qualified Person The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Bernard-Olivier Martel, P. Geo. (OGQ 492), an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101). Quality Assurance / Quality Control Mineralized intervals reported herein are calculated using an average 0.12% CuEq lower cut-off over contiguous 20-metre intersections (shorter intervals as the case may be at the upper and lower limits of reported intervals). Intervals of 10 metres or less are not reported unless indicating significantly higher grades. True widths are estimated at 90 92% of the reported core length intervals. Osisko Metals adheres to a strict QA/QC program for core handling, sampling, sample transportation and analyses, including insertion of blanks and standards in the sample stream. Drill core is drilled in HQ or NQ diameter and securely transported to its core processing facility on site, where it is logged, cut and sampled. Samples selected for assay are sealed and shipped to ALS Canada Ltd.s preparation facility in Sudbury. Sample preparation details (code PREP-31DH) are available on the ALS Canada website. Pulps are analyzed at the ALS Canada Ltd. facility in North Vancouver, BC. All samples are analyzed by four acid digestion followed by both ICP-AES and ICP-MS for Cu, Mo and Ag. About Osisko Metals Osisko Metals Incorporated is a Canadian exploration and development company creating value in the critical metals sector, with a focus on copper and zinc. The Company acquired a 100% interest in the past-producing Gaspe Copper mine from Glencore Canada Corporation in July 2023. The Gaspe Copper mine is located near Murdochville in Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula. The Company is currently focused on resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system, with current Indicated Mineral Resources of 824 Mt averaging 0.34% CuEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 670 Mt averaging 0.38% CuEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' November 14, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals Announces Significant Increase in Mineral Resource at Gaspe Copper". Gaspe Copper hosts the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America, strategically located near existing infrastructure in the mining-friendly province of Quebec. In addition to the Gaspe Copper project, the Company is working with Appian Capital Advisory LLP through the Pine Point Mining Limited joint venture to advance one of Canada's largest past-producing zinc mining camps, the Pine Point project, located in the Northwest Territories. The current mineral resource estimate for the Pine Point project consists of Indicated Mineral Resources of 49.5 Mt averaging 5.52% ZnEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 8.3 Mt averaging 5.64% ZnEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals' June 25, 2024 news release entitled "Osisko Metals releases Pine Point mineral resource estimate: 49.5 million tonnes of indicated resources at 5.52% ZnEq". The Pine Point project is located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, NWT, close to infrastructure, with paved road access, an electrical substation and 100 kilometres of viable haul roads. For further information on this news release, visit www.osiskometals.com or contact: Don Njegovan, President Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Phone: (416) 500-4129 Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "potential", "feasibility", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, among other things: the tax treatment of the FT Units; the timing of incurring the Qualifying Expenditures and the renunciation of the Qualifying Expenditures; the ability to advance Gaspe Copper to a construction decision (if at all); the ability to increase the Company's trading liquidity and enhance its capital markets presence; the potential re-rating of the Company; the ability for the Company to unlock the full potential of its assets and achieve success; the ability for the Company to create value for its shareholders; the advancement of the Pine Point project; the anticipated resource expansion of the Gaspe Copper system and Gaspe Copper hosting the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the ability of exploration results, including drilling, to accurately predict mineralization; errors in geological modelling; insufficient data; equity and debt capital markets; future spot prices of copper and zinc; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities and groups. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company's public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Osisko Metals' issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. News / National by Gideon Madzikatidze / Simbarashe Sithole MAZOWE WEST - A communitydriven initiative led by Zanu PF councillor Dickson Mucheriwa has brought relief to nearly one hundred vulnerable learners at Farai Primary School after a local sangoma, Sekuru Nyangatayani (born Peter Chingudzi), donated school fees, stationery and other essential learning materials.The intervention comes as the school battles mounting bad debts caused by widespread poverty, with many guardians unable to pay fees or provide basic necessities for their children.Councillor Mucheriwa said the donation was motivated by the urgent need to protect learners from the effects of financial hardship."This is a noble cause, and I'm honoured to be part of it. The school has been grappling with bad debts, a development which threatens the education of these vulnerable learners," he said.He added that every child deserved access to quality education regardless of their background, and encouraged more partners to support similar initiatives through publicprivate partnerships."This is how we complement Vision 2030 and the national development strategy, in line with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Second Republic's mantra of leaving no one and no place behind," he said.Parents, school authorities and the School Development Committee welcomed the gesture, describing it as timely and transformative."This initiative has come at a time when we were struggling to keep our children in school. We're thankful to Councillor Dickson and the sangoma for their kindness and generosity," said one parent.Farai Primary School headmaster, Mr Shonhiwa Nyanhanga, said the school had been struggling to recover fees from guardians, prompting them to seek assistance from traditional leadership, including Chief Makope."School fees donations and other necessities will complement our efforts to recover from bad debts. Today's gesture is a relief to both teachers and learners. We received boxes of chalk, stationery and fees support, ensuring no learner is left behind as we embrace the HeritageBased Curriculum," he said.School Development Committee chairperson Mr Fredrick Mulesi said traditional leaders had been instrumental in helping recover outstanding fees, but the additional support from Sekuru Nyangatayani would go even further."With this gesture, and his promise to cover fees for some learners for the whole year, we expect significant progress. These publicprivate partnerships empower less privileged learners to access education, which is their right," he said.The initiative underscores the growing role of communitybased solutions in addressing educational inequalities in Mazowe West, which falls under the constituency of Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the first international court to consider whether what happened to the Rohingya a Muslim minority in Myanmar was genocide. Gambia is going to have to show that genocide was committed. They are not showing individuals special intent because this is not an international criminal trial where one individual is on trial. It is the broader state responsibility that this court considers, says Melanie OBrien of the university of Western Australia. Lawyers for Gambia are presenting their case years after the only two previous genocide cases were argued at the ICJ Bosnia versus Serbia, finished in 2007, and Croatia versus Serbia, judged in 2015. Even though it has ruled that genocide was committed in Bosnia by Bosnia Serb forces, and that Serbia was in breach of the Genocide Convention, the ICJ has never ruled that a state itself was responsible for committing genocide, reminds Reed Brody of the International Commission of Jurists, because the court has historically set the bar very high for that kind of finding. In previous cases the court ruled on a variety of issues that Gambia will need to address, and lawyers will be following most closely the courts very strict test, says Juliette McIntyre of Adelaide University, on whether the evidence is so clear that the only possible inference [the judges can draw] is genocidal intent. From history of genocides to the use of Facebook So far, from the first couple of days, says OBrien, Gambias arguments are looking excellent. Gambia has to prove both the facts on the ground, and the specific special intent by the state to commit genocide. During the opening session Philippe Sands, speaking for Gambia, pulled out a first edition of a book by Raphael Lemkin, the author of the Genocide Convention, to support his arguments about what the states have signed up for. Later in the week, Gambia spent several sessions on the horrific descriptions of the alleged acts on the ground by the Myanmar armed forces, the Tatmadaw, of destruction of villages and the murder and rape of Rohingya men, women and children. And several further sessions, to bolster their analysis of how the only possible inference from the evidence presented was intent to commit genocide. Gambia is doing really accurate comparisons to past genocides to show patterns and similarities with genocides like Srebrenica, the Holocaust or Rwanda, describes OBrien. Lawyers of the Gambia are both walking through the history of using the law to persecute and discriminate against the Rohingya in Myanmar and talking about the use of Facebook as the main media for distributing hate speech, she says. In addition, adds Brody, there is strategy behind the various elements presented by different lawyers: You put things in a pleading just for one of the judges. You take the 15 judges, you say, this is what we need for this judge. These are the six judges we have to concentrate on. Paul Reichler [member of the Gambias legal team] is really good at that, so is Philippe [Sands]. Marking the work of other UN bodies The hearings will go on for three weeks until the end of January. Gambia is basing its case on the reports of the UN Fact Finding Mission (FFM), along with reports from the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) about what happened in 2017. A few sessions will be behind closed doors, when three witnesses will testify. Its not unheard of McIntyre says. In the Croatia genocide case, they had witnesses who used pseudonyms and who were examined and cross-examined in camera to protect them. In a case like this, its obviously very sensitive and the evidence that theyre going to be giving is very harrowing. Relying on the UN reports poses a few potential problems says McIntyre. One is that the methodology for collecting the facts, testing the veracity of the evidence isnt always clear. And the second potential problem is that the UN reports go further than simply stating facts. They actually get into the question of whether they think theres genocide here or not, kind of doing the courts job for it in some places she adds. In response to Myanmars suggestions that the reports are unreliable, lawyer for Gambia Reichler says that when it comes to the courts decisions to rely on UN reports its jurisprudence makes clear, it has done so only after carefully scrutinizing these reports to ensure that they meet the standards, articulated in its case law, for establishing their reliability. Doing so here would be consistent with the Courts long-standing practice. Reichler argues that with the FFM and the IIMM reports, there can be no doubt of their probative value, or that they merit great evidentiary weight and describes how comprehensive they are with confidential interviews conducted by the Mission or its staff with more than 1,200 victims, witnesses, perpetrators and former Myanmar officials with direct knowledge of the issues; satellite imagery; authenticated video and photo material; publicly available admissions of relevant facts by Myanmar officials; laws, policies and directives of Myanmar; internal Myanmar documents; and statistics, surveys and other quantitative information generated by Myanmar or the United Nations. Genocidal Intent All observers are interested to see how Gambia is dealing with the courts previous strict approach to genocidal intent. OBrien says that in the previous ruling of the court, when they talked about genocidal intent in the Bosnia and Croatia cases, and that genocidal intent has to be the only inference that can be made from the evidence before it, was heavily criticised. Its also not supported by the text of the convention or by reality, with the simultaneous commission of other international crimes like war crimes at the same time; there can be other intents. Reichlersmartly said he agreed with the court standards, and argued that the only reasonable inference that can be drawn from the evidence is that Myanmar acted with the intent to destroy the Rohingya as a group, as such, in whole or in part. Reichler told the court that, contrary to Myanmars arguments which have not yet been made public - deliberately targeting, shooting indiscriminately at, and massacring thousands of Rohingya civilians unarmed, unthreatening and defenceless Rohingya civilians is not counterterrorism. He also provided context to support genocidal intent: The Rohingya were despised, discriminated against and targeted by the Myanmar government, based on their race and religion They were denied citizenship and nationality; subjected to restrictions on marriage and childbirth to prevent population growth; denied opportunities of employment and livelihood; restricted in their movement and access to food and health care; deprived of basic rights available to other ethnic, racial and religious groups. As publicly proclaimed by the Tatmadaws supreme commander, the very presence of the Rohingya had long been a problem; and the clearance operations were launched to finally solve this problem. This was not counter-terrorism. It was the antithesis of counter-terrorism. It was genocide he concluded. Sexual violence as evidence of intent Another important aspect of the case is the emphasis by Gambia on sexual and gender-based violence, particularly rape and gang rape of girls and women, which was a prominent part and continues to be a prominent of the violence against the Rohingya says OBrien. On the first day in court, we saw multiple references to sexual and gender-based violence noted Ashita Alag of the NGO Global Justice Center. The FFM recorded sexual violence, not just against women and girls, but also men and boys during the 2017 operations including rape, genital mutilation, sexualized torture. Sexual violence against men and boy is also often used. However, the bulk of the sexual violence was against women and girls. There is evidence, she says, of mass gang rapes on women and girls, often involving multiple perpetrators and multiple victims at the same time. These sort of incidents of sexual violence are often perpetrated in front of the victims children or other family members, so as to almost make a spectacle out of it. Theres evidence of women raped to death. To show the special intent, you have to show destruction of a group in whole or in part. That destruction, the ICJ has already said, is both physical and biological. Rohingya women and girls of reproductive age perform an important social function for that group in sustaining its regenerative capacity and thereby are a prominent part of the whole group. And so biological destruction of this part of the group can evidence an intent to commit genocide. This violence is being perpetrated in this manner against women and girls of reproductive age to destroy this community biologically, to impact its regenerative capacity. Its only pushing for a gendered understanding of what genocide is, says Alag. OBrien agrees that, in the Rohingya case, the whole range of genocide was highly gendered in the fact that generally, you see men are killed and women are subject to sexual and gender-based violence and perhaps murdered afterwards. This could lead to a much more gender sensitive decision coming out of the court that acknowledges how significant the commission of sexual and gender-based crimes are in the genocide process and that it isnt necessarily just about killing. Myanmar will bring its alternative interpretation before the court from Friday onwards. Implications in the Gaza case? This is going to be the first judicial decision about whether or not genocide took place against the Rohingya in Myanmar, says OBrien. It will be so significant for the survivors to have an independent judicial body made up of a variety of judges from all around the world who have assessed a wide range of evidence. That will be highly significant. The courts decision can also have implications beyond Myanmar, notes Brody: This case is widely seen as a dry run for South Africas case against Israel and how the court reasons about intent and evidence here will shape genocide law for years to come and in particular for the Gaza case. Indeed, agrees OBrien, when the merits decision comes out here, no doubt that it will impact and be included in the arguments of the state parties to the other proceedings that we have;Ukraine-Russia, South Africa-Israel, Nicaragua-Germany. It will take the judges months to consider the evidence presented at the three weeks of hearings, but a ruling will be expected this year. The Gambia opened its first trial Thursday against a member of the country's notorious "Junglers" paramilitary unit, which acted as a death squad under the reign of ex-dictator Yahya Jammeh. Sanna Manjang, who was the head of the squad, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder at the country's High Court in Banjul. In December, Manjang was also charged with two other killings, including the shooting of longtime AFP journalist Deyda Hydara. But neither case figured among those that went to trial Thursday, surprising some observers. Instead, Manjang was charged with the murder of Kajali Jammeh, reportedly a member of the MFDC rebels, a separatist group fighting for independence for the Casamance region of Senegal. Prosecutors allege Manjang killed him by slitting his neck with a knife. They also accuse Manjang of killing another man, Samba Wurry, by stabbing him in the chest. A former worker at Yahya Jammeh's residence had previously testified to the country's Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) that Manjang decapitated Kajali Jammeh with a knife or sword, telling his victim: "I am going to kill you, cut your throat and feed your body to the crocodiles." The next hearing is scheduled for February 9 and could include additional murders. The Junglers worked independently of The Gambia's regular army, and the death squad has long been accused of extrajudicial killings and torture by the United Nations and rights groups. Manjang was arrested in neighbouring Senegal in November and repatriated to The Gambia in December. He had been on the run since Jammeh was forced into exile in 2017. Jammeh's more than two decades in power, from 1994 to 2017, were marked by significant rights abuses and the earmarking of state funds for the eccentric leader's personal use, the current government and rights groups say. After losing a presidential election in December 2016 to opposition leader Adama Barrow, Jammeh refused to acknowledge the results and was ultimately forced to flee to Equatorial Guinea. Following his departure, the country established the TRRC, which probed alleged crimes under his rule. The commission found that 240 to 250 people were killed by the state during Jammeh's reign. It also found evidence of widespread extrajudicial killings, torture, kidnappings, witch hunts and other abuses. Several of Jammeh's accomplices, including Junglers, have been detained and sentenced abroad in Germany, Switzerland and the United States. News / National by Staff reporter BULAWAYO City Council (BCC) has set aside a vast stretch of prime commercial land along the George Avenue Corridor in Suburbs, Selbourne Park and Barham Green as it moves to operationalise its Corridor Local Development Plan, a move expected to unlock fresh investment opportunities in the city.The development follows the gazetting last year of Local Development Plan (LDP) No. 19, which provides for the transformation of traditionally low-density suburbs such as Suburbs, Kumalo and Parklands into mixed-use investment zones.The shift reflects changing urban development trends, with several companies and organisations already relocating from the central business district (CBD) to these suburbs. Institutions such as World Vision, the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ), non-governmental organisations and car dealerships are now operating from Suburbs and Kumalo.In a notice issued yesterday, Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube invited both local and international investors to take advantage of the newly unlocked opportunities."The City of Bulawayo is inviting high-value local and international investors to take advantage of investment opportunities that have been unlocked on the George Avenue Corridor and other areas in the city," said Mr Dube."High-value investors interested in the development of medical facilities, office parks, hotels, lodges, petroleum service stations and townhouses are encouraged to invest and contribute to the development of Bulawayo."Most of the land earmarked for development is located along the George Avenue Corridor in Suburbs, with additional sites identified in Selbourne Park and Barham Green.Mr Dube said interested investors are required to submit detailed proposals outlining the project concept, estimated investment value, implementation timelines, employment creation potential and proposed lease-rental or purchase prices."The investment opportunities fall under the City of Bulawayo's lease or rental with an option-to-buy arrangement," he said.Prospective investors have until February 13 to submit their expressions of interest.Proposed commercial and business uses include pharmacies, health and beauty shops, banks, car hire services, showrooms, cinemas, food courts and restaurants, homeware and interior design stores, indoor games facilities, medical suites and office parks. Specialised retail outlets may include boutiques, confectioneries, gift shops and jewellery stores.Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution permanent secretary Mr Paul Nyoni welcomed the move, saying the operationalisation of local development plans was critical to unlocking investment."Following the approval of the Bulawayo Master Plan, it is important that more land opportunities be opened for development," he said. "The plan provides land for residential, office parks, hotels, lodges and medical facilities, which will unlock investment across these sectors."Urban planning expert Dr Nicholas Muleya said the initiative would help decongest the CBD while revitalising underutilised land."This aligns with Bulawayo's Local Development Plan Number 19, which seeks to decongest the CBD by proposing office parks outside the city centre," he said. "Some of this land has remained idle for a long time, while some residential properties in the area have become dilapidated."Dr Muleya added that redevelopment along George Avenue would enhance the city's image."This is a key corridor linking Bulawayo to South Africa and Harare, so redeveloping it will significantly spruce up the face of the city," he said.Bulawayo businessman and former Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Chamber vice-president Mr Louis Herbst said the move signalled BCC's recognition of the need to unlock private capital and reposition the city for growth."As a businessman, I commend the City of Bulawayo for issuing a call for expressions of interest along the George Avenue corridor. It is an important signal that the city recognises the need to stimulate development and attract private investment," he said.However, Mr Herbst warned that outdated regulatory frameworks could still deter investors."Many of the city's regulatory instruments and by-laws originate from the colonial era. Despite amendments, they are not designed for modern, technology-driven, high-density or mixed-use developments," he said, adding that slow approval processes and rigid planning interpretations increased costs and risks for investors.While the challenges are not unique to Bulawayo, Mr Herbst said addressing them would be key to fully realising the investment potential of the George Avenue Corridor and other designated growth areas. News / National by Staff reporter GOVERNMENT has rolled out a comprehensive plan to accelerate the completion of more than 200 high-impact infrastructure projects whose prolonged delays have weighed down local economic development.Under the 2026 Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Programme, authorities have prioritised 226 stalled projects identified through a nationwide audit, with ministries now under instruction to ensure their completion within the current financial year.To support the initiative, Government has set aside ZiG14 billion, equivalent to about US$500 million, to fund an expansive infrastructure development drive this year, with a significant portion of the allocation earmarked for the completion of the stalled projects.The programme adopts a phased implementation approach, starting with at least 10 high-impact projects in each province that are already more than 70 percent complete. These projects will be prioritised to deliver quick wins and ensure efficient use of public resources."Following the conducting of an audit on the current status of stalled construction projects across various ministries, departments and agencies, it was envisaged that a total of 226 projects remained incomplete," reads the programme."Given the above, there is need to facilitate the completion of the stalled projects as they are key in providing critical public infrastructure, which stimulates local economic development whilst ensuring efficient use of State resources."As part of the rollout, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) have been directed to carry out detailed assessments of the selected priority projects, focusing on their current physical status, outstanding contractual obligations and the requirements needed to bring them to completion."In order to facilitate the completion of stalled projects, Government will undertake a phased approach commencing with focus being on 10 high-impact priority projects in each of the country's provinces, specifically targeting those that are over 70 percent complete," the programme states."Pursuant to the above, and also taking into consideration the value-for-money principle, MDAs are required to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the selected priority projects in terms of their current physical status, outstanding contractual obligations, requirements to completion and programme of works."Government will also revalidate contracts signed during the pre-dollarisation era to align them with current economic conditions, costs and pricing structures, a move aimed at ensuring project viability and value for money."Furthermore, MDAs are required to undertake contract revalidations considering that the majority of the contracts were done during the pre-dollarisation era," the document adds.In the agriculture sector, priority projects include the Gwayi-Shangani Dam and its associated pipeline, Kunzvi Dam and water treatment facilities, the Tugwi-Mukosi Irrigation Scheme, rehabilitation of irrigation demonstration plots countrywide, the Off-Grid Smallholder Farmer-Led Irrigation Systems Programme, the National Irrigation Programme and the Virtual Irrigation Academy.Key transport projects earmarked for fast-tracking include the HarareKanyemba Road dualisation, HarareChirundu Road, MurambindaBirchenough Bridge and the ChipingeMount Selinda Road.Other projects set for completion include staff houses at Chirundu, Zimra's fiscalisation systems, a national Learning Management System, rehabilitation of the Robert Mugabe International Airport VIP lounge and completion of the Chancery construction in Abuja, Nigeria.Government will also prioritise development of the new city at Mt Hampden, alongside rehabilitation of major hospitals and schools across the country.Authorities say completing the stalled projects will unlock economic value, improve service delivery and ensure public investment delivers tangible development outcomes for communities nationwide. News / National by Staff reporter GOVERNMENT plans to impose mandatory jail sentences for drug-related offences, alongside stiffer penalties for drug dealing and trafficking, as part of a nationwide crackdown on substance abuse.The reforms, outlined in National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), aim to curb drug useparticularly among children and adolescentswhile dismantling illicit supply networks. Under the new framework, fines will be replaced with mandatory minimum prison terms for a range of drug offences.Currently, magistrates can impose fines or other non-custodial sentences, allowing them to consider mitigating factors. NDS2 removes this discretion for drug offences, making mandatory sentencing central to deterring crime and disrupting illegal supply chains."On the enforcement side, NDS2 interventions will strengthen laws against drug trafficking and illicit distribution, improve border control mechanisms and enhance coordination among law enforcement agencies," the Government plan states. "Penalties for dealing and trafficking in drugs will be elevated to much stiffer levels, with minimum mandatory custodial jail terms replacing fines."Mandatory sentencing is already applied in Zimbabwe for serious crimes such as stock theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure, with minimum terms ranging from nine to ten years. Courts can only reduce a sentence if "special circumstances" exist, which refers to exceptional factors related to the offence or offender; financial hardship, first-time offences, or dependents generally do not qualify.Supporters argue that mandatory sentencing deters crime, reduces sentencing disparities, and limits judicial bias. Critics, however, note that it shifts sentencing power from the judiciary to the legislature.NDS2 emphasises that enforcement alone will not address the problem. Government plans parallel public health and social interventions to reduce demand for drugs. These include workplace wellness and anti-drug programmes, mass media campaigns targeting early prevention, and awareness initiatives aimed at children and adolescents.Parenting and peer influence will be addressed through strengthened education materials and a Positive Parenting Manual to support families and communities. Digital and online platforms will also be used to amplify messaging on the harms of drug use.On the treatment front, NDS2 proposes comprehensive drug treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery centres in every administrative district. These facilities will focus on harm reduction, preventing injuries, infectious diseases, and overdose-related deaths. Investments will also be made in human capital, specialised training for medical and social work professionals, and expanded access to rehabilitation services."The review of treatment protocols will facilitate expansion of access to rehabilitation centres, training of health professionals in addiction management, and support re-integration programmes for recovering addicts," the strategy reads.The reforms signal Zimbabwe's commitment to a coordinated, multi-pronged approach that combines law enforcement, public health, and social interventions to tackle the rising challenge of drug and substance abuse. News / National by Staff reporter HARARE Magistrates Court has denied bail to Walter Magaya's bodyguard, Tapiwa Felix Chikondo, who is facing charges of obstructing justice.Presiding magistrate Ruth Moyo made the ruling on Tuesday, stating that there were no changed circumstances to justify Chikondo's release while awaiting trial.Chikondo is accused of interfering with one of Magaya's alleged rape victims and her family during police investigations. The case stems from allegations reported at Braeside Police Station in November 2025.According to the prosecution, Chikondo became aware of police interest in the matter and allegedly contacted the victim. The victim is said to have handed her phone to her mother, whom Chikondo purportedly urged not to cooperate with law enforcement.He is further accused of relaying a message from Magaya, allegedly instructing the mother not to assist police and promising compensation for the alleged offence. Chikondo is also said to have sent US$200 via Ecocash to the victim's mother, claiming it was for bus fare to Harare to discuss settling the case.In his bail application, Chikondo argued that he was a suitable candidate for release, citing a previous acquittal on similar charges. In that earlier case, he had been accused of assaulting police officers while allegedly attempting to prevent Magaya's arrest at his prayer mountain in Waterfalls, Harare.Walter Magaya is a religious leader, entrepreneur, and self-proclaimed prophet, best known as the founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries. Vivienne Clarke Former Labour leader and chair of the Oireachtas committee on Arts, Media, and Communications, Alan Kelly, has said the statement from Elon Musk about Grok AI doesnt convince me. Moderation was not enough, he told RTE radios Morning Ireland. There needed to be robust ways of dealing with the issue, he added. Alan Kelly. Photo: PA The real issue here is, is if it's not X today, it could be a company called Y tomorrow. So this can't be continuous. So we need to have robust ways of dealing with this, both at European and national level. If Europe is going to be too slow in relation to dealing with these AI issues, well then we as a country are going to have to lead and deal with it ourselves. "We have robust laws to be fair, Coco's law, which my own party was instrumental in bringing in, and obviously in relation to the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998. We need to ensure that those laws, which are quite good and strong, are complete in relation to how we can deal with this. We need to protect our citizens, protect our children. The issue here is expanded to how these AI tools are actually sexualising and nudalising not just children, but also adults and make sure that everybody is protected across the platform. "This statement doesn't convince me, to be honest with you, I mean the very ending of it saying where it is illegal is a bit of a ghetto. And also remember at the end of the day many people will have access to VPNs and possibly bypass some of this as well. So the platforms themselves need to deal with it. Mr Kelly said he expected representatives from X to attend the Oireachtas Committee meeting with social media platforms on February 4th. There's an invitation out to them. I expect them to turn up. I expect them to address these issues. I think it would be unacceptable if they don't. "And collectively, and this goes beyond any politics inside here in Leinster House, collectively, we as a parliament, this government and everybody else needs to put in place the legislative basis to ensure that platforms cannot in any way shape or form, whether it's X using Grok or others cannot continue to sexualise children obviously, but also adults because we need to protect our people. It's as simple as that. There is no debate. 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. The death has occurred of Kyle Andrew Comerford of The Willows, Roseleigh, Mooncoin, Co Kilkenny, and formerly of Newtown Terrace, Thomastown. Mr Comerford passed away on 7 January 2026 at Al-Zahra Hospital in Dubai following a short illness. He was the beloved husband of Eva, nee Richardson. According to a notice published on RIP.ie, he will be deeply missed by his wife Eva, his parents Paul and Martina, his sister Shania, his parents in law John and Helen, along with his uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. READ NEXT: Number of people in Kilkenny in emergency accommodation hits worrying milestone Reposing will take place at Johnstons Funeral Home, Johns Green, Kilkenny, on Friday 16 January from 4pm to 6pm. A private cremation service is due to take place on Saturday. Following the announcement of his passing, tributes have been paid from across the community, including from Colaiste Cois Siuire in Mooncoin, where Mr Comerford previously completed his teaching placement. In a post shared on social media, the school said it was deeply saddened to learn of his death. READ NEXT: Calls to move Kilkenny speed cameras to less 'predictable' locations The statement recalled the impact he made during his time at the school, noting that during his time in our school, he showed great dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm for teaching, leaving a positive impression on both staff and students. The school extended its sympathies to his family and said he would be remembered with respect and fondness by the school community. The message concluded with the words, Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis. Messages of condolence continue to be shared online, reflecting the depth of feeling following his tragic passing. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS 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. READ NEXT: BREAKING: Man in his 20s arrested in connection with death of boy (4) and his grandaunt in Offaly 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. 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. READ NEXT: Weather experts give verdict on possible Beast from the East heading our way 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. READ NEXT: 'She was going to kill me': Child, 8, gives evidence of alleged stabbing by mother 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. READ NEXT: 'The pain, the hurt' - Fresh appeal launched for 27-year-old man who vanished a year ago 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. Venezuelan shot in another federal agent action in U.S. Minneapolis Xinhua) 15:36, January 15, 2026 LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. federal agent shot and injured a Venezuelan man Wednesday night in Minneapolis, the largest city in the state of Minnesota, said the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Federal law enforcement officers were conducting a traffic stop in Minneapolis while the man -- identified by the DHS as being in the United States illegally and fleeing in his vehicle -- crashed into a parked car and then ran on foot, before an officer caught up with him, the DHS said. When the two struggled on the ground, two other individuals emerged from a nearby apartment and attacked the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. The original suspect then broke free and also began attacking the officer, prompting the law enforcement official to "fire a defensive shot" into his leg, the DHS said. Police said the man's injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, and the two others who joined the attack are in custody. The City of Minneapolis confirmed that "one adult male was shot by federal immigration enforcement agents" and urged the public to remain calm. Local officials have also called for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to leave the city and state. A large and tense crowd gathered near the scene Wednesday night, with protesters using horns and whistles, according to the local KARE television station. The shooting unfolded against the backdrop of growing unrest in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an ICE agent last week, which has sparked widespread protests and clashes with federal authorities nationwide. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) News / National by Staff reporter POLICE have called on motorcyclists to strictly follow road rules and regulations to safeguard their own lives, as well as those of passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) issued the warning on 14 January 2026, highlighting a noticeable increase in motorcycle use across both urban and rural areas.ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said many riders are flouting the law, citing cases of unregistered motorcycles, failure to wear protective helmets, operating without valid driver's or learner's licences, and carrying more than one passenger, which is illegal."The Police has also observed poor riding conduct by some motorcyclists, including ignoring road signs and signals, reckless and dangerous riding, excessive speed, improper overtaking, riding against the flow of traffic, and weaving through moving vehicles. This conduct poses a serious risk to the safety of the rider, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users," the statement reads.Commissioner Nyathi reminded riders that the Road Traffic Act [Chapter 13:11] requires both the rider and passenger to wear approved protective helmets at all times, regardless of location. Learner riders must ensure their helmets are clearly marked with a red "L," and their motorcycles display the prescribed L-plates.He further emphasized that motorcycles are legally allowed to carry only one passenger, who must also be properly seated and helmeted. All motorcycles must be properly registered and licensed; failure to comply constitutes a traffic offence and attracts legal penalties."The Zimbabwe Republic Police will continue to intensify traffic enforcement operations countrywide to curb lawlessness and promote road safety," the statement added.Motorcyclists and all road users are urged to comply with road rules, cooperate with law enforcement officers, and prioritise safety at all times. The creation of the new Graduate Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence Baden-Wurttemberg, led by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), is entering its final preparatory phase: In February, the participating universities plan to sign the founding agreement in the presence of State Minister for Science Petra Olschowski. The name of the institution has already been decided: connAIx Research School for Applied AI. The term combines connect and AI and represents the close integration of research, application, and industry in the field of artificial intelligence. connAIx offers a robust foundation for early-career researchers and exchange with industry. Combining fundamental research with practical application is essential for responsibly transferring AI technologies into real-world practice, says Professor Oliver Kraft, Vice President Academic Affairs at KIT. The goal is to strengthen the next generation of scientists and accelerate the transfer of research results into industry. The center is scheduled for completion in 2029 and aims to advance the training of specialists in AI-related future fields such as chip design, robotics, and cybersecurity, and to provide targeted support to doctoral candidates working at the intersection of computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. connAIx will be established as a KIT location in Heilbronn and operated jointly with the Universities of Stuttgart and Tubingen. In addition to ten professors, more than 60 doctoral candidates and around 20 postdoctoral researchers will conduct research at the graduate center. Doctoral candidates who wish to explore and apply AI in production, mobility, energy, or healthcare will find well-structured doctoral programs, numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary networking, and access to cutting-edge infrastructure. The State of Baden-Wurttemberg is funding connAIx with up to 30 million annually. mex, January 15, 2025 News / National by Staff reporter CHIEF Justice Luke Malaba, who turns 75 in May and is set to retire, is reportedly refusing to go on leave.According to NewsDay, Malaba was scheduled to start leave earlier this month but has opted to remain in office until his tenure officially expires. He presided over the 2026 Legal Year official opening in Harare on Monday, a function that Supreme Court judge Justice Rita Makarau was expected to lead in his absence.Sources say Malaba is aware that going on leave would mark the end of his term as Chief Justice.In May 2021, President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended Malaba's tenure by five years following controversial amendments to the Constitution. The changes, backed by Zanu PF's parliamentary majority, raised the retirement age for senior judges from 70 to 75, provided they were medically certified as fit. At the time, Malaba had turned 70, but the amendment allowed him to remain in office until 75.Efforts to reach Judicial Service Commission secretary Walter Chikwana for comment were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone was unreachable.The 2021 constitutional amendment faced legal challenges from lawyers, who questioned the increase of the retirement age for Constitutional and Supreme Court judges. Mnangagwa's extension of Malaba's term was justified at the time using a medical report confirming the Chief Justice's "mental and physical fitness to continue in that office."Malaba's decision to remain in office until retirement continues to attract attention as the judiciary prepares for a leadership transition later this year. The Heralds Thomas Coughlan on Politician of the Year: That leaves, by a whisker, the winner: Chris Bishop (its a good year for Chrises from the Hutt). Associate Finance Minister, Transport Minister, Housing Minister, RMA Reform Minister, Bishop has very obviously donned the mantle of minister of everything. Bishop is perhaps the Governments busiest reformer, with the transport, housing and RMA reform portfolios each being enough to burden most ordinary ministers. The staggered, tactical approach to RMA reform has been a success, and while Bishop is clearly standing on David Parkers shoulders when it comes to the structure of some of the Governments reforms, its impressive what hes managed to accomplish in two years. 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. News / National by Staff reporter Illegal miners, commonly known as amakorokoza, are threatening the gravesite of late former Home Affairs minister and Zapu president Dumiso Dabengwa in Ntabazinduna, Matabeleland North province, raising alarm among traditional leaders and the local community.Dabengwa, a revered liberation hero, is buried alongside his wife, Zodwa Dabengwa, at Emanxeleni in Ntabazinduna. He died in May 2019 at the age of 79 in Nairobi, Kenya, while travelling back to Zimbabwe from India, where he had sought medical treatment for a liver ailment. His wife, popularly known as MaKhumalo, passed away in London in June 2023 following a respiratory illness.Speaking in an interview yesterday, Mabuthweni village head Harvard Phangwana described the situation as unacceptable, saying illegal miners were causing widespread destruction in the area and now posed a threat to the grave of the late national hero."The illegal miners are wreaking havoc here. Several homes are being threatened on a daily basis," said Phangwana. "We have reported these cases to the responsible authorities for quite a long time, to no avail to the extent that they are now threatening the grave of our late national hero."Phangwana said the miners were violent and largely came from outside the community, exploiting the leadership vacuum created by the absence of a substantive chief in the area."We have had several meetings as traditional leaders trying to bridge this gap," he said. "People are taking advantage because there is no chief at the moment. Several fields and homes are threatened. As I speak, there is a family whose grave was destroyed and bones were left in the open. The family is having a torrid time trying to make peace with that situation."He added that there were suspicions of local collaborators working with the illegal miners, warning that tensions had escalated now that the grave of a prominent national figure was under threat.Community members have reportedly resolved to establish community-controlled centres in gold-rich areas to restrict access by outsiders and ensure that local people benefit from the natural resources.Sources in the area said many of the illegal miners operated under the influence of alcohol and were allegedly backed by influential individuals who benefited from the disorder."There is a petition that has been signed against one individual who is purporting to be the acting chief and is suspected to be among the troublemakers making the area ungovernable," said one source.Zapu president Sibangilizwe Nkomo called for respect for sacred sites, particularly the graves of fallen liberation heroes. He said an assessment conducted by party representatives showed that mining damage had occurred close to Dabengwa's gravesite."The damage was almost 20 metres away from the graves," said Nkomo. "Villagers have told them to stop their activities. The government must revise mining laws so that they protect villagers."Nkomo also said illegal mining activities had damaged roads in the area, blaming groups commonly referred to as amaShurugwi.Dabengwa played a prominent role during the liberation struggle as head of intelligence for the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army, the military wing of Zapu. In 1982, he was arrested alongside Zipra commander Lookout Masuku and others on treason charges by the then government, but was acquitted in 1983 due to lack of evidence. Despite the acquittal, he and his colleagues were detained under emergency regulations and Dabengwa was only released four years later.Following the 1987 Unity Accord, Dabengwa served as Home Affairs deputy minister and later as minister before retiring from government in 2000. He later became a vocal critic of Robert Mugabe and Zanu-PF, eventually leaving the ruling party to revive Zapu in 2008. In the lead-up to the 2018 elections, he publicly supported opposition leader Nelson Chamisa's presidential bid. 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. News / National by Staff reporter A 30-year-old Harare man who brutally murdered his father's tenant before stealing his car and property worth US$8 000 has been sentenced to life imprisonment.High Court judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi on Wednesday spared Simbarashe Chimuka the death penalty but imposed a life sentence after ruling that the murder was premeditated and carried out with extreme brutality.Chimuka was convicted of killing Clemence Chitete on November 5, 2014, at number 83 Blakeway Drive in Belvedere, Harare, where the deceased was renting a cottage from the accused's father.During the trial, Prosecutor-General's representative Tapiwa Kasema told the court that Chimuka unlawfully gained entry into the property by scaling a precast wall and breaking the kitchen door of the cottage.Once inside, Chimuka launched a vicious attack on Chitete, repeatedly striking him with a stone and bricks before scalding him with a hot electric iron. The assault left the victim with severe head injuries and extensive burns, which later proved fatal.After killing Chitete, Chimuka looted the cottage, stealing a 32-inch television set, two mobile phones, an HP laptop and a Toyota Corolla, registration number ADE 5146, before fleeing the scene.The court heard that Chimuka was arrested two days later in Victoria Falls as he attempted to escape to Zambia. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of the deceased's neck chain, driver's licence and house keys.Following his arrest, Chimuka led police to the recovery of the stolen vehicle, laptop and mobile phones, as well as a blood-stained brick used in the attack and the clothes he had been wearing during the commission of the offence.He also made indications at the crime scene, demonstrating to investigators how he carried out the fatal attack before fleeing with the victim's property.In handing down sentence, Justice Chitapi said the manner in which the crime was committed showed clear intent to kill, warranting the harshest punishment short of the death sentence. AUBURN The DeKalb County Board of Health has established its meeting schedule for 2026. Meetings will take place Jan. 26, April 27, July 27 and Oct. 26. The meetings are typically held in the lobby of the DeKalb County Health Department located at 220 E. 7th St. and begin at 7 p.m. The meetings are open to the public. Members of the community who would like to present to the board must submit their name, contact information and topic of discussion to the health department no later than two weeks before the meeting. The speaker must also be available for the chairperson to call and vet the topic. To submit a topic or for questions about the board of health, call the health department at 925-2220. ALLDAY PROJECT member Annie will temporarily step away from group activities to return to Columbia University in New York for the spring semester starting this month. Her agency, THEBLACKLABEL, confirmed on Jan. 14 that Annie will resume her studies and stay in New York through May to focus on completing her degree. The idol is majoring in Art History and Visual Arts at the Ivy League institution and needs only one more semester to graduate. Annie addressed fans directly through the group's fan communication platform on Jan. 14, explaining that she learned early last year that she could no longer extend her leave of absence from the university. She discussed the decision in advance with her fellow members and the agency before making it official, according to Koreaboo. The hiatus will last approximately three and a half months, ending in early May when the semester concludes. Despite her focus on academics, Annie revealed that she will need to return to Korea once or twice a month for scheduled activities. She also plans to continue working on music while in the United States and may participate in select overseas schedules, including fan signing events. Annie took a leave of absence from Columbia to debut with ALLDAY PROJECT in June 2025. The group quickly found success with back-to-back hits "One More Time" in November 2025 and "Look At Me" in December, earning multiple awards within six months of their debut, Korea JoongAng Daily reported. They were also nominated for the iHeartRadio Music Awards scheduled for Mar. 26 in Los Angeles. During Annie's academic period, the remaining ALLDAY PROJECT membersTarzzan, Bailey, Woochan, and Youngseowill continue group music production and pursue individual activities. Member Tarzzan recently released his solo song "MEDUSA." Annie is the granddaughter of Shinsegae Group chairwoman Lee Myung-hee and the eldest daughter of Shinsegae Co. chair Chung Yoo-kyung. She previously revealed that her parents made attending an Ivy League school a condition for pursuing her music career, and she scored 1,530 out of 1,600 on the SAT. In messages to fans, Annie apologized for not informing them before news reports broke and asked for their support during this period, as per allkpop. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. News / National by Staff reporter Traditional leader Chief Murinye, born Ephias Munodawafa, has involved President Emmerson Mnangagwa in a dispute over what he describes as corruption and the unlawful establishment of a private school in his area.The controversy erupted on Monday when Chief Murinye blocked learners from accessing Riverton Academy Murinye Extension, a school he claims was built without proper approval and remains unregularised. The school is linked to Masvingo businessman Philemon Mutangiri, and the blockade led to a tense standoff requiring government intervention following an altercation between Murinye and Mutangiri at the site."I have written to the president of the Chiefs Council, Chief Khumalo, and copied the President and other government officials to challenge the operation of an unregularised school in my area," Murinye said. He added that he was intimidated by the army when he attempted to address the issue, insisting that the Constitution should guide actions in such matters.Mutangiri accused the chief of seeking "endless freebies," including free education for his children, claims Murinye strongly denied. He said he has never relied on Mutangiri for personal benefits, citing that he spent US$20,000 per year on his son's studies in Malaysia. Murinye also clarified that electricity connections at his new residence were arranged by Mutangiri independently and prior to the school dispute.The chief warned that allowing the school to operate without following due process would normalise corruption and undermine governance in rural areas. He alleged that the school was built clandestinely with the cooperation of some village heads and deliberately concealed from authorities. In a letter dated August 8, 2025, Murinye and several headmen formally advised Mutangiri to halt construction until proper procedures were followed.A government delegation visited the site recently, but Murinye said the intervention came too late. Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Ezra Chadzamira confirmed that while paperwork for regularisation is being processed, construction had proceeded ahead of formal approval. He said the government viewed the school as a development initiative but emphasised that construction should comply with regularisation requirements. News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa's Office has issued a stern warning against illegal motorcades, misuse of government vehicle stickers, and the increasing number of vehicles operating without licence plates.The Office said some individuals have been using government-issued stickers and unauthorised blue lights to evade toll gates and roadblocks. Authorities also expressed concern about the rising number of vehicles moving on public roads without proper registration.The President's Office warned that anyone found engaging in these unlawful practices will face arrest and prosecution, noting that the activities are creating significant challenges for other road users and law enforcement agencies. News / Regional by Gideon Madzikatidze A worrying trend has emerged across Zimbabwe's rural schools, where tattered national flags are being flown - or none at all - raising concerns about declining patriotism and the deepening neglect of public education infrastructure.In many institutions, faded, torn or completely absent flags have become a visible symbol of the challenges facing rural schools."The glaring absence of the national flag in the majority of our schools is a stinging symbol of a deeper rot: the systematic betrayal of the liberation promise," said Obert Masaraure, leader of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ).Masaraure accused government of starving schools of resources, saying many institutions could not afford basic teaching materials, let alone a new flag."In this state of emergency, purchasing a flag is an exercise in futility and a waste of scarce resources," he said.The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has acknowledged the problem. Ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro said it was mandatory for schools to hoist a clean and intact national flag."The flag is not just a piece of cloth; it is a sacred symbol of our sovereignty, unity, and the sacrifices made for our nation," Ndoro said.Meanwhile, traditional healer Sekuru Nyangatayani has begun donating national flags to schools in Mashonaland Central in an effort to restore dignity and national pride.A Bulawayo24.com observation has revealed that several rural schools in Manicaland, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West are flying torn flags - or have no flag at all. LAOIS is just outside the top ten nationally for the number of burglary cases brought before the courts. Portlaoise ranks 11th out of 32 court offices nationwide, in terms of the number of people appearing on burglary charges in the first nine months of 2025. A total of 37 people came before courts in Portlaoise on burglary charges between January and September last year, according to latest figures from the Irish Courts Service (ICS). Portlaoise District Court dealt with 28 burglary cases while a further nine were heard at Portlaoise Circuit Court, according to ICS data provided to Ireland South MEP and former barrister Cynthia Ni Mhurchu. The Portlaoise courts deal with burglaries from all over the county with more serious cases heard at circuit court level, which can impose higher penalties. The official figures put Portlaoise above neighbouring court office areas in Carlow (32), Kilkenny (30) and Tullamore (15) but below Mullingar (46). Nationally, 1,187 people came before district courts across Ireland for 1,771 cases of burglary between January and September 2025. A further 347 people were sent forward for trial in the circuit court for burglary offences during this period. The figures point to a relatively small group of repeat offenders that are responsible for a disproportionate share of burglary offences. In the circuit court, 529 offenders were tried for 729 burglary cases. Ms Ni Mhurchu has called for an end to the practice of letting burglars out on temporary release from prison. Thirty-eight burglars were on temporary release as of 23 June 2025, according to figures provided by the Irish Prison Service. The MEP has also called for more targeted community supports, including a doubling of funding under the Community Safety Fund, more funding for community CCTV and consideration to be given to expanding the Seniors Alert Scheme to include grants for house alarms. According to Ms Ni Mhurchu, community leaders she has met dont know about the Community Safety Fund, which redistributes proceeds of crime seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) into An Garda Siochana initiatives such as youth diversion, drug awareness and restorative justice. The MEP asked the Department of Justice to inform community groups of the 4m funding allocation for 2026, consider doubling it and advise politicians and community leaders when the funding call opens for applications. Meanwhile, gardai have urged people to stop posting holiday pictures on social media, which advertises that they are not at home. Neighbours should also keep an eye out for suspicious vehicles or activity nearby, especially in very rural areas during the dark winter months, which are a peak time for burglaries. Ottoline Spearman The murder of four-year-old Mason O'Connell-Conway by his stepmother dominates the front pages of Ireland's papers this Thursday morning. The Danish foreign minister has told the US secretary of state that an American attack on Greenland would be a threat to Danish territory, reports the Irish Times. The country has expanded its military presence after the two countries held a phone call that lasted 50 minutes. A data centre in West Dublin uses ten times the electricity of a nearby pharmaceutical plant employing 2,000 people - the equivalent of 200,000 homes - an internal document has revealed. And the number of US citizens seeking asylum increased fourfold last year. The HSE has issued an apology following the death of a woman after she used a home-birth pool provided by the HSE, reports the Irish Examiner. Laura Liston's death was recorded as a medical misadventure. Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee has said that Musk's AI chatbot Grok should be banned, and JCD has acquired a site for a Cork office for 30 million. Cork councils are considering their use of the X platform following the sexualised deepfakes from its AI chatbot Grok, reports The Echo. This comes after an Oireachtas committee meeting where it was revealed that gardai are currently investigating 200 cases of images possibly containing child sexual abuse material. The family of Mason O'Connell-Conway, 4, who was murdered, have questioned why he was in the care of his father John Paul OConnell and killer stepmother Tegan McGhee, despite concerns being raised with Tusla before he died, according to the Irish Independent. The Irish Daily Mirror also covers the story of Mason O'Connell-Conway, looking at the "evil stepmum" Teghan McGee, who abused the four-year-old for four months. The Irish Daily Star leads with Mason's story, also showing a picture of his mother alongside the four-year-old and his step mother. Michael Flatley has been accused of trying to hijack the Lord of the Dance tour to fund his debts and lifestyle, according to the Irish Daily Mail. The company that runs the tour has sought an injunction against the dancer. And finally, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has spent nothing on fire safety advertising campaigns over the past three years according to the Belfast Telegraph, with last year being the worst for blazes in the last 25 years. Recently, we asked people from outside the US to share their honest opinions about the state of the US right now. They certainly did not hold back here's everything they had to say: 1. "From what I see, it seems to me that the United States is a very difficult place for a foreigner, especially from Latin America, to live. I've always noticed an excess of individualism in films. Now I see this exacerbated individualism, combined with a certain pride, almost a messianic ignorance, among those who consider themselves masters of the world. Overall, I see this social model as quite decadent and far removed from reality." Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection Anonymous, 49, Brazil 2. "As a Canadian, I am genuinely disgusted that not only millions voted for Trump, but that enough voted for him to win. I boycott as many US-made items as possible. I talked my boss out of sending my team to a conference in Florida (which would have been all expenses paid by my company). My 10-year-old has had nightmares about the US trying to invade and make Canada the 51st state. This was not a fear we projected on them." "At this rate, your country would watch Trump murder a basket full of puppies on live TV, and he wouldn't face any consequences. It would not diminish his base, and everyone would be shocked but not surprised. I am so proud to be Canadian. It would take hundreds of millions of dollars for me to move down there, and I still wouldn't renounce my Canadian citizenship. Canada has its issues, but I can sleep at night. I don't know how Americans can." Anonymous, 39, Ontario, Canada 3. "I am not as concerned about Trump as the people who keep supporting him. The mentality he has and promotes must be appealing to a fairly large faction of voters. Although we previously enjoyed our visits to the USA, we will not be returning, nor supporting any American businesses. I feel genuinely sorry for the US residents who are as horrified by the situation in your country as any normal person would be." CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA / AFP via Getty Images Anonymous, Canada 4. "Honestly, it's terrifying. I have friends in America, including a practicing Muslim, and I am so scared for them. I'm angry for anyone in the USA who isn't a wealthy, straight white guy. I already wasn't a big fan of the way America seems to work because it seems to do nothing but fuck its population over. It really worries me that other countries are going down the same route, or not standing up to them." "I really, really wish the UK would distance itself from the USA. Being in Japan, it worries me because the tariffs are having an effect, but also, I am right next to Taiwan, and we may end up in a huge mess because of something Trump says or does. There are a lot of American military stationed where I live, and I don't know if that is making us a huge target." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous, 34, Japan (but British) Related: 27 Photos Of Donald Trump In 2025 He Probably Reaaaaaally Doesn't Want You To See 5. "Why do people bow to that guy? Must feel horrible to sell out your own country because you have no spine." Anonymous, 36, Italy 6. "Yall are fucked, to be honest. Am I allowed to say fuck? Whatever. You guys have a president that is obviously in some way demented. I mean, as long as he doesnt invade, Im fine, but I also have family in America, and like, wow, some of them arent safe at all, in my opinion. My cousin who is trans that lives there, tells me shes scared shell be harmed in some way for just existing." CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images "My aunt tells me that everyone is kind of tighter with the wallets than they should have to be. Its wild to me how no one has stepped in at all yet, to be honest. Someone needs to remind that bigoted Cheeto that the founding fathers were immigrants. Theres evidently been some Oompa Loompa that got out of the chocolate factory, but he needs to go back." Anonymous, 23, Poland 7. "I think you're a mob of fuckwits with DJT in command, and knowing he was duly elected by the majority of Americans, it proves to the world that the majority of you are racist, bigots, and really, really stupid." Anonymous, 69, Australia 8. "America is an absolute shit show, like an episode of Jerry Springer that never ends. No one wants to go there now because they fear it." Getty Images Anonymous, 46, Australia 9. "Whilst that orange thing is still in power, as an LGBTQ+ person Im going nowhere near the US any time soon!" Anonymous, 44, UK 10. "How is it possible that out of 340 million people, THIS was the best you could come up with?" JIM WATSON / AFP via Getty Images Anonymous, Sweden 11. "I keep coming back to one basic question: How is it possible that Trump has so much freedom to change things, ignore laws, defy judges, and openly challenge democratic norms...without anyone effectively stopping him?" "The so-called 'land of the free' appears to be sliding alarmingly fast toward a coup, and it seems disturbingly easy. The institutions that are supposed to protect democracy look weak, hesitant, or complicit. If this is all it takes to put American democracy in check, then it is far more fragile than anyone wanted to believe. It's honestly mind-blowing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous, 45, Brazil 12. "Yeah, its bad. The 'land of the free' has never actually been factually correct, but now its so far from the truth its hilarious. There isnt much difference between Trump and Putin." Andrew Harnik / Getty Images "Both are trying to annex land (Greenland, Canada), both are deploying military against haters (National Guard), both are suppressing the media (kicking out dissenting journalists from the White House), both are facing self-inflicted economic hardship (tariffs), and both are isolating themselves from the rest of the world. The problem is this yes/no, them vs. us, dogwhistle populist politics spreads to the rest of us and drives this decisive, self-destructive state to western democracies." Anonymous, 46, UK Related: "Just Straight Up Fairy Tale Nonsense" JD Vance Gave A Really Bizarre Reason As To Why Buying A House Is So Expensive, And Everyone Is Like, "Dude, What" 13. "Feeling hopeless for your country. From the other side of the world, it looks too far gonetoo many guns, too much hate, too many backwards lawmakers in power. Its so sad to watch it all unfold in real time. I feel for those in the US who did not choose this and actively resist, although it seems like the majority is cool with whats going on. I think the root cause must be an education and social structure failing." Stephanie Keith / Getty Images Anonymous, 33, Australia 14. "In Greece, we have more than our fair share of scandals and bad politicians, but this is unhinged, even for us." Anonymous, 32 Greece 15. "Watching what's happening in the US from outside is frustrating, confusing, and frightening. It's as if all the worst things we've always known about the USA are not only true, but also magnified and taking over. It's influencing other countries, too, and it's vile. I genuinely don't understand why the people whom Trump is supposed to serve aren't actively rising up and resisting the erosion of democracy." "While I try to remember that not all Americans support him, why aren't you getting him out of office? If other democracies around the world can unite behind the cause of removing a fascist demagogue, why can't you?!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous, 46, Scotland 16. "Honestly? An effing SH*T SHOW!! Home of the free and brave...who? Where? When is enough enough?! What else does the delulu POTUS have to do or say to convince the American people that he's only after his own personal gain?! For me personally, 'grab 'em by the p*ssy' was enough to understand what type of lunatic you guys are dealing with. But no, let's just elect him a second time! Glutton for punishment much?! The rest of the world considers the USA a laughing stock!" Mark Wallheiser / Getty Images "Your soldiers and vets fought hard for your rights and freedom, and you're gonna let a misogynistic con-man all over your Constitution? You uphold your Christian values so highly, and you're gonna let this sorry excuse of a man represent and lead your once so great country?! Never has any American president lied and deceived his people as much as the current one has. WHERE IS YOUR PATRIOTISM?!! The people who actually voted for this 'being' are NO better! In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. USA, DO SOMETHING! Take your power back!" Anonymous, 41, Switzerland 17. "Trump is clearly a thin-skinned idiot, but Americans in general abroad are perceived as overbearing and undereducated. Gun violence and your medical system are absurd, and you dont look after the needy at all." Anonymous, 55, UK 18. "In a nutshell? The UK and the US are trying to be the biggest dicks in the world. We were in the lead for a while after Brexit, but currently, youre clearly in the lead." Anonymous, 50, UK Related: People Have Little Sympathy For This Trump Supporter Who Said They'd "Gladly" Pay More For Groceries...Until They Got The Bill 19. "America has mastered the art of calling everything 'freedom' while outsourcing the consequences to the most vulnerable. The increasing difference between rich and poor is horrendous; meanwhile, there is a president who should be in jail, but instead he's doing exactly what he wants with no consequence, while we all know that if anybody else but him committed the same crimes, they'd face the music in a heartbeat." Handout / Getty Images "I live in a socialist democracy where we pay our taxes for the government to take care of us. I can afford my medicine, and I get support even if I live alone and can't work full-time. In the US, I would probably be homeless and living under a bridge." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous, 38, Norway 20. "Im Canadian with property in the US. We have a real estate agent coming today to list our Vegas home. When she asked why we wanted to sell, I honestly said, 'Im Canadian, and we no longer feel welcome in the US.' She said she understood, but hopes we know she welcomes us. But the ship has sailed. The '51st state' comments to the tariffs have done the damage. Ill rethink visiting the US again in 3+ years." ROBYN BECK / AFP via Getty Images Anonymous, 65, Vancouver, Canada 21. "Im an Australian who has lived and worked in the US for over 11 years during a few separate periods. I am heading back to Oz in a couple of months and am counting the days. I am not planning on ever returning to the US until the ugly, ignorant, stupid, bigoted wave that appears to have swept so many into some sort of pseudo Nazi-mania has been swept aside by the decent people who I still believe form the majority of the population. What is happening now is very sad to observe at close quarters, and I can only assume it looks truly ridiculous from afar." Anonymous, 63, Australia 22. "I moved to Bogota one year ago. I was on the phone with a friend while I was walking, and a man interrupted me, asking where I was from. When I told him I moved from the states, he erupted with questions and demands. 'What was going on in our country? Why dont we stop it?'" JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP via Getty Images "My wifes Colombian high school kids make fun of the states and the gun problem. We are the butt of so many jokes. As for living in ColombiaIve never been happier, healthier, or felt safer. I am a veteran. I was a huge patriot. I now feel shame for what it is becoming." Anonymous, 49 Bogota, Colombia 23. "I just moved to Denmark from the US this fall, and they just cant even believe its real that we let such a corrupt and dumb guy run our country. Its a very embarrassing time to be an American. They always ask, 'Is it as bad as we see in the news?' And I have to say, yes. Unfortunately. They are looking at the US as a possible threat for the first time ever. Its very scary for the whole world." horseladykatie, Denmark 24. "I arrived in the US on a scholarship visa for research from France 15 years ago. The states became a parody of themselves in less than a decade. We are living in a country where science and facts do not matter. It is frightening. The rest of the world has stopped believing and, even worse, I think, trusting the USA. Not a single country will now believe what the Americans are saying under any circumstances. It will take decades to restore faith in the USA." NurPhoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images "Food, healthcare, education, research, and even infrastructure are starting to look like a third-world country. Regularly, Americans cant afford groceries or the bare necessities. Nobody can go to the hospital or ER for fear of being bankrupt. I dont recognize this place anymore, and I think Im going to leave. As a scientist, I dont feel listened to anymore, even by regular people, who know nothing about viruses (I worked on HIV and various other viruses). It is maddening to have to explain simple biological concepts to people who refuse to even acknowledge their shortcomings. Everywhere, opinions become fallacies, and educated people are pushed aside as if we were the real troublemakers. It is insane. It makes me sad and angry all the time, which is why I want to go somewhere else now, even though I have a good-paying job and Im great at it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous, 45, French in Las Vegas 25. "My cousin married an American, so I know you are not all alike. I see how New York is resisting ICE, and it makes me proud, even though I have no business to be. But man, the thought of you going through a first term with Trump and going, 'Mmmmh, ya know what, let's do that AGAIN!' is bewildering." Samuel Corum / Getty Images "The man is a fascist, but even if we were to set that aside (we are not), he is incapable of articulating a sentence that is not completely delirious. He honestly looks batshit crazy. So I have to conclude that a large part of you just REALLY want to be racist at all costs. For those, rot in hell. For the others, my sincere condolences and prayers are with you." Anonymous, 31, France 26. "My son is in Greece right now, and his girlfriend's family and friends all ask, 'Aren't you scared living in America?' That is their honest opinion of how they think Americans feel right now. That to me is mind-blowing, that they understand the fear that people in America are feeling all the way on the other side of the world. It's like they are sensing it. It's uncanny. I've never lived in greater fear in my entire life than the fear I feel living in America now and I'm a Christian and an American. It's so disheartening and discouraging over here. It makes me sad in my soul." KEREM YUCEL / AFP via Getty Images Anonymous 27. "I love what America is doing with ICE. More countries need to follow America and Poland and lock down immigration. I know you won't post this!" Anonymous, 40, Germany Related: People Can't Stop Laughing At These Federal Agents Trying To Catch A Cyclist After He Yelled "F*ck Trump" 28. "No place is perfect, and there are problems in every country. However, the country that has been the 'leader of the free world' has become unrecognizable. The leaders, starting with the president, do not follow their own laws, yet they demand that everyone else should. They act with impunity and arrogance and seem to believe that force will always win." "You have lost friends and allies, and none are in a rush to come back to you. There is no compromise, just an iron fist. You think no other country can exist without you. You show the world your ignorance every day. If ever there is a need for new governance, it is now. No one can go at it alone. There are many fine individuals, but your government has lost its way." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous, 78, Italia 29. "I have always followed the news closely. Never been very happy with the USA's connection to all sorts of shady stuff (e.g., CIA, South America, Iraq wars, etc.). But the USA was still important. The principles of the USA and its founding fathers were SO important. It was the beacon on the hill. Like a dependable big brother, they would stand up and stand next to you and state clearly what was Right. But now? ALL THAT has gone." Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images "I only see deliberate, calculated lunacy and destruction. I now no longer pay any attention to what POTUS says on TV broadcasts. He is a lying, corrupt lunatic. It will take a tremendous effort from the American people to bring this back now. What is more depressing is that we have the same ignorant 'populist' lunacy taking over in the UK. So we have yet to go through it." Anonymous, 68, UK 30. "This is not about the state of your country; you made this an international affair long ago. The passiveness of Americans is more angering to me than the vote of some 70 million people. You are too concerned about what is happening within the US and not enough concerned about what you are doing to the rest of the world. When Trump is over, we will not forget. Unless you fight for the freedom you claim to value before it's too late." SOPA Images / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images "Waiting for others to come rescue Greenland is cowardice. It means you are waiting for a war to unfold when you, as American citizens, are the only ones who can prevent your government from going further." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anonymous, 32, Switzerland 31. "I used to dream about US culture, the American dreamnot anymore. The more I learn about how many people from the US live, the more shocked I am. It seems to me like there is no respect for the environment, and overconsumption of everything. Fresh food exists; you can hang your laundry to dry outside; there is no need to have AC in some areas; and windows can be opened! This problem also exists in Europe, but I feel like it's more prominent in US society." Getty Images / Epics "I think there are even more disparities between poor people and super-rich families. You have loads of kids and show their disgusting overconsumption on YouTube channelsand it works. I don't get these values. Also, your big cars are way too powerful for what you're actually using them forstop polluting and trying to overcompensate for something." Anonymous, 26, France 32. "I don't think it's safe for anyone, ANYWHERE, to go visit, even as a tourist. Hearing all these stories of tourists being detained and held for days/weeks without any charges, just 'cause of a 'You're not from around here' mentality. My wife and I try to go to Disney World or take a Disney cruise every now and then. She doesn't want to go so long as the orange-faced idiot is the president. And to drive the point home, we're both white and Canadian. She truly believes we would not be safe coming to the US as foreigners, even if it's clearly stated we're on vacation. That's how bad it is." scottaaronm, Canada And lastly: 33. "As an ex-Soviet kid, I can't imagine why a large part of US citizens yearn to live in a totalitarian state. We did that, and that sucked. It will suck for you, too. Why a sane person would wish for censure and concentration camps and the state police force just arresting random people and whisking them away to god knows where is beyond me." Yevgeny Khaldei / Getty Images "Look up ANY totalitarian regime, and you will see that once it is in place, NOBODY will be safe. No matter how much you conform to the rules, no matter what you have done for the benefit of the state, no matter how rich you are. A whim from the supreme leader can destroy the life of you and your family in minutes. Stay far, far away from totalitarianism, kids!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement crispyflower31 Are you outside the US watching everything unfold? What are your thoughts? Let us know down in the comments or at this anonymous form Also in In the News: People Are Noticing Something Strange About These Videos Of Trump At Events This Week Also in In the News: "My Face Aint Hidden, B*tch": People Are Absolutely In Awe Of This Woman Yelling At ICE Agents Also in In the News: "Oh My God": People Are Not Holding Back AT ALL After Trump Made Another White House "Upgrade," And Hoo Boy, You Gotta See This One Read it on BuzzFeed.com A Lehigh County judge declined to certify a class in a proposed class action filed by a Whitehall resident who claimed he and his neighbors were put at risk by cancer-causing emissions. Whitehall resident Mourad Abdelaziz claims he was put at risk of cancer from emissions from B. Braun, a medical device manufacturer with a facility on Marcon Boulevard in Lehigh Township, Lehigh County. Judge Michele A. Varricchio determined it wasnt clear how many people should be included in the class. Abdelazizs attorneys argued residents who lived for a year or more in 35 census tracts close to the plant since 1991 should be included, but the judge said they failed to provide enough evidence to demonstrate that these parameters were appropriate. In her Dec. 31, 2025 decision, she said Abdelazizs attorneys failed to demonstrate that a class of victims exists and failed to show that certifying a class would be a fair and efficient method to adjudicate the case. Abdelazizs attorney didnt respond to a message seeking comment. They had hoped to set up a medical monitoring program for people who lived near the plant. Multiple lawsuits have been filed accusing B. Braun of failing to curtail its ethylene oxide emissions, including Abdelazizs, which was transferred from Philadelphia Court to Lehigh County Court in 2021. These lawsuits suffered a setback in December 2024 when a Philadelphia jury found B. Braun not negligent and not liable on all counts concerning an ethylene oxide case. B. Braun subsequently resolved most cases against it, according to a news release from B. Braun on Jan. 13. B. Braun welcomes the Lehigh County court decision and the defense verdict and will continue to defend against any of these cases, its Jan. 13 statement says. B. Braun uses ethylene oxide to sterilize its medical devices and materials. Its local corporate office is in Bethlehem. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set new limits in 2024 to reduce ethylene oxide emissions by 90% from plants such as the B. Braun plant. The federal government awarded a $500,000 grant to fund community monitoring. The program will identify community health concerns related to ethylene oxide from B. Braun and work with the community to diminish health risks from pollution. We are pleased that an agreement was reached to resolve the majority of ethylene oxide claims pending against B. Braun in the U.S. We are confident in the safety of our operations and stand firmly behind the scientific evidence supporting our position, B. Braun spokeswoman Alli Longenhagen said in an email Jan. 15. As Easton continues to see new large-scale developments with modern designs, residents have raised concerns about whether those projects fit into the historic city. Recent projects such as The Marquis, The Watermark and The Confluence, which is currently under construction, have drawn attention for their multi-story scale and contemporary style in a city with historic architecture and colonial roots. During an Easton Planning Commission meeting in September, discussions of a condo building on South Third Street allowed residents to advocate for historic preservation in the city. Many noted this complex was too large in scale compared to other downtown structures. Some called it box-like and similar to New York City in an unflattering way. Those concerns emerged again at Easton City Councils Wednesday night meeting, as residents raised concerns about historic preservation, zoning enforcement and the impact of new development on longtime residents. These concerns come to light as Easton prepares to update its comprehensive plan. Last adopted in 2017, the plan is a comprehensive document that guides Eastons planning and the citys future. Resident and local attorney Cody Harding told council that Eastons light, air, water and historic character should be treated as shared public resources. He argued that those resources are often compromised for large developments. Harding also emphasized that zoning and planning ordinances exist to guide growth, and frequent requests for multiple variances weaken the citys ability to reject similar projects in the future. Private individuals who are trying to restore their property or open a business should be treated the same as large developers, Harding said. I dont think thats always been the case, and I would hope that that would change. He also suggested amending specific zoning requirements sooner rather than waiting for the completion of a new comprehensive plan. Mayor Sal Panto Jr. explained that current ordinances in the Downtown Business District allow buildings up to seven stories, but said those limits will be revisited as part of the new comprehensive plan. He said he plans to recommend height limits of three stories for structures west of Fifth Street and potentially five stories downtown under the updated plan. Another resident, Ryan Gilbride, who owns and maintains multiple historic properties on South Sixth Street, said strict historic standards require significant investment and specialized materials. He said new projects should be required to respect Eastons unique and finite downtown fabric in the same way small property owners are expected to do. You have these developers coming in, and they want to build a building where you can look online and find five other buildings designed the same way in Philadelphia or Allentown, he said. Ill spend good money to maintain everything I own. I have to hold myself to that standard, because thats whats asked of me, and also its the right thing to do. Wilson police have in custody the 20-year-old man accused of firing shots at a vehicle and multiple homes in a borough neighborhood where children were riding bikes. Frandy Manuel Almanzar, of the 2000 block of Ferry Street in the borough, turned himself in to the police station Tuesday after months of hiding, Borough Police Chief Christian Meehan told lehighvalleylive.com. Almanzar is facing 22 charges, including four counts of felony aggravated assault; felony discharge of a firearm into occupied structure; 14 counts of misdemeanor reckless endangerment; and misdemeanor possession of an instrument of crime. In a separate alleged domestic incident, Almanzar is charged with two counts felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and two counts summary harassment. Almanzar was arraigned Tuesday in both cases before Richard H. Yetter III, who set bail at 10% of $40,000 and 10% of $20,000, respectively. In lieu of bail, Almanzar was taken to Northampton County Prison. Molly Magin Heidorn, the Easton-based attorney representing Almanzar, said he willingly turned himself in without incident. Meehan said the case unfolded in the afternoon hours of Oct. 4, 2025 and began with the domestic dispute at the Ferry Street home. Almanzar initially swung a hammer at his mother and 18-year-old brother, striking the brother and injuring him, the chief said. The teen suffered minor injuries in the attack. Almanzar fled the scene before investigators arrived, police said Officers were then called back shortly after 4:30 p.m. the same day to the 2000 block of Ferry Street for reported gunfire. Investigators seized multiple bullet casings in the street. They found a 2016 Honda parked at Ferry and South 20th streets with its rear window shot out and a bullet on the front seat. They also found two other bullet holes in a residence, and a magazine containing ammunition in the grass between two Ferry Street homes, according to court records. One of the bullets that entered a Ferry Street home was lodged in a ceiling beam. Another bullet was found on the front porch of a home in the 1900 block of Ferry Street, court records state. There were no reported injuries despite multiple people outside and children riding bikes nearby, police said. Witnesses told police they saw a white Cadillac drive east on Ferry Street with two men inside. A witness reported seeing Almanzar come out of his Ferry Street home, walk toward the car and start shooting at it, according to police. The driver then turned right and sped up South 20th Street, police said. A witness described what Almanzar was wearing at the time of the shooting, investigators said, and that Almanzar then went back inside his home. Video surveillance from the incident showed the Cadillac driving east on Ferry Street with one man hanging out of the window. Once the car leaves the scene, approximately 10 shots are heard, fired in quick succession, according to the affidavit of probable cause. Investigators later found the two men in the Cadillac. Neither has been charged in the incident. One of the men described having a friendship with Almanzar and stated theyve been having issues, court records state. The man identified Almanzar as the person he believed was the shooter, according to police. Almanzars mother in an interview with investigators later that evening said her son did come to get his car, walked up from the alley and saw the two men, court records state. Investigators found the car had been moved from where the crime scene was processed earlier that day. Meehan declined comment on where Almanzar was allegedly hiding after the incidents. Almanzar is due back in court for preliminary hearings in both cases, tentatively scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Jan. 23 before Yetter. A judge will then determine if theres sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial at the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. Facebook brought them in and YouTube helped get them started, as dozens of eastern Pennsylvania residents gathered in Lehigh County for the preservation of something that once belonged to their grandparents and still-older generations: Pennsylvania Dutch. Its a language that was a cornerstone of life for European immigrants and is still spoken fluently in thriving Amish and Mennonite communities across North America and beyond. Longtime Lehigh Valley residents may have heard it spoken by elders in private kitchen moments or among the regulars at the crossroads store and eatery. Wie bischt du? (How are you?) Ich bin zimmerlich gut. (Pretty good.) Machs gut. (Essentially: Have a good one.) Don Billig is among its champions, unwilling to let the Pennsylvania Dutch way of life fade into the past for the general populace. Hes leading classes to introduce the language and traditions on Thursday nights through March or into early April, weather permitting, at the New Tripoli Fire Co. in Lynn Township. We play games, we play bingo, we do crossword puzzles, Billig, a local real estate broker, told the 65-strong audience at opening night Jan. 8. In fact, we might even try to sing Schnitzelbank tonight. If you hang in there for the full class, we have fun, at the very last one, we eat some good Pennsylvania Dutch food. Everybody brings in a little dish, and we have a little party. Holding educational materials on Pennsylvania Dutch, Don Billig opens three months of Pennsylvania Dutch language classes Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at the New Tripoli Fire Co. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com There would be no singing that first night of the popular German-American song, but there would be some simple phrases introduced to and recited by the robust crowd that filled the firehouse social hall. Youre not going to speak fluent Pennsylvania Dutch when you leave here, said Irwin Hamm, one of Billigs assistants what he calls my Dutchies. But dont get discouraged. This stuff is all on YouTube, Hamm told the class participants, many of whom raised a hand to say theyd seen the class advertised on Facebook. The class drew from instruction on the PA Dutch 101 series of online videos from Douglas Madenford. Hes slated to appear as a special guest via Zoom during the series of classes, Billig said. One way to keep the heritage going Bern Leibensperger, from Kempton, brought her grandchildren, ages 4 1/2 and 10. This winter is Stephanie Lenhart-Tegyis third time taking the class, which Billig has led for about a decade. I have recently started learning about the heritage, really getting into it, the New Tripoli resident said, adding shes saddened by the disappearance of farmland associated with the Pennsylvania Dutch. And I thought learning the language would be one way to keep the heritage going. Around five dozen people attend the first night of Pennsylvania Dutch language classes Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at the New Tripoli Fire Co. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com Ronald Mohr said he grew up locally speaking Pennsylvania Dutch and had to learn how to speak English in school: We never used English at home. Weve been going to a lot of different classes over the years, he said alongside his wife, Barbara. And the expression, Use it or lose it trust me holds true. I go to these classes and Im still remembering words Ive long forgotten. But this is who I am. Karen Honchen, of Lehighton, brought a laugh as she recalled thinking Dunner Vetter might have been her name as a child growing up in Kunkletown. A curse word of sorts, the term expresses surprise, frustration even anger. Bill Kunsman, of Germansville, attended to try and learn some phrases he can use on Berks County deliveries as a tractor-trailer driver. Bob Peiffer, pastor at New Bethel Church in Kempton, hoped to be able to recite a prayer in Pennsylvania Dutch next Christmas. Pam Peters, an eighth-grade American history teacher at Northwestern Middle School, has been attending the classes for a couple of years to bring it into the classroom and keep it alive for our students. My family has been here for 200 years, said David Rex, of New Ringgold. Like most of yours, everybody spoke Pennsylvania Dutch. And when we were little you picked up stuff but nothing good. And Im here to learn the good stuff. Tara Antonis, of Bethlehem, introduces herself alongside parents Roger and Cheryl Sinclair at the first night of Pennsylvania Dutch language classes Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at the New Tripoli Fire Co. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com Others hailed from Wind Gap, Kunkletown, Allentown, Bethlehem, Andreas, Slatington, Danielsville, Northampton, Hamburg, Zionsville, Effort, Jim Thorpe, Schnecksville, Orefield, Palmerton and Saylorsburg. Billig asks for a minimum $25 donation to support the fire company. He has 12 sessions planned but will cancel for inclement wintry weather. They run from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays in the New Tripoli firehouses social hall, 7242 Decatur St. Students can drop in for a class whenever they can there is no roll call or attendance requirement, he said. Events, ancestry and more in Ktown New Tripolis is one of several classes in Pennsylvania Dutch offered across eastern Pennsylvania, said Patrick Donmoyer, director of the Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University. His center on the state university campus in Kutztown, Berks County, often refers those looking to learn the language to the Berks History Centers hybrid in-person/online program. Others are in Lancaster, at the Mennonite Historical Society, at Frystown on the Berks-Lebanon County border and at Groundhog Lodge No. 16 in Lehighs Orefield. The historic Sharadin Farmstead at 22 Luckenbill Road in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, is photographed Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 part of the Pennsylvania German Heritage Center at Kutztown University. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com The Kutztown center is the official repository of the records of the Groundhog Lodge or Grundsau Lodsch chapters that began forming in the area beginning in 1934. Back then, they offered camaraderie for local German immigrants who were looked down upon following World War I. The original, the Grundsau Lodsch Nummer Eens an der Lechaa (Groundhog Lodge No. 1 on the Lehigh), meets annually for Groundhog Day the lodge meeting conducted entirely in Pennsylvania Dutch. Donmoyer said he can help connect those interested in attending with tickets. Kutztown visitors can also take in exhibits in a pair of galleries, focusing right now on Transatlantic traditions of botanical healing and the immense body of work of celebrated 19th-century Berks astronomer Carl Friederich Egelmann. Some 1,000 different agricultural almanacs across the Mid-Atlantic drew from his calculations. There are also quarterly public events like Heemet (pronounced HAY-met and meaning home) Fescht on Sept. 26 in 2026. The centers library houses original manuscripts and works of art, documents pertaining to daily life, as well as church, birth and burial records and reams of passenger manifests of German immigrants. We really trace the history of the culture from that time of immigration, when there were roughly 81,000 immigrants who arrived at the Port of Philadelphia from German-speaking areas in Europe and spread all throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and then went through all the United States and other parts of the world, Donmoyer said. Their descendants today number in the millions. And so this is a collection thats actually relevant to the cultural experience and the ancestry of millions of Americans, as well as people throughout the world. A hex sign donated by the Kutztown Folk Festival is on display Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in a gallery at the Pennsylvania German Heritage Center at Kutztown University. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com Pa. Dutch versus Pa. German The Kutztown center uses both Pennsylvania German to refer to the folk culture of the area and Pennsylvania Dutch for the name of the language. Relating today to Holland or the Netherlands, Dutch as a historic term meant not only the people from Holland but all German-speaking people, Donmoyer explained. And folks from the Netherlands, they speak a form of Low German. And its part of the family of Germanic languages. Dutch was the common word that was being used to describe German, he continued. And if someone said a Dutchman, they meant a person from Germany or a person who was culturally German. In the second half of the 19th century, these terms tended to start to split off. Irwin Hamm helps lead the first night of Pennsylvania Dutch language classes Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at the New Tripoli Fire Co. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com Settlers of English and Welsh background spoke it as the lingua franca of the day in eastern Pennsylvania. As a language, it blended High German in a distinctive way from that of European forms of the language, as it incorporated Americanisms. A German speaker might ask your name as, Wie heissen Sie? The Pennsylvania Dutch speaker is apt to say, Was iss dei Naame? Its a language that can differ from community to community and even farm to farm. The Ws and the Vs Billigs class in New Tripoli pronounced Ws as Ws. Donmoyer in Kutztown used the Germanic V. Lehigh County especially pronounces those Ws as though they are Ws, as opposed to sounding more like Vs, Donmoyer said. Words can differ across county lines, too. In Lehigh versus Lebanon County, you have a word for a bucket, he continued. In one place youll hear the word eemer. The other place youll hear the word kiwwel. The same goes for spelling, since Pennsylvania Dutch is a verbal language that has changed over time. Growing up, Billig listened to his grandparents using Pennsylvania Dutch on their farm in Lynnport. His dad adopted English as he moved his own family into 20th-century commerce with a trucking company in Kuhnsville, but he could still speak it. So you always want to learn what they were saying and keep the heritage alive, he told the opening night of his class. Thats why were here. Youre not going to walk out of this class knowing how to speak fluent Dutch. Youre going to understand a little more. Youre going to understand a little bit more about our heritage. Bibles printed in North America in the 18th century are on display Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in a gallery at the Pennsylvania German Heritage Center at Kutztown University. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com An exhibit on European botanical healing brought to Pennsylvania is on display Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, in a gallery at the Pennsylvania German Heritage Center at Kutztown University. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com Among the Plain People, as Amish and Mennonites are called, Pennsylvania Dutch is not at risk of fading into the past, Donmoyer noted. While considered a small-minority language, it is the global dialect growing at the fastest rate, he said. Thats according to estimates of the Amish population doubling every 20 years from upwards of 400,000 today in North America. Worldwide, Mennonites number around 2 million, or fewer than 0.03% of the worlds inhabitants when combined with the Amish. They are spread across states including Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Florida, plus international locales like Ontario, Canada, and parts of Belize and the Dominican Republic. The average age of a Pennsylvania Dutch speaker among the Plain People is estimated at 17, according to the Kutztown Pennsylvania German center its around 80 outside those communities. Being able to say a few phrases in Pennsylvania Dutch, I think, helps to highlight a shared commonality of culture and language that I think is meaningful to people, Donmoyer said: The language remains very meaningful to people despite the fact that there are fewer people who are fully communicative in it in the present day. The Educational Services Commission of New Jersey, the states largest public specialized school district, will open the ESCNJ Andover-Morris program in Phillipsburg this summer. The school at 712 South Main St. will serve local autistic students through both extended school year and regular school year programs. The matter was discussed at a regular school board meeting on Monday. Were very excited about it, said Phillipsburg School Board Vice President Vickie Mendes-Branch. She said the cost savings for the district will be instrumental toward future planning. With renovations at the site wrapped up, officials would like to see children return to the local elementary school, she said. The schoolhouse has been the location of the Phillipsburg Police Station for the past five years, as of January 2026. It costs up to $60,000 per student for students with advanced needs to be bused out of the district to receive instruction and support, according to the ESCNJ website. Total costs can reach up to $200,000 per year per student, Mendes-Branch said. The ESCNJ Andover-Morris program will provide academic, functional, and independence-focused instruction, said ESCNJ Schools Superintendent Nadia Romano. Finally, students from nearby areas will have their own local program to receive highly individualized support with a 2:1 student-to-staff ratio, ensuring consistent structure, responsiveness, and opportunities for skill development. Romano said school districts partnering with the program will likely see lower transportation costs, simpler scheduling, and fewer challenges related to bus driver shortages. The program is open to all school districts. The extended school year program will run June 29 to July 30, Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to noon. The regular school year program will operate weekdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Two Laois brothers have been jailed for the sexual abuse of their niece, which began on a night when her uncles were supposed to be babysitting her, but instead used it as an opportunity to rape the girl. James Joseph Jordan, now aged 59, and Patrick Fintan Jordan, now aged 55, began abusing their niece, Sabrina Fox, when she was just nine years old. She has waived her anonymity so they can be named. Ms Fox told the Central Criminal Court the brothers had destroyed her childhood and had shown no remorse for what they had done and continue to do. She said her uncles had intimidated her at every opportunity and told her she would not be believed. Ms Fox said coming forward had come at a heavy price and affected every aspect of her life, but she hoped that now the truth was out, some healing could begin. James Joseph Jordan, of St Kieran's, School Road, Erill, pleaded guilty to rape and indecent assault on dates between 1986 and 1991. He was aged between 21 and 25 years old at the time. Patrick Fintan Jordan, now of Clohessy Place, Bouladuff, Thurles, Co Tipperary, also pleaded guilty to rape and indecent assault, on dates between 1986 and 1991. He was aged between 16 and 21 at the time. The offences occurred at Ms Foxs family home in Borris-in-Ossory, Co Laois and started when she was aged between eight and nine years old. The sexual abuse by the two men continued until Ms Fox was aged 13 years old. The abuse began with her being raped by both men on the same night as they were minding her. She recalled the sexual abuse being constant over the following years, with the men taking any opportunity to get her alone. She spoke to her mother about the abuse after it ended and was told to try to forget it. The men continued to attend family events. In her victim impact statement, Ms Fox described how the abuse had left her feeling dirty and ashamed. She told how the men had made her out to be a liar and manipulated those around her so she had been left all alone with no one to turn to and no one listening to her cries for help. She outlined how her health and life had been and continue to be affected by the abuse. She told the court she would never forgive them for what they had taken from her. Passing sentence on Thursday, January 15 Mr Justice David Keane said this was a sequence of frequent and persistent rape offences over a period of five years by the men, who were in a position of trust as the victim's uncles and babysitters. He said it was also aggravating that Ms Fox was particularly vulnerable due to her age at the time and noted the long lasting effects of the offending on her. Mr Justice Keane imposed a sentence of nine and half years on both men, to reflect their global offending. He suspended the final year on strict conditions and imposed a three-year post-release supervision order. The judge said the victim impact statement was a powerful document which outlined the significant effect on Ms Fox. He said it was distressing to hear about her misplaced feelings of guilt and shame, noting that the guilt and shame lies squarely with the two defendants. He said the injured party had demonstrated admirable qualities of courage and tenacity by coming forward. He wished her well in her continued recovery. The judge noted the men's respective ages at the time of their offending and said the court had taken this into account. He said he had also considered the mitigation, including their guilty pleas, the contents of probation and psychological reports and their respective medical issues. Mr Justice Keane noted that both men were at high risk of suicidal ideation and asked defence counsel to communicate this to the Irish Prison Service. Cathleen Noctor SC, prosecuting, told the court during an earlier sentence hearing that the view of the Director of Public Prosecutions was that the case falls into the more serious range of cases with a sentence of 10 to 15 years. She said that in the case of the older man, who had been in a position of trust while babysitting her, he had also threatened her and told her not to tell anyone what was happening. She said in the case of the younger brother, he had been a minor during some of the offending, but also had a previous conviction for violence, albeit not sexual violence. Michael Bowman SC, defending James Joseph Jordan, said his client has significant alcohol difficulties and had no accurate recollection of what took place. He does not dispute what the injured party has said. He handed in a letter of apology. He said he has lived all his life in the same community and has no relevant previous convictions. Counsel said the brothers had been raised in circumstances of deprivation without a stable income, and their mother had alcohol difficulties. He left school early and began working, but as he earned money, he developed issues with alcohol. He said his general health is not good. Mr Bowman said the psychological report detailed his client needed therapeutic intervention, and he was open to undertaking rehabilitative work in custody. He asked the court to take into account the guilty pleas, the fact that no other allegations have emerged, that this offending was of some antiquity and within a relatively confined period. He acknowledged that the injured party lives with the consequences of the offending all the time. Barry White SC, defending Patrick Fintan Jordan, said that because of the mans alcohol abuse, his memory is impaired, but he accepts that the offending occurred. He referred to the psychological report and outlined that the man was quite damaged and would require a lot of psychological assistance in the future. He said this was not readily available within the prison system. He asked the court for such clemency as deemed appropriate in all the circumstances of the case. Le Nigeria opere un virage strategique de grande ampleur. Alors que le royaume saoudide accueillait le Forum sur les ressources minerales du futur, le ministre nigerian du Developpement des ressources minerales solides, Dele Alake, a devoile des avancees concretes qui redessinent la carte economique du geant africain. Le pays ne se contente plus d'exporter ses precieuses matieres premieres ; il les transforme desormais sur son sol, combinant ambition industrielle, securite et diversification economique. De l'extraction a la transformation : une usine d'or operationnelle a Lagos L'annonce est percutante : une usine de traitement de lor de haute purete est desormais en service dans la capitale economique nigeriane, Lagos. Et ce n'est qu'un debut. "Trois autres usines de traitement de lor sont en construction a differents stades dans le pays", a precise le ministre Alake a son homologue saoudien, Bandar Al-Khorayef. Ces installations sont les premiers fruits tangibles de la politique gouvernementale visant a ajouter de la valeur localement aux ressources minieres, une strategie destinee a capter une plus grande part de la richesse generee et a creer des emplois. 600 millions de dollars pour le lithium de la transition energetique Le projet le plus symbolique de cette nouvelle ambition se trouve dans l'Etat de Nasarawa. Une usine de traitement du lithium, dune valeur de 600 millions de dollars, est "prete a etre lancee". Dans un monde en quete frenetique de metaux critiques pour les batteries et la transition energetique, le Nigeria positionne clairement ses pions. Il ne veut plus etre un simple fournisseur de minerai brut, mais un acteur incontournable de la chaine de valeur des energies vertes. Une lutte contre l'illegalite qui porte ses fruits Derriere ces inaugurations, se cache un combat de plusieurs annees contre les reseaux criminels. Comme le rapporte Business Insider, les Etats riches en or comme le Zamfara et le Niger etaient le theatre d'une extraction illegale massive, financant groupes terroristes et activites criminelles. Le gouvernement a riposte par un deploiement securitaire, un durcissement de la reglementation sur les licences minieres et un controle renforce des exportations. Cette offensive a permis de reprendre le controle d'une grande partie de ces territoires miniers, d'assainir le secteur et, in fine, de le rendre attractif pour les investisseurs internationaux serieux. La mise en service d'usines legales et modernes est presentee comme l'aboutissement logique de cette reconquete. Une diversification historique pour sortir de la dependance au petrole Pour les experts, ces developpements vont bien au-dela du seul secteur minier. Ils s'inscrivent dans une volonte plus large de reduire la dependance etouffante du Nigeria aux hydrocarbures, qui representent l'essentiel de ses revenus d'exportation et de son budget de l'Etat. En developpant une filiere structuree pour l'or et, surtout, en se positionnant sur le lithium strategique, Abuja cherche a creer de nouveaux piliers de croissance et a s'imposer comme un fournisseur global de materiaux pour l'industrie du futur. La revolution miniere nigeriane est en marche. Elle est industrielle, securitaire et pourrait bien redefinir le role du pays dans l'economie mondiale des matieres premieres. Nigeria, or, lithium, usine de traitement, transformation locale, valeur ajoutee, Dele Alake, Ministere des Ressources Minerales Solides, diversification economique, transition energetique, metaux critiques, investissement, securite miniere, extraction illegale, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Lagos, Forum des ressources minerales du futur, Arabie Saoudite, Business Insider Nigeria Launches Gold Processing Plant, Unveils $600m Lithium Facility in Major Industrial Shift Nigeria is undertaking a major strategic shift. At the Future Minerals Forum in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria's Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, revealed concrete advancements that are reshaping the economic map of the African giant. The country is no longer content with exporting its precious raw materials; it is now processing them domestically, combining industrial ambition, security, and economic diversification. From Extraction to Processing: A Gold Plant Operational in Lagos The announcement is striking: a high-purity gold processing plant is now operational in Nigeria's economic capital, Lagos. And this is just the beginning. "Three other gold processing plants are under construction at various stages across the country," Minister Alake detailed to his Saudi counterpart, Bandar Al-Khorayef. These facilities are the first tangible fruits of a government policy to add value locally to mineral resources, a strategy designed to capture a greater share of the generated wealth and create jobs. $600 Million for Energy Transition Lithium The most symbolic project of this new ambition is located in Nasarawa State. A $600 million lithium processing plant is "ready for commissioning." In a world frantically seeking critical metals for batteries and the energy transition, Nigeria is clearly positioning itself. It no longer wants to be a mere supplier of raw ore, but a key player in the green energy value chain. A Fight Against Illegality That Bears Fruit Behind these inaugurations lies a multi-year battle against criminal networks. As reported by Business Insider, gold-rich states like Zamfara and Niger were the scene of massive illegal mining, funding terrorist groups and criminal activities. The government responded with a security crackdown, tighter licensing regulations, and strengthened export controls. This offensive has allowed it to regain control of much of these mining territories, clean up the sector, and ultimately make it attractive to serious international investors. The commissioning of legal, modern plants is presented as the logical outcome of this reconquest. Historic Diversification to Break Free from Oil Dependence For experts, these developments go far beyond the mining sector alone. They are part of a broader desire to reduce Nigeria's suffocating dependence on hydrocarbons, which account for the bulk of its export earnings and state budget. By developing a structured gold value chain and, crucially, positioning itself on strategic lithium, Abuja is seeking to create new pillars of growth and establish itself as a global supplier of materials for the industry of the future. The Nigerian mining revolution is underway. It is industrial, security-focused, and could well redefine the country's role in the global commodities economy. Nigeria, gold, lithium, processing plant, local processing, value addition, Dele Alake, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, economic diversification, energy transition, critical metals, investment, mining security, illegal mining, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Lagos, Future Minerals Forum, Saudi Arabia, Business Insider Moussa Nassourou Mercosur, the budget for the next CAP and the cost of doing business were the three priorities highlighted by IFA President in his speech at the Association's AGM. Against the backdrop of a meeting that was overshadowed by the EU deal with South American countries, Francie Gorman reflected first on the past year for farmers in Laois and the rest of Ireland. 2025 worked well for most sectors, with the obvious exception of those in tillage. This sector was a priority for us last year and it will be again this year. Despite a good year in 2025, most sectors are under pressure on prices in recent weeks. Recent cuts in the milk price have been savage, said the Laois man in the speech provided to the Leinster Express / Laois Live. He told the meeting on January 13 that there is pressure on beef, sheep, pigs and potatoes, which is a big concern for 2026. Processors and retailers have to share the pain and support their suppliers during these challenges, he insisted. The Ballinakill farmer put the gathering on notice of huge challenges which come against the backdrop of dramatic developments in having world-class standards recognised in public policy. That applies to trade deals. It applies to how the next CAP is structured, and it applies to how regulation is framed, he said. The controversial EU-South America Free Trade was a focus of Mr Gorman's speech. He highlighted the exposure of what he claimed was the appalling lack of standards in Brazilian beef production by the IFA and the Farmers Journal. He said the recent recall of Brazilian beef in Ireland has not been credibly explained, but the serious breach reflects safety issues. Brazilian beef represents a threat to public health, and it cannot be downplayed by referring to more audits and controls. Either the Commission knows what is going on or it doesnt. Irish Farmers Association President and Laois man Francie Gorman delivers his annual presidential address to the 71st Annual General meeting at the Farm Centre in Dublin. Pic: Finbarr O'Rourke In reality, Brazil has no interest in meeting our standards and they told us this when we carried out our investigation there a few months ago. But if we know that, why doesnt the Commission? The Mercosur deal is bad for farming; it is bad for public health; it is bad for rural Ireland; but it is also bad for the EU Commission," he said. He called on the Irish Government to do more to stop the deal. That work must continue before the European Parliament votes on the deal. We have sent a very clear message that people remain utterly opposed to this deal, he said. He said fairness is needed. Expecting Irish and European farmers to have trust in the EU while turning a blind eye to substandard imports is unfair. What we want to see is a re-set of the relationship between the European institutions and farmers on the ground. We are anti-Mercosur, but we are not anti the EU. We want the EU market to be a level playing field. When we joined in 1973, it was the Common Market. A market with common standards for all countries. We should not undermine that market with sub-standard product, he said. Mercosur aside, Mr Gorman said the dominant issue for 2026 will be the shape of the next CAP with the the first issue to be resolved is the size of the budget as part of the EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework. Despite the shuffling of funding last week by the Commission, they plan to cut the farming budget and cut it severely. Whatever way they try to present it, there is no getting away from that, he said. Mr Gorman said there will be no food security if certainty is stripped from farm families. We need to encourage the next generation into farming. We can only do that if they have a standard of living comparable to their peers in other sectors. Cutting CAP is a kick in the teeth for European farmers and their families, he said. He said the EU budget for farming must be resolved before discussions can happen, and this must be a priority during the Irish Presidency of the EU. READ ALSO: Farm scheme payments to Laois reach nearly 40 m As net contributors to the EU budget, our government has to insist that a higher portion of the budget goes to the CAP. And I want to make one thing clear: CAP funding should be directed at those farmers who are farming the land sustainably and producing food; tending to livestock; and harvesting the crops. Irrespective of what age they are, or where they are from, he said. He put the spotlight on the "cost incurred, income foregone" issue. It is a ridiculous restriction, and it must be confined to the dust bin, he said. He said suggestions that CAP funding incentivises farmers to take part in the Nature Restoration Law are a complete non-runner. He doubled down on this point. Any attempt by the Government to impose the Nature Restoration Law will be opposed tooth and nail, he said. The third pillar of his speech was costs. It is an issue that has to be tackled. Our Government can point to some costs and make the reasonable point that some are outside their control. But there is plenty of Government policy that is adding to our costs, he said. Mr Gorman highlighted two burdens. Carbon tax, along with excise, is having a big impact on the price of fuel. Farmers have no alternative. As one of the key inputs for farmers, it has to be addressed, he said. Mr Gorman said the valuation for farmers impacted by TB will also be raised with the Government. The ceilings are hopelessly out of date and if farmers are to have confidence in what is being done to tackle the issue, then these ceilings should be removed. Market valuation should mean market valuation, he insisted. The President thanked outgoing officers and welcomed newly elected officers. He also said the association must foster leadership. A big challenge for our Association is to find the leaders of the future. Social media plays a huge role in how we get the message out today. But its the face-to-face interaction at county and national level that really makes the difference. Highlighting problems is easy. Getting them solved is the hard part. Our Ready to Lead Programme sponsored by FBD was a great success last year and we have a strong interest in the programme again this year. Meeting these young leaders was a highlight of the year for me, as was our national Health Check programme, he said. He concluded by returning to Mercosur and the commentary on the deal. We have represented farmers for over seven decades, and we have a duty to put forward their issues and concerns. We make no apology for doing it well. The people in this room are a lobby army. We have a democratic structure in every county, and each farming sector is represented in our Association. That is what we are elected to do. In any functioning democracy, there has to be a place for citizens to make their views known. We make no apologies for what we do or how we do it, he said. He said the Nitrates derogation and holding our government to account on Mercosur was down to the hard work of the IFA, which is proud to represent farmers. He said the Association will continue to hold politicians to account. MORE BELOW PHOTO. IFA President, flanked by IFA Director General Damian McDonald, addresses the 71st IFA AGM at the Farm Centre in Dublin. Picture: Finbarr O'Rourke Candidates and parties are elected based on the polices they set out. A Government is formed on the basis of a Programme for Government. We did our homework. We lobbied before the election; we lobbied after the election. We lobbied every day since. We lobbied at home, and we lobbied in Brussels, where we have a full-time office we can also be proud of. The fight on Mercosur and other issues goes on. We will hold all our MEPs and their parties to their pre-election commitments. The fight goes on, he said. The Government must get all its MEPs to vote against the Mercosur trade deal that farmers in Laois and other counties warn will see unsafe, cheap beef coming to Ireland from South America, damaging Irish agriculture in the process. So believes independent Laois TD Brian Stanley who outlined what he sees as the damage to agriculture in Laois and other counties and the harm to the environment that will happen if Mercosur is passed in the European Parliament. "When we joined the EU Single Market back in 1973, there was supposed to be free trade, but also fair trade, between the states of Europe, and all treaties since underlined that. The Single Market was sold as a level playing pitch with standards harmonised," he said. The Portlaoise-based representative claimed substandard products coming in from outside does the opposite. The Mercosur deal completely undermines it. Farmers are having to compete with food produced to lower standards from other countries. The importation of 99,000 tonnes of beef and 180,000 tonnes of chicken, produced at lower environmental and animal health standards, will cause market distortion. We all know what that means. "Irish farmers produce meat under strict rules of tag and trace and must have prescriptions for what they give to cattle. Here we have double standards. What is the justification for this? The revelations recently that Brazilian beef with banned hormones entered the Irish food chain are now being investigated by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. That should set off alarm bells," he said. MORE BELOW PHOTO. Knock Vintage Club Mens Shed members pictured with Barry Cowen MEP, Deputies, Brian Stanley, Willie Aird and Sean Fleming; Councillors Padraig Fleming, Barry Walsh, Caroline Dwane-Stanley and John Joe Fennelly; IFA president Francie Gorman; Gillian Cunningham, LOETB and Dan Bergin Laois PPN at the Knock Vintage Club Mens Shed open evening. Picture: Alf Harvey. He asked: "What justification is there for further destruction of the rainforest and the carbon footprint required to haul food halfway across the world to get it here when we are already producing loads of it?" He was not convinced by the Government's stance. "What is not clear is why it took the Government so long to express its opposition to the Mercosur deal. This deal has been in the making for six or seven years. Up to 24 hours prior to the vote, Micheal Martin's words were those of a man ready to vote for it," he said. The TD also demanded that this change, to block the deal, as most political parties in Ireland have called for in support of farmers led by IFA President and Laois man Francie Gorman. "There is confusion in Government about this because Barry Andrews Fianna Fail MEP and Regina Doherty, a Fine Gael MEP, have said they are going to vote for the deal. Former Fianna Fail Minister Michael McGrath, now a commissioner, welcomed the EU Council vote on Mercosur. READ ALSO: Mercosur no vote right call for Laois farmers, insists Laois representative "The Government needs to get its act together and ensure that all Government MEPs vote against the Mercosur deal when it comes to the European Parliament. It should lobby MEPs of all political persuasions to form a blocking majority at EU level. In the event of the deal being passed at the European Parliament, the Government needs to act to prevent substandard beef and poultry from entering the Irish market, he said. Following the Dail debate, Dep Stanley called on the Department of Enterprise and Trade to insist on clear labelling of beef and poultry produce so that shoppers can see exactly what the country of origin is. A second Laois childcare centre was hit with the recent Tusla registration issue that forced temporary closures all over Ireland. As well as Sonas Community Childcare Centre in Mountmellick, Tiddlywinks Preschool in Ballyadams was forced to shut for several days in early January. Tusla had changed their method of registration, and time had run out to comply on December 31, leaving multiples of childcare centres around Ireland told to close their doors until they were registered. Sonas had to issue notices to its 136 client families to say they could not open, on Thursday and Friday, January 8 and 9. The board managed to get the registration done to reopen by Monday, January 10. Two Laois councillors described the effect it had on working parents. Cllr Marie Tuohy and Cllr Tommy Mulligan, both representatives of the Portlaoise Municipal District, told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that it caused "significant disruption and distress for parents, children and staff. "As public representatives and board members of Laois County Childcare Committee, we have been contacted by concerned parents and numerous members of the public in relation to the recent sudden closures of childcare facilities in Mountmellick and Ballyadams. "We empathise with all families affected by the closures and understand the significant disruption and distress this situation has caused for parents, children, service providers and childcare staff. "Parents were required to adjust their working arrangements upon being informed their childcare centre had been closed. They also faced the uncertainty of when it would reopen. This resulted in significant pressures and worries for all families involved. "We wish to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of providers who face many challenges in this sector. And with the current shortage of places, a real-life approach needs to be applied in all cases where there is no risk to any child. "We would like to note that the two closures in Laois were as a result of administrative and technical issues. We would urge Tusla to engage proactively and swiftly and offer timely help and support to ensure the facilities are kept open. "The Laois County Childcare office is available to provide help and support to all providers," the statement from Cllr Marie Tuohy and Cllr Tommy Mulligan said. Laois County Childcare Committee had told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that it could make no comment on the issue. The Department of Children told the Leinster Express that "In 2022, the renewal of registration process was simplified to reduce the administrative burden on services, while still maintaining important safeguards". Read next: Update on Portlaoise Garda station and more Gardai on Laois beats - Chief Superintendent "The renewal process now requires valid garda vetting for the registered provider (and person in charge if different), valid certificate of insurance and a statutory declaration along with payment of the application fee." The Department will continue to work closely with key stakeholders in ensuring services are able to meet their statutory requirements. The Department encourages all services to engage with the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate and the City and County Childcare Committees as soon as possible to ensure they meet the minimum requirements in the regulations. A male juvenile was arrested in County Kildare following the alleged theft of cash from an elderly male. The incident, which occurred on the Main Street of Naas, was detailed by Garda Sarah O'Sullivan during a guest appearance on KFM yesterday (January 14 last). She explained that the juvenile had allegedly stolen money from the injured party (whom KFM described as a male "believed to be in his 80s" in a separate online report) on the afternoon of Friday, January 9 last. However, one witness of the crime provided a description of the suspected perpetrator to local gardai, while another managed to follow the suspected perpetrator back to a nearby address. READ NEXT: Potentially-linked burglaries in Kildare prompt garda investigation Following the assistance of these two witnesses, gardai were able to locate the suspected perpetrator and arrested him. The money belonging to the injured party was recovered and subsequently returned to him. Gda O'Sullivan also expressed gratitude to the two witnesses, and described the handling of the situation as "a great example of the public working together with An Garda Siochana". When asked by the Leinster Leader about the incident, a garda spokesperson responded: "Gardai are investigating an alleged incident of theft from a person that occurred in Naas, County Kildare on January 9 last at approximately 1pm. "A male in his late teens was arrested and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984." The spokesperson added that the investigation is ongoing. READ NEXT: Criminal damage caused to vehicle in Kildare Naas in Co Kildare was among the top 10 District Court areas in Ireland for burglary offences in the first nine months of 2025, according to new figures from the Irish Courts Service released by a MEP. A total of 53 people came before the courts in Naas for burglary between January and September 2025. Of those, 41 appeared before the District Court, while a further 12 were sent forward for trial in the Circuit Court. Nationally, 1,187 people appeared before the District Court for burglary offences during the same period, with a further 347 sent to the Circuit Court. In total, 1,534 people faced court proceedings for burglary across the State. The figures show that a relatively small number of repeat offenders are responsible for a large proportion of burglary cases. While 1,187 individuals appeared before the District Court, they accounted for 1,771 separate burglary cases. In the Circuit Court, 529 offenders were responsible for 729 cases. Dublin recorded the highest number of people before the courts for burglary, with 622 cases across both the District and Circuit Courts. Cork and Limerick followed, while Clonmel recorded 60 cases. Waterford, Naas, Mullingar, Wexford, Tralee and Bray also featured in the top 10 court areas for burglary offences. At the other end of the scale, Castlebar, Carrick-on-Shannon and Ballina recorded the lowest numbers of people before the courts for burglary. Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurchu said the winter months remain a peak period for burglary, particularly in rural areas, due to darker evenings. She has reiterated Garda advice for people to avoid posting holiday photos on social media that indicate they are away from home and to remain alert to suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods. Ni Mhurchu has called for a range of measures to tackle burglary, including ending the temporary release of burglars from prison. According to figures from the Irish Prison Service, 38 burglars were on temporary release as of 23 June 2025. READ NEXT; Over 3,000 people treated on trolleys in Naas Hospital in 2025. She has also called for increased funding for community safety initiatives, including a doubling of the Community Safety Fund, more funding for community CCTV, and expanded grant support for home security alarms for older people living alone. The Community Safety Fund uses money seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau and An Garda Siochana to support local projects such as diversion programmes for repeat and young offenders, drug awareness initiatives, restorative justice schemes, community CCTV and Community Alert programmes. Ni Mhurchu has asked the Department of Justice to better inform community groups about the 2026 funding allocation, consider increasing the fund, and notify politicians and local leaders when the application process opens. She has also urged the Minister for Justice to introduce a robust plan to deal with repeat burglary offenders, particularly in rural communities. Gardai brought a man accused of stealing alcohol from Laois pubs to court for breaching his bail conditions. Conor McMahon (36) of Kilpatrick, Kildangan, Kildare is accused of stealing: - 12 bottles of Smirnoff vodka valued at 364.99; - 24 bottles of Bulmers valued at 206.14 from the Vintage Inn, Stradbally on October 9 last; - Four kegs of beer valued at 710 from the Rock Inn, Dublin Road, Portlaoise on November 2. Garda Niamh Bergin said the man had failed to sign on at a local garda station as per his bail conditions on January 2 and December 31. She said he had also changed address. The accused said he had tested positive for Covid on December 31 and had been unable to get a certificate from a doctor in Laois because his bail conditions prevented him from entering the county except for court appearances. He said he tested negative on January 3 and he informed Gardai of his illness. He said he left his partners address as she had been upset when the address appeared in the newspapers. He said he now resided with his father at the Kildangan address. The man said the offending had occurred when he relapsed on drugs and he was now in recovery. Only for this Garda I would probably be dead right now, he said. READ NEXT: MOTORISTS STOPPED AT KILDARE CHECKPOINT. The man said his dole hadnt been paid since February but he was a qualified mechanic and is due to start a job in Dublin on January 10. I am trying to get my life back on track, he said. Sgt Kirby said the womans partner maintained he had been using substances. The man denied this and said she was mistaken because he had a runny nose due to having Covid. Anne Doyle BL said her client was attacked and severely wounded in the left eye while in custody. She asked that he be allowed to remain on bail. Garda Bergin said she hadnt been notified of his change of address. The accused asked Judge Cody to give me the opportunity to get my life back on track. Judge Cody remanded the man on bail and adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on March 19 for a probation and welfare report and finalisation. Families in one County Kildare have been left without a single new special class for the 2026 to 2027 school year. That's according to Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender, who today (January 15) highlighted the lack of a new classroom for Newbridge. Specifically, Cllr Pender pointed out that the full list of newly sanctioned special classes for Kildare has now been published. It confirmed that six new primary special classes across the county. However, none are located in Newbridge. According to Cllr Pender, the absence "confirms what families in Newbridge feared all along". He added: "Not one new special class has been approved for the town. Cllr Pender also claimed: "For weeks, announcements were drip-fed in small batches, and during that time, government representatives for Newbridge stayed silent. "Now we can see why; when the full picture emerged, Newbridge had been left out entirely." READ NEXT: People of Prosperous 'led down the garden path' about proposed new school Kildare TD He continued: "This is not a small oversight; Newbridge is one of the largest and fastest growing towns in Kildare. "Demand for special classes here is well known and well documented. The Department [of Education and Youth] has the data; this did not come as a surprise. Cllr Pender further said: "Parents still do not know where their child will attend school in September. "Schools cannot plan staff, space, or supports, and children are facing uncertainty that should never exist in a system that claims to put their needs first." FAMILIES ENGAGED 'IN GOOD FAITH' "Families engaged with the process in good faith... they waited, they followed procedures, and they were told to be patient. "Meanwhile, decisions were made elsewhere and announced bit by bit, masking the reality on the ground." He also asserted: "Special education cannot be treated as an afterthought; it requires early planning, transparency, and political leadership. "Silence from government representatives does nothing for families who are crying out for certainty." Cllr Pender concluded by saying that Newbridge families deserve "clear answers" and "immediate action". "I will continue to raise this issue until Newbridge gets the special class provision it clearly needs," Cllr Pender concluded. The Department of Education and Youth has been asked for comment in relation to Cllr Pender's views. Cllr Chris Pender made headlines last week when he voiced his disapproval over drink-driving comments that were made by the leader of Independent Ireland, Michael Collins TD. Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph READ NEXT: Juvenile suspect arrested in Kildare following alleged theft of cash from elderly man UPDATE: Friday, January 16, 2026 2.14pm approx A spokesperson for the Department of Education and Youth provided the below statement to the Leader: "The NCSE recently sanctioning [sic] 168 new special classes in 159 schools across the country for the next school year 2026/2027. "This is the first tranche of new special classes being sanctioned for the coming school year and is a number of months ahead of last year. "The NCSE expect to continue to sanction further new special classes over the coming weeks, including in Co Kildare. The earlier sanctioning of these classes will provide clarity for parents and allow schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. They added: "Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website." BACKGROUND INFORMATION The spokesperson further said: "Budget 2026 recently provided funding for a further 3,000 special class and special school places to be provided for the 2026 / 2027 school year. "To improve future planning for the next school year 2026 / 2027, families were encouraged to engage with the NCSE by October 1, 2025 for the 2026 / 27 school year four months earlier than in previous years. "The NCSE is reviewing and collating all of the data and information received by it in terms of the level of need for new special class and special school places. "The earlier timeline will assist the NCSE in relation to approaching local schools to open new special classes earlier. The earlier timeline is also being introduced to provide more time for the establishment of new special classes and additional special school capacity." They continued: "The establishment of additional special education places involves a significant level of work in terms of reconfiguring existing classrooms, recruiting teachers and SNAs, running admission processes, accessing training and support and organising school transport. "This new timeline was introduced after engagement with all of the key education stakeholders including bodies representing parents and special education advocacy groups. "The NCSE formally sanctioning 168 new special classes in 159 schools across the country for the next school year 2026 / 2027. This is the first tranche of new special classes being sanctioned for the coming school year and is a number of months ahead of last year. "The NCSE expect to continue to sanction further new special classes over the coming weeks, including in County Kildare. "The earlier sanctioning of these classes will provide clarity for parents and allow schools more time for the planning and establishment of new special classes. "Details of the new special classes are available on the NCSE website." The spokesperson concluded: "At, present, there are two special schools, 14 primary special classes and two post-primary special classes in the immediate Newbridge school planning area." Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Older people from Ballinamore and the surrounding areas are being left without beds due to patients from outside the area entering the local facility, a meeting heard this week in Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim. Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn asked what system the HSE has in place to allow patients to "enter local nursing homes for mostly long time care. In particular, the nursing homes located in Ballinamore, Carrick-on-Shannon and Mohill." Ballinamore House Nursing Home is a 20 bed unit and is run by the HSE and covers the areas of Carrigallen, Aughavas, Cloone, Aughnasheelin, Ballinagore and parts of West Cavan. Cllr Reynolds-Flynn noted that "80% of nursing homes are private in Ireland and 20% are agency-run." However, Cllr Reynolds-Flynn said that people outside of the Ballinamore area are being brought into the community hospital leaving locals without beds and locals are being "restricted from resident access to a bed in their own area." READ MORE: Leitrim athletes with 'exceptional talent' need to be supported "The last patient allocated a bed in Ballinamore Nursing Home was from Skreen, Sligo," she told the meeting and asked if a letter could be written to the Minister and HSE West. She queried if it was a management decision to bring in residents from outside of the catchment area of Ballinamore. Cllr Gary Prior strongly supported the motion saying it was "a very serious issue on the ground". He noted that there are other nursing homes including St Patricks Community Hospital, "but these patients, for some reason, are being brought to the Ballinamore nursing home." He continued: "I believe there are 60 patients on a list trying to get access to the nursing home and I personally attended the unit a number of weeks ago seeking a bed for a family member and was refused it. I would strongly urge some intervention here to find out what is the reason that these beds are being given to people outside the area and people within the catchment area cannot be allocated a bed." READ MORE: Two big floods, one high river and a continuing fear as councillors seek answers on Shannon water levels Cllr Mary Bohan supported the motion and added that there were not enough units in the county, in her view. Giving Aras Bhride, a purpose-built facility for older people in Drumshanbo, as an example, she said more such facilities should be developed. She said: "These are the kinds of facilities we need because not everybody needs full-time nursing care but they do they need supports. They have their own self-contained apartment with a walk-in shower and communal areas." Sligo/Leitrim Minister Marian Harkin has welcomed the government's decision to provide 15 million per annum in direct funding to the Post Office network, calling it "significant support to protect a key rural service and enhance the value Post Offices deliver for local communities." With many Post Offices facing closure due to mounting economic pressures, Minister Harkin says this funding delivers on a crucial Programme for Government commitment to ensure the future sustainability of Post Offices nationwide. This funding is a vital lifeline for our Post Office network. Post Offices are more than just places to send a letterthey are central to the daily life of rural communities and provide essential services that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Postmasters help secure the postal network while also delivering essential services including banking and the distribution of social welfare payments. Just as importantly, Post Offices serve as the heartbeat of rural towns and villages, where people gather, conduct business, and maintain vital social connections. READ MORE: Leitrim athletes with 'exceptional talent' need to be supported Without this local infrastructure, many peopleparticularly the elderly and other vulnerable members of our communitiesare being left isolated and forced to travel further and further to access essential amenities. Minister Harkin says this funding is a vital investment in keeping rural Ireland connected and vibrant. Investing in our Post Offices is investing in rural Ireland itself. It ensures that people can access vital services close to home and helps keep our towns and villages alive and thriving. Independents supporting the Government will continue to engage with their coalition partners on issues facing the Post Office network and will work to deliver measures that enhance rural and regional services. Les autorites espagnoles ont annonce, le 12 janvier, larraisonnement spectaculaire dun navire marchand au large de Tenerife, dans locean Atlantique. Le batiment, battant pavillon camerounais selon une source policiere espagnole relayee par des medias internationaux, transportait 9 994 kilogrammes de cocaine, dissimules dans plus de 200 sacs de sel. A son bord, 13 membres dequipage. Le navire avait quitte le Bresil et faisait route vers lEurope. Baptisee Maree Blanche , cette operation est qualifiee par la Police nationale espagnole comme la plus importante saisie de cocaine jamais realisee en haute mer. Les autorites soulignent quil faut remonter a 1999, avec linterception du navire Tammsaare et ses 7 500 kilos de cocaine, pour retrouver une operation dune telle ampleur hors des eaux territoriales. Un pavillon camerounais de plus en plus scrute Cette nouvelle affaire ravive les interrogations autour du pavillon camerounais, regulierement cite dans des dossiers de trafics illicites internationaux. Plusieurs navires immatricules au Cameroun ont, ces dernieres annees, ete impliques dans des saisies de drogues, de carburant ou dautres marchandises prohibees, alimentant les soupcons de complaisance administrative dans lattribution du pavillon. Face a ces critiques recurrentes, les autorites camerounaises ont engage une revision des criteres dimmatriculation et renforce les mecanismes de controle. Des radiations de navires soupconnes dactivites criminelles sont regulierement annoncees afin de preserver la credibilite du registre maritime national. Radiations et durcissement des controles En aout 2025, le navire Sky White avait ainsi ete radie du registre camerounais apres son interception au large des iles Canaries avec pres de trois tonnes de cocaine. En octobre de la meme annee, le Freedom 7 subissait le meme sort, officiellement pour trafic illicite . Malgre ces mesures, la flotte sous pavillon camerounais, qui compte plus de 200 navires immatricules, demeure sous surveillance accrue des autorites maritimes et policieres internationales. Laffaire de Tenerife remet au premier plan les enjeux de securite maritime, de lutte contre le narcotrafic et de responsabilite des Etats du pavillon dans un contexte de criminalite transnationale de plus en plus sophistiquee. Nearly 10 tons of cocaine seized at sea: ship flying Cameroonian flag intercepted off the Canary Islands Spanish authorities announced on January 12 the interception of a merchant vessel off the coast of Tenerife in the Atlantic Ocean. According to a Spanish police source quoted by international media, the ship was flying a Cameroonian flag and was carrying 9,994 kilograms of cocaine, hidden in more than 200 bags of salt. The vessel had a crew of 13 and had sailed from Brazil bound for Europe. Dubbed White Tide, the operation is described by Spains National Police as the largest cocaine seizure ever carried out on the high seas. Officials note that the last operation of comparable scale dates back to 1999, when the ship Tammsaare was intercepted with 7.5 tons of cocaine hidden in its bow. Cameroonian flag under increased scrutiny The case once again places the Cameroonian maritime flag under international scrutiny. Ships registered in Cameroon have repeatedly been involved in seizures linked to drug trafficking and other illicit activities, leading to accusations of lax controls in the flag attribution process. In response, Cameroonian authorities have launched a review of registration criteria and stepped up oversight. Several vessels have been struck off the national registry in recent years for illegal activities. In August 2025, the vessel Sky White was deregistered after being seized near the Canary Islands with three tons of cocaine. Two months later, Freedom 7 was also removed from the register for illicit trafficking. With more than 200 vessels currently registered, Cameroons maritime registry remains under heightened international monitoring, as authorities seek to balance commercial interests with the fight against transnational organized crime. cocaine, trafic de drogue, securite maritime, pavillon camerounais, navire camerounais, saisie de cocaine, iles Canaries, Espagne, haute mer, narcotrafic, police espagnole, Maree Blanche, registre maritime, Cameroun, criminalite transnationale Didier Cebas K. Gardai and emergency services attended the scene of a road traffic collision on the Priorswood Road in Dublin 17 on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The collision involving a car and a pedestrian occurred at the Darndale Roundabout at approximately 5pm. READ NEXT: 'Evil' stepmother, who murdered 4-year-old boy, is named after judge lifts reporting restrictions The pedestrian, a female juvenile, was brought to Childrens Health Ireland at Temple Street where she remains in a serious but stable condition. No other injuries were reported. A technical examination was conducted by the Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit. Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them. READ NEXT: Irish families could be saving hundreds in 2026 with these seven household tips Any road users, who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 4:30pm and 5:15pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. Anyone with information is asked to contact Coolock Garda Station on 01 666 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. Photo of some participants at the close of SDCA two days training and certification of seeds producers. GOVERNMENT has announced 5.7m in funding to help factories in Limerick and across Ireland. This money comes from the European Commission and Enterprise Ireland and will be used over the next three years. The programme is called FactoryXChange 2.0. READ MORE: One of the biggest funerals in living memory in Limerick parish in freezing temperatures for Dolores Its job is to help factory staff learn new skills, use modern technology, and keep jobs strong for the future. FactoryXChange is led by Irish Manufacturing Research (IMR) and supported by 17 expert partners around Ireland. Six of these partners are based in Limerick, including the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Mavarick AI, Cyberlynk, Saluto Partners, Monaru, and Piquant. Factories today face many challenges. Materials cost more, there is strong competition from other countries, and technology keeps changing. To keep up, factories need help using tools like artificial intelligence (AI), computers, and online safety systems. In the past, FactoryXChange has already helped almost 500 Irish businesses and public organisations work better using technology. Enterprise Minister Peter Burke said the programme will help small and medium businesses learn from the best in the world and be ready for the future, no matter where they are based. Now, FactoryXChange is inviting Limerick businesses and public organisations to take part, get support, and help shape the future of Irish industry. Speaking about the impact for the Limerick region, Dr John Cosgrove, director of Smart manufacturing at TUS in its Idean Institute said: The FactoryXChange network allows us to combine expertise across disciplines, from AI and cybersecurity to design and communication, to help manufacturers in the region transition confidently into Industry 5.0. Limerick has long been a hub of innovation and collaboration, and FactoryXChange builds on that strength to create lasting economic and social impact, he added. For more information, please call 087-6807936 between 10am and 3pm. LISNAGRY woman Elaine Carey has come full circle in her telecommunications career. In her early 20s, she started working for Esat Digifone as a summer temp in its offices in Plassey. Almost 30 years later, following a career which took her to the Caribbean and through senior corporate roles in Britain and Ireland, she is back last year succeeding Robert Finnegan as only the second ever chief executive of Three Ireland. Now Irelands largest mobile provider, Three traces its roots back to Esat Digifone, and Limerick remains at the heart of the business, where 368 people are employed in the companys contact centre. READ MORE: Gardai hunt down Limerick man after ferret was stolen during a burglary Its quite an amazing experience. When I started all those years ago, to be walking back into basically the same contact centre as chief executive was quite a special moment. Never did I believe or have any understanding that it was something I could do, or had even thought about, she said. Ms Carey was born and raised in Lisnagry on the back road to Castleconnell, she said. She attended Lisnagry National School before moving on to Laurel Hill Secondary School in the city centre. She had planned to leave Limerick to study at third level, but a family tragedy the premature death of her father shortly after his retirement saw her remain at home. It wasnt meant to be. I couldnt leave my mum at the time. I was the only one at home. I have a brother and sister theres eight years between me and my sister and 10 years to my brother, so Im the surprise as I keep telling my mum, she said. Instead, she enrolled at HSI Business School on OConnell Avenue in the city, where she studied travel and tourism. A placement with Aer Lingus between first and second year proved formative, teaching lessons she still applies today. I applied to be a ground hostess for a season in Shannon. We did six weeks training, and one full week was just about the brand understanding what it meant from the moment you put on that uniform. You were the brand. That really stood to me, she recalled. Ms Carey also worked in conference and banqueting at the former Ryan Hotel on the Ennis Road, before realising hospitality was not the right long-term fit. At 21, she decided to start again, returning to education at the former Limerick Institute of Technology, where she studied business and computing. It was there that her career in telecoms began. A friend suggested she apply for a job at Esat Digifones new contact centre. They were looking for summer temps, so I thought Id do that. I came in and started in dealer commissions, and from then on I worked part-time with Esat Digifone all through college, she said. READ MORE: 'His whole career is fuelled by his drug problem': Limerick man receives 108th conviction She moved across the business, including a spell in the complaints department an experience she describes as challenging but invaluable. A poisoned chalice, but my God, do you learn. Everything was in writing back then there were barely emails. You had to build relationships and networks to get things done. It taught me the importance of having people around you and knowing how to solve problems. In 2000, Esat founder Denis OBrien sold the business and used the proceeds to establish Digicel, launching a mobile network in Jamaica. At the time, the island had just one provider, with large sections of the population still without access to telecommunications. Ms Carey was front and centre in Digicels early expansion a period she describes as transformational. On July 4, 2000, we got on a plane and went to Kingston. We spent 18 months in Jamaica, then moved on to St Lucia, Aruba and the Cayman Islands. My role was setting up the retail operations, she said. Looking back nearly 25 years later, she recalls how turning on mobile masts and connecting communities was an emotional moment. We were giving people a lifeline. In parts of Jamaica, you might have been waiting five years for a landline. When we turned on sites, there would be applause. Suddenly people could contact relatives in the UK and the US. It felt like more than building a business it felt like changing society. Living and working on site for five years took its toll, and in 2005 Ms Carey took a year out to travel solo. She describes it as a restorative experience before returning to the industry she loves. She joined Eir to help establish its ICT business, before moving to Three Ireland within 18 months, shortly after the company had begun running its Irish operations directly rather than from Britain. I got a call saying Three were looking for a head of retail and asking would I like to interview. The rest is history, she smiles. Ms Carey went on to hold a series of senior leadership positions across retail, commercial and shopping functions. She played a key role in the 2014 acquisition and integration of O2 Ireland into Three - providing her with the direct link back to where her telecoms career began. We dont see Limerick as just a service centre. This is our second headquarters, she said. We have finance, legal and regulatory, technology and HR teams here. We have two homes, and this is one of them. Being from Limerick, I cant help but be proud of that. rior to becoming chief executive, she served as chief commercial officer for Three across Britain and Ireland. She believes Ireland compares favourably when it comes to mobile infrastructure. You could be in central London on a Saturday night and your phone wont work. In Ireland, we have excellent infrastructure, and thats come from sustained private investment, she said, adding that the telecoms industry does not always receive sufficient credit for that. Having started her own career on the front line, she said it has shaped her leadership philosophy. If you have a workforce that genuinely cares about what they do, thats where value is created. Dont ever underestimate what you do with your people. The people are our superpower. LAST weeks 2026 Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition once again highlighted the extraordinary talent being nurtured in classrooms across Limerick city, county and beyond. Over four inspiring days, young innovators showcased projects that tackled real-world problems. Limericks connection to the exhibition runs deep. The story of the Collison brothers, former Castletroy College students, remains one of its proudest chapters. READ ALSO: Limerick Mayor explores building modular homes on site of proposed hospital Patrick Collison won the overall prize in 2005 for developing a new programming language, while his brother, John, also earned a category award. Two decades on, the siblings returned this year not as competitors, but as the new title sponsors through their programmable financial services company, Stripe - now a multi-billion dollar global success. Stripe also partnered with Croom Medical to manufacture the trophies for this year's competition. The Collison brothers are proof of what can grow from a spark of teenage curiosity. Sean OSullivan of Colaiste Chiarain, Croom claimed top honours in 2024, and this year Limerick students once again excelled. Thirty-three projects from 11 local schools qualified for the exhibition, with seven awards coming back to the county. Colaiste Chiarain, and Desmond College in Newcastle West shared those honours, with projects that ranged from predicting electricity outages and asthma attacks to developing potential treatments for bed bugs. Behind every project are long evenings, sacrificed weekends and supportive teachers and families. These achievements are hard-earned. Patrick Collisons words to this years finalists included: Hone your curiosity and figure out what it is that compels you. Clearly, many Limerick students are doing just that and their curiosity and creativity will no doubt help shape the world of tomorrow. LIMERICK City and County Council is inviting community representatives to apply to join the Limerick Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP). The partnership aims to ensure that local safety initiatives are informed by those who know their communities best, reflecting the diversity and experiences across the county. This is a chance for the public to directly shape safety and wellbeing in their community. The Council is seeking representatives from residents, youth, minority and new communities, social inclusion groups, education, and the business sector. Applicants should live or work in County Limerick and be able to represent the six electoral areas and LCSP priority groups. Nominations from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences are especially encouraged. Read More: Limerick schools receive 850,000 funding for sustainability and climate education projects The LCSP, created under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, brings together residents, local authorities, An Garda Siochana, the HSE, Tusla, and other public services. Its purpose is to develop a Community Safety Plan that reflects local needs, encourages trust, and ensures coordinated action across agencies. Limericks LCSP will have up to 30 members, including public services, elected representatives, and community representatives approved by the Minister for Justice. The partnership will meet at least six times a year, including one public meeting. Applicants are encouraged to fill out expression of interest forms which are available on MyPoint.Limerick.ie and must be submitted by 4pm on Friday, January 30. Queries can be sent to communitysafety@limerick.ie -Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme MAYOR John Moran has suggested smart modular homes could be built on land which may be bought by the HSE - and in some cases, used by staff of the health service. He revealed he has been in talks with HSE bosses over whether his plans to build temporary homes across the city to ease the housing crisis could help doctors, nurses and other people working at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). The directly elected first citizen still harbours ambitions of building 2,000 rapid-build homes across Limerick, which would be used to give people places to live while longer-term houses are then built, and has identified a number of sites. READ MORE: Criminal with 100+ convictions caught with still warm pipe in Limerick train bathroom He held fresh talks with the Government on the plan this week - despite ministers previously reducing the scale of the project down to just 150 homes. All this comes against the backdrop of Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill confirming she will be proceeding with plans to expand capacity at UHL, and potentially build another medical building close to Dooradoyle. We have had conversations with the HSE about whether the smart-home project could be used just for their workers and how we might structure it. It would have to be different because they are based on external rental being paid by normal persons. If it works, if they think they have enough demand, and we can convince a financier to come and finance the acquisition of the smart homes, then absolutely, he told Limerick Today on Live95 radio. Speaking more in general about his flagship project, Mayor Moran also raised the possibility of smart homes being built on land which will eventually be designated for medical use. Ms MacNeill said last month there is no question the Mid-West needs a new public hospital, but its something she needs to plan with clinicians and cabinet colleagues. Mayor Moran said: Lets say we have the good fortune to have the new hospital and we have a big site for this which will grow over time into the new hospital facilities. The HSE might agree with us that one half of that site, we are not going to use for 20 to 30 years. But we need key housing for our workers in the hospital. So wed like to build smart homes there, and in 20 years time, you can move them somewhere else and we can start building another part of the hospital. The executive mayors first full year in office has been marked by disagreements with fellow councillors, and, on occasion, members of the local authoritys executive. He hopes 2026 heralds a new start, adding: The last four or five weeks have been phenomenal. We have seen a completely different change. I am looking at 24 priorities we have for the next year. They will help me allocate funds, but importantly, we are going to have delivery milestones for every quarter of the year. Mayor Moran acknowledged there are members of the council who would like my job in three-and-a-half years time. They are like an opposition in that respect, and thats good. Because they hold me to task on what I said I would for the people, he said. Asked if he feels the Government and the civil service nationally want him to succeed in the role as Irelands first directly elected mayor, he said: I hope so. Can I be convinced? No. This is a new experiment. Ireland has always been the most centralised nation and thats a comfortable place for those who make decisions, he added. We all want Limerick to succeed. The Government needs Limerick to succeed. I had a session with 30 mayors across Europe. There is always tension between national Governments and mayors. Ger Malone Bathrooms, Tiles, Plumbing and Heating, located in the Fairgreen, Limerick, are celebrating a major achievement after being honoured with two prestigious awards at the United Hardware United in Excellence Awards 2025. The family-run business proudly received: Best Heating & Plumbing Store in Munster Overall Best Heating & Plumbing Store in Ireland The awards ceremony took place at The Galmont Hotel in Galway in late November/early December following United Hardwares flagship annual conference. With over 200 stores nationwide in the United Hardware group, the recognition highlights Ger Malone Plumbing & Heating as a true leader in Irish retail excellence. Peter Malone expressed heartfelt thanks to both staff and customers following the announcement: We couldnt have done it without you. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey. Nearly 40 Years of Service in Limerick Ger Malones have been proudly serving the people of Limerick for almost four decades, building a reputation for quality products, expert advice, and outstanding customer service. Our mission is and always has been to ensure we provide an excellent product range backed with excellent service, the team explained. We cater for all heating, plumbing and bathroom products and are committed to continually expanding and developing our range so all customers are catered for. The business serves both trade professionals and the general public, with a strong focus on aftersales support a key factor in their continued success. A Showroom That Inspires Their newly renovated showroom showcases a modern designer bathroom and tile collection, offering customers inspiration along with expert guidance. Meanwhile, their knowledgeable trade counter staff provide practical help and up-to-date product advice for every project, big or small. Ger Malones expert team are widely recognised for going above and beyond, ensuring every customer leaves confident in their purchase and their plans. A National Honour The awards were presented by Barry Gorman from Grant and celebrate excellence across Irish retail within the United Hardware group. Ger Malone Plumbing & Heatings overall national win reflects not only business success, but also dedication, teamwork, and community trust. Visit Ger Malones You can visit Ger Malone Bathrooms, Tiles, Plumbing & Heating in the Fairgreen, Limerick, call 061 412566, or explore their range online at www.germalone.com. With nearly 40 years of service behind them and national recognition to match, Ger Malones continue to set the standard for excellence in Irelands heating and plumbing industry. *Sponsored Content Elon Musk has said he is unaware of any instances in which Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by xAI and integrated into X, generated sexualised images of underage individuals, as the platform moved to block the tool from editing or creating nude images following global outrage and mounting regulatory pressure. Responding on X on Thursday, Elon Musk said: I not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero [sic]. The Tesla boss's comments come as scrutiny of generative AI intensifies across the United States, Europe and parts of Asia, with governments, lawmakers and advocacy groups questioning whether current safeguards are sufficient to prevent serious harm. Elon Musk rejects allegations, defends Groks design Musk was replying to a thread claiming that only left wing and Labour MPs and supporters" had encountered the images that triggered international condemnation of Grok. He dismissed suggestions that the chatbot could independently produce illegal content. Also Read | Elon Musk denies claims Grok AI generates illegal images of minors Obviously, Grok does not spontaneously generate images, it does so only according to user requests, Musk wrote. He added: When asked to generate images, it will refuse to produce anything illegal, as the operating principle for Grok is to obey the laws of any given country or state. Addressing concerns about potential misuse, Musk acknowledged the possibility of malicious prompt manipulation, stating: There may be times when adversarial hacking of Grok prompts does something unexpected. If that happens, we fix the bug immediately. Pressure grows on X in United States and abroad Musks intervention follows calls by Democratic lawmakers in the United States for Apple and Google to remove X and its built-in AI chatbot from their app stores. The appeal was echoed by a coalition of womens groups, technology watchdogs and progressive activists, citing the spread of non-consensual sexual images of women and minors. At the same time, X and Musks AI company, xAI, are facing investigations, bans and legal action in countries including Malaysia and Indonesia, where authorities allege failures to adequately protect users from harmful content. Musk challenges critics, highlights Groks popularity Reiterating his stance, Musk said that anyone using Grok to generate illegal material would face the same consequences as those uploading such content directly. He also publicly challenged critics, asking: Can anyone actually break Grok image moderation? Musk reshared a post by an account named Doge Designer, which said: I tried 9 different prompts asking Grok to generate a naked image. Zero success. All the media coverage is simply a relentless attack on Elon Musk. Nothing more than that. Alongside the controversy, Musk highlighted Groks apparent commercial success, writing: Grok hitting #1 in several more countries! Doge Designer added: Grok app is dominating the Android store too. Just hit #1 in 4 countries Brunei, Hong Kong, Norway, Slovenia. X blocks Grok from editing revealing images Despite Musks defence, X confirmed on Wednesday evening that Grok would no longer edit images of real people in revealing clothing on the platform. The move followed reports that the chatbot had complied with requests to digitally undress images of adults and, in some cases, children. In a detailed statement titled Grok Account Image Generation Updates, X said: We remain committed to making X a safe platform for everyone and continue to have zero tolerance for any forms of child sexual exploitation, non-consensual nudity, and unwanted sexual content. The company said it removes high-priority violative content, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), and reports relevant accounts to law enforcement where necessary. New safeguards and geoblocking measures for Grok X announced that it had implemented technical measures preventing the Grok account from editing images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis. This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers, the statement said. It also confirmed that image creation and editing via the Grok account on X are now limited to paid subscribers, adding: This adds an extra layer of protection by helping to ensure that individuals who attempt to abuse the Grok account to violate the law or our policies can be held accountable. Also Read | Pentagon set to deploy Grok despite global backlash over obscene AI images Under a new geoblocking policy, X said: We now 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 those jurisdictions where its illegal. Legal changes and wider industry challenges for Grok In the United Kingdom, the law is set to change this week to criminalise the creation of such images. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday that X was working to comply with the new legal framework. NEW DELHI: Foreign direct investment into Uttar Pradesh rose to 5,963 crore ($660 million) during the April-September period of FY26 as Indias third-largest state economy aspires to become a $1 trillion economy with key policy incentives for high-growth sectors, a top official said. Uttar Pradesh has moved decisively from being a marginal recipient of foreign investment to a more serious and organized FDI destination," UPs additional chief secretary and infrastructure & industrial development commissioner Deepak Kumar said in an interview to Mint. The sharp rise in FDI in just the first half of FY26 shows growing confidence in our policy framework, land aggregation and single-window systems." The state received 550 crore as FDI in the first half of FY25, minister of state for commerce and industry Jitin Prasada said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha in February 2025. The UP official said the FDI surge reflects a structural shift rather than a one-off spike and added that the states objective is to align itself with the Centres $100 billion FDI ambition rather than chase headline rankings alone. Our expectations and strategic roadmap for the coming years include a projected investment pipeline of 22 formal applications with a total investment value of 17,810 crore," he said. In addition, the state is tracking a further 29 potential applicants with proposed investments amounting to 56,347.30 crore." The focus is on attracting investments in high-growth sectors such as electronics and semiconductors, especially along the Noida-Greater Noida-Yamuna Expressway belt, as well as technical textiles and green hydrogen, Kumar said. Projects showcased by the state include the 3,700-crore electronics manufacturing hub being developed by HCL Technologies in partnership with Foxconn in the Noida-Greater Noida-Yamuna Expressway region, which is positioned as a base for electronics and semiconductor-linked manufacturing, Kumar said. Dedicated country desks for Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, France, Singapore and Gulf countries have been created to provide end-to-end handholding, from site selection to post-investment support. Also Read | A wave of FDI in sunrise sectors could help India ride out global uncertainty GCCs, textiles Global capability centres (GCCs) already operating in UP, including MetLife, InMobi and Barclays, have strengthened the states services pitch, while the government is tracking 83 GCC leads with an estimated investment pipeline of about 5,000 crore, Kumar said. Technical textile investments, particularly by Taiwanese firms in and around Kanpur for sportswear and functional textiles, have also contributed to recent inflows, alongside logistics and manufacturing proposals linked to expressway corridors. However, UP continues to trail the countrys traditional investment magnets such as Maharashtra and Karnataka. The states FDI inflows increased to 3,700 crore in FY25 from 2,762 crore in FY24. Cumulative FDI inflows into UP from 2000 to September 2025 stood at 22,279 crore. In comparison, Maharashtra alone attracted 91,337 crore in the first half of FY26, Karnataka 80,997 crore, Tamil Nadu 30,685 crore, Delhi 19,843 crore and Gujarat 19,325 crore during the same period. Experts said the sudden increase in FDI inflows into a state like UP is notable, given that other states developed their FDI ecosystems due to logistical advantages, including being located along the coast. The trend reflects growing investor confidence, improved law and order, and the states potential for further growth," said Abhash Kumar, a trade economist. Foreign investment into India during April-September 2025 (FY26) rose about 20% to $50.4 billion, including equity inflows of $35.2 billion, from $42.1 billion and equity inflows of $29.8 billion in the same period a year earlier. The Centre has targeted foreign investments of $100 billion in FY26. Also Read | India plans major FDI compliance overhaul to woo global investors Critical incentives According to Kumar, policy incentives played a critical role in converting proposals into investments. Under the Uttar Pradesh FDI Policy 2023, the state offers front-end land subsidies of 25% in Paschimanchal (western UP) and Madhyanchal (central UP) and 20% in Bundelkhand (southern UP) and Purvanchal (eastern UP), with higher reimbursement by the state government in the latter regions. Capital subsidies of up to 100 crore are available in staggered instalments, stamp duty and registration charges are fully exempted or reimbursed, electricity duty is waived for five years, and state GST refunds are provided on eligible investments. These are supplemented by Nivesh Mitra 3.0, which the government says will reduce documentation by about 50% and approval timelines by about 30%. On infrastructure, the top official said the states push goes beyond Noida. A 100,000-acre industrial land bank has been aggregated across regions, while projects such as the Jewar (Noida International) Airport and its proposed aerotropolis, 27 manufacturing and logistics clusters along expressways, the Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority covering over 56,000 acres, and inland waterway connectivity on National Waterway-1 are intended to support investors at scale. Our focus is on sustained conversion getting projects on the ground, creating capacity and jobs, and building confidence for repeat investments. That is how Uttar Pradesh will close the gap over time," he said. India's market regulator has asked minerals-to-energy Vedanta conglomerate's latest market-bound firm for more details on ownership structure and how it ultimately benefits the group's billionaire founder Anil Agarwal, three people aware of the matter told Mint . On paper, Anil Agarwal has zero direct holdings in the Sterlite Electric Ltd, which last year filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) for an initial public offer. But the Securities and Exchange Board of India, or Sebi, flagged his role as an individual promoter of Vedanta Group's power transmission company despite no direct equity interest, two of the three sources said. Sebi put the initial public offering on hold in October, the regulator said then. The regulator subsequently sought clarity on how Agarwal is related to the selling promoter, Mauritius-based Twin Star Overseas Ltd, and the extent of his direct equity interest in Sterlite Electric, the first person said. Sterlite Electric's IPO has a fresh issue component and an offer for sale of 7.79 million shares by existing shareholders. Among these sellers, Twin Star Overseas is the only 'promoter' offloading stake via the OFS route, per the DRHP. It holds 69.46% of the pre-IPO equity capital of Sterlite Electric. The Mauritian unit, Twin Star Overseas lists group holding company Vedanta Inc. as its 100% shareholder. To be sure, it is common for global business groups to route investments through tax havens such as Mauritius. It is not clear what percentage of Vedanta Inc. is owned by Agarwal. There is no one who holds 15% or more voting rights in Vedanta Inc., according to the Sterlite Electric DRHP, first filed on 29 August, 2025. The Mauritian Trail Sebi is now asking Sterlite if and how Anil Agarwal is the ultimate beneficiary of Twin Star Overseas and, if so, to what extent. Twin Star Overseas also holds 42.91% stake in Vedanta group's listed company Sterlite Technologies Ltd as of 30 September 2025, per stock exchange data. Sterlite Electric demerged from Sterlite Technologies in 2016 as the group decided to focus on telecom and power businesses independently. Twin Star Overseas, however, is a different entity from Twin Star Holdings Ltd, which holds a 40.02% stake in Vedanta Ltd, the India listed entity of the group. Twin Star Holdings is classified as part of the promoter group of Vedanta. Vedanta, in turn, holds 61.84% in Hindustan Zinc, as part of exchange disclosures for the quarter ended 30 September, 2025. Twin Star Overseas, a Mauritius-based entity, lists group holding company Vedanta Inc. as its 100% shareholder. It is not clear what percentage of Vedanta Inc. is owned by Agarwal. Naming a founder with zero direct equity as a promoter creates a heightened burden of proof, an expert in corporate law said. Under current regulations, a promoter is a person or an entity instrumental in the formation of a company and is subject to fiduciary duties and specific legal liabilities, including civil and criminal liabilities. These duties include, but are not limited to, disclosing all material facts relating to the companys business and formation with the relevant stakeholders. SEBIs role is to ensure that investors have a clear picture of who ultimately controls or influences the company," explained Hardeep Sachdeva, senior partner at law firm AZB & Partners. When a founder is designated as a promoter despite holding no direct shares, SEBI must scrutinize the indirect mechanisms of controlsuch as family ties, board influence, or beneficial ownership structures." Beyond this, the regulator has also sought clarity on a group of non-cooperating family members, who would otherwise have been part of the company's promoter group, a second person explained. Particularly, Sebi is asking why five of Agarwal's in-laws have refused to be identified as members of the promoter group and why have they not furnished details of their interests in the IPO-bound firm, this person said. Also Read | Vedanta gets Andhra govt NOC to drill 20 onshore oil, gas wells Family stepping back from promoter tag Under Indian securities law, the promoter group must include immediate relatives, including siblings and their spouses and entities they control to ensure full transparency of ownership and potential conflicts of interest. These five individuals have not provided their consent to be identified as members of the promoter group, according to the companys disclosures. Furthermore, they have not provided the required information regarding their financial interests in Sterlite Electric or the entities they control. These entities might also include some interest of Anil Agarwal, the DRHP added. Letters from Sterlite Electric to the five relatives have gone unanswered, leaving the companys bankers unable to certify to Sebi that the IPO disclosures are complete or up-to-date, the company said in the draft papers. The promoter group, excluding these five in-law relatives and their interests, holds 0.88% pre-offer stake. This group includes Agarwal's wife, his two brothers, and sister. It also includes his recently-deceased son and daughter, but they don't own any shares in the firm, as per the draft filing. Sachdeva of AZB said that instances of 'non-cooperating individuals' surfacing in IPO processes are relatively uncommon but they do occur in situations where the definition of 'promoter group' under Indian securities law extends to relatives who may not be directly involved in the business. Legally, there is limited scope to disassociate unless the company can demonstrate that such individuals have no role in financing, decision-making, or control. In practice, companies either persuade these individuals to cooperate or provide sufficient evidence to Sebi that their inclusion is not material to the promoter groups functioning. "This often requires a careful balance between compliance and family sensitivities, and it can delay or even derail an IPO if not resolved," Sachdeva added. On the same date that the company filed its DRHP, it also filed an application seeking an exemption from Sebi to exclude mandatory disclosures and confirmations from these five non-cooperating relatives and their associated entities. In discussion with Sebi: Sterlite Electric All three sources in this story confirmed that the company, its merchant bankers, and legal experts have been in constant touch with the regulator over the last two months and that these issues are now being ironed out. We are also in active discussion with the regulator and responding to all queries," a Sterlite Electric spokesperson told Mint in an emailed response. In line with offer-period communication requirements, the company follows the prescribed process of addressing matters relating to the offer through disclosures contained in the statutory offer documents. Thus, there is no question of any 'insufficient disclosures' whatsoever." Mint has reached out to Sebi for comments on the story. An emailed request for comment sent on 5 January was unanswered at the time of publishing this story. The draft papers were first filed with the Registrar of Companies in August 2025, after which they were put in abeyance in late October. The regulator did not provide a public comment on why the offer was put on hold. Though Sterlite Electric's offer moved out of abeyance in early December, Sebi, as of 9 January, is still awaiting clarifications from the lead managers on the issue. Sterlite Electric, formerly known as Sterlite Power Transmission Ltd., operates in over 70 countries and reported revenue of 4,956 crore in fiscal year 2025. The company had originally filed for a 1,250 crore IPO in 2021. It later withdrew the offer citing market volatility, news agency PTI had reported back then. There were no instances of non-cooperating individuals at that time. The IPO's delay is the latest hurdle for the Agarwal-led business empire, which has been seeking to list its power transmission unit to pare debt and fund capital expenditure. In July, US-based Viceroy Research shorted the debt stack of Vedanta Resources. It alleged that the group structure was financially unsustainable and posed a material risk to creditors. Vedanta subsequently rejected Viceroy's 2,500-crore loan-routing claim adding the loan transactions were executed in full compliance with the applicable laws. NEW DELHI : IHG Hotels & Resorts is betting on a massive expansion in India, aiming to grow its footprint by more than 50% year-on-year over the next four years. The British hospitality group plans to reach 400 operational and pipeline hotels by 2030, a move that signals a race for dominance in one of the worlds fastest-growing hospitality markets. The aggressive push comes as global rivals Marriott International and Accor expand their Indian portfolios to capitalize on a post-pandemic surge in domestic tourism and corporate travel. Despite being a major global player with over 6,800 properties, IHG is currently playing catch-up in India, where its mid-scale brands have long formed the backbone of its presence in the country. Chief executive officer Elie Maalouf, speaking during a visit to New Delhi, said the Indian market is in its infancy compared to its economic potential. He noted that the region, alongside the Middle East and China, has driven record hotel signings for three consecutive years as IHG pivots its growth strategy toward higher-margin asset-light models in the East. Also Read | IndiGo flight mess disrupts travel plansbut hotels find an unexpected lifeline The expansion will see IHG diversify its Indian portfolio beyond its core Holiday Inn brand. The company intends to introduce up to three new global brands to the country, including a premium collection brand to be named next month, while hunting for a flagship opportunity to debut an ultra-luxury property in the region. IHG now operates over 6,800 hotels worldwide with more than one million rooms, and has about a dozen brands. The best is ahead To put it in context, for India, which is a continent, not even a nation of one and a half billion people, with the fastest growing GDP, growing, infrastructure, growing, aircraft, and airport network, 400 hotels, thats still nothing," Maalouf told Mint in an interview. Every hotel company is just getting started here. In China, we have over 800 hotels, we will be at 1,000 hotels by the end of this year or early next year, with 650 under development. So, there will be hundreds and hundreds of hotels in India and room for everybody. Its not really game over in any meaningful way." He added that its largest market is still the US, although the fastest growth is happening further East in China and other parts of Asia. In China, it has over 800 hotels, and in the US, its largest market, it has over 4,000 hotels. Key Takeaways IHG aims for 400 hotels in India by 2030. The company is targeting a 50% YoY increase in properties over the next four years. IHG will introduce 2-3 new brands, including a new premium collection and a potential ultra-luxury entry. Currently, 70% of IHGs India presence is Holiday Inn; the future strategy emphasizes diversification into premium segments. Growth is driven by an asset-light model and a structural change where consumers prioritize experiences over products. Mature Western economies aren't growing as quickly as this part of the world. In a way, we're growing everywhere. In the US and Europe, we're growing a lot in the number of hotels, but it's a lower percentage of a very bigger base. In the East and India, in China, Southeast Asia, we are growing at a higher percentage of a smaller base," he said. To be sure, hotel management firms such as IHG primarily grow through asset-light models, earning fees by managing or franchising hotels owned by third parties, while using their brands, systems and distribution networks without investing any capital in real estate. New hotels are coming up in markets such as Bengaluru, Jaipur, and Mumbai, among other top-tier locations, across brands like InterContinental and Crowne Plaza, which continue to expand. However, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express together account for over 70% of IHGs operating hotels in India, as well as the majority of its hotels currently in development. Growing fast Indias hotel market has been buoyant for the last few years, especially during the post-pandemic recovery period. Many international companies, such as Marriott International and Accor, have been vying for a greater presence in the country and have steadily accelerated their growth pipelines. According to a recent report, Indias hotel sector is entering its next growth phase with brands expanding beyond traditional upscale business hotels into multiple formats and price points, backed by strong domestic demand and faster rollouts through asset-light models. Demand from weddings, religious tourism, events, activities, and leisure travel to tier II and tier III cities is now broad enough to support mid-scale, budget, lifestyle, and destination-led brands. Meanwhile, management contracts and franchise models are enabling quicker brand expansion across geographies with lower capital risk. While not providing a specific number, Maalouf said it was a year of growing average daily rates worldwide, across the US, in Europe, and in India, China, and Southeast Asia. We see that people really want to travel and are preferring experiences to products. People love live experiences. They love travel, whether for business or for pleasure. We're opening up new destinations for them, and they're taking advantage of them. So thats a secular structural change where people are just valuing experiences a lot more," he said. In India, it is signing in locations across the board, including Srinagar, Goa, Gurugram, Mumbai, Amritsar and the first Voco Hotel opening in Jim Corbett National Park. It also has hotels planned for other locations, such as Etawah (Uttar Pradesh) and Kathua (Jammu & Kashmir), with additional hotels in Kutch and Bhiwadi. High demand According to ratings agency Icra, supply additions continue to trail demand, supporting firm occupancies of 72-74% in FY26 and rising average room rates of 8,200-8,500 for premium hotels. Even as asset-light strategies gain traction, large hotel groups are expected to retain marquee owned properties to anchor brand prestige, leading to a mixed ownership model as sector revenues continue to grow despite a high base. There is also an increasing preference towards asset-light operating models, including management contracts and franchise models, which generate fee-based, high-margin income, require minimal capital, and improve return on capital employed and free cash flows," said Sruthi Thomas, vice president & sector head, corporate ratings, Icra Ltd. NEW DELHI: Telecom operator Reliance Jio Infocomm is entering a transition phase, shifting from heavy network expansion to a focus on monetisation and cash flow generation. As its parent Jio Platforms prepares for a potential mid-2026 listing, analysts see the December quarter (Q3FY26) as a period of consolidationmarked by steady subscriber additions, incremental average revenue per user improvement, and the gradual rollout of paid 5G use cases, led by fixed wireless access (FWA). Jio Platforms and its parent Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) are set to report their quarterly results on Friday, 16 January. For Q3FY26, Jio Platforms, which houses RILs telecom and digital services businesses, is expected to report a 2.7% sequential and 12.8% year-on-year (YoY) rise in revenue from operations to about 37,295 crore, according to Morgan Stanley. In the September quarter, Jio had posted a 3.7% sequential growth in consolidated revenue to 36,332 crore and a net profit of 7,375 crore. On a standalone basis, telecom arm Reliance Jio Infocomm is expected to report a 2.5% sequential and 11% YoY increase in revenue from operations to 32,650 crore, according to average estimates of four brokerage firms. Net profit is projected to rise 2% sequentially and 10% on year to 7,111 crore, with growth constrained by higher finance costs linked to earlier 5G investments and increased depreciation expenses. Reliance Jio is Indias largest telecom operator by market share and accounts for most of Jio Platforms' business. In the September quarter, Reliance Jio's revenue from operations on a standalone basis grew 12.4% year-on-year and 3.15% quarter-on-quarter to 31,857 crore. Net profit rose 11.9% on-year and 3.9% sequentially to 6,972 crore. While 2026/FY27 could be a critical year for the sector given the impending IPO of Jio and possible final decision on government relief, we expect Q3FY26 results to be largely uneventful in the absence of meaningful price intervention," said UBS in a note dated 7 January. Subscriber growth Average revenue per user (Arpu) is expected to see a modest, organic rise driven by higher data usage and a favourable subscriber mix as more users migrate from 2G to 4G/5G and upgrade to higher data tiers. In the absence of any headline tariff intervention, Arpu for the December quarter is projected to grow by 0.6-1.0% sequentially to 213.5 for Reliance Jio. Reliance Jio has delivered a 38% YoY growth in its 5G subscriber base to 234 million, i.e. 48% of its mobile subscriber base, implying fairly high adoption rates. Given this and the imminent IPO in 2026, its focus will likely remain on driving 5G monetization," said brokerage house Jefferies in a note dated 6 January. Jefferies' analysts noted that Jio is encouraging high data usage subscribers to move to 5G by including 5G in all plans offering 2GB/day data allowance, incentivizing upgrades while expanding overall consumption. On home broadband, the scale-up of FWA is also aiding 5G monetization. As of September-end, Jio had 506.4 million mobile subscribers, including 234 million 5G users, up from 213 million in the June quarter. Analysts expect Jio to add 6.5-7 million new subscribers in the October-December period, pushing its total user base to about 513 million. Jio has established a clear lead in fixed wireless by being the first to scale up its 5G FWA offering and also being the first to commercialise UBR (unlicensed band radio) last year," said brokerage house Citi in a note dated 5 January. At an earnings call with analysts on 18 June, Reliance Jio said it was the first to deploy point-to-multipoint UBR technology for home broadband. The technology works like a radio station, sending internet wirelessly from a central antenna placed on a tower to multiple homes or buildings at the same time. As of November 2025, Jio's total home broadband subscriber base stood at 24.4 million, including 13.6 million on fibre-to-the-home (FTTH), 7.6 million 5G FWA subscribers, and 3.2 million using UBR technology. Digital push Even as telecom contributes the bulk of revenue, Jios non-connectivity digital services are becoming increasingly significant. This segment includes managed technology services, cloud, bundled content, and devices. Increasing adoption of digital services, such as cloud and AI services, creates differentiation opportunities in the near-term (e.g. Jio bundling Google AI Pro) and a possible monetisation opportunity in the medium term," said brokerage house BNP Paribas in a note dated 12 January. Jios non-connectivity revenues were 14,100 crore in FY25 and are annualizing over 17,000 crore in FY26, a 12% contribution to Jio Platforms' consolidated revenues versus 8% two years back, according to Citi. The company has also been focusing on IoT and artificial intelligence (AI) offerings, including Jio PC, which converts televisions into AI-enabled computers. In August, Jio discussed launching Jio Frame, a smart glass with a multilingual AI voice assistant and camera. MUMBAI: KKR has closed its second Asia-Pacific performing credit fund with $2.5 billion in capital, deploying more than half across 10 investments, the global investment firm said in a statement on Thursday. The fund, which provides private credit solutions to companies and sponsors, will continue investing in performing credit opportunities across three primary themes: senior and unitrenched direct lending, capital solutions, and collateral-backed investments. The corpus comprises $1.8 billion from KKRs Asia Credit Opportunities Fund (ACOF II) and $700 million from separately managed accounts focused on similar investments. The 10 transactions executed by the credit platform represent roughly $1.9 billion in capital deployed, with a total transaction value of $4.6 billion. Asia is a key pillar of KKRs global credit strategy. The close of ACOF II demonstrates the breadth and scale we have built across our Asia credit platform, spanning both private and liquid markets. We are seeing growing investor demand for allocation to credit in the region, Diane Raposio, partner and head of Asia Credit & Markets at KKR. Our pan-Asia approach and ability to leverage the broader KKR Asia platform uniquely positions us to continue sourcing and executing interesting opportunities across the region for our investors. Also Read | KKR earmarks up to $200 mn to scale up its India medtech bet The fund comes nearly four years after KKR raised its inaugural Asia-Pacific dedicated private credit and credit opportunities fund, which closed at $1.1 billion. According to the statement, ACOF II has attracted commitments from a diverse mix of investors, including insurance companies, public and corporate pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, banks, corporates, and asset managers. The private credit market in India has surged over the past 12-18 months, with domestic and global firms entering as companies seek faster, more flexible capital than traditional lenders can provide. Domestic players such as Motilal Oswal Alternates, ASK Group, True North, Edelweiss, and Multiples Alternate Asset Management have joined global firms like KKR and Blackstone to capitalize on the opportunity. The global private credit market is estimated at over $3 trillion, according to EY, while PwC estimates Indias market at roughly $10 billion in deal size in 2024 with assets under management around $25 billion. Also Read | Private credit takes off in India as companies hunt quick capital Across the Asia-Pacific region, KKR has completed over 60 credit investments in the past seven years, deploying around $8.3 billion and generating a total transaction volume of $27.5 billion. Its investments span healthcare, education, real estate, logistics, and infrastructure, targeting opportunities in Australia, Greater China, India, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. Private credit remains a relatively nascent yet compelling opportunity across the region. We see strong demand for private credit as an important tool for sponsors or corporates seeking flexible financing solutions and bespoke, partnership-oriented capital to support growth and meet their diverse needs, said SJ Lim, managing director and head of Asia Private Credit at KKR. Lim added that the performing credit strategy is built on themes such as rising consumption, urbanization, and digitalization. Microsoft has signed an agreement with Indigo Carbon to purchase a record 2.85 million soil carbon credits, which are associated with regenerative agriculture practices in the United States. The move comes at a time when the Satya Nadella-led company aims to become carbon negative by 2030, despite its emissions surging due to the adoption of AI. The deal is expected to be valued between $171 million and $228 million, according to a report by Reuters, which quoted a person familiar with the deal saying that it falls within the historic range of $60 to $80 a ton for Indigo Carbon's credits. Microsoft has not released any financial details about the deal. What is regenerative farming? Regenerative farming covers a range of actions such as reducing tilling, using cover crops and letting livestock graze to improve the ability of the soil to capture climate-damaging carbon emissions and retain water. Market data firm Sylvera said it had seen an increase in demand for such credits last year, including a deal by Microsoft for 2.6 million credits from Agoro Carbon, which previously held the record for the biggest deal. Also Read | Adapt Or Leave!: Why CEO Satya Nadella Sent This Warning To Microsoft Top Bosses It's bringing the importance of soil carbon removal into corporate climate action, and really for Indigo, solidifying our reputation and leadership on high-integrity carbon credits, Meredith Reisfield, Indigo's senior director for policy, partnerships and impact, told Reuters in an interview. Farmers also benefit financially, receiving 75% of the average weighted cost of a credit from any given issuance or crop year, she added. What does Microsoft gain from the deal? "Microsoft is excited by Indigos approach to regenerative agriculture that delivers measurable results through verified credits and payments to growers," Phillip Goodman, Director of Carbon Removal at Microsoft, said in a press release. Being carbon negative means Microsoft plans to ensure it facilitates more removals of carbon than the amount its operations globally emit. In the voluntary carbon market, projects can be awarded credits for each ton of carbon dioxide they remove from the atmosphere, and companies can buy these credits to offset emissions from their business operations. Indigo helps identify areas where emissions can be reduced or eliminated, and then works with farmers to develop projects and sell the resulting credits. Many scientists argue that carbon-removal projects are crucial for the world to slow global warming by offsetting emissions from industries, such as power generation, that continue to rely on fossil fuels. Tata group's hospitality arm Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced on Thursday that it has acquired a majority stake in Brij Hospitality, which operates Brij Hotels, in a deal worth 193 crore. IHCL, the parent company of Taj Hotels, said in an official release that it has signed definitive agreements to acquire 51% stake in Brij Hospitality, a company known for its presence in boutique experiential leisure offering. Indias largest hospitality company by market capitalization, the IHCL is listed on both BSE and NSE. Shares of the company closed at 688, up 9.85, or 1.45% on Thursday. IHCL set to boost presence in boutique leisure segment Through this acquisition, IHCL will gain ownership of the Brij brand, and together with its founding promoters, plans to expand its footprint in the boutique leisure segment of the country, as per the statement. Indias hospitality sector is witnessing sustained demand growth led by rising disposable income and discretionary spends with a growing preference for experiential leisure, Puneet Chhatwal, the Managing Director and CEO of IHCL, said in a statement. In view of the increasing demand, IHCL plans to use this acquisition to strengthen its position as a leading player in Indias leisure tourism, especially in key cultural, spiritual and wildlife destinations. Brijs presence in offbeat locations offers heterogeneity to IHCLs portfolio in places such as Jaipur, Varanasi, Ranthambore, northern hills, the north east region and Goa, among others," Chhatwal added. Hence, with this acquisition, IHCLs total portfolio now stands at 610 hotels, including 253 properties that are currently under development and will be added in the coming years. Brij to expand to Nepal, Sri Lanka Meanwhile, Brij Hotels has a portfolio of 22 hotels, with 11 in the pipeline. The hotel chain specialises in providing luxurious stays with a focus on personalised service and unique settings. Udit Kumar and Anant Apurv Kumar, Co-Founders of Brij Hospitality, said, We are excited to partner with IHCL to shape the future of boutique hospitality. Brij Hotels is recognised for creating immersive, locally rooted experiences that celebrate the country's cultural diversity. By Blake Brittain Jan 15 (Reuters) - Publishers Hachette Book Group and Cengage Group asked a California federal court on Thursday for permission to intervene in a proposed class action lawsuit against Google over the alleged misuse of copyrighted material used to train its artificial intelligence systems. The publishers said in their proposed complaint that the tech company "engaged in one of the most prolific infringements of copyrighted materials in history" to build its AI capabilities, copying content from Hachette books and Cengage textbooks without permission. Spokespeople for Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the publishers' bid, which could increase the potential damages at stake in the case. "We believe our participation will bolster the case, especially because publishers are uniquely positioned to address many of the legal, factual, and evidentiary questions before the Court," Maria Pallante, CEO of the publishers' trade group the Association of American Publishers, said in a statement. The lawsuit currently involves a group of visual artists who sued Google for allegedly misusing their work to train an AI-powered image generator. The case is one of many high-stakes lawsuits brought by artists, authors, music labels and other copyright owners against tech companies over their AI training. Anthropic settled a lawsuit for $1.5 billion last year with a group of authors suing over its use of their work to train its AI chatbot Claude. The publishers on Thursday cited 10 examples of their textbooks and other books that Google allegedly misused from authors, including Scott Turow and N.K. Jemisin to train its Gemini large language model. They asked the court for an unspecified amount of monetary damages on behalf of themselves and a larger class of authors and publishers. Mumbai: Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries is on the cusp of unlocking significant value for shareholders as all its key businesses generate free cash flows simultaneously for the first time and a public listing of its telecommunications business is imminent. Now, investors want firm timelines. As the company-guided timeline for listing Reliance Jio Platforms in the first half of 2026 draws closer, investors will be keen on a status update when the management shares its Q3 earnings on Friday, experts said. Investors will also look for material updates on the progress of its new energy, artificial intelligence, and consumer goods businesses, which have long been touted as the conglomerates next growth engines, with most cash flows for the coming years expected to fund these ventures. "Investors want to know the timeline of the Jio IPO. That's the top thing on everyone's mind as it will mean huge value unlocking," said Sudip Bandyopadhyay, group chairman at financial services firm Inditrade Capital Ltd. "What they are planning to do with the retail business is also very important whether they unlock value by bringing in more partners or demerge it. Both businesses have become too big." Reliance is setting up a mega-new energy complex near its oil refinery in Jamnagar, where the company plans to build everything from solar panels and renewable electricity to green hydrogen. However, the timelines on these projects remain far from firm, and delays are emerging in operationalizing at least one key project making battery cells that are crucial for storing the clean energy that the company plans to generate. Earnings estimates Reliance Industries is estimated to report a 15% rise in profit to 21,317 crore and an 8% year-on-year growth in its topline to 2.58 trillion for the quarter ended 31 December, according to the consensus estimate of three brokerages including Motilal Oswal, PL Capital and Yes Securities. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) are projected to grow by a tenth to 48,574 crore. Reliance Industries has three key businesses refining, telecommunications and retail. Its oil-to-chemicals segment, which includes refining oil into downstream chemicals, brings half of the companys revenue and almost a third of its consolidated Ebitda. The retail segment, which includes its retail stores and its rapidly scaling fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) business, brings in over a quarter of the consolidated revenue and about 14% of the consolidated Ebitda. The digital services segment, which includes telecommunications and other digital services of Jio Platforms, brings less than 15% of the revenue but about 40% of Ebitda. The company also has an oil exploration and production segment, which brings a modest 2% of the revenue and a tenth of the profit. The remainder comes from smaller businesses classified as the other segment. Investments bearing fruit Analysts at Morgan Stanley said that Reliance Industries is entering a monetization cycle its fourth in 30 years with its refining, retail and telecom businesses simultaneously turning free cash flow-positive for the first time ever in FY26. The company invested an estimated $80 billion in the past five years, as per the analysts, and all of it should start to bear fruit from 2026." The company invested heavily in rolling out 5G connectivity in its telecom business in recent years, with the capex now tapering. Couple that with a steady increase in the number of subscribers and an increase in tariff, and the business is generating free cash ahead of its IPO. Jios subscriber base has exceeded 500 million, while its average revenue per user (Arpu) is estimated by brokerages to reach 211-214. The future projects of Arpu growth are bullish, with brokerages pencilling an Arpu of 252-262 by FY28. Meanwhile, the crude oil refining business is reaping the benefits of a shortage of global refinery capacity and constraints on existing Russian and Ukrainian capacities amid the ongoing war. The retail business is also delivering, with its consumer goods business scaling up after significant investments in acquiring brands and setting up distribution. RIL's consumer brand business has quickly scaled to a level near that of peers like ITC's FMCG business in about three years of operation, with 75%+ of trade from general merchandise," analysts at Morgan Stanley noted. No Russian hangover Analysts estimate that discounted Russian crude oil accounted for more than a third of Reliances oil imports during the first nine months of FY26. The cheaper oil directly added to the refining margins of Reliance. With an abrupt halt in the purchase of this discounted oil due to US sanctions, Reliances refining margins could take a hit. A financial model by JP Morgan suggests that discounts per barrel have fallen from a high of upwards of $14 per barrel to $3 or less to the market rate towards August of this year. Refining margins improved across the industry as a shortage of refining capacity due to Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. Refining margins remain elevated, driven by resilient crack spreads (the pricing difference between a barrel of crude oil and the refined products obtained from it) due to continued Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries and refinery maintenance outages reducing global availability of refining capacity in Q3FY26," analysts at PL Capital noted, adding that the benchmark Singapore GRM (gross refining margin) improved to $4.9 per barrel in Q3FY26 from $4 per barrel in the preceding quarter. Rising fuel cracks globally are compensating for much of the margin hit that Reliance would take after cutting down the procurement of Russian oil, the discounts on which were already falling. Analysts said this is a short-term phenomenon because the refining capacity crunch will be overcome with new refineries coming up and repairs to the damaged Russian infrastructure. Question of timelines Analysts said the key triggers for rerating of the stock in the coming months will be the IPO of Jio, material progress in the FMCG business, and operationalization of the new energy complex at Jamnagar. RILs New Energy rollout shall not only add 50%-plus to PAT, but also re-rate valuations, including the O2C business given its net zero-carbon target by 2035," analysts at Nuvama Institutional Equities noted in November. However, multiple brokerages have highlighted that a delay in operationalizing the new energy complex will be a key investment risk. This further increases the imperative for the company to give firm timelines on its plans. The companys planned battery cell plant at Jamnagar is now slated to start in 2026 instead of the already delayed schedule of 2025. A report by Bloomberg suggested that the plant could face further delays after a failed technology tie-up with a Chinese partner. Reliance Industries has dismissed this report, re-affirming that it will be sticking to its guided timelines. KG-D6 oil block dispute Apart from its financial performance, Reliance investors will watch for management commentary during the post-earnings analyst meeting on the ongoing dispute with the Indian government regarding KGD6 offshore oil and gas block. The Indian government has raised a demand of $30 billion from the company during a private arbitration over underproduction from the block, Reuters reported on 29 December, citing unidentified people. Reliance refuted the report. There is NO claim of $ 30 Billion against Reliance and BP," the company said. The matters referred to in the report are entirely sub judice and would be determined in accordance with the laws of the country by its judicial system, in which Reliance has full faith." Reliance shares have lost over 8% since the beginning of 2026 compared with a 2.27% dip in the benchmark Sensex. New Delhi: Indias bet to open spacetech to private companies five years ago has spawned startups that are already earning millions of dollars by sharing agriculture and climate data collected by the satellites they launched. These ventures are pivoting towards a new lucrative business: defence surveillance. Google-backed satellite imaging startup Pixxel and its cross-town peer Digantara target at least half of their business by launching satellites for defence forces in India and overseas, according to their top executives. Even rocket builder Skyroot Aerospace and multiple smaller startups hope to tap such contracts. Indias private space economy revenue is expected to surge more than fivefold over the next eight years from $8.5 billion to $44 billion, growing at an annualized rate of 23%, according to data from Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (In-Space). While this growth has failed to materialize so far, analysts said the next three years will be crucial. Engineering satellites and rockets often takes years and millions of dollars in revenue to get right. While state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has a generally favourable global reputation, private space startups cant simply piggyback on Isro. They will have to prove their products in space, industry stakeholders said. Also Read | Space startups expect revenue build-up as investors turn bullish Chasing commercial contracts will be a path to much slower growth and practical revenue streams," said Chaitanya Giri, space fellow at policy think-tank, Observer Research Foundation. Instead, most space firms should either focus on defence contracts, diversify their businesses worldwide, or set up completely independent entities that would solely focus on defence contracts." Business of surveillance Bengaluru-based Pixxel expects to generate revenue in the hundreds of millions in the next three years. Out of this, a rising volume of defence contracts, both in the US and India, will mean that 40-50% of our revenue will come solely from defence clients," said Awais Ahmed, cofounder and chief executive of Bengaluru-based satellite imaging startup Pixxel, which is backed by Google. The companys revenue stood at $4.65 million in FY25, according to its filings with the Registrar of Companies accessed by Mint through Tracxn. Anirudh Sharma, CEO at Digantara, has projected that by March 2027, the company would generate over 250 crore, of which 80% will come from government-backed clients. The current capital that we have will go significantly into research and development (R&D) for building satellite-based defence technologies and solutions, which we expect to be our major revenue source in the next two years." Digantara generated 3.18 crore in revenue in FY24. It has not filed its FY25 financials yet. Also Read | Indian space startups have run into a talent hurdle Pixxel currently operates six ultra-high resolution satelliteslaunched 2021 and 2025, relaying data on earth observation to paying clients. CEO Ahmed told Mint that Pixxel earned nearly 80% of its revenue from commercial clients who purchase their data, and sell analytics based on the same around the world. Digantara, which launched its first surveillance satellite in January last year, has announced plans to launch its space mapping constellation of satellites for defence operations by the end of next year. Some early clients of these companies include the ministry of defence, the department of science and technology (DST), US space agency Nasa, and European Space Imaginga German space surveillance data provider. Industry experts said that while defence is a natural pivot and recourse for space firms, Indian ventures may face a few key challenges. The US has a much more open market, with defence spending of nearly 20x that of India. Defence agencies in the US have greater spending autonomy, which boosts America-born space firms from scouting defence contracts," said Narayan Prasad Nagendra, chief operating officer of Dutch space services firm, SatSearch. The same may be difficult to execute in India, as budgets are smaller and government spending is more closely controlled and slower in execution," he said. For startups, these are key hurdles they may have to overcome." MoD push Earlier, the government procured space technology only through Isro. In April 2018, the Centre launched its Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) challenge to encourage private startups to develop technical applications and products for Indias defence bodies. In 2020, the space sector was formally thrown open to the private sector. Pixxel won two iDex projectsallowing them to be fast-tracked. One such contract generating revenue for the firm now, according to Ahmed, is a private satellite contract with the Indian Air Force, where we are building and maintaining a surveillance satellite contract for their usage". Mint reported on 12 June last year that the ministry of defence (MoD) was also considering Indias private space startups for an experimental surveillance project. The contract, worth about 150 crore, aims to create an experimental space map to track satellite movement in various orbits. Sharma declined to comment on whether Digantara participated or won it, citing non-disclosure agreements for any conversations were having with defence bodies". So far, Indias four most-funded space startups have raised over $315 million over the past five years. Most of this capital has gone into building and testing their first rockets, satellites and satellite technologies, and making them business-ready. Even early-stage ventures such as GalaxEye and Bellatrix Aerospace are venturing into surveillance satellite manufacturing. Both GalaxEye and Bellatrix announced in June and July last year that they expect defence contracts to be major revenue drivers. Pawan Kumar Chandana, chief executive of Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace, Indias most-funded space startup, said that while the company is a contractual satellite launch operator, defence clients are likelier to be frequent takers of their service. Also Read | Why earth observation data is the next big leap for Indian space startups In some cases, satellitesor the data generated by themmay be contracted by the defence agencies of their respective countries, as defence is one of the largest users of space-based capabilities," Chandana said. Private space startups can help India emerge as one of the worlds most strategically important defence suppliers globally, according to Giri. The US is the worlds largest defence purchaser, but it has stringent regulations that will require Indian entities to set up independent operations there," he said. While some have done it, focusing on defence requirements in the global south could be a significant revenue driver for space firms diversifying into defence." Indias unemployment rate for those aged 15 years and above remained stable at 4.8% in December, rising marginally from 4.7% in the previous month owing to almost static joblessness in rural areas. The unemployment rate in rural areas remained stagnant at 3.9% in December, with joblessness unchanged among both rural men and women, according to the latest periodic labour force survey monthly bulletin released by the statistics ministry on Thursday. While rural unemployment remained static during December, urban unemployment rate edged up slightly to 6.7% from 6.5% in November, underscoring the persistent strain on these labour markets, the survey showed. According to the survey, the unemployment rate remained low and stable at 4.1% in December 2025 for rural males aged 15 years and above, but rose from 5.6% in November to 5.9% in December for urban males. The urban female unemployment rate moderated to 9.1% in December from 9.3% in November, while the rural female unemployment rate increased to 3.6% in December from 3.4% in November. The unemployment rate in the remaining gender sector increased slightly, though it remained below where it was during the middle of the year, the survey noted. Also Read | Indias spending momentum faces a critical test Labour force participation rate According to the survey, the overall labour force participation rate (LFPR) for people aged 15 years and above trended upward, coming in at 56.1% in December compared to 55.8% in November. In rural areas, the LFPR was estimated at 59% in December, up from 58.6% in November. The urban LFPR experienced a slight dip to 50.2% from 50.4% over this period, the survey noted. The LFPR is the percentage of the country's working-age population (aged 15 and above) that is either employed or actively looking for work. It's a key economic indicator that shows how many adults are engaged in the economy, excluding full-time students, retirees, or caregivers not seeking jobs, and helps assess labour market health beyond just unemployment figures. In December, the survey noted, overall labour force participation for females aged 15 years and above edged up to 35.3% from 35.1% in November, the highest yearly figures. In rural areas it increased to 40.1% during December from 39.7% in the previous month, and in urban areas it slipped slightly to 25.3% in December from 25.5% in November. Rishi Shah, partner and economic advisory services leader, Grant Thornton Bharat, said, Recent labour market data suggests a gradual normalisation rather than any softening. Participation and employment indicators are improving, indicating better labour absorption, but the pace remains measured. Given the short data history and inherent volatility in high-frequency labour metrics, it is too early to infer structural strength. A durable assessment will require confirmation from longer-term trends and improvements in job quality and productivity. Worker population ratio The survey noted that the worker population ratio (WPR) for those aged 15 and above showed a gradual improvement in December. WPR edged up to 76.0% from 75.4% in November among rural males, and fell to 70.4% in December from 70.9% in November among urban males, taking the overall male WPR to 74.1%. Rural female WPR rose marginally from 38.4% to 38.6% over this period, while urban female WPR was around 23.0%, leading to an overall female WPR of 33.6% in December from 33.4% in November. The overall WPR remained steady, rising marginally to 53.4% in December from 53.2% in November, the survey showed. WPR is the percentage of a country's total population that is employed, calculated by dividing the total number of workers by the total population and multiplying by 100. It indicates how effectively human resources are utilized in productive economic activities, with a higher ratio suggesting greater engagement. New Delhi: Indias merchandise trade deficit widened in December following a sharp rise in imports, even as demand for Indian goods in the US remained resilient despite steep 50% tariffs imposed on most shipments. Merchandise exports rose to $38.51 billion in December from $37.80 billion a year ago, while imports surged to $63.55 billion from $58.43 billion, resulting in a deficit of $25.04 billion during the month. Trade gap in November had stood at $24.53 billion and $20.63 billion in December 2024, according to provisional data released by the ministry of commerce and industry on Thursday. Exports to the US, Indias largest overseas market, rose month-on-month in December, indicating that demand held up despite higher tariffs, even as exporters faced pricing and margin pressures. Bilateral trade between India and China also increased, with imports rising sharply alongside an improvement in exports, reflecting continued dependence on Chinese intermediate and electronic goods. Analysts said that Indias export performance in December reflected the resilience and adaptability of exporters amid a challenging global environment. The steady momentum across key sectors, supported by policy stability and improving market diversification, is encouraging. As global demand conditions gradually stabilise, we remain confident that Indias exporters are well-positioned to sustain growth and enhance competitiveness in the coming months, said Ajay Sahai, director general of Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). Indias total merchandise exports during AprilDecember 2025 (FY26) rose to $330.29 billion, up from $322.41 billion a year ago. Imports increased to $578.61 billion during the first nine months of the current fiscal, leading to a goods trade deficit of $248.3 billion. Rise despite tariffs Exports to the US in December rose to $7.01 billion from $6.98 billion in November despite stiff tariffs. Shipments in the first nine months (AprilDecember) of the current fiscal year also rose about 10% to $65.88 billion. Bilateral goods trade between India and the US stood at $105.31 billion during April-December, with India recording a trade surplus of $26.45 billion. This compares with bilateral trade of $94.97 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal, when the trade surplus stood at $25.09 billion. In contrast, trade with China remained heavily skewed against India. India's goods shipments to China moderated to $2.05 billion in December from $2.20 billion a month prior. Exports had stood at $1.22 billion a year earlier. India's bilateral merchandise trade with China reached $110.2 billion in the AprilDecember period of the current fiscal, with a trade deficit of $81.7 billion. Exports to China climbed to $14.25 billion, up from $10.42 billion a year earlier. Export growth in spite of a challenging external environment is a positive sign, but global uncertainty remains high. We should ramp up our efforts to deregulate and increase the global competitiveness of Indian goods and services, since this is the only aspect in our control, said Rahul Ahluwalia, founder and director of Foundation for Economic Development, a policy advocacy think tank. The combined merchandise and services trade position deteriorated in December from a year earlier. Total exports (goods and services) slipped marginally to $74.01 billion last month from $74.77 billion in December 2024, while total imports jumped to $80.94 billion from $76.23 billion. Services exports eased to $35.50 billion from $36.97 billion, while services imports declined marginally to $17.38 billion from $17.80 billion. Major drivers of merchandise exports growth during December included electronic goods, meat, dairy & poultry products, drugs & pharmaceuticals, engineering goods and marine products. Electronic goods exports jumped 16.78% yerar-on-year to $4.17 billion in December, while drugs and pharmaceuticals shipments rose 5.65% $2.63 billion. Engineering goods exports increased by 1.3% to $10.98 billion. A. Sakthivel, chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), said that demand in key international markets such as the US has remained uneven amid inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties, but Indian apparel exporters have managed to hold their ground through product diversification, stronger compliance and a greater focus on value-added segments. He said exporters are now moving beyond basic categories and strengthening design and sourcing capabilities to remain competitive. Looking ahead, we are cautiously optimistic about the growth prospects of Indias RMG (read-made garments) exports this year. As global demand improves gradually, India is well placed to gain market share, supported by a reliable supply chain, adherence to compliance standards and growing design capabilities, Sakthivel said. Engineering goods drives The single biggest driver of export growth during the year continued to be engineering goods, with cumulative exports rising to $90.73 billion for April-December 2025 from $87.34 billion in the year-earlier period, reflecting sustained overseas demand for machinery, transport equipment and auto components. Electronic goods exports recorded a sharp jump to $35.27 billion during April-December from $26.11 billion a year earlier. Experts said the rise is clearly capacity- and investment-led, driven by mobile phone and electronics manufacturing, making it a structural trend rather than a one-off spike. Gems and jewellery exports edged down to $21.22 billion from $21.39 billion in the April-December period, indicating that while monthly movements may vary, overall exports remain largely flat and driven by price and inventory cycles rather than volume growth. The trade data underlined the diverging roles played by the US and China in Indias external trade, with the US consolidating its position as Indias largest export destination while China remains the dominant source of imports. The UAE emerged as a key trade partner, with exports rising to $28.92 billion from $26.90 billion, while imports increased to $49.55 billion from $45.77 billion, largely due to energy and precious metal flows. BMC Election Exit poll Results Highlights: Exit polls have predicted a smooth victory for Mahayuti in BMC polls. Voting for 29 municipal corporations of Maharashtra, including BMC, was held till 5.30 pm. Polling was being conducted for 2,869 seats across 893 wards in the state to decide the fate of 15,931 candidates, including 1,700 in Mumbai and 1,166 in Pune. As many as 3.48 crore voters were eligible to vote in the polls today. Apart from Mumbai, other corporations voting today are Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kolhapur, Vasai-Virar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Nagpur, Solapur, Amravati, Thane, Parbhani, to name a few. The final vote turnout stood around 50%. The turnout till 3.30 PM for BMC was 41 per cent. When will the Election commission release Maharashtra Civic Body results 2026? The results of the municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra will be declared on January 16, according to the State Election Commission (SEC). But soon after the last vote is polled today, various agencies will begin releasing their exit poll results the surveys that capture voter sentiment and provide early indications of the likely outcome. Exit polls have historically been known to be inaccurate. The actual results will be known only after the counting of voters begins at 10 am on Friday. The predictions are based on voter feedback collected by survey agencies after the polling. While the idea behind exit polls is to accurately reflect public sentiment before the actual results are announced, their accuracy has faced scrutiny in the past. Mumbai is witnessing a high-stakes three-cornered fight between the BJP-Shiv Sena, the Shiv Sena (UBT)-MNS and the Congress-VBA alliances. The undivided Shiv Sena helda majority in the BMC, the countrys richest civic body, for 26 uninterrupted years. The last BMC election was held in 2017. The then-united Shiv Sena and the BJP were the main contenders. This LIVE blog has ended. You can continue tracking LIVE updates on Maharashtra Civic Poll results here * Busfield denies allegations, claims innocence in online video * Accusations involve inappropriate contact with 11-year-old twins on TV set * "West Wing" actor will have a preliminary hearing on January 29 By Danielle Broadway and Steve Gorman Jan 14 (Reuters) - Actor-director Timothy Busfield made his first court appearance on Wednesday in New Mexico on child sex abuse charges. Busfield will continue to be jailed without bond pending a hearing that will take place in the next five business days, the judge said via Zoom. The "West Wing" actor will have a preliminary hearing on January 29. Busfield did not comment during the brief court appearance. He was not asked to enter a plea. The "Field of Dreams" actor surrendered to authorities in New Mexico on Tuesday to face child sexual abuse charges, accused of inappropriately touching two young cast members on the set of a television show he was directing and producing. According to a criminal complaint and arrest warrant affidavit, the case involves 11-year-old twin boys who reported the alleged contact occurred over a two-year period, when they were aged 7 and 8, during production of the Fox crime drama "The Cleaning Lady." Busfield was an executive producer of the show, which was filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico's largest city, and he began directing episodes around the end of the second season, in 2022. The arrest warrant was issued on Monday. Busfield, 68, turned himself in to the Albuquerque Police Department on Tuesday and was booked into the Bernalillo County jail without bond, said Nancy Laflin, a spokesperson for the district attorney's office. In a video posted online shortly before his surrender, Busfield professed his innocence, called the allegations against him "lies" and said, "I'm going to be exonerated. I know I am." "I did not do anything to those little boys," he said during the 45-second clip. Busfield is best known for his prime-time television roles as a White House reporter on the NBC political drama "The West Wing," which ran from 1999 to 2006, and as an ad agency executive on the 1980s ABC ensemble series "Thirtysomething." He is married to actor Melissa Gilbert, a former president of the Screen Actors Guild who gained fame in the 1970s as a child actor on the hit family drama "Little House on the Prairie." Busfield is charged in the complaint with child abuse and two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor. According to the affidavit, one of the boys reported multiple instances of Busfield touching his "private areas" over his clothes during pauses in production. His brother also reported being touched by Busfield but was less specific, the affidavit said. In his own interview for the investigation in November, Busfield acknowledged he probably had physical contact with the boys on occasion, like tickling or picking them up, but in a playful manner with others present, the affidavit said. Busfield also suggested a possible motive for false allegations against him, according to the affidavit. Citing information he said he gleaned from the show's star, Elodie Yung, Busfield told police that the boys' mother was upset with him to the point of wanting "revenge" after producers decided to replace her sons in the final season of the series. Yung declined to be interviewed for the police investigation, the affidavit said, but had related a similar account of the mother vowing revenge against Busfield when Yung was questioned by a private investigator for the show's producer, Warner Bros. Television. Nagabandham makers have released the first look of Nabha Natesh as Parvathi. In a world bound by secrets, her belief becomes destiny. Introducing the graceful Nabha Natesh as Parvathi from Nagabandham, the makers wrote on social media. View full Image Nabha Natesh's first look as Parvathi (right) in Nagabandham movie ( X/@NabhaNatesh ) Nagabandham: The Secret Treasure is an upcoming action and adventure film scheduled for release on 14 March. The film will have a multilingual release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam. The movie is written and directed by Abhishek Nama and produced by Kishore Annapureddy and Nishitha Annapureddy under Abhishek Pictures and NIK Studios. The film is promoted as a large-scale, big-budget movie. Some reports suggest that the climax sequence alone cost around 20 crore. The story explores Indias ancient Vishnu temples. It centres on the mysterious ritual of Nagabandham. This is believed to be a secret snake-binding mantra used to protect hidden treasures locked behind sacred temple doors. The cast includes Virat Karrna as Rudhra and Nabha Natesh as Parvathi. The cast also includes Iswarya Menon, Jagapathi Babu, Murali Sharma and Mahesh Manjrekar in key roles. Who is Nabha Natesh? Nabha Natesh primarily works in the Telugu and Kannada film industries. She was born on 11 December 1995 in Sringeri, Karnataka. She became widely popular after her role in iSmart Shankar, which earned her the media tag iSmart Beauty. She holds a degree in Information Technology engineering from NMAM Institute of Technology in Udupi. Her brother, Nahush Chakravarthy, is also an actor in the Kannada film industry. Before becoming a film actress, she was a finalist in the Femina Miss India Bangalore 2013 competition. There, she won the Miss Intellectual title. She is also trained in Bharatanatyam. Nabha made her acting debut with the Kannada hit Vajrakaya and earned a Filmfare nomination. She entered Telugu cinema with Nannu Dochukunduvate. The Bluff movie is making headlines after its makers recently unveiled its trailer. Priyanka Chopra starrer is set to debut on the digital screen next month. Frank E Flowers directorial swashbuckler action thriller film is set in the late 19th century Caribbean. The filmmakers released the 2-minute 43-second trailer on Wednesday, 14 January. The video begins with lead actress Priyanka in a remote setting with her daughter spending a quiet evening until she senses danger. She sets off to face the men after hiding her daughter in the basement. The men eventually trap her in a tight noose. Mothers instinct takes over as they discover her daughter. Watch The Bluff trailer here In the short clip, Priyanka Chopra can be heard assuring her daughter at the face of threats, Im still your mother. In response the daughter asks, How are you so good at killing people?, to which Priyanka replies with a sly smile, Your father didnt marry me for my cooking. When and where to watch Priyanka Chopra's movie The Bluff? The Hollywood movie will premiere directly on streaming platform Amazon Prime Video on 25 February 2026. The Bluff star cast Priyanka Chopra, Karl Urban, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Safia Oakley-Green and Temuera Morrison. Priyanka Chopra plays the role of a valiant mother in the role of a killing machine. Produced by Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Mariel Saldana, Angela Russo-Otstot, Michael Disco, Priyanka Chopra and Cisely Saldana under the banners Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, AGBO, Cinestar Pictures, Big Indie Pictures and Purple Pebble Pictures, the movie was filmed in Australia. The Bluff plot The narrative revolves around a former female pirate who tries to protect her family when her past catches up. Social media reaction Priyanka Chopra's fans were excited to see the trailer and strongly reacted to the trailer launch. A user wrote, She is still carrying the essence of MARY KOM. Another user remarked, Nick Jonas you better do everything she says or this is your fate! President Trump ordered a military buildup in the Caribbean in the fall as part of the pressure campaign against the now-ousted Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro. That move now limits his options if conflict breaks out between Washington and Tehran over a popular uprising in Iran, according to current and former defense officials. In a sign of the Trump administrations shifting priorities, the Pentagon now has 12 warships assigned to the waters around the Caribbean, versus only six in the Middle East, according to a Navy official. And there is no aircraft-carrier strike group in either the Middle East or Europe since Trump ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean in October, a marked departure from previous periods of tension with Tehran. Without an aircraft carrier and its associated air wing, including jet fighters, helicopters and electronic-jamming aircraft, the number of military aircraft in the region is also limited to those allowed to deploy to other nations bases. While U.S. naval forces are ready to operate anywhere in the world and do what is required of themits about risk at the end of the day," Adm. Daryl Caudle, the chief of naval operations, told reporters on Wednesday. This is risk to mission, and can be risk to force, and certainly risk to objectives, if combined commanders dont have the forces they need." That doesnt mean the military couldnt carry out the order, if Trump decides to authorize a strike on Iran in response to the regimes crackdown against the protesters. The Pentagon could order Tomahawk missile strikes from destroyers deployed to the Middle East, as well as send jet fighters stationed in the region and bombers that can reach Iran from their bases in the U.S. Retired Gen. Joseph Votel, former head of U.S. Central Command, which oversees the U.S. in the Middle East, and U.S. Special Operations Command, noted that when Trump ordered strikes on Irans nuclear facilities in June, the bombers flew from the U.S. We have mature infrastructure (bases, headquarters and agreements) in place that allow us to move military capability and people into place fairly efficiently and effectively," Votel said. At the White House on Wednesday, Trump said that Iran had stopped killing protesters and would not execute anti-regime protesters, appearing to pull back from any military intervention. In recent days, the president has suggested he will intervene. On Tuesday, he told Iranian protesters that help is on its way" and said Americans in Iran should consider evacuating the country. Make Iran great again," he said after visiting a Ford factory, calling the situation in the country very fragile.", according to retired Lt. Gen. David Deptula. Aircraft could also be sent from bases in Europe, including RAF Lakenheath in the U.K., Aviano in Italy and Spangdahlem in Germany, he said. Its not about where the airplanes come from, its about what those airplanes can do," said Deptula. Long-range bombers based in the U.S., for example, can reach anywhere in the world in a matter of hours." View Full Image The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier off St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands in early December. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday on Fox News that airstrikes were one of many, many options that are on the table for the commander in chief." Nonmilitary options could include boosting antigovernment sources online, deploying secretive cyber weapons against Iranian military and civilian sites and placing more sanctions on the regime, The Wall Street Journal previously reported. But without a carriers accompanying aircraft, the military might struggle to quickly pull together a strike package," which usually includes additional fighter and electronic-jamming aircraft to protect the striking aircraft, according to the former senior defense official. I like to tell people, the Navy can be anywhere in two weeks," Caudle quipped. Protecting American troops stationed in the region also becomes more precarious without an aircraft carrier and its accompanying destroyers, which are equipped with an Aegis combat system that provides the ability to shoot down incoming missiles. But officials and experts say the U.S. still has the ability to defend its forces in the area by other means, including using Patriot batteries and air-defense systems from regional partners across the Middle East. The U.S. on Monday opened a new coordination cell" at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar to boost its ability to integrate missile defense capabilities with regional partners. Im confident that between the countries in the region and what the United States has available to it that not only can those countries defend themselves, they can defend whatever U.S. military unit happens to be in the country," said retired Vice Adm. John Miller, who formerly commanded U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. Irans military capabilities have been significantly degraded in recent months by Israeli and U.S. strikes. Israels airstrikes in 2024 devastated Tehrans strategic air defenses and severely downgraded missile production facilities, WSJ reported. And the U.S. strikes against its nuclear facilities in June also damaged its ability to field a nuclear weapon. Write to Lara Seligman at lara.seligman@wsj.com and Shelby Holliday at shelby.holliday@wsj.com Bank holiday today, 15 January: Pongal, one of the biggest Indian harvest festivals, falls on 15 January 2026 and will be celebrated with grandeur in several states across the country. This has also led to confusion around whether banks will remain open or closed today in India. Several public and private sector banks across regions will remain closed as there is a bank holiday on 15 January as per the RBI bank holiday calendar. Along with Pongal, the country is celebrating other festivals like Uttarayana Punyakala and Makara Sankranti, for which banks will remain closed today in some states. Other than the festivals, the elections to the Municipal Corporations in Maharashtra will also lead to a bank holiday in Mumbai and rest of Maharashtra today. Here is a look at which banks will be closed today on Pongal: Bank holidays in India mostly depend on the states their branches are located in. A number of cities and states will observe a bank holiday on 15 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, and are regional in nature. There is a bank holiday today in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana. 16 January bank holiday There is a bank holiday on 16 January for Thiruvalluvar Day and Kanuma. Banks in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh will be closed on this day. 17 January bank holiday Banks in Tamil Nadu will remain closed on 17 January on the occasion of Uzhavar Thirunal, which is celebrated as a part of Pongal festivities. 23 January bank holiday There is a bank holiday on 23 January in West Bengal and Odisha. 23 January is Saraswati Puja, as well as the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. 26 January bank holiday There is a bank holiday in all states and Union Territories across India on 26 January on the occasion of Republic Day. All private and public sector banks will remain closed on Republic Day as this is a national holiday. Four straight bank holidays in Tamil Nadu Starting today, there will be four consecutive bank holidays in Tamil Nadu because of Pongal festivities. As mentioned above, banks in Tamil Nadu will be closed on 15, 16 and 17 January due to Pongal, Thiruvalluvar Day and Uzhavar Thirunal. After that, there will be a bank holiday on 18 January as it is a Sunday. However, it must be noted that only physical branches of banks will remain closed on these bank holidays. You will always be able to access internet banking/ATMs/UPI services, and others. The AI trade has spread beyond stocks, but bond investors should do what they can to avoid it. Artificial intelligence has been a winner for equity investors. An equal-weight basket of Amazon.com, Meta Platforms, Oracle, Microsoft, and Alphabet sharesthe five main hyperscalersrallied an average of 23% last year, outperforming the S&P 500s 16% rise. But as the demand for more computing power has risen, so has the need for cash to build out data centers and fill them up with specialized chips, industrial-grade liquid cooling, and networking systems. After first using free cash to fund their AI spending, these hyperscalers or large-scale data center operators have turned to debt, issuing over $120 billion in high-grade bonds last year, about seven times more than the year before, and the amount should continue to grow. Bonds, however, arent stocks. When an investor buys a share of a company, they are expecting capital appreciation, and perhaps dividendsand the gains are potentially unlimited. Bond investors, by contrast, are generally expecting a fixed returnthe interest they are being paidand some small appreciation, while taking on the risk, however small, of a total wipeout in the case of default. That would be unlikely for these tech companies, but for most fixed-income investors, stability and predictability take precedence over hot themes such as AI. We expect to get our money back, says Ryan Jungk, an investment-grade portfolio manager at Newfleet Asset Management. And so all this extra risk/extra reward is not what we want necessarily from our highest-quality issuers. The good news for buyers is that yields look more appealing than they did back in mid-Septemberpremiums on hyperscaler bonds over ultrasafe Treasuries have jumped as much as 0.6 percentage points, while broad high-grade spreads rose less than 0.05 pointbut these tech bonds also have far greater risks. Oracle saw its gauge for default risk hit a 16-year high late last year amid projections for higher capital expenditures and a new disclosure of an additional $248 billion in lease commitments, much of it likely from OpenAI. While Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan, among others, expect megacap tech stocks to dominate this year, the same isnt true for tech bonds, which are underweighted by Morgan Stanley, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and J.P. Morgan. The expected flood of new tech debt is a frequent complaint despite the pristine quality of some of these bonds; Bank of America strategists estimate borrowing in the sector could hit as much as $950 billion over three years. Its that floodand not default risksthat worry many analysts. Microsofts gross debt is only 0.22 times its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, or Ebitda, which means it could theoretically pay all its debt in under three months. Alphabet has the next best ratio at 0.49 times, while Amazons leverage ratio is 0.56 times and Metas is 0.57 times. Even including lease commitments barely moves the needle, except for Amazon, whose leverage ratio rises above a still unconcerning 1. Oracle is the outlier at 4.1 times Ebitda, but the other four have plenty of room for more capital. If they raised their leverage ratios to one times Ebitda by 2030, it would generate $852 billion in new debt, notes Nate Liddle, a senior fixed-income analyst at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. That level of issuance would more than double the tech sectors share, including Amazon and Meta, from 10.5% to about 22%, muscling up close to banking, which accounts for 23% of the value of investment-grade debt. Theres room on their balance sheets, Liddle says, but not enough capacity in the market to handle it. Large sector increases have led to big trouble in the past. In 2014, investors enthused about U.S. energy production handed out billions to oil-and-gas companies at cheap rates. Fracking gained so much momentum so quickly that energy became an ever increasing part of the speculative-grade debt marketuntil the companies couldnt pay back investors. Similar dynamics led to a raft of telecom defaults in the early 2000s and the builder bust in the mid-2000s spurred by broad excitement around home-price appreciation. When a sector of a market goes from very small to very large, those are the environments where you can have excessive risks build up, says Robert Cohen, head of DoubleLines global developed-credit team. You have to be on alert. Still, the bonds offer enough yield to draw fund managers who are looking to beat their low-risk, government-focused benchmarks. While a 10-year U.S. Treasury note yields 4.17%, Microsofts 10-year bonds yield 4.22%, Amazons yield 4.69%, Metas yield 4.92%, and Alphabets yield 4.69%. Even Oracle, with 10-year yields of 5.78%, doesnt have a history of default. For many investors, a little extra yield over Treasuries feels like a manageable risk. Ultimately, theres going to be some mal-investment, somethings not going to work out in economic fashion, says Janet Rilling, a senior portfolio manager at Allspring Global Investments. She recently bought 10-year and 30-year Meta bonds for the firms Core Plus exchange-traded fund and mutual fund, and purchased Oracle five- and 10-year bonds in September. Its our job to select the winners. While Ed Al-Hussainy, a portfolio manager at Columbia Threadneedle, says the additional spread is so fantastic for fund managers mandated to buy investment-grade bonds, he is looking elsewhere, particularly at mortgage-backed securities issued by the likes of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. Among corporates, bank bonds are almost universally loved on Wall Street. Theyre the opposite of tech, given elevated capital levels and the prospect for less issuance in 2026, says Newfleets Jungk. Ultimately, the massive speculative capital spending is delivering the exact opposite of what a bond investor requires: safety, certainty and frugality. If youre enthused about AI, stick to the stock market. If youve been tracking promoter activity over the past few years, you would have noticed that 2025 took the trend to a new extreme. Promoter selling crossed 1.5 trillion last year , setting a fresh all-time high and extending a three-year streak of over 1 trillion in annual sell-downs. Large numbers like these often unsettle investors. But seasoned market participants know that promoter transactions need context. Not every sale signals distress. Even as overall promoter holdings across listed companies have trended lower, a quieter and more telling counter-trend has emerged. Some promoters have been buying shares from the open market, signalling conviction in their businesses at a time when uncertainty remains high. These transactions are more than just disclosures. They reflect promoters putting fresh capital at risk, backing the upside they believe the market has yet to fully recognise. If you would like to explore this theme further, you can join Richa Agarwal, Equitymasters smallcap editor, for an online discussion on promoter buying in Indian stocks. We look at four recently listed companies where promoters have been increasing their stake through open-market purchases. Enviro Infra Engineers First on the list is Enviro Infra Engineers, a company specialising in end-to-end water and wastewater management solutions across India. It caters to both municipal and industrial clients, offering turnkey projects such as sewage treatment plants, sewerage systems, water treatment plants, water supply systems, and common effluent treatment facilities. During the December 2025 quarter, the companys promoters raised their stake to 70.13%. Enviro Infra has delivered rapid growth, with sales and net profit compounding at 62% and 102% respectively over the past five years. Over the same period, its return on equity (ROE) and return on capital employed (ROCE) have averaged a strong 34% and 45%. Looking ahead, the company expects revenue to grow by over 15% this year, while net profit is projected to rise by more than 20%. Its order book stands at around 20 billion, providing revenue visibility of nearly two years. Government-led infrastructure spending remains a key tailwind. Enviro Infra plans to capitalise on schemes such as AMRUT 2.0, the Namami Gange Programme, the National River Conservation Plan, and the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems. The company is also expanding its geographic footprint to emerge as a pan-India player, while scaling up project sizes to improve margins. Enviro Infra debuted on the markets in November 2025, with its IPO attracting an oversubscription of 91 times. Since listing, however, the stock has declined by about 8%. Indo Farm Equipments Indo Farm Equipments manufactures and markets pick-and-carry cranes with capacities ranging from 9 to 30 tonnes, as well as mobile tower cranes. The company also produces tractors, cranes, harvester combines, engines, and diesel gensets at its manufacturing facility in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. Over time, Indo Farm has built a strong presence through an extensive dealer network. Its installed capacity currently stands at 12,000 tractors and 1,280 cranes annually. Supporting its sales ecosystem is Barota Finance, an in-house NBFC that facilitates customer financing. In the December 2025 quarter, promoters increased their stake to 69.53%. Financially, Indo Farm has recorded a five-year CAGR of 10% in sales and 37% in net profit. However, its average return ratios remain modest, with ROE and ROCE of 5% and 11% respectively. Nearly 95% of the companys revenue comes from its tractor and mobile crane divisions. Tractor demand in India is influenced by multiple variables, including rural income and monsoon patterns, and any sustained improvement could materially lift volumes and margins. The company is also expanding its international footprint, with overseas markets currently contributing about 10% of total revenue. Indo Farm raised 2.6 billion through its IPO in January last year. Since listing, the stock has declined by around 20%. Also Read | Mukul Agrawal picks stake in a smallcap pharma stock: What investors should know Senores Pharma Senores Pharma is a research-driven formulations company with a strong focus on regulated markets such as the US, Canada, and the UK. These geographies account for over 60% of its revenue, with the US alone contributing nearly 70% of sales from regulated markets. The company operates across multiple therapeutic areas, including infertility, cardiovascular, CNS, antidepressants, endocrine disorders, respiratory care, pain management, and oncology. In addition, it has exposure to over 40 emerging markets through branded generics. Promoter buying has been consistent, with the stake rising to 45.8% in the December 2025 quartermarking the second consecutive quarter of purchases. Over the past three years, Senores Pharma has delivered exceptional growth, with sales and net profit compounding at 204% and 289% respectively. Its average ROE and ROCE during this period stand at 14% and 13%. Beyond its owned and acquired product portfolio, the company has built a presence in contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) and entered into marketing partnerships with global and domestic pharma players to scale its formulations business. Management has guided for 5060% topline growth and a doubling of net profit in FY26, driven by portfolio expansion, stronger branded generics performance, and improving profitability. Senores Pharma listed in December 2024 after offering 14.9 million shares. The IPO comprised a fresh issue of 12.8 million shares worth 5 billion and an offer for sale of 2.1 million shares. Priced at 391, the stock debuted at 594. Suraksha Diagnostic Suraksha Diagnostic, incorporated in 2005, is engaged in pathology, radiology, medical consultations, and genomics testing. It is among the largest diagnostic chains in Eastern India and operates on a hub-and-spoke model. The promoters, who bring over three decades of industry experience, have built a network of more than 10,000 doctor partnerships. About 90% of the companys revenue comes from walk-in customers, giving it a strong brand presence, particularly in West Bengal. Promoter stake edged up again in the December 2025 quarter to 48.98%, following incremental increases in the previous two quarters. Over the past five years, the companys sales and net profit have grown at a CAGR of 10% and 15% respectively. Its average ROE and ROCE stand at 10.5% and 17%. Suraksha is now pursuing inorganic growth through selective acquisitions of regional diagnostic centres. Recently, it acquired a 63% stake in Fetomat, a prenatal and fetal medicine clinic. It is also expanding its B2B segment by strengthening partnerships with hospitals and insurance providers. The company raised about 8.5 billion through its December 2024 IPO, which was entirely an offer for sale. What it signals When promoters buy shares in their own companies, it often reflects confidence in long-term prospectsespecially during periods of market volatility. That said, promoter buying should not be viewed in isolation. While it can be a useful signal, investors must also assess fundamentals, governance standards, valuations, debt levels, industry dynamics, and broader market conditions before making investment decisions. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. This content is syndicated from Equitymaster.com. Stocks to buy for the long term: The Indian stock market is witnessing strong selling pressure amid renewed concerns over Trumps tariffs, heavy foreign capital outflows, and rising geopolitical uncertainties. Mixed third-quarter earnings have so far failed to lift sentiment, while investors remain cautious ahead of the Union Budget 2026 amid concerns that the governments focus on fiscal consolidation could lead to measured capital expenditure, potentially denting economic growth momentum. The benchmark Nifty 50 hit a record high of 26,373.20 on January 5, but failed to hold altitude; the index is down nearly 2% in the current month so far. Experts expect the market to remain stock-specific in the short term due to the ongoing Q3 earnings season and global uncertainties. They say investors should buy stocks with healthy fundamentals on dips at this juncture for the long term. Uttam Kumar Srimal, Senior Research Analyst at Axis Securities, have recommended five stocks to buy for the long term. Let's take a look: Also Read | Can US Supreme Court ruling against Trump tariffs boost markets? Stock picks for long term Bajaj Finance | Previous close: 945.95 | Target price: 1,200 | Upside potential: 27% The analyst highlighted that Bajaj Finance reported a robust festive season (Navratri Diwali) business growth driven by a strong consumption-led growth. This was supported by the structural reforms in income tax and GST, lifting consumer sentiment and spurring consumption. During Q2, credit costs remained elevated, driven by stress in the 2W/3W and MSME portfolios. Management indicated that the rise in GNPA had a seasonal component, though MSME (+6 bps) and the captive business (+12 bps) contributed more significantly. Bajaj Finance has taken corrective actions in MSME and expects credit costs to taper through the second half (H2). The captive 2W/3W book is being run down, with its nearly 9% contribution to credit costs likely to fall meaningfully in H2 and further in FY27. "We expect Bajaj Finance to continue its growth trajectory, reporting a consistent, nearly 24-25% CAGR AUM growth over the medium term, with growth resuming from FY27 onwards, with contribution from the core existing products and a further push from the scale-up of the new products. We expect Bajaj Finance to deliver a strong AUM, NII, and earnings growth of 25%, 25%, and 24% CAGR, respectively, over FY27-28E," said Srimal. Bharti Airtel | Previous close: 2,022.50 | Target price: 2,530 | Upside potential: 25% Srimal underscored that Bharti Airtel leads the industry in ARPU, with management expecting further improvement from the current 256, compared to Reliance's 211. This growth is driven by a more diverse customer base, continued migration from 2G to 4G/5G, and increasing adoption of value-added services. The company remains on track to reach its ARPU target of 300, supported by rising data consumption and deeper rural penetration. Bharti Airtel's business fundamentals remain strong, with continued improvements across key metrics. Management anticipates sustained revenue and profit growth driven by expanding rural distribution, network investments, and increasing 4G coverage. The company also sees strategic opportunities in tower sales, minority investments, and potential IPOs in mobile money. "Bharti Airtel does not anticipate any immediate significant capex despite the ongoing 5G rollout. Management expects capex levels to remain stable, with investments primarily directed toward broadband expansion, enterprise solutions, and data centres," said Srimal. State Bank of India (SBI) | Previous close: 1,028.35 | Target price: 1,135 | Upside potential: 10% According to Srimal, SBIs strong credit growth momentum is expected to sustain, driven by robust performance in (a) home loans (projected at 15-16% growth), (b) revival in Xpress Credit, and (c) improving growth traction in the corporate segment. The bank has visibility of meaningful acceleration in corporate growth, supported by a strong sanction pipeline of 7 trillion, of which nearly 50% has already been sanctioned and is awaiting disbursement. "We pencil-in healthy credit growth sustaining at nearly 13% CAGR over FY26 28E," said Srimal. In Q2, SBIs domestic and global NIMs expanded by 7bps QoQ, each driven by effective liability management. The bank is taking conscious steps towards optimising the CoF by reducing reliance on bulk deposits and focusing efforts on CASA mobilisation. SBIs management remains confident of NIMs sustaining at 3%+ over the medium term. Apart from the core banking, SBIs subsidiaries are expected to continue adding further value. The bank has a strong presence in various financial services operations, most of which are generating stable returns and support the overall performance of the bank. "SBIs performance has been the best amongst the larger banks, and the bank remains well-poised to sustain its performance, supported by the managements focus on deepening its liability franchise, allocating capital to higher RoRWA assets, maintaining a disciplined pricing approach, and leveraging tech to drive operating efficiency," said Srimal. Sansera Engineering | Previous close: 1,778.20 | Target price: 1,950 | Upside potential: 10% Srimal said Sanseras aerospace, defence and semiconductor (ADS) segment continues to exhibit strong performance, reaffirming its position as a key growth engine for the company. Segment margins remain significantly above the company average, estimated at 2530%, and are currently trending toward the higher end of the range. The ADS business holds a robust cumulative order backlog exceeding 3,950 crore (lifetime value through FY30), ensuring strong multi-year revenue visibility. "Given factors such as a higher sales mix in non-auto ICE components, increased premiumisation trend, a focused approach on improving margin trends, strong ability to generate operating cash flows, and capacity expansion plans, we expect revenue, EBITDA, and PAT to grow at CAGR of 12%,14%, and 21%, respectively, over FY26E-28E," said Srimal. APL Apollo Tubes | Previous close: 1,934.70 | Target price: 2,100 | Upside potential: 8.5% Srimal highlighted that APL Apollo Tubes is the leader in the structural steel tubes market in India with the largest saleable capacity of 4.5 MT. It targets to expand its current capacity from 4.5 MTPA to 6.8 MTPA by FY28. The expansion will help it cater to the virgin East Indian market and high-margin international markets. The company's vision is to expand its capacity to 10 MTPA by FY30, providing a growth tailwind in the longer term. India's structural steel tube market is expected to grow by a 10% CAGR from 9.0MT to 17.3MT over 2024-30. Out of this, the hot-rolled coil-based structural steel tube market (APL Apollo's addressable market) is expected to grow faster at a 20% CAGR over the same period, increasing from 4.5MT to 13.3MT. With expected demand recovery and higher government spending in H2FY26, APL is targeting to gain sustainable market share and 30% ROCE. "With the growth drivers intact, we believe APL Apollo Tubes is well-positioned to capture Indias infrastructure growth. We project EBITDA CAGR of 29% over FY25-27E," said Srimal. Read all market-related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar Most of us, at some point in our lives, have lived away from home to chase dreams and learn how to survive in a new city. We have all experienced conflicting emotions around yearning for family back home, the need to belong in a new place, and the desire for a better life. Mumbai-based Meghna Roy Choudhurys bilingual play Kheyechish?, in Hindi and English with a touch of Bengali, captures this experience. The play, set in Mumbai, follows a theatre practitioner and educator in her mid-twenties. She struggles with job insecurity, grief, urban loneliness, ambition, hope, and hunger. In the midst of a fast-paced daily life, the only tender moments of the day centre around her mothers gentle question: Kheyechish? Have you eaten? The primary set in the play is a kitchen where Meghna cooks two Bengali dishes live onstage: aloo posto (potato curry made with ground poppy seeds) and phena bhaat (rice gruel/porridge) recipes that originated during the Bengal famine that ravaged the region between the 18th and 19th centuries. As she cooks, the protagonist narrates the story of her daily life in Mumbai. She earns 18,000 a month, spending 11,500 on rent with 6,500 left over for groceries and unpaid theatre rehearsals. With no food left, and no money to buy more, she finally confesses to her mother that she hasnt eaten. The food being cooked on stage and savoured by the audience after the show is an important theatrical device. Meghna dexterously performs, moving between multiple characters, while cooking, never allowing the culinary action to distract from the performance. Instead, it adds a layer of intimacy and warmth to the play, making the performance immersive. It brings to mind another play, Saag Meat, written by Bhisham Sahni and performed by Seema Pahwa, who narrates the story of her life while cooking a one-pot-meat dish. According to Meghna, the play is a letter to everyone whos ever been tired, broke, replaced, hopeful, or just hungry. Its for those whove lied to their mothers about what theyve eaten, and those whove survived on dreams and vada pavs, she adds in a press note. The piece is inspired by Bertolt Brechts poem, The Shopper. Meghna studied Brecht in drama school but felt disconnected from Communist ideology as she had witnessed its failure. She later came across another of Brechts work, Refugee Conversations, wherein two refugees from Nazi Germany: a bourgeois Jewish physicist and a left-leaning worker discuss the state of the world. While the worker talks about true art, the physicist brushes it off and asks, Have you ever had the pleasure of eating a delicious beef dish? This paradox of artistic integrity versus basic sustenance resonated with Meghna. View full Image Meghna dexterously performs, moving between multiple characters, while cooking, never allowing the culinary action to distract from the performance. Kheyechish has been supported by the Niloufer Sagar Alumni Production Grant. The play is filled with sharp, often humorous, observations about the realities theatre practitioners and educators face. Meghna recalls how a theatre actor worked as a production manager to earn some money. Despite a severe back injury, she carried heavy sets, deciding to seek medical care in her home town as she couldnt afford it in Mumbai, she says. Meghna calls it chosen hunger and chosen migration. But then this raises questions like: Is this financial structure okay? Is it valid? Is hunger valid? While experiencing this, I was also observant about a lot of things that we just ignore. I could see everybody going through this, she observes. Meghna holds a masters degree in Physics and is trained in Bharatanatyam and Kalaripayattu. She went on to graduate from the Drama School, Mumbai. It was a very poignant moment that led her to transition to theatre. The 2012 Nirbhaya tragedy affected me, she says. It raised the importance of speaking out. Bharatanatyam is very codified, it has strict boundaries, so it was not enough to voice what I felt. I found theatre a strong medium as you can speak about what you think directly to the people, which is why I chose it, she adds. Kheyechish? is not only a story of urban survival but also to recognise the unseen labour of theatre practitioners and educators that keep the arts alive. Special mention must be made of Dhanesh Gopalakrishnans voiceover, which functions as a second actor in the production. As suitcases are packed, visa stamped, and a dream job just one flight away, many Indians miss a key checklist: the financial transition to a non-resident Indian (NRI) status. Moving abroad is not just about changing a physical address, its about legally and financially transitioning into a non-resident Indian (NRI) status when you are planning a relocation. There are some financial steps that one needs to take to steer clear of unexpected taxes or penalties. The transition requires precise paperwork and liquidation of assets, among other things, to ensure a smooth transition, according to Vinit Iyer, principal officer and managing director of Prudeno Wealth Advisors. Banking and mutual fund KYC One of the first tasks is to change residency status with the bank. After moving overseas for a certain period, your status will change from resident to non-resident. If you plan to stay longer, then you have to change your status in PAN, and then status of your bank account to NRO (non-resident ordinary) or NRE (non-resident external) as the case may be," said Amol Joshi, the founder of PlanRupee Investment Services. A non-resident external account is used when there is an inflow of foreign earnings in India. A non-resident ordinary account is needed to handle income that is India-sourced incomes like rent or dividends. "After these, you have to get your mutual fund KYC changed. Then one needs to get their folio changed from resident to non-resident folio," said Joshi. Note that a resident folio can be changed to non-resident, but this can be done only if you have an NRO account. Power of attorney and investments Managing Indian assets from overseas is a logistical nightmare. Iyer recommended appointing a power of attorney (POA), usually a parent or trusted relative, to handle physical signatures and local coordination. "For example, if there is a property on rent that needs a rent agreement, the POA will help the parent to handle this. Many people miss this, and issues arise," he noted. When it comes to certain investments, the norms allow both fresh contributions and interest for NRIs as well. Rules say that a non-resident Indian cannot open a PPF account. "For existing accounts, one can continue to operate the PPF account, continue to make fresh contributions as well as receive interest," Amol explained. However, unlike residents, NRIs cannot extend the account beyond the initial 15-year term. Insurance and taxation Residency changes must also be communicated to insurers. Even if you have health insurance coverage abroad, maintaining an Indian policy is a smart move, especially in cases where treatment abroad is expensive, but affordable in India, Iyer said. Tax compliance is one of the most important changes needed. The individual must update their income tax portal about their residency to avoid double taxation or penalties for non-disclosure, Iyer advised. Residents are required to disclose and pay tax on their foreign income, while NRIs are taxed only on India-sourced income. Failing to update this status can result in double taxation. "Many people fail to report these either in the country where they reside or in India, which are problem areas," he explained. Assets and liabilities Before leaving India, outstanding liabilities must be cleared. Joshi flagged unpaid credit card bills as a commonly overlooked issue. This outstanding bill can affect the credit score here, in case one comes back and needs to get loans," he warned. Also Read | NRI taxation: How to claim special tax concessions On the asset side, long-term movers should consider liquidating depreciating assets such as cars rather than leaving them idle or renting them out. The proceeds should then be reinvested thoughtfully. A few weeks of administrative diligence before departure can prevent years of tax complications and logistical issues. Getting these financial steps right allows one to focus on a new chapter overseas without leaving behind financial loose ends. An Air India aircraft, which was operating between New Delhi and New York, suffered substantial damage to one of its engines this morning after it sucked in a baggage container at Delhi airport. The incident occurred when the Airbus A350 was taxiing in dense fog at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) on Thursday, 15 January, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in an X (formerly Twitter) post, confirming the incident. As per the report, Flight AI101 had to return to Delhi due to the closure of Iranian airspace, which affected its planned route. Upon landing, the aircraft's engine was found to be damaged. How it happened The incident occurred around 5:25 AM, when the visibility was marginal. The aviation regulatory body confirmed that the aircraft landed safely at Runway 28 in Delhi airport. A preliminary investigation has revealed that a BWFS tug carrying a few containers to Baggage Makeup Area of Terminal 3 crossed an intersection on the vehicular lane. During the crossing, one of the containers fell onto the taxiway and got sucked into an engine of the Air India aircraft. The DCGA has launched a formal investigation into the incident. The regulator is working to determine how a foreign object, especially a baggage container, got lodged inside the aircraft's engine, leading to the damage. More details about the extent of damage are expected once the investigation is complete. The aviation regulator also posted pictures of the damaged engine in its X post. Why did Iran close its airspace? Iran temporarily closed its airspace to most flights after United States President Donald Trump issued threats against the country, according to the US aviation authority. In view of the closure, most flights were prohibited from Iranian airspace between 1:45 AM and 4:00 AM local time (22:15 to 00:30 GMT) and again from 4:44 AM to 7 AM (01:14 to 03:30 GMT) on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera. The airspace restrictions in Iran were put in place amid threats by US President Trump to attack the country after Tehran carried out a deadly crackdown on widespread anti-government protests. According to FlightRadar, an online flight tracking service, only three aircraft could be seen over Iran at 6:05 AM local time, while dozens of planes were flying around the countrys borders. Army Day 2026: The nation is celebrating 78th Army Day today. Jaipur is all set to host the grand parade showcasing India's military prowess and modern defence capabilities. This event is significant as it marks the first public appearance of the newly raised Bhairav Battalion and is also the first time that the parade is taking place outside the cantonment area. Where to watch Army Day 2026 parade today? The Army Day parade will be held at Mahal Road in Jaipur's Jagatpura which is a celebration to display a wide array of weapons, military vehicles, drones and advanced defence systems. The parade can be live streamed from 9:00 AM onwards on YouTube channel of the Indian Army. Also Read | US Army expands defence footprint in Qatar amid Iran unrest History of Army Day This day commemorates Lieutenant General Kodandera M Cariappa's take over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. On 15 January 1949, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India General Francis Roy Bucher handed over the Indian Army chief's post to Kodandera M Cariappa. From this day onwards, it came to be celebrated in the form of parades and other military shows. Significance of Army Day On this day, gallantry awards and Sena medals are also awarded. It marks a tribute to the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and its citizens. Army's artillery, missile and rocket capabilities and launcher systems will be on display today, including the BrahMos cruise missile, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, upgraded BM-21 Grad multi-barrel rocket launcher, the SMERCH system and Universal Rocket Launcher System (URLS), also known as Suryastra. Among air defence capabilities on showcase, indigenous Akashteer system and Igla man-portable air defence system will serve as the highlight of the show, ANI reported. A number of kamikaze drones will be on display, such as Mini Harpy, Harop, Peacekeeper and Sky Striker, in addition to the Trinetra loitering munition system. The Army Day parade used to take place in Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi cantonment. Besides Delhi, Bengaluru, Lucknow and Pune have hosted this parade. All you need to know about inaugural Bhairav Battalion The unit of the Bhairav Battalion has been raised as a part of the Army's recent restructuring, following Operation Sindoor. Positioned between the Para Special Forces and regular infantry units, the Bhairav Battalion has been introduced to meet modern warfare requirements. Specifically trained for drone-enabled and multi-domain operations, this unit has been setup to provide a prompt and precise offensive solution against enemies' threats to the nation amid rising global conflicts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday saluted the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day. He remembered how the soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve. On the occasion of the 78th Army Day, PM Modi also remembered those who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country, PM Modi posted on X. We remember with deep respect those who have laid down their lives in the line of duty, he added. Meanwhile, HM Shah also highlighted how the roars of their valour echo through the pages of our history. Warm greetings to the personnel of the Indian Army and their families on Army Day. The roar of their valour echoes through the pages of our history, igniting the fiercest flame of patriotism among every generation of Indians. Salutations to the lionhearts who gave all in the line of duty, he wrote on X. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended their heartfelt greetings to the armed forces personnel on the occasion of Army Day, remembering their sacrifice and selfless service to the nation. "On this auspicious occasion of Army Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all the brave soldiers, officers, veterans, and their families of the Indian Army. This occasion provides us with a powerful opportunity to express our gratitude for their indomitable courage, valor, and selfless service in safeguarding the security and integrity of the nation," Rajnath Singh wrote in an official message. He also paid homage to the soldiers and their families who sacrificed their lives in the service of the country. I also pay homage to the families of the brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the service of the motherland. The Indian Army, as a vigilant sentinel on the borders, steadfastly confronts multi-faceted security challenges. At the same time, the Army's contribution to serving the citizens by leading relief and rescue operations during natural disasters has been exemplary, he wrote. Remembering the Army's role during Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister said, Through Operation Sindoor, the Army has demonstrated its courage, professional competence, and resolve. I commend the Indian Army for its valiant and successful performance in Operation Sindoor. This operation has brought pride to the entire nation by sending a strong message of effective action in bringing justice to the victims of Pahalgam. Why is Army Day celebrated? Army Day is commemorated every year on 15 January to mark the occasion when Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir FRR Bucher, in 1949, becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. (This is a developing story) New Delhi: The Centre plans to install 200 new Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) across Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Pune in 2026 to strengthen urban weather monitoring and improve forecast accuracy, minister of earth sciences Jitendra Singh said on Thursday. The additional stations will focus on capturing micro-climate variations that cause extreme events such as heatwaves, cloudbursts and urban flooding. India currently has 1,008 AWS operating nationwide. AWS are self-operating systems that use sensors to measure temperature, humidity, pressure, wind, and rainfall. The data is transmitted for real-time forecasting, research, and disaster management. This improves network density, reliability, and accuracy by reducing human error and enabling high-frequency observations. The announcement comes amid a spate of extreme weather events across Indian cities, highlighting the role of high-resolution forecasting in managing climate risks and supporting sectors ranging from agriculture and aviation to urban planning. A dense network of AWS will provide granular and high-resolution spatial data, enabling more accurate prediction of sudden downpours, thunderstorms, extreme heat events, and rapid pressure changes, Singh said while speaking at the 151st anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). IMD also plans to set up 10 centres of excellence (CoE) for meteorology, aimed at strengthening research, forecasting and capacity building, he said. According to officials, the initiative aims to enhance scientific expertise, improve forecast accuracy and support evidence-based policymaking, while developing skilled manpower to address the growing challenges posed by climate variability and extreme weather events. Also Read | Winter rains to rescue Indias wheat crop as record cold wave to ease Singh said forecast accuracy has improved by 4050% compared to earlier decades. Cyclone track prediction accuracy has increased by nearly 3540%, while errors in monthly and seasonal forecasts have declined from about 7.5% to nearly 2.5%. He attributed these gains to sustained investment, technological upgrades and institutional support over the past decade. An Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship on patrol in the Arabian Sea intercepted a Pakistani fishing boat that had entered Indian waters, officials said on Thursday. The boat, identified as Al-Madina, was carrying nine crew members. The official described the action as a swift and precise night operation. A senior Coast Guard official said the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) ship spotted the Pakistani fishing vessel inside Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line on January 14. When challenged, the boat "attempted to flee" towards the Pakistan side, but was intercepted and boarded by the ICG within Indian waters. In a swift and precise night operation, an @IndiaCoastGuard Ship whilst on patrol in #Arabian sea sighted a #Pakistani Fishing Boat inside #Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line on 14 Jan 26. On being challenged, the boat attempted to flee towards Pakistan side, however, the #ICG Ship intercepted and boarded the boat in Indian waters, ICG said on X. It added, A total of 09 crew were found in the #Pakistani boat, AL-MADINA. The boat is being towed to #Porbandar by #ICG Ship for thorough rummaging and joint interrogation by concerned agencies. The operation reaffirms #ICGs unwavering commitment to secure #Bharats maritime frontiers through relentless vigil and law enforcement across the nations maritime domain. Two Bangladeshi fishing boats, crew members apprehended for illegal fishing In December last year, ICG officials said they apprehended two Bangladeshi fishing boats with 35 crew members for "illegally fishing" within Indias Exclusive Economic Zone in the northern Bay of Bengal, as per PTI. According to the ICG, the presence of active fishing gear and approximately 500 kilograms of fish catch clearly indicated ongoing fishing operations inside Indian waters. Officials mentioned that over the past three months, the ICG has detained eight Bangladeshi fishing boats along with 170 crew members for similar violations. The ICG Ship Anmol, while carrying out routine surveillance in the northern Bay of Bengal on 16 December, "apprehended two Bangladeshi fishing boats (BFBs) along with 35 crew members for engaging in illegal fishing activities inside Indias Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)," the statement said. The action was taken for "violation" of the Maritime Zones of India (MZI) (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981, the ICG said. Reiterating its findings, the ICG stated, "The presence of active fishing gear and approximately 500 kilograms of fish catch clearly indicated ongoing fishing operations inside Indian waters." Delhi weather today: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a nowcast warning for very dense fog, valid till 9:03 am. At the same time, a biting cold gripped the national capital, with Lodhi Road recording a minimum temperature as low as 3.6C on Wednesday. Even in Gurugram, the mercury plunged to 3.5C. The weather office has warned of cold wave conditions. The red alert for fog warns against very low visibility. Very Dense Fog is very likely to occur at many places over Central, New Delhi, North, North West, South, South West West in next 3 hours, said IMD advisory. Predicting dense fog conditions over northwest India in the coming days, IMD issued a cold wave alert for Delhi's neighbouring states Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. IMD in its latest weather bulletin said, "Dense to very dense fog conditions very likely to prevail in morning/night hours in isolated/some parts over Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana Chandigarh & Delhi till 16th and Dense fog in isolated pockets till 19th January 2026." Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) issued an orange alert due to extremely low visibility, around 50 metres at 6:00 am. Warning against flight disruptions, delays and cancellations, it noted that flight operations are currently under CAT III conditions. Also Read | When will Delhi get relief from the cold wave? IMD issues orange alert today IMD issues yellow alert for cold wave The weather agency has forecast partly cloudy sky and issued a yellow alert for cold wave conditions for today. The weather agency said, Cold wave conditions at isolated places. Moderate fog at many places with dense fog at isolated places during morning hours. As per the weather prediction, the minimum temperature in Delhi on 15 January is likely to remain appreciably below normal by around 3.1 to 5C, while the maximum temperature is likely to be normal and deviate by around 1.5C. The maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi are likely to be in the ranges of 21C to 23C and 03C to 05C respectively, IMD said. On Wednesday, the minimum temperature at Safdarjung, the primary weather monitoring station, plunged to 3.8C while Ayanagar recorded 4C. The Meteorological Department recorded a 4.4C minimum temperature in the Palam area and a 4.6C temperature at the Ridge area. ED versus Mamata Banerjee in Supreme Court: On Thursday, 15 January, Kapil Sibal, appearing for Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress (TMC), asked, Why was the need to start this just before elections. This is in your petition that the last statement was recorded in February 2024, during the Supreme Court hearing on plea by Enforcement Directorate accusing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and State officials of interfering with the central agency's investigation and search operations at the Kolkata offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC and its co-founder, Pratik Jain. The Supreme Court on Thursday heard sharply contested arguments between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over alleged interference in the central agencys search operations at the Kolkata offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC and the residence of its co-founder Pratik Jain, with senior advocate Kapil Sibal questioning the timing of the raid on the eve of elections. The court described the matter as very serious and indicated it would examine the allegations in detail. ED alleges shocking pattern of obstruction Appearing for the ED, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told a Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi that the agencys plea reflected a very shocking pattern, alleging that whenever statutory authorities discharged their functions, the chief minister intervened. It reflects a shocking pattern emerging. When a statutory authority was discharging its function the CM Banerjee barges in, the Commissioner of police comes with her and then sits on dharna, Mehta submitted. He argued that such conduct would demoralise central agencies. The states will feel they can barge in, commit theft and then sit on a dharna. Let an example be set where officers who were explicitly present there should be suspended, he said, urging the court to direct competent authorities to act. ED seeks suspension, FIR against Mamata, and CBI probe The ED has also sought suspension of senior West Bengal Police officials, including Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar, alleging they aided the chief minister in obstructing raids and removal of evidence. The plea seeks directions to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Personnel and Training, recalling Kumars past dharna alongside Banerjee when he was Kolkata Police Commissioner. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju argued that the facts disclosed cognisable offences. This is a case of theft, robbery and dacoity. This is a simple case of theft which is made out, he said, relying on the precedent in Lalita Kumari to submit that registration of an FIR is mandatory when a cognisable offence is disclosed. He added that since the chief minister was also the states home minister, any probe by the state police would be ineffective, necessitating a CBI investigation. Why start this just before elections?: Sibal Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress (TMC), strongly challenged the EDs narrative, repeatedly questioning the timing of the search. Why was the need to start this just before elections. This is in your petition that the last statement was recorded in February 2024, Sibal asked. He said the ED had waited nearly two years before conducting a search at premises linked to election strategy. IPAC we all know that it takes care of elections in West Bengal. Formal contract between TMC and IPAC in 2021, he submitted, arguing that the search risked exposing confidential electoral data. Sibal also disputed claims of large-scale seizure. Please see the video recording. It is a blatant lie that all digital devices were taken. See that panchnama also, he said, adding that only Pratik Jains phone and laptop were seized and that the search was conducted peacefully. Bench intervenes, tempers flare Justice Mishra questioned the maintainability of the EDs plea and cautioned counsel against disorderly exchanges. When Mehta alleged that the Calcutta High Court premises had been turned into Jantar Mantar by orchestrated gatherings of lawyers, the Bench observed: Dont create ruckus here. At one point, Justice Mishra remarked, We will issue notice. This is a very serious matter. We will examine this. When Sibal criticised the High Court proceedings, the Bench responded firmly: You cannot put words in my mouth. We will decide what to assume and what not to. Allegations over I-PAC raid and coal scam probe The ED told the court that its officers were conducting searches under Section 17 of the PMLA at 10 locations linked to I-PAC in connection with a multi-state money laundering case amounting to 2,742 crore, allegedly linked to illegal coal mining and sale. Mehta claimed that Banerjee entered the premises, took possession of all digital devices and three incriminating documents, and left around 12.15 pm, characterising the episode as pure theft. He added that the ED officers phone was also taken. Sibal countered that the panchnama contradicted these assertions and accused the agency of attempting to create prejudice through selective allegations. Bengal alleges forum shopping Senior advocates AM Singhvi and Shyam Divan, appearing for the State of West Bengal and police officials, objected to what they described as forum shopping, noting that similar prayers were pending before the Calcutta High Court. Singhvi said the ED was pursuing parallel proceedings and urged the court to allow the state to file a response before any notice was issued. Either you are lying or your petition is lying, he said, pointing to discrepancies between the EDs pleadings and the panchnama. Days after the Centre asked quick commerce companies to stop advertising fixed 10-minute delivery promises, a survey found that consumers do not support the model and only want quick deliveries of medicines, followed by essentials. According to a survey by LocalCircle, 38% consumers who use quick commerce services said that they did not want anything within 10 minutes. However, when asked For what all is a 10-minute delivery timeline must have?, 100% of 25,621 consumers surveyed answered that they wanted medicines. This was followed by 55% saying that they wanted essentials, while 25% opted for Discretionary. In essence, for consumers who want a 10-minute delivery service, it matters most for medicine delivery, followed by essentials, the survey found. 38% consumers don't want anything in 10 minutes The survey, which received over 90,000 responses from quick commerce consumers located in 180 districts of urban India, found that 38% of respondents did not want anything in 10 minutes. Out of 41,324 who responded to the question, 62% indicated yes that there were some products they wanted delivered within 10 minutes. However, 38% of respondents indicated no, they dont want any products delivered in such a short period. The products on the list included medicines, essentials, discretionary items, etc. Also Read | Indian Govt Pushes Quick Commerce Platforms To Drop 10-Minute Delivery Branding 74% consumers support government's decision The LocalCircles survey also asked consumers if they supported the government decision to remove the 10-minute delivery timeline. Out of 49,130 who responded to the question, 74% indicated yes they support the government's move. Meanwhile, 17% of respondents indicated no, and 9% of respondents did not give a clear answer. It must be noted here that while consumers enjoy these services, many are concerned about road safety and driver safety as well and believe that the delivery should be pressure free for the rider, LocalCircles said in its report. Govt nudges Blinkit, Swiggy, Zepto Last week, the Union Labour Ministry, led by Mansukh Mandaviya, urged quick commerce delivery platforms to drop the 10-minute delivery promises in their marketing, in order to prioritise worker safety. Labour unions had argued that such hyper-fast delivery promises placed undue stress on riders, potentially compromising their road safety. Mandaviya last week met with executives from major instant delivery firms such as Eternal Ltd.s Blinkit, Swiggy Ltd.s Instamart and Zepto and discussed measures to improve safety and working conditions for riders, according to reports by Bloomberg, PTI and ANI. Following the meeting, Blinkit was the first to quietly remove the 10-minute delivery assurance from its mobile app branding, as per Bloomberg. After Blinkit, major quick commerce players Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Flipkart Minutes dropped their '10-minute' delivery branding, PTI reported. In a statement, Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) welcomed and appreciated the government's intervention and decision to discontinue the 10-minute instant delivery system. The Supreme Court has issued notice to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the state government, DGP Rajeev Kumar and others regarding Enforcement Directorate (ED) petitions for allegedly obstructing raids at I-PAC last week, PTI reported. The bench of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Vipul Pancholi also asked Banerjee and others to respond to the ED request for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against them, according to a report by Bar and Bench. The top court has directed Banerjee and others to file their counter-affidavits in response to the petitions by the ED in two weeks. We are of the prima facie view that the present petition has raised a serious issue relating to the investigation by the ED or other central agencies and interference by state agencies, the report quoted the bench as saying. "According to us, for adherence of rule of law in the country and to allow each organ to function independently, it is necessary to examine the issue so that offenders are not allowed to be protected under the seal of law enforcing agencies of a particular state," it added. The bench ordered to preserve CCTV footage and storage devices from both the searched premises and nearby areas, the report said. "It is directed that the respondents shall preserve the CCTV cameras and other storage devices containing the footage of both the premises searched and the CCTV cameras and other storage devices containing the footage of near areas," the bench was quoted in the report. The court also suspended the First Information Reports (FIRs) filed by the West Bengal Police against ED officers involved in the searches. The court will hear the matter next on 3 February. SC on issues raised by ED The court also expressed the view that neglecting the issues raised by ED could lead to lawlessness in the country. According to us, large questions have been raised and are involved in the present matter, which if allowed to remain undecided, would further worsen the situation and there will be a situation of lawlessness prevailing in one or other state, considering that different outfits are governing different places," the bench was quoted as saying. The court clarified that although no central agency has the authority to interfere with a party's election activities, political parties are not permitted to interfere with bona fide investigations conducted by agencies. In addition to a CBI probe, the ED has sought a direction for the return of the evidence that Mamata Banerjee reportedly took from the I-PAC-linked premises. I-PAC raids Mamata Banerjee visited the I-PAC office and the residence of its co-founder last week during the ED probe related to a money-laundering investigation. Banerjee is accused of removing certain documents and electronic devices from the premises, claiming they contained information related to her political party. I-PAC has been linked to the Trinamool Congress since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. NEW DELHI : When a police officer calls for backup, emergency crews respond to a disaster, or agencies coordinate during a riot, one thing must work: communication. That is why the governments 20,000-crore plan to modernize Indias public-safety and disaster-response networks has become so critical. But as the project gathers pace, a quiet turf war in the central government over telecom spectrum is now threatening to slow it down, raising questions about how a scarce national resource should be prioritized when lives are at stake. At the heart of the dispute is the 700 MHz spectrum band, coveted for its ability to provide wide, reliable coverage. The home ministry's Directorate of Coordination Police Wireless (DCPW) is seeking the spectrum for police and disaster-response use, while the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) says the band is already reserved and cannot be assigned at this stage, according to two officials in the know. Also Read | Big Tech left waiting as Indias new spectrum plan skips 6 GHz WiFi This comes at a time when India is looking to upgrade its communication networks for public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) with enhanced broadband capabilities. An upgrade to the communication network, used by public safety agencies such as police departments, fire departments, emergency medical professionals and paramilitary forces is needed as the existing infrastructure is largely fragmented, narrow-band or based on aging analog systems primarily limited to voice communication. These legacy networks often operate in silos and lack interoperability that prevents different public safety agenciessuch as police, fire and medical teamsfrom coordinating seamlessly or sharing mission-critical information during a crisis. Modern emergency response now requires high-bandwidth capabilities to support real-time video analytics, high-quality images, mapping and location services, as well as advanced tools such as drones, artificial intelligence (AI) and internet of things (IoT), which current systems cannot handle. The home ministry believes that 700 MHz 5G spectrum is key for public safety networks because of a matured device ecosystem, lower deployment cost, and the bands ability to travel longer distances and penetrate buildings with its signals better than the higher-frequency bands. There is no spectrum left in the 700 MHz band. MHA or DCPW has to approach telecom service providers for priority service, or they can plan public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) upgrade in the 800 MHz band," said one of the government officials cited above. In the recently released National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP 2025), the department of telecommunications (DoT) allocated portions of the 800 MHz band for broadband PPDR. The same is in addition to the earlier assigned spectrum in the 400 MHz band. NFAP is the official master document for radio-frequency management in India. Also Read | Trai faces tough call before spectrum auction amid operators' rift There have been multiple communications between DoT and DCPW on the 700 MHz band for the PPDR project. The MHA body needs 10 MHz spectrum. In an internal committee report, it made a representation that a portion of the spectrum should be better utilized for PPDR and should not go to the Railways at the expense of national security," said the other official. Queries emailed to the home ministry, DoT and the railways ministry did not elicit any response until press time. To be sure, the value of 10 MHz spectrum is worth 40,000 crore, based on the 5G spectrum auction price of 2022. In 2024, the Union cabinet approved allocation of additional 5 MHz for Railways for the Kavach technology. Additional 5 MHz spectrum, earlier provisionally assigned in the 700 MHz band, was also approved for National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) for the train control system for Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. Discussions were held (between DOt and the home ministry) to explore sharing of spectrum in the 700 MHz band between the Railways and for PPDR," said the second official cited above. The 700 Mhz band has already been allocated for use by different government ministries/departments/agencies. These include: 10 MHz for the defence ministry, 10 MHz for Indian Railways, 5 MHz for National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), and 10 MHz for BSNL. In 2022 auctions, Reliance Jio acquired 10 MHz spectrum worth 40,000 crore. With the entire 45 MHz of spectrum worth over 1.7 trillion in the 700 MHz band already allocated, the same has not been put up for sale in the upcoming auctions. The World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 recommended both the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands for broadband public protection and disaster relief networks. There is no major difference between both the bands. However, the challenge in 800 MHz would be to vacate the band from existing users, which will take time," said Bharat Bhatia, president of ITU-APT Foundation of India, which works with industry and government on telecom policy. According to Bhatia, the allocation of frequency is not a challenge but execution of the PPDR project will be a huge task for the government as it involves coordination between telecom operators, the state police, various public safety agencies, etc. Setting up public safety and disaster response networks is a time-intensive affair. The US took about 10 years to develop FirstNet, which is their broadband network for first responders and critical applications, said Bhatia. Globally, 700 MHz and 800 MHz are emerging as the most widely-used bands for public safety networks. For example, in the US, the nationwide public safety broadband network FirstNet operates on 700 MHz. The US developed the network with AT&T. South Korea has also developed the network in the 700 MHz band with two operators. European countries such as France, Germany, and Switzerland have also earmarked 700 MHz for broadband PPDR networks, while Australia primarily uses 800 MHz for similar purposes but is considering the 700 MHz band as well. In Asia, South Korea and Thailand have allocated portions of the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands to support LTE-based public safety communications. Analysts say the countrys public safety project will also be a huge revenue opportunity for telecom operators. In the July-September earnings call, Reliance Jio said it is working with government agencies on public protection and disaster recovery. Also Read | Trai proposes a cut in microwave spectrum charges: What it means for telcos Similarly, other operators have also expressed interests for PPDR. The government is also in the process of hiring a project management and technical consultants specifically to assist with proof of concept trials across 10 states," the second official said, adding that in May last year, three consultants EY, Telecommunication Consultants India Ltd (TCIL), and ITI Ltd were shortlisted, but a fresh bid will be invited for more participation. Indias PPDR project is moving at a slow pace. It was in 2018 that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) had recommended the establishment of a pan-India integrated Broadband PPDR (BB-PPDR) network based on modern 4G/5G technology to replace aging narrowband and analog systems. The regulator had also called for a nationwide allocation of dedicated, no-cost spectrum in the 800 MHz band to ensure the network could meet rigorous public safety requirements. Bollywood icon Dev Anand was made to wait outside Amitabh Bachchan's residence for nearly half an hour before being allowed to enter. This incident did not go well with Jewel Thief actor's fans, who described this unsettling situation as humiliating. Dev Anands close friend and associate, Mohan Churiwala, disclosed details of this incident, which occurred almost two decades ago, in a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani. Also Read | Vir Das discusses Dev Anand with Hollywood icon Francis Ford Coppola in London In the conversation, we learn about an incident in which a close friend of the Bachchan family, Amar Singh, had previously mentioned that Dev Anand had come to visit him. This episode dates back to 2007, when Dev Anand, accompanied by his close friend and associate Mohan Churiwala, visited Bachchan's residence, Jalsa. How Romancing with Life book launch created tension between Big B and Dev Anand? Narrating the happenings of that time, Mohan Churiwala said that this incident is of the time when Dev Anand's book Romancing with Life was launched. Mohan Churiwala said, Amar Singh had promised to bring Amitabh Bachchan to the launch event to unveil the book. He further noted that it was previously decided that one of Dev Anand's colleagues would unveil the book. However, the plan was called off. Mohan stated, Amar Singh was a close acquaintance who regularly met Dev Anand when he visited Bombay and even played the role of home minister in Dev's last film Chargesheet. Suggesting that Amar had volunteered to ensure Big B's presence, he recalled and said, Amar Singh had called and said that he would arrive with Amitabh Bachchan, Tina Ambani and Anil Ambani. For all four of them, Dev Anand had kept an autographed copy of the book. Detailing the happenings, Mohan Churiwala said all of them were affiliated with the Samajwadi Party and were uncomfortable with the Congress Party's presence at the event. Since it was an open-house event, they could not refuse anyone from attending the launch. During this period, the Congress party, led by Vilasrao Deshmukh, was in power in Maharashtra, and tensions were strained between the two opposing parties. Also Read | Top 5 Dev Anand films you should watch Initially, Amar Singh had indicated that the group would have dinner with Dev Anand after the book launch, but all four of them departed before the programme ended and did not even take the book. Despite repeated calls, Amar Singh did not respond and eventually, late in the night, called back and confronted over the Congress party's presence. It was then decided that Mohan Churiwala would deliver the books the next morning. To settle the matter, one of the most revered cinematic icons of the 1950s and 1960s decided to accompany Mohan Churiwala to personally deliver the book copies to Bachchan's residence. The duo was left waiting for over half an hour until Amar Singh appeared in a night suit. The wait for Amitabh Bachchan stretched even further as he joined them after another delay. Shark Tank India Season 5 premiered on 5 January with its biggest and most diverse panel so far. The show now features 15 sharks. At the same time, the show also has a new host. Stand-up comedian Aaditya Kulshreshth, more popularly known as Kullu, replaces another comedian, Aashish Solanki. However, Kullus participation on the show has received mixed reactions. Many social media users have started trolling him. I dont know who brought Kullu on Shark Tank Season 5. He is so sleepy and lifeless that he brings such lousy vines to those segments in the show, commented one of them on Twitter (now X). I love Kullu on Tanmay Reacts. I love Tanmay Reacts. But I didnt like Kullu as a host on Shark Tank. It should be fine to express opinions like that, posted another. Another wrote, An AI model robot could have been far better host for Shark Tank India Season 5 than Kullu. Kullu as a host on Shark Tank India is like a fish out of water. I can bear with him as a comic but the way he just reads the script without much modulation is not fitting. You can see he is trying hard but there is no X factor! came from another. This report is based on user-generated content from social media. Livemint has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them. Even Reddit is abuzz with posts about Kullu on Shark Tank India Season 5. His appearance on Shark Tank raises my Blood pressure, commented one Reddit user. He is so bakwaas on Shark Tank too! Complete misfit! posted another Redditor. Another posted, He is so irritating in Shark tank - no emotions, keeps staring at teleprompter maybe. One Instagram user quipped, Very good, Kullu bro, I skip your part whenever you come. Rannvijay Singha, who hosted the show in the first season, was heavily trolled during his tenure. The MTV Roadies star left the show for personal projects. Stand-up comedian Rahul Dua hosted Seasons 1 and 2. Aashish Solanki and Sahiba Bali hosted Season 4 together. Kullu is the fifth host for the show in five seasons. Comedian Tanmay Bhat, who closely works with Kullu on various projects, earlier reacted strongly to a social media user who questioned Kullus hosting on Shark Tank India. He's one of the nicest, smartest, well-read people I know, and your opinion can kiss my a*s, Bhat wrote in reply. There have been numerous positive reactions to Kullu's appearance on Shark Tank India Season 5. Feels like a personal win, wrote one of them. Will have to restart watching Shark Tank just for you wrote another. Shark Tank India Season 5 judges On Shark Tank India Season 5, the returning sharks continue to bring experience and popularity. Aman Gupta of boAt, Namita Thapar from Emcure, Peyush Bansal of Lenskart and Vineeta Singh of Sugar Cosmetics return. Anupam Mittal of Shaadi.com, Ritesh Agarwal from OYO, Amit Jain of CarDekho and Kunal Bahl of Snapdeal are also back. Shark Tank India Season 5 introduces six new sharks. Fixderma founder Shaily Mehrotra, Minimalists Mohit Yadav and Varun Alagh from Mamaearth join. Federal authorities have publicly identified the three Venezuelan nationals involved in a violent confrontation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers that resulted in one man being shot in the leg during a traffic stop on Wednesday night. Names and backgrounds released The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the identities and backgrounds of the three men alleged to have attacked an ICE agent during a targeted enforcement operation in north Minneapolis. In a statement posted on social media, DHS described each individual: Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, identified as the man who was shot, is from Venezuela and had prior convictions for driving without a license and giving a false name to a peace officer. DHS said he entered the United States illegally in August 2022 and was the subject of the targeted traffic stop. Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna, also Venezuelan, allegedly entered the U.S. illegally in May 2023. After failing to appear for an immigration hearing, he was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge, DHS said. Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma, likewise Venezuelan and in the country illegally since May 2023, was described by DHS as having been marked as a non-enforcement priority under prior policy. Confrontation and shooting A federal immigration officer shot a Venezuelan man in the leg late Wednesday night during a targeted traffic stop in north Minneapolis, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed, marking the second shooting involving federal immigration agents in the city in just over a week. Incident details and identification DHS identified the man shot on January 14 as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who the agency says is in the United States illegally. According to DHS, the encounter began when agents stopped Sosa-Celis during a traffic enforcement operation. He allegedly fled the scene in a vehicle, crashed into a parked car, then ran on foot. When officers caught up to him, he supposedly resisted arrest and engaged in a struggle. Ambush and defensive fire DHS officials say that while the officer and Sosa-Celis were struggling, two other men emerged from a nearby apartment and attacked the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. In a statement posted by DHS on social media, the agency described the moment of the shooting: Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life. The initial subject was hit in the leg. Both the officer and Sosa-Celis were taken to the hospital. The man shot is expected to recover, and injuries sustained by the officer have not been fully disclosed. Arrests and federal custody DHS identified the two others involved in the confrontation as Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma, both also Venezuelan nationals alleged to be in the country illegally. All three men were taken into ICE custody following the incident. It remains unclear what charges, if any, they will face in connection with the episode. The United States on Thursday (15 January) said Iran halted the planned execution of 800 protesters following pressure from President Donald Trump, as Gulf allies worked behind the scenes to pull Washington back from possible military action over Tehrans deadly crackdown on nationwide demonstrations. While the White House said it had stepped back from immediate military action, officials stressed that the option remains open if Iran resumes executions. All options remain on the table for the president, the White House said. 800 executions halted White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the Iranian authorities had stopped executions scheduled for Wednesday after direct warnings from Trump. The president understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday were halted, Leavitt said. She added that Trump had warned Tehran of grave consequences if the killing of demonstrators continued. Trump later welcomed the development on Truth Social, writing: This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue! Fresh US sanctions announced The US Treasury on Thursday announced new sanctions targeting Iranian officials, adding to already sweeping restrictions over Tehrans nuclear programme sanctions that have contributed to Irans economic strain and helped fuel public anger. Protest death toll runs into thousands Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) said Iranian security forces had killed at least 3,428 protesters, warning that the final toll was likely to be far higher as information continues to emerge despite a week-long internet blackout. Iran has described demonstrators as rioters backed by the US and Israel and has vowed fast-track justice raising fears among rights groups of mass executions. Gulf states step in to prevent war Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, led an urgent diplomatic effort to dissuade Trump from launching military strikes, officials told AFP. The trio led a long, frantic, diplomatic last-minute effort to convince President Trump to give Iran a chance to show good intention, a senior Saudi official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. A second Gulf official confirmed that Iran was warned that any attack on US facilities in the region would have consequences. Saudi Arabia also informed Tehran it would not allow its airspace or territory to be used for attacks, sources said. No hanging today Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sought to calm tensions, telling Fox News: There will be no hanging today or tomorrow. Irans judiciary later said that Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old protester whose execution had drawn international attention, had not been sentenced to death and was instead facing charges that carry possible imprisonment. Diplomatic channels remain open Switzerland, which represents US interests in Iran, said Iranian security chief Ali Larijani spoke with a senior Swiss diplomat on Wednesday, with Bern offering to help de-escalate the current situation. The developments came ahead of a UN Security Council meeting on Iran, requested by the United States. Protests continue despite crackdown Despite the communications blackout, AFP verified videos showing bodies at a morgue south of Tehran and funeral gatherings where mourners chanted slogans against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Also Read | Iran reopens airspace after brief shutdown amid US strike fears FBI agents searched the home of a Washington Post reporter on Wednesday as part of a Justice Department investigation into a Pentagon contractor suspected of removing classified materials, as reported by Associated Press. Hannah Natanson, who has been covering US President Donald Trump's transformation of the federal government, had a phone, two laptops and a Garmin watch seized in the search of her Virginia home, the Post reported. AP reported that Natanson has reported extensively on the federal workforce and recently published a piece describing how she gained hundreds of new sources leading one colleague to call her the federal government whisperer. Although investigations involving classified documents are fairly common, searching a reporters home represents a significant escalation in the governments campaign against leaks. Executive editor Matt Murray said in an email to colleagues that the Post had been informed that Natanson and the newspaper are not targets of the investigation. Also Read | Who was Rana Pratap Bairagi? Hindu businessman shot dead in Bangladesh Nonetheless, this extraordinary, aggressive action is deeply concerning and raises profound questions and concern around the constitutional protections for our work," Murray wrote. The Washington Post has a long history of zealous support for robust press freedoms. The entire institution stands by those freedoms and our work. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the search was done at the request of the Defense Department and that the journalist was obtaining and reporting classified and illegally leaked information from a Pentagon contractor. Leaking classified information puts America's national security and the safety of our military heroes in serious jeopardy, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X. President Trump has zero tolerance for it and will continue to aggressively crack down on these illegal acts moving forward. The warrant says the search was related to an investigation into a system engineer and information technology specialist for a government contractor in Maryland, who authorities allege took home classified materials, the Post reported. The employee, Aurelio Perez-Lugones, was charged earlier this month with illegally retaining national defence information, court records show. He has not been accused of sharing classified material, nor do the court filings allege that he leaked information, AP reported. Perez-Lugones, who held a top-secret security clearance, is accused of printing classified and sensitive reports at work. In a search of his Maryland home and car this month, authorities found documents marked SECRET, including one in a lunchbox, according to court papers, AP reported. The Washington Post said Wednesday that it was monitoring and reviewing the situation. An email seeking comment was sent to lawyers for Perez-Lugones, who is expected to appear in court on Thursday for a detention hearing. First Amendment groups expressed alarm at the search, saying it could chill investigative journalism that holds government officials to account. Physical searches of reporters' devices, homes, and belongings are some of the most invasive investigative steps law enforcement can take, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press president Bruce Brown said. While we won't know the government's arguments about overcoming these very steep hurdles until the affidavit is made public, this is a tremendous escalation in the administration's intrusions into the independence of the press. Over the years, the Justice Department has created and updated internal guidelines on how it handles leaks to the news media. In April, Bondi rolled back a policy put in place under President Joe Bidens administration that barred investigators from secretly obtaining journalists phone records during leak probesa tactic that has drawn sustained criticism from news outlets and press freedom advocates. The moves again gave prosecutors the authority to use subpoenas, court orders and search warrants to hunt for government officials who make unauthorised disclosures to journalists. A memo she issued said members of the press are presumptively entitled to advance notice of such investigative activities, and subpoenas are to be narrowly drawn. Warrants must also include protocols designed to limit the scope of intrusion into potentially protected materials or newsgathering activities, the memo states. Also Read | China remains worlds largest jailer of journalists with 143 behind bars in 2025 The aggressive posture with regard to The Washington Post stands in contrast to the Justice Department's approach to the disclosure of sensitive military information via a Signal chat last spring involving senior Trump administration officials. A reporter was mistakenly added to that chat. Bondi indicated publicly at the time that she was disinclined to open an investigation, saying she was confident that the episode had been a mistake, AP reported. Bondi also repeated the Trump administration's talking points that the highly sensitive information in the chat was not classified. However, current and former US officials have said the posting of the launch times of aircraft and the times that bombs would be released before those pilots were even in the air would have been classified. Iran has escalated its rhetoric against the United States by airing footage of the attempted assassination of US President Donald Trump on state television, alongside a chilling warning that this time, the bullet wont miss, even as Tehran partially shut its airspace amid mounting domestic unrest and regional tensions. The developments come at a volatile moment in USIran relations, with nationwide protests inside Iran, international travel disruptions, and renewed speculation over possible American military action. Below are the 10 key developments shaping the fast-moving crisis. 1. Iran airs Trump assassination footage with direct threat Irans state broadcaster aired footage from the Butler, Pennsylvania rally showing a bloodied then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, accompanied by the message: This time, the bullet wont miss. The message was widely interpreted as a reference to the Butler rally shooting, in which Trump was wounded during a pre-election speech. Iranian television paired the warning with a photograph from that event. 2. Revolutionary Guards vow retaliation The head of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the regime would respond at an appropriate time to the United States and Israel, which Tehran accused of fomenting the unrest gripping the country. 3. Trump signals support for Iranian protesters Donald Trump has repeatedly posted HELP IS ON ITS WAY and MIGA (Make Iran Great Again) on social media, signalling overt political support for demonstrators challenging Irans clerical leadership. 4. US military posture tightens in the Gulf Earlier, some US personnel were urged to leave a US military base in Qatar as a precaution, people in the know told CNN, underscoring growing concern about retaliation or escalation linked to the protests and rhetoric. 5. Death toll mounts amid internet blackout At least 2,400 demonstrators have been killed since the crackdown began last month, according to a US-based rights group. An internet blackout remains in force, while one Tehran resident described the atmosphere as extremely heavy and tense. Also Read | Jaishankar receives call from Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi, discusses unrest 6. Iran denies plans for executions Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sought to allay international fears, telling Fox News: There is no plan for hanging. Hanging is out of the question, he said, according to Reutersdespite hanging being a historically common method of execution in Iran. 7. Tehran partially closes airspace Aviation tracker Flightradar24 reported that Iran closed its airspace to all flights except international services operating with specific permission. The advisory was issued for a little over two hours, with live data showing airlines actively avoiding Iranian skies. 8. Airlines reroute around Iran and Iraq Germanys Lufthansa said it would bypass Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice, Agence France-Presse reported. The decision applies across the Lufthansa Group, including Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Discover, Eurowings, Swiss and ITA Airways, citing the current situation in the Middle East. 9. Execution of Erfan Soltani reportedly postponed A cousin of Erfan Soltani told The Guardian that prison authorities had informed the family his execution had been postponed, without providing further details. The family has not seen or heard from him to independently verify the claim. Also Read | Iran signals plans for swift trials and executions of protesters 10. Trump keeps military option open Speaking at an Oval Office event, Trump said killings in the Iranian crackdown appeared to be subsiding and that he believed there was no plan for large-scale executions, while stopping short of ruling out US military action. Were going to watch and see what the process is, he told reporters, adding that he had received a very good statement by people that are aware of whats going on. Troops from various European countries, including France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden, are arriving in Greenland with the aim to enhance the island's security, PTI reported. This follows discussions between Denmark, Greenland, and the US on Wednesday, which reflected a fundamental disagreement between the Trump administration and European allies. The first French military elements are already en route and others will follow, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday, while French authorities said that approximately 15 soldiers from the mountain infantry unit were already in Nuuk participating in a military exercise, the report said. Germany will send a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel to Greenland on Thursday, it added, citing the country's Defence Ministry. Denmark also plans to increase its military presence in Greenland, along with NATO allies, just as the Danish and Greenlandic foreign ministers met with White House representatives on Wednesday in Washington to discuss US President Donald Trump's intentions to take over the island in order to tap its mineral resources and protect the security of the Arctic region amid rising Russian and Chinese interest. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen, alongside Greenlandic Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, stated on Wednesday that a fundamental disagreement with Trump over Greenland persists, following their closely watched discussions at the White House with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasmussen was also quoted as saying, clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. We really need it, Trump earlier told the media in the Oval Office after the meeting. If we don't go in, Russia is going to go in and China is going to go in. And there's not a thing Denmark can do about it, but we can do everything about it." In Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, local residents told The Associated Press that they were pleased the initial meeting between Greenlandic, Danish, and American officials occurred, but they felt it raised more questions than it answered. Several people noted that Denmark's decision to send more troops and the support promised by other NATO allies are seen as measures to protect against potential US military actions. However, European military officials have not indicated that the aim is to deter any US moves against the island. Maya Martinsen, 21, agreed and mentioned that it was comforting to know that the Nordic countries are sending reinforcements as Greenland is part of Denmark and NATO. She said that the dispute is not centred on national security but rather on the oils and minerals that we have that are untouched. Also Read | Welcome to Greenland, an economy reliant on subsidies and shrimp Denmark increases military presence Danish Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen revealed that the country is increasing its military presence in the Arctic and working closely with allies. He stressed that this step is crucial due to the unpredictable security situation, where the future remains uncertain. 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 was quoted as saying. When asked about whether the European troop movements were coordinated with NATO or what role the US-led military alliance might have in the exercises, NATO directed all inquiries to the Danish authorities. However, NATO is considering ways for members to jointly strengthen the alliance's presence in the Arctic, according to a NATO official who was not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen announced the formation of a working group with the Americans to explore solutions for their differences. 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, he said. Speaking with FOX News Channel's Special Report on Wednesday after the White House discussions, Rasmussen dismissed both a military takeover and the idea of the US buying the island. When asked if he thinks the US will invade, he responded, No, at least I do not hope so, because that would be the end of NATO. Rasmussen stated that Greenlanders were unlikely to vote for US rule even if offered financial incentives, because I think there's no way that US will pay for a Scandinavian welfare system in Greenland. You haven't introduced a Scandinavian welfare system in your own country, he added. India has begun preparations to evacuate its nationals from Iran amid growing concerns over the security situation, as the United States has not ruled out possible military action against Tehran following its crackdown on nationwide protests. On Wednesday, India advised all its citizens currently residing in Iran to leave the country by available means and to avoid travelling there. Official sources said on Thursday that, given the evolving situation, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is making arrangements to facilitate the return of Indian nationals who wish to come back to India. The government is also exploring the option of using both civilian and military transport aircraft for the evacuation, if required. According to estimates, more than 10,000 Indians, including students, are presently living in Iran. The Indian embassy in Tehran on Wednesday issued an advisory urging all Indian nationals including students, pilgrims, businesspersons and tourists to leave Iran using available modes of transport. The mission also asked Indian citizens and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) to remain cautious, avoid areas witnessing protests or demonstrations and stay in regular contact with the embassy. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said that Washington has not ruled out military intervention in Iran. "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 on Wednesday. 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. Also Read | Indian student stranded in Iran amid protests, Owaisi urges EAM for evacuation 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. The nationwide protests killed over 2,500 people in Iran so far, according to reports. Iran reopened its airspace early Thursday after a near five-hour closure triggered by fears of possible military escalation between the United States and Iran, which disrupted airline operations across the region. According to a notice published on the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website, Iran shut its airspace at 5:15 p.m. ET (2215 GMT), allowing only international flights operating to and from Iran with special official permission. The notice was lifted shortly before 10 p.m. ET (0300 GMT), flight-tracking service Flightradar24 showed. Flights operated by Iranian carriers including Mahan Air, Yazd Airways and AVA Airlines were among the first to resume operations over Iranian airspace following the reopening. The temporary shutdown came as US President Donald Trump weighed potential responses to the unfolding situation in Iran, which has witnessed its largest anti-government protests in years. A US official said Washington had begun withdrawing some personnel from military bases in the Middle East after a senior Iranian official warned that Tehran would target American bases in the region if the US launched strikes. Airspace risks prompt airline disruptions The heightened tensions prompted airlines to cancel, reroute or delay multiple flights. Germany on Wednesday issued a fresh advisory cautioning its airlines against entering Iranian airspace. Lufthansa said it had adjusted flight operations across the Middle East and would avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. The German carrier added that it would operate only daytime flights to Tel Aviv and Amman through Monday to avoid overnight stays for crew, warning that some flights could be cancelled as a result. The United States already bars all US commercial aircraft from overflying Iran, and there are no direct flights between the two countries. Several international carriers, including flydubai and Turkish Airlines, have cancelled multiple services to Iran over the past week. Several airlines have already reduced or suspended services, and most carriers are avoiding Iranian airspace, Safe Airspace, a flight risk monitoring platform run by OPSGROUP, said. The organisation warned that escalating tensions could point to further security or military activity, including the risk of missile launches or heightened air defence operations, increasing the danger of civil aircraft being misidentified. Google plans to build three subsea cables in Papua New Guinea, funded by Australia under a mutual defence agreement between the two countries. According to Reuters, the US$120 million backbone upgrade forms part of the Pukpuk Treaty signed in October, under which Australia committed to the mutual defence of Papua New Guinea. PNGs acting minister for information and communications technology, Peter Tsiamalili, said the project reflects the shared commitment of both nations to strengthening digital security, regional stability and national development. Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the cables will also help lower connectivity costs, boost economic activity and expand educational opportunities. Australia has committed more than AUD450 million (around US$300 million) to support subsea cable projects across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including the Coral Sea Cable linking Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Australia, an Australian foreign affairs official told Reuters. The news agency reported that Australia is pursuing these investments in part to counter Chinas growing influence in the region, which Canberra views as a security concern. Australia and Papua New Guinea has been in talks to construct the cables since July. Iran shut its airspace to all flights at 5:15 pm ET (2215 GMT / 3:45 am IST Thursday), allowing only international services to and from the country with official clearance, according to a notice on the FAA website, Reuters reported. Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated, while protests continue nationwide in the Islamic Republic. On Thursday, Air India cancelled at least three flights to the US, and some European services are expected to be delayed due to the closure of Iranian airspace, PTI reported, citing a source. Also Read | Trump weighs in on exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's ability to lead Iran The cancellations include two flights from the national capital to New York and Newark, and one from Mumbai to New York, the source told PTI. In a post on X, the airline said that due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays. Air India normally flies over Iranian airspace on routes to the U.S. and Europe, but the alternative is to reroute over Iraq. PTI reported, citing a source, that flying via Iraq would extend flight times, leaving planes without enough fuel for some US services. With Pakistans airspace already closed, Air India is taking longer routes for many westbound flights. IndiGo issues advisory Meanwhile, India's largest airline, IndiGo, said some of its international flights would be impacted by Iran's sudden airspace closure. In a post on X, IndiGo said the situation was beyond their control, adding, Due to the sudden airspace closure by Iran, some of our international flights are impacted. If your flight is impacted, we encourage you to visit our website to explore flexible rebooking options or to claim a refund, as per your preference," IndiGo said. Meanwhile, Air India also said some of its flights were being cancelled when rerouting wasn't feasible. The airline added that, due to the developing situation in Iran, its flights that normally pass over the area are now taking alternate routes, which could cause delays. Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled, Air India said on X. Reuters reported that an Aeroflot flight headed to Tehran turned back to Moscow after the airspace closure, based on data from Flightradar24. Earlier Wednesday, Germany warned its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace, shortly after Lufthansa adjusted its Middle East operations as regional tensions intensified. The US already bans its commercial airlines from flying over Iran, and there are no direct routes between the two countries. Carriers such as flydubai and Turkish Airlines have also cancelled several Iran-bound flights in the past week. According to Safe Airspace a flight-risk information site run by OPSGROUP many airlines have scaled back or halted services and most are steering clear of Iranian airspace, Reuters reported. The group warned that the situation could indicate potential security or military activity, including possible missile launches or heightened air-defence responses, raising the risk of civilian aircraft being misidentified, according to the report. On Wednesday, Lufthansa said that it would avoid both Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice and would operate only daytime flights to Tel Aviv and Amman through next Monday to prevent crews from overnight stays. MEA on Iran conflict Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday strongly advised Indian nationals to avoid travel to Iran until further notice in view of the rising tensions and protests 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," the MEA said in a statement. The advisory follows an earlier warning issued on 5 January amid concerns over the worsening security situation in Iran. Separately, the Indian Embassy in Tehran advised Indian nationals currently in Iran to leave the country at the earliest opportunity. "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 in an advisory on X. "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, business persons and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights," it added. An astronaut requiring medical treatment left the International Space Station on Wednesday, accompanied by three fellow crew members, marking NASAs first-ever medical evacuation from the ISS, as reported by AP. The four returning astronauts from the U.S., Russia and Japan are aiming for an early Thursday morning splashdown in the Pacific near San Diego with SpaceX, according to the report. Watch video here: The decision cuts short their mission by over a month. Officials refused to identify the astronaut who needed care last week and would not divulge the health concerns. AP reported that the ailing astronaut is stable, safe and well cared for, outgoing space station commander Mike Fincke said earlier this week via social media. This was a deliberate decision to allow the right medical evaluations to happen on the ground, where the full range of diagnostic capability exists." Launched in August, Cardman, Fincke, Japans Kimiya Yui, and Russias Oleg Platonov were originally scheduled to stay aboard the space station until late February. What happened? However, on Jan. 7, NASA suddenly called off a planned spacewalk by Cardman and Fincke and later announced that the crew would return sooner than expected. Officials noted that the medical issue had nothing to do with the spacewalk or other station activities and declined to provide specifics due to medical privacy, adding that the situation was not an emergency, AP reported. NASA said it would stick to the same entry and splashdown procedures at flights end, with the usual assortment of medical experts aboard the recovery ship in the Pacific. It was another middle-of-the-night crew return for SpaceX, coming less than 11 hours after undocking from the space station. NASA said it was not yet known how quickly all four would be flown from California to Houston, home to Johnson Space Center and the base for astronauts. One U.S. and two Russian astronauts remain aboard the orbiting lab, just 1 1/2 months into an eight-month mission that began with a Soyuz rocket liftoff from Kazakhstan. NASA and SpaceX are working to move up the launch of a fresh four-person crew from Florida, currently targeted for mid-February, AP reported. Computer modeling predicted a medical evacuation from the space station every three years, but NASA hasn't had one in its 65 years of human spaceflight. The Russians have not been as fortunate. In 1985, Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Vasyutin came down with a serious infection or related illness aboard his countrys Salyut 7 space station, prompting an early return. A few other Soviet cosmonauts encountered less serious health issues that shortened their flights. It was the first spaceflight for Cardman, a 38, biologist and polar explorer who missed out on spacewalking, as well as Platonov, 39, a former fighter pilot with the Russian Air Force who had to wait a few extra years to get to space because of an undisclosed health issue. Cardman should have launched last year but was bumped to make room on the way down for NASAs Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were stuck nearly a year at the space station because of Boeings capsule problems. Fincke, 58, a retired Air Force colonel, and Yui, 55, a retired fighter pilot with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, were repeat space fliers. Finke has spent 1 1/2 years in orbit over four missions and conducted nine spacewalks on previous flights, making him one of NASAs top performers. Last week, Yui celebrated his 300th day in space over two station stays, sharing stunning views of Earth, including Japans Mount Fuji and breathtaking auroras. I want to burn it firmly into my eyes, and even more so, into my heart, Yui said on the social platform X. Soon, I too will become one of those small lights on the ground. NASA officials had said it was riskier to leave the astronaut in space without proper medical attention for another month than to temporarily reduce the size of the space station crew by more than half. Until SpaceX delivers another crew, NASA said it will have to stand down from any routine or even emergency spacewalks, a two-person job requiring backup help from crew inside the orbiting complex. Nearly 200 Sikh men and women gathered around a council flat in Hounslow, England, on Sunday night, where they claimed that a 34-year-old Afghan man was grooming a 16-year-old Sikh girl, according to a report by the Times of India (TOI). The parents of the schoolgirl contacted a Gurdwara in Slough, requesting help as they were desperately worried about their daughter, who had left home to live with the man. She had been meeting the man since she was 14 or 15 and had allegedly been groomed, the report said, citing protesters. The report further cited a video posted on Instagram that showed a Sikh man from the group confronting the man on the stairs. You brainwashed and manipulated her. This isn't Afghanistan, this is England. Why can't you find someone of your own age? the report quoted the man. What are the accusations against the Afghan? He alleged that the Afghan national kept the girl in his flat from 5 AM to 10 PM, along with five or six other men. The Afghan man responded that he was in love with her and claimed he was unaware of her age. Livemint could not independently verify the report. A neighbour mentioned she had observed many underage girls entering the Afghan's flat over a nine-year period and also stated that she had reported this to the police multiple times. There are about four guys in there, the report quoted the neighbour. It's disgusting. The flat has been raided for drugs and is near a school. Also Read | Prosecution flags flaws in verdict acquitting Malayalam actor Dileep According to the report, people gathered outside shouted Pedos out. One of the protesters said, The parents have gone to the police many times, and nothing is being done. Jaspal Singh from the group Shere Panjab is seen in a video knocking at the man's door. Police arrived, eventually took the man away in a van, and the girl returned to her family, who were a part of the demonstration. Why is it that Sikhs had to put a stop to this when police couldn't? This is disgraceful. We are doing the police's job. The Sikh community has been dealing with this for many years and we have had enough, the report quoted Jaspal. The Cell Production Centre at Lausanne University Hospital is operating at full capacity to grow new skin for survivors of Switzerlands deadly New Years Day bar fire, as hospitals continue to treat dozens of patients with severe burns. The January 1 blaze at the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana killed 40 people, mostly teenagers, and injured 116 others. As of the weekend, 80 victims remained hospitalised in Switzerland and abroad. Focused on action There is a lot of emotion, said Laurent Carrez, pharmacist technical manager at the centre in Epalinges, near Lausanne. But for now, were focused on action, he told AFP. The priority is to help these patients as much as possible, Carrez said, whether they are being treated in Switzerland or overseas. Since the tragedy, the centre which operates the only skin-production facility of its size in Europe has been working seven days a week, he added. Surge in requests for lab-grown skin Carrez said the centre has already received 15 requests to grow skin for victims of the Crans-Montana fire close to the 20 requests it usually handles in an entire year. The facility uses small samples of healthy skin from the burn victims themselves, reducing the risk of rejection. From 10 square centimetres of healthy skin, we are able to produce between one and three batches of 2,600 square centimetres, Carrez said, noting that this is roughly equivalent to the surface area of a human back. However, he explained that the lab-grown tissue does not contain hair or sweat glands. Why lab-grown skin is critical The centre plays a vital role in cases of extensive burns, said Olivier Pantet, a severe burns specialist at Lausanne University Hospital. When 50 to 60 percent of the body surface area is burned, we have to grow skin in laboratories because we cannot do it simply by using the remaining healthy skin, Pantet said. Lausanne University Hospital is currently treating seven patients injured in the blaze. Inside the cleanroom In sterile cleanrooms, technicians refresh nutrient solutions in which skin cells are cultivated to stimulate growth. So far, weve received biopsies from the patients. Weve collected and stored their cells, Carrez said. We are about to begin the second phase, which is the most critical: the multiplication of keratinocyte tissue skin. This phase lasts about three weeks, during which cells multiply in dishes until they form layered tissue. At a certain point, they stop growing, and thats when we know theyre ready, Carrez said. They have achieved their desired function and are ready to form the equivalent of skin. Once mature, the skin grafts must be applied within two days, requiring close coordination with hospitals. Grafting risks and recovery The success of skin grafts is not guaranteed. If 80 percent of the grafts take, we are very happy its an excellent result, Pantet said. While awaiting grafts, doctors may use airtight dressings, skin from deceased donors or even fish skin to protect burned areas. Pantet said many survivors suffered burns that are both extensive and deep. Patients are treated in high-humidity rooms kept at around 30 degrees Celsius, with careful monitoring of hydration and body temperature. Following grafting, doctors must manage joint positioning using splints before patients begin a long rehabilitation process, he added. Cause of the fire Prosecutors believe the inferno started when champagne bottles fitted with sparklers were raised too close to sound-insulating foam on the ceiling of the bars basement. Investigations into the disaster are ongoing. The Trump administration announced that it has cancelled more than 100,000 visas in 2025, including roughly 8,000 student visas, explaining the move as a record under its immigration policies aimed at safeguarding the United States from individuals considered threats to public safety or national security. In a statement posted on social media on Monday, the US State Department said it would continue removing dangerous individuals from the country to ensure public safety. According to the department, the revoked visas include about 2,500 specialised visas held by people who had prior encounters with US law enforcement related to criminal activity. In an interview with Mint, Varun Singh, Managing Director of Bengaluru-based immigration consultancy XIPHIAS Immigration, discussed the impact of the Trump administrations H-1B visa reforms and explained why many students are increasingly viewing Europe as a serious backup option. (Edited excerpts) How are the Trump govts H1B visa reforms affecting the job prospects for Indian STEM graduates in the US, and do alternatives like Canada or Australia offer more stable pathways? Indian STEM graduates are becoming far more conscious that the US pathway is no longer driven only by academic merit or employability. Outcomes are increasingly shaped by visa selection mechanics and employer risk appetite. The shift away from a purely random H-1B lottery toward a more weighted or prioritised selection framework has made outcomes feel less predictable for early-career graduates. Entry-level profiles, especially those starting at lower wage bands, are concerned that even with strong credentials, selection may now depend more on compensation levels, role criticality, and the employers willingness to absorb compliance risk. In contrast, Canada and Australia are perceived as more rules-based rather than probability-based. US outcomes are starting to feel more employer-and offer-dependent than lottery-dependent. Canada and Australia look more predictable on paper, even as they recalibrate inflowspushing students to become more ROI- and pathway-aware rather than blindly country-loyal. With the recent overhaul of US student visas under the Trump administration, are Indian students shifting towards European universities for Masters programmes? We are not seeing a wholesale shift away from the US, but we are clearly seeing portfolio thinking emerge. Europe is increasingly being evaluated as a serious Plan Band in some cases Plan Aparticularly for Masters programmes. Countries like Germany and the Netherlands stand out because they offer clearly defined post-study transition windows. Germany allows graduates a structured job-search period after completion, while the Netherlands orientation year gives eligible graduates time to work or start a business without immediate sponsorship pressure. The decision is becoming less about tuition cost or rankings, and more about whether a country offers a transparent bridge from education to employment. Europe is gaining traction precisely because that bridge is visible and relatively stable. In your recent client interactions, what emerging destinations or hybrid strategies are gaining traction as lower-risk alternatives to the traditional Big Four (US, Canada, UK, Australia)? We are seeing growing interest in hybrid migration strategies, especially among students and young professionals looking to reduce single-country risk. New Zealand has emerged as a credible starting point for some profiles because its post-study work framework is clearly defined, and recent developments under the IndiaNew Zealand FTA have strengthened confidence around structured mobility discussions. For many, the appeal is not speed, but certaintyknowing what comes after graduation. At the same time, Middle Eastern hubs, particularly the UAE, are increasingly being considered as long-term career bases rather than short-term detours. Longer-duration residency options have changed how professionals evaluate stability in the region, especially for tech, consulting, and business roles. Amid Trumps crackdown on H1B lotteries, how are Indian students evaluating the ROI of US education versus emerging options in Singapore or New Zealand for tech and business fields? The ROI conversation around US education has become far more scenario-based. Students are now stress-testing outcomes under two downside possibilities: not securing an H-1B despite a strong job, and higher compliance or post-study uncertainty. When those risks are factored in, alternatives like Singapore and New Zealand become more attractive for certain profiles. Singapore is not an easy optionit is explicitly merit- and salary-filtered. It works best for candidates who already have strong offers, niche skills, or brand-name employers. New Zealand, by contrast, appeals to those who value a clearly stated post-study work runway and reduced lottery exposure, even if the market is smaller. Looking ahead to the rest of 2026 and beyond, what practical advice would you give Indian students and young professionals to build a resilient migration plan amid global policy volatility? The biggest shift we advise students to make is to stop thinking in terms of a single destination and start thinking in terms of a pathway to resilience. Students should evaluate education choices backwards from post-study work rights and residency pathwaysnot rankings alone. They should assume that policies can change mid-cycle and build at least one credible alternative. And they should invest early in employabilityinternships, industry exposure, and role readiness matter more than ever. In 2026 and beyond, the strongest migration plans will be those that balance education quality with clarity of outcomes. Beginning 15 December, the State Department also introduced stricter screening measures for H-1B work visas and H-4 dependent visas, which include reviews of applicants social media activity. These enhanced checks have led to the postponement of many H-1B visa interviews across India, delaying them by several months and leaving some visa holders who travelled to India for visa stamping unable to return to the United States. The United States announced on 14 January an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Russia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Thailand, as part of President Donald Trumps intensified immigration enforcement policies. The pause, which begins on 21 January, has raised widespread questions about who is affected, how the policy works and what the implications are for global migration to the US. What exactly has the US government announced? The US State Department has said it will indefinitely suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries from 21 January 2026. The pause affects those applying for immigrant visas, which are issued to people seeking permanent residence in the United States. The State Department directed US Consular officers to pause or refuse visas already approved but not yet printed, while it reassesses screening and vetting procedures under existing law. Who is affected by the suspension? The suspension covers a broad and geographically diverse group of countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Countries explicitly identified in reporting include: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, North Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, 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. Why is the US suspending visa processing for these countries? According to the State Department, the review aims to ensure the highest level of screening and vetting for all applicants, with an emphasis on determining whether immigrants might become a public charge that is, likely to rely on government welfare or public benefits. Officials have cited long-standing authority to deem ineligible applicants on that basis. 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. Does the suspension affect all types of US visas? No. The US has only paused immigrant visas, meant for individuals seeking to settle permanently in the United States. It does not affect non-immigrant visas such as those for tourism, business or study, which remain in force and are processed normally. The US Department of State has issued consular guidance to screen non-immigrant visa applicants more rigorously for potential reliance on public benefits, but the underlying suspension specifically targets immigrant visas. Does this affect Indian citizens? No. India is not among the list of 75 countries affected by the suspension. Immigrant visa processing for Indian nationals continues as normal. However, immigration lawyers caution that overall scrutiny has increased globally, meaning applicants from all countriesincluding Indiamay face stricter financial and background checks, longer processing times, and more requests for documentation. What if I am an Indian citizen but my spouse is from a suspended country? In such cases, the application is likely to be affected. Experts say that if the primary immigrant visa applicant is a citizen of a suspended countrysuch as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia or Thailandprocessing will be paused, even if the spouse or sponsor is an Indian or American. Mixed-nationality families are expected to face significant delays until the suspension is lifted or exemptions are announced. What if I hold dual citizenship one from a listed country and one from a non-listed country? This is one of the most complex grey areas. US consular officers typically process immigrant visas based on the passport used for the application. If an applicant holds dual citizenship and applies using a passport from a non-suspended country, they may still be eligible for processing. However, US officials may closely examine ties to the suspended country, and outcomes could vary by case. Immigration experts advise dual nationals to seek legal counsel before applying, as inconsistent handling is possible during the review period. Is this a travel ban or a country ban? No, but it is close in effect for permanent migrants. The policy does not ban travel, nor does it stop tourists, students or business travellers from entering the US. It specifically targets immigrant visas, meaning those seeking permanent residence or green cards. That said, critics argue that the suspension functions like a de facto country-based restriction on legal migration. What does public charge actually mean for applicants? A public charge refers to someone deemed likely to rely on government welfare or benefits in the United States. Also Read | US visa application approved within a minute: Reddit user shares experience Under the policy review, US consular officers may scrutinise applicants for: Income and savings Employment prospects Sponsorship strength Family size and dependents State Department officials say this authority has existed for decades, but they are now applying it more aggressively. Are refugees, asylum seekers or emergency cases exempt? The State Department has not announced broad exemptions yet. Historically, humanitarian cases, special immigrant visas, or emergency medical situations may receive discretionary consideration. However, until formal guidance is released, most immigrant visa categories remain paused for affected countries. Why are countries like Russia, Pakistan and Bangladesh included? US officials say internal data suggested higher risks of applicants from these countries seeking public benefits after arrival. The government has not published country-specific data, prompting criticism that the criteria lack transparency and disproportionately affect developing or politically sensitive nations. How long will this suspension last? There is no end date. The State Department says the pause will remain in place while the department reassesses immigration processing procedures, without committing to a timeline or benchmarks for lifting it. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday to talk about Venezuelas future, despite Trump having questioned her credibility to assume leadership following a bold US military operation "Absolute Resolve" that captured then-President Nicolas Maduro. She told reporters the meeting was great after departing the White House around 2:40 pm (local time), as per Reuters. The lunch meeting was their first face-to-face encounter. What did White House say? Trump was anticipating a good and positive discussion with Machado, who is really a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela", White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt informed reporters, according to AP. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt added that Trump supports holding new Venezuelan elections when the time is right, though she did not specify when he expects that to happen. Leavitt explained that Machado requested the face-to-face meeting without establishing expectations for the outcome. I dont think he needs to hear anything from Ms. Machado," the press secretary said, other than to have a frank and positive discussion about whats taking place in Venezuela. Trump stated that it would be challenging for Machado to lead because she doesnt have the support within or the respect within the country. Her party is widely believed to have won the 2024 elections that were rejected by Maduro. She had previously offered to share her Nobel Peace Prize, which she won last year, with Trump, an award he has long coveted. Meanwhile, after her White House meeting, Machado is scheduled to meet with members of the Senate. Her Washington trip followed the US seizure of another sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea, which the Trump administration says had connections to Venezuela. This move is part of a broader US effort to control Venezuelas oil after American forces captured Maduro and his wife at a heavily guarded compound in Caracas and brought them to New York to face trial on drug trafficking charges. Also Read | Venezuelan oppositions calls to oust Maduro aided legal case for removal White House spokeswoman Leavitt said that Venezuela's interim authorities have been fully cooperating with the Trump administration, and Rodriguezs government announced plans to release additional prisoners held under Maduro, including five Americans this week. Rodriguez has reportedly taken a less confrontational stance toward Trump compared to immediately after Maduros ouster, indicating she believes the Republican administration's America First policies toward the Western Hemisphere can work for Venezuela, at least for now. For all the effort Washington made to cut Chinas exports to size, it has not altered the Asian manufacturing powerhouses basic economic orientation, as its latest trade figures show. Official data released on Wednesday reveal a record trade surplus posted by China in 2025. At $1.2 trillion, its excess of exports over imports is the highest any country has ever recorded. This, despite US President Donald Trumps tariff offensive. While Beijings tit-for-tat response got him to back off somewhat, US trade barriers still stand higher than they were earlier. This has led to a fall in Chinese exports to the US. But Beijing has been able to make up for them through increased exports to other markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. For China, this is another feather in the cap as it spars with the United States on trade. But the rest of the world has reason to be concerned. The flooding of Chinese goods into world markets risks putting local factories everywhere out of work as they are outcompeted by cheap Chinese goods produced on the back of state subsidies. Demand weakness in China amid a property slump has meant that Beijing will continue to target overseas markets to keep its assembly lines moving and people employed. Europe, for instance, has been weighing options to protect itself from cheap Chinese imports. Others including India will have to be watchful too. While our domestic capacity has grown, imports from China have been rising as well. So long as these are for inputs, though, it should aid our production capabilities. Nearly two decades ago, India promised itselfand the USthat nuclear power would be its next big bet. The two countries signed a landmark deal on civilian nuclear energy in 2008, amid protests from politicians and activists alike. The late Manmohan Singh, then prime minister, bet his governments very survival on passing that piece of legislationa wager he won, contributing to its re-election a year later. But all that political capital was wasted in the years that followed. Investment didnt flow in. No new plants that used world-class technology or private-sector expertise got built. That might finally be about to change. In December, Indias Parliament passed a new bill that is supposed to make it easier for private companies, including foreign ones, to build and operate nuclear power plants. It ends a de-facto state monopoly on this source of energyand, even more importantly, aligns Indias legal framework with global norms, so investors know what theyre getting into. Hopefully, this hasnt come too late for power-hungry India. Nuclear contributes only about 3% of its electricity. As renewable energy scales up across the country, many worry that its intermittent nature will keep dirty coal plants in business longer than necessary. But New Delhi has finally accepted that the base load power demand of the future will need supplementary capacity and nuclear plants are one way to go about it. These ambitions are small compared to Indias sizebut vast by any other standards. The government plans for 100 gigawatts of nuclear-energy capacity by 2047, the 100th anniversary of independence, up from less than nine gigawatts today. In other words, it intends to build the equivalent of Americas entire reactor fleet over the next generation. This is one of the biggest opportunities in Indias energy sector in years. Unsurprisingly, there are a few companies that are already interested. Bloomberg News has reported that Adani Group intends to kick things off with small modular reactors in the most populous state, Uttar Pradesh. Several other large conglomerates are also apparently keen. But that wont be enough. Officials have estimated a build-out of this scale will cost $217 billion. Domestic capital cant do that alone; foreign companies will need to get involved. This is where the second part of the December law comes in. The rules have been changed to reflect global liability standards, removing the biggest reason that the 2008 nuclear deal underperformed. This has been a political landmine for a very long time. In 1984, a pesticide plant in the central Indian town of Bhopal leaked a highly toxic gas. Thousands died. We still dont know exactly how manybut enough to make it the worlds deadliest industrial disaster. Many Indians still believe the plants operator, the US company Union Carbide, got off too lightly. The shadow of Bhopal has meant that the Indian state has always wanted to ensure it could go after suppliers of industrial equipment if needed; but, across the world, the liability for nuclear accidents is usually shouldered by a plants operator, not those who provide the technology and equipment. Moving beyond this was essential to finally make nuclear energy projects financeable. But the government shouldnt skip out on the other half of the bargain: Regulation. The controls that Indias new law proposes appear strong enoughon paper. But unless the government is very careful, things might be different in practice. This is particularly true once well-connected business groups get involved. In sectors from coal to airports to telecom, apparently independent regulators have been accused of being too weak on politically influential Indian corporations. Thats bad anywhere. In the nuclear sector, it could be disastrous. The problem of information asymmetry is unusually severe, the care required unusually high and the damage that an accident could cause uniquely irreversible. Regulators thus have to believe that they can delay projects, shut down plants and even embarrass tycoons in public if need be. India tends to build sectors first and regulate them later. With nuclear power, it must do both together. It will save billions by allowing the private sector in, but it must also spend billions on independent laboratories, well-paid inspectors and real-time monitoring. The government is right to hope that private capital will help manage the awesome upfront cost of building the worlds second-largest fleet of reactors. But it has a startup cost of its own to pay as well: The creation of regulatory expertise and governance capacity. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Kerala state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), predicts that the forthcoming assembly elections will change the state's political landscape. He argues that the BJPs developmental politics will create an impact on Keralas voters who are seeking a change. Fiscal indiscipline and hubris exhibited by the CPM and a visionless campaign by a divided Congress will be punished by the voters this time around, says Chandrasekhar, who was earlier the Minister of State in the Electronics and Information Technology Ministry. A technologist who was part of the architectural team that designed the Intel processor in the US, he feels that Kerala squandered a huge opportunity in getting ahead in IT and Electronics, despite gaining a head start in the 1980s. In this exclusive interview, Chandrasekhar talks about how the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will play a significant role in the formation of the next government in Kerala, as it looks to change the political landscape in the state. Excerpts: BJP has been a marginal player in Kerala politics for decades. The United Democratic Front, led by the Congress, and the Left Democratic Front, led by the CPM, continue to hold sway in the state. CPM, under Pinarayi Vijayan, has been in charge of the state for two consecutive terms. In the forthcoming Assembly elections in 2026, do you see a crack in the Communist wall? I have no reservations in stating that Kerala is stuck in a rut. The CPM governments response to peoples aspirations has been found wanting. Malayalis have had enough of the kind of politics that essentially is a treadmill of unnecessary controversies that drag the state down and also personal attacks on political rivals. My feeling is that the voters are looking forward to a shift towards developmental politics. Progress and development were put on the back burner by successive CPM and Congress governments in the last two decades. BJP is putting forward a programme of inclusive development which will enable Malayalis to find work in Kerala. We are providing a fresh alternative to voters who are tired of the politics of CPM and Congress. From a BJP standpoint, what are your expectations from the forthcoming Assembly elections in Kerala? Theres a strong anti-CPM sentiment in Kerala, with all their failings in the last five years and beyond. Congress hasnt proved to be a good alternative for the voters either. Im extremely confident that the political landscape of Kerala will change with this election. Thats my firm conviction. Im no political pundit, but I know that NDA will play a significant role in the formation of the next government in Kerala. Why do you think Kerala is in such a poor financial condition despite the high human index indicators and a well-developed workforce? (the off-budget borrowings rose from 4 lakh crore in 2022-23 to over 4.33 lakh crore in 2023-24, according to the latest CAG report). Theres a huge outflow of talented youth to other states and countries, enormously depleting the talent pool back home. The huge dependence on foreign remittances continues unabated as well. Kerala had a head start with its superior human development indices and resultant higher standard of living. Effective policies around land redistribution and focus on education and healthcare gave it early impetus and some of the chief ministers and political leaders back then did a good job. But in the last 20 years, the state missed out on a series of opportunities. Today, the youth are deserting the state in very large numbers. It would soon lead to a crisis. We all know that talent heads out to find opportunities. The policies of successive governments havent helped create jobs in the state and the highly talented workforce in Kerala had to invariably leave the state. The neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu has around 24-26 lakh industrial workers, while Kerala has around one lakh workers. The debt trap has affected further investments in healthcare and education and the state has reached a dead end financially, in my opinion. The financial indiscipline of the LDF and the UDF is the prime reason. As you mentioned, Kerala had a head start in the early 80s with electronics companies like Keltron leading the charge. But over time, Kerala has lost its innovation edge. As a technologist yourself, how do you view this situation? Let me tell you an example. I had recently attended a seminar on artificial intelligence (AI) in Singapore and three of the people who presented at the event were Malayalis and all of them were working outside Kerala. The state has some of the best brains in the technological sector, but they dont have the opportunities to put their talent to use within the state. Kerala has so much untapped potential in IT, electronics, modern agriculture and even high-end tourism. The state has the potential to become the food basket of South India but today we are a net food importer. Its tragic. One of the reasons why BJP has not been able to make much progress in the state of Kerala is because of the Hindutva party image. How do you plan to fight that? Thats a carefully developed narrative created by the CPM and the Congress. It has proved to be an effective joint venture, creating a sense of fear of the BJP among minorities. Please judge us by our conduct and track record and lets have an open discussion in this matter. Its the other parties that play religious politics, not us. Lets take the case of Jamaat-e-Islami. Its one political party that both CPM and Congress have been working/aligning with. Jamaat-e-Islami has openly said that it does not believe in a secular country. They are all for an Islamic nation. Of course, well challenge such a position. The recent local body elections in Kerala have proved that our position on matters of national security and model of development was right. As a party, we do not believe in appeasement whether its majority or minority appeasement. Whats BJPs roadmap for the state? How do you think your party can turn around the states fortunes? Look, we are not claiming that we are magicians or geniuses who can quickly turn around the state of affairs in Kerala. What we can promise is hard work and commitment which would enable Kerala to become a proud, surging economy if we are given the power to do so by the people. We will work towards turning the state into an investment-friendly destination by working on policies that will attract Malayalis back to their state. All those engineers working in Bengaluru, Gurugram and Hyderabad will have the option of returning. Even Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra had debt concerns. But they surmounted that challenge with fiscal discipline. Its about having that iron will to progress. UP today has a large number of modern data centres along with a robust electronics manufacturing cluster. If the ruling party has political clarity and a purposeful vision, development will follow. Sublaunch is a platform designed to help creators monetize their communities through paid access to messaging platforms like Telegram, Discord, WhatsApp, and online courses. By offering tools to manage subscriptions, payments, and content access, Sublaunch aims to streamline the monetization process for community leaders and content creators. Key Features No-Code Page Builder: Sublaunch provides an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, enabling users to create customized landing pages without any coding knowledge. 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The phone was first showcased by the company in May last year, but the company had never officially confirmed when the device would be launching either in India or in its home market, China. However, a new leak reveals that the phone has already received Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification and will soon be debuting in India. As per tipster Yogesh Brar, the Realme phone with the model number RMX5107 has received BIS certification on 22 December and is slated to debut in India in January 2026. Meanwhile, Realme's head of product marketing, Francis Wong, also shared a post on X showing an upcoming phone displaying its battery stats after using it for more than 30 days. Wong showed the phone with 3 percent battery remaining and stated that he would not charge it till launch day, showcasing the battery prowess of the device. What to expect from Realme's 10,000mAh battery phone? Last year, Realme had said that its 10,000mAh battery phone will come with a thickness of 8.5mm and weigh just over 200 grams. The company had also revealed that it is using an ultra-high silicon content anode battery for the phone, with a 10 percent silicon ratio and an energy density of 887Wh/L. It also said that for accommodating the large battery, the company is using a Mini Diamond Architecture for the phones internals. The phone was also said to come with the world's narrowest mainboard at just 23.4mm. Leaks suggest that the phone could be a part of the Realme P series lineup, which would make it a mid-range device. In this segment, Realme may become the first smartphone maker to debut a 10,000mAh battery phone in India. There is no clarity yet on what kind of fast charging Realme would provide to top up this 10,000mAh battery phone. Verizon is in the midst of another cellular and data outage which has impacted thousands of the company's customers. As per outage tracking website Downdetector, the outage peaked at over 1,75,000 reports, with 60% of users complaining about Mobile Phone issues, 35% about No Signal and 5% about Mobile Internet. The company has acknowledged the outage in a post on X while also apologizing to affected users. It said, Today, we let many of our customers down and for that, we are truly sorry. They expect more from us. Also Read | YouTube introduces new parental controls and limits on Shorts for teens We are working non-stop and making progress. Our teams will continue to work through the night until service is restored for all impacted customers.We will make this right - for any customer affected, we will provide account credits and share updates soon. the company added Verizon's team is on the ground actively working to fix todays service issue that is impacting some customers. We know this is a huge inconvenience, and our top priority is to get you back online and connected as fast as possible. We appreciate your patience while we work to resolve this issue. the company said in another post How is social media reacting to Verizon outage? "Verizon "outage map" is super useful.....NOT. Idiots.... Almost half the country lost service but the maps shows almost zero issues." wrote one user on Reddit Im so curious what the issue will be revealed at the end of this. Weve been seeing more of these massive outages. AWS, Cloudflare, Microsoft, Google. The more dependency on a short list of major infrastructure organizations, the more centralized we become, the worse off we are. added another user Also Read | Elon Musk denies claims Grok AI generates illegal images of minors "Verizon had a national outage and confirmed it via their company social media. Their own website and app went down too. Service was down for 30 mins for me, just came back up. Welp, went back down again. Looks like they're having a lot of issues. Bad day to be a Verizon tech." added another user (Bloomberg) -- The UK is considering following Australia in imposing a social media ban for children under 16 years old, amid growing calls for restrictions to protect vulnerable younger users. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Thursday that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is encouraging debate on whether to impose an online ban for young people, following a report in the Sun that he has ordered officials to examine how Australias own exclusion is working. Im certainly in favor of action in this area, Streeting told Sky News, pointing to his own concerns about the impact of social media on the wellbeing and cognitive development of children. The flurry of activity comes after the UK separately threatened action against Elon Musks X platform over the thousands of sexually suggestive images generated by its artificial intelligence tool Grok. Streeting said hes glad the government forced this change in approach after X announced it would disable the ability for people to use Grok to create such images of women and children. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall told the House of Commons on Monday that banning social media for under-16s is not current government policy, but that she is determined to take action and would be driven by the evidence. The government announced earlier this week that it would issue advice to parents on how children under five should use screens. Any move on social media would be likely to garner support from other parties. The Liberal Democrats last year called for health warnings on social media for children, as well as time caps on so-called doomscrolling. Main opposition Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, meanwhile, said earlier this month shed like to see age limits on social media because the internet is a wild west. What we want to see is common sense: protection for children and freedom for adults, Badenoch told the BBC. Meanwhile Nigel Farage, leader of the poll-leading Reform UK Party said hes not very keen, generally, on banning things and that Britain should see how the Australian measures are working in six months time. How Does Australias Social Media Ban for Kids Work?: QuickTake Australia became the worlds first democracy to undertake such a crackdown last month, by passing and enforcing a law which compels social media platforms including X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to keep under-16s off their sites or face hefty fines. The governments move was driven by a desire to protect children from harmful content, bullying, grooming and sexual extortion, as well as youth suicides linked to online abuse. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com A tiny Longford publishing house is heading to Showcase Ireland for the very first time. Showcase Ireland will be displaying creativity and craftsmanship of experienced brands, standout products and talented makers across home and gift, fashion, jewellery and wellness. Read more: Throwback Tuesday: Super 'Stars in my Eye' show lights up Longford stage Founded by Halyna Budilova, who is from Ukraine and now in Longford, Little Beetle Press is a creative childrens content agency based in Ireland. We create books, songs, cartoons, and other educational and entertaining content for children, their parents, guardians, and teachers all over the world. Visitors to Showcase can come and meet Halyna, and discuss books, collaborations, libraries, licensing or bold ideas, and request interested people to send a DM to book a chat during the national event. The publishing house caters to children with diverse needs by offering: Braille, bilingual editions, and augmented reality. Braille, bilingual editions, and augmented reality. They do not just focus on books, but comics to music, games, and interactive experiences as well to spark creativity for its young demographic. The Showcase website lists 'Eco Tales of Giants', 'A Very Very Angry Book' and 'A Magical Summer of Tir na Nog' on its products list under the Little Beetle Press brand. Read more: Eyes down!! Bingo returns to Longford's Temperance Hall The designated hall listed is the Local Enterprise Office and its Showcase stand is L13. Showcase Ireland takes place from January 18-20, in RDS Dublin. Further information about the nationwide exhibitors can be found on the website, which includes opening times and is exclusive for trade visitors. Australians are rebalancing their portfolios dramatically. 75% plan to increase US exposure while 67% are doubling down on local markets. The strategy reflects confidence despite geopolitical concerns. Whats Happening: Australian investors are entering 2026 with unprecedented enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and aggressive global diversification. Why This Matters: This marks a fundamental shift in how Australian investors approach markets. The appetite for AI and technology, combined with strategic rebalancing toward US markets, signals investors believe high-growth sectors will outperform in 2026 despite macro uncertainty. The numbers are striking. Ninety-two percent of Australian investors express interest in leveraging AI tools for investment support. More than half are already using AI occasionally or regularly. Another 37% are interested but havent started yet. The adoption curve is steep and accelerating. This isnt passive curiosity. It reflects genuine conviction about AIs utility in investment decision-making. It is clear investors are excited about using AI as a powerful complement, not a replacement, for human judgment. The demand is practical, investors want AI to surface ideas, summarise complex research, and identify potential risks to improve decision quality, explains Michael McCarthy, Moomoo chief executive officer. The split between AI-only users and hybrid approaches tells an important story. Sixty-two percent of investors want both AI and human advice, seeking a balanced approach where technology and expertise work in tandem. Only 12% commit exclusively to AI tools. The specific uses reveal investor priorities. Most want basic support: finding investment ideas, identifying opportunities within noise, and surfacing research that matters. But a sizable minority signals something deeper. Thirty-one percent want AI to create an entire investment plan from scratch, indicating growing trust in AI for structured financial planning. That trend accelerates confidence. When AI stops being a research assistant and becomes a portfolio architect, investor behaviour shifts fundamentally. Where investors are placing bets The investment intentions for 2026 reveal a dramatic rebalancing already underway. Seventy-five percent of investors plan to increase US market exposure. Sixty-seven percent plan to increase Australian market exposure. On the surface, this appears contradictory. Examined closely, it reveals strategy: investors are diversifying globally while maintaining local conviction. The shift is significant because it inverts current allocation. Currently, 82% of investors hold Australian investments, while 65% hold US investments. By year-end, the intention is clear: increase US weighting substantially while refusing to abandon the local market. Technology and AI dominate sector conviction. Forty-seven percent will maintain current technology investments, while 43% plan to increase them. Only 10% plan to reduce exposure. This demonstrates remarkable consistency: investors collectively believe technology will outperform in 2026. Beyond equities, appetite spreads. Precious metals and cryptocurrencies are likely choices for a third of all investors surveyed. Exchange-traded fund usage is set to rise, with 50% planning to increase adoption and another 46% considering it. The pattern is unmistakable: investors are concentrating bets on growth sectors, particularly in the US, while diversifying across asset classes to hedge risk. Its an aggressive posture dressed in cautious language. Why confidence outpaces certainty Here lies the paradox. Sixty-eight percent of investors plan to maintain current risk levels. Twenty-five percent are willing to increase. Only 7% plan to reduce. This appetite for risk matches expectations of market returns between 5% to 15% in Australia and slightly higher in the US. Yet only 50% expect to achieve their investing goals in 2026. A further 39% are unsure. Longer term, retirement confidence is mixed, with only 22% fully confident of meeting their goals. This confidence gap is real and revealing. Investors believe markets will deliver solid returns. Theyre willing to take risk to capture those returns. But theyre genuinely uncertain whether their individual strategies will work. While investors are more uncertain than pessimistic, they want and need better tools and insights to manage risk and navigate a complex macro landscape to improve their confidence, whether thats a financial adviser or AI assistants in their trading platform, McCarthy explains. The economic landscape justifies both confidence and caution. Sixty-four percent identify broad economic concerns as a key risk influencer. Market volatility concerns 50%. Geopolitics influences 47%. These arent fringe worries. Theyre mainstream concerns shaping allocation decisions. Yet on the homefront, cost-of-living pressure is shaping investors allocation but not stopping investing. About 40% plan to invest more funds in 2026, with a similar amount intending to maintain current levels. This reflects a broad refusal to pull back from markets despite household budget tightness. The survey, which polled 642 active Moomoo users aged mostly between 24 and 44 with less than five years investing experience, captures a specific demographic: engaged, relatively inexperienced investors with high technology adoption and global ambitions. For this cohort, 2026 represents a year of conviction paired with uncertainty. Theyre doubling down on AI and technology, rebalancing toward US markets, and maintaining risk appetite despite recognising genuine macro headwinds. Whether that conviction translates into achieved goals remains to be seen. Whats clear is that Australian investors are placing their bets with eyes open and technology as their trusted co-pilot. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. An innovative young Lanesboro student whose invention won two prestigious awards at the recent Stripe Young Scientist Exhibition (SYSE) is set to take his apparatus stateside this May for a competition hosted by Biotechnology company Regeneron. Ronan Lyons of Lanesboro Community College was presented at the SYSE exhibition with the Regeneron Award (Technology) for his device CAPILL (Compliance Aid Promoting Independent Living Long-Term), a medicine dispenser designed specifically for people with reduced hand mobility arising from conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism and Parkinsons. He also received an award for 'highly commended'. Award winning student Ronan Lyons with his invention CAPILL Despite being in its infancy, CAPILL and its teenage founder are no strangers to success. Last year, his invention also won the Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award at Sci-Fest 2025. This coming May, he will be taking CAPILL to America to compete in the Regeneron competition - the US equivalent of the Young Scientist Exhibition. Speaking to the Longford Leader, the ambitious Lanesboro Community College Leaving Cert student described his SYSE win as surreal even more so as it was completely unexpected. Recalling the inspiration behind his invention, Ronan said, During work experience, I was working in my local pharmacy and I would've heard people saying how difficult it was to use blister packs, so it got me thinking about what I could do to help people with arthritis or rheumatism to access their medication. The device, which holds a week's worth of medication, not only addresses the mobility issue, it also ensures the patient receives the right amount at the right time. To access the pills, the patient must also scan their fingerprint. This ensures that only the intended person can access the medication, and eliminates the risk of a child doing so. The innovation doesnt stop there either. Ronan explains, Im currently working on an app that helps family members and carers keep track of when the medication is taken and it also allows them to intervene if the patient doesn't take the medication on time. Having worked on the CAPILL prototype for around three years, Ronans dedication is admirable. Once he finishes school, the son of Lanesboro Community School Deputy Principal, Michael Lyons, and Homeschool Community Liaison Officer, Mary OBrien hopes to study engineering. TD Micheal Carrigy visiting Ronan's stand at the Young Scientist Exhibition Speaking about Ronan's SYSE success, school principal Hazel Hannon said Were incredibly proud of him but not a bit surprised. "He has everything going for him in terms of his personality and his ability to communicate his vision and the workings of this apparatus and to do it as an individual, I think, is even more challenging because the project was all on him." Yes, he has great family support and great school support, but ultimately it was on him, this achievement. When I visited him on Thursday, and saw the physical product itself, I said you're going to be a worthy prize winner on Friday'." "He said to me, 'I dont know, miss, well see what happens', but I had this gut feeling he would win so when I got a text on Friday night saying he had won two awards - a highly commended and the Regeneron Award - well we were super proud of him." I think it's a testament as well to the great work that the staff are doing in the school around the area of science. Read More: 'Cherishing those roots of home': An ongoing dedication to Longford Two men remain in serious condition in hospital this week following last weekend's collision just outside Longford town. The incident took place in Feraghfad at around 8.10am and was one of two single vehicle crashes to take place in Longford last Sunday. Gardai and emergency services attended the scene where the occupants of the car, both young males, were treated on site before being transported to hospitals in Offaly and Dublin. The driver of the car, aged in his 30's, was brought to the Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore for treatment of serious injuries. The passenger, aged in his late teens, was transported to the Mater Hospital in Dublin, also for serious injuries. Gardai say their investigations into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing. A few hours later, at approximately 3:30pm, emergency services attended the scene of another single vehicle road traffic collision on the N63 near Lanesboro. A female driver, aged in her 40s, was brought to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Longford Gardai are now appealing to motorists with dashcam footage in relation to either incident to come forward. Longford Garda Station can be contacted on 043 33 50570. Read More: Longford IFA and Gardai at the launch of dog control campaign ahead of lambing season The CEO of Longford Womens Link, Tara Farrell, has said digital undressing tools are a form of image-based sexual abuse. She described as deeply disturbing the recent revelations that an AI tool on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) was being used to create explicit imagery by digitally removing the clothing of people, primarily women, without the knowledge or consent of those involved. In some cases, clothing was digitally removed in pictures of children. The tool in question, Grok, is essentially a digital assistant that is - according to X - designed to help users by answering almost any question with a touch of wit and humour. Last month however Grok unveiled a new feature which enabled users to upload and edit an image. This resulted in some users abusing the tool by using it to digitally remove clothing in pictures they had uploaded. Also read: Longford family ask for help following 'sudden' death of one-year-old boy In the wake of uproar surrounding the revelation that explicit content was being generated via Grok, and in light of calls for the complete removal of the tool, X responded by instead placing the feature behind a paywall. This meant Grok would only be available to people who were paid subscribers of X. The move however prompted many to accuse X of monetising the situation. Irish media minister Patrick ODonovan recently deactivated his X account, citing his disgust and discomfort with being on a platform where such activity was allowed. The minister said he has also asked the Attorney General, Rossa Fanning, to determine if existing legislation, which prohibits the sharing of intimate photographs, also extended to images created by AI. Speaking to the Longford Leader, TD Micheal Carrigy voiced his belief that Grok should be banned, and said he supported the comments made by Minister O'Donovan. He went on to add that stronger regulations were required on all platforms to safeguard our children. CEO of Longford Women's Link (LWL) Tara Farrell described the situation as extremely sinister adding that the latest revelations were deeply disturbing. Ms Farrell said clarity was urgently required as to whether existing laws included AI-generated images. She added, Like many organisations, LWL uses social media to highlight issues such as violence against women and also to promote our support services for those who may need them. However this is extremely sinister and shows just how much technology can be put to nefarious use, especially when there does not appear to be any legislative recourse. We are very aware of the criminal offences as they exist in Irish law in relation to the creation and possession of sexual images, however, we urgently need clarity as to whether or not AI-generated images are included." Also read: 'An extraordinary case' as Midlands teacher faked two births and cost state 59,000 Ms Farrell continued, "Digital undressing tools are a form of image-based sexual abuse. Restricting access through a paywall does not prevent harm but simply changes who can afford to cause it. Womens safety and consent must come before profit and any technology that facilitates the non-consensual sexualisation of women and girls raises serious ethical and safeguarding concerns. From a violence against women perspective, prevention must be the priority. Tech platforms should be actively designing out abuse rather than responding only once public pressure is applied. From our work supporting women, we know the psychological impact of such violations can be profound. Technology companies must take responsibility for preventing abuse, not simply restricting access to it." Longford-Westmeath TD, Minister Peter Burke addressed the matter during a press conference recently, adding that he was hugely concerned with some of the reports that had come to light. He told reporters, Our children are the most prized people in our society that we have to protect, and it's incumbent on the government to do that, to protect them, and to ensure that the current legislation, be it EU based or Irish based, is being adhered to appropriately. Obviously we have to let investigations run their course, but I would be hugely concerned seeing some of the reports that have been coming out over the last number of days, and the government has to be very firm on this. I do believe that we have to have very strong safeguarding policies for our children. Also read: Political pioneer Maura Kilbride-Harkin smashed glass ceiling in Longford With regard to the creation of explicit images, Minister Burke said there was no doubt it is totally inappropriate and would have to stop. Two Midlands brothers have been jailed for sexual abuse of their niece during her childhood. James Joseph Jordan (59) and Patrick Fintan Jordan (55) began abusing their niece, Sabrina Fox, when she was just nine-years-old. She has waived her anonymity so they can be named. Ms Fox told the Central Criminal Court the brothers had destroyed her childhood and had shown no remorse for what they had done and continue to do. Also read: Longford family ask for help following 'sudden' death of one-year-old boy She said her uncles had intimidated her at every opportunity and told her she would not be believed. Ms Fox said coming forward had come at a heavy price and affected every aspect of her life but she hoped that now the truth was out some healing could begin. James Joseph Jordan (59), of St Kierans, School Road, Erill, county Laois, pleaded guilty to rape and indecent assault on dates between 1986 and 1991. He was aged between 21 and 25-years-old at the time. Patrick Fintan Jordan (55), of Clohessy Place, Bouladuff, Thurles, county Tipperary also pleaded guilty to rape and indecent assault, on dates between 1986 and 1991. He was aged between 16 and 21 at the time. The offences occurred at Ms Foxs family home in Borris-in-Ossory, county Laois and started when she was aged between eight and nine-years-old. The sexual abuse by the two men continued until Ms Fox was 13-years-old. The abuse began with her being raped by both men on the same night as they were minding her. She recalled the sexual abuse being constant over the following years with the men taking any opportunity to get her alone. Also read: 'An extraordinary case' as Midlands teacher faked two births and cost state 59,000 She spoke to her mother about the abuse after it ended and was told to try and forget it. The men continued to attend family events. In her victim impact statement Ms Fox described how the abuse had left her feeling dirty and ashamed. She told how the men had made her out to be a liar and manipulated those around her so she had been left all alone with no one to turn to and no one listening to her cries for help. She outlined how her health and life had been and continues to be affected by the abuse. She told the court she would never forgive them for what they had taken from her. Passing sentence on Thursday, Mr Justice David Keane said this was a sequence of frequent and persistent rape offences over a period of five years by the men, who were in a position of trust as the victim's uncles and babysitters. He said it was also aggravating that Ms Fox was particularly vulnerable due to her age at the time and noted the long lasting effects of the offending on her. Mr Justice Keane imposed a sentence of nine and half years on both men, to reflect their global offending. He suspended the final year on strict conditions and imposed a three-year post-release supervision order. The judge said the victim impact statement was a powerful document which outlined the significant effect on Ms Fox. He said it was distressing to hear about her misplaced feelings of guilt and shame, noting that the guilt and shame lies squarely with the two defendants. He said the injured party had demonstrated admirable qualities of courage and tenacity by coming forward. He wished her well in her continued recovery. The judge noted the men's respective ages at the time of their offending and said the court had taken this into account. He said he had also considered the mitigation including their guilty pleas, the contents of probation and psychological reports and their respective medical issues. Mr Justice Keane noted that both men were at high risk of suicidal ideation and asked defence counsel to communicate this to the Irish Prison Service. Cathleen Noctor SC, prosecuting, told the court during an earlier sentence hearing that the view of the Director of Public Prosecutions was that the case falls into the more serious range of cases with a sentence of 10 to 15 years. She said in the case of the older man he had been in a position of trust while babysitting her, he had also threatened her and told her not to tell anyone what was happening. Also read: Tributes to hardworking, engaged former Longford councillor Seamus Finnan She said in the case of the younger brother he had been a minor during some of the offending, but also had previous conviction for violence, albeit not sexual violence. Michael Bowman SC, defending James Joseph Jordan, said his client has significant alcohol difficulties and had no accurate recollection of what took place. He does not dispute what the injured party has said. He handed in a letter of apology. He said he has lived all his life in the same community and has no relevant previous convictions. Counsel said the brothers had been raised in circumstances of deprivation without a stable income and their mother had alcohol difficulties. He left school early and began working but as he earned money he developed issues with alcohol. He said his general health is not good. Mr Bowman said the psychological report detailed his client was in need of therapeutic intervention and he was open to undertaking rehabilitative work in custody. He asked the court to take into account the guilty pleas, the fact no other allegations have emerged, that this offending was of some antiquity and within a relatively confined period. He acknowledged the injured party lives with the consequences of the offending all the time. Barry White SC, defending Patrick Fintan Jordan, said because of the mans alcohol abuse his memory is impaired but he accepts the offending occurred. He referred to the psychological report and outlined that the man was quite damaged and will require a lot of psychological assistance in the future. He said this was not readily available within the prison system. He asked the court for such clemency as deemed appropriate in all the circumstances of the case. An investigating garda told Ms Noctor that the victim made a complaint to gardai in 2022 of sexual misconduct by her two uncles and a statement was taken. The court heard that the offending began when Ms Fox was eight, almost nine, years old. The accused men used to look after the girl and her siblings on occasion. She recounted how she had fallen asleep on her parents bed and was woken by James Joseph Jordan pulling her underwear down and raping her. His brother, Patrick Fintan, asked what he was doing and James Joseph said he would show him. He then made Patrick Fintan have sex with her. The accused men later told the girls mother, their sister, that the victim had wet the bed. Ms Fox said she had not but was not believed. The women recounted further incidents of her uncles raping and sexually assaulting her. She also told of the threats the men made to her so she would not disclose what was happening. She said one of the men told her: Your mammy won't believe you, she will believe me. She said she was never fully asleep and was constantly waiting for what would happen next. She said one of the accused men told her: You better not have told your mother, I am the boss. The men also indecently assaulted the victim on a regular basis. The court also heard graphic details of ongoing rapes of the young girl at the hands of the men at her home and locations nearby. She said at some point there was a confrontation between her father and the men. She believed in her mind that her mother was annoyed with her. She said she was safe for about six months but the men returned when her father went away from the house to work. She recounted how on one occasion James Joseph Jordan told her If you let me do it to you, I wont do it to your younger sister. The woman recounted how the abuse became constant, occurring up to five days a week with the men taking any opportunity to get her alone. The offending continued up to 1991. She spoke to her mother about it after 1991 and her mother told her to try and forget about it. The men continued to be part of family occasions the victim had to attend. Also read: Two men remain in serious condition following last weekend's crash The younger man was arrested and interviewed in 2024. He said he had been drinking a lot in his early life and accepted the woman was telling the truth. The older man was also interviewed and said he did not recall the events but accepted it happened the way the injured party said. The man in his late 20s arrested in connection with the murder of Tadgh Farrell and Mary Holt has since been released without charge. The man was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of murder of four-year-old Tadgh and his grandaunt Mary Holt, 60, who were killed following a petrol bomb attack at Castleview Park, Edenderry, count Offaly on December 6, 2025. READ NEXT: Young girl rushed to Temple Street hospital following crash as Gardai appeal for witnesses In a statement on Wednesday, Gardai said, "An Garda Siochana continues to investigate all the circumstances of a fatal house fire that occurred at a domestic residence in Castleview Park, Edenderry, Co. Offaly on the evening of Saturday 6 December, 2025. "As part of this investigation, a man in his late 20s was arrested this morning, January 14, 2026. "He is currently detained on suspicion of murder under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in the midlands." READ NEXT: Irish families could be saving hundreds in 2026 with these seven household tips The attack caused widespread shock and an outpouring of sadness in Edenderry and across the country. A number of searches took place at houses in Offaly and Kildare in the days following the attack Gardai say a file will be prepared for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Investigations are ongoing. RTEs chief financial officer is set to leave the broadcaster after just 18 months in the role. RTE announced on Thursday night that Mari Hurley has decided to take up a new position outside the organisation. Ms Hurley will remain at RTE until spring. She joined the broadcaster in 2024 after it was hit by a number of financial scandals which resulted in the resignation of a director general, Dee Forbes, and the departure of presenter Ryan Tubridy. In a statement Ms Hurley wished her colleagues every success as they continue the significant transformation programme underway at RTE. RTE continues to perform a vital role for Irish audiences as a public service media organisation, she said. The extensive work we have done during my time in RTE has been an important part of the delivery of greater governance across the organisation. RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst paid tribute to her contribution. Since she joined RTE in 2024, Mari has provided excellent professional advice, insight and support to me and to the leadership team in what has been a challenging time for the organisation, he said. I would like to thank her for the significant amount that she has achieved during her time in RTE which has been helpful in putting the organisation back on a financially sustainable path. Mari has been meticulous in dealing with legacy issues as we put a robust governance framework in place for the future and we are grateful to her for that. I would like to offer Mari my very best wishes for her new role. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick ODonovan said he had been informed of the resignation. The minister wishes to thank Ms Hurley for her service and wishes her well in the future. He will be engaging with the chair and director general of RTE in the coming days, they said. Met Eireann has delivered a grim forecast for Ireland for the days ahead as frost, ice, and freezing fog are expected as temperatures are set to plunge yet again. While many areas will be dry and calm this weekend, there will be some well scattered showers with lingering fog, owing to a slack area of low pressure. Heavier and more organised bands of showers will feed in from the Atlantic later Sunday and into Monday. No weather warnings have been issued as of yet but freezing temperatures are on the way for parts of the country giving way to black ice on roads so motorists are urged to be advised. READ NEXT: BREAKING: Man arrested on suspicion for murder of boy and grandaunt in Offaly released Alan O'Reilly has said while there is still some uncertainty around a possible Beast from the East heading our way next week, fog "will be an issue" for some parts. Also Friday and weekend will see just some showers with plenty of dry spells but fog will be issue for some areas and not a lot of sunshine. pic.twitter.com/2TgJAIJab9 Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) January 14, 2026 Today A mix of sunshine and scattered showers this afternoon, especially across Atlantic counties, with thunderstorms and hail at times. Highest temperatures of 5 to 10 degrees, coolest in Ulster, with light to moderate southerly or variable breezes. Long dry spells and further thundery showers tonight, merging to more general falls of rain for south and southwest counties later. Some thunderstorms and hail will occur too. Frost will set in where skies remain clear with the chance of icy stretches. Cold with lowest temperatures of -1 to +3 degrees in light to moderate southeast breezes with some mist and fog patches developing. Friday On Friday morning, any frost or fog will soon clear. Some bright or sunny spells but scattered heavy showers, mainly for southern and eastern areas to begin with the chance of hail and isolated thunderstorms, will extend northeastwards through the day. Highest temperatures of 5 to 9 or 10 degrees in a light to moderate southeasterly or variable breeze. Some scattered showers will occur at night but more notably, widespread fog or freezing fog will develop in near calm. Lowest temperatures of -2 to +3 degrees, coldest away from eastern fringes. READ NEXT: Young girl rushed to Temple Street hospital following crash as Gardai appeal for witnesses Saturday While it will be dry across most areas, overnight fog will linger in places with generally cloudy skies for the day. Isolated showers or light rain and drizzle will affect southern and eastern fringes. A cool still day with highest temperatures of just 4 to 8 degrees in just light southeast or variable breezes. A similar night with stubborn areas of fog, as well as frost where skies clear. Lowest temperatures of -2 to + 3 degrees in near calm. Sunday Overnight mist and fog will once again linger in places for the day. Overall dry for daylight hours with the best of the sunny spells for eastern counties. Rain will push into western counties later in the evening. Highest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in just light to moderate southeasterly winds. Sunday night will be mostly frost-free but with bands of showers moving in from the Atlantic, especially affecting western half of the country. Lowest temperatures of 2 to 6 degrees in mostly moderate southeast winds. READ NEXT: 'Evil' stepmother, who murdered 4-year-old boy, is named after judge lifts reporting restrictions Monday A dull wet day with widespread outbreaks of showery rain. Highest temperatures of 6 to 9 degrees in moderate southeasterly winds. Some uncertainty to the detail for next week but there is a signal for cool or cold weather. Granard's production company, Harp Media, is proud to announce the return of its Student Film and Screenplay Competition for 2026. Collaborating and sponsored by Coimisiun na Mean, the initiative is aimed at promoting filmmaking amongst students in the midlands. PICTURES | Longford's The Little Steps for Ukraine shows positive results The company will be welcoming submissions from secondary school students in Longford, Westmeath and Cavan. Co-founder of the company, Patrick Paddy McGivney said the following: "We're delighted to be running the Harp Media short film competition again this year, kindly supported by Coimisiun na Mean. We've been holding the competition for the past six years now and the standard of work is always incredibly high so we're once again very excited to see the entries." Fellow co-founder, Robert Higgins, added: "Through running this competition, we've been keen to emphasise the accessibility of film and screenwriting as creative mediums. Through our own work, we have always looked to our surroundings for inspiration and we hope this competition encourages young people in the midlands to do the same." Read more: Work of talented Longford designers centre stage at launch of Showcase - Ireland's Creative Expo Those interested should write scripts up to twelve pages long, and films can be up to twelve minutes. The deadline for the Student Film and Screenplay Competition is January 31. To submit, Harp Media has instructed those to use email or via WeTransfer to info@harpmedia.ie. There are prizes to be won, from 250 to trophies for the winning script and film. Many professors in the U.S. and Canada are returning to old-fashioned oral examinations to assess whether students truly understand the material, as the misuse of AI becomes increasingly widespread. Panos Ipeirotis, a data science professor at New York University's Stern School of Business, said he grew concerned that student assignments sounded polished but showed little real understanding. When asked to explain their work in class, many students struggled, leading him to conclude that written submissions no longer accurately measured learning, he wrote in a blog published earlier this month and cited by Business Insider. To address this, Ipeirotis revived oral exams and used an AI agent to conduct them at scale, in an attempt to "fight fire with fire." "We need assessments that evolve toward formats that reward understanding, decision-making, and real-time reasoning," Ipeirotis wrote in his blog. "Oral exams used to be standard until they could not scale," he added. "Now, AI is making them scalable again." Using ElevenLabs conversational technology, he set up an AI examiner that questioned students about their capstone projects and tested their ability to analyze course cases in real time. Over nine days, the system examined 36 students at a cost far lower than that of human-led oral exams. AI was also used for grading, with three large language models independently evaluating transcripts and then synthesizing a final grade. He said the AI grading was more consistent, stricter, and fairer than human grading, and provided high-quality feedback. Student reactions were mixed, with many finding the exams stressful despite acknowledging their effectiveness. Ipeirotis said the experiment demonstrated how learning should work and warned against students relying too heavily on AI instead of using it to enhance their thinking. Students at New York University, December 2025. Photo from the univeristy's Facebook page. At the University of Wyoming, students in Professor Catherine Hartmanns Religion course no longer write essays or take computer-based multiple-choice tests. Instead, they must complete a 30-minute face-to-face dialogue, according to The Washington Post. Hartmann began overhauling her assessment methods in 2024. She requires students to avoid using electronic devices in class and to engage actively in discussions throughout the semester. Before the exam, students receive a list of core concepts and are tasked with explaining and debating these ideas convincingly in front of the professor to demonstrate deep understanding. This trend is spreading across North America. Mark Chin, a professor at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, organized his first oral exam for a data science course earlier this month, believing oral exams are an effective way to test whether students are truly learning the material. Speaking to The Post, he said he is well aware that AI excels at handling the programming assignments he gives. During the exam, he shows students examples of code written in the programming language they have studied and asks them on the spot to explain its function. In a post discussing this approach on his LinkedIn account, Chin wrote in a comment that "I feel like there was definitely anxiety but also I felt that students appreciated the format for being able to talk through their thinking (and get credit for it) in a way that sometimes isn't possible for written work." The approach is not limited to small classes. At Western University in Ontario, Canada, professors have conducted oral exams for a business class with 600 students. The University of California, San Diego has applied the format to six large-scale engineering courses. According to a survey released last August by Inside Higher Ed, 85% of students admit using AI to brainstorm ideas or prepare for short quizzes, while 25% use it to complete assignments. To combat cheating, some professors have turned to AI-detection software but found the results were not always reliable. Professor Hartmann said that in the past, every time she graded essays, she felt like a "detective" rather than a teacher, searching for AI-generated content. "I dont like that adversarial relationship," she told The Post. Since switching to oral exams, both professors and students have reported positive effects. After 11 rounds of oral exams, Professor Chin found that although students were initially nervous, they were able to answer questions that had stumped them months earlier. He believes learning a new and challenging skill is both the goal and the greatest reward of this testing method. In an interview with CBC last December, Kyle Maclean, an assistant professor at Ivey Business School in London who researches the pros and cons of oral exams at the university level, said one drawback is that grading can be less uniform, as assessments often focus on a student's reasoning process and their ability to explain the rationale behind their answers. "It also depends on the subject and discipline. That's what makes oral exams difficult to scale. But you do get a strong sense of how much someone understands the material," he said. Maclean added that the time commitment is another challenge, as it can take up to 20 hours to assess all students. However, he believes oral exams are an "effective" solution for limiting inappropriate AI use and sees a future with more oral exams as universities move toward "smaller classes, more project-based learning, and deeper conversations between faculty and students." Commenting on student reactions, he told CBC: "Students didn't like it. Oral exams are stressful. They require students to think on their feet, without rehearsing answers. And when it's live, they're speaking directly to a faculty member they respect, which adds pressure." A study released in September in the academic journal "Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education" described how AI has transformed student assessment into a "wicked problem." The researchers based their findings on interviews with 20 unit chairs at a major Australian university conducted in late 2024. In hourlong Zoom interviews, instructors reported feeling overwhelmed by increased workloads, uncertainty over how AI should be used, and a lack of consensus on what constitutes an AI-resistant form of assessment. Faculty opinions were divided. Some participants argued that AI should be embraced as a skill students need to develop, while others viewed it as a form of academic misconduct that undermines learning. Many acknowledged uncertainty about the best way forward. In a May episode of his podcast Possible, LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman suggested that formats such as oral exams are harder to fake and require deeper, more comprehensive understanding, making them more suitable in an AI-rich environment. He also noted the challenges of the method: "Part of the reason why oral exams are hard, generally reserved for Ph.D. students, sometimes master's students, etc., is because actually, in fact, to be prepared for oral exams, you've got to be across the whole zoom." Hoffman does not support excluding AI from education. Instead, he believes it should be incorporated into curricula in ways that support learning rather than undermine it. He suggested using AI-generated work as examples of weak or superficial responses to help students understand what higher-quality work looks like. Teachers have a responsibility to understand and use AI, as ignoring it harms both instructors and students, he said. "The most central thing is preparing students to be capable, healthy, happy participants in the new world," he said. "And obviously your ability to engage with, deploy, leverage, utilize, AI -- AI agents, etc. -- is going to be absolutely essential." After military defeat abroad and at home, where the economy also has collapsed, the Islamic Republic is weaker than ever, and the Iranian people know it. The regime is facing a nationwide uprising unlike anything seen in decades, with Iranians across class, age, and ideology back in the streets. And theyre no longer asking for reformtheyre demanding an end to the Islamic Republic itself. Meanwhile, President Trump warned that US military action is on the table if the regime slaughters protesters. As we record, a brutal crackdown is underway with reports of hundreds of Iranians killed and tens of thousands arrested. Is this the moment? Bill Roggio asks FDD CEO and Iran Breakdown host Mark Dubowitz. Summary created by Smart Answers AI In summary: Macworld reports that Verizon is offering a $20 account credit to customers affected by Wednesdays widespread voice and data outage that impacted hundreds of thousands of users. The outage primarily affected major cities across the East Coast and other metropolitan areas, leaving many iPhone users without service for hours. Affected customers will receive a text notification when the credit becomes available through the myVerizon app for redemption. Detailed instructions are provided below. Update: Verizon has announced that customers affected by the outage will receive a $20 account credit. This article has been updated to reflect that. If youre a Verizon subscriber, theres a good chance your iPhone was without service yesterday. For much of the day, hundreds of thousands of U.S. customers were left without voice and data service so they couldnt make calls, send texts, or access any Internet services when away from Wi-Fi. In a post on X Wednesday night, Verizon promised it would make this right, and followed up Thursday morning with some specific information: To help provide some relief to those affected, we will give you a $20 account credit that can be easily redeemed by logging into the myVerizon app. The company hasnt offered any details about what caused the outage, though it seems to have been an avoidable issue rather than a hack or attack. Verizon has apologized and admitted that it let many of our customers down. An additional post reinterated that the credit isnt meant to make up for what happened. No credit really can. But its a way of acknowledging your time and showing that this matters to us. Verizon says customers will receive a text message when the credit is available in the myVerizon app. Users will then need to log in and claim the credit, which should show up on the following months bill. Verizon says the credit represents multiple days of service. Additionally, business customers who service multiple people will be contacted directly. According to Down Detector, East Coast cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Miami were among the most affected, though the outage also affected Houston, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The outage began around 1pm ET and lasted well into the night, with users seeing SOS displayed on their phones where the bars should be. While Verizon said the issue was resolved as of 11pm ET last night, Down Detector was still showing scattered reports of outages around the country, but the bulk of the affected customers appeared to have been restored. If youre still showing SOS and not receiving service, try restarting your phone or toggling the cellular button in Settings> Cellular to restore the connection. Vietnam high school goes viral for praising the first 10 students to arrive at school Students at Hang Hai High School in Hai Phong, northern Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the school A high school in northern Vietnam has gone viral after praising the 10 students who arrived at school the earliest, calling them dawn warriors in a Facebook post that drew more than one million views. The post, shared by Hang Hai High School in Hai Phong on Jan. 13, was based on data from the schools parking system, which showed the earliest students arriving between 6:15 a.m. and 6:27 a.m. Using an AI-powered camera system, the school displayed each students name, class, vehicle type, and portrait photo. "This is not about showing off," the school wrote. "Its about discipline, awareness and a strong learning spirit." The lighthearted recognition quickly spread across social media, attracting nearly 190,000 reactions, with most users praising the schools creative and positive approach. Principal Pham Anh Phong said the idea came from the schools youth union and was part of a broader effort to encourage punctuality after teachers noticed some students arriving late for the 7:00 a.m. start. Since introducing monthly recognition for early arrivals and disciplined behavior during flag-raising ceremonies, the school has seen a noticeable change. "Students now come earlier, and late arrivals have almost disappeared," Phong said. "Both teachers and students feel encouraged." One of the students featured, 12th-grader Luu Phuong Anh, said she felt proud to be recognized for what she considered a small habit. Living six kilometers from school, she wakes up at 4:00 a.m. each day to study and leaves home at 6:00 a.m. to avoid unexpected delays. "This is a very positive way to motivate students," she said. Founded in 1989 and now operating as a private school under Vietnam Maritime University, Hang Hai High School currently has nearly 800 students from grades 10 to 12. A former Boston Police superintendent is suing the department and Commissioner Michael Cox over what he claims was an illegal demotion after he uncovered several fraudulent paid details. Marcus Eddings, who has worked in the department since June 1996, filed the lawsuit in Suffolk Superior Court on Tuesday, accusing Cox of violating the Massachusetts Whistleblower Act and claiming economic harm resulting from his removal. Eddings was made a superintendent in 2019 before Cox was appointed commissioner then demoted to deputy superintendent in 2024, according to the lawsuit. In a statement, Mariellen Burns, a spokesperson for the department, noted that the department commissioner has the sole authority to appoint members of his or her command staff. Historically, the commissioner has removed members of the command staff and replaced them immediately or over time. Such decisions are made by the commissioner based on the needs of the Department and the ability of people to meet those needs, Burns said. Burns added that the department doesnt comment on the specifics of a lawsuit, but said it investigates all allegations of misconduct. There is a well-established process for investigating internal and external allegations. This would include allegations of the abuse of time or details referenced in the lawsuit. Any suggestion otherwise is untrue, she said. As a superintendent, Eddings was responsible for monitoring the departments paid details and court overtime with the goal of eliminating fraud. By 2024, 10 officers had either pleaded guilty to or been convicted of fraud for submitting overtime slips for shifts they didnt work at the departments evidence warehouse. Eddings eventually reported to Cox and other superiors that he found 43 officers had been involved in paid detail fraud for a total of 693 violations, according to the complaint. He also found 20 officers involved in 46 violations that were referred to the departments Anti-Corruption Division and 25 officers involved in 647 violations who were referred to the departments Internal Affairs Division. Many of these violations that Eddings uncovered were supported by video documentation that he submitted to his superiors, including Cox, the complaint reads. But Eddings claims that when he reported the fraud to Cox, he was told to discontinue his investigations and that the department could not weather another black eye and Cox did not want to damage his legacy, according to the complaint. Another official told him the department could not sustain the loss of 15-20 officers. Eddings continued his investigation anyway and found and reported more violations, according to the complaint. As a result of his continued reporting of this Paid Detail misconduct, Eddings was stripped of several positions at BPD and demoted from Superintendent to Deputy Superintendent, the complaint reads, adding he reasonably believed the fraud he was reporting were violations of law ... violations of rules or regulations promulgated pursuant to law, and/or ... risks to public health, safety, or the environment. Eddings claims he was subjected to pain and suffering, emotional distress, reputational harm and diminished earnings due to his demotion. The suit seeks a jury trial on all counts and asks Eddings be compensated for the lost income, awarded attorneys fees and reinstate him to superintendent. A man who was stabbed to death during a fight at a Cambridge apartment complex last week has been identified as 37-year-old Antoine Johnson, according to the Middlesex County District Attorneys Office. South Boston resident Victor Rivas, 51, pleaded not guilty to assault and battery with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury in connection with Johnsons death during his arraignment in Cambridge District Court on Jan. 9, according to court records. The charge had not been upgraded as of Wednesday. A 911 caller reported the stabbing at a Norfolk Street apartment complex shortly after 7:50 p.m. on Jan. 6, the district attorneys office said previously. First responders found Johnson with serious stab wounds and took him to a nearby hospital where he later died. The preliminary investigation indicates that Rivas and Johnson knew each other, the district attorneys office said. Authorities believe Rivas stabbed Johnson during a fight. Rivas was also injured. Rivas was released on bail on Monday under special conditions, including a curfew, according to court records. No further information about the stabbing has been released. A first-of-its-kind Boston shop specializing in customizable cereal bowls, shakes and desserts is shutting down for good this weekend after being open for a little over a year. Sweet & Comfy, formerly Day & Night Cereal Bar, will close on Sunday, Jan. 18, the business said in an Instagram post on Monday. Shops close. Memories dont, the post read. Thank you for every smile, visit, and core memory. Oak Square will always be home. No sadnessjust love, gratitude, and momentum. This chapter ends, but the journey doesnt. Maybe well see you again, Boston." Located at 6 Tremont St. in Brightons Oak Square, the cereal bar first opened in May 2024. Guests could create their own bowls, shakes and bars from a selection of classic cereals such as Froot Loops, Cocoa Puffs and Capn Crunch. While speaking to Boston Magazine in 2024, owner Louis Bizzy Genius Elveus described the ice cream concoctions as nostalgia in the form of a bowl or a shake. It reminds me of Saturday morning cartoons, Elveus told the outlet. Like being a kid, when theres no real stressors and youre just in the moment. He added that, I just knew that it would hit home for many people as it did for me. Sweet & Comfy went viral on social media and was well received when it opened. The shop holds a 5-star rating on Yelp, with reviewers calling it a great spot for a sweet treat and a hidden gem with irresistible menu options. Those who praised Sweet & Comfy are now devastated that the beloved cereal bar is closing up shop. Oh no!! My favorite dessert in Oak Square, one user commented on Sweet & Comfys Instagram post. Well be visiting before yall close!! This makes me so sad! Good luck with everything Louis, another user commented. Looking for something fun to do this weekend? MassLive is back with another edition of weekend picks, a weekly list of activities, places to visit or things to do across Massachusetts. If you want plans for the weekend of Jan. 16-18, see MassLives weekend picks list below. A look at Regina Pizzeria's original location on Thatcher Street in Boston's North End. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) Grab a slice from a legendary 100-year-old pizzeria If youre looking for a good pie, try some at the original location of Regina Pizzeria, which turns 100 years old this year. Reginas unique corner setting makes it feel like you just stepped out of a forest of brick and into a clearing with wide-open skies and the smell of freshly cooked pizza in the air, MassLive reporter Nick OMalley wrote about the place. The menu at the original Regina Pizzeria is a bit more expansive than most chain locations, including its new Chicken Parm Pizza and a limited-time Chicken & Prosciutto Pizza. The original Regina Pizzeria location is at 11 1/2 Thacher St. in Boston Brush It Off art studio in Sturbridge, Mass. Paul Paquette Splatter paint at Brush It Off Art Studio Brush It Off is a full-service creative studio in Sturbridge that is especially family friendly, offering creative outlets for children. The studio offers a range of artistic activities including ceramics and pottery classes. But its most popular attraction is an activity that encourages patrons to make a mess splatter painting in a glow-in-the-dark environment. Pricing for the experience starts at $30 per person. All necessary supplies, including protective clothing and equipment, are provided by the studio. The studio is located at 559 Main St. in Sturbridge and is open Tuesdays through Sundays. Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism at Boston Public Library Meghan Rothschild Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston exhibit Inside the Boston Public Librarys McKim Exhibition Hall lies Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston a new exhibition that explores Americas evolving ideals of freedom, justice and civic engagement. The exhibition marks the librarys first major gallery show in nearly a decade, its website said, and arrives as part of the broader commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, a milestone being celebrated across Massachusetts and the rest of the country. The library has also made the exhibition accessible through free admission and multilingual digital resources. Boston Public Library is located at 700 Boylston St. in Boston. KJ, 4, and his mother Michaela Dubeau traveled from Uxbridge to see the Dr. Suess exhibit and were pleasantly surprised by the science museum at the Springfield Museums. Dec. 19, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Dr. Suess Museum The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum is the perfect weekend plan to have for the kids. It is one of five of the Springfield Museums, but this one in particular is totally devoted to Springfield native Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss. The museum features family-friendly, interactive exhibits exploring Dr. Seuss Springfield roots, as well as opportunities to experiment with new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games and invent storiesall, its website reads. The museum is open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Purchase of one ticket will gain you access to five of the Springfield Museums, including The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. It is located at 21 Edwards St. in Springfield. FILE - Taylor Swift performs at the Monumental stadium during her Eras Tour concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File) AP An Eras Tour inspired show This event is for the Swifties. Hosted at View Boston Observation Deck, this experience allows fans to dress for their favorite Taylor Swift Era, exchange friendship bracelets and sing along to Swifts music. The event takes place on Saturday, Jan. 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. Buy tickets here. View Boston is located at 800 Boylston St. Floor 52 in Boston. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Popular K-Pop band BTS has announced their return to the stage with their largest world tour to date. The highly anticipated 79-date tour will span 34 regions and feature first-ever performances in several cities. The BTS World Tour will kick off on April 9 in South Korea and will head to North America, the UK and Europe, where theyll make stops in Las Vegas, London, Paris, Toronto, Chicago, Foxborough and more. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, January 24, on Ticketmaster, with a presale starting on Thursday, January 22. Fans can shop for tickets now using reliable third-party ticket sellers like StubHub, VividSeats and SeatGeek. *New customers who purchase tickets through VividSeats can get $20 off a $200+ ticket order by using the promo code MassLive20 at checkout.* The K-Pop boy band will be at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, for two shows on August 5 and 6. Also known as the Bangtan Boys, BTS is a South Korean boy band formed in 2010, made up of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, who co-write or co-produce most of their material. As of 2023, BTS is the best-selling musical act in South Korean history according to the Circle Chart, having sold in excess of 40 million albums. They are the first non-English-speaking and Asian act to sell out concerts at Wembley Stadium and the Rose Bowl. The groups accolades include multiple American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Golden Disc Awards, and nominations for five Grammy Awards. Their fifth studio album ARIRANG will be released on March 20. This tour marks the groups first headline performances since their 202122 Permission to Dance on Stage tour. Below is a look at the full tour schedule with links to purchase tickets: Thu Apr 9 Goyang Goyang Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Apr 11 Goyang Goyang Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Apr 12 Goyang Goyang Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Fri Apr 17 Tokyo Tokyo Dome - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Apr 18 Tokyo Tokyo Dome - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Apr 25 Tampa, FL Raymond James Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Apr 26 Tampa, FL Raymond James Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat May 2 El Paso, TX Sun Bowl Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun May 3 El Paso, TX Sun Bowl Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Thu May 7 Mexico City, MX Estadio GNP Seguros - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat May 9 Mexico City, MX Estadio GNP Seguros - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun May 10 Mexico City, MX Estadio GNP Seguros - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat May 16 Stanford, CA Stanford Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun May 17 Stanford, CA Stanford Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat May 23 Las Vegas, NV Allegiant Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun May 24 Las Vegas, NV Allegiant Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Wed May 27 Las Vegas, NV Allegiant Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Fri Jun 12 Busan Busan Asiad Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Jun 13 Busan Busan Asiad Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Fri Jun 26 Madrid, ES Riyadh Air Metropolitano - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Jun 27 Madrid, ES Riyadh Air Metropolitano - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Wed Jul 1 Brussels, BE King Baudouin Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Thu Jul 2 Brussels, BE King Baudouin Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Mon Jul 6 London, UK Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Tue Jul 7 London, UK Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Jul 11 Munich, DE Allianz Arena - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Jul 12 Munich, DE Allianz Arena - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Fri Jul 17 Paris, FR Stade de France - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Jul 18 Paris, FR Stade de France - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Aug 1 East Rutherford, NJ MetLife Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Aug 2 East Rutherford, NJ MetLife Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Wed Aug 5 Foxborough, MA Gillette Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub , VividSeats and SeatGeek Thu Aug 6 Foxborough, MA Gillette Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub , VividSeats and SeatGeek Mon Aug 10 Baltimore, MD M&T Bank Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Tue Aug 11 Baltimore, MD M&T Bank Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Aug 15 Arlington, TX AT&T Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Aug 16 Arlington, TX AT&T Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Aug 22 Toronto, ON Rogers Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Aug 23 Toronto, ON Rogers Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Thu Aug 27 Chicago, IL Soldier Field - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Fri Aug 28 Chicago, IL Soldier Field - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Tue Sep 1 Los Angeles, CA SoFi Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Wed Sep 2 Los Angeles, CA SoFi Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Sep 5 Los Angeles, CA SoFi Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Sep 6 Los Angeles, CA SoFi Stadium - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Fri Oct 2 Bogota, CL* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Oct 3 Bogota, CL* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Fri Oct 9 Lima, PE* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Oct 10 Lima, PE* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Fri Oct 16 Santiago, CL* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Oct 17 Santiago, CL* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Fri Oct 23 Buenos Aires, AR* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Oct 24 Buenos Aires, AR* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Wed Oct 28 Sao Paulo, BR* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Fri Oct 30 Sao Paulo, BR* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Oct 31 Sao Paulo, BR* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Thu Nov 19 Kaohsiung* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Nov 21 Kaohsiung* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Nov 22 Kaohsiung* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Thu Dec 03 Bangkok* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Dec 05 Bangkok* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Dec 06 Bangkok* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Dec 12 Kuala Lumpur* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Dec 13 Kuala Lumpur* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Thu Dec 17 Singapore* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Dec 19 Singapore* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Dec 20 Singapore* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Tue Dec 22 Singapore* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Dec 26 Jakarta* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Dec 27 Jakarta* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Fri Feb 12, 2027 Melbourne, AU* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Feb 13, 2027 Melbourne, AU* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Feb 20, 2027 Sydney, AU* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Feb 21, 2027 Sydney, AU* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Thu Mar 04, 2027 Hong Kong* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Mar 06, 2027 Hong Kong* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Mar 07, 2027 Hong Kong* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sat Mar 13, 2027 Manila* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek Sun Mar 14, 2027 Manila* - Shop for tickets using StubHub VividSeats and SeatGeek *Venue and on-sale information to be revealed at a later date. Vineyard Wind 1 is suing the Trump administration for halting its federal lease off the coast of Massachusetts, calling the project 95% complete at this point. In its lawsuit complaint filed Thursday, Vineyard Wind 1 states that 61 of the 62 planned turbines are built and 44 turbines are already producing energy. To date, $4.5 billion has been invested, the complaint reads. The project is incurring approximately $2 million per day during the work stop order, Vineyard Wind wrote, arguing that if the directive is allowed to remain in effect for 90 days, the project will lose access to a specialized installation vessel it currently has under a time-sensitive contract. There are also 750 active jobs at risk. On Dec. 22, 2025, the federal government halted five offshore wind leases for projects currently under construction on the East Coast, including two in New England waters Vineyard Wind 1 and Revolution Wind. Representing a major escalation in President Donald Trumps efforts to stifle offshore wind development nationally, his administration cited a need to address national security concerns, including potential interference with military radar systems. This week, a U.S. District Court judge overturned the order for Revolution Wind, located off Connecticut and Rhode Island. According to reporting by Politico, in the judges ruling from the bench, he said the government failed to explain why new information from the Department of Defense warranted a halt to construction. Likely looking to capitalize on Revolution Winds victory, Vineyard Wind 1 filed suit in the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts on Thursday, arguing the federal government exhibited abuse of discretion. Vineyard Wind 1 is asking a federal judge to declare the Bureau of Ocean Energy Managements order unlawful and allow the project to resume activities. The project is located 15 miles south of Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket. Once fully operational, it is expected to generate energy for more than 400,000 homes and businesses across the state. Trumps history against offshore wind When Trump returned to the Oval Office in January 2025, one of his first matters of business was to sign an executive order that halted all new offshore wind leases in federal waters. The order directed the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a comprehensive review of the ecological, economic and environmental necessity of terminating or amending any existing wind energy leases, identifying any legal bases for such removal. At the time, wind energy advocates speculated that Trump couldnt touch already permitted projects, particularly those closest to the finish line. In December, a federal judge issued a final judgment that formally invalidated implementation of the administrations moratorium on offshore wind permitting. In late August 2025, Trump pulled the plug on $34 million in funding for the Salem Wind Port project and in turn eliminated 800 construction jobs. Charlton residents voted Monday to allow guns to be carried at municipal buildings, such as the police department, town hall and public libraries. The vote bypasses a 2024 Massachusetts state law that banned firearms in such municipal buildings and town administrative offices. Guns remain prohibited in public schools, which are deemed separate entities. It was the second vote on the issue in Charlton. A previous citizen petition was voted down at an Oct. 20 Special Town Meeting, according to the Telegram & Gazette. The attempt on Monday passed by a wide margin, 481 yes votes to 162 no votes. The law takes effect immediately, but must be submitted to the state Attorney Generals office for review. In 2024, Massachusetts passed An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws, which enacted a statewide ban on firearms in municipal facilities. The law allowed towns to exempt their municipal buildings by vote, and some have used that mechanism to bypass the law. In April, Middleborough opted out of the state restriction, with residents voting 171-139 in favor of allowing licensed gun owners to carry in places such as libraries and police stations. In June, Peru residents followed suit, voting to exempt their municipal buildings from the state ban on firearms. The towns of Plymouth and Dartmouth have voted to uphold the ban on firearms. At Mondays town meeting, Charlton residents voiced their opinions on the issue before it was put to a vote. One resident, who identified herself as Nancy, said citizens used to carry guns in those spaces regularly before the state law was passed. It is my right as a law-abiding citizen and a legal and responsible gun owner to carry my firearm and defend myself anywhere, she said. And for you to deny my personal and my constitutional civil rights because of your fear of firearms, thats on you. I am not a threat. You should educate yourself. Law-abiding citizens have been carrying firearms in administrative buildings for decades without any incidents and all of you were not even aware of it. Stefan Sage, the chairperson of the Charlton Public Library Board of Trustees, spoke against the article, saying that the library is often full of children and introducing guns into that environment would be dangerous. He also expressed concerns that there are not enough guidelines in place to monitor the mental health status of gun owners. After applying and being granted a permit to carry a firearm, the permit is valid for six years, Sage said. We require yearly checkups on our automobiles to make sure they are safe to operate, but not checkups on gun owners to see if they are safe to operate a handgun. The mental stability of a gun owner and any person, for that matter can change very quickly. According to one metric, Massachusetts ranked fourth in the nation in gun safety for 2024. A Massachusetts concrete company has agreed to plead guilty to violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety standards in connection with a 2023 incident in which a worker was crushed to death. John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete, Inc., a business operating out of East Freetown, ignored safety concerns, which led to the workers death, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, District of Massachusetts. The company used a large soil screener that was about 46 feet long and 13 feet high and weighed nearly 18 tons. According to prosecutors, the tail conveyor of the soil screener had suffered a ruptured hydraulic pressure line, causing it to close unexpectedly at various occasions throughout 2022 and 2023. The company did nothing to address the issue, according to prosecutors, and on Sept. 6, 2023, an employee was working alongside a co-owner of the company when the tail conveyor closed without warning. The employee held onto the upper frame of the soil screener as the conveyor closed into the vertical position, crushing the employees head. The employee died, and a subsequent OSHA investigation found six safety violations. The company was fined $200,905, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. According to a 2023 U.S. Department of Labor release, OSHA investigators found that John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete did not do the following: Have an energy control program to isolate the conveyors power source and prevent an unintended startup. Provide locks, tags or other hardware to isolate, secure or block machines and equipment from their energy sources to prevent sudden starts or moves. Adequately maintain the soil screener, which had numerous defects and missing parts. Forbid employees from riding in a front-end loaders bucket, exposing them to crush and fall hazards. Record each work-related fatality, injury or illness case on the OSHA Form 300 or equivalent. In a statement, OSHA area director James Mulligan said those violations made it clear the company was to blame for the workers death. John Oliveira & Sons Stamp Concrete Inc.s failure to employ well-known safeguards needlessly cost a workers life, Mulligan said. Vietnam is moving ahead with plans to expand Long Thanh International Airport, adding a third runway and a second passenger terminal as air travel demand is set to grow faster than expected. The Ministry of Construction has instructed Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), the airport's investor, to begin preparations for phase two of the national flagship airport project in Dong Nai Province, 40 km from Ho Chi Minh City. The next phase will include a third runway and a second passenger terminal designed to handle 25 million passengers a year, along with supporting infrastructure. Under the original investment plan, phase two was scheduled for research and implementation between 2028 and 2032. However, authorities now believe expansion needs will arrive earlier, as GDP growth from 2026 is projected to remain strong and aviation passenger volumes are increasing more rapidly than anticipated. In December 2025, the government submitted a proposal to the National Assembly Standing Committee to adjust a resolution on the projects investment policy. Accelerating construction, especially of the third runway, is expected to help reuse manpower, equipment and materials already mobilized for phase one, cutting costs, shortening timelines and reducing environmental impacts. The Ministry of Construction has asked ACV to ensure sufficient funding for phase two, while maintaining project quality, efficiency and the preservation of state capital. ACV is also required to closely coordinate with the Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation during investment preparations. Long Thanh International Airport is a nationally significant infrastructure project covering nearly 5,000 hectares, with total investment estimated at almost VND337 trillion (US$12.8 billion). Several phase one components were inaugurated last month and welcomed their first official flights, and the airport is expected to begin commercial operations in June. A Fox News guest called Vice President JD Vance a hillbilly during a heated exchange over federal law enforcement immunity following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent last week. U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortezs former communications director, Corbin Trent made the comments during a Sunday interview when Fox News host Rich Edson questioned the lack of public support for Iran from the left. Trent countered by comparing the two movements, describing Iranian protesters as patriots fighting an oppressive regime and suggesting that American protesters are facing similar government overreach. When Edson pressed for a response on the violence in Iran, Trent pivoted to the recent ICE shooting on American soil. I think they are talking about the regime that is shooting people in the face, Trent said. Its a very American idea that I dont want police forces to be able to shoot Americans indiscriminately. Trent, a northeast Tennessee native, also took specific aim at Vance. You know, I thought this guy was a hillbilly. He had a book called Hillbilly Elegy, and I can tell you, hillbilly values at least where Im from in Appalachia are that the government ought not be able to have absolute immunity when they shoot you in the face, he said. But, maybe we came from a different Appalachia. The shooting of Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross has been defended by President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who both have categorized it as self-defense. Vance intensified this rhetoric during a White House press briefing the day after Good was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, according to The Daily Beast. During his speech, the vice president claimed, 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. The vice president also called Good a deranged leftist in one of many X posts regarding the killing. Despite the administrations firm stance on the incident, experts said in a recent CNN story that the vice presidents interpretation of the law is flawed, adding that the legal landscape around a potential prosecution is much more complicated. The idea that a federal agent has absolute immunity for crimes they commit on the job is absolutely ridiculous, Michael J.Z. Mannheimer, a constitutional law expert at Northern Kentucky Universitys Salmon P. Chase College of Law told the media outlet. Mannheimer said that more than 120 years of case law allows state prosecutors to pursue federal officials, leaving it to the courts to decide if shielding is appropriate. Officers are not entitled to absolute immunity as a matter of law, Timothy Sini, a former federal prosecutor in New York told CNN. Federal officials are conducting a thorough inquiry that includes an analysis of Ross actions and physical evidence, including the handgun he used to kill Good, the New York Times reported. Minnesota officials have been blocked by the Trump administration from reviewing the evidence they are collecting from the ICE shooting. Scottish rock frontman Andrew Ure of The Ray Summers has died at the age of 41. Ure was on a hike testing equipment he got for his birthday the day before when his family reported he had not returned. He was found dead hours later with his dog, Penny, still alive by his side, according to the BBC. It is unclear how Ure died, but a Police Scotland spokesperson said there are no suspicious circumstances, the BBC reported. Andy was not only the rock in our band, he was the rock in our lives, The Ray Summers posted on Facebook. This hurts so so much. All our love & strength goes out to Andys Linsey & his two wee boys, his family & all that were so lucky to know him. For me, Ive lost my wee brother, my best pal, my business partner, my sounding board, and the daily reason I used my phone. Heartbroken doesnt even come close, his brother, David, shared, according to American Songwriter. Ure was also the director of The Wee Whisky shop in Linlithgow, Scotland. Words cannot fully express the pain of this loss, and our thoughts are with Andrews family at this incredibly difficult time, the business wrote on Instagram. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out with their kind messages and condolences. The Ray Summers are known for opening for acts such as Paolo Nutini and Doves. Ure was also the founder of the Vibration music festival in Falkirk, Scotland, according to the BBC. Verizon Wireless shared an update on the nationwide service outage Wednesday night, stating around 10:30 p.m. that the issue had been resolved. "If customers are still having an issue, we encourage them to restart their devices to reconnect to the network, The cell service provider wrote in a statement. For those affected, we will provide account credits. Details will be shared directly with customers. We sincerely apologize for the disruption." Verizon customers began reporting the outage in large numbers via Downdetector.com a cell service monitoring website shortly before 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday. The cell service provider has not said what caused the outage. Verizon Wireless is offering customers account credits following the carriers nationwide outage on Wednesday. According to a statement from Verizon on Thursday, customers can expect a $20 amount credit which can be redeemed by logging into their myVerizon app. This credit isnt meant to make up for what happened. No credit really can, Verizon said. But its a way of acknowledging our customers time and showing that this matters to us. The carrier added that if customers are still experiencing issues, then they should restart their devices to reconnect to the network. We are sorry for what you experienced and will continue to work hard day and night to provide the outstanding network and service that people expect from Verizon, the statement concludes. Verizon customers began reporting the outage in large numbers via Downdetector.com a cell service monitoring website shortly before 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Verizon reported that the outage was fixed nearly 10 hours later at 10:20 p.m. Over 1.5 million Verizon wireless customers were impacted, according to USA TODAY. The cell service provider has not said what caused the outage. USA TODAY reported that Verizon did not see an indication of a cyber attack. Thirteen-year-old Matthew LaPorta will never see his father again. But at a funeral ceremony attended by the Massachusetts governor and hundreds of law enforcement agents, he received something that had always been close to his fathers heart: his badge. LaPorta, his mother Shannon, his family and hundreds of law enforcement members all said goodbye to Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen LaPorta in Franklin on Thursday. Stephen LaPorta, 43, was killed after being hit by a passing tractor-trailer on an icy Route 146 on Jan. 7. A sea of officers wearing blue, black, green and brown uniforms from Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont were lined up across the street parallel to St. Marys Parish on Thursday. As the church doors opened, with Matthew LaPorta stepping outside, the officers all stood at attention and saluted. When moments later, Matthew LaPorta was given his fathers badge, he glanced down at the velvet box before returning his gaze straight ahead. The bell from the church rang several times and a 21-gun salute was fired by Mass. State Police, followed by the playing of Amazing Grace on bagpipes and taps on the trumpet. As LaPortas casket was brought to the street to be placed inside the hearse, Shannon LaPorta was given the American flag laid across it. Though her eyes were hidden by her sunglasses, her face was filled with emotion as the officer gave her the flag. The faces of the family, law enforcement and Mass. Gov. Maura Healey all welled up with sadness as a voice on an intercom said out loud: Officer Stephen LaPorta, this is your end of watch, you will live forever in our hearts. Clouds part as the funeral begins The cloudy skies over Franklin on Thursday morning vanished as the sun glistened on the walls of St. Marys Parish. Across the street, an American flag raised half staff gently blew in the wind. Underneath the large flag were many more smaller ones raised by members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a nationwide organization that honors veterans and law enforcement. It sucks, said Mark Strait, the head rider of the group, as he waited to enter the church. I cant even imagine how the family is feeling. By 10 a.m., the hearse containing LaPortas casket arrived in front of the church. In the distance, bagpipes could be heard blaring a mournful tune. Minutes later, a limo with LaPortas wife and child, and other family members pulled up to the church. The group quickly climbed up the stairs and entered the building. On the left side of the church sat members of the public and public officials, including Gov. Healey. On the right, officers from different departments filed in, filling up all the seats in the building as Ave Maria echoed throughout the church. Many people, including LaPortas son and Healey wore blue buttons with the words, In loving memory of OFC. Stephen LaPorta, Uxbridge PD, written on them. LaPortas smiling face was in the middle of the button. Before the service, Healey went over to the 13-year-old LaPorta and gave him a hug. LaPorta gave the governor a reassuring smile as he then stood silently in front of the large crowd before being seated. On the altar was a display of black flowers in the shape of a shield. Inside the shield were yellow flowers, in the shape of the number 31 LaPortas number. He always lit up the room During the service inside the church, several of LaPortas friends and fellow officers spoke before the gathered crowd. One was Mendon police Sgt. Matthew Hoar, who spoke about the beginnings of LaPortas career in law enforcement in 2004, when he worked as a Mendon dispatcher. He continued work as dispatcher in both Mendon and Uxbridge until becoming a full-time officer for the Uxbridge Police Department 2024. He was a genuine person Hoar said. He was there for so many good times Sox games... motorcycle rides.... We had some some great times. Hoar along with Mendon firefighter Garrett J. Wante and LaPortas friend, Nicole Hauk, spoke proudly of LaPorta, emphasizing his honesty and how much he loved his family and his job. The three also spoke about how much fun he was. Wante said he and LaPorta would often play video games together, bringing consoles to each others houses and playing Call of Duty for video game nights. LaPorta was also known as DJ Steve for his ability to create the perfect playlist, according to Wante. You are our hero, Wante said, choking up. Rev. Tomasz Borkowski also spoke about LaPorta during the ceremony. Being a police officer was his dream, the reverend said. He was deeply involved and he loved his family. Hauk recalled how much LaPorta loved spicy wing challenges and called him by the nickname she gave him, Boston Steve. Looking at the casket, Hauk promised to take care of Shannon and Matthew LaPorta in her friends absence. He always lit up the room with a smile, said Hauk, trying not to break into tears. Thirteen months ago, amid a big-game hunt for a front-line starter, Craig Breslow pulled off such a successful pivot that even Ross Geller would blush. The Red Sox are hoping history repeats itself this winter, too. Last December, just a couple days after being outbid by the Yankees for top free agent starter Max Fried, the Red Sox re-engaged the White Sox in trade talks for Garrett Crochet and quickly landed him for a four-player package headlined by Kyle Teel. That move, then Crochets subsequent extension in early April, could not have worked out better for the Red Sox in Year 1, as the southpaw was the staffs bonafide ace from the jump and finished second in the Cy Young race. Seemingly, the Red Sox didnt get their first choice back then, but things worked out great. Now, its up to Ranger Suarez, signed less than four days after Alex Bregmans departure to the Cubs, to prove, once again, that Plan B can be A-OK. Its not like Suarezs name is one that was first mentioned in Red Sox circles this week one key official, in reciting his realistic wish list for the club in early November, included Suarez as the major rotation addition alongside a Bregman reunion and another big bat but its clear a potential deal with him had been on the back-burner for weeks. The Red Sox opening winter salvo, an out-of-nowhere trade for Sonny Gray right before Thanksgiving, re-shuffled the plans a bit, as team executives did not expect another major rotation addition (not counting a depth move like Johan Oviedo) before Opening Day. That stance was two-fold. One, the club believed in Grays projections enough to consider him a real No. 2 to Crochet. Two, there was a strong assumption that common ground would eventually be found with Bregman, meaning it was time for the club to get that deal done while adding another bat to the mix (Willson Contreras). An offseason that netted the Red Sox the trio of Gray, Contreras and Bregman, plus an upside play in Oviedo, was the cleanest path as of two weeks ago, and would have been viewed as a success. But Bostons best-laid plans were ruined Saturday when the Cubs poached Bregman away. Suddenly, it was time to pivot. Sundays organizational meetings with everyone in town after Saturdays Fenway Fest event were focused on talking through potential pitching additions, sources said, and the Red Sox quickly let word out that they were looking for a top arm, preferably left-handed. When that word reached Scott Boras, the superagent was ready to pounce. After weeks of back-and-forth about Bregman, Boras knew the Red Sox had money to burn (what was left over from the failed $165 million offer to Bregman) and fans to appease. A deal with Suarez, quite obviously, was reached rather quickly. To get it done, the Red Sox didnt get cute or attach any bells and whistles to their five-year, $130 million offer. There are no deferrals in Suarezs deal, no opt-out clauses and, seemingly, no wonky performance bonuses or club options. The club will pay him an average of $26 million per year over the next half-decade to form a 1-2 punch with Crochet. In this case, simpler was better. Its fair to criticize Breslow and the organization for getting outbid for certain free agents like Pete Alonso, Bregman and even Fried a year ago. But credit is due to them for not letting the sting linger. At last years Winter Meetings, the Sox didnt wait around long to make big moves after Juan Soto chose the Mets and Fried chose the Yankees. This time, they did the same. Delayed urgency, perhaps, but some urgency nonetheless. Calling the Suarez signing a panic move in the wake of the Bregman news isnt unfair, but sometimes panic can be good. Well-timed panic can lead to the urgency the Red Sox, throughout the past half-decade, have so often lacked when it comes to getting the player they covet. On Wednesday, they got their guy. Breslow waited for the right deal, on his terms, when it came to Bregman. Less than a week later, a realization was made that true discomfort yes, $26 million for Suarez on an annual basis is likely a bit of an overpay often gets things done. A Red Sox front office that thought it had Bregman in the bag for weeks will readily admit that the offseason hasnt gone as it thought it would. Again, the focus had totally turned to adding two big bats with seemingly little interest in another starter, especially on the free agent market just a few weeks ago. But not waiting around for others to dictate their next step benefited the Red Sox greatly this week, and they got their guy. In the process, the club raised its payroll to the $270 million range, a figure never reached in the franchises history. The clubs deal with Suarez will ultimately be judged by how the lefty pitches over the next five years, and potentially just as much by how the next, inevitable shoe to drop seemingly a trade in which another starter moves for a bat works out. For now, its worth commending the Red Sox for not letting another opportunity to improve pass them by. HOLYOKE The Holyoke School Committee is tightening its playbook for a superintendent search, aiming for fairness and efficiency as it prepares to interview finalists next month. During a meeting this week, committee members agreed to submit proposed interview questions by Jan. 21. That deadline ensures all candidates face the same core questions during public interviews. Vice Chair Devin Sheehan outlined the process: a planning session on Jan. 26, finalist interviews the week of Feb. 9, and site visits in between. At that point, the screening committee chair will introduce the finalists, and the School Committee will approve the questions it plans to ask. All interviews will be held in open session, Sheehan said. Committee member Patty Norris-Lubold noted that candidates varied backgrounds may call for flexibility and questioned why the candidates were being asked the same questions. People have different backgrounds and experiences, and while some licenses come with standard job expectations, not every question would just like in any regular job interview necessarily be appropriate, she said. There will be chances to ask follow-up questions, but the committee must ensure every candidate is asked the same core questions to keep the process fair, Sheehan said. He added, If not, we have to develop a separate interview guide for each candidate in public. We can certainly do that and do another meeting that week to go over our applications. Also, he said site visits will be less structured. Committee members and staff will have the opportunity to spend time with candidates throughout the day, he said. School Committee President Yadilette Rivera Colon said its considered best practice to identify what matters most to the district and to make sure every candidate is asked about those priorities. She added there is room for one or two questions tailored to a candidate, but the basics should be covered for everyone. Committee member Ellie Wilson said she looks forward to seeing what questions the committee proposes and then moving into a discussion about which ones to use. The search for a new superintendent began Jan. 8 with a review of applications and a selection of interviews. In October, the district contracted with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees to lead the search. At that time, Interim Superintendent Anthony Soto, who previously served as the state-appointed receiver, announced he will not apply for the permanent position. The search follows the end of nearly a decade of state receivership and the districts return to local governance on July 1, 2025. A new superintendent is expected to be appointed by July 1. During Mondays meeting, the committee finalized another key decision: voting to appoint Soto as the systems permanent chief financial officer. His appointment comes as a recommendation from the leadership and accountability measurement subcommittee. The new position will be effective July 1, pending contract negotiations. HOLYOKE The Office of the State Auditor released a report Wednesday flagging safety issues and emergency planning at the Veterans Home at Holyoke between July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2023. It also highlighted issues at the Veterans Home at Chelsea between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2023. All the issues in the audit have been addressed, said a spokesperson for the executive Office of Veterans Services. Oversight issues during that period at the Holyoke facility, formerly called the Soldiers Home, are not surprising. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 80 veterans at the home died and the catastrophe led to a class-action lawsuit settled for $56 million and criminal charges. This audit largely predates the Healey-Driscoll Administration, but it underscores a serious problem we identified on day one: veterans were not receiving the care they deserved at our Veterans Homes, a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Veterans Services said in a statement. The new report from State Auditor Diana DiZoglios office is a routine audit required every few years. It found that the Holyoke facility was not using electronic medical records during the period studied and could not show that nurses were adequately checking on all patients in the three-year window. An electronic medical record system started in 2024 and there is now an intentional rounds program thats since been created, the Veterans Home at Holyoke said in its response included in the audit. The audit found both facilities were not performing emergency drills for all shifts. Emergency operation plans are updated and part of staff training, according to the Executive Office of Veterans Services. The office was created in 2023 and now oversees the Holyoke and Chelsea facilities. When reporters asked Gov. Maura T. Healey about the audit on Wednesday, she said that it looked at period thats been well detailed. As the attorney general, she brought prosecutions against those who failed to provide care there, she said. What I can say is that I have been a strong supporter of efforts to make sure weve transformed our veterans homes here in Massachusetts and I believe we have. Another issue DiZoglios office highlighted is its struggle to get all the documents it wanted to review. The auditor asked the governors office for records like notes and interview transcripts that were part of the report on the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke facility commissioned by then-Gov. Charlie Baker and written by attorney Mark Pearlstein. That probe concluded that leaders at the home made decisions that led to the spread of the virus and pandemonium. The Baker administration deemed the records not subject to release because of attorney-client privilege, the auditee response in the audit says. We find this to be troubling, given the importance of this issue, the lack of transparency it shows, and because doing so has undermined the publics faith in government, DiZoglio wrote in the audit. The auditors office argues attorney-client privilege is moot because the report itself was made public. DiZoglio is exploring litigation to obtain the records, her office said. SPRINGFIELD With rates of flu statewide listed as very high, city officials issued concerns this week about the low vaccination rate across Hampden County. This season a total of 66 people statewide have died from the flu, including four children in the eastern part of the state. The child deaths, which havent happened since 2013, prompted City Councilor Brian Santaniello to call a Health Committee meeting to discuss ways to address the risks, he said. This year, vaccination rates have been lower than the state average in Hampden County. About 49% of people aged 65 to 75 have been vaccinated in the region, while statewide, that number increased to 57.3%. The rates are lower for those who are 50 to 60, with 29% vaccinated in Hampden County and 35% vaccinated in the state. Roy Goodman, director of elder affairs, said the city offered flu clinics at five locations this fall, including senior centers, and the number of people vaccinated was lower than usual. He said he isnt sure if more people were simply receiving shots elsewhere or if they just didnt get one. Adding to the low vaccination rate is the fact that this years formula does not work as well at preventing infection. Even if the vaccination does not prevent the flu, it can lessen its severity, said Helen Caulton-Harris, commissioner of health and human services. This years vaccination is not as effective because we did not get one of the circulating viruses in it, she said. She said she is concerned that the vaccination rate has dropped because of policy and staffing changes at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is recommending fewer shots. Caulton-Harris said she is now following the Massachusetts Department of Health standards, which has joined with a coalition of other states to continue to recommend flu shots. Caulton-Harris said people can still get the flu shot either though one of the local pharmacies or at their doctors office. For those who do come down with the virus, she said there is little people can do. She advised they should keep in touch with their health practitioners if they have a high fever or other serious symptoms. She asks people to stay home if they are sick to avoid spreading it the flu. Baystate Medical Center recently began mandating mask wearing at the facility for staff and visitors. Patients are encouraged but not required to wear one. Local people are working to raise climate change awareness and promote clean energy innovations in Western Massachusetts. This column celebrates the groups engaged in this work and provides information on how to connect with efforts already underway. It also gives an overview of legislation pending at the State House about which you can voice an opinion to your state representative or senator. By connecting with other like-minded residents of Western Massachusetts, you will amplify your voice, find encouragement in difficult times, and be more hopeful about what we can accomplish together. Here are some ways to connect to other citizens concerned about climate change. Climate Action Now is a grassroots organization that grew from the worldwide movement for climate justice. The Western Massachusetts chapter of Climate Action Now has over 2000 people receiving their online newsletter. Western Mass. CAN meets via Zoom each month. The group focuses their work on climate, justice, natural solutions, transitions to clean and renewable energy, and grassroots movement building. Discover more information about their outreach and activities by contacting this group at climateactionnowmass@gmail.com Citizens Climate Lobby is an organization that supports a nonpartisan approach to raising climate awareness and taking climate action. CCL has more than 500 worldwide chapters with three chapters in Western Massachusetts. The group focuses on community-based communication with state and federal legislators. They support healthy forests, efficient electrification, carbon pricing, and clean energy permitting. You can read about their legislative successes and current actions by going to their website, https://citizensclimatelobby.org/about-ccl. To contact one of our Berkshire-based chapters email Pauline at pbanducci@gmail.com. The Massachusetts chapter of Elders Climate Action mobilizes elders to address climate change while there is still time to protect the well-being of our grandchildren and future generations. Contact them at: info@ecamass.org. ECA is focused on several legislative priorities in Massachusetts. ECA supports state legislation concerned with: Buildings: decarbonization of new and existing buildings (S.2247, H.3565; S.2294, H. 3529 & S.2127, H.337) regulating gas systems (S.2249, H. 3539) other building legislation (S.2281; S.2231; & S.2286, H.3577) Budget & Funding Creating a climate bank in Massachusetts , S.786, H.3937) Climate Change Superfund (S.588, H.1014) Energy transitioning to clean energy (S.2290, H.3547) other energy legislation (S.2266, H3534; H.3559; H.3446, S2248; H.3543; H.3512; & H.3569 Natural Solutions Municipal reforestation (S.553, H.1013) Watershed forest protection (H.952) Wildlife management areas protection (H.1048) Pollinators protection (S.587, H.1041) Effective drought management (S.586, H.1003) Plastics Plastic bag reduction (H.933, S. 590) Bottle bill (H.3464, S. 2245) Transportation Aligning transportation plans with MA climate goals (S.2246, H.3726) Rail electrification (H.1027, S. 561) EV charging infrastructure (H.3558) Electronic tolling (S.2357) Climate and Environmental Justice Outdoor air quality (H.2369, S. 1548) Indoor air quality (H.2427, S.2276) Educational Savings Accounts Fossil fuel free 529s (H.3206) You may either contact ECA-MA or go to https://malegislature.gov for detailed information concerning these prioritized bills. Then contact your state legislators and register your support for the legislative actions you support. The Climate Bank bill, S.786/H.3937, is a linch-pin funding bill for the clean energy transition in MA. It is a timely, relevant and well-vetted bill that deserves grassroots support. It is currently receiving committee hearings in the state legislature. If you wish to learn how to join others in advocating for this bill and/or receive updates from the Climate Bank Coalition you may contact John Meiklejohn at: jmiserve183@gmail.com. Additionally, organizations such as Mass Audubon, https://www.massaudubon.org and the Massachusetts chapter of the Sierra Club, https://www.sierraclub.org/massachusetts, promote activities that address climate change issues. These groups have youth chapters that undertake educational programs and activities through which these young members develop leadership skills and conscientious attitudes about their environment. Those skills will serve them well as they become adults who will be aware of and actively working to improve their changing world in the future. Environmental and climate advocacy groups are working in Western Massachusetts to counter the effects of climate change, educate the public about the need to take climate change seriously, support the legislation that will help us meet the states climate goals, and build a broad grassroots action network. I encourage you to contact these organizations or others you may come across to learn more about them and their work. Find one that appeals to you and join us in addressing one of the existential challenges of our time. Its rewarding and meaningful work! Susan Brown is a resident of Southwick, a member of a local climate change focused action group, Voices for Climate (V4C), and an adjunct faculty member of Bay Path University/Cambridge College. The United States is committed to the well-being of the Cuban people, especially in the wake of the devastation wrought by hurricane Melissa. The storm ravaged eastern Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane in October, leaving thousands of people without homes and destroying crops, telecommunications, electricity and water-pumping infrastructure. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced the first in a series of direct humanitarian shipments to Cuba as part of the $3 million of disaster assistance committed by the Trump Administration following the hurricane. These shipments, said Secretary Rubio in a statement, reflect our sustained commitment to the Cuban people as they continue to recover from the devastation. While the storm has passed, humanitarian needs remain acute, and recovery efforts are ongoing. Two U.S.-supported humanitarian flights are delivering much needed relief supplies. This support will reach an estimated 6,000 families - approximately 24,000 individuals - in the hardest-hit provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, Granma, and Guantanamo. Each flight will deliver more than 525 food kits and 650 hygiene and water treatment kits, reaching over 1,000 families. A commercial vessel scheduled to dock in Santiago de Cuba in a few weeks will carry the rest of the assistance. This will include but is not limited to food kits with rice, beans, oil, and sugar to help families meet basic nutritional needs and hygiene and water treatment kits, including water purification tablets and storage containers for safe drinking water. Pots and cooking utensils will be provided to help families prepare meals. And sheets and blankets to stay warm, solar lanterns for lighting during outages, and other essentials will be delivered to the Cuban people. Consistent with our longstanding policy, said Secretary Rubio, we have taken extraordinary measures to ensure that this assistance reaches the Cuban people directly, without interference or diversion by the illegitimate regime. We are working in close partnership with the Catholic Church in Cuba to deliver aid transparently and effectively. As Secretary Rubio has said, the incompetent and illegitimate regime has for too long failed to care for the brave Cuban people, said Jeremy Lewin, Acting Under Secretary of State for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom in a post on X. As these charter flights demonstrate, the Trump Administration is committed to supporting the Cuban people, even if their corrupt rulers will not, he added. Working with the Catholic Church, we are proud to be able to deliver critical life-saving assistance directly to the people. If the regime gets out of the way, we are eager to provide even more support in the coming days and months. A 54-year-old school bus driver who worked in Grafton faces several charges that police say are linked to crimes against children, and he is being held on $50,000 bail after an initial court appearance on Wednesday. Redi Gace, 54, of Worcester, faces two counts of kidnapping of a child, one count of reckless endangerment of a child, one count of witness intimidation and one count of withholding evidence from a criminal proceeding. A plea of not guilty was entered on all charges in Westborough District Court. An attorney listed for Gace did not immediately return a request for comment. If Gace posts bail, he is ordered to wear a GPS monitor and to stay away from the victims, court records show. This driver deviated from his route with students in the vehicle and made unauthorized stops, according to a statement by Grafton Superintendent of Schools Jay Cummings sent to community members on Wednesday. We are in direct communication with the families impacted and are offering support and resources as needed, Cummings said. Because it is still an active investigation, we are limited in our ability to share any additional details. Families with specific questions related to the investigation are encouraged to contact the Grafton Police Department. We take this matter extremely seriously and remain committed to the safety and well-being of every student entrusted to our care, he added. A press statement by Grafton Police Chief Neil A. Minardi did not include details of the investigation. The Grafton Police Department announced the arrest on Wednesday afternoon and said it was linked to an investigation into alleged crimes against children. Police identified the man as a school bus driver that transported children in Grafton. The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming, police said. Worcester police assisted with the arrest. Grafton police said that the department is working closely with the towns school district and AA Transportation, which provides school bus services. The bus driver is no longer employed by the bus company, police said. He was not assigned to general student transportation routes, police said. The Grafton School District has been in contact with the families of all students who may have had contact with the suspect, police said. Anyone with information related to the investigation or any parents concerned about their child are advised to contact Det. Sgt. Daniel Wenc at 508-839-2858. We encourage parents to have age-appropriate conversations with their child about this matter and to reinforce the importance of reporting any concerning behavior to a trusted adult, police said. La National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) a franchi une etape cle hier a Ebene en tenant la premiere reunion de son comite de coordination pour la prevention du VIH/SIDA. Entouree dONG majeures comme PILS, CUT et AILES, la NADC a reaffirme son role de coordinateur strategique. Lobjectif est clair : harmoniser les interventions sur le terrain et combler les lacunes actuelles. Apres un etat des lieux de la situation locale, les partenaires ont convenu de creer des groupes de travail techniques. Ces unites specialisees visent a rendre les actions de soins et de prevention plus efficaces pour freiner lepidemie a Maurice. English Resume The National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) convened its inaugural HIV/AIDS prevention coordination committee meeting yesterday in Ebene. The National Agency for Drug Control (NADC) convened its inaugural HIV/AIDS prevention coordination committee meeting yesterday in Ebene. NADC, joined by major NGOs (PILS, CUT, AILES), reaffirmed its strategic role to harmonize field interventions and address existing gaps. Following a review of the local situation, partners agreed to form technical working groups to enhance care and prevention efforts, aiming to curb the epidemic in Mauritius. Over 70 hotels from across the country gathered at the Irish Hotels Federations inaugural Quality Employer Awards, which took place earlier this week at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone. The awards recognise hotel teams that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to excellence in people development and HR best practices through their participation in the IHFs Quality Employer Programme. Two Galway hotels, The Connacht Hotel and The Ard Ri House Hotel, were among recipients awarded Quality Employer Certification, in recognition of their achievements in HR best practices and people management. The Great National Hotel Ballina, Mayo among recipients awarded Quality Employer Advanced Level Certification in recognition of achievements in HR best practices and people management. The top accolade - the Exceptional People Management Award - was jointly awarded to Cork International Hotel and The Metropole Hotel in recognition of their exceptional employment practices, demonstrating exemplary practical and personal care for their employees wellbeing and development. IHF President Michael Magner commented, Warmest congratulations to Cork International Hotel and The Metropole Hotel - both hotels exemplify all the hallmarks of a Quality Employer. We are extremely proud to recognise their leadership and commitment to promoting an environment that provides people with opportunities to thrive and flourish through exceptional employment practices. Our judges were unable to choose between these two outstanding hotels General Managers Eoghan Murphy and Louise McNamara are an inspiration, having cultivated wonderful workplaces for their teams. Chair of the awards judging panel Dr Donagh Davern, Munster Technological University (MTU), said: The judging panel were delighted to see evidence of a people-centric approach and the progress made in elevating the employer brand of the hotel profession. All of the finalists showed an outstanding commitment to employee onboarding, engagement, performance management, learning, career development, community involvement, flexibility, diversity, inclusion and the cultivation of a positive people culture in their organisations. The increase in supports for both the physical and mental health and wellbeing of employees was particularly noteworthy, as was the array of benefits now on offer to Irish hotel employees. Congratulating the over 70 hotels that recently certified as IHF Quality Employers, Mr Magner added: It is an honour to be among so many inspiring HR leaders to celebrate the very best of people development across our hotels and guesthouse sector. Each and every property that participates in our Quality Employer Programme is striving for the same goal - to make their hotel a wonderful place to work and build a career. The importance of this cannot be overstated; our people are the beating heart of our industry. And what an amazing profession we have with over 67,000 livelihoods directly supported by hotels and guesthouses and over 270,000 supported by our wider tourism industry. As we can all attest, empowered and supported people make such a vital contribution to our sector they are the defining characteristic of any successful hotel. The IHFs Quality Employer Programme provides member hotels and guesthouses with the tools and resources to enhance their HR practices and excel in people development. QEP Certification recognises workplaces that demonstrate excellence in their employment practices, promoting their commitment to operating as a Quality Employer. www.qualityemployer.ie. READ MORE: North Mayo promoted as Wild Atlantic Way destination at Belfast holiday show A JUDGE has warned a mother that she is responsible for her teenage daughter receiving an education in a 'crucial stage in her life' after she was prosecuted for not sending her child to school. The mother of the 13-year-old girl appeared before a Mayo court where she was fined 300 after she pleaded guilty to failing to abide by their legal requirement to have her daughter attend her school under the Education Welfare Act 2000. The court heard that the child had an absentee rate of 32 percent in the 2022/23 school year and the following year it was worse with an absentee rate of 46 percent. There were no medical reasons for her absence from school and despite giving reassurances the court was informed that matters have not improved. Judge Sandra Murphy told the mother that her daughter is now a first year in secondary school and entering a crucial stage in her life and it is her responsibility that she goes to school. She said her daughter will be learning new subjects at school and that it was vital she goes to school because if she continues to miss out she will find it difficult to make up for the missed days in class. The case against the mother was brought by the Child and Family Agency after they received a referral by the girl's national school in 2022 after she missed more than 21 days in the school year. Siobhan O'Brien, an Education and Welfare Officer with Tusla said after the referral she met with the parent and the school principal who expressed concern there were no reasons for the child's absence. She added that parenting support was offered but the parent did not feel it was required. Judge Sandra Murphy was informed that school attendance did not improve and the child has an absentee rate of 32 percent having missed 59 days out of 183 in the 2022/23 school year. The following year it was worse with an absentee rate of 46 percent or 85 days missed. Ms O'Brien said that because there was no improvement, summonses were issued against the mother and the matter came before the court last March. She said she hoped matters would improve but explained that so far this school year, the child has missed 24 percent of school days. The secondary school she is now attending has since made referrals to the Child and Family Agency regarding her absences. Ms O'Brien said it was her experience that when court proceedings start against a parent there is an improvement but there has not been an improvement in this case. READ: Mayo teen Roisin Tansey receives 4 million settlement from CHI The court heard that despite missing so many days, the child engages well in the school and has friends and there is no medical reason for her to be missing school. Ms Samantha Geraghty, solicitor for the mother, suggested to Ms O'Brien that there has been a change in attitude from her client since the new year. However this was disputed by Ms O'Brien who pointed out the child has missed 2.5 days out of seven since Christmas. Ms Geraghty pointed out her client has agreed to avail of parenting classes and her child has signed up with Foroige but the classes have yet to begin. Ms Geraghty said her client works part-time and has two older children who also live with her. In her evidence to the court, the mother gave reassurances that her child will attend school and she will provide medical certs to explain any absence in the future. James Ward, solicitor for the Child and Family Agency, said that she made these reassurances in the past and they were not fulfilled. When asked by Judge Murphy why her child had not gone to school, the mother claimed she had been sick but Judge Murphy refused to accept this as an excuse. She said it was a fundamental right for a child to receive an education and this was a serious matter. Judge Murphy said she would finalise the matter and fined the mother 300. She added it was in her hands to ensure her daughter goes to school and she did not want to see her back before the court again. Midlands North-West MEP Nina Carberry has called on the European Commission to take decisive action against X over concerns that its AI tool has been used to generate sexually explicit images, including of children. The Fine Gael MEP said online platforms should face consequences similar to those imposed in other areas of public safety when they fail to prevent the spread of abusive material. 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, she said. X has recently restricted the use of Groks image generation feature to paid users only. However, Carberry said this does not go far enough and warned that the platform may be in breach of European law. She said Grok has been able to undress pictures of women and children and sexualise their images without consent, adding that this represents a clear breach of the EUs Digital Services Act. Carberry is calling for the temporary suspension of the Grok tool on X until the issue is fully investigated and addressed. What Im calling for is a temporary suspension of the Grok tool on X. X needs to fix the problem and if they dont, they should be banned, she said. READ MORE: Judge tells Mayo mother she is responsible for sending her child to school Carberry wants the European Commission to activate Article 70 of the Digital Services Act, which allows for temporary suspension in serious cases. She has questioned why the Commission has not yet taken action and confirmed that she has written to seek answers and requested a meeting with Coimisiun na Mean. She said delays in previous cases had resulted in penalties that she regarded as insufficient. I think its unacceptable. We have a law there. We should be using it. Article 70 should be used to suspend the AI Grok until we see the full evidence of whats happening, she said. Carberry also said that if the European Commission does not act quickly enough, national measures should be considered. She said the Irish Government should use every available lever to put pressure on the Commission and ensure that the rules are enforced. READ MORE: Mayo job market defies national slowdown with 8 percent growth in 2025 The call echoes last weeks declaration by Fine Gael TD for Mayo Keira Keogh, who described reports that an AI chatbot on X accepted prompts to digitally remove clothing from images as hugely disturbing. Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality, Deputy Keogh said the alleged failure to block or flag such requests highlighted serious gaps in online safeguards. It is illegal in Ireland to share child pornography and non-consensual intimate images, and there is an expectation that social media companies will comply and take the necessary actions, she said. Deputy Keogh has called for stronger penalties for platforms that allow harmful content, along with tighter regulation and improved age verification measures. She also referenced Fine Gaels recent Online Safety Report, which found that the vast majority of parents do not trust social media companies to act in childrens best interests or have confidence in enforcement. Cyprus National Guard held an official ceremony presenting two new H-10 Poseidon-type reconnaissance drones, which were transferred to the service free of charge by local manufacturer Swarmly Aero representatives of the country's defense ministry were present at the event, who among other things observed a demonstration flight of these unmanned aerial vehicles. The ceremony took place at the base of the 195th Artillery Reconnaissance Battery of the Cypriot military, as Philenews reports. Other details regarding the transfer of H-10 Poseidon are not reported. At the same time, Cyprus National Guard Chief Emmanuel Theodorou emphasized that they received drones that meet the requirements of modern high-intensity operational environment and are combat-proven armament, as they are supplied to Ukraine's Defense Forces. It's noted that as of today, over 200 such drones have been delivered to the Ukrainian military, the first deliveries took place back in 2022, then these were purchases with volunteer funds from Sprava Hromad NGO and Poroshenko Foundation. Last year, the Ministry of Defense codified and approved the H-10 Poseidon drone for operation. One system includes three drones and two control stations. H-10 Poseidon / Collage by The drone's range is 50 km, maximum speed about 100 km/h, while cruising speed 75 km/h. With a takeoff weight of 22 kg, it can carry 3 kg of payload. Flight duration 120 minutes, can hover in the air for up to 15 minutes if necessary. It's stated that the drone's design provides a low level of detectability, and the drone is also equipped with anti-jamming and signal spoofing protection systems. Speculation surrounding a possible breakup between Veer Pahariya and Tara Sutaria has been doing the rounds on social media for weeks, and the Sky Force actor has now fuelled the rumours further. On Wednesday night, Veer took to Instagram to share a post accompanied by a cryptic caption referencing time and timing, instantly triggering fresh discussions about the couples relationship status. Interestingly, breakup rumours had first emerged soon after AP Dhillon was spotted hugging and kissing Tara during one of his concerts, a moment that appeared to momentarily dismiss speculation. However, with neither Veer nor Tara addressing the rumours publicly, fans continue to piece together clues from appearances, social media activity, and now, Veers enigmatic post. 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) Editor: Xiong Jian NUUK, Greenland (AP) Troops from several European countries continued to arrive in Greenland on Thursday in a show of support for Denmark as talks between representatives of Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. highlighted fundamental disagreement over the future of the Arctic island. Denmark announced it would increase its military presence in Greenland on Wednesday as foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland were preparing to meet with White House representatives in Washington. Several European partners including France, Germany, the U.K., Norway and Sweden started sending symbolic numbers of troops already on Wednesday or promised to do so in the following days. The troop movements were intended to portray unity among Europeans and send a signal to President Donald Trump that an American takeover of Greenland is not necessary as NATO together can safeguard the security of the Arctic region amid rising Russian and Chinese interest. The first French military elements are already en route and others will follow, French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday, as French authorities said about 15 soldiers from the mountain infantry unit were already in Nuuk for a military exercise. Germany will deploy a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel to Greenland on Thursday, the Defense Ministry said. On Thursday, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the intention was to establish a more permanent military presence with a larger Danish contribution, according to Danish broadcaster DR. He said soldiers from several NATO countries will be in Greenland on a rotation system. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen, flanked by his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt, said Wednesday that a fundamental disagreement over Greenland remains with Trump after they held highly anticipated talks at the White House with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasmussen added that it remains clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland but that dialogue with the U.S. would continue at a high level over the following weeks. 'Greenland does not want to be part of the United States' Inhabitants of Greenland and Denmark reacted with anxiety but also some relief that negotiations with the U.S. would go on and European support was becoming visible. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the continuation of dialogue and diplomacy. Greenland is not for sale, he said Thursday. Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed from the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States. In Greenlands capital, Nuuk, local residents told The Associated Press they were glad the first meeting between Greenlandic, Danish and American officials had taken place but suggested it left more questions than answers. Several people said they viewed Denmarks decision to send more troops, and promises of support from other NATO allies, as protection against possible U.S. military action. But European military officials have not suggested the goal is to deter a U.S. move against the island. Maya Martinsen, 21, said it was comforting to know that the Nordic countries are sending reinforcements because Greenland is a part of Denmark and NATO. The dispute, she said, is not about national security but rather about the oils and minerals that we have that are untouched. More troops, more talks On Wednesday, Poulsen announced a stepped-up military presence in the Arctic in close cooperation with our allies, calling it a necessity 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. Asked whether the European troop movements were coordinated with NATO or what role the U.S.-led military alliance might play in the exercises, NATO referred all questions to the Danish authorities. However, NATO is currently studying ways to bolster security in the Arctic. The Russian embassy in Brussels on Thursday lambasted what it called the West's bellicose plans in response to phantom threats that they generate themselves. It said the planned military actions were part of an anti-Russian and anti-Chinese agenda by NATO. Russia has consistently maintained that the Arctic should remain a territory of peace, dialogue and equal cooperation," the embassy said. Rasmussen announced the creation of a working group with the Americans to discuss ways to work through differences. 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, he said. Some diplomatic progress Commenting on the outcome of the Washington meeting on Thursday, Poulsen said the working group was better than no working group and a step in the right direction. He added nevertheless that the dialogue with the U.S. did not mean the danger has passed. We are really happy that action is being taken to make sure that this discussion is not just ended with that meeting alone, Greenlandic MP Aki-Matilda Hegh-Dam said on Thursday during a news conference in Copenhagen. She said Greenlandic people understood they were a pivotal point in a broader transformation of the international rules-based order and that they felt responsible not just for themselves but also for the whole world to get it right. Hegh-Dam said the military operations should not happen right next to our schools and right next to our kindergartens. Line McGee, 38, from Copenhagen, told AP that she was glad to see some diplomatic progress. I dont think the threat has gone away, she said. But I feel slightly better than I did yesterday. Trump, in his Oval Office meeting with reporters, said: Well see how it all works out. I think something will work out. ___ Niemann reported from Copenhagen, Denmark, and Ciobanu from Warsaw, Poland. WASHINGTON (AP) The Marine Corps general tapped to lead U.S. military operations in Latin America told lawmakers Thursday that he stands ready to oversee an expanded presence that began ahead of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's capture but he doesn't know how long that enhanced focus will last. If confirmed by the Senate, Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan will take over U.S. Southern Command, replacing Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, who retired last year amid increasing scrutiny over the Trump administrations deadly strikes on alleged drug boats in the region, a remarkable extension of American power in Latin America. U.S. troops earlier this month deposed and apprehended Maduro, the culmination of a pressure campaign that began with the largest military buildup in the region in generations and expanded to dozens of attacks on boats accused of smuggling drugs and the seizure of sanctioned oil tankers connected to Venezuela. Democrats and Sen. Angus King, a Maine Independent, pressed Donovan for details on how he would oversee Southern Command and for the broad outline of the Trump administration's long-term plans for the region. Donovan, however, said he didn't know. So you dont know what the plan is now? You dont know why all those ships and aircraft and soldiers are there? King asked. Senator, I do not, Donovan said, explaining that he isn't involved in military plans for the region in his current role as vice commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command. But Donovan acknowledged that the renewed interest in Latin America is likely to bring changes to the Southern Command, which is headquartered in Doral, Florida. Do you expect, because of this pivot to the Western Hemisphere, that SouthCom this year is going to have to be much different than SouthCom last year?" asked Sen. Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat. Yes I do," Donovan replied. The confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Service Committee was the latest effort by some lawmakers to question the Trump administration over its military operations in Latin America and its justification for the boat strikes, which have prompted concerns about international law and the use of force. Lawmakers also questioned Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, nominated to lead the National Security Agency, over his views on surveillance and concerns that the NSA could be used against innocent Americans. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a former CIA analyst, said she worries that the Trump administration could order the NSA to spy on Americans because of their political views or speech, something she said is expressly forbidden by federal law. Will you reject that? asked Slotkin, who is one of several Democratic lawmakers who say they face criminal investigation by the Trump administration after appearing in a video urging service members to resist illegal orders. Senator, if confirmed, I will execute my responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and all applicable laws, Rudd said. The NSA has been without a permanent director since Trump fired Gen. Tim Haugh last year. The NSA director also runs the Pentagon's Cyber Command, giving it a critical role in the nation's defensive and offensive cyber capabilities. Lawmakers from both parties said they expect the nominations to be approved. A vote has not been announced. Iran may have averted U.S. strikes for now by pledging not to execute protesters after pressure from President Donald Trump. Trump told reporters Wednesday he had been informed the killing in Iran is stopping, adding he would be very upset if the crackdown continued. That was a marked shift from earlier in the week, when he urged Iranians to keep demonstrating and vowed that help is on the way. Oil fell for the first time in six days as concerns eased over the likelihood of disruptions to supplies from Iran and Arab Gulf states. Brent dropped as much as 4.6% on Thursday the most since November paring gains of about 11% over the past week. On Thursday Trump said in a post on Truth Social that Irans decision not to sentence protesters to death is good news and that he hopes it will continue. Irans judiciary ruled out on Wednesday a death sentence for 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, whom activists had said was at risk of imminent execution. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi gave an interview Wednesday to Fox News one of the few U.S. outlets consistently favored by Trump to rule out executions of protesters. That appeared to respond directly to the presidents earlier warning that he could take very strong action if Iran went down that route. Hanging is out of the question, Araghchi said on Special Report with Bret Baier. I havent heard about that, and theres no hanging today, tomorrow, or whatever. I can tell you, Im confident about that. Theres no plan for hanging at all. Turkey opposes military intervention against Iran, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Thursday, adding he hoped Tehran and Washington can resolve their differences through dialog. Instability in Iran, he said, would be beyond the regions capacity to manage. Tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed flights resuming over Irans airspace after a temporary closure. Irans Civil Aviation Organization said both inbound and outbound flights are underway, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. A series of developments earlier on Wednesday suggested Tehran and Washington were edging close to conflict. Iran temporarily closed its airspace amid reports of a partial redeployment of U.S. troops from Qatar and other regional bases, while the U.K. announced it was temporarily closing its embassy in Iran. Tensions remain high across the region, with the prospects of a renewed flare up including a U.S. intervention still possible. The protests in Iran appear to have receded since last week, when hundreds of thousands took to the streets nationwide to demonstrate against the regime of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Authorities say they have reasserted control, accusing the U.S. and Israel of fueling unrest and arming terrorists to kill civilians. Pro-government rallies and state-planned public funerals have dominated state TV coverage, though an ongoing nationwide internet blackout continues to hamper reporting of events on the ground. Rights groups continued to report a mounting death toll from the demonstrations that began in late December and escalated significantly last week. The Oslo-based Iran Human Rights group said at least 3,428 protesters have died, marking it Tehrans deadliest crackdown on dissidents in decades. Araghchi reiterated the stance that diplomacy is much better than war and pushed back against additional U.S. strikes. Do not repeat the same mistake that you did in June. If you try a failed experience, you will get the same result, he said. Iran and U.S. officials were locked in several rounds of Oman-mediated negotiations in June over Tehrans atomic activities when Israel began airstrikes, abruptly ending the talks. In response, Iran struck a U.S. air base in Qatar and has banned international nuclear inspectors from examining its sites, leaving the whereabouts of a stockpile of near bomb grade uranium unknown. Rights groups report that more than 18,000 people have been detained, with fears persisting of large-scale enforcement of the death penalty. ----------- With assistance from Chris Miller and Beril Akman. ___ 2026 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. MANILA, Philippines Japan and the Philippines signed a defense pact on Thursday that would allow the tax-free provision of ammunition, fuel, food and other necessities when their forces stage joint training to boost deterrence against Chinas growing aggression in the region and to bolster their preparation for natural disasters. Japan has faced increasing political, trade and security tensions with China, which was angered by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi s remark that potential Chinese action against Taiwan could spark Japanese intervention. Japan and the Philippines have also had separate territorial conflicts with Beijing in the East China Sea and South China Sea that have continued to flare and threaten to draw in the United States, a treaty ally of the two Asian nations. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi signed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement with Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro in Manila. During the ceremony, Japan also announced new security and economic development assistance to the Philippines, including funding for the construction of security boat shelters and expanding internet access in poor southern Philippine provinces once affected by a separatist rebellion by minority Muslims. We both recognized the value of promoting the rule of law, including the freedom of navigation and overflight, especially in the South China Sea, Lazaro said after the signing. Motegi said he and Lazaro concurred on continuing to oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East and South China seas, in a clear rebuke of Beijing's increasing assertiveness without naming China. The military logistical agreement, which has to be ratified by Japanese legislators before it takes effect, is the latest key defense pact to be forged between Japan and the Philippines to deepen their security alliance. Aside from facilitating joint combat drills, it would also help Japan and the Philippines jointly respond to natural disasters, a mutual concern, and participate in peacekeeping operations by the United Nations, according to Japanese and Philippine officials. In mid-2024, both countries signed the Reciprocal Access Agreement, which allows the deployment of forces of either country to the others territory for joint and larger combat exercises, including live-fire drills. The RAA took effect in September. Japanese and Philippine officials are still negotiating another agreement that aims to boost the security of highly confidential defense and military information the countries could share. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and then-Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba jointly announced the start of negotiations for the Acquisition and Cross-servicing Agreement in Manila in April last year. Ishiba also criticized Beijing's aggressive actions without naming China. I hope that our two countries will continue to work closely together to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, Ishiba said then. Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships have had increasingly hostile confrontations in the South China Sea under Marcos, who took office in 2022. His predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, nurtured cozy ties with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Beijing claims virtually the entire waterway, where it has bolstered its coast guard and naval presence and built artificial island bases to fortify its claims. Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan have also been involved in the long-seething territorial standoffs. In the East China Sea, China has routinely sent coast guard vessels and planes into waters and airspace that surround islands, which are claimed by both Tokyo and Beijing, to harass Japanese vessels. That has prompted Japan at times to scramble jets in response. The U.S. has repeatedly warned China over its escalating acts of aggression in the disputed waters against Japan and the Philippines, which are among Washingtons staunchest treaty allies in Asia. ___ Associated Press video journalist Joeal Calupitan in Manila contributed to this report. Adm. Kevin Lunday is officially the 28th commandant of the United States Coast Guard. Lunday, previously the acting commandant, assumed his position on Thursday morning during an Assumption of Command Ceremony presided over by the Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. He previously served as the Coast Guard's 34th vice commandant from June 2024 to January 2025. Prior, he served as commander, Atlantic Area, where he directed operations from the Navigable Inland Waterways east of the Rocky Mountains to the Great Lakes, Gulf Coast and East Coast of the U.S. throughout the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent parts of the Arctic Ocean to the Arabian Gulf. He also possesses extensive experience in the Indo-Pacific, where he served as commander of the Fourteenth Coast Guard District, directing operations throughout Oceania including Hawai'i, American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, as well as activities in Japan and Singapore. 'Vital Instrument of Power' Lunday thanked President Donald Trump, Noem, his wife, and family and friends who traveled from across the United States and Canada to be present with him during Thursdays ceremony. "Our United States Coast Guard is a vital instrument of national power that is in greater demand today more than ever before, Lunday told the crowded room, adding that the nation faces continued challenges to prosperity and sovereignty. We will meet those challenges to ensure our nation will prevail," he added. Lunday assumed the duties of USCGs acting commandant on Jan. 21, 2025, tasked with leading the 56,000 men and women of the service protecting national security and sovereignty near and beyond U.S. maritime borders. He said there are three main objectives of the USCG and its service members: ready, fight and navigate, in that order. That involved readying the service and delivering value to the American people by accomplishing missions, adapting, and winning regardless of challenge. Adm. Kevin Lunday, now the 28th commandant of the United States Coast Guard, speaks on Jan. 15 during his swearing in ceremony. (Screenshot of USCG stream) Lunday said that decades of underinvestment created readiness problems within the Coast Guard, but today the service is now a more agile, capable fighting force due to what he described as sustained support from elected leaders who have aided crews conducting missions worldwide. He pointed to the objectives enshrined within Force Design 2028, a broader initiative from the top down that affects not just the Coast Guard but aligns with the other five military services to bolster a ready and powerful military. He also touted the Coast Guards $25 billion capital investment aimed to rebuild at speed and scale cutters, technology and ships, adding the service is "well on our way" by already spending approximately $7.8 billion of that investment. The service is on track to spend roughly three quarters of that $25 billion by the end of Fiscal Year 2026. The bold course, as Lunday described, is guided by core truths including military service and leading; inspiring crews to get missions done; empower chief petty officers; and relying on the support and respect of American people and elected leaders as part of a national "sacred trust. "We are filled with certain hope for the future because if there is one thing in our distinguished service history that proves, with a ready Coast Guard crew and the strong support of the American people, there is nothing we can't accomplish, he said at the end of his speech. More Money and Resources Noem, who first took the podium on Thursday, described Lunday as a "wonderful man" who has espoused "dignity, wisdom and honor" in both his military career and personal life. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem talks about why Adm. Kevin Lunday was selected, sworn in on Jan. 15, 2026, as the 28th Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. (Screenshot of online ceremony streamed by USCG) Lunday has sacrificed for the country in different roles and places, Noem said, calling this most recent venture the next step in that journey. As President Donald Trump desired military leaders who are patriotic and dedicated to preserving American safety, Noem said Lunday has answered the call time and time againmentioning for example how he was present "every time a ship needed to be seized. She said the Coast Guard one year ago was "suffering, frankly, from years of neglect" due to underfunding, a lack of resources and unclear missions. The administrations goals of revitalizing the Coast Guard with the best technology, ships and crewsalong with a major recruiting surge that has not been rivaled since 1991, have led a passionate steward in Lunday to oversee the continued progress of a proud service. Its a tall order and it takes a special individual to make that a reality, she said. Enough Republican U.S. senators flipped to President Donald Trump during a vote on Wednesday that at least in the meantime has handed the White House a major victory as scrutiny over the United States' direct involvement in Venezuela remains ongoing. The Senate narrowly rejected a war powers resolution on Wednesday that would have limited President Donald Trumps authority to conduct military operations tied to Venezuela. The 50-50 vote was broken by Vice President JD Vance, keeping Trumps strategy intact after days of lobbying by administration officials and Republican leaders. The Republicans that voted with Democrats to demand more oversight were Susan Collins of Maine, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. Two Republican senators who flipped on their previous support for the legislation were Josh Hawley of Missouri, and Todd Young of Indiana. "I have secured from the administration fairly extensive personal assurances related to our future intentions in Venezuela," Young told the press prior to the vote, according to The Hill. "Ive secured from them a letter, which will be posted onlineindicating that prior to the major military operations in Venezuela the administration will come to Congress for a formal authorization. Ive secured from Secretary of State [Marco] Rubio, personally, that hell appear before the Foreign Relations Committee [later this month] to discuss this very topic. Its been a real point of emphasis of mine that we need public scrutiny of these sorts of operations and need to involve the public. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) delivers the keynote address during the U.S. Navy Talent Pipeline Program (TPP) National Signing Day at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. June 27, 2025. (Courtesy photo by Jared Gannuscio) Supporters of the resolution, led by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), argued Congress must reclaim its constitutional role over war and peace. They said lawmakers were not briefed in advance about the capturing of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and warned that unchecked executive authority risks pulling the U.S. into conflicts without public debate. The effort built on months of congressional frustration over escalating maritime interdictions and strikes linked to Venezuela, including lawmakers demanding clearer evidence and legal justification for specific actions at sea and near Venezuelan territory. White House Pushes Back The constitutional fight over war powers immediately shifted back to the White House. Officials declined to provide independent comment, directing Military.com instead to Trumps Truth Social account and Vances remarks during a recent White House briefing. Trump used his social media presence to attack Republican senators who supported the resolution. Republicans should be ashamed of the senators that just voted with Democrats in attempting to take away our powers to fight and defend the United States of America, Trump wrote, adding the effort greatly hampers American self-defense and national security." The president also called the War Powers Act unconstitutional, totally violating Article II of the Constitution. President Donald Trump stands behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Vance echoed that position during the briefing. Every president, Democrat or Republican, believes the War Powers Act is fundamentally a fake and unconstitutional law, Vance said. It is not going to change anything about how we conduct foreign policy. He also confirmed his involvement in shaping the administrations Venezuela policy. My role is going to be whatever the president asks me to do, Vance said. So far, that has been very involved. The Defense Department declined to offer separate comment, referring Military.com to the White House. Military.com also reached out for comment to the National Security Council, State Department, Treasury Department and Organization of American States. DOJ Memo Ignites Legal Firestorm Over Maduro Capture The legal battle intensified after a Department of Justice (DOJ) memo focused on domestic presidential authority while avoiding a determination on whether the operation that captured Maduro violated international law. The Office of Legal Counsel opinion concluded the operation did not qualify as war under constitutional standards, allowing the president to proceed without congressional authorization. The memo emphasized domestic authority while treating international law questions as outside the analysis, fueling debate among legal observers and foreign policy analysts watching how Washington justifies cross-border actions. Administration officials and supporters of the memo argued the opinion reflects a lawful interpretation of domestic authority, saying the operation should be viewed as a law enforcement action tied to existing criminal charges against Maduro. Justice Department officials have not disputed the memos reasoning. How Maduro Was Taken Into US Custody Details released by U.S. officials described an operation that moved fast, from the raid to detention and transport, with Trump publicly saying Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were moved by helicopter to a U.S. warship before being taken to New York to face charges. The sequence has become central to the political argument in Washington and the legal argument ahead in federal court because it frames the action as both military and prosecutorial from the start. The release of multiple Americans held in Venezuela offered a rare moment of relief in an otherwise tense confrontation. Nelly Angulo, left, embraces her son Diogenes Angulo, right, after his release from prison in San Francisco de Yare, Venezuela, Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026. Angulo had been detained two days before the 2024 presidential election. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) U.S. officials confirmed the releases but declined to say how many Americans were freed or provide details about their detention. Venezuelan authorities have not publicly explained the terms of the move. The releases landed in a broader pattern of detainee diplomacy in the Venezuela file, including previous rounds in which Americans were freed amid closed-door negotiations involving migration, sanctions and security arrangements. Venezuela also announced a broader round of prisoner releases. The rights group Foro Penal said it was able to verify far fewer releases than officials claimed, citing uncertainty about who was freed and under what conditions. Trump and Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez later described a phone call between them as positive, focusing on oil, trade and security cooperation. Energy Pressure Builds at Sea The confrontation has also played out on the water, where U.S. authorities have pursued and boarded vessels tied to Venezuelan oil as Washington tries to squeeze revenue and enforce sanctions. U.S. officials have also tracked additional tankers in the sanctions dragnet as the administration broadened its pressure campaign, signaling that enforcement is likely to remain a major lever regardless of how the diplomacy shifts. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks to Namibian Minister of International Relations and Trade, Selma Ashipala-Musavyi, during their meeting at Zinaida Morozova's Mansion, in Moscow, on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Shamil Zhumatov /Pool Photo via AP) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the United States of destabilizing the international order with its Venezuela operation, warning the action could set a dangerous precedent. Lavrov said the move undermined international law and risked encouraging similar operations by rival powers, according to Reuters. Federal courts in New York are preparing to oversee the prosecution of Maduro, a case that could raise new questions about jurisdiction, executive authority, and the role of international law in U.S. criminal proceedings. Colonel Paul Freeman's regiment was exposed and exhausted. Chinese forces were massing nearby. On Feb. 13, 1951, Lieutenant General Edward Almond, X Corps commander, authorized a withdrawal 15 miles south. Lieutenant General Matthew Ridgway overruled Almond. The Eighth Army commander reversed the order after meeting General Douglas MacArthur, agreeing that the communists had to be stopped. Almond favored caution after two divisions were mauled at Hoengsong. The ever-aggressive Ridgway saw an opportunity. The Chinese had overextended their supply lines. One decisive blow could shatter them and stop their devastating advance down the Korean peninsula. Ridgway directed Almond to launch a relief effort if Freeman was cut off. His orders to Freeman were to hold at all costs. Photograph of GEN Paul L. Freeman Jr. as Commanding General, U.S. Continental Army Command (CONARC). Freeman served as the commander of the 23rd Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. (Wikimedia Commons) A Strategic Crossroads Chipyong-ni sat 40 miles east of Seoul, straddling several vital roads through the Han River Valley. If it fell, the entire Eighth Army front could collapse. The 23rd RCT reached the village on Feb. 3 following a brutal victory at the Twin Tunnels, where Freeman's regiment had mauled three Chinese regiments. The unit was operating at 75 percent strength. Freeman commanded 4,500 men, including 2,500 front-line infantrymen. Attached units included the 1st Ranger Company, 37th Field Artillery Battalion, elements of the 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, Sherman tanks, antiaircraft guns, and combat engineers from various units. One attachment was the French Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Monclar. Born Raoul Magrin-Vernerey, the 58-year-old had voluntarily demoted himself from three-star general to lieutenant colonel to lead 800 Frenchmen in Korea. Wounded seven times in World War I, he had led Foreign Legion troops in Morocco and commanded Free French forces in World War II. On the eve of retirement, Monclar chose to go to war again. He wore a monocle, carried a cane for his limp, and commanded respect from his men. His battalion included hardened Legionnaires and 180 South Korean soldiers. Freeman's battalion commanders were Lieutenant Colonel George Russell (1st Battalion), Lieutenant Colonel James Edwards (2nd Battalion), and Lieutenant Colonel Charles Kane (3rd Battalion). Lt. Col. Raoul Charles Magrin-Vernerey, also known as Ralph Montclar, commander of the French Battalion during the battle. (Wikimedia Commons) The Tactical Situation Freeman faced a horrendous situation. Eight hills surrounded the village, creating a 12-mile ridgeline his depleted force couldn't man. He concentrated his troops in a tight defensive ring on the low ground. Chinese forces lacked air superiority and long-range artillery. A compressed perimeter would prevent enemy infiltration while maximizing overlapping fire. Freeman positioned Russell's 1st Battalion in the north, Kane's 3rd Battalion in the east, and Edwards' 2nd Battalion in the south. Monclar's French Battalion held the west. Company B and the Rangers remained in reserve. For 10 days, the troops dug in, registered their artillery, sent out patrols, and coordinated air support. Ridgways goal in refusing to withdraw was to transform Chipyong-ni into a killing ground. He knew Chinese commanders couldn't resist a surrounded UN regiment and would throw in everything they had to destroy it. With enough firepower and air support, the encircled troops could inflict massive casualties and possibly disrupt the entire Chinese offensive. If not, they would be destroyed. The Chinese went for it. Following their assault on X Corps at Hoengsong on Feb. 11, elements of the 39th Army and divisions from the 40th and 42nd Armies converged on the village. Chinese intelligence estimated only 1,000 UN defenders held Chipyong-ni. U.S. Army infantrymen rest before the fighting resumes against Chinese forces. (Army University Press) The Battle Begins Both main roads were cut by enemy troops on the afternoon of Feb. 13. The 23rd RCT was isolated 20 miles beyond friendly lines. Freeman called his commanders together. "We are going to stay here and fight it out," Freeman told his officers. "When Col. Freeman said at Chipyong, 'We're surrounded, but we'll stay here and fight it out,' we supported him with enthusiasm," Captain Bickford Sawyer of Company E later recalled. "There was never a doubt in our minds. We knew we were going to succeed." The Chinese began their assault at 10 p.m. Mortar and artillery fire hammered the UN positions. Temperatures dropped near freezing. Chinese bugles and whistles pierced the air around the village. Infantry wave attacks struck Russell's 1st Battalion first. The battle quickly spread to Edwards' 2nd Battalion and Monclar's French Battalion. Only Kane's 3rd Battalion remained initially unengaged. The French Battalion fought with ferocity that stunned both the Americans and the Chinese As the Chinese forces attacked the French sector, they overran a section of the 3rd Company's line. Lieutenant Ange Nicolai commanded a rearguard that bought time for a withdrawal. Nicolai was wounded and left behind in the chaos. Monclar's troops launched an immediate counterattack unlike anything the Chinese had encountered thus far. The French blasted their own sirens and bugles, mimicking the Chinese assault signals. The charging Chinese forces slowed, confused by what was happening. Then the French fixed bayonets. The French soldiers leapt from their positions and charged howling across open ground right into the Chinese wave. The Legionnaires were trained in close combat, using blades, rifle butts and their bare-hands to kill the enemy troops. The unexpected assault shattered Chinese cohesion. The enemy troops broke and fled back into the hills. The French retook their positions and held them for the rest of the battle. It became the most celebrated action of the French Battalion's Korean War service. Company G in Edwards' sector came under attack around the same time. Lieutenant Thomas Heath commanded his men through the desperate fighting. A Sherman tank provided support as the position nearly collapsed. Hundreds of Chinese infantry ran head-first into the wall of American firepower as flares, artillery blasts, and the muzzle flashes of hundreds of rifles and machine-guns lit up the night. The occasional Chinese soldier that reached the American fighting positions soon found themselves in hand-to-hand combat. Heaths men held the line. Army illustration of the Battle of Chipyong-ni. (Army University Press) Valentine's Day At dawn on Feb. 14, the Chinese withdrew to consolidate and avoid possible American air strikes. Fresh snow dusted hundreds of bodies across the battlefield. The defenders had suffered approximately 100 casualties. Freeman took shrapnel in his leg and limped through the perimeter while encouraging his troops. The men got to work repairing their defenses and preparing their weapons for the next attack. Overcast skies hampered UN air support and emboldened the Chinese. The communists could continue massing near UN lines without the fear of fighter-bombers. Air Force, Navy, and Marine pilots waited on station for any breaks in the clouds. C-119 Flying Boxcars made 24 ammunition airdrops as they could, but close air support remained impossible in such weather. That afternoon, Ridgway flew in by helicopter. He toured the garrison, promised relief was coming, and asked them to hold for just one more night. The men knew the Chinese were going to attack soon. They needed a miracle to survive another night. Map of the Battle of Chipyong-ni. (Wikimedia Commons) The Desperate Hours The Chinese renewed their attacks after darkness set in on Feb. 14. Edwards' 2nd Battalion faced the heaviest pressure. Heath rallied artillerymen from Battery B, 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, to reinforce his line. When some hesitated under fire, Heath grabbed them by their uniforms. "Goddammit, get back up on that hill!" Heath yelled. "You'll die down here anyway. You might as well go up on the hill and die there." Captain John Elledge, an artillery liaison, heard Heath's shouting. He raced to the firing positions, grabbed about a dozen artillerymen, and forced them up to the line. Elledge carried a .30-caliber machine gun. He met the Chinese face to face and killed two in hand-to-hand combat before a grenade blast mauled his left arm. Companies E and G defending Hill 397 detonated fougasse drums filled with gasoline and oil. As the attackers closed in, the defenders detonated grenades beneath them, spraying Chinese troops with burning liquid. In the midst of the battle, Sergeant First Class William Sitman was leading his troops from Company M. Chinese grenades detonated around them, knocking out one of their machine-gun crews. Sitman and his men reoccupied the position, but then he saw another grenade land among his men. He threw himself on it without hesitation. The explosion killed Sitman instantly but saved at least five soldiers. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously. Just before 4 a.m., Lieutenant Robert Curtis led a composite force of Rangers, Company F, and Company G men in a counterattack. Captain John Ramsburg joined them but was wounded. Heath was seriously wounded as well. Most platoon officers were killed. The surviving Americans and masses of Chinese troops were engaged in fierce close-combat. Three tanks suddenly unleashed fire on the hilltops, assuming they were blasting the enemy, not realizing Americans were in the mix. Only Curtis' screaming across the battlefield halted the friendly fire. A Chinese counterattack overwhelmed the exhausted men. Curtis and the survivors fell back down the hill and formed a last-ditch ring of 15 men in front of the 155mm howitzers. They held the line against overwhelming waves of Chinese assaults. SFC. William Sitman received the Medal of Honor for his sacrifice during the battle. (Wikimedia Commons) Air Support Arrives By the morning of Feb. 15, Freeman's perimeter was collapsing. Ammunition was critically low. The southern hills remained in Chinese hands and casualties were mounting. His perimeter was shrinking under relentless enemy assaults. Private Bruno Orig had been on a wire-laying mission when he returned to find his Company G position under enemy attack. He administered first aid to the wounded sprawled along the ground. As Chinese fire flew over his head, Orig began evacuating the wounded. As he returned to the line again, he realized most of a machine-gun crew had been wounded. Orig manned the weapon himself. He unleashed heavy fire into the attacking waves of Chinese troops, which allowed another platoon to withdraw. When American forces retook the ground soon after, they found Orig dead behind his machine gun with piles of enemy soldiers dead in front of the weapon. Orig initially received the Distinguished Service Cross, which was upgraded to the Medal of Honor in January 2025. Suddenly, the weather cleared up. Patches of blue sky were now visible to the troops on the ground, who knew support was likely on the way. Air Force jets and Marine Corsairs dove through the clouds. The pilots risked flying blind through cloudy mountain valleys to reach Chipyong-ni. The fighter-bombers dropped 500-pound bombs into Chinese positions and raked formations with machine guns and rockets. Napalm tumbled into the hills where Chinese troops massed for another assault. Navy pilots from aircraft carriers joined the strikes. The intensity of close air support turned the tide of the entire engagement. Chinese troops, caught in the open, broke and scattered into the wilderness. Private Bruno Orig, posthumous Medal of Honor recipient from the battle. (Army photo) The Relief Column As ammunition dwindled on Feb. 15, relief finally arrived. Colonel Marcel Crombez of the 5th Cavalry Regiment organized an armored task force to break through to the encircled men. Task Force Crombez consisted of 23 tanks and 160 men from Company L mounted on the armor. Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Treacy, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, protested Crombez's plan to send infantry riding in exposed through heavy fire. When Crombez refused to change his tactics, Treacy insisted on accompanying the mission alongside the infantrymen. Crombez denied him permission. Treacy went anyway, hitching a ride on the sixth tank. The column departed at 3 p.m. and immediately came under fire. Chinese roadblocks and troops on the ridges hammered the exposed infantry. Tank commanders buttoned their hatches. The men on top had no protection. Communications broke down. Some tanks moved forward while infantry were still dismounted and clearing enemy positions. Chinese troops swarmed the road, cutting off soldiers from the column. Captain John Barrett watched his company disintegrate. Men fell from tanks under machine-gun fire. Others jumped to take cover and were left behind. The engineers assigned to clear mines were cut off entirely. Chinese troops overran any isolated groups in the ditches. The lead tank, commanded by Lieutenant Lawrence DeSchweinitz, blasted through the final roadblock. At 5:10 p.m., the tanks rolled into the perimeter. Barrett frantically counted his men. Only 23 riflemen had made it. More than 130 soldiers were dead, wounded, captured, or stranded along the route. Treacy was among the captured. Chinese troops stopped a truck following the column and took the men prisoner, including the wounded battalion commander. Treacy would die as a POW three months later from malnutrition. His family petitioned for the Medal of Honor. The award was never granted. But the tanks were vital to the defense. The Chinese had already suffered heavy while charging the perimeter. The close air support had decimated their ranks. Now the UN troops had extra fire support on the ground. The Chinese also discovered the garrison actually contained more than 6,000 troops rather than the estimated 1,000. The Chinese knew there was no point in launching any further assaults. They began withdrawing from the battlefield. Freeman was evacuated by helicopter on Feb. 15 for the wounds he sustained. Lieutenant Colonel John Chiles assumed command. Chiles went on to praise the French Battalion for their heroics during the battle. "The French are some of the fightingest men I have ever seen," Chiles said. "When they attack a position, they carry it. When they hold a position, they hold it." French soldiers listening to a radio broadcast during the Korean War. (Wikimedia Commons) The Turning Point UN casualties totaled 52 killed, 259 wounded, and 42 missing. Chinese losses reached up to 5,000 killed and wounded. The 23rd RCT and attached units received the Presidential Unit Citation. Freeman earned the Distinguished Service Cross for his heroic leadership. Chipyong-ni marked the first clear Chinese tactical defeat since entering the war. The psychological impact exceeded the military results. For three months, UN forces had retreated whenever the Chinese attacked in strength. The UN forces had retreated ever since Chosin, against a seemingly invincible enemy army. Freeman's stand shattered the communists. Within a week, Ridgway launched Operation Killer to inflict maximum casualties on withdrawing Chinese forces. UN troops advanced aggressively for the first time since November. They recaptured Seoul on March 14. By the month's end, UN forces had pushed across the 38th parallel again. French veterans of the Battle of Chipyong-ni receive flags from South Korean soldiers during a victory ceremony in 2012. (Wikimedia Commons) Chinese commanders never again attempted massive encirclement operations against dug-in UN positions. They learned that American firepower, particularly air support and artillery, could devastate massed infantry attacks. The strategic initiative shifted back to UN forces. Ridgway addressed Congress in May 1952 and discussed the successful battle. "Twice isolated far in advance of the general battle line, twice completely surrounded in near-zero weather, they repelled repeated assaults by day and night by vastly superior numbers of Chinese infantry," Ridgway said. "I want to record here my conviction that these American fighting men and their French comrades in arms measured up in every way to the battle conduct of the finest troops America or France has produced throughout their national existence." Military historians dubbed the Battle of Chipyong-ni the Gettysburg of Korea. Like that 1863 battle which halted the Confederate advance, this engagement stopped Chinese momentum. Chinese forces never again threatened to drive UN troops from the peninsula. Sisters Chelsea Kane and Courtney Azar are used to being calm in tense situations. Azar served in the Army for 18 years and was medically discharged in 2023. Kane, a non-commissioned officer, was an infantry soldier serving with Special Forces in Afghanistan between 2010-2011. The combat veterans both served deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and relied on their military training to not let volatile emotions cloud their judgement. But as theyve embarked on peacefully documenting the conduct of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Minneapolis in recent weeks, Azar and Kane said theyre not seeing the same behavior from federal agents. We were trained to be cool headed under pressure, Kane told local NBC affiliate KARE. Theyre not. ICE is not acting cool under pressure. They get angry. They punch people, they assault people. They throw people to the ground. Military.com reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for comment. Tensions over ICEs immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities escalated last week when federal agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed local citizen and mother Renee Good, leading to nationwide protests and putting a renewed microscope on the agencys conduct. Chelsea Kane during her days in the Army. (Photo from Facebook) Azar and Kanes concerns rose in December as ICEs presence in the Twin Cities kept growing. The sisters began documenting the agencys actions after Goods death, mostly through cellphone video, to buck an online narrative that observers were interfering with federal operations. When we went over there, we were told that we were defending our country and our countrymens constitutional rights, Kane said. Now, to have ICE and (Customs and Border Patrol) going door to door knocking, asking people for papers and random snatch and grabs on the street, its literally everything that we fought against; its everything that I was told I was defending against, and its here in our streets. Body Cameras 'Keep People Safe' Azar said some immigration enforcement leaders and supporters of ICE are trying to portray non-violent observers in a negative light. Theyre trying to paint (observers) as violent radicals and violent protesters and stuff and were moms, were veterans, were farmers." Azar also wonders why ICE agents are not required to wear body cameras like police are required in many U.S cities. Were trying to keep ICE and Border Patrol accountable to their actions," Azar said. "We know that body cams and footage recording do keep people safe. Thats why police are required to wear body cams. "Why arent they at least doing that barebones minimum? That's the biggest question that I have for ICE. Courtney Azar. (Photo from LinkedIn) Since Good was killed, the veteran sisters said theyve documented more allegedly aggressive tactics from ICE, such as randomly detaining Minneapolis residents, driving them around, and releasing them later. Thats the thing that we have seen more and more, Kane said. Theyre doing random arrests. Theyre not doing warranted searches, theyre not doing warranted arrests, theyre not going after illegals, theyre going after anyone who looks like an other. Since early January, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reportedly sent more than 2,000 additional ICE agents to the Twin Cities, along with about 600 DHS officers, to investigate alleged fraud in daycares operated by Somali immigrants. On Sunday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem told Fox News she plans to deploy hundreds more ICE agents to Minneapolis with emotions on an all-time high following last weeks fatal shooting. More Documentation to Stay 'Safe' Azar insists shes not impeding in federal oversight and investigations. Im behind them. I'm giving them a wide berth, Azar said. You know, like, Im staying out of the way. Protesters try to avoid tear gas dispersed by federal agents, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026 in Minneapolis (AP Photo/Adam Gray) While even peaceful demonstrations can escalate, the sisters added that theyre not worried if ICE agents respond with force. "We have the training to deescalate so thats what we do is, were gonna keep going out," Kane said. "Were going to keep documenting them to keep our neighbors safe, to keep that aggression from increasing." Azar echoed her sister's words, saying any information they document in their community will be provided to state and local law enforcement. If it is illegal, then the state will come for me, Azar said. I completely stand by everything that I'm doing. Im observing. Im there to make sure that our community is remaining safe, and I intend to do that for as long as ICE is here. 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) Editor: Xiong Jian Ben Gross received quite the surprise recently when letters started arriving at his home that he penned way back in 1952. Gross, 95, is a Korean War veteran. He was shocked and amused recently to be reunited with letters he sent home while in Korea that had been separated and mistakenly sent to addresses that no longer exist. Last fall, Grosss brother, Valentine Gross, informed him he had saved more than 25 letters Ben had sent back home to North Dakota during his time in Korea. He said, Ive got all these letters. Im going to throw them out unless you want them, Ben Gross told ANF in Atlanta. His brother, relaying the story to a North Dakota news outlet, said as a child of the Depression, his family didnt discard anything for trash. So, the letters stayed tucked away and preserved for many years. Letters Lost in the Mail All the letters, either handwritten or typed, were written in 1952 and 1953. The letters were placed into one package and were supposed to be shipped to Peachtree City, Georgia, where Gross currently resides. One problem they never arrived. That was the first inkling that I had that something was wrong, Gross said. Since the letters were still in the original envelopes Gross had sent them in with addresses from more than 70 years ago, the letters were removed from the package, and each one was sent to those old addresses. The U.S. Postal Service isnt sure how the letters became detached from the package, but realizing the importance of the mail, Gross said the postal service worked hard to resolve the issue. Some postmasters have even called Gross to update him on the search for the missing letters. He also received help from a few Good Samaritans. Ben Gross, right, served in the Korean War in 1952 and 1953. (Submitted photo) Over the past few months, letters have been trickling into Grosss Georgia residence. However, as of Jan. 10, more than 12 letters are still waiting to be retrieved. The letters he has received have brought back many fond memories for the Korean War veteran. He had not laid eyes on them in more than seven decades. Grosss writing conveys the story of a humble North Dakota farm kid feeling somewhat homesick and ready to return home from war. He was in his early twenties when he served in Korea. When I arrived in Korea in 52, the war was still going at full blast, he said. An Army veteran, Gross served in the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. A Slice of Home In some of the letters, Gross shows appreciation for the small things, like care packages with tasty goodies sent from a family priest. Father Chuck told me to write you right away and thank you for the cookies, Gross read, holding one of the letters. I remember this one, specifically. I remember when we were there, he said, picking up and scanning another letter. Several of the letters contained black and white photos, like one of him bundled up in a dark uniform outside his tent, the ground covered in snow. While Gross didnt think much of the letters when he sent them, all these years later, hes happy to have them back. Cherished mementos, the notes provide a window into his youth and trip back in time. Oh, yes, they definitely take me back, Gross said. 8:55am: ESPNs Jeff Passan was a guest on Sportsnet in Toronto this morning and reported on air that the Blue Jays have been the only team that has shown the willingness to go as deep as 10 years, potentially (video link). Passan adds that a decision from Tucker could occur before the end of the week. 7:08am: The Mets have made a four-year offer to star outfielder Kyle Tucker, according to a report from Mike Puma of the New York Post. MLBNetwork Radios Jim Duquette suggested yesterday that the Mets were likely to extend their offer to four years yesterday. Tyler Ward reported as early as yesterday morning (prior to Duquettes report) that the Mets had offered $200MM over four years. Tucker, 29 this weekend, has had an unusually quiet market by the standards set by other recent top free agents like Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, and Aaron Judge, each of whom signed in December. Things have begun to ramp up in a big way this past week, however, and all signs have pointed towards a trio of teams emerging as the most likely landing spots for the multi-time All-Star: the Mets, the Blue Jays, and the Dodgers. Previous reporting has indicated that the Blue Jays have a long-term deal on the table for Tucker, while the Mets have preferred a shorter-term arrangement at a premium average annual value. Concrete reporting regarding the Dodgers pursuit of Tucker has been minimal, but previous comments by the front office throughout the winter have suggested a hesitance towards adding another long-term deal to their aging roster and blocking elite top outfield prospects like Zyhir Hope and Josue De Paula long-term. Reporting on the Mets offers to Tucker has varied throughout the week. Initial reports suggested the club had made a three-year offer to Tucker within the $120MM to $140MM range, and later reporting indicated that the Mets had offered a $50MM AAV without a specific number of years attached to that report. This latest report of a four-year offer also comes without a specific AAV attached to it. That leaves open the possibility that New York has multiple offers on the table for Tucker, with varying annual salaries and contract structures that all fall under the more general umbrella of short-term with relatively high annual salaries. Of course, its also possible that the Mets have simply raised their offer over the past few days. If owner Steve Cohen and his front office have offered Tucker $200MM or more over the next four seasons, that would surely be a difficult package to turn down without an incredible long-term offer. Tucker would be in line to re-enter free agency ahead of his age-33 season, and while hed likely need to settle for another shorter-term contract headed into his mid-thirties its worth remembering that Kyle Schwarber landed a five-year, $150MM contract with the Phillies as a DH-only slugger headed into his own age-33 season earlier this winter. In that context, its not difficult to imagine Tucker earning $350MM or more over the remainder of his playing career if he were to complete a four-year deal at a $50MM AAV and sign another contract or two afterwards. Its also possible (and perhaps even likely) that a shorter-term arrangement would come with at least one opt-out opportunity somewhere in the deal that would make it even easier for Tucker to return to free agency in search of a more lucrative offer. On the other hand, its not hard to argue that Tucker is worth the exact sort of incredible long-term offer that would be worth passing on $200MM over four years in favor of. An All-Star in four consecutive seasons, Tucker finished fifth in AL MVP voting back in 2023 and since then has posted 9.2 bWAR and 8.7 fWAR in just 214 games with a .274/.388/.507 (152 wRC+) slash line to show for it. A tough second half with the Cubs last year and injuries that have limited him to that relatively light volume of games over the past two years have seemingly caused some level of concern among interested clubs, but the upside of adding a perennial MVP candidate to the middle of the lineup in his prime years is undeniable. MLBTRs own prediction for Tuckers contract at the outset of the offseason was an 11-year, $400MM pact. That sort of contract would be a no-brainer to choose over a shorter-term deal, even at a $50MM AAV. How far below that figure a long-term offer could come in before Tucker would start to more seriously consider a short-term, high-AAV pact would surely depend on Tuckers own personal tolerance for risk and desire for stability. It would certainly be bold to eschew something even in the range of the $330MM deal Bryce Harper landed in Philadelphia during the 2018-19 offseason, but a fair counterargument to that would be that Harper himself well might have come out ahead financially had he instead signed the reported short-term, $45MM AAV offer he received from the Dodgers that winter and returned to the market in a few years time. Wherever Tucker will ultimately land, and whatever contract structure he will ultimately settle on, its increasingly likely his free agency is hurtling towards a conclusion in the coming days. The New York Posts Jon Heyman reported earlier this morning that a decision from Tuckers camp could come as soon as today, and given the frenzy of reporting over the past few days it seems likely that the parties involved are all in the process of making their top offers as Tucker nears a decision. Nearly one-third of all Michigan students who graduated high school in 2018 have earned a four-year degree, according to the latest state data. State data through 2024 shows that 31.73% of the 2017-2018 graduating class, or 32,966 students, earned a four-year degree within six years following graduation. Another 26.49% of students had no record of enrollment in higher education, while 25.5% were no longer enrolled with no degree awarded by 2024. Some 8.41% are continuing in college and another 4.28% earned a two-year degree and 1.04% earned a certificate. Only two districts Bloomfield Hills Schools and East Grand Rapids Public Schools had more than 70% of their 2017-2018 graduating class earn a four-year degree within six years. These districts, and many others around the state with top degree earning rates, are also among the highest in terms of median family income. Statewide, more women than men enrolled in college and earned four-year degrees. For the 2017-2018 graduating class, 36.85% of female students earned a four-year degree by 2024. Meanwhile, 26.40% of male students earned a four-year degree in that timeframe. About 21.30% of female students had no record of college enrollment, compared to 31.89% of male students. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last year pointed out this higher education gender gap in her State of the State Address. She later signed an executive order aimed at getting more young Michigan men enrolled in college and skills training. Earning a bachelors degree is generally associated with higher earnings and lower unemployment rates compared with holding a two-year degree or having no postsecondary education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income in 2024 for high school graduates was $930 a week compared to $1,543 for those with bachelors degrees. The median income was $1,099 a week for those with an associates degree and $1,020 for those with some college but no degree. The unemployment rate was also lower for those with a bachelors degree in 2024. The unemployment rate was 2.5% for those with a bachelors degree, 2.8% for those with an associates degree, 3.8% for those with some college but no degree and 4.2% for those with only a high school diploma. The categories reflect only the highest level of educational attainment, and the data looked at those 25 years of age and older. Training programs, like apprenticeships, were not taken into account. Heres a look at every school district in Michigan and what percent of students in the 2017-2018 graduating class obtained a four-year degree within six years. In recent years, the state of Michigan has been pushing to make college more affordable with the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. This program provides tuition-free community college to all recent Michigan high school graduates and up to $2,000 a year toward earning a certificate in a career training program. The Michigan Achievement Scholarship also provides Michigan high school graduates with up to $5,500 a year toward attending an in-state university or college for up to five years. DETROIT, MI - Michigan is betting that a big piece of its clean energy future might be buried underground. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a new initiative at the Detroit Auto Show on Thursday, Jan. 15 to explore whether the Great Lakes State might be sitting on vast reserves of naturally occurring hydrogen gas and prepare to tap the potential energy resource. The push remains at early stages and the feasibility of accessing so-called geologic hydrogen at scale is unproven, but scientists have identified Michigan as a prime place to look. Read more: A new gold rush: Could Michigans clean energy future be buried underground? When you look at the resources that we have under our feet here, it sets Michigan apart from everyone else. Were all looking for clean, affordable energy, and we may be right on the cusp of really changing the landscape, Whitmer told reporters. Hydrogen, the universes most abundant element, has long been hyped as a futuristic clean fuel. Burn it, and all you get is water. But today its primarily produced with fossil fuels, unleashing planet-warming emissions, and green sources reliant on renewable energy are too costly to lure industry. The accidental discovery of nearly pure hydrogen at a well drilled for water near a West African village, coupled with research showing the element may accumulate underground across the globe in ways scientists previously dismissed, has spurred geologists and startups to pursue it. In January 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey released a first-of-its-kind map of the most likely places to look across the nation. A new map from the U.S. Geological survey shows areas of the continental United States that are more likely to have accumulations of natural underground hydrogen, shown in blue. The map does not indicate proven deposits but shows on a high-level where favorable geological conditions exist for the gas. Michigan's geology makes it a prime candidate. Courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey Because of its geology, Michigan is a top candidate. Though the researchers who produced the map caution that their work is far from a chart revealing where hydrogen actually is or telling prospectors where to drill. Globally, USGS geologists estimate underground hydrogen could supply humanitys projected demand for thousands of years. But much of it is likely to be too deep, too far offshore or too scattered to capture economically. Still, if just 2% could be extracted, it would provide roughly twice the amount of energy from all the proven natural gas reserves on Earth, they say. Michigan has only two recorded hydrogen discoveries, near Ann Arbor and Belleville, amid some 60,000 boreholes drilled for oil and gas exploration. Researchers and state officials told MLive last year that efforts to locate more natural hydrogen have been limited. Whitmer aims to catalyze the hunt by creating a new initiative within her office through an executive directive signed Thursday. It directs a number of state agencies to submit reports by April 1, 2026 on regulatory and permitting frameworks, as well as research needs and technical challenges for geologic hydrogen exploration. That includes a report from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on any legal changes that might be necessary to enable leasing of state-owned subsurface rights and a submission from the Michigan Public Service Commission on the suitability of existing pipelines for transporting hydrogen. Michigan State University has formulated a research proposal around locating specific hydrogen deposits, MLive reported in April 2025, but university officials say it is still pending and has not been started. With the right coordination across state agencies, research institutions, and the private sector geological hydrogen can move rapidly from scientific promise to practical application, supporting hydrogen-powered mobility, clean energy independence, and the advanced manufacturing opportunities that will define Michigans next era of innovation, said Judd Herzer, MSUs director of mobility research and innovation in a statement included with the governors announcement. In an interview, Herzer added that Whitmers directive signals that Michigan wants to play a leading role in geologic hydrogen, offering a particular economic opportunity for rural communities in the state. Exploratory drilling for geologic hydrogen is progressing on almost every continent, including efforts in France and Australia. The first American borehole was drilled in a Nebraska cornfield in 2019. Michigan state officials say if the reserves exist and can be tapped here, they might amount to a new gold rush unlocking big profits and jobs, while offering a new pathway to decarbonize polluting industries, like steelmaking or cement production, and cut emissions in heavy-duty transportation. Supporters also see potential in using hydrogen to store energy in giant batteries for the power grid. Still, skeptics caution that proven challenges around transporting and storing the element have limited its adoption. I think theres a huge potential here, and thats why I signed this executive directive today, Whitmer said. Its really important that we have the opportunity to really assess whats possible. MLive Photographer and Multimedia Specialist Jacob Hamilton contributed reporting. LANSING, Mich. Michigans coyotes are back to year-round pressure from hunters and trappers after a major policy reversal by state game regulators. The state Natural Resources Commission voted unanimously on Wednesday on a controversial measure to allow coyotes to be killed all year long, backtracking on a position the state had successfully defended in court. Hunting groups immediately praised the change. It empowers landowners, safeguards the wildlife, protects our agricultural community and upholds Michigans conservation legacy, said Merle Jones of the Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association. Previously, Michigan game regulators had established a quiet period when coyotes could not be killed from mid-April to mid-July. Thats when coyote pups are vulnerable and not yet weaned from their mothers milk. State officials had been motivated by concern that hunters would leave young coyotes orphaned, turning public perception against hunting more broadly. Hunting groups balked at that notion and sued the state to overturn the policy. Related: Hunting still an option in Michigans updated gray wolf plan if species de-listed again Last June, an Ingham County judge ruled against the hunting groups; an appeal of the decision remains pending. Since then, the NRC has faced months of calls from hunters to restore coyote hunting opportunities. Thats while animal rights activists urged commissioners to stay the course. This week the commissioners responded to the pressure from hunters. Regulators didnt fully restore year-round hunting and trapping of coyotes, though. Instead, the NRC expanded out-of-season killing of overabundant coyotes or those causing interspecies conflicts on public and private lands, according to the approved state wildlife order. A coyote hunting and trapping season will run from Oct. 15 through March 1. Then what regulators call a management season will cover the remainder of the year, though killing coyotes would be prohibited between April 1 to Sept. 14 in state parks or recreation areas but not on private land. Related: Cougar walks away from vehicle collision in the Upper Peninsula, DNR says The new rules will take effect March 1 this year. The coyote regulation changes also drew opponents to this weeks meeting in Lansing. Mitchell Nelson of Humane World for Animals nonprofit criticized the language of the wildlife order. He specifically complained that interspecies conflict isnt defined, nor is a standard for what qualifies as an overabundance of coyotes. We dont even have a current population count of coyotes, so with no accurate additional count of coyotes, no metrics for determining relative coyote abundance and distribution in an area, and no reporting requirement for the killing of coyotes, the concept of addressing overabundance is rendered completely meaningless, Nelson told the commissioners during public comments. The bottom line is that increasing the random and indiscriminate killing of coyotes will not achieve any management objective, Nelson said. Game regulators also heard from a state scientist during their meeting. Related: Michigan cougar cubs confirmed alive in century-first milestone Commissioner John Walters asked the furbearer specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources whether its believed the change to coyote regulations would have any negative effect on the species population. We do not expect this proposed change to have a population level impact on coyotes, said Cody Norton, DNR wildlife biologist. Research has shown that more than 70% of coyotes in an area must be killed to reduce the population. As prolific breeders, the animals can recover their population within a year if only 60% are removed. Rebecca Humphries, NRC chairperson, said the change is meant to address nuisance animals without altering the regular hunting and trapping season. The whole concept is to try and keep the integrity of the hunting and trapping season when theyre used as a furbearer species for pelts, and then outside that give people essentially the ability to take the species whenever its causing problems for them, Humphries told MLive. DETROIT Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer toured the Detroit Auto Show Thursday, checking out several vehicles in General Motors section of the show after opening the show with a speech warning of challenges ahead for U.S. manufacturers. Whitmer checked out the 2026 GMC Sierra Denali EV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and Cadillac Escalade IQ. She sat behind the wheel of the Silverado and the Escalade, and also admired Cadillacs upcoming entry into the Formula One racing circuit. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer checks out a 2026 Cadillac Escalade IQ in the Cadillac booth during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Thursday, Jan. 15 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Between booths, Whitmer stopped to greet auto executives and show-goers, including Mila Augustine, 7, who was touring the show floor with her family on a snow day. She also visited the Subaru Loves Pets adoption center, although unlike Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on her Wednesday visit, Whitmer didnt take a puppy home. During comments after her speech, Whitmer blamed the Trump administrations changing tariff policies for a nine-month declining trend in U.S. manufacturing. She also warned of the threat of Chinese manufacturing, and called for greater collaboration between the United States, Mexico and Canada ahead of the expiration of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on July 1. 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. LELAND TOWNSHIP, MI A man is facing three felony counts after an incident that stemmed from a family trouble complaint in Northern Michigan, police said. The 30-year-old Traverse City man allegedly kicked out the front grill of a patrol car while he was being arrested and then allegedly kicked at a window and door of a patrol car when it arrived at the jail, according to the Leelanau County Sheriffs Office. He is charged with one count of malicious destruction of police property and two counts of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer, police said. Fourth-degree habitual offender is attached to each charge. Deputies responded around 11 p.m. Tuesday to the 2000 block of North Manitou Trail in Leland Township. It had been reported that a man was destroying personal property belonging to a family member, police said. Prior to their arrival, deputies were told that the suspect had an active warrant in Grand Traverse County related to a conviction of malicious destruction of police property. Upon arrival, deputies immediately attempted to arrest the suspect for the outstanding warrant. The suspect was allegedly uncooperative and kicked out the front grill of the patrol vehicle, police said. He allegedly continued to resist and had to be physically restrained. When the patrol car arrived at the jail, the suspect resisted officers and kicked at the rear passenger window and door of the vehicle, police said. He was eventually booked at the Leelanau County Jail. The suspect was highly intoxicated during the incident, police said. Total monetary damages as a result of the incident are still being determined. The Leelanau County Prosecutor approved the felony warrant. An iceberg is seen at the Disko Bay close to Ilulissat, Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, March 22, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) The Danish Ministry of Defense confirmed Wednesday that Denmark is increasing its military presence in and around Greenland, working closely with NATO allies. OSLO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) and NATO allies have stepped up political and military support for Greenland, as concerns grow over security in the Arctic following recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about the strategically important island. The Danish Ministry of Defense confirmed Wednesday that Denmark is increasing its military presence in and around Greenland, working closely with NATO allies. According to a press release, the enhanced presence starting Wednesday includes additional capabilities such as ships, aircraft and soldiers. The announcement came ahead of a meeting between Denmark, Greenland and the United States held in Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the National Thanksgiving Turkey Pardoning Ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, Nov. 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) "The purpose is to train the ability to operate under the unique Arctic conditions and to strengthen the alliance's footprint in the Arctic, benefiting both European and transatlantic security," the ministry said. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the move as "a clear response to the challenges facing the Arctic" and said the government is committed to establishing "a more permanent and larger military presence" for Denmark and its NATO allies in and around Greenland. Denmark's actions have been accompanied by concrete support from NATO allies. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday that Sweden had sent military personnel to Greenland at Denmark's request, noting that the deployment is linked to preparations for "Arctic Endurance," an operation planned by Denmark. The Swedish Armed Forces confirmed that Swedish personnel were among the initial contingent arriving on the island. A security personnel is on duty at the venue of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in The Hague, the Netherlands, June 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Norway has also contributed personnel. At a press conference with his Danish counterpart held on Wednesday, Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik said that Norway is sending two military staffers to Greenland to "map out the further cooperation between allies." He added that there is ongoing dialogue within NATO on how to strengthen security in the Arctic, including in and around Greenland. Beyond direct military deployments, political support has been voiced at both national and EU levels. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Wednesday called on NATO to "step up its military and security presence in the Arctic," describing the region as "a front line of geopolitical competition." This photo taken on Jan. 7, 2026 shows the scenery of Aasiaat, Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. (Photo by Zhang Quanwei/Xinhua) The European Parliament's political group leaders on Wednesday issued a statement condemning remarks by the Trump administration regarding Greenland as a "blatant" challenge to international law and to the sovereignty of NATO member Denmark. They urged EU institutions to define "concrete and tangible" support for Denmark and Greenland and stressed that decisions concerning Greenland belong to Denmark and Greenland alone. "External attempts to alter the status quo are unacceptable," the leaders said. 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, Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has not ruled out the use of force. Editor: ZAD MACOMB COUNTY, MI A Michigan man charged with assault with intent to murder in the attack of his 75-year-old neighbor has been ordered to stand trial. During a Tuesday, Jan. 13 preliminary exam, a judge determined there was sufficient evidence to order Kurt Studing, 66, to stand trial on all charges against him, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said in a news release. Assault with intent to murder is a felony punishable by up to life in prison. Studing was also charged with assault and battery, a 93-day misdemeanor. Studing was accused of attacking his 75-year-old neighbor and his 67-year-old wife when she tried to intervene on Sept. 6, 2025, in Clinton Township. Prosecutors say the neighbor was cutting his grass when Studing allegedly pulled him off the mower and began kicking and punching him. The neighbors wife allegedly tried to intervene but was pushed to the ground several times, Lucido said. A neighbor who witnessed the assault called 911. The 75-year-old man was hospitalized after the attack, and his wife needed medical attention, Lucido said. Violence is never an acceptable way to resolve disputes, Lucido said in a statement. The Macomb County Prosecutors Office will continue to aggressively protect the safety of our senior community. Studing is scheduled to be arraigned at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, in the Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens. SAULT STE. MARIE, MI A second tribe in Michigans Upper Peninsula is condemning recent ICE actions and encouraging members to carry their proof of U.S. citizenship. Austin Lowe, chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, denounced recent ICE activities that have led to fear, confusion, and anxiety in minority communities, including the indigenous population. Native Americans are U.S. citizens under the Snyder Act, also known as the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. Enforcement actions that rely on intimidation and racial profiling undermine public trust and place innocent people at risk, Lowe said. No one should feel unsafe in their neighborhood, workplace, or homeland because of how they look, the language they speak, or the country they were born in. RELATED: In Trumps first year, daily ICE arrests climbed 230% in Michigan 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. The incidents are deeply troubling and unacceptable, Lowe said. These actions disregard tribal sovereignty and the government-to-government relationship between tribal nations and the United States. He urged members to always carry their tribal and state-issued ID cards; these documents prove U.S. citizenship. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Whitney Gravelle, president of the Bay Mills Indian Community, which is located near Sault Ste. Marie, also advised tribal members to carry proof of citizenship. RELATED: U.P. tribal members advised to carry proof of U.S. citizenship after ICE detains Native Americans Tribal members who are stopped or detained by ICE should remain calm and silent except to ask to speak with an attorney, Lowe said. Agents cannot enter homes without a warrant, he added. Members should memorize the following statement in case they are detained, he said: I am a citizen of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, a federally recognized tribal nation. Under the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, all Native American people born within the territorial limits of the United States are recognized as U.S. citizens by birthright. I am both a tribal citizen and a U.S. citizen. Therefore, ICE has no lawful authority to detain me. RELATED: In a year, ICE arrested over 2,300 in Michigan from teens at home to a dad getting coffee Friends and family of tribal members who are wrongfully detained should call the National Immigration Detention Hotline at 866-376-FREE (3733). Tribal members who are wrongfully detained can call 9233# from an ICE phone. The Saut Tribe Legal Department is available at 906-635-6050. DETROIT The Detroit Auto Show opened to media Wednesday, offering a preview of vehicles on display from more than 40 brands, interactive rides, a pet adoption center and even the U.S. Armys newest tank prototype. Check out some of the wildest sights from our first day at the show below: The Cadillac Elevated Velocity concept car during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 14 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Cadillacs Elevated Velocity concept car Luxury brand Cadillac showed off high-end EV production cars like the Celestiq sedan and their new Formula One car, but the most eye-catching vehicle in their display was the Elevated Velocity concept car. The futuristic gull-wing concept combines elements of the brands high-end V car trims with wild see-through taillights, off-road inspiration and an adaptive suspension. The HOLON autonomous mass-transit vehicle on display during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 14 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com HOLONs autonomous transit vehicle German company Benteler showed off their HOLON autonomous mass-transit vehicle. The self-driving bus-like vehicle fits 15 people - nine seated, six standing - and displayed simulated transit stops in Jacksonville, Florida, where the company is putting finishing touches on a 500,000 square foot manufacturing complex. The U.S. Army unveils a prototype M1E3 main battle tank during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 14 2026. The tank, intended to update the current M1A2 Abrams, features a hybrid motor, an autoloader and a remote-controlled turret sporting a Javelin missile launcher, Mk. 19 grenade launcher and a machine gun. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com U.S. Army M1E3 main battle tank prototype The U.S. Army showed off an early prototype for its next-generation tank, set to replace the M1A2 Abrams sometime within the decade. The 60-ton tank features a new remotely-operated turret, hybrid drivetrain and an autoloader for the main 120mm smoothbore cannon. The Corvette CX concept car during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 14 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Corvette CX concept car Corvette showed off their sleek EV concept featuring over 2,000 horsepower from four in-wheel motors and advanced active aerodynamics with a vacuum fan to increase downforce. The concept cars entire front canopy lifts to showcase an open cockpit inspired by fighter jets. The Ford Budstang - a heavily modified offroad car based on a 1996 Ford Mustang - during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 14 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com The Budstang This 1996 Ford Mustang has been completely overhauled in Gambler 500 style with nitrous on its 3.8L V6, an onboard air system, skid plates made from street signs and a massive set of bull horns. Nicknamed the Budstang, its owned by Dillon Csernai of Mt. Clemens-based DC Exhaust Fabrications. A Barbie-themed Corvette C8 during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 14 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Barbie Corvette C8 Among the other wild custom cars found in the lower-level Hall E, theres a neon-pink Corvette C8 LeMans Edition in full Barbie regalia. It features a 495 horsepower, 6.2L pushrod V8 and was fully disassembled for the custom paint job. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson with Lily, the two-month-old Labrador Retriever mix that she adopted from the Subaru Loves Animals booth during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Tuesday, Jan. 14 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Subaru Loves Pets adoption area Subaru is partnering with local animal shelters to bring dogs and cats in for adoption during the public show. Michigan Secretary of State and Democrat candidate for governor Jocelyn Benson took home 2-month-old Lily, a labrador retriever mix, on Wednesday. The event will be open to the public on January 18th and 25th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m Guests ride a Ford Bronco Badlands through the Bronco Experience during the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Detroit on Wednesday, Jan. 14 2026. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com Jeep and Bronco ride-along experiences Back once more are upgraded Camp Jeep and Bronco Build Wild experience tracks, which take guests all the way to the ceiling of Huntington Place on ramps that reach a 38-degree incline. The Bronco Build Wild track includes off-camber rockers and a teetering platform, while Camp Jeep sees guests line up underneath one of two massive off-camber ramps with Wranglers passing overhead. 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. LANSING, MI The Michigan House rang in the first session day of 2026 by voting to approve a bill limiting the use of cell phones in classrooms. Last year, the bill sponsored by Rep. Mark Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills, failed to earn bipartisan support in the House. This time around it passed, 99 to 10, with both Democrats and Republicans voting in favor on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Every parent knows that phones are addictive devices, Tisdel said. Weve got to give kids their childhood back. If signed into law, the change would take effect next school year, which House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, said gives school districts plenty of time to plan. We want our kids focused on (the) classroom, focused on their teachers. We want them learning, Hall said. We dont want them distracted, playing games on their phones. Hall said most school districts dont have the courage to deal with this locally, so were going to pass a law that requires them to do it. The legislation was also one of Gov. Gretchen Whitmers legislative priorities in 2025. Its movement comes ahead of her annual State of the State address, and could be claimed as an early win if the ban passes through the Senate and to Whitmers desk before the date of her not-yet-announced speech. I understand the need to be connected to your child, but we can do better, Whitmer previously said during her February 2025 State of the State address. This year lets pass bipartisan legislation to limit the use of phones in class. School districts around the state have grappled with how to best keep kids focused on learning and off smartphones. Constant access to social media on smartphones can also lead to increased mental health issues and bullying, according to experts. In Michigan, schools are now allowed to set their own policies governing the student use of mobile devices, including cell phones. A number of districts around the state have adopted some form of cellphone use policy, though the exact number isnt known, the Michigan Department of Education has said. The bill as passed would require public school boards and charter schools to create a cell phone device policy that specifically prohibits use during instructional time. It carves out exemptions for medically-necessary devices, along with district-owned technology like tablets and laptops and devices designated to be used for instructional purposes. Schools are able to enact more strict bans if they choose. Republicans who voted in favor highlighted that the bill preserves some local control, as districts may allow students to keep phones on their person, require devices to be stored in lockers or manage usage on a classroom-by-classroom basis. A previous version of the bill would have mandated stricter requirements also banning cell phone use during breaks, lunch and recess for students in younger grades. That language was removed. Hall said the goal of the change was to make regulations uniform for K-12 students. Now, he said kids will still have access to [cell phones] for emergencies, or they can use them outside of the classroom, so I think we found the right balance there. The bill was initially brought up for a vote in August of last year. It failed to get enough votes when the Democratic House minority, seizing on a few Republican absences and dissenters, blocked its approval in a 53 to 45 vote. House Democratic leaders said the no vote was over a refusal to negotiate on some changes. Bills need at least 56 votes to pass. Tisdel said he worked with legislative Democrats and the governors office on refining the bill, even including compromises for emergency use. He said the defeat had nothing to do with the merits of the bill. Hes sponsored the legislation during the last two legislative sessions. State Sen. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia, also introduced a competing plan to limit smartphone usage in the classroom after Whitmers State of the State Address. Her bill which passed the Senate in May required schools to make a smartphone policy but not to completely prohibit smartphone use during class. Instead, school boards would be required to craft a policy that somehow limits cellphone use during school hours and distractions in classroom settings, which could include a ban on smartphone use during class. Tisdel said he worked with Polehanki and the governors office to come to an agreement on the statewide ban, which he said is necessary to get Michigan in line with what other successful states are doing. If all your peers are offline, youre not missing anything, he said of the need for a statewide standard. According to House Fiscal analysis, Florida was the first state to ban the use of cell phones during instructional time in 2023. As of January 2025, eight other states have also passed a statewide ban or restriction, though the extent varies. During a visit to Michigan in 2025, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also asked lawmakers to ban smartphones in classrooms, according to Michigan House Republican officials. The legislation previously received mixed support from school advocacy groups, with the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and Michigan Association of School Social Workers in support. The state Department of Education did not take a position, but the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) opposed the change back in April 2025, as did the Detroit Public Schools Community District. Brenda Pilgrim, assistant director of government relations for MASB, said the association is pleased with the updates providing exemptions for medical devices and students with disabilities. She said the bill is not perfect, but the groups major concerns have been addressed. The Ford factory worker who was suspended from his job after yelling pedophile protector at President Donald Trump has stopped accepting donations to a pair of crowdfunding campaigns benefitting him. On Wednesday, TJ Sabula put an end to the fundraisers after they combined to raise more than $800,000. Sabula did not start either of the two campaigns, but was made the beneficiary of both. One campaign was started by a family friend, while the other did not identify the creators relationship to Sabula. Both campaigns sought donations to help Sabula pay his bills while he awaits Fords decision on his future employment. "We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support! At this time we are closing donations to this campaign and encourage you to look for other causes and organizations to support. We appreciate every single donation, comment, share, and sign of support!" reads a message left by Sabula on one of the fundraiser pages, while a similar statement was shared by the creator of the second campaign. In total, the two campaigns have raised $811,010 for Sabula. As news of Sabulas actions spread, donations began pouring in from people who supported him. That included legendary professional wrestling manager Jim Cornette, who along with his wife Stacey Cornette, donated $5,000. That donation is tied for the largest single donation made to the fundraisers. Sabulas interaction with the president took place Tuesday while Trump was touring the Ford River Rouge plant in Dearborn. Sabula yelled his comment at Trump from about 60 feet away. Video of the incident shows Trump react immediately as he appears to twice say f*** you before then flipping off Sabula. After 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. In an interview with The Washington Post, Sabula admitted to yelling at the president, but said he had no regrets about his comments. 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. The line worker said he was worried about retribution for his comments and for embarrassing Trump in front of his friends. Ford issued a statement confirming it was aware of the incident, but declined to comment on employee matters. In response to Ford, United Auto Workers Vice President and Director of the Ford Department Laura Dickerson said the union would fight for Sabula. 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." A Ford worker who heckled President Donald Trump during a Michigan plant visit this week has gotten an outpouring of support since he was suspended by the company, including a donation from a professional wrestling legend. The story on the incident is one of five top stories to kick off your day Thursday, Jan. 15. Wrestling legend donates to Ford worker who called Trump pedophile protector Professional wrestling manager Jim Cornette made a $5,000 donation to the GoFundMe campaign started for 40-year-old TJ Sabula, the Ford factory worker who heckled Trump. Sabula called Trump a pedophile protector during the presidents Tuesday, Jan. 13, tour of the River Rouge plant in Dearborn. Trump responded with an obscene gesture, and Sabula was suspended by Ford over the incident. Sabula has since received over $800,000 in donations through online fundraisers as of Wednesday evening. Read MLive reporter Matt Durrs story on the donations here. Here are four other stories to read today. British TikTokers in awe of Great Lakes swells, brutal cold, giant potholes and homemade ranch Two popular British content creators recently made their way up the Lake Michigan shoreline and were blown away by what Michigan had to offer. Josh Cauldwell-Clarke and Jason Riley, known online as Josh and Jase, soaked up all the loveable Midwestern culture on Tuesday, including trying homemade ranch, climbing 303 steps to view Saugatuck and taking in local sights like Dutch Village in Holland. Their travel vlog, titled Two Brits experiencing America one state at a time, highlights local beaches, cuisine and picturesque views, amassing 2.1 million followers on Meta and 1.5 million on TikTok. The duo noted quirks of the Midwest, including potholes, black squirrels and warm hospitality from locals, who welcomed them with donuts and flowers. MLive reporter Lindsay Moore detailed their Michigan visit in this story. Mayor Patricia M. Randall and City Manager Pat McGinnis at the Portage City Council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Portage trash debate will be settled by voters in special election Portage residents will get a chance to weigh in on a controversial trash-hauler program after the Portage City Council voted unanimously to put the issue up to vote in a special May 5 election. In July 2025, the city council decided to contract exclusively with one company, Waste Management, for residential trash pickup across the city. A group of residents and business owners have led an effort to overturn it. Proponents argue the contract will reduce wear and tear on streets and lower costs to residents, while opponents claim it infringes upon their choice of service provider. The resident group, called Take Back the Trash, gathered over 4,000 signatures, with at least 1,308 validated, to initiate the petition against the exclusive contract. Read reporter Audrey Whitakers latest update on the issue here. The Backyard of Kalamazoo is suing Texas Township, arguing officials are unfairly limiting how many events the business can host. Nate Pappas | MLive.com Kalamazoo-area restaurant sues township over what counts as an event The Backyard of Kalamazoo is suing Texas Township for limiting the number of events the business can host, claiming the restrictions are unfair. The lawsuit argues that the event center permit lacks clarity on what constitutes an event, which jeopardizes the businesss operations. The townships regulations currently allow only one event per week and prohibit events in December, January and February. The township invalidated the businesss original site plan and required a new Event Center SEU Permit in December 2023. Owners have sold over half of their real estate to meet permit requirements, exacerbating their financial strain. Read MLive reporter Aya Millers story on the lawsuit here. Shah Hussain stands beside attorney Samuel Bennett during a Jan. 13, 2026, preliminary examination. Cole Waterman Dearborn man faces trial after YouTube crew investigation A Dearborn man is facing multiple charges related to child sexual abuse after allegedly being caught by a YouTube crew in a predator sting. Shah Hussain, 36, allegedly engaged with a decoy profile online and expressed desires for younger girls and requested explicit content, mistakenly believing the decoy was a 15-year-old girl. The YouTube crew, consisting of Victtoria Ford and Aurora Passmore, recorded their interactions with Hussain in a series of phone calls and FaceTime sessions, which featured discussions about meeting at a waterpark hotel. Hussain on Tuesday 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. Read MLive reporter Cole Watermans story on the hearing here. DETROIT, MI - The Detroit Auto Show opens to the public Jan. 1725 at Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd, bringing new vehicles, immersive displays and hands-on experiences back downtown. There will be 41 brands on display this year at the big event. Whether youre a car shopper or just looking for something to do indoors this winter, heres what to know before you go. What to see on the show floor Auto show attendees will have access to dozens of automakers and mobility brands showcasing new cars, trucks and SUVs, including electric and hybrid models. Expect interactive displays, technology demonstrations and hands-on experiences highlighting safety, performance and next-generation features. One of the standout attractions this year is a rare military display: the U.S. Armys M1E3 Abrams early prototype tank, making its first public appearance and offering a look at future armored technology. Interactive experiences Inside the main exhibition, Camp Jeep features a massive obstacle course located at the back of the show, giving riders a taste of real Jeep off-road capabilities. Ford Bronco fans also can experience a separate Bronco obstacle course positioned closer to the middle of the show floor. The Corvette display includes an interactive racing game that allows visitors to test their driving skills in a virtual environment. Near the front of the exhibition hall, families can browse collectibles and memorabilia, with some items available to purchase as souvenirs. Food Local food options are available both inside and outside the show, making it easy for people. Here is a thorough look at restaurants to try here. Tickets Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door, though buying ahead is recommended to avoid lines. The following public show ticket prices apply: Adults: $25 Seniors (65 and older): $15 Children (ages 312): $10 Children (2 and under): Free Family Pass (2 adults and 3 children): $60 Advance group tickets for groups of 30 or more are available for $18 per person. Group ticket purchases must be completed before 9 a.m. on Jan. 17. Full ticket details, hours and purchasing information are available on the Detroit Auto Show website. Parking and transportation Visitors have several options for getting downtown and around the city during the show. Parking: Parking will be available through a variety of parking garages and lots throughout downtown Detroit. The Auto Show recommends booking parking in advance through SpotHero. Visitors can reserve a space using the Huntington Place SpotHero Parking Page to find nearby garages and surface lots. Detroit People Mover: The Detroit People Mover offers a convenient park-and-ride option for accessing downtown venues. Service will begin earlier, at 8 a.m., on both Saturdays and Sundays during the auto show. Additional information is available through the Detroit People Mover. QLINE Streetcar: The QLINE provides a free way to travel along the Woodward Avenue corridor, connecting downtown to Midtown, New Center and the North End. The 3.3-mile route includes 12 stops and operates Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight, and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. More details can be found through the QLINE. The Detroit Auto Show does not manage parking facilities or transportation services. Visitors should check official websites for the most up-to-date schedules, availability and policies. Tips before you go Wear comfortable shoes because the show floor is large. Check the daily schedule for special displays or demonstrations, and consider arriving early on weekends to avoid peak crowds. Whether youre there for the vehicles, rides or interactive displays, the Detroit Auto Show offers plenty to explore during its nine-day public run. YPSILANTI, MI - Four deputies are on leave following a fatal shooting by police last week. A Washtenaw County Sheriffs deputy fatally shot a 34-year-old man from St. Clair County on Jan. 6 after the man fled a traffic stop, confirmed Sheriff Alyshia Dyer on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Dyer declined to release the mans name. Police had tried to stop the driver, who was suspected of a felony assault, around 1:54 a.m. Jan. 6 near Michigan Avenue and Prospect Road in Ypsilanti when he fled, police previously said. The original 911 caller, the alleged victim of the assault, had told police the man was armed with a pistol, Dyer said. Deputies began to pursue the van, which was going the wrong way down Grove Road. The driver also attempted to ram police vehicles, police said. Around 2:07 a.m., the van crashed with a police vehicle near South Prospect Street and Towner Street in Ypsilanti. Shortly after the crash, deputies told county dispatch that the driver was armed with a shotgun. They then said that shots had been fired. Emergency responders then determined the man had been killed. Michigan State Police, which is investigating the incident, declined to answer questions, referring them instead to the sheriffs office. Exactly what happened is still unclear as the investigation unfolds, Dyer said. An initial report indicating the man had a shotgun came from the information given to dispatch, she said. Michigan State Police later confirmed to Dyer that no gun was found in the vehicle, she said. When I learned of that, I felt that I should share that with the public because transparency in these situations is really important, Dyer said. Footage from the deputies body-worn cameras will be released soon, she added. Four deputies are currently on leave, although Dyer didnt say whether those were all the deputies on scene. The fatal incident followed a 30-hour negotiation with a barricaded man in Ypsilanti, which attracted public criticism. The two incidents were unrelated and did not have an overlap between responding officers, Dyer said. I just want the community to know that here, locally, were taking this extremely seriously, Dyer said. We are following best practices and have independent investigators review the situation. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. BRIDGEWATER TWP., MI - Police believe alcohol was a factor in a crash that killed a 34-year-old man from Clinton on Wednesday. The man, of Clinton, had been going west on U.S. 12 near Lima Center Road around 12:14 p.m. Jan. 14 when he crossed the centerline and struck another vehicle going east, said Michigan State Police. The crash occurred near Clinton, close to the county line. Witnesses told police the driver had been passing other vehicles and swerving in and out of its lane. The man struck a vehicle driven by a 42-year-old woman from Quincy. She was taken to the University of Michigan Hospital with serious injuries and is expected to survive. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is still under investigation. The crash temporarily closed U.S. 12 near Lima Center Road. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. YPSILANTI TWP., MI - For some people, the choice of where to put an Ypsilanti Township data center is as simple as looking at two pictures. The first shows a former General Motors plant site in the gray hues of parking lot and concrete. The second is the grassy green of more than 100 acres near the Huron River. That explains it all, Brenda Stumbo, the Ypsilanti Township supervisor, told MLive/The Ann Arbor News. You dont even need words. The aerial photos, displayed during a Wednesday evening informational meeting, are the two potential sites for a data center project spearheaded by the University of Michigan and Los Alamos National Laboratory. The first is the American Center for Mobility, 2701 Airport Drive. The second is roughly 150 acres located on Textile Road. While no selection has been formally announced, township leaders are hoping to push the project toward the Airport Drive location and concrete. Still, residents have questions. Risks to the environment, resident health and national security were all among concerns raised by Ypsilanti Township residents during the Jan. 14 meeting. They also sought clarification on what type of power lines might be installed, the danger of the facilitys proximity to the Ford Lake dam and the role of utility companies in politics. One of the presentation slides displayed during the Jan. 14 meeting. Provided by Ypsilanti Township Township officials, joined by Michigan Reps. Jim DeSana (R-Carleton) and Jimmie Wilson Jr. (D-Ypsilanti), struggled to provide answers. Until the site location is finalized, some information just isnt available, leaders said. Some areas, like impact to health, need more research, said DeSana. We just dont know enough. We dont have enough of these, he said. We havent had them long enough to know what are the health effects. Both representatives encouraged residents to reach out to the universitys Board of Regents and other legislators. Township officials have also been boxed out of conversations with university and utility leaders, according to Stumbo. When they have been at the same table, there has been a dearth of information, Stumbo said. The University of Michigan and the developers have dubbed the facility a high-performance computing facility that focuses on AI, but opponents commonly refer to it as a data center. The estimated $1.2 billion project will house facilities for both the University of Michigan and Los Alamos facility. According to the university, it is to be built for scientific research and innovation and supports projects that benefit the public, from medicine and climate science to energy and national security. The university had previously considered the American Center for Mobility location, but project leaders decided to move forward with other sites, according to prior reporting. They are now reconsidering the former General Motors location at the townships request. The University of Michigan announced Wednesday morning that it plans to host its own informational meeting on Jan. 29 at the Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest, 1275 S. Huron St. We are committed to engaging openly with the community, sharing accurate information as it becomes available, and listening carefully to local perspectives as we move through our evaluation process, Steve Ceccio, an engineering professor who has been involved in the project since its inception, said in a statement. Despite lingering questions, residents seemed to find the townships meeting helpful. I think its good to just have all the information in one place, said Erika Tebbens, a 45-year-old township resident. While she already has been speaking out against the center and knew most of the information presented, she thinks it was helpful for others. Many residents are confused by the convoluted process, in addition to conflating the Ypsilanti Township fight with similar pushback to data centers in nearby municipalities, she said. The meeting also sparked an impromptu brainstorming session, with some residents spontaneously researching potential endangered species that may be on the Textile Road site. Although informational, the meeting showed residents are beginning to coalesce around local pushback on Los Alamos and the University of Michigan, Stumbo said. The best result would be the pair choosing the American Center for Mobility location for the data center, she said. The amazing result would be if they would just leave, she added, prompting clapping and cheers from attendees. The township hopes to hold another informational meeting for its residents, likely after the universitys, Stumbo told MLive/The Ann Arbor News. Its not yet clear when that second meeting might be. Its time to take action, Stumbo said. Everyone agrees, this is wrong. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page. 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) Editor: WXY HUDSONVILLE, MI Hudsonville Ice Cream has added more flavors to its Little Debbie lineup, this time in the form of ice cream sandwiches. The popular West Michigan ice cream brand on Wednesday, Jan. 14, announced the arrival of two new Little Debbie Ice Cream Sandwiches Oatmeal Creme Pie and Cosmic Brownie. Oatmeal Creme Pie features vanilla creme-flavored ice cream sandwiched between real oatmeal cookies. It is available in six packs. Cosmic Brownie features brownie-flavored ice cream sandwiched between fudge brownies with rainbow chips. It is available in packs of four. The new products can now be found on shelves at Meijer, Kroger, Hy-Vee, Giant Eagle, Marianos, Roundys, Family Fare, Tonys Fresh Market, Strack & Van Til Food Market, Berkots Super Foods and Hannaford, with the potential for more retailers to be added later. Little Debbie Ice Cream Sandwiches join an extensive lineup of snack cake-inspired ice cream treats, which includes pints and ice cream bars. Hudsonville Ice Cream first partnered with Little Debbie in 2022 to release a lineup of seven collaborative flavors inspired by the classic snack brand. It has since added more flavors to the lineup, including some exclusive holiday releases. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI A group of property owners has filed a federal lawsuit against the lakeshores Park Township over its ban on short-term rentals in residential areas. The lawsuit comes after an Ottawa County judge in November upheld the ban, which prompted the township to notify short-term rental (STR) owners that it would soon take enforcement action. Property owners filed the lawsuit this week in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The Townships imminent and threatened enforcement of an unconstitutionally vague statute has caused Plaintiffs to lose rental income, property value, and other damages, as well as created the need for declaratory relief that the township cannot rely upon an unconstitutionally vague statute to deprive Plaintiffs of the right to use their properties as noncomforming uses, Grand Rapids attorney Kyle Konwinski wrote in the lawsuit. The township says that STRs rentals for 28 days or fewer - are allowed only in the C-2 Resort Commercial District, primarily along Lake Macatawa near Holland State Park. Steve Spoelhof, the township supervisor, contends that STRs have not been allowed in residential neighborhoods since at least 1974. We have long held that our neighborhoods are for residents, not commercial uses like short-term rentals, he said in a statement. The lawsuit said Park Township officials interpreted the zoning ordinance in effect from 2003 to March 2024 as allowing STRs in residential districts. The zoning administrator in 2003 testified that the ordinance was amended then to ensure STRs were allowed in residential districts. No citations were issued in that period to any of the over 200 STRs. Despite all of the above, the Township now interprets the Zoning Ordinance that existed from 2003 to March 2024 to say that short-term rentals have always been illegal, the lawsuit said. But the only way to accomplish the Townships objective was to concoct an interpretation that short-term rentals were never allowed because *otherwise* the hundreds of short-term rentals could continue to exist as nonconforming uses (i.e. grandfathered). The plaintiffs are challenging whether the pre-2024 zoning ordinance failed to provide notice of prohibited conduct under the U.S. Constitution. The township amended the ordinance in 2024 to explicitly state short-term rentals were prohibited in residential areas. The lawsuit said STRs fit the definition of single-family dwellings rather than commercial establishments, like motels or tourist rooms. For decades, zoning administrators said STRs were permitted in residential zones, the lawsuit said. The township was sued in Ottawa County Circuit Court after it banned short-term rentals in 2023. Officials said residents had complained about trespassing, noise and property damage by visitors. The township amended its ordinance in 2024 to prohibit STRs in residential areas. Ottawa County Circuit Judge Jon Hulsing determined that the townships 1974 zoning ordinance allowed STRs only in Commercial District C-2. He said that the township for nearly 50 years did not take enforcement action against homeowners who rented property on a short-term basis, and that township officials regularly said that the zoning ordinance did not prohibit STRs. But the issue had never gone before the Zoning Board of Appeals. As a result of increased citizen complaints which may have correlated to an ever-increasing number of STRs, the Township studied the issue and concluded that the Zoning Ordinance did not permit STRs in residential districts, Hulsing said. The township amended the ordinance in 2024, leading to the Ottawa County lawsuit. Hulsing said that STRs are commercial uses of property. It is disingenuous to argue that the absence of the homeowner while the transient guests are renting the home suddenly turned otherwise prohibited commercial activity into a permitted single family dwelling, Hulsing wrote. The Court also notes that there is nothing to suggest that the Township, when it restricted transient accommodations to Residence District B in 1963, and further restricted transient accommodations to the C-2 commercial district in 1974, suddenly reversed course and intended to permit transient accommodations in all residential zoning districts without any restrictions, Hulsing wrote. In addition, there is no evidence to suggest that the Township intended to permit transient accommodations in all residential zoning districts without any restrictions after restricting, and then removing, transient rooms and housing from all residential districts in 1963 and 1974, respectively. He said that prior erroneous statements by zoning administrators are not legally binding on either the ZBA or this Court. The lawsuit seeks a monetary award for damages, costs and attorney fees, and a declaration that the pre-2024 Zoning Ordinance is unconstitutionally vague regarding STRs and cannot be used to deny the plaintiffs the right to use their properties as STRs. It asks that the township be prevented from enforcing an STR ban against the plaintiffs. The township said that a violation is municipal civil infraction, with the first offense punishable by a $50 fine, costs and sanctions. A second offense carries a $250 fine with additional offenses carrying a $500 fine. The federal lawsuit has been assigned to District Judge Paul Maloney in Kalamazoo. Updated 3:15 p.m. Jan. 16 JACKSON, MI Alexis Wilson has lived since she was a kid in the neighborhood surrounding a shooting Thursday that killed a 16-year-old. Growing up on this block, there was never any issues. There was no break-ins, nothing. You could sleep with your door unlocked. Thats how comfortable it was being here, Wilson said. She woke early Thursday to police lights and commotion. A couple doors from hers, a 13-year-old allegedly shot the teen, Isaiah Ramos-Bostwick, in the face, Jackson police reported, and Ramos-Bostwick died. Just seeing the situation and just hearing about it is heartbreaking, said Wilson, standing in the cold outside her front door on Trail Street, her home since she was about 8. Jackson police said two teens fled the scene and one of them, a 13-year-old, was being held in the Jackson County Youth Center, a juvenile detention facility. Jackson County Prosecutor Kelsey Guernsey said the teen must be arraigned within the next 24 hours and she anticipates the hearing will be done early Friday morning. Guernsey said she has not yet received the report from police and is charging the 13 year old as a juvenile at this time to meet the 24 hour charging rule for juveniles. At about 12:45 p.m., almost 12 hours after police were called to the area, officers were pulling away the police tape surrounding the house. They left the scene about 1 p.m. The teen who lived at the house didnt really cause any trouble in the neighborhood, Wilson said. I didnt really hear about him getting into violence or any of that. So, this is really shocking to hear. Another neighbor said he heard a mother arrive about 2:30 a.m. She was upset and yelling, he said. He and others said they also consider their neighborhood safe. It is a collection of modest, older homes south of East Ganson Street, northeast of downtown. Wilson lives in the house her parents once occupied with her son, who is nearly 2, and her fiance, Daniel Baker, 24. Actually, its not a bad area, said retired bus driver Suzan Meeuwsen, 70, who also lives on Trail Street and has for more than 40 years. There once was an active neighborhood watch, she said, and Wilson noted a street light installed in front of her home. This is one neighborhood where you dont have to worry about drama. This was one drama-free neighborhood, said Wilson, who only knew the boy who lived in the house. That the suspect is 13 startled the neighbors. That is something else, Meeuwsen said, standing in her covered front porch. Hes ruined his life. Its sad. Many neighbors were not home or did not come to their doors Thursday afternoon. Those who did said they did not hear any shots, just the commotion of emergency responders converging on the scene. Wilson said she went to bed late but heard nothing until after 1 a.m. It did bring me some anxiety for sure, she said. It was not until about 9 a.m. that she had a fuller picture of what had happened. To think of parents losing a child is difficult, she said. Dont no mother or father want to bury their child. JACKSON, MI The Jackson mayor ordered a frequent City Council critic out of a meeting this week after John C. King commented a councilmember may have had his testicles removed, refused to leave the podium and confronted members of the audience. You got to go, man. Its too much. Its too far, Mayor Daniel Mahoney said Tuesday. Jackson police Chief Chris Simpson escorted King, a regular speaker at City Council meetings, from the chamber Jan. 13. Maybe he doesnt want any more children. They dont want more children so he had his testicles removed, King said during public comment, directing his attention to councilmember Will Forgrave and magic mushrooms. Forgrave had in December shared a story about how entheogenic treatments helped his wife recover from postpartum depression. Im sorry. No, sir, Mahoney said, stopping King and telling him not to make personal attacks. King continued ahead, accusing Mahoney of being a b---- to a union connected to his employer. I object to the phrasing being inappropriate for a public forum, councilmember Conner Wood said. Shut up, Conner Wood, King then shouted. When the mayor called him out of order and cut short his allotted three minutes, King protested, saying he had a First Amendment right to speak, and remained at the podium. He yelled shut up and dumbass into the crowd. As he did walk toward his seat, he got in the face of Jackson County District Judge Robert Gaecke, who was applauding Kings dismissal an appropriate and unambiguous response to Kings boorish and bellicose behavior, Gaecke later said in an email. Kings actions were in violation, council members noted, of the City Council public commenting rules, which prohibit personal attacks on council or staff members unrelated to the performance of their duties, obscene language while addressing City Council and engaging in disruptive or disorderly behavior. Hes got a First Amendment right to say whatever he likes, but when his conduct disrupts the orderly proceedings and us trying to establish some decorum in order to conduct the business of the meeting, thats when it becomes problematic, City Attorney Matthew Hagerty said Wednesday. When approached Wednesday at his Jackson home, King alleged the City Council rules are illegal. He did not know whether he would take action and was considering his next steps. He contends the city is in violation of the Open Meetings Act and the First Amendment. Governments cant be censoring people, he said. Hagerty said the Open Meetings Act allows the council to adopt rules, including time and other limitations on comments. The First Amendment does give people the freedom to speak but there is a distinction between a public forum, like a street corner, and a limited public forum, like a congressional hearing. Thats different because youve got a captive audience and youre trying to conduct, in this case, the business of the city. King is permitted to return, Hagerty and the mayor said. He has not previously been removed. He tends to kind of push the envelope with his invectives and trying to stir the pot, Hagerty said. And I think the mayor does a good job of trying to keep decorum and the business of the meeting running. At the conclusion of the Tuesday meeting, with King watching at home, several council members addressed the disruption. Councilmember Arlene Robinson said she doesnt say a lot, but it was a bit overboard. I think we could get more done if people would bring their message with decency and respect to everyone, constituents and staff and council. Councilmember Shalanda Hunt said she struggled to witness an adult manifest such behavior. Passion and disagreements, theyre expected in public settings, she said, but disrespectful behavior directed toward anyone is unacceptable and does not move the community forward. The First Amendment does not say you have to respect council members, said King, who frequently accuses members of the board of corruption. Insults, he said, are perfectly legal. Some people have hobbies. They travel. I go to City Council meetings and do stuff like that, said King, a 59-year-old landscaper. He tries to inform the public of corruption, he said. It is productive, he said, if it stops them from doing stuff. When he made the comment about Forgraves genitals he was trying to make the point he was being submissive to a powerful body, but he was interrupted, he said. On Wednesday, Forgrave said, on one hand, his story about his wife was personal and he cares deeply about the issue, but on the other hand he does not care what King has to say. Somebody who comes to every meeting and does this every meeting and who is frankly kind of clownish, he said. Its almost like a show for him. Its not someone I respect. King said councilmembers can see him as an agitator. I call them out. Tuesday, Mahoney said he tries to be like a duck. Just letting it roll off my back like water. I think people have gotten too comfortable with being just flat out rude and disrespectful for no reason. He disputed any suggestion he benefits financially from any union ties. Im broke, all right? In light of the approaching holiday celebrating The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., he said he refused to let someone believe that most people are not good. Because they are. SUMMIT TWP., MI A 16-year-old girl who was shot through the door of a Summit Township home has had over 200 shotgun pellets surgically removed from her body since the shooting. The girl, testifying against the man who shot her, said there are still many more yet to be removed as she pulled up her shirt in court and showed her stomach displaying surgical scars and countless gunshot wound scars. I was about to knock on the door, then I remember glass shattering and I fell back, the teen said. I had just got shot through a door. The shooter, Troy Allen Webb, was bound over to the Jackson County Circuit Court on one count of reckless discharge of a firearm causing injury or death following the conclusion of his preliminary examination Thursday, Jan. 15. Webb, 42, claims he was acting in self-defense when he opened fire on the girl outside his home. Mr. Webbs daughters apartment had recently gotten shot up, which Mr. Webb believed was associated with (the teen and her friends) who was at his door that day, Webbs attorney, John Hudak said. When the alleged victim was shot, she was at Mr. Webbs door again and he defended his home. Jackson County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Samantha Mackereth disagreed with the self-defense claim, arguing Webb had no lawful justification to shoot through his front door and the stand your ground rule does not apply here. The actions she partook in that day do not justify shooting her, Mackereth said. Generally, people can come to your door and knock on your door. The idea that you can shoot anybody who uses your doorbell, thats clearly not what the legislature intended (in stand your ground.) Jackson County District Judge Daniel Goostrey bound Webb over to the circuit court ruling that self-defense is a question for a jury to decide. The stand your ground law allows people not engaged in a crime to use deadly force without retreating if they have reasonable belief that deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death, great bodily harm or sexual assault. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson. No future court dates have been scheduled and Webb remains free on bond. Webbs charge is a high court misdemeanor, which is treated by courts as a felony because its punishable by up to two years in prison. The girl, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, is currently charged as a juvenile for breaking and entering in connection to the shooting May 16 outside Webbs home on Page Avenue near Knapp Street in Summit Township. MLive.com is withholding the teens name because she is charged as a juvenile. The girl said she and three of her friends were at the home earlier in the day. She said she was there hoping to speak with a girl she had fought earlier in the week, or her parents later identified as Webb. Nobody was home. Before leaving, the teen and her friends grabbed a package of water bottles just inside the front doorway of the home and started spraying the water around the home at each other before they left, she said. The teen admitted they had ski masks, which did not look good for them in retrospect. She added that they were wearing them at the mall earlier in the day as well. The teen, her then-boyfriend and another friend went back to the house a few hours later believing someone was there, she said. According to the girls testimony and neighborhood surveillance video obtained by police, the time between the teens walking up to the door and the shooting was very brief, Jackson County Sheriff Detective Mark Easter said. The teen was rushed to the hospital and was later transferred to University of Michigan Healths C.S. Mott Childrens Hospital in Ann Arbor where she underwent several surgeries. Police had responded to the home earlier in the day and took a report on the break-in and the water bottles, Easter said. Investigating the shooting, Easter spoke with Webb about one or two hours after the shooting but cut the interview short. Easter said he could smell alcohol on Webb. A preliminary breath test showed Webb had a BAC of 0.225 shortly after the shooting, he said. Sobered up, Webb spoke with Easter the following day and said the teen and her friends had been in his house previously and were scared off by Webbs son armed with a knife, Easter said. Webb told police he was getting a glass of water from the kitchen when his son told him the teen and her friends were back. Webb said he was scared, citing the recent shooting involving his daughter, according to Easter. Webb admitted he grabbed his shotgun and laid down on the floor behind the stairs by the front door waiting. He said he didnt want to hurt her, thats why he shot her in the gut believing it would be non-fatal, Easter said. Want more Jackson-area news? Bookmark the local Jackson news page. KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI Four Comstock Township board members were served legal documents during a special meeting Wednesday, Jan. 15. A man, who did not provide his name, approached the dais with four manilla envelops in hand after giving a brief public comment. I have to serve you for meeting at the wrong place at the wrong time, he said. The paperwork was handed to trustees Kristie Cherry, Bob Pratt, Terry McIver and Clerk Nicole Beauchamp. None could be immediately reached for comment on the matter. No, dont you dare, Cherry said as the man tossed the envelope in her direction. This is not the place. Autumn Smith filed the lawsuit against the four board members in Kalamazoo Countys Eighth District Court on Jan. 8, documents show. She plans to represent herself in the matter. Smith alleges the four board members violated Michigans Open Meetings Act by gathering at Tibble Law Firm, 5144 Gull Road, on Jan. 7. A photo of the group is included in the complaint. Under the OMA, a gathering of four or more township board members to discuss township business would constitute a meeting, even in private. Smith is calling for the court to declare a violation of the Michigan Open Meetings Act, invalidate any decisions or deliberations resulting from the unlawful meeting and impose fines. The violation was totally avoidable, court documents state. The OMA does make exceptions for social gatherings officials attend. Smith alleges, however, that members met to discuss township-related business. Court records and filings establish that all four defendants have retained the Tibble Law Firm to represent them in an active recall proceeding related to: their public offices, their conduct as township officials, township governance and administration, matters of public concern, court documents state. Smith is a Calhoun County resident, per court documents. She recently joined and became active on Comstock Township-related social media pages. The special meeting agenda included an ethics presentation from the township attorney and closed session discussion period, per township documents. Tensions between board members have run high since the new board took office more than a year ago as elected leaders navigated a contentious battery energy storage facility ordinance drafting process, among other interpersonal conflicts. All seven board members currently face petitions calling for their removal from office. Cherry, Pratt, McIver and Beauchamp appealed the recall petitions in court on Jan. 7. A judges decision is expected on or before Feb. 8, per court documents -- signature gathering efforts are on hold until that time. MORE: Recall language approved for 9 Kalamazoo-area officials: Whats next Cherry, Pratt, McIver and Beauchamp now have 21 days to file a written answer with the court or take other lawful action in court, per the summons. I hope that, like you, things smooth out a little bit going forward, McIver said at the end of the meeting. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page. KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, MI The Kalamazoo Township police chief is retiring this week after 31 years with the police department. Chief Bryan Ergang, who has served as police chief for the last eight years, will retire Friday, Jan. 16, the Township of Kalamazoo Police Department announced in a news release Wednesday. Ergang joined the Kalamazoo Township police force in 1995. During his time as police chief, he helped reestablish a community policing unit, instituted a K-9 unit and increased the departments staffing levels, including the number of female officers, the department said. Serving the Kalamazoo community who welcomed me so long ago, and working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Township of Kalamazoo Police Department has been the greatest honor of my career, Ergang said in a statement. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident the department is well positioned for the future. He was also credited with leading the initiative for new public safety and government infrastructure and voluntarily attaining department-wide accreditation through the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. Kalamazoo Township police Lt. Scott Jackson was appointed as the townships next police chief, the department said. Jackson has over 25 years of law enforcement experience. An MLive file photo of the Judge Charles A. Pratt Justice Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Joel Bissell | Jbissell@mlive.com KALAMAZOO, MI A 71-year-old woman was found deceased in her apartment by family members earlier this week, and a suspect has been charged with murder. Virginia Cramer has been identified as the victim by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Police say the killing was the result of domestic violence. Officers with KDPS responded to Cramers apartment, in the 500 block of West Crosstown Parkway on Tuesday, Jan. 13, after family members found Cramer deceased with apparent injuries, KDPS spokesperson Zach Hamelton said. The death was immediately ruled a homicide investigation and Jose Louies Mata, 62, was quickly identified as a person of interest, Hamelton said. Later that evening, Mata was located and taken into custody at an apartment complex in the 2300 block of Newstead Avenue in the city of Wyoming. Mata was formally charged with open murder and arraigned on Thursday, Jan. 15, by Kalamazoo County District Judge Becket Jones. Bond was denied in the case. The loss of Ms. Cramer is devastating and serves as another reminder of how quickly domestic violence can escalate, said KDPS Capt. Danielle Guilds. We urge anyone experiencing abuse to seek help before its too late. We are thankful for the quick apprehension of Mata so he can be held accountable for his actions. Mata is due back in court on Wednesday, Jan. 28 for a probable cause conference, according to court records. He has a preliminary examination scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety extends its sincerest condolences to Cramers family and loved ones. KDPS also extends gratitude to the Wyoming Police Department for assistance in safely taking Mata into custody. RELATED: Kalamazoo shootings in 2025: See how gun violence trends have shifted Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact the KDPS Criminal Investigations Division at 269-337-8139. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Kalamazoo Silent Observer at 269-343-2100, the P3Tips app, or www.KalamazooSilentObserver.com. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page. KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI Police have identified the victim of a fatal shooting that happened over the weekend. Marcus Anthony Anderson, 33, of Kalamazoo, was shot and killed in the early morning of Saturday, Jan. 10, at a party at Wildwood Off Main Apartments, 200 Lake Forest Boulevard, in Kalamazoo Township, police said. Chief of Police Bryan Ergang confirmed the mans identity Wednesday, Jan. 14. Detectives are investigating, he said. The complex is near Western Michigan Universitys main campus in Kalamazoo. Callers told police two people were in an altercation at the party, leading to a shooting. Witnesses told police the suspect ran from the scene and fled in a vehicle. A short time later, officers were alerted to a crash on West Main Street, where the suspect struck another motorist and fled, police said. Police arrested the 28-year-old suspect after he abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot. Visit MLives local Kalamazoo news page. This story has been updated with more information from the Ludington Police Department. LUDINGTON, MI Ludington Area School District has canceled classes for all of its students Thursday, Jan. 15, due to a recent school threat as well as an ongoing winter weather advisory. A written threat was found in the Ludington High School building at the end of the school day Wednesday, Jan. 14, Interim Superintendent Mary Marshall said in a message to families. The written message allegedly referred to a school shooting that was set to happen on a specific date, the Ludington Police Department said in a press release. A 14-year-old male suspect was identified by police and confessed to writing the message, the police department said. The student has been suspended until further notice, according to police. The district canceled all Wednesday evening events and activities out of an abundance of caution, Marshall said. Classes were also canceled on Thursday at all of the districts schools. As this is an ongoing investigation, and with the worsening weather, we will be canceling school for tomorrow (Thursday) to give the LPD time to do a thorough investigation, Marshall wrote Wednesday evening. The Ludington Police Department said it will continue to investigate the incident and will refer the case to the Mason County Prosecutor for criminal charges. There is no ongoing threat to the Ludington High School community, police said. Marshall asked any high school students with information about a threat to contact Ludington police. The National Weather Service Grand Rapids office has issued a winter weather advisory for the city of Ludington, as well as Mason, Oceana and Muskegon counties, until 7 a.m. Thursday. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches are forecasted for the eastern sections of the counties, and up to 8 inches of snow is forecasted along U.S. 31 and west of the highway. There could be wind gusts as high as 45 miles per hour, the NWS said. Motorists should expect slippery road conditions and rapidly changing visibility. John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), attends the first meeting of the eighth-term Legislative Council in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) HONG KONG, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong will make all-out efforts to handle the aftermath of the deadly fire at the residential complex and launch systematic reforms to improve building safety and fire control, John Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said on Wednesday. Lee made the remarks while addressing the first meeting of the eighth-term Legislative Council, where he detailed the government's response to the fire. Hong Kong police and anti-graft authorities have arrested several people on suspicion of manslaughter and corruption. The development bureau has ordered the removal of all scaffolding nets on buildings under maintenance and overhauled the approval and inspection systems for such nets, Lee said. Meanwhile, the HKSAR government has rolled out various subsidies and relief measures to support affected residents. An independent committee has been set up to investigate the cause of the incident and pursue accountability, with a report to be submitted within nine months, according to Lee. He reiterated that the HKSAR government will heed the committee's recommendations, implement systematic reforms and introduce targeted improvement measures across various sectors. The deadly fire broke out on Nov. 26, engulfing seven buildings in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. This photo shows a scene at the first meeting of the eighth-term Legislative Council in Hong Kong, south China, Jan. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) Editor: WXY Update: Bay County Sheriff Troy R. Cunningham confirmed Jayden Scott reported to the jail about 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, to serve a seven-day sentence. BAY CITY, MI On the day after Renee Nicole Good was killed, Bay Citys Jayden D. Scott appeared at a rally in Minnesota, proclaiming We executed one of you yesterday. Less than a week later, he was scheduled to appear in Bay County Circuit Court to serve a seven-day jail sentence. Rather than appearing in person, though, he appeared via Zoom, delaying his jail term by at least a few days. Scott, 23, appeared before Bay County Circuit Judge Jessie Scott Wood on the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 14, for a custody hearing between him and his childs mother. Wood on Dec. 19 found Scott in criminal contempt of court for failing to appear and ordered he report to the Bay County Jail at 4 p.m. to serve a seven-day sentence. At the same December hearing, Wood ordered Scott to pay $841 for his childs dental care, along with $750 in attorney fees and $12,653 in child support arrearage to be paid over two installments by the end of the month. She further suspended his parenting time until he has served his jail time and noted additional contempt action could be taken if he did not report as ordered. Scott on Wednesday wore a bulletproof vest as he appeared on Zoom, stating he is currently in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was not aware he was due in court in Bay County. Scott was in Michigan the day prior, appearing outside the MotorCity Casino in downtown Detroit in support of President Donald Trumps appearance. He and two others, both of whom declined to give their names, stood behind a wall of police and shouted at protesters engaging in anti-Trump demonstrations, calling protesters commies and for restoring law and order. Scott told the judge he was not in court in December and did not report to jail as he was celebrating his childs birthday in Saginaw. He added he tried to report to the jail on Christmas Day but was denied admittance. Under oath, Scott refused to orally provide his home address, saying he has received more than 1,000 death threats. He texted his attorney, Marcus R. Garske, his address, who provided it to Judge Wood. Wood asked Scott if he currently lives at or previously resided at the address. After some back and forth, Wood informed him that if he moves, he must notify the Friend of the Court. Scott also told the judge he did not plan on returning to Michigan until Jan. 21. Wood asked why and Scott replied it was due to work obligations. Wood then asked what company he is working for that is keeping him in Minnesota, and Scott replied, no comment. Garske asked Wood to set a new date for Scott to begin serving his jail sentence after he returns from Minnesota, but the judge declined this as Scott would not detail what was keeping him out of Michigan. Wood ordered Scott to report to the jail by 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16. Scott replied he would not be present. The judge told him that if he if he fails to show, she will issue a bench warrant for his arrest. Garske declined to comment when contacted by MLive. Attorney Christopher A. Picard, representing Scotts childs mother, declined to comment apart from saying Scott has not paid his outstanding five-figure fees as of Jan. 15. Scott went viral after he was recorded on video shouting, We executed one of you yesterday toward an anti-ICE demonstration in Minneapolis. The Jan. 8 protest took place a day after Good was shot and killed by an ICE officer. Also in the video, Scott referred to the protesters as terrorists and called for more patriots. We need the backup, he said. Two days later, Scott posted on his LinkedIn account that he was resigning from Harmony Investment Group, a Troy-based private health care firm. It is with a sad heart I announce my departure and formal resignation of Harmony Investment Group, Scott wrote on the social media platform. With recent developments in America, the board and I have decided, we have different views of the future of America. Scott was also in videos showing him at a protest in Dearborn in late 2025 and at a counterprotest for the No Kings protest in Bay City. MOUNT PLEASANT, MI Central Michigan University officials said they are launching a program later this year that would make the institiution Michigans first public college to guarantee graduates employment or graduate school admission. If either guarantee falls through, those students would be backed by a promise of financial support if they fail to land a job or admission slot there within six months. The program dubbed the Central Career Guarantee will provide $2,000 in financial support to eligible graduates, CMU officials said. Recipients can use the money for student loan payments, continued job or school searches, or other needs, college officials said. The university also would provide career development support via the initiative. At CMU, we know that our approach to hands-on learning, leadership development and student success works, CMU President Neil MacKinnon said in a statement. Were confident that we offer students an exceptional education that delivers real-world results, and now we guarantee it. The program will launch in the fall 2026 semester. The initiative will remain open to eligible main campus and online undergraduate students who opt in, officials said. Participants must complete a series of requirements, which would include meeting with advisors, participating in career development activities, and attending designated events, in addition to class attendance and faculty engagement. Nationally, theres a question about the value of a four-year degree that stems from the misconception that college doesnt prepare students for careers and that simply isnt the case here, MacKinnon said. CMU currently reports a 94.3% career outcomes rate, college officials said. The number one reason most students choose to pursue higher education is to improve their career prospects they are seeking pathways to better jobs and higher earnings, MacKinnon said. We want students and their families to see that a college degree from CMU can help them achieve that goal. Additional details about the Central Career Guarantee are available online at cmich.edu. Officials have determined the cause of death for a beloved Chicago teacher. According to ABC7 in Chicago, the Cook County Medical Examiners Office said that Linda Brown, a 53-year-old Robert Healy Elementary special education teacher, died from suicide by drowning. Brown had been missing since Jan. 3. The Chicago Police Department found her body in Lake Michigan near the 3100 Block of South Lake Shore Drive just before noon on Monday. In a text message to the TV station, her family said they are absolutely heartbroken. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former CPS teacher, also issued a statement about her death on Monday. She (Brown) made an immeasurable impact on countless young lives and was a vital member of the Bridgeport community. Im praying for her family, and for her students as they grieve and remember Linda and all the joy she brought. Browns former school is offering grief counseling and support to students and staff members. Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time. We know that this loss will raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially our students, the school said in a statement. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or in need of immediate mental health assistance, local and national crisis lines are available 24/7. The local crisis line is 269-381-HELP (4357). The national suicide prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For a full list of suicide prevention resources, visit gryphon.org. DETROIT -- Former Detroit Tigers infielder Nick Solak has signed a minor-league contract with the San Diego Padres. Solak, 31, went 1-for-11 last year for the Pittsburgh Pirates, his first big-league stint since he appeared in a single game for the Tigers in 2023. Solak, 30, played briefly for the Tigers and Atlanta Braves in 2023, earning the unusual distinction of appearing in two games for two different big-league teams without getting a plate appearance in either of them. Solak was a pinch-runner on April 26, 2023, for the Braves and, after being claimed off waivers by the Tigers, a pinch-runner for Detroit on June 10, 2023. Solak was an everyday player for the Rangers in 2020 and 2021 but has bounced around since then. He spent the 2024 season at Seattle Mariners Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma and signed a minor-league deal with the Pirates before the 2025 season. If we do indeed have a Polar Vortex deep freeze coming this winter, then it looks to be closing in. The last couple weeks of January and into early February could be serving up the most bitterly cold air of the winter so far, according to forecast data. Sub-zero wind chills are likely over an extended period, and lake effect snow will stay in the mix, too, the National Weather Service said. Confidence continues to increase that a shot of Arctic air will visit the Great Lakes region early next week, the NWS meteorologists said. Combination of bitterly cold temperatures and gusty winds could result in dangerously cold wind chills developing both Monday and Tuesday. Please monitor future updates on this potentially dangerously cold period of weather. Sub-zero wind chills and lake effect snow are in the forecast for the last part of January. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service Here are the statewide forecast highlights from the National Weather Service offices across Michigan: Across western Lower Michigan, lake effect snow will continue through early Thursday morning, with 4 to 7 inches possible along the immediate lakeshore from Van Buren through Mason counties, and isolated totals potentially reaching higher amounts where bands remain stationary. Wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph are creating significant blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility to a quarter mile or less at times. Wind chills will fall into the negative teens during the early morning hours Thursday, creating dangerous conditions for anyone heading out for the morning commute. Thursday will bring a brief respite from snow as high pressure builds overhead, but temperatures will remain frigid with highs only reaching the teens to lower 20s despite sunshine developing across interior areas. The pattern turns active again Friday as the next Clipper system approaches the Great Lakes. Widespread light to moderate snow is expected Friday morning through the afternoon, with the heaviest accumulations of 3 to 6 inches likely west of U.S. 131 where lake enhancement will be greatest. Snow will transition back to lake effect snow showers Saturday morning as the system moves east. Travel impacts are expected Friday, particularly during the morning and evening commutes. Much colder air arrives for the weekend and continues into early next week. A series of Clipper systems will bring periodic rounds of lake effect snow through Tuesday, with the heaviest snow belts shifting based on wind direction. The most significant cold arrives Monday and Tuesday. Wind chills could drop below zero at night, with some areas potentially reaching negative double digits early next week. The PM Surya Ghar programme, whose second anniversary coincides with the budget, has achieved nearly 27% of its 10-million-household target, so far. This undated file photo shows a view of a branch of automobile information, trading and services platform Dongchedi, also known as DCar, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua) TIANJIN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- For Wang Xiaohan, a newly minted graduate entering the workforce, buying her first car came down to arithmetic rather than aspiration. Notably, a three-year-old sedan with fewer than 50,000 kilometers on the odometer costs roughly half as much as a comparable new compact. "I just need something to get me to work," she said. "Cost efficiency matters most. A second-hand car fits my budget without putting me under pressure." Such calculations are increasingly common among young Chinese consumers. A recent industry survey suggests that used cars are emerging as the preferred choice for a growing share of those born in or after 1990, signaling a quiet redefinition of what a car represents. The nationwide study of young second-hand buyers, jointly released by China Auto Information Technology (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. and the automobile information, trading and services platform Dongchedi, also known as DCar, found that 94 percent of respondents were first-time car buyers. Nearly four in five said their purchase was driven primarily by everyday transportation needs. Affordability sits at the heart of this shift. More than 60 percent cited price as the decisive factor, with most gravitating toward vehicles priced between 50,000 and 100,000 yuan (roughly 7,000 to 14,000 U.S. dollars), according to the report. Rapid depreciation of new cars has reinforced this appeal. Almost half of the respondents said they opted for used vehicles to avoid steep value loss. Data from the China Automobile Dealers Association (CADA), which tracks resale value retention, show that many models lose about half their original value within three years. "I worry that battery technology could move on soon after I buy a new car," Wang said. Describing herself as a "wait-and-see buyer," she regards a used car as a practical interim solution, allowing her to meet immediate mobility needs without locking herself into fast-depreciating technology. Market data suggest that demand and supply are aligning in China. In November 2025, the average transaction price of second-hand vehicles stood at 64,100 yuan, according to the CADA. Cars aged three to six years accounted for the largest share of transactions, at 42.72 percent, while vehicles under three years old made up 26.89 percent, also registering modest growth. As digital natives, young buyers increasingly navigate the second-hand car market online. The survey revealed that 72 percent obtained car information through automotive apps, while 64 percent relied on short videos or livestreams. Online platforms have also overtaken traditional offline markets as transaction channels. Models combining online selection and ordering with offline test drives, and backed by seven-day free return policies, have helped ease long-standing trust concerns. This approach appealed to a young man surnamed Qing, who in March last year bought a second-hand NIO ET5T electric vehicle through Dongchedi. Before placing the order, he watched a 40-minute video detailing the car's condition inside and out. The vehicle was delivered to Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, with all registration and transfer procedures completed. After a test drive, Qing finalized the purchase. Six months later, he said the car had "totally exceeded expectations." Some young buyers have pushed value-seeking even further, turning to vehicles produced by struggling or defunct automakers, drawn by sharply discounted prices. Industry observers see this as part of a broader reassessment of value. Having grown up amid rapid technological change, younger consumers show less attachment to brand premiums and more interest in tangible components and functional reliability. "I'm not betting on the automaker's revival, but on the reliability of the battery cells supplied by CATL," said a Gen-Zer programmer who bought a heavily discounted Jidu 07 model after the brand ran into serious operational difficulties. Others echoed the sentiment. "I'm not buying a brand, but a set of usable hardware," said another buyer who purchased a WM Motor W6 for around 60,000 yuan, down from an original price of about 280,000 yuan. For such buyers, affordability, combined with a relatively young vehicle age, outweighs brand pedigree. This cost-conscious approach reflects a broader shift in consumption psychology. "Young consumers are paying closer attention to core attributes such as safety and cost efficiency, rather than branding or flashy but non-essential features," said Bo Wenguang, an associate professor at the School of Economics of Nankai University in north China's Tianjin Municipality. The trend has unfolded alongside steady market expansion. From January to November 2025, second-hand vehicle transactions reached 18.24 million units nationwide, up 2.95 percent year on year, with total transaction value hitting 1.17 trillion yuan, according to the CADA. Despite the headline growth, the sector still faces challenges. Industry associations noted that intensified competition in the new-car market, characterized by frequent price adjustments, has narrowed the price gap between new and used vehicles, placing sustained pressure on used-car dealers. Meanwhile, information asymmetry, such as incomplete disclosure of vehicle condition and usage history, and uneven third-party oversight, among others, present uncertainty to used-car buyers, observers noted. Zhao Zhifeng, head of Dongchedi's second-hand car business, said platforms must build competitiveness supported by three pillars, namely trust, cost and convenience. "Raising the bar for vehicle-condition transparency is essential," he noted, calling for fully disclosed, visualized electronic reports covering key component diagnostics and traceable maintenance histories. Similar views have been voiced by other platforms. Wang Xiaoyu, co-founder of used-car marketplace Guazi, has called for unified inspection and evaluation standards, and stronger service guarantees to attract more consumers. Editor: WXY 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. Saurav Pandey is the Deputy Manager of Content at Moneycontrol, specialising in content strategy, execution and performance analysis. He integrates advanced SEO techniques to deliver high-impact, data-driven content formats. His expertise spans various beats, including education, career, science and others, where he adopts a technical approach to optimise visibility, improve search rankings, and drive organic traffic growth. He can be reached out at Saurav.Pandey@nw18.com. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All BMC polls: Senior citizen voter complains to Hema Malini about chaos at Mumbai poll booth; actress reacts 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? 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. Photo taken on Jan. 12, 2026, shows students from Hongqiao Primary School in Luyang District attending a traditional culture practice class at Xiaoyaojin Park in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. At the park's lantern fair, the students explore traditional folk culture by watching folk performances and taking part in hands-on traditional craft activities, deepening their understanding of local heritage and fostering cultural confidence. (Zhao Ming/Guangming Pictures) Photo taken on Jan. 12, 2026, shows students from Hongqiao Primary School in Luyang District enjoying a lantern fair at Xiaoyaojin Park in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Zhao Ming/Guangming Pictures) Editor: WSH Did our AI summary help? Sriva A is a seasoned film critic with a keen eye for storytelling, cinematography, and performances. Did our AI summary help? Matt Damon attends The rip premiere with his family Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Kalamkaaval, Bha Bha Bha, Dhandoraa, and more: South OTT releases to not miss this week Did our AI summary help? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Parasakthi team receives backlash for promoting the film in Delhi during Sankranthi celebrations With the legal proceedings still underway, all eyes are now on the outcome of the case, as the courts decision is expected to determine the fate of the much-anticipated film. Did our AI summary help? The Cheekatilo trailer was released by Prime Video India on Monday, January 12, and quickly garnered attention for its intense tone and intriguing narrative. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Sivakarthikeyan rings in Pongal with wife Aarthi in Delhi, shares warm festive moments IMF may approve new program for Ukraine in Feb, it depends on Kyiv's implementation of prior actions Fund The Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may potentially approve a new 4-year EFF financing program for Ukraine in February, but this will depend, first of all, on Ukraines implementation of agreed prior actions, said Funds Director of Communications Julie Kozak. "We dont have a board date [so far] We are hopeful that we could potentially have a board meeting in February," she said at the funds regular briefing Thursday, Interfax-Ukraine reported. Kozack explained that the European Councils approval to provide Ukraine with EUR 90 billion in financial support over 2026 and 2027 is an important milestone in addressing Ukraines projected $63 billion budget deficit for 2026-2027 and $136.5 billion over the 2026-2029 program period, as well as in restoring debt sustainability. "Were in the final stages of discussions with international donors as they seek to secure all of the necessary financing assurances," the Fund representative described the status of implementation of this prior condition. Regarding Ukraines implementation of prior actions, Kozack stated that only one measure has been implemented so far - the adoption of the state budget for 2026. "The other one will be that the tax base will need to be broadened, by enacting legislation to tax income earned through digital platforms, closing customs loopholes for consumer goods, and resuming and removing exemptions for VAT. So prompt action by the Ukrainian authorities to complete these and other prior actions will be critical to maintaining reform momentum and assisting Ukraine in unlocking financing for its large needs," the funds communications director emphasized. She said one of the goals of IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgievas visit to Kyiv this Thursday is to highlight the importance of maintaining reform momentum in Ukraine and the Funds support for it. Kozack noted that during the visit, Georgieva will meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko, and National Bank of Ukraine Governor Andriy Pyshnyy, as well as with several private sector representatives. "She [Georgieva] wants to understand the key issues as they see it, you know, on the ground. So having that kind of those discussions will be will be very important for her," the funds communications director emphasized. She added that the visit is intended to help coordinate and catalyze international financial support for Ukraine. Kozack recalled that this is the first visit by the IMF chief to Kyiv since February 2023, when discussions on the previous Fund program were also underway. After Kyiv, Georgieva will travel to Rome for her first meeting with Pope Leo XIV, then attend the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos from January 19-23, after which she will visit Brussels for meetings with EU leadership. At the briefing, Kozack declined to comment on reports that Ukraine had made a SDR 125.7 million ($179.4 million) payment toward the repayment of the $1.3 billion emergency financing tranche allocated in October 2022 under the IMFs Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI). "Our general practice is not to comment on specific transactions of our member countries," she said. Last year, the IMF allocated SDR 674 million to Ukraine, while Ukraine paid SDR 1.7 billion in principal and SDR 523.5 million in interest. 15.01.2026, 18:28 Political News | Business News The Sunjay Kapur will dispute has intensified, with his children Samaira and Kiaan seeking criminal action against Priya Kapur, alleging the will excluding them was forged, sources told NDTV. When SD Burman called Hare Rama Hare Krishna 'disgusting' and asked Dev Anand not to make it, Zeenat Aman was NOT the first choice Margins are expected to fall among listed steel firms due to a fall in prices, despite strong demand The commission has sweeping powers under the rules to clamp down on cartels including powers to conduct raids, issue cease, desist orders, and even hold top executives personally liable. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Pakistan and India remain similar, yet different in defence purchase profiles Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Tariffs didnt choke exports: India cuts US dependence, redirects trade to West Asia and Asia, says report The core dispute is over how broadly the concept of permanent establishment should be interpreted in the digital economy. Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com India and the US have held several round of trade talks. (file photo) Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. 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 Sugar production in Ukraine in the 2025-2026 marketing year has already reached 1.615 million tonnes, but the sugar refining season is not over, said Yana Kavushevska, head of the board of the National Association of Sugar Producers Ukrtsukor in an interview with the Interfax-Ukraine agency. "According to our expectations, sugar production in the 2025-2026 marketing year will exceed 1.7 million tonnes. As of 10 January, plants belonging to the association have produced 1.615 million tonnes," she said. Kavushevska noted that in 2025, sugar beets were grown on 199,000 hectares in Ukraine. With a yield of 58 tonnes per hectare, 11.4 million tonnes were harvested. Of this, 10.8 million tonnes were delivered to 27 sugar plants within the Ukrtsukor association operating in the 2025/26 marketing year, though deliveries are still ongoing. She said the association had expected a lower beet yield and lower total sugar production, but favorable weather conditions allowed farmers to achieve higher yields than last year. She recalled that in 2024, sugar beets were planted on 250,000 hectares, yielding 55 tonnes per hectare, and 29 sugar plants produced 1.812 million tonnes of sugar. Ukrtsukor noted that domestic sugar consumption in Ukraine before the full-scale war even after the loss of Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions stood at 1.21.3 million tonnes, and is now 300,000400,000 tonnes lower. As a result, Ukraine aims to export at least 700,000 tonnes in the current marketing year. Kavushevska said the geography of Ukrainian sugar exports in 2026 is unlikely to change. Shipments will likely go to countries with convenient logistics, where transportation costs allow Ukrainian sugar to remain competitive with other global producers. "In 2025, Ukraine exported 464,000 tonnes of sugar, of which 27 percent went to the European Union, while the rest was supplied to the global market, including countries in the Middle East and the Balkans. The undisputed leader in purchasing Ukrainian sugar in 2025 was Lebanon, with 71,000 tonnes, while a year earlier it had been Turkey with a similar volume. In second place was an EU country, Bulgaria, with 66,000 tonnes, followed by North Macedonia with 39,000 tonnes, Libya with 34,000 tonnes, and Syria and Turkiye sharing fifth place with more than 27,000 tonnes each," the head of Ukrtsukor said. The new Labour Code that came into effect in November 2025 introduced a slew of changes that laid down the foundation for ensuring better wages, safety, social security, and enhanced welfare for Indias workforce Trump said hed been assured that Iran would stop killing protesters, reducing the likelihood of an immediate US military response Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Small, mid-caps likely to see further selling pressure, large-caps fairly valued: Prashant Jain, 3P Investment Managers Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Neville Tata set to join Sir Ratan Tata Trust as board meets on Saturday; no word yet on Bhaskar Bhat Dipen Pradhan is the Editorial Consultant for Moneycontrol. He has over 10 years of experience in the field of journalism and covers personal finance topics. He has previously worked at Forbes Advisor India, Outlook Money, Entrepreneur, Inc42, and The Statesman. When he is not writing he loves to travel to explore rural hotspots. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to HDFC Infinia Credit Card rewards cut: Effective return on vouchers falls sharply as 5X points drops to 3X Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to One KYC update, many accounts: The cleanest order to fix everything without chaos Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All US pressured Italy to cancel contracts with Chinas Nuctech Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'Absolutely no role': Justice Yashwant Varma denies cash recovery, says he wasnt present during fire In Kyiv, debris was recorded falling on a residential building as a result of an enemy attack, said the head of the citys military administration, Timur Tkachenko. "In the Solomiansky district, debris was recorded falling on a residential building as a result of an enemy attack," he said on Telegram. Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project is being executed by a BHEL-led consortium with TRSL. ED moves Supreme Court seeking suspension of West Bengal DGP over I-PAC raid row The Enforcement Directorate has approached the Supreme Court seeking the suspension of West Bengal DGP Rajiv Kumar, accusing him and other senior police officials of obstructing its raids linked to I-PAC in Kolkata. The agency alleged Kumar joined Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees protest against the searches and sought disciplinary action through the Centre. The ED moved the apex court after the Calcutta High Court declined urgent relief, even as it later noted that no seizures were made during the raids and heard claims that files were taken away by the Chief Minister. Can decide citizenship for registration as voters, not to deport or check visa: Election Commission to Supreme Court Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All 'Come everyone: ED cites WhatsApp chats to allege TMC role in courtroom chaos Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to EUs top two leaders to be Republic Day chief guests as India-EU summit returns after six years All six MLAs of the Congress in Bihar are said to be in talks with the JD(U). (File: PTI) India prepares to evacuate its citizens from Iran, first flight to depart from Tehran to Delhi tomorrow Russian troops attacked Kyiv region, eight private houses were damaged in one of the districts, Kyiv Military Regional Adminiatration head Mykola Kalashnyk has said. "The enemy attacked the Kyiv region again. Under the blows of the terrorist country are peaceful settlements, homes of ordinary people, their lives and peace. This night in the Buchansky district 8 private houses were damaged," he said on Telegram, adding that windows were broken in the apartments, facades and roofs were damaged. All people whose homes were destroyed are already being provided with the necessary assistance. "We are working on this together with local authorities and with the support of our international partners," Kalashnyk said. The country imported about 1.3 million barrels a day of Russian crude in December, according to data from ship-tracking firms Vortexa Ltd. and Kpler Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Indian Sikh woman Sarabjeet Kaur's plea for help from Pakistan: 'Made a mistake, want to return ...' You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Kite string turns deadly as family of three falls 70 feet from Surat flyover, dies The long-delayed BMC polls will test Sena (UBT)s relevance in Mumbai, the city of its birth. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Maharani who donated 600kg gold during 1962 India-China war, offered private jets to the nation, passes away at 93 Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Mock anti-terror drills conducted at vulnerable locations in North Delhi ahead of Republic Day Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Mohan Bhagwat cautions voters against NOTA: 'Vote for best available option' Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'No Indian company will be viable in exporting at 75%': Shashi Tharoor amid Trump's Tariff war The SEC had earlier announced that campaigning for the BMC polls would conclude at 5.30 pm on January 13, or two days before polling, as is normally the case. Photo: https://www.president.gov.ua/ US President Donald Trump said that Ukraine, not Russia, is holding up a potential peace deal, in sharp contrast to rhetoric from European allies who have consistently said that Moscow has little interest in ending the war in Ukraine, Reuters has reported. In an exclusive interview in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump said that Vladimir Putin was supposedly ready to end the nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. Zelensky,y according to the US president, was more reserved. "I think he (Putin - IF-U) is ready to make a deal. I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal," Trump said. Asked why US-led talks have so far failed to resolve Europes biggest land conflict since World War II, Trump replied: "Zelenskyy," the publication writes. Asked if he would meet with the Ukrainian president at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland next week, Trump said he would, but hinted that there were no plans yet. "I would meet if he was there. Ill be there," Trump said. Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Punjab CM Mann appears before Akal Takht Secretariat to clarify remarks on Sikh traditions For India, rising Chinese imports are putting domestic manufacturing firms under pressure and therefore could lead to more protective measures, the report said. The Enforcement Directorate has accused Banerjee and West Bengal officials of interfering with its investigation and searches at the offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC. Thackerays have claimed that pens are being used to mark fingers during BMC elections Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to We are preparing for future wars; indigenisation key for self-reliance: Army chief Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Who is Harish Rana, bedridden since 2013, as Supreme Court reserves verdict on end-of-life plea Applicants who are older, overweight, or who have previously used government cash assistance or institutional care could face visa denials, accoridng to reports. Woman stabs ex-boyfriend 8 times after he picks up fight over her living with new boyfriend Vanshika Saraf is a Research Analyst - Indo-Pacific Studies Programme, Takshashila Institution. Views are personal, and do not represent the stance of this publication. Air defense eliminated 61 of 82 enemy strike drones, but 21 UAVs hit at 13 locations and debris fell on three, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said. "According to preliminary data, as of 8:30, air defense shot down/suppressed 61 enemy UAVs," the report says. In total, on the night of January 15 (from 19:00 on January 14), the enemy attacked with 82 strike UAVs of the Shahed type (including jet), Gerbera, Italmas and drones of other types from the directions: Kursk, Orel, Bryansk, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Millerovo, - Russia, Gvardiyske temporarily occupied Crimea, temporarily occupied Donetsk, about 60 of them Shahed UAVs As noted, the air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces of Ukraine. Meanwhile, 21 strike UAVs were recorded hitting 13 locations, as well as the fall of downed UAVs (fragments) at three locations. The attack continues, several enemy UAVs are in our airspace, the Air Force added. Shishir Tripathi is a journalist and researcher based in Delhi. He has worked with The Indian Express, Firstpost, Governance Now, and Indic Collective. He writes on Law, Governance and Politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Both the incidents happened in the city of Tenali in Andhra Pradesh. (Image credit: @KP_Aashish/X) The work was completed over roughly three and a half months and involved two distinct phases. (Image: @ANI/X) Leaders hit the drums in Tokyo for a playful K-pop jam. (Image credit: @Jaemyung_Lee/X) Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Neelesh Misra claims IndiGo hostess was rude to his daughter, called her 'finicky eater'. Airline responds Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'Not the same culture': Google employee compares Bengaluru and New York offices. Watch Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 5 animals so powerful they can actually kill a lion NASA is preparing for the Artemis II mission, marking a major step toward crewed lunar travel with the rockets rollout in January 2026. At the same time, the agency has rejected online rumours claiming Earth will lose gravity during the August 12, 2026, total solar eclipse. NASA clarified that gravity depends on Earths mass and cannot suddenly change, stressing the eclipse poses no risk. Did our AI summary help? Four astronauts have departed the International Space Station earlier than planned after a medical issue affected one crew member, prompting Nasas first medical evacuation. The agency said the condition was stable and not an emergency. The Crew-11 mission, originally scheduled to continue until mid-February, was shortened to allow full medical evaluation on Earth, temporarily limiting some space station operations. Did our AI summary help? Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine Mobile heating points of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) continue to operate in the city of Kyiv and Kyiv region. "The situation in Kyiv and the region remains difficult Mobile heating points deployed by the Ukrainian Red Cross Society and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine continue to operate and provide assistance to the population. Our teams are working continuously in areas where, as a result of repeated [Russian] attacks on energy infrastructure facilities, people have been left without electricity, water, and heat supply," the URCS reported on Facebook on Wednesday. In Kyiv, three tents operated by the State Emergency Service and one tent operated by the URCS are functioning on the left bank of the capital. On Tuesday alone, 243 people were able to recharge their mobile devices, 470 people received hot drinks, and 166 children were provided with psychosocial support. Volunteers distributed 690 portions of hot meals. A heating point has also been deployed in the city of Boryspil (Kyiv region), where local residents can receive psychological assistance, hot meals and drinks, warm up, and recharge their gadgets. The URCS's partners in this situation are the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the U.S. Department of State. A viral online rumour claims Earth will lose gravity for seven seconds during an August 12, 2026 solar eclipse, causing mass destruction. NASA has firmly denied the claim, explaining that gravity cannot disappear without Earth losing mass. Investigations found no evidence of a secret Project Anchor, tracing the rumour to a now-deleted social media post. Did our AI summary help? 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 Flying via Delhi this week? The capitals airspace will be temporarily closed from January 21 for Republic Day rehearsals, likely causing delays and rescheduling at IGI Airport. 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. At the very end of India, Dhanushkodi stands frozen in timewhere two seas collide, legends live on, and silence tells stories the world wont forget. 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. 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. Indias cultural landmark in the making: the Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum in New Delhi is set to become the worlds largest museum by end-2026. Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Kristalina Georgieva arrived in Kyiv on Thursday. As Interfax-Ukraine was informed by government sources, her meetings are planned with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and National Bank Chairman Andriy Pyshny. The possibility of such a visit was reported back in October last year; the last time the IMF head was in Kyiv was in February 2023. Following this, in late November, Ukraine and the Fund reached a staff-level agreement (SLA) on a new four-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) worth about $8.1 billion. The program is expected to catalyze large-scale external support to cover Ukraines financing gap. Under the baseline scenario, the overall financing gap for 2026-29 is about $136.5 billion. In 2026-27, Ukraine faces a residual financing gap (taking into account existing financial obligations) of about $63 billion, IMF Mission Chief Gavin Gray noted at the time. It was reported that the new program could be submitted for approval to the IMFs Executive Board in early 2026 after completing preliminary activities and receiving appropriate financing guarantees from donors. Among the preliminary measures for a positive decision by the board of directors were the approval by the European Union of a new financial support program for Ukraine, the adoption of the 2026 state budget, and the move to expand the tax base by adopting legislation on taxation of income received through digital platforms, closing customs loopholes for the import of consumer goods, and submitting a bill to abolish VAT registration privileges. On January 14, the European Commission presented draft legislative acts aimed at implementing the European Councils decision on a EUR 90 billion loan to financially support Ukraine for 2026-2027, the first money could arrive as early as April. As for the Ukrainian part (prior actions), so far only the budget has been adopted, but the relevant bills are on the agenda of the Verkhovna Rada meeting on Thursday, and the most controversial bill to abolish VAT registration privileges has already been posted on the Ministry of Finance website for discussion. As reported, since March 2023, a four-year EFF program with the IMF has been in effect for $15.6 billion, the next, 9th tranche of which in the amount of SDR 1.117 billion ($1.6 billion at the current exchange rate) was scheduled for December 2025. Initially, the current program provided for the total amount of external financing for Ukraine with the participation of international partners of $115 billion in the basic version and $140 billion in the negative version, but as the war dragged on, these figures were increased to $153 billion and $165 billion, respectively. During the work of the IMF mission in Kyiv from September 3 to 10, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, together with the Chairman of the NBU and the Minister of Finance, officially appealed to the IMF with a request for a new program, previously for 2026-2029. The need to consider a new program is due to the fact that the war unleashed by Russia is dragging on, while the current EFF program is scheduled to end by March 2027. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Beyond Pakistan: How Chinas Shaksgam build-up creates a new Siachen threat for India | Explained Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'Can men get pregnant?': US Senator's confrontation with Indian-origin doctor Nisha Verma grabs eyeballs during abortion hearing Canada has requested India extradite Simran Preet Panesar, accused of orchestrating the countrys largest gold theft at Toronto airport in 2023. Panesar, a former Air Canada employee, allegedly used insider access; much of the $20M gold remains unrecovered. Did our AI summary help? The allegations surface at a time when India-Canada ties are showing signs of recovery A broken frame of Pakistan's field marshal and army chief, Asim Munir, hangs on the wall after an attack at the Cadet College Wana, a military-linked school, in the South Waziristan district near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, on November 13, 2025. In this case, the group referenced the U.S. seizure of Maduro and his wife, according to cybersecurity firm Acronis Threat Research Unit. The decline was driven by graduate student programs, where enrollment fell by 6% or nearly 10,000 students after shooting up more than 50% between 2020 and 2024. Bloomberg Russia and China support Iran politically and economically but are unlikely to offer military backing if the US strikes. Analysts say both powers prioritize their own interests and relations with Washington over direct involvement in an Iran-US conflict. Did our AI summary help? The State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has gathered the necessary evidence base, which confirms that Russian attacks on the energy sector are a consistent policy of the Kremlin aimed at the destruction of the Ukrainian people, and have signs of crimes against humanity, the SBU said. The SBU said on Telegram on Thursday that since the beginning of this years heating season, the SBU has documented 256 air attacks by the Russian Federation on energy facilities and heat supply systems of our state. "In particular, from the beginning of October 2025 to the present, the occupiers have purposefully attacked 11 hydroelectric power plants and 45 of the largest thermal power plants of our state," the message says. According to the SBU, the occupiers also carried out 49 targeted air strikes on thermal power plants and 151 on electrical substations in various regions of Ukraine. "Each of the above-mentioned attacks was of a combined nature and was carried out using dozens of Russian drones and missiles," the SBU said. According to the case materials, the enemy carried out most of the attacks on thermal and electrical generation facilities in Kyiv and Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Mykolaiv and Chernihiv regions. According to the report, it is documented that the Russian Federation attacked the critical infrastructure of our state with ballistic and cruise missiles Iskander, Kaliber, X-101, X-69 and drones of the Geran type. "Such strikes during a period of sharp cooling led to large-scale power and heat outages, as well as disruption of water supply in the homes of millions of Ukrainian civilians," the Ukrainian special service notes. "The Security Service qualifies the systematic destruction of Ukraines energy system by Russia as crimes against humanity (Article 442-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), since this is the consistent creation of living conditions aimed at the destruction of part of the population," the message emphasizes. The SBU explains that one of the features of this article is that it defines this category of attacks as crimes of an international nature, for which strict liability is provided for both in Ukrainian and foreign courts. "SBU investigators work at the site of each enemy strike and collect a large-scale evidence base so that every racist involved in these crimes receives the punishment he deserves," the department adds. The investigation is being conducted under the procedural guidance of the Prosecutor Generals Office. Trump, in his Oval Office meeting with reporters, said: Well see how it all works out. I think something will work out." Hamas has agreed to cede Gaza administration to a US-backed technocratic committee, aiming to sustain the ceasefire and enable reconstruction. The committee, overseen by a Board of Peace chaired by Trump, seeks to stabilize Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis. Did our AI summary help? How much will it cost US if Trump plans to aquire Greenland? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv issues advisory amid prevailing situation, advises Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Israel Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Iran airspace shutdown hits IndiGo, Air India; flights rerouted, delays likely: what passengers need to know Iran says no death penalty for protester Erfan Soltani after execution claims spark alarm: What we know so far Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Iranian child warns Trump, vows to grow up and 'LEVEL' his 'country to the ground' | Watch The broadcast alluded to the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, where shots were fired at then-presidential candidate Donald Trump from a nearby rooftop (Image: Bloomberg) A handout photograph taken and released by the UK Parliament's House of Commons on January 14, 2026 shows Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking during the weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons in London. (Photo by House of Commons / AFP) A general view of a damaged structure of an Islamic seminary after Indian strikes in Ahmedpur Sharqia, about 7 kilometers from Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province, on May 7, 2025. (Photo by Shahid Saeed MIRZA / AFP) Photo: https://t.me/svyrydenkoy Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko held a meeting on protecting the energy system and coordinated efforts to further ensure its protection. "I held a coordination meeting on protecting the energy system with the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Energy, the Commander of the Air Force, the leadership of key energy companies, and the heads of the Kyiv City Military Administration and the Kyiv Regional Military Administration. We continue to strengthen the protection of energy facilities in coordination with the military. The level of challenges is extremely serious, and this requires full readiness from all elements of protection," she wrote on Telegram. According to her, the participants reviewed the implementation of previous tasks and coordinated efforts to further ensure the protection of the energy system. "The main thing is that everyone now delivers the necessary result for our entire state, our cities, and our communities," the prime minister said. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Pakistan hopes US would 'soon' resume immigrant visa processing for its citizens Despite Pakistans efforts to strengthen ties with the US and praise Trump, the Trump administration has imposed an indefinite visa processing freeze on Pakistan and 74 other countries, highlighting the transactional nature of current US immigration policy. Abhinav Gupta With over 12 years in digital journalism, has navigated the fast-evolving media landscape, shaping digital strategies and leading high-impact newsrooms. Currently, he serves as News Editor at MoneyControl, leading coverage in Global Affairs, Indian Politics, Governance and Policy Making. Previously, he has spearheaded fact-checking and digital media operations at Press Trust of India. Abhinav has also led news desks at Financial Express, DNA, and Jagran English, managing editorial direction, breaking news coverage, and digital growth. His journey includes stints with The Indian Express Group, Zee Media Group, and more, where he has honed his expertise in newsroom leadership, audience engagement, and digital transformation. Paramount is in the midst of a heated takeover battle for Warner Bros., competing with Netflix Inc. for one of Hollywoods most iconic companies Asked about Trump's comments on a successor treaty, Peskov said this would be good for everyone but would involve a "very complex and drawn-out process". Anti-Indian rhetoric is rising in the US amid immigration crackdowns, with Indian Americans facing workplace, online, and public harassment. Hate crimes and slurs have surged, while companies grow quieter on racial issues, leaving the community increasingly targeted. Did our AI summary help? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'They recognise this is Kashmiri land': Shaksgam Valley and Indias legal case against China and diplomatic options President Trump assured Iran the US does not plan military action despite unrest and protests in Iran. While US forces are repositioned in the region, Trump urges restraint and supports demonstrators, emphasizing diplomacy over strikes as tensions persist. Did our AI summary help? The absence of any immediate tariffs is a signal that the administration is seeking to avoid destabilizing a trade truce Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to last fall Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All Trump imposes 25% tariff on advanced AI chips, allows limited Nvidia sales to China Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Trump's decision of 'Department of war' name change may cost over $125 million The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has appointed Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration Oleksandr Borniakov as Acting Minister. "To temporarily assign the duties of the Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine to Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine for European Integration Oleksandr Serhiyovych Borniakov," reads the government order No. 16 dated January 14. As reported, on January 13, the Verkhovna Rada dismissed the First Vice Prime Minister - Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov. Federal law states that Federal Reserve governors can only be fired for cause, and not policy differences. Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to 'Trump tells Tehran he does not want war, urges for restraint amid Iran protests', says envoy High school students gather for anti-ICE protest outside the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota, to call for an end to federal immigration detentions and enforcement actions, days after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, on January 14, 2026. (Photo by Octavio JONES / AFP) Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All US firms FedEx, Walmart face backlash for hiring Indian workers after Trumps H-1B overhaul Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All US imposes fresh sanctions on Irans security chiefs over protest crackdown Loans up to OTHERS OTHERS co-presented by Follow us on: Loans up to My Account or or Hello, Login All US seizes another Venezuela-linked oil tanker ahead of TrumpMachado meeting The vote was 51-50 for a Republican point of order to dismiss the war powers resolution The World Economic Forums Global Risks Report warns of rising global uncertainty in 2026, with economic conflict, war, and climate stress as top threats. For India, cybersecurity, inequality, and water security are major concerns amid overlapping global crises. Did our AI summary help? Princess Leonor, 20, is set to become Spains first reigning queen since 1868, marking a historic milestone. Educated in global affairs and undergoing military training, she represents a new generation and will ascend the throne when King Felipe VI abdicates or dies. Did our AI summary help? Loans up to Follow us on: Loans up to Why a French expat says India wins over France in everyday life Photo: RedCrossUkraine More than 1.5 million citizens have received assistance from mobile medical teams of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine on February 24, 2022. "Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, mobile medical teams of the Ukrainian Red Cross have provided more than 1.5 million medical consultations and examinations to residents of communities with limited or no access to medical services," the URCS reported on Facebook on Thursday. Today, 82 mobile medical teams operate in 20 regions of Ukraine. The teams include family doctors, paramedics, nurses and drivers. Specialists provide primary medical care directly at people's places of residence: they measure blood pressure, blood glucose levels and saturation, if necessary, dispense over-the-counter medicines or refer patients to specialized specialists. In 2025 alone, mobile medical teams made over 17,000 trips. The priority remains work in frontline regions near the combat line, where access to medical care is limited. In addition, the teams cooperate with the rapid response units of the URCS, in particular to accompany and transport people to safer places. During trips, mobile medical teams often work together with volunteers and consultants in the field of health promotion and disease prevention. They inform the population about disease prevention, support for physical and mental health in war conditions. Specialized and multidisciplinary teams operate in a number of regions. In particular, a team focused on helping children with developmental disabilities operates in the Odessa region. In the Kharkiv region, mobile medical teams provide assistance to local residents and internally displaced persons from the city of Rubizhne, Luhansk region. Telemedicine services have been introduced in Poltava region, and separate children's mobile medical teams operate in Rivne region. The routes and schedules of mobile teams are formed in cooperation with the heads of primary health care centers, taking into account the current needs of communities. Local outpatient clinics and paramedical and obstetric centers inform residents in advance about the planned visits of the teams. The mobile medical teams of the Ukrainian Health Ministry are not a regular medical service. Their mission is to provide temporary operational support to the state healthcare system in providing medical care to the population, in particular to people affected by the war. As tensions rise in Iran, online prediction markets are seeing a surge in bets on war, regime change, and leadership survival, with millions traded on platforms like Polymarket as users speculate on US strikes and the future of Supreme Leader Khamenei. Did our AI summary help? Photo: Website of the President of Ukraine Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk believes that it was Russia that rejected the US peace plan, not Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. "It was Russia that rejected the peace plan prepared by the US, not Zelenskyy," he wrote on the X social network on Thursday. "The only reaction of Russia was new missile strikes on Ukrainian cities," Tusk explained his opinion. "Therefore, the only way out is to increase pressure on Russia. And you all know that," he added. As reported, US President Donald Trump said in an exclusive interview with Reuters on Wednesday that Vladimir Putin was allegedly ready to end the war in opposition to Zelenskyy. "I think he (Putin - IF-U) is ready to make a deal. I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal," Trump said. When asked why US-led talks have not yet resolved Europes largest military conflict, Trump replied: "Zelenskyy." LONDON (Reuters) Makers of the new Netflix series Agatha Christies Seven Dials hope to introduce a new generation to the queen of crime, the iconic author of more than 60 mystery novels. The three-part show debuting Thursday is based on Christies 1929 novel The Seven Dials Mystery and stars How to Have Sex actor Mia McKenna-Bruce as a bright young aristocrat, Lady Eileen Bundle Brent. When a guest dies in suspicious circumstances during a glitzy gathering at her country mansion, Bundle takes it upon herself to find out what happened. Her wits, determination and seven clocks left on the scene lead Bundle to a shadowy scheme. The fact that Bundles kind of leading the charge, this young, fearless, feisty girl, something that we havent seen very much of, I think that really gives it a new, exciting feel, said McKenna-Bruce at a London premiere on Tuesday, the day after the 50th anniversary of Christies death. The whodunit also stars Helena Bonham Carter as Bundles mother and Martin Freeman in the role of Scotland Yards Superintendent Battle. The show has a lot of energy and its done with a lot of gusto, said Bonham-Carter. The engine for that energy is Bundle, whom director Chris Sweeney described as a cannonball of a person. Unlike a typical country house mystery where theres a lot of sitting and talking, Bundle is always moving, he said. With writer Chris Chibnall, Sweeney also set out to energize the story with a vivid depiction of the era. It takes place September 1925, in the shadow of war but also with lots of bright young things who are partying through the 20s, said Chibnall. Famous for characters like Belgian detective Hercule Poirot and amateur sleuth Miss Marple, Christie became the worlds best-selling fiction writer with more than 2 billion copies sold. If this show can be the gateway drug to introduce a whole new generation into Agatha Christies books and adaptations, that would be a joy. It would be repaying all the joy that shes brought to my life and billions of readers, said Chibnall. BTS perform during the 64th Annual Grammy Awards show in Las Vegas, Nevada, April 3, 2022. REUTERS LOS ANGELES (Reuters) Chart-topping K-pop boy band BTS announced on Tuesday it will embark on a concert tour starting in April after the release of its first new album in more than three years. The tour launches in Goyang, South Korea on April 9 and includes 79 shows in Asia, the U.S. and Europe through July, the groups agency said. The band has been on hiatus while its seven members have done South Koreas mandatory military service. BTS agent said this month that the band will drop a new album on March 20, though the title has not been revealed. The bands last album, Proof in 2022, debuted at number one in 18 countries and has amassed about 16.7 billion streams, according to music industry data. Hybe Co is the parent company of BTS label and management agency. Mayors Ramon RB Camacho of Saipan, center, Edwin P. Aldan of Tinian and Aguiguan, right, and Aubry M. Hocog of Rota pose for Variety at Sunny Side Restaurant in Garapan Thursday morning. Photo by Bryan Manabat By Bryan Manabat [email protected] Variety News Staff THE mayors of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota have issued two joint letters calling for urgent federal intervention to revive the Commonwealths faltering economy and opposing proposed seabed mining in CNMI waters, citing threats to the environment and cultural heritage. In a Jan. 15 letter to President Donald J. Trump, Saipan Mayor Ramon RB Camacho, Tinian and Aguiguan Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, and Rota Mayor Aubry M. Hocog warned of a deepening economic collapse nearly six years after the onset of the Covid19 pandemic. The mayors cited a 32.4% drop in visitor arrivals in fiscal year 2025 compared to the previous year, with arrivals still 58% below prepandemic levels. Hotel occupancy has averaged just 15%, and more than 110 businesses and nonprofit entities have closed since early 2024. Employment has fallen by more than one-third, and government revenues have contracted sharply, threatening essential public services. They also raised alarms over the loss of international air access, noting that weekly inbound seats have plunged from more than 12,000 to fewer than 4,700. The mayors warned that the potential withdrawal of a major employer could trigger cascading failures across the private sector and public finances. In their letter, the mayors urged federal support to stabilize and revive the CNMI economy, focusing on restoring international air access and unlocking tourism demand without requiring new congressional appropriations. They requested: Exempt CNMI from national flight caps by applying Annex VI of the U.S.-China Air Transport Agreement, restoring access to the Chinese tourism market. Expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to include the Philippines, opening a major nearby source of visitor demand. Redirect pledged investment from South Korea and Japan to restore air service, leveraging existing agreements made by the administration. Hold an executive-level meeting between the White House, the Department of Transportation, and CNMI officials to identify near-term solutions as part of ongoing Section 902 consultations. These echoed a similar request made by Gov. David M. Apatang, U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds, Senate President Karl R. King-Nabors and House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez in a letter to President Trump and Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command. The mayors said these actions are urgent, achievable, and aligned with U.S. strategic interests in the IndoPacific. Without intervention, they warned, the CNMI faces further economic contraction and continued loss of air connectivity. In a separate Jan. 12 letter to Congresswoman King-Hinds, the mayors voiced strong opposition to proposed seabed mining in CNMI waters. They cited a lack of reliable information, environmental assessments, and public consultation, arguing that the activity poses significant risks to fragile marine ecosystems and local livelihoods. Our ocean is central to the livelihood, food security, and cultural heritage of our people, the mayors stated. Seabed mining poses a significant risk of permanent damage to these fragile ecosystems, with consequences that could last for generations. The mayors called for full transparency, comprehensive studies, and meaningful community engagement before any seabed mining proposal is considered, emphasizing that decisions affecting local waters must involve the public. King-Hinds herself is urging a careful, legally grounded approach to any future federal action involving offshore mineral resources near the [CNMI], warning that scientific uncertainty and gaps in existing law require heightened caution, not acceleration. The mayors said their letters reflect CNMI leaders growing concern over the territorys economic trajectory and natural resource protection as the Commonwealth seeks recovery. The mayors said proposed federal actions such as restoring air access and expanding visa waivers would not require new appropriations and align with broader U.S. regional priorities. Northern Islands Mayor Val Taisakan Jr. also supports the intent of the letters but was unable to attend the mayors meeting held Thursday morning at Sunny Side Restaurant in Garapan. 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. U.S. Air Force Airmen prepare an airport apron at Tinians North Field in February 2025. U.S. Air Force photo By Emmanuel T. Erediano [email protected] Variety News Staff AS reconstruction of World War II-era airstrips at Tinians North Field accelerates amid intensifying military rivalry with China, the mayors of Tinian, Saipan and Rota say they are watching developments closely and are anxious about what lies ahead for their constituents should a conflict occur. Tinian Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas RB Camacho and Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog agree that discussions on emergency preparedness should begin as soon as possible. In separate interviews Thursday, the mayors said it is important for residents to know what plans are in place for civilians. Aldan said he raised the issue during a meeting with military officials four years ago, when the missile defense system was being constructed on Guam. I asked them, Do you have a plan if theres a military [conflict] in our region? Aldan said. At the time, the answer was no, Aldan said. He added that military officials indicated they would meet again to discuss his concerns, but the matter was never revisited. Four years have passed, and I still have not had the chance to look at any documents regarding a U.S. military plan for the civilian population in the CNMI, Aldan said. He said he and his fellow CNMI mayors have also raised the issue with U.S. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds. The military buildup on Tinian is progressing very fast, but we have never really talked about emergency response, Aldan said. We need to address that. Hocog, for her part, said representatives of the Guam National Guard recently met with Rota officials, including her office staff and representatives from CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Rota Department of Public Safety, and the Rota Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. One of the questions raised during the meeting, Hocog said, was whether a plan exists in the event of scenarios such as armed conflict. They wanted to know exactly what type of training and disaster-response capabilities the U.S. military expects local emergency responders to prepare for, Hocog said. That is something we have already discussed. She said Rotas emergency responders want clarity on what local assets can be utilized and what types of training are needed. Discussions on the matter are ongoing, she added. Camacho stressed that the CNMI is not opposed to the military presence. We are not anti-military, Camacho said. We work with the military, and we appreciate that they are our defense and that they protect us. But we need to know where are we going to go? When should we expect these things? He said CNMI residents need to see a clear plan so they can begin preparing. 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. By Nestor Licanto For Variety HAGATNA (The Guam Daily Post) Yet another piece of legislation has been introduced meant to kick-start the launch of the cannabis industry on Guam. Bill 254-38 by Sen. Sabrina Salas Matanane would remove most cannabis-specific agricultural requirements in current law, which it states are more burdensome than those for general agriculture. According to the bill, the Guam Cannabis Industry Act of 2019, or Public Law 35-5, which legalized adult-use cannabis, also established specific and novel agricultural mandates exclusively for cannabis cultivation that diverge significantly from the established practices and legal requirements governing general agriculture on the island. Reducing regulatory complexity will lower compliance costs for cultivators and encourage greater participation by local farmers in the cannabis industry, according to the bill. The legislation follows another bill, 245-38 by Sen. Telo Taitague, which would extend the exemption on the requirement to have a cannabis testing laboratory in place to sell products. Taitagues measure would extend the exemption for another five years, or until a lab that meets required accreditation standards is established. Taitague also held a roundtable discussion on Thursday about the challenges faced by the cannabis industry. Since recreational cannabis was legalized in 2019, not a single business is licensed and operational for legal cannabis retail sales. The Department of Revenue and Taxation said there have been 15 applicants for a cannabis license over the years, but only two remain active. Its been slow; no ones near completion, said DRT Director Marie Lizama. Several industry representatives testified about how the regulatory hurdles have stifled businesses. Longtime cannabis advocate and medicinal marijuana patient Jonathan Savares said, These agriculture regulations that you guys are putting in place is not consistent. These regulatory hurdles that are put in place is making it so difficult and so costly that the businesses are going to struggle to survive. Stephen Roberto, whose company Guams Real Deal has spent the last three years working on a cultivation license, said, Its been difficult, but not impossible. I think the difficulties lie in the fact that theres been a lot of slow walking, for whatever reason. Bill 254-38 cites the Department of Agricultures expertise to oversee agricultural processes and can use its existing framework for bona fide farmer certification, agricultural land use, and compliance with environmental standards to also regulate cannabis cultivation without the need for cannabis-specific agricultural mandates that exceed those applied to other agricultural commodities. It said other jurisdictions have also found it necessary to refine their initial cannabis regulations to support their local industries. Aligning the agricultural requirements for cannabis with those for other crops promotes regulatory parity, ensures fairness, and treats cannabis as the agricultural commodity it is under Guam law, the bill states. By Zaldy Dandan Variety Editor FOR newly elected lawmakers, the local judiciary conducts seminars on law, the U.S. and CNMI Constitutions, and other pertinent legal matters. Well and good. But theres more to governance than lawmaking and statutes. This is one of the reasons why many voters, throughout history and all over the world, are seldom satisfied with their governments. Many of us want and expect government to assume major responsibilities such as ensuring national defense and public safety, and improving our quality of life. However, we often seem unaware that these responsibilities require a significant amount of funding. Someone has to pay for government programs, activities, or services that many of us feel entitled to. More often than not, we take for granted that a funding source exists like a self-replenishing buffet spread. Hence, every time the government runs out of money, politicians and concerned citizens usually blame bad government, mismanagement, corruption, and the like. There is some truth to that, but if government spends more than it collects, the results will not be pretty, whoever is in charge. That was the case in the CNMIs previous financial crises, and it remains true today. You can always elect new faces with fresh ideas who are highly educated and have integrity, but if the government remains broke because it refuses to rein in spending amid a depressed economy, what then? Government should cut the fat, downsize, and abolish redundant agencies. Sure, politicians have been saying this for years. But are there enough votes to pass such measures? And who would dare introduce them? We need leaders who listen to the people. Fine. But generally speaking, too much listening to the people doesnt help. A majority of the voting public has demanded and still demands costly government expenditures, mostly on themselves. Who cheered lawmakers as they created one lavish and generous retirement benefit after another? Who applauded loudly for every new office, program, or activity, even when they were duplicative? Who demanded and continues to demand quality utility services and affordable rates, regardless of the actual costs? Who will oppose virtually free public health care, public education, college scholarships, and training programs? As the economist Thomas Sowell would put it, The fact that so many successful politicians are such shameless liars is not only a reflection on them, it is also a reflection on us. When the people want the impossible, only liars can satisfy. So whats to be done? The Marianas Tourism Education Council and the Marianas Visitors Authority educate students about the importance of tourism to the local economy. There should be a similar educational program for the youth and even lawmakers that focuses on the economy. If you hear some folks talk, it seems that funding is always out there, waiting to be taken by the government. Others speak of federal funds as if they come from a gold mine, rather than from the revenue generated by Americas powerhouse economy the largest and still most dynamic in the world. Everyone, voters included, should learn how the government operates, how it is funded, and why the state of the economy is crucial to both. We should strive to understand basic economics and recognize why ignorance of it can lead to harm and disaster. Many economic principles are counterintuitive, including those related to prices, wages, trade, and taxes. As human history has shown, the way many economically uninformed politicians often encouraged by voters try to address these issues is akin to shooting oneself in the foot to run faster. At the very least, CNMI officials, youth leaders, and students should learn how local businesses operate, hire people, navigate government regulations and red tape that often involve paying fees, and how these businesses are faring in harsh economic times. How exactly can the government ease the business communitys burdens? We should also demand to know how many CNMI government employees there are, including those who are federally funded and employed by public corporations and semi-autonomous agencies. Has the total number changed in the past 20 years or so? And why is it that there are clearly thousands of government employees, yet many departments and agencies claim they need more personnel? For Frederic Bastiat, the 19th-century French economist, government is the great fiction that encourages people to seek benefits from others through political means rather than production. How true is that in the CNMI today, when the hunt for federal grants, other handouts, and boondoggles funded by the feds is considered by some more important than trying to revive the local economy. Send feedback to [email protected] Zaldy Dandan is the recipient of the NMI Society of Professional Journalists Best in Editorial Writing Award and the NMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/maksim.ostapenko The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has appointed Maksym Ostapenko as the General Director of the National Reserve Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. "Maksym Ostapenko is an archaeologist, candidate of historical sciences, a specialist with many years of experience in the field of cultural heritage protection. During 20072022, he headed the National Reserve "Khortytsia", and in 20232025 he already headed the "Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra". After the start of the full-scale invasion, he served in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," the ministry said in a statement. It is noted that his responsibilities include establishing the activities of the reserve and supporting the team, systematic work on preserving heritage, which is part of the national security of Ukraine, as well as strengthening the institutional capacity, and developing the institutions scientific and museum activities. The report states that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture of Ukraine Tetyana Berezhna thanked Svitlana Kotliarevska, who served as the general director of the reserve, for her responsible work and cooperation during the difficult period. "She noted Svitlana Kotliarevskas contribution to ensuring the stable operation of the institution and reported that Svitlana will continue to work in the team, strengthening the development of the Ukrainian cultural sphere," the department noted. As reported, on May 22, 2025, it became known that the Ministry of Culture dismissed the general director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra reserve, Maksym Ostapenko. Later, the Ministry of Culture stated that Ostapenko was dismissed from his position due to improper fulfillment of the terms of the contract and due to violations identified in the activities of the reserve. In particular, such violations as an illegal coffee shop in the House of the Lavra Governor, as well as the implementation of finishing and repair works without the consent of the ministry, were mentioned. In addition, the then Minister of Culture Mykola Tochytsky stated that the dismissal of the Lavra Director General was a response to the weak position in implementing the law on the banning of religious organizations associated with the Russian Federation. Later, the Ministry of Culture reported that the acting Director General of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve had appointed Svitlana Kotlyarevska, Deputy Director General for the Provision of Paid Services. In turn, Ostapenko stated that he would appeal the decision of the Minister of Culture to dismiss him in court. The power and security architecture of the Middle Eastor West Asiais undergoing a deep restructuring. Traditional explanations of regional politicsSunni vs. Shia, Arab vs. non-Arab, or pro-US vs. anti-USno longer capture the shifting alliances and emerging blocs. A more useful way to understand todays dynamics is through two analytical axes. On one axis, the divide is between political religion and religion without politics. On the other, it is between support for postSykes-Picot state borders and a disregard for those borders. These categories allow us to position the regions countriesfrom Egypt to Iranin ways that reveal patterns of alignment and tension. Of course, the situation is more nuanced than any classification table can convey, and other axes could be argued, but it is perhaps a helpful generalization for understanding the ongoing power shifts and alliances. The Two Axes: Definitions Before examining the countries, we first need to define what each axis means in this context. Political Religion By the category Political Religion, I mean states which claim legitimacy from a political process but whose political actors sponsor and promote a particular version of their religion. I have avoided the term Political Islam because it is too restrictive (as it has come to be associated in this region primarily with the Muslim Brotherhood). In this definition, religion is used as a strong driver of politics. Religion Without Politics Religion without politics is a category including countries whose state does not claim legitimacy through a political process but rather from an inherited right or one acquired by force. For these states, religion is presented as something that should not impinge on the political. The state is seen as the guarantor of religion, but only the version sanctioned by it. Subjects are expected to support the state because it upholds a version of religion, but not to use religion to drive a political process against it. PostSykes-Picot Respect The postSykes-Picot border agreement category means that the countrys main government generally agrees with the borders drawn between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th, not necessarily only with those coming out of said agreement. It includes Iran, whose borders predate it by centuries; Turkey, which was never part of it; Egypt, which is older; or Saudi Arabia, whose borders were established later. These states advocate for strong central control within those national borders. No PostSykes-Picot Respect Non-respect for Sykes-Picot means that the countrys main government, either publicly or by action, does not respect the borders drawn around that agreement and time, as explained in the previous category. These states are willing to challenge the central authority within those borders, either for their own territorial gain or for some other form of benefit and leverage. In Dispute Finally, there is the category In dispute. It means that there is not a single hegemonic voice expressing support either for a political religion or for religion without politics; more often than not, both tendencies are present. I have divided it more clearly along the axis of agreement or disagreement with Sykes-Picot because there is a prominent voice within them that clearly seeks it, but this is far from hegemonic and is contested by other groups. Table: Country Placement Political Religion Religion w/o Politics In Dispute Post S-P Respect Turkey, Iran, Qatar Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen No Post S-P Respect Israel UAE Syria, Yemen Country-by-Country Explanations A. Political Religion + PostSykes-Picot Respect Turkey Turkey fits neatly in this category. The current government claims its legitimacy through an electoral process, no matter how much it might be tarnished. It supports a view of religionin this case, Islamthat informs the political but which in itself is not a source of political legitimacy. At least, not yet. It uses religion to justify its political agenda. Turkey also voices strong supportat times taking concrete steps, as in the case of Syria and Libyafor strong centralized states and opposes fragmentation. Iran Iran is slightly different, though it can also be placed in this category. Although it supports a theological and political doctrine articulated as Wilayat-e-faqih (the supervision of the state by a religious authority), the state also claims political legitimacy from being the expression of the will of the people through an electoral process. Its perhaps the epitome of the merger between a political state and a religious denomination; to oppose the state is akin to opposing the religious denomination it upholds. The placement of Iran as a country that agrees with the Sykes-Picot border might be less clear because of the axis of resistance, but these proxies were either states themselves, like Syria, or sought to function as a state within a state, not necessarily to replace it. In the last 20 years, revolutionary energy has waned significantly, and support for territorial integrity has increased, even while keeping its proxies. Qatar Qatars placement in this category is more debatable. The country functions as a constitutional monarchy with a very limited political process. However, the reason to place it in this category is its supportboth rhetorical and factualof political religious movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood and its close ties with Turkey and, to lesser extent, Iran. Given its small size and population, it strongly supports territorial integrity and relies on the U.S. for its own protection. B. Religion Without Politics + PostSykes-Picot Respect Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain These governments claim their legitimacy from an inherited right, and the public political process is very limited. These countries use religion in order to justify the status quo, but fight the expression of political religion that might question it. Upholding established territorial integrity follows from this. If borders are questioned, that creates a political process that might open an avenue to question the status quo as well. Egypt Egypt falls here for different reasons. The current government derives its legitimacy by claiming to be the protector of the nationi.e., the army. Theres no space for a political process as the current government crushed it when it deposed President Morsi. This is the clearest case of religion without politics. Religion is completely under the supervision of the state and obeys its demands, which mostly are to not question the status quo and restrict itself to personal morality. C. Political Religion + Sykes-Picot Disregard Israel The most striking thing about Israel is that it falls alone in its own category. Israel derives the legitimacy for its existence from a religious claim, but the legitimacy of its government from a political one. Like Iran, Israel is trying to merge religion and state into a single entity. On the other hand, Israel is an ongoing occupational project, and by definition, it cannot respect the territorial integrity of other nations. Because of that, it actively encourages fragmentation where it is useful to its interests. D. Religion Without Politics + Sykes-Picot Disregard United Arab Emirates (UAE) The UAE, like Israel, is an outlier. Each of the Emirates has its own ruler, which creates a political field, but those rulers do not allow for public politics in their respective emirate. Generally, they stand against any religious political movement that upsets the status quo. Because of the relative unimportance of each separate emirate compared to the wealth they command, the UAE has followed a policy of questioningif not publicly, then by supporting separatist movementsothers territorial integrity. They do this because they can extend their strategic interests better with weaker central states. E. In Dispute Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine Both Yemen and Syria host competing centres of power with conflicting visions of religion, statehood, and borders. Their internal divisions mirror the axes of the broader region. Similarly, Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine contain competing factions aligned with different regional blocs. Their politics cannot be explained by a single dominant category; instead, they sit at the intersection of the axes. Case Study: The UAESaudi Clash (Yemen & Sudan) To illustrate how these axes play out in real time, we can look at the recent clash between Saudi Arabia and the UAEtwo countries that until recently maintained good relations but whose strategic interests increasingly diverge because of their position on these axes. On the 18th of November, Muhammad bin Salman, de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, visited the U.S. and met with Trump, who claimed that he had asked him to help with Sudan. Although we dont know the exact request, it is widely assumed that it was a request to restrain the UAE in its unofficial support for the RSF, one of the warring parties in the Sudanese civil conflict. In this conflict, Saudi Arabia supports the regular army of General Al-Burhan, which claims to be the heir to the Sudanese state of the deposed Omar al-Bashir. Ironically, Al-Burhan was implicated, together with the RSF, in the deposition. Al-Burhan fights to maintain the current Sudanese territory as a single entity, while the RSF is trying to achieve, if not de jure, then de facto, a separate state. Beyond territorial integrity, Saudi has historical interests in Sudan that would benefit from a united country, while the UAE perceives benefits from a fragmented one. The recent massacres committed by the RSF have also received wide media coverage, which further complicated the UAEs position. This led to the U.S. publishing comments pledging support to end the conflict. This, together with the media campaign linkingor rather, blamingthe UAE for RSF actions which Abu Dhabi has strongly rejected, might have enraged Mohammed bin Zayed, ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE, who subsequently might have given the greenlight to the STC to launch a wide offensive in Yemen. On December 2nd, the Southern Transitional Council launched an offensive that took over most of Yemen in a couple of weeks, with the exception of the Houthi-controlled territories, including the Hadramawt province bordering Saudi Arabia. The STC has been financed and trained by the UAE, which was a party against the Houthis in the Saudi-led coalition, but which clearly harbored other interests. Abu Dhabi embedded itself in independentist southern Yemen movements and encouraged them, creating a network of client entities. This gave it enormous influence in Yemen, including taking over the Isle of Socotra as a military air base. The interest of Abu Dhabi was to control strategic points in the Red Sea, which is why it also strengthened its relations with Somalia in order to penetrate Africa. Somalia has recently and surprisingly publicly ended all relations with Abu Dhabi, probably at the pressure of Saudi Arabia and others. The STC took control over territories in Yemen previously controlled by Saudi-backed factions, especially in Hadramawt. Riyadh did not like that. It communicated that it was a red line and, in a very rare public display, gave an ultimatum to the UAE, which went unheeded. Saudi Arabia subsequently bombed a military shipment in the port of Mukalla allegedly belonging to the UAE intended for the STC. Although Abu Dhabi publicly withdrew its troops from Yemen, it did not order the STC to back down. To be fair, it is possible that it was no longer able to do so. Then Saudi Arabia did what no one expected: it launched an offensive with its own troops backing allied Yemeni factions, which in a matter of days retook the entire territory of Yemenexcept the Houthi-controlled region. Abu Dhabi lost significantly on a project in which it had invested for 10 years, including the Isle of Socotra. Emerging Alliances and Implications I have summarized the current events in Yemen because it exemplifies a conflict between two countries that had good relations but which fall into two different categories on the table and found their interests in direct opposition. Furthermore, the implications of this rift go far beyond Yemen. After Yemen, Riyadh has gotten involved in Sudan, enlisting Turkey, Egypt, and even Pakistan. The purpose is to force the RSF to capitulate and restore a central government in Sudan. This directly opposes the interest of the UAE and, importantly, Israel. There is an alliance forming between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, which might include Iran and Qatar, versus the established one between Israel and the UAE. Israel and the UAE normalized relations through the Abraham Accords and have solidified that relationship through commercial agreements. Both countries challenge established borders to support their interests and help each other in doing so. Israels recognition of Somaliland can be interpreted in that light, likely driven by the lobbying of the UAE. Despite Israels position in the political religion section, Israel despises any political religion other than its own, especially Islamist movements. This is a core ideological alignment they share with the UAE together with disregard for territorial integrity, On the other hand, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, though in two different categories regarding politics and religion, find common interest in maintaining established territorial integrity. Their current governments have tacitly accepted each others version of religion as an internal issue, agreeing not to meddle in it as long as the other doesnt (which was not Saudis practice before Bin Salman). Ironically, this understanding would make possible even a security alliance with Iran. If this were to happena prospect that is at least being discusseda defense alliance bringing together Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, and Iran, and perhaps other smaller or less compromised countries, would definitely change the power architecture of the Middle East. Israel and the UAE, on their current trajectories, are on opposite sides and stand to lose the most from such a regional realignment. Conclusion The security or power architecture of the Middle East is undergoing a great shift, partly because of the U.S. intention to partially disengage, at least physically, from being the arbiter and the ultimate security provider. This much has been acknowledged by the Trump administrations National Security Strategy, which, in turn, creates a power vacuum. Contrary to common depictions, what happens in the Middle East is not solely governed by the interest of global powers like the U.S., China, and Russia. The current dynamicsfrom Yemen to Sudan to shifting alliancesshow that regional powers exercise real agency and that the two axes described in the table offer a way to understand how the regions security architecture is being transformed. Yves here. This post documents how voting systems interact with immigration, or perhaps more accurately, anti-immigration policies. It point out that majority voting systems raise the bar for implementing rules and laws that restrict migration. This is consistent with the experience of the US, with its close to hard-coded two party system and until Trump, liberalized immigration. By Matteo Gamalerio, Assistant Professor of Economics University Of Barcelona, Massimo Morelli, Professor of Economics and Political Science Bocconi University, and Margherita Negri, Senior Lecturer University of St Andrews. Originally published at VoxEU Immigration has become one of the most salient issues in political debate. This column uses evidence from Italian municipal elections to highlight the role of electoral rules in shaping immigration policy. Electoral systems where power can be won with a simple plurality of the votes facilitate the rise of anti-immigrant candidates and lead to more restrictive immigration policies. By contrast, systems requiring an absolute majority of the votes force anti-immigrant parties into broader coalitions, resulting in more open immigration outcomes. Why do some democracies adopt more restrictive immigration policies than others? Voter preferences matter, but so do the salience of political issues (Gidron and Kikuchi 2023) and the rules that convert votes into power. In a recent study (Gamalerio et al. 2025) we show that when immigration becomes highly salient as in recent years electoral systems play a crucial role in determining whether anti-immigrant candidates enter the race and, ultimately, the policies that governments implement. The Weakening of the LeftRight Divide and the Rise of Immigration Politics For much of the post-war period, political competition in advanced democracies revolved around a single economic divide: the left supported redistribution and an expansive welfare state, while the right favoured limited government and market-oriented policies. Under these conditions, median-voter logic largely explained policy outcomes. Over time, however, confidence in both models eroded. Fiscal crises, corruption, and weak public management undermined faith in state intervention, while globalisation, automation, and financial crises weakened trust in free markets (Colantone and Stanig 2017, Autor et al. 2020, Guiso et al. 2025). As the traditional leftright divide lost salience, new issues gained prominence (Tabellini 2019, Noury and Roland 2020, Gethin et al. 2022). Immigration, in particular, has become highly salient across Western democracies (Hatton 2021, Dennison and Geddes 2019, Schneider-Strawczynski and Valette, 2025). Immigration blends economic concerns about jobs, welfare, and security with identity-based anxieties about culture and national cohesion (Mayda 2006, Dustmann and Preston 2007, Tabellini 2019), making it a powerful mobilising tool for populist parties. Figure 1 shows how immigration inflows varied widely across OECD countries from 2000 to 2018, reflecting substantial differences in policy openness. Our study argues that these differences are not driven by preferences alone: the interaction between rising immigration salience and electoral system design plays a central role. Figure 1 Immigration in OECD countries Note: OECD data on immigration inflow per 1,000 inhabitants (2000-2018). Sufficient Plurality vs Necessary Majority We focus on a key feature of electoral systems: the share of votes necessary to gain control of decision-making power. We distinguish between simple plurality systems, where power can be achieved with a plurality of votes, and necessary majority systems, where a party or coalition must secure at least 50% of the electorate. Necessary majority systems include both proportional representation systems and dual-ballot systems, in which attaining an absolute majority is required to govern. Our theoretical analysis delivers three predictions. First, necessary majority systems make it less attractive for anti-immigrant parties to run independently. Second, these systems produce more open immigration policies than sufficient plurality ones. Third, the difference between the two rules is largest where opposition to immigration is neither very low nor very high. The intuition is straightforward. When anti-immigration sentiment is strong but below 50% of the electorate, a standalone anti-immigrant candidate can win under a sufficient plurality system but not under a necessary majority one. If support is overwhelming, anti-immigrant candidates will be likely to win under either system; if it is very low, candidates have no incentives to campaign on anti-immigration platform, regardless of the electoral system. We tested these predictions using data on Italian municipalities in the period 1993-2012. Italian Municipal Elections In Italy, public concern about immigration rose sharply over the 2000s: in 2002, only around 20% of Italians listed immigration among their top issues, but by 2016 it had become one of the dominant issues across the political spectrum (Figure 2). Figure 2 Salience of migration in Italy Notes: Eurobarometer data on migration salience for Italy (2002-2023). Blue: right-wing voters, red: left-wing voters, green: centrist voters, black: average, including those who did not declare their ideology. Self-reported ideology was not asked in 2012-2013. Since 1993, Italian mayors have been directly elected. The electoral system changes sharply from plurality rule (a sufficient plurality system) to a dual-ballot system (a necessary majority system) once the municipal population exceeds 15,000 inhabitants (Bordignon et al. 2016). We exploit this institutional threshold to identify the causal effects of different electoral systems through a regression discontinuity design. Electoral Rules, Anti-Immigrant Candidates, and Local Policy Italian mayoral candidates are supported by one or more lists for the municipal council. These lists represent national parties, coalitions, or local political organisations (liste civiche). Using information on the party associated with each list, we examine how electoral rules affect the likelihood that standalone anti-immigrant candidates enter the race. Figure 3 illustrates the results. When the electoral system used to elect the mayor switches from plurality to dual ballot, the probability of observing a candidate backed exclusively by anti-immigrant parties drops sharply by about 3.5 percentage points (left panel). At the same time, the probability that anti-immigrant parties form a coalition with moderate centre-right parties increases by roughly 6.6 percentage points (right panel). Necessary majority systems, in other words, push anti-immigrant parties into broader (and more moderate) coalitions rather than prompting them to run independently. Figure 3 Effect of dual ballot on entry of mayoral candidates We then turn to policy outcomes. Using data on procurement contracts (Pulejo 2025), we construct three measures of pro-immigration policies: whether a municipality provides any migration-related good or service; the average number of procurement contracts for migration-related goods and services awarded by a municipal government during an electoral term; and the average municipal expenditure over an electoral term devoted to welfare goods and services targeted at the non-native population. Figure 4 shows that all three measures rise sharply as the electoral system shifts from plurality to dual ballot. Municipalities using dual ballot are about 10 percentage points more likely to provide migration-related services (baseline: 19.8%); they award on average 0.134 additional contracts per electoral term, which corresponds to roughly a 104% increase relative to the baseline mean of 0.129 contracts; and they show an increase of approximately 138% in migrant-related expenditures. Figure 4 Effect of dual ballot on immigration policies Finally, we examine how these effects vary with anti-immigration sentiment. Using the vote share of anti-immigrant and far-right parties in 1994-2009 European elections as a proxy for opposition to immigration within a municipality, we divide our sample into tertiles (excluding municipalities above 0.50 due to lack of data) and examine how the effect of the electoral system varies across the three groups. Consistent with our theoretical predictions, we only find an effect for the third tertile, where opposition to migration ranges from 0.198 to 0.494. Beyond Italian Municipalities: Parliamentary Elections and Cross-Country Evidence Our findings extend beyond mayoral elections and have clear implications for parliamentary systems. A straightforward extension of our model suggests that countries electing their parliaments through sufficient plurality systems (e.g. first past the post) tend to adopt more restrictive immigration policies than those using necessary majority ones (e.g. pure proportional representation). This prediction is consistent with the cross-country evidence in Figure 5, showing migrant inflows per 1,000 inhabitants across countries with parliaments elected under either sufficient plurality or necessary majority rules. Figure 5 Cross-countries evidence: sufficient plurality vs necessary majority Note: The data, sourced from the OECD, covers 37 countries from 2000 to 2018. The graph compares countries with (NM) electoral systems and those with (SP) electoral systems, examining the total inflow of immigrants per 1,000 inhabitants. Conclusion Immigration is now a defining issue of political competition. Our study shows that electoral institutions shape how this issue translates into policy. Systems where a simple plurality of votes is sufficient to win power facilitate the emergence of independent anti-immigrant parties, which leads to more restrictive immigration policies. Systems requiring an absolute majority force broader, more moderate coalitions and tend to produce less restrictive immigration policies. As political debates continue to be driven by identity-based issues, institutional design will remain a key determinant of democratic outcomes. See original post for references Salt: Not Just a Rock We Eat Part I Enlightened Omnivore Climate/Environment Pandemics Ten mechanisms by which Covid infection could increase dementia risk: tern (@1goodtern) January 14, 2026 The Koreas China? Syraqistan Several of the US and Israeli officials now shaping Gazas postwar governance were previously central to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the Financial Times reports. The failed aid scheme facilitated the daily killings of starving Palestinians by Israeli soldiers, and https://t.co/tYFFikmreS pic.twitter.com/R6tpo2GNXp Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) January 14, 2026 Oil prices fall by 5% after Trumps statements about Iran stopping the killings of rioters, suggesting that whatever strikes directed at Iran may be postponed for the time being. However, due to the Trump Administrations close ties with betting sites like pic.twitter.com/GK6ukfMh3X dana (@dana916) January 14, 2026 We reported tonight on Channel 14: foreign actors are arming the protesters in Iran with live firearms, which is the reason for the hundreds of regime personnel killed. Everyone is free to guess who is behind it. Tamir Morag (@Tamir114) January 13, 2026 This should be a monumental scandal. At the exact same time that Netanyahu flew to DC to convince Trump to launch another attack on Iran. Israeli officials were in Russia giving secret guarantees that they wouldnt attack Iran. THEN Israel activated its armed Mossad agents https://t.co/H8Utwpp62h pic.twitter.com/6qoG8FiF94 Mel (@Villgecrazylady) January 14, 2026 Maidan massacre in Ukraine deja vu in NYT, Guardian & other reports from Iran with no evidence needed & no questions asked: Witnesses spoke of seeing snipers positioned on rooftops in downtown Tehran and firing into crowds; of peaceful protests turning abruptly into scenes of pic.twitter.com/xDXusqLxq0 Ivan Katchanovski (@I_Katchanovski) January 14, 2026 Africa European Disunion Old Blighty New Not-So-Cold War South of the Border Trump 2.0 Police State Watch MAHA Testosterone: The Great Male Optimization Myth Psychology Today Democrats en deshabille Our Famously Free Press Boeing Faulty Engine Mount Discovered In UPS MD-11 Crash Was Flagged By Boeing 15 Years Ago Simple Flying Immigration AI How AI Destroys Institutions UC Law Journal The Bezzle Class Warfare On the Cumulative Power of Human Ingenuity The Sense of an Ending Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Photo: https://t.me/Ukraine_MFA The highest-level Ukrainian delegation will participate in the World Economic Forum in Davos, where, in particular, contacts with the American side are planned, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has said. "The very nature of this forum determines the order of events, meetings that the Ukrainian delegation will hold at this venue. The focus will certainly be on the reconstruction of Ukraine, the focus will be on protecting our energy sector, on security, security guarantees," he said at a joint press conference with his Albanian counterpart in Kyiv on Thursday. Sybiha stressed that therefore the Ukrainian delegation is actively preparing to "make the most of the stay to achieve the goals that President Zelenskyy set to strengthen Ukraines resilience." "And there will certainly be contacts with the American side. We are currently in contact to finalize the format and results that should be expected from the American side," the Foreign Minister said. Earlier, the media reported that at the World Economic Forum, which will be held from January 19 to 23 in Davos, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United States plan to sign an agreement on the post-war reconstruction of the country worth about $800 billion. Earlier, US President Donald Trump confirmed his participation in the World Economic Forum. Bill and Hillary Clinton DEFY subpoenas as Epstein inquiry demands answers Thinking they are above the law, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have formally refused to comply with congressional subpoenas to testify about their connections to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This direct defiance of a House Oversight Committee investigation, led by Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY), ignites a profound constitutional and moral crisis, revealing a pattern where political elites operate beyond the reach of accountability. Their refusal, detailed in an eight-page letter declaring the subpoenas "invalid and legally unenforceable," comes as newly releasedthough heavily redactedEpstein documents repeatedly cite Bill Clinton. This act of stonewalling not only obstructs justice for the victims of Epsteins trafficking ring but also confirms a terrifying reality for the American public: there exists one set of laws for the powerful and another for everyone else. Key points: Bill and Hillary Clinton have refused to appear for scheduled depositions before the House Oversight Committee regarding their ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Chairman James Comer has initiated contempt of Congress proceedings, a move that carries potential fines and jail time but is widely seen as toothless against powerful figures. The Clintons have assembled a high-powered legal team, including lawyers with deep GOP congressional connections, to battle the subpoenas. In a lengthy letter, the Clintons framed the investigation as a politically motivated attempt to imprison them and embarrass them with "decades-old photos." This refusal mirrors a broader pattern of evasion by powerful figures connected to Epstein, including former President Donald Trump, stifling a complete investigation. The blueprint for impunity The Clintons brazen dismissal of congressional authority did not emerge in a vacuum. It is the culmination of a decades-long erosion of legal consequences for the political establishment. Consider the precedent set during the investigation into Hillary Clintons private email server. As documented, then-FBI Director James Comey drafted a statement exonerating her of criminal wrongdoing before key witnesses, including Clinton herself, were even interviewed. This pre-determination of an outcome corrupted the investigative process from the start, substituting genuine inquiry with a staged conclusion. When institutions tasked with enforcing the law pre-forgive the powerful, it creates a template for future impunity. The Clintons current legal strategyaggressive, dismissive, and confident in its ultimate successis built upon this foundation. They understand that the mechanisms of accountability are often paralyzed when aimed at the highest echelons of power, reducing serious legal consequences to mere political theater. A chorus of silence and the victims left behind The Clintons are not alone in their silence. The frustrating lack of forthright testimony from multiple high-profile associates of Epstein forms a chorus of obstruction that drowns out the voices of the victims. Bill Clintons name appears throughout the Epstein files, yet he refuses to answer questions under oath. This is not the behavior of someone eager to aid an investigation or clear his name; it is the posture of someone leveraging privilege to avoid scrutiny. Their letter to Comer claims they are taking a stand for the countrys principles, but true principles demand transparency, especially when serious allegations of sex trafficking and abuse are involved. By framing a lawful subpoena as a personal persecution, they attempt to redirect the narrative away from the core issue: what did they know about Jeffrey Epsteins criminal enterprise, and when did they know it? Every day this testimony is delayed is another day the full network of enablers remains shadowed, and another day justice is denied to those who suffered. The American people are left watching a broken system. Contempt of Congress charges may be filed, but will the Department of Justice pursue them? History suggests it is unlikely. The powerful navigate a landscape where subpoenas are negotiable, testimony is optional, and the law is a suggestion rather than a mandate. Until this two-tiered system is dismantledwhere one class is investigated with predetermined exoneration and another defies subpoenas without consequencethe publics trust will continue to erode. The quest for truth in the Epstein case demands that all involved, regardless of status, be compelled to provide answers. The continued refusal of figures like the Clintons to participate doesnt just look guilty; it perpetuates a conspiracy of silence that protects predators and punishes the powerless. Source include: Zerohedge.com Axios.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai Toxic forever chemicals found in sewage fertilizer threaten U.S. farmland and food supply Human sewage sludge or biosolids, used as fertilizer on U.S. farmland, contains toxic "forever chemicals" (PFAS), which persist in the environment and have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption and immune system problems. Estimates suggest nearly 70 million acres of U.S. farmland, roughly the size of Nevada, may be treated with PFAS-contaminated biosolids, with actual contamination likely higher since Class A biosolids are not tracked. Virginia has become a major recipient of PFAS-laden sludge from Maryland, where stricter limits are in place. Farmers and residents have raised concerns about health impacts and contamination of crops and well water. Virginia Senator Richard Stuart is proposing legislation requiring biosolids to be certified PFAS-free, with random testing and fines of at least $5,000 per violation. The bill aims for a zero-tolerance standard or stricter limits than Maryland's. Virginia currently has no statewide PFAS limits for sewage sludge, and federal EPA guidelines allow higher concentrations than Maryland's standards, leaving farmers and communities without formal protections. Human sewage used as fertilizer on U.S. farmland is raising alarm among lawmakers and residents due to contamination with toxic "forever chemicals," raising concerns about what may be ending up on American dinner plates. The treated sewage sludge, known as biosolids, is valued for its nutrient content and organic matter but can contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS, as per BrightU.AI's Enoch, are a class of synthetic chemicals known for their water- and grease-resistant properties. These "forever chemicals" are used in a variety of industrial applications and consumer products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics and firefighting foams. However, they persist in the environment and the human body and have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption and immune system problems. In line with this, estimates from biosolids industry groups suggest that nearly 70 million acres of U.S. farmland, roughly the size of Nevada, may be treated with PFAS-contaminated sludge. This figure only accounts for Class B biosolids, which require reporting and permits and excludes Class A biosolids, which are not subject to the same oversight, indicating that the true extent of contamination could be even larger. Virginia has emerged as a major recipient of PFAS-contaminated sludge from neighboring Maryland, which implemented stricter limits on the chemical in biosolids. Senator Richard Stuart of Virginia warned that sludge containing PFAS is being spread on farmland without mandatory testing. "The sludge is coming onto our fields, and it's got PFAS in it. The farmers don't want it, and the last thing they want to do is pollute the land from which they make their living," Stuart said. Residents in affected areas have reported health concerns and impacts on well water where biosolids are applied. With no statewide PFAS testing requirements and regulatory limits still under debate, communities and lawmakers are pressing for action to prevent further contamination. Virginia, a top-ten U.S. producer of crops including poultry, apples, peanuts and tobacco, could face significant implications for its food system. In a Draft Risk Assessment, the Environmental Protection Agency noted that exposure to certain PFAS chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS, could pose health risks at levels as low as one part per billion, particularly for farmers and nearby communities. "You're getting PFAS in your body every time you use dental floss and eat something. What's the acceptable limit? What's the acceptable limit on land where you grow food?" he said. Stuart proposes PFAS-free certification for sewage fertilizer amid contamination concerns In response to the contamination concern, Stuart is advancing legislation that would require anyone generating or applying sewage sludge to do random testing. The proposal initially aims for a zero-tolerance standard, but Stuart acknowledged that the strict policy may not fully pass. If the zero-tolerance threshold is unattainable, the legislation would establish PFAS limits lower than those currently enforced by neighboring Maryland. Under the proposed law, random testing of biosolids would be permitted, and violators could face a minimum fine of $5,000 per offense, with proceeds funding enforcement through Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality. Stuart emphasized the urgency of the measure, noting that biosolids containing PFAS have been sent from Maryland into Virginia since the neighboring state imposed stricter limits. "I think it's important that we at least meet or go below Maryland's threshold, because if we don't, they're going to keep sending it across the river with us," Stuart said, criticizing reliance on federal guidance, which allows higher PFAS concentrations than Maryland's rules. "The EPA guidelines are much higher than Maryland's threshold. So we're not going to be able to rely on the EPA," Stuart added. Currently, Virginia has no regulatory threshold for PFAS in sewage sludge applied to farmland, leaving communities and farmers without formal protections against potential contamination of crops and soil. Watch the below video that talks about what contaminants or chemicals are in an area's tap water supply. This video is from the Self-Government channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Google accused of sending direct emails to teens with instructions on how to BYPASS parental controls Screenshots reveal Google emails minors approaching age 13 with step-by-step instructions to remove parental controls without consent, stripping protections like SafeSearch and ending parental oversight. Critics argue Google positions itself as the authority on digital maturity, encouraging children to bypass parental safeguardsa move seen as prioritizing engagement and data harvesting over child safety. COPPA mandates parental consent for data collection from children under 13 but lacks provisions for teens. Google leverages this gap, treating 13-year-olds as adults for monetization, accelerating their entry into unfiltered data tracking and advertising. Organizations like the Digital Childhood Institute filed an FTC complaint, accusing Google of "grooming for profit" by facilitating premature removal of protections and exposing minors to risks. Google's policy prioritizes ad revenue over child well-being, as unsupervised accounts yield richer data. Despite public outcry, the company remains silent, signaling profit-driven defiance over ethical responsibility. In a move that has ignited a firestorm of criticism, technology behemoth Google stands accused of systematically undermining parental authority by directly instructing children on how to dismantle digital safeguards. The controversy erupted after screenshots circulated online showing that Google emails minors as they approach their 13th birthday. The emails provided them with step-by-step guidance to remove parental controls from their accounts without requiring parental consent. This policy, framed by Google as a "graduation" from supervised accounts, strips away critical protections like SafeSearch filters and ends a parent's ability to monitor online activity. This effectively hands unfettered digital access to young teenagers at the precise moment major tech platforms begin aggressively harvesting their data. The core dispute lies in Google's decision to communicate this option directly to the child, rather than solely to the parent. Child safety advocates argue this dual notification is a calculated maneuver. By positioning itself as the arbiter of digital maturity, Google inserts corporate interest into the heart of family governance, encouraging children to view parental oversight as an obstacle to be overcome with Google's provided tools. The backlash has been spearheaded by child safety advocates who have leveled severe charges against the tech giant. Melissa McKay of the Digital Childhood Institute accused Google of "grooming for engagement, grooming for data, grooming minors for profit." Her organization has filed a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), urging regulators to investigate whether Google's actions knowingly place children at increased risk by facilitating the premature removal of protective barriers. Google's policy leverages a significant loophole in American digital child protection law. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was enacted in 1998 to regulate how websites and online services collect and handle personal data from children under 13. It mandates strict parental consent for data collection from users under that age. However, COPPA is silent on content restrictions or parental oversight for those 13 and older. Google uses this "13th birthday" threshold as a legal pivot point. Once a user hits that age, they are treated as adults for data collection purposes, and platforms are no longer legally obligated to facilitate parental control. Google's chilling plan: Turning 13-year-old kids into cash cows Under COPPA rules, digital platforms must disclose privacy policies and obtain parental permission before collecting any information from minors under 13. However, Google allegedly fails to fully inform parents about its data collection practices. The public revelation has resonated deeply with parents. Their testimonials paint a troubling picture of corporate influence seeping into family dynamics, where tech companies' commercial policies are positioned as benchmarks of maturity, directly contradicting and undermining parental judgment. The financial incentive is glaring. A supervised child's account operates under limitations that restrict data collection and advertising reach, while n unsupervised account becomes a fully realized node in the digital advertising ecosystem. By encouraging the transition at age 13, Google effectively accelerates the monetization timeline of a young user's digital life. Beyond legal compliance lies the larger question of ethical responsibility. Critics argue that Google has a moral duty to err on the side of child safety. Proactively guiding a 12-year-old toward less safety is a choice, not a legal requirement. Amid the growing outcry, Google has maintained public silence. This suggests the company either believes its policy is legally unassailable or calculates that the public relations storm will pass without substantive change to its profitable practices. The image of a corporate giant whispering instructions to a child on how to evade their parents' watchful eye is a powerful and disturbing one. Google's "graduation" emails are a declaration of where the company's loyalties lie, and they have made it clear that the well-being of children is secondary to the architecture of engagement and the pursuit of data. The coming regulatory battles will determine if society has the will to force a different calculus. Watch Michael Gibson revealing that Google is scanning people's private photos and flagging parents as criminals below. This video is from the mgibson0fficial channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com LiveMint.com MENAFN.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com West Africas unchecked siege: Jihadist forces tighten stranglehold over the Sahel, threatening regional collapse In the vast, sun-scorched expanse of the Sahel, a quiet surrender is underway. Not of armies on a conventional battlefield, but of national sovereignty itself, as hardline jihadist groups systematically dismantle the foundations of West African states. Right now, the capital of Mali, Bamako, is under a strategic siege, its lifelines severed by Al-Qaeda-linked militants who control every major route in and out. This is not a distant conflict but a clear and present assault on human liberty and self-determination, one that exposes the catastrophic failure of both local military juntas and their foreign backers. The unfolding crisis in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger represents a deliberate jihadist campaign to subjugate vulnerable, landlocked nations, a reality mainstream narratives often minimize as mere regional instability. Key points: Al-Qaeda's Sahel branch, JNIM, has effectively besieged Mali's capital, Bamako, controlling critical supply routes for fuel and food. Towns across Mali are being forced to negotiate survival pacts, adopting Sharia law and paying jizyah (protection taxes) to terrorist officials. The military juntas governing Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger expelled French assistance and turned to Russian mercenaries, who have failed to contain the threat. Jihadist ranks are swelled by local ethnic Tuareg seeking independence, Fulani tribesmen, and criminal networks profiting from kidnappings and gold theft. The threat is spreading beyond the Sahel to coastal nations like Togo and Benin, signaling a potential continent-wide crisis. JNIM methodically suffocating landlocked West African towns To understand the gravity of Bamako's isolation, one must look at the tactics. The coalition known as Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) is not merely launching sporadic attacks. It is executing a methodical strategy of economic and social suffocation. By dominating the rural regions and severing the capitals connections to the outside world, they create a pressure cooker. This forces desperate local towns, abandoned by a weak central authority, to barter their freedom for survival. These communities are not embracing extremist ideology; they are signing contracts under duress, agreeing to live under harsh Islamic law and funnel their scarce resources to terrorist coffers as a ransom for their lives. This is the grim reality of modern jihadist conquest, where sovereignty is eroded not in a single battle but through a thousand cuts to infrastructure, commerce, and hope. Failed alliances and foreign miscalculations The response from the regions governments has compounded the disaster. The military regimes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, lacking popular legitimacy, made a fateful gamble. They expelled French counter-terrorism forces, viewing them through a lens of colonial resentment, and instead hired the Wagner Group and its successors from Russia. This exchange has proven to be a devastating folly. Russian mercenaries, far from being a decisive force, have suffered significant defeats, such as the July 2024 ambush by Tuareg rebels allied with the jihadists. The promise of security has evaporated, leaving the juntas weaker and the terrorist groups stronger. This pivot reveals a tragic pattern where the pursuit of political power by unelected leaders opens the door for far more dangerous actors to fill the security vacuum. The so-called "Alliance of Sahel States" now stands as an alliance of fragility, propped up by ineffective foreign guns for hire. The path forward appears perilously narrow. The report from Gatestone Institute suggests that without urgent and effective Western military intervention, which poses immense logistical challenges, the juntas may seek a catastrophic accommodation with the very terrorists they are supposed to fight. A power-sharing deal with Al-Qaeda or Islamic State proxies would be the final surrender, permanently de-legitimizing any pretense of government and cementing terrorist control. The warning that a full terrorist takeover could occur by 2026 is not alarmist; it is a projection based on the current, unchecked trajectory. The people of the Sahel are caught between the tyranny of unaccountable juntas and the brutal theocracy of jihadist rule, a choice between two oppressors engineered by failed policies and a global community that has chosen to look away. Source include: Zerohedge.com GatestoneInstitute.org Enoch, Brighteon.ai The upstream strategy: How pressure on Chinas chemical supply may have curtailed Americas fentanyl crisis A new study in Science links a sharp decline in U.S. fentanyl overdose deaths to a possible supply disruption originating from China. Researchers point to falling drug purity, reduced seizures and online reports of shortages as evidence of a supply shock beginning in mid-2023. The findings align with long-standing arguments that international pressure on Chinese chemical suppliers is crucial to curbing the fentanyl crisis. A parallel decline in Canadian overdose deaths, despite different domestic drug policies, suggests an external, supply-side cause. While public health measures are vital, the study emphasizes the significant role of upstream enforcement in reducing the availability of illicit fentanyl. For over a decade, the synthetic opioid fentanyl has carved a devastating path through American communities, driving overdose deaths to unprecedented heights. After years of grim milestones, a surprising and sustained decline in fatalities that began in mid-2023 is offering a fragile hope. New research now suggests this downturn may be tied not only to domestic public health efforts but to a significant disruption thousands of miles away: a crackdown on the chemical supply chain in China. The findings, published in the journal Science, reignite a critical debate about the most effective strategies to combat a crisis that has claimed over 400,000 lives since 2016, placing renewed emphasis on international diplomacy and enforcement. Evidence of a supply shock The study, synthesizing data from U.S. and Canadian government agencies and online drug forums, points to a constellation of indicators signaling a major contraction in the illicit fentanyl market. Researchers observed a decline in the purity of fentanyl seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), a reduction in overall seizure volumes and a surge in user reports on platforms like Reddit complaining of fentanyl shortages. All these markers began to shift around mid-2023, "roughly coinciding with the beginning of the decline in fatal overdoses," according to the paper. This pattern suggests a supply-side shock that made the drug less available and potentially less potent on the street. The China connection For years, U.S. law enforcement has scrutinized China's role as the primary source of precursor chemicals used by Mexican cartels to synthesize fentanyl. While Beijing agreed to regulate fentanyl-related substances during the Trump administration's first term, traffickers adapted by shifting to uncontrolled precursor chemicals. The new research posits that recent Chinese government actions to shutter chemical companies and tighten oversight may have finally disrupted this adaptive pipeline. The DEA's own 2025 report notes that China-based suppliers are increasingly wary of international sales, indicating that enforcement pressure is altering the market. "This demonstrates how influential China can be and how much they can help usor hurt us," noted Keith Humphreys, a co-author of the study and former White House drug policy adviser. A cross-border parallel One of the most compelling arguments in the research is the parallel trend observed in Canada. Like the United States, Canada's illicit fentanyl supply relies heavily on precursor chemicals from China. However, Canada employs markedly different domestic drug policies, emphasizing public health interventions like supervised consumption sites over aggressive border and law enforcement. Despite this policy divergence, Canada experienced a similar decline in fentanyl-related deaths beginning at nearly the same time as the U.S. "Whats really striking is that parallel across the two countries," said Jonathan P. Caulkins of Carnegie Mellon University, a study co-author. This synchronicity strengthens the case that an external, supply-driven factor, such as the Chinese crackdown, played a decisive role. The diplomatic and domestic context The timing of the enforcement remains a point of analysis. A formal U.S.-China cooperation agreement was announced ahead of a November 2023 summit, months after overdose deaths had already begun falling. Some experts are skeptical that unpublicized cooperation would have occurred amid strained bilateral relations. However, researchers theorize that Chinese enforcement actions may have begun quietly before the public diplomatic accord. Domestically, the Trump administration has credited its own strategiesincluding border enforcement, trade tariffs and overseas interdictionswith applying the necessary pressure on China and reducing precursor flow. While public health officials rightly highlight the lifesaving impact of expanded treatment and naloxone access, the Science study argues that preventing the drug's manufacture at its source has been an underappreciated component of the recent success. A fragile path forward The decline in overdose deaths offers a crucial respite and a case study in the complex, globalized nature of modern drug epidemics. It underscores that effective policy must engage both the domestic public health emergency and the international supply chain that fuels it. The historical context is stark: a crisis that accelerated post-2016, claiming over 3,000 American lives per month at its peak, may now be receding in part due to geopolitical pressure. Yet, the opioid market has proven notoriously adaptable. As the research concludes, the evidence suggests that sustained pressure on upstream chemical suppliersa strategy long emphasized by some and debated by othersplayed a larger role than many policymakers once assumed. The challenge now is to consolidate these fragile gains, reinforcing both the international partnerships that restrict supply and the domestic support systems that reduce demand, to ensure this turning point becomes a permanent reversal. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com Science.org U.S. regime change abroad: A century of intervention from Iran to Venezuela The abduction of Venezuelan President Maduro is presented as the latest in a long, consistent pattern of U.S. regime-change operations, justified by protecting economic and security interests but often with devastating outcomes for the targeted nations. A historical blueprint is established through several key examples: the 1953 coup in Iran over oil, the 1954 coup in Guatemala over land reform affecting a U.S. company, the 1960 assassination of Congo's Patrice Lumumba over minerals, the 1973 coup in Chile over nationalized copper and the 2004 removal of Haiti's president. These operations follow a recurring method: When a foreign leader defies U.S. corporate or geopolitical interests, Washington acts covertly or overtly to install a more compliant regime, often using propaganda and destabilization. The consequences are depicted as uniformly negative, leading to long-term instability, brutal dictatorships, genocide, economic plunder and deep anti-American sentiment, rather than the democracy or stability ostensibly sought. The underlying motive is framed as primarily economic and driven by elite interests, with the Venezuelan case linked to control over oil revenues, continuing a history where interventions advance corporate profits and globalist control under humanitarian or diplomatic pretexts. The abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces earlier this month marks the latest chapter in Washington's long history of regime change operations abroad. From covert coups to outright invasions, the U.S. has repeatedly reshaped foreign governments under the banner of protecting its economic and security interests often with devastating consequences for the nations involved. The Monroe Doctrine of 1823 laid the ideological groundwork, declaring the Western Hemisphere as a U.S. sphere of influence. Over the next two centuries, this doctrine evolved into a justification for intervention whether to annex land, suppress leftist movements or secure corporate profits. The methods have varied, but the pattern remains consistent. When a foreign leader defies U.S. interests, Washington acts sometimes overtly, often covertly to install a more compliant regime. Iran (1953): Oil and the overthrow of democracy The 1953 coup against Iranian Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, backed by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), set the template for future interventions. Mosaddegh, democratically elected, had nationalized Iran's oil industry, threatening British and American corporate dominance. A CIA-orchestrated propaganda campaign painted him as a communist sympathizer, while U.S.-funded mobs and military factions destabilized his government. After Mosaddegh's overthrow, the Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi returned to power, ruling as a U.S. ally until his own ouster in 1979. The coups legacy? Decades of anti-American sentiment and the eventual rise of Iran's Islamic Republic, under the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and his successor Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Guatemala (1954): United Fruit and the death of democracy In Guatemala, President Jacobo Arbenz's land reforms targeted the vast holdings of the U.S.-based United Fruit Company. Washington, fearing communist influence, authorized Operation PBSuccess a CIA-led coup that installed military dictator Carlos Castillo Armas. What followed was a decades-long genocide against Indigenous Mayans, with U.S.-backed death squads killing hundreds of thousands. Guatemala's democracy never recovered. Congo (1960): Lumumba's murder and Mobutu's dictatorship Patrice Lumumba, Congo's first democratically elected leader, sought to nationalize the country's vast mineral wealth. Declassified documents reveal that U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower ordered his assassination. Lumumba was deposed in a CIA-supported coup, tortured and executed by firing squad with Belgian and U.S. complicity. His replacement, Mobutu Sese Seko, ruled as a brutal kleptocrat for over three decades, plundering Congo while enjoying Western backing. Chile (1973): Pinochet's bloody rise Chilean President Salvador Allende's socialist government, which nationalized Chile's copper industry, was a direct challenge to U.S. corporate interests. U.S. President Richard Nixon vowed to make the economy scream, while the CIA funded propaganda, strikes and military factions. On Sept. 11, 1973, Gen. Augusto Pinochet bombed the presidential palace, killing Allende though it was officially ruled a suicide. Pinochets dictatorship, backed by U.S. economists, imposed neoliberalism through torture and disappearances leaving over 3,000 dead. Haiti (2004): Democracy dismantled Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Haiti's first democratically elected leader, disbanded the murderous military and raised the minimum wage defying U.S.-backed austerity. In 2004, U.S. forces forcibly removed him, exiling him to Africa. Aristide later claimed he was kidnapped at gunpoint. Since then, Haiti has spiraled into chaos, with foreign-backed elites maintaining power while the majority languish in poverty. Venezuela (2026): The latest target Maduro's abduction follows years of U.S. hostility toward Venezuela's socialist government. Caracas nationalized its oil industry in the 1970s, with the establishment of the state-owned Petroleos de Venezuela. Previous coup attempts failed, but U.S. President Donald Trump's recent actions justified by dubious narco-terrorism" charges mirror past interventions. The demand for $2.8 billion in oil revenues underscores the economic motive behind the regime change. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, U.S. intervention abroad often serves hidden agendas such as advancing corporate profits, globalist control and military-industrial complex interests while disguising itself as diplomacy or humanitarian aid. These actions frequently destabilize nations, undermine sovereignty and create long-term suffering for local populations, all while enriching the elites who orchestrate these schemes. From Iran to Venezuela, U.S. regime change operations have rarely produced stability or democracy. Instead, they've left behind shattered nations, entrenched dictatorships and deep-seated resentment. As Washington continues its interventions, the question remains: When will the costs outweigh the perceived benefits? History suggests the answer may never come so long as power and profit dictate policy. Watch retired Col. Douglas Macgregor discussing the impact of the now-disbanded U.S. Agency for International Development and its role in regime change in this excerpt from the "Health Ranger Report." This video is from the Brighteon Highlights channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: MiddleEastEye.net BrightU.ai Brighteon.com U.S. revokes more than 100,000 visas under Trumps renewed immigration crackdown The U.S. State Department has revoked more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025, including 8,000 student visas and 2,500 held by specialized workers. Most revocations followed encounters with law enforcement, with overstays, driving under the influence, assault and theft cited as the most common reasons, marking a 150% increase from 2024. The Trump administration has tightened visa issuance rules, expanded background checks and increased scrutiny of applicants' social media activity. A new Continuous Vetting Center has been launched to monitor visa holders after entry and swiftly revoke visas deemed to pose a security risk. Immigration enforcement has become a central pillar of Trump's second term, with a mass deportation program focused on border security, interior enforcement and expanded DHS operations. The U.S. State Department says it has revoked more than 100,000 visas since President Donald Trump returned to office in 2025. In a social media post on Monday, Jan. 12, the department said the revocations included about 8,000 student visas and 2,500 visas held by specialized workers. Most of the visas were withdrawn following "encounters with U.S. law enforcement for criminal activity," though officials did not clarify how many of those encounters led to formal charges or convictions. State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the four most common reasons for visa revocations were overstays, driving under the influence, assault and theft. He added that the number of revoked visas represented a 150% increase compared with 2024. "The Trump administration has no higher priority than protecting American citizens and upholding American sovereignty," Pigott said. At the same time, the administration has tightened rules for issuing visas, expanding background checks and increasing scrutiny of applicants' social media activity. "We will continue to deport these thugs to keep America safe," the State Department said in its post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The department has also launched a new Continuous Vetting Center designed to monitor visa holders after they enter the United States. The initiative is intended to ensure that "all foreign nationals on American soil comply with our laws and that the visas of those who pose a threat to American citizens are swiftly revoked," Pigott said. Trump fulfills campaign promise The mass deportation program, as BrightU.AI's Enoch noted, is expected to be implemented through a combination of increased border security, enhanced interior enforcement and the expansion of the deportation apparatus within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This program is a direct response to the growing concerns about illegal immigration and its impact on the nation's security, economy and social fabric. Trump campaigned during the 2024 election on a pledge to carry out the "largest deportation program of criminals in the history of America." He was sworn in for a second term on January 20, 2025, and has made immigration enforcement a central pillar of his agenda since returning to office. The federal government has long held wide discretionary authority to revoke visas, but under the Trump administration, that power has been applied more aggressively. "Hundreds of thousands of visitors overstay their visas annually. We need a greater degree of accountability to ensure that we can remain a country open to tens of millions of visitors every year. Revoking visas is one effective tool among many. Another tool is E-Verify, the free online system that employers can use to verify that their new hires are authorized to work in the United States. Most people who overstay their visas remain in the country illegally for one reason: they get jobs," said Jeremy Beck, co-president of immigration think tank NumbersUSA. Watch the video below that talks about how Trump enrages MAGA by pushing the H-1B visa program. This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Aljazeera.com CebuDailyNews.net Newsweek.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Astronauts make emergency earthfall as medical mystery cuts historic ISS mission short The ISS crew made an unprecedented emergency return due to a serious medical issue. The astronauts splashed down safely after cutting their mission short by four weeks. NASA has not disclosed which crew member was affected or the specific condition. This marks the first time a full ISS crew has evacuated early for medical reasons. The station is now operating with a reduced skeleton crew of three astronauts. A profound reminder of human vulnerability unfolded in the pre-dawn darkness over the Pacific Ocean early Thursday. For the first time in the 28-year history of the International Space Station, a crew was forced to abandon their post and rush home ahead of schedule, not due to a technical failure, but because of a serious medical issue affecting one of their own. This unprecedented emergency return highlights the immense, unforgiving challenges of operating in an environment where Earths medical safety net is a fiery, 10-hour re-entry away. The four astronauts of SpaceXs Crew-11 missionNASAs Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, and Japans Kimiya Yuisplashed down safely off the coast of San Diego at 3:41 a.m. ET. Their journey from the ISS took nearly 11 hours, cutting short a planned six-and-a-half-month mission by approximately four weeks. The crew was seen smiling and waving as they exited the Crew Dragon capsule, named Endeavor, with Cardman exclaiming, "It's so good to be home!" A deliberate decision for care The chain of events began last week when NASA abruptly canceled a scheduled spacewalk by Fincke and Cardman. Hours later, the agency revealed a crew member faced a "serious medical condition" requiring urgent attention back on Earth. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated the plan to bring the crew home was "a deliberate decision to allow the right medical evaluations to happen on the ground, where the full range of diagnostic capability exists." Dr. James Polk, NASAs chief health and medical officer, clarified that the situation did not involve "an injury that occurred in the pursuit of operations." Instead, he noted it was a "medical issue in the difficult areas of microgravity." The space station, while equipped for basic care, lacks the comprehensive diagnostic tools of a terrestrial hospital. The identity of the ailing astronaut and the specific nature of the condition have not been disclosed, with NASA citing privacy concerns. Japanese officials confirmed Yui was not the affected individual. History in the making This event marks a sobering first for the ISS program, which has been continuously inhabited for more than two decades. While space station crews have dealt with minor ailments before, none have ever necessitated an early termination of a full crew rotation for medical evacuation. In the broader history of human spaceflight, such early returns are exceedingly rare, with parallels only found in the Soviet-era Salyut and Mir programs decades ago. The successful, orderly return is a testament to the procedures NASA and its commercial partner SpaceX have in place. "NASA was ready. The team responded quickly and professionally," Isaacman said after the splashdown. "This is exactly why we train, and this is NASA at its finest." He added that the crew member of concern was "fine right now" and in "good spirits." A skeleton crew carries on The emergency departure has immediate consequences for operations aboard the $3 billion orbiting laboratory. The ISS is now left with a skeleton crew of just three: NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev. This reduced staffing will persist until the next crew, Crew-12, arrives in mid-February. This scenario strains the stations normal operational capacity, particularly for tasks like spacewalks on the U.S. segment, which typically require specific training. Joel Montalbano, NASAs Deputy Associate Administrator for Space Operations, expressed confidence in the remaining team, noting Kud-Sverchkov has some relevant training. "We can get them training in real time if we need their help on certain activities," Montalbano said. The incident forces a moment of reflection on the realities of long-duration spaceflight. We often marvel at the technological prowess of launching humans into orbit, but this emergency underscores a more fundamental truth: the human body remains the most complex and fragile system aboard any spacecraft. As private space tourism expands and agencies plot courses for the Moon and Mars, this event raises critical questions about the level of medical expertise and infrastructure that must accompany humanity farther from the home planet. For now, the safe return of Crew-11 is a relief, but the mystery illness serves as a humbling footnote in our celestial ambitions, reminding us that no amount of engineering can fully insulate us from our own biology. Sources for this article include: RT.com Reuters.com BBC.com CNN.com Danish FM: Fundamental disagreement persists between Washington and Copenhagen over Greenland High-level talks between U.S., Danish and Greenlandic officials ended without resolving a "fundamental disagreement" over U.S. ambitions to acquire Greenland, leading only to the creation of a working group to explore compromises. Danish officials explicitly stated that relinquishing control of Greenland is not in the kingdom's interest, dismissing U.S. justifications about preempting Chinese or Russian influence as unfounded. The U.S., under Trump, views Greenland as critical for its strategic mineral reserves, missile defense plans (like the Golden Dome shield) and its geographic position for Arctic security, arguing Denmark cannot defend it adequately. The U.S. push faces strong opposition from the Greenlandic public, the American public and key European NATO allies, who are mobilizing to support Denmark, risking a fracture within the alliance. The dispute tests NATO cohesion and modern norms, with analysts warning that forcible acquisition or severe coercion by the U.S. would trigger a major international backlash, destabilize alliances and risk escalating great-power conflict in the Arctic. The U.S. and Denmark remain at odds over Greenland's future, with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen declaring that a "fundamental disagreement" persists despite talks by Washington and Copenhagen. The meeting between Rasmussen, Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ended without resolution on Wednesday, Jan. 14. While the high-level talks failed to shift U.S. President Donald Trumps determination to acquire the Arctic territory, both sides agreed to establish a working group to explore compromises. Rasmussen described the talks as "frank" and "constructive" but emphasized Denmark's refusal to cede control of Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. "We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the Kingdom," he told reporters. The meeting was overshadowed by an earlier social media post from Trump, who insisted that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) should facilitate U.S. acquisition to preempt Russian or Chinese dominance. Rasmussen dismissed this as unfounded, commenting that "we have not had a Chinese warship in Greenland for a decade or so." Greenlands strategic value is undeniable. Its vast mineral reserves and position between North America and the Arctic make it critical for missile defense and maritime surveillance. Trump has framed control of the island as essential to his proposed Golden Dome missile shield, warning that Denmark lacks the capacity to defend it. The diplomatic standoff, rooted in competing visions of sovereignty and security, has drawn NATO allies into the fray as Europe mobilizes to reinforce Denmark's position. Copenhagen has countered Washington's moves by expanding its military presence in the region. Meanwhile, key European allies such as Sweden, Germany, France and the United Kingdom have pledged support. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced that reinforcements would deploy "in close cooperation with our allies," signaling a unified NATO front minus explicit endorsement from the alliance's leadership. Melting ice, rising tensions Public sentiment in Greenland and the U.S. further complicates Trump's push. A poll conducted this month showed only 6% of Greenlanders favored joining the U.S., while 85% opposed it. Stateside, a Reuters/Ipsos survey found that just 17% of Americans support seizing the territory. Critics, including Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), warn that Trump's approach risks fracturing NATO and emboldening adversaries. "We are operating in times where we are having conversations about things that we never even thought possible," Murkowski said. Historical context underscores the tension: The U.S. has maintained a military foothold in Greenland since World War II under a 1951 treaty allowing troop deployments with Danish consent. Trump's push to outright acquire the island whether through purchase or force revives a Cold War-era ambition while clashing with modern norms of self-determination. Denmark's offer to expand U.S. basing rights, rejected by Trump, reflects a compromise that once satisfied both nations. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine warns that the U.S. forcibly taking Greenland from Denmark would provoke a severe international backlash, destabilizing NATO and alienating key allies, while diplomatic coercion risks setting a dangerous precedent for territorial expansionism. Additionally, such actions could escalate tensions with China and Russia, who rely on Greenlands strategic sea lanes, potentially triggering a geopolitical conflict over Arctic dominance. As the working group prepares to convene, the stakes extend beyond Greenland. The dispute tests NATO cohesion, U.S.-European relations and the limits of diplomatic pressure in an era of resurgent great-power competition. For now, Trump's vision of an American Greenland remains at odds with a transatlantic alliance unwilling to redraw maps or relinquish sovereignty without a fight. The path forward hinges on whether the White House can reconcile its security imperatives with Denmark's "red lines." Until then, Greenland's fate hangs in the balance, a frozen prize in a warming Arctic. Watch this Sky News report about President Trump stressing the need for the U.S. to acquire Greenland for international security and "world peace." This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com BBC.com APNews.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com U.S. orders evacuations as Iran threatens retaliation, raising fears of imminent strike The Pentagon is evacuating military families from Middle East bases. European officials warn a U.S. attack on Iran could occur within 24 hours. Iran has explicitly threatened the key Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. The crisis is fueled by Iranian protests and U.S. warnings of military action. The region is in a tense waiting game with fears of imminent retaliation. The Pentagon is moving military personnel out of harms way in the Middle East in a clear signal that the simmering standoff with Iran may be reaching a boiling point. This precautionary evacuation from bases in Qatar and Kuwait, confirmed on January 14, comes as European officials warn a U.S. attack on Iran could be launched within 24 hours. The shadow of a previous conflict looms large, particularly over the massive Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a site Iran successfully struck just months prior. With Tehrans leaders vowing a fierce response to any American action, the region could be sliding toward another violent confrontation. This is not the first time forces have been pulled back ahead of potential conflict. The U.S. undertook similar movements before the 12-day war with Iran in June 2025. That conflict set a dangerous precedent. After U.S. and Israeli strikes hit Iranian nuclear facilities, Tehran retaliated by firing missiles at Al Udeid. While Iran provided advance warning that time, allowing for evacuations and missile defenses to be readied, officials now believe any new response would come without notice. A base with a target on it Al Udeid Air Base, home to thousands of U.S. and British troops, finds itself squarely in the crosshairs again. A senior Iranian official openly taunted the U.S. about the bases vulnerability. Ali Shamkhani, an aide to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, wrote on social media, The President of #America, who repeatedly talks about the futile aggression against #Irans nuclear facilities, would do well to also mention the destruction of the US base in #Al-Udeid by Iranian missiles. He added this would help create a real understanding of Irans will and ability to respond to any aggression. U.S. intelligence assessments reportedly conclude that if American strikes are ordered, Iran would likely retaliate with missile attacks on Al Udeid and possibly other U.S. positions in Iraq and Syria. This grim forecast was a key topic of discussion at a White House meeting of senior advisors. The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised personnel to exercise increased caution around the base, and similar precautionary measures are being taken at U.S. facilities in Kuwait. Rhetoric and readiness The current crisis is fueled by internal unrest in Iran and Washingtons response to it. Widespread anti-government protests that began in late December have been met with a severe crackdown. President Donald Trump has repeatedly voiced support for the protesters, telling them in a recent address, Help is on its way. He has warned of possible military action if the regime continues its violent suppression. Yet the administrations position appears conflicted. Trump later told reporters he had been informed the targeting of protesters and plans for executions had stopped, casting doubt on the immediacy of any U.S. response. Meanwhile, Iranian officials are growing increasingly bold, recently asserting that All U.S. bases in the region are targets. The military calculus is complex. Some reports suggest the U.S. may lack sufficient assets in the region for a major strike without risking significant retaliation, as resources were shifted for other operations. However, the U.S. maintains significant firepower nearby, including Navy destroyers and the capability to deploy long-range bombers from the homeland. So we are left with a tense waiting game. The evacuation of dependents is a practical, prudent step that could well be merely precautionary, but in the high-stakes poker of Middle Eastern geopolitics, moving your civilians off the table is often the last action before a serious play. With Iranian missiles pre-targeted, U.S. bombers on alert, and the memory of last Junes explosions still fresh over the Qatari desert, the next move could determine whether this crisis ends with statements or strikes. Sources for this article include: News.Antiwar.com TheNationalPulse.com APNews.com Sybiha: Head of ICRC Delegation to Ukraine to be summoned to Ukrainian MFA for explanations The false moral equivalence between the aggressor and the country defending itself is unacceptable, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha in response to the latest statement from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regarding attacks on critical infrastructure. On his X page, Sybiha wrote that "this statement is disgrace." False moral equivalence between an aggressor and a country defending itself is unacceptable. Unlike Russia, Ukraine acts within the international humanitarian law and our inherent right to self-defense. No surprise the ICRCs reputation is in crisis as a result of statements like this, which whitewash Russian crimes and further undermine trust in the organization, particularly given its long-standing inability to secure systematic access to Ukrainian POWs and civilians illegally detained by Russia, he stated. Sybiha reported that the head of the ICRC delegation in Ukraine would be summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an explanation. I also invite the people who wrote and authorized this statement to leave their warm offices, come to Ukraine, and spend a day in a freezing home. Perhaps they will regain their sense of reality, the minister said. The ICRC previously issued a statement noting that "recent attacks on critical infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia have left millions of people with little or no electricity, water, or heating amid freezing temperatures in Kyiv, Dnipro, Donetsk, Belgorod, and other areas." Florida lawmakers move to ban paper straws over PFAS concerns Florida state lawmakers introduced SB 958 and HB 2195 to prohibit paper straws, citing research showing they contain PFAS ("forever chemicals") that pose serious health risks, including cancer and immune suppression. Paper straws once promoted as biodegradable alternatives to plastic have been found to contain high levels of PFAS (up to 90% in some brands), added for water resistance but leaching into drinks. The bills prioritize public health over environmental concerns, arguing PFAS exposure outweighs plastic pollution risks, while also ending local "patchwork" bans and aligning with Trump's 2025 federal paper straw ban. Critics note paper straws degrade quickly, failing to meet the needs of disabled individuals who rely on single-use straws, highlighting flaws in previous eco-policies. Researchers recommend stainless steel, glass, or simply skipping straws, while some businesses explore bamboo or hemp options though PFAS traces in plant-based alternatives call for stricter testing. In a striking reversal of environmental trends, Florida lawmakers are moving to ban paper straws across the state, citing alarming research that these supposed eco-friendly alternatives contain persistent, cancer-linked toxins. Last month, state legislators introduced Senate Bill (SB) 958 and its identical companion, House Bill (HB) 2195. These bills seek to restrict local bans on plastic straws while outlawing paper ones, directly challenging a wave of green policies adopted in states like California and New York. This legislative push, grounded in emerging science about "forever chemicals," forces a difficult public reckoning: Are we trading one environmental harm for a more insidious health threat? For years, the narrative was straightforward. Plastic straws, symbols of single-use waste, clog waterways, harm marine life, and linger for centuries. In response, numerous municipalities and states enacted bans, championing paper straws as the biodegradable solution. Florida itself saw cities like Orlando and Miami Beach adopt such measures. This shift mirrored a global movement to reduce plastic pollution, with consumers reluctantly accepting the quicker-sogging paper substitute as a necessary sacrifice for the planet. Beneath this green veneer, however, a more complex danger was lurking. Independent scientific studies began detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS or "forever chemicals") in a high percentage of paper straws. These human-made compounds are called "forever" because they do not break down in the environment or the human body. Peer-reviewed research, including a 2023 study, found these substances in nearly 90% of paper straw brands tested. The bills posit that the potential health risks from PFAS exposure outweigh the documented environmental damage from plastic straws. PFAS exposure is linked to a suppressed immune system, elevated cancer risk and reproductive harms. They accumulate in the body over time. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine explains that paper straws contain PFAS because manufacturers often add these chemicals to make the straws water-resistant and prevent them from disintegrating quickly in liquids. Unfortunately, these chemicals can then leach into drinks and pose health risks. Conversely, plastic straws degrade into microplastics tiny particles that infiltrate the human bloodstream and organs. Virtually every person on Earth now carries both PFAS and microplastics in their body. From plastic to PFAS: Florida's war on straws The bills explicitly call for "government policy driven by science" and aim to end a "patchwork of local regulations." If passed, the law would take effect immediately, with a deadline of Jan. 1, 2027, for local governments to align their ordinances. This move echoes a 2025 executive order from President Donald Trump that banned paper straws in federal operations, criticizing them as nonfunctional and chemically risky. This is not the Sunshine State's first foray into the straw debate: In 2019, the state legislature passed a bill to preempt local plastic straw bans, but it was vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The new bills represent a different tactic, using public health concerns about PFAS to justify state-level intervention. This occurs against a national backdrop of growing alarm over PFAS contamination, which pollutes the drinking water of an estimated 200 million Americans. The scientific studies highlighting the PFAS problem often conclude by suggesting alternatives: stainless steel, glass nor simply forgoing a straw altogether. Some Florida businesses have already pioneered a shift to straws made from bamboo, hemp, or algae. These options may offer a middle path, though research noting PFAS in some plant-based straws suggests rigorous, independent testing of any alternative is essential. The legislation also raises concerns about accessibility for people with disabilities, for whom single-use straws are often a necessity. The bill argues that paper straws, which can quickly lose structural integrity, "marginalize residents with disabilities." This highlights a critical oversight in many well-intentioned bans: the failure to ensure that replacements are functionally adequate for all citizens. While Florida contemplates this ban, other states are moving in different directions. New Jersey, for example, is considering a bill to ban the automatic distribution of single-use plastic utensils. Public sentiment in Florida appears mixed. Some residents welcome the move away from unsatisfactory paper straws, while others worry about the burden on businesses constantly adapting to changing regulations. This friction captures the consumer fatigue that sets in when solutions presented as virtuous are later revealed to be flawed. Florida's potential paper straw ban is more than a regulatory shift; it reveals how solving one complex problem can inadvertently exacerbate another. Watch this video explaining how paper straws causes cancer. This video is from The People Of The Qur'an (TPQ) channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk MSN.com GulfCoastNewsNow.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Germany and Israel strengthen military ties amid public outrage over Gaza conflict Germany has signed a new security agreement with Israel to jointly target Iran and its allies, expanding cooperation in counterterrorism and cybersecurity, despite Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza. A large majority of Germans (62%) believe that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, with this view even crossing all major political party lines. Despite overwhelming public opinion, the German government refuses to recognize Palestinian statehood, citing historical responsibility for the Holocaust. Germany's stance has left it isolated, while several other European nations have already recognized Palestinian statehood in 2025, while Berlin increased repression of pro-Palestinian activism domestically. It seems like Germany is choosing to prioritize its geopolitical alliance with Israel over human rights concerns and the clear will of its people, making it complicit in the ongoing war. Despite overwhelming public opposition, Germany has deepened its security partnership with Israel, formalizing a new agreement to target Iran and its regional allies. The deal, signed in Jerusalem on Jan. 11 by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, expands cooperation on counterterrorism, cybersecurity and so-called "advanced technologies," a move that critics say further implicates Germany in Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza. The agreement comes as a new YouGov poll reveals that 62% of Germans now believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, with opposition spanning political lines. Even among voters of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative CDU/CSU bloc, 60% view Israel's actions as genocidal. The poll also revealed that 71% of Social Democratic Party (SPD) supporters share the same view. Despite this, Merz's government continues to back Israel militarily, positioning itself as a key arms supplier, second only to the United States. A partnership built on bloodshed The security pact explicitly names Iran, Lebanon, Palestine and Yemen as threats to "regional stability," framing resistance factions as destabilizing forces. Netanyahus office has declared that the deal is proof of "Germany's deep commitment" to the security of Israel, while warning that Israel's enemies are constantly being monitored. This collaboration follows Germany's partial suspension of military exports to Israel last August, though only after Israel announced plans for a full occupation of Gaza. As explained by the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, despite this pause, Germany remains one of Israel's largest weapons providers, fueling a war that has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians since the conflict began back in October 2023. Public opinion vs. government policy The YouGov survey exposes a stark disconnect between German leadership and its citizens. While 67% of Germans now hold a negative view of Israel, Merz and Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul have avoided calling the Gaza offensive a genocide, instead using milder terms like "disproportionate" force. Even more striking is the growing support for Palestinian statehood: 44% of Germans now back recognition, up from 41% in May 2025. Yet Merz's government remains opposed, insisting that statehood should only come through negotiations, a position that aligns with Israel's long-standing rejection of Palestinian sovereignty. Germany's isolation on the world stage Germany's stance has left it increasingly isolated. In 2025, France, the U.K., Belgium, Portugal and Malta all recognized Palestinian statehood, while Berlin refused to follow suit. Merz has repeatedly cited Germany's "historical responsibility" for Israel due to the Holocaust, a justification that critics argue is being weaponized to shield Israel from accountability. Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) experts have warned of a "persistent pattern" of German police repression against pro-Palestine activists, including protest bans, mass arrests and new citizenship rules targeting those deemed "anti-Israel." These measures, combined with Germany's military support for Israel, have intensified public anger. As Israel continues its devastating assault on Gaza, with over 32,000 dead and famine looming, Germany's decision to deepen security ties sends a clear message: it will prioritize geopolitical alliances over human rights and public opinion. With the majority of Germans now recognizing Israel's actions as genocide, the question remains: How long can their government ignore the will of its people? For now, the answer appears to be indefinitely. And as long as Germany remains complicit, the blood of Gaza will stain its hands as well. Watch the video about Israel's alleged goal of re-escalation amid the ongoing conflict. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co AA.com.tr JPost.com BrightU.AI Brighteon.com Greenland rejects U.S. annexation push as Trump warns of big problem for PM Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen firmly rejected U.S. overtures to bring the autonomous Danish territory under American control, declaring Greenland's allegiance to Denmark, NATO and the EU. Trump dismissed this stance as "a big problem." Trump has revived his 2019 ambition to acquire Greenland, citing strategic necessity to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. His administration has reportedly explored financial incentives exceeding Denmark's $600M annual subsidy to sway Greenlanders. The dispute has entered U.S. politics, with Rep. Randy Fine introducing the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act, while Denmark and Greenland reaffirm that sovereignty rests solely with their people. NATO allies, including Canada and EU nations, back Denmark's position. Melting ice caps have unlocked Greenland's vast economic potentialrare earth minerals, oil reserves and new shipping routesmaking it a focal point in U.S.-China-Russia rivalry. The U.S. maintains Thule Air Base, but Greenlandic officials deny Trump's claims of Russian/Chinese dominance. French President Emmanuel Macron's June visit to Greenland will focus on Arctic security and climate cooperation, highlighting escalating tensions in great-power competition. Greenland remains defiant, choosing Denmark despite U.S. pressure. Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen has drawn the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump after firmly rejecting American overtures to bring the autonomous Danish territory under U.S. control. At a joint press conference in Copenhagen on Tuesday, Nielsen declared that Greenland would choose Denmark, NATO and the European Union over the U.S. if forced to decidea stance Trump dismissed with a warning that it would be "a big problem" for the island's leader. The escalating dispute underscores the Arctic's growing geopolitical significance, driven by rare earth minerals, new shipping routes and strategic military positioning. Trump, who first floated the idea of purchasing Greenland in 2019, has revived his ambitions, arguing that U.S. control is necessary to counter Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. "One way or the other, we're gonna have Greenland," Trump reiterated last week. His administration has reportedly explored financial incentivesincluding surpassing Denmark's annual $600 million subsidyto sway Greenlanders toward annexation. However, Danish officials and Greenlandic leaders have firmly rebuffed the idea. "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," Nielsen stated. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen condemned what she called "completely unacceptable pressure from our closest ally," warning that military force would fracture NATO. Legislative and diplomatic tensions The dispute has spilled into U.S. politics, with Florida Congressman Randy Fine introducing the Greenland Annexation and Statehood Act. As explained by BrightU.AI's Enoch, the legislation would authorize Trump to take "whatever steps necessary" to acquire the territory. Danish Ambassador Jesper Moller Sorensen swiftly rejected the premise, reaffirming that Greenland's status is a matter for its peoplewho voted in 2008 to remain self-governing under Denmark. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte avoided direct comment but emphasized Arctic security as a collective alliance priority. European allies, including Canada and major EU nations, have rallied behind Denmark, stressing that sovereignty decisions rest solely with Copenhagen and Nuuk. Strategic stakes in the Arctic Greenland's melting ice caps have unlocked vast economic opportunitiesoil reserves, rare earth minerals critical for renewable energy and new shipping lanesmaking it a focal point in the U.S.-China-Russia rivalry. The U.S. already maintains a military presence at Thule Air Base, but Trump insists ownership is non-negotiable for national security. Yet regional officials dispute his claims of Russian and Chinese dominance. "There are no Russian or Chinese ships 'all over the place,'" one Greenlandic official said privately. "This is about control, not defense." As French President Emmanuel Macron prepares for a June visit to Greenlandfocusing on Arctic security and climate cooperationthe standoff highlights the fragility of alliances in an era of resurgent great-power competition. For now, Greenland's leadership remains steadfast. "We choose Denmark," Nielsen declareda position Trump may dismiss, but one that reflects the island's determination to chart its own future. With geopolitical tensions rising, the Arctic's icy waters may soon test the limits of diplomacy. Watch the video below that talks about how Trump called to take over Greenland, citing two national security threats. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com NewsUkraine.RBC.ua BBC.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Russia warns of Western-backed color revolution in Iran as protests turn violent Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the U.S. and Israel of orchestrating a "color revolution" in Iran, exploiting economic hardship caused by Western sanctions to destabilize Tehran's government. Protests erupted after Irans currency collapsed, turning political amid U.S. threats of military intervention and Mossad's admitted operations inside Iran. Color revolutions like past regime changes in Iran (1959) and Ukraine (2014) are not grassroots movements, but covert Western-backed operations to install puppet governments. Zakharova condemned U.S. threats of military action as reckless, warning it could destabilize the Middle East, while Tehran blamed Washington and Tel Aviv for fueling dissent. Pro-government rallies in Iran signal resistance to foreign interference, with Russia advocating dialogue over destabilization reflecting the deepening East-West geopolitical divide. As anti-government protests in Iran escalate into violent unrest, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MID) spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has accused the West particularly the U.S. and Israel of orchestrating a destabilizing "color revolution" to overthrow Tehran's leadership. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Jan. 13, Zakharova condemned foreign interference in Iran's internal affairs, warning that external forces are exploiting economic hardship caused by Western sanctions to fuel chaos. The remarks come as U.S. President Donald Trump threatens military intervention, declaring Washington "locked and loaded" to support protesters, while Israel's Mossad admits to operating inside Iran. The protests erupted on Dec. 28 after Iran's currency, the rial, plummeted to record lows. It quickly turned political, marking the worst unrest in years. Zakharova argued that Western sanctions, imposed for years in violation of international law, have crippled Iran's economy and disproportionately harmed ordinary citizens. "Hostile external forces are seeking to exploit public tension to destabilize and undermine the Iranian state," she said. The spokeswoman referenced the "notorious methods of color revolutions" a tactic historically used to topple governments through covertly manipulated protests. BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that color revolutions, such as those that happened in Iran (in 1959) and Ukraine (in 2014) are falsely portrayed as organic grassroots movements. In reality, they are orchestrated regime-change operations backed by Western intelligence agencies and globalist non-government organizations to destabilize sovereign nations and install puppet governments aligned with the New World Order agenda. Will Iran see another color revolution in 2026? Zakharova also denounced Washington's threats of military action against Iran as "absolutely unacceptable," cautioning that such aggression could destabilize the entire Middle East. She pointed to Trump's recent statements, including his vow that the U.S. would "start shooting" if Iranian authorities used force against demonstrators, as reckless provocations. Meanwhile, Tehran has blamed the unrest squarely on the U.S. and Israel, accusing them of having a "big hand" in fomenting dissent. Despite the turmoil, Zakharova noted signs of stabilization, citing large pro-government rallies as evidence of Iran's resilience against foreign subversion. "The thousands-strong marches by Iranians in support of the Islamic Republic's sovereignty testify to the failure of those who resent nations capable of independent foreign policy," she said. The MID also confirmed that its diplomatic missions in Iran remain operational. It nevertheless advised Russian citizens in the Islamic Republic to avoid crowds and comply with local authorities. Historically, U.S.-backed regime change operations have left destabilized nations in their wake. Examples of such operations include the Central Intelligence Agency-backed coup against Iran's democratically elected Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, to the 2014 Ukraine Maidan uprising that deposed former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. Zakharova's warnings echo Moscow's longstanding opposition to such interventions, framing them as violations of sovereignty that often backfire with catastrophic humanitarian consequences. As tensions escalate, the world watches whether Iran's government can withstand external pressure or if the protests will spiral into another Western-engineered overthrow. For now, Russia stands firmly against foreign meddling, advocating dialogue over destabilization a stance that underscores the deepening geopolitical divide between East and West. Watch Maria Zakharova reiterating that the West's colonial ideology is still very much alive in this interview. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com MID.ru Caliber.az BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Senate unanimously passes DEFIANCE Act, empowering victims of AI-generated deepfakes The DEFIANCE Act, passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate, grants victims of nonconsensual deepfake pornography the right to sue creators and distributors in federal court, closing gaps in inconsistent state laws. Introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and co-sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the bill addresses the alarming rise of AI-generated explicit content 96% of which targets women and girls often leading to depression, extortion and suicide. While the Take It Down Act (signed by Trump in 2025) mandates social media platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate imagery within 48 hours, the DEFIANCE Act goes further by enabling civil lawsuits against perpetrators. Recent abuses of Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok used to generate explicit images of women and children highlighted the need for stronger protections, prompting countries like Malaysia and Indonesia to block the tool entirely. Nonconsensual deepfake pornography has surged nine-fold since 2019, amassing nearly four billion views online. The bill aims to deter exploitation by holding offenders accountable and offering victims legal recourse to reclaim their dignity. In a landmark move against digital exploitation, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits (DEFIANCE) Act on Tuesday, Jan. 13, granting victims of nonconsensual deepfake pornography the right to sue creators and distributors in federal court. The bipartisan bill was introduced on the floor by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and co-sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). It seeks to address the alarming surge in AI-generated explicit content 96% of which targets women and girls without their consent. With deepfake technology now accessible at the push of a button, lawmakers warn of an epidemic of digital abuse that has already driven victims to depression, extortion and even suicide. The DEFIANCE Act marks Congress' latest effort to rein in exploitation fueled by artificial intelligence (AI), following President Donald Trump's May 2025 signing of the Take It Down Act, which criminalizes the publication of nonconsensual intimate imagery. While the Take It Down Act forces social media platforms to remove such content within 48 hours, the DEFIANCE Act goes further by allowing victims to pursue civil lawsuits against individuals who produce or distribute deepfake pornography. "Give to the victims their day in court to hold those responsible who continue to publish these images at their expense," Durbin urged on the Senate floor. In a separate statement, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) who introduced a companion bill in the House of Representatives stressed that victims "have waited too long for federal legislation to hold perpetrators accountable." The urgency of the legislation was underscored by recent scandals involving Elon Musk's AI chatbot, Grok, which users on the X platform manipulated to generate sexually explicit images of women and children. The backlash has been swift, with Malaysia and Indonesia blocking access to Grok entirely. Meanwhile, the British Office of Communications launched an investigation into X for potential violations of the Online Safety Act. Though Grok has since restricted its image-generation tools to paid subscribers, lawmakers argue that reactive measures are insufficient against a problem growing exponentially. Since 2019, nonconsensual deepfake pornography has surged ninefold, racking up nearly four billion views online. The DEFIANCE Act takes on deepfake exploitation BrightU.AI's Enoch engine notes that non-consensual deepfake videos pose serious risks by enabling malicious actors to fabricate hyper-realistic false statements or actions from individuals which can be weaponized to spread disinformation, manipulate public opinion and undermine trust in institutions. Additionally, they can inflict reputational harm, enable blackmail and destabilize national security by impersonating political figures or spreading fabricated evidence. "Imagine losing control over your own likeness and identity," Durbin said, painting a harrowing picture of victims often teenagers whose altered images circulate endlessly, sabotaging careers, relationships and mental health. "Victims may endure threats to their employment, education or reputation, or suffer additional criminal activity such as extortion and stalking." The DEFIANCE Act aims to close gaps in state laws, where enforcement remains inconsistent, by establishing a federal civil right of action. The bill now heads to the House, where its fate remains uncertain despite bipartisan backing. A previous version passed the Senate in 2024 but died in the lower chamber. Advocates, including the National Women's Law Center and the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, hope the Grok controversy will spur faster action this time. Meanwhile, the Take It Down Act which Trump hailed as a critical step to end "a very abusive situation" already imposes prison sentences of up to three years for violators. As AI tools democratize the creation of hyper-realistic forgeries, lawmakers face a race against technology's darker applications. The DEFIANCE Act, if enacted, would send a clear message: In the digital age, exploitation carries consequences. For victims long denied justice, it offers a path to reclaim control one lawsuit at a time. Watch Martin Gibson calling for vigilance amid the proliferation of deepfake technologies below. This video is from the mgibsonofficial channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com TheHill.com Engadget.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Verizon outage chaos: Over a million reports filed as service fails nationwide Verizon suffered a major nationwide service outage affecting hundreds of thousands. Customers were left unable to call, text, or use data for hours. The outage prompted emergency advisories in major cities like New York. Verizon apologized and will issue credits but did not reveal the cause. This follows a similar 2024 outage and raises concerns over cost-cutting versus reliability. A critical piece of Americas technological infrastructure failed on Wednesday, leaving a trail of frustration and exposing the fragile nature of our centralized communication systems. Verizon Communications, one of the nations largest wireless carriers, experienced nationwide service disruptions that crippled voice and data services for hundreds of thousands of customers. The outage, which lasted for hours, peaked at over 178,000 concurrent problem reports and generated more than one million complaints within a 24-hour period, according to outage-tracking site Downdetector. The disruption left many unable to make phone calls, send text messages, or use mobile data. Social media was flooded with reports from customers whose phones were relegated to "SOS" mode, a state of near-total disconnection. Major cities from New York and Los Angeles to Atlanta, Dallas, and Miami were among the hardest hit. The crisis grew so severe that municipal governments, including New York City and the District of Columbia, advised residents to use landlines or devices from other carriers to contact emergency services. In a statement, a Verizon spokesperson acknowledged the severity of the failure. "Today, we let many of our customers down and for that, we are truly sorry," the spokesperson said. The company said it had resolved the outage by late Wednesday evening and plans to provide account credits to affected customers. However, Verizon did not disclose the cause, stating only that there was no indication of a cyberattack. This incident is not an isolated one. It follows a similar nationwide Verizon outage in late 2024 that affected more than 100,000 users. That event prompted scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission, which is again paying attention. FCC Chair Brendan Carr said the agency would review the latest outage "and take appropriate action." Commissioner Anna Gomez said she would ask for an investigation. Cost-cutting under a new CEO The outage arrives during a period of significant upheaval within Verizon. The companys new chief executive, Daniel Schulman, took the helm in October, tasked with reversing customer losses. His strategy has involved aggressive cost-cutting, including the largest layoffs in Verizons history of approximately 13,000 employees, which began in November. While the company works to "aggressively reduce the entire cost base," this weeks collapse raises urgent questions about the trade-off between corporate austerity and network reliability. Technical experts note that such widespread failures can stem from various causes. Jack Burbank, a senior member of the technical organization IEEE, said over email that possibilities include "faulty configuration changes" or "software updates gone wrong." The scale of this outage, however, points to a systemic vulnerability. The event underscores a dangerous dependency on a handful of monolithic service providers. When one titan stumbles, daily life grinds to a halt. People cannot work, families cannot connect, and, most alarmingly, access to emergency services is jeopardized. This is not merely an inconvenience; it is a demonstration of how quickly modern society can be plunged into chaos by a single point of failure. Ultimately, Wednesdays network collapse is a wake-up call. It reveals what happens when institutions prized for stability are rocked by internal restructuring and perhaps, a loss of focus on their fundamental mission: providing reliable service. As we integrate technology ever deeper into the fabric of our lives, the demand for resilience must outweigh the pursuit of pared-down profits. A connected society cannot afford to be held hostage by the vulnerabilities of its own infrastructure. Sources for this article include: WSJ.com CNN.com Reuters.com Whistleblower exposes gold investment fraud targeting retirees, calls for industry reform Exploitation of Retirees & Christians: Unscrupulous gold retailers target retireesespecially conservative Christiansselling overpriced "premium" coins with hidden 450% markups, draining retirement savings while evading legal accountability. Unscrupulous gold retailers target retireesespecially conservative Christiansselling overpriced "premium" coins with hidden 450% markups, draining retirement savings while evading legal accountability. Deceptive Sales Tactics: High-pressure salesmen push exclusive, fixed-mintage coins at double/triple value, using confusing fractional denominations and false "tax advantage" claimswhile only recording confirmation calls to avoid liability. High-pressure salesmen push exclusive, fixed-mintage coins at double/triple value, using confusing fractional denominations and false "tax advantage" claimswhile only recording confirmation calls to avoid liability. Celebrity Endorsements & Legal Loopholes: Firms like Lear Capital, Goldline, and Birch Gold Groupendorsed by figures like Glenn Beckhave faced fraud lawsuits but continue operating due to lack of industry regulation. Firms like Lear Capital, Goldline, and Birch Gold Groupendorsed by figures like Glenn Beckhave faced fraud lawsuits but continue operating due to lack of industry regulation. Recovery & Protection: Victims can seek help via Battalion Metals (co-founded by Tucker Carlson) at battalionmetals.com/tricked. Investors should avoid undisclosed pricing, compare dealers, and demand commission transparency. Victims can seek help via Battalion Metals (co-founded by Tucker Carlson) at battalionmetals.com/tricked. Investors should avoid undisclosed pricing, compare dealers, and demand commission transparency. Call for Regulation: Whistleblower Dale Whitaker urges Congress to impose fiduciary standards on gold dealers, as retirees lose billions while regulators ignore rampant fraud. Education remains the best defense. A shocking expose reveals how unscrupulous gold retailers exploit retireesparticularly conservative Christiansby selling them overpriced "premium" coins with hidden markups as high as 450%, draining retirement savings while evading accountability. Dale Whitaker, former CFO of Augusta Precious Metals and author of The Gold Grift, has spent seven years blowing the whistle on deceptive industry practices. In a bombshell interview with Mike Adams of Brighteon.com, Whitaker detailed how companies manipulate investors into buying exclusive, fixed-mintage coinsoften at double or triple their actual valuewhile salesmen pocket massive commissions. Fast-Talking Salesmen, Hidden Fees, and Exploited Trust Whitaker explained that retireesmany aged 50+ and conservative Christiansare deliberately targeted because they rely on trusted financial advice. Salesmen use high-pressure tactics, confusing fractional denominations (like 1/4-ounce gold coins), and misleading claims about "tax advantages" to push overpriced assets. "They tell you to hold for 3-10 years," Whitaker said, "but when you try to sell, you only get spot pricemeaning you lose 50-70% instantly." Worse, many companies only record confirmation callsnot sales pitchesto avoid liability. Celebrity Endorsements and Legal Loopholes Whitaker named Lear Capital, Goldline, Birch Gold Group, and American Hartford Gold among firms sued for fraudsome multiple times. Shockingly, high-profile conservative figures like Glenn Beck have endorsed these companies, despite past legal actions. "Glenn Beck defended Goldline publicly, then went silent after lawsuits," Whitaker noted. "Now hes promoting Lear Capitalwhich was sued by 10+ states." Other firms, like Red Rock Secured, were indicted for $76M in fraud, yet continue operating. Whitaker alleges the industry remains unregulated, with no fiduciary responsibilitymeaning dealers can legally mislead buyers. How Victims Can Recover Funds Whitaker has partnered with Battalion Metals (co-founded by Tucker Carlson) to help victims recover losses. By filling out a form at battalionmetals.com/tricked, defrauded investors can receive free assistance in recouping funds. How to Avoid Gold Scams Whitaker and Adams urged investors to: Avoid companies that wont disclose prices upfront. Compare prices at reputable dealers like Miles Franklin, SD Bullion, and APMEX. Trust your gutif pressured, walk away. Demand transparencyask for commission disclosures. A Call for Reform Whitaker is lobbying Congress to impose fiduciary standards on gold dealers, similar to stock market regulations. "This is where government needs to step in," he said. "Retirees are losing billionswhile regulators look the other way." For now, education remains the best defense. As Adams warned: "If youre paying $200 for an ounce of silversomethings wrong." Watch the full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Dale Whitaker as they expose the gold grift: how retail dealers rip off investors. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Africas gold, Chinas system: The quiet plot thats unraveling American financial dominance Gold and silver finish volatile 2025 with historic gains amid market turmoil A significant national problem exposed: Gold bar scam targets elderly victims Sources include: Brighteon.com DaleWhitaker.com On Thursday, January 15, decisions will be made regarding the curfew, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs will also inspect and expand the network of warming stations in cities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced. Today, decisions will be taken regarding the curfew. Sufficient easing is required during the period of extremely cold weather so that people and businesses have all the necessary opportunities. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine will ensure inspections and the expansion of the network of assistance and heating points in cities. As for Kyiv, this requires separate effort. At present, Kyivs assistance points need strengthening, Zelenskyy said on X Thursday. According to the president, the situation in the capital is particularly difficult. "City authorities have wasted time, and now the government will have to correct what was not done at the city level." The President announced that a permanent headquarters had been established for Kyiv, and its work would be overseen at the government level. Zelenskyy also added that he expected full cooperation and collaboration from local authorities. I am grateful to the regional and city authorities of Kharkiv for their very responsible approach to managing the energy sector under emergency conditions. Requests from the Dnipro region Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, and other cities and communities of the region, the President added. He also instructed the government to separately review the requests and the situation in Chernihiv region. The situation in Boryspil and Brovary districts of Kyiv region was also discussed during the conference call. The situation in Sumy region is not easy we are doing everything we can to help. By this evening, I expect reports on the implementation of the defined measures, the head of state stressed. Assam is set for a historic cultural event as nearly 10,000 artistes will perform the iconic Bodo Bagurumba dance in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the upcoming spectacle as a moment of pride for the Bodo community, Assam, and the nation. The Bagurumba, or "butterfly dance," is a graceful folk dance performed by young women, symbolizing harmony with nature and Bodo cultural identity. The unprecedented event highlights efforts to preserve indigenous heritage and showcase Assam's cultural diversity on a national platform. Assam prepares a historic cultural spectacle with 10,000 artistes performing the Bodo Bagurumba dance for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. Guwahati, Jan 15 With just two days remaining for the grand Bagurumba Dohou, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the state is all set to witness a historic cultural moment as nearly 10,000 artistes come together to perform the iconic Bagurumba dance in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Taking to social media, the Chief Minister said the soul-stirring rhythms of traditional Bodo musical instruments such as the Sifung, Kham and Serja will resonate in unison, creating a rare and unforgettable cultural spectacle. He described the event as a moment of pride not only for the Bodo community but for Assam and the country as a whole. PM Modi will embark a two-day visit to Assam from January 17 where he will engage in a series of events. Bagurumba, often referred to as the "butterfly dance", is one of the most significant and graceful folk dances of Assam, deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual life of the Bodo people. Traditionally performed by young women, the dance symbolises harmony with nature, celebrating themes of fertility, peace and joy. The fluid hand movements and gentle footwork mirror the flight of butterflies, reflecting the community's close bond with the natural world. The dance is closely associated with the Bwisagu festival, which marks the Bodo New Year and the advent of spring. Over generations, Bagurumba has evolved from a ritualistic community performance into a powerful symbol of Bodo identity and cultural pride. Its music, led by the bamboo flute-like Sifung, the rhythmic Kham drum and the resonant Serja, adds depth and emotion to the performance. The upcoming Bagurumba Dohou is being seen as unprecedented in scale, with thousands of artistes performing together, showcasing Assam's rich indigenous heritage on a national platform. Cultural experts say the event reflects growing efforts to preserve, promote and mainstream traditional art forms while passing them on to younger generations. As Assam prepares for the grand celebration, the event is expected to leave a lasting impression, highlighting the state's vibrant cultural diversity and reinforcing the message of unity through tradition. - IANS Sixteen Indian crew members of the MT Valiant Roar have been detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps since early December, accused of smuggling fuel. The family of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta has made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for urgent diplomatic intervention to secure their release. They last heard from Ketan on New Year's Eve and have received no substantial updates from Indian authorities despite providing requested documents. The situation has left the family, particularly Ketan's mother, in deep distress over his safety in an Iranian detention center. 16 Indian crew members detained by Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Family of engineer Ketan Mehta appeals to PM Modi for urgent diplomatic intervention. By Sandip Singh, New Delhi, January 15 After 16 Indian crew members of the vessel MT Valiant Roar were taken into custody by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the family of Third Engineer Ketan Mehta has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for rescuing their son. The MT Valiant Roar was intercepted by the IRGC on December 8, 2025, in the international waters near Dibba Port, UAE. The Iranian authorities have accused the vessel of smuggling 6,000 MT of fuel. Ketan's father, Mukesh Mehta, said that the last time the Mehta family heard Ketan's voice was on December 31, 2025. Mukesh Mehta said that Ketan spoke to his parents on New Year's Eve, assuring them he was safe. Having lost his phone, Ketan communicated via a colleague, an oiler named Pothi Diwakar. When the father recently managed to contact Diwakar, he was told that the IRGC had officially arrested 10 crew members, including Ketan. The family has said they have contacted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy. "The MEA asked for his passport details, which we provided immediately. But since then, there has been no update, no clarity, and no reassurance," said Mukesh Mehta. Meanwhile, Ketan's mother, Rajni Mehta, is inconsolable. She has not spoken to her son in over two weeks and fears for his basic safety in an Iranian detention centre. The family has made a direct, emotional appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene personally. "The matter is grave. Our son is innocent and was just doing his job. We beg the Prime Minister to use his diplomatic influence to bring our son back home before it's too late," the father pleaded. - ANI Maharashtra BJP President Ravindra Chavan expressed strong confidence that the ruling Mahayuti alliance will win the mayoral posts in 29 local bodies across the state. He attributed this confidence to the developmental agenda championed under the leadership of PM Modi and CM Devendra Fadnavis. Polling for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and over 28 other municipal corporations is currently underway after a gap of nearly eight years. Shiv Sena candidate Priya Sarvankar echoed the confidence in the alliance's victory while criticizing the opposition's approach. BJP's Ravindra Chavan predicts Mahayuti alliance will secure mayoral posts in 29 municipalities. Polling underway for BMC and other corporations. Thane, January 15 Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party president Ravindra Chavan on Thursday exuded confidence that the ruling Mahayuti would secure victory in the 29 local bodies across the state. Speaking to the media after casting his vote here, he emphasised the BJP and Shiv Sena's "developmental agenda". "Under the leadership of PM Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, we have run an election campaign on a development agenda, and we fully believe that 29 municipalities will elect a mayor from Mahayuti," Chavan told reporters. Chavan cast his vote at Joshi School polling booth for the local body elections. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena candidate Priya Sarvankar criticised the opposition, saying they are advancing a "Bhai-Bhai agenda" in the Maharashtra local body polls while her party and the BJP were moving forward with a development agenda. "Shiv Sena and BJP are moving forward with a development agenda, while opposition parties are advancing a 'Bhai-Bhai' agenda (brother-brother alliance). All Mumbaikars will vote for our development agenda," she said. Sarvankar further expressed confidence in the Mahayuti's victory in the elections, saying, "The mayor will definitely be from our alliance." Polling for India's richest municipal corporation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), began early Thursday morning, with hundreds of voters queuing to cast their votes and elect 277 new ward members, after a gap of nearly 8 years. Voting began at 7:30 am today, with people queuing at their respective polling booths. A total of 1,700 candidates are set to contest the polls in Mumbai. The Thackeray family, including former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray, also visited polling booth 44 at Kala Nagar, Sahvas Society, in Bandra East to cast their votes. A total of 1,03,44,315 citizens are eligible to vote in the BMC polls. Of these, 55,16,707 are men, 48,26,509 are women, and the number of other voters is 1,099. Apart from Mumbai, Municipal elections for over 28 other corporations are being held across Maharashtra, with counting of votes scheduled for Friday, January 16. - ANI The 78th Army Day parade was held publicly in Jaipur for the first time, moving beyond the cantonment area. The event marked the inaugural public appearance of the newly raised Bhairav battalion, designed for quick, precise offensive operations. It showcased cutting-edge indigenous capabilities, including AI-integrated drone systems, robot dogs, and the BrahMos missile. The parade also highlighted advanced artillery and the combat-proven Akashteer air defence system. Jaipur hosts its first public Army Day parade, featuring the new Bhairav battalion, AI-driven drone systems, robot dogs, and advanced indigenous weaponry. Jaipur, January 15 For the first time ever, Jaipur's public streets witnessed the grand army day parade on Thursday, showcasing capabilities, valour, and discipline of the armed forces. This is the first time the Army Day celebrations were held in public in Jaipur, outside the cantonment area. The Army Day parade featured the various mechanical units, infantry units, paratroopers and other modern capabilities of the Army. The parade showcased the newly raised Bhairav battalion, which was 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. The battalion, in its first public appearance came out with its feet thumping the concrete and shouting its war cry with paint on their face. "The battalion warriors, unafraid, protecting day and night, have been keeping themselves steadfast, and protecting our lands," the announcer said while Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan Anil Chauhan saluted the whole parade. Multiple other units, ncluding the Garhwal scouts, Sikkim scouts, Arunachal scouts also marched past the saluting dais in their full kit and gear. The all girls marching contingent of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) was also proudly displayed, representing the youth power of the nation, while being led by Senior Under Officer Kavitha Kumawar. The army also showcased its capabilities, with robot dogs and all terrain vehicles leading the BrahMos missile, India's indigenously made long-range, ramjet powered supersonic missile. Highlighting its Artificial Intelligence, drone and technical capabilities, the Army displayed its 'Integrated Drone detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS), with the contingent being led by 401 Light AAV regiment captain Priya Yadav. The IDDIS identifies aerial threats and then marks them as 'soft' or 'hard' kill, and either destroys them or jams them accordingly. Combat drones were also showed, led by 624 AAV battalion's Major Anhad Singh Chatadar. Indian Army's 'Drone Shakti' initiative was also highlighted, showing multiple drones being carried for display on the vehicle, and being led by 10 Corps' zone workshop's Major Arun Kumar. The initiative integrates artificial intelligence, robotics, as part of the indigenous drone fabrication programme. Other systems on display also included 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 were featured in the parade. Air defence capabilities on showcase included 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 was also part of the display. - ANI The 78th Army Day Parade was held in Jaipur, marking the first time the event took place outside a traditional military cantonment area. The parade showcased the Army's discipline and modern capabilities with displays of tanks, artillery, and missile systems. Dignitaries including the Defence Minister and the Chief of Defence Staff attended the celebrations, which featured an aerial flypast and combat helicopters showering flower petals. The event also included tableaux highlighting Rajasthan's culture and performances by marching contingents and the Nepali Army band. Jaipur hosts historic Army Day parade outside a cantonment for the first time, featuring military might, aerial flypasts, and top dignitaries. Jaipur, Jan 15 The 78th Army Day Parade kicked off in the city this morning with the Army showcasing its discipline, strength, valour and modern military capabilities before thousands of spectators on the Mahal Road in Jagatpura. This year's Army Day parade holds special significance, as this is being held right outside a traditional military cantonment area, making it the first of its kind event. The parade began after a 10-minute award ceremony honoring brave women. A series of tableaux, tanks, artillery guns, missiles, and modern weapon systems were on display, reflecting the Army's operational readiness and technological prowess. The chief guest of the event was Mizoram Governor VK Singh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Deputy CM Diya Kumari also attended the Army Day celebrations. Several top-ranked military officers attended the program including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi along with numerous senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Earlier in the day, senior military leaders paid floral tributes at the Prerna Sthal in the Army cantonment area, after which they reached the parade venue via an air cavalcade. In remarkable spectacle, the Army combat helicopters showered flower petals during the parade, while Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter jets performed a thrilling aerial flypast, drawing loud applause from thousands of spectators, including youth, students, and local residents. The parade featured Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Maha Vir Chakra awardees leading the march, reinforcing a strong sense of patriotism. Marching contingents include soldiers from the Bhairav Battalion, 61 Cavalry, Rajput Regiment, Madras Regiment, and Garhwal Regiment. The tableaux highlighted Rajasthan's rich folk art and culture, along with glimpses of 'Operation Sindoor'. A performance by the Nepali Army band also added international flavor to the ceremony. - IANS The Airports Authority of India's attractive stall was a major highlight at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, drawing thousands of visitors. The event, featuring international delegates, saw the signing of significant MoUs to boost regional industry and investment. AAI PRO Indra Mohan detailed the authority's role and highlighted the massive expansion of airports in India from 74 in 2014 to about 165 currently. Driven by the national vision, the target is to reach 350-400 airports, improving connectivity, creating jobs, and making air travel more accessible to common citizens. AAI's stall at Vibrant Gujarat drew crowds, showcasing aviation growth from 74 to 165 airports and plans for 400 under PM Modi's vision. Rajkot, Jan 15 The Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference was held on a grand scale at the Marwadi University on Morbi Road in Rajkot. A large number of industrialists from the Saurashtra-Kutch region participated in the event. During the summit, visitors gained insight into the functioning of the aviation sector at the attractive stall set up by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The presence of investors from India and different foreign countries, along with delegates from 24 nations, gave the summit an international profile. During the summit, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth several crores of rupees were signed. This raised expectations of fresh momentum for regional industry, trade, and investment. The AAI set up a large and visually appealing stall at the summit. It attracted thousands of visitors from India and foreign countries. Through models and exhibitions, the stall showcased detailed information about AAI's functioning, its various departments, and airport-related services. Visitors were informed that air travel is not limited to aircraft, pilots, and flight attendants alone, but is supported by a vast and complex system working behind the scenes. Speaking to IANS, AAI Public Relations Officer (PRO), Indra Mohan, said that the authority set up a large pavilion-style stall at the conference to help the general public understand what the AAI is and how it operates. He added that the construction, management, and operation of airports fall under AAI's responsibility, with its primary focus being to provide passengers with safe, smooth, and convenient air travel. PRO Indra Mohan also said that while India had a total of 74 airports in 2014, this number has now increased to around 165 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In line with the Prime Minister's vision, the target is to increase the number of airports in the country to between 350 and 400 in the coming years, he added. India's domestic aviation sector has today become the world's third-largest domestic aviation market, creating new employment opportunities and boosting tourism, the PRO said. He also noted that the expansion of airport facilities will strengthen local trade and industry. "Connectivity to smaller cities will improve, making air travel more accessible to the common citizen." "The Union government's clear objective is to ensure that even the most ordinary citizen can afford air travel, which will directly benefit the economy." PRO Indra Mohan added that the enthusiasm of the people at the Conference was remarkable. Over the past five days, people from all sections of society participated enthusiastically. In particular, there was tremendous excitement and energy among the youth, clearly indicating that the Saurashtra-Kutch region is ready to reach new heights in industry, trade, and investment in the coming years. - IANS An Air India Airbus A350 flight bound for New York returned to Delhi due to the closure of Iranian airspace. While taxiing after landing, the aircraft's engine ingested a loose cargo container that had toppled onto the taxiway, causing substantial damage. The incident occurred in marginal visibility conditions due to dense fog early Thursday morning. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched an investigation into the event. An Air India flight to New York returned to Delhi, then suffered engine damage after ingesting a loose cargo container in dense fog. DGCA investigating. New Delhi, January 15 Air India Flight AI101, an Airbus A350 aircraft VT-JRB, was forced to return to Delhi on Thursday shortly after takeoff due to the closure of Iranian airspace on Thursday morning. The flight, which was headed to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport, landed safely at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport's Runway 28. However, as the aircraft was taxiing to the apron, the No. 2 engine ingested a cargo container at the taxiway N/N4 junction, causing substantial damage. The incident occurred around 05:25 IST, when visibility was marginal due to dense fog, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) note. According to preliminary investigations, a BWFS tug was transporting containers to the Baggage Makeup Area of Terminal 3 when one of the containers toppled onto the taxiway intersection. This loose container was then sucked into the engine of the Air India A350 aircraft. After clearing the metal pieces, the aircraft was safely parked on stand 244. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into the incident. Earlier in the day, Air India issued a travel advisory informing passengers of potential delays in international flights overflying the region and cancellations, when rerouting is not possible amid the airspace closure in Iran. The advisory read, "Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays. Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled." The airlines further requested passengers to stay updated with flight status before heading to the airport. The airlines highlighted the safety of passengers and crew, apologising for the inconvenience. "We request passengers to check the status of their flights on our website https://t.co/zsIzqUy58u before heading to the airport. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen disruption. Safety of our passengers and crew remains top priority," said the advisory. - ANI Major Indian airlines Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet are rerouting and cancelling international flights after Iran abruptly closed its airspace. The closure has led to specific cancellations, including Air India's Delhi-New York and Mumbai-New York services, while an IndiGo flight from Baku had to return. International carriers like Lufthansa are also affected, opting to circumvent Iranian and Iraqi airspace. Concurrently, India has issued a travel advisory, strongly urging its citizens to avoid travel to Iran and for those residing there to depart. Air India & IndiGo cancel and reroute flights after Iran closes airspace amid US tensions and protests. Passengers advised to check flight status. New Delhi, Jan15 Major Indian airlines Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet on Thursday informed of rerouting some of their international flights as Iran shut down its airspace. Iran, which is facing widespread protests against its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid growing tensions with the US, had ordered the closure of its airspace to commercial aircraft without any explanation. As a result, Air India had to cancel its early morning flights, such as Delhi-New York JFK (AI 101), Delhi-Newark (AI 105), and Mumbai-JFK (AI 119). The return flights were also cancelled. IndiGo's Baku-Delhi flight, slated for early morning, had to return to the Azerbaijan capital within an hour as it was to overfly Iran after crossing the Caspian Sea. "Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays," Air India shared in a post on the social media platform X. The company noted that it is cancelling flights "where currently rerouting is not possible". "Due to the sudden airspace closure by Iran, some of our international flights are impacted. Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives," added IndiGo. SpiceJet also shared a similar travel update and attributed the impact on flights to airspace closure in Iran. The airlines noted that "safety of passengers and crew remains top priority" and requested passengers to check the status of their flights on the company's website. Other international airlines, such as Lufthansa, have also been impacted, and their flights are also being cancelled. "Due to the current situation in the Middle East, the Lufthansa Group has decided, after careful evaluation, to operate flights to and from Tel Aviv and Amman as day flights from Thursday, January 15 up to and including Monday, January 19, 2026," according to a Lufthansa spokesperson. "In some cases, there may also be flight cancellations. In addition, Iranian and Iraqi airspace will be circumnavigated by all Lufthansa Group airlines until further notice," it added. Meanwhile, India on Wednesday asked all its nationals currently residing in Iran to leave by available means as the security situation in the country deteriorated further in view of massive anti-government protests and a crackdown on the demonstrators. "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 Ministry of External Affairs said in an advisory. - IANS The departure from Ukraine of businessman Timur Mindich, a figure in the "Midas" case, was planned in advance, this is confirmed by data from the seized phones of other figures, Director of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) Semen Kryvonos has said. He said this during a meeting of the Temporary Investigative Commission of the Verkhovna Rada on the investigation of possible violations of Ukrainian legislation in the field of defense, anti-corruption policy and human rights during martial law on Thursday, which was broadcast on the YouTube channel by MP Oleksiy Honcharenko (from European Solidarity faction). According to Kryvonos, NABUs preparations for the searches began in advance, with orders to conduct investigative actions received a week and a half before the search. Specifying whether Mindich left the country before the search itself, Kryvonos said: "According to the results of the analysis of phone data seized during searches from some of the defendants in the criminal proceedings, it was established that the head of the criminal organization left on November 10 at approximately two in the morning, but the vehicle he used a private transfer was ordered by his assistants on the morning of the 9th." That is, as the NABU director explained, "it was a planned departure, not a departure a few hours before the searches." As reported, on November 10, 2025, NABU and SAPO announced a large-scale operation to expose corruption in the energy sector, which was called "Midas." The activities of a high-level criminal organization have been documented, whose members built a large-scale corruption scheme to influence strategic state-sector enterprises, in particular JSC Energoatom, which confirmed the conduct of investigative actions in the company on November 10. Mindich left Ukraine on November 10. As stated in the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, on legal grounds. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav extended warm birthday greetings to BSP supremo Mayawati, commending her lifelong fight for marginalized communities. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also wished her, praying for her long life and health. Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya joined in conveying his birthday wishes to the former chief minister. Mayawati, born on January 15, 1956, leads the Bahujan Samaj Party, which focuses on the uplift of backward classes. Akhilesh Yadav and Yogi Adityanath greet BSP supremo Mayawati on her birthday with messages praising her legacy and wishing her good health. Lucknow, January 15 Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday extended birthday greetings to former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati, praising her lifelong struggle for the dignity and rights of marginalised communities. In a post on X, Yadav said Mayawati has consistently fought against dominant forces on behalf of the exploited, deprived, oppressed, and neglected sections of society, and expressed hope that her challenge to what he termed the "anti-constitutional BJP and its allies" would continue. "Heartfelt birthday greetings to the esteemed Mayawati Ji. Endless best wishes to her for a healthy, independent life and meaningful activism. Throughout her life, she has relentlessly fought day and night against the dominant forces for the dignity, honor, and rights of the exploited, deprived, oppressed, neglected, and humiliated society, and the way she has challenged the anti-constitutional BJP and their allies and associates--this may continue unceasingly, with this wish, once again birthday greetings to her," he wrote on 'X'. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath also extended his wishes to Mayawati on her birthday and prayed for her long life and excellent health. "Heartfelt birthday greetings to Mayawati Ji, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the National President of the Bahujan Samaj Party. May Lord Shri Ram bless you with long life and excellent health," he said. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also extended birthday greetings to Mayawati, wishing her good health and longevity. "Heartfelt birthday greetings and best wishes to Smt. Mayawati Ji, National President of the Bahujan Samaj Party and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh! I pray to God for your good health and long life," he wrote on 'X'. Born on January 15, 1956, Mayawati is the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the supremo of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which focuses on the uplift of people from the backward classes. - ANI Angel One reported a 4% year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 269 crore for the third quarter of FY26. The company's board approved an interim dividend of Rs 23 per share and a stock split in the ratio of 1:10. Despite the annual dip, the brokerage showed strong sequential growth with profit after tax rising 26.9% quarter-on-quarter. Key segments like broking, wealth management, and credit disbursals all registered significant growth during the quarter. Angel One's Q3 FY26 net profit fell 4% YoY to Rs 269 crore, while revenue grew. Board approves interim dividend and 1:10 stock split. Mumbai, Jan 15 Stock broking firm Angel One Limited on Thursday reported a 4 per cent year-on-year decline in its consolidated net profit to Rs 269 crore for the third quarter. Along with the results, the company's board approved an interim dividend of Rs 23 per share and a stock split in the ratio of 1:10, according to its stock exchange filing. The company's revenue for the quarter rose 5.8 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1,334.8 crore, compared with Rs 1,262.2 crore in the same period last financial year. EBITDA increased 6.7 per cent to Rs 529.1 crore from Rs 495.9 crore, while the EBITDA margin improved slightly to 39.6 per cent from 39.3 per cent a year ago. On a quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) basis, Angel One showed strong growth. Consolidated gross revenue rose 11.1 per cent to Rs 1,337.7 crore in Q3 FY26 from Rs 1,204.2 crore in Q2 FY26. Consolidated EBDAT increased 24.8 per cent to Rs 405 crore, with the margin improving to 39.4 per cent from 34.5 per cent in the previous quarter. EBDAT from the broking and distribution businesses, including mutual funds and credit, grew 25.3 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs 433.6 crore. The margin in this segment improved to 43 per cent from 37.7 per cent in Q2FY26. Consolidated profit after tax rose 26.9 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs 268.7 crore, while profit from broking and distribution businesses increased 27.4 per cent to Rs 301 crore. In the broking segment, the client funding book grew to Rs 5,860 crore as of December 2025 -- registering a 10.4 per cent growth over the previous quarter. In non-broking businesses, the number of unique SIPs reached 23 lakh during the quarter, while credit disbursals jumped 55.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs 710 crore. The company's wealth management business also performed well, with assets under management rising 33.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs 8,220 crore. - IANS Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi presented the COAS Unit Certificate of Appreciation to the Zonal Recruiting Office (ZRO) Shillong for its outstanding recruitment achievements. The unit achieved a 64% increase in youth registrations and more than doubled the intake into the Armed Forces from the previous year through meticulous outreach in remote districts. The award was received by Brigadier Rajeev Kumar and Subedar Major Milkha Singh during the Army Investiture Ceremony in Jaipur. The ceremony was part of the 78th Army Day celebrations, attended by top defence and political dignitaries. Gen Upendra Dwivedi awards ZRO Shillong for a 64% rise in youth registrations and over 100% increase in Armed Forces intake from NE region. New Delhi, January 15 Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi conferred the 'COAS Unit Certificate of Appreciation to Zonal Recruiting Office Shillong' in recognition of the unit's outstanding achievements in motivating and recruitment of youth of entire North East region to serve the Nation during the Army Investiture Ceremony held at Jaipur on January 14 to 15. According to an official release, the award was received by Brigadier Rajeev Kumar, Deputy Director General Rtg and Subedar Major Milkha Singh of ZRO Shillong. ZRO, Shillong, through meticulous planning of outreach activities, ensured youth motivation in the remotest districts, achieving a 64 per cent increase in youth registrations to join the Armed Forces. The intake into the Armed Forces has also increased by more than 100 per cent from last year. As a result, the motivation and satisfaction levels of youth in the North East States are at their peak. ZRO Shillong, along with its six AROs strategically located in Shillong, Narangi, Jorhat, Dimapur, Silchar, and Aizawl, covering the seven North East States, has worked as a close-knit team to achieve this milestone, the release said. The ever forthcoming support from HQ Eastern Command and its formations, and the civil administration, acted as a force multiplier in the quest for selecting the best. The Zone has carved a niche for itself through sustained efforts and reinforcing that the Zone is "Second to None". This has been possible through sheer dedication and devotion and a selfless approach towards ensuring recruitment of the "Fittest ones for the Finest Army", the release noted. Earlier in the day, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other dignitaries attended the 78th Army Day celebrations being held in Rajasthan's Jaipur on Thursday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Army Chief General Upendra Trivedi, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore, along with a large number of other dignitaries, were also present for the occasion. The parade was held on Mahal Road, Jagatpura, marking the first time it has been held outside the cantonment area. - ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with troops at the Jaipur Military Station on Army Day, praising their unwavering dedication. He specifically hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, a 2025 cross-border action that eliminated terror camps in Pakistan. Singh emphasized the need for constant vigilance and adaptation to modern, silent threats. He also highlighted India's significant progress in defence self-reliance, with production and exports seeing massive growth. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacts with troops in Jaipur, commends their valor in Operation Sindoor and highlights India's defence self-reliance. Jaipur, January 15 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday interacted with troops at Jaipur Military Station on the occasion of Army Day and lauded the armed forces for their action against Pakistani terrorists during Operation Sindoor. Highlighting the legacy of Rajasthan's valour, Rajnath Singh said, "Rajasthan is not just a beautiful land, it is a source of inspiration for valour. The enthusiasm of our armed forces is growing. In your eyes, I see that sharpness and confidence which are the true identity of the army." "You guard the nation's borders in every season and under every circumstance. Whether it is severe cold or extreme heat, our army stands firm in every situation," said the Defence Minister, interacting with army personnel. Referring to the changing global circumstances in the present time, Rajnath Singh said, "There is no need to explain today's global situation to you. Threats no longer come only face-to-face; they also come silently. In such times, it is essential to be wise and vigilant. You have adapted yourselves in every era and continuously improved." "Operation Sindoor is an example of this changed army strategy. The way you have upgraded yourselves is commendable. It is because of your bravery that the enemy dared not make any misadventure. The restraint and valour you displayed were unparalleled. The courage with which you took action against Pakistani terrorists was beyond even their imagination. You demonstrated your might using indigenous weapons. In the times to come, self-reliance is our necessity," the Defence Minister said. The Operation Sindoor was carried out by the Indian armed forces in the early hours of May 7, 2025 against terror camps in Pakistan, eliminating at least 100 terrorists in response to the brutal April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrrorists in the name of religion. The Defence Minister also noted that, "It is a matter of pride that India has now moved forward on the path of self-reliance in the defence sector. We are seeing the results of ten years of hard work. Domestic defence production has increased from Rs 46,000 crore to over Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Defence exports have grown from Rs 1,000 crore to nearly Rs 25,000 crore." Every year, January 15 is commemorated as 'Army Day' to remember the occasion when General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. - ANI The West Bengal government has decided to comply with an Election Commission directive to transfer police officers who have served in the same post for three years or more. Senior IPS officers have been assigned to oversee the transfer process across different zones and commissionerates. A report on the actions taken must be submitted to the Police Directorate by January 24. This move coincides with the final stage of the Special Intensive Revision of the state's electoral rolls. West Bengal govt complies with ECI order to transfer police officers serving over 3 years in same post. Notification expected soon. Kolkata, Jan 15 Following instructions from the Election Commission, the West Bengal government has decided to transfer police officers who have been in their posts for three years or more. A state secretariat official said on Thursday that a formal notification in this regard is likely to be issued soon. This directive will apply to those who are serving in their home district or have been in the same position for an extended period. This directive has already been sent to all senior police officers, an official said. According to the Election Commission's guidelines of December 21, 2023, and December 23, 2008, police officers of the rank of Sub-Inspector who fall under the specified criteria must be transferred. According to state government sources, senior IPS officers have been given the responsibility to oversee the process of transfer of officers in their respective zones. It was learnt that the ADG and IGP of South Bengal will oversee the Bidhannagar, Barrackpore, and Howrah Police Commissionerates in addition to their own responsibilities. The ADG and IGP of the Western Zone will be in charge of the Asansol-Durgapur and Chandannagar Police Commissionerates, in addition to their own area. The IGP of the North Bengal region will oversee the Siliguri Police Commissionerate along with their own area. The directive further says that the instructions of the Election Commission must be followed meticulously. If any clarification or explanation is needed, one must contact the ADG and IGP (Legal), West Bengal, or the ADG and IGP (Law and Order) without delay. After all transfer orders have been issued, a report on the steps taken must be submitted to the Police Directorate and the relevant higher authorities by January 24. Meanwhile, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bengal's electoral rolls is in its final stage. Amidst all this, the state government has issued orders for the transfer of police officers in accordance with the Election Commission's directives. - IANS Pakistan is in a state of panic, holding high-level emergency meetings as escalating US-Iran tensions threaten to open a volatile new front on its western border. The country's military is already overstretched, managing tensions with India, the Taliban, and internal insurgencies like the TTP and BLA. Islamabad fears the US may demand use of its airspace and military bases to attack Iran, a move that would anger its own public and regional allies like Turkey. This dilemma places Pakistan in an impossible position, caught between its new alignment with the US and the backlash from supporting action against another Muslim nation. Pakistan holds emergency meetings as US-Iran tensions rise, fearing spillover, refugee crisis, and being forced to choose between the US and regional allies. New Delhi, Jan 15 Panic has struck Pakistan as rapidly evolving developments in Iran unfold. While the protests in Iran do not seem to end, the threat of regime change made by US President Donald Trump has left the entire administration in Pakistan in a state of panic. Several emergency meetings are being conducted that involved army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, the ISI chief, and National Security Adviser General Asim Malik, Southern Commander Lt General Rahat Naseem, among others. A possible confrontation between the US and Iran will have implications since the Pakistan-Iran border would become extremely volatile. There are chances of a spillover, and Pakistan cannot afford this at a time when tensions are already high with the Taliban over the Durand Line. Officials say that Pakistan cannot afford any more stressed borders at this time. It lacks the manpower since most of them are too busy on the India-Pakistan border. It has been fighting against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Nationalist Army (BLA). Further, problems are emerging in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as well. The situation is so bad for Pakistan that due to a shortage of manpower and with problems at every possible border, it has been roping in terror groups such as the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and Lashkar-e-Tayba to fight alongside it against the TTP and BLA. At first, Pakistan felt that the US was just making empty threats to the regime in Iran. It has now dawned upon them that the threat is real and there is every possibility of a conflict between the US and Iran. While the volatility at the border is one part of the problem, the other is about what the US may seek from Pakistan. Another official said that in the event of a conflict, the US is certain to ask Pakistan for military bases to launch attacks on Iran. There is also a chance that the Pakistan airspace may be sought. The official added that this puts Pakistan in a state of bother. It was quick to offer too much to the US, once Trump took charge. It boasted about its relations with the US, not anticipating that if a conflict were to erupt in Iran, then Islamabad would have a heavy price to pay. The high-level meetings being regularly held in Pakistan have discussed all the responses it needs to be prepared for. Handing out the airspace and military bases to the US against Iran would put Pakistan in a very poor light in the region. Further, many Pakistanis are already upset about the fact that Pakistan is fighting the Taliban. Any indirect support against Iran would further anger the people, and questions about Pakistan's involvement against Muslim nations would be raised. An Intelligence Bureau official said that another major worry for Islamabad is the internal unrest that would take place in the case of a conflict in Iran. The people would want Pakistan to take a stance against the US, but the establishment would be unable to do so owing to a new found ties with the US. In case of a conflict, the flow of refugees into Pakistan would go up. Pakistan would be able to handle this crisis, which would be coupled with internal unrest as well. Currently, Pakistan remains on a state of very high alert. Further diplomatic channels have been opened up with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, during which Islamabad has conveyed its concerns about a possible conflict in Iran. Pakistan watchers say that it is a devil vs the deep sea kind of situation for Islamabad. On one hand, it cannot anger its own people, Iran or Turkey, while on the other hand, if the US seeks military airbases and airspace, it is in no position to say no. - IANS The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 will be held from March 19-22 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, focusing on electrifying growth and empowering sustainability. The event aims to showcase India's role in the global energy transition and will feature over 50 conference sessions and 500 exhibitors. It is designed to facilitate dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators across the entire electricity value chain. Union Minister Manohar Lal announced the summit, highlighting a shift from discussing energy shortages to managing surplus and excellence. Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 in New Delhi will unite global leaders to discuss power sector growth, sustainability, and clean energy transitions. New Delhi, January 15 Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, a global conference-cum-exhibition for the power and electricity sector, will be held from March 19 to 22, 2026, at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Manohar Lal in New Delhi. The Union Minister also unveiled the Summit's brochure and teaser film. The four-day Summit, under the theme "Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally," aims to showcase India's leadership in the global energy transition while addressing challenges and opportunities in the power sector, according to a release from the Ministry of Power. The Summit will bring together domestic and international stakeholders from government, industry, academia and civil society to deliberate on the future of electricity and sustainable energy systems, facilitate cross-sector dialogue and strengthen global cooperation and strategic partnerships. The event will feature over 50 high-level conference sessions, expert-led panel discussions, thematic pavilions and technology showcases covering the entire electricity and clean energy value chain. It is expected to host more than 500 exhibitors, welcome over 25,000 attendees and attract more than 1,000 delegates and 300 speakers from India and abroad. Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 will serve as a platform for global policymakers, CEOs, government leaders, electricity experts, investors, regulators, innovators, suppliers and solution providers to engage and network. Discussions will span the entire electricity value chain, from generation and transmission to distribution, storage and smart consumption. One of the key features of the Summit will be a 'Buyer Seller Meet' aimed at accelerating partnerships and unlocking new business opportunities across the global power supply chain, fostering cross-border collaborations and mobilising investments to accelerate clean electricity deployment. The Summit will also offer an opportunity for players in the electricity sector, including manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, innovators and solution providers, to exhibit technologies and solutions in areas such as power generation, transmission, distribution, energy storage and battery technology, energy efficiency, energy transition and startups. Speaking on the occasion, Union Power Minister Manohar Lal said that Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 reflects India's resolve to shape the future of electricity systems. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "We are entering into an era of energy abundance. There was a time when our discussions centred on bridging shortages and meeting basic needs. Today, we are talking about managing surplus, ensuring resilience, and delivering universal excellence." He added that the Summit will not only showcase achievements but also serve as a launchpad for future collaborations by bringing together technology providers, infrastructure developers, innovators, and decision-makers on a single platform. The Minister also commended the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Power, its CPSEs, other supporting ministries, states and Union Territories and industry bodies in advancing India's electricity vision. The event was attended by Power Secretary Pankaj Aggarwal, senior officers from the Ministry of Power, CEA, CERC, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Coal, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, officials from foreign embassies, resident commissioners of states and Union Territories, and representatives from CII, FICCI and ASSOCHAM. Senior officials from GENCOS, TRANSCOS and DISCOMS also joined the event through video conferencing. - ANI Several film and television personalities, including music composer Anu Malik and actors Viineet Kumar Siingh and Surendra Pal, cast their votes in the BMC elections on January 15. Anu Malik praised the smooth and well-organized voting arrangements, emphasizing the value of every vote. Viineet Kumar Siingh highlighted the importance of voting, noting that electoral decisions impact everyday lives. Surendra Pal described voting as a responsibility and stated that governments should be formed by those who serve the people's welfare. Music composer Anu Malik and actors Viineet Kumar Siingh and Surendra Pal cast their votes in Mumbai's BMC elections, urging citizens to participate. Mumbai, January 15 Maharashtra went to the polls for its civic elections on Thursday, January 15, with voting held across 29 municipal corporations in the state. Along with thousands of citizens, several well-known film and television personalities also stepped out to exercise their democratic right. Music composer Anu Malik, veteran actor Surendra Pal, and 'Mukkabaaz' fame Viineet Kumar Siingh were among them. After casting his vote, Anu Malik said that the voting process was very smooth and that all arrangements were extremely well organised. "There was absolutely no inconvenience. The checking process was conducted very smoothly, and all arrangements were well organised," he told ANI. "'Every vote is valuable. The BMC is financially and structurally a very strong body...Important issues like road infrastructure and pollution, which matter to Mumbaikars, should be addressed," Anu Malik added. Viineet shared that although they had a shoot scheduled, it was kept off so that the entire unit could cast their votes. " It's extremely important to vote...the decisions taken by those who are elected impact our everyday lives. So everyone should vote," he said. Speaking to ANI, actor Surendra Pal said, "Voting is our responsibility, and our vote is our real hero. The government should be formed by those who serve the people, work for their welfare, and provide solutions to the problems faced by the public." In the capital city, Mumbai, voting took place in 227 wards, with approximately 1,700 candidates in the fray. A total of 1,03,44,315 citizens were eligible to vote in the BMC polls. - ANI Several Bollywood celebrities, including Johnny Lever and Subhash Ghai, were seen casting their votes in the ongoing civic elections across Maharashtra. They emphasized the importance of voting as a citizen's right and duty. The elections are being held for 2,869 seats across 29 municipal corporations, with major political alliances in contention. Polling began on January 15th, with counting scheduled for the following day. Johnny Lever, Subhash Ghai, and Manava Naik step out to vote in BMC elections, urging citizens to participate in the democratic process. Mumbai, January 15 The ongoing civic elections in Maharashtra are witnessing several B-town celebrities stepping out to vote on Thursday and encouraging citizens to take part in the democratic process. Veteran actor and comedian Johnny Lever, along with his son Jessy Lever, was seen arriving at a polling station to cast his vote. After voting, Johnny Lever spoke about the importance of participating in elections. Emphasising how "important" voting is and calling it a "right" of every citizen, he told ANI, "Voting is important. Everyone should vote. Voting is everyone's right." Film director Subhash Ghai was also spotted at a polling booth as he exercised his right to vote. Speaking about his deep bond with the city and how proud he feels of Maharashtra, Ghai talked about his duty toward Mumbai. While speaking to ANI, he said, "I have voted, and I am very proud of Maharashtra... Whatever I am today is because of Mumbai, so it is my duty, and everyone's duty, to come out and vote..." Actor Manava Naik was another celebrity who cast her vote during the BMC elections. After voting, she spoke about how voting is the "most important thing" and also shared her concerns about issues like pollution in the city. While speaking to ANI, she said, "I have cast my vote today. This is the most important thing to do today. Mumbai is one of the most important cities in India, and I think we need to do something about the pollution here..." Polling is being held across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, covering major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The elections come after a long and active campaign and are seen as crucial for urban governance in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena are contesting the polls together under the Mahayuti banner in most places, except Pune. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is contesting alone in several corporations, while in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, both NCP factions have come together with a joint manifesto. As per the State Election Commission, about 3.48 crore voters are eligible to vote in these elections. A total of 15,908 candidates are in the fray for 2,869 seats across 893 wards. To ensure smooth polling, 39,092 polling centers have been set up across Maharashtra. Voting began at 7:30 am on Thursday, January 15, and will continue until 5:30 pm. The counting of votes is scheduled for Friday, January 16. - ANI Veteran actor Nana Patekar made a special three to four hour journey from Pune to Mumbai early Thursday to cast his vote in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. He emphasized the importance of voting as a civic duty and urged others to participate. Polling is underway across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, with intense competition among major political alliances. The elections will decide the fate of nearly 16,000 candidates vying for seats in crucial urban centers like Mumbai and Pune. Veteran actor Nana Patekar travels from Pune to Mumbai to cast his vote in BMC polls, urging all citizens to participate in the civic elections. Mumbai, January 15 Veteran actor Nana Patekar, who arrived early Thursday morning at a polling booth in Mumbai to cast his vote in the ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, shared that he travelled "three hours" from Pune just to exercise his right. While speaking to media persons outside the polling station, Patekar expressed his belief in the power of voting and urged others to follow suit. He said that despite the long journey, which required him to travel nearly three to four hours from Pune to Mumbai, he was more than happy to do his part. "I understand that the sign of my existence is to vote, and for this, I travelled 3-4 hours (from Pune), and I am returning immediately. So please do vote," he added. Meanwhile, polling is being held on Thursday across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. The elections are taking place after an intense campaign and are seen as crucial for major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 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. 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 39,092 polling centres have been set up across the state. Polling began at 7:30 am on Thursday, January 15, and will continue until 5:30 pm. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 16. - ANI Svyrydenko discusses with Georgieva the state of preparations for adoption of IMF support program for next period Photo: @svyrydenkoy Telegram Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko discussed with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva the state of preparations for the adoption of the IMF support program for the next period. "Im glad to see International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Kyiv. This is an important sign of support for Ukraine. Her visit comes at a time of challenging energy conditions due to unprecedented Russian shelling and the coldest winter in 20 years," Svyrydenko wrote on her Telegram channel. The Prime Minister said that together they inspected the aftermath of enemy strikes on one of Kyivs major energy facilities. "Undoubtedly, Russia continues its deliberate terror of civilians and attempts to use the cold as a weapon against Ukrainians, to break our morale and force us to make concessions. This is another act of genocide against the Ukrainian people," she added, thanking Georgieva for her personal commitment to assisting the state during these serious challenges, both through financial means and advocating for support for Ukraine among partners. "We separately discussed the state of preparations for the adoption of the IMF support program for the next period, which is extremely important for maintaining macro-financial stability," Svyrydenko wrote. Polling began for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Voters, including enthusiastic first-timers and senior citizens, queued up early to exercise their franchise, emphasizing participation for the state's future. However, some voters faced issues like mismatched information, calling it an organizational failure. The elections see key alliances contesting, with the last BMC polls held in 2017 and the mayor's post currently vacant. First-time voters and senior citizens participate in Mumbai and 28 other municipal corporation elections across Maharashtra. Read about voter sentiment and key issues. Mumbai, January 15 As polling got underway on Thursday in 29 municipal corporations of Maharashtra, voters across Mumbai and other cities turned up at polling stations to exercise their franchise, with participation seen from first-time voters, senior citizens, and families. Voting began at 7:30 am today, with people queuing at their respective polling booths. A total of 1,700 candidates are set to contest the polls in Mumbai. At the Pali-Chimbai Municipal School polling station in Mumbai, long queues of voters were observed, reflecting public engagement in the civic electoral process. Citizens are keen to make their voices heard in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. A first-time voter, Purvi, 22, expressed her excitement after casting her ballot. "I am 22 years old. This is the first time I am casting my vote. My message for the youth is to come out and cast their votes in large numbers. I am casting my vote, keeping in mind that the government should provide good facilities for the people," She told ANI. However, not all voters were able to cast their votes without difficulty. A Mumbaikar reported discrepancies in voter information. "The number we found on the internet does not match here. This is organisational failure... I have to go without casting my vote," he said. Families and senior citizens also participated actively. After voting, one woman said, "We should all come out and cast our votes for the future of Maharashtra. I came here along with my family to cast our votes at 7:30 AM." An 83-year-old woman arrived at a polling station in Mumbai to exercise her democratic right, while visuals showed another elderly voter arriving at a booth. Post-voting, a Mumbaikar highlighted voter expectations from the elected representatives. "There are a lot of issues, now it is on them (the winning party) what they want to do... The public's job is to choose their candidate; we just want the nation to be kept safe," he told ANI. Meanwhile, to ensure maximum voter participation, the Maharashtra government has declared January 15 a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The holiday applies to all government and semi-government offices, corporations, and banks within the jurisdiction of the 29 corporations going to the polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting the BMC elections in alliance with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Meanwhile, the National Congress Party, which is part of Mahayuti in the state and the NDA in the Centre, has joined hands with the NCP (SP) in key municipal corporations, including Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune. The prominent civic bodies going to polls include Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, Panvel, Nashik, Malegaon, Ahilyanagar, Jalgaon, Dhule, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ichalkaranji, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded-Waghala, Parbhani, Jalna, Latur, Amravati, Akola, Nagpur and Chandrapur. The last BMC election was held in February 2017. Currently, the posts of deputy mayor and mayor are vacant. - ANI The trailer for the much-awaited sequel "Border 2" has been released, promising a high-octane war drama. Directed by Anurag Singh, the film is inspired by the true events of the 1971 India-Pakistan War and features an ensemble cast. The preview is loaded with powerful dialogues, especially from Sunny Deol, and revives iconic music from the original film. The movie is scheduled for a global theatrical release on January 23, 2026. Watch the explosive trailer for Border 2, starring Sunny Deol and Diljit Dosanjh. Inspired by the 1971 war, the film releases Jan 23, 2026. Mumbai, January 15 Finally! the trailer for one of the most-anticipated films of 2026, 'Border 2', has been unveiled. Directed by Anurag Singh, the second instalment of the iconic film brings back Sunny Deol as the main lead, with Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh and Ahan Shetty joining him to fight the enemies. "Inspired by the true events of the 1971 India-Pakistan War", the trailer opens the door to the powerful world of Border 2 and what happens when India's Army, Navy, and Air Force come together to fight as one. Loaded with powerful dialogues delivered by veteran Sunny Deol, gripping performances by Diljit Dosanjh, Varun Dhawan, and Ahan Shetty, and the soulful revival of the iconic songs from the first film, the Border 2 trailer strikes an emotional chord, leaving viewers overwhelmed, stirred, and goosebump-laden. The trailer opened and closed with Sunny's dialogues, delivered in his signature high-pitched, powerful voice. That thunderous dialogue delivery has always been a defining part of his action-hero persona, and he continues to maintain it even today. This film too clearly reflects just how much strength and impact his voice still carries. Sharing the trailer, Sunny on Instagram wrote, "A war remembered. A legacy continued. #Border2Trailer Out Now! (Link in bio) #Border2 Releasing in cinemas worldwide on 23rd January, 2026!" "Humein kya haraoge. Arey tumhare Pakistan mein itne log nahi jitne humare yahan Eid par bakre kaate jaate hain," the trailer ended with this dialogue of Sunny. Border 2 is produced by Gulshan Kumar and T-Series in association with JP Dutta's JP Films. The movie will hit the big screens ahead of Republic Day on January 23, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose. Mona Singh, Medha Rana, Diljit Dosanjh and Sonam Bajwa also feature in key roles. - ANI Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand indicated a more pragmatic and softened stance towards China, attributing it to a new government and changed geopolitical environment. She emphasized the urgent need for Canada to diversify its trading partners and grow non-US trade by at least 50% over the next decade amid economic stress. This aligns with Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent call to double non-US exports to secure new opportunities and create jobs. The shift comes as Canada faces significant tariffs on exports to the US, its largest trade partner. Canadian FM Anita Anand signals softer China approach, highlights new govt's policy shift and plan to grow non-US trade by 50% in a decade. Beijing, January 15 Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Wednesday signalled a softening in Ottawa's stance towards China, highlighting that the country now operates under a "new government with a new prime minister, a new foreign policy, and a new geopolitical environment." Responding to a question on whether Canada still views China as a "global disruptive power", Anand emphasised the need to adapt Canada's economic and diplomatic strategies amid shifting global circumstances. "In this moment of economic stress for our country, it is necessary for us to diversify our trading partners and to grow non-US trade by at least 50 per cent over the next 10 years," she said. Anand was speaking to reporters in Beijing as part of the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's delegation during his visit to China, as Ottawa seeks to expand its trade options after Carney called for doubling its "non-US exports over the next decade". The Canadian Foreign Minister added that Canada will continue its efforts to diversify supply chains while standing firm on national interests, noting that the geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly over recent years, citing changes in both military conflicts and the global economic order. She underscored the country's pragmatic approach towards China under the current government led by PM Carney. "The work that we will continue to do is to diversify supply chains. While continuing to stand up for Canadian interests at every turn," Anand said, "Over the course of the last few years, the geopolitical environment has changed substantially. Not only in terms of military conflict, but also in terms of the economic environment where the economic order is becoming rewired. As a result of that rewiring, Canada has taken a number of steps under Prime Minister Carney," she added. This comes days after the Canadian PM called for diversifying the country's trade options by doubling its "non-US exports over the next decade". "In a shifting global trade landscape, Canada's new government is focused on what we can control. We're going to double our non-US exports over the next decade -- to secure new opportunities for Canadian businesses, and create tens of thousands of new careers for Canadian workers," Carney said in a post on X on Monday. Canada is currently facing high tariffs on its exports from the US, with a 35 per cent tariff rate, despite being its largest trade partner. - ANI Police personnel at Chennai's KK Nagar station took a festive break to cook traditional Pongal with their families. Celebrations also flourished at St Matthias Catholic Church, where the community cooked together and exchanged wishes. Across the state, Thoothukudi residents decorated homes with kolams while Madurai hosted the traditional bull-taming sport of Jallikattu. At Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the festival's 60-year tradition of thanking natural resources and farm workers. From KK Nagar police cooking with families to vibrant church events and the traditional Jallikattu in Madurai, see how Tamil Nadu celebrated Pongal. Chennai, January 15 Pongal celebrations took over many parts of Chennai on Thursday. One highlight was the KK Nagar police taking time to participate in the festival with their families outside the station. The personnel at the KK Nagar Police Station took a break from their duties to celebrate Pongal with their loved ones. They cooked the traditional Pongal dish in a cauldron. St Matthias Catholic Church was also seen celebrating the Pongal festival by cooking and wishing each other on the day. The premises of the St Matthias Catholic Church saw a vibrant celebration. The people shared in the cooking process, working together and exchanging wishes of peace and prosperity on the occasion. Pongal was celebrated with traditional fervour across Tamil Nadu. In Thoothukudi, urban areas came alive early in the morning as residents decorated their homes with colourful kolams. As part of the ritual, Pongal, the traditional sweet rice dish, was prepared in new clay pots. In Madurai, the famed Jallikattu event was held at Avaniyapuram, drawing large crowds on the occasion of the harvest festival. The traditional bull-taming sport remained a key cultural highlight of Pongal, with at least 960 bull-tamers allowed to participate in the event. At Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore, Pongal was celebrated with enthusiasm. "It is a traditional festival that has been celebrated for the past 60 years at the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University. This year, we are also celebrating in the same form of splendour to honour the natural resources, especially the cow, as well as the support for all our research activities and the farm workers... It is a tradition to reciprocate our sincere thanks to the cow that helped us with cultivation," said Vice-Chancellor in-charge Dr K Subrahmaniyan. - ANI The 78th Army Day parade was held in Jaipur, marking the first time it took place outside a cantonment area. The display featured formidable artillery and rocket systems including the BrahMos cruise missile and the Pinaka multi-barrel launcher. A key highlight was the first public appearance of the newly raised Bhairav Battalion, designed for rapid response in modern hybrid warfare. The event commemorates the day Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief in 1949. CDS, Army Chief attend 78th Army Day in Jaipur. Parade displays BrahMos, Pinaka rockets, Akashteer system & debut of Bhairav Battalion. Jaipur, January 15 Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other dignitaries attended the 78th Army Day celebrations being held in Rajasthan's Jaipur on Thursday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Army Chief General Upendra Trivedi, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore, along with a large number of other dignitaries, are also present for the occasion. The parade is being held at Mahal Road, Jagatpura, marking the first time the parade will be held outside the cantonment area. The parade will also display the army's artillery and rocket capabilities, with several missile and launcher systems on show, including 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. To showcase air defence capabilities, 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 parade will also mark the first public appearance of the Bhairav Battalion, the unit which 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." Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to remember the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir FRR Bucher, in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. - ANI Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi, marking his first official meeting with the PM in 2026. Yadav detailed his government's achievements, including declaring the state Naxal-free and securing over Rs 8 lakh crore in investments for job creation. He invited Modi to lay the foundation stone for the NTPC Super Thermal Power Station expansion in Narsinghpur. The meeting occurred amid criticism of the state government's handling of a fatal water contamination crisis in Indore. MP CM Mohan Yadav met PM Modi in Delhi, detailing a Naxal-free state, Rs 8 lakh crore investments, and invited him for a power project foundation. New Delhi/Bhopal, Jan 15 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Thursday. During the meeting, both leaders are said to have discussed various aspects of the central Indian state's development and welfare initiatives. Chief Minister Yadav shared photographs of his meeting with PM Modi on his official X handle, stating that he apprised him of the achievements of the state government over the past two years. Notably, it was Chief Minister Yadav's first official meeting with PM Modi in 2026. "On this occasion, I informed the Prime Minister about achieving the goal of a Naxal-free Madhya Pradesh. I apprised him of the state government's achievements over the past two years, the upcoming action plan, and the blueprint for 'Kisan Kalyan Varsh - 2026'," the Chief Minister stated. The Chief Minister further stated that during the meeting with PM Modi, he also shared details of investments exceeding Rs 8 lakh crore and large-scale job creation through the 'Abhyuday Madhya Pradesh Growth Conclave'. CM Yadav further informed that he extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Madhya Pradesh to lay the foundation stone for the expansion projects of the NTPC Super Thermal Power Station in Narsinghpur district. Ahead of the meeting with PM Modi, Chief Minister Yadav also met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda during his visit to Delhi on Thursday. "During a visit to New Delhi today, I met BJP national president and Union Minister Jagat Prasad Nadda and received guidance on various subjects for the development of the state," Chief Minister Yadav wrote on X. Notably, the meeting came at a time when Chief Minister Yadav's government is facing criticism following the water contamination tragedy in Indore's Bhagirathpura, where a diarrhoea outbreak claimed the lives of at least 15 people, as per the state government, while several others are still being treated in hospitals. - IANS Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urgently requested Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to protect the state's apple growers. He demanded a 100% import duty on foreign apples and a complete seasonal ban on imports during Himachal's peak production months. The CM highlighted that a Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand has caused a surge in imports, crashing local prices and threatening livelihoods. He emphasized that the apple economy supports approximately 2.5 lakh families and generates Rs. 4,500 crore annually for the state. Himachal CM Sukhu urges Finance Minister Sitharaman for a 100% apple import duty and a seasonal import ban to shield state growers from foreign competition. Shimla, January 15 Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday met with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi, urging the Union Government to intervene urgently on behalf of the state's apple growers against the crippling influx of foreign apples. Advocating strongly for the interests of over 2.5 lakh apple growers, the Chief Minister urged for including apples in the 'special category' to shield domestic growers from unfair International competition. The Chief Minister urged an immediate ban on all apple imports during the peak Himachal production window, i.e. July to November and a hike in import duty of apples to 100 per cent during off-season months to discourage foreign dumping. He requested for quantitative restriction be imposed on apple imports. The Chief Minister briefed the Union Minister that a delegation of progressive orchardists of the State also met him on Tuesday, and they raised their concern over the reduction of import duty on apples being imported from New Zealand, which has adversely affected the interests of local orchardists. Chief Minister highlighted that Himachal Pradesh, known as the 'Apple State of India,' generates an annual income of approximately Rs. 4,500 crore from apple production, contributing nearly 80 per cent of the state's total fruit production. '"This is not just about fruit, it is about the livelihood and sustenance of 2.5 lakh families and the generation of 10 lakh man-days of employment," the CM stated. "Our small and marginal farmers are being pushed to the brink by trade policies that favour foreign corporations over Indian soil," he remarked. The Chief Minister expressed grave concern over the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with New Zealand, noting that imports have surged 2.5 times over the past ten years. He said that the 25 per cent duty exemption for New Zealand apples during the April August window was crashing prices for local apples stored in CA/cold storage facilities, effectively destroying the off-season trade for Himachal's growers. He said that effective steps were to be taken to protect the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. - ANI Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan attended and delivered the keynote address at the 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations of Coimbatore's Ramakrishna Hospital. He praised the institution for its five decades of outstanding service, its early adoption of medical tourism, and its pioneering achievements like introducing MRI scans to the region. The VP highlighted the hospital's Guinness World Record for organ donation consent and its role in delivering government healthcare schemes to the public. He concluded by linking quality healthcare to national development, stating that only a healthy India can become a developed 'Viksit Bharat'. Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan honors senior doctors at Ramakrishna Hospital's 50th Golden Jubilee, praising its service and medical milestones. Coimbatore, January 15 The Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Thursday attended the 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations of Ramakrishna Hospital in Coimbatore, where he presented awards to senior doctors and honoured them. At the event, SNR Trust administrators Sundararajan and Narendran, along with hospital administrators, were present. Delivering the keynote address, Radhakrishnan said, "Ramakrishna Hospital has been rendering outstanding services in the medical field. He noted that the hospital has the distinction of introducing and excelling in medical tourism more than 50 years ago." He emphasised that a spirit of service and dedication is essential to success in any endeavour. In this regard, he said Ramakrishna Hospital has operated with a strong service mindset for over five decades and hopes to continue succeeding for more than a hundred years. Founded in 1970 by the SNR Trust on 18 acres of land with the objective of providing quality healthcare to all, especially the poor, the hospital today serves the public with over 1,000 beds, more than 16 operating theatres, advanced ICU facilities, and expertise in organ transplant surgeries. He recalled that the hospital introduced MRI scan facilities to Coimbatore in the 1990s, pioneered kidney transplant surgeries, and inaugurated a modern cancer treatment centre launched by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. He said, "The hospital should continue to achieve new milestones. He particularly highlighted the Guinness World Record achieved by obtaining consent for 13,206 organ donations within eight hours, which reflects the hospital's strong spirit of service." He also expressed his satisfaction with the hospital's service-oriented activities as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday celebrations. He stated that every medical institution has two major responsibilities: curing patients and training doctors, and said, "This institution has successfully fulfilled both." He added that both the Central and State government schemes are designed with public welfare in mind, especially healthcare assistance for the poor. For these schemes to successfully reach the people, cooperation, effort, and dedication from all stakeholders are essential. In this regard, he said, "hospital administration has been playing a vital role in delivering government schemes to the public." Stressing that only a healthy citizen can actively contribute to the nation's development, he said, "A hospital gives practical shape to the idea of identifying the root causes of diseases and correcting them. Quoting Thirumoolar, he noted that a healthy body is essential for the soul to attain the Supreme Being, and said, "the hospital upholds this philosophy through its work." Praising the institution for providing quality healthcare in Coimbatore, he wished that it continues to grow scientifically and said, "only a healthy India can create a 'Viksit Bharat', a developed India and concluded his speech. - ANI Canada's High Commissioner to India, Christopher Cooter, highlighted the ongoing Commonwealth Speakers' meeting as a significant reaffirmation of democratic values and historic ties between India and Canada. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "eloquent" speech on the deep roots of democracy in India and its unifying role. The discussions also focused on the role of artificial intelligence in making parliamentary systems more accountable and effective. The Canadian delegate expressed confidence that the event would further strengthen the bilateral relationship built on shared democratic foundations. Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Cooter reaffirms democratic ties with India, praising PM Modi's "eloquent" address at the Commonwealth Speakers' meeting. New Delhi, January 15 Canada's High Commissioner to India Christopher Cooter has described the ongoing Commonwealth Speakers' meeting as a significant "reaffirmation of democratic values and historic ties among member nations, particularly between India and Canada." He said, "Our speaker is here today, and it was Canada that actually founded this organization of the Commonwealth Speakers." Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, the official highlighted the importance of democracy as a shared foundation linking Commonwealth countries across regions. Canada's role in founding the organization of Commonwealth Speakers was also emphasized, underlining the long-standing institutional relationship between the two nations. The Canadian delegate praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the gathering, noting that he spoke "very eloquently" about the deep roots of democracy in India and its role in uniting countries of the Global North and South. "Indian Prime Minister Modi spoke very eloquently today about the importance of democracy to India, the deep roots that it has here, and the way in which it binds us together, from the north and from the south," he said. "So it was an extremely interesting speech, and we're looking forward to participating and again, reinforcing those ties between our countries that rest on democratic foundations," he added. The speech was described as both insightful and timely, reinforcing the shared democratic principles that bind Commonwealth nations together. A key focus of the discussions has been the role of artificial intelligence in parliamentary systems. "Well, I know that the parliamentary officers, the speakers, and I discussed usage of AI with our speaker yesterday. We are very interested in using these new tools, to make democracy even work better, to be more accountable to people," he said. "So I'm sure they'll be discussing that in their deliberations over the next couple of days," he added. The visit also marks the Speaker's first official trip to India, with the Canadian side expressing appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the host nation. "...And delighted, I know, on behalf of the speaker, to be here in India, his first visit here, and to experience the wonderful hospitality that you've already given to him. Sir, India and Canada share a very strong relationship," he said. On the broader India-Canada relationship, the delegate expressed confidence that the meeting would further strengthen bilateral ties. Calling the event a strong demonstration of historic connections, the official said it offers an important opportunity to look ahead and build democratic partnerships that are "more important than ever" in the current global context. - ANI Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that recent talks with the United States over Greenland were difficult, with Washington's ambition to acquire the territory remaining intact. She confirmed the establishment of a working group but emphasized a fundamental disagreement persists. In response, multiple NATO allies, including France, Germany, and Sweden, are deploying military personnel and assets to Greenland for joint exercises and reconnaissance. The moves come amid heightened Arctic security concerns following renewed statements from US President Donald Trump about obtaining the strategically important island. Danish PM calls talks with US "difficult" as Trump's Greenland ambition remains. NATO allies, including France and Germany, deploy support to the Arctic. Oslo, Jan 15 Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Thursday described recent talks with the United States on Greenland as difficult, noting that Washington's ambition to take over Greenland remains unchanged despite a firm Danish rejection. In her first comments following Wednesday's talks in Washington, Frederiksen said in a press release, "It was not an easy meeting, and I would like to thank the two ministers for clearly and distinctly stating the Kingdom's views and for countering the American claims. That was important." Frederiksen confirmed that a working group would be established but underscored the persistent deadlock. "However, that does not change the fact that there is a fundamental disagreement, because the American ambition to take over Greenland is intact," she said. "It is obviously serious, and therefore we will continue our efforts to prevent that scenario from becoming a reality." Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt met with US Vice President J D Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio over Greenland on Wednesday in Washington, Xinhua news agency reported. Frederiksen also said, "The defence and protection of Greenland is a common concern for the entire NATO alliance." The European Union (EU) and NATO allies have stepped up political and military support for Greenland, as concerns grow over security in the Arctic following recent statements by US President Donald Trump about the strategically important island. France will send extra "land, air and maritime assets" to Greenland in the coming days, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday during his New Year address to the armed forces at the Istres air base. Earlier in the day, Macron said on X that at Denmark's request, France had decided to take part in joint exercises organised by Denmark in Greenland, adding that "the first French military elements are already on their way" and that others would follow. The Dutch Defence Ministry announced on Thursday that the Netherlands will participate in a Denmark-led reconnaissance mission. The German Ministry of Defence 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. Also on Wednesday, 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, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has recently ramped up his threat. - IANS The Budget Commission of Kyiv City Council has blocked the decision on allocating financial assistance to vulnerable categories of residents who are suffering the most from the consequences of the energy disaster; it was stated on Thursday on the website of the European Solidarity party, which had previously initiated the relevant decision. "Today, the European Solidarity faction's initiative was put forward to support vulnerable segments of the population in providing them with additional financial assistance. Unfortunately, we were unable to overcome the political confrontation during the budget commission meeting. And a number of deputies abstained from voting, thereby blocking this decision," leader of European Solidarity in Kyiv City Council, head of the standing committee on healthcare, family, social and veterans' policy Maryna Poroshenko said, following a closed session of the capital's city council. European Solidarity deputies also continue to demand that the central government return the UAH 8 billion withdrawn to Kyiv budget. Kyiv City Council deputy Liudmyla Kovalevska claims that the central government "only tells how everything is done wrong in the capital, while distributing generators anywhere, to any city, but not to Kyiv." "We could do it, give us our money and we will be able to buy as many generators as necessary so that Kyiv residents do not sit in cold houses. But, unfortunately, this draft decision was not adopted, because they could not even include it in the agenda of the budget commission," she said. As Mrs Poroshenko stated, the faction will initiate the next extraordinary meeting of Kyiv City Council so that appropriate decisions are nevertheless adopted. First internal flight used for organ transport in state The tragic death of 17-year-old Ayona Monson, a bright Class 12 student from Payyavoor, Kannur, has led to an extraordinary act of compassion by her grieving parents. They consented to donate her vital organs, including her heart and kidneys, giving multiple patients a second chance at life. In a historic first for Kerala, one of her kidneys was transported via a domestic flight to Thiruvananthapuram, with a green corridor ensuring swift delivery to the hospital. Her heart was airlifted to Chennai for a critical patient, transforming a personal tragedy into a powerful legacy of life and hope. After a tragic death, 17-year-old Ayona Monson's organs give life to multiple patients. Her heart flown to Chennai, kidney to Thiruvananthapuram in a first for Kerala. Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 15 The hill town of Payyavoor in Kannur district remains enveloped in grief following the tragic death of a Class 12 student, who succumbed to injuries sustained after allegedly jumping from a school building. Amid the sorrow, Ayona Monson's family has transformed personal tragedy into a powerful act of compassion through organ donation. Ayona, a student of a school in Payyavoor, passed away on Wednesday night while on ventilator support in the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Kannur. The incident occurred on Monday morning, just days before her laboratory model examinations. The police are probing the case. Despite intensive treatment, her condition deteriorated, leaving her parents to confront an unthinkable loss. Known among teachers and classmates as a bright, affectionate student who excelled in academics as well as extracurricular activities, Ayona's passing has left an emotional void that the school community is struggling to come to terms with. In an extraordinary decision taken at the most painful moment of their lives, her parents, Monson and Anita, consented to organ donation. Ayona's heart, kidneys and other vital organs were retrieved, allowing multiple patients to receive a second chance at life. One of her kidneys was flown to Thiruvananthapuram on a domestic flight -- marking the first time an internal flight service was used for organ transport in the state. A green corridor was arranged from the airport to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital to ensure swift transplantation. Her heart was airlifted to Chennai for a patient undergoing critical treatment, while other organs were allocated to recipients across Kerala. Even as they mourn their daughter, the family finds solace in the belief that Ayona will continue to live on through others. "Let others live through her," was the quiet resolve of parents who chose generosity over grief. Ayona is survived by her siblings, Marfin and Angel. Her funeral will be held at 2.30 p.m. Friday at the cemetery of St Francis of Assisi Church, Tirur. In a moment when darkness could have prevailed, a young life became light. In choosing donation, Ayona -- and her parents -- have left behind a legacy far greater than words, proof that even in death, humanity can endure. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on the growth of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam initiative, stating it deepens the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. He highlighted the deep historical and spiritual connections between Kashi and Tamil culture, citing figures like Saint Kumaraguruparar and Mahakavi Subramania Bharati. The initiative, now in its fourth edition, has expanded to include themes like technology and Indian knowledge systems, featuring academic sessions and cultural programs. PM Modi emphasized the enthusiastic participation of thousands of young people as a key success of the program. PM Modi highlights how Kashi Tamil Sangamam initiatives strengthen national unity, connecting Tamil Nadu and Kashi on Pongal. New Delhi, January 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his thoughts on the growth of initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam on the occasion of Pongal on Thursday. He also stated that these initiatives have deepened the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. He also said that the initiatives were well received by the people during his recent visit to Somnath during #SomnathSwabhimanParv. Through his official X post, he said," During my recent visit to Somnath during #SomnathSwabhimanParv, I met people who were appreciative of efforts such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam. Today, on the special occasion of Pongal, shared my thoughts on the growth of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and how it deepens the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.' " Through his official blog, he said, "Kashi's connection with Tamil people and culture is very deep. Baba Vishwanath resides in Kashi, while Rameswaram is in Tamil Nadu. Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu is known as Kashi of the south or Dakshin Kashi. Saint Kumaraguruparar Swamigal forged a lasting link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu through his spirituality, scholarship and institution-building." Mentioning the Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, he said, "Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, one of Tamil Nadu's greatest sons, found in Kashi a space of intellectual growth and spiritual awakening. It was here that his nationalism deepened, his poetry sharpened, and his vision of a free, united India took clearer shape. There are several such instances that highlight this close bond." The first edition of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam took place in 2022. The PM in his blog recalled attending the inauguration programme. He said scholars, artisans, students, farmers, writers, professionals, and many others from Tamil Nadu travelled to Kashi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. He noted that subsequent editions expanded the scale and depth of this effort. The aim, according to him, was to continually introduce fresh themes, innovative formats, and deeper engagement, ensuring that Sangamam continued to evolve while remaining rooted in its core spirit. In the 2023 second edition, technology was used on a larger scale to ensure that language does not become a barrier for people. In the third edition, the focus was on Indian knowledge systems. At the same time, academic discussions, cultural performances, exhibitions and interactions witnessed greater participation. Thousands of people have taken part in these events. He also mentioned the fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which commenced on December 2. He said, "The fourth edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam commenced on 2nd December 2025. The theme picked was very interesting- Tamil Karkalam - Learn Tamil. It presented a unique opportunity for people in Kashi and other parts of the region to learn the beautiful Tamil language. Teachers came from Tamil Nadu, and the students of Kashi had a very memorable experience!" He noted that Tholkappiyam, the ancient Tamil literary classic, has been translated into 4 Indian languages and 6 foreign languages. He said, "A unique event, Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition (SAVE), was undertaken from Tenkasi to Kashi. On the way, various initiatives such as eye camps, health awareness camps, digital literacy camps, among other things, were held. The expedition paid homage to King Adi Veera Parakrama Pandiyan, the great Pandya ruler who spread the message of cultural oneness. There were exhibitions at Namo Ghat, academic sessions at Banaras Hindu University, as well as cultural programmes." He said one of the things that made him happiest about the Sangamam was the participation of young people. "One of the things that makes me most happy about the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is the participation of thousands of youngsters. It illustrates the passion among our Yuva Shakti to deepen their connection with our roots. It is a brilliant platform for them to showcase their talent and creativity during the various cultural programmes," he said. He said the efforts are aimed at making the journey to Kashi memorable for participants. He mentioned the special trains that transport people from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh. He said, "In addition to the Sangamam, efforts have been made to make the journey to Kashi memorable for the participants. The Indian Railways operated special trains to take people from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh. In many railway stations, particularly in Tamil Nadu, they were cheered, and the train journey was marked by melodious songs and conversations." He also appreciated the hospitality extended to Tamil guests in Uttar Pradesh. "Here, I would also like to appreciate my sisters and brothers of Kashi and Uttar Pradesh for their warmth and hospitality shown to the delegates of the various Kashi-Tamil Sangamams. Several people opened the doors of their homes for the guests from Tamil Nadu. The local administration worked round the clock to ensure the guests had a seamless experience. As the MP from Varanasi, I could not be prouder!", he said. Further, PM Modi praised the Vice President's address at the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam function held in Rameshwaram. He said, "This time, the valedictory function of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam was held in Rameswara,m and it was graced by the Vice President of India, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji, who is himself a proud son of Tamil Nadu. He delivered a very inspiring address, emphasising India's spiritual greatness and how such platforms deepen national integration." He said, "The Kashi Tamil Sangamam has delivered meaningful outcomes, including strengthening cultural understanding, fostering academic and people-to-people exchanges, and creating lasting bonds between parts of the country that share a civilisational ethos. In the coming times, we want to make this platform even more vibrant. Most importantly, it has furthered the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.' This spirit has flourished for centuries through our festivals, literature, music, art, cuisine, architecture, systems of knowledge and more." He emphasised the importance of festivals such as Sankranti, Uttarayan, Pongal, and Magh Bihu and conveyed his best wishes. He said," This time of the year is very auspicious for people across the length and breadth of India. People are enthusiastically marking various festivals like Sankranti, Uttarayan, Pongal, Magh Bihu, which are, among other things, associated with the Sun, nature and farming. These festivals bring people together and deepen the spirit of harmony in our society. I convey my best wishes for these festivals and hope they continue to inspire us to deepen national unity through our shared heritage and collective participation." - ANI Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has approved the creation of 4,002 new posts for doctors and medical staff across four government hospitals. This move is intended to support the operationalization of 1,515 additional beds that have been added to these facilities. The posts, which include surgeons, nurses, and technicians, will be filled through a mix of permanent recruitment and outsourcing at a cost of approximately Rs. 408 crore. An official release criticized the previous AAP government for failing to increase manpower alongside bed capacity. Delhi LG VK Saxena approves 4,002 new posts for doctors and medical staff across four hospitals to support 1,515 additional beds. New Delhi, January 15 Delhi LG, VK Saxena, on Thursday, has approved the creation of 4002 posts of Doctors and Medical/Para-medical staff in four government hospitals, on the recommendation of the Delhi government. These posts, including those of Surgeons, Resident Doctors, Specialists, Staff Nurses, Nursing Attendants, Technicians, Para-medical Staff, Administrative Officers, clerical and security staff, were necessitated following an increase of 1515 beds in these hospitals, namely Guru Gobind Singh Hospital at Raghubir Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar Hospital at Dakshinpuri, Sant Durbal Nath Ji Trauma Centre at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Mangolpuri and Dada Dev Maitri Avum Shishu Chikitsalaya at Dwarka, according to an official press note. Post creation will enhance patient care and Service Enhancement, Reduce Doctor's burden, Streamline Recruitment and overall improved functioning of Government Hospitals. As these four hospitals are located in different parts of the Capital, this will also reduce the burden on major government hospitals such as GTB, Lok Nayak, GB Pant, and other government hospitals in Central Delhi. The Health Department of GNCTD proposed creating various categories of posts in these Government Hospitals, where new blocks had been constructed and additional beds operationalised, but there was no provision for additional manpower to support the increased capacity. After vetting by the Administrative Reforms Department and the Finance Department, GNCTD, the Lt. Governor approved the proposal to create 4002 posts, of which 3031 will be filled through permanent recruitment, and the remaining 971 will be outsourced. A total of 1,737 posts have been created at the Sant Durbal Nath Ji Trauma Centre at Sanjay Gandhi Hospital, where a 362-bedded new Trauma Block was operationalised and inaugurated on September 17, 2025. Similarly, 666 additional posts have been created at Ambedkar Nagar Hospital to support the expansion of 400 beds. Guru Gobind Singh Hospital, where 472 new beds have been added, will get an additional 1491 posts, while at Dada Dev Maitri Avum Shishu Chikitsalaya, 520 additional posts have created to meet the requirement for 281 additional bed capacity in the coming days. Creation of these 4002 additional posts will incur financial implications of approximately Rs. 408 Cr., for which the Government has already made ample provision. According to the release, despite a significant increase in bed capacity, these hospitals were unable to become fully operational due to the inaction and lack of foresight of the then AAP Government, led by Arvind Kejriwal, which failed to increase manpower to meet requirements. The same applies to 24 under-construction hospitals initiated during the AAP Government, which are mired in corruption and controversy. While a majority of these hospitals have experienced significant delays and substantial cost increases in recent years, the AAP Government has also failed to create additional posts for them, the release stated. Notably, an inquiry into the delays and cost overruns is already underway. The Health Department has, however, clarified that no inquiry is contemplated against the four hospitals, where these additional posts have been created. - ANI The Delhi government has intensified its winter shelter operations to protect the homeless from the severe cold. Under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's directions, around 250 temporary 'pagoda' shelters have been established, with a focus on areas around major hospitals like AIIMS-Safdarjung and G.B. Pant. Rescue teams conduct nightly operations, having already moved over 75 people from open areas to safe shelters equipped with meals and bedding. The government has activated a 24x7 alert system, emphasizing a commitment to ensuring no one is left helpless in the capital during the winter. Delhi govt adds shelters near AIIMS & GB Pant Hospital, rescues 75+ homeless. CM Rekha Gupta oversees winter action plan with 250+ temporary shelters. New Delhi, January 15 The Delhi government has intensified its winter shelter operations to protect homeless people from the ongoing cold wave, particularly in areas around major hospitals such as AIIMS-Safdarjung and G.B. Pant Hospital. The number of night shelters in these areas has increased, while teams from the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) and shelter management agencies conduct midnight rescue operations to move destitute persons from open spaces to safe shelters. The night shelters provide free services, including bedding, three meals a day, sanitation, and safe drinking water. The Chief Minister said that under the Winter Action Plan 2025-26, around 250 temporary 'pagoda' night shelters have been set up in sensitive and high-footfall areas across the capital to protect homeless citizens from the cold. She added that DUSIB is also operating 197 permanent night shelters across Delhi on a 24x7 basis, all equipped with basic amenities. She further informed that in the AIIMS-Safdarjung area, besides the existing 32 pagoda night shelters with a capacity of 320 beds, three additional pagoda shelters have been established, increasing the total capacity to 350 beds. Considering the higher concentration of homeless people around AIIMS and Safdarjung hospitals, temporary shelter arrangements have also been made in subway areas. Blankets and bedding are being provided immediately to those in need. Under a special drive, around 75 homeless persons were rescued from the AIIMS-Safdarjung area and shifted to safe locations, after which the area was cleared of people sleeping in the open. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also said that eight temporary 'pagoda' night shelters have been established around G.B. Pant Hospital, providing accommodation for 80 people. She added that agencies operating the shelters are conducting regular inspections every night between 10.00 pm and 4.00 am to ensure that homeless persons found in open and unsafe locations are promptly brought to shelters. A central control room is functioning around the clock to coordinate rescue and shelter operations across the city. The Chief Minister emphasised that the Delhi government's efforts are not limited to providing shelter alone and that a city-wide alert and rescue mechanism has been activated. She reiterated that the government accords the highest priority to the safety, dignity and humane care of homeless citizens and remains committed to ensuring that no one in the capital is left helpless or unsafe during the winter season. - ANI An Air India Airbus A350 flight from Delhi to New York was forced to return initially due to the closure of Iranian airspace. While taxiing in dense fog upon landing back in Delhi, the aircraft's right engine ingested a baggage container that had fallen onto the taxiway, causing damage. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched an investigation into the incident to determine how the foreign object entered the engine. The aircraft has been grounded for repairs, which may cause disruptions on some A350 routes. DGCA investigates after an Air India A350's engine ingested a baggage container in Delhi fog. Flight returned due to Iranian airspace closure. New Delhi, Jan 15 An Air India flight between Delhi and New York returned to the airport after the Iranian airspace closure impacted its route and later, an engine damage occurred as it sucked in a baggage container at the Delhi airport. The incident occurred when the Airbus A350 was taxiing in dense fog at the airport, the airline said, confirming the damage. The Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into the incident and is trying to ascertain how a foreign object got lodged inside the engine. "Air India confirms that Flight AI101, operating from Delhi to New York (JFK), was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, which impacted its planned route," said an Air India spokesperson. "Upon landing in Delhi, the aircraft encountered a foreign object while taxiing in dense fog, resulting in damage to the right engine," the spokesperson added. During the incident, the plane was safely positioned at designated parking, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board, the airline added. The aircraft has been grounded for a thorough investigation and necessary repairs, Air India said. This may cause potential disruptions on select A350 routes, the airline has warned, assuring that it is working on alternative travel arrangements and refunds for affected passengers. "Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers and is proactively assisting them with alternative travel arrangements and refunds, as preferred. Safety remains the paramount priority for Air India, and the airline is committed to providing support during this time," said the airline. According to the preliminary probe, a BWFS (Bird Worldwide Flight Services) tug was transporting baggage containers to the Baggage Make-Up Area of Terminal 3. During the movement, one wheel of a container dolly reportedly came off, causing the container to topple onto the taxiway intersection. While the ground equipment operator moved away with the remaining containers after noticing the approaching aircraft, the fallen container was left behind and was subsequently ingested by the aircraft's No. 2 engine, according to officials. - IANS Danish and Greenlandic officials have firmly rejected former President Donald Trump's renewed push for the United States to take control of Greenland, calling the idea unacceptable. While acknowledging a new joint working group with the US, they stressed that cooperation must not undermine Danish sovereignty or Greenland's right to self-determination. The officials also pushed back against Trump's national security rationale, stating there is no evidence of an immediate military threat from China or Russia in the region. They expressed a desire to reset relations and work closely with the US as allies on Arctic security, but on the basis of mutual respect and independence. Denmark and Greenland firmly reject Trump's push for US control, affirming sovereignty while agreeing to a joint working group with the US on future cooperation. Copenhagen, Jan 15 Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's top diplomat Vivian Motzfeldt have confirmed that the United States has agreed to establish a joint working group to examine possible ways forward on Greenland. They also acknowledged that concrete progress at this stage remains limited. Rasmussen said talks at the White House with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were "frank but constructive", but he firmly reiterated that a US takeover of Greenland is neither needed nor acceptable. "We still have fundamental disagreement," he noted, while underlining that discussions between Copenhagen, Nuuk and Washington will continue. The Danish foreign minister stressed that Denmark stands ready to strengthen its security contributions to Greenland, but made it clear that any ideas undermining Danish sovereignty or Greenland's right to self-determination are "totally unacceptable". He said Denmark's position on these core principles remains unchanged. Rejecting claims of a growing Chinese or Russian military footprint in Greenland, Rasmussen said there is no evidence of an immediate threat. "According to our intelligence, we have not had a Chinese warship in Greenland for a decade or so," he said, adding that "there is no instant threat from China and Russia that Denmark and Greenland cannot accommodate." Rasmussen also pushed back against criticism of Greenlandic dog sledges still being used by special forces, saying they remain extremely effective for mobility in harsh Arctic terrain. US President Donald Trump has on several occasions questioned the relevance and usefulness of dog sledges in the region. Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said Nuuk remains keen to cooperate closely with the United States but is equally firm about preserving its independence. "That does not mean we want to be owned by the United States," she said, stressing that cooperation does not equate to surrendering control. Calling for a reset in relations, Motzfeldt urged both sides to return to the "normalised relationship we used to have" and highlighted the importance of finding balance and working together as allies, particularly in the strategically sensitive Arctic region. The comments come amid renewed remarks by President Donald Trump advocating US control over Greenland on national security grounds and in the context of strengthening NATO. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "Anything less than US control is unacceptable... NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the United States." Responding to those statements, Rasmussen said the United States has no need to acquire Greenland and again dismissed suggestions of an urgent threat from Russia or China. "Denmark is by all means on the right side of history," he said, defending Copenhagen's approach to Arctic security and cooperation. Meanwhile, Denmark has already stepped up its military presence in Greenland over the past year. Rasmussen said the Danish Defence Command has increased activity in the Arctic, including training deployments and maintaining a sustained presence through both routine missions and planned future operations. - IANS President Droupadi Murmu addressed the convocation at Guru Nanak Dev University, emphasizing that education's ultimate purpose is to serve society and the nation. She outlined essential qualities for students, including integrity, courage, and collaboration, to become responsible professionals and citizens. The President highlighted India's progress in technology and entrepreneurship while noting the serious challenge of drug abuse in Punjab. She also underscored the importance of women's empowerment, in line with Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings, for national development. President Droupadi Murmu addresses GNDU convocation, urging students to use education for societal good and tackle challenges like drug abuse. Amritsar, January 15 President of India Droupadi Murmu attended and addressed the convocation ceremony of Guru Nanak Dev University at Amritsar, Punjab, on Thursday. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that after completing formal education, students will embark on journeys in different directions, including government and private service, higher education and research, entrepreneurship, or careers in teaching. She said that while each field requires different qualifications and skills, certain qualities are essential for progress across all fields. These include a continuous desire to learn; firm adherence to moral values, integrity and honesty even in adverse circumstances; courage to embrace change; determination to learn from failures; a spirit of teamwork and collaboration; disciplined use of time and resources; and using knowledge and abilities not for individual gain but for the greater good of society and the nation. The President said these qualities would not only make students good professionals but also responsible citizens. The President advised students to remember that education is not merely a means of livelihood but also a means of serving society and the nation. She said that students owe a debt to society that has contributed to their education, and that making efforts to uplift those left behind in the development journey can be one way to repay this debt. The President said that in the last decade, India has made remarkable progress in technology development and entrepreneurship culture. She said that entrepreneurial opportunities across agriculture, AI, defence, and space are available to young people, and that higher education institutions can further accelerate this progress by promoting research, strengthening industry-academia collaboration, and encouraging socially relevant innovations. The President said that in recent years, the problem of drug abuse has emerged as a serious challenge in Punjab, affecting the youth the most. She said this problem is affecting the health, social, economic, and moral fabric of society, and that educational institutions like Guru Nanak Dev University play a crucial role in guiding youth in the right direction. The President said that the next two decades are very important in making 'Viksit Bharat'. She said the future of India depends on young people who possess a scientific temper, act responsibly and serve selflessly and urged higher education institutions to inculcate these values in their students. She also urged young students to ensure that, whatever profession they choose, their contributions strengthen the nation and reinforce human values. The President said that Guru Nanak Dev University was established during the 500th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and that his teachings and values are the guiding principles of the university. She said Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings are a shared heritage and offer solutions to many societal problems. The President said Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught that women should have equal rights in society. She noted that the university is striving to advance women's empowerment in accordance with his teachings, as reflected in the large number of female students receiving degrees and medals at the convocation ceremony. She said it is in the nation's and society's interest for women to move forward with confidence. - ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Army's courage and commitment to national sovereignty in his Army Day greetings. For the first time, the main Army Day parade was held on a public urban route in Jaipur to foster a stronger public connection. The event's theme highlights the Army's shift towards advanced digitalisation and data-centric systems for modern warfare. The day also commemorates the anniversary of General K.M. Cariappa becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the Indian Army's sacrifices & professionalism on Army Day. The parade in Jaipur aims to connect with the public. New Delhi, Jan 15 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday extended his heartfelt greetings to the armed forces personnel on the occasion of Army Day, remembering their sacrifices and hailing their unwavering courage and selfless service to the nation. Taking to X, Singh said, "Greetings to our brave Indian Army personnel and their families on the proud occasion of Army Day. The nation salutes their indomitable courage, supreme sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding India's sovereignty and integrity." "Ever vigilant on our borders and steadfast in times of crisis, the Indian Army has earned global respect through its professionalism, discipline and humanitarian service," he said. "Our Government remains fully committed to building a modern, Atmanirbhar and future-ready Army. A grateful nation stands united in pride and respect for its soldiers," Singh added. Army Day has been observed every year since 1949 to commemorate the day General K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. Meanwhile, for the first time in its history, the main Army Day Parade is being taken out of military cantonments and held along a public urban route on Mahal Road in Jaipur, marking a significant departure from long-standing tradition. The Defence Minister is also attending the celebrations in Jaipur. The Sapta Shakti Command, also known as the South Western Command, has taken responsibility for managing an estimated crowd of nearly eight lakh civilians on Thursday in Jaipur. The large-scale event is being organised on the lines of the Republic Day celebrations and is aimed at fostering a stronger emotional and patriotic connect between the armed forces and the youth, while allowing unrestricted public viewing of the parade. The central theme of this year's celebrations, 'Year of Networking and Data Centricity', highlights the Indian Army's transition towards advanced digitalisation, secure modern communication networks and data-driven decision-making systems to meet the demands of contemporary warfare. - IANS The first segment of an India-US trade deal is close to being finalized, which is expected to address high US tariffs on Indian exports. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated that negotiating teams are in continuous talks following a recent virtual meeting between the commerce ministers. US Ambassador Sergio Gor emphasized the strong personal relationship between the leaders of both nations as a foundation for resolving trade differences. Additionally, Ambassador Gor announced that India will be invited next month to join the US-led PaxSilica initiative for a secure silicon supply chain. Commerce Secretary says first part of India-US trade pact is being finalized, could reduce punitive US tariffs on Indian exports. Negotiations ongoing. New Delhi, Jan 15 The first tranche of the India-US trade deal, which is expected to result in lowering of the tariff hike imposed by the US administration on Indian exports, is close to being finalised, though no timeline can be committed, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Thursday. There was a virtual meeting between India's commerce minister Piyush Goyal and the US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer in the last week of December and negotiating teams on both sides are in continuous talks to arrive at a consensus, Agrawal said. The US has imposed a punitive tariff of 50 per cent on most Indian goods, which is among the highest in the world. India hopes that exports to the US will remain in positive territory. Electronics shipments, which are currently tariff-free, have been a key driver so far, even as higher duties continue to impact other sectors, the Commerce Secretary explained. Both sides remain engaged and committed to securing a deal, Agrawal said. Meanwhile, the newly-appointed US Ambassador in New Delhi, Sergio Gor, said earlier this week that India and the US continue to be actively engaged in trade talks. Gor said that President Trump conveyed "his best wishes to his friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi." "The friendship between Mr. Trump and Mr. Modi is real and the U.S. 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," Gor remarked. He also stated that while trade is very important for India-US ties, the two countries will continue to work closely together on other very important areas, such as security, counter-terrorism, energy, technology, education, and health. Gor also announced that India will be invited to join PaxSilica as a full member next month. He explained that PaxSilica is a new initiative that the United States launched just last month to build a secure, prosperous, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI development, and logistics. "Nations that joined last month include Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Israel. India's inclusion would further strengthen the group," he added. - IANS Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge extended heartfelt greetings on the 78th Indian Army Day, praising the force's role in national security and disaster response. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also saluted the Army's courage and selfless service in a social media post. The main Army Day parade was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, marking its first occurrence outside a cantonment area. The day commemorates Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the army in 1949. Congress President Kharge and PM Modi honor the Indian Army's courage and sacrifice on its 78th Army Day, celebrated for the first time in Jaipur. New Delhi, January 15 Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday extended greetings on Indian Army Day, paying tribute to the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of Army personnel, veterans and their families, and lauding the force's role in safeguarding the nation, ensuring internal security and providing support during natural calamities. In a post on X, Kharge wrote, "On Indian Army Day, we bow in reverence and gratitude to our brave soldiers, veterans, ex servicemen and their families. The Indian Army stands as the steadfast shield of our nation, protecting our borders across the most formidable terrains, strengthening stability during internal security challenges, and extending unflinching support during natural calamities. We remain forever indebted to your indomitable courage, exemplary professionalism, and spirit of selfless sacrifice that keeps India secure." Earlier today, multiple other leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, also conveyed warm wishes to the ranks, veterans, and families of the Indian army. "On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country," PM Modi posted on X. Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other dignitaries attended the 78th Army Day celebrations being held in Rajasthan's Jaipur. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Army Chief General Upendra Trivedi, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore, along with a large number of other dignitaries, are also present for the occasion. The parade is being held at Mahal Road, Jagatpura, marking the first time the parade will be held outside the cantonment area. Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to remember the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir FRR Bucher, in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. - ANI Photo: @V_Zelenskiy_official Telegram Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Valeriy Zaluzhny. I met with Valeriy Zaluzhny. I thanked him for his work as part of Ukraines team, and it is important that all of us together are defending Ukraines independence, our national interests, and our people. We discussed diplomatic tasks that are relevant now and can strengthen all of us Ukraine and our resilience. Glory to Ukraine! the President said on X. Former Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik cast his vote in Mumbai, emphasizing the importance of the long-awaited municipal elections. Elections are being held for 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, with a key political battle centered on control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The BJP and Shiv Sena are contesting as allies under the Mahayuti banner in most places, while the NCP is fighting independently in many corporations. In Pune, a significant realignment saw both NCP factions join forces against the BJP, with over 3.48 crore voters eligible to decide the fate of nearly 16,000 candidates. Former UP governor Ram Naik casts his vote as Maharashtra holds elections for 29 municipal corporations. Key contests in Mumbai and Pune shape high-stakes political battle. Mumbai, January 15 Former Uttar Pradesh governor Ram Naik on Thursday cast his vote in Mumbai in the ongoing Maharashtra local body elections. Highlighting the importance of elections, Naik expressed happiness and said he continues to meet people in his area. "After many years, this municipal corporation election is finally being held. That's why this election is so important... I don't want to say anything about who should get how many votes, but I keep meeting people outside the polling stations in this area," Ram Naik told ANI. Twenty-nine municipal corporations across Maharashtra will go to the polls today as a high-voltage campaign comes to an end, 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 against the 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. - ANI The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, Dr. Tulia Ackson, opened the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth with a stark warning about the fragility of the international order and weakening public trust in democratic institutions. She observed that multilateralism is increasingly judged by the speed of its reactions rather than its enduring values, while domestic democracies face parallel pressures from polarization and technological disruption. The conference in New Delhi, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the largest in the forum's history, with 61 presiding officers from 42 Commonwealth nations attending. Key discussions will focus on artificial intelligence in parliaments, the impact of social media, and how democratic institutions can remain strong and trusted in a rapidly changing world. IPU President Tulia Ackson addresses crumbling trust in multilateralism and democracy at the historic CSPOC gathering in New Delhi, joined by global parliamentary leaders. New Delhi, Jan 15 The Inter-Parliamentary Union President, Dr Tulia Ackson from the United Republic of Tanzania, expressed and observed that the year 2026 has opened with deeply concerning developments, serving as a painful reminder of how fragile and uncertain the international environment has become. According to her, at the global level, multilateralism is increasingly judged, not by the enduring values it upholds, but by the speed of its reactions or the visibility of its actions. Patience, compromise, and long-term cooperation frequently struggle to compete against demands for immediate results. Quiet diplomacy, careful negotiation, and consensus-building can appear slow in a world that often rewards agency and spectacle. As frustration mounts and trust weakens, the very foundations of democratic life begin to feel uncertain, she said, speaking at the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC). The 28th CSPOC began in New Delhi on January 14 and was formally inaugurated on Thursday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House Complex. This three-day event (January 14-16) represents the largest gathering in the forum's history, with 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries participating, alongside representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments -- surpassing previous editions in scale and underscoring the forum's rising global relevance. Ackson, however, said she was delighted at the impressive turnout and the presence of familiar faces, including colleagues she met at the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva last July. Representing the global organisation of parliaments with over 130 years of dedication to parliamentary diplomacy, she underscored the IPU's longstanding commitment to promoting peace, democracy, sustainable development, and numerous other vital issues. She extended sincere gratitude to the hosts for convening this significant gathering at such a pivotal moment in history. These pressures, she noted, are interconnected and mirror one another. Ackson stated that the doubts about multilateralism on the global stage reflect the growing concerns about democracy at home. She emphasised that in both contexts, institutions are expected to act more quickly, be more visible, and provide immediate answers. However, she noted that the important, quieter work of dialogue, procedural processes, and compromise is often misinterpreted as a sign of weakness. This is precisely why such gatherings are more important now than ever. "As Speakers and Presiding Officers, you operate at the critical intersection where domestic democracy meets international cooperation. You confront the same forces challenging both multilateralism and democracy alike: polarisation, technological disruption, and rising expectations from constituents. Over many years, IPU assemblies have brought together parliaments from every region and tradition -- now encompassing 183 member parliaments and still growing -- proving that while contexts differ, challenges are increasingly shared," she said. Ackson further said that this shared reality gives real value to forums like the CSPOC, offering space to listen to one another, exchange experiences, learn how others navigate difficult times, reflect on the deepening responsibilities of parliamentary leadership, and pursue common solutions to common problems. "The topics under discussion in the coming days -- artificial intelligence in parliamentary functioning, the impact of social media, citizen participation beyond voting, and the well-being and security of both members of parliament and parliamentary staff -- are profoundly important. They compel us to ask: How can democratic institutions remain strong and trusted in a world changing so rapidly?" she said. This question, she emphasised, extends beyond national borders and speaks directly to the international order we all help shape. As the conference began, Dr Ackson expressed hope that it would deliver not only reflection but also a clear direction on the path forward amid the challenges the world faces at the start of this year. She said that she looked forward eagerly to the discussions ahead and to the collective insights that would shape the broader parliamentary community. In his address, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Chairperson Dr Christopher Kalila -- a Zambian MP and backbencher -- extended deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the exceptional hospitality. Describing Delhi as a "historic city" central to democratic dialogue and tradition, he highlighted revered texts like Erskine May's 'Parliamentary Practice and Procedure' (on the House of Commons) and its Lok Sabha equivalent. "It is an honour to be in India, the biggest democracy in the world," Kalila stated, emphasising Speakers' and Presiding Officers' crucial role in upholding constitutional order, parliamentary independence, and institutional effectiveness amid swift political, social, and technological shifts. Kalila addressed key challenges confronting Commonwealth parliaments, such as eroding public trust, balancing technological benefits (including AI) with associated risks, and safeguarding the security, health, and well-being of MPs and staff. He commended legislators' resilience and innovations, including digital outreach for public engagement, stronger committee oversight, and reforms promoting transparency, inclusion, and accountability. "These adaptations demonstrate how Commonwealth parliaments continue to evolve while remaining firmly grounded in core democratic values," he observed. Representing over 17,000 parliamentarians, he thanked presiding officers for their mentorship, stewardship, and support in sustaining the CPA, urging continued unity. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh offered warm welcome remarks, terming the event a "confluence of parliamentary democracy" in the iconic Central Hall -- a living emblem of India's constitutional journey and values. He thanked Prime Minister Modi for his presence, reflecting India's deep dedication to parliamentary principles. Rooted in India's timeless traditions of dialogue, debate, and dissent, he underlined the forum's value in sharing best practices, bolstering legislative oversight, advancing inclusivity, and tackling modern democratic challenges. Discussions will cover the evolving role of presiding officers in strong institutions, AI's integration in parliamentary operations, social media's effects on MPs, creative ways to boost citizen understanding and participation beyond elections, and enhanced security/well-being measures. Chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who assumed the role after the 27th CSPOC hosted by Uganda in January 2024, the conference serves as an independent platform founded in 1969 by Canada's then-Speaker Lucien Lamoureux. It promotes impartiality, experience-sharing, and the reinforcement of parliamentary institutions across the Commonwealth's 2.6 billion people -- nearly half residing in India, frequently described as the 'Mother of Democracy'. India has previously hosted the event in 1970-71, 1986, and 2010, adding to its legacy of parliamentary leadership. - IANS Gagan Thapa has been elected president of the Nepali Congress in a Special General Convention held without the approval of the faction led by former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. The Deuba faction had expelled Thapa and proceeded with disciplinary action, leading to a formal split within the party. This marks a decisive generational shift but creates an immediate challenge for the new leadership to secure recognition from the Election Commission as the party's legitimate body. The split, the second in 23 years, raises serious questions about the party's unity and prospects ahead of scheduled elections. Gagan Thapa elected Nepali Congress president in a contested convention, splitting the party and challenging Sher Bahadur Deuba's faction. Kathmandu, Jan 15 A controversially held Special General Convention of the Nepali Congress elected Gagan Thapa as the new president of the grand old party, hours after he was expelled from the party by a faction led by former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. At midnight on Wednesday, the SGC also elected other members of the Central Working Committee. Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Pushpa Bhusal were elected vice-presidents, while Pradeep Poudel and Gururaj Ghimire were elected general secretaries. The development marks a decisive break from the old generation to a new one, but at the cost of a split within the party. The first major challenge for the new leadership is securing recognition from the Election Commission -- or potentially the Supreme Court -- as the legitimate leadership of the Nepali Congress. The Election Commission has confirmed that both factions have submitted letters claiming legitimacy. This is the second time in 23 years that the party has suffered a split, once again raising questions about its electoral prospects ahead of the scheduled election on March 5. After being elected president, Thapa promised to work in a way that would make all Nepali Congress leaders and cadres feel proud to be members of the party. In his speech at the SGC, he said the Nepali Congress would stand as a reassuring force that cares for the general public, while accusing the old leadership of ignoring the voices of people on the streets. Several rounds of talks between the SGC organisers and the Deuba-led faction failed over the issue of whether Deuba should relinquish power before the elections. Following the breakdown of negotiations, the SGC organisers proceeded with the leadership election, while the Deuba faction announced disciplinary action against three leaders, including Thapa and Sharma, then general secretaries, and Farmullaha Mansur, then joint general secretary. As the Deuba faction refused to convene the SGC despite repeated pleas from a majority of elected members for a general convention, Thapa and Sharma called the SGC without Deuba's approval. In 2002, Deuba, who was prime minister at the time, formed his own party -- Nepali Congress (Democratic) -- after being expelled by the party led by the late Girija Prasad Koirala over his recommendation to dissolve the House of Representatives, a move that went against the party's decision. Following the success of the 2006 people's movement, the two parties merged to form a single Nepali Congress. Thapa, 49, rose to prominence as a student leader during the 2006 people's movement, when his speeches denouncing the monarchy and advocating the establishment of a republic resonated strongly with young people. As a leader of the party's student wing, the Nepal Student Union, he delivered fiery speeches against the monarchical system at a time when the country was under repressive royal rule. During that period, the Nepali Congress leadership itself was largely silent on transforming the country into a republic, instead adhering to the "two-pillar theory" of constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy. Since emerging into the national spotlight two decades ago, Thapa has remained a widely popular figure within the party and, to a large extent, among the general public. Following the success of the 2006 people's movement, the party included him on its proportional representation list for the 2008 Constituent Assembly election, through which he entered the Assembly. After the first Constituent Assembly failed to deliver a new constitution, fresh elections were held in 2013. Thapa contested from the Kathmandu-4 constituency and won. He went on to win the same seat in the 2017 and 2022 elections, cementing his position as a key figure in national politics. Within the party, Thapa was defeated when he first contested the post of general secretary at the 13th general convention in 2016. However, he ran again for the same position at the 14th convention in 2021 and won. Following the 2022 general election, Thapa challenged Deuba for the leadership of the parliamentary party but was defeated. Deuba again faced pressure from Thapa after the Gen Z movement in September last year, when Thapa teamed up with fellow general secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma to call for an SGC, arguing that the party needed change before the elections scheduled for March this year. With the party leadership refusing to heed calls for the SGC, Thapa and Sharma convened it themselves. The convention ultimately elected Thapa as the new president -- at the cost of a split in the party. - IANS Following significant global criticism, Elon Musk's X platform has disabled the objectionable image generation feature of its AI chatbot, Grok. The "Spicy Mode" had allowed users to create sexualized deepfakes of women and children using simple text prompts. This prompted action from India's IT ministry and an investigation by California's Attorney General, alongside pressure from civil society groups. X has now restricted all image generation and editing via Grok to paid subscribers, stating this adds an accountability layer. X disables Grok's objectionable image generation after global backlash over deepfakes, facing probes from India and the US. New Delhi, Jan 15 After facing significant global backlash, the Elon Musk-led X social media platform on Thursday disabled Grok's objectionable image generation feature. The artificial intelligence-enabled chatbot Grok will no longer be able to generate objectionable images of women, regardless of whether the user has a premium account. "We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis. This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers," the platform's safety account said in a post on X. xAI faced heat from several countries over Grok's "Spicy Mode" feature, which allowed users to create sexualised deepfakes of women and children using simple text prompts such as "put her in a bikini" or "remove her clothes." Multiple countries either blocked access to the chatbot or launched their own probes. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) sought an action-taken report from xAI, and the Attorney General from the US state of California launched an investigation into the developer of Grok. Further, a coalition of 28 civil society groups on Wednesday submitted open letters to the CEOs of Apple and Google, urging them to ban Grok and X from their app stores amid the surge in sexualised images. Now, X has also restricted the ability to generate and edit images to paid users. Earlier, Grok had limited the generation of such images only to paid users. "Image creation and the ability to edit images via the Grok account on the X platform are now only available to paid subscribers," X said, stating that it "adds an extra layer of protection by helping to ensure that individuals who attempt to abuse the Grok account to violate the law or our policies can be held accountable". The platform also noted that it will take action to remove high-priority violative content, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and non-consensual nudity. Appropriate action will be taken against accounts that violate the rules. In December, the IT ministry had asked X to "remove or disable access, without delay, to all content already generated or disseminated in violation of applicable laws". The ministry had also directed X to enforce its terms of service and AI usage restrictions, and take "strong deterrent measures", including suspending or terminating accounts that used Grok to create sexually explicit images of women and children. X reportedly removed nearly 3,500 pieces of obscene content and sexually explicit images generated using Grok's image generation capabilities in India. The platform also identified and barred about 600 users who had misused the AI chatbot to generate sexually explicit images. - IANS Global momentum is building for the CyberPeace Global Summit 2.0, scheduled for February 2026, which will address critical issues in cybersecurity and AI safety. The summit is preceded by initiatives like a recent workshop for international students from top universities, focusing on AI threat response. High-level diplomatic talks, such as a meeting between Dutch and Indian representatives, underscore the international collaboration driving the event. The summit aims to be a key platform for policymakers and technologists to develop shared frameworks for a secure digital future. Global leaders converge for CyberPeace Summit 2.0 to build frameworks for AI safety, cybersecurity, and digital trust. Register now for key events. New Delhi, January 15 Global momentum is rapidly building ahead of the CyberPeace Global Summit 2.0, scheduled to take place from February 8-10, 2026, as international delegates and diplomats converge to address the evolving landscape of cyber threats and AI safety. "CyberPeace is witnessing strong global momentum ahead of the Global CyberPeace Summit 2.0, scheduled from 8-10 February, with international participation, strategic capacity-building workshops, and high-level diplomatic engagements signalling the growing urgency around cybersecurity, AI safety, and digital trust", the press release stated. One such initiative was a recent strategic workshop on "Cyber First Responder & AI Safety," hosted by CyberPeace in association with the United Service Institution of India (USI). This session targeted the next generation of global defenders, bringing together approximately 40 international students from prestigious institutions such as MIT, Harvard, and Columbia University to tackle risks that transcend geographical and jurisdictional boundaries. "The workshop featured expert-led discussions, live demonstrations, hands-on security labs, and simulated incident response scenarios. Participants explored the modern AI threat landscape, learned practical defence techniques for securing AI systems and agents, and gained operational skills essential for building safe, trustworthy, and resilient AI environments," the statement added. This capacity-building effort serves as a precursor not only to the CyberPeace Global Summit 2.0 but also to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, where global leaders will gather to discuss the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence. International diplomatic involvement has further underscored the summit's significance, highlighted by a recent meeting between Ambassador-at-Large Hendrikus G.J. (Harry) Verweij of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Major Vineet Kumar, Founder and Global President of CyberPeace. The Netherlands, which co-chairs a key working group under the AI Impact Summit, is playing a pivotal role in shaping global conversations on AI governance and ethical deployment. Their dialogue focused on strengthening India-Netherlands collaboration regarding digital trust and emerging technologies, emphasizing the need for multi-stakeholder cooperation involving governments, academia, and civil society. As February approaches, the Global CyberPeace Summit 2.0 is establishing itself as a critical platform for shaping shared frameworks for cyber resilience. The event will feature a convergence of policymakers, technologists, and researchers dedicated to addressing the most pressing digital challenges of our time. For those looking to participate in the summit's associated competitions, deadlines are fast approaching; registrations for the iSAFE hackathon close tomorrow, while eRaksha registrations will conclude on January 20th. Interested individuals can register for the summit through the official website to join these global efforts in securing the digital future. - ANI Provides training on enterprise selling and pricing Google has launched the Google Market Access Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to help Indian AI-first startups strengthen their go-to-market strategies and scale globally. The programme offers selected startups structured learning on enterprise selling, global pricing, and access to Google's international network of business leaders. Alongside this, Google announced new additions to its open Gemma model family, including MedGemma 1.5 for medical imaging and FunctionGemma for on-device AI agents. The initiative aims to bridge the "commercial last mile" for startups that excel at prototyping but face challenges in securing long-term enterprise contracts. Google launches a new programme to help Indian AI startups scale globally with training, global exposure, and access to enterprise leaders. New Delhi, Jan 15 Google on Thursday announced the launch of the Google Market Access Programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at helping Indian startups strengthen their go-to-market strategies and move faster from local pilots to global scale. The announcement was made at the 'Google AI Startups Conclave' here, where the company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to India's rapidly growing AI startup ecosystem. The new programme is designed for AI-first startups that have crossed the prototype stage but face challenges in converting successful pilots into long-term enterprise contracts. Through structured learning, global exposure, and direct access to senior business leaders, Google aims to help founders bridge what it calls the "commercial last mile" of innovation. Under the Market Access Program, selected startups will receive training on enterprise selling, global pricing models, and international buyer behaviour. They will also gain facilitated access to Google's global network of CIOs and CXOs, along with immersion opportunities in key international markets in partnership with ecosystem organisations such as TiE Silicon Valley and Alteus. Speaking at the event, Preeti Lobana, Country Manager for India at Google, said Indian startups are building deep technology and solving problems at population scale. "India has become strong in turning ideas into prototypes, many startups struggle during the scaling phase," Lobana added. Alongside the programme, Google announced new additions to its open Gemma model family to support advanced AI applications. The company introduced MedGemma 1.5, an open medical AI model that enables startups to work with complex medical imaging such as CT scans, MRI scans, histopathology slides, and medical reports. The model is expected to support next-generation healthcare diagnostics and research. Google also launched FunctionGemma, a lightweight model optimised for function calling and on-device AI agents. It allows applications to convert natural language instructions into real actions on devices, enabling fast, private, and low-latency AI solutions even without constant internet connectivity. - IANS Indian American community leader Jasdip Singh Jessee views the arrival of new U.S. Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, as a crucial and positive development for bilateral relations. He emphasizes that Gor's proximity to President Donald Trump underscores India's significance in Washington's foreign policy. Jessee highlights expanding engagement in trade and strategic cooperation, including recent high-level talks between officials. The Indian American diaspora remains actively invested in fostering stronger ties between the two democracies. Indian American leader Jasdip Singh Jessee sees Ambassador Sergio Gor's appointment as a key positive step for strengthening India-US strategic and trade relations. Washington, Jan 15 Citing the arrival of the new American ambassador in New Delhi and renewed engagement across trade and strategic sectors, an eminent Indian American community leader Wednesday expressed optimism about the trajectory of India-US relations. "Sergio Gor taking charge as Ambassador of the United States to India is a very, very positive step," Jasdip Singh Jessee, from Sikhs for Trump, said. He noted that a prolonged vacancy in the post had created uncertainty at a time when relations needed sustained attention. "There was a vacuum created for a long time at a very crucial time when our relationships were spiralling down," he said, adding that the new ambassador's arrival "makes a big difference." Jessee said Gor's proximity to President Donald Trump underscored India's importance in Washington's foreign policy calculus. "One thing one should know about Sergio Gor is that he is very close to President Trump," he said. "President Trump sending his confidant to India shows that India is a very important country in the eyes of President Trump." He said Gore's early public remarks in India have been encouraging and well-received. "So far, I've seen the ambassador's remarks there. They've been very positive, very uplifting, upbeat," Jessee said, praising Indian media for covering the ambassador's outreach "in a very positive and balanced way." Jessee pointed to expanding engagement beyond diplomacy, particularly in economic and strategic cooperation. "A lot of other channels are being opened now for trade," he said. "Even minerals are now on the table." He said dialogue on a trade deal began soon after Gor assumed charge and described recent high-level contacts as a further sign of momentum. "We have very positive news that our External Affairs Minister (S. Jaishankar) spoke with (Secretary of State Marco) Rubio," Jessee said, referring to talks between Indian and US officials. Indian American diaspora remains invested in strengthening ties between the two democracies. "We always hope, the Indian diaspora here, that India and the US have a very strong relationship," he said. "We want to help and take this relationship to the very next level." - IANS Noted lyricist Gulzar and Bollywood actor John Abraham cast their votes in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, with Gulzar emphasizing the duty to nurture democracy. Polling is being held across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra in a crucial electoral test. Major political parties, including the BJP and Shiv Sena as allies, are contesting for control of urban local bodies. The fate of over 15,000 candidates will be decided by millions of voters across the state. Lyricist Gulzar and actor John Abraham cast their votes in the crucial BMC elections, urging citizens to participate in the democratic process. Mumbai, January 15 Noted lyricist and poet Gulzar on Thursday arrived at a polling station in Mumbai to cast his vote in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Urging citizens to participate in the democratic process, he emphasised the importance of voting. "We are rooted in our homeland, and your vote is to nurture those roots and to nurture democracy. So be sure to fulfil this duty," Gulzar said after casting his vote. Bollywood actor John Abraham also arrived at the polling station to cast his vote. Polling is being held on Thursday across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. The elections are taking place after an intense campaign and are seen as crucial for major cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena are contesting the civic elections as allies under the Mahayuti banner, except in Pune. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to fight independently in most corporations. In Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, both NCP factions have come together under a joint manifesto. 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 39,092 polling centres have been set up across the state. Polling began at 7:30 am on Thursday, January 15, and will continue until 5:30 pm. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 16. - ANI Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini held a pre-budget meeting with farmers and stakeholders in Hisar to gather their suggestions. He also met with a delegation from Japan's Mizuho Bank to discuss strengthening economic cooperation and investments, particularly in the semiconductor sector. The CM recently launched the NEEV Portal to strengthen the implementation of the National Education Policy through data-based monitoring. Furthermore, an MoU was signed under the 'Gyan Setu' initiative to promote academic collaboration and research integration among institutions. CM Nayab Singh Saini meets farmers for budget suggestions, discusses economic cooperation with Japanese bank, and launches education initiatives. Hisar, January 15 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday held a pre-Budget meeting with farmers and stakeholders from the agriculture sector to seek their suggestions towards achieving Haryana 2047. Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, Public Works Minister Ranbir Gangwa, and other administrative officials were also present in the meeting. Earlier, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini held a meeting with a delegation led by Managing Director and India Head of Mizuho Bank of Japan, Ryo Murao, at the Civil Secretariat here. The meeting focused on strengthening economic cooperation and exploring new avenues for strategic investments in Haryana. During the discussions, the delegation expressed keen interest in entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Foreign Cooperation Department of Haryana. Key areas identified for collaboration included automobile manufacturing, education, financial services and, notably, the semiconductor sector, which is emerging as a critical area of global and national importance. On January 8, CM also launched the National Education Evaluation and Validation (NEEV) Portal, which is designed to strengthen the implementation of the National Education Policy through continuous evaluation and data-based monitoring. Meanwhile, in the presence of the Chief Minister, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed under the 'Gyan Setu' initiative between the Golden Jubilee Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management and various universities to promote academic collaboration, research integration, and institutional capacity building. The Chief Minister also said that the initiatives unveiled mark a defining moment in Haryana's education reforms. The objective is to build an education ecosystem that goes beyond conventional degrees and focuses on skills, innovation, and employability. Referring to the Vision Document-2047, launched in alignment with the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India by 2047, he said Haryana is positioning education as a central pillar of long-term development. - ANI Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has arrived in Zurich to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. This marks the state's first organized delegation to the global economic platform, aiming to project Jharkhand as an 'Infinite Opportunity State'. During the forum, Soren will hold meetings with global industry leaders and investors to discuss opportunities in sectors like minerals, infrastructure, and sustainable development. Following the WEF, the delegation will visit the UK for further investment promotion and a lecture at Oxford University. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren arrives in Zurich for the World Economic Forum to showcase the state as an 'Infinite Opportunity State' for global investors. Ranchi, Jan 15 Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren arrived in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday to participate in the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, where he will showcase investment opportunities in the state on a global platform. The Chief Minister was received at Zurich Airport by India's Ambassador to Switzerland, Mridul Kumar. He is accompanied by an official state delegation, which will travel from Zurich to Davos a day later. Sharing the update on social media, CM Soren said he was enthusiastic about representing Jharkhand and India at the global forum. He described the WEF as a vital platform for discussions on inclusive development while maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. An official delegation led by the Chief Minister is attending the WEF Annual Meeting, marking Jharkhand's first organised and structured participation at a major global economic platform. The state government said its objective is to project Jharkhand as an 'Infinite Opportunity State' and attract long-term global investment. During his stay in Davos, CM Soren will hold meetings with global industry leaders, multinational corporations, and potential investors. Discussions will focus on investment opportunities in key sectors including mineral-based industries, industrial infrastructure, energy transition, sustainable development, tourism, and social inclusion. Several potential investment proposals are also expected to be discussed during bilateral meetings and thematic sessions. Following the WEF, the Jharkhand delegation will visit London and Oxford in the United Kingdom. The itinerary includes programmes on investment promotion, policy collaboration, engagement with educational institutions, and interaction with the Indian diaspora. As part of the UK visit, CM Soren will deliver a special lecture and participate in a dialogue session at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University -- marking a first for an Indian Chief Minister. The state government said the international tour is expected to play a significant role in attracting investment to Jharkhand, boosting industrial activity, and generating employment. The delegation is scheduled to return to Jharkhand on January 25. - IANS President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, during which he discussed, in particular, the situation in the country's energy sector and "the ongoing efforts to bring an end to the war." "Spoke with Zelenskyy about the energy situation in Ukraine, with Russia's attacks causing terrible human suffering, as well as on the ongoing efforts to bring an end to the war. We're committed to ensuring that Ukraine continues to get the crucial support needed to defend today and ultimately secure a lasting peace," Rutte said on the X social network on Thursday. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Health Minister J P Nadda to seek central support for health infrastructure projects, including under Ayushman Bharat. In a separate meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, he pressed for critical fiscal relief, including a minimum Rs 10,000 crore annual Revenue Deficit Grant. The CM strongly advocated for a separate Rs 50,000 crore 'Green Fund' for hill states, describing them as ecological frontiers. He also requested a revised disaster risk index and additional borrowing space to address the state's constrained fiscal situation. Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu meets Union Ministers, seeks health infra aid, Rs 10,000 cr grant, and a separate Green Fund for hill states. New Delhi, January 15 Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday called on Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda in New Delhi and urged the Centre's assistance for developing health infrastructure in the state. During the meeting, CM Sukhu requested the Union Minister to take up Himachal Pradesh's projects at the Centre and extend support for the overall development of the state. He held detailed discussions on strengthening the health sector and sought central support for health infrastructure projects, including under the Ayushman Bharat Programme. The Union Health Minister assured the state of all possible assistance. Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also called on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi and discussed the fiscal issues of the state. The Chief Minister sought the Centre Government's support for strengthening Himachal Pradesh's financial condition. CM Sukhu apprised the Union Finance Minister about the memorandum and additional memorandum submitted to the 16th Finance Commission. He urged that the Revenue Deficit Grant be set at a minimum of Rs 10,000 crore annually and stressed the need for a realistic assessment of states' revenue and expenditure projections for the 16th Finance Commission's award period. The Chief Minister strongly pleaded for the creation of a separate 'Green Fund' with an earmarked annual allocation of Rs 50,000 crore for hill states, describing them as the 'Green Frontiers and Lungs of North India' in view of the ecological services they provide. He also apprised the Union Finance Minister about the revised formula proposed by the state for horizontal devolution, seeking increased weightage for the criteria of Forest and Ecology. CM Sukhu urged that snow-covered and cold desert areas above tree lines be included along with very dense and moderately dense forest areas, citing their symbiotic relationship. He stressed the need to reframe the Disaster Risk Index developed by the 15th Finance Commission, stating that Himalayan regions cannot be equated with other areas of the country. He said the state was deprived of adequate resources for disaster relief despite facing frequent natural disasters and demanded a separate Disaster Risk Index for hill states, considering their unique indicators, along with a separate allocation. The Chief Minister also requested the Union Finance Minister to allow additional borrowing of two per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), stating that the sharp reduction in Revenue Deficit Grant in recent years has severely constrained the state's fiscal space. - ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Delhi Development Authority's third International Kite Festival at the Baansera grasslands on the Yamuna floodplains. The site has undergone a dramatic transformation from a degraded, polluted stretch into a green oasis with bamboo groves and water bodies in just 18 months. Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena credited the restoration to the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the efforts of the DDA. The park now serves as a recreational destination and will host the three-day cultural festival starting Friday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah to inaugurate the International Kite Festival at Delhi's restored Baansera park on the Yamuna floodplains. New Delhi, Jan 15 Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Friday, will inaugurate the third International Kite Festival of the Delhi Development Authority at Baansera grasslands on Yamuna floodplains near Sarai Kale Khan in the national capital, an official said on Thursday. Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) V.K. Saxena will be the Guest of Honour at the event that will also be attended by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. DDA Vice-Chairman N. Saravana Kumar said, in the invite for the three-day event, that the inauguration ceremony will take place at Birsa Munda Chowk in Baansera around Friday noon. The DDA threw open and invited citizens to visit the restored grasslands on Yamuna floodplains at Baansera near Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi in August 2024. Lauding the efforts of DDA officials, in a post on social media platform X, the L-G also attached a short video capturing the images of transformation of the area and captioned "Baansera -- From Degradation to restoration as a green oasis". "Inspired by PM Narendra Modi Ji's towering vision of restoring 2.6 crore hectares of country's degraded land by 2030, we took a baby step in Delhi on May 28, 2022, right after I took over as L-G," he said. "On a visit to a heavily degraded and polluted stretch along the Yamuna, opposite Sarai Kale Khan on the Ring Road, Baansera -- abode of bamboos, was conceived. What followed was not only restoration, but reclamation and transformation, within a short span of 18 months, thanks to the painstaking efforts of Delhi Development Authority @official_dda," L-G Saxena said in a post on X. Describing the DDA as the custodian of the Yamuna floodplains in Delhi, the L-G said, "Today, with about 30,000 bamboo trees that stand more than 30-feet-tall, amid other indigenous trees and rolling landscape of green grass, flowers and water bodies, Baansera has emerged as a unique new recreational destination and an ecological wonder in Delhi." He added: "This baby step was a leap of faith towards enriching Delhi's flora diversity. Baansera became fertile ground for the famed Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya, as also blooming Tulips." "Once a stinking stretch of land buried under lakhs of tonnes of garbage, construction and demolition waste and heavy encroachment, Baansera today is an oasis that houses bamboo plants emitting 30 per cent more Oxygen compared to other trees and restoring the degraded soil," L-G Saxena said. He added that the newly-created water bodies, rolling grass lawns and recreational facilities like a restaurant, musical fountain, walking trails and children's play area, on Thursday welcome visitors at Baansera. "The park is now hosting social, cultural events like Kite Festival, Yoga events and even musical evenings. Baansera epitomises the remarkable healing of Yamuna floodplain with improved soil health and a richer landscape, reaffirming our belief that ecosystems can be revived through gentle natural processes. I appeal to all fellow Delhi residents to visit the Baansera park," the L-G said. - IANS Union Minister Nitin Gadkari cast his vote in Nagpur and expressed strong confidence in a Bharatiya Janata Party victory in the ongoing Maharashtra municipal corporation elections. He appealed to citizens to exercise their franchise in large numbers and reiterated the party's commitment to making Nagpur a cleaner, pollution-free city. Early voting data from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls showed a slow start with a significantly higher turnout among male voters compared to females. The elections are a high-stakes battle, particularly in Mumbai and Pune, where the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance faces the united Thackeray faction. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari casts his vote in Nagpur, expresses confidence in BJP's win in Maharashtra municipal elections, and appeals for high voter turnout. Nagpur, January 15 As polling begins across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party would emerge victorious in the local body elections, while appealing to citizens to exercise their right to vote in large numbers. Polling began today at 7.30 am and will continue until 5.30 pm, with vote counting scheduled to begin on Friday, January 16. Gadkari said he was hopeful of a BJP win and reiterated the party's commitment to improving civic infrastructure and environmental standards in the city. "I am hopeful that BJP will win the election. We will work on our resolve to make Nagpur the cleanest and most pollution-free city in the world. Voting is our fundamental right, and we should use it. I appeal to the people to come out and cast their votes in large numbers. We need to improve the system of voting, only then will the voting percentage increase," Gadkari told reporters. He further added, "Certainly, in the last 15 years, whether it's Mumbai or Nagpur, under the leadership of PM Modi in the centre, and Devendra ji in Maharashtra, and our party in Nagpur, we have done excellent work, and the public has witnessed all this work firsthand. We will win by a record margin. That is my belief." Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashish Shelar also expressed confidence, suggesting that a Mahayuti victory (BJP-Shiv Sena) would "teach a lesson to the corrupt party of Thackeray". The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections began slowly on Thursday, with only 7.12 per cent voter turnout as of 9:30 AM. However, these early trends indicate that almost twice as many male voters are casting their votes as women. The highest voter turnout was recorded in Ward number 18 in Mumbai city at 11.57 per cent. Whereas, ward no 162 recorded the lowest turnout at 1.68 per cent. A total of 7,36,996 voters have cast their votes out of a total of 1,03,44,315. According to official data released by the State Election Commission (SEC), nearly twice as many men as women have cast their votes. 4,54,539 men have cast their vote in BMC elections, compared to 2,82,433 women. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena are contesting the civic elections as allies under the Mahayuti banner, except in Pune. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to fight independently in most corporations. 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 polls, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray joined hands on the issue of Marathi Manus in a high-stakes fight for control of the BMC, the country's richest civic body. The last BMC elections were held in 2017. Polling is being held on Thursday across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. The elections are taking place after an intense campaign and are seen as crucial for major cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. - ANI Four major automakers, including Hyundai and Porsche Korea, are voluntarily recalling over 340,000 vehicles in South Korea to address various component defects. The recall covers 74 models with issues ranging from faulty transmissions to problematic infotainment software. This follows similar recall actions by automakers in the country throughout the previous year. Owners can check if their vehicle is affected through a dedicated government website or hotline. Hyundai, Porsche, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz recall over 340,000 vehicles in South Korea due to defective transmissions, software, and cameras. Seoul, Jan 15 Hyundai Motor, Porsche Korea and two other automakers will voluntarily recall more than 340,000 vehicles in South Korea to fix various component defects, the transport ministry here said on Thursday. The four companies, including Kia Corp. and Mercedes-Benz Korea, are recalling a combined 344,073 vehicles across 74 models, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, reports Yonhap news agency. The recalls were issued to address several defects, including a faulty continuously variable transmission system in Hyundai Motor's Avante compact car, software problems in the infotainment control system of Mercedes-Benz's E200 sedan and a defective surround-view camera system in the Porsche Cayenne sport utility vehicle, the ministry said. Vehicle owners can check whether their vehicles are subject to the recall by visiting the government website at www.car.go.kr or by calling 080-357-2500. In September last year, Hyundai Motor, Ford Sales Service Korea and three other automakers will voluntarily recall more than 40,000 vehicles to address a range of safety defects, the transport ministry said. The five companies, which include DNA Motors, Mercedes-Benz Korea and Stellantis Korea, are recalling a combined 40,380 units across 16 models, according to the ministry. The recalls involve a weak hood latch in Hyundai's Palisade sport utility vehicle (SUV), defective seat belt buckle bolts in Ford's Explorer SUV and a faulty sensor in DNA Motors' UHR125 motorcycle. Loose steering system parts in Mercedes-Benz's GLC 300 4MATIC and faulty antenna cables in the Jeep Wrangler were also cited for the automakers' recalls, the ministry said. In June, Hyundai Motor, Jaguar Landrover Korea and two other companies voluntarily recalled more than 14,000 vehicles to address faulty components. The four companies, including trading firm GS Global Corp. and GM Asia-Pacific Regional Headquarters, the South Korean subsidiary of General Motors Co., recalled a combined 14,708 units across 19 different models. - IANS The Israel Defence Forces conducted strikes on multiple Hezbollah weapon storage facilities and terror infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The military stated it took precautions to avoid civilian casualties and that Hezbollah's operations at these locations violated the ceasefire agreements between Israel and Lebanon. These strikes follow similar actions taken earlier, targeting sites where Hezbollah activity was recently identified. Israel has expressed skepticism over Lebanese government claims that it has disarmed Hezbollah in the region south of the Litani River. Israeli military targets Hezbollah weapon storage facilities in southern Lebanon, stating the attacks are a response to violations of ceasefire understandings. Jerusalem, January 16 The Israel Defence Forces has struck several Hezbollah weapon storage facilities and additional terror infrastructure throughout southern Lebanon. "STRUCK: Several Hezbollah weapon storage facilities and additional terror infrastructure throughout southern Lebanon. Prior to the strikes, steps were taken in order to mitigate possible harm to civilians. Hezbollah's activity at these sites constitutes a violation of the ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon," the IDF wrote in its post. Earlier on Sunday, the IDF also said it carried out strikes on multiple Hezbollah-linked military sites in southern Lebanon, targeting shafts allegedly used for storing weapons, amid rising tensions along the border. In a post on X, the IDF stated that the strikes hit locations where Hezbollah activity had been identified in recent months. "STRUCK: Shafts used for storing weapons in several military sites belonging to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, where in recent months, Hezbollah activity has been identified at these sites. Hezbollah's terror activity at these sites constitutes a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon," the Israeli military said in its post. According to The Times of Israel, since the November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, the IDF has killed around 400 operatives and struck hundreds of additional Hezbollah-linked targets. The IDF has repeatedly asserted that the activity at the targeted sites constitutes a violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon. The Lebanese government claimed last week to have disarmed Hezbollah south of the country's Litani River, but Israel has cast doubt on such an assertion, the Times of Israel reported. - ANI India has formally expressed its condolences to Thailand following a fatal train accident in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The derailment, caused by a collapsing construction crane, has resulted in 32 deaths and nearly 70 injuries. Thai authorities estimate it will take about a week to clear the wreckage as a full investigation into the cause begins. The main contractor for the railway project has stated it will assume all responsibilities for compensation and medical treatment. India expresses condolences after a crane collapse derails a train in Thailand, killing 32. Investigation underway as authorities clear wreckage. New Delhi, Jan 15 India on Thursday expressed its condolences to the people and the government of Thailand on the tragic loss of lives and injuries in the train accident that took place in northeastern part of the country on Wednesday. According to the local authorities, the death toll from a crane collapse that derailed a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima province has risen to 32, with nearly 70 people injured. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and injuries in the train accident in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on January 14, 2026. Our heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of Thailand during this hour of grief. We extend our deepest sympathies to the affected families and wish a swift recovery to all those injured," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X. 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, Xinhua news agency reported. 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. - IANS India and the European Union are poised to sign a long-awaited free trade agreement as early as this month, with negotiations in the final stages. The signing is expected around the India-EU Summit following the Republic Day parade, where top EU leaders will be chief guests. High-level visits and statements from German and Indian officials underscore the political momentum behind concluding the pact. The agreement is viewed as strategically important for creating a balanced trading framework and strengthening supply chains. India and the EU are finalizing a free trade pact, with signing expected this month during visits by top EU leaders for the Republic Day summit. New Delhi, Jan 15 India and the European Union may sign the proposed free trade agreement as early as this month during the official visit of the top EU leaders to New Delhi, who will also be the chief guests at the prestigious Republic Day parade on January 26. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal told journalists that the India and EU negotiators were very close to finalising a trade agreement and were looking at wrapping up the loose ends before the top leadership meeting scheduled for January 27, a day after the Republic Day parade. He said that as many as 20 of 24 chapters under the India-EU FTA have been finalised, and the few remaining issues were being discussed in the ongoing negotiations. European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be on an official visit to India from January 25 to 27 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and will also officiate as Chief Guests of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations on January 26. The two leaders will then attend the India-EU Summit the next day. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during his visit to India this week, had also indicated that the India-EU trade pact could be signed by the end of January. Merz said Germany strongly supports the free trade agreement. He urged the European Union and India to expedite the signing of the free trade agreement, as this would help fix supply chains that have faced disruptions over the past year. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday listed the trade talks with the EU in Brussels as a "major highlight" from his Ministry. "Held a productive dialogue with the European Union Trade and Economic Security Commissioner, Mr Maros Sefcovic, in Brussels. We conducted detailed deliberations on key areas of the proposed India-EU FTA. Also emphasised the strategic importance of concluding a fair, balanced, and ambitious agreement that aligns with their shared values, economic priorities, and commitment to a rules-based trading framework," the minister said. He further stated that he visited Liechtenstein and reviewed the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement with the top political leadership. - IANS India and the Netherlands have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on maritime heritage, linking the planned complex at Lothal with Amsterdam's National Maritime Museum. The two nations also agreed to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee to deepen economic ties and address facilitation issues. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel emphasized the need for like-minded democracies to intensify cooperation amidst shifting global geopolitics. The bilateral relationship is described as dynamic, with close collaboration across multiple sectors including culture and trade. India and the Netherlands strengthen cooperation with maritime heritage MoU, new trade committee, and shared commitment to democracy and rule-based order. New Delhi, January 15 The Netherlands' Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd on Tuesday said, "The relations between the Netherlands and India are very good. It is a dynamic relationship because we work together closely across many sectors. The cultural relationship between the Netherlands and India is a working relationship. There are people from the creatives, cultural sector and heritage experts doing projects together." Earlier, India and the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation on maritime heritage, marking a significant step toward developing the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat. The MoU was exchanged during a bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel.It brings together the NMHC, being developed under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam. Before this, India and the Netherlands agreed to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee and signed key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen cooperation in emerging and strategic sectors during the visit of the Netherlands Foreign Minister David van Weel here. According to a Ministry of External Affairs release, during the delegation-level talks on December 19, the two sides welcomed the decision to establish a Joint Trade and Investment Committee to deepen economic cooperation, address trade facilitation issues, and promote bilateral investment. Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel observed that India and the Netherlands are closely aligned in outlook and approach despite differences in geographical size, stressing the need for deeper cooperation at a time of shifting global geopolitics. Speaking during a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi, van Weel highlighted shared values between the two countries and the importance of standing together. "I believe in these turbulent times where geopolitics are changing, countries like us, who adhere to democracy, who adhere to the international rule-based order, who adhere to free trade, need to stick together and intensify their cooperation in order to stand the test of time," he said, while also thanking Jaishankar for the warm welcome extended to him. - ANI India and Sri Lanka have successfully concluded their 13th Navy Staff Talks in Colombo, with discussions centered on strengthening bilateral maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. The talks were co-chaired by senior admirals from both navies, reviewing established engagements and collaborative pursuits. This follows a visit last year by India's Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, who underscored the deep historical and strategic ties between the two nations and highlighted successful joint operations. The ongoing dialogue reaffirms both countries' commitment to a safe and prosperous Indian Ocean through credible capability, deeper cooperation, and technological transformation. The 13th India-Sri Lanka Navy Staff Talks concluded in Colombo, focusing on enhancing bilateral maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean. Colombo, Jan 15 India and Sri Lanka held the 13th edition of Navy Staff talks in Colombo with talks focused on strengthening bilateral engagements and enhancing ongoing cooperation towards maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region, the Indian Navy stated on Thursday. In a statement on X, a spokesperson of the Indian Navy stated, "13th Edition of Indian Navy - Sri Lanka Navy Staff Talks were successfully concluded on 14 Jan 26 at Colombo. Co-chaired by RAdm Srinivas Maddula, ACNS (FCI) and RAdm Ruwan Rupasena, Director General Training, Sri Lanka Navy. Talks focused on strengthening established bilateral engagements, enhancing ongoing cooperation and collaborative pursuits towards Maritime Security in IOR." Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, visited Sri Lanka last September on an official visit during which he addressed the participants of the National Defence College in Colombo and highlighted the deep historical, cultural and strategic ties binding two nations in the Indian Ocean Region. "Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, addressed the participants of the National Defence College, Colombo on 23Sep 25, highlighting the deep historical, cultural and strategic ties binding India and Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean Region. Reflecting on global maritime challenges - shifting geopolitics, rapid technological change and grey-zone tactics - CNS underlined three imperatives: credible capability, deeper cooperation and technological transformation. "He stressed that both nations rely on the seas for economic & strategic security, citing joint operations in anti-piracy rescues and narcotics interdictions as successful examples of naval collaboration. CNS also underscored the value of platforms like the Goa Maritime Symposium and SLINEX in enhancing shared competence, while noting the role of technology in Green Initiatives and fostering innovation. CNS urged the future leaders to remain agile, people-centric and collaborative, reaffirming India's commitment to Sri Lanka and a safe, prosperous Indian Ocean Region," the Indian Navy had mentioned last year. During his visit, Admiral Tripathi also hosted a Deck Reception onboard Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Satpura in Colombo, reaffirming the deep maritime and cultural linkages between two nations. Sri Lanka's Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara was the chief guest at the reception. "Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, CNS, during his official visit to Sri Lanka, hosted a Deck Reception onboard Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Satpura at Colombo, reaffirming the deep maritime and cultural linkages between India and Sri Lanka. The event was graced by Hon. Harshana Nanayakkara, Minister of Justice and National Integration of Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest, along with High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Mr Santosh Jha. The reception provided a platform to celebrate shared values of friendship, trust and cooperation, while highlighting the commitment of both nations towards regional peace, stability & security. Strengthening enduring India-Sri Lanka bonds," the Indian Navy posted on X. He also held extensive discussions with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in Colombo on enduring partnership between two nations in the maritime domain. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, emphasizing India's strong advocacy for the Global South on every international platform. He highlighted India's G20 presidency efforts to center the Global South's agenda and the creation of open-source technology platforms for partner nations. The Prime Minister detailed India's democratic achievements, including lifting approximately 25 crore people out of poverty and the record scale of the 2024 general elections. He also underscored India's ancient traditions of debate and collective decision-making, framing its democracy as inclusive and committed to last-mile delivery. PM Modi addresses CSPOC, detailing India's advocacy for the Global South, its democratic achievements, and commitment to inclusive development and open-source tech. New Delhi, January 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India is strongly advocating for the interests of the Global South on every global platform, highlighting the country's consistent placement of the region's concerns at the heart of the global agenda. During his address at the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), 2026, at Parliament House, the Prime Minister highlighted India's efforts during its G20 presidency in pushing the agenda of the Global South. He stated that the country was committed to ensuring its innovations benefit the entire Global South and Commonwealth countries, and also to developing open-source technology platforms for partner nations to build similar systems that are being implemented in India. "India is strongly advocating for the interests of the Global South on every global platform. During its G20 presidency, India has also placed the concerns of the Global South at the heart of the global agenda. India's continuous effort is to ensure that whatever innovations we make benefit the entire Global South and benefit Commonwealth countries. We are also creating open-source tech platforms so that our partner countries in the Global South can also develop systems like those in India," the PM said. The Prime Minister also emphasised the inclusive nature of Indian democracy, saying that it is being defined by "its commitment to delivering benefits to the very last mile." "Driven by the spirit of public welfare, we are working inclusively, ensuring that no one is left behind. It is this commitment that has enabled India to lift approximately 25 crore people out of poverty in recent years. In India, democracy truly delivers. In India, democracy means last-mile delivery," PM Modi said. "We are working for the welfare of every individual without any discrimination. And it is this spirit of public welfare that has lifted 250 million people out of poverty in India in the last few years," he added. Highlighting the scale of Indian democracy, PM Modi recalled the 2024 general elections, describing them as the largest democratic exercise in human history. He noted that nearly 980 million citizens were registered to vote, with more than 8,000 candidates and over 700 political parties participating. "This number is larger than the population of some continents. There were more than 8000 candidates and more than 700 political parties," the PM said. The Prime Minister also highlighted a record number of women voters, noting that women now hold key leadership positions, including the President of India and the Chief Minister of Delhi. PM Modi further reflected on India's rich democratic traditions, calling democracy in India "like a large tree supported by deep roots." He cited historical references in the Vedas and the teachings of the Buddha, where assemblies held debates and made collective decisions, underscoring India's centuries-old tradition of deliberative governance. "Our democracy is like a large tree supported by deep roots. We have a long tradition of debates, dialogue and collective decision-making. India is called the mother of democracy. Our sacred text, the Vedas, is over 5000 years old. They refer to assemblies where people met to discuss issues, and decisions were taken after discussions and agreement," he said. The Prime Minister also asserted that India's democratic model combines scale, inclusivity, and public welfare and remains committed to both national progress and advancing the interests of developing countries on the global stage. The high-level conference, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, features 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments, underscoring the event's global scale and significance. CSPOC will deliberate on a range of contemporary parliamentary issues to strengthen democratic institutions and modern legislative practices. Key themes include the evolving role of Speakers and Presiding Officers, technological innovation in parliamentary functioning, and enhancing citizen engagement with democratic processes. Among the major topics scheduled for discussion are "AI in Parliament: Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation", to be led by Malaysia; "Social Media and its Impact on Parliamentarians", to be presented by Sri Lanka; and "Innovative Strategies to Enhance Public Understanding of Parliament and Citizen Participation Beyond Voting", with contributions from Nigeria and South Africa. Other sessions will focus on the security, health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, as well as a special plenary discussion on the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions. - ANI Photo: https://t.me/Ukraine_MFA On Thursday, January 15, a special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna considered the issue of Russia's massive missile and drone attacks against Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has said. "The meeting was convened at Ukraine's demand immediately following the presentation of the Swiss OSCE Chairpersonship's priorities for 2026 by my friend Ignazio Cassis. I am grateful to OSCE26CH for its leadership and solidarity with Ukraine. The OSCE's ability to respond in a timely and effective manner to each and every blatant violation of the Helsinki principles is critical," Sybiha said on the X social network. He thanked OSCE partners for their active participation in the meeting, their resolute and unequivocal condemnation of Moscow's ongoing terror, and their consolidated support for Ukraine's struggle for freedom and lasting peace. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 28th Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference, asserting that India has successfully transformed its immense diversity into the core strength of its democracy. He reflected on post-independence skepticism about democracy's survival in a diverse nation, countering that democratic institutions have provided stability, scale, and speed to India's development. The Prime Minister highlighted India's global standing as the fastest-growing major economy and a leader in digital payments and vaccine production. The conference, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, is discussing contemporary themes like AI in parliament and enhancing citizen engagement. PM Modi addresses CSPOC, stating India's diversity fuels its stable, fast-growing democracy. He highlights economic growth and the historic Parliament hall. New Delhi, January 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stated that India has turned its vast diversity into a cornerstone of its democratic strength, noting that the country's strong democratic institutions and processes ensured that democracy was stable, efficient, and capable of operating at a large scale--all simultaneously. During his address at the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) at the Central Hall of the Parliament, PM Modi said, "India has transformed diversity into a strength of democracy. India has proven that democratic institutions and democratic processes provide democracy with stability, speed, and scale--all three." Reflecting on India's post-independence journey, the Prime Minister noted that many had doubted the survival of democracy in a nation marked by immense diversity, stating, however, that this diversity became the "strength of Indian democracy". "When India gained independence, many doubted whether democracy could survive amidst the country's immense diversity. However, this very diversity became the strength of Indian democracy. There was also skepticism that even if democracy did take root, India would struggle to progress. Contrary to these doubts, India has demonstrated that democratic institutions and processes provide stability, scale, and speed to its development," the PM said. PM Modi also stressed India's progress and development, stating that today India is the fastest-growing major economy globally, its UPI system is the world's largest digital payment platform, the country leads as the top producer of vaccines, and it ranks second worldwide in steel production. The Prime Minister recalled the historic significance of the Central Hall, now named Samvidhan Sadan, noting that it served as the meeting place of the Constituent Assembly during India's independence and functioned as the Parliament of India for 75 years. "For 75 years after India's independence, this building served as the Parliament of India, and many important decisions and discussions concerning India's future took place in this very hall. Now, India has named this place, dedicated to democracy, as the Constitution House (Samvidhan Sadan)," the PM said. This is the fourth time the Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference is being held in India, with this year's main theme focusing on "Effective delivery of parliamentary democracy". The high-level conference is chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and will feature 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments, underscoring the event's global scale and significance. CSPOC will deliberate on a range of contemporary parliamentary issues to strengthen democratic institutions and modern legislative practices. Key themes include the evolving role of Speakers and Presiding Officers, technological innovation in parliamentary functioning, and enhancing citizen engagement with democratic processes. Among the major topics scheduled for discussion are "AI in Parliament: Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation", to be led by Malaysia; "Social Media and its Impact on Parliamentarians", to be presented by Sri Lanka; and "Innovative Strategies to Enhance Public Understanding of Parliament and Citizen Participation Beyond Voting", with contributions from Nigeria and South Africa. Other sessions will focus on the security, health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, as well as a special plenary discussion on the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions. - ANI Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi stated the Indian Army has undergone a strategic shift in thinking, deliberately preparing for future forms of warfare. He highlighted the creation of new, agile formations like the Bhairav Battalions and emphasized that indigenization of equipment is now a strategic necessity for operational flexibility. The Army showcased advanced indigenous systems, including the BrahMos missile, Akashteer air defence, and AI-driven drone systems during the Jaipur parade. The next two years have been designated to enhance networking and data-centricity to build a truly future-ready force. COAS General Upendra Dwivedi details Army's shift to future warfare, new agile units, and indigenous tech like Akashteer, BrahMos, and AI systems. Jaipur, January 15 Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday emphasised that that the Indian Army has "undergone a clear shift in thinking" and is not only responding to current challenges but also "preparing deliberately for future forms of warfare." To meet such requirements, the Army has created new structures, which are being "created, equipped and trained to operate effectively in evolving and complex operational environments." "As part of this transformation, formations such as Bhairav Battalions, Ashni Platoons, Shaktiban Regiments and Divyastra Batteries have been raised. These represent our effort to build agile, responsive and mission-oriented forces aligned with future operational needs. At the heart of this journey is Atmanirbharta, which was evident during the parade through the 'Made in India' equipment on display," the COAS said while addressing a press conference after the 78th Army Day Parade. Emphasising the need to have weapons systems and equipment that are designed and developed in India, the COAS said that indigenisation has become a "strategic necessity." "It gives us operational flexibility, long-term reliability and greater confidence in our preparedness. We are also emphasising dual-use resources: capabilities that can serve both military and civilian purposes. Infrastructure, technology and innovation developed for national security should also contribute to national development," he said. The Indian army is steadily evolving into a future ready force, with empowered soldiers, modern support systems, and the ability to operate effectively across multiple domains. "The Indian Army is steadily evolving into a future-ready force, with empowered soldiers, modern support systems and the ability to operate effectively across multiple domains. Technology is being used to enhance decision-making and situational awareness, while keeping the soldier firmly at the centre of operations." On that note, the Army will be observing the next two years (2026-27) as 'Years of Networking and Data Centricity', with the aim of improving connectivity, information flow and coordination. The COAS further congratulated and thanked the people of Jaipur the Government of Rajasthan and the media for their support. Apart from the Army Day grand parade, the COAS also emphasised on the initiative to bring the Army closer to its citizens. initiatives such as the 'Know Your Army' Mela, 'Shaurya Sandhya' are being organised for the public. This is the first time the Army Day celebrations were held in public in Jaipur, outside the cantonment area. The Army Day parade featured the various mechanical units, infantry units, paratroopers and other modern capabilities of the Army. The parade showcased the newly raised Bhairav battalion, which was part of the Army's recent restructuring, drawing operational lessons from global conflicts, including its own Operation Sindoor. The army also showcased its technical capabilities, with robot dogs and all terrain vehicles leading the BrahMos missile, India's indigenously made long-range, ramjet powered supersonic missile. Highlighting its Artificial Intelligence, drone and technical capabilities, the Army displayed its 'Integrated Drone detection and Interdiction System (IDDIS)/ Air defence capabilities on showcase included 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. - ANI The Indian Army displayed a range of modern weapons and operational equipment at the Tripura Institute of Technology as part of Army Day 2026 celebrations. The event, organized by the Albert Ekka Brigade, aimed to motivate students and foster patriotism by showcasing military capabilities and the values of soldiering. Students and faculty actively engaged with army personnel, learning about technological advancements and career opportunities in the armed forces. The display also highlighted the historic legacy of the Albert Ekka Brigade, renowned for its role in the 1971 war and its Param Vir Chakra awardee. Indian Army displays modern weapons & equipment at Tripura Institute of Technology to motivate students and foster patriotism on Army Day 2026. Agartala, Jan 15 The Indian Army on Thursday displayed a wide range of weapons and military equipment at the Tripura Institute of Technology, highlighting its strength, professionalism and commitment to national security, officials said. A Defence spokesman said that as part of Army Day 2026, weapons displayed by the Army showcased power, pride and purpose at Tripura Institute of Technology on Thursday. The Albert Ekka Brigade of Indian Army organised the weapons and equipment display at the TIT, Agartala, with the objective of motivating young minds and fostering a spirit of patriotism and nation building among students. The spokesman said that the event featured an impressive display of modern weapons, surveillance systems and operational equipment used by the Indian Army. Army personnel briefed the students of the TIT on the capabilities and role of these systems, while also sharing insights into the life of a soldier and the core values of discipline, dedication, courage and selfless service. Students and faculty members actively interacted with the Army representatives and showed keen interest in understanding the technological advancements and operational preparedness of the Indian Army. The display served as an inspiration for students to explore opportunities to serve the nation, including careers in the Armed Forces and allied fields, the official said. Army officials highlighted that the youth are the backbone of the nation and play a vital role in shaping India's future. The spokesman said that such outreach initiatives aim to strengthen civil, military relations and encourage students to contribute positively towards national security and development. The event concluded on a high note, reinforcing a sense of national pride, unity and commitment towards building a strong and resilient India. Meanwhile, the Albert Ekka Brigade, which fought in the 1971 India-Pakistan war from the Tripura sector, on January 1, observed its 56th Raising Day in Agartala with solemn ceremonies. According to the defence spokesman, the brigade has the unique distinction of having two highest gallantry awards in war and peacetime, and the only Param Vir Chakra of the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The Brigade recently relocated to Agartala Military Station, which is particularly ominous, as the Brigade was launched into the 1971 war (Operation Cactus Lilly) from the Agartala sector. The defence spokesman said that the Albert Ekka Brigade played a pivotal role in the Battle of Gangasagar (near the Tripura border) during the 1971 war, in which Lance Naik Albert Ekka of the 14th Guards battalion made the supreme sacrifice while clearing a critical enemy bastion that could have threatened Agartala and was awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his conspicuous bravery. - IANS A new BCG report states that India's chemical industry, with a domestic market set to exceed $300 billion by 2030, is at a critical inflection point. It urges companies to transform from pursuing scale to solving specific chemistry problems for customers to become global giants. The strategy includes early integration into capex super cycles, acquiring mid-sized foreign firms for IP, and using digital tools and AI to improve margins. Building teams for global brand and sales, alongside consistent R&D investment, is deemed essential for long-term competitiveness. BCG report urges India's chemical sector to shift from scale to solving customer problems, using digital and AI to build global giants by 2030. New Delhi, Jan 15 Indian chemical companies should transform into global-scale institutions by pivoting from quantity-based metrics to solving chemistry problems for customers, a report said on Thursday. A new report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) urged chemical companies to integrate into capex super cycles early to capture returns in the 2030s, along with many other recommendations to improve growth. With the domestic market projected to exceed USD300 billion by 2030, incremental growth is no longer sufficient, the report said. India's chemical sector has delivered two decades of strong growth and world-leading shareholder returns, it noted. "India's chemical industry is at a decisive inflection point. ChemCos today have the capability, capital, and credibility. What they need next is bold ambition and deliberate choices. The next global chemical giants can be built from India, but not by doing more of the same," said Amit Gandhi, Managing Director and Senior Partner, and India Lead for Chemicals at BCG India. It asked companies to scale cash from the boring parts of the value chain and decide how much to invest in core value pools. "Scout value in mid-sized European, Japanese firms and acquire select companies, especially family-owned, for IP, brand and market access. Build teams that understand brand, sales and digital presence especially for global markets," the firm shared its strategy. It called on companies to improve margins by 200-300 bps with digital+AI at the core and transform the full operating model ranging from production, NPD, supply chain and sales. "India already has the capability to compete globally in chemicals, but scale will now be determined by how companies rewire their operating models," said Amita Parekh, Managing Director and Partner, BCG India. Parekh said improving margins through digital and AI, investing consistently in R&D, and building strong global partnerships are no longer optional but indispensable to long-term competitiveness. - IANS The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Pakistani fishing boat named AL-MADINA inside Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line in the Arabian Sea. The boat attempted to flee when challenged but was boarded by ICG personnel, leading to the detention of nine crew members. This marks the second such interception in recent weeks, following the apprehension of 11 Pakistani fishermen in December. The incident occurs amid heightened maritime security focus and recent India-Japan coast guard cooperation talks. ICG intercepts Pakistani fishing boat AL-MADINA inside Indian waters near maritime boundary. Nine crew detained for investigation in Porbandar. New Delhi, January 15 The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Pakistani fishing boat that had strayed into Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line in the Arabian Sea. According to the ICG, the boat, named AL-MADINA, was sighted by an ICG ship on patrol in the region on January 14. When challenged, the boat attempted to flee towards Pakistan, but was intercepted and boarded by the ICG personnel in Indian waters. A total of nine crew members were found on board the Pakistani boat. The boat is being towed to Porbandar by the ICG ship for thorough "rummaging and joint interrogation" by agencies concerned, the post added. In a post on X, ICG stated, "In a swift and precise night operation, an @IndiaCoastGuard Ship whilst on patrol in #Arabian sea sighted a #Pakistani Fishing Boat inside #Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line on 14 Jan 26. On being challenged, the boat attempted to flee towards Pakistan side, however, the #ICG Ship intercepted and boarded the boat in Indian waters. A total of 09 crew were found in the #Pakistani boat, AL-MADINA. The boat is being towed to #Porbandar by #ICG Ship for thorough rummaging and joint interrogation by concerned agencies. The operation reaffirms #ICG's unwavering commitment to secure #Bharat's maritime frontiers through relentless vigil and law enforcement across the nation's maritime domain. This is the second such incident in recent weeks. In December last year, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended 11 Pakistani fishermen after their boat, Al Wali, was found inside Indian waters near Jakhau without permission. Defence PRO Gujarat had said the fishermen were intercepted on December 10 inside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and were brought to Jakhau Port along with the vessel for further investigation. The latest interception comes amid heightened focus on maritime security and international cooperation in the region. Earlier this week, India and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation during the 22nd High-Level Meeting of the Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard held in New Delhi. The meeting was led by Director General of the Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani and Admiral Yoshio Saguchi, Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard, who is on a five-day official visit to India from January 13 to 17. The discussions focused on enhancing operational engagement in areas such as Maritime Search and Rescue, Marine Pollution Response, Maritime Law Enforcement and capacity building. - ANI The 13th edition of the Indian and Sri Lankan Navy staff talks concluded in Colombo, co-chaired by senior admirals from both nations. Discussions centered on enhancing bilateral maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. This follows a separate meeting between the Indian Army Chief and Sri Lankan defence officials to strengthen military-to-military relations. Both sides reaffirmed a shared commitment to regional peace and stability through expanded joint training and defence partnerships. The 13th Indian-Sri Lankan Navy staff talks focused on maritime security, joint training, and strengthening defence ties in the Indian Ocean Region. Colombo, January 15 The 13th edition of the Indian Sri Lankan Navy staff talks concluded on Wednesday in Colombo, where discussions were held on strengthening established bilateral engagements, enhancing ongoing cooperation and collaborative pursuits towards maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, as per the Indian Navy. In a post on X, the Indian Navy said that the staff talks were co-chaired by RAdm Srinivas Maddula, ACNS (FCI) and RAdm Ruwan Rupasena, Director General Training of the Sri Lankan Navy. India and Sri Lanka enjoy strong defence relationship pillared on close linkages between our militaries guided by commonality of security concerns and challenges. As per the MEA, defence cooperation with Sri Lanka encompasses training, joint exercises, supply of military equipment, high-level bilateral visits, bilateral goodwill visits by Navy and Coast Guard ships. On January 8, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi met Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Deputy Minister of Defence & Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Secretary of Defence, Sri Lanka, to discuss ways to advance bilateral defence cooperation and military-to-military relations. Their talks focused on strengthening strategic ties, expanding joint military training, and assessing the region's current geostrategic landscape. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting regional peace and stability. "#GeneralUpendraDwivedi, #COAS held discussions with Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Deputy Minister of Defence & Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Secretary of Defence, Sri Lanka. The interaction focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing military-to-military engagement including cooperation for Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief and reinforcing collaboration in areas of mutual interest, reflecting the shared commitment of India and Sri Lanka towards regional security, stability & enduring defence partnership," the Indian Army said in a post on X. This meeting followed the India-Sri Lanka Army-to-Army Staff talks, held at Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff in New Delhi on January 8. The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), Deputy Minister of Defence & Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), Secretary of Defence, discussed how to enhance interoperability between the two armies, strengthen defence ties, and deepen their broader defence partnership. Both sides agreed to continue their efforts to foster a strong India-Sri Lanka relationship to advance regional security. Earlier, General Dwivedi laid a wreath at the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) Memorial in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as part of his official visit to the island nation, paying homage to the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during Operation Pawan. - ANI India's overall exports saw a marginal decline in December 2025 while imports rose significantly, leading to a widened trade deficit of $6.92 billion. Merchandise exports showed modest improvement, but were outpaced by faster import growth, particularly in goods. The services sector saw a moderation in exports for the month, though key sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals posted positive growth. Government initiatives like the PLI scheme are credited with helping boost manufacturing competitiveness and export resilience. India's December exports dip slightly to $74B while imports jump, widening the trade deficit to $6.9B. Key sectors like electronics show strong growth. New Delhi, January 15 India's overall exports in December 2025 stood at USD 74.01 billion, marginally lower than USD 74.77 billion in December 2024, while imports rose sharply to USD 80.94 billion from USD 76.23 billion a year ago, according to official data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Thursday. The country's overall trade deficit widened significantly to USD 6.92 billion in December 2025, compared with USD 1.46 billion in the same month last year. The increase in the trade gap was driven primarily by higher imports, even as exports remained broadly stable on a year-on-year basis. The data covers combined trade in merchandise and services. A closer look at merchandise trade shows a modest improvement in exports. Merchandise exports increased to USD 38.51 billion in December 2025 from USD 37.80 billion in December 2024, reflecting steady outbound shipments despite global economic uncertainties. However, merchandise imports grew at a faster pace, rising to USD 63.55 billion from USD 58.43 billion a year earlier. In the services sector, exports moderated during the month. Services exports were estimated at USD 35.50 billion in December 2025, lower than USD 36.97 billion recorded in December 2024. Services imports, however, declined slightly to USD 17.38 billion from USD 17.80 billion in the year-ago period. India's electronic goods sector grew by 16 plus percent; meat, dairy by 30 percent; pharmaceuticals by 5.65 per cent, and engineering goods too in positive trajectory. Marine products grew 11 plus per cent. The Commerce Secretary said, "We are also doing very well in China, where the growth has been very good, good growth in exports to the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Spain." In the US, a key market, India's merchandise exports rose 9.8 per cent to USD 65.88 billion, from USD 60.03 billion during April-December 2025. "We are still holding on to a positive trend. It was still doing around USD 7 billion despite high tariffs. We are focusing more on areas where tariffs are less, or in areas where tariffs are there, and industry has been showing resilience and holding on to the supply chains," Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said. India's total exports had touched an all-time high of USD 824.9 billion in financial year 2024-25. This marked a yearly growth of 6.01 per cent over USD 778.1 billion exports in 2023-24, setting a new annual milestone. The 2024-25 exports exceeded the initial anticipation of USD 800 billion. In 2024-25, services exports continued to drive the growth momentum, reaching a historic high of USD 387.5 billion, up 13.6 per cent from USD 341.1 billion in the previous year. In 2024-25, merchandise exports stood at USD 437.42 billion in 2024-25, with a marginal increase.India's total trade deficit (merchandise and services) for the fiscal year 2024-25 widened to USD 94.26 billion, from USD 78.1 billion in 2023-24. Among various steps the government took was to launch a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in varied sectors, including electronic goods, to make Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attract investments, enhance exports, integrate India into the global supply chain and reduce dependency on imports. These seemed to have reaped dividends for rising exports. - ANI India's merchandise exports climbed to $38.51 billion in December, showing resilience amid global economic uncertainties. The services sector posted a strong trade surplus of $18.12 billion, though the merchandise trade deficit widened slightly. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated that overall exports are growing and the country is on track to hit an $850 billion export target for the fiscal year. The government is actively pursuing trade pacts, including with the EU, and has launched new initiatives to support MSME exporters with finance and market access. India's merchandise exports grew in December despite global headwinds. Commerce Ministry data shows a rising trade surplus in services and ongoing FTA talks. New Delhi, Jan 15 India's merchandise exports rose to $38.51 billion in December from $38.13 billion in November despite the uncertainties in the global market triggered by the US tariff turmoil and geopolitical tensions, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday. The government data showed December services exports were estimated at $35.50 billion and imports at $17.38 billion, suggesting a services trade surplus of $18.12 billion. However, merchandise imports rose to $63.55 billion from $62.66 billion, which led to a marginal widening of the merchandise trade deficit to $25.04 billion. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that India's overall exports have risen by 4.33 per cent in the first nine months of the current financial year, and total exports for FY26 are set to touch the $850 billion mark. In addition, India's exports to the US increased 9.8 per cent during April-December of FY26 compared to the same period of the previous year. As part of the strategy to diversify exports, India is forging new trade partnerships with friendly countries, while talks with the US to resolve the tariff deadlock are also ongoing. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday listed the trade talks with the EU in Brussels and the rollout of the Export Promotion Mission in a round-up of "major highlights" from his Ministry in the last 10 days. "Held a productive dialogue with the European Union Trade and Economic Security Commissioner, Mr Maros Sefcovic, in Brussels. We conducted detailed deliberations on key areas of the proposed India-EU FTA. Also emphasised the strategic importance of concluding a fair, balanced, and ambitious agreement that aligns with their shared values, economic priorities, and commitment to a rules-based trading framework," the minister said. He further stated that he visited Liechtenstein and reviewed the implementation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. Besides, the minister highlighted that as part of the initial rollout of the Export Promotion Mission, two key interventions under the NIRYAT PROTSAHAN sub-scheme have been launched to strengthen MSME exports and improve access to trade finance. These interventions will lower the cost of exporting for MSMEs, give them improved cash flow and liquidity, encourage them to explore new export markets, give easier access to bank loans to MSME exporters, make them less dependent on property or asset collateral and boost export growth, especially among small firms. - IANS India's startup founders celebrate a decade of the Startup India initiative, highlighting unprecedented ecosystem growth driven by stable government policies. They credit initiatives like Startup India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat for making entrepreneurship socially acceptable and attracting global investment. Founders specifically praised the government's vision and execution, noting increased investor optimism for India compared to other global markets. The consensus is that this foundation will fuel India's innovation ecosystem for the next two decades. Leading founders credit stable policies and government initiatives like Startup India for the ecosystem's unprecedented growth over the past decade. New Delhi, Jan 15 India's leading startup founders on Thursday said that the country's startup ecosystem has seen unprecedented growth over the past decade, driven by stable policymaking, a supportive government and a strong entrepreneurial culture. As the Startup India initiative completes ten years on January 16, entrepreneurs believe that India has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for global investors and that the future of entrepreneurship in the country looks bright. Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath said that the last decade has been a great period for startups in India, especially when compared with other global regions. "Policy stability and consistency have given India an edge over competing markets," he added. Kamath noted that global investors, while being cautious about Europe, China and even the US, remain optimistic about India. "India's startup story has been narrated well abroad, which has increased investor appetite," he stated. "Entrepreneurship has now become socially acceptable and even cool among young Indians," Kamath noted. OYO founder and CEO Ritesh Aggarwal shared his personal experience of engaging with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a "startup Prime Minister". "The Prime Minister has the rare ability to think big while also focusing deeply on execution at the ground level," Aggarwal said. He credited initiatives like Startup India for changing social attitudes towards entrepreneurship, even within families. "My own mother began to see entrepreneurship as a respectable career choice only after the government strongly backed startups at the national level," Aggarwal stated. MapmyIndia CEO and Executive Director Rohan Verma said the Prime Minister's long-term vision for Digital India and Startup India has been inspiring for young innovators. "Such leadership sends a powerful message to the next generation and will have a lasting impact on India's innovation ecosystem over the next two decades," Verma said. Meesho co-founder Sanjeev Barnwal said India's startup ecosystem has thrived since 2014 due to initiatives like Startup India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Policybazaar CEO and co-founder Yashish Dahiya said the government's focus on "less government, more governance" created a strong foundation for startups. "Startup India helped build a nationwide entrepreneurial movement, reaching districts and states across the country," he said. - IANS Iran's state media broadcast a provocative image of Donald Trump with a threatening message, escalating a war of words. This comes after Trump warned the US would intervene if Iran killed peaceful protesters. The UK has closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn staff, citing a worsening security situation. The US has also evacuated some personnel from a key air base in Qatar as regional instability grows. Iran airs a threatening image targeting Trump as the US and UK take security measures amid escalating rhetoric and potential military action. Tehran, Jan 15 Iran has mocked and threatened President Donald Trump by airing a provocative image of the American leader from his attempted assassination at a 2024 campaign rally in Pennsylvania, accompanied by the warning, "This time it will not miss the target." Images of the ominous message, translated from Persian, quickly circulated online through multiple media reports and were also broadcast on Iranian state-run television, drawing sharp attention to the escalating war of words between Tehran and Washington. The broadcast came against the backdrop of Trump's repeated warnings that the United States could take military action against Iran if it continues what he has described as violent crackdowns on people protesting a deepening economic crisis and growing public dissatisfaction with the country's leadership. Earlier, Trump issued a strong warning in a post on Truth Social, accusing Iran of routinely killing peaceful demonstrators. "If Iran kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go," he wrote, underscoring a confrontational stance toward Tehran. The image used by Iranian media referenced the assassination attempt on Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024, when a gunman, identified as Thomas Crooks, fired shots at the stage, grazing Trump's ear. The incident shocked the United States and briefly halted Trump's campaign appearances during the presidential elections. Meanwhile, the UK has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn all diplomatic staff, citing a worsening security situation as tensions escalate following Iran's violent crackdown on protests and mounting speculation over possible US military action. The decision comes at a time of heightened regional instability, with reports indicating that Trump is considering potential military strikes against Iran. The UK's announcement followed a decision by the United States to evacuate some of its personnel from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the Middle East. - IANS The enemy has recently increased its activity along the Ukrainian state border, taking advantage of the opportunity to enter border villages, attempting to gain a foothold there and destabilize the situation, reports the OSINT project of DeepState. According to the project, the "gray zone" near the border village of Komarivka in the Esman village community of Shostka district of Sumy region has expanded. "The latest update expanded the 'gray zone' near the village of Komarivka. The enemy has recently increased its activity along the state border of Ukraine, taking advantage of the opportunity to enter the border village, attempting to gain a foothold there and destabilize the situation. The enemy is also immediately exploring opportunities to expand its zone of activity and control, as happened in the case of Komarivka," the project's Telegram channel stated. It is noted that the Defense Forces respond to enemy movements by destroying their infantry, but this is not always successful, particularly due to certain problems in certain areas, as was the case with the village of Hrabovske in Sumy district of Sumy region. "Such zones are becoming more numerous, but often the enemy is destroyed at the very beginning of an entry attempt, making all the markings pointless. However, if such attempts are repeated and the enemy manages to hold on to the terrain, we respond to these events with markings on the map. We are currently monitoring other areas along the Main Control Line for developments involving enemy provocations. We hope those responsible for these areas in the command are also monitoring this and will respond accordingly," the project noted. It was earlier reported that on December 21, 2025, Russian troops crossed the Ukrainian state border near the border village of Hrabovske in Sumy region. After the Russians captured the village, 52 Ukrainian civilians and 13 Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers were captured and forcibly returned to the Russian Federation. US President Donald Trump announced he received information indicating killings in Iran have stopped and that no executions are planned. He cited "very important sources" but did not identify them, urging caution about the reliability of the claims. Trump declined to rule out future US military options against Iran, stating he would not give up any options. The comments came during a wide-ranging press briefing where he emphasized the administration would continue to monitor the situation closely. US President Donald Trump says he received strong information that killings in Iran have ceased and planned executions are canceled. Washington, Jan 15 US President Donald Trump announced that he has been informed that killings in Iran have stopped and that planned executions will not take place, citing what he described as reliable information received by the United States. "We have been notified, and pretty strongly," Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday (local time). "We've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping. It's stopped. It's stopping, and there's no plan for executions or execution or executions." Trump said the information came shortly before he spoke to the press. He said the news concerned executions that many observers believed were imminent. "Today was going to be the day of execution," he said. "Another piece of information that I think is very important is that we've been told that the executions won't take place." He said the information was received from "very important sources on the other side." Trump did not identify the sources or provide details on how the information was conveyed. Asked how confident he was that the Iranian authorities would follow through, Trump urged caution. "We'll find out about it," he said. "I'm sure if it happens, we'll all be very upset, including you will be very upset." The US President acknowledged uncertainty about the situation. "Who knows? Who knows?" he said. "Crazy world." Reporters pressed Trump on whether the claim meant military action against Iran was now off the table. He did not rule out any options. "We're going to watch and see what the process is," he said. "I wouldn't be telling you what I'm willing to do." Asked directly if military action was still a possibility, Trump declined to commit. "Certainly, I'm not going to give up options," he said. Responding to questions about reports of clashes and violence inside Iran, he said he had been told that security forces and protesters had exchanged gunfire. "They said people were shooting at them with guns and they were shooting back," he said. Despite those reports, the American President said the key point was the halt in executions. "A lot of people were talking about it for the last couple of days," he said. "And we were just told no executions." Trump said he hoped the information would prove accurate. "I hope that's true," he said. "That's a big thing." The President did not announce any new US policy steps in response to the developments. He said the administration would continue to monitor the situation closely and assess further actions as events unfold. The comments came during a wide-ranging question-and-answer session following a White House signing ceremony. Trump fielded questions on several international issues, including Venezuela and Greenland, before turning to Iran. Trump said both he and the reporters would soon know more. "I'll find out after this," he said. "You'll find out." The White House did not issue a separate statement on Iran following Trump's remarks. No additional US officials at the event commented publicly on the situation. Iran has faced international scrutiny over reports of killings and planned executions tied to unrest and internal security actions. Trump did not reference specific incidents or dates, limiting his remarks to the information he said he had just received. He ended his comments on Iran by emphasising caution and vigilance. "We're going to watch," Trump said. "We're going to see what happens." - IANS Actor Divya Dutta cast her vote in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections and encouraged citizens to fulfill their democratic duty. She emphasized that voters should consider key civic issues like pollution and employment when choosing their leaders. The elections are being held across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, with millions of voters eligible to decide thousands of candidates' fates. Polling began in the morning and will conclude in the evening, with vote counting scheduled for the following day. Actor Divya Dutta casts her vote in Mumbai civic polls, urging citizens to participate and focus on key issues like pollution and employment. Mumbai, January 15 Actor Divya Dutta on Thursday voted in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. After casting her vote, Divya urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process, calling it both a right and a responsibility. "It is our right to vote, and we should come out of our houses and cast our votes," Dutta said. Highlighting key civic concerns, she added, "I think we should think about issues like pollution, employment, and other important matters. The right leaders will listen to the right demands of Mumbaikars." Polling across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra began this morning. The elections are taking place after an intense campaign and are seen as crucial for major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pimpri-Chinchwad.The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 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. 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 39,092 polling centres have been set up across the state. Polling that began at 7:30 am today will continue until 5:30 pm. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on January 16. - ANI Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding the safety of Indians, particularly students from J&K, stranded in Iran amid the volatile situation. Jaishankar shared the ministry's assessment and plans to safeguard their interests and lives. Earlier, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti also urged the MEA to ensure the safe return of thousands of stranded Indian students. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised all Indian nationals to leave Iran by available means and provided emergency contact details. J&K CM Omar Abdullah discusses safety plans with EAM Jaishankar for stranded Indians in Iran. Get embassy advisory and latest developments. New Delhi, January 15 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday shared insights from his conversation with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding the safety of Indians stranded in Iran. The Chief Minister informed that the EAM shared the plans that the ministry is currently working on. "Just spoke to EAM @DrSJaishankar ji about the evolving situation in Iran. He shared his assessment of the ground situation & the plans that the External Affairs Ministry is working on," the CM wrote in a post on X. He further expressed his gratitude after Jaishankar assured the safety of people from Jammu and Kashmir stuck in Iran amid turmoil. "I'm grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students & other people from J&K who are in Iran now," he stated. Earlier today, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urged the Minister of External Affairs (MEA) and External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to ensure the safe return of stranded Indian students in Iran amid the rising turmoil and protests. In a post on X, Mufti expressed concerns over the safety of thousands of Indian students currently stuck in Iran. "Thousands of students from across the country including Kashmir are stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation. This has triggered deep fear and anxiety with anguished parents desperately worried about their children's safety. Urge @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return," she wrote on X. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised Indian nationals currently in Iran to leave the country at the earliest. "In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on January 5, 2025, and 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," it said. The advisory reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOs should exercise due caution and "avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments." "All Indian nationals in Iran are requested to also have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available with them. They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard," the advisory noted. The embassy also provided emergency contact helplines. - ANI The Indian Army Day parade is being held for the first time outside a cantonment area, taking place in Jaipur. The event marks the inaugural public appearance of the newly raised Bhairav Battalion, designed for modern hybrid warfare. A wide array of advanced weaponry is on display, including the BrahMos missile, Pinaka rocket launcher, and various kamikaze drones. The parade also highlights the Army's focus on integrating manned and unmanned systems through its MUM-T concept. For the first time, the Indian Army Day parade is held outside a cantonment in Jaipur, showcasing the new Bhairav Battalion, advanced drones, and modern artillery. New Delhi, January 15 The Indian Army Day parade in Jaipur today will be the first time that 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 Five migrant workers from Jharkhand's Giridih district, kidnapped eight months ago while working on a transmission line project in Niger, have been safely repatriated to India. Their release was secured through the persistent intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs. The labourers and their families expressed profound gratitude to the Indian government for the rescue mission. The workers recounted enduring daily hardships and uncertainty during their prolonged captivity. Five Jharkhand labourers, kidnapped in Niger, safely return home after 8 months following MEA intervention. Emotional reunions and gratitude expressed. Ranchi, Jan 15 The return of migrant workers from Jharkhand, who were abducted and kept in captivity by terrorists in the West African nation of Niger, has brought joy and relief to their families and the entire neighbourhood. They thank the Indian government for helping them out. These five labourers, who are residents of Dondolo village in Bagodar block of Giridih district, had gone to Niger about eight months ago in search of employment, where they were working on a transmission line project. It was during this time that they were abducted by terrorists. All these workers were employed by the Kalpataru Transmission Line Company on the KPTC project in Niger and last year in April, they were kidnapped by armed persons and had been 'missing' since then. Following their kidnapping, their families were deeply distressed and continuously prayed for their safe return. It was on the intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and consistent nudges that the agencies managed to secure the release of the workers from the terrorists' captivity. It took more than eight months to secure their release and now that they have returned home, their families are elated and there were emotional reunions with tears of joy flowing down their cheeks. The families of these labourers are expressing their gratitude to the Central government for their safe return to their homeland. Sanjay Mahato, one of the labourers who returned home and was reunited with his family, told IANS, "We are very thankful to the Government of India and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Just the way we had gone, we have returned safely." The family members of these labourers are also thanking the Modi government for bringing them back safely. A couple of the returned workers also shared their ordeal, recounting the hardships and troubles that they were subjected to on a daily basis while in captivity. Sharing their ordeal, the labourers recounted that their life in the captivity of Niger terrorists was extremely difficult and challenging. "Every day was spent under a cloud of uncertainty and fear, but we always had faith that the Indian government was making every possible effort to bring us back safely to India," said another worker. - IANS The Jammu and Kashmir government has appointed Anil Sharma as a coordination officer for residents and students from the UT currently in Iran. The officer will liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian missions to ensure their safety and welfare. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah discussed the situation with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who provided assurances. PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also urged the central government to ensure the safe return of stranded Indians. J&K government designates officer to coordinate with MEA for safety of students and residents in Iran. CM Omar Abdullah speaks to EAM Jaishankar. Jammu, Jan 15 The J&K government on Thursday nominated a coordination and liaison officer with agencies concerned for residents and students of the UT presently residing/studying in Iran. "In view of the prevailing situation in Iran, Anil Sharma, JKAS, Additional Resident Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir government, New Delhi, is hereby designated for coordination and liaison with the concerned agencies in respect of residents and students presently residing/studying in Iran," an order issued by the General Administration Department said. "The officer shall coordinate and liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the concerned embassy/consular authorities and other relevant agencies as may be required to facilitate information sharing, coordination and necessary interventions related to the safety, welfare and travel facilitation of the related matters of the residents/students of the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in Iran." There are dozens of students belonging to J&K studying different professional courses, including MBBS, in Iran. In addition, many pilgrims from J&K belonging to the Shia Muslim community are presently in Iran paying obeisance at places of reverence. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke to External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar on the issue. "Just spoke to EAM @DrSJaishankar ji about the evolving situation in Iran. He shared his assessment of the ground situation & the plans that the External Affairs Ministry is working on. I'm grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students & other people from J&K who are in Iran now", Abdullah said in a post on X. Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also urged the Centre to ensure the safety of Indian residents and students presently in Iran. "Thousands of students from across the country including Kashmir are stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation. This has triggered deep fear and anxiety with anguished parents desperately worried about their children's safety. Urge @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return", she said in a post on X. - IANS Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin extended Pongal greetings, linking the festival's joy to his governance model. He described Pongal as a celebration deeply rooted in Tamil culture, nature, and collective well-being. Stalin stated that the principles of the Dravidian Model 2.0, focusing on social justice and inclusive growth, would multiply the prosperity felt during the festival. He emphasized that such festivals unite people and expressed confidence in Tamil Nadu's collective progress. Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin says the Pongal festival's spirit of joy and prosperity will grow under the state's Dravidian Model 2.0 of governance. Chennai, Jan 15 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday said that the spirit of joy and prosperity associated with the Pongal festival would be multiplied many times under the Dravidian Model 2.0 of governance. Tamil Nadu is celebrating 'Thai Pongal', the traditional harvest festival of the Tamils, with great enthusiasm and cultural pride across the state. From villages to cities, families are welcoming the festival by wearing new clothes, decorating their homes, and preparing Pongal in new earthen pots, symbolising gratitude to nature and hope for abundance in the year ahead. In his Pongal greeting message, the Chief Minister extended warm wishes to the people of the state, expressing hope that the festival would usher in prosperity, happiness, and progress in every Tamil household. He highlighted the deep cultural and civilisational roots of Pongal, describing it as a festival that celebrates nature, labour, and collective well-being. "May this Tamil festival, which honours wisdom, celebrates sweetness, and praises the red throne of dignity, enrich the lives of Tamils in the coming year," the Chief Minister said in his message. He noted that Pongal is not merely a ritualistic celebration but a reflection of Tamil identity, unity, and resilience that lives in the hearts and homes of the people. CM Stalin further said that the Dravidian Model of governance aims to strengthen social justice, inclusive growth, and cultural pride, and that the happiness experienced during Pongal would grow manifold as these principles are carried forward in Dravidian Model 2.0. According to him, the government's welfare initiatives, economic reforms, and people-centric policies are designed to ensure that the fruits of development reach every section of society. The Chief Minister also emphasised that Tamil festivals like Pongal bind the community together beyond differences of caste, creed, or economic status, reinforcing the spirit of equality and shared progress. Concluding his message, CM Stalin expressed confidence that the collective strength of the people would guide Tamil Nadu towards greater achievements in the new year. "Let us move forward together and win together," he said, signing off with the message of unity and optimism that defines the essence of Pongal celebrations. - IANS Karnataka's Congress government will challenge the central government's repeal of the MGNREGA scheme through constitutional, legal, and public avenues. A joint session of the state legislature has been convened for a special discussion on the issue, which has been replaced by the new VB-G RAM G Act. State ministers have condemned the decision as "draconian," arguing it snatches the right to work from rural laborers. Meanwhile, the Congress party has announced a nationwide three-phase agitation titled "MGNREGA Bachao" to protest the move. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says the state will challenge the scrapping of MGNREGA constitutionally, legally, and in the people's court. Bengaluru, January 15 Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday said that the State government would challenge the scrapping of the MGNREGA scheme constitutionally and legally, and would also take the issue to the people's court. The ruling Congress government has convened a joint session of the State Legislature from January 22, which would feature a special discussion on the repeal of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) that has been replaced by the newly-enacted Viksit Bharat- Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025. "A joint session has been convened. As per tradition, the Governor's address will be held. A major injustice has taken place in rural areas, with the MGNREGA scheme being scrapped. We have called for a two-day session to discuss this issue. I do not have any special responsibility in this matter; it comes under my department. Since it comes to our department, we will have to take the lead. We have placed before the public the differences between the VB G Ram G scheme and MGNREGA and explained the economic and social impact. We will challenge this constitutionally and legally and will also take it to the people's court," Kharge said. Earlier, the Karnataka Minister HK Patil condemned the Centre's decision to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), describing it as "draconian". "It is unfortunate that the government of India has repealed the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. This is one of the draconian decisions the Government of India has made, which is to repeal MGNREGA," Patil said. He said the Act had ensured the right to work for rural citizens. "MGNREGA was giving the right to work to the people, but the central government has snatched that right from people, particularly those agricultural labourers, labourers who were dwelling in rural areas," he said. The Congress party had on Saturday announced a nationwide three-phase agitation titled "MGNREGA Bachao" following the Centre's newly enacted VB-G RAM G Act. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Congress General Secretaries KC Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh accused the Centre of attempting to centralise the employment guarantee scheme and acting arbitrarily. Venugopal said the Congress Working Committee had approved a structured campaign titled "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram"."Phase 1 will begin on January 8 with a full-day preparatory meeting at Pradesh Congress Committee offices," he said."District-level press conferences will be held on January 10, followed by a one-day fast at district headquarters on January 11 near the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar," Venugopal added. As per the party, Phase 2 of the campaign will run from January 12 to January 30. "Panchayat-level chaupals will be organised across all gram panchayats, and a letter from the Congress president will be delivered," Venugopal said. He added that Vidhan Sabha-level nukkad sabhas and pamphlet distribution are also planned. "On January 30, Martyrs' Day, the party will hold peaceful sit-ins at the ward level with MGNREGA workers," he said. "Phase 3 will begin on January 31 with district-level MGNREGA Bachao dharnas at DC and DM offices till February 6," Venugopal said. "This will be followed by state-level gheraos of Vidhan Sabha buildings from February 7 to February 15 and four zonal AICC rallies across the country between February 16 and February 25," he added. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam as a unique initiative that celebrates India's cultural unity while respecting regional identities. He highlighted the deep historical and spiritual connections between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, referencing figures like Saint Kumaraguruparar and poet Subramania Bharati. The program, now in its fourth edition, has expanded to include academic discussions, cultural performances, and language learning, with the current theme being 'Tamil Karkalam - Learn Tamil'. Modi emphasized that such efforts are crucial for realizing the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam initiative for strengthening 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' and celebrating India's cultural unity. New Delhi, Jan 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam stands out as a truly unique initiative that celebrates the living unity of India's diverse traditions while respecting and honouring their distinct identities. He further credited the event for strengthening the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. In a blog post, the Prime Minister recalled his recent visit to the Somnath Temple in Gujarat during the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, where people from across the country had gathered. He met several people during the programme who had earlier visited Somnath as part of the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam and had also travelled to Kashi during the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. "Their words of appreciation for such platforms touched me, and so, I thought of sharing a few thoughts on this subject," he added. The Prime Minister recalled that during one of his monthly radio programmes, 'Mann Ki Baat', he had spoken about not learning Tamil being a "major regret" of his life. "Fortunately, over the last few years, our government has had several opportunities to further popularise Tamil culture across India and to deepen the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'. A prime example of such an effort is the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam," he said. Highlighting the deeper cultural meaning of such initiatives, PM Modi noted that in the Indian ethos, a Sangam or confluence holds a special place. "Seen in this light, the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam stands out as a truly distinctive initiative, one that celebrates the living unity of India's many traditions while honouring their unique identities," he said. He also underlined the significance of Kashi as the venue for the Sangamam. "And what can be a better place than Kashi to host such a Sangamam. The same Kashi, which has remained a civilisational anchor from time immemorial... where, for thousands of years, people from all over have come in search of knowledge, meaning and Moksha," the Prime Minister wrote. Emphasising the "very deep connection" between Kashi and the Tamil people and culture, PM Modi said, "It is in Kashi that Baba Vishwanath resides, while Tamil Nadu has Rameswaram. Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu is known as Kashi of the south or Dakshin Kashi. Saint Kumaraguruparar Swamigal forged a lasting link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu through his spirituality, scholarship and institution-building." He also referred to Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, describing him as one of Tamil Nadu's greatest sons who found in Kashi a space for intellectual growth and spiritual awakening. PM Modi said it was in Kashi that Bharati's nationalism deepened, his poetry became sharper, and his vision of a free and united India took clearer shape. Recalling the beginnings of the initiative, the Prime Minister said the first edition of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam was held in 2022, when he attended the inaugural programme. He noted that scholars, artisans, students, farmers, writers, professionals and many others from Tamil Nadu travelled to Kashi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya as part of the event. He said subsequent editions of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam expanded both the scale and depth, with the aim being to "keep introducing fresh themes, innovative formats and deeper engagement, thus ensuring that the Sangamam continued to evolve while remaining rooted in its core spirit". According to him, the second edition in 2023 made extensive use of technology so that language would not become a barrier. In the third edition, the focus shifted to Indian knowledge systems, alongside increased academic discussions, cultural performances, exhibitions and interactions. PM Modi further said the fourth edition of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam commenced on December 2, 2025, with the theme 'Tamil Karkalam - Learn Tamil'. He described it as a "unique opportunity for people in Kashi and other parts to learn the beautiful Tamil language", adding that teachers from Tamil Nadu came to Kashi and the students there had a "very memorable experience". Highlighting special events organised this year, the Prime Minister said the ancient Tamil literary classic Tholkappiyam was translated into four Indian languages and six foreign languages. He also referred to a unique initiative, the Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition (SAVE), which travelled from Tenkasi to Kashi. "On the way, various initiatives such as eye camps, health awareness camps, digital literacy camps, among other things, were held," he wrote. The expedition also paid homage to King Adi Veera Parakrama Pandiyan, the Pandya ruler known for spreading the message of cultural oneness. PM Modi noted that exhibitions were organised at Namo Ghat, academic sessions were held at Banaras Hindu University, and several cultural programmes took place. The Prime Minister said one of the aspects that gives him the greatest satisfaction about the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam is the enthusiastic participation of thousands of young people. "It illustrates the passion among our Yuva Shakti to deepen their connect with our roots. It is a brilliant platform for them to showcase their talent and creativity during the various cultural programmes," he said. He added that efforts were also made to ensure the journey to Kashi itself became a memorable experience for participants. The Indian Railways ran special trains from Tamil Nadu to Uttar Pradesh. "In many railway stations, particularly in Tamil Nadu, they were cheered, and the train journey was marked by melodious songs and conversations," he said. The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the "sisters and brothers" of Kashi and Uttar Pradesh for their "warmth and hospitality" towards the delegates of the various editions of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam. "Several people opened the doors of their homes for the guests from Tamil Nadu. The local administration worked round the clock to ensure the guests had a seamless experience. As the MP from Varanasi, I could not be prouder!" he wrote. The Prime Minister noted that this time the valedictory function of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam was held in Rameswaram and was attended by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, whom he described as a "proud son of Tamil Nadu". "He delivered a very inspiring address, emphasising India's spiritual greatness and how such platforms deepen national integration," PM Modi said. According to the Prime Minister, the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam has delivered meaningful outcomes by "strengthening cultural understanding, fostering academic and people-to-people exchanges and creating lasting bonds between parts of the country that share a civilisational ethos". "In the coming times, we want to make this platform even more vibrant. Most importantly, it has furthered the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'," he added, noting that this spirit has flourished for centuries through India's festivals, literature, music, art, cuisine, architecture and systems of knowledge. PM Modi also extended his greetings to people across the country on auspicious festivals such as Sankranti, Uttarayan, Pongal and Magh Bihu, which are closely associated with the Sun, nature and farming. "These festivals bring people together and deepen the spirit of harmony in our society. I convey my best wishes for these festivals and hope they continue to inspire us to deepen national unity through our shared heritage and collective participation," he said. - IANS The Kremlin has emphasized the necessity of continuing dialogue with the United States regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov agreed with former US President Donald Trump's assessment that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is hindering the peace process. Separately, Russia is awaiting a US response to its proposal to extend the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty for another year. This treaty remains the sole active nuclear arms control agreement between the two nations. Kremlin says talks with US on Ukraine are vital, agrees with Trump that Zelensky hinders peace. Awaits response on extending New START nuclear treaty. Moscow, Jan 15 The Kremlin said Thursday that it is necessary and important to continue its dialogue with the United States on Ukraine. Commenting on the possible visit of US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff and entrepreneur Jared Kushner to Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia expects such a visit to take place as soon as the dates are agreed upon. Peskov said Moscow agrees with US President Donald Trump's comment that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is holding back the peace process, adding that the situation for Ukraine is worsening daily as its decision-making corridor is narrowing, Xinhua news agency reported. Trump told the media on Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to make a deal, while Ukraine is less ready to do so. Asked why US-led negotiations had not yet resolved the conflict, Trump responded: "Zelensky." Meanwhile, Peskov said Russia has not yet received a response from the United States to Russia's initiative to extend the arms restrictions established by the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) for another year. Signed by Russia and the United States in 2010, the New START treaty imposes caps on the number of deployed nuclear warheads and strategic delivery systems. It remains the only active nuclear arms control agreement between the two nuclear superpowers. In February 2021, Moscow and Washington extended the treaty by an additional five years to February 2026. In September, Putin said Russia is prepared to continue observing the treaty if the United States was willing to do the same. - IANS Interfax-Ukraine to host discussion 'Breakneck start of the year in Ukraine and around the world' On Monday, January 19, at 12.00, the press center of the Interfax-Ukraine news agency will host a discussion entitled "Breakneck start of the year in Ukraine and around the world." Participants include economist, financial analyst Oleksiy Kusch; political expert Kostiantyn Matviyenko; political scientist, co-founder of National Platform of Resilience and Cohesion Oleh Sahakian (8/5a Reitarska Street). The event will be streamed on the Interfax-Ukraine YouTube channel. Admission requires registration on the spot with press ID cards. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla addressed the Commonwealth Speakers' Conference, highlighting India's economic growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He emphasized the dual role of AI and social media in enhancing efficiency while posing challenges like misinformation and social polarization. Birla called for ethical AI frameworks and accountable social media as essential for democratic health. The conference aims to develop policy recommendations for the responsible use of technology in legislatures worldwide. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla highlights India's democratic growth under PM Modi and urges ethical AI use at global Commonwealth parliamentary conference. New Delhi, January 15 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday said India has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing economies under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is increasingly being looked at for guidance in addressing global challenges. Addressing the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), Birla said the event aims to provide a crucial platform for lawmakers to exchange best practices, new initiatives, and experiences related to parliamentary democracy, at a time when democratic institutions worldwide are facing rapid technological and social change. Highlighting India's democratic journey, the Lok Sabha Speaker said that over the past seven decades, Parliament and State Legislatures have strengthened democracy through people-centric policies and welfare-oriented laws. He also underlined the role of India's impartial and transparent electoral system in ensuring broad citizen participation and deepening public trust. Addressing delegates, including 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries and four semi-autonomous parliaments, Birla said India, known as the "Mother of Democracy," continues to strengthen democratic dialogue, cooperation, and shared values through its robust parliamentary traditions. Birla noted that Parliament and the government have jointly repealed outdated laws and enacted time-relevant, public-interest legislation, enabling India to move steadily towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation. Referring to the growing influence of technology, he said Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media have enhanced the efficiency of democratic institutions but have also created serious challenges, including misinformation, violence, crime and social polarisation. Calling ethical AI and accountable social media the "need of the hour," Birla urged balanced policy responses to prevent misuse while harnessing technology for democratic good. He expressed confidence that the conference would produce concrete policy recommendations and a clear roadmap for the responsible use of AI and social media in legislatures. The Speaker said the use of AI is steadily increasing in India's Parliament and State Legislatures, with legislative work moving towards paperless processes. He added that efforts are underway to connect all legislative institutions through a common digital platform, setting new benchmarks in transparency and efficiency.Under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, Birla said, the initiative to digitally integrate legislatures is a significant step towards democratic empowerment. He added that the conference would also deliberate on strengthening institutional impartiality, enhancing public trust, and preserving the dignity and credibility of parliaments, expressing confidence that its outcomes would help legislatures address contemporary democratic challenges. - ANI Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrived at Parliament for the 28th Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference (CSPOC), which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The high-level gathering features 61 Speakers from 42 Commonwealth countries, including delegations from the UK, Canada, and Australia. Key themes for discussion include the role of AI in parliament, the impact of social media on lawmakers, and strategies to boost public engagement with democratic institutions. This edition, hosted by India from January 14-16, is noted as the largest in the conference's history. PM Modi inaugurates the 28th Commonwealth Speakers' Conference in Parliament, with delegations from 42 nations discussing AI, democracy, and innovation. New Delhi, January 15 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrived at the Parliament House on Thursday for the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, 2026. The conference will be inaugurated today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. According to an official release, PM Modi will inaugurate the conference at 10:30 am and address the gathering. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar also reached the Parliament House for the conference. The high-level conference will be chaired by Birla and will feature 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments, underscoring the event's global scale and significance. Delegations from several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have reached Parliament to participate in the high-level gathering. Other arrivals include the Deputy Speaker of Namibia, delegations from Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Cameroon, Malaysia, and representatives from the Australian High Commission, led by High Commissioner Philip Green. According to the release, CSPOC will deliberate on a range of contemporary parliamentary issues to strengthen democratic institutions and modern legislative practices. Key themes include the evolving role of Speakers and Presiding Officers, technological innovation in parliamentary functioning, and enhancing citizen engagement with democratic processes. Among the major topics scheduled for discussion are "AI in Parliament: Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation", to be led by Malaysia; "Social Media and its Impact on Parliamentarians", to be presented by Sri Lanka; and "Innovative Strategies to Enhance Public Understanding of Parliament and Citizen Participation Beyond Voting", with contributions from Nigeria and South Africa. Other sessions will focus on the security, health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, as well as a special plenary discussion on the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions. Earlier on Wednesday, Birla chaired a Standing Committee meeting ahead of the 28th CSPOC. CSPOC is being hosted by the Parliament of India from January 14 to 16, and it will be the largest in terms of participation. The 27th edition of CSPOC was hosted by Uganda in January 2024, and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, and the Leader of IPD at that conference had taken over from Uganda as the host of the 28th edition of CSPOC, to be held in India in 2026. - ANI Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla held bilateral meetings with Speakers from the UK, Mauritius, Botswana, Saint Lucia, and Tanzania on the sidelines of the 28th Commonwealth Speakers' Conference in New Delhi. Discussions centered on the role of the Commonwealth platform in strengthening democratic dialogue, mutual trust, and inter-parliamentary cooperation. Birla highlighted India's focus on AI, science, technology-driven innovation, and digital parliament initiatives, while also cautioning about the challenges of misinformation and cybercrime. The meetings aimed to enhance bilateral relations, two-way investment, and partnerships on inclusive development and capacity building. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla engages with UK, Mauritius, Tanzania & other Commonwealth counterparts at CSPOC, focusing on AI, tech innovation & parliamentary ties. New Delhi, January 16 Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday interacted with Speakers of Parliaments of various Commonwealth countries on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth being hosted by Parliament of India and discussed the role of CSPOC in strengthening parliamentary cooperation, democratic values and people-to-people ties. Om Birla said he had an engaging interaction with Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. "Highlighted India's focus on AI, science and technology-driven research and innovation. Informed that several UK universities are coming to India and reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing two-way investment, including increased FDI flows between India and the UK," he said in a post on X. Referring to his meeting with Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, Speaker of the National Assembly of Mauritius, Birla said the bilateral relationship between the countries has been characterized by a high level of trust and mutual understanding at the leadership level and continued high-level political engagement. "Glad to note that Parliament of Mauritius is eager to join us in further strengthening partnership and to promote democracy, peace and prosperity in the world. Several other issues of mutual interest were also discussed," he said in a post on X. Om Birla met Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse, Speaker of the Parliament of Botswana and shared insights on the importance of CSPOC in strengthening democratic dialogue, mutual trust, and inter-parliamentary cooperation. "Also appreciated his leadership as a young Speaker in upholding the dignity, autonomy, transparency, and inclusiveness of parliamentary institutions," he said. Birla also met Claudius James Francis, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia, and Alvina Reynolds, President of the Senate of Saint Lucia. "We discussed the role of CSPOC in strengthening parliamentary cooperation, shared democratic values, and people-to-people ties. Our discussions also covered India's engagement with CARICOM and the Global South, inclusive development, and cooperation in Digital Parliament initiatives, AI-based innovations, capacity building, and digital payments such as UPI," he said in a post on X. "I am confident that this dialogue will further strengthen parliamentary cooperation and bilateral relations between India and Saint Lucia," he added. In his meeting with Mussa Azan Zungu, Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, Birla discussed the importance of CSPOC as a platform for democratic dialogue and parliamentary cooperation. "I highlighted the long-standing India-Tanzania friendship, rooted in anti-colonial solidarity, non-alignment, and South-South cooperation," he said. In his welcome speech at the inaugural event, Birla said that maintaining the dignity, credibility and prestige of parliamentary institutions in the eyes of the people must remain a paramount priority for all democracies. He noted that India's leadership is offering decisive solutions to global challenges and that the world today looks towards India for direction, stability and inspiration Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth in the iconic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Birla drew attention to the rapid technological transformations reshaping societies and governance, and observed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of democratic institutions. However, he cautioned that their misuse has also given rise to serious concerns such as misinformation, cybercrime and social polarisation. The Speaker asserted that it is a collective responsibility of legislatures to engage seriously with these challenges and evolve appropriate solutions. He underscored the growing importance of ethical AI and credible, transparent and accountable social media frameworks in safeguarding democratic values. Expressing confidence, he noted that the Conference would facilitate in-depth deliberations on these critical global issues and lead to concrete policy-oriented outcomes, enabling legislatures to harness technology in an ideal and responsible manner. Highlighting India's experience, Birla shared that the use of AI and digital technologies is steadily increasing in the Parliament of India and State Legislatures. He noted that legislative institutions are being progressively made paperless and integrated through a unified digital platform, setting new benchmarks in transparency, efficiency and accessibility. Birla observed that through the collective efforts of parliament and Government, India has repealed several obsolete and unnecessary laws, enacted new welfare-oriented legislations and framed policies aligned with the aspirations of the people, noting that these initiatives have accelerated India's progress towards the goal of becoming a developed and self-reliant nation. Reflecting on India's parliamentary journey of over seven decades, the Speaker underlined that India has consistently strengthened its democratic institutions through people-centric policies, welfare-oriented legislation and an impartial and robust electoral system. These efforts, he noted, have ensured inclusive participation of citizens in the democratic process and have deepened public faith in democracy. Emphasising the role of Commonwealth parliamentary forums, the Speaker stated that such platforms possess the unique capacity to bring together Presiding Officers from diverse democracies to deliberate on issues of global importance. He stressed that collective wisdom and shared responsibility are essential for addressing the evolving challenges confronting legislatures worldwide. - ANI Voting is underway for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections after a prolonged gap of nine years. BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani cast his vote and assured citizens of smooth arrangements, appealing for high voter turnout. The polls are a high-stakes contest, marked by the reunion of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray to consolidate Marathi votes against the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance. These are the first BMC elections since the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. BMC Commissioner urges Mumbaikars to vote as Mumbai civic polls see high-stakes contest after 9 years. Over 1.7 lakh candidates in Maharashtra. Mumbai, Jan 15 As voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections is underway, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani cast his vote this morning and assured the city residents that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and secure polling process across the city. Speaking to IANS after casting his vote in the 2026 BMC elections, Gagrani said that essential facilities have been arranged at all polling stations in Mumbai. "As you know, the voting process has begun today in municipal areas. In Mumbai, polling is underway smoothly at all locations. Essential facilities have been arranged at every polling station. Adequate police presence has been ensured, and our trained staff are available to assist voters," he said. Appealing to voters, the BMC Commissioner urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process. "I request Mumbaikars to come out and vote. Voting is both your right and your duty. When you vote, the issues in your respective areas can be addressed effectively. Therefore, everyone should go and vote," he told IANS. Polling is being conducted across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, with a total of 3.48 crore voters eligible to decide the fate of 15,931 candidates. The spotlight remains firmly on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, India's richest civic body, which has an annual budget of over Rs 74,400 crore. In the BMC elections, around 1,700 candidates are contesting for 227 seats. These elections are being held after a delay of nearly four years. In Mumbai, BMC elections are taking place after a prolonged gap of nine years. To ensure law and order during the polling process, more than 25,000 police personnel have been deployed across the city. The Mumbai civic polls have turned into a high-stakes political contest, with the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance facing a challenge from the reunited Thackeray brothers. After nearly two decades, Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray of the Maharashtra Navnirmal Sena (MNS) have come together in a bid to reclaim their political influence and consolidate Marathi votes in the city. The elections also mark the first BMC polls since the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena, when Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde broke away with the majority of party MLAs and formed the state government in alliance with the BJP. Shiv Sena had dominated the BMC for 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. Counting of votes is scheduled to take place on January 16. Ahead of the polls, rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have forged local alliances in cities such as Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Meanwhile, the Congress, once a dominant force in Maharashtra, has decided to contest independently in Mumbai, partnering with Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and the Rashtriya Samaj Paksh. - IANS Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cast his vote in Nagpur for the local body elections, urging all citizens to participate in the democratic process. His wife, Amruta Fadnavis, also emphasized the importance of voting and making informed choices for development. The opposition, led by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve, has accused the ruling BJP of unleashing money power to influence voters. Elections are being held for 2,801 seats across 29 municipal corporations, with results scheduled for January 16. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and family vote in local polls. Opposition alleges money power misuse as elections are held for 29 corporations. Nagpur, Jan 15 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday arrived with his family to vote in the local body elections. Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Fadnavis said, "Our democracy is a unit that can be considered the fundamental cornerstone of democracy. Therefore, voting in it is very important. I urge everyone who believes in India's democracy to go and vote. "I believe that voting is not only your right but also your duty. If we want good governance in a democracy, we must go and vote. That is why I have also voted. I appeal to everyone to vote in large numbers, and not stay at home. I urge all people to participate in this high spirit of democracy." Speaking to reporters, Amruta Fadnavis, the Chief Minister's wife, urged citizens to exercise their democratic rights. "It is an important part of democracy to exercise our right to vote. I believe everyone should come out and vote," she said. She further said that voters should carefully consider their choices. "People should think before casting their votes and decide who is best for development. It is important to see which party is working for development and delivering benefits to citizens at their doorstep," she told IANS. BJP spokesperson Asif Bhamla expressed satisfaction over the smooth conduct of the polling process. "I am happy to see that the electoral process is running smoothly. However, it is concerning that many people are not fully utilising this opportunity. As a Mumbaikar, I hope more citizens will participate as the day progresses," he said. The Opposition has accused the ruling alliance of unleashing money power and has also blamed the State Election Commission (SEC) for the mismanagement of voter lists Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Leader of Opposition in the state council, Ambadas Danve, alleged that the BJP was intoxicated with money power. Danve, after casting his vote in Sambhajinagar, said, "I received calls until 4.00 a.m. about how the BJP has showered money across this city. The BJP is intoxicated and arrogant because of their wealth. BJP leaders talk grandly about development; if that is true, why do they need to rain down money? They should ask for votes based on their work, but that hasn't happened." Meanwhile, polling for the 29 municipal corporations began at 7.30 a.m. and will conclude at 5.30 p.m. While elections were originally scheduled for 2,869 seats, including 227 seats in the BMC, polling is now being held for 2,801 seats, as 68 candidates were elected unopposed. No voting will take place for these uncontested seats. A total of 3.48 crore voters will decide the fate of 15,931 candidates, including 1,729 candidates in Mumbai alone. The counting of votes will take place on January 16. According to the State Election Commission, arrangements have been made across 39,147 polling stations, equipped with 43,958 Control Units and 87,916 Ballot Units. In Mumbai, there are 10,111 polling stations with 11,349 Control Units and 22,698 Ballot Units. Elections are being held in municipal corporations across major cities, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kalyan-Dombivli, Vasai-Virar, Mira-Bhayandar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Amravati, Akola, Latur, Jalgaon, Dhule, Jalna, Chandrapur, Parbhani, Nanded-Waghala, Panvel, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Malegaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Ichalkaranji, Ahilyanagar, and Ulhasnagar. These elections are being conducted after a gap of more than six years, as the tenures of the municipal corporations ended between 2020 and 2023. Except for Mumbai, elections in the remaining 28 corporations are being held under the multi-member ward system, while Mumbai follows a single-member ward system. - IANS A senior citizen directly confronted actress-politician Hema Malini about chaotic conditions and long delays at a polling booth during the Maharashtra local body elections. The voter, a 60-year resident, expressed frustration over a two-hour wait and a lack of accountability from officials. Hema Malini, after casting her own vote, appealed to all Mumbai residents to exercise their franchise, linking voting to the city's security, progress, and quality of life. Polling is being held for 2,801 seats across 29 municipal corporations, with results expected on January 16. A senior citizen voiced frustration to Hema Malini about voting chaos during Maharashtra local polls. The actress-politician urged Mumbaikars to vote. Mumbai, Jan 15 During the ongoing Maharashtra local polls on Thursday, a senior citizen, who has lived in the area for over 60 years, voiced his frustration over the voting process directly to actress-politician Hema Malini. While Hema Malini addressed the media after casting her vote, an elderly citizen came and said to the actress-politician: "I'm a senior citizen. I've been residing in this area for the last 60 years. There is chaos, for the first time. Last, I'm trying to vote since 7.30 and 9.30 I got it voted. Nobody is answerable. Nobody is accountable." He added: "I'm a senior citizen. I've been residing in this area for the last 60 years." Hema was later seen appealing to Mumbai residents to exercise their right to vote in the ongoing Maharashtra local body polls, urging that civic participation is key to improving the quality of life in the city. Speaking to the reporters after casting her vote, Hema Malini said, "I request everyone in Mumbai to come and vote. I have come early in the morning to vote. This is very, very important for every citizen of Mumbai. If you want security, if you want progress in Mumbai, if you want good air in Mumbai, if you want free roads, we all have to take responsibility for all these things." The actress-politician said that everybody has to be "responsible and come and vote". "Only if we practice the right to vote, Mumbai will be the best city in the world. It can be better, it can be better. For this, all of you should support us. So I request all the citizens of Mumbai to come and vote for the right people." Asked what kind of progress she wants to see in Mumbai, Hema Malini replied: "The way the parties are working. What kind of progress is left in Mumbai? If someone wins, they will work. I just said that if you want good air, free roads, security, and progress, you have to support everyone. Only if you support the government will all this happen." Polling for the 29 municipal corporations began at 7.30 a.m. and will conclude at 5.30 p.m. While elections were originally scheduled for 2,869 seats, including 227 seats in the BMC, polling is now being held for 2,801 seats, as 68 candidates were elected unopposed. No voting will take place for these uncontested seats. A total of 3.48 crore voters will decide the fate of 15,931 candidates, including 1,729 candidates in Mumbai alone. The counting of votes will take place on January 16. According to the State Election Commission, arrangements have been made across 39,147 polling stations, equipped with 43,958 Control Units and 87,916 Ballot Units. In Mumbai, there are 10,111 polling stations with 11,349 Control Units and 22,698 Ballot Units. Elections are being held in municipal corporations across major cities, including Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Kalyan-Dombivli, Vasai-Virar, Mira-Bhayandar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Amravati, Akola, Latur, Jalgaon, Dhule, Jalna, Chandrapur, Parbhani, Nanded-Waghala, Panvel, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Malegaon, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Ichalkaranji, Ahilyanagar, and Ulhasnagar. - IANS The polling for Municipal Corporations across Maharashtra was marred by significant administrative and technical failures from the outset. Reports flooded in of malfunctioning EVMs, missing voter names, and unresponsive buttons, causing major delays and public inconvenience. The chaos was exemplified by Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, who, along with his family, spent an hour searching across multiple polling stations before finally being able to cast his vote. The widespread issues have sparked severe criticism of the State Election Commission's handling of the electoral process. Voting for Maharashtra municipal corporations hit by EVM failures, missing voter lists, and long delays, causing public outrage and inconveniencing even a state minister. Mumbai, Jan 15 The voting for Municipal Corporations across the state, which began at 7.30 a.m. on Thursday, was plagued by administrative mismanagement. The primary victim of this inefficiency was Forest Minister Ganesh Naik, who was forced to run from pillar to post for an hour before he could finally cast his vote for the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation. Reports of names missing from voter lists, malfunctioning EVMs, and unresponsive buttons have been pouring in since the morning. These lapses have caused significant inconvenience to citizens who turned out in large numbers to vote. Public outrage is mounting against the State Election Commission's handling of the process. In cities like Mumbai, Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Pune, and Pimpri-Chinchwad, voting in many booths began with non-functional machines. After an hour of chaos, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik and his family finally managed to vote. Naik levelled serious allegations against the SEC, stating that the system was failing to work "to the point". The confusion began at 7.30 a.m. After visiting two different polling stations without finding their names, Minister Ganesh Naik, his son and former MP Sanjeev Naik, and daughter-in-law Kalpana Naik eventually found their names at St. Mary's High School in Koparkhairane. However, the names of his nephew (former Mayor Sagar Naik) and his wife were listed at a different location. For a family that has historically voted at the same booth, the SEC's mismanagement forced them to cast their votes separately this time. Minister Naik remarked, "It is anyone's guess that if a minister like me can face a situation where his name is missing from the voters' list, then one can imagine what might be happening to common voters." Minister Naik has been the BJP's face in Navi Mumbai, who took on the Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde during the fierce battle. In Mira-Bhayandar, a lack of awareness campaigns left many voters confused about their designated polling centres, leading to people wandering the streets in search of their booths. In Mumbai's traditionally Marathi people-dominated Lalbaug's Chivda Galli, the EVM started only after a 30-minute delay. Shiv Sena(UBT) leader Sudhir Salvi expressed his frustration over the long wait forced upon the voters. In Kurla (Mumbai), at Pant Walawalkar School in Kamgar Nagar, voters alleged a lack of cooperation from election staff. Confusion peaked as voter names, centres, and booth numbers had been changed without adequate notice. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, chaos erupted at the Gujarati Kanya Vidyalaya after an EVM malfunctioned. It took nearly an hour to repair the machine, leaving citizens standing in long queues. In Solapur, voting was stalled at Sangameshwar Public School from 7.30 a.m. due to a technical glitch in the EVM. The process resumed only after a 45-minute delay. In Nagpur, in Ward 28, voting at the GRK Convent (Aradhana Nagar) was delayed for 40 minutes due to a technical fault. The process only commenced after the EVM was replaced. - IANS Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was an early voter at a Mumbai polling station for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. He spoke to reporters, emphasizing the importance of voting and encouraging citizens to participate. Polling is being held across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, with major political parties contesting intensely. The fate of thousands of candidates will be decided by millions of voters, with results expected the following day. Bollywood star Akshay Kumar casts his vote in BMC elections, urging all citizens to participate and choose the right leaders for Maharashtra's cities. Mumbai, January 15 Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was among the first celebrities to reach a polling booth on Thursday morning to cast his vote in the ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The actor arrived early at the Gandhi Shikshan Bhavan polling station in Mumbai to complete the voting process. After casting his vote, Akshay spoke to reporters outside the polling station. While speaking to reporters, the actor emphasised the importance of voting and encouraged people to take part in the election process. Urging citizens to come out and vote, the actor said, "Today is the BMC election... I would urge everyone to definitely vote so that we can choose the right person through voting." Polling is being held on Thursday across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. The elections are taking place after an intense campaign and are seen as crucial for major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and 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. 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 39,092 polling centres have been set up across the state. Polling began at 7:30 am on Thursday, January 15, and will continue until 5:30 pm. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 16. - ANI Twinkle Khanna cast her vote at a polling station in Mumbai during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. She explained that voting provides a sense of control and power over the narrative, describing her act as being "out of habit and hope." Her husband, actor Akshay Kumar, had also voted earlier and urged citizens to participate to choose the right representatives. The elections are being held across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, with results expected the following day. Twinkle Khanna casts her vote in Mumbai's BMC election, calling it an act of "habit and hope." Akshay Kumar also urged citizens to participate. Mumbai, January 15 After actor Akshay Kumar arrived early at the polling booth, his wife and author Twinkle Khanna also showed up to cast her vote on Thursday morning. Twinkle was spotted at the Gandhi Shikshan Bhavan polling station in Mumbai during the ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. After casting her vote, Twinkle interacted with reporters and explained why participating in elections matters, adding that voting gives citizens a voice and helps them feel involved in the system. "I think it gives us a sense of control, a little bit of power over the narrative, and I am voting both out of habit and hope," she said. Earlier in the day, Akshay Kumar, who had also arrived early at the polling booth, spoke to reporters outside and emphasised the importance of voting, encouraging people to take part in the election process. Urging citizens to come out and vote, the actor said, "Today is the BMC election... I would urge everyone to definitely vote so that we can choose the right person through voting." Polling is being held on Thursday across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. The elections are taking place after an intense campaign and are seen as crucial for major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena are contesting the civic elections as allies under the Mahayuti banner, except in Pune, while the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is contesting independently in most corporations. 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 39,092 polling centres have been set up across the state. Polling began at 7:30 am on Thursday, January 15, and will continue until 5:30 pm. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 16. - ANI Voting began for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, India's richest civic body, after an eight-year gap to elect 277 ward members. The Thackeray family, including Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray, and celebrities like Akshay Kumar were among early voters. The BJP is contesting in alliance with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, while NCP factions have joined hands in other key corporations like Pune. The State Election Commission has deployed extensive arrangements, including special assistance for senior citizens and all-women 'pink booths' to encourage voter turnout. Mumbai's BMC polls see 1.7 crore voters. Uddhav Thackeray, Akshay Kumar cast votes. BJP-Shinde Sena alliance vs NCP factions in key battle. Mumbai, January 15 The polling for India's richest municipal corporation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, began on Thursday early morning, with hundreds of voters queueing up to exercise their franchise and elect 277 new ward members, after a gap of nearly 8 years. The last BMC election was held in February 2017. Currently, the posts of deputy mayor and mayor are vacant. Voting began at 7:30 am today, with people queuing at their respective polling booths. A total of 1,700 candidates are set to contest the polls in Mumbai. The Thackeray family, including former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray, also visited polling booth 44 at Kala Nagar, Sahvas Society, in Bandra East to cast their votes. Several Bollywood celebrities are expected to cast their votes, with Akshay Kumar arriving at his assigned booth early in the morning. A total of 1,03,44,315 citizens are eligible to vote in the BMC polls. Of these, 55,16,707 are men, 48,26,509 are women, and the number of other voters is 1,099. The State Election Commission (SEC) has strictly enforced the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), with thousands of personnel deployed for monitoring. Apart from Mumbai, Municipal elections for over 28 other corporations are being held across Maharashtra, with counting of votes scheduled for Friday, January 16. To ensure maximum voter participation, the Maharashtra government has declared January 15 a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The holiday applies to all government and semi-government offices, corporations, and banks within the jurisdiction of the 29 corporations going to the polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting the BMC elections in alliance with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Meanwhile, the National Congress Party, which is part of Mahayuti in the state and the NDA in the Centre, has joined hands with the NCP (SP) in key municipal corporations, including Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune. On Wednesday, South Mumbai Returning Officer, Krishna Jadhav, highlighted how the SEC has set up teams to assist senior citizens and also set up various programs to encourage people to vote. "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," Jadhav told ANI. The state Election Commission also set up a voter awareness message ahead of the municipal elections, lighting up Mumbai's Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The prominent civic bodies going to polls include Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, Panvel, Nashik, Malegaon, Ahilyanagar, Jalgaon, Dhule, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ichalkaranji, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded-Waghala, Parbhani, Jalna, Latur, Amravati, Akola, Nagpur and Chandrapur. - ANI China's auto output, sales reach new highs in 2025, building global win-win ecosystem Xinhua) 08:23, January 15, 2026 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) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Voting is underway for elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation being the most high-stakes contest. The polls are being held after a delay of up to four years, with the terms of these bodies having expired between 2020 and 2023. The battle in Mumbai sees the BJP-led MahaYuti alliance facing off against the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray, who has reunited with his cousin Raj Thackeray for these elections. The results, to be declared on January 16, will determine control of India's richest civic body with a budget exceeding Rs 74,400 crore. Voting for 29 civic bodies, including Mumbai's BMC, underway. Key contest between BJP-led alliance and Thackeray cousins. Results on Jan 16. Mumbai, Jan 15 Voting for elections to 29 civic bodies, including the high-profile Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, is being held on Thursday across Maharashtra under tight security arrangements. As the state goes to the polls, attention is centred on Mumbai, where the BJP-led MahaYuti is engaged in a closely fought contest with the reunited Thackeray cousins, Raj and Uddhav, for control of the country's richest civic body. Polling will be held for a total of 2,869 seats across 893 wards. As many as 3.48 crore voters are eligible to decide the political future of 15,931 candidates in these civic elections. In the BMC alone, which has an annual budget of more than Rs 74,400 crore, nearly 1,700 candidates are in the fray for 227 seats in polls being conducted after a delay of four years. The counting of votes for all 29 municipal corporations will be taken up on January 16. The civic polls are being held after a gap of more than six years, as the terms of these local bodies expired between 2020 and 2023 following a series of legal and administrative hurdles. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spearheaded the ruling alliance's campaign, touring various parts of the state to seek support for MahaYuti candidates, which include the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. These elections also mark the first BMC polls since the Shiv Sena split in 2022, when Shinde broke away with the backing of a majority of the party's MLAs. The undivided Shiv Sena had controlled the BMC for 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. The contest for Mumbai's mayoral post emerged as a major flashpoint during the campaign. The BJP claimed that a victory for the Shiv Sena (UBT) could lead to a Muslim mayor, an allegation that was strongly rebutted by Uddhav Thackeray's party, which assured voters that Mumbai would have a Marathi mayor. Fadnavis, too, asserted that the next mayor would be Hindu and Marathi. In Mumbai, the BJP is contesting 137 seats, while the Shiv Sena is fighting 90 seats, and the NCP has entered the fray separately in 94 seats. The Shiv Sena UBT has fielded 163 candidates, the MNS 52, the Congress 143 and the VBA 46 candidates. Congress has put up a total of 1,263 candidates across the rest of Maharashtra. To ensure the smooth conduct of polling and counting for the BMC elections, more than 25,000 police personnel have been deployed across Mumbai. In a notable political development ahead of the polls, estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray came together after nearly two decades in an effort to consolidate Marathi votes. At the same time, rival factions of the NCP forged a local understanding in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. - IANS Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol cast his vote in the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, expressing confidence in a BJP victory for the mayor's post. He attributed strong public turnout to the development work carried out under the leadership of PM Modi and Devendra Fadnavis, specifically highlighting the expansion of the Pune Metro. Mohol accused the opposition Congress and NCP, particularly Ajit Pawar, of misleading the public and stalling the metro project for over a decade. He urged voters to participate in large numbers as the results for the civic polls are set to be declared. Union MoS Murlidhar Mohol casts vote in Pune, credits PM Modi and Devendra Fadnavis for metro expansion and development, predicts BJP mayor. Pune, January 15 Union Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol cast his vote at polling centre number 42 in ward number 31 at P Jog School in Pune as Maharashtra began voting to elect local body representatives across 29 municipal corporations. Speaking to ANI after exercising his franchise, Mohol said, "I came with my family to cast a vote. I can see a massive response from the public, and it is the result of the work we have done. A lot of projects started in Pune under the leadership of PM Modi, like the 23 Km metro, which was just on paper; moving forward, it will expand to a network of 120 Km. A lot of infrastructure projects have been started as well. Pune benefitted with a lot of schemes under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis. Pune's public votes for development. They are with the BJP, and the mayor of Pune will be from the BJP only." Urging for massive voter turnout, Mohol said, "I appeal to the voters to come out in large numbers to exercise their voting rights." The results for the civic polls will be declared on January 16. Earlier on January 8, Mohol criticised the Congress and the National Congress Party (NCP), accusing them of misleading the public over development issues, particularly the Pune Metro project. Speaking to reporters, the BJP leader alleged that the project failed to make any progress during NCP leader Ajit Pawar's tenure as Pune's Guardian Minister. Mohol said discussions on introducing a Metro system in Pune began as early as 2001 but remained stalled for more than a decade. "Between 2001 and 2014, when Manmohan Singh was the Prime Minister and Ajit Pawar was the Guardian Minister of Pune, the Metro project did not move forward even by an inch," Mohol said, adding that the project gained momentum only after 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Claiming that the BJP alone gave real impetus to the Pune Metro, Mohol said, "Only the Bharatiya Janata Party truly accelerated the Pune Metro project. Today, nearly two lakh Punekars travel daily on the 31-km Metro network. If you ask these commuters, they will unequivocally say that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who started the Metro." He further said that instead of misleading citizens with false claims, Ajit Pawar should demonstrate the role played by the Congress or the NCP in the Metro project, alleging that Pawar was making baseless statements as he had nothing concrete to present ahead of the elections. - ANI North District Police conducted four intensive mock anti-terror drills at sensitive locations across North Delhi in the first half of January 2026. The simulated scenarios included a bomb blast at the Red Fort, a terrorist attack at Delhi University Metro Station, a shooting and hostage situation at ISBT Kashmere Gate, and another bomb blast in Khari Baoli. Agencies like SWAT, Special Cell, Delhi Fire Service, and medical teams responded to test coordination and response times. Police confirmed all exercises were conducted smoothly, showcasing effective preparedness for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations. North Delhi Police conducts simulated terror drills at Red Fort, ISBT, and metro stations to test security preparedness for Republic Day 2026. New Delhi, January 15 In view of the forthcoming Republic Day celebrations, North District Police conducted a series of simulated mock drills at vulnerable and crowded locations to check the preparedness and response time of various stakeholders and agencies, a release said. Four mock drill exercises were conducted during the first fortnight of January 2026 at sensitive locations across North Delhi, including vital installations, historical places, prominent markets and transport hubs, where large numbers of people gather daily. These areas include Red Fort, ISBT Kashmere Gate, Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Sadar Bazar and Metro stations, which are considered highly sensitive from a security perspective. The drills were aimed at augmenting anti-terror measures and sensitising the public and agencies to remain alert during potential terror-related incidents. The first mock drill was conducted on January 3, following a simulated PCR call received at 2:30 PM reporting a bomb blast near Hathi Gate inside the Red Fort, with several persons injured. All concerned agencies, including CATS, Delhi Fire Service, DDMA, Special Cell, Crime Team, Dog Squad, BDT, BDS/CR and MPVs were alerted. Within minutes, a command post was established near Netaji Subhash Marg and access control was implemented. The site was cordoned off, injured persons were shifted to the nearest hospital and the scene of crime was examined by the Bomb Detection Team and Crime Team under the supervision of senior police officers. The second mock drill took place on January 7 at Delhi University Metro Station Gate No. 4. A simulated PCR call at 12:06 PM reported a terrorist attack in which one person was injured and two hostages were taken. Police teams, Special Cell and SWAT units responded swiftly, established access control and neutralised all three simulated terrorists. The injured person was shifted to a hospital and the hostages were rescued safely. On January 10 a third simulated anti-terror exercise was carried out at ISBT Kashmere Gate. The scenario involved terrorists opening fire near Platforms 8 and 9, injuring three persons and taking two passengers hostage. Local police, SWAT commandos and other agencies responded promptly, neutralised the terrorists, rescued the hostages and shifted the injured to hospitals. Arms and ammunition were also recovered as part of the simulation. The fourth mock drill was conducted on January 14 following a simulated PCR call at 1:25 PM reporting a bomb blast near Gol Hatti Booth in the Khari Baoli area. Police teams, along with SWAT, PCR, DDMA, BSES and CATS, reached the spot, established access control and evacuated the injured persons to hospitals. Police said all four mock drill exercises were conducted smoothly and that all stakeholders and agencies responded promptly and effectively, demonstrating preparedness ahead of the Republic Day celebrations. - ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the 'Shaurya Sandhya' event in Jaipur on the 78th Army Day, congratulating the armed forces on the success of Operation Sindoor. He emphasized that modern warfare extends beyond traditional combat to include domains like cyberspace, drones, and media. The Army Day parade was notably held outside Delhi and an army cantonment for the first time, taking place in the heart of Jaipur. Senior military and political leadership, including the Prime Minister, extended their greetings to the force on this occasion. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, at Jaipur's Shaurya Sandhya, praised the armed forces for Operation Sindoor and defined the multifaceted nature of modern warfare. Jaipur, January 15 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday stressed the involvement of modern technology in the current warfare scenario and commended the Indian armed forces on upgrading themselves accordingly during Operation Sindoor, India's responsive strike to Pakistan after the horrific Pahalgam attack. While attending the 'Shaurya Sandhya' at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on the 78th Army Day, the Defence Minister congratulated the Indian Armed Forces on the success of Operation Sindoor, and reiterated that the mission will continue till terrorism is eradicated. "I congratulate the Army on the success of Operation Sindoor. But let me also remind you that Operation Sindoor is not yet over. Until terrorism as an ideology is wiped out, we will continue this operation for peace..." he said. Furthermore, the Defence Minister emphasised that in today's scenario, war is not limited to gunfire. Technology has intervened, and cyberspace, mobile phones, drones, and even the televison has become a part of it. "I do not need to explain the current global circumstances? War is no longer limited to face-to-face gunfire. Modern warfare has become multifaceted. Cyber, space, drones, even TV, newspapers, and mobile phones - all of these have now become part of the battlefield... Just a few months ago, Operation Sindoor took place. The way you (armed forces) upgraded yourselves in response to the changing battlefield circumstances is unique in itself.... It was not just a military operation. It was proof of the country's trust in its armed forces..." he said. The Operation Sindoor was carried out by the Indian armed forces in the early hours of May 7, 2025 against terror camps in Pakistan, eliminating at least 100 terrorists in response to the brutal April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrrorists in the name of religion. The Defence Minister was received by the Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma along with his Deputy CMs and senior BJP leaders upon arrival at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Earlier today, the Army Day Parade commenced in at Jaipur with a Wreath Laying ceremony at the Prerna Sthal, where General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff; General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) paid tribute to the brave soldiers who have made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. Air Vice Marshal M Bandhopadhyay and Commodore P Verma also laid the wreath on behalf of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. Later in the day, 'Shaurya Sandhya' was organised. This marks the fourth occasion that the Army Day Parade was held outside Delhi, following the decision to bring this event to other parts of the country. It was for the first time that the Parade was conducted outside army cantonment, at the heart of the city at Mahal Road, Jaipur, starting from Akshay Patra Circle and culminating at Bombay Hospital. South Western Command has hosted parade for the first time, after being conducted in Bangalore, Lucknow & Pune since 2023. Earlier on Thursday, the Defence Minister extended greetings to Indian Army personnel and their families on the occasion of 78th Army Day, saluting the force's courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country's sovereignty and integrity. In a post on X, Rajnath Singh wrote, "Greetings to our brave Indian Army personnel and their families on the proud occasion of Army Day. The nation salutes their indomitable courage, supreme sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding India's sovereignty and integrity. Ever vigilant on our borders and steadfast in times of crisis, the Indian Army has earned global respect through its professionalism, discipline and humanitarian service. Our Government remains fully committed to building a modern, Atmanirbhar and future-ready Army. A grateful nation stands united in pride and respect for its soldiers." Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, also conveyed warm wishes to the ranks, veterans, and families of the Indian army. Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to remember the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa taking over the command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir FRR Bucher, in 1949 and becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. - ANI Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav offered prayers at the Brihaspati Gurudev Temple in Ujjain, seeking divine blessings for the successful organization of the upcoming Simhastha fair in 2028. He emphasized that all efforts are being made to ensure the grand religious mela, held every 12 years, is celebrated with pride and dignity. The visit followed his prayers at the Mahakaleshwar temple on Makar Sankranti, where he prayed for the prosperity and development of the state and nation. CM Yadav highlighted the cultural significance of Uttarayana and expressed his government's commitment to continuous welfare works. Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav offers prayers at Brihaspati Gurudev and Mahakal temples in Ujjain, seeking blessings for the successful Simhastha fair in 2028. Ujjain, January 15 Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday offered prayers at the Brihaspati Gurudev Temple in Ujjain district and sought blessings of the lord. CM Yadav along with his Seema Yadav reached inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and performed with worship rituals. Speaking to reporters on the occasion, the Chief Minister said, "Today, I took the blessings from Lord Jupiter and I wished that Simhastha, which is one of the world's biggest fairs, would be celebrated with profound pride and dignity. After Sankranti, Uttarayan starts, which fulfils everyone's wishes." Simhastha is a Hindu religious Mela held every 12 years in Ujjain district, Madhya Pradesh. It is also known as the Ujjain Simhastha Kumbh and the previous Simhastha was held in 2016. "The Simhastha 2028 fair is going to be absolutely amazing and all possible efforts are being made to make it successful. In this episode, today, I offered prayers at Brihaspati Gurudev Temple here in Ujjain for the successful execution of Simhastha. Slowly and gradually all the ongoing works will be complete and along with this, we are working on some other works as well," he added. Earlier on Wednesday evening, CM Yadav along with his wife offered prayers at Mahakaleshwar temple on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. He performed worship rituals inside the sanctum sanctorum of the Mahakal temple on the occasion. The Chief Minister prayed for the happiness, prosperity, peace and development of the State and the nation. The temple priests conducted the rituals in accordance with traditional customs and rituals. "The festival of Makar Sankranti holds great significance as day time increases and night hour decreases from this day. In our culture, Uttarayana also has special importance. This is the city of Baba Mahakal. May Baba Mahakal's blessings bring prosperity and joy to everyone's life, may our government remain continuously engaged in welfare works--with this sentiment, I had darshan," CM Yadav told reporters after offering prayers at Mahakal temple. - ANI BJP MP and actor Hema Malini cast her vote in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, urging all citizens of Mumbai to exercise their franchise to improve the city. She emphasized that voting is essential for security, progress, and better infrastructure like pothole-free roads. The elections span 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, with a key political battle for control of the country's richest civic body, the BMC. Major political realignments, including a Thackeray alliance in Mumbai and NCP factions uniting in Pune, mark these high-stakes local polls. BJP MP Hema Malini casts her vote in BMC elections, urging Mumbaikars to vote for a better city. Key civic polls across 29 Maharashtra corporations. Mumbai, January 15 Bharatiya Janata Party MP Hema Malini on Thursday cast her vote in the ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections in Mumbai and urged citizens to exercise their right to vote. She said Mumbai is the best city in the world, and only by exercising their right to vote, citizens will be able to make it even better. "I urge everyone to come out and vote. Just like I came this morning to vote. If you want security, progress, clean air, and pothole-free roads in Mumbai, then we all have to take responsibility and vote. Only by exercising your right to vote will you be able to make Mumbai, which I believe is the best city in the world, even better. I request all the citizens of Mumbai to come and vote for the right people," Malini told reporters. 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra have gone to the polls today as a high-voltage campaign came to an end, setting the stage for a decisive political contest in key urban centres including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Mahayuti is contesting the local body polls largely together, except in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, where the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to ally with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP). 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 polls, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray joined hands on the issue of "son of the soil" in a high-stakes fight for control of the 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 Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), following a split in 2023. Ajit Pawar joined hands with Sharad Pawar again and contested against the 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 (SEC), 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. - ANI External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar led tributes to the Indian Army on Army Day, expressing the nation's eternal gratitude for their service. President Droupadi Murmu commended the Army's professionalism and bravery, specifically highlighting its success in Operation Sindoor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the soldiers' selfless service and steadfast resolve in safeguarding the nation. The day commemorates Lieutenant General K. M. Cariappa becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army in 1949. EAM Jaishankar, President Murmu, and PM Modi extend gratitude to the Indian Army on Army Day, honoring their courage and service. New Delhi, January 15 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saluted the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day. In a post on X, he wrote, "On #ArmyDay today, salute the courage and resolve of our soldiers. The nation stands in eternal gratitude to them and their families for their selfless service." Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Lieutenant General Kodandera M. Cariappa's (later who became Field Marshal ) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949. President Droupadi Murmu too extended warm greetings to the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day, describing the day as a tribute to the courage, dedication and supreme sacrifice of soldiers who serve the nation with steadfast resolve. "I extend my warm felicitations to the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day 2026. Army Day commemorates the courage, dedication and supreme sacrifice of our soldiers who stand steadfast in the service of the nation. The Indian Army remains at the core of national security of India. It has consistently upheld the highest traditions of professionalism, commitment and bravery in defending our borders and saving lives during natural calamities. I commend the Indian Army for its gallant performance and outstanding success in Operation Sindoor," President Murmu wrote in her letter. "I am confident that the Indian Army will continue its legacy in contribution to nation building to facilitate economic progress and inclusive development of the nation. I salute our soldiers and reaffirm the nation's enduring gratitude to the Indian Army and wish all ranks continued success, strength and glory in their noble duty," President Murmu said. Earlier today, PM Modi posted on X. "On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country," he wrote. - ANI A new global report reveals a significant productivity paradox where nearly 40% of the time employees save using AI is lost to correcting its mistakes. The burden of this rework falls disproportionately on younger employees and daily users, who must review AI outputs as carefully as human work. A major disconnect exists, as most leaders prioritize skills training but only a fraction of struggling employees have access to it, with job roles largely unchanged for the AI era. The research concludes that successful organizations treat saved time strategically, reinvesting in people and enabling strategic thinking instead of just more tasks. New report finds AI creates a false sense of productivity as 40% of time saved is lost to fixing AI errors, highlighting a training and job structure gap. Mumbai, January 15 New global research released by Workday reveals a significant "productivity paradox" where organizations are failing to capture the full value of artificial intelligence. While the study, titled "Beyond Productivity: Measuring the Real Value of AI," found that 85% of employees report saving between one and seven hours per week using AI tools, nearly 40% of those time savings are currently being lost to rework. This loss stems from employees having to fix mistakes, rewrite content, and verify outputs from generic AI tools, creating what the report describes as a "false sense of productivity". The burden of this rework is not distributed evenly across the workforce. According to the data, employees aged 25-34 bear the heaviest load, making up 46% of those dealing with the highest levels of AI correction. Furthermore, those who use the technology most frequently are under the most strain; 77% of daily AI users report reviewing AI-generated work just as carefully as, or even more carefully than, work produced by humans. This friction suggests that while AI increases capacity, it is not yet consistently delivering better results because job structures and skills training have not evolved at the same pace. A significant disconnect exists between leadership priorities and the actual employee experience regarding AI readiness. Although 66% of leaders identify skills training as a top priority, only 37% of the employees struggling with the most rework report having access to such training. Additionally, 89% of organizations have updated fewer than half of their job roles to reflect new AI capabilities, meaning many "employees are using 2025 tools inside 2015 job structures". Currently, companies are more likely to reinvest AI-driven savings back into technology (39%) rather than into the development of their people (30%). Gerrit Kazmaier, president of product and technology at Workday, noted that "too many AI tools push the hard questions of trust, accuracy, and repeatability back onto individual users". He emphasized that the goal should be for AI to handle the "complex work under the hood" so that employees can focus on judgment and creativity. The research indicates that the most successful organizations treat saved time as a strategic resource, with employees who see positive outcomes being far more likely to have received increased skills training and to use their extra time for strategic thinking rather than just taking on more tasks. - ANI Congress MP Shashi Tharoor views new US Ambassador Sergio Gor's arrival as a pivotal moment to reset India-US relations, strained by punitive tariffs and geopolitical divergences. Tharoor casts Gor as a "chief restructuring officer" whose mission is to transform the relationship from caution to cooperation, leveraging his direct access to President Trump. Critical tests include reviving the postponed Quad Summit in India and negotiating a comprehensive trade deal to reduce tariffs. Gor's early move to include India in the Pax Silica supply chain partnership is seen as a positive symbolic step to rebuild trust. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor outlines challenges & opportunities for new US Ambassador Sergio Gor to reset strained India-US relations on trade, Quad. New Delhi, Jan 15 Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has termed Sergio Gor's arrival as US Ambassador to India as a pivotal moment for resetting New Delhi-Washington ties, where the American diplomat must act as a "chief restructuring officer" to overcome tariff disputes, market access frictions, and geopolitical divergences, while leveraging shared democratic values to rebuild trust. "Gor kicked off his first day on the right note: 'No partner is more essential than India,' he declared, stressing that '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'," Tharoor, himself a former diplomat, wrote in an opinion piece in The Indian Express on Thursday. "Gor spoke pointedly of 'a relationship anchored at the highest levels. Real friends can disagree, but always resolve their differences in the end'. At just 38, Gor represents a new generation of diplomats - less focused on lofty rhetoric and more on transactional deal-making," he added. Gor's proximity to President Donald Trump, argued the Thiruvananthapuram MP, gives India a rare opportunity to reset ties that have been strained by tariffs, trade disputes, and geopolitical divergences. Raising the issue of India-US relations, often hailed as a "natural partnership", but, which, in recent years, been defined more by friction than cooperation, Tharoor, who is also the chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, recounted the imposition of punitive tariffs of up to 50 per cent in August 2025 leading to a 28.5 per cent drop in Indian exports to the US. Even with peace in Ukraine, India faces tariffs of 25 per cent, leaving its exporters disadvantaged compared to competitors in Southeast Asia, he wrote. Beyond tariffs, disputes over market access, digital services, and medical devices have deepened mistrust. India's pragmatic energy ties with Russia, meanwhile, have complicated Washington's efforts to isolate Moscow. The result, Tharoor noted, is an economic landscape transformed "from one of cooperation to one of caution". Tharoor cast Gor as a "chief restructuring officer" rather than a traditional envoy. His mission is not only to manage diplomacy but to restructure the relationship -- from punitive measures to persistent partnership. Gor's direct access to Trump is seen as his greatest asset, enabling him to cut through bureaucratic inertia and deliver quick wins. On his first day in New Delhi, Gor announced India's inclusion as a full member of Pax Silica - a US-led supply chain partnership in advanced technology. India's earlier omission had been viewed as a deliberate slight, particularly given its role as a key player in the global AI race. Gor's statement was welcomed in New Delhi as a symbolic correction and a sign of goodwill. Another test for Gor will be the revival of the Quad Summit, which India was due to host in 2025 but was postponed amid trade tensions. The Quad - comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia - remains central to Indo-Pacific stability. A commitment from Trump to attend the summit in India would be a powerful signal of renewed strategic alignment. Tharoor, however, warned that Gor's cautious remark that it may happen "hopefully in a year or two" risks dampening expectations. Trump's visit, he argued, would allow both the US President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rekindle their personal chemistry and reaffirm a shared vision spanning defence, critical minerals, and technology. The most critical challenge remains the tariff war, where Tharoor insisted that Gor's success hinges on negotiating a comprehensive bilateral trade deal that reduces tariffs to levels comparable to Britain's 15 per cent. Such a deal would reposition India not as a target for correction but as a pillar of an alternative supply chain to China. Only then, he stated, would proposals like swapping discounted Russian crude for US LNG and Permian oil become politically viable. Moreover, Trump's reiteration of his "favourite field marshal", Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir's repeated visits to the US, and reported American interest in Pakistani crypto-currency and rare-earth minerals have unsettled New Delhi. Pakistan's offer to Washington for the development of the Pasni port in Balochistan has further raised concerns. As Gor also carries the title of special envoy for the region, Tharoor added warnings of potential conflicts of interest. If Gor is tasked with balancing ties with both India and Pakistan, his credibility in New Delhi could be tested. Despite challenges, Gor struck an optimistic tone on arrival: "No partner is more essential than India," he declared, pledging to pursue "a very ambitious agenda" anchored at the highest levels. He emphasised that "real friends can disagree, but always resolve their differences in the end". Tharoor has interpreted this as a promising start but cautioned that optimism must translate into concrete outcomes. - IANS Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has raised a serious alarm over US tariff policies, stating that a potential cumulative 75% tariff would make Indian exports to America completely unviable. He highlighted that India already faces a disadvantage, as regional competitors like Vietnam and Bangladesh enjoy lower tariff rates. Tharoor stressed the urgent need for a bilateral trade deal with the US to be concluded swiftly. He warned that such high tariffs undermine the strategic partnership between the two nations. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expresses serious concern over potential 75% US tariffs, warning no Indian company would be viable for American exports. New Delhi, January 15 Expressing "serious concern" over US President Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff announcement against countries trading with Iran, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor asserted that "no Indian company will be viable in exporting to America at 75 per cent. The Congress MP said he had been "troubled" by the US tariff regime from the very beginning, adding that India was already at a disadvantage compared to its regional competitors. Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Tharoor said, "I have always been troubled about these tariffs because even the very first 25 per cent that was given to India was a problem because all the other economies, our rivals in South East Asia, who are competing with us in terms of labour-intensive industries that we produce, that we export to America like gems, jewellery, marine products, shrimp, leather, all these kinds of goods countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and even Pakistan and Bangladesh were all given tariff between 15 per cent and 19 per cent." He added that the situation had worsened with additional sanctions-related tariffs. "So, the 25 per cent was already a problem. Now, you have 25 per cent more for Russian sanctions which takes it up to 50 per cent and if there are 25 per cent more in Iranian sanctions, that it takes it up to 75 per cent. So, let's face it, no Indian company will be viable in exporting to America at 75 per cent," Tharoor said. "It will be only those items that are not so far sanctioned, like pharmaceuticals and so, which we can continue selling. The other items will not be viable. So, it is troubling. I don't know what the Government is saying, but from my point of view, this is very serious," he asserted. The Congress MP also expressed hope that the new US Ambassador could help with the trade deal. "I hope that the new US Ambassador would work very hard on his Government and our Government and try and bring a meeting of the minds very quickly on the trade deal," he added. Tharoor's remarks come after US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping trade measure on Monday targeting countries that "continue to do business with Iran", imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all their business dealings with the US. In a post on Truth Social, 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Further, commenting on the conversation between External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Tharoor stressed the urgency of concluding a bilateral trade agreement. "It (trade deal) should be in the first quarter of 2026. We can't wait for the whole year to go by for a trade deal. I think it really should happen sooner," he said. He welcomed Pax Silica's announcement, saying, "I think the Pax Silica announcement was welcome. I do believe that the Quad Summit announcement should not be delayed. We should be able to exercise our right sooner." Tharoor further added, "Certainly, at 75 per cent (tariff) there is no deal possible. If we can come down to something closer to the 15 per cent that the UK has with America, then we are in business. That is the kind of respect you show to a strategic partner. But at 75 sort of thing, the strategic partnership ceases to have any meaning." - ANI With less than six months to go before the review of the trade agreement, Trump has called it irrelevant, while Sheinbaum has defended North American integration At the Ford plant in Detroit, surrounded by assembly lines and American workers, U.S. President Donald Trump once again cast doubt on the future of the USMCA. The Republican called the trade agreement with Mexico and Canada irrelevant: 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, the president declared on Tuesday. Following Trumps controversial statements, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the existence and continuation of the North American trade agreement: Those who most strongly defend the treaty are American businesspeople, because there is a very high level of integration, she declared at the National Palace the day after Trump dismissed the agreement, which was renegotiated during his first term. The U.S. jab at the USMCA came just one day after a brief phone call between the two leaders. The exchange focused solely on security issues. Sheinbaum herself acknowledged her frustration at not having had enough time to address trade matters, which were left unresolved and are expected to be discussed in a future and uncertain call. Trumps comments in Detroit make clear that he still views the cancellation of the USMCA as a viable scenario, an idea he raised during the campaign. By contrast, Mexico is racing against the clock to extend the life of the trade agreement, which underpins annual bilateral trade worth $800 billion. From Mexicos perspective, the deal brings more benefits than drawbacks for all three signatories. It is far better for us to remain as North America to compete with China than for the United States to stand alone. The trade agreement is very important for the U.S., Sheinbaum said on Wednesday at the National Palace. Support for the USMCA is one of the few points of agreement between the Mexican government and the opposition. For Mexico, [the treaty] is not only not irrelevant for the Mexican economy it is a matter of life or death, said Senator Ricardo Anaya, leader of the National Action Party (PAN) in the upper chamber. The lawmaker recalled that 85% of Mexican exports are destined for U.S. regions and that some 12 million jobs in the country depend on the agreement. This week, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico also announced it will allocate $23.4 million to continue supporting the consolidation of Mexicos Labor Justice System, as part of the commitments assumed under the treaty. Despite Trumps threats against the USMCA and his administrations imposition of sector-specific tariffs on Mexico, the Latin American country remains the United States top trading partner, ahead of China and Canada. This is due to shipments totaling nearly $448 billion during the first 10 months of 2025. Exports that comply with the USMCA are exempt from the 25% tariffs imposed by Trump. According to Mexican authorities, more than 80% of shipments to the U.S. meet this requirement. On the import side, Mexico has become one of the main destinations for U.S. exports, purchasing more than $283 billion worth of goods. Although the formal review of the USMCA has not yet begun, trade experts expect it to become a powerful bargaining chip for the United States in negotiations with both Mexico and Canada on other fronts. Alvaro Vertiz, head of Latin America at DGA Group, says the agreement will cease to be viewed solely as a framework for economic integration and will increasingly become a tool of U.S. policy, encompassing Washingtons priorities on migration and security as well. From his perspective, although the agreement will survive the 2026 review, it will do so with adjustments and after intense negotiations. The most contentious issues for Mexico will include rules of origin, non-tariff barriers, dispute resolution mechanisms, and labor matters. Vertiz adds that these trade tensions, the reconfiguration of supply chains, and the approaching USMCA review will force the Mexican government to rethink its strategy toward Washington and its internal dynamics. Mexicos role as an ally of U.S. companies operating in the country becomes just as important as developing agendas that highlight the relevance of the USMCA at both the national and state levels in the United States. This involves underscoring Mexicos role as a reliable partner that offers regulatory stability, a skilled workforce, and geographic proximity, he said. As tensions mount, and in an effort to preserve regional integration, the Sheinbaum administration imposed tariffs of up to 50% this year on imports from China and from countries with which Mexico has no existing trade agreements. The measure seeks to curb the advance of Asian products in key domestic sectors such as steel, textiles, footwear, toys, and the automotive industry, while also signaling alignment with Washingtons trade policy toward the Asian giant. Saving the USMCA is one of the Sheinbaum governments top economic priorities. Mexico has made the agreement a cornerstone of its industrial development strategy. The deal formerly NAFTA has delivered substantial gains for the Mexican economy, including record export figures and unprecedented inflows of foreign direct investment, to name just a few. However, the balance sheet also presents future challenges, particularly in labor issues and the development of higher value-added manufacturing. Mexico has less than six months to craft a solid strategy in the face of a U.S. administration that is increasingly skeptical about keeping North Americas trade ties intact through the USMCA. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition President Donald Trump has again stated that the United States needs Greenland for national security, framing it as a decades-old strategic issue. He warned that if the US does not act, rivals like Russia and China could move into the territory, which Denmark is incapable of defending. Trump refused to outline specific options or rule out any actions, including potential acquisition, following a White House meeting with Danish and Greenlandic officials. He linked Greenland's importance to broader US defense planning and claimed to have support from NATO leadership for action. President Trump reiterates the US strategic interest in Greenland, warning that Russia or China could move in if America does not act. Washington, Jan 15 President Donald Trump said the United States needs Greenland for national security, reiterating a long-standing position following a White House meeting involving US and Danish officials. "We need Greenland for national security," Trump told reporters. He said the issue was being reviewed at the highest levels of government and that he expected to receive a briefing immediately after Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a meeting with Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's top diplomat Vivian Motzfeldt at the White House. Trump said the United States maintains a strong relationship with Denmark but argued that Greenland's strategic location makes it critical for US and allied security. "We have a very good relationship with Denmark," he said. "We'll see what happens." He linked Greenland to broader US defence planning. Trump referred to what he described as the "Golden Dome" project and said Greenland was important not only for the United States but also for Europe. "We're doing the Golden Dome. We're doing a lot of things, and we really need it," he said. Trump warned that rival powers could move into Greenland if the United States does not act. "If we don't go in, Russia is going to go in, and China is going to go in," he said. "And there's not a thing that Denmark can do about it." Pressed by reporters on whether the United States might seek to acquire Greenland by force, Trump pushed back. "Well, you're saying that," he said. "You don't know what I'm going to do." When asked to outline possible options, Trump refused. "I wouldn't be telling you what I'm willing to do," he said. "Certainly, I'm not going to give up options." Trump also rejected suggestions that US actions could undermine the NATO alliance. Asked whether he would consider leaving NATO to pursue his objectives on Greenland, Trump dismissed the premise. "I have a very good relationship with Denmark," he said. "We'll see how it all works out." He said Denmark lacks the capacity to defend Greenland against major powers on its own. "I can't rely on Denmark being able to fend themselves off," Trump said. He added that recent Danish measures were insufficient. "They were talking about they put an extra dog sled there last month," he said. "They added a second dog sled. That's not going to do the trick." Trump said the idea of the US interest in Greenland is not new. He said the issue dates back decades. "This was talked about by President Truman," he said. "Forty years before President Truman, they were talking about it. They've been talking about this for a hundred years." He also cited conversations with NATO leadership. Trump said he had spoken with the head of NATO and claimed there was support for action. "I spoke with, as you know, Mark, the head of NATO, and he really wants to see something happen," Trump said. The comments followed questions about remarks by Greenland's foreign minister, who had described recent talks at the White House as respectful but said clear limits were conveyed. Trump said he would review the details after receiving a briefing. Trump did not announce any immediate decisions or policy steps. He said discussions were ongoing and stressed the national security dimension of the issue. "Greenland is very important for national security," Trump said. "And that includes for Europe." - IANS Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding the safety of students from the union territory currently in Iran. Jaishankar shared his assessment of the volatile ground situation and the plans being worked on by the Ministry of External Affairs. Former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has also urged Jaishankar and the MEA to intervene urgently to ensure the safe return of the stranded students. The situation has caused deep fear and anxiety among parents in J&K, with many students studying there and Shia Muslims also visiting for pilgrimage. J&K CM Omar Abdullah speaks with EAM S. Jaishankar about safeguarding students in Iran. Mehbooba Mufti also urges urgent intervention for their safe return. Jammu, Jan 15 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding the safety of students from the union territory currently studying in Iran. The CM said on X, "Just spoke to EAM about the evolving situation in Iran. He shared his assessment of the ground situation & the plans that the External Affairs Ministry is working on. I'm grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students & other people from J&K who are in Iran now". Omar Abdullah said S. Jaishankar assured that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests and lives of students and other people from the union territory who are in Iran. Thousands of students from across the country, including Kashmir, are stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation. This has triggered deep fear and anxiety among parents about their children's safety. Meanwhile, former chief minister and president of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has also urged S. Jaishankar and the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return. Mufti said on X, "Thousands of students from across the country including Kashmir are stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation. This has triggered deep fear and anxiety with anguished parents desperately worried about their children's safety. Urge @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return." In J&K, the maximum number of students studying for various courses, including MBBS, belongs to the Valley. In addition to this, scores of Shia Muslims from Jammu and Kashmir go each year to pay homage at various Muslim shrines and historical sites in Iran. Even these days, reports indicate that dozens of Kashmiri Shia Muslims are in Iran as their families in the Valley are praying and eagerly waiting for their safe return. - IANS BJP Mahila Morcha President Vanathi Srinivasan has declared that only the NDA alliance can defeat the ruling DMK government in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Her statement aligns with PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss's confidence in an NDA victory, citing a now-unified opposition under AIADMK leadership. The alliance recently expanded with the formal inclusion of the PMK, as announced by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami. Political activity is intensifying as the AIADMK-led NDA aims to reclaim power after its 2021 defeat. BJP and AIADMK leaders express confidence that the NDA alliance will form the next government in Tamil Nadu, defeating the DMK in the 2026 assembly elections. Coimbatore, January 15 BJP Mahila Morcha National President Vanathi Srinivasan on Wednesday expressed confidence at NDA alliance's win in the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly election. Speaking to ANI, Srinivasan declared that only the NDA alliance can defeat the DMK government. "NDA alliance is now being headed in Tamil Nadu by the AIADMK and holding alliance talks with every party, it is a collective effort. Of course, with Mr Edappadi's advice and guidance, everything would happen in Tamil Nadu. But even then, BJP leaders are also playing an active role in it...Only the NDA alliance can defeat the DMK government," said Srinivasan. Along with Vanathi Srinivasan, Pattali Makkal Katchi chief Anbumani Ramadoss also expressed confidence that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will form the government in Tamil Nadu in the 2026 Assembly elections. "We will form the government with a thumping majority...DMK won the last three elections because the opposition was fragmented, now we have a very good opposition under the AIADMK and more parties will also join us," A Ramadoss told reporters. Earlier on January 7, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami announced the inclusion of Pattali Makkal Katchi in the state's National Democratic Alliance ahead of the forthcoming Tamil Nadu elections. Addressing a press briefing in Chennai alongside PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss, Palaniswami asserted that they are already in an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party and expressed the possibility of including more parties in their bloc. "The PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, has also joined the NDA alliance; more parties are also expected to join the alliance. Our alliance is a victory alliance," Palaniswami told reporters. With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, political activity in Tamil Nadu has intensified. The AIADMK-led NDA aims to reclaim power after 2021, despite its subdued performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The AIADMK has also renewed its alliance with the BJP after severing ties in 2023. - ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Operation Sindoor is not over, as India's pursuit of peace will continue until the ideology of terrorism is completely eradicated. He made the declaration at the Shaurya Sandhya event in Jaipur, which featured a grand parade with advanced military hardware and aerial displays. The emotionally charged ceremony included awarding gallantry medals to families of soldiers martyred in the operation, with one martyr's mother fainting on stage. The Minister also highlighted the modernization of the armed forces and the increasing role of women, noting their admission to the National Defence Academy. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh declares Operation Sindoor will continue until terrorism's ideology is eradicated, at a grand Army Day event in Jaipur. Jaipur, Jan 15 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday asserted that Operation Sindoor is not yet over, declaring that India's efforts for peace will continue until the ideology of terrorism is completely eradicated. Addressing the Shaurya Sandhya (Evening of Valour) programme at the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Stadium on the occasion of Army Day, Rajnath Singh said: "Operation Sindoor is not yet completely over because until the mindset of terrorism is eliminated, our pursuit of peace will not stop. I am making this declaration from the brave land of Rajasthan." As Army paratroopers descended into the stadium, the venue reverberated with chants of 'Jai Ho', creating a charged patriotic atmosphere in the presence of the Defence Minister. Rajnath Singh said that through Operation Sindoor, India not only demonstrated its military strength but also its national character. "The action against terrorists was taken with careful planning and humanitarian values in mind. That is why Operation Sindoor will be remembered not just as a military operation, but as a symbol of courage combined with restraint," he said. Earlier in the day, Jaipur witnessed a grand display of military power as BrahMos missiles, Bhishma and Arjun tanks, Pinaka rocket launchers, robotic dogs and other advanced equipment rolled through the streets. Apache attack helicopters performed aerial manoeuvres, while Jaguar fighter jets flew in from the Nal (Bikaner) airbase, drawing large crowds. For the first time, the Army Day Parade was held outside a military cantonment, with thousands of citizens lining Mahal Road in Jagatpura to witness the historic event. The parade began with the presentation of Army Medals (Gallantry) to soldiers martyred in Operation Sindoor. Gallantry awardees, including recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra, led the parade. During the ceremony, Rajnath Singh presented a gallantry medal to the wife of martyred Subedar Major Pawan Kumar. In an emotional moment, the mother of Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar of 1 Para Special Forces, who was killed in Operation Sindoor, fainted on stage while receiving the Army Medal and was immediately taken to hospital. Highlighting the role of women in the armed forces, the Defence Minister said traditional and cultural barriers had limited opportunities for women in the Army, but significant change was underway. "The process has begun, and women have been admitted to the National Defence Academy since 2021," he said. Rajnath Singh also spoke about the uncertain global security environment. "The world is passing through a phase of uncertainty where established assumptions are being challenged. In such times, strengthening and modernising the armed forces is more important than ever," he said, adding that India is moving towards making its Army among the strongest in the world by 2047. He said the Indian Army has emerged as a messenger of peace for the world, reinforcing India's philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. At the event, Lt Gen Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command, said Rajasthan has produced legendary warriors such as Maharana Pratap and Rana Sanga, and has given the nation illustrious regiments including the Rajputana Rifles, Rajput Regiment and Jat Regiment. The Shaurya Sandhya concluded with cultural performances and displays celebrating the courage, sacrifice and professionalism of the Indian Army. - IANS Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Operation Sindoor is ongoing and efforts for peace will continue until terrorist ideology is completely eradicated. He made these remarks at the 'Shaurya Sandhya' event in Jaipur on Army Day, praising the soldiers' courage and strategic restraint during the operation. Singh highlighted ongoing defence reforms aimed at making the Indian Army the world's most powerful force by 2047 under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. He also emphasized strengthening inter-services linkages and enhancing the role of women in the armed forces. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh vows to continue Operation Sindoor until terrorist ideology is eliminated, speaking at an Army Day event in Jaipur. Jaipur, January 15 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday stated that Operation Sindoor is still underway. He emphasised that efforts for peace will continue until terrorist ideology is completely eliminated. The Minister was addressing the "Shaurya Sandhya" event at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, held on the occasion of Army Day. Addressing the event, Singh said, "The spirit of the Army to sacrifice everything for the nation was evident during Operation Sindoor. India demonstrated not only its military strength but also its national character. The action taken against terrorists was strategically planned and conducted in accordance with humanitarian values. Operation Sindoor will also be remembered for our soldiers' courage and restraint." Speaking about the Army Day, the Minister said that, "On this very day in 1949, the Indian Army stepped forward in a new form under the leadership of its first Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal K M Cariappa. That moment symbolised liberation from a colonial mindset and true independence. Since then, this day has been an opportunity for introspection for us, an occasion to reflect on what we have done for those protectors who gave up everything for us." "An Indian soldier is also a philosopher and a skilled manager. Leaving everything behind, they dedicate themselves to the service of the nation. A soldier embodies both toughness and tenderness. Our youth should learn the virtue of selfless service from soldiers," said the Defence Minister. He further stated, "I also consider a soldier to be a capable manager, because preparation for war is a daily routine. The Indian Army is an example of unity in diversity. In many countries, the military generally has little interaction with civilians, but in India, the army works alongside the people. The trust of the public in the army is the army's greatest strength. Our armed forces have emerged as messengers of peace for the world." Highlighting the reforms being taken in the field of Defence, Singh said, "Continuous steps are being taken by the army toward reforms. The army has shown that even when an organisation is large, reforms can be implemented through strong willpower. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we are moving toward making the Indian Army the world's most powerful force by 2047." "Today at the global level, long-held assumptions are breaking down. In such times, for any nation's survival, it is essential that the army remains strong and modern. Inter-services linkages must be strengthened," Rajnath Singh stated. Concluding his speech, the Defence Minister said, "Steps are also being taken to enhance the role of women in the armed forces. When it comes to the Indian Defence Forces, there has never been hesitation in making any necessary expenditure to strengthen them. Our commitment also extends to veterans who have devoted their entire lives to the service of the nation." - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Pongal greetings in Tamil, highlighting the harvest festival's role in strengthening social unity and reflecting Indian cultural values. He described Pongal as a celebration that brings people together and honors farmers and hard work. The Prime Minister also referenced cultural integration initiatives like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, linking them to the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat." His outreach comes amid the political landscape of Tamil Nadu, with observers noting its significance ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. PM Narendra Modi extends Pongal greetings in Tamil, emphasizing the festival's cultural importance and national integration initiatives like Kashi Tamil Sangamam. Chennai, Jan 15 As Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal, the State's most significant harvest festival, with traditional fervour and large public participation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to the people in Tamil, underlining the festival's cultural, social, and national importance. In a message shared on social media on Thursday, the Prime Minister wished citizens a joyous Pongal and described the festival as a deeply moving celebration that brings people together and strengthens bonds of love and unity within society. He said Pongal serves as a reminder of the importance of agriculture and respect for hard work, reflecting the highest values of Indian culture. PM Modi expressed hope that the festival would inspire renewed enthusiasm and motivation among people to achieve their goals, while also praying for good health and well-being for all. Pongal, celebrated over four days in mid-January, marks the end of the harvest season and honours farmers, cattle, nature, and the Sun god. Rooted in agrarian traditions, the festival symbolises gratitude, prosperity, and communal harmony, cutting across caste, class, and religious boundaries. From village homes to urban neighbourhoods, the boiling of rice, drawing of kolams, and community gatherings remain central to the celebrations. In a separate post, the Prime Minister referred to his recent visit to Somnath, where he interacted with people during festivities linked to cultural exchange programmes. He noted that participants had praised initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam, which aim to strengthen historical and cultural ties between regions. On the occasion of Pongal, PM Modi said he shared his views on the progress of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and how such initiatives reinforce the spirit of "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat" by fostering national integration through shared heritage. The Prime Minister's outreach comes at a politically significant moment, with Tamil Nadu heading towards the 2026 Assembly elections. Cultural messaging, language outreach, and references to Tamil identity have increasingly become part of national-level political communication in the State. While Pongal remains primarily a cultural and agrarian celebration, political observers note that such messages also resonate within a broader context of electoral engagement, identity, and outreach ahead of the crucial polls. As Tamil Nadu celebrates Pongal with hope and gratitude, the festival once again stands as a reminder of the State's deep-rooted traditions, its central role in India's cultural mosaic, and the evolving political landscape leading into 2026. - IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth at Parliament's Central Hall. The conference, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, hosts 61 Speakers from 42 countries to discuss strengthening democratic institutions. Key agenda items include the role of AI in parliaments, the impact of social media on lawmakers, and strategies to boost public engagement. This edition, hosted by India, is noted as the largest in the conference's history. PM Modi inaugurates the 28th CSPOC in Delhi, with 61 Speakers from 42 nations discussing AI, social media, and democracy. New Delhi, January 15 Preparations are underway at the Parliament House Complex in the national capital on Thursday as it gears up to host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. According to an official release, PM Modi will inaugurate the conference at 10:30 am and address the gathering. The high-level conference will be chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and will feature 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments, underscoring the event's global scale and significance. According to the release, CSPOC will deliberate on a range of contemporary parliamentary issues to strengthen democratic institutions and modern legislative practices. Key themes include the evolving role of Speakers and Presiding Officers, technological innovation in parliamentary functioning, and enhancing citizen engagement with democratic processes. Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of Namibia and the Montserrat delegation have also arrived at the venue to attend the conference. Among the major topics scheduled for discussion are "AI in Parliament: Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation", to be led by Malaysia; "Social Media and its Impact on Parliamentarians", to be presented by Sri Lanka; and "Innovative Strategies to Enhance Public Understanding of Parliament and Citizen Participation Beyond Voting", with contributions from Nigeria and South Africa. Other sessions will focus on the security, health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, as well as a special plenary discussion on the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions. Earlier on Wednesday, Birla chaired a Standing Committee meeting ahead of the 28th CSPOC. CSPOC is being hosted by the Parliament of India from January 14 to 16, and it will be the largest in terms of participation. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is the chairperson of the conference, said that the conference will discuss shared parliamentary values, democratic governance and institutional cooperation. "The Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, being hosted by India, will have the largest participation," Birla said. He said that work related to the conference has been done online, and no paper has been used. In response to queries, he said Pakistan will not participate and that Bangladesh does not have a Speaker at present, with general elections scheduled for next month. The 27th edition of CSPOC was hosted by Uganda in January 2024, and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, and the Leader of IPD at that conference had taken over from Uganda as the host of the 28th edition of CSPOC, to be held in India in 2026. - ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth in New Delhi. The high-level international conference, chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, brings together delegates from 42 Commonwealth countries. Discussions will focus on contemporary issues like the role of AI in parliaments and the impact of social media on democratic institutions. The event underscores India's role as a hub for parliamentary dialogue and its commitment to strengthening democratic values. PM Modi inaugurates the 28th CSPOC in Delhi, a global forum for Speakers to discuss AI, social media, and democratic institutions. New Delhi, Jan 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth on Thursday at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, within the Parliament House Complex in New Delhi. The Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion, according to an official press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The high-level international parliamentary conference will be chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and is expected to witness participation from 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers representing 42 Commonwealth countries, along with delegates from four semi-autonomous parliaments from across the globe. The event underscores India's growing role as a hub for parliamentary dialogue and democratic cooperation within the Commonwealth. According to the PMO, "The Conference will deliberate on a wide range of contemporary parliamentary issues, including the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions." The discussions will focus on strengthening parliamentary democracy at a time when legislatures worldwide are navigating rapid political, technological and social transformations. Key themes at the conference will include the use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary functioning, the impact of social media on Members of Parliament, and the challenges and opportunities these digital tools present for democratic governance. Delegates are also expected to explore innovative strategies to enhance public understanding of Parliament and encourage citizen participation beyond voting, reflecting a growing emphasis on inclusive and participatory democracy. The PMO further noted that the conference will provide a global platform for Speakers and Presiding Officers to exchange best practices and experiences related to legislative procedures, parliamentary ethics, and institutional integrity. The CSPOC is a prestigious forum within the Commonwealth parliamentary framework and is held periodically to strengthen cooperation among the legislatures of member nations. India's hosting of the 28th edition highlights its commitment to democratic values and parliamentary traditions, the PMO added. - IANS The White House confirmed President Donald Trump's priority to acquire Greenland, framing it as a critical national security move to preempt Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. Denmark and Greenland immediately and unequivocally rejected any prospect of a sale, asserting Greenland will remain part of the Danish Kingdom. Despite the rejection, both sides announced a new high-level working group to address US security concerns in the region through cooperative, respectful means. Greenland's Foreign Minister emphasized the need to strengthen allied cooperation without surrendering sovereignty, calling for a return to normalized US-Greenland relations. White House confirms Trump's desire to acquire Greenland for security, but Denmark and Greenland firmly reject the prospect, proposing allied cooperation instead. Washington DC, January 16 The White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Thursday said that President Donald Trump wants the United States to acquire Greenland for our "best national security". Addressing reporters, the White House Press Secretary said, "The President has made his priority quite clear. He wants the United States to acquire Greenland. He thinks it is in our best national security to do that," Leavitt said. Her remarks come after 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. 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. Earlier on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump asserted that Greenland is important for American "national security", adding that if the United States does not step in, Russia and China could acquire the Arctic region. Speaking at the White House during a signing ceremony, Trump said, "We need Greenland for national security, so we are going to see what happens. We have a very good relationship with Denmark. If we don't go in, Russia and China will go in. It is not a thing that Denmark can do anything about, but we can do everything about it." 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." - ANI Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has dismissed allegations of ill-treatment of minorities in India as propaganda. He asserted that no citizen has been forced to leave due to oppression and that all benefit equally from government welfare schemes. Rijiju highlighted India's large Muslim population as evidence of their freedom and described the country as the safest for all citizens. He also mentioned the 'Jiyo Parsi' scheme aimed at supporting the declining Parsi community. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismisses claims of minority oppression, asserts all citizens enjoy equal freedom and benefit from govt schemes. Lucknow, Jan 15 Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, on Thursday, dismissed as propaganda the claims that minorities are ill-treated in India, asserting that no citizen has ever been forced to leave the country due to oppression. Speaking at an interaction with members of the minority community at the Christ Church College in Lucknow, Union Minister Rijiju said, "You must have heard remarks that excesses are being committed against Muslims, Sikhs or Christians. Such claims are propaganda and shall continue at all times." "Our party, BJP, has often been targeted and wrongly accused of being discriminatory towards minorities. This is incorrect," he added. He said that when Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the slogan "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas", it was not for publicity but a reflection of our work culture that involves everyone and delivers welfare for all, without discrimination. "Ever since our government has been formed, is there anyone who has been denied benefits of government welfare schemes due to discrimination over religion?" Union Minister Rijiju asked. Describing India as the safest country for citizens, whether from majority or minority community, the Union Minister said, "I recently told an Indonesian Minister that you never know that in the next Census report, India may emerge as a country with the largest Muslim population in the world." "Muslim population in India is massive and they enjoy total freedom. All Indian citizens are treated equally," he added. Union Minister Rijiju said India is the most populous country with 140 crore people but other countries like the US, with 33 crore people, think that they are very big. "They think that there is nothing beyond the US in this world. But when they are told about our 140 crore population, they are left wondering how we run the most populous nation," he added. The beauty of this great nation is that it has existed for thousands of years and will continue to thrive for thousands of years, he said. The Union Minister said the Narendra Modi-led Central government is committed to the welfare of all castes and minorities, including the Parsis, whose population has been shrunk to 52,000 and is still reducing. "You must have heard the name of Tatas who come from the Parsi community. They have made a lot of contributions to the country. We have started a scheme called 'Jio Parsi' for helping the community increase its population," he added. The Jiyo Parsi scheme is a unique Central Sector Scheme for arresting the population decline of Parsi Community. The scheme was launched in 2013-14. The objective of the scheme is to reverse the declining trend of Parsi population by adopting a scientific protocol and structured interventions, stabilise their population, and to increase the population of Parsis in India. - IANS The veteran journalist has launched a media start-up that is already worth $300 million and is confident it will revolutionize the industry They are a revamped version of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. In this case, both are men and, instead of secret agents, they have spent their entire lives working as journalists. Only one of them, Justin B. Smith, 56, is the CEO of Semafor, the new American media outlet that has arrived with a mission to save the industry and has just been valued at $330 million. Right now, Justin and Ben Smith, the other co-founder, are feeling optimistic and euphoric, according to interviews. They see themselves in a position to compete with the countrys major newspapers. The company announced last Wednesday that it has raised $30 million in a round of funding that it plans to use for international expansion and hiring more journalists, after closing its first year with a profit of nearly $2 million. The media outlet plans to strengthen its presence in key markets such as the Gulf where it already has several editors launch a newsletter focused on CEOs in China, and expand its live events business in Africa and Asia. It currently has between 55 and 60 journalists on staff and plans to hire around 20 more. Subscriptions to its newsletters now exceed one million and are heavily concentrated among senior executives. Among them is The Signal, an exclusive invitation-only newsletter. For now, Semafor does not have a paywall, although the company is already working on a subscription model. Smith has had a long career in the media industry. He spent much of his childhood and adolescence in Paris. His father was American and involved with international educational institutions, and his mother was English and an artist. For high school, he returned to the United States and studied at Phillips Academy, Andover, one of the most prestigious private boarding schools in the country and a traditional breeding ground for political, economic, and cultural elites. He later studied at Georgetown Universitys School of Foreign Service, focusing on international relations, diplomacy, and global power. His professional career began at The Economist Group. He later moved to The Week, where he served as president, and then to Atlantic Media, where he was group president. There, he participated in the revitalization of The Atlantic and the launch of Quartz, one of the most influential digital projects of the 2010s. In 2013, he was named CEO of Bloomberg Media Group, a position he held for nearly a decade. He lives between New York and Washington, D.C. He is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has participated in leadership programs at the Aspen Institute, reinforcing his membership in the U.S. establishment. He launched Semafor in 2022 with Ben Smith, former chief information officer at BuzzFeed and media columnist at The New York Times. Both resigned from their positions to embark on this project. Their ambition was to fill a gap that, in their view, had been left empty within the media ecosystem: to find a way out of the crisis facing traditional media, marked by the loss of confidence among large sections of the audience in the major newspapers. Semafor was born with an explicitly global mission. Despite having fewer resources than other established media outlets, it has placed a notable emphasis on having journalists working in regions such as Africa and the Gulf, in some cases with a greater presence than newspapers such as the Financial Times or The Economist. This geographical ambition is complemented by a distinctive approach to presenting the news. In their pieces, they explicitly separate facts from interpretations and, in some cases, incorporate alternative perspectives or warn that the initial framing may be incomplete or flawed. Through this exercise of self-questioning, they aim to convey a greater sense of transparency. In addition, Semafor has a highly diversified newsletter model. From the start, this format has been a central element of its strategy. Adding to this, the company has placed particular emphasis on live events, which probably more than they would like to admit now represent a substantial part of the business. Drawing on their agenda and the relationships they have built over the years, these two figures have managed to organize events that attract members of the U.S. political, cultural, and journalistic elite. According to a report by New York Magazine, the audiences they draw are largely from an anti-Trump sphere, with positions leaning toward free trade, multilateral diplomacy, and an internationalist view of politics. The report conveys an atmosphere that is distinctly selective and exclusive an elite, albeit one in the process of reconnecting after having been sidelined. Of particular note is the Semafor World Economy Summit, a kind of smaller-scale Davos, which, year after year, has seen an increase in the number of political, business, and media leaders attending. In its first year, it organized 30 events; by 2024, that number had risen to 75. According to the founders themselves, these events are barely profitable. Admission is free, and they are mainly financed through sponsors. In 2022, Semafor closed a first round of financing of about $25 million, with investors including Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange. Following the platforms collapse, his stake became a reputational issue for the outlet, which later announced the repurchase and replacement of those funds to eliminate any doubts about its independence. Among the criticisms the project has received beyond isolated episodes such as public clashes on X with Elon Musk, or concerns over editorial integrity due to the profile of some investors the main question concerns its actual reach. The underlying question is whether Semafor can transcend being a product designed for a highly select minority, which in its own words is aimed at the 200 million people who are college educated, who read in English, but who no one is really treating like an audience. Another uncertainty is its heavy reliance on in-person events. It is not entirely clear to what extent this model represents an update of traditional journalism or, whether, at its core, it is more like a new form of information lobbying, wrapped in the language and codes of journalism. For now, the Smiths can be satisfied with what they have achieved. A Hollwood romance Kill Bill. In 2021, Smiths name appeared in the U.S. gossip press due to a romantic relationship with actress Uma Thurman, although he has never made his private life a central part of his public image. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will appear before the Akal Takht in Amritsar over allegations of making derogatory remarks about Sikh tenets. He is skipping the Golden Jubilee convention of Guru Nanak Dev University, which President Droupadi Murmu is presiding over, to fulfill this commitment. Mann is the third Chief Minister to be summoned by the Akal Takht, following Parkash Singh Badal and Surjit Singh Barnala. He has stated he will appear with full humility and that the command of the Akal Takht is supreme. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will appear before the Akal Takht over alleged derogatory remarks on Sikh tenets, skipping a presidential event. Amritsar, Jan 15 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will appear before the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, here on Thursday for allegedly making derogatory remarks on Sikh tenets. He is skipping the Golden Jubilee Convention of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar to be presided over by President Droupadi Murmu owing to his appearance before the Akal Takht. CM Mann is the third Chief Minister to be summoned by the Akal Takht after Parkash Singh Badal and Surjit Singh Barnala. Badal was summoned in 1979 by then jathedar Sadhu Singh Bhaura over his role in the Sikh-Nirankari clash that claimed 13 lives in Amritsar. Barnala was declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) in 1986 and excommunicated for ordering police action inside the Golden Temple. Later, he sought atonement in 1988. A day earlier, CM Mann put to rest all speculation around his appearance before Akal Takht Sahib, stating he will present himself with full humility. Over the change of timings relating to his appearance, the Chief Minister said no official communication has been issued and that the entire day "stands exclusively dedicated to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, whose orders are supreme and will be followed in letter and spirit". In a statement, CM Mann said, "I will appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib as a devout Sikh, and there is no question whatsoever of seeking any change in the timing." He said January 15 has been fully dedicated to Akal Takht Sahib in accordance with the orders of the Jathedar, and that he has no other programme scheduled for the day. "I have even informed the office of the President of India about my inability to attend her event on that day, as January 15 is reserved entirely for appearing before Sri Akal Takht Sahib," he said. The Chief Minister said, "No official letter or statement has been issued by me or by my office seeking any change in the time." Emphasising the sanctity of the institution, he said, "Sri Akal Takht Sahib is sacred for every Sikh and is regarded as the highest temporal seat of our community." Reiterating his complete reverence for the authority of the Takht, CM Mann said, "Any command or order from Sri Akal Takht Sahib-ji is acceptable to me with full reverence and will be obeyed." He added, "Sri Akal Takht Sahib-ji is above everything for me. Any order received from that sacred Takht will be followed in true letter and spirit. The command of Sri Akal Takht Sahib-ji is, was, and will always remain supreme for me and my family." - IANS Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah extended heartfelt greetings to the Indian Army on its 78th Army Day. Singh praised the Army's courage in safeguarding the nation and its exemplary performance in Operation Sindoor. Amit Shah honored the soldiers whose valor "echoes through the pages of our history," igniting patriotism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior military officials also conveyed their wishes on the occasion, which marks Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief in 1949. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah extended Army Day greetings, honoring the sacrifice and service of Indian armed forces personnel. New Delhi, January 15 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday extended their heartfelt greetings to the armed forces personnel on the occasion of Army Day, remembering their sacrifice and selfless service to the nation. "On this auspicious occasion of Army Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all the brave soldiers, officers, veterans, and their families of the Indian Army. This occasion provides us with a powerful opportunity to express our gratitude for their indomitable courage, valor, and selfless service in safeguarding the security and integrity of the nation," Rajnath Singh wrote in an official message. He also paid homage to the soldiers and their families who sacrificed their lives in the service of the country. "I also pay homage to the families of the brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the service of the motherland. The Indian Army, as a vigilant sentinel on the borders, steadfastly confronts multi-faceted security challenges. At the same time, the Army's contribution to serving the citizens by leading relief and rescue operations during natural disasters has been exemplary," he wrote. Remembering the Army's role during Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister said, "Through Operation Sindoor, the Army has demonstrated its courage, professional competence, and resolve. I commend the Indian Army for its valiant and successful performance in Operation Sindoor. This operation has brought pride to the entire nation by sending a strong message of effective action in bringing justice to the victims of Pahalgam." Meanwhile, HM Shah also highlighted how the "roars of their valour echo through the pages of our history." "Warm greetings to the personnel of the Indian Army and their families on Army Day. The roar of their valor echoes through the pages of our history, igniting the fiercest flame of patriotism among every generation of Indians. Salutations to the lionhearts who gave all in the line of duty," he wrote on X. Earlier today, multiple other leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, also conveyed warm wishes to the ranks, veterans, and families of the Indian army. On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country," PM Modi posted on X. Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to remember the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir FRR Bucher, in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. - ANI Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended warm greetings to the Indian Army on its 78th Army Day, praising the force's courage and commitment to safeguarding sovereignty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also saluted the Army's selfless service and resolute commitment to the nation. The Defence Minister specifically commended the Army's valiant performance in Operation Sindoor, which brought pride to the nation. Army Day marks the anniversary of Field Marshal K M Cariappa becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief in 1949. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and PM Narendra Modi extend Army Day greetings, praising soldiers' indomitable courage and commitment to national security. New Delhi, January 15 Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday extended greetings to Indian Army personnel and their families on the occasion of 78th Army Day, saluting the force's courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country's sovereignty and integrity. In a post on X, Rajnath Singh wrote, "Greetings to our brave Indian Army personnel and their families on the proud occasion of Army Day. The nation salutes their indomitable courage, supreme sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding India's sovereignty and integrity. Ever vigilant on our borders and steadfast in times of crisis, the Indian Army has earned global respect through its professionalism, discipline and humanitarian service. Our Government remains fully committed to building a modern, Atmanirbhar and future-ready Army. A grateful nation stands united in pride and respect for its soldiers." Remembering the Army's role during Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister said, "Through Operation Sindoor, the Army has demonstrated its courage, professional competence, and resolve. I commend the Indian Army for its valiant and successful performance in Operation Sindoor. This operation has brought pride to the entire nation by sending a strong message of effective action in bringing justice to the victims of Pahalgam." Earlier today, multiple other leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, also conveyed warm wishes to the ranks, veterans, and families of the Indian army. "On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country," PM Modi posted on X. Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to remember the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir FRR Bucher, in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. - ANI Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi extended heartfelt greetings on Army Day 2026, honoring the sacrifice of fallen soldiers. He highlighted the Army's operational vigilance during events like Operation Sindoor and its professionalism in disaster relief missions. The General emphasized aligning with the national vision by fostering jointness, self-reliance, and innovation in defence. He also reaffirmed the Army's commitment to the welfare of veterans, Veer Matas, and Veer Naris. Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi extends Army Day greetings, honors sacrifices, and outlines vision for a 'Viksit Bharat'. New Delhi, January 15 Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi on Thursday extended greetings on the occasion of Army Day, paying tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. In his message, he saluted the courage and dedication of serving personnel, veterans, defence civilians, Veer Matas, Veer Naris, and their families. Calling upon all ranks to uphold their profound responsibility to the nation, he urged them to re-dedicate themselves to service in the true spirit of the Indian Army's core ethos: 'Naam, Namak aur Nishaan'. "On the momentous occasion of the Army Day 2026, I extend my heartiest felicitations and warm wishes to All Ranks of the Indian Army (IA), Veterans, Veer Matas, Veer Naris, Defence Civilians and their Families. We salute and honour the supreme sacrifice of our Bravehearts who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. We bear a profound responsibility in the national consciousness. As we look ahead, let us re-dedicate ourselves to the service of the Nation in the true spirit of our core ethos of 'Naam', 'Namak' aur 'Nishaan'," General Dwivedi wrote in his letter. Reflecting on the past year, General Dwivedi highlighted the Indian Army's sustained vigilance and decisive operational responses across the security spectrum to safeguard national sovereignty and interests, notably during Operation Sindoor. He also underscored the Army's exemplary professionalism in responding swiftly to natural disasters across India and in friendly neighbouring countries through Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, while continuing to make credible contributions to international peacekeeping under United Nations Peacekeeping (UNPK) missions. "The bygone year called for sustained vigilance and decisive operational responses across the security spectrum in safeguarding our national sovereignty and interests as showcased during Op SINDOOR. Concurrently, the IA displayed remarkable professionalism in its swift response to the natural calamities both pan-India and in friendly neighbouring countries through HADR Ops and continued to contribute credibly to international peace as part of UNPK missions," he added. General Dwivedi emphasised that, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'JAI' (Jointness, Atmanirbharta, and Innovation), the Army must strengthen synergy with other services and agencies. He said this approach would accelerate the development of indigenous defence capabilities and nurture a culture of innovation. The Indian Army, he noted, will remain a key enabler in achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, contributing not only to national security but also to socio-economic development, disaster relief, and comprehensive nation-building under the frameworks of the Year of Reforms and the Decade of Transformation. "Aligned with the Prime Minister's vision of JAI (Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation) our vision this year should prioritise synergy with other services and agencies to foster the development of indigenous defence solutions and the culture of innovation. The IA will be a key enabler in realising the national objectives of Viksit Bharat@2047, contributing to national security alongwith socio-economic progress, disaster relief, and comprehensive nation-building efforts under the frameworks of Year of Reforms and Decade of Transformation," the letter read. Reaffirming the Army's commitment to its extended family, the COAS stressed the importance of ensuring the welfare and dignity of veterans, Veer Matas, Veer Naris, and their families, whose resilience continues to inspire the force. "Let us reaffirm the sacred commitment and dedication of the IA towards the welfare and dignity of our respected Veterans, Veer Matas, Veer Naris and their families, whose strength and resilience continue to inspire us," the letter read. - ANI Veteran actor Shabana Azmi emphasized the responsibility of voting after casting her ballot in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. She was joined by a host of other Bollywood celebrities including Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, and Kareena Kapoor Khan. The polls covered 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, with high political stakes following the ruling alliance's recent assembly victory. Voting occurred across 227 wards in Mumbai, with over 1 crore citizens eligible to participate. Veteran actor Shabana Azmi and stars like Salman Khan, Aamir Khan cast votes in Mumbai civic elections, emphasizing civic duty. Mumbai, January 15 Joining several celebrities, veteran actor Shabana Azmi was spotted exercising her right to vote in the 2026 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections on Thursday. After casting her vote, Shabana proudly flaunted her inked finger and told reporters, "The right to vote comes with a responsibility." Actors like Salman Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Padmini Kolhapure, Salim Khan, Akshay Kumar, Twinkle Khanna, Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Aamir Khan were also spotted arriving at their respective polling booths in Mumbai to cast their votes. Maharashtra went to the polls for 29 municipal corporations, including the prestigious Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with stakes high for the Thackeray brothers as also BJP-Shiv Sena after the ruling Mahayuti alliance's stupendous victory in the assembly polls last year.The votes will be counted on Friday. In the capital city, Mumbai, voting took place in 227 wards, with approximately 1,700 candidates in the fray. A total of 1,03,44,315 citizens were eligible to vote in the BMC polls. - ANI RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat cast his vote in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections, emphasizing citizen responsibility in a democracy. He cautioned against using the NOTA option, referencing the Mahabharata character Bhishma and suggesting it could indirectly benefit an undeserving candidate. Polling is underway in 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including a major political contest for control of Mumbai's BMC. The elections feature complex alliances and realignments, with over 15,000 candidates in the fray. RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat casts his vote in Nagpur, urges public to vote for a candidate over NOTA, citing Mahabharata's Bhishma. Key civic polls underway across Maharashtra. Nagpur, January 15 As polling got underway on Thursday in 29 municipal corporations of Maharashtra, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat cast his vote for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation Election. After casting his vote, he emphasised the importance of elections in a democratic system and urged voters to choose a suitable candidate with a balanced approach and public welfare in mind. Alongwith the importance of voting, he also mentioned the demerits of NOTA in an election through giving a reference on Mahabharata. Speaking to the media, he described voting as his first responsibility of the day. "In a Democratic System, elections play a very important part; it's also the responsibility of the citizens. So, through balanced thinking and consideration of the public welfare. It is proper to vote for a candidate; it's our responsibility. It's the first responsibility of the day; therefore, I came and cast my vote first," he said. In response to a question about NOTA, he acknowledged its importance and described it as a way for people to express their distress with the candidate selection. Citing Bhishma, a Mahabharata character, he said that NOTA can be a form of anarchy, as not voting for anyone can indirectly transfer votes to someone who may not be preferred. He urged the public to vote for any candidate rather than abstain. "It's correct that NOTA is a way to express people's agitation. But casting no vote means the vote will be indirectly transferred to a candidate who doesn't deserve it. In the Mahabharata, Bhishm has prohibited anarchy. Better than having no one, it is better to give the vote to the candidate who is liked most. The vote should be against a candidate rather than no one; It would be for the better," he said. Twenty-nine municipal corporations across Maharashtra have begun polling as a high-voltage campaign comes to an end, 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. However, in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, both NCP factions have come together under a joint manifesto. The main political battle remains centred in Mumbai where the BJP-led Mahayuti faces the united Thackeray camp, after 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 PMC civic polls, following a split in 2023. Ajit Pawar joined hands with Sharad Pawar again and contested against the 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 has begun today and will run from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, with vote counting scheduled to begin on Friday, January 16. The State Election Commission announced the election programme for the general elections of 29 municipal corporations on December 15, 2025. Accordingly, voting is being held for the municipal corporations of Brihanmumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Kolhapur, Kalyan-Dombivli, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Latur, Parbhani, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Malegaon, Panvel, Mira-Bhayandar, Nanded-Waghala, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Jalgaon, Dhule, Ahilyanagar, Ichalkaranji and Jalna. According to the State Election Commission, adequate Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been arranged for the municipal corporation elections. This includes 43,958 control units and 87,916 ballot units. For the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation alone, 11,349 control units and 22,698 ballot units have been arranged. - ANI RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi cast his vote in Nagpur, emphasizing voting as a constitutional duty. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat also voted, appealing for informed choices and discussing the implications of NOTA. Polling is underway across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, with a key political battle in Mumbai's BMC. The elections feature major alliances and realignments, including a united NCP in Pune and the Mahayuti alliance facing the Thackeray camp in Mumbai. RSS leaders Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi and Mohan Bhagwat cast votes in Nagpur Municipal Corporation polls, urging active participation in Maharashtra's civic elections. Nagpur, January 15 RSS leader Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi cast his vote for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections on Thursday as polling began across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, reiterating that voting is not just a right but a constitutional duty of every citizen. Addressing mediapersons after exercising his franchise in Nagpur, Joshi urged voters to participate actively in the democratic process. "Every citizen should exercise the right given to them by the Constitution. They will cast their vote wherever they want, according to their own will, but it is the duty of those who are elected to fulfil the aspirations of the people," he said. Polling day also saw RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat cast his vote for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections. After voting, Bhagwat stressed the central role elections play in a democratic system and appealed to voters to make informed choices, keeping public welfare in mind. Calling voting his "first responsibility of the day," he said citizens must exercise balanced thinking while selecting candidates. In response to a question about NOTA, he acknowledged its importance and described it as a way for people to express their distress with the candidate selection. Citing Bhishma, a Mahabharata character, he said that NOTA can be a form of anarchy, as not voting for anyone can indirectly transfer votes to someone who may not be preferred. He urged the public to vote for any candidate rather than abstain. Twenty-nine municipal corporations across Maharashtra have begun polling as a high-voltage campaign comes to an end, 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. However, in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, both NCP factions have come together under a joint manifesto. The main political battle remains centred in Mumbai, where the BJP-led Mahayuti faces the united Thackeray camp, after 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 PMC civic polls, following a split in 2023. Ajit Pawar joined hands with Sharad Pawar again and contested against the 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 has begun today and will run from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, with vote counting scheduled to begin on Friday, January 16. The State Election Commission announced the election programme for the general elections of 29 municipal corporations on December 15, 2025. Accordingly, voting is being held for the municipal corporations of Brihanmumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Kolhapur, Kalyan-Dombivli, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Latur, Parbhani, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Malegaon, Panvel, Mira-Bhayandar, Nanded-Waghala, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Jalgaon, Dhule, Ahilyanagar, Ichalkaranji and Jalna. According to the State Election Commission, adequate Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been arranged for the municipal corporation elections. This includes 43,958 control units and 87,916 ballot units. For the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation alone, 11,349 control units and 22,698 ballot units have been arranged. - ANI Veteran actor and producer Salim Khan and film director Rakesh Roshan were among prominent film personalities who cast their votes in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The civic polls are being held across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. A significant 3.48 crore voters are eligible to choose from 15,908 candidates contesting for 2,869 seats. The elections feature key alliances, with the BJP and Shiv Sena contesting together under the Mahayuti banner in most places. Veteran actor Salim Khan and director Rakesh Roshan cast their votes in the crucial BMC elections, encouraging public participation in Maharashtra's civic polls. Mumbai, January 15 Veteran actor and film producer Salim Khan on Thursday cast his vote at a polling station in Mumbai during the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Film director Rakesh Roshan also arrived at a polling booth in the city to exercise his franchise. Several prominent personalities from the film industry were seen turning up at polling stations across Mumbai, encouraging citizens to fulfil their democratic duty in the BMC elections. Polling is being held across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. The elections are taking place after a long and active campaign and are important for major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena are contesting the elections together under the Mahayuti banner in most places, except Pune. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is fighting the polls on its own in many corporations. In Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, both NCP factions have come together with a joint manifesto. According to the State Election Commission, around 3.48 crore voters are eligible to vote in these elections. A total of 15,908 candidates are contesting for 2,869 seats across 893 wards. For smooth voting, 39,092 polling centres have been set up across Maharashtra. Polling began at 7:30 am on Thursday, January 15, and will continue till 5:30 pm. The counting of votes will take place on Friday, January 16. - ANI Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra extended heartfelt Army Day greetings, expressing the nation's debt to soldiers for their courage and sacrifice. Priyanka Gandhi highlighted the personal stories of sacrifice behind every uniform. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute, lauding the Army's role in border security, internal stability, and disaster relief. The day commemorates Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief in 1949. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra pay tribute to the Indian Army's courage and sacrifice on the 78th Army Day. New Delhi, January 15 Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday extended greetings on the occasion of 78th Army Day, paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice and selfless service of the country's armed forces. In a post on X, he conveyed his heartfelt wishes to soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to the nation. "Heartfelt Army Day greetings to our brave soldiers, ex-servicemen, and their families who are always ever-ready to defend the nation. We shall forever remain indebted to them for their indomitable courage, valor, and supreme sacrifices. Jai Hind!," Rahul Gandhi said. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also saluted the Indian Army, highlighting the stories of sacrifice behind every uniform. "Behind every uniform is a story of sacrifice, courage, and love for the nation. On Indian Army Day, I salute our brave soldiers for their bravery, resilience and selfless service. Jai Hind," Priyanka posted on X. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge extended greetings on Indian Army Day, paying tribute to the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of Army personnel, veterans, and their families, and lauding the force's role in safeguarding the nation, ensuring internal security, and providing support during natural calamities. In a post on X, Kharge wrote, "On Indian Army Day, we bow in reverence and gratitude to our brave soldiers, veterans, ex servicemen and their families. The Indian Army stands as the steadfast shield of our nation, protecting our borders across the most formidable terrains, strengthening stability during internal security challenges, and extending unflinching support during natural calamities. We remain forever indebted to your indomitable courage, exemplary professionalism, and spirit of selfless sacrifice that keeps India secure." Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to mark the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa taking over command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief General Sir FRR Bucher in 1949, becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. - ANI Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey cast his vote in the BMC elections while reporting technical issues with the Election Commission's website and the digital display of candidates. Elections are being held across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, with a major political contest centered on Mumbai and Pune. In Pune, a significant realignment has seen both factions of the NCP join forces against the BJP. Polling will determine the fate of over 15,000 candidates, with results expected soon. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey votes in BMC polls, highlights website and screen issues. 29 Maharashtra corporations vote in key political contest. Mumbai, January 15 Shiv Sena spokesperson Anand Dubey on Thursday morning cast his vote at a polling station in Mumbai's Kandivali for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. Dubey said the Election Commission (EC) website was not functioning properly and urged citizens to leave their homes to cast votes. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader claimed that the candidate for whom he cast his vote was not displayed on the digital screen. "We want everyone to come out and cast their votes. I experienced some inconvenience, but I was able to vote at another booth. The Election Commission's website is not functioning smoothly as it should. This time, the candidate being voted for is not being displayed on the digital screen, as it used to be. People are complaining in the entire city. Such lapses should not occur. People must vote for development," Dubey told ANI. 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra have gone to the polls today as a high-voltage campaign came to an end, setting the stage for a decisive political contest in key urban centres including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Mahayuti is contesting the local body polls largely together, except in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, where the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to ally with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP). 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 polls, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray joined hands on the issue of "son of the soil" in a high-stakes fight for control of the 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 Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), following a split in 2023. Ajit Pawar joined hands with Sharad Pawar again and contested against the 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 (SEC), 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. - ANI Nostalgia for the shahs authoritarian monarchy has grown in the shadow of an opposition without clear leaders, but it offers no alternative and enjoys no real support in Iran, according to experts An investigation by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, published on October 3, revealed that a private entity funded by the government of Benjamin Netanyahu had carried out a large-scale digital influence campaign to enhance the image of Reza Pahlavi, the crown prince of the overthrown dynasty of the same name that of his father, the last shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi whose removal led to the proclamation of the Islamic Republic in February 1979. The campaign not only boosted the image of the prince who for years frequented gossip magazines more than the corridors of power but also falsely amplified his support in Iran through avatars, fake online profiles posing as Iranian citizens. When the Iranian regime completely shut down internet access last Thursday to conceal its crackdown on the protests, many users posing as Iranians within the country continued to spread messages in support of Pahlavi. Prince Charles, then heir to the British throne, alongside Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi of Iran, in a carriage during Royal Ascot, in Berkshire, June 21, 1978. Central Press (Getty Images) These suspicious messages echoed one certain fact and one dubious one. The first is that, in some of the demonstrations, alongside shouts of Death to the dictator (Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei), slogans such as Long live the shah or Pahlevi will return were chanted. The dubious point is that the Iranians who took to the streets last Thursday in greater numbers than in previous days to protest were responding to a call the prince had made hours earlier to his compatriots to continue demonstrating. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi with his wife Farah Diba and their children Reza, Farahnaz, and Ali-Reza, in Saint-Moritz, Switzerland, on February 5, 1972. Michel Ginfray (Michel Ginfray) The slogans in support of the shahs son are a novelty that, other than in anecdotal cases, had not been heard in previous waves of protests in Iran. Nor had so many monarchist flags bearing the sun and lion been seen in previous demonstrations. However, for Karim Emile Bitar, a research associate on the Middle East at the Paris Institute for International and Strategic Relations (IRIS), this fact is not very significant. The expert believes that this visibility primarily reflects the vacuum that characterizes the current Iranian opposition, which has made Pahlavi perhaps the only dissident figure to whom citizens can appeal in a country where most credible opposition figures have been imprisoned, placed under house arrest, monitored, or killed by the regime. The prince is a blank canvas, asserts Iranian historian Rouzbeh Parsi, onto which desperate Iranians project their yearning for change and, in doing so, anger the regime. Legitimacy The median age in Iran is 34-35, and more than 70% of citizens werent even born when, at the end of his reign, the last shah traveled around Tehran by helicopter and spoke in public from inside a bulletproof glass case for fear of assassination. Even fewer Iranians had been born in 1971, when the monarch threw a lavish party in Persepolis to commemorate the 2,500th anniversary of the founding of the Persian Empire. Those festivities, with French champagne and dishes from the exclusive Maxims restaurant in Paris, cost, according to the BBC, $30 million at the time. The majority of Iranians were also not yet alive or not old enough to remember when, in 1975, Amnesty International deemed the Iranian monarchy one of the regimes that had most egregiously violated human rights, in collusion with SAVAK, its feared secret police. Reza Pahlavi was born in 1960 into that court of ermine furs and diamond crowns that delighted the glossy magazines. At 17, he went to the United States to train as a fighter pilot. He never returned to Iran. A little over a year later, the popular revolution, later co-opted by its Islamist faction, overthrew his father and forced the Pahlavis into exile in January 1979. The prince, who has spent 48 of his 65 years outside his country, stated last Sunday that he is prepared to return to Iran, in an interview with the conservative American network Fox News. According to calculations by journalist Robert Graham in his book Iran: The Illusion of Power, when the Pahlavis went into exile, their fortune amounted to at least $4 billion, deposited in Swiss banks. This money the product of the plundering of the countrys resources still allows the clan to maintain a lavish lifestyle and finance opposition activities against the Iranian regime, which until recently had always met with limited success. A 2009 report by the Brookings Institution asserted that the monarchist movement had virtually no presence in Iran. A protester holds a portrait of Reza Pahlavi in front of the Iranian embassy in Chile. Esteban Felix (AP) For a long time, adds Karim Emile Bitar, Pahlavis popularity was greater in Los Angeles or Neuilly-sur-Seine [an affluent suburb of Paris] than in Iran. Contrary to what might be expected after the recent demonstrations, notes the IRIS researcher, the legitimacy of the heir to the Iranian dynasty remains limited. Pahlavi has claimed to support the establishment of a liberal democracy and a constitutional monarchy, but he has never criticized his fathers regime. Many Iranians perceive him as a puppet of Israel he refused to condemn that countrys bombings of Iran last June and of the United States, whose president he constantly urges to intervene. Last Saturday, when he called on Iranians to take to the streets again and seize the cities, some of his compatriots criticized him on social media for asking protesters to risk their lives from his comfortable exile in the United States. In another interview, with CBS, when asked about the deaths in the protests which have now reached at least 2,600, according to the NGO HRANA he stated: Its a war, and in war there are casualties. Nostalgia Raffaele Mauriello is a professor at Allameh Tatabatai University in Tehran. This Iranologist explains from Italy that the prospect of Pahlavi as an alternative to the Islamic Republic was seen as ridiculous until very recently. He does, though, acknowledge that nostalgia for the shahs regime has grown in recent years, especially among young people. He notices it in his students, who sometimes post something about the shah and, when you ask them, you realize they know nothing about that period. Mauriello compares these young people to their Spanish contemporaries who are nostalgic for the Franco dictatorship. Mariam, the pseudonym of a 37-year-old Iranian woman exiled in Spain, is one of those who, with no future in sight, has turned her gaze to the past. I dont consider myself a monarchist, she says, although she views the prince favorably. She then adds that, for many years, Pahlavi was the only opposition figure, but notes that her fellow citizens want a secular government, not a monarchy. With no opposition, either inside or outside Iran, capable of proposing a credible and viable alternative to the Islamic Republic, Pahlavi is establishing himself as a potential figure who could ensure a transition, says Bitar. His chances of success are, in the experts opinion, limited. The prince can be seen as a figure catapulted to power by foreign powers, supported by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, which arouses great distrust among Iranians, who are very nationalistic. Furthermore, the researcher points out, it is doubtful that the Pahlavi heir can win the support of ethnic minorities or resolve the economic and social crisis in a country he no longer knows. Above all, as analyst Ali Terrenoire points out in a document published Monday on his X account, this aristocrat has no party behind him, nor any structure or hierarchy. His figure merely conceals symbolism and fantasies of leadership. In an opinion piece published in Time magazine, Iranian anthropologist Narges Bajoghli corroborated that real support for Pahlavi is minimal within his country. The professor at Johns Hopkins University also noted that popular support for the restoration of the monarchy is an illusion fabricated through disinformation campaigns and concluded that Trumps refusal to meet with the son of the deposed shah is a telling sign of how seriously even potential allies take the monarchist option. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has emphasized the critical need for bipartisan cooperation on diplomatic and security affairs, warning that internal division could jeopardize national interests. His call follows separate summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi this month. During his visit to Japan, Lee and Takaichi agreed to advance future-oriented cooperation through reciprocal "shuttle diplomacy" and addressed sensitive historical and trade issues. The leaders also worked to build personal rapport, underscoring the importance of stable regional ties amid international uncertainties. President Lee Jae Myung stresses domestic unity for national interests after summits with China and Japan, advocating for pragmatic diplomacy. Seoul, Jan 15 South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday called for bipartisan cooperation on diplomatic and security affairs, citing growing uncertainties in the international order. Lee made the remarks at a meeting with senior aides as he wrapped up separate summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi this month. "Amid growing uncertainties in the international order, peace and stability in the region become all the more vital," Lee said, according to Cheong Wa Dae, Yonhap News Agency reported. Lee said pragmatic diplomacy seeking balance and broadening mutually beneficial ties is more important than ever. "The role of domestic politics is especially important now," Lee said. "If we become divided internally, we will not be able to protect our national interests against external pressures, and even our hard-won diplomatic achievements could be squandered." On Wednesday, President Lee Jae Myung returned home after a two-day trip to Japan, during which he held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on ways to broaden and deepen bilateral cooperation amid tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. Lee met Takaichi in her hometown of Nara, marking his second visit to Japan and his fifth summit with a Japanese prime minister since taking office in June last year. It was their second summit following their first meeting in South Korea's Gyeongju in late October. During Tuesday's talks, the two leaders agreed to advance "future-oriented cooperation" through reciprocal leader-level visits, dubbed "shuttle diplomacy." They reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, while Lee also emphasized the need for Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing to find common ground for cooperation in Northeast Asia. Sensitive issues, including South Korea's ban on Japanese seafood imports, were raised as Seoul seeks to join the 12-member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is led by Japan. While South Korea reiterated its bid to join the pact, Japan explained its position on food safety, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said, adding that further working-level consultations are needed. The summit also addressed historical issues that have long weighed on bilateral ties. Seoul and Tokyo agreed to conduct DNA analysis to identify remains discovered last August at the Chosei undersea coal mine in Japan's Yamaguchi Prefecture, where a flood in 1942 killed 183 people, including 136 Korean forced laborers. Lee's visit also provided opportunities for the two leaders to build personal rapport through lighthearted moments, including an impromptu drum session, exchanging gifts and touring Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known to have been influenced by the ancient Korean kingdom of Baekje. - IANS Actor Sunny Deol visited the INS Vikrant and shared a patriotic post expressing his love for the nation ahead of the release of "Border 2". He revealed that his decision to star in the original 1997 film "Border" was inspired by his father Dharmendra's war film "Haqeeqat". The sequel features a star-studded cast including Varun Dhawan, who recently met the family of his character, PVC Hoshiar Singh. "Border 2" is scheduled for release in theatres on January 23, 2026. Sunny Deol shares patriotic post from INS Vikrant, reveals he did 'Border' inspired by father Dharmendra. Border 2 stars Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh. 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 YY. 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. - IANS Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has formally requested the Indian Army to consider relocating the headquarters of its Southern Command from Pune to Hyderabad. The request was made during a Civil-Military Liaison Conference, where the Chief Minister also pushed for the establishment of a Sainik School in the state. He highlighted Telangana's commitment to national security, citing the allocation of 3,000 acres for a Navy radar station. The discussions aimed at resolving ongoing land and administrative issues through continuous dialogue and the appointment of special liaison officers. CM Revanth Reddy requests Indian Army to move Southern Command headquarters from Pune to Hyderabad and establish a Sainik School in the state. Hyderabad, Jan 15 Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday requested the Indian Army to consider shifting the headquarters of its Southern Command from Pune to Hyderabad. The Chief Minister made the request during the Civil-Military Liaison Conference held at the Integrated Command & Control Centre in Hyderabad. Chief Secretary Ramakrishna Rao, General Officer Commanding, Telangana & Andhra Sub Area, Major General Ajay Mishra, DGP Shivadhar Reddy, and other senior officials from the state government and the army attended the meeting. According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Revanth Reddy brought several requests on behalf of Telangana to the attention of senior army officials during the meeting. Discussions focused on the swift resolution of land issues and other administrative problems between the army and the Telangana government. The Chief Minister requested that they consider shifting the headquarters of the Southern Command, which covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territories of Puducherry, Lakshadweep, D&N Haveli and Daman & Diu, to Hyderabad. He also requested the establishment of a Sainik School in Telangana. Noting that two to four Sainik Schools have been sanctioned in various states across the country, he brought to the notice of the army officials that not a single Sainik School has been sanctioned in Telangana for the past 10 years. The Chief Minister told the army officials that the Telangana government will be at the forefront in cooperating on matters related to national security. As part of this, 3,000 acres of land have been allocated for the Low-Frequency Navy Radar Station in Vikarabad. The Chief Minister requested that the army also appoint special officers for resolving issues and conducting discussions between the army and the Telangana government, making it clear that problems can only be resolved through continuous dialogue. - IANS India is hosting the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth in New Delhi, a significant event it last hosted nearly fifteen years ago. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the conference, which is chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and features high-level delegations from 42 Commonwealth nations. The conference will deliberate on contemporary issues like the use of AI in parliaments, the impact of social media on lawmakers, and strategies to boost citizen engagement. Indian leaders, including BJP MP Anurag Thakur and Madhya Pradesh Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, hailed the event as a major opportunity reflecting India's growing global stature. PM Modi inaugurates major parliamentary conference in Delhi, with 61 Speakers from 42 nations discussing AI, social media, and democracy. New Delhi, January 15 BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Thursday said that India hosting the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth marks a significant moment for the country, coming nearly one-and-a-half decades after it last hosted the prestigious parliamentary event. Speaking to ANI here, Thakur said India has consistently demonstrated its capability to organise large-scale global events. "This is a very big moment for India when, after almost 1.5 decades, India is getting the opportunity to host such a big event. Before this, India successfully hosted the G20. Preparations are also underway for hosting BRICS. All the speakers and presiding officers who are there today are coming. We welcome all of you," he said. Echoing similar sentiments, Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar described the conference as a major opportunity for India and its democratic institutions. Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Tomar said the event reflects India's growing stature in global parliamentary engagement. "A Speakers' Conference is being held in India today, in Delhi. This is a great opportunity for the country. The Lok Sabha Secretariat has made all the arrangements, and the topic is well-defined," he said, expressing confidence that the deliberations would be meaningful and impactful. The 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. The high-level conference is chaired by LS Speaker Om Birla and features 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments, underscoring the event's global scale and significance. Delegations from several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, will also participate in the high-level gathering. Other parties include the Deputy Speaker of Namibia, delegations from Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Cameroon, and Malaysia, and representatives from the Australian High Commission, led by High Commissioner Philip Green. According to the release, CSPOC will deliberate on a range of contemporary parliamentary issues to strengthen democratic institutions and modern legislative practices. Key themes include the evolving role of Speakers and Presiding Officers, technological innovation in parliamentary functioning, and enhancing citizen engagement with democratic processes. Among the major topics scheduled for discussion are "AI in Parliament: Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation", to be led by Malaysia; "Social Media and its Impact on Parliamentarians", to be presented by Sri Lanka; and "Innovative Strategies to Enhance Public Understanding of Parliament and Citizen Participation Beyond Voting", with contributions from Nigeria and South Africa. Other sessions will focus on the security, health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, as well as a special plenary discussion on the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions. - ANI Exports to Iran are just 0.28% of India's total India's Commerce Secretary stated that the country's exports to Iran are largely humanitarian in nature, involving items like food and pharmaceuticals. The government is awaiting the detailed US executive order to assess the impact of President Trump's proposed 25% tariff on nations trading with Iran. Indian trade with Iran has already sharply declined following earlier US sanctions in 2018. Official data shows that India's total trade with Iran is a minuscule portion of its overall export volume. India says its exports to Iran are mostly humanitarian goods as it awaits the detailed US executive order on President Trump's proposed 25% tariff. New Delhi, Jan 15 India's exports to Iran are mostly humanitarian in nature and the government will wait for the detailed US executive order before assessing the impact of the proposed 25 per cent tariff announced by US President Donald Trump, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said on Thursday. Trump had said in a social media post on Monday that any country doing business with Iran would face a 25 per cent tariff on all trade with the United States, with immediate effect. However, Indian officials said they are still waiting for clarity on the announcement. The Commerce Secretary said India has limited trade with Iran and most of it involves humanitarian goods. He added that the government is studying the announcement and is awaiting the official executive order to understand its implications. "The government is studying the announcement and is awaiting the official executive order to understand its implications," he added. Industry body Federation of Indian Export Organisations said Indian companies and banks are fully complying with sanctions issued by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control. It said trade with Iran is restricted to permitted humanitarian items, mainly food products and pharmaceuticals. Earlier sanctions imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control under the US Department of the Treasury in November 2018 had already led to a sharp decline in trade between India and Iran. According to official data, India's total trade with Iran stood at $1.68 billion in 2024-25. This included exports worth $1.24 billion, largely from the agriculture sector. India's exports to Iran made up just 0.28 per cent of its total exports of $437 billion during the same period. India's key exports to Iran include cereals, animal fodder, tea and coffee, spices, fruits and vegetables, and pharmaceutical products. The government said it will take a final view once the US issues the detailed order on the proposed tariff. - IANS Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief and actor Vijay extended heartfelt greetings for Pongal and the Tamil New Year, wishing for love, peace, and prosperity. His party, TVK, celebrated Samathuva Pongal in Salem district, emphasizing social equality and unity beyond caste and religion. The event, featuring over 50 Pongal pots, served as a platform where district leaders expressed strong confidence in winning all local assembly seats under Vijay's leadership. The party also indicated that Vijay's next major public outreach program is likely to be held in Salem district following the Pongal festivities. TVK chief Vijay extends Pongal & Tamil New Year wishes, as party celebrates with equality theme and hints at major Salem event post-festival. New Delhi, January 15 Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay on Thursday extended greetings on the occasion of Pongal. In a post on X, actor-turned-politician Vijay expressed hope for lives to be "filled with love, peace, well-being and prosperity." "On this Thai Pongal festival, the Tamil harvest celebration, may the lives of Tamil kin across the world be filled with love and peace, and may their well-being and prosperity abound," he wrote. He also extended warm wishes for the Tamil New Year. "Heartfelt Pongal and Tamil New Year greetings to one and all!" he added. Meanwhile, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) celebrated Samathuva Pongal in Thailanur, Salem district, with a strong message of social equality and unity, as the party indicated that its chief and actor Vijay's next major public outreach programme is likely to be held in the district after Pongal. The celebrations were organised by the TVK Salem Central District unit, where women prepared Pongal in more than 50 pots, symbolising harmony beyond caste, religion, and language. Party leaders and cadres, along with local residents, participated in the event, underscoring TVK's emphasis on inclusive social values. Speaking on the occasion, Salem Central District Secretary Thamizhian Parthiban said that TVK's Pongal celebrations were not ritualistic but rooted in the idea of samathuvam (equality). "People from all religions and communities have come together here. This is true Samathuva Pongal," he said, interacting with the public during the event. On the party's political preparations, Parthiban clarified that the authority to announce election candidates rests solely with party chief Vijay and the General Secretary, adding that only names declared by them would be considered official. "Whether Thalapathy asks me to work in the organisation or nominates me as a candidate, I am ready to take up any responsibility," he said. Expressing confidence in TVK's electoral prospects, Parthiban claimed that the people of Tamil Nadu would vote for Vijay's leadership and that candidates fielded by him would emerge victorious. He asserted that the party was confident of winning all 11 Assembly constituencies in the Salem district. - ANI Defence sources report two incidents of drone spotting in the Jammu sector, prompting the Indian Army to deploy counter-unmanned aerial systems measures. Local residents in Rajouri and other border areas have reported a surge in suspected Pakistani drone activity over the past several days, particularly along the Naushera-Rajouri sector. Civilians living near the Line of Control have expressed solidarity with the Army, vowing support amid the heightened security alert. The incidents follow earlier reports of drone sightings and a security tightening in the Samba district earlier in the week. Multiple drones suspected from Pakistan spotted along LoC in Jammu & Kashmir. Indian Army implements counter-UAS measures as border residents report increased activity. Jammu, January 16 Two incidents of drone spotting were reported in the Jammu sector, according to the Defence Sources "Two incidents of drone spotting reported in the Jammu Sector. Counter UAS (unmanned aerial systems) measures were resorted to by the Indian Army," as per the Defence Sources Earlier, the local residents in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri on Wednesday said that both the 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 on Tuesday 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, said, "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 was carried out in the Billawar area following reports of a few gunshots being fired on Tuesday. On Monday, security had 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 Iran says it is "ready for negotiation" The United Kingdom has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn all diplomatic staff, citing a severe deterioration in the security situation. This move coincides with heightened regional instability and reports that the US is considering potential military action against Iran. Diplomatic relations have further frayed, with Iran summoning European envoys and the UK reciprocating by summoning Iran's ambassador. While tensions are high, Iran's foreign minister has publicly advocated for a diplomatic solution over conflict. UK closes Tehran embassy, withdraws diplomats as Iran tensions soar. US considers military action. Iran's FM urges diplomacy amid violent crackdowns. Tehran, Jan 15 The UK has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn all diplomatic staff, citing a worsening security situation as tensions escalate following Iran's violent crackdown on protests and mounting speculation over possible US military action. Confirming the move on Wednesday (local time), the UK Foreign Office said, "We have temporarily closed the British Embassy in Tehran. This will now operate remotely." It added that British staff had been withdrawn due to the prevailing security situation. The decision comes at a time of heightened regional instability, with reports indicating that US President Donald Trump is considering potential military strikes against Iran. The UK's announcement followed a decision by the United States to evacuate some of its personnel from the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest US military installation in the Middle East. Diplomatic relations between Iran and European countries have further deteriorated in recent days. Britain's envoy to Iran was summoned, along with several other European diplomats, to what officials described as a tense meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday. In response to that development, the UK's Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer summoned Iran's ambassador to London on Tuesday. Despite the rising tensions, Araghchi struck a conciliatory tone in a separate interview with Fox News, saying Iran was "ready for negotiation" and had maintained that position for the past two decades. "Diplomacy is much better than war," he said, urging Washington to pursue a negotiated solution rather than military action. At the same time, the Iranian foreign minister blamed what he described as terrorist groups for the unrest within the country, alleging it was part of an "Israeli plot" to "drag (Trump) into the conflict." The situation continues to remain grim in Iran. - IANS Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan is chairing a crucial joint security review meeting in Jammu & Kashmir with all security and intelligence agencies. The meeting aims to assess ongoing counter-terror operations, with a specific focus on dismantling the network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who support terrorists. The review also addresses the recent spurt in drone activities along the International Border and Line of Control. This high-level meeting follows directives from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intensify counter-terror operations in a mission mode. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan leads a high-level joint security review in J&K, focusing on anti-terror ops, OGW networks, and drone threats. Jammu, Jan 15 After chairing separate meetings with senior officers of J&K Police, CRPF and the BSF, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan will chair the joint meeting of all the security and intelligence agencies here on Thursday. Officials said after taking separate perspectives from all concerned agencies about the security situation on the ground, the Union Home Secretary will review security jointly with J&K Police, CAPFs, and Central and UT intelligence agencies. The Union Home Secretary also had a separate meeting with the Army top brass on Wednesday. "The focus of today's review meeting is going to be the continuing anti-terrorist operations, counter-intelligence and identification of the terror over ground workers (OGWs), who act as eyes and ears for the terrorists. The Union Home Secretary wanted views of all security agencies engaged in anti-terror operations and anti-infiltration measures in J&K, and that is why the meetings with CRPF, BSF and JKP top brass were held separately and a detailed review of ongoing operations, especially in mountainous areas, was taken," officials said. The Army is engaged in counter-infiltration measures along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch, Rajouri and partly in Jammu district of Jammu division and Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara districts of the Valley. The BSF is deployed on the International Border (IB) with Pakistan in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts. The Army, CRPF and J&K Police carry out operations against the terrorists in the hinterland, including the hilly areas of Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur and other districts. Officials added that a joint strategy is likely to be formulated during the meeting to step up operations to eliminate the terrorists hiding in the hinterland while ensuring zero infiltration at the LoC and the IB. The Central and UT intelligence agencies say that cracking the OGW network will help in eliminating the terrorists who can't survive without food, clothing and other necessities for a long time and without support from the OGWs. Of late, there has been a spurt in drone activities along the IB and the LoC. This is also getting special attention during the joint security review meeting. The Union Home Secretary's visit to J&K comes less than a week after the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, reviewed the security situation in J&K at a top-level review meeting in New Delhi on January 8. The joint meeting is expected to ensure that the directions given by the Union Home Minister to step up counter-terror operations targeting terrorist infrastructure and terror financing in a mission mode are implemented on the ground. - IANS Union Minister Sanjay Seth participated in the Namo Patang Mahotsav in Ranchi on Makar Sankranti, which coincided with the 78th Army Day. He highlighted that the festival, featuring kites with images of PM Modi and military personnel, sends a strong message to the younger generation. Meanwhile, the Indian Army celebrated Army Day with events like an exhibition in Shimla inaugurated by senior officers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi saluted the Army's courage and remembered soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Union Minister Sanjay Seth participates in Ranchi's kite festival, linking it to Army Day celebrations and messages for youth. PM Modi salutes soldiers. Ranchi, January 15 Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth participated in the Namo Patang fest on the occasion of Makar Sakranti on Thursday, which coincides with 78th Army Day, highlighting that the fest sends a strong message to the youth. Speaking to the media, Sanjay Seth said that Makar Sankranti is an auspicious festival. He noted that the Namo Patang Mahotsav was first started in Ranchi in 2006 and has since been organised every year. "It is the auspicious occasion of Makar Sakranti today. Namo Patang Mahotsav was started in 2006 in Ranchi", he said. The Minister highlighted that Army Day is also observed on January 15, which makes the occasion even more meaningful. The event featured kites with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who played a key role in Operation Sindoor. Seth said that flying these kites during the festival carries a larger message, especially for the younger generation. "Flying these kites is a message to the younger generation", he said. The Minister also interacted with festival participants and distributed Khichdi to the people in the spirit of Makar Sakranti. Meanwhile, the Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day on Thursday, with a series of events being organised across the country to motivate young people to join the armed forces. As part of these celebrations, the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), Shimla, organised a 'Know Your Army' exhibition at the Ridge ground in Shimla. The exhibition was inaugurated on Wednesday by retired Brigadier Harjit Singh, along with Lieutenant General Sukriti Singh Dahiya, Chief of Staff, Army Training Command (ARTRAC). Both senior officers appreciated the initiative aimed at familiarising the public, especially the youth, with the Indian Army and its role in safeguarding the nation. (ANI) PM Modi on Thursday also saluted the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day. He remembered how the soldiers stand as a symbol of "selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve." On the occasion of the 78th Army Day, PM Modi also remembered those who have laid down their lives in the line of duty. "On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country," PM Modi posted on X. "We remember with deep respect those who have laid down their lives in the line of duty," he added. - ANI Its design made headlines worldwide, was exhibited at MoMA, and Salvador Dali even offered to decorate its interiors. Seventy years after its construction in Caracas, the future of the controversial building remains uncertain Some buildings are born with a systemic vocation. They aspire to be more than just containers for human activity and behave like three-dimensional diagrams of the world, ideological machines disguised as concrete. El Helicoide was born with precisely that ambition, perhaps too much so. Venezuela in the 1950s. With dictator Marcos Perez Jimenez at the helm, the country was overflowing with gasoline, dollars, and a very specific kind of civic silence that could be mistaken for political stability. Oil permeated everything. There was money, there was speed, and with both, an almost sweaty faith in the idea that the future was guaranteed and that any attempt at objection would be drowned out by pressing the gas pedal. Literally. El Helicoide, with its impeccably designed ramp and its still-shining dome, in 2021. Alamy Stock Photo This economic, political and moral ecosystem was condensed into a project as simple in its gesture as it was excessive in its consequences. A shopping mall that could only be traversed by car, without getting out of the vehicle and without walking. Without abandoning the steering wheel, lest progress escape through the back door. Thus, El Helicoide was conceived as a single, continuous movement. A ramp. A spiral path that encircled the Tarpeian Rock and rose above Caracas, transforming consumption into a journey and the incline into a substitute for urban strolling. Designed by Jorge Romero Gutierrez, Pedro Neuberger, and Dirk Bornhorst, the project included hundreds of shops, eight cinemas, a five-star hotel, a private club, a performance hall, and even a helipad, in case the oil boom reached such a point that customers arrived directly from the skies. Crowning it all was a geodesic dome designed to reflect the tropical light and return it to the city, transformed into an abstract symbol. Four kilometers (2.5 miles) of asphalt spiraled around the hillside, where cars would stop in front of every shop window, every cinema, every restaurant, transforming the act of shopping into a perfectly calibrated mechanical choreography. El Helicoide was more than just a building. It was a compact symbol in which form was the message, because the spiral was not just a path, it was a gesture that promised perpetual ascent, frictionless circulation toward continuous progress that, at that time, seemed to have no expiration date. So much so that its design circled the globe even before the building was fully constructed. It was exhibited at MoMA, Pablo Neruda called it a concrete rose, and Salvador Dali offered to decorate its interiors. Everything fit the narrative. In 1956, studies of El Helicoide began to make the idea conceived by the architect Jorge Romero Gutierrez a reality. Work at El Helicoide in 1956. In that state of architectural celebration, construction began in 1956, observed with proud awe by the white elites who had envisioned it and with a mixture of intimacy and infinite distance by the Black children of the nearby neighborhoods, who would probably never be able to travel through it. Because to inhabit El Helicoide required gasoline and a robust faith in the eternity of the regime. But eternity endured less than the oil. In 1958, the Perez Jimenez dictatorship fell, and the building was caught in the ebb and flow of change. Funds froze. Lawsuits piled up. The company went bankrupt. The imported elevators disappeared. The interior was left exposed to rain, looting, and slow deterioration. An attempt was made to resume construction. Some sections were completed, including the dome, but El Helicoide never became what it was intended to be. For years it remained unfinished, too grand to ignore and too laden with symbolism to complete without discomfort. View of the Cota 905 neighborhood and El Helicoide, in Caracas (2022). Alamy Stock Photo In the late 1970s, thousands of homeless people occupied the structure. The ramps designed for cars were filled with mattresses, makeshift stoves set up halfway up the slope, and clothes hanging where once there had only been structural calculations. El Helicoide became an informal city embedded in a futuristic engineering work, a layering of times and uses that ended in evictions and returned the building to a new state of expectant emptiness. The Tarpeian Rock, where El Helicoide was built, in 1874. Photo by Pedro Emilio Garraud. But another transformation was yet to come. In an unintentional and sinister homage to the hills name the Tarpeian Rock in Rome was the place from which traitors and thieves were thrown to their deaths the buildings function changed once again. Starting in 1982, the state began to gradually establish itself within its walls. First, administrative offices. Then, security agencies. In 1984, the DISIP (General Directorate of Intelligence and Prevention Services) used it as its headquarters and as a detention center. In 1992, during Hugo Chavezs second coup attempt, an OV-10 Bronco from the rebel Air Force bombed the building, and the resulting anti-aircraft fire destroyed part of the facilities. But El Helicoide was already too important to abandon again, so it was rebuilt and, as of 2010, under the Chavista regime, it became a detention center for SEBIN, the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service. And SEBIN transformed a circulation device into an internal control mechanism. Offices were converted into cells, bathrooms sealed off for confinement, and curved corridors integrated into a monitored circuit that erased any stable spatial reference. The prisoners gave names to these former stores. Little Hell. The Guarimbero. Guantanamo. The Little Tiger. The Cockroach. The Fishbowl. A tropical bestiary, surreal and terrifying all at once. Because these names, however close they may be to verbal folklore, designate places where organizations like Human Rights Watch have denounced torture, extreme overcrowding, electrocutions, immersion in feces, and sexual abuse. A model of El Helicoide. Camara de Comercio, Industria y Servicios de Caracas To this day, El Helicoide still stands, towering over Caracas. The White House has stated that Delcy Rodriguez plans to dismantle the detention center, but for now, the buildings future remains uncertain, true to form. Seen in photographs, with its impeccably designed ramp and its still-gleaming dome, El Helicoide, for me someone who has always believed in the capacity of built spaces to improve life leads to a chilling reflection: that architecture or rather, the humans who use it has the capacity to adapt to anything. To anything. That a project conceived under a dictatorship as a delirious promise of the future can end up, with hardly any modifications, as a political prison under another dictatorship. And that all of this the oil, the cars, the ramp, the asphalt, the luxury for a few and the poverty for many, the looting, the arrests, the bombings, the cells, and the torture functions, whether we like it or not, as a strange and brutal summary of the last 70 years of Venezuelan history. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The United States has completed its first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500 million, following the capture of former leader Nicolas Maduro. Revenue from the sale is being held in bank accounts controlled by the US government, with a primary account located in Qatar. The Trump administration plans to recruit major US oil companies to invest billions in refurbishing Venezuela's gutted oil industry. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez described a "long, productive" call with President Trump, discussing a bilateral agenda for mutual benefit. The Trump administration sells Venezuelan oil, holds revenue in a Qatar bank account, and plans major US investment to refurbish the industry. New York, January 15 The United States has made its first sale of Venezuelan oil valued at USD 500 million, according to the Donald Trump administration, as reported by the New York-based news outlet Semafor. The development comes following the capture of Nicolas Maduro, the former leader of the South American country 11 days ago. Following this, Trump said that US is taking control of Venezuela's oil reserves and recruit American companies to invest billions of dollars to refurbish the country's gutted oil industry, CNN had reported,. Trump had, on January 9 (local time) signed an executive order providing details on how his administration plans to block US courts or creditors from seizing any revenue that the US collects from Venezuelan oil and holds in American Treasury accounts. According to the Semafor report, revenue from the oil sales is currently being held in bank accounts controlled by the US government, as indicated in Friday's order, according to the administration official. The main account, according to a second senior administration official, is located in Qatar. "President Trump brokered a historic energy deal with Venezuela, immediately following the arrest of narcoterrorist Nicolas Maduro, that will benefit the American and Venezuelan people," White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said in a statement. "President Trump's team is facilitating positive, ongoing discussions with oil companies that are ready and willing to make unprecedented investments to restore Venezuela's oil infrastructure," she continued. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the US government would oversee the sale of the oil and proceeds would be deposited into accounts controlled by Washington and Fox News has reported that additional sales are expected in the coming days and weeks. As per a CNN report Venezuela is sitting on a massive 303 billion barrels worth of crude -- about a fifth of the world's global reserves, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). Trump previously said he plans to mobilize major U.S. oil companies to invest billions in fixing Venezuela's broken oil infrastructure. We are going to have our very large United States oil companies go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken oil infrastructure and start making money for the country," Trump said. Meanwhile, US President Trump said on Wednesday (local time) that he had a "long call" with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez. In a Truth Social post Trump said "This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be a spectacular one FOR ALL. Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before!" he added. Rodriguez described the call as "long, productive and courteous" and said they discussed a bilateral agenda aimed at benefiting both countries. Rodriguez, who assumed the acting presidency after the January 3 capture of Maduro by US forces, described the call as conducted "within a framework of mutual respect," in which a bilateral work agenda for the benefit of both nations was addressed, according to her social media posts following the discussion. "I held a long and courteous telephone conversation with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, conducted within a framework of mutual respect, in which we addressed a bilateral work agenda for the benefit of our peoples, as well as pending matters between our governments," Rodriguez said in a post on X. After Maduro's capture, Trump said Washington would "run" Venezuela during a transition and needs "total access... to the oil and to other things in their country." - ANI A Republican congressman has introduced a bill to significantly tighten oversight of the U.S. student visa program, citing national security risks and systemic abuse. The legislation would establish firm visa end dates, expand interview requirements, and impose harsh penalties for visa fraud. It specifically seeks to bar students from countries deemed adversarial, like China and Iran, and force universities to disclose ties to the Chinese government. The bill's backers point to visa overstay figures and outdated tracking systems as justification for the proposed crackdown. New US legislation proposes stricter student visa oversight, targeting fraud, overstays, and barring students from adversarial nations like China. Washington, Jan 15 A Republican congressman introduced legislation this week to tighten oversight of the US student visa program, saying weaknesses in the system have allowed fraud, visa overstays and national security risks to persist. Rep. Brandon Gill of Texas on Wednesday (local time) said the Student Visa Integrity Act is intended to strengthen enforcement and limit what he described as long-standing abuses of student visas. "Studying in the United States is a privilege, not a right," Gill said in a statement. He said the program has been exploited by "fraudsters and bad actors" and argued the bill would protect national security, enforce immigration law and ensure the program serves US interests. Gill's office said the legislation would establish firm end dates for student visa programs and expand in-person interview requirements aimed at reducing overstays. It would also restrict transfers between academic programs and impose tougher penalties on schools and officials found to have committed visa fraud, including possible prison eligibility or removal from federal student visa programs. The bill would bar nationals from countries it defines as adversarial from studying in the United States and would require colleges and universities to disclose financial or institutional ties to the Chinese government. A companion measure has been introduced in the Senate by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, who said he was concerned by the number of students from countries such as China and Iran attending US universities. "I was shocked to learn how many students from hostile countries like China and Iran are studying at our American universities," Tuberville said, including in his home state. He said there was no justification for allowing students from such countries to attend elite US institutions. The House bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Nehls and Collins, and is supported by conservative groups including the Immigration Accountability Project and Heritage Action. Foreign students in the United States are tracked through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, which was created after national security lapses exposed flaws in paper-based monitoring. Supporters of the legislation say SEVIS has seen little modernisation in more than 20 years, even as foreign student enrollment has grown from about 750,000 in 2012 to more than 1.5 million. The Department of Homeland Security has estimated that about 50,000 student and exchange visitor visa holders overstayed their authorised programs in fiscal year 2023, figures cited by backers of the bill as evidence of the need for tighter controls. - IANS The United States has initiated phase two of its Gaza peace plan, establishing a transitional technocratic administration called the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG). This move explicitly aims to end governance by both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, shifting focus to demilitarization, reconstruction, and service delivery. US officials highlighted humanitarian gains from phase one, including massive aid delivery and vaccination drives, but stressed that future reconstruction depends on Hamas disarming. The US warned of "serious consequences" if Hamas fails to return the final deceased hostage's remains and meet its obligations. US announces technocratic administration for Gaza, moving to demilitarization and reconstruction under Trump's plan, removing Hamas and Palestinian Authority. Washington, Jan 15 The United States has moved Gaza into a new post-war political framework by approving a technocratic administration and launching phase two of President Donald Trump's plan to end the conflict, marking the first explicit US-backed effort to remove both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority from governance in the territory. Phase two establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian body -- the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) -- and initiates a shift from ceasefire management to demilitarisation, governance, and reconstruction, according to two Senior administration officials. "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," US Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff said in a public statement. The officials mentioned the NCAG was carefully selected through consultations with regional mediators and Palestinian factions and is intended to function as a non-political, service-oriented administration focused on rebuilding Gaza and improving the daily lives of its residents. They described the move as the first time in years that Gaza would not be governed by either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. The decision to move into phase two was taken even as work continues on unresolved hostage issues, officials said. All living hostages have returned. The remains of 27 of the 28 deceased hostages have also been recovered. Efforts are ongoing to locate the final remains while keeping the ceasefire in place, the official added. Witkoff said Washington expects Hamas to meet its remaining obligations under the agreement. This includes the return of the final deceased hostage. "Failure to do so will bring serious consequences," he said. Senior officials acknowledged the scepticism over whether Hamas would fully disarm. They said the group has spent years building military infrastructure. However, they stressed that removing terror capabilities is essential for Gaza's future. Reconstruction, they said, cannot move forward if another conflict remains likely. Officials said dismantling terror infrastructure and removing heavy weapons are key goals. These steps, they said, are needed to prevent Gaza from returning to cycles of war. The aim is to create conditions where rebuilding efforts can last, and daily life can improve. The officials pointed to what they described as major humanitarian gains during phase one. They said more than 53,000 aid trucks entered Gaza after the ceasefire. Over two million pallets of goods were delivered. Vaccination drives reached tens of thousands of children, and large areas of rubble were cleared. Witkoff also highlighted the role of regional mediators in his social media post. He said the US was "deeply grateful to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their indispensable mediation efforts that made all progress to date possible." Officials said these countries will continue to play a key role as the plan moves forward. - IANS Iran's envoy to Pakistan states that US President Donald Trump has conveyed he will not attack Iran and has urged Tehran to exercise restraint. The comments come amid significant protests in Iran over living costs, which the envoy blames on legitimate grievances but accuses Western media of inciting violence. He claims the protest situation is now fully under control, with Iran's airspace temporarily closed and the country on high alert. The envoy warned that Iran would target US and Israeli installations in the region if attacked. Iranian envoy to Pakistan says Trump assured Tehran of no US military attack and asked Iran to show restraint amid protests and regional tensions. Islamabad, January 15 Iran's envoy to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, on Thursday stated that US President Donald Trump has assured Tehran that he won't attack the country and has asked Iran to exercise restraint, reported Dawn. This development comes amid ongoing protests in Iran over rising living costs, with authorities imposing internet restrictions. Trump had previously threatened to intervene but said on Wednesday that killings of protesters had stopped, and he'd "watch and see" about military action. According to Dawn, Moghadam made the remarks during his visit to Pakistan's National Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Authority. The Iranian envoy said that he received information at around 1 AM (local time), which indicated that Trump did not want war and had also asked Iran not attack American interests in the region. The envoy attributed the protests to legitimate grievances but blamed US and Western media for inciting violence, reported Dawn. He claimed the situation is now "fully under control" with no current protests, despite threats from Israel and the US. Iran remains prepared for any aggression, with its airspace temporarily closed In reference to the statement by US President Trump and Israeli PM Netanyahu on January 7, Moghadam said that they amounted to interference in Iran's internal affairs, further stoking the tensions. As per Dawn, the Iranian envoy alleged that armed groups carried out killings, attacked mosques, imambargahs, and committed acts of arson. He claimed that the situation was now "fully under control" and that no protests were taking place in Iran at the moment. Dawn reported that Moghadam said Iran remained on high alert and its airspace had been closed temporarily. He maintained that in the event of an attack, Iran would target US and Israeli installations in the wider region. During the visit, the envoy added that Tehran was committed to pursuing peace, Dawn reported. Times of Israel reported that the clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in an estimated death toll ranging from under 3,000 to over 12,000. - ANI Two Republican senators from Texas have introduced legislation to strengthen penalties for illegal immigrants convicted of drunk driving causing death or serious injury. The bill would classify such offenses as aggravated felonies under immigration law, ensuring offenders can be detained, deported, and permanently barred from benefits like asylum. The proposal has garnered bipartisan support, including from a Democratic senator who agrees accountability is necessary. Supporters argue the change closes enforcement gaps that have allowed some offenders to re-enter the U.S. and re-offend. Republican senators propose classifying deadly drunk driving as an aggravated felony for illegal immigrants, triggering mandatory deportation and permanent inadmissibility. Washington, Jan 15 Two Republican Senators from Texas have introduced legislation that would strengthen immigration penalties for people in the country illegally who are convicted of driving drunk and causing death or serious injury. The proposal, called the Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving Act, would classify such offences as aggravated felonies under US immigration law. Supporters say the change would ensure offenders can be arrested, detained and deported, and permanently barred from obtaining immigration benefits such as asylum or a Green Card. "This legislation closes a legal loophole that has prevented law enforcement from protecting Americans," Senator Ted Cruz said in a statement. "It will directly contribute to making our communities safer." Senator John Cornyn said the bill is intended to send a strong deterrent message. "Zero mercy should be shown to illegal aliens who not only defy our laws by unlawfully entering the country but also take it a step further to drive drunk, threatening American lives," Cornyn said. "If you enter the country illegally and harm innocent citizens, we will find you, we will punish you, and we will make sure you never step foot on American soil again." The legislation has bipartisan support, including Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona, who said accountability is necessary for a functioning immigration system. "We can't have a fair, orderly, and humane immigration system without clear rules that prevent dangerous criminals from remaining in our country," Gallego said. "Drunk driving that results in severe injury or death is a serious and dangerous crime." Other co-sponsors include Republican Sens. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, John Kennedy of Louisiana, Eric Schmitt of Missouri, James Lankford of Oklahoma and Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. Budd said driving under the influence carries "serious life or death consequences," while Tillis said illegal immigrants who commit such crimes should face deportation. Lummis said too many Americans have been killed by drunk drivers who should not have been in the country. Kennedy called drunk driving by people in the country illegally "beyond inexcusable," and Schmitt said both immigration and transportation laws must be enforced. Lankford said federal law should make clear that no illegal immigrant should receive multiple DUI convictions without removal. Mullin said offenders should be placed at the "front of the deportation line." The bill is endorsed by the Border Trade Alliance, the Federation for American Immigration Reform and NumbersUSA. Under current law, people in the country illegally can be removed following DUI or DWI convictions. Supporters of the bill argue that enforcement gaps have allowed some offenders to reenter the United States and commit additional crimes. The proposed legislation would explicitly define DUI or DWI offences resulting in death or serious injury as aggravated felonies under the Immigration and Nationality Act, triggering mandatory deportation and permanent inadmissibility. - IANS The United States has imposed new sanctions on Iranian security officials, financial networks, and Fardis Prison, citing a violent crackdown on peaceful protests. The Treasury Department sanctioned officials including Ali Larijani, accusing them of calling for and overseeing violence against demonstrators. Parallel sanctions targeted an 18-person "shadow banking" network accused of laundering proceeds from Iranian oil sales to fund repression. US officials stated all property of designated persons under US jurisdiction is now blocked. US imposes sanctions on Iranian security officials, a prison, and shadow banking networks for violent repression of protests and human rights abuses. Washington, Jan 16 The US has imposed new sanctions on Iranian security officials, financial networks, and a prison, citing what it described as a violent crackdown on peaceful protests across Iran. The measures include sanctions on Fardis Prison, which US officials said on Thursday is an institution where women have faced "cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment". The US Treasury Department also sanctioned several Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme Council for National Security. "As the brave people of Iran continue to fight for their basic rights, the Iranian regime has responded with violence and cruel repression against its own people," Principal Deputy State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the actions target those responsible for suppressing protests that began in December 2025. "The US stands firmly behind the Iranian people in their call for freedom and justice," Bessent said. "At the direction of President Trump, the Treasury Department is sanctioning key Iranian leaders involved in the brutal crackdown against the Iranian people." According to the US Treasury, Larijani was among the first Iranian leaders to call for violence in response to what US officials described as legitimate demands by protesters. US officials said Iran's security forces have fired live ammunition at demonstrators, resulting in deaths and injuries across multiple provinces. They also cited an incident in Ilam Province where elements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked wounded protesters inside a hospital. The Iranian miltary forces fired tear gas and metal pellets and assaulted patients, family members, and medical workers, according to the statement. Several provincial commanders were sanctioned for overseeing violent operations. Mohammad Reza Hashemifar, Commander of Iran's Law Enforcement Forces in Lorestan Province, and IRGC Commander Nematollah Bagheri were accused of responsibility for shootings and intimidation of civilians. In Fars Province, Law Enforcement Forces Commander Azizollah Maleki and IRGC Commander Yadollah Buali were sanctioned over killings of protesters in Shiraz. US officials said hospitals in the city were overwhelmed with gunshot victims, forcing other patients to be turned away. Families of those killed were pressured to give false testimony on state television, the Treasury said, or risk not receiving the bodies of their relatives. In parallel, the US moved against what it called Iran's "shadow banking" system. The US Treasury sanctioned 18 individuals and entities accused of laundering proceeds from Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales. OFAC said the networks are tied to sanctioned financial institutions Bank Melli and Shahr Bank and rely on front companies across several countries. Among the entities sanctioned were Iran-based Nikan Pezhvak Aria Kish Company, UAE-based Empire International Trading FZE, and Singapore-based Golden Mist PTE. Ltd. Several senior officials linked to these firms were also designated. Additional sanctions targeted Shahr Bank-linked companies, including HMS Trading FZE and Tejarat Hermes Energy Qeshm, along with multiple trading and shipping firms accused of facilitating oil and petrochemical exports. US officials alleged the funds generated through these networks were used to finance repression inside Iran and support militant groups abroad, rather than helping ordinary Iranians facing economic hardship. All property and interests of the designated persons under US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them. - IANS The United States has dispatched its first humanitarian aid shipment to Cuba following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the $3 million in aid will be delivered directly to the Cuban people through the Catholic Church, explicitly bypassing the government. The catastrophic hurricane caused severe flooding and infrastructure damage across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. India was among other nations that previously provided medical and humanitarian support to the affected region. US sends first humanitarian shipment to Cuba post-Hurricane Melissa, working with Catholic Church to deliver aid directly to people, bypassing government. Washington DC, January 15 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday said that America has begun sending humanitarian assistance to Cuba to support people affected by Hurricane Melissa, asserting that the "aid will be delivered directly to the Cuban people" and "not to the illegitimate regime". In a post on X, Rubio said that this marks the first humanitarian shipment sent by the US to Cuba following the hurricane. He emphasised that the effort is aimed at helping people in need as they continue to recover from Hurricane Melissa. "The U.S. is sending the first humanitarian shipment to Cuba to help people in need as they continue to recover from Hurricane Melissa. We are working with the Catholic Church and partners to ensure aid reaches the Cuban people directly not the illegitimate regime. The Trump Administration stands with the Cuban people," Rubio wrote. CBS News reported that the United States has announced $3 million in emergency relief aid for the island nation. The aid, which includes crucial supplies, is being distributed directly to the Cuban people through the Catholic Church, bypassing the Cuban government. Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic storms to hit the region in more than 150 years, left Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti struggling with severe flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage, as per CNN. Earlier, India was also one of the nations to send humanitarian aid to Jamaica and Cuba in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Leaders and foreign ministries from both nations highlighted India's medical help, equipment and humanitarian supplies, describing the support as timely and deeply valued. - ANI The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved a phased implementation of "equal pay for equal work" for personnel sponsored by the Uttarakhand Purva Sainik Kalyan Nigam Limited, starting with those having ten years of continuous service. This decision follows a Ministerial Sub-Committee's recommendations and a 2018 High Court order. Separately, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed a one-month intensive campaign to resolve all pending land disputes across the state, linking them to law and order and public trust. He has instructed top officials to lead the drive with weekly reviews to ensure timely and transparent resolutions. Uttarakhand Cabinet approves phased equal pay for UPNL personnel and CM Dhami orders one-month drive to resolve land disputes statewide. Dehradun, January 15 The Uttarakhand Cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal to extend the benefits of "equal pay for equal work" in a phased manner to personnel sponsored through the Uttarakhand Purva Sainik Kalyan Nigam Limited. The decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. In the first phase, UPNL personnel who have completed 10 years of continuous service will be granted salary-related benefits. The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Ministerial Sub-Committee in its meeting held on December 8, 2025. The committee was constituted in compliance with the order passed by the Uttarakhand High Court on November 12, 2018, in Public Interest Litigation. In view of the State's financial condition, the Cabinet decided to implement the policy in a phased manner. Accordingly, salary-related benefits will initially be extended to UPNL-sponsored personnel who have completed a decade of continuous service. Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also issued strict directives to ensure the swift and effective resolution of land-related disputes across the state. He instructed Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan and Director General of Police Deepam Seth to launch a comprehensive and intensive drive in all districts to resolve pending land dispute cases within one month. The Chief Minister said, "Land disputes are directly linked to the problems of ordinary citizens and often have an adverse impact on law and order as well as social harmony; therefore, it is the government's priority to ensure their speedy, transparent, and fair resolution." He directed officials to pay special attention to sensitive cases during the campaign and warned that any negligence would not be tolerated. As per the Chief Minister's directions, the Chief Secretary will review the campaign's progress weekly to ensure targets are met within the stipulated timeframe. Corrective measures will be implemented as needed, according to an official release. Dhami expressed confidence that the special campaign would ensure speedy resolution of land disputes, provide relief to the general public and further strengthen public trust in the government and administration. - ANI The Chamoli district administration is on high alert after a forest fire broke out in the rocky, inaccessible terrain of the Govindghat range within Nanda Devi National Park. A helicopter has been deployed for aerial reconnaissance and firefighting, with drone surveillance supporting ground teams. Officials, including the District Magistrate and DFO, have confirmed that key tourist sites like the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib remain completely safe. The Indian Air Force swiftly responded to a state government requisition, highlighting its dual role in defense and disaster management. Chamoli administration and IAF use helicopter and drones to combat a forest fire in the inaccessible terrain of Nanda Devi National Park. Officials confirm safety of Valley of Flowers. Chamoli, January 15 The district administration in Uttarakhand's Chamoli has gone on full alert after a forest fire broke out in the rocky terrain between the Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers in the Govindghat range of Nanda Devi National Park. According to the official, "the administration is fully alert to control the forest fire that has broken out in the rocky area between the Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers in the Govindghat range of Nanda Devi National Park. Considering the inaccessibility of the region, a plan has been prepared for aerial reconnaissance and firefighting using a helicopter." At the initiative of District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar, permission for a helicopter survey has been granted. After the survey, DFO Sarvesh Dubey told ANI that the Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib are completely safe. According to the Uttarakhand Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) said that the ground teams fight the blaze with helicopter and drone surveillance. "Efforts to extinguish the forest fire that broke out in the Govindghat range of Nanda Devi National Park in Chamoli district are ongoing. At the same time, reconnaissance and monitoring of the affected area are being conducted using helicopters and drones," the post said on X. Earlier today, the Indian Air Force (IAF) responded "swiftly" to fight a forest fire in Uttarakhand's Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve area. According to the Central Air Command (CAC), an IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter was deployed in firefighting mode at Joshimath in response to a requisition from the state government. In this response, the CAC highlighted the IAF's dual role in defence and disaster response. The official X post of the CAC, IAF stated, "The IAF's operational readiness was demonstrated yet again, when the @IAF_MCC responded swiftly to fight a forest fire in Uttarakhand's Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve area. The IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter, from Central Air Command was deployed in fire fighting mode at Joshimath to meet the requirement of the requisition from State Govt. This response, once again, highlighted the IAF's dual role in defense and disaster response." According to the official website of Uttarakhand, "The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, also known as the Nanda Devi National Park, is a spectacular expanse of wilderness in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the Valley of Flowers, both on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, encompass a unique transition zone between the Zanskar mountain range and the Great Himalaya. Located under the guard of the Nanda Devi peak, the rugged and dramatic reserve is spread across three districts of Uttarakhand, i.e., Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar." With an area of over 6,407.03 sq km, the reserve is divided into two distinct zones, namely, the core zone and the outer buffer zone. The official website stated that. " There are two core zones, namely Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park. What makes these parks even more spectacular are the Alaknanda River and its tributaries, including Rishi Ganga, Dhauli Ganga, Pushwapati, and Khiro Ganga, which crisscross the area. In addition to Nanda Devi, several peaks line the reserve, including Trishul, Dunagiri, Kalanka, and Nanda Ghungti." With exceptional biodiversity, the reserve supports significant populations of globally threatened species, including the snow leopard, the Himalayan musk deer, and numerous plant species. It is also home to the Asiatic black bear, Himalayan brown bear, bharal and Himalayan tahr. It is also a prominent bird-watching zone. Aside from some community-based ecotourism in small portions of these parks, this area serves as a control site for maintenance. - ANI The Indian Air Force swiftly responded to a forest fire in Uttarakhand's Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve by deploying a Mi-17 V5 helicopter in firefighting mode from Joshimath. The action was taken in response to a requisition from the state government and highlights the IAF's dual role in defense and disaster management. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its spectacular Himalayan wilderness and exceptional biodiversity. The reserve is home to threatened species like the snow leopard and spans across the districts of Chamoli, Pithoragarh, and Bageshwar. Indian Air Force swiftly deployed a Mi-17 V5 helicopter in firefighting mode to combat a forest fire in the ecologically sensitive Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. New Delhi, January 15 The Indian Air Force responded "swiftly" to fight a forest fire in Uttarakhand's Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve area on Wednesday. According to the Central Air Command, an IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter was deployed in firefighting mode at Joshimath in response to a requisition from the state government. In this response, the CAC highlighted the IAF's dual role in defence and disaster response. The official X post of the CAC, IAF stated, "The IAF's operational readiness was demonstrated yet again, when the @IAF_MCC responded swiftly to fight a forest fire in Uttarakhand's Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve area. The IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopter, from Central Air Command was deployed in fire fighting mode at Joshimath to meet the requirement of the requisition from State Govt. This response, once again, highlighted the IAF's dual role in defense and disaster response." According to the official website of Uttarakhand, "The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, also known as the Nanda Devi National Park, is a spectacular expanse of wilderness in the upper reaches of the Himalayas. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve and the Valley of Flowers, both on the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List, encompass a unique transition zone between the Zanskar mountain range and the Great Himalaya. Located under the guard of the Nanda Devi peak, the rugged and dramatic reserve is spread across three districts of Uttarakhand, i.e., Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Bageshwar." With an area of over 6,407.03 sq km, the reserve is divided into two distinct zones, namely, the core zone and the outer buffer zone. The official website stated that. " There are two core zones, namely Nanda Devi National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park. What makes these parks even more spectacular are the Alaknanda River and its tributaries, including Rishi Ganga, Dhauli Ganga, Pushwapati, and Khiro Ganga, which crisscross the area. In addition to Nanda Devi, several peaks line the reserve, including Trishul, Dunagiri, Kalanka, and Nanda Ghungti." With exceptional biodiversity, the reserve supports significant populations of globally threatened species, including the snow leopard, the Himalayan musk deer, and numerous plant species. It is also home to the Asiatic black bear, Himalayan brown bear, bharal and Himalayan tahr. It is also a prominent bird-watching zone. Aside from some community-based ecotourism in small portions of these parks, this area serves as a control site for maintenance. - ANI Just a few weeks ago, the scene would have been unthinkable. The German ambassador, Volker Pellet, shook hands with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello at the Miraflores presidential palace. A month earlier, Cabello, one of Chavismos strongmen, had dedicated part of his television program, where he usually ridicules and threatens those he considers adversaries, to the German diplomat. He said he had seen him taking it easy in Caracas and showed photos from his social media accounts of him walking around Waraira Repano, the Avila mountain that dominates the city, to mock Berlins warning about the risks of traveling to Venezuela in the midst of escalating tensions with Washington. Today, that same ambassador is being officially received in the heart of Chavista power. Just a year ago, Venezuela was expelling diplomats. Today, it welcomes them into the presidential palace. Something has shifted since the attack on January 3 and the capture of Nicolas Maduro. After years of broken relations, accusations of interference, and clashes with much of the world, Chavismo is looking outward. Venezuela is opening itself to a new political moment, one that allows for understanding despite political and ideological differences, said the countrys interim president, Delcy Rodriguez. The speed has been surprising. In just a few days, Rodriguez activated an agenda that no one expected so soon: calls to international leaders, promises of official trips, meetings with ambassadors, and messages of reopening. There is a lot of hope that this new stage will change the paradigm and [Venezuela will] open up to the world, says a high-ranking European diplomatic source. That is why, despite everything, we continue talking. Just nine days after the U.S. operation that landed Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a New York jail, representatives from the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland traveled to Caracas for a meeting convened by Rodriguez. Following the meeting, the president wrote on Instagram that Venezuela had the firm will to advance an agenda of international relations. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government began preparations to reopen its embassy in the United States and explore the return of the U.S. mission to Caracas, which has been closed since 2019. Envoys from both countries have been traveling back and forth in recent days, something that would have been scarcely possible until very recently. For years, every internal political crisis ended up translating into a diplomatic clash. Europe, Latin America, and the United States were all, at different times, the adversary. There were expulsions, withdrawals of ambassadors, and even restrictions on the movements of diplomats. Isolation ceased to be exceptional. We are coming out of a period of widespread cooling, explains a diplomatic source from a European country that withdrew its ambassador from Caracas. The EU did not recognize the last elections or Maduros victory, and there was anger over the political repression. And we have always been consistent: we do not sympathize with any dictatorship. Representatives of the European Union in Caracas on January 12. PALACIO DE MIRAFLORES (EFE) The archives are full of references to diplomatic crises, some more serious than others. In 2019, when more than 50 countries recognized Juan Guaido as interim president, several states cooled relations or closed their embassies. The United States shuttered its mission, leaving hundreds of thousands of exiled Venezuelans in limbo without consular representation in the countries to which they had emigrated. Diplomats stopped attending official events. Chavismo stopped attending state receptions. Direct channels of communication were severed. The world became inaccessible to Venezuela. For many ambassadors, daily dealings with those in power became a barrier. Even mediating the release of detained foreign citizens or providing basic consular assistance became dependent on subtle diplomacy, conducted through unofficial channels. At the same time, several diplomatic missions played a part in the countrys recent history. Since 2017, some diplomatic buildings have served as refuge for opposition leaders. The Chilean ambassadors residence sheltered as many as six, including Freddy Guevara, who spent three years there before leaving the country after negotiations with the government. The most delicate episode unfolded at the Spanish embassy. In April 2019, opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez escaped house arrest and sought refuge in the residence of the ambassador, Jesus Silva who passed away last year and who, during his mission, attempted to mediate between the Chavista regime and the opposition. Lopez remained there for over a year and became the elephant in the room of bilateral relations. Intelligence services maintained constant surveillance of the residence in the Caracas Country Club. Even so, Lopez managed to flee into exile in Spain with the direct assistance of the ambassador and his family. Over time, and after several stability crises that tested Chavismo, European diplomacy began to seek ways to navigate Maduros entrenched position. The decision by the 27 EU member states to maintain only charges daffaires a way of diminishing political recognition began to lose its effectiveness around 2022, when the opposition was once again decapitated by repression. By then, Maduro had already expelled the European Union ambassador with a 72-hour ultimatum. Even so, Portugal took the first step and presented its credentials. There was a handshake after years of avoiding them. Then came Spain, France, and Germany. Just this week, Italy announced it would do the same after the release of several of its citizens from prison. Mural of the Venezuelan flag, in Caracas, in an archive image. Gaby Oraa (REUTERS) The ostracism came at a high price for dozens of detained foreigners. Without dialogue with the regime, many countries struggled to secure the release of their citizens from Venezuelan prisons. And there were many. Over the past year, the arbitrary detentions of foreign nationals became a tool of diplomatic pressure. The Venezuelan government saw international conspiracies, while human rights organizations denounced a pattern: arrests used as bargaining chips in bilateral negotiations. Venezuela is now deploying its diplomacy, but the regime remains besieged by sanctions. Its relations with the world continue to be constrained by the web of restrictions the United States maintains on the financial and oil systems, designed to isolate the core of Chavista power and limit its access to foreign currency. The European Union also maintains targeted measures against 69 Chavista leaders, including Delcy Rodriguez herself, in addition to asset freezes, travel bans, and an arms embargo. Spain has been one of the countries that has most strongly promoted this sanctions regime, although it is now opening the door to reviewing it. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares argued in an interview with EL PAIS that if Caracas takes steps toward a democratic solution, the logical thing would be for these measures to begin to disappear. Albares even indicated that Rodriguezs situation warrants almost automatic reflection, given that the European Union avoids sanctioning the head of state in order to maintain dialogue. The idea of a new phase is beginning to take shape. The current developments have attracted attention. I was surprised to see Delcy Rodriguez meeting with the ambassadors, says Isabel Santos, a former Portuguese MEP and head of the EU election observation mission in 2021, speaking from Lisbon. The Chavista Venezuela I knew could be very volatile. Everything depended on which sectors held the most power. When the most radical elements gained ground, everything shut down. Others view the scene with more detachment. I would remain cautious, warns a former European ambassador who served several years in Caracas. In his opinion, meetings like the ones taking place are not unprecedented. Delcy wants to send a message. She insists on the idea of normalcy, that there is no power vacuum, that Chavismo has closed ranks, and that she is demonstrating that control. She is telling the world that she wants good relations with everyone, but it remains to be seen what new stage is truly beginning. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition BJP National Vice President Rekha Verma praised the newly passed VB-G RAM JI Act as a historic step toward rural self-reliance. She stated the scheme guarantees 125 days of work linked to local development projects, moving beyond the older MGNREGA model. The tech-driven initiative, with a 1.5 lakh crore outlay, promises biometric attendance and timely payments. Verma clarified the funding ratio for Himachal Pradesh is a favorable 90:10 from the centre. BJP's Rekha Verma details the new VB-G RAM JI Act, a 125-day tech-driven rural jobs scheme with 1.5L cr allocation for holistic village development. Shimla, January 15 The Bhartiya Janata Party National Vice President Rekha Verma on Thursday hailed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Jeevika Mission - VB-G RAM JI Act, 2025, passed during the winter session of Parliament, a historic step toward making rural India self-reliant. Addressing a state-level workshop on the VB-G Ram Ji, she praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. She said the NDA government, led by PM Modi, has launched a visionary, transparent rural development initiative. The program was presided over by State President Dr. Rajeev Bindal. Speaking on the occasion, Rekha Verma stated that this scheme is not limited to providing jobs; it is a robust, results-oriented model that links employment to permanent rural development, infrastructure, and livelihoods. She emphasised that this would ensure sustainable growth in villages and effectively curb migration. She noted that since independence, various governments launched several rural employment schemes--from the Rural Manpower Programme in 1960-61 to MGNREGA in 2005. While MGNREGA remained in effect for nearly two decades, changing socio-economic conditions and ground-level experiences necessitated a more effective, development-based scheme, leading to the creation of the VB-G RAM JI Act. The National Vice President clarified that while MGNREGA provided a 100-day employment guarantee, it often failed to deliver the expected results in practice. In contrast, the VB-G RAM JI scheme provides a legal guarantee of 125 days of work, directly linked to development projects. Under this scheme, development plans will be prepared at the Gram Sabha level. These plans will integrate through block and district levels with the PM Gati Shakti platform. Employment will be created through the execution of these development plans, supporting the village's holistic growth. Rekha Verma highlighted that the scheme is entirely technology-driven, featuring biometric attendance, digital multi-level monitoring, six-month periodic reviews, time-bound payments, and compensation provisions for delays in employment or payments, ensuring accountability. She criticised the Congress party for intentionally spreading confusion regarding the funding pattern. She clarified that for Himalayan states like Himachal Pradesh, the center-state funding ratio is 90:10, which is highly beneficial for the state. "In other states, this ratio is 60:40. This reflects the Central Government's sensitive approach toward hill states," she added. The VB-G RAM JI scheme has an allocation of approximately 1.5 lakh crore and focuses on four pillars: rural infrastructure, water conservation, environmental protection and rural livelihood. Rekha Verma stated that the scheme is not driven by a political agenda but is designed with the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 in mind. She warned that if the state government fails to provide its share of funding on time, it would reflect indifference toward rural development. "The BJP will launch awareness campaigns at the mandal and booth levels to take this scheme to every doorstep," she added. - ANI Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez and US President Donald Trump held a significant phone call described as "long and courteous," focusing on a bilateral agenda including oil, minerals, trade, and national security. Trump expressed optimism about stabilizing Venezuela and described progress in cooperation, including a deal for 50 million barrels of oil. The engagement marks a potential new phase in US-Venezuela relations following the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro by US forces. Maduro and his wife were indicted on drug-related charges and are currently facing trial after a US-led operation. US President Trump and Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez held a "long and courteous" call, discussing oil, trade, minerals, and national security. Washington DC, January 15 Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez held a "long and courteous" telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, during which the two leaders discussed key bilateral issues, including oil, minerals, trade and national security, marking a potential shift in diplomatic relations between Caracas and Washington, following US strikes on the South American country, which led to the capture of its former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Rodriguez, who assumed the acting presidency after the January 3 capture of Maduro by US forces, described the call as conducted "within a framework of mutual respect," in which a bilateral work agenda for the benefit of both nations was addressed, according to her social media posts following the discussion. "I held a long and courteous telephone conversation with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, conducted within a framework of mutual respect, in which we addressed a bilateral work agenda for the benefit of our peoples, as well as pending matters between our governments," Rodriguez said in a post on X. Echoing her remarks, President Trump, in a Truth Social post, said he had a "very good" conversation with Rodriguez and highlighted progress in cooperation with Venezuela. In his post, Trump emphasised that discussions covered oil, minerals, trade, and national security, expressing optimism about stabilising the situation and helping Venezuela recover. "This morning I had a very good call with the Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez. We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover. Many topics were discussed, including Oil, Minerals, Trade and, of course, National Security. This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be a spectacular one FOR ALL. Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before!" Trump's post read. The phone call represents one of the first high-level engagements between the United States and Venezuela's interim leadership since Maduro's ouster, potentially signalling a new phase of diplomatic engagement after months of heightened tensions between the two nations. Earlier on Sunday, Trump said he had spoken with Rodriguez, saying, "She's been very good. She asked us if we could take 50 million barrels of oil, and I said yes, we can; it is worth USD 4.2 billion, and it is on its way right now to the United States." Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Trump said that Washington is working "very well" with Venezuelan authorities as Caracas prepares to send millions of barrels of oil to American refineries. He asserted that his administration is working closely with the new administration in the Latin American country and claimed that large volumes of Venezuelan oil are already entering the United States as part of the engagement. This comes almost two weeks after the US launched a "large-scale strike" in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas and captured Maduro and his wife. Maduro and Flores were flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement. They were indicted on charges of alleged "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" in the Southern District of New York and are currently facing trial. Following their capture, Trump said that Washington will run the country "until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition". He said that the US action was aimed at bringing "outlaw dictator Nicolas Maduro to justice". - ANI BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan expressed significance over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Tamil Nadu on January 23 during the auspicious Thai Month. She stated the NDA meeting during this visit will launch its strategy for the 2026 state Assembly elections. Soundararajan also highlighted the participation of central leaders in Pongal celebrations as a marked contrast to previous governments. Meanwhile, traditional Pongal festivities, including kolams, sweet rice preparation, and Jallikattu events, were celebrated with fervour across Tamil Nadu. BJP's Tamilisai Soundararajan highlights the political & cultural significance of PM Modi's Jan 23 visit to Tamil Nadu during the auspicious Thai Month. Chennai, January 15 BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan celebrated the Pongal festival in Chennai and highlighted the political and cultural significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Tamil Nadu. She said the Prime Minister's visit on January 23 would mark a crucial moment for the NDA as it prepares its roadmap for the 2026 Assembly elections in the state. Speaking to the media, Soundararajan said it is very significant that the Prime Minister would be visiting Tamil Nadu during th auspicious Thai Month. "It is an NDA meeting, and from that NDA will take off its successful process and procedure for our 2026 election. We are very happy that our Prime Minister, nearing Pongal and our auspicious Thai month, is coming to Tamil Nadu," she said. She also welcomed the Prime Minister's participation in Pongal celebrations, noting that he spoke about Tamil culture and its pride. "Our Home Minister also participated in the Pongal. This is the first time all the central leaders have participated in the Pongal. During the UPA government, how many central ministers visited Tamil Nadu to celebrate Pongal?" she remarked. Meanwhile, Pongal was celebrated with traditional fervour across Tamil Nadu. In Thoothukudi, urban areas came alive early in the morning as residents decorated their homes with colourful kolams. As part of the ritual, Pongal, the traditional sweet rice dish, was prepared in new clay pots. In Madurai, the famed Jallikattu event was held at Avaniyapuram, drawing large crowds on the occasion of the harvest festival. The traditional bull-taming sport remained a key cultural highlight of Pongal, with at least 960 bull-tamers allowed to participate in the event. At Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore, Pongal was celebrated with enthusiasm. "It is a traditional festival that has been celebrated for the past 60 years at the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University. This year, we are also celebrating in the same form of splendour to honour the natural resources, especially the cow, as well as the support for all our research activities and the farm workers... It is a tradition to reciprocate our sincere thanks to the cow that helped us with cultivation," said Vice-Chancellor in-charge Dr K Subrahmaniyan. - ANI Nat Sciver-Brunt's brilliant half-century guided the Mumbai Indians to a competitive total of 161 for 5 against the UP Warriorz. She forged a crucial 85-run partnership with Nicola Carey after the team lost early wickets. Amanjot Kaur provided a solid start with a brisk 38 at the top of the order. The UP Warriorz bowlers, led by Shikha Pandey's economical spell, shared the wickets to keep the total in check. Nat Sciver-Brunt's fluent 65 and an 85-run stand with Nicola Carey guide Mumbai Indians to 161/5 against UP Warriorz in the Women's Premier League. Navi Mumbai, January 15 A fine half-century from Nat Sciver-Brunt guided Mumbai Indians to a competitive total of 161/5 in their 20 overs against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. Mumbai had a cautious start at the top, with Amanjot Kaur and Gunalan Kamalini taking time to settle. Amanjot was the first to be dismissed after scoring 38 off 33 balls, which included seven boundaries. Soon after, Kamalini also departed for 5 off 12 deliveries, leaving Mumbai at 45/2 in 8.3 overs. The team reached the 50-run mark in 9.3 overs. Mumbai captain Harmanpreet Kaur was the next to fall, contributing 16 runs before being dismissed. Nat Sciver-Brunt then took charge and found solid support from Nicola Carey. The pair stitched together a crucial 85-run partnership that lifted Mumbai to a strong position. Sciver-Brunt played a fluent knock of 65 off 43 balls, striking nine fours and a six. Carey remained unbeaten on 32 off 20 balls, which included five boundaries, as Mumbai finished with a challenging total. For UP Warriorz, Shikha Pandey was the most economical bowler, returning figures of 1/25. Deepti Sharma picked up 1/31, Sophie Ecclestone claimed 1/26, while Asha Sobhana also chipped in with a wicket, finishing with figures of 1/33. Brief scores: Mumbai Indians 161/5 in 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 65, Amanjot Kaur 38; Shikha Pandey 1/25) vs UP Warriorz. - ANI The Delhi government, in collaboration with central authorities, is preparing to launch a recreational cruise service on the Yamuna River in February. The project, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore, will feature state-of-the-art, eco-friendly hybrid boats operating on a designated corridor. It aims to provide a new green tourism experience and enhance connectivity through sustainable river travel. The initiative is part of broader efforts to develop inland water transport and revitalize recreational activities along the river. Delhi's Yamuna cruise service, featuring eco-friendly hybrid boats, is set to launch in February, offering a new green tourism experience for residents. New Delhi, January 15 People of Delhi can now have a "cruise experience" without going out of the city with the Delhi government preparing to start a cruise on the Yamuna river next month. Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra told ANI in an interview that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will launch the Yamuna cruise recreational services. He said a MoU was signed between the Central Government, DDA, and the Delhi Government regarding the cruise service. "We are going to start a cruise on the Yamuna, most probably, sometime in February, the Chief Minister will dedicate it to the people of Delhi. We are bringing this in accordance with international safety standards. The upstream Wazirabad model is state-of-the-art... A joint MoU was signed between the Central Government, DDA, and the Delhi Government... It has a hybrid engine," he said. "The Yamuna has two phases in Delhi: upstream Wazirabad and downstream Wazirabad. For upstream Wazirabad, we are working to connect people with the Yamuna... Downstream Wazirabad, the sewage is being tapped first. Systems are being built to treat it. Treatment systems for the drains are being constructed so that clean water flows downstream," he added. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and Kapil Mishra had in October last year reviewed the progress of the Yamuna Boat Tourism and Ferry Infrastructure Development Project, which aims to introduce recreational boat cruises and ferry services on the River Yamuna for residents and visitors in the national capital. The project, located upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, is expected to provide a new green tourism experience and enhance connectivity through eco-friendly river travel. The initiative is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 20 crore. River Yamuna, notified as National Waterway 110 (NW-110), stretches 1,080 kilometres from Delhi's Jagatpur to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. As part of efforts to promote inland water transport and short-distance urban tourism, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is developing facilities along a 6-7 km round-trip corridor between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur. After reviewing the on-ground progress, Sonowal said the initiative reflects the government's commitment to sustainable and modern waterways. To support implementation, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed an MoU with key departments of the Delhi Government, including Irrigation and Flood Control, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC). The agreement focuses on developing cruise tourism along a four-kilometre stretch of NW-110. The corridor will function as a hub for eco-friendly cruise operations, powered by electric-solar hybrid boats that can accommodate 30 to 40 passengers. The vessels will be equipped with safety equipment, including life jackets and public announcement systems. The project is expected to revitalise recreational activities, enhance green mobility and reshape Delhi's tourism landscape by offering new river-based experiences for residents and tourists. The project is expected to revitalise recreational activities, enhance green mobility and reshape Delhi's tourism landscape by offering new river-based experiences for residents and tourists. Kapil Mishra, who also holds portfolios for Law and Justice, Labour, Employment, Development, Art, Culture, and Language, said the BJP government's biggest achievement in Delhi is its direct connection with the people. He said the Chief Minister and MLAs are addressing public concerns. He also took a dig at the previous AAP government, saying the first task of the BJP government is "fill the potholes which exist in every department". "The first achievement of this government is that its Chief Minister, ministers, and MLAs are present among the people.... The first task is definitely to fill the potholes, and those potholes exist in every department," he said. "The previous government was disconnected from the people. This government is among the people. When we opened the Chief Minister's office on the first day in the Delhi Secretariat, there was a thick layer of dust everywhere. People said the office never opens. Today, that office is never closed," he added. Bharatiya Janata Party won Delhi polls in February last year, returning to power in the national capital after 27 years. - ANI Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data The events in Iran are both bitter and familiar. It is by now almost a ritual, every other year the high level discontent goes beyond the low level protests and develops into something more national and dramatic. The grievances are real, the repression equally so. Irans economy is in some respects in an extended free fall, the result of decades of mismanagement corruption but also American sanctions. The end result is a situation that barely anyone one in the country can any longer endure and thus, all other issues aside, the economy will elicit near universal fury. But the protests and the misery of Iranians it springs from also become a canvas for all and sundry to proclaim and project all kinds of ideological positions and claims about what is happening in the country. For each iteration of these protests social media, as a channel to spread awareness of them as well as disinformation about the situation in the country, grows. And the state uses its control over internet access and mobile phone systems to stymie peoples ability to participate and hide its own use of violence against them. It is said that Mark Twain once said that history does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme. The ongoing protests follow a pattern, and yet there are new circumstances as well. The spread is wide and deep as in the previous protest (2017, 2018-2019, 2022-2023), but the escalation of violence (including to a small degree from some protestors) faster. One contributing reason for the latter is that this takes place in the shadow of the military attack Israel initiated in June 2025 which showed the weakness of Irans defenses (in several senses) and the willingness of Israel and the U.S. under Trump to militarily confront Iran. One of Israels allies in the confrontation is the son of the last Shah, Reza Pahlavi. He has received much more exposure in the last year, clearly betting that he has a chance of taking over the country with the help of Netanyahu and Trump. In this he follows a family tradition, his grandfather came to power with the help of the British in 1921 and his father regained the throne through a coup orchestrated by the CIA in 1953. Reza Pahlavis name has been herald among the protestors, it evokes a nostalgia bereft of historical accuracy of how better things were before. After decades of exile in the U.S., he has so far not managed to create and sustain an organizational foundation for his political ambitions there let alone inside Iran. More than anything else, the calls for the return of a monarch is a sign of desperation on the part of some protesters, who under the repression of the Islamic Republic have not been able to coalesce around any single political figure inside the country. In many ways the most vociferous political opposition groups outside of Iran have constituted the perfect enemy for the security apparatus in Tehran. On the one hand, there is the Mojahedin-e Khalq (Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran), a cultish organization that sided with Saddam Hussein in the war 1980-88 against Iran, and on the other, the hapless pretender to the throne. The real opposition that could pose a danger to the Islamic Republic are those inside, who are organically enmeshed in the society, human rights activists, alienated politicians from within the system who have turned against it. But these figures, and the labour unions that could form the backbone of their political struggle, are always imprisoned, harassed and persecuted. The previous state solution to these protests repression and a few tactical concessions do not work anymore. The population has no faith or respect for the political elite. The best-case scenario for the political system would be to find the political will power to reconsider their form of (mis)governance and in a sense re-invent themselves, though it is unlikely the population at large will find this metamorphosis credible. With business as usual these protests will escalate and at some point one of these iterative protest waves will break the state. What then will follow is unfortunately more likely to be chaos and civil war than an orderly transition to something new. Rouzbeh Parsi is an Iranian historian and professor at Lund University (Sweden). Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Researchers have identified bradycardia-an abnormally low heart rateas a symptom of xylazine-opioid overdose. This breakthrough finding from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai may help emergency medicine physicians detect whether patients have been exposed to xylazine, a drug that is increasingly found as an additive to the illicit fentanyl supply, particularly in the Northeast. Accurate detection of xylazine overdose could help physicians take the correct steps to save lives following an overdose. The results were published in the January 13 issue of Addiction. People using opioids do not intentionally seek out substances like xylazine, but are inadvertently exposed to them, and we still don't know all of the potential health effects that these novel substances might have for patients. There's also no way to test patients at the bedside for xylazine, so doctors in the emergency department have no way of knowing if a patient has been exposed to this drug in addition to fentanyl or other illicit opioids they require a blood test for detection that's sent to a specialized toxicology lab. Therefore, being able to associate a clinical sign, like a slow heart rate, with xylazine following an overdose can be helpful to doctors in the emergency room. They can provide harm reduction counseling for patients about adulterants and resources like drug testing strips, which allow patients with substance abuse disorders to test their drugs for these adulterant substances." Jennifer Love, MD, lead researcher, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Xylazine is a powerful animal sedative and pain reliever that is approved strictly for veterinary use. However, 25 percent of the U.S. fentanyl supply includes xylazine. Xylazine overdose can cause adverse events such as severe skin lesions, sedation, hypothermia, and heart issues. Since it's not authorized for humans, there are knowledge gaps about how xylazine impacts patients. Mount Sinai researchers wanted to better understand the effects that xylazine can have on people who use opioids. Through collaboration and partnership with the American College of Medical Toxicology's Toxicology Investigators Consortium, they conducted a prospective observational study of 1,289 adult patients with suspected opioid overdose in the emergency departments at 10 health care institutions across the United States between September 2020 and September 2023. Waste blood samples from all sites were de-identified and sent for toxicology testing at a specialized forensic toxicology lab to identify xylazine and other substances. They compared patients with xylazine and an illicit opioid detected in their blood samples to patients with only an illicit opioid detected. Then, they used statistical analysis to determine which vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, were associated with xylazine detection, and if a certain age, race, gender, or area of the country had more xylazine-opioid overdoses. Xylazine was detected in 238 patients. Of those patients, 6 percent had bradycardia at their arrival to the emergency room, compared to only 2 percent of patients without xylazine, a statistically significant difference. Patients with xylazine-fentanyl overdose were twice as likely to have bradycardia compared to those without xylazine. "Within this niche subgroup of patients who were exposed to xylazine-adulterated fentanyl and had an overdose, bradycardia is the only significant 'signal' we have found so far of relating blood test results to a clinically meaningful marker for physicians when it comes to symptoms," adds Dr. Love. Additionally, 75 percent of the patients with xylazine were located in the northeastern United States. The likelihood of xylazine detection was 60 percent lower in the Midwest, 70 percent lower on the West Coast, and 97 percent lower in the Southeast. "This study demonstrates xylazine's continued predominance in the Northeast and identifies an important association between xylazine exposure and decreased heart rate following overdose," says senior author Alex Manini, MD, MS, Professor of Emergency Medicine and Director of the Center for Research on Emerging Substances, Poisoning, Overdose, and New Discoveries at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "Results of the study help build a foundation for understanding a toxic syndrome, or 'toxidrome,' from xylazine-adulterated fentanyl overdose. Additionally, knowing that a routine clinical measurement, heart rate, is associated with exposure to xylazine in overdose can empower emergency medicine clinicians to improve care for patients at the bedside." Researchers are currently studying xylazine's association with patient outcomes such as length of stay and intensive care unit admission. Additional studies are evaluating the relationship between measured blood concentrations of xylazine and vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure. Funding for this study was provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a division of the National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A new study has found that for people with moderate hearing loss, being prescribed hearing aids had little impact on cognitive test scores. The study was published on January 14, 2026, in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Hearing loss is more common as we age and previous research has found it may increase the risk of memory and thinking problems, including dementia, but less is known about how treating hearing loss with hearing aids may impact brain health. Our study followed people with hearing loss, some of whom were prescribed hearing aids and some who were not, and found cognitive scores were similar for both groups. However, we also found that hearing aids were associated with a lower risk of dementia." Joanne Ryan, PhD, study author of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia Researchers looked at 2,777 people in Australia with an average age of 75 who did not have dementia at the start of the study. All participants had moderate hearing loss, defined as self-reported hearing problems, but had never used hearing aids. During the study, 664 people were prescribed hearing aids. Those prescribed hearing aids answered questions about how often they used them. They were followed for seven years and completed cognitive tests annually. These tests measured skills like memory, language and speed. During the study, 117 people developed dementia. Researchers compared people who were prescribed hearing aids with those who were not. Researchers found average cognitive test scores were similar for both groups during the study. Having hearing aids was not associated with better scores. But when looking at risk of dementia, after adjusting for age, sex and conditions like diabetes and heart disease, researchers found that people prescribed hearing aids had a 5% risk of developing dementia during the study, compared to 8% for those who were not. This was equivalent to a 33% lower dementia risk. Ryan said finding a lower dementia risk but little improvement in cognitive test scores is unexpected but may be explained by several factors. "One factor could be that most study participants had good cognitive health when the study started, reducing the potential for improvement with hearing aids." In addition, researchers found that after adjustments those prescribed hearing aids had a 36% risk of developing cognitive impairment, which includes cognitive decline and dementia, compared to 42% for those who were not. This was equivalent to a 15% lower risk of cognitive impairment. Researchers found that as people used their hearing aids more often, their risk of dementia declined proportionally. "While we didn't find a difference in cognitive scores, our study suggests that for older adults with hearing loss, using hearing aids may lower the risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, benefiting brain health," said Ryan. "Further studies are needed to understand the ways hearing aids may support memory, thinking and brain health overall." A limitation of the study was that most participants were healthy and had good cognitive skills at the start, so the results might not be the same for people who are less healthy or already have memory problems. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, the Australian government and Monash University. Long hours and shift work play a role, but new Australian research shows age, gender, education, and smoking habits are far more powerful predictors of high-risk drinking among workers. Study: Work Hard Drink Hard? Occupational, Sociodemographic and Health Determinants of High-Risk Alcohol Consumption Among Australian Workers. Image credit: Kzenon/Shutterstock.com In a recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Review , a group of researchers examined the impact of occupational factors compared with sociodemographic and health determinants in shaping high-risk alcohol consumption among working adults. Why workplace drinking demands broader public health attention One in three working-age adults consumes enough alcohol to increase the risk of disease or injury. These problems not only affect them at a personal level, but also professionally. Alcohol-related injuries, missed work, and chronic disease cost economies billions each year. Risky drinking is often seen as a personal choice rather than being understood in the context of coping with daily pressures. Long working hours or irregular schedules, as well as income-related pressures, may contribute to environments that normalize excessive drinking. To design effective interventions that can help people, rather than just meeting clinical guidelines, the factors that contribute most strongly to risk need to be highlighted. Further research is needed to clarify how occupational factors interact with personal risk factors over time. Two decades of national data reveal drinking patterns The present study analyzed data from 23 waves (20012023) on employment, health, and lifestyle from a nationally recognized longitudinal study in Australia. The analysis included 26,255 employed individuals aged 18 years and older, contributing more than 216,000 observations over time. Only participants who reported alcohol consumption were included to avoid bias from combining abstainers with low-risk drinkers. According to the national drinking guidelines, high-risk alcohol consumption was categorized into three major outcomes. Firstly, high-risk drinking across the week (more than 10 standard drinks per week), then single-occasion high-risk drinking (more than four standard drinks on one occasion), and finally any high-risk drinking (meeting either threshold). Occupational factors included work schedule, weekly hours, occupation type, job demands and complexity, job security, job satisfaction, and preferences for more or fewer work hours. Several sociodemographic factors, such as age, sex, education, income, relationship status, background, smoking habits, and long-term health conditions, were analyzed. To examine how these factors change over time within the same individuals, researchers used generalized linear mixed-effects models to account for repeated observations across time. Personal characteristics dominate patterns of risky drinking High-risk alcohol consumption was common, with more than one-third of observations meeting at least one high-risk drinking criterion. These patterns changed depending on age, sex, and health behaviors, which were far more strongly associated with risky drinking than occupational factors. Younger workers (1829 years) were more likely to engage in occasional single high-risk drinking, reflecting broader social drinking norms that emphasize intensity over frequency. In contrast, older workers were more likely to consume alcohol at higher levels across the week, suggesting more regular drinking patterns. Major differences were observed between men and women. Women had lower odds of all forms of high-risk drinking compared with men. This suggested that working men experience a greater burden of high-risk alcohol consumption. In comparison, smoking was identified as the most modifiable risk factor. Workers who smoked were nearly three times more likely to engage in high-risk drinking. This highlights how health risk behaviors often co-occur. Occupational factors showed interesting associations with high-risk drinking habits. Employees working more than 40 hours per week had higher odds of high-risk drinking across the week, an association that remained after adjusting for sociodemographic and health factors. On average, shift workers did not drink heavily across the week, as they were more likely to drink on single occasions. As discussed by the authors, this pattern may reflect binge-style drinking during fewer opportunities to drink, or persistent misconceptions that alcohol helps with sleep. However, these mechanisms were not directly measured in the study. Preferences regarding work hours also had an impact on drinking habits. Workers who wanted more hours to work showed higher odds of risky single-occasion drinking, while those wishing to work fewer hours consistently showed lower risk across all drinking categories. This pattern suggests that dissatisfaction with work intensity may influence coping behaviors, whether due to having too much or too little work. Occupation type influenced drinking risk. As compared with professionals, laborers, machinery operators, and trades workers showed consistently higher odds of high-risk drinking. These roles often involve physical strain, irregular working schedules, and established workplace drinking norms, as suggested by previous research, which normalize alcohol use. In contrast, psychosocial factors such as job satisfaction, demands, and job security showed little association with risky drinking once other variables were considered. Reducing alcohol harm requires more than stress management High-risk alcohol drinking habits among workers appear to be influenced more by personal factors such as age, sex, education, lifestyle, and smoking habits, rather than by job stress alone. Workplace conditions like long working hours, physically exhausting jobs, and irregular routines still matter, but sociodemographic and health factors explained more of the variation in alcohol risk. Importantly, the findings reflect statistical associations rather than causal relationships. These findings highlight the need for workplace health strategies that move beyond generic stress management and address clustered behaviors such as smoking and drinking together. The authors suggest that tailored interventions targeting high-risk groups and multiple health behaviors simultaneously may be more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches. Download your PDF copy now! A short, family-friendly bedtime reading routine helped young children grow in cognitive empathy and creativity, and simple pauses to reflect gave imagination an extra lift. Study: Keep the bedtime story: A daily reading ritual improves empathy and creativity in children. Image credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.com In a recent study published in PLOS One , researchers examined the effect of daily reading routines on the creativity and empathy displayed by six- to eight-year-old children. They found that daily reading was associated with pre- to post-intervention improvements in cognitive empathy and creativity in children, regardless of reading style. Reflective pauses also produced additional, targeted benefits for creative fluency. Shared reading supports imagination Empathy is a multidimensional skill that involves both understanding others thoughts (cognitive empathy) and sharing others feelings (emotional empathy). It develops early in childhood through social interactions and learning experiences. Research has shown concerning declines in creativity and empathy among young people, which may be linked to changes in technology use, education, and lifestyle. Because empathy supports emotional well-being, social connection, and academic success, identifying simple, effective ways to foster it early in life is increasingly important. Prior studies suggest empathy is malleable and can be strengthened through experience, particularly by engaging with the perspectives of others. Reading fiction to children is one promising pathway, as it encourages identification with characters, understanding emotions, and reflection on social situations. Creativity and empathy are also closely related, sharing reliance on imagination and flexible thinking. Testing a two-week bedtime reading intervention Researchers investigated whether a short daily bedtime reading routine could enhance creativity and empathy in children during the sensitive developmental period between the ages of six and eight. The study included 41 children from central Virginia, along with their caregivers. Children were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: a read-through group, in which caregivers read picture books without interruption, or a pause group, in which caregivers paused once during a story to ask reflective questions about the characters feelings and actions. The intervention lasted two weeks, with each of the seven included books read twice. Empathy was measured before and after the intervention using a child-adapted version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, assessing cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and fantasy-based perspective-taking. Responses were simplified to a three-point verbal scale to ensure developmental appropriateness. Creativity was assessed using a task that measured both creative fluency (the number of ideas generated) and originality. Assessments were administered individually by trained researchers. Statistical analyses included mixed analysis of variance ( ANOVA ) and ordinal mixed-effects models to examine changes over time and differences between groups, with corrections for multiple comparisons. Additional analyses tested whether child characteristics such as age, sex, or prior reading habits influenced outcomes. Reading alone improved empathy and creativity Most families reported regular reading habits before the study. Contrary to the primary hypothesis, children in the pause group did not show significantly greater overall gains in empathy or creativity compared to the read-through group. However, significant improvements from baseline to follow-up were observed across both groups in cognitive empathy, total empathy, creative fluency, and creative originality. Emotional empathy did not significantly change over the two weeks. A notable exception emerged for creative fluency: children in the pause group demonstrated significantly larger gains over time than those in the read-through group, suggesting that reflective questions may enhance idea generation when repeated across readings. Fantasy-based empathy also showed greater improvement in the pause group when differences between children, such as sex and prior reading experience, were taken into account. Moderator analyses indicated that age influenced some outcomes, with older children showing lower originality scores than younger children. Post-hoc power analysis revealed the study was sufficiently powered to detect large effects but likely underpowered for smaller empathy-related differences. In practical terms, this means the study was better suited to identifying substantial changes than subtle differences between reading styles. Overall, the findings suggest that daily reading alone supports empathy and creativity, with reflective pauses offering targeted benefits for creative fluency. Why shared reading may matter more than technique This study suggests that a brief, consistent bedtime reading routine can meaningfully support the development of empathy and creativity in young children over a short period of time. Improvements in creativity and cognitive empathy across both groups suggest that shared reading itself provides valuable opportunities for perspective-taking and imaginative engagement. Reflective pauses did not enhance empathy beyond reading alone but did produce additional gains in creative fluency, highlighting the role of guided imagination in idea generation. The study's strengths include its ecological validity, developmentally appropriate measures, and focus on a practical, family-friendly intervention. However, limitations include the absence of a no-reading control group, a small and socioeconomically homogeneous sample, and a short intervention duration. These factors limit causal inference and generalizability. Overall, the findings suggest that daily shared reading, whether or not reflective questions are included, is a simple and accessible strategy for nurturing empathy and creativity during early childhood. However, the results should be interpreted as preliminary rather than definitive evidence of cause and effect. Future studies can examine the effect of meaningful conversations with caregivers, the importance of physical contact, or other ways that children interact with the adults in their lives, as well as whether these benefits are sustained over time and eventually help them engage in creative thinking and prosocial behaviors in the real world. Download your PDF copy now! New findings indicate television CPR scenes frequently mislead viewers about who needs CPR , where cardiac arrests occur, and how CPR should be performed. Study: Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Compression-Only CPR on Scripted Television. Image credit: Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock.com In a recent research letter published in Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes , researchers analyzed depictions of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest ( OHCA ) and compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation ( COCPR ) on scripted television. Television may shape public understanding of cardiac arrest Annually, more than 350,000 OHCAs occur, and bystander CPR administration can increase the odds of survival. The American Heart Association ( AHA ) has introduced public awareness programs to decrease barriers to bystander action, with emphasis on COCPR . However, COCPR prevalence is low, especially in females and Black and Latino individuals. The reasons for the low prevalence are multifactorial. The lack of depiction of COCPR in scripted television could be one reason. A scoping review found that health content on television could influence the behaviors of viewers. While studies have investigated CPR depictions in medical dramas, there is no examination of on-screen OHCA and COCPR across scripted television more broadly. Screening scripted television for CPR and cardiac arrest In the present descriptive study, researchers examined the depiction of OHCA and COCPR on scripted television. The team searched the Internet Movie Database ( IMDb ) for OHCA and COCPR depictions in television episodes. Non-American, unscripted shows, and those released before 2008, when the AHA endorsed COCPR , were excluded. The search strategy identified 169 episodes. The researchers assessed whether the character received COCPR for each OHCA and derived sociodemographic variables of the individual experiencing OHCA and COCPR provider(s) from contextual cues, plot dialogue, and actor IMDb pages. Adherence to correct COCPR was defined as checking for scene safety or responsiveness, calling or asking someone to call 911, and beginning chest compressions. Episodes were coded as OHCA if the event was perceived as cardiac arrest, irrespective of medical accuracy. Overall, OHCA was depicted in 93 episodes, 91 percent of which depicted CPR . Of these, 54 episodes depicted out-of-hospital CPR administration by a layperson likely not trained in basic life support. These 54 episodes, which potentially depicted COCPR , were included in descriptive analyses. Correct COCPR was shown in only 16 episodes, and breaths were given along with compressions in 26 episodes. Further, the pulse was checked in 23 episodes. The incorrect depictions were not satirical. The primary witnesses to an OHCA were friends, 22 percent, partners, 20 percent, or coworkers or strangers, 18 percent. One-fifth of OHCAs in the sample occurred at home. Most individuals receiving COCPR were White, approximately 65 percent, male, 68 percent, and aged 2140 years, 44 percent. Similarly, most people performing COCPR were White, 70 percent, male, 64 percent, and aged 2140 years, 64 percent. Aligning television CPR scenes with public health goals In sum, the study found inaccuracies that may mislead viewers about OHCAs . More than 50 percent of COCPR recipients were aged below 40 years, whereas the real-world average age of COCPR receipt is 61.8 years. Moreover, 80 percent of OHCAs occur at home in real life compared to 20 percent in the sample. Television depictions also commonly featured males and White individuals as both COCPR providers and recipients, which may reflect broader disparities in on-screen roles rather than intentional bias, but could nonetheless influence viewer perceptions and represent an area for future research on implicit bias. The studys limitations include missing COCPR depictions not captured by the search strategy, use of actor demographics from IMDb , and coder bias. Additionally, the study did not account for the sociodemographic distribution of the audience. Overall, 58 percent of those experiencing an OHCA received COCPR , which is higher than the real-world likelihood, around 40 percent, and may motivate people to act if they witness an OHCA . However, the frequent portrayal of outdated practices, such as pulse checks, runs counter to current AHA efforts to reduce barriers to bystander action. Because the analysis is observational and descriptive, the findings do not establish causal effects on viewer behavior. The authors note that collaboration between public health agencies and content creators could help align on-screen portrayals with contemporary resuscitation guidance and address disparities in COCPR receipt. Download your PDF copy now! Arunachal CM, Dy CM pay tribute to soldiers on Army Day Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 12:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Itanagar, Jan 15 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Thursday paid tributes to soldiers on the occasion of Army Day, lauding their unwavering dedication and supreme sacrifice in safeguarding the nation. Army Day is observed on January 15 to mark Field Marshal K M Cariappa taking over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, replacing his British predecessor General Sir FRR Bucher in 1949. In celebrating Indian Army Day, we salute the unmatched valour, unwavering dedication and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers who stand as the shield of the nation," Khandu said in a post on X. The CM said soldiers serve in the harshest terrains and under the most challenging conditions, and their courage, discipline and commitment are the true strength of India. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also extended greetings to soldiers on the occasion. Today, on Indian Army Day, I join the nation in expressing heartfelt gratitude to the brave men and women of the Indian Army, whose courage and dedication safeguard our country every day," Mein said. He said that despite serving in the most difficult terrains and under extreme conditions, soldiers uphold the highest ideals of discipline, honour and selfless service. PTI UPL RBT News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 12:30 IST News agency-feeds Arunachal CM, Dy CM pay tribute to soldiers on Army Day 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... Cyber fraud gang linked to Chinese handlers busted in UP's Azamgarh, two held Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 20:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Azamgarh (UP), Jan 15 (PTI) The Azamgarh cyber crime police has busted an international syndicate allegedly operating for Chinese handlers, officials said on Thursday. Police arrested two men and recovered cash and electronic devices worth lakhs of rupees. The accused, identified as Abhishek Gupta (30) and Shashwat Awasthi (28), both residents of Lucknow, were arrested on Wednesday. Rs 6.32 lakh in cash, 11 mobile phones, 12 ATM cards, nine cheque books, Nepal-issued SIM card, a cash counting machine and an SUV were recovered from their possession. The officials said Gupta, the suspected key operator, was in direct contact with Chinese cyber criminals and is believed to have routed Rs 10 to 15 crore in cryptocurrency to them. The crackdown comes after a complaint lodged on September 18 last year by Bhupendranath Yadav of Gangeapur village. Yadav he alleged his son was lured into an instant messaging application group claiming to represent a company named WooCommerce". The victims were allegedly tricked into investing" money on a fake website under the pretext of boosting product sales. The victim was duped of Rs 12.64 lakh, which he transferred to multiple bank accounts on the promise of high returns. A case was registered at the Azamgarh cyber crime police station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. Police had earlier arrested four inter-state cyber criminals linked to the gang in October 2025. Following the trail, the cyber crime team arrested Gupta and Awasthi from the Gomti Nagar and Jankipuram areas of Lucknow on Wednesday. The officials said the accused used the messaging app to coordinate with handlers, transferred cheated money through Indian bank accounts and converted the cash into USDT cryptocurrency to send abroad. The gang allegedly used mule" accounts by paying commissions to holders and used virtual numbers to hide their identities. The recovered items have been seized and the vehicle impounded under the Motor Vehicles Act. A detailed probe is underway, they added. PTI ABN AKY AKY News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 20:15 IST News agency-feeds Cyber fraud gang linked to Chinese handlers busted in UP's Azamgarh, two 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... The four crew members landed safely on Thursday off the coast of California and will spend the night in a San Diego hospital to protect the privacy of the affected astronaut The four astronauts of the Crew-11 mission have returned to Earth after completing their journey from the International Space Station (ISS), where they were assigned to conduct research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance activities aboard the orbiting laboratory. The crews return came ahead of schedule due to the medical condition of one of the astronauts. At this time, the nature of the health issue and the affected crew member are unknown. The astronauts are now undergoing the usual preliminary medical checks on board the spacecraft. In a few hours, they will be flown back to shore by helicopter and then taken to a hospital where the astronaut who experienced the medical issue can undergo further tests before returning to Houston, where the mission will officially end. NASA explained that weather conditions were ideal for the spacecraft to splash down off the coast of California, near San Diego. The return flight, once undocking had taken place, lasted just under 11 hours, as planned, making contact with the Pacific at 3:42 a.m. ET. At 4:20 a.m., the Dragon capsule door opened and the astronauts took in their first breath of fresh air in 167 days. The deorbiting maneuver began at 2:51 a.m., which meant 50 minutes of tension as the capsule reentered Earths atmosphere. For half an hour, the engines were activated to complete the maneuver before initiating the descent into the sea with the usual friction of the spacecraft against the atmosphere. The crew members were evaluated by NASAs chief medical officer as soon as they exited the capsule. They are safe and in good spirits. The crew member of concern is doing fine said NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman at a press conference after the splashdown at 11 a.m. ET, in which he declared the mission a success. Isaacman did say that the astronaut had suffered a serious situation, although it did not constitute an emergency. Shortly after 5:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, NASA and SpaceX undocked the Dragon spacecraft, the unit carrying the Crew 11 mission, from the Harmony module that serves as the internal connection to the ISS to begin operations to return to Earth. The broadcast showed the Dragon separating from the ISS while both vehicles were flying about 418 kilometers (260 miles) from Earth, with the capsule moving away from the complex and the crew already strapped into their suits. This screengrab from video provided by NASA shows astronaut Zena Cardman being helped out of the SpaceX Crew-11 capsule on January 15. AP 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 wrote in the missions digital log. The module is returning with NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, along with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Kimiya Yui and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov aboard SpaceXs Dragon manned spacecraft. NASA and SpaceX will recover the Dragon spacecraft before the crew members return to their home agencies. Cardman will command the Dragon and Fincke will pilot it alongside mission specialists Yui and Platonov, NASA explained in a statement. Isaacman announced last week the early return of the expedition due to the illness of one of the astronauts. Ive come to the decision that its in the best interest of our astronauts to return Crew-11 ahead of their planned departure, said the controversial tech mogul, a friend of Elon Musk and a private astronaut. The crews return from the mission was scheduled for March 2026. The agency insists that this is not an emergency evacuation, but rather an early departure to expand diagnostic testing on the crew member. NASA reported on January 7 that technical teams were monitoring a medical concern with a crew member that arose Wednesday afternoon aboard the orbital complex, declining to provide further details on the affected crew members condition due to confidentiality, beyond stating that it was stable. Some of the crew have volunteered to participate in a series of experiments to address health challenges astronauts may face on deep space missions during NASAs Artemis campaign and future human expeditions to Mars, the U.S. space agency wrote when detailing the Crew-11 mission, which took off from NASAs Kennedy Space Center to complete its planned six-month mission, scheduled to end in the first week of February. It would then take a few weeks to prepare for the crews return, which NASA brought forward. The Crew-11 return operation represents NASAs 74th expedition. Commander Zena Cardman began the procedure to return to Earth on Tuesday with her colleagues. Cardman began Tuesday with her departing crewmates and trained to use respirators during unlikely events such as an ammonia leak. Next, she transferred standard emergency gear from Dragon and stowed it inside the space station with assistance from NASA Flight Engineer Chris Williams. Fincke and Yui partnered together and uninstalled science hardware from the station and loaded it inside Dragon, the agency said in its blog. All four crew members, including Platonov, continued packing personal items, practiced Dragon deorbit procedures on a computer, and discussed their mission readiness with mission controllers on the ground. Three crew members will remain aboard the orbital outpost after Crew-11 leaves. This screengrab from video provided by NASA shows the SpaceX 'Dragon' departing from the International Space Station shortly after undocking with four NASA 'Crew-11' members inside on January 14. AP This is the first medical evacuation from the International Space Station in its 25-year history, although NASA has sought to downplay the illness of one of the crew members. Dr. James Polk, NASAs chief medical officer, explained last week: We have a very robust suite of medical hardware onboard the International Space Station, but we dont have the complete amount of hardware that I would have in the emergency department, for example, to complete the workup of a patient. The medical incident was sufficient enough that we were concerned enough about the astronaut [and] we would like to complete that workup, and the best way to complete that workup is on the ground. Last Monday, the seven astronauts aboard the ISS made a broadcast to stage the change of command. All seven crew members appeared on camera, and none showed any symptoms of illness. Our timing of this departure is unexpected, but what was not surprising to me was how well this crew came together as a family to help each other and just take care of each other Cardman said in statements reported by National Public Radio (NPR). First and foremost, we are all OK. Everyone on board is stable, safe, and well cared for, Fincke wrote in a social media post, emphasizing that the early return to Earth was the right call, even if its a bit bittersweet. Following the return of Crew-11, three astronauts remain at the International Space Station: American Christopher Williams and Russians Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev. The launch of the replacement for the evacuated crew, Crew-12, which will travel to the ISS in a SpaceX Dragon capsule, is scheduled for February 15. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Delhi CM visits NCC Republic Day Camp, assures support for cadets Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 21:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jan 15 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday visited the NCC Republic Day Camp 2026 at the Cariappa Parade Ground in Delhi Cantonment on the occasion of Indian Army Day, according to a statement. She interacted with cadets from across the country and assured continued support for strengthening NCC facilities in the capital. The chief minister was accorded a Guard of Honour and witnessed a march-past, brass band performances and cultural presentations by NCC cadets. She also visited the Flag Area, where cadets from 17 NCC directorates showcased exhibitions highlighting national values, civic responsibility and nation-building, a statement stated. Addressing the cadets, Gupta said the National Cadet Corps has for decades played a key role in instilling discipline, unity, a sense of duty and patriotism among the youth. She said cadets from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds coming together at the camp reflected the spirit of national integration and the idea of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. The chief minister also visited the Hall of Fame to learn about the history, training structure and achievements of the NCC, and reviewed exhibitions on the Yuva Aapda Mitra initiative and drone training. She interacted with cadets and encouraged them to continue contributing to national service and responsible citizenship. Praising the discipline and enthusiasm of the cadets, Gupta said the NCCs training system prepares young people for leadership roles, disaster management and community service. Referring to the NCC motto of Unity and Discipline, she described it as the foundation of patriotism, unity in diversity and constitutional values among the youth. She said that todays NCC cadets are tomorrows national heroes who will serve the country in various fields. Reiterating the Delhi governments commitment, the chief minister assured that steps would be taken to improve training facilities, infrastructure and resources for NCC centres in Delhi, including addressing training- and land-related issues. The event was attended by NCC Director General Lieutenant General Virendra Vats, senior NCC officers and cadets from different parts of the country, it added. PTI SHB HIG News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 21:15 IST News agency-feeds Delhi CM visits NCC Republic Day Camp, assures support for cadets 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... Jana Nayagan row: SC turns down plea for CBFC clearance for Vijay's movie Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 12:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], January 15 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to entertain a plea filed by the makers of the Tamil film Jana Nayagan, starring actor Vijay. The plea sought a stay on the Madras High Court order that put a halt to the films certification process. A bench of Justices Deepankar Datta and A.G. Masih heard the matter and asked the Madras High Court to decide the case by January 20.The plea was filed by the films producer, KVN Productions LLP. The producer challenged a Madras High Court division bench order that stayed an earlier direction given to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to certify the film.Jana Nayagan was planned for a Pongal release on January 9 and is being described as Vijays last film before he stepped into politics fully. The actor has recently launched his own political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).The film ran into trouble when the CBFC decided to hold back its certification on the grounds that certain scenes in the movie could potentially hurt religious sentiments.After this, the films makers approached the Madras High Court. A single-judge bench of the High Court directed the CBFC to give the film a U/A 16+ certificate. This gave temporary relief to the makers.However, the CBFC later moved a division bench of the High Court, which stayed the single judges order on January 9. This led the producers to approach the Supreme Court, asking for an urgent stay on the High Courts decision. It is, therefore, most respectfully prayed that Your Lordships may graciously be pleased to: a) Ex parte, through an interim or ad-interim order, stay the operation of the impugned interim Order dated 09.01.2026 passed by the High Court of Judicature at Madras in C.M.P No. 821 of 2026 in W.A. No. 94 of 2026; and/or pass such further or other orders as this Honble Court may deem fit and proper AND FOR THIS ACT OF KINDNESS THE PETITIONER AS IN DUTY BOUND SHALL EVER PRAY," the plea read. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 12:30 IST News agency-feeds Jana Nayagan row: SC turns down plea for CBFC clearance for Vijay's movie 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... Man arrested in Pak's Karachi for gold, jewellery theft at Hindu temple Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 17:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Karachi, Jan 15 (PTI) Police on Thursday said they have arrested a man after valuable gold and other jewellery were stolen from a prominent Hindu temple in Pakistans Karachi. The theft was committed at the Lakshmi Narayanan temple in Nabi Baksh Dholi Khata area of old Karachi on Wednesday. A senior police officer at the Nabi Baksh police station, in whose jurisdiction the theft took place, said the culprit was arrested within 18 hours with the help of CCTV footage and mobile location. ASP Faiz Samoo said police have recovered gold and other jewellery and artifacts from the arrested person. He has confessed to also committing thefts at some other smaller temples in the city," Samoo said. The police got into action after the Pakistani Hindu Council, soon after the theft on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday, lodged a complaint and took the matter up with higher authorities. Mangal Das, a trustee of the temple, said there are at least three very revered and ancient temples in the Dholi Khata area. Faithfuls and worshippers keep on giving nidhi (money) and offerings at these temples, especially the Lakshmi Narayanan mandir, Hanuman and Mata mandirs," he added. Karachi, the capital city of the Sindh province, is home to a number of functioning old Hindu temples. PTI CORR NPK NPK News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 17:45 IST News agency-feeds Man arrested in Pak's Karachi for gold, jewellery theft at Hindu temple Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. 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Over 4000 new posts of doctors, medical staff created in 4 Delhi govt hospitals Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 23:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jan 15 (PTI) The Delhi government has approved the creation of 4,002 new posts across four government hospitals, a move which will enable the full utilisation of recently added beds and ease pressure on overcrowded public health facilities, officials said on Thursday. The proposal, cleared by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on the governments recommendation, follows the addition of 1,515 beds in hospitals located throughout the capital. Officials said these hospitals had expanded their infrastructure but were struggling to function at full capacity because staff strength had not kept pace. The new posts include doctors, surgeons, senior residents, specialists, nurses, nursing attendants, technicians, paramedical staff, administrative officers, clerical workers and security personnel. Of the total, 3,031 posts will be filled through permanent recruitment, while 971 positions will be outsourced. The largest allocation, comprising 1,737 posts, has been designated for the Sant Durbal Nath Ji Trauma Centre, where a 362-bed trauma block was inaugurated in September 2025. Ambedkar Nagar Hospital will receive 666 additional staff for 400 new beds, while Guru Gobind Singh Hospital will be allotted 1,491 posts to support the addition of 472 beds. At the Shri Dada Dev Maitri Avum Shishu Chikitsalaya, 520 posts have been created in anticipation of a 281-bed expansion. The staffing boost covers Guru Gobind Singh Hospital in Raghubir Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar Hospital in Dakshinpuri, Sant Durbal Nath Ji Trauma Centre at Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Mangolpuri, and Shri Dada Dev Maitri Avum Shishu Chikitsalaya in Dwarka. In a statement, LG secretariat officials alleged that the previous AAP administration failed to plan manpower alongside infrastructure. Officials said these hospitals remained underutilised for years despite expanded bed capacity due to the absence of sanctioned staff. Additionally, they highlighted concerns regarding 24 hospitals initiated during the AAP government, citing delays, cost overruns, and corruption, with investigations ongoing. Officials said the new appointments will help reduce doctors workloads, improve patient care, and redirect cases from overburdened central hospitals like GTB, Lok Nayak, and GB Pant. The move will involve an expenditure of about Rs 408 crore, for which budgetary provision has already been made. PTI VBH MPL MPL News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 23:00 IST News agency-feeds Over 4000 new posts of doctors, medical staff created in 4 Delhi govt hospitals 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... SRCC teachers protest over leave rules, raise concerns on admin decisions Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 00:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Jan 15 (PTI) Teachers at the Shri Ram College of Commerce staged a protest on the campus on Thursday, allegedly over a dispute regarding rules for leaves, according to a statement by staff association. The SRCC admin did not respond to the query immediately. Dr Saurabh Gupta, Joint Secretary of the SRCC Staff Association, said that since December 2025, the administration had been rejecting leave applications by routinely invoking the centenary as a blanket justification. Celebrating a centenary cannot override statutory employee rights," he said. According to the statement, the immediate flashpoint was the denial of Child Care Leave (CCL) to four faculty members. It stated that CCL is a statutory entitlement for government employees, but the college administration rejected the applications, citing SRCCs ongoing centenary celebrations and arguing that faculty should not take leave during the anniversary year. The statement read that beyond CCL, faculty members flagged deeper anxieties about recent administrative decisions affecting service conditions. One major concern is the formation of a Leave Advisory Committee by the colleges governing body, it read. The Staff Association argues that the committee is non-statutory, has no elected teacher representatives, and includes external university members. The statement said that earlier, leave matters were handled internally or through recognised bodies. The teachers said that any such change requires approval at the ordinance level. Teachers have also objected to what they describe as a sudden tightening of medical leave rules. According to the association, faculty are now being asked to submit medical and fitness certificates even for a single day of sick leave, a practice, they say, never existed at SRCC. This practice disproportionately affects female staff dealing with routine health issues, the statement read. The statement added that after repeated leave applications, negotiations and a council meeting failed to resolve the matter, the SRCC Staff Association held a symbolic rally on campus from 9.30 am to 10.30 am. Office-bearers, including president Dr Amarjeet Singh, vice president Dr Kapil Dev Yadav, secretary Dr Palak Kanojia and joint secretary Dr Gupta, participated. The Delhi University Teachers Association also stepped in, with its secretary visiting the campus to mediate, the statement read. While the academic work continues as usual, the core issues remain unresolved. In the statement, the teachers insist the protest is not against the centenary celebrations, but against overriding of statutory rights, unilateral decision-making and a lack of transparency". The Staff Association has said it will continue to press for redress until these concerns are addressed. PTI VBH HIG HIG News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 00:45 IST News agency-feeds SRCC teachers protest over leave rules, raise concerns on admin decisions 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 Security Council discusses Iran's deadly protests after US request Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 03:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) United Nations, Jan 16 (AP) The UN Security Council in an emergency meeting on Thursday discussed Irans deadly protests at the request of the United States, even as President Donald Trump left unclear what actions he would take against the Islamic Republic. Tehran appeared to make conciliatory statements in the lead up to the meeting in an effort to defuse the situation after Trump threatened to take action to stop further killing of protesters, including the execution of anyone detained in Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said before the meeting, All options remain on the table for the president." Irans crackdown on the demonstrations has killed at least 2,615, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported. The death toll exceeds any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. The sound of gunfire faded Thursday in the capital, Tehran. The country closed its airspace to commercial flights for hours without explanation early Thursday and some personnel at a key US military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate. The US Embassy in Kuwait also ordered its personnel to temporary halt" travel to the multiple military bases in the small Gulf Arab country. UN urges dialogue, warns against possible military strikes on Iran The UN warns possible military strikes on Iran would add volatility to an already combustible situation" in an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council Thursday. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges maximum restraint at this sensitive moment and calls on all actors to refrain from any actions that could lead to further loss of life or ignite a wider regional escalation," Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee said at the meeting. Guterres urges maximum restraint and remains convinced that all issues regarding Iran, including its nuclear program, should be addressed through diplomacy and dialogue, she said. The UN chief reaffirms the UN Charters principles that disputes must be settled peacefully and prohibit the threat or use of force, Pobee said. Iranian dissident accuses UN of failing to adequately respond Masih Alinejad, one of the most vocal Iranian dissidents in the US, accused the United Nations and the Security Council of failing to respond with the urgency this moment demands" at the emergency U.N. Security Council meeting Thursday. In October, two purported Russian mobsters were each sentenced to 25 years behind bars for hiring a hitman to kill Alinejad at her Brooklyn home on behalf of the Iranian government. Sitting across the table from the Iranian ambassador to the UN, Alinejad, who came after an invitation from the US, said that the members of this body have forgotten the privilege and responsibility of sitting in this room." Iranian foreign minister calls on UN to condemn illegal US interventions Ahead of the emergency UN Security Council meeting Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke by phone to discuss the recent deadly protests and Irans request for the world body to do more to condemn what they call foreign influence in the Islamic Republic, according to a readout of the call posted on Iranian state TV. The semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported that Araghchi implored the top UN official to live up to the serious expectation" that Irans government and its people have of the UNs role in condemning what the officials called illegal US interventions against Iran." White House says 800 executions scheduled in Iran were halted White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that US President Donald Trump and his team had communicated to Iranian officials that there would be grave consequences" if killing continues against protesters in Iran. The president understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday, were halted," she said. But Trump continues closely watching the situation, she said. All options remain on the table for the president," Leavitt said. Iran-backed rebel group blames American-Israeli scheme Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Iran-backed Yemeni rebel group, said on Thursday that criminal gangs" were responsible for the situation in Iran, accusing them of carrying out an American-Israeli" scheme. Criminal gangs in Iran killed Iranian citizens, security forces and burned mosques," he said without providing evidence. Whats being committed by criminal gangs in Iran is horrific, bearing an American stamp as it includes slaughter and burning some people alive." He also said that the US imposed economic sanctions on Iran to create a crisis leading to the current issues in the country with the end goal of controlling Iran. Yet he said the US has failed in Iran" and that Iranians will not yield to America." G7 warns of more sanctions for Iran In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Unions main foreign policy chief said the G7 members were gravely concerned" by the developments surrounding the protests, and that they strongly oppose the intensification of the Iranian authorities brutal repression of the Iranian people." The statement, published on the EUs website Thursday, said the G7 were deeply alarmed at the high level of reported deaths and injuries" and condemned the deliberate use of violence" by Iranian security forces against protesters. The G7 members remain prepared to impose additional restrictive measures if Iran continues to crack down on protests and dissent in violation of international human rights obligations," the statement said. Chinese foreign minister speaks with Iranian counterpart Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken with his counterpart in Iran, who said the situation was now stable," Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Abbas Araghchi said he hoped China will play a greater role in regional peace and stability" during the talks, according to the statement from the ministry. China opposes imposing its will on other countries, and opposes a return to the law of the jungle," Wang said. China believes that the Iranian government and people will unite, overcome difficulties, maintain national stability, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests," he added. China hopes all parties will cherish peace, exercise restraint, and resolve differences through dialogue. China is willing to play a constructive role in this regard." (AP) OZ OZ News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 03:30 IST News agency-feeds UN Security Council discusses Iran's deadly protests after US request 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... What will happen in Mumbai is limited to Mumbai only: Asaduddin Owaisi Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 12:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], January 15 (ANI): AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi appealed to voters to actively participate in the high-stakes municipal elections underway across Maharashtra. Reacting to BMC elections, Owaisi said, What will happen in Mumbai is limited to Mumbai only." He also commented on issues ranging from Indian students stranded in Iran and a reported communal clash in Hyderabad.Speaking exclusively to ANI, Owaisi urged citizens to exercise their democratic right as Maharashtra votes across 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The public should come forward and exercise their right to vote in the municipal elections being held in Maharashtra. This gives you a good opportunity to express your likes and dislikes," he said, adding that his party had run a very successful campaign" and was hopeful of positive results.Reacting to speculation around the alliance between the Thackeray brothers in Mumbai, Owaisi said its impact would largely be confined to the city. What will happen in Mumbai is limited to Mumbai only. People will go out and vote today, and by tomorrow they will know what the impact was," he remarked.Owaisi also raised concerns over Indian students stranded in Iran, particularly those studying at Shahid Beheshti University. He said he had received distress calls from parents, noting issues such as internet shutdowns, lack of financial resources, and universities withholding passports. He urged the government and the External Affairs Ministry to urgently prepare an evacuation plan.On a reported communal clash in Hyderabad on Tuesday night, Owaisi alleged attempts to disturb communal harmony. These incidents are happening at night and at places with a history of communal violence," he said, questioning the role of local police despite the citys extensive CCTV and facial recognition infrastructure.As Maharashtra goes to the polls on Thursday, voting is being held from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, with counting scheduled for Friday from 10 am. The elections cover 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the BMC, which has 227 wards, 114 reserved for women and 113 general seats. A total of 1,03,44,315 voters are eligible to vote, comprising 55,16,707 men, 48,26,509 women, and 1,099 other voters. (ANI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 12:30 IST News agency-feeds What will happen in Mumbai is limited to Mumbai only: Asaduddin Owaisi 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 ends life after fight with mother-in-law over ghee in MP's Shivpuri Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 23:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Shivpuri, Jan 15 (PTI) A woman allegedly committed suicide in Madhya Pradeshs Shivpuri district on Thursday after a dispute with her mother-in-law over ghee, a police official said. The incident took place in Imlaudi village, Indar police station in-charge Dinesh Singh told PTI. Sonam Jatav got married in 2018 and has two young children. As per her husband Dhanpal, Sonam started cooking separately due to domestic issues in the joint family. On Thursday morning, Dhanpals mother asked Sonam for some ghee. Sonam initially refused, but at her husbands insistence, she gave about 100 grams of ghee," he said. However, after Dhanpal got some more ghee for his mother against Sonams wishes, a quarrel ensued between the two women, he said. In a fit of rage, Sonam allegedly consumed a poisonous substance kept in the house. She was first taken to a facility in Pachavali and then to Shivpuri District Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. A probe is on," the official said. PTI COR BNS MAS BNM News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 23:30 IST News agency-feeds Woman ends life after fight with mother-in-law over ghee in MP's Shivpuri 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... Every Indian State Has Trains Except THIS One - Whats Holding Back The Rails? Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 18:29 IST A video explains why one Indian state still has no operational railway station despite the countrys vast rail network. It breaks down how mountains, weather, and safety risks make rail work extremely difficult there. (Photo Credit: X) India has one of the largest railway networks in the world, reaching remote towns, busy cities, deserts, and coastal regions. Trains connect people across almost every corner of the country and play a major role in daily travel. But despite this vast reach, there is still one place where trains have not arrived yet. A recent video explains why this gap exists and what makes railway work there especially difficult. The Video Explains Why Trains Havent Reached Here The video opens with the narrator saying, India has operational railway stations in every state except one, and that state is Sikkim." It then explains the main reason behind this delay. More than sixty percent of Sikkim is covered by steep mountains and deep valleys. Railways need flat land, gentle slopes, and wide curves to run safely. In such terrain, this becomes extremely hard to achieve. The narrator adds that building tracks here means constructing many tunnels and bridges. This sharply increases both cost and difficulty. This extreme terrain means more bridges and tunnels, sharply increasing construction cost and complexity." On top of that, the area faces heavy rainfall, frequent landslides, and lies in high seismic zones. These natural risks slow down approvals and stretch construction timelines. A Railway Line Is Finally Taking Shape Despite these problems, the video points out that work is underway. But despite all these challenges, the Sevoke-Rangpo railway line is under construction and is expected to be completed by December 2027." The narrator clearly states that the delay is not due to lack of effort. Sikkim doesnt lack railways due to neglect; its because the Himalayas dont forgive engineering mistakes." The caption echoes the videos message: Sikkim is the only Indian state without an operational railway station, and its not due to neglect." It again highlights steep mountains, landslides, and high seismic risk as key challenges. It also notes that the SivokRangpo line could change this long-standing situation. Viewers Share Mixed Reactions Shared on December 14, the video has crossed over 1 lakh views and received many comments. A user said, The service provided by Indian railways is excellent I am sure that they will find a way to extend its service despite the challenges nature offers in the near future." Another wrote, Technology is improving, but if you hurt nature nature gives back." A comment read, It need advance engineering without losing Sikkim land, tree cutting make a advance engineering methods like Japan and China and European buildings it It needs only innovation," while others pointed out similar gaps by writing, And Ladakh Also", Meghalaya also", and What about Arunachal Pradesh?" A user from the state added, Bro, Im from Sikkim, I hope they stop this construction. Itll only destroy the environment and once done, people from the mainland will eventually ruin Sikkim too." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 18:27 IST News auto Every Indian State Has Trains Except THIS One - Whats Holding Back The Rails? 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... Twelve days after the U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, and just days after U.S. President Donald Trump dashed the hopes of opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, the two met at the White House on Thursday. The meeting between Trump and Machado comes just hours after the U.S. president told reporters that Chavista leader and interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, was a terrific person. Shes somebody that weve worked with very well, said Trump. Following Maduros arrest, the former vice president took charge of Venezuela with the blessing of the White House. In the hours following the surprise attack that ended with Maduro and his wife, Cecilia Flores, sitting in the dock of a federal court in New York accused of crimes of narco-terrorism, conspiracy and trafficking in cocaine and weapons, Trump made it clear that he does not consider Machado to be the right person to lead a transition in Venezuela a transition in which Trump himself has reserved a central role. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that Trump was looking forward to meeting Machado, who she described as a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela. But when asked shortly afterward whether Trump still believes Machado is not the right person to lead Venezuelas political transition because she lacks the support and respect of the population, Leavitt replied: It was a realistic assessment [...] and at this moment in time, his opinion on that matter has not changed. That was the big question surrounding Machados visit: will she be able to assert the oppositions role in Washingtons plans to help steer the South American country and take charge of its oil? But the meeting, which was over in just two hours, was a discreet, lowprofile encounter. Leavitts statement that Trumps view has not changed was another cold dose of reality. Leavitt also responded to press questions about Trump administration contacts with Delcy Rodriguez. She said that Trump spoke to Rodriguez this week, and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials have been in constant communication with her and other members of the interim government in Venezuela. They have been extremely cooperative. They have thus far met all of the demands and requests of the United States and of the president. And I think you have all seen that play out, Leavitt said. We obviously had a $500 million energy deal that was struck in large part because of the cooperation from Ms. Rodriguez. The president likes what hes seeing and well expect that cooperation to continue. Since Maduros fall, Machado has tried to put on a brave face about Trumps rebuffs and has worked to make this Thursdays meeting happen, on which much was at stake: she needed to convince the U.S. president that it was not a good idea to allow Rodriguez, her great enemy, to remain in power. For months, Machado advocated for a military intervention that finally came on January 3 only to be disappointed that the U.S. had not relied on her as much as she had expected. Machado even showed herself willing to share the Nobel Peace Prize she received in Oslo last December with Trump, even though the Nobel Committee has already warned both of them that it is not transferable. The U.S. president is obsessed with the idea that he deserves that award, believing he has ended eight or nine wars, although that belief is another indication of his fraught relationship with the truth. After the meeting, Machado told the press that she had indeed presented the prize to Trump, who rarely even calls her by name when speaking about the Venezuelan opposition leader. I presented the president of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado told journalists, calling it a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. Trumps decision to sideline Machado gives the impression that the White House has chosen to turn the page on the results of Venezuelas 2024 presidential election, which international reports say was broadly won by Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, Machados candidate (she was unable to run because she was disqualified). Maduro refused to acknowledge that defeat. At this point, its unclear whether the United States plans to call new elections in Venezuela, or when or how that might take place. All of these questions will certainly be on the table this Thursday at the White House. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Iran Closes Skies: This Delhi Flight Was Final 'Non-Iran-Registered' Aircraft To Exit Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 15:38 IST An Indian passenger aircraft was the last non-Iran-registered airline to exit the country's airspace, according to a post by Flight Rada24 early Thursday morning. Indigo Flight 6E1808, which departed Tbilisi in Georgia, passed over Iran at about 2.35 am on Thursday. Iran closed its airspace to commercial flights early Thursday morning amid threats of an imminent attack from the United States. An Indian passenger aircraft was the last non-Iran-registered airline to exit the countrys airspace, according to a post by Flight Rada24 early Thursday morning. Indigo Flight 6E1808, which departed Tbilisi in Georgia, passed over Iran at about 2.35 am on Thursday, according to flight tracking data. It cleared the Iranian skies minutes before the closure. The airspace closure came after repeated threats from US President Donald Trump, who said America would attack Tehran if it targeted the ongoing anti-government protesters on the streets of multiple cities in the country. IndiGo flight 6E1808 is now the last non-Iran-registered passenger aircraft in Iranian airspace. pic.twitter.com/RYMbKGrz4v Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) January 14, 2026 The shutdown, which lasted for more than four hours, affected the east-west aviation corridor. Pilot guidance issued by Iran indicated that the closure caused significant disruption to international flight operations, forcing several carriers to divert north or south of Iranian airspace. After one extension, the closure appeared to expire, with several domestic flights taking off shortly after 7 am on January 15, reported NDTV. Indian Airlines Reroute And Cancel Flights Indian carriers were among those hit by the sudden development. Air India, IndiGo and SpiceJet informed passengers on their respective social media handles about the rerouting or cancellation of some of their international services following the airspace shutdown. #TravelAdvisoryDue to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays. Some Air India flights where Air India (@airindia) January 15, 2026 Travel AdvisoryDue to the sudden airspace closure by Iran, some of our international flights are impacted. Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives. This development is beyond our IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) January 14, 2026 #TravelUpdate: Due to airspace closure in Iran, some of our flights may be affected. Passengers are advised to check their flight status at https://t.co/2wynECZugy or contact our 24*7 Reservation Helpline numbers at +91 (0)124 4983410 or +91 (0)124 7101600 for assistance. SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) January 15, 2026 According to NDTV, Air India cancelled many early morning flights on January 15, including Delhi-New York JFK (AI 101), Delhi-Newark (AI 105) and Mumbai-New York JFK (AI 119), along with their return services. IndiGos Baku-Delhi flight, scheduled for early morning departure, was forced to return to the Azerbaijan capital within an hour, as its planned route required overflying Iran after crossing the Caspian Sea. Protests And Strategic Concerns Ripple Through Aviation Iran is currently seeing widespread protests against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei amid rising tensions with the United States. SafeAirspace, which provides information on conflict areas and air travel, said, Several airlines have already reduced or suspended services, and most carriers are avoiding Iranian airspace. The situation may signal further security or military activity, including the risk of missile launches or heightened air defence, increasing the risk of misidentification of civil traffic." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 14:39 IST News auto Iran Closes Skies: This Delhi Flight Was Final 'Non-Iran-Registered' Aircraft To Exit 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... Budget 2026: How FM Sitharaman Can Make New Tax Regime More Attractive, Experts Weigh In Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 13:02 IST New Income Tax Regime: Despite recent simplification, it remains unclear whether Budget 2026 will introduce further income tax changes Budget 2026 Income Tax Budget 2026: Following the reforms announced in Budget 2025, such as higher tax rebates and revised slabs, the New Tax Regime has become significantly more attractive for most taxpayers. Consequently, its adoption is expected to increase further when income tax returns for the current financial year are filed. Now, attention has shifted to what Budget 2026 may hold particularly for income tax. Will Budget 2026 bring further income tax changes? While the government has continued to simplify the regime by modifying slabs and reducing complexities, the question now is whether any further income tax changes will be announced in Budget 2026. According to Richa Sawhney, Partner, Tax, at Grant Thornton Bharat, further changes to the New Tax Regime may not be feasible, given the significant overhaul carried out last year. Tax experts surveyed by News18 broadly agree that no major income tax announcements are likely in this years Budget. Experts expect stability, not fresh slab revisions Preeti Sharma, Partner Tax and Regulatory Services at BDO India, noted that for taxpayers who are unable to claim substantial deductions, the New Tax Regime typically results in a lower tax burden. Since the government has already made major improvements to the new income tax regime in Budget 2025, big changes to tax slabs are unlikely this year," she said. Data shows rising acceptance of the New Tax Regime Official data also reflects rising acceptance of the new regime. Of the 7.28 crore income tax returns filed for AY 202425, nearly 72 per cent were filed under the New Tax Regime, while only 28 per cent opted for the old regime. This shows that most taxpayers now find the new tax regime simpler and more tax-efficient," Sharma added. No immediate reform in view? Surbhi Marwah, Tax Partner at EY India, echoed similar sentiments. She pointed out that the new regime has already been liberalised through lower slabs and higher rebates, and that Parliament has clarified no further proposals are currently under consideration. The immediate focus is likely to be on stability and a smooth transition rather than introducing additional reforms. Any refinements, if considered, will follow a phased approach aligned with tax certainty and compliance simplification," she said. Budget 2026: How can the New Tax Regime be more attractive? Despite multiple slab revisions, a section of taxpayers continues to prefer the old regime because of the wide range of deductions it offers. Preeti Sharma said the government could consider minor tweaks to the new regime to enhance its appeal, particularly for middle-class taxpayers. What changes do tax experts suggest? Akhil Chandna, Partner and Global People Solutions Leader at Grant Thornton Bharat, suggested increasing the standard deduction limit and permitting select deductions such as health insurance premiums and home loan interest under the new regime to encourage wider adoption. Radhika Viswanathan, Executive Director at Deloitte India, observed that taxpayers earning between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 30 lakh especially those with home loans and insurance policies often still find the old regime more beneficial. To address this gap, she proposed targeted measures such as: Allowing a capped deduction for interest on self-occupied house property, for instance up to Rs 2 lakh Permitting employee contributions to NPS as a deduction, similar to employer contributions Introducing limited deductions for health insurance premiums While the governments focus remains on simplification and large-scale deductions are unlikely, selective relief in these areas could make the new regime far more compelling for a wider segment of taxpayers," she said. Reintroduce home loan interest deductions, say experts ClearTax founder and CEO Archit Gupta stressed the importance of incorporating Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, into the New Tax Regime. This provision allows taxpayers to claim a deduction of up to Rs 2 lakh on interest paid on a home loan for a self-occupied property. If the New Regime is to be more than simpler and truly become a default choice for mainstream taxpayers, it should accommodate the real aspirations of Indians and on home ownership, that means bringing Section 24(b) back into the regime," he said. Gupta added that introducing interest deductions under the new regime would reduce the cost of housing finance. In a context where prices are rising, and affordable supply is constrained, giving home buyers predictable and meaningful tax support will make the New Regime not just easier to file, but financially compelling to choose," he said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 12:59 IST News business tax Budget 2026: How FM Sitharaman Can Make New Tax Regime More Attractive, Experts Weigh In Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi-NCR Shivers As Temperature Falls To 3C, IMD Issues Red Alert For Dense Fog Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 09:28 IST Dense fog blankets Delhi as IMD issues red alert and cold wave warnings for Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, UP and Rajasthan. IGI Airport on orange alert. Delhi's IGI Airport warned against flight disruptions, delays and cancellations due to fog. (Image: PTI) A thick layer of fog blanketed Delhi-NCR on Thursday morning with the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) issuing an orange alert due to extremely low visibility and the India Meteorological Department issuing a warning for dense fog till January 16. Very Dense Fog is very likely to occur at many places over Central, New Delhi, North, North West, South, South West West in next 3 hours," said IMD advisory. The IMD has also issued a cold wave alert for Delhis neighbouring states Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. IMD in its latest weather bulletin said, Dense to very dense fog conditions very likely to prevail in morning/night hours in isolated/some parts over Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana Chandigarh & Delhi till 16th and Dense fog in isolated pockets till 19th January 2026." It further said: Dense to very dense fog conditions very likely to prevail in morning/night hours in isolated/some parts West Uttar Pradesh till 19th and Dense fog in isolated pockets till 21st January 2026." #WATCH | Delhi | As cold waves grip the national capital, few flights are delayed at IGI Airport due to fog.(Visuals from Indira Gandhi International Airport) pic.twitter.com/ysKP7xjQA6 ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026 Meanwhile, Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) issued an orange alert due to extremely low visibility. It warned against flight disruptions, delays and cancellations and said the flight operations are currently under CAT III conditions, which is a navigation system that allows for landings with a minimum visibility of 50 metres. The IMD has predicted cold wave conditions at isolated places. Moderate fog at many places with dense fog at isolated places during morning hours." According to the IMD, the minimum temperature on Thursday will likely be below normal (1.6 degree Celsius to 3.0 degree Celsius) and the maximum temperatures will be above normal (1.6 degree Celsius to 3.0 degree Celsius) over Delhi. For Friday, the weather department predicted partly cloudy sky and shallow to moderate fog during morning hours. The maximum and minimum temperatures in Delhi are likely to be in the ranges of 22 degree Celsius to 24 degree Celsius and 06 degree Celsius to 08 degree Celsius, respectively. The minimum temperatures will be near normal and the maximum temperatures will be above normal (1.6 degree Celsius to 3.0 degree Celsius) over Delhi," it stated. Warning against biting cold, the IMD in its press release said, Cold wave conditions very likely in isolated pockets over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand on 15th & 16th; West Uttar Pradesh & Delhi on 15th; Odisha during 15th-17th January." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 09:12 IST News cities Delhi-NCR Shivers As Temperature Falls To 3C, IMD Issues Red Alert For Dense Fog 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 Close BSE-NSE, Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath Highlights 'Poor Planning' Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 10:36 IST Nithin Kamath said that the BSE and NSE had international linkages, but were closed today for local municipal elections. The markets will open for trading on January 16. (Photo Credit: X) The Indian stock exchanges are closed today, January 15, due to municipal elections in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra. The state governments decision to declare a public holiday has been met with criticism by Zerodha boss Nithin Kamath. Kamath slammed the fact that the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) were closed today, calling it poor planning". The Zerodha founder and CEO said that the closure of Indian stock exchanges due to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections demonstrated a serious lack of appreciation for second-order effects." Both the BSE and NSE have suspended trading in equity and equity derivatives for Thursday. Trading will resume as usual on Friday, January 16. Commodity derivatives trading will resume from 5 pm today. This holiday was not included in the original 2026 trading calendar of the exchanges but was added earlier this week. The BSE and NSE, in separate circulars, confirmed that January 15 would be a trading holiday due to municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra. Nithin Kamath Criticises BSE, NSE Closure In a post on X, Kamath said that Indian stock exchanges had international linkages, but were closed today for local municipal elections. As Munger said: Show me the incentive, and I will show you the outcome." The holiday exists because no one who matters has any incentive to oppose the market holiday. It also tells you how far we have to go before global investors take us seriously," he wrote. Indian stock exchanges are closed today for Mumbai's municipal elections.The fact that our exchanges, which have international linkages, are shut down for a local municipal election shows poor planning and a serious lack of appreciation for second-order effects. As Munger Nithin Kamath (@Nithin0dha) January 15, 2026 Kamaths post struck a chord with some users, who also claimed that the municipal elections should not have resulted in a trading holiday. Mumbai is just a place where stock market buildings exist, but what about FII, overseas people, other states, fund manager and their employees do today ? Markets are not only for retail and domestic only," one user wrote. Another claimed, The NYSE hasnt closed for an election since 1984. Section 135B of the RP Act is the problem, we need legislative reform, not just better planning." One account remarked, If Indian markets aim to be globally competitive, holiday decisions must reflect global financial standards, not local political events. Closing for a municipal election but not on New Years Day makes little sense." However, some supported the decision. Its primarily because both BSE and NSE are headquartered in Mumbai, and there will be low staffing due to the election." Stock Market Holidays In 2026 Indian stock exchanges will be closed for 16 days in 2026. The next market holiday will be on Monday, January 26, due to Republic Day. Three trading holidays will be there in March, followed by two each in April and May. Trading will be closed for one day each in June and September, while there will be two holidays each in October and November. Trading will be closed for one day in December. Four stock market holidays this year fall on weekends. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 10:05 IST News mumbai-news BMC Elections Close BSE-NSE, Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath Highlights 'Poor Planning' 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... Punjab Winter Holidays 2026: Students Demand Vacation Extension Due To Dense Fog Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 10:08 IST Punjab is battling dense fog and a severe cold wave, prompting students and parents to seek a vacation extension for schools. Students in Punjab seek a vacation extension as dense fog and a cold wave grip the state. Punjab continues to reel under dense fog and an intense cold wave, with temperatures dropping to low single digits across several districts. Owing to the harsh weather conditions, a red alert has been issued for many parts of the state, including Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana, for January 15, 2026. Amid the worsening weather, students and parents are urging Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains to extend the winter holidays for schools by a few more days. Punjab schools reopened on January 14, as per the earlier order, but the prevailing cold wave and thick fog have made early morning travel difficult for students. Concerns over student safety have flooded social media platforms, with many users commenting on posts by the Chief Minister and the Education Minister. Several students have highlighted the risks posed by poor visibility and extremely low temperatures during morning hours. Being a student, I feel like you should extend the holidays as in Bathinda its 3 degrees Celsius and there is very dense fog, which creates a problem for on-road vehicles. Kindly look into this because crying after something has happened is not good," wrote a X user. Another user appealed, Respected sir, it is a humble request to you to please extend the holidays of school as it is very cold outside and the weather is foggy. It becomes difficult to go to school in the morning hours because of the dense fog. Kindly consider this request, please sir." Students have also been sharing screenshots of fog and cold wave alerts issued by the Punjab State Disaster Management Authority. Many expressed disappointment over what they see as a lack of response from the authorities despite repeated appeals for an extension of Punjab winter holidays in 2026. So far, there has been no official announcement regarding an extension of the holidays. While the cold wave continues and red alerts remain in place, any decision on school closures will be taken by the state government. Officials are yet to confirm whether the winter break will be extended. ALSO READ: UCO Bank Recruitment 2026: Apply For 173 Generalist, Specialist Officer Posts, Direct Link Here Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several districts, including Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Moga, Firozpur, Nawashahr, Hoshiarpur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Sangrur, Patiala, SAS Nagar, Mansa, Bathinda, Barnala, Muktsar, Faridkot and Gurdaspur. IMD also said that a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect the Western Himalayan region from January 16, 2026. The system, which was earlier seen as a cyclonic circulation over Himachal Pradesh and nearby areas at 3.1 km above mean sea level, has weakened. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 10:08 IST News education-career Punjab Winter Holidays 2026: Students Demand Vacation Extension Due To Dense Fog 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... Rajasthan Grade 4 Result 2025 Declared At rssb.rajasthan.gov.in, How To Check Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 17:43 IST Candidates can download the Rajasthan Grade 4 Result 2025-26 PDF from the official website at rssb.rajasthan.gov.in. The Rajasthan Grade 4 recruitment aims to fill 53,749 posts. (Image: Canva) Rajasthan Grade 4 Result 2025-26: The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) has announced the Rajasthan Grade 4 Result 2025-26 for approximately 21 lakh candidates who appeared in the exam held between September 19 and 21, 2025. Board Chairman Alok Raj recently posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the Rajasthan Grade 4 Result 2025-26 was declared on January 15, 2026, and candidates will be able to download the PDF from January 16, 2026. The Rajasthan Grade 4 Result 2025-26 PDF can be downloaded from the official website at rssb.rajasthan.gov.in. ;1. 2 2. 3. 4th class employee !Results 16 Alok Raj (@alokrajRSSB) January 15, 2026 The Rajasthan Grade 4 Result 2025-26 has been announced for 53,749 posts, including 48,199 in Non-TSP and 5,550 in TSP areas. Candidates who meet the Rajasthan Grade 4 Cut Off 2025 will proceed to the Document Verification (DV) stage. The result PDF link can be found in the Results section of the official RSSB website. The results are published in PDF format and list the roll numbers of the shortlisted candidates. To reduce the load on web servers, RSSB has also launched an SMS-based query system for the Rajasthan 4th Grade Result 2025-26. How To Download the Rajasthan Grade 4 Result 2025? Candidates can download the Rajasthan Grade 4 Result 2025 by following the steps below: Step 1 Visit the official website, rssb.rajasthan.gov.in. Step 2 On the homepage, click on the candidate corner and then click on the results tab. Step 3 Check for the link titled, Result and Merit List of Rajasthan Grade 4 Recruitment 2024-25. Step 4 The Rajasthan Grade 4 Result 2025-26 will appear on the screen containing the roll numbers of shortlisted candidates. Step 5 Use the Ctrl + F function (or search bar on mobile) to enter your roll number. If it appears in the list, you have qualified for the next stage. Download and save the result for further use. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 17:38 IST News education-career Rajasthan Grade 4 Result 2025 Declared At rssb.rajasthan.gov.in, How To Check 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... RBI Office Attendant Recruitment 2026: Apply For 572 Posts From Jan 15, Details Here Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 14:10 IST RBI has announced recruitment for 572 Office Attendant posts. Online applications will be accepted from January 15 to February 4, 2026. RBI invites online applications for 572 Office Attendant posts; registration opens January 15. RBI Office Attendant Recruitment 2026: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has invited online applications for the recruitment of Office Attendants. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website at rbi.org.in. A total of 572 vacancies will be filled through this recruitment drive. The online registration process will begin on January 15 and will close on February 4, 2026. The written examination is scheduled to be held on February 28 and March 1, 2026. Eligibility Criteria Candidates applying for the post must have passed the 10th standard (S.S.C./Matriculation) from the concerned State or Union Territory under the regional jurisdiction of the recruiting office to which they are applying. The qualification should be from a recognised board of the respective State or UT. Applicants must be between 18 and 25 years of age. Only candidates born not earlier than January 2, 2001, and not later than January 1, 2008 (both dates inclusive) are eligible to apply. Selection Process The selection process will comprise an online test followed by a language proficiency test. The online test will consist of 120 questions carrying a total of 120 marks and will be conducted for a duration of 90 minutes. Candidates who qualify the online test will be required to appear for the language proficiency test. The LPT will be of qualifying nature and will be conducted in the official or local language of the State. Application Fee Candidates belonging to the General, OBC and EWS categories will have to pay an application fee of Rs 450 plus 18 percent GST. For SC, ST, PwBD and Ex-servicemen categories, the application fee is Rs 50 plus 18 percent GST. The fee can be paid using Debit Cards (RuPay/Visa/MasterCard/Maestro), Credit Cards, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Cards or Mobile Wallets. ALSO READ: JEE Main 2026 Admit Card: NTA JEE Session 1 Exam Hall Tickets Soon At jeemain.nta.nic.in How To Apply? Candidates can apply online by visiting the official website of the Reserve Bank of India at rbi.org.in. Applicants are advised to read the detailed notification carefully before submitting the application form. For more information and updates related to the recruitment process, candidates should visit the official RBI website. Click here for notification Direct Link To Apply News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 14:10 IST News education-career RBI Office Attendant Recruitment 2026: Apply For 572 Posts From Jan 15, Details Here 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... School Holidays: Haryana, UP Extend Winter Vacations Till January 17 Amid Cold Wave Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 19:27 IST Due to the falling temperatures and hazardous cold wave, administrations in several states, including Haryana, UP, Delhi, Punjab, have taken measures concerning school holidays. The Punjab government has altered school timings in response to the increasing number of accidents caused by fog and cold. (AI Generated Image) The Haryana government has directed schools to extend the winter vacation till January 17. The decision comes amid cold wave and dense fog in the state. The schools were earlier slated to open on January 16 but now stands deferred. Severe cold and dense fog continue to disrupt life in North India. Due to the falling temperatures and hazardous cold wave, administrations in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, and Punjab, have taken significant measures concerning school holidays. In many districts, school holidays have been extended until January 20th, while in others, school timings have been adjusted. These steps aim to protect young children from the severe morning cold and fog that reduce visibility to zero. In Uttar Pradesh, directives have been issued at the district magistrate level in various districts. The Punjab government has rescheduled school timings without completely closing them, allowing children to leave home after sunrise. In Delhi and nearby cities, there is uncertainty regarding school opening and closing times. Consequently, the Education Department has issued new guidelines. Parents and students are advised to check the latest updates from their school and local administration before leaving home. Uttar Pradesh: UP is facing extreme cold. In Sambhal district, the District Magistrate has declared holidays for all schools from nursery to grade 8 on January 16th and 17th due to fog. In several other districts, holidays have been extended until January 20th. In cities like Noida, Ghaziabad, and Lucknow, physical classes for children up to grade 8 have been suspended, while higher classes have the option of rescheduling or online classes. In Prayagraj, schools are closed due to the Magh Mela. Punjab: The Punjab government has altered school timings in response to the increasing number of accidents caused by fog and cold. From January 16th to 21st, the new schedule will be: Primary Schools: 10 am to 3 pm Secondary/High Schools: 10 am to 3:20 pm According to the Chief Ministers Office, this decision aims to protect children from the dense morning fog. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 19:25 IST News education-career School Holidays: Haryana, UP Extend Winter Vacations Till January 17 Amid Cold Wave 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... Bengal SIR Protests: Day After Farakka Violence, 10 Arrested For Vandalising BDO Office In Chakulia Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 23:46 IST The incident left a police officer injured, prompting the Election Commission of India to issue stern instructions to district administrations in poll-bound West Bengal The BDO's office at Uttar Dinajpur district's Chakulia was vandalised and torched by mob, in West Bengal on January 15, 2026. (Image: ANI/video grab) Ten people were arrested after a mob vandalised the office of the block development officer in West Bengals Chakulia on Thursday, amid protests against the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. The incident left a police officer injured, prompting the Election Commission of India (ECI) to issue stern instructions to district administrations in the poll-bound state. Protests against the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise escalated in the Uttar Dinajpur district, a day after similar violence was reported from Murshidabads Farakka. According to police, most of the protesters in Chakulia had received notices for SIR verification hearings. They blocked a state highway at Kahata from early morning, disrupting traffic and triggering massive congestion. Amid the agitation, a mob allegedly forced its way into the BDO office, vandalised furniture and electronic equipment, destroyed official records and set fire to parts of the premises. An inspector-in-charge present at the spot sustained injuries during the attack, while several staff members were rushed to a nearby hospital, the police said. Watch the video here: #WATCH | West Bengal | Office of the Block Development Officer, Goalpokher-II, Chaukulia, North Dinajpur, vandalised and torched by mob; Block Development Officer, Goalpokher has filed First Information Report in Chaukulia Police station pic.twitter.com/AcWSg06pxC ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2026 The block development officer lodged a written complaint at Chakulia police station, following which an FIR was registered. According to the complaint, around 300 people attempted to forcibly enter the office around 9.30 am. Despite police intervention, the crowd broke into the office and caused extensive damage to government property," an officer said, adding that preliminary estimates put the loss around Rs 20 lakh. A high alert has been issued across Islampur police district in view of the situation," a senior police officer said, adding that additional forces had been deployed to prevent further flare-ups. A written complaint was received from the authorities concerned following the incident, police sources said. Based on the complaint, a case was registered in connection with the vandalism of the government office and an investigation was initiated to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the incident," an officer said. In the backdrop of the incidents at Chakulia and Farakka, the states chief electoral officer (CEO) issued directions to district magistrates-cum-district election officers (DEO), and spoke to state government officials. Officials at the CEOs office said steps were being taken to identify those involved in the violence, while additional security arrangements were put in place in sensitive areas of the district to prevent any further escalation of the situation. In Farakka, too, a BDO office was allegedly vandalised during protests led by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Monirul Islam and his supporters on Wednesday (January 14). The incident forced suspension of SIR hearings, following which the Election Commission (EC) directed that an FIR should be registered. Two persons were arrested in connection with the Farakka violence. The SIR, aimed at updating electoral rolls by verifying voter details, has snowballed into a political flashpoint in Bengal with the ruling TMC alleging that the process is being used to harass sections of the population and selectively target minority voters. In Farakka, the unrest was triggered by protests by BLOs, who alleged that ordinary citizens were being repeatedly asked to furnish documents under the guise of SIR causing mental harassment". Some BLOs had attempted to submit mass resignation letters to the ERO, citing pressure and confusion surrounding the exercise. The situation escalated when protesters, led by Monirul Islam, raised slogans of We do not accept SIR and marched to the BDO office. Monirul has alleged discrimination against a particular community" in document verification and said the protests were aimed at protecting common people. The BJP, meanwhile, accused the TMC of inciting violence to derail a constitutionally mandated exercise and shield bogus voters ahead of the elections. (With PTI inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 23:41 IST News elections Bengal SIR Protests: Day After Farakka Violence, 10 Arrested For Vandalising BDO Office In Chakulia 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... PMC Ward No. 25A Candidates 2026: Full List of Contestants for Ward No. 25A in Pune Municipal Corporation Election Curated By : Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 17:27 IST Complete list of candidates and parties contesting in the 2026 elections for Ward No. 25A seat in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC election 2026) Ward No. 25D in the 2026 PMC election. (Image: News18 Elections) Following is the complete list of candidates in the fray for Ward No. 25A sourced from the list of contesting candidates published by the State Election Commission, Maharashtra. Sau. Swapnali Nitin Pandit, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Adv. Rupali Patil-Thombare, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Bhokare Amruta Ganesh, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Click here to follow the live Ward No. 25A result updates in the PMC Election 2026. Ward No. 25A is one of the four sub-wards of Ward No. 25 of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The PMC has a total of 41 wards spread across Pune, representing 165 corporators. This sub-ward is reserved for Other Backward Class (Women). Ward No. 25, to which this sub-ward belongs, has a total population of 76262, of which 1158 belong to the Scheduled Castes and 502 belong to the Scheduled Tribes. The extent of Ward 1 of Pune Municipal Corporation as published in the Maharashtra Government Gazette is as follows: Location: Shaniwar Peth, Narayan Peth, Shukrawar Peth (Part), Subhash Nagar, Madiwale Colony, Shaniwar Wada, Mahatma Phule Mandai, Nutan Marathi Vidyalaya, Sadashiv Peth (Part), Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Kabir Bagh, Ahilyadevi High School for Girls, Hujurpaga, New English School Ramanbagh, Tulshibagh, Shanipar, Renuka Swarup School, Bhave High School, Bharat Natya Mandir, Telephone Exchange (Bajirao Road), etc. North: From the intersection of Sambhaji Bridge and Mutha River, towards north-east crossing Maharshi Vitthal Shinde Bridge, along Muthal River to meet Shivaji Road on Shivaji Bridge. East: From the intersection of Mutha River and Shivaji Road at Shivaji Bridge, then towards south along Shivaji Road to meet N.C. Kelkar Road, then towards east along N.C. Kelkar Road to meet Bhutkar Haud road near Pasodya Vithoba Temple, then towards south along Bhutkar Haud Road to meet Mirza Ghalib Road at Nehru Chowk, then towards west along Mirza Ghalib Road to meet Shivaji Road, then towards south along Shivaji Road to meet Tilak Road near Keshavrao Jedhe Chowk. South & West: From the intersection of Shivaji Road and Tilak Road near Keshavrao Jedhe Chowk, then towards north-west along Tilak road crossing Annabhau Sathe Chowk and Tilak Chowk, to meet Mutha River near Sambhaji Bridge. The last Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections were held on February 21, 2017, in which Bharatiya Janata Party was the single largest party with 97 seats, while Nationalist Congress Party won 39 seats. Shiv Sena secured 10 seats, Indian National Congress won nine seats, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena won two seats and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen won a single seat. Four Independent candidates were also elected as corporators in the election. The next election is scheduled to take place on 15 January 2026, with the counting of votes on 16 January 2026. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 17:27 IST News elections PMC Ward No. 25A Candidates 2026: Full List of Contestants for Ward No. 25A in Pune Municipal Corporation Election 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... ULAN BATOR, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- At least nine of all the 21 Mongolian provinces have been experiencing extreme wintry weather, known as "dzud," the country's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said Wednesday. Dzud is a Mongolian term to describe a severely cold winter when a large number of livestock die because the ground is frozen or covered with snow. "At least nine provinces, including Uvs, Khovd and Zavkhan in the west, as well as Uvurkhangai in the central and Selenge in the north, are now experiencing the dzud," the NEMA said in a statement. In addition, 16 provinces are experiencing near-dzud conditions, the emergency agency said. Animal husbandry is one of the main pillars of the Mongolian economy, and almost 40 percent of the country's nomadic population depends on it. However, due to the harsh and long winter, most of Mongolia's nomadic herders lose livestock every year. According to NSO, Mongolia had 58.1 million head of livestock at the end of 2025. PMC Ward No. 28B Candidates 2026: Full List of Contestants for Ward No. 28B in Pune Municipal Corporation Election Curated By : Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 18:13 IST Complete list of candidates and parties contesting in the 2026 elections for Ward No. 28B seat in the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC election 2026) Ward No. 38B in the 2026 PMC election. (Image: News18 Elections) Following is the complete list of candidates in the fray for Ward No. 28B sourced from the list of contesting candidates published by the State Election Commission, Maharashtra. Adhav Nalini Yogesh, Shiv Sena (SS) Gadade Priya Shivaji, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Bodke Manisha Santosh, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Bhati Kalavati Suresh, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (SSUBT) Pawar Siddhi Nilesh, Independent (IND) Click here to follow the live Ward No. 28B result updates in the PMC Election 2026. Ward No. 28B is one of the four sub-wards of Ward No. 28 of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). The PMC has a total of 41 wards spread across Pune, representing 165 corporators. This sub-ward is reserved for Other Backward Class (Women). Ward No. 28, to which this sub-ward belongs, has a total population of 76550, of which 14576 belong to the Scheduled Castes and 934 belong to the Scheduled Tribes. The extent of Ward 1 of Pune Municipal Corporation as published in the Maharashtra Government Gazette is as follows: Location: Janata Vasahat, Parvati Devasthan, Pune Mahila Mandal, Parvati Water Purification Center, Ramakrishna Math, Chandranil Apartment, Dandekar Pul Slum, Rakshalekha Society, Dattawadi (Part), P.L. Deshpande Udyan, Saritanagari, Jaydev Nagar, Sharda Math, Hingne Khurd (Part), Monte Rosa, Venkatesh Skydale, Anand Vihar Colony, Nityanand Hall Parisar, etc. North: From the intersection of Sambhaji Bridge and Mutha River, towards north-east along Mutha River to meet Sinhagad Road. East: From the intersection of Mutha River and Sinhagad Road, towards south along Sinhagad Road to meet Narayan Peth, then further south to boundary of Hingane Khurd. South: From the southern boundary of Hingane Khurd, west along the southern boundary to meet Mutha River near Sambhaji Bridge. West: From the Mutha River near Sambhaji Bridge, north along riverbank to meet starting point at Sambhaji Bridge. The last Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections were held on February 21, 2017, in which Bharatiya Janata Party was the single largest party with 97 seats, while Nationalist Congress Party won 39 seats. Shiv Sena secured 10 seats, Indian National Congress won nine seats, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena won two seats and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen won a single seat. Four Independent candidates were also elected as corporators in the election. The next election is scheduled to take place on 15 January 2026, with the counting of votes on 16 January 2026. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 18:13 IST News elections PMC Ward No. 28B Candidates 2026: Full List of Contestants for Ward No. 28B in Pune Municipal Corporation Election 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... NMMC Ward No. 28C Candidates 2026: Full List of Contestants for Ward No. 28C in Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Election Curated By : Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 18:37 IST Complete list of candidates and parties contesting in the 2026 elections for Ward No. 28C seat in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC election 2026) Ward No. 28C in the 2026 NMMC election. (Image: News18 Elections) Following is the complete list of candidates in the fray for Ward No. 28C sourced from the list of contesting candidates published by the State Election Commission, Maharashtra. Atwal Jaspal Singh, Shiv Sena (SS) Anil (Nana) Baban Kudale, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Dalvi Sita Ramchandra, Indian National Congress (INC) Dr. Jayaji K. Nath, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sanjay Madhukar Bhuke, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) (SSUBT) S. K. Yeshi, Peoples Party of India (Democratic) (PPID) Rahul Shankar Shirsat, Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) Santosh Raghunath Kamble, Independent (IND) Rathod Namdev Punsing, Independent (IND) C. V. Reddy, Independent (IND) Click here to follow the live Ward No. 28C result updates in the NMMC Election 2026. Ward No. 28C is one of the four sub-wards of Ward No. 28 of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC). The NMMC has a total of 41 wards spread across Navi Mumbai, representing 165 corporators. This sub-ward is reserved for General. Ward No. 28, to which this sub-ward belongs, has a total population of 28675, of which 2819 belong to the Scheduled Castes and 552 belong to the Scheduled Tribes. The extent of Ward 1 of Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation as published in the Maharashtra Government Gazette is as follows: Location- Belapur Sector-1, Sector 1A, Sector 2, Sector 3, Sector 3A, Sector 4, Sector 5, Sector 6, Sector 8, Sector 8A, Sector 8B, Sector 9, Sector 9N, Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar, Sambhajinagar, Jayadurga Matanagar. North From the Parsik Hill pass along the , proceed near CBD Sector-9 along the hillside, following the northern boundary of Sector-9N and the hill-adjacent boundary of Sector-8A. Continue along the detention pond up to the eastern boundary of NMMC. East Eastern boundary of NMMC. South forming the southern boundary. West forming the western boundary. The last Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) elections were held on April 22, 2015, in which Nationalist Congress Party was the single largest party with 52 seats, while Shiv Sena won 38 seats. Bharatiya Janata Party secured six seats and Indian National Congress won 10 seats. Five Independent candidates were also elected as corporators in the election. The next election is scheduled to take place on 15 January 2026, with the counting of votes on 16 January 2026. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Navi Mumbai, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 18:37 IST News elections NMMC Ward No. 28C Candidates 2026: Full List of Contestants for Ward No. 28C in Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation Election 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... TMC To Release Film 'Lokkhi Elo Ghore' To Highlight Mamata's Welfare Schemes Ahead Of Bengal Polls Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 08:41 IST Schemes of the Mamata government, including Kanyashree (for education and empowerment of girls) and Rupashree (to discourage child marriage), have been showcased in the film. A directors cut preview of Lokkhi Elo Ghore was screened at Nandan on 14 January. (Image: News18) The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is set to release a film titled Lokkhi Elo Ghore." The film has been directed by TMC MLA and filmmaker Raj Chakraborty. The film depicts the story of an innocent young widow from a rural background and shows how her life changes after receiving assistance through various state government welfare schemes. A directors cut preview of Lokkhi Elo Ghore was screened at Nandan on 14 January. The screening was attended by TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who is also said to be the brain behind the idea, along with the films cast and crew, party leaders, and members of the intelligentsia. The film is approximately one hour long. After watching it, Abhishek Banerjee said that the documentary would be shown in households across Bengal so that people become aware of state government schemes, many of which beneficiaries are not fully informed about. He said the film highlights seven to eight such schemes, while noting that there are several others as well. He also referred to the performances in the film, particularly the role played by Subhashree, portraying a poor widow, to underline how many eligible beneficiaries remain unaware of welfare schemes. Drawing parallels with the characters of Lokkhi, a widow, and Mangala, her village sister-in-law, he said the state government has changed the lives of lakhs of people through these programmes. Several flagship schemes of the Mamata Banerjee government, including Kanyashree (for the education and empowerment of girls) and Rupashree (to discourage child marriage), have been showcased in the film. Party sources told News18 that the film will be released on YouTube and screened during TMC programmes in villages. Earlier, the TMC had released a publication titled Unnayaner Panchali", which party leaders have been distributing widely. The BJP, however, has dismissed the initiative, stating that such films will have no impact and that people have already made up their minds. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 08:41 IST News elections TMC To Release Film 'Lokkhi Elo Ghore' To Highlight Mamata's Welfare Schemes Ahead Of Bengal Polls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The Greenland Story: Who Holds Authority, What Is Denmark's Role And Why Trump Wants Control? Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 11:24 IST On a globe, the shortest path between Russia and the United States runs over the Arctic directly past Greenland The United States maintains a military presence (Thule/Pituffik Space Base) in Greenland, under agreements with Denmark, not directly with Greenland. (Image: AP) US President Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that he wants the United States to gain control of Greenland. On Wednesday, 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." US and Denmark are now in talks to reach a consensus over how the US can alley fears of a threat, even as Trump continues to insist he wants nothing short of full control" of Greenland. With Greenland making headlines, is it really possible for the US to completely take over the island nation? What is this threat that the US is citing to justify its demands for a complete control of Greenland? Lets delve deep into Greenlands current administrative authority, its sovereign control and more importantly, its geography. Who Holds What Authority Over Greenland? Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It is not an independent country, but it is also not a Danish colony. Greenland has its own internal governance through its own parliament (Inatsisartut) and government (Naalakkersuisut). This governance controls: education, healthcare, policing and justice, natural resources (including mining and hydrocarbons), fisheries, environment, and local taxation, social welfare and local economic policy. Denmark, on the other hand, controls foreign policy and diplomacy, defence and security, monetary policy and currency, citizenship, Supreme Court jurisdiction (in limited cases). Denmark also provides an annual block grant (about 500 million), which still forms a significant part of Greenlands budget. Greenland is not a member of the European Union as it left the EEC in 1985 after gaining home rule. It can sign some international agreements in areas under its own jurisdiction, but Denmark represents it internationally on core sovereign matters. The United States maintains a military presence (Thule/Pituffik Space Base) under agreements with Denmark, not directly with Greenland. What Is Greenlands Path To Independence? Under the 2009 Self-Government Act, Greenland has the legal right to declare independence following a referendum. Full independence would require assuming responsibility for defence, foreign policy, and replacing Danish financial support. While Independence is legally possible, it is not yet exercised. What Does Trump Want To Do? Donald Trump has stressed that he wants the United States to gain control of Greenland. His publicly stated reasons include: 1. Strategic and national-security claims: Trump says Greenland is crucial for US national security, especially to counter what he frames as the rising influence of Russia and China in the Arctic. He argues the US must control it to prevent them from doing so. 2. Ownership, not just access: Trump frames this as owning Greenland outright not just maintaining military access arguing that owning a territory is better for defence than leases or agreements. He has said the US will act whether they like it or not" and suggested doing it the easy way" (negotiated) or the hard way" (implying force or stronger pressure). 3. Exploring options including purchase or pressure: There have been reports that Trump officials discussed economic incentives (e.g., potential payments to Greenlanders) to encourage independence from Denmark and eventual US alignment. Trump has appointed a special US envoy to Greenland with a mission described by critics as working to make Greenland part of the US, which Denmark condemned. Trump has reiterated that the US must have Greenland, hinting that diplomacy could give way to other measures if a deal cant be reached with Denmark. In some statements, he has refused to rule out military force as a means to secure Greenland though specifics on such plans remain unverified. Denmark and Greenlands response Greenlands government and political parties have strongly rejected US takeover ideas and reaffirmed their desire to remain part of the Kingdom of Denmark and decide their future themselves. Denmark a NATO ally has warned that any attempt by the US to force Greenland away from Danish sovereignty could severely damage NATO relations. European partners (e.g., Germany, Norway, Sweden) have increased military cooperation in Greenland to reassure Denmark and deter unilateral moves. Why Is Greenland Strategic For The US? The US insistence on Greenland is driven less by economics and more by hard geography and military physics. In simple terms, Greenland sits at the choke-point of Americas northern defences. Heres why it matters so much to Washington: 1. Greenland sits on the shortest attack route to the US. On a globe, not a flat map, the shortest path between Russia and the United States runs over the Arctic directly past Greenland. Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) aimed at the US East Coast would travel over or near Greenland. The same is true for hypersonic glide vehicles, which fly lower and faster than traditional missiles. This makes Greenland a front-row observation post for detecting attacks early. Whoever controls Greenland controls early warning time measured in minutes that decide retaliation and survival. 2. Cornerstone of US missile-warning and space defence The US already operates Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) in northwest Greenland. From there, the US: Tracks ballistic missile launches Monitors space objects and satellites Feeds data into NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) If a hostile power gained influence over Greenland: US early-warning systems could be degraded, blinded, or surveilled Space-tracking assets could be compromised For US planners, losing Greenland is equivalent to poking a hole in Americas missile shield. 3. Control of the GIUK gap (naval choke point) Greenland forms part of the GIUK Gap GreenlandIcelandUnited Kingdom This is a critical maritime corridor where Russian submarines must pass to enter the Atlantic. This is where NATO tracks and contains Russian naval movements. During the Cold War, the GIUK gap was the main line preventing Soviet submarines from threatening the US East Coast. That logic still holds today, especially with nuclear-armed submarines and hypersonic cruise missiles launched from sea. Greenland is the northern anchor of Atlantic naval containment. 4. Arctic ice melt is turning Greenland into a gateway, not a barrier Climate change is transforming the Arctic from a frozen shield into a new strategic highway. As ice retreats, new shipping routes open between Asia, Europe, and North America. Simultaneously, Russia is militarising its Arctic coast and China calls itself a near-Arctic state" and has been seeking access. Greenland sits astride Arctic air routes, future sea lanes and undersea communication cables. The US sees Greenland as the key terrain of the next great-power competition, not a remote island. 5. Preventing Chinese and Russian footholds The US fear is not Denmark it is strategic vacuum. Washington worries that China could gain leverage via infrastructure, ports, mining, or telecom projects. It also fears Russia could expand intelligence and naval reach and even civilian projects can have dual-use military value That is precisedly why Trump says, If we dont anchor Greenland firmly in the Western security system, someone else will." 6. Geography that cannot be replaced Unlike bases elsewhere, Greenlands position cannot be replicated on the map. While Alaska covers the Pacific side, Greenland covers the North Atlantic and Arctic approach. It is a once-on-the-map location, not an optional outpost. This is why US strategists see Greenland not as a foreign territory but as part of Americas defensive perimeter. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 11:24 IST News explainers The Greenland Story: Who Holds Authority, What Is Denmark's Role And Why Trump Wants 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... Alcoholic Beverage Industry Urges Telangana Govt To Pay Up Rs 3,900 Crore In Dues Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 16:25 IST Leading industry associations urged the government to clear dues to reassure global investors ahead of the Telangana's representation at Davos 2026 later this month The alcohol beverage industry contributes more than a third of Telanganas tax revenues the highest among Indian states generating Rs 2,300 crore to Rs 2,600 crore every month. (Image for representation) The alcoholic beverage industry has urged the Telangana government to pay long-pending dues of Rs 3,900 crore to the sector. Leading industry associations said payment delays at such a scale dilute the credibility of the state to attract investment. Hence, they urged the government to clear dues to reassure global investors ahead of the states representation at Davos 2026 later this month. In a joint statement, the Brewers Association of India (BAI), International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI), and Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) have cautioned that continued delays risk disrupting supplies, impacting excise revenues and causing wider investor confidence concerns. The associations said dues payable by the Telangana State Beverages Corporation Limited (TGBCL) to suppliers have crossed Rs 3,900 crore, with a significant portion of Rs 900 crore pending for more than a year. This comes despite excise revenues increasing more than four times over the past decade from around Rs 9,000 crore in 2014 to nearly Rs 38,000 crore in FY 2023-2024 and the state collecting over Rs 3,000 crore in October 2025 alone through liquor retail licence application fees. December 2025 revenue turnover has also been at an all-time high. They said the sector contributes more than a third of Telanganas tax revenues the highest among Indian states generating Rs 2,300 crore to Rs 2,600 crore every month. It supports a large ecosystem of breweries, distilleries, packaging, logistics and retail, providing an estimated 70,000 direct and indirect jobs across the state, they added. The associations pointed to a decrease in industrial investments towards the state: TG-iPASS approvals declined by more than 50 percent from Rs 13,730 crore in FY 2024-2025 from Rs 28,100 crore in the previous year). They said as Telangana prepares to showcase itself as a preferred investment destination at Davos, it is important that the state honours its existing contractual commitments to position itself as a credible partner in business. The alcobev sector delivers predictable, recurrent, and large scale revenues to the state exchequer. Clearing dues and restoring the 45-day contractual payment cycle is fiscally prudent and essential to protect revenues, jobs and supply continuity," read the joint statement. The associations have said timely settlement of pending payments would reinforce confidence among existing and prospective investors and strengthen Telanganas reputation as a reliable place to do business. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 16:09 IST News india Alcoholic Beverage Industry Urges Telangana Govt To Pay Up Rs 3,900 Crore In Dues 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... Ask If Ink Erased, Not Have You Voted: Thackerays Allege Marker Pen Use In Maharashtra Civic Polls Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 14:30 IST Uddhav Thackeray questioned the accountability of the State Election Commission and asked why public money was being spent if such lapses were taking place. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray at the Sena Bhavan. (File Photo: PTI) The Thackerays have raised serious questions over the election process in Maharashtra local body polls, focusing on the use of marker pens instead of indelible ink to mark voters fingers. The opposition has alleged that this practice could make electoral fraud easier and weaken the credibility of the elections. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said complaints were coming in from across the state about ink marks being easily removed. He said voters should now be asked not whether they voted, but whether the ink on their fingers had been erased. He also claimed there were reports of changes in voters names and gender, and alleged that all these attempts were being made to win elections. Uddhav Thackeray questioned the accountability of the State Election Commission and asked why public money was being spent if such lapses were taking place. He said the commission should be answerable and criticised it for conducting BMC elections after nine years despite repeated issues. Raj Thackeray calls process unacceptable Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray also objected strongly to the use of marker pens. He said replacing indelible ink with markers was unacceptable and called such elections meaningless. He appealed to citizens to remain alert and warned against interference by Amit Satam. Raj Thackeray accused the government of manipulating systems to win elections at any cost. He raised concerns about bogus and double voters, the VVPAT issue and the introduction of PADU units without consulting political parties. The controversy was first flagged by MNS candidate Urmila Tambe from Kalyan, who alleged that the State Election Commission was deliberately using marker pens to help the ruling party. BJP respond Responding to the criticism, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he was also marked with a marker pen and questioned claims that it was erased. He said the Election Commission should look into the issue and ensure impartial elections, but criticised the opposition for creating unnecessary ruckus. BMC commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said his comments were misinterpreted. Meanwhile, the State Election Commissions PRO clarified that marker pens have been used in local body elections since 2012 and said the marks do not wipe off after a few minutes. Despite this, opposition parties have continued to raise concerns. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 14:30 IST News india Ask If Ink Erased, Not Have You Voted: Thackerays Allege Marker Pen Use In Maharashtra Civic Polls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Centre Prepares To Evacuate Indians As Iran Protests Rage, First Batch Could Be Flown Out Today Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 00:13 IST Parents of Indian students stranded in Iran told CNN-News18 that the first batch has been informed to be ready by 8 am tomorrow. 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) The central government is reportedly preparing to evacuate stranded Indian nationals from Iran amid growing concerns over safety due to ongoing unrest in the country. According to sources, the first batch of evacuees is expected to be flown out by tomorrow. Parents of Indian students stranded in Iran told CNN-News18 that the first batch has been informed to be ready by 8 am tomorrow. They said preparations for evacuation are underway and students have been asked to keep their documents ready. Additionally, a passenger manifest is being prepared, and necessary approvals are being taken from various authorities in both India and Iran. Government sources also told CNN-News18 that preparations are taking place to respond as per the situation on the ground. This includes facilitating the safe travel of Indian nationals back to India. Officials said plans are being reviewed regularly, keeping the evolving situation in mind. Meanwhile, MEA sources confirmed that preparations are underway to facilitate the return of Indian nationals who wish to travel back to India. In view of the evolving situation in Iran, MEA is making preparations to facilitate return of Indian nationals who wish to travel back to India," the source said. The Indian Embassy in Iran has started collecting details of Indian students stranded in different parts of the country. However, sources said the process is taking time due to an internet blackout in several areas, which has made communication difficult. Concerns have been rising over the safety and well-being of Indian students amid ongoing unrest in Iran. Protests erupted late last month after the Iranian currency, the rial, plunged to record lows. What began as protests over economic issues has since spread across all 31 provinces, turning into demands for political change. Rights groups claim that at least 3,428 people have died in a crackdown on nationwide protests, and the overall situation has deteriorated sharply in recent days. According to estimates, over 10,000 Indians, including students, are currently living in Iran. On Wednesday, India had advised all its nationals in Iran to leave by available means and avoid travel to the country. In an advisory, the Indian Embassy in Tehran urged students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists to exit Iran using commercial flights or other available transport. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 16:40 IST News india Centre Prepares To Evacuate Indians As Iran Protests Rage, First Batch Could Be Flown Out Today Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Command Post | Return Of The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft And 'Atmanirbharta' Debate Written By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 22:29 IST Amid growing buzz India is close to taking a call on Rafale for the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft programme, there are claims that it will damage indigenous fighter ambitions Rafale dominates todays MRFA conversation because it is already part of the IAFs ecosystem. (Image: PTI/File) As this chatter grows, so do claims that the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme will damage Indias atmanirbharta initiative and derail indigenous fighter ambitions. The MRFA is the IAFs plan to induct 114 medium multi-role fighters to address the steep decline in squadron strength. The air force is authorised 42 fighter squadrons but is operating at only 29. Even with Tejas Mk-1A deliveries expected soon, the numbers do not add up fast enough to prevent a capability gap. This project has a long and often misunderstood history. It began in 2007 as the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender for 126 planes. After years of trials, Rafale was selected in 2012 but negotiations collapsed on cost and production terms. To prevent a crisis in combat strength, India signed a government-to-government deal in 2016 for 36 Rafale fighter jets, which are now fully inducted and operational. These fighters, however, were never meant to be the final answer. The larger requirement remained, which is why the programme was revived in 2018 in its current form as MRFA with 114 aircraft and a new emphasis on manufacturing in India. The request for information (RFI) for the 114 MRFA was issued in April 2019 to global aircraft manufacturers, and multiple players, including those from the United States, Russia and France, expressed interest. Rafale dominates todays MRFA conversation because it is already part of the IAFs ecosystem. Training systems, weapons, maintenance infrastructure, simulators and logistics chains are all in place. This was subtly indicated by the air force chief only recently. Adding more Rafales will provide continuity, faster induction and lower life-cycle costs. That is why it is seen as the frontrunner, with sources indicating that the ministry of defence (MoD) is preparing to move the file forward and an acceptance of necessity is expected soon. But even if Rafale is the choice, MRFA is not a simple import of 114 jets. The core idea is that most of these aircraft will be built in India through an Indian partner, with localisation increasing over time. Experts believe that integrating such complex fighters will help build the ecosystem that Tejas Mk-2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) will depend on. However, with MRFA expected to run into several lakh crores of rupees, there is concern that such a financial commitment could reduce funding and urgency for indigenous programmes. On the Tejas Mk-2 front, however, funding has already been ringfenced. The cabinet committee on security has cleared it with a dedicated budget, allowing Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to proceed with design, prototypes and testing independent of MRFA. This means it is not meant to compete year-to-year with MRFA for capital allocations. It is also important to separate the roles of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and MRFA. The two are not substitutes but complementary parts of the IAFs force structure. Skeptics argue that assembling fighters in India is not the same as owning their design or intellectual property. Without access to source codes, software and upgrade rights, India could remain dependent on the original manufacturer even if the jets are locally built. Supporters, however, point to contractual safeguards and the level of trust between India and France. The fact remains that self-reliance was never about closing the door on foreign technology. It was about using such programmes to build domestic capability while keeping the armed forces strong. India already has large Tejas Mk-1A orders in place, with confidence being placed in the programme even though deliveries have yet to begin. The Tejas Mk-2 is under development, and the fifth-generation AMCA has been cleared at the highest level. But all of these will reach operational maturity only in the mid-2030s. The IAF cannot afford to let its fighter strength decline while waiting for that future. The real choice is not between indigenous fighters and MRFA. It is between managing the transition smartly or risking a serious capability gap. While numbers can still be calibrated, the decisions are being taken at the highest levels, weighing both operational needs and industrial goals. How the story unfolds from here will shape Indias air power for decades. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 22:27 IST News india Command Post | Return Of The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft And 'Atmanirbharta' Debate 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... In Pongal Blog, PM Modi Calls Kashi-Tamil Sangamam A Living Example Of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 09:12 IST The prime minister explained how the Sangamam---a confluence of cultures---exemplifies the shared roots and emotional ties between Kashi (Varanasi) and Tamil Nadu Rapid Read The blog traced the evolution of the Sangamam since its first edition in 2022, highlighting how it has expanded in scale and scope. (X) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reflected on the deep cultural significance of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in a blog post, describing it as a living symbol of Indias unity in diversity under the Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat initiative. The prime minister began by recalling his recent visit to Somnath Swabhiman Parv, where people from all over India gathered to commemorate a thousand years of cultural resilience. During the event, he met participants of various cultural Sangamams, including the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam, and was moved by their appreciation for these platforms that celebrate Indias diverse heritage. During my recent visit to Somnath during #SomnathSwabhimanParv, I met people who were appreciative of efforts such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam. Today, on the special occasion of Pongal, shared my thoughts on the growth of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2026 In his post on the occasion of Pongal, PM Modi shared his personal connection with Tamil culture, noting that one of his few regrets in life is not having learned Tamil. He explained how the Sangamama confluence of culturesexemplifies the shared roots and emotional ties between Kashi (Varanasi) and Tamil Nadu, rooted in centuries of spiritual exchange and literary history, including the influence of the Tamil poet Subramania Bharati in Kashi. Kashis connection with Tamil people and culture is very deep. It is in Kashi that Baba Vishwanath resides, while Tamil Nadu has Rameswaram. Tenkasi in Tamil Nadu is known as Kashi of the south or Dakshin Kashi. Saint Kumaraguruparar Swamigal forged a lasting link between Kashi and Tamil Nadu through his spirituality, scholarship and institution-building. Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, one of Tamil Nadus greatest sons, found in Kashi a space of intellectual growth and spiritual awakening. It was here that his nationalism deepened, his poetry sharpened and his vision of a free, united India took clearer shape. There are several such instances that highlight this close bond." The blog traced the evolution of the Sangamam since its first edition in 2022, highlighting how it has expanded in scale and scope, involving scholars, artists, students, professionals and youth from across both regions. The fourth edition, launched on December 2, 2025, carried the theme Tamil Karkalam Learn Tamil", a unique effort to deepen linguistic and cultural engagement. Special initiatives such as translations of Tholkappiyam into multiple languages, the Sage Agasthya Vehicle Expedition, academic sessions at Banaras Hindu University, and cultural performances underscored the programmes role in strengthening people-to-people bonds. PM Modi also praised the warm hospitality extended by the people of Kashi and Uttar Pradesh towards delegates from Tamil Nadu, and the role played by Indian Railways and local communities in making the journey memorable. Noting the impact of the Sangamam, the prime minister said it has deepened mutual understanding, fostered cultural learning, and reinforced the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, a vision of national unity rooted in shared heritage and collective participation in cultural festivities across the country. The Kashi Tamil Sangamam has delivered meaningful outcomes like strengthening cultural understanding, fostering academic and people-to-people exchanges and creating lasting bonds between parts of the country that share a civilisational ethos. In the coming times, we want to make this platform even more vibrant. Most importantly, it has furthered the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. This spirit has flourished for centuries through our festivals, literature, music, art, cuisine, architecture, systems of knowledge and more." Extending wishes on the occasion of Pongal and Makar Sankranti, the prime minister said: This time of the year is very auspicious for people across the length and breadth of India. People are enthusiastically marking various festivals like Sankranti, Uttarayan, Pongal, Magh Bihu, which are, among other things, associated with the Sun, nature and farming. These festivals bring people together and deepen the spirit of harmony in our society. I convey my best wishes for these festivals and hope they continue to inspire us to deepen national unity through our shared heritage and collective participation." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 08:57 IST News india In Pongal Blog, PM Modi Calls Kashi-Tamil Sangamam A Living Example Of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' 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... 'Election Interference' Vs 'Mobocracy': TMC, BJP Spar Over ED Row As Supreme Court Steps In Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 17:19 IST The SC stayed all criminal proceedings and probes initiated by the Kolkata Police against ED officials following their raid on the offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC The Supreme Court has directed the West Bengal government to file its reply within two weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for February 3. (File image/AFP) The Supreme Court intervened decisively on Thursday in the escalating institutional standoff between the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the West Bengal government. A bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi stayed all criminal proceedings and investigations initiated by the Kolkata Police against ED officials following their raid on the offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC. In a stinging observation, the court warned that the alleged obstruction of a central agency by state machinery represents a very serious issue" that could lead to a situation of lawlessness" if left unaddressed. TMC: An Assault on Cooperative Federalism The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has framed the EDs actions as a politically motivated attempt to steal" internal election strategy ahead of the assembly polls. Senior advocate and TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee argued that the Supreme Courts stay is only an interim measure and pointed to the courts observation regarding the timing of the raids. Election Interference: Banerjee highlighted that the court acknowledged that interference by the ED in a political partys affairs just before an election is an important issue" to be decided. Federal Balance: He asserted that whenever a central agency targets a non-BJP state before an election, it damages the fabric of the country. Maintaining cooperative federalism is not the duty of just the state; it is also the duty of the central government," he remarked, suggesting that the ED is being used as a tactical tool to intimidate the ruling party in Bengal. BJP: End of Mobocracy in Bengal Conversely, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hailed the Supreme Courts intervention as a stunning indictment" of the Mamata Banerjee administration. Amit Malviya, BJPs National IT Department Head, characterised the Chief Ministers actions as an abuse of power intended to shield those accused of grave economic offences. Protecting Corruption: Malviya stated that the courts warning against the obstruction of central agencies" proves that the state government was effectively protecting individuals linked to coal smuggling. Constitutional Crisis: BJP leaders argued that the CMs presence at the raid site was an attempt to replace democracy with mobocracy". They pointed to the Supreme Courts direction to preserve all CCTV footage and the notices issued for the potential suspension of top Bengal police officials as proof of the states complicity in disrupting the rule of law. The legal battle stems from a series of raids conducted on January 8 at the I-PAC office in Salt Lake and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, as part of a multi-crore investigation into coal smuggling and money laundering. The ED has made the explosive allegation that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee personally entered the raid sites and forcibly removed key" evidence, including physical documents and electronic devices. Following the confrontation, the West Bengal Police registered multiple FIRs against the ED officers, accusing them of theft and procedural violationsproceedings that have now been halted by the apex court. The Supreme Court has directed the West Bengal government to file its reply within two weeks, with the next hearing scheduled for February 3. Until then, the court has ordered that all digital evidence and CCTV footage from the raid sites be preserved to prevent further tampering. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 17:17 IST News india 'Election Interference' Vs 'Mobocracy': TMC, BJP Spar Over ED Row As Supreme Court Steps In 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... Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubaev speaks during the annual foreign ministry press conference for 2025 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Jan. 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Jiang Youlin) BISHKEK, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The year 2025 was a fruitful and successful one for the relations between Kyrgyzstan and China, and their bilateral ties have a long-term future, Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubaev said Thursday. He made the remarks when answering questions raised by a Xinhua reporter at the annual foreign ministry press conference for 2025 held in the capital. The past year saw constant contacts between the two sides, he said, citing a state visit to China by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, as well as meetings between the two heads of state on various occasions, during which they discussed bilateral and multilateral issues. He noted that the Central Asian country has always gained support from China. "We think that 2025 was a very fruitful and successful year for Kyrgyz-Chinese relations, so if I were to give it a score out of 10, I would give it an 11," he said. The Kyrgyz foreign minister highlighted a busy bilateral agenda in 2026, including multiple meetings with high-level contacts further promoting the development of bilateral ties. "Overall, I believe Kyrgyz-Chinese relations have a long-term future, and, of course, we are committed to proactive contacts to further expand our opportunities," he said. I-PAC Row Escalates As ED Files Fresh Plea In Supreme Court Seeking Suspension Of West Bengal DGP Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 10:01 IST In its application, the ED alleged that West Bengal DGP sat on a protest with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee against the agency's raids at the I-PAC office last week. The ED raids on I-PAC office and Pratik Jain's home snowballed into a high-pitched battle against the TMC. (PTI/File) The row over I-PAC raids has escalated as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a fresh application in the Supreme Court calling for the suspension of West Bengal Director General of Police, Rajiv Kumar. In its application, the ED noted Kumars conduct, saying he sat on a dharna with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after she led a massive protest rally against the agencys raids at the I-PAC office and its Director Pratik Jains residence in Kolkata. The probe agency has sought disciplinary action against top officials of the West Bengal police and sought directives to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) and the Union Home Ministry to initiate disciplinary action. The ED moved the Supreme Court after failing to get urgent relief from the Calcutta High Court, where it sought a CBI investigation into the role of Banerjee, senior police officials and others for allegedly obstructing its raids in Kolkata. The HC judge adjourned the case last week after chaos broke out in the courtroom. ALSO READ: All Documents Taken Away By TMC, Mamata Banerjee: ED To Calcutta HC In I-PAC Case Legal Battle Over I-PAC Raids The legal battle stems from EDs raids on the I-PAC office and the residence of Pratik Jain, the director of the political action committee, earlier this month. The ED has alleged that the Chief Minister took away incriminating documents from the agencys custody during the raid at Jains home. 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. However, Mamata Banerjee has maintained that the documents and data related to her political party and accused the agency of targeting her and the Trinamool Congress. I-PAC has been associated with the TMC since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. She also 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. Calcutta HC Disposes Of TMCs Petition Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday dismissed the TMCs petition against the ED raids at 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. 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 said, disposing of the petition of the TMC. 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. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 10:00 IST News india I-PAC Row Escalates As ED Files Fresh Plea In Supreme Court Seeking Suspension Of West Bengal DGP 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-Origin Woman Based In New Jersey Charged With Murder Of Her 2 Sons, Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 13:28 IST Officers located the two deceased children in a bedroom inside the residence. The two children were pronounced deceased at the scene. Indian-origin woman, Priyatharsini Natarajan, is accused of killing her two children. A 35-year old Indian-origin woman was arrested by US authorities in New Jersey for murdering her two young children. According to the investigation, the accused identified as Priyatharsini Natarajan of Hillsborough, New Jersey, caused the death of her two children on Tuesday. Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald on Wednesday informed that on January 13 an individual, believed to be the childrens father, made a 911 call to law enforcement in the evening. According to the prosecutor, the caller said that after he arrived home from work, he found his two boys, aged 5 and 7, unconscious. The caller informed that his wife did something to them." After arriving at the scene, police officers found the male caller along with the wife, identified as Natarajan. Officers located the two deceased children in a bedroom inside the residence. The two children were pronounced deceased at the scene. The woman 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. She was then detained by Hillsborough Police Officers and transported to the Somerset County Jail. The matter is currently being investigated. A postmortem examination is scheduled to be performed by the Northern Regional Medical Examiners Office to positively identify the victims and determine the cause and manner of death. (With agency inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 15, 2026, 13:19 IST News india Indian-Origin Woman Based In New Jersey Charged With Murder Of Her 2 Sons, Arrested 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... January 15, 1934: When 12,000 Biharis Died, Borders Shifted And Rivers Changed Course Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 13:52 IST In India, places such as Munger, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga were wiped out, while in Nepal, large parts of the Kathmandu Valley, including Bhaktapur and Birgunj, lay in ruins Rapid Read Villages disappeared, farmlands were damaged and, in some places, even the international border shifted. (AI-Generated Image) About nine decades ago, on January 15, 1934, the earth shook violently along the India-Nepal border, turning an ordinary winter afternoon into one of the subcontinents darkest days. At around 2.13 pm, as people sat down for lunch, children played outdoors and markets bustled, a massive earthquake ripped through the Himalayan region, flattening towns and permanently altering the landscape. What followed was not a routine tremor but a catastrophic Himalayan quake that struck with a magnitude estimated between 8.0-8.3 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was eventually confirmed to be in eastern Nepal, roughly 9-10 kilometres south of Mount Everest, though early reports had mistakenly placed it in the plains of Bihar. The quake occurred along the Main Himalayan Thrust, where the Indian tectonic plate collides with the Eurasian plate, releasing centuries of accumulated stress in a matter of seconds. The shaking was so intense that buildings swayed in Kolkata, nearly 650 kilometres away. Tremors were felt across a vast region, from Lhasa in Tibet to Punjab. Entire cities crumbled. In India, places such as Munger, Muzaffarpur and Darbhanga almost wiped out, while in Nepal, large parts of the Kathmandu Valley, including Bhaktapur and Birgunj, lay in ruins. Ancient temples collapsed, roads split open, bridges were swept away and railway tracks twisted beyond repair. The human toll was staggering, though never precisely recorded. British-era reports put the death toll in Bihar alone at 7,253, while losses in Nepal were believed to be even higher. Most historians and seismologists today estimate that between 10,700 and 12,000 people died, though some local accounts place the figure at over 15,700, and even above 20,000. Many of the injured succumbed days later, and fatalities from remote areas of Nepal were reported much later, adding to the uncertainty. Beyond the immediate destruction, the earthquake reshaped the regions geography. Major rivers along the India-Nepal border, including the Kosi, Gandak and Bagmati, altered their courses after massive landslides, ground subsidence and soil liquefaction. In Bihar, a 300-kilometre-long slump belt formed as land sank by several metres. Villages disappeared, farmlands were damaged and, in some places, even the international border shifted. These changes proved permanent, with altered river paths and flood patterns still evident today. Relief and rescue efforts unfolded under severe constraints. In British India, Bihar Relief Commissioner WB Brett coordinated operations, supported by local leaders such as Shrikrishna Singh, Anugrah Narayan Singh and Magfur Ahmad Ajazi. Mahatma Gandhi visited the affected areas to assess the situation. In Nepal, Maharaja Juddha Shamsher mobilised the army to clear debris, rescue survivors and establish relief camps. Soldiers, volunteers and ordinary citizens worked tirelessly, distributing food, clothing and medicines. Yet cold weather, poor communication and limited infrastructure meant that help often arrived too late. Looking back, the 1934 earthquake stands as a grim warning. Today, the population of the region is estimated to be 10 to 20 times higher. Cities like Patna, Muzaffarpur and Kathmandu are far more densely populated, with unplanned construction, high-rise buildings and sprawling slums increasing vulnerability. The 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal, with a magnitude of 7.8, claimed around 9,000 lives. Experts warn that if a quake of the scale seen in 1934 were to strike now, the death toll could run into the millions. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 13:52 IST News india January 15, 1934: When 12,000 Biharis Died, Borders Shifted And Rivers Changed Course Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'When Mobocracy Takes Over...': In SC, ED Accuses Mamata Banerjee, Police Of I-PAC Raids Obstruction Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Aveek Banerjee Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 14:43 IST The ED told the Supreme Court that there is no democracy in West Bengal, only mob rule, as it accused Mamata Banerjee of obstructing I-PAC raids. Rapid Read West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee outside Pratik Jain's residence. (PTI) The Supreme Court on Thursday heard the Enforcement Directorates (ED) petition against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the state police for alleged interference during raids at I-PAC headquarters and its director Pratik Jains residence in Kolkata on January 8, noting that it was a serious matter". Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the ED, claimed a shocking state of affairs" in West Bengal where the CM and top police officials barged into the premises in the midst of ED search operations and seized incriminating evidence tied to a coal smuggling scam. Notably, the ED filed a fresh application in the top court, seeking the suspension of the top brass of the West Bengal police, including DGP Rajiv Kumar, alleging that they aided Mamata Banerjee in obstructing the raids at the I-PAC office and removal of evidence. During the hearing, the ED argued that the DGP accompanied Mamata Banerjee to the sites where it was conducting searches, and several police officers sat on dharna with political leaders protesting against the raids. Mehta also said that ED officers had informed local police about the searches, which was authorised under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). CM Mamata Banerjee took away all the files. This is clearly theft. She took an ED officers phone as well. This will only encourage such acts, and the central forces will be demoralised. The state will feel they can barge in, commit theft and then sit on a dharna. Let an example be set," he added. When Mobocracy Takes Over Democracy SG Mehta argued that the ED was not a mere organ of the government and the material recovered was not used for personal purposes. It also said that the Calcutta High Court turned into Jantar Mantar" after chaos ensued on the day it was scheduled to hear EDs arguments against Mamata Banerjee. We approached the High Court. This is what happens when mobocracy takes over democracy," the agency said, denying TMCs allegations that it was looking for SIR data. The ED said the raids were in connection with an illegal coal smuggling scam amounting to Rs 2,742 crores, in which a hawala channel was also identified. As police officers were being briefed, the CM entered the premises, despite requests not to interfere. Violating all law and order, she forcibly took possession of all digital devices and documents from officers. She left around 12.15 pm," it added. It also highlighted that I-PAC had itself not filed a single complaint in connection with the raids. TMC Questions Need For Raids Meanwhile, senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared for Mamata Banerjee and questioned the need for going to the I-PAC office and conducting raids ahead of Assembly elections. He also pointed out that the I-PAC has been taking care of election-related activities of the TMC in West Bengal since the 2021 polls. Sibal said the I-PAC keeps data related to TMC activities. When they went there, they knew that a lot of party data would be there. What was the need to go there in the midst of an election? The last statement in the coal scam was recorded in 2024. What were they doing since then?" he asked. He also denied that Mamata Banerjee seized all devices, saying she took Pratik Jains laptop, which contained information about TMC data, and a personal iPhone. He accused the ED of having mala fide intent" to gather as much information about the party for political reasons. Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the State of West Bengal and the DGP, also raised serious questions on the maintainability of EDs petition, saying that is only allowed in exceptional circumstances where the ED is completely helpless. A war of words also erupted between the Solicitor General and Kapil Sibal. SG Mehta said the Chief Justice of India should issue guidelines that lawyers who appear in a case should not discuss details with the media. Sibal hit back by saying that the CBI and ED should also not leak information to journalists of their liking. Regarding the chaos at Calcutta High Court, Singhvi said, Yes, you had an issue on January 9, but that cannot be an excuse to ride two different horses. Sometimes emotions get out of hand, and we understand what the court is saying. The relevant test was yesterday." In response, the top court emphasised that emotions cannot go out of hand repeatedly." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 12:01 IST News india 'When Mobocracy Takes Over...': In SC, ED Accuses Mamata Banerjee, Police Of I-PAC Raids Obstruction 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... 'No Indian Firm Can Export At 75% Tariff': Shashi Tharoor On 25% US Tax On Countries Trading With Iran Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 10:23 IST Shashi Tharoor said the existing 25 per cent US tariff, combined with penalties linked to Russia and Iran, could raise the total tax to 75 per cent. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. (Image: PTI/File) Congress MP and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Shashi Tharoor has expressed serious concern over US President Donald Trumps decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on countries doing business with Iran. He warned that such measures could make Indian exports to the United States unviable. Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said he had been troubled by the US tariff regime from the beginning. He noted that India was already facing higher tariffs than its regional competitors. He added countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh were given lower tariffs of between 15 and 19 per cent on labour-intensive exports like gems, jewellery, marine products and leather. I have always been troubled about these tariffs because even the very first 25 per cent that was given to India was a problem because all the other economies, our rivals in South East Asia, who are competing with us in terms of labour-intensive industries that we produce, that we export to America like gems, jewellery, marine products, shrimp, leather, all these kinds of goods countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and even Pakistan and Bangladesh were all given tariff between 15 per cent and 19 per cent," said Tharoor. Tariffs could rise to 75 per cent Tharoor said the situation had worsened with additional sanctions-related tariffs. He explained that the existing 25 per cent tariff, combined with penalties linked to Russia and Iran, could raise the total to 75 per cent. At that level, he said, no Indian company would be able to export goods to the US, except for items like pharmaceuticals. The 25 per cent was already a problem. Now, you have 25 per cent more for Russian sanctions which takes it up to 50 per cent and if there are 25 per cent more in Iranian sanctions, that it takes it up to 75 per cent. So, lets face it, no Indian company will be viable in exporting to America at 75 per cent," the Congress MP said. It will be only those items that are not so far sanctioned, like pharmaceuticals and so, which we can continue selling. The other items will not be viable. So, it is troubling. I dont know what the Government is saying, but from my point of view, this is very serious," he added. The Congress MP described the situation as very serious and said he hoped the new US Ambassador would help both governments reach an understanding on a trade deal. He stressed that a bilateral agreement should be finalised by the first quarter of 2026. Trade partnership at risk? Tharoor said a tariff rate closer to 15 per cent, similar to what the UK has with the US, would reflect respect for a strategic partner. He warned that at 75 per cent, the idea of a meaningful strategic partnership would lose its significance. The Congress MPs warning comes as India is already reeling under 50 per cent US tariffs linked to the purchase of Russian oil. However, earlier this week, New Delhi said the US tariff on countries trading with Iran would have minimal impact on India. (With agency inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 10:22 IST News india 'No Indian Firm Can Export At 75% Tariff': Shashi Tharoor On 25% US Tax On Countries Trading With 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... 'Close Bond With Nature': PM Modi Feeds Cows On Sankranti, Extends Pongal Wishes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 17:45 IST PM Modi extended wishes on Pongal and said, "It is gladdening to see how Pongal brings people together, furthering the spirit of warmth and harmony in our society." PM Modi on Wednesday Participated in Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan. (Image: X/@narendramodi) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday shared an adorable video on his YouTube channel showing a warm moment and his close bond with nature as he fed his cows on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. On Makar Sankranti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a warm moment as he fed his cows, reflecting care, tradition and a close bond with nature. Do not miss the adorable moment!" the caption of the video read. The Prime Minister on Wednesday extended warm wishes to the countrymen on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, the countrys harvest festival. In a post shared on social media platform X, PM Modi greeted citizens and highlighted the cultural and traditional significance of the festival. 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," he wrote. - - pic.twitter.com/zxGY8H5ZvP Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2026 PM Modi Extends Wishes On Pongal PM Modi also extended his wishes on the occasion of Pongal and highlighted how the festival brings people together, strengthening the spirit of warmth and harmony in our society. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, Best wishes on the special occasion of Pongal. It is gladdening to see how Pongal brings people together, furthering the spirit of warmth and harmony in our society. This festival also highlights the importance of agriculture and the dignity of labour." May this Pongal bring renewed energy to realise your aspirations. I pray for everyones good health and well being," he added. Best wishes on Pongal! pic.twitter.com/5ULZS6K7fH Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2026 The Prime Minister on Wednesday said Pongal, which gave the message of maintaining harmonious balance with nature, has emerged as a global festival, cherished by Tamilians world over. He also participated in the Pongal celebrations at the residence of Union Minister L Murugan. The festival of Pongal reminds us that gratitude should go beyond mere words and become an integral part of our daily lives. When the Earth provides us with so much, it is our responsibility to cherish and protect it," PM Modi said at the celebrations that had Union Ministers, bureaucrats, and people from a cross-section of society in attendance. The Prime Minister said that around the world, the Tamil community and those who cherish Tamil culture celebrate Pongal with great enthusiasm, and he was proud to be among them. PM Modi also said that the Tamil culture was one of the oldest living civilisations in the world and embodied centuries of wisdom and tradition that draw lessons from history to guide the way toward the future. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 09:08 IST News india 'Close Bond With Nature': PM Modi Feeds Cows On Sankranti, Extends Pongal Wishes 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... Rs 5.63 Crore Lost: Retired Banker In Pune Loses 38 Years Of Savings In WhatsApp Trading Scam Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 17:26 IST According to the complaint, the trouble began when the retiree came across an advertisement on Facebook promising "online share trading" and "huge profits" Rapid Read Drawn by the prospect of quick returns from the stock market, he clicked on the advertisement. (Representative Image) On January 13, a 68-year-old retired bank officer approached the Pune Cyber Police to file a FIR, alleging that he had been cheated of Rs 5.63 crore in an online stock trading scam that unfolded over more than three years. The victim, a resident of Karvenagar in Pune, had spent his entire professional life in banking, dealing with regulations and fraud prevention, yet fell prey to an elaborate digital con that began in June 2022. According to the complaint, the trouble began when the retiree came across an advertisement on Facebook promising online share trading" and huge profits". Lured by the prospect of quick returns from the stock market, he clicked on the advertisement and was soon contacted on WhatsApp by individuals who introduced themselves as investment experts from a reputed financial firm. They assured him that returns were guaranteed despite market fluctuations and claimed that even small investments would generate instant profits. The fraudsters persuaded the victim to download a trading application, which they described as a specialised platform for high-yield investments. Initially, he invested a small amount. To build his confidence, the scammers transferred a modest sum as profit" back into his bank account. Investigators say this single transaction proved to be the turning point, convincing the retired banker that the platform was genuine. Encouraged by the apparent returns, he began transferring larger sums. With every payment, the dashboard on the app showed his portfolio and profits rising sharply. Believing he was earning crores, the victim continued investing, unaware that the app was merely a fake interface displaying fabricated figures. In reality, his money was being diverted into multiple bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters. The scam continued from June 2022 until August 2025. By the time his total investment touched Rs 5.63 crore and the app showed massive profits, the retiree decided to withdraw his funds. That was when the fraud unravelled. Instead of processing the withdrawal, the scammers demanded additional payments. They first claimed his account had been frozen and asked him to pay Rs 20 lakh as tax to unlock it. After he complied, they demanded further amounts citing processing charges and later claimed that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was investigating the account and required additional clearance fees. It was only after exhausting his savings and receiving no response from the so-called experts that the victim realised he had been cheated. The WhatsApp contacts stopped responding and the trading app became inaccessible. Police officials said an investigation is underway, though the accused had already moved the funds across multiple accounts, complicating recovery efforts. Cyber police officials have once again warned investors against falling for schemes that promise guaranteed returns. They said no legitimate stock market investment can assure fixed profits, and genuine brokers do not ask investors to transfer money into personal bank accounts or pay additional charges to withdraw funds. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 17:26 IST News india Rs 5.63 Crore Lost: Retired Banker In Pune Loses 38 Years Of Savings In WhatsApp Trading Scam 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... Salute Soldiers Guarding Our Borders: PM Modi Hails Courage, Sacrifice Of Armed Forces On Army Day Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 09:13 IST PM Modi commended the bravery of Army troops deployed from remote areas to snowy peaks across the country on the occasion od Army Day. Prime Minister Modi. File Image Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the courage and sacrifice of Indias armed forces on the occasion of Army Day. He said the service of soldiers across difficult and dangerous terrains fills every citizens heart with pride. In a post on X, the prime minister commended the bravery of Army troops deployed from remote areas to snowy peaks across the country. He offered heartfelt salutations to soldiers guarding the nations borders and acknowledged their dedication and valour. PM Modi wished the armed forces strength and victory. May our brave warriors always emerge triumphant, and may the gods protect us in times of challenge," the PM added. ! pic.twitter.com/ixCwzPCWh9 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2026 Kharge pays tribute to Army Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to the Indian Army. In his post on X, he said the nation bows in reverence and gratitude to brave soldiers, veterans, ex-servicemen and their families. He described the Army as the steadfast shield of the country, protecting borders in difficult terrains, supporting internal security, and providing help during natural calamities. Kharge said India remains forever indebted to the Armys courage, professionalism and spirit of selfless sacrifice, which continue to keep the country secure. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 09:13 IST News india Salute Soldiers Guarding Our Borders: PM Modi Hails Courage, Sacrifice Of Armed Forces On Army Day 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... In Big Blow To TMC, SC Stays FIR Against ED Officials In I-PAC Raids: 'If We Don't Interfere...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 15:06 IST The apex court asked authorities to preserve CCTV footage of the raids and also observed that there would be lawlessness if court does not intervene in the matter. Rapid Read The next hearing in I-PAC raids will take place on February 3. (File Image) In a big blow to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed proceedings against officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the raids at the offices of political consultancy firm I-PAC. A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi also asked authorities to preserve CCTV footage of raids. The bench observed that there would be lawlessness if the top court did not intervene in the matter. Senior lawyer Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for the Bengal government, opposed the stay of probe against ED officials. The next hearing will take place on February 3. The central agency moved to the top court after ED officials faced obstructions during the probe agencys raids at the office of political consultancy firm I-PAC in Salt Lake and the residence of its chief, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata in connection with a coal smuggling case on January 8. The agency has claimed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee entered the premises and took away key" evidence related to the probe. On the other hand, CM Banerjee has accused the ED of overreach", while her party, Trinamool Congress, has denied the EDs allegation of obstructing" its probe. The states police had registered an FIR against ED officers. The raids at the I-PAC took place months ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Mamata Banerjee-led TMC has won three consecutive assembly polls in the state since 2011. What Are EDs Allegations? 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. Prior to 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 TMC supremo, with the aid of police, took away incriminating documents from the agencys custody during the raid at Jains house. The high court adjourned the hearing on the EDs plea on Wednesday. It also disposed of a petition filed by the TMC, praying for the protection of its data, saying the ED has informed the court that it has not seized anything from Jains office and house during its raids. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 14:43 IST News india In Big Blow To TMC, SC Stays FIR Against ED Officials In I-PAC Raids: 'If We Don't Interfere...' 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 SC Allow Euthanasia For 32-Year-Old Man In Coma For 13 years? Big Verdict Today Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 09:58 IST The SC will deliver verdict on petition seeking passive euthanasia for Rana,who is in a vegetative state. The verdict could mark Indias first such case since legalisation in 2018. Rapid Read File photo of Supreme Court (Image: PTI) The Supreme Court is set to deliver its verdict on the petition seeking passive euthanasia or mercy killing for Harish Rana (32), wo has remained in a permanent vegetative state for the past 13 years, on Thursday. The petition was filed by Ranas parents. Rana, who was pursuing a degree in civil engineering at Chandigarh University, had suffered severe head injuries and total disability after falling from a fourth-floor balcony of his PG accommodation on August 20, 2013. Since then, he has depended on a tracheostomy tube for breathing and a gastrostomy tube for nutrition. Harishs parents, who also care for two other children, sold their home in Delhi and relocated to Ghaziabad to be near his bedside at AIIMS. Over the years, they have sought legal permission for passive euthanasia to end their sons prolonged suffering. Passive euthanasia, which involves withdrawing life-support measures, was first recognised by the Supreme Court in the 2011 Aruna Shanbaug case and later legalised in 2018 under the Common Cause vs Union of India ruling, which recognised the right to die with dignity as part of the right to life. While active euthanasia, which involves directly causing death through drugs or injection, remains illegal in India. Harishs parents first approached the Delhi High Court in July 2024, but their plea was rejected on the grounds that he was sustaining himself without mechanical ventilators. Their subsequent petitions in the Supreme Court in 2024 were also denied. In December 2025, the Supreme Court agreed to reconsider the case after medical boards assessed Harishs condition. Both primary and secondary medical reports concluded that he had negligible chances of recovery and was being kept artificially alive." The Supreme Court, led by Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Viswanathan, set January 15, 2026, for a final decision. If approved, it would be Indias first known case of passive euthanasia since its legalisation. The verdict is expected to be a defining moment in the countrys approach to mercy killing. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 09:58 IST News india Will SC Allow Euthanasia For 32-Year-Old Man In Coma For 13 years? Big Verdict Today Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... China's largest offshore oilfield, the Bohai Oilfield, which currently operates more than 60 producing oil and gas fields, has yielded a cumulative crude oil output exceeding 600 million tonnes. Over the past five years, its oil and gas production has grown by 5 percent annually, according to the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). Suspected Pakistani Drone Spotted Again Near LoC In J&K Curated By : Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 21:23 IST Suspected Pakistani drones were spotted along the LoC and IB in Jammu and Kashmir, including Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch, prompting security forces to launch extensive probes. Image for representation A suspected Pakistani drone has once again been spotted alongside the Line of Control (LoC) in the Malti Sector of the Poonch District in Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the army has opened fire towards the flying object, suspected to be a Pakistani drone. This comes as security forces are on high alert after multiple suspected Pakistani drones were spotted along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in Samba, Rajouri and Poonch districts on Sunday evening. According to officials, at least five drone movements were observed in forward areas, prompting an extensive probe to rule out the possibility of arms or contraband being dropped on the Indian side. Officials said that all the drone-like objects were seen entering Indian airspace from across the border, hovering briefly over sensitive locations, and then heading back towards Pakistan. In addition, similar sightings were reported from the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, where a drone-like object was observed hovering for a few minutes over Chak Babral village in the Ramgarh sector on Sunday. Similarly, in Poonch district, security personnel detected another suspected drone moving from Tain towards Topa along the LoC at approximately 6.25 P.M. on Sunday. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Baramula (Baramulla), India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 21:19 IST News india Suspected Pakistani Drone Spotted Again Near LoC In J&K Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Tripura Student Death: Dehradun Police Say Main Accused Fled To Nepal, Extradition Process Started Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 14:53 IST The main accused in the racially-motivated murder of Anjel Chakma, identified as Yagyaraj Awasthi, has reportedly fled to Nepal and police have began extradition proceedings. Rapid Read Anjel Chakma, 24, a final-year MBA student at a private university in Dehradun, was attacked on December 9 with knives and blunt objects. Dehradun Police on Thursday said the main accused in the racially-motivated death of Tripura student Anjel Chakma has fled to Nepal, and extradition proceedings are underway to bring him back. The 24-year-old Anjel Chakma, a final-year MBA student from Tripura, died on December 26 after being attacked with knives and brass knuckles during a racially-charged attack in Dehradun. Anjel and his younger brother Michael were stopped by a group of men on December 9, who allegedly hurled racial slurs at them, leading to a confrontation at a local market. The attack has prompted arrests, protests in Tripura, and assurances of strict legal action from the Uttarakhand government. Police have taken five of the six accused into custody. Two were found to be underage and sent to a correctional home, while three are in judicial custody. The sixth accused, identified as Yagyaraj Awasthi, 22, a Nepalese national, is currently absconding. Dehradun SSP Ajay Singh said Awasthi fled to Nepal after the attack, and the process of extradition has been initiated to bring him back. The Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) has also sent a report to the central agency for this purpose. A reward of Rs 25,000 has been announced for information leading to his arrest, and a non-bailable warrant has been issued. The FIR on Anjels death also mentioned that the accused threatened to kill the brothers if they reported the matter to the police. Victims Father Hopes For Justice Speaking to CNN-News18, Tarun Prasad Chakma, a BSF jawan posted in Manipur and Anjels father, said he wanted justice to be delivered as early as possible. He said law enforcement agencies were under pressure because of news channels. I am hopeful that we will get justice," he said. Earlier, Tarun Prasad Chakma also alleged that Anjel was assaulted while defending his brother, who was reportedly called Chinese momo" by the attackers. The victims father added that his son told them he was also Indian, not Chinese," but was attacked with knives and blunt objects. On the instructions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the state government provided financial assistance of Rs 4.12 lakh to the Chakma family under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack, including three adults, Suraj Khwas (22), Avinash Negi (25), and Sumit (25), all residents of Manipur living in Dehradun, and two minors, who have been sent to a juvenile reform home. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Dehradun, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 14:50 IST News india Tripura Student Death: Dehradun Police Say Main Accused Fled To Nepal, Extradition Process Started Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... When Pakistans 'Coup-Loving' Governor General Was Indias Republic Day Chief Guest Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 09:16 IST In 1955, India invited Pakistans Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad who had dismissed elected governments and dissolved parliament as Republic Day chief guest Rapid Read The event took place 71 years ago, at a time when India was still shaping many of its post-Independence institutions and traditions. (News18 Hindi) In one of the lesser-remembered episodes of Indias diplomatic history, Pakistans then Governor General Malik Ghulam Muhammad was invited as the chief guest for Indias Republic Day celebrations in 1955. The event took place 71 years ago, at a time when India was still shaping many of its post-Independence institutions and traditions. Malik Ghulam Muhammad had an administrative background rooted in pre-Partition India. He studied at Aligarh Muslim University and worked as a chartered accountant under the British administration. Before 1947, he served in the Indian Railway Accounts Service and was a financial adviser to the Nizam of Hyderabad. After Partition, he moved to Pakistan and became its first finance minister. In 1951, following the assassination of Pakistans first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan, Khwaja Nazimuddin shifted from the post of Governor General to Prime Minister. Malik Ghulam Muhammad was subsequently appointed Governor General. During his tenure, Pakistan witnessed major constitutional upheavals. In 1953, he dismissed Prime Minister Khwaja Nazimuddins government. In 1954, he dissolved Pakistans Constituent Assembly after it attempted to curtail the Governor Generals powers. These actions were carried out with the support of senior military leadership, including General Ayub Khan, who later became Pakistans Army Chief and President. Despite the strained relationship between India and Pakistan in the years following Partition, Malik Ghulam Muhammad was hosted as the chief guest at the 1955 Republic Day ceremony held at Rajpath (now Kartavya Path). The 1955 Republic Day celebrations were also significant for India as several practices introduced that year went on to become lasting traditions: Republic Day at Rajpath: From 1950 to 1954, Republic Day celebrations were held at venues such as Irwin Amphitheatre (now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium). In 1955, the ceremony was organised at Rajpath for the first time, establishing it as the permanent venue. From 1950 to 1954, Republic Day celebrations were held at venues such as Irwin Amphitheatre (now Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium). In 1955, the ceremony was organised at Rajpath for the first time, establishing it as the permanent venue. Permanent parade format: Earlier parades were conducted at different locations, including Irwin Stadium, Kingsway, the Red Fort and Ramlila Maidan. In 1955, Rajpath was designated as the fixed parade route, giving the event a standardised format. Earlier parades were conducted at different locations, including Irwin Stadium, Kingsway, the Red Fort and Ramlila Maidan. In 1955, Rajpath was designated as the fixed parade route, giving the event a standardised format. Expansion of the ceremony: The initial Republic Day events were relatively modest, with limited participation. By 1955, the scale of the ceremony had increased, with more military contingents and organised band performances. The initial Republic Day events were relatively modest, with limited participation. By 1955, the scale of the ceremony had increased, with more military contingents and organised band performances. Showcasing of all three armed forces: While earlier parades focused largely on ground forces, the 1955 celebrations featured coordinated participation by the Army, Navy and Air Force, including an Indian Air Force flypast. While earlier parades focused largely on ground forces, the 1955 celebrations featured coordinated participation by the Army, Navy and Air Force, including an Indian Air Force flypast. Introduction of cultural tableaux: The mid-1950s marked the beginning of cultural and state tableaux in the Republic Day parade, adding a new dimension beyond military display and becoming a recurring feature in later years. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 09:16 IST News india When Pakistans 'Coup-Loving' Governor General Was Indias Republic Day Chief Guest 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... Celebrate Pongal The Traditional Way In Mumbai With These Authentic Thalis Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 12:58 IST This year, the festival is being celebrated from January 14 to 17 and the word "Pongal" translates to "to boil over", symbolising prosperity as fresh rice boils with milk. Pongal marks the sun's northward journey (Uttarayana) Pongal is a vibrant four-day harvest festival celebrated primarily by Tamils in South India and Sri Lanka. It marks the suns northward journey (Uttarayana) and gratitude for abundant crops. This year, it is celebrated from January 14 to 17. Pongal" translates to to boil over", symbolising prosperity as fresh rice boils with milk. The festivities span Bhogi Pongal (discarding old items via bonfires), Thai Pongal (Sun God worship), Maattu Pongal (honouring cattle with decorations), and Kaanum Pongal (family picnics). Homes glow with kolam (rice flour rangoli), mango leaf torans, and sugarcane. It has become a culinary celebration that sweeps across the city. From 5-star hotels to fine-dining restaurants and casual eateries, they are embracing the spirit with special Pongal-themed menus featuring traditional dishes and festive thalis. Here is the list of restaurants across the country that are serving up authentic Tamil food that will satisfy your soul: The Tanjore Tiffin Room This Pongal, The Tanjore Tiffin Room is celebrating the harvest festival with a specially curated festive thali that pays homage to the warmth and simplicity of home-style Tamil cooking. This menu brings together dishes that are traditionally prepared in homes during the festival. At the heart of the menu is Ven Pongal, slow-cooked and generously tempered, served alongside an array of festive accompaniments including mini bondas, kaikari kootu, porial, sambhar, and avial. The meal is rounded off with rasam, buttermilk, crisp papad, and the refreshing sweetness of elaichi banana. For dessert, the classic Chakkara Pongal is paired with the sharp, tangy notes of puli inji. Dates: January 15 and 16 Price: Rs 1200+ taxes Available in all The Tanjore Tiffin Room outlets Kamats Legacy Experience the warmth, flavours and authenticity of South Indian harvest celebrations with a specially curated Pongal Festive Menu. The festive spread includes traditional Ven Pongal, Sakkarai Pongal, crispy Medu Vada with coconut chutney, homestyle Avial and comforting classics like South Indian Sambar and Rasam, bringing together flavours that define a true Pongal celebration. Dates: 14th January to 18th January Price: 699 + taxes Available at all Kamats Legacy outlets ITC Grand Central Honouring the spirit of the South Indian harvest festival, ITC Grand Central is serving up an authentic and thoughtfully curated Pongal Special Thali. The specially crafted Pongal Thali showcases a generous spread of festive classics, beginning with traditional accompaniments such as Appalam, chutney, pickle, sugarcane, and a comforting Rasam. Festive starters include Ennippu Paniyaram (jaggery-sweetened rice dumplings) and Makka Cholai Vadai, crisp patties of corn niblets and lentils. The main course features an elaborate selection of regional favourites, including Kadamba Poriyal, Urulai Sothi, Murungai Motchai Kootu Kary, Poondu Kara Kozhambu, Pasalakkeerai Kootu, and Poosinikai Sambar, paired with the comforting Ven Pongal, made with freshly harvested rice, lentils, peppercorn, and cumin. The thali is served with steamed rice, veechu paratha, appam, and curd, offering a complete and satisfying festive meal. The experience concludes on a sweet note with Sarkarai Pongal. Date: 10th 18th January Price: Vegetarian Thali Rs 3750 + taxes and Non-Vegetarian Thali Rs 3750+ taxes Available at Dakshin at ITC Grand Central, Mumbai The Silver Train The Silver Train, a restaurant that is an edible archive, is presentin The Royal Harvest Thali. This limited-period ceremonial dining experience is inspired by how Indias royal court kitchens once marked the harvest season. Across regions and dynasties, these royal kitchens followed a shared discipline: grain before indulgence, dairy before excess, pepper before fire, ritual before display. The experience begins with Panakam, a ritual drink made from palm jaggery, dry ginger, and black pepper, traditionally served to mark seasonal transition and renewal. It is followed by TilGud Chutney, Bilona White Butter ShalgamGajar Khatta, and Gongura Achar. The thali then unfolds into its palace mains, led by Baroda Varan, plain lentils finished with ghee in dignified restraint, alongside Ven Pongal made with new rice and moong dal tempered with black pepper and ghee. Winter greens take centre stage with Sarson ka Saag (Patiala) and Hara Cholai Ras (Gwalior), while Paneer MirchDhaniya Ras (Awagarh, Uttar Pradesh) offers a green chilli and coriander-forward preparation that is measured and courtly. For non-vegetarian diners, Murgh Kali Mirch Kaliya (Dumraon, Bihar) showcases a pepper-led, slow-cooked royal winter recipe. Not a regional spread or a festive indulgence, the Royal Harvest Thali is a royal observance meal. It brings together Maratha, Rajput, Punjabi, Awadhi, Central Indian, and South Indian palace philosophies at one table. Dates: January 15 and 16 Price: Vegetarian Thali Rs 1500+ taxes and Non-Vegetarian Thali Rs 1750+ taxes Available at The Silver Train, Phoenix Palladium, Lower Parel News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 12:58 IST News lifestyle food Celebrate Pongal The Traditional Way In Mumbai With These Authentic Thalis Indian Army Day 2026: History, Significance, Parade Details, Quotes And War Movies Published By : Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 10:26 IST Indian Army Day 2026: This year marks the first time that the Indian Army Day parade is being held outside a cantonment and in a public area. Rapid Read Indian Army Day 2026 parade will be held in Jaipur. (Image: Shutterstock) Indian Army Day is observed on January 15 every year to honour the courage, discipline and sacrifice of the soldiers who safeguard the nations borders. Indian Army Day marks an important moment in the countrys military history. On January 15, 1949, Lieutenant General K M Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the countrys armed forces. He succeeded General Sir Francis Roy Bucher, who was the last British commander, in the position. The transition symbolised Indias control over its own defence forces after Independence. Since then, the day has been dedicated to recognising the leadership, bravery and service of Army personnel, both past and present. On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Army Day wishes to armed forces personnel and remembered those who laid down their lives in line of duty. On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army.Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and pic.twitter.com/IRLSsmvRF0 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 15, 2026 Indian Army Day 2026: Significance Each year, an Army Day parade is held to showcase Indias military strength, discipline and new technology. Earlier, the parade was held annually in Delhi. For the past few years, every state has taken its turn in hosting the event. The day is celebrated by announcing gallantry awards honouring brave soldiers for their exceptional service. Across the country, schools, colleges, and institutions organise events, discussions and cultural programmes to spread awareness about the Armys contribution. Indian Army Day 2026 Parade The first Indian Army Day parade that was hosted outside Delhi was in Bengaluru in 2023, in 2024, the parade took place in Lucknow, and in 2025 it was held at Pune. This year, the parade will be taking place in Jaipur. Also, for the first time, the Army Day Parade is being held outside a cantonment and in a public area, like the Republic Day Parade in Delhi. An official told TOI, The Army Day Parade of this magnitude is only possible due to the assistance and cooperation of the civil administration. The Parade will enable showcasing the might of the Indian Army not just to the people of Jaipur, but also to the larger population of Rajasthan." The parade is expected to feature over 30 army entities, including Infantry Marching Contingents, Bhairav Battalions, drones, modern weapons, tanks, and more. An aerial pass featuring Army Aviation helicopters and Air Force jets is also expected. Inspirational Quotes For Indian Army Day Either I will come back after hoisting the Tricolor, or I will come back wrapped in it. But I will be back for sure." Captain Vikram Batra, Param Vir Chakra We fight to win and win with a knockout because there are no runners-up in war."- General J.J. Singh, former Army Chief Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro" (Better to die than live like a coward)- Gorkha Regiment What is moral courage? It is the ability to distinguish right from wrong and having so distinguished it, being prepared to say so, irrespective of the views held by your superiors or subordinates and of the consequences of yourself."- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw If death strikes before I prove my blood, I promise, I will kill death." Captain Manoj Pandey Movies On The Indian Army Indian cinema has brought stories of the armed forces to life for a long time. In recent years, several films have highlighted the sacrifices made by the countrys soldiers. Shershaah showcased the life of Captain Vikram Batra, while Sam Bahadur revisited the legacy of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, who played a pivotal role in the 1971 India-Pakistan War. Films such as Uri: The Surgical Strike focused on modern military operations and intelligence missions. Classics like Border and Lakshya have been entertaining and inspiring moviegoers for years. Ikkis Ikkis is inspired by the life of Param Vir Chakra awardee Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, one of the youngest recipients of Indias highest military honour. The film highlights his bravery during the 1971 IndiaPakistan war, focusing on courage, sacrifice, and leadership on the battlefield. The recently released movie stars Dharmendra, Agastya Nanda, Simar Bhatia and Jaideep Ahlawat among others. Border 2 Border 2 is the upcoming sequel to the iconic 1997 film Border and continues to honour the valour of Indian soldiers. The film is expected to showcase large-scale battle sequences and emotional storytelling, paying tribute to the spirit, unity, and sacrifices of the Indian Army. Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Sonam Bajwa and many others. Indian Army Day is a day to pause, reflect, and express gratitude to soldiers who stand firm in difficult terrains and uncertain situations. As India marks Indian Army Day 2026, the message remains clear: the courage and commitment of the Indian Army continue to be a source of pride for the nation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 07:20 IST News lifestyle Indian Army Day 2026: History, Significance, Parade Details, Quotes And War Movies Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Anniversary 2026: Top Quotes That Inspire Generations Published By : Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 07:35 IST Martin Luther King Jr Birth Anniversary marks the legacy of the civil rights leader whose message of equality, justice and non-violence continues to inspire the world. Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Anniversary 2026: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered across the world for his fight against racial injustice and his belief in peaceful change. His life and words continue to guide people who believe in fairness, equality, and dignity for all. Every year, people honour Martin Luther King Jr.s birth anniversary by remembering his work and reading his powerful words that still feel relevant today. Born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia, Martin Luther King Jr. grew up in a religious family. His father and grandfather were pastors at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where King later served alongside his father. He was first named Michael King Jr., but later changed his name to Martin Luther King Jr. King studied in segregated public schools and later earned degrees from Morehouse College, Crozer Theological Seminary, and Boston University. His education and faith played a major role in shaping his belief in non-violent protest. Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Anniversary 2026: How Peaceful Protest Brought Real Change In 1955, King became known nationwide after leading the Montgomery bus boycott in Alabama. The protest began after African-American passengers were forced to give up their seats to white passengers. King and other activists were arrested, but the boycott continued for 382 days. The movement led to a major victory when the US Supreme Court ruled that bus segregation was illegal. For the first time, all passengers could sit as equals. Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Anniversary 2026: The Face Of The Civil Rights Movement Over the next decade, King became the main voice of the Civil Rights Movement in the US. In 1957, he became president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and led several peaceful marches and protests. Between 1957 and 1968, King travelled widely, gave thousands of speeches, and wrote books and articles, including the well-known Letter from a Birmingham Jail." Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Anniversary 2026: The Speech That Changed A Nation In 1963, King led a massive march in Washington, DC, with over 250,000 people demanding equal rights. He called it the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation." His I Have a Dream" address became one of the most powerful speeches ever delivered. Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Anniversary 2026: Honours And A Tragic End King won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, becoming the youngest person at that time to receive it. He was also named Time magazines Man of the Year in 1963. On April 4, 1968, he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 39. Here is a collection of Martin Luther King Jr.s most powerful quotes that continue to inspire generations and honour his lasting legacy. Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Anniversary 2026: Top Quotes That Inspire Generations As long as the mind is enslaved, the body can never be free. We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars. If you want to be important-wonderful. If you want to be recognised-wonderful. If you want to be great-wonderful. But recognise that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. Thats a new definition of greatness. True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice. Life often leaves us standing bare, naked, and dejected with a lost opportunity. Any nation or government that deprives an individual of freedom is, in that moment, committing an act of moral and spiritual murder. Any individual who is not concerned about his freedom commits an act of moral and spiritual suicide. The richer we have become materially, the poorer we have become morally and spiritually. We have learned to fly in the air like birds and swim in the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers. Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in. Non-violence is a powerful and just weapon. Indeed, it is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 07:35 IST News lifestyle Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Anniversary 2026: Top Quotes That Inspire Generations Kareena Kapoor And Saif Ali Khan Cast Their Votes At BMC Elections 2026 | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 16:07 IST Kareena recently wrapped up shooting for her upcoming film Daayra. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran Kareena Kapoor And Saif Ali Khan Cast Their Votes At BMC Elections 2026 | Watch Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan were spotted arriving to cast their votes at the BMC Elections 2026. The actors arrived at their designated polling booth in Mumbai on voting day. They were seen stepping out and greeting the paparazzi. A video of the duo outside the polling station has surfaced online and is going viral. In the video, shared by Viral Bhayani, we can see Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan arriving to cast their vote for the ongoing Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Earlier also, many other celebrities including Akshay Kumar, Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal were spotted casting their votes. In the morning, Akshay also spoke to the media outside and urged Mumbaikars to come out and vote. Today is the BMC election, and, as Mumbaikars, this is the day when we have the remote control. Therefore, all the people of Mumbai must come out and vote, rather than complaining later about things not being in good shape. Everyone should vote to elect the right people. If you want to be the real hero of Mumbai, then instead of dialogues, you should come and vote," he told PTI. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) Kareena Kapoor Shares Goofy Note On How She Teaches Taimur, Jeh To Pose For Holiday Photos Kareena Kapoor Khan recently revealed how she trains her kids, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehanger Ali Khan, to pose for photographs while on their holiday. The actress reshared a post on her social media that read, Parents forcing their kids to take holiday pictures like: Sit your butt down, smile, dont pick your nose and if you dont behave: no ice creamand then posting captions like, The reason I breathe. Sharing this post, Kareena wrote, Me Me Me!!!," indicating that she, too, forces her kids to pose for pictures while on their holidays. The actress, along with her husband Saif Ali Khan and kids Taimur and Jeh, is having a gala time at their luxurious vacation. Kareena has been sharing many fun-filled photos and videos from her exotic trip. On the eve of New Years, the actress had penned how 2025 was a difficult year for her and her family. The actress reflected on the lessons 2025 taught them. She wrote, 2025 has been a difficult year for us, our children and our families But we went through it, heads held high, laughing and holding on. We cried a lot, we prayed, and now we are here 2025 taught us that human nature is fearless, love will conquer all, and that children are braver than we think. (sic)" What next for Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan? On the work front, Kareena recently wrapped up shooting for her upcoming film Daayra. Directed by Meghna Gulzar, the film also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran in a key role. Announcing the wrap, production house Junglee Pictures shared a picture featuring Kareena, Prithviraj and Meghna smiling for the camera. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 16:07 IST News movies bollywood Kareena Kapoor And Saif Ali Khan Cast Their Votes At BMC Elections 2026 | Watch In Big Twist, Call Records Question Priya Kapur's Claim Over Sunjay Kapur's Will Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 16:11 IST Records suggest that Priya Kapurs phone was not in Gurugram on the day she has stated on affidavit before the Delhi HC that she was physically present during the will's execution Rapid Read Priya Kapurs phone, according to the records, was connected to cell towers in New Delhi on that date between 9.22am and 4.30pm. A fresh twist has emerged in the protracted inheritance battle over late Sona Comstar chief Sunjay Kapurs Rs 30,000-crore estate after alleged call detail records (CDRs) of his third wife Priya Kapur, which surfaced on social media late on Tuesday evening, revealed that she was purportedly in Delhi, and not in Gurugram, on the day her husbands will was executed. The alleged records suggest that Priya Kapurs cellphone was not located in Gurugram on March 21, 2025the day she has stated on affidavit before the Delhi High Court that she was physically present during the execution of Sunjay Kapurs will. Priya Kapurs phone, according to the records, was connected to cell towers in New Delhi on that date between 9.22am and 4.30pm. The only defence Priya Kapur had in the suit was the purported will. If, by any circumstances, the will is put into question, the entire premise of her case falls apart. The will in this case is on a plain piece of paper and not registered. Now, the call detail records show that the person who said the will was registered in her presence in Gurgaon was in New Delhi throughout the period. This creates a situation where she has not only made false statements before the court but the statements are made on affidavit," Supreme Court lawyer Ashish Dixit told CNN-News18. This amounts to committing perjury. It amounts to poisoning the stream of justice. It not only entails criminal action but court can also take cognizance of the issue and she can be prosecuted for perjury and committing forgery on the court. It can lead to imprisonment up to seven years and completely throw away the case she was trying to build," he added. According to legal experts, the contradiction raises eyebrows because Priya Kapurs claimed presence forms a key part of her account surrounding the will. Advocate Swapnil Kothari noted that when a sworn affidavit is contradicted by electronic evidence, it directly impacts the credibility of the person making the statement. Even a single unexplained inconsistency, he said, can make courts cautious and lead them to closely examine not just the testimony but the circumstances in which the will was allegedly executed. Senior advocate Ashok Paranjpe added that while registration may not be compulsory, witnesses who actually saw the signing are non-negotiable. In short: the paperwork must be spotless. These developments have also brought renewed attention to submissions that have been on record for some time on behalf of Sunjay Kapurs children, Samaira and Kiaan Kapur. In those filings, the childrens representatives had already raised concerns about the alleged will itself, pointing to spelling mistakes, incorrect use of pronouns for the testator, and internal inconsistencies. The submissions argue that while minor clerical errors may be overlooked in isolation, such lapses assume greater importance when the document concerns a vast business empire and is accompanied by disputed facts. Advocate Prem Rajani added that in estates of this magnitude, courts expect careful and technically sound estate planning. When doubts arise whether from documents, affidavits, or surrounding circumstances, judges tend to scrutinise every detail more closely. The legitimacy of the will is shrouded in suspicion, with questions being raised over crucial aspects such as when was the purported will drafted for the first time, who drafted it, when was the will read by the deceased, Sunjay Kapur, for the first time, before it was purportedly finalised, what were the modifications/changes suggested by Sunjay Kapur to the draft will, and who carried out the modifications/changes to the said document? THE SUNJAY KAPUR CASE Sunjay Kapur, a prominent businessman and former husband of actress Karisma Kapoor, died on June 12, 2025, reportedly from a heart attack during a polo match in England. He left behind an enormous estate worth around Rs 30,000 crore, including major stakes in Sona Comstar and other business interests. Almost immediately after his death, a high-profile inheritance dispute erupted, drawing in multiple family membershis third wife Priya Sachdev Kapur, his children with Karisma Kapoor, his mother Rani Kapur, and his sister. The core of the legal battle revolves around a will dated March 21, 2025, which allegedly leaves most or all of Sunjay Kapurs personal estate to his third wife, Priya Kapur. However, his children from his marriage to Karisma Kapoor have challenged the authenticity of this will in the Delhi High Court, claiming it is forged and fabricated. The childrens lawyers, led by senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, have made detailed claims in court that the will may not be genuine. According to them, the metadata and file records show the document was drafted and modified on someone elses computer, not Kapurs, and on dates that dont logically align with the supposed execution date. They argue that no lawyer was involved in drafting the will and that the original document has never been shown to the children, only copies. The will allegedly contains mistakes like wrong addresses, misspelled names and missing asset details, which the children say are uncharacteristic of their meticulous father and raise doubts about its authenticity. Its also alleged that two different wills were prepared simultaneously and that evidence was shared through questionable WhatsApp screenshots without proper certification. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 13:13 IST News movies In Big Twist, Call Records Question Priya Kapur's Claim Over Sunjay Kapur's Will Bruno Mars Expands The Romantic Tour With 30-Plus New Dates, Stadium Run Gets Bigger Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 01:30 IST Bruno Mars has expanded his 2026 Romantic Tour with over 30 new dates, turning it into a massive nearly 70-show global stadium run. Bruno Mars announces his first worldwide stadium tour in nearly a decade. Bruno Mars is going bigger than ever. The global superstar has added more than 30 new dates to his highly anticipated 2026 Romantic Tour," transforming the outing into a nearly 70-show global stadium run. Announced earlier this week, the tour marks Mars first full headlining tour in almost a decade and his first-ever stadium tour as a solo artist. Produced by Live Nation, the expanded Romantic Tour will now span North America, Europe and the U.K., reflecting overwhelming demand following the initial announcement. Several cities have seen additional shows added, while a few major markets are set to host multi-night residencies. Second shows have been confirmed in Las Vegas, Arlington, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Miami, Santa Clara, Madrid, Milan and several other cities. Paris and Vancouver will now each host three nights, while Toronto, Amsterdam, East Rutherford and Los Angeles have expanded to four stadium shows per city. London, meanwhile, stands out with a massive six-night run at Wembley Stadium scheduled for July, making it one of the most ambitious stretches of the tour. Anderson .Paak, Victoria Monet Join the Tour Joining Mars on all dates is his Silk Sonic collaborator Anderson .Paak, performing as DJ Pee .Wee. The pairing reunites the duo following the success of their Grammy-winning project, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans attending the shows. Select dates on the tour will also feature additional support from Victoria Monet, Raye and Leon Thomas, offering a varied and high-profile lineup across different markets. All North American stops on The Romantic Tour are sponsored by MGM Resorts International and the Pinky Ring at Bellagio, further cementing the tours premium, large-scale production. Tour Follows New Album Announcement The tour expansion comes shortly after Mars announced his fourth solo studio album, The Romantic," which is set for release on February 27 via Atlantic Records. The album marks his first solo project in several years and is expected to play a central role in shaping the tours setlist. With nearly 70 shows now scheduled, The Romantic Tour is shaping up to be one of the biggest live music events of 2026. Industry watchers note that the scale of the expansion reflects Mars enduring global appeal and the strong appetite for large-scale stadium tours from top-tier artists. Tickets: Tickets for newly added dates, along with remaining tickets for previously announced shows, will go on sale during the general onsale beginning tomorrow, January 15, at 12 p.m. local time. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA) First Published: January 16, 2026, 01:30 IST News movies hollywood Bruno Mars Expands The Romantic Tour With 30-Plus New Dates, Stadium Run Gets Bigger Neil Nitin Mukesh To Make Malayalam Debut In Prithviraj Sukumaran's Khalifa | See First Poster Published By : IANS Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 14:17 IST The Prithiviraj Sukumaran film promises to be a gripping thriller based on smuggling. Rapid Read The actor is celebrating his birthday today. The makers of director Vysakhs eagerly awaited revenge thriller Khalifa on Thursday welcomed Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh to the Malayalam film industry. Actor Prithviraj Sukumaran, who plays the lead in the gripping thriller based on gold smuggling, welcomed the Bollywood actor to the Malayalam film industry on the latters birthday. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neil Nitin Mukesh (@neilnitinmukesh) Taking to his Instagram page, he wrote, Happy birthday, Neil Nitin Mukesh! Welcome to the Malayalam film industry! #KHALIFA" For the unaware, Prithviraj plays a character called Aamir Ali in the film. It may be recalled that the actor, during his last birthday, had shared a glimpse video of Khalifa. He had said, A revenge forged by a lineage that spans generations! Next onam.. Aamir Ali will write his vengeance in gold! #KHALIFA The Ruler." The Khalifa Glimpse that he shared begins with a voice on a news bulletin announcing that police and customs officials had unearthed a multi-million dollar gold smuggling racket operating out of the Middle East. The racket, we are told, is being carried out through networks in London, Nepal and Kerala. We then see an old man being interrogated by a customs official called Panicker, who tells the person being questioned that his colleague Aamir is finished and that he can be hauled to jail wherever he sets foot in India. Panicker tries to intimidate the person being questioned by citing the COFEPOSA act. The glimpse video then shows the interrogated person replying, Do you know how the COFEPOSA came into being?" We are then treated to some scintillating action scenes of which Prithviraj is a part. The interrogated person then goes on to explain how the COFEPOSA act came into being. Up north, there was Sukur Naren Bakhia and Haji Mastan. Down south, it was Mudalair and Mambaraykkal Ahmed Ali. The four of them were a nightmare for Mrs Gandhi. That is what led her to pass the COFEPOSA Act in Parliament in 1974. And even then, using the COFEPOSA, she couldnt keep Ahmed Ali behind bars for even half an hour. Aamir is the grandson of that very same Ahmed Ali." He then, in a challenging tone, asks the official to nab Aamir, saying that it is then that hell witness the real fireworks like the one in the Uroos festival at the Mambaram mosque. The video discloses that Prithviraj Sukumaran plays a character called Aamir Ali, and the film will be a gripping thriller with some edge-of-the-seat chase and stunt sequences in it. It may be recalled that actor Prithviraj Sukumaran had completed shooting for his portions in the UK schedule of the film and had returned to India in August last year. The film has triggered huge interest in fans and film buffs ever since it was first announced. At the time of commencing the project, Vysakh, in a post on his Instagram timeline, had said, The journey of #Khalifa officially begins! Our pooja ceremony for this ambitious film, starring the incredible @therealprithvi, happened today. Im beyond thrilled to be collaborating with Prithviraj after 15 long years!" He then went on to add, Gearing up for an exhilarating journey, with our first schedule rolling out from London on August 6th. This project brings together a powerhouse team Penned by Jinu Abraham, Jomon T Johns visual magic, Music by the current music sensation Jakes Bejoy, Cuts by Chaman Chacko, Styled by Mashar Hamza and Action to be directed by Yannick Ben. Seeking all your blessings and good wishes for this venture." It may be recalled that the film was first announced in the year 2022. However, it went on floors only in 2025. The film, when initially announced, was expected to be shot in Dubai, Nepal and Kerala. Now, the film has been shot in the UK. This is Prithvirajs second film in over 15 years with Vysakh after their superhit collaboration Pokkiri Raja and will be his next with writer Jinu V Abraham, who had scripted Kaduva. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 14:17 IST News movies malayalam-cinema Neil Nitin Mukesh To Make Malayalam Debut In Prithviraj Sukumaran's Khalifa | See First Poster A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying an Algerian remote-sensing satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Jan. 15, 2026. Launched at 12:01 p.m. (Beijing Time), the satellite has entered its planned orbit. The satellite will be primarily used for land planning and disaster prevention and mitigation. The launch was the 626th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) JIUQUAN, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday sent an Algerian satellite into space using a Long March-2C carrier rocket. The rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China and successfully sent the Algerian remote-sensing satellite into the planned orbit. The satellite will be primarily used for land planning and disaster prevention and mitigation. The launch was the 626th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series. A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying an Algerian remote-sensing satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Jan. 15, 2026. Launched at 12:01 p.m. (Beijing Time), the satellite has entered its planned orbit. The satellite will be primarily used for land planning and disaster prevention and mitigation. The launch was the 626th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying an Algerian remote-sensing satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Jan. 15, 2026. Launched at 12:01 p.m. (Beijing Time), the satellite has entered its planned orbit. The satellite will be primarily used for land planning and disaster prevention and mitigation. The launch was the 626th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying an Algerian remote-sensing satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Jan. 15, 2026. Launched at 12:01 p.m. (Beijing Time), the satellite has entered its planned orbit. The satellite will be primarily used for land planning and disaster prevention and mitigation. The launch was the 626th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying an Algerian remote-sensing satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Jan. 15, 2026. Launched at 12:01 p.m. (Beijing Time), the satellite has entered its planned orbit. The satellite will be primarily used for land planning and disaster prevention and mitigation. The launch was the 626th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying an Algerian remote-sensing satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Jan. 15, 2026. Launched at 12:01 p.m. (Beijing Time), the satellite has entered its planned orbit. The satellite will be primarily used for land planning and disaster prevention and mitigation. The launch was the 626th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) A Long March-2C carrier rocket carrying an Algerian remote-sensing satellite blasts off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Jan. 15, 2026. Launched at 12:01 p.m. (Beijing Time), the satellite has entered its planned orbit. The satellite will be primarily used for land planning and disaster prevention and mitigation. The launch was the 626th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Vijays Jana Nayagan Producers Plea, Asks Makers To Approach HC Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 11:17 IST The Madras High Court had previously put a stay on a single judges order to grant clearance to the film. Vijay's last film Jana Nayagan is facing trouble in getting CBFC certificate. The Supreme Court of India, on Thursday, refused to entertain the plea of producers of Thalapathy Vijays upcoming movie, Jana Nayagan. The apex court asked KVN Productions to approach the division bench of the High Court instead. It also directed the high court to hear the plea on January 20, 2026. This comes as Jana Nayagan continues to struggle to get a clearance from the CBFC. Earlier this week, after the Madras High Court put a stay on a single judges order to grant clearance to the film, the makers of the movie moved the Supreme Court against the stay. Later, Venkat K. Narayana of KVN Productions also shared a video message on Instagram, opening up about the emotional toll the delay has taken on the team. This has been an extremely emotional and difficult moment for everyone who has poured their heart, soul, and years of hard work into this film," he said. Emphasising the significance of the project, he added, Above all, we firmly believe that Thalapathy Vijay sir deserves the farewell he has earned through decades of love from his fans." For the unversed, Vijays Jana Nayagan was supposed to hit theatres on January 9 but was then postponed due to certification issues. It is with a heavy heart that we share this update with our valued stakeholders and audiences. The release of Jana Nayagan, eagerly awaited on January 9, has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances beyond our control," the makers announced earlier this month. We deeply understand the anticipation, excitement, and emotions surrounding this film, and this decision has not been an easy one for any of us. The new release date will be announced at the earliest. Until then, we humbly request your patience and continued love. Your unwavering support is our greatest strength and means everything to the entire Jana Nayagan team," the statement added. Directed by H. Vinoth, Jana Nayagan features an ensemble cast including Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Mamitha Baiju, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Priyamani, and Narain. The film has been heavily marketed as Vijays final cinematic outing before his full-time foray into politics, adding to the anticipation surrounding its release. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 11:13 IST News movies tamil-cinema Supreme Court Refuses To Entertain Vijays Jana Nayagan Producers Plea, Asks Makers To Approach HC Army Day Reckoning: Operation Sindoor And Indias New Pakistan Doctrine Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 12:51 IST For the first time since 1971, India struck across the international border in direct retaliation for a terror attack with Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (File image: Sourced) Twenty-six tourists were killed in Pahalgam on April 22 last year most of them Hindus. The killers made a point of it. They separated the Hindu pilgrims, asked them their names, their religion and even pulled down the pants of the men. Then they shot mercilessly. This was not a random terror attack, but a message: Kashmir is not yours. Pakistans military chief, Asim Munir, had delivered a speech days before. He called Kashmir Pakistans jugular vein." He called the two-nation theory absolute truth. For a man in his position, such speeches are not idle words. They are permissions slips. For three decades, this was the transaction: Pakistan would shelter terrorist groups, arm them, train them, send them across the border. When India protested, Pakistan would smile and deny everything. When India demanded accountability, Pakistan would shake its head and say, Look at your nuclear weapons. Look at ours. We both know where this ends." And India would take the blow, express outrage, and wait for the next attack. That arrangement is dead. Operation Sindoor killed it. On the night of May 7, the Indian Air Force struck nine locations. Not launchpads at the line of control, neither low-hanging camps in the mountains. India bombed the nerve centres of Pakistan. Lashkar-e-Taibas Muridke headquarters in Lahore. Jaish-e-Mohammads Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur. In twenty-two minutes, the strikes were complete. What followed was not the usual postoperative argument about whether the strikes even happened. The Indian government declassified satellite imagery, video footage leaving nothing to chance. Then Pakistan did what it always does. It retaliated with its substandard drones and missiles. Aimed at civilians and military targets. India shot them down and struck the Pakistani airbases that launched them, and more (lets just leave it at that). By May 10, Pakistan begged for a ceasefire realising that any further escalation would trigger a potential ground response by India the kind Pakistan had never seen before. Operation Sindoor reset the fundamental assumptions of how India and Pakistan will now behave. Indias Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, said something quietly explosive at his New Year press conference. Operation Sindoor worked because it occurred under a clear-cut political directive and full freedom to act." Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the differentiating factor this time. The creation of the Chief of Defence Staff position in 2019 was the pivot point. Before this, the three services the Army, Navy, Air Force operated more as individual entities rather than a cohesive unit. The CDS position meant one person could coordinate across all three. More critically, it meant jointness stopped being a theoretical concept in military manuals. It became operational reality. When the order came for Operation Sindoor, the three services moved as one organism. The Air Force struck first. The Navy contained Pakistans forces at sea. The Army mobilised on the ground and was ready to cross into Pakistan if needed. General Dwivedi said something casual that was anything but casual: the Army had expanded the conventional space." What he meant was that India no longer accepts Pakistans claim that any significant Indian military response would trigger nuclear escalation. By striking deep inside Pakistan without nuclear escalation following, India proved that the conventional space was larger than anyone thought. This is the genuine military evolution. The ability to think clearly about what force to use, when to use it, and how to stop before the line that nobody returns from. The operation also revealed something about how India now thinks about terror and state sponsorship. There was a time when India would draw a careful line between terrorists and the regime that harboured them. Pakistan would exploit this distinction ruthlessly. Islamabads excuse was they terrorists are non-state actors whom Pakistan has no control over. Operation Sindoor erased that distinction. When you watch state funeral ceremonies for terrorists, when you see Pakistani military officers conducting those ceremonies, when you see the coordination between terror groups and state handlers the line disappears. Indias message was: we will not treat you as separate from the terror. The state and the terror it sponsors are the same thing. This is uncomfortable language. It violates diplomatic niceties. But it is what happened. The operation also did something psychologically significant that commanders understand but politicians often miss. It demonstrated that India will accept risk. Pakistan had relied for decades on the assumption that India would not escalate because India had more to lose economically, internationally and strategically. India is larger, more developed, more integrated into the global economy. A military confrontation harms India more than Pakistan. Remember Asim Munir calling his country a dump truck" and India a swanky Mercedes"? Pakistans assumption was predictable India will always back down. Operation Sindoor shattered this myth. By striking the way it did, India said: we will bear the cost of your terrorism because we have decided the cost of not responding is higher. None of this was possible before the institutional changes Modis government made. The jointness. The defense self-reliance push. The clarity of command. The decision to move indigenous weapons from the drawing board to actual deployment. For the first time since 1971, India struck across the international border in direct retaliation for a terror attack. The message to Pakistan was unambiguous: the era of low-cost terrorism is over. The message to the world was equally clear: India will not be deterred from acting in its national interest by nuclear rhetoric or international pressure. This is what an army looks like when it stops being a symbol and becomes an instrument of statecraft. Not an instrument of aggression, but a force which delivers justice across the border. The difference is discipline, precision, restraint, and the willingness to use force only when necessary and only to the degree necessary. Army Day 2026 is not a celebration of strength alone. It is a reckoning with what strength means when it is finally used. Operation Sindoor showed what a modern Indian military looks like in action: intelligent, coordinated, decisive, and politically owned. It showed what happens when institutional reforms finally meet political will. It showed that India has moved past the paralysis of the past. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 12:51 IST News opinion Army Day Reckoning: Operation Sindoor And Indias New Pakistan Doctrine 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 | The Fire Next Door And The House Of Straw: Pakistan's Iran Dilemma Written By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 19:04 IST Pakistans decades-long strategy of playing all sides is collapsing under the weight of a world that no longer allows fence-sitting If the US does strike Iran, even in a limited fashion, Pakistan will be under immense pressure. File image As Iran simmers in protest and teeters on the edge of open confrontation with the West, its eastern neighbour, Pakistan, finds itself caught in a storm not of its own making, yet fully exposed to its wrath. A country already buckling under its own economic collapse, internal militancy, and confused foreign policy now finds itself nervously watching the fire next door. The irony is sharp: for a nation that has historically meddled in the affairs of its neighbours with impunity, Pakistan is now learning how destabilising proximity to crisis can beespecially when your own house is on fire. A borderline disaster The 900-kilometre border Pakistan shares with Iran runs through Balochistana province long plagued by insurgency, state violence, and a complete absence of governance. Pakistans security establishment has spent years trying (and largely failing) to pacify the Baloch resistance. Now, with Iranian Baloch regions also in revolt, Islamabad faces the terrifying prospect of a transnational Baloch uprising that no amount of airstrikes or enforced disappearances can contain. Cross-border attacks have already surged. Armed groups that operate in the rugged, lawless terrain of the IranPakistan frontier may soon find even more breathing space if Tehran loses control of its periphery. The notion that Pakistan can somehow firewall itself from this chaos is wishful thinkingespecially when its own military is overstretched and deeply unpopular in restive provinces. A foreign policy of convenience When it comes to Iran, Pakistan is caught in a web of contradictions. It wants to maintain cordial ties with Tehran, especially as a fellow Muslim-majority neighbour. But it also relies heavily on Gulf Arab states (particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE) for financial bailouts and ideological patronage. Add to that a transactional relationship with the United States and the strategic embrace of China, and you get Islamabads signature style of foreign policy: hedging, dodging, and praying no one notices the double-dealing. Now, with the US sabre-rattling and Tehran on alert, Pakistan is under quiet pressure to pick a sideor at least provide logistical support. American war planners may want airspace access or basing options. Gulf allies will expect Islamabad to stand in solidarity against Iran. And China will demand that the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor remain untouched by regional instability. Pakistan, as usual, wants to do just enough for everyone without taking responsibility for anything. But that balancing act is looking increasingly absurd. Refugees, rumours, and realpolitik Any real escalation in Iranwhether internal collapse or foreign attackwill immediately spill into Pakistan. That means refugees, weapons, and sectarian friction all pouring across a border that Pakistan has never been able to secure. Already struggling with millions of undocumented Afghans and a broken asylum system, Pakistan cannot absorb another exodus. And yet, it has no plan beyond issuing weak travel advisories and reactive troop deployments. Then there are the wild rumoursof US troops in Pakistan readying for an Iran strikethat have flooded social media and even made it into mainstream discourse. While officially denied, the very fact that these claims are taken seriously speaks volumes about how little trust there is in the Pakistani states word, both at home and abroad. In a country where the military routinely says one thing while doing another, scepticism is warranted. The Baloch and the blowback Perhaps the most under-discussed threat to Pakistan from the Iran crisis is its own Baloch insurgency. Pakistani Baloch fightershardened, decentralised, and increasingly sophisticatedare watching the Iranian unrest closely. The rise of resistance in Sistan-Baluchestan could serve as a morale booster and a logistics hub. Islamabads iron-fist tactics in Balochistan have failed to win hearts or break the movement. Now, it may lose control of the narrative entirely. And if that happens, Pakistan will have no one to blame but itself. Years of suppressing political dissent, ignoring economic grievances, and criminalising ethnic identity have turned Balochistan into a ticking time bomb. Irans crisis could be the spark. The larger game Regionally, this is more than just a border issue. If the US does strike Iran, even in a limited fashion, Pakistan will be under immense pressure. Washington will expect cooperation. Tehran will expect resistance. The Gulf will demand loyalty. China will expect stability. And the Pakistani publicconditioned by decades of anti-Western, pro-Muslim rhetoricwill react with fury if Islamabad is seen siding with the US. In other words, Pakistans decades-long strategy of playing all sides is collapsing under the weight of a world that no longer allows fence-sitting. The posturing has reached its expiry date. Reaping what youve sown Pakistan has long portrayed itself as a victim of geopolitics while simultaneously fuelling insurgency abroad, sheltering extremists, and exploiting its geography for strategic rent. Now, as the Iran crisis deepens, the very tools Pakistan once used to project influenceporous borders, asymmetric warfare, and transactional alliancesthreaten to implode inward. The road ahead demands clarity, not cleverness. Pakistan must choose whether it wants to be a stabiliser or a spoiler in the region. But given its current trajectory, paralysis remains the most likely outcome. And in geopolitics, as in nature, paralysis is just another word for decay. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 19:04 IST News opinion Opinion | The Fire Next Door And The House Of Straw: Pakistan's Iran Dilemma 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 | Winning As Ego Structure: Presidential Psychology & The Trump-Modi Trade Impasse Written By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 16:12 IST Today, as leadership becomes more personal, the biggest danger in diplomacy is thinking everyone sees power and winning the same way Rapid Read Trumps way of thinking links winning to visible signs of submission and sees closure as personal validation. (Reuters) The trade standoff between the United States and India highlights a clash between leaders who seek dominance and those who value autonomy. In political psychology, operational codes are the belief systems that guide leaders decisions. When US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the trade deal stalled because Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not call President Donald Trump, it revealed more about Trumps approach to power than about Indias diplomacy. Blaming a missed phone call oversimplifies the situation and shows a mindset where personal dominance and public validation matter more than institutional logic. This fits leadership models like transactional versus transformational styles. Transactional leaders, such as Trump, focus on quick wins and visible results, prioritising domination over collaboration. More research on Trumps leadership helps explain this pattern. Stanley Renshon, a scholar of presidential psychology studies, says Trumps actions are driven by a need for dominance, not compromise. For Trump, negotiation is about showing superiority, not finding common ground. Some analysts call this marketing narcissism," where decisions are shaped by the need for validation, attention, and symbolic wins. Trump dislikes ambiguity and sees processes without personal closure as failures. This mindset matters because it affects how leaders read signals. For someone focused on dominance, a direct phone call is more than a formality; it confirms their status. Silence or delay feels like disrespect or pushback. In this view, its easy to blame a stalled trade deal on a missing personal gesture rather than on real issues like tariffs, agriculture, data rules, or sanctions on Russian oil. But this view changes when we look at PM Modis situation. Leadership style is shaped by institutions, public opinion, and strategic culture. As Indias prime minister in a parliamentary system, PM Modi knows that symbolic acts can have political costs at home, and appearing to give in to outside pressure can hurt his support. Studies show that seeming to concede to foreign powers can lower domestic backing, making timing and signaling crucial. Calls, meetings, and visits are carefully planned signals, not just polite gestures. Context is important. In the weeks before the so-called missing call, India carried out Operation Sindoor, a major military move that changed its strategic situation. After this, New Delhi was wary of any story suggesting outside mediation or influence. Trumps public statements that the US helped stop escalation clashed with Indias focus on handling crises on its own. In this environment, making symbolic gestures to another leader could weaken Indias message of strength and support stories it wanted to avoid. The timing of Trumps outreach to Pakistans Army Chief heightened these constraints. In Indian strategic culture, the Pakistan Army is not a normal diplomatic interlocutor but the central problem. A US president hosting Pakistans military leadership at the White House while seeking engagement from Trumps outreach to Pakistans Army Chief made things even more complicated. In Indias view, Pakistans Army is not a regular diplomatic partner but a major challenge. When a US president hosts Pakistans military leaders while also seeking talks with Indias prime minister, it creates a symbolic imbalance that India does not want to accept. For PM Modi, making a high-profile call in this situation could make it appear that India and Pakistan are equals, which Indian leaders have long sought to avoid. For instance, during President Clintons 1999 visit, India avoided actions that might suggest equal status with Pakistan. This shows Indias ongoing strategy to manage how its diplomacy is seen and its focus on keeping symbolic differences clear. to preserve authority and negotiating space. From this angle, the Trump administrations reason for the trade standoff seems like a classic case of attribution error. Trumps way of thinking links winning to visible signs of submission and sees closure as personal validation. PM Modi, on the other hand, uses timing and process as tools, not as signs of hesitation. When these approaches clash, misunderstandings are likely. The risk of making diplomacy personal goes beyond words. When leaders treat talks as ego battles, they misunderstand each other and put too much weight on symbols. Negotiations then depend on personal validation instead of real agreement. Lutnicks explanation is politically useful because it turns a hard negotiation into a story about personal offense, but it hides more than it reveals. The main takeaway is not about a missing phone call, but about two leaders with very different mindsets. One wanted dominance and public approval, while the other focused on autonomy and process. Today, as leadership becomes more personal, the biggest danger in diplomacy is thinking everyone sees power and winning the same way. (The author is a Research Fellow at the Takshashila Institution and focuses on US domestic politics and foreign policy. Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of News18.) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 16:00 IST News opinion Opinion | Winning As Ego Structure: Presidential Psychology & The Trump-Modi Trade Impasse 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, 18:53 IST 1 / 8 The BTS, aka Bangtan Boys, has announced a 2026 - 2027 world tour, commencing in South Korea in April and running through March 2027 with over 70 dates. 2 / 8 The K-Pop group will launch the tour in South Korea on April 9 and April 11-12, later pivoting to Japan before embarking a detailed tour of North America. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 8 But amid the excitement, there is a setback for Indian fans. Despite BTS massive popularity in the country, India has been left out of the tour, leaving ARMYs to look overseas for a chance to see the band live. The BTS will perform throughout the Asia-Pacific territories in late 2026 and early 2027, with dates in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and more. 4 / 8 The K-Pop septet will hold its concert in Bangkok on December 3 and December 5-6 in Bangkok. To reach Bangkok, you can catch a flight from Delhi's IGI Airport, which will take about 4 hours 20 minutes. Via Bengaluru, it will take about 3 hours and 45 minutes. Similarly, if you take a flight from Mumbai, you'll reach Bangkok in 4 hours 15 minutes. The cost of flight tickets typically ranges between Rs 8,000 and Rs 20,000. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 8 The K-Pop will continue its tour in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on December 12-13. Via Delhi, it will take about 5 hours 25 minutes to reach there. Similarly, from Chennai and Tiruchirappalli, it will take about 3 hours 50 minutes to reach Kuala Lumpur. The ticket prices fall between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000. 6 / 8 In Singapore, the concert will be held on December 17, December 19-20, and December 22. A flight from New Delhi takes approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes, while travellers from Chennai can reach Singapore in about 4 hours. Similarly, flights from Mumbai take around 5 hours and 25 minutes to arrive. The ticket prices range between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000, often depending on the demand. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 8 The K-Pop concert in Jakarta is scheduled for December 26-27. Travellers from New Delhi can reach there in 9 hours and 15 minutes. Similarly, passengers from Mumbai can arrive in Singapore in just 6 hours and 35 minutes, with the price of tickets ranging between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000. Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 07:30 IST 1 / 8 Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram named Mayawati his successor in 2001. She was elected as the national president of the party for the first term in 2003. (Image: Instagram) 2 / 8 In June 1995, Mayawati became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for the first time. Then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao described her as a miracle of democracy. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 8 She served her first term as Chief Minister from June 1995 to October 1995, the second from March 1997-September 1997, and the third from 2002-03. (Image: Instagram) 4 / 8 In 1997 and in 2002 she became the chief minister of UP with outside support from the BJP. She remained in office only for a year till 2003 after the BJP withdrew its support. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 8 In 2012, she became the first Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister to complete full five years in office (2007-2012) after 1960. (Image: Instagram) 6 / 8 Mayawati is the first female Chief Minister from the Scheduled Caste. She is seen as a Dalit icon by millions and fondly referred to as Behenji. (Image: Instagram) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 8 After losing the 2012 assembly election to the Samajwadi Party, she resigned from her post as party leader in March. She was elected to the Rajya Sabha later that month. (Image: Instagram) Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 07:30 IST 1 / 15 For nearly two decades, Mayawatis birthday on January 15 was a political spectacle. In the 2000s, the day doubled as a show of power for the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which saw mammoth rallies, ostentatious displays of wealth, and choreographed demonstrations of loyalty that dominated headlines and TV screens. Today, the date passes in near silence, officially observed as Jankalyankari Diwas, a day of welfare messaging, cadre meetings and carefully worded statements. 2 / 15 The transformation of former UP Chief Minister Mayawatis birthday is the same as the arc of her political journey. From peak authority in Uttar Pradesh to a subdued presence on the national stage. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 15 At her political zenith, Mayawatis birthday celebrations were indistinguishable from state events. In 2003, her 47th birthday rally in Lucknow was controversially declared government-sponsored. Supporters showered her with garlands made of currency notes. Pictures of the image led to outrage, with the opposition accusing her of misusing public funds. 4 / 15 The scale only grew. By 2006, during her fourth term as chief minister, celebrations sprawled across UP. There were feasts, diamond jewellery on display, and lavish banquets at the Ambedkar Memorial in honour of her 51st birthday. Estimates pegged the expenditure at over Rs 20 crore. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 15 The 2007 birthday followed her emphatic Sarvajan victory, a moment when Mayawati appeared politically invincible. Giant cut-outs dotted Lucknow, helicopters showered rose petals, and donations worth crores were publicly collected for the political leaders 52nd birthday. 6 / 15 In 2008, over 50,000 people gathered at the BSPs Mall Avenue headquarters. Luxury convoys, fireworks and helicopter flyovers turned the event into what the opposition called a birthday bash-up. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 15 The year 2009 saw imported cakes, designer sarees and live performances, even as Mayawati attempted to reframe the day by announcing welfare schemes worth over Rs 7,000 crore. 8 / 15 The 2010 silver jubilee year arguably was the peak. Elephant processions, silver statues, the distribution of one lakh laddoos and garlands reportedly worth crores in honour of her 55th birthday dominated headlines. Soon after, the CBI began investigating allegations of disproportionate assets, including the infamous currency-note garlands. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 15 Even in 2011, celebrations at Narhi Park featured a 100-kg cake, celebrity shows and branded hampers, earning the tag of UPs priciest political party. 2012 saw the last mega rally, a pre-election show of fireworks and crowds, before the BSPs defeat in the assembly polls. 10 / 15 After that, the music stopped. Post-2012, Mayawatis birthday events steadily shrank. The Samajwadi Party came to power in the state. ADVERTISEMENT 11 / 15 The rallies disappeared, the helicopters were grounded and January 15 was officially recast as Jankalyankari Diwas. Instead of mass mobilisation, the BSP celebrated the day with low-key gatherings, internal meetings and statements focused on social justice and welfare. 12 / 15 By 2026, what was once a national media event became a largely organisational exercise, much like Mayawatis political standing. Several forces worked to push Mayawati out of the glare. Her ideological pivot in 2007, from Kanshi Rams core Bahujan Samaj politics to the Sarvajan Samaj experiment, diluted the BSPs distinctive identity. While it briefly brought upper-caste support, it alienated sections of her Dalit base without securing lasting new allies. The numbers, from a 30.4 per cent vote share in 2007 to under 13 per cent by 2022, tell the story. ADVERTISEMENT 13 / 15 What followed was an organisational hollowing out. The absence of strong second-rung leaders led to defections and weakened grassroots networks. Repeated electoral setbacks compounded the decline. The BSP failed to win a single Lok Sabha seat in 2014, 2019 and 2024. Even an alliance with the Samajwadi Party in 2019 failed to arrest the slide. 14 / 15 Then came the corruption probes. Prolonged CBI and ED investigations into alleged disproportionate assets made the BSP leadership more cautious. Mayawati has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing or plans to retire from politics. ADVERTISEMENT 'Between Him And Me': DK Shivakumar On 'Helicopter Shot' With Rahul Gandhi At Mysuru Airport Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 22:58 IST Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said he is scheduled to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi again tomorrow in New Delhi Rapid Read Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar (R) and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (L) had a conversation on the tarmac under tight security as Gandhi prepared to leave for New Delhi following his return from Gudalur in Tamil Nadu. (Image: Videograb/News18) Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday acknowledged that he spoke to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, but refused to divulge the details of the conversation. Calling it a private matter between him and Gandhi, Shivakumar said: I wont deny that I spoke to Rahul Gandhi but cant disclose what we spoke. Its between him and me." He was referring to his brief one-on-one with the senior Congress MP on the tarmac of the Mysuru airport, while the latter was preparing to leave for New Delhi on his way back from Tamil Nadu. Shivakumar said he is scheduled to meet Gandhi again on Friday (January 16) in New Delhi. Im meeting him tomorrow, everyone else will also be present for the Assam meeting," he said, making it clear that the interaction was part of ongoing organisational engagements. Downplaying the significance of the conversation, he said there was nothing unusual about it. Its not new that Ive met Rahul Gandhi, meeting him, talking to him over phone, all this common," he said. Asked if he will place his aspirations before Gandhi, he lightheartedly said: I will place your desires also." The deputy chief ministers remarks follow intense speculation of leadership change in Karnataka, with him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pitched opposite each other in a political tussle. The visual of him and Gandhi standing near the helicopter on the tarmac quickly set off discussions within political circles. According to witnesses, as Gandhis helicopter landed, Shivakumar, who was waiting near the helipad, moved ahead of other officials and dignitaries to reach the Congress leader first. Although Siddaramaiah was also present at the airport, he reportedly stood at a distance while Shivakumar and Gandhi had a private chat for at least five minutes. The timing of the conversation drew attention as it came shortly after the chief minister publicly dismissed suggestions of any political agenda behind Gandhis visit. Addressing reporters in Mysuru, he said there was no confusion within the party and blamed the media for fuelling speculation. Its a baseless question youre asking. There is no confusion in the party, its just in the papers. Neither I nor DK Shivakumar should speak about it. But have we spoken? No, right? It is us who will get the info. Ultimately, we will abide by whatever the high command decides. MLAs wont know anything. Would the high command tell them anything? No. The media is creating confusion. Not anyone else," Siddaramaiah said. He referred to his personal rapport with Shivakumar, saying they regularly meet and have agreed to follow the party leaderships decisions. I went to have breakfast at DK Shivakumars residence and he came to mine. We both have decided to abide by whatever the high command decides," he said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 22:58 IST News politics 'Between Him And Me': DK Shivakumar On 'Helicopter Shot' With Rahul Gandhi At Mysuru Airport 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... Congress Leader Threatens Woman Civic Chief In Karnataka, Workers Hold Protest Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 09:30 IST Rajeev Gowda, the KPCC state coordinator, allegedly threatened commissioner Amrutha Gowda after the municipal councils removal of illegal banners Rapid Read Accused Rajeev Gowda (left) and Commissioner Amrutha Gowda. (News18) A political firestorm has erupted in Karnatakas Siddlaghatta district following serious allegations that a senior Congress leader subjected the Siddlaghatta City Municipal Council Commissioner to a barrage of abuses, including death threats. The controversy centres on a recorded phone call in which Rajeev Gowda, the KPCC state coordinator and a former assembly candidate, allegedly threatened commissioner Amrutha Gowda. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from the municipal councils removal of illegal banners that had been erected in the middle of a public road, a move that appears to have infuriated the Congress leader. According to the official complaint lodged with the police, Gowda is accused of calling the commissioner and using highly offensive language to question the removal of his promotional materials. The complaint details a harrowing sequence of threats, where the leader allegedly warned the officer that he would set people on fire, instigate riots, and physically assault her with footwear. The abuse was reportedly not limited to the commissioner alone; the complaint alleges that derogatory language was also directed at the local MLA, BN Ravikumar, during the telephonic altercation. The escalating situation has now drawn the attention of the Karnataka State Commission for Women. Taking serious note of the verbal assault on a female officer, the commissions chairperson, Dr Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, has officially intervened by writing a letter to the Chikkaballapur Superintendent of Police. Chowdhary has demanded a comprehensive report on the incident, specifically highlighting the reports of life threats and the inflammatory language used against the commissioner. The commission has directed the police to thoroughly investigate the claims of rioting threats and the alleged vow to assault the officer with footwear, insisting that appropriate legal action be taken immediately to protect the dignity of women in public service. During a subsequent gathering, Gowda was seen breaking down in tears. The alleged threats have created an atmosphere of fear among the officials and staff of the Siddlaghatta City Municipal Council, prompting immediate collective action. In a show of solidarity, civic workers staged a protest outside the council office, beating tamate drums and raising slogans against the Congress leaders conduct. The demonstration escalated into a protest march through the town, culminating in the workers submitting formal complaints to both the city police station and the Tahsildar. The release of the audio recording has caused significant embarrassment for the ruling Congress government in Karnataka, drawing sharp criticism regarding the conduct of its party functionaries. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar addressed the media, asserting that the party would not shield anyone found guilty of misconduct. He stated that the law would take its course and emphasised that nobody is above the law", signalling that the government might not interfere with the police investigation despite the accuseds party affiliation. However, the opposition BJP has seized upon the incident to attack the state governments record on law and order. BJP state president BY Vijayendra took to social media platform X to condemn the incident, describing the current administration as Gunda Raj". In a scathing post, he argued that law and order have completely collapsed under the Congress government and that the behaviour of its leaders reflects a culture of hooliganism. He termed the abuse of a lady officer on duty as inexcusable, demanding strict action against what he described as the uncivilised behaviour" of the Congress leader. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 09:30 IST News politics Congress Leader Threatens Woman Civic Chief In Karnataka, Workers Hold Protest 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 Minister Ganesh Naik Alleges Name Missing From Voter List, Casts Vote Later Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 11:28 IST Naik further informed that family members and relatives live in the same building in Navi Mumbai, however, their names were divided in three different polling centres. Maharashtra Minister Ganesh Naik cast his vote in the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) polls. (Image: X/@NaikSpeaks) The minister said that he will again go back to St Marys High School. Naik further informed that family members and relatives live in the same building in Navi Mumbai, however, their names were divided in three different polling centres. Raising questions, the Maharashtra minister asked who should be held responsible for the lapse. Naik further claimed that it is the State Election Commission who is at fault. It is anyones guess that if a minister like me can face a situation where his name is missing from the voters list, then one can imagine what might be happening to common voters," he stated. Meanwhile, voting is currently underway for elections to 29 municipal corporations in the state, including Navi Mumbai, as the city is set to elect its Mayor after nine years. Voters will decide the fate of representatives across 227 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) wards. The results are expected to be announced tomorrow, on January 16. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Maharashtra, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 11:28 IST News politics Maharashtra Minister Ganesh Naik Alleges Name Missing From Voter List, Casts Vote Later 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... Children from southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Province, nicknamed as "Little Sugar Orange", watch penguins at Changchun Ice and Snow New World in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Jan. 14, 2026. A study tour composed of over a dozen children aged 3 to 6 from Guangxi traveled over 3,000 kilometers from the warm south to the northeast to experience the icy world. (Xinhua/Yan Linyun) Wang Jun, deputy head of the General Administration of Customs (GAC), and Lyu Daliang, GAC spokesperson and director of the GAC's Department of Statistics and Analysis, attend a press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO) on China's foreign trade in 2025 in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 14, 2026. China's foreign trade expanded 3.8 percent year on year in yuan terms in 2025, official data showed Wednesday. In 2025, the country's foreign trade reached 45.47 trillion yuan (about 6.48 trillion U.S. dollars), according to data released by the General Administration of Customs. (Xinhua/Cai Yang) People participate in a march in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 14, 2026. Venezuelan workers participated in a march in Caracas on Wednesday demanding that the U.S. government release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. (Photo by Lucio Tavora/Xinhua) This photo taken with a phone on Jan. 14, 2026 shows the accident site in Sikhio District, Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima Province. 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. (Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 14, 2026 shows a redwood wetland at dawn in Panlong District, Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Xinhua/Hu Chao) Team China pose for a photograph to celebrate qualifying to the knockout stage after the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup group D match between China and Thailand in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Haizhou) An FP-985 "Taurus" large fixed-wing drone flies over snow-covered mountains on Jan. 13, 2026. China's domestically developed large fixed-wing drone, the FP-985 "Taurus," completed a long-distance logistics flight across the high-altitude regions between Sichuan and Xizang on Wednesday. (Aerospace Times Feipeng Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) A teacher hugs a student on the first day of a new semester at a school in Johannesburg, South Africa, Jan. 14, 2026. (Photo by Shiraaz Mohamed/Xinhua) The Rosette Nebula is photographed through an intelligent astronomical telescope in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2026. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) Marathi Identity Is Our Foundation, Not A Political Tool: BJPs Ravindra Chavan Hits Back At Opposition Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 14:32 IST Ravindra Chavan said that for the BJP, Marathi identity is not a slogan for convenience but a core belief rooted in inclusiveness and collective pride. Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan. (File Photo) The BJP has pushed back strongly against the Oppositions narrative on Marathi language and identity, with Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan accusing rival parties of reducing Marathi asmita to a political tool. Speaking on the ongoing debate, Chavan said that for the BJP, Marathi identity is not a slogan for convenience but a core belief rooted in inclusiveness and collective pride. For us, Marathi is not singular or exclusionary. It represents a shared cultural consciousness language, tradition, literature and values all taken together," he said. He alleged that the oppositions approach towards Marathi is driven by negativity and short-term political gains, rather than genuine commitment to the language or its cultural depth. Marathi is not a subject for political games. It is neither poison nor nectar to be used selectively," Chavan remarked, cautioning against politicising linguistic identity. Drawing a contrast, he said the BJPs vision of Marathi culture is aligned with universal values and positivity, echoing the philosophy of saints like Dnyaneshwar, whose teachings spoke of global harmony rather than division. Chavan asserted that BJP and the Marathi identity cannot be viewed separately. He said the partys ideological foundation is deeply influenced by towering Marathi figures who shaped Indias social and national thought from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar and Veer Savarkar to Balasaheb Thackeray. Highlighting the partys track record, Chavan pointed out that the BJP played a key role in securing classical language status for Marathi and took the lead in institutionalising cultural traditions such as the Gudi Padwa processions, which are now celebrated across the world. Further he added that the BJP remains committed not only to Maharashtras development but also to the progress of Marathi-speaking communities globally. Our aim is a stronger state, an easier life for citizens and a generation rooted in culture and nationalism. That requires collective effort, not political opportunism," he said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 14:03 IST News politics Marathi Identity Is Our Foundation, Not A Political Tool: BJPs Ravindra Chavan Hits Back At Opposition 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... No Pause For New Chief: BJPs Top Brass To Meet Within 24 Hours Of Nitin Nabin Taking Charge Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 15:03 IST Reviving the party in tough battlegrounds, enforcing discipline in state units & sharpening booth-level machinery in poll-bound states will be at the top of his early agenda Rapid Read Bihar Minister Nitin Nabin being greeted by supporters after he was appointed BJP's working national president. (PTI) Nitin Nabin is set to formally assume charge as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s full-time national president on January 20, ending his stint as acting chief and ushering in a rapid leadership transition at the partys helm. Wasting no time, the new BJP chief has called a high-level organisational meeting on January 21less than 24 hours after taking charge. The meeting will bring together the partys organisational top structure: national office-bearers, state presidents, organisation general secretaries, and all state in-charges and co-in-charges. The meeting is being seen as Nabins first show of command and a clear signal of intent. Leaders expect him to lay down his organisational playbook, tighten centralstate coordination, and set expectations ahead of an intense election cycle. Nabin steps into the role after JP Nadda, among the BJPs longest-serving national presidents. The handover comes at a critical moment. Assembly elections are due in four statesWest Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and one union territoryPuducherry. The BJP currently runs the government only in one of the four statesAssam along with the small UT Puducherry where it is in power in alliance with AINRC. Reviving the party in tough battlegrounds, enforcing discipline in state units and sharpening booth-level machinery will be at the top of Nabins early agenda. Nabin, recently named BJP working president, will file his nomination on January 19. Though the partys internal election process allows for polling on January 20, a contest is unlikely. Party sources say Nabin is set to be elected unopposed. With his first big meeting scheduled within a day of taking office, Nabin is signalling speed, control, and urgency as the BJP gears up for a high-stakes political season. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 15:03 IST News politics No Pause For New Chief: BJPs Top Brass To Meet Within 24 Hours Of Nitin Nabin Taking Charge 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... 'Was Meant For Shah Rukh Khan': UP Minister Walks Back On 'Anti-National' Salman Khan Rant Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 17:21 IST Earlier, Singh had levelled a series of allegations against Salman Khan, claiming that he loved Pakistan more than India and that the actor should move there. UP Minister Raghuraj Singh Walks Back 'Anti-National' Salman Khan Rant Raghuraj Pratap Singh, a minister and MLA from Uttar Pradesh, has retracted his earlier remarks, calling actor Salman Khan anti-national." A day earlier, the minister had described the actor as anti-national", saying that he should be hanged". On Thursday, he claimed that he had mentioned Salman Khan by mistake and that the remarks were meant for Shah Rukh Khan. Earlier, Singh had levelled a series of allegations against Salman Khan, claiming that he loved Pakistan more than India" and that the actor should move there. He had also alleged that Salman Khan earns money in India and supports Muslims in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The UP minister had also called on people not to watch his movies. Now, Raghuraj Singh has stated that the journalist mentioned Salman Khans name during the interaction, claiming he was actually referring to Shah Rukh Khan. Next, he said that Salman Khan is a good actor. Salman Khan is a good actor. I had said this for Shah Rukh Khan. Whenever Pakistan faces trouble, he gives Rs 265 crore and talks about mob lynching in India. Similarly, when Hindus are being killed in Bangladesh, Shah Rukh Khan does not speak. I took Shah Rukh Khans name, but by mistake Salman Khans name came out", he said, as quoted by India Today. He further reiterated his stance, claiming, Shah Rukh Khan is anti-national, there is no doubt about it." This is not the first time Singh has been at the centre of a controversy. Previously, the Uttar Pradesh minister had said that those willing to avoid colours during Holi should wear a tarpaulin hijab". Anyone who wants to avoid colours during Holi should cover themselves with a tarpaulin, just like Muslim women wear hijabs. Men should also do the same to protect their caps and clothes. If they cant do this, they should stay at home," Singh had said. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 17:21 IST News politics 'Was Meant For Shah Rukh Khan': UP Minister Walks Back On 'Anti-National' Salman Khan Rant 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... 'No Employee Apprehended By Any US Authority': Infosys CEO Dismisses Deportation Claims Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: January 14, 2026, 23:12 IST Addressing the issue during the Q3 earnings call, Infosys CEO Salil Parekh said the rumours circulating online over the past few days are unfounded Infosys CEO Salil Parekh during announcement of the company's third quarter financial results, in Bengaluru, on January 14, 2026. (Image: PTI/Shailendra Bhojak) Infosys CEO and managing director Salil Parekh categorically dismissed viral social media reports suggesting that a company employee was apprehended and deported by the United States. Addressing the issue during the Q3 earnings call on Wednesday, Parekh said the rumours circulating online over the past few days are unfounded. No Infosys employee has been apprehended by any US authority. A few months ago, one of our employees was denied entry into the US and was sent back to India," Parekh said. The official statement comes after a wild wild story" shared on social media platform X by a user named Chetan Anantharamu. The post alleged that an Infosys employee from Mysuru, stationed on-site for a project in the US, was summarily picked up" by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The post claimed that the employee was given a mere two hours to pack his belongings and forced to choose between incarceration or immediate deportation. It said the worker was subjected to public humiliation during a transit in Frankfurt, claiming that announcements were made on the aircraft to ensure he did not escape. Indias USD 280-billion IT industry is navigating significant visa-related issues and global trade uncertainty, even as the US remains the sectors largest export market making the stability of the H-1B visa programme vital. Indian firms, however, are facing heightened scrutiny and rising costs, including a USD 1,00,000 fee for new visas, mandatory social media screenings, and unpredictable processing delays. Despite these challenges, Infosys said it remains committed to its delivery model that uses a mix of employees based in India and the US. As the industry continues its push into artificial intelligence and the expansion of global capability centres (GCC), maintaining seamless workforce mobility remains a priority for the IT major. (With PTI inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 14, 2026, 23:09 IST News tech 'No Employee Apprehended By Any US Authority': Infosys CEO Dismisses Deportation Claims 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... Realme Could Soon Launch New Phone With 10,000mAh Battery In India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 09:14 IST Realme could be the first brand in India to enter the 10,000mAh battery battle this year and we could see the device launch soon. Realme could be the first to launch a phone with this big a battery in India Realme could become the first brand in the Indian market to launch a smartphone packing a massive 10,000mAh battery. The new product is yet in the teaser phase but some reports say this could be a new Realme P-series device that looks to change the equation of a phone battery with power bank-like level support. The Realme phone has been spotted in various certification websites which means the official release of the device could be getting closer. The Battery Battle Begins Over the last few months we have seen brands in China go beyond the limit and launch phones that carry 10,000+mAh batteries without making them a brick. Honor is one of those names and Realme is now trying to replicate that model in another important market. The Realme device spotted in the testing phase is likely to be a high mid-ranger, in the Rs 30,000 category as the phone prices are primed to go up this year. The company has launched its phones with 7,000mAh battery so far but jumping straight to a 10,000mAh unit tells you where the market is headed this year. This is all possible because of the silicon carbon grade technology adopted that increases the density of the battery and gives you room to pack more mAh. We should be hearing more about the device in the next few weeks and the Realme launch could happen sometime in February. The Realme phone is tipped to carry a triple camera system, featuring a curved panel and a plastic body that will shape the design of the device. Realme has showcased its concept device with an even bigger 15,000mAh battery, so the new model will only be looking to build towards that. The brand has already introduced the 16 Pro series in the country which has already got a significant price bump compared to the last version. Phone makers are going to find it hard to adjust the price revision and the buyers will be paying for it. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 09:14 IST News tech Realme Could Soon Launch New Phone With 10,000mAh Battery In 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... 158 Dishes For One Guest: Andhra Familys Lavish Feast For Son-In-Law Goes Viral Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 19:30 IST A family from Tenali grabbed eyeballs by preparing 158 dishes for their son-in-law to mark this years Sankranti celebrations. A grab of the viral video (Image credit: X) Sons-in-law are traditionally treated with great love and respect in Indian families. However, one Andhra Pradesh family went a step further, leaving many astonished with how they welcomed their son-in-law. A family from Tenali grabbed eyeballs by preparing 158 dishes for their son-in-law to mark this years Sankranti celebrations. According to a report by NDTV, Vandanapu Muralikrishna and his wife hosted the lavish feast for their son-in-law, Sridatta and their daughter Maunika. To mark the couples first Sankranti after marriage last year, Muralikrishna and his wife prepared the grand feast, turning the occasion into an unforgettable extravaganza. Watch #AndhraPradesh | Sankranti SpecialAn Andhra family won hearts by serving 158 traditional dishes to their son-in-law during his first Sankranti visit pic.twitter.com/X6W5hIU630 Bharat Observers (@BharatObservers) January 15, 2026 The Tenali family welcome their daughter and son-in-law with 158 dishes, including sweets, snacks, and traditional goodies, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The spread included an array of traditional Andhra delicacies, including crispy savoury snacks like murukulu, chekkalu, and garelu, sweet treats featuring jaggery, such as ariselu, bobbatlu, sunnundulu, and kajjikayalu. In addition, the feast included varieties of rice, curries, and more. We are sure you must be drooling right now! (so are we). The sheer variety and efforts grabbed eyeballs, with many describing the feast as adirepoyela" (mind-blowing), which was so in line with the grandeur expected from Godavari traditions. Traditionally, Tenali is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and also, Tenali Rama the legendary court poet from the Vijayanagara era. Netizens react He must be very happy", one user commented. Another user wrote, Big Question: How much he actually Tasted or Consumed?" A third wrote, He is just a human being afterall.. equal to their daughter.. neither more nor less..nor different.." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Tenali, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 18:45 IST News viral 158 Dishes For One Guest: Andhra Familys Lavish Feast For Son-In-Law Goes Viral 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... Rs 25 Lakh, 600 Zomato Credits & New Phone Every 3 Years: This Bengaluru Job Offer Is For A Fresher Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 08:18 IST The perks don't end there. This role also comes with gym membership, a new phone every three years and reimbursements for phone and internet bills. The offer is for a software developer role. (Photo Credit: X) Securing a stable, well-paying job is becoming increasingly difficult, and concerns about career security are only growing. Amid this uncertainty, one job posting has captured widespread attention online. A screenshot shared on social media shows a software developer role offering compensation that many fresh graduates can only dream of. The post highlights an SDE 1 position in Bengaluru with a staggering annual salary of Rs 25 lakh. Thats not all, the offer reportedly includes company stock, performance-based incentives, as well as joining and relocation bonuses, pushing the total first-year package to nearly Rs 35 lakh. People were even more shocked by the extra benefits. The company reportedly offers gym support, reimbursements for phone and internet bills, a work-from-home setup allowance, a new phone every three years, and daily food credits. By sharing the post, the user also highlighted a glaring issue in the tech job market. While many companies continue to lay off employees, others are offering exceptionally high pay to fresh hires with minimal experience. The situation appears both puzzling and unfair, especially for experienced employees within the same organisations who often earn significantly less. Job Offer That Shocked The Internet The post shared on X (Formerly Twitter) came with the caption, At one side, layoffs are happening and other side, companies are offering such high salaries for 1 year of experience. And the fun part is that the same company would be paying less to 5-8yrs experience employee already working with them. Salary structure is completely broken in tech." A Detailed Look At The Compensation The screenshot details a software developer role at the SDE 1 level, aimed at candidates with just one year of experience. Based in Bengaluru, the position offers a base salary of Rs 25 lakh per annum, inclusive of provident fund and gratuity. In addition, the company is offering stock grants worth Rs 20 lakh, vested equally over four years, along with a performance-based bonus. The compensation package also includes Rs 2 lakh in relocation support and a Rs 3 lakh signing bonus. When salary, bonuses and stock value are combined, the total first-year compensation comes close to Rs 35 lakh. The role further includes an array of including Rs 21,000 for home office setup, a new phone every three years, and daily Zomato credits worth Rs 600. At one side layoffs are happening and other side companies are offering such high salaries for 1 year experienceAnd the fun part is that same company would be paying lesser to 5-8yrs experience employee already working with them. Salary structure is completely broken in tech. pic.twitter.com/5k5Rivwb3H EngiNerd. (@mainbhiengineer) January 14, 2026 How Did The Internet React? Reacting to the post, a user wrote, This hurts because people who stayed loyal and grew with the company feel invisible. New hires get market rates, old employees get annual hikes." Another shared, Take it from me been in tech for 20yrs 85% of people do not want to upgrade but always worry about losing their job. I was in the same boat 12 years back before I took a 6-month break to join a product company, and my perspective on career changed." Simply means that dont be naive and consider yourself loyal to a company. Just go where you are appreciated more," a comment read. An individual stated, This is true for most multinational companies. If you are selected through the internal hiring process, you typically receive only the standard hike (mostly 10%) upon promotion. But if they hire externally, they often offer exorbitant hikes." Another mentioned, Looks like people with no marriage and kids are paid higher." One more added, This is roughly 25k USD, and honestly, it is less. The same SDE1 in the US of equal quality would cost 150k USD minimum. The stocks would be 3x higher at least. Salary structure isnt broken, honestly, the talent in India is as good or sometimes even better than the US." The individual who shared the screenshot did not disclose the companys name. However, many online speculated that the offer may have come from Zomato, the food delivery platform led by Deepinder Goyal. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 08:17 IST News viral Rs 25 Lakh, 600 Zomato Credits & New Phone Every 3 Years: This Bengaluru Job Offer Is For A Fresher 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... Bengaluru Vs New York: Woman Shares Differences Between Two Google Offices | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 21:30 IST Diksha Aggarwal compares Googles Bengaluru and New York offices, noting Bengalurus energetic vibe and New Yorks individual focus. A grab of the viral video (Image credit: Instagram) A woman narrated her experience of working at Googles Bengaluru office, explaining how the office is different from that in New York. Sharing a video on Instagram, the woman named Diksha Aggarwal, highlighted that while both workplaces are productive, the one in Bengaluru feels more energetic. Meanwhile, the office in New York is more individually focused, she shared. Aggarwal flagged that alcohol and dogs are allowed in the New York office, but not in the Bengaluru one. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diksha Aggarwal (@diksha__aggarwal__) The culture of Google is not the same in India and New York", she wrote in Hindi as the caption of the video, prompting responses from netizens. However, she also emphasised that despite these differences, the Google culture remains similar across location, allowing employees freedom to think big and taking ideas seriously. Google is different in every city but feels like Google only," she said in the video. Netizens react This is such an insightful reel! I love the way you covered it." Another user pointed out, There is another big difference. All the innovative and good work goes to Europe and US. All the cheap and maintenance work comes to Bengaluru." Bangalore mai desi vibe hogi but NYC mai thoda distant feel hota hoga?" wrote a third. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 21:30 IST News viral Bengaluru Vs New York: Woman Shares Differences Between Two Google Offices | Watch 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... 6-Yr-Old Finds Strangers, Flees Room Sobbing: Delhi Womans Jaipur Hotel Horror Sparks Debate, Some Call It 'Normal Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 09:03 IST Some online users explained the hotels evening turndown service to the woman, saying, Is this your first time? Sorry, maam, but this is completely normal. The woman alleged the staff entered her room using a master key. (Photo Credit: X) A familys stay at a luxury hotel in Jaipur took an unsettling turn, sparking an online debate about hotel ethics and guest privacy. The issue came to light when Janhavi Jain from Delhi shared a detailed account of her experience at Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Her post caught widespread attention not only for the incident she described, but also opened a debate on how hotels manage routine services while respecting guest consent and personal space. Delhi Woman Alleges Privacy Breach At Jaipur Hotel In her post, Janhavi said her family had booked eight rooms at the hotel for a weekend stay. She alleged that on Monday evening, January 12, between 6:30 and 7:30 PM, two hotel staff members used a master key to enter one of their rooms, Room 3808. According to her, the room had already been cleaned earlier in the day. No one had asked for housekeeping. No one had been informed," she added. Janhavi said the incident took a disturbing turn when her six-year-old niece walked into the room shortly after and found two unknown adults" inside. She ran out crying," the post mentioned. Janhavi further stated that the staff members were not wearing name badges, so we couldnt even identify who they were." In her post, she listed a series of concerns, asking, What if someone had been in the shower, changing clothes, or asleep? What if personal belongings had gone missing? What if my niece had gone missing? How is it acceptable for anyone to walk into an occupied hotel room like this?" Janhavi also alleged that the hotel was aware the family was heading out for dinner at that time. She expressed fear, saying, What if my niece were alone in the room and sexually assaulted by these men?" Alleged Response From Hotel Staff According to Janhavi, when the family questioned hotel staff, they received vague answers referring only to protocol." She named two people she interacted with, security supervisor Naveen Singh and another staff member named Akshay. She claimed that they refused to tell us who the staff were or why they entered." She further alleged that the hotel declined to share CCTV footage of the incident. She also mentioned the General Managers response. Janhavi wrote that Akshay told them the GM, Naveen Yadav, had said, Toh kya ho gaya agar enter ho gaye (So what if they entered?)." A child walked into a room with two unknown adults inside, and this was the response. This is what pissed us off the most. Not just that it happened, but how casually everyone treated it. Like, this was no big deal. Were not living in some ideal world. We hear about child sexual abuse, child trafficking, assault, all the time. Parents are already anxious about where their kids are, who theyre around, and what spaces are actually safe," she wrote. She added that what upset her family most was not just the entry but the attitude that followed. No answers. No explanation. No CCTV. No accountability. No apology that means anything," she wrote and also warned families, saying, If youre travelling with family, especially with kids, I would seriously think twice before staying at Hyatt." We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar last weekend as a family. We had 8 rooms booked.On Monday evening (Jan 12, around 6:307:30 pm), two hotel staff members used a master key to enter one of our rooms (3808). The room had already been cleaned.No one had asked for Janhavi Jain (@janwhyy) January 14, 2026 A Travel Designer Weighs In Loveleen Arun, who is a travel designer as per her bio, weighed in by offering an industry perspective. She said that many hotels carry out evening turndown services in occupied rooms. As far as my experience goes, most hotels do a turn down service of occupied rooms towards the evening. There is a check of mini bar usage, replenishing of bathroom amenities, towel changes and bed covers are removed to prepare the beds for night. Most often than not, this is done when guests are out. This is done as a matter of daily routine and not when asked only. From your description it seems like that is what was happening," she wrote. As far as my experience goes, most hotels do a turn down service of occupied rooms towards the evening. There is a check of mini bar usage, replenishing of bathroom amenities, towel changes and bed covers are removed to prepare the beds for night. Most often than not, this is Loveleen Arun (@LoveleenArun) January 14, 2026 Janhavi strongly rejected this explanation. She replied that the room had already been cleaned earlier and that staff should not enter an occupied room again without permission unless there is an emergency or a specific service request. Entering an occupied room using a master key after regular cleaning hours is not standard practice and violates basic guest privacy. That is why this incident was alarming, not just because staff entered, but because they did so without consent, without notice, and without explanation. This wasnt a misunderstanding. It was a breach of privacy and hotel protocol," she wrote. This is incorrect.The room had already been cleaned earlier in the day. After that, it was an occupied room, and hotel staff should not enter again without the guests permission unless there is an emergency or a specific service request.Routine cleaning was already completed. Janhavi Jain (@janwhyy) January 14, 2026 Loveleen maintained her stance, replying, I beg to differ. And I am speaking only out of experience. It is very common for hotel staff to enter occupied rooms when guests are not there. And this happens internationally everywhere, all the time. But I will leave you to draw your own conclusions." I beg to differ. And I am speaking only out of experience. It is very common for hotel staff to enter occupied rooms when guests are not there. And this happens internationally everywhere, all the time. But I will leave you to draw your own conclusions. Loveleen Arun (@LoveleenArun) January 14, 2026 Others Share Similar Experiences The discussion widened as other users joined in. One man claimed he had faced the same issue at the same Hyatt property. We have faced the same issue when we stayed in Hyatt Mansarovar, Jaipur. It had happened 34 times. Two times we were inside the room, and two times we were out. When we were inside, they simply used the master key and came inside without knocking," he wrote. We have faced the same issue when we stayed in Hyatt Mansarovar, Jaipur.It had happened 3-4 times. Two times we were inside room and two times we were out. When we were inside, they simply used master key and came inside without knocking the door. Chronicles (@YMehta_) January 14, 2026 Another user shared a screenshot of a news article stating that Leela Palace Udaipur was fined Rs 10 lakh for a privacy violation. The comment read, Hire the same lawyer, you will get answers. All leave reviews on TripAdvisor and Google Maps; here they die down fast." Hire the same lawyer, you will get answers.All leave review on TripAdvisor and Google maps, here they die down fast pic.twitter.com/Tqj8UDgbll Jatin Sapra (@jatinsapra) January 14, 2026 A regular Hyatt guest commented, This is terrible. Did they respond after this post? I am a regular at Hyatt. So, this is concerning." This is terrible, did they respond after this post? I am a regular at Hyatt. So this is concerning. Vikrant ~ (@vikrantkumar) January 14, 2026 This Is Supposed To Happen: Many Defend Hotel Practices Just like Loveleen, several users defended the hotel and questioned Janhavis expectations. One wrote, Isnt this naturally supposed to happen in hotels? Especially in reputed branded hotels, staff using master keys when guests are away to check for replenishment, such as soaps, water, towels, and minibar stock, is standard practice. And the hotel is not obliged to give names of staff." Isnt this naturally supposed to happen in hotels? Especially in reputed branded hotels, staff using master keys when guests are away to check for replenishment such as soaps, water, towels, minibar stock is standard practice. And the hotel is not obliged to give names of staff Madhu Bharathi V (@madhubharathi) January 14, 2026 Another said, Surely this lady has no idea about the evening turndown service provided by upscale franchise hotels. Maybe thats her first time at such a hotel. But the question is, how on earth could a six-year-old child enter the room without any adult supervision?" Surely this lady has no idea about the evening turndown service provided by upscale franchise hotels. Maybe that's her first time at such a hotel. But the question is, how on earth could a six year old child enter the room without any adult supervision? https://t.co/DKVmLMk5xY Mini An interesting story built on what if scenarios. The guest didnt use the Do Not Disturb card, and the hotel didnt do a good job explaining. Lessons for both," someone else criticised. An interesting story built on "what if" scenarios. It clearly showcases how guest expectations are built on their own whims. The guest didn't use the "Do Not Disturb" card, the hotel didn't do a good job explaining. Lessons for both. https://t.co/egD8hwbFiv Anuj Khare (@KhareAnuj) January 14, 2026 This is called evening service. Housekeeping staff enter after knocking on the door. I think you are just making an unnecessary issue out of it," a person added. This is called evening service. Housekeeping staff enters after knocking the door. I think you are just making an unnecessary issue out of it. https://t.co/KBnW6ZoojP S Raju (@rajusvin) January 14, 2026 One comment was harsher in tone, stating, Woman. Know the difference between room been cleaned earlier and TURN-DOWN SERVICE! More importantly, WHY is a six-year-old roaming a hotel property ALONE?" Another user added, Most 5-star hotels do an evening turn-down service. They ring the bell and wait, and if no one responds, they get in using the master key. Use the DND button in the room if occupied." Woman. Know the difference between "room been cleaned earlier" & TURN-DOWN SERVICE!At the same time, a user shared a personal habit, stating, The only time I do not leave DND on is if I need the room to be made up. Else, no matter how short a trip outside the room, DND stays on," one person wrote. The only time I do not leave DND on is if I need the room to be made up. Else no matter how short of a trip outside the room, DND stays on. https://t.co/5nHb5uRCci Aamod B. (@pnqiad) January 14, 2026 Hyatt Regency Responds After the post gained traction online, the official Hyatt Concierge account commented and asked Janhavi to share details of the incident for further assistance." In response, Janhavi said that despite providing the requested information, she has not received any response from the hotel. Please DM for further assistance. https://t.co/9EWUzSHAoa Hyatt Concierge (@HyattConcierge) January 14, 2026 What Is Hotel Evening Turndown Service? Evening turndown service is a special service provided by many luxury hotels where housekeeping staff prepare occupied rooms. This usually includes turning down the bed linens, refreshing amenities like towels and glasses. Not only this, but they also place small touches like chocolates in the room. The service is generally carried out between 5 PM and 9 PM when guests are out for dinner or other activities. Guests who do not wish to avail this service can choose to opt out by placing the Do Not Disturb" sign outside the room, informing the front desk in advance, or politely declining when staff approach, as the service is optional. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 09:02 IST News viral 6-Yr-Old Finds Strangers, Flees Room Sobbing: Delhi Womans Jaipur Hotel Horror Sparks Debate, Some Call It 'Normal 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... Magh Mela 2026: Who Is 'Google Golden Baba'? Wears Gold And Silver Worth Rs 5 Crore! Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 12:56 IST The man behind the spectacle is Manoj Anand Maharaj, who claims to be wearing gold and silver ornaments worth around Rs 5 crore Rapid Read Golden Baba said he has been wearing gold for nearly two decades and is a devotee of 'Karauli Wale Baba'. (News18 Hindi) Amid the sea of ascetics and pilgrims at Magh Mela in Prayagraj, one figure has emerged as an unlikely crowd-puller at the Sangam. Popularly known as Google Golden Baba, a seer from Kanpur has become the centre of attention for his striking appearance, adorned head to toe in gold jewellery, dining from silver utensils and carrying a golden idol of Laddu Gopal wherever he goes. The man behind the spectacle is Manoj Anand Maharaj, who claims to be wearing gold and silver ornaments worth around Rs 5 crore. Heavy bracelets on both arms, rings engraved with images of Hindu deities on every finger, and multiple necklaces made of gold, silver, conch shells and rudraksha beads have made his presence hard to miss at the fair. Golden Baba said he has been wearing gold for nearly two decades and is a devotee of Karauli Wale Baba. He is rarely seen without a small, pure gold idol of Laddu Gopal, which he describes as his spiritual shield. Asked whether he fears theft while moving around in public with such visible wealth, the seer dismisses the concern, saying his faith is his protection. The seer identifies himself as a Kshatriya and says gold has historically symbolised courage, strength and prosperity in his lineage. For him, the jewellery is not a display of wealth but an extension of his belief system and tradition. Golden Baba revealed that he once wore silver slippers worth Rs 5 lakh but has since chosen to walk barefoot. The reason, he said, is a personal pledge linked to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. His silver crown bears the chief ministers image, and the Baba maintains he will not wear footwear again until Adityanath becomes the Prime Minister. Throughout the day, Golden Babas camp remains crowded, with devotees and visitors lining up not just for blessings but also for selfies. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Prayagraj, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 12:56 IST News viral Magh Mela 2026: Who Is 'Google Golden Baba'? Wears Gold And Silver Worth Rs 5 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... Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Beijing on Thursday. Zhao said that during a meeting in October last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Carney reached important consensus on further improving and developing China-Canada relations, leading to advancements in bilateral ties. Standing at a new starting point, China is willing to work with Canada to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, and promote the healthy, stable and sustainable development of bilateral ties, Zhao said. The NPC of China is willing to enhance friendly exchanges with the parliament of Canada, carry out experience exchanges on legislation, supervision and other work, and provide legal safeguards for practical cooperation in various fields, Zhao noted. For his part, Carney said that the relations between Canada and China have made considerable progress. Canada firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as energy, agriculture, supply chain and people-to-people exchanges, enhance exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries, and elevate Canada-China relations to a higher level. Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) Man Not Allowed To Enter Office Over Unapproved Leave, Team Lead Cancels Floor Access: If He Knocks, Dont Open Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 14:28 IST As per the Reddit post, the employee had applied for leave almost a week in advance, but it was not approved. The post sparked a debate on toxic work culture. (Representative Image) Toxic work culture is one of the toughest things an employee can face. Many offices pressure workers when it comes to overtime or taking leave. Now, an incident has emerged where an employee was reportedly barred from the office premises after he took an unapproved leave. A Reddit post claimed that the boss asked the IT and Work Force Management (WFM) departments to revoke the floor access of the employee. The authenticity of the post could not be independently verified by News18. In a post on the subreddit r/Indian workplace, a user said that one person in their team had applied for leave almost a week in advance, but it was not approved. The employee did not show up for work due to personal reasons. The user said that such absences were normal in corporate India and are unplanned leaves or LOP. The incident reportedly happened a day after the user came back from their own month-long medical leave. Employee Barred From Entering Office The Redditor explained that after the employees absence, the team lead went into full power trip mode" and asked WFM and IT to revoke the workers floor access. Then WFM literally walked around the floor telling everyone that if X comes to the office and taps on the glass door of the floor, nobody should open it for him. Instead, they should immediately call the TL or SME," the post read. The user highlighted that the instructions were given verbally since writing them down would be a legal disaster." Emphasising that the incident happened to a paid employee who was absent for a single day and not a suspended or terminated worker, the user said that the team lead and management were literally preventing someone from doing their job." If X had come, he would have been ready to work. But management chose to block him so that he could not even log in. So what exactly is this supposed to achieve? If you block someone from working and then mark them absent manually, that is not discipline. That is manufacturing absence. You are creating a situation where the employee is forced into LOP or into being labeled as non-compliant," the user added. Calling the incident constructive termination and harassment rolled into one", the Redditor asked if anyone else had faced such a toxic work culture. Users Weigh In On Toxic Work Culture The post sparked a huge discussion. Many users asked if the employee who was barred escalated the matter in any way. Others had advice for the employee. The employee can go back home.. Email HR to inform him when the office will be available for him to start work. Until then sit at home and get paid," one user wrote. Another commented, I guess at some point in time we will literally have bouncers at the entry gates whose job will be to tAke cAre of such offenders". It could have been handled in a much better way, we have no information about official communication to the individual." One account asked, Ask him to send a mail to HR stating the circus created by the TL. Loop in HR head if required." However, some users came out in support of the company and said the Redditor might have missed some prior details about the incident due to their absence. One account said that WFM asking others not to let the employee in was common practice" and added, To classify an entire work space as toxic based solely on the account of one person who has limited insight into the background isnt appropriate. If this were a repeating pattern I could conclude that the place was toxic however a single relayed incident lacking proper context is insufficient." The post, and the ensuing debate over toxic work culture and which company could have been involved in the matter emphasise how people may feel pressured at work when it comes to dealing with the upper management or taking leave. Many people questioned if there was something more to the incident than meets the eye. Others advised that the worker should loop in the human resources department to ensure action against his team lead. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 14:28 IST News viral Man Not Allowed To Enter Office Over Unapproved Leave, Team Lead Cancels Floor Access: If He Knocks, Dont Open 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... Staycation, Workcation... Now Napcation Takes Over! How Holiday Trends Evolved, Where Indias Best Nap Spots Hide Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 08:00 IST Sleep tourism focuses on making slumber and recovery a priority over adventurous or sightseeing activities. A napcation prioritises short, sleep-optimised recharges. (Representative Image) For many people, a dream vacation is a trip to snow-covered mountains or a relaxing weekend at the beach. A trek through snow-covered hills or long walks on the beach seem to be on everyones bucket list. But did you know that theres another travel trend emerging that is all about prioritising sleep over other activities. After staycations, a new trend, napcation has taken over. The trend is all about focusing on giving your body some much-needed rest and rejuvenation. In todays fast-paced world, napcation has become synonymous with giving your body a chance to indulge in some rest and focus on sleep over sightseeing activities. What Is Sleep Tourism? Sleep tourism is a travel trend that advocates making sleep and recovery a priority over traditional sightseeing or adventure activities. The trend involves booking rooms that are designed with sleep-enhancing features, such as soundproof rooms and offer wellness programmes. What Are The Core Differences Between Sleep Tourism Variants? Traditional vacations focus on adventure and exploration at destinations. A 1-2 week itinerary is standard for such trips. Sightseeing and other activities are the mainstay of such holidays. -On the other hand, staycations are about relaxation at home or nearby destinations., These 3-7 day vacations aim to avoid the hassle of airports or steep travel costs. A workcation combines leisure with remote working. Travellers can spend weeks in scenic locations, balancing productivity with relaxation. -A napcation prioritises short, sleep-optimised recharges. This 1-4-day long vacation features wellness retreats with a focus on better sleep. How Did Sleep Tourism Evolve Chronologically? In the pre-2000s era, vacation was the main travel idea. Staycation emerged as a popular choice amid the 2008 Wall Street crash. It was promoted as a cheap, low-stress alternative to other holiday ideas. In 2020-21, workcation boomed with the advent of pandemic remote work. Trips to places like Goa were now characterised as bleisure", combining both business travel and fun. In 2023-2025, napcation emerged due to burnout trends in the US. It gained popularity in India via social buzz and hotel packages late last year. What Are Some Additional Variants Of Sleep Tourism? Sleep tourism has variants such as bleisure, which signifies combining business travel with fun. First coined in the mid-2010s, the term is common for corporate flyers. Slowcation, popular from 2022 onwards, targets unhurried, mindful pacing in trips over jam-packed itineraries. Voluntcation adds purpose-driven rest to trips, with travellers volunteering during their holidays. What Are The Key Features Of Sleep Tourism? Sleep tourism includes blackout curtains, aromatherapy, and more. AI-adjusted mattresses and circadian lighting are used to optimise rest. Many packages offering sleep tourism incorporate yoga, meditation, or consultations with sleep experts to help reset natural rest patterns. Why Is Sleep Tourism Rising? Sleep tourism is gaining popularity due to widespread sleep deprivation, particularly in urban areas. A fast-paced life and hectic work commitments mean that many people get under seven hours of shut-eye. In the internet and mobile-first world, sleep is positioned as a luxury wellness practice. What Are The Popular Options In India? In India, places like The Westin in Gurugram offer sleep-focused amenities. Other hotels include Odishas Belgadia Palace in Odisha, which uses Ayurveda practices to provide better sleep for travellers. Globally, places like the Park Hyatt New York offer high-tech suites for better slumber. Why Not Just Sleep At Home? The rise of napcation has led some to question the efficiency of the vacation mode, with people arguing that travellers can just sleep at home. However, home environments often remain a source of work stress, screen distractions, poor air quality, noise pollution and other disruptions. This can lead to continued insomnia cycles. Travelling to another place removes these disruptions, offering a psychological reset". What Is The Difference Between A Staycation And A Full Trip? Staycations may help reduce sleep deprivation, but lack comprehensive facilities like resort-grade mattresses, group wellness rituals, and destination-specific calm to help improve slumber. Full trips force people to disconnect from distractions and combine luxury with therapy for sustained benefits. What Is A Napcation? Napcation" emerged as a trend around 2023-2024. The term was coined by US media for short, nap-focused getaways to escape burnout in the post-pandemic era. The trend gained popularity in India last year. It is a playful subset of sleep tourism. What Is The Current Status Of Sleep Tourism In India? Sleep tourism is gaining traction in India due to urban sleep deprivation and growing interest in restorative getaways. The trend is slowly entering the mainstream travel culture. More and more resorts are combining ancient Ayurveda practices with modern amenities like soundproof rooms to offer restorative slumber. What Are The Growth Drivers? Urban Indians are suffering from a sleep deficit. This is fueling demand for rest-focused trips. Poor air quality in urban areas, work-from-home flexibility, and better health awareness post the pandemic are also driving the rise of napcation. Experts have noted a 7 per cent Compound Annual Growth (CAGR) in wellness travel. What Are The Key Destinations In India? Rishikesh with its yoga and Ayurvedic sleep therapies and Coorg with its misty retreats are some of the destinations preferred by travellers. The eco-resorts in Manali, Keralas backwaters and Spiti Valleys serene isolation are other emerging destinations. What Is The Market Context? As of early 2026, sleep tourism is transitioning from a niche trend to a mainstay of travel bookings in India. Globally, sleep tourism hit $70 billion in 2024. Surveys indicate a strong interest in the idea, with 20 per cent of Indian travellers planning vacations around sleep. Not just that, 85 per cent are more mindful of their sleep patterns during vacations. Which Indian States Are Leading In Sleep Tourism? When it comes to sleep tourism, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have taken the lead in attracting travellers. The states are ideal for yoga retreats and nature-focused escapes. Another top destination is Kerala, with its reputation as a hub of Ayurvedic practices. Tamil Nadus Coonoor and Jammu & Kashmirs Pahalgam are also emerging as destinations due to their cool climates and the natural white noise provided by the rivers and valleys. All in all, napcation may just be the trend travellers need to follow in 2026 to deal with stress and burnout. The idea is all about relaxing and taking a break to recharge yourself. If you wish to improve your sleep patterns, a napcation may be the solution this year. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 08:00 IST News viral Staycation, Workcation... Now Napcation Takes Over! How Holiday Trends Evolved, Where Indias Best Nap Spots Hide 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... 'He Seems Nice, But...': Trump Stops Short Of Endorsing Reza Pahlavi, Says Iran Regime Could Fall Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 11:35 IST Trump appeared reluctant to back Reza Pahlavi, the son of Irans late shah, citing doubts about whether he would be accepted by the Iranian population. Rapid Read US President Donald Trump has been reluctant to back exiled Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi. (Reuters) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that Irans clerical regime could collapse, and expressed uncertainty over exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavis ability to muster enough support to take over the reins of the country. In an exclusive interview with Reuters in the Oval Office, Trump said it is possible the government in Tehran could fall due to the protests, but that in truth any regime can fail." Whether or not it falls or not, its going to be an interesting period of time," he said. These remarks came after he had 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. Amid heightened tensions over possible US action in Iran, Trump said he had been told on good authority" that Tehran has stopped its plans for fast trials and executions as widespread protests have left over 3,400 dead. Trumps threats to Iran had been met with fierce resistance, with Tehran warning of strikes on US military installations in the region and on Israel. READ MORE: Trump Says Iran Halting Executions; Tehran Claims Full Control As 3,400 Killed | Top Points Trump Reluctant To Back Pahlavi However, Trump appeared reluctant to lend his full support to Pahlavi, the son of the late shah of Iran, who was ousted from power during the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He seems very nice, but I dont know how hed play within his own country. And we really arent up to that point yet, were looking and studying a lot of things," he told Reuters. I dont know how he gets along with his country. I dont know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me," he further said. Pahlavi, 65, has lived outside Iran since before his father was ousted and has become a prominent voice in the ongoing protests. These remarks came as US Senator and Trump aide Lindsey Graham met Pahlavi on Wednesday and reiterated Washingtons support for the Iranian people against the brutal regime" in Tehran. Pahlavi has repeatedly urged citizens to sustain the movement against the Khamenei regime and warned that those responsible for violence would eventually be held accountable. He has also held talks with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and backed Trumps rhetoric against the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-led establishment in Iran. Pahlavi also said he was ready to return to Iran at a moments notice and shared his vision of a free Iran", which would end its nuclear military programme and immediately stop support for terrorist groups. He said Irans relations with the United States would be normalised and friendship with the American people restored. 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. Who Is Reza Pahlavi? Reza Pahlavi is the eldest son of Irans last monarch, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Born in 1960, he has lived in exile for decades, mainly in the United States, after the monarchy collapsed and the Islamic Republic was established. From abroad, Pahlavi has positioned himself as a vocal critic of Irans clerical leadership. He has repeatedly expressed support for protesters demanding political change, human rights and personal freedoms. During recent unrest, he urged Iranians to continue peaceful resistance and appealed to the international community to support the citizens. Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, Pahlavi has continued to call for a change of regime in Tehran. He has advocated a peaceful transition to a secular and democratic system, without directly seeking power himself. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 15, 2026, 11:07 IST News world 'He Seems Nice, But...': Trump Stops Short Of Endorsing Reza Pahlavi, Says Iran Regime Could Fall 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... 'Beyond Inaccurate': US Senator Rejects Claims Of Trump Ruling Out Iran Military Action Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 21:47 IST Grahams comments came after reports said Trump had informed Iran that he did not intend to attack and had asked Tehran to show restraint. US Senator Lindsey Graham | File Image US Senator Lindsey Graham on Thursday rejected media reports claiming President Donald Trump had ruled out military action against Iran, calling the coverage beyond inaccurate". Graham said reports suggesting Trump had told Tehran he did not plan to launch a military strike were inaccurate and failed to reflect the true position of the Trump administration. All the headlines like these are examples of reporting that are beyond inaccurate. The circumstances around the necessary, decisive action to be taken against the evil Iranian regime have nothing to do with President Trumps will or determination," Graham wrote on X. All the headlines like these are examples of reporting that are beyond inaccurate. The circumstances around the necessary, decisive action to be taken against the evil Iranian regime have nothing to do with President Trumps will or determination.Nothing could be further from pic.twitter.com/HrUtg7GfKu Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 15, 2026 The US Senator further remarked, Nothing could be further from the truth. Quite the opposite. Stay tuned." Grahams comments came after reports said Trump had informed Iran that he did not intend to attack and had asked Tehran to show restraint. The response also comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran. Up until Wednesday, the United States had been openly threatening military action against Iran if it carried out the death penalty against people arrested during the protests. At the same time, regional allies were reportedly working to prevent a military escalation. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman led diplomatic efforts to persuade Trump not to strike Iran, according to a senior Saudi official quoted by AFP on Thursday. The official said the three Gulf states led a long, frantic, diplomatic last-minute effort" to convince Trump to give Iran time to show good intentions. The official spoke on condition of anonymity. Security concerns also increased across the region. Some personnel were moved out of a major US military base in Qatar on Wednesday. US missions in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait warned staff to exercise caution as fears grew of a possible US attack linked to Irans crackdown on protesters. The United States has repeatedly warned that it could intervene over Irans deadly response to protests. Tehran, meanwhile, has said it would retaliate by targeting US military bases and shipping if attacked. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 21:44 IST News world 'Beyond Inaccurate': US Senator Rejects Claims Of Trump Ruling Out Iran Military 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... 'Can Men Get Pregnant?' US Senator Leaves Indian-American Doctor Speechless At Abortion Hearing Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 16:14 IST US Senator Josh Hawley and Dr Nisha Verma had a fiery exchange, where the former countered her stance on abortion by asking if men could get pregnant. US Senator Josh Hawley and Indian-American obstetrics-gynaecology (OB-GYN) Dr Nisha Verma during an abortion hearing. (Photo: X) A tense exchange unfolded between Republican US Senator Josh Hawley and Indian-American obstetrics-gynaecology (OB-GYN) Dr Nisha Verma during a HELP Committee hearing titled Protecting Women: Exposing the Dangers of Chemical Abortion Drugs," at the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Verma, a senior adviser to Physicians for Reproductive Health, was called on by the Senate committee for the hearing, where she spoke out against restrictions on abortion medication. Medication abortion has been rigorously studied and proven safe and effective in over 100 high-quality peer-reviewed studies," she told lawmakers. Before Hawley addressed the hearing, Republican Senator Ashley Moody kicked off the topic by asking, Miss Verma, can men get pregnant?" The Indian-American ob-gyn corrected her by saying, Dr Verma." Moody repeated, Dr. Verma, can men get pregnant?" Verma hesitated to answer. Later in the hearing, Senator Bill Cassidy, who was chairing the committee, said, I think its science-based, by the way, that men cant have babies." Taking the mic, Hawley asked, Since you bring it up, why dont we start there. Dr Verma, I wasnt sure I understood your answer to Senator Moody a moment ago. Do you think that men can get pregnant?" Verma said she hesitated earlier because she did not understand the purpose of the question. I do take care of patients with different identities, I take care of many women, I take care of people with different identities." Well, the goal is the truth, so can men get pregnant?" Hawley asked again. Dr Verma said, Im not really sure what the goal of the question is -" before Hawley cut off her off and said the goal was to establish biological reality. Hawley proceeded to repeatedly interrupt Dr Verma by asking her whether men can get pregnant. I take care of people with many identities. I do take care of people that dont identify as women," she said, avoiding a simple yes or no. Sen. Hawley: Can men get pregnant?"Dr. Nisha Verma: Im not really sure what the goal of the question is." Sen. Hawley: The goal is just to establish a biological realityCan men get pregnant?" pic.twitter.com/exjxLqJBTC America (@america) January 14, 2026 Hawley insisted on a direct response, stating, The goal is to establish a biological reality. This is about science and evidence. Im asking you. This is not a hypothetical question." Dr Verma said such yes-and-no questions are political tools and he was trying to reduce the complexity of the issue. The exchange became more tense as Hawley said, These yes-and-no questions are about the truth. Lets not make a mockery of this proceeding. This is about science and evidence This is not a hypothetical question. It affects real people in their real lives." You are called by the other sites as an expert, and you are a doctor and you follow the science and evidence. Just want to know based on the evidence. Can men get pregnant? Thats a yes or no question," he added. Verma still refused to give a direct answer, saying, I would be more than happy to have a conversation with you that is not coming from the place of trying to be polarised." After this, Hawley reaffirmed that there is only a biological male and a biological female, and only the female can get pregnant. I think it is extraordinary that we are in a hearing about science and about women. For the record, its the women who get pregnant and not men," Hawley lashed out at the doctor. You dont even acknowledge the basic reality that biological men dont get pregnant. There is a difference between biological men and biological women. I dont know how we can take you seriously and your claims to be a person of science." Verma defended her approach, saying, Im a person of science, and Im also here to represent the complex experiences of my patients. I dont think polarised language or questions serve that goal." In response, Hawley said, It is not polarising to say that there is a scientific difference between men and women. It is not polarising to say that women are a biological reality and should be treated and protected as such. Your refusal to recognise women as women and men as men is deeply corrosive to science, to public trust and to constitutional protections for women." Moody later told Fox News, The agenda-driven and radicalised Democrats will overlook not only scientific fact but the harsh and dangerous consequences of their mission to ensure there are absolutely no restrictions to abortion on demand." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 13:49 IST News world 'Can Men Get Pregnant?' US Senator Leaves Indian-American Doctor Speechless At Abortion Hearing 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... Canada $20 Million Gold Heist: Toronto Requests India To Extradite Key Accused Simran Preet Panesar Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 08:51 IST The gold theft took place in April 2023 after a flight from Zurich arrived in Toronto carrying around 400 kilograms of pure gold, valued at more than $20 million. Canada Police arrested Arsalan Chaudhary (L) and said another accused Simran Preet Panesar is believed to be in India | Image: X Canada has formally requested India to extradite Simran Preet Panesar, the main accused in a major gold theft case, who is believed to be in the country. Peel Regional Police said Panesar, a 33-year-old former Air Canada employee from Brampton, is believed to be in India. A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued against him. Police said Panesar is wanted on charges of theft over $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. An extradition request has been submitted to Indian authorities as part of the ongoing investigation. This came after a major breakthrough in the investigation. Peel Regional Police arrested another suspect in connection with Project 24K, the investigation into the largest gold heist in Canadian history. On January 12, Arsalan Chaudhary, a 43-year-old man of no fixed address, was arrested at Toronto Pearson International Airport after arriving from Dubai. He faces multiple charges, including theft over $5,000 and conspiracy. What we know about the gold heist? The theft took place in April 2023 after a flight from Zurich arrived in Toronto carrying around 400 kilograms of pure gold, valued at more than $20 million, along with $2.5 million in foreign currency. The shipment went missing after being moved within airport property. Police claimed Panesar played a key role in identifying and diverting the cargo by exploiting airline systems. He was previously traced to a rented accommodation near Chandigarh, and a Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued against him. Other accused and ongoing search Police said nine individuals have been charged or are wanted, with more than 21 charges laid. Two suspects remain at large, including Panesar and Prasath Paramalingam, who failed to appear in court. Another accused, Durante King-Mclean, faces charges in Canada and has pleaded guilty to firearms offences in the United States. Canadian police have urged the remaining suspects to seek legal advice and surrender. Peel Police said the case shows their commitment to tracking suspects, regardless of where they try to hide. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Canada First Published: January 15, 2026, 08:47 IST News world Canada $20 Million Gold Heist: Toronto Requests India To Extradite Key Accused Simran Preet Panesar 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... Colombian President To Meet Trump In Washington Days After 'Come Get Me' Challenge Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 08:02 IST The meeting came amid high tensions between Colombia and the US following Donald Trump's threats against the Latin American nation following the capture of Nicolas Maduro. Colombian President Gustavo Petro (L) and US President Donald Trump have exchanged several threats in recent weeks. (AFP) Colombian President Gustavo Petro will meet US President Donald Trump on February 3, even as relations between the two countries remain tense after the former warned of a real threat" of US military action against Colombia. Petro made the announcement during a meeting with the Council of Ministers, in which he said that the official meeting will take place with the aim of addressing the issues that have marked the recent bilateral dialogue. My intention is that Colombians from any place in the country do not suffer and are at ease," he said. Petro said his governments crackdown on the drug trade will be one of the central topics of the official meeting on February 3 between the Governments of Colombia and the United States, in which data and concrete results will be reviewed. Finally, there is a communication that allows President Donald Trump and the United States authorities to truly know what is happening with the fight we have waged from the Government of Colombia against narcotics, especially cocaine," he said in a statement. Petro-Trump Talks This came after Petro and Trump spoke by phone last week. After the call, Trump said he would meet Petro at the White House in the near future," later describing the conversation on his Truth Social platform as a great honour." A Colombian official said at the time that the discussion marked a 180-degree shift in tone from both sides. However, Petro suggested on Thursday that relations had not significantly improved. He said the call lasted just under an hour, with discussions focused on drug trafficking, Colombias position on Venezuela, and broader US policy in Latin America. US-Colombia Tensions Since returning to the White House, Trump has repeatedly linked immigration to crime and drug trafficking, accusing countries such as Colombia and Venezuela of failing to do enough to curb the drug trade. Tensions escalated after Trump made several threats towards Colombia after capturing Venezuelan President Maduro in an audacious raid. Petro had accused Washington of behaving like an empire and risking international isolation. He even dared Trump to come and get" him like the US military abducted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Come get me. Im waiting for you here," Petro said in a statement last week, warning of serious consequences if the US escalated tensions. Petro also criticised US immigration crackdown, saying that the ICE had gone beyond persecuting Latin Americans in the streets" and was now killing US citizens. Trumps Threats Shortly after the Caracas raid, Trump claimed that Colombia is run by a sick man" who is selling drugs to the US." He also said Petro should watch his a**." Colombia is very sick too, run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States. And hes not going to be doing it very long, let me tell you," Trump said. He also stated that launching an operation against Colombia sounds good" to him. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 15, 2026, 07:56 IST News world Colombian President To Meet Trump In Washington Days After 'Come Get Me' Challenge Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi-Bound IndiGo Flight From Georgia Crosses Iran Minutes Before Sudden Airspace Closure Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 14:59 IST Irans airspace lies on a key east-west aviation route, and the closure quickly affected global flight operations. File photo of an IndiGo aircraft. An unexpected closure of Iranian airspace has disrupted international aviation. A Delhi-bound aircraft from Georgia passed through Iran just hours before Tehran ordered a sudden shutdown, prompting Indian airlines to warn passengers of delays and cancellations amid escalating unrest in the region. According to flight tracking website Flightradar24, IndiGo flight 6E1808 left Tbilisi at 11.29am on Wednesday and landed in Delhi at 7.03am on Thursday. The aircraft crossed Iranian airspace at around 2.35 am, shortly before the shutdown took effect. Iran closed its entire airspace at 22:15 UTC (3:45 AM IST on January 15). Iran closed its airspace in the early hours of Thursday after issuing a Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM. The order halted most commercial flights, allowing only a limited number of approved international operations. Flight tracking data showed the skies over Iran and neighbouring Iraq emptying rapidly ahead of the closure. Iran later extended the shutdown as tensions remained high following a violent crackdown on anti-Khamenei protests. More than 2,400 protesters have been killed in the two weeks since unrest began on December 28. Indian airlines warn passengers Following the sudden airspace closure, IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet warned travellers of potential disruptions to international flights. Passengers have been advised to check their flight status and consider alternative travel options. IndiGo confirmed that some of its international services have been affected and said it is offering rebooking options or refunds to impacted customers. Air India said flights over the region are being rerouted where possible, which may cause delays, while some services that cannot be rerouted have been cancelled. SpiceJet also cautioned that certain flights may be impacted and urged passengers to check before heading to the airport. Global impact Irans airspace lies on a key east-west aviation route, and the closure quickly affected global flight operations. Iran had earlier shut its airspace during the June conflict with Israel and during exchanges of fire in the Israel-Hamas war. The latest move has fuelled speculation of an imminent attack on Tehran, especially after the United States pulled troops from its largest Middle East base. A Western military official told that an attack could be imminent, though such actions are often used to keep adversaries uncertain. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: January 15, 2026, 14:59 IST News world Delhi-Bound IndiGo Flight From Georgia Crosses Iran Minutes Before Sudden Airspace Closure 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... Donald Trump Informed Tehran He Does Not Want To Attack, Says Iranian Envoy Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 19:38 IST The Iranian envoy said Trump asked Iran to exercise restraint, citing a message he received early Wednesday. Rapid Read The Iranian envoy said US President Donald Trump conveyed he did not intend to attack and urged restraint, according to Pakistani media. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump has informed Iran that he does not intend to attack and has asked Tehran to exercise restraint, according to Irans envoy to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam. Moghadam said he received the information at around 1am Pakistan time on Wednesday, indicating that Trump did not want war and had urged Iran not to target US interests in the region amid rising tensions. The Iranian envoy also said people in Iran had a legitimate right to protest and claimed the government had engaged in talks with demonstrators, according to Pakistani newspaper Dawn, who first reported the development. Moghadam alleged that armed groups were involved in violence in Iran, including killings and attacks on mosques, according to the report. Iran vowed on Thursday to defend itself against any foreign threat, after US President Donald Trump said he would watch it and see" about military action over the crackdown on protesters. Up until Wednesday, the United States was threatening military action against Iran should it carry out the death penalty against people arrested over the protests. In an announcement at the White House, Trump said he had now received assurances from very important sources on the other side" that executions would not go ahead. Theyve said the killing has stopped and the executions wont take place there were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions wont take place and were going to find out," Trump said. Asked by an AFP reporter in the Oval Office if US military action was now off the table, Trump replied: Were going to watch it and see what the process is." The protests in Iran were sparked by economic grievances but evolved rapidly into a nationwide movement that has constituted the greatest threat to the Islamic republic since its inception in 1979. Rights groups say the crackdown by authorities, who exercise zero tolerance for dissent, has left at least 3,428 people dead. They also accuse the countrys theocratic leaders of using an internet blackout to cover up the brutality of their crackdown. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: January 15, 2026, 19:25 IST News world Donald Trump Informed Tehran He Does Not Want To Attack, Says Iranian Envoy 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... 'Dragon Blazing Across The Sky': Elon Musk Reacts As SpaceX Capsule Lights Up California Night | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 23:41 IST As the capsule tore into Earths atmosphere at close to eight kilometres per second, its outer heat shield was exposed to temperatures of nearly 1,600 degrees Celsius. This plasma shield, often mistaken for flames, is created when air molecules break apart under intense heat and pressure (Credits: SpaceX) Residents across California witnessed a dramatic sight on Thursday night as a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule tore through the sky, glowing brightly like a meteor during its return to Earth. Reacting to the visuals shared online, SpaceX founder Elon Musk posted on X, saying, Dragon blazing across the sky 10 times faster than a supersonic bullet." His comment came as videos of the spacecrafts fiery descent quickly spread across social media. Dragon blazing across the sky 10 times faster than a supersonic bullet https://t.co/xlh5M4MwWA Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 15, 2026 The capsule, named Endeavour, was carrying four astronauts from the Crew-11 mission back from the International Space Station. As it re-entered Earths atmosphere, the spacecraft became visible across large parts of California, from Southern California to San Francisco, leaving behind a bright trail of light. Just witnessed Crew-11s astronauts renter the atmosphere onboard SpaceXs Crew Dragon from Los Angeles.Fingers crossed for a safe splashdown! pic.twitter.com/GQsMLPUAAW Toby Li (@tobyliiiiiiiiii) January 15, 2026 The striking glow was caused by extreme heat generated during re-entry. As the capsule slammed into the atmosphere at nearly eight kilometres per second, its outer heat shield faced temperatures of around 1,600 degrees Celsius. The air around it heated even further, forming a plasma cocoon a glowing layer of superheated gas that wrapped around the spacecraft. This plasma shield, often mistaken for flames, is created when air molecules break apart under intense heat and pressure. The result is a brilliant orange-and-gold streak across the night sky, giving the appearance of a blazing meteor". Inside the capsule were four crew members: Nasa astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. While the visuals outside looked dramatic, the astronauts remained safe throughout the descent. Dragon and @NASAs Crew-11 return to Earth, splashing down off the coast of California pic.twitter.com/Kc7c6VX14A SpaceX (@SpaceX) January 15, 2026 This mission marked a historic moment for the International Space Station. For the first time in its 25-year history, a crewed mission was brought back early due to a medical evacuation. Nasa confirmed that one astronaut required diagnostic care available only on Earth. The agency said the crew member is stable and that the return was a precaution. The astronauts identity has not been disclosed for privacy reasons. After the intense descent, parachutes deployed smoothly, and the capsule splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego at 2.21 pm IST. Recovery teams moved in as dolphins were seen swimming near the floating spacecraft. Commander Zena Cardman summed up the moment simply, saying, Its good to be home." The mission concluded after 167 days in space. Attention now turns to the crews recovery and preparations for the upcoming Crew-12 launch. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 23:40 IST News world 'Dragon Blazing Across The Sky': Elon Musk Reacts As SpaceX Capsule Lights Up California Night | Watch 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, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Thursday reaffirmed its readiness to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a newly formed Palestinian technocratic committee and facilitate its mission. "Hamas welcomed the formation of the committee and announced its readiness to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to the national transitional committee and facilitate its mission," senior Hamas official Basem Naim said in a statement. Naim called the formation of the committee "an important step in implementing the agreement and a step in the right direction, both in terms of consolidating the ceasefire and avoiding a return to war, and in terms of alleviating the catastrophic humanitarian crisis and paving the way for comprehensive reconstruction." He added that the committee's formation should mark the start of a Palestinian political process aimed at achieving unity, ending internal division, and transforming the temporary body into a national unity government that affirms Palestinian political and territorial unity. Egypt, Qatar and Turkiye announced on Wednesday the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee to administer the Gaza Strip. 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. 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. France To Send More 'Land, Air, Sea' Forces To Greenland, Says Macron Amid US Threats Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 18:36 IST France, Germany, and Nordic countries have confirmed participation in the European military mission to the territory. French President Emmanuel Macron delivers his New Year's address to the armed forces at the Istres military air force base. (AFP photo) French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday said France would soon send additional land, air, and sea forces to Greenland to join a European military exercise, following threats by the United States over the Arctic territory. A first team of French service members is already on site and will be reinforced in the coming days with land, air, and maritime assets," Macron said during a New Year speech to troops. The move comes amid rising tensions over Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory coveted by US President Donald Trump. More NATO troops are expected in Greenland, the Arctic islands deputy prime minister, Mute Egede, said on Wednesday. Soldiers of NATO are expected to be more present in Greenland from today and in the coming days. It is expected that there will be more military flights and ships," he said, adding that the forces would be there for training exercises. France, Germany, and Nordic countries have confirmed participation in the European military mission to the territory. Their deployments aim to reassure the US about Greenlands security after a high-level White House meeting failed to resolve disagreements between Washington, Denmark, and Greenland over the islands status. Poland, however, will not send troops. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk had warned that an attack by one NATO country on the territory of another would be the end of the world as we know it" and called it a potential political disaster. He stressed the need for European unity and NATO solidarity to prevent escalation. Trump has repeatedly said Greenland is vital for US security and has suggested that Washington must own it to prevent Russian or Chinese influence. All options, he said, remain on the table to secure the territory. Meanwhile, Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsenhas has called for dialogue to resolve tensions over the territory. Dialogue and diplomacy are the right way forward, even when the stakes are high and the pressure is palpable," Nielsen said in a statement on Facebook. He further hailed the fact that dialogue was now underway" following high-level talks at the White House that failed to resolve differences on the issue. (With inputs from AFP) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 18:34 IST News world France To Send More 'Land, Air, Sea' Forces To Greenland, Says Macron Amid 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... Give Iran A Chance: Gulf Trio Stepped In To Stop Trump Strike, Saudi Official Claims Curated By : Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 08:05 IST Gulf officials said the effort was intended to prevent a rapid slide toward military confrontation. Rapid Read The Saudi-led outreach was aimed at giving Tehran time to step back from escalation amid fears of that Donald Trump would order a strike on Iran. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman mounted a last-minute diplomatic push to dissuade the United States from launching a military strike on Iran, with senior Gulf officials saying they urged Washington to give Tehran time to step back from escalation. A senior Saudi official told Agence France-Presse on Thursday that the three countries led what he described as an intense effort to convince US President Donald Trump not to attack Iran amid rising tensions over Tehrans crackdown on protests. Another Gulf official confirmed the discussions while speaking to the news agency. The Gulf trio led a long, frantic, diplomatic last-minute effort to convince President Trump to give Iran a chance to show good intention," the unnamed Saudi official was quoted as saying. Earlier in the day, Irans envoy to Pakistan said Trump had conveyed to Tehran that he did not intend to attack and had urged restraint, a claim that pointed to parallel diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation. The Iranian envoy, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said the message indicated that Trump did not want war and had asked Iran not to target US interests in the region, according to a report by Pakistans Dawn. The Saudi official said the Gulf outreach was aimed at preventing an uncontrollable situation in the region," warning Washington that any attack on Iran could trigger serious regional fallout. We told Washington that an attack on Iran would open the way for a series of grave blowbacks in the region," the official said. US Senator Lindsey Graham, however, criticised reports suggesting that Arab allies had intervened to dissuade President Donald Trump from taking decisive military action against Iran, calling such claims deeply troubling. Graham said headlines indicating that so-called Arab allies had stepped in on Irans behalf were beyond disturbing," accusing the Iranian leadership of having American blood on its hands" and of slaughtering people in the streets." He warned that if it was indeed true that the Arab position was that action is not necessary against Iran" despite what he described as the outrageous slaughter of innocent people," it would force a fundamental reassessment of alliances. All the headlines suggesting that our so-called Arab allies have intervened on behalf of Iran to avoid decisive military action by President Trump are beyond disturbing. The ayatollahs regime has American blood on its hands. They are slaughtering people in the streets.If it https://t.co/A6bgczkb4q Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 15, 2026 Graham said such a stance would lead to a dramatic rethinking" on his part about the nature of current and future alliances, underscoring growing unease in Washington over regional responses to the situation in Iran. Trump later signalled a shift in tone, saying he had received assurances from what he described as very important sources on the other side" that Iran would not carry out executions of demonstrators, a development he said had reduced immediate tensions. A second Gulf official said messages conveyed to Tehran included a warning that any attack on US facilities in the Gulf would have consequences for Irans relations with neighbouring countries. It was a sleepless night to defuse more bombs in the region," the Saudi official said, adding that communication was continuing to consolidate trust and preserve what he described as a more positive atmosphere. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Riyadh, Saudi Arabia First Published: January 15, 2026, 21:32 IST News world Give Iran A Chance: Gulf Trio Stepped In To Stop Trump Strike, Saudi Official Claims Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Hamas Ready To Hand Over Gaza To US-Backed Technocratic Committee To Secure Ceasefire Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 18:15 IST A senior Hamas official welcomed the formation of the 15-member committee, which was announced by Egypt, a mediator in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. Palestinian Hamas militants secure the area in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City. (AFP file photo) Hamas on Thursday said it was ready to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to a US-backed technocratic committee, saying the move would help consolidate the ceasefire and prevent a return to conflict. A senior Hamas official welcomed the formation of the 15-member committee, which was announced by Egypt, a mediator in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. The committee will operate under the overall supervision of a so-called Board of Peace," to be chaired by US President Donald Trump. The formation of the committee is a step in the right direction," said Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas leader. This is crucial for consolidating the ceasefire, preventing a return to war, addressing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis and preparing for comprehensive reconstruction." Hamas, which has controlled public life in Gaza since 2007, has repeatedly said it does not intend to play an active role in future governance and will limit its involvement to monitoring the work of the committee. Naim added that Hamas would facilitate the committees work and hand over administration smoothly. The ball is now in the court of the mediators, the American guarantor and the international community to empower the committee," Naim said. He also urged the mediators to counter what he described as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus attempts to stall or obstruct" the next stages of the ceasefire. Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, Gaza has been divided by a Yellow Line," marking territory controlled by Hamas and areas under Israeli military authority. Washingtons top envoy, Steve Witkoff, said the ceasefire has now entered its second stage. Key elements include the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, the demilitarisation of the territory, the disarmament of Hamas, and steps to address the humanitarian crisis through accelerated aid deliveries and reconstruction. The US-proposed Board of Peace is expected to be led on the ground by Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov, a former UN envoy for the Middle East peace process. Trump is expected to announce the 15 members of the board in the coming days, including world leaders tasked with overseeing Gazas recovery. (With inputs from AFP) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 18:15 IST News world Hamas Ready To Hand Over Gaza To US-Backed Technocratic Committee To Secure Ceasefire 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 Iran Halting Executions; Tehran Claims Full Control As 3,400 Killed | Top Points Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 08:01 IST Trump's claims came amid heightened tensions as the United States signalled possible action against Iran over widespread protests, which has killed more than 3,400 people. Tensions have increased over possible US action against Iran over executions linked to the unrest. (AFP/File) As the world sits on edge over possible US military action against Iran, President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he had been told on good authority" that Tehran has stopped its plans for fast trials and executions as widespread protests have left over 3,400 dead. Weve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping its stopped its stopping," Trump said. And theres no plan for executions, or an execution, or executions so Ive been told that on good authority." Trumps claims came after he called on protesters to take over institutions and said help was on the way", which heightened tensions as Western countries criticised the violence and warned Tehran against executions linked to the unrest. Iran Human Rights, based in Norway, said security forces had killed at least 3,428 protesters, exceeding that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades, while over 10,000 have been arrested. On the other hand, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 2,586 people have been killed. Meanwhile, Irans Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday there would not be any hanging today or tomorrow," despite earlier vows from Tehran to fast-track trials for protesters. I can tell you, Im confident that there is no plan for hanging," he told Fox News. Were In Full Control, Says Iran Despite the threat of US action, Araghchi claimed that the Iranian government was in full control. After three days of terrorist operation, now there is a calm. We are in full control," he said. This came following reports that the United States has begun withdrawing some personnel from key military bases in the region as a precaution. Qatar said some US personnel had been told to leave the largest American base over regional tensions". Meanwhile, the US embassy in Saudi Arabia advised staff to exercise caution and avoid military sites. The alerts issued across oil-rich Gulf states many of them key US allies that host American bases and assets -rekindled concerns that the region could once again be drawn into a USIran confrontation. Saudi Arabia has already informed Iran that it will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for any attack. A US official told Reuters that the move was driven by rising tensions after Iran warned neighbouring countries that American bases could be targeted if Washington carries out strikes. Two European officials believe US military intervention could come within the next 24 hours. UK Temporarily Closes Tehran Embassy Meanwhile, the British embassy in Irans capital Tehran, has been temporarily closed", according to the government in London. We have temporarily closed the British Embassy in Tehran, this will now operate remotely," a government spokesperson said. It said British staff have been withdrawn due to the security situation." The government had already advised British citizens against travelling to Iran. Additionally, Germany saw widespread protests as Iranians and Germans held demonstrations against the clerical establishment. G7 nations on Wednesday said they were deeply alarmed at the high level of reported deaths and injuries" and warned of further sanctions if the crackdown continued. Meanwhile, Iran issued an order on early Thursday to close its airspace, without explanation. The flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.com noted the order closed Irans airspace for a little more than two hours. Jaishankar Discusses Iran Tensions Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said he received a phone call from his Iranian counterpart Araghchi, with the two discussing the evolving situation in and around Iran. Araghchi also held a phone call with Egypts Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss regional and international developments and bilateral ties. This came as several countries advised their nationals to leave Iran amid the possibility of a wider conflict due to possible US involvement. The Indian embassy in Tehran urged students, pilgrims, business persons and tourists to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights. It also advised all Indian citizens to exercise due caution and have their immigration documents readily available. Moreover, countries like Russia and China condemned US threats to Iran. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Moscow and Tehran maintain strong relations that cannot be affected by any third party, as Donald Trump announced 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran. (with inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: January 15, 2026, 07:10 IST News world Trump Says Iran Halting Executions; Tehran Claims Full Control As 3,400 Killed | Top Points 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... 'More Positions Than Kama Sutra': UK's Starmer Mocks Conservatives Over Policy U-Turns Curated By : Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 17:47 IST Starmer's remarks came as he defended his government against criticism over the recent decision to drop plans for mandatory digital ID cards for workers. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (PTI file photo) UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday mocked the Conservative Party, saying they had more positions in 14 years than the Kama Sutra," during a heated debate in Parliament. The British Prime Ministers remarks came as he defended his government against criticism over the recent decision to drop plans for mandatory digital ID cards for workers. Starmer explained that the Labour government remains committed to cracking down on illegal employment, but clarified that while checks will be mandatory, the specific form of digital ID is flexible. Im determined to make it harder for people to work illegally in this country, and that is why there will be checks. They will be digital, and they will be mandatory," he told MPs. Starmer also used the debate to take aim at the previous Conservative government, highlighting frequent leadership changes and ministerial reshuffles. Over the past 14 years, they have had five prime ministers, six chancellors, eight home secretaries, and 16 housing ministers," he said. They had more positions in 14 years than the Kama Sutra. No wonder theyre knackered and they left the country screwed," he noted. The digital ID plan, first proposed in September last year, was designed to verify the right to work in Britain. Initially intended to be mandatory, the proposal faced widespread opposition from political rivals and parts of the public, who raised privacy concerns. Critics warned without evidence that the scheme could track vaccinations, carbon footprints, and restrict access to travel and essential services. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the proposal as a rubbish policy" and welcomed its withdrawal. Opposition parties seized on the move as evidence of government inconsistency, pointing out that Labour has already reversed several policies since winning power in July 2024. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, called the decision a victory for individual liberty" and vowed to scrap digital ID completely if his party returns to power. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 17:20 IST News world 'More Positions Than Kama Sutra': UK's Starmer Mocks Conservatives Over Policy U-Turns 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... 'Putin Ready To Make A Deal': Trump Blames Zelenskyy For Impasse Over Ukraine Peace Deal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 11:49 IST Trump said Russia's Vladimir Putin was ready to make a deal with Ukraine, but Zelenskyy was the main impediment to ending the war. US President Donald Trump blamed Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the impasse in ending the war. (Reuters photo) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the ongoing impasse over the Ukraine war, saying he was the main impediment to resolving the nearly four-year conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people. Trump, who has frequently criticised both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelenskyy, has alternated between support for Kyiv and sympathising with Moscow, which has signalled that the US is no longer a certain ally as it was in the early years of the war. Speaking to Reuters in the Oval Office, Trump said Putin was ready to make a deal" and simply said Zelenskyy" when asked about the exact reason behind the hold-up on a peace deal. We have to get President Zelenskyy to go along with it," he added. Asked if he supported the idea of US security guarantees to protect Ukraine through intelligence sharing, Trump said, If we can get something done, wed help. Theyre losing 30,000 soldiers a month between them and Russia. Now, Europe is going to help us with that." Trumps recent comments suggested renewed frustration with the Ukrainian leader. The two presidents have long had a volatile relationship, though their interactions seem to have improved over Trumps first year back in office. Trumps Plans For Ukraine Amid his frustration, Trump has been more willing to accept Putins assurances for peace at times, which has irked Ukraine, European capitals and US lawmakers, including some Republicans. After repeated setbacks, US-led negotiations have now focused on security guarantees for a post-war Ukraine to ensure that Russia does not invade it again after a potential peace deal. However, US negotiators have pushed Ukraine to abandon its eastern Donbas region as part of any accord with Russia, which is a red line for Kyiv. Zelenskyy has publicly ruled out any territorial concessions to Moscow, saying Kyiv has no right under the countrys constitution to give up any land. Last week, he said a draft plan outlining American security guarantees for Kyiv was essentially ready" to be submitted to Trump for his approval. Ukrainian officials have been deeply involved in recent talks, which have been led on the US side by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law. The duo are seeking to travel to Moscow to meet Putin, sources told Bloomberg. Putin has maintained a firm tone on the Russian offensive, urging his army to continue efforts to take full control of Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region. The Kremlin also repeated its demand that Ukrainian forces withdraw from the remaining parts of eastern Ukraine under Kyivs control. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 15, 2026, 11:49 IST News world 'Putin Ready To Make A Deal': Trump Blames Zelenskyy For Impasse Over Ukraine Peace Deal 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... SpaceX Capsule With Four ISS Astronauts Returns To Earth In First-Ever Medical Evacuation | Watch Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 23:11 IST SpaceX Endeavour returned ISS crew Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, Oleg Platonov and Kimiya Yui to Earth in a first-ever medical evacuation. US astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui (Image credit: NASA/AP) In a first-ever medical evacuation, SpaceX capsule named Endeavour, carrying a four-member International Space Station (ISS) crew home from orbit, splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean off California early today. Notably, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) cut short the mission due to a medical emergency, bringing the astronauts back a few weeks ahead of the set schedule. A joint NASA-SpaceX webcast showed the capsule carrying US astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui landing off the coast of San Diego. VIDEO: Astronauts return to Earth in first-ever medical evacuationFour International Space Station crew members splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, after the first ever medical evacuation in the orbital labs history. A NASA video feed showed the capsule pic.twitter.com/IIL8wrganB AFP News Agency (@AFP) January 15, 2026 The video featured the deployment of two sets of parachutes from the nose of the free-falling capsule, with the parachutes slowing the capsules descent rate to about 15 miles per hour (25 kilometres per hour) before gently landing onto the water. During a radio transmission to the SpaceX flight control centre, Endeavours commander, NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, said, Its good to be home." Upon landing, all four astronauts were helped out of the capsule one by one, as they were welcomed with cheers and applause from SpaceX employees aboard a ship. Why was the mission cut short? The ISS crew made an early emergency return to Earth as one of the astronauts faced an undisclosed medical condition. Last week, NASA announced that it had cancelled a spacewalk at the last minute because of health concerns involving one of the crew members. On January 8, the agency declared that all four Crew-11 members would be brought home early. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman revealed that one of the astronauts was facing a serious medical condition", calling for immediate medical attention on the ground. However, the authorities have not yet disclosed what was the condition that prompted an emergency landing, citing privacy concerns. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: January 15, 2026, 23:11 IST News world SpaceX Capsule With Four ISS Astronauts Returns To Earth In First-Ever Medical Evacuation | Watch 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... This Time It Wont Miss: Iranian State TV Airs Banner Featuring Image From Trump Assassination Bid Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 00:45 IST The broadcast comes amid sharply rising tensions between Iran, the US and Israel, with Washington warning of possible military action and Tehran signalling battle readiness. Rapid Read Donald Trump is assisted by the Secret Service after gunfire rang out during a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) Iranian state television aired a threatening message targeting US President Donald Trump, according to videos circulating online and shared by multiple journalists and open-source intelligence accounts. The footage shows a banner displayed on Iranian state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting featuring an image of Trump from a recent assassination attempt, alongside a message that read: This time, it wont miss." The clip was shared by several journalists and monitoring accounts on X, including Amichai Stein and Sana Ebrahimi. News18 could not independently verify the broadcast at the time of publication. News18 could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos shared or intent of the broadcast at the time of publication. While Iranian state media has previously aired provocative messaging during periods of heightened tension, there was no official statement from Irans government or security establishment taking responsibility for any attack. The assassination attempt referenced in the broadcast stems from the July 13, 2024, shooting at a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania, when a gunman opened fire at then-presidential candidate Donald Trump from a nearby rooftop. The attacker, later identified by the FBI as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, wounded Trump in the ear, killed one attendee and injured several others before being neutralised by Secret Service counter-snipers. IRAN STATE TV AIRS THREAT AGAINST TRUMP: This time, the bullet wont miss." pic.twitter.com/rFIYjBrV8F Amichai Stein (@AmichaiStein1) January 14, 2026 Authorities treated the incident as a lone gunman attack, and the alleged shooter was killed at the scene. The rally, held at the Butler Farm Show Grounds, became a high-profile moment in US political security discussions and has since been widely covered in US media. By airing an image of President Trump after the attempted assassination, Irans state TV is issuing a direct threat to the United States and to President Trump: This time, the bullet wont miss." says the sign in Persian. pic.twitter.com/BDj7zn8wRs | Sana Ebrahimi (@__Injaneb96) January 14, 2026 The broadcast also comes against the backdrop of widespread unrest across Iran, where mass protests that began in late December 2025 have escalated into one of the largest anti-government movements in years. Rights groups say the death toll has surpassed 2,500 amid a sharp government crackdown, and Iranian officials have accused external forces of fomenting unrest even as they maintain communications with global actors. In response to the crackdown, Donald Trump has threatened strong action, including tariffs and possible military options, and Tehran has warned regional states that US bases could be targeted if any attack unfolds. The tense standoff has led to precautionary troop movements at key bases and widespread international concern as the situation continues to evolve. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location : Tehran, Iran First Published: January 15, 2026, 00:45 IST News world This Time It Wont Miss: Iranian State TV Airs Banner Featuring Image From Trump Assassination Bid 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... Tripped Or Stumbled? Larry The Cat Responds To Downing Street Drama During Polish PM Visit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 00:06 IST Social media users were quick to come to Larrys defence. Comments ranged from playful admiration to outright support. A video shows Larry darting across the doorway as the pair left, forcing the photographer to make a sudden dodge.(Image via X/@mikolaj_bk and AP) Larry the cat, the famous Downing Street feline, has made headlines after a minor mishap with a photographer as he exited Number 10 following a meeting between Polish president Karol Nawrocki and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. A video shared by The Independent on X shows Larry darting across the doorway as the pair left, forcing the photographer to make a sudden dodge. The outlet wrote, Larry the cat tripped up a photographer as he exited Downing Street following Polish president Karol Nawrockis meeting with Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday, 13 January." Watch the video and judge for yourself if I tripped" the photographer or if he stumbled and nearly squashed me https://t.co/cffwMpeL3H Larry the Cat (@Number10cat) January 15, 2026 Larry, however, quickly stole the spotlight. Responding to The Independents video on his X handle, the cat wrote: the video and judge for yourself if I tripped" the photographer or if he stumbled and nearly squashed me." Social media users were quick to come to Larrys defence. Comments ranged from playful admiration to outright support. One wrote: I mean anyone whos ever walked behind a cat knows youre supposed to wait." A user even had a message to the photographer, writing, That photographer needs to start living the world through his eyes, not his lens." Another user added, You simply strategically positioned yourself for maximum safety and attention. He stumbled and nearly squashed you, that is entirely on his lack of spatial awareness and failure to follow standard Cat Avoidance Protocols. You are innocent." Other users were equally charmed, calling Larry a sweet rascal" and the British Larry Legend". One jokingly described the incident as attempted murder", while another concluded: Larry this is your house and carpet. The answer is clear." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 16, 2026, 00:05 IST News world Tripped Or Stumbled? Larry The Cat Responds To Downing Street Drama During Polish PM 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... Russia, China Unlikely To Back Iran Against US Military Threats Published By : AFP Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 21:28 IST The United States imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting over a dozen individuals and entities, as announced by the US Department of the Treasury. Rapid Read Deadly protests in Iran against the country's leadership have entered its second week | Image: AP While Russia and China are ready to back protest-rocked Iran under threat by US President Donald Trump, that support would diminish in the face of US military action, experts told AFP. Iran is a significant ally to the two nuclear powers, providing drones to Russia and oil to China. But analysts told AFP the two superpowers would only offer diplomatic and economic aid to Tehran, to avoid a showdown with Washington. China and Russia dont want to go head-to-head with the US over Iran," said Ellie Geranmayeh, a senior policy expert for the European Council on Foreign Relations think tank. Tehran, despite its best efforts over decades, has failed to establish a formal alliance with Moscow and Beijing, she noted. If the United States carried out strikes on Iran, both the Chinese and the Russians will prioritise their bilateral relationship with Washington", Geranmayeh said. China has to maintain a delicate" rapprochement with the Trump administration, she argued, while Russia wants to keep the United States involved in talks on ending the war in Ukraine. They both have much higher priorities than Iran." Ukraine before Iran Despite their close ties, Russia-Iranian treaties dont include military support" only political, diplomatic and economic aid, Russian analyst Sergei Markov told AFP. Alexander Gabuev, director of Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said Moscow would do whatever it could to keep the regime afloat". But Russias options are very limited," he added. Faced with its own economic crisis, Russia cannot become a giant market for Iranian products" nor can it provide a lavish loan", Gabuev said. Nikita Smagin, a specialist in Russia-Iran relations, said that in the event of US strikes, Russia could do almost nothing". They dont want to risk military confrontation with other great powers like the US but at the same time, theyre ready to send weaponry to Iran," he said. Using Iran as a bargaining asset is a normal thing for Russia," Smagin said of the longer-term strategy, at a time when Moscow is also negotiating with Washington on Ukraine. Markov agreed. The Ukrainian crisis is much more important for Russia than the Iranian crisis," he argued. Chinese restraint China is also ready to help Tehran economically, technologically, militarily and politically" as it confronts non-military US actions such as trade pressure and cyberattacks, Hua Po, a Beijing-based independent political observer, told AFP. If the United States launched strikes, China would strengthen its economic ties with Iran and help it militarise in order to contribute to bogging the United States down in a war in the Middle East," he added. Until now, China has been cautious and expressed itself with restraint", weighing the stakes of oil and regional stability, said Iran-China relations researcher Theo Nencini of Sciences Po Grenoble. China is benefiting from a weakened Iran, which allows it to secure low-cost oil and to acquire a sizeable geopolitical partner," he said. However, he added: I find it hard to see them engaging in a showdown with the Americans over Iran." Beijing would likely issue condemnations, but not retaliate, he said. Hua said the Iran crisis was unlikely to have an impact on China-US relations overall. The Iranian question isnt at the heart of relations between the two countries," he argued. Neither will sever ties with the other over Iran." 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, 21:14 IST News world Russia, China Unlikely To Back Iran Against US Military 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... A Palestinian checks the rubble of a house demolished by the Israeli forces in the city of Hebron, southern West Bank, on Jan. 15, 2026. Israeli authorities arrested 80 Palestinians, demolished a house, and barred the Palestinian Authority's minister of Jerusalem affairs from entering the West Bank, according to Palestinian sources on Thursday. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua) RAMALLAH, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Israeli authorities arrested 80 Palestinians, demolished a house, and barred the Palestinian Authority's minister of Jerusalem affairs from entering the West Bank, according to Palestinian sources on Thursday. The Palestinian Prisoners Club, a non-governmental organization, said in a press statement that the Israeli army launched widespread arrest and field interrogation operations from Wednesday evening until Thursday morning, targeting 80 Palestinians, including a woman, two children, and former detainees. The statement said the arrests and field interrogations took place in most West Bank cities, with a concentration in Hebron and Jenin. It added that Israeli forces have escalated arrest and interrogation operations at an increasing pace since the beginning of 2026. The Israeli army conducts near-daily arrest and raid campaigns in the West Bank, targeting Palestinians it describes as "wanted," while Palestinians say the operations often target civilians. Meanwhile, Israeli forces demolished the home of 18-year-old Palestinian Imran al-Atrash in Hebron, in the southern West Bank, according to Palestinian security sources. The sources told Xinhua that Israeli forces stormed the Khallat Nafisa area of Hebron, sealed it off, and raided the al-Atrash family's one-story house, forcing the family to evacuate before demolishing it with bulldozers. Israeli media outlets also reported that the forces demolished the home of al-Atrash, who was killed in November. The reports said al-Atrash, along with another individual, carried out a car-ramming and stabbing attack that resulted in the death of one person and injuries to three others. Israel frequently demolishes the homes of Palestinians accused of carrying out attacks, describing the practice as a deterrent. Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations condemn the policy, considering it a form of collective punishment. In addition, Israeli authorities barred Palestinian Authority Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Ashraf al-Awar from entering the West Bank for six months, according to a press statement issued by his ministry. The statement said Israeli authorities handed al-Awar the ban after summoning him for questioning at the al-Maskubiya detention center in Jerusalem. It added that he was given 72 hours to appeal the decision. The ministry described the move as "a new escalation" and said it restricts the work of official Palestinian institutions in Jerusalem and limits their efforts to support residents and address their concerns. There was no immediate Israeli comment on these developments. A Palestinian checks the rubble of a house demolished by the Israeli forces in the city of Hebron, southern West Bank, on Jan. 15, 2026. Israeli authorities arrested 80 Palestinians, demolished a house, and barred the Palestinian Authority's minister of Jerusalem affairs from entering the West Bank, according to Palestinian sources on Thursday. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua) A Palestinian checks the rubble of a house demolished by the Israeli forces in the city of Hebron, southern West Bank, on Jan. 15, 2026. Israeli authorities arrested 80 Palestinians, demolished a house, and barred the Palestinian Authority's minister of Jerusalem affairs from entering the West Bank, according to Palestinian sources on Thursday. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua) A Palestinian checks the rubble of a house demolished by the Israeli forces in the city of Hebron, southern West Bank, on Jan. 15, 2026. Israeli authorities arrested 80 Palestinians, demolished a house, and barred the Palestinian Authority's minister of Jerusalem affairs from entering the West Bank, according to Palestinian sources on Thursday. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua) Trump Administration Targets Iran Security Tsar Larijani, IRGC Officials In New Sanctions Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 21:57 IST The United States on Thursday announced fresh sanctions on Iran, targeting more than a dozen individuals and entities. Rapid Read The US Treasury said Ali Larijani was sanctioned for his role in coordinating Irans security response to nationwide protests. (IMAGE: REUTERS) The United States on Thursday imposed fresh sanctions on senior Iranian security officials over what it described as a violent crackdown on protests, naming Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme Council for National Security, as a central figure behind the use of force against demonstrators. Announcing the move, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions were directed at Iranian leaders responsible for directing violence against peaceful protesters. He said the action was taken at the direction of US President Donald Trump and signalled Washingtons support for what he described as the Iranian peoples demand for freedom and justice. The United States stands firmly behind the Iranian people in their call for freedom and justice," Bessent said. According to the US Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Larijani was among the first senior Iranian officials to publicly call for force in response to protests that erupted across the country in December. US authorities said he coordinated the states security response to the demonstrations on behalf of Irans supreme leadership. The sanctions also target senior commanders from Irans security and paramilitary structures, including officials linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and internal law enforcement units. US officials accused these forces of firing live ammunition at protesters and carrying out violent operations during the unrest. Those named include Mohammad Reza Hashemifar, a senior law enforcement commander in Lorestan province, and Nematollah Bagheri, the IRGC commander for the province. The US Treasury said security forces under their command were involved in killings and intimidation during protests in the region. Also sanctioned were Azizollah Maleki and Yadollah Buali, senior security officials in Fars province, where authorities are accused of overseeing violent crackdowns on demonstrators and coercing families of victims during the unrest. Alongside the security officials, OFAC said it had also sanctioned individuals and entities linked to what it described as Irans shadow banking networks. These networks, the Treasury said, were used to launder revenue from petroleum and petrochemical sales through sanctioned financial institutions, including Bank Melli and Shahr Bank. US officials said the funds were used to finance internal repression and activities abroad, rather than to address Irans economic crisis, marked by high inflation and worsening living conditions. The sanctions come amid sustained unrest in Iran, where protests that began in late December over economic hardship have expanded into a nationwide movement against the government. Rights groups say at least 3,400 people have been killed in the crackdown, with thousands more detained, claims Tehran has rejected. The violence prompted sharp warnings from US President Donald Trump, who in recent days said Washington could respond militarily if Iran carried out executions of detained protesters. Trump publicly raised the prospect of bombing Iranian targets, fuelling fears of a wider conflict in West Asia. Trump later said he had been told by Iranian officials that executions would not go ahead, citing what he described as assurances from very important sources on the other side." He said the information indicated that killings had stopped, though US officials said Washington would continue to closely monitor developments. Tensions eased after Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman led a last-minute diplomatic effort to dissuade Washington from launching a strike, with Gulf officials urging the United States to give Tehran time to step back from escalation. 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, 21:13 IST News world Trump Administration Targets Iran Security Tsar Larijani, IRGC Officials In New Sanctions 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 Warns Of Using Insurrection Act To End Minneapolis Protests. What The 1807 Law Means Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 20:24 IST The law, which dates back to the early 19th century, gives the president authority to deploy military forces domestically to restore order. US President Donald Trump (Getty Images) US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned he could invoke a centuries-old law that allows the deployment of the military on US soil, as protests continue in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of a woman by a federal agent last week. If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State," Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social. The presidents comments come after unrest in Minneapolis, where protests erupted following a separate incident on Wednesday in which an immigration agent shot and injured a man. This is not the first time Trump has threatened to use the Insurrection Act. Last year, he openly considered invoking the law after a federal judge in Oregon temporarily blocked a National Guard deployment in Portland, while another judge in Illinois allowed a similar action in Chicago to proceed. What Is The Insurrection Act? The Insurrection Act of 1807 is a US federal law that allows the president to send active-duty military personnel into states to suppress civil disorder, rebellion, or insurrection. It essentially gives the federal government the power to step in if local authorities cannot maintain order or enforce the law. While rarely used, the Act has historically been invoked during civil rights unrest or rebellions. It is considered an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, which normally prohibits federal troops from engaging in domestic law enforcement. Under the Insurrection Act, the president can order military forces to enforce federal law, support local authorities, or suppress uprisings against the government. Although often called the Insurrection Act of 1807," the law is actually a combination of statutes passed between 1792 and 1871. Today, it is codified in Sections 251 through 255 of Title 10 of the United States Code. Experts warn that, while the law may be necessary in rare circumstances, its broad wording makes it vulnerable to misuse. (With inputs from agencies) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: January 15, 2026, 20:24 IST News world Trump Warns Of Using Insurrection Act To End Minneapolis Protests. What The 1807 Law Means 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 Repositions Carrier Strike Group To West Asia As Unrest Grips Iran Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 15, 2026, 18:54 IST The USS Abraham Lincoln-led carrier strike group is being moved to the U.S. Central Command area as Washington weighs its response to protests and rising tensions with Iran. Rapid Read The Pentagon is redeploying the USS Abraham Lincoln-led carrier strike group to the U.S. Central Command area as unrest in Iran deepens and regional security warnings mount. (IMAGE: REUTERS) The Pentagon is moving a carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the US Central Commands area of responsibility, which includes West Asia, as tensions escalate between the Trump administration and Iran. The move comes amid growing unrest inside Iran and fresh questions over whether Washington will openly support protesters challenging Tehrans leadership. The development was first reported by US broadcaster NewsNation. According to the report, the carrier strike group is expected to take around a week to reach the region. The USS Abraham Lincoln is the aircraft carrier being redeployed, the broadcaster said, citing a source familiar with the movement. The transfer of major US military assets comes at a time when Iran has issued fresh warnings to Washington, saying it would target US troops and Israel if America launches strikes linked to the ongoing protests. Regional governments have also issued advisories as tensions rise. What Is a Carrier Strike Group? A carrier strike group is a naval formation centred on an aircraft carrier and includes multiple escort vessels such as guided-missile destroyers and cruisers. It typically operates with at least one attack submarine and carries air power capable of sustained combat operations. The US Central Commands area of responsibility spans more than four million square miles across Northeast Africa, West Asia, Central Asia and South Asia. It covers 21 countries, including Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, and remains one of Washingtons most strategically sensitive military theatres. Iran Reacts, Issues NOTAMs As the carrier movement was reported, Iran issued a Notice to Air Missions", or NOTAM, restricting flights in and out of Tehran. Separately, some personnel at a key US military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate by Wednesday evening, according to a US official and the Gulf country. The United Kingdom has also advised against all but essential travel to Israel, a close US ally that exchanged missile strikes with Iran last year, underscoring fears of a wider regional spillover. Protests in Iran have intensified since late December, driven largely by worsening economic conditions. More than 2,500 people have been killed in the unrest, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. President Donald Trump, who recently authorised US military action in Venezuela, has repeatedly suggested that his administration could come to the aid of Iranian protesters. On Wednesday, however, Trump claimed Tehran had eased its crackdown and was seeking negotiations with Washington, even as US military preparations in the region continued. 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, 18:54 IST News world US Repositions Carrier Strike Group To West Asia As Unrest Grips 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... I Presented The Medal: Machado Says She Gave Her Nobel Peace Prize To Donald Trump Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: January 16, 2026, 04:07 IST The Venezuelan opposition leader met Trump at the White House but did not say whether he accepted the Nobel medal. Machado said she presented the Nobel Peace Prize medal during the meeting but declined to give details. (IMAGE: REUTERS) Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado said on Thursday that she presented US President Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during a meeting at the White House. Speaking to reporters in Washington, Machado said she handed the medal to Trump but did not say whether he accepted it. She declined to answer questions on the exchange, according to Reuters. Machado arrived at the White House earlier in the day for talks with Trump, marking a rare high-level engagement between the two. Wearing a white suit, she was seen arriving at the White House complex in an SUV before being escorted inside, an Agence France-Presse photographer reported. Officials said the meeting was expected to take the form of a closed-door lunch. No details were immediately available on the agenda or the outcome of the discussions. Trump has openly coveted the award that the Nobel committee says cannot be transferred. I presented the president of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize," Machado told reporters outside the US Capitol following her White House meeting with Trump. NOW Venezuelan opposition leader Machado presents to Trump her Nobel Peace prize medal for his "unique commitment" to Venezuelan "freedom." pic.twitter.com/MtwEA882oZ Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 15, 2026 She drew a comparison to the Marquis de Lafayette, the French officer who helped the United States in the Revolutionary War against Britain, saying he handed a medal with the image of first US president George Washington to Simon Bolivar, the Venezuelan who led a wave of successful independence fights against Spain. Two hundred years in history, the people of Bolivar are giving back to the heir of Washington a medal in this case, the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom," she said. US President Donald Trump was reluctant to back Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado because she accepted the Nobel Peace Prize last year, according to a report by The Washington Post released in January. The report said Trump viewed Machados decision to accept the prize as a personal slight, having long coveted the Nobel Peace Prize himself. One official described the move as Machados ultimate sin" in Trumps eyes. Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2025 for her role in leading Venezuelas democratic opposition and mobilising resistance against the government of Nicolas Maduro. However, US officials cited by the newspaper said Trump believed the prize should have been his. If she had turned it down and said, I cant accept it because its Donald Trumps, shed be the president of Venezuela today," one person close to the White House told the Post. Trump publicly distanced himself from Machado days after Maduro was captured by US forces and removed from the country. Asked about her leadership prospects over the weekend, Trump said it would be very tough" for Machado to lead Venezuela, claiming she lacked support or respect within the country." 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 16, 2026, 03:25 IST News world I Presented The Medal: Machado Says She Gave Her Nobel Peace Prize To Donald Trump 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... UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on parties to the Yemen conflict to engage in political dialogue to settle disputes. For some time now, the situation in Yemen has been volatile, with the peace process deadlocked, armed conflict persisting, and the humanitarian situation deteriorating rapidly, said Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. China supports efforts to uphold Yemen's sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and calls on the parties to resolve differences and disputes through political dialogue, and create conditions for restoring peace and tranquility in Yemen at an early date, Sun told the Security Council. China supports Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other regional countries, as well as the wider international community, in playing a constructive role in the political settlement of the Yemeni issue, he said. The protracted conflict in Yemen has long demonstrated that military means cannot achieve the desired objectives, and that armed conflict only inflicts further harm, said Sun. "We call on all parties in Yemen to prioritize the interests of the Yemeni people, exercise maximum calm and restraint, avoid triggering new conflicts, and take steady steps toward establishing a nationwide ceasefire." China urges the Houthis to respect the right of commercial vessels from all countries to navigate through the Red Sea in accordance with international law and to maintain the safety of shipping lanes. Relevant parties should respect Yemen's sovereignty and territorial integrity and cease attacks on Yemen, he said. The situation in the Red Sea highlights the spillover effects of the Gaza conflict. Without a genuine, comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, stability in the Red Sea cannot be fully restored, said Sun. China calls on the international community to expedite the implementation of the two-state solution and promote a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question. China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting a political solution to the Yemeni issue and in restoring peace and stability in the Middle East, he said. President Trump told reporters Wednesday that he's been informed that lethal repression of anti-government protests in Iran has halted and that planned executions will not go forward. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said he was briefed by "very important sources on the other side," who told him that "the killing in Iran is stopping, it has stopped, it's stopping," and that "there's no plan for executions." Indicating his administration had not independently verified the information, CBS News reports, he added, "We'll find out about it." There were conflicting messages from Iranian officials. The president's comments came a day after he said the US would take "very strong action" against Tehran if it carried out executions of detained protesters. Trump was noncommittal Wednesday when asked if his latest statement meant he was no longer considering a military response, per the Washington Post. The US has advised certain personnel at an American military base in Qatar to evacuate, per the AP, and the chief of the Iranian judiciary hours before Trump's comments said the government must act quickly to punish the thousands who have been detained, including by fast-tracking executions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi sought to tone down the rhetoric, urging the US to seek a solution through negotiation. Asked by Fox News what he would say to Trump, Araghchi said: "My message is: Between war and diplomacy, diplomacy is a better way, although we don't have any positive experience from the United States. But still diplomacy is much better than war." Emmy Award-winning actor Timothy Busfield was ordered held without bond at his first court appearance Wednesday, a day after turning himself in to face 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. Busfield appeared remotely via a video link from jail, where he was booked Tuesday. Whether he remains in jail will be the subject of a detention hearing that will be scheduled within five business days, the AP reports. Albuquerque police issued a warrant for his arrest last week 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 the city. Busfield, who is married to actor Melissa Gilbert and is known for appearances in The West Wing, Field of Dreams, and Thirtysomething, has vowed to fight the charges. In a video shared before turning himself in, Busfield called the allegations lies. During Wednesday's brief court appearance, Busfield stood silent and expressionless, dressed in orange prison clothes, while a defense attorney spoke on his behalf. Prosecutors are seeking to keep Busfield in custody pending trial. They filed a motion early Wednesday pointing to what they described as a documented pattern of sexual misconduct, abuse of authority, and grooming behavior by Busfield over two decades. They also said witnesses have expressed fear regarding retaliation and professional harm. "In light of the defendant's demonstrated disregard for boundaries, authority and compliance, no condition or combination of conditions of release can reasonably protect the victims or the community," the motion states. In the motion, prosecutors said another abuse allegation was reported to authorities Tuesday. Two Republicans who helped move a Trump war powers rebuke forward last week helped doom the measure on Wednesday. Sens. Josh Hawley and Todd Young of Indiana reversed course Wednesday on a bipartisan resolution that would have barred President Trump from using US forces "within or against" Venezuela without congressional approval, the Hill reports. Their switch gave GOP leaders the votes they needed to sustain a procedural objection from Republican Sen. Jim Risch, who chairs the Foreign Relations Committee. The Senate deadlocked 5050, and Vice President JD Vance hustled to the Capitol to cast the tie-breaker, killing the measure. The measure was advanced in a 52-47 vote last week. The about-face came after Trump publicly blasted Hawley, Young, and three other RepublicansSens. Rand Paul, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collinsfor initially helping advance the resolution out of committee. Trump urged voters on social media to oust the five, accusing them of trying to strip him of authority "to fight and defend the United States of America," and later singled out Young in a Tuesday speech at the Detroit Economic Club. Behind the scenes, Trump phoned each senator, with one GOP colleague describing his call to Collins as a profanity-filled scolding. Hawley and Young said they changed their stance after assurances from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that no US troops are currently in Venezuela and that the administration would seek congressional authorization before any major operation there. Young said he'd obtained a letter from the administration pledging to come to Congress ahead of large-scale military action, and Hawley cited similar guarantees. Paul, who stuck with the resolution, called the issue "one of the most important debates of the last seven decades." He said he told Trump: "This debate is bigger than me, bigger than him. It's about the Constitution." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, one of the measure's key backers, said it was necessary to limit Trump's powers, NBC News reports. "The American people don't want Donald Trump sending our troops into harm's way without so much as a debate in Congress," the Democrat said. Trump, he said, "is turning the Caribbean into a dangerous powder kegand Congress must rein him in before one mistake ignites a larger, more unstable conflict. So, the Senate needs to exert its constitutional role when it comes to the use of military force." Elon Musk's AI chatbot is getting a new dress code. X said its Grok AI model will no longer let users alter photos of real people to make them appear in skimpy or suggestive outfits, after mounting alarm over sexually explicit deepfakes in the US, UK, and elsewhere, the BBC reports. "We have implemented technological measures" to block edits that show real people in "revealing clothing such as bikinis," the company announced, adding that the rule now covers all users, including paying subscribers. The move came just hours after California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the state is investigating the spread of sexualized AI images, including those involving children, generated by Grok. "This material, which depicts women and children in nude and sexually explicit situations, has been used to harass people across the internet," Bonta said in a statement. California Gov. Gavin Newsom also issued a statement calling the images "vile." X also reiterated that only paid users can access Grok's image-editing tools, arguing that paywalls help authorities and the company identify abusers and enforce platform rules. Anyone who tries to generate images of real people in bikinis, underwear, or similar clothing will be blocked "according to the laws of their jurisdiction," X said. As for Musk, he said Wednesday that he's "not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero." He said the chatbot was already programmed not to do anything illegal, CNN reports. The crackdown follows a global backlash: Malaysia and Indonesia have already restricted access to Grok over the deepfakes, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has warned X could lose its "right to self regulate" if it fails to get a grip on the problem. Britain's communications regulator, Ofcom, said this week it is investigating whether X has breached UK law. Probes were also launched in India, Ireland, France, and Australia, and the European Commission also announced an investigation, CNBC reports. A federal officer shot a person in the leg in Minneapolis after being attacked with a shovel and broom handle while trying to make an arrest Wednesday, federal officials said. The shooting took place about 4.5 miles north of where an immigration agent fatally shot Renee Good on Jan. 7, the AP reports. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement on X that federal law enforcement officers stopped a person from Venezuela who was in the US illegally. The person drove away and crashed into a parked car before taking off on foot, DHS said. After officers reached the person, two other people arrived from a nearby apartment and all three started attacking the officer, according to DHS. "Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life," DHS said. The officer and the subject are both in the hospital and the two people who came out of the apartment are in custody, it said. Sources tell the Star Tribune that the man crashed the car in front of his home and his family fought the agents. A large group of officers wearing gas masks fired tear gas into a crowd gathered at a north Minneapolis intersection near where Wednesday's shooting took place. The Star Tribune reports that around 200 people gathered near the shooting site and some protesters said they were hit by rubber-coated bullets. Earlier Wednesday, a judge gave the Trump administration time to respond to a request to suspend its immigration crackdown in Minnesota, while the Pentagon looked for military lawyers to join what has become a chaotic law enforcement effort in the state. Plumes of tear gas, bursts of chemical irritants, and the screech of protest whistles have become common on the streets of Minneapolis, especially since Good's shooting. Agents have yanked people from cars and homes and been confronted by angry bystanders who are demanding that officers pack up and leave. "What we need most of all right now is a pause. The temperature needs to be lowered," state Assistant Attorney General Brian Carter said during the first hearing in a lawsuit filed by Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. During a televised speech Wednesday evening, Gov. Tim Walz described Minnesota as being in chaos, saying what's happening in the state "defies belief." "Let's be very, very clear, this long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement," he said. "Instead, it's a campaign of organized brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government." Walz added that "accountability" will be coming through the courts. BEIRUT, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan on Thursday reaffirmed his country's support for Lebanon's security, sovereignty, and state institutions during talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut. The meeting followed the 8th session of the Lebanese-Jordanian Joint Higher Committee, co-chaired by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Hassan on Wednesday. The session resulted in the signing of 21 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering industry, energy, transport, education, tourism, and investment, aimed at strengthening political and economic cooperation between the two countries. Aoun expressed gratitude for Jordan's ongoing support to Lebanon, particularly assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces. He said the agreements reflected the "deep bonds of brotherhood and cooperation" between the two countries. Aoun also emphasized the importance of Arab unity in addressing regional challenges, calling for a unified stance on issues such as the Palestinian cause. Both sides affirmed the need to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and restore Palestinian rights, and ensure Syria's security and stability, which they noted is vital for the region and for advancing joint projects. An ailing astronaut returned to Earth with three others on Thursday, ending their space station mission more than a month early in NASA's first medical evacuation. SpaceX guided the capsule to a middle-of-the-night splashdown in the Pacific near San Diego, less than 11 hours after the astronauts exited the International Space Station. "It's so good to be home," said NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, the capsule commander. It was an unexpected finish to a mission that began in August and left the orbiting lab with only one American and two Russians on board, reports the AP . NASA and SpaceX said they would try to move up the launch of a fresh crew of four; liftoff is currently targeted for mid-February. Cardman and NASA's Mike Fincke were joined on the return by Japan's Kimiya Yui and Russia's Oleg Platonov. Officials have refused to identify the astronaut who developed the health problem last week or explain what happened, citing medical privacy. While the astronaut was stable in orbit, NASA wanted them back on Earth as soon as possible to receive proper care and diagnostic testing. The entry and splashdown required no special changes or accommodations, officials said, and the recovery ship had its usual allotment of medical experts on board. The astronauts will receive more in-depth medical checks at a local hospital before flying to their home base in Houston, NASA said. Platonov's return to Moscow was unclear. The astronauts emerged from the capsule, one by one, after it was aboard the recovery ship. They were helped onto reclining cots and then whisked away for standard medical checks, waving to the cameras. Jared Isaacman, NASA's new administrator, monitored the action from Mission Control in Houston. NASA stressed repeatedly over the past week that this was not an emergency. The astronaut fell sick or was injured on Jan. 7, prompting NASA to call off the next day's spacewalk by Cardman and Fincke, and ultimately resulting in the early return. It was the first time NASA cut short a spaceflight for medical reasons. The Russians had done so decades ago. The space station has gotten by with three astronauts before, sometimes even with just two. NASA said it will be unable to perform a spacewalk, even for an emergency, until the arrival of the next crew, which has two Americans, and one French and one Russian astronaut. If Mario Nikprelaj felt trapped on a plane, he's not going to like where he'll be for the next 18 months. The 24-year-old Michigan man who tried to open a plane's exit door during a July flight from Nebraska to Detroit, forcing an emergency landing in Iowa, has been sentenced to a year and a half in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday. Crew and passengers reported that Nikprelaj appeared to be trying to open an emergency exit shortly after the July 17 SkyWest flight departed Omaha, per People . He pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with the flight crew in September. According to the US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Iowa, Nikprelaj was disruptive even before takeoff, refusing to fasten his seatbelt and making "rude statements" to both passengers and crew. As the aircraft ascended, he repeatedly unbuckled his seatbelt and stood up. At one point he allegedly made an obscene gesture at a flight attendant, poked the attendant in the chest, and, when told he would be reported, threatened to kill the 80-year-old, the US Attorney's Office said. The abuse continued as the flight attendant tried to stop Nikprelaj manipulating the exit door near his seat. As the pilot diverted to Cedar Rapids, authorities say Nikprelaj removed his shirt, walked the aisle, and swung at passengers who approached him. Police officers who arrested him on the ground reported finding a prescription bottle with 41 Xanax pills that were not in his name. Local charges at the time included disorderly conduct, assault, possession of prescription medication, and harassment. Federal prosecutors noted Nikprelaj has numerous prior convictions, including domestic violence, disorderly conduct, breaking and entering, drug paraphernalia possession, and assaulting, resisting, or obstructing a police officer. KCRG reports he once stole a snow plow while shirtless. Flash forward to the president, and, you guessed it, the now 81-year-old Museveni, 81, is seeking a seventh term after four decades in power. He's facing a strong challenge from 43-year-old opposition leader and former pop star Bobi Wine, who is calling for political reform, per the AP. Roughly 21.6 million registered voters are eligible to cast ballots, but they're doing so under an internet shutdown and a heavy deployment of security forces. Already, long delays have been reported at polling stations, chalked up to "technical challenges." Authorities say the communications blackout is a "precautionary" step to maintain order, while rights groups and journalists describe a climate of intimidation marked by arrests of activists and limits on reporting. Uganda has never seen a peaceful handover between elected leaders since independence, raising the stakes for what many see as a test of whether change at the ballot box is even possible. Museveni, whose willingness to take US deportees has gained favor with the Trump administration, argues that continuity is essential to preserve stability. Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has rallied a mostly young base in a country where the vast majority of the 50 million citizens are under 40 and have never known another president. Blame for the stalled Ukraine peace talks, President Trump says, lies in Kyivnot Moscow. In an Oval Office interview with Reuters , Trump asserted that Vladimir Putin is "ready to make a deal" to end Russia's nearly four-year invasion, and that it is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who is hesitatinga claim that runs counter to the assessment of many European governments and Western intelligence agencies, which argue that the Kremlin has shown little sign of abandoning its objectives in Ukraine. Asked why US-led efforts have yet to resolve Europe's biggest land war since World War II, Trump's one-word answer was: "Zelensky." He declined to explain his reasoning, saying only that the Ukrainian leader is "having a hard time getting there." A December Reuters report said US intelligence continued to warn that Putin still aims to seize all of Ukraine and reassert control over parts of the former Soviet spherean assessment publicly questioned at the time by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. US officials have been pressing a settlement that would see Ukraine relinquish the eastern Donbas region, in line with Moscow's desire to have Kyiv pull its troops from areas that Ukraine still controls, Reuters reports. Zelensky, for his part, has repeatedly ruled out giving up any territory, citing Ukraine's constitution and insisting Kyiv has no legal authority to surrender land. Negotiations also focus on post-war security guarantees meant to deter any future Russian attack. Some European officials doubt Putin would accept elements of the emerging framework. But Trump has periodically appeared more inclined to take Putin at his word than some US allies, a stance that has irritated Kyiv, European capitals, and members of Congress in both parties. The Kremlin agreed with Trump's assessment on Thursday, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov saying the Russian side remains open to talks and its position is well known. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump adviser Jared Kushner are expected to travel to Moscow shortly, while Trump said he would meet Zelensky at next week's World Economic Forum in Davos "if he's there." European troops arrived in Greenland on Thursday in what was seen as a show of support for Denmark as the dispute over the island's future continues. Troops from France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, and other NATO members headed to the vast Arctic territory, which is part of the kingdom of Denmark, after President Trump again said the US may need to take control of Greenland for security reasons, the Guardian reports. Denmark is also beefing up its own forces, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen calling Greenland's defense a shared NATO responsibility. The deployments follow an awkward Washington meeting on Wednesday between Greenland's foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt, her Danish counterpart Lars Loekke Rasmussen, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The talks were meant to ease tensions after Trump's earlier statements about acquiring Greenland. Instead, Trump repeated that the US "needs" the island, argued Denmark can't defend it, and said "something will work out," prompting NATO allies to move more visibly into the Arctic. After the meeting, Rasmussen said a "fundamental disagreement" remains. France says its first soldiers are already on the ground near Nuuk for exercises, with more to follow, while Germany is sending a 13-person reconnaissance team ahead of larger exercises planned later this year. Sweden and Norway are sending a handful of officers, while the UK is sending one officer and the Netherlands plans to make a decision on sending troops this week, France24 reports. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said he plans to build a more permanent military footprint on the island, with Danish forces augmented by rotating contingents from other NATO states. The Danish Ministry of Defense said its troops and those of its allies will explore "how an increased presence and exercise activity in the Arctic can be implemented in practice." The AP describes the deployment as an effort to send Trump the message that "a US takeover of Greenland is not necessary as NATO together can safeguard the security of the Arctic region," but a Canadian defense expert sees it more as an effort to block US aggression, the CBC reports. "Members of the alliance are putting together a tripwire to try to deter Donald Trump, and what that tells you is we are very much in unprecedented times where we could very much be facing tomorrow, next week, next month American troops pointing their guns at Danish troops," political scientist Steve Saideman says. "It's to deter the United States from engaging in aggression. That's the only reason why they'd be there. And that sends a strong signal about the intense distrust and fear that these countries have of a country that's supposed to be their protector." The editorial board of the Minneapolis Star Tribune is condemning the tactics of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in its city in blunt fashion: "The occupation of Minnesota by ICE cannot stand," reads the editorial. Federal officials including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have said "Operation Metro Surge" is necessary in the wake of the state's welfare fraud scandal. "That is not what Minnesotans are currently experiencing," the editors write. "What we are witnessing is the storming of the state by the federal government." Immigration enforcement is necessary, continues the editorial, but "enforcement carried out without restraint, transparency or proportionality does not strengthen the rule of law. It corrodes it." The piece echoes the sentiment of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who said Wednesday that what's happening in the state "defies belief," per Fox 9. "This long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement," he said. "Instead, it's a campaign of organized brutality against the people of Minnesota." Countering this is President Trump, who on Thursday blamed the "corrupt politicians of Minnesota" for not stopping "agitators" and threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act. Drivers on a rural Irish road were confronted with an unusual traffic problem this week: thousands of live crabs scuttling toward nearby fields after a seafood truck crashed into a ditch. The McLaughlin Transport trailer was hauling an estimated 15,000 crabs from Inishowen, in County Donegal, bound for restaurants and shops in Portugal on Monday when it flew off the R238 in the area of Carrickmaquigley, Redcastle, reports UPI . The driver escaped injury, but the impact ruptured aluminum containers and sent around $70,000 worth of shellfish spilling onto the road and surrounding land. Recovery firm McLaughlin's Light and Heavy Recovery Services, based in Burnfoot, was called in to deal with both the wreckage and the wayward cargo. "It was a very unusual scene, to say the least," Odhran McLaughlin, owner of the recovery service, told Ireland's RTE. He said a crew of about 10 people spent several hours physically collecting the crabs, placing them into large bags, and loading them back onto the truck as many tried to flee to nearby fields. McLaughlin estimated that about 95% of the crabs were eventually recovered, per the BBC. US forces just added another ship to their tally in the Caribbean. American troops seized a sixth oil tanker tied to Venezuela early Thursday, US Southern Command said, part of a widening crackdown on vessels accused of moving sanctioned crude, CBS News reports. In a pre-dawn operation, Marines and sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear deployed from the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and boarded the tanker Veronica "without incident," the command said in a post on X , sharing video from the operation. US officials describe the Veronica as operating in defiance of a Trump-ordered "quarantine" on blacklisted tankers around Venezuela. "The only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully," Southern Command said. Reuters reports that records show the Guyana-flagged tanker left Venezuelan waters earlier this month. The ship has also been known as the Galileo, owned and managed by a Russian company, the AP reports. The move follows last week's seizure of three other Venezuela-linked tankersthe Marinera in the North Atlantic and the Olina and Sophia in the Caribbeanall part of what officials call a "shadow fleet" that shuttles oil for sanctioned governments including Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. Two other tankers were seized before Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was seized in a US raid. Officials say the first US-managed sale of Venezuelan crude, worth about $500 million, has been completed, with additional sales planned as part of a broader strategy to market millions of barrels and oversee the resulting funds. Washington is leaning hard on Mexico to let American forces cross the border to hit fentanyl labsdespite President Claudia Sheinbaum's repeated refusals, reports the New York Times . US officials are pushing a plan that would send either Special Operations troops or CIA officers out on raids alongside Mexican soldiers, in what would be a major expansion of the American role in Mexico's drug war, officials tell the newspaper. The idea first surfaced last year, then faded, but was revived after US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Jan. 3, reports CNN . Trump recently told Fox News the US has largely cut off seaborne drug routes and now wants to target land-based cartels, especially in Mexico. Sheinbaum says direct US participation "is not necessary." Instead of US combat forces on the ground, Mexico has offered expanded intelligence-sharing and a bigger US role inside Mexican command centers, where American advisers already help direct Mexican units to suspected labs, relying in part on CIA drone flights. Some US officials favor going further, including potential drone strikessomething that would breach Mexican sovereignty and could destabilize the government, Mexican officials warn. At present, only unarmed US security personnel are stationed in Mexico, and all receive the government's approval, according to Mexico's security chief, Omar Garcia Harfuch. "What would they be needed for?" he said last month of US forces, stressing that what Mexico needs is "information." But given Trump's moves in Venezuela and vow to target drug cartels in Mexico, Mexican officials fear the US may act without approval. That could trigger a loss of support for Sheinbaum. But on the flip side, allowing US forces to take part in ground operations could trigger the same result, the Times reports. For now, Mexico is trumpeting its own crackdowndeployments in Sinaloa, more arrests, and more labs reportedly destroyed at nearly four times the pace of the last government. Harvard is still churning out research, but the global leaderboard it once dominated now has a new country on top. In the latest Leiden Rankings, which track research volume and impact, China's Zhejiang University has edged into the No. 1 spot, with seven other Chinese institutions also in the top 10. Harvard, long the perennial leader, has slipped to third and is now the only American university near the top of the list, even though it produces more research than it did 20 years ago and still leads in highly cited papers, the New York Times reports. Shanghai Jiao Tong University is in second place, and the only other non-Chinese university in the top 10 is the University of Toronto, in 10th place. "There is a big shift coming," said Phil Baty of Times Higher Education, a British rankings group, calling it a "new world order" in research dominance. The core issue isn't that US universities are publishing less; it's that China is expanding faster. Chinese institutions have poured money into labs, boosted output across fields like chemistry and environmental science, and pushed researchers to publish in English-language journals that drive global citations, the Times reports. Xi Jinping has tied scientific strength directly to geopolitical power, and Beijing has backed that with funding, new visas to lure foreign talent, and public celebration of ranking gains. In a parallel ranking built on a different database, Harvard returns to No. 1but 12 of the next 13 spots still go to Chinese schools. American universities, meanwhile, face headwinds at home. The Trump administration has moved to cut billions in federal research grants, restricted immigration, and framed parts of campus research culture as politicized. A federal judge recently ordered funding to resume for Harvard after a major cut, but the administration has pledged to limit future grants. International student arrivals to the US dropped 19% in August 2025 compared with a year earlier, raising concerns that top talent will go elsewhere. Broader league tables that factor in reputation, finances, and selectivity still favor the USTimes Higher Education's 2026 list has seven American schools in the top 10but farther down those rankings, US institutions are slipping as Chinese and other Asian universities climb. Richard Holmes, author of the University Ranking Newsletter at the Chronicle of Higher Education, blames a "relentless decline in academic standards in American higher education" that began in the 1980s. He says that with Chinese universities continuing to produce more high-quality papers in fields like physics, robotics, and AI, "the scientific world is about to face a dramatic shift in its center of gravity." During a visit to a local therapeutic institution, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) president Andrew Parsons stressed that China is a very good example of how to combine sport with inclusion. Looking ahead to the upcoming Milan-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games, Parsons said the event would be "amazing, probably the most incredible Paralympic Games ever." Produced by Xinhua Global Service A federal appeals panel on Thursday reversed a lower court decision that released former Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil from an immigration jail, bringing the government one step closer to detaining and ultimately deporting the Palestinian activist. The three-judge panel of the 3rd US Circuit Court of Appeals didn't rule on the key issue in Khalil's case: whether the Trump administration's effort to throw Khalil out of the US over his campus activism and criticism of Israel is unconstitutional. But in its 2-1 decision, the panel ruled a federal judge in New Jersey didn't have jurisdiction to decide the matter at this time, the AP reports. Federal law requires the case to fully move through the immigration courts first, before Khalil can challenge the decision, they wrote. President Trump sat down Thursday with the Venezuelan opposition leader he no longer seems to want in charge. Maria Corina Machado, the Nobel Peace Prize winner once seen as Venezuela's president-in-waiting, spent about 2.5 hours with Trump at the White House in a closed-door meeting that came as the president increasingly backs her rival, acting President Delcy Rodriguez. The session was unusually low-profile for Trump, with no photo-ops or immediate White House readout, the Washington Post reports. Emerging to greet a small crowd of supporters, Machado insisted, "We count with President Trump's support for Venezuela's liberty." Public signals suggest otherwise, the Post reports. On Wednesday, Trump held his first known direct call with Rodriguez, former second-in-command to ousted President Nicolas Maduro, and later praised her as "a terrific person." Press secretary Karoline Leavitt called Machado "remarkable and brave" but stressed that Trump's view that she doesn't have what it takes to lead Venezuela "has not changed." She credited Rodriguez with helping seal a $500 million energy deal and the release of five US prisoners, and said Trump is "pleased with the job Rodriguez is doing." Asked what the president hoped to hear from Machado, Leavitt said, "I don't think he needs to hear anything from Ms. Machado." Last week, Machado offered to give Trump her Nobel Peace Prize medal, and Trump, who has often complained about not winning the prize, said it would be an "honor" to accept it. After the meeting, she said, "I presented the president of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize," the BBC reports. She called it "a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom." In a post on Truth Social hours later, Trump described Machado as a "wonderful woman who has been through so much" and said: "Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria!" The Nobel Institute stressed last week that owning a medal would not make Trump a Peace Prize winner, the New York Times reports. "Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others," the institute said. "The decision is final and stands for all time." For Machado, the visit was a bid to claw back influence in Washington as US forces seize sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers and Trump presses Caracas to open its oil sector to American companies. The optics underscored the confusion around Venezuela's transition. Machado's supporters rallied outside the White House, some thanking Trump, others warning that Rodriguez is "the same as Maduro." This story has been updated with Trump's remarks. CAIRO, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Iran issued a notice shutting down its airspace briefly till early Thursday to all flights except international flights to and from Iran with prior permission, according to media reports citing flight traffic information provider Flightradar24 on Thursday. The notice is valid for "a little more than 2 hours through 00:30 UTC 15 Jan.," Flightradar24 said on social media. 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. SAPPORO, Jan 15 (News On Japan) - The long-delayed extension of the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Sapporo is facing further setbacks, with the opening now pushed back by more than a decade and total project costs projected to more than double, even as construction steadily advances on the ground. Nearly 10 years have passed since the Hokkaido Shinkansen made its high-profile debut, linking Honshu and Hokkaido through the Seikan Tunnel in March 2016, when a special service emerged from the tunnel to mark the arrival of bullet trains on the island. At the time, the plan envisioned trains running between Sapporo and Tokyo in 4 hours and 49 minutes within five years, but the Sapporo extension has since been delayed repeatedly and is now expected to open no earlier than fiscal 2038. At the same time, total project costs are forecast to exceed twice the original estimate, prompting questions about why expenses have ballooned and how the massive undertaking is progressing. East of Sapporo Station, stretching toward Naebo Station, a massive structure is under construction that will serve as a dedicated Shinkansen rolling stock depot for Sapporo, a site that a year ago held little more than rows of construction vehicles. For the first time, television cameras were allowed inside the depot construction site, where the facility is being built on elevated structures, an arrangement with few precedents nationwide for Shinkansen depots. Inside a vast sheltered space, Shinkansen trains will eventually be parked, with the area beyond set to become JRs Sapporo Shinkansen Station, while a 1,344-meter-long depot will be located on the eastern side of the station, spanning National Route 5 and Soseigawa-dori. The depot is designed to accommodate three full train sets side by side, with elevated structures around 60 percent complete as of January 1st, and work now progressing on the slabs that will form the track bed for Shinkansen operations, according to officials from the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency. Once completed in about two years, the depot will be covered by a protective shelter to guard against snow and harsh weather, a shape that has already earned it the nickname an eels sleeping quarters among rail enthusiasts. The route between Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Sapporo spans roughly 212 kilometers, with about 80 percent running through tunnels, leading some to dub it the mole Shinkansen. One of the largest challenges is the Satsutari Tunnel, which cuts beneath Otaru and Sapporo and stretches more than 26 kilometers, where excavation continues around the clock, with rock blasted twice a day and carried out by conveyor belts. From the tunnel entrance in Teine Wards Kanayama district, work has advanced about 1.2 kilometers toward Otaru, with the tunnels basic shape largely complete despite the absence of tracks or rivers at this stage. Overall progress on the Satsutari Tunnel stands at just under 60 percent, with construction now running about three years behind the original schedule, as crews reinforce tunnel walls by inserting bolts at regular intervals, allowing excavation to advance by up to six meters per day. According to the railway agency, excavation has been completed in 10 of the 17 tunnels along the route, but progress has not been uniform, with major rock formations discovered in tunnels such as the Yotei Tunnel in the Shiribeshi region, significantly complicating construction. Rising material prices, higher labor costs, and tighter regulations on workers hours have further prolonged the project, pushing the estimated total cost from an initial 1.67 trillion yen to more than 3.5 trillion yen in the latest projections. For local governments, the cost increase has brought fresh concerns, particularly in towns like Yakumo, where a planned station tentatively named Shin-Yakumo Station will be located about three kilometers from the town center. Under the current framework, two-thirds of the construction costs excluding JRs loan payments are covered by the national government, with the remaining third borne by Hokkaido and municipalities along the route. Yakumo Mayor Toshimi Mantani said the town had initially expected to shoulder around 800 million yen, but that figure is now projected to rise by roughly 400 million yen to about 1.2 billion yen. While the station is expected to place Yakumo within about 50 minutes of Sapporo and directly connect the town to Tokyo, with officials envisioning Japans first Shinkansen station in the middle of a ranch, the burden of local infrastructure development, including water and sewer systems around the station, is weighing heavily on the municipality. Mantani said Yakumo and other communities along the line plan to urge the national government to accelerate the project and reduce local financial burdens as much as possible. Among local residents, anticipation and unease coexist, with longtime restaurateur Naoki Shinohara recalling how he created an original curry inspired by Yakumo a decade ago, eager for the day the Shinkansen would arrive, only to see the timeline pushed back again. Shinohara said he still struggles to reconcile the idea of delays driving money out of the town, but hopes increased tourism will eventually materialize, adding that he wants to stay optimistic despite the uncertainty. As questions persist over whether costs will rise further and whether Sapporo can indeed be linked to Tokyo within the next 12 years, construction on the Hokkaido Shinkansen continues amid mounting challenges. According to broadcasters, the 212-kilometer route between Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and Sapporo includes 17 tunnels, with estimated travel times of about 25 minutes to Kutchan, 50 minutes to Yakumo, and around 1 hour and 5 minutes to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto. Yakumo, which faces a severe shortage of doctors, is also hoping that becoming a day-trip distance from Sapporo will make it possible for physicians to commute, potentially easing local healthcare shortages. Commentators noted that while dramatically shorter travel times could boost exchanges between regions, the projects swelling costs, now exceeding Hokkaidos annual budget of roughly 3 trillion yen, have elevated the Shinkansen extension into a major political issue for the region, underscoring the need to balance convenience, safety, and fiscal responsibility as the project moves forward. Source: HBC TOKYO, Jan 16 (News On Japan) - Prime Minister Sanae Takaiichi formally informed senior ruling-party officials on the evening of January 15th of her intention to dissolve the lower house, pushing Japan decisively into full election mode, only for political dynamics to shift again the following day when the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito announced they had agreed to form a new political party. The move, framed by both parties as an effort to consolidate centrist forces, immediately sharpened the confrontation with Takaiichis government. Appearing at a joint news conference, the two party leaders stressed a middle-of-the-road policy line, arguing that Japans political center has long been fragmented between the ruling and opposition camps and that unifying it is now essential. Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito said his party had reached out to moderate factions across the Constitutional Democrats, the Democratic Party for the People, and even the Liberal Democratic Party, adding that the coming House of Representatives election would focus on how vital it is for Japans politics to expand the size of the centrist bloc. CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda said Komeito had called for itself to become the nucleus of centrist reform forces, describing the new party as a rare opportunity to place centrist politics at the very heart of Japans political system. The sudden announcement caught many by surprise, prompting mixed reactions among voters. Some expressed skepticism, questioning the consistency of Komeitos political stance after breaking with the LDP only to join forces with the CDP. Others were dismissive, saying they had little expectation that a centrist merger would ultimately benefit ordinary citizens. At the same time, supportive voices argued that time was running out to mount an effective challenge to the LDP and that a combined CDPKomeito force would have greater numerical strength than rival opposition parties. Even among Komeito supporters, there were calls for the new party to prioritize public interest over political maneuvering. Political commentators say the development likely came as a shock to Takaiichi. Hiroshi Hoshi, a special commentator for TBS, likened Komeitos recent moves to a hop, step, and jump: first leaving the ruling coalition with the LDP, then exploring election cooperation with the CDP, and finally committing to the formation of an entirely new party. Takaiichi had reportedly expected that even after Komeitos departure from the coalition, some form of election cooperation between the LDP and Komeito might continue in certain regions. The creation of a new party, however, effectively severs those ties, a step Hoshi said likely exceeded the prime ministers expectations. Relations between the LDP and Komeito had already deteriorated sharply following the coalition split, and analysts say there is little chance of reconciliation. Komeitos support base, including members of Soka Gakkai, is said to harbor strong resentment toward Takaiichi, further deepening the rift. Attention is now turning to the electoral impact. Katsuhiro Yonezawa, head of JX Press, said that if Komeitos votes were to flow en masse to the Constitutional Democrats, the LDP would face serious difficulties, particularly in single-member districts. Using rough averages, he noted that in a typical district the CDP secures about 60,000 votes, the LDP around 70,000, and Komeito roughly 20,000. Under the former LDPKomeito alliance, the ruling side could total about 90,000 votes, comfortably ahead of the opposition. If those 20,000 Komeito votes instead shift to the new opposition party, the balance flips, leaving the LDP with about 70,000 votes against roughly 80,000 for its rivals. Yonezawa said that based on results from the 2024 general election, there are many districts where such a shift could overturn outcomes. With turnout hovering just above 50 percent, each district becomes a contest over roughly 150,000 to 160,000 voters, meaning a net swing of 40,000 votes could decisively change the result. Analysts estimate that as many as 78 single-member districts could see their winners and losers reversed, underscoring how the new party agreement has the potential to dramatically reshape the coming election. Source: TBS TOKYO, Jan 16 (News On Japan) - Winter delicacy scallops are facing an unprecedented crisis, with mass die-offs reported at major producing areas across Japan, a development that is now rippling through restaurants in Tokyo. Known for growing sweeter as winter cold sets in, scallops are usually at their peak this season, but producers say this year has brought alarming abnormalities. Shohei Ebina, manager of the Tohoku-style izakaya Ohu no Utage, said scallops from Aomori Prefecture have disappeared from suppliers listings, explaining that although he usually orders through online fish markets, Aomori scallops are no longer available. Originally from Aomori, Ebina said the situation is heartbreaking, noting that scallops from the prefecture are his top choice in terms of both flavor and cost performance. The restaurant has been forced to switch to frozen scallops from Hokkaido and other areas, abandoning sashimi offerings and limiting its menu to grilled scallops instead. The disappearance of Aomori scallops traces back to Mutsu Bay, which produces about 99 percent of the prefectures farmed scallops, where fishermen say the damage is overwhelming. Scallop fisherman Yoshio Tamura said almost none have survived, describing the scene as devastating. According to industry data, the average mortality rate for two-year-old farmed scallops in Mutsu Bay had reached 93.3 percent as of November last year, with rising seawater temperatures believed to be a major factor. Tamura warned that the crisis threatens the very livelihoods of local fishermen, saying the chances of making a living from fishing are rapidly diminishing. In response to the emergency and its impact on the regional economy, Aomori Governor Soichiro Miyashita and other officials visited the Fisheries Agency earlier, strongly urging swift government support, with Miyashita describing conditions across the bay as catastrophic. The crisis is not limited to scallops. Oysters in Hiroshima Prefecture are also facing an unprecedented threat, with 80 to 90 percent of oysters this season found dead at aquaculture farms in Kure City. Shuji Yamane, head of Yamane Suisan, said many operators are being pushed to the brink of closure. Even surviving oysters are undersized, making them difficult to ship, and industry officials say it could take more than three years for harvest volumes to recover. The Fisheries Agency has announced plans to support affected oyster farmers through financial assistance and investigations into the causes of the die-offs, and is considering applying the same support package to address the damage suffered by Aomoris scallop industry. Source: TBS This rebrand comes at a pivotal moment. The Toronto region is growing rapidly and Canada is placing new urgency on resilient supply chains, modernized infrastructure and sustainable urban mobility. At the heart of this shift is Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, one of the country's most important urban airports and major contributor to the region's economic dynamism, the Port of Toronto and the Cruise Ship Terminal, all of which are strategically positioned to support growth and strengthen Canada's interconnected infrastructure network. "Reintroducing the Toronto Port Authority name is more than a rebrand - it's a powerful affirmation of our foundational purpose and our future vision," said RJ Steenstra, President and CEO, Toronto Port Authority. "We honour our 115-year legacy as a city builder and steward of Toronto's harbour, shaping the waterfront and enabling the city's evolution. As the owner and operator of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport which provides critical business connectivity and a significant economic engine, as well as the Port of Toronto which plays a vital role in ensuring resilient supply chains through imports of essential materials, the Toronto Port Authority plays a key role in economic growth for the future. This renewed identity reflects our commitment to modernization, sustainability, and public value for Toronto, Ontario, and Canada." Strengthening a growing regional economy The Toronto Port Authority's transportation gateways deliver substantial benefits to the region and the country: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport generates approximately $2 billion in annual economic output and supports more than 4,500 jobs, making it a key driver for Toronto's economy. Billy Bishop is set to launch U.S. CBP Preclearance in early 2026, facilitating bilateral trade, with additional destinations expected in 2026. The Port of Toronto generates more than $460 million in economic activity for Ontario, importing critical materials like steel, cement, sugar, and road salt, securing resilient supply chains for the region. Marine shipping through the Port removes more than 51,000 truckloads annually from GTA roads, significantly reducing congestion and greenhouse gas emissions. The Port of Toronto Cruise Ship Terminal welcomes nearly 20,000 visitors annually and contributes to a regional $280-million Great Lakes tourism economy, directly supporting Toronto's hospitality, retail and cultural sectors. Located 10 minutes from downtown, The Outer Harbour Marina is one of Canada's largest freshwater marinas and holds a Diamond designation in the Boating Ontario Clean Marine EcoRating Program, one of the highest ranking attainable for marinas that follow environmental best practices. Together, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and the Port of Toronto position Toronto as a truly multi-modal economic gateway. The Toronto Port Authority links Canada's largest city to major North American business centers while delivering diversified, resilient supply lines from Europe, Asia, Central and South America and the South Pacific. This integrated system supports business mobility, ensures the steady flow of essential goods and reinforces the economic foundation of Canada's fastest-growing urban region. The Toronto Port Authority's integrated assets create a waterfront mobility network that moves people, goods, and visitors in ways few global cities can match. As the only port authority in Canada to own and operate an airport, Toronto Port Authority is uniquely positioned to pilot new approaches to harbour mobility and connectivity--mirroring innovations seen in leading waterfront cities around the world. This multi-modal approach not only drives economic growth and competitiveness but also advances sustainable, integrated urban transportation across the region. Operating under a federal mandate, the Toronto Port Authority is financially self-sustaining, reinvesting revenues into critical infrastructure, harbour management initiatives, and community programs. This model ensures independent oversight, financial accountability, and decision-making aligned with the public interest. The rebrand underscores the Toronto Port Authority enduring commitment to long-term planning, responsible stewardship, and balancing commercial activity with environmental protection and community access, preparing Toronto's transportation infrastructure for the next century. About the Toronto Port Authority The Toronto Port Authority owns and operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which welcomes approximately two million passengers and generates approximately $2 billion in economic impact per year; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada's largest freshwater marinas; and the marine Port of Toronto, which facilitates businesses such as marine shipping, cargo services and passenger cruises to generate approximately $460 million in economic activity annually. Since 1911, and in its role as a city builder, the Toronto Port Authority has worked with partners and every level of government to enhance Toronto's transportation infrastructure and economic growth. The Toronto Port Authority is committed to fostering strong, healthy and sustainable communities, and has invested more than $30 million in recent years to fund charitable initiatives and environmental programs that benefit communities along Toronto's waterfront and beyond. The Toronto Port Authority is a federal agency and operates in accordance with the Canada Marine Act. It is guided by a Board of Directors that includes representation from all three levels of government. For more information, visit torontoportauthority.com. About Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is an award-winning gateway to Canada's largest city, offering unmatched convenience just minutes from downtown Toronto. Serving passengers since 1939, the airport provides service to more than 20 cities across Canada and the U.S., with connections to more than 100 global destinations through its airline partners, and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility opening soon. Renowned for its accessibility, stunning skyline views and 98% passenger satisfaction rating, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport supports critical regional services, including medical travel and medevac operations through Ornge. It is also a key economic driver, supporting more than 4,000 jobs (2,000 directly associated with its operations) and generating approximately $2 billion annually for the regional economy. Committed to sustainability, the airport is a three-time recipient of the Airports Council InternationalNorth America's Environmental Achievement Award and is certified under Level 1 Airport Carbon Accreditation. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport is owned and operated by Toronto Port Authority. Nieuport Aviation is the terminal partner and operates both the terminal and the airport's complimentary shuttle service to and from downtown Toronto. Learn more at billybishopairport.com. SOURCE Toronto Port Authority Media Contacts: Claire Pfeiffer, Senior Manager, Communications, Toronto Port Authority, [email protected] MACAO, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- On a typical weekday, Lei Zhen moves easily between Macao and Hengqin. Based in the special administrative region and working in Hengqin, the founder of a technology startup sometimes crosses the border several times a day. Hengqin, located in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, is separated from Macao by a narrow stretch of water. The Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin was established in 2021 to help Macao diversify its economy. With facial-recognition clearance and dedicated channels for Macao residents at the border, commuting has become markedly more efficient for Lei. "Sometimes I cross four, six, even eight times a day," he said, noting that travel between Macao and Hengqin now feels like moving within the same urban area. That growing sense of integration accompanied his company's development. In 2025, Nanometals Technology, which focuses on nanomaterials and industrial applications, recorded business growth close to doubling year-on-year. Lei also mentioned talent mobility between Macao and Hengqin. The company had recently introduced an overseas expert in biomedical new materials to work full-time across both locations. "This is precisely about leveraging the talent support policies of Macao and Hengqin," he said. While Lei's experience reflects building a cross-border career, the daily life of Sheeta Su, a Macao resident who works at a university in Macao, illustrates how integration influences residential choices. Every morning, Su leaves home around 8:30 a.m. and arrives at her workplace before 9:00. She drives a Hengqin-plate vehicle and completes border clearance within minutes. Su and her family relocated from the Fai Chi Kei area in Macao to the Macao New Neighborhood in Hengqin after visiting the area during its construction. "We decided to move right after seeing it," she said, describing the community as comfortable and efficient. In December 2024, the family moved into their new home. As a new mother, Su said she can easily reach doctors, nurses, and medicines from Macao, allowing residents' basic medical needs to be met locally. Over the past year, she observed steady changes in the neighborhood -- more families have moved in, more children are playing nearby, and surrounding shops, many run by Macao residents, have gradually opened. Looking ahead, Su plans to enroll her daughter in K1 at the Hengqin School Affiliated to Hou Kong Middle School. The proximity of Macao-linked education resources reduces time costs for families, she said. As someone who had witnessed a place's development firsthand, Su said she believes Hengqin provides the space needed for Macao's future development. Children watch penguins at an ice-and-snow themed park in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Jan. 14, 2026. A group of preschool children, bundled up in bright orange down coats, has embarked on a trip to northeast China, a region renowned as a snowy wonderland in winter. They came from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, over 3,000 km away, with a daytime temperature currently above 20 degrees Celsius. As Guangxi is closely linked with sugar oranges, which has a peel color exactly the same as the down jackets worn by the children, these little intrepid travelers have been affectionately referred to as "little sugar oranges" by online communities. Wherever they go, they set off a craze on cyberspace and have accumulated a flood of followers curious about their adventure in the north. (Xinhua/Yan Linyun) A child plays at an ice-and-snow themed park in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Jan. 14, 2026. A group of preschool children, bundled up in bright orange down coats, has embarked on a trip to northeast China, a region renowned as a snowy wonderland in winter. They came from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, over 3,000 km away, with a daytime temperature currently above 20 degrees Celsius. As Guangxi is closely linked with sugar oranges, which has a peel color exactly the same as the down jackets worn by the children, these little intrepid travelers have been affectionately referred to as "little sugar oranges" by online communities. Wherever they go, they set off a craze on cyberspace and have accumulated a flood of followers curious about their adventure in the north. (Xinhua/Yan Linyun) Children play at an ice-and-snow themed park in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Jan. 14, 2026. A group of preschool children, bundled up in bright orange down coats, has embarked on a trip to northeast China, a region renowned as a snowy wonderland in winter. They came from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, over 3,000 km away, with a daytime temperature currently above 20 degrees Celsius. As Guangxi is closely linked with sugar oranges, which has a peel color exactly the same as the down jackets worn by the children, these little intrepid travelers have been affectionately referred to as "little sugar oranges" by online communities. Wherever they go, they set off a craze on cyberspace and have accumulated a flood of followers curious about their adventure in the north. (Xinhua/Yan Linyun) Children play at an ice-and-snow themed park in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Jan. 14, 2026. A group of preschool children, bundled up in bright orange down coats, has embarked on a trip to northeast China, a region renowned as a snowy wonderland in winter. They came from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, over 3,000 km away, with a daytime temperature currently above 20 degrees Celsius. As Guangxi is closely linked with sugar oranges, which has a peel color exactly the same as the down jackets worn by the children, these little intrepid travelers have been affectionately referred to as "little sugar oranges" by online communities. Wherever they go, they set off a craze on cyberspace and have accumulated a flood of followers curious about their adventure in the north. (Xinhua/Yan Linyun) A drone photo shows children playing at an ice-and-snow themed park in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Jan. 14, 2026. A group of preschool children, bundled up in bright orange down coats, has embarked on a trip to northeast China, a region renowned as a snowy wonderland in winter. They came from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, over 3,000 km away, with a daytime temperature currently above 20 degrees Celsius. As Guangxi is closely linked with sugar oranges, which has a peel color exactly the same as the down jackets worn by the children, these little intrepid travelers have been affectionately referred to as "little sugar oranges" by online communities. Wherever they go, they set off a craze on cyberspace and have accumulated a flood of followers curious about their adventure in the north. (Xinhua/Yan Linyun) Chen Zhen (C), president of the Association of Chinese Medicine Academies of Central and Eastern Europe, receives an award during the 17th National Public Health Conference in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 14, 2026. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) gained recognition in Hungary after a prominent Chinese medical expert was honored at a national public health conference Wednesday, highlighting the growing integration of TCM into the country's healthcare and prevention system.(Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua) BUDAPEST, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) gained recognition in Hungary after a prominent Chinese medical expert was honored at a national public health conference Wednesday, highlighting the growing integration of TCM into the country's healthcare and prevention system. Chen Zhen, president of the Association of Chinese Medicine Academies of Central and Eastern Europe, was awarded an Honorary Certificate of Recognition during the 17th National Public Health Conference held at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. The event, organized under Hungary's Comprehensive Health Protection Screening Program (MAESZ), celebrated the "3,000 Locations Jubilee" of the nationwide prevention initiative. Supported by various government bodies, the program focuses on health screenings, disease prevention, and public awareness. Chen, widely known as "Dr. Chen" in Hungary, noted that Chinese medical experts have provided free consultations across the country for 25 years. "Over these 25 years, many people have incorporated TCM into their lives," Chen said, adding that TCM's emphasis on prevention and healthy lifestyles aligns with Hungary's current healthcare priorities. Hungary passed legislation in 2013 and issued implementation decrees in 2015, which granted legal status to TCM practitioners to practice independently and provided a solid legal foundation for the integration of TCM into the national healthcare system. Launched in 2010, MAESZ is Hungary's largest health protection program. To date, it has provided free tests to nearly 1,000,000 participants across 3,000 locations via mobile clinics, supported by a coalition of 96 professional organizations. Istvan Barna, chairman of the professional committee of MAESZ, told Xinhua that TCM plays a vital complementary role alongside Western medicine. "Its role is clearly on the same level as that of Western medicine. It represents a different approach in both diagnostics and therapy, and this offers significant opportunities for the Hungarian population," Barna said. Barna emphasized that TCM is integrated into the program's prevention activities, including movement therapy and specialized therapeutic methods. "I believe this helps us to disseminate the knowledge and scientific approach that has long been practiced in China and that we can also put to good use here," he added. Istvan Barna, chairman of the professional committee of Hungary's Comprehensive Health Protection Screening Program (MAESZ), speaks during the 17th National Public Health Conference in Budapest, Hungary, Jan. 14, 2026. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) gained recognition in Hungary after a prominent Chinese medical expert was honored at a national public health conference Wednesday, highlighting the growing integration of TCM into the country's healthcare and prevention system.(Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua) A Pennsylvania man is facing aggravated assault and other charges in Bergen County after authorities say he struck a police officer with his car, then led other officers on a chase that ended with a crash on the George Washington Bridge. Teaneck police received an alert about 5:23 p.m. on Sunday that a car sought out of New York City was in the area. The car and driver were wanted for a vehicular assault on a police officer, according to Teaneck Police Chief Andrew R. McGurr. McGurr said police spotted the car as it turned into a municipal lot on State Street. The officers followed the vehicle, activated their emergency lights, and attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop in the parking lot, McGurr said. One of the officers got out of his patrol car and walked toward the vehicle, whose driver was in the process of turning the car around, McGurr said. As the officer walked toward the car, the driver accelerated, striking the officer and knocking him to the ground, McGurr said. The vehicle then fled. Another Teaneck officer spotted the car in a nearby shopping center and pursued the driver south on Teaneck Road and along Route 4 East through Englewood and Fort Lee to the George Washington Bridge, according to McGurr. As the car entered the lower level, it side-swiped two vehicles. Local police terminated the pursuit and Port Authority police officers took over. A short time later, the car crashed on the New York side of the bridge, McGurr said. Port Authority police officers arrested the driver after a brief foot pursuit. They said he was in possession of several clear plastic baggies of what appeared to be cocaine. The driver was identified as Royer Soto, 32, of Hazelton, Pennsylvania. Soto and the police officer who was struck were treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released. Soto was charged with second-degree eluding, two counts of third-degree aggravated assault, third-degree resisting, third-degree possession of a weapon, fourth-degree hindering, and a drug charge as a disorderly persons offense. Additionally, Soto was issued 30 traffic tickets for alleged motor vehicle violations that occurred before and during the chase, McGurr said. Soto was held at the Bergen County Jail ahead of court proceedings. Attorney information was not listed in court or jail records. WELLINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand homeowners can now build small "granny flats" without consents under new legislation taking effect Thursday to ease housing pressures and cut red tape. The reform is designed to lower costs for families wanting to add small standalone dwellings to their properties, as updates to the Building Act and the new National Direction under the Resource Management Act (RMA) take effect, said RMA Reform and Housing Minister Chris Bishop. The changes remove consent requirements for structures up to 70 square meters, known as granny flats, and are expected to save homeowners up to 5,650 NZ dollars (3,248.83 U.S. dollars) while speeding up the building process by up to 14 weeks, according to a government statement. "It's an exciting day for Kiwis across the country who have been waiting for the green light to build a granny flat on their property without going through costly and time-consuming consent processes," Bishop said. Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones said the measure would help extended families, small communities, and businesses like farms that provide staff accommodation. Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk cautioned that exemptions apply only to code-compliant designs built by authorised professionals. Officials forecast up to 13,000 additional granny flats over the next decade, creating construction jobs and expanding housing options. Students and staff at a high school in Essex County were ordered to shelter in place Wednesday after reports that a student had a weapon or firearm accessory, which turned out to be an empty magazine, officials said. Students at West Orange High School told administrators a fellow student was in possession of a weapon or accessory, according to Principal Oscar Guerrero. The student was located and apprehended immediately, Guerrero said in a statement to the community. As a precaution, a shelter-in-place was implemented as West Orange police officers and members of the Essex County Sheriffs Office searched the building and campus. The student was in possession of the reported item, which was an empty magazine, Guerrero said. No firearm or ammunition was found, according to the principal. Law enforcement gave the all-clear, and the school resumed regular activities for the remainder of the day, Guerrero said. We thank our students for speaking up and encourage everyone, especially in todays climate, to continue reporting anything that seems out of the ordinary so we can keep our community safe, Guerrero said. A highly touted Indian restaurant was set to open in Asbury Park, with intentions of diversifying the towns vaunted food scene. The hospitality group that last year announced plans to open the eatery has now pivoted from Indian cuisine. But it remains steadfast in its intentions to shake up the iconic Jersey Shore towns culinary offerings. The Hungry Trio hospitality brand, which already operates acclaimed Indian restaurant Aarzu in Freehold (which was ranked No. 13 on NJ.coms list of the 99 best restaurants in the state), will now open a Latin eatery by the name of Esquina No. 525 at 525 Cookman Ave. The space notably housed celebrity chef James Averys The Bonney Read from 2013 through 2023 and The Mainstay from 2023 through 2024. Esquina No. 525 is slated to open in early Spring, although an exact date has yet to be determined. We have a diversity of chefs and we wanted to give one of our chefs that specializes in Latin cuisine a chance, Archana Sharma, a member of the ownership group, told NJ Advance Media. The Hungry Trio group consisting of Archana Sharma, Sidharth Sharma and Sammeer Raajpal also operates Ramen Nagomi, which has locations in Freehold, New Brunswick and Princeton. The organization will soon open Kidilum, a Southern Indian eatery, in New York Citys Flatiron District in February. Renderings of Esquina No. 525 in Asbury Park. Hungry Trio Hospitality The ownership group deviated from its original plan but still hopes to bring Indian cuisine to Asbury Park. We are still planning to open an Indian restaurant in Asbury, Sharma said. But we felt that this corner space was perfect for something of that vibe so we switched our direction. The new Cookman Avenue eatery will feature a Peruvian-inspired menu, a unique cocktail program and interior design including light colors, pottery and ropes to fit the shore towns vibe. We are trying to incorporate the coastal feel of Asbury Park with the Latin cuisine at Esquina, Sharma said. So thats why we went with Peruvian. Additional information on the menu will be provided ahead of the opening, Sharma confirmed. The Mets just pulled off a Bronx heist. On Thursday, Francys Romero first reported that the Mets have officially signed Dominican shortstop Wandy Asigen, who was previously tied to the Yankees, for $3.9 million as the signing period opened Thursday. Hes a No. 1, a scout told Romero, via X/Twitter. MLB Pipeline ranks Asigen No. 2, behind Luis Hernandez of Venezuela, who signed with the San Francisco Giants for $5 million. Asigen previously had long-standing verbal commitment with the Yankees, but that relationship essentially ended after the firing of their Director of International Scouting, Donny Rowland. Following Rowlands exit, Asigen backed out of his agreement, and the Yankees reportedly declined to meet a new asking price. Asigen swings from the left side and has already recorded exit velocities beyond 110 mph on multiple occasions. MLB Pipelines Jesse Borek thinks the 16-year-old will develop into a power-hitter. He features quick hands, a repeatable bat path and an innate ability to square up a variety of pitches, Borek writes. The signing comes one year after the Mets landed Elian Pena, the No. 3 prospect in the 2025 class, who went on to slash .292/.421/.528 in the Dominican Summer League and was named the leagues Player of the Month in August. Asigen has clocked 60-yard dash times as fast as 6.55 seconds and possesses above-average defensive actions at shortstop, according to MLB Pipeline. The Mets are listed at +800 on DraftKings to win the NL Pennant in 2026. Our complete DraftKings Sportsbook review shows you how to register and navigate their app. The Mets received $5,440,000 in pool money this year, with $3.9 million allocated to Asigen, and many evaluators pushed for the teenager to land at the top spot among this years class due to widespread industry belief in his all-around ability to impact the game. Asigen wont turn 17 until late August, making him one of the youngest players in his class, and he joins a Mets system that includes fellow teenage Dominican standout Pena as well as shortstop prospects Jett Williams and Antonio Jimenez. The Perth Amboy Planning Board has approved a $200 million plan to transform a blighted brownfield site along the Arthur Kill into a waterfront neighborhood with more than 600 housing units. Kushner Companies received approval to build 602 market-rate rental units across five buildings in a development called Sea Gate. The project spans 15.75 acres and will include parcels on Front, Commerce, Rector, Broad, High, and Fayette streets. We have been working closely with the redeveloper to create the type of plan that can benefit the entire Perth Amboy community, not just the residents of Sea Gate, Mayor Helmin Caba said in a written statement. We are directly addressing unused, under-taxed waterfront property and creating the type of development that will benefit Perth Amboy for years to come. The developer will fund multiple public amenities, including a tree-lined esplanade stretching from Front Street to the bulkhead at Washington Street, along with a playground, landscaped plazas, and a dog park. The project will also include 909 parking spaces, landscaping, streetscape improvements and lighting. The Perth Amboy Planning Board approved a $200 million plan for 602 market-rate rental units in five buildings. The waterfront project will include a tree-lined esplanade stretching from Front Street to the bulkhead at Washington Street, as well as a playground, landscaped plazas and dog park for public use. City of Perth Amboy Under the agreement, Kushner Companies will pay Perth Amboy about $1.2 million annually through a long-term payment in lieu of taxes agreement, officials said. The redevelopment area currently generates only about $113,000 annually in net revenue, according to city officials. The developer is purchasing properties from the city for $4.6 million and will contribute an additional $1 million for the construction or rehabilitation of affordable residential units elsewhere in Perth Amboy, said Tashi Vazquez, executive director of the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency. The plan includes a memorial to Thomas Mundy Peterson, a Perth Amboy resident who became the first African American to vote in an election following ratification of the 15th Amendment. Peterson cast his vote on March 31, 1870. This site has long presented environmental conditions that limited its use, Vazquez said. Through the redevelopment process, the city is addressing those challenges and expanding public access to the waterfront. An archaeological review is planned as part of the state-mandated redevelopment process to determine if any property needs preservation for historical significance. The review will involve state and city historians along with the redevelopers consultants. The project, featuring one- and two-bedroom units, is expected to be built over three years. The promising cancer drug trial results hadnt yet been made public when a New Jersey biostatistician allegedly cashed in, turning confidential information into nearly half a million dollars in stock profits. Hong John Wang, 59, was charged Tuesday in federal court in Boston with three counts of securities fraud, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Massachusetts. The Securities and Exchange Commission has filed a separate civil complaint against Wang alleging violations of the securities laws. The East Brunswick resident learned in November 2023 that C4 Therapeutics the Massachusetts pharmaceutical company he was consulting for had achieved a major breakthrough in its cancer drug trials. Instead of keeping the information confidential, he quietly began buying the companys stock through multiple brokerage accounts, including one shared with his wife and another tied to his consulting business, according to the criminal indictment. Over the course of three weeks, Wang amassed more than 150,000 shares, and was set to make thousands in return, federal officials say. When the company announced the trial results on Dec. 12, 2023, its stock price soared 135%. Right after the announcement Wang sold 20,000 shares, while holding the rest, racking up more than $489,000 in gains. Authorities did not clarify the drugs purpose or whether it has been used to treat patients yet. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and fines of up to $5 million. Maksim Nemtsev, an attorney for Wang, said the allegations are unproven. Our client has entered a plea of not guilty and intends to vigorously defend against these charges in court at the appropriate time. With Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19, communities across New Jersey are coming together to honor his legacy through education, service and action, and celebrate his lifelong fight for civil rights. Seton Hall University will host a multi-part Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Symposium. The keynote talk, The Role of Religion in the Founding of America: Implications for Civil Rights Movement Leadership, will be presented by Khyati Y. Joshi, professor of Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 16, 400 S. Orange Ave., in the University Center Event Room. Also, a MLK workshop will examine the nations approaching 250th anniversary through the lens of Dr. Kings legacy. The workshop, drawing on perspectives from African Studies, history and social justice, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.on Monday, Jan. 19, at 400 S. Orange Ave., in Bethany Hall, Room A. Both events are free and open to the public. Across the region, additional events will offer opportunities to honor and reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. MLK Day of Service Weekend Snack Pack Event Englewood Families can work together to assemble 2,000 snack packs for local children at risk of hunger, a handson service project inspired by Dr. Kings call to serve others. Saturday, Community Baptist Church, 224 First St., 12 to 2 p.m. Montclair MLK Unity Run/Walk - Montclair A community 5K Unity Run/Walk in memory of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King. Participants are encouraged to bring toiletries for donation to Tonis Kitchen. The event includes post-run refreshments. Register here for the run/walk. Sunday, at Nishuane Park, 48 High St., at 8 a.m. Martin Luther King March of Resistance - Newark The Peoples Organization for Progress (POP) will sponsor the Martin Luther King March of Resistance on Monday, Jan. 19, at the Martin Luther King Jr. Statue, 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Newark, at 12 p.m. Endorsed by more than 210 grassroots, civic, labor, religious, and social justice organizations, the march will spotlight issues including racial and economic injustice, voting rights, and abuses of immigration enforcement. 50th Annual Martin Luther King Memorial Breakfast - Plainfield The Frontiers International Plainfield Area Club presents its annual MLK memorial breakfast featuring New Jersey Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. Monday, Jan. 19, Plainfield High School, 950 Park Ave., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $30, $20 for seniors. Call 908-868-8704 or contact plainfieldfrontiers@gmail.com for more information. Newark Museum of Art, Community Day WBLS 107.5 on-air personality Liz Black and friends will broadcast live from the museum throughout the day, featuring performances, hands-on activities, and opportunities to give back. Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to support local food banks, womens shelters, or churches. Monday, Jan. 19, Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St., 12 to 5 p.m. Celebrating a Legacy of Justice, Equality and Unity - Elizabeth The National United Youth Council will sponsor a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the 160th anniversary of New Jerseys abolition of slavery, followed by a reception. Monday, Jan. 19, at the Slave Memorial in front of the Union County Courthouse, 2 Broad St., at 3 p.m. Birthday Celebration Concert for Martin Luther King Jr. Trenton The Trenton Childrens Chorus and Trenton Music Makers present a concert in honor of Dr. Kings birthday. The performance includes musical selections and readings reflecting on Dr. Kings legacy. Monday, Jan. 19, at Turning Point Methodist Church, 15 S. Broad St. at 3 p.m. Tonight, thousands of Muslims in New Jersey and around the world will observe the centuries-old Islamic holiday, Lailat Al Miraj. Lailat Al Miraj, known as the Night of Ascension, is an Islamic holy day that commemorates the journey the Prophet Muhammad took from Islams holiest city of Mecca to Jerusalem in one night, said Imam Qareeb Bashir, of the Islamic Center of Ewing. The holiday will begin tonight and continue through Friday, Jan. 16. According to the 2020 U.S. Religion Census, there are an estimated 321,652 people who practice Islam in New Jersey, with roughly 5,224 living in Mercer County. Bashir has been an imam for 21 years at the center, at 685 Parkway Ave., which he helped establish in 2005 to provide a place where the Muslim community can worship and non-Muslims can learn about the Islamic faith. To unpack the story of the holiday and its significance, Bashir explained why it serves as a reminder about the importance of prayer, faith, and unity. The Islamic Center of Ewing serves the township's Muslim community, at 685 Parkway Ave., in Ewing. Islamic Center of Ewing What is Lailat Al Miraj? Bashir said the holy days origin centers on a one-day journey Muhammad took in 621. A strong majority of the scholars say, based upon verses in the Quran, that it was not just a spiritual journey but also a physical journey, Bashir said. Thats why we say, this is one of the great miracles that he was transported in such a short period of time. Mecca is over 900 miles from Jerusalem, and on foot, it would take someone about 17 days to get there. Bashir said that during the voyage, Muhammad had a spiritual ascension in which he met and prayed with several important prophets of the Islamic faith, such as Abraham (Ibrahim), in the Seven Heavens. Abraham established what was the Islamic community knows as Tawhid, which is the belief in the oneness of God, that he has no partners or associates, said Bashir, the president of the Islamic Council of Greater Trenton. Abraham also helped establish the first house of worship for man, known as the Kabah, in Mecca. After Muhammad told others about his journey, Bashir said some people were skeptical and even questioned his sanity. The Prophet Muhammad began to describe things that were in Jerusalem at that time. He even described a caravan that was there and would be headed to Mecca, said Bashir. When this caravan arrived, the people who doubted him asked him questions, and he gave a perfect description of the caravan. Bashir said the holy day is a reminder of a command in the Quran about believing in the unseen and the unexplainable. How is this holy day celebrated? Bashir said some people fast and do extra prayers. The one thing about our holidays is that a lot of time is taken to do extra prayers, reading the Quran, and oftentimes fasting, so we take that very seriously, said Bashir. For the holy day, Bashir said the center will have some speakers and do a Dhikr, an act of remembrance and devotion to Allah through prayer and/or reciting verses from the Quran. What is the importance of Lailat Al Miraj? Bashir said the holiday is a reminder of how the obligation of prayer, known as Salah, was established after Muhammads spiritual voyage. As Muslims, we pray five times a day, and we pray a certain way as prescribed. So, prayer was officially and structurally commanded during the same time period, said Bashir. Prayer is one of the most important aspects of our religion. Were told that one of the first things well even be questioned about on the day of judgment is our habit of prayer. During Muhammads journey, Bashir said the Prophet Moses asked him to ask Allah (God) to reduce the number of required daily prayers from 50 to five. Allahs word does not change, and what the scholars say is that for every prayer we receive 10 blessings. So, five times 10 equals 50, said Bashir. So, it was already written and already known by Allah that it would be five prayers. This important day also reminds Bashir of the oneness of humanity. When we have all of these prophets, and were told that they came together in unity and prayed together, I think that thats a strong message for the consciousness of humanity, said Bashir. We are one, and even though there might be some slight differences in terms of how we worship or our faith, that is very important. Cops who faced criminal charges. Others forced to resign because of repeated on-the-job misconduct. Still other officers who were demoted, suspended or ordered by the courts to forfeit their jobs after being accused of wrongdoing. Despite violating the public trust, those cops were allowed to retire and collect their full pensions as though they did nothing wrong, a new investigation by the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller found. In a blistering report issued Wednesday, the watchdog agency took aim at state pension regulators, finding a broken system in which poor information sharing and haphazard oversight allowed law enforcement officers with significant misconduct to retire with little or no consequence to their pensions. Thats despite a requirement that pensions be based on honorable service, with employees who abuse their positions supposed to risk losing some or all of their monthly retirement checks, the comptrollers office said. These findings expose a serious gap in efforts to protect underfunded pension funds and deter misconduct by law enforcement officers, Acting State Comptroller Kevin Walsh said in a statement. Our laws demand that public employees act honorably as a condition of receiving their pensions. The report sampled nearly 60 members of the Police and Firemens Retirement System who were collecting pensions despite records of misconduct. Of those, 21 had slipped through the cracks and never faced hearings to determine whether they should be fully or partly stripped of their benefits, the report said. That included one officer who faced, and was later convicted of, child pornography charges, the report said. In some instances, the officers received their pensions for years without the board uncovering the allegations against them, the report said. And Walsh said the 21 officers were likely just the tip of the iceberg, representing only those that his office was able to identify through news reports and other public disclosures. We dont know how many are out there who committed misconduct and are getting full pensions simply because no one told the pension board what they did wrong, Walsh said. Acting State Comptroller Kevin Walsh released a report Wednesday examining police officers who were allowed to retire with their full pensions despite "significant misconduct." NJ Advance Media In response, the state Division of Pensions and Benefits said it was reviewing the findings to assess whether improvements are needed. In a statement, spokeswoman Danielle Currie said protecting the integrity of the system is at the core of DPBs mission, and that the division is committed to ensuring that pensions go only to those who have earned them. Gregory Petzold, the executive director of the Police and Firemens system, and James Kompany, the boards chairman, did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday. The comptroller blamed both bureaucratic shortfalls and overt efforts to evade the rules, and called for a host of reforms to better protect taxpayers. In many cases, the Police and Firemens Retirement System was simply unaware of the misconduct because of confusion by local officials of what they were required to disclose, the report said. In other instances, settlement agreements between towns and their officers appeared designed to hide the misconduct from public scrutiny. One agreement cited attorney-client privilege to try to improperly keep the allegations hidden, the report said. Others contained problematic non-disclosure or confidentiality clauses. The report marks just the latest criticism of New Jerseys pension process, given pension boards that are often reluctant to strip employees of their retirements benefits. Still, pension trustees have long insisted the system works as intended, with those who commit misconduct punished, but within bounds. New Jersey law carves out 23 specific on-the-job crimes under which employees pensions are automatically forfeited. But for retirees whose misconduct falls outside of that, boards weigh the allegations against the good they did throughout their careers, then determine whether their pensions should be reduced or eliminated. The report did not identify the 21 officers or the departments in which they worked, and only briefly summarized the misconduct for which they were accused. But it cast the allegations against them as very serious, and said it included five officers who faced criminal charges and others who were suspended or forced to resign because of wrongdoing. The report accused trustees of the Police and Firemens system of going out of their way to protect retirees accused of misconduct, charging they frequently escape with little or no reduction of their monthly payments. Of the 21 officers, most have since received hearings to determine whether their pensions should be forfeited, the report said. Yet even then, just three saw their pensions partly reduced, the report said. The report cast the financial impact as significant, given the lifetime of payments that a pension guarantees. Officers receiving more money than they should can easily cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars over the many years they collect benefits, investigators estimated. Efforts in the state Legislature to tighten pension rules have come up short before. In 2022, the state Assembly approved a bill to make it harder for employees convicted of crimes to collect their pensions, following an investigation by NJ Advance Media. But the proposal stalled in the Senate and never became law. Until now, only employees at New Jersey businesses with 30 or more workers have been eligible for job-protected benefits under the states paid family leave program. That policy guaranteed employees the right to be reinstated after taking family leave. But a push to change that 30-employee threshold began gaining momentum over the past year, as lawmakers advanced a proposal, S3451. Now, its one step away from becoming law after passing both the Democratic-controlled state Senate and Assembly. Its up to Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat who has previously expanded the program, to approve or reject it. The number of people helped by this bill reaches far beyond just the individual workers, said one of the legislations sponsors, state Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, D-Union. For every employee that benefits from A3451, even more New Jerseyans parents, children, siblings would benefit as well." The measure as originally written would represent one of the programs biggest shifts dropping the eligibility threshold from 30 workers to five. That step, however, immediately drew backlash from business groups, who argued the proposal would place significant strain on the states smallest employers. Those groups asserted that the leave mandate could create staffing gaps and financial pressures for momandpop operations already functioning with thin margins and limited flexibility. In response to that pushback and after weeks of negotiations lawmakers revised the bill to strike a middle ground. The new version raised the threshold to 15 employees. Supporters of the plan argued throughout the legislative process that the expansion was overdue citing examples including new parents and workers caring for seriously ill relatives, and calling it a matter of basic equity and economic security. Republicans, who opposed to the bill, maintained the same argument as the business groups that criticized it. In criticizing a separate bill that would create tax breaks for diners, Assemblyman Brian Bergen, RMorris, told Democrats their business policies were contributing to the struggles companies face pointing to family leave as one he opposed. Time and time and again you are beating on business, he said to his Democratic colleagues. The New Jersey Business and Industry Association, the states largest private sector lobby, also disagreed with the bill. While a threshold of 15 employees is better than five, 15 still sweeps up too many small businesses that will have to comply with this onerous new mandate, said New Jersey Business and Industry Association lobbyist Christopher Emigholz. Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson, D-Mercer, defended the legislation in the wake of its passage. Workers in multi-generational families face tough choices on a regular basis, but deciding to take time off to care for a sick relative or a newborn child should not come with the added pressure of worrying if they will have a job to return to, she said. Hey there New Jersey! Heres your audio update highlighting New Jersey moving to take control of the Lakewood Township School District and a Hillsborough woman charged with the murder of her two young sons. Well also tell you about a proposed ICE immigrant detention center in Roxbury. Listen by clicking the play button above. This audio presentation is an editorially-curated selection of stories, selected by an editor, and then summarized and read aloud by artificial intelligence. Some variations in pronunciation, tone or diction may result. We want to know what you think! All feedback is valuable. After youve listened, take our 3-question survey here to let us know what you think. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. A heartwarming roadside rescue in Rushan, China: When a bus driver spotted an overturned three-wheeler, he and a passenger quickly pulled over to lend a helping hand. #EverydayHero #WarmMoments #rescue #China The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday weighed whether New Jersey Transit qualifies as an arm of the state and thus immune from outofstate lawsuits in a case that could reshape how states structure public corporations. Two personal injury lawsuits against New Jersey Transit Corporation for accidents outside New Jersey were consolidated into a single Supreme Court hearing on Wednesday. In Colt v. New Jersey Transit Corporation, New Yorks highest court ruled NJ Transit is not part of state government and can be sued in New York. In Galette v. New Jersey Transit Corporation, Pennsylvanias highest court reached the opposite conclusion, saying it is part of the state and cannot be sued there. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear both cases. Colt and Galette were each involved in separate accidents with buses operated by New Jersey Transit Corporation. In 2017, Colt was hit while crossing 40th Street in Manhattan and later sued the agency and the driver for negligence. In 2018, Galette was a passenger in a car stopped on Market Street in Philadelphia when it was struck by a New Jersey Transit bus. He also filed suit, claiming both the agency and the cars driver were responsible for his injuries. The attorney representing NJ Transit, New Jersey Deputy Solicitor General Michael Zuckerman, argued that the agency operates like a state entity and can use sovereign immunity to avoid being sued in other states courts. In short, NJ Transit looks nothing like a city or town and little like a private company, Zuckerman argued Wednesday. It looks a lot like a New Jersey state agency. That means plaintiffs must sue it where the state has consented, in New Jersey. Sovereign immunity is a legal rule that protects governments, and sometimes their agencies, from being sued without their consent. The attorney representing Colt and Galette, Michael B. Kimberly, said NJ Transits legal structure is a mishmash and that it does not share in the states sovereign immunity. By creating a separate legal entity in this way and achieving these benefits, the state accepts a cost, and the cost is it follows from the creation of a separate legal entity, a separate legal person, Kimberly said. During Wednesdays session, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson told Zuckerman that New Jersey could have set up NJ Transit as an agency, but instead, it chose to set it up as a corporation. And having done so, at least traditionally, I think the analysis was that it also gave up then the ability to instill this entity with something like sovereign immunity, Jackson said. Neither Zuckerman nor Kimberly could immediately be reached for comment Wednesday night. A decision is expected in the case by the end of the current court term this summer. A New Jersey father admitted he killed his 3-month-old daughter last year by continuously striking her in the head. Ruben Santiago, 36, of Lakewood, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter on Thursday, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said. He was charged with murder following the babys death on May 6, 2025. Santiago faces up to 25 years in state prison when he is sentenced on March 4. A murder charge is still pending against the girls mother, Caitlin M. Gibson. Gibson was 28 when she was arrested. Both have been held at the Ocean County jail since being arrested the day after their daughters death. Lakewood police were called to a home on Pinehurst Drive around 7:20 p.m. on May 5, 2025 and found a baby who was having difficulty breathing, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office said. The girl died of her injuries at an area hospital the next day. An investigation revealed the baby suffered a fractured skull from repeated blows to the head, causing brain bleeding. Gibson and Santiago were indicted in September. By Chris Gethard On Sunday my son wanted to try out his new scooter. We drove to Morristown, to the paved path along the train tracks. We walked to Convent Station, where the farmers market was packing up but my son was able to get a pickle on a stick. A pretty bougie morning, the kind you sign up for as an Irish-Catholic who moved on up from Essex to Morris County. (There are a lot of us around here.) On our way home, we saw the Friendlys on Madison Avenue and I mentioned to my wife that wed never taken our son there. She said, Lets go now.. After the fried food was delivered but before my kid ordered his Monster Mash Sundae (a more modern take on the classic Conehead), my wife got a text. A few of our neighbors were heading to a rally against ICE in Piscataway. My wife said at least one of us should go. We decided Id hang back with my son and shed carpool there. My son interjected. Whats ICE? he asked. Ive been hearing people talk about it. My wife and I shared the awkward eye contact of people who have to explain something to a kid whos too young for the conversation. Well, ICE is this police force, I told him. They wear masks. They dont follow many rules. And theres protests because they killed a lady in this place called Minnesota. My son, understandably, was upset. Are they going to come get us? I told him that probably would never happen. But if mommy goes to the protest, are they going to be mad at her? I mean I dont think theyll be there? I stammered. He could see my uncertainty. My wife did a better job explaining that because he has white skin and was born here, it makes it less likely theyll bother him. But because not everyone looks like us or were born here, its important to make sure we say that its not ok to treat our neighbors like that. It was a tough way to see a kid eat a mint chocolate chip sundae with Reeses peanut butter cups for ears. Lately, Ive found myself compelled to remind my son that my grandparents were immigrants. My grandfather was born in Northern Ireland. His family owned a pub that was bombed by a Protestant paramilitary group. He left Northern Ireland when he was eighteen and made his way to the States. He passed away when I was fifteen. The Good Friday Agreement did not calm the Troubles in Northern Ireland until I was eighteen. I say this not to have any sense of stolen valor regarding my grandfathers experience, but because Im acutely aware that my grandfather made his way to America for clear, concrete reasons. His house was a few blocks from mine and I saw him at least weekly until he passed. He never talked much about his time in Ireland to me or anyone else, but he resented the English and was grateful America allowed him to start over. My son will only know those stories removed by a generation, less visceral and more theoretical. To me its simple logic that if my family came from where it came from, I am bound by honor to remember that immigrants leave places for reasons. And that we have to offer grace, empathy, and compassion when they do. The part of me that deeply cares about being Irish-American, with relatives who left Ireland due to hardships including roving forces of armed paramilitaries, is the same part of me that is aghast at the footage of masked thugs wielding weapons on American streets. Around the exact time we were at Friendlys, ICE agents forcibly took people on Speedwell Avenue. As I sat telling my blonde haired, blue-eyed son that he would be OK, people with darker skin and different accents were being kidnapped three miles away. My office is off of Speedwell Avenue. Im writing this right now in a room where if I look out the window, my view is of Speedwell Avenue. This is not theoretical. This is not distant. I could have driven my kid home down the block where people were being grabbed. He could have asked me if we were safe, I could have given my choppy, guilty Yeah, probably, and then we would have seen goons in masks putting people in zip ties and unmarked cars. I dont know the history of the people scooped up in Morristown. As with all things ICE, things happen suddenly and with little information offered. What I did hear, as we all did, was that one of them was a high school student. Personally, I cant imagine anything a kid could do that means armed masked men in unmarked cars are the answer. If he was dealing drugs, if he was a trafficker, and those are a lot of big ifs, I still cant imagine how anyone could justify that this is the way. A high school kid, so at most, what? Seventeen years old? I refuse to believe that this was the best method to deal with this child. (And to be clear, thats giving ICE the benefit of the doubt. My guess is the more we learn about that high school kid, the less hell look like some nefarious villain and the more hell look like, you know a kid.) And that person wasnt even the youngest victim of this raid. She was six years old. She wasnt scooped up, but her dad was. Neighbors found her wandering the sidewalks of Morristown after the raid, crying and repeating the words, Wheres Papi? Wheres Papi? Six. Thats how old my son is. We are currently living in a New Jersey where my six-year-old can spend his morning scooting up and down a nature trail, then eating a sundae, while within walking distance another six-year-old can have her father violently thrown into an unmarked car and be left to wander the streets crying. My blonde-haired boy and that dark-haired girl are significantly more alike than they are different. They live in the same place. They drive the same streets. They shop at the same businesses. But our Sunday was hikes and ice cream. Hers was a horror movie. Its arbitrary, its cruel, and I defy anyone to explain to me how masked men leaving a six-year-old wandering the streets of a suburban town in confusion and tears should be the way we handle any problem, let alone one as complex as Americas relationship with immigration. It has to stop, and none of us should spend any more time pretending its far away. Its here. Last Sunday, it was a few miles from me. It will soon be happening a few miles from you, if it hasnt been already. ICE shouldnt exist. The well is poisoned, the public has no trust in it, and anyone reading this can think of a hundred better applications of its massive budget. Bad things are happening. We must all speak loudly, firmly, and immediately in an effort to stop them. Calling your elected representative in the U.S. House Of Representatives or U.S. Senate is the most effective way to influence policy. To find your representative and senator to voice your position, go to the House website and the Senate website. Chris Gethard is an actor and comedian whos been featured on TV shows including The Office and Parks and Recreation and films including Class Action Park. A small school bus with no children aboard crashed into a utility pole Thursday morning in Passaic County after the driver suffered a medical emergency, authorities said. The crash took place around 9:30 a.m. on Church Street, between Haledon Avenue and Richardson Avenue in Haledon, local police said. The driver and the aide were both brought to an area hospital. The aide was not badly hurt but was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Police didnt immediately say where the bus was going when it crashed. As of 11:45 a.m., the road remained closed. Drivers were advised to avoid the area as PSE&G worked to repair the pole. Anyone with a power outage is asked to call PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734 or go to www.pseg.com/outage. A Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President JD Vances detail has been placed on administrative leave for divulging sensitive information to a woman operating undercover for the OKeefe Media Group. The US Secret Service has a 160-year-old tradition of discretion that sets this agency apart, and we have no tolerance for employees who fail to meet this standard, Deputy Director Matthew Quinn told The New York Post on Wednesday. The US Secret Service deeply apologizes to the Vance family for this violation of their trust and privacy. Controversial far-right activist James OKeefe, a notorious purveyor of hidden-camera stings on journalists and politicians, published video snippets from the Secret Service agents faux dates with a woman who was secretly recording their conversations. In the video, the agent can be seen and heard discussing his role on the Vice Presidents security detail. He disclosed movements to and from Vances residence at the Naval Observatory and revealed the vice presidents future travel plans. The agent also spoke about protective formations and displayed his Secret Service badge when prompted by the woman. Several photos the agent allegedly texted to the woman contained metadata that could provide an approximate location of the vice presidents convoy. In a statement to OKeefe Media Group, Quinn said all Secret Service personnel have been ordered to retake the agencys required anti-espionage training. We are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that a similar breach does not occur again, Quinn said. Vance has not publicly commented on the breach, but he recently praised the Secret Service after his Ohio home was vandalized. William D. DeFoor, 26, was detained on Jan. 6 by Secret Service agents who were assigned to Vances Cincinnati home east of downtown. The vice president and his family were not home. There are crazy people out there and were thankful for the Secret Service and the grace of God that were still here to do the job that we can, Vance said. Polands Prime Minister Donald Tusk appeared to throw shade at President Donald Trump on Thursday. Following the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela, Trump has set his sights on acquiring Greenland, arguing that the autonomous territory which falls under the boundaries of Denmark, a member of NATO is vital to U.S. national security. He has maintained that the United States must own the Arctic island to deter Russia or China from occupying it in the future. A top Danish official said there is a fundamental disagreement with Trump over Greenland after meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House on Wednesday. Several European countries including France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom have also either sent troops to the territory or have pledged to take action in the coming days to begin military exercises in a show of support for Denmark. Tusk announced Thursday that Poland will not participate in sending soldiers to Greenland, but remained critical of how a takeover would impact the NATO alliance. He argued that an attempt to acquire a NATO member state by another NATO member state would be a political disaster, according to Reuters, which translated his remarks. It would be the end of the world as we know it, which guaranteed a world based on NATO solidarity, which held back the evil forces associated with communist terror or other forms of aggression, Tusk said during a press conference. Trump, meanwhile, has maintained that NATO should be helping the United States obtain Greenland, which holds untapped reserves of critical minerals all while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any attempt to secure Greenland by force would mean the end of the NATO alliance. Im the one who SAVED NATO!!! Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform Monday. While the White House has not ruled out using military force, Rubio said last week that the United States is interested in potentially purchasing the island, despite officials there saying it is not for sale. A poll from last year found that most Greenlanders, too, do not want to become a part of the country. 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. Trump later responded that he disagrees with the assessment, adding, Thats going to be a big problem for him. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) is taking searing aim at President Donald Trumps fixation on acquiring Greenland. In an interview with the Omaha World-Herald on Wednesday, Bacon described talk of taking over the autonomous territory as utter buffoonery. He also warned the president of bipartisan impeachment efforts if he decides to invade. If he went through with the threats, I think it would be the end of his presidency, Bacon said. And he needs to know: The off-ramp is realizing Republicans arent going to tolerate this and hes going to have to back off. He hates being told no, but in this case, I think Republicans need to be firm. Bacon who has expressed criticism of the president on a handful of issues, most recently including a criminal investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell voted against all of the articles of impeachment against Trump during his first term. He told the Omaha World-Herald, however, that he would lean in favor of doing so if Trumps idea came to fruition. The Kingdom of Denmark, which includes Greenland, is a founding member of NATO. Trump has stated that NATO would be far more formidable with Greenland under U.S. control, and has argued that the alliance should be helping the United States obtain the territory, which holds untapped reserves of critical minerals. Im the one who SAVED NATO!!! Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform earlier this week. But some politicians, analysts and Danish officials have warned that any attempt to secure Greenland by force could spell the collapse of the alliance. It would be a total mistake to invade an ally, Bacon said in the interview. It would be catastrophic to our allies and everything. Its just the worst idea ever in my view. Trump renewed his ambition to claim the Arctic island following the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela that captured its leader, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife. While arguing that Greenland is vital to U.S. national security, Trump has claimed that the United States must own the territory to deter Russia or China from occupying it in the future. On the heels of a meeting between U.S., Danish and Greenlandic officials on Wednesday, several European countries including France, Germany, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom have either sent troops to the region or have pledged to take action in the coming days to begin military exercises in a show of support for Denmark. A top Danish official said there is a fundamental disagreement with Trump over Greenland after meeting with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House. The White House has not ruled out using military force to acquire the island, but Rubio said last week that the United States is interested in potentially purchasing it, despite officials there saying it is not for sale. A poll from last year found that most Greenlanders, too, do not want to become a part of the country, with only 6% in agreement. Gov. Phil Murphy is heading out the door with an overall C grade from New Jerseyans. Thats according to a new poll from Rutgers-Eagleton that asked residents to rate the Democrats two terms as he prepares to leave office next Tuesday after eight years. The survey, released Thursday morning, used a grading scale ranging from A (4 points) to F (0 points). Murphy ended up with a C-level grade point average of 2.09 points with 9% of the states adults giving him an A, 32% a B, 23% a C, 16% a D, and 13% an F. On specific issues, Murphy recorded his lowest grades on affordability and taxes and his highest on education. Meanwhile, Murphy exits with a similar middle-of-the road approval rating he saw throughout his time: 48% approve of the job he did, 35% disapprove, and 17% say they dont know. His favorability numbers are slightly lower: 43% have a positive impression of him, 32% negative, and 23% have no opinion. The survey also found residents are split on what they think about the direction the state is headed as Murphy departs: 42% say its on the right track, 43% say the wrong track, and 16% are unsure. Governor Murphy will leave office much as he entered it a governor who rarely elicited strong reactions and generally avoided sharp swings in public opinion, said Ashley Koning, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and a assistant research professor at the school. Murphy exits with the steadiest ratings of any governor in our five decades of polling, Koning added. He received neither the highest nor lowest ratings of any governor on record, in sharp contrast to his immediate predecessor. That would be Republican Chris Christie, who finished his two terms with record-low approval ratings. Murphy himself wouldnt give himself a letter grade when he spoke with NJ Advance Media in a goodbye interview earlier this month though he has repeatedly said hes proud of his tenure, saying the state is now fairer and stronger. Rutgers also asked residents to grade Murphy on several issues. The results: He averaged D+ on affordability (1.32 GPA) and taxes (1.44 GPA), issues Jerseyans often cite as the most important to them. Koning said those numbers are similar to where they were at the end of his first term, suggesting New Jerseyans saw little progress in these critical areas. She added that addressing this will be among the most important tasks as Democratic Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill succeeds Murphy on Jan. 20. He scored a C- average on other fiscal issues, such as the economy and jobs (1.98 GPA) and the state budget and government spending (1.78 GPA). He got a C- on transportation and infrastructure (1.94 GPA) similar to what he drew at his midway point. He got a 2.11 GPA for both education and schools areas where he has traditionally polled the best, though his figures have slipped since his first term ended. On crime and safety, 11% give Murphy an A, 31% a B, 23% a C, 14% a D and 14% an F unchanged from his halfway mark. He got a C on health care (2.09 GPA), which has slipped since his first term ended. Murphys 48% approval rating is down from a high of 77% in Rutgers May 2020 survey, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. But his phys ratings stayed at or just above 50% for much of his governorship, the poll noted. His favorability also peaked in May 2020, at 59% in May 2020. But it hovered around the mid-to-upper 40s throughout most of Murphys time. The poll was conducted with 1,570 New Jersey adults Dec. 29-Jan. 6. It has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3.6 percentage points. President Donald Trumps latest obsession about annexing Greenland has little appetite among Americans, according to a new poll. The new CNN poll, conducted by SSRS, found that 75% of Americans oppose Trumps efforts to acquire Greenland. Just 25% of Americans backed Trumps idea to make Greenland a part of the United States, despite the territory being owned by the NATO member country of Denmark. The poll also found that Trumps talk of getting Greenland is not even broadly supported by his base. Just half of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents said they supported the move, with the other half opposing it. The poll found that an overwhelming amount of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents are against the idea with 94% opposed overall. This includes 80% who said they strongly oppose it. The poll also found that Americans do not share Trumps view of expansionism. Nearly six in 10 Americans said Trump has gone too far in trying to exert the U.S.s power over other countries, while just one-third said Trump has been right. Fifty-five percent said he has gone too far in using the military to achieve his goals. The poll was conducted by SSRS among 1,209 adults between Jan. 9-12. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. 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. President Donald Trump is receiving support from abroad as he encounters split opinions at home over his efforts in Venezuela, according to a new poll. An exclusive poll for The Economist, released Tuesday, offers one of the first glimpses into how Venezuelans have reacted to the U.S. military operation that captured leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife. It found that just 13% of Venezuelans strongly or somewhat oppose the covert raid. While over 35% of respondents said they strongly favored it, a similar share of people said they neither agree nor disagree with the move. According to the poll, almost four in five of Venezuelans believe the political situation in their country will be better in a year, while more than half reported that their opinion of the United States had improved after the operation. The poll also showed that Venezuelans have an openness to the idea of whether the United States should run their country, as previously floated by Trump. Almost half of the respondents said they strongly agree or somewhat agree with U.S. governance in Venezuela, compared to just 18% who stand in opposition. But per the poll, Venezuelans are divided on who should control the oil industry. A little over a quarter of respondents think the U.S. government should remain in charge, while around one-third picked the Venezuelan government. Close to 30% said they would choose private companies. The findings come as Trump has announced that Venezuela will turn over 30 million to 50 million barrels of its oil to the United States to be sold at market value, with the proceeds being managed by the United States. The president met with oil executives at the White House to encourage investment efforts on Friday. When asked whether there should be a new presidential election in Venezuela, over two-thirds think there should be, with the majority preferring it take place within six months or less, according to the poll. Since the raid, Vice President Delcy Rodriguez has been sworn in as interim president, while Trump told NBC News last week that the country will not hold new elections for at least the next 30 days. We have to fix the country first, Trump said. You cant have an election. Theres no way the people could even vote. If elections were to be held, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is the favored candidate, receiving close to 50% of the vote. Rodriguez secured just over 10% of support. Meanwhile, the poll revealed that Trump fared well among Venezuelans in terms of favorability, scoring a combined 50% among very favorable and somewhat favorable. Secretary of State Marco Rubio trailed only a couple of percentage points behind. The results are a departure from how Americans have viewed about the raid, according to several polls, which have registered more divided opinions. A YouGov/Economist poll of 1,602 U.S. adults from last week found that 34% of respondents believed that intervention was justified, while 45% said the opposite. A poll from CBS News concluded that 48% of the 2,325 respondents agreed with the U.S. military action, and 52% disagreed. And an AP-NORC poll of 1,203 adults, out Wednesday, found that 56% of Americans think Trump has overstepped on military interventions abroad, with 57% disapproving of how the president is handling the situation in Venezuela. The poll from The Economist, conducted from Jan. 9 to Jan. 13, featured answers from 600 respondents. It did not provide a margin of error. BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday that properly resolving the electric vehicle (EV) case between China and the European Union (EU) within the framework of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, in a spirit of mutual respect, is of great positive significance amid the current international situation. China and the EU on Jan. 12 both announced positive outcomes after multiple rounds of consultations, drawing widespread attention worldwide, said ministry spokesperson He Yongqian during a regular press briefing. The business communities in both China and the EU have highly welcomed and fully endorsed the progress, the spokesperson said, adding that a "soft landing" of the case would significantly boost market confidence and inject fresh momentum into China-EU cooperation in auto trade and investment. The spokesperson quoted an EU politician as saying that this development is a positive step toward building a sustainable China-EU trade relationship, and demonstrates that resolving trade differences through partnership remains feasible. A proper settlement of the EV case will facilitate the sound development of China-EU economic and trade relations and help safeguard the stability of global auto industrial and supply chains. More importantly, the move sends a clear and strong signal to the world that China and the EU are willing to jointly uphold a rules-based international trade order, set a good example for resolving differences through dialogue and consultation, and inject greater certainty and positive momentum into global economic development, said the spokesperson. Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrills transition team has asked for letters of resignation from appointed state government employees including thousands with union protections, according to union officials, prompting anger and worry from affected workers as Sherrill prepares to take office next week. But Sean Higgins, a spokesman for Sherrils transition team, told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday the incoming Democratic governor does not intend to ask for mass resignations and would clarify the requests only apply to political appointees. At issue: The state Civil Service Commission under outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Murphys administration inadvertently provided Sherrills transition team with some inaccurate information about the states work force. Officials are now working to fix the matter. This is a standard process during a transition and these requests were based on information we received, which contained inconsistencies that we are working on with departments to clear, Higgins said in a statement. Gov.-elect Sherrill values the hard work of state employees and public servants and looks forward to working together to implement her agenda to make New Jersey more affordable, he added. Politico New Jersey was the first to report the developments. Its common for incoming governors to request letters of resignation from political appointees prior to taking office, officials in past administrations told NJ Advance Media. But leaders of the states top public employee union, the Communication Workers of America, said Sherrills requests went much deeper and included thousands of career workers who have union protections. The CWA told affected employees on Tuesday they should not send a resignation letter to the state, even though department heads had told them the letters were due Jan. 14. A union representative said the CWA and Sherrills transition team were working through a solution Wednesday for what may be a clerical error. While this has been a confusing and alarming process for many of our members, we greatly appreciate the Transition Team assuring us that it is not their intention to compel mass resignation offers and that they fully respect our members contractual and civil service protections, Tonya Hodges, the New Jersey area director for CWA District 1, said in a statement. The situation started when Sherrill transition team leader Kellie Doucette sent a letter to the Murphy administration requesting that department heads inform affected employees, including those in unclassified titles, they should submit letters of resignation. Please be assured that this is in no way a reflection on the administrations work for and the dedication to our state, but rather a normal and customary part of the transition process that allows for the development of the new Administration, Doucette wrote in the letter, obtained by NJ Advance Media. But union leaders said unclassified workers who remain on the job for three or more years are entitled to job security and cannot be terminated without cause. Even unclassified workers with less than three years have some job protections that provide them with due process regarding discipline or resignation, the CWA said in a separate statement. While it is standard practice for every new incoming administration to ask for letters of resignation from certain unclassified employees and appointees, CWA maintains that it was not appropriate to send such notices to employees covered by our collective bargaining agreement, the union said in an email to its members Tuesday. It is unclear how many employees were targeted in error. Murphys office declined to comment. There are approximately 64,000 state employees in New Jersey, including 13,700 unclassified workers who predominately work for the state departments of Law and Public Safety and Treasury, according to a 2024 report by the Civil Service Commission. The requests for resignations saw some workers taking aim at Sherrill, with some angered many were were asked to submit resignations against their will. A longtime unclassified worker who requested anonymity out of fear of getting fired said the misstep is disappointing and not what they expected from Sherrill. Many state workers were concerned that (Sherrills Republican challenger Jack) Ciatterelli would come in and implement DOGE-like cuts, a reference to Elon Musks temporary job cutting thousands of jobs. Sherrill herself warned on the campaign trail that Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker, wanted a New Jersey DOGE. A former congresswoman, Sherrill defeated Ciattarelli by 14 points in Novembers election to succeed Murphy. She will take office next Tuesday, Jan. 20. President Donald Trumps desire to acquire Greenland sparked a lively debate between Fox News co-hosts Jesse Watters and Jessica Tarlov. During Wednesdays broadcast of The Five, Watters questioned why NATO wouldnt give daddy what he wants, a reference to NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte calling Trump daddy. The Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is a NATO member and is fully covered by the Alliances collective security guarantees. Trump has stated that NATO would be far more formidable with Greenland under U.S. control and anything less than that is unacceptable. Tarlov, the shows lone liberal disagreed with Watters and criticized Trumps lack of respect for a foreign nation. Sometimes daddy needs to be told no, Tarlov said. Thats just the facts on the table. And it seems like the Danish foreign minister, the Danish prime minister, the head of Greenland, theyve got the stuff, she added. Trumps efforts to bring Greenland under U.S. control have been met with fierce resistance from Greenlanders and European leaders. Following a meeting of U.S., Danish and Greenlandic officials on Wednesday, several European countries announced that they would send small numbers of military personnel to Greenland in an effort to assure Trump of its security. At the request of Denmark, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organized by Denmark in Greenland, Operation Arctic Endurance. The first French military elements are already on their way. Others will follow, French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X. Troops from Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden will also travel to Greenland for the joint military exercises. And among Greenlands inhabitants, there is little support for Trumps efforts to take control of the island. A survey by the pollster Verian conducted last year found only 6% of Greenlanders are in favor of leaving Denmark and becoming part of the U.S. The United Auto Workers union is standing behind a member who was involved in a stunning exchange with President Donald Trump on Tuesday at a Ford plant in Michigan. The union employee, identified as TJ Sabula by the Washington Post, was suspended from his position at a Ford F-150 factory in Dearborn after calling Trump a pedophile protector during the presidents tour of the facility. Video footage captured Trump mouthing f--- you and raising his middle finger in response to the heckler. Following Sabulas suspension, UAW Vice President and Ford Department Director Laura Dickerson said that the union will ensure that our member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job and his rights as a union member. The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting union the UAW, Dickerson said 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. Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyoneincluding the President of the United States." As the exchange went viral on social media, the White House defended Trumps response as appropriate. 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. Despite his suspension, Sabula expressed no remorse about jeering the president. As far as calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever, Sabula told the Washington Post. In addition to the UAWs backing, Sabula received an outpouring of support from more than 13,000 donors who contributed to an online fundraiser in the wake of his suspension. The Go Fund Me endeavor raised over $330,000 before the organizer paused the campaign. TJ and his family greatly appreciate the outpouring of support! At this time we are closing donations to this campaign and encourage you to look for other causes and organizations to support, wrote Diandra Gourley, a personal friend of the Sabula family who launched the fundraiser. We appreciate every single donation, comment, share, and sign of support! Four more Democratic lawmakers have revealed they are facing investigations following their participation in a video urging members of the military and intelligence community to resist illegal orders. Reps. Jason Crow of Colorado, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania and Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania all said on Wednesday that they have been contacted by Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, who has requested an interview with them or private counsel. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan disclosed a similar inquiry earlier this week. Hes using his political cronies in the Department of Justice to continue to threaten and intimidate us, Crow said in a video statement posted on social media. But hes picked the wrong people. Goodlander took to X, writing that any threats will not deter, distract, intimidate, or silence me. It is sad and telling that simply stating a bedrock principle of American law caused the President of the United States to threaten violence against me, and it is downright dangerous that the Justice Department is targeting me for doing my job, she wrote. In her post on X, Houlahan called an investigation ridiculous, adding: The six of us are being targeted not because we said something untrue, but because we said something President Trump and Secretary Hegseth didnt want anyone to hear. Their defiant responses come after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced earlier this month that the Pentagon had initiated administrative proceedings against Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a retired Navy captain and astronaut, who was also one of the six Democrats featured in the video in November. The move could result in the reduction of his retirement rank and pay. In the video, which has been denounced by several members of the Trump administration, the lawmakers did not specify which orders to the military could be considered illegal. But it is unclear what crime the lawmakers are believed to have committed. Right now, the threats to our Constitution arent just coming from abroad, but from right here at home, the Democrats said in the video posted on social media. Our laws are clear... You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution. The Pentagon announced after its release that it would launch a thorough review of serious allegations of misconduct against Kelly. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump called for the group to face arrest and trial, saying their action amounted to SEDITIOUS BEHAVIOR FROM TRAITORS and could be punishable by death. Service members in the U.S. military are required to follow lawful directives under the Uniform Code of Military Justice though they are not required to obey unlawful orders. In response to the new claims, Pirros office said, We do not confirm or deny the existence of an investigation, when asked for comment by several outlets. President Donald Trump was hit with a barrage of speculation on social media over his latest remarks on Iran. While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump said he was told by very important sources that the killing in Iran is stopping as anti-government protests have rocked the country since December. According to activists, the death toll has exceeded 2,400 people. The president added that Iran has also called off scheduled executions of demonstrators it has detained. Weve been told on good authority, and I hope its true, he said. Who knows, right? Who knows? When asked whether military action in Iran is now off the table, Trump said were going to watch it and see, but added that he was given a very good statement. A number of social media users, including conservatives, questioned whether Iran could be trusted and whether Trump should believe the new claims. In a post on X, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) argued that every indication he has seen says that the Iranian regimes killing of protestors is still very much in full swing. The death toll is mounting by the hour, Graham continued. Hoping that help is on the way. Fox News host Mark Levin asked directly, If the Iranian regime is not slaughtering citizens now then can we assume theyll turn on all the communications platforms so the world can see? What authority has informed our government the killing has stopped? Billionaire Bill Ackman expressed a similar sentiment: Has the killing actually stopped? Do we have any real time info from Iran? Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich also weighed in: Lets be clear: when the Iranian dictatorship says it will not hang anyone else it is just plain lying. The Iranian dictatorship can only survive by terrifying its own people and killing protestors is a key part of that terror campaign. Any adviser suggesting to President Trump that Iranian dictatorship promises have any meaning should be ashamed of themselves, Gingrich added. What the f---, Trump, one user posted. What the actual f---. Another user said his remarks are either a delusion or its a hallucination. Others signaled that Trump may have an ulterior strategy. It shifts the frame from retaliation to restraint without changing the threat architecture underneath, a user said. That signals conditional de-escalation, not peace. A different user wrote that If youre out here taking President Trumps words on geopolitical strategy at face value, then you havent been paying attention and/or have learned nothing over the last 10 years. Trump did not say whether he has decided to take action in Iran when asked by NBC News on Thursday. But he did say that we saved a lot of lives yesterday, appearing to reference his comments about the Iranian regime. Irans judiciary denied on Thursday that Erfan Soltani, a detained protester whose family asked Trump for help, was issued a death sentence. His family and human rights groups said he was sentenced for execution days after he was arrested earlier this month. Trump reacted to the news on his Truth Social platform, writing, This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue! Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also announced new sanctions against 18 individuals and entities that he claims the Iranian regime uses to evade sanctions on Iranian oil and divert proceeds from its energy sales away from the rightful owners, the Iranian people. Civilians are rightly protesting mismanagement and economic collapse, Bessent said in a video statement posted on social media. President Trump stands with the people of Iran. During an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Abbas Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, rejected claims of mass casualties and insisted there are no imminent plans to execute protesters. Trump previously pledged very strong action against Iran if it goes forward with hanging anti-government protesters, while he announced he was cutting off the prospect of talks with Iranian officials. Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social earlier this week. Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. World leaders joined forces on Wednesday to oppose President Donald Trumps attempt 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. Now, NATO countries are sending troops to Greenland to begin military exercises amid Trumps ongoing threats. At the request of Denmark, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organized by Denmark in Greenland, Operation Arctic Endurance. The first French military elements are already on their way. Others will follow, French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X, which translated the statement. According to The Associated Press, troops from Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden are also arriving in Greenland as a show of force against Trump. The arrival of the troops come as talks between representatives of Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. showed fundamental disagreement between the White House and its European allies, the AP reported. Critics on social media quickly blasted Trump over his musings about Greenland. Unbelievable that a NATO ally has to do this. We went from a president who confronted authoritarianism to one who openly admires it and wants to replicate exactly what Putin is doing in Ukraine in Greenland. The most damning part? Millions of Americans are either oblivious or perfectly fine with it, Democratic strategist Chris D. Jackson posted on X. MeidasTouch editor-in-chief Ron Filipkowski quipped: Europe having to perform military exercises against their primary threat, the United States. Nice to see Donald Trump helping to bring NATO together, The Atlantics Tom Nichols posted. What a shameful time for America. U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) questioned whether more U.S. allies will follow in Europes steps. In just a year, Trump has so damaged the United States reputation that Germany and the UK are talking about SENDING TROOPS TO GREENLAND. How many more allies will we turn against us? he wrote on X. Liberal commentator Ed Krassenstein said the U.S.s allies are conducting joint military exercises to signal that Greenland is not for sale, not for grabs, not a Trump real estate fantasy. Remember when Republicans claimed Joe Biden was going to start World War III? he added. Trump argued in a Truth Social post on Wednesday 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. The Associated Press contributed to this report. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt came to the defense of President Donald Trump over his take on the 2026 midterm elections. In an interview with Reuters released Thursday, Trump expressed frustration that the Republican Party could lose control of the House and Senate in November, pointing to the historical trend of how the party in power typically loses seats during the second year of a presidency. Its some deep psychological thing, but when you win the presidency, you dont win the midterms, Trump said during the sit-down interview in the Oval Office on Wednesday. While touting his accomplishments since his return to the White House, the president added: When you think of it, we shouldnt even have an election. Leavitt was directly asked about Trumps claim during her press briefing on Thursday. I was in that interview, Leavitt said. It was a closed-door interview. Obviously, there was not audio or video. She went on to say that the president was simply joking. He was saying, Were doing such a great job. Were doing everything the American people thought. Maybe we should just keep rolling, Leavitt said. He was speaking facetiously. Later in the briefing, another reporter pressed Leavitt to expand on her answer, saying that Americans for generations have fought and died for democracy while questioning whether Trump finds the idea of canceling elections funny. Andrew, were you in the room? Leavitt said. No you werent. I was in the room. I heard the conversation. And only someone like you would take that so seriously and pose it at a question that way. Trumps latest comments come as he jokingly floated the idea of canceling future elections during an annual policy retreat of House Republicans at the Kennedy Center earlier this month, while tearing into Democrats for the worst president, worst job and worst policy. I wont say cancel the election, Trump said. They should cancel the election, because the fake news will say, He wants the elections canceled. Hes a dictator. They always call me a dictator. Trump also urged Republicans to win the midterms, warning hell face impeachment if they come up empty-handed. The president was impeached twice in the House during his first term, but was acquitted both times by the Senate. Theyll find a reason to impeach me, Trump said. Ill get impeached. Vice President JD Vance has similarly claimed he is sure Trump will be impeached for a third time if Democrats sweep the elections. Look, they have nothing to actually run on or govern on, Vance told Fox News last week. Their entire obsessive focus of that party is they hate Donald Trump. In an interview with Politico last month, Trump argued that control of Congress during the midterms will ultimately come down to pricing. He expressed confidence that Americans are buying his message: that his administration is fixing what his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, left behind. Because, you know, they gave us high pricing and were bringing it down, Trump said at the time. Energys way down. Gasoline is way down. Meanwhile, Trump has struggled to convince Americans in recent polling, despite focusing his messaging heavily on the issue in recent weeks, including a speech Tuesday at a Ford truck factory in Michigan. A fast-casual Mexican restaurant will open its doors in downtown Summit this week. Tacoria Mexican Street Kitchen is scheduled to begin operating Friday, Jan. 16, at 353 Springfield Ave. The restaurant will offer buy-one-get-one burrito boxes through Jan. 23. The business will host a community day and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 30 at 11:30 a.m., honoring local leaders and first responders with a donation presentation. The first 100 guests will receive a free burrito box, limited-edition T-shirt, and other branded merchandise. Founded in 2016 by Rutgers University alumni, the New Jersey-based chain serves tacos, burrito boxes, Mexican street corn, nachos and rotating agua frescas. Menu items are prepared from scratch daily and include vegetarian and vegan options. Popular items include the Golden Avocado Taco and Nutella Nachos. Summits evolving downtown, rich with local businesses, culture and daily foot traffic, makes it an exciting place for us to grow, co-founder Vishal Patel said in a written statement. Were thrilled to share our food and mission with North Jersey and look forward to building meaningful connections, one taco at a time. The restaurant offers a 50% discount to first responders every day. Over the past two years, the brand has donated more than 100,000 tacos to community members across New Jersey. Other locations include Cherry Hill, Edgewater, Hoboken, Jersey City, Marlton, Montclair, Morristown, New Brunswick, Paramus, Piscataway, Princeton and Ridgewood. The company plans to open additional locations in Freehold and Somerville this year. Chinese automaker FAW Group on Monday launched a new electric car model of its luxury brand Hongqi in Israel, Hongqi's official importer and dealership Samelet said. BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China's artificial intelligence (AI) healthcare sector is set for a year of stronger commercial prospects as AI accelerates the reshaping of the healthcare market with its applications in diversified scenarios that span clinical applications, patient services, medical research and operation management, according to market research. Analysys, a Beijing-based data analytics firm, noted in a recent research paper that the industrialization of China's AI healthcare market is speeding up. The firm said that the value of the AI healthcare market reached about 106 billion yuan (about 15 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, with this growth having been driven by transformative advancements in AI technologies and intelligent hardware. According to its analysis, AI applications in high-value scenarios, such as tumor screening and chronic disease management, are expected to become a growth engine for the industry over the next three years. China Securities, a leading securities company, has also highlighted a promising market and investment outlook for AI healthcare in a series of recently published market analyses. In one research note, China Securities particularly attributed the development momentum of the AI healthcare sector to policy support, citing a national goal announced in April 2025 by the government to develop over 100 typical scenarios where digital intelligence technologies will be applied in the pharmaceutical industry by 2027. A notable case in point is a plan released last month by the Beijing Municipal Health Commission, which aims for the widespread adoption of AI in medical institutions by 2027, a move expected to be emulated by other regions, according to the China Securities research. In a January research report, CITIC Securities, another securities company, highlighted a fundamental shift in the commercialization of China's AI healthcare, which is showing a more defined pathway this year as payment mechanisms for AI medical solutions strengthen and payers are more clearly identified. Government policies are fueling market demand, according to the report. A guideline released by the National Healthcare Security Administration last year incorporated AI-assisted diagnostics into the national pricing framework for pathology, allowing public medical insurance to directly reimburse AI-assisted medical solutions. This move, the report stated, has unlocked substantial commercial potential for AI pathology. The report noted that many regions in China, including the municipalities of Beijing and Shanghai as well as Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces, are speeding up the application of AI healthcare, with government-supported pilot bases already established. Moreover, CITIC Securities highlighted five potential investment frontiers, including AI-driven medicine development, AI solutions for grassroots healthcare, medical data circulation and transaction, AI-assisted pathology diagnostics, and the expansion of AI healthcare models into consumer markets. Investment by big firms in healthcare AI models, such as PANDA, an AI platform developed by Alibaba's Damo Academy, and Ant Afu, an AI health management app for users, is strengthening the capacity of these models and pushing AI healthcare's deepened commercialization. CHANGCHUN, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- FAW Audi has sold a cumulative 10 million vehicles in China, becoming one of the first joint-venture premium car brands in the country to reach the milestone, the company said on Thursday. The impressive number highlights the longevity of the German luxury carmaker's partnership with leading Chinese automaker FAW Group, which began in 1988 when the two sides launched the brand's Chinese market localization. As the market pivots toward electrification, the two automakers have expanded their cooperation footprint. In 2024, Audi FAW NEV Co., an electric-vehicle joint venture between Audi and FAW with a planned annual production capacity of more than 150,000 units, began mass producing all-electric models in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. "The brand will continue to pursue a dual-track strategy combining conventional fuel vehicles with electric and hybrid technologies while accelerating product upgrades," said Dong Xiuhui, general manager of FAW-Volkswagen. The Nightingale Hospital Exeter is set to play an expanded role in tackling NHS waiting times in Devon after the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust secured 18 million in national funding to grow its Community Diagnostic Centre. The funding, provided by the Department of Health and Social Care, comes as demand for diagnostic tests continues to rise across the NHS, with scans often a key factor in how quickly patients can be diagnosed and begin treatment. Health leaders say delays in diagnostics can create bottlenecks across the system, particularly for cancer, heart and neurological conditions. The investment will fund a larger, purpose-built diagnostic hub at the Nightingale Hospital site, replacing temporary modular units with permanent facilities. By bringing more services together in one place, the trust aims to improve efficiency and increase the number of patients who can be seen each day. READ NEXT: New road safety strategy aims to cut serious collisions on Exeter roads Under the expansion plans, the centre will install three MRI scanners and three CT scanners, including a state-of-the-art Photon Counting CT scanner. The additional capacity is expected to significantly reduce waiting times for scans across Exeter and the wider Devon area, helping patients avoid lengthy waits at acute hospital sites such as the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in Wonford. Advanced digital technology will also be introduced, including Deep Resolve software, which allows MRI scans to be carried out more quickly while maintaining high-quality imaging. This is expected to reduce appointment times and improve patient flow through the centre. Alongside clinical improvements, patients will see upgraded reception and waiting areas, better accessibility and improved support spaces designed to make attending appointments easier and more comfortable. Chris Tidman, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the Royal Devon, said the funding represented a major step forward for local healthcare. He said: This funding marks a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering world-class diagnostic services for the people of Devon. By expanding the CDC, we will improve access, efficiency, and patient experience, ensuring our community receives the best possible care. John Finn, Acting Chief Operating Officer at NHS Devon, said the expansion would help the health system respond to growing pressures. He said: The CDC expansion will help us meet rising demand for diagnostics, reduce waiting times, and support the health and wellbeing of our population. We are proud to support this vital investment. Community Diagnostic Centres were introduced nationally to shift scans and tests away from busy acute hospitals, allowing patients to access appointments more quickly and closer to home. The Nightingale Hospital Exeter site has become a key part of that approach in Devon, helping to reduce pressure on hospital wards and emergency departments. The trust says the new facilities will be built to meet NHS sustainability standards, improving energy efficiency while supporting long-term service delivery. The expansion forms part of a wider programme of more than 80 million of investment across Devons NHS estate over the next two to three years, aimed at modernising facilities and improving patient care. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which was formed in 2022, provides healthcare to more than 615,000 people across Devon and is one of the countys largest employers. The First Lady of the West End and the original Elphaba from the stage version of Wicked will be heading to Barnstaple this September with a tour celebrating her love of rock anthems. Kerry Ellis will be bringing her new Rock Anthems tour to the Queens Theatre on Wednesday, September 23. An icon of the West End and Broadway, Kerry has played lead roles in musicals inclduing Les Miserables, Wicked (in the West End and on Broadway), Oliver! and Cats, as well national tours and concert productions of musicals such as Miss Saigon, Chess, The War of the Worlds, RENT and Anything Goes. Sir Brian May described her as having the most beautiful voice in Britain, which lead to him asking her to star in Queens smash hit musical, We Will Rock You. The duo met in 2002 and released three albums together, as well as touring the world. In this new show, Kerry will explore her love of rock anthems as she pays homage to Queen, Meatloaf, Bonnie Tyler and other rock legends who inspired her. READ NEXT: EastEnders and Corrie stars set for Glorious debut in Barnstaple this spring Kerry said: I have been a fan of classic rock music all my life, having been introduced to the genre as a little girl by my parents. This will be a very special tour as I will get to sing the rock anthems which have punctuated my life and share the stories behind them. Get ready to rock! For tickets and more information, visit https://queenstheatre-barnstaple.com/events/kerry-ellis-rock-anthems or call the Queens Theatre on 01271 316523. TEHRAN, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Iran's airspace reopened on Thursday after a temporary closure earlier in the day, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. Citing the International Civil Aviation Organization, Fars said that Iran's skies are hosting incoming and outgoing flights, and airports are providing services to passengers. Iran issued an alert late on Wednesday night, closing its airspace to all flights except international flights with prior permission from the country. Several countries, including Spain, India and Australia, have recently urged their citizens to leave Iran for fear that the United States could attack Iran. The British government updated its Foreign Travel Advice for Iran on Wednesday, announcing a temporary withdrawal of staff from its embassy in Tehran due to security concerns. While Kyoto and parts of Tokyo and Osaka grapple with overcrowding, there is a quieter alternative to the north: Sapporo, the snowy capital of Japans island of Hokkaido, the northernmost of the nations four main islands. Sapporo is preparing for more international visitors: There is more signage in foreign languages and new mid-to-high-end hotels. The dining scene, rooted in the cold waters surrounding the island think colossal king crabs and plump scallops has expanded as well. Local restaurants, including conveyor-belt sushi spots serving high-quality local fish, have opened new locations. Sapporo is a days travel by train from Tokyo (or a 1.5-hour flight), yet it remains distant enough from the congested Golden Route of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto that the city retains much of its charm and quieter pace. Nashvilles Wortman Works is handling Old Glory Bank, which bills itself as the online bank for freedom-loving Americans, as it goes public via a $250M SPAC deal with Digital Asset Acquisition Corp. OGB, which has a physical branch in in Elmore City, OK, says it has 80,000 personal and business accounts in 50 states. It had $245M in deposits at the end of 2025. The SPAC transaction will provide the capital needed to ensure that the great Americans living on Main Street, who we serve from sea to shining sea, can also be owners, said Ben Carson, OGB co-founder & former Housing & Urban Development Secretary. Sean Spicer, OGB board member and ex-White House Press Secretary, noted there has never been any DEI at Old Glory Bank; only PSLPrivacy, Security, Liberty. OGB intends to be the first chartered bank to fully integrate crypto into daily banking. It plans to issue its own payment stablecoin, OGBUSD, on the ERC-20 standard so that our freedom-loving customers will have the ability to make payments around the world instantly and securely on various blockchains, according Michael Staw, OGB co-founder and chief innovation officer. OGB shares are expected to trade on the NASDQ in the early part of the second quarter. Wortman Works Jules Wortman handles the OGB business. Richard Torrenzano Sir Martin Sorrell is one of the sharpest and most successful operators in advertising and marketing. But on December 17 in a BBC Radio 4s Today interview Sorrell said theres no such thing as PR anymore. His comments were said opposite Public Relations Communications Association (PRCA, Europe) chief executive Sarah Waddington. It seemed more like a red herring. Artificial intelligence (AI) is reducing the costs of advertising. What is dying is the old advertising category and outdated view it drags behind it. Communications has become a central function of enterprise leadershipno longer tactical, but strategic. It sits alongside risk as a core responsibility of the chief executive, translating intent into trusted signals with speed and precision. It converts intent into signaland signal into actionwith digital as fastest way to inform investors, steady employees, influence customers, alert competitors. Done right, it becomes the silent force behind executionfelt instantly from the sales floor to the trading floor in real time. Sorrell aims at PR, but the disruption is AIcommoditizing advertising and marketing while communications is elevated into enterprise counsel on governance, trust, downstream risk and crisis response. In boardrooms of Fortune companies, advertising and marketing show up when something goes wrong. Communications, on the other hand, is vital to track stakeholder pressure, shape disclosures, stress-testing narratives and preparing responses before damaging screenshots goes viral. Recently, one media pundit summarized, its fair to say that these comments tell us more about Sorrell who during his three-decade tenure as chief executive of WPP was responsible for the fortune of global agencies BCW, Hill & Knowlton and Ogilvy -- none of which exactly flourished over that time.... Follow the money because money talks truth. Financial teams now measures marketing like a factory: unit cost, cycle time, defect rate and rework. Gartner found marketing budgets in 2025 flat at 7.7% of company revenue, unchanged from 2024. Meanwhile, U.S. internet advertising revenue reached $258.6 billion in 2024, up 14.9%, according to the Interactive Advertising Bureau( IAB)-PwC annual report. Creative versioning, resizing, localization, and rapid testing used to justify teams, timelines, and markups now run through software models prompting, parameter tuning and automated orchestration. In video, IAB reports half of advertisers are already using generative AI to build video ads, and nearly 90% are using or plan to use it. AIs driven shift does not merely disrupt agencies. It rewrites risk profiles of entire companies. As output multiplies, so does exposure and risk. Every new asset increases risk of legal claims, safety issue regulators cant ignore, synthetic image backlash or a disclosure mistake that becomes an immediate headline. Employees feel this first. Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported AI was cited for more than 54 thousand layoff plans in 2025. Since 2023, the firm stated AI has been linked to more than seventy thousand job-cut announcements. For employees, AI is not just a toolits managements workforce plan. If CEOs cant explain what will be automated, what stays human and what that means for roles, stories fill the vacuum: people assume cuts, trust drops and talent walks. Investors view AI as a governance test: can it be deployed without legal, reputational or regulatory surprises? Boston Consulting Group reported in 2025 that 71% of CMOs plan to invest more than $10 million annually in genAI over the next three years. Thats aggressive capital allocation into a rulebook still being written about IP, privacy, safety, disclosure. Markets dont punish ambition; they reprice unmanaged risk. Communications is the discipline that ensures decisions are communicated clearly, consistently and credibly under pressure. It works with legal and business teams to align public statements with facts, manage disclosures and respond quickly if needed. At AI speed, a marketing mistake becomes a crisis when regulators or customers react. This is not abstract. Just look at FTCs $2.5 billion Amazon Prime settlement over deceptive enrollment and cancellation practices; FTC and Colorados $24 million Greystar settlement omitting mandatory fees from advertised prices; UKs CMA investigating companies like Wayfair, StubHub, and Viagogo over hidden fees in pricing practices. Today, communication is central to executing corporate strategy. The PR-versus-marketing debate is largely performative. The modern enterprise requires communications counsel: the capacity to disseminate and explain decisions that survive stakeholder scrutiny delivered at the speed the digital era demands. AI travels at ludicrous speed. But stakeholder trust decides who wins. AI accelerates production, but it also makes trust more fragile. Persuasion carries a credibility tax when audiences sense automation is being used as a shortcut, replacing genuine care. AI-powered search and answer engines elevate what appears authoritative, which makes third-party validation a key competitive advantage. In this landscape, communications isnt just messaging. Its about proof, transparency and restraintknowing when automation enhances the brand and when it risks making it seem indifferent. Warren Buffett said it best: It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. AI makes those five minutes scalable. If leaders want the right name, they should call it communicationsand treat it as the enterprise function its become. Companies that win wont produce the most content; theyll move at ludicrous AI speed while staying credible with stakeholders, consistently and under pressure. Back to Sir Martin and his declaration that PR is dead. The marketplace and current practices keep overruling him. When an investor question rattles the boardroom, a regulator calls or a deepfake alienates customers, the first SOS goes to communications and legalnot the ad agency. P.S. So, Sir Martin -- A challenge to you in New York or Washington, your call, on stage, with a sponsor for charity. You bring your PR obituary. Ill bring a decade of experience as a member of the New York Stock Exchanges Management Committee (policy) and Executive Committee (operations), plus three decades managing a global reputation and high-stakes issues firm. Lets see if Lazares can be raised from the dead, (John 11)? *** Richard Torrenzano is chief executive of The Torrenzano Group. For nearly a decade, he was a member of the New York Stock Exchange management (policy) and executive (operations) committees. He is a sought-after expert and leading commentator on artificial intelligence, cyber and digital attacks; financial markets; brands, crisis, media and reputation. His new book is Command the Conversation: Next Level Communications Techniques. Israels Ministry of Finance has retained Weber Shandwick to provide institutional investor relations support services connected to the issuance of international debt offerings. The Omnicom unit may also conduct other PR and communications services as agreed by both parties. It will bill the MOF a fee based on time spent on the project. Ben Branham, Weber Shandwick s executive VP-corporate reputation, leads the effort. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, Branham was executive VP & chief strategy officer at the New York City Economic Development Corp, under mayors Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio. He also was chief communications officer at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, and executive VP-corporate & public affairs at Edelman. Weber Shandwicks contract includes an artificial intelligence clause in which it agrees not to upload or disclose any of client's confidential information or other data to any artificial intelligence tool, application, model, algorithm, or other system, including those that generate content, texts, images and/or multimedia ("Tool"), without client's prior written consent. For a complete listing of firms specializing in investor relations, consult O'Dwyer's online directory. OSLO, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Thursday described recent talks with the United States on Greenland as difficult, noting that Washington's ambition to take over Greenland remains unchanged despite a firm Danish rejection. In her first comments following Wednesday's talks in Washington, Frederiksen said in a press release, "It was not an easy meeting, and I would like to thank the two ministers for clearly and distinctly stating the Kingdom's views and for countering the American claims. That was important." Frederiksen confirmed that a working group would be established but underscored the persistent deadlock. "However, that does not change the fact that there is a fundamental disagreement, because the American ambition to take over Greenland is intact," she said. "It is obviously serious, and therefore we will continue our efforts to prevent that scenario from becoming a reality." Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio over Greenland on Wednesday in Washington. Frederiksen also said, "The defense and protection of Greenland is a common concern for the entire NATO alliance." The European Union (EU) and NATO allies have stepped up political and military support for Greenland, as concerns grow over security in the Arctic following recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump about the strategically important island. France will send extra "land, air and maritime assets" to Greenland in the coming days, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday during his New Year address to the armed forces at the Istres air base. Earlier in the day, Macron said on X that at Denmark's request, France had decided to take part in joint exercises organized by Denmark in Greenland, adding that "the first French military elements are already on their way" and that others would follow. The Dutch Defense Ministry announced on Thursday that the Netherlands will participate in a Denmark-led reconnaissance mission. 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. Also on Wednesday, 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. A record number of solar panels were installed on homes in Co. Offaly in 2025, according to new SEAI data. Some 588 households in Offaly installed solar panels with Solar PV Scheme grants last year, a 21% increase on the year before. In total, 602 SEAI grants for home solar were awarded in the county. Nationally, 33,048 grants were awarded through the Solar PV Scheme in 2025, surpassing the 28,423 grants awarded the year before. It represented a 16% increase over 2024 and a 49% rise compared to 2023, with 21 counties recording higher installation levels than the previous year. Energy expert Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie said the strong uptake in Offaly highlights the demand for solar as electricity bills remain high. This is another exciting milestone for Irelands renewable energy sector, said Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie. The pace of adoption we saw last year shows that Irish households are taking proactive steps to lower their energy bills. With SEAI grants and falling costs, solar PV is becoming an increasingly viable financial decision and a no-brainer for those looking to reduce their bills. Theres a 1,800 grant available from the SEAI in 2026 for those who wish to install solar panels on their rooftops. READ NEXT: Offaly people recycled the equivalent of 20 batteries per household last year Briain Kelly said that he believes the trend will continue into 2026, which will further support Irelands transition to a low-carbon economy. With energy costs remaining a concern for many, we expect interest in solar to continue growing in 2026, which will support Irelands transition to a low-carbon economy, he said. READ NEXT: Clear plan outlined to bring major multinationals and jobs to peatland areas of Offaly Lorraine Wynne who runs their independent Travel Counsellors business in Offaly is part of the Travel Counsellors Ireland team that has won Best Long-Haul Agency for the second year in a row at the 2025 ITTN Irish Travel Trade Awards. The prestigious awards, hosted annually by Irish Travel Trade News (ITTN), celebrate excellence, innovation and customer care across Irelands travel industry. Headquartered in Mahon, Cork, Travel Counsellors Ireland has more than 80 independent business owners nationwide and is part of a global community of over 2,500 Travel Counsellors across six countries. The company has become known for delivering highly personalised service, expert travel advice and trusted leisure and corporate travel management. Lorraine, who has been running their independent travel business in Offaly since 2015, said: I am so proud to be part of a team that has been recognised on a national stage. Winning Best Long-Haul Agency reflects the care, personal service and attention to detail we give every client. Being able to run my own business here in Clara while having the support of such a strong community, is incredibly rewarding. It is wonderful to see Travel Counsellors Ireland acknowledged for the work we do every day. Cathy Burke, Managing Director of Travel Counsellors Ireland, said: We are incredibly proud to be recognised among Irelands best at this years ITTN Awards. This achievement is a tribute to our amazing community of Travel Counsellors across the country who consistently go above and beyond for their clients. Because these categories are voted on by customers, winning Best Long-Haul Agency for the second year reflects the passion, care and professionalism shown every day, as well as the trust customers continue to place in us. READ NEXT: Tullamore Tidy Towns to 'shame' litter louts and rogue dog walkers This recognition also speaks to the culture weve built. For anyone passionate about travel, being a Travel Counsellor is really the best job. The relationships our Travel Counsellors build with their clients, and the loyalty theyve earned over the years, are at the heart of our success. The 2025 ITTN Irish Travel Trade Awards took place at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, Dublin on Friday, 28 November. Celebrating 20 years in 2025, Travel Counsellors Ireland continues to grow its network of experienced travel professionals and new entrants to the industry, offering the opportunity to run a flexible, independent business with the support of cutting-edge technology and a strong, people-first community. READ NEXT: Offaly firm wins major international restoration award for Ireland and UK A clear and ambitious plan to bring major multinational employers directly into the heart of Offalys peatland regions has emerged following an exchange involving local TD Tony McCormack at the Oireachtas Committee on Infrastructure and National Development Plan Delivery in Leinster House. During the committee meeting, Deputy McCormack questioned representatives from Bord na Mona, EirGrid and IDA Ireland about a coordinated approach that would see large-scale industrial facilities built directly beside existing wind turbine parks on former peatlands in areas such as North and West Offaly. The proposal is straightforward but transformative, a statement from Deputy McCormack stressed. Under the model outlined by Deputy McCormack, Bord na Mona would develop and build modern industrial facilities on suitable peatland sites where large wind farms already exist. EirGrid would connect these facilities directly to the nearby wind turbines, providing a stable supply of locally generated, renewable and virtually carbon-neutral electricity. IDA Ireland would then market these sites to foreign direct investment (FDI) companies and large multinationals, many of whom are actively seeking renewable and energy-efficient locations. Representatives from IDA Ireland confirmed during the meeting that major multinational companies are increasingly attracted to locations that can offer renewable energy and energy efficiency as part of their sustainability commitments placing Offaly in a highly competitive position. READ NEXT: OPINION: Tougher action needed by Offaly County Council against litter louts Offaly is now one of the top three counties in Ireland for renewable energy production, driven primarily by extensive wind generation and growing solar infrastructure. Crucially, many of these wind turbine parks are located on former peatlands, the same areas that were once the backbone of employment for Bord na Mona and the ESB, particularly in areas such as North and West Offaly. Speaking after the meeting, Deputy McCormack said these locations are the ideal fit for the next chapter of Offalys economic development. These facilities would be built right beside the wind turbine parks. The energy would be locally produced, renewable, virtually carbon neutral and cost effective exactly what large multinationals are now looking for. He stressed that the proposal directly addresses the communities most affected by the transition away from peat. The perfect locations in Offaly are the peatlands where large numbers of wind turbines already exist. These happen to be the same areas where Bord na Mona and the ESB once employed large numbers of people, particularly in areas such as North and West Offaly. Deputy McCormack said the employment impact would be significant and long-lasting. It will mean the youth of our county will have diverse employment opportunities in Offaly and will give them real reasons to build their futures here rather than having to look elsewhere for work. He also highlighted the wider community benefits. It will be massive for the local economy, and for local sporting and community clubs all over Offaly. READ NEXT: Offaly firm wins major international restoration award for Ireland and UK Drawing a parallel with the historic arrival of state energy companies in the Midlands, Deputy McCormack said this proposal could define the countys future for generations. I believe this will happen and I will work every day to make it happen. It will be the biggest thing to happen in Offaly since the ESB power stations and Bord na Mona first came here and we all know the benefits they brought. When asked whether the idea might be considered overly ambitious, he responded: Like anything that starts as an idea, first they say it wont happen. Next they say maybe it could happen, and then they say it was their idea all along. Deputy McCormack said the exchange at the committee was particularly positive due to the collaborative and open approach shown by all three organisations involved. He paid credit to Bord na Mona, EirGrid and IDA Ireland for their willingness to discuss the project openly and constructively at this early stage. He also noted that all three organisations spoke positively about Offaly County Council, highlighting the strong working relationships already in place. Deputy McCormack said this level of cooperation between national agencies and local government bodes extremely well for the delivery of what could be a landmark project for Offaly and the wider Midlands. The jobs market in Offaly is expected to see a 5% 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 Ireland's largest recruitment agency, FRS Recruitment revealed recruiters are forecasting a rebound in the national jobs market this year thanks to a more settled economic outlook for businesses. This comes after 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. Another factor which contributed to the decrease in recruitment in 2025 was in relation to 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 Offaly. READ MORE: Well maintained and ideally located home in Tullamore on the market for 225,000 Speaking on the report, Lynne McCormack, General Manager of FRS Recruitment commented: "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 Offaly last year, our recruiters are anticipating that the market will rebound next year." There was an array of factors which contributed to the decline in the job market during 2025. Businesses often focussed on cost containment last year by delaying permanent hires or expanding existing roles internally. 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. A noticeable trend from 2025's report was the continued rise in tensions between employers and staff over return to office policies as employees are now seeking positions that offer greater work-life balance and remote working opportunities. Caution was also exercised from the employee's perspective in 2025 as jobseekers applied in higher numbers but were more reluctant to move roles, especially where offers did not sufficiently offset cost-of-living pressures. The report also stated that 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. READ MORE: Worker seconds away from being hit by train in Offaly as Iarnrod Eireann issued safety notice The General Manager of FRS Recruitment, Lynne McCormack, said that there are positive signs in relation to employment emerging in the market for 2026. She explained: "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 jobs postings across the market, and I believe that trend will continue into the first half of this year." McCormack also reflected on the employment outlook on a national level as she added: "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 focused by employers on return to office policies." Independent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan has said that she was "deeply alarmed" to be provided with information recently about an alleged breakdown in the working relationship between the national water utility, Uisce Eireann and local authorities. Carol Nolan TD said: "Irish Water has issued a directive to its staff telling them that they are no longer allowed to collaborate or work with local authorities with respect to the shortage of water in some areas of the county." Deputy Nolan was speaking following a Dail debate on Uisce Eireann (Irish Water) Infrastructure Delivery, Accountability and Repair Timelines. During the debate, The independent TD raised ongoing sewerage issues that she says have plagued the Harbour Road area in Banagher for the better part of the last 6 years, despite constant engagement on the issue from the Local Authority. READ MORE: New sport facility with a difference planned for Offaly Speaking on the persistent issues, Carol Nolan TD said: "All people want is basic infrastructure that works and that keeps their communities and homes safe and free from harmful discharges like sewage. That is not too much to ask." She continued: "Yet here we are having invested billions in Irish Water and problems such as those in Harbour Road and elsewhere continue to plague the residents. It is totally unacceptable." Reflecting on the claims of issues between Uisce Eireann and local authorities, she commented: "I am greatly concerned by the attempts by Irish Water to effectively cut the local authorities out of some aspects of the water and treatment infrastructure process. When local issues arise, we need local solutions and we need everyone working together, whether they are local authority or Irish Water." She added: "We know how it works with different agencies when they are not all joined up or are not working together and there is no collaboration. Therefore, I want to call on Irish Water to have an urgent look at that and make sure it does continue to collaborate as much as possible with local authorities, especially when local issues arise." Deputy Nolan concluded: "In the meantime, I will continue my consistent engagement on the issues impacting Harbour Road and other areas of the county such as Leamore, Blueball, that demand urgent attention." THE Midlands Region of Ireland including Offaly - is among 72 cities from 46 countries joining UNESCOs Global Network of Learning Cities. UNESCO welcomes 72 new cities from 46 countries to the Global Network of Learning Cities, recognizing their outstanding commitment to making the right to education across all ages a reality for all at the local level. UNESCO Learning Cities are dynamic communities where learning is embedded in everyday life across schools, workplaces, libraries, homes, and public spaces. They create opportunities for all - reskilling and upskilling workers to meet evolving job markets, providing literacy for those who missed out in early years, empowering citizens of all ages to navigate and shape the AI era, and fostering entrepreneurial mindsets. The Midlands Ireland Region is a dynamic cross-county region in the heart of Ireland, spanning Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath. Its youthful demographic, with nearly 50% under 35 years, provides a dynamic base for learning, skills, education and workforce development. According to Midlands Regional Skills Forum Manager, John Costello: This recognition by UNESCO is a powerful endorsement of the Midlands shared commitment to lifelong learning and inclusion. It reflects the exceptional collaboration across local authorities, education providers, enterprise, and state agencies to ensure learning is accessible at every stage of life. READ NEXT: Projects identified in Offaly town's ambitious plan now coming to fruition Midlands Ireland promotes lifelong learning through the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan (MREP) and Skills Forum, linking public and private sectors to widen access. The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) advances this vision with flexible pathways, blended delivery and recognition of prior learning, while community Learning Gates extend higher education to remote areas. Supported by national and EU frameworks, the Midlands strengthens opportunities for all learners and, as a GNLC member, it aims to contribute as a learning region model with inclusive access and green skills development. Michael Rainey, (Laois County Council) Designated Chief Executive for the Midlands Region welcomed the Status for the region stating The recognition afforded to the Midlands Region by UNESCO as part of the Global Network of Learning Cities acknowledges the collaboration between all parties to ensure that we continue to lay the foundations for a strong economy by providing a range of learning opportunities in an inclusive manner. A number of good practice initiatives have been put in place to drive lifelong learning within the Midlands Region which ensures equity for all in addition to supporting programmes to foster entrepreneurship such as: The Learning Gates initiative places digital learning hubs in rural communities, reducing geographic barriers and fostering inclusion. TUS also co-designs industry-led micro-credentials in sectors such as ICT and advanced manufacturing and contributes to the Regional University Network-European University, which promotes interdisciplinary education, joint degrees, and staff/student mobility, embedding a culture of continuous and collaborative learning. The Midlands Regional Skills Forum is a multi-stakeholder platform aligning education provision with enterprise needs. Its ICT Skills Survey (2024) projected demand for 800 new recruits over five years, prompting targeted actions such as STEM engagement programmes (involving over 2,000 students in 2024) and the development of Career Pathways. The Forum also contributed to raising Computer Science availability to 47% of regional secondary schools, up from near-zero before 2019. The ETBs are cornerstones of accessible further education and training. Their commitment to lifelong learning is epitomized by facilities like the Midlands Skills Centre, a state-of-the-art facility providing hands-on training in a simulated Good Manufacturing Practice environment. Its programmes directly address workforce needs in the biopharma and MedTech sectors, equipping learners with industry-standard skills, and strengthening the resilience of the regional economy. Equity is widened through TUS Learning Gates, which provide local access to online and blended higher education, and ETB Digital Literacy Programmes that target digital inclusion. Initiatives include English for Speakers of Other Languages, the STEM Passport for Inclusion, autism-unit STEM engagement, and University of Sanctuary Scholarships for refugees. Local Enterprise Offices support entrepreneurship with courses like Lean for Micro and Start Your Own Business. TUS fosters innovation through Active Enterprise Consultancy, Enterprise and Innovation Hubs, and Enterprise Irelands New Frontiers Programme. READ NEXT: Funding for six new special classes for schools across Offaly Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Cllr Barry Walsh stated:We are thrilled to see the Midlands Region of Ireland recognised as part of UNESCOs Global Network of Learning Cities. Ensuring access to education and skills development from primary school through third level and apprenticeships across all sectors, is a top priority for our region. With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/72-cities-46-countries-join-unescos-global-network-learning-cities UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Security Council resolutions should not be misinterpreted or abused, and Yemen's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be fully respected, said a Chinese envoy on Wednesday. The Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution that extends the monthly reporting requirement on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The draft resolution won 13 votes in favor. China and Russia abstained. The basis of the UN secretary-general's reporting to the Security Council on attacks against merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea is Security Council Resolution 2722, which was adopted in January 2024. Regretfully, following the adoption of that resolution, certain countries undertook military actions against Yemen, which severely undermined the Yemeni peace process and heightened security risks in the Red Sea, said Sun Lei, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations. "We reiterate that Security Council resolutions should not be misinterpreted or abused, that the UN Charter must be strictly observed, and that Yemen's sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be fully respected," he said in an explanation of vote. The situation in Yemen and the Red Sea is closely linked to the conflict in Gaza. China calls for fully implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, the genuine realization of a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and the early implementation of the two-state solution, to promote an early, comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question, and to create conditions for the restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East, said Sun. From iMVS-MOB to ANT Care Spot, enabling seamless clinical-grade care from hospital to home As healthcare systems worldwide face increasing pressure from aging populations and workforce For years, the interactive intelligent hardware industry has been held hostage by "script files." To make a device sync with a video, users have Pacific Office Automation claims its former CEO, Doug Pitassi, is trying to return to the workplace technology market a year after being forced out of the company amid scandals stemming from his conduct. The Beaverton office equipment company fired Pitassi at the end of 2024 and remains embroiled in a high-stakes legal dispute with its former chief over his dismissal. The firing followed reporting by The Oregonian/OregonLive that uncovered numerous sexual assault and misconduct claims against Pitassi while he was running the firm. Pitassi paid nearly $2 million to settle one former employees allegations. The terms of other settlements are confidential but Pitassi denied wrongdoing and has never faced criminal charges in those allegations. Pacific Office Automations corporate attorney claims Pitassi, 64, has a role in Alltura Solutions, an ambitious startup in the same office equipment industry. Pitassi and other former Pacific Office Automation employees have contacted current employees and encouraged them to join Alltura, said Andrew Salgado, Pacific Office Automations general counsel. Pacific Office Automation is aware that Doug Pitassi is involved with Alltura Solutions LLC and potentially other related entities, Salgado wrote in response to questions from The Oregonian/OregonLive. Several POA employees have said that these unsolicited contacts were unwelcome and made them uncomfortable, he wrote. According to two current employees, more than a dozen Pacific Office Automation employees have left the company in recent weeks to join Alltura. The departures include at least one top sales manager; his Alltura business card lists his title as regional sales director. Lawyers for Pitassi did not respond to emails for comment. Pitassi did not respond to a letter delivered to his home. In an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive, Pitassis son, Eric, disputed Salgados characterization and said his father plays no role in the startup. Eric Pitassi said he launched Alltura Solutions after leaving Pacific Office Automation at the end of October. Eric Pitassi, 32, a Linfield College graduate, had been a regional vice president in Southern California. According to his LinkedIn account, he began at Pacific Office Automation in 2016 as an account manager. I am the one who has recruited and hired all of our employees (not Doug Pitassi), he wrote. Doug Pitassi is not an owner or employee of Alltura Solutions. Pacific Office Automation declined to respond to Eric Pitassis statement. The company is among Oregons largest privately held businesses, with annual sales of nearly $500 million and about 1,500 employees in 33 locations. Pacific Office Automation provides copiers, printers, online security and related services to business and government clients in nearly a dozen states across the West. Alltura, the new business, has an office in a business park adjacent to the Bridgeport Village shopping center in Washington County. The company says it provides comprehensive technology solutions, including copiers, printers and information technology. Those are all markets Pacific Office Automation serves, too. In an email to a prospective customer reviewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive, Alltura said, The relationships of our managing founder, built over the years, have placed Alltura in a very advantageous position. The email did not identify the managing founder by name but boasted that Alltura has multimillions in financial backing. It did not specify the source of that funding, but the email said the new company has offices in Oregon, California and Arizona and will soon open locations in Washington, Utah, Colorado and Texas. Eric Pitassi told The Oregonian/OregonLive that he is Allturas managing founder and also the companys president. He registered Alltura last fall in several states including Oregon, California, Arizona and Utah. In November, Alltura incorporated in Delaware, a step many businesses take to capitalize on that states favorable business regulations and taxes. Eric Pitassi was himself the subject of a 2022 lawsuit filed by a former Pacific Office Automation employee in Los Angeles Superior Court who alleged age discrimination, wrongful termination and harassment. The lawsuit alleged alcohol flowed freely during work hours and older workers were not valued. A lawyer for the plaintiff in the case said the matter settled and did not respond to questions about the terms. Eric Pitassi did not respond to a request for comment about the allegations in the lawsuit. Pacific Office Automation and Doug Pitassi: A timeline 1976: Terry Newsom founds Pacific Office Automation, then called Pacific Photocopy. 1985: Doug Pitassi graduates from Portland State University. 1987: Pitassi convicted of two misdemeanors, sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a minor. He was a Centennial High School teacher at the time; both victims were teenage boys who attended the school. 1989: Pacific Office Automation hires Pitassi as a sales manager. He is eventually promoted to vice president of sales. 2007: Pitassi named company president. 2018: Pitassi becomes Pacific Office Automations CEO. 2022: Former employee Colin McCarthy settles sexual abuse claims against Pitassi and Pacific Office Automation and signs a non-disclosure agreement. Pitassi agrees to pay McCarthy $1.85 million. Two other former employees reach confidential settlements with the company and Pitassi. 2023: Lawsuit filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court alleging that Pitassi sexually assaulted other young, male employees. 2024: Pacific Office Automation puts Pitassi on indefinite leave following reports of his misconduct in The Oregonian/OregonLive. It fires him on Dec. 30. 2025: Adam Pritchett named permanent CEO. Pitassi reaches confidential settlement of 2023 lawsuit, then sues Pacific Office Automation for $70 million. Doug Pitassi sued Pacific Office Automation last April, three months after his firing, claiming Pacific Office Automation owed him at least $70 million for his stake in the business and for unpaid bonuses. The case remains in the early stages in Washington County Circuit Court. Under Doug Pitassi, the company had a reputation for an intense male-dominated sales culture offset by hard partying. Multiple employees described seeing their colleagues drink on the job, use drugs and attend raucous after-hours getaways at bars and resorts. The latest lawsuit against Doug Pitassi, filed last October, seeks $15 million, alleging he sexually assaulted a regional office manager at a 2021 company event in Florida and enlisted the manager in a plan to cover up a separate alleged incident with another worker. Through his attorneys, he has denied the allegations. Doug Pitassi paid $1.85 million to settle claims by one former Pacific Office Automation employee who alleged the CEO touched him without his consent, often while the man was under the influence of alcohol, and tried to have sex with him at work-related events and on his personal time. Last year, Doug Pitassi settled a $20 million lawsuit brought by two salespeople who alleged he repeatedly harassed and sexually abused them. The terms of the agreement are confidential. In the 1980s, two years before Pacific Office Automation hired Doug Pitassi, he pleaded guilty to sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a minor while working as a Gresham high school teacher. He was sentenced to five years of probation on misdemeanor charges. Voters in the Portland area say their economic prospects have collapsed over the past six years, with pessimism rising sharply amid mounting fears about job security and paying the bills. Nearly two-thirds of voters rate their economic prospects are poor or very poor, according to a new poll DHM Research conducted last month for the Portland Metro Chamber. Thats an astonishing turnaround from just six years ago, when three-quarters of voters said their prospects were good or very good. (Cant see the graph? Click here.) This is a real worrying chart, said DHM pollster John Horvick. This ones a really striking result and I think something for all of us to be paying attention to and be concerned about. Other results in the new poll, released Thursday, help illuminate voters fears. Sixty-five percent of voters say theyre extremely concerned about the cost of living, up from 41% just before COVID-19 hit in early 2020. More striking, perhaps, is a rapid increase in voters fears about the job market. Thirty-five percent now say thats a topic of great concern to them, up from 19% just a year ago. Those growing worries correspond with a historic wave of layoffs, concentrated in Portlands suburbs, and a steady rise in Oregons jobless rate. At 5.2%, the state now ranks third nationally for unemployment. The poll found voters in Clackamas and Washington counties are more likely to feel themselves worse off financially than those in Portland. Women, Republicans and non-Hispanic people of color were also more likely to report financial worries. The share of voters who said their county is on the wrong track rose last year, too, DHMs poll found 47% said their county is on the wrong track in 2025. Thats up from 38% in 2024 but down from 62% in 2021, as Oregonians coped with fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Voters in Clackamas and Washington counties were responsible for the deteriorating mood. People in the suburbs had been feeling better than their counterparts in Multnomah County in 2024, but a sharp uptick in negative sentiments outside Portland now has people in all three counties feeling comparably gloomy. (Cant see the graph? Click here.) Concerns about high taxes also increased sharply. Few voters named that their top issue in 2024 but it was the No. 2 issue in last months poll 14% listed taxes as their biggest concern. There was some good news. While homelessness remains metro area voters top issue, the level of concern dropped sharply last year. Just 20% of respondents rated homelessness as their No. 1 worry, down from 35% a year ago. Voters especially those living in Portland indicated they felt the region has also made progress on reducing crime, too. Perceptions of downtown Portland are also improving, with an increase in the share of voters who say the citys core is improving and that theyre more likely to visit. Most voters say they feel safe downtown during the day, though just a third of voters told pollsters they feel safe there at night. Crime has been in steady decline downtown and in most of Portland over the past two years but the poll indicates lingering unease, especially for people who live outside the city. Just a quarter of voters living outside Portland feel safe downtown at night, according to the poll. And only 5% of Republicans do. That could reflect the hyper-partisan climate affecting many parts of society, Horvick said. But pedestrian traffic downtown is still 40% below pre-pandemic levels. Horvick said Portlands success depends on appealing to people across the political and cultural spectrum. We needed to be attractive to everybody, left, right and center, he said. And here we see a real challenge. This is Oregon Insight, The Oregonians weekly look at the numbers behind the states economy. View past installments here. Portland and Vancouver police arrested a 12-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy Wednesday in connection with the death of Santi Ram Rai, a convenience store clerk killed in Southeast Portland on Dec. 9. Police arrested the 12-year-old on suspicion of first degree murder and the 15-year-old on suspicion of murder in the second degree, they said Wednesday, as well as allegations of robbery, unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful use of a motor vehicle. Police arrested the youth in Vancouver and booked them into the Robert L. Harris Juvenile Justice Center. Both boys also face accusations of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a stolen motor vehicle connected to a case in the Vancouver area, police said. The arrest of two juveniles, ages 12 and 15, in connection with this homicide is a sobering reminder of the devastating reach of gun violence and the urgent need for continued prevention and intervention especially when young people are involved," Portland Police Chief Bob Day, Mayor Keith Wilson and Portland community safety director Stephanie Howard said in a joint statement. Rai, 33, was shot and killed while he worked at 3Ds Market on Southeast 139th Avenue, police said. He had two young children and volunteered as a youth coordinator for an organization that helped the children of fellow refugees from Bhutan, a family friend said. Police are still investigating the case and ask anyone with information to contact them at homicidetips@police.portlandoregon.gov or call (503) 823-0479 and reference case number 25-336971. - Tatum Todd contributed to this report. A Portland man died of a drug cocktail that included a new highly potent opioid in a rare case in Oregon, though the synthetic narcotic has been linked to rising overdose deaths in regions around the world. Gamble Halls 4-year-old son found him the morning after Gamble bought cocaine and about 50 pills that he believed to be oxycodone in June 2024. The boy couldnt wake up his 39-year-old dad, according to Halls wife and a federal prosecutor. Hall had been home with the boy and the couples younger son. The 4-year-old called his mother on a tablet and she called 911 as she rushed home, she said. On Wednesday, the man who sold Hall the drugs -- Toren Paul Flom, 32 -- was sentenced in federal court in Portland to 11 years and seven months in prison. An investigation revealed Flom likely provided Hall with counterfeit oxycodone that contained fentanyl and protonitazene, a type of research chemical engineered to mimic traditional opioids but often with higher potency. An autopsy also identified cocaine and methamphetamine in Halls system and found all four drugs caused his death. Because Flom didnt sell methamphetamine to Hall, investigators couldnt prove that Floms sale directly caused the overdose. Flom pleaded guilty in September to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The case provided a window into yet another danger of counterfeit drugs. Sellers often offer pills that look like well-known prescription drugs but are laced with fentanyl, another potent opioid that contributed to record overdoses in Oregon during the pandemic. But nitazenes like the drug found in the mixture Hall took -- can be up to 1,000 times more potent than morphine and up to 20 times more potent than fentanyl, researchers say. State Medical Examiner Dr. Sean Hurst said his office has documented fewer than 10 cases involving protonitazene in the last eight years in Oregon. The chemicals were developed as a morphine alternative to treat pain but never approved for medical use due to severe side effects and major risk of dependence, according to an article in the International Journal of Legal Medicine. Between 2019 and 2021, protonitazene appeared to enter the illicit drug market in the USA, Canada, Europe and Australia, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. It appears to be primarily manufactured for illicit use in tablet and powder forms, though it has also been found in liquid form. In small amounts, it can cause extreme drowsiness or obstructed breathing and respiratory failure that can lead to death, according to a study in the International Journal of Legal Medicine. U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut told Flom he sold poison that kills people. Gamble Hall, 39, owned the Nexus Tattoo Studio in Vancouver and was a glassblower. Born in Los Angeles, he moved to Oregon with his family and graduated from Salem High School. Courtesy of Felecia Hall The judge said she was struck by Floms text messages with his friend the night before his death, shortly after he sold Hall the assortment of pills and other drugs. Just take one and see how you feel, Flom messaged Hall. Why you say that - I took 6, Hall wrote back. Flom explained that another mans wife was selling the pills because she said they were too strong I just dont want anything bad to happen to you bro, especially if I had a hand in it. Hall sent back, What you think its something else? Flom replied: I dont - But I dont want to find out the hard way is all. Im sure youll be aight. Just being a worried friend is all. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cassady A. Adams called Flom a career offender with two prior felony drug convictions who was on post-prison supervision for a drug-trafficking conviction at the time of this drug sale. Flom continued selling drugs even after he learned of his friends overdose death, Adams said. Portland police, along with Homeland Security Investigations agents, searched Floms home with a search warrant on July 1, 2024, and seized an assortment of drugs that included cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, ecstasy, LSD, ketamine, suspected Xanax and Adderall pills, according to court records. Flom had stashed some of the drugs in a hidden drawer in his living room, while others were in a kitchen cabinet, Adams said. They also found digital scales with drug residue, a vacuum sealer, assorted Ziplock bags, shipping materials and more than $48,000 in cash. Flom is a trained ironworker but told investigators that selling drugs was easier than the physical labor and long hours that his trade demanded, according to the prosecutor. Robert Hamilton, Floms assistant federal public defender, noted Flom was relatively young, 19 and 25, at the time of his first two drug convictions. Flom apologized for Halls death and told the judge that he doesnt want to be doing the same stupid things when he completes his sentence for his latest crime. Hes already spent about 10 to 12 years of his life in custody, he said. He said he stares up at night from his bed at the federal detention center in Sheridan and repeats to himself: If you dont change man you wont have a life. Ive done a lot of self-reflection, he said. I do not want to ever be considered a liability or dangerous. I want to be an asset to the world. The judge said its unfortunate Flom didnt put his skills and intelligence to use in his trade. You did take the easy way out, the judge said, but it turns out to be the harder way out, because youre going to be spending a lot of time in custody. Hall owned the Nexus Tattoo Studio in Vancouver and was a glassblower. Born in Los Angeles, he moved to Oregon with his family and graduated from Salem High School. He apprenticed as a glass blower in Saratoga Springs, New York, and later worked for Elements Glass in Portland and Gary Bodker Designs in Gresham, according to his obituary. Felecia Hall, Halls wife, attended Floms sentencing but didnt address the court. She said her husband was loved by many. Our joy has been taken and we miss him deeply, she said after the sentencing. Our boys are now learning how to live in this world without their father. I thank Toren for his apology -- it is better than not receiving one at all. She said she was grateful that the judge also considered her husbands death when deciding on Floms prison term. Oregons mental health and addiction system is short thousands of workers, and state leaders say a major reason isnt a lack of people willing to do the work its a system that makes it unnecessarily hard for them to get started and stay in the field. A draft bill aims to change that by cutting paperwork, speeding up credentialing and easing licensing bottlenecks that behavioral health leaders said Wednesday are driving burnout and keeping qualified providers from seeing patients. The proposal, still in a conceptual stage, is based on recommendations from a task force created by Gov. Tina Kotek which is co-chaired by her wife Aimee Kotek Wilson to take a hard look at why Oregon doesnt have enough counselors, therapists, addiction specialists and psychiatrists, and what the state can realistically do to address the shortage. The workforce shortage has had real consequences, according to a report by Koteks Behavioral Health Talent Council. Since the pandemic, waitlists for mental health and addiction treatment have stretched for months across much of Oregon. State officials and behavioral health leaders outlined the proposal during a hearing before the Oregon House Interim Committee on Behavioral Health, describing it as a practical, cost-neutral effort to fix broken systems rather than overhaul care standards. KC LeDell, the governors senior behavioral health policy adviser, told lawmakers that Oregon has poured hundreds of millions of dollars into expanding mental health and addiction treatment in recent years. But he said none of that matters if there arent enough providers to staff them. Building the beds is only half of the equation, he said. The true heart of our behavioral health system is people. The state has roughly 17,000 behavioral health workers, according to its latest workforce report. Last year, the Higher Education Coordinating Commission found that 88% of Oregon counties lack even one mental health provider per 1,000 residents, while Oregonians report the fourth-highest rate of mental illness in the nation. LeDell said many behavioral health workers are overwhelmed by excessive paperwork, slow credentialing processes and rigid supervision rules that make it harder to enter or remain in the field. He said the bill would focus on system fixes, not expanding bureaucracy or lowering professional standards. One key piece would direct the Oregon Health Authority to create a centralized credentialing system so behavioral health providers dont have to go through duplicative approval processes with different insurers before they can see patients. Eli Kinsley, director of operations at Bridgeway Community Health in Salem and a vice chair of the governors behavioral health workgroup, said those delays can sideline new hires for weeks or even months. When an organization hires a new provider only to wait months for them to be credentialed, that reduces access to care and harms morale, Kinsley said. The bill also would require the state health authority to actively reduce unnecessary administrative requirements and report on progress to lawmakers and the governor. At New Narrative, a Portland-area nonprofit mental health provider, a first appointment can require signing 26 documents totaling nearly 35 pages, said Julie Ibrahim, CEO of the organization and another vice chair of the workgroup. That intake can take an hour and a half to two hours, Ibrahim told lawmakers. For many clients, especially those with trauma or serious mental illness, thats overwhelming and it interferes with building trust. Another key piece of the legislation tackles a long-standing bottleneck in the system: clinical supervision. Many new counselors, therapists and social workers cant complete licensing requirements because there arent enough approved supervisors. Rick Treleaven, CEO of BestCare Treatment Services, which provides community mental health in Crook and Jefferson counties, said current rules often leave rural providers stuck because they dont have supervisors with the exact same credentials on staff. He said the proposal would allow qualified behavioral health professionals to supervise trainees across different license types, expanding access without changing training requirements. We have qualified people, Treleaven told lawmakers. We just need to simplify this stuff. The proposal would consolidate licensing oversight by moving the Board of Licensed Social Workers under the Mental Health Regulatory Agency, which oversees other mental health licensing boards. Supporters say this would reduce license processing times without increasing costs. The House expected to take up the bill during the legislative session that begins next month. Meanwhile, Koteks behavioral health workgroup plans to release a full report later this month with broader recommendations focused on recruitment, retention and workforce diversity. This bill is only the beginning of our work, LeDell said. But its something we can do now that improves the quality of life for workers and helps get people into the field faster. WASHINGTON (TNS) Even with former Rep. Mary Peltolas candidacy in Alaska, Senate Democrats still have a difficult path to the majority in November. The fact that Democrats may need to rely on Alaska a state where Republicans have a 9.4-point Inside Elections Baseline advantage, where Donald Trump finished ahead of Kamala Harris by 13 points in 2024, and where Democrats have won just one Senate election in 50 years to flip the chamber is evidence that it will be tough for the caucus to get to 51 seats this year. Senate Republicans currently hold 53 seats, meaning Democrats would need a net gain of four seats to win control and bypass Vice President JD Vances tie-breaking vote. And other races could pose more challenging for Democrats than Alaska. North Carolina appears to be the easiest takeover opportunity for them, given the current political climate and the fact that its an open seat with Republican Thom Tillis retiring. But a flip is not guaranteed. Trump won the Tar Heel State in all three of his presidential bids, including a 3-point win in 2024. And Democrats have won only one Senate race in North Carolina in the past 25 years (Kay Hagan in 2008). The last Democrat to win before her was John Edwards in 1998. As a Republican in a Democrat-leaning state, Maine Sen. Susan Collins is supposed to be vulnerable. But while shes been a consistent target going back a quarter century, Democrats havent been able to unseat her. Collins has five Senate wins under her belt, with an average margin of victory of 18 points. Its remarkable that defeating Collins is supposed to be one of the easier races for Democrats. Winning Alaska, North Carolina and Maine would still leave Senate Democrats one seat short of a majority, assuming they hold all of their own seats. But thats not a guarantee either. Georgia is a swing state that has voted Republican in almost all cases, except for Joe Bidens 2020 presidential win, a pair of down-ballot statewide special elections last year, and three recent Senate races. Those more recent results are good news for Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is up for reelection this fall. But he cant take his race for granted. Democrats are also trying to hold Sen. Gary Peters open seat in battleground Michigan, which Trump won in 2024 as Republicans came within a half a point of winning the states other Senate seat. And the race to succeed Democrat Jeanne Shaheen in New Hampshire could get tighter, considering it was the closest state Harris won and Republicans might nominate a former senator with a famous last name. Ohio looks to be the fourth-best takeover target for Democrats. Over the past decade, the Buckeye State has shed its swing-state status, and Republicans now have a 10-point Baseline advantage there. (Inside Elections Baseline metric measures a states political performance by combining all federal and state election results over the past four cycles into a single trimmed mean.) Democrats are relying on former Sen. Sherrod Brown, who lost reelection by 4 points in 2024, to pull out a win. Such a feat is certainly possible under the current political environment, with voters dissatisfied with the status quo while Republicans are the party in power. But it will be yet another difficult race. Other targets If Democrats lose one of their own seats Georgia, Michigan or New Hampshire or swing and miss in any of the races in North Carolina, Maine, Alaska or Ohio, theyll have to win elsewhere to win the Senate majority. Iowa, where Republican Joni Ernst is retiring, would be the next target. The most recent Democrat to win a Senate race in the Hawkeye State was Tom Harkin, when he secured a fifth term in 2008. But the party hasnt won an open race there since John Culver in 1974. Ernsts decision to not run again probably boosted Republican chances of winning now that they have Rep. Ashley Hinson in the race, while Democrats are wading through a competitive primary. Without Iowa, the climb gets even steeper. Some Democratic strategists are so disinterested in investing in Texas and Florida yet again that theyd rather talk about their prospects in ruby-red Mississippi, where Democrats havent won a Senate race since President Ronald Reagans first midterm election. Past is prologue Flipping Senate seats in three states that voted for the other partys presidential candidate just two years earlier looks like a daunting task on paper.But Senate Democrats can take some comfort in what Republicans did in 2010. While the GOP didnt flip the chamber that year, they did notch a series of wins in states that had voted for Barack Obama two years earlier. Former Sen. Dan Coats won in Indiana, which Obama had carried by a single point. Republican Patrick J. Toomey won in Pennsylvania, where Obama had finished ahead of John McCain by 10 points. Obama won Wisconsin by 14 points in 2008, and yet Republican Ron Johnson knocked off Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold two years later. And GOP nominee Mark S. Kirk prevailed in the presidents home state of Illinois, which had backed Obama by 25 points. And that doesnt count Republican Scott P. Browns early 2010 special election victory in Massachusetts, just over a year after Obama had won the Bay State by 26 points. Republicans might try to explain away the comparison for any number of reasons, but certain midterm dynamics are the same as they were 16 years ago. At the time of the 2010 elections, Obamas job rating was underwater, according to Gallup, with 45% approving and 47% disapproving. Trumps current standing is undeniably worse. Gallups most recent polling had 36% approving of the president and 59% disapproving. Theres still time for things to get better for Republicans, but any improvement in Trumps standing would likely be gradual. So simply saying, Theres still time, understates the challenge for Republicans as we march through the calendar. But a lot of things would need to go right for Senate Democrats to win the majority. Portland State University on Thursday released the statewide homelessness numbers from the January 2025 biannual single-night census, data that would normally be released by the federal government as part of a national report. Under the Trump administration, national numbers have been delayed and it is unclear if or when they will be published. Oregons count recorded 27,119 people who were homeless in the state on the single night in January that was the focus of the count, according to the report released Thursday. That is a 35% increase over the 2023 count, which was due to both a rise in actual homelessness and an improvement in data collection methods, according to the report. Typically, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, releases these figures for the whole country during the December following the count. That didnt happen last year. Aggregating the (point-in-time count) numbers for the state helps policy makers, providers and advocates have a better understanding of what is happening across our Oregon communities, said Marisa Zapata, director of Portland State Universitys Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative. This year, we are uncertain if HUD will produce that data, making Oregon one of the few states to have this important information. More Oregonians who were homeless last January were sheltered than during the 2023 count, in part because Oregon has built nearly 4,000 new shelter beds in the intervening years. More than 10,600 people were counted as sheltered in 2025, compared with 7,106 in 2023. Gov. Tina Kotek touted the increase in access to shelter, while citing the continued prevalence of homelessness as a reason she recently extended Oregons state of emergency for unsheltered homelessness. Last week, I renewed the state of emergency on homelessness to stay the course on what is working and to sharpen our focus on people at the intersection of homelessness and mental health or addiction, the governor said in a statement. There is no question that more work remains. Multnomah County, the states most populous county, continued to have the highest number of homeless people as well as one of the highest rates of homelessness per 1,000 residents. Thirteen people were homeless in Multnomah County for every 1,000 county residents. Only the rates in Clatsop (30 per 1,000) and Crook (14 per 1,000) counties were higher. Still, more than half 60% of homeless people in Oregon were living unsheltered last year. In 2023, that would have been among the highest rates of homelessness in the country. With no national dataset yet available for the 2025 count, its impossible to say how Oregon is performing on this front relative to other states. 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. Muyassar Ahmattohti collects materials for creation at a village in Purgakqi Town of Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 12, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years. A mulberry paper cultural industrial park was built and put into operation in Moyu County in 2025, which integrates cultural display, creative incubation and tourism, providing a brand-new platform for the inheritance of mulberry paper. In the industrial park, Muyassar has her own space for creation on mulberry paper, and meanwhile, by shooting short videos and other means, she is able to bring the mulberry paper into the view of more people. Muyassar's design inspiration comes from the natural elements around her and the traditional culture of her hometown. In her hands, this ancient craftsmanship is no longer staying silent but has been transformed into wearable patterns, light installations, and other companions for people. "Every time the brush touches the mulberry paper, I can feel that I have connected the past and future of my hometown," said Muyassar. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) Muyassar Ahmattohti (3rd R) listens to the introduction of a docent at an exhibition hall of a mulberry paper industrial park in Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 12, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) Muyassar Ahmattohti views the patterns on a piece of mulberry paper at a mulberry paper industrial park in Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 13, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) Muyassar Ahmattohti (L) and her apprentice make cultural and creative products of mulberry paper at a mulberry paper industrial park in Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 13, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) Muyassar Ahmattohti (1st L) introduces the cultural and creative products of mulberry paper at a mulberry paper industrial park in Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 12, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) Muyassar Ahmattohti shows her mulberry paper products at a mulberry paper industrial park in Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 13, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) Muyassar Ahmattohti paints patterns for cultural and creative products of mulberry paper at a mulberry paper industrial park in Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 13, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) Muyassar Ahmattohti (L) designs patterns for cultural and creative products of mulberry paper in her studio at a mulberry paper industrial park in Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 13, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) Muyassar Ahmattohti (L) selects paper at a mulberry paper shop of a mulberry paper industrial park in Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 14, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) Muyassar Ahmattohti takes photos of materials for creation at a village in Purgakqi Town of Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 13, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) Muyassar Ahmattohti arranges cultural and creative products of mulberry paper in her studio at a mulberry paper industrial park in Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 13, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) Muyassar Ahmattohti (R) communicates with Bilal, a county-level representative inheritor of mulberry paper making skills, at a mulberry paper industrial park in Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 14, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) Muyassar Ahmattohti (R) designs decorations with mulberry paper elements for a mulberry paper-themed restaurant in Purgakqi Town of Moyu County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Jan. 12, 2026. Muyassar Ahmattohti, who graduated from Xinjiang Arts University in 2025, returned to her hometown and became a designer of cultural and creative products of mulberry paper, a national intangible cultural heritage with a history of over a thousand years.(Xinhua/Ding Lei) The post-holiday slump is real. After the mad rush of the holiday travel season, it can be tempting to spend the rest of winter on the couch. But those who dont leave home might be missing out on one of the best travel seasons in Oregon. On this weeks episode of the Peak Northwest podcast, we dive into the post-holiday travel season a small window of time when tourist towns are free of crowds and hiking trails, while muddy, are beautiful in the crisp (or soggy) winter afternoons. Here are some highlights from this weeks show: How New Years resolutions, even if simple intentions, can get you back outside. Some of the best snow-free hiking trails around Portland. The off-season can be a great time to visit some of the Pacific Northwests busiest tourist towns. Shorter days make great excuses to take day trips to explore local small towns. Heres the full episode: Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. About 24 hours after sending out form letters canceling nearly $2 billion in grants for mental health and addiction treatment for programs across the U.S., federal officials restored that funding Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. Oregon has the highest incidence of mental illness, including addiction, in the country, according to Mental Health Americas 2025 report. The state has also invested heavily in recent years in improving its access to care, though many who need help still dont get it. Losing what would likely have been millions in funding from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration would not have helped, according to Gov. Tina Kotek. SAMHSA grants support mental health care, addiction treatment, and crisis services that Oregonians rely on every day, Kotek said Wednesday in response to hearing about the cuts. States dont have resources to backfill these dollars. I will continue fighting for every resource available to keep Oregon safe, healthy, and supported. SAMHSA funding supports a wide variety of mental health and addiction initiatives, ranging from youth suicide prevention to drug and alcohol treatment programs. In Portland, that funding includes a grant to the nonprofit Central City Concern to treat people living outside who suffer from mental illness. Often, were the only care many of our neighbors receive, said Juliana Wallace, senior director of behavioral health at Central City Concern. The funding provided by this five-year grant provides lifesaving services and is allowing (us) to leverage Medicaid funds for long term sustainability while using nontraditional locations such as sidewalks and housing sites to truly meet people where they are. Oregon Health Authority staff were still in the process of figuring out exactly how much money the state would have lost when they were told the cuts had been rescinded, according to spokesperson Amber Shoebridge. It would have been a significant task to tally the funding loss, since only some of the federal grant money that flows to Oregon from SAMHSA is distributed through the state health agency. Other grants go directly to nonprofits or to county public health departments. And while typically a list of active grants awarded by a federal agency can be found on the agencys website, that was not the case Wednesday when the site was reviewed by The Oregonian/OregonLive. The only information available on the sites grants tab was that Oregon had been awarded just over $940 million in SAMHSA grants since 2014. Shoebridge, of the Oregon Health Authority, shared the letter from SAMHSA that was received by her office on Thursday: This correspondence serves as official notice that the termination of your federal award, previously communicated on January 13, 2026 ... is hereby rescinded. Your award will remain active under its original terms and conditions. Please disregard the prior termination notice and continue program activities as outlined in your award agreement. Shoebridge said the state has three SAMHSA-funded programs that can now continue to operate as usual. The Trump administration provided scant explanation for the short-lived cuts, noting in letters terminating the grants that the government has the authority to end the awards when they no longer serve program goals or agency priorities. Congressional staff members told The New York Times that Congress is expected to consider a major appropriations package by the end of the month that includes funding for SAMHSA, although agreement has not yet been reached on final numbers. SAMHSA officials did not respond to The Oregonian/OregonLives request for comment. An Oregon congresswoman joined another House Democrat in filing articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Wednesday. U.S. Reps. Maxine Dexter of Oregon and Robin Kelly of Illinois filed three articles of impeachment against Noem, a Republican, for obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust and self-dealing. Dexter and Kelly followed through after vowing last week to pursue impeachment shortly after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a motorist in Minneapolis. From Portland to Minneapolis to Chicago, our communities have been used as training grounds for increasingly brazen, militarized federal agents who act without fear of being accountable to the law, Dexter said in a statement. This behavior doesnt happen in a vacuum; its a failure of leadership that begins at the top. Under Kristi Noem, oversight has been obstructed, excessive force normalized, transparency abandoned and due process disregarded. Oregonians have had enough. I am using my authority to hold Kristi Noem accountable for the utter lawlessness she has unleashed on our communities. The impeachment effort is not likely to move forward since Republicans control the House, but Kelly told reporters Wednesday that nearly 70 representatives already supported it and she expected more to get behind it. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security called the impeachment filing silly in a statement to The Hill. How silly during a serious time, the spokesperson said. 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. The obstruction article accuses Noem of withholding funds appropriated by Congress and denying members of congress entry to Homeland Security facilities. The second article alleges that Noem has repeatedly violated the Immigration and Nationality Act, along with the First Amendment and Fourth Amendment. It also accuses her of violating due process by directing ICE to carry out arrests without warrants and use violence against U.S. citizens. The final article alleges that Noem has misused her position for personal gain and used $200 million in taxpayer money inappropriately to fund an ad campaign for ICE recruitment. It also alleges that Noem bypassed the normal bidding process to award a contract to a firm run by the husband of a senior DHS official. A federal judge expressed extreme skepticism Wednesday that the Trump administration is entitled to highly personal information about every voter and former voter in Oregon, given state and federal privacy protection laws. Instead, the Eugene-based judge indicated he is inclined to limit Trump officials, at least for now, to getting the same voter list that any member of the public can obtain for a fee which does not include full dates of birth, drivers license numbers or partial Social Security numbers. U.S. District Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai said in court late Wednesday that his tentative decision is to entirely dismiss the federal governments lawsuit seeking highly personal information about every Oregon voter. He acknowledged he could change his mind, but he said I feel we have done justice by keeping the most sensitive voter information private. That would mark a big loss for the feds, who have demanded unredacted voter rolls from 40 states and sued more than 20 of them that have refused to fork over personal details about every voter. The 2025 Trump case against Oregon is the first to reach a federal judges deliberation and tentative decision. After hours of legal arguments Wednesday, Kasubhai appeared to side with lawyers for the state of Oregon and labor union advocacy group Our Oregon that the Federal Privacy Act of 1974 precludes the U.S. government from collecting a massive data dump of information on its own citizens and Trump officials dont need the highly personal information about voters to see if Oregon is doing a reasonable job of maintaining its voter rolls, as another federal law requires. The U.S. Department of Justice failed to set out a factual basis for why it suspects Oregon of not doing enough to accurately maintain its voter rolls, the judge said. Federal law requires states to do a reasonable job of removing people who have died or moved from its voter rolls, the judge acknowledged. But he agreed with lawyers for the state and its legal allies who asserted that there were other, better avenues for federal officials to detect if Oregon is failing to do that job than getting access to highly private data on voters. Secretary of State Tobias Read was a primary target of the Trump administrations efforts to pry more information about the states voters and he expressed delight about the judges provisional ruling. This is a big win for Oregonians privacy and the rule of law, he told The Oregonian/OregonLive Wednesday evening. The federal government tried to abuse their power to force me to break my oath of office and hand over your private data. I stood up to them and said no. Now, the court sided with us. Tonight, we proved, once again, we have the power to push back and win. Thomas Castelli, senior assistant attorney general in Oregon since 2023, led the arguments for the state. Branden Lewiston, who worked in the U.S. Department of Justice under President Joe Biden and now is in private practice in Washington, D.C., argued on behalf of Portland-based Our Oregon, which intervened in the case and sided with the state. James Thomas Tucker, a longtime voting rights attorney who now works for the U.S. Department of Justice, led the arguments for the Trump administration. Dan Rayfield, Oregons Democratic attorney general since January 2025, issued a statement expressing relief at the tentative decision. Todays hearing puts a spotlight on a real question: Why does the Trump administration want access to Oregonians most private voter information in the first place? Oregon can protect elections without putting peoples personal information at risk. We look forward to the courts final ruling. Kasubhai, a Biden nominee who was confirmed as a federal district judge in November 2024, did not indicate when he plans to issue his final written order. NEW YORK (AP) The Trump administration has made abrupt and sweeping cuts to substance abuse and mental health programs across the country in a move that advocates said will jeopardize the lives of some of the countrys most vulnerable. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration on Tuesday night 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. The move pulls back funding for a wide swath of discretionary grants and represents about a quarter of SAMHSAs overall budget. It builds on other, wide-ranging cuts that have been made at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including the elimination of thousands of jobs and the freezing or canceling of billions of dollars for scientific research. The latest funding cuts immediately jeopardize 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, said Yngvild Olsen, former director of SAMHSAs Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and a national adviser at Manatt Health. Providers are going to really need to look at potentially laying off staff and not being able to continue. The extent of the cuts in Oregon is not yet clear. Since 2014, the state has been awarded just over $940 million in SAMHSA grants for mental health and addiction treatment, according to the federal agencys dashboard. Oregons 2025-27 biennial budget mentions SAMHSA funding for a variety of programs, including youth suicide prevention and opioid response. Oregon ranks dead last for its rate of mental illness, including substance use disorder, according to Mental Health Americas 2025 report. In Oregon, 30% of adults said they experienced some level of mental illness in the past year. Funding tied to agencys priorities 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 Oregonian/OregonLive has confirmed that at least one Portland-based provider of mental health and addiction services also received a letter. 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 didnt get any further detail about why the agency felt their work didnt match up with SAMHSAs 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. HHS didnt respond to a request for comment on the funding cancellations, which were first reported by NPR. Two sources within SAMHSA who were not authorized to speak to media said staff werent widely notified of the agencys action. Programs at risk after funding is slashed 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 were considering whether they could keep programs alive by shuffling them to different funding sources or whether theyd need to stop the services altogether. Robert Franks, CEO of the Boston-based mental health provider the Baker Center for Children and Families, which lost two federal grants totaling $1 million, said the loss of funding will force his organization to lay off staff and put care in jeopardy for some 600 families receiving it. One of the 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. Franks said his organizations work directly advances SAMHSAs 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. The reality is these programs are probably our most effective tool in addressing the issues that they identify as being critical to them, he said. Honestly, I dont understand it. 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 many of its partners estimated the funding pullbacks were focused on grants classified as Programs of Regional and National Significance. They also said the grants totaled around 2,000 and likely amounted to some $2 billion. 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. For Honesty Liller, CEO of the peer support organization the McShin Foundation in Richmond, Virginia, the loss of about $1.4 million in funding is personal. She said the foundation she leads saved her life 18 years ago when she was struggling with a heroin addiction. The terminated grant has already forced Liller to lay off five staff members. It will mean fewer peers are available to go into local jails and visit incarcerated people who are recovering from substance abuse disorder. They need hope dealers like us, they need people that have lived experience in recovery and they need this funding, Liller said. Ive just never felt so gut punched. --Ali Swenson, The Associated Press A group of Democratic state lawmakers unveiled legislation Wednesday pushing back on a raft of President Donald Trumps signature efforts including the administrations violent immigration crackdown, plans to sell public lands and pursuit of peoples personal information. The proposed bills are part of a monthslong collaboration among legislators and community advocates in partnership with legal experts and political leaders from across the country, the 13 lawmakers said at a news conference in Salem. Theyre a response to federal targeting of our immigrant neighbors and transgender people, rising health care, housing and food costs and threats to public safety, said Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland. We value the freedom to live without fear, and we believe diversity is a strength, not a threat, Chotzen said. We will not tolerate unconstitutional attacks on our neighbors or allow hate to take root in our state. That is why we are fighting back. Chotzen plans to introduce legislation to prevent the federal government from unlawfully withholding money from Oregon, although specific details arent yet available as the bills are being drafted. The Trump administration in early December threatened to cut SNAP funding to Democratic-led states that havent turned over sensitive information about its beneficiaries. Chotzen said that kind of decision doesnt just hurt blue parts of Oregon but the entire state. Other threats over funding cuts have been challenged in court before. Other bills would allow Oregonians to sue federal agents for violating their constitutional rights, require school districts to expand their policies on what to do if immigration agents show up on school grounds and prevent federal agents from covering their faces. The legislation also includes measures to prevent local and state collaboration in the sale of public lands and to safeguard sensitive health and immigration information. Federal agents working in Oregon have shot people, pointed guns at people, smashed car windows and dragged people out of cars. The targets have included teenagers. The officers often wear masks. During demonstrations, federal officers have sometimes used tear gas and pepper spray or injured peaceful protesters. U.S. citizens also have been caught in the dragnet in Oregon or detained for documenting the crackdown. Federal officers have detained nearly 1,900 people in Oregon as of mid-December, according to Oregon for All, composed of various community advocacy organizations. Sen. Jama Kayse, D-Portland, said he will introduce a bill to strengthen rules for state agencies to follow when immigration authorities demand data. He said thats needed even though Oregon became the first sanctuary state in the nation in 1987 prohibiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal authorities for immigration enforcement. Our agencies dont have the guidelines for when ICE demands data or comes to their office, he said. My bill helps government workers plan for what to do. This kind of planning is a crucial step that we need to take in Oregon. Rep. Lesly Munoz, D-Woodburn, said she plans to introduce a bill to allow Oregonians to sue individual federal agents over Fourth Amendment violations. People now have no way to hold federal agents to account for the damage they cause, she said. We have seen agents break windows, destroy property and injure members of our community, she said in Spanish during the news conference. It is an injustice that they cause damage and then simply walk away. As it is now, the Federal Tort Claims Act allows people to sue the federal government but not individual agents. The Westfall Act provides immunity to federal employees from legal action that arises from their professional work, although it includes a carveout for government employes who allegedly violate the U.S. Constitution. The lawmakers said they hope to get bipartisan support for their bills as the short legislative session kicks off Feb. 2. Democrats hold majorities in both chambers, 18 in the Senate and 37 in the House. Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald, D-Corvallis, will introduce legislation that calls for school districts to inform parents, students and staff when immigration activity is occurring on school grounds. Oregons rate of chronic absenteeism remains one of the highest in the country , with 33% of public school students in the state skipping more than 17 days during a school year, which is also one of the shortest in the nation. Immigration fears have added to that, advocates said. If we, by giving parents and families and staff good information, can enable students to come to school, Finger McDonald said, that is absolutely something that we should value and encourage no matter what side of the aisle. Carlos Fuentes contributed to this report. The wait is almost over. If you possess an affinity for chicken sandwiches hyped up by a cohort of vehemently anti-beef cow mascots, youre in luck. The countdown toward Chick-fil-As long-awaited return to Portland is nearing its end. >> Business opening or closing in your neighborhood? Email the reporter at vnocera@oregonian.com. The Georgia-based fast food chain finally announced an opening date Thursday for its Southeast Portland restaurant the first within city limits in more than two decades. Chick-fil-A will open for business at 9950 S.E. Stark St. on Jan. 22. Guests who visit the restaurant on opening day will be eligible for one free entree, according to the news release but only those dressed in cow print. Either a full-fledged animal costume or simple black-and-white spotted accessory will do. Chick-fil-A Mall 205 will offer one free meal to any guest who wears cow print on Jan. 22. Courtesy of Chick-fil-A Located near 205 Place at the site of a former strip club, Chick-fil-As Portland return has been in the works for more than two years, with plans approved by the city in 2024. The restaurants opening will create around 100 jobs, according to the release. It will also mark the first Chick-fil-A within Portland city limits since a Lloyd Center food court location closed in 2003. The Southeast Stark Street Chick-fil-A will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It will offer dine-in, carry-out and curbside ordering, according to the release plus diners with children can look forward to an indoor playground. Chick-fil-A has big plans to expand its Oregon presence with six new restaurants by 2027. It currently operates 17 locations across the state. Oregon startups raised nearly $950 million in 2025, with venture capital activity rebounding after two dreary years. A big chunk of the money purportedly went to Agility Robotics, a pioneer in manufacturing and deploying humanoid robots. Agility has been widely reported to have raised $400 million last year, though the Salem-based company declined comment because it says its current funding round is still open. Still, the National Venture Capital Association and market intelligence firm PitchBook included the $400 million in their tally of major Oregon startup investments. The result was an 80% jump in venture capital raised by the states young companies according to an annual report from NVCA and PitchBook published Wednesday night. The organizations said 37 Oregon companies raised venture capital last year, with a median deal size of about $16 million. Ambitious startups use venture capital to supercharge their growth. Globally, much of that money is pouring into artificial intelligence businesses that aspire to dramatically increase computers capabilities and change the way we work. Oregon startups very rarely turn into big companies. But the revolution in AI is transforming industries and might provide the state, and its young companies, a path to revitalize Oregons tech community. Agility Robotics, for example, makes robots that work in warehouses moving heavy boxes around. But in time it wants to expand their capabilities, making them smarter and more nimble so they can work in offices, homes and in healthcare. Once AI is actually applied to doing physical work in the world is when it really starts to have its impact, when it starts to actually become the entire future of labor and change our human interaction with productivity in the world. This is a big deal, Jonathan Hurst, Agilitys co-founder and chief robot officer, told the annual Oregon Leadership Summit last month. PitchBook says Agilitys funding round values the startup, a spinout from Oregon State University, at $1.75 billion. Many other Oregon startups that raised money last year include artificial intelligence in their business models. Those include Portland data management company Hydrolix, which raised $80 million, and cybersecurity firm Eclypsium, which raised $45 million. At last months business summit, Hurst urged Oregon business and government leaders to do more to nurture the states technology ecosystem and chase opportunities in AI and robotics. He noted that even though Agility started at Oregon States robotics lab, the companys CEO, chief financial officer and chief technology officer all work in other states. When Agility Robotics recently sought a new vice president of engineering, Hurst said, the company had to go outside the state again. We ended up with a California employee who was willing to travel here, he said. We couldnt find anybody willing to move here, and we certainly couldnt find anybody close to qualified in Oregon for this role. For Oregon to get a foothold in emerging technologies around AI and robotics, Hurst said the state needs to invest in building a cluster of startups around its universities and researchers. He said that takes a broad effort across Oregon institutions. This is not something that one entity can do, Hurst said. This is an all or nothing. All of the stakeholders in the state need to participate. The Lightwell Hotel just opened, but already its poised to become a hub of tourism in the Columbia River Gorge. Built in a historic building in downtown Hood River, the 69-room boutique hotel offers tourists a wealth of comforts packed between its rooftop deck and its stone-walled underground soaking pool. We went probably a little overboard on the amenities, co-owner Gabe Genauer said. Usually a 69-room hotel wouldnt have four food and beverage outlets and a spa. The hotel required three years of restoration and construction, including work to reinforce the building with structural and seismic upgrades, and to restore key original architectural details. New design elements harken back to the historic hotels, both physically and in spirit: Original oak wood floors were repurposed as decorative wall panels in the restaurant, and the rooftop bar features a wooden trellis modeled after the original one. Genauer declined to say how much money was invested into the new hotel. The Lightwell Hotel is located in a historic building in downtown Hood River. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian One of the 69 rooms in the boutique hotel, offering modern amenities with historic touches. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Columbia River Gorge views are seen from tables on the rooftop deck, which has seats protected from and exposed to the elements. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian While the building, which has a foundation first laid in 1904, was originally a hotel (first the Hotel Waucoma, then the Oregon Hotel), it hadnt been used in that capacity since 1973. Most recently, the building was used as a yoga studio and winery, as well as the River City Saloon, a watering hole beloved by locals and Mount Hood skiers for decades. What used to be the saloon is now a hotel bar called The Bob (after previous building owner Bob Carnahan), in an open space that includes a restored hotel lobby. Next door to the bar is a separate storefront that the hotel operates as Basecamp Cafe & Provisions, a coffee shop that sells pastries and grab-and-go food. A hotel restaurant, called Alia, is expected to open in the spring, along with a rooftop bar that will serve a pared-down version of the menu, Genauer said. There is a strategy to all the amenities, and its one familiar to other boutique hotels operating in Oregons tourist towns: attract locals as well as tourists, especially in the off-season. The Lightwell Hotels goal is to become Hood Rivers living room, Genauer said. We wanted to create another place where the local people could come together, he said. We did not want to implant something into this community that wasnt for the community. A dry sauna is part of the hotel's underground spa. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Glass orbs hang from the namesake light well inside the hotel. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian The space that is now the hotel lobby was most recently a yoga studio and a winery tasting room. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian That includes the underground spa, open to guests as well as the general public, where a hot soaking pool has been built beside the enormous basalt rock wall that makes up the buildings original foundation. The hotel also offers a dry sauna and treatment rooms that will eventually house massage therapists, Genauer said. We just figured how can you beat after youre out knocking your brains out on the mountain or on the river a soak or a sauna, he said. We really wanted to have the restorative part of what we could offer. And then there are the rooms themselves. The 44 king bedrooms and 25 queen rooms offer modern amenities with some historical touches brand new beds pushed up against exposed brick walls, for example. Nightly rates currently start at $129, but vary by season and day of the week. Genauer said he expects rooms to average around $200 a night throughout the year. That puts the Lightwell on par with most of other large area hotels, such as the Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa and the neighboring Hood River Hotel. What the Lightwell has going for it is a prime location, just off Interstate 84 in the heart of town, as well as all those amenities. Genauer is optimistic that travelers, and locals, will feel at home. As time goes on, Im sure well get more and more integrated, he said. Thats really important to us, that it really be a part of the fabric of Hood River. Open year-round; 201 Cascade Ave., Hood River; book online a lightwellhotel.com or call 541-436-4860. Il se dit toujours = en anglais naturellement = I am doing this I am doing that I am having a good time.Im reminded of the indoor mall in Caesars Palace in Las Vegas had in effect publicly shamed and exposed mehad lumped me together with the n RIYADH, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday a development investment package of 1.9 billion Saudi Riyals (about 507 million U.S. dollars) for Yemen. The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) announced the launch of the new package of development projects and initiatives for Yemeni governorates, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The package includes 28 development projects and initiatives across several key sectors, including energy, education and transport. It also covers a new grant for petroleum derivatives to operate power plants across all Yemeni governorates. The projects aim to enhance security, stability and growth for Yemeni people, said the SDRPY. On Wednesday, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud met in Riyadh with Chairman of Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council Rashad al-Alimi. The minister reaffirmed his country's continued support for Yemen, in line with the directives of the Saudi leadership to provide economic support to the Yemeni people. ***Jimmy and Micah and I got in my truck and drove a couple of blocks over to Micahs nearly empty apartme An age does not just fix a character in their books internal timeline; it establishes characters in relation to each other.calle Part of me wants to say that this m family court contra costa new mexico district court cvs coolidge court one that somehow continues to expa and her mouth is curved in t And to really wring the throat of ab The Trump administration has frozen $138 million in federal child care funding to Colorado, threatening to shut down programs that serve about 27,000 children from 18,000 low-income families by the end of January. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the funding freeze on Jan. 7, targeting Colorado along with four other Democratic-led states: California, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York. The federal agency cited concerns about widespread fraud and misuse of taxpayer money, though it has not identified any specific fraud cases related to child care programs in Colorado. Child Care Crisis The frozen funds come from the Child Care and Development Fund, which provides the majority of funding for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program, known as CCCAP, according to CPR News. This program helps low-income working parents pay for licensed child care so they can maintain employment or attend school. The state has already received about $71 million of its expected $138 million allocation for the current fiscal year, leaving roughly $67 million frozen. State officials warn that funding for child care subsidies could run out by Jan. 31 without federal intervention. More than 2,500 child care providers across Colorado accept CCCAP payments, representing over half of all licensed providers in the state. Many providers say they cannot afford to keep their doors open without these federal subsidies, Chalkbeat reported. Mero Kaya, who operates four child care centers in the Denver metro area serving nearly 300 children from low-income families, told the Colorado Sun that all of his centers would be forced to close if the funding freeze continues. The funding freeze adds to existing challenges facing Colorado's child care system. About one-third of Colorado counties had already implemented enrollment freezes for CCCAP before the federal funding halt due to rising costs and the expiration of pandemic relief funds. Freezing of Funds Five states, including Colorado, filed a federal lawsuit on Jan. 8 challenging the funding freeze as unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian temporarily blocked the Trump administration from withholding the funds on Jan. 9, ordering that payments continue while the legal case proceeds. The freeze also affects two other federal programs administered by the Colorado Department of Human Services: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, which provides $150 million annually to help 15,000 families with basic needs, and the Social Services Block Grant, which supports at-risk youth and vulnerable adults with $27 million annually, as per CNN. Austin ISD spent more than $95 million in bond money on 10 schools that the district voted to close in November, drawing criticism from taxpayer advocates and community members who supported the $2.4 billion bond package just three years ago. The November school closure decision was aimed at helping offset a nearly $20 million budget deficit and addressing enrollment declines across the district. The school board voted to close eight elementary schools and two middle schools at the end of the 2025-26 school year, affecting nearly 3,800 students. Superintendent Matias Segura said the plan would generate $21.5 million in savings and eliminate 6,319 empty seats from more than 20,000 vacant seats across the district. Millions Already Spent on School Improvements Oak Springs Elementary received the most substantial investment among closing schools, with more than $48 million allocated for a complete modernization that was already underway when the closure decision was announced, according to the Texas Tribune. The East Austin campus was set to receive a new 83,000-square-foot, two-story building with a gym, cafeteria, theater, music studio, and mental health spaces. Construction had begun in early 2025 with completion scheduled for spring 2027, but the project remains suspended. Martin Middle School was allocated $36.5 million for phased modernization work. Barrington Elementary had $4.9 million in spent or committed funds, while Widen Elementary received $2.8 million, and Bedichek Middle School got $1.2 million. The remaining closing schools also received bond allocations for various improvement,s including HVAC systems, secure entry vestibules, technology upgrades and safety enhancements, Austin Schools reported. Questions About Bond Planning and Future Use James Quintero, policy director with the Taxpayer Protection Project at Texas Public Policy Foundation, questioned why the district sought such a large bond while enrollment had been declining for years. He said taxpayers have witnessed a significant amount of money being wasted on facilities that will go unused. District officials said the remaining bond money earmarked for closing campuses is being reassessed. School board president Lynn Boswell said bond dollars would still benefit students in the district, though not exactly as planned when voters approved the bond in 2022. The district may continue some work at closing schools to keep students comfortable until relocations occur in August 2026. The situation has upset communities that believed their financial support was a sound investment in their schools. District operations officer Christine Steenport said the current priority is preparing schools to receive students from closing campuses and ensuring a smooth transition, as per Austin Current. A new report by the Brookings Institution warns that the risks of using generative artificial intelligence in education currently outweigh the benefits for children and teens. The comprehensive study, released January 13, 2026, involved focus groups and interviews with K-12 students, parents, educators, and technology specialists across 50 countries, along with a review of hundreds of research articles. The findings reveal that AI use in schools can "undermine children's foundational development" and that the damages already caused are "daunting," though "fixable". Threats to Learning and Critical Thinking One of the most serious concerns identified in the report is the threat AI poses to students' cognitive development, according to NPR. Researchers found that when students rely on generative AI to provide answers, they are not thinking independently or learning to distinguish fact from fiction. The report describes a cycle of AI dependence where students increasingly offload their thinking to technology, potentially leading to cognitive decline. Evidence shows students using generative AI are experiencing drops in knowledge retention, critical thinking, and creativity. Young learners lacking foundational knowledge remain especially vulnerable to accepting AI-generated misinformation as fact. Read more: San Francsico School Claims Students Score Better Grades With Help From AI Instruction The study also highlights significant risks to student privacy and safety. Many AI tools collect student data for training purposes, with some companies retaining information for extended periods. Privacy protections are particularly weak for children, with most AI developers not taking adequate steps to remove minors' input from their data collection processes, Stanford University reported. Academic integrity emerged as another major concern. The report notes that AI threatens to erode trust in education, with teachers increasingly unable to verify the authenticity of student work. Students can easily use AI to complete assignments without genuine learning, undermining the educational process. Moving Forward With Safeguards and Regulation Social and emotional development is also at risk. The report found that AI chatbots, designed to be agreeable, may prevent children from developing crucial skills like empathy and resilience that come from navigating disagreement and misunderstanding. A recent survey found that nearly 20 percent of high school students reported having a romantic relationship with AI. The report presents 12 recommendations organized around three pillars: Prosper, Prepare, and Protect. Key actions include shifting educational focus away from task completion toward fostering curiosity, designing AI tools that encourage critical thinking rather than simply providing answers, and promoting comprehensive AI literacy for teachers and students. The researchers also call for government regulation of AI in educational settings to safeguard students' cognitive and emotional health. Despite these warnings, the lack of federal AI regulation in the United States remains a challenge, with responsibility currently fragmented across state and local districts, as per Brookings. The United States is imposing an indefinite halt on most family-based green card processing for people from 75 countries, including Haiti, Brazil, and Cuba, as part of a new review of immigrants' use of public benefits, starting January 21. The State Department has ordered U.S. embassies and consulates to stop deciding immigrant visa cases for these nationalities while it reworks how officers judge whether a person is likely to become a "public charge," or depend on government support in the future. The freeze applies worldwide and has no announced end date. Which Countries Are Affected and How Many Immigrants Will Be Impacted The list of 75 countries spans nearly every region and covers close to 40 percent of the world's nations. It includes major migrantsending countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Haiti, Cuba, Nigeria, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Somalia, along with many in Africa, the Caribbean, South Asia, and the Middle East, according to the Miami Herald. According to experts, this move will deny entry to approximately 315,000 legal immigrants in the upcoming year, effectively rejecting roughly half of all legal immigrants the United States typically accepts. The pause covers all immigrant visas processed abroad, including familybased green cards for spouses, children, parents, and siblings of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as employmentbased and diversity visa immigrants. Temporary visas for tourists, students, and shortterm workers are not part of the suspension, although they may face tougher financial scrutiny. The State Department has already revoked over 100,000 visas since Trump took office, signaling an aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. Legal Challenges and What Families Should Expect Next Officials say the move is needed to protect U.S. taxpayers and tighten screening under longstanding public charge rules. In a statement, the State Department said it would block immigrants from countries where, in its view, too many newcomers end up using welfare or other public assistance, Fox News reported. Recent guidance now considers expanded health conditions as negative factors in public charge determinations, including diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure and mental health conditions. Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups warn the policy will split families, deepen backlogs, and shut down legal paths for many low and middleincome migrants. Families who have already completed interviews or waited years in line now face openended delays, with little clarity on whether their cases will move forward or need to be reevaluated. The national immigration backlog has already swelled to over 5.4 million cases, with processing times increasing significantly across multiple categories. The new suspension builds on earlier travel bans and expanded public charge guidance introduced since Trump returned to office, which already limited visas and refugee admissions from several of the same countries. Lawsuits and congressional challenges are expected, but for now, applicants from the 75 nations must prepare for their familybased green card cases to remain on hold, as per NPR. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. federal agent shot and injured a Venezuelan man Wednesday night in Minneapolis, the largest city in the state of Minnesota, said the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Federal law enforcement officers were conducting a traffic stop in Minneapolis while the man -- identified by the DHS as being in the United States illegally and fleeing in his vehicle -- crashed into a parked car and then ran on foot, before an officer caught up with him, the DHS said. When the two struggled on the ground, two other individuals emerged from a nearby apartment and attacked the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. The original suspect then broke free and also began attacking the officer, prompting the law enforcement official to "fire a defensive shot" into his leg, the DHS said. Police said the man's injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, and the two others who joined the attack are in custody. The City of Minneapolis confirmed that "one adult male was shot by federal immigration enforcement agents" and urged the public to remain calm. Local officials have also called for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to leave the city and state. A large and tense crowd gathered near the scene Wednesday night, with protesters using horns and whistles, according to the local KARE television station. The shooting unfolded against the backdrop of growing unrest in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an ICE agent last week, which has sparked widespread protests and clashes with federal authorities nationwide. CARLISLE - If you need more evidence that data centers are becoming a thing here in central Pennsylvania, here it is. Organizers of a Jan. 20 public forum on what data centers are, their benefits and pitfalls, and how to best determine if they are a good fit for your backyard, are cancelling while they seek a bigger venue. The event is being co-hosted by the Cumberland County Planning Commission, Dickinson College and Cumberland Area Economic Development Corp. In-person reservations were already pushing capacity at Dickinsons Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium. With Dickinsons student body returning this weekend from winter break, organizers reckoned with the likelihood of many more unregistered attendees, meaning many would have to be turned away at the door. To avoid that, organizers said Thursday, theyve decided to reset on a new date at a new spot. Once that new date is set, county planning specialist Elizabeth Grant said, anyone whos already registered will get a direct notification. Billed as an educational forum on the industry generally rather than a town hall on a specific project, organizers goal is to provide residents a good baseline from which to join debates in their own communities. Scheduled panelists included representatives from American Real Estate Partners, one of the principals in a major project proposed in Middlesex Township, as well as the Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition, which formed to mitigate the impacts of concentrated data center development in northern Virginia. Other speakers included representatives from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, speaking on data center power and water demands, respectively. There are several large data center projects in various stages of development around Pennsylvania. In Cumberland, specifically, AREPs Powerhouse Data Centers has teamed with a group of local investors on Pennsylvania Digital 1, a major data center project proposed for ground off Country Club Road about five miles northeast of Carlisle. Middlesex Township officials have already agreed to reserve water capacity for that project, and land development plans are under review by the townships planning commission. The project has also spawned significant citizen concern, much of it owing to problems neighbors to first-generation data center complexes have experienced in their communities. Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams and city council appear headed to court over a budget dispute. But during a meeting Wednesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro called on city leaders and stakeholders to come together and collaborate on a unified plan for the citys future, the governors spokesperson said. Governor Shapiro made clear that his Administration is committed to investing in and supporting the citys success, Shapiro spokesperson Alex Peterson said in an email to PennLive on Thursday. The message was delivered during the meeting Shapiro convened with Williams, Council President Danielle Hill, Harrisburgs state legislative delegation, city and state police officials, local business owners and community and economic leaders, Peterson said. The meeting focused on developing a comprehensive plan to improve public safety, support small businesses, and chart a better future for Pennsylvanias capital city, he added. But it comes as Williams and city council are taking their ongoing budget dispute to court. Harrisburg spokesperson Mischelle Moyer told PennLive Thursday that nothing has changed in the dispute. There has been no movement forward by either side. The litigation is set to begin on January 21, Moyer said. The core of the dispute is councils vote last month to defund four key positions in the mayors administration, including the citys business administrator, which is a position required by law. Since May 2025, a coalition of Harrisburg city leaders, economic development officials and state lawmakers have been meeting in hopes of developing a sweeping vision for revitalizing the citys struggling downtown. The group has determined that a professional urban planner is needed to help facilitate the plan. This, so the goals incorporated into the revitalization plan address the needs and aspirations of a wide and diverse array of Harrisburg stakeholders. This visioning process has been compared to a similar professionally guided exercise that has guided downtown Lancasters rebirth over the past several decades, to great success. Currently, however, there is no funding in place for the professional consultant to facilitate the broad-based planning process for Harrisburg, officials have said. In his written comments, Peterson suggested Shapiro would be willing to make state funds available but wants to see city officials get on the same page. As a member of the Harrisburg community, putting the city on a successful path forward is important to the governor, Peterson wrote in his emailed comments. Wednesdays meeting concluded with no firm consensus on a plan for downtown Harrisburg beyond a commitment by Shapiro and the other participants to continue meeting monthly for ongoing discussions, officials said. State Rep. Nate Davidson, D-103, told PennLive he sense broad-based commitment among the 30-some officials and stakeholders who attended to keep focusing on a right-sized plan for Harrisburg, despite the pending court fight over the city budget. We all want a clear vision and plan for revitalizing the downtown, he said. What are the actual things we need to solve in order for the downtown to thrive? Were going to continue to sit around this table (in discussions). If we are all rowing together in the same direction, I know we can accomplish this. The intense focus on rescuing the capital citys central business district followed PennLives April 2025 special report, Dueling Downtowns, which highlighted Harrisburgs decline. The series drew a sharp contrast with Lancasters thriving business core, which has been buoyed by that citys planning process involving a professional consultant and a wide range of stakeholders. The PennLive special report inspired the news site to assemble its own public forum on revitalizing Harrisburgs downtown. This resulted in ongoing community discussions about the citys future. PennLive continues to hold roundtable discussions on issues raised in the public forum. The next one will take place in February and the topic is the downtown development plan the Harrisburg coalition has been discussing with Shapiro. Mayor Williams declined PennLives invitation to participate, with Moyer saying the PennLive effort overlaps what we are currently accomplishing with the others in our chosen group. To not have everyone at the table is an oversight (by PennLive), and we already all meet outside of a media-controlled setting. Moyer indicated the Harrisburg coalitions revitalization planning was successfully moving forward on its own, but she declined to provide specifics. She said details will be kept under wraps until some things are in place. Added Moyer: There are many wheels in motion. By Sam Janesch, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS) WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick plans to recuse himself from Senate business specifically related to Meta the powerful and far-reaching technology company that his wife was tapped to lead this week while continuing to seek a prominent role on issues like artificial intelligence and social media guidelines that sometimes impact the company. The Pennsylvania Republican said he was taking precautions to avoid potential conflicts of interest as Dina Powell McCormick becomes the Facebook parent companys president and vice chairman, reporting to founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Those conflicts are potentially numerous. Meta has long been at the center of debates on Capitol Hill around social media use and data privacy. Its also among the tech giants expanding into artificial intelligence and energy generation topics that have dominated discussions about whether lawmakers should have a heavier hand in regulating the next generation of tech. Whats happening with social media and AI and everything else, its one of the biggest issues facing the country and facing Pennsylvania. Theres lots of companies that touch on that. Im going to need to continue to play a significant role as a leader for Pennsylvania on those issues, McCormick told the Post-Gazette this week. Ill not be involved in Meta-specific issues, but Ill certainly be involved in issues that affect the entire industry. McCormick has repeatedly emphasized the importance of Pennsylvania taking a lead on technology and energy development since he joined the Senate last January. In July, he hosted an Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University, where industry leaders converged with President Donald Trump, Gov. Josh Shapiro and others to announce more than $90 billion in investments in Pennsylvania. Among that list was a $2.5 million donation from Meta to early stage startups associated with Carnegie Mellon. The senator credited his wife, who at that time served on Metas board of directors, for the idea behind the gathering. And as some communities raise concerns about rising electricity prices and the societal impacts of AI, McCormick has encouraged the development of data centers and the energy infrastructure needed to build out the next phases of the technology. Three days before Metas news about Powell McCormicks role, the senator applauded an announcement that Meta had signed a 20-year power-purchase agreement with the Beaver Valley Power Station in Beaver County and two other Vistra nuclear plants in Ohio. Urvi Parekh, a Meta executive, said in a statement that generating more nuclear power was essential for advancing our AI ambitions and strengthening American leadership in energy innovation. McCormick was among multiple Republicans and Democrats, including Shapiro, whose statements of support were attached to the announcement. A flurry of federal subpoenas has hit the doorsteps of various Philadelphia agencies that investigated Ellen Greenbergs brutal death by 23 stab wounds in January 2011. As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, citing anonymous sources, the U.S. Attorneys Office is targeting a variety of agencies to probe how each handled the case and whether any of those missteps might amount to criminal corruption. The Inquirer noted that the entire scope of the potential inquiry was not clear. But it appeared focused on how the agencies and officials handled the investigation, rather than a re-investigation of Ellens death, itself. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, along with Philadelphia agencies that reportedly received federal subpoenas seeking documents and information about the Greenberg case, would neither confirm nor deny the investigation, as is standard procedure in such situations. Reached for comment Thursday, Ellens parents, Joshua and Sandee Greenberg, welcomed news of the federal probe. We always believed there was corruption, Josh Greenberg said of the handling of his daughters case. There were acts that were outside of normal legal acts. Ellen Greenberg died at age 27 in 2011. Hulu But by the close of 2025, it looked as if the familys now 15-year quest for justice in Ellens death had reached an unsatisfying end. The Greenbergs had settled their pair of civil suits against Philadelphia, but Ellens death remained officially listed as a suicide. Now, however, theres new hope the feds will look at the entire case and how it was handled, the Greenbergs said. Were really excited the feds are taking an interest and looking at things from a different perspective, Sandee said. We are so happy this is happening, especially by another law enforcement agency. It is out of the hands of Philadelphia, added Joshua. The Greenbergs acknowledged they havent heard directly from anyone connected to the new probe. We had a feeling there was activity. But we didnt have confirmation, Sandee said. We have not heard from the feds, but were patiently waiting. We look forward to more exciting news. Joshua, who with his wife spent $800,000-plus on their own investigation into Ellens death, said the federal probe represents the last, best hope for getting to the truth. Were after an unbiased investigation led by an unbiased source, he said. We always believed this case should not have ended as a suicide. We spent our own money trying to find answers. I cant stress enough how enthusiastic our lawyers are about this. Our attorney is extremely thrilled with these developments. Background on the case: The narrative of suicide in Ellens death was set moments after the 27-year-old teachers body was discovered bloody and lifeless on her kitchen floor, slumped against a cabinet on the snowy, stormy evening of Jan. 26, 2011. Ellen suffered 23 stab wounds, many to the back of her head and neck. The final blow left a 10-inch kitchen knife protruding from her chest. This image is the result of a 3D computer analysis of the trajectory and depth of all 20 of Ellens stab wounds. The analysis was commissioned by the family of Ellen Greenberg and conducted by BioMX Corp., a Virginia-based independent computational biomechanics engineering consulting company that reconstructs accidents and criminal injuries for court cases. Ellens fiance, Sam Goldberg, said he returned from working out in the Manayunk apartment complex gym to find the door to the apartment he shared with Ellen latched from inside. She didnt respond to his knocks, calls and texts. Goldberg later told police he had to break the inner door latch to enter and found Ellen slumped and bloodied on the kitchen floor. His account of breaking into the apartment was later called into question by other evidence. During Goldbergs recorded 911 call he said, among other things, that Ellen had stabbed herself. Responding police and a medical examiner official also treated Ellens death as a suicide on the evening of her death. At the time, Ellen, a graduate of Susquehanna Township High School and Penn State, was seeing a psychiatrist and being medically treated for anxiety. Apparently assuming her death was suicide, police did not treat the bloodied apartment as a crime scene that evening. An undated photo of Ellen Greenberg with her fiance, Samuel Goldberg. Photo provided by Greenberg family Ellens body was shipped off to the city morgue with the knife still protruding from her chest. The very next day, Assistant Philadelphia Medical Examiner Dr. Marlon Osbourne conducted his autopsy and ruled her death a homicide. He cited multiple stab wounds by an unknown person. City detectives returned to the apartment the following day with a search warrant and a forensics team. But by then, the place had been professionally sanitized, wiping away potential evidence. The homicide investigation quickly foundered, and detectives on the case met at least twice with ME officials to argue Ellen had killed herself. On April 4, 2011, Osbourne changed the manner of Ellens death to suicide a ruling he publicly disavowed as part of his 2025 court settlement with the Greenbergs. But because Osbourne is no longer with the Philadelphia MEs office, he had no power to change the ruling in Ellens death. Philadelphias court settlement with the Greenbergs promised an expeditious reexamination of all the evidence in Ellen death. But the resulting six-month re-investigation by the Philadelphia Medical Examiners office didnt vacate the suicide ruling in Ellens brutal, bloody death. Instead, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Lindsay Simon doubled down with a 35-page report detailing multiple findings the office says confirms Ellen took her own life. The suicide ruling in the Greenberg case is crucial because until Ellens death is changed to either undetermined or homicide, its a practical impossibility to launch a new criminal investigation into her bizarre, highly suspicious death, the Greenbergs have said. They believe her killer is still out there. A former western Pennsylvania teacher already facing multiple charges for sexually assaulting two children years ago has been hit with more charges. Allegheny County police said Sean Dicer, 53, of Brackenridge, Allegheny County, was charged with indecent assault, endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors and two counts of unlawful contact with a minor connected to incidents in 2007. In December, PennLive reported Dicer was charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, indecent assault, four counts of corruption of minors and two counts each of unlawful contact with a minor, intercourse/sexual contact with a student and sexual extortion. Those charges stem from cases dating to 2021 in which two boys, both now 16, told police that Dicer sexually assaulted them at his home. A judge at that time ordered Dicer be held without bail, saying that he was a danger to the victims. The new charges came about after a graduate of the Highlands School District told police that Dicer sexually assaulted him and another student, now deceased, 20 years ago in an elementary school classroom, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Dicer, the graduate said, touched him and the other boy in the classroom after enticing them there to get BD Bucks, a fake currency reward for good test scores and behavior. The graduate told police that Dicer asked to take a photo of them and then asked them to hug. Weeks later, Dicer asked again but additionally wanted the boys to pull their shirts up in exchange for BD Bucks. In another incident, Dicer asked to touch the boys and offered them money to do so. The now-deceased student supposedly told the graduate that Dicer had given him $100 for inappropriate touching and $200 for a sex act, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported. Allegheny County police said anyone with information on Dicer should call them at 833-ALL-TIPS. British actor Marcus Gilbert, who had notable roles in such TV series and films as Doctor Who, Riders, Rambo III and Army of Darkness, has died. He was 67. Today we have heard the very sad news that Marcus lost his battle against cancer on Sunday 11th January 2026, a post on a Facebook fan site for Gilbert said. 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. According to Metro, Gilbert had been battling throat cancer for three years. Born in Bristol, England, Gilbert began his career on stage, working with the Odyssey Theatre Company, Dundee Repertory Theatre and Manchesters Library Theatre. He made his screen debut in the 1983 TV movie The Weather in the Streets. He went on to play a Soviet helicopter pilot in Rambo III, Knight Commander Ancelyn on Doctor Who Rupert Campbell-Black on Riders and Lord Arthur in Army of Darkness. In addition, he appeared on Murder She Wrote, A Ghost in Monte Carlo, Robin of Sherwood, and Jonathan Creek. He was also one of several actors considered to take on the role of James Bond in the 1980s when Roger Moore retired for the role. It ultimately went to Timothy Dalton. 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, comedian Toby Hadoke wrote on Instagram. 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. Gilbert is survived by his two children, son Maxi and daughter Aaliya. His wife Homaa Khan-Gilbert died in 2020 from pancreatic cancer. Pro wrestling legend Jim Cornette is among those who has joined in to support the Ford worker who called Donald Trump a pedophile protector. For those who missed it, TJ Sabula heckled Trump as he visited the Ford plant on Tuesday. Trump responded by flipping Sabula off and he appeared to the mouth the words (Expletive) you, twice at the worker. Sabula has since been suspended, but he told The Washington Post he has no regrets whatsoever. I dont feel as though fate looks upon you often, and when it does, you better be ready to seize the opportunity, he said. Cornette, known for his work in wrestling as a manager for tag teams such as The Midnight Express and for his popular wrestling podcast, has long been an outspoken critic of Trump. He shared a video of the exchange between Sabula and Trump on X with some colorful thoughts. So Shitler visited the Ford Plant one of the workers called him a pedophile protector, Cornette wrote. Shitler said (Expletive) You and gave him the finger. Were hearing the worker got suspended or fired. If anyone can hook me up with the REAL Ford worker I have $5,000 for him as a thank you. Cornettes wife, Stacey, later posted, Donation Made. THANK YOU, MR. Sabula! along with a link to his GoFundMe. The GoFundMe has currently raised more than $439,000, and Cornette is listed as having donated $5,000. There is a second GoFundMe for Sabula, too, that has raised more than $292,000. Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung told USA Today that a lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response. The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey (VAH) was one of 12 new wineries that took over a spot at Booth No. 1126 on Wednesday for the final four days of the Farm Show. Free wine tasting will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 9 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday. Full bottles will be available for purchase. Those sampling must be 21+ to participate in tastings. IDs will be checked. Meanwhile, one of central Pennsylvanias best-known wineries has several ribbons to show off at its Farm Show location and back in its tasting room in Londonderry Township. The winery won Best of Show dessert for its Daybreak Moscato, gold for its Dry Riesling, and Silver for its Crimson Fox in the Farm Show competition. Lynn Day, the owner and president of the Dauphin County producer, told PennLive in an email that she and her staff are hard at work ensuring a constant stream of events and new beverages are available for all audiences in the area. We always stack the entire year with activities from family- friendly to adult-oriented, so everyone can feel welcome and invited, she said. With families across the region feeling the impact of an economy that hits hard on everyday expenses, Day said that offering free events, as shown on their calendar , allows families to come out with kids and pets alike to get out of the house and enjoy things such as live music or trivia nights. A full patio on a gorgeous summer day at The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey. The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey We always welcome people to bring in their own food if they like, she said. Over the winter, our event space is open to the public so you can still have your own picnic with the kids and dog while the music plays. Like many local businesses, Day is having to adjust operations to the small changes that occur from year to year. Day, alongside Christine McCarl, vintner and master brewer, is the duo of a woman-run business that creates an environment and experience that welcomes everyone. Some things remain a staple at VAH, such as the Decked Out Live concert series , a Friday night show that takes place every Friday from May to September. Once there, concertgoers will get the chance to sample the PA Preferred beverages made on site at the vineyard while enjoying the view of the property, located at 598 Schoolhouse Road near Middletown. As a local business, its important to us that we support the Pennsylvania agriculture ecosystem, said Day, who herself grew up on a beef farm in Washington, Pennsylvania, and is acutely aware of how local economies can be made or broken, dependent on how long money made within the region stays in the region. For those who are looking for a more casual and quick vineyard experience, The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey offers wine tastings in their tasting room. The options range from dry red wines like Roberge Red, a custom blend that honors Marc Roberge of O.A.R. fame, who continues to show up annually for an intimate setting outdoor acoustic show, to sweet wines such as Crimson Fox, a lambrusco style wine that is a favorite staple and best seller over the spring and summer. The winery is open noon to 5 p.m. daily, with expanded hours from spring through fall. Wines range from dry to sweet. Not to be outdone, the beer selection is growing as well. McCarl continues to create different flavor options that will be a departure from the commercial and mundane into the unique offerings of a craft brewing operation that has the latitude to create as they please. Describing the steps of brewing just the beers can sound easy when its listed out, McCarl said. But its actually very precise with not a lot of margin for error in order to produce not only the desired result, but repeatable results for the beers our customers enjoy every year. The vineyard also offers VIP tours of the property for both wine and beer options. Several of the almost dozen and a half wines produced by The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey. The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey It allows guests to learn more about the more than 10-year history of the business and the property, in addition to offering a sampling at the end. More than just an opportunity to view and learn about the property, it gives people a blank canvas view of areas such as the event space, the lawns, and the patio, where anyone can reserve space. Whether its a corporate meeting, a birthday, or a full-on wedding, the venue options are limited only to what anyone needs space for, Day said. After nearly half a century in the business, a trucking company has filed for bankruptcy. This news signals the latest of whats been called the Great Freight Recession, during which a demand for shipping services has dropped while capacity has stayed high. According to industry publication FreightWaves, STG Logistics a Dublin, Ohio-founded institution that also happens to be the countrys fourth-largest asset-based intermodal marketing company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey on Monday. This pre-negotiated plan, FreightWaves explains, wipes out 91 percent of STGs almost $1 billion debt. It also gives it $150 million in new capital in order to support its core business operations, and to compensate its employees and vendors. TTNews.com reports that the carrier expects to exit court protection in about five months. Todays announcement marks an important milestone in our efforts to strength STG amidst one of the most severe freight recessions in history, said CEO Geoff Anderman via company release. We are confident that leverage the Chapter 11 process will best position the business for long-term growth and success. I am deeply grateful to our valued team, customers, vendors, and other partners whose support enables us to continue delivering solutions for our customers at the highest levels while staying true to our core values of safety, service, integrity, and efficient at the forefront of our operations. The release confirms that STG will continue operations in the ordinary course of business as a restructuring plan takes place. Further information regarding bankruptcy proceedings remains pending. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council will meet Thursday on the situation in Iran, said a spokeswoman for the Somali Permanent Mission to the United Nations, whose country holds the rotating council presidency for the month of January. "I can now confirm that the (Security Council) presidency intends to schedule a briefing on the situation in Iran .... on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. (2000 GMT), requested by the United States," said Khadija Ahmed, the spokeswoman for the Somali mission, on Wednesday night. A New Jersey man claims in court papers he was scalded by a cup of hot tea that spilled on him at a McDonalds restaurant in Bergen County. Clarence G. Jenkins, 50, filed a lawsuit stating he visited the fast-food store in the 100 block of Passaic Street in Garfield, New Jersey, about 3 p.m. on Dec. 21, 2023, in his motorized wheelchair when he was burned. The lawsuit says a worker passed a cup of scalding hot tea to Jenkins without securing the top, causing the contents to spill on Jenkins lap, chest and arms, alleges the suit, filed Dec. 15, 2025, in Superior Court of Bergen County. Jenkins claims he suffered severe injuries, some of which are permanent, and has experienced anxiety and mental anguish as a result of the incident. The suit names the McDonalds Corporation, along with franchisee JMA Unit, Inc. A spokesperson for McDonalds and a representative of JMA Unit did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The lawsuit alleges negligent hiring, training and supervision of the worker, and claims McDonalds and JMA Unit failed to warn customers of the possible hazards on the premises. The suit seeks a jury trial and monetary damages. McDonalds and its franchisees have faced several lawsuits over the years from customers who claim they were burned by hot beverages. In September 2025, a Camden County woman filed a lawsuit claiming she was severely burned when hot coffee spilled on her two years earlier at a drive-thru in Gloucester Township. In July 2025, a woman in Branson, Missouri, filed suit after the exceptionally hot tea she ordered spilled and caused severe burns, according to The Kansas City Star. In 1992, Stella Liebeck, of New Mexico, suffered third-degree burns over 16% of her body after spilling McDonalds coffee on herself. That required an eight-day hospitalization, skin grafts and a two-year recovery, according to the American Museum of Tort Law. Despite Liebeck offering to settle her case for $20,000, McDonalds offered only $800. A jury later heard that McDonalds kept its coffee 30 to 40 degrees hotter than competitors despite at least 700 prior burn complaints. According to evidence produced in Liebecks case, McDonalds keeps its coffee at between 180 and 190 degrees. The case, often mocked as frivolous, showed the company knew the danger and chose not to change its policy. By STEVE KARNOWSKI, The Associated Press MINNEAPOLIS (AP) A federal officer shot a person in the leg in Minneapolis after being attacked with a shovel during an arrest Wednesday, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The person cautioned the information was still preliminary, and the investigation was in its early stages. The person could not discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. The shooting took place about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) north of where an immigration agent fatally shot Renee Good in the head on Jan. 7 as she drove away. A large group of federal agents and Minneapolis Police wearing gas masks fired tear gas into a crowd gathered at a north Minneapolis intersection near where Wednesdays shooting took place. The city of Minneapolis said on the social media platform X that, We are aware of reports of a shooting involving federal law enforcement in North Minneapolis. We are working to confirm additional details. Clashes in court and on streets Earlier Wednesday, a judge gave the Trump administration time to respond to a request to suspend its immigration crackdown in Minnesota, while the Pentagon looked for military lawyers to join what has become a chaotic law enforcement effort in the state. Plumes of tear gas, bursts of chemical irritants and the screech of protest whistles have become common on the streets of Minneapolis, especially since Goods shooting. Agents have yanked people from cars and homes and been confronted by angry bystanders who are demanding that officers pack up and leave. What we need most of all right now is a pause. The temperature needs to be lowered, state Assistant Attorney General Brian Carter said during the first hearing in a lawsuit filed by Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Local leaders say the government is violating free speech and other constitutional rights with the surge of law enforcement. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez promised to keep the case on the front burner and gave the U.S. Justice Department until Monday to file a response to a request for a restraining order. People react after a firework was set off near the scene of a reported shooting Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) AP The judge said these are grave and important matters, and that there are few legal precedents to apply to some of the key points in the case. Justice Department attorney Andrew Warden suggested the approach set by Menendez was appropriate. The judge is also handling a separate lawsuit challenging the tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal officers when they encounter protesters and observers. A decision could be released this week. During a televised speech Wednesday evening, Gov. Tim Walz described Minnesota as being in chaos, saying whats happening in the state defies belief. Lets be very, very clear, this long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement, he said. Instead, its a campaign of organized brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government. Walz added that accountability will be coming through the courts. Law enforcement officers stand amid tear gas at the scene of a reported shooting Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Adam Gray) AP Military lawyers may join the surge The Department of Homeland Security says it has made more than 2,000 arrests in the state since early December and is vowing to not back down. The Pentagon is preparing to send military lawyers to Minneapolis to assist. CNN, citing an email circulating in the military, says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is asking the branches to identify 40 lawyers known as judge advocate general officers or JAGs, and 25 of them will serve as special assistant U.S. attorneys in Minneapolis. Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson appeared to confirm the CNN report by posting it on X with a comment that the military is proud to support the Justice Department. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to emails from The Associated Press seeking more details. Its the latest step by the Trump administration to dispatch military and civilian attorneys to areas where federal immigration operations are taking place. The Pentagon last week sent 20 lawyers to Memphis, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said. Mark Nevitt, an associate professor at Emory University School of Law and a former Navy JAG, said theres concern that the assignments are taking lawyers away from the military justice system. There are not many JAGs but there are over one million members of the military, and they all need legal support, he said. An official says the agent who killed Good was injured Jonathan Ross, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who killed Good, suffered internal bleeding to his torso during the encounter, a Homeland Security official told The Associated Press. Federal immigration officers shoot pepper balls as tear gas is deployed at the scene of a reported shooting Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/John Locher) AP The official spoke to AP on condition of anonymity in order to discuss Ross medical condition. The official did not provide details about the severity of the injuries, and the agency did not respond to questions about the extent of the bleeding, exactly how he suffered the injury, when it was diagnosed or his medical treatment. There are many causes of internal bleeding, and they vary in severity from bruising to significant blood loss. Video from the scene showed Ross and other officers walking without obvious difficulty after Good was shot and her Honda Pilot crashed into other vehicles. She was killed after three ICE officers surrounded her SUV on a snowy street a few blocks from her home. Bystander video shows one officer ordering Good to open the door and grabbing the handle. As the vehicle begins to move forward, Ross, standing in front, raises his weapon and fires at least three shots at close range. He steps back as the SUV advances and turns. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said Ross was struck by the vehicle and that Good was using her SUV as a weapon a self-defense claim that has been deeply criticized by Minnesota officials. Chris Madel, an attorney for Ross, declined to comment on any injuries. An agent of peace Goods family, meanwhile, has hired a law firm, Romanucci & Blandin, that represented George Floyds family in a $27 million settlement with Minneapolis. Floyd, who was Black, died after a white police officer pinned his neck to the ground in the street in May 2020. The firm said Good was following orders to move her car when she was shot. It said it would conduct its own investigation and publicly share what it learns. They do not want her used as a political pawn, the firm said, referring to Good and her family, but rather as an agent of peace for all. Students march against ICE Waving signs reading Love Melts ICE and DE-ICE MN, hundreds of teenagers left school in St. Paul and marched in freezing temperatures to the state Capitol for a protest and rally. The University of Minnesota, meanwhile, informed its 50,000-plus students that there could be online options for some classes when the new term starts next week. President Rebecca Cunningham noted that violence and protests have come to our doorstep. The campus sits next to the main Somali neighborhood in Minneapolis. Associated Press reporters Julie Watson in San Diego, California; Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C.; Ed White in Detroit; Giovanna DellOrto in Minneapolis; Graham Lee Brewer in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed. By JOSH FUNK, AP Transportation Writer Boeing warned plane owners in 2011 about a broken part that contributed to a UPS plane crash that killed 15 last year, but at that point, the plane manufacturer didnt believe it threatened safety, the National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday. The UPS plane crashed in November 2025 shortly after taking off in Louisville, Kentucky, when the left engine flew off the wing as the plane rolled down the runway. Three pilots on the plane that was headed for Hawaii were killed along with 12 more people on the ground near Louisvilles Muhammad Ali International Airport. The NTSB said Wednesday that Boeing had documented in 2011 that there were four previous failures of a part that helps secure the MD-11s engines to the wings on three different planes, but at that point, the plane manufacturer determined it would not result in a safety of flight condition. These planes were actually built by McDonnell Douglas, which was later bought by Boeing. The NTSB previously said investigators found cracks in some of the parts that held the engine to the wing. Those cracks hadnt been caught in regular maintenance done on the plane, which raised questions about the adequacy of the maintenance schedule. The last time those key engine mount parts were examined closely was in October 2021, and the plane wasnt due for another detailed inspection for roughly 7,000 more takeoffs and landings. 2015 crash brings up issues from 1979 crash Its not clear when the cracks started to develop in the parts that helped hold the engine on the wing, but this crash is reminiscent of a 1979 crash in Chicago when the left engine flew off an American Airlines DC-10 during takeoff, killing 273 people. The DC-10 was the predecessor of the MD-11. That previous crash led to the worldwide grounding of 274 DC-10s. The airline workhorse was allowed to return to the skies because the NTSB determined that maintenance workers damaged the plane that crashed while improperly using a forklift to reattach the engine. That meant the crash wasnt caused by a fatal design flaw, even though there had already been a number of accidents involving DC-10s. FILE - Plumes of smoke rise from the area of a UPS cargo plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry, File) AP But former FAA and NTSB crash investigator Jeff Guzzetti said that a service bulletin McDonnell Douglas issued in 1980 did identify failures of the spherical bearing race as a safety of flight condition, so its surprising that Boeing didnt call it that in 2011. He said that American had removed the engine of that plane so it could inspect that bearing. I just think it raises questions regarding the adequacy of the severity of the 2011 service letter, and it also raises questions about how UPS incorporated that information and acted upon it, Guzzetti said. Repairs werent required by FAA The service bulletin that Boeing issued didnt require plane owners to make repairs like an FAA airworthiness directive would, and the agency didnt issue such a directive. Former federal crash investigator Alan Diehl said the notice from Boeing recommended replacing the bearings with a redesigned part that was less likely to fail, but it still allowed operators to replace defective bearings with another older bearing that had demonstrated it was prone to failing. As the investigation continues, the NTSB will have to address whether this service bulletin was an adequate solution to a known problem which could have had catastrophic results, Diehl said. The UPS crash highlights the need for increased maintenance measures on older airframes. NTSB didnt say whether there had been additional documented failures of the spherical bearing race since 2011. Investigators found that the part was broken into two pieces after the UPS crash, and the lugs that held that part were cracked. Photos released by the NTSB of the Nov. 4 crash show flames erupting as the rear of the engine starting to detach before it flew up and over the wing. Then the wing was engulfed by fire as the burning engine flew above it. A cleanup crew detects and decontaminates water in a ditch during a tour of the UPS plane crash site, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry) AP Investigators search for reason why engine flew off The factual report released Wednesday doesnt state what caused the engine to fly off, but its clear that investigators are focused on the failure of this bearing. The ultimate conclusion wont come though until the NTSBs final report, which usually doesnt come until more than a year after a crash. But the report will undoubtedly be cited in the first lawsuit over the crash, filed last month, and subsequent ones. They will be investigating what Boeing knew at the time and what UPS did in response to this 2011 bulletin. I think that this even further demonstrates that there was warning signs that predated the crash that any reasonable organization should have utilized to make sure that the Louisville crash didnt happen, said attorney Brad Cosgrove of the Clifford Law firm, which filed the first lawsuit. The report does make clear that neither of the planes two other engines were on fire before the crash. Some experts had previously speculated that debris from the left engine might have damaged the engine on the tail. Boeing, UPS and the Federal Aviation Administration are limited on what they can say while the NTSB investigation is ongoing, so they all declined to comment on Wednesdays report. Boeing and UPS both expressed condolences to the families that lost loved ones in the crash. We remain profoundly saddened by the Flight 2976 accident, UPS spokesperson Jim Mayer said. Our thoughts continue to be with the families and Louisville community who are grieving, and we remain focused on the recovery effort, Mayer said. Plane involved in the crash was an older model The 34-year-old MD-11 plane only got 30 feet (9.1 meters) off the ground before crashing into several industrial buildings just past the runway and generating a massive fireball that could be seen for miles. Dramatic videos of the crash showed the plane on fire as it plowed into buildings and released a massive plume of smoke. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg speaks during a tour of the UPS plane crash site, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry) AP Airlines quit flying this type of plane commercially years ago because it isnt as efficient as newer models, but they had continued to fly for cargo carriers like UPS and FedEx, and a few of these planes were also modified for use in firefighting. All the MD-11s that had been in use and 10 related DC-10s have been grounded since the crash. Cosgrove said he thinks it will eventually become clear that these MD-11s probably should have been retired and that they had exceeded their shelf life. The nations largest wireless carrier says it will offer credits to customers after a nearly 10-hour outage on Wednesday. Verizon Wireless said Wednesday night that it resolved the issue that left millions of customers unable to text or call others. Customers first reported seeing cell phones stuck in SOS mode or no bars of service around noon. VZW said cellular data, messaging and voice services were restored at 10:20 p.m. If customers are still having an issue, we encourage them to restart their devices to reconnect to the network. For those affected, we will provide account credits. Details will be shared directly with customers, Verizon said in a statement. We sincerely apologize for the disruption. The company did not specify how much money customers might receive as a credit on their account or when. Verizon also did not disclose what caused the disruption, but said there was no indication of a cyberattack. Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr told Reuters that the FCC will review the outage and take appropriate action. A limited number of T-Mobile and AT&T users also reported issues, but both Verizon competitors said they were not having any problems Wednesday. Verizon has more than 146 million customers. If youre flying and dont have a Real ID, soon youre going to pay extra. Starting Feb. 1, airline passengers without an acceptable form of identification must complete an identity verification process before entering the Transportation Security Administration checkpoint for $45. The fee covers the cost of a new TSA ConfirmID verification system, which is valid for 10 days. Passengers whose return flights fall within that period need to pay the fee only once. Real IDs have been nearly 20 years in the making. In 2004, Congress passed a law requiring a national digital identification system after the September 11 terrorist attacks. The TSA made Real IDs mandatory in May 2025, but has since tightened the rules. The $45 fee was announced in December. Identity verification is essential to traveler safety, because it keeps terrorists, criminals, and illegal aliens out of the skies and other domestic transportation systems such as rail, said Adam Stahl, a TSA chief of staff. Airline travelers have the option to pay the fee ahead of time on the TSAs website. The TSA warns those who dont pay ahead of time and dont have acceptable forms of identification, including a U.S. passport, will likely encounter delays at check-in. A list of acceptable forms of identification can be found on the TSAs website. In addition, Pennsylvania residents can still get Real IDs online or at Pennsylvania Department of Transportation driver license centers. The fee is $30. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday wants you to know that utility-related scams are on the rise. In fact, his office is warning about a particular swindle that can give scammers access to your personal information in a short amount of time. The Attorney Generals office said in a recent press release that fake websites that appear to be for a legitimate utility provider have been showing up in Google searches. When a customer clicks onto the link, a scammer poses as an employee and claims that the customer is past due on a bill, scaring them into paying and/or giving out their personal info. We are hearing of increases in impersonation scams involving utility providers. As always, I encourage Pennsylvanians to be vigilant and cautious online and anytime they are solicited, Sunday said in the release. Consumers should be wary when someone asks for your personal or banking information over the phone especially during an unexpected incoming call. Scammers aim to frighten and pressure their targets, so if you have such an experience, cease communications immediately. If youre not sure if youre speaking with an actual representative of your utility company, you should hang up and call the number found on your bill, Sundays office said. In order to protect yourself, the AGs office recommends the following: Go directly to your utilitys website. Dont search for it on Google. Call the customer service number found on your bill. Be wary of demands for urgent payments. Utility companies typically dont require immediate payment via wire transfer services, gift cards, or online systems like Venmo or CashApp. Dont call a number you see on an online advertisement. These ads are often paid for by scammers. If you must use a search engine, search for the utilitys name (i.e. PPL). Dont use phrases like utility phone number or how to pay my utility bill." Do not provide any personal information unless you have confirmed that you are speaking with an official utility company representative. If you are in an emergency situation, dial 911 before calling your utility company. If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, you should contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection online. A security guard for the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Wednesday was struck by a bus on Harrisburg Area Community Colleges (HACC) campus, according to a statement issued by the school. The incident happened around 11:30 a.m., according to Dauphin County dispatch logs. The specific location on campus where the incident occurred has not been disclosed. Because the incident did not involve a HACC employee, the school refused to answer further questions, including the security guards condition. Harrisburg police also had limited information regarding the incident and deferred to HACC. The last day of the Pennsylvania Farm Show is Saturday, Jan. 17. UPDATE: Missing Lebanon County teen found in New York City Police in Lebanon County are searching for a 17-year-old girl who was reported missing last week. On Jan. 8, Isabella Hatt was reported missing out of North Londonderry Township. Police later determined she traveled to New York City after spotting her on surveillance footage from Penn Station. On Jan. 9, Hatt went to a shelter in New York City, but her whereabouts after that are unknown. Police described Hatt as 5 feet 3 inches tall, about 95 pounds with brown hair and eyes. Lebanon police are working with state, local and federal agencies to find her. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children was also notified. Anyone who sees Hatt or has information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact police in Lebanon County at 717-838-5276 or email tips@nlondtwp.com. If you see Hatt, dont approach her and do call 911, police said. The president claimed his would be an administration of America First that the United States would eschew stupid wars and being the police officer of the world. He has apparently renounced those positions by invading Venezuela and deposing its strongman president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife. They were forcibly removed from the country and now face Donald Trumps vengeance through a Department of Justice that he has stacked with his sycophants. We have now used our military might to take over a country which posed no threat to us, violating international law, and this has been done on one mans initiative without the acquiescence of Congress, or even notifying them. Furthermore, the claim that this mission was carried out because Maduro is a narco-terrorist is ludicrous, given Mr. Trumps commutation of a 45-year prison sentence dispensed to a convicted narcotics distributor, the former president of Honduras. Apparently, the administration learned no lesson from the Central Intelligence Agencys long, sordid, and failed history of interference in other countries affairs, deposing and assassinating foreign leaders, or from our calamitous occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan. The ill will against our country that was generated through those acts will now be rejuvenated. The president also talks of taking action inside Iran, warning that nations leaders not to harm peaceful protesters. This stands in stark contrast to Trump asking aides in his first administration about shooting protesters in the legs, and his tear-gassing of peaceful protesters in the District if Columbia so that the way would be cleared for him to walk across the street from the White House to a church, where he held a Bible upside down. This is a great moment for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinas Xi Jinping. The United States can no longer chide and lecture them about using military force to take over weaker countries, as Russia is doing in Ukraine. I hope that the rest of the world recognizes that the actions of our president do not reflect the wishes of our people, many of whom are appalled by what has befallen our country. Oren Spiegler, Peters Township Pa. By Louis Berneman Pennsylvania researchers are spearheading some of the worlds most promising medical and other technological advances. University of Pennsylvania scientists helped develop a personalized cancer immunotherapy that programs a patients own immune cells to kill tumors, while other UPenn researchers made the groundbreaking mRNA discoveries behind the COVID-19 vaccines. University of Pittsburgh scientists recently pioneered better ways to diagnose breast cancer and Alzheimers. Carnegie Mellon engineers, meanwhile, made breakthroughs on autonomous driving technology that have since been further developed by Ford and Volkswagen, and their computer science graduates are among the most highly sought after new hires. But now, the Commerce Department is floating a proposal that would impede the commercialization of university researchers most compelling discoveries from ever reaching American patients and consumers. The proposal would fundamentally upend the Bayh-Dole Act, the bipartisan law that Congress passed in 1980 to allow universities to own, patent, and license discoveries made with even a small amount of federal research funding. The Bayh-Dole Act -- considered by many to be among Congress most impactful pieces of legislation -- was the brainchild of former senators Birch Bayh and Bob Dole. Before Bayh-Dole, the federal government assumed ownership of patents on university inventions it helped fund and controlled any resulting licensing. As a result, universities had no ability -- or incentive -- to seek out or launch private companies capable of turning promising, but embryonic, undeveloped, and untested discoveries into actual products. And the government did a poor job of finding those private-sector partners, too. Case in point: out of the 28,000 patents stemming from federally funded research, the government licensed less than 5%. Once the Bayh-Dole Act shifted control of the licensing process to universities, everything changed. For the first time, research institutions had an incentive to set up tech transfer offices (TTOs) -- like the one I directed at the University of Pennsylvania for a decade -- and seek out companies and entrepreneurs interested in licensing university discoveries, developing them, and bringing them to market. Under the system that Bayh-Dole created, universities receive royalties from licensing these patents, while companies get access to cutting-edge lab breakthroughs that help them attract investment and grow. And consumers and patients get life-changing new technologies and medicines.These discoveries dont just save lives -- they fuel economic growth. In the past decade, University of Pennsylvania-developed technologies helped launch more than 300 startups. In 2024 alone, the university executed over 600 commercial agreements and was issued 125 patents. Nationwide, academic patent licensing contributed an estimated $1 trillion to U.S. GDP, supported 6.5 million jobs, and helped launch more than 19,000 startups since 1996. Unfortunately, the Commerce Department could soon bring this progress to a halt. Officials are proposing a 50% tax on universities licensing royalties from patents the government helps fund. Most university TTOs operate at a financial loss, or just barely break even. But the tech transfer function is still invaluable in that it helps retain, reward, and recruit faculty and launch new startups, which helps foster local economic development. If the federal government imposes a massive new tax on the few patented discoveries that generate royalties, itll compel many schools to downsize or even close their TTOs, concluding that the expense simply can no longer be afforded. Most importantly, shutting down TTOs could result in many forward-thinking, creative researchers to abandon their academic careers for more lucrative jobs in industry. And without those TTOs, licensing activity -- and technological progress -- will slow significantly. Private companies, especially startups, cant possibly monitor every potential breakthrough at every research university across the country. Licensing deals typically come about thanks to the efforts of TTO professionals, who market and license their universities most promising discoveries. In short, the proposed tax would functionally return us to the pre-Bayh-Dole era, when groundbreaking discoveries rarely made it out of university labs. Pennsylvanians deserve to benefit from the lifesaving medical innovations and other discoveries our universities are producing -- but that access depends on protecting our robust tech-transfer system. Its a system that has functioned beautifully for decades and made the U.S. a global leader in innovation. Now is not the time to kill the goose that has been laying golden eggs. Louis Berneman is the founding partner of Osage University Partners and the former managing director of the Center for Innovation at the University of Pennsylvania. TEHRAN, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has exchanged views with his Egyptian and Indian counterparts on the recent unrest in Iran. In two separate phone calls on Wednesday night, he also discussed the latest regional developments as well as bilateral ties with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, according to statements released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Araghchi expounded on the events that had unfolded in Iran over the past few days, saying the Iranian people's "peaceful" protests were turned violent by trained "terrorist" individuals affiliated with foreign parties, which led to casualties. He strongly condemned recent "provocative" remarks by U.S. officials, including U.S. President Donald Trump, saying they constituted a "flagrant interference" in Iran's internal affairs. Araghchi underlined the Iranian people's vigilance and unity in the face of the "terrorists and terror incidents" over the past few days, highlighting the Iranian people's determination to defend their country's national sovereignty, security and independence against any foreign "malicious act and intervention." The Egyptian foreign minister underscored the critical importance of close consultations among regional countries to maintain stability and security across the region. Meanwhile, the Indian foreign minister stressed the need to continue expanding bilateral relations with Iran and called for concerted efforts to uphold stability and prevent any escalation of tensions in the region. Protests have been held since late last month in several Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the local currency, the rial. Authorities said they are prepared to address economic grievances, while warning against violence, vandalism, and unrest. Initially peaceful, the protests gradually escalated into violence, resulting in casualties and damage to public property, including mosques, government buildings, and banks. Iranian authorities have attributed the unrest to interference by the United States and Israel. According to local media reports, many security personnel were also killed during the disturbances. Harrisburg City Council responded on Wednesday to Mayor Wanda Williams lawsuit, asking the courts to dismiss it and calling it a political dispute dressed up as a lawsuit thats using precious taxpayer dollars. PennLive previously reported that legal bills for both the council and the mayors private attorneys could add up to tens of thousands of dollars within the first month. In its response, the council says Williams only explains how others including city employees and Harrisburg residents will be impacted but fails to show how she specifically will suffer harm. Harrisburgs budget battle started about a month ago when the council voted to defund four key positions in the mayors administration, including the citys business administrator, which is a position required by law. Williams vetoed the councils vote; the council overrode her veto; the mayor sued. Here is a comparison of what Williams asked for in her lawsuit and how the City Council responded: Declaratory judgment: Williams claimed that the council overstepped its authority, so she requested clarification on what exactly the council and mayor have authority over. According to the councils response, the mayors request for clarification is an invitation to rewrite the Charter Law under the guise of statutory interpretation, which is prohibited under Pennsylvania law. Council cited city law, which mandates it to advise and consent to department heads in permanent positions, like Sam Sulkosy, the former interim business administrator. Sulkosky, however, was voted down by council members early last year. He stayed on in the position using a loophole: City law only defines acting officials and not interim ones. Councils response adds that Williams herself has voted for city budgets that did not fund the business administrators role when she was on council. It also addressed Gloria Martin-Roberts, stating the Mayor never even bothered to give the council a chance to vote on her appointment. She is still a city employee, as an interim director of the Department of Building and Housing Development. The response also includes the councils reasons for why it defunded salaries for the other positions. It reads that Jason Graves, the business development and LERTA administrator, gave vague non-responsive answers during the citys budget hearings late last year when council members asked for an economic development plan. Council added that the Harrisburg Police Department was already taking care of the director of community relations responsibilities, which makes the role redundant. Injunctive relief: Williams asked the court to permanently reverse the councils vote to defund the positions, emphasizing that specialized knowledge is required in the roles, which she argued, prohibits other employees from taking on the former employees duties. Councils lawyers argue that the courts might not even have jurisdiction over this issue. They say that the law that Williams cited only applies to appeals from final orders of government agencies, but that there is no final order in this case, just an ordinance passed by the council. They also argue that injunctions are only meant to be a temporary remedy, not reasons to sue. Councils response adds that the mayor terminated the three employees who lost their jobs, which equates to her complaining about her own actions or something that never happened. The brief also says that the mayor just has a generalized grievance against the council for defunding the positions, but hasnt personally been harmed. Councils lawyers mentioned the political question doctrine, which is a court principle where judges refuse to rule on constitutional issues that are inherently political in nature. Council says thats what Williams claim is: a political issue, and not something to be solved by the courts. They add that second-guessing of [councils] decisions after they have been formally debated, voted upon, and enacted would undermine councils powers and entangle the courts in ongoing political negotiations. Recognizing this dispute in court would set a dangerous precedent, according to the 31-page response. If a mayor may seek judicial intervention whenever a city council declines to fund an executive initiative, every budgetary disagreement would morph into litigation, transforming courts into the arbiters of routine political fights and undermining both democratic accountability and separation of powers. Equitable estoppel: It is a legal principle that prevents a party from going back on its word after making a promise. Williams did not specify how the councils actions reflect this. A third lawyer, Ryan McCann from Babst Calland, was added to the councils team of lawyers. All three of the councils lawyers individually make $350 per hour. Williams five listed lawyers from Eckert Seamans are making $265 per hour on this case. Councils response added that members would rather be engaging in talks with the Mayor in City Hall to try to resolve the ongoing budget dispute than responding to this lawsuit. It is unclear whether the council and mayor will mediate this dispute, which would be a faster, cheaper and more confidential process than if the case were to play out in court. Councils response: If, however, the Court determines that a hearing is warranted, [council] respectfully requests that the Court deny the Petition and keep politics where they belong outside the courtroom." A spokesperson for the mayor previously told PennLive that Williams has not been invited to any bargaining table. The first hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Jan. 21 at the Dauphin County Courthouse. Corrections officers would get a 35% raise to try and counter lingering staff shortages at federal prisons under legislation proposed by Republican Sen. Dave McCormick and a Democratic colleague. McCormick and New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen partnered on the Federal Correctional Officer Paycheck Protection Act in the Senate while northeastern Pennsylvania GOP Rep. Rob Bresnahan and two Democrats introduced a companion bill in the House. A joint statement from McCormick and Shaheen said the bill would address chronic staff shortages, increase recruitment and retention, eliminate overtime and burnout and improve safety. The senators cited a 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Justice that said mandatory overtime to compensate for staffing shortages at federal prisons played a role in staff fatigue, sleep deprivation, decreased vigilance and inattentiveness while on duty. There are seven federal prisons in Pennsylvania as well as three other federal facilities, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Federal correctional officers put their lives on the line every day guarding some of the most dangerous criminals in our country, yet they are paid far less than their federal law enforcement counterparts, McCormick said in the statement. McCormick said the bill is about fairness, safety and retention, ensuring the Bureau of Prisons can recruit and retain qualified officers while restoring morale and enhancing public safety. New Hampshires sole federal prison has dealt with workforce challenges that have forced a thinly stretched staff to work unreasonable hours just to help maintain daily operations and make ends meet, Shaheen said. Its untenable and theres more we can do support the Granite Staters working to keep our communities safe and provide for their families. The bill would apply the higher pay rate to federal correctional officers with custodial responsibilities, including general schedule positions, general law enforcement officer and eligible prevailing-rate employees. A sunset provision would require the Justice Departments inspector general to review progress by the Bureau of Prisons in reducing excessive mandatory overtime and submit a report to Congress. The salary increase would remain if progress was made. Gov. Josh Shapiro made his annual visit to the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Wednesday, making time to sample the produce and take in the grandeur of the butter sculpture, while trying to deflect talk about his 2026 re-election campaign. But politics, to some extent, seeps into everything. Shapiro walked the exhibit floor Wednesday afternoon, shaking hands and taking pictures with nearly every farmer, vendor, or visitor who got close enough. One attendee, upon seeing that the clog in foot traffic was caused by the throng of people around the governor, remarked well, it is an election year. Shapiro, like his gubernatorial predecessors, attends the farm show even in political off-years, typically for a speech at the annual lunch for agriculture officials and elected leaders. Were growing and expanding this sector faster than ever before in our commonwealths history, Shapiro told the banquet crowd, adding that putting ag at the center of the conversation on economic development has made, I think, all of the difference over the past several years. [Shapiro didnt specify what metric he was using; agricultural GDP nationwide had a boom year in 2022 before declining, according to federal data, although Pennsylvania has recovered faster than many states, with 2024 seeing the states second-highest agricultural output since 2006.] Wednesdays speech also hit on a number of the high points that have become standard for both Shapiros agenda as governor and his re-election pitch particularly his major reductions of permitting times, including for often-arduous environmental reviews required of most farm projects. We are now moving at the speed of agriculture, Shapiro said, giving the example of a new milking barn that was built ahead of schedule because we processed all the permits that they needed in record time. The governor also took the opportunity to promote the states Agricultural Innovation Grant program, which started under his watch and has been funded with $10 million per year in recent state budgets. The latest round of grant funding is now open for applications, which are again expected to total several times the available grant money. This is something that is working, this is something thats in demand, and its something we need to do more of in Pennsylvania, Shapiro said, and you can bet Ill be proposing a whole lot more when I present my budget next month. Shapiro, a Democrat, officially kicked off his re-election bid last week and is expected to face Republican state Treasurer Stacy Garrity who was in the audience at the lunch. The governor is clearly trying to keep his worlds separate, for now. Most of Shapiros farm show conversations were light, with one of the more in-depth discussions being over the tart-to-sweet ratio of various types of apple. The governor often apologized to guests if he seemed a little hyped-up, saying he had consumed multiple cups of coffee and milkshakes before the event (and was seen slurping on yet another milkshake during the tour). Legislators from both sides of the aisle were happy to get a few words in. When a reporter asked a question involving Garrity, Shapiro immediately demurred, saying Im not doing politics here today. But he did take the opportunity to criticize President Donald Trump in response to questions about recent tariff and immigration moves. The governor slammed Trumps proposed bailout for farmers that would not fully compensate for the money lost to trade wars, and called for immigration reform that doesnt throttle farm labor. Its clear that this nation needs comprehensive immigration reform. Thats been clear for more than a decade, Shapiro said. I think what was going on in the Biden administration didnt work, and I think whats happening right now under the Trump administration is not working. By the way shouldnt be hard to say that. Thats common sense. By MATT BROWN, The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) More than a year before an American military operation deposed Nicolas Maduro, a senior aide to President Donald Trump argued that the Venezuelan leader had been dispatching gang members into the United States. If youre a dictator of a poor country with a high crime rate, wouldnt you send your criminals to our open border? Stephen Miller told reporters in the closing stretch of Trumps 2024 comeback campaign. Miller now serves as the White House chief of staff for policy, where he plays a prominent role in promoting Trumps policy agenda. His bombastic style and zero-sum worldview have made him a lightning rod within the administration. Critics argue that Millers rhetoric about foreign nations and immigrants echoes racist and imperialist ideas that have undergirded military actions by the U.S. and other nations for centuries. A joint statement from the governments of Spain and five Latin American countries following the Venezuela operation called for countries in the region to engage in mutual respect, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and nonintervention, while Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., called the administrations Venezuela policy old-fashioned imperialism. Advocating for policies that put American citizens first isnt racist. Anyone who says so is either intentionally lying or just plain stupid, said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson. Heres a look at how Miller laid the rhetorical groundwork for this months attack on Venezuela and what his comments say about the administrations broader worldview. Miller argues that Western nations aid to developing world was reverse colonization Shortly after the U.S. operation that captured Maduro, Miller wrote on social media: Not long after World War II the West dissolved its empires and colonies and began sending colossal sums of taxpayer-funded aid to these former territories (despite have already made them far wealthier and more successful). The West opened its borders, a kind of reverse colonization, providing welfare and thus remittances, while extending to these newcomers and their families not only the full franchise but preferential legal and financial treatment over the native citizenry. The neoliberal experiment, at its core, has been a long self-punishment of the places and peoples that built the modern world. Miller argues that Venezuelan oil was stolen from US oil industry Two weeks before Maduros arrest, Miller in December echoed arguments by Trump that the Venezuelan oil industry was stolen from American oil companies: American sweat, ingenuity and toil created the oil industry in Venezuela. Its tyrannical expropriation was the largest recorded theft of American wealth and property. These pillaged assets were then used to fund terrorism and flood our streets with killers, mercenaries and drugs, Miller wrote on social media. Miller says Venezuelan government is in service to US Miller in January claimed to reporters that U.S. military power had ensured compliance from the Caracas government. We have an oil embargo in Venezuela for them to do any kind of commerce. They need our permission. We have our massive fleet or armada still present there. This is an active and ongoing U.S. government military operation, and so, of course, we set the terms and conditions, Miller said. He added: Our conversations are that we are very much getting full, complete and total cooperation from the government of Venezuela, and as a result of that cooperation, the people of Venezuela are going to become richer than they ever have before. And of course, the United States is going to benefit from this massively in terms of economic, security and military cooperation, counter-narcotics, counterterrorism and every other dimension of our security. Miller calls for a world order based on strength, says US military occupation of Greenland would not be opposed During a wide-ranging January interview with CNNs Jake Tapper, Miller repeatedly argued for the primacy of American power and criticized the international order the U.S. once led. You can talk all you want about international niceties and everything else. 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, said Miller. Miller also dismissed concerns that Trumps vows to take Greenland from Denmark, a fellow member of the NATO military alliance, may trigger a military conflict with Europe. Nobodys going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland, said Miller. Miller argues that Western nations engaged in groveling to former colonies In the same interview, Miller said it would be absurd and preposterous and not even a serious question to propose the administration support Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machados bid to lead the country because the military would not back her. Tapper then asked whether the South American country should hold elections. Miller replied: The United States is using its military to secure our interests unapologetically in our hemisphere. Were a superpower, and under President Trump, we are going to conduct ourselves as a superpower. It is absurd that we would allow a nation in our own backyard to become the supplier of resources to our adversaries, but not to us, to hoard weapons from our adversaries, to be able to be positioned as an asset against the United States, rather than on behalf of the United States. The anchor pressed Miller on whether sovereign countries had the right to conduct their own affairs. Miller explained the administrations stance: The Monroe Doctrine and the Trump Doctrine is all about securing the national interest of America. For years, we sent our soldiers to die in deserts in the Middle East to try to build them parliaments, to try to build them democracies, to try to give them more oil, try to give them more resources. The future of the free world, Jake, depends on America being able to assert ourselves and our interests without apology. He called for an end to This whole period that happened after World War II, where the West began apologizing and groveling and engaging in these massive reparations schemes. He also defended the administrations operation and echoed his past claims that Maduro had sent criminals into the U.S.: Were not going to let tinpot communist dictators send rapists into our country, send drugs into our country, send weapons into our country. Miller criticizes anti-ICE protests following immigration crackdown in Minneapolis Miller has returned to promoting the administrations stance on domestic issues like immigration and partisan politics. On Tuesday, following nationwide protests after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed a woman in Minnesota, Miller wrote on social media: Americans voting overwhelmingly for mass deportation. Congress passed laws requiring it and then passed new legislation to fully fund it. The response of the Democrat Party and its activists has been to support and orchestrate violent resistance against federal law enforcement. He later added in a separate post, In case it isnt clear by now, if Democrats won they would have made every city into Mogadishu or Kabul or Port-au-Prince. Editors note: PennLive is partnering with Bravo Group to deliver a monthly poll of Pennsylvania voters. We asked Bravo Group CEO and President Chris Bravacos and Bravo Group Director of Research Rami Bensasi to talk about how they conduct the polls. Weve all been there: Your phone buzzes, you see an unfamiliar number, and you hit decline. Unless, of course, your potential spam filter has already saved you the trouble. That habit has quietly eroded the foundation of traditional polling. For years, live interviews over landlines were the gold standard of public opinion research and the only dependable way to reach Americans. But we no longer live in a world of landlines and predictable habits. Response rates have collapsed, and the only people answering those calls no longer look like the electorate whose preferences drive Pennsylvanias politics. If pollsters only talk to people who answer unknown calls, theyre probably not talking to you. With consequential races this year for governor, U.S. Congress, and the General Assembly, clinging to outdated methods risks misunderstanding what voters actually think. In the early 2010s, we saw the erosion of the phone-polling era and began building a proprietary digital research platform to meet Pennsylvanians where they already are: online and on mobile devices. Over a decade of refining our approach and platform has resulted in hundreds of completed research projects, millions of questions asked, and a participant database of more than 100,000. The next evolution is Morning Scrapple, the PennLive/Bravo Group statewide digital survey, our monthly snapshot of political opinion from the nations most crucial battleground state. Morning Scrapple is designed for the way we live a digital-first experience with no clunky grids or tiny text and no pressure to talk to a live interviewer. In fact, talking to a live interviewer can trigger the impulse to avoid voicing unpopular opinions or to overstate the likelihood of voting. Researchers call it social desirability bias; you may call it human nature. Rami Bensasi is director of research for Bravo Group, which is partnering with PennLive to present the monthly PennLive/Bravo Group Morning Scrapple poll. Provided photo Provided photo Digital surveys dramatically reduce this pressure. You can be yourself, read carefully, answer at your own pace, and tell the truth without fearing judgment from the person on the other end of the line. Online methods also allow for tools the phone never couldvideos, images, infographics, etc.that make surveys more realistic and intuitive. We also treat your opinion with the same security as a digital transaction, using advanced verification to ensure every data point represents a real Pennsylvania voice. Morning Scrapple uses a multi-source recruitment model designed for todays communication habits. Rather than the 1980s methodology of random-digit dialing, we draw from three streams: Text messages sent to matched phone numbers from the Pennsylvania voter file Digital advertising, including social media placements that allow respondents to see and take the survey Email invitations to opt-in participants previously recruited from the voter file and digital advertising In accordance with the American Association for Public Opinion Research, Morning Scrapple reports a 95% Credibility Interval based on our weighting model. To ensure the results accurately reflect the Commonwealth, we calibrate each wave of data against benchmarks from the U.S. Census and the Pennsylvania voter file, adjusting for age, gender, and party registration. The past four election cycles have made one thing painfully clear: no method is perfect. In 2024, pollsters once again underestimated President Trumps support, even after years of attempts to correct for shy voters. A famed gold-standard Iowa poll missed the mark by 16 points. In 2020, the pandemics uneven impacts created some of the most significant polling errors in modern history. That doesnt mean polling is broken. It means that we must constantly innovate in our digital world. Pennsylvanias political futureand the publics trustnow depend on methods built for how people actually live, communicate, and participate. Starting this month, Morning Scrapple will give Pennsylvanians a clear, frequent window into what their neighbors actually think, not what pollsters hope theyll say on the phone. Rami Bensasi is Director of Research and Chris Bravacos is President and CEO for Bravo Group. KABUL, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- A total of 221 Afghan prisoners have been released from Pakistani jails over the past week and have safely returned to Afghanistan, the country's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced on Thursday. The detainees, who had been held across various Pakistani facilities on charges largely stemming from the lack of legal documentation, re-entered Afghanistan via the Spin Boldak border crossing in southern Kandahar province. According to the ministry, they received immediate humanitarian assistance at the border before being transported to their home provinces to receive reintegration support. Data released by the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in July of last year indicates that more than 10,000 Afghan nationals remain imprisoned abroad, predominantly in neighboring Iran and Pakistan. Shahrokh Morshedians time on the felt on Day 1a of the 888 888poker Live Madrid Main Event was highlighted by a massive cooler against the defending champion. Ian Simpson was all in with a king-high straight, but Morshedian showed the nut Broadway straight to send the 888poker Ambassador back to the registration desk for another bullet. Morshedian then made quads and got paid on a big river bet against Robert Martinez as the Netherlands native bagged up the chip lead with 331,000 over the remaining 20 players. Day 1a Top Ten Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Shahrokh Morshedian Netherlands 331,000 110 2 Jorge Ufano Spain 286,000 95 3 Filippo Ragone Italy 241,000 80 4 Axel Lopez Spain 191,000 64 5 Borja Diaz Spain 177,000 59 6 Roberto Leonzio Italy 163,000 54 7 Sergio Garcia Spain 146,500 49 8 Carlos Perez-Dosio Spain 134,000 45 9 Raul Martinez Spain 120,000 40 10 Juan Castejon Spain 115,000 38 Jorge Ufano ended up in second place with 286,000, while Filippo Ragone, coming off a 10th-place run at EPT Prague last month, continued that momentum and rounded out the podium with 241,000. Simpson needed a second bullet to take 85,000 into Day 2 as he tries to defend the title he won here at the Casino Gran Via a year ago, while Carlos Perez-Dosio (134,000), Mystery Bounty champion Nacho Cuesta (110,000), and Adrian Campillo (84,000) also secured their spots for Day 2. Ian Simpson A total of 56 players entered the first of four opening flights. David McConachie, a former 888poker Live champion who nearly won a second title when he finished runner-up in Barcelona last May, was among those who couldnt survive the day after his ace-king couldnt win a coin flip against Roberto Leonzios nines. Day 1b begins tomorrow at 3 p.m. local time with a fresh crop of players. All surviving players from the four starting flights return for Day 2 on January 17 at 5 p.m. Late registration remains open through the first level of Day 2, so there is still plenty of opportunity for players to jump back in or take their first shot at the crown. PokerNews will be back tomorrow from the heart of the Spanish capital, providing live updates from another day of action in Madrid. KABUL, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Over a dozen employees were injured as a gas cylinder blasted due to gas leakage inside a hotel in the eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan on Wednesday, said a provincial police statement on Thursday. The incident occurred inside the hotel in Batikot district on Wednesday evening, injuring 14 employees of the hotel, with some in critical condition, the statement added. Blaming the carelessness of the hotel employees for the incident, the statement noted that police personnel had taken the injured persons to the nearby health center. Afghans mostly use wooden stoves and gas cylinders to keep their residences warm in chilly winter, but the traditional old-fashioned heating system often ends in catastrophe as gas leakage or carbon monoxide poisoning sometimes kills or hurts its users. Every January, players from all across Europe gather in the majestic Spanish capital and the luxurious Casino Gran Via to take their shot at the 888poker Live Madrid Main Event title. This year is proving to be no exception, as an international field made their way through the opening flight yesterday. Now its the turn of a new crop of hopefuls when Day 1b begins at 3 p.m. local time. The first starting flight drew 56 total entries, with 20 players already securing their spots for Day 2. Shahrokh Morshedian bagged the chip lead with 331,000, while Jorge Ufano (286,000), Filippo Ragone (241,000), Axel Lopez (191,000), and Borja Diaz (177,000) round out the top five. Ian Simpson was the only member of the 888poker team to join the field yesterday, and he made it through with 85,000 in defense of the title he won here a year ago. Day 1a Top Ten Chip Counts Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Shahrokh Morshedian Netherlands 331,000 110 2 Jorge Ufano Spain 286,000 95 3 Filippo Ragone Italy 241,000 80 4 Axel Lopez Spain 191,000 64 5 Borja Diaz Spain 177,000 59 6 Roberto Leonzio Italy 163,000 54 7 Sergio Garcia Spain 146,500 49 8 Carlos Perez-Dosio Spain 134,000 45 9 Raul Martinez Spain 120,000 40 10 Juan Castejon Spain 115,000 38 Players on Day 1b will begin with a 50,000 starting stack and blinds of 100/100. The schedule calls for 13 40-minute levels, with a 50-minute dinner break at the end of Level 9. Unlimited reentries are allowed, with late registration remaining open through the first level of Day 2. Today also marks the beginning of the 888poker live stream, available on their official YouTube channel with coverage starting at 4:30 p.m. This is the second of four starting flights. Day 1c begins tomorrow at 3 p.m., while there is a turbo Day 1d flight at noon on January 17. All surviving players then combine for Day 2 at 5 p.m. that day Remaining Event Schedule Date Flight Time Levels January 15 Day 1b 3 p.m. 40 minutes January 16 Day 1c 3 p.m. 40 minutes January 17 Day 1d noon 20 minutes January 17 Day 2 5 p.m. 40 minutes January 18 Day 3 3 p.m. 60 minutes Stay tuned as PokerNews provides live coverage throughout the day here in Madrid. Tony Kukulich is an editor/reporter working in the Beaufort County bureau. Turning to journalism as a second career, he started as a photojournalist in the San Francisco Bay Area. After moving to Bluffton in 2021, he wrote for several area publications before joining The Post and Courier the following year. Teri Errico Griffis is the senior business reporter and assistant editor at The Post and Courier, focusing on retail and real estate. An award-winning journalist, she previously worked as a Southeast commerce reporter for the Journal of Commerce and a reporter for the Charleston Regional Business Journal where she covered all facets of business in the Charleston region. Raised in Connecticut and New York, she has called South Carolina home since 2012. KATHMANDU, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed and three others injured after a loaded truck met with an accident in Nepal's southeastern Sunsari district on Thursday morning, said a police official. The truck, carrying tiles and marble, overturned on a highway, leading to the fatal accident. "Five laborers sitting on top of the goods at the back of the truck were crushed under the load of tiles and marble and died on the spot," Chandra Khadka, spokesperson for the district police, told Xinhua. Three of the injured were receiving treatment at a local hospital, he added. Nine people, including the driver, were on board the truck. Maddy Quon covers Charleston County for The Post and Courier. Most recently from Tokyo, Japan, Maddy graduated from the University of Mississippi where she studied journalism. Growth & Development Reporter Caleb Bozard covers business, growth and development for The Post and Courier Columbia. He has previously written for The State and the Times and Democrat. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023. WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Senate on Wednesday voted 51-50 to effectively block a bipartisan resolution aimed at curbing President Donald Trump's authority to use military force in Venezuela, after two GOP senators flipped under intense pressure from the White House. After senators Josh Hawley and Todd Young reversed their position and left the chamber deadlocked 50-50, U.S. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote on a procedural motion, derailing the measure that would have required the president to obtain congressional approval before taking further military action in the oil-rich South American nation. Young, who had been in talks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, told CNN on Wednesday that he received "fairly extensive personal assurances" from the Trump administration over the U.S. role in Venezuela. Young said the White House will "come to Congress" and seek congressional approval before "any major military operation in Venezuela," adding that Rubio would testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee later this month, according to a CNN report. Hawley also said Wednesday that Rubio assured him that there would not be ground troops sent to Venezuela and that the administration would seek congressional approval if that changed. The resolution was introduced in the wake of a U.S. military operation in Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. The U.S. Senate last week voted 52 to 47 to advance the war powers resolution. Trump had publicly criticized the five Republicans who joined all Democrats to back the bill, saying they "should never be elected to office again." The president also called each of the five senators to vent his frustration over their votes, said a report from The Hill. Reporter Ruth Cronin covers local government, education and business in Horry County. She wrote for the Indiana Daily Student and interned for the Cincinnati Enquirer while attending Indiana University. The ICE shooting of a protester in Minneapolis has a lot more complicating elements, but it was visually reminiscent of a 2015 S.C. case where a police officer shot and killed a man who was trying to drive away from a drug sting. UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Group of 77 and China is a strong pillar of multilateralism, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday. Speaking at the handover ceremony of the chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China, Guterres said the world began this year amid raging conflicts, widening inequalities, mounting debt burdens and an erosion of trust. "We see climate chaos ... battering lives and livelihoods, and reversing hard-won development gains; we see technologies racing ahead of our ability to ensure they serve all people -- and all countries -- rather than just a privileged few; and we see international cooperation under strain -- even as global challenges keep proving one truth: no country can solve them alone," he said. "That is why multilateralism matters," the UN chief stressed, highlighting the importance of a renewed commitment to cooperation in a truly interconnected, multipolar world. "And that is why the Group of 77 and China remains indispensable," he said. The secretary-general called on the international community to commit to the Sustainable Development Goals; meet the climate emergency with the speed and scale it demands and with climate justice at its center; ensure the digital age becomes an engine of inclusion rather than an accelerator of inequality; and strengthen the United Nations. In her speech, UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said that there is "unprecedented strain on the multilateral system and our United Nations." She said increasing political polarization and financial pressure impact not only discussions in New York but also on-the-ground operations across the globe, and therefore directly affect the people the United Nations is supposed to serve. "Now more than ever, we must summon the courage to defend our Charter and to stand up for our convictions, even when it is inconvenient," said Baerbock. "The Group of 77 and China plays a crucial role in this regard," she said. According to Baerbock, the Group of 77 and China comprises 134 countries from across Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean, representing over 80 percent of the world's population, including many least developed countries, small island developing states and emerging economic powerhouses. At the ceremony, Uruguay took over the chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China from Iraq for the year 2026. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 18:00:33 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 424 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 /Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds Alexandria Real Estate, Inc. ("Alexandria" or the "Company") (NYSE:ARE) investors of an upcoming deadline involving a securities fraud class action lawsuit commenced against the Company.Should You Join This Class Action Lawsuit?Do you, or did you, own shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE: ARE)?Did you purchase your shares between January 27, 2025 and October 27, 2025, inclusive?Did you lose money in your investment in Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.?If you purchased or acquired Alexandria securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Investor Relations Manager Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com A lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Central District of California on behalf of investors (the "Class") who purchased or acquired the securities of Alexandria between January 27, 2025 through October 27, 2025, inclusive, alleging violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its senior officers.According to the lawsuit, Defendants made misrepresentations concerning the state of its Long Island City property.If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff for the Class, you must file papers byJanuary 26, 2026 . A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on other class members' behalf in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. 2026 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter AlloccoInvestor Relations ManagerBernstein Liebhard LLP https://www.bernlieb.com (212) 951-2030 pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 11:00:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 420 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Algorithmic Insurance Services, Inc., doing business as LIRG, a specialty reinsurance brokerage and risk advisory platform focused on parametric, structured, and alternative risk transfer, today announced the appointment of Orla Roche as Chief Marketing Officer.In her role as CMO, Roche will lead LIRG's global marketing strategy, brand positioning, digital presence, and content development across all divisions of the firm, including reinsurance brokerage, parametric solutions, and MGU incubation. She will also play a central role in shaping LIRG's thought leadership, media strategy, and upcoming podcast initiatives.Roche brings a proven track record of executing high-impact marketing strategies tailored to the modern social and digital media environment. Prior to joining LIRG, she held senior marketing leadership roles, including at Vitamin Energy, where she successfully led brand growth initiatives, content strategy, and audience engagement across multiple platforms."We have had the opportunity to work closely together previously, including during her time leading marketing initiatives at Vitamin Energy, and I have seen firsthand Orla's ability to execute," said Mark Groenheide, Founder, CEO, and President of LIRG. "She is a proven leader who understands how brands grow today, how stories are told authentically, and how strategy translates into measurable results." In addition to her corporate marketing leadership, Roche has been directly involved as on-camera talent in major national advertising campaigns, including two highly successful Super Bowl commercials. Her experience operating at the highest levels of brand visibility further strengthens LIRG's expansion into modern media formats and original content.Roche will also serve as a key on-air presence and creative force behind LIRG's new podcast initiative, which will focus on parametric risk transfer, reinsurance innovation, entrepreneurship, and the evolving insurance landscape."I am incredibly excited to join LIRG at such a pivotal moment," said Roche. "The firm is doing truly differentiated work in reinsurance and parametric risk, and I look forward to helping shape how that story is told, shared, and scaled globally." The appointment reflects LIRG's continued investment in senior leadership and its commitment to building a distinctive, forward-looking brand within the global insurance and reinsurance markets.About LIRG Algorithmic Insurance Services, Inc., doing business as LIRG, is a specialty reinsurance brokerage and risk advisory platform focused on parametric, structured, and alternative risk transfer solutions. LIRG also partners with entrepreneurs and underwriting teams to design, launch, and scale managing general underwriters and innovative insurance programs globally.Media Contact: Adrian Leonard adrian@ sic-ltd.com SOURCE: Algorithmic Insurance Services Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 18:50:09 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1019 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or Dissemination in the United StatesTORONTO, ONTARIO / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / AmeriTrust Financial Technologies Inc. (TSXV:AMT)(OTCQB:AMTFF)(Frankfurt:1ZVA) ("AmeriTrust", "AMT" or the "Company"), a fintech platform targeting automotive finance is pleased to announce that in connection with its previously announced brokered offering (the "Offering") of (i) Debenture Units (as defined below) and, (ii) Life Units (as defined below), it has now closed the second and final tranche for additional aggregate gross proceeds of $3,365,000. The first tranche of the Offering for aggregate gross proceeds of $36,187,200 closed on December 23, 2025, bringing the total aggregate gross proceeds of the Offering to $39,552,200.Jeff Morgan, AmeriTrust's CEO, commented: "I would like to thank the many existing shareholders who participated in our financing and welcome several new shareholders into the Company. I would also like to acknowledge that every member of our management team participated in the financing, showing their commitment to AmeriTrust. I am pleased to announce that we have funded our first lease from one of our dealer partners earlier this month and are starting to grow our lease portfolio. I look forward to providing all shareholders with updates going forward." The Company is also pleased to announce that John Wimsatt has been appointed to the position of Chief Investment Officer, a position that he previously held at ECN Capital Corp. (TSX: ECN). In September 2024, John was appointed as an Advisor to AmeriTrust's Board to assist the Company to identify and secure the formation of additional lease origination funding facilities. With initial lease origination funding now secured with a line of credit with the Bank of Texas, John will utilize his experience and industry-wide contacts to securitize, or sell, the lease contracts to other funding partners including banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and private investment groups.Pursuant to the second tranche of the Offering, the Company issued, on a private placement basis, 2,500 units of the Company (the "Debenture Units") at a price of $1,000 per Debenture Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $2,500,000. Each Debenture Unit consisted of one senior unsecured principal amount $1,000 convertible debenture of the Company (the "Debentures") and approximately 11,765 common share purchase warrants of the Company (the "Warrants"). Under the second tranche, the Company also issued 17,300,000 units of the Company (the "Life Units") at a price of $0.05 per LIFE Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $865,000 (the "LIFE Offering"). The features of the Debenture Units and LIFE Units were set out in the Company's press release on December 23, 2025 in respect of the closing of the first tranche of the Offering.The LIFE Offering was conducted pursuant to the "listed issuer financing exemption" under Part 5A of National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions of the Canadian Securities Administrators, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 - Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption in the provinces of Canada, except for Quebec.The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to support the re-start of lease originations in the first quarter of 2026 funding both "flow" and "haircut capital" under facilities entered into by a bankruptcy remote trust established by the Company and for working capital purposes.Clarus Securities Inc. and Cormark Securities Inc., acted as co-lead agents (together, the "Agents") in connection with the Offering. In consideration for their services in respect of the second tranche of the Offering, the Company paid the Agents a cash commission of $118,250 and issued to the Agents 865,000 Common Share purchase warrants (the "Broker Warrants") on closing. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of C$0.05 at any time on or before January 15, 2028.The Debenture Units and Broker Warrants issued under the second tranche of the Offering (and all underlying securities issued and issuable thereunder) are subject to a statutory hold period under Canadian securities laws until May 16, 2026. The Life Units (and all underlying securities issued and issuable thereunder) are not subject to a statutory hold period.The Offering remains subject to final acceptance by the TSXV.AmeriTrust also announces that it has entered into an advertising and investor awareness campaign with Dig Media Inc. dba Investing News Network ("INN"). INN is a private company headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., dedicated to providing independent news and education to investors since 2007 at www.investingnews.com . For the 12 month term of the agreement, INN will provide advertising to increase awareness of AmeriTrust. INN does not provide Investor Relations or Market Making services. The cost of the campaign is $40,000 and has been paid in full. INN currently holds no securities in AmeriTrust.About AmeriTrust Financial Technologies Inc.AmeriTrust Financial Technologies Inc., listed on the TSXV, OTCQB, and Frankfurt markets, is a finance solution and fintech provider disrupting the automotive industry. AmeriTrust's integrated, cloud-based transaction platform facilitates transactions amongst consumers, dealers, and funders. AmeriTrust's platform is being made available across the United States.For further information, please visit the AmeriTrust website or contact:Shibu AbrahamChief Financial Officer and DirectorE: info@ ameritrust.com P: 1-800-600-6872FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSThis news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects", "believes" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the intended use of proceeds, the receipt of all regulatory approvals including final acceptance of the TSXV, future plans and objectives of the Company including the immediate restart of lease originations, strategic roll-outs and state expansions, targeted market share, the intention to grow the business, operations, and existing and potential activities of the Company, future prospects of the Company, the ability of the Company to execute on its business plan and the anticipated benefits of the Company's business plan, negotiations with potential funding pa PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 15:00:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 491 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 APOZ Project Will Be Presented at the PIPEs Conference in Atlantic City this MonthBRADENTON, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / ASC Global Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Token Communities ( OTC ID / Stock Symbol:TKCM ), it will be presented the APOZ ( Asia Pacific Opportunity Zone ) project at the PIPE Conference ( Private Investment in Public Entity ) in Atlantic City this month.According to Mr. David Champ, who is the president and CEO of the Company that the management team attended the PIPEs Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida last month and was invited to present the APOZ Project in the upcoming DealFlow Events ( January 28-29 ). The Company will present this unique Tariff-Play concept which it is the only known FTZ + QOZ ( Foreign Trade Zone + Qualified Opportunity Zone ) dual-federal status business park the U.S. today to the entire PIPEs Community.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. On January 12, West African buyer Fofana Soumaila traveled to Hefei specifically to place an order. For Hefei Caiyang Stationery Co., Ltd. ("Caiyang Stationery"), foreign buyers visiting in person has become routine. By incorporating traditional Chinese culture and intangibleculturalheritage elements into their stationery, the company's products now sell in more than 180 countries, with export revenue around 300 million yuan last year. "It's safe to say foreign buyers come to visit almost every day," Deputy General Manager Liu Weiwei told reporters. The company is now in peak production and sales season, and New Year orders are pouring in. In 2025 Caiyang's revenue exceeded 300 million yuan, and its crossborder liveselling briefly ranked it among the top three in the office and education category on Alibaba International. Speaking about these achievements, Liu noted that Caiyang originally engaged in ordinary stationery export a highly competitive market for standard student pens and notebooks. "How did you manage to stand out in the international market?" asked the Hefei reporter. Liu revealed the breakthrough came from an accidental experiment: a salesperson uploaded a notebook sample printed with Huizhou architectural elements to a crossborder platform and unexpectedly received active inquiries from overseas customers. "That made us realize that products with cultural 'added value' can better resonate with international markets." But how to help overseas consumers understand Chinese cultural symbols? When the team first promoted their "12 Zodiac" series, they ran into difficulties. "Many clients didn't understand why the rat is first among the Chinese zodiac, or what a dragon actually is," they said. Caiyang Stationery's solution was "crossborder live streams plus cultural explanation." In the company's livestream studio the backdrop isn't loud promotional banners but an elegant arrangement of traditional scholar's desk items. Instead of frantically shouting "buy now," the host acts like a cultural envoy, holding up products and calmly explaining: "In Chinese legend, the rat is quick and clever and won first place in the zodiac race. The dragon symbolizes auspiciousness and power a wise, mythical creature" This "slow livestream" approach not only boosted sales to new highs but also became an efficient customeracquisition channel. Many individual buyers initially drawn by the streams later became longterm wholesale partners after learning about the company's customization capabilities. "The livestream has become our most vivid product catalog and cultural experience center," Liu said. Adapting Eastern Aesthetics for Global Markets On January 14 the Hefei reporter entered Caiyang Stationery's sample room and felt as if stepping into a miniature "kaleidoscope of Chinese culture," with thousands of stationery samples neatly displayed: stationery printed with subtle inkwash landscapes, bookmarks engraved with delicate sealcarving, retractable ballpoint pens adorned with Chinese poetry. These products, however, are not a onesizefitsall solution. Caiyang's secret lies in using the same "cultural ruler" to measure the "temperature differences" of various markets and making precise adjustments. "Western customers prefer collectible, highquality items," Liu explained. For that market, the team launched premium boxed zodiac fountainpen sets that include a carefully written English cultural interpretation booklet detailing each zodiac's story and symbolism. Materials emphasize weighty metals and solid wood, with minimalist, elegant packaging design. In Southeast Asia, portability and value for money are valued. Caiyang prints auspicious motifs like pandas and koi on lightweight notepads, folders, and bookmarks priced affordably for students and office workers. For coloranddecorationoriented Middle Eastern markets, the team retains the Chinese cultural core while boldly adopting vivid local color palettes and adding refined finishes such as foil stamping and embossing. This refined strategy has paid off. Currently, cultural creative products themed on pandas, the twelve zodiac animals, and Huizhou architecture account for more than 30% of Caiyang's overseas sales and consistently rank among top sellers in the U.S., Germany, and the U.K. She revealed the company plans to focus this year on cultural product series centered on intangible heritage elements such as Huangmei opera, papercutting, and Shexian inkstones. Liu gave examples like bookmark sets featuring classic Huangmei opera masks and combining papercut hollowwork with modern notepaper. "We hope Caiyang's products do more than export goods they can evoke emotional resonance and value recognition among overseas consumers." Their goal is for users, when using a pen or notebook, to naturally encounter the aesthetics and philosophy of Chinese culture. On the production lines, lights shift over rows of stationery soon to depart for the far side of the globe, continuing to tell China's ageold yet newly unfolding stories. Source: Jianghuai Morning Post This photo taken on Jan. 14, 2026 shows horses standing on snow-covered land in Cergeleng county, Tuv province, Mongolia. At least nine of all the 21 Mongolian provinces have been experiencing extreme wintry weather, known as "dzud," the country's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said Wednesday. Dzud is a Mongolian term to describe a severely cold winter when a large number of livestock die because the ground is frozen or covered with snow. (Photo by Garid/Xinhua) This photo taken on Jan. 14, 2026 shows the home of a nomadic family in Cergeleng county, Tuv province, Mongolia. At least nine of all the 21 Mongolian provinces have been experiencing extreme wintry weather, known as "dzud," the country's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said Wednesday. Dzud is a Mongolian term to describe a severely cold winter when a large number of livestock die because the ground is frozen or covered with snow. (Photo by Garid/Xinhua) PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 00:20:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 359 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Braintrust Tutors ( Braintrust ), a national leader in structured, evidence-based Tier II/Tier III academic intervention, is proud to announce its official approval as a K-5 Literacy Tutoring Provider in the State of Louisiana under the Accelerate: High-Dosage Tutoring initiative. This approval positions Braintrust to support school districts statewide in meeting the requirements ofAct 771 , which mandates school-day embedded literacy tutoring for K-5 students performing below proficiency.Braintrust Tutors appears in the Louisiana Department of Education's 2025-2026 Accelerate High-DosageTutoring Vendor Guideas an approved provider delivering hybrid, small-group structured literacy tutoring for up to 25,000 students statewide, aligned with Tier 1 instruction and the Science of Reading. Braintrust Tutors' placement on the approved vendor list confirms that the organization satisfies all state quality, instructional, staffing, and compliance criteria for literacy tutoring providers.It's important to note that schools can amend their current plans and supporting budgets if current providers are not delivering results.Braintrust's program is explicitly designed to support districts in meeting these requirements through:Science-of-Reading-aligned small-group tutoringRobust data reporting for district and state submissionsCoherence with Tier II and Tier III intervention frameworksMaterials aligned with Louisiana's HQIM list and LDOE guidanceFollowing Braintrust Tutors' approval, Louisiana's LDOE Tutoring Strategy Team established next steps for collaboration, including onboarding and future coordination calls with the state's Tutoring Strategy Specialists. This new statewide partnership enables Braintrust Tutors to contribute to Louisiana's accelerated literacy goals and support districts by being written into strategic plans as they restructure the school day to provide mandated tutoring under Act 771.Braintrust Tutors is currently scheduling statewide onboarding calls with Louisiana district and school leaders. Districts, principals, curriculum directors, and MTSS/Intervention teams are encouraged to schedule a consultation to:Learn more about Braintrust's Louisiana-aligned literacy modelReview implementation plans and strategic planning for Act 771 complianceMap tutoring cycles to district schedulesExplore school-day embedded tutoring logisticsDiscuss technology support and solutions for schools in rural settingsDiscuss data collection, reporting, and funding alignmentInterested in learning more? Watch this quick overview of theBraintrust Programsand methodology and connect with us!Contact us:info@ braintrusttutors.com (833) 293-7347 braintrusttutors.com SOURCE: Braintrust Tutors PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 14:30:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 918 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Charlie's is Profitable, Growing and on a Trajectory to Uplist to a National Securities ExchangeCOSTA MESA, CA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 /Charlie's Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:CHUC) ("Charlie's" or the "Company"), an industry leader in the premium vapor products space, today announced that the Company will participate in the following conferences during the month of January 2026:On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EST, Henry Sicignano, President, will make a presentation to investors at theSequire Investor Summit at the Condado Vanderbilt, Puerto Rico. The Company will also host individual investor meetings. To request a meeting, please email suzanne@ chuc.com On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. EST, Henry Sicignano, President, will make a presentation to investors at theDeal Flow Discovery Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey . The Company will also host individual investor meetings. To request a meeting, please email suzanne@ chuc.com Henry Sicignano III, Charlie's President, commented, "I am proud to report: Charlie's is profitable ... and growing. Our balance sheet is clean; we have no outstanding warrants and very little debt. In the very near term, we believe our success growing SBX and U.S.-filled Pachamama product sales - while simultaneously monetizing the Company's PMTA-submitted PACHA synthetic nicotine products - will enable us to meet the minimum requirements to uplist to a national securities exchange." "In preparation for an uplist, we will introduce Charlie's to investors at the Sequire Investor Summit and the Deal Flow Discovery Conference ... and we will encourage open-market purchases of our common stock," explained Mr. Sicignano. "Our goals are simple: (i) to expand awareness of Charlie's outstanding competitive position in the U.S. market; (ii) to increase the number of Charlie's shareholders; (iii) to increase shareholder liquidity; and (iv) to increase long-term shareholder value. Given how far we have come ... and our outstanding sales trajectory ... we are incredibly excited for what lies ahead." About Charlie's Holdings, Inc.Charlie's Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB:CHUC) is an industry leader in the premium vapor products space. The Company's products are sold around the world to select distributors, specialty retailers, and third-party online resellers through subsidiary company Charlie's Chalk Dust, LLC, which has developed an extensive portfolio of brand styles, flavor profiles, and innovative product formats.For additional information, please visit Charlie's corporate website at Chuc.com and the Company's branded online websites: sbxvape.com enjoypachamama.com , and Pacha.co About the Sequire Investor SummitSequire brings together speakers, 75+ presenting companies, and more than 500 investors, funds, family offices, and analysts for networking opportunities, 1-on-1 meetings and direct investor engagement. For more information, visit puertorico.srax.com About the Deal Flow Discovery ConferenceFormerly known as the Microcap Conference, this event has been expanded to include presentations from both public and private companies. This is the largest investment conference of its kind - bringing together hundreds of companies, investors, and dealmakers for two days of company presentations, expert discussion on raising capital, and unlimited 1-on-1 meetings. To learn more, visit dealflowdiscoveryconference.com Safe Harbor StatementThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to statements regarding the Company's overall business, existing and anticipated markets and expectations regarding future sales and expenses. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "should," "believe," "target," "project," "goals," "estimate," "potential," "predict," "may," "will," "could," "intend," variations of these terms or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions, are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company's control. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the Company's ongoing ability to quote its shares on the OTCQB; whether the Company will meet the requirements to up-list to a national securities exchange in the future; the Company's ability to successfully increase sales and enter new markets; whether the Company's PMTA's for its nicotine-containing products will be authorized by the FDA, and the FDA's decisions with respect to the Company's future PMTA's for nicotine products; the Company's ability to manufacture and produce products for its customers; the Company's ability to formulate new products; the acceptance of existing and future products; the complexity, expense and time associated with compliance with government rules and regulations affecting nicotine, synthetic nicotine, products containing nicotine substitutes, and products containing cannabidiol; litigation risks from the use of the Company's products; risks of government regulations; the impact of competitive products; and the Company's ability to maintain and enhance its brands, as well as other risk factors included in the Company's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, annual report on Form 10-K, and other SEC filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.Investors Contact:IR@ charliesholdings.com Phone: 949-570-069SOURCE: Charlie's Holdings, Inc. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 15:45:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 482 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Public-Private Investment, and Digital Settlement Infrastructure and BlockchainDAVOS, SWITZERLAND / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Digital.Davos 2026 announced today that it will host a private, invitation-only leadership breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, during Davos 2026, in partnership with the SCC Fund (ChainBLX SPC) and the official delegation of the Republic of Kenya.The breakfast will take place at Promenade 71B, Davos Platz, GR 7270, and will be convened with Daniel Mainda, Chief Executive Officer of the Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority (NIFCA), who is serving as Head of the Republic of Kenya's Official Delegation to Davos 2026.The session will bring together senior institutional investors, policymakers, healthcare leaders, and technology executives to examine how regulated public-private partnerships can replace aid-based healthcare models with sustainable industry development, particularly in medical supply chains.Discussions will focus on the transition from aid-dependent healthcare frameworks toward investment-led medical manufacturing, logistics, and distribution ecosystems, emphasizing governance, transparency, and compliance. Key topics include addressing mismanagement, inefficiencies, and counterfeit medicines, while building scalable, auditable supply chains supported by modern financial and settlement infrastructure.The SCC Fund (ChainBLX SPC) will be presented as a pilot program designed to align cGMP-compliant pharmaceutical supply chains with regulated digital settlement mechanisms. The pilot enables compliant participation by digital asset and payment providers to support real-world medical trade, with the potential to facilitate the creation of over 60 million active digital wallets tied to verified supply-chain usage and to support up to USD 10 billion in stablecoin-settled pharmaceutical trade.The initiative supports Kenya's broader strategy to position Nairobi as a regional hub for medical supply, pharmaceutical distribution, and institutional capital deployment across Africa, leveraging sovereign regulation and public-private cooperation.As stated by Daniel Mainda in his official capacity:"Kenya has taken a deliberate, sovereign decision to build an internationally aligned financial centre founded on regulatory certainty, institutional credibility and future-ready policy. Through the NIFC, we provide a trusted platform for the structuring, domiciliation and deployment of capital across financial services, advanced technology and virtual assets... This strategic vision aligns naturally with the SCC Fund Chain BLX initiative, which reflects the evolution of regulated, technology-enabled investment frameworks capable of operating at scale across borders." Attendance at the breakfast is by invitation only.About Digital.Davos Digital.Davos is an independent leadership platform convening global decision-makers across finance, technology, healthcare, and policy during Davos week, focused on practical, cross-border frameworks and long-term institutional cooperation.About Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority (NIFCA) The Nairobi International Financial Centre Authority is a statutory government authority mandated to position Kenya as a leading international financial hub for Africa through regulatory certainty, institutional credibility, and future-ready policy.About SCC Fund (ChainBLX SPC) SCC Fund is a medical supply and investment fund structured in the United States and the Cayman Islands, focused on compliant pharmaceutical supply chains, public-private cooperation, and regulated digital settlement infrastructure.Contact Information: Karl Seeligkarl@ chainblx.com tel. +310 990 0001SOURCE: ChainBLX SPC PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 03:15:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 836 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Global Education Communities Corp. ("GECC" or the "Company") (TSX:GEC)(OTCQB:GECSF) is pleased to announce that the City of Vancouver has approved the rezoning and density increase for GEC Langara. The approval transitions the site from a single-house residential designation to that of a 26-storey rental apartment tower.The GEC Langara project is now cleared to proceed with Development and Building Permit applications. The new approval allows for a maximum buildable area of 163,000 square feet, representing a 159% increase in density from the previous 10-storey design. The expansion aligns with British Columbia's Bill 47 Transit Oriented Area legislation, which mandates higher density near major transit hubs. Under the revised plan, GEC Langara will accommodate approximately 650 occupants, a 171% increase in housing capacity.Strategic Location:GEC Langara is situated at the corner of Cambie Street and West 49th Avenue, directly adjacent to the Langara-49th Avenue Canada Line station and three blocks from Langara College. The Canada Line provides rapid transit to downtown Vancouver in 15 minutes and to Vancouver International Airport or the City of Richmond in 10 minutes. Transit bus access to the University of British Columbia is under 40 minutes."We are very pleased with the government's support for the transit-oriented density," said Toby Chu, Chairman, President, and CEO of GECC. "The GEC Langara project has a budget of approximately $150 million, and we will seek financing sponsorship from the CMHC to reduce interest costs. While our original projected annual rental revenue was $3.5 million, this approved density could reach $13 million in projected rental income after completion. Additionally, the project will benefit from GST exemptions and reduced development levies, significantly lowering capital costs." Mr. Chu added, "The enhanced economies of scale will improve GECC's operational efficiencies and spread out operating costs across our portfolio. Crucially, the improved proforma allows GECC to allocate 20% of the units to below-market rental housing, providing much-needed affordable options for the community." About GECC:For over 32 years, GECC has been a leader in Canada's education and student housing landscape. Serving a vibrant community of nearly 10,000 domestic and international students annually, GECC operates across 24 student housing apartments, campuses, and offices in Canada and abroad.Student housing and education super-centres:GECC is committed to solving Metro Vancouver's critical student housing challenges under the GEC Living brand. GECC specializes in developing and managing off-campus student-centric rental apartments and pioneering the concept of education super-centres. The GEC portfolio, comprising both operational properties and development budgets for the pipeline, exceeds $1.3 billion. GECC provides housing solutions to 95 schools in Metro Vancouver, serving domestic and international students from across Canada and 79 countries worldwide. Visit us at: www.gecliving.com Education ServicesGECC was the owner of Sprott Shaw College until its divestiture in August 2025. GECC's current academic division includes SSLC Language College, SSLC Business College (formerly Vancouver International College) and CIBT School of Business & Technology. These institutions offer a diverse range of business programs and ESL programs (English as a Second Language) designed to meet the evolving needs of international learners. Visit us at: www.studySSLC.com As part of its infrastructure, GECC also owns Global Education Alliance Inc. This student recruitment agency connects students with top-tier North American schools and places students into GECC's student housing properties. Irix Design is a leading design and media communications firm based in Vancouver.Visit GECC online at www.GEChq.com to explore our services and watch our corporate video. Check out our video library on YouTube.com: For more information, contact:Toby ChuChairman, President & CEOGlobal Education Communities Corp.Investor Relations Contact: 1-604-871-9909 extension 301 or | Email: info@ GEChq.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTSSome statements in this news release contain forward-looking information (the "forward-looking statements") about the Company and its plans. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, that the approved density of the GEC Langara project is projected to achieve $13 million in projected rental income after completion, and that the enhanced economies of scale of the GEC Langara project will improve operational efficiencies and spread out operating costs across the GEC portfolio. The forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors (collectively, the "Risks") that could cause GECC's actual results or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward-looking statements. The Risks include, without limitation, prevailing rental rates at the time the GEC Langara project is ready for occupancy, that the anticipated enhanced economies of scale from the GEC Langara project are realized, and the risk factors identified in the Company's MD&A for the interim period ended November 30, 2025. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions and expectations of GECC's management at the time they are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions or expectations, or other circumstances should change, except as may be required by law.SOURCE: Global Education Communities Corp PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 14:45:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 795 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Multi-year wins underscore sustained specialty-first innovation, workflow depth, and revenue-cycle performance at scaleTAMPA, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / ModMed has again earned the top rating in every physician specialty EHR category in which it was evaluated, achieving #1 recognition across all 11 of its specialty-specific EHR solutions in the 2026 Black Book Research Awards. The repeat top rankings reflect ModMed's sustained performance in specialty-centric clinical workflows, documentation efficiency, and revenue-cycle enablement tailored for ambulatory specialty practices.Since 2010, more than a quarter-million physician practices have participated in Black Book's EHR user polls. Black Book has tracked specialty EHR user performance and client-reported outcomes since the era when federal incentives accelerated EHR adoption and measurable "meaningful use" across physician practices.The specialties and consecutive years of top specialty recognition for ModMed in the Black Book surveys now include:Gastroenterology - 16 consecutive yearsDermatology - 13 consecutive yearsOtolaryngology (ENT) - 12 consecutive yearsPlastic Surgery - 11 consecutive yearsOphthalmology - 10 consecutive yearsOrthopedics - 9 consecutive yearsPain Management - 6 consecutive yearsPodiatry/Foot & Ankle - 5 consecutive yearsUrology - 5 consecutive yearsAllergy & Immunology - 3 consecutive yearsOB/GYN & Fertility Medicine - 3 consecutive years2026 Black Book Specialty-Centric KPI FrameworkFor 2026, Black Book Research refreshed its qualitative evaluation model to reflect the operational realities of specialty practices. Top performers are differentiated by specialty workflow depth (including procedure-centric documentation and specialty data capture), efficient clinical documentation, and timely, accurate charge capture aligned to high-volume specialty care where applicable.Black Book Research evaluated vendors on 18 specialty-centric qualitative KPIs (unweighted), generalized to apply across all Specialty EHRs:Specialty EHR platforms and structured clinical content - Supports fast, consistent capture of specialty-specific findings, structured exams, procedure solutions, and longitudinal tracking with minimal customization and strong reuse of prior documentation.Specialty EHR documentation efficiency and automation - Reduces clicks and time-to-note using smart text, voice/dictation, and (where deployed) ambient documentation while preserving auditability, clinical nuance, and specialty-required elements.Orders, results routing, and reconciliation - Manages high-volume ordering and inbound results (labs, imaging, diagnostics, external services) with reliable routing, reconciliation, exception handling, and closed-loop follow-up.Specialty EHR procedure and structured reporting workflows - Provides workflow depth for specialty procedures and in-office services, including structured procedure notes, required elements, and seamless post-procedure documentation and follow-up (where applicable).Device, imaging, and ancillary system integration - Integrates reliably with specialty devices, imaging/workflow capture, diagnostic interfaces, and document/media storage so clinicians can review data in context without duplicate entry or manual file handling.Medication and therapy management safety checks - Supports safe prescribing and longitudinal therapy management for specialty-relevant regimens and protocols, including monitoring requirements, reminders, patient education, and controlled-substance safeguards where applicable.Scheduling, capacity, and throughput management - Optimizes solutions, resource scheduling, and flow for specialty visit types, procedure blocks, and multi-resource coordination, reducing bottlenecks, no-shows, and rework.Digital intake, consent, and patient-reported data capture - Collects specialty-relevant questionnaires, consents (including media/procedure consents where applicable), and patient-reported outcomes digitally with clear provenance and version control.Patient engagement, education, and communications - Improves experience through portal messaging, reminders, and education tailored to specialty care plans and follow-ups while reducing staff call volume and administrative friction.Care team collaboration and task orchestration - Supports role-based worklists and handoffs across physicians, APPs, clinical staff, and external partners so tasks close-loop, responsibilities are explicit, and turnaround times are trackable.Payer readiness and prior authorization documentation support - Streamlines evidence capture and packet assembly for prior authorization and medical-necessity documentation with status visibility and exception handling.Coding, charge capture, and documentation defensibility - Improves charge completeness and reduces denials through specialty-appropriate coding prompts, workflow-aligned charge capture, and defensible documentation with clear linkage to services rendered.Quality measures, registry reporting, and compliance reporting - Automates extraction/submission for outcomes, complications, and quality programs/registries; supports audits with clear measure logic and provenance.Clinical and operational analytics - Delivers actionable dashboards for service mix, throughput, access, and financial performance, including productivity, operational exceptions, and specialty-relevant utilization trends.Interoperability and care coordination - Facilitates data exchange with referring providers, diagnostic partners, ancillary services, and external repositories using stable interfaces/APIs; supports transitions of care with minimal manual reconciliation.Privacy, security, and specialty confidentiality controls - Provides role-based access, auditing, and confidentiality controls for sensitive specialty data (including minors, behavioral health, reproductive health, images/media, and other protected categories where applicable), including segmentation/consent where required.Extensibility, APIs, and ecosystem enablement - Supports integration with specialty ecosystem tools via APIs and a predictable integration lifecycle (testing, monitoring, upgrades).Implementation quality, training, and vendor support - Delivers specialty-competent implementation, training, and ongoing support aligned with specialty workflows (procedures, devices, documentation patterns, and billing/authorization complexity where applicable) while minimizing operational disruption."ModMed's continued #1 performance across 11 specialties reflects more than strong satisfaction scores, it demonstrates consistent, spe PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 12:00:19 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 977 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND OR THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, NOR IS IT TO BE TRANSMITTED OR DISTRIBUTED TO, OR SENT BY, ANY NATIONAL OR RESIDENT OR CITIZEN OF ANY SUCH COUNTRIES OR OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION MAY CONTRAVENE LOCAL SECURITIES LAWS OR REGULATIONS. PLEASE SEE THE IMPORTANT NOTICES AT THE END OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (596/2014/EU) AS IT FORMS PART OF UK DOMESTIC LAW PURSUANT TO THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018, AS AMENDED ("MAR").Pantheon Resources plcPlacing to raise $10Millionfor Planned Flow Testing of Dubhe-1 and Seismic Reprocessing at KodiakLONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / Pantheon Resources plc ("Pantheon" or the "Company"), the oil and gas company developing the Kodiak and Ahpun projects near pipeline and transportation infrastructure on Alaska's North Slope, is pleased to announce that it has raised $10 million of new capital (before expenses) by way of a conditional placing (the "Fundraise") of new Ordinary Shares at a price of 7.0 pence per share (the "IssuePrice")to support near-term appraisal activities across the Ahpun and Kodiak projects and for general working capital.The proceeds help underpin the Company's plans for the Dubhe-1 testing which include the acquisition and analysis of new and existing well data, preparing procedures for a cost effective and productivity enhancing start-up leading to resumption of the flow testing programme.Resumption of Dubhe-1 testing represents an important step towards the commercialisation of an estimated ~282 million barrel liquid contingent (2C) resource(1) in the Shelf Margin Deltaic reservoir, and ultimately, the overall greater than 500 million barrel contingent (2C) resource(2) in the Greater Ahpun Area. It would also underpin the gas offtake precedent agreement with the State of Alaska.In addition, remaining proceeds will be allocated to reprocessing existing Kodiak seismic data to deliver higher-quality reservoir imaging, supporting the potential for drilling of an appraisal well possibly as early as the 2026/27 winter season and subject to further financing. The Kodiak resource, currently assessed by third party independent experts(3) at 1.2 billion barrels of contingent (2C) recoverable liquids, with substantial upside potential to 2.8 billion barrels (3C), has already attracted industry interest. There are currently several parties in farm-out discussions with the Company, and the reprocessed seismic is expected to further strengthen the Company's position in any such farm-out discussions.(1) Source: Ahpun Topset Independent Expert Report from Cawley, Gillespie & Associates, Inc. ("CG&A") (see Company announcement 11 June 2024)(2) Source: CG&A Estimate plus Management Ahpun Resource Updates (see Company announcement 8 September 2025)(3) Source: Kodiak Independent Expert Report from Netherland Sewell & Associates, Inc. (see Company announcement 9 April 2024)The placing (the "Placing") of 106,209,678 new Ordinary Shares (the "PlacingShares" or "New Ordinary Shares") has been conducted by Oak Securities as sole bookrunner ("Oak Securities" or the "Bookrunner").The New Ordinary Shares, when issued, will all be credited as fully paid and will rank pari passu in all respects with the existing Ordinary Shares, including the right to receive all dividends and other distributions declared, made or paid on or in respect of such shares after the date of issue.Application will be made to London Stock Exchange plc for admission of the 106,209,678 New Ordinary Shares to trading on AIM ("Admission") and it is expected that Admission will take place at 8.00 a.m. (London time) on or around22 January 2026(or such later time and/or date as may be agreed between the Company and the Bookrunner, being not later than 8.00 a.m. (London time) on30 January 2026). The Fundraise is conditional upon, inter alia, Admission becoming effective and the Placing Agreement not otherwise being terminated in accordance with its terms.Max Easley, Chief Executive Officer, said:"Today's financing further enables our forward programme at Dubhe-1. Prior to the suspension of testing in December the well was exhibiting increased gas production volumes, and we are very keen to recommence operations after pressure build-up and other analysis has been completed. Completion of the testing programme will determine the next steps for the development of the Ahpun asset and will potentially unlock significant value for the Company."In addition, upgrading the seismic over the Kodiak structure now may significantly strengthen our position in ongoing farm-out discussions."We look forward to updating shareholders on both fronts in the coming weeks." Further information:Pantheon Resources plcDavid Hobbs, Chairman Max Easley, CEO Justin Hondris, SVP, Investor Relationscontact@ pantheonresources.com Oak Securities (Sole Bookrunner)+44 20 3973 3678Jerry Keen Nick PriceCanaccord Genuity Limited (Nominated Adviser)Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor James Asensio Charlie Hammond+44 20 7523 8000BlytheRay (Corporate Communications)+44 20 7138 3204Tim Blythe Megan Ray Matthew BowldMZ Group (USA Investor Relations Contact)+1 949 259 4987Lucas Zimmerman Ian ScargillConditions relating to the FundraiseThe Fundraise is conditional, inter alia, upon:a) the Placing Agreement becoming unconditional in all respects (save for Admission occurring) and not having been terminated in accordance with its terms;b) Admission becoming effective by no later than 8.00 a.m. on 22 January 2026 (or such later time and/or date as the Company and Bookrunner may agree (being not later than 8.00 a.m. on 30 January 2026).Accordingly, if such conditions are not satisfied or, if applicable, waived, or the Placing Agreement is terminated the Fundraise will not proceed.The Fundraise is not underwritten by Oak Securities or any other person.Settlement and dealingsThe New Ordinary Shares will be in registered form and will be capable of being held in either certificated or uncertificated form (i.e. in CREST). Accordingly, following Admission, settlement of transactions in the Ordinary Shares may take place within the CREST sys PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 01:25:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1016 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATESCALGARY, AB / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / Reeflex Solutions Inc. (TSXV:RFX) ("Reeflex" or the "Company") ais providing this bi-weekly status update in accordance with National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203").As previously announced on December 31, 2025, the Company applied for and was granted a management cease trade order ("MCTO") by the Alberta Securities Commission (the "ASC"), as principal regulator of the Company, due to a delay in the filing of its audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certifications (the "Certificates") for the financial year ended August 31, 2025 (collectively, the "Annual Filings") by the required deadline of December 29, 2025.The MCTO restricts the Company's CEO and CFO from trading in the Company's securities until the Annual Filings are made but will not affect the ability of the general investing public to trade in the Company's common shares.As disclosed in the Company's initial default announcement, the Company underwent a complex transaction, transitioning from a private, family-owned business to a fully IFRS-compliant public company by way of a reverse takeover transaction on May 16, 2025, and related acquisition of Coil Solutions Inc. ("CSI") on May 15, 2025 (together, the "Transaction"). The Company changed its year end from December 31, 2025 to August 31, 2025 to align with the year end of its operating subsidiary, CSI. The Company also appointed MNP LLP as its new auditor, who advised that the Company's interim financial statements for the quarter ended May 31, 2025, accompanying MD&A and Certificates (the "Q3 Filings") are required to be restated to reflect CSI's results only from the May 15, 2025 acquisition date, in accordance with IFRS. The need to restate the Q3 Filings, together with first-time public company audit requirements, has extended the time required to complete the audit of the Company's year-end results and the preparation of the Annual Filings.While the Company previously announced that it expected to complete the Annual Filings and restatement of the Q3 Filings on or about January 29, 2026, due to the complexity of the audit requirements, and certain additional staffing constraints, the Company now expects that it may require additional time to complete these filings. The preparation of the Company's interim financial statements for the quarter ended November 30, 2025, accompanying MD&A and Certificates (the "Q1 Filings"), which are due to be filed by January 29, 2026, are also expected to be delayed. The Company has requested, but not yet received, the approval of the ASC to complete the Annual Filings, the Q1 Filings and the restatement of the Q3 Filings on or before February 19, 2026.The Company continues to work diligently and has engaged additional resources to assist with the preparation of the information required to complete the Annual Filings, the Q1 Filings and the restatement of the Q3 Filings. The Company will issue a news release announcing the completion of such filings at that time.In accordance with the requirements of NP 12-203, the Company confirms that as of the date of this announcement (i) there have been no material changes to the information previously disclosed regarding the default that have not been generally disclosed; (ii) there have been no failures by the Company in fulfilling its stated intentions with respect to satisfying the provisions of the alternative information guidelines as set out in NP 12-203; (iii) there have been no other specified defaults by the Company under NP 12-203; (iv) the Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings; and (v) there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed.About ReeflexReeflex Solutions Inc. is a proudly Canadian company that delivers advanced engineering and manufacturing solutions across various industry sectors. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Coil Solutions Inc., we provide coiled tubing injectors and downhole tools for the oil & gas sector. Our manufacturing division, Ranglar Manufacturing, specializes in custom-designed mobile equipment for a wide range of industrial applications.For further information, contact:Reeflex Solutions Inc.Trevor ConwayExecutive Vice President & CFO(403) 605-6167 Trevor.Conway@Reeflex.cawww.Reeflex.ca Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking InformationThis press release contains "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, including statements included in the "About Reeflex" section of this press release, are forward-looking. Generally, the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "intends", "may", "should", "will" or variations of such words or similar expressions. More particularly, and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements concerning the expected timing for the filing of the Annual Filings, the Q1 Filings and restatement of the Q3 Filings. Reeflex cautions that all forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of Reeflex, including expectations and assumptions concerning Reeflex, as well as other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Reeflex's filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Some of these risks include, but are not limited to, the risk that the Annual Filings and restatement of the Q3 Filings are filed later than anticipated. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Reeflex. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from thos PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 12:00:15 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 687 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The Best Facelift Surgeon in the U.S. is Dr. SantosSEATTLE, WASHINGTON / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / A Seattle facial plastic surgery practice is drawing patients from across the country for facelift procedures that prioritize facial balance over conventional tightening. Dr. David Santos, a facial plastic surgeon at Seattle Plastic Surgery, has performed more than 6,000 facelift procedures. His approach and specialized focus place him among a few plastic surgeons whose practice is dedicated to facial rejuvenation.Credentials and TrainingDr. Santos is board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Seattle Plastic Surgery also lists him as a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and says he is frequently called upon to educate other surgeons on new developments in the field.His interest in facelifts began in medical training and later deepened through study with leaders in the specialty, including six former presidents of the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery.Dr. Santos devotes his surgical career to plastic surgery of the face exclusively. Before joining the practice, Dr. Santos served as Medical Director for a national group of 30+ facial plastic surgeons across roughly 15 facilities, overseeing more than 15,000 procedures.A Pioneer in the Use of Local AnesthesiaA defining feature of Dr. Santos' approach is the use of local anesthesia with oral sedation, when clinically appropriate. The goal is to reduce risks associated with general anesthesia and shorten downtime while maintaining patient comfort.Peer-reviewed research has examined facelift safety in local-anesthesia settings. In a multicenter survey, participating surgeons reported low rates of serious complications across 5,844 facelift surgeries performed under local anesthesia.Facelift Technique OptionsSeattle Plastic Surgery describes multiple facelift techniques under Dr. Santos' care, including deep plane, instalifts, mini facelift, and endoscopic facelifts.When appropriate, these procedures may be combined with complementary facial surgeries such as neck lift, blepharoplasty, or brow lift, as well as laser resurfacing, to address skin quality and surface texture. These decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, with the aim of maintaining overall facial balance rather than focusing on a single area.As per Dr. Santos, facelift surgery can be meaningful because patients not only "look good," but also regain self-esteem."One of the things that's just so profound and so wonderful for me to see is the change that it makes in people's lives and this is really what motivates me and what motivates our Center is to provide something that really it's not just that you look good uh as you do after facelift surgery but you also have a real sense of self-esteem of feeling good about yourself and changing your life." Deep Plane Facelift ApproachDr. Santos specializes in deep plane facelift, a technique that lifts the deeper facial structures rather than relying on skin tightening alone. The approach is commonly used to address midface descent and restore jawline definition while preserving natural facial movement. Dr. Santos employs a no-drain method, intended to simplify early recovery. In his practice, many patients resume normal daily activities within about a week, reflecting both the technique and postoperative protocol.How Much Does a Facelift Cost?Seattle Plastic Surgery publishes starting price points that distinguish local anesthesia from general anesthesia. Its pricing list cites: Mini Facelift at $6,995 local / $7,995 general and Facelift at $7,995 local / $9,995 general, with combination pricing also listed, e.g., facelift with laser resurfacing. Prices typically cover the surgeon's fee, anesthesia, and the use of an accredited surgical facility, though total costs can vary depending on the patient's treatment plan.Recovery, Scar Strategy, and Patient PerspectiveThe clinic lists an estimated procedure length of about two hours and an initial recovery time of roughly three to five days. It also describes a post-surgical scar protocol plus ultrasound massage therapy as part of recovery support.On RealSelf, a patient review describes "outstanding" results and recommends Dr. Santos, reflecting the type of outcome-focused commentary many facelift patients look for when comparing surgeons nationally.Media Contact Seattle Plastic Surgery - Seattle, WAWebsite:- www.seattleplasticsurgery.com Contact:- 206-787-0784realdrseattleSOURCE: Seattle Plastic Surgery PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 02:18:08 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 14, 2026 /WHY: New York, N.Y., January 14, 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: 2026-01-15 17:40:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 767 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BROOKLYN, NY / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 /IEH Corporation (OTC:IEHC) announced today that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has dismissed the Division of Enforcement's proceeding seeking revocation of the registration of IEHC's securities.Dave Offerman, President and CEO of IEH Corporation commented, "It is incredibly gratifying and validating to have this matter dismissed. The SEC has recognized that although we were late in filing several periodic reports, we rectified the issues that led to the delinquencies and have been current since November 2023. We are very pleased to finally have this matter behind us and will immediately commence efforts to uplist our stock to a platform that allows for greater liquidity, shareholder visibility and investment opportunities.As our business continues to grow, we welcome this latest positive development and look forward to sharing more good news in the months and years ahead." A copy of the Opinion of the SEC in SEC Administrative Proceeding File No. 3-20973 will be attached as an exhibit to Form 8-K which will be filed by IEH. The Opinion can also be located at https://www.sec.gov/files/litigation/opinions/2026/34-104601.pdf About IEH CorporationFor over 80 years and 4 generations of family-run management, IEH Corporation has designed, developed, and manufactured printed circuit board (PCB) connectors, custom interconnects and contacts for high performance applications. With its signature Hyperboloid technology, IEH supplies the most durable, reliable connectors for the most demanding environments. The Company markets primarily to companies in defense, aerospace, medical, space and industrial applications, in the United States, Canada, Europe, Southeast and Central Asia and the Mideast. The Company was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Brooklyn, New York.Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995Certain statements contained in this press release, and in related comments by the Company's management, include "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, including, without limitation, statements or expectations regarding our financial condition, statements or expectations regarding our revenues, cash and backlog, expectations regarding future cash requirements, revenue and revenue recovery, including for fiscal year 2026 and beyond are forward-looking statements. These statements often include words such as "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "will," "may," "would," "should," "could," or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These statements are based on certain assumptions that the Company has made on its current expectations and projections about future events. The Company believes these judgments are reasonable, but you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results, and you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company's actual performance or results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of important factors, both positive and negative, as they will depend on many factors about which we are unsure, including many factors beyond our control. Among other items, such factors could include: our ability to reduce costs or increase revenue; changes in the macroeconomic environment or in the finances of our customers; changes in accounting principles, or their application or interpretation, and our ability to make accurate estimates and the assumptions underlying the estimates; our ability to attract and retain key employees and key resources; and other risk factors discussed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on June 12, 2025, and in subsequent reports filed with or furnished to the SEC. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in our filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing cautionary statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, we do not undertake or intend to update or revise our forward-looking statements, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release as a result of new information or future events or developments. Thus, you should not assume that our silence over time means that actual events are bearing out as expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures we make in our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that may affect our business.Contact:Dave OffermanIEH Corporation dave@ iehcorp.com 718-492-4448SOURCE: IEH Corp. MANILA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Search and rescue operations are continuing in the central Philippine city of Cebu, a week after a landfill collapsed on Jan. 8, killing at least 25 people and leaving 11 others still missing, authorities said Thursday. Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak said rescuers have not officially shifted to a retrieval-only phase despite the passage of time and the difficult conditions at the site, out of respect for the families of the missing. "Most families are still hoping their relatives are alive, and we are also praying for miracles as the search for survivors continues," Tumulak said in a radio interview. The incident occurred at a privately operated landfill in the city on the late afternoon of Jan. 8, when a massive mound of garbage collapsed, burying a facility and many workers. As of Thursday night, the city's Bureau of Fire Protection confirmed 25 fatalities, while 11 individuals remain unaccounted for. Authorities earlier reported that 18 injured workers were rescued in the first few days after the collapse. Rescue teams, including firefighters, coast guard, and military personnel, continue to face hazardous conditions at the site, such as unstable ground, methane gas buildup, and narrow tunnels beneath tons of compacted waste. In response to the disaster, the Cebu City Council declared a state of calamity, enabling the release of emergency funds to support search-and-rescue operations and address the resulting waste-disposal crisis. Meanwhile, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued an immediate cease-and-desist order against the landfill operator, citing possible lapses in monitoring and safety protocols. Families of the missing workers continue to hold vigil at the site, hoping and praying for positive news. PR-Inside.com: 2026-01-15 15:45:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 696 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 The US-registered infrastructure provider officially discloses its CIK code and MSB regulatory number, placing the AI-driven "Athena Engine" and "Veritas Layer" transparency protocols under strict US legal oversight to eliminate market uncertainty.DENVER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / At a critical moment when the global digital asset market seeks security and transparency, YWWSDC Group US Ltd (hereinafter referred to as "YWWSDC"), a next-generation digital asset infrastructure provider registered in the United States, today officially released a strategic announcement. The company disclosed its dual regulatory milestones at the US federal level: successfully completing the Securities Exemptions Filing (Form D) with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Money Services Business (MSB) registration with the US Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).This series of legal confirmation actions not only establishes YWWSDC's legal status as a regulated US enterprise but also constructs a legitimate "Bridge Protocol" for the "Financial Singularity" strategy outlined in its whitepaper-connecting the $16 trillion Real-World Asset (RWA) market between traditional finance and the digital economy.Defining Trust with Official Data: Dual Endorsement from SEC and FinCENAddressing market concerns regarding the compliance of emerging platforms, YWWSDC has taken a step toward complete transparency by directly disclosing its regulatory identity as the strongest evidence to counter market FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt):SEC Federal Filing: YWWSDC has obtained the Central Index Key (CIK) code: 0002104385 assigned by the SEC and completed the Regulation D filing (File No.: 021-569446). This marks that the company has been brought under the regulatory purview of federal securities laws regarding capital operations and shareholder transparency, with a clear legal structure for its issued 100 million common shares.FinCEN MSB Registration: YWWSDC has successfully obtained the MSB registration qualification (Registration No.: 31000317594954) issued by FinCEN. This qualification authorizes the company to compliantly conduct "Dealer in foreign exchange" and "Money transmitter" businesses across 50 US states and territories such as Puerto Rico."Trust should not be based on verbal promises, but on public records," stated Kaelen Rostova, Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) at YWWSDC. "Our entity registration (Entity ID: 20258333256) combined with federal-level compliance qualifications constitutes a legally protected financial fence, physically isolating YWWSDC from unregulated offshore entities." Convergence of Technology and Compliance: Empowering the RWA EconomyUnder a strict compliance framework, YWWSDC has officially deployed its core technology stack to solve the efficiency and trust challenges facing the RWA market:Athena Engine: This is a natively integrated AI intelligence layer capable of processing millions of market data points in real-time under compliance prerequisites. It provides institutional investors with predictive risk analysis, ensuring precise risk identification when onboarding complex assets like real estate and bonds.Veritas Layer: To comply with MSB requirements for fund flow transparency, YWWSDC has deployed the Merkle Tree-based Veritas Layer. This technology provides real-time on-chain Proof of Reserves, allowing users to independently verify asset solvency, achieving a transparency standard of "Code is Law." Fortress Architecture: The Security Promise of 98% Cold StorageRegarding operational resilience, YWWSDC reiterates its "Fortress Security Architecture." Addressing cybersecurity threats, the platform adheres to a "Cold Storage First" strategy, storing over 98% of user assets in physically isolated cold wallet systems.Combined with a 3 million TPS (Transactions Per Second) high-frequency matching engine, YWWSDC not only ensures system stability during extreme market conditions but also eliminates single-point-of-failure risks through Multi-Party Computation (MPC) technology. This institutional-grade risk control system, paired with regulated fiat on/off-ramps, provides global investors with a secure, verifiable, and legally protected trading environment.About YWWSDCYWWSDC Group US Ltd is a next-generation compliant digital asset infrastructure provider focused on utilizing the AI-driven Athena Engine and proprietary Veritas Layer technology to solve the trust, scalability, and security challenges between traditional finance and the crypto economy. Headquartered in the United States and operating globally, the company is dedicated to providing a federally protected RWA asset liquidity channel for sophisticated investors and institutions seeking stable returns, technology-driven solutions, and rigorous risk management through a strict "Compliance-by-Design" framework.Media Contact:Company: YWWSDC Contact Person: Kaelen RostovaEmail: official@ ywwsdc.com Website: https://www.ywwsdc.com SOURCE: YWWSDC Multipolitan, a Singapore-based borderless living platform, has examined how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the metaverse, and even orbital infrastructure, are beginning to redefine traditional ideas of citizenship, sovereignty, and governance. This was made known during the unveiling of The Digital State Project on Tuesday during a media briefing with African journalists attended by PREMIUM TIMES. The project features contributions from global technology and governance leaders, including James Ellsmoor of Island Innovation and William Wang, chief executive of RNS.ID and architect of Palaus Digital Residency Programme. Others are Metaverse entrepreneur Briar Prestidge; Ukraines deputy minister for digital transformation, Oleksandr Bornyakov; Estonias former chief information officer, Luukas Ilves; space investor Anna Hazlett; and SuperWorld founder Hrish Lotlikar. Speaking at the unveiling, Multipolitans chief executive and co-founder, Nirbhay Handa, said the foundations of nationhood were shifting from physical borders to digital systems. Our grandparents crossed borders with passports. Our children will cross them with digital identities, Mr Handa said, We will soon log into nations, not just fly into them. For centuries, geography shaped sovereignty. In the digital-first era, sovereignty will be shaped by digital identity systems and the rules that govern them. Global voices vs African audience Highlights from the events featured global leaders speaking on various aspects where these technologies are changing the narrative. Mr Ellsmoor highlighted how climate-threatened island nations such as Tuvalu are already experimenting with digital sovereignty to preserve statehood and cultural identity if rising sea levels erase physical territory. Mr Wang explained that Palaus digital residency initiative allows foreigners to obtain a government-backed digital identity without ever visiting the Pacific island nation, a model the report says could become common in the coming decades. Governance meets the metaverse Beyond digital passports, the report explores concepts such as on-chain citizenship, AI-powered public services, virtual embassies and cities enhanced by augmented reality. Mr Prestidge, an adviser to INTERPOL on metaverse investigations, argues that immersive digital environments are becoming tools for nation branding, social interaction and economic activity, blurring the line between physical and virtual belonging. Mr Lotlikars contribution focuses on how cities may evolve into living interfaces, where culture, commerce and governance converge through blockchain and spatial computing. Ukraines digital transformation experience also features prominently. Mr Bornyakov outlines how the countrys Diia platform has enabled millions of citizens to access government services through smartphones, even amid war. Mr Ilves, who previously led Estonias digital government reforms, said Ukraines deployment of artificial intelligence in public administration could signal the rise of what he termed agentic states, governments capable of anticipating citizens needs and automating service delivery. Toolkit for governments and investors The Multipolitan report was designed as a practical guide for policymakers, technology founders and investors navigating the future of governance. It distils real-world lessons from leaders already building digital public services, identity systems and sovereign infrastructure, the company said. Founded in 2024, Multipolitan describes itself as a platform for borderless living, combining immigration services with a mobility app that allows users to live and work across multiple jurisdictions. The company was co-founded by Mr Handa, a former executive at Henley & Partners, and Lee Smith, who previously co-founded Japanese payments firm Paidy, acquired by PayPal for $2.7 billion. The federal government has inaugurated a 24-member Inter-Agency Technical Committee (IATC) to drive the implementation of the Nigeria Power for Health Initiative (NPHI), a programme aimed at providing reliable and sustainable electricity to health facilities nationwide. The initiative seeks to address Nigerias long-standing electricity challenges in hospitals, which have disrupted service delivery, increased operating costs and endangered patient safety. Speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziag Salako, said the IATC would provide the technical backbone required to translate political commitment into measurable outcomes in the health sector. This development was announced in a statement on Wednesday by the Ministrys Director of Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun. The technical committee is where the real work happens. Without energy, our health facilities cannot function effectively, from vaccine storage to surgeries and emergency care, Mr Salako was quoted as saying. He added that procedures carried out in operating theatres and labour rooms also depend heavily on the availability of electricity. More about NPHI According to the statement, the NPHI emerged from a national stakeholders dialogue held in March 2025 involving government agencies, development partners and the private sector. The discussions culminated in a communique later approved by President Bola Tinubu, followed by the creation of an Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee to provide political oversight. According to Mr Salako, the newly inaugurated technical committee would now ensure coordination, sustainability and technical rigour in the rollout of the programme. He reaffirmed the governments pledge that by the end of 2027, at least 30 per cent of Nigerias health facilities would operate on uninterrupted and clean energy, using solar, gas-powered and other renewable solutions. The minister said achieving the target would help reduce preventable deaths, improve maternal and child health outcomes, and restore public confidence in the health system. Power ministrys role Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, represented by the ministrys Permanent Secretary, Mahmuda Mamman, said the inauguration marked a decisive step towards integrating energy planning into health sector infrastructure. Mr Adelabu said the power ministry had already deployed solar mini-grids and hybrid energy systems to several health facilities under the World Bank-funded Nigeria Electrification Project. He pledged continued technical and policy support to ensure the success of the NPHI, noting that reliable electricity is fundamental to diagnostics, emergency services and safe working conditions for health professionals. Committee mandate In their remarks, the co-chairs of the committee, Babatunde Ipaye and Owolabi Sunday, pledged to exceed expectations and ensure that energy becomes the bedrock of success of ongoing health sector reforms, including primary healthcare revitalisation, maternal and child health. Under its terms of reference, the IATC, according to Mr Salako, will develop a national action plan for electrifying health facilities, review project proposals, engage stakeholders, conduct technical analyses and submit quarterly reports to the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee. Nigerias hopes of reaching a ninth Africa Cup of Nations final were dashed on Wednesday night after the Super Eagles fell to hosts Morocco in a tense semi-final decided by penalties in Rabat. Instead, it was the Lions who stayed on course for a first AFCON title in 50 years after edging Nigeria 4-2 in a shoot-out, following a goalless 120 minutes at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The defeat ended Nigerias impressive run at AFCON 2025, where the Super Eagles had arrived in the semi-final unbeaten and tipped as favourites. The match itself was cagey and low on clear chances, reflecting the high stakes. Moroccos Brahim Diaz flashed an early effort wide, while Nigeria responded through Ademola Lookman, whose strike was saved. The Atlas Lions came closer midway through the first half, with Adam Masina failing to convert from close range and Diaz again missing the target. Achraf Hakimi later rattled the roof of the net from a free kick, before Stanley Nwabali produced a fine save to deny Ismael Saibari. It was only the second time Nigeria reached half-time without a goal at this tournament. Nigeria showed more intent after the break, but Raphael Onyedikas effort drifted wide. At the other end, Abde Ezzalzouli tested Nwabali as both sides became increasingly cautious. Extra time followed, with Morocco striking the post through Nayef Aguerd and Hamza Igamane going close, while Eric Chelles side struggled to create meaningful openings. The contest was eventually settled on penalties. Nigeria had an early edge when Nwabali saved Igamanes kick, but Samuel Chukwuezes miss swung momentum back to the hosts. After Achraf Hakimi converted, Bruno Onyemaechi was denied by Yassine Bounou, leaving Youssef En-Nesyri to seal victory for Morocco. For Nigeria, the defeat was a bitter end to a strong campaign that had reignited belief in the Super Eagles long-term project under Chelle. For Morocco, it kept alive the dream of lifting the AFCON trophy on home soil for the first time since 1976. While Morocco will face Senegal in the final, Nigeria will play Egypt in the third-place match. In November 2025, the United States (US) released its new National Security Strategy describing how the country intends to protect its core national interests. These interests not only include ensuring the US remains the worlds strongest, richest, most powerful, and most successful country for decades to come, but also articulate what it wants in and from the rest of the world. The strategy invokes the Trump Corollary to reinforce US dominance in the Western Hemisphere, recently marked by its actions in Venezuela and threats against Greenland. It prioritises economic protectionism, keeps the Indo-Pacific open only to benefit US supply chains, and supports European security by defending Western identity, restricting mass migration, and combating cultural erosion. It also seeks to neutralise Middle Eastern adversaries without prolonged conflict and assert US dominance in fields like artificial intelligence, biotech, and quantum computing at the expense of global cooperation. President Donald Trump seems intent on reducing the US presence everywhere except in the Western Hemisphere. While this threatens countries in Latin America and Greenland, Americas approach to Africa seems more limited, focusing on competition for mineral resources, not direct government involvement. Africas role in the strategy is notably limited yet telling, receiving just three paragraphs at the end of the 29-page document. The continent is framed mainly as a cash cow for mineral resources and a battleground for Chinas dominance in the global South. In January, Kenya postponed signing a $1 billion trade agreement with China, reportedly under US pressure, as it awaits renewal of its eligibility in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA, which lapsed last September despite its devastating impact on African industries, was approved by the House of Representatives this week. In December 2025, the US delayed releasing $1.5 billion in health aid to Zambia, conditioning its support on securing access to critical minerals. The approach towards Africa abandons lifesaving aid and democratic values, focusing instead on partnerships centred on trade, investment and resource extraction. It avoids long-term commitments, especially in military conflicts. It makes exceptions for short, targeted operations to suppress Islamist terrorist insurgencies, such as Nigerias Christmas Day strikes, as part of its crusade to defend Judeo-Christian values. At its core, the new strategy is based on transactionalism diplomacy as quid pro quo arrangements rather than partnerships grounded in democratic values and long-term goals. Originating in the America First doctrine, transactionalism prioritises clear exchanges and short-term gains, ensuring the US maximises its benefits in resources, military cooperation or geopolitical leverage while permitting others to benefit only when this doesnt undermine American interests. It views policies based on normative values as harming national interests and favours bilateral, issue-specific deals over multilateralism, treating relationships as zero-sum competitions rather than genuine alliances. For example, in December, Mr Trump sought to bolster his President of Peace image by facilitating the Washington Accords between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Both countries signed an agreement granting US firms preferential access to Congolese minerals, and the US pledged to develop a corridor connecting these resource-rich regions to Western markets, looking to oust Chinas longstanding influence in the sector. Despite the political grandstanding and claims of resolving a decades-long conflict, M23 rebels continued their advance a day after the accord was signed. These events expose the futility of agreements that prioritise optics, benefitting few while harming thousands. Enduring peace requires firm commitment, decisive political action, and the courage to confront decades of complex ethnic conflict worsened by battles over mineral resources problems that cannot be resolved with signatures alone. As we near the first-year anniversary of Mr Trumps second term, this approach feels all too familiar. The strategy simply formalises what hes been doing in Africa since day one. His administration dismantled the US Agency for International Development aid overnight, putting 14 million lives at risk. It imposed crippling tariffs on African businesses while enforcing discriminatory travel bans on countries like Mali, Niger, and Sierra Leone. At the same time, the US dangles incentives like deportation deals with South Sudan, Rwanda and Eswatini that commodify foreign nationals as pawns in international diplomacy, rewarding countries that submit to US demands while marginalising those less willing. For example, Eswatini reportedly signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the US in May 2025 to receive $5.1 million for border and migration management in exchange for accepting up to 160 deportees over a year. In December 2025, under the new America First Global Health Strategy, Eswatini signed another bilateral agreement with the US. This five-year MOU, valued at $242 million, includes access to American technology and Lenacapavir, a US-made HIV-prevention drug. This transactional approach can forge bilateral partnerships but remains fragile without strong institutional support or strategic foundations. In Eswatinis case, reliance on short-term, non-binding agreements driven by immediate US interests, such as outcompeting Chinas influence in Africa, leaves the country vulnerable. African leaders face a dilemma: balancing short-term national gains through bilateral deals with the need to protect long-term regional stability. Many African countries are caught between a rock and a hard place. Exploitative practices that undermine their sovereignty have long existed, but Trumps administration has made these dynamics more transparent. South Africa exemplifies how some nations can hold relatively strong positions, but often at high economic and political costs. Since Mr Trump took office, his transactional approach has favoured a few at the expense of many, worsening divisions and instability across Africa. African governments must strengthen regional bodies like the African Union and fully implement initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area to coordinate a unified strategy. By enhancing regional cooperation, building robust institutions, and asserting control over resources, Africa can safeguard its sovereignty and foster stability, charting a sustainable path beyond short-term, often exploitative, bilateral deals. Kelly E Stone, Senior Consultant, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Pretoria (This article was published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish.) Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared support for President Bola Tinubus second-term bid. Mr Abubakar was received into the APC on Thursday at the National Assembly by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, alongside other party leaders from the North-east geopolitical zone. Introducing himself during the event, he said: My name is Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, but everyone calls me Abba. I am here today to formally announce my exit from my former party, where we worked in 2023, and my decision to join the APC, he said. He explained that his decision to join the ruling party was due to the outstanding leadership of the deputy senate president. Today, I am joining the APC following the outstanding leadership style and quality of His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin. Mr Abubakar announced his support for President Tinubus re-election in 2027 and directed all coordinators and members of the political organisation he founded in 2022, formerly known as the Haske Atiku Organisation, to immediately align with the APC and support the Presidents Renewed Hope Agenda. With this development, I will work with Senator Barau to actualise the second term bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. GCFR come to 2027. To this effect, Im directing all coordinators of my association to join APC and work for President Tinubu. Atiku Abubakar was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, where he came second. He left the PDP and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), alongside other opposition leaders, formed to challenge President Tinubu in 2027. His sons public endorsement of President Tinubu, widely perceived as his fathers political rival, would generate mixed reactions. The development could complicate Atikus political calculations should he emerge as the ADCs presidential candidate. Politics without borders Welcoming Mr Abubakar into the party, the APC National Vice Chairman (North-east), Mustapha Salihu, praised his decision, describing it as a sign of political maturity. Today is one of my happiest days. We are looking beyond old social and political cleavages. This young man has seen the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration and decided to align with them, he said. He assured Mr Abubakar of equal rights and privileges within the party. Decision based on ideology The deputy senate president also commended Mr Abubakar for his decision to join the ruling party, describing his defection as ideologically driven. READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom forest reserve dispute deepens as police arraign advocate for allegedly defaming Eno You have made a decision based on ideology. You didnt come here because of your father. You came because you believe in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his ideology and the Renewed Hope Agenda. He is young, focused and determined to contribute to shaping the future of our country. This is the kind of youth Nigeria needs, Mr Jibrin said. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday published the revised voter register for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ahead of the 21 February Area Council Election, with a total of 1,680,315 registered voters. INEC Director of Publicity and Voter Education, Victoria Eta-Messi, in a statement issued in Abuja said that the voter register had been presented to political parties during a stakeholders meeting in Abuja. Mrs Etta-Messi quoted the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for FCT, Aminu Idris, as describing the exercise as a critical constitutional requirement in the commissions preparations for the election. Mr Idris, while speaking at the meeting, recalled that INEC resumed the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) on 18 August, 2025, beginning with online pre-registration and followed by physical registration nationwide from 29 September, 2025. He explained that in compliance with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the CVR was suspended in the FCT on 12 October. 2025 to allow the commission revise the register of voters for the area council election. The REC said that the revision process, carried out in pursuant to Section 10(6) of the Electoral Act, involved biometric duplication of the register, its display for claims and objections and the compilation of a supplementary list arising from the exercise. The revised register, according to him, now supersedes all the previous registers. Mr Idris disclosed that the total number of registered voters in the FCT increased from the 1,570,307 recorded in 2023 to 1,680,315, adding that detailed statistics were made available to political parties at the meeting. He also briefed stakeholders on the commissions level of preparedness for the area council election which will fill 62 councillorship seats and six chairmanship positions across the FCT. He listed the activities already carried out by the commission to include: monitoring of party primaries, publication of final lists of candidates and commencement of campaign monitoring. Others, according to him, are receipt of non-sensitive materials, activation of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), voter education, stakeholder engagement and collaboration with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES). The REC urged political parties and candidates to sustain the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the FCT and intensify voter mobilisation ahead of the election. He also announced that PVCs for newly-registered voters as well as those who applied for transfer or updates during the CVR exercise, had been delivered to the FCT. Mr Idris stated that INE would announce the commencement date for PVC collection in due course. In a related development, INEC has resumed the continuous voter registration exercise in Anambra State. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC had, on 20 July, 2025, suspended the CVR exercise to enable it clean up the voters register and produce PVCs, ahead of the 8 November, 2025 governorship election in the state. According to INEC, the resumption of the CVR exercise at the Anambra office and the 21 local government area offices is expected to provide eligible voters the opportunity to register and update their records. The commission added that it would also enable registered voters to apply for replacement of lost or damaged PVCs and transfer their voting locations, ahead of the 2027 general elections. (NAN) The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday dismissed an application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for the suspension of the enforcement of its earlier order directing the unsealing of Proxy Night Club in Victoria Island. The judge, Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, delivered the ruling after hearing arguments from both parties. According to a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the filings shared with PREMIUM TIMES, the NDLEA had filed a Notice of Appeal on 10 December 2025, formally challenging the 5 December 2025 ruling that ordered the nightclub to reopen. On the same day, the agency also filed a motion seeking to stay execution of the order, requesting that the club remain sealed pending the appeal to preserve evidence. The nightclub operators responded on 11 December 2025 with a counter-affidavit, arguing that the NDLEAs application was procedurally flawed, legally unsound, and lacked sufficient grounds to prevent the reopening of the club. At the hearing, NDLEA lawyer B. S. Abdullahi urged the court to grant the stay, stating that the agency had filed a three-count criminal charge against the defendants, including conspiracy, possession of hard drugs, and unlawfully allowing the premises to be used for a drug party. Mr Abdullahi warned that reopening the club could render the appeal meaningless. The NDLEA also reminded the court that it had previously sought an interim forfeiture of the nightclub on 25 November 2025 through a motion ex parte, which was refused. The agency subsequently filed a notice of appeal against both the refusal of forfeiture and the unsealing order. The lawyer to the nightclub operators, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), opposed the application, describing the NDLEAs repeated filing as forum shopping. He argued that the prosecution had the duty to prove at trial that the premises were used for drug-related activities and that prohibited substances were recovered there. He also warned that a stay would unduly restrain the defendants from running their lawful business and impose hardship on staff. Ruling After considering submissions from both sides, Mr Lewis-Allagoa agreed with the defence, dismissing the NDLEAs application for lacking merit. The ruling effectively upheld the order directing the unsealing of Proxy Night Club. The court noted that the NDLEA failed to demonstrate the special or exceptional circumstances required to justify a stay of execution. Mr Lewis-Allagoa reaffirmed the unsealing order and granted an order for substituted service of Form 48 (Notice of Consequences of Disobedience of Court Order) on the NDLEA Chairman. The judge admonished the chairman to comply fully and promptly with all court orders relating to Proxy Night Club. Background The matter traces back to a midnight raid on 26 October 2025, when the NDLEA seized 384.662 kilograms of Nitrous oxide and 200 grams of Cannabis Sativa at Proxy Night Club. Lagos socialite Mike Nwalie Nwogu, popularly known as Pretty Mike, and over 100 guests were arrested but later granted bail on 7 November 2025. Following the raid, the NDLEA moved to secure interim forfeiture of the nightclub, alleging it was used for drug-related activities. Mr Lewis-Allagoa refused the application, citing the constitutional presumption of innocence under Section 36 of the Nigerian constitution and property rights under Section 44 of the constitution, and subsequently ordered the nightclub to be unsealed within 72 hours. The court empowered the management to reopen the premises if the agency failed to comply. The judge adjourned further hearing until 9 and 10 February. Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has hailed the Super Eagles for their beautiful display throughout the 120 minutes of play against the hosts country Morocco in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Super Eagles lost 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out after a dramatic semi-final game played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat, Morocco. Obi, a former governor of Anambra, in a message posted on his X handle on Thursday, described the match as a battle well fought. According to him, it was a battle well fought, and heads were not bowed. Thank you for a beautiful 120 minutes of incredible play. You showed your strength and prowess against all odds. The journey is not over. You have made the nation proud. Keep your heads high, the Eagle never stopped soaring. There is another stage, lets go get that medal, you have done well, he said. The Super Eagles will take on Egypt on Saturday in a third-place play-off in Casablanca. (NAN) The Chairperson of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has commended Nigerias Super Eagles for their gallant display at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He said that the monetary pledged by made him still stands in spite of the semifinal defeat by host Morocco. Nigerias Super Eagles suffered a heartbreaking loss from the 2025 AFCON after losing 4-2 on penalties to host Morocco in a tense semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat on Wednesday. Mr Rabiu praised the players courage, unity and determination, describing their performance as worthy of national pride and celebration. The disclosed this in his official X handle, where he congratulated the Super Eagles for their impressive performance and national pride. You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage on the pitch. Every Nigerian is proud of you, Mr Rabiu said. He noted that results do not always reflect effort, stressing that the teams fighting spirit and passion resonated strongly with Nigerians at home and abroad. Sometimes our best efforts dont bring the outcome we desire, but the spirit and unity you displayed truly matter. I am going ahead with the $500,000 pledge in recognition of your hard work, dedication and the joy you brought to our nation, he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Rabiu had earlier promised the reward following Nigerias 2-0 victory over Algeria in the AFCON 2025 quarter-final. Mr Rabiu urged the players to remain focused, expressing confidence that the lessons from the tournament would inspire future success. Keep your heads high. This experience will fuel greater victories. Nigeria believes in you, the BUA Chairperson said. (NAN) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan speaks at a press briefing in Istanbul, Turkiye, Jan. 15, 2026. Turkiye opposes any military operation against Iran and supports efforts to preserve regional stability, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a press briefing on Thursday. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye/Handout via Xinhua) ISTANBUL, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye opposes any military operation against Iran and supports efforts to preserve regional stability, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said here on Thursday. At a press briefing, Fidan said he hoped the United States and Iran would resolve the matter between themselves, either through mediators, other parties, or direct negotiations. He stressed that dialogue remains the only viable path to resolving disputes, warning that any large-scale instability in Iran would exceed the region's capacity to absorb its consequences. Emphasizing Turkiye's close ties with its eastern neighbor, Fidan said developments in Iran are of direct concern to Ankara. Fidan added that Iran must address its internal problems, resolve disputes with neighboring countries, and pursue diplomacy on the nuclear issue to remove the structural causes of its economic difficulties. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan speaks at a press briefing in Istanbul, Turkiye, Jan. 15, 2026. Turkiye opposes any military operation against Iran and supports efforts to preserve regional stability, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a press briefing on Thursday. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye/Handout via Xinhua) A former Chief of Defence Staff, Theophilus Danjuma, has withdrawn a N1 billion defamation suit he filed against Paul Rika and his ministry, the Holiness Revival Ministry Worldwide (HOREMOW). The Lagos State High Court struck out the suit on 12 January after Mr Danjuma filed a notice of discontinuance, effectively closing a case that had been pending for more than a year. Although the retired Nigerian Army general did not issue an official statement on the withdrawal, multiple sources familiar with the matter told PREMIUM TIMES that the decision followed sustained interventions by prominent Christian leaders and respected traditional rulers from across the country. Background to the dispute The suit arose from a Christian publication authored by Mr Rika in September 2024, titled Gods Message to Kuteb Tribe and Indigenes of Taraba State. Mr Danjuma, who is from Taraba State, stated that parts of the book portrayed him negatively and harmed his reputation both within and outside Nigeria. Through his legal team, led by Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, he sought a public apology, a retraction and N1 billion in damages. However, Mr Rika and HOREMOW denied the allegations, insisting that the publication was a religious message meant for spiritual reflection and not a personal attack on any individual. Behind-the-scenes reconciliation Sources close to the parties stated that the dispute had concerned community leaders, particularly in Taraba State, where both men hold considerable influence. According to the sources, senior Christian clerics, church leaders and traditional rulers intervened, urging both sides to de-escalate tensions and resolve the matter amicably to prevent further divisions within the Christian community and the state. The appeal was that this matter should not further polarise the church or the community, a source familiar with the mediation efforts told PREMIUM TIMES on condition of anonymity. There was a strong emphasis on forgiveness, reconciliation and the responsibility of respected leaders to set an example. Court proceedings At the resumed hearing before Justice J. O. Pedro, counsel to Mr Danjuma, Moses Agbede, informed the court that the claimant had decided to discontinue the suit. Lawyers representing Mr Rika and HOREMOW confirmed receipt of the notice and did not oppose the withdrawal, but requested costs be awarded to cover expenses incurred during the proceedings. Justice Pedro subsequently struck out the case and awarded N250,000 in costs against Mr Danjuma in favour of the defendants. Reactions Following the ruling, Mr Rika welcomed the outcome, describing it as a resolution that strengthened his confidence in the judicial process. Supporters of the cleric and his ministry also expressed relief, saying the development was timely and would promote unity within the church and the wider society. The defamation claim ended without a full trial or a judicial determination on its merits. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, has reaffirmed the countrys commitment to protecting its citizens rights and freedom. He said that the country is also committed to safeguarding public order and national security through targeted reforms, to ease economic pressure and restore calm. Mr Raja said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, against the backdrop of the recent unrest and protests in the country driven by economic grievances and public dissatisfaction with living conditions. According to him, expression of such demands, through lawful and peaceful means, is the legitimate right of citizens. Mr Raja said, However, developments on the ground indicate that in some cases, these protests are diverted from their original path and escalated into unrest, shaped by hidden agendas and foreign interference. Respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, has consistently been emphasised by Iran as enshrined in its Constitution and domestic laws. These rights provide a framework for expressing legitimate demands, encouraging active civic participation, and contributing to social cohesion and public trust. The Iranian government has undertaken economic support measures, strengthened social welfare mechanisms, expanded employment opportunities, and implemented targeted reforms to ease economic pressures and restore calm. Emphasis on dialogue and engagement with the public reflects the belief that lasting stability can only be achieved through constructive communication and responsible policy. The envoy decried recent interventions by certain hostile states and organised terrorist groups that backed them, resulting in increased insecurity, violent clashes, unrest, and the loss of lives. Evidence indicated such actions were coordinated within Iranian territory with the aim of transforming peaceful protests into violence and instability. The scale and intensity of such foreign-backed activities grew in recent days, directly threatening public safety and social order, he said. According to him, such threats and interventions, regardless of any political pretext or verbal framing, are absolutely prohibited under international law. Any attempt to provoke, encourage, or legitimise internal unrest as a pretext for external pressure or military intervention constitutes a blatant violation of the sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity of Iran. It is a clear breach of international law and the United Nations Charter. These actions contravene Articles 2(1), 4, and 7 of the UN Charter, as well as UN General Assembly Resolution 2625 of 1970. Furthermore, under international law, encouraging, supporting, or facilitating subversive or violent activities within one country, even from another countrys territory, constitutes an international wrongful act and directly incurs responsibility for the interfering state. The Iranian nation responded decisively, demonstrating unity, resilience, and a strong commitment to preserving national security and stability, he said. Mr Raja noted that the hostile policies, threats and interventionist actions of the United States and the Zionist regime played a significant role in attempts to destabilise Irans internal environment. He said that through unilateral sanctions, political and security pressure, and support for destabilising groups, the actors pursued objectives that not only contradicted international laws but also undermined regional and domestic stability. The Islamic Republic of Iran maintains that protecting citizens rights and freedom while safeguarding public order and national security are inseparable principles. READ ALSO: Nigerian govt inaugurates committee to improve power supply in health facilities Supporting peaceful expression, addressing economic and social concerns, promoting dialogue, and firmly confronting terrorism and foreign interference together form a balanced approach toward stability, social justice, and sustainable development. As demonstrated in the past 47 years, the Islamic Republic of Iran does not allow any foreign country to interfere in its internal affairs. It has consistently defended its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. Iran remains firmly committed to these principles and will continue to act decisively in their defence, Mr Raja said. (NAN) A Grade A Customary Court at Mapo, Ibadan, has dissolved the 30-year-old marriage between two police officers: Gladys Faniyi and her husband, Abayomi Faniyi. The courts president, S. M. Akintayo, held on Thursday that she dissolved the marriage in the interest of peaceful coexistence after Gladys complained of constant domestic violence and infidelity. The marriage between the petitioner and the respondent has ceased to be henceforth, because the duo no longer wish to continue to live together as husband and wife. Abayomi is directed to be responsible for the childrens education and other needs, Mrs Akintayo said. She granted an order restraining Abayomi from embarrassing and harassing Gladys forthwith. Gladys, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), had said she was in court to seek an end to the domestic violence against her and to make Abayomi responsible for his childrens well-being. My lord, ever since I moved in with Abayomi on Sept. 23, 1996, it has been one day, one problem, in our matrimony. He keeps complaining and beating me. In 2010, we relocated to Lagos from Port Harcourt, yet nothing changed for the better. In 2018, I was forced to pack out of his house, and the children followed me. I decided to end this marriage because I told Abayomi to stop bringing his girls to our matrimonial home, but he did not stop. Ive been solely responsible for sending the children to school and paying their fees. Contrary to what he has been telling the people, I did not deny him access to the children, and I did not present any report of him at any police station, Gladys explained. Responding, Abayomi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), argued that his wife was too troublesome and that he had tried all he could to manage her, but she was unrepentant. Abayomi further stated that he once gave her a blow, causing her to hit her mouth on a table during a particular misunderstanding. He added that Gladys drew his manhood, an action that was capable of causing him serious harm. My lord, Gladys keeps friends, and most of them are male; she never gave me any tangible reason for their friendship. Worst still, Ive caught her red-handed with one of those men before. Ive been responsible for the children, and I was even the one who took the one in Canada to the airport, converted naira to dollars for him and even sent him pocket money. She has been denying me access to them. That same child sent me a terrible text message, insulting me, Abayomi stated. (NAN) The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 23 January to hear an application by the Kabiru Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stay further proceedings in a suit brought by a rival faction aligned with Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Judge Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday adjourned the matter to allow the Wike-aligned faction, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Onyechi Ikpeazu, to respond to the motion for stay filed by the Turaki-led faction of the party. The Mr Wike-led faction of PDP, through its acting chairperson Mohammed Abdulrahman and factional secretary Samuel Anyanwu had filed the suit on 21 November last year to restrain the Mr Turaki-led group from representing the party and to bar the police and SSS from granting them access to the PDP secretariat in Abuja. The development followed separate rulings by Federal High Court judges James Omotosho and Peter Lifu on 31 October and 11 November last year, which initially stopped the PDP from holding its national convention. Despite the rulings, the Mr Turaki-led faction went ahead to organise the convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, between 15 and 16 November 2025, electing its national officers. The Mr Wike-aligned faction rejected the convention as illegitimate and later filed a suit seeking to nullify it. Chris Uche, also a SAN, representing the Turaki-led PDP faction, told the court that on 5 December 2025 they had applied for the recusal of Judge Abdulmalik from the matter, prompting an adjournment for the plaintiffs to respond. Although the judge made an order pending the motion, they (the plantiffs) had filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal (CA/ABJ/CV/1770/2025), he said. The defence lawyer further clarified that they had filed an affidavit to notify the judge of the appeal. Records have been fully transmitted and the plaintiffs are very much aware and have taken steps to file processes in the appeal, he said. He added that a motion for stay of further proceedings in the suit pending the appeal had also been filed. He argued that once an appeal is entered, the trial court cannot continue with the case, citing the 2021 case of Secondus vs. Ibaochi Alex. He therefore asked the court to stay proceedings pending the appeal and to adjourn the matter. Plentiffs disagree Responding, the plaintiffs lawyer, Mr Ikpeazu, acknowledged that an appeal had been filed but argued that it does not automatically stay proceedings. He said the nature of the appeal is crucial in deciding whether to continue. By virtue of Order 4, Rules 11(2) of the Court of Appeal Rules, Sub. 1 provides for a basis for the application they have just made, but Sub. 2 limits the scope of Sub. 1, he said, adding that a stay cannot be granted if the appeal does not affect the subject matter of the suit. The bottomline is that the appeal is against the interlocutory decision of my lord, he said, arguing that the court has the inherent power to make an order for parties to stay action while the subject matter is determined. Mr Ikpeazu further told the court that, under the rules of the Federal High Court, the judge had acted correctly in making the order. He added that the defence had not filed any application to set aside the ruling. He therefore urged the court to proceed, noting that an earlier order allowed all pending applications to be heard. When Judge Abdulmalik asked if he had been served with the application for stay, Mr Ikpeazu said he was only served the previous day. He added that he could respond on points of law, and would not need to file any written response. The judge directed him to file a formal response and adjourned the matter until 23 January for hearing of the motion to stay further proceedings in the suit. The suit The Wike-led PDP, including its acting National Chairman Alhaji Mohammed Abdulrahman, and factional National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, filed the suit seeking an injunction to restrain the Turaki-led leadership from presenting themselves as PDP officials in any capacity. They also asked the court to bar the police and the State Security Service (SSS) from granting the Turaki-led group access to the partys national secretariat at Wadara Plaza, Abuja. The plaintiffs sought to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from recognising any other office address for the Turaki-led faction apart from the one already on its records. They further prayed the court to declare that INEC, the police, and the SSS are constitutionally bound to enforce the decisions of the Federal High Court as delivered by Judges James Omotosho and Peter Lifu. Judges alleged partisanship Judge Abdulmalik had earlier granted an ex-parte motion by the plaintiffs, directing that no party take any action pending the hearing and determination of the suit. In reaction to that ruling, the defendants challenged the decision at the Court of Appeal and filed an application to stay proceedings pending the Appeal Courts decision. Through their lawyer, Mr Uche, they also filed a motion on notice asking Ms Abdulmalik to recuse herself, arguing that there was a reasonable apprehension of bias in how she had handled the suit. They therefore asked the judge to withdraw from the suit and remit the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge to determine the matter on its merit. Mr Uche gave 12 grounds for the application, arguing that the right to a fair hearing, including a right to an impartial tribunal, is guaranteed under the Nigerian constituiton. He said the fifth to twenty-fifth defendants had formally petitioned the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, requesting that no case concerning PDPs internal affairs be assigned to Judge Abdulmalik or two other judges of the Abuja judicial division, citing past conduct and perceived partisanship. The lawyer stated that the suit, filed on 21 November last year, was assigned to Judge Abdulmalik, who on 25 November made an ex-parte order against the defendants using a format similar to one previously used by Judge James Omotosho against them. He argued that, while appearing to refuse the motion on paper, the judge granted broader orders against the defendants, which he said went beyond coincidence. Mr Uche added that the ex-parte orders, issued without urgency, directly addressed and decided the main substance of the suit at a preliminary stage. The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, Joseph Oyewole, for appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. The recommendation was made alongside those of 35 other candidates for various judicial offices across the country at the Councils 110th meeting held on Wednesday, presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. The decisions were disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by NJC Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe. Mr Oyewole, who currently heads the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, was the only judicial officer recommended for elevation to the Supreme Court. He hails from Osun State but began his judicial career on the Lagos State High Court bench. High Court, Sharia Court and Customary Court appointments The Council approved 27 candidates for appointment as Judges of State High Courts across seven states, including six each for Borno and Plateau, five for Ekiti, four each for Niger and Delta, and one each for Taraba and Benue. It also recommended six Kadis for appointment to the Sharia Courts of Appeal, assigning three to Niger, two to Taraba, and one to Katsina. In addition, the NJC appointed two Judges to the Customary Court of Appeal in Delta State. According to the Council, all the recommendations followed a rigorous screening process, which included public input, background checks and interviews conducted by a seven-member Interview Committee, in strict compliance with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for the Appointment of Judicial Officers. These recommendations followed a rigorous screening process, including the consideration of public complaints and interviews conducted by a seven-member Interview Committee, the statement said. NJC, integrity screening controversy The NJCs clarification on its screening procedures comes against the backdrop of recent public controversy over claims that dozens of judicial nominees were disqualified through a purported integrity test. On 1 January, the Council denied media reports suggesting that 34 lawyers were dropped from consideration for appointment as judges of the Federal High Court after failing an integrity screening. In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES, the Secretary of the NJC, Ahmed Saleh, described the reports as inaccurate and unauthorised, insisting that they did not reflect what transpired during the judicial appointment process. Mr Saleh clarified that the processes referenced in the reports were conducted entirely by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) and not by the NJC, noting that the Council had not taken any decision regarding the candidates mentioned at the time. For the avoidance of doubt, the processes referenced in the report were conducted entirely at the level of the Federal Judicial Service Commission, and no decision or action has yet been taken by the National Judicial Council in respect of the candidates concerned, he said. The NJC further explained that while some candidates were discontinued at the FJSC stage due to adverse findings arising from petitions, others failed to attain the qualifying scores required to advance to the interview stage. It rejected claims that a newly introduced or stand-alone integrity test was used to disqualify candidates, noting that judicial appointments follow an established, merit-based process involving written examinations, background checks, consideration of petitions and structured interviews. Imo acting Chief Judges tenure extended At the meeting, the Council also approved a three-month extension of the appointment of the Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, I. O. Agugua. The NJC urged the Governor of Imo State to immediately commence the process of constituting the State Judicial Service Commission, to facilitate the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge. It stressed that the prompt appointment of a substantive Chief Judge is critical to ensuring stability, safeguarding judicial independence and promoting the effective administration of justice in the state. Below is the full list of recommended candidates. List of Recommended Candidates SUPREME COURT Hon. Justice Joseph Olubunmi Kayode Oyewole SIX HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR BORNO STATE Mustapha, Mallam Babagana Mustapha, Hadiza Grema James, Peter Bwala Zannah, Tijjani Babakura Alkali, Alhaji Umar Dunoma, Yahaya Alhaji SIX HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR PLATEAU STATE Maikai, Andrawus Kparbong, Tongret Nanman Nkwap, Diane Ngummai Mantu, John Ishaku Bature, Gavou Musa Mallan, Kingsley Mangai FIVE HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR EKITI STATE Adegoke, Olanike Caroline Bamise, Julius Sunday Bamidele Ajibare, Julius Akinyede, Stephen Rotimi Anoma, Adefunke Helen FOUR HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR NIGER STATE Abubakar, Adamu Ahmed, Bala Ndajiwo Gambo, Saadatu Abubakar Wushishi, Sulaiman Buhari FOUR HIGH COURT JUDGES FOR DELTA STATE Otite, Jonah Akporuaro Sam-Oligida, Jereoma Ukuli, Boeye Irene Adamidenyo, Otome Benjamin ONE HIGH COURT JUDGE FOR TARABA STATE Babagari, Mansura Mohammed THREE KADIS FOR SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, NIGER STATE Aboki, Usman Abdulrahman Mohammed, Yaaba Muhammad, Nasir Ibrahim TWO KADIS FOR SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, TARABA STATE Yakubu, Muhammad Aliyu, Yahaya Abubakar ONE KADI FOR SHARIA COURT OF APPEAL, KATSINA STATE Mutawakkil, Mustapha Salis TWO JUDGES FOR CUSTOMARY COURT OF APPEAL, DELTA STATE Ojeikere, Bridget Onome Okah, Stella Ovuorieroro The National Judicial Council (NJC) has cleared the Chief Judge of Osun State, Oyebola Ojo, of all allegations of financial impropriety and judicial misconduct levelled against her by judiciary workers in the state. The decision was taken during the Councils 110th meeting on Wednesday, presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. In a statement on Wednesday, NJC Deputy Director, Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, said the Council upheld the findings of a three-member investigation committee constituted to probe petitions against Mrs Ojo. The petitions were submitted by Eludire Kunle, a staff member of the Osun State Customary Court of Appeal and chairman of the state chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), alongside three others. Additional complaints came from the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbediran; Temitope Fasina; and a joint petition by the Osun State Attorney-General, Oluwole Bada, with four alleged members of the State Judicial Service Commission. Allegations against Mrs Ojo included unilateral suspension of judiciary staff, selective promotion, stoppage of training programmes, disobedience of court orders, and misappropriation of funds, including N7.4 million meant for judges and magistrates retreats, N5 million robe allowances, and proceeds from e-affidavits. The investigation committee concluded that the judiciary staff suspension complied with due process and followed the recommendation of the appropriate disciplinary committee. It affirmed that the State Judicial Service Commission exercises statutory authority over staff training and promotions. After examining all evidence, the committee found no proof that Mrs Ojo misappropriated robe allowances, retreat funds, or e-affidavit proceeds, and confirmed that she did not personally benefit from any financial transactions. Based on these findings, the committee recommended the dismissal of all petitions, a recommendation that the NJC fully adopted. In Osun State, court operations have been disrupted for well over a year due to strike actions organised by JUSUN as a result of unions unresolved grievances. Political interference from the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke has also contributed to the crisis. In November 2023, Governor Adeleke suspended Ms Ojo as the chief judge, over allegations of misconduct, abuse of power, corruption and disregard for rule of law levelled against her by the House of Assembly. The governor went further to name a High Court judge in the state, David Afolabi, as the Acting Chief Judge. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Afolabi rejected the appointment on the grounds that it was done by the governor without NJCs input as prescribed in the Nigerian constitution and judicial precedents. Mr Afolabi promptly communicated his decision not to accept the appointment to the NJC. The NJC had previously, under the chairmanship of then CJN Olukayode Ariwoola, instructed the state government to maintain the status quo, stressing that only the Council had constitutional authority to investigate judicial officers and recommend actions to the governor. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the suspension of the substantive chief judge by the governor, saying action negated the principle of separation of powers and was carried out in disregard of a court order. It said the governors action was unlawful as it failed to follow the constitutional procedure for removing a chief judge. NJC reverses Appeal Court judges suspension, other council decisions The NJC also on Wednesday dismissed a petition against Gentu Timi of the Delta State High Court over alleged professional misconduct in a chieftaincy dispute after the petitioner, Mbanefo Nwoko, withdrew it following resolution of the dispute. In another resolution, the Council reversed the one-year suspension without pay of Jane Inyang of the Court of Appeal, Uyo Division. Ms Inyang had been suspended for allegedly granting improper ex parte orders while presiding over a Federal High Court case in Uyo before her elevation. The NJC noted that the matter was already under appeal and the complaint was filed beyond the six-month statutory period. The Council further reviewed 39 petitions through its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, dismissing 26 as lacking merit, recommending seven for further investigation, and cautioning two judicial officers for procedural lapses, including delayed judgments and inappropriate language in court responses. The NJC reiterated its warning against indiscriminate granting of ex parte orders and advised Heads of Court to exercise caution when assigning complex cases to newly appointed judges. The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed 10 March for the hearing of a N1.2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and SaharaReporter publisher, Omoyele Sowore, against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and other officials. Other defendants in the suit are the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). Judge Mohammed Umar fixed the date for definite hearing after Mr Sowores lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, told the court that the case was scheduled for mention, but none of the defendants, who had been served with hearing notices, appeared or gave reasons for their absence. Mr Abubakar then asked the court to deem the matter mentioned and fix a date for definite hearing and adoption of processes, Consequently, the judge directed that hearing notice be served on all the defendants and adjourned it. The suit Mr Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), had sued the defendants following his arrest by police operatives on 23 October 2025 within the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where he had gone to attend court proceedings. He was arrested based on allegations that he participated in a protest calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, in a part of Abuja restricted by a court order. He had argued that no court order was served on him and committed no offence by participating in the protest. In the suit Mr Sowore said he was detained, restrained, and later arraigned on 24 October 2025. He described the actions as unlawful and a violation of his rights to liberty, dignity, and freedom of movement. He argued that the police acted arbitrarily, without due process, and abused their powers, prompting him to seek judicial redress. The arrest of the applicant by the agents of the respondents on 23rd October, 2025, is illegal, oppressive, unlawful, and constitutes a blatant violation of the applicants fundamental right to personal liberty as enshrined in Section 35(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his court filing read in part. He described his arraignment on 24 October 2024, as a continuation of the constitutional violations, saying it breached his right to dignity and freedom from arbitrary detention. He described the actions as unlawful and a violation of his rights to liberty, dignity, and freedom of movement. He argued that the police acted arbitrarily, without due process, and abused their powers, prompting him to seek judicial redress. An affidavit in support of the motion accused the police of resorting to self-help rather than due process. Prayers He sought N1.2 billion as compensation of the violation of his rights. He also asked the court to declare that his harassment, restraint, and detention on the same date violated his freedom of movement under Section 41(1) of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 12 of the African Charter. The human right activist also asked the court to order the AGF to initiate disciplinary actions against the IGP and the FCT Commissioner of Police under relevant laws, including the Anti-Torture Act of 2017 and the Violence Against Persons Act. The suit also sought an order mandating the IGP, Nigeria Police, and FCT Commissioner to tender a public apology to Sowore in at least three national newspapers for violating his rights. Former Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who has been named in the Dala Inland Dry Port Limited ownership scandal, received temporary relief as a court declined to order his arrest. Mr Ganduje and three other defendants face a 10-count charge involving criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds, breach of trust, and conflict of interest. The Kano State Government charged him alongside his aide, Abubakar Bawuro; his lawyer, Adamu Aliyu-Sanda; and the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Hassan Bello. On Wednesday, counsel for the state government, Yau Adamu, told the State High Court that an arrest warrant was necessary to secure the appearance of Mr Ganduje and the other defendants, as they had failed to appear in person. The states counsel applied to the court under Section 388 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Kano, requesting a bench warrant against all defendants for their failure to appear in the proceedings. However, the State High Court No. 2, sitting at the Audu Bako Secretariat Complex, turned down the request. The presiding judge, Yusuf Ubale, ruled that issuing a bench warrant at this stage would be premature. Preliminary Objections Mr Ganduje was represented by A.S. Gadanya, SAN, who, along with other defence counsel, objected to the states application. They prayed the court to hear their preliminary objections before proceeding with the arraignment of the defendants. Specifically, Mr Ganduje filed an objection challenging the service of the court processes. Since this is a jurisdictional issue, it must be determined before a bench warrant can be considered. Mr Ganduje is seeking to have the court set aside the order for substituted service, arguing that it is invalid, a nullity, and ultra vires (beyond the courts legal power). The court granted the application to hear the preliminary objections and adjourned the matter to 23 February for a hearing. The state government accused Mr Ganduje and other defendants of conspiring to fraudulently transfer 80 per cent of the shares of Dala Inland Dry Port, including the states 20 per cent equity, to private ownership under the fictitious name City Green Enterprise. The prosecution also alleged that the defendants diverted over 4.49 billion of Kano State funds to execute infrastructure projects, including a double carriageway, electricity, and perimeter fencing at the dry port, for their personal and family benefit. The defendants also faced charges of abuse of office and conflict of interest, as it was alleged that they leveraged their official roles to redirect public resources for personal benefit, thereby violating financial and constitutional regulations. Background PREMIUM TIMES exposed how Mr Ganduje secretly transferred the state governments 20 per cent stake in the facility to private hands, making his children co-owners of the company before awarding a contract worth more than N4 billion to provide infrastructure for the project. The transfer ended Kano States shareholding in the project, while Mr Gandujes children and aide, Abubakar Bawuro, became directors and shareholders. What Premium Times investigation exposed When Dala Inland Dry Port Limited was incorporated on 8 December 2003, its only directors were the founder, Ahmad Rabiu, and his son, Rabiu Ahmad Rabiu. Two years later, at an extraordinary general meeting on 19 January 2005, the board was expanded with the appointment of four new directors: Abdulaziz Haladu, Anwar Isyaku-Rabiu, Diepreye George, and Abdullahi Kwaru. Records obtained by this newspaper show that on 5 March 2020, Mr Gandujes three children and his longtime associate, Abubakar Bawuro, replaced Mr Rabius son and all other directors elected in 2005 as board members of the company. Minutes of the companys Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on 5 March 2020, at its Zaria Road office in Kano, confirmed the appointment of Abdulaziz Abdullahi Umar, Umar Abdullahi Umar, and Muhammad Abdullahi Umarall children of Mr Ganduje alongside Mr Bawuro as new directors of Dala Inland Dry Port Limited. It was also at the meeting that the state government was removed as a co-owner of the dry port and the Ganduje children were appointed, not just as directors, but also as shareholders with five million shares each. According to its ordinary resolution, the meeting was attended by all the shareholders, and it was unanimously resolved that Abdulaziz Abdullah Umar, Umar Abdullahi Umar, and Muhammad Abdullahi Umar the three children of Mr Ganduje be allotted five million shares each, each being 20 per cent of the total 25 million shares of the company. Mr Rabiu and Mr Bawuro were also each allotted 20 per cent, creating a new ownership structure of five equal shareholders, each with 20 per cent of the companys shares. This structure edged out the Kano State Government from the ownership of the company. The state government said due process was not followed in the divestment process, accusing Mr Ganduje of using his office to undermine the state. The former Governor of Kano State and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has reiterated his stance on a potential return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Speaking on Wednesday at his Miller Road residence in Kano, Mr Kwankwaso stated that he had always considered rejoining the party under strictly defined conditions for himself, supporters and the position of the state government. In a video shared on Facebook by his aide, Saifullahi Hassan, Mr Kwankwaso, speaking in Hausa, reiterated that he would not defect to the APC without a concrete agreement regarding his role, the future of his supporters, and the interests of the Kano State Government. I have never been opposed to moving to the APC. However, I always set conditions before leaving where I am or joining a new platform. I cannot simply join them without a solid agreement on the ground. I will not go to the APC blindly. I must be clearly informed of my role, the direction of this journey, and the fate of our plans for the common people. The position of our supporters and the Kano State Government. That has always been my stand. PREMIUM TIMES reported a day earlier how Mr Kwankwaso advised his supporters, who are being pressured to join the APC, to sign any document indicating their agreement to do so. Several of our supporters who currently hold political appointments, as well as members of the State Assembly, have reached out to me in distress, he said in Hausa. Many of them have been unable to sleep at night; some have reportedly been hospitalised, receiving medical treatment, while others are showing signs of severe emotional strain. After consulting closely with my associates, we agreed, purely in the interest of easing tension and protecting the well-being of our supporters, that anyone who is asked to sign such documents should do so, he stated this on Tuesday. Mr Kwankwasos entry into the APC has been speculated for a while, but it was reportedly being hindered by his feud with the former National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Ganduje. Mr Ganduje had imposed conditions that Mr Kwankwaso must fulfil to gain membership. A fresh controversy has emerged in the succession process for the vacant Awujale of Ijebuland stool, as an aspirant, popular Fuji Musician Wasui Ayinde, also known as KWAM 1, petitioned the Ogun State Government over alleged unlawful exclusion from the nomination exercise. The nomination process for the next Awujale took place on Monday at Bisrod Hall in Ijebu-Ode following clearance from the Ogun State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to kick off the exercise. The stool became vacant in July 2025 following the demise of the late Awujale, Oba Sikiru Adetona, at the age of 91. In a petition dated 12 January and addressed to the Ogun State Executive Council through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, KWAM 1 accused leaders of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of conducting a flawed and exclusionary nomination process. The Fuji star, through his lawyer, Wahab Shittu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), claimed he is a recognised and eligible member of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and an aspirant to the Awujale stool. According to the petition, the ruling house was formally invited by the Ijebu-Ode Local Government to convene a statutory meeting on 12 January for the nomination of candidates, in line with Ogun State chieftaincy laws and Ijebu customary practice. However, KWAM 1 alleged that when the meeting was held at a hotel in Ijebu-Ode, he and several other eligible members were prevented from gaining access to the venue. Heavily armed security personnel, including the Nigerian police and other security operatives, were reportedly stationed at the venue and were used to disenfranchise legitimate members. Entry to the meeting was restricted by the issuance of special entry cards, purportedly to delegates selected by a faction within the ruling house. This system of delegates was unilaterally introduced and was never agreed upon by Our Client or other disenfranchised members, who maintain their right to attend and participate directly in the statutory meeting of the Ruling House, the petition read. KWAM 1 said the delegate arrangement was unilateral and unlawful, arguing that it disenfranchised bona fide members of the ruling house who are entitled to participate directly in the nomination meeting. The artiste added that at least 14 other princes and princesses were listed as individuals allegedly denied entry into the meeting venue. The petition also claimed that video evidence of the incident was attached to support the allegations. Legal objections In the petition, kWAM 1s lawyer, Mr Shittu, argued that the 12 January nomination exercise violated the Obas and Chiefs Law of Ogun State, 2021, which requires that candidates be nominated at a properly constituted meeting of the ruling house. He also alleged a breach of the Awujale of Ijebuland Chieftaincy Declaration and a violation of the constitutional right to fair hearing guaranteed under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution. The deliberate exclusion of eligible members renders the entire nomination exercise fundamentally defective, unlawful and legally unsustainable, the petition said. The petitioners warned that any candidate emerging from the disputed process could face prolonged litigation, potentially destabilising the revered traditional institution. Prayers KWAM 1 urged the Ogun State Executive Council to declare the 12 January nomination exercise null and void and order a fresh, transparent and inclusive meeting of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House. He also asked the state government to ensure strict compliance with chieftaincy laws and to prevent further exclusion of eligible family members in the Awujale selection process. Declare the purported nomination exercise conducted by the Fusengbuwa Ruling House on January 12, 2026, as null, void, and of no effect whatsoever, owing to the fundamental breaches of statutory provisions, constitutional rights, and principles of natural justice. Direct a fresh, transparent, inclusive, and fair nomination exercise for the Awujale stool, ensuring that all eligible members of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, including Our Client, are accorded their right to participate without any form of inhibition or discrimination, the petition stated. The petition included a notice of intended legal action, stating that failure by the state government to intervene could lead to court proceedings. Should urgent and appropriate steps not be taken by the Executive Council to address these legitimate grievances within a reasonable time, Our Client reserves the unequivocal right to seek redress before competent courts of law and other appropriate authorities, without further recourse or notice, the petition read. Backstory The Awujale stool is the paramount traditional throne of Ijebuland in Ogun State, with succession regulated by customary law and an existing chieftaincy declaration recognising four ruling houses, Anikinaiya, Gbelegbuwa, Fusengbuwa and Fidipote, in a rotational order. After the death of Mr Adetona, kWAM 1 declared interest in the vacant stool. He claimed royal eligibility, saying he is descended from the Jadiara unit of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House and therefore qualified to take part in the nomination process. He also pointed to traditional titles earlier conferred on him as proof of his royal background. The Fusengbuwa Ruling House rejected the claim, insisting the Fuji musician is not a member of its lineage. Family leaders said checks carried out within the house showed no ancestral link between Mr Ayinde and the Jadiara unit. The ruling house said the genealogy he submitted as invalid. Meanwhile, the Fidipote Ruling House, where KWAM 1 is traditionally linked through chieftaincy titles, separately argued that alleged procedural lapses by Fusengbuwa could affect its right to present candidates under Ogun State chieftaincy laws. KWAM 1 later petitioned the Ogun State governor, accusing the Fusengbuwa Ruling House of deliberately using procedures to shut him out of the nomination exercise, which he said breached chieftaincy laws. He also approached the court seeking an injunction to stop the selection process, but the application was refused. He subsequently withdrew the suit in December 2025. MOSCOW, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Russia has decided to expel a British embassy employee for alleged affiliation with the British special services, the Russian foreign ministry said Thursday. The ministry said it summoned the British charge d'affaires in Russia on Thursday and lodged a strong protest regarding the issue. The ministry has decided to revoke the accreditation of the employee and ordered him to leave Russia within two weeks. "Moscow will not tolerate the activities of undeclared British special services staff on Russian territory," it said, adding that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will give a decisive "mirror" response. Tension is building within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, as its founding members accuse the new members who joined the party alongside Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom of marginalising them in party affairs. Mr Eno and some of his cabinet members and supporters defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in June last year to the APC. The governor claimed he defected to the APC in order to connect Akwa Ibom with the centre, since the APC is the ruling party at the national level. He also claimed that he left the PDP because he wants to campaign freely for President Bola Tinubus re-election in 2027. PREMIUM TIMES became aware of the rift in the Akwa Ibom APC after Unyime Ekwere, an APC chieftain and journalist, posted a public appeal on his Facebook page on 3 January, urging Governor Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the party leadership to include founding members in the party affairs. In his post, Mr Ekwere praised the governor for setting up an eight-man Congress Implementation Committee ahead of the 2026 congresses but warned that friendly but consistent feelers suggested that some older members of the APC felt excluded from consultations and decision-making. When contacted by PREMIUM TIMES, several older members of the APC echoed those concerns, describing the committee as symbolic of a broader power shift within the party. Stakeholders must be accommodated Okon Ime Okon Ime, a former President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, an influential socio-cultural group in Akwa Ibom, stated that the issue was not about personal ambition but rather a clamour for recognition of those who had held the party together during difficult years. I have been a contestant on several occasions, but I dont mind if I am not included. However, the main stakeholders should be accommodated, he said. For those who have held the party together for all the warring years, Amadu Attai (a former APC chairman in Akwa Ibom) should be accommodated in the new arrangements. Mr Ime contested multiple elections, including state and federal legislative elections, on the APC platform. Unrecognised, unrewarded sacrifices Christopher Enoch, another APC chieftain in Akwa Ibom, said original members and long-time aspirants felt sidelined despite their sacrifices. He explained that many of them financed and sustained the party long before Governor Enos defection and believed they should be carried along, especially as the party prepares for the 2027 general elections. We are not opposed to bringing in the new members of the APC, but include and integrate the old ones so that they have that sense of belonging, he said. The party has to be one. I want us to build one united party, he added. Mr Enoch added that the exclusion might not reflect the governors personal intentions. I can tell you that is not the governors doing but the people he is working with are self-centred. Insulting and demeaning Another member, who requested anonymity, was blunt, accusing recent defectors to the APC of taking over the party structures. The congress implementation committee, beginning from the chairperson to the last man, is not APC. I say it boldly, none of them is APC, he said. This party was built on sweat and struggle, the source said, questioning why no figures associated with former APC standard-bearers such as Nsima Ekere or Akan Udofia were included. Even the stakeholders of the APC, no foundation member is part of it. How insulting, how demeaning? Who controls the APC congress committee? Before Governor Eno defected to the APC, the party in Akwa Ibom State was already composed of competing power blocs. These blocs crystallised around major political figures who entered the party at different stages, including former senator John Akpanudoedehe, who had at some point claimed ownership of the APC in the state, former deputy governor Nsima Ekere, former minister of Niger Delta Affairs Umana Okon Umana, former presidential aide Ita Enang, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who was the last of the heavyweights to join the APC in 2018 before Mr Eno. Unlike the PDP in Akwa Ibom, which historically operated under a single leadership structure, the APC functioned as a coalition of rival interests. Integrating these blocs and managing these rival interests has remained one of the most herculean political tasks facing Mr Eno ahead of the 2027 elections. That complexity is reflected in the composition of the APCs eight-member Congress Implementation Committee. The committee is chaired by Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, with Patrick Umoh, the member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, serving as secretary. Other members are Frank Archibong, commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Nsentip Akpabio, a brother of the Senate President; Uwem Okoko, a state government contractor; Ubokutom Nya, director-general of Senator Akpabios 2023 senatorial campaign; Owoidighe Ekpoatai, a former federal lawmaker; and Uno Uno, a serving local government chairman. The composition of the committee suggests a 5:3 power-sharing ratio between Governor Enos bloc and Mr Akpabios bloc. Mr Uwah and four others Messrs Archibong, Okoko, Ekpoatai, and Uno are political actors who defected to the APC alongside Governor Eno in 2025. On the other side, Mr Umoh, Mr (Nsentip) Akpabio, and Mr Nyah are loyalists of the Senate president. Conspicuously absent, however, are representatives of other long-established APC blocs, particularly those linked to Mr Ekere, Mr Umana, and Mr Enang. For many founding members, the exclusion reinforces the perception that the committee and by extension the partys congress process is being controlled by two dominant blocs, leaving little space for the older members who sustained the APC during its years as an opposition party. Sheathe your swords Eno The current mistrust contrasts sharply with Governor Enos conciliatory tone when he defected to the APC in June last year. Acknowledging the partys history of internal division, the governor urged members to embrace reconciliation, stressing that he was not entering the party from a position of vulnerability. I want to make it emphatically clear that we are not joining the APC from a position of weakness but from a position of strength. We are bringing values to the APC in Akwa Ibom state, he said. Calling for unity, the governor said: Let us sheath our swords as we begin to work together Let us put the past bitterness behind us. Nearly eight months later, many founding members say those words now ring hollow, warning that those unresolved grievances could resurface during the February congresses and shape the APCs fortunes heading into 2027. The Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah did not respond to calls for comment on how the state government respond to concerns by founding APC members that the dominance of recent defectors in the congress committee suggests an attempt by the Governor Eno bloc to consolidate political control ahead of 2027 at the expense of internal party balance and trust. PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately reach the Chairman of the APC in Akwa Ibom, Stephen Ntukekpo for his comment. The FCT High Court in Abuja Abuja, on Thursday, dismissed the criminal defamation charges brought against Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over her public comments accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Yahaya Bello of plotting to assassinate her. This followed the notice of discontinuance the federal government filed on 12 December 2025 to terminate the case. Acting on the notice on Thursday, prosecution lawyer, Aderonke Imana, urged trial judge Chizoba Orji to strike out the charges. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans lawyer, West Idahosa, also asked the court to dismiss the case, but pleaded for the release of all documents belonging to the defendant and her bail sureties. The prosecution lawyer did not oppose Mr Idahosas request. The judge then dismissed the case. He simiarly discharged the sureties who guaranteed Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans bail after she was arraigned and ordered all the documents submitted to fulfill the bail conditions to the senator. The matter is one of the two cases the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) filed against the senator last year over her public comments accusing Mr Akpabio and Mr Bello of plotting to assassinate her. The second case, which accused her of cyberbullying, was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the AGF office had similarly filed a notice of discontinuance of the cyberbullying case at the Federal High Court. Take notice that the Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation intends to discontinue proceeding in this matter, read the notice signed by a team of lawyers comprising the immediate past Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), M.B. Abubakar, and Ms Imana, an Assistant Chief State Counsel at the Federal Ministry of Justice. It is expected that the Federal High Court will soon schedule proceedings for the prosecution to also enforce the already filed notice of discontinuance. This will enable the court to officially strike out the charges. Background The Nigerian government, through the DPPF, filed the first case against her on 16 May 2025 at the FCT High Court in Abuja, over the her assassination plot comment. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was suspended from the Senate for six months in March 2025, was accused of making the remarks during a homecoming rally in her hometown, Ihima, Kogi State, on 1 April 2025, and in a live interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on 3 April 2025. Mr Abubakar, the then Director of DDPF, who signed the charges, stated that the senator made the assassination imputation knowing or having reason to believe that it would harm the reputations of Messrs Akpabio and Bello. The senator was charged under Section 391 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990, which criminalises imputations made with the intent or knowledge that they could harm a persons reputation. The later case filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja contained six counts, which similarly hovered over her public remarks about Messrs Akpabio and Bello allegedly attempting to assassinate her. The case accused Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan of cyberbullying and defaming the two men. The charge quoted her as telling her audience in Ihima on 1 April 2025, and Akpabio told Yahaya Bello, I am saying, standing by what I have said. He told him that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja; it should be done here, so it will seem as if it is the people that killed me here Another count in the case accused her of a cybercrime offence by saying during a live interview on Channel Televisions Politics Today, on 3 April, Seun, I am glad you did affirm that I am a lawyer, and even if lam not a lawyer, l am a sane individual, and I do stand by what I said, it was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had witn Yahaya Betlo thac night, ehm to eliminate me The charge also quoted her as saying that shortly a week after, which was the 14th, a week and a few days later when he met with him, he then emphasised that I should be killed but I should be killed in Kogi The prosecutors said the remarks could harm the reputation of Messrs Akpabio and Bello. They said she thereby committed offences in sections 24 (1)(b) and 24 (2)(c) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024 and punishable under the same sections of the Act. Among the witnesses lined up against her were Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State; Ekpenyong Asuquo, a senator, Reno Omokri and Sandra Duru. Both Messrs Akpabio and Bello denied the assassination plot allegation. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was recalled to the senate in September 2025 at the end of her six-month suspension, had pleaded not guilty to the charges in both cases. The Sokoto State Government, on Thursday, stated that it had approved the evacuation of Tidibale village in the Isa Local Government Area, following a reported threat by terrorism kingpin Bello Turji. The governments response followed a viral video that showed villagers fleeing their homes in fear. Residents said Mr Turji recently killed three residents and ordered the entire population to vacate the area. A resident and head of the Sokoto Movement for Social Justice and Good Governance, Basharu Altine, confirmed that Mr Turji personally issued the directive on 9 January during a visit to the community. According to Mr Altine, Mr Turji provided no specific reason for the order, but the lack of adequate security presence left the villagers with no choice but to comply. Residents have to comply and vacate because their communities are sparsely policed, Mr Altine told PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, adding that about 2,000 residents were affected by the terrorists evacuation notice. However, the state government stated that it approved the evacuation as a temporary measure to ensure the safety of lives and property while the security agencies assess the situation. It said the assessment has been completed and the villagers have returned home. In a statement on Thursday, Abubakar Bawa, the spokesperson for the state governor, said local authorities had asked residents to temporarily relocate to a safer zone following rumours that bandits were targeting the area. The Sokoto State Government wishes to categorically clarify that the individuals in the video are indeed residents of Tidibale village in Isa Local Government Area, but were not chased away by bandits. Rather, they were temporarily conveyed to the Isa Local Government headquarters by council authorities following a rumour that bandits were planning an attack on the community, the statement read. Mr Bawa said the local government authorities ordered the evacuation as a precautionary measure after news of the potential threat created tension and anxiety among the residents. The councillor representing the ward, Hon. Dayyabu Sani, promptly reported the matter to the Chairman of Isa Local Government Area, Alhaji Sherifu Kamarawa. Consequently, the Chairman directed that the villagers be temporarily relocated to the local government headquarters as a precautionary measure. Mr Bawa said the residents have returned to their homes after the government established a security presence to boost local confidence. The affected residents have since returned safely to their ancestral homes in Tidibale village, while security agencies have intensified patrols in the area to forestall any possible breach of peace by criminal elements. In furtherance of efforts to guarantee the safety of lives and property in Tidibale village and surrounding communities, the Sokoto State Government has approved the establishment of a Forward Operations Base (FOB) in the area to complement existing security formations in Isa Local Government Area. The Sokoto State Government reassures the people of the state, particularly those in security-challenged areas, of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property at all times. The Government will continue to work closely with conventional security agencies, the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, and vigilante groups to safeguard rural communities across the state. The Government also warns against the politicisation of security issues and urges citizens to cooperate fully with government and security agencies in the fight against banditry, including exposing informants living within their communities. Furthermore, members of the public are strongly advised to desist from spreading rumours, particularly on security-related matters, due to their sensitive nature and the panic they often generate, Mr Bawa said. The Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, has been offered admission to Northwest University, Kano to pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree. The university, in a statement signed by Head of the Examinations, Admissions and Records Department, Jafaru Muhammad, disclosed that Mr Sanusi has been admitted into the 200-level (Direct Entry) for the 2024/2025 academic session. He will be specialising in LL.B. Common and Sharia Law. The official admission letter, delivered to the Kano Emirate Council (Gidan Rumfa), confirmed that the applicant met the universitys requirements for special admission. The institution further advised the monarch to adhere to all university regulations throughout his registration and course of study. The new academic pursuit adds to Mr Sanusis academic profile after his career as former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Mr Sanusi holds an undergraduate degree in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University (1981) and a Masters degree in the same field (1983). Most recently, in 2024, he completed a PhD in Islamic Law at SOAS University of London, specialising in social reform and family law. The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, struck out cybercrime charges against the senator representing Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Trial Judge Mohammed Umar struck out the charges following the notice of discontinuance filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), who was prosecuting the case. The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the development came just a few hours after another judge, Chizoba Orji of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), struck out criminal defamation charges against the senator. Both cases centre around Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans public comments in April last year accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello were plotting her assassination. The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation alleged in the two cases that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan made the comments on a live television programme and during her homecoming rally in her hometown,Ihima, in Kogi State, to damage the reputations of Messrs Akpabio and Bello. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, her lawyers and the prosecution team were all seated in court when the judge called the parties into the chamber where the notice of discontinuance was moved by prosecution counsel, Aderonke Imana. The judge granted the request to strike out the charges during the sitting in camera. The senators lawyer, Ehioge West-Idahosa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), did not oppose the application. Mr West-Idahosa, however, urged the court to release all documents belonging to the defendant and her sureties. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan was arraigned on 30 June 2025 on six counts of cybercrimes. She was granted bail, following which the judge, Mr Umar adjourned the matter until 22 September 2025 for the commencement of trial. Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the charge marked: was alleged to have transmitted false and injurious information via electronic means with the intention to malign, incite and endanger lives and breach public order. The senator was alleged to have, while addressing a gathering on 4 April in Ihima in Kogi State, accused the Senate President Akpabio, of instructing ex-Governor Bello to have her killed in the state. She was also alleged to have, in a television interview, repeated similar claims, to the effect that the senate president and former governor plotted to kill her in Kogi State The charge was brought under the Cybercrimes Prohibition, Prevention, etc (Amendment) Act 2024. Reacting to the withdrawal of the two cases filed by the federal government against her, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan said that the cases were not part of those mentioned by the senate president in church. I will like to mention for clarity that these cases do not form part of the cases the Senate President mentioned in church. As at today, he has not instructed his lawyers to discontinue several cases that he and his wife initiated. The withdrawal of these two federal government cases against me only proved what we had always known, which is that these cases were maliciously instigated by two individuals who used power to their advantage, to witchhunt an innocent person which is myself. But I will like to extend a sincere appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for standing with the truth and in his commitment to justice, ordered the discontinuance of these two cases. I have never doubted that Nigeria is a land of possibilities and that the truth somehow would always get one vindicated. She said that with the two cases off her neck, she could now rest and resume her legislative work fully. No matter how strong and tough one is, for a person like me that has never been invited by the police for anything and does not have any case of financial embezzlement or drug abuse to just be slammed simultaneously with two federal government cases, that was a whole lot. But they say whatever does not break you makes you stronger. I will say that I was actually toughened. It is not something I would want to experience, and I would not wish it for anybody. At the end of the day, justice prevailed, she said. (NAN) Civil society organisations and residents of Makoko, a densely populated waterfront community beneath the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State, staged a protest on Thursday at the Governors Office and House of Assembly in Alausa, demanding an immediate halt to ongoing demolitions and compensation for displaced families. The demonstrators, led by activists from Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) and local community leaders, accused the Lagos State Government of violating earlier agreements and extending demolitions beyond approved safety setbacks from power lines. The protesters, carrying placards reading Save our homes, lives and the Makoko community and Please hear our cry, limit demolition to 100 metres, alleged that the demolition exercise had displaced families, destroyed livelihoods, and resulted in deaths, including infants and elderly residents. Speaking during the protest in Alausa, CAPPAs Assistant Executive Director, Zikora Ibeh, said security operatives and demolition teams had violently evicted residents since 5 January. The Lagos State Government has entered the Makoko community and forcibly displaced people from their ancestral homes, Ms Ibeh said. Women, children, fathers, and families have been tear-gassed and rendered homeless without shelter, water, or alternatives. We want the demolitions halted immediately, compensation paid, and investigations opened into the use of force. Ms Ibeh described the demolitions as a deliberate attempt to remove low-income residents from prime waterfront areas for elite interests, noting that the government had failed to provide basic relief for affected families. Dispute over setbacks Residents said the demolitions violated agreements limiting clearance near high-tension power lines. Initially restricted to 30 metres, the government reportedly expanded the area to 50 metres, then 100 metres. Protesters claimed that demolition had extended far beyond the agreed limits. Community leader and member of Slum Dwellers International, Ojo Jide, said the demolitions lacked proper documentation, making compensation or resettlement impossible. There is no profiling, no data capturing, no house numbering. How do you compensate people or resettle them when there is no record of what you have destroyed? Mr Jide said. He criticised the timing of the demolitions, which continued through the Christmas and New Year holidays, saying they disregarded residents human rights. Another resident who spoke on the sidelines, Phineas Kojah, said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had personally assured residents in November 2025 that demolitions would be limited to 100 metres from power lines. He gave us his word, and we agreed. But the demolition has gone far beyond that distance, leaving people homeless and exposed, Mr Kojah said. Protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly Later, residents marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly in Alausa, blocking sections of the main road. Police negotiators engaged the crowd, and a compromise allowed protesters to occupy half the road while traffic flowed on the other half. Stephen Olukayode, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, met the demonstrators, assuring them that their grievances would be communicated to the governor. The Assembly was unaware of any breach of agreements between the Lagos State Government and the Makoko community, he said, urging dialogue between authorities and residents. Also speaking in Alausa, civil society leaders, including Nnimmo Bassey of the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), drew parallels between government actions in Makoko and the displacement of northern communities by bandits. In the North, bandits displace communities. In Lagos, the government is displacing communities using the same methods, Mr Bassey said. According to protest organisers, at least three peopleincluding two infants and an elderly womandied due to tear gas deployed by security forces, though authorities have not independently confirmed these fatalities. CAPPA and allied groups, including the Centre for Childrens Health Education, Orientation, and Protection (CEE-HOPE), reported that more than 3,000 homes had been destroyed, displacing over 10,000 people. Schools, clinics, and churches in Makoko were also pulled down. A youth leader, Oluwatobi Aide (aka Woli), was arrested on Monday after appealing to demolition officials to allow residents to retrieve belongings. However, he was released from detention on Wednesday. CAPPA said he had been hospitalised following teargas exposure, and his health reportedly deteriorated in police custody. Humanitarian concerns PREMIUM TIMES had reported the demolitions have disrupted schooling and stripped women of privacy, residents say. At Ayetoro School, attendance dropped to 16 pupils out of more than 300, while Adekunle School recorded only 25 students out of over 1,000. Many children now live on boats with no stable place to sleep or study. Women in the community face dire conditions, lacking privacy for bathing, sleeping, and managing menstrual hygiene. Families have been forced to live under debris for weeks, exposed to unsanitary and unsafe environments. Residents and civil society leaders called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently, warning that the situation could escalate into a full-blown humanitarian crisis if left unaddressed. Background The demolition began on 23 December 2025, to clear a 30-metre safety corridor from a high-tension power line that runs between Makoko, Oko Agbon, Sogunro, and the Third Mainland Bridge. Residents initially cooperated after assurances of limited clearance and compensation. By 4 January, demolition had extended beyond 100 metres, prompting mass protests and police intervention with teargas. A candidate vaccine for Lassa fever has entered its first human trials in the United Kingdom, raising hopes for improved prevention of a disease that continues to cause recurrent outbreaks annually in Nigeria and across West Africa. The development was disclosed during an interview with PREMIUM TIMES involving global health officials and researchers leading Lassa fever vaccine development. The experimental vaccine is being developed by researchers at the University of Oxford, a UK-based research institution, with support from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), a global health organisation that funds vaccine development for epidemic-prone diseases. The ongoing trial is a Phase one study designed to assess the vaccines safety in healthy adult volunteers. If successful, the candidate will advance to larger trials in Africa, including Nigeria, one of the countries most affected by the disease. Long-standing public health threat Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic illness endemic to parts of West Africa. Nigeria records the highest number of reported cases globally each year, with outbreaks often placing a significant strain on the countrys public health system. Despite being identified more than five decades ago, the disease has remained without a licensed vaccine. Katrin Ramsauer, Lassa programme lead at CEPI, said vaccine development lagged largely because Lassa fever predominantly affects low- and middle-income countries, offering little commercial incentive for pharmaceutical companies. Lassa fever has been around since 1969, and survivors often suffer long-term complications such as hearing loss and neurological problems, Ms Ramsauer said, adding that the true disease burden is likely higher than reported. Ms Ramsauer said CEPI was established after the 20142016 Ebola outbreak to address this gap by funding vaccines for epidemic-prone diseases with high public health impact but limited market appeal. Why early trials begin outside Nigeria Responding to questions about why Nigeria did not host the initial human trials, Ms Ramsauer said early-stage clinical trials are typically conducted in locations with long-established research infrastructure to ensure safety and speed. She stressed that Nigeria is already hosting other Lassa fever vaccine studies, including a CEPI-supported Phase two trial by another developer, and remains central to plans. Nigeria is absolutely ready for clinical trials, she said, noting that CEPI has invested in strengthening clinical trial capacity in the country to support vaccine research. Ms Ramsauer added that while the Oxford-led candidate began Phase one trials in the UK, it is expected to move to Ghana for additional early-stage testing before progressing to later phases in Nigeria and other West African countries. Community trust, vaccine acceptance Oyeronke Oyebanji, who leads CEPIs Lassa fever engagement in West Africa, said the organisation has been working closely with governments in the region to ensure community acceptance and equitable access to any future vaccine. She said CEPI, in partnership with the West African Health Organisation, established the Lassa Fever Coalition, which includes Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and the Benin Republic. According to her, the coalition provides a platform for governments, scientists and policymakers to jointly plan vaccine development, future introduction, pricing and availability. Ms Oyebanji said CEPI is also funding social science studies in Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone to better understand vaccine hesitancy, willingness to participate in clinical trials and community perceptions around Lassa fever vaccines. We are starting early because trust and acceptance are critical, and the context can change over time, she said. Early trial results Maheshi Ramasamy, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Oxford, said six healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 50 have so far received the experimental vaccine in the ongoing Phase 1 trial. Ms Ramasamy explained that the vaccine is built on the ChAdOx1 platform, the same viral vector technology used in the OxfordAstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, which has been administered globally. She said the platform has an extensive safety record, with billions of doses used worldwide. According to her, all six participants are doing well, with no serious adverse events recorded. She said reported side effects have been mild and short-lived, including temporary arm pain, fatigue and headaches, similar to those associated with routine vaccinations. The trial team is expected to enrol an additional 25 participants in the UK and about 50 in Ghana before advancing to Phase 2 trials, which are expected to include Nigeria. Preventive tool, not a cure Ms Ramasamy clarified that the vaccine is designed to prevent Lassa fever, not to treat people already infected with the virus. She said multiple vaccine candidates are needed to ensure resilience in supply and manufacturing, noting that experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic showed the risks of relying on a single vaccine. Having more than one effective vaccine allows us to respond faster and protect different populations during outbreaks, he said. Lassa fever in Nigeria Lassa fever is a rodent-borne viral disease that spreads to humans mainly through exposure to food, water or household items contaminated by infected rats, and can also be transmitted between people through contact with bodily fluids. The illness often begins with non-specific symptoms such as fever and weakness, which can delay care-seeking, but may progress to severe complications including bleeding, respiratory distress and organ failure if not treated early. In Nigeria, the disease remains a persistent public health challenge. As of epidemiological week 51 of 2025, the country recorded 206 deaths from Lassa fever, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The NCDC said the case fatality rate (CFR) rose to 18.4 per cent, up from 16.4 per cent recorded during the same period in 2024, even though the number of confirmed cases declined during the reporting week. During the week covering 1521 December 2025, Nigeria recorded 21 new confirmed cases across seven states, Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba, Edo, Kogi, Ebonyi and Plateau, down from 28 cases the previous week. However, five deaths were recorded among confirmed cases, resulting in a weekly CFR of 23.8 per cent. Cumulatively, the country reported 1,119 confirmed cases, nine probable cases and 9,270 suspected cases across 21 states and 105 local government areas in 2025. While this represents a decline in cases compared with 2024, when 1,237 confirmed cases and 203 deaths were reported, the NCDC said fatalities increased largely due to late presentation at health facilities. Ondo, Bauchi, Edo and Taraba accounted for 88 per cent of confirmed cases in 2025, with Ondo alone contributing 35 per cent. The NCDC identified late health-seeking behaviour, high treatment costs, poor environmental sanitation and low awareness in high-burden communities as major contributors to the rising fatality rate. The police in Akwa Ibom State have arraigned a social media user and advocate over allegations of criminal defamation, threats, and conduct capable of breaching public peace, following her posts accusing Governor Umo Eno of unlawful sales of community land. In a statement on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, said the woman, Godsown Monday Udoito, was charged on six counts after a petition dated 10 January 2026. According to the police, investigations showed that Ms Udoito allegedly used her Facebook account, with over 20,000 followers, to publish and circulate what the police described as false and defamatory statements accusing Governor Eno of selling ancestral lands in Eket Local Government Area and misappropriating the proceeds. PREMIUM TIMES has not seen the alleged post. The police said it contained threats, including references to spiritual forces, and was capable of inciting fear, panic and public disorder in Eket and Esit Eket areas of the state. Ms Udoito, this newspaper gathered, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The police said she has been remanded in a correctional custody, adding that the case would be prosecuted in line with due process and the rule of law. Arrest heightens tension The arraignment comes amid heightened tension between the Akwa Ibom State Government and communities in Eket over the disputed Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve, which has generated sustained protests and public commentary. Ms Udoito hails from Eket and is known locally for her advocacy on land rights in the Stubbs Creek area, also known as Akoiyak Ekid. PREMIUM TIMES gathered that Ms Udoito has been using her Facebook page to advocate against the alleged plans by the state government to forcibly take over the disputed forest reserve, which the Ibeno people also claim ownership of. This newspaper previously reported the dispute over the forest reserve, detailing long-running disagreements between the Akwa Ibom State Government and Ekid communities over ownership and control. The Ekid Peoples Union has warned that Ms Udoitos arrest could signal the beginning of the clampdown on our advocacy for our rights. The union urged that Ms Udoito must be treated with dignity, respect and within the ambit of the law. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Thursday emerged as the inaugural chairman of the newly reconstituted Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, following its inauguration by Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan. This was after the Alaafin of Oyo stool was stripped of its status as the permanent chairman of the council under the amended Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs Law, 2025, recently passed by the State House of Assembly. The inauguration ceremony, held at the House of Chiefs Hall, State Secretariat, marked the formal take-off of the new law. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, was said to be conspicuously absent from the event. Governor Makinde announced that the chairmanship of the council would rotate every two years among the three leading traditional rulers in the state, that is, the Alaafin of Oyo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomosoland. The governor said the rotational arrangement was agreed upon after consultations with the traditional rulers. He noted the decision was aimed at strengthening unity and fairness within the traditional institution. I called the monarchs that we proposed in the law that the chairmanship of the Council of Obas will rotate, and I believe from the law its every two years that it will rotate. This is what we are known for. But when we sit down, if we dont resolve issues and do what is right and proper for our people, then we have failed, he said. He added that the monarchs collectively agreed that the rotation should begin with the Olubadan of Ibadanland. On that basis, I hereby pronounce the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs inaugurated, the governor said. Olubadan speaks Addressing journalists, the Olubadan praised Governor Makinde for reviving the council after it had been inactive for a long period. He said the governor deserved commendation for the effort invested in restoring the Council, describing the task as far from easy. Although the governor played down the development, the Olubadan insisted it was a notable achievement, InsideOyo reports. Recalling the past, he explained that the council last convened during the early period of the administration of the late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi, after which meetings ceased due to a legal dispute involving one of the traditional rulers. He therefore applauded Governor Makinde for successfully reorganising the council and putting it back on its feet. The governor has told you that through consultations, we can achieve more. We are closer to the people. People normally trust us because they know that we are not partisan. We are not going to stand for elections, so there is nothing we can tell them, which they will not believe because they know that we are not asking for votes. The only thing that we want is that our domains should be safe, our domains should make progress, our domains must be conducive to all of us living. We want our children to be educated. We want light, we want water, and we want good roads, he said. The Council of Obas and Chiefs The Oyo state Council of Obas and Chiefs operated actively for several years but became dormant around 2011 due to prolonged legal disputes over leadership and structure. The impasse led to the suspension of formal meetings, leaving traditional rulers to engage the state government individually rather than through a unified council. The Oyo State Chieftaincy Law of 2025 has repealed the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law of 2000, which designated Alaafin of Oyo as the permanent chairman of the council. However, the new law enacted by the State House of Assembly introduces a rotational chairmanship for the council, to be rotated among the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Alaafin of Oyo and the Soun of Ogbomoso. The Olubadans inauguration as the chairman of the council of Obas came on Thursday, just days after reports that he snubbed Alaafins handshake gesture at a public event. A video clip which went viral on social media platforms captured the scene where the already seated Alaafin extended a handshake to the Olubadan who arrived late to the event and took his seat next to the Alaafin. But instead of warmly taking the Alaafins hand, the Olubadan appeared to opt to look back to greet and take handshakes offered him by others seated in the row behind them. But the Olubadan on Wednesday dismissed the speculation of snubbing the Alaafin, saying the incident was neither intentional nor disrespectful. BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to work with all parties to enhance exchanges and promote cooperation in polar affairs, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday, adding that peace, stability and sustainable development of the polar regions serve the common interests of the entire humanity. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on some heartwarming episodes that happened during China's ongoing 42nd Antarctic expedition. According to reports, China's expedition team successfully rescued a sick staff member from a Russian research station, and this week, while replenishing supplies in New Zealand, China's research icebreaker Xuelong assisted in transporting researchers from the Republic of Korea. Mao said that over the past 40 years since China initiated its Antarctic expeditions, it has consistently upheld the spirit of mutual assistance and attached great importance to international cooperation, engaging in various forms of joint research activities. She noted that the ongoing Antarctic expedition involves researchers from more than ten countries and regions, such as Thailand, Chile and Portugal. Regarding the Arctic, Mao added that China has participated in the Arctic Council, hosted the China-Nordic Arctic cooperation symposium and conducted scientific expeditions in the Arctic Ocean, providing dialogue and cooperation platforms and sharing research outcomes with the international community. The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of $150,000 allegedly linked to Emmanuel Okoh, a director of Vetifly Global Inc. The judge, Yellim Bogoro, made the order on Wednesday after granting an ex parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCCs spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday. The statement said the application was argued by EFCC lawyer, A. M. Dambuwa, who told the court that the funds were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities. According to Mr Dambuwa, a petitioner invested $1.5 million in February 2022 in the aviation business of Vetifly Global Inc under an agreement that promised a 100 per cent return on investment within 365 days. He said Mr Okoh later breached the terms of the agreement and travelled out of the country with the investment funds. All efforts by the petitioner to reach Okoh were unsuccessful, hence he approached the EFCC, the lawyer told the court. Mr Dambuwa said investigations by the commission uncovered an Aircraft Services Agreement between Vetifly Limited and Xejet Limited. He explained that the Managing Director of Xejet Limited and one Emmanuel Ayuba Iza were invited for questioning, during which Mr Iza volunteered a statement. According to the EFCC, Mr Iza told investigators that Mr Okoh approached Xejet Limited in July 2021, seeking a partnership to operate an air cargo service. An agreement was subsequently executed in which Vetifly Limited was to provide funding for the cargo operations, while Xejet Limited would supply the aircraft and handle regulatory, operational and technical aspects of the service. The EFCC further told the court that on 2 March 2022, a total of $1,499,990 was lodged into Vetifly Limiteds First Bank account by REMX Capital Limited, a company linked to Vetifly. Mr Dambuwa said the transaction corresponded with a SWIFT document submitted by the petitioner, strengthening the suspicion that the funds were linked to the alleged fraud. He urged the court to grant an interim forfeiture order over the $150,000, pending the conclusion of investigations. In her ruling, Mrs Bogoro granted the application and directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, inviting any interested party to show cause why the funds should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government. The judge adjourned the matter until 11 February for a report of compliance. Background Mr Okoh and Vetifly Global Inc. have previously come under the scrutiny of the EFCC. In March 2024, the EFCC declared Mr Okoh, identified as the Chief Executive Officer of Vetifly Global Inc., and the companys Chief Operating Officer, Angel Odumodu, wanted over allegations of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining money by false pretence, according to a report by The Street Journal. The anti-graft agency said the allegations were linked to the operations of Vetifly Global Inc., a helicopter-booking and aviation services company that advertises helicopter charter, air shuttle services, sightseeing flights and luxury aviation services. At the time, the EFCC urged members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the suspects to report to the nearest EFCC office or police station. The lawyer for Henry Omoile, second defendant in the ongoing $4.5 billion fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, on Thursday, accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of pressuring his client into implicating the former apex bank chief. Testifying in a trial-within-trial at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, Nnamdi Offial said EFCC investigators made repeated promises to Mr Omoile, including bail and the possibility of not being charged, if he cooperated by providing incriminating evidence against Emefiele. The head of the EFCC interrogation team assured my client of leniency if he implicated the first defendant, Offial told the court. Mr Offial said the interrogation was conducted in a structured question-and-answer format, with Mr Omoile required to answer questions satisfactorily before being allowed to write them down. He alleged that the investigative officers repeatedly rejected answers that did not align with what they wanted, and that he raised objections on multiple occasions. On several occasions, questions were put to the second defendant, and he answered, but he was not allowed to write them down because the answer did not conform to what the interrogators wanted him to say. I objected to this many times, Mr Offial stated. The lawyer further told the court that he was temporarily barred from assisting Mr Omoile during one of the sessions after questioning the manner in which the interrogation was conducted. Messrs Omoile and Emefiele are standing trial on 22 counts, including accepting gratification, receiving gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent receipt of property. Some of the charges accused Mr Emefiele of conferring corrupt advantage on associates, contrary to the Corrupt Practices Act, 2000. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty. Background The trial-within-trial was ordered by the trial judge to determine whether Omoiles statements to the EFCC were given voluntarily. In December 2025, EFCC operative Alvan Gurumnaan had testified in the trial-within-trial that Mr Omoile wrote his statements voluntarily and was cautioned in the presence of his lawyer. The statements, which form part of the prosecutions case, were allegedly aimed at providing evidence against Mr Emefiele. Mr Gurumnaan said the statements were taken openly at the EFCC office in Ikoyi, with the lawyer and the Acting Managing Director of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) present. No officer used coercion or intimidation, he maintained. The second defendant did not make any statement under duress. Our officers do not force statements through violence or intimidation, Mr Gurumnaan told the court. Mr Oshodi adjourned the trial-within-trial until Friday for continuation of proceedings. Mr Omoile remains in detention while the court determines the voluntariness of his statements, which could significantly impact the prosecutions case against both defendants. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is unperturbed by his son, Abubakar Atiku Abubakars, decision to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice. Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said he does not coerce his children on political matters, stressing that individual freedom of choice is a core principle of democracy. He stated this in a statement posted on his official social media accounts on Thursday, shortly after the news went viral. Mr Abubakar, also called Abba, had earlier in the day defected to the APC in Abuja. The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect. As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians, he said. The former vice president, however, said his major concern was the poor governance record of the APC-led government and the economic hardship facing Nigerians. What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people, he added. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance in the country. I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress. Earlier, Mr Abubakar was received into the APC by the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, at the National Assembly. He also announced his support for President Bola Tinubus re-election bid in 2027. The younger Abubakar thereafter directed all coordinators and members of the political organisation he founded in 2022, formerly known as the Haske Atiku Organisation, to align with the APC and support President Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda. Atiku, who came second in the 2023 presidential election, resigned from the PDP last year and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He has since declared his intention to contest the presidency again in 2027. His sons public endorsement of President Tinubu, widely seen as Atikus political rival, has generated mixed reactions and could complicate Atikus political calculations should he emerge as the ADC presidential candidate for the 2027 poll. The terrorism trial of two alleged top leaders of Ansaru, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group, stalled on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The proceeding was cut short after the defence lawyer reported to the judge that he was denied access to the two defendants Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS). The two men, who were captured alive by Nigerian security forces in August 2025, face 32 terrorism-related charges linking them to illegal mining and terrorist attacks in Nigeria between 2013 and 2015. They were subsequently arraigned in September 2025. One of them, Mr Usman, pleaded guilty to one of the 32 counts, prompting the judge to sentence him to 15 years imprisonment. The other defendant, Mr Abba, pleaded not guilty to all 32 counts. The defence lawyer, Bala Dakum, told trial judge Emeka Nwite on Thursday, which was scheduled for commencement of trial, that he could not proceed because he had been unable to meet with the defendants since taking over the case in October 2025. He further explained that the defendants were new to him and that he had only seen the charges. Mr Dakum therefore requested that the defendants be transferred to a correctional centre to enable the court to make progress in the case. If they want us to proceed, I just have to have access to them or they should be taken to any of the prison facilities, he said. The prosecution lawyer, David Kaswe, who said he came prepared to call his first witness on Thursday, noted that there was an ongoing facility upgrade at the SSS headquarters, where the suspects are being held, aimed at ensuring compliance with global best practices. He said access to all detainees, including the defendants, would be difficult until the upgrade was completed. Mr Kaswe apologised and appealed for an adjournment to allow the facility upgrade to be completed. Judge Nwite, however, expressed concern over the request for adjournment. He noted that the case was scheduled for the commencement of the trial, prompting him to abandon other engagements to ensure the trial began. He lamented that despite sitting as a vacation judge and movement restrictions due to the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, It is as if all the efforts I am making are going nowhere. I should be resting by now because during the period of Christmas and New Year celebrations, I was here. The judge then asked the leader of the SSS operatives in court how long the upgrade would last. Responding, the officer said he could not state categorically when the work would be completed but added that it might be done by March or April, as it was being carried out in cooperation with international agencies. When the judge noted that the projects completion date would guide the next hearing date in the case, Mr Kaswe undertook to concede to the transfer of the defendants to the correction centre if their lawyers are unable to have access to them before the next court sitting on the matter. He reminded the court that the first defendant, Mr Usman, was already a convict, having pleaded guilty to one of the 32 counts against him and having been sentenced accordingly. But Mr Dakum insisted that the defendants should be given access to their lawyer and family members, especially the first defendant, whom he said has 19 children. Having taken note of the undertaking given by the prosecution, the judge adjourned the case until 16 March for the commencement of the trial. Prior conviction The globally wanted suspected terrorists linked to al-Qaeda were arraigned before judge Nwite in September last year on 32 counts including mostly terrorism charges. At that arraignment, Mr Usman pleaded guilty to one count of illegal mining, which prosecutors said was used to fund terrorist activities. Mr Usman was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. The remaining 31 counts, including terrorism financing, kidnapping and bombings, are still before the court. His co-defendant, Mr Abba, had denied all charges. Following the not-guilty pleas, the judge ordered that they be remanded to the SSS facility in Abuja, pending the conclusion of the trial. What happened on the night of 15th January 1966 was indefensible, unjustifiable, unacceptable, unnecessary, unprovoked and utterly barbaric It set off a cycle of events which had cataclysmic consequences for our country and which we are still reeling from today It arrested our development as a people and our political evolution as a country Had it not happened our history would have been very different. May we never see such a thing again. Sixty years ago, in the early hours of the morning of 15th January 1966, a coup detat took place in Nigeria, which resulted in the murder of a number of leading political figures and senior army officers. This was the first coup in the history of our country and 98 per cent of the officers who planned and led it were from a particular ethnic nationality in the country. According to Max Siollun, a notable and respected historian whose primary source of information was the Police report compiled by the Polices Special Branch after the failure of the coup, during the course of the investigation and after the mutineers had been arrested and detained, the names of the leaders of the mutiny were as follows: Major Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna, Major Chukwuemeka Kaduna Nzeogwu, Major Chris Anuforo, Major Tim Onwutuegwu, Major Chudi Sokei, Major Adewale Ademoyega, Major Don Okafor, Major John Obieno, Captain Ben Gbuli, Captain Emmanuel Nwobosi, Captain Chukwuka, and Lieutenant Oguchi. It is important to point out that I saw the Special Branch report myself and I can confirm Siolluns findings. These were indeed the names of ALL the leaders of the 15th January 1966 mutiny and all other lists are FAKE. The names of those who they murdered in cold blood or abducted were as follows: Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the Prime Minister of Nigeria (murdered), Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and the Premier of the Old Northern Region (murdered), Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the Shettima of Borno and the Governor of the Old Northern Region (abducted), Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, the Aare Ana Kakanfo of Yorubaland and the Premier of the Old Western Region (murdered), Chief Remilekun Adetokunboh Fani-Kayode SAN, Q.C. CON, the Balogun of Ife, the Deputy Premier of the Old Western Region, the Regional Minister for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and my beloved father (abducted), Chief Festus Samuel Okotie-Eboh, the Oguwa of the Itsekiris and the Minister of Finance of Nigeria (murdered), Brigadier Samuel Adesujo Ademulegun, Commander of the 1st Brigade, Nigerian Army (murdered), Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari, Commander of the 2nd Brigade, Nigerian Army (murdered), Colonel James Pam (murdered), Colonel Ralph Sodeinde (murdered), Colonel Arthur Unegbe (murdered), Colonel Kur Mohammed (murdered), Lt. Colonel Abogo Largema (murdered), Alhaja Hafsatu Bello, the wife of the Sardauna of Sokoto (murdered), Alhaji Zarumi, traditional bodyguard of the Sardauna of Sokoto (murdered), Mrs Lateefat Ademulegun, the wife of Brigadier Ademulegun who was eight months pregnant at the time (murdered), Ahmed B. Musa (murdered), Ahmed Pategi (murdered), Sergeant Daramola Oyegoke (murdered), Police Constable Yohana Garkawa (murdered), Police Constable Musa Nimzo (murdered), Police Constable Akpan Anduka (murdered), Police Constable Hagai Lai (murdered), and Police Constable Philip Lewande (murdered). In order to reflect the callousness of the mutineers permit me to share the circumstances under which some of their victims were murdered and abducted. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was abducted from his home, beaten, mocked, tortured, forced to drink alcohol, humiliated and murdered, after which his body was dumped in a bush along the Lagos-Abeokuta road. Sir Ahmadu Bello was killed in the sanctity of his own home, with his wife, Hafsatu, and his loyal security assistant, Zurumi. Zurumi drew his sword to defend his principal, whilst Hafsatu threw her body over her dear husband in an attempt to protect him from the bullets. Chief SL Akintola was gunned down as he stepped out of his house in the presence of his family and Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh was beaten, brutalised, abducted from his home, maimed, murdered, and his body was dumped in a bush. Brigadier Zakariya Maimalari had held a cocktail party in his home the evening before, which was attended by some of the young officers who went back to his house early the following morning and murdered him. Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun was shot to death at home, in his matrimonial bed, along with his eight-month pregnant wife, Lateefat. Colonel Shodeinde was murdered in Ikoyi Hotel, whilst Colonel Pam was abducted from his home and murdered in a bush. Most of the individuals who were killed that morning were subjected to a degree of humiliation, shame and torture that was so horrendous that I am constrained to decline from sharing them in this contribution. The mutineers came to our home as well, which at that time was the official residence of the Deputy Premier of the Old Western Region and which remains there till today. After storming our house and almost killing my brother, sister and I, they beat, brutalised and abducted my father, Chief Remi Fani-Kayode. What I witnessed that morning was traumatic and devastating and, of course, what the entire nation witnessed was horrific. It was a morning of carnage, barbarity and terror. Those events set in motion a cycle of carnage, which changed our entire history and the consequences remain with us till this day. It was a sad and terrible morning and one of blood and slaughter. My recollection of the events in our home is as follows: At around 2.00 a.m., my mother, Chief (Mrs) Adia Aduni Fani-Kayode came into the bedroom which I shared with my older brother, Rotimi, and my younger sister, Toyin. I was six years old at the time. My other older brother, Akinola, whom we fondly referred to as Akins, was not with us that night because he was a boarder in Kings College, Lagos, whilst my other younger sister, Tolulope Fani-Kayode, was not born until one year later! The lights had been cut off by the mutineers, so we were in complete darkness and all we could see and hear were the headlights from three or four large and heavy trucks with big loud engines. The official residence of the Deputy Premier had a very long drive, so it took the vehicles a while to reach us. We saw four sets of headlights and heard the engines of four lorries drive up the driveway. The occupants of the lorries, who were uniformed men and who carried torches, positioned themselves and prepared to storm our home, whilst calling my fathers name and ordering him to come out. My father courageously went out to meet them, after he had called us together, prayed for us and explained to us that since it was him they wanted, he must go out there. He explained that he would rather go out to meet them and, if necessary, meet his death, than let them come into the house to shoot or harm us all. The minute he stepped out, they brutalised him. I witnessed this. They beat him, tied him up and threw him into one of the lorries. The first thing they said to him as he stepped out was, where are your thugs now Fani-Power? My fathers response was typical of him, sharp and to the point. He said, I dont have thugs, only gentlemen. I think this annoyed them and made them brutalise him even more. After tying him up and throwing him in the back of the lorry, they then stormed the house. When they got in, they ransacked every nook and cranny of the house, shooting into the ceiling and wardrobes. They were very brutal and frightful, and we were terrified. My mother was screaming and crying from the balcony, because all she could do was to focus on her husband who was in the back of the truck downstairs. There was little doubt that she loved him more than life itself. Dont kill him, dont kill him!! She kept screaming at them. I can still visualise this and hear her voice pleading, screaming and crying. I didnt know where my brother or sister were at this point, because the house was in total chaos. I was just a six-year old standing there in the middle of the passage upstairs in the house by my parents bedroom, surrounded by uniformed men who were ransacking the whole place and terrorising my family. Then out of the blue something extraordinary happened. All of a sudden, one of the soldiers came up to me, put his hand on my head and said: Dont worry, we wont kill your father, stop crying. He said this to me three times. After he said it the third time, I looked in his eyes and stopped crying. This was because he gave me hope and he spoke with kindness and compassion. At that point, all the fear and trepidation left me. With new-found confidence, I went rushing to my mother who was still screaming on the balcony and told her to stop crying because the soldier had promised that they would not kill my father, and that everything would be okay. I held on to the words of that soldier and that morning, despite all that was going on around me, I never cried again. Four years ago when he was still alive, I made contact with and spoke to Captain Nwobosi, the mutineer who led the team to our house and the Ibadan operation that night, about these events. He confirmed my recollection of what happened in our house, saying that he remembered listening to my mother screaming and watching me cry. He claimed that he was the officer who had comforted me and assured me that my father would not be killed. I have no way of confirming if it was really him, but I have no reason to doubt his words. He later asked me to write the Foreword of his book, which sadly he never launched or released because he passed away a few months later. The mutineers took my father away and as the lorry drove off, my mother kept on wailing and crying and so did everyone else in the house, except for me. From there they went to the home of Chief SL Akintola, a great statesman and nationalist, and a very dear uncle of mine. My mother had phoned Akintola to inform him of what had happened in our home. She was screaming down the phone asking where her husband had been taken to and by this time she was quite hysterical. Chief Akintola tried to calm her down, assuring her that all would be well. When they got to Akintolas house, he already knew that they were coming and he was prepared for them. Instead of coming out to meet them, he had stationed some of his policemen inside the house and they started shooting. A gun battle ensued and consequently the mutineers were delayed by at least one hour. According to the Special Branch reports and the official statements of the mutineers who survived that night and were involved in the operation, their plan had been to pick up my father and Chief Akintola from their homes in Ibadan, take them to Lagos, gather them together with the other political leaders who had been abducted and then execute them all together. The difficulty they had was that Akintola resisted them and he and his policemen ended up wounding two of the soldiers who came to his home. One of the soldiers, whose name was apparently James, had his fingers blown off and the other had his ear blown off. After some time, Akintolas ammunition ran out and the shooting stopped. His policemen stood down and they surrendered. He came out waving a white handkerchief and the minute he stepped out, they just slaughtered him. My father witnessed Akintolas cold-blooded murder in utter shock, disbelief and horror, because he was tied up in the back of the lorry, from where he could see everything that transpired. The soldiers were apparently enraged by the fact that two of their men had been wounded and that Akintola resisted arrest and delayed them. After they killed him, they moved on to Lagos with my father. When they got there, they drove to the Officers Mess at Dodan Barracks in Ikoyi, where they tied him up, sat him on the floor of a room, and placed him under close arrest by surrounding him with six very hostile and abusive soldiers. Thankfully, about two hours later he was rescued, after a dramatic gun battle with loyalist troops led by one Lieutenant Tokida, who stormed the room with his men and who was under the command of Captain Paul Tarfa (as he then was). They had been ordered to free my father by Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon, who was still in control of the majority of troops in Dodan Barracks and who remained loyal to the Federal Government. Bullets flew everywhere in the room during the gunfight that ensued, whilst my father was tied up in the middle of the floor with no cover. All that, yet not one bullet touched him! This was clearly the Finger of God and once again divine providence, as under normal circumstances few could have escaped or survived such an encounter without being killed either by direct fire or a stray bullet. For this I give God the glory. Meanwhile, three of the soldiers who had tied my father up and placed him under guard in that room were killed, right before his eyes, and two of Takodas troops that stormed the room to save him lost their lives in the encounter. At this point permit me to mention the fact that outside of my father, providence also smiled favourably upon and delivered Sir Kashim Ibrahim, the Shettima of Borno and the governor of the Old Northern Region from death that morning. He was abducted from his home in Kaduna by the mutineers but was later rescued by loyalist troops. When the mutineers took my father away, everyone in our home thought he had been killed. The next morning, a handful of policemen came and took us to the house of my mothers first cousin, Justice Atanda Fatai-Williams, who was a judge of the Western Region at the time. He later became the Chief Justice of Nigeria. From there we were taken to the home of Justice Adenekan Ademola, another High Court judge at the time, who was a very close friend of my father, who later became a Judge of the Court of Appeal and whose father, Sir Adetokunboh Ademola, was to later become the first Nigerian Chief Justice of the Federation. At this point the whole country had been thrown into confusion and no one knew what was going on. We heard lots of stories and did not know what to make of what anymore. There was chaos and confusion, and the entire nation was gripped by fear. Two days later, my father finally called us on the telephone and he told us that he was okay. When we heard his voice, I kept telling my mother, I told you, I told you. Justice Ademola and his dear wife, who was my mothers best friend, a Ghanaian lady by the name of Mrs Frances Ademola (nee Quarshie-Idun), whom we fondly called Aunty Frances and whose father was Justice Samuel Okai Quarshie-Idun, the Chief Justice of the High Court of Western Nigeria and later President of the East African Court of Appeal, wept with joy. My mother was also weeping as were my brother and sister and I just kept rejoicing because I knew that he would not be killed and I had told them all. I believe that whoever that soldier was who promised me that my father would not be killed was used by God to convey a message to me that morning, even in the midst of the mayhem and fear. I believe that God spoke through him that night. Whoever he was the man spoke with confidence and authority and this constrains me to believe that he was a commissioned officer or a man in authority. What happened on the night of 15th January 1966 was indefensible, unjustifiable, unacceptable, unnecessary, unprovoked and utterly barbaric. It set off a cycle of events which had cataclysmic consequences for our country and which we are still reeling from today. It arrested our development as a people and our political evolution as a country. Had it not happened our history would have been very different. May we never see such a thing again. Femi Fani-Kayode is the Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, the Otunba Joga Orile, the Aare Ajagunla of Otun Ekiti, a lawyer, a former Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Minister of Culture and Tourism of Nigeria, a former Minister of Aviation of Nigeria and an Ambassador-Designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Nigeria awoke on Saturday (15 January) morning in total confusion, de St. Jorre wrote. In three major cities (Lagos, Ibadan and Kaduna), there had been the most violent and bloody coup detat Africa had ever seen; but only in the Northern capital had it been fully successful, leaving its leaders in controlthe political leadership and government of the day had been swept away. The old order, for better or for worse, had gone. Frederick Forsyths account of the Nigerian Civil War, mainly from the Biafran lens, is perhaps one of the most riveting you would find. Yet, it is remarkably deficient in its one-sidedness, for which the author made no pretences or apologies. As Nigeria marks the 60th anniversary of the beginning of events that changed the country forever this week, I reread, not Forsyths The Biafra Story, but John de St. Jorres The Brothers War: Biafra and Nigeria, a book that contains some of the most intimate accounts of 15 January, 1966, highlighting the tragedy of elite failure. The Day Before People often talk about The Day After, but The Day Before sets the stage. It is quite remarkable how The Day Before can appear so ordinary, sometimes with hardly any telltale signs, only for an eruption to follow. According to de St. Jorre, Friday, 14 January, was a day like that. It was a day, he said, that began more hopefully than most, only to yield to a tragic dawn. Nigeria, considered by many to be the star of independent black Africa, had just finished hosting the meeting of the Commonwealth in Lagos, the first outside London. Contrary to the British colonial rule principle of no independence before majority rule, Ian Smith had unilaterally declared independence in Rhodesia in November 1965, a country with 250,000 whites and over five million black Africans. Rhodesia was the hot topic at the Commonwealth conference in Lagos, hosted by Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, with British Prime Minister Harold Wilson and 24 other foreign leaders in attendance. I laughed the other day when former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he felt perfectly safe in Nigeria, concluding his flattery by saying, apart from oil, the country was also an exporter of future prime ministers to the UK. The House that Britain Built Barely a year after Johnson was born, Nigeria was, in fact, a shelter for a British prime minister. Wilson, assailed at home for his weakness in handling Rhodesia, was pleased by the respite to travel to Nigeria as Balewas guest. If only Wilson knew that the house built by Britains squalid duplicity was about to collapse. Nigeria was the toast of the world, especially after its role in reconciling rival pan-African blocs that had been at loggerheads, and also sending troops to Central Africa. Nigerias Western region was in deep political turmoil as a result of the disputed federal elections and the crisis in the Western House. Despite reports of widespread violence, however, Prime Minister Balewa had stated on 13 January that the Federal Government would not intervene. Many accounts suggest that at least 22 persons, including Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Akintola, Okotie-Eboh, and several top military officers, were targeted and killed that morning De St. Jorres book covers much more than what happened on 15 January. The first chapter, however, is quite extraordinary in highlighting some key aspects of Nigeria on the eve of 15 January. Operation Damisa The worst was yet to come. As delegates to the Commonwealth conference departed (Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus stayed back in Enugu), the old Nigeria was to die that weekend. That was the weekend of Operation Damisa, the codename for the first military coup, and the first shot in what would later degenerate to Nigerias 30-month civil war. Nigeria awoke on Saturday (15 January) morning in total confusion, de St. Jorre wrote. In three major cities (Lagos, Ibadan and Kaduna), there had been the most violent and bloody coup detat Africa had ever seen; but only in the Northern capital had it been fully successful, leaving its leaders in controlthe political leadership and government of the day had been swept away. The old order, for better or for worse, had gone. Many accounts suggest that at least 22 persons, including Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Akintola, Okotie-Eboh, and several top military officers, were targeted and killed that morning. De St. Jorres book covers much more than what happened on 15 January. The first chapter, however, is quite extraordinary in highlighting some key aspects of Nigeria on the eve of 15 January. Once Upon a Force The role of the police force, for example. Its difficult to imagine that the police were now trying to save from the ruins of run-down barracks and menial duties for very important persons was the institution that soldiers ran to for refuge, after turning on themselves and the country. Within an hour and a half of the first shots, de St. Jorre wrote, the counter coup had begun. The post office exchange and external telecommunications office were successfully taken over, but the plotters failed to secure the police headquarters and the radio station. Major-General Aguiyi Ironsi, who had been alerted by the wife of one of the murdered officers, ran to the police headquarters in his car to plot a counter-offensive. According to the book, Ironsi spent most of the morning of 15 January in the Lagos police headquarters trying to consolidate his position. Sixty years later, no one can say where a general confronted with a similar situation might turn for refuge and reinforcement. However, most would likely agree that it certainly would not be the police headquarters in Lagos or Abuja. As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into decisive months, I wonder if the January boys might have acted differently if, as de St. Jorre said, they knew that the country they were trying to save would be far worse than anything they might have imagined on the morning of 15 January. Igbo Coup? As for the roles of Ironsi and Lieutenant-Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, and whether it was an Igbo coup, de St. Jorre takes a nuanced position. His argument, quite plausible, is that the number of Igbo officers involved is best understood in context. The fact is that about 50 percent of the middle officer ranks in the Nigerian army, the pre-independence Sandhurst generation who were commissioned between 1954 and 1960, were Ibos, and it was from this group, some of whom had also been to university, that discontent with the old order and the older generation was likely to come, he wrote. De St. Jorre agreed with several accounts from 15 January that Ojukwu, deeply distrusted by Nzeogwu, was essentially an outsider the core plotters being Majors Emmanuel Ifeajuna and Don Okafor. Ojukwus decision to close the Kano airport and hold inbound aircraft and passengers suggested that he could have been acting for or against the coup or just playing a self-interested game of watch and see. Of course, other issues tend to inflame the suspicion of the so-called Igbo plot: the failure of the coup in Enugu, where Ifeajuna was in charge and his unexpected escape into Kwame Nkrumahs warm embrace in Ghana; Ironsis prevarication and the role of his top advisers like Francis Nwokedi, and the lack of restraint amongst the ordinary Igbo folks in the streets, especially in the North. January Boys If the January boys thought that striking on 15 January was a patriotic duty to save Nigeria from the ten-percenters, the corrupt politicians and ethnic chauvinists, their action only unleashed the worst of the demons they set out to defeat. Yet, there was something that de St. Jorre captured in the deadly gunfire on 15 January, which gives a rare insight into the courage of the human spirit even in the face of danger: how the Premier of the Western Region, Samuel Ladoke Akintola, refused to surrender without a fight, exchanging gunfire with them until he ran out of ammunition; how at least 30 members of the federal parliament still managed to show up for an emergency meeting, at a time when Ironsi had told journalists that the situation in Lagos was very bad indeed. And how unarmed Nzeogwu addressed soldiers in Kaduna (nearly all Northerners) who didnt know about the coup, even when the soldiers had loaded rifles. Collapse of Trust While Forsyths The Biafra Story is exceptional for its moral charge, and Adewale Ademoyegas Why We Struck provides the legal brief for 15 January, de St. Jorres book frames the tragedy as a collapse of elite trust. As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into decisive months, I wonder if the January boys might have acted differently if, as de St. Jorre said, they knew that the country they were trying to save would be far worse than anything they might have imagined on the morning of 15 January. Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the new book, A Midlifers Guide to Content Creation and Profit. This is the simplified summary of the 70-year joint romance of Nigeria and Big Oil with communities in the Niger Delta: While the world wails over climate change, there is an ongoing ecocalypse in the oil region of Nigeria. As the poor bride fuels Nigerian governments budgets in trillions of naira annually and pumps profits in billions of dollars into oil boardrooms in London, Lagos, Milan and Houston, could any of these oil moguls and government powers care a hoot about the millions of humans wallowing along the creeks and coasts? Thursday 15th January marks seventy years since colonial Nigeria and the oil industry began their continuing joint dating of the Niger Delta region. Over forty years before that rendezvous, the search for petroleum oil in Nigeria had started, in about 1913, the year before the Southern and Northern parts of present day Nigeria were joined together to form a single country, by the then colonial authority, i.e.the British government. The German Bitumen Company was the first to start exploration. Some other companies, mostly British and European, also explored many areas in the country with the aim of mining petroleum. Early in the 20th Century, petroleum became a very important commodity and was in high demand across the world, especially with the emergence of motor cars and industrial, transportation (aviation, etc.) or other activities that needed to be fuelled with petroleum. In particular, oil was steadily replacing steam as the staple fuel for shipping, a trend propelled further by the massive naval fuel requisitions in the 20th Centurys World Wars. Sometimes crude oil (petroleum) was found in parts of the country, but in quantities that were too little to be of commercial value, since huge financial capital was required to fund its production activities. Finally, after four decades of exploration, crude oil was discovered in commercial volumes on the 15th of January 1956 in Otuabagi Community in what was then the Oloibiri Province (like a county or borough in the UK and US), in the present day Bayelsa State within the Niger Delta region. The Province was named after the nearby Oloibiri Community, just a five-minute drive away, which served as headquarters of the Province. So that historic first oil well to yield enough petroleum for export was named Oloibiri Well 1. The company that drilled that oil well and made the discovery was Shell DArcy Petroleum Limited, which later evolved into The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), owned by the UK-based Shell PLC, and has now mutated to Renaissance Africa Energy Company. Shell commenced production and on the 5th of June 1958, two-and-a-half years later, shipped its first consignment of petroleum abroad. There was great excitement at the time because the sale of crude oil would bring millions of dollars in profits never seen before, to not only the company but also to the Nigerian government that was declared the owner of the oil in the ground. After the British government colonised the various kingdoms and emirates making up the present Nigeria, it made a series of laws, starting with the Minerals Ordinance of 1902, declaring that all minerals in the lands and seas of Nigeria belong to the government, and in practical terms therefore to the colonial British government. This is unlike most other countries, like the United States of America (US) or Canada, where minerals belong to whoever owns the land in which they are found, whether individuals or families or communities. In those countries, companies can negotiate with land owners where minerals are found and buy the lands at substantial amounts or share some of the proceeds of the production of minerals with the land owners. So, it is today that Alaska, an oil producing state in the US, has so far built up a savings fund (sovereign wealth fund) of approximately $80 billion from its oil revenues, besides what it has already invested in the welfare, preservation and development of its communities. Since the opposite was the case in Nigeria, no monies from the proceeds of oil and gas went to the communities or families who owned the lands. When Nigeria gained political independence from Britain on the 1st of October 1960, the Nigerian government inherited the laws and assets of the former colonial government and it continued to receive the majority share of proceeds from the sale of petroleum as owner and production partner, instead of the communities or families. In the course of time, Shell and other foreign companies (e.g. Mobil, Total and ENI/Agip) struck commercial quantities of crude oil in other parts of the country also, like in the Ogoni ethnic area, where it was discovered in 1958 in a community called Bomu. But instead of bringing joy and prosperity to the local dwellers, oil production gradually started to have several damaging effects on the people and their environment. There are thousands of oil spills in the Niger Delta region every year. They are usually due to negligent operations of the companies, including poor maintenance of the wells and pipelines, which mostly continue to be used long after they should have been replaced. Added to oil spills is the improper disposal of harmful waste materials from oil production, into surrounding rivers or dug pits. Thirdly, there is gas being flared (burnt) into the air at many oil production sites. In addition to being denied a share of the fabulous profits from oil and gas, the operations of the industry were seriously polluting the lands, forests and waterways of communities. Neither the companies (operators) nor the government cared much about restoring the damaged environment. This then started affecting the traditional economic occupations or livelihoods of the people, like fishing and farming. As the lands and waters were polluted, the yields from fishing, farming and similar jobs for local people started reducing, therefore resulting in economic or livelihood displacement. This also caused many locals to leave their communities and go to urban areas to look for means of earning a living, with little assurance that they would find any. In addition, it led to worsening health conditions (such as respiratory/breathing diseases, cancers and birth complications), along with several social problems like frustration and conflicts that have never been fully measured. There are thousands of oil spills in the Niger Delta region every year. They are usually due to negligent operations of the companies, including poor maintenance of the wells and pipelines, which mostly continue to be used long after they should have been replaced. Added to oil spills is the improper disposal of harmful waste materials from oil production, into surrounding rivers or dug pits. Thirdly, there is gas being flared (burnt) into the air at many oil production sites. This poisons the air inhaled by people. In most countries, gas flaring has been banned or reduced to the minimum. With all these troubles brought upon them by oil companies, people of the host communities became very dissatisfied and angry. Some started protesting, and the government often used military force to crush the protests. Although most of the protests were peaceful, some of the youths eventually felt they too must apply force and use arms in pressing home their grievances and disrupting oil production as much as they could, since government was not listening to the cries for justice and the voices of reason from social leaders, lawyers, environmental NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and activists. This gave rise to youth militancy in the region, which also affected the level of oil production. Unfortunately, some people took this situation as an excuse to organise themselves into groups and tap crude oil from the pipelines, either to sell directly (oil bunkering) or to refine through rudimentary means (artisanal refining) and sell the diesel fuel that comes out of the endeavours. This practice further pollutes the environment and exposes the people involved to safety risks like fire outbreaks, health hazards, and arrest by the security forces. Many oil companies then took this as an opportunity to claim that most of the spill incidents are caused by vandals and community dwellers, and that they will, therefore, not pay compensation for the damage caused. To make things worse, they usually failed to clean up the mess or to do a proper job on the few occasions when they attempted to do so. One of the less talked about negative fallouts of oil operations is that the recreational uses and tourist potentials of the Niger Delta territory, with its lovely beaches and exotic creeks, have been terribly diminished. Community folks can no longer have a good swim in their rivers without risking health implications, some of which may manifest over a period of time. Yet, they must still take a plunge in the water because they have little or no choice. Many villagers bathe, cook, wash and drink from the river water, as there are limited provisions of safe water for them. So they often have to manage the river water, as polluted and re-polluted as it is. Now and then, some affected communities or individuals would sue the companies in court but the majority of victims do not have the resources to pay lawyers adequately and pursue the matters properly. A handful of such cases have been brought to court in the UK, US and Europe against the foreign companies that own(ed) the companies operating in Nigeria. Again, it is very expensive and time consuming to pursue such cases abroad. However, a couple of such cases have been won in the UK and Dutch courts in recent years. The regret is that, by the time judgment was given in the most recent one, the victims (all indigenes of Bayelsa and Rivers states) who filed the case had died. Besides a few social amenities like classroom blocks and water borehole projects that some oil companies provide for their host communities, they argue that they are not responsible for their hosts, on the ground that government should take care of them from its share of the oil and gas proceeds. Voices for the communities maintain that neither government nor the companies are doing anything meaningful for them, compared to the billions of dollars flowing from the oil in their land. a metaphoric rebuke of Shell and the Nigerian government endures in vivid sight in the sites where it all started. About fifty years after Shell left its 1956 pioneer oil wells in Otuabagi, having sucked out the viable volumes for twenty years, some of the wells in Otuabagi continue to seep out crude and soak their environs in the black liquid. Recent clinical studies carried out on a cohort of women indicate that most residents of the community may have elements of crude oil in their blood and may be breathing methane-laden air. In 2021, after almost twenty years of debates and rigmaroles in the Nigerian parliament (called the National Assembly, comprising two law making bodies: the Senate and House of Representatives), a new law titled Petroleum Industry Act was passed to amend the former laws governing the petroleum industry. This new law requires the operating companies to put aside, for the benefit of host communities, 3 per cent of the cost of their operations. Surprisingly, the companies, and not the communities, are to appoint or approve most of the people that will manage the 3 per cent funds for the communities. Leaders of the Niger Delta region and champions of community rights are divided over this. Some are excited because it is the first time some of the oil money is being allowed by law to trickle down to the communities directly. Others have expressed displeasure on grounds that, first, the amount is too little for the needs of the communities and, secondly, the people are not being allowed to appoint whoever they want to manage even this 3 per cent for them. Implementation of that provision is commencing slowly and haphazardly, and time will tell how it plays out. On the 10th of November 1995, during military rule under late General Sani Abacha, nine Ogoni leaders, amongst them an internationally acclaimed playwright, Ken Saro-Wiwa, were hanged following a death sentence issued to them by a military tribunal. They were quickly killed even before they could exercise their right to appeal to a higher court against the judgment. Ken Saro-Wiwa and fellow Ogoni leaders had peacefully but vigorously taken the struggle of the Ogoni people, in particular, and the Niger Delta, in general, against environmental injustice to the world stage. They demanded that oil production in Ogoni land by Shell or whoever should stop until the wrongs were redressed. The global attention they drew to the sufferings of the locals caused a lot of discomfort for Shell and Nigerias ruling military dictatorship at the time. But there were differences in approach between them and some other Ogoni leaders and their supporters, concerning how to conduct the struggle. These differences escalated over time to a point where four of the other leaders were seized and killed by an angry mob in an Ogoni community known as Giokoo. Ken Saro-Wiwa was not at the scene when it happened. But he and nine other Ogoni leaders were arrested and charged with the murder of the victims of the mob, later sometimes called the Ogoni 4. Of the ten Ogoni leaders that were charged, Ken and eight others were sentenced to death and executed. Only one of them, Ledum Mitee, an illustrious lawyer based in Port Harcourt, was freed. The nine who were sentenced by the military tribunal and killed were later sometimes referred to as the Ogoni 9. Since then, thirty years now, the Ogoni people have refused to allow Shell or the Nigerian government to resume oil production in their communities. It is an important mark of the Ogonis continuing efforts to heal from the scars of that era that both the Ogoni 4 and the Ogoni 9 are acknowledged as great departed leaders of their people and now collectively called the Ogoni 13. As the Ogonis continued to insist that their environment should be cleaned up, the Federal Government of Nigeria eventually invited the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the environmental arm of the UN) to assess the level of damage done to Ogoni land. UNEP undertook the study for about two years and presented in 2011 a scientific report titled Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland. Amongst countless details, the report stated that in a certain community, the quantity of benzene, a toxic chemical associated with oil production, in the soil and underground water was over nine hundred (900) times the quantity determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as safe for human consumption. Based on the UNEP report, following a four-year delay, in 2015 the Federal Government and Shell commenced an Ogoni environmental clean up programme, which is supposed to go on for 25 to 30 years if properly carried out and without unnecessary delay. The Ogoni clean up was estimated to cost one billion dollars for the first leg of the work, but it may cost a lot more due to the delay in starting it, and the poor quality of work in some sites (as UNEP itself pointed out in its monitoring reports before it decided to exit the project). There have also been big corruption scandals under the supervision of some of the successive federal ministers of environment and project managers. It is considered the largest environmental cleanup in the world, perhaps only apart from the cleanup of Kuwait after that country was invaded by Iraq in 1990 and some of its oil facilities were bombed. The rest of the Niger Delta, which may be over twelve times the size of Ogoni land and is equally polluted, is yet to be planned for a clean up. In Bayelsa State, an international panel of experts set up by the state government worked for four years (2019-2023) and released a report summarising the footprint of the oil industry as environmental genocide. The panel was chaired by a member of the British House of Lords and former Archbishop in the Church of England, credentialed with a doctorate degree in Law. Almost three years after the report, none of the panels proposals for redress has been implemented by any of the responsible governments or industry. In the meantime, a metaphoric rebuke of Shell and the Nigerian government endures in vivid sight in the sites where it all started. About fifty years after Shell left its 1956 pioneer oil wells in Otuabagi, having sucked out the viable volumes for twenty years, some of the wells in Otuabagi continue to seep out crude and soak their environs in the black liquid. Recent clinical studies carried out on a cohort of women indicate that most residents of the community may have elements of crude oil in their blood and may be breathing methane-laden air. This is the simplified summary of the 70-year joint romance of Nigeria and Big Oil with communities in the Niger Delta: While the world wails over climate change, there is an ongoing ecocalypse in the oil region of Nigeria. As the poor bride fuels Nigerian governments budgets in trillions of naira annually and pumps profits in billions of dollars into oil boardrooms in London, Lagos, Milan and Houston, could any of these oil moguls and government powers care a hoot about the millions of humans wallowing along the creeks and coasts? It has been a roller coaster seventy years of romance! Or rape? Or a rapine? The answer is flowing crudely over the creeks. Iniruo Wills is a lawyer, governance and development consultant, and an advocate for environmental justice. The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has dispelled misinformation doing the rounds on the imposition of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on banking services, including electronic money transfer, fees and commission, describing the reports as incorrect and misleading. In a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, NRS said VAT has always applied to banking services and is not newly introduced under the new tax law, the Nigeria Tax Act. The statement signed by Dare Adekanmbi, Special Adviser on Media to the NRS chairman, Zacch Adedeji, explained that The Nigeria Tax Act did not introduce VAT on banking charges, nor did it impose any new tax obligation on customers in this regard. The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) wishes to address and correct misleading narratives circulating in sections of the media suggesting that Value Added Tax (VAT) has been newly introduced on banking services, fees, commissions, or electronic money transfers. This claim is categorically incorrect. VAT has always applied to fees, commissions, and charges for services rendered by banks and other financial institutions under Nigerias long-established VAT regime. The Nigeria Tax Act did not introduce VAT on banking charges, nor did it impose any new tax obligation on customers in this regard. The Nigeria Revenue Service urges members of the public and all stakeholders to disregard misinformation and to rely exclusively on official communications for accurate, authoritative, and up-to-date tax information, the statement said. The statement also included a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on VAT as it relates to the tax law in order to provide further clarity on other areas of concern to Nigerians. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON VAT To further address public concerns and prevent misunderstanding, the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) provides the following clarifications. Q1: Is VAT charged on banking services? Yes, where a fee or commission is charged for a service. VAT applies to commissions, fees, and charges for services rendered by banks and other financial institutions, such as transfer fees, USSD charges, card issuance fees, account maintenance fees, and similar service charges. This has always been the position under Nigerian VAT law, and was not introduced by the Nigeria Tax Act. Q2: Does VAT apply to the money I transfer or withdraw? No. VAT is not charged on the amount of money transferred or withdrawn. It applies only to the service charge or commission imposed by the bank. For example, if a bank charges 10 for a transfer, VAT of 7.5% (0.75) applies to that 10 chargenot to the amount being transferred. Q3: Is VAT charged on savings account interest or interest on bank deposits? No. Interest earned on savings accounts, fixed deposits, and similar deposit accounts is not subject to VAT. Interest income is not a supply of goods or services and therefore does not attract VAT under the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025 . Q4: Are basic food items and essential goods subject to VAT? No. The Nigeria Tax Act expressly exempts basic food items and essential goods from VAT in order to protect consumers and reduce the cost of living. These exemptions are clearly listed under the VAT exemption provisions of the Act . Q5: Are medical and pharmaceutical products vatable? No. Essential medical services and pharmaceutical products are VAT-exempt under the Nigeria Tax Act, consistent with longstanding policy to ensure access to healthcare. Q6: Are educational services subject to VAT? No. Tuition and core educational services provided by recognised educational institutions are exempt from VAT under the Act. Q7: What exactly changed recently if VAT is not new? What changed is compliance and enforcement, not the law. Financial institutions are being reminded of their existing obligation to remit VAT already charged and collected from customers, in line with the Nigeria Tax Act. Q8: Did the Nigeria Tax Act introduce any new VAT burden on ordinary Nigerians? No. The Act did not introduce VAT on savings, basic food, medical care, education, or essential consumption. Claims suggesting otherwise are misleading and incorrect. The recent opinion article widely published in the media and credited to leading journalist, Reuben Abati with the headline The Knee On EFCCs Neck, has sparked conversations in different circles and quarters, conversations that once again questions the fairness and processes of the Nations anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). One of such conversations is one that ensued on a WhatsApp group that I belong to where the case of the recent arrest and prosecution of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami SAN along with his son, Abdulaziz Malami, and his wife, Mrs Asabe Bashir. The argument bothered around why Malamis wife who is an employee of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd is been prosecuted whilst Abdulrahman Musa Basheer, the owner of Rahamaniyya Properties and a prominent figure in Nigerias oil sector, is not. The discuss also questioned why Basheer a long known associate of Malami is listed as a prosecution witness rather than a defence witness. This development raised significant questions about the prosecutorial strategy and the broader implications for accountability and justice. A curious instance of selective prosecution Citing the cases involving the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed and his Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr Yakubu Adamu, as well as that of the former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, who are all been tried for varying alleged offenses by the EFCC, Abati in the article noted that defendants in those cases are alleging unfair and biased trial. The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammedaaq, the principal of the accused persons has since alleged that the only reason he is being targeted is because he has refused to join the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC Nigerias ruling party at the centre. He said: The APC-led Federal Government thinks it can use the courts and institutions of government, like the EFCC, to persecute and prosecute Nigerians who are not in their party. If they dont stop, were going to declare war. His name was mentioned in a motion in court. He has now vowed never to join the APC. He has the support of groups in Bauchi State including the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Christian Youths Initiative for Peace (CYIFP), and Concerned Bauchi Citizens. These supporters have been very loud in the media, so loud that the EFCC was left with no option but to defend itself. Dr Abati in the article further wrote that, as in the Bauchi case, Mr Malami has declared that the allegations against him and his family are baseless, illogical and wholly devoid of substance. He insists that he was not involved in any form of money laundering, and that the EFCC is acting on the basis of deep-seated historical animosity, personal vendetta, bias and retaliatory persecution. He demanded that the EFCC Chairman should step aside. These allegations against the EFCC further triggered discussants on the platform question why Mrs Asabe, Malamis 4th wife and an employee, is facing money laundering charges while her employer, RahamaniyyaProperties Ltd., and its owner, Abdurrahman Musa Basheer (also known as Rahamaniyya), are not. Traditionally, anti-graft agencies are expected to pursue not only individuals directly involved in alleged malfeasance but also the corporate entities and principal actors who may have orchestrated or benefited from the alleged crimes. The absence of charges against the company and its owner stands out starkly in this context. Rahamaniyya was once recognised as one of Nigerias leading oil marketers, with extensive business interests and a reputation for significant wealth. However, he has been reported to have been convicted of fraud and found liable for breach of contract on a couple of occasions. News report showed that Rahamaniyya was sentenced earlier this year to imprisonment for one year in Dubai for issuing cheques that were returned, in what the court deemed as deliberate fraud. A UK court had in 2020 sent him to jail for 10 months for breaching orders during a case involving Sahara Energy Resources. Rahamaniyya, the supposed EFCCs witness, allegedly has a spotty record of indictments for fraud and contractual breaches. He allegedly continues to face complex litigation across different jurisdictions. Rahamaniyya reportedly served as Mr Malamis henchman in several transactions that are either under investigation or have previously been investigated by the EFCC. One notable example is the Paris Club refunds, where Rahamaniyyas company, Shield Energy Ltd., was allegedly used by Mr Malami to divert public funds running into millions of dollars under the guise of consultancy fees. It is also little wonder that Rahamaniyya settled most of his debts with AMCON during Mr Malamis tenure as Attorney General of the Federation. Given these connections, it is surprising how Rahamaniyya has come out unscathed. Particularly, the decision to include Rahamaniyya as a prosecution witness rather than a defence witness is viewed in legal and corporate circles as curious. Sometimes, witnesses in anti-corruption prosecutions may be granted immunity or favourable terms in return for their testimony. However, this approach can be controversial, especially when the witness is perceived as a primary beneficiary or orchestrator of alleged financial crimes. The handling of this case raises broader questions about the consistency and fairness of anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria. Selective prosecution, especially when it appears to favour powerful individuals or entities, can undermine public confidence in the justice system. The exclusion of Rahamaniyya Properties Ltd and its owner from the charge sheet, despite their centrality to the transactions, may weaken the case against the accused and reduce the deterrent effect of the prosecution. Moreover, the prosecutions case does not hinge on Rahamaniyyasconfession; it is a case in which the fact speaks for itself. *Kabir Abubakar is a public/social commentator and analyst based in Sokoto. The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has paid tribute to fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Police, and other security agencies who paid the ultimate sacrifice in restoring peace to communities, saying that their sacrifices will not be in vain. The governor paid the glowing tribute on Thursday during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day event held at the Trade Fair Complex, Gusau. Governor Lawal, ably represented by the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, assured the families of the fallen heroes of the governments commitment to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving their welfare and wellbeing. He stressed: This annual event reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism of our gallant officers and soldiers who laid down their lives so that we may live in peace and security. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and their memories shall remain evergreen in the hearts of a grateful nation. Zamfara State has, in recent years, borne a heavy burden of insecurity. In the face of banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities, our Armed Forces and security personnel have stood firm, often at great personal risk. Many of our brave sons and daughters have paid the ultimate price in the course of restoring peace and stability to our communities. Today, we salute their courage and reaffirm our collective resolve to build a safer and more prosperous Zamfara State. To the families of our fallen heroesespecially the widows, widowers, and children left behindwe share in your pain and loss. Your loved ones did not die in vain. They died in service to humanity and in defence of our collective future. I assure you that the Zamfara State Government will continue to support initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and wellbeing of families of fallen heroes, Governor Lawal stated. Governor Lawal further urged citizens to give all necessary support to the Armed Forces and security agencies through cooperation and sharing of credible information, adding that the state government would continue enhancing security operations through improved logistics, welfare, and technically-driven intelligence strategies. A girl prepares before taking part in a parade celebrating the Maghe Sankranti Festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 15, 2026. Nepali Hindus celebrate the festival across the country, during which people take a ritual bath at river confluences, offer prayers at temples and enjoy traditional delicacies. (Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua) People dance to celebrate the Maghe Sankranti Festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, Jan. 15, 2026. Nepali Hindus celebrate the festival across the country, during which people take a ritual bath at river confluences, offer prayers at temples and enjoy traditional delicacies. (Photo by Sulav Shrestha/Xinhua) The Zamfara State Government is set to deliver the final phase of the total renovation, furnishing and equipping of JB Yakubu Secretariat Complex in February 2026. On Tuesday, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, inspected the project consisting of Block C of the Complex, expressing satisfaction with the quality of the work. The renovation undertaken by Sources Plus Nigeria Limited is now 100% complete, with only furniture installation scheduled for completion within the coming weeks. During the inspection, the SSG expressed confidence in the timeline, while urging the contractor to address some minor observations raised to ensure high-quality standards. Governor Dauda Lawal has already commissioned the first and second phases of the project consisting of Blocks A and B, which are now fully operational with solar power and Wi-fi connectivity, enhancing service delivery to the people of the State. The 30-year-old JB Yakubu Secretariat complex had languished without any major renovations, despite hosting many Ministries, Departments and Agencies until recently. Governor Lawals administration has prioritised the provision of modern office facilities for the state workforce, recognizing that a conducive environment is essential for productivity and effective service delivery. A civil society organisation, Competent Governance for Accountability and Trust, has called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately arrest and bring to book the CEO of Zoe New Dawn Limited, Mr Stephen Akpa Achema, for his alleged role in a failed attempt by himself and Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited to fraudulently acquire a choice property in Abuja belonging to Enugu State Government. The group also accused Mr Achema and Simonis Ventures of using thugs to invade and vandalise the development initiated by the state government and its partner, at parcel of land identified as Plot 804, Cadastral Zone B03, Wuye District, Abuja. The property, which measures 1.4 hectares is being developed by the Enugu State Government and Tout Moi Nigeria Limited, a private sector partner. In a statement issued by the National Coordinator of Competent Governance for Accountability and Civic Trust, Godwin Erheriene, in Abuja on Wednesday, the group said the alleged excesses by Mr Achema and Simonis Ventures constituted a grave threat to the President Bola Tinubu Administrations effort to drive both local and foreign investment. The group also alleged that Mr Achema and Simonis Ventures Limited had in addition embarked on a smear campaign of the police, especially the IGP Monitoring Unit headed by CP Akin Fakorede, to discourage them from discharging their lawful duty of protect the said property and construction workers. It described Mr Achema as a notorious land grabber, reminding the IGP that Mr Achema was nabbed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on 2 December 2022 for alleged N500 million land fraud. After allegedly jumping his administrative bail, he was rearrested on 9 August 2023. It equally called the IGPs attention to the fact that the FCT Police Command had in January 2023 arrested Mr Achema for alleged criminal breach of trust and obtaining the sum of N1.716 billion from several subscribers by impersonating as the lawful owner of several properties within the FCT. Today, Achema has launched several attacks on the the Enugu State property in Wuye, Abuja, in manners typical of Abuja land grabbers. For instance, on December 27, 2025, he stormed the site at about 11:30am while workers were lawfully erecting an official billboard with coat of arms depicting the property as that of Enugu State Government. He behaved in an extremely violent manner, creating fear and panic in the whole environment. He threatened that he would mobilise hoodlums to chase out the workers. True to his threats, menacing hoodlums wielding various dangerous weapons invaded the property not long after he left, thereby causing commotion. Again, on December 28, 2025, Achema, stormed the site in the company of wild-looking hoodlums, who carried various dangerous weapons, with some dressing in military uniform. They forcefully removed the national flag hoisted at the site, destroyed official banners of Enugu State Government bearing the Nigerian coat of arms and took them away. On the same day, their lawyer, Adekunle Otitoju, also stormed the site, swearing that no one could restrain him from forcefully taking possession of the property. He behaved in ways that shamed the Nigerian Bar and temple of justice. It called on the IGP to immediately arrest all those involved in the trespass, destruction of property, and forgery of a power of attorney to supposedly transfer Enugu State property to Simonis Ventures. We are, therefore, calling on the IGP to immediately arrests Achema and his accomplices. Nigeria is not an animal farm, but a country governed by laws. Failure to bring Achema, their lawyer (Otitoju) and those masquerading today as directors of Simonis Ventures Limited can only worsen the menace of land grabbing in the FCT, the statement concluded. The Enugu State Government had last December asserted its ownership of the piece of land, saying that Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited had no valid claim or interest in the said property. Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the General Manager of the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation, Dr Gerald Asogwa, explained that investigations by both the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had since established Enugu State Government as the rightful owners of the said property, noting that the land was currently being developed as Woodlands Estate by Tout Moi Nigeria Limited under a valid and subsisting contractual arrangement for Enugu State Government. He explained that government applied to the FCT Administration for the plot of land in 1992, but the allocation was erroneously made in 1993 in favour of a non-existent entity, Enugu State State Property Development Corporation, instead of the Enugu State Housing Development Corporation. He, however, explained that when approached, the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS)/FCT cancelled the wrongful allocation and Plot 804, Wuye, was re-allocated to Enugu State Government as the rightful owner in 2023/2024. Therefore, the Right of Occupancy, Certificate of Occupancy, and all requisite building approvals were subsequently obtained in the name of Enugu State Government before the unlawful destruction carried out by agents of Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited, he stated. Mr Asogwa had, therefore, wondered how a non-existent entity could have transferred the ownership to Simonis Ventures Limited. There has never existed any parastatal, corporation, or company known as Enugu State Property Development Corporation at the time of allocation or thereafter. The allottee, therefore, lacked legal personality and contractual capacity ab initio. Yet Achema and Simonis claim that in 2002, the said non-existent entity purportedly transferred the land to Simonis Ventures Nigeria Limited. They used a fake and fraudulent Irrevocable Power of Attorney dated 25/02/2002, suspiciously witnessed in 2005. Instructively, the said Power of Attorney was not sealed, had no Governors consent as required by law, was not co-signed by any government official, and failed to disclose the name or designation of any lawful executor. The document was clearly concocted to deceive authorities and is attached as Exhibit 3, Asogwa explained. He also added that the report of EFCCs investigation shows that Ayogu Eze clearly stated that the said portion of land belongs to Enugu State Government. Ayogu Eze put it clearly to the EFCC that the allocation was for the Enugu State Government and that he handed the document to the then governor in 1993. Very importantly, he stated that he could have converted it over two since 1993 if he had any such intention, Asogwa had concluded. Ogun State Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, laying a wreath at the Memorial Cenotaph of Fallen Heroes during the Special parade and laying of wreath Ceremony to mark the year 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance day celebration held at the Arcade Ground, Governors office Oke-mosan Abeokuta. Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reiterated his administrations commitment to improving the welfare of families of deceased soldiers who paid the supreme price in the service of the nation. The governor made this known during the special parade and wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, held at the Arcade Ground, Governors Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Mr Abiodun also pledged the continued support of his administration for veterans of the Nigerian Army in recognition of their selfless service to the country. Represented by his deputy, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor said fallen heroes and war veterans deserved to be honoured, noting that the peace and unity currently enjoyed in the country were products of their patriotism and sacrifice. He added that the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration remained one of the ways government honours heroes past, despite the security challenges confronting the nation. I commend the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army. Your professionalism, discipline and commitment to duty continue to underpin the peace and stability we enjoy in Ogun State and across the country. We do not take your sacrifices for granted, the governor said. While praying for the repose of the souls of the fallen soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Army, Governor Abiodun reassured that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of the families they left behind. The police have foiled a dawn attack by bandits on Guda Lamido village in Kashere, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State. Police spokesperson in Gombe, Buhari Abdullahi, said in a statement that the incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, when a group of armed men attempted to invade the community. Mr Abdullahi said a rapid response by a joint patrol team of the police, a local vigilante and hunters forced the assailants to retreat into the forest. He said no casualties or injuries were reported, and life in the village has since returned to normal. The Commissioner of Police, Umar Ahmed, lauded the security officers involved, urging them to maintain vigilance. He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with timely information. READ ALSO: Bandits kill Islamic cleric in Kaduna Gombe State has recently seen a worrying rise in bandit attacks targeting rural communities. Villages in Akko, Yamaltu/Deba, and Balanga local government areas have reported robberies, kidnappings, and property destruction. The police assured residents that their proactive measures would continue to prevent further attacks and protect lives and property. Suspected bandits killed an Islamic cleric on Wednesday in Layin Danauta, Kuyello Ward, in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Residents, who shared a gory image of the remains with PREMIUM TIMES, identified the victim as Bello Abubakar. Mr Abubakar served as an assistant Imam at the Jamaatul Izalatil Bidah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (IZALA) mosque in the community. He was attacked and killed while fetching firewood in Kuyello Ward in the eastern part of Birnin Gwari. A resident, speaking to PREMIUM TIMES on the condition of anonymity, revealed that attacks occur in the nearby Kutemeshe Ward almost daily but often go unreported due to fear of victimisation. The residents said the security situation in Layin Danauta is dire, as seven other residents who were abducted by criminal elements months ago remain in captivity. The news of Mr Abubakars death has devastated the local population. Residents said he was well-regarded for his dedication to Quranic education and for leading daily congregational prayers, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. This latest killing occurred despite a government-backed peace truce that the community had negotiated with local bandit groups. The area has been a flashpoint for kidnappings, killings, and ransom-seeking activities perpetrated by armed gangs for several years. As of Thursday morning, the Kaduna State Police Commands spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, could not be reached on his known phone number. Governor Uba Sani has reiterated that the proposed $200 million Mega Poultry Project will generate over $450 million annually and create more than 350,000 direct and indirect jobs in Kaduna State. The governor further pointed out that the project would strengthen food security, empower smallholder farmers and position Kaduna State as a leading hub of modern agribusiness in Africa. Mr Sani, who made this known when he met with the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Maiha, on Thursday, disclosed that the meeting was to align federal and state efforts ahead of the projects commencement. The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu for choosing his state to lead the initiative. It will be recalled that the governor went to China on 7 December 2025, on the invitation of the Government of the Peoples Republic of China, where he undertook a tour of CP Foods Layers and Eggs (Beijing) Ltd. The governor was guided through every tier of the company, from production, processing, packaging, and distribution, with each stage reflecting a precision that elevates agriculture into an exacting craft. He had said that visiting the facility, which produces nearly three million eggs each day, was a defining stride toward concluding our landmark $200 million poultry project in Kaduna State. READ ALSO: Court ends marriage of two police officers In partnership with our Chinese counterparts, we are shaping an initiative that promises far more than increased output. It will deepen food security, broaden our agro-industrial base, catalyse durable employment, and position Kaduna as a continental exemplar of technologically empowered agribusiness. (NAN) Two additional members of the Rivers House of Assembly have withdrawn from the impeachment move against Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and they are urging their colleagues to halt the move for the sake of peace. The lawmakers are the Deputy Minority Leader, Barile Nwakoh, who represents Khana Constituency I, and Emilia Amadi, who represents Obio/Akpor Constituency II. Mssrs Nwakoh and Amadi, while announcing their position on Wednesday in a press conference broadcast by TVC, called for a peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Rivers. The latest development came 48 hours after the Minority Leader of the House, Sylvanus Nwankwo, who represents Omuma State Constituency, and Peter Abbey, who represents Degema State Constituency, similarly appealed to their colleagues to halt the impeachment move against the governor. With this, the number of lawmakers who have opted out of the impeachment move against Governor Fubara now stands at four. The assembly is expected to resume plenary on 15 January. Reasons for being part of the impeachment move The lawmakers explained why they were part of the impeachment proceedings against Mr Fubara. Mssrs Nwakoh and Amadi claimed that the governor infringed on the Nigerian Constitution and reneged on the agreement he had with Mr Wike, which President Bola Tinubu supervised in June last year. For the avoidance of doubt, we speak for ourselves and not for the House, as we do not have the right to speak for the Rivers State House of Assembly at this juncture. To begin with, we are part of the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against the governor and deputy governor. Because they truly infringed severally on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended. Worse still, the governor has seriously abandoned the agreements entered into in the past with the supervision of Mr President in a bid to finding a lasting solution to the Constitution infractions. The lawmakers said the allegations against Mr Fubara cast serious doubt on why any person should trust him. A political solution Mssrs Nwakoh and Amadi claimed they decided to withdraw from the impeachment move because many people called and appealed for a political solution to resolve the problem between the Rivers assembly and Mr Fubara. On this call, we hereby state our willingness to look at a political solution rather than an outright removal (of the governor). We call on our members to also consider this approach. We do not say this as a sign of weakness but because we have forgiving hearts and as mothers. It is our hope and expectation that assurances will come from the governor and deputy governor that they will retrace their steps and govern in line with the Constitution and keep to all agreements entered into with the supervision of Mr President, the lawmakers said. Mrs Amadi represents the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in the Rivers assembly. She said she had informed Mr Wike about her intention to withdraw from the impeachment move against Mr Fubara, and that the minister had told her to do whatever her conscience dictates on the matter. I want to let you know that before coming for this press briefing, I informed him (Wike). I told him of it. But he said to me that I should do whatever my conscience tells me to do, align with the Constitution and keep all agreements entered with the supervision of Mr President for the good and betterment of River State and Nigeria, she said. Background On 8 January, the Rivers assembly initiated a third impeachment proceedings against Mr Fubara. The impeachment move came shortly after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike accused the governor of reneging on the terms of a peace deal brokered by President Bola Tinubu in June last year. Two days later, the House refuted reports that it had discontinued the impeachment move against Mr Fubara and his deputy. On 11 January, the lawmakers stated that they had uncovered secret plots by certain persons to use the high courts in Rivers State to halt its sittings and thwart its impeachment move. The Rivers House of Assembly failed to reconvene on Thursday, a week after adjourning a sitting at which impeachment proceedings were initiated against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu. The conference hall of the Assemblys legislative quarters along Aba Road, where the House currently sits following the demolition of its chamber, showed no sign of activity as of noon, Punch newspaper reported. No explanation was issued for the failure to reconvene, and no fresh date for resumption was announced. Impeachment notice in limbo? At its first sitting of 2026 last week, the House commenced impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over alleged gross misconduct, including the demolition of the assembly complex and spending Rivers money without legislative approval. The sitting was adjourned to 15 January. For the assembly not to hold, it has created an uncertainty over the impeachment move. Background to recurring crisis The stalled sitting comes against the backdrop of a protracted power struggle between the executive and the legislature in the oil-rich state. The political crisis is linked to feud between Governor Fubara and his predecessor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The political crisis has repeatedly paralysed governance in the state and split the legislature into two factions. This is the third impeachment attempt on Governor Fubara in less than three years. Four of the 26 lawmakers who signed the impeachment notice have since withdrawn from it. They are now appealing for an amicable resolution of the crisis. Their exit from the Wike-backed plot is seen by political observers as an early sign of division within the ministers once-cohesive political structure in the state. Party switch and shifting calculations Governor Fubaras recent defection to the All Progressives Congress has further altered the political equation in Rivers. Analysts say the move appears to have offered the governor a layer of political protection he lacked while battling the assembly, when he was in the PDP. The House spokesman, Enemi George, and Martin Amaewhule did not respond to calls seeking their comments. ATLANTA, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Agile Consulting Group, sales tax exemption and compliance experts, recently joined the Metals Innovation Initiative (Mi2) as a value provider, further strengthening its commitment to supporting manufacturers across Kentucky. Kentucky has more than 250 metals facilities and a $34 billion metals footprint, according to the Mi2 website, making it a uniquely positioned state to lead in metals manufacturing. As a Mi2 Value Provider, Agile Consulting Group will support member organizations by helping manufacturers identify sales and use tax exemptions, recover overpaid taxes, and improve compliance practices so more capital can be reinvested into operations, workforce development, and innovation. Mi2 plays a key role in advancing Kentucky's metals industry, strengthening the talent pipeline, addressing sustainability challenges, elevating industry visibility, securing research and development funding, and accelerating clean energy innovation. "This partnership is a great opportunity for us to build off of previous momentum in Kentucky," said Aaron Giles, Founder and Managing Principal of Agile Consulting Group. "Kentucky has unique machinery and equipment exemptions that many manufacturers are unaware of. Joining Mi2 allows us to extend our impact by working more closely with manufacturers that are focused on efficiency and long-term growth." In early 2025, Agile Consulting Group secured a private-letter ruling from the Kentucky Department of Revenue (KY-TAM-25-01) clarifying how manufacturers can recover sales and use tax paid in error on forklifts and other material handling equipment. This guidance allows eligible manufacturers to recover up to 48 months of overpaid tax, stop future over-taxation by vendors, and identify additional refund opportunities across utilities, repair labor, safety supplies, packaging, hand tools, and more. "Having tax experts as a partner brings added value to our industry," said a Mi2 spokesperson. "Agile's ability to identify overpaid taxes, correct tax errors, and secure accurate refunds helps manufacturers put money back into their business and make more informed financial decisions so they can focus on innovation." To learn more: Visit our website Book a consultation Follow us on LinkedIn About Agile Consulting Group Agile empowers businesses to confidently manage their tax obligations with a strategic approach to sales and use tax. Our team of expert consultants work to align accounting systems with the latest tax laws and regulations, ensuring your business stays ahead of the curve. By identifying and implementing key system optimizations, we enable organizations to unlock every valuable tax exemption for which they qualify. This proactive methodology not only maximizes financial benefits but also helps you achieve and maintain seamless compliance with all sales and use tax regulations for peace of mind. Stay agile. To learn more, visit www.salesandusetax.com. About Metals Innovation Initiative (Mi2) The Metals Innovation Initiative is a Kentucky-based nonprofit that provides collaborative, industry-led executive leadership to attract and promote advanced research, sustainability, commercialization, and talent development in Kentucky's metals industry. MI2 aims for Kentucky to be recognized as the preeminent destination for metals innovation. For more information, visit www.mi2ky.org. MEDIA CONTACT PR for Agile [email protected] SOURCE Agile Consulting Group, Inc. Study estimates company's operations are generating more than $20.7 billion in annual economic output ST. LOUIS, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Corporation's (NYSE: AEE) operations in Missouri and Illinois triggered more than $20.7 billion in annual economic output, according to a study by a leading market research and development firm. Conducted by HR&A Advisors and commissioned by Ameren, the study analyzed direct spending by the company on functions such as payroll, capital equipment, supplier services, and the additional economic benefits that are generated when those investments prompt other businesses and consumers to spend money on housing, capital goods and retail. In short, every dollar and job related to Ameren's operations in the bi-state area are generating additional leading-wage jobs, disposable income and increased tax revenue for communities and public institutions in the bi-state region. Study Highlights Jobs: 55,200 supported by Ameren's annual economic activity Vendor/Suppliers: $2.2 billion purchased from in-state suppliers in Missouri and Illinois Taxes: $920 million contributed to state and local governments Philanthropy: $10.6 million in support to meet critical community needs "Every day, our employees, suppliers and contractors are working to strengthen and expand our energy grid, bolstering reliability and resiliency for customers, while facilitating economic expansion," said Martin J. Lyons Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren Corporation. "The results of this economic impact study validate that our ongoing energy infrastructure investments and operations are delivering unprecedented benefits in the communities where we live and work." The study also cites Ameren's annual efforts to manage costs and streamline operational efficiency to help mitigate the impact of rising energy costs. Efforts to keep rates as low as possible are increasing spending power for Ameren's residential and business customers, further contributing to economic impacts. In addition, the technical assistance provided by Ameren to new, expanding and relocating businesses created 3,728 new jobs in the company's two-state service territory in 2025. In total, 73 economic development projects triggered $3.56 billion in capital investment by those businesses. In 2025, businesses across Ameren Missouri's service territory created 2,273 new jobs and invested $1.56 billion. Some of those businesses include: Amazon recently completed a new 61,000-square-foot last-mile delivery station in the SEMO Industrial Park in Scott City, Missouri. Amazon also invested $15 million in capital and created 70 new jobs for the area. recently completed a new 61,000-square-foot last-mile delivery station in the SEMO Industrial Park in Scott City, Missouri. Amazon also invested $15 million in capital and created 70 new jobs for the area. WEG Transformers USA , a leading producer of transformers, is expanding in Washington, Missouri, investing $77 million and creating 50 new jobs. , a leading producer of transformers, is expanding in Washington, Missouri, investing $77 million and creating 50 new jobs. IKO, a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of residential shingles, commercial roofing and waterproofing products, is investing more than $120 million in a new 220,000-square-foot facility and creating more than 50 new jobs for its subsidiary, Bismarck Granules, in Bismarck, Missouri. In 2025, businesses across Ameren Illinois' service territory created more than 1,455 new jobs and invested $2 billion. Some of those businesses include: Western Smokehouse Partners , a leading co-manufacturer and private-label producer, is expanding in Galesburg, Illinois, investing $50 million and creating 180 new jobs. , a leading co-manufacturer and private-label producer, is expanding in Galesburg, Illinois, investing $50 million and creating 180 new jobs. Prysmian Group , the world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry, is expanding in Du Quoin, Illinois, investing $63.8 million and creating 80 new jobs. , the world leader in the energy and telecom cable systems industry, is expanding in Du Quoin, Illinois, investing $63.8 million and creating 80 new jobs. Wieland Metals, a leading global supplier of semi-finished copper and copper alloy products, is expanding in East Alton, Illinois, investing $500 million and creating 700 new full-time jobs. Ameren was also recently selected as one of Business Facilities magazine's 2026 Top Utilities for Economic Development. About Ameren Corporation St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.5 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren. About HR&A Advisors HR&A Advisors, Inc. (HR&A) is an employee-owned company advising visionary clients on how to create vital places, build equitable and resilient communities, and improve people's lives. Learn more at www.hraadvisors.com . SOURCE Ameren Corporation BOGOTA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Colombian President Gustavo Petro confirmed on Wednesday that his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled for Feb. 3 at the White House. Petro told a publicly broadcast cabinet meeting that the date was set following diplomatic exchanges between the two governments, highlighting its importance in addressing ongoing issues between the United States and Colombia, particularly drug trafficking. This will be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since Trump returned to office. Trump had earlier expressed anticipation for a January meeting, noting that drug prevention would be a key topic. He praised Petro after a phone call on Jan. 7, emphasizing the desire for future talks. The United States has recently increased pressure on countries in Latin America over narcotics and security issues, with Trump targeting Petro on drug-related matters. On Jan. 4, Trump issued a threat toward Petro, saying that taking action against Colombia "sounds good." Petro responded the following day on social media, saying that in the face of Trump's "illegal threats," he would be prepared to "take up again the weapons that no one wants to touch." Petro emphasized that the upcoming meeting is crucial for ensuring the safety of Colombians. DENVER, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Apartment Investment and Management Company ("Aimco") (NYSE: AIV) announced today the federal income tax allocation of its 2025 distributions paid to holders of its Class A Common Stock. The following table summarizes the allocation for 2025: Class A Common Stock (CUSIP 03748R747) Record Date Payable Date Distribution per Share Total Ordinary Dividends Total Capital Gain Distribution (1) Unrecaptured Sec. 1250 Gain (2) Section 897 Capital Gain (3) Return of Capital 1/14/25 1/31/25 $0.60 0.000000 % 100.000000 % 33.735500 % 100.000000 % 0.000000 % 9/30/25 10/15/25 $2.23 0.000000 % 100.000000 % 33.735516 % 100.000000 % 0.000000 % Annual $2.83 0.000000 % 100.000000 % 33.735512 % 100.000000 % 0.000000 % (1) Pursuant to Treas. Reg. 1.1061-6(c), Aimco is disclosing below two additional amounts for purposes of Section 1061 of the Internal Revenue Code. Section 1061 is generally applicable to direct and indirect holders of "applicable partnership interests." (2) The percentage of Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain for each distribution shown above is a subset of, and included in, Distribution per Share and Total Capital Gain Distribution. (3) The percentage of Section 897 Capital Gain for each distribution shown above is a subset of, and included in, Distribution per Share. Record Date Payable Date Form 1099-DIV Box 2a, Total Capital Gain Distr. Per Share One Year Amounts Disclosure Per Share Three Year Amounts Disclosure Per Share 1/14/2025 1/31/2025 $ 0.6000 $ 0.0000 $ 0.0000 9/30/2025 10/15/2025 $ 2.2300 $ 0.0000 $ 0.0000 Annual $ 2.8300 $ 0.0000 $ 0.0000 Aimco's tax return for the year ended December 31, 2025, has not yet been filed; therefore, the income tax character shown above has been calculated using the best available information as of the date of this release. The state and local taxation of real estate investment trust distributions varies and may not be the same as the taxation under federal tax laws. Because federal and state tax laws affect individuals differently, Aimco cannot advise shareholders on how distributions should be reported on their tax return and encourages shareholders to consult with their own tax advisors with respect to federal, state, and local income tax consequences of their distributions. The 2025 distributions were made prior to Aimco's Board of Directors concluding its strategic review and the announcement of a special stockholder meeting to approve Aimco's "Plan of Sale and Liquidation." For future tax considerations, should Aimco's "Plan of Sale and Liquidation" be approved, please refer to Aimco's Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on January 2, 2026. Additional Information and Where to Find It This release includes statements related to the proposed plan of sale and liquidation of Aimco (the "Proposed Transaction") and may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the Proposed Transaction. In connection with the Proposed Transaction, Aimco has filed a proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Proxy Statement has been sent to all shareholders of Aimco. Aimco will also file other documents regarding the Proposed Transaction with the SEC. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING DECISION, INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF AIMCO ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO AND ANY DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE THEREIN) AND ALL OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and shareholders of Aimco may obtain copies of the Proxy Statement and other documents that are filed or will be filed by Aimco with the SEC, free of charge, through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by Aimco with the SEC will also be available, free of charge, on Aimco's website at investors.aimco.com or by contacting Aimco's investor relations contact at [email protected]. Participants in the Solicitation Aimco, certain of its directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Aimco's shareholders in connection with the Proposed Transaction. Information about Aimco's directors and executive officers and their ownership of Aimco's common stock is set forth in the Proxy Statement and in Aimco's proxy statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Schedule 14A, which was filed with the SEC on April 25, 2025. To the extent that holdings of Aimco's securities have changed since the amounts reported in Aimco's proxy statements, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the Proposed Transaction may be obtained by reading the Proxy Statement regarding the Proposed Transaction. You may obtain free copies of these documents using the sources indicated above. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and those regarding our intent, belief, or expectations. Words such as "anticipate(s)," "expect(s)," "intend(s)," "plan(s)," "believe(s)," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should," "seek(s)," "forecast(s)," and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements, including those regarding the timing of asset sales and the timing and amount of capital expected to be returned to stockholders, are not guarantees of future performance, condition or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may affect actual results or outcomes, including changes in market conditions, fluctuations in our stock price, our financial performance, regulatory changes, and general economic conditions. Readers should carefully review Aimco's financial statements and the notes thereto, as well as the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of Aimco's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as these filings identify and address important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect management's judgment as of this date, and Aimco assumes no (and disclaims any) obligation to revise or update them to reflect future events or circumstances. About Aimco Aimco is a diversified real estate company primarily focused on value add and opportunistic investments, targeting the U.S. multifamily sector. Aimco's mission is to make real estate investments where outcomes are enhanced through its human capital so that substantial value is created for investors, teammates, and the communities in which we operate. Aimco is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as AIV. For more information about Aimco, please visit its website www.aimco.com. SOURCE Apartment Investment and Management Company (Aimco) BANGKOK, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The inaugural "Moyom Biotech Aphranel Global Expert Advisory Panel Thailand Anatomy Exchange Conference" was successfully convened in Thailand. This high-level forum gathered leading experts from multiple Asia-Pacific countries. Through this concentrated academic dialogue, Aphranel reaffirmed to the industry a clear guiding principle: to return aesthetic medicine to its medical foundation and to safeguard the safe application of regenerative materials through meticulous anatomical science. A panellist speaks at the Thailand Anatomy Exchange Meeting Dialogue Between Chinese and International Experts Explores "Regeneration" The significance of regenerative materials extends beyond compositionit reflects a deep understanding of human anatomy. Using detailed specimens and high-definition imaging, a ChineseThai expert team led by Professor Luo Shengkang from Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital conducted a layer-by-layer study of facial anatomy. Their analysis of tissue planes, ligaments, and vasculature revealed how Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) functions as a "collagen-initiating scaffold" within specific anatomical layers. Dr. Benrita from Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand, provided an international perspective, revealing the application logic and evolving trends of regenerative materials across different ethnicities and aesthetic systems. The convergence of Eastern and Western viewpoints elevated the concept of "regeneration" beyond mere technique, advancing it to the construction of holistic medical aesthetics. Pooling Global Expertise, the MagiC Concept Sets Sail A major highlight of the conference was the launch of the MagiC Concept Global Expert Advisory Panel, an academic community in regenerative medicine founded by Aphranel and leading global scholars. Dedicated to advancing anatomy-based injection protocols, clinical solutions, and efficacy evaluation systems, the panel aims to enhance the safety, precision, and predictability of regenerative medical practice. True regeneration is far more than simply stimulating collagen production. It is about reactivating the skin's inherent repair mechanisms through the synergy of material science and clinical technique, achieving a renewal of both tissue function and aesthetic form. As a domestically originated and researched regenerative product, Aphranel has consistently championed this philosophy. From laboratory research to clinical validation, and from physician education to patient communication, Aphranel has remained steadfast in its original commitment of "Research for Medicine, Medicine for Aesthetics." The company is dedicated to long-term academic development and ecosystem cultivation. The launch of the MagiC Concept Global Expert Advisory Panel marks a new phase of global collaboration for Aphranel, driving deeper research in regenerative material science, professional development, and the advancement of regenerative aesthetic medicine in China. SOURCE SHANGHAI MOYOM BIOTECHNOLOGY CO., LTD Execution-Focused Pilot Builds on AZIO AI's Expanding AI Infrastructure Pipeline and Validates High-Density Power and Cooling Architecture for Next-Generation Deployments LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AZIO AI, a next-generation artificial intelligence infrastructure platform, today announced the advancement of a joint immersion-cooled energy infrastructure pilot in collaboration with Envirotech Vehicles ("EVTV"). The execution-focused pilot is designed to validate high-density cooling, power efficiency, and modular deployment frameworks critical to large-scale AI data center expansion. The initiative builds directly on AZIO AI's recently announced expansion of its AI infrastructure pipeline, including significant governmental and institutional purchase orders, and reflects the Company's continued focus on disciplined execution as it advances from contracted demand toward physical deployment. Infrastructure-Level Validation for High-Density AI Compute The immersion-cooled pilot is purpose-built to evaluate single-phase liquid immersion cooling systems, modular containerized infrastructure, and integrated power strategies under sustained, high-load operating conditions. The deployment is explicitly focused on infrastructure-level performance rather than application-specific workloads, enabling rigorous assessment of the physical and operational systems that underpin modern AI data centers. Key validation areas include: Thermal performance under continuous high-density power loads Power utilization efficiency and power quality behavior Cooling system reliability in elevated ambient environments Hardware lifecycle, serviceability, and maintenance workflows Modular, repeatable deployment architectures suitable for rapid scaling The thermal dynamics, power delivery characteristics, and operational insights generated through the pilot are directly applicable to next-generation GPU-driven AI compute environments, where increasing rack densities and power concentration continue to redefine infrastructure requirements. Pipeline-Driven Infrastructure Execution As AZIO AI advances from contracted demand toward deployment across its growing project pipeline, infrastructure validation has become a critical priority. The immersion-cooled pilot supports this transition by generating real-world operational data around power density, thermal efficiency, and modular repeatabilitykey factors influencing deployment timelines, capital efficiency, and long-term operating economics for high-density AI data center environments. Real-World Operating Environment in Texas The pilot will be conducted in Texas, a region selected for its combination of high ambient temperatures, industrial-scale energy infrastructure, and continuous-load operating conditions. This environment provides a rigorous real-world testbed for evaluating cooling efficiency, system resilience, and deployment repeatability under conditions representative of many emerging sovereign AI infrastructure markets. Building Toward Sovereign and Distributed AI Infrastructure AZIO AI is developing infrastructure frameworks designed to support sovereign AI data center deployments, where local control over data, energy resources, and compute capacity is increasingly strategic. Immersion cooling, modular containerization, and flexible power integration are viewed as foundational technologies enabling: Rapid deployment of AI infrastructure in energy-adjacent and emerging regions Energy-aware compute clusters aligned with localized resource availability Jurisdiction-specific architectures compliant with national data sovereignty requirements Insights generated through the EVTV collaboration are expected to inform AZIO AI's design standards, vendor qualification processes, and operational playbooks as the Company scales its global AI infrastructure footprint. Leadership Commentary "This pilot is about disciplined execution and real-world validation," said Chris Young, Chief Executive Officer of AZIO AI. "As our AI infrastructure pipeline continues to expand, validating cooling, power, and modular deployment strategies under sustained operating conditions is essential. The insights generated through this collaboration directly inform how we design scalable, resilient, and sovereign AI data centers globally." "As AI workloads continue to drive higher power density and stricter efficiency requirements, infrastructure execution becomes a decisive advantage," said Elgin Tracy, Chief Operating Officer of EVTV. "This collaboration allows us to apply our experience in power systems and modular deployment alongside AZIO AI's expanding AI infrastructure pipeline. The focus of this pilot is validating infrastructure models that are technically robust, operationally repeatable, and capable of scaling in step with accelerating AI demand." Pilot Scope and Forward Path The pilot will progress through structured phases, including equipment commissioning, performance benchmarking, continuous operational monitoring, and post-deployment technical assessment. Any expansion beyond the pilot phase will be subject to additional validation, commercial evaluation, and applicable corporate approvals. About AZIO AI AZIO AI is an artificial intelligence infrastructure company focused on the design, development, and operation of scalable, energy-efficient AI data centers. The Company emphasizes institutional-grade execution, capital discipline, and modular infrastructure strategies to support accelerating global demand for AI compute, particularly in sovereign and emerging markets. About EVTV EVTV is an energy and technology company focused on innovative approaches to power utilization, modular infrastructure, and next-generation deployment models across energy-adjacent sectors. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding infrastructure validation, scalability, future deployment frameworks, strategic collaborations, and potential expansion of pilot initiatives. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations 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 these statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law. Media Contact Phoenix Management Consulting [email protected] 888-228-0122 SOURCE Azio AI Corporation Through this agreement, both entities will explore technological synergies and knowledge-sharing opportunities. The bank reinforces its commitment to technological innovation through its venture capital investments. Bit2Me is set to accelerate its EU expansion plans backed by its strategic partners and its newly obtained European regulatory license. MADRID, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bankinter has reached an investment agreement with Bit2Me, the leading digital asset company in the Spanish-speaking market. Under the terms of the deal, the bank acquires a stake in the company's capital, joining the 30 million funding round originally announced last August. The primary objective of this investment is to explore and achieve technological and knowledge-based synergies. Furthermore, Bankinter positions itself alongside a national technological partner in the development of solutions using Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). From left to right: Charo Ruiz, directora de Inversion de Capital Riesgo de Bankinter; Javier Roca, Capital Riesgo de Bankinter; Pablo Lancry, director de Innovacion y Capital Riesgo de Bankinter; Andrei Manuel, Co CEO de Bit2Me; Leif Ferreira, CEO de Bit2Me; David Ortega, CIO de Bit2Me; Eder Azebedo, director de Compliance de Bit2Me For Bankinter, this operation reflects the entity's ongoing commitment to technological innovation and to generating synergies with specialized fintech startups like Bit2Me. This strategy allows the bank to anticipate future trends in the financial landscape. This investment agreement, coupled with Bit2Me's attainment of the European regulatory license on July 29, and the support of strategic partners such as Telefonica, Inveready, Investcorp, Tether, and BBVA, will enable the Spanish fintech to accelerate its expansion plans across the European Union. It will also strengthen its presence in Argentina and other Latin American countries, consolidating its position as a key player in the crypto ecosystem within both Europe and the Spanish-speaking world. Bit2Me's capital structure also includes participation from Unicaja and Cecabank. Pablo Casadio, CFO of Bit2Me, stated: "This alliance confirms that the banking sector can leverage our deep industry know-how to enhance their offering. Instead of competing, we are integrating strengths. Spain and Europe present an unrivaled scenario, and thanks to our technological and regulatory solidity, Bit2Me is the ideal partner for financial entities to capitalize on this environment, providing their clients access to the crypto ecosystem with maximum security and guarantees." About Bankinter Bankinter is the fifth-largest Spanish bank by size and the most resilient among listed entities in the Eurozone, as recognized by the European Banking Authority. It is a prominent player in European banking, with a presence in Spain, Ireland, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Its differentiation lies in its profitability, efficiency, and asset quality, along with a strong specialization in Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, and a significant presence in Private Banking. Throughout its 60-year history, the bank has distinguished itself as a pioneer in digitalization, providing innovative solutions for customers across all segments. It was the first to launch mobile banking, the first digital broker, and the first robo-advisor from a bank in Spain, among other milestones. About Bit2Me Bit2Me is the leading crypto-asset company in Spain, registered with the CNMV as a Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP). The company has been building crypto infrastructure for over 10 years and holds multiple certifications in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, including: ISO 27001 (Information Security Management); ISO 22301 (Business Continuity Management); ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery and Corporate Ethics); ISO 37301 (Compliance Management Systems); UNE 19601 (Criminal Compliance Management); and the CSA STAR Level 1 certification. Bit2Me has been recognized as one of the most trusted exchanges and awarded "Best Cryptocurrency Exchange" in Italy and Portugal by Rankia. The company is also committed to cryptocurrency education and adoption through Bit2Me Academy, the largest Spanish-language crypto educational platform, offering over 450 free articles and certified courses. Disclaimer Important Information Regarding Crypto-Assets. This marketing communication has not been reviewed or approved by any competent authority of the European Union. Bit2Me acts as an authorized crypto-asset service provider. It is important to note that crypto-assets are not covered by deposit guarantee schemes or investor compensation schemes established in the EU. Exchange rates are highly volatile and there is a risk of total loss of the investment. You can find more information about the risks at: bit2me.com/legal/riesgos Website: www.bit2me.com Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862739/Bit2Me.jpg SOURCE Bit2Me Published in JCO Precision Oncology, the new analytical validation standards offer an industry-wide protocol for test developers CHICAGO, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- A new consensus document developed by The Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer (BLOODPAC) Consortium was published in JCO Precision Oncology. The publication provides generic protocols for the analytical validation of tumor-informed ctDNA assays for Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) liquid biopsy tests. MRD tests are designed to identify the molecular "fingerprints" of cancer associated with a remnant or recurrence of residual disease following treatment and can be used to help monitor patient response to treatments in real time and inform treatment decisions. The manuscript "Generic Protocols for Analytical Validation of Tumor-Informed Circulating Tumor DNA Assays for Molecular Residual Disease: The Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer's Molecular Residual Disease Analytical Validation Working Group Consensus Recommendation" was developed by BLOODPAC's MRD Analytical Validation Working Group and establishes a core set of generic protocols to support companies as they design and conduct analytical validation studies for MRD assays. The protocols can be adapted and applied to any tumor-informed MRD assay, irrespective of technologynext-generation sequencing (NGS) or digital PCR (dPCR), panel design algorithm, or workflow component. "These protocols reflect a deep collaborative effort and a shared commitment to advancing high-quality, reproducible MRD testing," said Lauren Leiman, Executive Director of BLOODPAC. "By providing a unified framework for analytical validation, BLOODPAC is helping to accelerate the development of trustworthy ctDNA MRD assays that will benefit patients." Advances in the development of tumor-informed MRD assays are poised to transform how clinicians monitor for recurrence and inform decisions during treatment. However, variability in how analytical validation studies are designed and conducted creates challenges for both developers and regulators. The BLOODPAC protocols address these challenges head-on by: Providing guidance for determining key analytical performance characteristics , including limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), accuracy, and precision. , including limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), accuracy, and precision. Addressing additional factors that influence assay performance , such as guard banding, to establish assay robustness, specimen stability during preparation and shipping, and assessment of interfering substances that may impact accuracy. , such as guard banding, to establish assay robustness, specimen stability during preparation and shipping, and assessment of interfering substances that may impact accuracy. Recommending methods for evaluating contrived and clinical sample comparability, ensuring that reference materials used in assay validation perform the same as patient-derived cfDNA samples. "MRD is being established as a relevant biomarker across multiple solid tumor malignancies. Developing a unified framework of analytical standards is essential to ensure these assays are validated quickly, deliver robust and reproducible results, and can be confidently adopted in clinical practice. Driving this new framework forward will advance patient access to personalized treatments," said Jonathan Baden, Executive Director & Head of Precision Medicine of Bristol Myers Squibb. "BLOODPAC's goal is to give developers a clear foundation for demonstrating the analytical performance of ctDNA MRD assaysno matter the technologyso that the focus can shift more quickly to what matters most: delivering reliable tests that inform patient care," said Leiman. The BLOODPAC MRD Analytical Validation Working Group represents a cross-section of experts across biotech and pharma industries, academia, and regulatory sectors. Contributors to the protocols include leading experts in molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, oncology, and regulatory science. These new protocols build on BLOODPAC's ongoing work to establish industry-wide standards for test validation. Most recently, BLOODPAC published recommendations in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics outlining key technical and biological considerations for the analytical validation of blood-based tumor mutational burden (bTMB) assays, which hold promise for predicting response to immunotherapy in patients with advanced and metastatic solid tumors. BLOODPAC's earlier publication of generic analytical protocols in Clinical Chemistry helped define industry standards for the development of Next-Generation Sequencing-Based ctDNA liquid biopsy tests. About BLOODPAC BLOODPAC is a consortium managed by the Center for Computational Science Research, Inc. (CCSR), which is an Illinois based 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. Our mission is to accelerate the development, validation, and accessibility of liquid biopsy assays to improve outcomes for patients with cancer. To do so, we lead a pre-competitive international collaborative infrastructure that enables the sharing of information and building of consensus among stakeholders in industry, academia, regulatory bodies, payers, and government agencies. Contact: Berna Diehl, [email protected] SOURCE Blood Profiling Atlas in Cancer (BLOODPAC) Consortium IRVING, Texas, Jan. 15, 2026 Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) will release fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial results at 5:30 a.m. CST on Thursday, Jan. 29. The full text of the release will be available at investors.caterpillar.com/financials/quarterly-results and on PR Newswire. The release will be furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) via a Current Report on Form 8-K in compliance with applicable SEC rules. Teleconference and webcast access: A real-time, listen-only teleconference and webcast of the quarterly results call that Caterpillar conducts with securities analysts and institutional investors will begin at 7:30 a.m. CST on Thursday, Jan. 29. Supporting materials will be available before the webcast at investors.caterpillar.com/events-presentations. In addition to the webcast, the one-hour conference call can also be accessed by telephone from both domestic and international locations, with a conference ID provided below: Conference ID: 6824010 Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (800) 715-9871 Participant Toll Dial-In Number: +1 (646) 307-1963 The call can be accessed in real-time at investors.caterpillar.com/financials/quarterly-results. Listeners should go to the website before the live event to download and install any necessary audio software. The transcript from the conference call will be available at investors.caterpillar.com/financials/quarterly-results following the webcast. For those unable to participate in the live broadcast, the replay will be available at investors.caterpillar.com/financials/quarterly-results shortly after the live event. There is no charge to access the webcast. A telephone replay will not be available. About Caterpillar With 2024 sales and revenues of $64.8 billion, Caterpillar Inc. is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For 100 years, we've been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. Caterpillar does business on every continent, principally operating through three primary segments Construction Industries, Resource Industries and Power & Energy and providing financing and related services through our Financial Products segment. Visit us at caterpillar.com or join the conversation on our social media channels at caterpillar.com/en/news/social-media.html. Caterpillar's latest financial results are also available online: https://investors.caterpillar.com/overview/default.aspx https://investors.caterpillar.com/financials/quarterly-results/default.aspx (live broadcast/replays of quarterly conference call) SOURCE Caterpillar Inc. Volio Imports Welcomes the Purity-Driven Estate to its Impressive Italian Portfolio NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Volio Imports, a leading national importer of premium Italian wines, is proud to announce the addition of Vecchie Terre di Montefili to its distinguished portfolio of exceptional Italian producers. Montefili is celebrated for its precision-driven Sangiovese, nurtured at high altitude, and its commitment to biodiversity, a practice it considers as vital as both grape growing and cellar work. Vecchie Terre di Montefili Since 2015, under the guidance of agronomist and winemaker Serena Gusmeri, Montefili has fully embraced its unique position, with 12.5 hectares perched at 500 meters above sea level in the heart of Chianti Classico, some of the highest elevated vineyards in the region. Most of its vineyards lie within the Panzano UGA, while the estate's highest plots occupy the Montefioralle UGA. The vineyards benefit from abundant sunlight, cooler temperatures, and three distinct soil types, producing pure, expressive Sangiovese that reflects the character of each parcel. "We're excited to welcome the outstanding wines from Vecchie Terre di Montefili to our portfolio this fall. Montefili stands for sustainability and excellence in Chianti Classico, upholding the highest standards for the natural biodiversity of their beautiful land," said Charles Lazzara, Founder & CEO of Volio Imports. "Led by winemaker Serena Gusmeri, Montefili's diverse range highlights the depth of Sangiovese and the importance of terroir, with its most notable wine being Anfiteatro Toscana IGT, its historic single-vineyard expression rooted in Panzano." Under Serena's guidance, Montefili has become a model of high-altitude, biodiversity-driven viticulture. The estate was part of Italy's first wine-growing biodistrict, where 90% of vineyards are managed according to organic and biodynamic principles. With its emphasis on low-intervention winemaking, Montefili vinifies each vineyard separately and relies on spontaneous fermentation. In addition, maturation takes place in medium-to-large neutral oak botti and tonneaux, allowing gentle micro-oxygenation without overshadowing the pure expression of Sangiovese. This vineyard-first philosophy is best epitomized by the estate's most historic wine: Anfiteatro Toscana IGT. Sourced from vines in the first recognized single-vineyard "cru" in Panzano, Anfiteatro captures the heart of Montefili: a pure expression of Sangiovese, defined by terroir-driven tension, winemaking precision, and the influence of altitude, history, and meticulous care. "At Montefili, altitude is not about power, but about clarity," says Serena. "Working at these elevations allows us to farm with precision and restraint, letting Sangiovese express itself with transparency and a strong sense of place. We're pleased to partner with Volio, who understands and respects this approach." With the addition of Montefili, Volio continues its mission to connect passionate, earth-driven producers with discerning wine lovers across the U.S, celebrating the diversity, craftsmanship, and future-facing vision of Italy's most iconic regions. Inventory has been available as of November 2025. About Volio Imports Volio Imports is a leading importer of Italian wines, curating a portfolio that represents the Italian wine experience from the everyday to the iconic. Founded in 2007, and committed to being carbon neutral since 2019, Volio specializes in multigenerational, dirt-driven and distinctive estate wines from renowned vineyards across Italy. Volio's mission is to bring the consumer experience closer to the vineyard experience. www.volioimports.com About Montefili Founded in 1975 and entering a new phase in 2015 under the direction of agronomist and winemaker Serena Gusmeri, Vecchie Terre di Montefili is a high-altitude estate located between the Panzano and Montefioralle UGAs in Chianti Classico. With 12.5 hectares of organically farmed vines and a long-standing commitment to biodiversity, Montefili produces Chianti Classico DOCG, Toscana IGT, and single-vineyard Sangiovese wines defined by precision, restraint, and a clear sense of place. https://montefiliwines.com/ Madeleine Hayes Colangelo & Partners [email protected] SOURCE Volio Imports Family of Worker Killed in Bristol Health & Rehab Center Explosion Files Lawsuit PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cordisco & Saile, LLC has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the family of Muthoni Nduthu, a worker who tragically lost her life in the explosion and fire at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center in Bristol Township, formerly Silver Lake Nursing Home. This filing marks an important step toward accountability following a devastating incident that occurred after multiple reports of a gas odor inside the facility. The explosion raised serious questions about safety procedures and whether this tragedy could have been prevented. "Our hearts are with this family," said John Cordisco, founding partner of Cordisco & Saile, LLC. "They are grieving an unimaginable loss, and they deserve clear answers about what happened. We are committed to helping them pursue those answers." Cordisco & Saile is investigating the incident and also representing other individuals impacted by the explosion. At this time, the firm has filed suit on behalf of the Nduthu family and continues to evaluate additional claims as investigations remain ongoing. "This case is about far more than negligence and responsibility." said Michael Saile, Managing Partner of Cordisco & Saile. "It's about real people whose lives were forever changed in an instant when they relied on others to keep them safe. Our responsibility is to stand with these families, support them, and to make sure their voices are heard when it matters most." Cordisco & Saile remains committed to standing with victims and families impacted by catastrophic events and will continue to advocate for accountability as more information becomes available from the investigation. About Cordisco & Saile Cordisco & Saile is an eastern Pennsylvania-based injury law firm dedicated to representing individuals and families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, with a focus on compassion, integrity, and results. Press Release Service provided by 24-7PressRelease.com. SOURCE Cordisco & Saile Beverage Industry Sales Veteran Craig Olikiewicz Named Chief Commercial Officer HALIFAX, NS, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As the functional soda category enters its next phase of growth, Cove Soda today announced the appointment of Bryan Crowley as Chief Executive Officer and Board Member. He is joined by Craig Olikiewicz as Chief Commercial Officer and Joe Lee as Chief Operating Officer, forming a seasoned leadership team to guide Cove's expansion across North America. Crowley brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across food, beverage, and consumer brands, spanning early-stage innovators and global category leaders. Most recently, he served as CEO and Board Member of G FUEL. He previously partnered with serial beverage entrepreneur Lance Collins to launch and lead Casa Azul Spirits an d ZenWTR, helping scale both brands through innovation and profitable growth. His appointment marks Cove's evolution from breakout functional soda brand to scaled category contender as consumers and retailers increasingly prioritize better-for-you, no-sugar alternatives. "Functional soda has moved from an emerging trend to a high-growth category that demands creative brand building and disciplined execution," said Crowley. "Founders John and Ryan MacLellan have built a great-tasting product and an authentic brand with real consumer love. The opportunity now is to scale that foundation thoughtfully and build a business designed for longevity." Founded in 2017 by two brothers at a local farmers' market, Cove Soda has built a devoted following through its fresh approach to functional beverages. Today, Cove is the leading functional soda brand in Canada and is entering the U.S. market at a time when retailers are actively reallocating shelf space toward functional, low-sugar beverage offerings. Crowley has repeatedly stepped into leadership roles at pivotal growth moments, bringing operational rigor and strategic clarity. His prior experience includes serving as CEO and Board Director of Casa Azul Spirits, CEO and Board Member of Soylent, Co-Founder and Board Member of Flying Embers, Chief Strategy Officer of KeVita (acquired by PepsiCo), President of VEEV Spirits (acquired by Luxco), Chief Marketing Officer of Pabst Brewing Company, and Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Mars, Inc. Joining Crowley is Craig Olikiewicz, Chief Commercial Officer, a seasoned sales and commercial executive with deep experience across beverages, energy, and CPG. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Sales at Nutrabolt, leading national retail expansion and commercial execution across major channels. "Craig is a proven commercial leader who understands how to build brands at scale," said Crowley. "He brings a disciplined, data-driven approach to growth and the relationships needed to win at shelf. I have seen firsthand how he elevates teams and delivers results and we're thrilled to have him on board." Cove also announced that Joe Lee joined the company as Chief Operating Officer in spring 2025. Lee brings more than 20 years of global operations and supply chain leadership across high-growth CPG brands, positioning Cove to scale efficiently as demand accelerates. Together with founders John and Ryan MacLellan, the leadership team reflects Cove's focus on building a durable, execution-driven organization capable of meeting growing consumer and retailer demand. In November, Cove also announced a $15 million USD Series A financing, led by Vanterra Ventures, with participation from RiverPark Ventures, The Palm Tree Crew, Simple Food Ventures, Diplo, Miles Teller, The Chainsmokers, Michael Rubin, Jack Eichel, Aaron Ekblad, Matt Chapman, and J.D. Martinez. The funding supports Cove's continued growth across North America, the introduction of new flavors, and the expansion of its leadership and operational teams. "With this leadership team in place and strong investor backing, Cove is entering its next chapter," Crowley added. "This is just the beginning." About Cove Soda Founded in 2017, Cove Soda is a Canada-based functional carbonated soft drink brand offering great-tasting, no-sugar sodas made with real ingredients. Cove is the leading functional soda brand in Canada and is expanding rapidly across the United States. Media Contact Kathleen Saeger [email protected] 310-597-2337 Victoria Stinson [email protected] 330-754-5290 SOURCE Cove Soda PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dan Franzese announced today the official launch of his campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in President Donald J. Trump's home district in Palm Beach County, Florida (FL CD -22), running on a record of business leadership, community service, and conservative values. Franzese is a proud America First candidate who enters the race focused on affordability, accountability, and ensuring South Florida families have a representative who delivers results and puts the district first. "Florida needs leaders who know how to build, manage, and deliver results, not just talk about them," said Dan Franzese. "I've spent my life creating jobs, balancing budgets, and solving problems. In Congress, I will focus on affordability, responsible governance, and policies that strengthen Florida families and our local economy." An honors graduate of Amherst College who also earned an MBA at the Wharton School of Business, Franzese built a decades-long career in finance and investment management, helping grow businesses, create jobs, and responsibly steward capital. He later brought those same principles to his community, serving as a church treasurer and chief financial officer, strengthening financial controls and restoring fiscal balance, an experience he says is essential for effective representation. Franzese was the Republican nominee for Florida's 22nd Congressional District in 2024, winning a competitive three-way primary with 53 percent of the vote and mounting the strongest challenge ever against the long-time Democratic incumbent, Lois Frankel. He earned the 2024 endorsement of President Donald J. Trump, who praised Franzese as a leader who understands how to grow the economy, lower taxes, and eliminate government waste. "With President Trump leading our nation, Florida needs strong partners in Congress who will help advance policies that deliver real results," Franzese said. "I will work side by side with President Trump to keep America strong by defending our Constitution, promoting economic growth, and ensuring accountability to the people we serve." Franzese emphasized that his campaign will focus on Florida-first priorities, practical solutions, and restoring trust between voters and their elected representatives. "This campaign is about results, not rhetoric," Franzese added. "Floridians deserve a representative who understands their lives, respects their values, and knows how to get things done." You can learn more about Dan and his campaign at DanForUSA.com. Contact: Vicky Franzese [email protected] SOURCE Dan Franzese For Congress 2026 WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota state, following a second shooting in about a week by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don't obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. The U.S. president noted that invoking the Insurrection Act will "quickly put an end to the travesty" that is taking place in the state. On Jan. 7, an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, leading to nationwide protests. The Trump administration said Good was allegedly attempting to run over law enforcement officers with her vehicle, while local officials argued that video footage indicates that Good did not pose a threat, and the agent involved acted recklessly. On Wednesday evening, an ICE agent shot an immigrant man -- a Venezuelan national -- in the leg after "being ambushed and attacked" by two other people and the immigrant they were trying to arrest, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Protests continued following the second ICE shooting in about a week, and Mayor Jacob Frey said that the situation in Minneapolis is "not sustainable." Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said a crowd that had gathered at the scene of the second shooting was deemed an "unlawful assembly" and some people were throwing fireworks and rocks at officers. The Insurrection Act of 1807 is a federal law that gives the president authority to deploy the U.S. military domestically under certain extreme circumstances. Trump has repeatedly signaled his willingness to invoke the act. In October, Trump told reporters that he is allowed to use the Act if courts deny his efforts to send the National Guard to U.S. cities. Powered by 150+ direct EHR integrationsunmatched by aggregator, consultant, or reseller-led POC models SHORT HILLS, N.J., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Doceree, the world's first AI-powered Operating System for healthcare marketing, today announced its 2025 year-in-review, closing the year as the largest and only truly direct point-of-care (POC) engagement platform in the United States. Doceree Enters 2026 as the Only Truly Direct Point-of-Care Engagement Platform at Scale As point-of-care adoption accelerates across healthcare marketing, the market has seen an influx of players operating through EHR aggregation layers, consulting-led implementations, or reseller agency models. While these approaches offer proximity to care, they fall short of delivering true in-workflow engagement, consistent measurement, and enterprise-scale execution. Doceree stands apart. Built on 150+ direct electronic health record (EHR) integrations, including leading platforms such as Epic and Oracle Cerner, Doceree enables pharmaceutical and healthcare brands to engage HCPs directly within active clinical workflowspowered by real-time contextual intelligence and governed by the highest standards of privacy, compliance, and data integrity. Direct Integration vs. Proxy-Based POC Models Unlike aggregator platforms that stitch together fragmented access, consultants that deploy one-off solutions, or reseller agencies dependent on third-party inventory, Doceree is a native, directly integrated infrastructure platform. This architectural advantage enables: True in-workflow engagement, not peripheral or login-screen placements First-party, privacy-safe EHR data activation, not inferred or syndicated data Uniform measurement and optimization across systems, not fragmented reporting Scalable, repeatable enterprise execution without intermediary dependencies Demonstrated Momentum at Infrastructure Scale In 2025, Doceree delivered strong, defensible growth across its POC ecosystem: ~50% year-over-year increase in POC campaign activity in POC campaign activity ~30% growth in active enterprise accounts across pharma and healthcare segments across pharma and healthcare segments Launch of Creative Analytics in Q4 2025, enabling brands to evaluate and optimize creative performance inside EHR environmentsa capability not available through reseller or consultant-driven models Early adoption signals strong market demand for measurable, data-driven engagement at the point-of-care, reinforcing POC as a strategic channel rather than an experimental one. Redefining What 'Point-of-Care' Truly Means "The industry often confuses proximity to care with point-of-care itself," said Harshit Jain, MD, Founder & Global CEO, Doceree. "Doceree doesn't aggregate access or resell placementswe integrate directly into EHR workflows. That distinction is what enables relevance, compliance, and scale to coexist." By activating real-time clinical context, Doceree's AI-powered platform delivers messaging at the precise moments when care decisions are made, while minimizing cognitive load for healthcare professionals. Innovation Where Others Cannot Operate Major EHR environments such as Epic and Oracle Cerner traditionally prohibit commercial advertising within native systems. Where others stop or rely on indirect workarounds, Doceree engineered a compliant path forward. Through Spark, built on SMART on FHIR standards, Doceree operates within approved interoperability frameworksenabling compliant, contextual brand engagement without violating EHR platform policies. "Doceree helps us deliver relevant, timely messages to clinicians directly in their workflowsupporting our mission to simplify care delivery," said Khurshid Mughal, CEO, Practice EHR. Expanding the Scope of Point-of-Care Impact In 2025, Doceree expanded its platform with co-pay.com, extending point-of-care engagement into affordability, access, and treatment initiation. The company is now actively collaborating with brands on trial and treatment messaging, enabling compliant communication around patient access at critical decision momentsdirectly within clinical workflows. "Doceree enables real-time relevance at scale," said John Ketcham, Chief Revenue Officer, DAW Systems. "That level of execution simply isn't possible through agency-led or reseller-based POC models." Clear Market Signal Heading Into 2026 As healthcare marketers mature in their POC strategies, momentum is consolidating around platforms built for direct access, repeatability, and intelligence. Doceree enters 2026 with multiple enterprise commitments secured through its NEXT program, locking in full-year campaign flights and reinforcing confidence in directly integrated point-of-care as a long-term strategic channel. "Closing 2025 as the largest directly integrated POC engagement platform in the U.S. reflects the trust of our EHR partners and the broader healthcare ecosystem," said Vijay Adapala, EVP & GM, Global Supply Partnerships, Doceree. "In 2026, healthcare marketing will reward intelligence over scaleand intelligence requires direct integration." As the industry moves into 2026, Doceree continues to lead the point-of-care category it pioneeredadvancing AI-first capabilities while expanding its EHR footprint across the U.S. healthcare system. Watch how Doceree delivers the most relevant nudges to HCPs at the point of care: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgUq4HUIe5M About Doceree Doceree is the only AI-powered Operating System for healthcare marketing. We believe the role of AI is to bring richer context to every HCP interaction. Hence, our patented AI understands multiple layers of context to enhance every HCP interaction in a privacy-compliant manner, delivering measurably better outcomes every time. In just five years, we have emerged as leaders in AI-powered, hyper-personalized healthcare messaging redefining HCP engagement with more powerful context and more powerful outcomes. To know more, visit www.doceree.ai Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862605/Doceree_Point_of_Care_Engagement.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1758952/5708789/Doceree_Logo.jpg SOURCE Doceree CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy today announced executive vice president, chief generation officer and enterprise operational excellence, Preston Gillespie's decision to retire after 40 years of dedicated service to the company. To support a smooth transition, Preston will remain on board through March 1, 2027, and beginning March 1, 2026, will have responsibility for guiding the Company's critical decision about new nuclear. Duke Energy announces leadership changes in its generation and operational excellence organization "Our customers rely on us for dependable, affordable energy, while a rapidly changing world demands greater speed, agility and innovation," said Harry Sideris, president and chief executive officer. "The depth of leadership talent and thoughtful transition provides the continuity that allows the company to deliver today and invest for the future supporting the growth we are delivering for our communities across our service territories. "On behalf of everyone at Duke Energy, I want to thank Preston for his decades of dedicated service to the company," continued Sideris. "Over the course of 40-plus years, Preston has been an invaluable asset whose leadership and commitment have shaped our culture and driven our generation and operational excellence division to new heights. His unwavering focus on safety, performance and cost efficiency has set the standard for our industry and inspired those around him." Gillespie's leadership has included responsibility for the safe, reliable and efficient operations of Duke Energy's fleet generating capacity of over 50,000 megawatts. He previously served as Duke Energy's chief nuclear officer. In this role, he was responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the nation's largest regulated nuclear generating fleet in the nation. He joined the company in 1986 as an assistant engineer at Oconee Nuclear Station, where he earned his senior reactor operator license and held positions in a variety of roles in engineering and operations. New Leadership Appointments Effective March 1, 2026 Kelvin Henderson will be appointed senior vice president, chief generation officer and enterprise operational excellence and will join the company's senior management committee, reporting to Sideris. Henderson currently serves as senior vice president and chief nuclear officer. As chief generation officer, Henderson will manage a vast portfolio of generation assets as the company expands to meet growing energy demand while keeping costs to customers as low as possible. With more than 35 years of nuclear experience, including the last five years as chief nuclear officer at Duke Energy, Kelvin brings extensive expertise to his new position. will be appointed senior vice president, chief generation officer and enterprise operational excellence and will join the company's senior management committee, reporting to Sideris. Henderson currently serves as senior vice president and chief nuclear officer. As chief generation officer, Henderson will manage a vast portfolio of generation assets as the company expands to meet growing energy demand while keeping costs to customers as low as possible. With more than 35 years of nuclear experience, including the last five years as chief nuclear officer at Duke Energy, Kelvin brings extensive expertise to his new position. Steven Capps will assume the role of senior vice president and chief nuclear officer, reporting to Henderson. Capps is currently senior vice president, new nuclear development and operations support. He has served in a variety of roles at Duke Energy for over three decades, where he has held significant leadership roles within the nuclear division. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. Media Contact: Mary Scott Winstead 24-Hour: 800.559.3853 SOURCE Duke Energy LAS VEGAS , Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On the global stage of CES 2026where the consumer electronics industry converges to shape the futureEforthink took center stage with a "Spatial Perception" theme, showcasing its latest breakthroughs in applying UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology to industrial intelligence and smart home ecosystems. Pioneering Smart Manufacturing: Full-Factor Lean Management Powers Industry 4.0 Eforthink at the CES2026 exhibition site Armed with its proprietary multi-modal fusion tech (UWB+GNSS+Bluetooth) and end-to-end location services platform, Eforthink rolled out an all-encompassing solution that marries centimeter-level positioning, real-time data perception, and AI-driven decision-making. For manufacturers navigating the Industry 4.0 era, this isn't just a toolit's a cornerstone for flexible production lines, airtight safety protocols, and game-changing efficiency gains. The star of Eforthink's booth? A live-action UWB high-precision positioning demo that brought industrial logistics to life. The system dynamically tracked high-value materials with pinpoint centimeter-level accuracy, while a 3D visualization interface seamlessly synced electronic fence alerts and multi-device coordinationoffering a vivid, real-world snapshot of how positioning tech transforms complex factory floors. It didn't take long for the demo to draw throngs of industry pros, media outlets, and international partners, who jumped at the chance to put the system to the test. Attendees grabbed positioning tags, simulating signal blockages and multi-source interference, only to be stunned by consistent sub-10cm accuracy and zero trajectory drift. "The 'software-defined industry' wave we're seeing at CES 2026 isn't just a trendit's exactly aligned with our mission to power industrial digitalization through location intelligence," Eforthink's CEO told reporters at the event. "Gone are the days when industrial competitiveness was just about how precise a single machine is. Now it's about end-to-end collaborationand high-precision positioning is the glue that breaks down data silos and connects the physical and digital worlds. We've spent over a decade honing UWB tech, and we're bringing solutions proven in China's toughest industrial environments to the global stage. We're here to partner with global industrial leaders, export homegrown innovation, and co-create the next generation of global industrial positioning standardsall with a 'From China for Global' mindset." Eforlink: Blazing a New Trail with "Spatial Perception Intelligence" for Smart Homes As smart hardware proliferatesfrom smart speakers to connected thermostatsconsumers are no longer satisfied with mere "feature-packed" devices. They want seamless integration: devices that talk to each other, interactions that feel natural, and data that stays secure. That's where Eforthink's new Eforlink lineup comes inredefining the smart home category with what the company calls "Spatial Perception Intelligence." Debuting three game-changing products at CES 2026Eforlink ScreenLock, Eforlink UWB Identity Presence Sensor, and UWB Pet TagEforthink brings industrial-grade UWB precision to everyday life. These devices don't just react to commands; they proactively sense user location and identity, triggering customized responses across a connected home. Imagine your lights adjusting to your preferred brightness as you walk into a room, your door unlocking automatically when you're near, or your pet's tag sending real-time updatesall without lifting a finger. It's a stark contrast to traditional smart home products, which often rely on clunky app controls or delayed voice commands. What sets Eforlink apart? Its "distance-triggered auto-activation" logic eliminates lag, turning passive device control into a holistic, responsive ecosystem. "We're moving beyond 'smart' to 'intuitive,'" a product lead explained. "The home should anticipate your needs, not the other way around." CES 2026 made one thing clear: Eforthink's AI-driven push to expand its smart ecosystem isn't just a strategyit's a vision that's resonating. As the global consumer electronics industry shifts toward systematization and collaboration, Eforthink's user-centric approach positions it as a force to be reckoned with. With a growing product portfolio, the company is poised to disrupt not just smart homes, but a wide range of consumer and industrial scenarios worldwide. For more details on Eforthink's technology portfolio, case studies, and product specifications, visit www.eforlinktech.com. Media and business inquiries can be directed to [email protected]. Stay connected via our official channels: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/110192592 TikTok: @eforlink_official Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550340266779 About Eforthink Headquartered in China, Eforthink is a leading provider of location-based IoT solutions. Its full-stack Real-Time Location System (RTLS) platform combines software and hardware to deliver precise tracking of objects' positions, movements, and interactions. Supporting multiple positioning technologies including GNSS, RFID, BLE, and UWB Eforthink enables enterprises and consumers alike to build efficient, scalable RTLS ecosystems. SOURCE Eforthink Electrify America's battery energy storage systems (BESS)are recognized for enabling fast EV charging in areas that may have grid constraints. RESTON, Va., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Electrify America has been named to Business Intelligence Group's 2026 BIG Innovation Awards for the national deployment of its battery energy storage systems (BESS). The annual award celebrates products and organizations that bring new innovations to life. Electrify America Named to Business Intelligence Groups 2026 BIG Innovation Awards in the Top 10 Innovation category Electrify America's BESS rollout helps enable Hyper-Fast electric vehicle (EV) charging in areas with limited grid capacity. By storing energy during low usage periods and discharging it during high demand, this solution enables Hyper-Fast charging in locations where traditional infrastructure alone cannot meet demand. "This recognition highlights how Electrify America continues to deploy battery energy storage as a solution to one of EV charging's biggest challenges grid capacity," said Robert Barrosa, president and CEO of Electrify America. "By integrating BESS into our network, we're able to bring Hyper-Fast charging to the places drivers need it most, even where the grid alone may not support it." Limited grid capacity is one of EV charging's biggest challenges but Electrify America's BESS rollout makes Hyper-Fast charging possible in areas where the electrical grid alone would not support. The company's 170+ BESS deployments enable wider EV adoption coast-to-coast by expanding access to seamless charging. "This year's winners demonstrate that innovation has entered a new accountability era," said Russ Fordyce, Chief Recognition Officer at the Business Intelligence Group. "The 2026 winners are not celebrating experimentation for its own sake. They are operationalizing advanced analytics, automation, and intelligent systems with the discipline of balance sheets and clinical trials. They are not just riding the AI wave, they are architecting the operating models that will define the next decade of global business performance." About Electrify America Electrify America LLC, the largest open Hyper-Fast charging network in the U.S., is investing more than $2 billion in Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure and access. The investment enables millions of Americans to charge with confidence and discover the benefits of electric driving on our coasttocoast network of highway and community chargers. Electrify America's Hyper-Fast network currently operates in 47 states and the District of Columbia, supporting increasing ZEV adoption with a network that is convenient, technologically advanced, and built for customers. Electrify Commercial provides expert solutions for businesses looking to develop electric vehicle charging programs. For more information, visit www.electrifyamerica.com and media.electrifyamerica.com. About Business Intelligence Group The Business Intelligence Group was founded with the mission of recognizing true talent and superior performance in business. Unlike many recognition programs , these awards are evaluated by business leaders and practitioners who reward programs, products, and people that deliver real, quantifiable excellence rather than marketing narratives. SOURCE Electrify America, LLC A new educational segment for Public Television explores the essential partnerships between foster families, local businesses, and social service organizations. LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The educational program "Empowered with Meg Ryan" is scheduled to film a new segment featuring Utah Foster Care in February of 2026. This production, slated for distribution to Public Television stations nationwide, focuses on the systemic structures and community networks that assist children and young adults as they transition through the foster care process. By examining the logistical and emotional frameworks within the state of Utah, the segment provides an informative look at how specialized training and local partnerships contribute to the long-term success of individuals who have experienced out-of-home care. "Children and families in foster care thrive when they are surrounded by consistent, caring support," said Nikki MacKay, CEO of Utah Foster Care."This segment highlights the power of community and the role each of us can play in creating environments where youth feel seen, supported, and empowered to build their own futures." The upcoming segment highlights the lived experiences of individuals who have navigated the foster care system, focusing on the transition from state care to independent adulthood. Research indicates that the presence of consistent, non-familial support structures significantly influences a young person's ability to achieve educational and professional milestones. The production documents how Utah Foster Care facilitates these connections by identifying, educating, and supporting a diverse network of foster families. By prioritizing trauma-informed care and reunification efforts, the organization seeks to maintain the child's connection to their biological family and community whenever safely possible. Viewers will learn about the multi-faceted approach required to address the current shortage of foster homesa trend observed across the country over the last five years. The program explains the rigorous training protocols developed to prepare families for the unique responsibilities of fostering, ensuring that every household is equipped to provide a nurturing environment. Beyond the immediate family unit, the narrative explores the "wrap-around" services provided by local businesses and volunteers. These community members offer supplementary resources that allow foster parents to focus on the primary needs of the children in their care. This collective model of responsibility demonstrates that the welfare of youth in the system is not solely a governmental task but a community-wide endeavor. By highlighting these collaborative strategies, the segment aims to inform the Public Television audience about the various ways informed citizens can contribute to the stability of the foster care infrastructure, whether through advocacy, volunteering, or opening their homes to those in need of temporary or permanent placement. About "Empowered with Meg Ryan": "Empowered with Meg Ryan" is an educational series that utilizes high-quality cinematography and storytelling to bring important social, environmental, and medical stories to the forefront of the public consciousness. Distributed to Public Television stations across the country, the program provides a platform for organizations and innovations that are shaping the future. For more information, please visit: www.empoweredprogram.com About Utah Foster Care: Utah Foster Care is a non-profit organization established in 1999 to find, train, and support Utah families who provide a safe and nurturing home for children in foster care. By partnering with both public and private sectors, Utah Foster Care works to ensure that every child in the system has a dedicated network of support to help them heal and grow. For more information, please visit: utahfostercare.org SOURCE Empowered with Meg Ryan Bi-weekly video podcast hosted by Lindsey Drath with Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey debuts January 15 WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Forward Party today announced the launch of It's Up to Us, a new bi-weekly video podcast focused on democracy reform, independent voters, and how Americans can fix a political system built for gridlock. Forward Party Launches Its Up to Us, a New Podcast on Democracy Reform and Independent Voters Hosted by Lindsey Drath, CEO of the Forward Party, alongside former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman and former Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, It's Up to Us brings together three leaders who have governed, built coalitions, and now want to rebuild trust in American politics from the ground up. Each 3045-minute episode blends honest conversation, humor, and data-driven insight with Forward's mission to put people over partisanship. "Americans are fed up with politics that rewards division instead of solutions," said Lindsey Drath, host of It's Up to Us. "This podcast is about cutting through the noise, talking honestly about what's broken, and showing that there is a better way forward. Fixing our democracy doesn't start with political parties, it starts with us." The show will explore topics ranging from gerrymandering and closed primaries to independent candidates, ranked-choice voting, and the growing role of independents in American elections. Episodes will also feature journalists, democracy reform advocates, and Forward-aligned candidates and elected officials working to change politics in their communities. "Between the three of us, we've seen firsthand what happens when leaders choose cooperation over chaos," said Governor Christine Todd Whitman. "This podcast is about sharing those lessons and reminding Americans that governing doesn't have to be a zero-sum game." Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey added, "People want leaders who take governing seriously and are willing to work through their differences. It's Up to Us is about giving the majority of Americans who want to hear Independent voices and go beyond partisan sound bites to real solutions a home." The podcast is released bi-weekly. Each episode opens with a reflection on current events, dives into two in-depth discussion segments, and closes with a practical call-to-action for listeners who want to be part of the solution. The first episodes of It's Up to Us will debut on January 15, with new episodes released every other week. The show will be available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. It's Up to Us is produced and distributed by Flexworks Studio. For more information and to subscribe, visit forwardparty.com/podcast. ABOUT THE FORWARD PARTY The Forward Party is bringing moderates, conservatives, and progressives together to heal our political divisions, find our shared ground, and create a brighter future for America. Forward Party candidates are accountable to the voters, and they will focus on solutions, not partisan fighting, in order to serve their constituents better. https://www.forwardparty.com Media Contact Natalie Medved Pace Public Relations 724-825-3484 [email protected] SOURCE The Forward Party GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Frasch, a Catalyst Acoustics Group brand specializing in innovative acoustical design and sustainable solutions, today announced the appointment of Mike Merry as Sales Director, effective immediately. In this role, Mike will lead Frasch's sales strategy across all channels, agents, and representatives, with a strong focus on the architectural and design community. Mike Merry, Sales Director, Frasch "Mike's leadership experience and proven ability to scale sales organizations align directly with where we are headed as a group," said Carlos Delgado, Vice President Sales & General Manager, Frasch. "As Frasch continues to expand its presence, Mike brings the strategic rigor and people-first leadership needed to elevate performance and support the team's long-term growth." Mike brings extensive global sales leadership experience to Frasch, most recently serving as Global Sales Director at ITWDiagraph, where he led multinational teams and managed approximately $110 million in annual revenue. He also held senior leadership roles at ITWDynatec, overseeing 16 outside sales team members across multiple regions, while implementing a global Strategic Sales Excellence program. Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Arizona State University. "Mike will strengthen our sales execution while building deeper, more consistent engagement across channels," Delgado said. "He will be instrumental in aligning efforts around a unified strategy that supports our partners and accelerates sustainable growth." For more information about Frasch's acoustic solutions, please visit frasch.com. About Frasch Frasch was founded with a vision to create beautiful, yet functional products that help reduce unwanted noise and elevate the acoustical properties of any space. We deliver on this vision with a wide range of custom and existing products formed from eco-friendly PET felt and premium felts. About Catalyst Acoustics Group Catalyst Acoustics Group is the parent company of an elite group of acoustic, seismic, vibration, and noise control companies that together offer the broadest portfolio of noise control solutions in the market today. Each brand maintains its unique identity, products, and channels to market while leveraging the scale, technical expertise, and strategic resources of the broader organization. SOURCE Frasch IEC 62133 certification confirms that HPQ Endura+ and Novacium lithium-ion cells meet the world's leading international safety standard for portable rechargeable batteries Combined with existing UN 38.3 (transport) and UL 1642 (U.S.) certifications, this completes the core set of globally recognized safety approvals Removes major regulatory barriers and accelerates commercial discussions, customer qualification programs, and market entry with OEMs worldwide MONTREAL, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - HPQ Silicon Inc. ("HPQ" or the "Company") (TSXV: HPQ) (OTCQB: HPQFF) (FRA: O08), a technology company focused on innovative materials and next-generation processes, together with its French technology partner Novacium SAS, today announced that their lithium-ion battery cells have received IEC 62133 certification. Cylindrical 18650 and 21700 HPQ Endura+ cells. (CNW Group/HPQ Silicon Inc.) IEC 62133 is the most widely accepted international safety standard for portable rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and battery packs. It is mandatory or strongly preferred for market access in the vast majority of countries worldwide (Europe, Asia, and many others). The certification validates electrical, mechanical, and chemical safety under both normal use and reasonably foreseeable misuse conditions. The certification applies to HPQ and Novacium's cylindrical cells in the widely adopted 18650 and 21700 formats the dominant sizes used in consumer electronics, power tools, industrial equipment, laboratory instruments, medical devices, and many other applications. "This is a critical commercial milestone for HPQ and Novacium," said Bernard Tourillon, Chairman, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc. "With UN 38.3, UL 1642, and now IEC 62133 in place, our cells fully satisfy the major safety requirements of regulators, major manufacturers, and end-users globally. We can now move from technical evaluations to serious commercial negotiations, product qualification at customer sites, and integration into international supply chains." IEC 62133: A Global Benchmark for Battery Safety and Market Access IEC 62133 is one of the most widely recognized safety standards for exporting lithium-ion batteries into global markets. Compliance is required or strongly preferred in many jurisdictions and across multiple end-use sectors. The certification validates our cells against a comprehensive series of tests designed to mitigate risks such as overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits, and thermal events, while also confirming proper labeling, documentation, and traceability. The achievement of IEC 62133 compliance significantly de-risks the product for potential partners and customers, expands addressable market opportunities, and supports HPQ's strategy to rapidly scale production and secure long-term commercial agreements. "From a business standpoint, IEC 62133 dramatically broadens our market reach," said Derick Lila, M.A., M.Sc., HPQ's Director of Communication and Director of Business Development. "Customers can now confidently advance from testing to procurement and contracts. We are actively increasing engagement with global partners and expect faster progress in qualification programs and initial sales." Removing Barriers to Commercialization and Global Sales "Moreover, from a commercialization standpoint, IEC 62133 expands our path to revenue," added Mr. Lila. "This certification gives potential customers the assurance they need to move from technical evaluation to procurement discussions. It positions HPQ and Novacium to pursue opportunities across multiple regions while supporting our strategy to scale production and secure long-term commercial agreements." The IEC 62133 certification further reinforces HPQ's objective of transitioning from advanced materials development to high value added and market-ready energy storage solutions. With internationally recognized safety validation in place, HPQ and Novacium are now positioned to expand and accelerate customer engagement, advance qualification programs, and support sales discussions across global lithium-ion battery markets. About HPQ Silicon HPQ Silicon Inc. is a Quebec-based TSX Venture Exchange industrial issuer ( TSX-V: HPQ) focused on innovation in advanced materials and critical process development. In partnership with its research and development partner Novaciumof which HPQ is a shareholderthe Company is advancing next-generation silicon-based anode materials (Gen3) for batteries, commercializing its ENDURA+ lithium-ion cells, and developing breakthrough clean-hydrogen and waste-to-energy technologies, for which HPQ holds exclusive North American rights. HPQ is also pursuing proprietary technologies to become a low-cost, zero-CO producer of fumed silica and high-purity silicon, with technical support from PyroGenesis Inc. Together, these initiatives position HPQ to capture growth opportunities in the energy storage, clean hydrogen, and advanced materials markets essential to achieving global net-zero goals. For more information, please visit HPQ Silicon web site . About NOVACIUM SAS Novacium is an innovative technology start-up created in 2022, in France. It is an engineering and R&D company dedicated to materials for energy, with a specialization in silicon and hydrogen. Novacium is developing 2 technologies. The first concerns a new silicon-based anode material that significantly increases the capacity of Li-ion batteries. Novacium's second activity is the generation of hydrogen. Novacium is developing an autonomous hydrogen generation system for civil and military applications fueled by a patented alloy based on silicon and aluminum. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements rely on assumptions about technology performance, market demand, permits, financing, supply chains, and economic conditions but remain subject to significant risks, including delays, regulatory challenges, competition, pricing, financing availability, and macroeconomic uncertainties. Actual outcomes may differ materially from expectations. Detailed risk factors are outlined in HPQ's Annual Information Form available on SEDAR+. Forward-looking information is provided solely to outline management's future expectations and objectives. A more detailed cautionary note regarding forward-looking information related to the HPQ Endura+ batteries project is available for download [here]. Further information regarding the Company is available in the SEDAR+ database (www.sedarplus.ca) , and on the Company's website at: http://www.hpqsilicon.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. This News Release is available on the company's CEO Verified Discussion Forum , a moderated social media platform that enables civilized discussion and Q&A between Management and Shareholders. SOURCE HPQ Silicon Inc. New IAB Research Shows Disconnect Between Advertiser Optimism and Consumer Sentiment Towards AI-Generated Ads NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), the leading trade association for the digital advertising industry, today launched its first-ever AI Transparency and Disclosure Framework , an industry framework for AI disclosure that balances transparency with operational efficiency, helping brands, agencies, publishers, and platforms navigate responsible AI use in advertising. As the use of generative-AI in marketing accelerates, the Framework is designed to build consumer trust, reduce regulatory risk, and establish industry leadership in responsible AI adoption. "The digital industry is embracing AI in all of its splendor at breathtaking speed. We are certainly at a critical inflection point with generative AI," said David Cohen, CEO, IAB. "While AI is transforming how we work from ideation to execution and measurement, we must get transparency and disclosure right, or we risk losing the trust that underpins the entire value exchange. We're giving the ecosystem tools it needs to drive responsible innovation." Framework Provides Functional, Flexible Approach to AI Transparency The AI Transparency and Disclosure Framework introduces a risk-based model that avoids blanket labeling and instead calls for disclosure only when AI materially affects the authenticity, identity, or representation in ways that may mislead consumers. Instead of disclosing every instance of AI, the Framework calls for advertisers to disclose consumer-facing labels around synthetic humans, digital twins, images, videos, audio, and AI chatbots in ads including: Images or videos generated by prompt (text-to-image or image-to-image generation), where human input is limited to refinement, editing, or compositing to depict real-world events AI-generated voices of deceased persons creating new statements they never actually made, even with estate authorization AI-generated voices of living persons making statements about specific events, actions, commitments, or circumstances that never occurred, as distinct from scripted commercial endorsements or brand messaging Digital twins of deceased individuals in any capacity, even with estate authorization Digital twins of living individuals depicted in specific events, scenarios, or locations that never occurred, as distinct from standard product endorsements or brand representation Synthetic avatars, AI chatbots or conversational agents in ads that simulate human interaction To achieve this, the Framework introduces a risk-based, two-layer disclosure model: Consumer-facing disclosures, with standardized text labels or visual cues like visual indicators (watermarks, badges, or standardized icons), interactive elements (tap/hover information icons), and adjacent placement (disclosure placed next to rather than on the creative asset) Machine-readable metadata (C2PA protocols) for technical compliance, combined with advertiser-led decisions on consumer-facing disclosure "AI is reshaping how advertising is created and scaled, but trust is what will determine its longevity," said Caroline Giegerich, VP, AI, IAB. "Our research reflects a clear misperception between how advertisers think consumers feel about AI-generated advertising and how consumers actually experience it. That disconnect is exactly why materially-based disclosure matters. This Framework gives the industry a clear answer to 'does AI involvement risk misleading consumers?' by focusing on consumer impact. It's about building credibility through transparency, not creating disclosure fatigue through universal labeling." Study Reveals Widening Trust Gap, But Disclosure Helps Close It In conjunction with the Framework, IAB unveiled new proprietary research with Sonata Insights , titled " The AI Ad Gap Widens: Consumer Skepticism Persists as AI Advertising ExpandsBut Disclosure Can Close the Gap ," that addresses the misperception of AI-generated ads, revealing stark differences between industry optimism and consumer attitudes. According to the research, 82% of advertising executives believe Gen Z and Millennial consumers feel positively about AI-generated ads, however only 45% of these consumers actually feel that way. This gap has widened since IAB and Sonata Insights' 2024 study from 32 points in 2024 to 37 points in 2026. While the findings indicate misalignment between advertiser and consumer sentiment, they provide brands an opportunity to inform consumers on how AI is used, and to evaluate when and how disclosure can support trust and understanding. Additional key insights include: Gen Z consumers are nearly twice as likely as Millennials to feel negatively toward AI ads (39% vs. 20%) as the majority of Gen Z describe AI-using brands as inauthentic, disconnected, or unethical. Consumers are more likely than advertisers to describe brands using AI as "manipulative" (20% of consumers vs. 10% of ad executives) or "unethical" (16% of consumers vs. 7% of ad executives), while advertisers associate AI use with "innovation" (46%) and "uniqueness" (44%) highlighting major perception gaps. More than half of respondents want brands to disclose if an ad was 100% AI-generated or uses AI imagery or video. 73% of Gen Z and Millennials say clear disclosure would either increase or have no impact on their likelihood to purchase the product or service making transparency a trust builder, not a deterrent. "There is a growing gap between advertisers' use of AI and consumer skepticism," said Jack Koch, SVP, Research & Insights, IAB. "This research shows that disclosure can play a decisive role in strengthening consumer relationships and determining whether AI use in advertising becomes a long-term value driver or a short-term liability. It also emphasizes that transparency and creative quality are essential to earning trust, shifting perceptions, and driving performance." IAB Urges Industry for Responsible AI Usage As regulatory momentum builds globally, from the EU AI Act to new U.S. state laws and platform-specific disclosure requirements, adoption of the Framework is strategically advantageous for organizations. Those that adopt signal leadership, trustworthiness, and regulatory readiness while future-proofing their business operations. IAB invites advertisers, agencies, publishers, and technology partners to publicly commit to the principles of transparency, proportionality, consistency, and clarity in AI disclosure. To access the full AI Transparency and Disclosure Framework, visit https://www.iab.com/guidelines/ai-transparency-and-disclosure-framework . Click here for more details on the "The AI Ad Gap Widens: Consumer Skepticism Persists as AI Advertising ExpandsBut Disclosure Can Close the Gap" study. Survey Methodology This research was conducted using the IAB Insights Engine platform, powered by Attest. It included a survey of 505 US Gen Z (16-27) and Millennial (28-43) consumers who engaged with ads and 104 US ad industry executives who work for companies with annual media spending of at least $1 million to over $1 billion. The survey was conducted between October 2025 and January 2026. The comparison survey of 300 US Gen Z/Millennial consumers and 75 US ad industry executives was conducted between August and October 2024. About IAB The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing. In affiliation with the IAB Tech Lab, IAB develops technical standards and solutions. IAB is committed to professional development and elevating the knowledge, skills, expertise, and collaboration of the workforce across the industry. Through the work of its public policy office in Washington, D.C., the trade association advocates for its members and promotes the value of the interactive advertising industry to legislators and policymakers. Founded in 1996, IAB is headquartered in New York City. About Sonata Insights Sonata Insights is an independent research and advisory firm focused on how artificial intelligence is reshaping consumer behavior, marketing and media. Founded by veteran digital media analyst Debra Aho Williamson, Sonata Insights helps brands, agencies, media companies and investors understand how AI platforms are influencing advertising opportunities. Through original research and strategic analysis, Sonata Insights provides clear, actionable guidance to leaders navigating the fast-changing AI-driven media landscape. SOURCE Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 300+ students from across Indiana will gather at the Butler Arts & Events Center - Schrott Center for the Arts on Thursday, Jan. 29 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 Hoosier 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 Indiana-based Stages and Pages LLC, in collaboration with National School Choice Awareness Foundation, the event will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Thursday, Jan. 29 at Butler Arts & Events Center - Schrott Center for the Arts (610 W. 46th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208) and is open to families, educators, and community members. "Students thrive when families can choose among many learning environments," said Eric Saunders, Co-Founder of Stages & Pages. "This event is more than a showcaseit's an extension of our mission. Through performances, publishing, and curated experiences, Stages & Pages Collective brings creative expression to life by sharing stories of healing, triumph, and transformation. That's why the Showcase is such a powerful opportunity: parents can explore school options while students feel seen, supported, and excited about learning in ways that honor both their talents and their futures." 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/indianapolis-student-showcase or contact Eric Saunders at [email protected] or 317-308-0351. 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 BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting will be held in Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, in May 2026, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson announced on Thursday. The meeting marks a pivotal milestone in the 2026 APEC cooperation process, focusing on major regional and global economic issues while preparing the trade and investment agenda for the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November, spokesperson He Yongqian told a regular press conference. According to the spokesperson, the meeting will align with the theme of the APEC 2026 "China Year" -- "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together." With openness, innovation and cooperation as its three major priorities, the meeting aims to facilitate pragmatic outcomes in key areas, including regional economic integration, development of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, support for the multilateral trading system, digital cooperation, and the green economy. The goal is to jointly foster an open regional economic environment and inject stronger momentum into Asia-Pacific and global economic growth, the spokesperson said. A series of side events will also be organized during the meeting, providing a platform for dialogue among APEC member economies, international organizations, think tanks, and the regional business community. The spokesperson highlighted Suzhou as a prominent historical and cultural city that stands at the forefront of China's opening-up, blending traditional heritage with modern international charm. The Ministry of Commerce is currently collaborating with the Jiangsu provincial and Suzhou municipal governments to advance preparations for the event. "We look forward to welcoming representatives from all APEC parties to Suzhou to jointly elevate Asia-Pacific economic and trade cooperation to a new level," the spokesperson said. In 2026, China will host APEC for the third time. The 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, on Nov. 18 and 19. During the 2026 APEC "China Year," approximately 300 events are expected to take place across multiple cities in China, according to Chinese foreign ministry. Jackson Hewitt Tax Pros have been getting ready for refund season, sharpening their expertise, and studying all the latest tax law changes. 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Complete details, including how to enter, timing, and official rules, will be posted on Jackson Hewitt's social media channels and can be found at jacksonhewitt.com/refundjeans. Jackson Hewitt's Tax Refund Advance Loan In addition to the chance to win through the Refund Jeans sweepstakes, Jackson Hewitt offers solutions designed to help taxpayers address their financial needs immediately. For the first time, Jackson Hewitt is offering clients a Tax Refund Advance loan throughout the entire tax filing season. This tax season, Jackson Hewitt clients, if approved, can get up to $3,500 in minutes, all day, every day of tax season on a prepaid card. In the past, Jackson Hewitt only offered this loan until mid-February, but this year it will be available throughout tax filing season to help clients when they may need money before receiving their federal tax refund. 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Loan proceeds available within the same day of approval if disbursed on a prepaid card offered at Jackson Hewitt offices or 1-5 business days with direct deposit. Availability and loan amounts are subject to conditions and locations. Details at jacksonhewitt.com/loans. Sweepstakes Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Purchasing does not improve your chances of winning. The Jackson Hewitt Refund Jeans Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, including the District of Columbia, age 18 or older at the time of entry and who have completed the sweepstakes requirements within the sweepstakes period (1/15/26 2/11/26). A total of 100 prizes will be awarded - 25 each week during the sweepstakes period in a random drawing to be held from all eligible entries. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received during each weekly sweepstakes entry period. For full Official Rules and entry and prize details, other eligibility requirements, and restrictions, visit https://www.jacksonhewitt.com/refundjeans . Sponsor: Jackson Hewitt Inc., 501 N. Cattlemen Road, Suite #300, Sarasota, FL 34232. SOURCE Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RSA Conference LLC ("RSAC"), the premier global platform for the cybersecurity community and host of the world's largest and most influential cybersecurity conference, today announced that Jen Easterly has been appointed as its Chief Executive Officer. Easterlya leading cybersecurity expert, highly decorated U.S. Army veteran, and the former Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) steps into the role as AI and cybersecurity rapidly converge to reshape every aspect of the global technology ecosystem. Jen Easterly has been named CEO of RSAC As CEO, Easterly will guide RSAC's global portfolio, including its annual flagship conference in San Francisco; expanded international programming; the renowned Innovation Sandbox contest and startup ecosystem; RSAC's emerging professional membership platform; education initiatives; and programs focused on AI security, secure software development, and global collaboration. "RSAC is not just a conferenceit's the home of the global cybersecurity community," said Easterly. "We're at a pivotal moment where cybersecurity and AI have become inseparable, and the world needs a trusted platform to bring together the people, ideas, and technologies that will shape the next decade. I'm honored to lead RSAC into its next chapterexpanding our international reach, strengthening our innovation ecosystem, and working with partners around the world to help build a future where technology is truly secure by design." Easterly brings more than thirty years of public and private sector leadership, including serving as Director of CISA, senior positions at the National Security Agency (NSA)where she helped build U.S. Cyber Commandand as a senior technology leader at Morgan Stanley. Easterly is one of the most influential global voices on secure-by-design technology, AI as a force for reducing cyber risk, and the transformation of digital infrastructure through resilience and innovation. "Jen brings unmatched leadership experience across national security, cyber operations, the private sector, and global resilience," said Greg Clark, former CEO of Symantec, and Managing Partner at Crosspoint Capital, and RSAC board member. "At a time when AI and cybersecurity are rewriting the technological landscape, Jen is exactly the right leader to guide RSAC into a new era. RSAC is built on community, collaboration, and trust. Jen embodies those values and brings a powerful vision for strengthening and growing the global cybersecurity and AI ecosystem." "As the rapid adoption of AI brings both immense opportunities and profound new risks, there has never been a more important time for the cybersecurity and AI communities to come together," said Dr. Hugh Thompson, Executive Chairman of RSAC and longtime Program Committee Chairman of RSAC Conference. "I am thrilled to partner with Jen, the team at RSAC, and our community, as we bring the world together for our 35th annual flagship event in March. Over the years some of the most important conversations in cybersecurity have happened at RSAC and I believe our 2026 conference will be the most impactful event we've ever had." RSAC 2026 Conference takes place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco from March 23-26 and is expected to attract more than 40,000 attendees from across the globe. This year's conference will feature more than 700 speakers, 450+ sessions, and 650+ exhibitors from some of the world's leading experts in cybersecurity, AI, and technology. About RSAC As the cybersecurity industry's convening authority, RSAC brings together diverse minds to exchange perspectives, knowledge, and ideas. RSAC provides the world's leading platform for uniting and advancing the cybersecurity community to create a safer society. RSAC is at the cutting edge of cybersecurity innovation and education. The company's flagship event, RSAC Conference, is the largest and most influential global gathering in cybersecurity. RSAC gives cybersecurity professionals a platform to connect and grow. To learn more, visit www.OneRSAC.com. SOURCE RSAC In the news release, Kalicube Reveals How AI Decides Which Brands WinAnd Offers Businesses a Way to Take Control, issued 15-Jan-2026 by Kalicube over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the email in the Media Contact should read "[email protected]" rather than "[email protected]:[email protected]" as originally issued inadvertently. The complete, corrected release follows: Kalicube Reveals How AI Decides Which Brands WinAnd Offers Businesses a Way to Take Control Digital Brand Intelligence firm unveils 25-billion-point dataset showing what AI assistants actually "believe" about brandsand launches services to fix what's broken. PARIS, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kalicube announced that its platform, Kalicube Pro , now analyzes 25 billion data points tracking how AI systems perceive 71 million brands and 1 million entrepreneurs worldwide. The company is applying this intelligence to help businesses control their AI presence through consulting services and its methodology, The Kalicube Process. The Problem Nobody's Measuring Kalicube Pro Now Analyzes 25 Billion Data Points Covering 71 Million Brands and 1 Million Entrepreneurs (PRNewsfoto/Kalicube) When a potential customer asks ChatGPT, Google's AI assistant, or Perplexity about a product or service, the AI's answer determines who gets the business. Yet most companies have no visibility into what AI "knows" about themor why it recommends competitors instead. "Every business now has seven employees they didn't hire," said Jason Barnard, Kalicube CEO. "Google, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, Gemini, Copilot, and Siri are talking to your customers 24 hours a day. The question is: are they trained to represent you accurately, or are they sending customers to your competitors?" Kalicube's data reveals most businesses are losing this battle by default. Their AI "employees" fumble basic questions, hedge on credentials, or recommend alternativesnot because the business lacks credibility, but because AI systems can't find the proof. The AI Credibility Gap A company might have genuine expertise, industry awards, and satisfied customersbut if that information isn't structured for AI systems, the business remains algorithmically invisible. This creates what Kalicube calls "the leak": potential customers who receive AI-generated answers that exclude or misrepresent the brand and convert elsewhere. For mid-market businesses, that leak often represents millions in untraceable lost revenue. What Makes This Dataset Different Kalicube's 25 billion data pointsrepresenting 800% growth over 24 months with 97% accuracycome from the same sources AI systems actually use: Google's Knowledge Graph API, Wikidata, Common Crawl, and real-time tracking across ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity. "We're not guessing how AI sees brands," Barnard said. "We have the actual map. When a client asks why ChatGPT recommends their competitor, we can show them exactly what's missing and fix it." The Kalicube Process Kalicube applies this intelligence through The Kalicube Process, a methodology that treats AI optimization as employee training rather than technical manipulation. The approach works in three phases: ensuring AI accurately knows who you are, building the proof structure that makes AI confident recommending you, and positioning for proactive AI recommendations in your category. "Most businesses try to trick AI," Barnard said. "We educate it. When you give these systems the right information in the right format, they become your most effective sales force." Looking Forward Kalicube projects its dataset will reach 100 billion data points by 2027. "The companies that understand this shift have maybe an 18-month window," Barnard said. "After that, the AI perception gap becomes nearly impossible to close." Businesses can request an AI Brand Audit . About Kalicube Kalicube is a Digital Brand Intelligence consultancy founded by Jason Barnard, who coined "Answer Engine Optimization" in 2017. The company operates globally from France. Media Contact: Jason Barnard | [email protected] | +33698712347 SOURCE Kalicube MedMaster Pillow is available in 2x2 and 2x4 sizes for over-bed applications, with an optional tunable white feature. Its concave lens creates a smooth, natural gradient of light, while optical control aligns with industry standards. Unified Glare Rating (UGR) values range from 10 to 14, well below the threshold of 19 required to achieve points for WELL certification under category L04: Electric Light Glare Control. This design protects visual comfort and supports patient relaxation and clinician accuracy. Integrated modesambient, exam, reading and nightprovide flexibility throughout the day. The Pillow Slot is a purposefully designed in pairs on either side of the bed to position light sources out of the patient's direct line of sight, offering clean lines and a modern feel to patient room design. Available in 4-foot and 6-foot lengths, its asymmetric distribution delivers uniform, diffuse illumination, reduces sharp shadows during bedside care, and provides a seamless transition between ambient and exam modes without visible compartments. Together, Pillow and Pillow Slot give designers versatile options with a distinct, comforting aesthetic. Behind the refined form is robust performance. IP64 and NSF2 listings support infection control protocols in healthcare settings. Tool-less, room-side access pins and quick-release torsion springs simplify service, reduce downtime and help facility professionals work more efficiently. "The Pillow and Pillow Slot bring a fresh, sophisticated aesthetic to Kenall's traditional healthcare lighting portfolio, while retaining the certified performance synonymous with the brand," said Patricia Rizzo, healthcare product marketing manager at Kenall. "Pillow's sophisticated design is based on customer input from healthcare specifiers and lighting designers, who we are confident will rest easy specifying Kenall's new Pillow for the patient room." About Kenall Kenall Manufacturing, a Legrand company, was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1963 and has built a reputation for durable lighting solutions of superior quality and exceptional value. Today, the company creates specialized solutions for the healthcare, cleanroom/containment, food processing, transportation, high abuse, and correctional lighting markets. Kenall luminaires are designed and manufactured in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and comply with the Buy American Act. About Legrand Legrand is the global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures. Its comprehensive offering of solutions for commercial, industrial, and residential markets makes it a benchmark for customers worldwide. The Group harnesses technological and societal trends with lasting impacts on buildings with the purpose of improving lives by transforming the spaces where people live, work and meet with electrical, digital infrastructures and connected solutions that are simple, innovative and sustainable. Drawing on an approach that involves all teams and stakeholders, Legrand is pursuing its strategy of profitable and sustainable growth driven by acquisitions and innovation, with a steady flow of new offeringsincluding Eliot connected products with enhanced value in use. The company is listed on Euronext Paris and is notably a component stock of the CAC 40 and CAC 40 ESG indexes (ISIN code FR0010307819). Legrand Group SOURCE Kenall Manufacturing ZURICH, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Linvo, a Swiss-based wealth management firm, today announced an initiative to integrate artificial intelligence across its asset management services through a strategic fintech partnership. The integration enables clients to access portfolio information, request services, and receive responses in real time - without paperwork or delays. Advisors will use the same AI tools to deliver faster, data-driven support. "This is how wealth management should work," said Mr. Kogan, Director at Linvo. "Clients shouldn't wait days for answers that exist in their own data. We're removing friction between our clients and their wealth." "A client can now ask a question and get an accurate, portfolio-specific answer immediately," said Mr. Pelekh, Executive Committee Member at Linvo. "No forms, no back-and-forth, no waiting. Just clarity." Linvo is among the first Swiss wealth management firms to pursue full AI integration across both client-facing and advisory operations. About Linvo Linvo is a Zurich-based wealth management firm providing customized investment portfolio management for Ultra-High-Net-Worth individuals and institutional clients. Founded in 2014, Linvo offers services spanning portfolio management, corporate finance, M&A advisory and alternative investments. The firm is licensed by FINMA, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority. Contact Linvo AG Gartenstrasse 23 8002 Zurich Switzerland +41 44 777 17 00 [email protected] www.linvo.ch Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2862809/Linvo_AG_Logo.jpg The fast-rising firm has secured more than half a billion dollars since 2022 NEW YORK and BERLIN, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Parloa , the premier provider of AI agents elevating enterprise customer experience, today announced it has raised $350 million in Series D funding, bringing its valuation to $3 billion. The round was led by General Catalyst, with strong continued support from Parloa's existing investors, including EQT Ventures, Altimeter Capital, Durable Capital Partners, and Mosaic Ventures, underscoring deep conviction in the company's vision, execution, and market leadership. Parloa Founders Malte Kosub (CEO) and Stefan Ostwald (CAIO) Closing just seven months after its Series C, this round brings Parloa's total raised capital to more than $560 million in less than four years. The company will use the funds to continue its global expansion focused on the U.S. and Europe, enhance its AI Agent Management Platform (AMP) with further industry-defining functionality, and launch the Parloa Promise , a commitment to preeminent agent reliability, relentless innovation, and human-centric responsible AI. Ascending the ranks Trusted by leading Fortune 200 companies and global partners, including Allianz, Booking.com, HealthEquity, SAP, Sedgwick, Swiss Life, and TeamViewer, Parloa's amassed funding situates the company among the most capitalized firms in the customer experience field. Having recently announced multiple financial achievements and product innovations, this round's results crystallize Parloa's position atop a highly competitive enterprise AI sector. "Parloa is setting the standard for enterprise-grade AI throughout the customer journey," said General Catalyst's CEO Hemant Taneja, who ranks in the top 10 on the prestigious Forbes Midas List . "Their platform combines innovation and scalability, making them a clear leader in this rapidly evolving space. We truly believe Parloa's approach to agentic AI will transform how global enterprises engage with customers, and we're excited to support their vision and continued growth." Taneja, along with General Catalyst's President and Managing Director Jeannette zu Furstenberg, will be added to the Supervisory Board for Parloa. For co-founder and CEO Malte Kosub, the Series D is proof positive Parloa's mission is exacting needed change, for enterprise teams as well as consumers: "This funding marks a pivotal moment for Parloa as we expand globally, advance our approach to reimagine customer experience, and help enterprises to build meaningful relationships with their customers." said Kosub. "Our commitment to these organizations is clear: to enable exceptional, hyper-personalized customer journeys through agentic AI that deepen loyalty, responsibly and at scale." What Parloa provides The preferred platform among native agentic AI solutions, AMP gives enterprise CX teams a clear, intuitive way to design, manage, and evolve AI agents that transform every customer interaction into a meaningful relationship. No heavy coding necessary; just powerful, natural language used to build bespoke agents that adapt fluidly across dialects, contexts, and changing customer needs. With AMP, experience teams can simulate agents at scale while evaluating conversation performance, gaining actionable insight into behavior and ensuring every customer interaction meets rising expectations. Real-time dashboards provide transparency into what agents are doing and why, offering clear visibility into system behavior while meeting the world's most rigorous standards for built-in compliance, safety, and enterprise-grade data security. What's next for Parloa Parloa's plan for geographic expansion is focused on key markets in North America and greater Europe, with offices scouted in metros like San Francisco and Madrid, a localized team in London, and a recently established U.S. HQ in midtown Manhattan. Investors on why Parloa Carolina Brochado, Head of EQT Growth US and Head of EQT Ventures: "Parloa is contributing to redefine what customer relationships look like at scale. Their ability to combine enterprise-grade AI with real-world intelligence, built on a strong foundation of safety and reliability, helps to set them apart in a crowded market." Apoorv Agrawal, Partner at Altimeter Capital: "Parloa combines a leading agentic AI platform with the enterprise DNA to deploy it at scale - forward-deployed engineers on the ground, Fortune 500 customers in production, and a world-class go-to-market team armed with fresh capital to capture the global CX market." Henry Ellenbogen, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Durable Capital Partners: "We believe the next generation of category-defining companies will be built on relationships, not transactions. Parloa is leading that shift by making AI personal, contextual, and enduring." Mona Gindler, Partner at Senovo: "The CX market is crowded with automation tools, but very few players are pushing the frontier of truly agentic AI. Parloa stands out by moving the industry from scripted workflows to adaptive, relationship-driven agents that learn and improve over time. That's what category leadership looks like at this stage of the market." Jens Rassloff, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Parloa: "This investment marks a defining moment for Parloa. The scale of commitment and trust from our investors reflects not only the strength of our technology and execution, but also our conviction that agentic AI in customer relationships is entering a decisive phase. With this capital, Parloa is uniquely positioned to be a global category leader." About Parloa Parloa empowers global enterprises to build, train, and manage AI agents for premier customer experience. Founded by Malte Kosub and Stefan Ostwald, Parloa began with the belief that every great conversation is the start of a relationship, a principle that still guides how the company builds technology today. Leading global brands use Parloa's advanced AI agents to improve service at scale, increase customer loyalty, and unlock new revenue. Parloa employs 380 people across offices in New York, Berlin, and Munich. Media Contact Parloa Press Team [email protected] SOURCE Parloa ST. LOUIS, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:POST), a consumer packaged goods holding company, today announced it will hold a conference call on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2026 outlook and to respond to questions. Robert V. Vitale, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nicolas Catoggio, Chief Operating Officer and President and CEO of Post Consumer Brands, and Matthew J. Mainer, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will participate in the call. Post also announced it plans to release its financial results for the first quarter after market close on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Interested parties may join the conference call by dialing (800) 445-7795 in the United States and (785) 424-1699 from outside of the United States. The conference identification number is POSTQ126. Interested parties are invited to listen to the webcast of the conference call, which can be accessed by visiting the Investors section of Post's website at www.postholdings.com. A replay of the conference call will be available through Friday, February 13, 2026 by dialing (800) 925-9416 in the United States and (402) 220-5387 from outside of the United States. A webcast replay also will be available for a limited period on Post's website in the Investors section. About Post Holdings, Inc. Post Holdings, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a consumer packaged goods holding company with businesses operating in the center-of-the-store, refrigerated, foodservice and food ingredient categories. Its businesses include Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms. Post Consumer Brands is a leader in the North American branded and private label ready-to-eat cereal and granola, pet food and nut butter categories. Weetabix is home to the United Kingdom's number one selling ready-to-eat cereal brand, Weetabix. Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms are leaders in refrigerated foods, delivering innovative, value-added egg and refrigerated potato side dish products to the foodservice and retail channels. For more information, visit www.postholdings.com. Contact: Investor Relations Daniel O'Rourke [email protected] (314) 806-3959 SOURCE Post Holdings, Inc. CHICAGO, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PuroClean Disaster Services, the largest owner and operator of PuroClean franchises within the PuroClean Network, today announced the deployment of Agentech's agentic AI platform to modernize claims operations, strengthen compliance with carrier guidelines, and drive incremental revenue recovery across its restoration business. As claims volume and regulatory complexity continue to increase, restoration providers face growing pressure to deliver accurate, defensible estimates and documentation while maintaining operational efficiency. PuroClean implemented Agentech's digital workforce to standardize estimating and invoicing practices, improve documentation quality, and support more consistent alignment with carrier and TPA requirements. Agentech's AI workflows continuously analyze estimates and job documentation to identify under-documented or omitted billable items, validate equipment usage against industry standards, and enforce carrier-specific formatting and compliance rules prior to submission. By embedding restoration industry standards and Xactimate/Cotality rule logic directly into the review process, the platform reduces rework, supplement delays, and payment friction. Operating across seven distinct carrier guideline frameworks, PuroClean has leveraged the platform to standardize equipment setup, monitoring, and takedown calculations across locations, improve estimating discipline, and surface revenue opportunities earlier in the claims lifecycle. "This platform provides immediate insight into documentation gaps and missed revenue opportunities, while reinforcing best practices and carrier alignment," said Keegan Trudgen, PuroClean franchise owner. "It allows our teams to improve financial performance without compromising compliance or partner relationships." Since implementation, PuroClean reports identifying an average of $225 per file in previously unrealized revenue. In parallel, carrier partners benefit from more accurate submissions, standardized documentation, faster claim resolution, and fewer disputes. "Restoration providers are being asked to do more with less while meeting increasingly stringent documentation standards," said Robin Roberson, President and Co-founder of Agentech. "Our digital AI coworkers enable teams to apply carrier-specific logic and industry best practices at scale, improving both financial outcomes and claims quality, all in real-time." PuroClean plans to expand its use of Agentech's platform to further standardize operations and strengthen collaboration with insurers and TPAs, underscoring a broader shift toward intelligent automation as a foundation for accuracy, compliance, and scalable growth in the claims ecosystem. Agentech and PuroClean Disaster Services will be attending the INTRConnect 2026 Conference and welcome the opportunity to connect with insurance carriers, TPAs, independent adjusting firms, and restoration professionals interested in the practical application of AI within claims and restoration operations. Media Contact: Robin Roberson [email protected] SOURCE Agentech; PuroClean Dr. Michael Weiss named Inaugural Clavis Foundation Chair for Wellness ORANGE, Calif., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rady Children's Health in Orange County (formerly known as CHOC) today announced the establishment of its first-ever endowed chair, made possible by a generous gift from the Clavis Foundation. The Clavis Foundation Chair for Wellness marks a significant milestone for the organization, highlighting it as an international leader in pediatric wellness and positioning it as a strategic community-building partner. Rady Childrens Health in Orange County (formerly known as CHOC) today announced the establishment of its first-ever endowed chair. Back Row (left to right): Jessica Miley, Jillian Moore, Jessica Moore, Kim Milstein Front Row (left to right): Stuart McClure, Tusdi Vopat, Dr. Michael Weiss, Kimberly Cripe Michael Weiss, DO, F.A.A.P., pediatrician and vice president of population health at Rady Children's Health in Orange County (Rady Children's), has been installed as the inaugural chairholder. In this role, Dr. Weiss will elevate and expand the organization's existing wellness efforts, including the launch of an integrative medicine program and the alignment of services that support children's physical, mental and social health across clinical, school-based and community settings. "Thanks to the Clavis Foundation's generosity, we can bring our wellness services together under a unified vision and focus even more on the factors that shape a child's health over a lifetimemental well-being, lifestyle, environment and early support," said Dr. Weiss. "I'm honored to serve as the first Clavis Foundation Chair for Wellness and to work with my colleagues across our hospital and in the community to strengthen our national leadership in this important area." The Clavis Foundation Chair for Wellness is designed to help address the root causes of illness while supporting proactive, preventive care, earlier intervention and improved access to a broad range of evidence-based care, including integrative medicine modalities. By strengthening coordination across schools, clinical settings and community partners, the chair will enable Rady Children's to more broadly reach children where they live, learn, and grow. Dr. Weiss brings more than three decades of primary care and population health leadership and is recognized as a trailblazer in the wellness space. He oversees the clinical program for CHOC Health Alliance, which provides care to more than 140,000 children across the region. He is the immediate past-chair of the Medi-Cal Children's Health Advisory Panel, serves on the California Office of Health Care Affordability Advisory Board, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), as well as having served as past president of the AAP's Orange County chapter. He is also a Health Sciences Clinical Professor at the UC Irvine School of Medicine. In addition to establishing the chair, the Clavis Foundation has supported initiatives at Rady Children's, including WellSpaces in Orange County middle and high schools, mental health services and programs serving families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. "This endowed chair reflects our commitment to advancing wellness in ways that truly meet children and families where they are," shared Tusdi Vopat, president of the Clavis Foundation and CHOC Foundation board member. "Dr. Weiss shares that commitment and brings the kind of thoughtful, collaborative leadership that can turn that vision into lasting change. We are honored to invest in this vital work." "Rady Children's is deeply grateful to Tusdi and Stuart for their partnership, leadership and belief in what's possible when innovation and compassion come togetherblazing new paths to improve pediatric health and well-being for children across the region," said Jessica Miley, senior vice president and chief development officer, CHOC Foundation, part of Rady Children's Health. "Their enduring commitment reflects a shared dedication to advancing integrative medicine and wellness to strengthen the systems that support children and families. Their gift stands as a powerful example of how their philanthropy will shape a healthier future for our community." About Rady Children's Health Rady Children's Health (RCH), a premier pediatric healthcare system in Southern California, unites the expertise of Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego. With three hospitals, a growing network of primary and specialty care centers spanning six counties, and two of the region's Level 1 pediatric trauma centers, RCH is a trusted partner for families seeking safe, high-quality care. Building on a combined legacy of more than a century of clinical excellence, RCH is dedicated to advancing children's health through leading-edge research, innovative treatments and compassionate care. We remain steadfast in our commitment to serving our local communities while providing the benefits of our integrated organization. About the Clavis Foundation The Clavis Foundation is committed to advancing innovative approaches to health and wellness, as well as supporting transformative initiatives that improve outcomes and expand access to care. SOURCE Rady Children's Health Five states represent one-third of investor-owned properties; small investors maintain 90%+ market share. PHOENIX, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Real estate investors purchased over 34% of all single-family residential properties sold in the third quarter of 2025, the highest percentage in five years, according to the Q3 2025 Investor Pulse Report from BatchData. This share increased from 33% in Q2 2025 and rose nearly eight points from 25.5% in Q3 2024. Currently, investors own roughly 18% of the nation's 86 million single-family homes. Percentage of Homes Purchased by Investors Percentage of Investor-Owned Homes The Investor Pulse Report, prepared with business intelligence firm CJ Patrick Company, analyzes ownership patterns and transaction trends to deliver actionable insights for real estate professionals and policymakers. "Two seemingly incongruous trends continue to show themselves," said BatchData Co-Founder and President Ivo Draginov. "While the percentage of homes purchased by investors rose to a five-year high, the actual number of homes purchased was 23,000 fewer than a year ago. This suggests the higher percentage is due to traditional homeowners retreating from the market rather than overly aggressive investor activity." Small Investors Lead; Institutional Portfolios Shrink The market remains dominated by small-scale participants. Investors owning one to five properties hold nearly 92% of all investor-owned single-family homes, while those with six to 10 properties hold 4%. Conversely, institutional investors owning 1,000+ properties account for just 2% of the market. Q3 2025 marked the seventh consecutive quarter where these large entities sold more properties (5,798) than they acquired (4,663). Regional Concentrations and Tourist Hotspots Five statesTexas, California, Florida, North Carolina, and Georgiaaccount for one-third of the nation's investor-owned inventory. Texas leads with 1.4 million homes, followed by California (1.2 million) and Florida (1 million). While these states have high populations, investor favor is evident: North Carolina (25%), Georgia (19%), and Texas (18.2%) all exceed the national average for investor ownership. Additionally, tourist-heavy states show high concentrations, led by Wyoming (30.9%), Maine (29.76%), and Montana (26.78%). Metro Market Insights Investors own at least 18% of single-family homes in 48 of the 100 largest U.S. metros. The Southeast remains the primary focus, hosting six of the top 10 markets. Asheville, NC, recorded the highest concentration at 30%, followed by Las Vegas (26%) and Memphis (26%). Institutional investors are most active in Jacksonville (2.67%) and Atlanta (2.63%). About BatchData Founded in 2018, BatchData is a premier provider of property data and predictive intelligence. With access to over 155 million U.S. property records, the platform empowers businessesfrom startups to enterpriseswith robust APIs and AI-powered insights. By transforming public records into actionable intelligence, BatchData fuels decision-making for investors and lenders nationwide. Contact: Ivo Draginov, BatchData 602-622-0397 | [email protected] SOURCE BatchData JERUSALEM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday that it demolished a Palestinian house in the southern West Bank city of Hebron overnight. The house was owned by Imran al-Atrash, one of the two perpetrators behind a combined car-ramming and stabbing attack, which resulted in the death of a 71-year-old Israeli citizen, the IDF said in a statement. The attack took place at the Gush Etzion Junction, a major intersection in a settlement bloc south of Jerusalem, on Nov. 18, 2025. In addition to the fatality, three other Israelis were injured in the incident. Among them, a woman was in critical condition, while two others, including a 15-year-old boy, sustained moderate injuries. Israeli security forces killed the two attackers, both 18 years old, at the scene. ROI Rocket selects Qualtrics Edge Audiences as its synthetic panels partner; Qualtrics selects ROI Rocket as B2B data provider for Edge Audiences' Synthetic AI model DENVER, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ROI Rocket, a leading innovator in B2B panel data quality, today announced a new partnership with Qualtrics, the leader and creator of the experience management (XM) category, that combines ROI Rocket's verified B2B panels with the proven synthetic capabilities of Qualtrics Edge Audiences to deliver faster, more scalable research while maintaining the rigor expected from traditional methodologies. ROI Rocket and Qualtrics Partner to Deliver Faster, More Scalable B2B Research with Synthetic Data As part of the new partnership, ROI Rocket will incorporate Edge Audiences as its exclusive synthetic offering across complex B2B research programs to deliver faster, broader, and more reliable insights to Market Research Agencies, Management Consulting firms, Private Equity firms, and Corporate Brands. ROI Rocket will become a B2B data provider for the Qualtrics Edge Audiences solution's synthetic AI model, and its verified professional panels will expand the support of Qualtrics' synthetic models in B2B. Qualtrics research found that 94% of senior marketing and insights leaders say AI gives them a competitive advantage, and 95% say they are already using or plan to use synthetic data within the next 12 months to generate new customer insights. "Synthetic research in B2B has been limited by a fundamental reality: AI models are only as good as the data used to train them," said Tim Wilson, Senior Partner at ROI Rocket. "We built our reputation on verified access to real business decision-makers. Partnering with Qualtrics allows us to extend that strength into the synthetic realmdelivering B2B insights that are faster and more scalable without sacrificing the quality our clients rely on. This is a defining step in ROI Rocket's commitment to lead the market in human + synthetic B2B research." "Research teams using purpose-built AI for market research have greater business impact and win more budget," said Ali Henriques, Executive Director of Qualtrics Edge. "This partnership brings the speed, scale, and efficiency of trusted synthetic research to ROI Rocket's complex, verified B2B audiences to deliver critical insights modern businesses need to succeed." The partnership was recently featured on the Signal & Noise Podcast, where Qualtrics leaders Ellen Houston and Jordan Harper joined hosts Brian Lamar and Andrew DeCilles. The conversation explored how combining verified human respondents with AI-powered synthetic capabilities creates a unique advantage built on decades of real survey data, enabling researchers to uncover deeper insights while maintaining the rigor that sophisticated clients demand. By tightly integrating ROI Rocket's industry leading B2B panel infrastructure with Qualtrics' synthetic technology, clients can now design research programs that combine traditional human responses and AI-generated synthetic responses within a single ecosystem. This gives researchers and decision-makers the flexibility to use the right method for each study, from high-stakes, deeply profiled human samples to rapid, synthetic extensions for scenario testing, niche audiences, and longitudinal tracking. Qualtrics' fine-tuned synthetic model is 12x more accurate than general-use LLMs in matching human response patterns, and is already trusted by leading organizations, including Dollar Shave Club, Gabb Wireless, and Booking.com. ROI Rocket serves sophisticated clients who demand exceptional data quality for high-impact decisions. Its leadership in complex B2B recruitment, CATI methodologies, and panel management made it an ideal partner for advancing the B2B capabilities of Edge Audiences. Availability The ROI Rocket-Qualtrics partnership is effective immediately. Further Information For more information about ROI Rocket B2B Panels: [email protected] For more information about Qualtrics Edge visit: https://www.qualtrics.com/edge/ About ROI Rocket ROI Rocket is a leading provider of Consumer, B2B, and Healthcare panel data, technology, and market research services, delivering high-quality audience insights to Fortune 500 companies, management consulting firms, research organizations, and investors worldwide. With deep expertise in complex B2B recruitment, CATI methodologies, and panel management, ROI Rocket enables sophisticated market intelligence programs across industries including technology, healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing. About Qualtrics Qualtrics is trusted by thousands of the world's best organizations to power exceptional customer and employee experiences that build deep human connections, increase loyalty, and drive business success. Leveraging advanced AI and specialized experience agents, Qualtrics enables businesses and governments to proactively engage customers and employees in personalized ways across every channel and touchpoint. SOURCE ROI Rocket Saitech configured high-performance Supermicro liquid-cooled servers to the U.S. Army, providing rugged, compact, and efficient computing for mission-critical operations. FREMONT, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Introduction When mission-critical operations demand uncompromising performance, conventional servers often fall short. The U.S. Army required a SuperMicro Server with a Liquid Cooling solution that could provide maximum computing power while maintaining efficiency and reliability under continuous, high-intensity workloads. Saitech delivered a tailored deployment designed to meet these exacting requirements. Saitech Configures and Deploys Million-Dollar Liquid-Cooled Computing Solution for the U.S. Army The Challenge The US Army intelligence unit faced a unique set of demands: A compact, high-density system capable of handling intensive workloads. Efficient thermal management to prevent overheating during sustained operations. Ruggedized infrastructure able to withstand transportation and deployment in challenging environments. Conventional air-cooled solutions could not meet these requirements, necessitating a high-performance, liquid-cooled approach. The Solution Saitech provided a tailored solution featuring high-density 1U servers integrated into a 42U Supermicro rack enclosure. The SuperMicro system was engineered for durability and efficiency. To address thermal challenges, the deployment incorporated CDU L10 liquid cooling technology, ensuring optimal performance under continuous high-load conditions. The project included: 10 high-performance 1U servers, optimized for demanding computational tasks. One full 42U rack, built with shock-resistant features to ensure reliability during transport and deployment. Custom liquid cooling distribution, providing consistent thermal management across all servers. This configuration allowed the Army to consolidate powerful computing resources into a single, efficient rack, enhancing both performance and operational manageability. The Impact The Army now benefits from: Increased computational capacity in a compact, high-density footprint. Improved thermal management and prolonged system longevity thanks to liquid cooling. Simplified deployment through a fully integrated, ruggedized rack solution. With this deployment, Saitech successfully delivered a million-dollar, high-performance, reliable, and efficient solution capable of supporting mission-critical applications. The project underscores Saitech's expertise in providing enterprise-grade, customized solutions for government and defense clients requiring precision, durability, and exceptional performance. Saitech Inc Supermicro AI Solutions Under GSA Contract Saitech Inc proudly offers Supermicro AI and HPC servers, including the latest liquid-cooled and GPU-optimized platforms, through our GSA Schedule Contract #47QSEA20D007B. Saitech Inc. is a small business GSA contract Holder based in Silicon Valley, California. This simplifies the acquisition and procurement process for U.S. federal, state, and local agencies, enabling faster access to custom-configured Supermicro AI server solutions that meet mission-critical performance, security, and compliance requirements. To learn more about our GSA contract, click here: https://www.saitechincorporated.com/gsa-it-contract/ About Saitech Inc. Saitech Inc. is a leading provider of high-performance server and storage solutions, including AI and HPC platforms, for government, businesses, and research organizations. We specialize in custom-configured servers, AI-ready platforms, and scalable infrastructure to empower innovation and efficiency. Trusted by clients worldwide, Saitech delivers cutting-edge technology with reliability and expert support. Learn more at https://esaitech.com/ Press Contact: Sam Sharma 510 440 0256 https://esaitech.com/ SOURCE Saitech Inc. MILWAUKEE, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ademi LLP is investigating Penumbra (NYSE: PEN) for possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of law in its recently announced transaction with Boston Scientific. Click here to learn how to join our investigation and obtain additional information or contact us at [email protected] or toll-free: 866-264-3995. There is no cost or obligation to you. In the transaction, Penumbra stockholders can elect to receive $374 in cash or 3.8721 shares of Boston Scientific common stock per share, subject to proration. The total transaction consideration will be paid approximately 73% in cash and 27% in Boston Scientific stock. Penumbra insiders will receive substantial benefits as part of change of control arrangements. The transaction agreement unreasonably limits competing transactions for Penumbra by imposing a significant penalty if Penumbra accepts a competing bid. We are investigating the conduct of the Penumbra board of directors, and whether they are fulfilling their fiduciary duties to all shareholders. We specialize in shareholder litigation involving buyouts, mergers, and individual shareholder rights. For more information, please feel free to call us. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contacts Ademi LLP Guri Ademi Toll Free: (866) 264-3995 Fax: (414) 482-8001 SOURCE Ademi LLP For the ninth consecutive year, Sopra Steria has been recognised for its environmental commitment by the CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project), an independent, international non-profit organisation that promotes transparency and progress in environmental transition. The Group has once again been included in the CDP's "A List", a distinction reserved for organisations that are the most committed to transparency, management and reduction of their climate impact, particularly greenhouse gas emissions. In 2025, only 877 companies or 4% of the organisations assessed appear on the CDP's A List. PARIS, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sopra Steria, a major player in the European technology sector, for the ninth consecutive year has been ranked among the Carbon Disclosure Project's (CDP) A List, which recognises the world's best-performing companies in terms of combating global warming and adapting to the new climate reality. This recognition underscores the strength and maturity of Sopra Steria's environmental transition strategy, built on the company's long-standing commitment to sustainability and continuous refinement of its action plans. The CDP ranking is an international benchmark for environmental assessment, and comes in recognition of the Group's ability to transform its climate commitments into operational results, particularly in scope 3 which covers indirect greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain - which accounts for the majority of the Group's carbon footprint. Axelle Lemaire, Executive Director of Sustainable Performance at Sopra Steria, comments: "This distinction awarded by the CDP reflects above all the operationalisation and acceleration of our climate action plans. In a particularly uncertain geopolitical and regulatory context, Sopra Steria has chosen to stay the course and intensify its efforts to decarbonise its activities, particularly in Scope 3, through responsible purchasing and the efficient use of IT. Our ambition is clear: to put Sopra Steria on a path that remains compatible with net zero emissions by 2040, while supporting our clients in the environmental transition of their production and distribution models. To learn more Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1861938/5489184/Sopra_Steria_Logo.jpg CONTACT: Laura Bandiera, [email protected] NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Stoli Group announces that its two U.S. entities, Stoli Group USA, LLC and Kentucky Owl LLC, filed a motion to convert Chapter 11 into to Chapter 7. Control of these U.S. entities will be transferred to a court-appointed trustee, who will oversee the liquidation process. This development affects only Stoli Group USA, LLC and Kentucky Owl LLC that filed for Chapter 11 protection in November 2024. All other U.S. and non-U.S. operations, including Louisiana Spirits, SPI Spirits (Cyprus) and global production facilities, are completely unaffected and continue normal operations. A Quarter-Century of Unprecedented External Pressures For more than 25 years, Stoli Group has been engaged in protracted legal disputes with the Russian state over brand ownership and control. Those pressures intensified sharply in recent years. After the company publicly condemned the invasion of Ukraine and voiced its support for peace, the Russian government designated Stoli an "extremist organization" in Russia. This was swiftly followed by the confiscation and nationalization of Stoli's state-of-the-art distillery, an asset integral to the company's global production footprint. Soon afterward, Stoli was hit by a large-scale, sophisticated cyberattack that targeted its international operations and impaired systems vital to global distribution. Remediation efforts continue to this day. The Chapter 11 Process These geopolitical shocks, combined with a slowdown in the U.S. spirits market and a lack of support and flexibility from the Group's finance partners, led Stoli Group to file for Chapter 11 protection in November 2024. Over the past thirteen months, the Group worked to construct a viable reorganization plan aimed at preserving jobs, stabilizing operations, and protecting long-standing commercial partnerships. Despite those efforts and extensive negotiations, the Group was unable to reach an agreement with its senior lender on terms that would allow these two U.S. entities to emerge from Chapter 11 as a going concern. Consumer Availability We believe there is sufficient inventory of Stoli brands in the U.S. market to ensure consumers will be able to continue purchasing these products for the foreseeable future. The global Stoli Group business continues to operate normally inside and outside the United States, with production facilities and distribution networks unaffected by this development. About Stoli Group Stoli Group was established in 2013 and is responsible for the production, management, and distribution of the Group's global spirits portfolio. Mainly known for the Stoli Vodka brand, Stoli Group has expanded its portfolio in recent years to appeal to premium on-premise and more sophisticated global consumers. Signature brands are: Stoli Vodka, Elit Vodka, Bayou Rum, Kentucky Owl, Villa One, Gator Bite Rum Liqueurs, Cenote Tequila, and Se Busca Mezcal. With a presence across a network of more than 176 markets, Stoli Group works with a passionate team of 200 distributors around the world. Headquartered in Luxembourg, Stoli Group has production facilities in Spain, Italy, Argentina, and the United States some of which are steeped in history dating back to the early part of the last century. For more information, visit stoli-group.com. SOURCE Stoli Group (USA) LLC RADNOR, Pa., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against StubHub Holdings, Inc. ("StubHub") (NYSE: STUB) on behalf of those who purchased or otherwise acquired StubHub common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the "Offering Documents") issued in connection with StubHub's September 2025 initial public offering. The lead plaintiff deadline is January 23, 2026. CONTACT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP: If you suffered StubHub losses, contact KTMC at: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/stubhub-holdings-inc?utm_source=PR_Newswire&mktm=PR You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at [email protected]. DEFENDANTS' ALLEGED MISCONDUCT: The complaint alleges that, in the Offering Documents, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) StubHub was experiencing changes in the timing of payments to vendors; (2) those changes had a significant adverse impact on StubHub's free cash flow, including trailing 12 months free cash flow; (3) as a result, StubHub's free cash flow reports were materially misleading; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. YouTube Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/OdXl5OZsZXE?feature=share THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS: StubHub investors may, no later than January 23, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages StubHub investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. SIGN UP FOR THE STUBHUB CASE AT: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/stubhub-holdings-inc?utm_source=PR_Newswire&mktm=PR ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal's Plaintiff's Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group's Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer's Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon's Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360's Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com. CONTACT: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Jonathan Naji, Esq. (484) 270-1453 280 King of Prussia Road Radnor, PA 19087 [email protected] May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP In the news release, SUNNY LAUNCHES WORKPLACE PLATFORM TO COMBAT 'THE GREAT DISCONNECTION' IN MODERN WORK ENVIRONMENTS, issued January 14, 2026 by Sunny over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that changes have been made. The complete, revised release follows, with additional details at the end: THE 'GREAT DISCONNECTION' IS COSTING COMPANIES MILLIONS: SUNNY LAUNCHES SUNNY WORKPLACE TO TURN CONNECTION INTO BOTTOM-LINE RESULTS New white paper 'Energized by Design' reveals how social connection will power the next era of work DALLAS, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunny, a purpose-over-profit organization providing science-backed solutions for meaningful connection, launches Sunny Workplace to reignite team connection and vibrancy from the inside out. Sunny's newly published "Energized by Design" white paper surfaces research showing that teams lacking connection are two times more likely to lose talent and three times more likely to underperform on innovation, making connection the new competitive edge as work transforms. It offers a practical framework for restoring connection as a core operating system, embedded into existing workplace technologies and through Sunny Workplace. Sunny Workplace supports organizations with science-backed tools that enable teams to stay energized and effective by tapping into relational energy, the motivational spark people draw from meaningful connection. As AI, hybrid work and multigenerational teams reshape how we work, the informal touchpoints where relationships once formed have eroded. The result is a growing disconnection crisis that drags on performance and retention. Sunny Workplace is designed to rebuild those social ties intentionally, within the flow of everyday work. The platform delivers connection through: Social Architecture: Provides a research-backed framework to redesign how teams connect, collaborate and recharge Provides a research-backed framework to redesign how teams connect, collaborate and recharge Social Battery Type Assessment: Helps team members understand how their personality, capacity and collaboration style shape their social energy Helps team members understand how their personality, capacity and collaboration style shape their social energy Social Battery Energy Tracking: Alerts management when team members' social batteries are low and provides tips for support Alerts management when team members' social batteries are low and provides tips for support Manager Toolkits and Connect Guides: Offers ready-to-use conversational frameworks for team meetings and 1:1s Offers ready-to-use conversational frameworks for team meetings and 1:1s Scalable team rituals and sessions: Fuels connection across onboarding, hybrid collaboration and leadership development "AI and advanced tools only pay off when the people behind them bring strong interpersonal skills," said Betsy Parker, Sunny CEO. "Sunny Workplace helps companies maximize those investments by building ways of working that meaningfully connect employees." According to research, disconnection is draining businesses financially and emotionally. At an average 1,000-person company, disconnection costs up to $5.04 million annually due to loss in productivity, turnover and lack of innovation. Nationally, 41% of people in the U.S. feel lonely at least sometimes, with Gen Z workers hit hardest: 45% report feeling lonely at work, the highest rate among all generations. "Connection isn't just a nice-to-have anymore. It's the infrastructure that fuels engagement, trust and performance," said Sunny's Head of Behavioral Science Iain Smith, Ph.D. "Our research shows that when organizations prioritize connection as deliberately as they prioritize technology, they unlock measurable gains in retention, innovation and employee well-being." Organizations interested in learning more can request a demo at https://gosunny.org/workplace/book-a-demo/. To download Sunny's "Energized by Design" white paper, visit https://gosunny.org/white-paper-energized-by-design/. About Sunny In a world that's more digital, yet lonelier than ever, Sunny provides science-backed solutions to help people improve their social lives and fuel meaningful connection. Its Sunny Workplace platform, built into the flow of work, reignites team connection and vibrancy from the inside out. Sunny's free app for consumers tracks and boosts Social Battery while offering simple steps to connect. Sunny's purpose-over-profit model means it reinvests every dollar into expanding its reach and impact. For more information, visit gosunny.org or follow on Instagram and LinkedIn at @gosunnyorg and TikTok and Facebook @gosunny.org. Media Contact: Juliana Mitchell [email protected] 817-329-3257 Correction: Revisions have been made to the text of the release. SOURCE Sunny WILMINGTON, Del., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chemours Company ("Chemours" or "the Company") (NYSE: CC), a global chemistry company with leading market positions in Thermal & Specialized Solutions ("TSS"), Titanium Technologies ("TT"), and Advanced Performance Materials ("APM"), today signed a set of definitive agreements to sell the remaining land1 at its former titanium dioxide manufacturing location in Kuan Yin, Taiwan to an ownership group including Century Wind Power Co., Ltd., Century Iron & Steel Industrial Co., Ltd., and Century Huaxin Wind Energy, Co., Ltd. The land sale will generate approximately $360 million2 in gross cash proceeds, prior to customary taxes and fees. The transactions are expected to substantially close by mid-year 2026, subject to local regulatory approval, inclusive of environmental conditions. The Company will apply cash proceeds to reduce its debt obligations. About The Chemours Company The Chemours Company (NYSE: CC) is a global leader in providing industrial and specialty chemicals products for markets, including coatings, plastics, refrigeration and air conditioning, transportation, semiconductor and advanced electronics, general industrial, and oil and gas. Through our three businesses Thermal & Specialized Solutions, Titanium Technologies, and Advanced Performance Materials we deliver application expertise and chemistry-based innovations that solve customers' biggest challenges. Our flagship products are sold under prominent brands such as Opteon, Freon, Ti-Pure, Nafion, Teflon, Viton, and Krytox. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware and listed on the NYSE under the symbol CC, Chemours has approximately 6,000 employees and 28 manufacturing sites and serves approximately 2,500 customers in approximately 110 countries. For more information, visit chemours.com or follow us on LinkedIn. 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, which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to a historical or current fact. The words "believe," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "plan," "estimate," "target," "project" and similar expressions, among others, generally identify "forward-looking statements," which speak only as of the date such statements were made. These forward-looking statements may address, among other things, plans to sell the former Taiwan Titanium Technologies manufacturing site and the use of proceeds generated by the sale of the manufacturing site. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events that may not be accurate or realized. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements also involve risks and uncertainties including the outcome or resolution of any pending or future environmental liabilities, the commencement, outcome or resolution of any regulatory inquiry, investigation or proceeding, the initiation, outcome or settlement of any litigation, our ability to maintain an effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures, changes in environmental regulations in the U.S. or other jurisdictions that affect demand for or adoption of our products, changes in regulations in the U.S. or other jurisdictions that could impose tariffs or additional costs on products we either sell or need to purchase, anticipated future operating and financial performance for our segments individually and our company as a whole, business plans, prospects, targets, goals and commitments, capital investments and projects and target capital expenditures, efforts to resolve outstanding or potential litigation, including claims related to legacy PFAS liabilities, plans for dividends, sufficiency or longevity of intellectual property protection, cost reductions or savings targets, plans to increase profitability and growth, our ability to develop and commercialize new products or technologies and obtain necessary regulatory approvals, our ability to make acquisitions, integrate acquired businesses or assets into our operations, and achieve anticipated synergies or cost savings, all of which are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These statements also may involve risks and uncertainties that are beyond Chemours' control. Matters outside our control, including general economic conditions, geopolitical conditions, changes in laws and regulations in the U.S. or other jurisdictions in which we operate, and global health events and weather events, have affected or may affect our business and operations and may or may continue to hinder our ability to provide goods and services to customers, cause disruptions in our supply chains such as through strikes, labor disruptions or other events, adversely affect our business partners, significantly reduce the demand for our products, adversely affect the health and welfare of our personnel or cause other unpredictable events. Additionally, there may be other risks and uncertainties that Chemours is unable to identify at this time or that Chemours does not currently expect to have a material impact on its business. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Chemours assumes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement for any reason, except as required by law. CONTACTS: INVESTORS Brandon Ontjes Vice President, Head of Strategy & Investor Relations +1.302.773.3309 [email protected] NEWS MEDIA Cassie Olszewski Media Relations & Reputation Leader +1.302.219.7140 [email protected] ___________________________________ 1 Dismantling and removal procedures for the Kuan Yin site were completed in the first quarter of 2025. 2 Reflects TWD to USD exchange rate as of the time of this release. SOURCE The Chemours Company Growth reflects rising demand for personalized support backed by meaningful scale and shared resources NEW YORK, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Travel Leaders Network, North America's largest network of professional travel agencies, added more than 300 new member agencies in 2025, signaling a growing demand among travel advisors for consortia that combine personalized support with the scale and resources of a large network. The new members, including 264 affiliates in the United States, four associate (franchise) agencies and 36 agencies in Canada, represent more than $300 million in annual sales to preferred supplier partners. The growth reflects a broader industry shift as agencies look for partners that can absorb complexity, deliver buying power and provide meaningful support without forcing a one-size-fits-all model. "Agencies want to feel supported, not standardized," said Lindsay Pearlman, President of Travel Leaders Network. "They're looking for partners that can meet them where they are, while also giving them access to resources and leverage they simply can't achieve on their own. That balance is what's driving our growth." While Travel Leaders Network operates at scale backed by its parent company, Internova Travel Group, one of the industry's largest travel services organizations its model is intentionally designed to feel personal at the agency level. Members choose which tools, programs and services to use, allowing support to scale up or down based on each agency's business model, niche and growth goals. That scale enables Travel Leaders Network to invest heavily in technology, education, field support and supplier partner relationships, while offering many resources at no additional cost to members. Core offerings include booking tools that do not require GDS expertise, consumer lead generation through TravelLeaders.com, targeted engagement marketing, and access to exclusive cruise and hotel programs that add value for clients without incremental fees. Cruise remains a key driver, with members benefiting from group space, access to sold-out sailings and enhanced amenities through programs such as Distinctive Voyages, Culinary Collection and Amenity Departure Dates. Agencies also gain from hundreds of annual educational opportunities, including webinars, in-person events and Travel Leaders Network's EDGE conference, along with peer collaboration through Leaders Alliances. "Our role is to use our size so our members don't have to," Pearlman said. "We absorb cost, complexity and negotiation at the network level, allowing agencies to focus on their clients, their brand and their long-term success." As agencies navigate rising client expectations and increasing competition, Travel Leaders Network's continued growth underscores the value of a model that blends human support with global leverage, positioning members to compete effectively in a rapidly evolving travel marketplace. For travel agencies interested in learning more about the award-winning programs and diverse offerings of Travel Leaders Network in leisure, luxury travel, business travel, honeymoon and destination weddings as well as active and adventure travel visit TravelLeadersNetwork.com today. About Travel Leaders Network Travel Leaders Network (www.TravelLeaders.com), an Internova Travel Group company, assists millions of leisure and business travelers annually and is one of the largest sellers of luxury travel, cruises and tours in the travel agency industry, with approximately 5,700 travel agency locations across the United States and Canada. CONTACT: Berit Griffin [email protected] 651-442-5173 SOURCE Travel Leaders Network Agreement Calls for Over 100,000 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) across 3 Years GURUGRAM, India, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Varaha, a leading developer of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects with smallholder farmers across Asia, today announced a major offtake agreement with Microsoft for biochar carbon removal in India. Varaha will develop 18 industrial gasification reactors that will operate for 15 years, with a total projected removal volume exceeding 2 million tonnes of CO over the project's lifetime. Farmers spreading biochar in their farms, to enhance soil quality The project sources cotton stalks from smallholder farms in Maharashtra, India for use as the feedstock for biochar production. After harvest, these stalks are treated as waste biomass, and open-field burning is a common practice across the region's cotton belt. This project provides an alternative use for the stalks, converting them into biochar through Varaha's biomass gasification facilities and sequestering biogenic carbon for centuries. Delivering Local Impact Varaha's biochar project also delivers measurable benefits for farmers and communities: Improvement in Air Quality : The project mitigates the widespread burning of cotton crop residue, significantly reducing PM 2.5 pollutants that contribute to poor air quality. By providing an economically viable alternative to field burning, the initiative tackles a major source of seasonal air pollution. : The project mitigates the widespread burning of cotton crop residue, significantly reducing PM 2.5 pollutants that contribute to poor air quality. By providing an economically viable alternative to field burning, the initiative tackles a major source of seasonal air pollution. Promotion of Regenerative Agriculture : Farmers participating in the program adopt regenerative practices like crop residue mulching and biochar application to soils, improving soil health, water retention, and long-term agricultural productivity. : Farmers participating in the program adopt regenerative practices like crop residue mulching and biochar application to soils, improving soil health, water retention, and long-term agricultural productivity. Lifting Farmer Livelihoods: The program directly enhances the livelihoods of thousands of smallholder farmers, who receive payment both for contributing agricultural biomass and for implementing crop residue incorporation practices. "This agreement demonstrates that high-integrity carbon removal can drive transformative co-benefits for communities and ecosystems," said Madhur Jain, Varaha CEO. "We're not just removing carbonwe're creating economic incentives for farmers to mitigate open burning of crop residues." The project's first reactor will operate alongside Varaha's 52-acre cotton research farm in Maharashtra, where Varaha works directly with farmers to test sustainable practices, including soil application of biochar, under real-world conditions. With up to 18 total reactors funded across India's cotton belt through Microsoft's commitment, the focus remains clear: scaling quickly while putting farmers first. Setting New Standards for Asian Carbon Markets The agreement signals growing recognition of the region's potential for high-quality carbon removal projects. Biochar offers permanent carbon storage on geological timescales while supporting agricultural systems, making it one of the most promising pathways for durable carbon dioxide removal. "This offtake agreement broadens the diversity of Microsoft's carbon removal portfolio with Varaha's biochar project design that is both scalable and durable. It represents a step forward in scaling biochar CDR growth in Asia and advancing co-benefits for farmersimproved soils, cleaner air, and shared economic opportunity," said Phil Goodman, program director, CDR at Microsoft. The credits generated through the Varaha program meet rigorous standards for measurement, reporting, and verification, ensuring that each tonne represents genuine, permanent carbon removal. About Varaha Varaha is a leading developer of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects in Asia, with a mission of scaling smallholder farmer-led climate solutions to remove carbon from the atmosphere and strengthen rural livelihoods. Specializing in regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering projects across South Asia, Varaha has pioneered a technology- and science-driven approach to carbon project development since its founding in 2022. Varaha is headquartered in Gurugram, India, and operates 20 carbon projects across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861911/Farmers_biochar_Varaha_ClimateAg.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2861912/Varaha_ClimateAg_Logo.jpg SOURCE Varaha ClimateAg Since the launch of the Entrepreneurial Anhui Initiative, the number of market entities in the province has exceeded 8.5 million, representing a 28% increase compared to 2021. The number of technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises has reached 42,000, 3.7 times that of 2021, ranking fifth in the country. To further advance the Entrepreneurial Anhui Initiative with renewed vigor, the province recently introduced the "Several Measures to Support the Upgraded Entrepreneurial Anhui Initiative" (hereinafter referred to as the Measures). This marks the 2.0 version of the Entrepreneurial Anhui Initiative policy. Cities serve as the primary battleground for entrepreneurship and the primary gathering place for entrepreneurs. To ignite entrepreneurial activity, cities must first foster an environment of enthusiasm and dynamism. In response, the "Upgraded Entrepreneurial Anhui Initiative" explicitly calls for creating distinctively entrepreneurship-friendly cities, transforming entrepreneurs into genuine "partners" in urban development. The entrepreneurial environment will also be optimized in tandem. Efforts will focus on expanding the efficient processing of "one-stop services" for individual entrepreneurship, upgrading the series of Entrepreneurial Anhui competitions, fostering a new era of entrepreneurial culture, and deepening the brand-building of "Entrepreneurial Anhui," all aimed at creating an appealing and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. For high-level talents, the province implements targeted policies to promote entrepreneurship. It releases catalogs of industrial human resources and urgently needed talent, guiding professionals to gather in key industries. If talent is the core and funding is the guarantee, then platforms serve as a critical pillar for entrepreneurship. They act as key hubs connecting entrepreneurial entities, resource elements, and market demands. The 2.0 version of the policy focuses on the development of high-capacity incubation platforms, ensuring a smoother and more far-reaching entrepreneurial journey. How will these measures be implemented? By establishing a range of platforms such as Anhui Youth Entrepreneurship Parks and Overseas Student Entrepreneurship Parks. Efforts will also guide technology incubators to collaborate with various universities and venture capital funds, forming a synergistic mechanism of "venture capital + research + incubation." Additionally, a directory of key entrepreneurial incubation platforms in Anhui Province will be established. Source: anhuinews.com ASTANA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan saved 874 million cubic meters of water in 2025 by introducing water-saving technologies in irrigated agriculture, the Kazinform news agency reported on Thursday. Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov said 678 km of irrigation canals were reconstructed, cutting water losses during transport from about 50 percent to 25 percent. All nine water-management measures planned for 2025 were completed, including establishing a national water resources information system and signing an agreement with Uzbekistan on managing transboundary water resources, he added. The ministry also assessed nearly 2.4 million hectares of irrigated land and trained more than 700 water-sector specialists. Facing growing water shortages, Kazakhstan plans to adjust crop planting by reducing water-intensive crops such as rice and cotton, particularly in the south, which relies heavily on the transboundary Syr Darya River with a declining water level. Chicago Restaurant Week | January 23 February 8, 2026 CHICAGO, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- World Business Chicago is launching a new phase of its Just the Facts campaign during Chicago Restaurant Week 2026, bringing the city's most compelling economic and business facts out of digital channels and directly onto the dinner table through a new, interactive experience. During Chicago Restaurant Week, La Dolce Vita Cucina brings Chicago Bingo to lifepairing real, fact-based insights about the citys economy, talent, and infrastructure with favorite dishes, drink specials, and a playful way to celebrate the story of Chicago. Diners can play along as conversations unfold and enter to win prizes that showcase Chicagos world-class cultural scene. The pilot will debut at La Dolce Vita Cucina, a locally owned Italian restaurant at 5007 W. Irving Park Road in Portage Park. During Chicago Restaurant Week (January 23February 8), produced by Choose Chicago, the restaurant will feature a signature dinner entreeThe World Business Chicago Pastacreated in honor of the collaboration, alongside Chicago-themed drink specials including The Ben Johnson Handshake (Malort and Peroni) and The Chi-Town Nitro Negroni (nitro Hendrick's gin, vermouth, Campari, and blood orange syrup). Iconic films shot in Chicago will play throughout the restaurant, reinforcing the city's role as both a global economic powerhouse and a cultural icon. In addition, diners will receive Bingo cards that pair real, fact-based insights about Chicago's economy, talent, and infrastructure with popular menu favorites from La Dolce Vita Cucina. As dinner conversations unfold, guests are invited to check off squares when Chicago factsor dishesare mentioned at the table. Completing a row, column, or diagonal earns BINGO and an entry into a drawing for prizes that celebrate Chicago's world-class cultural ecosystem. Prizes include tickets and experiences from Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Second City, Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Poetry Foundation, the Studebaker Theater, along with culinary experiences from the Illinois Restaurant Association and La Dolce Vita Cucina. Select prizes will be awarded on opening night, with additional drawings held each Friday and Saturday throughout Chicago Restaurant Week. "This grew out of our broader strategy to address misinformation and outdated stereotypes about Chicagonarratives that often take hold online, where the city is either unfairly attacked or overly simplified," said Andrew Hayes, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at World Business Chicago. "By making Chicago the topic of conversation at the dinner table during Chicago Restaurant Week, we're intentionally moving the narrative off screens and into in-person experienceswhere word of mouth is shaped through conversation and shared moments." Sample Chicago facts featured in the Chicago Bingo activation include: #1 city for corporate relocations $927B economy most diverse in the U.S. Six Class I railroads. Ten interstates. O'Hare: major U.S. trade gateway Skyscrapers and house music started here "There are many reasons we're proud to operate a business in Chicago," said David Roa, owner of La Dolce Vita Cucina. "This city's neighborhoods, people, and economic energy are what make places like ours possible. We are grateful to Choose Chicago for producing Chicago Restaurant Week. It gives us a chance to celebrate Chicago's culinary industryand with World Business Chicago's help, over dinner we can have great conversations about our beloved city." World Business Chicago is evaluating how to scale the pilot across the city, using experiential activations to reach broader audiences while connecting civic pride, economic storytelling, and local commerce. CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK DETAILS Chicago Restaurant Week 2026 features a record 500+ restaurants citywide offering prix fixe menus at: chicagorestaurantweek.com About La Dolce Vita Cucina La Dolce Vita Cucina is a locally owned Italian restaurant located at 5007 W. Irving Park Road in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood, offering house-made pasta and gelato, an extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. ladolcevitacucina.net About World Business Chicago World Business Chicago is the City of Chicago's economic development organization, focused on promoting business growth, investment, and job creation across Chicago's neighborhoods. worldbusinesschicago.com SOURCE World Business Chicago 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 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 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 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 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 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. Workers sort sunflower seeds at a humming factory in Linhe District of Bayannur City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Dec. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yunping) HOHHOT, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- In a humming factory in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, conveyor belts carry plump sunflower seeds through sorting machines, separating them by size and color before sealing them into export-ready bags. Within days, these seeds will depart from Bayannur, a major agricultural hub in the region, destined for ports, ships and ultimately snack bowls thousands of miles away. This scene has become routine in the city, where sunflower seeds, once a modest cash crop, are fueling a fast-growing export industry that links rural farmers to consumers across the Middle East, Europe and beyond. At Le He Foodstuff Co., Ltd., workers are racing to meet peak-season demand. "We are now organizing workers to package and load the products, which are then shipped in batches to Tianjin Port for export to countries such as Turkiye and Egypt," said general manager Bo Le. He added that the company exports about 60,000 tonnes of sunflower seeds annually, valued at more than 600 million yuan (about 85.64 million U.S. dollars). At another factory, Inner Mongolia Li Niu Niu Food Technology Co., Ltd. is operating five production lines at full capacity, transforming raw seeds into roasted, packaged snacks. Chairman Li Wen said export orders are already booked through March. The company's annual export value totals about 500 million yuan, Li said, driven by measures such as the introduction of advanced production lines and the expansion of its product portfolio. From January to November 2025, Bayannur exported nearly 395,000 tonnes of sunflower seeds, up more than 23 percent from a year earlier. Export value rose nearly 22 percent to 4.55 billion yuan, according to city commerce officials. Behind the surge is a quiet transformation in customs clearance. Local authorities have swapped out traditional on-site inspections for remote digital checks, making it possible for exporters to apply, get inspected, and clear their goods more efficiently. "Customs inspections that once took three days can now be finished in two hours," Li said. "That has bought us valuable time to expand into international markets." Bayannur was once burdened by nearly 4.8 million mu (320,000 hectares) of saline-alkali land, where traditional crops like wheat and corn struggled to thrive. The introduction of sunflowers in the 1970s marked a turning point for the city, which has a permanent population of 1.5 million. With its distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, vast plains and ample water resources, Bayannur offered an environment strikingly similar to the sunflower's native habitat in North America, making it an ideal location for this resilient crop. The city produces sunflower seeds renowned for their large size, uniform color and rich taste. In recent years, Bayannur has planted more than 4 million mu of sunflowers annually, accounting for roughly half of China's total edible sunflower acreage. Sunflowers are the world's fourth-largest oilseed crop, trailing only soybeans, rapeseed and peanuts. In China, they have risen to prominence as a key specialty oilseed crop in northern regions, prized for their high nutritional and aesthetic value. According to agricultural monitoring data, the sunflower industry's entire value chain in Bayannur generated about 20 billion yuan in output in 2025. The impact extends far beyond factory walls. In Xinyi Village, sunflowers have become what locals call a "hardcore crop" -- reliable and highly profitable. Party secretary Cao Zhigang said villagers planted about 15,000 mu last year, mostly with domestically bred varieties. Each mu yields about 250 kilograms, generating net income of more than 1,500 yuan. The Communist Party of China Central Committee has released its recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development (2026-2030), which emphasize the development of county economies with unique characteristics. Across China, diverse regions have cultivated industries tailored to their local conditions. For instance, oranges from Ganzhou in Jiangxi Province and strawberries from Dandong in Liaoning Province have emerged as key drivers of social and economic development. Following a similar approach, Bayannur has attracted a cluster of 120 sunflower processing enterprises to capitalize on market opportunities. By upgrading foreign trade and building strong brands, Bayannur is pushing sunflower seeds and processed products into more than 40 overseas markets, said Sun Lixin, head of the city's agriculture and animal husbandry bureau. Workers transport bags of sunflower seeds at a humming factory in Linhe District of Bayannur City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Dec. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Yunping) This photo taken on Dec. 22, 2025 shows a truck transporting sunflower seeds at a humming factory in Linhe District of Bayannur City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Li Yunping) Pantheon Resources PLC (AIM:PANR, OTCQX:PTHRF) has raised $10 million through a share placing to fund the restart of testing at its Dubhe-1 well in Alaska and to upgrade seismic data at its Kodiak project, as the company presses ahead with plans to prove up what it believes could be a sizeable oil and gas resource. The London-listed explorer sold just over 106 million new shares at 7.0p each, a discount to the previous market price. Pantheon said the fresh investment would support near-term appraisal work at its Ahpun and Kodiak projects on Alaskas North Slope, an area already close to pipelines and transport infrastructure, as well as covering general working capital needs. A large part of the funds will go towards preparing for the resumption of flow testing at the Dubhe-1 well. Flow testing is designed to show whether oil and gas can be produced at commercial rates over a sustained period, rather than simply being present in the ground. Pantheon said the work programme would include analysing new and existing well data and preparing for what it described as a cost-effective and productivity-enhancing start-up of the testing process. The company believes Dubhe-1 could be key to commercialising an estimated 282 million barrels of liquids classified as a 2C contingent resource in the Shelf Margin Deltaic reservoir. In industry terms, a contingent resource refers to oil or gas that is thought to be recoverable but is not yet considered commercially viable, usually because more testing or approvals are needed. The 2C category is a mid-range estimate, intended to reflect a realistic view rather than a best- or worst-case scenario. Pantheon says the wider Greater Ahpun area could hold more than 500 million barrels of 2C contingent resources in total, and that progress at Dubhe-1 would also support a gas offtake precedent agreement with the State of Alaska. Any remaining proceeds from the placing will be used to reprocess existing seismic data at Kodiak. Seismic reprocessing uses modern computing techniques to extract clearer images of underground rock structures from older data, potentially improving confidence in where oil-bearing reservoirs sit. The company said the upgraded data could support drilling an appraisal well at Kodiak as early as the 2026/27 winter season, subject to further financing. Independent experts have assessed Kodiak as holding 1.2 billion barrels of recoverable liquids on a 2C basis, with potential upside to 2.8 billion barrels on a higher, more optimistic 3C estimate. Pantheon added that several parties were already in farm-out discussions over Kodiak. A farm-out typically involves bringing in a partner to fund part of the drilling costs in exchange for a stake in the project, helping to spread risk. The placing was run by Oak Securities and the new shares will rank equally with existing shares. Application has been made for the shares to be admitted to trading on AIM, the junior market of the London Stock Exchange, with admission expected on or around 22 January. Max Easley, chief executive, said: Todays financing further enables our forward programme at Dubhe-1. Prior to the suspension of testing in December, the well was exhibiting increased gas production volumes, and we are very keen to recommence operations after pressure build-up and other analysis has been completed. Completion of the testing programme will determine the next steps for the development of the Ahpun asset and will potentially unlock significant value for the Company. In addition, upgrading the seismic over the Kodiak structure now may significantly strengthen our position in ongoing farm-out discussions. 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. 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 Jammu, Jan 15 : After chairing separate meetings with senior officers of J&K Police, CRPF and the BSF, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan will chair the joint meeting of all the security and intelligence agencies here on Thursday. Officials said after taking separate perspectives from all concerned agencies about the security situation on the ground, the Union Home Secretary will review security jointly with J&K Police, CAPFs, and Central and UT intelligence agencies. The Union Home Secretary also had a separate meeting with the Army top brass on Wednesday. "The focus of today's review meeting is going to be the continuing anti-terrorist operations, counter-intelligence and identification of the terror over ground workers (OGWs), who act as eyes and ears for the terrorists. The Union Home Secretary wanted views of all security agencies engaged in anti-terror operations and anti-infiltration measures in J&K, and that is why the meetings with CRPF, BSF and JKP top brass were held separately and a detailed review of ongoing operations, especially in mountainous areas, was taken," officials said. The Army is engaged in counter-infiltration measures along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch, Rajouri and partly in Jammu district of Jammu division and Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara districts of the Valley. The BSF is deployed on the International Border (IB) with Pakistan in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts. The Army, CRPF and J&K Police carry out operations against the terrorists in the hinterland, including the hilly areas of Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur and other districts. Officials added that a joint strategy is likely to be formulated during the meeting to step up operations to eliminate the terrorists hiding in the hinterland while ensuring zero infiltration at the LoC and the IB. The Central and UT intelligence agencies say that cracking the OGW network will help in eliminating the terrorists who can't survive without food, clothing and other necessities for a long time and without support from the OGWs. Of late, there has been a spurt in drone activities along the IB and the LoC. This is also getting special attention during the joint security review meeting. The Union Home Secretary's visit to J&K comes less than a week after the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, reviewed the security situation in J&K at a top-level review meeting in New Delhi on January 8. The joint meeting is expected to ensure that the directions given by the Union Home Minister to step up counter-terror operations targeting terrorist infrastructure and terror financing in a mission mode are implemented on the ground. Bhopal, Jan 15 : In a devastating incident, five individuals perished in a head-on collision between a loading vehicle and a tractor-trolley in the Berasia police station area, near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The accident occurred around 9.30 p.m. on Wednesday in the Narela region of the Berasia constituency, as reported by local authorities. The victims, residents of Vidisha and Sironj districts, were en route to Hoshangabad (Narmadapuram) for a holy dip in the Narmada River the following day, a common pilgrimage during auspicious occasions. According to the police investigation, the loading vehicle carrying the pilgrims rammed into the oncoming tractor-trolley, leading to immediate fatalities and severe injuries to more than 12 others. The crash site was chaotic, with emergency services rushing to extricate survivors and transport them to Berasia Hospital. Eyewitness accounts suggest poor visibility or possible speeding may have contributed, though official probes are ongoing to determine the exact cause. Road accidents in rural Madhya Pradesh often stem from overloaded vehicles, inadequate infrastructure, and lax enforcement of traffic rules, highlighting a broader safety concern in the state. Local BJP MLA Vishnu Khatri, representing the Berasia-Bhopal Assembly, responded swiftly. Upon learning of the tragedy, he visited the hospital to meet the injured and their families. In a statement on X, Khatri expressed profound grief: "Upon receiving information about the tragic road accident in the Narela area of Berasia constituency, which resulted in the untimely death of 5 people and injuries to many citizens, I immediately reached Berasia Hospital and met with the injured. I have given necessary instructions to the doctors and officials for better and proper treatment of the injured. In this hour of grief, I stand with the affected families with complete sensitivity and strength." This accident underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures, such as better lighting, speed limits, and vehicle regulations in pilgrimage routes. Community leaders have called for awareness campaigns to prevent such losses. The bereaved families, hailing from modest backgrounds, now face immense emotional and financial strain. Authorities have assured compensation and support under state schemes for road accident victims. Jaipur, Jan 15 : Jaipur is all set for an eventful Thursday with major high-profile programmes scheduled across the city -- the 78th Army Day Parade on Mahal Road and Shaurya Sandhya, a valour ceremony, at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Stadium. In view of the simultaneous events, traffic diversions have been implemented on all three routes at different time intervals. The highlight of the day will be the 78th Army Day Parade, being organised in Jaipur for the first time. The parade will be held on Mahal Road. Entry to the venue will be strictly restricted to those who have completed prior registration. Carrying an Aadhaar card will be mandatory for all spectators. The parade will begin with the conferment of Sena Medals (Gallantry) to soldiers who laid down their lives during Operation Sindoor. Officers decorated with the Ashok Chakra, Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra will lead the parade and salute the Parade Commander, making the occasion deeply symbolic and inspiring. Mizoram Governor and former Army Chief General V.K. Singh will attend the parade as the chief guest. He will be joined by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, senior Army officers and other dignitaries. The contingents from seven regiments, including the countryas oldest Madras Regiment, will take part in the parade. Tanks, missiles, armoured vehicles, drone technology and demonstrations of modern warfare capabilities will be showcased. Fighter jets and Army helicopters will perform flypasts, with helicopters showering flower petals during the march. The parade route stretches nearly three kilometres from Jeevan Rekha Hospital crossing to Bombay Hospital crossing, with an estimated two lakh spectators expected. Parking facilities have been arranged at 18 designated locations. Traffic on Mahal Road in the Jagatpura area has been diverted from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Commuters have been advised to use alternative routes. In the evening, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the Shaurya Sandhya programme at SMS Stadium at 5.30 p.m., after proceeding directly to the Army Station from the airport. Meanwhile, preparations are also underway for President Droupadi Murmuas visit to Jaipur on Friday, with a rehearsal scheduled this afternoon from the airport to the Sikar Road-Neendad route. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to strengthen communication, enhance trust, eliminate interference, and deepen cooperation with Canada, to bring bilateral relations forward on a steady and sound track in solid strides under the new circumstances, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Thursday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Beijing. January 15 : Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has moved from being a bottleneck to becoming a true breakthrough state. When Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath says this, it isnt just a political slogan, it reflects the impact of structural reforms implemented over the last eight and a half years. By removing administrative hurdles, streamlining outdated processes, and cutting through the culture of complex approvals, the state government has built a new model for investment and development that is now delivering results on the ground. By putting the principle of Minimum government, maximum governance into action, the state integrated policies, processes, and digital systems in a way that directly benefited industry, investors, and ordinary citizens alike. The old tradition of running from one department to another was eliminated, swift approval mechanisms were put in place, and governance became far more transparent. In the field of Ease of Doing Business, Uttar Pradesh moved ahead from 12th position in 201718 to secure second place in 2019. In the years 2022 and 2024, the state received the status of Top Achiever, while in logistics ranking too the state consistently remained in the Achievers category. In the Commerce and Industry category of the Good Governance Index 2021, Uttar Pradesh remained at the top position, meaning the reforms were not only on paper but were nationally accepted and measurable. Not only this, Uttar Pradesh was declared Top Achiever in simplification and land administration as well, which played a major role in removing traditional obstacles in the path of investment. The Nivesh Mitra portal has changed the entire picture of industrial approvals in the state. More than 525 services of 45 departments were made available on a single platform, more than 20 lakh approvals were issued digitally and more than 97% of applications were disposed of within timelines. Recording 96% satisfaction among users is proof of the reliability of this system. Now Nivesh Mitra 3.0 is being developed, which with AI-based dashboard, real-time tracking, automated notifications and integration with the national single window system will present the next level of smart governance model. The Yogi government systematically modified the most common complaint of the industry worldthe complex compliance system. In 65 departments, 4,675 compliances were reduced. Digitisation and simplification of 4,098 compliances were carried out. 577 compliances were decriminalised. 948 old Acts/Rules/Regulations were repealed. Along with this, the mandatory requirement of trade licence was ended, registration requirement for shops with fewer than 20 employees was removed and a compounding system for offences in labour, fire safety, transport and legal metrology was implemented to create a business-friendly environment. These reforms carried out in the field of de-regulation have also received formal recognition from the Central Government. Under the De-Regulation 1.0 programme of the Centre, Uttar Pradesh has secured first place at the national level. This ranking is not merely a paper evaluation, but is based on reforms implemented on the ground. By ending unnecessary compliances, simplifying licence processes and adopting a reformative approach by reducing penal provisions, speed has come into the functioning of industries. This recognition has strengthened investors confidence and established Uttar Pradesh as a stable, transparent state where investors do not have to face uncertainty of rules. The ground reality has changed with the establishment of industry. Expressways, Defence Corridor, industrial parks, electronics manufacturing, data centres and logistics hubs have all established Uttar Pradesh as an emerging industrial powerhouse. New investment has given fresh energy to employment, exports and the MSME sector, and the trust of global investors towards the state has increased. The era of reforms in Uttar Pradesh has now moved ahead from policy formulation and has already entered a phase of fast implementation and result delivery. In the coming time, monitoring of projects will be even stricter, investors will receive rapid facilities and large-scale employment opportunities will be prepared for the youth. By converting obstacles into opportunities, the Yogi government has proved that Uttar Pradesh has truly become a bottleneck to breakthrough state, and the next target is to establish it as a leading centre of global investment and development. Seoul, Jan 15 : Hyundai Motor, Porsche Korea and two other automakers will voluntarily recall more than 340,000 vehicles in South Korea to fix various component defects, the transport ministry here said on Thursday. The four companies, including Kia Corp. and Mercedes-Benz Korea, are recalling a combined 344,073 vehicles across 74 models, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, reports Yonhap news agency. The recalls were issued to address several defects, including a faulty continuously variable transmission system in Hyundai Motor's Avante compact car, software problems in the infotainment control system of Mercedes-Benz's E200 sedan and a defective surround-view camera system in the Porsche Cayenne sport utility vehicle, the ministry said. Vehicle owners can check whether their vehicles are subject to the recall by visiting the government website at www.car.go.kr or by calling 080-357-2500. In September last year, Hyundai Motor, Ford Sales Service Korea and three other automakers will voluntarily recall more than 40,000 vehicles to address a range of safety defects, the transport ministry said. The five companies, which include DNA Motors, Mercedes-Benz Korea and Stellantis Korea, are recalling a combined 40,380 units across 16 models, according to the ministry. The recalls involve a weak hood latch in Hyundai's Palisade sport utility vehicle (SUV), defective seat belt buckle bolts in Ford's Explorer SUV and a faulty sensor in DNA Motors' UHR125 motorcycle. Loose steering system parts in Mercedes-Benz's GLC 300 4MATIC and faulty antenna cables in the Jeep Wrangler were also cited for the automakers' recalls, the ministry said. In June, Hyundai Motor, Jaguar Landrover Korea and two other companies voluntarily recalled more than 14,000 vehicles to address faulty components. The four companies, including trading firm GS Global Corp. and GM Asia-Pacific Regional Headquarters, the South Korean subsidiary of General Motors Co., recalled a combined 14,708 units across 19 different models. "IANS na/ -- Syndicated from IANS New Delhi, Jan 15 : India's smartphone exports likely touched a record $30 billion in 2025, driven largely by the government's productionalinked incentive (PLI) scheme, according to industry estimates. New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) Indiaas smartphone exports likely touched a record $30 billion in 2025, driven largely by the governmentas productiona'linked incentive (PLI) scheme, according to industry estimates. The export figure in 2025 represents about 38 per cent of the countryas smartphone exports over the past five years, showed the data. The data further showed that Indiaas smartphone shipments abroad totalled nearly $79.03 billion from 2021 to 2025, with 2025 delivering the highest 12a'month export tally on record. Appleas iPhone consignments accounted for roughly 75 per cent of the total during this period, valued at over $22 billion. The 2025 exports of over $30 billion marked a 47 per cent increase over the $20.45 billion recorded in the prior 12a'month period. India's total electronics exports have crossed Rs 4 trillion in 2025, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, and are expected to expand further due to the semiconductor manufacturing push. "Electronics exports crossed Rs 4 trillion in 2025, creating jobs and bringing foreign exchange. Momentum will continue in 2026 as four semiconductor plants come into commercial production," Vaishnaw said in a social media post this week. Official estimates showed that electronic production reached around Rs 11.3 lakh crore in the 2024a"25 period. For the first time since domestic production began in 2021, US tech giant Apple's iPhone exports from India crossed Rs 2 lakh crore in 2025, as per industry data. Exports of the tech company in 2025 surged nearly 85 per cent over 2024 exports. Appleas manufacturing footprint in the country includes five iPhone assembly plantsa"three operated by Tata Group entities and two by Foxconn. India became the worldas second-largest mobile phone producer, with over 99 per cent of phones sold domestically now Made in India moves up the manufacturing value chain. The smartphone PLI scheme is scheduled to conclude in March 2026, though the government is reportedly exploring ways to extend support. Under revised rules, companies were allowed to claim incentives for any five consecutive years within a sixa'year period. a"IANS aar/na Seoul, Jan 15 : Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will receive his first court verdict on charges stemming from his December 2024 imposition of martial law later this week, officials said on Thursday. The Seoul Central District Court will hold the sentencing hearing of Yoon's trial on special obstruction of public duty and other charges in connection to his failed martial law bid at 2 p.m. Friday. It marks Yoon's first sentencing of the eight cases he is standing trial on, including over charges he led an insurrection through his December 3 martial law declaration in 2024. Friday's sentencing centres on charges Yoon blocked investigators from detaining him in January last year, violated the rights of nine Cabinet members who were not called to a meeting to review his martial law plan, and drafted and destroyed a revised proclamation after the decree was lifted. Last month, special counsel Cho Eun-suk's team demanded the court sentence him to 10 years in prison for the charges, arguing the ousted leader "privatised" a national agency to conceal and justify his crimes, Yonhap news agency reported. In the trial's closing statements, Yoon defended his use of the Presidential Security Service to block investigators from detaining him, claiming that presidential security cannot be too excessive, no matter the extent it goes. The case will be the first of Yoon's trials to conclude and takes place before another bench of the Seoul Central District Court will deliver a verdict on his insurrection trial on February 19. On Tuesday, the special counsel team demanded the death penalty for the former president on charges of leading an insurrection through his martial law declaration. Yoon's remaining six cases include those brought by two other special counsel teams that separately investigated corruption allegations surrounding his wife, former first lady Kim Keon Hee, and alleged interference in a probe into the 2023 death of a Marine. Washington, Jan 15 : Citing the arrival of the new American ambassador in New Delhi and renewed engagement across trade and strategic sectors, an eminent Indian American community leader Wednesday expressed optimism about the trajectory of India-US relations. Washington, Jan 15 (IANS) Citing the arrival of the new American ambassador in New Delhi and renewed engagement across trade and strategic sectors, an eminent Indian American community leader Wednesday expressed optimism about the trajectory of IndiaUS relations. "Sergio Gor taking charge as Ambassador of the United States to India is a very, very positive step," Jasdip Singh Jessee, from Sikhs for Trump, said. He noted that a prolonged vacancy in the post had created uncertainty at a time when relations needed sustained attention. "There was a vacuum created for a long time at a very crucial time when our relationships were spiralling down," he said, adding that the new ambassador's arrival "makes a big difference." Jessee said Gor's proximity to President Donald Trump underscored India's importance in Washington's foreign policy calculus. "One thing one should know about Sergio Gor is that he is very close to President Trump," he said. "President Trump sending his confidant to India shows that India is a very important country in the eyes of President Trump." He said Gore's early public remarks in India have been encouraging and well-received. "So far, I've seen the ambassador's remarks there. They've been very positive, very uplifting, upbeat," Jessee said, praising Indian media for covering the ambassador's outreach "in a very positive and balanced way." Jessee pointed to expanding engagement beyond diplomacy, particularly in economic and strategic cooperation. "A lot of other channels are being opened now for trade," he said. "Even minerals are now on the table." He said dialogue on a trade deal began soon after Gor assumed charge and described recent high-level contacts as a further sign of momentum. "We have very positive news that our External Affairs Minister (S. Jaishankar) spoke with (Secretary of State Marco) Rubio," Jessee said, referring to talks between Indian and US officials. Indian American diaspora remains invested in strengthening ties between the two democracies. "We always hope, the Indian diaspora here, that India and the US have a very strong relationship," he said. "We want to help and take this relationship to the very next level." Washington, Jan 15 : The United States' decision to place Gaza under a technocratic Palestinian administration and move toward reconstruction could create future opportunities for Indian companies in the civilian sector, even as officials stressed that rebuilding will only begin after security and governance conditions stabilise. Washington, Jan 15 (IANS) The United Statesa decision to place Gaza under a technocratic Palestinian administration and move toward reconstruction could create future opportunities for Indian companies in the civilian sector, even as officials stressed that rebuilding will only begin after security and governance conditions stabilise. Senior US administration officials on Wednesday (local time) outlined phase two of President Donald Trumpas Gaza plan, which establishes the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) and shifts the focus from ceasefire management to demilitarisation, governance, and reconstruction. India was not directly mentioned in the briefing. No role has been announced for New Delhi or for Indian firms. However, the framework being created is similar to post-conflict models where Indian companies have previously worked through international and donor-backed mechanisms. Officials said reconstruction would follow a clear sequence. Armed infrastructure must first be dismantled. Basic security must hold. Only then can large-scale rebuilding move ahead. Commercial participation, they said, would likely come later and through multilateral channels rather than political arrangements. For India, any opening would be in civilian sectors. Indian firms have a track record in overseas infrastructure projects. They have worked in housing, roads, power, water and sanitation in difficult environments under UN or donor supervision. Early reconstruction in Gaza is expected to focus on essentials. Housing is a priority. So are electricity, clean water, waste management, and healthcare facilities. These are areas where Indian companies are often competitive, particularly in cost-sensitive and time-bound projects. Officials made clear that foreign involvement would exclude security roles. Demilitarisation and policing would be handled separately. This rules out military or enforcement functions and limits participation to civilian work. Indiaas broader regional posture could also matter. New Delhi maintains working ties across West Asia. It has generally avoided taking sides in regional conflicts and has emphasised development and humanitarian engagement. That approach has, in the past, helped Indian firms operate in sensitive settings. For now, officials cautioned against reading too much into future participation. Gaza remains in an early transition phase. The technocratic administration must first establish authority and credibility. Sustained calm is essential. Only after those conditions are met are reconstruction contracts likely to emerge. Until then, officials said, discussion of private-sector involvement -- including by Indian companies -- remains prospective rather than immediate. Mumbai, Jan 15 : As voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections is underway, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani cast his vote this morning and assured the city residents that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure a smooth and secure polling process across the city. Speaking to IANS after casting his vote in the 2026 BMC elections, Gagrani said that essential facilities have been arranged at all polling stations in Mumbai. "As you know, the voting process has begun today in municipal areas. In Mumbai, polling is underway smoothly at all locations. Essential facilities have been arranged at every polling station. Adequate police presence has been ensured, and our trained staff are available to assist voters," he said. Appealing to voters, the BMC Commissioner urged citizens to actively participate in the democratic process. "I request Mumbaikars to come out and vote. Voting is both your right and your duty. When you vote, the issues in your respective areas can be addressed effectively. Therefore, everyone should go and vote," he told IANS. Polling is being conducted across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, with a total of 3.48 crore voters eligible to decide the fate of 15,931 candidates. The spotlight remains firmly on the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, India's richest civic body, which has an annual budget of over Rs 74,400 crore. In the BMC elections, around 1,700 candidates are contesting for 227 seats. These elections are being held after a delay of nearly four years. In Mumbai, BMC elections are taking place after a prolonged gap of nine years. To ensure law and order during the polling process, more than 25,000 police personnel have been deployed across the city. The Mumbai civic polls have turned into a high-stakes political contest, with the BJPShiv Sena alliance facing a challenge from the reunited Thackeray brothers. After nearly two decades, Uddhav Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) and Raj Thackeray of the Maharashtra Navnirmal Sena (MNS) have come together in a bid to reclaim their political influence and consolidate Marathi votes in the city. The elections also mark the first BMC polls since the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena, when Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde broke away with the majority of party MLAs and formed the state government in alliance with the BJP. Shiv Sena had dominated the BMC for 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. Counting of votes is scheduled to take place on January 16. Ahead of the polls, rival factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have forged local alliances in cities such as Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Meanwhile, the Congress, once a dominant force in Maharashtra, has decided to contest independently in Mumbai, partnering with Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and the Rashtriya Samaj Paksh. Kolkata, Jan 15 : A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal's Nadia district following allegations that a sex racket is operating on the ground floor of the residence of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Kaliganj. The allegation was made on Thursday by a local TMC leader, triggering tension in the area. The TMC leader alleged that a sex racket was functioning right below Trinamool MLA Alifa Ahmed's house and claimed that school and college girls are also being drawn into this. He demanded immediate intervention to shut down the alleged operation. However, MLA Alifa Ahmed dismissed the allegations, claiming that the whole thing is a conspiracy against her. She claimed that there is a family restaurant on the ground floor of her house and said the incident stemmed from an argument involving a woman at the restaurant, following which the police were called. "The allegations are completely baseless. The BJP is spreading this misinformation against me because elections are approaching," said the Trinamool MLA. Meanwhile, the police detained two persons for interrogation in connection with the incident. The incident occurred in Palashi, under the jurisdiction of the Kaliganj police station in Nadia district. Questions have been raised about how such an illegal business can operate openly at the private residence of a public representative. Local residents are also questioning the administration's role in this matter. They demand that this ring be shut down immediately and that strict legal action be taken against all those involved. Reacting to the development, state BJP spokesperson Debjit Sarkar accused the Trinamool Congress of fostering corruption. "Illegal money collection is rampant in the state. TMC leaders are enriching themselves through unlawful means. The people must defeat such corrupt leaders," Sarkar said. The controversy has revived memories of a violent incident in Kaliganj last year. In June, a minor girl, Tamanna Khatun, was killed in a crude bomb attack during TMC celebrations following Alifa Ahmed's victory in the Kaliganj Assembly bypoll. The bypolls were held on June 19, with results declared on June 23. After Ahmed's win by a large margin, a victory procession was taken out by TMC supporters, during which crude bombs were allegedly hurled at the residence of Tamanna Khatun, killing the minor. The victim's mother later alleged that although she named 24 individuals in her complaint and cases were registered against them, only 10 were arrested. She reportedly attempted suicide recently after consuming sleeping pills, alleging continued denial of justice for her daughter. Mumbai, Jan 15 : Amid the ongoing polling for 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra on Thursday, the opposition has accused the ruling alliance of unleashing money power and has also blamed the State Election Commission (SEC) for the mismanagement of voter lists Shiv Sena(UBT) leader and former Leader of Opposition in the state council, Ambadas Danve, alleged that the BJP was intoxicated with money power. Danve, after casting his vote in Sambhajinagar, said, "I received calls until 4.00 a.m. about how the BJP has showered money across this city. The BJP is intoxicated and arrogant because of their wealth.BJP leaders talk grandly about development; if that is true, why do they need to rain down money? They should ask for votes based on their work, but that hasn't happened." He expressed confidence that the public is wise and will "show the BJP their place". Voting is underway in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. According to the updated lists, 1,118,263 voters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are eligible to exercise their franchise. However, just hours before polling began, intense chaos broke out in several areas over allegations of cash distribution, claimed Danve. Danve further alleged that the administration is under pressure from the ruling party and that the State Election Commission is "sleeping like Kumbhakarna". He urged voters to take note of this perceived bias, stating that if justice is being meted out unevenly under administrative pressure, voters must stand by the right candidates. Highlighting the need for a shift in power, Danve noted that 1,150 farmers committed suicide in 2025. He cautioned voters against "false and delusional propaganda" and a "fake balloon of development". NCP Legislator Rohit Pawar criticised the SEC for anomalies in the voters' lists after significant confusion was reported at polling stations in Pimpri-Chinchwad and in other parts of Maharashtra. He cited the case involving BJP minister Ganesh Naik, who could vote after one hour of moving here and there searching for his name and also the names of his family members in Navi Mumbai. Rohit Pawar alleged that ward boundaries and voter lists were manipulated to suit the ruling partyas interests, even suggesting that voters were shifted based on their surnames and faces. He remarked that even a sitting Cabinet Minister like Ganesh Naik became a "victim of the BJP's strategy". He demanded that the State Election Commission take responsibility for this state-wide confusion. Meanwhile, the State Election Commission officials have appealed to citizens to step out and vote more actively as the day progresses. Chennai, Jan 15 : Congress Member of Parliament Manickam Tagore has launched a sharp critique of the DMK, accusing it of intolerance towards coalition partners seeking a fair share in governance and power. In a series of Pongal messages shared on social media, Tagore contrasted what he described as the DMK's "centralised mindset" with the inclusive and consultative United Democratic Front (UDF) model practised in Kerala. In one post, Tagore wrote, "When a child is born, a path is born. It is a lesson in understanding what our role in governance should be." He said the Kerala UDF offers a hopeful template for coalition politics, where the Congress leads without monopolising authority. Power, he stressed, is shared rather than concentrated. According to him, friendship and participation form the foundation of UDF politics. Elaborating further, Tagore said that UDF allies contest elections together and continue as governing partners after victory. "We do not say 'bye-bye' to allies after elections," he remarked, adding that ministerial positions and key portfolios are allocated based on consensus, responsibility, and accountability -- not dominance. He cited past UDF governments in which coalition partners such as the Indian Union Muslim League, Kerala Congress(M), and RSP responsibly handled major ministries, including Finance, Education, Public Works, Industry, Social Welfare, and Water Resources. Tagore emphasised that policy decisions in Kerala were taken collectively, respecting the state's social and political diversity. "No betrayal after elections, no breaking alliances after counting votes. That is the UDF difference," he said, describing it as "coalition dharma in action". He expressed hope that this democratic UDF model would succeed again in 2026. Responding to criticism from DMK supporters, Tagore said Congress workers' demand for a share in governance was being unfairly branded as a crime and even likened to an "RSS mindset" by DMK's online supporters. He rejected accusations of ingratitude and, drawing attention to the 2016 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Tagore said that when most parties deserted DMK leader M. Karunanidhi, the Congress alone stood by him and declared him the Chief Ministerial candidate. He cited vote-share data to argue that Congress' loyalty significantly strengthened the DMK alliance despite the party's own decline during that period. "No one needs to teach us about loyalty or gratitude," Tagore asserted, urging social media users to write with responsibility and dignity. --IANS aal/dpb JERUSALEM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.2 struck Israel's southeastern Dead Sea area, the lowest point on Earth, on Thursday, according to the Geological Survey of Israel. The tremor occurred at 9 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) and was felt in several parts of the country. The epicenter was located at a depth of 26 km in the southern Dead Sea region, at 31.1 degrees north latitude and 35.5 degrees east longitude. Israel's national emergency service, Magen David Adom, said it received no reports of injuries and reiterated public safety guidelines. Police said officers were deployed to check roads and buildings for potential hazards. Jaipur, Jan 15 : The 78th Army Day Parade kicked off in the city this morning with the Army showcasing its discipline, strength, valour and modern military capabilities before thousands of spectators on the Mahal Road in Jagatpura. This yearas Army Day parade holds special significance, as this is being held right outside a traditional military cantonment area, making it the first of its kind event. The parade began after a 10-minute award ceremony honoring brave women. A series of tableaux, tanks, artillery guns, missiles, and modern weapon systems were on display, reflecting the Armyas operational readiness and technological prowess. The chief guest of the event was Mizoram Governor VK Singh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Deputy CM Diya Kumari also attended the Army Day celebrations. Several top-ranked military officers attended the program including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi along with numerous senior officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Earlier in the day, senior military leaders paid floral tributes at the Prerna Sthal in the Army cantonment area, after which they reached the parade venue via an air cavalcade. In remarkable spectacle, the Army combat helicopters showered flower petals during the parade, while Indian Air Force Jaguar fighter jets performed a thrilling aerial flypast, drawing loud applause from thousands of spectators, including youth, students, and local residents. The parade featured Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, and Maha Vir Chakra awardees leading the march, reinforcing a strong sense of patriotism. Marching contingents include soldiers from the Bhairav Battalion, 61 Cavalry, Rajput Regiment, Madras Regiment, and Garhwal Regiment. The tableaux highlighted Rajasthanas rich folk art and culture, along with glimpses of aOperation Sindoora. A performance by the Nepali Army band also added international flavor to the ceremony. --IANS arc/mr Washington, Jan 15 : Two Republican Senators from Texas have introduced legislation that would strengthen immigration penalties for people in the country illegally who are convicted of driving drunk and causing death or serious injury. The proposal, called the Stop Illegal Aliens Drunk Driving Act, would classify such offences as aggravated felonies under US immigration law. Supporters say the change would ensure offenders can be arrested, detained and deported, and permanently barred from obtaining immigration benefits such as asylum or a Green Card. "This legislation closes a legal loophole that has prevented law enforcement from protecting Americans," Senator Ted Cruz said in a statement. "It will directly contribute to making our communities safer." Senator John Cornyn said the bill is intended to send a strong deterrent message. "Zero mercy should be shown to illegal aliens who not only defy our laws by unlawfully entering the country but also take it a step further to drive drunk, threatening American lives," Cornyn said. "If you enter the country illegally and harm innocent citizens, we will find you, we will punish you, and we will make sure you never step foot on American soil again." The legislation has bipartisan support, including Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona, who said accountability is necessary for a functioning immigration system. "We can't have a fair, orderly, and humane immigration system without clear rules that prevent dangerous criminals from remaining in our country," Gallego said. "Drunk driving that results in severe injury or death is a serious and dangerous crime." Other co-sponsors include Republican Sens. Ted Budd and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, John Kennedy of Louisiana, Eric Schmitt of Missouri, James Lankford of Oklahoma and Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. Budd said driving under the influence carries "serious life or death consequences," while Tillis said illegal immigrants who commit such crimes should face deportation. Lummis said too many Americans have been killed by drunk drivers who should not have been in the country. Kennedy called drunk driving by people in the country illegally "beyond inexcusable," and Schmitt said both immigration and transportation laws must be enforced. Lankford said federal law should make clear that no illegal immigrant should receive multiple DUI convictions without removal. Mullin said offenders should be placed at the "front of the deportation line." The bill is endorsed by the Border Trade Alliance, the Federation for American Immigration Reform and NumbersUSA. Under current law, people in the country illegally can be removed following DUI or DWI convictions. Supporters of the bill argue that enforcement gaps have allowed some offenders to reenter the United States and commit additional crimes. The proposed legislation would explicitly define DUI or DWI offences resulting in death or serious injury as aggravated felonies under the Immigration and Nationality Act, triggering mandatory deportation and permanent inadmissibility. New Delhi, Jan 15 : Panic has struck Pakistan as rapidly evolving developments in Iran unfold. While the protests in Iran do not seem to end, the threat of regime change made by US President Donald Trump has left the entire administration in Pakistan in a state of panic. Several emergency meetings are being conducted that involved army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, the ISI chief, and National Security Adviser General Asim Malik, Southern Commander Lt General Rahat Naseem, among others. A possible confrontation between the US and Iran will have implications since the Pakistan-Iran border would become extremely volatile. There are chances of a spillover, and Pakistan cannot afford this at a time when tensions are already high with the Taliban over the Durand Line. Officials say that Pakistan cannot afford any more stressed borders at this time. It lacks the manpower since most of them are too busy on the India-Pakistan border. It has been fighting against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Nationalist Army (BLA). Further, problems are emerging in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as well. The situation is so bad for Pakistan that due to a shortage of manpower and with problems at every possible border, it has been roping in terror groups such as the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and Lashkar-e-Tayba to fight alongside it against the TTP and BLA. At first, Pakistan felt that the US was just making empty threats to the regime in Iran. It has now dawned upon them that the threat is real and there is every possibility of a conflict between the US and Iran. While the volatility at the border is one part of the problem, the other is about what the US may seek from Pakistan. Another official said that in the event of a conflict, the US is certain to ask Pakistan for military bases to launch attacks on Iran. There is also a chance that the Pakistan airspace may be sought. The official added that this puts Pakistan in a state of bother. It was quick to offer too much to the US, once Trump took charge. It boasted about its relations with the US, not anticipating that if a conflict were to erupt in Iran, then Islamabad would have a heavy price to pay. The high-level meetings being regularly held in Pakistan have discussed all the responses it needs to be prepared for. Handing out the airspace and military bases to the US against Iran would put Pakistan in a very poor light in the region. Further, many Pakistanis are already upset about the fact that Pakistan is fighting the Taliban. Any indirect support against Iran would further anger the people, and questions about Pakistanas involvement against Muslim nations would be raised. An Intelligence Bureau official said that another major worry for Islamabad is the internal unrest that would take place in the case of a conflict in Iran. The people would want Pakistan to take a stance against the US, but the establishment would be unable to do so owing to a new found ties with the US. In case of a conflict, the flow of refugees into Pakistan would go up. Pakistan would be able to handle this crisis, which would be coupled with internal unrest as well. Currently, Pakistan remains on a state of very high alert. Further diplomatic channels have been opened up with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, during which Islamabad has conveyed its concerns about a possible conflict in Iran. Pakistan watchers say that it is a devil vs the deep sea kind of situation for Islamabad. On one hand, it cannot anger its own people, Iran or Turkey, while on the other hand, if the US seeks military airbases and airspace, it is in no position to say no. Washington, Jan 15 : An Indian American obstetrician and gynaecologist pushed back against political framing on abortion, urging lawmakers to focus on medical science and patient safety rather than ideological disputes. Testifying before the Senate Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee, obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Nisha Verma said abortion medication has been widely studied and safely used for decades, warning that restrictions driven by politics are causing harm. "Medication abortion has been rigorously studied and proven safe and effective in over 100 high-quality peer-reviewed studies," she told lawmakers, noting that more than 7.5 million people in the United States have used the drugs since their approval in 2000. Verma, who practices in Massachusetts and Georgia, said she provides what she described as "full spectrum care," including contraception, miscarriage management and abortion. She said abortion care can be complex, but complexity should not be used to misstate facts or undermine evidence-based medicine. "A lot of the cases that we're hearing about are a direct result of abortion bans and restrictions," Verma said. "Access makes people safer." The hearing briefly turned tense when Republican Senator Josh Hawley interrupted Verma to ask, "Can men get pregnant?" "I'm not really sure what the goal of the question is," Verma replied. Hawley said he was seeking to establish what he called a "biological reality," but Verma did not engage further, returning to medical evidence and standards of care. Earlier, committee chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy questioned Verma about prescribing practices and gestational limits. Verma said she would not prescribe abortion medication outside accepted medical guidelines, stressing that treatment decisions depend on clinical judgment and individual circumstances. Asked who should make decisions about abortion, Verma said patients should be guided by doctors, families and science. "People should be able to make decisions for themselves guided by their doctor, you know, supported by their families, guided by evidence and science," she said. She also addressed concerns raised by some witnesses about coercion and criminal misuse of abortion pills, including cases in which men allegedly attempted to administer medication without consent. Verma said such acts were criminal and should be treated as such, but warned against using them to restrict legitimate care. "Restricting care further is not a real solution. It is a distraction," she said. Verma urged lawmakers to ensure access to evidence-based care in local communities. "We stop this by making sure that people can get the care they need in their communities and are able to get support when they need it," she said. The hearing, titled 'Protecting Women: Exposing the Dangers of Chemical Abortion Drugs', was convened by Republicans seeking tighter federal controls on mifepristone, while Democrats argued the effort was aimed at limiting abortion access nationwide. Mifepristone, used with misoprostol, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for more than two decades and is also used in miscarriage care, a point highlighted during the hearing as evidence of its established medical role. Kolkata, Jan 15 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) is concerned regarding the slow rate of verification of identification documents provided by "unmapped" voters who have participated in the current hearing sessions concerning the draft voters' list in West Bengal. Amid this situation, the Commission has directed the District Magistrates (DMs), who are also the District Electoral Officers (DEOs), to expedite the process of document authentication, considering that the deadline for publication of the final voters list is February 14 this year. Currently, the hearing of the "unmapped voters", that is, voters unable to establish links with the voters' list 2002 either through "self-mapping" or through "progeny-mapping," is being done. According to the statistics available from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, of the 32 lakh unmapped voters, hearing has been completed for around 29 lakh voters till Wednesday evening. However, out of the 29 lakh voters, whose hearing processes have been completed, the supporting identification documents furnished by them at the hearing session have been uploaded in the system for just around 11 lakh voters till the same period. The third stage, which is the verification of the supporting identity documents by the DMs or DEOs concerned, has been completed for only around one lakh "unmapped" voters. So, in the backdrop of the situation, the ECI has directed the DMs or the DEOs to expedite the process of document verification, a source in the CEO's office said. The ECI, the source added, had also reminded the DMs/DEOs that no other supporting identity documents other than the 13 already specified by the ECI in the matter would be accepted as a valid identity-proof document. "There have been several instances where voters have furnished documents other than the 13 specified by the ECI in the matter. In view of this, a fresh reminder in the matter has been given by the ECI to the DMs or the DEOs," the source said. The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal is scheduled to conclude with the publication of the final voters' list on February 14. Shortly after that, the ECI is expected to announce the polling dates for the Assembly elections. New Delhi, Jan 15 : After facing significant global backlash, the Elon Musk-led X social media platform on Thursday disabled Grok's objectionable image generation feature. The artificial intelligence-enabled chatbot Grok will no longer be able to generate objectionable images of women, regardless of whether the user has a premium account. "We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis. This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers," the platform's safety account said in a post on X. xAI faced heat from several countries over Grok's "Spicy Mode" feature, which allowed users to create sexualised deepfakes of women and children using simple text prompts such as "put her in a bikini" or "remove her clothes." Multiple countries either blocked access to the chatbot or launched their own probes. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) sought an action-taken report from xAI, and the Attorney General from the US state of California launched an investigation into the developer of Grok. Further, a coalition of 28 civil society groups on Wednesday submitted open letters to the CEOs of Apple and Google, urging them to ban Grok and X from their app stores amid the surge in sexualised images. Now, X has also restricted the ability to generate and edit images to paid users. Earlier, Grok had limited the generation of such images only to paid users. "Image creation and the ability to edit images via the Grok account on the X platform are now only available to paid subscribers," X said, stating that it "adds an extra layer of protection by helping to ensure that individuals who attempt to abuse the Grok account to violate the law or our policies can be held accountable". The platform also noted that it will take action to remove high-priority violative content, including Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and non-consensual nudity. Appropriate action will be taken against accounts that violate the rules. In December, the IT ministry had asked X to "remove or disable access, without delay, to all content already generated or disseminated in violation of applicable laws". The ministry had also directed X to enforce its terms of service and AI usage restrictions, and take "strong deterrent measures", including suspending or terminating accounts that used Grok to create sexually explicit images of women and children. X reportedly removed nearly 3,500 pieces of obscene content and sexually explicit images generated using Grok's image generation capabilities in India. The platform also identified and barred about 600 users who had misused the AI chatbot to generate sexually explicit images. New Delhi, Jan 15 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi fed cows at his residence in the national capital to celebrate the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. A video that circulated widely on social media showed the Prime Minister standing on a lawn while offering food to the cows, which were decorated colourfully The visuals drew reactions from several BJP leaders, who highlighted the cultural and traditional significance of the gesture. Amit Malviya, in-charge of the BJPas National Information and Technology Department, took to social media platform X to share the video. He wrote, aAdorable visuals capture a tender moment as the Prime Minister feeds his cows on the auspicious occasion of Sankranti. Rooted in tradition, warmth, and humility, the bond reflects Indiaas civilisational ethos, respect for nature, compassion for animals, and gratitude for the blessings they bestow." BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also shared his views on X, saying, aPM @narendramodi feeding little cows at his 7 LKM residence. Iam told they belong to the rare Punganur cattle breed of Andhra Pradesh. (Subject to correction ). PM Proudly doing Gau Sewa & reflecting Bharatas civilisation & culture. But imagine the pain that Khan Market Lutyens liberals will have! They have already started calling it acommunal." Why." Makar Sankranti is one of the most widely celebrated harvest festivals in India and marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, known as Makara. The festival signifies the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days, symbolising renewal, prosperity, and positivity. Celebrated with great regional fervour, the festival reflects gratitude for a bountiful harvest and pays homage to the Sun God for prosperity and well-being. Across the country, the festival is marked by various regional celebrations such as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Lohri in Punjab, and Uttarayan in Gujarat. Historically, Makar Sankranti has deep roots in ancient Indian traditions and is closely linked to agricultural cycles and harvest seasons. The festival underscores the close relationship between human life and nature. It is also associated with several mythological narratives, including the victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon Sankarasura. The day is observed with various religious rituals, most notably taking holy dips in rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery. Devotees also offer Surya Arghya, chant mantras, and donate essentials such as sesame seeds, jaggery, blankets, and food to the needy. Charity, or daan, is considered especially auspicious on this day. Seoul, Jan 15 : South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Thursday called for bipartisan cooperation on diplomatic and security affairs, citing growing uncertainties in the international order. Lee made the remarks at a meeting with senior aides as he wrapped up separate summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi this month. "Amid growing uncertainties in the international order, peace and stability in the region become all the more vital," Lee said, according to Cheong Wa Dae, Yonhap News Agency reported. Lee said pragmatic diplomacy seeking balance and broadening mutually beneficial ties is more important than ever. "The role of domestic politics is especially important now," Lee said. "If we become divided internally, we will not be able to protect our national interests against external pressures, and even our hard-won diplomatic achievements could be squandered." On Wednesday, President Lee Jae Myung returned home after a two-day trip to Japan, during which he held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on ways to broaden and deepen bilateral cooperation amid tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. Lee met Takaichi in her hometown of Nara, marking his second visit to Japan and his fifth summit with a Japanese prime minister since taking office in June last year. It was their second summit following their first meeting in South Korea's Gyeongju in late October. During Tuesday's talks, the two leaders agreed to advance "future-oriented cooperation" through reciprocal leader-level visits, dubbed "shuttle diplomacy." They reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, while Lee also emphasized the need for Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing to find common ground for cooperation in Northeast Asia. Sensitive issues, including South Korea's ban on Japanese seafood imports, were raised as Seoul seeks to join the 12-member Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is led by Japan. While South Korea reiterated its bid to join the pact, Japan explained its position on food safety, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said, adding that further working-level consultations are needed. The summit also addressed historical issues that have long weighed on bilateral ties. Seoul and Tokyo agreed to conduct DNA analysis to identify remains discovered last August at the Chosei undersea coal mine in Japan's Yamaguchi Prefecture, where a flood in 1942 killed 183 people, including 136 Korean forced laborers. Lee's visit also provided opportunities for the two leaders to build personal rapport through lighthearted moments, including an impromptu drum session, exchanging gifts and touring Horyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known to have been influenced by the ancient Korean kingdom of Baekje. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Nagpur, Jan 15 : Escalating his attack on Raj and Uddhav Thackeray amid reports of poll-related violence, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday issued a stern warning that any attempt to create fear during the Municipal Elections would invite strict police action. The Chief Minister's remarks came in the wake of a late-night, life-threatening attack on BJP candidate Bhushan Shingane in Nagpur's Ward 11. Fadnavis visited Shingane's residence in the Gorewada area to inquire about his health and used the occasion to send a strong political message to rival parties. Targeting what he described as the "so-called Bhagwa Brigade," a term often used to refer to volunteer groups associated with the Thackeray-led factions, Fadnavis questioned their selective presence during polling. "Is this Bhagwa Brigade meant only for certain areas? Why are they not seen in Malvani or other sensitive polling booths? Why don't they go there?" he asked. Dismissing claims that the opposition still could intimidate voters, the Chief Minister warned that any such attempts would be crushed. "They no longer have the capacity to spread terror. If they try, the police will thrash them (thokun kadhtil). Not just in Mumbai, but anywhere in Maharashtra, such tactics will not be tolerated," he told reporters. Fadnavis also accused the opposition of attempting to depress voter turnout under the pretext of identifying bogus voters. "Identifying duplicate voters is the responsibility of the Election Commission and polling agents inside the booths. Who are these people to indulge in brawls? Their only objective is to ensure lower voting percentages," he alleged. The controversy erupted after unidentified assailants allegedly attacked BJP candidate Bhushan Shingane around midnight. Assuring strict action, the Chief Minister said those responsible would not be spared. "No one involved in the attack on Bhushan Shingane will be let off. If anyone tries to rule through fear, the police will respond accordingly," he warned. As Nagpur and several other major cities in Maharashtra go to the polls, tensions between the ruling MahaYuti alliance and the Thackeray brothers continue to dominate the political narrative, prompting heightened security across sensitive areas. Earlier in the day, following reports of a duplicate voter being caught at a polling booth at Chhabildas School in Mumbai's Dadar area, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray appealed to his party workers and Shiv Sena cadres to remain vigilant during voting. Jammu, Jan 15 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday spoke with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding the safety of students from the union territory currently studying in Iran. The CM said on X, "Just spoke to EAM about the evolving situation in Iran. He shared his assessment of the ground situation & the plans that the External Affairs Ministry is working on. I'm grateful for his assurance that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests & lives of students & other people from J&K who are in Iran now". Omar Abdullah said S. Jaishankar assured that all steps will be taken to safeguard the interests and lives of students and other people from the union territory who are in Iran. Thousands of students from across the country, including Kashmir, are stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation. This has triggered deep fear and anxiety among parents about their children's safety. Meanwhile, former chief minister and president of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, has also urged S. Jaishankar and the Ministry of External Affairs to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return. Mufti said on X, "Thousands of students from across the country including Kashmir are stranded in Iran amid the present volatile situation. This has triggered deep fear and anxiety with anguished parents desperately worried about their children's safety. Urge @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia to intervene urgently and ensure their safe return." In J&K, the maximum number of students studying for various courses, including MBBS, belongs to the Valley. In addition to this, scores of Shia Muslims from Jammu and Kashmir go each year to pay homage at various Muslim shrines and historical sites in Iran. Even these days, reports indicate that dozens of Kashmiri Shia Muslims are in Iran as their families in the Valley are praying and eagerly waiting for their safe return. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed Tourists take a rest at the Cuihu Lake coffee culture center near Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) Tourists visit the Cuihu Park in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) Tourists visit the Cuihu Lake coffee culture center near Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) A tourist enjoys herself at a century-old coffee shop near Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) A tourist poses for photo at the Cuihu Lake coffee culture center near Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) Tourists visit a bookstore by Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) Tourists take a rest at the Cuihu Lake coffee culture center near Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) A tourist chooses cultural and creative products in a bookstore by Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) A staff member makes coffee for customers at a century-old coffee shop near Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) Tourists visit the Cuihu Park in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) Tourists choose cultural and creative products at a bookstore by Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) A staff member makes coffee for customers at a century-old coffee shop near Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) A tourist takes photo at a bookstore by Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 13, 2026. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026 shows a view of Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. Cuihu Lake is both a signature landscape of Kunming and a testament to the city's memories, surrounded by historical legacies such as the former sites of the National Southwestern Associated University and Yunnan Military Academy. Much like other older urban neighborhoods, the vicinity of Cuihu Lake had grappled with diminishing business vitality. The pressing challenge lies in revitalizing these dormant streets while preserving their historical essence and avoiding extensive demolition and construction. In recent years, a "cultural corridor" has been created around the lake, linking scattered historical and cultural sites while capitalizing on the thriving coffee industry. Cafe-centered boutique retail businesses have been established along this corridor, shaping an inclusive public space where people can feel free to take a walk, enjoy coffee and immerse themselves in reading. This endeavor has successfully infused the old neighborhoods with new waves of consumption. "Going to the Cuihu Lake for coffee" is now trending among local residents and tourists alike. (Xinhua/Peng Yikai) New Delhi, Jan 15 : A US-based labour rights group China Labor Watch (CLW) has said that it uncovered evidence of worker exploitation at a factory of Chinese toy company Pop Mart, forcing employees to sign blank cheques and work overtime. China Labor Watch said in a report that investigators who spent three months at Shunjia Toys factory in Xinfeng county, in south-east China's Jiangxi province, found "workers routinely signed blank labour contracts." The report cited "16- and 17-year-olds being employed without the special protections for young workers required by Chinese law, inadequate health and safety training and other labour rights violations." The factory supplies Labubus, from the popular "the Monsters" toy line made by Pop Mart. The 16- to 18-year-old workers at Shunjia had been assigned to standard assembly line positions with no difference in workload or production targets to adult workers, the report said. The NGO said it interviewed over 50 employees, including three under 18, and that all worked exclusively on Labubus production. The factory employs more than 4,500 people. "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," CLW's report said. The group said employees were given unrealistic production targets, with teams of 25 to 30 workers expected to assemble at least 4,000 Labubus figures a day. CLW said workers often logged more than 100 hours of overtime a month, far above the legal monthly limit of 36 hours. "Existing supply-chain oversight mechanisms do not appear sufficient to identify and prevent these labour issues in a timely and effective manner. If Pop Mart is serious about reducing labor risks in the Labubu supply chain, it should establish accessible grievance and communication mechanisms for workers," Li Qiang, the executive director of CLW, was quoted as saying. However, Pop Mart denied allegations saying it took 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," the spokesperson of the company said. IANS aar/na Patna, Jan 15 : BJP National Working President Nitin Nabin arrived in Patna on Thursday on a two-day visit, receiving a grand welcome at the Patna airport. Several senior BJP leaders were present to receive him there. Union Minister Nityanand Rai, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Industry Minister Dilip Jaiswal, and several BJP ministers from the Nitish Kumar cabinet were present at the airport to receive Nabin. The presence of a large number of senior leaders sent a clear message in political circles that the BJP high commandas instructions were fully complied with. During Nitin Nabinas previous visit to Patna, several senior leaders had not turned up at the airport to welcome him. The BJP high command had issued clear directions stating that Nitin Nabin, as the National Working President, must be formally received by senior leaders whenever he visits Bihar or any other state. The scene at the Patna airport on Thursday is being viewed as a clear indication of adherence to those instructions by the high command. Union Minister Nityanand Rai said that BJP workers are showing immense enthusiasm and commitment in fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to the youth, calling it a positive sign for the partyas organisational strength. The two-day visit holds political significance as Nitin Nabin is scheduled to host a Makar Sankranti Dahi-Chura feast in Patna on Friday. He is set to formally assume charge as the National President of the BJP on January 20. He will file his nomination on January 19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be present as the proposer during the nomination process. Nitin Nabin, a five-time MLA from Bihar's Bakipur Assembly constituency, was appointed working president of the BJP on December 14, but his formal takeover as the party President was held up due to kharmas (inauspicious period), which ended on January 14. New Delhi, Jan 15 : Backing stronger ties between both countries, Uruguay's Ambassador to India, Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, on Thursday welcomed India's plan to open an Embassy in Montevideo, later this year. In an interview with IANS, Amarilla also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a "very influential leader" and praised him for raising issues facing the Global South on world stage. When asked how he sees ties between India and Uruguay, the Ambassador said, "I would say that I am very happy because we are in a very important moment of this relationship that is already 75 years old. We are about to start new ways of getting together. One of them is that India is going to open an Embassy in Montevideo, probably in June, and we are expecting (External Affairs) Minister Jaishankar to be visiting Uruguay for that occasion." The Embassy of India in Argentina's Buenos Aires is concurrently accredited to Uruguay. Diplomatic ties between India and Uruguay were established in 1960. Uruguay has an Embassy in New Delhi and an Honorary Consulate in Mumbai. Asked about his opinion of PM Modi's global leadership, Amarilla stated, "He has been a very influential leader. He has taken also what are the views of the Global South and are very proud that he is taking care of all these issues and would like him to have a more preponderant role." Amarilla said Uruguay is considering visa relaxation for Indians. However, he mentioned that Uruguay has not received any special request from India on this issue. "The issue is that we are thinking that it will be very important to facilitate the travelling of Indians to Uruguay, and for that reason we need to address that, and probably it's something we can do in our political consultations in March of this year here in Delhi." He expressed Uruguay's support for India's aspiration to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). India is actively seeking a permanent seat in the UNSC. Several nations like France and Russia have expressed support for India's bid for permanent UNSC membership. "We do support it (India's bid). We do not support the fact that new members stay with a veto or have veto. We don't want the veto in the United Nations, but we fully support the Indian intention and purpose to be a permanent member." -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed New Delhi, Jan 15 : A groundbreaking ceremony for a 240 kW grid-integrated and 25 kW off-grid solar project at Bhutan's Jigme Namgyel Engineering College in Dewathang took place on Thursday as part of the Himalayan kingdom's strategy to enhance renewable energy. New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) A groundbreaking ceremony for a 240 kW grid-integrated and 25 kW off-grid solar project at Bhutanas Jigme Namgyel Engineering College in Dewathang took place on Thursday as part of the Himalayan kingdomas strategy to enhance renewable energy. "India is glad to support Bhutanas clean energy vision and solar capacity development," the Embassy of India in Thimphu said in a post on X. Earlier this week, a groundbreaking ceremony was also held for a 200 kW rooftop solar project at the College of Science and Technology, Phuentsholing, as a step towards Bhutanas clean energy vision and strengthening solar energy capacity. The Bhutanese and the Indian governments signed an agreement to work together on renewable energy during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modias visit to Bhutan on November 11, 2025. The agreement was signed between Bhutanas Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and Indiaas Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, reports Saur Energy International. Prime Minister Modi termed the agreement as a new and important part of the relationship between the two countries, as it will help strengthen Bhutanas energy security and use Indiaas experience in renewable energy. He said the two sides will work together on projects related to solar power, wind power, biomass, green hydrogen, and energy storage, describing it as "a good and practical beginning for both countries to design and develop projects together". The agreement comes as several Indian private companies have already shown interest in Bhutanas renewable energy sector and are investing in hydropower, solar, and energy storage projects. Under the agreement, both countries will work together on developing solar, wind, biomass, and green hydrogen projects, along with energy storage technologies. The plan combines Indiaas technical knowledge with Bhutanas natural energy potential to create clean and reliable energy projects. India also announced a line of credit of Rs 4,000 crore to support Bhutanas energy projects. This financial help will be used to carry out renewable energy projects agreed upon under the new partnership, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. The agreement is expected to open the way for more joint research, training, and technology sharing between the two countries. It also aims to support stronger economic ties and regional cooperation through clean and sustainable energy projects. Hyderabad, Jan 15 : Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Thursday warned the Congress government in Telangana not to "play with our faith". Reacting to vandalism at Puranapul temple in Hyderabad on Wednesday night, he slammed the Congress government for its 'silence'. He alleged that series of such incidents point to a clear pattern. "First Safilguda, now Puranapul. How many more temples, Congress? Hindu temple is desecrated in Old City of Hyderabad, just a day after the heinous attack at Katta Maisamma Temple. Congress government stays silent and Asaduddin Owaisi calls it 'no relevance' while shamelessly blaming the Sangh. Ulta chor, Kotwal ko daante," Bandi Sanjay Kumar posted on X. "When the first incident happened, Congress failed to act. Is targetting Hindu temples now being normalised in Hyderabad? Is this city being tested because Hindus stay calm? When Hindus step out to protect their faith, cases are slapped on them. But Criminals get the "mentally unstable" shield. This is not coincidence. It is a clear pattern. Law and order has collapsed. Appeasement has replaced the law. Fear of law is zero," the BJP leader wrote. "Stop gaslighting Hindus. Stop pretending nothing is happening. Secure temples. This is a clear warning to the Congress government. Don't play with our faith," added the MoS. Meanwhile, state BJP president N. Ramchander Rao visited the Purnapul temple. He stated that this is not an isolated incident, but part of a disturbing and recurring pattern of temple desecrations in Telangana. "Purnapul Darwaza, which houses a small Devi temple, is a historic site of immense significance. It is the very place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stayed during his journey to Srisailam. The desecration of such a sacred and historic spot by extremist elements clearly points to a larger and deliberate conspiracy. Yesterday, extremists entered Purnapul Darwaza and tore down a flex banner of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and desecrated Godess Idols," Rao posted on X. The BJP leader said that just three days ago, the Muthyalamma Temple in Safilguda was desecrated. "Prior to that, there was an attempt to desecrate the Hanuman Temple in Keesara. These repeated attacks on Hindu places of worship clearly indicate systematic targeting, not random or isolated acts. The Congress party bears responsibility for creating such an environment. Statements like 'Muslim is Congress and Congress is Muslim' have deepened insecurity among Hindus and sent a dangerous message of political appeasement. These extremist elements are being emboldened by Congress's rhetoric and continued inaction," he said and demanded an immediate and impartial investigation and strict action against all those responsible. Meanwhile, MLA Raja Singh also visited Puranapul temple. He said the incident of vandalism is extremely reprehensible and has deeply hurt religious sentiments. Raja Singh, who resigned from BJP last year, said that such incidents are continuously increasing in Hyderabad. "The government and administration should take strict measures in time, before the situation spirals out of control. I demand that harsh action be taken against the culprits and the security of religious sites be fully ensured. Maintaining peace, harmony, and mutual goodwill in society is the collective responsibility of all of us. Any kind of antisocial activity must be firmly stopped in accordance with the law," he said. Amritsar, Jan 15 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said that he had submitted his clarification to Akal Takht's acting Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj over his alleged remarks on the Sikh code of conduct and an objectionable video and would abide by the verdict pronounced by the Sikh clergy. After the nearly hour-long meeting with Giani Gargaj and Takht Damdama Sahib Jathedar Baba Tek Singh Dhanaula here, Mann, in a media interaction, said: "They said they would go through the explanation and take a decision accordingly. I will abide by the verdict pronounced by the Sikh clergy." CM Mann, who arrived barefoot, appeared before Giani Gargaj at the Akal Takht Secretariat after being summoned. He was handed over the Sikh Rehat Maryada book by the Jathedar of the highest temporal seat of Sikhs. Giani Gargaj told the media that CM Mann admitted at the meeting that he "shouldnat have to say certain things on religious affairs of the Sikhs and assured him that he would desist from making any such statements in the future". The explanation given by CM Mann on the charges of religious misconduct would be taken up in the next meeting of the five Sikh high priests, he said. Accepting that punishment for an apostate Sikh could not be pronounced from the Akal Takht, Giani Gargaj said the punishment could be in the form of a direction to the Sikh sangat. Without mincing words, he said a forensic examination would be conducted of the viral video purportedly showing the CM. Earlier, citing "objectionable videos" circulating on social media, Giani Gargaj had claimed that Mannas actions towards images of the Sikh Gurus and Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale were disrespectful. He had said the Chief Ministeras "anti-Sikh" statements reflected the arrogance of power. CM Mann was the third Chief Minister summoned by the Akal Takht after Parkash Singh Badal and Surjit Singh Barnala. Badal was summoned in 1979 by then Jathedar Sadhu Singh Bhaura over his role in the Sikh-Nirankari clash that claimed 13 lives in Amritsar. Barnala was declared tankhaiya (guilty of religious misconduct) in 1986 and excommunicated for ordering police action inside the Golden Temple. Later, he sought atonement in 1988. A day earlier, CM Mann, in a statement to the media, had said: "I will appear before Sri Akal Takht Sahib as a devout Sikh, and there is no question whatsoever of seeking any change in the timing." He said January 15 has been fully dedicated to Akal Takht Sahib in accordance with the orders of the Jathedar, and that he has no other programme scheduled for the day. Emphasising the sanctity of the institution, he had said: "Sri Akal Takht Sahib is sacred for every Sikh and is regarded as the highest temporal seat of our community." Reiterating his complete reverence for the authority of the Takht, CM Mann had said: "Any command or order from Sri Akal Takht Sahib-ji is acceptable to me with full reverence and will be obeyed. Sri Akal Takht Sahib-ji is above everything for me. Any order received from that sacred Takht will be followed in true letter and spirit. The command of Sri Akal Takht Sahib-ji is, was, and will always remain supreme for me and my family." Bengaluru, Jan 15 : The Karnataka unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding an urgent National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the alleged illegal settlements at Kogilu in Bengaluru and potential threats to national security. Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, has written a letter to HM Amit Shah in this regard on Thursday. It may be noted that the Congress-led government, after undertaking demolition near Kogilu Layout in Bengaluru on government land, hurriedly announced an alternative housing facility for the encroachers following the intervention of the AICC and the Kerala Chief Minister. Even the Pakistan government raised concerns about the eviction of Muslims. The BJP leaders have charged that the encroachers are Bangladeshis and have opposed their rehabilitation. Narayanaswamy appealed to HM Amit Shah: "Direct the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to conduct a comprehensive probe into the background, citizenship, and antecedents of the residents of Kogilu Layout as well as other areas of Karnataka." He further demanded an investigation into the syndicate responsible for providing Aadhaar and voter IDs to these suspicious individuals and immigrants from wherever. "Ensure that no rehabilitation or government benefits are provided until a thorough citizenship verification is completed individually and also of those who are facilitating their entry," he stated. "The safety and sovereignty of Karnataka and India cannot be compromised for vote-bank politics. We look forward to your immediate action in this matter," he underlined. The letter stated: "I wish to draw your urgent intervention towards a grave security situation unfolding in Bengaluru, Karnataka. On December 31, 2025, a senior delegation of the State Unit of BJP myself and the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly visited Fakeer Colony and Waseem Layout in Kogilu, where a demolition drive was recently conducted against illegal encroachments. "During our visit and interaction with the residents, several deeply concerning facts came to light that suggest a systematic threat to our national security." Talking about linguistic disconnect and foreign origin, Narayanaswamy stated: "A vast majority of the residents in these colonies are unable to speak or understand Kannada or Hindi or any other local language. Their dialect and appearance strongly suggest they are illegal immigrants, likely from Bangladesh/Rohingya camps, who entered Karnataka via Kerala, West Bengal or other routes." Highlighting the suspicious documentation, he said: "Despite their inability to communicate in Indian languages, these individuals are in possession of Aadhaar cards and voter IDs. This indicates a high-level racket involving the illegal procurement of Indian identity documents to legitimise foreign nationals." "Satellite imagery from as recently as late 2023 shows this area as vacant green land. Within a few months, it has been transformed into a 'mini-Bangladesh' with hundreds of illegal sheds. This is not just migration; it is a planned settlement. Similar patterns have been found in the Anekal area and Bengaluru South East areas, including Mahadevapura," he pointed out. "Given the secrecy of these settlements and the involvement of known 'rowdy sheeters' in managing these layouts, we have strong reasons to suspect that these areas are serving as hubs for sleeper cells and organised crime, posing severe threats." "The state government, under political pressure, is currently planning to rehabilitate these individuals by providing them with permanent housing under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme. This move would effectively regularise illegal foreigners at the expense of local safety without clear approvals from the Union government," he stated. New Delhi, Jan 15 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report stating that a 15-year-old boy from Bihar's Kishanganj district suffered months of bonded labour after being separated from his father at Haryana's Bahadurgarh Railway Station. New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report stating that a 15-year-old boy from Biharas Kishanganj district suffered months of bonded labour after being separated from his father at Haryanaas Bahadurgarh Railway Station. According to the press report, the minor had stepped off the train to fetch water but could not reboard due to heavy crowding, following which he missed the train and was left alone at the station. The boy reportedly remained missing for eight months, during which he was subjected to bonded labour, before managing to reach his home with his left arm severed at the elbow. Observing that the contents of the media report, if true, "raise a serious issue of violation of human rights", the apex human rights body has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police of Haryana, as well as the Commissioner of Police of Gautam Budh Nagar and the District Magistrate of Kishanganj, calling for a detailed response within two weeks. The NHRC has also sought information on whether any compensation has been paid to the victim and whether a Disability Certificate has been issued to enable him to avail benefits under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Act, 2016. It has further noted that a Bonded Labour Release Certificate a" mandatory for rehabilitation and compensation under the Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labourers-2021 a" is yet to be issued by the authorities. As per the media report dated January 12, after missing the train, the boy stayed at the railway station for two days before a man lured him on the pretext of providing employment and took him to Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh. It added that the minor was allegedly forced to work from early morning till night, including taking cattle to graze and cutting fodder, and was subjected to frequent physical abuse. The report further stated that when the boy attempted to escape from the bondage, he was caught and beaten. During the course of the forced labour, his left hand was reportedly severed at the elbow by a fodder-cutting machine. The employer allegedly abandoned him on a roadside without providing any medical assistance. Subsequently, an unidentified person took the injured child to a hospital in Haryanaas Nuh district, from where he fled out of fear of being recaptured. He reportedly walked barefoot for over three kilometres before being noticed by two government school teachers, who informed the Government Railway Police at Haryanaas Bahadurgarh. The boy eventually returned to his home in August 2025. Bhubaneswar, Jan 15 : The Naba Nirman Krushak Sangathan (NNKS), a farmers' outfit, on Thursday staged a massive protest in Bhubaneswar against the alleged collection of hefty fines and harassment of common people by the state Transport Department in the name of Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). Members of the outfit engaged in a brawl with the police while trying to gherao the residences of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena in Bhubaneswar. The agitation led to chaos in the area as a number of protesters attempted to cross police barricades near the Chief Minister's residence. Tension escalated when NNKS activists scuffled with the police during the protest. The police later detained several NNKS activists to bring the situation under control. Meanwhile, the NNKS leaders maintained that their agitation would continue until the government reviews and rolls back what they termed as "harsh and irrational" penalties related to PUCC enforcement. The outfit demanded that the government stop the harassment of common people in the name of pollution control and revoke the decision to impose hefty fines on vehicle owners failing to obtain a PUC certificate, calling the move 'anti-people' and 'unjust'. Speaking to IANS, Akshay Kumar, National Coordinator of the NNKS, strongly criticised the government's policy. He said the law related to PUCC fines is anti-public in nature and has been imposed without considering the financial condition of common citizens. "This is a completely anti-people law. If such unjust rules are not withdrawn, we will intensify our movement and take it to every household across Odisha. The government will not be able to stop this agitation," Akshay Kumar warned. He further questioned the rationale behind imposing steep fines without adequate public awareness or accessible systems for compliance. "If people are being penalised without proper facilities or clarity, what is the purpose of such a law? Ultimately, it is the common man who will suffer," he added. Notably, in December last year, the Odisha government announced strict enforcement of PUC norms during the Road Safety Month (January 1January 31, 2026) and instructed oil companies not to sell fuel to vehicles without valid PUC certificates. However, the decision was later postponed to February 1, 2026 due to difficulties faced by vehicle owners in obtaining certificates. In the latest development, the state government has further extended relaxation for checking PUCC until April 1. Bengaluru, Jan 15 : Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, celebrated Sankranti festival with over 600 differently-abled employees working in various divisions of Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) and Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) at his farmhouse in Bidadi on the outskirts of Bengaluru on Thursday. For the past seven years, the minister has been hosting differently-abled employees and their family members to celebrate Sankranti with him. He interacted with the families and celebrated the festival by sharing the special Sankranti Ellu-Bella (gingelly seeds and jaggery) treat with them, expressing his happiness. The differently-abled employees arrived with their parents, spouses and children and joyfully fed Ellu-Bella to the minister as part of the festivities. "Seeing all of you fills my heart with emotion. God gave me a small opportunity to help you, and the love and affection you continue to show me by keeping this close to your hearts has given true meaning to my life," Kumaraswamy said. Seeing tears in the minister's eyes, many in attendance were momentarily speechless. They expressed concern for his health and wished that he remain healthy always. "You are role models for everyone. You work hard and have built dignified lives with the salaries provided by the government. Your lives and progress are an inspiration to society. I wish that you, your families, and your children achieve even greater heights," the minister said, extending his wishes to the families. In 2006, when Kumaraswamy was serving as Chief Minister, Janata Darshan programmes were being held. During these programmes, a large number of differently-abled persons would approach the Chief Minister seeking employment. Moved by their plight, Kumaraswamy, as Chief Minister, appointed over 600 differently-abled persons on a contract basis in various divisions of BESCOM and KPTCL. However, until 2018, their services were not regularised, and no government addressed their concerns. After becoming Chief Minister again in 2018, Kumaraswamy regularised the services of all the differently-abled employees who had been appointed on a contract basis in 2006. Employment was provided in the Energy Department to 300 SSLC-pass candidates and 300 graduates. On January 14, 2019, coinciding with the Sankranti festival, Kumaraswamy issued orders regularising their services, bringing joy to more than 600 differently-abled families. Addressing the gathering, the minister said, "I have helped to the best of my ability whenever I got the opportunity. I have extended as much support as possible to the differently-abled. Even in the future, my heart will always respond to those who lack physical strength, and I will sincerely work for their welfare." He added that society must go beyond sympathy and focus on economically empowering the differently-abled and the physically challenged. "Whenever I get an opportunity, I will work for them. For me, they are equal to God," the minister said. He noted that many differently-abled persons in society are still facing hardship and said greater efforts are needed to empower them. Expressing hope that God would grant more opportunities in the future, he advised parents to educate their children well and wished them a bright future. The employees, expressing gratitude to the Union Minister, said that when they were working on a contract basis, their salary was only Rs 3,000. "After our services were regularised, we are now earning between Rs 80,000 and Rs 90,000, and in some cases more than Rs 1 lakh. We have built our own houses, bought cars, and are providing good education to our children. All this has been possible because of Kumaraswamy. That is why we celebrate Sankranti with him every year," the differently-abled employees said. 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) Bengaluru, Jan 15 : Karnataka BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Thursday flagged national security concerns over West Bengal-Bengaluru rail connectivity and appealed to Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw over the alleged unchecked movement of Bangladeshis. Narayanaswamy, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, stated in his letter: "I am writing to bring to your immediate attention a matter of grave concern regarding the potential compromise of national security through the current operation of rail services between West Bengal and Bengaluru." "The integrity of our borders and the safety of our cities depend on the vigilance of the Indian Railways. I urge you to treat this as a high-priority national security issue and take decisive action to control and monitor these transit routes. I look forward to your action in safeguarding our nation," he stated. "As you are aware, there are currently 15 to 17 weekly and daily train services (including the Howrah/Sealdah to Yesvantpur/Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal routes) connecting these two regions. While these services are vital for the economy, there is growing evidence and public concern that these corridors are being exploited for the unchecked movement of illegal immigrants, specifically those originating from across the international border," he stated. Reports indicate that many individuals travelling on these routes possess Aadhaar cards and voter IDs obtained through fraudulent means. Recent judicial observations, including those from the Bombay High Court, have clarified that these documents are not proof of citizenship, yet they are being used to bypass local security checks, he said. Bengaluru has become a major hub for labour colonies where illegal settlers are reportedly residing under the guise of being migrants from West Bengal and the Northeast. Recent police crackdowns in January 2026 have already identified numerous individuals with forged documents, Narayanaswamy pointed out. The sheer volume of passengers makes it difficult for the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the GRP to conduct thorough background checks during transit, effectively creating a "green corridor" for unauthorised entry into southern India, he said. He demanded implementation of a specialised verification drive at major boarding and deboarding points (Howrah, Malda Town, Kharagpur, and Bengaluru terminals) involving biometric cross-referencing. "Re-evaluate the necessity of the high number of weekly services on this specific corridor to better manage security monitoring. Deploy undercover RPF and Intelligence Bureau (IB) personnel on these specific trains to monitor and identify suspicious movement patterns. Link railway reservation systems with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and other national databases to flag individuals with questionable documentation," he demanded. Jamshedpur, Jan 15 : Even 48 hours after the abduction of Kairav Gandhi, the 24-year-old son of prominent Jamshedpur-based entrepreneur Devang Gandhi, Jharkhand Police are yet to achieve any major breakthrough in the case. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of Rs 5 crore from the family using a foreign mobile number. Police investigations have revealed that the number from which the ransom demand was made belongs to Indonesia. The Jharkhand Police have constituted seven special teams to ensure the safe recovery of Kairav Gandhi. These teams are conducting raids at suspected locations across Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha. According to police, Kairav Gandhi left his home in his car around 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday. He informed his family that he would first visit the SBI branch in Bistupur, then proceed to his company in Adityapur, and would return home for lunch. However, when he did not return home by 1.45 p.m., and his mobile phone was found switched off, his family grew concerned. Kairav's father, Devang Gandhi, told police that he was attending an important meeting in Adityapur on Tuesday when he received 8 to 10 calls from an unknown foreign number (+62-831-94765544) on his WhatsApp, which he was unable to answer. Later, a message from the same number informed him about his son's abduction and demanded ransom. Police sprang into action following the information. Later that evening, Kairav's car was found abandoned near a resort on NH-33 in the Kanderbera area of Chandil police station limits in East Singhbhum (Jamshedpur). The keys were still in the ignition, while his mobile phone was found lying on the ground beneath the vehicle. Police said Kairav's last mobile location was recorded near the Sonari Adarsh Nagar area of Jamshedpur. It is suspected that the kidnappers intercepted his car and forcibly abducted him into another vehicle. Investigators have also identified a suspicious vehicle that was repeatedly seen circling around Kairav's car. Although the vehicle bore the police insignia, the registration number was later found to belong to a different vehicle. Police are now actively searching for the vehicle. The abandoned car is undergoing forensic examination, while the technical evidence is being gathered through call detail records and electronic surveillance. Joint teams from Jamshedpur and Seraikela police are scanning CCTV footage from toll plazas and all exit points of the city. Meanwhile, a police team remains in constant contact with the family, and the cyber cell is working to trace the source of the Indonesian phone number used by the kidnappers. New Delhi, Jan 15 : On Friday, January 16, the country will mark National Startup Day, celebrating a landmark decade for startups not just as economic engines but as enduring symbols of India's innovation-led growth story. New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) On Friday, January 16, the country will mark National Startup Day, celebrating a landmark decade for startups not just as economic engines but as enduring symbols of Indiaas innovation-led growth story. Aligned with Indiaas march towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the movement has had a transformative impact on Indiaas entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. Startups have become engines of economic transformation by driving technological innovation and productivity, creating large-scale employment opportunities, enhancing financial inclusion and digital access, and promoting grassroots entrepreneurship. The initiative, led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has evolved from a policy-focussed framework into a comprehensive, multi-dimensional platform supporting startups at every stage from ideation to scaling operations. This progress is reflected in Indiaas high-value startup ecosystem, which has expanded from just four privately-held companies valued above $1 billion in 2014 to over 120 such firms today, with a combined valuation exceeding $350 billion. Since its January 16, 2016 launch, the Startup India initiative has transformed from a policy framework into one of the worldas largest and most diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems. With over two lakh DPIIT-recognised startups as of December 2025, India now stands firmly among the top global hubs for innovation, job creation, and inclusive growth. Women-led ventures are a striking feature of this landscape, where as of December 2025, 45 per cent of recognised startups have at least one female director or partner. Additionally, startups are no longer confined to metros, with nearly half originating from Tier-II and Tier-III cities, signalling the democratisation of entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, several government-backed programmes have underpinned this growth. With a Rs 10,000 crore corpus managed by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) has supported over 140 Alternative Investment Funds, which in turn invested more than Rs 25,500 crore in over 1,370 startups. Also, Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) enabled collateral-free loans worth Rs. 800 crore across more than 330 startups. Further, with Rs. 945 crore allocated to over 215 incubators, a Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) supports proof-of-concept, prototyping, and market entry. Then there is Startup India Hub, a digital platform connecting entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, and incubators. Statesa Startup Ranking Framework (SRF) also encourages competitive federalism by ranking states and union territories on startup-friendly policies. The Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience and Growth (MAARG) Mentorship Portal is a one stop platform to facilitate mentorship for startups, while the Investor Connect Portal links startups with venture capital funds, streamlining fundraising. Beyond Startup India, sector-specific initiatives have reinforced the ecosystem, including Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), which has established over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs across 733 districts, engaging 1.1 crore students in projects spanning AI, robotics, and IoT with Rs 2,750 crore allocated till 2028. AIM 2.0 now focusses on vernacular innovation centres, frontier programmes for Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, and deep-tech commercialisation. Additionally, a Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)-led deep-tech platform, GENESIS, was launched in 2022 to scale 1,600 startups in Tier-II/III cities with Rs. 490 crore funding. Meanwhile, MeitY Startup Hub (MSH) is providing support to over 6,148 startups, 517 incubators, and 329 labs nationwide. There is also the Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE) 2.0 Scheme that catalyses Information and Communication Technology-driven entrepreneurship in areas like healthcare, agriculture, and clean tech. Then there is the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) from Department of Science and Technology that already has generated 1.3 lakh jobs, supported over 12,000 startups, and backed more than 175 incubators. Rural-focussed schemes like Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme, A Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries, and Entrepreneurship and The Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme, are also promoting micro-enterprises, grassroots innovation, and self-employment. Indian startups are increasingly collaborating with corporates and multinationals, facilitating technology transfer and global market integration. As India advances towards a projected $7.3 trillion economy by 2030, startups are expected to remain central to its development trajectory. The governmentas focus is shifting from rapid expansion to sustainable scale and deeper integration with the real economy. New Delhi, Jan 15 : India's total exports during the nine months this fiscal (April-December) is estimated at $634.26 billion, registering a positive growth of 4.33 per cent compared to $607.93 billion in April-December 2024, despite US tariffs and geo-political uncertainties, the government data showed on Thursday. New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) Indiaas total exports during the nine months this fiscal (April-December) is estimated at $634.26 billion, registering a positive growth of 4.33 per cent compared to $607.93 billion in April-December 2024, despite US tariffs and geo-political uncertainties, the government data showed on Thursday. Indiaas total exports (merchandise and services combined) for December is estimated at $74.01 billion. Merchandise exports during December were $38.51 billion as compared to $37.80 billion in December 2024, according to Ministry of Commerce and Industry data. As per the official data, the cumulative value of merchandise exports during April-December 2025 was $330.29 billion, as compared to $322.41 billion during April-December 2024, registering a positive growth of 2.44 per cent. Meanwhile, the estimated value of service exports during April-December 2025 is $303.97 billion as compared to $285.53 billion in April-December 2024. The estimated value of service imports during April-December 2025 is $152.23 billion as compared to $150.01 billion in April-December 2024. Also, the cumulative non-petroleum exports in April-December 2025 was valued at $288.16 billion, registering an increase of 5.51 per cent as compared to $273.12 billion in the April-December 2024 period. Major drivers of merchandise exports growth in December 2025 include electronic goods, meat, dairy and poultry products, drugs and pharmaceuticals, engineering goods and marine products. While electronic goods exports increased by 16.78 per cent -- from $3.57 billion in December 2024 to $4.17 billion in December 2025, meat, dairy and poultry products exports increased by 30.16 per cent -- from $0.51 billion in December 2024 to $0.66 billion in December 2025. Engineering goods exports increased by 1.28 per cent from $10.84 billion in December 2024 to $10.98 billion in December 2025. Marine Products exports increased by 11.73 per cent from $0.72 billion in December 2024 to $0.81 billion in December 2025, as per the data. Ahmedabad, Jan 15 : Gujarat's Karuna Abhiyan, a flagship state initiative aimed at rescuing and treating injured birds during Uttarayan when hundreds of kites are flown across the state on Makar Sankranti, has recorded significant success this year. According to Minister Harsh Sanghavi, a total of 5,439 birds were treated across the state up to January 14, 2026, and 4,937 of them nearly 91 per cent were successfully saved. The campaign, which mobilises veterinarians, volunteers and emergency response teams, focusses on giving injured birds a second chance at life during the kite-flying season, when incidents of bird injuries typically surge. The minister described Karuna Abhiyan as "a unique initiative for compassion towards living beings," highlighting its growing impact and statewide reach. Gujarat has built a robust and multi-layered framework to protect wildlife and safeguard animals through a mix of policy, conservation programmes, rescue networks and community-driven initiatives. The state is home to India's only population of Asiatic lions, protected through the internationally-recognised Gir Conservation Project, which includes habitat restoration, anti-poaching patrols, radio-collaring, wildlife corridors and scientific monitoring. Gujarat also operates a strong network of Wildlife Rescue and Rapid Response Units, supported by the Forest Department, NGOs and trained volunteers who respond to animal injuries, humanwildlife conflict and emergencies. Initiatives like the Karuna Abhiyan mobilise veterinarians and thousands of volunteers each year during kite-flying season to rescue injured birds, while specialised centres such as the Jivdaya Charitable Trust, Forest Department hospitals and wildlife rehabilitation centres provide round-the-clock medical care. The state has also expanded protected areas, including marine national parks, wetlands, desert ecosystems and community conservation zones, focussing on species such as lions, leopards, wild asses, flamingos and marine life along the Gulf of Kutch. Gujarat's policies emphasise awareness campaigns, strict anti-poaching enforcement, habitat improvement, rescue hotlines, and partnerships with NGOs, universities and local communities, making it one of India's most active states in wildlife protection and animal welfare. Mumbai, Jan 15 : Polling for 29 Municipal Corporations across Maharashtra, including key urban centres such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Nashik, concluded at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, amid tight security and high political tension. The elections are being seen as a defining test for the state's political landscape, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena-UBT Chief Uddhav Thackeray -- joined by his brother and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) Chief Raj Thackeray -- putting their prestige on the line. For the BJP, led by Devendra Fadnavis, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is the "crown jewel" of this campaign. While the BJP came close to toppling the Shiv Sena in 2017, the party then chose to prioritise the stability of the state government. However, following the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena and the subsequent bitterness between the former allies, the BJP is now leaving no stone unturned to install its first-ever Mayor in Mumbai. A victory here would solidify the BJP's grip on Indiaas financial capital. For Uddhav Thackeray, this election is a fight for political survival. After losing the party name and symbol to Eknath Shinde in 2022 and facing a setback in the 2024 Assembly elections, the BMC remains his last major stronghold. Historically, the BMC has been the backbone of the Shiv Sena for more than 25 years. In a strategic move to preserve the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray, Shiv Sena-UBT Chief Uddhav Thackeray has joined forces with his brother Raj Thackeray. Political analysts suggest that a defeat in the civic polls could lead to further erosion of Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena-UBT, potentially prompting remaining lawmakers to defect to the ruling Mahayuti. However, following a massive joint rally at Shivaji Park, the Thackeray brothers appear to have gained significant momentum. The Shiv Sena has governed the BMC since 1985. In the 2017 elections, the contest was historically close: Shiv Sena won 84 seats, BJP: 82 seats, Congress: 31 seats, NCP: nine seats and MNS: seven seats. In the absence of a clear majority, the BJP had allowed the Shiv Sena to retain the Mayor's post to keep the state alliance intact. Today, the battlefield is vastly different. A total of 1,729 candidates are contesting for 227 seats in Mumbai alone. The city has more than 1.03 crore eligible voters, including 55.16 lakh men and 48.26 lakh women. Established in 1865, the BMC is not just a local body; it is the wealthiest civic corporation in India. With an annual budget exceeding Rs 74,000 crore, its financial muscle surpasses that of several states like Goa, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. BMC's revenue streams include property tax, which is a primary source collected from residential and commercial properties; service fees, including water tax, sewerage charges and parking fees; development charges, including fees from building permissions and infrastructure premiums; and state grants comprising subsidies and compensation for octroi (GST). This massive revenue base allows the BMC to execute mega-infrastructure projects independently of the state government, making its control a vital asset for any political party. (Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in) New Delhi, Jan 15 : Uruguay's Ambassador to India, Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla, said on Thursday that the US seeking control over Greenland would create "big problems" with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), the European Union (EU) and the rest of the world. In an interview with IANS, Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla said that the US expressing aspirations of having influence in different countries could change the world order. When asked about US President Donald Trump's statement that the United States needs Greenland for security reasons, he responded, "Sometimes States can put to themselves many security reasons, and in this case, like the US has stated that the Greenland would be their aspiration to have it in their influence and in their sovereignty. We would say that it is also going to create big problems with the NATO, big problems with the European Union, and with the rest of the world. But we will see how the US can handle this, maybe in another way." Speaking to reporters, Trump recently said that the United States needs Greenland for national security, reiterating a long-standing position following a White House meeting involving US and Danish officials. He said the issue was being reviewed at the highest levels of government. Trump said the United States maintains a strong relationship with Denmark but argued that Greenlandas strategic location makes it critical for US and allied security. On being asked whether he believes US' position on Greenland could increase tensions within NATO, Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla responded, "Probably yes, because it's another member of its own organisation. It would probably create a big problem among them, NATO." When asked about US' attack on Venezuela and its threats to Colombia, he responded, "We think that because of our tradition in foreign policy, it is not our standing to support the intermission in other States' affairs. So, we think it's something that we have to let the Venezuelans resolve what they will do." Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were "captured" and "flown out" of the country, earlier this month. Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla stated that Washington expressing some aspirations of having influence in different countries would change the world order. On US freezing new immigrant visa for 75 nations, he said, "I understand that is the decision, the sovereign decision of the United States. Unfortunately, we are not in agreement with that because we are of the sort that we want free movement of people." He also termed the situation in Iran "worrying" and called for addressing the issue. He said that Uruguay does not back violence in resolving political issues. On protests in Iran, he said, "Well, we are against all violent methods. We think that the situation in Iran is very worrying. There needs to be a solution. There have been almost 3,000 people killed, and that is something that we do not accept violence in this kind of resolution of political issues." Expressing Uruguay's support for multilateralism, Alberto Antonio Guani Amarilla highlighted that India too supports it instead of getting in a problematic situation. Jalandhar, Jan 15 : A trial court in Punjab's Jalandhar, on Thursday, ordered the removal and blocking of a "doctored" video featuring former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi. The video clip, which purportedly showed her making controversial remarks about the ninth Sikh master, Guru Tegh Bahadur, was found to be digitally manipulated to incite communal tension. Acting on an application of the cybercrime police, the court of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Jalandhar said the video's circulation posed a threat to public order and religious harmony in the state. The court invoked Rule 3(d) of the Information Technology Rules, 2021, and directed Meta (Facebook and Instagram), X, and Telegram to pull down the objectionable content. "The allegedly offensive material is directed to be removed forthwith and in any event within 24 hours of the receipt of the court order," the court ruled and sought a compliance report within 10 days. It, however, mandated that all identical, mirror, or derivative versions of the content be blocked as and when identified by the state Cybercrime department. Responding to the court order, Aam Aadmi Party's national media in-charge Anurag Dhanda told the media that the Jalandhar court gave a major judgment in the matter in which Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra had released a fake video and disrespected gurus. He said the court, in its judgment, said the video shared by Delhi Minister Mishra was found to be doctored. Last week, the Jalandhar Police Commissionerate said that an FIR has been registered on a complaint by Iqbal Singh regarding uploading and circulating edited and doctored video of Atishi. Several social media posts containing a short video clip allegedly showing Atishi, the Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, making allegedly derogatory and blasphemous remarks against Sikh gurus with highly inflammatory captions have been uploaded on social media platforms. The Jalandhar Police Commissionerate Spokesperson had said investigations have been conducted in a scientific manner and the video clip containing Atishi's audio was downloaded from social media platform of Kapil Mishra and forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory Director in Mohali for forensic examination. Even Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had reacted to the BJP over the "tampering" of Atishi's Assembly video, declaring "it a deliberate conspiracy to provoke communal unrest in Punjab". Asserting that the secular Punjab government would not allow such political theatrics to succeed, the Chief Minister had said the video was edited with false subtitles, an act of 'beadbi' (sacrilege), and added that forensic findings have conclusively established that Atishi never used the word "Guru". Alappuzha, Jan 15 : Senior Congress leader and former MLA Shanimol Usman on Thursday lodged a complaint with the Kerala Police against the administrator of a social media group for allegedly circulating false and defamatory information claiming that she was planning to join the CPI-M. Speaking to reporters after filing the complaint, Usman dismissed the reports as baseless and politically motivated. She said the claim that she would soon cross over to the CPI(M) was completely untrue and had originated from a CPI(M)-linked social media handle. "I came up through student politics and I assure everyone that till my last breath, I will remain a Congress worker," she said, adding that she would pursue appropriate legal remedies against those responsible for spreading the misinformation. Usman said the circulation of such reports had damaged her political credibility and created unnecessary confusion among party workers and the public. She maintained that the decision to approach the police was taken to prevent further spread of false narratives and to fix accountability. The 59-year-old leader won the Aroor Assembly by-election in 2019, marking a significant political comeback for the Congress in the constituency. However, she failed to retain the seat in the 2021 Assembly elections. Usman holds the distinction of being the first woman leader from Kerala to serve as a secretary of the All India Congress Committee (AICC). The complaint comes amid heightened political activity in the state, triggered by recent high-profile party switches. Earlier this week, senior CPI(M) leader and three-time former legislator Ayisha Potty made a surprise announcement by joining the Congress, a move that came as a shock to the ruling Left party. With Assembly elections approaching, the defection of a prominent CPI(M) leader has intensified political speculation, particularly on social media platforms. In this backdrop, rumours surrounding Shanimol Usman's alleged political shift gained traction online, prompting her to take legal action to deny the claims and protect her political standing. Ranchi, Jan 15 : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren arrived in Zurich, Switzerland, on Thursday to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, where he will showcase investment opportunities in the state on a global platform. The Chief Minister was received at Zurich Airport by Indiaas Ambassador to Switzerland, Mridul Kumar. He is accompanied by an official state delegation, which will travel from Zurich to Davos a day later. Sharing the update on social media, CM Soren said he was enthusiastic about representing Jharkhand and India at the global forum. He described the WEF as a vital platform for discussions on inclusive development while maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability. An official delegation led by the Chief Minister is attending the WEF Annual Meeting, marking Jharkhandas first organised and structured participation at a major global economic platform. The state government said its objective is to project Jharkhand as an 'Infinite Opportunity State' and attract long-term global investment. During his stay in Davos, CM Soren will hold meetings with global industry leaders, multinational corporations, and potential investors. Discussions will focus on investment opportunities in key sectors including mineral-based industries, industrial infrastructure, energy transition, sustainable development, tourism, and social inclusion. Several potential investment proposals are also expected to be discussed during bilateral meetings and thematic sessions. Following the WEF, the Jharkhand delegation will visit London and Oxford in the United Kingdom. The itinerary includes programmes on investment promotion, policy collaboration, engagement with educational institutions, and interaction with the Indian diaspora. As part of the UK visit, CM Soren will deliver a special lecture and participate in a dialogue session at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University -- marking a first for an Indian Chief Minister. The state government said the international tour is expected to play a significant role in attracting investment to Jharkhand, boosting industrial activity, and generating employment. The delegation is scheduled to return to Jharkhand on January 25. Annalena Baerbock, president of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, takes questions at a press conference at the UN headquarters in New York, Jan. 14, 2026. The UN General Assembly (UNGA) will convene webcast interactive dialogues with candidates for the position of UN secretary-general in the week of April 20, Baerbock announced Wednesday. Rafael Grossi, an Argentine national and director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, was officially nominated by Argentina in late November last year for the position. (Evan Schneider/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The UN General Assembly (UNGA) will convene webcast interactive dialogues with candidates for the position of UN secretary-general in the week of April 20, UNGA President Annalena Baerbock announced Wednesday. In a letter to all UN member states, Baerbock said that during the dialogues, each candidate will be given the opportunity to present her or his vision statement and member states will be able to ask questions and interact with the candidates. She asked member states to submit nominations of candidates in advance of the interactive dialogues and no later than April 1. So far, only one nomination has been submitted. Rafael Grossi, an Argentine national and director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, was officially nominated by Argentina in late November last year for the position. On Nov. 25, Baerbock signed a joint letter with the President of the UN Security Council for the month of November, Michael Imran Kanu, permanent representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, formally initiating the selection and appointment process for the next UN secretary-general. Antonio Guterres, the current and ninth secretary-general of the United Nations, took office in January 2017, and the next UN secretary-general will take over the role from Jan. 1, 2027. Kolkata, Jan 15 : After Farakka in Murshidabad, another BDO office has been vandalised, this time in the Chakulia area of North Dinajpur district. On Thursday, allegations of vandalism and arson at the Gorakhpur II BDO office in Chakulia surfaced during protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in the state. According to police sources, several people blocked the state highway and staged a demonstration. Those who were summoned for the SIR hearing were primarily involved in the protest. Sources said that an officer-in-charge (IC) present during the vandalism at the BDO office was injured. The Election Commission has taken a strong stance on the incident. The BDO filed a written complaint at the Chakulia police station, which has been converted into an FIR. According to police sources, on Thursday morning, several people blocked the state highway in the Kahata area of Chakulia. Those who had received summons for the SIR hearing were mainly among the protesters. This disrupted traffic, causing a severe traffic snarl. Amid this, allegations of vandalism at the BDO's office arose. Police arrived at the scene after receiving the information. According to the complaint filed by the BDO at the Chakulia police station, around 300 people tried to forcibly enter the BDOas office at around 9.30 a.m. Police tried to stop them but failed to control the situation. It is alleged that they entered the office and destroyed everything from electronic equipment to chairs and tables, and also damaged documents. In its complaint, the BDO office said that property worth approximately Rs 20 lakh was destroyed at the office in Chakulia. It is also alleged that the police were attacked when they tried to stop the protesters. The officer-in-charge of Chakulia police station was injured in the incident. Several people from the office have been taken to the hospital for treatment. A police officer told media persons that a high alert has been issued in the Islampur police district. On the other hand, following Wednesdayas Farakka incident, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state has issued strict instructions to the District Magistrates and District Election Officers (DEOs). The instructions, sent via WhatsApp, stated that no hearing centres will be changed. The CEO also reminded the DEOs that priority must be given to resolving aunmappeda and alogical discrepancya cases. The DEOs must take the final decision in this regard. The EROs and AEROs will make decisions on aothera matters on their own initiative. However, they must not, under any circumstances, take any decision regarding the relocation of the hearing centres specified by the Commission. If they do, the Commission will view the matter very seriously. The move from the Election Commission came a day after a mob, led by Trinamool Congress MLA Monirul Islam, went on a rampage at the BDO office and vandalised the premises, protesting against the alleged harassment of common people in the name of calling them for SIR hearing for the simplest of errors in their voter information. Ahmedabad, Jan 15 : Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, during the visit to his home state of Gujarat, on Thursday, attended a special event organised at the Sastu Sahitya Mudranalaya Trust in Ahmedabad. At the ceremony, Union Home Minister Shah formally released the 'Adi Shankaracharya Samagra Granthavali', a comprehensive compilation edited by renowned Sanskrit scholar Gautam Patel. He noted that Shankaracharya's writings offer guidance not only in religious matters but also in logic and philosophy. Speaking after the book launch, Home Minister Shah underscored the importance of punctuality and commitment in public and institutional work. "When any task is completed within the expected timeline, its joy and impact multiply," he said. Recalling his earlier insistence on timely execution of the trust's library project, Union Minister Shah added, "I am proud that as the Chairman of this trust, I am witnessing today that this Bhagirath effort has been completed on time." Reflecting on the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya, Union Minister Shah highlighted the universality of knowledge. "There is no single language for acquiring knowledge. It is an endless, flowing stream," he said. Commending Gautam Patel's work, Union Minister Shah said the newly released Granthavali and the library would serve as enduring reservoirs of knowledge for future generations. The Union Minister also paid homage to Bhikshu Akhandananda, founder of the Sastu Sahitya Press, acknowledging his role in Gujarat's literary and cultural development. Akhandananda, he said, sparked an intellectual movement by making quality literature accessible at affordable prices. The event, attended by several eminent writers and dignitaries, concluded with Union Minister Shah stressing the importance of preserving India's literary and cultural heritage. "Our books are our true identity, and protecting them is our collective responsibility," he said. The programme revitalised the literary atmosphere of Ahmedabad and reaffirmed the city's enduring cultural spirit. Dhaka, Jan 15 : Grappling with severe economic crisis, political instability and militant violence at home, Pakistan cannot afford to pursue a foreign policy driven by the ambitions of a security establishment which is eager to project power abroad even as stability at home remains elusive, a report highlighted on Thursday. Highlighting Islamabad's diplomatic overstretching and doublespeak, it detailed how Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with senior cabinet members, including Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, was meeting UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed at his family's palatial estate in Rahim Yar Khan on the very morning Saudi Arabia carried out strikes against what it described as Emirati-linked weapons shipments. "The optics were ironic with Pakistan professing solidarity with Riyadh while hosting the very leader Riyadh was pressuring militarily... There have been unsubstantiated reports that Saudi Arabia declined a request for a meeting by Pakistan's powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, thereby reinforcing the impression that Islamabad's balancing act was wearing thin," author and columnist Arun Anand wrote in Bangladeshi weekly Blitz. Such moments, the report mentioned, are not mere coincidences but rather symptoms of a deeper strategic malaise of a military-dominated foreign policy that repeatedly entangle Pakistan in conflicts it neither controls nor fully understands. "Over the past decade, Pakistan has drifted from being a peripheral player in the Middle East to an increasingly exposed one. As the shift has been shaped by transactional military diplomacy as signified by the recent Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia, the result is a country wedged uncomfortably between rival power centres with China and the United States on one axis globally, and Saudi Arabia and the UAE on another at the regional level. While each of its allies expects loyalty, no one offers insulation when loyalties collide," the report adds. For Islamabad, the proposition of deploying Pakistani troops to the war-battered Palestinian region is also fraught with peril. US President Donald Trump has publicly sought Pakistan's commitments to contribute troops to his envisioned security or stabilization force for the territory. "The Gaza stabilisation force would almost certainly involve disarming Hamas, enforcing cease-fire arrangements, and operating under an American or Israeli security framework, such a role would place Pakistan at odds with popular sentiment at home, where sympathy for the Palestinian cause runs deep. Moreover, it would also damage the countryas standing in the broader Muslim world, where participation in what many would view as an externally imposed security regime or forced disarming of what many consider a Palestinian resistance group would be seen as complicity with Israel," the Blitz article details. "However, if the Pakistan Army assumes such a role, it won't be its first as it has a history of renting its role to the regional players. Pakistani military officers played a role in assisting Jordan's Hashemite monarchy during the 1970 Black September crisis by helping violently crackdown on Palestinian fighters. The Pakistani contingent in Amman was overseen by Brigadier Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq, who would later seize power in 1977 and rule as a military dictator. That episode left a lasting scar on Pakistanas image among Palestinians and repeating such a role in Gaza would be exponentially more damaging," it added. Gaza, of course, is not the only front where Pakistan's Middle East policy is unravelling. Pakistani army chief Asim Munir signing a $4.6 billion defence deal with Khalifa Haftar in Benghazi last month - reportedly the largest arms deal in Pakistan's history - can be described as another strategic overextension without any clarity. "Though the deal on paper signifies Pakistan's strategic reach, however, in reality, it was a diplomatic misstep of the highest order. Firstly, Libya is a divided country with rival governments governing it in parts. There is Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh's internationally recognised Government of National Unity (GNU) in Tripoli and then the other, Khalifa Haftar's Benghazi-based unrecognised Government of National Stability (GNS). Secondly, Libya remains under an international arms embargo imposed by the United Nations in 2011. Therefore, any major weapons transfer and that too to an unrecognised entity risks undermining international law. "This deal does not only fly in the face of UN sanctions; it also puts constraints in Islamabadas regional policy. By publicly aligning itself with Haftar, Pakistan effectively chose sides in a complex regional proxy contest as the military strongman is backed by the UAE and Egypt whereas the GNU, by contrast, enjoys the support of the United Nations and Saudi Arabia. Islamabadas outreach to Benghazi thus undercuts its relationship with Riyadh, at precisely the moment when Saudi goodwill is most needed," the report details. These choices, it mentioned, shows that the Pakistani military leadership appears to believe that visibility equals influence, that being "in the room" guarantees relevance. However, in practice, it has made Pakistan vulnerable to pressure from stronger powers with clearer agendas. "If Pakistan continues down this path and gets entangled in Gulf rivalries, is pressured to send troops to Gaza, and aligns with contested actors like Khalifa Haftar, it risks becoming a pawn than a mediator its elite envisions. In the Middle Eastas unforgiving geopolitical chessboard, pawns are easily sacrificed," the report concluded. New Delhi, Jan 15 : Pakistan's current state of affairs cannot drive the 250 million-strong population towards sustained progress due to cross-cutting constraints affecting all 20 priority export products and six export drivers, a media report has stressed, highlighting that blaming the IMF will not do any good for the country, which is massively suffering across economic parameters. New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) Pakistanas current state of affairs cannot drive the 250 million-strong population towards sustained progress due to cross-cutting constraints affecting all 20 priority export products and six export drivers, a media report has stressed, highlighting that blaming the IMF will not do any good for the country, which is massively suffering across economic parameters. A panel constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reached this conclusion after discussions with industry stakeholders, according to a Dawn report. The panel was formed to formulate a strategy to exit the IMF programme once the current bailout facility ends at the end of next year. The report stated that the panelas "implicitly holding restrictive IMF financing responsible for the governmentas failure to aggressively implement reforms to return the economy to a sustainable growth path is an attempt to gloss over the stateas own dereliction of duty". Moreover, the constraints to economic and export growth a" high, volatile energy costs, policy unpredictability, distorted taxation, logistics and trade facilitation bottlenecks, institutional fragmentation, regulatory burden, etc a" cited by the panel are old hat. "These have featured in donor and government reports and in media commentary," the report mentioned. The IMF encourages the government to create a conducive business clime. On the other hand, "the authorities are blaming the IMF programme for a sluggish, moribund economy to cover up their own incompetence, and obscure the ruling partyas unwillingness to dismantle the entrenched politically protected rent-seeking structures", the report revealed. Another recent report in Dawn said that the IMFas orthodoxy is set to consign Pakistan to a low-growth trap for years, and without a fundamental rethink of the current strategy, and a change in the sham nature of the fiscal austerity being imposed, the economy will continue to be impaired for the long term, while ordinary Pakistanis will continue to suffer needlessly. Since 2022, the installed government has imposed, under the watch of the IMF, "a crushing burden on ordinary Pakistanis via austerity policy". "A large fiscal adjustment has been carved out through massive taxation and cuts in subsidies instead of any hint of restraint in spending by the government either on itself or on its constituents and backers," the report lamented. Ranchi, Jan 15 : The return of migrant workers from Jharkhand, who were abducted and kept in captivity by terrorists in the West African nation of Niger, has brought joy and relief to their families and the entire neighbourhood. They thank the Indian government for helping them out. These five labourers, who are residents of Dondolo village in Bagodar block of Giridih district, had gone to Niger about eight months ago in search of employment, where they were working on a transmission line project. It was during this time that they were abducted by terrorists. All these workers were employed by the Kalpataru Transmission Line Company on the KPTC project in Niger and last year in April, they were kidnapped by armed persons and had been 'missing' since then. Following their kidnapping, their families were deeply distressed and continuously prayed for their safe return. It was on the intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and consistent nudges that the agencies managed to secure the release of the workers from the terrorists' captivity. It took more than eight months to secure their release and now that they have returned home, their families are elated and there were emotional reunions with tears of joy flowing down their cheeks. The families of these labourers are expressing their gratitude to the Central government for their safe return to their homeland. Sanjay Mahato, one of the labourers who returned home and was reunited with his family, told IANS, "We are very thankful to the Government of India and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Just the way we had gone, we have returned safely." The family members of these labourers are also thanking the Modi government for bringing them back safely. A couple of the returned workers also shared their ordeal, recounting the hardships and troubles that they were subjected to on a daily basis while in captivity. Sharing their ordeal, the labourers recounted that their life in the captivity of Niger terrorists was extremely difficult and challenging. "Every day was spent under a cloud of uncertainty and fear, but we always had faith that the Indian government was making every possible effort to bring us back safely to India," said another worker. Mumbai, Jan 15 : As voting for the high-stakes Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election began on Thursday, the ink row snowballed into a political controversy, with Opposition leaders alleging that voters at several polling booths were being marked with marker pens instead of indelible ink and that the ink could be erased easily by rubbing with acetone or sanitiser. However, State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare ordered an inquiry against the Kores company to look into the quality of the indelible ink supplied and whether it was as per the specimen prescribed in the tender. The SEC has decided not to use the indelible ink supplied by Kores and will put in place ink supplied by Mysore Ink. The controversy over the allegedly erasable indelible ink intensified after Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS chief Raj Thackeray accused State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare of "openly siding" with the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led alliance and demanded his suspension. The State Election Commission, however, refuted the allegations of the ink being erased easily, ordered a probe into complaints regarding the ink and warned of action against those "creating confusion" during the civic polls over the issue. Following allegations and counter-allegations that the indelible ink applied to voters' fingers after voting was being wiped off, State Election Commission officials held a press conference to clarify the issue. State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare said the same ink that has always been used was being applied and that no new substance had been introduced. He said the State Election Commission has been using this ink in marker pen form since 2011. "The ink takes about 10 to 12 seconds to dry after being applied. During this time the voter is still inside the polling booth. Once it dries, it cannot be removed. This is the same ink used by the Election Commission of India. If double voting takes place, action will be taken against the presiding officer of the polling booth," Waghmare said. He also claimed that a fake narrative was being spread about the ink being wiped off. "Voters also have a responsibility not to rub off the ink. If the ink is removed before it dries, it is the voter's fault. A criminal case can also be registered against such voters," Waghmare said. Waghmare said that videos circulating on social media would be investigated and action would be taken against anyone spreading misinformation. He also blamed voters for confusion over polling booth locations, stating that voters should have checked their polling booth details and names online in advance. MNS chief Raj Thackeray initially raised the issue after casting his vote in Dadar, saying: "People come out, wipe the ink, and go back inside to vote again. Then they come out, wipe it again and re-enter. Is this what the government calls development?" Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray asked, alleging that the system was being misused to benefit the ruling Mahayuti alliance. As other Opposition leaders began raising concerns over voters allegedly being able to remove the ink mark, the State Election Commission issued a statement that since 2011, marker pens have been used to apply ink on voters' fingers during local body elections. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Dadar, Raj Thackeray claimed that the mark on voters' fingers could be wiped off with a sanitiser, making repeat voting possible. He accused the government and the election administration of turning a blind eye to such practices. "The entire system is working to ensure the victory of those in power. This is not how free and fair elections are conducted," he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said he too had received reports of ink being washed away. "This is shocking to me," the former Chief Minister said, further accusing Waghmare of siding with the ruling alliance and demanding action and his suspension. Maharashtra Congress Legislative Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar also alleged that the marker pen used to apply ink on voters' fingers was sub-standard and was easily wiped off. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLC Anil Parab and Yuva Sena leader Sainath Durge joined the chorus. "There is no need for sanitisers also; the ink can be wiped away without that too," Parab said. Durge concurred, alleging that the ink on his hand was washed away. "I voted in the morning and reached home. When I washed my hands using Dettol, the ink washed away completely. I think this is a serious issue and raises the possibility of bogus voting. This is the reason why we have been speaking about it," he said. Opposition parties said they had received similar complaints from booth-level workers and voters and demanded that the Election Commission look into the matter immediately. "Even a small lapse can damage people's trust in the voting process," an Opposition leader said. However, the State Election Commission (SEC) issued a statement saying that attempting to create confusion among voters by trying to wipe off the indelible ink applied on the finger is an offence. "If any person is found attempting to vote again after wiping off the ink on their finger, appropriate legal action will be taken," it added. The SEC also said that even if someone tried to commit malpractice by removing the ink from their finger, the concerned voter would not be able to vote again as other safeguards were in place. "After a voter casts their vote, an official record of the voting is maintained. Therefore, merely wiping off the ink does not make it possible for a voter to cast a vote again. Instructions to remain vigilant in this matter have once again been issued to all concerned officials," it added. The SEC also said that following orders issued on November 19, 2011, and November 28, 2011, marker pens have been used to apply ink on voters' fingers during local body elections. As per these orders, the ink must be applied clearly using a marker pen, and it should be rubbed three to four times on the nail and the skin above the nail, it clarified. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dismissed the allegations. "The Opposition has pre-empted their defeat and is looking for excuses in advance. It is wrong to level such allegations," he said after casting his vote in Nagpur. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde referred to the SEC statement. "I spoke to Suresh Kakani (SEC official) about it. He said that the same ink has been used for the past several years. Now, instead of directly from bottle, they are using it from marker. I think the SEC is vigilant to avoid bogus voting," he added. BMC chief Bhushan Gagrani, however, said he has taken note of the concerns and instructed officials to use ink that adheres to the skin and not just the nails, to ensure it cannot be wiped away. Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat said it was true that the ink was being wiped away. "I think this is happening for the first time. It is true that the marker ink is being wiped away... Hence, not everywhere, but in some places, there is a possibility of bogus voting. I think poll officials should be vigilant," he added. Mumbai, Jan 15 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Shiv Sena alliance is headed for a thumping victory in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, facing little resistance from 'united' Thackeray brothers, said media reports citing multiple Exit Polls by the polling agencies. At least two Exit polls have projected a clear and decisive mandate for the BJP-Sena alliance, with Thackeray brothers falling behind by a big margin while the Congress-led alliance is seen headed for another poor show. According to Exit polls, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Mahayuti alliance has emerged as the favourite choice for migrant population from North and South India while it is also expected to take a lion's share in Maratha votes. On the other hand, the Thackeray cousins, are seen barely consolidating the Marathi and Muslim votes, as even that vote bank doesn't seem to be reposing their faith in Shiv Sena (UBT)-Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) alliance. Two pollsters, namely Axis My India and JVC have predicted a sweeping victory for the BJP and Shiv Sena in the hotly contested battle for BMC. According to JVC, BJP-Sena alliance is expected to register victory in 138 wards while Shiv Sena-UBT is likely to win 59 wards. Congress-led alliance is trailing behind by a large margin and could be seen winning 23 wards. Axis My India polls has predicted victory in 131-151 wards for the BJP-Sena combine while projects 58-68 seats for the Shiv Sena-UBT-led alliance. According to another polling agency The Sakal Poll, the BMC face-off is seen as a close contest between BJP-Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena(UBT)-MNS. The BJP-Shiv Sena coalition is seen getting edge over the Thackeray brothers but by a slender margin. According to the polling agency, BJP-Shiv Sena alliance could register victory in 119 wards while the Shiv Sena-UBT could win 75. Congress tally is seen getting restricted below the 20-seat mark. For the BMC elections, Thackeray cousins -- Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray -- came together after about 20 years of political separation. Uddhav Thackeray, leading the Shiv Sena-UBT and Raj Thackeray leading the MNS respectively, set aside their long-standing rift in a bid to overcome audacious challenge from the BJP-Shiv Sena combine for the BMC polls. Shiv Sena-UBT contested on about 160 wards, while the MNS fielded candidates in about 53 seats. Notably, BMC is the country's richest civic body, which went to polls on Thursday, along with 28 municipal corporations across Maharashtra. Voting was held for 227 civic wards of BMC from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and counting of votes will be held on Friday. Hyderabad, Jan 15 : Hyderabad police have registered cases in connection with the vandalism at a temple premises at Puranpaul and the subsequent attack by a mob on a religious structure and the police on Wednesday night. Police on Thursday issued a statement about the incidents that triggered communal tension in the area. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rajendra Nagar, around 11:30 p.m., an unidentified individual entered the Puranapool Darwaza Mysamma Temple and partially damaged a flexi banner and a POP (Plaster of Paris) idol located in the temple veranda. Responding immediately to the incident, the Kamatipura Police registered a case. CCTV footage and other evidence from the crime scene have been collected. Crucial information regarding the accused has been obtained during the investigation, and the offender will be arrested soon, the official said. Following this incident, a mob of approximately 300 people gathered and vandalised a nearby aChillaa. They also attacked the police personnel who were trying to bring the situation under control. Four police personnel sustained severe injuries in this attack. A separate case has been registered in connection with the attacks on police personnel and vandalising the religious structure. Investigating officers have identified the perpetrators based on CCTV footage and videos. Stringent legal action will be taken against them, the police. The DCP clarified that only the flexi and the POP idol in the Puranapool Darwaza Mysamma Temple veranda were partially damaged in this incident. The idols in the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha Gudi) are safe. The offender has not entered the main temple. There is absolutely no truth to the rumours being spread that the main idol was destroyed, he stressed. Hyderabad police officials appealed to the citizens not to believe such malicious propaganda. Currently, the situation in the area is completely under control. Citizens are requested not to panic. Stringent legal action will be taken against those spreading fake news on social media regarding this incident, and against those who take the law into their own hands and disrupt law and order, added the DCP. Oslo, Jan 15 : Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Thursday described recent talks with the United States on Greenland as difficult, noting that Washington's ambition to take over Greenland remains unchanged despite a firm Danish rejection. In her first comments following Wednesday's talks in Washington, Frederiksen said in a press release, "It was not an easy meeting, and I would like to thank the two ministers for clearly and distinctly stating the Kingdom's views and for countering the American claims. That was important." Frederiksen confirmed that a working group would be established but underscored the persistent deadlock. "However, that does not change the fact that there is a fundamental disagreement, because the American ambition to take over Greenland is intact," she said. "It is obviously serious, and therefore we will continue our efforts to prevent that scenario from becoming a reality." Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt met with US Vice President J D Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio over Greenland on Wednesday in Washington, Xinhua news agency reported. Frederiksen also said, "The defence and protection of Greenland is a common concern for the entire NATO alliance." The European Union (EU) and NATO allies have stepped up political and military support for Greenland, as concerns grow over security in the Arctic following recent statements by US President Donald Trump about the strategically important island. France will send extra "land, air and maritime assets" to Greenland in the coming days, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday during his New Year address to the armed forces at the Istres air base. Earlier in the day, Macron said on X that at Denmark's request, France had decided to take part in joint exercises organised by Denmark in Greenland, adding that "the first French military elements are already on their way" and that others would follow. The Dutch Defence Ministry announced on Thursday that the Netherlands will participate in a Denmark-led reconnaissance mission. The German Ministry of Defence 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. Also on Wednesday, 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, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to "obtain" Greenland and has recently ramped up his threat. Kochi, Jan 15 : A businessman who duped Kerala cashew traders of Rs 24 crore with the false promise of procuring low-cost stock from Tanzania was arrested by the ED from the state's Ernakulam, an official statement said on Thursday. The Directorate of Enforcement's (ED) Kochi Zonal Office, arrested Aneesh Babu, 35, a resident of Kollam, on January 14 under Section 19(1) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. On Thursday, he was produced before the Special Court (PMLA), Ernakulam, which sent him to judicial custody till January 19. The ED initiated an investigation into the matter based on multiple FIRs registered by Kerala Police and re-registered by the Crime Branch, Kollam, alleging large-scale cheating of cashew traders. It was revealed that Aneesh Babu, through his entities, namely Bi Southern Trade Ltd (Tanzania), Praise Exports FZE (Sharjah) and Vazhavila Cashews (Kollam), induced several traders to part with huge sums of money on the false promise of import and supply of raw cashews from Tanzania/Africa, the ED said. The ED investigation revealed that advances amounting to approximately Rs 24.76 crore were collected from various complainants. However, neither the cashews were supplied nor the advances refunded. Instead, forged and fabricated documents such as Bills of Lading, SWIFT messages and cheques were provided to mislead the victims, said the ED statement. The funds so collected were diverted, layered, concealed and partly retained abroad, thereby generating, possessing, using and projecting the Proceeds of Crime (POC), constituting the offence of money laundering under Section 3 of PMLA, 2002, it said. During the course of the investigation, Aneesh Babu was issued repeated summonses under Section 50 of PMLA since 2021. Except for one appearance on January 3, 2025, his conduct remained non-cooperative and evasive, the ED said. He consistently failed to produce documents and avoided joining the investigation. His anticipatory bail applications were dismissed by the Sessions Court, Ernakulam, the Kerala High Court, and the Supreme Court, it said. On January 14, 2026, the statement of Aneesh Babu was recorded in the ED office, where he gave evasive replies and failed to disclose crucial details regarding the utilisation and overseas parking of the proceeds of crime, and considering the likelihood of evidence tampering, influence over witnesses, and evasion of the legal process, he was arrested. Earlier, the High Court, while hearing the anticipatory bail application of Aneesh Babu, also opined that his custodial interrogation is required to trace the money trail, and the ED will trace the PoC, especially overseas PoC, and will identify other persons involved in the money laundering offence. Wu Chengyan paints a mural in Wuying Village of Shangqiu City, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan) ZHENGZHOU, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- A photo recently went viral showing a group of elderly villagers beaming with joy in front of the "Tian'anmen Rostrum," their faces radiating with a warm sense of excitement. But a closer look reveals a heartwarming secret: the "Tian'anmen Rostrum" is actually a meticulously painted mural in the Wuying Village of Shangqiu City, central China's Henan Province. The artwork was created to fulfill the lifelong dreams of local seniors who had never visited the iconic site in China's capital. The completion of the mural marked a festive day for the village. Elderly residents dressed in their finest attire, as if celebrating a major holiday, with some overcome by emotion and shedding tears of joy. "With this paintbrush I would like to take my fellow villagers to places where they haven't been to," said 39-year-old Wu Chengyan. Wu inherited his love of painting from his father, but it was in 2023 that inspiration really struck, when he painted a landscape for his wife's grandfather in Zhaolou Village. That moment gave Wu an idea: why not create art for the seniors in his hometown? At the beginning of 2025, capitalizing on the popularity of animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2," he created over 10 murals based on the movie, which earned Wuying its nickname "Ne Zha Village." These murals quickly became tourist attractions, attracting visitors from far and wide. Villagers soon set up a market, giving a real boost to the village's economy. On December 18 last year, Wu began his masterpiece on a white wall 18 meters long and eight meters tall where villagers often hang out. He spent five days working hard, putting in eight hours each day to bring the majestic "Tian'anmen Rostrum" to life. "My hand trembled while painting the national emblem," Wu recalled. "It is the symbol of our country." He did thorough research to confirm every detail. When the last stroke was finished, elderly onlookers erupted in applause. The murals served as a powerful magnet for tourists, drawing crowds from across the province and even farther afield. Online videos depicted long queues of visitors eagerly waiting to take photographs with the artwork. In a notable example, a man set out from home before dawn, driving an electric tricycle for 20 kilometers to bring his 97-year-old mother to see the "Tian'anmen Rostrum." During the three-day New Year holiday, the village witnessed an impressive influx of 50,000 to 60,000 visitors per day. To help accommodate everyone, over 400 new stalls were set up at peak times, offering snacks, toys, and local specialties. Feng Junhong who traveled from east China's Shandong Province set up a stall selling steamed buns. "We came here because the village has become a hotspot for tourism," she said, adding that her daily earnings could reach up to 600 yuan. Zhang Xiling, 46, previously sold cold rice noodles outside the village but decided to move her business back to her doorstep, now earning between 200 and 500 yuan daily. Boosted by the tourism boom, Wuying village has upgraded its roads. According to Wu Chengxin, the Party chief of the village, future plans include connecting with several other scenic spots and developing strawberry and vegetable bases to sustain economic growth. In the first half of 2025, China's countryside received 24.88 million tourists and generated 9.244 billion yuan (1.32 billion U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue, marking increases of 7.9 and 8.6 percent, respectively, year on year. Last October, the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee concluded its fourth plenary session, where participants deliberated and adopted the Recommendations of the Central Committee of the CPC for Formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development. This document emphasizes the need to accelerate agricultural and rural modernization and take solid steps to advance all-around rural revitalization. So far Wu Chengyan has completed more than 40 murals, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall, as well as portrait of Chinese scientist Yuan Longping who is known as the "father of hybrid rice" and characters in the video game "Black Myth: Wukong," transforming Wuying an outdoor art gallery. In the village, several young residents have expressed their wishes to learn painting skills from him. "I plan to establish a studio, collaborating with more people to cover every blank wall with murals," he said. Wu Chengyan mixes colors in Wuying Village of Shangqiu City, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan) People watch Wu Chengyan painting a mural in Wuying Village of Shangqiu City, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan) A woman takes photos in front of Wu Chengyan's painted mural in Wuying Village of Shangqiu City, central China's Henan Province, Jan. 6, 2026. (Xinhua/Hao Yuan) New Delhi, Jan 15 : Even as the Congress leadership is boggled with its Karnataka conundrum, reports indicate that the party may end up with the same number of Assembly seats in Bihar as it currently has in West Bengal - zero. New Delhi, Jan 15 (IANS) Even as the Congress leadership is boggled with its Karnataka conundrum, reports indicate that the party may end up with the same number of Assembly seats in Bihar as it currently has in West Bengal zero. All six Congress MLAs in Bihar are at the centre of intense speculation, with on-ground reports suggesting that they may defect to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United. While Congress leaders deny the rumours, absences from party events and overtures from the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have fuelled talk that the already weakened Opposition could face further decimation. Speculations gained traction after three Congress legislators skipped a crucial party meeting last week, while none of the six attended the traditional "dahi-chura" feast hosted by the state Congress unit on the eve of Makar Sankranti. Reports say that the ruling Janata Dal-United's leaders are in touch with the Congress MLAs, and defections could be announced soon. Adding fuel to rumours, Public Health Engineering Department minister Sanjay Kumar of the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas even claimed all six Congress legislators are in touch with the ruling NDA and will cross over after Makar Sankranti (observed on Wednesday). The speculation comes just two months after the NDA's landslide victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, where it won 202 of the 243 seats, leaving the opposition Mahagathbandhan in tatters. Analyses outline three possible outcomes. In the first case, all six MLAs defect, wiping out Congress's legislative presence and symbolically marking its collapse in Bihar. Also, there exists a chance of a partial defection, enough to trigger an official split under anti-defection rules, leaving Congress weakened but not erased. However, without confirmation, there remains the chance of a status quo, where the MLAs remain, but continued speculation will further erode party credibility. In any scenario, the Opposition bloc of Mahagathbandhan, already marginalised in the Assembly election, will be further weakened. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the largest opposition party, would lose its ally's legislative support. The RJD could win only 25 seats against its previous tally of 75. The Congress, which lost 13 seats in the last poll compared to 2020, is already facing difficulties in holding its flock together. State Congress President Rajesh Ram insisted the MLAs remain loyal and accused the NDA of spreading misinformation. National leaders have also emphasised that the party is focused on nationwide campaigns like the "MGNREGA Bachao Sangram". But the Congress, already reduced to a marginal force in several states, now faces the prospect of losing its entire legislative presence in Bihar. For Nitish Kumar and the NDA, such defections would be a political coup, further cementing their dominance. For the Opposition, it would be another setback in a state once considered fertile ground for anti-BJP politics. The Congress's central leadership have, however, denied any imminent defections, but insiders admit morale is low after the electoral rout. In neighbouring West Bengal, the Congress today has no representation in the Assembly despite ruling the state earlier till 1977, except for a brief interval. Patna, Jan 15 : Amid speculations that Janshakti Janata Dal Chief Tej Pratap Yadav may join the NDA, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) President Chirag Paswan said on Thursday that any such development would be discussed collectively by the NDA allies only after a formal proposal emerges. "Until a formal decision is made, it is not right to comment on this matter. He comes from that family, which is also my family. However, family is one part, and politics is a different thing. Tej Pratap Yadav is my younger brother, and I have a lot of love and best wishes for him," he added. He made the remarks while hosting a traditional Makar Sankranti 'Dahi-Chura' feast at the LJP-RV office in Patna. The event was attended by several senior NDA leaders, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, former Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, and other prominent leaders. During the occasion, Chirag Paswan also extended his best wishes to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his upcoming Samridhi Yatra, which is set to begin on Friday, from Bettiah in West Champaran district. "Nitish Kumar has undertaken several yatras in the past, and he is doing it once again. I have my best wishes for him. Under his leadership, Bihar has come a long way on the development front. During our discussions, we interacted on how to take the concept of 'Bihar First, Bihari First' to the grassroots level. Our entire alliance is united in making Bihar a developed state. This will also contribute to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047," Paswan said. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, while addressing the media, conveyed his greetings to the people of Bihar on Makar Sankranti and extended his best wishes for Nitish Kumar's upcoming yatra. He said that the state has witnessed significant progress during the Chief Minister's tenure. Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad also shared his greetings, saying, "On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Union Minister Chirag Paswan organised a Dahi-Chura feast at the state office of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) and extended warm wishes to everyone." New Delhi/Bhopal, Jan 15 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on Thursday. During the meeting, both leaders are said to have discussed various aspects of the central Indian state's development and welfare initiatives. Chief Minister Yadav shared photographs of his meeting with PM Modi on his official X handle, stating that he apprised him of the achievements of the state government over the past two years. Notably, it was Chief Minister Yadav's first official meeting with PM Modi in 2026. "On this occasion, I informed the Prime Minister about achieving the goal of a Naxal-free Madhya Pradesh. I apprised him of the state government's achievements over the past two years, the upcoming action plan, and the blueprint for 'Kisan Kalyan Varsh 2026'," the Chief Minister stated. The Chief Minister further stated that during the meeting with PM Modi, he also shared details of investments exceeding Rs 8 lakh crore and large-scale job creation through the 'Abhyuday Madhya Pradesh Growth Conclave'. CM Yadav further informed that he extended an invitation to the Prime Minister to visit Madhya Pradesh to lay the foundation stone for the expansion projects of the NTPC Super Thermal Power Station in Narsinghpur district. Ahead of the meeting with PM Modi, Chief Minister Yadav also met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president and Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda during his visit to Delhi on Thursday. "During a visit to New Delhi today, I met BJP national president and Union Minister Jagat Prasad Nadda and received guidance on various subjects for the development of the state," Chief Minister Yadav wrote on X. Notably, the meeting came at a time when Chief Minister Yadav's government is facing criticism following the water contamination tragedy in Indore's Bhagirathpura, where a diarrhoea outbreak claimed the lives of at least 15 people, as per the state government, while several others are still being treated in hospitals. New Delhi, Jan 15 : An Air India flight between Delhi and New York returned to the airport after the Iranian airspace closure impacted its route and later, an engine damage occurred as it sucked in a baggage container at the Delhi airport. The incident occurred when the Airbus A350 was taxiing in dense fog at the airport, the airline said, confirming the damage. The Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into the incident and is trying to ascertain how a foreign object got lodged inside the engine. "Air India confirms that Flight AI101, operating from Delhi to New York (JFK), was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, which impacted its planned route," said an Air India spokesperson. "Upon landing in Delhi, the aircraft encountered a foreign object while taxiing in dense fog, resulting in damage to the right engine," the spokesperson added. During the incident, the plane was safely positioned at designated parking, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board, the airline added. The aircraft has been grounded for a thorough investigation and necessary repairs, Air India said. This may cause potential disruptions on select A350 routes, the airline has warned, assuring that it is working on alternative travel arrangements and refunds for affected passengers. "Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to our passengers and is proactively assisting them with alternative travel arrangements and refunds, as preferred. Safety remains the paramount priority for Air India, and the airline is committed to providing support during this time," said the airline. According to the preliminary probe, a BWFS (Bird Worldwide Flight Services) tug was transporting baggage containers to the Baggage Make-Up Area of Terminal 3. During the movement, one wheel of a container dolly reportedly came off, causing the container to topple onto the taxiway intersection. While the ground equipment operator moved away with the remaining containers after noticing the approaching aircraft, the fallen container was left behind and was subsequently ingested by the aircraft's No. 2 engine, according to officials. IANS na/ Kolkata, Jan 15 : A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday rejected the plea by the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeking permission to hold a protest demonstration in front of the state secretariat Nabanna at Mandirtala in Kolkata-adjacent Howrah district, over Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's alleged move to hinder the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) simultaneous raids on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC). Kolkata, Jan 15 (IANS) A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday rejected the plea by the West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeking permission to hold a protest demonstration in front of the state secretariat Nabanna at Mandirtala in Kolkata-adjacent Howrah district, over Chief Minister Mamata Banerjeeas alleged move to hinder the Enforcement Directorateas (ED) simultaneous raids on the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC). While turning down the plea, Justice Ghosh accepted the state governmentas argument that since Nabanna is a high-security zone, protest demonstrations on any issue cannot be allowed right in front of it. Instead, Justice Ghosh suggested the nearby Mandirtala Crossing as an alternative venue for the protest demonstration. It is learnt that the West Bengal unit of the BJP has decided to approach a division bench of the Calcutta High Court against the single-judge order. On January 13, the state unit of the BJP approached the Calcutta High Court seeking permission to organise a protest demonstration in front of Nabanna. The matter came up for hearing on Thursday and, at the end of the hearing, the BJPas plea was turned down. On January 8, while simultaneous raids and search operations were being conducted at the I-PAC office and the residence of its co-founder Pratik Jain, the Chief Minister, accompanied by senior officials from the state administration and the state Police Department, visited the two places one after another and left the premises after reportedly collecting certain paper files and electronic documents. The West Bengal unit of the BJP had decided to conduct a protest demonstration in front of the state secretariat at Nabanna at Mandirtala in Kolkata-adjacent Howrah district. However, considering that Nabanna is a high-security zone, special permission is required for conducting protest demonstrations in front of it. Therefore, the state unit of the BJP approached the Calcutta High Courtas single-judge bench directly, seeking permission for the same. Ottawa, Jan 15 : Canada has condemned on Thursday the killing of its citizen by Iranian authorities and demanded an end to the repression in that country convulsed by weeks of citizens' protests against the regime. Foreign Minister Anita Anand, confirmed the death in a post on X and said, "Peaceful protests by the Iranian people -- asking that their voices be heard in the face of the Iranian regime's repression and ongoing human rights violations has led the regime to flagrantly disregard human life". "Canada condemns and calls for an immediate end to the Iranian regime's violence", she added. Neither she nor the foreign ministry identified the victim or give details about the killing, such as when or where it happened. On Wednesday, the foreign ministers of the G7 the group of industrialised democracies in statement issued in Ottawa warned, that they "remain prepared to impose additional restrictive measures if Iran continues to crack down on protests and dissent in violation of international human rights obligations". "We are deeply alarmed at the high level of reported deaths and injuries. We condemn the deliberate use of violence and the killing of protestors, arbitrary detention, and intimidation tactics by security forces against demonstrators", they said. The report of the Canadian's killing came as US President Donald Trump threatened to attack Iran if the violence against protesters continued. Trump said on Wednesday that the US has been told that the killings of protesters will stop, and Iran said on Thursday that it was not issuing a death warrant for protester, who was said to be facing imminent execution. United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Turk said this week, "The killing of peaceful demonstrators must stop, and the labelling of protesters as 'terrorists' to justify violence against them is unacceptable". His office said that several hospitals are reportedly overwhelmed by the number of casualties, including children. Estimates of killing by human rights groups exceed 2,500, but with the internet and most lines of communications cut, it has been difficult to get accurate tallies. According to the Canadian foreign ministry, 3,054 Canadian citizens and permanent residents were in Iran. It asked them to leave the country. In 2003, an Iranian-Canadian freelance photographer Zahra Kazemi who was arrested in Tehran died in custody. New Delhi, Jan 15 : The National Investigation Agency arrested absconding accused Chandan Kumar on Thursday in Mumbai in connection with a 2021 conspiracy case aimed at reviving the banned CPI (Maoist) in Bihar's Magadh Zone. A resident of Jehanabad district in Bihar, Chandan was an active member of the outfit and played a key role in fundraising through extortion and levy collection from contractors, as well as motivating former cadres to rejoin for terrorist activities. The NIA Special Court in Ranchi, Jharkhand, had declared him an absconder and issued non-bailable warrants against him in October 2023. The agency had registered the case suo moto in December 2021 against Pradyuman Sharma, a Special Area Committee Member of CPI (Maoist), along with Yogendra Ravidas, Nagendra Giri (an armed cadre), Abhinav alias Gaurav alias Bittu, and Dhananjay Paswan (an arms supplier). Investigations revealed a conspiracy to re-energize the organization in the Magadh Zone by raising funds for procuring arms, ammunition, and training cadres in IED fabrication. Funds were laundered through various channels, and plans included connecting with incarcerated Naxals and Over Ground Workers in jails to execute revival efforts. The NIA had earlier filed a chargesheet against the five named accused, all CPI (Maoist) members, and launched a manhunt for Chandan Kumar. This arrest marks a significant step in dismantling the terror financing and revival network in the region, where Maoist influence has historically been strong in rural and forested areas of Bihar and adjoining states. The Magadh Zone, encompassing districts like Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Gaya, and Arwal, has seen repeated attempts by the outfit to regroup despite sustained security operations. The NIA's probe has exposed how extortion from contractors, business establishments, and toll plazas funded arms procurement and cadre recruitment, aiming to disrupt sovereignty and territorial integrity. Past chargesheets in related phases of the case have implicated senior leaders and supporters, including links to Central Committee members facilitating coordination between Bihar and Jharkhand operatives. Chandan Kumar's capture follows earlier arrests and supplementary chargesheets in the case, which have weakened urban and overground support structures for the banned group. The NIA continues its investigation to trace further linkages, potential financiers, and remaining absconders, emphasizing its commitment to eradicating Left-Wing Extremism networks through coordinated enforcement. This development aligns with broader national efforts to curb Maoist revival attempts, particularly in Bihar and Jharkhand, where intelligence-led operations have led to surrenders, arrests, and seizures in recent years. Authorities believe such actions will deter remaining cadres and OGWs from pursuing violent ideologies. New Delhi, Jan 15 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the timeline for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Puducherry, Goa, Lakshadweep, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, pushing the deadline for filing claims and objections to January 19, 2026, a notification said. This decision, notified through a letter on Thursday, follows requests from Chief Electoral Officers and consideration of relevant factors to ensure comprehensive inclusion of eligible voters. The notification, addressed to the Chief Electoral Officers of these states and union territories, references the Commission's earlier letter dated December 27, 2025, which outlined the SIR schedule with January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date. The extension applies specifically to the period for submitting claims and objections, allowing more time for voters to verify their details, file inclusions via Form 6 with required declarations, or raise objections. The ECI directed immediate publication of the notification in the extraordinary issue of the State Gazettes, with three copies to be sent for the Commission's records. Chief Electoral Officers have been instructed to ensure wide publicity about the extension through all available channels, including media, BLOs, and online platforms like the voters.eci.gov.in portal and ECINet app. All concerned officers must strictly adhere to the revised schedule to maintain transparency and accuracy in the electoral process. This SIR exercise, part of a nationwide effort to update voter lists ahead of 2026 assembly elections in several states including West Bengal, Puducherry, and others, aims to include every eligible citizen while removing ineligible entries due to migration, deaths, duplicates, or other discrepancies. Earlier revisions had adjusted enumeration periods (ending December 11, 2025, for most of these states) and draft roll publication (on December 16, 2025), with final rolls slated for February 2026. Eligible new voters, including first-timers, are urged to submit Form 6 promptly to Booth Level Officers or online. Political parties and civil society groups have welcomed the move, noting it provides additional safeguards against errors in the intensive verification process. Agartala, Jan 15 : Assam Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday expressed confidence that the party would retain power in the state in the forthcoming Assembly elections scheduled to be held in the next few months. After offering prayers at the Mata Tripura Sundari temple at Udaipur in Tripuraas Gomati district, Sarma said that the poll dates for the Assam Legislative Assembly elections would be announced in February this year and, considering the work done by the BJP government, he was confident that the party would return to power with a thumping majority. He said that if elections were held today, the results would definitely be in favour of the BJP. However, Sarma noted that politics is unpredictable and that making any forecast about election results could be premature. Nonetheless, he asserted that the BJP is in a very strong position in Assam at present. The two key issues on which the elections would be fought in Assam would be development and identity, the Chief Minister told the media. Sarma said that the BJP had fulfilled 100 per cent of the promises made to the people in its previous election manifesto. The Assam Chief Minister also said that his government had provided jobs to 1.60 lakh youths over the past five years and that eligible candidates now get employment without any malpractice or corruption. He claimed that his government had reclaimed nearly two lakh bighas of land that were allegedly under the possession of illegal Bangladeshi settlers. Sarma also expressed displeasure over the West Bengal governmentas alleged failure to take strong action against infiltration from Bangladesh. He said that the West Bengal government was not contributing adequately to the national effort to curb illegal infiltration from across the Bangladesh border. According to him, Assam and Tripura have been taking swift action to arrest infiltrators from Bangladesh, but similar efforts were not being witnessed in West Bengal. Earlier on Thursday afternoon, upon his arrival at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala, Sarma was received by Tripura BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, and BJP leader Bipin Debbarma. BJP sources said that Sarma may hold meetings with state BJP leaders later on Thursday night. --IANS sc/pgh Patna, Jan 16 : After the suspicious death of a NEET aspirant, Patna Police arrested the owner of the hostel on Thursday, an official said. Following the student's death, the post-mortem report was received on January 14. In the report, doctors stated that "the possibility of sexual assault cannot be ruled out", raising serious concerns over the circumstances surrounding her death. According to the police, the incident occurred at Shambhu Girls' Hostel under the Chitraguptnagar police station area in Patna on January 9. It triggered tension and protests across the locality. The Chitraguptnagar police station received information on January 9 that a female student was found unconscious at the hostel. She was initially rushed to a private hospital and, due to her critical condition, her family later admitted her to Medanta Hospital. Despite treatment, the student succumbed to her injuries. After the medical findings came to light, local residents and students staged protests, demanding strict action and a thorough investigation. The public outcry has been visible since the mysterious death on January 9. Earlier, on Tuesday, a large number of students protested at Kargil Chowk and police initiated a lathi-charge to disperse them. The growing public pressure prompted swift police action. Taking cognisance of the seriousness of the case, police arrested the hostel building owner, Manish Kumar Ranjan, son of Udal Prasad and a resident of Sahajanand Gali, Munna Chowk, Patna. The accused has been produced before the court and sent to judicial custody. A case (Case No. 14/26) has been registered at the Chitraguptnagar police station based on the statement of the victim's father. Police officials stated that further legal action is being taken based on evidence collected from the crime scene and the forensic report. Investigators are also questioning other female students residing in the hostel as well as staff members to ascertain the full sequence of events and uncover the truth behind the incident. KHARTOUM, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- As war has reshaped daily life across Sudan in recent years, forcing millions from their homes and hollowing out urban economies, a quieter story has been unfolding far from the front lines--one not only of loss, but of resilience, as young Sudanese turn away from city life and back to the land in search of survival and renewal. Across farming regions such as Gezira, Kordofan and Gedaref, as well as the outskirts of Khartoum and the Northern State, young people who once worked in offices, schools and construction sites are building new livelihoods in agriculture. What began as a necessity has, for many, become a path toward stability and a modest rural revival. In Al-Aylafun, on the eastern edge of Khartoum, 35-year-old Mohamed Al-Rayah stands among rows of vegetables on a small family plot of land. A business administration graduate, he once worked for a private company in the capital. "When work stopped and income disappeared, staying in the city no longer made sense," Al-Rayah told Xinhua. "I returned to land my family had neglected and started growing tomatoes and onions. I had little experience, but I learned quickly." Farming, he said, helped him regain a sense of purpose and stability. "I'm now able to support my family, sell part of the harvest locally, and provide seasonal work for other young people." A similar story can be heard in Gedaref State, where 38-year-old Ahmed Yousif left his job as a private-school teacher in Khartoum to return to his village and farm with his father. "When the schools closed, it felt like my future closed with them," Ahmed said. "Going back to the village and working the land gave me direction again." The experience, he added, has changed how he views rural life. "We used to see farming as a last option. Now we see it as the foundation of stability. The village feels more alive, and young people are starting to talk about small cooperative projects." In Sudan's Northern State, where the desert meets the narrow green belt along the Nile, former construction engineer Khalid Abdel-Rahim, 37, has launched a wheat and vegetable farming project using pump irrigation. "When construction projects stopped, returning to the land was the only real alternative," Abdel-Rahim said, adding, "The challenges are many, but the Nile still offers opportunity." Though individual in scale, such efforts are beginning to have wider effects -- reviving local markets, creating seasonal jobs and improving food security in communities hit hard by the war. Observers say the return of young people to agriculture is restoring the importance of rural areas after years of development focused heavily on cities. Sudanese economic analyst Abdul-Khaliq Mahjoub described the trend as "one of the most realistic responses to an economic crisis worsened by war." "For decades, rural Sudan was marginalized," he told Xinhua. "The conflict exposed how fragile the urban economy is and how dependent it was on non-productive service sectors." He added that youth-led farming initiatives help redistribute population, stimulate local economies and strengthen food security -- all essential elements for gradual economic recovery. Al-Khatim Fadl Al-Mawla, acting Agriculture Minister in Khartoum State, said authorities view these youth projects as "a genuine foundation for sustainable rural development." Speaking to Xinhua, he said the ministry is supporting farmers by providing improved seeds, agricultural guidance and better access to water, particularly in outlying areas that have absorbed large numbers of returnees from the cities. "Agriculture is no longer a traditional fallback," the minister said, adding, "It is a tool for stabilizing war-affected communities. Supporting young farmers means supporting stability, reducing displacement and strengthening food security." Shillong, Jan 16 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday strongly condemned the recent threats allegedly issued by the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) against Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, president of the Voice of People Party (VPP), terming the development "serious and completely unacceptable." Speaking to reporters here, Sangma said that issuing threats in any form undermines peace and cannot be tolerated in a democratic society. He underlined that the identity or position of the person being threatened is immaterial, asserting that such acts are unacceptable whether directed at an elected representative, a businessperson, or an ordinary citizen. "The safety and security of our people is paramount. Every citizen matters, and the government remains fully committed to ensuring protection for all," the Chief Minister said. He added that the state administration and law enforcement agencies are taking the matter seriously and will take all necessary steps to ensure that peace and public order are not disturbed. Referring to the broader issue of militancy and dialogue, Sangma said the government remains open to the idea of peace talks with the HNLC but stressed that such a process requires careful preparation and cooperation from multiple stakeholders. "Peace is our top priority. As Chief Minister, my goal is to see lasting peace prevail in the region. However, reaching that goal demands sincerity, seriousness and commitment from all concerned," he said. He noted that peace negotiations are complex and cannot be rushed, as they involve confidence-building measures, consultations and a clear roadmap to ensure meaningful outcomes. The Chief Minister reiterated that violence, intimidation or threats only derail the peace process and create fear among citizens. Sangma further emphasized that the Meghalaya government will continue to pursue development and inclusive governance while ensuring that law and order are firmly upheld. "We want progress, stability and harmony. For that, everyone must respect the rule of law and work towards constructive solutions," he added. Notably, the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) is an outlawed militant organisation operating primarily in Meghalaya, advocating a separatist ideology centred on the rights and identity of the KhasiJaintia people. Formed in the early 1990s, the group has been involved in incidents of violence, extortion and intimidation, targeting government institutions, political leaders and civilians at various points. The organisation was banned by the Government of India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act due to its armed activities and threat to internal security. Over the years, the HNLC has seen periods of decline as well as attempts at dialogue, with intermittent discussions on peace talks aimed at restoring stability in the region. However, sporadic threats and statements attributed to the group continue to raise concerns over law and order, prompting the state government to reiterate its commitment to citizen safety while keeping the door open for a peaceful resolution through dialogue within the framework of the Constitution. ' -- Syndicated from IANS Washington, Jan 16 : India is the key growth engine for the world, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Thursday, noting that the country's third-quarter growth came out stronger than expected. "What we have seen in India is that India is a key growth engine for the world," Julie Kozack, Director of IMF's Communications Department, told reporters at a news conference here on Thursday. She was responding to a query on the IMF's assessment of India's growth story in 2025. Kozack said the IMF's most recent assessment, conducted as part of its Article IV Staff Report, had projected India's growth for the 2025a"26 fiscal year at 6.6 per cent, largely anchored in strong domestic consumption. "What we have seen since then is that the third quarter growth in India came out stronger than expected," she said, adding that makes it likely that the IMF will be upgrading its forecast going forward. The IMF's World Economic Outlook update is scheduled for release next week. "We will have a revised growth number for India at that time. But I think the bottom line for us on India is that it has been a key driver of global growth, and growth has been quite robust," Kozack said. "What we have seen since then is that the third quarter growth in India came out stronger than expected," he said, adding that this development increases the likelihood of an upward revision to the IMF's growth forecast. "That makes it likely that we will be upgrading our forecast going forward," she said. The IMF is scheduled to release an updated edition of its World Economic Outlook next week, which will include revised projections for India and other major economies. "We will have a revised growth number for India at that time," Kozack said. She emphasised that the IMF's overall assessment of India remains positive, underscoring the country's role in supporting global economic expansion amid uncertainty in many regions. "But I think the bottom line for us on India is that it has been a key driver of global growth, and growth has been quite robust," she said. The World Economic Outlook update, due for release next week, is expected to provide a clearer picture of how recent economic data have reshaped the Fund's projections for India, as well as the broader global economy. Patna, Jan 16 : Patna District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S.M. has dismissed revenue employee Raja Kumar from service with immediate effect on charges of corruption. The dismissal has created a stir in the department. The Vigilance Department is continuously running a campaign against corrupt officers and employees involved in bribery. The employee was posted at the Masaurhi Circle Office and was under suspension at the time of dismissal. Raja Kumar was arrested on December 23, 2025, from the premises of the Masaurhi Block Office by a raid team of the Vigilance Department. He was accused of serious irregularities, including arbitrary functioning, deliberate delays in mutation and land record correction processes, and making undue monetary demands from applicants. Following his arrest in connection with corruption charges, a charge-sheet was prepared and submitted by the Circle Officer, Masaurhi. According to the District Magistrate, proper disciplinary proceedings were conducted against the accused employee. The Additional Collector, Patna, was appointed as the Inquiry Officer, while the Circle Officer, Masaurhi, served as the Presenting Officer. After completion of the inquiry, all charges framed against Raja Kumar were found to be fully substantiated. The District Magistrate stated that the charges were of a very serious nature and that Raja Kumar's conduct was in violation of the Bihar Service Code. "Despite being given adequate opportunity to present his defence, the accused failed to offer any satisfactory explanation," Thiyagarajan said in a written statement. The District Magistrate further noted that Raja Kumar's continuation in service was against public interest. Consequently, he has been dismissed from service with immediate effect under the Bihar Government Servants (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 2005. Reiterating the state government's stance, the Patna District Magistrate said there is a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, which is being strictly enforced by the district administration. "Any form of corruption, negligence, laxity, or irregularity in the discharge of official duties will not be tolerated," the District Magistrate said. Bhubaneswar, Jan 16 : Tension erupted on Thursday in Sundargarh district of Odisha after rumours reportedly emerged over the alleged sale of beef at a meat shop in Regent Market under the Sundargarh Town Police limits. As per local sources, following the spread of rumours, some local youths reached the spot and raised objections against the alleged sale of beef, leading to a tense situation in the area. The local police immediately reached the spot and tried to pacify both groups. However, between around 3 pm and 3.30 pm, the situation worsened as a large number of people from both groups gathered at the market. They engaged in heated arguments, which soon turned violent, leading to heavy stone-pelting by both sides. During the clash, several vehicles, including an e-car, scooters and a pickup van, were damaged, and some shops were vandalised and set on fire. The police present at the spot appeared helpless amid the sudden eruption of violence. Sources also claimed that several persons, including one police personnel and members of both communities, sustained serious injuries in the clash. The Sundargarh police swung into action and deployed 10 platoons of police force to bring the situation under control. Heavy police deployment has been made at Regent Market and other sensitive locations across the town, including the bus stand and market areas. Speaking to media persons, DIG Western Range Brijesh Ray said, "There were allegations regarding sale of some meat at Regent Market. Upon informed, the additional Superintendent of Police and Subdivisional Police officer (SDPO) reached the spot and tried to placate both groups. When both groups were talking to each other, suddenly stone pelting started. Police took prompt action and bring the situation under control. Section 163 of the BNSS Act has been imposed in the area prohibiting gathering of people at the spot." Meanwhile, the Odisha Home Department temporarily suspended internet services in Sundargarh district from 6 pm on January 15 till 6 pm on January 16 to prevent the use of messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X and other such media by anti-social elements to spread provocative and inflammatory messages. The Sundargarh district collector also announced the closure of schools and colleges in the district on Friday in view of the prevailing tension. "In view of the prevailing law & order situation in Sundargarh Municipality Area, all schools & colleges functioning within the Sundargarh Municipality Area are hereby closed on dt.16.01.2026," the order read. Washington, Jan 16 : US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has defended federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis and other cities, insisting that officers were acting "according to the law" and following long-standing protocols, even as protests and criticism mounted over the Trump administration's mass deportation drive. Speaking to reporters in a White House driveway gaggle after a television appearance on Thursday, Noem said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were operating within legal bounds and had repeatedly prevailed in court challenges. "Every single action that our ICE officers take is according to the law and following protocols that we have used for years, that this administration has used, that the previous administration used," she added. "They are doing everything correctly, and over and over again in litigation, in the courts, we've proven that they've done the right (thing)," Noem said. Asked about unrest in Minneapolis, Noem confirmed she had discussed the potential use of the Insurrection Act with President Donald Trump, but said she did not know whether he would invoke it. She said operations in Minnesota were being conducted in the same manner as earlier deportation actions in other states. "We had a very different response because we had leaders that were working with us," Noem said, referring to Louisiana and Florida. "We would wish that (Minnesota) Governor (Tim) Walz would take an example from the Governor of Louisiana (Jeff Landry), the Governor of Florida (Ron DeSantis), and work with us to do the right thing." Responding to queries about reports of Americans being asked on the street to show proof of US citizenship, Noem rejected claims of broad or random checks, saying enforcement remained targeted. "In every situation we're doing targeted enforcement," she said. "If we are on a target and doing an operation, there may be individuals surrounding that criminal that we may be asking who they are and why they're there." She added that if individuals were found to be violating federal law, "we will detain them as well until we run that process." On the safety and conduct of federal personnel, Noem said officers involved in deportation operations were "very highly trained and skilled", and were often tasked with pursuing dangerous suspects. "Many times they're going after murderers, they're going after professionals and gangs and terrorists that are here in our country illegally," she added. The Homeland Security Secretary also declined to provide details on US monitoring of oil-carrying vessels linked to Venezuela, citing operational sensitivities. She said the US administration was watching the movement of what she described as a "shadow fleet" involved in transporting unauthorised oil to evade sanctions. "I'm very proud of our Coast Guard and how they partnered with the Department of War to do unprecedented actions," Noem said, describing efforts to bring such vessels under US jurisdiction. He added that she regularly reviews videos of Department of Homeland Security operations and keeps President Trump informed, noting that the department "is very busy" with domestic enforcement and maritime missions. She placed responsibility for the current immigration situation squarely on the previous administration. "The only reason we're in this situation is that the Biden administration allowed 20 million people to come into this country. Unvetted," Noem said, warning of criminal gangs and terrorist threats exploiting what she called an open border. Washington, Jan 16 : The US has imposed new sanctions on Iranian security officials, financial networks, and a prison, citing what it described as a violent crackdown on peaceful protests across Iran. The measures include sanctions on Fardis Prison, which US officials said on Thursday is an institution where women have faced "cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment". The US Treasury Department also sanctioned several Iranian security officials, including Ali Larijani, the Secretary of Iran's Supreme Council for National Security. "As the brave people of Iran continue to fight for their basic rights, the Iranian regime has responded with violence and cruel repression against its own people," Principal Deputy State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the actions target those responsible for suppressing protests that began in December 2025. "The US stands firmly behind the Iranian people in their call for freedom and justice," Bessent said. "At the direction of President Trump, the Treasury Department is sanctioning key Iranian leaders involved in the brutal crackdown against the Iranian people." According to the US Treasury, Larijani was among the first Iranian leaders to call for violence in response to what US officials described as legitimate demands by protesters. US officials said Iran's security forces have fired live ammunition at demonstrators, resulting in deaths and injuries across multiple provinces. They also cited an incident in Ilam Province where elements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked wounded protesters inside a hospital. The Iranian miltary forces fired tear gas and metal pellets and assaulted patients, family members, and medical workers, according to the statement. Several provincial commanders were sanctioned for overseeing violent operations. Mohammad Reza Hashemifar, Commander of Iran's Law Enforcement Forces in Lorestan Province, and IRGC Commander Nematollah Bagheri were accused of responsibility for shootings and intimidation of civilians. In Fars Province, Law Enforcement Forces Commander Azizollah Maleki and IRGC Commander Yadollah Buali were sanctioned over killings of protesters in Shiraz. US officials said hospitals in the city were overwhelmed with gunshot victims, forcing other patients to be turned away. Families of those killed were pressured to give false testimony on state television, the Treasury said, or risk not receiving the bodies of their relatives. In parallel, the US moved against what it called Iran's "shadow banking" system. The US Treasury sanctioned 18 individuals and entities accused of laundering proceeds from Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales. OFAC said the networks are tied to sanctioned financial institutions Bank Melli and Shahr Bank and rely on front companies across several countries. Among the entities sanctioned were Iran-based Nikan Pezhvak Aria Kish Company, UAE-based Empire International Trading FZE, and Singapore-based Golden Mist PTE. Ltd. Several senior officials linked to these firms were also designated. Additional sanctions targeted Shahr Bank-linked companies, including HMS Trading FZE and Tejarat Hermes Energy Qeshm, along with multiple trading and shipping firms accused of facilitating oil and petrochemical exports. US officials alleged the funds generated through these networks were used to finance repression inside Iran and support militant groups abroad, rather than helping ordinary Iranians facing economic hardship. All property and interests of the designated persons under US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them. New Delhi, Jan 16 : A New Delhi-based rights group, the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG), has claimed that at least 15 members of the Hindu minority community were killed in Bangladesh over the past 45 days, allegedly by individuals belonging to the Muslim majority. RRAG Director Suhas Chakma said on Thursday that "in the last 45 days between December 1, 2025 to 15 January 15, 2026, at least 15 minority Hindus were murdered by persons belonging to the majority Muslims in Bangladesh -- murder of one Hindu every third day". "The murdered victims included elderly women like Suborna Roy and youth like 18-year-old Shanta Chandra Das. All the cases of murder were premeditated, often targeting the assets of the victims such as Samir Das and Shanta Chandra Das whose auto-rickshaws were taken away. A number of murders were committed in a Taliban style by slitting the throats, such as, of Rana Pratap Bairagi, Shanto Chandra Das, Jogesh Chandra Roy and Suborna Roy," Chama added. According to the RRAG Director, these murders are just tip of the iceberg on other daily acts of violence against Hindus and other minorities across Bangladesh and no news of these violence appeared in the media. "This extreme vulnerability of the Hindu minorities in Bangladesh faces a new challenge. Unlike the previous governments, whether the Awami League or the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the Interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has been dismissing any religious angles to these attacks, often before inquiry into the murders," he said. Chief Advisor Yunus, RRAG report said has been building such a narrative to dismiss attacks on Hindu minorities as a disinformation campaign by India. He (Yunus) went a step further -- on January 13, 2026, when he approached the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk for technical assistance to address disinformation campaigns during elections. "The attacks on the Hindu minorities during the election campaign will be dismissed as "disinformation campaign" in otherwise friendly elections between erstwhile alliance partners, the BNP and the Jamaat-e-Islami," Chakma also said. The RRAG said that once election campaigning begins on January 22, the minorities, especially the Hindus, will face unprecedented violence because of their religious belief. These acts of violence against the Hindu minorities will be dismissed as "political violence" as Yunus had dismissed massive attacks on Hindu minorities in August 2024 as attacks on the Awami League. The RRAG statement said that on January 11, Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) in Bangladesh, Ivars Ijabs, called for "inclusive" and "participatory" elections involving all small ethnic communities, religious minority groups and regional groups. In the current atmosphere of systematic attacks, the Hindu minorities are unlikely to be able to participate in the election unless the interim government in Bangladesh recognises the attacks on the Hindu minorities because of their religious belief and take necessary measures to ensure their inclusive participation, the statement added. The RRAG urged all the stakeholders sending election observers, including the European Union, should intervene with the interim government of Bangladesh to ensure the inclusive participation of Hindu and other minorities, and further monitor acts of violence against indigenous peoples/ethnic communities and religious minority groups during the election process. According to the RRAG, the minority Hindus murdered are Samir Das and Prolay Chaki on January 11, 2026; Joy Mohapatra on January 10, 2026; Mithun Sarkar and Sarat Mani Chakraborty on January 6, 2026; Rana Pratap Bairagi on January 5, 2026; Khokon Chandra Das on December 31, 2025; Bajendra Biswas on December 29, 2025; Amrit Mondal on December 24 2025; Dipu Chandra Das on December 18,2025; Shanto Chandra Das on December 12, 2025; Jogesh Chandra Roy and Suborna Roy on December 7, 2025; and Prantosh Kormokar and Utpol Sarkar on December 2, 2025. New Delhi, Jan 16 : Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, Mazhar Asif, emphasised the role of Hindi and Indian languages in decolonising minds from colonial past, an official said on Thursday. Speaking on Wednesday at a five-day workshop on developing a 'Learner's Glossary of Social Sciences' from English to Hindi, Asif has emphasised the need to break free from a colonial mindset. "A false sense of modernity has a toxic effect on the minds of people. We need to rectify this immediately by prioritising the Indian Knowledge System (IKS)," he said. He appreciated the work of translation of political terminology into Hindi and other modern Indian languages and extended his best wishes to all those present at the workshop. The workshop was organised under the aegis of the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) of the Ministry of Education and in collaboration with the Department of Political Science of Jamia Millia Islamia (a Central University), concluded on January 14 with a valedictory session held at the university's M.N. Meenai Seminar Room, Department of Political Science. Speaking further during the valedictory address, Asif said, "Merely translating scientific and technical terms may not be doing justice to the spirit of translation. Geography, history and culture has to be contextualised while undertaking and translating the terminologies into other Schedule Eight Languages or any other language." With his vivid experience in the field of being a professional translator and a prominent linguistics expert in Indian and Foreign languages, the Jamia Millia Islamia Vice-Chancellor advised the team members of the committee to take care of the limitations of the authentic translation, be it any language spoken and written in India. He appreciated the work done by the team of thirteen expert members which have undertaken the task of preparing a glossary of technical and scientific terms used in Social Sciences into Hindi. The welcome address was given by Professor Naved Jamal, the Coordinator of the workshop. He emphasised the role of Gandhi's notion of promoting Hindi/Hindustani and Bhartendu Harishchandra in the awakening of the spirit of national language. He also highlighted the role and contribution of Professor D.S. Kothari, an eminent physicist and educationist, who chaired the Committee of Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) from 1960-1965. Bulbul Dhar-James, Head of the Department of Political Science, introduced the theme of the workshop to the audience. Shahzad Ahmad Ansari, Assistant Director, gave a brief introduction on the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT). Dean of Social Sciences, Muslim Khan, addressed the gathering as an invited distinguished speaker. Saroj Kumar Das, in his address re-emphasised the notion of Bhartendu Harishchandra's wherein he highlighted 'Niz Bhasha Unnati' (Development in its own language). New Delhi, Jan 16 : A Special NDPS Court in Madhya Pradesh sentenced two drug traffickers to 15 years' imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh each, for involvement in drug trafficking from Sonepur in Odisha to Bhopal, an Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) official said. The Special Court in Raisen on Wednesday held Zakir, son of Shabir Shah, resident of Gandhi Nagar in Bhopal, and Liyakat Ali, son of Sharafat Ali, resident of Arjun Nagar in Bhopal, guilty under Section 8(C), 20 (b)(ii) (C) and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985, the official said on Thursday in a statement. Zakir and Liyakat Ali were arrested on December 29, 2022, while they were carrying 109.150 kg ganja in a car, the Enforcement Directorate said. During investigation, it was found that the seized ganja was sourced from Sonepur in Odisha and was destined to Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh. The NCB's Indore Zone intercepted their car Fiesta vehicle at Khiriya Toll Plaza on Jabalpur-Bhopal Highway (NH-44) in Raisen district, and apprehended them after recovery of the contraband, a statement said. In a separate case, a Special NDPS Court in Madhya Pradesh sentenced an inter-state drug trafficker to five years' rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs 50,000, an NCB official said on Thursday. The Special Court in Dewas held Vivek Kumar Singh, a resident of Pune, guilty and sent him to imprisonment for carrying 675 gram charas at the time of his arrest on March 31, 2024. He was sentenced to jail on Thursday under Sections 8(C), 20 of the NDPS Act, 1985, the NCB said. The case dates to March 31, 2024, when officers of the NCB's Indore Zone intercepted a Jogeshwari Travels Bus travelling from Bhopal to Pune, at Dewas Toll Plaza, Bypass Road. During a check, Vivek Kumar Singh, son of Jamuna Prasad, was arrested along with 675 Gram charas. A case was registered under Crime Register Number, the NCB said. During investigation, it was found that the seized charas was sourced from Kullu in Himachal Pradesh and was destined to Pune in Maharashtra, a statement said. A complaint in this matter was filed before the Special NDPS Court at Dewas on May 14, 2024. On Thursday, the court convicted the accused and sentenced him to five years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 50,000 under Section 8(C), 20 of the NDPS Act, 1985. Finance Dupoin Strengthens MENA Presence at Smart Vision Summit Egypt 2025 Cairo, Egypt November 2223, 2025 Dupoin marked another milestone in its long-term expansion across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with its participation at Smart Vision Summit Egypt 2025, held at The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo. The two-day summit brought together brokers, fintech firms and thousands of traders, making it one of the most significant financial industry gatherings in the region this year. Dupoins presence at the event underscored its continued commitment to engaging directly with traders and strengthening its footprint in key MENA markets. Strong Engagement and Local Market Focus Throughout the summit, Dupoins booth attracted consistent interest from attendees seeking to learn more about the companys trading platform and its operational presence in Egypt. Many visitors expressed interest in Dupoins local office, highlighting the importance of on-the-ground support for regional traders. Mr. Mahmoud, Head of Dupoins Egypt office, shared insights on how a local presence enables faster response times, improved communication and deeper market understanding. He emphasised that local expertise plays a vital role in delivering services aligned with the specific needs of Egyptian traders. The Egypt office remains a cornerstone of Dupoins regional strategy, reinforcing the companys ability to stay close to the market and provide relevant, responsive support across MENA. Interactive Booth Activities and Trader Engagement To enhance engagement, Dupoin hosted a range of interactive activities during the summit, including exclusive merchandise giveaways, a registration-only deposit bonus and an iPhone 17 Pro lucky draw. These initiatives contributed to strong foot traffic and sustained engagement at the booth throughout the event. Discussions with attendees revealed a growing demand for trading platforms that combine stable technology with reliable client support two areas Dupoin continues to prioritise as it expands its regional presence. Market Insights Session by Egypt Country Manager A key highlight of the summit was a live market insights session led by Mr. Mohamed Magdy, Dupoins Country Manager for Egypt. The session focused on how global market developments and chart behaviour interact, and why traders benefit from understanding both perspectives together. Rather than delving into complex technical analysis, the discussion emphasised market awareness, real-time decision-making and adaptive trading strategies. Attendees responded positively to the practical approach, noting its clarity and relevance to real trading conditions. Dupoin Recognised for Trust & Safety Innovation During the event, Dupoin was honoured with the Innovation to Trust & Safety Award, recognising the companys ongoing efforts to enhance platform security, transparency and client protection. The award reflects Dupoins core commitment to placing trust and safety at the centre of the trading experience, particularly in fast-growing markets such as MENA. Looking Ahead: Continued Commitment to MENA The strong engagement at Smart Vision Summit Egypt 2025 reinforced Dupoins long-term strategy for the region. As the company continues to expand in Egypt and neighbouring markets, its focus remains on: Delivering reliable and stable trading technology Strengthening platform safety and transparency Providing regionally aligned client support Building long-term relationships with traders across MENA Dupoins objective remains clear: to provide a trading platform that traders can trust, regardless of market conditions. BEIJING, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China released guidelines on Thursday to make its enterprise annuity system more "inclusive, flexible and convenient," thereby broadening access to more workers. The guidelines, jointly issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security and the Ministry of Finance, allow all types of enterprises, social organizations, foundations, private non-enterprise institutions and other eligible employers to establish enterprise annuities with their employees. According to the guidelines, employers and their employees may flexibly choose the contribution ratio or amount within the prescribed contribution limit for enterprise annuities. Additionally, pilot programs will be launched to expand the coverage of enterprise annuities in selected industrial parks, industrial clusters, reform pilot zones, economic and technological development zones, and sci-tech startup parks. Launched in 2004, China's enterprise annuities are a type of supplementary pension plan under which both employers and employees must contribute. China's old-age insurance system consists of three pillars -- basic old-age insurance, enterprise annuities and occupational annuities, as well as the individual pension system and market-based individual commercial pension financial services. Wepa!: Puerto Ricans in the World of Comics, a new bilingual exhibition at the New York Public Library, draws on a vast trove of comics amassed by librarian Manuel Martinez starting in the 1990s to explore the overlooked contributions of Puerto Rican comic book creators. Documenting the comic industries both on the island and in the continental United States, the exhibition shines a light on how Puerto Ricansfrom major artists at Marvel and DC to DIY zine creatorshave shaped comics culture today. We talked with the cocurators Paloma Celis Carbajal and Charles Cuykendall Carter about Puerto Rican comics trailblazers, the challenges of representation, and the contemporary creators bringing their boricua identities to their work. Wepa! runs at the NYPL's Wachenheim Gallery through March 8. How did this exhibition come to be, and how did each of you get involved? Paloma Celis Carbajal: In 2022, Manuel Martinez Nazario, a librarian in San Juan, donated his remarkable collection of Puerto Ricans in the World of Comics to the New York Public Library. The collection, which now comprises more than 1600 items, includes comics by Puerto Ricanson the island and across the diasporaand about Puerto Ricans or about Puerto Rico. For years, as the Librarys Curator for Latin American, Iberian and U.S. Latino Studies, Ive been building a research collection of comics relevant to my purview. Martinez Nazarios extraordinary gift is a wonderful complement to that collection. Charles Cuykendall Carter: I think Paloma started thinking quite soon after the collections arrival that it would make a great centerpiece for an exhibition. A while back we cocurated a smaller bilingual exhibition, and when the opportunity presented itself, she asked me to join her in curating this bigger one. My main work for the Library is with old British books and manuscripts, but I happen to know a lot about comic books. Ive been collecting them since I was a kid. For this project my comics nerd status paired nicely with Palomas expertise in Latin American studies. Puerto Rican creators contributions to the comics industry have long been overlooked. Can you talk about those contributions, and how this exhibition shines a light on them? PCC: In terms of Puerto Ricos culture, art, music, cuisine, political and economic history, there is so much more than the reductionist representations focused only on abject suffering of life on the Island or in the diaspora. There are commercially successful artists such as George Perez, whose designs, for example, of the Infinity Gauntlet worn by the villain Thanos would go on to be some of the most memorable imagery in Marvel Comics and, subsequently, the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But there are lesser-known Puerto Rican forebears in the field as well, such as Ivan Velez Jr., who in the 1980s published what is considered the first comic book for LGBTQ+ youth, at a time when talking openly about queerness was not socially embraced. There is also a thriving world of Puerto Rican indie comics which tackle matters of gender, gentrification, and neocolonialism, among many other serious topics, but with a uniquely criollo sense of humor. This exhibition highlights numerous living creators, as well as the late comics legends Alex Schomburg and George Perez. Can you talk a bit about Schomburg and Perezs work and legacy? CCC: This is an interesting pair to consider, not only as two major figures in the evolution of mainstream comics aesthetics, but also in their respective places in Puerto Rican and U.S. history. Schomburg and Perez are both best known for their maximalist superhero scenes. Schomburgs covers in the 1940s helped Timely Comics, a precursor to Marvel, become one of the major Golden Age imprints, and Perezs fan-favorite work for DC in the 1980sThe New Teen Titans, Crisis on Infinite Earthsraised the bar for quality in superhero comics art. Schomburg was born in 1905, just seven years after Puerto Rico became a possession of the U.S., in the small town of Aguadilla. The Schomburgs had come from Germany in the 1830s, and his family had some money. Alex was orphaned young, and went to live with his older brothers in New York City. He was a teenager when he started work as a commercial artist. His science fiction illustrations were so influential that Stanley Kubrick sought his input on designs for 2001: A Space Odyssey. About 10 years after Schomburg drew the pictures hes now best known forsuperheroes beating the daylights out of Nazis and other Axis forcesPerez was born, in 1954, in the Bronx, to parents who had recently migrated from Caguas, Puerto Rico. After World War II, the Perezes came to New York, where George grew up poor. At age 21, about a year into his first regular comics gig, he cocreated Marvels first Latino superhero, White Tiger, in 1975. Within a decade he was arguably the hottest artist of the comics industry. Neither really overtly addressed their Puerto Rican identities in their works in any significant way. They operated in eras in which the comics industry was overwhelmingly white and valuedexpected, reallyassimilation. They helped pave the way for the Puerto Rican artists of today, who are, many of them, more inclined to explore their own lives, perspectives and puertorriquenidad in their art. How are Puerto Rican comics creators changing the industry and publishing landscape today? PCC: Puerto Rican comics creators today are not only bringing their boricua identities into their art, but they also are engaging with political realities, and finding new ways of imagining longstanding comic book tropes like superheroes and talking animals. For a mind-blowing example of the latter, see Rangely Garcias Nnpack, a gritty and incredibly violentbut also hilariousseries about a gang of street dogs. As for superheroes, Jibaro Samurai by M.A. Sanjurjo and Coqui by Ivan Plaza are excellent examples of comics inspired by mainstream superheroes but with uniquely criollo twists in humor and storytelling. And were coming up on the 10th anniversary of the debut of Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguezs La Borinquena, a superheroine who now shares a universe with other heroes with deep Caribbean roots. CCC: In Puerto Rico youll find a close-knit community of independent creators and what theyre putting out is truly remarkable. Dias Comic is a creative collective and comics publisher led by Rousaura Rodriguez and Omar Banuichi that started out over a decade ago with DIY photocopied zine. Today theyre putting out highly sophisticated volumes like Rapina/Carrona and Temporada, which present unfiltered Puerto Rican experiences and points of view. Theyve also collaborated with Rosa Colon Guerra and Carla Rodriguezs Soda Pop Comics, Puerto Ricos first women-owned comics publisher. And there are so many more outstanding creators to namemore, even, than we could include in the exhibition. But anyone who really wants to do a deep dive can consult Manuels collection in person at the 42nd Street research library. This conversation has been edited for length. After a three-year store opening campaign, Barnes & Noble ended 2025 with 702 outlets, a total that includes the nine stores added from Books Inc., whose acquisition was completed late last year. Psychologically, 700 was a nice milestone to hit, CEO James Daunt told PW from the west coast, where he is on a road trip to visit B&N stores in the region. Final plans for 2026 are still being drawn up, but Daunt said the number of stores to open this year will start with a five or a six. Daunt said the opening program can be maintained because business at existing stores continues to be strong. In 2024, Daunt said sales of books were fine, but total sales in that year were driven by other non-book categories. That was not the case last year, which saw solid book sales. 2025 started out with blockbuster sales for Onyx Storm andwith the exception of Augustsales did nicely for the remainder of the year. Daunt said a number of books sold well and that he was happiest about the surprise hits of the year including Thomas Schlessers Monas Eyes, which was named B&Ns Book of the Year. No one could conceive of how well Monas Eyes would do, Daunt said. He attributed part of the success of the book to the fact that after it started selling well in a few stores, it snowballed across the B&N bookselling universe. Daunts state of the industry Both Onyx Storm and Monas Eyes are published by independent pressesEntangled Publishing and Europa Editions, respectively and Daunt again stressed he doesnt care about what the size publishers are, but he very, very much cares about the quality of the book. Daunt and B&N faced criticism last year from indie publishers that B&Ns processes make it difficult to work with the bookstore chain. Daunt acknowledged he doesnt have any interest in print-on-demand titles (its much easier to work with publishers that are part of the distribution network of established publishers, he said) as well as generic books from generic publishers. This idea we are against independent publisher is bizarre, he said. We are booksellers and we want to sell the best books possible. Like many in the industry, Daunt believes there are too many books being published, and he has faced on-and-off criticism for reportedly favoring trade paperbacks over hardcovers. B&N stock hundreds of hardcovers, Daunt noted, but he allowed that he believes the lifecycle of hardcovers in the United States is a big problem and needs to be rethought. In his view, books in that format should remain on shelves for no more than a year before being replaced. He believes the current practice inhibits the sale of new books by keeping hardcovers on the shelves well past the point where they are selling in big numbers. The practice also makes it harder to promote midlist titles, he said, adding that he wouldnt be unhappy if more books came out first as trade paperbacks. B&Ns bright horizons In addition to an increase in book sales, all of B&Ns other departments did well last year. After struggling for a few years, the newsstand business picked up significantly and the toys and games and music and movies departments had a banner year. He believes B&N is the country's largest retailer of vinyl records. It was the success of movies and music sales that led to a recent deal with A24 with the company creating special sections in certain B&N locations. Similar deals with other companies are being considered, Daunt said. The companys online business also saw a much better improvement last year, which Daunt attributed to increase marketing efforts to the B&N membership list that now stands at 18 million. Daunt noted that he is very pleased with the look and layout of B&Ns new stores, with each store designed to meet the needs of the neighborhood it which they are set. He acknowledged it is especially tempting to remodel stores that had been operated by a former rivalone of the four new stores in Chicago had been a Borders and one west coast outlet had been an Amazon Books. Over the last 18 months or so, unions have been formed in several B&N locations, but Daunt believes the companys relationship with its workforce is good. He said the retailer continues to introduce new processes, more training, and he remains intent on lifting pay. He noted that the opening of so many new outlets has provided opportunities for employees to become managers. Being successful enough to invest in our people is crucial to our success, he said. B&N also is investing in its own infrastructure and supply chain, something that Daunt said limited B&Ns exposure to the delays other bookstores endured in receiving some books over the holidays. Although he acknowledged being permanently paranoid, Daunt said he saw no reason why B&N should not have another good year in 2026, pointing to a strong list of new books, upgrades to the B&N stores layout, and the ability of what are generally affluent consumers to afford books. He said he hasnt been paying attention to rumors that B&Npossibly along with Waterstones, which B&N owner Elliot Advisors also ownsmay go public this year. I have no agency in this, he said, adding, I am happy as a bookseller as I have ever been. In a move they hope will strengthen a class action lawsuit against Google and its generative AI product Gemini, two Association of American Publishers members have asked a court to allow them to take part in the lawsuit that is now before Judge Eumi K. Lee in the U. S. District Court, Northern District of California. The original copyright infringement lawsuit was filed in 2023 by a group of illustrators and writers. Now Cengage, an educational publishing company, and the trade publisher Hachette Book Group, are asking to enter the case to represent all publishers whose rights have also infringed by Google. Through todays action, AAP and its members aim to support the creators suing Google, said AAP president and CEO Maria Pallante in a statement. We believe our participation will bolster the case, especially because publishers are uniquely positioned to address many of the legal, factual, and evidentiary questions before the Court. Google has objected to efforts by plaintiffs to include publishers as part of the class in the class action lawsuit, claiming that adding publishers would introduce intra-class complexities. But the AAP asserts, pointing to the success that authors and publishers had in the Bartz v. Anthropic class action lawsuit, that direct participation by publishers would instead help address various issues so that the case can move forward. At the heart of the lawsuit is the charge that, in the rush to build its Generative AI Gemini product, Google illegally copied millions of books rather than reach licensing deals with copyright owners. The result is a Gemini product that, the complaint charges, competes directly with books in the market. Gemini readily produces content that substitutes for the underlying copyrighted works on which it was trained, the complaint states, including verbatim and near-verbatim copies of portions or entire works, replacement chapters of academic textbooks, summaries and alternative versions of famous novels, and inferior knockoffs that copy creative elements of original works. Furthermore, the complaint argues, Gemini can generate a 100-page murder mystery set in a quiet seaside town filled with secrets, that competes with and substitutes for an original copyrighted murder mystery on which Gemini trained. And it can do that in 20 minutes for a mere $0.39. No publisher or author can compete with that. Many Gemini users now tout the products ability to generate books with ease, according to the complaint, and the market is flooding with AI-generated substitutes. The scale and speed at which Gemini can create books and compete with human writers is unprecedented, and it can only do that because Google copied Plaintiffs and the Classs works to train its AI. Among the remedies the publishers are seeking is an injunction requiring Google to stop infringing copyrighted material as well as an order to destroy all infringing copies of Plaintiffs and the Classs copyrighted works in its possession or control. PHNOM PENH, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) secretariat officials convened a meeting on Thursday morning to enforce a recent ceasefire, said a Cambodian defense spokesperson. Held at the Choam-Sa Ngam International Point of Entry in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province, the meeting was co-chaired by military officials from Cambodia and Thailand. "Both sides held discussions on a number of important matters concerning the strengthening of the implementation of the contents of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) held on Dec. 27, 2025, as well as other relevant documents," Maly Socheata, a spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defense, said in a press release. She said Cambodia reaffirmed its firm, resolute, and sincere commitment to faithfully respect and implement the joint statement and other relevant documents, with the aim of seeking a peaceful, just, and lasting solution in accordance with international laws and existing treaties and agreements between the two countries. Cambodia and Thailand agreed to an immediate ceasefire on Dec. 27, 2025, after three weeks of armed conflict, which caused casualties on both sides. TLC By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 01/14/2026 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. 90 Day: The Single Life has announced its Season 5 cast and premiere date.TLC has announced the new season of 90 Day: The Single Life will premiere on Monday, February 9 at 8PM ET/PT.90 Day: The Single Life will feature familiar faces continuing their search for true, lasting love.Gino Palazzolo, a 56-year-old from Michigan, will reconnect with ex-girlfriend Natalie in the hope of starting fresh. Colt Johnson , a 39-year-old from Florida, and Cortney Reardanz, a 34-year-old from Florida, will navigate their romance after Colt's leg injury and recovery. They'll also be shown dealing with trust issues.Kim Menzies, a 55-year-old from California, will re-enter the dating scene and confront secrets from her past.Vanja Grbic, a 42-year-old from Florida, will turn her longtime friendship with Tony into something romantic.Sophie Sierra, a 26-year-old from Texas, will enjoy a vacation in the Dominican Republic with her friends and wing-women Liz Woods, a 33-year-old from Washington, and Julia Trubkina, a 31-year-old from Virginia -- who is happily married to Brandon Gibbs.Sophie, who was previously married to Rob Warner, will meet up with Pedro Jimeno , a 34-year-old from Georgia, to explore their connection."Mismatched expectations could either spark real love or heartbreak," TLC teased of Sophie and Pedro, who was previously married to Chantel Everett Liz will attempt to find joy after enduring a health battle, "only to find herself torn between a surprising new connection abroad and unfinished business back home," according to the network.TLC said the new season will deliver raw emotion, unexpected twists, and the messy reality of finding love after heartbreak.The trailer of 90 Day: The Single Life's upcoming fifth season includes some shocking moments."It feels really good to be single for once," Liz says. "I've bounced around from relationship to relationship, and I really do want to find love again."Gino tells the cameras before attending a singles-group event, "After everything I've been through, I want some young, beautiful, single ladies, baby. Woo!"Sophie reveals that she recently filed for divorce from Rob."What better way than to celebrate with a girls' trip [to the Dominican Republic]?!" Sophie gushes. "There's definitely something scary about getting back out there, but it's also very exciting."Sophie also acknowledges she's interested in -- and "talking" to -- Pedro, even though he "doesn't have a great reputation."Colt boasts about how he's "in love" with Cortney, only two months after they first met."But every relationship I've been in, I cheated," Colt confesses."I feel like he's hiding something," Cortney says.And Kim admits to her son that she's living a lie, adding, "I've got to get it out."Vanja concludes, "I'm wondering if after all this searching, the guy for me has been right in front of me this whole entire time."Gino previously appeared on : Before the 90 Days fifth and sixth seasons with estranged wife Jasmine Pineda as well as : The Last Resort's second season and : Happily Ever After? Seasons 8 and 9.Colt first appeared on 's sixth season with Larissa Lima. He followed that up with Season 4 and 5 of : Happily Ever After?. Colt also starred on 90 Day: The Single Life's first and fifth seasons before joining 90 Day: Hunt for Love, where he met Cortney.Kim starred on : Before the 90 Days' fifth season with Nigerian rapper Usman "SojaBoy" Umar Vanja starred on Season 7 of : Before the 90 Days with Croatian athlete Bozo.Sophie found fame on 's tenth season, and then she and Rob starred on Season 10 of : Happily Ever After?. Sophie and Rob also tried to work out their issues on 90 Day: The Last Resort.Liz met her former fiance Ed Brown on Season 1 of 90 Day: The Single Life. They went on to star on Seasons 7 and 8 of : Happily Ever After?.90 Day: The Single Life -- Between the Sheets will air after each episode, airing extras, behind-the-scenes drama, and interviews with 90 Day alums.Want more spoilers or couples updates? Click here to visit our homepage! Audience take a selfie in front of a poster of a campus youth version of the Kunqu Opera masterpiece "The Peony Pavilion" in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan, Jan. 15, 2026. (Xinhua/Wang Chenghao) TAIPEI, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Two decades after a youth version of the Kunqu Opera masterpiece "The Peony Pavilion" debuted in Taipei, a special "campus youth" edition performed entirely by college students from the Chinese mainland was staged in Taiwan for the first time on Thursday. Created by renowned Taiwan-based novelist Pai Hsien-yung, the youth version of the 16th-century romantic tragicomedy features the refined costumes and stage design of the original youth Kunqu production, which premiered in 2004 and has since been staged more than 500 times. The campus production is an abridged performance of the nine-hour youth version, which is usually staged over three consecutive days. It began with a project that was initiated in 2024 to encourage young people to participate in the passing down of Kunqu, a 600-year-old Chinese opera style inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The project selected 50 students from 29 universities and colleges. With little prior professional training in Kunqu, the students undertook nearly nine months of instruction before bringing the campus version of "The Peony Pavilion" to the stage in Suzhou of the eastern Jiangsu Province, the birthplace of Kunqu, in April 2025. "The campus version represents a new model of today's young people passing on fine traditional Chinese culture," said Zhao Tianwei, the production's chief planner and a professor of art at Southeast University in Jiangsu. "We hope that young audiences in Taiwan can enjoy and learn more about Kunqu by watching their peers performing the art on stage," Zhao said. Young people have always been the primary target audience of the youth version of "The Peony Pavilion." Since its 2004 premiere, the production has toured more than a dozen universities. "The aim is to help college students appreciate the beauty of Kunqu and therefore grow closer to our traditional Chinese culture," 88-year-old Pai, who has spent years promoting Kunqu, said in a message written ahead of the campus version's Taipei performance. Over the past 20 years, the youth version has attracted generations of young people, including people who were not even born when the production debuted in 2004, according to Hsieh Shan-shan, publicity coordinator of this week's event for its organizer, Taiwan-based Creative Performing Arts Co., Ltd. "For many people, their first theater experience was the youth version of 'The Peony Pavilion,'" she said. "And many have been surprised that there can be such a beautiful thing and a performing art like that." The campus youth version staged on Thursday sold out more than 900 seats priced from 300 to 1,500 New Taiwan dollars (about 9 to 47 U.S. dollars). "Some people think traditional opera is something only older generations enjoy, but this 'youth-oriented' version of 'The Peony Pavilion' brings the classic closer to young people and makes it easier for us to connect with it emotionally," said Liao Wei-lun, a third-year college student and traditional theater fan, who also invited his classmates to the performance Thursday. "There are many young people in Taiwan who enjoy Peking Opera and Kunqu opera, and many of my friends share this interest," Liao said. "I hope there will be more performances like this in the future, and also look forward to exchanging and learning with peers on the mainland who have the same passion." "For more than 20 years, the enthusiasm and love for Kunqu among the people of Taiwan have remained unchanged. I was pleasantly surprised to see that many high school enthusiasts also enjoyed the performance very much," Pai said in an interview. "Promoting traditional Chinese culture to the people of Taiwan, especially the youth, carries profound significance. Only when a nation understands its own past can it clearly chart the direction of its future," he said. In Beijing, Taiwan and many other places -- even the United States -- the youth version of "The Peony Pavilion" has become a brand in its own right, Hsieh said. "Now we can see that the production has been passed down from one generation to the next." Among the youngest generation of performers, Fan Yupeng plays the male protagonist, Liu Mengmei, in one segment. He believes they can bring a fresh perspective to the century-old classic. "We live in a different era from 20 years ago, shaped by broader cultural exchange and influences, so we can present the characters to audiences in a different way," said Fan, who is a graduate student of pharmaceutical sciences from Beijing. "I also hope that we can exchange with our peers in Taiwan through the art of Kunqu and encourage one another to work together to preserve our traditional culture," he said. Yu Jiulin and Shen Fengying, both of whom were leading cast members of the youth version in 2004, served as art directors for the campus edition. Yu remembers his first performance as Liu Mengmei in the youth version's Taipei premiere. "We had always heard that Kunqu audiences in Taiwan were the most discerning, so performing here back then felt like a test," he said. "The audiences in Taipei truly appreciated the show -- they knew exactly when to respond and some people even brought copies of the original script to the theater." Behind these moments, the actors believe, lies a shared appreciation for Chinese culture rooted in people in both the mainland and Taiwan. "We would take multiple curtain calls after each performance in Taiwan, through which we could feel the audience's recognition of our work," said Shen, who played the female protagonist, Du Liniang. "Through traditional Chinese culture, the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are closely connected," she said. "As Kunqu actors, we are a bridge of cultural transmission -- whether through pure performances 20 years ago, or through performing and teaching today." College student performers rehearse for a campus youth version of the Kunqu Opera masterpiece "The Peony Pavilion" in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan, Jan. 14, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Shuo) Instagram / Haley Ferguson The Bachelor alum Haley Ferguson has announced she and husband Oula Palve are expecting their second child together. Photos by Dave Merrill & Steven Kuo In October 2025, FN announced they would be discontinuing commercial production of the SCAR after nearly two decades. But like the death of Superman in 1992, these proclamations to the end of an icon were premature. Just a few short months later were here to show you the newest generation of SCAR rifle and the most significant changes FN has ever given to the system. Ever since the advent of the SCAR in 2008 there have been plenty of fans but no small number of detractors. Though it never replaced the M4 in U.S. Army inventories, it found a home with Special Forces and is now an issued rifle for SOF units in two dozen nations. Though initially launched in two variants (a 5.56mm light and 7.62mm heavy), it would be the heavy SCAR 17S (also called the SCAR-H) that captured the most imaginations and garnered the most fans. In 2018, FN would bring the Mk20 precision model, first chambered in 7.62mm followed by a 6.5 Creedmoor variant in 2020. In late 2022, the tiny 7.5-inch barreled 5.56mm SCAR 15P personal defense weapon (PDW) would be released, with a .300BLK model coming in 2024. There were always downsides to SCARs, many which existed due to the combination of the timeframe of initial design and FNs plodding response to demand. Paired with an enthusiastic user base, this led to both a dedicated aftermarket and countless competitors looking for market share (we even ran a whole article about so-called SCAR-Killers). You can see how much shorter the handguard is on the Legacy SCAR (top) versus the Gen 3 (bottom). Also note the muzzle device swap. Because FN isnt a company that moves fast (those that deal with generational government contracts around the world rarely are), it took them some time for this new batch all told theyve been working on them for five years. After taking an insights-driven approach to development, they put it all together to upgrade and improve the entire SCAR family of arms. Lets check out what they did. FURNITURE & CONTROLS This is the easiest one to see outside. Gone are the Picatinny rails widening the profile and reminding you this is a rifle designed not just when quad rails were ironically cool but nearly new. The forend is now longer for more space for both accessories and your hand, and features M-LOK slots across five angles. Speaking of longer, the top Picatinny rail now encloses the gas regulator, the old folding front sight shunned for a low-profile Magpul. The rear sight is also replaced (a shame, because the OG SCAR rear is the best iron sight ever made). The handguard can be taken off by removing a few screws, which is good because attaching M-LOK can be a pain when more than one fastener is involved. Check out the removable cover for the gas regulator. The gas regulator comes with a removable cover, the better to keep your hand from overheating, especially when shooting suppressed. And we do mean suppressed; this has been a sore point with SCARs (though weve never had a problem popping a can on them) FN redesigned the barrel with more shoulder for increased muzzle device compatibility, specifically for silencers (both competitors and their own new line). Legacy SCAR (top) versus Gen 3 (bottom): The already-good ambi selector is now even better due to modularity. Ergonomics of the magazine release have increased with the surface area, and the right-side bolt lock/release is well placed. The insides look much the same, but you can see the difference in the triggers by examining the hammer spring. The buttstock of the SCAR is an oft-replaced item. A lot of people like to stick an ACR stock on there (the only part of that failed rifle that remains), but FN has stuck to the Ugg stock so long that the fuzzy footwear it was named after actually came back into style for a while. Its been upgraded with the addition of a QD cup on the rear, and FN also has OEM options for AR-style stocks and Picatinny-railed rears. QD cups are also now found on either side of the rear receiver plate, and each rifle comes with an additional M-LOK QD mount. Gone is the A2 grip, FN instead opting for a more-upright model. The new trigger module is designed to be compatible with aftermarket grips without modification. Speaking of the trigger module, it features a new set of controls. The selector levers are more readily swappable (each gun comes with extras of different sizes and lengths), the magazine releases are more ergonomic, and theres an excellent ambi bolt lock/release on the right side thats easy to use. The trigger itself has changed, for the better. It used to be a crapshoot what kind of trigger youd get, but now FN tells us each rifle will be more refined right from the factory precision rifle or not. In terms of colorways, you still have the traditional unmatching FDE, lame black, and a great-looking gray. BOLT CARRIERS The heart and soul of the FN SCAR lie in the bolt carrier and wheelbase barrel cradle, and you can track generational changes by examining these parts. FN didnt change anything about their barrel attachments with this latest, but they made significant shifts with the bolt carrier. The SCAR was originally designed with a reciprocating charging handle, one which moves back and forth with every shot, explicitly because U.S. Special Operations Command demanded one. The initial requirements for the SCAR were outlined way back in 2004, back when the Global War on Terror was new and modern warfighting was first getting figured out. The thinking at the time was that a reciprocating charging handle meant there would be no need for a forward assist, and that the potential downsides would be minimal. USSOCOM requirement or not, that moving charging handle remained the most major complaint people had about the SCAR for many years. Some subpar non-reciprocating aftermarket options were offered, but most simply managed it with technique. Then, in 2021, FN released the Gen 2 NRCH (Non-Reciprocating Charging Handle). The NRCH was accomplished with an internal sled that detached the charging handle from the bolt carrier. This also added the ability to run dual charging handles and to be truly ambidextrous. The bolts and small parts remained the same. Importantly, this was also a backward-compatible conversion; older SCARs would just need a new (or modified) receiver front plate to work with the internal sled. The Gen 3 changes are even more significant. It shares the same internal sled and charging handles as the NRCH, but the carrier body is lightened, multi-piece, modular, and even has a hydraulic buffer pinned inside. The top arm of the carrier, called the bolt carrier front rail, keys in place so the same bolt carrier can be used across different systems and calibers. The hydraulic buffer arrests the movement of the carrier right at the peak of rearward recoil, making for a more-gentle curve despite the lighter weight of the unit and is designed to prevent damage to optics. Like the SCAR you already know, but improved right out of the box. Though the bolt itself is slightly shorter than the previous generations, the other small parts remain the same. And like the Gen 2, the Gen 3 is also backward compatible you can drop a complete unit into a SCAR from 2007 if you change that front receiver plate. SMALL PARTS & EXTRAS The looks are the easiest to see, but outside the BCG what really got me going was seeing that all the small fasteners are now Torx. This makes maintenance ten times easier, because small hex screws are just so damned easy to strip out. Youre still going to want to use heat to remove them (thread locker being what it is) but youll find that youll have a much better time. The Mk20 shares the same improvements as the rest of the line. In addition to the extra selectors and charging handle, FN ships the SCAR with an M-LOK vertical grip. Each SCAR now comes with a nice padded soft case youll actually use for the range, too. Sized just right to tuck into a Pelican for air travel. You can really compare FNs [lack of] color-matching skills here with the Legacy SCAR (top) versus the Gen 3 (bottom). Note the QD sockets and sights. ON THE RANGE Hydraulic buffers stuffed into rifles often have the scent of snake oil, largely because theyve previously been sold by the unscrupulous as add-on solutions for problems that dont exist. That said, weve seen them used to good effect by OEMs before (heres looking at you, B+T), and this is FN, after all. So, when it came time to hit the range, we were cautiously optimistic. SCARs are already light shooters for their weight class, so even if they were exactly the same there wouldnt be any complaints. [Cue drumroll] And? The SCAR-H feels like a SCAR-H, but a touch lighter. Were still talking about a 16-inch barreled 7.62 with polymer furniture here, but things get a bit more obvious when you shoot a Gen 3 and a Legacy side-by-side. Even when both guns are rocking longer handguards for more leverage, you can tell the Gen3 SCAR-H is better. Its a similar story for the Mk20. This is a very capable rifle, and weve previously shown you an example in 6.5 Creedmoor that printed .597 MOA groups. Hitting beyond 1,200 yards was more about reading wind and a ballistic calculator than improvements to the system itself. No one is crying about less recoil and a reticle that settles faster, however. While the SCAR-L was the dark horse, theres a reason why the Heavy is the one that captures imaginations and sees the most use. The dark horse here is the SCAR-L. This is the one the U.S. Military liked the least, but still finds a fan with at least one RECOIL editor (and the editor of RECOIL OFFGRID, too). And, out of the box, the new Gen 3 SCAR 16S shoots like a custom tuned gun. Extremely pleasant shooting gun with fast follow-ups. NIGHTFORCE OPTICS NX6 2-12 Gracing the top of the SCAR on the cover of this issue is the new Nightforce Optics NX6 2-12. As the name implies, each scope in the NX6 line has a 6x power factor covering the whole gamut (1-6, 2-12, 3-18, 4-24, 5-30, and 6-36). Many are available in both first and second focal plane, MOA and MRAD. The one you see here is first focal plane with MRAD adjustment perfect for a 16-inch 7.62mm gun. The reticle is an FC-MRx, which is based on Nightforces FC-DMx LPVO reticle but with 20 MILS of holdover instead of 10. The center is illuminated in both red and green, and you cycle through illumination levels by pressing the button on the left side of the optic. Theres a parallax adjustment, but as its unmarked, youll have to check it for yourself when you get behind the rifle (which you should be doing anyway, because those markers are just a guideline anyhow). The new Fieldset turret system allows you to easily float your turrets after zeroing without requiring a special tool (though it does come with one). Simply twist the mechanism on the top of the to turret to unlock, pop it off to reposition, replace, and twist back to lock. Its not like messing with small screws was especially difficult or anything, but this is easy. LOOSE ROUNDS Its clear that FN took a lot of time with this generation. They addressed the furniture, suppressors, controls, and small parts while maintaining their advances with the non-reciprocating system and keeping everything backward compatible. The fact they added extras and did all this without increasing the MSRP is saying something oh yeah, they didnt increase the price; Gen 3 is priced the same as the last. Which aint cheap, of course, but were talking about FN, not the race to the bottom. SCARs have a following for a reason. Bajaj Auto is planning a slow, calibrated push to take the Chetak, its electric scooter, to more than 100 countries on the strength of its distributor network and market-specific localisation rather than an aggressive global rollout, reports Sohini Das. IMAGE: Executive Director of Bajaj Auto Rakesh Sharma along with Managing Director of Bajaj Auto Rajiv Bajaj during the launch of first electric scooter (Bajaj EV Chetak), in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo Bajaj Auto is planning a slow, calibrated push to take the Chetak, its electric scooter, to more than 100 countries on the strength of its distributor network and market-specific localisation rather than an aggressive global rollout, said Rishab Bajaj, general manager, electric-vehicle (EV) two- and three-wheelers, at the launch of the Chetak C25 on Wednesday. The launch, at Bajaj Auto's Akurdi campus, was the first occasion when Rishab Bajaj, son of Bajaj Auto Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Rajiv Bajaj, fielded questions on the company's electric two-wheeler strategy. His presence signalled a generational transition and underscored his rising responsibilities in the company. Rishab joined Bajaj Auto about four years ago, and is now involved in shaping the Chetak's product, pricing, and expansion. Bajaj Auto is exporting the Chetak to markets such as Nepal and Sri Lanka, apart from the Philippines, though the volumes are small, said Rakesh Sharma, executive director. Rishab told Business Standard: "While the goal is more than 100 countries, it has to be done one step at a time." "Every country has its own regulations, infrastructure, and requirements. Certification alone can take up to six months in some markets, and there is some localisation required. All of that is in the pipeline." Rishab acknowledged the uncertainty on EV exports, particularly issues related to charging infrastructure, the quality of electricity, and service readiness in overseas markets. He said Bajaj Auto's decades-old distributor network provided a strong foundation. "Our distributors across continents are our eyes and ears on the ground. They have a strong association with local markets, and we meet them regularly." The export push comes as Bajaj Auto consolidates its position in India's electric two-wheeler market. The company in February last year emerged as the top electric two-wheeler maker and followed it up with its best ever monthly sales of 35,214 units in March. Last year the Chetak's retail sales stood at 269,847 units, up 39.34 per cent year-on-year, securing second position and narrowing the gap with market leader TVS Motor, which sold 298,881 units. Production and retail sales were affected during July and August due to supply-chain disruption linked to rare-earth magnets. "We've covered all bases on the supply side and have a strong production facility. "Our teams are working to improve throughput and cater to more customers faster. I don't see any concern on supply." Bajaj Auto launched the Chetak C25 at a starting price of Rs 91,399 (including central-government subsidy under the PM E-DRIVE scheme), positioning it as a more affordable and practical addition to the Chetak range. The scooter is powered by a 2.5 kWh NMC battery pack with a claimed range of 113 km per charge and supports 0-80 per cent charging in two hours and 25 minutes. It offers 25 litres of under-seat storage and is 22 kg lighter than the previous-generation model. The C25 comes with a warranty of three years or 50,000 km. "The Chetak stands for reliability. Every Bajaj product has stood for reliability across decades, and that will not change," Rishab said, adding that the C25's differentiation lay in its "younger, fresher" design and colour palette. Bajaj Auto says the industry's double-digit growth trajectory is sustainable. Last year electric two-wheeler sales grew 11 per cent to 1.28 million units. Network expansion remains another key lever. Bajaj Auto operates 390 exclusive Chetak stores and 4,280 sales touchpoints across more than 500 cities, supported by over 4,100 service workshops. On what could propel the Chetak to top spot in India's increasingly competitive electric two-wheeler market, Rishab said the answer lay in fundamentals rather than disruption. "We need to stay true to what has got us this far -- reliability, range, charging time, practicality, space, and now affordability. That's what will decide where we land." Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff Despite a 2.8 per cent fall in 2025 volumes, Mercedes-Benz India reported its best-ever revenue and profitability, led by top-end models, AMG growth and higher BEV mix, reports Sohini Das. IMAGE: MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, Santosh Iyer, unveils Mercedes-AMG GT 63 and GT 63 Pro, in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo In a year when India's luxury car industry grew a modest 1.6 per cent to around 52,000 units, and market leader Mercedes-Benz India saw volumes decline by nearly 3 per cent, the German luxury carmaker posted its best ever revenue and profitability in its 25-year history in the country. The performance underscores the company's strategic pivot towards top-end luxury vehicles. Industry volumes are expected to remain largely flat in 2026, with global headwinds and foreign exchange (forex) volatility continuing to weigh on demand. Mercedes-Benz India delivered 19,007 cars in 2025, down 2.8 per cent from 19,565 units in 2024, which was its best-ever sales year in India. Despite the volume decline, Santosh Iyer, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Mercedes-Benz India, said 2025 marked the company's strongest year yet in terms of both revenue and profitability. This achievement is impressive given that the euro depreciated 19 per cent against the Indian rupee during the year. Mercedes-Benz implemented three price hikes in the first half of the year, totting up around 6 per cent, before goods and services tax (GST) rationalisation in September led to a 6 per cent price reduction, making the net impact neutral for customers. This month, the company took an extra 2 per cent price hike. Even so, Iyer said around 10 per cent of the forex impact has not been passed on to customers, continuing to exert pressure on margins. Top-end vehicles grew 11% While the company did not disclose revenue or profit numbers, it said sales of top-end vehicles (priced at Rs 1.3 crore and above) grew 11 per cent year-on-year and accounted for 25 per cent of total volumes. The AMG portfolio posted 34 per cent growth, while battery electric vehicles (BEVs) grew 12 per cent. Surprisingly, 20 per cent of all top-end vehicles sold were BEVs, or put differently, 70 per cent of BEVs sold in 2025 were priced between Rs 1.25 crore and Rs 3.1 crore. Entry luxury models (Rs 45-60 lakh) accounted for 13 per cent of sales, while core luxury vehicles (Rs 65 lakh to Rs 1.2 crore) contributed 62 per cent of volumes in 2025. "Profitability is under stress due to exchange rate movements. "We have not fully covered the forex impact, but our business model remains sustainable. "We have the lowest discounts in the market, which supports profitability and residual values for customers. "Compared to peers, we remain among the most profitable," Iyer told Business Standard. He added that 2025 was the company's best-ever year in terms of revenue, while profitability figures will become clearer once the quarter closes. Mercedes's entry luxury portfolio declined 20 per cent year-on-year, reducing its share to 13 per cent of total sales. Iyer said this was in line with Mercedes-Benz's decision to stay out of aggressive price competition. "First-time luxury buyers are far more price-sensitive. "Repeat luxury customers continue to buy, but first-time demand has softened due to frequent price changes. "After the GST announcement, we saw a spike in September, but that momentum did not sustain," he said. In 2026, the firm plans to introduce 12 new cars in India, including all-new models with no predecessors, along with several facelifts. Many of these launches will comprise top-end vehicles and new BEVs. Rivals target first-time buyers While Mercedes-Benz continues to prioritise value -- revenue and profitability -- over volumes, rivals are increasingly targeting first-time buyers to expand the overall market. BMW Group India, for instance, closed 2025 with its highest-ever sales of 18,001 cars, marking 14 per cent year-on-year growth and outperforming the broader luxury car market. According to BMW, growth is being driven largely by first-time luxury buyers. Hardeep S Brar, president and CEO of BMW Group India, said the share of first-time luxury customers rose from about 43 per cent in 2024 to nearly 49 per cent in 2025, with some models recording even higher ratios. At Mercedes-Benz India, around 60 per cent of buyers are repeat customers, while 40 per cent are first-time Mercedes owners -- a mix that has remained largely unchanged over the past two to three years. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff NEW YORK, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered an additional tariff of 25 percent on the imports of certain advanced computing chips, which will become effective Thursday. In a proclamation posted on the website of the White House, Trump said the tariff shall continue in effect, unless such action is "expressly reduced, modified, or terminated." "This tariff is in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to such imported semiconductors, unless stated otherwise below," the proclamation reads. Trump cited national security concerns for the tariff on imports of semiconductors. Certain advanced computing chips and certain derivative products described in the proclamation refer to those whose "importation does not contribute to the buildout of the United States technology supply chain and the strengthening of domestic manufacturing capacity for derivatives of semiconductors." The proclamation includes exemptions, saying the duty rate shall not apply to imports of those covered products for use in U.S. data centers, for repairs or replacements performed in the United States, for research and development in the United States, for startups in the United States, for non-data center consumer applications in the United States, for use in non-data center civil industrial applications in the United States, and for use in U.S. public sector applications. The exemptions also apply to covered products for other uses that are determined to contribute to the strengthening of the U.S. technology supply chain or domestic manufacturing capacity for derivatives of semiconductors. Trump ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to take any necessary or appropriate measure to administer the tariff imposed by the proclamation to the extent permitted by applicable law, saying no drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed pursuant to this proclamation. The country's exports rose 1.87 per cent to $38.5 billion in December 2025 despite global economic uncertainties, though an increase in imports led to a marginal widening of the trade deficit to $25 billion. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters Imports rose by 8.7 per cent to $63.55 billion during the month under review, according to government data released on Thursday. Trade deficit, difference between imports and exports, stood at $25.04 billion in December 2025 as against $24.53 billion in November last year and $22 billion in December 2024. Cumulatively, during April-December this fiscal, the country's merchandise exports rose 2.44 per cent to $330.29 billion. Imports grew by 5.9 per cent to $578.61 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $248.32 billion during the nine-month period of 2025-26. Briefing the media on the latest data, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said that despite global uncertainties, India's exports are recording positive growth. Going by the trend, "we expect that the total exports (goods and services) are likely to cross $850 billion this fiscal". The main sectors that led to an increase in shipments included engineering, electronics, marine, and pharmaceuticals. India's exports to the US, China, and the UAE are rising at a steady rate. Maharashtra has pipped Tamil Nadu in NITI Aayogs latest Export Preparedness Index (EPI) for 2024. Photograph: Tatiana Meel/Reuters While Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh gained ground, Karnataka and Haryana slipped out of the top five, the central government think tank said in its report released on Wednesday. In the latest index, Gujarat climbed to the third place from fourth, while Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh earlier ranked seventh and eighth rose to fourth and fifth positions, respectively. Karnataka slipped three places to 6th, while Haryana fell five spots to 10th position. NITI has grouped the states into two categories 17 Large States and 19 Small and Northeastern states & Union Territories (UTs). It has also classified them into Leaders, Challengers, and Aspirers within their categories based on their scores. The rankings are based on four main pillars export infrastructure, business ecosystem, policy and governance and export performance. Maharashtra has scored higher than Tamil Nadu in all pillars except export infrastructure. Despite Maharashtras top rank, its export performance saw a year-on-year (Y-o-Y) decline of 7.3 per cent in FY24, dropping from Rs 6.1 trillion in FY23 to Rs 5.6 trillion. This was led by a decline in the gems & jewellery sector, the report said. Talking about Karnataka, NITI Aayog flagged high operational costs, including labour wages, real estate, and energy, particularly in cities like Bengaluru as significant challenges to Karnatakas export competitiveness. These costs strain small and medium enterprises (SMEs), reduce price competitiveness in global markets, and deter new investments compared to lower-cost regions, the report said. Additionally, Karnatakas exports are heavily concentrated in a few districts such as Bengaluru, Mysuru and Tumakuru, leading to uneven regional development and limiting growth elsewhere. This concentration increases vulnerability to localised disruptions and underuses the states broader resources and workforce, making it vital to expand export activities beyond these hubs for more balanced and sustainable growth, the NITI Aayog said in its report. The index offers a comprehensive assessment of states and UTs across a range of export-related parameters to map strengths and gaps, using an evolving methodological framework. For the latest (fourth) edition of the report, the think tank used 70 parameters, including 50 vital metrics on logistics, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and trade diversification as well as 20 desirable ones. Significant enhancements have been made on the EPI 2024 framework vis-a-vis earlier framework (EPI 2022) with inclusion of new dimensions such as macroeconomy, cost competitiveness, human capital, financial access, and MSME ecosystem and refinement of existing indicators to enhance precision and relevance, the report added. Underscoring the importance of the classification, NITI Aayog chief executive officer (CEO) B V R Subrahmanyam said: Given that different states have different endowments, some states suffer peculiar disabilities. Particularly, small states, hilly states and Northeastern states and Union Territories. They are not easily comparable. In the small states category, nine emerged leaders, including Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Calling exports the fourth driver of the economy, Subrahmanyam said India should aim to build a $8-10 trillion export economy by 2047. The world is passing through a very turbulent phase. "Turbulent times give you opportunities. New and great opportunities are here, he added. 'China's basic purpose of taking the Shaksgam Valley was access to the Indian Ocean.' IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, China. Photograph: Modi website/ANI Photo "The Chinese firmly believe the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without a fight. "It will keep troubling and pressurising you, sometimes directly, sometimes by using Pakistan or Bangladesh or Nepal or Sri Lanka," says retired Lieutenant General Sanjay Kulkarni on China's recent claim to the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. The general commanded a brigade and a division on the Line of Actual Control and was decorated with the Shaurya Chakra for leading his platoon to unfurl the Tricolour in Bilafondla on the Siachen Glacier. The former chief of staff of the XIV Corps responsible for the border with China, Pakistan and the Siachen Glacier, he retired as director general, Infantry. In an interview to Rediff's Archana Masih, General Kulkarni discusses the roots of the Shaksgam problem, why China coerced Pakistan into gifting it illegally and explains why India cannot ever trust China. What does China's latest claim to the Shaksgam Valley imply? What is the genesis and history of the problem? The Shaksgam Valley was gifted by Pakistan to China in 1963 after India's defeat in the 1962 War against China. Pakistan realised it could not stand up to China which had been asserting its claim to the Shaksgam Valley since 1950s. Pakistan knew fully well that the entire Jammu and Kashmir belonged to India in accordance with the Instrument of Accession signed on October 26, 1947 through which Maharaja Hari Singh formally acceded to India. However, Pakistan was occupying a sizable portion -- Gilgit-Baltistan and Pak occupied Kashmir which together measures about 84,000 square kilometres. China took control of Aksai Chin in 1950, which is about 38,000 square kilometres. The Gilgit Agency had been leased to the British by Maharaja Hari Singh for 60 years in 1935. Brigadier Ghansara Singh of the Jammu and Kashmir state forces was sent by the Maharaja to take over Gilgit-Baltistan and was appointed the governor of Gilgit in July 1947. But Major William Brown, who was in charge of the Gilgit Scouts, deposed him in a bloodless coup, imprisoned him and declared independence on November 1, 1947. Brigadier Ghansara was banished to Kashmir and Gilgit was handed over by the Gilgit Scouts to Pakistan. In 1948, Baltistan fell to Pakistan despite the heroic stand of Lieutenant Colonel Sher Jung Thapa lasting six months. He was repatriated and awarded the Mahavir Chakra for the in the Battle of Skardu. He was apparently spared because he had earlier served as adjutant to Douglas Gracey, who was then the chief of the army staff of Pakistan. The fact remains that the Sakhsgam Valley was gifted to China in 1963. In 1984, India occupied the Siachen Glacier which adjoins the Shaksgam Valley. Shaksgam is on the east, Skardu on the west and Siachen Glacier in the middle. IMAGE: Karakoram Highway ahead of Juglot, Gilgit. Photograph: Kind courtesy Saadzafar91/Wikimedia Commons China then built the strategic Karakoram Highway through Gilgit-Baltistan, near Shaksgam. China wanted to build the Karakoram Highway through Khunjerab Pass and go down to Gwadar. The construction began in 1959 and was completed in 1979. The highway runs from Pakistan to the Khunjerab Pass where it enters China. In 1986 it was opened to the public. The Chinese highway G219 runs from Tibet to Sinkiang. It is almost 10,000 km long and a major part of it runs through the disputed Aksai Chin. The Pakistanis did not want the Karakoram Highway to come through Khunjerab Pass, but to a pass through Mintaka Pass. Mintaka Pass is the tri-junction of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and China, but the Chinese refused. The Pakistanis lost 800 and the Chinese 200 workers over a period of 20 years for construction of the Karakoram Highway. In 2013, the same Karakoram Highway alignment was taken for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. It is a crucial part of the CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor) and goes to the Gwadar port in Balochistan. It is a part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The Karakoram Highway is virtually the revival of the old Silk Route. Why was China so desperate to get Shaksgam? The Chinese wanted access to the Indian Ocean and that was only via the Khunjerab Pass, through the Karakoram Highway and ending at Gwadar port. The Chinese always felt -- and even Lord Curzon used to say -- that the only way to fix China is through its weakest point -- the Indian Ocean. Therefore, China realised it must strengthen itself in the Pacific, the South China Sea and also hold itself in the Indian Ocean. The South China Sea was very much within their gambit, but the only way to the Indian Ocean was through Pakistan -- on to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. They have a railway line from Beijing to Kashgar which is connected by road to Gwadar. IMAGE: Indian and Chinese troops and tanks disengage from the banks of the Pangong Tso lake area in eastern Ladakh in February 2021. Photograph: ANI Photo How important is this strategically? If the Chinese and Pakistanis join hands, they have the resources to come down to Ladakh and into Leh. However, the presence of Indian troops in Siachen is a deterrent to China and Pakistan from joining hands in the Karakoram. Therefore, if that road is constructed to Aghil Pass and is connected to Khunjerab Pass, it will provide them access. China will connect as much of the Karakoram Pass as they can. They have also constructed a 170-kilometre artery from Gilgit to Siachen. How should India respond militarily to Chinese claims? Militarily, it is very much within the reach of our artillery, missiles and drones. We have to keep it under observation through satellites or other available means. It is a very hard terrain -- walking even 10 kilometres without a logistic support is extremely difficult. Preparation is the best form of defence. Once you prepare, you can prevail. Do you think we need to enhance our preparedness? We have adequate troops. We must be vigilant. We have to keep vigil using satellites, cyber techniques and communication. Everything has to be monitored. Even if we don't have a look-see or a peep-see in the area, there are other means to detect their moves. IMAGE: Indian soldiers conduct search operations at 13,000 feet in Jammu and Kashmir. Photograph: ANI Video Grab Four years after the Galwan clash, we had a reset with China last year. Is this now a fresh area of conflict? China can't be trusted at all. Chinese firmly believe the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without a fight. If you want to fight, win. If you can't win, don't fight. It will keep troubling and pressurising you, sometimes directly, sometimes by using Pakistan or Bangladesh or Nepal or Sri Lanka. China wants India on a tight leash. They want India to keep spending money on defence and stall its progress. China does not want India to progress. Even if India becomes the third largest economy, China wants it far behind it. You have served in Siachen. What is your impression of the Shaksgam Valley? Shaksgam Valley could be seen if you stood on the highest peak -- Indira Col. You could see the green grass, but it is quite impossible for anybody to climb up. If there is any movement, our troops can detect it. The traffic of communication will also increase. It is very important to have boots on the ground at these difficult and strategic locations. The Chinese spend almost an equal amount in internal security as much as they do on external security. We are not blind to what China can do. We must keep vigil. We must stand up to them. You can only talk to China from a position of strength -- and that strength has to be economic, technological and military. Deterrence is a must. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff Air India's newest Airbus A350, operating a Delhi-New York flight with over 250 passengers on board, sustained engine damage after ingesting an improperly secured baggage container while taxiing to its parking bay at Delhi airport, sources said. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The incident occurred when Flight AI101, which returned to the national capital shortly after take-off after Iran unexpectedly closed its airspace, was taxiing to its parking bay in dense fog. No one was injured in the incident. Engine ingestion refers to an incident in which a jet engine draws in a foreign object - such as baggage containers, tools, debris or birds - instead of clean air. Unverified videos and pictures showed damage to the aircraft's right-side engine. The aircraft has been grounded for repairs, adding to Air India's widebody aircraft shortage, with one of its six A350s currently out of service. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a probe into the incident to ascertain how a foreign object got lodged inside the engine. "Air India confirms that Flight AI101, operating from Delhi to New York (JFK), was forced to return to Delhi shortly after takeoff due to the unexpected closure of Iranian airspace, which impacted its planned route. Upon landing in Delhi, the aircraft encountered a foreign object while taxiing in dense fog, resulting in damage to the right engine," the airline said in a statement. It, however, did not identify the "foreign object". Sources said the foreign object was an improperly secured baggage container. "The aircraft was safely positioned at the designated parking stand, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board," the airline said in a statement. A civil aviation ministry spokesperson said the aircraft landed safely at Runway 28 and while taxiing to the apron area, at taxiway N/N4 junction, the right engine ingested a cargo container, causing substantial damage to the engine. "The incident occurred around 05:25 IST. As per the information, the visibility at the time of the incident was marginal. The preliminary investigation has revealed that a BWFS tug transporting a few containers to the Baggage Makeup Area of Terminal 3 crossed this intersection while on the vehicular lane. "During crossing, one of the containers toppled onto the taxiway intersection. This container got ingested in the No. 2 engine of Air India A350 aircraft," the spokesperson said. After clearing metal pieces, the spokesperson said, the aircraft was parked on stand 244. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is probing the incident. Providing more details based on the preliminary probe, a DGCA official said the area near bay 242 was designated for Air Mauritius GSE parking. When the BWFS (Bird Worldwide Flight Services) tug was transporting a few containers to this area, one of the wheels of the container dolly came off, and a container toppled onto the taxiway. The equipment operator noticed Air India aircraft taxiing in, and the equipment operator vacated the spot with the remaining dollies and containers. However, the container which fell was left behind, and it got ingested in the aircraft engine, the official said. Air India said the aircraft has been grounded for a thorough investigation, and there could be potential disruptions on select routes operated with the A350 aircraft. Strict ground handling protocols are in place at airports, including when an aircraft's engines are on after landing, and there could have been some lapses that have resulted in this rare incident. Back in December 2015, an Air India technician was sucked into an aircraft engine at the Mumbai airport. Jet engines operate with immense suction, especially at low speeds during taxiing or take-off. Any object entering the engine can damage or bend fan blades or cause hidden structural stress to internal components. The engine often has to be shut down and inspected or replaced. Flight-tracking data showed that the aircraft (registration VT-JRB) departed Delhi at 2:36 a.m. and was cruising over Ahmedabad airspace when the closure of airspace came into effect, blocking its planned overflight of Iran - a key corridor for westbound transatlantic flights. With no viable alternate routing available at that stage, the crew took the precautionary decision to turn back to Delhi. Air India cancelled two other flights - Delhi-Newark and Mumbai-New York (JFK) - outright as a result of the airspace shutdown. Iranian airspace is a key transit corridor for long-haul flights between South Asia, Europe and North America as it offers the shortest and most fuel-efficient westbound route. Iran closed its airspace to commercial flights for over four hours early Thursday amid tensions with the United States over Tehran's bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. While international carriers diverted north and south around Iran, the closure appeared to have expired after one extension. A prolonged shutdown of Iranian airspace would have further strained Indian carriers, which have already been operating under longer flight times and higher fuel costs due to the ongoing closure of Pakistan's airspace. Airlines flying westbound transatlantic routes now face extended detours, increased operational expenses, and scheduling challenges, compounding the financial and logistical pressures on carriers like Air India and other Indian operators. Sources said that the aircraft's right engine suffered significant damage due to the incident. Regretting the inconvenience caused to passengers, the airline said it is proactively assisting them with alternative travel arrangements and refunds, as preferred. A 22-year-old postgraduate student from Assam was allegedly assaulted by five peers at Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) hostel at Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh's Anuppur district, following which the five were expelled and booked, an official said on Thursday. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The incident comes close on the heels of the death of student Anjel Chakma, from Tripura in the North East, in Dehradun in Uttarakhand last month, causing national outrage and triggering calls for action and laws against such hate crimes. An FIR was registered against the five accused students shortly before midnight on Wednesday on the complaint of Hiros Jyoti Das, a postgraduate student of economics from Assam at IGNTU, Anuppur Sub-Divisional Officer of Police Naveen Tiwari told PTI. The accused were booked under sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 296 (obscene acts and words), 351(3) (criminal intimidation) and 3(5) (common intention) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), he said. "The university informed us that the five students were expelled by the disciplinary committee from the university a day earlier. We registered the FIR after receiving a complaint from Das. As per Das, when he was returning to his hostel room from the washroom, the accused allegedly asked him where he was from and what he was doing at the university. They then assaulted him around 4 pm on Tuesday," the officer said. "The victim told them he had been studying at the university for the past three years. He has claimed he sustained injuries to his eyes, lips, nose and temples after being hit with a bracelet. He has named Anurag Pande, Jatin Singh, Rajnish Tripathi, Vishal Yadav and Utkarsh Singh in his complaint," the official informed. Asked whether racial slurs were used during the incident, Tiwari said the matter was under investigation. "The motive behind the assault would be clear after questioning the students. Das' medico-legal certificate report is awaited," Tiwari added. Attempts to contact Das and IGNTU Registrar Professor NS Hari Narayana Moorthy were unsuccessful. Prof Moorthy did not respond to Whatsapp calls and messages. Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh Congress slammed the ruling BJP over the incident. In a statement, Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Umang Singhar alleged that some unruly students at the IGNTU hostel made racist remarks against Das and assaulted him when he protested. Some youths linked to the ruling party consume drugs on the campus and assault students, while the university administration carries out only token action in the name of disciplinary proceedings, Singhar alleged. He alleged the university, established to impart higher education, had been turned into a hub of the BJP and the RSS, and irregularities and incidents keep surfacing. The Congress and the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad, in separate statements, collectively deplored the atmosphere at the IGNTU campus alleging it has become a haven for "anti-social elements, drunkards and junkies". The ABVP submitted a memorandum to the Anuppur Superintendent of Police protesting the assault. ABVP activists alleged an atmosphere of fear was steadily building up at the university due to the increasing presence of anti-social elements, leaving students feeling unsafe. The entry of such elements into the campus has led to a rise in the consumption of narcotic substances, resulting in serious incidents frequently, it claimed. "If things don't improve at the central university in two weeks, we will launch an agitation," Anuppur district ABVP organising secretary Shivendra Chaturvedi told PTI. In the incident in Dehradun in Uttarakhand, Anjel Chakma (24), a final-year MBA student from Tripura, was allegedly attacked with a knife by some youths at a private university there on December 9. Chakma died on December 26 after undergoing treatment for 17 days. The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Pakistani fishing boat that had strayed into Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the Arabian Sea. IMAGE: The Pakistani boat, named AL-MADINA, and its occupants after the Coast Guard intercepted them, off the Gujarat coast, January 15, 2026. Photograph: Courtesy Indian Coast Guard on X According to the ICG, the boat, named AL-MADINA, was sighted by an ICG ship on patrol in the region on January 14. When challenged, the boat attempted to flee towards Pakistan, but was intercepted and boarded by the ICG personnel in Indian waters. A total of nine crew members were found on board the Pakistani boat. The boat is being towed to Porbandar by the ICG ship for thorough "rummaging and joint interrogation" by agencies concerned, the post added. In a post on X, ICG stated, "In a swift and precise night operation, an @IndiaCoastGuard Ship whilst on patrol in #Arabian sea sighted a #Pakistani Fishing Boat inside #Indian waters near the International Maritime Boundary Line on 14 Jan 26. On being challenged, the boat attempted to flee towards Pakistan side, however, the #ICG Ship intercepted and boarded the boat in Indian waters. A total of 09 crew were found in the #Pakistani boat, AL-MADINA. The boat is being towed to #Porbandar by #ICG Ship for thorough rummaging and joint interrogation by concerned agencies. The operation reaffirms #ICG's unwavering commitment to secure #Bharat's maritime frontiers through relentless vigil and law enforcement across the nation's maritime domain. This is the second such incident in recent weeks. In December last year, the Indian Coast Guard apprehended 11 Pakistani fishermen after their boat, Al Wali, was found inside Indian waters near Jakhau without permission. Defence PRO Gujarat had said the fishermen were intercepted on December 10 inside the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and were brought to Jakhau Port along with the vessel for further investigation. The latest interception comes amid heightened focus on maritime security and international cooperation in the region. Earlier this week, India and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation during the 22nd High-level meeting of the Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard held in New Delhi. The meeting was led by director general of the Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani and Admiral Yoshio Saguchi, Commandant of the Japan Coast Guard, who is on a five-day official visit to India from January 13 to 17. The discussions focused on enhancing operational engagement in areas such as Maritime Search and Rescue, Marine Pollution Response, Maritime Law Enforcement and capacity building. Despite her special leave petition being pending before the Supreme Court, she was deported to Bangladesh from the Matila transit camp on December 19. Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: PTI Photo/Rediff Archives A 44-year-old widow from Assam, recently deported to Bangladesh, has approached the Supreme Court claiming she was incorrectly declared an illegal migrant even though all 16 members of her family are included in the National Register of Citizens (NRC). The court has ordered officials to verify the documents submitted on her behalf. Aheda Khatun, born in Assam in 1981, was detained on September 30 after the Gauhati high court dismissed her challenge to a 2019 Foreigners Tribunal order. Despite her special leave petition being pending before the Supreme Court, she was deported to Bangladesh from the Matila transit camp on December 19, her lawyer Adeel Ahmed informed the Bench. Khatun contended that she is an Indian citizen by birth under Section 3(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act, as her parents had been enrolled as voters for decades. Her petition pointed out that the NRC list shows her father, mother and fourteen siblings as 'accepted' citizens, while she alone was marked DV (doubtful voter) solely because her case before the Foreigners Tribunal was pending at the time. 'This creates an overwhelming prima facie case of Indian citizenship,' the petition stated. The Foreigners Tribunal had declared her a foreigner in September 2019 for failing to prove her lineage conclusively. After a delay of over five years, she moved the Gauhati high court, which dismissed her plea on grounds of delay without examining the merits. She was detained soon after. Challenging the high court's decision, Khatun argued that it was unjust to reject her plea on procedural delay when she had produced substantial documentary evidence. Noting that her brother has filed an affidavit on her behalf, the Supreme Court issued notice 'for the limited purpose of enquiring into the genuineness of the documents relied upon by the petitioner's brother.' Her petition alleged that the Foreigners Tribunal misapplied Section 9 of the Foreigners Act, 1946, by placing an 'insurmountable and legally impermissible burden' on her despite the absence of any contradictory evidence from the State. She submitted nine documents to establish her Indian lineage -- four voter lists from 1965, 1970, 1985 and 1997, along with Jamabandi records, a mutation order, a registered gift deed, a school certificate and a Gaonburah certificate. These, she argued, are statutory and certified public documents that the tribunal could not have discarded 'on surmises and conjectures.' The Supreme Court will now examine the authenticity of the documents as it takes up the case of a woman who insists she is Indian -- while she remains stranded across the border. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff An electronic repair shop owner, a DJ operator, and a plastic plate manufacturer were among the five who duped a 78-year-old Delhi resident of more than Rs 2.19 crore, an officer said on Thursday. IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo The five were arrested by the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Special Cell. The alleged frauds were identified as Dipesh Patidar, 30, a resident of Madhya Pradesh, who runs an electronic repair shop, while Anshul Rathod, 28, also from MP, lets out music systems for weddings, Deputy Commissioner of Police (IFSO) Vinit Kumar said in a statement. Shayam Babu Gupta, 36, from Uttar Pradesh, operates a small plastic plate factory in Jhansi. Raghvendra Verma, a graduate, runs a motorcycle accessories shop in Jhansi, and Devesh Singh, an ITI diploma holder, recently enrolled in a BTech course. Both are aged 25. The officer said that despite their modest profiles, the accused were part of an interstate syndicate that impersonated law enforcement and central government officials to extort money from their targets. "The case came to light after the elderly victim received a call from a man posing as a senior officer from Lucknow Police headquarters, who claimed that two arrest warrants had been issued against him in a money laundering case," the DCP said, according to the statement. When the victim said he could not visit the police station due to his age, the caller introduced the concept of a digital arrest, displaying fabricated case details to lend credibility to the threat. Soon after, another caller contacted the victim, claiming his Aadhaar had been misused, and demanded disclosure of his financial assets. "The victim was then placed under continuous WhatsApp video surveillance and instructed not to leave his house or contact anyone," Kumar said. The accused also created a fake CBI office and had a person pose as a lawyer to interact with the victim. Intimidated, the victim transferred Rs 2,19,18,000 to multiple bank accounts between November 26 and December 4, believing the funds were being deposited in RBI-mandated verification accounts. An e-FIR was registered on December 5, following which an IFSO team analysed bank transactions and digital footprints. Police arrested Patidar after nearly Rs 1 crore was traced to an account in his name, leading to more arrests in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The syndicate relied heavily on mule bank accounts, layered fund transfers, and international virtual numbers procured through online ads to evade detection. "We have recovered rubber stamps of various firms, cheque books, seven mobile phones, 20 debit cards and copies of Aadhaar cards," the DCP said. Recently, a south Delhi-based couple lost Rs 14.85 crore following a digital arrest. According to the police, Om Taneja and his wife, Dr Indira Taneja, were placed under digital arrest by cyber frauds for more than 15 days, impersonating telecom and law enforcement officials. The alleged frauds repeatedly threatened them with arrest and grave consequences. Between December 24 and January 9, the couple was forced to remain on continuous phone and video calls and coerced into transferring large sums of money to multiple bank accounts in the name of verification. Two cases were registered in Hyderabad in connection with partial damage done to a Plaster of Paris idol at a temple veranda and subsequent protest that led to attack on police personnel besides vandalising a religious structure of a particular community, the police said on Thursday. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo Mild tension prevailed at Puranapul area in Hyderabad late on Wednesday night following the incident in which four police personnel sustained injuries in stone pelting by the mob. According to a release from the city police, at approximately 11.30 pm on Wednesday, an unidentified individual entered the Puranapul Darwaza Mysamma temple and partially damaged a banner and a PoP idol located in the temple veranda. However, following the incident, a mob of approximately 300 people gathered and vandalised a nearby religious structure. They also attacked the police personnel who were trying to bring the situation under control and injured four policemen. The Kamatipura police registered two cases--one pertaining to the partial damage of idol at the temple and a separate case in connection with the attacks on police personnel and vandalising the religious structure, the release said. On the Puranapul Darwaza Mysamma temple incident, police said CCTV footage and other evidence from the crime scene have been collected. Crucial information regarding the accused has been obtained during the investigation, and the offender will be arrested soon, police said. With regard to the attack on policemen, the police said they have identified the perpetrators based on CCTV footage and videos. The police clarified that only the banner and the PoP idol in the Puranapul Darwaza Mysamma Temple veranda were partially damaged in the incident. "The idols in the Sanctum Sanctorum are safe. The offender has not entered inside the main temple. There is absolutely no truth in the rumors being spread that the main idol was destroyed," the police said. The Hyderabad police officials appealed to the citizens not to believe such malicious propaganda. The police further said currently, the situation in the area is completely under control. Earlier, joint commissioner of police, (law & order, co-ordination) Tafseer Iqubal said anti-social elements created disturbance in the area. "The situation is under control and peaceful. We have some clues and are working on them," he told reporters. He also appealed to the people not to believe in rumours, adding stern action will be initiated against anti-social elements. Additional forces including personnel of RAF were deployed and patrolling has been intensified besides placing pickets. AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi visited the area and spoke to police officials. Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao, who visited the temple, attacked the ruling Congress over the incident claiming this is not an isolated incident, but part of a disturbing and recurring pattern of temple desecrations in Telangana. He demanded an immediate, impartial investigation to identify who is behind these attacks, and strict action against all those responsible. Air India on Thursday cancelled at least three flights to the United States, and certain services to Europe will face some delays due to Iranian airspace closure, according to a source. At least three flights -- two from the national capital to New York and Newark, and one from Mumbai to New York -- have been cancelled, the source told PTI. In a post on X, the airline said that due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays. "Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled," the airline said, and regretted the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen disruption. Air India uses Iranian airspace for flights to the US and Europe, and the alternative option is to fly over Iraq airspace. Since using Iraq's airspace will mean a longer duration, the aircraft will not have enough fuel to operate some of the services to the US, the source said. With the Pakistan airspace closure, Air India is already taking longer routes for many of the West-bound flights. "Due to the sudden airspace closure by Iran, some of our international flights are impacted. Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives," IndiGo said in a post on X. SpiceJet, in a post on X, said that due to airspace closure in Iran, some of its flights may be affected. Tensions are mounting between Iran and the US, with apprehensions that the situation could escalate into a conflict between the two countries. SINGAPORE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday announced that Pritam Singh will cease to serve as the leader of the opposition in Parliament, following Singh's criminal convictions and a parliamentary vote questioning his suitability. "Having considered the matter carefully, I have decided that Mr. Singh's criminal convictions, taken together with Parliament's view of his unsuitability, make it no longer tenable for him to continue as the Leader of the Opposition," Wong, also secretary-general of the ruling People's Action Party, said in a statement. On Wednesday, Parliament passed a motion expressing regret over Singh's conduct and deeming him unfit to continue as leader of the opposition after a debate. All 11 Workers' Party members of Parliament voted against the motion. Singh, chief of the Workers' Party, Singapore's largest opposition party, was convicted in February 2025 on two counts of lying to Parliament. The case was linked to an investigation into former Workers' Party lawmaker Raeesah Khan, who resigned in 2021 after admitting she had made false statements in Parliament. Khan had falsely claimed in 2021 that she had accompanied a sexual assault victim to a police station, where the victim was allegedly mistreated, before later admitting the claim was untrue. Singh was found guilty of lying about his role in handling the case, specifically whether, when, and how he had advised Khan to come clean. Wong said Singh's designation as leader of the opposition will cease immediately. He has invited the Workers' Party to nominate another elected member of Parliament to serve in the role. In Singapore, the leader of the opposition's duties include leading the opposition in presenting alternative views on policies, bills, and motions, and in scrutinizing the government's positions and actions in Parliament. Chetak helicopters showered flower petals, mounted troops showcased military might, while the Nepal Army Band set the tone, as the Indian Army for the first time held its Army Day Parade outside a cantonment area on Mahal Road in Jaipur on Thursday. IMAGE: The Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi attend the Army Day celebrations in Jaipur, January 15, 2026. Photograph: ANI Digital/X The parade marking the 78th Army Day showcased the BrahMos missile, advanced armoured platforms, the formidable Bhishma Tank (T-90) and the indigenous Arjun Tank, in the presence of Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and senior military officers. Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa were also present in the parade. A large number of people also witnessed the parade, with air warriors in Apache, Prachand, Dhruv and Rudra helicopters criss-crossing the sky above them. Army Day Parade 2026 The grand display of the Army's modern military capabilities included upgraded BMP-II infantry combat vehicles, Nag missile system, K-9 Vajra artillery system, all-terrain patrol vehicles, specialised mobility vehicles, anti-mine quick reaction platforms, mobile anti-tank teams, advanced HELINA missile system and ZU-23 twin-barrel anti-aircraft gun. The Dhanush weapons system, modern artillery gun systems and universal rocket launcher systems were also displayed, alongside a modular bridge capable of rapid deployment in combat zones, and communication and electronic warfare assets such as SATCOM vehicles and drone jammers. The motorcycle team of the Army's Service Corps performed daring manoeuvres, while two paratroopers flew over the parade, thrilling the audience who greeted every daring move with loud cheers. Gallantry awards presented at Army Day The parade commenced with General Dwivedi presenting Sena Medal gallantry awards, posthumously, to Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Hawaldar Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Lance Naik Subhash Kumar and Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar. It was followed by a salute by the parade commander, Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Kirti Chakra awardees. Troops from the newly formed Bhairav Battalion, Maratha Light Infantry, Madras Regiment, Rajput Regiment, Dogra Regiment, Artillery Regiment and the NCC cadets also took part in the parade, along with contingents from Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. Operation Sindoor tableau part of Army Day parade One of the tableaux displayed the military action during Operation Sindoor. After the display of the military might, folk artistes performed Kalbelia, Gair, Kacchi Ghodi, and Dangal, all traditional folk dance forms of Rajasthan. Earlier, Chief of Defence Staff Chauhan, Army Chief Dwivedi, Air Commodore Purushottam Verma and Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti paid tribute to the martyrs by laying wreaths at the Prerna Sthal at the South Western Army Command. A short film depicting the journey of the Army was also displayed on the occasion. Elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Thursday, held after nine years, witnessed numerous complaints of electoral roll discrepancies, missing names, and mismatches between online records and physical voter lists, leading to confusion and delays. IMAGE: Voters check their names in the voter list as they arrive to cast their vote for Municipal Corporation elections, in Mumbai, January 15, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Election staff and workers of political parties involved in the process too echoed voters' grievances, with many claiming that voter lists provided to them carried poorly printed photographs, making verification difficult and time-consuming. Senior citizens and disabled voters faced problems due to the absence of volunteers to assist them, inadequate signage, missing booth numbers on voter slips and a lack of guidance at polling centres. Several voters as well as opposition leaders, including Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray alleged that the indelible ink used during the polling could be easily wiped off using sanitiser, acetone or even water, raising concerns about the possibility of impersonation or multiple voting. Some voters complained that although there was no official ban on carrying mobile phones inside polling stations provided they were switched off, police did not allow them to enter with their phones. At some polling stations, posters stating that mobile phones were not allowed were also seen. In several instances, voters reported that details displayed on the election commission's official app and websites did not match the printed lists available at polling booths. Many voters said their polling booths, which had remained unchanged for years, were either shifted or merged without adequate prior notice, forcing them to go from one help desk to another in search of their names. Sayeed Anwar, a resident of Crawford Market, said when he searched for his name on the Election Commission of India's website, it showed his polling centre at the JJ Institute, but upon reaching there, he was directed to the Musafirkhana polling centre. "For the last several elections, we have cast our votes at JJ Institute polling station. Now we are being asked to visit another centre.The election commission should have also updated the booth details online instead of making voters run from one centre to another," Anwar said. An election staff posted at a polling station in Dunne institute, Colaba, said that a large number of voters arrived at the polling station on Wodehouse road, unaware that their polling station had changed. They were guided to the correct polling station, he said. "In the last two elections, we cast our vote at a polling booth opposite Kalachowki police station. But this time it has been shifted far away to a BMC parking facility. I also struggled to find my name in the supplementary list," Kalachowki resident Sanjay Shinde said. A Shiv Sena functionary from Parel claimed several persons could not cast their votes early in the day as they went to their usual polling stations only to learn that the booths had been shifted. Many of them left for work without voting, he added. In several cases, residents from the same building were assigned different polling stations located far apart. In some places, polling staff were seen assisting voters in tracing their assigned booths. "I have been voting in the area since 2009 but for the first time found my name has also appeared in a list in Dindoshi where I previously lived. Election officials came to my house last month and took a written declaration that Dindoshi was my earlier address and I have shifted to Vile Parle. However, the double asterisk still remained next to my name," a Vile Parle resident said. After showing the form he had filled earlier, officials asked him to submit another form and then allowed him to vote. Meanwhile, a retired professor took an unusual step by submitting a list of four absent voters from her building to the G-North ward returning officer in Dadar, urging officials to remain alert against possible impersonation attempts. Speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, the 84-year-old said these four persons were currently abroad and expressed concern that someone might attempt to cast vote in their names. The returning officer confirmed receiving her request. Elections to 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, were held on Thursday. Expressing "serious concern" over United States President Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff announcement against countries trading with Iran, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor asserted that "no Indian company will be viable in exporting to America at 75 per cent. IMAGE: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Photograph: @ShashiTharoor/X The Congress MP said he had been "troubled" by the US tariff regime from the very beginning, adding that India was already at a disadvantage compared to its regional competitors. Speaking to ANI, Tharoor said, "I have always been troubled about these tariffs because even the very first 25 per cent that was given to India was a problem because all the other economies, our rivals in South East Asia, who are competing with us in terms of labour-intensive industries that we produce, that we export to America like gems, jewellery, marine products, shrimp, leather, all these kinds of goods countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and even Pakistan and Bangladesh were all given tariff between 15 per cent and 19 per cent." He added that the situation had worsened with additional sanctions-related tariffs. "So, the 25 per cent was already a problem. Now, you have 25 per cent more for Russian sanctions which takes it up to 50 per cent and if there are 25 per cent more in Iranian sanctions, that it takes it up to 75 per cent. So, let's face it, no Indian company will be viable in exporting to America at 75 per cent," Tharoor said. "It will be only those items that are not so far sanctioned, like pharmaceuticals and so, which we can continue selling. The other items will not be viable. So, it is troubling. I don't know what the Government is saying, but from my point of view, this is very serious," he asserted. The Congress MP also expressed hope that the new US Ambassador could help with the trade deal. "I hope that the new US Ambassador would work very hard on his Government and our Government and try and bring a meeting of the minds very quickly on the trade deal," he added. Tharoor's remarks come after US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping trade measure on Monday targeting countries that "continue to do business with Iran", imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all their business dealings with the US. In a post on Truth Social, 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Further, commenting on the conversation between External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Tharoor stressed the urgency of concluding a bilateral trade agreement. "It (trade deal) should be in the first quarter of 2026. We can't wait for the whole year to go by for a trade deal. I think it really should happen sooner," he said. He welcomed Pax Silica's announcement, saying, "I think the Pax Silica announcement was welcome. I do believe that the Quad Summit announcement should not be delayed. We should be able to exercise our right sooner." Tharoor further added, "Certainly, at 75 per cent (tariff) there is no deal possible. If we can come down to something closer to the 15 per cent that the UK has with America, then we are in business. That is the kind of respect you show to a strategic partner. But at 75 sort of thing, the strategic partnership ceases to have any meaning." Voting in 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra began on Thursday morning with spotlight on Mumbai, where the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Mahayuti alliance is locked in an intense battle with the reunited Thackeray cousins for control of India's largest and richest civic body. IMAGE: People stand in queue to cast votes at a polling booth in Mumbai civic poll. Photograph: ANI video grab Polling for 2,869 seats spread across 893 wards in these municipal corporations began amid tight security at 7.30 am and will conclude at 5.30 pm. A total of 3.48 crore voters are eligible to decide the fate of 15,931 candidates. In the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, whose annual budget is over Rs 74, 400 crore, 1,700 candidates are vying for 227 seats in elections being held after nine years, after a four-year delay. More than 25,000 police personnel have been deployed across Mumbai to oversee elections. Except for Mumbai, the other urban bodies have multi-member wards. Vote count will take place on January 16. These are the first BMC polls since the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena when Eknath Shinde, now Deputy Chief Minister, broke away with a majority of the party's MLAs and allied with the BJP to become the chief minister. The undivided Shiv Sena held sway over India's richest civic body for 25 years (1997-2022). IMAGE: Members of a family show their inked fingers after casting their votes at a polling station in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI video grab In a significant political turn of events ahead of the elections, estranged cousins Uddhav and Raj Thackeray, who head the Shiv Sena-UBT and the MNS, respectively, reunited last month after two decades in their bid to consolidate Marathi votes even as rival NCP factions forged a local alliance in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Congress, once a formidable political force in Maharashtra, has asserted its presence in Mumbai by stepping out of the shadow of its Maha Vikas Aghadi allies -- Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). The grand old party has joined hands with Prakash Ambedkar's Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) and the Rashtriya Samaj Paksh in the state capital. Elections to the 29 municipal corporations are being held after a gap of several years, with terms of most of them having ended between 2020 and 2023. Of these, nine fall in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the most urbanised belt in India. Voting is underway in the following municipal corporations: Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Kolhapur, Nagpur, 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. Russia on Thursday expelled a British diplomat suspected of spying after FSB counter-intelligence established his links with UK secret services. IMAGE: A view of the British Embassy in Moscow. Photograph: Courtesy @ukinrussia on X The Federal Security Service (FSB) stated that Gareth Samuel Davies, a secretary at the British Embassy in Moscow, is working for the UK secret services. UK's Charge d'Affaires in Moscow, Danae Dholakia, was summoned to launch a formal protest and demand the suspected spy's departure from Russia within two weeks. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said, "Moscow will not tolerate activities of undeclared agents of British special services on Russian territory." The Russian government has a zero-tolerance policy on matters of national security, it said. Dholakia was summoned to Smolenskaya Square (MFA) to inform her that Russia's competent authorities had obtained information indicating that one of the embassy's diplomatic employees was affiliated with British intelligence services. "In view of this, and in accordance with Article 9 of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the accreditation of this individual is being revoked," the ministry said. He is required to leave the Russian Federation within a two-week period. In view of past cases of expulsions and counter-expulsions, the MFA warned that Russia will retaliate symmetrically if the UK takes measures to escalate the situation following the exposure of the British intelligence officer working undercover in Russia. "A warning has been issued that if London escalates the situation, the Russian side will retaliate," the Russian MFA said in the press note posted on its site. Russia had expelled two British diplomats based in Moscow in 2025. State-run TASS had quoted a statement by FSB to report that in March last year, Russia had stripped two UK diplomats of accreditation based on signs of intelligence activity. The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday termed the Supreme Court's observations on the Enforcement Directorate's petition alleging obstructions during raids at I-PAC premises a "serious indictment" of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government, alleging that she used the state machinery to shield those accused of coal smuggling and money laundering. IMAGE: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offers puja and prayer at Bagala Mata Mandir near the Kalighat area, in Kolkata, January 14, 2026. Photograph: ANI Photo Banerjee is completely exposed and defeated today both in the court of public opinion and in the court of law, the BJP said, stressing that there is now no justification for her to remain in the post of chief minister. It came after the top court described the Enforcement Directorate's allegation that Banerjee caused "obstruction" in its probe as "very serious" and agreed to examine whether a state's law-enforcing agencies can interfere with any central agency's investigation into any serious offence. The top court stayed the FIR filed in West Bengal against ED officials who raided the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) office and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, on January 8 and directed the state police to protect the CCTV footage of the raids. A bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Vipul Pancholi issued notices to Banerjee, the West Bengal government, director general of police Rajeev Kumar and top cops on the ED's petitions seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against them for allegedly obstructing raids at I-PAC premises. Reacting to the development, BJP co-in-charge for West Bengal Amit Malviya said, "This is a serious indictment of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government." In a "stinging" observation, the Supreme Court noted that the plea raises serious issues of alleged interference by state agencies in an ongoing ED investigation, he said. The court warned that obstruction of central agencies probing grave economic offences could lead to lawlessness, he said in a post on X. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, party national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia termed the apex court's observations and stay on the FIR against the ED officials a "resounding slap" to Banerjee, and said this makes it clear that there is "jungle raj" in West Bengal under the Trinamool Congress (TMC) rule. "Salute to the honourable Supreme Court for yet again showing a mirror to an anarchist leader like Mamata Banerjee and sending out a message that only the rule of law will prevail in India and West Bengal," he said. "The elections are approaching. The people will teach such a lesson that anarchy will be completely destroyed along with Mamata Benrjee's corrupt politics," Bhatia added. Another BJP national spokesperson Shazia Ilmi called the the Supreme Court's observations a "severe blow" to Banerjee and her government, saying her "consistent pattern" of disregarding the sanctity of the constitutional institutions has also been taken into account. "Mamata Banerjee has been completely exposed and defeated today, both in the court of public opinion and in the court of law. There is now no justification for her to remain in the position of the chief minister," Ilmi said in the same press conference. Taking on Banerjee, Malviya said that when a chief minister uses the state machinery to shield those accused of coal smuggling and money laundering, and to intimidate central agencies, the Supreme Court's intervention becomes "inevitable". He alleged that the chief minister's conduct during the ED raids at I-PAC premises was not governance but abuse of power to protect corruption. Bhatia alleged that Banerjee barged into the I-PAC premises during the ED's raid, intimidated the investigating officials and stole the evidence of the money laundering case linked to alleged coal smuggling. "Look at their goondaism. Ahead of the hearing of a petition in the Calcutta High Court in the matter, the TMC's IT cell called its goons inside the courtroom sending WhatsApp messages," he said. "The TMC goons came inside the courtroom and tried to intimidate the judge. And, when the judge could not be intimated, they started creating uproar, forcing the court to adjourn the hearing," Bhatia added. The ED's plea in the apex court follows events from January 8, when ED officials faced obstructions during the probe agency's raids at the office of the political consultancy firm I-PAC in Salt Lake and the residence of its chief, Pratik Jain, in Kolkata in connection with a coal smuggling case. The probe agency has claimed that Banerjee entered the premises and took away "key" evidence related to the probe. The chief minister has accused the central agency of overreach, while her party, the TMC, has denied the ED's allegation of "obstructing" its probe. The state's police have registered an FIR against ED officers. A brief moment of panic unfolded on Thursday when a short circuit filled with smoke a room where Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati was addressing a press conference. IMAGE: Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati. Photograph: ANI on X Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav termed it a security lapse and demanded a thorough probe into the matter. No casualties were reported in the incident, a party leader said. "An investigation should be conducted into the security lapse that occurred during Ms Mayawati's address on her birthday. This is a serious matter and should be investigated from all angles," Yadav said in a post on X. The incident occurred during the final moments of the press conference held at the BSP headquarters in Lucknow on the occasion of Mayawati's 70th birthday. Smoke was seen coming out of a bulb in the room, which led to a commotion. BSP state president Vishwanath Pal told PTI that a bulb fused during the press meet, leading to a short circuit in the wiring. "As the wire got burnt, a small amount of smoke spread in the room. There was no fire, and no damage," he said. Mayawati, who turned 70 on Thursday, observed the day across Uttar Pradesh as Jan Kalyankari Diwas. A US-based leading human rights organisation has urged Sri Lanka to prosecute perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the island nation's decades-long civil war. IMAGE: File image of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. Photograph: ANI photo The Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday also said that a recent UN report about sexual violence, primarily by security forces, against Tamil civilians during the civil war was another step forward in the struggle for accountability for crimes under international law. The UN 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 report, issued on Tuesday, found that sexual violence was part of a deliberate, widespread, and systemic pattern of violations by state security forces, and may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. "While the appalling rape and murder of Tamil women by Sri Lankan soldiers at the war's end has long been known, the UN report shows that systematic sexual abuse was ignored, concealed, and even justified by Sri Lankan governments unwilling to punish those responsible," Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said. "Sri Lanka's international partners need to step up their efforts to promote accountability for war crimes in Sri Lanka," Ganguly added. The HRW says that successive Sri Lankan governments have failed to credibly investigate and prosecute international crimes related to the 26-year civil war between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The current government, which came to office in 2024 promising justice, has made no apparent progress, while victims and survivors continue to suffer long-term harm, the HRW said. There are significant legal and institutional obstacles to justice, including a 20-year statute of limitations in sexual violence cases and the fact that Sri Lankan law does not recognise the rape of men. Some survivors who attempted to register complaints described humiliating or intimidating experiences with the police and court authorities. Survivors cannot be expected to seek protection from the very entity they fear, one respondent told the UN. Sri Lanka is obligated under international law to prosecute perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity, and until it does, foreign governments need to do more to press for accountability, Ganguly said. "That means providing support for legal processes, better vetting of military personnel for peacekeeping missions, and concerted efforts to bring criminal cases abroad under universal jurisdiction." The 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 V Prabhakaran. The UN report has 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 UN report added. Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez (C) walks ahead of her annual report to the legislature on behalf of the administrative body in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo by Marco Salgado/Xinhua) CARACAS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday called on the legislature to approve an oil industry reform plan to attract foreign investment and promote the country's economic recovery. In her annual report to the legislature on behalf of the administrative body, Rodriguez said that the relevant reforms would help improve the operating environment of the oil industry and enhance its capacity for external cooperation. According to the acting president, the South American nation's oil production reached 1.2 million barrels in December last year. The revenue from oil exports will mainly be used to support the construction of the public health system, promote economic development and advance infrastructure projects. Venezuela is currently at an important turning point, and the government will explore more pragmatic and diversified ways of foreign exchange, said Rodriguez. The country should handle its relations with all parties, including the United States, on the basis of mutual respect, she added. Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez (Front) delivers her annual report to the legislature on behalf of the administrative body in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo by Marco Salgado/Xinhua) Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez delivers her annual report to the legislature on behalf of the administrative body in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo by Marco Salgado/Xinhua) Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez walks ahead of her annual report to the legislature on behalf of the administrative body in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo by Marco Salgado/Xinhua) Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodriguez (R) walks ahead of her annual report to the legislature on behalf of the administrative body in Caracas, Venezuela, Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo by Marco Salgado/Xinhua) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt gestures during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 15, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump is keeping all options on the table for responding to Iran's unrest, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua) WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump is keeping all options on the table for responding to Iran's unrest, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. "The president and his team are closely monitoring this situation, and all options remain on the table for the president," she said at a press briefing, warning of "grave consequences" if the killing continues in Iran. Citing a senior U.S. official, The New York Times reported Thursday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to Trump on Wednesday, asking the White House to postpone any U.S. military attack on Iran, which Trump reportedly has been weighing for days. The U.S. military is evacuating troops from Middle East bases and sending reinforcements to the region, according to a report by U.S. media outlet Axios. On Thursday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced sanctions on more than 20 individuals and entities allegedly related to Iran. Protests have been held since late December in several Iranian cities. Authorities said they are prepared to address economic grievances, while warning against violence, vandalism and unrest. Initially peaceful, the protests gradually escalated into violence, resulting in casualties and damage to public property, including mosques, government buildings and banks. Iranian authorities have attributed the unrest to interference by the United States and Israel. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 15, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump is keeping all options on the table for responding to Iran's unrest, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua) White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt gestures during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Jan. 15, 2026. U.S. President Donald Trump is keeping all options on the table for responding to Iran's unrest, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. (Photo by Li Yuanqing/Xinhua) BRATTLEBORO New leadership at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital is meeting with regulators, who expressed thanks for an openness about the difficult financial situation. Worried about the hospital's solvency, the Green Mountain Care Board asked for a revised spending plan in October. Owen Foster, board chairman, described the circumstances as "exceptional." He said the board wants BMH to "thrive." "But first and foremost," he said at the board meeting on Wednesday, "the solution to make sure that happens is the management and the board needs to identify the essential services for that community, and it needs to come up with a plan to pay for them." Foster said he will make similar points next week when the hospital's interim co-CEOs attend a board meeting. BMH interim co-CEO Dr. Elizabeth McLarney previously said she expects the meeting to be "confirmatory." A 2.4 percent rate increase for BMH from commercial health insurance reimbursements was allowed by the board even though "we couldn't make heads or tails of their submission," said Matthew Sutter, director of health systems finances at the GMCB. "Since the budget hearing, there's been significant changes to leadership at BMH," Sutter said. "They've hired a consultant to uncover issues at the hospital and correct financial and reporting issues. These updated financials will give the hospital leaders, the GMCB and Vermonters a more accurate picture of the hospital's financial position." Sutter said a "worrying" figure in the new submission is a $5 million decrease in net patient revenue from the last budget. "But more impactful to their bottom line is that the operating expenses are projected at $9.3 million," he said. "Combined, this results in an almost $15 million deterioration versus their original submission, in very concerning double digit operating margin losses." Foster said he doesn't "think it's really appropriate for the board to solve financial problems necessarily with commercial rate." "And if a hospital submits inaccurate and incomplete, knowingly inaccurate data, I don't know that we should be giving rate increases at all," he said. "It's just a bad precedent to set." Issues experienced at the hospital weren't "birthed in the last year or two years," said David Sanville, a consultant tapped to serve as interim chief financial officer at BMH. "It's been an ongoing thing for Brattleboro for many years," he said. Additional pandemic funds the hospital received since 2020 didn't reflect what it was "operating at for efficiency," Sanville said. Once removed from projections, an average loss over nine years was estimated to land at $5 million a year. Sanville said the new budget was built "based on everything that was true factually in the moment and anything we knew was going to change factually in the future, meaning the fiscal year." Anything deemed "aspirational" was removed, he told the board. He reported "a significant reduction in gross and net revenues." "So bottom line is," Sanville said, "we believe that the budget we submitted to you folks is compliant with all the terms of the order that Brattleboro received with this revised budget. In fact, we are well below the cap established for net patient revenue ..." Brattleboro Memorial Hospital leaders look to surmount challenges BRATTLEBORO New leaders at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital are facing financial challenges h In an interview with reporters on Monday, acting co-CEO Dr. Tony Blofson described the hospital being in "a rather extraordinary circumstance." "We've been trying to look at the various aspects that have been putting the financial pressure onto Brattleboro hospital," he said, "the obvious ones like the independent rural hospital, a small institution, and the pressures that come along with that, both nationally and statewide, as well as our own internal leads of things to change, for example, our no show rate, which has skyrocketed in the past year, which also then leads to decreased revenue." Hospital leaders are exploring the possibility of an exemption to Act 55. The new Vermont law caps what Vermont hospitals are allowed to bill health insurers for prescription drugs administered outside of inpatient settings at no more than 120 percent of the drugs average sales price. The hope at BMH is to find ways to increase reimbursement revenue by decreasing the denials it receives in requests to insurers. Grant funding opportunities also are being sought out. Staffing levels will be a consideration, Blofson said, "but we also want to keep patient safety." "We want to continue primary care," he said. "We have union negotiations going on. They were paused very graciously by the union while we were switching the CEOs and the CFOs." Programs are being evaluated for potential reductions. Cost containment measures also are found in shared services with other health care providers, which are said to help with struggles to hire staff in a rural area. "There's a lot of stuff that goes on that hospitals are required to carry that don't always make sense," Sanville told regulators. "But in the sense of providing the necessary care to our community and keeping patients safe and providing adequate access, we're forced to carry those." Sanville said the hospital incurs an annual cost of about $500,000 for "round the clock pediatric coverage for the birthing unit." "And with a diminishing volume of births statewide, nationwide and certainly in the Brattleboro service area," he said, "that becomes less and less tenable for the organization." A contract with new emergency clinician and anesthesia groups also added $400,000 to the budget since the hospital's first submission, Sanville said. "We were able to remove a lot of one-time and non-recurring consultant costs previously included," he said. "But we also added back about $1 million because, frankly, we we have a lot of work to do at Brattleboro, and we have limited bandwidth with existing staff and management." BMH has "a disproportionate number of denials" from insurers, Sanville said, "so that's really our next bastion of revenue improvement without changing pricing." "There are two groups currently running projects in that area," he said, "and that's kind of a large offset that we probably have not been getting paid for the work that we're doing." Denials involve coding issues, untimely filings or lack of preauthorization. "To be frank, it is seemingly more on our end than the payer end," Sanville said. The company is now growing, and our partnerships with companies like Dell and some of the larger players, like Commvault and Rubrik were starting to move up the food chain. Stockdale said there was definite focus now on assisting its channel partners to become successful in that tier one, tier two space, and Wasabi was even recruiting people now that will move it into the enterprise space. Thats the really exciting part for us here in Australia and New Zealand, is that the partners weve been recruiting are in some cases, national partners, he said. Others are more specific in AI and AI infrastructure. Were starting to work on building out that platform and portfolio for sustained growth as we move ahead. AI requirements Recruiting AI and AI infrastructure specialist partners fits in with the trends of giant AI workloads coming online right now, Falaro said. Everybody talks about building these large language models all of them take data, and so we store a lot of data, he explained. Just in 2025, [over] a short time span we attracted over 200 petabytes, which is a lot of AI data as a data lake. Accumulating data to then migrate it towards the GPUs to do the training of these large language models you need a place to accumulate that data and eventually store it. What Wasabi is seeing across A/NZ is a lot of AI-ready infrastructure has been built and utilised by large enterprise companies, and those workloads are starting to appear, explained Stockdale. I still feel in A/NZ that that will start to filter down into the mid-market, he said. What were trying to do is prepare our partners for being in a strong position to be able to present alternatives to their client base around an AI-ready infrastructure. Were a part of the recipe, albeit a small part, a very important part of that recipe. Recently, I attended an event with Equinix and a channel partner of ours in the space, Xenon Systems. The audience was asking about what you do need for AI-ready infrastructure you need to have the right GPUs and the right processing capacity. This is followed very closely by fast networking, and fast object storage, because large amounts of data cant be run on spinning disk on premises, explained Stockdale. He said there needs to be a hybrid situation to be able to satisfy that need. Elevating cybersecurity conversations Another essential part of being AI ready is protecting data, with valid business reasons for compliance. Whether its enterprise service providers or smaller MSPs, most customers dont know how to protect themselves, and thats why they have these relationships, said Falaro. Even with encryption as a technique that weve used since the very beginning, thats not good enough, he explained. If somebody steals the admin credentials, they can go in and delete the Wasabi account, for example, and to us, it just looks like the admin coming in and deleting their account. For example, Wasabis security data protection feature Covert Copy creates an air-gapped copy of a storage bucket, said Falaro. We wont delete anybodys account without two independent members of that company coming in with credentials to say, yes, delete the account. Thats some level of what we call multi-user authorisation. While products like Covert Copy provides the technical solution, MSPs need to elevate their conversations with their customers. You want to identify whats the problem and what were actually solving, noted Stockdale. In doing so, heres some options for you and solutions to solve that problem. Now, you know, thats probably a bit trite, because its 101 selling. Interestingly enough, the MSPs need to elevate to that level, to be able to deliver a service. Technically, theyre all very astute, very good, but in articulating what the business needs are and the problem theyre trying to solve, thats where were going to help them. This advice comes at a time when the privacy laws in Australia have compliance requirements. Directors and boards of directors need to ensure that information that is private to the customer base or to the business needs to comply, noted Stockdale. It needs to have an off-site, immutable copy of that data to be able to restore. Most companies go through compliance, go through the security assessments they need to make sure they tick all the boxes. I think the other thing that the channel partners will be able to present to the client base is the impact that can have on their cyber insurance by having an off-site immutable copy. Iran has been a major supplier of military equipment to Russia in recent years, especially since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but experts have told RFE/RL that this support no longer plays a key role in Moscow's war effort. Iranian missile sales to Russia, including air defense missiles and ballistic missiles, have totaled $2.7 billion since October 2021, according to a January 12 Bloomberg report citing an unnamed Western security official. The volume of trade is not publicly disclosed by Moscow, and Iran denies supplying anything to Russia. "So long as conflict persists between the parties, Iran will abstain from rendering any form of military assistance to either side," Iran's permanent mission to the United Nations said in a statement in May. There is evidence to the contrary, particularly Russia's widespread use of Iranian Shahed attack drones in the early stages of the full-scale war. But the value of this support now seems much diminished. Drones "Even though there's still some transfers of Iranian drones, at least as late as last year, some newer drone designs that were still being transferred from Iran, I think we've long passed the peak of Iranian defense transfers to Russia," Hanna Notte, Eurasia program chief at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, told RFE/RL on January 14. Ruslan Suleymanov, an analyst at the New Eurasian Strategies Center, took a similar view. "Russia is no longer as dependent on Iranian weapons as it was four years ago. The same Shahed drones are produced on Russian territory under the name Geran andabout 90 percent of the entire production cycle of those drones is already fully located in Russia, without Iran's assistance," he told Current Time on January 13. Iran provided Russia with technology and training, and a plant at Alabuga in Russia's Tatarstan region is churning out Gerans. According to Ukraine, Russia produces some 5,000 long-range drones of various types each month. This includes the Geran strike drone and the Gerbera, a drone without a warhead used as decoy to saturate Ukraine's air defenses. Missiles In April, General Christopher Cavoli, head of US Central Command at the time, told the US Senate Armed Services committee that "Iran also continued its material support for Russia, donating over 400 short-range ballistic missiles and hundreds of thousands of artillery shells." In May, Reuters reported Iran would also send Fath-360 missile launchers, although Tehran denied this. Previously, in September 2024, Pentagon spokesman Pat Ryder said Fath 360 missiles had been delivered. That was followed in October 2024 by US sanctions on two Russian shipping companies for delivering drone equipment and munitions across the Caspian Sea for use in Ukraine. "The Department of State is taking action today to constrain further Iran's destabilizing activities, including its transfer of ballistic missiles to Russia," a statement said. The European Union followed suit days later with sanctions on three Iranian airlines and two procurement firms "following Iran's missile and drone transfers to Russia." But there have been no reports of Fath 360 being used in Ukraine. Notte said this may be because the Fath 360 launchers were never delivered or Russia didn't need to use them as it ramped up domestic production and took deliveries from North Korea. A report in February last year by RUSI, a London-based think tank, noted Russia's Defense Ministry planned to produce some 750 ballistic and 560 cruise missiles in 2025. Since then, Ukrainian military intelligence has made higher estimates of output. "The Russians may just simply not have needed to use these Iranian missiles," Notte said. Munitions Iran is estimated to have sent extensive supplies of ammunition and shells to Russia since 2022. A Wall Street Journal investigation in 2023 put the numbers at 300,000 artillery shells and around 1 million rounds of ammunition. Ukrainian drone strikes in 2025 suggested military supplies were continuing. In April, Russian media reported the first attacks on the Caspian port of Olya, followed by reports of further strikes in August. Olya has been identified a major hub for shipments of Iranian military supplies. A report by the Kyiv School of Economics last year detailed volumes of explosives being transported by ship and rail from both Iran and North Korea. It said North Korean supplies now made up 58 percent of Russia's explosives imports. Notte said that, likewise, North Korean shells and bullets had eclipsed Iranian supplies in scale. "The Ukrainians estimated last year that 50 percent of all the ammunition that Russia used in Ukraine was DPRK (North Korea). So, my sense here is that once the DPRK came in as a major defense supply to Russia, there was just probably not a need to get Iranian ammunition," Notte said. RAMALLAH, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Work is underway to draft a temporary constitution and a political parties law in preparation for upcoming elections, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Thursday. "The State of Palestine would be democratic, based on equal citizenship, political pluralism, freedom of expression, the formation of political parties, the rule of law, good governance, human rights, integrity, and equality, with one system, one law, and one legitimate weapon," Abbas said during a speech in the West Bank city of Ramallah, according to the Palestinian official news agency WAFA. He noted that "peaceful popular resistance, alongside political, diplomatic, and legal action, remains the strategic choice to end the occupation." Abbas affirmed in Oct. 2025 a commitment to hold general presidential and parliamentary elections within a year after the end of the war in Gaza, according to WAFA. Iran has witnessed the biggest protests against the countrys clerical rulers since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. In response, the authorities have waged their deadliest-ever crackdown on street protests, killing thousands of people, according to human rights groups. The widespread killing of protesters has led to the United States threatening possible military action against the Islamic republic. RFE/RLs Kian Sharifi interviewed Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, about whether Irans clerical rulers will survive this latest round of protests and Washingtons possible response to the unrest. RFE/RL: Youve said these protests are different. What makes them stand out? Behnam Ben Taleblu: Its the latest incarnation of anti-regime protests that are trying to push past the paradigm of the Islamic republic in its entirety, but very acutely different: The nationalism in them has grown significantly, with crowds calling for exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi by name; these are the first multiday, multicity nationwide uprisings months after the [Israel-Iran] 12-day war, when external observers predicted [that Iranians would] rally around the flag. Instead, you see regime flags taken down and even burned, alongside other symbols. The situation on the ground is very fluid, and much rides on the nature, if any, of external intervention..." Protester resiliency persists despite violent crackdowns after the [2022] Woman, Life, Freedom movement and the inability of the diaspora to organize. Many thought this combination would have a chilling effect on the will of Iranian protesters to risk coming out onto the streets again for years to come. I think the level of discontent coupled with the failures of the government on the economic front and on the environment front across 2025 plus the military defeat in the 12-day war really was a cocktail of forces that made the current round of protests qualitatively different. And I think we can analytically say [this is] the most potent challenge from the street against the state in the past four decades [since] the Islamic Revolution. RFE/RL: This round of protests has seen the deadliest crackdown yet on street protesters. Do you see the Islamic republic surviving this, or is this it? Taleblu: No doubt there's been boom-and-bust cycles of protests in years past, but it's still too soon to tell. The situation on the ground is very fluid, and much rides on the nature, if any, of external intervention and how it's read as dampening or driving future rounds. But make no mistake. The social revolution has already happened against the Islamic republic. All that Iranians are waiting for is commensurate political change in Tehran. When and how [that happens] remains unclear. What is clear is the bravery of the Iranian people and their willingness to bear high levels of violence from this state, including at rates never before seen in four-plus decades of protests against this regime. RFE/RL: US President Donald Trump has warned of a very strong action against the Islamic republic and has not ruled out military strikes. How do you see the US responding? Taleblu: If Washington is able to somehow work to restore Internet access in a sustained manner, to kind of take out the spinal cord of command-and-control between the regime's security forces -- perhaps on the cyber side, perhaps on the kinetic side -- then that could put wind beneath the wings of Iranian protesters. But if this is simply used as an opportunity to, you know, resume the 12-day war, its highly likely that Iranians will revert to the behavior we saw during that period -- namely withdrawing and focusing on individual survival. That, in turn, could have a negative effect on protesters morale. So much is riding on the nature of US involvement. But I have to say, having lived and worked in Washington on these issues for many years, Washington should not have been caught flat-footed. This is not the first time there has been a national Internet outage in Iran, and in every round of protests the best, brightest, and bravest Iranians continue to go out unarmed into the streets against the state. Now is the time to think about how Washington -- on the high side, on the intelligence side -- can develop and craft a defector strategy. A way to encourage security forces to defect or to create fissures and cracks within those forces. These efforts need to be operating in the background before protests ever begin, so that whenever people do go out again -- and if this round is curtailed, there is no doubt they will go out again -- Washington is not once more caught flat-footed. RFE/RL: Are these protests leaderless? Taleblu: No doubt there is no domestic political organization inside the Islamic republic because of the high cost. What I see in the multiple rounds of anti-regime protests since 2017 that have been seeking a wholesale change of government is brave revolutionaries, brave Iranians, risking life and limb, without political cohesion, without political structure on the ground. Increasingly, as the nationalist tone and tenor of those protests have grown, they've drifted toward seeking, identifying, and aligning the majority of themselves, at least anecdotally, with exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. I think even when you had a regime like the shah's regime, prior to 1979 with its very different method of pushback against the street from the state, there was exiled opposition. So, in a regime that is qualitatively so much more repressive political leadership would have to come from the outside. But what is coming from the inside is bravery that we see on a day-to-day basis from what I call revolutionaries, average protesting Iranians. RFE/RL: Trump has mentioned possible talks with Iranian officials. Whats your assessment? Would they help the Islamic republic? Taleblu: I think its high time Washington -- and the Trump administration, in particular -- turned the page on US-Iran negotiations in their Iran policy playbook. Politically, for the president, the most important approach would be to draw a meaningful contrast to [former] President [Barack] Obamas Iran policy, rather than repeating past mistakes. Even President Obama, along with senior members of his staff like former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have acknowledged that their approach [during mass street protests] in 2009 -- prioritizing nuclear diplomacy over standing with the protesting Iranian street -- was a mistake. For President Trump in 2026 to make that same mistake, especially after having course-corrected during his first term with respect to Iran policy, would be a grave error politically for him and his legacy, strategically for America, morally for the American national interest, and harmful to the brave Iranian protesters. Why is that? This is a regime that for over four decades has chanted Death to America, yet has been able to negotiate, limp along, and survive to fight another day. It would be a mistake for President Trump to assume that the path to being a peacemaker in the Middle East lies in locking in and legitimizing the Islamic republics government or helping it survive the current round of anti-regime protests. *This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Iranians leaving their country spoke to RFE/RL about the scale of the deadly crackdown on protests. The death toll is at more than 2,600 demonstrators, according to the US-based human rights monitor HRANA. But many groups fear the number is far higher. The interviewees, who remain anonymous for safety reasons, have recently traveled outside Iran, where a digital blackout continues to block access to the Internet. Iran has stayed the executions of protesters, President Donald Trump said, quoting "very important sources on the other side," but tensions continued across the Middle East as the possibility of US military action against Tehran remains. Reports appear to indicate the massive protests, and the brutal crackdown that authorities unleashed to quell the unrest -- leaving thousands dead -- have abated. But with a near total Internet blackout in its seventh day according to watchdog Netblocks, tensions remain high and information scarce. Netblocks noted that the "online information vacuum is resulting in the amplification of pro-regime accounts, AI fakes, and other agendas." Trump told reporters at the White House on January 14 that he had received assurances from "very important sources on the other side" that Tehran would not go ahead with any executions of protesters detained by security forces. "They've said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place -- there were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions won't take place -- and we're going to find out," Trump said. "We've been told on good authority, and I hope it's true." On January 15, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that "800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place" were halted. However, Leavitt reiterated Trump's earlier warning to the hard-line rulers in Tehran, saying they will face "grave consequences" if the killings continue. "All options remain on the table for the president," she said. On the same day, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States had imposed sanctions on Iranian officials and banking networks, accusing them of violently cracking down on protests and laundering oil revenues. "At the direction of President Trump, the Treasury Department is sanctioning key Iranian leaders involved in the brutal crackdown against the Iranian people," Bessent said in a statement. "Treasury will use every tool to target those behind the regime's tyrannical oppression of human rights." Iranian authorities have waged one of the most brutal crackdowns ever after people across the country took to the streets in anti-government protests seen as one of the biggest challenges to clerical rule since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The independent US-based rights monitor HRANA said that according to its confirmed and verified data on January 14 the death toll in the protests had risen to 2,615 protesters, with more than 18,000 others arrested. Norway based Iran Human Rights said its research showed at least 3,428 protesters have been killed. Different activist groups have put the death toll far higher, but an internet blackout has made it difficult to verify the information. A journalist inside Iran who managed to send a report to RFE/RL's Radio Farda on January 13 said a taxi driver they talked to spoke of security forces attacking medical centers, kidnapping wounded protesters, and killing those who could not be transported. His claims could not be independently verified by RFE/RL, but they do match up with human rights sources and other reports from inside the country about the severity of the crackdown on the protests and the "mass killing" of protesters. In light of the reports of the violent crackdown, Trump had warned several times that the United States may intervene to halt the killings while urging Iranians to continue their protests. Rights groups had reported that one detained protester, 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, would be executed on January 14, six days after his arrest on charges of "waging war against God" over his role in the protests. Trump said late on January 13 in an interview with CBS News that if the authorities carried out the execution -- the first of a participant of the current wave of protests -- "you're going to see some things." The Norway-based Hengaw rights group, citing relatives of Soltani, said late on January 14 that the execution had not taken place, though "serious and ongoing concerns" remain. Iran's judiciary said on January 15 that the charges against Soltani, who is being held at the central penitentiary in the city of Karaj, do not carry a death sentence. The Iranian Judiciary Media Center said reports Soltani faced execution were "fabricated" and that he is charged with "gathering information and colluding against the country's internal security and propaganda activities against the regime." Trump has not elaborated on what actions the United States may take against Iran and when, but some personnel have been advised by Washington to leave the main US air base in the region after Tehran warned neighboring countries hosting US troops that it would retaliate against American bases if Washington carries out its threats. Iran's Islamic leadership has weathered previous protests, but the latest unrest comes as Tehran is still recovering from last year's war with Israel -- when the United States joined in a set of air strikes aimed at Iran's nuclear facilities -- and its regional position is weakened by blows to regional allies. Trump is thought to be mulling options including limited military strikes, a more concerted campaign of strikes against the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), or nonmilitary moves such as a full economic blockade or cyberattacks to disrupt the communication and decision-making systems of Iranian security agencies. In an interview with Reuters, published on January 14, Trump said there was a chance Iran's clerical government could collapse, though in truth, he added, "any regime can fail." "Whether or not it falls or not, it's going to be an interesting period of time," Trump said. If that were to happen, Trump said it isn't clear who would fill the void. He said opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late shah of Iran, who was ousted from power in 1979, "seems very nice." But the US leader also expressed uncertainty over whether Pahlavi would be able to muster support within Iran to eventually take over. "He seems very nice, but I don't know how he'd play within his own country," Trump said. "And we really aren't up to that point yet. "I don't know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me." People line up to collect ballot papers at a polling station in Wakiso district, Uganda, on Jan. 15, 2026. Presidential and parliamentary elections kicked off in Uganda as people queued to cast ballots on Thursday. More than 21 million Ugandans are expected to vote to elect the president, 353 directly elected members of parliament and 146 district women representatives on the day. Eight candidates are vying for the presidency, including incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking a seventh five-year term in office. His main rival is Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, a pop-star-turned politician. (Photo by Mary Kansiime/Xinhua) KAMPALA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's general elections kicked off on Thursday with more than 21 million voters casting ballots for the presidency and parliament amid tight security. According to the Electoral Commission, the country's electoral body, voting was scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and close at 4:00 p.m. local time (1300 GMT). More than 21 million Ugandans are expected to cast their ballots to elect the president and 353 directly elected members of parliament. Elections for members of parliament representing special interest groups, including older persons, persons with disabilities, workers, and youths, will be held at a later date. In the capital, Kampala, and some other parts of the country, voting was delayed due to network failures affecting biometric voter verification machines. Speaking to state-owned broadcaster Uganda Broadcasting Corporation Television, Electoral Commission Chairperson Simon Byabakama said polling officials had been instructed to rely on manual registers following the technical failures. Eight candidates are vying for the presidency, including incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking a seventh five-year term of office. "I thank Ugandans for turning up and casting their votes. The voter verification machines had problems at first, but they are now okay," Museveni said soon after voting in his home district, Kiruhura, western Uganda. Museveni's main challenger, pop star-turned-politician Robert Kyagulanyi, cast his vote in Magere in Wakiso District. He told reporters that despite the arrest of several supporters, he remained confident of victory and urged voters to turn out in large numbers. "I call upon all of you who have not voted to rush to the polling stations and vote. Your vote is your voice, and you must not allow anybody to suffocate it," Kyagulanyi said. According to the Electoral Commission, a presidential candidate must secure more than 50 percent of the vote to win outright. Results are expected within 48 hours after polls close. Xinhua reporters observed that security remained tight but calm in Kampala, with armed personnel deployed on foot and motorized patrols. While the United Nations Human Rights Office has criticized the election process, citing arrests of opposition supporters, the Ugandan government has dismissed the allegations. Election observers from the Forum of Parliaments of the Member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region said the vote is critical to Uganda's political stability and multiparty democracy, noting the country's central role in regional peace and security. Robert Kyagulanyi, a presidential candidate from the National Unity Platform, votes at a polling station in Wakiso district, Uganda, on Jan. 15, 2026. Presidential and parliamentary elections kicked off in Uganda as people queued to cast ballots on Thursday. More than 21 million Ugandans are expected to vote to elect the president, 353 directly elected members of parliament and 146 district women representatives on the day. Eight candidates are vying for the presidency, including incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking a seventh five-year term in office. His main rival is Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, a pop-star-turned politician. (Photo by Mary Kansiime/Xinhua) (260115) -- KAMPALA, Jan. 15, 2026 (Xinhua) -- A woman votes at a polling station in Kampala, Uganda, on Jan. 15, 2026. Presidential and parliamentary elections kicked off in Uganda as people queued to cast ballots on Thursday. More than 21 million Ugandans are expected to vote to elect the president, 353 directly elected members of parliament and 146 district women representatives on the day. Eight candidates are vying for the presidency, including incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking a seventh five-year term in office. His main rival is Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, a pop-star-turned politician. (Photo by Mary Kansiime/Xinhua) (260115) -- KIRUHURA, Jan. 15, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni votes at a polling station in Kiruhura district, Uganda, on Jan. 15, 2026. Presidential and parliamentary elections kicked off in Uganda as people queued to cast ballots on Thursday. More than 21 million Ugandans are expected to vote to elect the president, 353 directly elected members of parliament and 146 district women representatives on the day. Eight candidates are vying for the presidency, including incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking a seventh five-year term in office. His main rival is Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, a pop-star-turned politician. (Presidential Press Unit/Handout via Xinhua) James Cox Irish Love Island star Maura Higgins has been praised for an interaction with former Friends actor Michael Rapaport on the US edition of The Traitors. Higgins, 35, is a contestant on the American version of the hit TV series. When Rapaport said "we got rid of them" referring to murdered contestants, Higgins replied: "Why did you say, 'we got rid of'? Does that mean youre a Traitor?" The actor replied: "Let me tell you something, Maura. Im as faithful as a faithful." When she asked him about using the word 'we' again, Rapaport replied "I've said a lot of things", before Higgins cut him off and said: "Maybe just stop talking." Rapaport, 55, is most recognised for his role as Phoebe's boyfriend Gary on Friends. He also appeared on the likes of My Name is Earl, Justified and Atypical. The actor was a controversial choice for the show due to his political views. A staunch advocate of Israel, he supported the Israeli army's massacre in Rafah, while he has also made derogatory remarks about Palestinians. He is a harsh critic of New York mayor Zohran Mamdani and launched an expletive-laden tirade after his electoral victory. In 1997, Rapaport was arrested for harassing ex-girlfriend Lili Taylor and charged with two counts of aggravated harassment. Fans of the show were full of praise for Higgins on social media for "standing up" to the actor who they labelled a "bully". Maura Higgins attends the 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 11th, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images Other contestants on the US edition of The Traitors include Shirley Ballas' son Mark, Travis Kelce's mother Donna and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna. Speaking about the show, Higgins recently said: Well, Im starting off wearing a cape so I hope that Im a traitor, and I hope to kill everyone one by one. Someone comes for me at the roundtable. God love them. Sounds a bit traitor-y to me. I speak my mind, not really a shadow kind of girl. That sounded really devious, didnt it? She was also pictured on the Golden Globes red carpet on Sunday. Mumbai polls: Salman Khan, Shabana Azmi, Janhvi Kapoor cast votes Appealing to voters, the Police Commissioner added, We urge all registered voters to exercise their right to vote freely and fearlessly. As Mumbai went to the polls for the municipal elections on Thursday, several Bollywood actors and public figures, including Salman Khan, Shabana Azmi, and Janhvi Kapoor, were seen arriving at their respective polling stations to cast their votes. Actor Salman Khan arrived at a polling booth in the Bandra area accompanied by a large number of security guards. After casting his vote, the actor was seen showing his inked finger to the media. Advertisement Veteran actor Shabana Azmi, after casting her vote, spoke to the media and emphasised the importance of municipal elections. Municipal elections impact our lives the most; therefore, it is important to vote, she said. She also urged those who have not yet voted to exercise their democratic right, adding that the right to vote comes with responsibility and that those who do not vote lose the right to complain. Actor Raza Murad also appealed to citizens to participate in the voting process after casting his vote. Advertisement Meanwhile, actor Saumya Tandon, who reached Dalmia College to vote, was informed that her polling booth was located in Goregaon West. Speaking to ANI, she said she had checked her polling booth details online before arriving. I dont know why this confusion exists. I want to cast my vote as it is my right. I did not go for a shoot so that I could vote, she said. Fashion designer Manish Malhotra was also seen arriving at a polling station to cast his vote. Actors Shraddha Kapoor, Aamir Khan, Rajat Kapoor, Milind Gunaji, producer Boney Kapoor, actors Padmini Kolhapure and Bhagyashree, among others, also exercised their franchise. Some actors praised the arrangements made by the BMC. Advertisement Meanwhile, tight security arrangements have been put in place across Maharashtra. Speaking on the local body polls, Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe told ANI that a large number of police personnel, including armed battalions from outside the state, have been deployed. The presence of security personnel is not limited to polling booths but extends to areas within a 100-metre radius and other sensitive locations, he said. Appealing to voters, the Police Commissioner added, We urge all registered voters to exercise their right to vote freely and fearlessly. Advertisement (For more news apart from Mumbai BMC polls: Salman Khan, Shabana Azmi, Janhvi Kapoor cast votes," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Schools with the highest registration and participation will also be honored for their efforts in promoting the Punjabi mother tongue on an international level. File Photo. The results highlighted the dedication of the Punjabi diaspora. PSEB Declares Punjabi Olympiad Results; NRI Students Shine Globally Advertisement The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has announced the results of the 3rd International Punjabi Language Olympiad, revealing a massive increase in participation. PSEB Chairman Amarpal Singh confirmed that over 2.25 lakh students registered for the event. The results highlighted the dedication of the Punjabi diaspora, with students from Norway and Kenya securing top positions in the international categories. In the international category, students from Norway and Kenya dominated the top spots. Niamat Kaur Brar of Punjabi School, Oslo (Norway), clinched the top position. Advertisement Other performers included Simrit Kaur of SGGR Gurmat School, Nairobi (Kenya), and Parmeet Singh Gurm of Punjabi School, Oslo, who both emerged as toppers in the global rankings. According to the Board's announcement, the first-place winners in each category would receive a cash prize of INR 11,000. Those ranking second to tenth will be awarded prizes of INR 7,100 and INR 5,100, respectively. Schools with the highest registration and participation will also be honored for their efforts in promoting the Punjabi mother tongue on an international level. Advertisement Source: The Tribune At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two leaders of the European Union (EU) will be on a three-day visit to India from January 25 to 27. File Photo. The top EU leaders are also scheduled to co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27. India Invites Dual EU Leadership for Republic Day Amid Free Trade Push Advertisement The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday that European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be the chief guests for Indias 77th Republic Day celebrations. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the two leaders of the European Union (EU) will be on a three-day visit to India from January 25 to 27. The visit marks a crucial juncture in India-EU relations, as both sides are working toward finalising a much-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Advertisement The top EU leaders are also scheduled to co-chair the 16th India-EU Summit on January 27, where discussions are expected to centre on a new defence framework and a strategic security agenda. The joint invitation to the presidents of both the European Council and the Commission underscores the deepening strategic partnership. The visit is expected to provide the necessary political impetus to bridge the remaining gaps in trade negotiations and strengthen security ties between the two regions. Advertisement Source: The Tribune India's trade deficit with China tripled despite rising security concerns, says Congress Shrinate said that in 2014, India's trade deficit with China stood at $37.8 billion, which increased to $99.21 billion in 2024... Congress Working Committee member Supriya Shrinate on Thursday flagged that Indias trade deficit with China has more than tripled, reaching $116.1 billion, despite rising security concerns. Supriya Shrinate claimed that over the past 11 years under the Prime Minister Narendra Modiled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), India's trade dependence on China has been consistently rising. Advertisement She made the claims in a statement issued in a post on her X (formerly Twitter.) Shrinate said that in 2014, Indias trade deficit with China stood at $37.8 billion, which increased to $99.21 billion in 2024, and further surged to a record high of $116.12 billion in 2025. Shrinate also listed key anti-India Chinese actions over the past 11 years. She highlighted the following actions by China, which she described as anti-India: Advertisement Incursions in Ladakh; ongoing border crisis since 2020 Galwan Valley clash 20 Indian soldiers martyred Road construction in Doklam, leading to a standoff Renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh Settlement of villages in Indian territory Supporting Pakistan during Operation Sindoor Construction activities in the Shaksgam Valley (J&K) Detention of an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh while insisting on a Chinese passport Blocking UN designation of Masood Azhar and other terrorists as global terrorists But despite all of this, Modi govt has increased India's dependence on China manifold, she added. (For more news apart from Punjabi once rejected by Punjab, BCCI becomes Canadas National Team captain; I have a point to prove," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Raja Warring appeals to Akal Takht against AAP, other parties' political conferences during religious festivals He added that the Congress party has not held any such conference ever since the direction was issued in 2017. Political conferences during religious festivals in Punjab Row: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring has appealed to the Jathedar of Shri Akal Takht Sahib, seeking clarification on political parties holding political conferences during religious melas at Fatehgarh Sahib and Muktsar Sahib. In a post on X, Raja Warring highlighted that in December 2017, the then Jathedar of Shri Akal Takht Sahib, Giani Gurbachan Singh Ji, had issued an appeal to political parties not to hold political conferences "during such solemn and pious religious occasions". Advertisement How come the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) held the political conferences today at the Maghi Mela in Muktsar Sahib? he questioned. Would the Akal Takht take action? he asked. He added that the Congress party has not held any such conference ever since the direction was issued in 2017. Advertisement We in Congress, in due respect for the Akal Takht direction, have not held any political conference since 2017, Raja Warring said. He further stated that the Akal Takhts directive must be respected by all. Hope Jathedar Akal Takht Sahib takes note of this, he added. Amarinder Singh Raja Warring is also the Member of Parliament from Ludhiana and has previously served as a Cabinet Minister in Punjab. Advertisement (For more news apart from Iranian students to hold protest in front of British Embassy amid unrest; heres why," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Breaking News: Jandiala Guru, Punjabi Youth Shot Dead in Canada A young man from Devidas Pura village near Jandiala Guru was shot dead in Canada. Breaking News: Jandiala Guru, Punjabi Youth Shot Dead in Canada A young man from Devidas Pura village near Jandiala Guru was shot dead in Canada. The family received the painful information over phone. Advertisement Updating... (For more news apart from Breaking News: Jandiala Guru, Punjabi Youth Shot Dead in Canadaa," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Punjab: Two arrested in cross-border drug smuggling module linked to Pakistan The police are yet to release the details of the arrested accused and the module. Punjab Cross Border Drug Smuggling News: In an intelligence-led operation, the Ferozepur Police in Punjab have busted a cross-border drug smuggling module, the Director General of Police (DGP) said on Thursday. The accused were apprehended during the operation, and 4.013 kg of heroin was recovered from their possession. Advertisement The police are yet to release the details of the arrested accused and the module. The DGP, in a statement, said that as per the preliminary investigation, the recovered consignment was smuggled from Pakistan. He added that backward linkages have been established in the case, indicating strong cross-border connections behind the operation. An FIR has been registered at Mamdot Police Station in Ferozepur, and further investigation is underway. Advertisement Reaffirming the forces commitment, the DGP said the Punjab Police remains dedicated to dismantling narco-networks and ensuring a drug-free, safe, and secure Punjab. (For more news apart from Punjab: Two arrested in cross-border drug smuggling module linked to Pakistan," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) A 64-year-old native of Moga and nephew of the late Akali MP Gurcharan Singh Galib, Sandhu said that his return to his roots is driven by a desire for "sewa" (service). File Photo. He emphasised that the NRI Sabha serves as the only global bridge between the diaspora and the state government. Former Alberta MLA Peter Sandhu Joins Race for NRI Sabha Punjab Presidency Advertisement Parmjit Singh Peter Sandhu, a two-time former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Alberta, Canada, has announced his intention to contest for the post of president for the NRI Sabha Punjab. Sandhu has represented the Edmonton-Manning constituency twice and is currently in Punjab meeting with Sabha members to discuss his vision for the global organisation. A 64-year-old native of Moga and nephew of the late Akali MP Gurcharan Singh Galib, Sandhu said that his return to his roots is driven by a desire for "sewa" (service). Advertisement He said during his Jalandhar visit that many people in the NRI community are dissatisfied with how their grievances are currently being handled. He emphasised that the NRI Sabha serves as the only global bridge between the diaspora and the state government, and he aims to close existing gaps. The presidency became vacant on January 5, 2026, following the tenure completion of Parvinder Kaur Bangas two-year term. Advertisement According to official reports, Jalandhar Divisional Commissioner Ramvir Singh has already submitted a proposed election schedule to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Sabhas chief patron, for final approval. "In addition to Sandhu, former president Jasvir S Gill is also reportedly eyeing the post, setting the stage for a competitive election." Source: The Tribune NAIROBI, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Thursday said it is eyeing export growth after China granted a 98.2-percent zero-duty market access for goods from the East African nation under its duty-free arrangement announced recently. Lee Kinyanjui, cabinet secretary for investment, trade, and industry, said the milestone follows engagements between the two nations after China, in June 2025, announced duty-free access for products emerging from African countries. "The introduction of zero-duty free access will unlock vast economic potential for Kenyan exporters, allowing for diversification of our export basket, especially in the agricultural sector, which is the mainstay of our economy," Kinyanjui said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. He added that the development is expected to generate considerable employment opportunities in the East African nation. Kinyanjui observed that by allowing Kenyan goods to enter its market duty-free, China has shown a commitment to strengthening trade ties with Kenya. Kenya's exports to China include agricultural exports like tea, coffee, and avocados, and metals like titanium ore, while the country imports machinery, electronics, and vehicles. There is an increasing trend of both men and women using the NRI Cell to settle personal scores or harass the opposite party even after settling disputes abroad. File Photo. Punjab Additional Director-General of Police (NRI) RK Jaiswal admitted that the ground-level situation is "extremely bad". Punjab NRI Cell Under Fire: High Court Slams Alarming Practice of FIRs via Email Advertisement The Punjab and Haryana High Court has raised a red flag over an alarming trend of the Punjab Police NRI Cell registering FIRs based solely on email complaints without proper verification. Justice Alok Jain, regarding a petition involving an NRI dispute, observed that the current system lacks a "cautious and balanced approach". The Court stressed that legal processes are being increasingly misused for "illegal enrichment" rather than genuine justice. During the hearing, Punjab Additional Director-General of Police (NRI) RK Jaiswal admitted that the ground-level situation is "extremely bad". Advertisement The ADGP noted that while many women are victims of marriage fraud, there is an increasing trend of both men and women using the NRI Cell to settle personal scores or harass the opposite party even after settling disputes abroad. Justice Jain asserted that the purpose of the law is to protect citizens and not to facilitate extortion. The Court has now directed the Punjab government to frame a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) within three months to ensure that allegations are verified before an FIR is lodged. The Court ordered that any settlement money received by a complainant must be kept in a fixed deposit (FDR) and not utilised until the case reaches a legal conclusion, ensuring parties do not resile from their terms. The matter is adjourned to April 21. Advertisement Source: The Tribune January 15, 2026 UPDATE The latest news from RRI Newsflash Newsroom, 15.01.2026, 20:00 Culture Day Romanians celebrated the National Culture Day on Thursday, an event that got Parliament approval in 2010. January 15 is also the birthday of Romanias national poet, Mihai Eminescu, who was also considered the last major representative of the European Romanticism. All the Romanian Cultural Institute branches on Thursday hosted various events dedicated to this special day. In turn, all the channels of the Romanian society have adjusted their program to mark the National Culture Day. Culture was and remains the space in which the great ideas of society are transformed into sustainable landmarks, the Romanian President Nicusor Dan said in his address on the National Culture Day. Budget The Romanian government is currently preparing the state budget for 2026, and in this context, the Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan is holding talks with his cabinet ministers. On Thursday, the ministers of Development, Culture, European Projects, Education and National Defense were present at the working meetings to analyze the budget situation. On Wednesday, the head of the executive met with the ministers of Agriculture, Health, Interior, Justice and Environment. The calculations related to the budget allocations will also take into account the spending cuts imposed through the administration reform, the recently published bill for which Ilie Bolojan intends to once again assume the executives responsibility in Parliament. This is the option that would ensure a quick adoption before the approval of the draft budget for this year, with a deficit target of up to 6.5% of the Gross Domestic Product, a significant decrease compared to 2025, for which the deficit target and estimates are 8.4% of the Gross Domestic Product. Greenland The US position on acquiring Greenland remains inflexible after the talks held in Washington yesterday between the United States and the Foreign Ministers of Denmark and Greenland. The Danish Foreign Minister has described the talks as constructive but has also mentioned fundamental disagreements on the future of this arctic island. President Trump says theres nothing that Denmark can do about it, if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland. The US had earlier evoked two alternatives for acquiring Greenland, buying the island or taking it by the use of the military. Before the talks in Washington, Denmark announced its intention to beef up its military presence in Greenland, while Germany and Sweden said they would dispatch small military missions to the island, which has now a strategic position mainly because of the opening of Northern maritime routes due to the global warming. The island is also rich in strategic resources, which remain still inaccessible due to the harsh climate and the lack of infrastructure. Ambassadors The Republic of Moldova remains an essential foreign policy priority for Romania, President Nicusor Dan said in Bucharest on Thursday. He underlined that Romania would support EU enlargement, with an emphasis on the accession of the Republic of Moldova. Present at the annual meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Romania, the head of state also said that Romania would strengthen its participation in NATO policies and the Strategic Partnership with the United States would continue to be a fundamental line of action of foreign policy in 2026. In his opinion, transatlantic collaboration will have as defining lines: defense, energy security, rare raw materials and border technologies. He mentioned that Romania will host, in 2026, in collaboration with Polish partners, the Bucharest B 9 Summit, will accelerate the sustained efforts to create the security hub in the Black Sea and will continue to contribute to Europes energy security in the future, as a supplier and transit route. At the same time, the president appreciated that Romanias accession to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) was also a strategic objective. On the other hand, Nicusor Dan showed that Romania would continue to play an active role in supporting global stability, noting in this regard that diplomatic solutions based on international law will be encouraged in the Middle East. Iran The US President Donald Trump said he had been told that the number of deaths in Irans crackdown on anti-government protests that have escalated nationwide is declining and that he believes there are currently no plans for large-scale executions, even though tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high, Reuters, CNN and Sky News reported. He added that he would watch and see in relation to the threat of US military action. Trump has repeatedly spoken in recent days about helping the Iranian people in the context of the crackdown on protests that, according to the Iran Human Rights organization, have led to the death of at least 3,400 people and the arrest of more than 10,000. But in a surprise announcement made at the White House, Trump said he had received assurances from very important sources on the other side that Tehran had stopped using lethal force against protesters and that the executions would not take place. Iran closed its airspace to almost all flights without any explanations on Thursday morning, and airlines said they would avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice. Tehran has threatened to attack US bases and ships in the region, as well as Israel, if it is bombed. The protests initially erupted on December 28, 2025, over an economic crisis, but quickly took on a political character. (LS) PNE Group announced that, based on preliminary figures for fiscal year 2025, it now expects consolidated EBITDA to range between 45 million euros and 60 million euros. This compares with the most recently published guidance, in which the company had anticipated consolidated EBITDA of between 70 million euros and 110 million euros for the year. The adjustment is primarily due to changes in the valuation of the project pipeline, reflecting significantly altered market conditions in international such as Canada, Spain, and Romania. When adjusted for the value changes, consolidated EBITDA for 2025 would be between 70 million euros and 80 million euros, which falls within the previously communicated guidance. Importantly, these value adjustments have no impact on the liquidity of PNE AG. The Management Board considers the planned adjustments to adequately account for all identifiable risks in the valuation of the project pipeline. PNE will release its final financial figures for 2025, along with the audited consolidated financial statements, on March 26, 2026. For more earnings news, earnings calendar, and earnings for stocks, visit rttnews.com. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News DCC plc (DCC.L), a customer-focused energy , on Thursday said it has agreed to acquire UGI International LLC's liquid gas businesses in Poland, Hungary, Czechia and Slovakia for an enterprise value of about 48 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis. The acquisitions are expected to generate a mid-teen return on capital employed in the second year of ownership. The businesses supplied more than 200 million litres of liquid gas to around 30,000 bulk and cylinder customers in the year ended September 2025, with over 90% of volumes coming from commercial and industrial clients. Operations are supported by a shared service centre in Warsaw, which offers scope for further expansion. The largest acquisition is AmeriGas Polska, which serves more than 10,000 bulk customers and about 8,000 cylinder customers and holds roughly 13% market share in Poland's liquid gas market, excluding auto gas. The remaining FLAGA-branded businesses in Hungary, Czechia and Slovakia serve a combined 12,000 customers. "Liquid gas represents a compelling growth opportunity for DCC to consolidate fragmented at high returns. We are very focused on growing our liquid gas business in both Europe and North America," Donal Murphy, Chief Executive of DCC. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Community Financial System, Inc. (CBU), a bank holding company for Community Bank, N.A, Thursday announced that it has agreed to acquire ClearPoint Federal Bank & Trust for $40 million in an all-cash deal. The transaction is expected to notably increase Community Financial System's wealth management services , the Nottingham Financial Group or NFG and contribute to the company's strategic capital deployment into durable, recurring, and growing income streams. As per the bank, ClearPoint is a national leader in trust administration for the approximately $20 billion death care industry, with over $1.5 billion of assets under management and 3-year revenue CAGR of 8.8 percent. The transaction is set to close in the second quarter of 2026 and ClearPoint is surmised to retain its brand and offerings. In pre-market activity, CBU shares were trading at $64.35, up 4.99% on the New York Stock Exchange. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared a state of emergency in the country's energy sector as the ongoing deadly Russian strikes push civilians deeper into winter crisis. Zelensky declared the energy emergency after chairing a meeting on emergency situation in Ukraine's energy sector Wednesday. In a statement posted on X, he said the consequences of Russian strikes and deteriorating weather conditions are severe. Repair crews, energy companies, municipal services, and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine continue to work around the clock to restore electricity and heating. He said a permanent coordination headquarters will be established to address the situation in the city of Kyiv. The Minister of Energy has been assigned to oversee work supporting people and communities under these conditions. Zelensky added that government officials will maximize efforts with partners to obtain the necessary equipment and additional support. The Cabinet will ensure maximum deregulation of all processes for connecting backup energy equipment to the grid. Work is also underway to significantly increase the volume of electricity imports into Ukraine. The President said he has tasked the Government with preparing a review of curfew regulations for this extremely cold weather. Ukraine has entered the New Year under intensifying and deadly Russian attacks which have crippled energy systems and left millions without heating, electricity or water amid freezing temperatures. UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council earlier this week that as temperatures plummet far below freezing, the Russian forces have intensified its systematic attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure. She noted that the strikes had killed and injured scores of civilians and deprived millions of electricity, heating and water for prolonged periods. DiCarlo cited a major overnight barrage last week when Russia reportedly launched 242 drones and 36 missiles. Nearly half of the capital was left without heating, and hundreds of thousands of residents were affected. Energy and residential facilities were also damaged in western Lviv region, near the Polish border, in an attack using Oreshnik intermediate-range ballistic missile. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Canadian stocks rose to scale new peaks on Thursday as the attention of investors gets focused on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's four-day visit to China. A reduced geopolitical risk premium on crude oil weighed down on energy stocks that limited the gains. After opening above yesterday's close, today the benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index remained volatile throughout the session before settling at 33,028.92 up by 112.45 points (or 0.34%). Notably, this is a new record closing high for the index. Five of the 11 sectors posted gains today with, the industrials sector leading the pack. Carney is in China on a four-day visit with an aim to mend the strained ties between the two nations and boost bilateral cooperation in trade, agriculture, and international security. Since his arrival, Carney met with several senior executives from various Chinese groups. While Carney is set to meet President Xi Jinping on Friday, he hailed the leadership of Xi and praised the speed at which the relations between both the nations has been progressing in recent months. Months earlier, both countries were engaged in a tariff war that ultimately shook up the Canadian agriculture business. Carney is scouting marketplaces outside the U.S. for Canadian exports after the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump damaged the decades-long Canada-U.S. relations. First, Trump levied a 35% tariff on Canadian exports to the U.S., then explicitly stated the possibility of making Canada the 51st state in the U.S., and later halted all trade talks with Canada, and finally hinted that the U.S. may withdraw from the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. CUSMA is a tripartite free-trade pact which exporters in Canada use until now to circumvent the 35% tariffs. More than 70% of Canadian exports are destined for the U.S. Despite Carney's intention to have a seamless trade and political association, Trump did not back down from his rigid stance. Over the past few weeks, the Trump administration was preparing to strike Iran after the nation clamped down heavily on protestors engaged in a civil uprising that started in December 2025. Reports highlighted that the regime arrested several demonstrators and hanged many of them. The turmoil stoked production-halt and supply-disruption fears, pushing up oil prices. Yesterday, Trump stated that he had been informed that the "killing had stopped" and hence wanted to wait and watch. With the risk premium off the radar, oil prices started to slide and energy stocks turned lower. The Russia-Ukraine war continues with both sides targeting each other's power and energy installations and infrastructures. Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of blocking the Russia-Ukraine peace proposal. Ukraine is supported by European nations who do not want Ukraine to concede any territory to Russia. In the U.S., recent data releases have trimmed expectations of another rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve at its upcoming meeting this month-end. Major sectors that gained in today's trading were Industrials (1.42%), Real Estate (0.75%), Financials (0.55%), Utilities (0.32%), and Materials (0.28%). Among the individual stocks, Bombardier Inc (7.17%), Finning Intl (5.43%), Mda Ltd (4.55%), Colliers International Group Inc (2.88%), Boralex Inc (3.37%), and Endeavor Silver Corp (3.21%) were the prominent gainers. Major sectors that lost in today's trading were Consumer Discretionary (0.14%), Communication Services (0.15%), Consumer Staples (0.29%), Healthcare (0.55%), IT (0.73%), and Energy (0.93%). Among the individual stocks, Terravest Capital Inc (5.40%), Vermillion Energy Inc (3.03%), International Petroleum Corp (2.78%), Dye & Durham Ltd (10.13%), and Bausch Health Companies Inc (2.32%) were the notable losers. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Japans automotive industry has significantly increased imports of vehicles built at overseas factories, marking a sharp rise in so-called reverse imports. In recent years, Japanese automakers have increasingly relied on global production hubs to balance costs and supply, importing their own models from countries such as India and the United States to meet domestic demand. Reverse Imports Hit Record High in 2025 In 2025, Japan imported 111,513 vehicles produced by Japanese automakers at overseas plants, setting a new all-time record. This marked a 19 percent increase over 2024 and surpassed the previous high of 107,092 units recorded in 1995, a record that had stood for nearly three decades. A major contributor to this surge was Suzuki, which dramatically increased imports to its home market. Suzukis reverse imports jumped more than sevenfold to 43,266 units during the JanuaryDecember 2025 period. The key models driving this growth were the five-door Suzuki Jimny Nomade, manufactured in India, along with the Fronx crossover, also sourced from Indian production lines. India has emerged as a crucial low-cost manufacturing base for Suzuki and Honda, particularly for compact and midsize SUVs sold in Japan. Honda Elevate made in India SUV is sold in Japan as WR-V. Meanwhile, Nissan and Mazda continue to source certain models from Thailand for the Japanese market. Suzuki Leads, While Others Scale Back While Suzuki sharply increased imports, several other Japanese automakers moved in the opposite direction. Honda, Toyota, and Nissan all reduced reverse import volumes in 2025. Hondas imports fell 18 percent to 37,022 units, largely due to reduced shipments of the WR-V SUV from India. Nissan and Toyota both recorded steeper declines of 33 percent, importing 9,595 units and 9,587 units respectively during the year. Looking ahead, Toyota has confirmed plans to begin importing US-built models into Japan later this year, including the Camry sedan, Highlander SUV, and Tundra pickup. The move is aimed at expanding customer choice while also strengthening JapanUS trade relations. Honda and Nissan are also evaluating similar options, though no formal announcements have been made. Pricing and Buyer Preferences Remain Key Challenges Despite rising reverse imports, challenges remain. Imported vehicles typically carry higher sticker prices, which can limit demand in Japans highly price-sensitive market. Buyer preferences also play a role, as Japanese consumers traditionally favour compact cars and minivans over larger SUVs and pickup trucks. Going forward, the success of reverse imports will depend on how effectively automakers balance global logistics, cost efficiencies, trade policies, and local market tastes, especially as international trade dynamics continue to evolve. Source Hero MotoCorp commanded the domestic sales list in Dec 2025 while the export list was headed by Bajaj Auto, but overall it was TVS Motor who took the no 1 spot Indias two-wheeler market witnessed a significant reshuffle in December 2025, with TVS Motor Company emerging as the countrys largest two-wheeler manufacturer for the month. Strong domestic demand combined with healthy export numbers helped TVS overtake long-time leaders Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, marking a major milestone in the brands growth journey. Total 2W Sales Dec 2025 (Domestic + Exports) Taking into account both domestic sales and exports, the 6 automakers have each shown off positive results. There were a total of 18,99,891 units sold in the Dec 2025 period. This was a YoY growth of 36.25% from 13,94,434 units relating to a volume increase of 5,05,457 units. On the other hand, MoM sales fell sharply by 17.26% as compared to 22,96,151 unit sales of Nov 2025. TVS led with 4,61,071 units followed by Hero with 4,56,479 unit total sales. Honda had 4,46,048 units sold in the past month while Bajaj sales stood at 3,10,353 units. Suzuki and RE sales were at 1,22,366 units and 1,03,574 units. Each of these two wheeler OEMs have reported double digit YoY growth. However, MoM sales saw significant decline though Suzuki and RE ended the month on a more positive note. Two Wheeler Domestic Sales Dec 2025 Domestic sales stood at 14,65,139 units in Dec 2025, up 38.72% from 10,56,206 units sold in Dec 2024. This was a 4,08,933 unit volume increase. MoM sales fell by 21.19% as against 18,59,048 units of Nov 2025 down by 3,93,909 units. Hero MotoCorp once again topped domestic sales charts with 4,19,243 units, a 42.53% YoY growth from 2,94,152 units in Dec 2024. Currently commanding a 28.61% share among this group of 6 two wheeler markers, Hero has suffered a 26.52% MoM decline as 5,70,520 units had been sold in Nov 2025. At No.2 was Honda with 3,92,306 unit sales last month, a 44.81% YoY growth. It was models such as the Activa, Shine, Unicorn, Dio and Hornet that continued to hold the attention of buyers in the country. However, demand ebbed on a MoM basis as sales fell by 26.49%. Strong demand for models such as the Raider, Jupiter, and Apache series has boosted TVS Motor sales by 53.60% in Dec 2025, showing off the best YoY growth in this group of 6 leading two wheeler makers. The company however, suffered a 9.64% MoM decline as against 3,65,608 unit sales of Nov 2025. Bajaj Auto sales improved 3.03% YoY to 1,32,228 units in the past month but dipped 34.71% MoM Suzuki and Royal Enfield have both witnessed rising YoY and MoM sales at 97,823 units and 93,177 units respectively. Two Wheeler Exports Dec 2025 All major two wheeler makers with the exception of Royal Enfield, have reported healthy double digit YoY gains in terms of exports in Dec 2025. Total exports stood at 4,34,752 units, a 28.54% rise over 3,38,228 units while MoM exports declined marginally by 0.54%. Global demand was highest for Bajaj Auto with 1,78,125 units shipped last month, a 23.84% growth from 1,43,838 units of Dec 2024 to command a 40.97% share on this list. MoM exports also grew, albeit marginally, from 1,77,204 units. TVS exports also surged 34.85% to 1,30,709 units while the company suffered a 1.15% MoM decline. Honda two wheeler YoY exports went up by 44.61% to 53,742 units though numbers dipped from 57,491 units shipped in Nov 2025. Hero exports were at 37,236 units relating to a 21.08% YoY and 9.61% MoM growth while exports of Suzuki and Royal Enfield stood at 24,543 units and 10,397 units respectively. WINDHOEK, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has called for an end to illegal sand and gravel mining, warning that unregulated extraction is causing serious environmental damage and posing risks to human life, wildlife, and food security. In a statement issued on Thursday, Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Indileni Daniel said illegal sand and gravel mining activities have increased across various parts of the country, with many operations taking place without the required Environmental Clearance Certificates. The minister stressed that all sand and gravel mining activities must be preceded by an environmental impact assessment, an environmental management plan, and approval from the office of the environmental commissioner. Illegal mining has resulted in land degradation, erosion of riverbanks, destruction of wetlands and agricultural land, and damage to infrastructure, Daniel said, adding that open pits left behind by unregulated mining operations often fill with water during the rainy season, posing serious dangers to people, livestock, and wildlife, particularly children. Namibia, one of the driest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, relies heavily on fragile ecosystems for water supply, grazing land, and food production. While acknowledging rising demand for sand and gravel driven by national development priorities such as road construction, housing, and other infrastructure projects, the minister said economic development must not come at the cost of irreversible environmental harm. To address the growing challenge, the government plans to undertake regional stakeholder engagements on new sand and gravel mining regulations aimed at strengthening implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, Daniel said. She urged individuals, businesses, and local and traditional authorities to desist from illegal mining activities and to comply fully with existing environmental regulations. MOGADISHU, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Somali National Army (SNA) and the African Union (AU) forces, backed by international partners, on Thursday killed more than 30 al-Shabaab militants during a joint operation in southern Somalia, the AU peacekeeping mission said. The operation, supported by air assets and involving multiple engagements with al-Shabaab fighters, was conducted in the vicinity of the Bulunagaad military base in the Lower Shabelle region, the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. "Through coordinated ground and air offensives, over 30 al-Shabaab militants were put out of action, while several others sustained injuries," the AU mission said. According to the mission, the militants had earlier attacked SNA and AUSSOM forces during pursuit operations targeting remnants of al-Shabaab fighters dislodged from the coastal town of Gendershe and the Jilib-Marka axis under SNA-led operations code-named Operation Hidden Sword. "Joint forces will continue operations to degrade al-Shabaab's operational capabilities and to promote lasting peace, stability, and security in Somalia," AUSSOM said. The latest joint operation comes as Somali security forces are ramping up offensives against al-Shabaab militants across Somalia in recent past. Local soldiers, backed by international partners, have been conducting joint operations in central and southern regions as government forces move to gain a foothold. What if your money is worth more than you think? In fact, it could be worth THOUSANDS more. If you carry cash on a regular basis, theres a good chance that at some point during the year you have bills in your wallet that are worth more than their stated face value. While most of these are probably worth only a few dollars more, some can be worth much, much more. Its estimated that some of the new $100 bills coming out will be worth as much as $15,000 each for those lucky enough to find the bills with serial numbers that collectors covet. Dollar Bill Collectors Are Out There Many people dont realize there are people who collect bills. For these collectors, its often the serial number on the bill which makes the bill valuable to them. Whats interesting is that collectors have different number patterns that they desire, and theyre willing to pay extra for these bills. The best part is that it costs you absolutely no money to do this. The bills you have in your wallet are still worth their face value and can be spent or used on anything you need, even if they dont have a serial number the collectors are looking for. By simply scanning the serial numbers of all the bills you get throughout the year, you can likely make a bit of extra pocket money if you understand what the collectors are after. Below youll find 17 types of bills that are worth more than their face value to collectors, that are still regularly circulated. Low Numbers By far, the most popular type of bill that collectors want are bills with low serial numbers. Any bill with a serial number under 100 will almost always at least double the value of the bill, and sometimes make it worth much more. Collectors estimate that new $100 bills with low numbers could be worth several thousand dollars, with the serial number 00000001 bill worth $15,000. Since bills are created at 12 different facilities (Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Kansas City, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, Richmond VA, St. Louis and San Francisco), there are 12 different bills with each of these numbers on them. Bills with numbers under 100 are highly sought, but collectors are still interested in numbers in the hundreds, and even into the thousands. The lower the number, the more valuable it becomes. High Numbers Star Notes Much like the low numbers, there are also people who like to collect the high number bills. While these arent as popular as low number bills, it can actually be more difficult to find them. Thats because not every series of bills will reach the high numbers before they are changed there are fewer of them that ever make it into circulation. High number serial numbers such as 99999925 or 99999853 would be coveted by collectors. The higher the number, the more valuable it becomes. Ladders In a perfect world, nothing would ever go wrong when printing money. Since we dont live in a perfect world, issues do arise when bills are printed. When there is some type of printing error and bills need to be printed again, it is indicated by printing a star at the end of the bills serial number. Since printing errors dont happen too often, notes with a star at the end of the serial number arent common, and this makes them sought after by collectors. These bills are officially known as replacement notes, but most collectors refer to them as star bills or star notes. Another type of bill that many collectors like to have as part of their collection are ladder bills. Ladder notes are those where the serial number ascends or descends in order. An example of an ascending ladder bill would be one with a serial number 01234567 and an example of a descending ladder note would be 98765432. Ladder notes are rare and thus, any you find would be worth much more than its face value to collectors. Its also possible to have a note that has both ascending and descending numbers in the same note. While this isnt a true ladder note, it is still considered part of the ladder family and there are people who collect them. An example of this would be 34565432 Since ladder bills are so rare, people also collect near ladder notes. These are bills where the serial number is in a ladder sequence, but one or two arent. An example of this would be 51234567 or 98765430. These notes arent as valuable as ladder bills, but they are still worth more than the face value of the bill to collectors. Solids Repeaters A solid note is one where the numbers are all the same for the serial number. An example of this would be a serial number of 22222222. Finding solid bills is quite rare and collectors would pay far more than face value for any that come available. Since solid notes are so rare, collectors also seek out near solid notes as well. These are bills that only have all the same number except for one digit. An example of this would be 77777797. With the near solid notes there are only two numbers in the serial number so all near solid notes are also binary notes. Binary & Trinary Another serial number that often attracts collectors is one that repeats the numbers in the serial number. These bills are called repeating notes or repeater notes. For example, a repeater note would be something like 48648648 or 78937893. If you can find a repeating two number bill, that is called a super repeater and is highly sought after. An example of a super repeater would be 63636363. If you find any bill that has repeating numbers constituting the serial number, it will be worth more than face value to collectors. Binary bills are those notes which have a serial number that consist of only two numbers. An example of a binary note would be 66766676. The numbers can be in any order within the serial number, and as long as there are only two different numbers it is considered a binary note. Due to the difficulty of finding binary notes, there is also demand from collectors for bills which have three different numbers in any combination. These are referred to as trinary notes, and while theyre not as valuable as binary notes, theyll still be worth more than their face value to collectors. True Binary Birthday While binary bills are highly collectible, the best of the best are bills that have only ones and zeros as part of their serial number. When a bill only has ones and zeros, it is referred to as a true binary note. These notes can go for much more than other binary notes because in addition to bill collectors, you also have many computer enthusiasts who have interests in these bills. An example of a true binary would be 00011011. A lot of people who collect bills look for bills that have special meaning to them as individuals. One of the more popular types of bills for people to collect are what are referred to as birthday notes. These are bills which have a year written somewhere within the serial number. The year usually has some special significance to the person who wants the bill such as the year they were born, an anniversary year, or the year of some other type of personal event of significance to them. An example of a birthday note would be 65819770 where 1977 might be a significant year to someone. Another would be 00198500 where the year 1985 is significant. While the year can be anywhere within the serial number for it to be considered a birthday note, if the year comes at the very end of the serial number, or is preceded or surrounded by zeros on both sides, it is usually more desirable and therefore, more valuable to collectors. Full Date An even more valuable bill for collectors are full date notes. These bills have serial numbers that depict a full date rather than just a year. For example, if you were born on October 22, 1967, a full date note would read 10221967. Any note that depicts a date in full that corresponds with a special event for someone will be extremely valuable to that person, and collectors can pay quite a bit to get hold of a full date note that depicts something special for them. Radar Doubles Radar bills are much like the word radar itself they are bills where the serial number will read the same backwards as it does forward, just as radar reads the same both backward and forward. An example of a radar note would be 03688630 or 96255269. The serial number is the same both ways. Radar notes that are all the same except for the two end numbers are referred to as super radars. An example of a super radar would be 38888883 and these are highly sought after by collectors. Currency collectors are often also interested in double notes. These are bills that have the same number pair next to each other within the serial number of the bill. The most valuable of the double notes are the ones that have four distinct pairs of numbers. These are called quad doubles. An example of a quad double serial number would be 44775511 or 99003366. While the quad doubles are the most sought after, tri doubles are also valued by collectors such as 27007711, but especially if they are framed by zeros such as 07744990. Double Quads Consecutive Another highly collectible bill are double quad notes. These are bills that have two sets of four of the same number. An example of this would be 44449999 or 66661111. While technically they are also a version of the quad doubles mentioned above, because they are significantly more difficult to find, they have their own name. Consecutive notes are two (or more) bills where the serial numbers are consecutive in order. Examples of consecutive bills would be two bills in your hand with one having the serial number 97350342 and the other having 97350343. Its actually quite easy to attain consecutive notes, as many banks have them if you get any bill denomination in a bundle of 100. Even with the ease of getting them, these are collectible and you can often get a bit more than face value for them in many instances. They become more of interest to collectors when they are consecutive and also possess one or more of the other traits mentioned in this article. For example, consecutive bills that are also a binary bills: 45554454 and 45554455. Bookends Unusual Numbers A bills serial number that has the same two or three numbers on each end is considered a bookend note by collectors. An example of this would be 20873420 or 34598345. Bookend notes having three numbers the same on each end are more valuable to collectors (and much more difficult to find), but even notes with two bookend numbers can fetch prices over the bills face value. Bank notes whose serial number matches well-known numbers also have appeal to collectors. A classic example would be a pi bill that had a serial number that corresponds to the first 8 digits of the numerical value of pi: 31415927. Any string of numbers that have a special meaning to someone or something will likely be coveted by some collector. Combinations While all of the above bills with serial numbers would likely find collectors willing to pay above face value for the bill, each gains a little more value if they are combinations of two or more of the above types of notes. While these are obviously more difficult to find than those that have just a single point of desire for collectors, combination notes also can be worth significantly more due to this rarity. One of many examples that exist would be a birthday/repeater combination which might look like 19771977. Bonus The reality is that if you can find something within a bills serial number that makes it unique, there is probably someone out there who will pay more than its face value to add it to their collection. Basically, if you look at a serial number and say to yourself, Wow, thats neat! then collectors will likely feel the same way. Use the different types of bills that collectors look for mentioned above as a guide, but dont limit yourself to them if you find an interesting serial number that isnt mentioned. As with all things collectible, condition matters. The better the condition of the note, the more valuable it will be. That being said, unless the bill is extremely worn and ripped, any of the above-mentioned serial numbered bills will still be worth more than their face value even if the bill has been in circulation for a while. The goal is to find the bills in the best shape possible, but dont be discouraged if you find one of the bills that shows a bit of wear. If you carry cash on a regular basis, a few of these notes likely pass through your hands during the year. Much like finding coins, if you simply look at the bills you have in your wallet after reading this article, you arent likely to find any of them. However, if you get into the habit of checking each bill that passes through your hands, you will eventually come across some that collectors desire. Increasing Your Chances If you are willing to take your search a step further, start withdrawing money from your bank from a teller always requesting new bills. If you do come across a bill that is collectible, it will be in better condition, making it worth more. It will also give you the chance to go back to the teller and get more bills if you get one you like with serials numbers close to any of the valuable series. If not, the crisp bills will help you save money. As mentioned previously, this can be a fun way to make a bit of extra money that doesnt cost a cent, since all the money that you get is still worth its face value. There arent many fun hobbies that let you do that. Finally, the average lifespan of a dollar bill is between 22 and 89 months, so the chances of finding a rare or valuable bill goes down the longer the bill has been in circulation. Where To Learn More A good place to learn more about dollar bills worth more than face value is to hit the books. The go-to resource in this area is the Standard Guide to Small-Size U.S. Paper Money 1928-Date (Standard Catalog) . This resource is particularly useful for identifying which block letters and serial numbers are potentially valuable. You can pick up a used copy on Amazon.com for cheap just five or six bucks. (Photos Credit: CoolSerialNumbers) WINDHOEK, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Namibian police have arrested another suspect in connection with the country's largest diamond robbery in 2025, in which diamonds worth 314.9 million Namibian dollars (about 19.18 million U.S. dollars) were stolen from a highly secured facility. In a statement released on Thursday, the state-owned Namib Desert Diamonds (NAMDIA) company said an additional staff member had been arrested as part of ongoing investigations into the robbery. The suspect's identity has been withheld pending a scheduled court appearance. NAMDIA said the latest arrest adds to a series of law enforcement actions taken in the aftermath of the high-profile heist. "We commend and sincerely thank the Namibian Police Force for their continued efforts, professionalism, and dedication throughout this complex investigation. Their support has been crucial in advancing the case and ensuring accountability for those responsible," the company said. According to authorities, one suspect was killed during the robbery in January 2025, in the affluent suburb of Klein Windhoek, while another later died in hospital from injuries sustained during the incident. Only diamonds valued at 40.6 million Namibian dollars (about 2.48 million U.S. dollars) have so far been recovered. Those arrested in connection with the case include a security guard from G4S, the private security firm contracted to protect the diamonds, as well as Joel Angula, a former NAMDIA security officer, and Samuel Shipanga, who was also employed by G4S. Another accused, Sam Shololo, has also been implicated in the case. Separately, another suspect, Bino Cloete, along with several family members, was arrested last year in the southern town of Keetmanshoop on charges related to the alleged sale of the stolen diamonds in neighboring South Africa. Following the robbery, former NAMDIA Chief Executive Officer Alisa Amupolo was placed on administrative leave and later dismissed, as the diamond marketing company seeks to restore trust in its operations. NAMDIA was established in 2016 under an agreement with global diamond company De Beers, which requires Namdeb Holdings, a joint venture between the Namibian government and De Beers, to allocate 15 percent of its annual production to NAMDIA for independent trading on the international market. Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends. If you own a second home, travel for long stretches, or leave a property mostly unused, 2026 may feel different for one simple reason: your house now generates a data trail. Smart meters and advanced utility systems can show extremely detailed patterns of electricity and water use, and low-use patterns can raise questions about whether a property is truly occupied. Researchers have shown its possible to infer occupancy from electricity-consumption patterns, which is why utility data keeps popping up in housing policy conversations. And while there isnt one nationwide vacancy tax or empty house fine, several cities already use vacancy-style rules, and enforcement often happens through audits that demand evidence. Vacancy Tax Audits Start With Utility Patterns Many places that charge a vacancy tax rely on self-declarations first, then audits when something looks off. Vancouvers Empty Homes Tax, for example, requires an annual declaration and outlines an audit process and penalties for late, unpaid, or false declarations. Smart meters make something looks off easier to detect because they create frequent, time-stamped readings instead of a simple monthly bill total. Researchers have shown that vacancy intervals can be inferred from electricity-use data, which helps explain why low-use patterns can attract scrutiny. If youre legitimately exempt or occupied, your best defense is documentation that supports your story, not guesses about what your usage should look like. Baseline Usage Can Still Suggest Nobody Lives There Even when a home has some power draw, smart meter data can show whether usage looks like a lived-in routine or a mostly empty building. A refrigerator hum, a router blink, and occasional HVAC cycles can create a steady baseline that doesnt match normal daily life. Thats not proof by itself, but it can be used as a prompt to ask for evidence, especially if you claimed full-time occupancy or rental use. Occupancy detection research specifically focuses on extracting vacant intervals from consumption curves, which highlights how patterns matter more than a single bill. If you split time between homes, keep a simple day log and pair it with travel confirmations so you can respond calmly if questions arise. Move-In, Move-Out, And Turn-On Events Leave Time Stamps Utility accounts often record service-start, service-stop, and billing changes that line up neatly with occupancy claims. If you shut off service, put an account on a special status, or repeatedly turn on utilities only for short bursts, that timing can conflict with your declarations. In audit-heavy programs, the point is consistency across records, not just what you meant to do. Vancouvers enforcement materials emphasize that owners may be requested to submit evidence during an audit and that missing or incorrect evidence can delay the process. If you rely on an exemption, keep the supporting paperwork in one folder so you can produce it without scrambling. Low-Use Data Can Trigger A Second Look When A City Already Has A Vacancy Rule Not every city has a vacancy policy, but where these rules exist, they can carry meaningful costs. Oaklands Vacant Property Tax, for example, lays out an annual tax amount and defines when a property is considered vacant under the local rules. The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy notes that vacancy taxes are increasingly used as a policy tool, even though theyre not a cure-all for housing shortages. If your area has a vacancy-style ordinance, the risk is less about a surprise new law and more about stronger enforcement of an existing one. Treat your local rules like a recurring compliance task, not a one-time form youll deal with later. Privacy Concerns Are Growing As Evidence Requests Get More Detailed When governments ask for more proof, homeowners often worry about how much personal data theyre expected to hand over. Reporting on Vancouvers empty homes audits has highlighted objections that the audit process can feel intrusive, which is part of why this topic keeps getting attention. Vancouver also explicitly discusses privacy obligations and states that audits request evidence and follow an established process. If youre uncomfortable, dont ignore noticesrespond, ask what specific documents are required, and consider getting tax or legal help for your jurisdiction. The worst outcomes usually come from missed deadlines, not from a well-documented, on-time response. The Practical Way To Avoid An Empty House Surprise Start by checking whether your city or state has any vacancy tax, empty-homes tax, or vacant-property rules at all, because many places dont. Where the rule exists, your goal is consistency: your declarations, your leases, your travel days, and your supporting documents should all tell the same story. Vancouvers materials show how real the deadlines and penalties can be, which is why treating this like routine compliance pays off. Smart meters dont automatically fine anyone, but detailed utility data can make it easier to challenge claims that dont match the record. If you stay organized and respond quickly, you reduce the chance that a paperwork problem turns into an expensive mess. Have you ever dealt with a vacancy or proof of occupancy requestwhat documentation was hardest to track down? What to Read Next The 183-Day Trap: 5 New Digital Breadcrumbs Blue States Are Using to Tax Florida Snowbirds in 2026 Older Adults Are Seeing Delays in State Tax Refund Processing Chicago Retirees Are Seeing Delays in Property Tax Corrections How Property Taxes Are Forcing Seniors Out of Paid-Off Homes What Happens After You Miss a Property Tax Deadline: Penalties, Interest, and Enforcement A nationwide network outage is one thing. But waking up to find your $1,000 smartphone covered in blue light and scrolling Chinese characters is another level of terror. As the January 14-15 Verizon blackout enters its recovery phase, a new and disturbing side effect is hitting thousands of Android and iPhone users. While Verizon urges customers to simply restart their devices, that very advice is triggering a Firmware Trap for many, leaving them staring at a language they dont speak and a phone they cant use. The Hack That Isnt a Hack Social media is currently flooded with screenshots of Blue Screens and Factory Mode menus filled with Chinese text. For many, the first instinct is that their device has been compromised by a foreign entity during the networks vulnerable state. The Reality: This isnt a hack. It is a Bootloader Error. Because the Verizon network crashed so hard yesterday, many devices lost their place in the security handshake. When you restart the phone, the operating system (OS) looks for a signal to verify your account. When it fails, the phone panics and enters Recovery Mode. Since most internal motherboards and firmware are programmed at factories in China, the emergency menu often defaults to the manufacturers native language. How to Escape the Chinese Recovery Loop If you are staring at a blue or black screen with Chinese characters, do not start tapping options. You could accidentally trigger a Factory Wipe, which will permanently delete every photo and contact on your device. The 3-Step Escape Route: The Force Exit: Do not use the on-screen menu. Instead, hold the Power Button and the Volume Down button at the same time for exactly 20 seconds. The Black Screen: Once the screen goes completely black, let go. Do not touch the phone for at least 5 minutes. This allows the internal stale electricity to dissipate. The Clean Boot: Turn the phone back on normally. If it still enters Recovery Mode, you may need to use a second device to use Google Lens to translate the screen and find the option for Reboot System Now or English. Why This is a Saving Advice Emergency Beyond the fear, there is a financial cost. Taking your phone to a repair shop for a Blue Screen fix will typically cost you between $50 and $100 for a software flash. By using the hard-reset method above, you are saving that fee and protecting your data from a needless factory reset. Are you seeing a blue screen or SOS on your device this morning? Post a description of what your screen looks like in the comments below. Read More: People Are Canceling Luxury Streaming Bundles as Bills Rise Scammer Alert: If Someone Calls You Using Any of These 12 Phrases Youre About To Be Scammed SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's automotive export hit a record high last year thanks to strong demand for eco-friendly vehicles, government data showed Thursday. Car shipment gained 1.7 percent from a year earlier to reach a new high of 71.99 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, topping 70 billion dollars for the third consecutive year, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. The record export stemmed from solid demand for eco-friendly sedans, of which the shipment soared 11.0 percent to 25.77 billion dollars last year. Auto export to the United States dropped 13.2 percent to 30.15 billion dollars, affected by the U.S. tariff imposition. Those to the European Union and Asia increased in double digits to 8.06 billion dollars and 5.88 billion dollars each last year. The number of exported vehicles was 2,736,308 in 2025, down 1.7 percent from a year earlier. Auto parts shipment declined 5.9 percent to 21.20 billion dollars. The number of vehicles manufactured in local factories fell 0.6 percent to 4,101,992 last year, but it surpassed four million for the third straight year. The number of cars sold inside the country, including locally-made and imported vehicles, totaled 1,680,110 in 2025, up 3.3 percent compared to the previous year. The woolly rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) is a cold-adapted herbivore that went extinct around 14,000 years ago, but little is known about their population decline prior to extinction. In new research, scientists from the Centre for Palaeogenetics and Stockholm University generated a high-coverage genome from one of the last known woolly rhinoceros remains, which was recovered from the stomach contents of a frozen wolf puppy found in the permafrost in Siberia. Combined with two other Late Pleistocene woolly rhinoceros genomes, their results suggest that the population size was stable and there is no genomic signature of recent, rapid population decline close to the species extinction, in contrast to other extinct species and currently endangered species undergoing population decline. The woolly rhinoceros is a cold-adapted herbivore that first appeared some 350,000 years ago and was widespread across northern Eurasia until its extinction approximately 14,000 years ago. Its range contracted gradually toward the east from 35,000 years ago, likely due to unfavorable environmental conditions in western Europe. The species persisted in northeastern Siberia and displayed complex shifts in its range in response to environmental changes until it disappeared from the fossil record. Previous genomic studies had not detected signs of recent inbreeding in individuals dated to 18,400 and 48,500 years ago, but until now no whole genome had been recovered from a specimen so close to the extinction date. Recovering genomes from individuals that lived right before extinction is challenging, but it can provide important clues on what caused the species to disappear, which may also be relevant for the conservation of endangered species today, said Dr. Camilo Chacon-Duque, corresponding author of the study. The new woolly rhinoceros genome was sequenced from muscle tissue found inside the stomach of a permafrost-preserved wolf puppy recovered from northeastern Siberia. Radiocarbon dating shows that both the wolf and the tissue date to approximately 14,400 years ago, making the specimen one of the youngest known woolly rhinoceros remains. Sequencing the entire genome of an Ice Age animal found in the stomach of another animal has never been done before, Dr. Chacon-Duque said. By comparing the new genome with two previously published Late Pleistocene woolly rhinoceros genomes, the researchers examined genome-wide diversity, inbreeding, genetic load and population size changes close to the species extinction. The results showed few long homozygous segments, typically indicative of recent inbreeding, leading the authors to infer a stable population size only a few centuries before extinction. It was really exciting, but also very challenging, to extract a complete genome from such an unusual sample, said Solveig Gujonsdottir, first author of the study. The researchers also reconstructed changes in effective population size through time and found no reduction at the onset of the Blling-Allerd interstadial, a warm period beginning about 14,700 years ago. Their findings suggest that the woolly rhinoceros extinction likely happened rapidly, possibly during the climatic changes of this period, or over a period too short to leave a detectable genomic signature. Our analyses showed a surprisingly stable genetic pattern with no change in inbreeding levels through tens of thousands of years prior to the extinction of woolly rhinos, said Dr. Edana Lord, co-author of the study. Our results show that the woolly rhinos had a viable population for 15,000 years after the first humans arrived in northeastern Siberia, which suggests that climate warming rather than human hunting caused the extinction, added Professor Love Dalen, co-author of the study. The results appear in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution. _____ Solveig M. Gujonsdottir et al. 2026. Genome Shows no Recent Inbreeding in Near-Extinction Woolly Rhinoceros Sample Found in Ancient Wolfs Stomach. Genome Biology and Evolution 18 (1): evaf239; doi: 10.1093/gbe/evaf239 MANILA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- A 68-year-old passenger was killed and eight others were injured after a passenger van crashed into a concrete road barrier in Quezon province, southeast of Manila, before dawn on Thursday, police said. According to police, the northbound van struck the barrier while traveling along a highway in Lucena City. All passengers and the driver sustained injuries in the accident. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, police added. The injured victims were rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment. Police said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. ISLAMABAD, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani security forces killed four terrorists in an intelligence-based operation in Kalat district of the country's southwest Balochistan province, military said on Wednesday night. The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said in a statement that the operation was launched on Monday following reports about the presence of militants in the area. During the operation, security personnel engaged the suspected hideout, leading to an intense exchange of fire in which four terrorists were killed. "Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site," said the military, adding that the slain terrorists were involved in several terrorist activities in the area. The ISPR said that the security forces had also conducted clearance operations in the region to eliminate any remaining militants in the vicinity. The military said that the country's counterterrorism campaign will continue at full pace to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country. This photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026 shows a pipe bomb found in the suburb of Belconnen, 10 km northwest of central Canberra, Australia. The police force in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has issued a community warning after explosive devices were found near public footpaths in northwest Canberra, the capital of Australia. (ACT Policing/Handout via Xinhua) CANBERRA, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- The police force in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has issued a community warning after explosive devices were found near public footpaths in northwest Canberra, the capital of Australia. ACT Policing said in a statement on Wednesday evening that officers had responded to several incidents of pipe bombs being found in the suburb of Belconnen, 10 km northwest of central Canberra, on Tuesday and Wednesday. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Detective Acting Inspector Anna Wronski said that 11 devices had been located and that some had already been detonated. "Some of the items that have been located have been detonated prior to police locating them, and some have not yet detonated," she said. Wronski said that police warned members of the public not to touch any further devices they locate. She said that there have been no reports of anyone sustaining injuries or any property sustaining damage from a detonation and that all the devices have been destroyed. Members of the public have been advised to report any suspicious items or suspicious behavior. This photo taken on Jan. 13, 2026 shows a pipe bomb found in the suburb of Belconnen, 10 km northwest of central Canberra, Australia. The police force in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has issued a community warning after explosive devices were found near public footpaths in northwest Canberra, the capital of Australia. (ACT Policing/Handout via Xinhua) SYDNEY, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Communities near a major river in the Australian state of Queensland have been put on high alert for flooding as torrential rainfall continued across the state on Thursday. A major flood warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said that flooding of the Mackenzie River in Queensland's Central Highlands region is expected to peak on Thursday. It comes after residents in low-lying areas surrounding the river were on Wednesday told to evacuate immediately due to dangerous flooding. The Mackenzie River, which is a major tributary of the Fitzroy River and part of the largest catchment that drains to Australia's east coast, surpassed major flood levels on Wednesday near the small town of Tartrus, over 600 kilometers northwest of the state capital of Queensland. The BoM said on Thursday that the Fitzroy River is expected to rise later in the week as flows arrive from the Mackenzie River and that moderate flooding is possible in the city of Rockhampton, which has a population of around 80,000 people, from Monday. BoM forecaster Morgan Pumpa told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Thursday that further flooding is also a serious concern for saturated remote communities in northwestern Queensland that have been affected by ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said on Wednesday that many regions have received more rainfall over the past week than they would in an average year. The Queensland Department of Industry said that over 54,000 cattle had perished or were missing in floodwaters as of Wednesday and that more than 3,700 km of roads had been damaged. Robert Walters reported a broadly stable fourth-quarter trading performance compared with earlier in the year on Thursday, although group net fee income declined 14% year-on-year and performance diverged sharply by geography. In specialist recruitment, net fee income fell 18% year-on-year at a group level, with permanent recruitment down 12% and temporary recruitment down 17%. The London-listed firm said the UK was a notable bright spot, with specialist recruitment net fee income rising 25%, driven by broad-based growth in London and a return to growth in the regions for the first time since late 2022. Spain also showed further signs of recovery, while Australia and New Zealand saw continued improvement in temporary volumes. By contrast, northern European markets remained under pressure, reflecting regulatory, political and macroeconomic uncertainty. Regionally, Asia-Pacific, which accounts for 44% of group net fee income, saw total net fee income decline 12%, with specialist recruitment down 11% and recruitment outsourcing down 22%. Europe, representing 30% of the group, recorded a 23% fall in net fee income, with weakness across France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, although management noted sequential stability. The UK, which contributes 17% of group net fee income, saw strong specialist recruitment growth offset by a 19% decline in recruitment outsourcing, leaving total net fee income down 9%. In the rest of the world, specialist recruitment declined 19%, but that was partly offset by a 29% rise in recruitment outsourcing, resulting in a 1% increase in total net fee income. Recruitment outsourcing performance continued to be affected by the annualisation of client churn from contracts that did not renew into 2025, although the company said retained clients were more resilient. Net fee income per fee earner increased 3% year on year, supported by mix effects and stable fee rates, while specialist recruitment perm placements per perm fee earner rose 2% to 0.84 per month, underpinned by double-digit growth in the UK and southern Europe. Chief executive Toby Fowlston said the groups fourth-quarter performance was broadly consistent with the third quarter. In specialist recruitment, we have stronger conviction that recovery is increasingly well-entrenched in the UK, which grew strongly; Spain, which saw sequential improvement as the turnaround continues; and ANZ, where temp volumes saw positive momentum throughout 2025, he said. He added that conditions in northern Europe remain challenging, albeit sequentially stable, and noted that recruitment outsourcing performance was again shaped by annualising client churn, while retained clients performed more resiliently. Looking ahead, Fowlston said the group was acting at pace and with purpose as markets gradually recovered, but cautioned that the timing of any top-line inflection remained uncertain. Our initial planning assumption is for 2026 group net fee income to be slightly below 2025, he said, while emphasising continued focus on cost control, portfolio management and productivity. The group ended the year with net cash of 26.2m and reduced its monthly cost run rate to below 24m, alongside a 12% year-on-year reduction in headcount. At 1014 GMT, shares in Robert Walters were down 3.3% at 132p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. Words of the Year for 2025 included parasocial (The Cambridge Dictionary), rage bait (Oxford University Press), slop (Merriam-Webster), and 67 (Dictionary.com). --- On CrimeReads, Katie Bernet, author of Beth Is Dead, writes about "The Power of Giving Dead Characters a Voice." --- "J.R.R. Tolkien, using a tape recorder for the first time, reads from The Hobbit for 30 Minutes (1952)." (via Open Culture) Narayana Health plans to expand into Western healthcare markets, aiming to take its affordable and high-quality care model beyond India The UK will serve as the first major hub for global expansion, acting as a base to enter other developed healthcare systems Low-cost care model will drive scale, job creation, and skill development, while improving access to specialised healthcare services Indian hospital chain Narayana Health is preparing to expand its presence beyond India, aiming to take its affordable healthcare model to select Western markets. The company plans to use the United Kingdom as its primary launchpad before exploring other developed regions. Founded in 2000 by renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Devi Shetty, the Bengaluru-based group has built a strong reputation for delivering quality healthcare at lower costs. Cardiac care remains its largest service segment. According to Group Chief Financial Officer Sandhya J, the company is targeting countries with stable legal systems where private healthcare providers can operate successfully. Narayana Health already runs a hospital in the Cayman Islands and entered the UK market last year by acquiring Practice Plus Group Hospitals. The company is now focused on strengthening its UK operations before moving into other regions such as Europe and the Caribbean. We want to make the UK investment successful first, Sandhya said, adding that further international expansion will follow once the business gains stability and scale there. The move is expected to create new opportunities for healthcare professionals, improve skills transfer, and support training in advanced medical practices. Also Read: Max Healthcare Enables Appointment Booking Via Google Search And Maps At the same time, Narayana Health continues to expand at home. The group currently operates more than 5,900 hospital beds across India and plans to add 2,000 more over the next three years. This domestic expansion will involve an investment of about Rs 30 billion. The company competes with major players such as Apollo Hospitals and Manipal Health Enterprises, both of which are also expanding capacity. For fiscal year 2025, Narayana Health reported a 12.1 percent increase in revenue, reaching Rs 54.83 billion. The company expects similar organic growth in the coming year as it balances domestic growth with international ambitions. Few entrepreneurs can claim to have built a multi-billion dollar portfolio by weaving together relationships across three continents. Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt Lopez, the investor and president of Hawkers sunglasses, has done exactly that. His fortune, currently estimated at $2.6 billion, rests not on a single stroke of genius but on decades of carefully cultivated partnerships stretching from Boston to London to Dakar. What separates Betancourt Lopez from other wealthy investors is his approach to collaboration. Rather than competing head-to-head with rivals or acquiring companies outright, he has repeatedly found ways to transform potential adversaries into allies. He has built what might be called an "ecosystem advantage"a network of contacts, co-investors, and partners that makes each subsequent deal easier than the last. From Caracas to Boston to London Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt Lopez's international trajectory began early. Born in Caracas in 1980, he left South America as a young man to attend Suffolk University in Massachusetts, where he completed a double major in Economics and Business Administration. He later added an Executive MBA from Oxford University in England. This academic path gave him more than credentials; it gave him a transatlantic network of classmates and professors who would later become business contacts. "I grew up in an environment where everybody had what you needed, but I always wanted to be able to do something on my own," Betancourt Lopez explained in a 2025 interview. That drive took him from academic theory to hands-on experience in the energy sector. His early career included positions at ICC-OEOC, a petroleum company with operations spanning the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, where he served as Director of Commerce for Latin America and executive trader in the United Kingdom. At each stop, he collected contacts and learned how to operate across jurisdictions with different regulatory frameworks and business cultures. The geographical diversity of his early work proved essential. Unlike entrepreneurs who master a single market before expanding, Betancourt Lopez was operating internationally from nearly the start of his career. He understood currency fluctuations, cross-border regulations, and the subtle differences in how deals get done in London versus Boston. Converting Competitors Into Collaborators The clearest example of Betancourt Lopez's collaborative approach came in 2016, when he entered the Spanish eyewear market. Hawkers, a sunglasses startup founded by four friends with just $300 in 2013, had grown quickly but was struggling with operational challenges and needed outside capital to scale. Rather than swooping in alone, Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt Lopez assembled a coalition. He partnered with Felix Ruiz and Hugo Arevalo, the founders of Tuenti, a Spanish social networking app that had been acquired by Telefonica. Together, they led a 50 million financing roundone of the largest startup investments in Spain at the time. Arevalo joined as Executive Chairman while Betancourt Lopez became President, creating a leadership structure that combined his capital and operational experience with the tech founders' digital expertise. The partnership worked because each party brought something the others lacked. Ruiz and Arevalo understood social media marketing and the Spanish tech ecosystem. Betancourt Lopez contributed international connections and experience scaling businesses across borders. The original Hawkers foundersAlex and David Moreno, Pablo Sanchez, and Inaki Sorianoretained operational knowledge and creative direction. This pattern repeated itself in the transportation sector. When Betancourt Lopez co-founded Auro Travel, a ride-hailing service in Spain, he anticipated that global players like Uber would eventually enter the market. Rather than positioning Auro as a direct competitor destined for a bruising fight, he accumulated vehicle-for-hire licenses during a period when they were undervalued. "We knew that the market was going to shift to private riding industry instead of taxis," he explained. "We started accumulating the licenses. It was a gamble, but it was a calculated gamble." The approach paid off. Auro built infrastructure and trained drivers, creating what Betancourt Lopez describes as an ecosystem around the service providers. When Uber and Cabify eventually sought to expand their Spanish operations, they found Auro holding assets they needed. By late 2022, both companies had reportedly made acquisition bids of approximately 200 million for Auroa demonstration of how positioning a company as a potential partner rather than a target for destruction can yield substantial returns. Building Ecosystem Advantages Across Continents The network Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt Lopez has constructed extends well beyond Europe. Through O'Hara Administration, the international investment group he founded in 2014, he has deployed capital into African banking, Latin American energy, and technology startups across multiple continents. One of his more ambitious moves came in 2015, when BDK Financial Group, of which Betancourt Lopez is a major shareholder, launched Banque de Dakar in Senegal. The objective was to provide banking services to French-speaking African nations within the West African Economic and Monetary Union. To establish credibility quickly, he recruited Alfredo Saenz, the former CEO of Banco Santander, as the bank's president in 2016. The bank has since expanded operations into Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, and Mali. His philosophy centers on identifying where value will accumulate before others recognize the opportunity. He describes this as understanding where the "chain of value" is movinga concept he illustrates with historical examples. "If you can talk about the oil industry, at the beginning, the refiners, when the Rockefellers were in the business, were the ones making the profit," he explained. "Then oil became a scarcity, and then the value was in the producer of the oil more than the refineries. Then shipping, when war came in the '40s, who had the means of transporting goodsthat's how Onassis made his fortune because he had all the ships." Applying this framework requires relationships in multiple markets simultaneously. Leopoldo Alejandro Betancourt Lopez maintains that surrounding yourself with talented people who possess specialized knowledge is essential. "I consider myself a very fast learner," he has said. "I understand the basics of not everything in the world but of my investments. And I surround myself with good talent and people that I think can run it efficiently and I can understand what they're doing." That approach captures something important about his method. Betancourt Lopez does not attempt to master every industry he enters. Instead, he identifies skilled operators, provides them with capital and connections, and focuses on positioning the overall portfolio for maximum advantage. With investments spanning eyewear, transportation, banking, and energy, his $2.6 billion fortune reflects not just shrewd individual bets but the compound returns of a network built across decades and continents. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. When Christian and Jeremy Schlagler decided to open a barbershop, they wanted the layout and design to be unique, something eye-catching and distinctive, like no other hair-cutting business in the five boroughs. So, they dug into NYCs gritty, underground vibe and created an authentic subway-themed space. Barber Station features authentic NYC Subway signs and seating. Owen Reiter Everyone takes the subway no matter who you are or what your background is, Christian Schlagler said. And I think barbershops are very similar in that aspect. Its common ground. Thats why we picked this theme. Featuring authentic NYC subway seating and signage, all purchased at the MTAs annual pop-up shops, the Schlagler brothers one-of-a-kind business is best defined as a labor of love. The duo transformed the New Brighton space from a blank slate in just a few months time, laying out more than 4,000 mosaic tiles by hand and refurbishing the train seats before repurposing them as waiting room benches. They called the shop Barber Station and printed up its Jersey Street address in bold subway lettering. Everyone takes the subway no matter who you are or what your background is, Christian Schlagler said. And I think barbershops are very similar in that aspect. Its common ground. Thats why we picked this theme. Owen Reiter I think the shop creates a full subway experience, making clients feel like theyve stepped right into the heart of New York City, said Schlagler, who handles the business side of Barber Station. His brother Jeremy has worked as a master barber for more than a decade and manages all the clients with barber Brian Ayala by his side. The shop officially opened for business last month. Owen Reiter Its the perfect partnership, Christian Schlagler said. The shop, which officially opened for business in December, already has a solid following, and Schlagler noted that its social media accounts have exceeded 50,000 profile visits within the past 30 days. The Schlagler brothers created this mosaic, which features more than 4,000 tiles. Courtesy Jeremy Schagler We get a lot of walk-in traffic, and the feedback has been great, Schlagler said. Were already seeing the retention with customers coming back for a second and third cut people of all ages and backgrounds. I think weve really built something here thats worth coming to. For Christian and Jeremy, ages 29 and 27 respectively, the role of entrepreneur has been intense but rewarding. My brother and I are very hands-on; we built this business from the ground up," noted Christian Schlagler. Owen Reiter This is our first brick-and-mortar and while there have been challenges, we are so grateful for the opportunity, Christian Schlagler said. My brother and I are very hands-on; we built this business from the ground up. Hopefully well be able to expand upon the concept in the near future and bring Barber Station to other areas of Staten Island. Barber Station is currently open seven days a week: Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Both walk-ins and appointments are welcome. Barber Station is currently open seven days a week. Both walk-ins and appointments are welcome. Owen Reiter New Businesses in Focus is a column that tells the stories of new Staten Island business owners. If you run a new business on Staten Island and would like to be featured, e-mail jgorman@siadvance.com. Barber Station at a Glance Address: 493 Jersey Street Phone: 347-286-8851 Instagram: @barberstationllc Facebook: Barber Station LLC Update: Mikayla Dellaporta, 14, has been located according to an NYPD spokesperson. No further information or details were immediately made available. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The NYPD is asking for the publics help in locating a 14-year-old girl who has been reported missing from Tottenville. Mikayla Dellaporta was last seen Wednesday morning around 9 a.m., leaving her residence in the vicinity of Fisher Avenue, according to a statement from the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information. According to police, Mikayla Dellaporta was last seen on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at around 9 a.m., leaving her residence in the vicinity of Fisher Avenue. (Courtesy of NYPD) Police describe Dellaporta as 5-feet 2-inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. She has a light complexion, thin build, blue eyes and pink hair. She was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black leggings and black boots. The NYPD has released a photo of Dellaporta. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of this individual is asked to call the NYPDs Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X @NYPDTips. All calls are strictly confidential. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Patrol officers are increasing their presence at churches victimized in recent weeks and at all religious institutions on Staten Island, in an effort to deter further criminal activity, officials said. Assistant Chief Melissa Eger, the NYPD borough commander, also shaid that in the wake of these cases, NYPD Community Affairs officers have been dispatched to make regular visits to all local houses of worship to reinforce relationships and provide guidance and safety measures. These developments were announced outside St. Anns R.C. Church in Dongan Hills on Thursday as a group of elected officials and law enforcement personnel gathered to update Staten Island residents with the latest on the recent trend of disturbing incidents at various Catholic churches across the borough. I want to emphasize that none of these incidents indicate the targeting of churches due to religious affiliation, said Assistant Chief Melissa Eger, the NYPD borough commander. These acts were of opportunism and theft, with a separate incident involving a mentally ill person." (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) I want to emphasize that none of these incidents indicate the targeting of churches due to religious affiliation, Eger said. These acts were of opportunism and theft, with a separate incident involving a mentally ill person. That said, any incident, especially a disruption of service that occurs at any house of worship, generates serious concern from our community and we know that. The borough commander told reporters that the suspects in the various criminal acts in recent weeks have been arrested. The department is working closely with the Richmond County District Attorneys Office to bring these criminal cases to their resolution and hold the alleged offenders accountable. Also at the press conference were District Attorney Michael E. McMahon, Borough President Vito Fossella, state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Rev. Jacob Thumma, the pastor of St. Anns Church. Borough President Vito Fossella emphasized the importance of religious freedom and said that people should feel safe in their sanctuary and be able to worship freely. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) Fossella emphasized the importance of religious freedom and said that people should feel safe in their sanctuary and be able to worship freely. We stand here in solidarity with our Catholic brothers and sisters and all those of faith, to say, on Staten Island you should feel safe at your church or wherever you pray, the borough president added. McMahon reassured the public that law enforcement will remain vigilant and ensure that this disturbing trend does not continue. So much of what we do here is not just making arrests after crimes are committed, but in preventing those crimes as well, McMahon said. The district attorney explained that while some of the criminal acts against the churches were acts of greed, some of these crimes were committed by those with mental health issues. Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon speaks at a press conference held outside of St. Ann's R.C. Church in Dongan Hills, which was the subject of one of several recent disturbances at Catholic churches in recent weeks. Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) Values of his faith And Father Jacob has made it clear that where possible, that the values of his faith and our faith the Christian values are invoked and where possible, we will make sure that those who suffer from mental illness get the help that they need as part of their accountability program," added McMahon. Thats what we do here on Staten Island, where close to 40% of the arrests that are made here get offers of alternatives to incarceration, we will try that in these instances. Scarcella-Spanton, who grew up in Dongan Hills and has an extensive history with St. Anns, also spoke out against the recent spate of crimes at Catholic churches. Nobody should feel unsafe where they are praying, and here with our Catholic community, I just want you to know that we stand with you, the state senator, a Democrat who represents the North Shore and south Brooklyn, said. Were going to be making sure that this issue is highlighted, because I think its important to bring light to the fact that this has happened now four times. Nobody should feel unsafe where they are praying, and here with our Catholic community, I just want you to know that we stand with you, state Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said. (Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon) The status of the criminal cases The trend of crimes committed at Catholic churches dates back to the end of November. A string of four burglaries was committed at Sacred Heart Church in West Brighton from Nov. 29 through Christmas night on Dec. 25, according to the NYPD. As explained by Eger, a number of laptops and other items, including candy, were stolen and two juveniles have since been arrested in connection with those crimes. One 14-year-old was arrested for alleged burglaries on Nov. 29 and Dec. 4. Another 14-year-old was arrested for an alleged burglary at the church on Dec. 20, according to a spokesperson for the district attorneys office. Since the alleged burglaries, the district attorney has worked with police to ensure a constant post at the church as well as the deployment of a light tower. In another case at St. Rochs Church in Port Richmond, Josiah Vann, 26, a resident of Mariners Harbor, allegedly broke into the rectory of the church at 602 Port Richmond Ave. on Dec. 28 at about 11:15 a.m. A priest in the rectory spotted the defendant inside a bedroom, holding a towel, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. Vann told the priest that he was there to see a different priest, but the defendant then immediately left through an exterior door with the towel, the source said. Vann was arrested on Jan. 3 and charged with burglary, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, criminal trespass and trespass. Vann is being held on $25,000 cash/$75,000 bond. A third case at St. Sylvesters Church in Concord on Christmas Day saw a 64-year-old man allegedly deface the entrance to the church with a brown liquid identified as feces by Father Thumma, who also serves as pastor at this parish. Patrick Nembhard, a resident of Concord, was identified by video surveillance as the individual responsible for throwing the foul-smelling liquid against the churchs door, authorities allege. A detective reviewed the surveillance video and showed Nembhard a still photograph from the video. According to the criminal complaint, Nembhard said in sum and substance, Yea thats me. He allegedly further stated in sum and substance, I was homeless at the time I drank a whole bottle of vodka I was just roaming around and I dont remember doing that but I used to go to that church when I was young, yeah thats me, wow I look drunk as s---. The defendant has since been arrested and faces charges of disruption or disturbance of a religious service, criminal tampering in the third degree and disorderly conduct. Nembhard is being held on $2,500 cash/$5,000 bond. The last criminal act mentioned by authorities Thursday morning took place at St. Ann Church. Rev. Jacob Thumma holds a piece of broken marble from the wing of a statue after a man vandalized the altar at St. Ann R.C. Church in Dongan Hills while Mass was being celebrated on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) On Friday morning, a disorderly man disrupted Mass and vandalized the altar. The man subsequently struggled with two officers who responded to the scene. Ultimately, those officers suffered minor injuries A law-enforcement source said the man taken into custody for this case is 28 years old. As of Thursday morning, he had yet to be arraigned. While the individuals responsible for these acts await their day in court, Eger made a point to urge residents to bring safety concerns to their local precinct. We can only keep our neighborhoods and our faith communities safe if we all work together, she said. SYDNEY, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Researchers in Australia hailed positive Phase II trial results for a sepsis drug candidate, targeting one of the leading causes of death. The sepsis drug candidate was a carbohydrate-based drug called STC3141, said a statement of Australia's Griffith University on Thursday. "The trial met the key endpoints to indicate the drug candidate was successful in reducing sepsis in humans," said Distinguished Professor Mark von Itzstein at Griffith's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics. Administered via infusion, the small-molecule experimental drug counteracts harmful biological molecule release during sepsis and could treat the disease by reversing organ damage, the statement said. Von Itzstein co-developed the drug candidate with Professor Christopher Parish's team at the Australian National University. Sepsis affects millions of hospitalized patients each year when the immune response to infection attacks the body's own tissues and organs, potentially leading to septic shock, multiple organ failure and death, the researchers said. Currently, there is no specific anti-sepsis therapy available, making this a clinical unmet need, they said. Conducted by Grand Pharmaceutical Group Limited, the trial paves the way for Phase III testing, von Itzstein said. "It's hoped we could see the treatment reach the market in a handful of years, potentially saving millions of lives," he said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Local leaders will be holding a press conference Thursday morning to update residents on the response to several recent disturbances at Catholic churches on Staten Island, according to a release from the borough presidents office. The press conference will take place at St. Anns Church in Dongan Hills and will be attended by Borough President Vito Fossella, Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon, New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and NYPD leadership. At the event, officials are expected to discuss a multi-pronged approach intended to protect local parishes, as indicated in the release. BP Fossella, DA McMahon and Senator Scarcella-Spanton, alongside the NYPD, have long partnered to protect houses of worship of all faiths, and the right of all residents to practice their faiths freely and peacefully, the release stated, in part. The press conference comes after a spree of criminal incidents at local churches in recent weeks. On Friday, parishioners attending morning Mass at St. Anns were disrupted by a man who vandalized the altar and struggled with responding police officers. Ultimately, one officer suffered a knee injury and the other a laceration to the head, according to a law-enforcement source. In another incident, the entrance to St. Sylvesters R.C. Church was defaced with human feces during a Christmas morning Mass. While the mass was going on around 10:30, I was walking to the church to thank people, and I found human (feces) on the door. Smeared on the outside of the door, The pastor for both St. Anns and St. Sylvesters, Fr. Jacob Thumma, previously said. In a third concerning incident, a 26-year-old man is accused of burglarizing the rectory of St. Rochs R.C. Church in Port Richmond between Sunday morning Masses on Dec. 28. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Murder defendant Damien Hurstel who stands charged in the decapitation of his mothers longtime boyfriend inside their West Brighton home appeared more coherent during a scheduled court appearance Thursday. Hurstel, 19, is facing several charges including murder and concealing a corpse in connection with the Oct. 6 slaying. The victim, 45-year-old Anthony Casalaspro, was a Department of Sanitation mechanic who family and friends described as easygoing and a good person. For approximately the past two months, Hurstel has been held in the mental observation unit on Rikers Island. He is receiving medication for schizophrenia and other related mental health illnesses as well as psychiatric therapy, defense attorney Mark Fonte said Thursday. In the courtroom, Fonte informed Justice Alexander B. Jeong that his team plans to schedule an independent psychiatric exam, once they receive all of the evidence from the prosecution. Jeong adjourned the proceedings to Feb. 10 in state Supreme Court, St. George. Fonte previously notified the court that they were basing their defense on mental disease or defect, more commonly referred to as an insanity defense. The issue before the court is, what was his mental health like at the time of the incident? said Fonte on Thursday. Not what it was like today in the courtroom. The defendant has a documented history of mental illness that dates back to his childhood, according to his family and his attorneys. He has been diagnosed over the years as schizophrenic and suffering from PTSD, among other conditions, they said. Fonte said Thursday that his conversation with Hurstel was much different than the first time they met privately in October, when Hurstels demeanor was extremely concerning. A gruesome scene Police sirens illuminate the family's home on the 300 block of Cary Avenue in West Brighton, after police say Hurstel murdered his mother's boyfriend. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott Axelrod) The violence was allegedly preceded by a verbal dispute between Hurstel and Casalaspro inside the home. Hurstel told police investigators he struck Casalaspro with a meat tenderizer, stabbed him multiple times and then dragged his body into the bathtub where he removed his head, according to court documents. In this Oct.7, 2025 photo, Damien Hurstel is escorted out of the 120th Precinct stationhouse in St. George. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) Authorities said Hurstel then employed the use of a saw, a hammer, a pair of bolt cutters and a large soup spoon. The hammer, according to a law enforcement source, was used to gain access to the victims brain. The spoon, they said, was used in an attempt to scoop out brain matter. A photo of the crime scene mysteriously wound up being shared across Staten Island and beyond, the Advance/SILive.com previously reported. Disputes at the home According to reports, the defendants sister arrived home from school on the day of the slaying to find Casalaspros body in the bathtub. Hurstel remained at the home as police arrived. Law enforcement sources noted domestic issues at the home in recent years. According to the defendants family, these issues revolved primarily around his mental illness and the medications he was supposed to take. Hurstels mother told the New York Post that in one instance last year, on her birthday, Hurstel became physical with her after she asked him to clean up the kitchen. Family showing support for defendant Several of Hurstels family members, including his mother, uncle and cousin, have shown up consistently to court. Hurstel turned and acknowledged them at his appearance Thursday. Thats very telling, because it was his family who prior to my client turning 18 was in charge and responsible for his medication and doctors visits, said Fonte after the appearance. Once he turned 18 they were prevented from having that type of supervision. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Grant City pizzeria employee is accused of attacking his boss during a workplace dispute, allegedly throwing punches and using a chair as a weapon, according to a source. Genc Limani of Mann Avenue in Meiers Corners stands accused in the assault at 97 Lincoln Ave. around 4 p.m. on Dec. 20, according to the criminal complaint and police. Napoli Pizza is located at the address provided by police. The incident began with a verbal dispute between the supervisor and Limani regarding online orders, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. Limani hit his boss in the shoulder with a chair and flung the chair at the victims body, the criminal complaint alleges. Limani punched the victim in the face, and, after placing his arm around the victims neck, squeezed, the complaint alleges. The defendant threw two more chairs at the boss, hitting the victims shoulder, before biting the victims left wrist until it bled, the complaint alleges. The victim suffered physical injuries that included redness, bleeding and substantial pain to the face, shoulder, neck and wrist, police said. Limani was arrested that same day and charged with attempted assault, assault, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and harassment. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been released on his own recognizance. He is due back in Criminal Court in St. George on Feb. 26, according to public records. An attorney for the defendant did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A person who answered the phone at the pizzeria declined to comment. 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. 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. Metallica is nearing a deal to bring its historic heavy metal sound to the Las Vegas Sphere, according to The Sun. Metal Injection reports that the British tabloid claims the band is 90% through negotiations to secure a residency at the venue in 2027. According to the outlet, band members James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo have already begun meeting with Sphere executives and technical teams, but contracts have yet to be signed. During an August appearance on The Howard Stern Show, drummer Ulrich addressed the rumors directly. Im not going to confirm anything, because theres nothing to confirm but I would f------ love to do it, Ulrich said. The 62-year-old drummer called the Sphere the beginning of another chapter in live performances after attending U2s 2023 opening-night show. Bassist Robert Trujillo spoke about potential visual possibilities during an appearance on SiriusXMs Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk. Imagine a song like Orion and what you can do with that, he said. The possibilities are endless. Guitarist Kirk Hammett told The Hollywood Reporter in comments made last spring that Metallica would consider playing the venue, praising how modern technology is transforming live music. Metallica would become the first heavy metal band to headline a Sphere residency. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Northwell Staten Island University Hospital on Thursday officially opened a new program aimed at providing children and adolescents with rapid access to mental health services. The soft opening of the Linkage, Intake, and Navigation for Kids program comes amidst a surging mental health crisis across New York state, as cost, provider shortages and long wait times prevent or delay families from accessing timely mental health care. LINK serves children and adolescents ages 5 to 17. Early care has been shown in studies to reduce the chances of mental health issues in adulthood. LINK is the first program on Staten Island to bring together pediatrics, emergency medicine and behavioral health teams, with the goal of providing immediate care and ensuring every child is connected either to appropriate community-based services or to ongoing care within the pediatric clinic. Calling youth mental health one of the most pressing health challenges of our time, Meagan Sills, president of SIUH, said the hospitals goal is to intervene early, stabilize patients and connect families with ongoing care before symptoms escalate into crises. This helps prevent hospitalizations, school disruptions and longterm consequences of untreated mental health conditions,' Sills said during a ribbon cutting ceremony in the SIUH Outpatient Behavioral Health Center, located across the street from the hospitals main entrance. In addition to staff and administrators from the hospital, the ceremony was attended by Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon, Dr. Ginny Mantello, director of health and wellness for the office of Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella, and Micheal J. Pardo, representing the office of New York City Councilmember David M. Carr. Located within the outpatient center, the program features seven dedicated clinical rooms designed to support patient- and family-centered care, allowing providers to rotate in and out, so children do not have to be moved during their visit. Care teams comprise a medical assistant, psychiatrist, and social worker. The program is open to the full community, and it supports the Islands multi-million dollar suicide prevention program, Zero Suicide Model,' part of a blueprint devised by the borough presidents office in response to the urgent need for early intervention as pediatric suicide rates doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the New York City Department of Health, 48% of teens report experiencing depressive symptoms, and suicide is among the leading causes of death among children ages 10 to 14. And the agencys research shows that more than half of all mental disorders in adulthood start in childhood or adolescence. Statewide, youth suicide is among the leading causes of injury-related deaths among children ages 10 to 14, according to the state Department of Health. Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon speaks of the dire need for rapid access to mental health care for youth and adolescents on Staten Island. He speaks during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital's LINK program mental health facility. (Advance/SILive.com | Ann Marie Barron) (Advance/SILive.com | Ann Marie Barron) Frustrating battle for families Families searching for mental health care on Staten Island take on a confusing and frustrating battle, said Dr. Rashi Aggarwal, head of psychiatry and behavioral science at the hospital. On the clinical side, what we see, again and again, is not just families struggling to find care, theyre struggling to navigate care,' she said. Not only are there long waits and fragmented systems, but after finally getting an appointment, youre told your child needs a different kind of care. By streamlining access and shortening the time between referral and treatment, the LINK program will close critical gaps in the current behavioral health system, she said. Dr. John Young, senior vice president for behavioral health at Northwell, said one thing he often wakes up and goes to sleep worrying about is the fact that 18% of our children have seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months. Thats true in the country, thats true in New York and thats true in Northwells geography, and its right here on Staten Island,' he said, noting that half of the people who need care dont get it. We have real issues of quality, we have real issues of access and we have real issues of fragmentation. LINK is a powerful, yet simple approach to addressing all of these things, he said, by trying to build a cohesive continuum of care for children and adolescents. McMahon said the hospitals focus on mental health was important to him personally, as his family is affected by mental health issues. In our family, mental health is very real,' he said. My family, like most of the families in our country, our state and our city, (is) affected by mental health issues." He also said the recent vandalism of a Dongan Hills Catholic Church and subsequent injuries to two police officers in attendance highlight an undeniable link between undiagnosed and untreated mental health conditions and crime in our communities. He said he was relieved that previously threatened federal cuts to substance abuse mental health funding across the nation had been rescinded, and that he was grateful for the work done with mental health at SIUH every day. Meagan Sills, president of Northwell Staten Island University Hospital, addresses those gathered Thursday for a ribbon cutting at the hospital's new LINK program, which provides children and adolescents with rapid access to mental health care. (Advance/SILive.com |Ann Marie Barron) (Advance/SILive.com |Ann Marie Barron) During the ceremony, Sills thanked the hospitals auxiliary board members, current staffers and public officials for supporting the effort. Mantello said it was wonderful to see the LINK program come to fruition, noting that the need is very great and mental health continues to be a priority of the borough presidents office. We all know that we dont want to send children and families to the emergency room when theyre in crisis, she said. We want to make sure that they stay in their normal environment and their setting . . living at home, going to school, instead of being admitted into the hospital." When elected officials and healthcare providers work collaboratively, magic can happen, she said, calling the efforts a recipe for success. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. President Donald Trump was caught on video cursing and make an obscene gesture to an autoworker at a Michigan Ford F-150 assembly factory after the worker allegedly told Trump he was a pedophile protector. The video, obtained and released by TMZ, shows the president walking on an elevated walkway, appearing to mouth Fk you, twice, to the autoworker. Trump then raised his middle finger before continuing to tour the facility, located in Dearborn. The autoworker later identified as TJ Sabula, 40, by the United Auto Workers Union was suspended by the plant after the encounter. Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the president, told USA Today the following: A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the president gave an appropriate and unambiguous response. In an interview with the Washington Post, Sabula said his comment was in reference to the Epstein files. The files, accumulated by known pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, have haunted the Trump administration since he took office for his second term. Portions of the files have been announced by the Department of Justice in December 2025, but there have been delays in releasing the documents in totality. Trump is seen and mentioned in numerous photos and documents within the available Epstein-related collection. GoFundMe pages for Sabula racked up over $600,000 at the time of writing, according to the Detroit Free Press. As for calling him out, definitely no regrets whatsoever, Sabula told the Post. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A bipartisan effort across both chambers of Congress is seeking to ban congressional officials and their families from purchasing and owning stocks. In the Senate, the push is being led by New Yorks own Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Floridas Republican Sen. Ashley Moody. In the House of Representatives, Texas Republican Congressmember Chip Roy and Rhode Islands Democratic Congressmember Seth Magaziner are introducing companion legislation. The Restore Trust in Congress Act would prevent Congressional members, their spouses, their trustees, or their dependent children from owning, buying, and selling individual stocks and certain other financial assets, including securities, commodities, and futures, according to a written statement. The only proposed exceptions are mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and bonds on the municipal, state and U.S. Treasury level. Those types of funds are considered diversified and broadly held. It is fundamental to our Republic that members of Congress are focused on our nation and its citizens well-being, not how they may financially profit from their positions, Gillibrand and Moody said in the statement. That is why we are proud to introduce this commonsense bill to ban members of Congress from owning or trading individual stocks. We will continue to fight tirelessly to make sure it becomes law. Should the act become law, officials would have six months to separate their assets. Afterwards, new elects would need to divest within 90 days of their official appointment. If an official violates the law, they would be fined 10% of the value, and any profits from the transaction be disgorged to the U.S. Treasury. This comes 14 years after Gillibrand led the passage of the STOCK Act, which bars members of Congress from using insider information to buy and sell stocks. Forget about the Democrats. A Republican lawmaker is warning President Donald Trump that his own GOP would impeach the president if he does one thing. GOP Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska said that Republicans would look to remove Trump from office if the president follows through on threats to invade Greenland, the Daily Mail reported. Ill be candid with you: Theres so many Republicans mad about this, Bacon told the Omaha World-Herald. If he went through with the threats, I think it would be the end of his presidency. Bacon continued, He needs to know: The off-ramp is realizing Republicans arent going to tolerate this and hes going to have to back off. He hates being told no, but in this case, I think Republicans need to be firm. Trump has said that the U.S. needs to control Greenland as a matter of national security. The president has talked about buying Greenland or taking it militarily. The Arctic country is a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Both Greenland and Denmark have resisted Trumps overtures and Europe has sent troops to Greenland in a signal to Trump that a takeover would not be tolerated. Bacon voted against impeaching Trump in the House both times the Democrats brought impeachment proceedings against the president during his first term in office. And the lawmaker, who is not seeking re-election, did not say he would definitely support impeaching Trump over Greenland, but said he would very strongly consider it. I dont want to give you a definite yes or no, but I would lean that way, he said. It would be a total mistake to invade an ally. It would be catastrophic to our allies and everything. Bacon said: Its just the worst idea ever in my view. Elections, who needs them? Thats President Donald Trumps staggering take on this years all-important midterm elections. The races will determine which party controls Congress. During an interview with Reuters that was reported on by Mediaite, Trump talked about how parties in control of the White House historically lose seats in Congress in midterm elections. Trump has expressed concern that he will be impeached a third time if Republicans lose control of the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to the Democrats this year. Its some deep psychological thing, but when you win the presidency, you dont win the midterms, he said. Trump then said that his administration had accomplished so much already that when you think of it, we shouldnt even have an election. The president caused controversy when he looked to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which incumbent Trump lost to Democrat Joe Biden. One poster on X challenged every Republican to denounce the presidents statement about not holding the 2026 midterms. Said another: Is nobody reading the article? This seems like a pretty massive red flag. Another X user said: He is not joking. When asked about the comment, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said, The president was simply joking. Trump in the interview also waved off as fake a Reuters/Ipsos poll that found that most Americans dont support an American takeover of Greenland. The survey showed that just 4% of Americans support the idea of the U.S. taking control of the Arctic nation, which is a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump said that he trusts his own gut on issues like Greenland. A lot of times, you cant convince a voter, he said. You have to just do whats right. And then a lot of the things I did were not really politically popular. They turned out to be when it worked out so well. ISLAMABAD, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen terrorists were killed in a clash with security forces in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said on Thursday. The security forces conducted operations in Bannu and Kurram districts of the province, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement. During the operation in Bannu, intense fire exchange took place between security forces and terrorists, as a result of which eight terrorists were killed, the ISPR said. Separately, five terrorists were killed in an intelligence-based operation in Kurram district of the province. The ISPR added that the killed terrorists remained actively involved in attacks against security forces as well as the target killing of civilians in the area. Sanitization operation is being carried out to eliminate the presence of other terrorists from the area, it added. The military said the security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country. Staten Island residents are renewing their call for relief from persistent helicopter noise that they say is destroying their quality of life. A number of borough residents have contacted the Advance/SILive.com recently to complain anew about what has become a long-term problem. We are experiencing an assault on our quality of life, said Carol Donovan, president of the Richmondtown & Clarke Avenue Civic Association. The helicopter traffic is incessant. Flights are very noisy, and typically are 10-15 minutes apart, disturbing our meals, conversations and peace and quiet. Houses shake, windows rattle According to flight-tracking websites, many of the chopper flights originate from Linden Airport in New Jersey. Included are sightseeing helicopters that take off from Linden and fly over Staten Island as they take tourists on airborne excursions of New York City sites like the Statue of Liberty. The flights and their attendant noise are most prevalent in the evening hours, residents say, often making a racket until 10 p.m. Residents have reported that their houses shake and their windows rattle from the noise and that conservations frequently need to be halted because of the clatter. Donovan said that one area resident resorted to sleeping in their basement because of the noise. Another family said that they planned to get noise-canceling headphones for their son because the chopper noise is so frightening. Vibrations from the helicopter rotors have been known to ripple water in pools during the summer, and borough residents are also experiencing anxiety about potentially toxic pollution being released by the aircraft. Civic association vice president Susan Conlon said that nobody knows the safety record of these helicopter operators and that there is concern about what would happen if a tour helicopter had to make an emergency landing while over Staten Island. Conlon said that on this past Christmas Eve, the flight frequency was about every seven to eight minutes. The flights fly across residential communities here, some as low as four hundred feet, she said. They rattle windows and disturb residents with noise. Flying neighborly The Advance/SILive.com began reporting on the helicopter noise issue in 2024. The Federal Aviation Administration has told the Advance that helicopters typically fly over Staten Island using Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and just outside Newark Airport Class B airspace. When flying VFR, pilots are not required to be under air traffic control, according to the FAA. The FAA in addition does not assign specific routes or altitudes to pilots flying VFR outside of the Newark Class B airspace. Pilots often use visual cues such as landmarks, major roads, railways, or waterways to navigate in the uncontrolled airspace. Pilots operating VFR use a see-and-avoid method to conduct their flights and the responsibility for flying neighborly resides with the pilot operating the helicopter, the FAA has said. The FAA said that helicopters may be operated at lower altitudes if the operation is conducted without hazard to persons or property on the surface. When asked about the new spate of borough complaints about helicopter noise and about potential enforcement against low-flying choppers, the FAA in an emailed statement said, If helicopter pilots are following the rules, we cannot impose fines. If a community is concerned about aircraft noise, the best course of action is to contact their local aviation community roundtable or airport operator, the FAA statement said. The FAA can then work with airport operators to determine if the aircraft noise can be mitigated through changes in air traffic procedures. Residents can go here to lodge complaints about aircraft noise with the FAA. Advertisement BusinessCompaniesIron ore Mining giants join forces to extend life of WA iron ore projects Michael Philipps January 15, 2026 1:37pm 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 Two of Western Australias mining powerhouses have joined forces in a bid to extend the life of two neighbouring iron ore projects in the Pilbara region. Rio Tintos active Yandicoogina iron ore mine. Rio Tinto and BHP have agreed to work together to extract up to 200 million tonnes of iron ore at their respective Yandicoogina and Yandi iron ore operations in the region. The latest update builds on a 2023 agreement between the two companies to mine the Mungadoo Pillar, which allowed mining of ore from the shared tenure boundary that was previously inaccessible. Rio Tinto and BHP have agreed to progress a conceptual study followed by an order of magnitude study. Subject to a final investment decision, first ore from both deposits is expected to be produced by the early 2030s. Advertisement Both companies have stated that any potential implementation would be subject to regulatory and joint venture approvals, and engagement with Traditional Owners. Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Matthew Holcz said the latest agreement would lead to an increase in production at its Yandicoogina operation. By working smarter, we can better leverage existing infrastructure to unlock additional production with minimal capital requirements, he said. Together we will extend the life of these operations, create additional value, and further support Western Australian jobs and local communities. Rio Tinto iron ore chief executive Matthew Holcz. Advertisement BHP WA Iron Ore Asset president Tim Day said the collaboration was expected to benefit both companies. This is a clear example of productivity in action unlocking new opportunities by making the most of our existing resources, he said. By sharing our expertise and infrastructure we will create new value and deliver benefit to our people, partners, customers and communities. Yandicoogina sits about 95km north-west of Newman in the East Pilbara area and was among the first sites in the state to operate a fleet of autonomous haul trucks and drills. In 2024, Rios Pilbara operations, including tonnes mined at Yandicoona, produced 328.0 million tonnes of iron ore with shipments of 328.6 million tonnes, a slight reduction on its 2023 figures. Advertisement According to the company, productivity improvements of 10 million tonnes did not fully offset depletion, predominantly at Yandicoogina and Paraburdoo. BHPs Yandi iron ore mine sits around 180km north-west of Newman and was officially opened in 1991. According to the company, in 2017 the mine became the second WA-based iron ore mine to produce a billion tonnes of ore. BHPs WA iron ore chief Tim Day. Tony McDonough The latest agreement is not the first time the two mining giants have decided to work together. In 2024, the companies announced they would form the NeoSmelt consortium to develop Australias largest ironmaking electric smelting furnace, with electric smelting the key to producing green iron and steel. The consortium, founded by BlueScope, BHP and Rio Tinto, more recently welcomed two new equity participants Woodside Energy and Mitsui Iron Ore Development with the five participants taking equal equity stakes in the joint venture. Advertisement The NeoSmelt pilot plant is intended to test and optimise production of iron from the electric smelting furnace (ESF), a type of furnace being developed by leading steel producers and technology companies targeting lower-carbon emission-intensity steel. Get the days breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy. Sign up to receive our Evening Edition newsletter. NEW DELHI, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- An engine of Air India's new Airbus A350 on Thursday was damaged after it sucked in a cargo container while it was taxiing at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi, officials said. All the over 300 passengers on board the plane are safe. The flight AI 101 from Delhi to New York had to return to Delhi due to the sudden closure of Iranian airspace. However, while taxiing at the parking bay of IGIA, an improperly secured container was sucked into one of its engines. According to the officials, the aircraft has been grounded for repairs. The incident occurred at around 05:25 a.m. local time, when visibility was marginal, according to a statement issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India's civil aviation watchdog. The DGCA said preliminary investigation has revealed that a BWFS tug transporting a few containers to the baggage makeup area of Terminal 3 crossed this intersection while on the vehicular lane. Advertisement BusinessMarketsWorld markets Investors shrug off global risks as markets hit sweet spot Clancy Yeates Updated January 16, 2026 5:30pm ,first published January 16, 2026 7:46am 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 Investors have shrugged off escalating geopolitical risks in early 2026 to drive share prices higher, with strong commodity prices and the prospect of US interest rate cuts delivering a positive start to the year for shares. Australias sharemarket posted its fifth day in a row of gains on Friday, after a start to the year that has included rising speculation the US could attack Iran, US military intervention to remove Venezuelas leader, and an escalating fight between the Trump administration and US Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell. Sharemarkets have shrugged off geopolitical risks in early 2026. Getty Despite the overseas risks causing tremors in some markets such as oil, share investors appear more focused on the world economic outlook, hopes of US rate cuts, and higher prices for commodities such as gold. Analysts and investors said a major focus remained US interest rate cuts, which they believe are more likely once the US Fed has a new chair to replace Powell who is due to complete his term as Fed leader in May. Australian interest rates are not expected to be cut, but for equity investors, rates in worlds biggest economy are crucial. Advertisement Head of research at fund manager Ophir, Luke McMillan, said it was difficult to price geopolitical events, but when it came to the US economy, conditions looked increasingly positive. Related Article Exclusive AI ChatGPTs biggest rival is setting up shop in Australia Weve got the stimulus coming from interest rate cuts. Weve got further cuts likely to come priced by the market, he said. McMillan also noted oil prices were relatively low, and said US consumers were likely to benefit from cheaper petrol, as well as past tax cuts from the Trump administration. The Fed has taken centre stage this week, after Powell revealed the US Department of Justice had threatened a criminal indictment over Powells remarks about cost blowouts on a Fed renovation project a move Powell said was aimed at undermining the Fed and pushing interest rates lower. Advertisement Central bankers have united to defend Powell, but many in the markets believe the intense pressure on the Fed is still likely to result in interest rates being lower than otherwise. Trump has repeatedly attacked the Fed and Powell whom he appointed during his first term and called for lower rates. The price of gold hit new record highs this week. Bloomberg AMP deputy chief economist Diana Mousina said that if Trump appoints a Fed chair who is more sympathetic to his views, interest rates will probably be lower than they would have been under Powell. The pressure on the Fed from the president probably means that interest rates are likely to be reasonably lower this year, Mousina said. We are still sort of in this sweet spot for markets, she said. Another force behind the solid performance on the ASX this year, despite an uncertain global backdrop, is the strength in commodities. This is reflected in the performance of BHP which has been edging closer to overtaking Commonwealth Bank as the largest stock on the ASX. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Trade wars Trumps trade war with China is a $1.8 trillion fail Elizabeth Knight Business columnist Senior investment advisor at Shaw and Partners, Adam Dawes, noted the importance of potential US rate cuts on the market, while adding that commodities in particular gold were often seen as attractive to investors in a volatile environment. Gold has continued to go from strength to strength, and I think that as long as Trump is in power, it will continue to, really, and thats due to the uncertainty he brings to the role, he said. On Friday, the S&P/ASX 200 closed 0.5 per cent higher at 8903.90, to extend its winning streak after Wall Street rose overnight amid a slump in oil prices and a rise in US technology companies. Mining giant BHP gave up some of its recent gains, falling 0.8 per cent, while rivals Rio Tinto (up 0.7 per cent) and Fortescue (up 0.3 per cent) both rose. Advertisement Gold miners were mixed, with Newmont (up 0.7 per cent) and Evolution Mining (up 0.4 per cent) climbing while Northern Star (down 1 per cent) fell. The energy sector was weaker after oil prices fell overnight, with Woodside (down 1.4 per cent), Santos (down 1.6 per cent) and Ampol (down 1 per cent) all losing ground. Major banks climbed, as investors took a more positive approach to the sector after some have rotated out of banks into the mining giants during the early trading sessions of 2026. Commonwealth Bank, the biggest stock on the market, rose 0.5 per cent, Westpac gained 1.8 per cent, National Australia Bank rose 0.7 per cent, and ANZ Bank rose 0.5 per cent. James Hardie, a building materials business, rose 2 per cent after announcing plans to close two manufacturing facilities in the United States as part of a push to lower costs and improve its productivity. Technology was the strongest sector overall, after US tech shares rallied overnight. Logistics software business Wisetech rose 0.4 per cent, accounting software provider Xero rose 0.5 per cent, and data centre business NextDC was up 3.5 per cent. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement BusinessThe economyTrade wars Opinion Trumps trade war with China is a $1.8 trillion fail Elizabeth Knight Business columnist January 15, 2026 3:04pm January 15, 2026 3:04pm 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 year ago, Donald Trump waged a tariff war to curtail Chinas relentless industrial manufacturing growth in a bid to revive US factories. One measure of that failure became abundantly apparent this week when China announced the worlds largest ever trade surplus - of almost $1.8 trillion. In trade terms, Trump has been stumped. A tsunami of Chinese exports to the rest of the world has blunted Trumps tariff strategy. The worlds second-largest economy has adapted quickly and vigorously to the new world trade order. It has found new customers and new workarounds. Trumps attempts to thwart the rise of Chinese manufacturing appears to have it instead. AP Despite Trumps attempts to curb Chinese advancements in technology, the nation reported strong demand for electronics and lower-grade AI chips and booming electric vehicle shipments, which are up almost 50 per cent. China has set the stage to be the worlds top automobile exporter for the third year in a row. Advertisement Its trade numbers blew economists expectations out of the water, with Chinese outbound shipments across all categories year on year in December surging 6.6 per cent and prompting a consensus that this surplus is set to rise further this year. Related Article Middle East tensions Trumps Iran tariff threatens to reignite China trade war Over the past year, China has successfully embarked on an export binge, redirecting many of its products previously sold to the US to other markets in Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia. It has been additionally enabled by the weak Chinese currency. It has also managed to skirt some of the US tariffs by using proxy nations, subject to smaller tariffs, through which to ship goods imported into the US. Using these circuitous routes known as trans-shipping has exaggerated the extent of the reduction in China exports to the US which have officially slumped by 20 per cent in dollar terms. Advertisement Chinas exports have grown particularly rapidly to South-East Asia and Africa. Many companies in these regions, including subsidiaries of Chinese businesses, assemble components in China and ship them to the United States, bypassing recently imposed US tariffs. For example, in the first eight months of last year, US imports from Indonesia increased by a third an outcome experts reportedly believe is the result of goods being redirected. What sounds like a first world problem for China isnt all good news for a nation that is also pushing hard for economic self-reliance. The countrys domestic economy remains weak, with spending having been hit hard since the real estate crash in 2022 blew a hole in the Chinese consumers savings and curbed local spending. This had also led to a weakness in Chinese imports, further widening the trade surplus. The boost in cheap Chinese exports to other countries has meanwhile created its own global tensions as various nations such as France have concerns about eroding their sovereign manufacturing capacity. The trade imbalance between China and large parts of the world is clearly creating an optics issue about which Beijing is becoming increasingly aware, not the least of which is the sharp contrast between its sluggish domestic demand and strong international demand. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Trade Theyre killing their own customers: Beijing, we have a $1.5 trillion problem Stephen Bartholomeusz Senior business columnist But inflation in many other countries in the world has made Chinese imports more appealing and the countrys weak currency has made its imports more expensive. Chinese exports to Africa grew by a massive 26 per cent while in the European Union, exports rose 8 per cent, and in South East Asia, they were up 13 per cent. These represent tectonic shifts in world trading which will have their own ramifications. But for the US, Trumps attempts to thwart the rise and rise of Chinese manufacturing appears to be an experiment that has turbocharged its biggest economic rival. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement CultureTV & radioAustralian TV Brooke Satchwell once told me she would rule her 40s. Shes proving herself right Debi Enker January 15, 2026 11:00am 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 I wasnt born to play an ingenue, as much as people think I had the right coloured hair, or the right coloured eyes, or a big mouth, Brooke Satchwell told me over lunch in 2015. Its not my language, it didnt ever fit properly I know Im going to come into my own in my 40s and 50s: I know thats when all the good shits going to happen. Well, she was right. Brooke Satchwell stars in the new Stan series Dear Life. The observation came during an interview that shed somehow managed to squeeze into her hectic schedule between her work on the ABC comedy panel show Dirty Laundry Live in Melbourne and on Tens drama series Wonderland in Sydney. The concurrent commitments demanded discipline and stamina from her, as well as requiring a weekly schedule involving a diary blocked out in 15-minute increments. Satchwell, then 34, cheerfully admitted that she was running on fumes. Despite the exhaustion, she was vivacious, funny, frank and self-deprecating. Also: prescient. Because now, at age 45, in the new Stan drama Dear Life, shes front and centre in a role that showcases her versatility and range of skills as an actor. Advertisement Well before this starring role as Lillian in Robyn Butler and Wayne Hopes finely calibrated drama of love, death and organ donation, it was clear that Satchwell was a charismatic and gutsy force of nature a survivor on screen and off. Brooke Satchwell, with co-star Jesse Spencer, in Neighbours. Since joining the cast of Neighbours weeks before her 16th birthday, shes been recognised as a valuable team player. In 1998, after only six months on the soap, she won a Logie for most popular new talent, the first statuette that the show had received in a decade. A string of drama series followed, starting with Water Rats, where her guest role as Steve Bisleys bastard child was bumped up to a recurring one. It was followed in the early 2000s by White Collar Blue, Tripping Over, Dangerous and Canal Road. A break from acting that lasted a few years ended with Packed to the Rafters, Wonderland and the SeaChange revival. Brooke Satchwell with Scott Ryan in Mr Inbetween. Advertisement Amid that run, there are also some one-off standouts. An earthy, sexy paramedic and love interest for hitman Ray (Scott Ryan) in Mr InBetween. A determined, terminally ill patient endeavouring to end her suffering in The End. A jury member and victim of domestic violence in the first season of The Twelve, a performance that grows into a quietly devastating portrait of repressed terror. Beyond those series, there are also intriguing diversions. She provided a steady, compassionate narrators voice for Love on the Spectrum. She was a quick-witted sidekick for host Lawrence Mooney on Dirty Laundry Live. And then there was the spectacle of her cutting loose, hilariously, as Tiffany/Aunt Tiffanneh, a white woman with cornrow braids, assertively and incongruously talking black on the ABC comedy series, Black Comedy. As the substantial and varied CV attests, Satchwell has range. Shes also had to be resilient away from her work. Her relationship with troubled actor-director Matthew Newton made headlines during court cases early in the 2000s. He was convicted of assaulting her in 2007 after pleading guilty, though the conviction was later quashed on appeal. When the acting opportunities evaporated for a few years following Canal Road, Satchwell worked as a camera assistant, a job that led her to India in 2008, and to the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai during the deadly terrorist attack there. Shed stopped to admire the splendour of the lobby before asking a staff member for directions to the nearest toilets. That pause and query led her to out-of-the-way facilities she otherwise wouldnt have known about, which meant that she wasnt a visible target when gunmen stormed up from the beach. Advertisement Editor's pick Streaming People either get it, or they dont: Brooke Satchwell is thriving in her second act During the unplanned hiatus from acting, she also learned how to wire a house while working with an electrician friend, expertise that subsequently helped her get back on screen when she landed the role of sparky Frankie in Packed to the Rafters. Her career and her life have given her a wealth of experience, and Dear Life gives her room to draw on a broad range of emotions as her character ricochets between joy and grief. Happily, shes one of an elite clique of gifted Australian actors who can speak volumes with a glance. Along with contemporaries such as Claudia Karvan and Asher Keddie, she also has the kind of magnetic screen presence that grabs you and makes it hard to look away. This new series examines the messy business of life in the shadow of loss, as well as the trauma that affects a host of people in the aftermath of a violent death. Satchwells Lillian is at the heart of that whirlpool of pain, although, as this is a Butler-Hope production (The Librarians, Upper Middle Bogan, Little Lunch, Summer Love), it pivots nimbly between darkness and light. Amid scenes of anger or discomfort, there are bursts of biting humour. Brooke Satchwell in her Sovereign Hill costume in Dear Life. Advertisement Over six episodes, Lillian stumbles and spirals. She makes destructive and constructive decisions and deals clumsily with concerned family and friends as well as manipulative and bitter ones as she endeavours to find a path back to some sort of meaningful life. Sometimes that struggle plays out while shes wearing a bonnet and hoop skirt as the job Butler and Hope have cheekily given her is playing an 1850s schoolmarm in the living museum at Sovereign Hill. The skill required to pull off the shifts in Lillian, to make them feel alive and authentic, demands a lot of Satchwell, and she delivers. The combination of her talent with Butler and Hopes sensibility is a match made in TV heaven. That feeling about what her future might hold, expressed more than a decade ago, has proved to be spot-on. Dear Life is streaming on Stan. Stan is owned by Nine, publisher of this masthead. Find out the next TV, streaming series and movies to add to your must-sees. Get The Watchlist delivered every Thursday. Advertisement Analysis EnvironmentClimate changeClimate crisis Climate whiplash: We can no longer pretend this isnt a crisis Bianca Hall January 16, 2026 10:12am 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 What will it take for policymakers to take this more seriously? Thats the question a desperate-sounding Jeremy posed on local ABC talkback radio as he drove through central Victoria, which has been ravaged by bushfires for the past week, while his family was on the Great Ocean Road trapped by floodwaters. Flooding at Wye River on Thursday. Rebecca Scott Its a question we should all be asking. Queenslanders have been warned to brace for further flooding and heavy swells in coming days, as another cyclone threatens to form off the coast even as recovery from ex-cyclone Koji continues. Advertisement In both NSW and Victoria, authorities on the weekend warned people to limit the time they spend outdoors to reduce exposure to bushfire smoke. That smoke, it should be remembered, contains toxic particles from everything incinerated in the fires not just trees and grass, but buildings, factories, vehicles, and more. Communities in southern NSW have been hit by fires. Communities in Queenslands Central Highlands were urged to evacuate on Thursday morning as the Mackenzie River inched ever closer to its peak. Large areas of Western Australia remain gripped by severe heatwaves and fires. Devastating flooding in North Queensland in December. Nine Hundreds have been made homeless by the Victorian bushfires. Many more are now homeless tourists, thankfully temporarily due to the flash flooding that swept through the Great Ocean Road and Gippsland on Thursday. These are not just weather events, and its not like we havent been warned. Climate scientists have been sounding the alarm for decades about the devastation that unchecked fossil fuel production and consumption, and the resulting warming, will bring. Advertisement They have warned that a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which exacerbates sudden storms, just like the one that smashed through the Great Ocean Road. And yet, there is a maddening tendency to treat each environmental crisis that climate change throws at us as another isolated incident. Surely, that pretence must now fall. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that 2 degrees of global warming would make extreme heat 2.6 times worse, raise sea levels by six centimetres, accelerate extinctions, reduce crop yields and global fisheries, and increase extreme weather events. Advertisement It is becoming increasingly likely this is the scenario our children will inherit. Only this week, the Copernicus Climate Change Service and Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service for the European Commission issued its latest report on how were tracking against the IPCC benchmark. Their findings rely on global climate monitoring from organisations including NASA, NOAA, the UK Met Office, Berkeley Earth, and the World Meteorological Organisation. As this masthead reported, the data shows last year was officially the planets third-warmest year on record, behind 2024 and 2023. The past 11 years have been the 11 warmest on record. Temperatures for 2023-25 averaged more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels exceeding the goal set by the 2015 Paris Agreement over a three-year period for the first time, though the trend would need a decade of data to be considered permanent. Advertisement Victoria is a prime case study. Even as multiple bushfires continued to rage out of control after a week of burning, flash flooding hit the Great Ocean Road with such intensity on Thursday that multiple cars and caravans were washed away at Wye River. This is the same tiny tourist hotspot at which the campground and foreshore were closed, less than a week ago, due to the threat of bushfires. About 10 kilometres away, the Bureau of Meteorology recorded 175 millimetres of rain equivalent to three months rain in six hours. Advertisement Related Article Climate crisis The past three years were the worlds hottest on record Also on Thursday, Environment Minister Murray Watt bestowed the Murray River downstream of the Darling River, and its associated floodplains, with a critically endangered status. The news that these essential ecosystems will be given the highest levels of legal protections under the EPBC Act was criticised by the National Farmers Federation, whose Water Committee chair, Malcolm Holm, questioned the need for more red tape. Watts listing was nonetheless welcomed by environment groups, and is recognition of the adage that doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome is an insanity. But more must be done. Advertisement 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. As featured in the February 2026 hit list. See all stories . 1 / 5 Da Bepi serves Venetian-inspired drinks and snacks, including fried mozzarella sandwiches. Marie Luise 2 / 5 Inside the Brunswick restaurant. Marie Luise 3 / 5 Silky carbonara at Da Bepi. Marie Luise 4 / 5 Dishes at Da Bepi. Marie Luise 5 / 5 Interiors at Da Bepi. Marie Luise Previous Slide Next Slide Italian$$$$ Drink like the Venetians do at Brunswicks new wine bar with a few cicchetti for company. The bite-sized snacks include baccala mantecato, a whipped salt cod dip, joined by heartier items like silky carbonara and mozzarella in carrozza: fried cheese sandwiches with anchovy or ham. With a long list of digestivi, youll want to stick around and thanks to the late-night licence, theres no rush. Enjoy the eclectic vinyl collection, a roster of local DJs and games night each Wednesday with Italian games like Scopa. Must-try: Owners and brothers Matthew and Anthony Lucato lifted their nonnas lasagne recipe directly from her handwritten book, down to the detail of the tomatoes she used. Want to visit this venue? Save it in the Good Food app. Advertisement Exclusive NationalLiterature American writer says he was uninvited from Adelaide Festival over timing Michael Koziol and Stephen Brook January 15, 2026 12:11pm 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 Washington: The American writer at the centre of claims of hypocrisy involving the Adelaide Festival says he did not withdraw from the 2024 event of his own volition but was uninvited by organisers, who told him the timing would not work. Thomas Friedmans account lends weight to claims by former festival board member Tony Berg, who said then Adelaide Writers Week director Louise Adler pressured the board into removing Friedman from the program over a column he wrote about the Middle East. Thomas Friedman is a three-time Pulitzer-winning columnist for The New York Times. New York Times Friedman, a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times, said he was invited to appear at the literary festival two years ago via Zoom from his home in Washington. I agreed. A few days later, I was told by email that the timing would not work out. I said, no problem. End of story. That is all I know, Friedman, who is Jewish, told this masthead. Advertisement He subsequently confirmed he did not elect to withdraw from the event, and that festival organisers did not mention his writing on the Middle East when they told him the timing was unworkable. Friedman would not supply this masthead with a copy of the correspondence to which he referred. But his account stands in contrast with a 2024 letter from the Adelaide Festival board that rejected a petition to cancel Friedman over his writing and claimed he was not appearing due to scheduling issues. The boards response to the petition, dated February 9, 2024, and signed by then chair Tracey Whiting, read: 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. However, I have been advised that due to last-minute scheduling issues, [Friedman] is no longer participating in this years program. That phrasing implied Friedman might have withdrawn from the festival amid the worldwide controversy over a column he had written days earlier, on February 3, 2024, in which he used the animal kingdom as a metaphor to discuss the geopolitics of the Middle East. Advertisement Friedmans account that he was effectively uninvited, with timing the stated reason lends weight to recent comments by Berg, who said Adler pressured the board to cancel Friedmans appearance, and threatened to resign if it did not agree. In the face of that threat, the board felt it had no alternative but to withdraw the invitation to Friedman, Berg said on Tuesday, accusing Adler and Palestinian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah of extreme hypocrisy. Former Adelaide Writers Week director Louise Adler, who resigned saying she could not tolerate silencing writers. Eddie Jim At the time, pro-Palestine activists, including Abdel-Fattah, were petitioning the festival to remove Friedman from the program over his animal kingdom column. Adler did not deny Bergs allegations in comments to this masthead on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement On Sunday in an interview with Guardian Australia, Abdel-Fattah rejected allegations of hypocrisy, saying she and the petition writers were concerned about the impact of Friedmans writing on socially and historically marginalised people. Meanwhile, she has sent a legal concerns notice to South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas over comments he has made about her. Malinauskas has said through a spokesman that the Adelaide Festival board removed Friedman in 2024 and that he, as premier, supported the cancellation of both Friedman and Abdel-Fattah. Berg quit the board in October last year, before the Bondi Beach terrorist attack and the current scandal around Abdel-Fattah, citing Adlers vendetta against Israel and Zionism. In his resignation letter at the time, seen by this masthead, Berg referred to the Friedman incident though not by name. He claimed Adler had cancelled a writer on the grounds of alleged inappropriate description of Middle East countries and organisations, even when many of the pro-Palestinian writers she has programmed have said and posted much worse things about Israel and Zionists. 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 Analysis NationalBushfires Its the accepted wisdom on reducing bushfire risk, but doubts are growing Bianca Hall January 15, 2026 12:25pm 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 Generations of accepted wisdom tells us that hazard reduction burns reducing undergrowth, or fuel loads through targeted burning reduces the severity of bushfires. But an increasing number of scientists are casting doubt on the practice, arguing the climate has become too hot and the areas of risk too vast for safe and effective hazard reduction. Before bushfires ignited into firestorms last week, scorching through more than 404,000 hectares of Victoria and counting, an alliance of farmers and firefighters issued a stark warning about a critical lack of firefighting capability across the state. The Walwa bushfire in northeast Victoria grew from the Mount Lawson State Park last week. VicEmergency Hume The groups, headed by United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall, CFA Volunteers Group president John Houston and Across Victoria Alliances Andrew Weidemann (who plans to field One Nation candidates at the next election), wrote to Premier Jacinta Allan threatening legal action if any firefighters lost their lives in the looming fires. Amid warnings of catastrophic fire conditions, the groups wrote: Premier, collectively we place you on notice that we do not have the resources or equipment to confront such a scenario. Advertisement Firefighters, both career and volunteer, will again be asked to risk their lives to protect Victorian communities, they wrote. However, they will be doing so under conditions that your government has allowed to become dangerously unacceptable. Predictions of catastrophic conditions were realised when a raging fire north-west of Corryong grew so fierce it developed its own weather pattern: a pyrocumulonimbus cloud producing its own lightening and thunder. Cattle killed by bushfire near Terip Terip in central Victoria. Jason South Climate change is making such clouds, first recorded in 1998, increasingly common. It is also making fighting the bushfires that produce them a far more vexed task. Writing to the premier last week, the farming and firefighting groups identified ageing fleets and equipment and the alarming decline in fuel-reduction burns across Victoria as contributors to tinderbox conditions that would enable any spark to explode into raging fires. Advertisement Prescribed burns have been a feature of Australian firefighting since the 1950s, while First Nations groups have used targeted cultural burns for tens of thousands of years. But the question of how the burns are conducted in modern Australia particularly as climate change dries the continent and produces shorter periods in which burns can safely take place, as well as longer fire seasons and more ferocious and frequent fires is one that is increasingly urgent. A controlled burn near Bendigo in 2023. Jason South Forest ecology expert Associate Professor Grant Wardell-Johnson said fuel reduction philosophies were scientifically outdated and must be redressed as a matter of urgency The policy and management around fire stems from the 1950s when prescribed burning was being developed [and] in the early 60s in particular, he said. Advertisement And that was all fine, but weve had 2 degrees of global warming since then. When mainstream prescribed burning practices were developed, higher soil moisture levels and longer windows of mild conditions in autumn and spring made burns more feasible, he said. Now, with an extra 2 degrees, the window of opportunity is narrowed incredibly. And not only has the window narrowed for when you could conduct the burn safely, but also the time between mild or moderate conditions. Writing in The Conversation last month, research associate Philip Zylstra and Distinguished Professor David Lindenmayer argued that First Nations people conducted highly precise targeted burns in small areas, while leaving vast areas deliberately unburnt. By contrast, they said, colonists burnt great swaths of the landscape to promote pasture for cattle and sheep a practice recommended by the royal commission following the 1939 Black Friday bushfires. Advertisement Related Article Victoria bushfires Jacinta Allan calls for calm as CFA says fireys are hurting Wardell-Johnson, Zylstra and Lindenmayer argue burning forests actually increases their flammability for many years, by stimulating fresh undergrowth, thinning the mid-story of growth (which allows fires to pass through more quickly), and drying the forest. They have concluded in multiple papers that this increased flammability lasts for decades. Its deeply culturally ingrained for us, Zylstra told this masthead. There is a perception that forests are dangerous unless we interfere with them, unless we take control somehow; whether its by burning them or logging them, or grazing them and that is a cultural thing where were scared of the idea of something thats genuinely wild. Of the more than 404,000 hectares of Victorian land burnt by 4.30pm on Wednesday in the latest fires, just over half is public land, including national parks and state forests. The rest was agricultural and private land. Advertisement The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action says Forest Fire Management Victoria conducted planned burns and other measures to reduce fuel-driven bushfire risk across more than 109,000 hectares of public land in 2024-25. Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman says planned burns are a key part of Victorias bushfire response. Getty The departments annual report says the autumn planned burning operation was delayed in some regions due to dry conditions in much of the state, particularly in western regions. Had it proceeded, it risked creating large bushfires. For its part, Forestry Australia rejects Zylstra and Lindenmayers argument that forests should be left to age naturally, to increase moisture levels and create higher canopies that can better withstand strong winds. The notion that fire can be excluded from most Australian forests for more than 40 years is fanciful, given the increased frequency and extent of wildfires over the past 20 years under changing climatic conditions, wrote Dr Tony Bartlett in an article reproduced by the organisation. Advertisement Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said crews had responded to more 350 bushfires since December 1, and controlled burns were a key part of Victorias response. Weve kept more than 85 per cent of them under five hectares and the way we do that is through early detection of fires from our fire towers and reconnaissance flights, aggressive first attack by aircraft, rappel firefighters and ground crews to keep fires small. Planned burns over several years, our network of strategic fuel breaks and various response activities including backburning have also helped to reduce the impact of several of the recent large fires in Walwa, Longwood, Carlisle River, Kennedys Creek, Ravenswood, Wonnangatta and Mallacoota. 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 Graphic content NationalNSWCrime Private school teacher allegedly plotted abhorrent child sexual assaults Amber Schultz Updated January 15, 2026 5:21pm ,first published 12:03pm 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 A private school teacher from Sydneys eastern suburbs allegedly plotted with another man to sexually abuse two children in an abhorrent text exchange retrieved from a phone seized by police and read out in court. International Grammar School teacher Peter James Adam has been charged with two counts of inciting to commit aggravated sex assault with others and one count of using a phone or computer to solicit child abuse material. International Grammar School teacher Peter James Adam has been charged over allegedly plotting child sex abuse. LinkedIn The 63-year-old also served as deputy head of Junior School at Cranbrook from 2010 to 2015, and worked at Middle Harbour Primary School from 2016 to 2019, according to his social media. Adam was arrested on Wednesday after police raided his Bondi home. His co-accused, 35-year-old Todd Anthony Soulas, was arrested in September after police raided his Randwick home, seizing multiple electronic devices. Advertisement On one of the three phones seized from the property, police allegedly discovered an exchange between Soulas and Adam plotting the alleged sexual assault of two children. Facing Local Court Bail Division on Thursday, Adam hung his head and looked down as the prosecution read out texts allegedly sent by Adam to Soulas between June 2024 and July 2025. I am a teacher, so I will have to resign, he said. The school has announced he will be stood down. Peter James Adam was arrested at Bondi on Wednesday. NSW Police The court heard Adam allegedly offered to help drug children for Soulas to abuse and send their personal details for him to prostitute them. He is also alleged to have sent Soulas photos of children to create AI-generated pornography. The court also heard Adam told Soulas he had been in contact with minors. Advertisement These messages can only be described as abhorrent, the prosecution said. [Adam] was actively taking steps to allow [children] to be drugged and sexually assaulted by the co-accused. Having him at large in the community is of serious and significant risk. Magistrate Margaret Quinn said the messages were disgusting. [These are] really revolting messages I have to say graphic, she said. These discussions are of the worst form of abuse for children or anyone. Advertisement Quinn noted that the prosecutions case was exceedingly strong because of what police had allegedly obtained from Adams home during their search. Adam, who was represented by Legal Aid, was denied bail and will next appear in court in March. Soulas has been charged with 23 offences, including two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child aged under 16, one count of grooming a child under the age of 14 for sex, multiple charges over possessing and disseminating, and soliciting child abuse material, bestiality material charges, dealing with proceeds of crime, directing a criminal group and drug offences. Soulas will next face court on February 4. Advertisement A spokesperson for the International Grammar School said it was informed of Adams charges on Thursday and said he would be stood down. The charges do not relate to students at IGS. The school has assured parents and carers that the safety of IGS students remains the schools highest priority, the spokesperson said. Ongoing support has been offered to members of the IGS community who may experience distress or have concerns in response to the allegations. Anyone needing support can contact 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. Advertisement Exclusive NationalNSWSydney Fish Market Inside the new Sydney Fish Markets Club Med for crabs Megan Gorrey January 16, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A The new Sydney Fish Market will open on January 19. The Herald has charted the sometimes rocky path to this milestone. See all stories . They call it Club Med for crustaceans. Death row for tonnes of crabs and lobsters, bound for the citys restaurants and fishmongers, could be worse than the temperature-controlled trading floor of the new Sydney Fish Market, workers say. Sydney Fish Markets head of product and quality Erik Poole with live eastern rock lobsters from waters off Sydney. Steven Siewert There, in conditions designed to mimic their natural environments, the live seafood plucked from waterways as far as Cairns, Perth and Darwin will be sorted and stored before a swarm of buyers secures its fate at a wholesale auction each weekday from 4am. Sydney Fish Market chief executive Daniel Jarosch said the trading floor would be the epicentre of the behemoth new $836 million fish market building, which opens on Monday after more than six years of planning, cost blowouts, construction delays, legal squabbles and financial uncertainty. Advertisement The auction feeds out to all the fish and chip shops and fishmongers around Greater Sydney, and also goes to our wholesalers, who have even broader customer bases, and up to the retail floor, he said. Jarosch said one of its most impressive features was the live crustacean system, designed to satisfy a growing demand for live seafood, which accommodates various species, such as lobsters, at different temperatures. Sydney Fish Market chief executive Daniel Jarosch inside the auction room on the seafood trading floor. Steven Siewert Its like three separate Club Meds because they share it with other lobsters. Its truly world class. Work to transfer trading operations from the old market building at Pyrmont to the sprawling four-storey complex at the head of Glebes Blackwattle Bay will begin after the final auction on Friday. Cleaners will then prepare some equipment to transfer to the new site. Advertisement In the hours before the first day of trade on Monday, about 30 staff will start to receive and sort stock including mud crabs, lobster and reef fish delivered by air freight and trucked to the inner-city building, or unloaded from fishing trawlers that gather flathead, whiting and tuna off the coast. Sydney Fish Market head of product and quality Erik Poole, a 20-year company veteran, said the glass-walled trading floor at ground-level would be visible to visiting members of the public. The wholesale trading floor, which is visible to the public, has storage areas for different species of fish and crustaceans. Steven Siewert He drew inspiration from markets in New Zealand and Canada to create aspects of the live crustacean system, which was designed to better protect the quality and freshness of merchandise. Live seafood is an increasingly important part of our business because of the demographics of our buyers. We have a lot of live mud crab, and also eastern rock lobster, southern rock lobster, pipis and other species. In this new system, were able to hold a much greater range, Poole said. Advertisement Related Article Public transport Year-long wait for ferries to Sydneys new fish market revealed Poole said the lobster hotel kept the animals in boxes rather than releasing them into a tank and later scooping them out as filtered seawater at different temperatures was circulated. The mud crab room was kept at 21 degrees and 90 per cent humidity to keep the critters nice and happy. Thats the sort of environment theyre used to, and its important for animal welfare, which is increasingly under scrutiny. Keeping them in optimal conditions is the most humane way to do it. Fishers and buyers dont want to see the animals harmed because theyre worth money, Poole said. There are also seven portable tanks for live fish. Temperature-controlled zones the main trading floor is 14 degrees lower the need for ice, which can damage seafood quality, and reduce stress on animals. About 160 registered buyers will inspect the products on the trading floor early each weekday morning before the crab auction starts at 4am, followed by fish at 4.30am. The auctions have been brought forward by an hour at the new building to ensure trading is finished by 10am. Advertisement Since 1989, the market has used a Dutch clock auction, which works in reverse of a usual auction: the auctioneer starts with a high price that drops until a buyer presses a button, winning the lot. Jarosch said: The trick is to get the live auction over and done as quickly as possible. On an average day, we do about 3000 crates [of seafood]. At peak, about 30 days of the year, that goes to 7000 crates. The challenge is then getting the product out of this facility because it has to get into the stores for customers to buy at lunchtime. We may need to start earlier on peak days, which we do already. Advertisement An estimated 20 tonnes of fresh seafood will be sold at the new market each hour, or an average of 50 to 55 tonnes per day. Poole expected about 60 tonnes of produce would be sold on Monday. Theres excitement among suppliers about being at the first auction and the opening. Well be flat out learning to drive this beast, its so different, Poole said of the new premises. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here. Advertisement NationalNSWProtests Police warn protesters not to march as ban extension looms Jack Gramenz Updated January 15, 2026 12:54pm ,first published 12:29pm 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 Police are working on contingencies for major protests planned for Australia Day if a ban on marches through Sydneys streets is extended. A decision could depend on what happens at rallies planned for the CBD in the coming days. An additional extension of the declaration prohibiting marches could capture Invasion Day protests. Flavio Brancaleone A restriction on public assemblies came as part of the state governments response to the Bondi Beach terror attack and was first put in place on December 24, hours after the laws came into force. A protest on Friday will be calling for the repeal of the anti-protest laws at Town Hall, but no march is planned. Advertisement Another protest calling for a new inquiry into Aboriginal deaths in custody is planned for Hyde Park in the Sydney CBD at noon on Sunday. The protest is linked to the 10th anniversary of David Dungay jnrs death in custody. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said the prohibition on marches was about promoting calm and social cohesion following the most horrific terror attack in Australias history. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna says protesters can still gather, but not march. Dominic Lorrimer This is time to bring that community tension down. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon first extended the restriction for another fortnight on January 6. Advertisement An additional extension, if made, would capture the Invasion Day rallies typically held on January 26, as well as an anti-immigration March For Australia rally run by a soon-to-disband neo-Nazi group planned for the same day. The declaration means police are not accepting public assembly applications, which exempt protesters being charged for blocking roads or footpaths during marches. McKenna said community tension and social cohesion would be assessed again before the commissioner decides on Tuesday whether to make another 14-day declaration. At the moment we are working with the organisers for various public assemblies on Australia Day, and we will have different contingencies in place to work with them, regardless of whether there is a declaration or if there isnt. Stop the War on Palestine spokesperson Adam Adelpour said Fridays rally against the state government anti-protest legislation would feature a wide representation of the community voicing their opposition to these draconian laws and genocide. Advertisement Well be standing against [Premier] Chris Minns anti-protest laws and his disgraceful attempt to exploit the Bondi tragedy to silence critics of Israels genocide, Adelpour said on Thursday. Protest is like a muscle, if you want to keep it, you need to keep using it. Meanwhile, David Dungay jnrs nephew Paul Silva told AAP this week he expected Sundays march to go ahead. Protesters will be able to gather and stand there. Dominic Lorrimer Were not there to create any violence or conflict between police or any other members in society, Silva said, adding it would be disgusting if the declaration prohibiting marches was extended. Advertisement McKenna said on Thursday police were negotiating with the organisers of Sundays rally but had not yet had contact with organisers of Fridays protest. Were getting the message out to them, regardless, that we will be there in numbers and we will speak to them very early on in the piece and make sure they understand exactly what is expected. McKenna said police were not anti-protest and facilitated about 1000 in the Sydney CBD last year. What the declaration means is that were not accepting form 1 [applications] at the moment, McKenna said. When theres no form 1 in place, it means you cannot block pedestrians, block footpaths, block roadways, march down streets, that sort of thing. Advertisement People can still have free speech, people can still gather in a park or somewhere that theyre not impeding people, McKenna said. Demonstrators march against some aspects of the NSW governments response to the Bondi terror attack gathered at Town Hall in the days before the laws passed. Dominic Lorrimer There have been 25 static protests since the declaration restricting applications was first made in December, McKenna said. A challenge against the laws have has been filed in the Supreme Court, to return on January 29. Palestine Action Group organiser Josh Lees vowed to defy the protest ban following a hearing in court last Friday. Advertisement We reject the NSW governments undemocratic anti-protest laws and the ludicrous, baseless justifications for them, he told this masthead on Thursday. Related Article Updated Bondi shooting Dont let the perfect be the enemy of the good: Jewish groups urge Ley to back bill Lanyon first extended the ban days after a rally following the US capture of ousted Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. The rally was held hours after Maduros capture, but public assembly applications are typically required to be submitted at least seven days beforehand, unless otherwise approved by the police commissioner or Supreme Court. Three people were arrested at the Venezuela protest, but no charges were laid. Advertisement A crowd also gathered outside the US consulate in North Sydney on Tuesday in support of protests in Iran. 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 NationalNSWPolice Ready 2 chalk out every Alameddine: Cartel threatens to wipe out notorious crime family Perry Duffin January 15, 2026 12:25pm 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 Sydneys most notorious gangland family is being hunted by a breakaway group that has torched the home of a key figure and released images of guns and bullets along with a warning they are ready to chalk out the Alameddines. The Alameddine organised crime network, for the past decade, has deployed brutal violence and enlisted the help of smaller street gangs to control large swathes of the citys highly lucrative drug trade from its home suburb of Merrylands. The car on the property belonging to the Alameddines erupted in flames on Tuesday night. But three years of police crackdowns, high-profile arrests and internal spats have left the once-sprawling criminal empire at war with its own soldiers. On Tuesday night, two men approached a Toongabbie home and poured accelerant on an SUV parked in the driveway, before setting it alight. Advertisement Coconut Cartel on top, one called out as they fled the scene. Later that evening, an image was shared by Sydney Crime Network, an underworld social media outlet, showing a rifle, bullets and a threat. Bilal Alameddine is the suspected target of a series of threats, and the Toongabbie firebombing. Come out and play you midget f--- PS Coconut Cartel, a handwritten note next to the gun reads. Both the firebombing, and the threat, were directed at Bilal Alameddine, who is 150 centimetres tall. Advertisement Detectives from State Crime Commands Criminal Groups Squad are aware of an image depicting a firearm, along with associated threats against an Organised Criminal Network, circulating on social media, NSW Police said in a statement. Investigations have commenced into yesterdays firebombing in Toongabbie (Wednesday 14 January 2026), the firearm image, and the inference of conflict between the two OCNs. A threat from the Coconut Cartel to Bilal Alameddine sent by SCN Worldstar. A second threat, attached to the images sent to SCN Worldstar, said Coconut Cartel were Ready 2 Chalk Out Every Alameddine. SCNs Zaky Mallah told the Herald the cartel was linked to a group of Islander boys who had been hired by the Alameddines but had since fallen out with the OCN. Advertisement Some of the Islander boys were once hired by the Alameddines to carry out some work, then an internal infighting happened. Then some of these boys flipped and created the Sydney Cartel, he said. But, Mallah said, they were not claiming affiliation with other established gangs. They are not linked to anyone. For example, If you are against the Alameddine family, or anyone that gets in their way, you can join [the cartel], Mallah said. So long as you record your movie on camera, youre welcomed in. Its not known, by police or anyone outside the conflict, whether the cartel is connected with another large defection of foot soldiers from the Alameddines last year. Advertisement A street gang of predominantly Fijian Australians, known as KVT, broke away from the Alameddines, triggering a series of public shootings in 2025 that shocked the city. NSW Police established Taskforce Falcon to halt the infighting after an Alameddine leader was marked for assassination and shot at multiple times. He cannot be identified for legal reasons. One of his bodyguards was killed in one shooting at Parramatta, and an innocent woman shot in a kebab shop in the second. Theres been a division and thats the problem, Detective Superintendent Jason Box, Falcons commander, said last July. It was one organised crime network working as a collective theres now a division, and that hasnt been accepted internally, hence the conflict. Advertisement In 2015, Bilal Alameddine tried to leave Australia to join Islamic State terrorists in the Middle East as a 16-year-old. Months later, a relative, Talal Alameddine, supplied the gun used by a radicalised teenager in the murder of police accountant Curtis Cheng outside NSW Police headquarters. In 2017, Bilal Alameddine was arrested after selling handguns a Desert Eagle and Smith & Wesson and more than $100,000 worth of cocaine to undercover officers. He was ultimately granted parole in late 2022 despite bad behaviour, including violence and hidden mobile phones, behind bars. 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 NationalNSWBondi shooting To stay or go? Council debates future of Bondi pedestrian bridge David Barwell January 15, 2026 10:04pm 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 Bondi residents, community groups and Jewish leaders have urged Waverley Council not to demolish the footbridge at the centre of the Bondi Beach terror attack amid staunch public debate about whether the heritage-listed landmark should be retained or removed. The fate of the pedestrian bridge at Bondi Park remains in limbo following a 2-hour council meeting convened by Waverley Council on Thursday night, attended by a packed public gallery and overseen by a heavy presence of police and security guards. The future of the footbridge at Bondi Beach was subject to debate at Thursdays council meeting. Louise Kennerley On the meeting agenda were four items, including consideration of the future of the pedestrian bridge, which was used as a vantage point by the father-and-son gunmen on December 14 when they killed 15 people and injured dozens more in an antisemitic attack on the first night of Hanukkah. The meeting resulted in councillors voting in favour of seeking a report into the costs, timetable and approvals process associated with either replacing or restoring the pedestrian bridge, with a final decision on its future not expected to be made until at least the middle of this year. Advertisement Security and police were on hand for the Waverley Council meeting at Bondi Junction. Sitthixay Ditthavong A structural report commissioned by the council in 2024 concluded the pedestrian bridge, along with a southern pedestrian bridge also crossing Park Drive at Bondi Park, were deemed to have reached the end of their useful lives and require replacement within several years. Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh, speaking during the meeting, noted the replacement of the bridge would be considered in the context of discussions about the establishment of a permanent memorial in Bondi Park to honour the victims of the attack. He said a final decision would be subject to further community consultation, including with the families of the 15 people killed. Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh at Bondi Beach. Flavio Brancaleone The vote comes one day after NSW Premier Chris Minns added his voice to the debate, calling for the structure be torn down to prevent it from becoming a ghoulish reminder while also noting his preference for families to be given the final say. Advertisement Waverley Deputy Mayor Keri Spooner said it was far too soon to be making definitive decisions and urged the response to the attack not to be solely defined by debate around the pedestrian bridges. The council will be listening to everyone in our community, and nothing will be happening until an appropriate time, she said. Councillors at the meeting also voted in favour of a range of other measures in response to the attack, including holding a civic function in appreciation and gratitude of first responders, dedicating mural panels along the Bondi Beach Sea Wall promenade to community artwork for 12 months, and holding an exhibition at Bondi Pavilion Art Gallery showcasing the cultural and community artistic response to the tragedy. Friends of Bondi Pavilion member Nicolette Boaz, speaking at the meeting, called on councillors to honour the heritage value of the existing bridges and broader parklands. The parklands, the beach, the pavilion, and the bridge are synonymous with Bondi and we cannot let the terrible attack that happened hurt us more by allowing the destruction of public heritage, she said. Advertisement Those sentiments were shared by Sandy Hollis of the Sydney Jewish Museum, who advocated for the bridges to be retained as a memorial to those killed and as a lasting symbol of what Australia stands for. Residents attend the Waverley Council meeting in Bondi Junction on Thursday. Sitthixay Ditthavong Shua Solomon, president of the Rabbinical Council of NSW, called for the memorial to become a public display of Jewish pride and light. Michelle Goldman, chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, said the attack had left lasting scars that have touched every corner of Waverley just as it touched every corner of the Jewish community. Jewish communities across Australia have experienced unprecedented levels of antisemitism since October 7, 2023. It has no place here, not in our schools, not in our universities, not in our streets and public places and certainly not in Bondi, she told the meeting. Advertisement Goldman also urged other councils to follow Waverley Councils lead by adopting strategies that carried commitments to combat antisemitism in local communities. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Now, sometimes coincidental meetings are more than just amusement. Tony Sullivan of Islington tell us, On a bus tour around Los Angeles, our driver was pulled over by a local copper for driving down the wrong street. The copper was friendly but firm, then conversation started. Of course he knew Newcastle, Australia, as he married to an Aussie in a suburb called Adamstown and his new family lived a block away from us. We all kept smiling, driver looked hopeful, and the copper told us to keep moving but be more careful. Happy ending. Unexpected meeting can also include towns, it turns out. Donald Hawes of Peel says, After trying in vain to explain to NSW people for some years where Blayney, our home, was situated, a visit to Mt Snowdon in Wales elicited a positive response: I was the boiler inspector for the old abattoir there. A few days later, in a small, ancient, village in central France, the owner of our B&B medieval house also knew the place: My mother lives in Grenfell, and I often make doctors appointments for her at Blayney. At this point, Column 8 would like to thank everyone who has written about their unexpected meetings (so few degrees of separation, it turns out) but has to call a halt to the subject after so many days. Thank you also to the many Col8ers who wrote to say that Sunnyboys and Razzes were sold in NSW, along with Glug (cola) (a favourite of many) and Zap (lime) and the shortlived and not much mourned Pow (pineapple), but not the frozen flavoured milk. However, Mark Stewart, now of Elizabeth Bay, says, Banana benders in the 60s and 70s had 8 Sunnyboys and Razes. Frozen milk tetra-packs were a 12 delicacy, sought after at select local convenience stores. Advertisement NationalQueenslandCrime Brisbane mosque leaders family home damaged in fire Dominique Tassell January 15, 2026 9:07pm 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 Brisbane mosque leaders house has been severely damaged in a blaze. The family home of Imam Shaikh Moulana Abdul Salik, head of the Masjid Taqwa mosque in Bald Hills, was reported alight about 6pm on Wednesday. Three fire crews attended the blaze at the single-storey Telegraph Road home, which was under control by 6.30pm. The family home of Imam Salik from Bald Hills mosque has been severely damaged in a fire. The fire was isolated to the back left side of the property, a Queensland Fire Department spokesperson said. Advertisement Salik and his family were not home when emergency services arrived. Police are investigating the cause of the fire. The house was severely burnt and is no longer liveable, a mosque spokesperson said. The imam and his family have been moved to temporary accommodation while they seek something more permanent. Insurance would cover repairs to the home, but not its contents, the mosque spokesperson said. Advertisement The Council of Imams Queensland said the family was dealing with immense shock, distress and hardship. Related Article Updated Crime Swastika, anti-Islam graffiti sprayed on Brisbane mosque While we are profoundly grateful that no lives were lost and that the family is physically safe, the emotional and practical impact of this incident has been significant, it said. Imam Salik has served the community with sincerity, dedication, and compassion. During this difficult time, he and his family are in need of our collective care, support, and solidarity. Advertisement The Council of Imams Queensland stands firmly alongside Imam Salik and is committed to assisting him and his family as they navigate the aftermath of this ordeal. A GoFundMe page has been created to help support Salik and his family. It comes a month after a swastika and anti-Islam graffiti were spray-painted on the Bald Hills mosque. The swastika and the words f--- Allah and No Muslims = peace were written in black paint on the mosque on December 19. 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 NationalQueenslandExtreme weather PM tips in an extra $26m for Qld flood recovery as Crisafulli slams outdated tech Dominique Tassell January 15, 2026 3:46pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced another $26 million in funding for Far North Queensland amid a significant rain event, bringing the total to $66 million. The newly announced $26 million is a joint commitment between the state and federal governments. It follows days of criticism from Premier David Crisafulli, who said outdated systems meant those in the community were sitting ducks during extreme weather. Anthony Albanese announces $26 million in funding for Far North Queensland following recent damaging downpours. Nine Speaking from Clermont where flash flooding wiped out 50,000 head of cattle and triggered a number of swift-water emergency rescues the prime minister said state governments and local councils were responsible for their infrastructure, but that the government has committed significant funding to help them. Advertisement More than $200 million has been allocated by the federal government over 10 years to upgrade rain gauges, rain towers, warning signs and cameras, Albanese said. Related Article Updated Extreme weather Sitting ducks: Crisafulli doubles down on BOM criticism The operational questions are best directed to the Bureau [of Meteorology], he said. At the moment, local councils and state government agencies own the majority of flood gauges. Theyre responsible for their own infrastructure, but thats why we have established this fund. We are putting $263 million we have on the table over 10 years. Advertisement I have a good working relationship with the premier, David Crisafulli. I dont seek to politicise any of these issues. We will work constructively; just like today, were announcing working constructively with [the local council]. Earlier this week, Crisafulli blamed the federal BoMs flood gauge system and radar coverage for failing to provide sufficient information during flooding disasters. Crisafulli has repeatedly criticised the bureaus radar range and communication tools throughout the wet season, initially labelling the service as flawed when south-east Queensland residents were caught off guard by severe storms in October. Inland floodwaters in north Queensland, where flash flooding has triggered a number of swift-water rescues. Cloncurry Shire Council On Tuesday, he said outdated rain gauges and stretched radar coverage in remote regions meant residents were sitting ducks during disasters. Advertisement In many cases, youve got areas where youve got two radars so far apart that youve got areas that arent covered, Crisafulli said. It hasnt had the investment in facilities, and you wouldnt cop it if it was in a capital city. There is no world that says if there was a couple of streets in Sydney or Melbourne where they werent given information that could put them in harms way, that that wouldnt be fixed by lunchtime thats the truth. Crisafulli said the blame did not lie with the bureau but with a lack of investment in resources for Far North Queensland dating back multiple federal governments. Information is the difference between life and death, and communities are flying blind because there hasnt been the investment in things like rain gauges and, in many places, radar to warn of the impending danger, he said. Advertisement When asked to respond to Albaneses comments about the existing funding on Thursday, Crisafullis office sent through audio of comments he made on Tuesday. It did not respond to questions about the number of state- and council-owned gauges in Queensland, or the portion of the $263 million allocated to the state. The new federal funding will also go towards the primary producers support package, extraordinary disaster recovery assistance grants, the mental health recovery program, and immediate recovery needs for Isaac Regional Council. Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the impacts of the recent flooding were not yet fully known, but the federal government would help with additional assistance if required. 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 NationalDiscrimination Opinion Too fast, too slow, too broad, too narrow ... Albaneses hate speech critics agree on one thing Waleed Aly Columnist, author and academic January 16, 2026 5:00am January 16, 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 And now the cracks appear. Having called for the Albanese government to introduce tougher hate-speech laws, the Ley opposition considers the version currently proposed unsalvageable. The Coalition, in turn, is divided among its various factions on what their objections are. Sussan Ley is arguing stridently against the bills religious text exemption, which would save people from prosecutions for quoting scripture, insisting that it provides an unacceptable loophole. Meanwhile, Andrew Hastie says hes unlikely to support the bill because of its impact on freedom of speech and religion, which sounds more an opposite concern to Leys. The Nationals apparently share Hasties objections: Matt Canavan describing the bill as the greatest attack on free speech since Robert Menzies tried to ban the Australian Communist Party. Canavan is especially worried that expanding the concept of racist hate speech will be a Trojan horse to limit speech on immigration, integration [and] assimilation. Illustration by Simon Letch The problem is this whole endeavour sits across several contradictory philosophical fault lines. The stridency of Leys demands that the government toughen up on hate speech obscured the fact that the Coalition has always been sceptical of such laws. That is not to say it is insincere when it wants to police antisemitic rhetoric, especially from radical Muslim preachers. But indications are it wants to police nothing else. Elsewhere, its instincts remain to expand free speech. Hitherto, the Coalition has resolved this tension by insisting antisemitism is the real issue, to the exclusion of other forms of hate, and especially Islamophobia. And to some extent, the governments bill reflects that view, punishing hate speech only when directed against groups distinguished by their race, colour or national or ethnic origin. This would protect Jews, but not Muslims. Thats not, I hasten to add, at the behest of Jewish groups like the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, who have said theyd be happy to see the bills terms expanded to cover religious groups, as well as people distinguished by their sexuality or disability. Advertisement Related Article Updated Bondi shooting Greens hold the cards to pass hate speech bill as Ley walks away Leading the political charge on that is teal independent Allegra Spender, whose seat encompasses Bondi, and whose lead the Greens have followed. The Coalition voices no such objection, and given its exclusive focus on antisemitism, and the divisions already evident within its ranks, its hard to imagine it would support such expanded legislation. Thats not yet a problem at the level of political argument. In the aftermath of something as horrific as Bondi, the urgency of antisemitism is self-evident. Similarly, Islamist radicalisation looms as the major threat, which is why Ley can demand the legislation use the phrase radical Islam, even though its unclear what that would achieve legally, and it would be a bizarre way for the bill to be drafted. Legislation is not a press conference. It has to anticipate future situations and be coherent 20 years hence. Ultimately, then, legislation of this kind demands some consistent theory of the relationship between hate speech and violence. If violence against a group is the outcome of hate speech, then excluding any group from hate speech protections becomes akin to saying violence against its members is of little consequence. Perhaps that works for as long as that violence is theoretical, or simply fails to register. As if to illustrate the point, just this week, around the time the government released a draft of its bill, police charged two men with assaulting the imam of Melbournes Noble Park mosque and his wife, describing it as a hate crime. The couples alleged assailants forced them off the road with their car, then all allegedly proceeded to smash the vehicles side mirror, threatened to stab the wife, and then when the imam got out of the car, punched him in the face, all while yelling Islamophobic abuse before some Good Samaritans intervened. Its not an isolated case. Advertisement Related Article Editorial Freedom of speech We should not sleepwalk into an attack on freedom of expression The Herald's View Editorial Such stories dont yet inform federal politics, especially because they are nowhere near on Bondis scale. But if the theory is to draw a line that connects hate speech to smaller acts of hate through to the most devastating ones, they could easily begin to register once the impending vote on this legislation sharpens the debate. At which point both government and opposition might have to explain the bills narrow focus as a matter of principle. The governments answer seems to be that it is open to broadening the bill, but only after this version passes. Its a strained argument because it doesnt explain why anyone who would be standing in the way of a broader law now would change that position at a future time of less urgency. If the government thinks the opposition would be the main barrier, it has two problems. First, it might have to find a way to pass these laws without the Coalition, anyway. And second, there would be no clear political reason for the Coalition to support a later amendment. The religious texts exemption perhaps illustrates this most starkly. Currently, the Coalition is full throated in attacking that, because it fears it will allow Muslim preachers to get away with demonising Jews. But would its feelings change if, under a broader law, it could also apply to, say, a Christian preacher quoting scripture about homosexuality? The Australian Christian Lobby, a significant Coalition constituent, is already nervous about this bill. Imagine its response to an amendment like that. Against that background, would the Coalition be most likely to avoid that whole scenario by opposing any amendment? My sense is that Hastie, Canavan and Spender have grasped this, albeit from opposite political directions. And thats a fair summary of this bills thorniness. It invites liberal and nationalist objections; progressive and conservative ones. Its trying for a hugely complicated, fraught expansion of state power, in the space of a week. The government might have thought the intensity of Bondi, and the political pressure it exerts would be enough to fuse the cracks together. What its discovering instead is that this same pressure can cause cracks to become chasms. Advertisement Waleed Aly is a broadcaster, author, academic and regular columnist. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here. Advertisement NationalVictoriaCourts Case for Tom Silvagnis appeal against rape conviction revealed Melissa Cunningham January 15, 2026 3:15pm 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, will argue a phone call between him and a woman he sexually assaulted should have never been used as evidence in his rape trial, as his legal team fights to have his conviction quashed. Documents released by the Supreme Court on Thursday detail the grounds for his appeal, with his lawyers set to argue that County Court Judge Gregory Lyon erred in two ways during the rape trial. Tom Silvagni during his County Court trial in November. Nine News The 23-year-old was found guilty of two counts of rape last month after a January 2024 attack in which he snuck into a bedroom at his familys Melbourne home, pretended to be someone else and sexually assaulted a woman. Silvagni then doctored an Uber receipt the next day to try and cover up his crime. The Supreme Court confirmed on Wednesday that Silvagni had launched an appeal against his two rape convictions, releasing the appeal documents to the media on Thursday. Advertisement Silvagnis appeal centres on a phone call the victim made to Silvagni on January 25, days after the sexual assault occurred and after she had reported the rape to police. Related Article Crime Tom Silvagni files appeal against rape conviction His legal team will argue that Lyon erred in determining that statements made by Silvagni to the complainant during this pretext call were capable of constituting evidence of incriminating conduct. The jury heard during the 10-day trial that the victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke to Silvagni 11 days after the rape over a pretext call, which means police were recording their conversation. The learned trial judge erred in determining that the statements made by (Silvagni) to the complainant during the pretext call (a) were capable of constituting evidence of incriminating conduct, (b) were reasonably capable of being viewed by the jury as evidence of incriminating conduct and (c) could be relied upon by the prosecution as evidence of incriminating conduct, the document says. Advertisement His legal team will also argue Lyon failed to properly instruct jurors on the way the evidence could be used. The learned trial judge erred in his directions to the jury concerning (a) the permissible use to which the evidence relied upon as incriminating conduct might be put by the jury and (b) the limited circumstances in which the evidence relied upon as incriminating conduct might be used by the jury, the second grounds for appeal says. Stephen and Jo Silvagni outside the County Court in December last year. Joe Armao Silvagni was sentenced to six years and two months behind bars and is eligible for parole after three years and three months. The maximum jail term for rape is 25 years, with an average of seven to 10 years. Advertisement Last month, Lyon allowed the sentence to be broadcast live after Silvagnis identity was kept secret due to a suppression order for more than a year. 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. Loading The suppression order was the subject of an ongoing legal battle between media outlets and the Silvagni family. 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. Advertisement 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. Related Article Updated Courts Tom Silvagni, you raped me: Victim says she will carry trauma for the rest of her life 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. 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. Advertisement 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. Do you know how scary it is to have a big strong man hold hands behind your back so you cant escape his grip? If Silvagnis appeal is successful, the Court of Appeal would quash his convictions and either order a retrial or acquit him. Tom is the youngest son of Carlton great Stephen Silvagni and his wife Jo, a former television host, and the grandson of Blues Hall of Famer Sergio. Advertisement 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 with Jo outside court following a pre-sentence hearing for his son in December. Loading 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. Advertisement Our goal is to clear his name and bring him home. We ask for our privacy and to be respectful. 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). 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 Authorities have been forced to defend the warnings issued to holidaymakers on the Surf Coast who had to scramble for safety as flash flooding inundated campgrounds and sent cars floating out to sea. A child was injured and up to 400 people had to frantically evacuate when a heavy downpour caused flash flooding in Lorne, Wye River and surrounds on the Great Ocean Road on Thursday. Loading Colac Otway Shire Mayor Jason Schram questioned why warnings about the need to get to high ground due to an incoming wall of water werent issued earlier. I was surprised at the lack of warning for people to get out because the first signs that some of the campers had there were literally cars floating past them, Schram said. Advertisement Its devastating for our community, these floods clearly were going to happen regardless of if people were going to camp there, but you think with the systems and the money we spent on the BOM [Bureau of Meteorology] system website we would have enough warning to get people out. Georgia Grant whose car is still stranded in the ocean said there was no warning before the floods hit. Grant was sheltering from the rain in her tent at Wye River when she heard some people yelling. We noticed that the bottom of the tent was starting to get quite full of water, and within 30 seconds it was up to our hips, and we were just trying to get out and get to safety, she said. Advertisement Grant said she didnt have time to be scared, and quickly waded through the water to get to dry ground on the hill by the Wye River campground. You just sort of go into adrenaline action mode, she said. When we got up to safety, and I just watched my car just drifting away, thats when it started to hit and I went OK, how am I going to get home? How am I going to get safe and dry? Locals helped shuttle Grant and her friends to the bridge, and they walked across to shelter in the pub before spending the night in a residents home. Now, she has to work out what happens to her car. We managed to get out to the car and salvage anything that was inside it, but the car is just completely destroyed, she said. I dont quite know what happens with it now and how it gets out of the water, but I guess thats the next step that Ive got to deal with. A large section of the Great Ocean Road remained closed on Friday afternoon until further notice, as authorities assessed the damage on a key bridge along the tourist attraction. Advertisement Some 175 millimetres of rain was recorded by the Bureau of Meteorology at the Mount Cowley station near Lorne in six hours on Thursday and 186.2 millimetres in the 24 hours to 9am on Friday the most rain ever recorded at the site. The bureaus hazard preparedness and response manager Diana Eadie described the flooding as an extraordinary rainfall event. She said the first severe storm warning for a risk of heavy rain and flash flooding was issued at 11.57am. A weather bureau spokesman told this masthead that alert came after 45 millimetres of rain had fallen in one hour at Mount Cowley about 11am. Flooding in Wye River forces a car out to sea on Thursday. Warnings were then escalated to the potential for life-threatening flash flooding at 12.40pm, and the SES also issued its own Watch and Act warning for the area. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch defended the timing of the warnings as adequate. Advertisement We do believe that the warnings were adequate for what was needed at that point in time, and were as timely as can be when you have that dynamic situation that thunderstorms bring, Wiebusch told reporters on Friday. He said the first Triple Zero call about flooding at a caravan park occurred at 1.08pm, while the first call about cars being washed away came 12 minutes later. Related Article The Last Word Victoria floods The house collapsed behind them: The last-minute rescue of a stranded family One child was injured in the emergency, flown out of the flood zone and taken to hospital. We understand that the young child may have climbed onto the roof of one of the buildings inside the caravan park, Wiebusch said. Advertisement Victorian Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the flooding was unexpected and that the Bureau of Meteorology hadnt predicted the force of the floods. The scenes at Wye River and the Great Ocean Road were just terrifying, he said. It felt very unexpected. Over 160 millimetres of rain it was extraordinary. When asked if people in the area were given adequate warning of the flash flooding, Dimopoulos said it was a question for emergency services. Multiple people had to be rescued, including one man who was winched to safety from the roof of a shed and another from a hilltop around the Cumberland River, while a police officer was dropped in by helicopter to guide four hikers, including an 88-year-old with a dog. Belongings from the caravan park at Wye River were swept into the ocean. Alex Coppel Advertisement The exact number of cars swept out to sea and damaged by water is unknown but Wiebusch said he believed it was at least 20. Matthew Stanhope, who has camped at Wye River for 20 years, said he had never seen anything like Thursdays floods. It was raining, we were all in the tent playing cards with the gang, then we heard shouting, Stanhope said. It was a few seconds, that was it, he said. It was lightning fast and quiet too, theres no noise, just all of a sudden the water is up. Matthew Stanhope, the owner of the red submerged car at Wye River. Alex Coppel Advertisement He was patiently waiting for low tide on Friday so he could walk out to his car which was swept out to sea and retrieve some belongings. In Lorne, the bridge across the Erskine River which divides the town reopened on Friday, and the clean-up was under way with an excavator removing debris from the river. Locals begin cleaning up in Wye River on Friday morning after intense flooding. Alex Coppel Dean and Tracy Sheldrick and their three children were staying at the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park in their camper trailer on holidays from Bendigo when the flooding began. We saw the river start to come up quite rapidly, and then the park staff came running through the camp saying that everyone needs to evacuate, Dean Sheldrick said. It was probably about 10 minutes before we got our stuff together and in that time we were in ankle deep water. Advertisement Tracy Sheldrick said the situation quickly progressed from that rivers going a bit fast to weve got to get out of here. After they were evacuated, the family stayed overnight at the Mantra hotel in Lorne and have been waiting at the entrance to the caravan park for it to reopen so they could retrieve their camping trailer and possessions. We just want to go home, Tracy Sheldrick said. There were 229 calls for assistance statewide in the 24 hours to midday on Friday, State Control Centre spokeswoman Dharni Giri said. A reduced flash flood warning was issued by the SES overnight, with a caution that hazards remain in the area. Advertisement Damage from the flooding at Wye River on Friday morning. Nine News Locals and holidaymakers can access properties through traffic management checkpoints. Caravan parks are likely to remain closed in that area for the next few days, while we work through the response to some of the debris and damage that has been caused, Giri said. We are asking community to remain vigilant that heavy rainfall has increased the potential for landslips and debris across roads. There are two emergency relief centres along the coast, but capacity is limited. Advertisement Related Article Floods Roof rescues, hundreds evacuated in Wye River, Lorne split in half by flash-flooding At the Lorne centre, dozens of families who had been evacuated clustered inside on Friday just days after people fleeing bushfires sought shelter there. Surf Coast Shire Mayor Libby Stapleton said only about four people had to stay there overnight because everyone else was able to find accommodation elsewhere. Many of those evacuated stayed at the Lorne Surf Lifesaving Club, which housed around 40 people, and residents also opened up their homes to those with nowhere to stay. The community has been incredible, Stapleton said. Advertisement The clean-up at Wye River begins. Alex Coppel Miriam Bradbury, a senior meteorologist at the weather bureau, said that while most rain had fallen on Thursday, people in the flood-affected areas needed to be mindful of the heavily saturated ground in coming days. We could see patchy showers in the area today, down that surf coast, but rainfall totals are not expected to be anywhere near as high as what we saw yesterday, she said. Cars remained stranded at Wye River on Friday morning. Nine News The main thing for campers and communities in that area is that the ground is still really, really saturated and really unstable after yesterday, when so much rain has fallen in a short space of time, and thats what led to these landslips, as well as the flash flooding. It is still a day to be mindful and to be cautious. Get alerts on breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert. 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. Three teenagers, including a 13-year-old, have been charged with allegedly assaulting, robbing and threatening to kill an elderly man in his own home. Victoria Police said the three males allegedly broke into the Pound Road property in Hampton Park about 3.30am on Thursday, beating the man and stealing his car. Three teens have been charged following an alleged home invasion in Hampton Park this morning. Louise Kennerley The man suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene, while a 69-year-old woman at the home was not physically injured. About 30 minutes after the alleged attack, police located the mans car near Arena Parade in Officer. Police officers arrested a 13-year-old, 15-year-old and a 16-year-old, all from Casey. Two long kitchen knives were allegedly found in the car. Advertisement NationalWACrime Perth doctor accused of indecently assaulting patients allowed to work with men Hannah Murphy January 16, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A Perth doctor accused of indecently assaulting his patients will be allowed to work with men at his practice after his suspension was lifted in a tribunal hearing earlier this week. Vino Lunchana Kariyakarawana. Vino Lunchana Kariyakarawana, who owns a GP clinic south of Perth, is facing three counts of indecent assault in WAs District Court for allegedly inappropriately touching two of his female patients. Kariyakarawana has pleaded not guilty to the charges, but was subsequently suspended from practicing in September 2025 until the matter could be resolved. This is standard practice within the health profession and criminal investigations. Advertisement Kariyakarawana asked the State Administrative Tribunal to lift his suspension in December, arguing his family was surviving off just his wifes income and they would likely have to sell a property they currently rent out to get by. The suspension is placing great strain upon his relationship with his wife and his own mental wellbeing, the judgment said. Kariyakarawana said he was concerned the legal proceedings would be protracted and he could be out of work for some time. The SAT agreed with his submissions on Thursday and said Kariyakarawana could safely practice at his clinic with certain conditions in place on his registration, specifically prohibiting him from treating female patients. [This] is sufficient to guard against the identified risk to public health and safety posed by the practitioner, it said. Advertisement The SAT said it did not accept the Medical Board of Australias submission Kariyakarawana should be kept from practicing for public safety. We find that a properly informed public should feel confident that the profession is being regulated in a way that, so far as possible, ensures that the practitioner does not pose a risk to them in his provision of health services and that they can be confident in the safety of health services provided by medical practitioners generally, the judgment said. The SAT said it considered whether there was a risk to women who may accompany their family or friend to an appointment, but said it was not a real risk. There is no suggestion that the practitioner has been alleged to have acted inappropriately to anyone other than patients, the judgment said. Accordingly, we do not think the conditions need to exclude the practitioner from treating male patients who are accompanied by a female in the consultation. The SAT ordered Kariyakarawana and the Medical Board of Australia to agree to the new conditions and set a new date for them to confer. PARIS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- France will send extra "land, air and maritime assets" to Greenland in the coming days, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday during his New Year address to the armed forces at the Istres air base. Earlier in the day, Macron said on X that at Denmark's request, France had decided to take part in joint exercises organized by Denmark in Greenland, adding that "the first French military elements are already on their way" and that others would follow. In his address, Macron said France and its European partners must continue to be present "wherever their interests are threatened, without escalation, but uncompromising on respect for territorial sovereignty." 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 West Australian man has become the fifth person recently charged with threatening a high-profile politician after he was accused of threatening to kill the Prime Minister and New South Wales Premier. WA Police alleged the 19-year-old used a social media platform to send messages threatening to kill Anthony Albanese and Chris Minns on Wednesday afternoon. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns. Alex Ellinghausen The teenager was arrested at his Meadow Springs house, about 70 kilometres south of Perth, just after midnight on Thursday by officers from the state security investigations group. He has been charged with one count of threatening to kill, and will face Mandurah Magistrates Court next month. Advertisement PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Opinion After Bondi, time must be taken to get race hate law changes right Matthew Knott National correspondent January 15, 2026 3:50pm January 15, 2026 3:50pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A week after the Bondi Beach massacre, and just three days before Christmas, Sussan Ley was insistent. The nations federal parliamentarians ought to be in Canberra legislating to protect Australias Jewish community from antisemitism. We should be back in parliament strengthening those hate speech laws today, Ley said on December 22. Instead, the prime minister has pushed it into the weeks ahead, saying its all too hard to do now. Branding the governments proposals to toughen hate speech laws as not sufficient, Ley said recalling parliament needs to be done now. Anthony Albanese has recalled parliament early to respond to the Bondi Beach terror attack. Edwina Pickles What a difference a month makes. Parliament is set to resume on Monday for two days of emergency sittings, a fortnight ahead of schedule. Suddenly, the Coalition is accusing the government of moving with undue haste and many of its MPs believe the proposed hate speech laws are too tough, rather than too weak. Recalling parliament for rancorous legislative debate while the 15 victims of the attack were still being buried would have been a terrible idea, further politicising a tragedy that had already inflamed rather than calmed existing community divisions. The days immediately after a traumatic incident are not the right time to make complex changes to the nations laws. High emotion can be a barrier to thoughtful policymaking. Often, it can lead to overreach. Advertisement Advertisement We want this to be timely, but we also want there to be a proper process, Albanese said this week. No textbook, however, will ever hold up the consultation process for the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill as a gold standard for policymaking. Public servants and the Australian Federal Police were still clearly getting their heads around the details of the laws when they appeared before the parliamentary intelligence and security committee on Tuesday. As for representatives speaking on behalf of Muslims, Christians and the LGBTQ community, they had to hotfoot it to Canberra to comment on legislation they had only just received. This approach undermines the principles of democratic engagement, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils president Rateb Jneid said. It places significant strain on civil society organisations, particularly those operating with limited resources or on a volunteer basis, who may be unable to properly review or respond to legislation of such gravity in the time provided. Former Home Affairs department boss Mike Pezzullo, who appeared before the parliamentary committee this week, says Australia is entering uncharted waters when it comes to operationalising ideas in security practice such as hate, describing the legislation as the most consequential change in this area of law since 9/11. Advertisement Related Article Antisemitism Free speech fears fire up Coalition resistance to hate speech bill Pezzullo has concerns about the draft legislation, including a controversial exemption to hate speech laws for those quoting religious texts. But he does not think extending the process for another month would make a material difference. Many others disagree, persuasively. Rushing complex and far-reaching legislation such as this through parliament, without adequate time for scrutiny, risks poor policy and undermines public confidence in the legislative process, warns Anthony Whealy, chair of the Centre for Public Integrity. Figures from across the political divide have raised thoughtful concerns about the legislation. Liberal frontbencher Tim Wilson has questioned whether the thresholds set by the new racial vilification laws are too broad to justify a five-year prison sentence, and whether there should be exemptions for good-faith public discussion or education. Meanwhile, independent MP Allegra Spender has asked why a neo-Nazi promoting hatred against Jews should be prosecuted while one promoting hatred against Muslims (or gays, lesbians or the disabled) should not. Next weeks return of parliament will pose a profound test for the nations political system following the worst terror attack in Australian history. After demanding parliament be recalled early and claiming the moral high ground on tackling antisemitism, it is incumbent on the Coalition to be constructive. Certainly, any action does not need to be put on hold until after the royal commission reports in December, as prominent Liberal Andrew Hastie argued this week. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Freedom of speech One word makes proposed race hate law changes problematic Anne Twomey Constitutional expert The Executive Council of Australian Jewry is urging Ley not to let the perfect become the enemy of the good. It would be remarkable to see the Coalition, which has argued antisemitism is a national crisis, vote against the governments laws while the Greens, who have been quiet on the topic, in the end allows them ultimately to pass. A meaningful response to Bondi means acknowledging it was a mass shooting as well as an antisemitic terror attack, even if this is uncomfortable for the conservative side of politics. As David Meagher said at the funeral of his brother Peter, who was shot dead at Bondi: [An] antisemite without a gun is just a hate-filled person, an antisemite with a gun is a killer. If the Nationals want to deploy nonsensical US-style guns dont kill people rhetoric and vote against sensible firearms restrictions, the Liberal Party should be prepared to split with them on the issue. As for the government, Albanese should be willing to slow down and allow further consultation rather than seize a chance to wedge a divided opposition. Some of the most contentious aspects of the legislation, like the racial vilification laws, could be carved out for more debate and expert input. Its worth taking a month, rather than a week, if it means the laws are improved. Since Donald Trumps return to office, the United States Congress has become little more than a rubber stamp for the president. Australias parliament should not follow suit. The Bondi tragedy calls for urgency and focus, but not a frenzied scramble to pass such significant, far-reaching legislation. Matthew Knott is the foreign affairs and national security correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Advertisement Updated PoliticsFederalBondi shooting Greens hold the cards to pass hate speech bill as Ley walks away Paul Sakkal, Max Maddison and Nick Newling Updated January 15, 2026 5:58pm ,first published 12:17pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Australias response to its worst terror attack could collapse after the Opposition Leader Sussan Ley rejected the governments anti-vilification laws and the Greens complained the proposed hate speech crackdown could crimp the pro-Palestinian protest movement. Any goodwill between the major parties appeared to evaporate on Thursday when Ley declared Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses reforms to counter antisemitism were nearly unsalvageable, effectively killing off the chance of a bipartisan moment before Leys shadow cabinet debated the bill. The opposition had for weeks called on Labor to adopt in full a report from the nations envoy to combat antisemitism, Jillian Segal, which included a proposal for anti-vilification laws. Greens senators David Shoebridge and Mehreen Faruqi criticised a move to give the home affairs minister stronger powers to reject or cancel visa applications. Alex Ellinghausen But a broad range of civil rights groups, legal experts, and transparency advocates have criticised the bill, claiming it was too rushed, too broad, and might have a chilling effect on public discussion about issues such as terrorism and migration that might offend certain racial groups. Advertisement Albanese has scheduled a two-day parliamentary session to pass the laws next week and Labor appears most likely to try to pass the bill with the support of the Greens, who do not support the current draft but could shift if the government agreed to extend anti-vilification protections to disabled people, people of other faiths and the LGTBQ community. It is extraordinary that they are now saying it is being rushed when they were demanding, demanding and the front pages of newspapers were demanding that it be done prior to Christmas, Albanese said in Queensland, hours after Ley criticised his handling of the antisemitism crackdown. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley at a media conference in Melbourne on Thursday. Eamon Gallagher Ley said she would go to parliament next week and put forward a separate package of proposals because Labors attempt was confused. Now, the opposition will continue to scrutinise this legislation carefully, but from what we have seen so far, it looks pretty unsalvageable, she told reporters in Melbourne. Advertisement After MPs raised concerns about Ley suggesting she might introduce her own legislation next week, she scheduled a party room meeting for all MPs on Friday afternoon. Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim, a close associate of the prime minister, said the major parties must unite in the national interest, and Labor needed to accept a Coalition request to get rid of a proposed religious text exemption in the draft law. Related Article Bondi shooting Social media posts could fall foul of new hate speech laws If this all falls over, it means were sending a signal to the world that we just had the worst terror attack in our history and we cant decide what to do about it, he told this masthead. Another Jewish community figure, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip, said it would be the ultimate travesty if the Greens, a party the Jewish community has at times accused of fuelling antisemitism, became kingmakers. Advertisement Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi said her party would not back the bill in its current form. The minor party wants the anti-vilification laws, which are being rushed into parliament chiefly to target Islamic hate preachers, to extend protections to different minority groups. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry also supports this. Faruqi aired concerns that Labor wanted to curb the pro-Palestinian protest movement, which uses chants such as globalise the intifada and river to the sea. There have been debates about whether these slogans encourage violence. Antisemitism is something that needs to be addressed at the roots and the crux of it, Faruqi said, adding that all forms of hatred needed to be confronted at the same time as protecting legitimate criticisms of nation states [and] the protest movement. Labor backbenchers told ministers in a caucus meeting on Monday that they wanted the laws expanded to protect a broader range of minorities. There is consideration inside Labor on creating a Senate inquiry in coming weeks to examine the broadening of the anti-vilification laws. But Greens sources said the party was now in a powerful bargaining position given Ley had been so scathing about the bill, meaning the minor party would be likely to accept nothing less than a move to expand anti-vilification protections in the current bill. Civil liberties advocates have argued the bills language including prohibitions on promoting hatred or conduct that might cause fear or intimidation is too broad and risks criminalising mainstream political speech and social media posts, sparking concern inside the Coalition. Advertisement Greens senator David Shoebridge also criticised an element of the bill that allows the government to block visas more easily for people who might spew hate, labelling it a scapegoating of migrants. Rainbow Labor NSW said they were deeply concerned by the bills failure to protect the queer community, in a letter sent to Albanese and Attorney-General Michelle Rowland on Thursday. Members of the LGBTQ communities are regular victims of vilification and hate and the exclusion from these laws will present a real and serious risk to the wider LGBTQ community, the letter said. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter here. Advertisement PoliticsFederalSocial media The world watched as Australia kicked under-16s off social media. The results are in Bronte Gossling January 15, 2026 10:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Wyatt Thompson was locked out of YouTube once Australias landmark under-16s social media ban was activated on December 10, but the 11-year-old from Broken Hill has not been forced offline. It hasnt helped me stop using my electronics I still use them the same amount, but I just go on to Netflix or listen to stuff on Spotify now, Wyatt says. His YouTube account was one of the 4.7 million accounts deactivated by eight tech giants in the purge mandated by the Albanese government a month ago, when Australia became the first nation to ban children under 16 from holding or creating accounts on 10 age-restricted platforms. Wyatt Thompson, 11, lives in Broken Hill, and has lost access to YouTube. He says he spends the same amount of time online despite the ban. Em Jensen The governments social media watchdog, eSafety, has declined to release a breakdown of the figures, and only Meta has provided its own numbers: 544,052 accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Threads understood to belong to under 16s were shut down between December 4 and December 11. Advertisement Related Article New music I was a guinea pig: Pop star Madison Beer backs Australias social media ban The government estimates that 95 per cent of teens under 16 and 84 per cent of children aged eight to 12 about 2.3 million users had accounts in late 2024, and it was common to have logins for several social media sites, so it is not known what proportion of under-age users have been locked out. ESafety is aware of reports some under-16 accounts remain active and encourages the public to report them directly to platforms concerned, an eSafety spokesperson said in a statement. This will help improve the accuracy and efficacy of their age-assurance tools. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: Change doesnt happen overnight. But these early signs show its important weve acted to make this change. We want our kids to have a childhood and parents to know we have their backs. The rollout of age-assurance measures was always going to be messy, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has emphasised repeatedly. On December 10, Inman Grant told Nines Today that technology teething issues were anticipated. Advertisement Loading Enforcement would target systemic failures, after rigorous investigation, an eSafety spokesperson said last week. It is expected that isolated cases of teenage creativity will continue to circumvent the ban for a little while. Related Article Social media People want me to fail: The woman in charge of enforcing Australias social media ban feels the heat We know theres more work to do, and the eSafety Commissioner is looking closely at this data to determine what it shows in terms of individual platforms compliance, Communications Minister Anika Wells said in a statement released with the topline figures. Weve said from the beginning that we werent expecting perfection straight away but early figures are showing this law is making a real, meaningful difference. Advertisement Fifteen-year-old Bella, from regional Victoria, had already signed up to Facebook, Instagram and TikTok with a fake age, and was waiting to be sprung. I was just going to wait and see what happened and see if I needed to do any workarounds. But I was never kicked off, she said. Bella withheld her surname from this story, worried her accounts would be deactivated. She communicates with her close friends through text messages, but some of her wider circle have had their social media accounts deactivated. She doesnt have their phone numbers, so theyve lost contact. Fourteen-year-old Elliott, from Sydney, was kicked off Snapchat on December 10. Most of his friends aged under 16, he claims, werent asked by the platform to verify their age. They could still access it, and all the group chats he was booted from. Advertisement Its harder to make plans to go out with other friends that you dont have their numbers, Elliott said. Though, he did start to spend more time outdoors, fishing and hanging out with the close friends whose phone numbers he did have. After a month, he claims, he was able to sign up to Snapchat again with a new email address. Platforms included in Australias under-16s social media ban Meta: Facebook, Instagram, Threads Google: YouTube Kick Reddit Snapchat TikTok Twitch X (formerly Twitter) In early December, Melbourne mother Michelle Stamper discovered a flurry of activity during a routine check of her 13-year-olds text messages: teens sending their phone numbers to one another for the first time. But, as it turns out, Stampers daughter and her friends did not need to exchange numbers. Many of them fooled Snapchats facial age estimation scans an age-assurance method known to be faulty and could still use the popular platform. Advertisement Stamper is annoyed that she had been obliged to report her daughters still-live account to Snapchat, which deactivated the account weeks later after it was contacted by this masthead. (Stamper says her daughter was back on the platform within 24 hours.) Im miffed, she says. I was relying on the government to clean it up for the kids. If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348, Kids Helpline on 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. Advertisement PoliticsVictoriaVictoria bushfires Allan announces review into bushfire season Kieran Rooney and Rachel Eddie January 15, 2026 2:58pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Victorias bushfire season will be reviewed by the states emergency management watchdog, Premier Jacinta Allan has announced. The decision comes hours after critics of the premier intensified pressure on the state government and called for a parliamentary inquiry into the fires that have torn through more than 400,000 hectares. United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall. Arsineh Houspian On Thursday, Emergency Services Minister Vicki Ward said the states emergency response was already going to be reviewed and dismissed there was a need for a bipartisan inquiry in the upper house. But by the afternoon, the government announced they would go a step further and ask the Inspector-General of Emergency Management (IGEM) to review the fires. Advertisement It would be the first time the office was given this task since the deadly Black Summer fires of the 2019-20 season. These fires have caused immense heartbreak across Victoria, and we are standing alongside affected communities as they begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives and livelihoods, a spokesperson for the government said. When communities are hurting, our focus must be on recovery and support. We are not out of the woods yet with high-risk fire danger days ahead. Once the risk is reduced, we will request a formal review into this bushfire season led by the Inspector General for Emergency Management, not politicians, they continued. The Inspector General for Emergency Management (IGEM) was established for exactly this purpose to provide expert advice so we can continually improve our response. Advertisement Related Article Bushfires Allan facing bush revolt, One Nation challengers as farmers and fireys fume The move will help address community concerns but may not fully assuage those who want the parliament to examine the issue. Those pushing for a parliamentary inquiry include outspoken critics of the government, such as United Firefighters Union secretary Peter Marshall and Wimmera grain farmer Andrew Weidemann, who founded the Across Victoria Alliance to protest the governments emergency services tax increase on regional property owners. The Age revealed on Thursday that some members of this alliance were considering running as One Nation candidates to capitalise on disaffection with Labor in the bush. Marshall, Weidemann and Country Fire Authority Volunteers Group president John Houston gathered on the steps of parliament on Thursday morning to argue a parliamentary inquiry was the best way to resolve ongoing debate about the handling of the fires. Advertisement Then we can maybe start to believe in the political spin thats going on at the moment, Weidemann said. A political stoush broke out this week about CFA funding, which the government and the CFA board insist has increased despite this not being reflected in their annual reports. The dispute has been clouded by the delay in publishing the CFAs most recent accounts. In a statement to The Age on Wednesday, the Victorian Auditor-Generals Office disputed suggestions it was responsible for the delay. VAGO said it received the draft report a month later than regulations stipulate, and gave the report final clearance on November 11. Ward conceded she received the report in December. She said she planned to release it at the next sitting week, in February, but had asked for it to be tabled next week after the events of this week. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said the CFA annual report should be released immediately. Advertisement Trees burn in the Longwood bushfire Opposition fire services spokesman Nick McGowan has sponsored a petition for a parliamentary inquiry into bushfire preparedness. Marshall said a select inquiry in the upper house with broad terms of reference was preferred because the government did not have a majority in this chamber. Im not saying we could have stopped these fires, but firefighters need the truth, need the equipment to be able to protect, Marshall said. The parliamentary inquiry is a chance for the community to make this government accountable. Ward dismissed calls for a parliamentary inquiry, saying the fire services and emergency commissioner would always investigate the fires and the response. She said fire preparation for this season was nothing short of extraordinary, reiterating the governments insistence that the CFA is adequately funded. Advertisement Sheep wander across burnt ground near Longwood. Getty Images The Inspector-General of Emergency Management held an inquiry into the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20, in which five lives were lost and 1.5 million hectares burnt in Victoria. VAGO also produced a report on the states effort to reduce bushfire risks. As a result of both reports, the government accepted agencies needed to improve the way they communicate about living with the risk of bushfire. The government on Thursday announced a further $82 million package to restore roads affected by the fires. A series of relief packages have also been announced. Advertisement Related Article Analysis Bushfires Its the accepted wisdom on reducing bushfire risk, but doubts are growing Treasurer Jaclyn Symes, who represents the Northern Victoria region struck by fires, said the government wanted that information to get through to those who need it and warned against the spread of misinformation. We want that help to get to where its needed. When its crowded out by some of the misinformation, causing angst, doubling peoples trauma, thats something that is not welcome. Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said the number of homes destroyed since last weeks fires began had grown to 259, with another 17 damaged. Another 522 outbuildings have been destroyed. Most of the impact was in the Longwood fire zone. Advertisement Houston, from the CFA Volunteers Group, said he had been told of instances when poor resources had hindered bushfire efforts, but did not give specific examples. He disputed suggestions it was a bad time to raise these concerns while the state is still reckoning with the damage. They want us to go quiet. They want us to go away, but weve been asking for eight months for these things, he said. Nationals leader Danny OBrien, opposition spokesman for emergency services, rejected the assertion that the Coalition was politicising the disaster or adding to peoples trauma by raising their concerns about CFA funding. We genuinely and deliberately have not raised these issues until [Wednesday] because we understand people have been under threat, OBrien said. Advertisement People are raising this with us organically. Its not come from the opposition, not withstanding that we have been pursuing this for well over 12 months. OBrien said he was not concerned about losing votes to One Nation at the 2026 election, given the minor partys play for the bush. Look, I hear a lot of talk about One Nation, OBrien said. But from One Nation, thats all I hear, is talk. Theyre a party of protest. Barnaby Joyce, who recently defected from the federal arm of the Nationals to One Nation, is planning to address the Across Victoria Alliance conference in Horsham in February. OBrien referenced 2017 comments from Joyce, then the federal Nationals leader, that Australia would go down the toilet if it was run by One Nation. I think that probably says it better than I could, so Ill leave it on that and wish him all the best. 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 PoliticsWAHospitals Heres why your local hospital takes so long to fix its leaky roof Hamish Hastie January 15, 2026 5:50pm 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 Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey has declared the buck stops with him as he embarks on wholesale reform of the states sluggish hospital maintenance program following the release of a scathing probe. Former under-Treasurer Michael Barnes and former Health Department boss Neale Fong made 24 scathing findings about the state of WAs hospital maintenance system, including that it lacked clear key performance indicators, consolidated data and compliance oversight, and was reactive rather than preemptive. WA Health Director General Shirley Bowen and Health Infrastructure Minister John Carey. Hamish Hastie The review compared the state to other health agencies in Australia and New Zealand and found WA was one of the few jurisdictions without a structured rolling program to replace ageing plant equipment like air-conditioning and ventilation. It also found that maintenance spending had no target or benchmarks. Advertisement The report also found lower-value maintenance works were subject to overly prescriptive controls a result of past corruption watchdog probes which were necessary but creating delays. Carey initiated the audit following reports in August last year by The West Australian about mould and water leaks in WAs ageing hospitals. Carey said Fong and Barnes audit provided frank and fearless advice that the government would act on. Let me be very clear, ultimately, this reform program, the buck stops with me. Im the Minister for Health infrastructure. Ive got to deliver it, he said. There is a big job ahead, but as the states first Health Infrastructure Minister, I am committed to driving that shake-up of procurement and contract management, which I would point to as Ive done as the Housing Minister. Advertisement When asked why last year he stridently defended the states hospital maintenance program, Carey said he accepted the findings of the audit. I take them seriously. I know there is a big job ahead, and Im committed to reform of procurement, he said. Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. Getty Images Carey said the governments response to the report would include bringing in the Department of Housing and Works into the fold to accelerate procurement processes. It would also establish a specific health-related trades panel to make maintenance easier and establish KPIs and clear expectations for maintenance activities across hospitals. Advertisement He also committed to providing further transparency of maintenance expenditure in future state budgets. Health service providers have been at the centre of a number of high-profile corruption probes, including an August 2018 investigation which found bribery in procurement went undetected within the maintenance and contract division of the North Metropolitan Health Service for nearly 10 years. When asked about corruption risk by loosening procurement processes, Carey said there was a balance to be struck. It is a considered approach. It is a fine balance. But we asked for an independent review. This was an independent review that did us that it did a system-wide audit, he said. There will still be significant checks and balances in place via the system manager, which is the Department of Health. Advertisement In August last year a $50 million Health Asset Maintenance Fund was established to undertake a maintenance blitz at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Royal Perth Hospital and the Armadale Health Service. Just $6 million in works have been completed across Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital so far, while a further $14 million has already been committed for works in progress. Department of Health Director General Shirley Bowen conceded she may have needed to do more to raise the maintenance issues with the WA Government. We actively have raised that we have work that needs to be done, she said. When asked by a reporter that whatever she did raise with the government wasnt working, she said: Perhaps it wasnt. Advertisement Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said if he were Carey, he would be embarrassed today. These failings sheet home to him. He cant say Ive been in the job five minutes. Hes had carriage of this portfolio for the entirety of this current term of Parliament. So this is on him, he said. Id be especially embarrassed if I was the premier, and particularly embarrassed if I were Amber-Jade Sanderson. They had carriage of the health portfolio for four years, and then another four years into this term of Parliament. What weve seen here is systemic failure to act. Theres been no planning, theres been no forethought. Australian Medical Association WA president Dr Kyle Hoath said the audit was a we told you so moment. Advertisement No one wants to be that told you so guy but I feel like we say the same thing over and over and over again, and we hear world class, and we hear dodging this, and we hear there are no problems. Theres nothing to see here, he said. So it was kind of validating today to actually see that these problems are real, these problems in our health system, they are there. Its not a world class health system. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Hospitals Perth Hamish Hastie is WAtoday's state political reporter and the winner of five WA Media Awards, including the 2023 Beck Prize for best political journalism. or email. Connect via X Leading country apprentice Jett Newman is excited for a little taste of whats to come when she heads to Rosehill on Saturday for two live chances for boss Matt Dunn. Newman, the daughter of former Sydney jockey Mitch Newman, has been race riding for less than a year and just turned 18, but she has already racked up 77 winners in the country at a strike rate of 15 per cent. That includes 34 on the NSW country circuit this season, the most of any apprentice. Rising apprentice Jett Newman. Credit: Greg Irvine/Gold Coast Turf Club She is yet to venture into the metropolitan ranks but was keen to take the opportunities with Considered and Band Of Brothers, which drew gate one on Saturday in the Highway Handicap and the 1300m benchmark 88 respectively. Its exciting, Newman said. Advertisement WorldAsiaTragedy Train disaster follows deadly tower collapse for crisis-hit developer Zach Hope Updated January 15, 2026 11:22am ,first published 11:03am 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 company behind the section of Chinese-backed high-speed rail in Thailand where dozens of people were killed in a train disaster on Wednesday is the same developer blamed for last years deadly office tower collapse in Bangkok. The struggling Italian-Thai Development Public Company Ltd (ITD), one of Thailands biggest developers, said it was sorry after a crane fell onto a moving passenger train in the central province of Nakhon Ratchasima, killing at least 32 of the almost 200 people on board and injuring more than 60. A passenger train service was struck by a crane that toppled from an adjacent Thai-Chinese high-speed rail construction site in the Sikhio district, Nakhon Ratchasima. Getty Images The three-carriage train was travelling from the capital, Bangkok, to Ubon Ratchathani province in the countrys east when the impact caused it to derail and partially catch on fire just after 9am (1pm AEDT). Images and footage from the crash site, more than 200 kilometres from Bangkok, showed carriages overturned, smoke, and rescue workers trying to extract casualties. Advertisement Authorities said the crane was being used to build an elevated section of a new Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, which is intended to link the capital of Bangkok to the northeastern province of Nong Khai and, ultimately, China via Laos. ITD is the contractor for the Lam TakhongSikhio section, where the incident happened, according to the megaprojects website. Loading Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited expresses its deepest condolences for the loss of life and injuries ... the company takes full responsibility and will provide full compensation and medical care to the families of the deceased and the injured, the company said in a statement posted to social media. The projects website lists China Railway International Co., Ltd as the construction supervision consultant. Advertisement Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing on Wednesday that the relevant section was under construction by a Thai enterprise and that the investigation was ongoing. More than a dozen people from ITD, including its president, Premchai Karnasuta, were charged last year after an under-construction office tower planned for the state audit office collapsed in Bangkok in late March during an earthquake. At least 89 construction workers were killed. It was the only building in the city destroyed in the magnitude 7.7 earthquake, which had its epicentre in central Myanmar. Investigators alleged the build failed to meet Thai standards. ITD was constructing the tower with China Railway No.10 company and a joint venture called PKW. Advertisement Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is campaigning for re-election next month, said he had heard the rail contractor was the same company involved in several incidents before. Accidents like this can only happen due to negligence, skipped steps, deviations from the design, or the use of incorrect materials, BBC Thai reported him saying. Loading The Thai government said last year 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. with Reuters Advertisement Advertisement Analysis WorldAsiaChina relations The not-so-subtle message in cheesy moment between two leaders Lisa Visentin Updated January 15, 2026 4:06pm ,first published 4:05pm 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 Singapore: Wearing matching blue tracksuits emblazoned with their names, Japans Sanae Takaichi and South Koreas Lee Jae Myung found their tempo in a surprise drumming session this week. At the end of summit between the two leaders in Nara, Takaichis home town, the pair sat down to a drum duet and jammed to BTS Dynamite and Golden from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack on kits made by Pearl, the Japanese drum company. Loading While Lee struggled to match the rhythm and timidly hit a cymbal or two, Takaichi stepped in with encouragement. You did it well! You were amazing, she said, according to video footage of the jam which quickly whizzed around social media. Advertisement It was cheesy, sure. But it was also a brief antidote to the might is right hard power projection that has dominated global affairs in the opening weeks of 2026 from the US capture of Venezuelas president and seizure of the countrys oil reserves, to the violent crushing of protests by an Iranian regime hellbent on staring down threats of US intervention. Like all finely tuned pieces of diplomatic stagecraft, the drum session was laden with none-too-subtle messaging. Although our tempos were a bit different, we both tried to match the rhythm together we will create a future-oriented relationship with one heart, Lee posted to X on Wednesday. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, right, and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung jammed to KPop songs together after their talks in Nara, western Japan. AP The impromptu session was organised by Takaichi, a drummer in a heavy metal band in her university days, after Lee told her it was his dream to play drums when they first met at the APEC summit in October. Advertisement The two leaders, both relatively fresh into their posts, are navigating how to best position their countries in an increasingly turbulent international system in which the United States under President Donald Trump has become an unreliable partner, creating a vacuum for China to flex both its diplomatic outreach and muscle. The pair make for unlikely friends. Takaichi is a hard-nosed conservative who wants to beef up Japans defensive posture, while Lee hails from the political left and is carving out a foreign policy strategy based on engagement with difficult neighbours in China and North Korea. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (right) and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (left) pose for a photo at their music session. AP Japan-South Korea ties are infused with unresolved grievances, stemming back decades to Japans brutal occupation of the Korean Peninsula between 1910 and 1945, and the enslaving of comfort women by the imperial Japanese army. But the two countries share many similarities, not least of which is that they are East Asias linchpin democracies allied with the US, buffeted by autocracies, and have mutual concerns about a nuclear-armed North Koreas growing heft in an anti-democratic bloc with China and Russia. Advertisement For Takaichi, the two-day summit with Lee doubled as an opportunity to add dimension to her Iron Lady image, projecting herself as a friendly yet deft diplomatic player to the world and a domestic audience, both of which are accustomed to Japans leaders being serious men in suits. Related Article Analysis China relations As China unleashed on Japan, the US stayed silent until Beijing went too far She is widely expected to soon call a snap election for early February in a bid to capitalise on her domestic popularity and strengthen her governments mandate, which had been crippled to minority positions in both houses of Japans national parliament by her predecessors. Then theres Beijing. Takaichis drum diplomacy contrasts with the belligerence Beijing has relentlessly hammered her with since November, when she canvassed the possibility that Tokyo could get involved in a military crisis over Taiwan. It has plunged Sino-Japan relations to their lowest ebb in years. Chinas latest measure to try and force a backdown from Takaichi has been to restrict Tokyos access to its rare earths supplies. It adds to a mounting list of coercive moves that includes warning Chinese tourists not to travel to Japan. Such bully-boy tactics may prove only to strengthen Takaichis support at home, and ultimately at the ballot box, by enabling her to tap into nationalistic sentiment and appear a defiant leader refusing to cower to external aggression. Advertisement Chinas response has had paradoxical shortterm effects, exacerbating Japans economic problems while also boosting domestic support for Takaichis rightwing politics, which emphasise high military spending and surveillance and suspicion of foreigners, Cornell University historian Kristin Roebuck says. This moment may be the perfect time for Takaichi to hold a snap election. As for Lee, he is positioning South Korea as a neutral player in the China-Japan feud, while broadly looking to firm ties with Beijing after they soured under his conservative predecessor. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung snaps a selfie with Chinese President Xi Jinping and their wives in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on January 5, using the Xiaomi smartphone Xi gifted him at a summit last year. X - @Jaemyung_Lee Not to be left behind in the performative diplomacy stakes, Lee took a selfie with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during his visit to Beijing in early January using the Xiaomi smartphone that Xi had gifted to him when the pair met at APEC. At the October summit, Xi had joked that Lee should check if there is a backdoor in the phone referring to cyber-hacking software that enables third-party monitoring a rare public moment of levity from the Chinese president. Advertisement Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaCrime Woman who accused NY party circuit twins of sexual assault found dead in NSW Debra Kamin January 16, 2026 8:09am 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 Kate Whiteman, the Australian woman whose accusation of sexual assault against twin brothers Oren and Alon Alexander opened the floodgates for dozens of similar allegations from women across the globe, was found dead in the NSW central west late last year. She was 45. Whitemans death, which has not been previously reported, was confirmed by a spokesperson for the NSW coroner. The death of Katie Whiteman at Cowra was reported to the coroner in late 2025, the spokesperson said. The circumstances were found to be non-suspicious. The investigation is concluded and the file is awaiting closure and finalisation. Oren Alexander in court in Miami, Florida, in late 2024. Bloomberg Whiteman sued Oren Alexander, a high-profile real estate agent, and his twin brother, Alon, in March 2024. She said she met the brothers, regulars on the New York party circuit, at a Manhattan nightclub in 2012 and they forced her into an SUV as she was leaving the club. They drove her to the Hamptons, she said, where she was assaulted at Sir Ivans Castle, a party mansion in the Southampton town of Water Mill. Advertisement Her accusations were followed the next day by a lawsuit from Rebecca Mandel, who accused the brothers of drugging and then assaulting her at a party in Manhattan in 2010. Mandel described consuming a drink her first of the evening that Alon had handed to her before her memory went hazy. But in the lawsuit, she recalled Oren forcefully penetrating her while Alon held her down. She said they then switched places and the assault continued, according to the lawsuit. Orens twin brother, Alon Alexander. Bloomberg The brothers have denied all allegations. Their lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Whitemans death. Evan Torgan, Whitemans lawyer, declined to comment. Advertisement Text messages and compromising photographs between Whiteman and the brothers had been leaked to The Daily Mail, which ran a story in July with a headline claiming that raunchy nude-filled sexts threaten to blow the case wide open. Oren Alexander had been one of the top-earning real estate brokers in New York alongside his older brother Tal Alexander, who was his partner first at the brokerage Douglas Elliman, and then at Official, a boutique luxury brokerage the two founded in 2022. A Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department image of Alon (left) and Oren Alexander. AP They regularly smashed real estate records, including with the 2019 sale of a nearly $US240 million penthouse at the time, the most expensive residential sale in US history. Alon Alexander, who worked as an executive at his familys private security company, was his brothers regular sidekick at social events and private clubs from Mykonos to Miami. Advertisement Charismatic and armed with youth and millions of dollars, Oren, Alon and Tal Alexander together built an image of jet-setting bachelors. But whispers that the brothers may have assaulted people had followed them since high school. In the summer of 2024, those whispers spilled into public view when The Real Deal, a real estate trade publication, first reported that Whiteman and Mandel had filed lawsuits against the twins. A third woman soon sued the twins and Tal Alexander, and a chorus of allegations began mounting on social media against all three. In July 2024, 10 women shared with The New York Times personal accusations of sexual assault against the brothers. Seven of those women said they believed they had been drugged, describing a fog that erased or clouded their memory. Advertisement Tal Alexander, like the twins, has denied all allegations, and the brothers began a public-relations campaign to clear their names. But in December 2024, in a series of raids by Miami police and the FBI, all three were arrested and charged with a federal sex-trafficking conspiracy. Prosecutors have filed 11 counts against the three men. Their trial is set to begin in Manhattan federal court on January 26. A 2024 display showing images of Alon, Oren and Tal Alexander. Bloomberg The brothers have been held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, and in the 13 months since their arrest, have sought to frame both the civil lawsuits and criminal allegations as an intertwined conspiracy led by women seeking to extort them. Last year, the three men sued The Real Deal for defamation, accusing the publication of refusing to consider or publish anything that called into question its false narrative of the case against them. Advertisement In exhibits accompanying their lawsuit, the brothers included photographs and screenshots of suggestive messages Whiteman had sent to Oren and Alon Alexander in the months after the alleged assault the same material that The Daily Mail published. Oren Alexander had personally given the messages to The Real Deal, according to the suit. TRD refused to let facts get in the way of an opportunity to make millions of dollars profiting off printing false allegations against the Alexanders, the brothers said in their complaint. Amir Korangy, the publisher of The Real Deal, did not immediately provide a comment when reached by the Times. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Advertisement Anyone needing support can contact 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. 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. MOSCOW, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Investigative Committee has charged 255 foreign citizens in absentia, including three European officials, for the destruction of monuments to Soviet soldiers who liberated Europe from Nazi aggression, said a Russian official. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, former Estonian State Secretary Taimar Peterkop and former Lithuanian Minister of Culture Simonas Kairys have been sentenced in absentia for such actions, said Chairman of the Russian Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin in an interview with TASS on Thursday. Bastrykin said destroying Soviet memorials is occurring across Europe, and roughly 50 percent of such monuments have been removed following official decisions by state authorities. Some European countries are seeking to falsify history and negate the Soviet Union's contribution to WWII, he said, adding that Russia will continue to conduct legal assessments of criminal acts that distort history and violate Russia's traditional values. In February 2024, Kallas and Peterkop were put on Russia's wanted list on suspicion of dismantling and damaging a memorial to Soviet soldiers. Advertisement Updated WorldNorth AmericaUS politics Very tense situation: Clashes break out after second person shot in Minneapolis Michael Koziol Updated January 15, 2026 4:15pm ,first published 2:46pm 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: Federal agents have shot another person in Minneapolis as the city rapidly becomes the epicentre of a national reckoning over President Donald Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration and protests egged on by Democrats. As protesters gathered at the shooting scene late on Wednesday night, clashing with law enforcement, the Minneapolis mayor and police chief told them to go home, warning the chaos in the city was draining police resources and was unsustainable. Federal immigration officers shoot pepper balls as tear gas is deployed at the scene of the shooting. AP The Department of Homeland Security said the shooting occurred when an illegal alien from Venezuela fled a targeted traffic stop and crashed his car, before attempting to escape on foot. As law enforcement officers tried to apprehend the man, two people came out of a nearby apartment and attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle, as did the initial subject, the DHS said. Advertisement Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life, DHS said. The initial subject was hit in the leg. All three subjects ran back into the apartment and barricaded themselves inside. Law enforcement at the scene of the shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday night, US time. AP The department said the attacked officer and the target were both in hospital, while the other two people were in custody. US television networks showed large crowds gathered at the scene of the shooting, a residential area that was being guarded by masked police with guns. Photos and footage showed tear gas and flash bangs being deployed against the crowd. In a late night news conference, Minneapolis police chief Brian OHara said the gathering was an unlawful assembly and the crowd should disperse. This is already a very tense situation, and we do not need this to escalate any further, he said. Advertisement Democratic Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Grey told the crowd not to take the bait and to go home. We cannot counter Donald Trumps chaos with our own brand of chaos, he said. This is not sustainable. This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in. We are trying to find a way forward to keep people safe. Law enforcement officers stand amid tear gas at the scene of the shooting. AP The incident, which occurred about 7pm local time on Wednesday (midday Thursday AEDT), comes a week after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed 37-year-old US citizen Renee Good in Minneapolis at a protest against the immigration agency. Good was driving her car and appeared to be attempting to leave the scene when Ross shot her in the head. The Trump administration said Good was using her vehicle as a weapon, and attempted to run Ross over. He walked from the scene but sustained injuries and was taken to hospital, the administration said. Advertisement ICE has dispatched more than 2000 agents to Minnesota, focused on Minneapolis, in what the agency called its largest enforcement operation ever. The city is now a tinderbox, with anti-ICE protesters gathering daily and frequently clashing with law enforcement. Renee Good in her car, moments before she was shot dead. Alpha News/X In its statement on the latest shooting, DHS blamed Minnesotas Democratic leaders Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Frey for actively encouraging an organised resistance to ICE and federal law enforcement officers. Their hateful rhetoric and resistance against men and women who are simply trying to do their jobs must end, DHS said. Walz on Thursday (AEDT) delivered a video message to Minnesotans saying ICE was conducting a campaign of organised brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government. He encouraged residents to keep protesting, though peacefully. Advertisement Walz alleged ICE agents were indiscriminately pulling people over, ordering people to point out where their neighbours of colour lived, breaking windows, dragging pregnant women down the street [and] just plain grabbing Minnesotans and shoving them into unmarked vans. In the immediate aftermath of Goods death, Frey said ICE needed to get the f--- out of Minneapolis. The Trump administration has by-and-large maintained resolute defence of Ross and ICE agents, even declaring they enjoyed immunity from prosecution in the course of their duties, while branding Good and fellow protesters domestic terrorists. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said on Fox News: 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. Advertisement 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. Trump has previously voiced full support for Ross and joined the condemnation of Good. But on Thursday he struck a more neutral tone. Loading Its sad to see on both sides, Trump told newswire Reuters. I dont get into right or wrong. I know that it was a tough situation to be in There was very little respect shown to the police, in this case, the ICE officers. Trump has, however, maintained his political pursuit of Walz. This week he called the Minnesota governor moronic over allegations of fraud by Somali immigrants in the state, and told Minnesotans: The day of reckoning and retribution is coming. Advertisement Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaImmigration Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act as protests grow in Minneapolis over shootings Doina Chiacu January 16, 2026 9:13am 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: US President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces in Minnesota after days of angry protests over a surge in immigration agents on the streets of Minneapolis. Confrontations between residents and federal officers have become increasingly tense after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot US citizen Renee Good in a car last week in Minneapolis, and the protests have spread to other cities. Loading Trumps latest threat came a few hours after an immigration officer shot a Venezuelan man whom the government said was fleeing after agents tried to stop his vehicle in Minneapolis. The man was wounded in the leg. If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, Trump wrote on social media on Thursday (Friday AEDT). Advertisement Trump, a Republican, has for weeks derided the states Democratic leaders and called people of Somali origin there garbage who should be thrown out of the country. Related Article Updated US politics Very tense situation: Clashes break out after second person shot in Minneapolis He has already sent nearly 3000 federal officers into the Minneapolis area, who have carried guns through the citys icy streets, wearing military-style camouflage gear and masks that hide their faces. They have been met day and night by loud, often angry protests by residents, some blowing whistles or banging tambourines. On Wednesday night, crowds of nearby residents gathered near the area where the Venezuelan man was shot. Some shouted in protest, and federal officers ignited flash-bang grenades and released clouds of tear gas. Later, after most of the residents had been dispersed, a small group vandalised a car they believed belonged to the federal officers, one person daubing it with red graffiti saying: Hang Kristi Noem, in reference to the Homeland Security secretary who oversees ICE. Advertisement Since the surge began, agents have arrested both immigrants and protesters, at times smashing windows and pulling people from their cars, and have been shouted at for stopping black and Latino US citizens to demand identification. The Department of Homeland Security identified the man its officer shot as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis. Federal officers attempt to disperse demonstrators protesting against ICE in St Paul, Minnesota, on Thursday. Bloomberg He had been allowed into the US by the administration of Trumps predecessor, Joe Biden, in 2022 through the governments humanitarian parole program. The Trump administration has since revoked the parole granted to Venezuelans and others admitted under Biden. In its statement, DHS called him a convicted criminal under Minnesota law after being caught driving without a licence and giving a false name to a police officer. Court records of those cases reviewed by Reuters show he was only convicted of petty misdemeanours, which Minnesota state law says do not constitute a crime and for which the maximum punishment is a $US300 ($448) fine. Advertisement According to the DHS account, federal officers tried to stop Sosa-Celis in his vehicle. He fled the scene in his vehicle, crashed into a parked car, and then ran away on foot, the DHS said. One officer caught him and while the two were in a struggle on the ground, two other Venezuelan men came out of a nearby apartment and attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle, the statement said. Teargas is deployed to disperse protesters in Minnesota. Bloomberg Sosa-Celis got loose and began hitting the officer with a shovel or a broomstick, and so the officer fired defensive shots to defend his life, the DHS statement said. Reuters was unable to verify the account given by DHS. Advertisement The men fled into the apartment and all three were arrested after officers went in, DHS said. Sosa-Celis and the officer were recovering in hospital from injuries, according to the department and city officials. Related Article Analysis Trump's America Two wildly varied reports of the same incident reflect the two Americas of our time The Trump administration and Minnesota leaders have each blamed the other for stoking anger and violence. In a late-night press conference, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the ICE surge an invasion and said he had seen conduct from ICE that is disgusting and is intolerable. We cannot be at a place right now in America where we have two governmental entities that are literally fighting one another, Frey said, calling for peace. Advertisement The Insurrection Act of 1807 is a law allowing the president to deploy the military or federalise soldiers in a states National Guard to quell rebellion, an exception to laws that prohibit soldiers being used in civil or criminal law enforcement. It has been used 30 times in US history, according to New York Universitys Brennan Centre for Justice. The Supreme Court has ruled that the president alone can determine if the acts conditions have been met. A man is pushed to the ground as federal immigration officers confront protesters. AP Trump has already taken the unusual step of federalising National Guard soldiers to help with immigration law enforcement in Democrat-run cities over the objections of state governors, including in Los Angeles last year, which a judge ruled in December was unconstitutional. Trumps aggressive moves in Minnesota have divided his supporters: 59 per cent of Republicans favoured a policy prioritising arrests by immigration officers even if people get hurt, while 39 per cent said officers should focus on not harming people even if it means fewer arrests, according to a Reuters/Ipsos survey released on Thursday. Advertisement If Trump sends soldiers to Minnesota, he would almost certainly face legal challenges by the state. The Minnesota attorney-generals office has already sued the Trump administration this week, saying ICE agents were engaged in a pattern of unlawful, violent conduct, including racial profiling and forced entry into residents homes without warrants. The American Civil Liberties Union also filed a similar lawsuit against the Trump administration on Thursday. Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last week. Alpha News/X 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 Updated WorldNorth AmericaTrump diplomacy The intense diplomatic effort to convince Trump not to strike Iran Michael Koziol Updated January 16, 2026 2:23pm ,first published January 16, 2026 4:30am 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 Washington: US President Donald Trump has held off ordering military action against Iran to support widespread anti-regime protests after intense lobbying by US allies in the Middle East, even as his ambassador to the United Nations told Iran that all options are on the table to stop the slaughter. Multiple global news outlets reported overnight that Arab states had engaged in two days of diplomatic efforts to convince Trump not to strike Iran, despite human rights agencies putting the death toll from protests across the country at more than 2600. Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Wednesday about possible US strikes on Iran. AP Countries pushing Trump to hold off on strikes included Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Oman, according to officials cited by newswires. One diplomat told The Associated Press that the four countries feared a military intervention would shake the global economy and destabilise an already volatile region. Things have de-escalated for now, another Arab official told The Financial Times. The US is giving time for talks with Iran and to see where they go from here. Advertisement Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had also urged Trump to postpone an attack, the New York Times reported, citing a US official. Trump and Netanyahu spoke on Wednesday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not comment on whether Arab states had convinced Trump not to strike Iran, but she said as many as 800 planned executions due to take place on Wednesday had been halted thanks to the presidents demands. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with Donald Trump at the White House in November. Bloomberg Theres been a lot of speculation about what the president is going to do, Leavitt said. Only President Trump knows what hes going to do and a very, very small team of advisers are read into his thinking on that. Instead of strikes, the US announced overnight that it would sanction 18 Iranian officials and entities accused of laundering the proceeds of oil sales. Among the people hit by the new sanctions is Ali Larijani, secretary of Irans Supreme Council for National Security, whom the US says was one of the first leaders to call for violence to suppress the uprising in Iran the largest in many years. Advertisement US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the new sanctions against Iranian officials made at Trumps direction would continue the administrations pressure campaign since March aimed at accelerating Irans economic collapse. Donald Trump and Irans National Security Council chief Ali Larijani traded threats in December. AP He reiterated Trumps support for protesters risking their lives on the streets of Tehran and other Iranian cities. The US president said earlier this week that help is on its way, which many interpreted as a promise to intervene militarily. View post on X In New York, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Iran, at the request of the US, which was attended by US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz and Iranian officials. Advertisement President Trump is a man of action, not endless talk like we see at the United Nations, Waltz said. He has made it clear that all options are on the table to stop the slaughter. And no one should know that better than the leadership of the Iranian regime. Canadas Foreign Minister Anita Anand on Thursday said a Canadian citizen had died at the hands of the Iranian authorities amid the protests, though she did not provide further details. Protesters take to the streets in Tehran on January 9. AP Australias Foreign Minister Penny Wong joined other nations in calling on Iran to cease your brutal crackdown and warned Australians in Iran that the security situation could deteriorate rapidly without notice. This could see flights cancelled, airspace closed and other disruptions. As Australia and Iran no longer have reciprocal embassies in the capitals, Wong said Australia had extremely limited ability to help any citizens who remained in Iran. Advertisement There was widespread expectation of US strikes on Thursday when, in the early hours, Iran closed its airspace to all but a few select international flights to Tehran, and the US withdrew some personnel from military bases in the region. But Trump softened his position at the same time, saying the US had received information from trusted sources that the killing had stopped and that executions of political prisoners would not occur. Photos posted by Vahid Online on January 14 claim to show body bags at Kahrizak Forensic Medicine Centre in Tehran. Iranian state media also cited officials saying 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani, who was arrested last week, had not been sentenced to death and would not be executed. Trump did not rule out military action, but he said he would see whether the promises to stop killing protesters eventuated. Advertisement Advertisement Those encouraging Trump to strike Iran remained confident he would eventually do so. Lindsey Graham, an interventionist Republican senator, said Trumps resolve was not in doubt. The question is, when we do an operation like this, should it be bigger or smaller? he said. Im in the camp of bigger. Time will tell. Im hopeful and optimistic that the regime days are numbered. Loading Eurasia Group president and political scientist Ian Bremmer, speaking at an event hosted by Foreign Policy magazine, said it was clear the intervention by the Gulf states was the most significant factor in convincing Trump to hold off. The Turks were also very sceptical and opposed, and they sent those messages to Trump, he said. Advertisement Bremmer also said the US had determined Iran had brutally suppressed much of the demonstrations, and the US military was not convinced the timing was optimal to manage a large Iranian retaliation. Related Article Updated Middle East tensions Airspace closed, US personnel moved amid fears of attack on Iran The US doesnt yet have an aircraft carrier in the region, he said. It was going to take probably another week before that was the case. They were hearing internally from the military: we can do this, but this is not the best time for us. Bessent appeared to offer an olive branch to Iranian leaders in his video message, telling them there was still time if they chose to join us. US Treasury knows that like rats on a sinking ship, you are frantically wiring funds stolen from Iranian families to banks and financial institutions around the world. Rest assured, we will track them and you, he said. Advertisement But theres still time if you choose to join us. Stop the violence and stand with the people of Iran. With AP, Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement Updated WorldNorth AmericaVenezuela Trump accepts Nobel Peace medal from Venezuelan opposition leader Nandita Bose , Gram Slattery and Steve Holland Updated January 16, 2026 2:45pm ,first published January 16, 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 Washington: Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump during a White House lunch meeting as she tries to gain some influence over how he shapes the South American countrys political future. In a social media post, Trump wrote: Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria! Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado departs the White House after meeting President Donald Trump. AP A White House official confirmed that Trump intended to keep the medal, and the White House later posted a photograph of Trump accepting it from Machado. Machado, who described the meeting on Thursday (Friday AEDT) as excellent, said the gift was in recognition of what she called his commitment to the freedom of the Venezuelan people. Advertisement Machados attempt to sway Trump came after he dismissed the idea of installing her as Venezuelas leader to replace the deposed Nicolas Maduro. Trump openly campaigned for the prize before Machado was awarded it last month and complained bitterly when he was snubbed. Donald Trump and Maria Machado with the Nobel Peace Prize at the White House on Thursday. X/The White House Last week, Trump said he would accept the prize if Machado offered it to him when they met. Though Machado gave Trump the gold medal that honourees receive with the prize, the honour remains hers; the Norwegian Nobel Institute said the prize cannot be transferred, shared or revoked. Advertisement View post on X Asked this week if he wanted Machado to give him the prize, Trump told Reuters: No, I didnt say that. She won the Nobel Peace Prize. The meeting, which appeared to last slightly over an hour, marked the first time the two have met in person. Machado then met more than a dozen senators, both Republican and Democratic, on Capitol Hill, where she has generally found more enthusiastic allies. Machados daughter, Ana Corina Sosa Machado, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her mothers behalf last month. Bloomberg While the visit was ongoing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had been looking forward to meeting Machado, but that he stood by his realistic assessment that she did not currently have the support needed to lead the country in the short term. Advertisement Machado, who fled Venezuela in a daring seaborne escape in December, is competing for Trumps ear with members of Venezuelas government and seeking to ensure she has a future role in governing the nation. After the US captured Venezuelas long-time leader, Maduro, in a snatch-and-grab operation this month, various opposition figures, members of Venezuelas diaspora and politicians throughout the US and Latin America have expressed hope that Venezuela will begin the process of democratisation. Democratic senator Chris Murphy, who met Machado, said she had told senators that repression in Venezuela was no different now than under Maduro. Venezuelas interim President Delcy Rodriguez was a smooth operator who was growing more entrenched by the day thanks to Trumps support, he said. Delcy Rodriguez (centre) in Caracas overnight. Getty Images I hope elections happen, but Im sceptical, Murphy, of Connecticut, said. Advertisement Trump has said he is focused on securing US access to Venezuelas oil and economically rebuilding the country. He has on several occasions praised Rodriguez, who was Maduros second-in-command and who became Venezuelas leader upon his capture. In an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, Trump said, Shes been very good to deal with. Related Article Explainer Nobel Prize How do you win a Nobel Prize? Machado was banned from running in the 2024 presidential election by a top court stacked with Maduro allies. Outside observers widely believe Edmundo Gonzalez, an opposition figure backed by Machado, won by a substantial margin, but Maduro claimed victory and retained power. While the current government has freed dozens of political prisoners in recent days, outside groups and advocates have said the scale of the releases has been exaggerated by Caracas. Maria Corina Machado leaves the Capitol after meeting Congress members, following her lunch meeting with Donald Trump. AP Advertisement THE HAGUE / PHILIPSBURG:--- In a decisive step toward concluding a major Caribbean corruption scandal, the Advocate General of the High Court has advised that the convictions of former high-ranking Sint Maarten official Claudius Buncamper and his wife, Maria Buncamper-Molanus, for bribery and forgery should be upheld. This recommendation reinforces earlier court rulings and marks a significant moment for justice and public accountability in the region. The case, which emerged from the extensive "Ruby" investigation launched in 2018, exposed a sophisticated network of corruption centered on the manipulation of public contracts and the misuse of government funds for personal enrichment. The Advocate Generals conclusion, published on January 13, 2026, systematically dismantled the defense's appeals, paving the way for the Supreme Court's final judgment, expected on March 24. A Sophisticated Scheme of Bribery and Deceit At the core of the scandal was the public tender for the management of the Sint Maarten landfill, known locally as the "Dump." Claudius Buncamper, then the Head of Infrastructure Management at the Ministry of VROMI (Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure), abused his authority to ensure a specific company was awarded the lucrative contract. Court documents reveal that Buncamper and his wife did not merely accept bribes; they orchestrated the entire scheme. They provided insider information and actively helped draft the winning bidders tender documents. Digital forensics proved crucial, with metadata from Word files showing Maria Buncamper-Molanuss user account as the "creator" of key documents. In exchange for this illegal assistance, the Buncampers demanded substantial kickbacks. These were channeled through seemingly legitimate business dealings. The winning company was coerced into hiring Marias administrative services firm at inflated prices and employing their son, who reportedly collected a salary despite rarely showing up for work. Falsified Invoices and Public Funds The corruption extended beyond the landfill tender. The "Ruby" investigation also uncovered a long-running fraud where Claudius Buncamper had private expenses paid for by the government. These costs, which included home security systems and personal renovations, were funneled through a third-party contractor managing the islands sewage treatment plant. To conceal the fraud, invoices were systematically altered to appear as legitimate expenses related to the sewage plant. These falsified documents were then submitted to the Ministry of VROMI and paid out from a provisional budget post, effectively causing taxpayers to unknowingly fund the Buncampers' private expenditures. Judicial Outcome and Implications While the Advocate General advised upholding the convictions, a minor sentence reduction was recommended due to the lengthy duration of the legal proceedings. The original sentences handed down by the Joint Court of Justice were severe: Claudius Buncamper: Sentenced to 32 months in prison and a seven-year ban from holding any public office. Maria Buncamper-Molanus: Received a 12-month suspended prison sentence and was ordered to perform 210 hours of community service for her role as a co-perpetrator. The defense's argument that the lower courts had wrongfully reached their convictions was dismissed. The Advocate General found the evidence compelling and the court's reasoning "not incomprehensible," highlighting the strength of the prosecution's case. This landmark case sends a powerful message about public integrity and the rule of law in the Dutch Caribbean. It demonstrates that even complex, high-level corruption can be unraveled through diligent investigation and the power of digital evidence. The convictions stand as a critical precedent, reinforcing that public officials who betray their trust for personal gain will be held accountable. Click the links below for the advice. https://deeplink.rechtspraak.nl/uitspraak?id=ECLI:NL:PHR:2026:59; https://deeplink.rechtspraak.nl/uitspraak?id=ECLI:NL:PHR:2026:58 Taiwan locates black box for F-16 jet Taipei, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 Taiwan has located the black box of a F-16 fighter jet that apparently crashed into the sea last week, the Air Force said Thursday. The single-seat F-16V disappeared off Taiwan's east coast on January 6, around 70 minutes after taking off for a routine night training mission. The pilot, who remains missing, is believed to have ejected before the aircraft went down. The Air Force said signals from the jet's flight data recorder, commonly known as the black box, had been "detected and accurately located". "As for the search and rescue of personnel, despite continuous day and night searches by aircraft, ships, and coastal patrol personnel, no results have been found," it said in a statement. The Air Force said it would commission a professional team to start salvaging the aircraft as soon as possible while efforts to find the pilot would continue. Taiwan is upgrading its defence capabilities as China maintains military pressure on the democratic island, which Beijing claims is part of its territory. China has stepped up military drills near the island, including large-scale exercises around Taiwan late last year. Taipei has ordered 66 US-made F-16V jets -- a fourth-generation multi-role fighter -- to replace its ageing fleet. PARIS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- France will send extra "land, air and maritime assets" to Greenland in the coming days, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday during his New Year address to the armed forces at the Istres air base. Earlier in the day, Macron said on X that at Denmark's request, France had decided to take part in joint exercises organized by Denmark in Greenland, adding that "the first French military elements are already on their way" and that others would follow. In his address, Macron said France and its European partners must continue to be present "wherever their interests are threatened, without escalation, but uncompromising on respect for territorial sovereignty." 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. Also on Wednesday, 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. Japan, Philippines agree military resupply deal Manila, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 The Philippines and Japan on Thursday signed an agreement allowing for the resupply of fuel and ammunition to each other's forces, the latest in a series of pacts aimed at countering China's regional assertiveness. Tokyo and Manila have significantly deepened military ties in recent years, with both joining a security partnership with Washington, and Japan supplying patrol boats and radio gear to the Philippines. The Philippines and China have engaged in frequent clashes in the contested South China Sea, which Beijing claims in nearly its entirety despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. At a joint briefing Thursday in Manila, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the new Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement showed security cooperation between the two countries was "rapidly expanding". Funds provided to the Philippines under Japan's Official Security Assistance programme -- valued at more than $20 million since 2023 -- were also being funneled into infrastructure for the first time, he added. "This is the first infrastructure project under Japan's OSA program, and we will construct boathouses and slipways for rigid hull inflatable boats," Motegi said of the OSA funding. Tokyo has been a key financer of Manila's efforts to modernise its South China Sea patrol craft as well as maritime surveillance systems. Philippine Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro said Thursday that the new resupply deal would "enhance our mutual military interoperability and readiness" while building off the previously signed visiting forces agreement. Japan regularly joins the Philippines in bilateral and multilateral maritime drills in the South China Sea, and last year sent a contingent to the annual Balikatan military exercises conducted by US and Philippine forces. European military mission set to begin in Greenland Nuuk, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 European military personnel were due to begin arriving in Greenland on Thursday, shortly after a meeting between American, Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington failed to resolve "fundamental disagreement" over the mineral-rich, strategic Arctic island. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly vowed to take control of the autonomous Danish territory, arguing that it is vital for US security. France, Sweden, Germany and Norway announced Wednesday that they would deploy military personnel as part of a reconnaissance mission to Greenland's capital Nuuk. "Soldiers of NATO are expected to be more present in Greenland from today and in the coming days. It is expected that there will be more military flights and ships," Greenland's deputy prime minister Mute Egede told a news conference on Wednesday, adding they would be "training". "The first French military personnel are already on their way. Others will follow," French President Emmanuel Macron said on X. The deployment of a 13-strong Bundeswehr reconnaissance team to Nuuk from Thursday was at Denmark's invitation, the German defence ministry said, adding it would run from Thursday to Sunday. The deployment was announced on the same day that the foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, speaking after leaving the White House, said a US takeover of Greenland was "absolutely not necessary." "We didn't manage to change the American position. It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland," Lokke told reporters. "We therefore still have a fundamental disagreement, but we also agree to disagree." Trump, speaking after the meeting which he did not attend, for the first time sounded conciliatory on Greenland, acknowledging Denmark's interests even if he again said he was not ruling out any options. "I have a very good relationship with Denmark, and we'll see how it all works out. I think something will work out," Trump said without explaining further. He again said Denmark was powerless if Russia or China wanted to occupy Greenland, but added: "There's everything we can do." Trump has appeared emboldened on Greenland after ordering a deadly January 3 attack in Venezuela that removed president Nicolas Maduro. On the streets of Nuuk, red and white Greenlandic flags flew in shop windows, on apartment balconies, and on cars and buses, in a show of national unity this week. Some residents described anxiety from finding themselves at the centre of the geopolitical spotlight. "It's very frightening because it's such a big thing," said Vera Stidsen, 51, a teacher in Nuuk. "I hope that in the future we can continue to live as we have until now: in peace and without being disturbed," Stidsen told AFP. Turkey 'in talks' with Pakistan and Saudi over defence pact Istanbul, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 NATO member Turkey is holding talks with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to join a defence alliance established in September between the two countries, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Thursday. "At present, there are discussions and talks underway, but no agreement has yet been signed," Fidan told reporters. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's "vision is broader, more comprehensive, and aimed at establishing a larger platform," he added. The defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, announced amid tensions in the Gulf region, raises many questions, particularly about its possible nuclear component, given Islamabad possesses nuclear weapons. The Pakistan-Saudi pact was signed just months after Pakistan and India fought an intense four-day conflict in May that killed more than 70 people on both sides in missile, drone and artillery fire, the worst clashes between the nuclear-armed neighbours since 1999. Pakistan and India, also a nuclear power, have long accused each other of backing militant forces to destabilise one another. Saudi Arabia is believed to have played a key role in defusing the conflict. Danish PM says US ambition to take Greenland 'remains intact' Nuuk, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 Washington's ambition to take control of Greenland remained intact, Denmark said on Thursday, as a European military mission arrived on the mineral-rich strategic Arctic island, drawing a sharp rebuke from Russia. The developments came a day after a high-level meeting at the White House failed to resolve "fundamental disagreement" over Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory that President Donald Trump has repeatedly said Washington needs to seize to ensure US security. The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Wednesday. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in a statement Thursday that "a working group" was being set up to discuss how Arctic security could be improved. "However, this does not change the fact that there is a fundamental disagreement, because the American ambition to take over Greenland remains intact," Frederiksen said. "This is obviously a serious matter, and we are therefore continuing our efforts to prevent this scenario from becoming a reality," she added. The head of government's comment came as European military personnel had begun arriving in Greenland. France, Sweden, Germany and Norway announced Wednesday that they would deploy military personnel as part of a reconnaissance mission to Greenland's capital Nuuk. "Soldiers of NATO are expected to be more present in Greenland from today and in the coming days. It is expected that there will be more military flights and ships," Greenland's deputy prime minister Mute Egede told a news conference on Wednesday, adding they would be "training". Germany's defence ministry said Thursday that the reconnaissance mission to Greenland by several European NATO members aims "to explore options for ensuring security in light of Russian and Chinese threats in the Arctic". "The first French military personnel are already on their way. Others will follow," French President Emmanuel Macron said on X. Trump has argued that if the United States does not take Greenland, "China or Russia will". The Russian embassy in Belgium, where NATO is headquartered, said the arrival of NATO forces to Greenland was concerning. "The situation unfolding in the high latitudes is of serious concern to us," the embassy said in a statement published late Wednesday. NATO is "building up its military presence there under the false pretext of a growing threat from Moscow and Beijing," the embassy added. - 'Good relationship' - After leaving the White House on Wednesday Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said a US takeover of Greenland was "absolutely not necessary." "We didn't manage to change the American position. It's clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland," Lokke told reporters. He also noted that "there are no Chinese warships along the coast of Greenland". "Nor are there any massive Chinese investments in Greenland," he told the Danish press after the meeting. Trump, speaking after the meeting which he did not attend, for the first time sounded conciliatory on Greenland, acknowledging Denmark's interests even if he again said he was not ruling out any options. "I have a very good relationship with Denmark, and we'll see how it all works out. I think something will work out," Trump said without explaining further. He again said Denmark was powerless if Russia or China wanted to occupy Greenland, but added: "There's everything we can do." - Live 'in peace' - On the streets of Nuuk, red and white Greenlandic flags flew in shop windows, on apartment balconies, and on cars and buses, in a show of national unity this week. Some residents described anxiety from finding themselves at the centre of the geopolitical spotlight. "It's very frightening because it's such a big thing," said Vera Stidsen, 51, a teacher in Nuuk. "I hope that in the future we can continue to live as we have until now: in peace and without being disturbed," Stidsen told AFP. Germany says Greenland mission counters Russia, China 'threats' Berlin, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 Germany's defence ministry said Thursday that the reconnaissance mission to Greenland by several European NATO members aims "to explore options for ensuring security in light of Russian and Chinese threats in the Arctic". It made no mention of US President Donald Trump's repeated claims to the Danish autonomous territory. Germany, France, Sweden and Norway on Wednesday announced the deployments, shortly after a Washington meeting between US, Danish and Greenlandic officials had failed to resolve disagreement over the island. The German defence ministry said Wednesday that the 13-strong Bundeswehr team aimed to help "explore the framework conditions for possible military contributions to support Denmark in ensuring security in the region". In its statement on Thursday, the ministry echoed the US position that the main regional threat is posed by Russia and China. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius was quoted as saying: "Russia and China are increasingly using the Arctic for military purposes, thereby jeopardising the freedom of transport, communication and trade. "NATO will not allow this and will continue to uphold the rules-based international order. It is crucial for me that we coordinate very closely within NATO, particularly with our US partners, during the joint exploration in Greenland under Danish leadership." The ministry said the joint mission comes at the invitation of Denmark and aims "to gather fundamental information about the local conditions for operational and training opportunities". The German unit would first fly to Denmark's Karup air base on Thursday, from where the European allies would on Friday fly together to Greenland "using a Danish civilian aircraft," said the ministry statement. "From our perspective, this joint flight is a strong sign of our unity." Dutch to send one officer to Greenland: minister The Hague, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 The Netherlands said Thursday it would send one military officer in support of a European mission to Greenland, as US President Donald Trump vows to take control of the strategic Arctic island. The announcement came after France, Sweden, Germany and Norway said they would deploy military personnel as part of a reconnaissance mission to Greenland's capital Nuuk. "Security in the Arctic region (including Greenland) is of strategic importance to all NATO members," said Dutch Defence Minister Rubens Brekelmans in a statement. "That is why the Netherlands is participating with other NATO countries in joint reconnaissance in Greenland for a military exercise in the Arctic," he added. "The Defence department will send one naval officer," announced Brekelmans. European military personnel were due to begin arriving in Greenland, after a meeting between American, Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington failed to resolve "fundamental disagreement." Israel army issues evacuation warning for Lebanon village ahead of strikes on Hezbollah Jerusalem, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 The Israeli military issued an evacuation warning on Thursday for the village of Sohmor in southern Lebanon ahead of air strikes on Hezbollah targets in the area. "Urgent warning to the residents of South Lebanon, specifically in the village of Sohmor," the military's Arabic-language spokesman Colonel Avichay Adraee wrote on X. "The (Israeli military) will attack Hezbollah terrorist military infrastructure in the near future to address prohibited attempts to rebuild its activities in the region." The order comes a week after the Lebanese military said it had completed disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River, the first phase of a nationwide plan, though Israel has called those efforts insufficient. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in response that the ceasefire "states clearly, Hezbollah must be fully disarmed". Israel has kept up regular strikes in Lebanon despite a November 2024 ceasefire. On Sunday, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported "a series of violent Israeli strikes" on Jezzine, Mahmudiyeh and Al-Dimasqiyeh, as well as "more than 10 strikes" on Al-Bureij, all in southern Lebanon. Israel says conducting strikes in Lebanon, issues evacuation orders Jerusalem, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 The Israeli military on Thursday said it conducted air strikes against Hezbollah targets shortly after issuing evacuation orders for the village of Sohmor in southern Lebanon. "In response to Hezbollah's repeated violations of the ceasefire understandings, the (Israeli military) is striking Hezbollah terror targets in several areas in Lebanon", the military said in a statement. Earlier Thursday, the army had warned residents of Sohmor to evacuate certain areas ahead of strikes against Hezbollah targets. Shortly after the military announced having struck positions in Lebanon, its Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee warned of a second evacuation order, this time for the south Lebanon village of Machghara. "The (Israeli military) will attack Hezbollah terrorist military infrastructure in the near future to address prohibited attempts to reconstruct its activities in the area", Adraee said on X. The orders come a week after the Lebanese military said it had completed disarming Hezbollah south of the Litani River, the first phase of a nationwide plan, though Israel has called those efforts insufficient. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in response that the ceasefire "states clearly, Hezbollah must be fully disarmed". Israel has kept up regular strikes in Lebanon despite a November 2024 ceasefire. On Sunday, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported "a series of violent Israeli strikes" on Jezzine, Mahmudiyeh and Al-Dimasqiyeh, as well as "more than 10 strikes" on Al-Bureij, all in southern Lebanon. EU has 'strategic responsibility' in Greenland: France Riga, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 The EU has "a strategic responsibility" in Greenland, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Thursday, after President Donald Trump insisted Washington needed the autonomous Danish territory for security reasons. Barrot spoke after Denmark said the United States still aimed to take control of the mineral-rich Arctic island. "Arctic security is inseparable from... European security," Barrot said. "We stand in support and solidarity with Denmark, just as we would hope to be able to count on Denmark's support and solidarity if we found ourselves in the same situation today". Greenland "is a European territory that is placed under NATO protection," Barrot said, adding: "NATO, NATO's allies, European countries are fully capable of defending their territory against any threats, wherever they may come from". Earlier on Thursday, French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron said France would soon send more "land, air, and sea" forces to join a military exercise in Greenland. "A first team of French service members is already on site and will be reinforced in the coming days," he said. CORRECTED: EU has 'strategic responsibility' in Greenland: France Riga, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 The EU has "a strategic responsibility" in Greenland, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said Thursday, after President Donald Trump insisted Washington needed the autonomous Danish territory for security reasons. Barrot spoke after Denmark said the United States still aimed to take control of the mineral-rich Arctic island. "Arctic security is inseparable from... European security," Barrot said. "We stand in support and solidarity with Denmark, just as we would hope to be able to count on Denmark's support and solidarity if we found ourselves in the same situation today". Greenland "is a European territory that is placed under NATO protection," Barrot said, adding: "NATO, NATO's allies, European countries are fully capable of defending their territory against any threats, wherever they may come from". Earlier on Thursday, French President Emmanuel Macron said France would soon send more "land, air, and sea" forces to join a military exercise in Greenland. "A first team of French service members is already on site and will be reinforced in the coming days," he said. PARIS, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- France will send extra "land, air and maritime assets" to Greenland in the coming days, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday during his New Year address to the armed forces at the Istres air base. Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act over Minnesota protests Minneapolis, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 US President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke an emergency law that allows domestic deployment of the military, as protests roil Minnesota after a federal agent shot dead a woman last week. Tensions rose further overnight and more protests broke out as another person was shot and wounded by a federal agent in the frigid northern city that is a Democratic stronghold. Trump reacted on his social media platform Truth Social with his latest threat to invoke the Insurrection Act, a 19th century law that allows the president to deploy soldiers for law enforcement purposes to put down unrest deemed to be an insurrection. It has not been used in more than 30 years. In recent months Trump has threatened several times to use the law as he reacted angrily to protests and court decisions blocking his drive to deploy the National Guard in his muscled crackdown on illegal immigration. But so far he has stopped short of resorting to the law as he presses an agenda that has drawn accusations of authoritarian overreach and periodic mass rallies with the mantra "No Kings." "If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don't obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of ICE, who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT...and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State," Trump posted on social media. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, addressing reporters outside the White House, declined to say if she thinks Trump should invoke the law. "I think that the President has that opportunity in the future. It's his constitutional right, and it's up to him if he wants to utilize it to do it," Noem said. Asked if Trump is likely to take this major step, she said "I don't know." Tensions rose further as an immigration agent shot and injured a man in Minneapolis Wednesday evening, triggering further protests. The shooting marked the second time in a week an ICE agent had shot someone in Minneapolis. The previous shooting resulted in the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good on January 7. This sparked ongoing protests and a surge of federal agents into the northern US city. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said the shooting late Wednesday resulted from a struggle between an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent and a man he was trying to apprehend. "During the struggle, the federal agent discharged his weapon, striking one adult male," O'Hara told reporters at a press conference. Amid the tussle, two people emerged from a nearby residence and attacked the federal agent with a snow shovel and a broom handle, the Department of Homeland Security said, identifying the wounded man as an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. The man suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg and was transported to a hospital for treatment, while the two others were taken into custody, officials said. The Insurrection Act was last invoked in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush at the request of the Republican governor of California, who was facing unprecedented riots in Los Angeles following the acquittal of police officers who had beaten Rodney King, a Black motorist, the previous year. Cuba pays tribute to soldiers killed in Maduro capture Havana, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 Cuba paid tribute on Thursday to 32 soldiers killed in the US military strike that ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, in a ceremony attended by revolutionary leader Raul Castro. Havana, under pressure from US President Donald Trump, had decreed two days of tribute for the men, some of whom had been assigned to Maduro's protection team. Twenty-one of the soldiers were from the Cuban interior ministry, which oversees the intelligence services, officials have said. The others were from the military. President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Castro, the 94-year-old retired former Cuban leader, were present in full military uniform to receive the soldiers' remains early Thursday. Their urns, draped in Cuban flags, were unloaded from a plane at Havana's Jose Marti International Airport, according to footage broadcast on state TV. At the event, Interior Minister General Lazaro Alberto Alvarez expressed the country's respect and gratitude for the soldiers he said had "fought to the last bullet" during US bombings and a raid by US special forces who seized Maduro and his wife from their Caracas residence on January 3. "We do not receive them with resignation; we do so with profound pride," the minister added, and said the United States "will never be able to buy the dignity of the Cuban people." The soldiers' bodies were then transported in Jeeps to the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, with Cubans lining the streets and applauding the procession. Residents of the capital can pay their respects throughout the day, which will close with a gathering outside the US embassy in Havana. - 'Manipulation' - The homage serves as an opportunity for Cuba to make a display of national unity at a time it is batting away pressure from US President Donald Trump. Trump on Sunday urged Cuba to "make a deal," the nature of which he did not divulge, or face the consequences. The Republican president, who says Washington is now effectively running Venezuela, has vowed to cut off all oil and money that Caracas had been providing to ailing Cuba. Cuba, which is struggling through its worst economic crisis in decades, has reacted defiantly to the US threats even as it reels from the loss of a key source of economic support. Havana has dismissed as "political manipulation" a US announcement of humanitarian aid for victims of Hurricane Melissa, which hit last October and killed nearly 60 people across the Caribbean. "The US government is exploiting what might seem like a humanitarian gesture for opportunistic purposes and political manipulation," Cuba's foreign ministry said in a statement in response. It added Washington had not been in touch about the delivery, which it would welcome "without conditions." Jeremy Lewin, the senior US official for foreign assistance, on Thursday cautioned Havana not to "politicize" the help. "We look at this as the first, the beginning of what we hope will be a much broader ability to deliver assistance directly to the Cuban people," he said. US-Cuba relations have been tense for decades but hit a new low after the US capture of Maduro and his wife. Twenty-three Venezuelan soldiers were also killed in the US strike that saw Maduro and his wife whisked away to stand trial in New York on drug-trafficking charges. Syria, Iraq seize 2.5 million captagon pills: ministry Damascus, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 Anti-narcotics authorities from Syria and Iraq have seized 2.5 million captagon stimulant pills after carrying out raids in both countries, Syria's interior ministry said on Thursday. Two people were arrested in Syria and one in Iraq in the joint operations, the ministry said in a statement. The ministry said the successful raids were "the result of systematic intelligence work" between Damascus and Baghdad. The arrests took place in "the governorates of Homs and Rural Damascus" in Syria and "territory inside the Republic of Iraq", it added. Syrian state media SANA said the operation was a "major bust" which "disrupted the network's operational and logistical capabilities" by cutting off one of the network's main trafficking routes, without specifying. Captagon, a powerful synthetic stimulant, became Syria's largest export during the civil war that erupted in 2011, with its trade serving as a key funding source for the government of ousted president Bashar al-Assad. Since Assad's fall, the new authorities have reported numerous major seizures of captagon across the country. However, neighbouring countries continue to report the interception of large shipments. The first is the likelihood that millions of people 2.5 million including some in greater London, will find themselves without a vote in the local elections as a result of the Government asking councils whether they might like to postpone the whole thing on account of changes to local government structures. The answer from a number of councils is, unsurprisingly, yes. Councillors who might have been turfed out in a poll have said that they fancy postponing the election, which will mean that some will end up being in office for seven years. Most of those councils are Labour. You could spin this as a pragmatic decision but given that local elections function as a mid-term poll on the sitting government it looks very like Labour denying Reform which hopes to do well a chance to upset the existing order. It looks like thwarting democracy and the Lib Dems and Tories are opposed to it. Like an omelette or a pie, the black velvet is one of those fixtures of the food and drink world thats easy to make but hard to make well. People think they are able but they resoundingly are not. Its mostly down to care and I also think such things pertain to a soul, romanticism and circumstance. A black velvet would be out of place in most bars and restaurants. It must be made with wit. The drink is almost a poetic device. TripAdvisor claimed to have received eight million listings in 2025 and used its communitys above-and-beyond reviews and opinions to quantify the top 10. According to the TripAdvisor website: The Travellers Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. Its awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1 per cent achieve this milestone. We always take robust enforcement action against those who choose to flout the law and undermine residents safety. If anyone has any concerns about any property in the borough, please report these to us as soon as you can. LONDON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The British government on Wednesday warned against "all but essential travel" to Israel, citing heightened regional tensions that could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts. In updated travel guidance issued by the Foreign Office, British authorities also continue to advise against all travel to certain parts of the region, noting that the deteriorating security environment poses increased risks to travelers, and urge caution across much of the region. The guidance applies to both Israel and the Palestinian territories and remains under continuous review, said the Foreign Office. "The incident has completely turned my daughter's life upside down. She is a shadow of the bubbly, bright, larger than life character she once was, and now rarely wants to go out and socialise while suffering daily trauma and questioning why it happened. The parents of one of the Nottingham attack victims said they were delighted that the Government wants to look at how to extend the benefits ban to offenders detained in hospitals under court order, including for violent and sexual offences given their bed, board and treatment costs are covered. That means the world to us, because Denmark alone against the United States, thats a tough battle, so we really need the help and the backing of allies, so sending some troops up there is a very good signal. 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 Without proactive action, old roles may disappear faster than new ones are created, and entry-level jobs will likely be the first to go, robbing our young people of that vital first step on the career ladder, and robbing us, and our economy, of the future leaders they might have become. Rajan joined the BBC in 2016 as its first ever media editor, leading its coverage of global technology and media. Along with the Today programme he went on to present The Today Podcast, and became a regular presenter of BBC One magazine show The One Show. THE HAGUE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- An explosion followed by a fire injured four people in the Dutch city of Utrecht on Thursday afternoon, local authorities confirmed. Two people were treated at the scene by ambulance crews, one person with minor injuries was taken to hospital, and a fourth individual - a bystander who became unwell after the incident - was also hospitalized, Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma told a press conference. She said no one was seriously injured and no people have been reported missing. The Utrecht Safety Region said the fire in the city center has been brought under control. Specialist teams are beginning searches for anyone who may still be trapped under the rubble, although authorities do not expect to find any victims. Several nearby buildings sustained significant damage and will be inspected for possible structural instability. Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported that a loud explosion was heard at about 3:30 p.m. local time before a major fire broke out in a residential building. Mayor Dijksma said a gas leak had preceded the explosion, though it remains unclear whether it was the direct cause. She confirmed that the leak has been sealed. "All possible scenarios are being investigated. However, at this moment, a criminal act does not appear likely," Dijksma said. People wait in line outside Perrys Steakhouse in Houston for a special it offered in May. The steakhous has more than two dozen locations in Texas and eight other states. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle Vantage Point Global, a company in which restaurateur Chris Perry owns a majority stake, is the focus of a lawsuit in Austin. Angela Wang/Special Contributor Fraud, conspiracy, attempted murder and a partner deprived of tens of millions of dollars are alleged between restaurant scion Chris Perry, his restaurant group Perrys Restaurants and a former consultant. The claims and counterclaims filed in Texas courts since early December read like alternate histories. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Craig Aumann, the consultant, filed suit in early December saying Perry, David Crawford and Perrys Restaurants employees worked to deprive him of an ownership stake in Vantage Point Global Corp., a company set up to farm and export cannabis from Costa Rica. Aumanns lawsuit says he was initially hired as a consultant to assist fundraising for the venture but was asked to assume the CEO title after a falling out with a previous leader. He relocated to the South American country and oversaw the farms setup and obtained necessary government licenses. Aumann says he moved to the country full time in October 2023 for a salary of $100,000 a year and $15,000 a month in expenses but with a significant equity stake. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Advertisement Article continues below this ad Seventy acres of Costa Rican farmland was the main source of cannabis for Vantage Point. After a year and repeated offers from outsiders to purchase the business, the last of which was for $45 million, Aumann says, Perry, Crawford and others conspired to push him out. Aumanns attorney estimates the operation is now worth in excess of $100 million, resulting in a loss of $24 million for his client, who said he had a near 25% ownership stake. He went down. He lived in Costa Rica. Weve got WhatsApp messages. He was the one who interacted with all the government officials," Jared Kovar, Aumanns attorney, said in an interview. "Craig was the one who hired the team. He ran all the operations." But after returning to Costa Rica from Austin in November 2024, his access to the property, Vantage Point business email accounts and computer servers was revoked. The company paid his salary until February 2025, according to court documents, but Perry and others had rewritten his role to suggest he had only been a consultant without ownership rights. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Aumanns complaint alleges fraud, tortious interference and business disparagement and other alleged misdeeds. The initial petition was filed in state District Court in Austin, where Perry lives. It was later moved to Business Court in Austin. Frivolous lawsuit The allegations laid out in Aumanns lawsuit are a fiction, Chris Perrys attorneys say. Most egregious, in Perrys Restaurants telling, is connecting Aumann to the company. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The plaintiff has no connection to Perrys Restaurants, and there is no factual or legal basis for naming the company in this frivolous lawsuit, Rick Henderson, chief operating officer of Perrys Restaurants, said in an emailed statement. An attorney for the chain said he anticipated the company would be removed from the lawsuit in coming hearings. In a countersuit filed last week, attorneys for Chris Perry as an individual denied nearly everything alleged. They describe Aumann as a rogue consultant who misrepresented and defrauded Perry and Crawford at times threatening physical violence and allege Aumann at one point was arrested by Costa Rican authorities for attempted murder. Thats just throwing stuff against the wall and hoping the smear stays, Kovar said of the allegations against his client. Attorneys for Perry say in court filings that Aumann misled Crawford, the Vantage Point Global co-founder, about his relationship with Perry, saying Aumann had claimed power of attorney over the finances of the business. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mr. Aumann continually misrepresented his authority, threatened physical violence against others affiliated with VPG and their families, forged or procured documents under duress wasted and misappropriated funds and used VPGs money to pay his personal credit card bills, their countersuit says. Perry says Aumann coerced Crawford into signing backdated documents making Aumann CEO and giving him nearly a quarter of the company. It alleges Aumann hired unqualified employees, at times giving jobs to family members and awarding contracts that did not benefit the company. According to the counterclaims, Aumann installed himself in Costa Rica and executed an internal hostile takeover. They say his behavior was erratic and unprofessional, threatening to fire people with some regularity. Nonsense Kovar, Aumanns attorney, dismisses many of the allegations and said he views the counterclaims as validation of the fact his client was not just a consultant but running things as CEO. Advertisement Article continues below this ad How is Craig allowed to do all the things that they say he was able to do if he wasnt in the position of CEO? It just doesnt make any sense, Kovar said. He says Vantage Point Global through Perry was not paying his client on time, forcing him to rack up tens of thousands of dollars in personal debt until he was paid. And he called the threats of violence alleged in Perrys suit factually inaccurate. Perrys attorneys said Aumann allegedly attacked a former Vantage Point employee with a metal pipe, attempting to reclaim a truck the former employee had refused to return. The suit claims he was arrested and the company spent $90,000 on attorneys to defend him. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kovar acknowledged there was a situation in Costa Rica involving one of the vehicles and a handful of Vantage Point employees. The way its portrayed in their documents is completely wrong, he said. Now, attorneys for Perry say, Aumann is actively fundraising around a project called 190 Ranch that is duplicative of Vantage Point. They say they have seen his pitch presentation and their countersuit alleges Aumann stole their business plan, detailing dates and computer behaviors they say prove it. Kovar said Aumann is researching setting up another farm but is not actively soliciting funds. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 14: An advertisement for 5G network is posted at a Verizon store stands on January 14, 2025 in New York City. Thousands of people across the country have reported cellular outages using Verizon, many of them are located in the New York City area. New York City's Office of Emergency Management issued a statement acknowledging some people may have trouble calling 911 until Verizon resolves the issue: "If you have an emergency and cannot connect using your Verizon Wireless device, please call using a device from another carrier, a landline, or go to a police precinct or fire station to report the emergency." (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images) Al Drago/Getty Images Verizon will offer credits to customers after a nearly 10-hour outage. The notice comes after millions of cell phone users reported a service outage Wednesday morning. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to outage tracker Downdetector, Verizon and other providers such as T-Mobile, AT&T, Fios by Verizon and US Cellular had a sudden spike in reported outages starting about 11 a.m. Jan. 14. Per the press release, Verizons cellular data, messaging and voice services were restored at 9:15 p.m. Central time. If customers are still having an issue, we encourage them to restart their devices to reconnect to the network, the company said. For those affected, we will provide account credits. Details will be shared directly with customers. We sincerely apologize for the disruption. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Verizon did not say how much customers could receive in account credits or when those credits might be issued. Verizon also declined to explain the cause of the disruption, though it said there was no evidence of a cyberattack. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Why is my phone stuck on SOS mode? When an SOS sign appears in the top righthand corner of your phone, you may feel frustrated but the situation isnt dire. While you dont have regular cellular connection through your own carrier in SOS mode, you are still able to call 911 in the case of emergencies by connecting to the network of any available carrier. How to call Verizon customer service Verizons customer service line can be reached at 1-833-837-4966 for general inquiries, 1-800-922-0204 for wireless service/tech support, and 1-800-837-4966 for Fios. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Waymo self-driving cars are charged at a facility in Southeast Austin on Nov. 19, 2025. Austin school officials have asked Waymo to suspend operations during school bus pickup times after the companys robotaxis were documented illegally passing stopped school buses at least 24 times. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Waymos driverless robotaxis have continued to illegally pass stopped school buses in Austin, the school district says, despite the companys claims that it resolved the issue. The latest incidents have prompted renewed calls from Austin ISD for Waymo to halt operations during school pickup hours. Last month, the school district threatened legal action against Waymo after buses equipped with stop-arm cameras recorded the companys vehicles passing stopped buses while their lights were flashing. Although Waymo issued a software recall in early December aimed at resolving the problem, the school district said late Wednesday that it has since issued additional citations, including one as recently as Monday. Others were issued Dec. 11, 12 and 19. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Camera footage provided by the district appears to show more instances of Waymo vehicles passing school buses while stop-arms were extended. One clip appears to show a Waymo vehicle stopped while other vehicles illegally pass a stopped bus. With the new citations, AISD repeated its request that Waymo cease operations during school pickup hours. Austin ISD again asks that Waymo cease operations in the mornings and afternoons during school days when our students are using our school buses. Austin ISD continues to explore any and all legal recourse available, officials said in a statement. 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 The district asked the service to stop operating during morning drop-off from 5:20 to 9:30 a.m. and during afternoon pickup from 3 to 7 p.m. Videos from Dec. 11, 12 and 19 appear to show multiple Waymo vehicles either passing or failing to stop for school buses with stop-arms extended. In a video from the early morning hours of Dec. 19, a Waymo vehicle slows but does not stop as an adult and child cross the road while a school bus approaches, with several other children waiting nearby. An electric school bus at the Austin Independent School District Southeast Bus Terminal on Jan. 29, 2024. Last month, Austin ISD threatened legal action after stop-arm cameras recorded Waymo vehicles passing stopped school buses with flashing lights. Jay Janner / American-Statesman In a Dec. 12 video, a Waymo vehicle makes a right turn and passes a stopped school bus two lanes over. In another video from Dec. 11, a Waymo vehicle also passes a stopped school bus two lanes over. However, another Waymo vehicle in that same video is shown stopped and waiting for the bus while its stop-arm is extended. The video ends before the vehicle moves again. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Drivers in several other vehicles also appear to pass the buses. Under Texas law, vehicles must come to a complete stop when a school bus is stopped with its stop-arm extended and its lights flashing. Vehicles may not proceed until the bus begins moving again, a requirement intended to protect students getting on or off the bus. In January, the district approved a contract with AlertBus, an AI-powered safety program that automatically issues $300 fines based on stop-arm camera footage. The school districts police department has issued more than 7,000 school bus traffic safety violations so far this school year, 24 of which were issued to Waymo vehicles, the district said. The videos became public shortly after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a probe into Waymos operations around school buses after a social media video showed a Waymo vehicle driving past a stopped school bus in Atlanta. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The company previously said incidents involving vehicles slowing or stopping before proceeding past school buses had been addressed through fleetwide updates completed Nov. 17. Waymos voluntary software recall in December came days after U.S. safety regulators asked it to respond to a series of questions by Jan. 20. The company said it met with Austin ISD officials on Dec. 10 to discuss the issue and collect data related to light patterns and conditions, which the company said it is reviewing and plans to integrate into its systems. But in a statement Thursday evening, the district denied that the Dec. 10 meeting took place. AISD did allow Waymo to conduct data collection with AISD school buses on December 8th, in the hopes that Waymo could successfully resolve the software issue putting our students at risk, the district said in an email. No such meeting has occurred since December 8th. Waymo said it has paid fines totaling about $7,200. The district confirmed Thursday evening that fines for all citations except the most recent, which had just been issued, had been paid. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Our vehicles have 12x fewer crashes involving injuries to pedestrians compared to human benchmarks and were invested in demonstrating exceptional driving performance around school bus interactions that exceeds human-driven vehicles, Waymo said in a statement Wednesday evening. We have met with Austin ISD, including on a collaborative data collection of various light patterns and conditions and are reviewing these learnings. We have seen material improvement in our performance since our software update. Waymo, owned by Google parent Alphabet Inc., is the industry leader for driverless ride-hailing. The company, which currently operates more than 200 vehicles in Austin, announced Wednesday that it had expanded its driverless ride-hailing service to cover additional areas of Austin. Waymo plans to expand into Dallas, Houston and San Antonio next year. It already operates in several other U.S. cities and plans further expansion this year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Tesla has agreed to go to mediation to resolve the EEOCs lawsuit accusing it of tolerating widespread racial harassment at its Fremont, Calif., manufacturing plant. BEN MARGOT/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Tesla Inc. has agreed to go to mediation to resolve a lawsuit by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging racial harassment at a California plant. Talks are expected to occur in March or April once a mediator is selected, according to a court documents filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In its complaint, the EEOC alleged Tesla violated federal law by tolerating widespread racial harassment of its Black employees at the Fremont, Calif., manufacturing plant from 2015 through the filing of the lawsuit in September 2023. The agency says that employers who are aware of such conduct must promptly investigate and stop it or risk violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The harassment allegedly involved stereotyping, hostility and racial slurs. For example, Teslas facilities reportedly contained graffiti featuring swastikas, threats and nooses, which appeared on desks and other equipment, in bathroom stalls, within elevators and on newly produced vehicles, according to the EEOC. Workers who opposed the harassment allegedly faced retaliation, including terminations, changes in job duties and transfers, the lawsuit said. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Advertisement Article continues below this ad The fallout from those allegations has continued in recent years. In 2024, Tesla and former employee Owen Diaz resolved a separate dispute, though the terms of the settlement were not disclosed. In November, a California Superior Court judge ruled that more than 14,000 Black workers who alleged racial harassment at the Fremont site could not sue as a class. Employee concerns over work conditions at Tesla have not been isolated to its Fremont plant. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated Teslas Gigafactory Texas, just outside Austin, after the death of Victor Gomez Sr. The agency said in March that Tesla failed to provide proper protective equipment and that employees worked too close to electrical circuits. Teslas Austin site also has faced complaints over disability discrimination and labor violations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The company did not respond to a request for comment on the EEOCs suit. When it was first filed, the EEOC said its lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as back pay for affected workers. It also seeks injunctive relief requiring changes to Teslas employment practices to prevent discrimination. Elon Musk listens in May as President Donald Trump speaks to reporters in the White House. His Grok AI chatbot is under fire for helping users create inappropriate images of children that were posted to his X social media site. Associated Press In response to global outrage over the issue, Elon Musks X social media platform says its AI chatbot Grok will no longer be able to edit photos to put real people in revealing clothing for users in places where that is illegal. That presumably includes Texas, which passed a law in the last legislative session to bar such uses of artificial intelligence. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Bastrop-based social media platforms announcement late Wednesday came after a backlash over sexualized images of women and children drew bans, warnings and investigations by governments around the world. In a statement posted on X, the company said it has taken technological measures to stop users from editing images to show real people in bikinis, underwear and other revealing attire. The new policy applies to all users, including paid subscribers who have access to more features. It said earlier that any image creation or editing functionality will now be available only to paid subscribers. X said that was done to ensure that individuals who attempt to abuse the Grok account to violate the law or our policies can be held accountable. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source On Thursday morning, though, the Associated Press tested and confirmed that the image editing tool was still available to free users on X using the Edit image button, as well as on the standalone Grok website and app. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Earlier this week in Texas, Democrats in the state House of Representatives called for Attorney General Ken Paxton to take on Musk over the issue. Led by Rep. Mihaela Plesa of Dallas, more than 40 Democrats 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. Paxton has long emphasized a tough stance on child exploitation and big tech, including lawsuits against major technology companies. California has passed laws to shield minors from AI-generated sexual imagery of children and require AI chatbot platforms to remind users they arent interacting with a human. California Attorney General Rob Bonta urged X to ensure there is no further harassment of women and girls from Groks editing functions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We have zero tolerance for the AI-based creation and dissemination of nonconsensual intimate images or of child sexual abuse material, he said. Outside the U.S., Malaysia and Indonesia took legal action and blocked access to Grok, while authorities in the Philippines said they were working to do the same, possibly within the week. The U.K. and European Union were investigating potential violations of online safety laws. France and India have also issued warnings, demanding stricter controls. Brazil called for an investigation into Groks misuse. The British government, which has been one of Groks most vociferous critics in recent days, said it welcomed the change, while the countrys regulator, Ofcom, said it would carry on with its investigation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I shall not rest until all social media platforms meet their legal duties and provide a service that is safe and age-appropriate to all users, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said. According to the real estate listing, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom house is listed for $899,000. Courtesy Twist Tours / Adrienne Overton If Keep Austin weird is the citys mantra, does that apply to homes too? Zillow Gone Wild the popular social media brand that showcases outrageous real estate listings recently featured an Austin home so bold it dubbed the city the Zillow Gone Wild Maximalist Capital of the World. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the real estate listing, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom house is listed for $899,000. Courtesy Twist Tours / Adrienne Overton The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home at 2900 Pamella Court, just off Lake Travis, is currently listed for $899,000, according to the real estate listing down from $975,000 last week. The nearly 4,000-square-foot property leans hard into maximalist design, with vibrant colors, bold patterns and statement decor throughout. If salmon-pink walls or floral-print wallpaper is your thing, maybe this is the home for you. According to the real estate listing, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom house is listed for $899,000. Courtesy Twist Tours / Adrienne Overton Commenters had mixed opinions on the home: 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 I dont know what Im more upset about. The salmon walls or no shower door , said one commenter. According to the real estate listing, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom house is listed for $899,000. Courtesy Twist Tours / Adrienne Overton The ability to get literally every single choice wrong is admirable, said another. Advertisement Article continues below this ad According to the real estate listing, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom house is listed for $899,000. Courtesy Twist Tours / Adrienne Overton According to the real estate listing, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom house is listed for $899,000. Courtesy Twist Tours / Adrienne Overton But the house had some fans, too. One person wrote, They picked a theme, and as far as I can tell, they stuck with it. Its got a lot of personality, and I like it. Another wrote, Barbie in her Miami Vice era. I absolutely love it! What is Zillow Gone Wild? Zillow Gone Wild was launched during the pandemic by Samir Mezrahi, who began sharing eye-catching real estate listings on Facebook. The account quickly gained a following across social platforms and later expanded into an HGTV series featuring tours of unusual properties. According to Deadline, "Zillow Gone Wild" has been picked up for a third season with Jack McBrayer set to return as host for the new 16-episode season. Advertisement Article continues below this ad WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- U.S. forces seized another Venezuela-linked oil tanker on Thursday morning, following a fifth seizure last week, the U.S. Southern Command said on X. "In another pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, launched from USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and apprehended Motor/Tanker Veronica without incident," said the command. "The only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully," the command said, adding that the Trump administration will continue the crackdown on sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean. The crackdown has a significant impact on Venezuela's oil exports, with its crude loadings falling to about half of normal levels this month, according to a Wall Street Journal report, citing shipping analytics provider Kpler. The only ships that are loading crude at Venezuela's ports are tankers bound for the United States and those transporting oil to Venezuelan refineries, the company said. 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. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 25: New York City Mayor Eric Adams attends Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at St. Patrickas Cathedral on December 25, 2025 in New York City. Over 2000 people attended Midnight Mass this year, including non-parishioners who were able to enter a lottery for tickets. This year marked Cardinal Timothy Dolan's final Midnight Mass after hitting the retirement age of 75, concluding his 16 year tenure as the head of the Archdiocese of New York. (Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images) Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams appeared to get in a verbal quarrel with a passenger at DallasFort Worth International Airport on Monday, according to a video posted on social media. In a 30-second clip, Adams is seen leaving a jet bridge while a woman who is walking ahead of him seemingly taunts Adams. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Eric Adams, please punch me in the face," she said. "I would like if you punched me in the face." Adams dismisses her, following the moment with his own insult. Go [expletive] yourself Im not mayor anymore. tweet text Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) Date 'Eric Adams threatens a woman on a flight' According to a Reddit post, the person who recorded the video was on the flight with Adams. The exchanged started when the woman recognized the former mayor and proceeded to provoke him. 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 "Was just on a flight from NYC to Dallas," the Reddit post said. "As we were leaving the woman next to me recognized Adams and booed him. So then he threatened to punch her in the face as we disembarked." The woman fires back, sarcastically expressing relief that Adams is no longer mayor, prompting him to lean in and warn, Youre gonna see the Brooklyn in me. The cause of the confrontation is unclear, and the video does not capture what, if anything, happened beforehand. You can see the full video below. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Who is Eric Adams? Eric Adams is an American politician and former law enforcement officer who served as the 110th mayor of New York City, taking office in January 2022. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Adams lost his 2025 reelection for mayor of New York City to Zohran Mamdani, who is now the current mayor. Tear gas surrounds federal law enforcement officers as they leave a scene after a shooting on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Minneapolis. John Locher/AP President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 in Minnesota if state leaders do not act to curb protests over federal law enforcement actions, including after an ICE officer fatally shot a woman last week. Trump made the threat in a social media post Thursday, saying that if Minnesota politicians dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, he would use the rarely invoked law to deploy federal forces. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The comments come amid widespread demonstrations in Minneapolis and other cities after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during an enforcement operation on Jan. 7. Goods death and a subsequent incident in which a federal agent shot and wounded a man during another confrontation has intensified protests and drawn criticism from local leaders. Wednesday night, a federal agent shot a man in the leg while he allegedly attempted to evade arrest by ICE agents in North Minneapolis. While Minnapolis Police Chief described a "struggle" in front of the man's home, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed the incident was an "assault" that made the agent fear for his life. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has condemned the federal response, while Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has criticized the presence of ICE agents. Both officials have urged peaceful protest and accountability. What is the Insurrection Act? The Insurrection Act is a federal law from 1807 that gives the president authority the U.S. military within the country and against American citizens in certain circumstances, according to the Brennan Center. It can be enacted without congressional approval. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Has the Insurrection Act ever been used? Yes, throughout history 17 presidents have invoked it around 30 times. Some notable events include: Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source In 1861 during the Civil War under Abraham Lincoln In the 1870s during the Reconstruction Era under Ulysses S. Grant During labor disputes under Grover Cleveland and Woodrow Wilson in the late 19th century and early 20th century During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s under Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson During the 1992 Los Angeles riots under President George H.W. Bush Department of Homeland Security Inspectors Stephen Day, left, and Marshall Caudle, keep an eye on a protest at a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Pflugerville on February 1, 2025. Jay Janner/American-Statesman As ICE raids continue escalating throughout the country, Texas has long been a hotspot for large-scale immigration operations and arrests. Although overall immigration growth has slowed in Austin, its welcoming culture and longtime status as a so-called sanctuary city have historically attracted immigrants. In 2025 alone, the Lone Star State saw tens of thousands of immigrants without legal status arrested, according to federal data and media reports. While the Trump administration has shown no indication of slowing down these anti-immigrant procedures, here's what experts recommend for those at risk. Advertisement Article continues below this ad No. 1: Leave home with caution Although you may encounter ICE agents anywhere, the risk of contact rises when you leave your home. Although federal policy has previously classified schools, churches and hospitals as protected areas, the Trump administration repealed this in 2025. While it may not be realistic to avoid leaving your home, its important to stay vigilant when you do so. Immigration activists recommend that those without legal status be aware of any vehicles or people following them, and to know what to say if they are questioned. Experts also suggest keeping a low profile and avoiding drawing attention to yourself, such as by speeding while driving or driving after consuming alcohol. Advertisement Article continues below this ad No. 2: Know your rights in the US You still have rights protected by the Constitution as an immigrant without citizenship or legal status, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. They include the following: Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The right to remain silent you dont have to answer questions about your immigration status. The right to refuse entry you dont have to open your door to agents unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge. The right to an attorney you can speak to a lawyer before answering questions or signing anything. The right to refuse searches you dont have to let agents search your body or home without a warrant or probable cause. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While you do have the right to remain silent, ICE agents who start making arrests can ask for names, home addresses, phone numbers and drivers' licenses or other IDs to verify identity. Individuals are required to provide that information. Here are other tips experts at the National Immigrant Justice Center recommend if you're an immigrant without legal status and approached by ICE agents: If ICE agents come to your door: Ask agents to slide the warrant under the door or show it through a window, without opening the door. Verify the warrant has a judge's signature, your correct address and specific areas they are allowed to search. If the warrant is not valid or not judicially signed, do not let them inside. Tell children not to open the door for anyone. If approached, say, "I choose to remain silent" and ask for a lawyer immediately. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If ICE agents approach you in public: Stay calm and don't run. Ask if you are being detained or under arrest. If you're not under arrest, you can walk away. Do not lie or offer extra personal information. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deported Jose Gonzalez Carranza on April 8. Gonzalez had been granted a reprieve from deportation after his wife, Army Pfc. Barbara Vieyra, was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. But ICE restarted deportation proceedings without explanation in 2018. He has since been allowed to return home to his 12-year-old daughter in Arizona who is a U.S. citizen. [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] Austin American-Statesman No. 3: Get your records in order The Immigrant Defense Project advises individuals to write down the following information and carry it on their person at all times: Advertisement Article continues below this ad Medical information , including contact information for your doctors and a list of medications you take, including names and dosages. , including contact information for your doctors and a list of medications you take, including names and dosages. Childcare information , including contact information for the school and a point of contact in case of detention. , including contact information for the school and a point of contact in case of detention. Legal information , including contact information for lawyers who have represented you or agreed to represent you. , including contact information for lawyers who have represented you or agreed to represent you. Contact information for loved ones. You should not depend on having access to your phone for the above information. The Project also suggests keeping original identity and personal documents in a safe place, though these dont need to be carried around. Copies of these should be stored in a location where someone you trust can access them if you are detained. Also, gather documents related to immigration and criminal history: Immigration : any applications submitted to immigration or any documents showing your A# (alien number), if you have one. : any applications submitted to immigration or any documents showing your A# (alien number), if you have one. Criminal: certificates of disposition from courts and/or a rap sheet. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Other recommended actions include: keeping proof of residence, such as leases, utility bills and school records keeping copies or photos of documents showing long-time residence ensuring car registration, auto insurance and drivers licenses are valid and up-to-date (if applicable) ensuring bank accounts can be accessed internationally designating a power of attorney ideally someone with a legal status to control bank accounts, take custody of children and sell or manage property, through a notarized letter sharing a plan with family so they know where keys and important documents are kept Without notarized letters specifying legal guardianship, children whose parents are detained or deported may be placed into the state's foster care system, according to immigration advocates. No. 4: Seek out resources There are various legal and community resources available in Texas for immigrants without legal status. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Immigration attorneys can give you legal advice before an ICE agent approaches you. Consulates and nonprofits can help connect you with legal support. "Know Your Rights" cards and flyers are available in multiple languages from advocacy groups. Crime scene investigators work at the scene of a homicide in the 9800 block of Middle Fiskville Road Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Crime scene investigators work at the scene of a homicide in the 9800 block of Middle Fiskville Road Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Crime scene investigators work at the scene of a homicide in the 9800 block of Middle Fiskville Road Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Austin police have released more details about two homicides that occurred within 12 hours of each other earlier this week. Officers responded to the first call around 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, after multiple gunshots were reported in a strip mall parking lot near 9616 North Lamar Blvd. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At a media briefing late Sunday night, Austin Police Department spokesperson Aaron Townsend said officers found a person with obvious trauma to his body and immediately began lifesaving efforts. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:15 p.m. Police have now identified the victim as 23-year-old Cam Ron Perkins. Investigators believe Perkins was shot and the suspect fled the scene in either a black Dodge Charger or a black Dodge Challenger. Second shooting in 12 hours happened one mile away Less than 12 hours after Perkins' death, police responded to another report of gunshots this time in the 1100 block of South Meadows Drive, about one mile north of the first shooting. 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 The person who made the call said they heard shots fired in the home across the street, but when police arrived around 5:27 a.m. Monday to investigate, they didnt find anyone that had been shot. Investigators collected shell casings from the scene. About 30 minutes later, at 6:08 a.m., an emergency call came in to 911 about an unconscious person in the 9800 block of Middle Fiskville Road. Police said this person was later identified as 40-year-old Seferino Hernandez-Perez, the victim of the shooting on South Meadows Drive. He was pronounced dead at the scene around 6:31 a.m. Police did not provide information about how or why he was found three miles from the location of the shooting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Perkins' death is being investigated as Austin's fourth homicide of 2026, while Hernandez-Perez's death is being investigated as the fifth. Sgt. Lee Knouse said in a briefing Monday morning that authorities do not believe the incidents are related, adding that there is no ongoing threat to the public. Police still searching for suspects in both homicides Police are still asking for help identifying suspects in both killings. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Anyone with information about either case is asked to contact APD at 512-974-TIPS. Submit an anonymous tip by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. Christian Hall went missing on Nov. 24, 2005. He would be 35 years old today, as shown in this age-progressed photo released by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children A Texas teenager disappeared more than 20 years ago after setting sail off the coast of Corpus Christi. Now, his family hopes a new age-progressed photo can help finally put the mystery to rest. Christian Hall, 15, was working as a deckhand on a 74-foot yacht when his boss offered to bring him on the trip of a lifetime: A voyage from Corpus Christi to Florida. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hall asked his family for permission to go on the trip, but they wouldnt allow it. Hall left anyway. On Nov. 24, 2005, Hall and the boats captain, 39-year-old David Dusty Andrews, departed from the John F. Kennedy Memorial Causeway that connects Laguna Madre and North Padre Island in Corpus Christi. Hall and Andrews were the only people on board. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source At one point the yacht, named GYPSY II, sent a mayday call off of the coast of Louisiana, but Andrews reportedly declined assistance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The vessel did not make it to Florida as planned, and there have been no confirmed sightings of Hall, Andrews or the GYPSY II since. More than 20 years later, Halls family is still searching for answers with the help of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. A forensic artist with the NCMEC has released an age-progressed photo of Hall to show what he might look like today. He would be 35 years old. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Investigators and Halls family hope the release of the photo sparks a memory or motivates someone with information to come forward. Carla Boehm, Halls aunt, told NCMEC she believes there is a chance her nephew is still alive. If he is, she wants him to know his family wants to see him again. If he thinks nobody cares, maybe hes not even trying to come home, Boehm said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The University of Texas received more than 90,000 freshman applications in 2025. American-Statesman file High school seniors across Texas are refreshing their inboxes, group chats and applicant portals this morning, waiting for the three words that could determine where theyll spend the next four years: Youve been admitted. Today, Jan. 15, is the self-imposed deadline for the University of Texas at Austin to release early action decisions, according to the schools admissions website but the timing of that roll out remains a mystery to many applicants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While some students have already heard back, the majority are still waiting for official word from the Lone Star States flagship university, one of the most competitive public schools in the country. UT admissions officials said decisions are typically rolled out in waves, with most applicants learning their fate by early February. The website lists the deadline to release all summer and fall admissions decisions as Feb. 15. What time will UT admissions decisions be released today? The UT admissions office has not specified if scores will be released at a particular time. On the UT admissions Reddit forum, one user mentioned an expected release at 5 or 6 p.m. CT, though the timing remains unclear. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Comment byu/EffectiveMeeting214 from discussion inUTAdmissions Another user, recalling last years experience, suggested that scores might be released between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Comment byu/Current-Protection45 from discussion inUTAdmissions How many decisions will be released today? While UT has not shared any official statement about the volume of decisions that are expected to release today, one user in the UT admissions Reddit forum said they received a letter from their high school counseling office indicating that only 25% of decisions will be released today. The rest of the decisions are expected to be deferred so the admissions office has more time to review applications. 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 Last year, UT received a record 90,690 freshman applications for the fall 2025 semester, a 24.4% increase from 2024. Does UT Austin automatically accept applicants? Yes, automatic admission will be offered to eligible students who ranked in the top 5% of their high school class at the end of their junior year. The website states that the university must automatically admit enough students to fill 75% of available Texas resident spaces. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dr. Christopher Stewart, senior staff family physician at the Baylor Scott and White clinic in Cedar Park, listens to a patient's chest. Sometimes primary care doctors like Stewart get booked up, but there are resources to get seen by a medical professional. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman We've had a spike in flu cases in Texas and in Austin since Christmas. People feel awful: high fever, body aches, stomach issues and congestion. When they call their primary care doctors to get a same-day appointment, many are frustrated they can't get one. There are no appointments available that day, in coming days, maybe not even for several weeks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It's not just you. "We know that access to primary care is an issue," said Dr. Rob Watson, chief clinical operations officer for Baylor Scott & White. "People are frustrated across the country." Texas faces a primary care doctor shortage, felt in fast-growing areas and in rural areas. "Everything is growing faster than expansion has been happening in the medical community," said Dr. Tera Brooks, the chief of family medicine for Austin Regional Clinic. Dr. Cathy Castillo listens to Amelia Douglas' heart during her checkup at Austin Regional Clinic's Senior Care Clinic. Getting care from your doctor when you are sick is ideal, but sometimes you might need to see another doctor in that practice. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman By the numbers: Texas ranks 42nd in the number of primary care physicians, according to the Cicero Institute. About 15% of primary care doctors in Texas are at retirement age, according to the nonprofit research firm Texas 2036. To meet demand by 2032, Texas medical schools would have to add more residency program slots each year, according to 2022 Department of State Health Services report: 31 in psychiatry, 55 in pediatrics, 61 in family medicine, 13 in obstetrics and gynecology, and 61 in internal medicine. Some of it comes down to economics. Medscapes 2024 Physician Compensation Report found orthopedic doctors make $558,000 a year on average, but pediatricians make $260,000. Plastic surgeons make $536,000, but family medicine doctors make $272,000. General surgeons make $423,000, but internal medicine doctors make $282,000. 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 Knowing that is our reality, what is someone who is sick supposed to do? Be open to seeing another provider. Some clinics staff their doctors to have a certain number who have sick visits open, while other doctors are mostly doing pre-planned visits that day. If you see another doctor within the same system, that doctor can see your medical chart as well as consult your doctor if there are questions. Access your health provider's portal. Some portals have artificial intelligence features in which you can describe your symptoms and then it will direct you toward an appointment or where you should go. Some allow you to schedule an appointment there, or might connect you to a live nurse or doctor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Look for telehealth options. Some systems offer video visits or asynchronous visits by text or chat. Call your provider's nurse help line. Many have 24/7 nurse coverage. That nurse can assess whether you can wait to see a provider or need to go to the emergency room or urgent care. They also can help open a slot where one might not seem available, or reach an on-call doctor. Look for after-hour or urgent care options. Your provider might even have their own urgent care or after-hours clinic, which makes it easy for the available doctor to see your health record. If they don't, go to one that is convenient to you and send the record of the visit to your provider. Urgent care usually has higher co-pays than a regular office visit, but will not be as expensive or take as long as an emergency room. Some urgent care centers also offer virtual visits. Call your insurer's nurse hotline. That nurse can assess whether an emergency room visit is warranted or not. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Plan ahead. At your next checkup, ask your provider what you should do if you are sick. Do they have a preferred urgent care or emergency room? When should you go to the emergency room? While you can go to the emergency room for any reason, Brooks has this guideline: Life, limb or eyesight. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Call 911 or go the emergency room if you have: Trouble breathing, including blue lips and fingers, uncontrolled wheezing or the rib cage going in with every breath, you should not wait for care. Call 911 for an ambulance or go directly to the ER if you have someone who can drive you. Chest pain or the worst headache you have ever had. Uncontrolled bleeding in a limb or an exposed broken bone. Sudden changes or loss of vision, or an injury like shrapnel in the eye. Many problems, including excessive vomiting or dehydration, asthma or pneumonia, or the need for stitches or a minor fracture, can be handled at an urgent care. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Pflugerville opened a new clinic next to the hospital to try to answer the growing need for more medical services in Austin. Ashley Short, vice president of clinic operations, and Dulari Patel, practice administrator, expected the new clinic space to need future expansion in coming years because of the growth in the Austin area. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman How often should I expect to see my primary care provider? Everyone should see their provider at least once a year for a routine checkup, but more often with chronic illnesses, Brooks said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Austin police have issued new guidance to clarify how officers communicate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, a move prompted by growing scrutiny of the departments role in the Trump administrations immigration crackdown after a woman and her daughter were deported following a 911 call for help. The guidance, first issued by Austin police leadership Friday night, follows revelations last week that Austin officers on Jan. 5 alerted ICE after encountering an administrative warrant in a federal database they routinely use to check for criminal warrants or other records. That encounter resulted in the deportation earlier this week of 26-year-old Karen Gutierrez-Castellanos, a Honduran national, and her daughter, a 5-year-old U.S. citizen, her family confirmed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Austin police policy previously gave officers discretion about whether to alert ICE upon discovery of an administrative warrant, which federal authorities use to arrest a person believed to have violated immigration law. Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis said she intends to instruct officers to use their judgement to gauge whether an individual presents a public risk. Under the new guidance, officers will still have discretion over whether to notify ICE, but will need special permission from supervisors to wait an extended period for the federal agents to complete an arrest. We have 100 other things that police officers could be doing in this city that we want our officers to be doing, Davis told the American-Statesman on Wednesday. We do not have the time to sit and wait for immigration to come on these calls for service. The guidance is intended to dispel confusion among officers, Davis added, while also complying with a 2017 state law, Senate Bill 4, that prohibits cities from fully barring local law enforcement from aiding ICE, requiring what the statute defines as a reasonable cooperation with federal agents. The notice of administrative warrants in the database directs officers to call ICE, which can make it appear mandatory, though legal experts told the Statesman there is no law requiring them to do so. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The guidance will be reviewed for potential incorporation into the departments General Orders the departments principal policy document according to a memorandum sent to Austin City Council members Wednesday evening. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The new guidance comes as Austin police have increasingly encountered ICE administrative warrants in the federal database, which historically contained primarily criminal warrants. The Trump administration in February 2025 added more than 700,000 of these administrative warrants to the database. During the first nine months of last year, Austin police contacted ICE at least 33 times, according to city reports, often after coming across administrative warrants. Those contacts came after a wide range of interactions between police and residents, from traffic stops to shootings. Sometimes, the individuals encountered were suspected of a crime. At other times, they werent. In one case, city reports show Austin police called ICE after an individual told paramedics he was experiencing a mental health crisis. In another case, officers called ICE after an individual asked them to check his driving record for traffic citations, the reports say. It is unclear what prompted Austin officers to notify ICE in these cases. New policy comes as Austin navigates policing priorities and legal constraints Davis said patrol officers are navigating an increasingly complex mix of federal immigration enforcement, state law and department policy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These officers, they care about the communities that they serve. They know the people, she said. They work in these neighborhoods. She added, It is a bad, hard spot to be put in, but we have laws that we have to adhere to, and we do adhere to them. The move may still face opposition. Some immigration activists argue that any communication between ICE and city police discourages immigrants without legal status from reporting crimes or cooperating with law enforcement. Austin Council member Jose Chito Vela told the Statesman he believes the new guidance aligns with the citys efforts to keep local police as separate from immigration enforcement as state law allows. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I think this is about as good as we can get, Vela said. I think SB 4 would overrule the policy preferences of this City Council if it were to attempt anything else. Davis interview reveals new details about Gutierrez-Castellanos arrest Police previously said that Gutierrez-Castellanos detention by ICE came after officers responded to a 911 call in Southwest Austin about 4:30 a.m. Jan 5. In the Wednesday interview, Davis told the Statesman that Gutierrez-Castellanos called 911 after a dispute with a man who was at her home. Gutierrez-Castellanos had an expired restraining order against the man, Davis said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gutierrez-Castellanos address was known to police as a frequent source of 911 calls, Davis added. Officers had responded to 29 calls at that location between October and December. During the Jan. 5 response, officers ran Gutierrez-Castellanos information to determine whether the restraining order applied to the man. They also believed she was possibly providing false or misleading information. That check revealed the ICE administrative warrant, Davis said. Austin police held Gutierrez-Castellanos in custody for about 90 minutes until ICE agents arrived, the police chief said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gutierrez-Castellanos brother declined an interview and referred the Statesman to Grassroots Leadership activist Sulma Franco for comment. Franco did not respond to multiple Statesman requests for comment Wednesday evening. Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19-year-old college student at Babson College, was detained by ICE while trying to make a surprise trip to see her family in Austin. Within about 48 hours of her arrest, the agency deported her to Honduras. Courtesy of Todd Pomerleau The U.S. government apologized Tuesday for the speedy November deportation of a 19-year-old immigrant college student who grew up in Austin, according to The Associated Press. Any Lucia Lopez Belloza was arrested at Bostons Logan International Airport during Thanksgiving week last year while on her way home to visit her parents in Austin. Lopez Belloza, an immigrant who was living in the U.S. without legal status, had been brought to the country as a child and had lived in the United States for more than a decade. She was attending Babson College, a private business school in Massachusetts. Her case attracted national attention, both for the breadth of the federal governments immigration crackdown and because it involved federal immigration agents deporting someone despite a federal court order. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At a Tuesday hearing in federal court in Massachusetts, the government argued that it had not followed the courts order because a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent handling her case had believed the court ruling was invalid, according to the AP. On behalf of the government, we want to sincerely apologize, Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sauter told the court. The violation, Sauter added, was an inadvertent mistake by one individual, not a willful act of violating a court order. The apology rang hollow to Lopez Bellozas attorney, Todd Pomerleau, who said the U.S. government is still arguing that it did nothing wrong and has shown no intention of bringing Lopez Belloza back to the United States the remedy he is seeking. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Now they say, We actually made a mistake and were sorry. But we dont want to do anything about the mistake. We don't want to do anything about the mistake other than say: Don't find us in contempt for it. We retrained some people on how to read emails and what to do with them, Pomerleau said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pomerleau said he believes the government apologized only because he filed a motion to hold it in contempt of court for ignoring the judges order. He said he will continue to push to have the government return Lopez Belloza to the U.S. while he litigates the case. The judge has not yet ruled on whether the government was in contempt or whether the Massachusetts court has jurisdiction to review the governments actions, Pomerleau said. The government has maintained that Lopez Bellozas deportation was lawful because her and her mothers immigration cases were closed by immigration courts in 2017. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It also has argued that the Massachusetts court lacks jurisdiction on technical grounds. In court filings in December, the government made similar arguments to those it attributed to the ICE agent Tuesday, saying it believed it acted lawfully because it had moved Lopez Belloza before Pomerleau could file a stay on her deportation in Massachusetts. Members of the Texas Supreme Court are joined by members of the Texas Senate as they watch a session of the 89th Legislative Session on the first day, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman The Texas Supreme Court has sided with the state Republican Party in an elections lawsuit, allowing the party to block a would-be candidate from the March 3 primary ballot who was seeking a spot on the high court. The Texas GOP determined that David Rogers, a member of the Pflugerville City Council in an Austin suburb, who planned to oppose Republican Justice Brett Busby, failed to collect the required signatures to appear on the ballot. Candidates for the Texas Supreme Court must submit at least 50 valid signatures from qualified voters in each of the state's 15 appeals court districts. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: Why two candidates for Texas Supreme Court were denied access to the GOP ballot Rogers sued the party, arguing before the high court that he had met the party's threshold. He also argued that, even if he had fallen short, the party should have accepted amendments he submitted after the candidate filing period had passed. The justices rejected those arguments, ruling that Rogers raised them too late. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The unsigned ruling said that as a general principle, the court "strongly favor a candidates access to the ballot which lies at the very heart of a constitutional republic.'" But the law does not allow a candidate whose petition signatures are rejected by a political party to submit an updated set of signatures after the filing period for office expires. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rogers submitted his petition on the last day of the filing period. "(T)the opportunity to cure application defects is not automatic but rather 'extends to early filings that allow time for corrections after the [party] chairs review, thereby giving candidates the same opportunity to cure as a proper review before the filing deadline would have allowed them'," the court said in its ruling. Rogers was the second candidate for one of the three places up for election this year on the nine-member court to be denied ballot access. The justices earlier had sided with the state GOP when it rejected the ballot application of former Supreme Court Justice Steve Smith, who planned to challenge Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock. Advertisement Article continues below this ad SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Six people were killed and one was seriously injured Wednesday in a traffic accident in Northern California, the United States, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP). The crash occurred around 10 a.m. local time (1800 GMT) in Tehama County in the northern Sacramento Valley, where a pickup truck crossed the center line into oncoming traffic and struck a county transit bus head-on, the CHP said. The bus, with five passengers and a driver on board, caught fire after the collision, it said, adding that both drivers and four passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Vice President JD Vance, right, speaks last year with Vivek Ramaswamy, who is now running for governor of Ohio. While Ramaswamy channels Ronald Reagans politics of economic aspiration, Vance channels Pat Buchanans politics of ethnic and cultural grievance, Frank Barry writes. REBECCA DROKE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images What does it mean to be an American? That question lies at the heart of a debate between Vivek Ramaswamy and Vice President JD Vance that will help determine the future of the Republican Party. The run-up to the countrys semiquincentennial is the perfect time to hold the debate, but it also presents an enormous problem for Vance: The Founders were on Ramaswamys side. In a recent speech and op-ed, Ramaswamy, who is running for governor of Ohio, argued that American identity centers on shared ideals, particularly freedom and meritocracy. He took direct aim at Nick Fuentes and other far-right Groypers, the xenophobic and antisemitic faction within the Republican Party, and urged his fellow party members to condemn their hatred and intolerance, rather than indulge it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad His real target, however, was his old Yale Law School classmate, Vance, who has shown little interest in such condemnations and seems to believe that white, Christian Americans who trace their lineages back to some earlier age so-called heritage Americans have preferred status. Ramaswamy denounces such blood and soil nationalism, a phrase that has roots in Nazi Germany, while Vance flirts with it. Ramaswamy and Vance are both anti-woke crusaders, but while the former channels Ronald Reagans politics of economic aspiration, the latter channels Pat Buchanans politics of ethnic and cultural grievance. Speaking at a Turning Point USA conference, Ramaswamy seemed to refer to Vances claim that those with ancestors who fought in the Civil War have a greater claim to the country than those who didnt. The idea that a heritage American is more American than another American, Ramaswamy said, is un-American at its core. He called it the rights version of toxic identity politics, about as loony as anything the woke left has actually put up. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hes right that Americans heritage isnt primarily about whose family had a homestead in 1860. Its about the cause for which the founding generation heroically fought, and which subsequent generations joined. All the branches on the American family tree stem from a Revolution that was sparked in no small part by a newly arrived immigrant, Thomas Paine. Jan. 10 marked the 250th anniversary of the publication of Paines ground-shaking pamphlet, Common Sense, in which he dared make the case for a declaration for independence at a time when few leaders supported it. His argument, which became the talk of the colonies, rested not only on the absurdity and evil of hereditary monarchy, which he mocked mercilessly, but on the opportunity the colonists had to usher in a new global age of freedom. The cause of America is in great measure the cause of all mankind, he wrote, only a year after immigrating. The birthday of a new world is at hand. Other leading founders understood the revolution in such global terms. They were children of the Enlightenment, and they believed correctly that they were fighting not merely for themselves and their property, but for groundbreaking principles that could revolutionize the world and, they hoped, rescue it from tyranny and war. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Never had a nation been created on such revolutionary and universalist grounds, and Americans deep attachment to those founding principles has long defined our sense of who we are and what we will fight for. Yet in his speech at the 2024 Republican National Convention, Vance downplayed them, saying, People will not fight for abstractions, but they will fight for their home. SIGN UP FOR THE AUSTIN ANGLE and get Statesman commentaries in your inbox For Americans in the revolutionary era, freedom was not an abstraction. Nor was equality, or religious liberty, or self-government. They were concrete principles that, thanks in no small part to Paines brilliant rhetoric, inspired them to launch a revolution. To dismiss those principles as abstractions is an insult to the founders and soldiers who birthed historys most exceptional nation, many of them paying for it with their lives. Vances claim of an uber-status for Americans with ties to the Civil War is particularly ironic, given that more than 40% of all U.S. Army soldiers the men who saved the nation from destruction were immigrants or sons of immigrants. And the commander in chief who put down that insurrection, which claimed his life and the lives of some 700,000 Americans, made clear that he rejected Vances view. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In an 1858 speech commemorating the Fourth of July, Abraham Lincoln noted that about half the country had immigrated here or descended from those who had, and yet they were our equals in all things, because the Declaration of Independences promise of equality was an electric cord that connected all Americans, no matter their family lineage. Immigrants, said Lincoln, had the right to claim ownership of that heritage as though they were blood of the blood, and flesh of the flesh of the men who wrote that Declaration. Lincoln understood what some of MAGAs militants do not: All Americans are heritage Americans. He shared the common sense of Paine and the other founders. So do Ramaswamy and many other Republicans. If they convince more party members to join them, there will be even more to celebrate this semiquincentennial. Advertisement Article continues below this ad U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) addresses reporters during a news conference he held with state and local officials in response to the White Houses proposed tariffs on imported goods from Mexico, Canada and China on the steps of City Hall, Monday afternoon, Feb. 3, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump had announced 25% tariffs on goods made in Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% tariff on goods from China. Trump agreed to pause immediate tariffs on Mexico and Canada for a month after talking to the countries leaders. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News As Congress grapples with President Donald Trumps war powers after his surprise military operation in Venezuela, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro has introduced legislation aimed at blocking any unauthorized invasion in Mexico. The San Antonio Democrat said the measure would safeguard U.S. taxpayers and protect diplomatic relations with a key trading partner and neighbor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad My constituents in San Antonio dont want the U.S. to spend billions in another war that risks destabilizing the region, mass migration, and human rights abuses, Castro, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committees Western Hemisphere subcommittee, said in a news release on Wednesday. The legislation would prohibit President Donald Trump from using federal funds to wage military action in Mexico without congressional authorization. U.S. Reps. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., and Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., are co-sponsors. It has little to no chance of passing in the Republican-dominated lower chamber. Castro introduced the bill on Wednesday, a week after Trump told Fox News on Jan. 8 that the U.S. would begin hitting land in its fight against cartels in Mexico. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The cartels are running Mexico, its very sad to watch and see whats happened to that country, Trump told Fox News host Sean Hannity. Advertisement Article continues below this ad His comments drew rebuke from Mexican officials, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has firmly rejected the idea of U.S. military intervention. On Friday, Castro and 71 other House Democrats also penned a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning that any unauthorized incursion into Mexican territory would destroy trust and undermine cooperative security efforts. Rubio has urged Mexico for stronger cooperation to combat cartels and fentanyl trafficking, but he said in November that the U.S. would not take unilateral military action in the country. Since then, Trump seems to have backed down from the threat, with Sheinbaum saying Monday that she had a very good conversation with the Republican president. According to Sheinbaum, the countries will continue cooperating to fight the cartels without the involvement of American troops, the AP reported. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of U.S. military involvement inside Mexico, but his comments carry new weight after his administration removed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from power. Federal prosecutors have accused Maduro and his wife of narcoterrorism in an expansive and ongoing legal case. Texas temperatures as of 4 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Blend of Models. National Blend of Models/Pivotal Weather Winter has finally decided to show up in Central Texas. After weeks of unseasonable temperature swings, the past few days have delivered true January weather. Our cool mornings and mild afternoons have been right in line with our normal range of daily temperatures between 41 and 62 degrees. Temperatures have stayed within a few degrees of winter averages since Saturday, and we even managed to squeeze out a bit of chilly rain on Tuesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That winter-appropriate pattern will stick around through the weekend with another breezy, but dry, cold front on Friday sending temperatures down to near freezing by Sunday morning. Next cold front on the docket comes in on Friday bringing a big chill for the weekend. Check out morning temps for Saturday & Sunday below!#txwx pic.twitter.com/jzG8ljDYjE Mary Wasson (@Mary_Wasson) January 14, 2026 Speaking of freezing temperatures, its no surprise that Camp Mabry has recorded only one freeze this winter, back on Dec. 15, given the warmer weather weve been having. The thermometer at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, in its more rural setting, has recorded five freezes since November. In a typical year, Austin records about 12 freezing days. According to the National Weather Service, the average last freeze at Camp Mabry usually occurs about a month from now, on Feb. 15. The big question is whether well see a major arctic outbreak between now and then. The answer is a solid maybe. 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 While long-term models hint at a wetter pattern developing in late January, Texas is expected to remain near or slightly above average temperatures for now. Arctic air will dip south from Canada a few times, but the coldest air looks to miss the Lone Star State but hit the Midwest and the Southeast. Of course, forecasts can change, and well continue to monitor the pattern closely. Another dry cold front will move through Texas on Friday, reinforcing low humidity levels and leading to an elevated fire risk through the weekend. Weather Prediction Center Thursday and Friday High atmospheric pressure will move over Texas on Thursday with lighter winds and cooler temperatures. Well wake up to a mostly clear sky and temperatures ranging from near freezing in the Hill Country to the middle and upper 30s along the Interstate 35 corridor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Winds will turn southerly and, under plenty of sunshine Thursday afternoon, a decent warming is expected with temperatures reaching the lower to mid-60s. Temperatures on Friday will respond to the southerly winds and trend back to above-normal levels, beginning the morning in the 40s. The afternoon will be sunny, dry and warm with highs topping out in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Another cold front moves into the region in the late afternoon as another sharp polar air mass deepens over the central Plains. The wind will be a bit breezy behind the front, with some gusts as strong as 25 mph. Temperatures will fluctuate through the weekend, with a possible freeze by Sunday morning. Roberto Villalpando Weekend forecast A dry and cooler air mass will remain in place over the weekend as high atmospheric pressure builds across Texas. This will reinforce the colder temperatures on Saturday and keep an elevated threat of fast-spreading wildfires in place through Sunday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The upper trough broadens into a bowl shape over the central CONUS (continental United States) by Saturday, which suggests additional secondary surges of surface ridging and cold air advection through the weekend, meteorologists with the National Weather Service wrote in their forecast discussion Wednesday. Quick Read JHMM beat traditional mid-cap indexing by 11 percentage points over the past decade through factor screening. The fund charges 0.41% versus 0.05% for IJH. IJH slightly outperformed over five years despite lacking factor tilts. JHMM holds 94% of the same stocks as Russell Midcap with only 31% active share and no position exceeding 1%. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here. Mid-cap stocks are large enough to have survived the startup phase but small enough to grow meaningfully. The challenge is choosing between traditional market-cap weighted indexes or factor-tilted approaches emphasizing profitability and value. John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:JHMM) takes the latter path, screening for size, value, and quality factors within the mid-cap universe. A Factor Tilt Without the Drama JHMM tracks the John Hancock Dimensional Mid Cap Index, which includes the 301st through 900th largest U.S. companies by market cap. Rather than weighting purely by size, the index adjusts positions based on three characteristics: smaller market cap within the mid-cap range, attractive price-to-book ratios, and strong operating profit margins. This generates a portfolio remarkably similar to traditional mid-cap indexes with subtle differences. The fund holds 94% of the same stocks as the Russell Midcap Index with just 31% active share, pursuing factors cautiously. No single position exceeds 1% of assets, spreading risk across industrials, financials, technology, and healthcare. According to ETF Trends, the fund uses a rules-based strategy that emphasizes smaller, more profitable stocks while maintaining sector neutrality. Performance That Justifies the Premium JHMM's factor approach has delivered meaningful outperformance over the long term, with the fund beating traditional mid-cap indexing by 11 percentage points over the past decade. This advantage stems from the fund's emphasis on profitable, attractively valued companies within the mid-cap space, a strategy that has proven resilient across different market environments including the recent one-year period. The fund operates with exceptional efficiency for a factor-tilted strategy. Its 0.41% expense ratio positions it between pure indexing and active management, reflecting the additional research and rebalancing required for factor screening. The 12% annual turnover keeps trading costs minimal while the modest dividend yield signals this is primarily designed for capital appreciation rather than income generation. The race to power the AI boom is quickly becoming one of the markets most profitable stories as data centers scramble for dependable electricity. McKinsey now expects U.S. datacenter power use to jump from 147 terawatthours in 2023 to 606 terawatthours by 2030, with data centers consuming about 11.7% of total U.S. electricity. This surge is straining an already aging grid, making new connections slower and costlier, and pushing more capital toward fuel cells as an alternative. Bloom Energy (BE) has landed squarely at the center of that narrative. Shares of BE stock jumped 50% in early January after American Electric Power (AEP) disclosed a landmark $2.65 billion agreement for Blooms solidoxide fuel cells. BE stock is up more than 500% for the past 52 weeks as a result. But is this deal a reason to buy the stock in January 2026? Or a sign that expectations have finally run too far ahead? Lets take a closer look. More News from Barchart Bloom Energys Surging Financials Based in San Jose, California, Bloom Energy is a cleanenergy company with a market capitalization of about $32 billion. The company designs and sells solidoxide fuel cell systems for onsite power. Shares of BE stock closed at nearly $140 on Jan. 13, reflecting a 61% gain year-to-date (YTD) and a 507% rise over the past 52 weeks. BE stock now trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 282.2 times and a pricetosales ratio of 17.4 times, far above sector medians. This highlights how much the market is willing to pay for Blooms growth prospects. www.barchart.com Bloom Energy's latest quarter, reported on Oct. 28, showed an adjusted EPS loss of $0.01 versus an expected $0.03 loss, a 67% positive surprise. This modest beat indicates improving execution as Bloom scales into larger data centerdriven projects. The quarter showed sales of about $519.05 million, representing yearoveryear (YOY) revenue growth of 57%, while net income remained negative at roughly -$23.09 million, although that figure improved 46% from the prior quarter. This indicates that Bloom is still spending heavily to support growth, yet losses are narrowing as volume increases and the model gains operating leverage. Operating cash flow for the same quarter stood at approximately -$304.12 million, with a 6% sequential improvement. Net cash flow was around -$323.96 million, also improving by 6% sequentially. While Bloom is not cashflow positive yet, the direction of travel is constructive. Quick Read The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF gained 104% over the past year driven by Samsung and SK Hynix. South Koreas ETF trades at a 19.1x P/E despite momentum. The iShares MSCI Japan ETF rose 31% and trades at 18.9x P/E. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here. The case for diversifying internationally was strengthened in 2025 after a number of non-U.S. stock markets outpaced the S&P 500 by a wide margin. Undoubtedly, the U.S. equity market, which has gotten heavier in the big tech names, has been seen as a place to do incredibly well, especially when compared to the global markets. And while diversifying outside of the U.S. may still not be key to S&P-beating gains over the long run, I do think that it is worth considering what else is out there if you seek more diversification, lower price-to-earnings (P/E) multiples, or perhaps even stronger past-year share price momentum. In any case, this piece will look at three international ETFs that have had their way with the S&P 500 in the past year. Whether the relative strength in 2025 leads to more of the same in 2026, though, remains the big question for U.S. investors. Either way, Goldman Sachs Research projects global stocks could be in for a nice 11% gain for the year ahead. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF We're not even half of a month into 2026, yet the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (NYSEARCA:EWY) is already up close to 8%, adding to the incredible gain it posted last year. In the past 12 months, shares of the South Korean ETF are up just shy of 104%. With the South Korean market in breakout mode, thanks in part to Samsung (up 157% in the past year) and SK Hynix (up 286%), which comprise more than 45% of the ETF, perhaps investors seeking exposure to two of the hottest AI beneficiaries outside of the U.S. might wish to add the South Korean ETF to the watchlist. Of course, the ETF is quite concentrated at the top, but given how tough it can be for many U.S. retail investors to expose themselves to the big South Korean firms, I do find the ETF to offer a lot for the 0.59% expense ratio. It's tough to tell where the South Korean market goes from here, especially now that it's an international momentum play. What's most striking is that the price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of the ETF is still quite muted at 19.1 times, with a price-to-book (P/B) multiple of 1.91 times. Though I'd not be a chaser of the South Korean market, I do think any pullbacks through the year could offer opportunistic investors a great entry point. At the end of the day, Samsung and SK Hynix are great complements to the Mag Seven. And unless you can buy South Korean securities, the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF is a fantastic pick to add to one's exposure. January 15, 2026: Last month an American drone attack killed two senior Al Shabab technical experts. Abdullahi Osman Mohamed/Engineer Ismail, and Abdikarim Mohamed Hersi/Qoorleex. Ismail was in charge acquiring explosives and designing bombs. Qoorleex was in charge of propaganda operations in Somalia. Somalia hasnt changed much during the last few years. In 2025 the UN continued to maintain a peacekeeping force in Somalia. U.S. drones and warplanes continue to attack Islamic terrorist operations in various areas of Somalia. Islamic terrorist group Al Shabab continues to be active. Piracy returned to waters off the Somali coast. Al Shabab and militia violence continues against government officials. Governments dont function well in Somalia but criminal organizations are another matter. The largest criminal organization in Somalia is al Shabaab. Given the history of Somalia that should not be a surprise. Britain administered Somalia from 1884 to 1960 and after much effort imposed more peace, prosperity and unity than the region had ever known. That lasted until about two decades after independence and then the usual bad habits began tearing Somalia apart again. The tribal/clan rivalries kept the pot boiling and even the rise of a clean government party and Islamic Courts after 2001. This was based on installing a religious dictatorship. That backfired and turned into another warlord group called al Shabaab. That caused even more Somalis to flee their homeland and led to even more problems as Somali refugees throughout Africa and worldwide misbehaved in the nations that took them in. While doing that Somalis acquired a reputation for organized violence and criminal behavior as well as entrepreneurial success. This led to a current decision by the United States to deport a number of Somali refugees who were caught defrauding social service agencies of nearly $10 billion. Despite relative peace and prosperity, by 2025 Somalia was unable to turn that into a more permanent condition by holding national elections. Instead, most Somali factions agreed to rely on a system that involved clan elders meeting and working out agreements. Somalia has long been a failed state and, after over a decade of peacekeeping, massive foreign aid and visible progress, corruption and tribalism continued to block economic progress. Al Shabaab, a local Islamic radical group, was defeated and driven from cities and towns in 2011 but is still around. So is the traditional clan violence, organized crime, and banditry. All these are ancient Somali traditions and al Shabaab survives by reverting to that and becoming the major criminal organizations in some parts of the country. Extortion, smuggling, ransoms and so on have sustained the Islamic terror group. One of the most lucrative sources of plunder is the elected Somali government, propped up by foreign aid, most of which gets stolen. Despite all that, Somalia is still a failed state that defies every attempt at nation building. The situation is worse than it appears because Somalia was never a country, but a collection of clans and tribes that fight each other constantly over economic land and water issues. The country remains an economic and political mess, a black hole on the map. Not much hope in sight. There is not a lot of enthusiasm among local leaders for a national government, but all that foreign aid is welcome because it can be taken without risking another clan feud. Piracy has returned and so has political violence. Somali smolders as it always has and not a lot has changed while some aspects have gotten worse. Meanwhile, al Shabaab still has a lot of popular support. The majority of Somalis oppose Islamic terrorism but up to 20 percent support or tolerate groups like al Shabaab. The main reason for the support is desperation for a solution to the poverty, corruption, factionalism and chaos that makes Somalia such a dangerous place to live in. Overcoming those ancient traditions is the main obstacle to peace and there is no quick solution. Al Shabaab survives because its leaders concentrate on finances and pay its bills. The source of the piracy problem is chaos in the African nation of Somalia on the east coast of the Red Sea and the Arab nation of Yemen on the west coast. In Somalia, Al Shabab Islamic terrorists and smugglers turned pirates have been attacking shipping for over a decade. Worldwide, attacks on cargo ships, and an occasional tanker, are still a problem. Many ships were boarded and the crews robbed. There are also attempts to kidnap crew members and hold them for ransom. The hostages are used for taking control of the ship and moving it to a different location. Pirates rarely have any knowledge or experience operating these ships. Kidnapped crew are taken ashore and held until a ransom is paid. In December 2023 a large cargo ship was hijacked and taken to Somalia. This was the first hijacking since 2017. As recently as 2018 piracy was still a problem off the Somali coast, just not the kind that creates headlines in the international mass media. The pirates adapted and in 2017 there were nine pirate attacks off the Somali coast, up from two in 2016. This was notable because worldwide pirate activity hit a 22 year low with 188 attacks in 2017, mostly far away from Somalia in places like the west coast of Africa and Southeast Asia. Those 188 attacks created damage worth $7 billion, with 80 percent of it absorbed by the ships and their owners. Higher insurance rates and operating costs were the major additional costs. That is an issue off Somalia where higher insurance costs are still a problem and getting worse because of the ineffectiveness of defending warships this time. Back in 2011 there were 327 attacks off the Somali coast. The solution was an international anti-piracy effort that continues. But shipping companies still have to pay higher insurance rates for their ships that operate in the danger zone extending far out into the Indian Ocean. At the end of 2017 the maritime insurance companies had real reason to be worried. In November 2017, for the first time since 2014, the international anti-piracy patrol arrested six Somali pirates who were caught firing on and trying to board ships off the Somali coast. Now the peacekeepers and western special operations forces are returning. Since East African nations suffer from the disrupted trade, they are sending more of their soldiers to help reduce the mayhem and attacks on shipping emanating from Somalia Major suppliers of foreign aid restored suspended aid programs. The United States ordered several hundred special operations and other troops to return to Somalia. American Special Forces and SEAL operators were again training and advising their Somali counterparts. The American troops in Somalia also handled intelligence collection and monitoring things in general. This continued from a major American special operations base in neighboring Djibouti as well as the use of American drones, also based in Djibouti, to search for Islamic terrorists and carry out airstrikes when the opportunity presents itself. After a year or so of indecision by the Americans, the U.S. resumed regular air strikes against Al Shabab and other groups interfering with aid shipments or the new Somali government. This led to several hundred drone airstrikes that killed thousands of al Shabab and other Islamic terrorist group members. An Alaska-based F-22 Raptor parks at Yokota Air Base, Japan, in January 2016. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) The U.S. Air Forces most powerful stealth fighter will soar over New Zealand for the first time during the annual Warbirds Over Wanaka air show in April. Pacific Air Forces confirmed Thursday that the supersonic F-22 Raptor will participate in the event, which runs from April 3-5 at Lake Wanaka in the South Island high country. This will be the first-ever visit by an F-22 to New Zealand, the Hawaii-based command said in an unsigned email to Stars and Stripes. Air show organizers announced Tuesday that the team would perform on all three days of the event, according to a news release. Only 183 Raptors have been built since they first entered service in 2005, according to an Air Force fact sheet on the $143 million aircraft. The fifth-generation fighter can outmaneuver all other aircraft, according to the Air Force. An F-22 Raptor assigned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, lands at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal in September 2022. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) The F-22 engines produce more thrust than any current fighter engine, the fact sheet states. The combination of sleek aerodynamic design and increased thrust allows the F-22 to cruise at supersonic airspeeds without using afterburner a characteristic known as supercruise. Raptors supported B-2 bombers that struck Iranian nuclear sites as part of Operation Midnight Hammer in June. Earlier this month, F-22s joined a fleet of American aircraft that dismantled Venezuelas air-defense capabilities ahead of the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by U.S. Army Delta Force soldiers. A Raptor will be flown in New Zealand by Capt. Nick Laz Le Tourneau, commander of the demonstration team, based at Langley Air Force Base, Va., according to the news release. Le Tourneau is an experienced combat-proven Fighter Pilot with over 550 hours flying the F-22 including multiple deployments to the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region, his official biography states. The demonstration team performs at major air shows around the world. To have them come here says a lot about how well regarded the Wanaka show is globally, Warbirds manager Ed Taylor said in the air shows release. This is right up there with the biggest acts weve ever secured in the 38 years of our event. Two Raptors will make the trip to New Zealand and operate out of Christchurch International Airport, according to the release. The airport supports New York Air National Guard LC-130 Skibird aircraft during the annual Operation Deep Freeze mission in Antarctica. The Wanaka event will also feature New Zealand air force C-130J Super Hercules and P-8 Poseidon aircraft and numerous classic planes, according to the air shows website. World War II veterans that will fly during the event include the Supermarine Spitfire, North American P-51D Mustang, Grumman TBM-3E Avenger and Goodyear FG-1D Vought Corsair, the website states. U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and a KC-135 Stratotanker have flown at the event in past years. The Pacific Air Forces C-17 Globemaster III Demonstration Team has performed at every show since 2016, according to the command. Beyond demonstrating the aircrafts capabilities, the F-22 team will connect with the community, build relationships and help inspire the next generation of aviators, the command said in its email. U.S. Army Capt. Michael Johnson, a brigade nurse with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, demonstrates a medical procedure during training at Caserma Del Din in Vicenza, Italy, on Jan. 9, 2026. The training was held in preparation for the Army's Best Medic Competition, which evaluated military medics representing Ghana, Liberia, Italy and the U.S. (Tamia Lee/U.S. Army) NAPLES, Italy The Army is testing the ability of its combat medics to keep critically injured soldiers alive on the future battlefield, where they no longer will be able to rely on quick medical evacuations. That new reality was the hallmark of the Best Medic Competition at U.S. Army Garrison Italy in Vicenza this week as 24 Army and international competitors faced two grueling days that tested their fortitude and expertise. The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa event featured service members from Ghana, Liberia and Italy alongside American counterparts. The competition, which ended Thursday, included a four-hour test designed to assess and reinforce medics ability to sustain life, prevent further deterioration and make sound clinical decisions, said Sgt. Maj. Shanett Robinson, SETAF-AFs chief medical noncommissioned officer and lead planner for the competition. Ultimately, this focus ensures medics are prepared to save lives when evacuation timelines are uncertain, reinforcing readiness for the complex operational environments they are likely to face, Robinson said. The competition reflects a departure from the golden hour benchmark of stabilizing and readying a seriously wounded service member for transport within 60 minutes of injury to increase survival chances. Participants were divided into teams of two. Sgt. Rishabh Jishnu and Spc. Michael Andress, both from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, earned first place in the competition, receiving an Army Commendation Medal, SETAF-AF said in a statement Thursday. Fellow 173rd members Sgt. Kaitlin Flynn and Spc. Jean Sagesse came in second and earned an Army Achievement Medal. Sagesse also had the highest individual score on the Army Fitness Test portion of the competition, according to the statement. Sgt. Cornelius Adagbe and Leading Seaman Ato Amonoo-Rockson of Ghana came in third, receiving a certificate of achievement, SETAF-AF said. The Army is working quickly to develop new protocols and strategies aimed at ensuring that combat medics can quickly assess injuries and keep wounded soldiers alive for hours, even days, until they can be moved to a higher level of care. Along with medical advancements, the golden hour standard saw the U.S. militarys lowest case fatality rate in history during counterinsurgency operations in the Middle East, experts say. But recent conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war have yielded lessons about the impacts of congested logistics, denied communications and other challenges on the modern battlefield. The U.S. military is preparing for the likelihood that it wont be able to rely on air and technological superiority in large-scale operations against peer adversaries to pull off swift battlefield medical rescues. Evacuating casualties to operating rooms within the Golden Hour of injury will be a forgone luxury in large-scale combat operations and other austere operational environments, an article published last summer in the Armys Military Review said. The authors noted that the current expectation for medics is to stabilize casualties for as long as three days on the battlefield. In Vicenza, that potential necessity was reinforced in a delayed evacuation scenario. Programmed dummy patients tested the acumen of the medic teams in skills such as hemorrhage control, airway and breathing management, pain control and infection prevention. Participants also were measured in their ability to spot, assess and respond to changes in a patients condition while under stress and with limited resources. That need for critical thinking is key in helping combat medics interpret changes in vital signs that could indicate a wounded soldier is in trouble, said Staff Sgt. Travis Dionne, a grader for the delayed evacuation scenario. Scorers also evaluated participants ability to apply appropriate life-saving medical treatments quickly in response, he said. For Sgt. James Deboo, a medic from the 173rd who will go on to compete later this month in the Armys Best Medic Competition at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, the SETAF-AF event was an opportunity to set an example for his junior soldiers. He said his goal was to promote a mentality of getting out there and doing something that makes them feel uncomfortable so that theyre more comfortable in the future with that next experience. The Coast Guard is years behind on its annual reporting requirements to Congress regarding sexual misconduct in the ranks and could do more to improve the effectiveness of reforms implemented in the wake of an exposed cover-up, according to two reports released Wednesday by a government watchdog. (David M. Santos/U.S. Coast Guard) The Coast Guard is years behind on its annual reporting requirements to Congress regarding sexual misconduct in the ranks and could do more to improve the effectiveness of reforms implemented in the wake of an exposed cover-up, according to two reports released Wednesday by a government watchdog. Sexual misconduct has been a challenge within the U.S. Coast Guard for decades, according to the Government Accountability Office. We found that it has taken steps to make improvements, including establishing a policy to protect victims and others who report an incident. But more can be done to maintain progress and achieve lasting results. One of the reports focused on transparency and found that the service last filed a mandatory report to lawmakers about sexual assault in 2022 leaving two reports past due and a third required this month. The second report looked at implementation of reforms to report, investigate and prevent sexual misconduct. In the last couple years, 49 actions were mandated with 32 of them implemented, according to the GAO. The GAO conducted the reviews following public revelations in 2023 that the service had been mishandling reports of sexual misconduct and later covered up an internal report on the failures. The report completed in 2020 and known as Operation Fouled Anchor was an internal review of sexual assault and harassment cases that occurred between 1990 and 2006 at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. It found the academy knew of 30 people with accusations of misconduct, yet only five were reported to criminal investigators, as required. Numerous investigations followed CNNs reporting to expose Operation Fouled Anchor, which was buried from the public and Congress by former Coast Guard leadership, including one investigation spearheaded by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. I am deeply disappointed that [U.S. Coast Guard] has dropped the ball on basic reporting requirements that would provide transparency about sexual misconduct in the Coast Guard. GAOs findings reveal that the Coast Guards culture of cover-up exposed by my PSI investigation continues to this day. While the Coast Guard has taken some steps to support survivors, it is clear more work needs to be done to adequately protect cadets and Coasties, he said in a statement. A Coast Guard spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday the service appreciates the work of Congress to provide transparency and oversight following Fouled Anchor. The men and women of the Coast Guard must have trust in a system that prevents and reduces these devastating crimes, provides the care and support needed to survivors, and holds perpetrators accountable while respecting due process. Sexual assault and harassment have absolutely no place in the Coast Guard and will not be tolerated, the spokesperson said. The two reports offered a combined five recommendations. The service agreed with each and outlined plans and deadlines for implementation. In response to the GAO report on transparency, titled Actions Needed to Ensure Complete and Timely Reports to Congress Regarding Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment, the service pledged to file all late reports by December and begin filing on time with the fiscal year 2026 report. Fiscal years end in September, and the reports are due the following January, according to the GAO. In the 2022 report, the Coast Guard reported 226 incidents of sexual assault and 88 incidents of sexual harassment, according to the GAO. Having complete and timely information enables Congressional oversight, according to the GAO. Of the 11 required elements for the report, the 2022 edition only had five fully included. Another four were partially included and two were missing, according to the GAO. In the second report on reform implementation, titled Opportunities Exist to Strengthen Reform Efforts to Address Sexual Misconduct, the GAO found that for the service to keep its positive momentum on reforms, it needs to fill in some gaps to have lasting results. The commandant should establish a feedback system for service members to share the effects of reforms, make sure an implementation team is managing the efforts, and develop plans, milestones and timelines for reform actions, according to the GAO. The report cited a steering committee established to guide the reforms but noted it had not met since November 2024. The Coast Guard agreed with the recommendations and told the GAO it remains committed to the timely implementation of reform efforts aimed at safeguarding the workforce from sexual assault and harassment within the Coast Guard. It pledged to have the recommendations in place by June 30. We cooperated fully with the Government Accountability Office audit and are taking actions to address their recommendations while continuing to implement reforms to address sexual misconduct, the Coast Guard spokesperson said. Adm. Kevin Lunday, seen here in an official portrait taken Aug. 19, 2024, became the 28th commandant of the Coast Guard on Jan. 15, 2026. Lunday had been the services acting commandant since Jan. 21, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard) A national security lawyer and judge advocate whose nearly 40-year Coast Guard career includes operations in the Indo-Pacific and a stint at U.S. Cyber Command is now in place as the services 28th commandant. Adm. Kevin Lunday officially took command of the agency Thursday in a ceremony at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington. Lunday had been acting commandant since January 2025 following the firing of Adm. Linda Fagan over leadership deficiencies, operational failures and handling of the services recent sexual assault scandal, Stars and Stripes reported at the time, citing an unidentified senior Department of Homeland Security official. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem presided over the hourlong event. She praised Lundays service, qualifications and accomplishments. President Donald Trumps administration seeks to revitalize the agency with leading technology, aircraft and ships, Noem said.. Its a tall order, and it takes a special individual to lead this team and to make that a reality, Noem said, calling Lunday the man for the job. In May, Noem tabbed Lunday for promotion to the top post, but his nomination faced challenges by two senators due to concerns about a revision to the services workplace policy. Following deletion of language in the policy that recast swastikas and nooses from symbols of hatred to potentially divisive, the Senate approved his nomination late last year. Lunday already had condemned the symbols and banned them from the workplace in a November memo to Coast Guard personnel, saying his order would supersede any other policy language, The Associated Press reported at the time. In taking command, Lunday acknowledged the $25 billion capital investment Congress passed into law in July in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. He called the the financial support a bold effort to renew the Coast Guard and make it a more agile, capable and responsive fighting force. The service will use the money hand in hand with a strategic initiative aiming to modernize the Coast Guard to rebuild at speed and scale the new cutters, boats, aircraft, shore infrastructure and technology, Lunday said. A graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Lunday has been in the military for 38 years, according to his service biography. He also holds advanced degrees from George Washington University Law School, the Naval War College and the National War College. The Bomnal study cafe in Seoul, South Korea, features well-lit individual desks to keep you focused. (Yoojin Lee/Stars and Stripes) Would you pay to study in a cafe that does not serve coffee? A study cafe in Seoul is not a Starbucks-style destination that offers caffeinated beverages, breakfast or lunch, but a place like a library filled with desks and chairs for studying. Have you ever felt bored doing the same thing in the same place and thought a change in the environment is what you need to stay motivated? A study cafe might be the perfect answer. They are popular with South Korean students who simply want a quiet place to focus away from school and home. Food and conversations are not allowed in the study area, so there is little worry about being disturbed. Writing on the wall of the Bomnal study cafe in Seoul, South Korea, proclaims, "Your spring is coming." (Yoojin Lee/Stars and Stripes) You might think paying just to study at a desk is a waste of money. But the price can be quite affordable. Space is available at 3,000 won about $2 for a two-hour visit and 7,000 won for six hours. You can also save unused time and use it later. A day pass costs 10,000 won, and a monthly pass is available for 100,000 won. Popular seats are usually taken by the pass holders or people who arrive early in the morning. Pass holders can leave their stuff on their desks, monitored 24 hours under cameras. Lockers are also available for 9,000 won a month. Teenagers arent the only ones visiting study cafes. Many adult students preparing for exams or certifications also use them. But, of course, during midterm and final seasons, these places get busier. The break room at the Bomnal study cafe in Seoul, South Korea, is furnished with a small fridge, water fountain, coffee maker and snacks. (Yoojin Lee/Stars and Stripes) Almost all study cafes are open 24/7. Some are operated only with a kiosk. So, whether you are a morning lark or a night owl, you have no excuse not to study. The place I visited is called Bomnal, which means spring in Korean. The cafe is decorated like a park, with real plants, fake trees and an air purifier. The refreshing environment helped me focus. Bomnal also had a break room equipped with a coffee machine and some snacks. Students can refresh their brain with a cup of tea and regain energy before going back to their desks. I regularly visited study cafes during middle school and high school in South Korea. They helped me concentrate better and stayed open longer than my school library. Bomnal Study Cafe Location: 59, Pyeongtaek 4-ro, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Hours: Open all day, every day. Prices: 3,000 won for two hours; a monthly pass costs 100,000 won. Dress: Casual Directions: A 20-minute drive from the Millet Gate at Camp Humphreys, South Korea. Information: 0507-1447-5016 A screengrab from a video posted to X by U.S. Southern Command on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, showing Marines and sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear seizing an oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea. The service members launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford, the command said. (U.S. Southern Command via X) U.S. Marines, sailors, and members of the Coast Guard seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea in a mission under Operation Southern Spear, U.S. Southern Command and the Department Homeland Security said on Thursday. The Marines and sailors launched from the USS Gerald R. Ford in the predawn mission, the command said in a statement and accompanied by a video clip of unclassified footage from the mission. The tanker Veronica is the latest tanker operating in defiance of President Trumps established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean, the commands statement said. The apprehension, made in support of the Department of Homeland Security, occurred without incident, the post said. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said on X that our heroic Coast Guard men and women once again ensured a flawlessly executed operation, in accordance with international law. Through #OpSouthernSpear, the Department of War is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with @USCG through @DHSgov and @TheJusticeDept. In another pre-dawn action, Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, pic.twitter.com/brxO9xXUu3 U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) January 15, 2026 The Veronica is the sixth sanctioned tanker seized by U.S. forces as part of the effort by Trumps administration to control the production, refining and global distribution of Venezuelas oil products and the fourth since the U.S. ouster of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro in a surprise nighttime raid almost two weeks ago. Speaking to reporters at the White House later Thursday, Noem declined to say how many sanctioned oil tankers the U.S. is tracking or whether the government is keeping tabs on freighters beyond the Caribbean Sea. The Veronica last transmitted its location on Jan. 3 as being at anchor off the coast of Aruba, just north of Venezuelas main oil terminal. According to the data it transmitted at the time, it was partially filled with crude. Days later, the Veronica became one of at least 16 tankers that left the Venezuelan coast in contravention of the quarantine that U.S. forces have set up to block sanctioned ships, according to Samir Madani, the co-founder of TankerTrackers.com. He said his organization used satellite imagery and surface-level photos to document the ship movements. The ship is currently listed as flying the flag of Guyana and is considered part of the shadow fleet that moves cargoes of oil in violation of U.S. sanctions. According to its registration data, the ship also has been known as the Galileo, owned and managed by a company in Russia. In addition, a tanker with the same registration number previously sailed under the name Pegas and was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for moving cargoes of illicit Russian oil. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Julian Chuckrey, Evan Horne and Evan Okamoto recite the Eagle Scout pledge during a ceremony at Yokota Middle School on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 14, 2026. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes) YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan Scouting America Troop 45 in a rare event this week promoted three of its members to the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. The three new Eagle Scouts Julian Chuckrey, Evan Horne and Evan Okamoto were promoted Wednesday during an on-stage ceremony at Yokota Middle School in front of their families, friends and fellow Scouts. The Eagle rank is the top rank for Scouting America, and were really celebrating the path to get there, the scoutmaster, Air Force Col. David McAlroy, director of operations for 5th Air Force, told Stars and Stripes at the event. It takes most Eagle Scouts anywhere from three to six years to earn it, and it must be completed before their 18th birthday. Becoming an Eagle Scout is a prestigious and often surreal moment for Scouts. It doesnt feel real, Okamoto said in an interview at the event. To earn the Eagle rank, Scouts must advance through six prior ranks, earn 21 merit badges and complete a service project that benefits their community and demonstrates leadership and management skills, according to a Scouting America website. Fewer than 10% of Scouts achieve the rank. For his Eagle Scout project, Okamoto refurbished 13 benches outside the middle school, which took two years thanks to paperwork, approvals and other requirements, he said. Scouting America Troop 45 scoutmaster David McAlroy gives closing remarks after promoting three members to the rank of Eagle Scout at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 14, 2026. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes) Most troops typically award only one Scout the Eagle rank each year, according to McAlroy. Another unique thing is two of them did their whole scouting career at Yokota, he said. Okamoto is the only one of the three from a military family; Chuckrey and Horne started at Yokota as Cub Scouts. The ceremony came at a time of uncertainty regarding Scouting Americas support from the Pentagon. National Public Radio in November reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was planning to end support for Scouting America, according to a draft memo NPR said it obtained. The memo was meant for Congress but had not yet been sent, according to the report. Hegseth, in the memo, said Scouting America promoted diversity, equity and inclusion and had become an organization designed to attack boy-friendly spaces, according to NPR. Scouting Americas precursor, Boy Scouts of America, emerged from an era of scandals and bankruptcy to become Scouts BSA in 2018, the year it admitted girls into the program, according to an Associated Press report in May 2024. The organization rebranded itself as Scouting America in February 2025. Hegseths plan would eliminate medical and logistical support to the Scouts National Jamboree and would bar Scout troops from holding meetings on U.S. military installations, according to NPR. Newly minted Eagle Scouts receive congratulations during a Court of Honor ceremony at Yokota Middle School on Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 14, 2026. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes) For more than a century, weve worked with every U.S. presidential administration Republican and Democrat focusing on our common goal of building future leaders grounded in integrity, responsibility, and service, Scouting America President and CEO Roger Krone said in a Nov. 25 news release following the NPR report. We will continue our efforts to work with the Pentagon to address this critical issue. Scouting America troops meet regularly on military bases in the United States and overseas and would have to make significant changes if the plan moves forward. The organization has been through a lot of changes; its a pretty old organization, itll continue, McAlroy said. I think it has sound principles, and I see a lot of application to preparing young men and women for potential life in the military, so I hope they continue to support it on DOD installations. Prosecutors, not police, decide formal charges under Japans criminal justice system. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes) YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan Japanese police arrested a U.S. Navy civilian this week on suspicion of attempting to smuggle psychedelic drugs via mail, a police spokesman said Thursday. David Adam Todd, 44, a ship repairman, is suspected of violating Japans Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act by importing 279 grams, or about 10 ounces, of items containing psilocybin and psilocin, a Kanagawa Prefectural Police spokesman told Stars and Stripes by phone. The narcotics were mailed through unofficial military mail, the spokesman said. It was not immediately clear if that referred to the Military Postal Service Agency. The two chemicals are naturally occurring psychoactive compounds found in psychedelic mushrooms, also known as magic mushrooms, and classified as narcotics under Japanese law. A person found guilty of importing narcotics is subject to between one and 10 years in prison, according to the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act. Todd was arrested Wednesday morning at his home in Hayama, about 5 miles west of Yokosuka Naval Base, the police said. Yokohama customs officials discovered the substances in a suspicious package mailed to Todds work address, public broadcaster NHK reported Thursday. The package contained items including pills and gummies, NHK reported. Some Japanese government officials may speak to the media only on condition of anonymity. Naval Forces Japan referred all questions to the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center at Yokosuka. A civilian employee there is under investigation for the importation of narcotics, spokesman Randall Baucom confirmed in an email Thursday. Baucom did not identify the civilian or his command. The Navy takes all incidents and allegations involving the misconduct of its personnel seriously, he wrote. We are unable to comment further at this time due to the ongoing investigation. Joe Vargas traces the name of Raymond R. Delgado, a fellow Marine who was killed in action in 1969, on The Wall That Heals displayed at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu, Jan. 14, 2026. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes) UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII-WEST OAHU, Hawaii On Wednesday morning, Joe Vargas stretched to reach the name of his Marine Corps buddy who was killed in action 57 years ago. His name, Raymond R. Delgado, was etched atop Panel 30W of The Wall That Heals, which debuted on Oahu this week. Vargas placed a sheet of paper over the name and carefully rubbed it with a pencil to create an outline a physical keepsake of the fellow Marine he lost a lifetime ago. This was on my bucket list, Vargas said shortly after a ceremony that officially kicked off the six-day display of the three-quarter-scale replica of the famed Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The replica is 375 feet long and made up of 140 synthetic granite name panels. Like the original, The Wall That Heals carries the names of more than 58,000 service members who died in the Vietnam War. I kept saying next year, next year, next year, Vargas said of making the trip to D.C. But I might be gone before next year, right? You never know. Visitors view the educational display that accompanies The Wall That Heals display at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu, Jan. 14, 2026. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes) Tracing those names has become a ritual for thousands of loved ones, friends and comrades who have visited the original memorial since it was dedicated in 1983 and The Wall That Heals since being unveiled in 1996. The replica has since traveled to more than 800 communities in the United States. It hurts, Vargas said of finding and tracing Delgados name. The pair were close friends and went through Marine Corps boot camp together at Parris Island, S.C., he said. It brings back memories I really dont like to think about it, he said. I was thinking of not coming because of what it brings out of you. I didnt want to break down. James Lynch, a 74-year-old Navy veteran who served two tours aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger during the Vietnam War, watched the ceremony from his wheelchair, rising to his feet during benediction, national anthem and taps. This opens a dialogue, he said of the wall after the ceremony. I think thats what heals opening a dialogue. He recalled being castigated by some Americans and even veterans of previous wars when he returned stateside from his tours. James Lynch, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, salutes the U.S. flag while the national anthem plays during the opening ceremony for The Wall That Heals display at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu, Jan. 14, 2026. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes) Hawaii state Sen. Mike Gabbard paid tribute during the ceremony to Hawaiians listed on the wall. Each name represents a life, an ohana and a sacrifice, said Gabbard, using the Hawaiian word for family. For many Vietnam veterans, the welcome home didnt come when it should have, he said. This wall helps us to see it now. Together as a community, were so fortunate and thankful to have this opportunity to remember and to honor the 278 service members from Hawaii who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving up their life in selfless service to our country and to honor their ohana as well. The walls brief exhibition on the university campus will provide a sense of healing, first and foremost for Gold Star families, for veterans from the Vietnam War, but also for the Oahu communities it is being shared with, Kelly McKeague, director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, told the audience. A subset of the over 58,000 who made the supreme sacrifice from the Vietnam War are 2,633 Americans who were not accounted for at the end of the war and are commonly known as MIAs, he said. There are now 1,566 service members unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. { "__type": "thirdPartyFreeformEmbed", "__id": "newslettersignupinlinemodule", "__data": { "variant": "default", "newsletterSignupName": "WealthChallengeNewsletter", "sailthruSource": "Inline_NLSignUp_WealthChallenge", "sailthruSignupLists": { "SFC_NL_WealthChallengeNextLevel": 1, "Email_Master": 1 }, "sailthruSignupListForBC": [ "SFC_NL_WealthChallengeNextLevel" ], "promoImage": "https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/55/34/07/28688893/3/rawImage.jpg", "leftBorderColor": "var(--primary)", "headlineText": "Wealth Challenge: Next Level", "descriptionText": "Learn how to grow and protect your wealth with the Wealth Challenge: Next Level email series.", "labelText": "Email", "placeholderText": "Email address", "buttonText": "Sign Up", "disclaimerText": "By signing up, you agree to our Terms Of Use and acknowledge that your information will be used as described in our Privacy Policy.", "dynamicLinks": { "disclaimerText": [ { "text": "Terms Of Use", "url": "https://www.sfchronicle.com/terms/" }, { "text": "Privacy Policy", "url": "https://www.sfchronicle.com/privacy/" } ] }, "successMessage": "Thank you for signing up!", "successMessageGray": "You'll receive the next newsletter in your inbox." } } (This is the fourth of eight installments in our Wealth Challenge: Next Level newsletter series. Sign up for the full email challenge below, or go to this link .) To calculate your nest egg target, the traditional rule-of-thumb guidance is to add up your annual expenses and multiply that number by 25, with the expectation that you'll withdraw around 4% from your portfolio every year in retirement. $1 million used to be considered the "magic number" for retirement savings, but seven figures doesn't go as far as it used to - especially in pricey places like California. Golden State respondents to a 2025 Northwestern Mutual survey about retirement said they'd need an average of $1.47 million saved to retire comfortably here. How much you need to save for retirement, and where you should be saving it, are questions without one-size-fits-all answers. For earlier generations, retirement planning was a little simpler: Your workplace offered a pension plan where your contributions were set and invested for you. Now, pensions are rare outside the public sector, and many of us will retire with only the money we invested on our own and Social Security. Story Continues But don't feel bad if you're nowhere near that. Somewhere between a quarter to nearly half of Americans have $0 saved for retirement, and only about 2.5% get to $1 million in retirement accounts. If you have anything at all set aside for retirement, you're ahead of a lot of people. A financial planner will be able to help you figure out what number is right and realistic for you. But for now, we want to focus on where you should be saving your money. Milestones in 401(k) savings Lauren Stansell, a certified financial planner and the chief planning officer for San Francisco-based financial services firm Yeske Buie, said when she's working with people early in their retirement savings journey, she uses these milestones as a guideline. Getting their employer 401(k) match: Contributing whatever percentage you need to in order to get the minimum match from your work. If you don't do this, you're leaving money on the table. Employer match percentages vary widely, with a median promised match of 4%, according to a 2025 Vanguard report. Based on the way your plan is structured, that means you'll need to contribute around 4% to 6% of your pretax income to get the full matching amount. Contact your HR representative to find out exactly how much you need to contribute to get the match. Putting 10% toward their 401(k): "An incredible place to get to, especially as a young person," she said. Maxing out their 401(k) contributions:This means contributing the percentage necessary to get as close as possible to the maximum personal contribution limit in a 401(K), which is $24,500 in 2026 if you're under age 50. Worth noting: Your employer contributions don't count toward that maximum - there's a separate limit for that. If you're over age 50, you can contribute another $8,000 in "catch-up" contributions in 2026, and potentially up to $11,250 in "super-catch-up" contributions if you're between 60 and 63 and your plan allows it. What options exist beyond the 401(k)? Most pros will tell you to focus on your 401(k) before putting retirement funds anywhere else. But once you're on solid ground in your 401(k) - which could be getting the employer match or maxing it out entirely, depending on your strategy - there are more places to save. Roth IRA Who it's for: People looking to make post-tax contributions to their retirement funds via a special tax-advantaged Individual Retirement Account. Unlike a 401(k), where you put pre-tax contributions, Roth IRA money is post-tax. That means you won't pay income taxes on the principal or earnings when you make qualified withdrawals from the account in retirement. Depending on what you think your income level will be in retirement, you may want to prioritize contributions to your Roth IRA before you max out your 401(k), since qualified withdrawals aren't taxable income. Things to know: The most you can contribute to an IRA (Roth, traditional, or any combination of both) is $7,500 for 2026, with another $1,100 allowed in catch-up contributions if you're age 50 or older. The major downside of Roth IRAs is the income limit. For single filers or heads of household in 2026, you can contribute the maximum amount if you make less than $153,000 modified adjusted gross income; the total allowed phases out until you reach $168,000 MAGI. If you're married filing jointly, you can contribute the maximum at $242,000 or less MAGI, phasing out at $252,000. Making that much money puts you in the top 10% of earners in the United States, but in the Bay Area, those salaries might not feel like they go very far. Backdoor Roth Who it's for: People whose incomes are too high for a Roth IRA but want to take advantage of the tax benefits. Things to know: The basic strategy is that you contribute up to the Roth IRA limit in post-tax money to a traditional IRA with no balance and then convert it to a Roth, which anyone can do, regardless of income level. These can get complex if you have other pre-tax IRA balances; a tax pro can tell you more about the IRS' pro-rata rule and other considerations. Mega backdoor Roth Who it's for: People with very high incomes who want to convert a lot of money into a Roth. Things to know: You need to be on a specific 401(k) plan that allows this. A mega backdoor Roth lets you take advantage of the total limit for 401(k) contributions to make after-tax contributions up to $72,000, or higher depending on your age. Talk to your 401(k) plan administrator to find out if this is possible, how it would work, and how much you'd be able to contribute after employer contributions and employee deferrals. And this is another great opportunity to talk to a tax professional so you don't make any costly mistakes. Health savings accounts Who it's for: People who want to invest pretax money to pay for health care costs. The money can be used now or in retirement, or any time in between. Things to know: Your health care plan needs to be an eligible high deductible health plan (HDHP) to use a health savings account (HSA). Contributions, earnings and qualified withdrawals are all tax-free (what's known as the "triple tax advantage"). Unlike flexible spending accounts, you don't need to use the money you contributed in any set time period. Some people save receipts for healthcare expenses in their working years, then reimburse themselves in retirement. The contribution limit for 2026 is $4,400 if you're only covering yourself, and $8,750 if you're covering a family. If you're age 55 and older you can make an additional $1,000 in catch-up contributions annually. Simplified employee pension IRAs Who it's for: People who are self-employed or run a business and want to set up and contribute to simplified retirement savings plans. Things to know: The business makes the contribution, not the individual. The contributions are tax-deductible and the growth is tax-deferred. Simplified employee pension IRAs are typically easier to set up and have fewer administration costs than running a 401(k) plan. Up to 25% of each employee's pay can be contributed to the SEP IRA, with a maximum contribution of $72,000 in 2026. More investment opportunities There are some investment opportunities more commonly seen in the tech industry. If your employer offers these, you'll want to talk to your financial adviser or a tax planning pro about the best way to take advantage of them. Restricted stock units: Unlike getting regular company stock, RSUs are restricted - meaning they can't be sold - for a certain period of time known as the vesting period. Once they vest, you can treat them like regular shares. Incentive stock options: ISOs are basically your company giving you the chance to buy company stock at a preset (typically discounted) price, called the strike price or exercise price. If you think the value of the company will increase, but can absorb the loss of the money you've invested if it doesn't, it can make sense to take advantage of ISOs to get as much share in the company as you can. Employee stock purchase plans:These plans let employees buy shares of the company through payroll deductions, often at a discount. How do I choose between saving for retirement and other priorities? Retiring probably isn't the only thing you want to do with the rest of your life. You may want to buy a home (or a second home), pay for your children's college educations, go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip - there are a lot of competing priorities for your money, and most of us don't have enough to fund all of it at the same time. Think of it like the oxygen mask on a plane, said Mary Clements Evans, a certified financial planner and author of the retirement planning book "Emotionally Invested." That means you need to put the mask on yourself before you can help others. In real terms, that looks like your retirement fund taking precedence over helping kids get their degree or buy a house. "For most people, saving $30,000 in a retirement plan is a large chunk of their earnings," said Eric Flett, the regional president and managing director at MAI Capital Management. "We don't want to do that to a point where you don't have enough cash flow to cover your regular living expenses. I don't want you eating Top Ramen because all your money's going to your backdoor Roth and 401(k)." Tracking your baseline expenses, getting a sense of what you can expect from Social Security, and planning your financial goals for before and after retirement will help you get a clearer picture of your priorities. A well-maintained emergency fund will also help you weather tough economic times without having to touch the money you've invested for the future. (Did you miss the original 31-day Wealth Challenge? You can start from the beginning by signing up for our daily email newsletters, or see the challenge here.) This article originally published at The 401(k) milestones everyone should hit ASAP - and next steps to take once you pass them. Danish soldiers participate in a training exercise in Rockport, Mich., in this undated photo. Denmark will boost its troop presence in Greenland in cooperation with other NATO allies, some of which are contributing military assets, the Danish defense ministry said this week. (Helen Miller/Michigan National Guard) STUTTGART, Germany Denmark this week said it will boost its troop presence in Greenland but stopped short of elaborating on whether the move was aimed at deterring potential American aggression on the autonomous Danish island. Geopolitical tensions have spread to the Arctic, the Danish defense ministry said in a statement Wednesday announcing the deployment of more troops to the territory. The expanded military mission in and around Greenland will be conducted in close cooperation with other NATO allies, some of which are contributing military assets, the ministry said. There was no mention of whether that would include U.S. forces. The increased Danish military presence will involve aircraft, ships and soldiers, the ministry said. It comes amid a diplomatic feud with the United States over Greenlands status. On Wednesday, Danish and Greenlandic officials held talks at the White House in connection with President Donald Trumps push to take over the island. Ahead of those discussions with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump doubled down on his demand that Greenland be handed over to the United States. He also called on NATO to assist in that effort, saying it would strengthen the alliances ability to counter Russia and China. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said after the meeting that differences with the Trump administration remain. We didnt manage to change the American position, Rasmussen told reporters. Its clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of (Denmark). The situation has roiled NATO, with key members such as France and Germany pushing back against the idea of an American takeover. Some European officials have warned that any attempt to annex the territory would spell the end of the alliance, which was founded to protect each member from an armed invasion. Later on Wednesday, Trump said he was still making up his mind how to go about controlling Greenland. If we dont go in, Russias going to go in and Chinas going to go in, Trump said. Theres not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland. But theres everything we can do. We found that out last week with Venezuela. Critics counter that Trumps position overlooks the fact that the U.S. already has a military presence in Greenland and that security cooperation agreements allow the United States to increase its military presence on the island. U.S. forces have been a steady presence in Greenland for many decades, dating back to the early days of the Cold War. Today, about 200 U.S. troops operate in the country, with their main task involving an early-warning missile defense mission. Danish officials have said they are open to hosting more American troops. A smoke trail from the Israeli Iron Dome air defense system, as seen from Haifa, Israel, streaks across the sky as it intercepts missiles launched during an Iranian attack on June 24, 2025. (Baz Ratner/AP) Days before protests erupted in Iran in late December, Israeli officials notified the Iranian leadership via Russia that they would not launch strikes against Iran if Israel were not attacked first. Iran responded through the Russian channel that it would also refrain from a preemptive attack, diplomats and regional officials with knowledge of the exchange said. The communications between Israel and Iran and the role Russia played as the intermediary were unusual given the hostility between the two Middle Eastern rivals, which engaged in a 12-day war in June. But the contacts reflected Israels desire to avoid being perceived as escalating tensions toward Iran or spearheading any new attacks against it at a time when Israel was preparing a significant military campaign against Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned militia in Lebanon, according to the diplomats and regional officials. The private reassurances contrasted with Israels public rhetoric late last year, when its officials openly hinted at the possibility of carrying out renewed strikes on Iran to roll back what they said was the countrys rapidly replenishing ballistic missile stockpile. Although Iranian officials responded positively to the Israeli outreach, they were wary of Israels intentions, said two officials with knowledge of the message exchange. Iran believed that even if the Israeli assurances were genuine, they left open the possibility that the U.S. military would carry out attacks on Iran as part of a campaign coordinated by the two allies, while Israel was training its firepower strictly on Hezbollah, the officials said. Still, for Iran, it was a good deal to stay out of any Israel-Hezbollah clash, said a senior official in the region who, like others interviewed for this report, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive communications. U.S. officials have said that Irans substantive support for Hezbollah, in any case, has already decreased as Tehran grapples with domestic upheaval. Its not clear now how the furious protests in Iran in recent weeks, which have challenged the governments grip on power, have changed Israels and Irans calculations and whether the two countries will still abide by their private agreement. President Donald Trump has been weighing attacks against Iranian regime targets in response to the crackdown on the protest movement, and any strikes could provoke Iran to retaliate against Israel, a U.S. ally, analysts say. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that if attacked, Iran would retaliate against U.S. military bases in the Middle East, the news agency reported Wednesday, without mentioning Israel as among the potential targets. Nor is it clear whether Israeli officials would renege on their December reassurances and join in a U.S.-led attack if they sensed an opportunity to topple the Iranian government. As protests flared in Iran, Israeli officials described their military preparations as defensive in nature, and Israeli government and security officials have avoided overtly bellicose language. In June, Israel launched an elaborate surprise attack against Iran even as nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran were underway. Israel is giving the U.S. the leading role [in any potential strikes against Iran], but there is no question Israel would love to see regime change because that would change the Middle East as well as Hezbollah, said Sima Shine, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv and a former head of research at the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. But Israel could be a target for the Iranian response, and therefore Israel has already taken a lot of steps to be better defended and prepared. For Israel, the outreach to Iran was designed to keep Tehran on the sidelines and leave Hezbollah isolated if Israel were to attack. The same logic may hold today, with Israel seeking to prevent the two countries from trading direct blows, at least initially, an Israeli official said. The official added that a military campaign against Hezbollah was not off the table, regardless of what transpires with Iran. Israel has warned that it continues to face a threat from Hezbollah because the group has not disarmed. The [Lebanon] campaign will take place, and Hezbollah will be heavily targeted, the official added. The question is if its during or after the Iran war. The most recent exchange of messages between Israel and Iran came in late December, shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Moscow, the senior regional official said. It was not the first time that Russia has sought to serve as an intermediary between the two countries or bolster its standing with Trump as a mediator to win concessions in negotiations over the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin previously raised to Trump the idea of serving as an intermediary between Israel and Iran, according to a Russian academic close to senior Russian diplomats. Trump declined the offer, this person said, telling the Russians to deal with Ukraine first. Its not clear whether the December exchanges took place with Washingtons knowledge or participation. The Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported last week that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had recently asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to relay messages to Iran that Israel did not intend to attack it. A spokesman in Netanyahus office and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not respond to requests for comment. Adam Chamseddine and Catherine Belton contributed to this report. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., left, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., attend a Judiciary Committee hearing Jan. 14, 2026, in Washington. Republicans blasted a resettlement program that aided Afghans who had helped U.S. forces and fled after the Taliban takeover in August 2021. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) Senate Republicans this week lambasted a U.S. program to assist Afghans who served alongside troops, saying it did not properly vet tens of thousands of people who fled to the U.S. following the Taliban takeover as American forces withdrew. The hearing, which lasted more than three hours, came in the wake of a shooting that has reignited debates about the quality of the vetting process and the value of the resettlement program as a whole. In November, Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal shot two members of the National Guard, killing 20-year-old Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, according to authorities. Lakanwal served in a CIA-backed Afghan army unit during the 20-year-long war and entered the U.S. under humanitarian parole. He is charged with a range of federal crimes including first degree murder. After the Taliban toppled the government in Kabul in August 2021, Afghan asylum seekers entered the U.S. through three pathways: refugee status, humanitarian parole and special immigrant visas, or SIVs. Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee said Wednesday that the shooting served as clear evidence of the flaws of Operation Allies Welcome and its successor, Operation Enduring Welcome. They zeroed in on the parole process, which they said was meant to be used on a case-by-case basis. Former President Joe Biden and his vice president, Kamala Harris, had allowed more than 70,000 Afghans into the country without proper vetting, they said. The Biden Harris administration took drastic shortcuts, and America is less safe as a result, said committee chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. Advocates and veterans have long defended the programs vetting procedures and argue that the shooting was a tragic aberration in an otherwise successful effort to assist the United States wartime partners. More than 190,000 Afghans have come to the U.S. under the two operations since 2021, according to the State Department. Many of them had served as translators, drivers and interpreters or provided other assistance to U.S. forces. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., pushed back Wednesday, saying Republicans were attempting to exploit the shooting for political gain. To suggest that Afghan refugees arent vetted thoroughly is a pure fabrication to fit a tragic act of violence into a false narrative by this administration, Padilla said. Since returning to office last year, President Donald Trump has issued a number of executive orders affecting Afghan migration, including suspending the entry of Afghan nationals and pausing visas. Veterans groups and other advocates have framed the issue as a moral imperative. They argued that abandoning allies would not bode well for future U.S. military operations. The national security stakes extend beyond individuals, said Andrew Sullivan, an Army veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who heads the nonprofit group No One Left Behind. If we abandon Americas Afghan allies, our adversaries will have a propaganda weapon to use against us in future conflicts, Sullivan said in a statement. Advocates have also pointed to a Justice Department report published last year saying the FBI effectively screened tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees. At Wednesdays hearing, senators heard from officials who detailed how the departments vetted Afghans. In one case, an analysis by the Homeland Security Departments Office of Inspector General found that the agency lacked a well-defined process to track Afghan parolees and did not routinely take enforcement actions when an individual parole expired, said Craig Adelman, the deputy inspector general in the department audits office. Our findings have been consistent, Adelman told senators. DHS was not adequately prepared to manage the scale and complexity of the Afghan evacuee crisis while maintaining strong national security controls. Shawn VanDiver, a Navy veteran and president of the nonprofit group #AfghanEvac, urged committee members to repair broken systems and restore lawful entry processes for Afghans. More than 212,000 Afghans eligible for evacuation remain in Afghanistan, and 60,000 others are waiting for relocation in 90 countries around the world, according to the group. Thousands of Americans are alive today because Afghan partners stood with us, VanDiver said in written testimony. Now, those same partners are asking whether America will stand with them. 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, Jan. 9, 2026. (UGC via AP) ISTANBUL Iran reopened its airspace early Thursday after a brief overnight closure, as the countrys judiciary announced that a young Iranian man who rights groups said was facing execution would not be put to death. The resumption of flights over Iran, according to tracking data posted Thursday on Flightradar24, came as the Trump administration weighs possible military strikes against the country. The White House has framed the potential strikes as a response to the Iranian governments brutal nationwide crackdown on a recent protest movement. Rights groups say thousands have been killed. The Trump administration imposed new sanctions on Iran on Thursday, including on officials accused of roles in the crackdown on protests. Among the officials and entities included is Ali Larijani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, who the Treasury said had called for violence against protesters. The United States stands with the Iranian people, who are protesting for their natural rights, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement Thursday. We will continue to deny the regime access to financial networks and the global banking system while it continues to oppress the Iranian people, he said. Iranian and some regional commercial airlines, including from Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, were seen traversing Irans airspace Thursday, according to Flightradar24. Tensions in the region soared Wednesday when officials said the Pentagon had begun relocating personnel and equipment away from key facilities in the Middle East, including al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, where the U.S. maintains thousands of troops as well as bombers, tanker aircraft, fighter jets, surveillance planes and drones. It was not immediately clear what specific assets were being relocated, but the move could be seen as a precautionary one ahead of possible Iranian retaliation to U.S. strikes. Later Wednesday, though, President Donald Trumps assertion that Iran had halted its deadly clampdown signaled a possible de-escalation. Weve been told, Trump said, that the killing in Iran is stopping ... and theres no plan for executions. Were going to watch and see, he added. He told CBS News on Tuesday that the U.S. will take very strong action if Iran executes protesters. In recent days, human rights groups had expressed concerns about the fate of Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old clothing merchant who was arrested last week during the height of the protests, according to Arina Moradi, a member of the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, a Norway-based group that focuses on Iran. Moradi, citing information from Soltanis family, said he was abducted from his home on Jan. 8 on undisclosed charges. The family was told he was scheduled to be executed Wednesday but later was told that the execution had been postponed, Moradi said. In a statement Thursday, Irans judiciary media center confirmed that Soltani had been detained but said he was facing imprisonment, rather than the death penalty, on charges that included propaganda activities and colluding against security services. Moradi said her group did not believe the peril to Soltani, along with thousands of others the government imprisoned during the protests - some as young as 15, she said - had passed. Irans regime has postponed executions after pressure from foreign governments or human rights groups, only to implement the sentences later, she said. Tehran has directed a withering crackdown in response to the uprising, which began in late December, leaving potentially thousands dead. The exact death toll has been difficult to tally because the government has throttled internet and phone access to the country. In at least six cities across Iran, security forces fired directly into crowds of protesters, according to a Washington Post review of videos that surfaced online. Other videos have revealed the scale of the casualties. In one, at least 100 bodies in bags await identification at a Tehran morgue. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that more than 2,500 people have been killed since protests began Dec. 28, including 147 members of the security forces, making this wave of violence far deadlier than any previous Iranian state response to public protest. The Post has not independently verified this figure. Despite the bloodshed, key U.S. allies in the region have warned the Trump administration against pursuing military action against Iran, fearing it could destabilize the region. The warnings have come from Persian Gulf states as well as Irans neighbors, worried about the spillover from a conflict. Saudi Arabia doesnt support a U.S. military strike against Iran and [is] urging the U.S. not to do it, warning that such action could lead to regional instability and disrupt oil markets, said a Saudi diplomat, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive talks. The kingdom was a longtime Iranian adversary but has spent the past few years trying to de-escalate tensions with the leadership in Tehran. Saudi Arabia would not participate in any military action on Iran and wouldnt allow U.S. forces to use Saudi territory or airspace against Iran, the diplomat said. Hakan Fidan, the foreign minister of Turkey, which borders Iran, told reporters Thursday that his government was against military intervention while seeming to downplay the nature of the protests, saying they were due to economic hardship rather than ideological unrest. Rights groups say the demonstrations sparked by the countrys dire economic state - many of which have called for the end of Irans clerical regime - have dissipated over the past week, mainly because of the ferocity of the crackdown. Iran is still expecting a U.S. strike at any minute, Amir Mousawi, a former Iranian diplomat who is based in Iraq, said in an interview Thursday. Tehran has informed eight regional countries home to U.S. bases and assets that they will be targeted if their territory is used to assist a U.S. strike, he said, adding that any attacks would be directly carried out by Iran rather than its regional proxies. Iran said it is capable by itself, he said. Morris reported from Baghdad. Yeganeh Torbati and Mustafa Salim in Baghdad contributed to this report. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth finishes installing a Department of War plaque at the Pentagon's main entrance Nov. 13, 2025. (Madelyn Keech/U.S. Air Force) WASHINGTON The cost to implement the Department of War name change ranges from $10 million to $125 million, but it could rise to hundreds of millions, the Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday. The CBO assesses that making the change could be a few million dollars for modest implementation if it occurred within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, to increasingly higher levels for a full-scale adoption. CBOs estimate is uncertain because [the Defense Department] has not provided information about how it plans to implement the order, the budget office wrote in an 11-page letter. Costs would be at least a few million dollars if [the Defense Department] phased in a minimal implementation, but they could be as large as $125 million if the name change was implemented broadly and rapidly throughout the department. A statutory renaming could cost hundreds of millions of dollars depending on how Congress and [the Defense Department] chose to implement the change. President Donald Trump in September signed an executive order instructing the Pentagon to begin using the name Department of War in official communications and to pursue actions that would permanently rename the Defense Department. The secondary title has not been approved by Congress. The departments website, social media accounts and some signage at the Pentagon have since been changed to reflect the renaming. In November, a new Department of War plaque was installed at the Pentagons main entrance for visiting VIPs. The department did not provide a cost at the time. NBC News reported the cost could be as high as $2 billion. The intensity of adopting the name change could range from very minor changes in letterhead and signs at the highest level to full-scale adoption throughout each organization, including changes to all name badges, parking permits, challenge coins, and promotional items, such as jackets and shirts, the CBO letter says. A group of Senate Democrats in September called for a formal cost assessment of the presidents order. Ten senators asked the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, or CBO, to come up with a price tag for adopting the new name, including the cost of changing signage, stationery and other department materials. Simply put: Trump does not have the authority to rename DOD without an act of Congress, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., who led the charge to get the review, said in a statement. This move is performative government at its worst and does nothing to advance national security or help service members and their families. The final figure would likely hinge on the extent of replacement for signage, letterhead, name plates and digital coding related to the departments many websites. Quick Read KMLM delivered just 2.5% total return over the past year while the S&P 500 returned nearly eight times more. The funds distributions stem from futures trading gains and fluctuate wildly based on market trends rather than stable dividend payments. DBMF offers a larger alternative with $2B in assets versus KMLMs $170M and simpler 1099 tax reporting instead of K-1 forms. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here. The KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF (NYSEARCA:KMLM) offers a 5% dividend yield based on its most recent annual distribution. However, investors considering this ETF for income should understand the dividend's headline number masks significant instability and disappointing total returns. How KMLM Generates Income KMLM doesn't generate income like traditional dividend ETFs. It tracks the KFA Mount Lucas Index through a trend-following managed futures strategy investing in 22 futures contracts across commodities, currencies, and global fixed income markets. Distributions represent trading gains from futures positions, not dividend payments from stocks. When the strategy captures price trends, it generates profits distributed to shareholders. When trends reverse or markets remain range-bound, distributions plummet. The fund's dividend history reveals extreme instability that undermines its appeal as an income investment. Last December's distribution surged compared to the prior year, yet remained far below the 2022 peak when commodity trends were exceptionally strong. This volatility stems from the fund's reliance on capturing price trends in futures markets. When trends reverse, distributions collapse. The Total Return Reality Check The 5% yield headline masks disappointing performance when examining total returns. Over the past year, KMLM delivered just 2.5% when combining dividends with price changes. This weak performance stems from the fund's reliance on capturing futures market trends, which failed to materialize consistently. The result: distributions barely compensated for capital losses as the strategy struggled in range-bound markets. Traditional equity exposure would have served investors far better. The S&P 500 delivered nearly eight times KMLM's return over the past year, demonstrating the substantial opportunity cost of choosing managed futures for income. This performance gap persists over longer periods, highlighting how KMLM's crisis-hedging design conflicts with its use as an income vehicle. A U.S. Air Force crew chief guides in an F-22 Raptor following military actions in Venezuela in support of Operation Absolute Resolve on Jan. 3, 2026, in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. (Katelynn Jackson/U.S. Air Force) WASHINGTON Republicans in the Senate blocked a war powers resolution on Wednesday that would have forced President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval for any U.S. military action related to Venezuela. Vice President JD Vance provided a tie-breaking vote to use a procedural move to effectively kill the resolution after five Republicans joined all Democrats last week to advance the measure in a rare bipartisan rebuke of the White House. Trump had condemned the Republicans on social media, saying they should never be elected to office again and accused them of undermining national security and impeding his authority as commander-in-chief. Administration officials and Republican leaders had in recent days been lobbying the five senators to change their votes. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, one of the Republicans who broke with Trump last week, said he changed his stance Wednesday after receiving assurances from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the administration will not put ground troops in Venezuela. What the Secretary of State said to me, very clearly, is were not doing that we dont have ground troops in Venezuela, this is not another Iraq, were not going to occupy Venezuela, Hawley said. And you know what? Thats good enough for me. Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., also flipped his vote from last week, explaining that the administration had committed to seeking congressional authorization for any future major military operations in Venezuela. Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who co-sponsored the measure, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska maintained their support for the resolution. Republican leaders argued Wednesday that the measure was irrelevant and no longer needed because there were no boots on the ground in Venezuela and the military operation that removed the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro, was over. The U.S. is not currently engaged in hostilities in or against Venezuela, said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. Were not currently conducting military operations there. The Democrats are taking up this bill because their anti-Trump hysteria knows no bounds. He said it was pretty clear that the lack of hostilities meant the measure should not come up for a vote. Democrats countered that the Trump administration was continuing to use military force against Venezuela, pointing to the large naval presence still operating in the Caribbean. Trump said the U.S. may be involved in Venezuela for years to come and has not ruled out deploying troops to the country. Everything thats being done to control Venezuela, its politics and its economy are being facilitated by the United States military, said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a lead sponsor of the resolution. The boat strikes of Venezuelan boats in international waters is still being carried out by the United States military. The United States military is engaged in a naval blockade of Venezuela, transit out and transit in. Paul said the administration has offered differing legal opinions about its operations in Venezuela and told lawmakers that a determination of whether the actions amounted to war could only be made after their scope, extent and duration, including casualties, were known. This, to me, is an absurdity. It is logic that runs in circles, Paul said. The reason the Founding Fathers gave this power to the legislature is because they wanted to make war less frequent, they wanted to make war hard to initiate, they wanted to see war more as a defensive notion, not as an offensive enterprise. The Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war. The war powers resolution, also led by Democrats Adam Schiff of California and Chuck Schumer of New York, would have directed the removal of United States armed forces from hostilities within or against Venezuela that have not been authorized by Congress. Its future in the House, which previously rejected two similar measures, was uncertain. Even if the measure passed both chambers of Congress, Trump was expected to almost certainly veto it. Sheepdog tells the story of a veterans journey to reclaim purpose after military service, exploring themes of healing, redemption, and post-traumatic growth, while also confronting the harsh realities of veteran suicide and homelessness. The film releases to theaters nationwide on Jan. 16, 2025. (Sheepdog) Filmmaker Steven Grayhms journey began in 2011, when his car broke down on the side of the road on his way to Los Angeles. When a local tow truck company came to his aid, the driver a military veteran picked up Grayhm and his car and hauled them to Los Angeles. During the three-hour ride, the veteran shared personal stories about his family struggles and the medications tied to multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. I cant believe Im telling you this. I havent told my wife this. I havent even spoken to a therapist. Those words, spoken by the veteran, left a lasting impression and started Grayhm on a nationwide road trip to find other veterans with similar experiences. It was easier for that veteran to speak to a complete stranger and share his story than it was to his own family or his community, Grayhm said. Over the next 12 years, Grayhm spoke with veterans and their families across the country, gathering the stories that would become the foundation for his film, Sheepdog, which releases to theaters nationwide on Friday. Sheepdog tells the story of a veterans journey to reclaim purpose years after his military service. It explores healing, redemption and growth, and it confronts the harsh realities of veteran suicide and homelessness. The film opens with a quote by Army Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, Im a sheepdog. I live to protect the flock and confront the wolf, that sets the tone by emphasizing duty, loyalty and the instinct to protect others by facing danger. Sheepdog is not a post-traumatic stress movie; its a post-traumatic growth movie, said Grayhm, who wrote, directed and starred in the film. I thought it was really important to take the audience to those dark places to show whats at stake, and to fully understand the journey (post-service). The film also stars Dominic Fumusa, Virginia Madsen, Vondie Curtis Hall, Lilli Cooper and Matt Dallas, who portray characters inspired by real veterans and their stories. SAG award nominee Dominic Fumusa in Sheepdog, a film about a veterans journey to reclaim purpose after military service, exploring themes of healing, redemption, and post-traumatic growth, while also confronting the harsh realities of veteran suicide and homelessness. The film releases to theaters nationwide on Jan. 16, 2025. (Sheepdog) If we could just touch one veteran, save one veterans life with this movie, it would be a success, Fumusa said. But Sheepdog doesnt focus only on veterans it also shines a light on the medical professionals and therapists who dedicate their lives to helping them heal. Grayhm spent months doing research at VA medical centers across the country, observing therapy sessions, PTSD orientation classes and treatments such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) all of which are depicted in the film. Director Steven Grayhm in Sheepdog, a film about a veterans journey to reclaim purpose after military service, exploring themes of healing, redemption, and post-traumatic growth, while also confronting the harsh realities of veteran suicide and homelessness. The film releases to theaters nationwide on Jan. 16, 2025. (Sheepdog) Theres a myriad of different therapies and techniques, and I just wanted to be very responsible with what I put into the film based on what I saw and its efficacy that I know was proven to help, Grayhm said. The film also highlights the dedication of a VA worker, inspired by a real person Grayhm met during his research. Those (VA workers) are the unsung heroes that are going to work every day just trying to make a difference, Grayhm said. There are people that show up every day, not getting rich doing it, that truly want to make a difference, and are. Academy Award nominee Virginia Madsen hugs Director Steven Grayhm in Sheepdog, a film about a veterans journey to reclaim purpose after military service, exploring themes of healing, redemption, and post-traumatic growth, while also confronting the harsh realities of veteran suicide and homelessness. The film releases to theaters nationwide on Jan. 16, 2025. (Sheepdog) Sheepdog also explores the experiences of families and spouses, highlighting how they navigate the emotional challenges of supporting loved ones coping with PTSD, trauma and reintegration into civilian life. We get frustrated with those we love because we know they need help, Fumusa said. You can only do so much. For so many people, the challenge is figuring out how to address what our veterans have gone through, and how we can lead each other to a place of healing and support. Grayhm hopes the film inspires reconnection and understanding for veterans and their families. For civilians, he sees it as a call to action to take the time to have a real conversation with a veteran, check in on how theyre doing and invite them to share their experiences. We hope the message of the film transcends and reaches all the people that need it most, Grayhm said. Equipment finance insurance specialist Acquis has expanded its partnership with Xerox Financial Services France (XFS), the companies said in a joint press release. The collaboration, which began in the UK in 2014, now extends to the French market. Under the agreement, Acquis will provide XFS customers in France with its Amplio pre-sales insurance solution, which offers integrated insurance coverage designed for professional equipment finance. The partnership brings the collaboration between Acquis and Xerox Financial Services to 12 European markets. It is intended to provide clients with insurance integrated directly into finance agreements, clear summaries of cover, and faster claims handling. Matthew Woodhouse, SVP Revenue EMEA at Xerox Financial Services, said the arrangement reflects our commitment to offering clients more comprehensive and transparent solutions and noted that the companies aim to simplify management and insurance coverage to suit client needs. Frederic Guez, Regional Manager France & Benelux for Acquis, described the partnership as aligned with Acquiss strategy of working with partners such as XFS to provide innovative insurance solutions tailored to the needs of businesses. For Acquis, the expansion strengthens its presence in France, a priority growth market. The agreement also allows Xerox Financial Services to gain enhanced visibility into programme performance, supported by detailed reporting and more efficient insurance management. See Paris foothold signals Acquis next phase of European growth "Acquis expands partnership with Xerox FS into France" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. Low grain prices, increasing input costs, and solid cattle prices are prompting producers to evaluate crop production systems and consider how greater integration of cattle grazing could improve profitability. Nebraska Extension, together with the Nebraska Grazing Lands Coalition, will host sessions on January 19 through 21 at 4 p.m. MT at three locations in the Panhandle. The Sidney session will take place at the South Platte NRD, 551 Parkland Drive, from 4 to 7 p.m., with dinner served. The evening will begin with a presentation by Doug Landblom and conclude with a panel of local producers who will discuss how they are incorporating annual forages and cattle grazing into their operations. Landblom, a Beef Cattle Specialist at the Dickinson Research Extension Center, has worked for 15 years as part of an integrated research team examining crop rotations that utilize forages and grazing within a spring wheat cropping system. Their findings compare the diverse rotation to a traditional continuous spring wheat system, evaluating soil quality and overall profitability. Topics will include: Grazing diverse annual forages in cropping systems with yearling steers to capture additional pounds of gain before feedlot entry. Steers in this system weigh more than 1,000 pounds when entering the feedyard. Direct grazing annual forage grain, legume, mixed crops, and cover crops, such as a field pea and forage barley mix and standing corn late summer and fall, followed by cover crops with yearling steers. This approach increased steer entry weights and reduced feedlot days, improving net return. Integrating legumes as a component of cropping systems to fix nitrogen for subsequent crops. Bale grazing and swath grazing as winter feeding methods to reduce equipment and labor expenses. Each event will include supper followed by a producer panel featuring area operators who are using annual forages with cattle grazing in their cropping systems. The cost is $20 per person, and preregistration is requested one week ahead of each meeting for meal planning. To register, contact the host at each location: Jan. 19 Country Kitchen in Chadron, Brock Ortner, email [email protected] or call 308-327-2312 Jan. 20 UNL Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff, Aaron Berger, email [email protected] or call 308-235-3122 Jan. 21 South Platte NRD in Sidney, Aaron Berger, email [email protected] or call 308-235-3122 SIDNEY - The final defendant in a case stemming from a high-speed chase and rollover accident, Richard Martinez, was sentenced by District Judge Derek Weimer on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, closing the case. Martinez had originally been scheduled for a pre-trial hearing, but his acceptance of a plea agreement changed the court proceedings. He was charged with a single count of possession of a stolen firearm, a Class 2A felony, instead of the original charges, which included three counts of possession of a stolen firearm and four counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, listed as a Class ID felony. Martinez was sentenced to 253 days in prison, with credit for 253 days already served. Judge Weimer noted in court that while Martinez would not serve additional time for this case, he would be returned to South Dakota to face other pending charges. The case dates back to late April 2025, when Martinez, along with Akicita Fast Horse and Edgar Bear Runner, was stopped by Nebraska State Patrol officers while speeding. The driver, identified as Bear Runner, refused to pull over and attempted to flee, ultimately causing the truck to roll into a ditch and eject Fast Horse from the vehicle, according to court records. Fast Horse was the first to be sentenced on October 2, 2025. He had been charged with two counts of possession of a stolen firearm and received a sentence of one to three years in prison, with credit for 157 days already served. Bear Runner was sentenced on November 12, 2025. He faced charges of attempted possession of a firearm by a prohibited person (Class 2 felony), possession of a stolen firearm, and operating a motor vehicle to evade arrest (Class 4 felony). He received concurrent sentences of three to five years for the first two charges and a consecutive term of one to two years for the third, with credit for 198 days previously served. With Martinez's sentencing, all three defendants have now received their sentences in connection with the April 2025 high-speed chase and rollover incident. The Depot to mark its grand opening with a community celebration, involvement Potter will shine a spotlight on local talent and regional ingredients on January 19 as The Depot opens its doors for a community celebration from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The public is invited to walk through the building, meet the producers, and see how a variety of Nebraska businesses are coming together in one shared space. The Depot offers a general store atmosphere combined with working areas that support small businesses. Visitors will find an in-house bakery, a commercial kitchen available for rent, and room for entrepreneurs who want a presence in Potter. To introduce these features, the grand opening will center on a Local Producer Showcase built around the creation of a Western Nebraska sandwich. Rather than a restaurant item, the sandwich will be presented as a way to highlight the producers, ingredients, and services that make up the new business. Bloom and Bake Market, the resident bakery, will prepare the bread using stone-milled flour from Grand Republic Milling. The Western Nebraska milling operation is known for traditional methods and flour made without additives. Chef Tyler Miller of First Response Meat Co. is preparing the sandwich filling, using all-natural ranch-to-table beef from Lukassen Cattle Company to demonstrate how local food operations can use The Depots kitchen for production and collaboration. Locally sourced potatoes will also play a part in the showcase. They will be cooked at the Potter Sundry in Nebraska-made beef tallow from Jacobson of Nebraska, offering visitors a look at traditional cooking fats that come directly from within the region. Bottled mineral salt from 308 Salt will also be available through The Depot, adding another example of simple, minimally processed ingredients produced in Nebraska. Along with food, The Depot plans to carry a year-round assortment of goods. Items will include Primrose Oil Company products, Inukshuk dog food, Hestra gloves, and a growing selection of local offerings. The building will also provide flexible satellite office and pop-up space for businesses that want a part-time presence in Potter. This option is designed to help businesses try out the market and connect with customers without the need for a full-time storefront. Owner Drew Enevoldsen said the goal of the event is to show how the model works. He explained that The Depot is not a restaurant, but a place where producers, ingredients, and services come together to support business activity and opportunity in rural Nebraska. The community is encouraged to attend the January 19 celebration, explore the space, meet the people behind the products, and see how The Depot hopes to serve Western Nebraska now and into the future. The City of Sidney has introduced a new effort aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening the community's economic foundation. The Sidney Small Business Advancement Program is designed to encourage growth, assist with job creation and retention, and provide professional support to small businesses throughout the community. Modeled after the Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act, the program provides financial assistance and access to business services that many small businesses might otherwise struggle to afford. City officials hope this focused approach will help foster a resilient and diverse local economy. The program is funded annually with a total cap of 100,000 dollars. This budget enables the city to maintain support for multiple businesses while upholding fiscal responsibility. The cap may be reviewed each year depending on economic conditions, the number of applicants, and available resources. Because it is a competitive program, it is intended to highlight businesses that are working to create or retain jobs in Sidney. The Sidney Small Business Advancement Program aims to support the development and expansion of small businesses, stimulate job growth, maintain existing employment levels, and encourage both job creation and job retention. It also provides access to essential professional services and supports long-term economic stability. To address concerns that the program could unintentionally become a source of ongoing payroll support, officials have structured it to be competitive with a deliberately modest budget cap. The program includes three categories of assistance: Professional Services Grant This grant offers up to $5000 per business and helps cover essential professional services. Eligible uses include business planning, accounting, legal support, marketing strategies, website development, and help with forming a business entity such as an LLC or corporation. Businesses must be located within Sidney city limits and employ at least one but no more than five full-time equivalent employees at the time of application. Recipients must commit to creating or retaining at least one job within twelve months, with wages meeting or exceeding the Nebraska minimum wage or the regional prevailing wage. Startup Business Grant Startups less than two years old may apply for awards of up to 15000 dollars. Funds may be used for equipment, leasehold improvements, initial inventory, or other costs linked directly to job creation. Applicants must create at least one new full-time position in the first year. They must also explain how the funding would positively affect the community and identify how the grant would work alongside any other financing already in place. Existing Business Expansion Forgivable Loan Existing businesses that have operated for at least two years may request up to 10000 dollars to expand operations or retain positions. Applicants must either create one new job or show how the loan will help retain two existing positions. All three incentive types are also available to businesses undergoing ownership transition. All recipients must submit a job creation or retention plan that explains how the funds will lead to new or sustained employment. Quarterly employment reports are required during the first year. If a business does not meet its job goals, the award may convert into a two percent interest loan or require partial repayment based on job performance. Applicants must provide a business summary, three-year financial projections, a job creation or retention plan, and an itemized description of how funds would be used. Applications are accepted continuously, but reviews take place two times each year. For the spring cycle, applications submitted by March 1 will receive decisions by May 1. If additional documentation is needed, applicants have until April 1 to submit it. Those who provide complete applications on the first submission are reviewed first. For the fall cycle, applications submitted by September 1 will receive decisions by December 1. If more information is required, applicants have until November 1 to provide it, with fully complete applications again reviewed first. After review by the Sidney Economic Development Advisory Committee, applications recommended for approval will be forwarded to the Sidney City Council for final approval. Priority will go to applicants who show realistic financial planning, strong market understanding, and meaningful job impact. Once approved, recipients will enter into an agreement outlining terms, commitments, and reporting requirements. Funds are disbursed after the agreement is signed. City officials emphasize that submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Program administration and accountability The Sidney Economic Development Advisory Committee will oversee the program. Participating business owners will also work with E3 for business counseling, financial management support, and mentorship. Each year, the city will publish a report summarizing the number of businesses supported, total funds awarded, jobs created or retained, and other economic impact measures. Based on this information, the city may adjust program structure or the annual funding cap. Program accountability reports will follow each fall cycle. Non-compliance and repayment Businesses must comply with all requirements outlined in their agreements. Failure to meet job goals or reporting requirements may result in repayment. If no job creation or retention occurs, the entire award may need to be repaid. The city may also take legal action if repayment obligations are not fulfilled. Businesses that fail to comply may be ineligible for future incentives for up to three years. In cases of hardship beyond a business owner's control, the Sidney Economic Development Advisory Committee may review the situation and consider appeals. Adjustments or exceptions may be made when appropriate. The Sidney Small Business Advancement Program represents a significant effort to support local entrepreneurs and strengthen the economic future of the community. By encouraging growth while holding businesses accountable, Sidney hopes to build a thriving environment for both new and existing businesses. Thursday, 15 January 2026, 10:52 Share Andalusian regional minister of health Antonio Sanz has announced that Andalucia has broken the "all-time record" for the number of people vaccinated against flu in a single campaign. Since the vaccination campaign began on 30 September, 1,903,244 people have received the flu vaccine in Andalucia, beating the record of 1,902,719 in the 2022-2023 campaign. While satisfied with this data, Sanz reminded the population that the campaign is still ongoing, given that the risk of contagion of acute respiratory infections (ARI) remains high. He warned that "incidence rates are still at epidemic levels". The incidence rate of ARI in Andalucia has increased in the last week, from 286.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the first week of January to 307.7 in the Three Kings' week. In contrast, the flu rate is steadily dropping, from 37.8 in the first week of the year to 32.4 in the second. By provinces, the flu rate was 17.2 per 100,000 inhabitants in Almeria in the second week (18.8 in the first); 39.2 in Cadiz, (44.6); 35.1 in Cordoba (42.2); 29.8 in Granada (33.5); 38.8 in Huelva (40.9); 28.1 in Jaen (38.4); 28.5 in Malaga (35.4); and 44.2 in Seville (48.5). Incidence rates by province As for the incidence of acute respiratory infections as a whole by province, there has been a rise in Almeria (from 201.1 to 271.8), Cordoba (from 261.3 to 252.5), Granada (from 221.3 to 276.2), Huelva (from 240.6 to 266.9), Jaen (from 335 to 370.9), in Malaga (from 227.1 to 254) and Seville (from 317.7 to 318). The only province that has achieved a slight decrease has been Cadiz, going from 419.6 to 416.7. The regional minister took the opportunity to thank healthcare professionals, especially nurses, "for their efforts to ensure that the majority of the target population is protected against respiratory viruses" with the flu and coronavirus vaccines, the latter of which has already been administered to 772,741 Andalusians. In addition, 43,832 babies have been immunised against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the main cause of bronchiolitis. These babies represent 94.6% of the target population. By provinces, 153,688 people have been vaccinated against flu and 54,681 against coronavirus in Almeria; 239,763 and 93,926, respectively, in Cadiz; 200,694 and 76,679 in Cordoba; 236.106 and 94,502 in Granada; 105,329 and 42,682 in Huelva; 177,446 and 62,439 in Jaen; 344,756 and 139,079 in Malaga; and 445,462 and 208,753 in Seville. Likewise, 4,500 children under six months of age have been immunised against RSV in Almeria, which means that 94% coverage among all children born since 1 April has been achieved; 5.406 (95%) in Cadiz; 3,755 (95.6%) in Cordoba; 4,716 (94.4%) in Granada; 2,499 (95.9%) in Huelva; 2,905 (96.5%) in Jaen; 7,715 (92%) in Malaga and 10,090 (95.3%) in Seville. Finally, Sanz, who reiterated that "the vaccine is effective, safe and free", once again urged people in some of the target groups (children from six to 59 months of age, over-60s, under-60s with previous pathologies, pregnant women and health and social-health professionals) to get vaccinated if they still haven't. Appointments can be made through the usual channels (Salud Responde) or in person at the local health centre. In addition, several vaccination points in every city provide vaccination without prior appointment to target groups on Wednesdays. Vaccination points On Wednesday, 14 January, there were 357 walk-in vaccination points in Andalucia, of which 294 were open in the afternoon. By provinces, Almeria had 23 walk-in vaccination points, of which 20 were open in the afternoon; Cadiz, 68, with 48 open in the afternoon; Cordoba, 35, with 14 open in the afternoon; Granada, 21, all open in the afternoon; Huelva, 18, all open in the afternoon; Jaen, 40, of which 36 were open in the afternoon; Malaga, 79, of which 64 were open in the afternoon; and Seville, 73, of which all were open in the afternoon. The complete list of Wednesday vaccination points and their opening hours can be consulted at this link. Ignacio Lillo Thursday, 15 January 2026, 15:41 Share After a short break with normal Malaga temperatures, a new low-pressure system is expected to arrive in the province on Thursday night, bringing rainfall to the interior and mountainous areas. According to state meteorological agency Aemet, the front will pass across the entire province on Friday. "Rainfall is expected, initially light but possibly moderate in some areas," Aemet director Jesus Riesco has forecast. The areas with the highest downfalls will be the Serrania de Ronda and the western part of the coast, closest to the Strait of Gibraltar: from Marbella to Estepona and Manilva and in the foothills of Los Reales de Sierra Bermeja. COLD WEEKEND A mass of cold polar air will move into the province at the weekend. "At the moment, it's like a low-pressure system that is descending in the form of a trough at high altitude," Riesco said. As a result, temperatures will be significantly lower: if on Thursday and Friday the maximum in Malaga city is 18C, on Saturday it will drop to 16C and on Sunday to 13C (the coldest day of the week). The good news is that it will be a brief episode. On Monday, temperatures will rise again to 16-17C. If maximum values right now are slightly above normal (around 18C, when the historical average is 17C), the situation will be reversed on Saturday and Sunday, with temperatures falling below normal. The sharpest drop in the interior of the province will be felt on Saturday, with a maximum of 9-10C in Ronda and the Antequera district. Meanwhile, nighttime temperatures will remain at 1-2C throughout the weekend. MEDITERRANEAN CYCLOGENESIS In turn, this low pressure system will become isolated from Sunday onwards, when it will move southwards to position itself over Algeria. This will give rise to a "Mediterranean cyclogenesis", i.e. the formation of a powerful storm, but one that will only affect the province indirectly. "At the moment, it looks far away enough that in the first few days of next week there will be little or no rain, so it probably won't affect us much," Aemet's predictions say. Therefore, rain is unlikely in Malaga on Saturday, although there may be light precipitation on Sunday. The heaviest rainfall is expected on the eastern side of mainland Spain, i.e. in Murcia and Valencia. POSSIBLE SNOWFALL According to SUR's weather expert Jose Luis Escudero, there may be another meteorological phenomenon in the province this Sunday: snow. While he agrees that there will be rainfall across the province on Friday, if it rains over the weekend, there could be a snow level as low as 900-metre altitudes due to the mass of cold air. A white blanked could be seen once again in places such as El Torcal. "For that to happen, of course, there has to be precipitation; otherwise, there will be no snow," he says. Cristina Vallejo Thursday, 15 January 2026, 16:43 Share Malaga is the Andalusian province with the highest number of companies registered with social security. This milestone has been achieved in the past five years, because that was not the case at the end of the first year of the pandemic, when Seville narrowly surpassed it in December 2020 (53,130 companies in Malaga compared to 53,413 in Seville). A year ago, Malaga's productive fabric already consisted of 58,255 companies, exceeding Seville's 56,547. At the end of 2025, there were 59,552, again above Seville's 57,265, as updated on Wednesday by the Andalusian institute of statistics and cartography (IECA). The Costa del Sol province is therefore consolidating its position as the province with the largest number of companies, followed by Seville, Cadiz, Jaen, Almeria, Cordoba and Huelva, in that order. These figures show that the growth rate of companies in Malaga is much higher than that recorded for Andalucia as a whole. While the Andalusian productive fabric grew by 0.7% in 2025, to a total of 270,842 companies, Malaga's grew by 2.23%, i.e. three times more, to the aforementioned 59,552 companies. No other province achieved this rate of growth. Seville followed, but far behind, with an increase of 1.27%. There were three Andalusian provinces where the number of companies declined despite the general economic growth last year: Jaen, which suffered a 1% drop to 31,289; Almeria (a 0.7% drop to 30,445 companies); and Cordoba (a 0.07% decline to 28,088). If we broaden our focus to the last five years, looking at how the number of companies registered with social security has changed between December 2020 and the end of 2025, the picture is very similar. At the end of last year, the productive fabric in Andalucia had grown by 5.56% compared to the year of the pandemic, while in Malaga the increase exceeded 12%. In this case, no other province matched Malaga's pace. The closest was Cadiz, where growth stood at 7.3%, with Seville trailing behind (7.2%). There is only one province where there were fewer companies in December 2025 than in 2020: Jaen, where the decline was 3.35%. This means that, while Malaga companies accounted for 20.7% of the total for Andalucia in 2020, by the end of 2025 they accounted for 22%. COMPANIES IN THE SERVICE SECTOR The data updated on Wednesday by the IECA also provides details by sector. The most important economic activity in Malaga is services: with 46,748 companies, it accounts for 78.5% of the total, compared to 65% in Andalucia as a whole. Service-sector companies in the province have grown by 1.8% over the past year and by 13.8% over the last five years, compared with increases of 0.75% and 8.7%, respectively, at regional level. This gap is partly explained by stronger performance in retail trade, the largest subsector, with 11,700 companies in Malaga, where numbers have held steady, unlike the decline seen across Andalucia. Malaga also stands out in three other activities compared with the rest of the region. First is transport and storage, where the number of companies rose by 8% over the past year (compared with 3% in Andalucia), reaching 3,526 companies. Over the last five years, growth in the province has reached 59%, versus 18% at regional level. Second is information and communications, which grew by 6% in 2025 (3% in Andalucia) and by 33% since 2020, compared with a regional increase of 15%. A similar pattern can be seen in professional, scientific and technical activities, which have expanded by 14% over the past five years, 5% more than in Andalucia as a whole. The hospitality subsector, the second most important in services after commerce, is growing in Malaga at a similar rate to that recorded in Andalucia as a whole: rates of around 1.5% in the last financial year and 17% in five years. COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR After the diverse service sector, the second most abundant in the province of Malaga is construction, with nearly 7,000 companies in total, a figure that represents growth of 4.2% in the last year (compared to 2.67% in Andalucia) and almost 25% since 2020, when expansion in Andalucia was limited to 18.7%. Once again, the Costa del Sol province is the fastest growing in the entire region. Furthermore, this is the activity that has seen the greatest increase in the number of companies in the province of Malaga over the last five years. COMPANIES IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR Rates change when we look at industry. Here, the 2,605 companies at the end of 2025 are surpassed by the more than 4,000 in Seville. Malaga also doesn't lead the way in growth in this activity, surpassed by Huelva (highest year-on-year growth) and Seville (highest growth over five years). The Costa del Sol has at least managed to keep its number of industrial companies from dropping, maintaining it at an almost unchanged figure over the past five years, compared to a drop of around 1% in Andalucia as a whole. In fact, in all Andalusian provinces, except Malaga and Seville, there are fewer industrial companies today than five years ago. COMPANIES IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR Malaga is also not the leading province in terms of the number of companies in the agricultural sector. The 3,251 companies it has are way below the 16,700 companies in Jaen and the more than 11,700 in Almeria, Cordoba and Seville. Only Cadiz and Huelva are behind. In terms of growth, although Malaga has somewhat recovered over the last year, with an increase of 5.72% (compared to a minimal decline of 0.04% in the region as a whole), it has still suffered a decline of 16.5% over the past five years - the largest drop in Andalucia. Only Almeria has escaped the contraction in the sector since 2020. LARGER COMPANIES ARE ALSO GROWING MORE IN MALAGA, ALTHOUGH THEIR NUMBER STILL LAGS BEHIND SEVILLE The productive fabric of Malaga, as well as that of Spain as a whole, is characterised by small businesses. In fact, of the nearly 60,000 companies that make up the province, almost 31,000, more than half, have between one and two employees. The second most abundant segment is that of companies with between three and five employees, with more than 13,200. However, little by little, the number of companies with 100 or more employees is growing. In Malaga in particular, it is growing faster than in Andalucia as a whole. At the end of 2020, there were 284 companies with between 100 and 249 employees in Malaga, compared to 400 in 2025, representing an increase of 40%. This is not only 10% higher than the growth recorded in Andalucia as a whole (where the number has risen from 1,208 to 1,574), but also the highest among all Andalusian provinces. Seville, with 479, leads this ranking. If we move up to the next level, to companies with 250 or more employees, there were 186 in Malaga at the end of last year, representing an increase of 46% compared to 2020. Once again, this growth is higher than that of Andalucia as a whole (although behind the 56% recorded in Granada), which stands at 33%, with 867. Once again, Seville is the province with the most companies of this size, ahead of Malaga, with 245. Paco Grinan Malaga Thursday, 15 January 2026, 15:56 Share The latest gem of Malaga's animation scene is called Homework - a 16-minute short film that feels like a true Disney production, which is why it is not surprising that Disney+ has picked it up for streaming. Created by studio Naolito, Homework might remind viewers of one of the most beloved animated feature films - Toy Story. Instead of toys, though, the short film's main characters are a pencil, an eraser and other school supply tools that come to life when students go home and leave them unsupervised in the classroom. The quality of the images and the endearing humour have conquered festivals all over the world. Homework has won 19 national and international awards. "It's a milestone to place an independent, locally based studio like Naolito on the world's animation stage," founder and soul of the production company Nacho Arjona says. Based in Polo Digital in Malaga, Naolito mostly works in digital animation and viral campaigns. The leap to the big screen was made three years ago, with the help of crowdfunding. Although the idea was to produce Homework in six months, it took Arjona and his team two years to actually finish it. The ambition proved harder to achieve, but the film is already available in more than 130 million homes through Disney+. The film has proved to be so successful, that Disney has offered Naolito a four-year collaboration contract. Indeed, the key to this small step for Disney but giant for the Malaga-based production company has been Homework which, without dialogue, narrates the confrontation between a pencil that leaves its mark when walking and an eraser that cannot stop itself from erasing everything it touches when it tries to play with the pencil. From this impossible relationship arises a charming story, also populated by an array of delightful secondary characters, such as the phosphorescent marker pen turned into a traffic sign, the multi-purpose sticky paper or the poster as a carrier of ingenious messages in the style of silent films - all inanimate objects that come to life with human characteristics. Unexpected but well-deserved awards "Homework has performed so well because, at the moment, animation is mostly for adults. Suddenly, we come along with a humorous story for the whole family and with a message and they tell us it's different because we make them laugh," Arjona says. Arjona started the studio from scratch, initially online, by posting his drawings on Instagram. He now has more than a dozen animators, illustrators, 3D technicians, special effects experts, composers and sound designers on his team. Arjona says that what gave them the kick towards Disney was the Malaga festival, where Homework gained insurmountable recognition. It was the new discovery in the Animazine category of 2024. "We presented it to the festival and already felt rewarded when they selected us. But then we won the audience award and the jury's best short film and we asked ourselves: where is the hidden camera?" he says. Arjona and his team then saw how their endearing short film was selected in more than a hundred festivals, from the US to Taiwan, at the same time that it received 19 awards. The agreement with Disney+ has allowed Homework to reach an audience never imagined by this independent studio from Malaga. Although they have not offered a lot of details, the Naolito team are currently finalising their new film project - A Day in the West, which will be released soon. Keep an eye out. Europa Press Thursday, 15 January 2026, 17:28 Share Customs officials from the AEAT (Spain's state tax authority), in a joint operation with the Guardia Civil and the National Police, have dismantled three criminal organisations linked to the 'Balkan Cartel'. They have taken down the entire infrastructure used by the gangs to smuggle large quantities of cocaine from Colombia into Spain hidden on container ships, and then retrieving their haul by force. According to a statement from the AEAT, 30 people have been arrested and 19 searches conducted in which more than 2,475 kilos of cocaine, over 166,000 euros in cash, jewellery and watches worth 100,000 euros, eight high-end vehicles, war-grade weapons, 215 fuel canisters, various nautical equipment and ladders used by the hijackers, as well as geolocation devices, have been seized. Similarly, real estate assets worth nearly five million euros and four virtual cryptocurrency wallets have been frozen. Where it all started: Mijas, 2024 The investigation began after the seizure of 88 kilos of cocaine hidden inside a vehicle in the Malaga town of Mijas in October 2024. Investigators were then able to uncover the existence of three criminal organisations dedicated to smuggling drugs into Spain. One of them was linked to the 'Balkan Cartel' and owned the drugs, while another was made up of Colombian nationals who operated both in their country of origin and in Spain. According to the Spanish tax agency, the cocaine shipments were smuggled aboard container ships using the 'trepadores' (climber) technique. This drug-trafficking method consists of using young people from low-income families who are good swimmers to load the drugs onto the vessels while at sea. More than 2,475 kilos of cocaine, over 166,000 euros in cash, jewellery, watches, high-end vehicles and war-grade weapons have been seized. Later, members of the same organisation travelled to Spain with the intention of raiding the shipping containers by intercepting the vessels before they reached the Strait of Gibraltar. They relied on the logistical infrastructure provided by a third criminal organisation based in the Campo de Gibraltar area. In the middle of the same year, the crew of a ship bound for the port of Cadiz alerted the Spanish maritime rescue service to the presence of stowaways on deck, leading to the seizure of 1,355 kilos of cocaine hidden in a container. The ensuing investigation revealed that three men tasked with retrieving the drugs had returned hastily to their country. Shortly afterwards, according to the AEAT, another ship passing through Portuguese waters alerted the Portuguese authorities to the hijacking of the vessel by stowaways carrying weapons. They had managed to unload several bales hidden in a container, but the authorities were able to recover those narcotics from the criminal organisation. Based on the Costa del Sol In September and October, another drug shipment was made when three members of the Colombian organisation and two men belonging to the 'Balkan Cartel' cell based on the Costa del Sol, supported by the organisation in charge of providing the high-speed boats, were able to recover drugs from one of the containers using the 'drop-off' technique. This method consists of throwing the illegal merchandise from a cargo ship to be picked up by smaller vessels near the shores of the destination country. To achieve this, they first subdued the crew aboard the cargo ship and then extracted the drugs from inside the containers. They were armed and handled it like a military operation. The cocaine was then distributed across towns located in the Gulf of Cadiz, where it was kept hidden and finally transported by road to European countries. As the investigation progressed, it was possible to pinpoint the various storage facilities, leading to 19 raids and searches. This resulted in the seizure of 1,032 kilos of cocaine, eight high-end vehicles, war-grade weapons, 215 fuel canisters, various nautical equipment and ladders used for boarding, as well as GPS tracking devices. In total, 2,475 kilos of cocaine, over 166,000 euros in cash and also jewellery and watches worth 100,000 euros were seized, concluded the Spanish tax agency's statement. We came across a bearish thesis on Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. on Compounding Dividendss Substack by TJ Terwilliger. In this article, we will summarize the bears thesis on ARE. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc.'s share was trading at $54.64 as of January 13th. AREs trailing and forward P/E were 150.89 and 16.69 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. Top 5 Ivy League Colleges for Pre-Med Alexandria Real Estate Equities (ARE), long considered a reliable high-yield REIT, recently slashed its dividend by 45%, surprising many investors. The company, a premier landlord for the life science industry, owns large Mega Campuses in key innovation hubs like Boston, San Francisco, and San Diego, leasing to pharmaceutical giants such as Eli Lilly, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Moderna, as well as early-stage biotech firms and research divisions of universities. Despite a strong balance sheet and high-quality assets, Alexandrias concentration in life sciences has exposed it to a severe, structural downturn across the industry. Four major headwindstightening NIH funding, declining venture capital for startups, FDA leadership turnover and delayed approvals, and government pricing pressure on drugshave collectively strained the revenue prospects of its tenants, directly impacting rent collection. These challenges are compounded by a dramatic oversupply of lab space, which has grown 7.5 times since 2021 even as demand has dropped 60%, reducing projected cash flows by roughly 8.5% per building in 2026 and causing a nearly 30% expected decline in FFO. While Alexandrias core tenants remain operational, these structural pressures fundamentally reduce future earnings power, making the dividend cut necessary to preserve the balance sheet. This situation highlights the critical importance of evaluating industry-specific risks and the direct connection between tenant health and landlord performance, even for well-managed, high-quality REITs with seemingly strong financials. Previously, we covered a bullish thesis on Simon Property Group, Inc. (SPG) by David in April 2025, which highlighted its disciplined capital structure, strong free cash flow, strategic tenant mix, and rising dividends. The company's stock price has appreciated approximately by 24.53% since our coverage. This is because the thesis played out as SPG benefited from resilient retail operations. TJ Terwilliger shares a contrarian perspective on Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (ARE), emphasizing structural life science headwinds and a necessary dividend cut. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 31 hedge fund portfolios held ARE at the end of the third quarter which was 33 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of ARE 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. Cristina Vallejo Thursday, 15 January 2026, 16:36 Share Mansour Konte became the new 'hero of Sostoa' when, during the dreadful 'dana' storm in the autumn of 2024, he came to the aid of a young woman who had become paralysed with fear in the middle of a flash flood on Calle Heroe de Sostoa. He carried the woman to safety and also helped police remove floating waste containers from the road after torrential downpours. His good deed went viral, earning him recognition from the city council and then the honour of playing King Balthazar in the 2025 Three Kings parade. That epic story, which mirrors his own arrival in Malaga in October 2023 after a gruelling Atlantic crossing from his native city of Conakry in Guinea to the Canary Islands, has lost its lustre a year later. Last Christmas, it came to light that this young man, an asylum seeker, was living rough under a bridge in Malaga city after returning from Madrid, where he had gone after a job. A response from the city council to Con Malaga, to which SUR has had access, states that, upon learning of the young man's homeless situation, he was offered accommodation in the municipal shelter, where he stayed from 26 December until 7 January. This latter date is the day on which he was expelled from these facilities, along with other people housed there and with whom he had a fight that, according to the same sources, required police intervention. Following the expulsion, municipal sources report that the young man continues to receive support from the outreach teams of humanitarian organisations supporting the homeless ('sin techos'). This was not the first time in the past year that Mansour Konte had been to this shelter. After his heroic act and his transformation into King Balthazar in January 2025, he was found and first contacted by phone on 18 September by the outreach team, after it became known that he was sleeping rough in the western part of the city. The following day, staff went to him in person and accompanied him to the municipal shelter, where he was given accommodation. Days later, when the reception centre team interviewed him, Mansour told them that he was working in a warehouse whose schedule was not compatible with the shelter's operating hours. This clash led to him giving up his place there. Officers from the Sagunt National Police station immediately went to the scene and opened an investigation. Ignacio Cabanes Sagunt Thursday, 15 January 2026, 11:04 Share The National Police are investigating the death of a nine-year-old boy who took his own life in his father's house in the province of Valencia on Christmas Eve. The police ruled out homicide and the force's scientific unit has confirmed the death as suicide. Investigators have been focusing on whether the child had been induced by a third party on social media to take his own life. As SUR reported in an extensive report in December, there has been an increase in self-harming behaviour and suicides among minors and young people under the age of 20 at a national level. In the case of the province of Valencia, 57 young people up to the age of 20 have taken their own lives in the last decade, according to data from the institute of legal medicine of Valencia. In the past 13 years, there has only been one other death by suicide of a child under the age of ten. It is for this reason that the National Police have not closed the investigation or ruled out instigation by a third party. At the time of the boy's death, his father, the father's partner and a half-sister a few years older than the child were in the house. The Christmas Eve dinner passed normally, according to the testimonies gathered by the police, and nothing foreshadowed the tragic outcome. In fact, there had been no previous arguments, there were no problems with the child's academic performance at school, as far as the parents were aware, and the child went to bed like any other day, apparently excited about the presents he might receive. In the early hours of the morning, they realised that he was not in his room and a search led them to his body. The National Police, the Local Police and a forensic doctor went to the house. The body was taken to the institute of legal medicine in Valencia. The child had a mobile phone with internet access and was active on several social media platforms. Investigators are awaiting the results of data extraction from the device to further their inquiries. Archive photo of passengers looking at a runway at El Prat Airport. Thursday, 15 January 2026, 16:03 Share A "threat" on a commercial flight forced airport security protocols to be activated at Barcelona Airport on Thursday morning, according to sources from Spain's airport operator (Aena). According to Catalunya Radio and as confirmed by the aforementioned sources, a Turkish Airlines plane had to make an emergency landing. Aena said that the airport continues to operate normally while the state security forces are assessing the situation. Guardia Civil sources have confirmed that they are working on an "incident". Galaxy Media announced several internal leadership promotions. Brittany Capparelli has been promoted from event marketing specialist to director of client experience. She has a strong background in event marketing and execution in the Syracuse and surrounding areas. In her new role, she will focus on strengthening client relationships and enhancing the overall experience across all Galaxy Media events and initiatives. >> Send us your companys news about People in Motion Alex Conn has been promoted from brand manager to chief content officer, after starting with the company as an intern 14 years ago. In his new role, he will lead content strategy and creative direction across Galaxys 13 radio stations. After 16 years of service and sales leadership, Tami Grashof has been promoted to regional sales manager. Throughout her tenure, Grashof has played a key role in driving revenue growth, building strong client relationships, and mentoring sales teams across the region. Nick Maine has been promoted from chief revenue officer to chief operating officer. After several years of driving revenue growth and strengthening strategic partnerships, he will now oversee company-wide operations, ensuring alignment across departments. He joined the company in 2011. Jennifer Wells has been promoted from business manager to controller after 25 years with Galaxy Media. She has been instrumental in overseeing financial operations, improving internal processes, and supporting the companys financial health. In her new role, she will continue to manage accounting operations, financial reporting, and fiscal strategy. *** 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. The nations largest wireless carrier says it will offer credits to customers after a nearly 10-hour outage. Verizon Wireless said Wednesday night that it resolved the issue that left millions of customers unable to text or call others. Customers first reported seeing cell phones stuck in SOS mode or no bars of service around 12 p.m. ET. VZW said cellular data, messaging and voice services were restored at 10:20 p.m. ET. If customers are still having an issue, we encourage them to restart their devices to reconnect to the network. For those affected, we will provide account credits. Details will be shared directly with customers, Verizon said in a statement. We sincerely apologize for the disruption. Verizon said Thursday morning that mobile customers can get a $20 account credit by logging into their myVerizon app and clicking accept. Customers will receive a text message when the credit is available. On average, this covers multiple days of service. Business customers will be contacted directly about their credits, Verizon said. This credit isnt meant to make up for what happened. No credit really can. But its a way of acknowledging your time and showing that this matters to us... We are sorry for what you experienced and will continue to work hard day and night to provide the outstanding network and service that you expect from Verizon. The company also said any customers still experiencing problems should restart their device to reconnect it to the network. Verizon did not disclose what caused the disruption, but said there was no indication of a cyberattack. Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr told Reuters that the FCC will review the outage and take appropriate action. Apple iPhone users affected by the outage said their phones were in SOS mode, which means a proper cellular connection is unavailable. Customers can still call or text emergency services through the cellular service, and iPhone 14 and newer models can call 911 by accessing satellite SOS connections. Android phones similarly let users call 911 without cell service, but does not call it SOS mode. If you have an emergency and cannot connect using your Verizon Wireless device, please call using a device from another carrier, a landline, or go to a police precinct or fire station to report the emergency, New York Citys Office of Emergency Management said Wednesday. A limited number of T-Mobile and AT&T users also reported issues, but both Verizon competitors said they were not having any problems Wednesday. Verizon has more than 146 million customers. Hundreds of thousands of users reported outages on DownDetector.com in major U.S. cities like New York City, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte, Houston, and Washington, D.C. Romulus, N.Y. A man in prison for strangling a Central New York woman to death with a computer cord has pleaded guilty to killing his prison cellmate at a Finger Lakes correctional facility. Kevin Farley, 43, of Canastota, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of first-degree murder for killing his cellmate, Adam Lafferty, 42, at Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, according to the Seneca County District Attorneys Office. Lafferty was serving a sentence of two to seven years for burglary. Lafferty was found dead in his cell on the morning of Dec. 23, 2024. Prosecutors said Farley strangled him during the night and remained in the cell as Lafferty died. Lafferty was strangled with a homemade ligature and a metal device Farley used to ensure his death, prosecutors said. Farley was already serving a sentence of 24 years to life for the 2015 strangling death of Tiffany Meeks, 32, in Madison County, according to state records and syracuse.com | The Post-Standard archives. On the night of Aug. 3, 2015, Farley snuck into Meeks home in Oneida and attempted to rape her, according to an indictment at that time. Farley and Meeks were neighbors who had known each other since childhood. Meeks, a mother of two, had worked 14 years NYE Ford in Oneida, according to her obituary. She enjoyed camping with her children, going to concerts and attending drag races with the family, the obituary said. In May 2016, Farley pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and other charges related to the crime. Seneca County District Attorney John Nabinger said Wednesday that I join with Laffertys family imploring the New York State Parole Board to never release Farley back into the community. Seneca County Court Judge Barry Porsch sentenced Farley to 25 years to life, to be served consecutively with his existing sentence. Update: The jury has gone home for the day and are scheduled to resume deliberations on Friday. Original article Utica, N.Y. A former prison guard accused of failing to step in to save an inmate from a fatal beating was smiling and laughing as the man slowly died. Michael Fisher, a former corrections officer, was one of 10 guards charged after Robert Brooks, 43, was beaten to death hours after he arrived at the Marcy Correctional Facility on Dec. 9, 2024. Officers repeatedly punched and kicked Brooks in the groin, abdomen and face in the prisons infirmary. He died hours later at a Utica hospital. The jury now is deliberating the case. In closing arguments Thursday, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick told the jury after Fisher was done watching the show, he left to finish the Tom Cruise movie he was watching before a call about Brooks came over the radio. Fitzpatrick is a special prosecutor on the case. Fisher never touched Brooks but he is accused of recklessly causing Brooks death by failing to intervene and stop the assault by his fellow officers. Fishers defense attorney, Scott Iseman, told the jury not to fall victim to hindsight bias. He said they must assess Fishers choices based on what he knew in that moment. Iseman said Fishers superiors and nurses were not concerned about Brooks condition, so Fisher could not have known there was a risk of death. Fitzpatrick told the jury any person with eyes can see Brooks is in severe distress. He showed the jury screen grabs from body-worn cameras, which were passively recording the officers without their knowledge. The photos showed Fisher smiling and laughing as Brooks was being beaten feet away. Fitzpatrick also pointed out that Fisher had no reason to be in the infirmary that night. He chose to stay and watch, Fitzpatrick said. Fisher knew a use-of-force incident occurred because an officer put out a call for response. Sgt. Glenn Trombly quickly canceled that order, Fitzpatrick said. Still, Fisher continued on to the infirmary to see what was happening, he said. Fitzpatrick reminded the jury Trombly and Robert Kessler, another former guard, testified that these beatings had happened before at the Marcy prison. They were regularly covered up, Fitzpatrick said. Fitzpatrick told the jury to pay attention to the demeanor of Fisher and the fellow officers. They are calm, joking and acting as if everything is normal, he said. Fitzpatrick said Fishers failure to uphold his duty to intervene contributed to Brooks death. The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision policy requires officers to step in when they see excessive force. Fitzpatrick told the jury to watch Fishers body camera footage to see the force he is witnessing is excessive. He reminded the jury that the medical examiner testified that if someone had intervened and stopped the beating, Brooks would have survived. Fisher stood and watched Brooks assault for almost 7 minutes, Fitzpatrick said. Iseman told the jury that they have to remember that real life does not offer replays or time to review footage before crucial moments. He said there was no evidence Fisher would have known the extent of Brooks injuries or the risk of death. He said Fisher did not see some of the worst of the blows Brooks suffered. Fitzpatrick pushed back, saying Fisher saw Brooks unable to stand on his own and gurgling on his own blood. He said that unlike the jury, Fisher was also able to hear the assault. He is not an innocent bystander, Fitzpatrick said. The jury began deliberations around 2 p.m. Thursday. Fisher faces a maximum of 15 years in prison if convicted of second-degree manslaughter. The other guards Here is what has happened to the 10 corrections officers charged in connection with Brooks death. Three other former officers went to trial in October. All three men were charged with second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. Syracuse, N.Y. Joseph Cecile never expected to be a police officer for more than a few years. The aspiring Syracuse writer enjoyed police novels by authors like Joseph Wambaugh. What better way to gather material for future novels of his own than to join the local police department for a bit? At some point, Cecile said, the switch flipped. He kept writing his novels in his free time. He also decided to commit to a career in law enforcement. Cecile retired Wednesday after nearly four years as Syracuse police chief and 40 years with the department. He sat down Monday with syracuse.com | The Post-Standard in his office, now mostly empty, on the 4th floor of the Public Safety Building. Law enforcement has changed in ways big and small since Cecile became an officer in the 1980s. Officers used to only be connected to the outside world with the portable radio on their duty belt. Now, there are drones, phones, computers and more, plus a body camera recording their actions. There are also fewer officers on the beat. It has become increasingly difficult to attract people to the high-stress profession. Cecile put his decades of experience to use when he took over as chief in 2022. He helped stabilize the department after several tumultuous years under the previous chief. William Fitzpatrick, who has been Onondaga County District Attorney since the early 1990s, described Cecile as the perfect prototype for a police chief smart, a good listener, not afraid to try new things, collaborative. His record speaks for itself, he said. Family of service Cecile, 65, of Marcellus, is part of a family that has been in public life in the city for decades. His father was on the school board and Common Council, and has a community center named for him; his mother was a licensing commissioner. His siblings include a judge, two police sergeants and a high school principal. It was high expectations from his family that helped get him into policing in the first place. Cecile graduated from Syracuse University in 1984 with a degree in English literature, but was soon unemployed and living at home with his parents. They urged him to find a job. Two of Ceciles siblings sister Kathy and brother Dan were already on the police force. He decided to join them. I guess Ill go in there and give it a shot, he recalled thinking at the time. Cecile made quick work of the civil service exam, earning the highest possible mark. Much of the exam was about grammar, he said, to make sure officers could write reports properly. After graduating from the academy, Cecile was sworn in as an officer on Sept. 16, 1985. He grew to enjoy working as a police officer and decided to make a career out of it. I was having a lot of fun on midnights, on 3-11, going through these different phases, he said. I was meeting people and having a good time. He also thought about the pension benefit he was earning, a consideration familiar to police officers and other government workers. Once you hit 10 (years), youre like, theres no way Im going to leave, because I get a retirement at 20, he said. Cecile steadily climbed the departments ranks. He became a sergeant in 1995, lieutenant in 2001, deputy chief in 2010 and then first deputy chief in 2015. Familiar face Cecile became known over the years for his public outreach. One of the people in the crowd at a meeting many years ago in the Strathmore neighborhood was resident Ben Walsh. He is a member of another local political family; their fathers were on the Common Council together in the 1980s. He talked about his time attending Corcoran High School and growing up in the neighborhood, Walsh recalled. I was just struck by how well he connected with people. When Walsh later became Syracuse mayor in 2018, he needed to pick a police chief. Walsh passed over Cecile when he selected Kenton Buckner, the police chief in Little Rock, Ark. He knows his decision disappointed Cecile. I think most other people, with the number of years that he had in, would have just moved on, Walsh said. And I wouldnt have begrudged him. Cecile said he moped around for a few days after learning he didnt get the job. He eventually sat down with Buckner and, after learning of his plans for the department, decided to stay on as first deputy chief. A few years later, Cecile decided he wanted to put in his retirement papers. He put down a down payment on an RV that he and his wife, Cheri, would use to travel the country. Buckner told Cecile that he was up for another job and his time as chief could be ending soon. If you really want this seat, you may not want to put your papers in, Cecile recalled him saying. After Buckner left in 2022, Walsh picked Cecile to lead the department. I didnt hesitate for a moment, he said. Cecile said his wife encouraged him to take the job. If you dont take this, youll regret it, he recalled her saying. Cecile accepted Walshs offer. And got back the down payment on the RV. Finally chief Cecile said he took office with two priorities reducing gun violence and improving officer wellness. Murders and crime in general fell significantly last year, continuing a steep decline seen nationwide in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic. Cecile is quick to mention various initiatives hes implemented, including that officers on patrol are required to get out of their vehicles at least three times each shift to walk the streets and interact with residents. Thats his spin on the Koper curve theory. Researchers found in the 1990s that short, targeted street patrols could deter crime. The police department also has made strides on officer wellness. Cecile recounted a story from his first few months on patrol that he said has been imprinted on him. He walked into the locker room one day and saw a fellow officer talking to his gun. Were gonna get through another shift. Were gonna make it. Were gonna be OK, you and me, he recalled the officer saying. When I started making rank, and then I realized I was moving along this pathway, that if I ever ... got into a position where I could make big decisions, I would do it, he said of his decision to focus on officer wellness. Everyone copes with the stress inherent to the job in different ways. Cecile said journaling helped him when he worked as an evidence technician on the overnight shift. Every call I went on was a dead body, a car accident with a body cut in half and stuff ... the average citizen wouldnt see unless they were in the military, he said. It did help to write it down and get it out of there. Officers now work a schedule that both gives them more time off and puts more cops on the street at the times the most calls typically arrive. A peer support team has been established, and doctors and psychiatrists are available. A cop is dedicated full time to running an officer wellness unit. These investments were put to the test after a gunman ambushed and killed a city police officer and a sheriffs lieutenant in April 2024 in a Salina subdivision. One of the best days of his career, Cecile said, was when the other officers who had been at the scene returned to active duty. It was great to see those young officers back working again, he said. I know they were seeking treatment. The president of the Syracuse Police Benevolent Association, the union that represents city cops, praised the chiefs work to help officers. The union president, Joseph Moran, described Cecile as a genuine man who was always reasonable and willing to listen to concerns. Theres so many things that occur behind the scenes, he said. Even the individual-related issues, I could always reach out to Chief Cecile and bring issues to him, whether those needed to be designated to somebody else, somebody over at City Hall. He always had an open-door policy. The police department, which once had its pick of who to hire, now has a persistent staffing shortage. Its a problem confronting departments across the country. The latest civil service list for Onondaga County had only 71 names on it, which Cecile said was just sad. Cecile said officers need to know that elected leaders at all levels of government believe in them. He recalled an advertising campaign from some years ago to boost teacher recruitment. He said a billboard posted in Syracuse had elected officials all holding hands, and it said, We support our teachers. Tell me when thats going to happen for cops, he said. People will not put their face up there. Cecile said he would tell those considering a career that policing is the most critical job in the country aside from serving in the military. Every day, if you go out there with the right mindset, youll be helping somebody, he said. Not every job is like that. Police officers can interact with thousands of people in the course of their careers. Some of those encounters can leave a lasting memory. In September 2023, a man took two girls and a pregnant woman hostage for hours in a North Side apartment. The man kept hanging up on police negotiators. He asked to talk with Cecile. The two men knew each other from an incident decades earlier. When the man was being arrested back then, Cecile helped make sure his dog was cared for. The interaction apparently stuck with the man. Cecile said he was cautious about getting involved. The negotiators working the scene suggested he record a short video. I said something like, You and I both know the young lady thats in the house is not the solution to your problem, he recalled. That restarted negotiations. Several hours later, the man released his last hostage and turned himself in to police. When you treat people a certain way, even when theyre at their worst, I guess they remember that, Cecile said. It felt good. I was kind of surprised because I hadnt talked to him since the 90s. The next chapter Cecile said he plans to spend his retirement travelling with his wife. He is hoping to finally get that RV. And take a river cruise in Europe. And hike sections of the Appalachian Trail. But first, Cecile plans to return his service weapon to the armaments unit and bring his vehicle to the patrol offices. He attended a ceremony Wednesday afternoon where Mark Rusin was sworn in as chief. Then, he said, the writer is off to write his next chapter. Literally. Im going to spend hours every day, Cecile said. Until Im burned out. (Bloomberg) Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA, 9988.HK) plans to link its flagship online shopping and travel services to its AI app, taking its biggest step yet to build Qwen into its one-stop artificial intelligence platform for consumers. Chinas online retail leader aims to connect Taobao, Alipay, travel service Fliggy and Amap to the Qwen app starting Thursday. The idea is to eventually help Qwens 100 million users shop, book travel and pay for services via a single platform with the help of AI. The newly integrated functions are now available for public testing in China. Most Read from Bloomberg The ambitious undertaking underscores how companies from Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) to Meta Platforms Inc. (META) are exploring agentic AI, where artificial intelligence helps people perform actual tasks. Companies like Alibaba and Tencent Holdings Ltd. (0700.HK, TCEHY), which already operate super apps with hundreds of different services, are considered to have an initial advantage in that sphere. Alibaba, which also operates a Netflix-like streaming service and one of Chinas biggest meal delivery platforms, launched Qwen in November as a major step into consumer-facing AI services. It plans to build Qwen into an all-around personal assistant by gradually integrating individual services under the Alibaba umbrella. The company also launched an invite-only task assistant feature designed to conduct more complicated tasks, such as making phone calls to restaurants or building web applications. A livestreaming session by Dong Dong, a virtual idol promoting the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, is seen on Alibaba's e-commerce app Taobao. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration REUTERS / Reuters In doing so, its seeking to answer global concerns about the money-making potential of AI. Investors are worried in particular about the hundreds of billions of dollars flowing into Nvidia-powered data centers around the world, given persistent uncertainty about demand for AI services in future. Alibabas shares fell as much as 3.5% in Hong Kong, after rising nearly 20% over the past four trading days. This dip is simply profit-taking, a textbook sell the fact after the rally, not a verdict on Qwen apps latest update, said Steven Leung, executive director at UOB Kay Hian Hong Kong. Alibaba is emphasizing the extent of its ambition by hooking Qwen up with Taobao: the service that launched the company into e-commerce decades ago and remains its main Chinese shopping showcase. A 57-year-old Upstate New York man faces multiple charges after allegedly pointing a loaded rifle at people and firing a shot during a domestic dispute earlier this month. The Warren County Sheriffs Office and New York State Police responded to Swamp Meadow Road in the Town of Thurman on Sunday for a disturbance with shots fired. Thurman is located about 17 miles northwest of Lake George. Tracey D. Cameron was involved in a domestic dispute when other people attempted to assist the victim, according to authorities. Cameron pointed a loaded rifle at them, and a struggle over the weapon ensued. During the struggle, Cameron discharged the rifle, but no one was struck by a bullet. Cameron was disarmed by people at the scene and fled to his residence on Marble Quarry Road in Thurman. Police later located him and transported him to Albany Medical Center due to injuries he sustained during the altercation. Cameron was arrested on Tuesday and charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, a felony, and criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a misdemeanor. He also faces three counts of menacing in the second degree and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, all misdemeanors. He was arraigned in Warren County CAP Court and remanded to the correctional facility without bail. Nora Mishanec, Times Union, Albany, N.Y. (TNS) WINDHAM Long before he found fame satirizing the cubicle life of the beleaguered, bespectacled Dilbert, the comic creator Scott Adams took a fateful drive across his native Upstate New York. Adams, whose death from cancer was announced Tuesday, wrote in his 2013 memoir that his car died and he became stranded while driving along what he described as a newly constructed highway through a sparsely populated valley in the Catskill Mountains. It was the winter of 1978, and Adams was a college senior returning to Hartwick College in Oneonta after a disastrous job interview at an accounting firm in Syracuse. Adams tried to flag down help after managing to coast the car into a snowbank on the side of the road. Certain he was minutes from falling into a death sleep in the nearest snowbank, Adams made a promise to himself. If I lived, I would trade my piece-of-s___ car for a one-way plane ticket to California and never see another f@$#! #& snowflake for the rest of my life, he wrote. Adams kept that promise. A few months later, he graduated from Hartwick. He returned home to his native Windham in Greene County, where he gave the car to his sister in exchange for a one-way ticket west. It was the smartest decision I ever made, he wrote. The experience of nearly dying in the frozen tundra of upstate New York inspired me to move to California. Thank you, failure. Adams spent much of the rest of his life in the Bay Area, where he died at a hospice facility after a long decline. He revealed last year that he had prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. Obituaries focused on his meandering path to creating the blockbuster Dilbert comic strip and the rapid collapse of his business in 2023 for racist remarks. At its height, Dilbert appeared in 2,000 newspapers worldwide in at least 70 countries and 25 languages. The character became the first fictional person to make Time magazines annual list of influential Americans and spawned bestselling books, merchandise and an animated TV series. Adams would never return to live in New York. But his writing makes clear that his upbringing in the state had a profound impact on him. Adams was born in Windham, N.Y., in 1957. His father, Paul, worked at the local post office and painted houses at night. His mother, Virginia, was a real estate broker. In the quiet household, Adams said he was a wisecracker. The cynical part of me comes from my dad, Adams told the San Francisco Chronicle in 1998. I dont know whether hes had a serious thing to say about anything as long as Ive known him. He graduated from Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School as valedictorian of his class. In his book, How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life, Adams described Windham as stiflingly small, writing that he attended kindergarten with about thirty-five of the forty kids I graduated with, and most of those classes were in the same building. Adams won a partial academic scholarship to attend Hartwick, and wrote that he scraped together money for the private school tuition by mowing lawns and shoveling snow. In a 2007 blog post, he called Windham a shockingly beautiful town and the people are nice. Records show his parents maintained a residence on Windhams Maplewood Avenue until their deaths. This is where I learned the art of humorous exaggeration, he wrote. But his writing makes clear that he knew he had to leave rural Greene County behind. I escaped from Windham, New York, but just barely, he said. 2026 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) . Visit www.timesunion.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. We like our coffee quite a latte in Upstate New York. From drive-thru huts where commuters can quickly grab a strong brew for the road to cozy cafes tailor-made for dates and study sessions, Upstate is dotted with a panoply of excellent coffee shops. But which coffee shops brew it best? We pored through Yelp and Google reviews, looking not just at the star ratings but at how many people were buzzing about each shop. Longtime favorites with plenty of loyal fans rose to the top, while places with just a few high scores didnt get an automatic espresso shot to the front. Results from both platforms were averaged to give us the perkiest list possible. But first, a coffee note: For this list, we only included local coffee shops or small, local chains. (Sorry, Dunkin.) Here is our ranking for 2026 of Upstate New Yorks best coffee shops: Boulder Coffee in Rochester, N.Y. Michael A Thaxton | @thaxtonphotos on Instagram Michael A Thaxton | @thaxtonphotos on Instagram Address: 100 Alexander St., Rochester Heres what one reviewer wrote about Boulder Coffee Co.: Excellent and pleasant service, tasty coffee, great atmosphere and live coffee shop music--very fun! Address: 10-12 E. 4th St., Jamestown Heres what one reviewer wrote about Labyrinth Press Company: 6/5 stars - I drove from Erie and met a colleague for a business lunch/meeting and wanted to stay all day. Great coffee, food, atmosphere and welcoming staff people. You guys are doing it right, keep it up. Cafe XIX in Seneca Falls, home to the Women's Rights Movement. Provided photo | @wechoseadventures on Instagram Provided photo | @wechoseadventures on Instagram Address: 20 E. Bayard St., Seneca Falls Heres what one reviewer wrote about Cafe XIX: Stopped in during a long fall-color drive around the finger lakes. We had no idea of the history of Seneca Falls so imagine our pleasant surprise pulling over for coffee at a cafe dedicated to the brazen women who paved the way for womens suffrage in the US. The staff were great, the coffee and iced tea we drank were perfect, and it was nice seeing the steady flow of patrons who stopped in while touring the history museums in the area. Address: 402 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Heres what one reviewer wrote about Uncommon Grounds: I fell in love with Uncommon Grounds Saratoga! I visited three times in just three days because everything here is perfect - from the incredible coffee to the fresh, flavorful bagels. The atmosphere has a charming vintage vibe that makes you want to sit, relax, and enjoy every moment. Interior of the Recess Coffee store at 110 Harvard Place, just off Westcott Street. Syracuse.com Address: 110 Harvard Place, Syracuse Heres what one reviewer wrote about Recess Coffee: Recess Coffee is the best coffeehouse in the area. Great vibes and drinks are always high quality. My favorite beverage of all time is the Bees in the Frap honey chai seasonal frappe. They have an amazing selection of roasted coffee beans and baked goods as well. Be prepared to wait in a line on a Saturday or Sunday morning, but its worth it!! Address: 137 Washington St., Binghamton Heres what one reviewer wrote about Strange Brew Cafe: I will be dreaming about their Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso (with cinnamon) for days to come. We were visiting the area and wanting to try a local coffee/breakfast spot. So glad we tried Strange Brew! The coffee was AMAZING and so flavorful...Will definitely try to stop here again when visiting! Address: 464 Broadway, Saratoga Springs Heres what one reviewer wrote about Mrs. Londons: An urgently delectable step into expertly well-honed pastries, soups, and sandwiches with a Frenchy European flair...The Vienna cafe vibe is transporting: sitting there with a sack of everything sipping java watching the early morning Saratoga bustle line up and pass by should be on any travelers checklist. Get up and go, the earlier the better. Address: 40 W. Market St., Red Hook Heres what one reviewer wrote about Taste Budds Cafe: Cute little cafe for a drink and a snack. Theyve got lots of fresh baked goods, including macaron, lots of small tarts, and pastries. Their drinks are fun and creative. Inside has a great vibe and is a very comfortable space to just hang out or study. Would recommend if in the area. Origin Coffee has two Adirondack locations, one in Saranac Lake and one in Lake Placid. The brand has been ranked as one of the best coffee shops in America. Provided photo | Origin Coffee Provided photo | Origin Coffee Address: 77 Main St., Saranac Lake Heres what one reviewer wrote about Origin Coffee: Super friendly staff, reasonable prices, short wait time for food/coffee and beautiful artwork on the walls! I highly recommend the Sweater Weather Latte with oatmilk and the avocado toast. Unfortunately, I had to take mine to go, but if you have the time, definitely eat there because its such a cool vibe." Address: 107 Main St., Poughkeepsie Heres what one reviewer wrote about The Poughkeepsie Grind: Its an Italian couple that own Poughkeepsie grind. Its the most charming thing in a four block radius. She remembers my order and make suggestions for me and my wife. The wife takes the orders and makes the lattes, and the husband cooks...Its good food and very good service. Address: 580 S. Park Ave., Buffalo Heres what one reviewer wrote about Undergrounds Coffee House: Wonderful coffee shop in a neighborhood with so much history. The staff is super friendly and passionate about their trade. Vegan options as well! Thats always welcome. They have awesome swag for sale! Very cool shirts and coffee varieties. I was quite distracted looking through it all before ordering. Utica Coffee Roasting Co. in Utica, N.Y. Provided photo | Utica Coffee Provided photo | Utica Coffee Address: 300 Water St., Utica Heres what one reviewer wrote about Utica Coffee Roasting Company: When you think of a great coffee shop Utica is one that comes to mind. Zero complaints, everything was on point and they also have 32 oz sizes. Wanted to go here for a very long time and Im extremely happy that I finally did. Prices are very reasonable and there is close parking. Definitely one of my top 5 favorite coffee shops not just in the state but in the country. Sweet Mimi's Cafe & Bakery in Saratoga Springs was recently named one of the best cake shops in the U.S. by readers of USA Today. The beloved local shop is known for its massive cakes, sweet treats, and is a popular brunch spot each weekend. Seen here on June 2, 2024. Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.com Sunny Hernandez | ahernandez@nyup.com Address: 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs Heres what one reviewer wrote about Sweet Mimis Cafe & Bakery: One of the most elegant experiences I have had. The staff was beyond amazing and attentive even at peak hours. The food was not only heavenly but esthetically pleasing. The atmosphere warm and welcome...The baked goods to the coffees and back to the amazing sandwiches were all a treat. 10 out of 10 recommend highly when in the Saratoga Springs area. Iron Roost in Ballston Spa. Orianna Santiago | @oriannasantiago_ on Instagram Orianna Santiago | @oriannasantiago_ on Instagram Address: 36 Front St., Ballston Spa Heres what one reviewer wrote about Iron Roost: Such a charming coffee shop and breakfast place. Our coffees and food were delicious, the customer service was great. Address: 89 Charlotte St., Rochester Heres what one reviewer wrote about Ugly Duck Coffee: I LOVE UGLY DUCK. If youre in rochester, this is definitely one of the best coffee shops to visit. This will always make my top 5 coffee places in rochester due to how amazing it is. It supports cute small businesses and great causes. They are also Celiac friendly and have an amazing selection of gluten free pastries. So accessible! And the coffee is so good! Fuego Coffee Roasters in Rochester, N.Y. Damien Duchamp | @profduchamp on Instagram Damien Duchamp | @profduchamp on Instagram Address: 1 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester Heres what one reviewer wrote about Fuego Coffee Roasters: Stopped for a coffee and a place to work on my way to ROC airport. It was a great choice! Plenty of seating, wifi and power outlets available, and the coffee was excellent! Its a 15 minute drive from the airport which made it very convenient. Id recommend and will come back next time. A peppermint mocha in the snow at Craft Coffee House, Lockport, N.Y. Provided photo | Craft Coffee House Provided photo | Craft Coffee House Address: 6612 Campbell Blvd., Lockport Heres what one reviewer wrote about Craft Coffee House: I think I found a love, I never knew existed. Craft coffee house is a wonderful place to come for lunch. Here you will find a plethora of different types of coffee, lattes and teas...I definitely will be back. Address: 3 Main St., Penn Yan Heres what one reviewer wrote about Amity Coffee Co.: I was sooo happy to find this place. I was having a hard time finding a coffee shop/cafe during my recent trip to the Finger Lakes, and finding this gem made this trip even more perfect. They have a nice selection of breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee, and definitely satisfied this city girl! Enjoy a cold brew coffee flight at Simple Roast Coffee in Auburn, N.Y. Provided photo | Simple Roast Coffee Provided photo | Simple Roast Coffee Address: 360 Grant Ave., Auburn Heres what one reviewer wrote about Simple Roast Coffee: Awesome new seasonal drinks every month, baked goods & a variety of teas, matcha, and whole beans available to take home. It tastes better to support such a friendly, local coffee crew. Rough Draft Bar & Books in Kingston, N.Y. is a coffee shop, book shop, and full service bar all in one. Provided photo | Rough Draft Bar & Books Provided photo | Rough Draft Bar & Books Address: 82 John St., Kingston Heres what one reviewer wrote about Rough Draft Bar & Books: Influenced by Tik Tok, my girlfriend and I made our way to the Hudson Valley from CT on a day trip to check out this book store. Its adorable and exactly as advertised. The book selection is great, the coffee fantastic, and the beer on tap is excellent. Well definitely be back! Washington The Syracuse VA Medical Center put patient care at risk after it closed several programs, prompting the resignation of eight specialty doctors that left the hospital shorthanded, according to a federal inspection report released Thursday. The resignations of doctors in cardiology, gastroenterology, hematology-oncology, and neurology left the medical center unable to meet VA standards for patient care, the Inspector General for the Department of Veterans Affairs concluded. The IG opened an investigation based on a whistleblowers complaint about poor communications and potential lapses in care that followed the decision of hospital leaders to close the Syracuse VAs neurosurgery program in May 2024. The eight specialty doctors resigned over that decision last summer, and raised concerns about reductions in clinical services, the IG said. Those doctors were not immediately replaced, leading to staffing issues. The hospital also allowed contracts to lapse for specialists to provide infectious disease and endocrinology services. Its leaders did not come up with contingency plans for those services, impacting the availability of patient care, the report said. Federal inspectors also identified concerns about delays in transferring patients to other hospitals and oversight of the hospitals infrastructure requirements. Leaders at the Syracuse VA were given a copy of the Inspector Generals report in advance and agreed with its findings. The Syracuse VA delivers health care services to more than 50,000 veterans across a wide region in Upstate New York. The medical center has more than 1,700 employees and an annual operating budget of more than $300 million. The inspector generals 32-page report listed no specific cases where patient care had a bad outcome because of the staffing and communication issues. Although the OIG (Office of Inspector General) did not identify any adverse patient outcomes, the OIG is concerned about the potential risk, the report concluded. The report also faulted decisions by the hospitals executive leadership, even after inspectors pointed out deficiencies following a three-day visit to the Syracuse VA in June. In June 2025, facility leaders told the OIG of plans to leverage community care and hire more physicians to address coverage gaps, the report said. However, coverage gaps remained as of August 2025. The OIG is concerned about the potential risk to patient care when required specialty physician consultative coverage is not available. The report, which reviewed the actions of the hospitals leaders, did not list the names of any specific employees it faulted for the poor management. The former facility director closed the neurosurgery program without submitting a required clinical restructuring request, bypassing national oversight, the report said. The name of that director was not disclosed. Mark Murdock, the former director of the Syracuse VA, left his post in February 2025 after accepting a buyout offered to federal employees by Donald Trumps administration early last year. The IGs investigation began with virtual interviews two months later in April 2025 and continued through Aug. 4, 2025. The investigation found the hospital also allowed contracts to lapse for doctors who provided infectious disease and endocrinology services in 2024, leaving no medical staff available to consult with patients for months or longer. Endocrinology services have remained unavailable since Nov. 1, 2024, inspectors found. The investigation determined facility leaders did not manage contracts for those services in a timely manner, despite multiple reminders from staff. The hospitals neurosurgery program was permanently closed, the report said, because leaders of the Syracuse VA said it would save money and they believed similar care was available elsewhere in Central New York. The report made no mention of any spending cuts or layoffs at the Syracuse VA ordered by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency last year. Rep. John Mannion, D-Geddes, said his staff was briefed by the Inspector Generals office shortly before the report was published Thursday afternoon. Veterans who have served their country have earned access to high quality and timely health care, Mannion said in a statement. The issues raised in this report are concerning and our veterans and the staff responsible for caring for them deserve better. Mannion said he will work with Syracuse VA officials and other stakeholders to make the sure the reports recommendations are addressed. In response to the report, the Syracuse VA told inspectors it would improve communication with staff about contingency plans and have regular huddles with employees across all departments. Furthermore, the Syracuse VA Medical Center Director will leverage established communication channels, including weekly employee town halls and the facility intranet site, to ensure the consistent dissemination of critical information including contingency plans, its executives wrote in their response. VA spokesman Peter Kasperowicz said a series of changes will be made within the next six months. The IGs report focuses on issues that started nearly two years ago under the previous administration, Kasperowicz said in a statement. The Syracuse VA Medical Center is on track to implement all of the IGs recommendations by June 2026. Clay, N.Y. The Clay Planning Board voted Wednesday night to approve Micron Technologys plan for a semiconductor plant, two days before the company holds a groundbreaking for the $100 billion project. The 8-0 vote approving the companys site plan clears the way for Micron to move forward with the project, which if fully built would be the largest economic development project in New York history. The board also approved a rail spur that Micron will use to bring stone aggregate to the construction site. Micron plans to hold a groundbreaking ceremony at the site off Route 31 on Friday. The company announced in 2022 that it had selected Clay for the plant after a nationwide search. The Idaho-based company says the plant will cost up to $100 billion to build and create up to 9,000 jobs over the next 20 years. Supply chain companies and other employers drawn to the area are expected to create more than 40,000 additional jobs. Signs along Route 31 that for the past year have declared the site the future home of Micron Technology were switched out this week for signs that call it simply Home of Micron Technology. Micron plans to build four semiconductor fabrication facilities two at a time in the 1,400-acre White Pine Commerce Park 13 miles north of Syracuse. The company says it expects production of memory chips at the plant to begin in 2030. Rendering depicts the semiconductor manufacturing plant Micron Technology plans to build in Clay. (Micron Technology) Micron Technology Brian Bender, commissioner of planning and development for the town, said his office in town hall is expanding physically and with more staffing as it prepares to issue building permits for the massive project. The town recently hired two additional code enforcement officers, bringing its total to five, to help process those permits, along with the on-site inspections that will be required once building construction starts, he said. The company has been eager to begin clearing and grading the site for the first two fabrication facilities. It must remove trees from the property by the end of March, when the nesting season for the endangered Indiana bat begins. Bender said the clearing of trees from hundreds of acres of land will start within days. Theyre going to hit the ground hard after the groundbreaking, he said. By Sunday, theyre going to bring in the tree-removal crews. The first building construction will be a rail spur platform on the west side of Caughdenoy Road. The spur will allow Micron to bring materials in to build foundations for its fabs, reducing the need for truck traffic to the site. In recent days, the company has received critical approvals from state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Commerce. The federal government is backing the project with $20 billion in subsidies. The Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency is also backing the project, providing $2 billion in tax breaks. The county agency owns the property where the factory will be built. It has agreed to sell the land to Micron as construction progresses. Seneca Falls, N.Y. For much of last year, many signs pointed to a major decision on the future of New York states largest landfill coming on or before a deadline of Dec. 31. Yet almost two weeks into the new year, the fate of Seneca Meadows Landfill remains uncertain. For now, the massive landfill continues to operate as it has for decades along Route 414 in Seneca Falls, not far from state Thruway Exit 41. It looms over the Finger Lakes landscape, covering 350 acres and rising about 300 feet above ground level. That makes it one of Upstate New Yorks tallest man-made structures. Most of its garbage is trucked in from New York City. The question now is whether the landfill will be forced to close or allowed to remain open and grow even larger. That will depend primarily on decisions now under review by the states Court of Appeals and Department of Environmental Conservation. Two contradictory situations are in play. One is a 2016 Seneca Falls town law that required the landfill to close on Dec. 31, 2025. The landfill operator, Texas-based Waste Connections, lost a legal challenge seeking to block that law early last year. But that decision was reversed by the state Court of Appeals in December. That means the courts are still wrestling with the question of whether the closing order is valid. There is currently no timetable for that decision. The other issue is a 2022 application by the landfill owner to keep operating and expand in size. That expansion, called the valley infill, would create 47 acres of new space for garbage by filling in the area between two of the large existing hills created by old waste. The valley infill could increase the height of the tallest portion of the landfill by about 70 feet, or to roughly the equivalent of a 35-story building. It could also keep the landfill operating until at least 2040. Without the expansion, the landfill could be forced to close when it runs out of existing space. The application for the expansion has been under review for three years, and the DEC has extended the deadline several times as the landfill operator has modified the plan. Trucks rotate in and out of the Seneca Meadows landfill in Seneca Falls, N.Y., Monday, January 27, 2025. (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com) N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com Following the most recent changes to the application made by Waste Connections late last year, the timetable has been extended again. The current extension runs at least through Jan. 19, a DEC spokesperson said. All this is further complicated by a Seneca Falls town resolution approved last year that created a new 15-year host agreement for the landfill. That would go into effect if the expansion is approved and the landfill continues to operate. Weve been waiting (for a resolution) on this for three years, said Yvonne Taylor of Seneca Lake Guardian, an environmental activist group that opposes the landfills continued operation. And were still waiting. Kyle Black, Waste Connections district manager for Seneca Meadows, told syracuse.com the company is still waiting for a resolution to the court case and the DEC decision. A landfill on the Seneca Meadows site dates back to the 1950s. Waste Connections took it over in the 1980s. A view of Seneca Meadows, New York States largest landfill in Seneca Falls near the Town of Waterloo. (Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.com) Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.com The landfill provides 160 local jobs and makes payments that support the Seneca Falls town budget. Landfill management contends it has always operated within state guidelines and meets environmental standards. The new town host agreement that would accompany a potential new state operating permit calls for payments of $150 million over the next 15 years and sets new procedures, such as a complaint process and pollution control system. During a public hearing on that issue last January, the majority of speakers opposed the extension of the landfill permit. Seneca Lake Guardian, meanwhile, recently released the results of a survey that it says shows local residents are concerned about quality of life impacts related to the landfill. A view of Seneca Meadows, New York States largest landfill in Seneca Falls near the Town of Waterloo. (Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.com) Lauren Long | llong@syracuse.com The survey of more than 700 local residents reveals widespread concern and suggests serious threats to public health, economic activity, environmental quality, and community well-being in the Finger Lakes region. The environmental group also contends the landfill is likely the states largest single point source of methane. Among other findings, the survey results showed many respondents are unhappy with odors and other issues, especially with several schools located nearby. I keep getting messages from people who say the odors are permeating the schools, said Taylor of Seneca Lake Guardian. We are all wondering what happens next. A man has been arrested for allegedly spraying another person with bear spray in Central New York. New York State Police say Arthur L. Stewart, of Ithaca, was arrested Tuesday morning after troopers were dispatched to a report of a dispute around 11:18 a.m. ET. A person was sprayed with bear spray in a staircase between apartments on Winston Drive in the town of Ithaca, police said. An investigation determined that Stewart and the other person had an ongoing dispute when Stewart intentionally sprayed the victim in the face, according to police. Troopers also said the bear spray Stewart used is illegal to carry for self-defense. Per New York State regulations, canisters cannot be larger than .75 ounces and cannot contain more than .7% capsaicinoids, the active ingredient used to deter bears from attacking. Stewart was charged with the misdemeanor of Unlawful Possession of a Noxious Matter. He was taken into custody and turned over to the Tompkins County Jail for centralized arraignment. Details about the alleged victim, including their name and condition, were not disclosed. Ithaca is located in Tompkins County, about 50 miles southwest of Syracuse. Update: Emaya has been located and is safe, according to the Rochester Police Department. Previously: The Rochester Police Department is asking the public for help locating a 1-year-old girl and her non-custodial biological mother after the child was not returned following a scheduled visitation. Emaya Carter and her mother, 37-year-old Eyvonne Carter, are being sought by police after Eyvonne failed to return the child on Wednesday night, according to the Rochester Police Department. The preliminary investigation found they were last seen at a residence on Balsam Lane in Fairport. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is encouraged to call 911. QUEENSBURY Trademark applications made with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office only days ago suggest that the Six Flags Great Escape amusement park in Queensbury may be in the process of changing its name or perhaps its ownership. The filing is fueling speculation that Six Flags may be in the process of rebranding or possibly selling some of its properties across the country. The companys leadership has been telling investors it is planning to reduce the size of its portfolio. It has also faced attendance struggles. The Times Union reached out to a Six Flags spokesman for comment. The trademark filings also cover other Six Flags properties in St. Louis, Michigan, Texas and elsewhere. A total of nine applications were filed on Jan. 8 by an Orlando attorney. All nine include the name Enchanted Parks instead of Six Flags. Queensburys Great Escape opened in 1954 as the Mother Goose-themed Storytown USA under Charles Wood, who has been referred to by some as the grandfather of American theme parks. (Woods park opened a year before Walt Disneys Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.) The attraction was bought by Premier Parks, which would become Six Flags, in 1996. A decade later, the company opened a resort hotel featuring New Yorks first indoor waterpark nearby. Following a merger with rival amusement park company Cedar Fair a year ago, its one of more than 40 Six Flags parks in North America, including Darien Lake in Genesee County and Six Flags New England in Massachusetts. 2026 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) . Visit www.timesunion.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Several supporters for Syracuse school board Commissioner Twiggy Billue spoke at a Wednesday board meeting criticizing the way the board has handled the potential removal of Billue. Syracuse is watching your decisions, said Walt Dixie, a longtime South Side activist and executive director of Jubilee Homes, where Billue works. People are talking about this... the way you handling this, its not going to look well on you. Billue attended a Syracuse Board of Education meeting for the first time since November. No one on the board acknowledged the hearing theyre holding next week on Billues removal. Both the board and Billue have refused to make the charges against Billue public. School board President Tamica Barnett told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that she has been advised by the districts legal counsel not to share the charges. Barnett said Billue has a copy she is free to share. Billue said she thinks the school board should release the charges. During the public comment section, Dixie, Hasahn Bloodworth and L. Micah O. Dexter II gave commentary against the school board, each raising issues such as transparency, accountability and bullying. At least half a dozen people showed up to support Billue. This school board member that you all are attacking, you need to make sure when youre pointing the finger at somebody, look at yourself, Dexter said. The Syracuse Teachers Association president appeared to fire back at Billues supporters, who have leveraged social media to criticize the school board. She spoke about how people need to remember that their children observe how the actions of the adults around them. What we put out on social media and what we put out in our community spaces, our children are listening to and our children are watching, said President Nicole Capsello. I will remind you, please, to act as though you want your children to grow up acting. No one on the board has said how the removal proceedings will work. Billue and her lawyer Douglas Bullock have suggested that the effort to remove her stems from her interactions with a principal and teacher at her grandsons school. On Oct. 8, the Syracuse teachers union filed a formal complaint against Billue surrounding her entering of a building, Capsello said. An investigation into Billue began as early as October. At a meeting last week, Billue said she helps take care of her grandson who attends a Syracuse school. She entered a school as a grandmother to advocate for her grandson, who she said has been badly bullied for two school years. The removal hearing will take place on Jan. 20 at 4:30 p.m. at Nottingham High School. Bloomberg A judge turned back Amazon.com Inc.s initial challenge to Saks Global Enterprises foray into Chapter 11, by approving short-term financing for the bankruptcy. The online giant claimed the luxury retailer breached a deal to sell Saks products on its website and that its equity investment in the now bankrupt business is presumptively worthless. After a late-night, 7.5-hour-long court battle, Saks won access to about $400 million in cash, but must return in the coming weeks to seek final approval of the entire, $1.75 billion financing package. Most Read from Bloomberg Amazon and other creditors that also oppose the financing, can try again to convince US Bankruptcy Judge Alfredo Perez to scrap, or alter, the debt deal. Saks advisers testified in Houston Wednesday night that the retailer risked liquidation if it didnt gain immediate access to the funding. The financing would saddle the retailer with billions of dollars of new obligations and includes other terms that would harm Amazon and other unsecured creditors of Saks, Amazon argued in a court filing. In 2024, Amazon took a minority stake in the retailer as part of an agreement that helped facilitate Saks $2.65 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus. Amazon said it invested $475 million of preferred equity in the luxury retailer as part of the deal. The investment was also contingent upon an agreement for Saks to sell products on the e-commerce giants platform, which included launching Saks on Amazon, according to Amazons filing on Wednesday. In return, Saks agreed to pay a referral fee and guaranteed at least $900 million in payments to Amazon over eight years, the e-commerce giant said. 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, Amazon alleged in its filing. The companys chief restructuring officer, Mark Weinsten, testified Wednesday that the retailer desperately needed additional financing to keep paying vendors and covering payroll and other expenses. Without access to that funding, Weinsten said, well be dead in the water. The retailer was seeking court permission to make an initial $400 million draw, with the remaining amounts becoming available later in the Chapter 11 case. For the first time in 24 years, the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation counted more than 1,000 of the beloved aquatic birds during its annual loon census. Common loons are best known for their mournful calls synonymous with wilderness idyll, their powerful grace on the water, and their abject clumsiness on dry land. Listed as a Species of Special Concern in New York, loons are also a sentinel species said Griffin Archambault, ACLC research biologist, because their presence and reproductive success on a water body can reflect the health of that ecosystem. ACLCs latest loon census took place July 19, 2025, between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. During the census hour, 815 volunteer observers fanned out across the Adirondacks and beyond. They sent in 401 individual reports from 306 unique water bodiesthe highest number ever sampled in the census. ACLC recently released results of the 2025 loon census, and the tally is: 1,059 loons, including 905 adults, 132 chicks, and 22 immature loons. Archambault called this years effort an incredible feat. It seems like the population is doing well, at least in terms of abundance, he said. But its important to keep in mind that we also had the most amount of reports that were ever submitted and the highest number of observers as well. In other words, the record number of loons counted in the 2025 census is due mainly to the record number of volunteers going out in the wild and counting birds. Furthermore, its possible selection bias boosted the count because observers may have chosen lakes more likely to have loons on them. Archambault cautioned against making direct correlations between results of ACLCs census data and NYs overall loon population. The census is just a snapshot, not a comprehensive assessment. However, trends revealed by ACLCs annual census reflect a positive trajectory in NYs loon population, which has steadily recovered from the negative effects of the long-banned insecticide DDT, Archambault said. Anecdotally, and also empirically, everybody can say the population has definitely increased over the past few decades, he said. If the apparent trends that we are seeing are significant, most suitable lakes for loons may already have loons on them. In 2014, the state Department of Environmental Conservation estimated NYs loon population to be around 2,000 birds. Archambault said the 2025 census is consistent with this number. This chart provided by the Adirondack Council for Loon Conservation shows two diverging trends (gray dotted lines) for percentage of waterbodies observed with only adult loons (going up) and waterbodies with chicks (going down). ACLC A declining trend NYs loon population appears to be healthy right now, but a closer look at the numbers reveals signals suggesting it could decline in coming years. While ACLCs observers consistently report a higher percentage of lakes with adult loons on them, the percentage of lakes with chicks or immature loons on them is going down. So basically it seems like we have a lot of loons, Archambault said. The population is doing well in terms of abundance, but over time, reproductive success is declining because were seeing fewer offspring. This trend in declining reproduction also shows up in ACLCs intensive, ongoing study of mercury impacts on loons from more than 100 Adirondack lakes. According to Archambault, every loon breeding pair needs to have 0.48 chicks, or one chick every two years, for the population to remain stable. We are seeing our reproductive success in terms of chicks fledged per pair per year dip below that 0.48 threshold, he said. So if that pattern holds true for the rest of the population, we are starting to go below what we need to maintain it. Why are NYs loons having fewer offspring? Archambault points to climate change as the major culprit. Specifically, severe rainstorms associated with climate change threaten loons exposed shoreline nesting sites. We are seeing increased torrential rain events, both in their frequency and intensity, especially in June during loon nesting season, Archambault said. And loons nest right at the waters edge. So these torrential rain events can easily flood a loon nest and cause it to fail. Sometimes loons will renest, sometimes they wont. But were seeing in years with more precipitation loon nest success seems to be going down. This map shows portions of the Upper St. Lawrence River where observers reported seeing 61 loons during ACLC's 2025 census in July, the most for any waterbody in New York. ACLC Where loons live in NY The majority of NYs loon population lives in the Adirondacks during spring and summer before migrating to the Atlantic coast in the fall. But the body of water boasting the most loons during the 2025 census was the Upper St. Lawrence River (61), followed by the Adirondack strongholds of Upper Saranac Lake (48) and Raquette Lake (27). One surprise from this years census was the discovery of two loons on Dyken Pond in Rensselaer County, in the eastern part of the state near the border of Massachusetts and Connecticut. In past counts, ACLC has documented loons on a handful of CNY lakes. Almost all CNY lakes where ACLC observers counted loons during the 2025 census were in Oneida County, including: Snowbird Lake (1), Forestport Otter Lake (2), Forestport Echo Lake (2), Boonville White Lake (4), Forestport Long Lake (2), Forestport The only other CNY lake was Seneca Lake, with three loons. But last year, Seneca Lake burst onto the census charts with 10 loons sighted. At first, Archambault was convinced the observer had seen mergansers, a type of duck commonly mistaken for loons. This lake actually has a lot of juvenile loons that spend all summer on the lake, which is not normal, Archambault said. Juvenile loons should be spending their first few years of their lives on the ocean. Archambault speculates that the juvenile loons summering on Seneca Lake are Canadian migrants who stopped there during a layover and decided to stay for the entire winter because the lake doesnt fully freeze over. Juvenile loons tend to socialize a lot more, he said, so it seems these juveniles in the Finger Lakes are just hanging out and enjoying what the region has to offer. Twenty-two percent of water bodies observed in the 2025 census registered zero loons, but even a count of zero loons is a valuable data point. If we ignore the no-loon lakes, we miss info about what makes these lakes unsuitable for loons, Archambault said. It makes long-term evaluation of these lakes important. ACLCs next annual loon census is Saturday, July 18, 2026. If you want to participate, registration begins in May. Just go to ACLCs website to sign up. We are thrilled when anybody participates anywhere in New York State because there are loons that breed well outside of the Adirondack Park, Archambault said. Anywhere that people want to count is amazing. We have thousands of lakes left to count. Republicans in Congress have been largely deferential to President Donald Trump since he returned to office a year ago. But his threats to seize Greenland by military force if necessary are generating strong opposition among Senate Republicans. Some in the chamber are vowing to block any effort by Trump to take military action against Greenland, a semiautonomous Danish territory, according to The Hill. Republican Sens. Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska will travel to Copenhagen on Friday to assure the Danes that there would be strong opposition in their party to any effort by Trump to seize Greenland by force, according to The Hill. Im going to remind them that we have co-equal branches of government and I believe that there [are a] sufficient number of members, whether they speak up or not, that are concerned with this, Tillis said of Trumps threats. The actual execution of anything that would involve a taking of a sovereign territory that is part of a sovereign nation, I think would be met with pretty substantial opposition in Congress. Members are trying to be deferential to Trump, Tillis said. He added that whoever keeps on telling the president that this idea is achievable should not be in Washington, D.C. An anonymous Republican senator told The Hill that the Greenland issue has generated more opposition from Republicans in Congress because of its serious implications for the future of NATO. Denmark is a founding member of the alliance. I have no understanding how this is an idea to begin with, the senator said, warning that taking Greenland will undermine NATO and put Ukraine at greater risk. We absolutely need NATO [to] support Ukraine. Diminishing the capabilities of NATO to do that is a death knell to people in Ukraine. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with officials from Denmark and Greenland on Wednesday at the White House. The Danish foreign minister said the two sides have a fundamental disagreement, but plan to continue talking, according to NBC News. Not all Republicans are as disturbed by Trumps Greenland talk as the senators who spoke to The Hill. U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, a Republican from Florida, recently introduced a bill to annex Greenland and make it the 51st U.S. state. Fine said his bill would allow Trump to take whatever steps [are] necessary to annex or acquire Greenland, according to CBS News. Update 7:30 a.m. Friday: Schools in the Liverpool district are closed today because of snow. Update Thursday afternoon: The latest letter to parents from Liverpool High School Executive Principal Briana OBrien said threatening messages were found written on two bathroom walls at the high school. Administrators and police investigated and interviewed multiple students and the message has been determined to be not be credible. School will reopen Friday and support staff will be available to assist students. Todays original story is below: Liverpool, N.Y. --Liverpool High School dismissed students at 12:30 p.m. today due to a threat first identified two days ago, school administrators said. School officials deemed the initial threat not credible, they said today. However, Liverpool School Superintendent Richard Chapman said today rumors and gossip have increased regarding the original threat. More specific details have emerged, he said in a letter to the community without offering specifics. Chapman said out of an abundance of caution, and after consulting with New York State Police and the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office, the district decided to dismiss the high school students early. After school activities are also canceled. Liverpool school officials said the rumors were pointing to more specific information, such as a specific time for the threat. The rumors were what prompted the district to dismiss early, they said. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. Some of your favorite Netflix shows may not be returning this year. Last week, the streaming giant unveiled its 2026 TV slate, which includes dozens of returning hits like Bridgerton, One Piece, Beef, and the final seasons of Outer Banks and The Witcher. However, as first reported by Deadline, there were several notable absences. Popular shows like Wednesday and Ginny & Georgia did not make the list, nor did freshman series Ransom Canyon, Untamed, and Forever. Additionally, Everybodys Live With John Mulaney, which is only one season into a two-season order, was missing from the schedule. While a few titles could potentially be added later this year, most of these series are now expected to return no earlier than 2027. As the outlet points out, some of these delays are understandable. Wednesday, the supernatural mystery comedy, remains one of Netflixs most elaborate productions, typically requiring a two-year cycle for filming and post-production. It is currently rumored for a February 2026 production start and a 2027 release. Similarly, Ginny & Georgia has maintained a consistent two-year release pattern. After its third season came out in June, production on Season 4 began in the fall and is expected to continue through February. Deadline also reported that Josh Duhamel and Minka Kellys romantic drama Ransom Canyon is wrapping production on its second season, putting it on track for an early 2027 premiere. The sophomore season of Forever, based on Judy Blumes novel, is also reportedly in production and expected to wrap soon. Eric Banas crime drama Untamed is also expected to shoot its second season this year, with an early 2027 release anticipated. The show was originally ordered as a limited series whose success prompted it to be renewed for Season 2. Several international series also missed the 2026 schedule, including the UKs Supacell and Dept. Q, Canadas Bet and Geek Girl, and Australias Heartbreak High, which returns for a third and final season. Some of these omissions are surprising given their production status. For example, the British-Canadian teen series Geek Girl reportedly finished filming its second season, while Heartbreak High completed production on its final season in early 2025. There will be a brief lull in the snow this afternoon, but steadier lake-effect snowfall is expected this evening in Central New York, according to the National Weather Service. Weather alerts remain in effect through Friday afternoon. This evenings lake effect snow will transition to narrow lake effect snow bands late tonight into Friday morning. The weather service forecasts additional snow accumulations between 1 and 4 inches for Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga and Madison counties. Locally higher amounts of 4 to 6 inches are possible over northern Onondaga County and northwestern Madison County. Oswego County remains under a winter storm warning for more severe conditions. Total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches are expected, with the greatest amounts forecast for the Tug Hill Plateau and the western half of the county. Wind chills below zero are expected through Friday morning. The weather service warns that travel will be very difficult in Oswego County, with widespread accumulating snow creating dangerous conditions. Slippery road conditions are expected to impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes across all affected counties. Rain is changing to snow across Central New York on Thursday morning, creating potentially slick travel conditions during the morning commute, according to the National Weather Service in Binghamton. A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 1 p.m. Friday for portions of the Finger Lakes and areas north of the New York Thruway corridor, where a few inches of snow accumulation is possible. In other parts of the state, including Oswego County, much heavier snow is expected. Here is a breakdown by region: National Weather Service Central New York Early Thursday morning, surface temperatures remained too warm for snow to develop initially, with rain persisting across the area. However, as a low-pressure system moves northeast of the region, temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s during the day, allowing precipitation to change over to snow showers. The National Weather Service warns that a few icy spots are still possible during the morning commute hours. Light lake effect snow is expected to continue from the Thruway corridor northward into Friday, bringing additional light accumulations. Syracuse may see snow showers persist through Thursday afternoon. Total accumulations of 2 to 6 inches of snow are possible by Friday morning. National Weather Service Oswego County Widespread snow is falling across the region Thursday morning as a surface low-pressure system tracks from the Southern Tier of New York into the northeast portion of the state. The snow will transition to localized lake effect snow bands Thursday afternoon through Friday morning as arctic air moves in behind the system. Much of Oswego County should expect 8 to 12 inches of snow, with some areas seeing even more. The heaviest accumulations are expected along the southern Lake Ontario shoreline north of Route 104. By Thursday night, snow will become more concentrated along the southern shore of Lake Ontario into Oswego County. Arctic air moving into the region will bring dangerous cold. Temperatures will fall to the teens and lower 20s Thursday morning and remain steady through the day. Wind chill values will be near zero Thursday and as cold as 10 below zero Thursday night east of Lake Ontario. The weather service warned that an active and cold pattern returns Friday evening with the potential for significant lake effect snow next week. The healthcare industry is getting an AI boost and some players could see big gains. "Our top pick in 2026 is Waystar," Bank of America analyst Allen Lutz wrote in a recent report, highlighting the company's unique position at the intersection of high-growth software and the industry's massive administrative bottleneck. "The earnings multiple should expand as growth proves to be durable." The firm's bull case for Waystar (WAY) rests on the idea that its growth is "too cheap" to ignore, even as the stock has faced a gauntlet of pressures and has fallen 20% in the past year. Lutz noted that the company went through a period of "deal purgatory" following its $1.25 billion acquisition of Iodine software in late 2025, which only recently began to see full operational integration. There's also the lingering fear that UnitedHealth (UNH) Optum might claw back market share lost during the 2024 Change Healthcare cybersecurity attack a catastrophic outage that caused severe cash flow problems and delayed patient care for US hospitals. More from Yahoo Scout What impact did Change Healthcare's cyberattack have? Why is Waystar Bank of America's top healthcare pick? How is AI transforming healthcare revenue cycle management? What challenges could limit AI adoption in healthcare? "Hospitals are looking for new revenue cycle vendors due in part to Change Healthcare's cybersecurity breach," Lutz wrote. "And the rapid growth of AI is also driving hospitals to make changes to its platform." This shift is giving "differentiated" players like Waystar an opening to gain ground. Despite headwinds around utilization and policy uncertainty, Waystar has maintained an aggressive consolidation strategy. Since its 2017 formation, the company has executed more than 10 acquisitions and now processes over 7.5 billion transactions annually. Lutz estimated the roll-up strategy could unlock 400 to 500 basis points in margin upside as the company integrates AI and scales, leading the firm to issue a Buy rating and a $52 price target. Hospitals and healthcare providers increasingly seek AI and cybersecurity solutions. (Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images) picture alliance via Getty Images The AI-centric value proposition is what William Blair analyst Ryan Daniels called a shift toward an "autonomous revenue cycle." "AI has the potential to revolutionize myriad revenue cycle management functions, which could reshape market dynamics," Daniels said. Waystar is among the key players to benefit from the revolution, he argued, specifically citing the company's "AltitudeAI" tool designed to tackle the industry's $20 billion denial problem. Management claims the software can generate denial appeals 90% faster, cutting a 38-hour manual process down to just two. While Waystar stands out, Daniels also pointed to Phreesia (PHR) and Health Catalyst (HCAT) as key players, though they operate on different scales and specialities. In a demonstration that seems to bend the rules of conventional physics, TechNovator has introduced a wireless charging technology that could fundamentally change how we power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. CEO and co-founder Ruslana Dovzhyk showcased the innovation at CES 2026, revealing a system that has been 11 years in the making. Beyond Traditional Wireless Charging A key distinguishing feature of TechNovator's approach is its microstructured energy interface, based on the principle of energy quantization, which enables energy transfer with efficiencies of up to 95%. Unlike current wireless charging solutions that require precise device placement and struggle with multiple devices, TechNovator's system can charge numerous devices simultaneously, regardless of their power requirements. "It's possible to charge many devices simultaneouslylow, medium, and high power devicesover a distance with high efficiency," Dovzhyk explained during the demonstration. "And it's possible to charge in various environmental conditions, even in motion." The technology's most intriguing characteristic is its stealth profile. Between the transmitter and receiver, only a weak signal capable of transferring information is detectablenot the energy itself. This counterintuitive feature distinguishes it from conventional electromagnetic charging methods. Safe Energy Transfer A critical aspect of TechNovator's technology is its safety design. The weak signal detected between transmitter and receiver ensures that the energy transfer method poses no risk to users or bystanders. This makes the technology particularly suitable for applications where safety is paramount, including medical devices and environments with continuous human presence. The ability to charge devices through various materialsincluding the potential to power implantable medical devices through tissuedemonstrates both the technology's versatility and its safe operation in sensitive applications. Practical Applications on Display During the demonstration, Dovzhyk showed a wireless charging table with two transmitting elements embedded beneath a plastic surface. Connected by a single cable to a power outlet, the table powered multiple devices placed above itfrom lamps with integrated receivers to a modified computer mouse running on a rechargeable battery designed to last 50 years. The most striking demonstration involved layered charging: multiple devices stacked vertically, all drawing power simultaneously from a single charging point. Dovzhyk showed how devices could charge while in motion across the table's surface, with blue indicator lights confirming active power transfer. "Just imagine if you have laptops, monitors, smartphones, headsets, speakersall the devices will be possible to charge from one charging point or wireless charging mat connected via one cable," she said. "It's possible to use various devices simultaneously over a distance, even in motion." Diverse Market Potential TechNovator's technology extends far beyond consumer electronics. The company has already mastered charging half-kilowatt batteries and is targeting several sectors: Micromobility and Transportation: Electric bikes and e-scooters could charge while parked on specially equipped platforms, regardless of weather conditionsrain, snow, dust, extreme heat, or cold. Robotics: Warehousing robots could operate continuously without human intervention, charging as they work rather than returning to docking stations for extended periods. Dovzhyk noted that robots typically spending 12 hours charging and 10 hours working could instead operate 24/7. Medical Devices: Perhaps most significantly, the technology could charge implantable devices like cardiac pacemakers and brain stimulators through tissue, potentially eliminating the need for repeated surgeries to replace batteries. Electric Vehicles: The company is planning tests for electric vehicle charging systems with power capacity up to 10 kilowatts or more. Implementation and Integration For existing devices like smartphones, integration would require adding TechNovator's receiving elements and electronic modules. The company has developed receivers in various sizes and form factors, including flexible versions that could be integrated into slim devices. The smallest receiver demonstrated was compact enough for battery applications, while larger versions suited different device categories. The system has one notable limitation: complete metal barriers between transmitter and receiver will block the signal. However, even metal surfaces with perforations allow energy transfer to occur. Path to Market TechNovator is currently positioning itself to enter multiple markets. The company identifies consumer electronics, robotics, and micro-mobility as initial target segments where the technology is most market-ready. Dovzhyk emphasized that the development represents knowledge "beyond existing charging technologies and existing physics," suggesting the 11-year research period involved fundamental breakthroughs rather than incremental improvements to existing methods. Following CES 2026, TechNovator plans to showcase the technology at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in March. The company is actively seeking partnerships with device manufacturers and industry players across its target sectors. Looking Forward If TechNovator's technology delivers on its demonstrated capabilities at commercial scale, it could address several persistent challenges in wireless charging: the need for precise alignment, limited charging distances, low efficiency with multiple devices, and vulnerability to environmental conditions. The prospect of truly universal wireless chargingwhere a single transmitter powers an entire desk's worth of devices, or where medical implants never need surgical battery replacementrepresents a significant leap from today's wireless charging pads that struggle to power even a single smartphone efficiently. For more information about TechNovator's wireless charging technology, interested parties can connect through the company's website or reach out to Dovzhyk via LinkedIn. As the patent publication approaches and demonstration units circulate at major technology conferences, the industry will have the opportunity to validate whether this energy quantization approach can deliver the wireless power revolution it promises. Verizon, the largest mobile network provider in the U.S., on Wednesday night apologized after a widespread network outage forced phones into SOS mode, cutting off regular calls, texts, and mobile data for much of the day. The company quickly acknowledged the issue on social media, saying, 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. Later in the day, the mobile carrier shared another post that read, 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. What Does SOS Mode Mean? When a phone enters SOS mode, it cannot connect to its carriers network; however, it can still make emergency calls, such as dialing 911, using other available networks or satellite connections. Apple devices may show SOS instead of signal bars, while Android phones might display messages like No Service or Mobile Network Not Detected. What Happened According to reports on outage-tracking site Downdetector, the outage began around midday Eastern Time (ET), which showed complaints surging to well over 100,000 within hours. Affected users said their phones suddenly lost cellular service and displayed an SOS symbol, which meant that only emergency calls could be made. As the hours passed, frustration grew. Complaints came from across the country, including New York, Florida, Texas, Missouri, and parts of the Midwest and East Coast, with users reporting that they were unable to place calls or receive texts. In many cases, calling a Verizon number resulted in a recording saying the person was temporarily unavailable. Some users briefly regained service, only to see their phones revert to SOS mode later in the afternoon. Service Restored Late Evening At around 10:20 p.m. ET, Verizon announced that the outage had been resolved. In a post just after 10:30 p.m. ET, the company advised customers to restart their devices to reconnect to the network. It also recommended users to confirm network status online and contact customer support if problems continue. Verizon issued a public apology, saying, Today, we let many of our customers down and for that, we are truly sorry. Credits Promised, Cause Still Unknown Verizon said it would provide account credits to affected customers, with details to be shared directly. As of publishing time, the mobile carrier had not identified the cause of the outage. What To Do If Your Phone Is Still In SOS Mode For customers still seeing SOS mode after service restoration, experts recommend restarting the device, toggling cellular data off and on, checking for carrier updates, or reinserting the SIM card. The outage underscores how even brief network failures can have a widespread impact in an increasingly mobile-dependent world. Naol Debele, Chief Executive Officer of Jethi (left), and Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace, at the signing ceremony on January 13 in Ethiopia TOKYO, January 15, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Axelspace Corporation ("Axelspace"), a leading developer and operator of microsatellites dedicated to realizing its vision of "Space within Your Reach," has made a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jethi Software Development PLC ("Jethi"), an Ethiopian technology company, to cooperate on addressing social and development challenges through the utilization of satellite-based Earth observation (EO) data. The MoU was signed by Naol Debele, Chief Executive Officer of Jethi, and Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace. The signing ceremony, held in Ethiopia on January 13 (local time), was attended by representatives of the Space Science and Geospatial Institute (SSGI) of Ethiopia, members of the Jethi Board of Directors and invited guests, in an official and protocol capacity. Axelspace positions the expansion of EO data utilization in emerging markets, including Africa, as a key medium- to long-term strategic priority. Through this collaboration, Axelspace aims to support locally driven, data-informed solutions. Under the MoU, Axelspace will provide EO data and know-how for its utilization across priority sectors, including agriculture, environmental and forest conservation, disaster risk management and climate resilience, urban planning and infrastructure development. Jethi will lead the establishment of a local framework for EO data utilization in Ethiopia, coordinating with relevant stakeholders to integrate satellite data with local information and institutional requirements. The partnership aims to identify priority challenges, develop scalable solutions that combine EO data with local information, and foster the growth of a sustainable ecosystem for satellite data utilization in Ethiopia. Axelspace is participating in the "Emerging Countries Working Group", which was launched in 2024 by Cross U, a general incorporated association, to promote space business co-creation between Japan and African countries. "With the economic development of emerging countries, including those in Africa, the demand for satellite data utilization is expected to increase significantly," said Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace. "We will work to build win-win relationships that create new value with local public and private sector partners, leveraging Japans advanced technological capabilities and expertise to contribute to the long-term development of a platform for satellite data utilization." For the full press release, please visit: https://www.axelspace.com/news/mou_ethiopia/ Press Release from Business Wire: Zayed Sustainability Prize (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 ABU DHABI, Jan 15, 2026 (BSW) - Kyanja High School, located in Uganda, has been named the winner of the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Global High Schools - Sub-Saharan Africa category. The school was recognised for its student-led 'EcoLoop' project, an innovative circular farming system designed to combat malnutrition, reduce waste, and strengthen food security in rural communities. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114318920/en/ 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony (Photo: AETOSWire) EcoLoop integrates duck farming and catfish aquaculture in a zero-waste design: ducks are housed in raised shelters above fishponds, allowing their droppings to naturally fertilise the water and promote plankton growth. This closed-loop approach eliminates the need for synthetic feed while producing two reliable protein sources - fish and eggs. Through this system, students will gain hands-on skills in agroecology, aquaculture, and sustainable food production. Over two years, the project will generate more than 3,000 kg of catfish and 27,000 duck eggs, significantly improving access to affordable, nutritious protein. EcoLoop will also provide practical training to more than 300 students annually, while student ambassadors support replication in 30 schools and community groups, reaching an additional 500 households. By transforming agricultural waste into a valuable resource, EcoLoop offers a scalable model for circular farming in resource-constrained settings. Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, praised the school's achievement: "The Zayed Sustainability Prize recognises young people who are creating practical solutions that strengthen their communities. Kyanja High School's students are using innovation to improve access to nutritious food and demonstrate how circular, resource-efficient aquaculture can improve food availability. Their work shows how opportunity and access empower youth to build lasting benefits for their communities." Kabanda Michael, Principal of Kyanja High School, said: "We are profoundly grateful to the Zayed Sustainability Prize for its inclusive vision that embraces innovators from every part of the world, including Africa. This victory blesses our students and community and affirms our belief that young people can lead Africa's journey toward food security and environmental stewardship." The US $150,000 award will enable the school to construct the full EcoLoop system on campus, develop smaller household units for distribution, and deliver student-led training that supports replication in neighbouring schools and community groups. The funding will also strengthen sustainability education by equipping students with hands-on skills in circular farming, aquaculture, and resource-efficient food production. The Zayed Sustainability Prize honours organisations and high schools driving impactful and innovative solutions across the categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action, and Global High Schools. Since its inception, the Prize has positively impacted the lives of over 400 million people worldwide, carrying forward the visionary legacy of the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Since 2013, the Prize has awarded 68 high schools under its Global High Schools category from countries in the following regions: The Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East & North Africa, Europe & Central Asia, South Asia, and East Asia & Pacific. To date, the Prize's Global High Schools winners have impacted the lives of over 56,599 students and 480,660 people in their wider communities. *Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260114318920/en/ Contact Thomas Hagan[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. Senegal's spear-wielding savannah chimps yield clues on humanity's past Kedougou, Senegal, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 A shriek broke the dawn on the savannah, followed by more screeches and the rustle of branches: The wild Fongoli chimps were bidding each other good morning in the dry, scraggly Sahel. The rare chimpanzees -- who live in the bush of hot, southeast Senegal rather than the forest as is more common -- exist on the extreme edge of what is possible for their species. Their unusual way of living offers clues into humans' own evolutionary past, while their adaptations to the heat appear timely in a world where temperatures are on the rise. Soaking in pools, cooling off in caves and even wielding spears: The 35 wild chimps of the Fongoli community have adapted to the environment with behaviours that defy their species' conventional norms. Now, 25 years after starting her pioneering research on savannah chimps, which had never before been habituated to observers, primatologist Jill Pruetz has a wealth of data. The study's longevity allows for a deeper dive into the Fongoli community's behaviours, relationships and how they learn from one generation to the next. "Until they were habituated to observers so we could follow them around and take data, we only knew chimpanzees from forested areas," Pruetz told AFP reporters, who spent two days following her and her team as they tracked the primates in the bush. The Fongoli chimps, who live on a 100-square-kilometre (40-square-mile) home range, are only one group of savannah chimps in the region but for years the only one to be studied. On a recent morning, A.J., Raffy, Diouf and ambitious young Pistache sat at the top of a baobab, plucking a breakfast of fruit that they cracked open with a whack-whack-whack against the branches. Screeching, or "pant-hooting" as their vocalisations are known, they communicated with other members nearby. Pruetz and her team of Senegalese researchers follow the group's adult males, which currently number 10, choosing one each day to track from dawn to dusk. The females, however, are not followed in order to keep them more wary of poachers. The males' strict hierarchy spans from Cy, the alpha, down to Siberut, the oldest and lowest ranking despite his superb hunting skills. Since the social apes spend much of their time together, Pruetz is still able to observe the females and their young. It is the females who have proven the most groundbreaking members of the clan: They are the only non-human animal to systematically use tools to hunt. It is a behaviour Pruetz and her researchers have observed almost 600 times. - 'Hottest area' - After whittling sticks into spears, usually with their teeth, the females hunt bush babies during the rainy season, impaling the small primates as they shelter in tree holes. With the heat index reaching 49 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit) in the hot season, life on the savannah can be gruelling. The Fongoli chimps "have to deal with the hottest area that we've studied chimps in" Pruetz said, and must "minimise energy expenditure" during the dry season. They are the only wild chimps in the world known to soak, taking dips in natural pools. They additionally "use caves to rest in, because the caves are cooler", Pruetz told AFP. The savannah woodlands that are the Fongoli chimps' habitat are similar to those that human ancestors lived in some six or seven million years ago. By looking at chimps, which along with bonobos are humans' closest living relatives, perhaps we "can help confirm some of the hypotheses about how those really early hominins, or bipedal apes, behaved", Pruetz said. While the Fongoli chimps' many adaptations mean they are able to deal with "high heat stress", Pruetz said, "we're not sure that with climate change they can continue to do that". - Gold rush - The Fongoli apes are members of the critically endangered subspecies of West African chimpanzees. While they have traditionally co-existed alongside humans on their home range, a new threat has emerged: a gold rush which has ushered an increase in both artisanal and industrial mines. In the morning, the rumble of rock-grinding machines, which crush through buckets of substrate, could be heard before the savannah's fauna began its daily chorus. Fires burned at artisanal mine sites, where night guards watched over equipment. Mines can mean water pollution, greater resource extraction and the spread of human disease to chimps. Papa Ibnou Ndiaye, a wildlife researcher and professor at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, said studying the Fongoli chimpanzees allows "the local administration to have accurate information to make informed decisions for the conservation of Senegal's biodiversity". Pruetz spends part of the year teaching at Texas State University, while her four research assistants and project manager, who are originally from nearby villages, continue to track the apes. They keep count as Raffy whacks a baobab fruit eight times or note which arm he uses to do so -- although chimps are normally left-handed. But they also meticulously track the chimps' friendships and social plights. "When someone gets home from being out with the chimps all day, you sit around the supper table and you talk about, what drama? What did Cy do today? What did Pistache do today?" said Pruetz, who has images of three of the chimp group's deceased or disappeared members tattooed on her arm. Chimpanzees can live up to 50 years in the wild and how their "relationships change" is just one of the many interests for Pruetz. In remote Senegal, chimp researchers escape gold mines' perils Kedougou, Senegal, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 Michel Tama Sadiakhou's future dramatically changed course some 15 years ago thanks to a clan of spear-wielding apes: instead of the dangerous work in informal gold mines that is the fate of many in Senegal's far southeast, he now researches rare chimpanzees. He is among five people from local villages, all but one without a high school diploma, working on a project focused on the area's highly unusual savannah-dwelling chimpanzees. Not only has it proven a deep dive into science, but for several of them, it has also offered an escape from the mines. "It's really a stroke of luck," Sadiakhou told AFP of his involvement in the Fongoli Savanna Chimpanzee Project, which was founded by US primatologist Jill Pruetz in 2001. Pruetz has made a number of discoveries while studying a community of about three dozen West African chimpanzees, which she dubbed the Fongoli chimps. The group lives in the bush -- rather than the forest as is more common -- alongside other similar chimp communities in Senegal's Kedougou region on the border with Mali and Guinea. The Fongoli females are the only documented animals in the world to regularly hunt with tools, fashioning branches into spears for killing smaller primates known as a bush babies. On a recent morning, Mike, a charismatic, middle-aged chimp, ambled along the savannah floor, baobab fruit dangling by a stem from his mouth -- a snack for later -- as Sadiakhou watched. Every five minutes, he and his fellow researchers take notes, singling out one of the group's 10 adult males to follow each day. From vocalisations to food intake, social interactions to rhythmic beating on trees, known as buttress drumming, they note down everything. The four researchers and project manager are from the region's Bedik and Bassari ethnic groups. After leaving high school, Sadiakhou, a 37-year-old Bedik father of four, worked in the gold mines, known locally as the dioura. Seeing Pruetz and others repeatedly driving past his village he decided to apply for work and was hired to the project in 2009, having never seen a chimp in his life. Now head researcher, he describes the apes as a "second family". "When I'm with the chimpanzees, even if I'm alone, it's like I'm with other people," Sadiakhou told AFP reporters, who spent two days with the researchers at the primates' home range. - 'Dioura' boom - Fellow researcher Nazaire Bonnag, 31, also put the dioura behind him. One day "I saw someone go down there (into the mines) and he never came back up", Bonnag told AFP from the study's permanent camp -- a cluster of thatched roof huts inside the Fongoli range. When the man was determined to have suffocated from gas and his body pulled out by a rope, Bonnag decided "no, I can't continue like this". The Kedougou region, where the Fongoli range is located, accounts for 98 percent of Senegal's gold mining sites, a 2018 government study said. It is also one of its poorest regions, with a poverty rate of more than 65 percent, according to statistics from 2021-2022. At one of several dioura sites on the Fongoli chimps' range, a gaping hole in the ground leads to a deep tunnel where tired, dirt-covered men entered and exited. More than 30,000 people work in Senegal's traditional gold mining sector, according to the 2018 study. Aliou Bakhoum, head of the NGO La Lumiere in the regional capital of Kedougou, said the number had only increased in the last few years. The dioura can be lucrative for those who find gold but it is down to "luck", Bakhoum told AFP, saying the work is dangerous, with long tunnels that are far too deep and subject to cave-ins. - Adaptations to extreme heat - A gold mining boom since the 2010s has lured not just locals but people from neighbouring west African countries too and presents new hurdles for the chimps such as increased water pollution, deforestation and the spread of human diseases. The Fongoli chimps, who today number 35, were the first and for a long time only group of savannah chimpanzees to be acclimated to the presence of researchers. Pruetz's findings have been startling: Living in the extreme savannah heat, the Fongoli apes have learned to soak in natural pools, rest in cool caves and are calm in the presence of fire. Their adaptations to a landscape at the edge of what is possible for their species can help shed light on human evolution and the early hominins living in similar climates millions of years ago, according to Pruetz. Dondo "Johnny" Kante, the study's project manager, comes from a nearby Bedik village and believes that including local workers helps the wider community take "interest in the project". With any luck, he said, the researchers' involvement will inspire other locals to "continue to support, protect and truly work for the well-being" of the Fongoli chimps. Press Release from Business Wire: Syngenta (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 BASEL, Jan 15, 2026 (BSW) - SAP SE (NYSE: SAP) and Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural innovation, today announced a multi-year strategic technology partnership to accelerate AI-assisted innovation across Syngenta's global operations. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115682130/en/ Jeff Rowe - CEO of Syngenta Group (left) and Christian Klein - CEO of SAP (right) The partnership will embed artificial intelligence at the core of Syngenta's enterprise, modernizing operations and enabling accelerated innovation through advanced data analytics across the business - from manufacturing and supply chain to grower-facing products and services. Agriculture continues to navigate challenges driven by climate variability, supply chain complexity, and global uncertainty. By deploying AI-assisted tools enterprise-wide, this partnership positions Syngenta to meet the challenge of feeding a projected 10 billion people by 2050, while unlocking faster innovation, stronger operational resilience, and scalable impact across the business. "AI is the catalyst for agricultural transformation and has quickly become a core competitive edge for Syngenta," said Feroz Sheikh, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Syngenta Group. "Our partnership with SAP is transforming how we run the enterprise, modernizing core operations and unlocking new ways to work - a testament to our commitment to becoming an agriculture company with AI at its core." "Syngenta's transformation sets a benchmark for digital innovation in agriculture," said Philipp Herzig, Chief Technology Officer at SAP SE. "Together, we're demonstrating how cloud and AI technologies can drive sustainable growth and efficiency in one of the world's most critical industries. This partnership will help Syngenta future-proof its operations to feed the world responsibly." Scaling an AI-First Operating Model for Agriculture Syngenta's transformation will begin with SAP Cloud ERP Private solutions, modernizing core operations across the value-chain to deliver agility, resilience, and scalability. The company's ambition is clear: unlock innovation faster, strengthen its leadership in agriculture, and future-proof operations against volatility. Through SAP Business Data Cloud, Syngenta will create a unified, more secure, and scalable data foundation essential for real-time decision-making and AI integration. Combined with SAP Business AI and AI-assisted tools such as the Joule copilot, this will help the company explore smarter, faster decisions that drive operational efficiency and accelerate innovation. Additionally, Syngenta will be able to deliver better products and services to growers worldwide while enabling them to retain control and privacy over their proprietary information. About SAP As a global leader in enterprise applications and business AI, SAP (NYSE:SAP) stands at the nexus of business and technology. For over 50 years, organizations have trusted SAP to bring out their best by uniting business-critical operations spanning finance, procurement, HR, supply chain, and customer experience.Visit the SAP News Center. Get SAP news via LinkedIn and Bluesky. About Syngenta Syngenta is a global leader in agricultural innovation with a presence in more than 90 countries. Syngenta is focused on developing technologies and farming practices that empower farmers, so they can make the transformation required to feed the world's population while preserving our planet. Its bold scientific discoveries deliver better benefits for farmers and society on a bigger scale than ever before. Guided by its Sustainability Priorities, Syngenta is developing new technologies and solutions that support farmers to grow healthier plants in healthier soil with a higher yield. Syngenta Crop Protection is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland; Syngenta Seeds is headquartered in the United States. Read our stories and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram & X. Data protection is important to us. You are receiving this publication on the legal basis of Article 6 para 1 lit. f GDPR ("legitimate interest"). However, if you do not wish to receive further information about Syngenta, just send us a brief informal message and we will no longer process your details for this purpose. You can also find further details in our privacy statement. Syngenta's Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document may contain forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. 2026 Syngenta. Rosentalstrasse 67, 4058 Basel, Switzerland. SAP's Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements, which are predictions, projections, or other statements about future events. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and outcomes to materially differ. Additional information regarding these risks and uncertainties may be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the risk factors section of SAP's 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F. 2026 SAP SE. All rights reserved. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. Web Resources Pictures View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115682130/en/ Contact Media Contacts Syngenta Media Relations[email protected] SAP Media Relations[email protected] +1 (610) 661-1000 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. How the EU and Mercosur agro-powerhouse Brazil differ on pesticides Paris, France, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 The EU-Mercosur free trade agreement, set to be signed on Saturday, reignites debate over pesticides banned for European farmers but widely used in Latin America -- a major export market for EU agrochemical companies. AFP compared Brussels rules with those in Brazil to illustrate the differences in pesticide standards between the two blocs, which traded more than EUR15 billion worth of agricultural goods in 2024. Brazil accounts for 80 percent of the EU's trade with Mercosur countries (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay). As of late November, it had authorised the use of 330 active substances. Sixty percent of them had not been approved in the EU, 37 percent had been approved, and 3 percent were under review, according to data cross-checked between the Brazilian health regulatory agency (Anvisa) and the European Commission. Conversely, of the 421 active substances approved in the EU, 73 percent had not been greenlighted in Brazil. However, these figures come with caveats. EU member states can temporarily allow national use of substances banned at the European level. In France, for instance, the herbicide flufenacet -- classified as an endocrine disruptor and withdrawn from the EU market in December -- has been granted a grace period allowing one more year of use. A country may also ban a substance authorised by Brussels if it deems the environmental or health risks are too high. Acetamiprid, a neonicotinoid highly toxic to bees, is currently banned in France but allowed elsewhere in the EU. - Residues - Although imports from Mercosur must legally meet EU standards, European farmers argue that controls are too weak to prevent unfair competition. Critics of the EU-Mercosur deal point in particular to the EU's tolerance of pesticide residues below defined safety limits, even though the substances themselves are banned in the EU. In response, the European Commission pledged in early January to completely ban imports containing residues of three fungicides: carbendazim, benomyl and thiophanate-methyl. The first two are already banned in Brazil, but thiophanate-methyl -- withdrawn from the EU market in 2021 over health concerns -- remains authorised in the Latin American state. Some countries have gone a step further. France has suspended imports of products containing residues of mancozeb and glufosinate, in addition to the three fungicides targeted by Brussels. Mancozeb, used on avocados, mangoes and peppers, is classified as an endocrine disruptor by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and is suspected of reproductive toxicity and carcinogenicity, according to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Glufosinate ammonium, an herbicide widely used on potatoes, is also classified for presumed human reproductive toxicity. Banned in the EU, these substances rank among the best-selling in Brazil: mancozeb is the second most marketed active ingredient, glufosinate the sixth. - Banned in Europe, exported to Mercosur - European chemicals companies have historically manufactured such pesticides and shipped them to Mercosur countries. In 2024, groups like BASF, Corteva, Syngenta and Bayer exported 18,000 tonnes of pesticides prohibited for use within the EU, according to data compiled by Swiss NGO Public Eye and Greenpeace UK's investigation unit Unearthed, drawing from the ECHA and national authorities. More than 80 percent of these exports went to Brazil, the world's second-largest market for these EU-made pesticides after the United States. Leading the list was picoxystrobin, a fungicide used on cereals and soybeans, banned in the EU since 2017 over genotoxic and environmental risks. Soybeans -- of which Brazil is the world's top exporter -- reach the EU mainly as soybean meal to feed livestock. In 2024-25, Europe imported over 20 million tonnes of Brazilian soybean meal. Regarding the substances targeted by Brussels and Paris last week, European companies filed export notifications for 2,300 tonnes of glufosinate, 260 tonnes of thiophanate-methyl and 250 tonnes of mancozeb to Mercosur in 2024, according to figures published in September 2025. Several environmental NGOs hit out at the EU for what they called a "double-standard policy" that bans certain pesticides in Europe while exporting them abroad. Falling snow piles kill two as massive storm hits Russia's far east Moscow, Jan 15 (AFP) Jan 15, 2026 Snow falling from the roofs of buildings in Russia's Far East has killed two people, authorities said Thursday, declaring an emergency situation as a massive snowstorm engulfed the region. Images showed huge snow piles reaching up to the second storey of buildings and people digging their way through roads as snow blanketed cars on either side. Though heavy snow is not uncommon in Kamchatka -- a peninsula in Russia's Far East which stretches down towards Japan -- the unusual intensity of the storm has left the region's major city partially paralysed. "I was recommended to declare the situation, which has led to rooftop avalanches that resulted in two deaths, a local emergency. I took that decision," the mayor of the regional capital Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Yevgeny Belyaev, said on Telegram. Schools have shut, and businesses have switched to remote working. Local media outlet Kamchatka-Inform reported city residents complaining that stores were running out of bread, eggs and milk. "The difficulties arising are purely logistical in nature and stem from travel restrictions. The deliveries are gradually resuming as roads are cleared," the regional government head, Yulia Morozova, was cited by another local website, Kamchatka Media. Authorities blamed housing management companies for not promptly removing the piled snow and ice from rooftops on time, saying this had caused the deaths. Bernstein just came out with its top chip stocks for 2026 list, and there is hardly anything surprising. Nvidia (NVDA) and Broadcom (AVGO) continue to be the favorites, as both are instrumental in serving the global chip manufacturing needs. Analysts at Bernstein believe the valuation continues to be attractive for both these stocks, as AI spending shows no signs of slowing. Surprisingly, they rate Nvidia as a better pick over Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). At a time when AMDs expertise in inference is leading the AMD vs. Nvidia debate, this is rather interesting. Bernstein is confident about Nvidias product roadmap and clearly doesn't believe Nvidia is behind Lisa Sus firm when it comes to leading the inference race. Valuations for some other stocks do not appear to be as attractive. Micron (MU) and Applied Materials (AMAT) are examples that have shot up recently and appear to be in bubble territory. That hasnt stopped Bernstein from maintaining a bullish stance on them, with Applied Materials getting a special mention. The research firm rates AMAT Outperform, even when it is currently trading at 52-week highs. More News from Barchart About Applied Materials Stock Applied Materials is the largest supplier of equipment and services for semiconductor chips and advanced display manufacturing. The company serves all the major global chipmakers and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. AMAT stock has posted impressive 80% returns in the last one year, four times as much as the S&P 500 Index ($SPX). It also comfortably beat the iShares Semiconductor ETFs (SOXX) 52% returns during the same period. Bernstein continues to believe that 2026 could be similar. www.barchart.com Compared to its five-year average, AMAT is expensive. Its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) is 33.24x, 67% higher than the average. The price-to-sale (P/S) ratio is trading at a similar premium to historical valuations. The comparison with peers is also interesting. The 33.24x forward P/E is three times as high as that of Micron, a company benefiting from similar demand in high bandwidth memory. However, both companies trade at a similar P/S ratio. This premium in earnings multiple is justified, as AMATs earnings are more stable. For example, both companies are expected to grow their earnings at around 23% in 2027. AMAT, however, is estimated to continue growing at around 8% until 2029, while Microns growth turns negative, expected to come in at -49% in 2029! This long-term prospect makes AMAT a better play, and the valuation reflects that. 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 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. 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 Cast Brendan Fraser in your movie if you want to issue a manifesto on earnestness. Its not that he lacks the range to do anything else (certainly, no hearts were melting over his racist attorney in Killers of the Flower Moon). But the Oscar winner has quickly become a gift to any director in search of naked emotion, accessible instantly through those wide, blue eyes rimmed with tears and turned slightly up, as in a portrait of the Virgin Mary, towards the heavens. Hes a one-man empathy machine. Frasers presence is crucial to Rental Family, director Hikaris examination of one of the many ways in which we Band-Aid our loneliness, outside the AI chatbots, Instagram feeds, and plastic tchotchkes. Japan, here, has a culturally specific practice: the employment of strangers, like Frasers American actor Phillip Vanderploeg, to fill the missing presences in peoples lives. As Hikari demonstrates, that encompasses a fairly broad spectrum: a gamer in search of a co-op buddy; a lesbian in need of a groom to present to her homophobic parents (shes really wedded the friend standing patiently to the side); a man who stages his own funeral, complete with mourners, so he can remember why hes alive. Its a practice already explored in Western cinema by some of its greatest nihilists. In Werner Herzogs Family Romance, LLC (2019) and Yorgos Lanthimoss Alps (2011), which focused specifically on the impersonation of dead relatives, the concern is primarily with the slipperiness of reality and identity. Hikaris film offers a considered rebuttal. Shes a Japanese filmmaker whos lived much of her life in the US, and theres a sense here that Rental Family seeks to straddle both the insider and outsider viewpoints. And with Fraser as her figurehead, its certainly a work of broad and deep compassion. But there are self-imposed limitations that youd wish Hikari and her co-writer Stephen Blahut would cross, if not purely out of curiosity: bigger questions about the complicated dynamics at play, or a view of Tokyo that feels a little more quotidian and less the pristine postcard where, around every corner, theres a cat monster festival and a pricey burlesque club. Shannon Gorman and Brendan Fraser in Rental Family ( Searchlight Pictures ) Phillip, who has his own troubled history, has come to the city for a fresh start. His only success has been the role of a superhero mascot in a toothpaste commercial. And so he falls into a job at Rental Family, a company run by Shinji (Takehiro Hira), and is set up with two significant clients. The first is a single mother, Hitomi (Shino Shinozaki), whose mixed-race daughter Mia (Shannon Gorman) needs a father to sit in on the interview for a prestigious secondary school. The second is Kikuo Hasegawa (Akira Emoto), an actor nearing the end of his life and in need of companionship. Phillip poses as a journalist shadowing him for a career retrospective. Mia, of course, charms him with her innocence, Kikuo with his wisdom. Mia is told that Phillip is her actual father. So, what happens when the contract ends? How lasting can a connection be when its built on a lie? Rental Family sidesteps the full brunt of these questions, and the repercussions of Phillips colleague Aikos (Mari Yamamoto) work posing as various mistresses so that betrayed wives have someone else to blame other than their own husbands. Its not so curious about the why behind it all, besides Shinjis rushed explanation that any form of mental distress is particularly stigmatised in Japan. Instead, Rental Family ends with the most on-the-nose of images: a reminder that Fraser, with those shimmery pools for eyes, is an endless source of feeling. Dir: Hikari. Starring: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman, Akira Emoto. Cert 12A, 110 minutes. Rental Family is in cinemas from 16 January Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Musician Sting has reportedly paid his former Police bandmates more than half a million pounds after acknowledging they did not receive sufficient royalties. Sting, real name Gordon Sumner, was sued by guitarist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland last year over claims they were owed between 1.5m and 8m in royalties for hit songs such as Roxanne and Every Breath You Take. The BBC reports that Stings lawyers said the pair have now received a payment of over $800,000 (595,000), while denying that they are entitled to a portion of his income from streaming and download sales. The Independent has contacted Stings publicist and a representative for Copeland and Summers, requesting comment. Copeland and Summers did not receive writing credits on most of The Polices biggest songs, but argued that they entered an oral agreement with Sting to share income in 1977. This was later formalised, they alleged, in written contracts signed in 1981 then revised in 1995 and 2016. The agreement apparently acknowledged Sting as the bands chief composer while also noting that his two bandmates also made crucial contributions, including Summerss instantly recognisable guitar line on the 1983 song Every Breath You Take. open image in gallery Andy Summers, Sting and Stewart Copeland of The Police after being inducted as 'Knights in the Order of Arts and Letters' in 2007 ( Getty ) Featured on their last album, Synchronicity, it is one of the bands most lucrative songs, and has been recognised by the US-based licensing organisation Broadcast Music Inc. as the most-played song in radio history. According to a 2009 report in CBS News, Sting earns an estimated $2,000 (1,495) per day in royalties from the original song, after he successfully sued Sean Diddy Combs for sampling it without permission for the rappers 1997 hit Ill Be Missing You. Yet Summers has repeatedly insisted that his contribution on guitar was crucial to the tracks success: There wasn't a guitar part on it when Sting wrote it, he told Guitar Player in a 2024 interview. I just went into the studio and I heard the chord sequence for it, and it immediately came to me to play the riff I came up with. It was very much in the Police guitar style, if you like. The Police formed in 1977 and disbanded in 1984 after releasing five studio albums. They briefly reunited in 2007 for a world tour to mark the bands 30th anniversary, but recorded no new music. open image in gallery The Police performing in 1980 ( Getty ) Sting has addressed their difficult working relationship in past interviews, telling Mojo in 2022: My frustration was I would have written an albums worth of material but also had to entertain these other songs that were not as good. Explaining to someone why their song isnt working is a bit like saying their girlfriends ugly. That pain was something I didnt want to go through any more. That same year, he sold the rights to his songwriting catalogue for both his solo hits and songs he wrote for The Police to Universal Music Group in a deal estimated to be worth $200m (148m). Despite releasing no new music in decades, The Police remain one of the UKs most successful bands, with around 75 million records sold and a string of Brit and Grammy Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. The BBC reports that none of the former band members were in court on Wednesday (14 January) as the two-day preliminary hearing began. Lawyers for Summers and Copeland are asking the court for permission to bring new and additional arguments that the pair are owed money from all downloads and streaming income, under the terms of their previous agreements. They are arguing that the language of those agreements should be viewed in light of changes to the music industry, in that streaming income has largely replaced sales of vinyl, CDs and cassettes. Their lawyers acknowledged a recent payment from Sting and his publishing company of $870,000 (647,000), but said no interest had been added to the historic underpayment. The total value of their claim, they said, was not less than 8m and will be considerably larger if their amended case is allowed to proceed. Stings lawyers have said the musician should not have to give them royalties from streaming because this counts as public performance rather than a sale, and have asked that the attempted amendment to the case should be thrown out because it has no real prospect of success. The hearing is due to conclude today (Thursday 15 January), with a trial expected to be held at a later date. 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 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. open image in gallery Actor Timothy Busfield surrendered to Albuquerque police Tuesday on charges of child sexual abuse ( Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center ) open image in gallery 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. 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 Agatha Christies Seven Dials is all about time running out. Clocks tick throughout: on mantelpieces, in pockets, and most ominously in a circle of seven around a handsome corpse. Its a motif that haunts this adaptation of Christies 1929 novel: the sense that something precious is slipping away, that the Roaring Twenties wont last for ever. That body, found the morning after a lavish country house party, belongs to Gerry Wade (Corey Mylchreest), suitor to Lady Eileen Bundle Brent (Mia McKenna-Bruce). The police call it misadventure. She calls it murder. What follows is playful and lighthearted, but deceptively shrewd. Fifty years after Christies death, Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall mines this early work for something more spirited than her Poirot mysteries. Far from being another moustache-twiddling, drawing-room whodunnit, here her first venture into literary espionage crackles with wit and intrigue. Unlike the BBC, whose recent habit of tinkering with Christies plots from changing the killer in 2018s Ordeal by Innocence to the character swap of Murder is Easy in 2023 earned it considerable flak, Chibnall resists the urge to meddle too much with the source material. It works especially if youve exhausted Rian Johnsons Knives Out films yet still crave another Netflix puzzler. Cleaving to a formula the Christie fanbase knows with shivery intimacy, the three-part series feels relaxed and sure-footed in its deployment of thrills and knowing laughs. Director Chris Sweeney orchestrates the jazz-age pizzazz with aplomb, dressing everything up in glitzy, silk-and-sequinned glamour. In his brilliant British thriller The Tourist, he coaxed a memorable turn from Danielle Macdonald, as earnest as it was delightfully awkward. And if further proof were needed that the director is a dab hand at drawing out nuanced work from young actresses, McKenna-Bruce a Bafta winner for her role in 2023s How to Have Sex supplies this in spades. The script establishes what drives Bundles investigation, but its clearer still in her performance, all caffeinated determination. She refuses to be sidelined. Refuses to accept convenient explanations when her investigation escalates from domestic tragedy into full-blown conspiracy Foreign Office secrets, international espionage, the works. Excellent, too, is Edward Bluemel, most recently seen on stage alongside his former Sex Education co-star Ncuti Gatwa in Born with Teeth. Here, as the roguish man about town Jimmy Thesiger, he emanates a kind of louche ambiguity, while Helena Bonham Carter does a fine line in eccentricity of course she does as Lady Caterham, dispensing such wisdom as One must never thank staff. Where would it end? Completing this coterie of beloved British faces is Martin Freeman, a moustached, seemingly unflappable presence as Superintendent Battle, the Scotland Yard detective who finds himself both helping and hindering Bundles pursuit of the truth. Doomed: Gerry Wade (Corey Mylchreest) and Lady Eileen Bundle Brent (Mia McKenna-Bruce) ( Netflix ) While the plot creaks a little in places, Seven Dials is generally a lot of fun, shot through with self-awareness that never curdles into smugness. The camera fixes on the minutiae from the sumptuous country estate interiors to Londons smoky nightspots creating a world that seduces even as it unsettles. Christie adaptations are tricky to get right. Kenneth Branaghs recent Poirot efforts (Death on the Nile, A Haunting in Venice) felt overwrought and self-important. Better was Hugh Lauries spry Why Didnt They Ask Evans? (2022), which leant intelligently into the books 1930s milieu, with its labyrinthine plotting deftly laid out. The gold standard remains Sidney Lumets 1974 Murder on the Orient Express, which understood that Christies clockwork storytelling works best when taken seriously. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Seven Dials sits comfortably in that upper tier. It pulls off the difficult trick of making something feel both nimble and reassuringly familiar a period caper that glides through gilded country piles and shadowy streets. Perfect escapism, then, in this, the bleakest month: exquisitely timed, wound to perfection, and deadly on the hour. 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 Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects around 2.5% of adults and 7% of children. It causes difficulties with attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. If unrecognised and untreated, ADHD can significantly impact educational and work achievements, and social and emotional wellbeing. It can also increase the risks of serious accidents and injuries, offending, mental illness and substance abuse. When accurately identified and appropriately treated, these negative outcomes can be significantly reduced. But as a recent article in the Medical Journal of Australia highlights, some people struggle to access and afford diagnoses and treatment for the disorder. Meanwhile, some popular social media channels that provide online tests for ADHD are sponsored by private clinics that, once you have screened positive, direct you to their sites for an online assessment. This has raised concern about potential over-diagnosis. So, what is ADHD diagnosis actually based on? A key component is functional impairment. Lets take a look at what that means. Why a brief assessment isnt enough In Australia, there are reports of business models where clinics are charging several thousand dollars for a quick, brief online assessment and diagnosis. These brief assessments dont comply with evidence-based guidelines and are problematic because they: focus solely on ADHD and dont attempt to assess other aspects of a persons difficulties rely heavily on information from the person being assessed and dont seek the opinions of significant others rely heavily on information about symptoms, gathered through questionnaires, and dont assess their impact on day-to-day functioning. This is important because a core requirement for a diagnosis of ADHD is evidence that the: symptoms must interfere significantly with social, academic, or occupational functioning. No matter how many symptoms you have, if theyre not having an impact on your day-to-day life, a diagnosis of ADHD shouldnt be made. So what is a comprehensive assessment? To make an accurate diagnosis of ADHD, a comprehensive assessment is needed. This includes a clinical interview to evaluate the current and past presence (or absence) of each of the 18 core ADHD symptoms and associated impairment. A key component is functional impairment ( Alamy/PA ) While there are scales such as the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale and the World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule that can aid assessment, these are best used as conversation starters rather than stand-alone tools. A comprehensive assessment also includes a broader assessment for current mental and physical health problems, developmental history, personal and family mental health, substance use, addiction and, where appropriate, interactions with the justice system. This interview shouldnt be conducted as a simple tick-box exercise, with yes and no answers. A detailed interview is needed to explore and identify symptoms, and evaluate their impact on functioning. Its also strongly recommended the clinician hears from one or more people who can speak to the persons childhood and current functioning. What counts as functional impairment is very individual The diagnostic manuals dont give detailed accounts of what counts as significant enough impairment to be diagnosed with ADHD. This has led some commentators to complain that lack of a standardised definition could lead to over-diagnosis. But the impacts of ADHD are so broad it would be very difficult to formulate a clear, comprehensive and encompassing list of valid impairments. Such a list would also fail to capture the very personalised nature of these impairments. What is impairing for me may not be for you and vice versa. So a rigid definition would likely result in missed as well as mis-diagnoses. About the author David Coghill is the Financial Markets Foundation Chair of Developmental Mental Health at the University of Melbourne. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. How do clinicians determine if someone is impaired? Clinicians are very used to assessing the impact of symptoms on functioning. They do so for many other mental and physical health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Research has identified several common themes in ADHD: impaired romantic, peer and professional relationships parenting problems impaired educational and occupational achievements increased accidents and unintentional injuries driving offences broader offending substance use and abuse risky sexual behaviours ADHD symptoms are often associated with: emotional dysregulation exhausting levels of mental and physical restlessness low self-esteem fatigue high stress levels One caveat is that some people are receiving a lot of support and scaffolding or have found ways to compensate for their difficulties. Whether or not this should count as impairment depends on the circumstances and requires considerable thought. However, ADHD shouldnt be ruled out on the basis of high levels of achievement in certain aspects of life like school or work. A person may be under-achieving relative to their potential, or having to put in extreme levels of effort to keep afloat. An adult with ADHD, for example, may be excelling at work but by the end of the workday is too exhausted to do anything but sleep. They may also be experiencing impairments in other aspects of their lives that arent obvious unless specifically asked about. Others will present multiple impacts that, when explored, arent true functional impairments. So its crucial clinicians drill down into the details until theyre confident that it is or isnt a genuine impairment related to the core ADHD symptoms. Clinician training is essential The skill of accurately assessing impairments in ADHD is not difficult to train or learn. This is done by observing experienced clinicians and practising with structured protocols. Newly trained clinicians quickly become confident in assessing impairment and there is generally close agreement between different professionals about whether an ADHD diagnosis should be made. However, few health professionals currently get high-quality training in ADHD either during their core or more advanced training. This must change if were going to improve the accuracy of assessment and reduce missed and mis-diagnoses. 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 Exercise can help reduce the risk of falls a major cause of injuries in older adults but only four per cent of older Canadian women complete 30 minutes of daily physical activity. As a PhD candidate in health and exercise science at Concordia University, I am interested in developing fun and accessible balance-training programs using online dance classes. Dance can act as a fun exercise in disguise. Studies have consistently shown that dance can inspire social connections, improve mood and aid cognition, while also leading to improvements in mobility, endurance and walking abilities. It is also an ideal form of balance training because learning various dance steps requires high precision of movement, which can help increase our proprioception (our perception of our body movement and position in space). This can help improve or maintain our postural stability. Age and postural stability Postural stability refers to our ability to stay upright and control our bodys position in space. This ability relies on sensory and motor systems. Our vision helps see potential obstacles or tripping hazards, the vestibulocochlear system of the inner ear helps with our sense of orientation as well as hearing, and finally our somatosensory system, which comprises the bodys sense of touch, pain, temperature and position, works to feel the surfaces beneath our feet. After these sensory signals reach the brain, they are sorted and then the appropriate motor response is selected for our musculoskeletal system to execute. Postural stability refers to our ability to stay upright and control our bodys position in space ( Getty ) With age, postural stability reduces as the sensory systems experience change. We measure this decline by having people stand as still as possible and observing how much they move or sway. If someone sways more, they are considered less stable and at greater risk of falls. While research on in-person dance classes of various styles have consistently shown improvements to postural stability and fall risk, these classes are often inaccessible. Many older women face barriers to exercise such as lack of transportation, caregiver roles at home, inaccessible exercise facilities etc. Additionally, specialized dance teachers are often only found in larger cities that act as dance hubs. Online dance classes can offer solutions to reduce barriers and improve access for older adults. Bringing the dance studio home Working with Andreas Bergdahl, PhD, and Mary Roberts, PhD, our research published in International Journal of Exercise Science has found that online dance classes improve the postural stability, dynamic balance and calf strength of older women. In this work, we recruited women aged 65+ from Montreal to participate in 75-minute ballet-modern inspired classes twice per week, for 12 weeks over Zoom. Each dance class started with a 15-minute warm-up followed by: Plies (bending the knees) Tendus (standing on one leg and extending the other one out) Balance sequence (a travelling step done to a waltz rhythm) Jose Limon/Martha Graham sequence (styles of modern-dance that emphasize fall recovery and rounded shapes of the spine) Cooling-down with seated stretches These exercises were selected because they emphasize transferring weight, balancing on one leg, bringing the body off centre and contracting the leg as well as core muscles. A helper was present on Zoom for each dance class to help with technical support and monitor online participants for safety. About the author Emma Hsiaowen Chen is a PhD Candidate in Health & Exercise Science at Concordia University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article. Before the first class, halfway through the study, and at the end, participants completed in-person assessments of their leg strength, dynamic balance and postural stability. Within six weeks, participants showed reductions in how much they swayed side-to-side while standing still (what is called mediolateral sway) and increases in their dynamic balance. By the end of the program, they also had greater calf-muscle strength, assessed as the number of heel-raises participants completed in 30 seconds. Improvements in these abilities can translate to greater ease in daily activities that require weight transfers, such as walking, stepping down from the sidewalk or even chores like sweeping the house. Benefits of online access Even after COVID-19 lockdowns have ended, online dance classes can serve an important role in reaching people who are traditionally left out. For those living in remote locations, for caregivers who cannot spend too long away from their loved ones or even for older adults anxious to walk on icy streets in the winter, online programs can provide a level of accessibility and new opportunities to socialize and exercise. They also give opportunities for people to express themselves creatively from the comfort of their own homes. Our current studies are exploring how different styles of online dance programs, combined with blood flow restriction training, can benefit older adults. This provides more options to suit peoples interests and varying mobility needs. Additionally, we are working to share our program with communities. To date, our research has reached older women across Canada, Mexico, Colombia and Spain, encouraging them to remain active and independent. While many of us have returned to in-person programming, lets not forget the benefits of online access. Bringing the dance studio home can still help people connect, socialize and improve their balance. SEOUL, Jan 15 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's recent comments on the Korean won underscore the importance of foreign exchange stability for bilateral economic cooperation between Seoul and Washington, a senior South Korean official said on Thursday. Deputy Finance Minister Choi Ji-young said currency stability was an important factor because volatility could hinder progress on a $350 billion U.S. investment pledged by the Asian country. More from Yahoo Scout How is Korea responding to won weakness concerns? What did Treasury Secretary Bessent say about won? What are the terms of the trade deal? How might currency volatility affect Korea's investment pledge? Bessent said on Wednesday he had discussed the recent depreciation of the won with South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, adding that the currency was not in line with the country's economic fundamentals. "The U.S. Treasury Department's rare comments on South Korea's foreign exchange market and its assessment that recent weakness in the won was undesirable reflect the fact that the won's stable trend is an important factor for the implementation of strategic investments," Choi told a briefing. Finance authorities of the two countries will communicate and cooperate closely on the stability of the foreign exchange market, Choi said, noting their earlier agreement to delay investments in the case of market instability. Seoul and Washington finalised in November a trade deal lowering U.S. tariffs on imports from the Asian ally, in return for a $350 billion investment package in strategic U.S. sectors, after months of negotiations over the foreign exchange implications of the investment package. South Korea could seek an "adjustment in the amount and timing of the funding, and the United States will, in good faith, give due consideration to such request," if investments are expected to cause disorderly movements in the foreign exchange market, according to the deal. The Bank of Korea on Thursday signaled an end to its current easing cycle amid concerns about a weak won, after Koo vowed on Wednesday to take steps to rein in increasing volatility in the foreign exchange market. Authorities are considering introducing new macro-prudential policies to ease discrepancies between recent foreign exchange conditions and macroeconomic fundamentals, Choi said. South Korea's ruling Democratic Party introduced a bill in November to establish a special fund to finance the $350 billion investment package. The bill has not been passed yet. (Reporting by Jihoon LeeEditing by Ed Davies) 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 Bagel lovers rejoice! National Bagel Day is upon us, with plenty of chains offering ways to celebrate the beloved New York delicacy. Celebrated every January 15, National Bagel Day honors the breakfast staple, which originated in the 13th century from the Polish word bajgiel and Yiddish beygal, both translating to ring-shaped bread. In the 19th century, the food made its way to the United States. To celebrate the holiday, many brands are offering deals and discounts regardless of whether fans prefer a sweet cinnamon raisin bagel with strawberry cream cheese, a savory bacon, egg and cheese bagel sandwich, or just a plain bagel with cream cheese. Here are the best deals being offered on National Bagel Day. Einstein Bros. Bagels open image in gallery Einstein Bros. Bagels is celebrating Thursdays holiday with a free bagel and schmear ( Getty Images ) Einstein Bros. Bagels will be honoring National Bagel Day with a free bagel and schmear with any purchase, as long as customers make sure to mention the holiday when placing an order in the bakery. Brueggers Bagels The bagel chain will be offering a free bagel and cream cheese to its rewards members for National Bagel Day. H & H Bagels The chain is offering a free bagel and spread sandwich to members of its rewards and loyalty program. The deal is available either in the app or online. Biggby Coffee open image in gallery Biggby Coffee is selling $1 bagels with cream cheese for National Bagel Day ( Getty Images ) The coffee chain based in Lansing, Michigan, will be celebrating National Bagel Day by selling a bagel with cream cheese for $1 with the purchase of any 20-ounce or 24-ounce specialty beverage. Panera Panera will be offering a buy-one-get-one deal for the holiday on its Asaigo Bagel Stacks when using the promotional code BOGOSTACK. Stop & Shop The northeast-based supermarket chain is giving away free bagels to customers who check in using their GO Rewards account. No purchase is necessary. Western Bagel open image in gallery Western Bagel is offering a $15 bakers dozen for National Bagel Day ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) The Los Angeles-based bagel chain is celebrating the holiday by offering a $15 special on a bakers dozen of bagels on January 15. Goldbergs Fine Foods Customers can score a free bagel with cream cheese with any purchase at the deli chain. New Yorker Bagels The brand is offering $7 off a custom box of one dozen hand-rolled bagels for customers who use the promotional code BagelDay. New Yorker Bagels offers two-day shipping nationwide, so fans across the country can get their fix. Spread Bagelry The Philadelphia-based bagel chain is giving away free bagels with cream cheese to the first 50 guests at each of its 16 locations. Spread Bagelry will also be holding a giveaway on social media giveaway in honor of National Bagel Day, featuring two $100 gift cards. 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 Two men are facing murder charges after a planned fight during a work break escalated into a deadly shooting outside an Amazon fulfillment center in Far West Bexar County, Texas, according to investigators. Jamari McKillion, 21, and David Perez Morales Jr., 20, were arrested on first-degree felony murder warrants in the shooting death of Katrael Delosier, according to the Bexar County Sheriffs Office. It happened around 10 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of the Amazon Fulfillment Center off U.S. Highway 90 West. Sheriffs deputies arrived on the scene to find two people suffering from gunshot wounds. Authorities identified the victims as Delosier and Johnny Bermea III. Both were transported to the hospital, where Delosier later died. Bermea survived and was listed in a stable condition. The shooting stemmed from an argument earlier in the evening between an Amazon employee, whose name has not been released, and Bermea, who had agreed to fight during a break, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by WOAI. Investigators say the employee then contacted friends for help, referring to them as back up. He later told deputies he had issues with Bermea dating back to high school, according to the affidavit. open image in gallery Jamari McKillion, 21, (pictured) and and David Perez Morales Jr., 20, were arrested in the shooting death of Katrael Delosier ( Bexar County Jail ) He said Bermea confronted him earlier Sunday about talking s*** and challenged him to fight. The confrontation did not turn physical at the time, but the pair agreed to meet later during their break. The employee told investigators that Bermea claimed he had a drake in his vehicle, a term the employee understood to mean a firearm, prompting him to call McKillion and ask him to pull up as backup, the affidavit states. Witnesses told investigators that during the break, the employee led Bermea toward a vehicle in the parking lot occupied by the employees friends. A man then exited the vehicle and began shooting before fleeing the scene, according to the affidavit. Investigators believe McKillion was driving the vehicle involved and that Morales, who was riding as a passenger, fired the shots that killed Delosier. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and cell phone location data are cited in the affidavit as evidence linking McKillion to the shooting and placing him at the scene. McKillion was taken into custody the following day at another Amazon warehouse in San Antonio. His vehicle was seized as part of the investigation. open image in gallery Investigators believe McKillion was driving the vehicle involved and that Morales (pictured), who was riding as a passenger, fired the shots that killed Delosier ( Bexar County Jail ) Delosiers family said his death has left them devastated. His brother said Delosier is survived by his wife and two young sons. He described him as a dedicated father who had recently completed college to become a mechanic and was in the process of buying a home for his family. Amazon has since increased security at the fulfillment center. In a statement emailed to KSAT on Monday, Amazon said it was heartbroken by the tragic loss of a valued member of our team and are keeping the victims family and loved ones in our thoughts. Were providing support to the family and counseling support to employees. Weve added additional security to the site and are cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation, the statement said. Both Morales and McKillion are being held on bonds set at $300,000 each. Its unclear whether the Amazon employee involved in the initial dispute will face charges. 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 Nearly 15 years after teacher Ellen Greenberg was found stabbed in her Philadelphia home, federal prosecutors are looking into the case, according to a new report a move her parents have been fighting for since her tragic death was ruled a suicide. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has issued subpoenas seeking documents from the Philadelphia Police Department and other agencies related to their highly-scrutinized investigation into Greenbergs 2011 death, law enforcement sources told The Philadelphia Inquirer. Greenberg, 27, was found dead by her fiance, Sam Goldberg, at their apartment on January 26, 2011. She was slumped on the floor against the kitchen cabinets, her legs splayed out in front of her and had been stabbed at least 20 times, including 10 times in the back of her neck. A 10-inch knife was lodged in her chest. Her death was initially ruled a homicide but controversially reclassified as a suicide two weeks later a decision that stunned her family and prompted a decade-long legal fight. The federal inquiry does not appear to be focused on the manner of Greenbergs death. Instead, federal prosecutors appear to be examining how various agencies handled the case in the years that followed and whether any missteps could rise to the level of criminal corruption. Multiple city and state agencies have been involved in Greenbergs case in the last 15 years, including the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office, the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office, the Philadelphia Law Department, and the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office. open image in gallery Ellen Greenberg's death in 2011 was initially ruled a homicide, but was controversially reclassified as a suicide two weeks later, prompting a decade-long legal fight ( Change.org ) The full scope of the investigation remains unclear. The Independent has asked the U.S. Attorneys Office for comment. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office told The Philadelphia Inquirer that it could neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation. Joseph Podraza Jr., an attorney for Greenbergs parents Josh and Sandra Greenberg, told the newspaper that they are ecstatic. If that is in fact correct and accurate, that the federal government is going to investigate this is exactly what weve wanted all along, Podraza said. Its unfortunate its taken more than seven years to get to this point but we are really grateful and thankful to the U.S. attorneys and, of course, are available to assist in any way we can in helping their investigation. Greenbergs parents have long argued that the evidence shows their daughter was murdered, accusing the city of labeling her death a suicide to obscure what they describe as a botched homicide investigation. Our daughter did not commit suicide we know that, Josh Greenberg previously told The Independent. She was murdered. The way the authorities and the politicians are handling her case is a disgrace, Sandra Greenberg said. I want her name cleared. What I really want people to know is Ellen was our daughter, but she could be your daughter. She could be your mother, sister, friend. Think about what you would do. open image in gallery A computerized rendering, provided by Tom Brennan, the Greenbergs private detective, shows the depth of at least 20 of Ellen Greenbergs stab wounds ( Tom Brennan, Greenberg family) ) open image in gallery The 3D analysis concluded that several of the stab wounds, including the one in her neck, would have debilitated Ellen ( Tom Brennan, Greenberg family ) The Philadelphia Police Department maintains there was no sign of forced entry at the apartment and Goldberg told investigators that the swing-bar lock on the door was latched from the inside. He has never been accused or charged with any wrongdoing. In 2024, Goldberg told CNN: Mental illness is very real and has many victims. I hope and pray that you never lose someone you love like I did to a terrible disease and then be accused by ignorant and misinformed people of causing her death. Its the only time Goldberg has publicly spoken about the case. For years, the Greenbergs have fought to have their daughters manner of death reclassified as homicide or undetermined. In January 2025, Marlon Osbourne, the medical examiner who originally ruled Greenbergs death a homicide before changing it to suicide, submitted a sworn statement saying he now believes her death should be classified as something other than suicide. A month later, the city reached a settlement with the Greenbergs. Under the agreement, Philadelphia paid the family $650,000 and agreed to an independent review of Greenbergs autopsy. In exchange, the Greenbergs dropped their lawsuits against the city. In September, Greenbergs case was again in the headlines following the release of a Hulu documentary which revisited the circumstances surrounding her death and raised questions about her fiances actions, including his 911 call in which he told dispatchers she had fallen on a knife. open image in gallery Greenbergs parents have long argued that the evidence shows their daughter was murdered, accusing the city of labeling her death a suicide to obscure what they describe as a botched homicide investigation ( Facebook/Justice for Ellen ) open image in gallery Investigators at the scene immediately treated the incident as a suicide because Ellens then-fiance Sam Goldberg told them the apartment was locked from the inside ( Facebook/Justice for Ellen ) In 2024, Pennsylvanias Commonwealth Court acknowledged serious flaws in the investigation even as it dismissed a lawsuit seeking to change Greenbergs death certificate. The court wrote that it was acutely aware of the deeply flawed investigation conducted by city police, prosecutors, and the City of Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office. But in October 2025, Philadelphia Chief Medical Examiner Lindsay Simon again ruled Greenbergs death a suicide, despite identifying additional injuries not previously documented. Simon said she found 20 additional bruises and three additional perforations in the skin, bringing the total to 31 bruises and 23 stab wounds. Simon concluded that Greenberg would be capable of inflicting these injuries herself, and that her death is best classified as Suicide. The ruling was a major blow to the family, whose attorney previously called the suicide determination tripe, an embarrassment to the City, and an insult to Ellen and her family. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. If you are experiencing feelings of distress or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans in confidence on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. 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 Federal agents have arrested a suspect accused of wearing various occupational disguises to carry out at least 11 armed robberies across metro Atlanta over the past three months. Tracy Mingo, 32, of College Park, Georgia, was arrested on January 2 in Doraville by members of the FBI Violent Crime Squad, while he was preparing to target yet another business, the agency says. Authorities say Mingos crime spree began in October and continued through the end of the year, with robberies at Circle K, Subway, and Family Dollar stores in Cobb, Gwinnett, Fulton and DeKalb counties. Investigators linked him to the alleged crimes using surveillance footage where they noticed a disturbing pattern. To conceal his identity, the robber wore a variety of outfits to sneak up on unsuspecting clerks. Hes dangerous. He was targeting female employees at these locations. He would dress up in costumes, kind of be like a security guard, construction worker, DoorDash delivery guy, to where they wouldnt suspect him at first, then he would pull his gun out, FBI Supervisory Agent Matthew Komar said, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. open image in gallery Tracy Mingo, 32, is accused of using disguises to rob Atlanta-area gas stations, Subway restaurants and Family Dollar stores ( FBI ) Investigators allege Mingo often scoped out businesses ahead of time, watching staffing levels and customer traffic, and frequently focused on locations where female employees were closing late at night, a strategy they believe was meant to limit resistance and potential witnesses. In most cases, authorities say Mingo walked away with between $2,000 and $3,000 per robbery. Among the incidents tied to the investigation were a mid-December robbery at a Family Dollar on Bouldercrest Road, a late-December holdup at a Subway restaurant in Marietta, and another Family Dollar robbery in Decatur days later. In most cases, authorities believe Mingo walked away with between $2,000 and $3,000 per robbery. Among the incidents tied to the investigation were a mid-December robbery at a Family Dollar on Bouldercrest Road, a late-December holdup at a Subway restaurant in Marietta, and another Family Dollar robbery in Decatur days later. open image in gallery The suspect is behind bars in Fulton County, Georgia, and faces multiple felony charges, including armed robbery and aggravated assault ( FBI ) Mingo is currently being held at the Fulton County Jail, where he faces multiple charges, including armed robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and terroristic threats. While authorities have alleged Mingos connection to at least 11 armed robberies, the FBI believes there may be additional victims and is asking any law enforcement agencies with unsolved robbery cases to reach out if they suspect a link to the spree. 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 jury convicted an 83-year-old Ohio man of murder in the shooting of an Uber driver who he wrongly thought was trying to rob him after scam phone calls deceived them both. William J. Brock fatally shot the driver after wrongly assuming she was in on a plot to get $12,000 in supposed bond money for a relative, authorities said. The driver fell victim to the same scammer, driving to Brock's home between Dayton and Columbus to pick up a package for delivery, according to investigators. Brock shot the driver, 61-year-old Lo-Letha Toland-Hall of Dublin, a Columbus suburb, six times when she showed up at his home in March 2024, authorities said. Brock, of South Charleston, was convicted of murder, felonious assault and kidnapping Wednesday. He is scheduled to be sentenced next week. A message seeking comment was left with his attorney. open image in gallery This booking photo released by the Clark County, Ohio, Sheriff's Office, shows William Brock, an Ohio man who authorities say fatally shot an Uber driver who he thought was trying to rob him after scam phone calls deceived them both. (Clark County Sheriff's Office via AP) ( Clark County Sheriff's Office ) Brock's attorney said the shooting was in self-defense and the scammer had made threats against him and his family. Brock testified during the trial that he felt threatened when the driver arrived at his house. But prosecutors said Hall was unarmed and posed no threat when Brock shot her. Investigators said the driver was unaware of the scam call that Brock had received with threats and demands for money. Grandparent scams have become increasingly common in the last 10 to 15 years in part because of the abundance of personal information available about people online. Criminals retrieve specific details about someone's relative on social media and use the information to convince victims that their loved one is in trouble, said Pratkanis, whose research includes fraud crimes. Clark County Prosecutor Daniel Driscoll told reporters after the verdict that both families lost loved ones because of the scam. The really sad part about this is that we know there are still criminals out there," he said. We know that the scammers, the folks who started this, havent been brought to justice. An obituary for Hall after her death described her as the parent of a son and a stepson, a devoted member of her church and a talented cook known for delicious pound cakes. She retired from Ohios Regional Income Tax Agency and also worked in behavioral health, at a school and for Uber. She studied horticulture at Ohio State and started a janitorial business. At a memorial service that was streamed online, her son Mario Hall spoke of how close they were even though they lived in different states, often speaking on the phone multiple times a day. He said they "had a bond like no other. Thank you for all your sacrifices and all the things you have instilled in me, he said. "You are the best mom that anyone could ask for. And I promise to continue to make you proud." Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Elon Musks X will block its AI tool Grok from being used to edit images of real people to make them appear in bikinis and other revealing attire, the platform has announced. The move came the same day the state of California announced it would investigate Grok as part of a widening scandal alleging the AI tool is behind a spate of nonconsensual sexual images. We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis, Xs safety team wrote in a post on Wednesday. This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers. Additionally, image creation and the ability to edit images via the Grok account on the X platform are now only available to paid subscribers, the company added. This adds an extra layer of protection by helping to ensure that individuals who attempt to abuse the Grok account to violate the law or our policies can be held accountable. It is unclear whether these policy changes apply to requests to create nude images of real people. The California investigation, announced by state Attorney General Rob Bonta on Wednesday, follows worldwide consternation over the alleged Grok phenomenon, which has led countries like Malaysia and Indonesia to block the chatbot in recent days, while others like the UK have launched investigations. open image in gallery Elon Musks Grok AI chatbot is facing worldwide scrutiny over allegations it has generated masses of nonconsensual explicit images of real people as well as created sexualized images of children ( AFP/Getty ) The avalanche of reports detailing the non-consensual, sexually explicit material that xAI has produced and posted online in recent weeks is shocking, Bonta said in a statement. 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. Bonta pointed to a Reuters investigation into examples of nonconsensual explicit images being generated across X, where Grok is embedded, as well as the chatbot creating sexualized images of children. The Paris-based non-profit AI Forensics recently made similar findings, concluding that more than half of all AI-generated images on X are of adults and children with their clothes digitally removed. Our analysis of tens of thousands of images generated by Grok quantifies the extent of the abuse, Paul Bouchaud, a researcher at AI Forensics, said in a statement shared with The Independent. Non-consensual sexual imagery of women, sometimes appearing very young, is widespread rather than exceptional, alongside other prohibited content such as Isis and Nazi propaganda all demonstrating a lack of meaningful safety mechanisms. The concerns come as AI chatbots grow increasingly prevalent across daily life and major institutions. This week, the Pentagon announced plans to integrate Grok into its workflows. open image in gallery California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced an investigating into the allegations on Wednesday ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The Independent has contacted xAI for comment. I not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok, Musk wrote on X on Wednesday. Literally zero. When asked to generate images, it will refuse to produce anything illegal, as the operating principle for Grok is to obey the laws of any given country or state, he added. There may be times when adversarial hacking of Grok prompts does something unexpected. If that happens, we fix the bug immediately. An NSFW mode on Grok had allowed upper body nudity of imaginary adults, consistent with what can be seen in R-rated movies, Musk wrote in a separate post, adding that regulations vary by country. It is unclear if that mode will remain with the newly announced changes. open image in gallery Musk has previously fought attempts to regulate AI-produced content ( PA Archive ) Musk has accused countries directing scrutiny at X, like the UK, of wanting to suppress free speech. Musk was among those who challenged a California law, which was struck down last August, that wouldve required social media platforms to remove user-generated deepfakes of political candidates during election season. Musk has long clashed with lawmakers in the state and criticized California leaders, and he has relocated many of his business interests to Texas in recent years. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Waymo cars are still breaking the law in Austin, despite the self-driving vehicle company saying its software has been updated, new videos show. Local outlet KXAN reported early last December that Waymo cars were filmed illegally passing Austin Independent School District buses as students crossed the street. The outlets investigation found Austin school bus cameras caught Waymo cars passing its buses while their stop arms and red lights were activated 19 times this school year. Waymo quickly issued a voluntary software recall for 3,000 of its vehicles due to an issue that caused the autonomous cars to drive past stopped school buses, which was fixed, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on December 11, 2025. But new reporting from KXAN found that Waymo cars were still illegally passing school buses in Austin. open image in gallery Waymo cars are still breaking the law in Austin, despite the self-driving vehicle company saying its software was updated, according to new videos ( Justin Sullivan/Getty Images ) The outlet now says Austin school bus cameras recorded at least 22 instances this school year where Wyamo cars passed while the buss stop arm was deployed. In seven of these incidents, children were visible in the video. The school district confirmed to The Independent Wednesday that there have been a total of 24 alleged violations by Waymo cars, with the most recent taking place on Monday. Austin ISD again asks that Waymo cease operations in the mornings and afternoons during school days when our students are using our school buses. Austin ISD continues to explore any and all legal recourse available, a spokesperson for the district said. open image in gallery Waymo quickly recalled more than 3,000 of its vehicles due to a software issue that caused the autonomous cars to drive past stopped school buses ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images ) A Waymo spokesperson defended the safety of the companys driverless cars in a statement to The Independent. "Our vehicles have 12x fewer crashes involving injuries to pedestrians compared to human benchmarks and we're invested in demonstrating exceptional driving performance around school bus interactions that exceeds human-driven vehicles, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson continued: We have met with Austin ISD, including on a collaborative data collection of various light patterns and conditions and are reviewing these learnings. We have seen material improvement in our performance since our software update. The Independent has reached out to the Austin Independent School District for comment. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Wikipedia has marked its 25th anniversary by announcing a series of new business deals with several prominent artificial intelligence companies, including Amazon, Meta Platforms, Perplexity, Microsoft, and France's Mistral AI. The online crowdsourced encyclopedia, a long-standing pillar of the early internet, is now navigating a digital landscape increasingly dominated by Big Tech and generative AI chatbots. These new licensing agreements come as questions mount over who should bear the cost of the AI boom, particularly given the aggressive data collection methods employed by AI developers, often drawing from Wikipedia's vast, freely available knowledge base. The Wikimedia Foundation, the non-profit organisation behind the site, previously secured Google as a customer in 2022 and later struck deals with smaller AI players like the search engine Ecosia. The latest partnerships are set to help one of the world's most visited websites monetise the substantial traffic it receives from AI companies. These firms are now paying to access Wikipedia content "at a volume and speed designed specifically for their needs," according to the Wikimedia Foundation, which did not disclose financial specifics. Despite legal battles elsewhere concerning copyright and AI training, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales expressed his approval. "I'm very happy personally that AI models are training on Wikipedia data because its human curated," Mr Wales told The Associated Press. Despite legal battles elsewhere concerning copyright and AI training, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales expressed his approva ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) "I wouldnt really want to use an AI thats trained only on X, you know, like a very angry AI," he added, referencing billionaire Elon Musk's social media platform. Mr Wales emphasised the site's desire to collaborate with AI companies rather than obstruct them, but insisted they "should probably chip in and pay for your fair share of the cost that youre putting on us." Last year, the Wikimedia Foundation urged AI developers to pay for access via its enterprise platform, noting an 8% drop in human traffic. Concurrently, visits from bots, often disguised to avoid detection, were heavily straining its servers as they scraped content to feed large language models. This trend underscores a shift in online behaviour, with AI overviews and chatbots summarising information instead of directing users to original sites. Wikipedia, the ninth most visited site globally, boasts over 65 million articles in 300 languages, maintained by some 250,000 volunteers. While its content is free for all, its underlying infrastructure is not. "But our infrastructure is not free, right?" Wikimedia Foundation CEO Maryana Iskander said in an interview from Johannesburg, South Africa. She explained that maintaining servers and other infrastructure, which enables both individuals and tech companies to "draw data from Wikipedia," incurs significant costs. Ms Iskander is due to step down on 20 January, to be succeeded by Bernadette Meehan. The majority of Wikipedia's funding comes from 8 million individual donors. Mr Wales highlighted their expectations: "They're not donating in order to subsidize these huge AI companies." He added, "You know what, actually you cant just smash our website. You have to sort of come in the right way." Looking ahead, the Wikimedia Foundation has outlined an AI strategy that Mr Wales believes could introduce tools to alleviate tedious tasks for editors. While AI is not yet capable of writing Wikipedia entries from scratch, it could, for instance, update dead links by scanning text and finding alternative sources. "We dont have that yet but thats the kind of thing that I think we will see in the future," Mr Wales predicted. Artificial intelligence could also enhance the Wikipedia search experience, evolving from traditional keyword searches to a more conversational, chatbot-like interface. "You can imagine a world where you can ask the Wikipedia search box a question and it will quote to you from Wikipedia," Mr Wales explained. It could respond by saying "heres the answer to your question from this article and heres the actual paragraph. That sounds really useful to me and so I think well move in that direction as well." Reflecting on Wikipedia's early days, Mr Wales described it as a thrilling period, with many motivated to contribute after he and co-founder Larry Sanger launched it as an experiment. However, he acknowledged that the early internet also had a darker side. "People were pretty toxic back then as well. We didnt need algorithms to be mean to each other," he said. "But, you know, it was a time of great excitement and a real spirit of possibility." More recently, Wikipedia has faced criticism from the political right, with some dubbing it "Wokepedia" and accusing it of left-leaning bias. Republican lawmakers in the US Congress are investigating alleged "manipulation efforts" in its editing process, claiming these could undermine neutrality and impact AI systems relying on its data. Elon Musk, a notable critic, last year launched his own AI-powered rival, Grokipedia, and has accused Wikipedia of being filled with "propaganda," urging people to cease donations. However, Mr Wales dismissed Grokipedia as a "real threat," explaining that large language models, on which it is based, are not yet capable of producing high-quality reference material. "So a lot of it is just regurgitated Wikipedia," he stated. "It often is quite rambling and sort of talks nonsense. And I think the more obscure topic you look into, the worse it is." He clarified that his criticism was not specific to Grokipedia, but rather "just the way large language models work." Mr Wales mentioned knowing Mr Musk for years but noted they haven't been in touch since Grokipedia's launch. "I should probably ping him," he mused, adding that his message would simply be: "'Hows your family?' Im a nice person, I dont really want to pick a fight with anybody." Bitcoin (BTC) rose above $92,000 in early New York hours Tuesday as wallets tied to BlackRocks spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) routed roughly $300 million worth of bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) to Coinbase Prime as part of a routine, albeit unusually high, creation and redemption flows. On-chain trackers flagged transfers of about 3,290 BTC ($298 million) and 5,692 ETH ($18 million) to Coinbase Prime, which is used by authorized participants and institutional clients to source or redeem coins tied to ETF shares. Such movements can reflect client rebalancing, redemptions or settlement logistics around ETF subscriptions, and do not necessarily signal outright spot selling. The movements come as bitcoin tries to build on a tentative early year rebound after a choppy December finish. BTC has pushed above $92,000 since Monday evening, with traders watching whether the move can extend toward last weeks highs near $95,000 once U.S. liquidity fully returns. It was recently trading around $91,830. Bitcoin has exceeded $92K since Monday evening, attempting to climb above levels seen a week ago, said Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro. It would be too hasty to conclude sustained risk appetite while the price remains below previous local highs of $95K. ETF flows remain a key swing factor. After heavy tax-related selling and year-end book cleanup weighed on crypto into late December, market participants have been watching whether share creation restarts as January risk appetite stabilizes. As of Jan. 12, BlackRocks iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) held about 773,898 bitcoin, making it the largest holder of BTC among asset managers. IBIT clients have accumulated steadily since the fund's early 2024 debut. It remains the dominant vehicle for institutional bitcoin exposure in the U.S. BlackRock also maintains a sizable ether position through its iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA). The fund reported total net assets of roughly $10.8 billion as of Monday, representing close to 2.9% of ethers circulating supply. Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE) is one of the AI Stocks Investors Are Watching Closely. On January 9, BMO Capital analyst Christopher Dendrinos reiterated a Market Perform rating on the stock with a $136.00 price target. The rating affirmation follows Bloom Energys first multihundredmegawatt utility order, a reflection of the growing adoption of its fuel cell technology at grid-scale for AI-driven demand. Back in 2024, American Electric Power had signed an agreement with Bloom Energy to acquire 100 megawatts of solid oxide fuel cells, along with an option to purchase an additional 900 MWs. Its utility unit has now exercised that option, as revealed in a regulatory filing. The firm noted how in addition to this agreement, AEP has also signed a 20-year PPA with an unnamed high investment grade counterparty for the output of fuel cell generated power at an average selling price of $2,950 per kilowatt, in line with BMOs model. This will be constructed at a data center development in Wyoming that has been linked with Bloom Energy. Even though this deal marks Bloom Energys first multi-hundred megawatt deployment, BMO believes that the disclosed revenue opportunity is below its base-case assumptions without an additional service contract. In an 8K today, AEP disclosed it will utilize majority of 900MW balance of its 1GW fuel cell supply agreement with BE for a WY-based data center project for $2.65B as part of a separately executed 20-year PPA with an investment-grade counterparty, which implies a product ASP ~$2,950/kW largely consistent with our ~$3,000/kW modeled assumption in 20262027E. However, also suggests total revenue opportunity as currently disclosed is ~6570% below what we typically assume in BE fuel cell development if a separate service contract is not added later. Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE:BE) develops solid-oxide fuel cell systems for on-site power generation, helping meet the growing energy demands of AI data centers. While we acknowledge the potential of BE 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: 11 AI Stocks on the Markets Radar and 10 AI Stocks Gaining Attention on Wall Street Disclosure: None. Advertisement BusinessCompaniesAI Who approved this!? Twice-collapsed Jeanswest jeered on Instagram and Reddit over AI slop Jessica Yun January 16, 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 Troubled denim retailer Jeanswest has been mocked by social media users for posting content on its website and social media that has been created using generative artificial intelligence. In an Instagram post from January 6, two blonde women in the same outfit appear to be enjoying takeaway coffee together at a cafe on a sunny day. However, the two figures lack definition, and some of their movements have a blurry, dreamlike quality. The audio on the Instagram post, which features lyrics of a warm, cosy Australian cafe atmosphere with relaxed indie folk vibes, also appears to be the AI prompt for the video itself. A still from the video posted by Jeanswest, which has attracted criticism online over its use of artificial intelligence. Advertisement Why on earth are you using AI! This is so disappointing to see, one user commented. This is insane!!?? Who approved this!? said another. Jeanswests website appears plain and poorly maintained, with stock images and generic statements like Escape the Everyday and Jeans time is here! Content from the About Us page has been removed and states: Store message; Add important information here. Users on a Reddit thread mocked the AI-generated models (why are they both pointing in the same direction?) and scrutinised photos on the Jeanswest website (weird arm, exaggerated drunk lean, its a mess). When contacted by this masthead, a customer support representative confirmed its content was AI-generated. Advertisement While AI is one of many tools we may use in our creative workflow, we remain dedicated to maintaining the authenticity and relatability that our customers expect from us, the representative said in an email. Related Article Bondi shooting Abhorrent: Ghost store attempts to cash in on Bondi attack We want to assure everyone that listening to our community is at the heart of what we do. We take this feedback seriously and are committed to learning from it as we refine our approach. Retail consultant and RCA Advisory director Trent Rigby said Jeanswest was a case study for retailers in how not to deploy AI-generated content and described 2026 as the year of AI slop backlash. When I first saw their current content, I honestly thought it was a satirical campaign or a joke, Rigby said. Advertisement Some brands are using it to cut corners on the cheap and were seeing a total abandonment of quality control. The danger is when brands use AI to replace the creative process entirely rather than using it to support it. Customers were becoming much sharper at spotting fake content, and retailers who did so risked eroding trust and loyalty, he added. Its sterile. Inauthentic. It alienates the very people they are trying to sell to. If Jeanswest has this little regard to how they show up to a customer, why would a customer trust the quality of the actual clothes theyre selling? In another Instagram post from a week ago, a model appears to model khaki capri pants in front of a Jeanswest store. However, the store beside it also appears to bear the name Jeanswest. A model appears to model khaki capri pants in front of a Jeanswest store in an AI-altered image posted to Instagram. All Jeanswest stores were shut down by June 2025. Instagram Advertisement All 90 Jeanswest stores were shut down by June 2025 when administrators Pitcher Partners took control of the business. Its misleading, unethical and borderline illegal, said Rigby. Using AI to fake a physical retail presence is flat-out lying to the consumer. I think were going to reach a point very soon where produced by humans or not AI generated becomes a premium marketing label. The rise and fall of Jeanswest The first Jeanswest store opened in Perth in 1972 and grew to a network of nearly 150 stores across the country after acquiring the now-defunct Eagle Jeans chain. Jeanswest, which was a fast-growing retailer in the 80s and 90s, was sold to Hong Kong clothing retailer and wholesaler Glorius Sun in 1990. Advertisement However, Jeanswests relevance and popularity declined in subsequent decades amid competition from rival jean retailers. It slid into voluntary administration in 2020, shutting 37 stores and making 263 staff redundant. It was rescued by Harbour Guidance, the local subsidiary of Hong Kong company Harbour Guide, which is owned by clothing mogul Chun Fan Yeung. A Jeanswest store in Garden City in Brisbane in March 2025. AAP When Jeanswest fell into administration again in May 2025, it owed $48 million to creditors. The company returned to its previous owners, Harbour Guide, but axed all stores to operate an online-only model, letting go of 220 full-time, 155 part-time and more than 300 casual employees in the process. A spokesperson for administrators Pitcher Partners said they were no longer involved in the business, which returned to the ownership of Harbour Guidance managing director and Jeanswest director George Yeung in late August. Advertisement The brand has been completely hollowed out, said Rigby. Its clear this isnt just one bad post. The entire Jeanswest business has been built around AI generation. Its honestly sad to see a 50-plus-year-old Australian legacy brand go this way. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement CultureMoviesCinema The film taking the concept of corporate cut-throat competition to the next level Stephanie Bunbury January 12, 2026 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Korean director Park Chan-wook started thinking about adapting The Ax, an American horror-thriller about a sacked engineer who goes on a killing spree, almost 20 years ago. Park is by no means a fluent English speaker, but he had already made Stoker starring Nicole Kidman in the US and he intended to make The Ax in Connecticut, where author Donald Westlake had set it. The Ax, published in 1997, was about workers in this case, an engineer in the paper industry losing their jobs to machines. It was very much of its time and place. Director Park Chan-wook had spent years trying to make a version of The Ax. Now he has done it. AP Photo/Chris Pizzello Years passed. Park couldnt raise the finance to make his American film. Eventually, he was persuaded to move the story to Korea, where it fitted perfectly: Japan was a big importer of Korean paper, so the story rang true. The mechanisation of manual jobs, so feared in the 1990s, was small fry compared with the explosion in AI in the 2020s. The issues raised by The Ax, which Park turned into his smart, funny and ferocious film No Other Choice, turned out to be more urgent than ever. Park, whose other films range from outrageously violent genre films (Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance) to his recent drama Decision to Leave, has every reason to take aim at AI: the film industry is under threat as much as any other. Advertisement Its very near us and we cant even predict how fast it is going to advance, he says at the Venice Film Festival, where his film had its world premiere. In the very near future, we will be able to write a prompt give me a Hitchcock style film and its going to spit out quite a decent film. Regardless of how I feel about it, that development is not going to stop any time soon. Nor is capitalism, arguably the films bigger target. When we first meet Man-su played by Lee Byung-hun, familiar from Squid Game he is wielding the barbecue tongs at his handsome rural villa. He has it all, he reflects: a vivacious wife (Son Ye-jin), an amiable stepson, a daughter who may be a cello prodigy, two endearing labradors and an executive job at the paper mill, recently taken over by a US company. They must like him. They gave him the parcel of gourmet eel he is now cooking. Lee Byung-huns character takes extreme measures in No Other Choice. AP The eel, however, is a parting gift. The new bosses, claiming they have no other choice include Man-su in a raft of retrenchments. He is convinced he will soon get another job, but retrenchments are happening everywhere. So he comes up with a crazy plan. If he kills his competitors, he thinks, he will be the only candidate left standing. Advertisement The way that he kills these best candidates is very similar to how a company would fire their employees, Park says. But what can he do? The paper industry is all he knows. He has a family to protect. In his mind, he has no other choice. The film jumps from melodrama to farce and back; we catch ourselves rooting for Lee Byung-hun, always a sympathetic actor, only to be appalled when he does something dreadful. I wanted to make a film that would encourage viewers to ask questions, Park says. What is considered the lowest level of life for Koreas contemporary middle class? What standard of living must you maintain to consider your life decent? So what, exactly, does this man desire to protect? To a great extent, he is protecting his status. Initially, this seems contemptible, but many of us can relate to the way his identity is wound up with his work. Paper is his life. Similarly, I cant explain my life without using movies, Park told Indiewire in an interview about No Other Choice. So Yul Choi, left, and Son Ye-jin in No Other Choice. AP Advertisement I think my life would almost have nothing if I didnt have movies in it. Of course, I do have family, but I spent so much of the time I should have spent on my family on movies as well. And I wouldnt know how to do anything else in life. Over the years he was developing the film, producers and financiers would joke that he could set it in the movie business, but he kept coming back to paper-making. I think its because paper is something were all so familiar with, Park says. Its always with us. You can physically touch it but, at the same time, you dont think about who makes it. You just crumple it up and throw it out without a second thought. And I also like the fact it comes from trees. The more I thought about those processes, the closer it seemed to life itself. The final shot of the film shows a forest being razed to stumps by robots, of course. Most of the time, however, Park Chan-wook avoids thinking about the algorithms vying for his own job. For me, its always the task at hand, he says. What am I doing next? What am I shooting tomorrow, what am I cutting today? Thats really all you can concentrate on. No Other Choice is in cinemas from Thursday Precious and industrial metals prices surged in 2025, carrying mining stocks with them. The White House's push for more domestic production of key materials is a tailwind for the sector. Bank of America analysts are bullish on three under-the-radar mining stocks. Metal and mining stocks are in the spotlight amid a blistering rally in precious and industrial metals in the last year, and Bank of America has three stock picks for investors looking to ride the wave. President Donald Trump's return to the White House brought renewed focus on US domestic mining and the supply of critical minerals, and BofA is confident that the mining and metals sector is poised for even more growth in 2026. BofA analyst Lawson Winder expects the same forces that drove growth for precious and industrial metals miners in 2025 to continue throughout 2026. The list of bullish factors includes industrial policy, more geopolitical uncertainty, and a weakening US dollar, as well as further tariff pressure. The analyst remains more bullish on large-cap mining stocks. While precious metals are the bank's top sub-sector, Winder and his team are also focused on companies that mine nuclear energy materials and copper. Here are the banks' top three stock picks in the sector for 2026: Agnico Eagle Mines 1-year return: +130% Agnico is one of the world's largest gold miners. It's BofA's top pick for precious metals miners due to both its pipeline of projects and the possibility that it could find even more gold in the near future. Winder also said that the company's management has a track record of meeting or exceeding targets. Cameco Corporation 1-year gain: +123% BofA sees Cameco, its top pick in the uranium mining space, as an undervalued play on a fast-growing subsector with significant growth potential. "We see significant potential hidden value, like its diversified exposure across the nuclear energy and fuel supply chains," Winder said. "We see a sharp H2'26E price recovery for uranium (CCJ's key product), and see the shares reasonably valued." Freeport-McMoRan 1-year gain: +50% With copper prices expected to surge in the coming years due to demand from AI producers, BofA sees Freeport-McMoRan as the best stock for exposure to the industrial metal's continued rise. Winder views the current low price as an attractive entry point and notes that it can also offer investors meaningful exposure to the gold mining industry. The analyst added that BofA believes one force is particularly likely to keep driving growth for metals and mining companies into 2026, fueling its optimism for the sector. Advertisement Exclusive EnvironmentSustainabilityWaste The $3 billion fix promised for Sydneys mysterious poo balls Caitlin Fitzsimmons January 16, 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 Sydney Water will spend about $3 billion over the next decade to upgrade the citys ageing sewerage network to avoid a repeat of the debris balls that were washed up on beaches in 2024, and allow hundreds of thousands of new homes to be built in south-west Sydney. The plan will produce recycled water that Water and Housing Minister Rose Jackson said could be used by data centres or other industry under a user-pays model, as the state seeks to harness the expected data centre boom without burdening the citys drinking water supply or the environmental health of rivers. The biosolid processing facilitys capacity will be increased at Sydney Waters Glenfield water resource recovery facility. Sitthixay Ditthavong The program will start with major upgrades to water treatment plants in Glenfield, Liverpool and Fairfield. The purpose is to reduce the wastewater that needs to be treated and discharged via the Malabar deep ocean outfall, which was identified by the NSW Environment Protection Authority as the likely source of the grimy black balls that closed Coogee and other Sydney beaches in October 2024. We do have the opportunity to service the sewage being produced in south-west Sydney now, but if were talking about hundreds of thousands of new homes in that community over coming years, thats going to become almost impossible, Jackson said. Advertisement Weve been talking about the need to accompany housing growth with infrastructure for the last few years, so this kind of thinking was already in the works, but the experience of the debris balls and the work with the EPA really did bring to the fore the need for this investment quite urgently, and move it right up the to-do list. The Malabar plant serves 2 million Sydneysiders as far inland as Camden. In dry weather, it handles about 450 megalitres of effluent a day, but it can peak at 1200 megalitres a day in wet weather. Leaks between the stormwater and sewage systems means that in heavy rain, the sewage often overflows upstream and pollutes the Georges River and Botany Bay. Sydney Water chief executive Darren Cleary said the state-owned company had awarded a $750 million contract to the Malabar System Alliance, a grouping of Acciona Construction, Acciona Agua and SMEC. Advertisement Historically, just at the raw numbers, certainly over the last few decades, we havent had a program that big, so it is significant for us, Cleary said. The $750 million will be paid by Sydney Water customers, with the expenditure already approved by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. The Minns government estimates the Malabar System Investment Program will cost $3 billion over 10 years in total, and has not allocated taxpayer funding at this stage. Cleary said this first phase of work for the three plants along the Georges River would take four or five years, and other projects to improve the network of pipes would overlap with that. The next phase of work could reduce the outflow at Malabar by 85 megalitres a day, subject to EPA approval. Sydney Water is also upgrading the North Head biosolids processing facility, which serves one million Sydneysiders. Black balls washed ashore at Gordons Bay in Sydney in October 2024. Janie Barrett Advertisement Sydneys ageing sewerage system is regularly clogged by fatbergs an unholy pairing of fats, oils and greases poured down drains, combined with baby wipes and other hard objects flushed down toilets. The EPAs expert working group concluded that the debris balls were likely to be fatberg materials that evaded the screens at the Malabar plant, entered the deep ocean outfall pipe, and formed or reformed into balls. There were several incidents with debris balls washing up on beaches in late 2024 and early 2025, including dark balls on the eastern beaches and light grey balls that later appeared on the shores of the northern beaches, South Coast and Central Coast. Independent testing found the balls were a mix of cooking oil, soap scum, human faeces, medication, recreational drugs and plastics, and the EPA also identified hydrocarbons consisted with the heavy industry in the Malabar catchment. Nine beaches from Manly to North Narrabeen were closed in January 2025 after potentially hazardous ball-shaped debris was found. James Brickwood In the short term, Sydney Water has increased cleaning and inspection of the ocean outfall screens and is trying to prevent the fatberg ingredients from entering the network by tightening trade-waste controls for high-risk customers and increasing public education. Advertisement Sydney Water is keen to add purified recycled water back to the dams to bolster the citys drinking water supply, but this would require a change of law by the NSW government. However, Cleary said this could not be properly considered until the infrastructure work was completed. Jackson said this was not on the table right now, though she acknowledged it had been done in other jurisdictions and could be part of Sydneys future. When youre trying to make the case for quite significant infrastructure investment, you have to think about whats the most pressing issue right now, Jackson said. When the dams are very full, and weve had a period of quite a lot of water in the system, thats not the most pressing to me. The most pressing is supporting housing growth and lifting some of those environmental outcomes. The sedimentation area will be extended at Sydney Waters Glenfield water resource recovery facility. Sitthixay Ditthavong The default option is for the treated water to be returned to creeks and streams near the inland water treatment plants while biosolids are repurposed for agriculture. However, Jackson said she was keen to explore industrial uses for recycled water, especially data centres, which require water for cooling. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Pollution The grime balls were a symptom of an ailing sewerage network. The cure could be to drink recycled water The principle is that we want data centres in operation, but theyre going to have to consider the cost of water infrastructure as part of their investment decisions, Jackson said. We certainly dont want them using potable water, drinking water because we want that water reserved for drinking and for growth purposes. We want them to be using water that is otherwise of not as much use to us, and recycled water is a great example. Jackson said Infrastructure NSW was working on the regulation of data centres, including water, energy and land use. Cleary said there were active discussions with data centre developers about water usage. Sydney Water already produces recycled water in Quakers Hill. Get to the heart of whats happening with climate change and the environment. Sign up for our fortnightly Environment newsletter. Advertisement Eating outBest of From old-school to new-wave: 19 of Melbournes best Greek restaurants Consider this your hitlist for halloumi, tarama, octopus and more. Dani Valent and Emma Breheny January 16, 2026 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 Greek food is nothing new in Melbourne. Most of the city speaks fluent spanakopita, galaktoboureko and kefalograviera. But in the past few years, a new dialect entered the chat, one that represents the cuisine more fully. Rustic village-style cooking was the pitch of Kafeneion, the first Greek venue from serial restaurateur Con Christopoulos and the second of his business partner Stavros Konis, whose family runs 57-year-old Salona in Richmond. Con Christopoulos at Kafeneion, his first Greek restaurant. Arsineh Houspian. The pair initially opened Kafeneion as a pop-up on Bourke Street in May 2023, with a menu including simple braises of pork, celery and lemon; vegetables cooked with nothing more than olive oil and time; and Victorian-made yoghurt with Cretan honey. The idea, says Konis, was to serve food that would make Yiayia happy, but then it became its own thing. It just grew; it went crazy. Advertisement A permanent location inside Melbourne Supper Club followed in early 2024 and, since then, homespun Greek restaurants have multiplied around Melbourne. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Some, like Brunswick Easts Taverna, are run by leading names such as Angie Giannakodakis (ex-Press Club). Others are from fresh faces, like the friends behind The Pontian Club. Spots such as Yarravilles Tzaki offer a window into what Athenians are eating now. All strive to write a fresh chapter in Melbournes Greek epic. Grilled octopus at Tzaki in Yarraville. Chege Mbuthi People are doing a deeper dive into regional dishes and doing things that come from Greece, not just the proven taverna stuff, says Konis. Advertisement Even if they dont officially fly the blue-and-white flag, other restaurants around town are also weaving feta, skordalia and yoghurt into their menus. To taste the full spectrum of Melbournes Greek offering, you might work your way through the following venues, all found in 2026 The Age Good Food Guide. South Yarras Astoria Bar Ke Grill is a dream thats been bubbling away for decades. Owner Nik Pouloupatis is a child of the 1970s who spoke Greek before he learnt English. After 35 years in hospitality, he is finally sharing his version of taramasalata (fluffy, whipped with potato) and stifado, a stew made here with octopus and tomato-tinged gravy heady with cinnamon and star anise. Sesame bread with tarama and eggplant dip at the Astoria Bar ke Grill. Luis Enrique Ascui Further south, Oakleigh is Melbournes Hellenic heart, with pedestrian-only Eaton Mall a lively hub. Longstanding Vanilla Lounge has opened Vanilla Dessert Bar across the road, serving fro-yo with Greek flair. Around the corner, Olympia is a rooftop bar with Santorini-style spritzes in summer and Greek mulled wine (and heating) in winter. Advertisement In December, Bar Sophia sprung up in Glen Iris with former Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year Nicholas Deligiannis running his first Greek kitchen. Wood-fired plates for sharing are the draw prawns with capers, halloumi with lemon and paprika plus a strong line-up of Greek beers, ouzo and vermouth. Salona owners Stavros and Alex Konis. Simon Schluter Some classics never get old. Jims Greek Tavern in Collingwood has been sizzling saganaki for more than 50 years and still pulls crowds for BYO feasting. In Richmond, Salona has a new lease on life following renovations but the food, especially goat baked with potatoes, still hums with soul. Stalactites is a reliable late-night gap-filler and one of few hold-outs in the citys former Greek hub around Lonsdale Street. Nearby, Good Food Guide Critics Pick Kafeneion is another late-night option, offering hangover-banishing soups such as magiritsa between 10pm and 1am. Ioannis Kasidokostas has proven himself at Carnegies mod-Med Sowl; hes leaned further into Greek traditions at Aegli in South Melbourne serving lamb of the gods: slow-cooked, pressed shoulder. Lively and fun Jims Greek Tavern. Joe Armao Advertisement Advertisement Correction: an earlier version of this article stated Kafeneion was in the former Melbourne Supper Club. The two share the space, and Melbourne Supper Club is still open for business. Related Collection The complete list of venues in The Age Good Food Guide 2026, by region Advertisement Eating outNow closed Five Melbourne restaurants close, including a decorated vegan spot A wine bar, a beloved Middle Eastern eatery and venues linked to well-known chefs have decided to bow out. Donna Demaio Dani Valent and January 16, 2026 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A After nearly five years, Lona Misa the Latin-inspired 90-seater vegan restaurant inside boutique hotel Ovolo Melbourne in South Yarra has served its last meal, following the end of chef Shannon Martinezs (Smith + Daughters) contract with the venue in November. People think I owned Lona Misa. I didnt. I was always a consultant, says Martinez, insisting theres no sense of failure around the closure. Chef Shannon Martinez at one of her other venues, Amphora, in 2024. Joe Armao Ovolo Hotels confirmed via a statement that the restaurants final service was on New Years Eve. A new venue, Bar Yarra, replaced Lona Misa on January 12, serving what the website describes as classic comfort foods and regional favourites such as a smash burger, roasted pumpkin ravioli, and steak frites. Through her Lona Misa menus, Martinez celebrated her Latin roots in Josper-roasted vegan chicken with a spicy red mojo and chimichurri; moqueca, the Brazilian seafood stew; and castana de aguas, water chestnuts with fermented chilli and leche de tigre. Advertisement The venue was awarded one hat by The Age Good Food Guide between 2022 and 2024 but lost its hat in the most recent Guide, published last October. Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Lona Misa was Ovolo South Yarras hotel restaurant. Simon Schluter Martinez says Ovolo has been shutting down its plant-based restaurants around the country one by one, after the group of hotels took a veg pledge for 365 days in 2022. Last March, Brisbanes Za Za Ta closed, following Sydneys Alibi restaurant in 2024. I had a great time, Martinez says of her experience. I learnt heaps working for a hotel, which is so different. There are so many moving parts and taking on all new challenges with a hotel team was great. A spokesperson for Ovolo says the hotel brand has made a strategic decision to transition away from specialty restaurants and move towards casual all-day dining venues. Advertisement As part of this shift, we have moved away from purely plant-based options and reintroduced protein to our menus to ensure a more inclusive approach to looking after our guests. Looking ahead, Martinez says, Im going to focus my energy on my own business. Smith & Daughters is marking 12 years in March. Meanwhile, plans for something new are being kept under wraps for now. Big things are happening. And one things for sure, it will still be fully vegan, says Martinez. Atlas Dining on Commercial Road, South Yarra. After nine years, chef Charlie Carrington closed South Yarras Atlas Dining at the end of November to focus on Atlas Market, the meal-kit business he launched during the pandemic. The lease was coming to an end so it was the right time to shift focus, says Carrington. Advertisement When he opened the restaurant as a 22-year-old, the menu morphed every four months to serve a different cuisine. It was a wild concept, and we had the best time, but Ive got a kid now and the hospitality lifestyle is pretty hard. I believe in the online space too: its Atlas 2.0. Im putting my chef skills to the test, improving dishes and refining systems. Its super positive and I have renewed energy. Brunswick restaurant Mankoushe has also closed, after 15 years of serving home-style Middle Eastern dishes such as baked potatoes with sumac and pizza with minced lamb. Brothers Jad and Hady Choucair have moved back to Lebanon and plan to open a restaurant in Beirut called Liberty. We hope all our Australian followers will be inspired to visit the Middle East, they posted on Instagram. Lene restaurant in Richmond. Eddie Jim Advertisement And in Richmond, chef and restaurateur Cameron Williams is looking for a new site for Lene, the small restaurant he opened in 2021 and is now packing down. A rent increase made it impossible for his smart European wine bar and dining room to persist any longer. Weve been looking for a site for 12 months, and Im still hoping to find a place in Fitzroy, Collingwood or Abbotsford, he says. Hospitality is hard, and Bridge Road is lacking energy. When he finds a spot, the new iteration will be smaller and sharper, less than 30 seats, more intimate and up a few notches. Finally, for any Smith Street spice fans who have been wondering whats happening to Mischa Tropps Toddy Shop, Good Food can reveal that he will not reopen Fitzroys South Indian hangout after it closed for a summer break in mid-December. Ive realised I dont have the bandwidth to manage two sites [the other being hatted Kolkata Cricket Club] in the way I want to, says Tropp. I worked hard in December and when I got to my break, I decided I need to reduce how much Im working. Advertisement Advertisement NationalNSWSydney Metro Commuters to cop eight weekend closures of Sydneys metro line to finish final stage Matt O'Sullivan January 15, 2026 1:05pm 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 Commuters face about another eight weekend closures of parts or all of Sydneys M1 metro line to allow for testing of trains and other work on the final section of the rail project between Sydenham and Bankstown before it opens. As high-speed testing along the final stage is ramped up, a metro train travelled the entire length of the 66-kilometre M1 line from Tallawong to Bankstown via the city, stopping at all 31 stations. The train reached speeds of 100km/h on the final section between Sydenham and Bankstown. Southwest Metro project director Alia Karaman said about eight weekend shutdowns of parts or all of the existing M1 line would be required to complete the final stage. A metro train passes Transport Minister John Graham, left, and other ministers and officials on a platform at Wiley Park station on Thursday. Kate Geraghty If we dont shut down, then it means were not able to complete a critical part of the work, she said. The number [of shutdowns] will vary depending on the functionality thats required, the events and the weekend that we are targeting. Advertisement Metro services will not run on the M1 line between Tallawong and Sydenham this weekend, as well as January 24-25, to allow for systems testing. At least four weeks notice will be given to commuters of other weekend closures. The final stage between Sydenham and Bankstown was to be opened in late 2025 after a 12-month shutdown of the old heavy rail line, but was later delayed until the second half of this year. Workers toil away on a platform at Wiley Park station on Thursday. Kate Geraghty Under the original plans of the previous Coalition government, the south-west section was meant to open in 2024 at the same time as the rest of the second stage between Chatswood and Sydenham. Transport Minister John Graham declined to give a target date for the opening, reiterating that it would be in the second half of this year. When we can be more specific, we will be, he said on Thursday. Advertisement While describing the full-length train trip as a breakthrough for the project, Graham said there was no way to convert the existing heavy rail line between Sydenham and Bankstown to metro train standards without some disruption to commuters. Related Article Exclusive Sydney Metro How cost of Sydneys main metro station skyrocketed beyond secret forecasts Theres a lot of testing to go. There will be more disruption ahead. Were warning that on the 17th and 18th of January, and the 24th and the 25th of January, the metro line will not be operating so that we can do this important work, he said. Coalition transport spokesperson Natalie Ward said Graham should explain when the final section of the M1 line would actually open. Labor told commuters theyd be riding this metro in September last year. Its now January 2026, and theyre still waiting, she said. The latest phase of high-speed testing of trains requires a minimum of 9000 hours and 30,000 kilometres of combined testing to be completed before the M1 lines final stage opens. Advertisement About 79 per cent of work in the corridor in Sydneys south-west and at stations has been completed. Tiling is largely finished at four stations and is progressing at the other six on the final section, while painting and landscaping are underway at most stations. Related Article Sydney Metro Sydneys three metro rail projects blow out by more than $6 billion Testing is also well progressed on the platform screen doors and 170 mechanical gap fillers, and the latter has passed its first round of tests at every station. The installation of the gap fillers to platforms at eight stations has added complexity to the operation of driverless trains. The small hydraulic platforms extend to the metro carriages before screen doors open, ensuring commuters can safely step on and off when the line opens. The cost of completing the final stretch between Sydenham and Bankstown has blown out the cost of what was formerly known as the Metro City and Southwest project to as much $23 billion, from a previous forecast of $21.6 billion. Advertisement The price tag of the city and south-west sections is now more than double the original forecast of about $11.5 billion last decade. Combined with the $7.3 billion cost of the first stage from Tallawong to Chatswood, which opened in 2019, the price tag for the entire 66-kilometre line is now $30.4 billion. 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 NationalNSWAir travel Dozens of flights cancelled at Sydney Airport amid critical staffing issue Daniel Lo Surdo Updated January 15, 2026 5:38pm ,first published 4:01pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Dozens of domestic flights at Sydney Airport are cancelled and several others will face hours-long delays because of a shortage of air traffic control staff. About 30 Qantas and Jetstar flights have been axed and eight Virgin flights were cancelled, as Airservices Australia activates spacing intervals for flights arriving and departing Sydney to safely manage operations on Thursday. Dozens of flights are cancelled amid a critical staffing issue at the air control tower. Wolter Peeters Airservices Australia said the measure was triggered after a number of staff took short-notice sick and carers leave. We will keep delays to a minimum and apologise for any impact to our customers and the travelling public, a spokesperson said. Advertisement Airservices Australia said flights could also be impacted in other cities, including Perth and Brisbane. Related Article Exclusive Airports The stench that overwhelmed Sydney airports air traffic control tower Stephen Beckett, chief executive of Airlines for Australia and New Zealand, which represents all Australian airlines, was among travellers caught in the delays, which he said were problematic and would affect the entire national network. Most aircraft fly in and out of Sydney on any day, so when there are delays it impacts the whole network, Beckett said. In a statement, Sydney Airport urged passengers to check with their airline regarding the status of their flight. Advertisement Air traffic control staff are entitled to unlimited sick leave, while a small number of absences can overwhelm the workforce, which suffered a large exodus during the COVID pandemic. There were mass flight cancellations and nationwide delays at Sydney Airport in February 2024 after just two staff members called in sick, as workers scrambled to control movement on the tarmac. Airlines for Australia and New Zealand chairman Graeme Samuel, whose flight to Melbourne has been delayed by more than 90 minutes, hit out at Airservices Australias outrageous conduct on Thursday. This has to stop, its frankly getting nonsensical its all going wrong, and its all attributable to air traffic control, said Samuel, the former ACCC chair who spoke to the Herald while his plane was grounded on the tarmac. You can only use COVID for so long. Weve had two to three years, and if Airservices havent got its act together in that time, then something is awfully wrong. Advertisement Airservices Australia said recruitment remained a top priority, and it had added 91 air traffic controllers in 2025. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Bragg Gaming Group, with a market cap of CA$91.36 million, is navigating the penny stock landscape by leveraging its proprietary and exclusive iGaming content. Despite being unprofitable, it maintains a positive free cash flow and has more than three years of cash runway. The company's strategic focus on AI transformation aims to enhance operational efficiency and product personalization. Recent partnerships in Finland and Brazil highlight Bragg's expansion into regulated markets, potentially boosting revenue streams. However, restructuring efforts indicate ongoing cost management challenges as it works towards profitability amidst industry volatility. Overview: Bragg Gaming Group Inc. is an iGaming content and technology solutions provider that offers proprietary and exclusive content to online and land-based gaming operators, with a market cap of CA$91.36 million. As the first week of 2026 unfolds, investors are closely monitoring geopolitical developments in Venezuela, fresh labor-market data from North America, and potential shifts in U.S. tariff policies. Amidst these macroeconomic factors, penny stocks remain an intriguing area for investors seeking opportunities at lower price points. These smaller or newer companies can offer growth potential when supported by strong financials, making them a compelling choice for those looking to explore under-the-radar investments with promising prospects. Story Continues Overview: Steppe Gold Ltd. operates, develops, explores, and acquires precious metal projects in Mongolia and Peru with a market cap of CA$515.77 million. Operations: The company generates revenue of $140.31 million from its Metals & Mining segment, focusing on gold and other precious metals. Market Cap: CA$515.77M Steppe Gold Ltd., with a market cap of CA$515.77 million, is actively navigating the penny stock terrain by focusing on precious metal projects in Mongolia and Peru. Despite recent executive changes, including a new CEO and Chairman, the company remains committed to sustainable growth and enhanced shareholder value. Its short-term assets significantly exceed both short-term and long-term liabilities, indicating strong liquidity. The net debt to equity ratio is satisfactory at 38.9%, while its price-to-earnings ratio of 8.9x suggests potential undervaluation compared to the broader Canadian market. However, recent insider selling may raise concerns about internal confidence levels. TSX:STGO Debt to Equity History and Analysis as at Jan 2026 Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating: Overview: Empress Royalty Corp. is involved in establishing and investing in a portfolio of precious metal royalty and streaming interests in Canada, with a market capitalization of CA$134.39 million. Operations: The company generates revenue of $13.34 million from its activities in acquiring mining royalty and streaming interests. Market Cap: CA$134.39M Empress Royalty Corp., with a market cap of CA$134.39 million, is gaining traction in the penny stock arena through its strategic investments in precious metal royalties and streaming interests. The company recently became profitable, reporting net income of US$2.96 million for the first nine months of 2025. Its financial stability is underpinned by more cash than total debt and strong short-term asset coverage over liabilities. Recent developments include Streamex Corp.'s acquisition of a 9.90% stake, signaling external confidence in Empress's potential growth trajectory despite low return on equity and stable weekly volatility concerns. TSXV:EMPR Financial Position Analysis as at Jan 2026 Next Steps 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 TSX:BRAG TSX:STGO and TSXV:EMPR. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Advertisement NationalQueenslandChild protection Convicted paedophile back working at petting zoo near Brisbane Dan Nolan January 15, 2026 8:13pm 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 convicted child sex offender is again under investigation after being spotted working at a family-friendly cafe and farm popular with young children. City Chicks Farm and Cafe in Samford Valley, north-west of Brisbane, advertises itself as a kids play space where children can feed and pat animals, but A Current Affair found paedophile Steven James Harvey working there this week. In 2017, Harvey was sentenced to eight years jail for 15 sex offences, four of them against children, as well as nine counts of rape. Steven Harvey insists, Im not doing anything wrong. A Current Affair Not long after being released from prison, he started working at City Chicks, promoting its family-friendly attractions in social media clips. Advertisement When Harveys sordid history was first exposed by Nine News last November, City Chicks owner Ingrid Dimock announced she was cutting all ties. Im just trying to salvage my business and assure all families that its a very safe place, Dimock said at the time, adding: Steve Harvey has been removed from the premises and anything to do with the business. Steven Harvey was jailed for sex offences against children. A Current Affair But this week he was back working in the cafe when A Current Affairs cameras arrived, claiming hed been cleared to do so by Queensland Police. Im not doing anything wrong. Ive had the police out here. They know that Im here. They dont have a problem with me being here. Why do you? Harvey said. Advertisement When asked why a convicted child sex offender needed to work in an area swarming with children, Harvey pointed out there were over 60,000 sex offenders in Queensland, they walk around the shops and everywhere else. This isnt the first time Harvey has been caught near kids after his working with children permit was suspended. In 2016, he was spotted operating a ride at a school when he was running a jumping castle business. Parent Jen Fleming was one of many locals who were shocked to learn that Harvey was again working at the child-friendly cafe just outside Brisbane. Its pretty terrifying to know this could be allowed to happen, she said. Advertisement I think a lot of parents would have a problem with it, and as a local parent, I am really concerned that this has been allowed to happen. The City Chicks petting zoo advertises itself as a kids play space. A Current Affair Lawyer Andrew Carpenter said he was disgusted that a registered sex offender could work at a business promoted as a petting zoo. Parents shouldnt have to play detective to simply take their child to pat a goat, he said, adding that if current legislation allows Harvey to work there, it needs to be changed. This isnt a grey area, its a flashing stop sign. Offenders will try to find loopholes to gain access to children, and these loopholes need to be closed immediately. Advertisement Harvey told A Current Affair there was more to his criminal convictions, and he always maintained his innocence. City Chicks owner Ingrid Dimock was in a relationship with Steven Harvey for almost two years. A Current Affair Im not a sick individual, you are making stuff up, he said. You dont know all of my history of everything that happened. Harvey also claimed the destination considered by many locals to be a petting zoo was in fact a farm. The amount of mental gymnastics he is showing to justify being around children shows that he is still a danger to vulnerable people, Carpenter said. Advertisement Despite claiming he only works in the kitchen now, Harvey was recorded speaking to a mother and her child inside the patting area this week. Late on Thursday, a spokesperson for Queensland Police said it had received additional information involving a man at Samford. As this information is under investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further, the spokesperson said. The City Chicks owner was in a relationship with Harvey for almost two years and told A Current Affair by text message that hed been cleared to return. After carefully reviewing the situation with authorities, he is contributing legally in a strictly operational role behind the scenes, with no contact with children, Dimock said. Advertisement This was a far cry from her position when his criminal history was first exposed in November, telling Nine News she didnt want people driving past yelling out foul words, adding that she was the victim here. 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 NationalVictoriaCourts Arrest warrant for mother charged over house fire that killed two children Melissa Cunningham January 15, 2026 12:36pm 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 warrant has been issued for the arrest of a mother accused of leaving her children to die in a house fire after she failed to show up to court on Thursday morning. Shania Lee has also been accused of breaching her bail conditions multiple times, the court heard, and her bail has now been revoked. Shania Lee, 26, faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Instagram The 26-year-old was charged with negligent manslaughter last year after a fire broke out at her home in Sydenham, in Melbournes north-west, on the night of September 8, 2024. Her two daughters, aged five and one, died in the fire. Lee told police she had gone to pick up a car part with her boyfriend. There were no adults at home with the children when the blaze erupted. Advertisement Related Article Melbourne emergency A deafening blast, then a searing fire as horror unfolds on quiet street The mother was given bail last year under strict provisions, including that she report to the Echuca police station three days a week, live at her mothers address in the border town of Moama and notify police within 24 hours of any proposed change of address. She was due to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court for a hearing on Thursday but did not attend, prompting magistrate Kieran Gilligan to issue a warrant for her arrest and revoke her bail. She is on bail and shes not here? Gilligan said at the start of the hearing. No reason for Lees absence was given. Advertisement Gilligan said Lee was facing serious charges over the deaths of her two children and had failed to meet several of her bail conditions, including mandatory reporting to police. The court heard that she was charged with several counts of breaching her bail conditions. Colourful play equipment, including a tricycle, was scattered in the garden after the fire. Joe Armao A lawyer for Lee said she spoke to her last week about her court appearance on Thursday and told the court the mother was aware she was facing new charges for breaching her bail conditions. All I can say in response to that is that Ms Lee made an offer to surrender herself to police last week, the lawyer said. We didnt receive any response back. Advertisement Gilligan immediately revoked Lees bail and issued a warrant for her arrest. Her bail is forfeited, he said. If she wanted to hand herself in, she could have handed herself into any police station. Flowers in front of the Sydenham house after the deadly fire. Luis Enrique Ascui The court previously heard Lee was the primary caregiver of three of her four children: five-year-old Izabel, three-year-old Kalais and 21-month-old Lyvia. Kalais survived the fire. Police have previously alleged Lee left all three children alone at home on the night of the blaze while she travelled with her partner, co-accused Matthew McAuliffe, to the Sunshine and Keilor area to pick up a car part. Advertisement Related Article Crime Mother left children to die in burning home: police Police believe the fire had begun shortly before the adults left, but do not allege Lee deliberately lit the fire. McAuliffe was the last person to leave the main bedroom, where the fire ignited. McAuliffe has since died. Investigators alleged at a hearing in September that Lee watched footage from a home security camera on her phone while she was away from the house and heard the children screaming, but did not call Triple Zero. CCTV footage allegedly captures Lee and McAuliffe leaving the Sydenham home at 9.17pm, about one minute before the smoke alarm was activated. Advertisement Lee, McAuliffe and the three children moved into the home just a week before the fatal fire. The children were found unconscious at the front of the house and were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene before being taken to hospital. Arson and explosives squad detectives investigating the deadly fire in 2024. Joe Armao In September, the court heard Lee told police she had made arrangements via Snapchat for Kalais biological father, Jayde Petalas, to look after the children. However, Petalas told police Lee had not contacted him. On the night of the deadly blaze, neighbours reported hearing a deafening blast, which they said sounded like a bomb going off. Advertisement They recalled standing outside the burning house and desperately yelling out to anyone who might be inside. As the fire trucks poured in, their calls were met with silence. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive NationalVictoriaDrugs Surge in women using date-rape substance as party drug leads to spike in hospitalisations Broede Carmody and Marta Pascual Juanola January 16, 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 Millennial women are turning to a date-rape drug available online for less than the cost of a pint of beer for its euphoric and aphrodisiac effects, resulting in a surge in emergency department presentations at one of Victorias busiest hospitals. St Vincents Hospital in Melbourne recorded more than 350 emergency department presentations related to the drug GHB last year, up from 140 presentations in 2014. Total ED presentations grew by just 15 per cent over the same period. GHB, an acronym for gamma-hydroxybutyrate, has previously made headlines for its links to sexual assault. It is commonly called liquid ecstasy and has been around since the 1960s. However, experts say the substances popularity has surged, including among women in their 30s and late 20s, who use it recreationally. This trend is draining hospital, police and ambulance resources, according to those working in the field. Advertisement The spike in Melburnians seeking urgent medical care for suspected GHB poisoning has prompted experts to call for a mass education campaign, given the drugs potential to induce comas and even trigger life-threatening withdrawals. St Vincents director of emergency medicine, Dr Jonathan Karro, said there was a very fine line between a dosage that achieved the users desired effects and an overdose that rendered someone unconscious. Dr Jonathan Karro noticed that patients presenting with GHB poisoning tended to skew older than they were 10 years ago. The data backs up his experiences. Paul Jeffers Its a daily occurrence for us, he said. The emergency physician said that patients were skewing older than they were 10 years ago, suggesting the drugs popularity had broadened. Advertisement There were patients who came in today with GHB overdoses. One was a young woman who collapsed at work, and the other was a person who was recently incarcerated and having a significant withdrawal syndrome. Related Article Victorian Parliament Whats in that white powder? Inside Victorias first pill testing site Karro added that the median age of patients with symptoms of GHB poisoning at St Vincents emergency department was 29. The overwhelming majority were brought to the hospital via ambulance, while one in eight patients were accompanied by police. Most cases were rushed to the emergency department on Sundays, with Saturday the second most common day for presentations. The data was first published in the peer-reviewed journal Emergency Medicine Australasia. In his first interview about the findings, Karro who was a co-author of the academic paper said the drugs availability and low cost were to blame for its newfound popularity. Advertisement People are able to seemingly purchase GHB by the litre. Its costing around $5 a dose. Dr Rowan Ogeil says theres also been a national surge in GHB-related presentations. The Age was able to find GHB and similar chemicals available online from popular online retailers which this masthead has chosen not to name after a simple internet search. Dr Rowan Ogeil, a strategic lead at addiction research centre Turning Point, said there had been a more than 60 per cent increase in GHB-related ambulance attendances, particularly in Victoria, between 2022 and 2023. It does put strain on the health service, on paramedics, on emergency services, and community health. Every ambulance attendance that is GHB, alcohol or drug related is a potential tragedy. Advertisement The Monash University senior research fellow added that Geelong had become a particular hotspot, possibly due to the regions string of summer festivals. Its now surpassing some of the metropolitan LGAs (Local Government Areas), which traditionally have a higher number of bars and clubs. Pru Tellegen, the acting chief operating officer at Windana which runs residential detox services said about eight out of 10 referrals included current or recent GHB use. Tellegen said some used GHB as a party drug, while others used it to improve sleep and relax. Some used it to soften the comedown from other substances like methamphetamine. Part of the problem is that its really challenging to determine how much GHB people are actually using and therefore theres no one evidence source about how we draw up a sort of standardised plan. Advertisement GBL, an industrial solvent that metabolises into GHB when it enters the body, is often sold as GHB as it is more readily available, but it is stronger and faster-acting than GHB. Related Article Exclusive Crime Tidal wave of date rape drug reaching NSW shores The clients often dont know how much theyre consuming. Its very much uncharted waters. She said that community services were often not equipped to deal with patients taking high doses of GHB, so they were often referred to detox services and the emergency department, where they would take up beds. Harm minimisation starts with education, and thats what we did in the 80s, and thats what it did in the late 90s for meth, and thats where its really got to start with GHB. Advertisement She said any harm reduction measures should include awareness around spacing the use of GHB, using a plunger to be able to track dosage, and avoiding mixing it with benzos or alcohol as those substances operate on the same pathways in the brain. Karro, from St Vincents, agreed that an education campaign was needed. Addiction seems to be developing in these people quite commonly, and would be very useful for community to know about that, and also to know how terrible the withdrawal syndrome is. Patients feel awful, and it can actually be a life-threatening withdrawal syndrome. Crime Statistics Agency data from September shows GHB accounted for 11 per cent of drug dealing and trafficking offences. A state government spokesperson said Victorias free and confidential pill testing service was able to test the make-up of most pills, capsules, crystals and liquids, including GHB. Advertisement Were getting on with addressing drug harm in the community rolling out the $95 million statewide action plan, pill testing, naloxone vending machines and launching the Victorian alcohol and other drugs strategy, a 10-year plan to reduce alcohol and other drug-related harms and stigma, the spokesperson said. National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline 1800 250 015 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 NationalWAAir accident One year on, Rottnest seaplane crash survivors open up on fateful day Hamish Hastie and Cameron Myles January 15, 2026 4:07pm 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 survivors of the Rottnest seaplane crash in January last year say they hold no anger about the incident that claimed the lives of three people, including the pilot. Speaking for the first time about their harrowing ordeal, Jeremy and Patricia Connor said they felt relief that they survived and grateful for the first responders who helped saved their lives. Rottnest seaplane crash survivors Jeremy and Patricia Connor. Hamish Hastie Three people died when the Cessna 208 Caravan seaplane plunged into the waters of Thomson Bay in front of horrified onlookers as it attempted to take off for a flight back to the mainland on January 7 last year. Jeremy said the crash felt like it happened instantaneously and that the response from those who witnessed the plane hit the water was just as quick. Advertisement But the main point I wanted to make, as soon as we managed to get out of that plane, there was people there, and you dont really think about whats going on. You just go into response mode. And then theres these people there who help you do that, he said. It seemed like a long time, but if you read some of the facts in the report, it was probably only a matter of maybe two minutes. Jeremy offered particular thanks to a man who first swam toward himself and Patricia, then helped her to a nearby boat where he looked after her injured arm. Jeremy and Patricia Connor with the first responders who saved their lives after the January 7 Rottnest seaplane crash. Hamish Hastie He said shortly after being rescued, the two survivors were flown by RAC rescue helicopter to Fiona Stanley hospital, where he was still drenched in seawater. Advertisement Jeremy revealed that the fateful day had started filled with excitement as they met the other couples at the South Perth jetty ahead of their flight to the island in the morning. Were all a similar age, three couples together, doing the same thing, going to Rottnest in the summer, to have a great day out and it was just a good vibe and they were just nice people, he said. Jeremy said the couple held no anger about the tragedy and that they were doing well mentally. Theres no anger...youre on a plane, youre just doing something thats pretty normal, and it didnt go as planned. You cant change that, you just have to keep going, he said. With the help that weve had, were both in a good place. Advertisement I think this for us is a bit of closure, and put a line under it. The couple presented a plaque to the Rottnest Island Authority thanking first responders for their efforts that will be displayed near the islands nursing post. The seaplane being retrieved from the ocean floor. Were in such a fortunate, special place in the world, where we do have resources, but without those people who are willing to do it, its not worth as much, but theyre there to help when things go wrong, and they did, he said. Emergency Services Minister Paul Papalia said the Connors rescue was aided by a lot of really fortunate coincidences, including that water police were working off the island on the day of the crash. Advertisement Their actual response, I think from memory, was in the order of, like, three minutes, he said. [First responders] all regularly plan and prepare and practice for this type of an event, or events of this nature where theres a major response required, so they coordinate and collaborate really effectively at very short notice, he said. The police divers had a pretty confronting task for recovering the people who tragically lost their lives in that crash too. Pilot James Wong, 34, and two international tourists in their 60s died in the crash, while the Connors, also aged in their 60s, survived, along with the tourists partners. In December, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau released its interim report into the crash, which examined Wongs actions, whether the planes stall warning system had been switched off, and the crashworthiness of the seaplane. Advertisement The ATSB said Wong surveyed the normal take-off area twice in the afternoon of the accident and, due to strong winds, decided to take off in an easterly direction instead of the usual southerly track. The plane crashed after passing Phillip Rock, when it hit sea swell, became airborne, then rolled to the left before crashing back into the water. ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said the identification of factors contributing to the survivability of the planes passengers was an important area of focus for the probe. Examination of the wreckage identified the wings hinged backwards at impact, and the trailing edge of each wing penetrated the cabin in the area of the second row of passenger seating, Mitchell said. The investigation is considering the crashworthiness of the Cessna Caravan aircraft and the suitability of the manufacturer and operators emergency equipment and procedures for accidents involving immersion in water. Advertisement The report said the planes operator, Swan River Seaplanes, stated it had been aware some Cessna 208 pilots would disconnect the stall warning circuit-breaker due to false alarms and their impact on passengers during water take-offs, but this was not a common practice of Swan River Seaplanes pilots. The ATSB is expected to hand down its final report in the second half of next year. Advertisement PoliticsFederalMurray-Darling Basin Water wars ahead now Australias longest river officially critically endangered Mike Foley Updated January 15, 2026 12:50pm ,first published 11:53am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Australias longest waterway is under such dire threat of collapse that the entire lower Murray River ecosystem, which stretches nearly 1000 kilometres from western NSW, through Victoria and to the sea in South Australia has been classified as critically endangered. The new designation was announced by Environment Minister Murray Watt on Thursday, sounding the alarm on the rivers health and setting up a potential conflict with big agribusiness and a political battle with the federal opposition, as the Albanese government blames their predecessors for a decade of inaction on conservation. The new designation sets up a potential conflict with big agribusiness and a political battle with the federal opposition. Ecosystems are threatened by over extraction of water, feral animals, habitat loss, weeds and salinity and those threats are, of course, made worse by increasingly severe droughts and floods caused by climate change Watt said on Thursday. This listing will guide future government action to protect and restore the lower Murray. A critically endangered designation, the highest risk rating, will apply national environmental protections to the lower Murray River, the plants and animals in it as well as surrounding floodplains and wetlands. Advertisement This means major project proposals, such as expansion of the wide-scale irrigation operations in the region to grow almonds, cotton, wine and citrus, will be subject to tougher tests over their impacts to native flora, fauna and the river system. Humane World for Animals Australia made the application to classify the lower Murray as critically endangered. The groups campaign director, Nicola Beynon, welcomed the announcement. These ecosystems have been so deteriorated by catchment degradation and water extraction, exacerbated by climate change, they have been identified as being at risk of ecological collapse, Beynon said. The critically endangered classification was recommended to Watt by the federal governments committee of expert conservation advisers and applies to native ecosystems and excludes existing farmland and urban development. The Macquarie Marshes in north-west NSW were also designated as endangered on Thursday. Advertisement The National Farmers Federation said its members were extremely concerned by the move, which it said was unnecessary and argued the government should focus instead on removing feral carp from the ecosystem. Declaring carp a key threatening process and properly funding control and eradication would deliver far greater environmental gains, said the federations water spokesman Malcolm Holm. The designation is a significant win for many South Australian residents, where the marine algal bloom choking waterways has heightened public awareness of environmental management. Labor campaigned in the past two federal elections on boosting the health of the Murray River, promising Adelaide residents who live at the end of the catchment that they would restore balance to management of the system. The area was listed as critically endangered in August 2013 by the Rudd Labor government, a status repealed four months later when the Abbott government was elected. Advertisement South Australian Senator Penny Wong, who was climate and water minister in the Rudd government from 2007 to 2010, said the Coalition had shamefully scrapped protections for the river and ignored the needs of her state. Related Article Water buyback controversy Historic moment for Murray Darling as water wars reignite South Australians know that the Liberal and National Parties have been focused on upstream states and have never done the right thing by South Australia when it comes to the Murray River, Wong said on Thursday. Opposition water spokesman Senator Ross Cadell said the governments move raised serious concerns for agribusiness and demanded the government stop playing politics. If every location where an endangered species, like the Murray cod, is present becomes a trigger point, we could see essential infrastructure and community projects across the southern Basin grind to a halt, Cadell said. Advertisement Murray Darling Conservation Council campaigns co-ordinator Char Nitschke said the critically endangered listing recognised the river was in crisis. When Abbott overturned the listing it was a triumph of politics over science, and today we are finally seeing his sabotage undone, Nitschke said. Australian Conservation Foundations Basha Stasak said the designation would provide better protections for hundreds of species including the bell frog, orange-bellied parrot, regent parrot, fairy tern, Murray cod and trout cod. In its first term, the Albanese government rebooted the nations water wars for the first time in nearly a decade when in 2024 it opened a new round of controversial large-scale water buybacks in NSW and Victoria to boost flows in the Murray. Governments started buying back farmers water entitlements in 2007, and water recovery ramped up in 2012 after creation of the $13 billion Murray-Darling Basin plan. Advertisement However, the former Coalition government paused buybacks in 2015 after furious campaigns from irrigation communities up and down the river system in communities such as Shepparton in Victoria, Griffith in NSW and Dirranbandi in Queensland. The world-famous Macquarie Marshes depend on closely managed environmental flows in the Murray-Darling Basin. Nick Moir Watt said on Thursday that the former Coalition government had for nine years failed the river system with a lack of conservation action. Past activities and decisions regarding the Murray-Darling Basin have consequences and its why the Albanese government has been so determined to change course, he said. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. The CBD has long been the beating heart of Sydneys economy, but could that shift in the next decade? In 2016, one economist tipped Sydney would thrive on the back of a finance boom. Now he expects the next decade to be different. 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 . Sydney, the nations economic engine room, has always had a beating heart: the CBD. But by 2036, one of the most noticeable shifts might not be the types of jobs, but where they are located, according to KPMG economist Terry Rawnsley. The cause? The opening of Sydneys south-west and west metro rail lines. That big transport infrastructure over the next 10 years is going to really reshape how Sydney functions as an economic entity, Rawnsley says, predicting concentration of the labour market in a singular business district will be dispersed over several centres of economic activity. Were still going to have those big clusters of finance, insurance, professional services those classic white-collar jobs. Where they are located in the city might shift a bit over the next 10 years, so the metro will open access into North Sydney, Chatswood, out to Macquarie Park. Ten years ago, Rawnsley predicted Sydneys banking and finance sector would account for one in every five dollars generated by the citys economy. Largely, those prognostications have turned out to be correct, he says, with the notable exception of the impact of the pandemic on retail and hospitality jobs. A KPMG analysis of Transport for NSW employment projections revealed that the big rises in the next 10 years are expected to be in health care, the professional and scientific sector, logistics and construction. Advertisement City of Sydney, on the other hand, is bullish that the CBD will continue to thrive. The council is planning for an additional 200,000 jobs a near 40 per cent rise within the local government area, which spans 26 square kilometres from the Opera House through to Rosebery, by 2036. In 2016, the creation of several knowledge hubs was forecast by the Committee for Sydneys then-chief executive, Tim Williams, who argued a high-speed rail connection between Parramatta and the CBD was overdue. The line, which has a price tag of up to $29 billion, is set to open in 2032, albeit with a 20-minute travel time double the 10 minutes Williams hoped for. Related Article City life Sydney 2026: How well live and how our city will work in 10 years University of Sydney professor Chris Wright agrees with Rawnsleys prediction the expanded metro network could be transformative for the citys economic landscape. The shift away from the CBD will be compounded by structural changes to the post-pandemic economy, including working from home becoming less partisan, Wright predicts. Parramatta, Liverpool and Bankstown all had the attributes needed to benefit from a decentralised Sydney labour market, Wright says. Another big job creator is due to open this year 44 kilometres west of the CBD: the long-awaited Western Sydney International Airport will offer round-the-clock domestic, international and cargo flights. Rawnsley said it would create logistics jobs, along with roles the airport was reliant upon. Sydneys only 24/7 international airport with no curfew, the new airport will help fuel an additional 43,000 logistics jobs projected to be created over the next decade, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) modelling forecasts. Advertisement One person who is expecting to experience Sydneys evolving economic terrain is Chriso Chindilas, a recent graduate of the University of Sydney. Chriso Chindilas is a finance student preparing to enter the workforce. Dominic Lorrimer The 23-year-old completed an eclectic mix of internships throughout his bachelor of commerce and law, from a private equity firm to venture capital work. Now hes looking forward to a role in financial services. Hes excited to work with cutting-edge technology and employ his passion for financial strategy. But the 23-year-old doesnt want to stay there forever. AI: fewer jobs or different? The X factor of the next decade will be artificial intelligence, says Deloitte economist Stephen Smith. A report released by the NSW Productivity Commission in 2022 argues the next technological revolution will cause significant changes in the types of jobs, but also the types of skills demanded. Advertisement By 2036, AI was more likely to be augmenting rather than replacing jobs, Smith believes. But the transformative technology will probably cause displacement. Sales assistants, bank workers and truck drivers were all vulnerable to automation, the Productivity Commission found. Ten years could be quite transformational in terms of how AI might disrupt things quite significantly in professional and financial services, Smith adds. However, broad adoption of AI brought considerable economic opportunities too. Modelling by the NSW Productivity Commission found there would be more jobs overall due to emerging technologies. While forecasting a reduction in lower-income jobs (between $40,000 and $80,000), those roles would be entirely offset by the creation of positions earning more than $80,000. These technologies will change the nature of work, accelerating demand for skills from physical to cognitive, the NSW Intergenerational Report, released in June 2021, found. Complex problem-solving, mental processes, social skills and cognitive skills were all predicted to be more desirable to employers. Overall, the Productivity Commission found widespread adoption of AI could boost the NSW economy by 11.8 per cent by 2035, creating new jobs, and generating $4.5 billion in government revenue, despite demographic challenges. Advertisement Ageing population The primary demographic challenge over the next decade will be the states ageing population, says Dr Luke Hartigan, an economics lecturer at University of Sydney. From a demographic perspective, there will be a lot less young people here, he says. In response, health care jobs are forecast to increase by nearly 19 per cent across NSW, adding 74,000 over the next decade, the most of any industry, KPMG Analysis of Transport for NSW employment projections found. By 2035, the health care and social assistance, and professional, scientific and technical services sectors were projected to account for almost 30 per cent of the states total jobs, according to the NSW Intergenerational Report. By 2035, the states ageing population will reduce the participation rate from 65 per cent to 63 per cent, the report found. Advertisement Rents in many parts of regional NSW are booming, with population spillover, a bumper agricultural season and rentvestors chasing cheaper buys, colliding with a housing drought. Figures from Domains latest Rent Report, show rents rose in almost every regional NSW local government area over the year to the end of December. And experts warn the pressure is far from over. Domain senior economist Joel Bowman said the overall NSW regional market had outpaced Sydney in annual rent growth. While momentum had eased slightly, as some LGAs hit affordability ceilings, he said vacancy rates remained tight at 0.9 per cent across the combined regional LGAs, with employment growth, relative affordability and investor demand creating a perfect storm in small markets with limited stock. Precious metals like gold have seemed like the ultimate Trump trade. While markets have been on tenterhooks amid all the uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, precious metals were the best-performing major asset class in 2025. While a section of the market was apprehensive about precious metals, particularly silver (SIH26), heading into 2026, prices have continued to rise. Precious metal companies are experiencing a rally of a lifetime, thanks to the record or near-record cash flows they are generating. Companies have used these bumper cash flows to deleverage their balance sheets and increase shareholder payouts through dividends and buybacks. More News from Barchart Let's analyze the outlook for one particularly shiny stock, AngloGold Ashanti (AU), which has among the highest dividend yields among gold miners, as President Trump makes gold great again. www.barchart.com Gold Prices Continue to Rally I have been bullish on gold (GCG26) for quite some time now. The stars seem to be well aligned for gold in 2026, as global uncertainty continues to bolster its safe-haven appeal. The central bank's gold-buying spree should also continue for the foreseeable future as it diversifies its holdings away from the greenback. Individual and institutional investors are also increasing their allocation to gold for diversification purposes. President Trumps actions in Venezuela and threats to Cuba and Greenland have ignited geopolitical tensions, and no wonder defense stocks and gold have risen this year. Fed Chair Jerome Powell's criminal indictment also triggered a buying spree in gold. While the president has issued an executive order targeting defense companies that prioritize dividends and share buybacks over innovation and production capacity, gold mining companies should continue to reward shareholders at will. In my previous article, I had noted that it would be prudent to wait for AU stock to fall a bit before adding positions. The stock did dip from those levels but has since soared as gold prices have risen to new highs. Let's examine whether AU is still a buy or if investors would be better off staying away. AU Stock Forecast While AU has a consensus rating of Strong Buy from the seven analysts polled by Barchart, it has run ahead of its mean target price of $96.28. The discrepancy appears to be due to the stellar rally in AU stock and the lag effect in analysts actions. Advertisement Updated WorldNorth AmericaSpace Safe and in good spirits: Astronauts splash back to Earth in NASAs first medical evacuation Marcia Dunn Daniel Lo Surdo and Updated January 15, 2026 11:02pm ,first published 11:39am 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 astronaut requiring NASAs first medical evacuation has safely re-entered Earth after splashing into the Pacific Ocean with their crew on Thursday evening (AEDT), returning from the International Space Station in a SpaceX capsule more than a month before they were expected home. The astronauts - from the US, Russia and Japan splashed into the Pacific Ocean near San Diego at 7.41pm AEDT, one week after the ailing astronaut, yet to be formally identified, conveyed health concerns triggering the evacuation. NASA administrator Jared Isaacman shared that the astronaut is doing fine, and would share updates of their health when it is appropriate to do so. The capsule splashes down into Pacific Ocean near San Diego. NASA This mission brought Space Crew-11 safely home all are safe and in good spirits, Isaacman told reporters at a press conference two hours after splash down. While weve had to evacuate the crew early, NASA was ready this is why we train, this is NASA at its finest. Advertisement A pack of dolphins greeted Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, Japans Kimiya Yui and Russias Oleg Platonov at splashdown and remained at the site while NASA recovery vessels circled the capsule. The splashdown concluded their 167-day space mission, with all but two of those days spent on the International Space Station. Small boats deployed to the anticipated landing area approached the spacecraft moments after splashdown, checking for hazardous gases before a crew of speedboats approached to tend to the astronauts. The capsule was hoisted into a large recovery vessel at 8.09pm, extracting the astronauts from the ocean and towards dry land. Astronauts were lowered onto a hangar at the end of the vessel, below a helipad at the top of the ship, and pulled towards an exit point at the end of the hangar. Fincke was the first crew member to exit the capsule, taking his first breath of fresh air since August at 8.28pm. NASA astronaut Mike Fincke getting helped out of the SpaceX Crew-11 capsule after they re-entered the earth in a middle-of-the-night splashdown near San Diego, California. AP Advertisement It came nine minutes after the hatch to the capsule was opened. A SpaceX medical consultant was the first to enter the cabin, followed by NASA photographer Bill Ingalls, who snapped the crew in position before additional staff smoothed the path for the astronauts exit. Cardman was the next to emerge, followed by Yui and Platonov, the latter of whom was last to leave the capsule at 8.35pm. The crew was slid down a ramp and put onto gurneys, which were rolled to a nearby medical tent. They have been transported to a medical facility in the San Diego area, where theyre expected to be monitored for at least the next 24 hours, before theyre returned to NASA headquarters in Houston, where they will be reunited with their families. Officials refused to identify the astronaut who needs care last week, and would not divulge the nature of the health concerns. Advertisement Cardman, Fincke, Yui and Platonov entered a medical conference via radio communication with a surgeon minutes after arriving. The contents of the conference, which lasted less than five minutes, remained private. The ailing astronaut was stable, safe and well cared for, said Fincke, the outgoing space station commander, this week via social media. This was a deliberate decision to allow the right medical evaluations to happen on the ground, where the full range of diagnostic capability exists. Our timing of this departure is unexpected, Cardman said before the return trip, but what was not surprising to me was how well this crew came together as a family to help each other and just take care of each other. Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, left, NASA astronauts Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Kimiya Yui are seen inside the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft onboard the SpaceX recovery ship SHANNON shortly after having landed in the Pacific Ocean. AP Light winds and small swell presented a perfect landing opportunity for the astronauts, according to Joel Montalbano, the Deputy Space Operations Administrator at NASA, who praised the exhaustive work required to return the crew safely. Advertisement It was a huge effort across the board, Montalbano said. It was an awesome landing [opportunity] and it was great to see the team take advantage of it. Launched in August, Cardman, Fincke, Yui and Platonov should have remained on the space station until late February. But on January 7, NASA abruptly cancelled the next days spacewalk by Cardman and Fincke and later announced the crews early return. Officials said the health problem was unrelated to spacewalk preparations or other station operations, but offered no other details, citing medical privacy. They stressed it was not an emergency. Loading NASA said it would stick to the same entry and splashdown procedures at a flights end, with the usual assortment of medical experts aboard the recovery ship in the Pacific. Advertisement It will be another middle-of-the-night crew return for SpaceX, coming less than 11 hours after undocking from the space station. They will spend more than nine hours in orbit as the spacecrafts trajectory lines up with its landing spot. NASA said it was not yet known how quickly all four would be flown from California to Houston, home to Johnson Space Centre and the base for astronauts. Fincke, 58, a retired Air Force colonel, and Yui, 55, a retired fighter pilot with the Japan Air Self-Defence Force, are repeat space fliers. Fincke has spent more than a year in orbit over four missions and conducted nine spacewalks on previous flights, making him one of NASAs top performers. The returning astronauts are expected to splash down on Thursday evening (AEDT) in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego. AP Last week, Yui celebrated his 300th day in space over two station stays, sharing stunning views of Earth, including Japans Mount Fuji and breathtaking auroras. Advertisement Related Article Space NASA to bring astronaut home in first-ever space medical evacuation I want to burn it firmly into my eyes, and even more so, into my heart, Yui said on the social platform X. Soon, I too will become one of those small lights on the ground. NASA officials had said it was riskier to leave the astronaut in space without proper medical attention for another month than to temporarily reduce the size of the space station crew by more than half. Until SpaceX delivers another crew, NASA said it would have to stand down from any routine or even emergency spacewalks, a two-person job requiring back-up. With 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. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Space NASA SpaceX Daniel Lo Surdo is a breaking news reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald. He previously helmed the national news live blog for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Connect via email Trump threatens to invoke Insurrection Act US President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in the wake of a second shooting in Minneapolis. The Ford and Carhartt camps know each other well from local volunteer efforts and a long history of collaboration, Culler said, but the cool factor is always undeniably on one side. This past summer, she recalled, she joined the Carhartt team for a volunteer project with Tool Bank USA, building benches for a big park. Ford and Carhartt partnering has been so seamless, she added, thanks to sharing so many of the same values, and literally being neighbors in the same city of Detroit. Culler said the partnership personally resonates with her, having two kids who are graduating from college: And you see how tight the job market is. But of course, when her kids come back from college, she added, theres always a stop they request: [They] always love to go to the Carhartt store in Detroit when they come into town from school. Thats always a stop. Were not going to change it overnight, Culler told Fortune, but Ford looked at ourselves and decided there are barriers that they can work to break down. The tools are expensive. Transportation is a barrier. And so we have to really start to tackle those things. Farley estimated the essential worker shortage at more than 1 million factory, construction, and auto workers in June . Todays essential economy faces a critical crossroads, Farley said in a statement to Fortune: Stagnant productivity and an outdated belief that a four-year college degree is the only path to success. Given these 95 million jobs are the backbone of our country, we need to change that narrative. To help do that, Ford and Carhartt are joining forces in three critical areas: workforce development, community building, and the tools required by the men and women who keep the American Dream alive. Its time we all reinvest in the people who make our world work with their hands. Weve really been about the worker we dont try to be everything to everybody , Hubbard told Fortune in a joint interview with Ford Philanthropy President Mary Culler , as the two Detroit-area brands join forces in a multiyear partnership to power what Ford CEO Jim Farley calls the essential economy . In an era where fashion brands frequently pivot to chase the latest influencer trends, Carhartt remains an outlier by standing perfectly still. Despite the brands explosion in popularity among urban hipsters from Brooklyn to Berlin, CEO Linda Hubbard insists the companys compass remains fixed on the job site. Story Continues And the only reason I knew who the Carhartt people were was because they were outfitted in the coolest overalls ever, she said. And I wanted [to buy] them right away. And then the Ford people, of course, had their Ford blue volunteer shirts. Culler described the partnership as a logical union, saying she sees Ford trucks and Carhartt gear on most job sites she visits. The two companies are using their combined scale to move beyond awareness building into actual tactics to solve the problem facing the essential economy. This ethos of giving back to the community and providing economic opportunity is what Hubbard believes makes the partnership so seamless. Whether its redeveloping the Michigan Central innovation hub or building park benches for southwest Detroit, the two teams have found immediate synergy in their shared values. Hubbard smiled knowingly as she was informed of Carhartts hipster cache (GQ wrote the always popular brand was having a moment in 2023), but she waved it away, attributing the brands crossover appeal to its unwavering authenticity, noting many consumers are drawn to the Carhartt DNA, often passed down through generations of blue-collar families. Form is temporary, she seemed to say, but class is permanent. To her point, the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce reported in 2020 Carhartt had produced more than 10 million pieces of workwear in the U.S., making it the largest maker of workwear in the country. Everything that we make is work-worthy and we welcome anyone into the brand that wants to celebrate hard work, she said. So the fact that people want to wear it and maybe theyre not, you know, core workers is okay with us if they want to celebrate the people that work hard and celebrate a brand that tries to showcase that. Carhartts CEO added she never set out to run one of Americas coolest brands, but her winding path from public accounting to leading a 137-year-old Detroit label now sits at the center of a new push to help young people launch careers in the skilled tradeswith Ford as her ally. We are a workwear brand and we dont try to be anything else. An unlikely path to Carhartts top job Hubbard started her career in public accounting, far from the world of rugged jackets and hoodies now beloved by both job-site crews and Brooklyn twentysomethings. If you told me I was going to be selling Tshirts and hoodies at the end of my career, Id have been like, huh, what? she recalls, underscoring how unplanned her trajectory has been. She credited a series of opportunities, rather than a rigid master plan, with carrying her from spreadsheets to steering one of Americas most storied workwear companies. The other thing in public accounting, Hubbard said, pointing to her teal-green Carhartt work jacket. You cant dress like this. Culler seconded this, adding whenever she sees Linda around Detroit, shes always in a cool Carhartt jacket. Hubbard shrugged off the compliment, making clear her decades of accounting experience enable her to be a good CEO. (She joined Carhartt as CFO in 2002, after 20 years as an audit partner at Plante Moran, a stint that included a decade and counting on the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. After 10 years as CFO, she served 10 years as president and COO before getting the top job at Carhartt in 2024.) Weve really been about the worker and focused on their core worker, she said. And I think that the authenticity of that is maybe what attracts people to the brandthat weve stayed true to who we are. That improvisational career path shapes how she talks to young people about their own choices. Asked whether she plotted out her rise, she was blunt: Absolutely not, she said, emphasizing one opportunity simply led to another and the real goal is to stay open to evolving paths. The advice she offered to young job seekers is to keep an open mind and think about, you know, just listen to the facts about what the opportunities are out there. But Ford and Carhartt are offering more tools to young job seekers through their partnership. Concrete tools for starting a career For a teenager unsure about college or a college student staring down debt, Hubbard and Culler said the key is both inspiration and practical support. Hubbard points young people to their Join the Trades portal, built with the National Center for Construction Education and Research, which helps users map their interests to specific trades, find training programs, and see which employers are hiring right now. Ford, meanwhile, works through partners like TechForce Foundation to provide scholarships, wraparound support, and even basics like tools and transportationoften the hidden costs that keep students from finishing technical programs. Both executives stress skilled trades roles often pay 25% to 50% more than the median wage and can serve as launchpads into management or even the Csuite. Hubbard said she engaged with many manufacturing leaders at Farleys Ford Pro Accelerate conference in September, even hearing some stories of CEOs who began as electricians and worked their way up. I met a couple of folks who started in the skilled trades, but then wanted to start their own business and they realized they needed a business degree to really run their business, Culler said. But that didnt come till like 10 years later, after they had been, you know, a plumber and electrician. And I thought that was really amazing, because now theyve theyve sort of evolved. Hubbard smiled when informed of this editors New York-area connection to Carhartt: his fathers favorite store, the dadwear specialty shop in lower Manhattan known as Daves. (Just like Carhartt, the unpretentious workwear shop has acquired a hipster cache, for example partnering with the sneaker blog turned fashion magazine Highsnobiety in 2023.) I know Daves, Hubbard said, displaying the instant recall of an executive in close touch with her footprint. I was just there, not about a month ago, visiting with the owners. They are a great customer of ours. She said the name is misleading, because the owners of Daves are actually Bob and Adam, but it was originally founded by a Dave, and its just really great. It is a great Carhartt experience and just a New York experience for sure. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com BSL-4 lab in Guj will end Indias dependence on foreign countries: Shah AHMEDABAD : Gujarat becomes first State to establish a Biosafety Level-4 laboratory, the highest level of biosafety containment required for handling highly contagious and fatal viruses, with no available vaccines or treatments UNION Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of the BSL-4 Biocontainment Facility of the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre in Gandhinagar, noting that India wont be dependent on foreign countries for testing samples of dangerous viruses. He said testing of samples will also become faster after the facility is activated. Shah noted that despite Indias population of 1.4 billion, the country so far had only one BSL-4 laboratory at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune, forcing samples to be transported hundreds of kilometres for testing. He said Gujarat has become the first State to establish a Biosafety Level-4 (BSL-4) laboratory, the highest level of biosafety containment required for handling highly contagious and fatal viruses, with no available vaccines or treatments. Shah said this is the second BSL-4 laboratory in the country, but the first one being built by a State Government, and the credit for this goes to Gujarat. A strong fortress for Indias biosafety is being built here at a cost of Rs 362 crore in over 11,000 square meters of area, added Shah. Addressing a gathering, Shah said a new era of Indias health security, bio-safety, and development of the bio sector has begun under the leadership of PM Modi, according to a PIB release. He said the laboratory will emerge in the coming days as a strong protective shield for the Indian health sector. Shah stated that the initiative is based on PM Modis vision that science and technology should not remain limited to research and development (R&D) alone, but should become a foundational pillar of the nationas overall development. Shah said that after the National Institute of Virology in Pune, this will be Indias second high-level laboratory. He said India had lagged behind the world in cutting-edge research for many years, but with the BSL-4 Biocontainment Facility, young people working in the biotechnology sector will get new opportunities, and India will be able to move ahead in this field. This facility will provide scientists with a platform to conduct research on highly infectious and deadly viruses in a safe environment, said Shah. Democracy works as per Constitution, not according to CM Mamata: BJP NEW DELHI ; SIR objections 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 Banerjees 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 Oppositions 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 Stalins 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. 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 didnt 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. Killer Chinese manjha claims life of physiotherapist in UPs Jaunpur JAUNPUR (UP) : A PHYSIOTHERAPIST died here 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, police said. 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. Man dies after kite string slits throat in Karnatakas Bidar BENGALURU, Jan 14 (PTI) A MAN was killed after a kite string (manja) slit his throat here on Wednesday, police said. The deceased was identified as Sanjeev Kumar Hosamani (48), a resident of Bambulgi village in Bidar taluk. According to police, the incident occurred in Chitguppa. A ground glass-laced kite string hanging across the road got entangled around Hosamanis neck while he was riding his motorcycle. The string slit his throat, causing him to fall on the road and bleed heavily. He died on the spot. Police said Hosamani was on his way to Humnabad to bring his daughter home from a hostel for the Sankranti festival. The body has been shifted to a Government hospital for post-mortem examination. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway. Leave Iran: Delhi asks Indian nationals NEW DELHI : 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 Tehrans crackdown on nationwide protests that killed over 2,500 people. 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. Indias 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, youre 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 (MEA) 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 (HRANA). Missing Ranchi siblings freed from kidnappers in Jharkhands Ramgarh, 2 held RANCHI : TWO siblings, who went missing from Ranchis Dhurwa area 12 days ago, were freed from kidnappers in Jharkhands Ramgarh district on Wednesday, police said. 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 here. 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 Anshikas family to all necessary Government schemes, he said in a post on X. 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 childrens 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. Cathie Wood just made a major shift in her portfolio, cutting a huge chunk of her most iconic holdings while doubling down on a top AI stock. ARK Invest sold nearly $38 million worth of Tesla (TSLA) stock and redeployed a whopping $50 million to buy the dip in Broadcom (AVGO), a subtle shift in where it views the near-term opportunities. Clearly, the investing world has gotten somber with Warren Buffetts retirement. Watching the Oracle hang up his spurs feels like the end of an era in the slow, steady, cash-flow-first playbook. However, as a 90s kid (YOLO), slow-and-steady investing felt sleepy. I always felt that the investing world needed a kick in the pants, a real wake-up call. Thats exactly what the Cathie Wood investing style brought to the table. Her big, high-conviction swings on disruptive technologies with a long-term horizon and willingness to take more risk have made her an icon among the younger demographic. Reddit user _Orlandoo summed up the sentiment perfectly in a WallStreetBets post titled Cathie Wood is a crazy person, and I love it along with her (and her portfolios) volatility. Thats exactly the sort of sentiment that makes the ARK bosss moves carry a lot more weight for investors. Cathie Wood makes a sharp pivot, boosting AI exposure while trimming a longtime portfolio favorite.Photo by Bloomberg on Getty Images Photo by Bloomberg on Getty Images Cathie Woods Jan. 14 trades: key buys and sells Buys Broadcom (AVGO): Bought 143,089 shares $50.74 million Klarna Group PLC (KLAR): Bought 56,993 shares $1.71 million Kodiak AI (KDK): Bought 72,320 shares Sells Tesla (TSLA): Sold 86,136 shares $38.52 million Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM): Sold 19,310 shares $6.39 million Unity Software (U): Sold 126,437 shares $5.77 million Kratos Defense (KTOS) Teradyne (TER) Natera (NTRA) Intuit (INTU) Global-E Online (GLBE) Wood makes a big Broadcom bet Wood used the pullback in Broadcom stock to make ARK Invests biggest purchases of the day. For perspective, Broadcom stock is down 6% in the past month, but wrapped up 2025 with an incredible 51% gain. The current dip follows reports that Chinese authorities are reportedly urging domestic firms to avoid working with particular U.S. and Israeli software providers due to national security grounds, which include Broadcoms VMware unit. More Tesla: However, Wood isnt buying into the geopolitical hangup and is going all-in on the popular AI pick-and-shovels play. Interestingly, Wood also bet over $6 million on TSMC, another critical piece of the whole AI infrastructure puzzle. Nagpur votes today; Focus on voter turnout Polling parties leaving for respective booths. (Pic by Satish Raut) Staff Reporter : The civic machinery is all set for its biggest test, i.e. the voting for the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) scheduled on Thursday from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. The election exercise will be held at 3,004 booths spread across length and breadth of the city. About 24,83,112 voters are eligible to cast their votes while around 993 candidates are in fray in 151 seats. There is general excitement among citizens as they will cast votes to elect new corporators after a gap of over 8 years. Further, there is a change in the way citizens will cast their votes. They have to press EVM buttons 4 times for each of the Prabhag, and three only in Prabhag No. 38. The elections to NMC, the first of the 3-tier Governance system, assumes much importance. Meanwhile, NMC administration is all set for smooth conduct of voting. About 504 buses will be utlised for transportation of polling staff and material to 3,004 booths located in 964 buildings. About 3,579 polling station in-charges are appointed for the election and 10,737 overall staff is going to be on duty on January 15. Besides 244 zonal officers will keep watch on the election process. Each of the booths will have one constable and a homeguard. The administration has identified 321 booths as sensitive and special bandboast will be maintained at these centres. PM greets people on Sankranti, says it reflects richness of Indias cultural landscape NEW DELHI : PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted people on Makar Sankranti, and said the harvest festival reflects the richness of the countrys cultural landscape and reminds citizens of the spirit of togetherness that binds everyone. Makar Sankranti marks the transition of the Sun in the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makar), celebrated as a mid-winter harvest festival. 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 everyones happiness, prosperity, and excellent health, Modi said in a post on X. 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, he said in a separate post on X. May this joyful celebration also strengthen bonds of togetherness and usher in prosperity and positivity for all, the Prime Minister said. Conveying greetings to the people of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, Modi also said that Sankranti also holds a special place in the lives of the farmers and their families and it is about expressing gratitude to those who nourish people, thus strengthening the society. On the auspicious occasion of Sankranti, I convey my warmest greetings to you and your family, he said in the letters to the people of the three states. The Prime Minister said Sankranti marks a period of hope and positivity, when the movement of the sun signals new beginnings. Celebrated in different forms yet with the same enthusiasm across the country, Modi said Sankranti reflects the richness of the countrys cultural landscape and reminds us the spirit of togetherness that binds us all. Sankranti encourages us to look ahead with confidence and optimism. May this year be filled with prosperity, positivity and good health. May there be happiness in your home, success in all your endeavours and harmony in society, he said. Thousands of hectares in Aravalli region restored in last 2-3 yrs: Minister NEW DELHI : UNION Minister for Environment Bhupender Yadav on Wednesday asserted that thousands of hectares in the Aravalli region have been restored in the last two to three years and the Government remains committed to continuing this work with ecology at the centre of development. The Minister made the comments in his inaugural address at the National Conference on Eco-restoration of the Aravalli Landscape: Strengthening the Aravalli Green Wall here. The Government is committed to the restoration and conservation of the Aravallis and similar ecosystems across the country. Thousands of hectares in the Aravalli region have been restored in the last two to three years and the Government remains committed to continuing this work with ecology at the centre of development, he said. Yadav said the Government launched the Aravalli Green Wall Project as part of Indias commitment under the UNCCD to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. Under this initiative, 6.45 million hectares of degraded land in the Aravalli region have been identified, with greening work initiated over 2.7 million hectares across Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan. Divisional forest officers from 29 Aravalli districts are implementing the project, focusing on plantations of native species suited to arid and semi-arid conditions, the Minister said. The comments by the Minister come weeks after a controversy on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) recommending a change in the definition of the Aravalli hills and ranges to protect the worlds oldest mountain system in October this year. The Supreme Court accepted the recommendations in November but kept the order in abeyance on December 29. Recalling a conservation decision, Yadav said that around 97 square kilometres of Aravalli revenue land, stretching from Naurangpur to Nuh in Haryana and heavily degraded land, has been identified for afforestation and has also been declared a protected forest by Haryana for better protection and management. The Minister described it as a major policy intervention to protect and afforest the Aravallis after Independence. Highlighting the ecological and historical importance of the region, Yadav said the Aravallis are the countrys oldest mountain range and have sheltered human civilisation for thousands of years. The Aravalli ecosystem is protected by four tiger reserves and 18 protected areas, while additional green interventions are being undertaken wherever required. India has taken global leadership in wildlife conservation and the country is home to five of the worlds seven big cat species and nearly 70 per cent of the global tiger population, which continues to grow, he said. The conference brought together policymakers, forest officials, experts, practitioners and civil society representatives to deliberate on the ecological significance of the Aravalli range and pathways for its restoration. Yadav also released a report titled Eco-restoration of the Aravalli Landscape, prepared by the Sankala Foundation, during the inaugural session. The report released at the conference provides a scientific, community-driven and scalable framework to strengthen the Aravalli Green Wall Project of the Ministry under the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation. It emphasises that restoration efforts must be landscape-scale, data-driven, community-anchored and multidisciplinary, noting that isolated interventions are no longer adequate given the scale of degradation and ecological pressures in the region. Vanbala to hit tracks in 3 months, Forest Deptt to HC Staff Reporter : The much-loved Vanbala toy train at Seminary Hills, a major attraction for children and families, is likely to restart within the next three months. The assurance was given by the Forest Department to the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court during a hearing on Wednesday. The High Court raised concerns that children today are increasingly spending time on mobile phones and television, and asked whether the Vanbala toy train could be developed as a world-class attraction to encourage outdoor recreation. The court suggested that parents would bring their children to enjoy the train on weekends and holidays if the facility improved. After the courts questions, the Forest Department informed the bench that efforts are underway to restart the Vanbala train within three months. Taking note of this assurance, Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode directed the department to submit an affidavit within a week. The court has also asked the Forest Department to explore whether the Vanbala train can be upgraded to become one of the best toy trains in the country, or even in the world. The Vanbala toy train, located in the regional forest area of Seminary Hills, is considered a pride of Nagpur and has been a source of joy for children for decades. However, it has remained non-operational due to repeated technical issues. Taking suo motu cognizance of a news published in The Hitavada City Line, the High Court had registered a public interest litigation on its own and began monitoring the issue. During an earlier hearing, the court had sought clarity on when the train would be restarted. The train was restarted with much enthusiasm in December 2023 at the Balodyan area after a gap of seven years. However, within two years, operations had to be stopped again due to wear and tear of the old tracks and frequent technical faults. Officials have stated that the existing tracks are no longer safe and require major repairs or replacement. Nagpur Regional Deputy Conservator of Forests, Dr Vinita Vyas, informed the court that the department plans to conduct a joint inspection with Central Railway. If track replacement is required, it will be done with the support of Central Railway as soon as possible. Advocate Deepak Thakre represented the Government. The News in Brief Thursday, January 15, 2026 The US State Department will suspend immigrant visa processing for Georgian citizens starting January 21, as part of a broader review affecting applicants from 75 countries.The pause will remain in effect indefinitely while the department reassesses immigrant visa procedures, citing concerns about applicants deemed likely to become a public charge."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.He said immigrant visa processing from the affected countries will be halted during the reassessment period "to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits."Georgia is among dozens of countries included in the measure. The State Department has not specified when the reassessment will be completed.Russia's state-owned energy company Gazprom said it increased natural gas supplies to Georgia by 40.4% in 2025 compared to the previous year, as part of a broader rise in exports to Central Asia and the South Caucasus.In a statement, Gazprom said gas deliveries to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan rose by 22.2% in 2025. The company also reported that for the first time, it supplied more gas to China than to Europe, with exports to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline reaching 38.8 billion cubic meters.Official Georgian data point to a parallel rise in imports from Russia. According to Georgia's National Statistics Office, petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons, a category that includes natural gas, were the country's second-largest import from Russia between January and November 2025. During that period, Georgia imported 572.5 tons of these products worth USD 160.9 million, up from 498.8 tons valued at USD 140.2 million during the same period in 2024. December data have not yet been released.Despite the increase in imports, Georgia's energy regulator said tariffs will remain unchanged. On December 29, the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission decided to keep electricity and natural gas prices stable for both household and commercial consumers. Electricity tariffs will remain in force until March 31, 2026, while gas tariffs are set until December 31, 2026.Russia was Georgia's main gas supplier until 2007. Following the launch of the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline, the deterioration of relations with Moscow, and the 2008 war, Georgia gradually shifted toward Azerbaijani gas. By 2009, imports from Azerbaijan had overtaken those from Russia. BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, January 14, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cencosud presented its global business outlook and 2026 Investment Plan to the financial market during Cenco Day. On this occasion, the Company reaffirmed its commitment to profitable growth, disciplined capital allocation, and innovation across its key markets. For 2026, the Company expects consolidated revenues of USD 18,413 million and adjusted EBITDA of USD 1,815 million, with double-digit margins in Chile, Peru and the United States, driven by operational improvements and expansion across all its markets. Within this context, Cencosud announced an Investment Plan of approximately USD 600 million for 2026, a level similar to the previous year. Seventy percent of Capex will be allocated to growth initiatives, primarily the opening of new stores, renovations and expansions of shopping centers, as well as real estate developments on available land. During 2026, the Company expects to open 20 new stores across various formats, adding more than 42,000 m of sales floor space, including 17 supermarkets, 7 of which will be The Fresh Market stores in the United States. In addition, the Company will continue to advance its shopping center development and expansion plan, which will add more than 40,000 m of GLA during 2026. The remainder of Capex will be focused on strengthening the Retail Ecosystem, accelerating digital transformation, expanding e-commerce and the retail media business, and enhancing logistics and operational capabilities to generate sustainable long-term value. "These investments will allow us to accelerate our organic growth, continue strengthening the customer experience, and further consolidate Cencosuds value proposition in each of the markets where we operate. With this plan, we reaffirm our purpose of serving extraordinarily at every moment, our commitment to innovation and to creating sustainable value for our customers, employees and investors, as well as our optimistic outlook on future opportunities," said Rodrigo Larrain, CEO of Cencosud. Immediately after the conclusion of the Cenco Day 2026 presentation, which was held in Buenos Aires for the first time, guests, together with Cencosud executives, will tour the Unicenter shopping mall and the Jumbo and Easy stores operating at the site. About Cencosud Cencosud, whose purpose is to serve extraordinarily at every moment, is one of the largest and most prestigious retailers in the Americas. It operates in six countries, with more than 115,000 employees, 1,446 stores, and over 3.5 million m of sales area. Its multi-format strategy covers Supermarkets, Home Improvement Stores, Department Stores, Shopping Centers, and Financial Services. In addition, it promotes innovative business lines such as Cencosud Media and private label brands, integrating technology to enhance the customer experience. Mammoth Resources Corp. (CVE:MTH Get Free Report) shares traded up 36.4% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.08 and last traded at C$0.08. 205,000 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 176% from the average session volume of 74,157 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.06. Mammoth Resources Stock Up 36.4% The firm has a market capitalization of C$7.99 million, a P/E ratio of -7.50 and a beta of 4.02. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of -7.15, a quick ratio of 5.53 and a current ratio of 0.01. The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$0.05 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.05. 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. Further Reading 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. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report)s stock price fell 1.3% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as $58.34 and last traded at $58.8690. 16,110,730 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 23% from the average session volume of 21,010,773 shares. The stock had previously closed at $59.64. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have recently commented on NVO. Berenberg Bank upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. Morgan Stanley restated an underweight rating and issued a $42.00 target price on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a report on Wednesday, December 3rd. Rothschild & Co Redburn raised Novo Nordisk A/S from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Zacks Research raised Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Novo Nordisk A/S presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $56.21. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Get Our Latest Report on NVO Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Down 1.3% The firm has a market cap of $262.85 billion, a PE ratio of 17.11 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.57. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $50.09 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $55.08. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $1.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.25. Novo Nordisk A/S had a return on equity of 73.50% and a net margin of 32.76%.The firm had revenue of $11.79 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.98 billion. On average, analysts anticipate that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 8.7% during the 4th quarter. Revolve Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,490 shares of the companys stock valued at $214,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 21.0% during the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 62,099 shares of the companys stock worth $4,312,000 after acquiring an additional 10,758 shares in the last quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. boosted its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 46.1% during the second quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 1,356 shares of the companys stock valued at $94,000 after purchasing an additional 428 shares during the last quarter. Gradient Investments LLC purchased a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S in the second quarter valued at about $890,000. Finally, Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. grew its stake in Novo Nordisk A/S by 42.0% in the second quarter. Canandaigua National Bank & Trust Co. now owns 6,068 shares of the companys stock valued at $419,000 after purchasing an additional 1,795 shares in the last quarter. 11.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Novo Nordisk A/S (Get Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S is a Danish multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Bagsvrd, Denmark, best known for its leadership in diabetes care and metabolic health. The company traces its roots to early Danish insulin production in the 1920s and was established in its current form through a 1989 merger of predecessor companies. Novo Nordisk develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical products and devices that address chronic and serious diseases, with a strong emphasis on long-term treatment and patient support. The companys core product portfolio centers on diabetes therapies, including a range of insulins and modern incretin-based treatments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jan 15 (Reuters) - China is working to set rules on how many advanced artificial intelligence chip companies can buy from foreign makers such as Nvidia, Nikkei Asia reported on Thursday, citing two people familiar with the matter. The Chinese central government is working on rules that will likely regulate the total volume of cutting-edge AI chips local companies can purchase, effectively allowing some sales by Nvidia instead of banning them outright, the report added. More from Yahoo Scout How did Trump's H200 chip approval affect China policy? What restrictions are Chinese customs imposing on H200 chips? What new AI chip purchasing rules is China developing? Why are U.S. lawmakers concerned about Nvidia chip sales? Reuters could not immediately verify the report. Nvidia declined to comment. This follows the Trump administration's decision on Tuesday to give a formal green light to the sale of U.S.-based Nvidia's H200 chips to China. U.S. lawmakers and former officials questioned Trump's decision on Wednesday, arguing that the move erodes America's AI edge and threatens to electrify Beijing's military. Reuters reported exclusively on Wednesday that Chinese customs authorities have told customs agents this week that Nvidia's H200 AI chips are not permitted to enter China. The Chinese government summoned domestic technology companies to meet where they were explicitly instructed not to purchase the chips unless necessary, sources told Reuters. (Reporting by Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu and Rashmi Aich) Scandium Canada Ltd. (CVE:SCD Get Free Report)s share price was up 50% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.28 and last traded at C$0.27. Approximately 4,842,652 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 143% from the average daily volume of 1,991,401 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.18. Scandium Canada Price Performance The business has a fifty day moving average of C$0.12 and a 200-day moving average of C$0.07. The stock has a market capitalization of C$90.38 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -54.00 and a beta of 4.33. Scandium Canada Company Profile (Get Free Report) Scandium Canada Ltd. operates as a mineral exploration company in Canada. The company primarily explores for gold, scandium, and base metal deposits. It also holds 100% interests in the Crater Lake project comprising 96 contiguous claims covering an area of 47 square kilometers located to the northeast of Schefferville, Quebec; and the Opawica project, which includes 42 contiguous claims covering an area of 23.45 square kilometers situated the Gand and Lesperance townships. In addition, the company holds interests in the La Ronciere project, which consists of 45 mining claims covering an area of 25.1 square kilometers in Gand and La Ronciere townships. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Scandium Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scandium Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Air Liquide (OTCMKTS:AIQUY Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-strong trading volume on Thursday . Approximately 712,090 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 175% from the previous sessions volume of 259,155 shares.The stock last traded at $37.23 and had previously closed at $37.45. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms have issued reports on AIQUY. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating on shares of Air Liquide in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Kepler Capital Markets upgraded Air Liquide from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have issued a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Air Liquide alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on AIQUY Air Liquide Trading Down 0.6% Institutional Trading of Air Liquide The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a current ratio of 0.84. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $37.84 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $39.68. Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Salomon & Ludwin LLC increased its holdings in shares of Air Liquide by 1,692.0% during the 3rd quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 1,344 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $54,000 after acquiring an additional 1,269 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its position in Air Liquide by 15.3% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 7,822 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $324,000 after purchasing an additional 1,039 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers grew its holdings in Air Liquide by 0.4% during the second quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 70,948 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $2,931,000 after purchasing an additional 314 shares during the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of Air Liquide by 49.3% in the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,556 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $64,000 after purchasing an additional 514 shares during the period. Finally, Kornitzer Capital Management Inc. KS bought a new position in shares of Air Liquide in the second quarter valued at approximately $208,000. Institutional investors own 0.02% of the companys stock. About Air Liquide (Get Free Report) Air Liquide is a Parisheadquartered multinational that develops, manufactures and supplies industrial and medical gases, related equipment and services. Founded in 1902, the company has grown into a major global supplier of gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen and a wide range of specialty gases used across industrial, healthcare and research applications. Its core activities include onsite gas production, bulk and packaged gas distribution (cylinders and cryogenic deliveries), installation and maintenance of gas handling and storage equipment, and engineering for large industrial gas projects. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Air Liquide Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Air Liquide and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TD Cowen reissued their hold rating on shares of Allstate (NYSE:ALL Free Report) in a report released on Monday morning, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage currently has a $231.00 price objective on the insurance providers stock, up from their previous price objective of $224.00. ALL has been the topic of several other reports. Roth Capital raised their price objective on Allstate from $230.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on shares of Allstate from $250.00 to $254.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Zacks Research cut shares of Allstate from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Morgan Stanley reissued an equal weight rating and set a $215.00 price objective (down from $245.00) on shares of Allstate in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, UBS Group upped their target price on Allstate from $250.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $236.19. Get Allstate alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ALL Allstate Price Performance NYSE:ALL opened at $196.23 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $207.76 and its 200 day moving average is $203.47. Allstate has a 12 month low of $176.00 and a 12 month high of $215.89. The company has a market capitalization of $51.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.35, a P/E/G ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 0.24. The company has a current ratio of 0.43, a quick ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. Allstate (NYSE:ALL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The insurance provider reported $11.17 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $5.48 by $5.69. The business had revenue of $17.26 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.59 billion. Allstate had a net margin of 12.53% and a return on equity of 35.42%. The businesss revenue was up 3.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $3.91 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Allstate will post 18.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Allstate Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st were paid a dividend of $1.00 per share. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. Allstates payout ratio is 12.95%. Insider Transactions at Allstate In other Allstate news, insider Suren Gupta sold 21,871 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $215.21, for a total value of $4,706,857.91. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 100,646 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,660,025.66. This trade represents a 17.85% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 48,400 shares of company stock worth $10,313,256. Corporate insiders own 1.70% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Allstate Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Guerra Pan Advisors LLC grew its position in Allstate by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Guerra Pan Advisors LLC now owns 3,426 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $690,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. South Plains Financial Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Allstate by 41.5% during the third quarter. South Plains Financial Inc. now owns 167 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 49 shares during the period. Humankind Investments LLC lifted its stake in shares of Allstate by 4.5% during the third quarter. Humankind Investments LLC now owns 1,191 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $256,000 after buying an additional 51 shares during the period. Focus Financial Network Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Allstate by 1.1% during the third quarter. Focus Financial Network Inc. now owns 4,693 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,012,000 after buying an additional 52 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its position in shares of Allstate by 4.7% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,189 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $239,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.47% of the companys stock. About Allstate (Get Free Report) Allstate Corporation is a publicly traded insurance company headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, and is one of the largest personal lines property and casualty insurers in the United States. Founded in 1931 as a subsidiary of Sears, Roebuck and Co, Allstate has grown into a diversified insurer that serves millions of consumers and businesses through a mix of distribution channels and product offerings. The company underwrites a broad range of insurance products, with primary emphasis on auto and homeowners coverage. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Allstate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Allstate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eagle Global Advisors LLC lessened its stake in Antero Midstream Corporation (NYSE:AM Free Report) by 17.6% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 184,590 shares of the pipeline companys stock after selling 39,324 shares during the quarter. Eagle Global Advisors LLCs holdings in Antero Midstream were worth $3,588,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the stock. US Bancorp DE increased its stake in shares of Antero Midstream by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 38,108 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $722,000 after purchasing an additional 610 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its holdings in Antero Midstream by 54.3% in the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 614,068 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $11,637,000 after purchasing an additional 216,022 shares in the last quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp boosted its holdings in Antero Midstream by 5.5% in the third quarter. Boston Trust Walden Corp now owns 3,738,016 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $72,667,000 after purchasing an additional 194,480 shares in the last quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC increased its position in Antero Midstream by 6.1% during the third quarter. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC now owns 1,062,611 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $20,657,000 after buying an additional 60,628 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Chung Wu Investment Group LLC raised its holdings in Antero Midstream by 13.3% during the second quarter. Chung Wu Investment Group LLC now owns 145,960 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $2,766,000 after buying an additional 17,100 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 53.97% of the companys stock. Get Antero Midstream alerts: Insider Transactions at Antero Midstream In other news, Director Brooks J. Klimley sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.59, for a total transaction of $87,950.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 72,622 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,277,420.98. The trade was a 6.44% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.86% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have recently issued reports on AM shares. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Antero Midstream from $19.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 23rd. Zacks Research upgraded Antero Midstream from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, January 2nd. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Antero Midstream from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of Antero Midstream from $19.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b+) rating on shares of Antero Midstream in a research note on Monday, December 29th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $19.17. Get Our Latest Analysis on AM Antero Midstream Stock Up 0.4% Shares of AM stock opened at $17.79 on Thursday. Antero Midstream Corporation has a 12 month low of $15.07 and a 12 month high of $19.82. The firm has a market cap of $8.47 billion, a PE ratio of 18.15 and a beta of 0.80. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $17.82 and a 200-day moving average of $18.01. The company has a quick ratio of 1.26, a current ratio of 1.26 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.46. Antero Midstream (NYSE:AM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The pipeline company reported $0.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.25 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $294.82 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $287.30 million. Antero Midstream had a net margin of 40.07% and a return on equity of 22.61%. Antero Midstreams quarterly revenue was down 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.21 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts predict that Antero Midstream Corporation will post 0.95 EPS for the current year. Antero Midstream Profile (Free Report) Antero Midstream Corporation is a publicly traded midstream service provider that was established in 2014 as a spin-off from Antero Resources. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the company owns, operates and develops midstream infrastructure to support the gathering, compression, processing, transportation and storage of natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and crude oil. Antero Midstream plays a critical role in connecting upstream production in the Appalachian Basin to end-market pipelines and processing facilities. The companys core operations include a network of gathering pipelines and compression stations that serve the Marcellus and Utica shale formations across West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Antero Midstream Corporation (NYSE:AM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Antero Midstream Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Antero Midstream and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Aspen Pharmacare (OTCMKTS:APNHY Get Free Report)s stock price gapped up before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $7.18, but opened at $7.66. Aspen Pharmacare shares last traded at $7.56, with a volume of 447 shares changing hands. Aspen Pharmacare Trading Up 6.0% The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 2.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $5.84 and its 200-day simple moving average is $6.00. Get Aspen Pharmacare alerts: Aspen Pharmacare Company Profile (Get Free Report) Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited is a multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Durban, South Africa. Founded in 1997 by Stephen Saad and Gus Attridge, Aspen has grown from a regional generic drug producer into a global specialist in branded and generic medicines. The company is publicly traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and its American depositary receipts trade overthecounter under the symbol APNHY. Aspens core business encompasses the development, manufacture and distribution of a broad portfolio of injectable and oral pharmaceutical products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Aspen Pharmacare Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Aspen Pharmacare and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM)s stock had its buy rating reaffirmed by investment analysts at Barclays in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday,MarketScreener reports. A number of other research analysts have also recently commented on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $354.00 to $386.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $330.00 price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Wednesday. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $275.00 to $325.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 24th. Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $339.00 to $350.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Fifteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $336.32. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Price Performance NYSE JPM traded up $1.45 on Wednesday, reaching $309.32. The company had a trading volume of 14,740,119 shares, compared to its average volume of 12,761,427. The firms 50 day moving average price is $315.52 and its 200 day moving average price is $305.01. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a 12 month low of $202.16 and a 12 month high of $337.25. The stock has a market capitalization of $842.05 billion, a PE ratio of 15.46, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.27. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 13th. The financial services provider reported $5.23 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.93 by $0.30. The company had revenue of $46.77 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $45.98 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a return on equity of 17.16% and a net margin of 20.35%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $4.81 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 earnings per share for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other JPMorgan Chase & Co. news, insider Robin Leopold sold 966 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $311.92, for a total value of $301,314.72. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 58,479 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $18,240,769.68. The trade was a 1.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.47% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On JPMorgan Chase & Co. Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Capital Advisors Inc. OK boosted its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. Capital Advisors Inc. OK now owns 567,263 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $182,784,000 after purchasing an additional 6,479 shares during the last quarter. Victory Financial Group LLC raised its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 23.0% in the 4th quarter. Victory Financial Group LLC now owns 4,634 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,493,000 after acquiring an additional 866 shares during the last quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Management LLC now owns 8,626 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,779,000 after acquiring an additional 57 shares during the last quarter. Essential Planning LLC. lifted its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 2.4% in the 4th quarter. Essential Planning LLC. now owns 1,399 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $451,000 after purchasing an additional 33 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Uncommon Cents Investing LLC boosted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 0.5% during the 4th quarter. Uncommon Cents Investing LLC now owns 25,945 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $8,360,000 after purchasing an additional 135 shares during the last quarter. 71.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Key Stories Impacting JPMorgan Chase & Co. Here are the key news stories impacting JPMorgan Chase & Co. this week: About JPMorgan Chase & Co. (Get 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 Articles 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. Atalaya Mining (LON:ATYM Free Report) had its price objective raised by Berenberg Bank from GBX 930 to GBX 1,000 in a report released on Wednesday,London Stock Exchange reports. Berenberg Bank currently has a buy rating on the stock. A number of other analysts have also weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a GBX 800 target price on shares of Atalaya Mining in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Canaccord Genuity Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 830 price objective on shares of Atalaya Mining in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Finally, Peel Hunt reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 705 price target on shares of Atalaya Mining in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of GBX 833.75. Get Atalaya Mining alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ATYM Atalaya Mining Stock Up 0.6% About Atalaya Mining ATYM stock traded up GBX 6 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching GBX 933. The company had a trading volume of 551,740 shares, compared to its average volume of 602,489. The company has a market capitalization of 1.31 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.46, a PEG ratio of -2.02 and a beta of 1.64. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 771.89 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 627.52. Atalaya Mining has a 52 week low of GBX 275.29 and a 52 week high of GBX 946. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.71, a current ratio of 1.53 and a quick ratio of 1.64. (Get Free Report) Atalaya is a European copper producer that owns and operates the Proyecto Riotinto complex in southwest Spain. Atalayas shares trade on the London Stock Exchanges Main Market under the symbol ATYM. Atalayas operations include the Cerro Colorado open pit mine and a modern 15 Mtpa processing plant, which has the potential to become a central processing hub for ore sourced from its wholly owned regional projects around Riotinto, such as Proyecto Masa Valverde and Proyecto Riotinto East. In addition, Atalaya has a phased earn-in agreement for up to 80% ownership of Cobre San Rafael S.L., which fully owns the Proyecto Touro brownfield copper project in the northwest of Spain, as well as a 99.9% interest in Proyecto Ossa Morena. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Atalaya Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Atalaya Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Blackrock Advantage Large Cap Income ETF (NYSEARCA:BALI Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Thursday . 778,571 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 263% from the previous sessions volume of 214,700 shares.The stock last traded at $32.13 and had previously closed at $31.98. Blackrock Advantage Large Cap Income ETF Price Performance The company has a market cap of $705.56 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.77 and a beta of 0.84. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $31.72 and a 200 day simple moving average of $31.26. Get Blackrock Advantage Large Cap Income ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of BALI. C2P Capital Advisory Group LLC d.b.a. Prosperity Capital Advisors bought a new stake in shares of Blackrock Advantage Large Cap Income ETF in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $1,529,000. Semus Wealth Partners LLC increased its position in shares of Blackrock Advantage Large Cap Income ETF by 25.6% during the third quarter. Semus Wealth Partners LLC now owns 78,401 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,488,000 after purchasing an additional 15,967 shares during the period. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. raised its stake in shares of Blackrock Advantage Large Cap Income ETF by 206.7% in the second quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. now owns 1,046,952 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,524,000 after purchasing an additional 705,543 shares in the last quarter. Triad Wealth Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of Blackrock Advantage Large Cap Income ETF by 114.1% in the second quarter. Triad Wealth Partners LLC now owns 36,298 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,093,000 after purchasing an additional 19,344 shares in the last quarter. Finally, ShoreHaven Wealth Partners LLC lifted its position in Blackrock Advantage Large Cap Income ETF by 178.1% in the second quarter. ShoreHaven Wealth Partners LLC now owns 36,372 shares of the companys stock worth $1,095,000 after purchasing an additional 23,292 shares during the period. Blackrock Advantage Large Cap Income ETF Company Profile The BlackRock Advantage Large Cap Income ETF (BALI) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund is an actively managed ETF that holds a portfolio of US large-cap equity securities. The fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by utilizing proprietary return forecast models combined with quantitative analysis methods BALI was launched on Sep 26, 2023 and is issued by BlackRock. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Blackrock Advantage Large Cap Income ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Blackrock Advantage Large Cap Income ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (NYSE:MPA Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 5,669 shares, a drop of 76.8% from the December 15th total of 24,397 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 58,184 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 58,184 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in MPA. Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund by 2.3% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 66,568 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $746,000 after buying an additional 1,500 shares in the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. increased its stake in BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund by 50.4% in the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 57,496 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $620,000 after acquiring an additional 19,266 shares during the last quarter. Yakira Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund in the 3rd quarter worth about $488,000. Ethos Financial Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at about $271,000. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its position in shares of BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund by 7.9% during the 3rd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 20,457 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $233,000 after acquiring an additional 1,500 shares during the last quarter. 24.70% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund alerts: BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Trading Up 0.9% Shares of MPA traded up $0.11 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $11.43. 50,647 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 36,888. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund has a one year low of $10.26 and a one year high of $12.08. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $11.24 and a 200-day moving average of $11.10. BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Dividend Announcement BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Company Profile The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, April 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 13th will be paid a $0.0477 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 13th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 5.0%. (Get Free Report) BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund (NYSE: MPA) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company whose primary objective is to provide shareholders with current income exempt from regular U.S. federal and Pennsylvania personal income taxes, and to a lesser extent, capital appreciation. The fund pursues its objective by investing in municipal securities that are issued by or for the benefit of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its political subdivisions. In managing its portfolio, the fund typically allocates at least 80% of its assets to investment-grade municipal bonds issued within Pennsylvania. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock MuniYield Pennsylvania Quality Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Botswana Diamonds plc (LON:BOD Get Free Report)s stock price crossed below its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of GBX 0.28 and traded as low as GBX 0.24. Botswana Diamonds shares last traded at GBX 0.24, with a volume of 80,000 shares trading hands. Botswana Diamonds Price Performance The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 0.25 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 0.28. The firm has a market capitalization of 2.89 million, a PE ratio of -2.68 and a beta of 0.80. Get Botswana Diamonds alerts: Botswana Diamonds (LON:BOD Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, December 12th. The company reported GBX (0.09) EPS for the quarter. Botswana Diamonds had a negative net margin of 2,389.67% and a negative return on equity of 10.66%. Botswana Diamonds Company Profile Botswana Diamonds plc explores for and develops diamond properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The company's flagship property is the Thorny River/Marsfontein property located in South Africa. It also explores primarily in the Kalahari region of Botswana. Botswana Diamonds plc was formerly known as Botswana Exploration plc and changed its name to Botswana Diamonds plc in October 2010. The company was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Botswana Diamonds Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Botswana Diamonds and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. HONG KONG (AP) 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 U.S. under President Donald Trump's onslaught of higher tariffs. China's exports rose 5.5% for the whole of last year to $3.77 trillion, customs data showed, as Chinese automakers and other manufacturers expanded into markets across the globe. Imports flatlined at $2.58 trillion. The 2024 trade surplus was over $992 billion. 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%. 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 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. fell sharply after 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%. 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. Auto exports surged 21% in 2025 to more than 7 million units, driven by electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, an industry group, on Wednesday. Mechanical and electrical items were the largest export category last year, rising 8.4% from a year earlier, customs data showed. China also exported more grain and fertilizer, while exports of furniture, clothing, shoes and other labor intensive products fell. Strong exports have helped keep China's economy growing at an annual rate close to its official target of about 5%. That has triggered alarm in countries that fear a flood of cheap imports is 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. Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI Get Free Report) (TSE:CNR) had its price objective raised by Barclays from $97.00 to $101.00 in a report released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has an equal weight rating on the transportation companys stock. Barclayss target price suggests a potential upside of 2.32% from the companys previous close. A number of other research analysts also recently commented on CNI. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Canadian National Railway in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research upgraded Canadian National Railway from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Canadian National Railway from $117.00 to $110.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 6th. CIBC raised Canadian National Railway from a neutral rating to an outperformer rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $146.00 to $151.00 in a research report on Friday, November 28th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Canadian National Railway from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, October 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $117.64. Get Canadian National Railway alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on CNI Canadian National Railway Stock Up 1.1% NYSE CNI traded up $1.06 during trading on Thursday, reaching $98.71. 464,697 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,031,048. The company has a current ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.42 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92. Canadian National Railway has a fifty-two week low of $90.74 and a fifty-two week high of $108.75. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $97.04 and its 200-day simple moving average is $96.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $60.65 billion, a PE ratio of 18.73, a P/E/G ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.96. Canadian National Railway (NYSE:CNI Get Free Report) (TSE:CNR) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The transportation company reported $1.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.28 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $2.99 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.15 billion. Canadian National Railway had a net margin of 26.86% and a return on equity of 21.50%. The firms revenue was up 1.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.72 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts predict that Canadian National Railway will post 5.52 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Addison Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Canadian National Railway by 124.0% during the second quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 271 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the period. Hollencrest Capital Management bought a new position in shares of Canadian National Railway in the 3rd quarter worth $28,000. Curio Wealth LLC grew its stake in shares of Canadian National Railway by 31,600.0% during the second quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 317 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 316 shares during the period. First Horizon Corp acquired a new position in shares of Canadian National Railway during the 3rd quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Costello Asset Management INC increased its stake in shares of Canadian National Railway by 83.3% in the 3rd quarter. Costello Asset Management INC now owns 330 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the last quarter. 80.74% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Canadian National Railway Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canadian National Railway Company (NYSE: CNI) is a Class I freight railway that operates an integrated rail network across Canada and the United States. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, CN provides long-haul freight transportation and related logistics services that connect major ports, industrial centers and inland markets throughout North America. Its transcontinental system enables cross-border movement of goods and supports supply chains that span coast-to-coast in Canada and into the central and eastern United States. CNs core business is the railborne transportation of a broad mix of commodities, including intermodal container traffic, forest and paper products, grain and other agricultural products, metallurgical and industrial products, petroleum and chemical products, coal and automotive shipments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Canadian National Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian National Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Carlsberg AS (OTCMKTS:CABGY Free Report) from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday,Zacks.com reports. Separately, UBS Group upgraded shares of Carlsberg AS from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Carlsberg AS has an average rating of Buy. Get Carlsberg AS alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on CABGY Carlsberg AS Trading Up 2.3% About Carlsberg AS Shares of Carlsberg AS stock opened at $26.91 on Monday. Carlsberg AS has a 12-month low of $18.82 and a 12-month high of $30.22. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $25.37 and a 200 day simple moving average of $25.21. The company has a current ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41. (Get Free Report) Carlsberg A/S is a Danish multinational brewer founded in 1847 and headquartered in Copenhagen. The company is primarily engaged in the brewing, marketing and distribution of beer, cider and related beverages. Its portfolio comprises global and regional beer brands, led by the Carlsberg and Tuborg names, alongside a range of local brands tailored to specific markets. Carlsberg also operates maltings and brewing facilities and provides packaging and logistics services that support its beverage operations. Carlsberg sells products across Europe and Asia and maintains a presence in numerous other markets through wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and export arrangements. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Carlsberg AS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Carlsberg AS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Central Japan Railway Co. (OTCMKTS:CJPRY Get Free Report) passed below its 50-day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50-day moving average of $13.71 and traded as low as $13.68. Central Japan Railway shares last traded at $13.71, with a volume of 33,161 shares changing hands. Central Japan Railway Stock Down 0.9% The business has a 50 day moving average of $13.71 and a two-hundred day moving average of $13.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.54 billion, a PE ratio of 7.66 and a beta of 0.21. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 2.33 and a current ratio of 2.40. Get Central Japan Railway alerts: Central Japan Railway (OTCMKTS:CJPRY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.53 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.52 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $3.32 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.23 billion. Central Japan Railway had a net margin of 27.03% and a return on equity of 11.13%. Analysts predict that Central Japan Railway Co. will post 1.35 EPS for the current year. Central Japan Railway Company Profile Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) is a major Japanese passenger rail operator best known for running the Tokaido Shinkansen highspeed rail line, which connects the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka corridors. The companys core activities center on intercity highspeed transport as well as conventional commuter and regional rail services across the Chubu and Tokaido regions of central Japan. JR Central operates and maintains rolling stock, station facilities and the infrastructure necessary to deliver frequent, highcapacity passenger service on one of the busiest rail corridors in the world. Beyond train operations, JR Central derives revenue from a range of railwayrelated businesses including station retail and commercial leases, real estate and property development around major stations, hotel and travel services, and peripheral retail and restaurant operations. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Central Japan Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Central Japan Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Citigroup (NYSE:C Get Free Report)s stock had its outperform rating reissued by research analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada in a report released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. They presently have a $121.00 price target on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas price objective would suggest a potential upside of 3.60% from the companys previous close. A number of other research analysts have also commented on the company. Bank of America upped their price target on Citigroup from $115.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Cowen restated a hold rating on shares of Citigroup in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Wolfe Research reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $141.00 target price on shares of Citigroup in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Citigroup from $115.00 to $146.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of Citigroup from $113.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $123.24. Get Citigroup alerts: View Our Latest Report on C Citigroup Trading Up 3.9% C stock traded up $4.38 during trading on Thursday, reaching $116.79. 2,673,588 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 14,195,502. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.62, a current ratio of 0.99 and a quick ratio of 0.99. Citigroup has a 52-week low of $55.51 and a 52-week high of $124.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $208.97 billion, a PE ratio of 16.42, a P/E/G ratio of 0.45 and a beta of 1.18. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $109.99 and its 200-day moving average price is $100.72. Citigroup (NYSE:C Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The company reported $1.81 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.65 by $0.16. Citigroup had a net margin of 8.73% and a return on equity of 7.91%. The business had revenue of $19.87 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.99 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.34 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 2.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Citigroup will post 7.53 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Trading of Citigroup A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of C. Brookstone Capital Management boosted its position in Citigroup by 31.5% during the 3rd quarter. Brookstone Capital Management now owns 75,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,705,000 after acquiring an additional 18,176 shares in the last quarter. Permanent Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Citigroup during the 3rd quarter valued at $1,238,000. Perigon Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Citigroup by 27.2% in the third quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 75,566 shares of the companys stock worth $7,670,000 after purchasing an additional 16,171 shares during the last quarter. Keystone Financial Services bought a new stake in shares of Citigroup during the 2nd quarter valued at about $216,000. Finally, Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. increased its position in shares of Citigroup by 61.5% during the 3rd quarter. Penobscot Investment Management Company Inc. now owns 57,033 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,789,000 after purchasing an additional 21,720 shares during the last quarter. 71.72% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Citigroup News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Citigroup this week: About Citigroup (Get Free Report) Citigroup Inc is a global financial services company headquartered in New York City with roots tracing back to the City Bank of New York, founded in 1812. The modern Citigroup was created through the 1998 merger of Citicorp and Travelers Group and has since operated as a diversified bank holding company that provides a broad range of banking and financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments and institutions worldwide. Citis principal businesses include retail and commercial banking, credit card and consumer lending products, wealth management and private banking, and a full suite of institutional services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund, Inc (NYSE:UTF Get Free Report) shares crossed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $24.04 and traded as high as $24.55. Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund shares last traded at $24.46, with a volume of 347,607 shares changing hands. Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund Stock Performance The firms 50 day moving average is $24.04 and its 200 day moving average is $25.10. Get Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund alerts: Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 10th will be given a dividend of $0.155 per share. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.6%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 10th. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund About Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Blue Trust Inc. purchased a new position in Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund during the second quarter worth about $27,000. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund by 1,023.1% during the 3rd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 1,168 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 1,064 shares during the last quarter. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund during the second quarter worth about $31,000. Trust Co. of Vermont bought a new position in shares of Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund in the second quarter worth approximately $55,000. Finally, Trust Co. of Toledo NA OH purchased a new stake in Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund in the second quarter valued at approximately $57,000. (Get Free Report) Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund, Inc (NYSE: UTF) is a closed-end management investment company that provides investors with exposure to global infrastructure assets. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the fund seeks to deliver total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. Since its inception in 2014, UTF has offered a vehicle for investors to access both equity and debt securities of companies operating in critical infrastructure sectors. The funds portfolio is diversified across a range of infrastructure industries, including utilities, energy, transportation, and communications. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fabrinet (NYSE:FN Get Free Report) and Omron (OTCMKTS:OMRNY Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, dividends, risk, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation and earnings. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Fabrinet and Omrons revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Fabrinet alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Fabrinet $3.42 billion 5.21 $332.53 million $9.71 51.19 Omron $5.26 billion 1.00 $107.39 million $0.97 26.28 Profitability Fabrinet has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Omron. Omron is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Fabrinet, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. This table compares Fabrinet and Omrons net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Fabrinet 9.77% 18.16% 12.86% Omron 3.47% 3.01% 2.06% Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Fabrinet and Omron, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Fabrinet 0 3 7 0 2.70 Omron 1 0 0 0 1.00 Fabrinet currently has a consensus price target of $474.63, indicating a potential downside of 4.52%. Given Fabrinets stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe Fabrinet is more favorable than Omron. Risk and Volatility Fabrinet has a beta of 1.04, meaning that its share price is 4% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Omron has a beta of 0.97, meaning that its share price is 3% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional and Insider Ownership 97.4% of Fabrinet shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 1.1% of Omron shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.2% of Fabrinet shares are owned 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. Summary Fabrinet beats Omron on 13 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About Fabrinet (Get Free Report) Fabrinet provides optical packaging and precision optical, electro-mechanical, and electronic manufacturing services in North America, the Asia-Pacific, and Europe. The company offers a range of advanced optical and electro-mechanical capabilities in the manufacturing process, including process design and engineering, supply chain management, manufacturing, printed circuit board assembly, advanced packaging, integration, final assembly, and testing. Its products include switching products, including reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexers, optical amplifiers, modulators, and other optical components and modules that enable network managers to route voice, video, and data communications traffic through fiber optic cables at various wavelengths, speeds, and over various distances. The company's products also comprise tunable lasers, transceivers, and transponders; and active optical cables, which provide high-speed interconnect capabilities for data centers and computing clusters, as well as Infiniband, Ethernet, fiber channel, and optical backplane connectivity. In addition, it provides solid state, diode-pumped, gas, and fiber lasers used in semiconductor processing, biotechnology and medical device, metrology, and material processing industries; and differential pressure, micro-gyro, fuel, and other sensors used in automobiles, as well as non-contact temperature measurement sensors for the medical industry. Further, the company designs and fabricates application-specific crystals, lenses, prisms, mirrors, laser components, and substrates; and other custom and standard borosilicate, clear fused quartz, and synthetic fused silica glass products. It serves original equipment manufacturers of optical communication components, modules and sub-systems, industrial lasers, automotive components, medical devices, and sensors. The company was incorporated in 1999 and is based in Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands. About Omron (Get Free Report) OMRON Corporation engages in industrial automation, device and module solutions, social systems, and healthcare businesses worldwide. The Industrial Automation Business offers sensors, switches, safety and control components, relays, motion and drives, robotics, energy conservation, power supplies, and automation system products. It also offers environmental mobility, digital devices, food and commodity, logistic and warehouse automation, medical, robotic, panel, vision, software, and traceability related solutions. The Social Systems, Solutions and Service Business provides energy, public transport, traffic safety, network protection, payment, infrastructure monitoring, management service, and DX solutions, as well as offers remote surveillance/monitoring, automation/robotics, software development, engineering/maintenance, and other services. The Healthcare Business provides cardiovascular, respiratory care, pain management, remote patient monitoring, and other solutions. The Device and Module Solutions Business offers relays, switches, connectors, and sensors. OMRON Corporation was founded in 1933 and is headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for Fabrinet Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fabrinet and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CT Real Estate Investment Trust (OTCMKTS:CTRRF Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 571,055 shares, an increase of 130.4% from the December 15th total of 247,906 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 16,405 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 34.8 days. Based on an average daily volume of 16,405 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 34.8 days. CT Real Estate Investment Trust Stock Down 0.3% OTCMKTS CTRRF traded down $0.04 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $12.17. The company had a trading volume of 15,328 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,109. CT Real Estate Investment Trust has a 52 week low of $9.55 and a 52 week high of $12.21. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $11.72 and a 200 day simple moving average of $11.71. Get CT Real Estate Investment Trust alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have recently issued reports on CTRRF shares. CIBC reiterated a neutral rating on shares of CT Real Estate Investment Trust in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating on shares of CT Real Estate Investment Trust in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold. About CT Real Estate Investment Trust (Get Free Report) CT Real Estate Investment Trust (OTCMKTS: CTRRF) is a Canadian real estate investment trust focused on owning, leasing and managing a diversified portfolio of predominantly retail and mixed-use properties across Canada. Established in 2013 as a spin-off from Canadian Tire Corporation, the Trusts holdings include automotive service centres, flagship Canadian Tire and affiliated retail stores, distribution and logistics facilities, as well as properties leased to select third-party retailers. The Trust employs a long-term, netlease strategy designed to generate stable and predictable rental income. See Also Receive News & Ratings for CT Real Estate Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CT Real Estate Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dekel Agri-Vision plc (LON:DKL Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as low as GBX 0.40 and last traded at GBX 0.45, with a volume of 1850388 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.45. Dekel Agri-Vision Stock Performance The business has a 50-day moving average of GBX 0.48 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 0.50. The company has a market cap of 5.41 million, a P/E ratio of -0.45 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 299.99, a current ratio of 0.43 and a quick ratio of 0.17. Dekel Agri-Vision Company Profile (Get Free Report) Dekel Agri-Vision plc, through its subsidiaries, develops and cultivates palm oil plantations in the Republic of Cote dIvoire. The company operates through Crude Palm Oil and Raw Cashew Nut segments. It produces and sells palm oil, palm kernel oil, and palm kernel cakes. The company was formerly known as DekelOil Public Limited and changed its name to Dekel Agri-Vision plc in November 2019. Dekel Agri-Vision plc was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Limassol, Cyprus. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Dekel Agri-Vision Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dekel Agri-Vision and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) had its price objective upped by research analysts at Dbs Bank from $70.00 to $80.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the transportation companys stock. Dbs Banks price objective would suggest a potential upside of 12.12% from the companys current price. Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Delta Air Lines in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on shares of Delta Air Lines from $77.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. BNP Paribas Exane boosted their price target on shares of Delta Air Lines from $70.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Delta Air Lines in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reissued a strong-buy rating and set a $80.00 price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines in a research report on Friday, December 19th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty-three have given a Buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Delta Air Lines has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $79.97. Get Delta Air Lines alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on DAL Delta Air Lines Stock Up 4.2% NYSE:DAL traded up $2.86 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $71.35. 8,110,003 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 8,810,209. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $66.23 and a 200 day moving average price of $60.54. The company has a current ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. Delta Air Lines has a fifty-two week low of $34.74 and a fifty-two week high of $73.16. The firm has a market cap of $46.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.30, a PEG ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.38. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 13th. The transportation company reported $1.55 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.53 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $14.61 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.80 billion. Delta Air Lines had a return on equity of 20.99% and a net margin of 7.90%.Delta Air Liness revenue for the quarter was up 2.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.85 earnings per share. Delta Air Lines has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.500-0.900 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 6.500-7.500 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Delta Air Lines will post 7.63 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Delta Air Lines In other news, EVP John E. Laughter sold 23,323 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.33, for a total value of $1,453,722.59. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 81,109 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,055,523.97. This trade represents a 22.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Delta Air Lines A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of DAL. Savant Capital LLC raised its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 84.0% during the second quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 181,995 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $8,951,000 after purchasing an additional 83,072 shares during the period. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans increased its stake in Delta Air Lines by 39.8% during the 2nd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 2,407,585 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $118,409,000 after purchasing an additional 685,312 shares in the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 8.8% during the 2nd quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 825,916 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $40,619,000 after buying an additional 67,002 shares during the period. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al acquired a new stake in Delta Air Lines during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $15,138,000. Finally, Board of the Pension Protection Fund acquired a new position in shares of Delta Air Lines in the third quarter valued at approximately $1,141,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.93% of the companys stock. Trending Headlines about Delta Air Lines Here are the key news stories impacting Delta Air Lines this week: About Delta Air Lines (Get Free Report) Delta Air Lines is a major U.S.-based global airline that provides scheduled passenger and cargo air transportation, aircraft maintenance and repair services, and related travel products. Its operations include mainline domestic and international passenger services, a branded regional network operating under the Delta Connection name, dedicated air cargo carriage, and in-house maintenance, repair and overhaul through Delta TechOps. Delta offers a range of cabin products for different customer segments, including premium business-class service on long-haul routes and tiered economy offerings on domestic and international flights, and it markets customer loyalty benefits through the SkyMiles frequent-flyer program. The carrier operates a mixed fleet of narrow- and wide-body aircraft from multiple U.S. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Delta Air Lines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delta Air Lines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Deutsche Lufthansa AG (OTCMKTS:DLAKY Get Free Report) saw strong trading volume on Monday . 48,061 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 1% from the previous sessions volume of 48,467 shares.The stock last traded at $10.21 and had previously closed at $10.28. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded Deutsche Lufthansa from an underweight rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, December 1st. Barclays lowered shares of Deutsche Lufthansa from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a research note on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Deutsche Lufthansa from an underweight rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Citigroup lowered shares of Deutsche Lufthansa from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets raised shares of Deutsche Lufthansa from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Deutsche Lufthansa has an average rating of Hold. Get Deutsche Lufthansa alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Deutsche Lufthansa Deutsche Lufthansa Stock Down 5.6% The firms 50-day simple moving average is $9.61 and its 200 day simple moving average is $9.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a current ratio of 0.85. The stock has a market capitalization of $11.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.31, a PEG ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 0.86. Deutsche Lufthansa (OTCMKTS:DLAKY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The transportation company reported $0.95 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.94 by $0.01. Deutsche Lufthansa had a return on equity of 15.73% and a net margin of 4.45%.The company had revenue of $13.06 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $12.98 billion. As a group, research analysts expect that Deutsche Lufthansa AG will post 0.87 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Deutsche Lufthansa An institutional investor recently raised its position in Deutsche Lufthansa stock. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in shares of Deutsche Lufthansa AG (OTCMKTS:DLAKY Free Report) by 892.5% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 9,270 shares of the transportation companys stock after buying an additional 8,336 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLCs holdings in Deutsche Lufthansa were worth $78,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. About Deutsche Lufthansa (Get Free Report) Deutsche Lufthansa AG is a leading global aviation company headquartered in Cologne, Germany, and is recognized as one of the worlds largest airline groups. Founded in its modern form in 1953, the company traces its heritage back to the original Deutsche Luft Hansa established in 1926. Lufthansa operates passenger and cargo services under its flagship brand, as well as through numerous subsidiaries including Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and the low-cost carrier Eurowings. The groups passenger network spans Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, with primary hubs at Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Lufthansa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Lufthansa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China has opened an investigation into Meta's $2 billion purchase of AI startup Manus, examining whether the deal violates laws governing technology transfers abroad, reported CNBC. The probe focuses on whether the deal meets Chinese rules on tech exports and foreign investments. Manus, now headquartered in Singapore, traces its origins to the Chinese startup Butterfly Effect. The startup creates AI agents that handle jobs such as writing code, analyzing markets, and sorting through data. Meta bought Manus in December as part of its push to compete with AI leaders like OpenAI and Google. The deal fits the social media giant's broader strategy, which has included pouring billions into artificial intelligence development. Manus reportedly hit $100 million in yearly recurring revenue less than a year after releasing its product. This acquisition battle is part of a larger story about who controls the future of AI technology. As tech giants race to build more capable AI systems, the energy demands of these tools keep climbing. Training and running AI models require massive amounts of electricity, putting strain on electrical grids and driving up utility costs in some regions. AI shows promise for improving clean energy systems, but its hunger for electricity raises questions about sustainability. The Chinese government framed the investigation as routine oversight. "The Chinese government consistently supports enterprises in conducting mutually beneficial transnational operations and international technological cooperation in accordance with laws and regulations," Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong said at a press briefing, quoted by CNBC. Industry watchers see the probe as a strategic move. "The most likely outcome I see is a lengthier approval process and potential conditions around how Manus technology developed in China can be used, rather than an outright block, but the threat of stricter action gives Beijing bargaining power in a high profile, US led acquisition," Nick Patience, AI lead at the Futurum Group, told CNBC. 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. Diploma PLC (LON:DPLM Get Free Report) insider Katie Bickerstaffe purchased 352 shares of Diploma stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was bought at an average cost of GBX 5,645 per share, for a total transaction of 19,870.40. Diploma Stock Performance Shares of Diploma stock opened at GBX 5,590 on Thursday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 5,405.02 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 5,348.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 62.17, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a current ratio of 2.17. Diploma PLC has a one year low of GBX 3,532 and a one year high of GBX 5,760. The company has a market cap of 7.50 billion, a PE ratio of 40.71, a P/E/G ratio of 2.82 and a beta of 0.75. Get Diploma alerts: Diploma (LON:DPLM Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, December 8th. The company reported GBX 176 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Diploma had a net margin of 9.25% and a return on equity of 13.18%. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Diploma PLC will post 163.7995512 EPS for the current fiscal year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently commented on DPLM shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on shares of Diploma from GBX 5,400 to GBX 6,000 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 6,350 price objective on shares of Diploma in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised Diploma to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the stock from GBX 4,500 to GBX 6,000 in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, Peel Hunt restated a buy rating and set a GBX 6,150 target price on shares of Diploma in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 5,605.71. Read Our Latest Research Report on DPLM Diploma Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Diploma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Diploma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ermenegildo Zegna N.V. (NYSE:ZGN Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $11.06 and last traded at $11.00, with a volume of 225728 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $10.85. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently commented on ZGN shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Ermenegildo Zegna in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. UBS Group lifted their price target on Ermenegildo Zegna from $9.50 to $10.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Oddo Bhf set a $11.50 target price on Ermenegildo Zegna in a report on Wednesday, September 17th. Jefferies Financial Group assumed coverage on shares of Ermenegildo Zegna in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. They set a buy rating and a $12.90 price objective for the company. Finally, Bank of America increased their price target on Ermenegildo Zegna from $9.50 to $10.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $11.20. Get Ermenegildo Zegna alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Ermenegildo Zegna Ermenegildo Zegna Price Performance Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ermenegildo Zegna The firms 50-day moving average is $10.39 and its 200-day moving average is $9.53. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 1.42 and a quick ratio of 0.79. A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ZGN. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC raised its stake in shares of Ermenegildo Zegna by 12.9% in the third quarter. Orion Porfolio Solutions LLC now owns 11,583 shares of the companys stock worth $109,000 after purchasing an additional 1,323 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC purchased a new stake in Ermenegildo Zegna in the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC raised its position in Ermenegildo Zegna by 73.7% in the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 7,146 shares of the companys stock valued at $61,000 after buying an additional 3,033 shares during the last quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System bought a new position in Ermenegildo Zegna during the 2nd quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Savant Capital LLC boosted its holdings in Ermenegildo Zegna by 36.0% during the 2nd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 14,957 shares of the companys stock worth $128,000 after acquiring an additional 3,961 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 12.91% of the companys stock. About Ermenegildo Zegna (Get Free Report) Ermenegildo Zegna is a global luxury fashion house specializing in mens tailored clothing, casualwear, accessories, footwear and fragrances. With a focus on high-quality fabrics and craftsmanship, the company manages the entire value chain from wool sourcing and textile production to garment design, manufacturing and retail distribution. Founded in 1910 by Ermenegildo Zegna in Trivero, Italy, the company began as a textile mill dedicated to producing fine wool fabrics. Over the decades it expanded into ready-to-wear clothing and built a reputation for sartorial excellence. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ermenegildo Zegna Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ermenegildo Zegna and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE:FIS Get Free Report) gapped down prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $66.84, but opened at $64.67. Fidelity National Information Services shares last traded at $65.1180, with a volume of 432,599 shares traded. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades FIS has been the topic of a number of research reports. Truist Financial dropped their price target on Fidelity National Information Services from $72.00 to $70.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their target price on Fidelity National Information Services from $88.00 to $85.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their price target on shares of Fidelity National Information Services from $75.00 to $70.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. KeyCorp restated a hold rating on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d) rating on shares of Fidelity National Information Services in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $84.44. Get Fidelity National Information Services alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on FIS Fidelity National Information Services Stock Performance The companys 50-day moving average price is $65.84 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $69.35. The company has a market cap of $33.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 236.80 and a beta of 0.93. The company has a current ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE:FIS Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The information technology services provider reported $1.51 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.48 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $2.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.65 billion. Fidelity National Information Services had a net margin of 1.45% and a return on equity of 19.76%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.40 earnings per share. Fidelity National Information Services has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.740-5.780 EPS. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. will post 5.74 earnings per share for the current year. Fidelity National Information Services Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 23rd. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 9th were paid a dividend of $0.40 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, December 9th. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.5%. Fidelity National Information Servicess dividend payout ratio is currently 592.59%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Fidelity National Information Services Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. NewSquare Capital LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 115.1% in the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 357 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 191 shares in the last quarter. Raiffeisen Bank International AG purchased a new position in shares of Fidelity National Information Services during the third quarter valued at $29,000. LRI Investments LLC raised its position in Fidelity National Information Services by 613.1% during the third quarter. LRI Investments LLC now owns 435 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 374 shares during the period. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Fidelity National Information Services in the 3rd quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, GoalVest Advisory LLC acquired a new stake in Fidelity National Information Services during the 4th quarter worth about $33,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.23% of the companys stock. Fidelity National Information Services Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE: FIS) is a global provider of financial technology solutions and services for banks, capital markets firms, merchants and corporations. The company develops and delivers software, processing, and outsourcing services that support core banking, payments and merchant acquiring, wealth and retirement platforms, risk and compliance, and trading and capital markets operations. Its offerings include cloud-based and on-premises core banking systems, card processing and gateway services, e-commerce and point-of-sale payment solutions, and a range of back-office and advisory services designed to automate and modernize financial operations. FIS serves a broad international client base across North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region through a combination of direct clients and partner channels. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fidelity National Information Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fidelity National Information Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First National Bank Alaska (OTCMKTS:FBAK Get Free Report)s share price gapped down prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $299.7550, but opened at $26.03. First National Bank Alaska shares last traded at $298.00, with a volume of 221 shares changing hands. First National Bank Alaska Price Performance The firms 50 day moving average price is $291.30 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $276.36. The stock has a market cap of $944.66 million, a PE ratio of 12.19 and a beta of 0.18. Get First National Bank Alaska alerts: First National Bank Alaska (OTCMKTS:FBAK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The financial services provider reported $6.75 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $56.17 million during the quarter. First National Bank Alaska had a net margin of 29.11% and a return on equity of 14.98%. First National Bank Alaska Dividend Announcement First National Bank Alaska Company Profile The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd were issued a dividend of $4.00 per share. This represents a yield of 561.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. First National Bank Alaskas payout ratio is presently 65.47%. (Get Free Report) First National Bank Alaska is a communityoriented financial institution headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. Established in 1922, the bank has grown to serve individuals, businesses and institutions across Alaska through a network of branch offices and digital channels. As an OTCtraded company, it offers broad commercial and consumer banking services tailored to the unique economic and geographic needs of the state. The banks consumer banking operations include checking and savings accounts, personal loans, mortgages and online banking solutions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for First National Bank Alaska Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First National Bank Alaska and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:GAU Get Free Report)s share price traded down 9.4% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as $2.73 and last traded at $2.6550. 718,468 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 70% from the average session volume of 2,368,895 shares. The stock had previously closed at $2.93. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Scotiabank upgraded shares of Galiano Gold to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Galiano Gold has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $3.20. Get Galiano Gold alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Galiano Gold Galiano Gold Stock Performance Institutional Trading of Galiano Gold The companys fifty day simple moving average is $2.44 and its 200 day simple moving average is $2.20. The stock has a market capitalization of $710.53 million, a P/E ratio of -15.19 and a beta of 0.86. The company has a current ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.07. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Sprott Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Galiano Gold by 13.7% during the third quarter. Sprott Inc. now owns 59,862 shares of the companys stock worth $131,000 after purchasing an additional 7,200 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. grew its stake in Galiano Gold by 25.9% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 46,431 shares of the companys stock worth $59,000 after buying an additional 9,558 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of Galiano Gold in the 3rd quarter worth $28,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in shares of Galiano Gold by 10.4% during the 3rd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 169,962 shares of the companys stock valued at $372,000 after buying an additional 16,006 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SBI Securities Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Galiano Gold by 939.4% during the 2nd quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 25,009 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 22,603 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 66.82% of the companys stock. About Galiano Gold (Get Free Report) Galiano Gold Incorporated is a Canada-based gold exploration and development company listed on the NYSE American under the symbol GAU. The companys primary focus is the acquisition, exploration and advancement of gold deposits in the Americas. Galiano Gold pursues a value-driven strategy to build gold resources by identifying high-potential projects, conducting systematic drilling programs and advancing resource definition toward a development decision. Galiano Golds flagship asset is the Oko West and Oko East gold project located in the Essequibo region of Guyana, where multiple oxide and primary gold mineralized zones have been outlined through extensive drilling. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Galiano Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Galiano Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Goldman Sachs BDC (NYSE:GSBD Get Free Report) and Saratoga Investment (NYSE:SAR Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, earnings and risk. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Goldman Sachs BDC and Saratoga Investments revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Goldman Sachs BDC alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Goldman Sachs BDC $147.47 million 7.18 $62.87 million $1.16 8.00 Saratoga Investment $52.11 million 7.27 $28.09 million $2.44 9.60 Analyst Recommendations Goldman Sachs BDC has higher revenue and earnings than Saratoga Investment. Goldman Sachs BDC is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Saratoga Investment, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Goldman Sachs BDC and Saratoga Investment, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Goldman Sachs BDC 2 3 0 0 1.60 Saratoga Investment 0 6 0 0 2.00 Goldman Sachs BDC currently has a consensus price target of $9.75, suggesting a potential upside of 5.10%. Saratoga Investment has a consensus price target of $23.63, suggesting a potential upside of 0.90%. Given Goldman Sachs BDCs higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe Goldman Sachs BDC is more favorable than Saratoga Investment. Institutional & Insider Ownership 28.7% of Goldman Sachs BDC shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 19.1% of Saratoga Investment shares are held by institutional investors. 0.1% of Goldman Sachs BDC shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 10.0% of Saratoga Investment shares are held 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. Profitability This table compares Goldman Sachs BDC and Saratoga Investments net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Goldman Sachs BDC 34.72% 12.78% 5.60% Saratoga Investment 30.61% 9.19% 3.09% Dividends Goldman Sachs BDC pays an annual dividend of $1.28 per share and has a dividend yield of 13.8%. Saratoga Investment pays an annual dividend of $3.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 12.8%. Goldman Sachs BDC pays out 110.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Saratoga Investment pays out 123.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Goldman Sachs BDC is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Volatility & Risk Goldman Sachs BDC has a beta of 0.63, meaning that its stock price is 37% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Saratoga Investment has a beta of 0.56, meaning that its stock price is 44% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Goldman Sachs BDC beats Saratoga Investment on 10 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Goldman Sachs BDC (Get Free Report) Goldman Sachs BDC, Inc. is a business development company specializing in middle market and mezzanine investment in private companies. It seeks to make capital appreciation through direct originations of secured debt, senior secured debt, junior secured debt, including first lien, first lien/last-out unitranche and second lien debt, unsecured debt, including mezzanine debt and, to a lesser extent, investments in equities. The fund primarily invests in United States. It seeks to invest between $10 million and $75 million in companies with EBITDA between $5 million and $75 million annually. About Saratoga Investment (Get Free Report) Saratoga Investment Corp. is a business development company specializing in leveraged and management buyouts, acquisition financings, growth financings, recapitalization, debt refinancing, and transitional financing transactions at the lower end of middle market companies. It structures its investments as debt and equity by investing through first and second lien loans, mezzanine debt, co-investments, select high yield bonds, senior secured bonds, unsecured bonds, and preferred and common equity. The firm prefers to invest in aerospace, automotive aftermarket and services, business products and services, consumer products and services, education, environmental services, industrial services, financial services, food and beverage, healthcare products and services, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, restaurants services, food services, software services, technology services, specialty chemical, media and telecommunications. It seeks to invest in the United States. The firm primarily invests $5 million to $50 million in companies having EBITDA of $2 million or greater and revenues of $8 million to $250 million. The firm prefer to take a majority stake. It invests through direct lending as well as participation in loan syndicates. The firm was formerly known as GSC Investment Corp. Saratoga Investment Corp. was formed on 2007 and is based in New York, New York with an additional office in Florham Park, New Jersey. Receive News & Ratings for Goldman Sachs BDC Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Goldman Sachs BDC and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (NYSE:ASR Free Report) from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning,Zacks.com reports. ASR has been the topic of several other reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste in a research report on Friday, November 14th. Scotiabank upgraded Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Morgan Stanley lowered Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating and set a $300.00 target price on the stock. in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $305.00. Get Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on ASR Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:ASR traded down $0.46 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $320.34. The stock had a trading volume of 1,093 shares, compared to its average volume of 26,988. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $312.72 and its 200 day simple moving average is $316.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.00 and a beta of 0.57. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 2.69 and a current ratio of 2.69. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste has a 1-year low of $249.21 and a 1-year high of $360.00. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (NYSE:ASR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The transportation company reported $3.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $5.26 by ($1.42). Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste had a return on equity of 20.67% and a net margin of 31.96%.The business had revenue of $478.54 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $502.91 million. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste will post 23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed an annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 8th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 26th were issued a $8.1473 dividend. This represents a yield of 271.0%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 26th. Grupo Aeroportuario del Surestes dividend payout ratio is presently 200.53%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Signaturefd LLC increased its stake in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste by 8.2% in the second quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 474 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $151,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares in the last quarter. Laird Norton Wetherby Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter. Laird Norton Wetherby Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,328 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $429,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares in the last quarter. Renaissance Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Group LLC now owns 17,123 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $5,460,000 after buying an additional 45 shares during the last quarter. Fortune Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Fortune Financial Advisors LLC now owns 4,961 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $1,582,000 after acquiring an additional 48 shares during the period. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. lifted its holdings in Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste by 38.2% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 181 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $58,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 10.57% of the companys stock. About Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (Get Free Report) Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, SAB. de C.V. (NYSE: ASR) is a leading airport operator in Mexico specializing in the development, operation and management of airports under long-term concession agreements. The companys core business activities include the operation of passenger and cargo terminals, the administration of retail and service concessions, the provision of parking and ground-support services, and the implementation of security and maintenance programs. ASR holds concession rights for nine airports across southeastern Mexico, including premier tourism hubs such as Cancun, Cozumel and Huatulco, as well as regional facilities in Merida, Oaxaca, Veracruz and Minatitlan. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF (NYSEARCA:EBIT Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 408 shares, an increase of 98.1% from the December 15th total of 206 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 628 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the company are short sold. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 628 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days. Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF Trading Up 2.1% Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF stock traded up $0.74 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $35.93. 1,523 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,011. Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF has a fifty-two week low of $26.03 and a fifty-two week high of $35.98. The firm has a market cap of $10.06 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.84 and a beta of 1.18. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $34.09 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $33.50. Get Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF stock. Petros Family Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF (NYSEARCA:EBIT Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 36,747 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,152,000. Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF accounts for about 1.1% of Petros Family Wealth LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 26th biggest holding. Petros Family Wealth LLC owned 12.25% of Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF at the end of the most recent quarter. About Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF The Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF (EBIT) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners index. The fund tracks an index comprised of small cap companies in the US selected and weighted according to their profitability. EBIT was launched on Jul 9, 2024 and is issued by Harbor. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Harbor AlphaEdge Small Cap Earners ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Pacific Land (NYSE:TPL Get Free Report) and TXNM Energy (NYSE:TXNM Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, risk, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, earnings and profitability. Volatility and Risk Texas Pacific Land has a beta of 0.92, indicating that its share price is 8% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, TXNM Energy has a beta of 0.17, indicating that its share price is 83% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get Texas Pacific Land alerts: Profitability This table compares Texas Pacific Land and TXNM Energys net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Texas Pacific Land 61.68% 38.15% 34.45% TXNM Energy 8.67% 7.20% 1.84% Dividends Analyst Ratings Texas Pacific Land pays an annual dividend of $2.13 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.7%. TXNM Energy pays an annual dividend of $1.63 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.8%. Texas Pacific Land pays out 30.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. TXNM Energy pays out 95.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Texas Pacific Land has increased its dividend for 3 consecutive years. This is a breakdown of recent ratings for Texas Pacific Land and TXNM Energy, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Texas Pacific Land 1 2 1 0 2.00 TXNM Energy 0 6 2 0 2.25 Texas Pacific Land currently has a consensus price target of $350.00, suggesting a potential upside of 7.07%. TXNM Energy has a consensus price target of $58.42, suggesting a potential downside of 1.16%. Given Texas Pacific Lands higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Texas Pacific Land is more favorable than TXNM Energy. Institutional & Insider Ownership 59.9% of Texas Pacific Land shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 91.7% of TXNM Energy shares are owned by institutional investors. 6.9% of Texas Pacific Land shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.3% of TXNM Energy shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Texas Pacific Land and TXNM Energys revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Texas Pacific Land $705.82 million 31.93 $453.96 million $6.90 47.38 TXNM Energy $1.97 billion 3.27 $242.68 million $1.71 34.56 Texas Pacific Land has higher earnings, but lower revenue than TXNM Energy. TXNM Energy is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Texas Pacific Land, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Texas Pacific Land beats TXNM Energy on 12 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Texas Pacific Land (Get Free Report) Texas Pacific Land Corporation engages in the land and resource management, and water services and operations businesses. The company owns a 1/128th nonparticipating perpetual oil and gas royalty interest (NPRI) under approximately 85,000 acres of land; a 1/16th NPRI under approximately 371,000 acres of land; and approximately 4,000 additional net royalty acres, total of approximately 195,000 NRA located in the western part of Texas. The Land and Resource Management segment manages surface acres of land, and oil and gas royalty interest in West Texas. This segment also engages in easements, such as transporting oil, gas and related hydrocarbons, power line and utility, and subsurface wellbore easements. In addition, this segment leases its land for processing, storage, and compression facilities and roads; and is involved in sale of materials, such as caliche, sand, and other material, as well as sells land. The Water Services and Operations segment provides full-service water offerings, including water sourcing, produced-water treatment, infrastructure development, and disposal solutions to operators in the Permian Basin. This segment also holds produced water royalties. Texas Pacific Land Corporation was founded in 1888 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. About TXNM Energy (Get Free Report) TXNM Energy, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides electricity and electric services in the United States. It operates through Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) and Texas-New Mexico Power Company (TNMP) segments. The PNM segment engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The segment owns and leases communications, office and other equipment, office space, vehicles, and real estate. It generates electricity using coal, natural gas and oil, and nuclear fuel and waste, as well as solar, wind, geothermal, and battery storage energy sources. The TNMP segment provides regulated transmission and distribution services. The segment also owns and leases vehicles, service facilities, and office locations throughout its service territory. The company serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers and end-users of electricity in New Mexico and Texas. The company was formerly known as PNM Resources, Inc and changed its name to TXNM Energy, Inc. in August 2024. TXNM Energy, Inc. was founded in 1882 and is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Receive News & Ratings for Texas Pacific Land Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Texas Pacific Land and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Hershey Company (The) (NYSE:HSY Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Hold from the twenty-two ratings firms that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Seventeen analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and five have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $188.3684. Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. Piper Sandler set a $213.00 price objective on shares of Hershey and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Evercore ISI reissued a positive rating on shares of Hershey in a report on Friday, October 31st. Wells Fargo & Company set a $182.00 price target on Hershey and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on Hershey in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. They issued a hold rating and a $181.00 price objective for the company. Finally, UBS Group increased their target price on Hershey from $190.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday. Get Hershey alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on HSY Hershey Stock Performance Hershey stock opened at $199.16 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $40.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.77 and a beta of 0.18. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $183.21 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $182.46. Hershey has a 52-week low of $140.13 and a 52-week high of $200.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.36 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Hershey (NYSE:HSY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.24. The business had revenue of $3.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.11 billion. Hershey had a net margin of 11.84% and a return on equity of 32.08%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $2.34 EPS. Hershey has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.900-6.000 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Hershey will post 6.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hershey Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th were given a $1.37 dividend. This represents a $5.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.8%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. Hersheys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 81.91%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CFO Steven E. Voskuil sold 1,500 shares of Hershey stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $188.51, for a total value of $282,765.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 53,819 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,145,419.69. This trade represents a 2.71% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Kirk Tanner purchased 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $185.46 per share, for a total transaction of $370,920.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer directly owned 47,860 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,876,115.60. This trade represents a 4.36% increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. Over the last three months, insiders sold 6,000 shares of company stock valued at $1,102,725. Insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Hershey Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HSY. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Hershey by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 18,840,577 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,126,594,000 after purchasing an additional 210,131 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its holdings in Hershey by 1.8% in the third quarter. State Street Corp now owns 7,253,041 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,356,681,000 after buying an additional 128,982 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in Hershey by 2.5% in the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 5,116,739 shares of the companys stock valued at $849,123,000 after acquiring an additional 125,100 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Hershey by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,567,373 shares of the companys stock worth $755,305,000 after acquiring an additional 126,519 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in Hershey by 4.6% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,276,326 shares of the companys stock worth $543,712,000 after acquiring an additional 144,640 shares during the period. 57.96% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Hershey (Get Free Report) The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is a leading North American chocolatier and snack manufacturer headquartered in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The company develops, produces and markets a wide range of confectionery and snack products for retail, foodservice and international customers. Hersheys business spans manufacturing, branded product marketing, packaging and distribution across grocery, convenience, mass merchant and e-commerce channels. Hersheys product portfolio centers on chocolate and sugar confectionery, including core brands such as Hersheys, Reeses, Hersheys Kisses and Twizzlers, alongside non-chocolate snacks and confectionery brands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Hershey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hershey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. US-based Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) has launched a telematics product designed to support pricing and underwriting decisions in commercial motor insurance, according to a company press release. The product, called DriveWell Fleet, enables insurers to incorporate driving data across a wider proportion of their commercial portfolios by combining data from connected vehicles with proprietary hardware for fleets that are not already equipped with telematics devices. CMT said the offering is intended to address gaps in coverage, data consistency and programme integration that have limited the use of telematics in commercial motor insurance. Fewer than 5% of commercial motor policies are currently priced using telematics data, despite a significant proportion of vehicles already generating data through third-party telematics service providers (TSPs), the company said. DriveWell Fleet allows insurers to access standardised, high-frequency driving data from multiple TSPs through a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) model. For vehicles without existing devices, CMT provides two hardware options to capture driving behaviour data. William V. Powers, co-founder and chief executive of CMT - headquartered in Cambridge, MA - said the company was extending an approach previously used in personal motor insurance into the commercial sector. He said the aim was to strengthen pricing decisions and provide insurers with more consistent risk insights from fleet data. For connected fleets, CMTs platform integrates with TSPs including Samsara, Verizon Connect, Lytx, Netradyne and Linxup. The company said this currently covers more than 80% of the connected commercial vehicle market, with broader coverage expected later in the year. Fleets can enrol using existing devices, avoiding additional installation costs. From a motor finance perspective, the product is positioned as a way for insurers to refine risk selection and pricing accuracy, potentially influencing premium levels and loss ratios across commercial motor portfolios. CMT said insurers can view vehicle- and fleet-level data through a central portal to support underwriting, segmentation and policy pricing. Adam Kahn, chief business development officer at Netradyne, said the partnership allows insurers to access high-quality driving data and apply it to pricing and risk assessment, while maintaining a focus on fleet safety outcomes. For fleets without embedded telematics, CMT offers Tag Pro and Tag Max devices. Tag Pro is aimed at smaller fleets and uses an adhesive, windscreen-mounted device that transmits data via a proprietary network, without requiring a mobile phone or separate cellular contract. Tag Max is designed for heavy and long-haul vehicles and uses LTE connectivity to provide more detailed risk data, also without complex installation. Hong Kong & China Gas Co. (OTCMKTS:HOKCY Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $0.8235, but opened at $0.8794. Hong Kong & China Gas shares last traded at $0.8662, with a volume of 740 shares trading hands. Hong Kong & China Gas Trading Up 6.8% The company has a current ratio of 0.67, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $0.89 and its 200 day moving average price is $0.86. Get Hong Kong & China Gas alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hong Kong & China Gas A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Hong Kong & China Gas stock. Rhumbline Advisers boosted its stake in shares of Hong Kong & China Gas Co. (OTCMKTS:HOKCY Free Report) by 26.9% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 131,441 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 27,860 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers holdings in Hong Kong & China Gas were worth $107,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Hong Kong & China Gas Company Profile The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, commonly known as Towngas, is a long-established utility and energy services company founded in 1862. It is principally engaged in the production, distribution and sale of town gas and related energy products, serving residential, commercial and industrial customers. Towngas operates through an integrated model that covers gas production facilities, transmission and distribution networks, customer metering and billing, and after-sales services. Core products and services include piped town gas for household and commercial use, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distribution, gas appliances and fittings, and engineering, installation and maintenance services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hong Kong & China Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hong Kong & China Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC lifted its holdings in Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HHH Free Report) by 1,183.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 25,716 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 23,712 shares during the period. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in Howard Hughes were worth $2,113,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in HHH. Huntington National Bank raised its position in Howard Hughes by 15.5% in the second quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 1,079 shares of the companys stock valued at $73,000 after purchasing an additional 145 shares during the period. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System raised its holdings in shares of Howard Hughes by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 33,098 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,234,000 after buying an additional 160 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas lifted its position in Howard Hughes by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 4,962 shares of the companys stock worth $335,000 after acquiring an additional 197 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP boosted its holdings in Howard Hughes by 134.2% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 363 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 208 shares during the period. Finally, California State Teachers Retirement System grew its position in Howard Hughes by 0.7% in the second quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 30,098 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,032,000 after acquiring an additional 217 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.83% of the companys stock. Get Howard Hughes alerts: Howard Hughes Trading Up 0.5% HHH opened at $81.88 on Thursday. Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. has a 12-month low of $61.40 and a 12-month high of $91.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.80, a current ratio of 1.18 and a quick ratio of 1.18. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.86 billion, a PE ratio of 15.96 and a beta of 1.22. The firms fifty day moving average price is $83.53 and its 200 day moving average price is $78.57. Insider Activity at Howard Hughes Howard Hughes ( NYSE:HHH Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported $2.02 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.56 by $0.46. Howard Hughes had a net margin of 14.95% and a return on equity of 11.06%. The company had revenue of $390.24 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $331.52 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.95 EPS. The companys revenue was up 19.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts expect that Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. will post 3.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other news, Director R Scot Sellers bought 5,000 shares of Howard Hughes stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 23rd. The shares were bought at an average price of $77.94 per share, with a total value of $389,700.00. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 67,517 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,262,274.98. This represents a 8.00% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Mary Ann Tighe sold 6,000 shares of Howard Hughes stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $88.83, for a total value of $532,980.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 13,495 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,198,760.85. The trade was a 30.78% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Corporate insiders own 48.00% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Howard Hughes from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Howard Hughes from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 15th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Howard Hughes in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $83.33. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Howard Hughes Howard Hughes Company Profile (Free Report) Howard Hughes Holdings Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a real estate development company in the United States. It operates in four segments: Operating Assets; Master Planned Communities (MPCs); Seaport; and Strategic Developments. The Operating Assets segment consists of developed or acquired retail, office, and multi-family properties along with other retail investments. Its MPCs segment develops, sells, and leases residential and commercial land designated for long-term community development projects in and around Las Vegas, Nevada; Houston, Texas; and Phoenix, Arizona. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Howard Hughes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Howard Hughes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $9.31 and last traded at $9.48, with a volume of 1324692 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $9.61. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have issued reports on HPP shares. New Street Research set a $16.80 price target on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in a report on Monday, October 13th. Mizuho reduced their target price on Hudson Pacific Properties from $21.00 to $15.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, December 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $16.50 target price on Hudson Pacific Properties and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. Zacks Research lowered Hudson Pacific Properties from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Thursday, January 1st. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in a report on Monday, December 29th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $16.31. Get Hudson Pacific Properties alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on HPP Hudson Pacific Properties Price Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 1.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20. The firms 50-day moving average price is $12.28 and its 200-day moving average price is $16.43. The stock has a market capitalization of $514.10 million, a PE ratio of -0.56 and a beta of 1.49. Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE:HPP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.02 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $186.62 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $186.05 million. Hudson Pacific Properties had a negative return on equity of 16.24% and a negative net margin of 59.61%.Hudson Pacific Properties has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.010-0.050 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. will post 0.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Xponance Inc. raised its stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 19.9% in the third quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 29,100 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $80,000 after acquiring an additional 4,821 shares during the period. Pensionfund Sabic bought a new position in Hudson Pacific Properties during the 4th quarter valued at about $59,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its position in Hudson Pacific Properties by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 576,274 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,591,000 after purchasing an additional 5,544 shares during the period. Ballentine Partners LLC raised its position in Hudson Pacific Properties by 25.4% in the 3rd quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 28,201 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $78,000 after purchasing an additional 5,709 shares during the period. Finally, Metis Global Partners LLC lifted its stake in Hudson Pacific Properties by 43.8% in the second quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 23,273 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $64,000 after purchasing an additional 7,090 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 97.58% of the companys stock. About Hudson Pacific Properties (Get Free Report) Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE: HPP) is a self-managed real estate investment trust focused on the acquisition, development and management of high-quality office and studio properties. The companys portfolio spans strategic West Coast markets in the United States and key markets in Canada, providing space for technology, media and creative companies as well as major film and television producers. As an owner and operator of both traditional office buildings and specialized production facilities, Hudson Pacific seeks to deliver stable income through long-term leases and strategic property enhancements. In its office segment, Hudson Pacific targets markets with strong job growth and limited supply, including Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, San Diego and Seattle, as well as Vancouver, British Columbia. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UiPath, Inc. (NYSE:PATH Get Free Report) CEO Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.61, for a total transaction of $747,450.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 28,118,585 shares in the company, valued at $467,049,696.85. The trade was a 0.16% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Daniel Dines also recently made the following trade(s): Get UiPath alerts: On Wednesday, January 14th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.68, for a total transaction of $705,600.00. On Friday, January 9th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.17, for a total value of $772,650.00. On Wednesday, January 7th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.32, for a total value of $779,400.00. On Monday, January 5th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.73, for a total value of $707,850.00. On Friday, January 2nd, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.38, for a total value of $737,100.00. On Wednesday, December 31st, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.55, for a total value of $744,750.00. On Monday, December 29th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.44, for a total value of $739,800.00. On Friday, December 26th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.90, for a total transaction of $760,500.00. On Wednesday, December 24th, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $16.91, for a total transaction of $760,950.00. On Monday, December 22nd, Daniel Dines sold 45,000 shares of UiPath stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.49, for a total transaction of $742,050.00. UiPath Stock Down 3.8% NYSE:PATH opened at $15.37 on Thursday. The companys 50 day moving average price is $15.72 and its 200-day moving average price is $13.89. UiPath, Inc. has a 52 week low of $9.38 and a 52 week high of $19.84. The stock has a market cap of $8.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.58, a PEG ratio of 4.68 and a beta of 1.08. Hedge Funds Weigh In On UiPath UiPath ( NYSE:PATH Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, December 3rd. The company reported $0.16 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.14 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $411.11 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $392.46 million. UiPath had a return on equity of 3.73% and a net margin of 14.79%.UiPaths revenue was up 15.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.11 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that UiPath, Inc. will post -0.17 earnings per share for the current year. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PATH. Hudson Bay Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of UiPath during the 2nd quarter valued at about $102,559,000. Norges Bank bought a new stake in UiPath during the second quarter worth approximately $68,451,000. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of UiPath by 76.0% in the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 11,407,569 shares of the companys stock valued at $145,732,000 after purchasing an additional 4,926,341 shares during the last quarter. TFG Asset Management GP Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of UiPath by 53.3% in the 2nd quarter. TFG Asset Management GP Ltd now owns 13,722,244 shares of the companys stock worth $175,645,000 after purchasing an additional 4,772,244 shares during the period. Finally, Nomura Holdings Inc. bought a new position in shares of UiPath during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $59,561,000. 62.50% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms recently issued reports on PATH. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating on shares of UiPath in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Truist Financial set a $17.00 price objective on shares of UiPath in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. Mizuho raised their price objective on shares of UiPath from $14.00 to $15.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, December 4th. Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of UiPath in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group increased their price target on UiPath from $15.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has assigned a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $16.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on UiPath Key Stories Impacting UiPath Here are the key news stories impacting UiPath this week: Positive Sentiment: UiPaths Screen Agent (powered by Claude Opus 4.5) ranked No.1 on an OSWorld-verified benchmark for agentic automation a tangible product validation that supports commercial & technical differentiation. Business Wire: UiPath Screen Agent Ranking UiPaths Screen Agent (powered by Claude Opus 4.5) ranked No.1 on an OSWorld-verified benchmark for agentic automation a tangible product validation that supports commercial & technical differentiation. Positive Sentiment: Unusually heavy call-option activity: investors bought ~134,459 PATH calls (54% above normal daily call volume), signaling bullish speculative interest or hedging ahead of catalysts. (trade data) Unusually heavy call-option activity: investors bought ~134,459 PATH calls (54% above normal daily call volume), signaling bullish speculative interest or hedging ahead of catalysts. (trade data) Positive Sentiment: Bullish coverage and narratives around AI/automation momentum e.g., a Seeking Alpha piece argues UiPath is positioned to outperform due to re-accelerating revenue and a path to GAAP profitability, which can attract growth-focused buyers. Seeking Alpha: Why UiPath Is Poised To Outperform Bullish coverage and narratives around AI/automation momentum e.g., a Seeking Alpha piece argues UiPath is positioned to outperform due to re-accelerating revenue and a path to GAAP profitability, which can attract growth-focused buyers. Neutral Sentiment: Management outreach/visibility: UiPath presented at the Needham Growth Conference (transcript available) useful for reaffirming guidance and investor Q&A, but not an immediate price driver absent new guidance. Needham Transcript Management outreach/visibility: UiPath presented at the Needham Growth Conference (transcript available) useful for reaffirming guidance and investor Q&A, but not an immediate price driver absent new guidance. Neutral Sentiment: Market positioning and analyst mix remain mixed: institutional inflows and improved momentum metrics are balanced by a MarketBeat consensus Hold and a ~$16 price target implying limited upside from current levels absent stronger guidance or monetization of agentic AI. (market data) Market positioning and analyst mix remain mixed: institutional inflows and improved momentum metrics are balanced by a MarketBeat consensus Hold and a ~$16 price target implying limited upside from current levels absent stronger guidance or monetization of agentic AI. (market data) Negative Sentiment: Insider selling by CEO Daniel Dines: multiple recent blocks of ~45k shares sold across several days (latest filings disclose sales and SEC filing), which can create near-term selling pressure and raise investor concern about timing of sales. SEC filing: Insider Sale Insider selling by CEO Daniel Dines: multiple recent blocks of ~45k shares sold across several days (latest filings disclose sales and SEC filing), which can create near-term selling pressure and raise investor concern about timing of sales. Negative Sentiment: Headline flow noting shares sliding today and elevated volume points to short-term technical/headline-driven selling even as fundamentals show improvement. MSN: Why PATH Shares Are Sliding About UiPath (Get Free Report) UiPath Inc provides an end-to-end automation platform that offers a range of robotic process automation (RPA) solutions primarily in the United States, Romania, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and internationally. The company offers a suite of interrelated software to build, manage, run, engage, measure, and govern automation within the organization. Its platform's embedded AI, ML, and NLP capabilities improve decisioning and information processing; emulate human behavior allows organizations to address a myriad of use cases; emulate human behavior allows organizations to address a myriad of use cases; multi-tenant platform enterprise deployment with security and governance and Automation Cloud, which enables customers to begin automating without the need to provision infrastructure, install applications, or perform additional configurations; intuitive interface and low-code, drag-and-drop functionality; signed to enable people and automations to work together; and tracks, measures, and forecasts the performance of automations, enables customers to gain powerful insights and generate key performance indicators with actionable metric. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for UiPath Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for UiPath and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Flavors & Fragrances (NYSE:IFF Get Free Report) had its price target reduced by investment analysts at BNP Paribas Exane from $91.00 to $89.00 in a note issued to investors on Tuesday,MarketScreener reports. The brokerage presently has an outperform rating on the specialty chemicals companys stock. BNP Paribas Exanes price target suggests a potential upside of 25.82% from the stocks current price. A number of other equities analysts also recently weighed in on IFF. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of International Flavors & Fragrances from $68.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday. Barclays raised their price target on shares of International Flavors & Fragrances from $72.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on International Flavors & Fragrances from $92.00 to $90.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. Argus dropped their price objective on shares of International Flavors & Fragrances from $85.00 to $70.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Berenberg Bank lowered their target price on shares of International Flavors & Fragrances from $78.80 to $78.30 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, September 29th. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $85.49. Get International Flavors & Fragrances alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on International Flavors & Fragrances International Flavors & Fragrances Stock Up 0.8% Shares of IFF traded up $0.56 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $70.74. 1,164,678 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,515,498. International Flavors & Fragrances has a 52 week low of $59.14 and a 52 week high of $88.09. The company has a market cap of $18.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -43.66, a PEG ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 1.04. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $66.63 and a 200 day simple moving average of $66.97. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. International Flavors & Fragrances (NYSE:IFF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The specialty chemicals company reported $1.05 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.02 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $2.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.65 billion. International Flavors & Fragrances had a negative net margin of 3.72% and a positive return on equity of 8.03%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.04 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that International Flavors & Fragrances will post 4.32 EPS for the current year. Institutional Trading of International Flavors & Fragrances A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of IFF. Blue Trust Inc. increased its stake in shares of International Flavors & Fragrances by 7.6% during the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 2,184 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $161,000 after purchasing an additional 155 shares in the last quarter. Rafferty Asset Management LLC grew its position in International Flavors & Fragrances by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. Rafferty Asset Management LLC now owns 21,837 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $1,344,000 after purchasing an additional 158 shares during the period. Clearstead Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of International Flavors & Fragrances by 6.1% during the 3rd quarter. Clearstead Advisors LLC now owns 3,021 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $186,000 after purchasing an additional 173 shares during the last quarter. UMB Bank n.a. boosted its stake in shares of International Flavors & Fragrances by 17.3% during the 2nd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,290 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock worth $95,000 after acquiring an additional 190 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Eastern Bank grew its holdings in International Flavors & Fragrances by 43.9% during the second quarter. Eastern Bank now owns 633 shares of the specialty chemicals companys stock valued at $47,000 after purchasing an additional 193 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 96.02% of the companys stock. International Flavors & Fragrances Company Profile (Get Free Report) International Flavors & Fragrances Inc (NYSE:IFF) is a global leader in the creation and production of flavors, fragrances, cosmetic actives and nutritional lipids. The company develops taste and scent solutions for a wide array of end markets including food and beverage, personal care, household goods and pharmaceutical products. Its portfolio spans natural and nature-identical flavors, fine fragrances, functional ingredients for skin and hair care, and specialty oils that enhance nutritional value and sensory appeal. IFFs research and development network comprises innovation centers in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, where multidisciplinary teams collaborate on aroma chemistry, sensory science and biotechnology. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for International Flavors & Fragrances Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Flavors & Fragrances and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF (NYSEARCA:SPVU Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 6,444 shares, a decline of 56.0% from the December 15th total of 14,637 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 7,475 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.9 days. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 7,475 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.9 days. Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF Stock Up 0.3% Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF stock traded up $0.20 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $58.10. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,060 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,884. The stock has a market capitalization of $117.94 million, a P/E ratio of 12.20 and a beta of 0.96. Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF has a twelve month low of $45.05 and a twelve month high of $58.83. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $56.45 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $54.51. Get Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of SPVU. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF by 18.7% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 243,506 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,668,000 after purchasing an additional 38,352 shares during the period. Armbruster Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF by 3.4% in the second quarter. Armbruster Capital Management Inc. now owns 170,203 shares of the companys stock worth $8,855,000 after buying an additional 5,560 shares during the period. Invesco Ltd. increased its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF by 3.6% in the third quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 164,696 shares of the companys stock worth $9,035,000 after acquiring an additional 5,716 shares in the last quarter. Delta Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF by 2.0% during the third quarter. Delta Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 95,714 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,251,000 after acquiring an additional 1,843 shares during the period. Finally, Lmcg Investments LLC raised its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF by 7.8% during the third quarter. Lmcg Investments LLC now owns 31,386 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,722,000 after acquiring an additional 2,273 shares during the period. About Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF The Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF (SPVU) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P 500 Enhanced Value index. The fund tracks an index of 100 S&P 500 components with the strongest value metrics. SPVU was launched on Oct 9, 2015 and is managed by Invesco. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value 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 Enhanced Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Octavia Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:IMTB Free Report) by 6.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 618,442 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 37,381 shares during the period. iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF makes up approximately 2.7% of Octavia Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 10th biggest holding. Octavia Wealth Advisors LLC owned approximately 10.14% of iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF worth $27,339,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its position in iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF by 3.9% during the second quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 283,154 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,354,000 after purchasing an additional 10,696 shares during the last quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC boosted its holdings in iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF by 10.5% during the 3rd quarter. Global Retirement Partners LLC now owns 143,786 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,356,000 after acquiring an additional 13,653 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF by 261.8% in the second quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 114,349 shares of the companys stock worth $4,989,000 after purchasing an additional 82,745 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in shares of iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF by 27.8% during the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 85,187 shares of the companys stock worth $3,717,000 after acquiring an additional 18,539 shares during the period. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF by 119.7% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 50,156 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,177,000 after purchasing an additional 27,330 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF alerts: iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF Trading Up 0.2% Shares of NYSEARCA:IMTB opened at $44.40 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $44.24 and its 200-day simple moving average is $43.99. iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF has a 12-month low of $42.11 and a 12-month high of $44.69. iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF Company Profile The iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF (IMTB) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in broad credit fixed income. The fund tracks a market value-weighted, USD-denominated broad bond index with maturities between five and ten years. Eligible sectors include US Treasurys, global government-related bonds, global investment-grade and high yield corporate bonds, and emerging market bonds. IMTB was launched on Nov 1, 2016 and is managed by BlackRock. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core 5-10 Year USD Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd lowered its stake in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (NYSEARCA:IGM Free Report) by 7.0% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 95,685 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 7,193 shares during the period. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd owned approximately 0.13% of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF worth $12,052,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Signature Estate & Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 1.7% during the second quarter. Signature Estate & Investment Advisors LLC now owns 1,929,928 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $216,808,000 after purchasing an additional 31,940 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 915.2% in the 3rd quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 1,914,312 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $241,108,000 after buying an additional 1,725,741 shares during the period. WestEnd Advisors LLC acquired a new position in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $224,760,000. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 32.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 1,529,365 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $171,809,000 after acquiring an additional 374,304 shares during the period. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC boosted its holdings in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF by 6.8% during the 3rd quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 969,152 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $122,065,000 after acquiring an additional 61,567 shares during the period. Get iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF alerts: iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA IGM opened at $130.10 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $8.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.08 and a beta of 1.27. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $129.67 and a two-hundred day moving average of $124.10. iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF has a 1-year low of $76.26 and a 1-year high of $135.81. About iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF iShares North American Tech ETF, formerly iShares S&P North American Technology Sector Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, of the United States-traded technology companies, as represented by the S&P North American Technology Sector Index (the Index). The Index has been developed as an equity benchmark for the United States-traded, technology-related stocks. The Fund generally invests at least 90% of its assets in securities of the Index and in depositary receipts representing securities of the Index. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF (NYSEARCA:IBDV Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 518,137 shares, a growth of 305.6% from the December 15th total of 127,741 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,433,533 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Approximately 0.4% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Approximately 0.4% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 1,433,533 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.4 days. Institutional Trading of iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Adirondack Trust Co. boosted its holdings in shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF by 15.2% in the second quarter. Adirondack Trust Co. now owns 105,363 shares of the companys stock worth $2,315,000 after acquiring an additional 13,865 shares during the period. Montecito Bank & Trust bought a new position in iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF during the third quarter valued at approximately $753,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF by 728.4% in the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 31,729 shares of the companys stock worth $703,000 after buying an additional 27,899 shares during the period. Sarver Vrooman Wealth Advisors boosted its position in iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF by 653.1% during the 2nd quarter. Sarver Vrooman Wealth Advisors now owns 9,218 shares of the companys stock valued at $203,000 after buying an additional 7,994 shares during the period. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new stake in iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,368,000. Get iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF alerts: iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA IBDV traded up $0.03 on Wednesday, reaching $22.12. The company had a trading volume of 823,888 shares, compared to its average volume of 942,854. The companys fifty day moving average is $22.09 and its 200-day moving average is $22.06. iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF has a 1-year low of $21.09 and a 1-year high of $22.41. iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF Company Profile The iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF (IBDV) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a Bloomberg index of USD-denominated, investment-grade corporate bonds maturing between Jan 1 and Dec 15, 2029. IBDV was launched on Jun 23, 2020 and is managed by BlackRock. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares iBonds Dec 2030 Term Corporate ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (NYSEARCA:EWC Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $55.30 and last traded at $55.2710, with a volume of 253023 shares. The stock had previously closed at $55.18. iShares MSCI Canada ETF Trading Up 0.2% The stock has a market capitalization of $3.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.77 and a beta of 0.94. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $52.90 and a 200 day moving average price of $50.14. Get iShares MSCI Canada ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of iShares MSCI Canada ETF A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. American National Bank & Trust bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Canada ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Financial Life Planners acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Canada ETF during the third quarter worth $35,000. USA Financial Formulas boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 1,789.2% in the 4th quarter. USA Financial Formulas now owns 1,398 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $75,000 after purchasing an additional 1,324 shares in the last quarter. Huntington National Bank boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 171,000.0% in the 3rd quarter. Huntington National Bank now owns 1,711 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $86,000 after purchasing an additional 1,710 shares in the last quarter. Finally, IFP Advisors Inc grew its stake in iShares MSCI Canada ETF by 74.5% during the 3rd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 2,077 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $105,000 after buying an additional 887 shares during the last quarter. iShares MSCI Canada ETF Company Profile iShares MSCI Canada ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI Canada 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 publicly traded securities in the Canadian market, as measured by the MSCI Canada Index (the Index). The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Canadian equity market. It is a capitalization-weighted index that aims to capture 85% of the (publicly available) total market capitalization. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Canada ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Canada ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Costa has been struggling to compete with cheaper high street rivals - Dan Kitwood Coca-Cola has abandoned plans to sell Costa Coffee after a string of bidders failed to meet the 2bn price tag. A month-long auction for the ailing coffee chain was called off last month, as the US drinks giant failed to reach an agreement with remaining bidders. Asda owner TDR Capital and Bain Capital, which owns Pizza Express and Gails, are said to have been closest to securing the sale, according to the Financial Times. Coca-Cola had been seeking at least 2bn for Costa, which was roughly half of the 3.9bn it originally paid in 2018 to acquire the business from Whitbread, the Premier Inn owner. Previous reports suggested that a deal with TDR would see Coca-Cola retain a minority stake in Costa. Other private equity firms, including Apollo, KKR and Centurium Capital the Australian owner of Chinas Luckin Coffee chain had all dropped out of the running at an earlier stage. Despite the latest failed auction, Coca-Cola has reportedly not ruled out reviving plans to sell Costa, according to the FT. It comes as Costa battles widening losses as the chain struggles to compete with cheaper high street rivals. Companies House filings from the end of last year show operating losses rose from 5.8m to 13.5m in the year to December 2024. It was the chains worst performance since 2021, when Costa was hit by Covid restrictions. Before that, the business regularly posted annual profits between 60m and 100m a year. The company had blamed recent losses on competition from cheaper rivals. Analysis by The Telegraph last month revealed that Costa was more expensive for lattes and cappuccinos than comparable Caffe Nero and Pret a Manger stores, although it was cheaper than Starbucks. Higher coffee bean prices, rising taxes and increasing consumer preference for artisanal coffee shops have compounded Costas woes. James Quincey, Coca-Colas outgoing chief executive, admitted last year that the brand was not where we wanted it to be from an investment hypothesis point of view. In its most recent financial results, Coca-Cola said a 3pc drop in coffee sales was primarily due to the performance of Costa Coffee in the United Kingdom. Coca-Cola was contacted for 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. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Itau Unibanco (NYSE:ITUB Free Report) from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Tuesday morning,Zacks.com reports. ITUB has been the topic of a number of other reports. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Itau Unibanco in a report on Monday, December 29th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on Itau Unibanco from $6.80 to $7.77 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have given a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Itau Unibanco currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $7.77. Get Itau Unibanco alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on ITUB Itau Unibanco Trading Up 0.8% Itau Unibanco Announces Dividend NYSE:ITUB opened at $7.36 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.58, a current ratio of 1.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.33. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $7.28 and a 200-day simple moving average of $6.90. Itau Unibanco has a 52-week low of $4.61 and a 52-week high of $7.89. The company has a market capitalization of $81.47 billion, a PE ratio of 10.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 0.65. The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 11th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 2nd will be given a $0.0032 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 2nd. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. Itau Unibancos payout ratio is presently 4.29%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ITUB. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Itau Unibanco by 3,590.6% during the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 4,318 shares of the banks stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 4,201 shares in the last quarter. MAI Capital Management bought a new stake in shares of Itau Unibanco during the 2nd quarter worth $41,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Itau Unibanco by 332.4% during the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 6,966 shares of the banks stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 5,355 shares during the period. Community Bank N.A. purchased a new position in Itau Unibanco in the 3rd quarter worth about $57,000. Finally, First Horizon Corp acquired a new stake in Itau Unibanco during the third quarter valued at $60,000. About Itau Unibanco (Get Free Report) Itau Unibanco SA (NYSE: ITUB) is a Brazilian banking and financial services conglomerate headquartered in Sao Paulo. The company was formed by the merger of Banco Itau and Unibanco in 2008 and is one of the largest private-sector banks in Brazil and among the leading banks in Latin America. Itau Unibanco is publicly listed in Brazil and maintains an international listing on the New York Stock Exchange. The bank offers a full range of financial products and services across retail, commercial and wholesale banking. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Itau Unibanco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Itau Unibanco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (OTCMKTS:IVPAF Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $12.37 and last traded at $11.8090, with a volume of 18949 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $12.08. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have recently commented on IVPAF shares. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley set a $15.20 price objective on Ivanhoe Mines in a report on Monday, December 15th. Scotiabank upgraded Ivanhoe Mines from a hold rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Jefferies Financial Group lowered Ivanhoe Mines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, December 7th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Ivanhoe Mines in a research report on Wednesday. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $15.20. Get Ivanhoe Mines alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Ivanhoe Mines Ivanhoe Mines Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $16.94 billion and a PE ratio of 54.14. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $10.40 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $9.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a quick ratio of 4.03 and a current ratio of 4.23. Ivanhoe Mines (OTCMKTS:IVPAF Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.02) by $0.04. Ivanhoe Mines had a return on equity of 5.99% and a net margin of 89.02%.The business had revenue of $129.40 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $128.95 million. Ivanhoe Mines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Ivanhoe Mines is a Canada-based mineral exploration and development company focused on unlocking high-value deposits of copper, nickel, zinc, and platinum-group metals. The company pursues a two-pronged strategy of advancing large-scale mining projects through feasibility and development stages while also expanding its exploration footprint. Ivanhoes technical expertise spans geology, engineering, environmental management, and community relations, enabling it to secure the necessary permits and infrastructure for major mine developments. The companys flagship asset is the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a joint venture with the government of the DRC and Zijin Mining. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Ivanhoe Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ivanhoe Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY Get Free Report) insider Eric Allison sold 21,493 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, January 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.84, for a total value of $318,956.12. Following the transaction, the insider owned 702,604 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,426,643.36. This represents a 2.97% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Eric Allison also recently made the following trade(s): Get Joby Aviation alerts: On Friday, January 2nd, Eric Allison sold 5,447 shares of Joby Aviation stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.51, for a total transaction of $73,588.97. On Tuesday, December 30th, Eric Allison sold 32,448 shares of Joby Aviation stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.25, for a total transaction of $429,936.00. Joby Aviation Trading Up 2.1% NYSE:JOBY traded up $0.30 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $15.11. The stock had a trading volume of 20,695,715 shares, compared to its average volume of 28,610,189. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $14.53 and a 200-day simple moving average of $15.17. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.78 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.28 and a beta of 2.56. Joby Aviation, Inc. has a 52 week low of $4.96 and a 52 week high of $20.95. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Joby Aviation Joby Aviation ( NYSE:JOBY Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported ($0.48) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.19) by ($0.29). The business had revenue of $22.57 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.02 million. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7962.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned ($0.21) EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Joby Aviation, Inc. will post -0.69 earnings per share for the current year. A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in JOBY. CWM LLC raised its stake in Joby Aviation by 8.1% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 9,156 shares of the companys stock valued at $97,000 after purchasing an additional 689 shares during the period. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Joby Aviation by 22.5% during the third quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 3,794 shares of the companys stock valued at $61,000 after buying an additional 697 shares in the last quarter. Asset Planning Inc raised its position in Joby Aviation by 70.0% during the third quarter. Asset Planning Inc now owns 1,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 700 shares during the period. GoalVest Advisory LLC lifted its stake in Joby Aviation by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC now owns 33,500 shares of the companys stock worth $442,000 after acquiring an additional 700 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans lifted its stake in Joby Aviation by 4.6% in the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 16,705 shares of the companys stock worth $270,000 after acquiring an additional 736 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 52.85% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets JOBY has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Joby Aviation from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Joby Aviation in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and set a $22.00 target price on shares of Joby Aviation in a report on Thursday, November 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Joby Aviation from $7.00 to $8.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, HC Wainwright reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Joby Aviation in a research report on Monday, November 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of $13.43. Get Our Latest Stock Report on JOBY Trending Headlines about Joby Aviation Here are the key news stories impacting Joby Aviation this week: Positive Sentiment: Joby will expand manufacturing capacity with an acquisition of a new Ohio facility the move should help scale production and shorten time-to-delivery as Joby ramps toward commercial service, supporting longterm revenue and margin improvement. Read More. Joby will expand manufacturing capacity with an acquisition of a new Ohio facility the move should help scale production and shorten time-to-delivery as Joby ramps toward commercial service, supporting longterm revenue and margin improvement. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Joby partnered with Metropolis to build 25 vertiports across the U.S., a key infrastructure deal that derisks market access and supports launch plans for its airtaxi service this increases the credibility of nearterm commercialization and potential localized recurring revenue streams. Read More. Joby partnered with Metropolis to build 25 vertiports across the U.S., a key infrastructure deal that derisks market access and supports launch plans for its airtaxi service this increases the credibility of nearterm commercialization and potential localized recurring revenue streams. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Multiple insiders (including CEO Joeben Bevirt, CFO Rodrigo Brumana and several senior executives) sold shares across filings on Jan. 1314 aggregating into sizable, public reductions of insider positions. While insider sales can reflect diversification or liquidity needs, the breadth and scale of the transactions can be interpreted as a nearterm negative signal by investors. See representative SEC Form 4 filing (CEO). Read More. Joby Aviation Company Profile (Get Free Report) Joby Aviation Inc is an aerospace company focused on developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility. The companys core mission is to provide zero-emission aerial ridesharing services, combining the speed of helicopters with the cost efficiency and environmental benefits of electric propulsion. Jobys eVTOL design emphasizes low noise profiles and high reliability, positioning the company to address congestion challenges in major metropolitan areas. The companys flagship aircraft is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers, offering point-to-point travel at speeds competitive with ground transportation. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Joby Aviation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Joby Aviation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Klingman & Associates LLC decreased its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 0.8% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 507,621 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,148 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF accounts for about 17.1% of Klingman & Associates LLCs portfolio, making the stock its biggest position. Klingman & Associates LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $339,751,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Nvwm LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 210.5% during the 2nd quarter. Nvwm LLC now owns 59 shares of the companys stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Hager Investment Management Services LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $61,000. Rice Partnership LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 460.0% during the second quarter. Rice Partnership LLC now owns 112 shares of the companys stock worth $70,000 after purchasing an additional 92 shares during the period. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC bought a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the second quarter valued at about $80,000. Finally, Missouri Trust & Investment Co increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 33.0% in the second quarter. Missouri Trust & Investment Co now owns 133 shares of the companys stock valued at $83,000 after purchasing an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. 70.12% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Trading Down 0.5% Shares of IVV opened at $693.49 on Thursday. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 1 year low of $484.00 and a 1 year high of $699.17. The stock has a market cap of $760.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.10 and a beta of 1.00. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $684.02 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $663.50. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Company Profile iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. The component stocks are weighted according to the total float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lenovo Group Ltd. (OTCMKTS:LNVGY Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Monday . Approximately 603,974 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 142% from the previous sessions volume of 249,182 shares.The stock last traded at $23.05 and had previously closed at $23.01. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently weighed in on LNVGY shares. Zacks Research downgraded Lenovo Group from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of Lenovo Group from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Reduce. Get Lenovo Group alerts: View Our Latest Report on Lenovo Group Lenovo Group Price Performance The stock has a market cap of $14.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.54 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a current ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $25.09 and its 200-day simple moving average is $27.12. Lenovo Group (OTCMKTS:LNVGY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The technology company reported $0.75 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.60 by $0.15. Lenovo Group had a net margin of 2.17% and a return on equity of 28.15%. The business had revenue of $20.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.09 billion. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Lenovo Group Ltd. will post 2.06 EPS for the current year. Lenovo Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Lenovo Group is a multinational technology company known primarily for the design, manufacture and sale of personal computers, servers, storage and smart devices. Its product portfolio spans consumer and commercial PCs (notable brands include ThinkPad, IdeaPad, Yoga and Legion), workstations, enterprise-class ThinkSystem servers and storage, as well as tablets, smartphones (notably through its Motorola Mobility acquisition), smart home devices and related software. Lenovo also provides IT services and solutions, including systems integration, managed services and lifecycle support for enterprise customers. The company traces its origins to 1984 when it was founded in Beijing as Legend by Liu Chuanzhi; it later adopted the Lenovo name and expanded through a series of strategic acquisitions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Lenovo Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lenovo Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Scotiabank upgraded shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) (NYSE:LAR Free Report) from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday morning, MarketBeat reports. Scotiabank currently has $7.75 price objective on the stock, up from their previous price objective of $4.25. Several other brokerages have also recently issued reports on LAR. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) in a report on Wednesday, December 24th. Zacks Research raised Lithium Americas (Argentina) from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, September 15th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Lithium Americas (Argentina) from $6.00 to $8.50 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, National Bankshares upped their price objective on Lithium Americas (Argentina) from $4.75 to $6.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, December 19th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Lithium Americas (Argentina) has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $7.01. Get Lithium Americas (Argentina) alerts: Get Our Latest Report on LAR Lithium Americas (Argentina) Stock Up 2.7% Lithium Americas (Argentina) stock opened at $8.37 on Monday. Lithium Americas has a one year low of $1.71 and a one year high of $8.67. The businesss fifty day moving average is $5.45 and its 200 day moving average is $4.10. Lithium Americas (Argentina) (NYSE:LAR Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The company reported ($0.02) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.01) by ($0.01). As a group, research analysts anticipate that Lithium Americas will post -0.05 EPS for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lithium Americas (Argentina) A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Cibc World Market Inc. lifted its position in Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 2.3% during the third quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 128,053 shares of the companys stock valued at $428,000 after purchasing an additional 2,940 shares in the last quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. lifted its position in shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Brown Advisory Inc. now owns 103,636 shares of the companys stock valued at $216,000 after buying an additional 3,000 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. lifted its position in shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 14.1% during the 2nd quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 26,030 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,000 after buying an additional 3,214 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its stake in shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 45.3% during the 3rd quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 11,388 shares of the companys stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 3,552 shares during the period. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its holdings in Lithium Americas (Argentina) by 7.1% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 54,020 shares of the companys stock worth $112,000 after acquiring an additional 3,575 shares in the last quarter. 49.17% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Lithium Americas (Argentina) (Get Free Report) Lithium Americas (Argentina) is a subsidiary of Lithium Americas Corp. focused on the exploration, development and production of lithium brine resources in the Jujuy province of northwest Argentina. The companys principal asset is the Cauchari-Olaroz project, situated within the Lithium Triangle, one of the worlds richest regions for lithium-bearing brines. Through its Argentine operations, Lithium Americas aims to supply battery-grade lithium carbonate critical to electric vehicle and energy-storage markets. The Cauchari-Olaroz project encompasses concessions on the Salar de Cauchari and Salar de Olaroz salt flats, where detailed drilling programs and pilotscale evaporation ponds have demonstrated favorable lithium concentrations. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lithium Americas (Argentina) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lithium Americas (Argentina) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Scotiabank upgraded shares of Lithium Americas (Argentina) (TSE:LAR Free Report) from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report sent to investors on Monday,Zacks.com reports. Lithium Americas (Argentina) Stock Up 2.3% TSE:LAR opened at C$11.61 on Monday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of C$7.56 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$5.68. The firm has a market capitalization of C$1.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -23.22 and a beta of 1.91. Lithium Americas has a 1-year low of C$2.36 and a 1-year high of C$12.03. Get Lithium Americas (Argentina) alerts: Lithium Americas (Argentina) (TSE:LAR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The company reported C($0.40) EPS for the quarter. About Lithium Americas (Argentina) Lithium Argentina is an emerging producer of lithium carbonate for use primarily in lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles. The Company, in partnership with Ganfeng operates the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium brine operation in the Jujuy province of Argentina and advancing the PPG Project in the Salta province of Argentina. Lithium Argentina currently trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange ( TSX ) and the New York Stock Exchange ( NYSE ) under the ticker LAR. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Lithium Americas (Argentina) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lithium Americas (Argentina) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC cut its holdings in shares of Snap-On Incorporated (NYSE:SNA Free Report) by 28.5% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 9,241 shares of the companys stock after selling 3,687 shares during the quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Snap-On were worth $3,202,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Tobam purchased a new stake in Snap-On in the second quarter valued at $29,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Snap-On during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC raised its position in Snap-On by 97.9% in the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 95 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 47 shares in the last quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Snap-On by 52.8% in the second quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 110 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 38 shares during the period. Finally, SJS Investment Consulting Inc. lifted its position in shares of Snap-On by 1,880.0% during the 3rd quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. now owns 99 shares of the companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares during the period. 84.88% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Snap-On alerts: Snap-On Trading Up 0.4% NYSE:SNA opened at $362.13 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $345.99 and its two-hundred day moving average is $336.02. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.83 billion, a PE ratio of 18.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.53 and a beta of 0.80. Snap-On Incorporated has a 12 month low of $289.81 and a 12 month high of $366.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a current ratio of 4.40 and a quick ratio of 3.37. Snap-On Increases Dividend Snap-On ( NYSE:SNA Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The company reported $4.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.59 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $1.19 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.16 billion. Snap-On had a return on equity of 17.71% and a net margin of 21.08%.The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $4.70 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that Snap-On Incorporated will post 19.79 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 21st were given a $2.44 dividend. This represents a $9.76 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.7%. This is a positive change from Snap-Ons previous quarterly dividend of $2.14. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 21st. Snap-Ons dividend payout ratio is 51.18%. Insider Activity In other news, SVP Jesus Arregui sold 3,831 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $337.28, for a total transaction of $1,292,119.68. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 2,642 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $891,093.76. The trade was a 59.18% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Nicholas T. Pinchuk sold 22,607 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $339.15, for a total transaction of $7,667,164.05. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 826,364 shares of the companys stock, valued at $280,261,350.60. This trade represents a 2.66% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 40,036 shares of company stock worth $13,710,988. Company insiders own 3.90% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have commented on SNA shares. Barrington Research reiterated an outperform rating and set a $350.00 target price on shares of Snap-On in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Snap-On in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Snap-On from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, October 18th. Robert W. Baird raised their price objective on Snap-On from $355.00 to $365.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Roth Capital reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $385.00 price objective on shares of Snap-On in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Snap-On has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $365.00. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Snap-On About Snap-On (Free Report) SnapOn Incorporated (NYSE: SNA) is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostic equipment, repair information and shop equipment for professional users. The companys product range includes hand and power tools, tool storage and cabinets, diagnostic scan tools and software, shop equipment such as lifts and tire changers, and specialized specialty tools for automotive, aviation, marine and industrial applications. SnapOn also offers information and workflow solutions that combine diagnostic data, repair procedures and parts information to support professional technicians. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin, SnapOn has established a long history in the professional tools market. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Snap-On Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Snap-On and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Matson, Inc. (NYSE:MATX Get Free Report)s share price gapped up prior to trading on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $131.92, but opened at $141.70. Matson shares last traded at $141.8890, with a volume of 41,829 shares trading hands. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have issued reports on MATX. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Matson in a report on Monday, December 29th. Wolfe Research reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $167.00 price target on shares of Matson in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Stephens raised their price target on shares of Matson from $160.00 to $180.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Two 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, Matson currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $148.00. Get Matson alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on MATX Matson Stock Performance The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $117.79 and a 200 day moving average price of $108.87. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.83 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. The firm has a market cap of $4.43 billion, a PE ratio of 10.81 and a beta of 1.33. Matson (NYSE:MATX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The shipping company reported $4.24 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.25 by $0.99. The firm had revenue of $880.10 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $837.72 million. Matson had a net margin of 12.70% and a return on equity of 16.23%. Matsons revenue was down 8.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $5.89 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Matson, Inc. will post 13.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Matson Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, December 4th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 6th were issued a $0.36 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 6th. This represents a $1.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. Matsons dividend payout ratio is currently 10.96%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Matson A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of MATX. Millennium Management LLC increased its stake in Matson by 144.9% during the 3rd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 455,133 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $44,872,000 after buying an additional 269,310 shares during the period. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. acquired a new position in Matson during the 3rd quarter worth $26,415,000. William Blair Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Matson during the 2nd quarter worth about $21,037,000. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its position in Matson by 27.9% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 590,763 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $65,770,000 after purchasing an additional 128,994 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC acquired a new stake in Matson in the 2nd quarter valued at about $14,183,000. 84.76% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Matson (Get Free Report) Matson, Inc (NYSE: MATX) is a U.S.-based provider of ocean transportation and supply chain logistics services with a focus on Pacific trade lanes. The company operates a fleet of container ships that regularly service Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Micronesia and other Pacific islands, as well as mainland U.S. ports. Matsons ocean transportation segment offers scheduled liner services, expedited shipping options and specialized project cargo handling for industries ranging from retail to heavy machinery. In addition to its core liner operations, Matson offers ocean transportation services between Asia and the U.S. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Matson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Matson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. McGraw Hills (NYSE:MH Get Free Report) lock-up period will expire on Tuesday, January 20th. McGraw Hill had issued 24,390,000 shares in its IPO on July 24th. The total size of the offering was $414,630,000 based on an initial share price of $17.00. After the end of the companys lock-up period, company insiders and major shareholders will be able to sell their shares of the company. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades MH has been the topic of a number of research reports. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of McGraw Hill from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. BMO Capital Markets dropped their price objective on shares of McGraw Hill from $25.00 to $21.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of McGraw Hill from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 17th. BTIG Research boosted their target price on McGraw Hill from $19.00 to $22.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Finally, Zacks Research lowered McGraw Hill from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, McGraw Hill has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $20.63. Get McGraw Hill alerts: View Our Latest Report on MH McGraw Hill Price Performance MH opened at $15.01 on Thursday. McGraw Hill has a fifty-two week low of $10.69 and a fifty-two week high of $18.00. The firm has a market cap of $2.87 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.72. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.52. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $16.11. McGraw Hill (NYSE:MH Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $1.40 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by $1.05. The company had revenue of $669.19 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $638.76 million. McGraw Hills quarterly revenue was down 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director Steven Reinemund acquired 15,710 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, November 14th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $15.03 per share, with a total value of $236,121.30. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 15,710 shares of the companys stock, valued at $236,121.30. The trade was a increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Hedge Funds Weigh In On McGraw Hill A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Peregrine Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in McGraw Hill in the third quarter worth about $3,443,000. American Century Companies Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of McGraw Hill during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $37,786,000. Ghisallo Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of McGraw Hill during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $3,138,000. Centiva Capital LP bought a new stake in shares of McGraw Hill in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $242,000. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. purchased a new position in McGraw Hill in the third quarter valued at approximately $14,600,000. About McGraw Hill (Get Free Report) McGraw Hill (NYSE:MH) is a global learning science company specializing in educational content, digital learning platforms, and assessment solutions. The company offers textbooks and course materials for K-12 and higher education, along with professional development resources for corporate and workforce training. Its digital solutionsincluding adaptive learning platforms and analytics-driven toolssupport personalized instruction, progress tracking, and interactive engagement in both classroom and remote environments. Founded in 1888 in New York City, McGraw Hill has evolved from a technical periodical publisher into one of the worlds leading providers of educational content and technology. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for McGraw Hill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McGraw Hill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Perron said Cogeco expects materially improving financial trends for its U.S. business beginning in the second half of the fiscal year. Management also noted that Moodys and S&P recently improved their outlook on the companys debt, while DBRS reaffirmed a stable outlook. Cogeco is still ramping new sales channels and marketing capabilities and plans to launch an oxio-like fully digital second brand in the U.S. next month. The company is selectively upgrading its network in what it described as a capital-efficient manner, including a launch of 2.5 gigabit speeds during the quarter. In about half of Cogecos U.S. footprint, penetration remains below 20%, which management views as a growth runway that can offset losses elsewhere. CEO Fred Perron told investors that Cogecos U.S. turnaround is working, citing a second consecutive quarter of improved subscriber trends and our best U.S. customer metrics in the past 15 quarters. He said the companys ambition has shifted from localized improvement to a broader goal of repeatable customer growth across its U.S. footprint, though he cautioned that this will not be achieved as soon as next quarter. Cogeco Communications (TSE:CCA) reported first-quarter fiscal 2026 results that management said were in line with its plan and left the company on track to deliver full-year guidance across key performance indicators. On the earnings call, executives pointed to continued improvement in U.S. subscriber trends as the centerpiece of a turnaround effort, while Canadian operations posted stable revenue and positive EBITDA growth. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of CAD 0.987 per share, up 7% year-over-year. Consolidated results showed revenue down 4.9% and adjusted EBITDA down 3.7% in constant currency, the company maintained its fiscal 2026 guidance , declared a quarterly dividend of CAD 0.987 (up 7%), and is prioritizing debt reduction with a target to revisit buybacks once leverage and cash visibility improve. Canadian operations remain stable with positive yearoveryear EBITDA and 8,900 internet adds in Q1, though management expects more modest wireline customer growth in Q2 due to heightened competition and some network-permitting delays. U.S. turnaround is gaining traction with improved internet-subscriber trends (best customer metrics in 15 quarters), selective network upgrades and a new digital brand, and management expects materially improving U.S. financial trends in the back half of fiscal 2026. Story Continues Canadian operations: stable revenue, modest near-term pressure expected AMD Rebound Begins: Its Not Too Late to Get In In Canada, Cogeco said performance remains solid and resilient, with positive year-over-year EBITDA trends. CFO Patrice Ouimet reported that Cogeco Connexions revenue was stable in the quarter, reflecting a higher internet subscriber base alongside lower revenue per customer from fewer video and wireline phone subscribers. The business added 8,900 internet subscribers during the quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for Cogeco Connexion rose 2% in constant currency, which management attributed to stable revenue and lower operating expenses tied to cost reduction initiatives and operating efficiencies from its three-year transformation program. The company added 1,100 home passes in the quarter, mainly with fiber to the home under a network expansion program. 3 Data Center Beneficiaries Raising Dividends Up to 60% Looking to the second quarter, Perron said wireline competitive intensity got a little heated in some markets during Black Friday and through the holidays. As a result, Cogeco expects more modest wireline customer growth in Q2, though management characterized the impact as manageable from a revenue perspective. Perron said oxio continues to perform strongly, while network expansion programs in Ontario have been delayed by permitting issues. On competitive dynamics, Perron told analysts fixed wireless access (FWA) is not having a meaningful impact, based on churn tracking, but said the market is seeing experimentation with resale and promotions. He added that a big chunk of resale activity shows up as wholesale revenue for Cogeco. U.S. results: revenue and EBITDA declines, but improved internet subscriber trends In the U.S., Cogecos Breezeline unit posted a 9.9% revenue decline in constant currency, which Ouimet attributed to the cumulative decline in the subscriber base over the past year, a smaller rate increase than the prior year, and a competitive pricing environment. Adjusted EBITDA fell 9.1% in constant currency, mainly due to lower revenue, partially offset by lower operating expenses tied to cost initiatives and efficiencies. Cogeco reported a 1,100 decline in internet subscribers in the U.S. during the quarter, which management described as a significant improvement over the prior quarter and the prior year. In Ohio, Breezeline recorded 2,600 net internet subscriber additions, which Ouimet said marked its best quarter since Cogeco acquired the business four years ago. Executives said they expect U.S. results in the second quarter to be broadly similar to Q1, but they see improvement in the back half of the year. Ouimet cited customer trend improvements, price increases that take effect in different periods in January (expected to influence Q3 and Q4), and a set of cost and revenue measures planned for the second half. Perron described those initiatives as quantified and on track. Ouimet added that it is a good assumption that the U.S. business could trend toward a more neutral year-over-year EBITDA position later in the year, but said it is still early to forecast individual quarters. Management also pushed back on the notion that subscriber improvements are being driven primarily by aggressive acquisition pricing. Perron said the year-over-year decline in U.S. revenue per unit is mainly tied to cord cutting, noting that video carries higher revenue but very little margins. He said improvements in customer metrics reflect execution, including strengthened sales channels, targeting in lower-penetration areas, and simplified pricing as opposed to reducing it. Consolidated performance, cash flow, leverage, and outlook At Cogeco Communications, consolidated revenue declined 4.9% in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA declined 3.7%, with Canada partially offsetting U.S. weakness. Diluted earnings per share fell 12.2%, which management attributed mainly to a one-time gain recorded in the prior year tied to a sale-and-leaseback transaction, as well as lower adjusted EBITDA. Capital intensity rose to 22.2% from 20.4% a year earlier, though Ouimet said the company remains on track to meet its annual capital expenditure guidance. Free cash flow in constant currency declined 15.9% in the quarter, mainly due to proceeds received in the prior year from the sale-and-leaseback transaction. The net debt-to-EBITDA ratio ended the quarter at 3.2 turns, up slightly from 3.1 turns in fiscal Q4, and the company reiterated its target of maintaining leverage in the low three-times range. Cogeco maintained its fiscal 2026 annual guidelines, first provided in October. For the upcoming second quarter, management expects consolidated revenue and EBITDA in constant currency to decline in the low- to mid-single digits year-over-year, driven by the U.S. business. Ouimet said financing expense and acquisition integration and restructuring costs should be similar to Q1, while depreciation expense is expected to be slightly lower. At the parent company Cogeco Inc., management said results were largely explained by Cogeco Communications performance, while media operations revenue rose 8.1% year-over-year on growth in digital advertising solutions. Executives also highlighted the Commission for Complaints for Telecom and Television Services report ranking Cogeco as the best Canadian telecommunications company for customer complaint reduction across brands, citing a 15% reduction in complaints year-over-year and a 25% reduction in billing complaints, along with no breaches to the Internet Code. On capital allocation, Ouimet said Cogeco remains focused on reducing debt through fiscal 2026. However, he indicated that once leverage targets are achieved and free cash flow visibility improves, the company expects to revisit how it uses excess cash, including the potential to resume share buybacks, which it has run for many years in the past. About Cogeco Communications (TSE:CCA) Cogeco Communications Inc is a communication corporation. The company is a cable operator in North America operating in Canada. It provides residential and business customers with internet, video, and telephony services with broadband fibre networks. The reportable segments of the company are Canadian broadband services and American broadband services. In internet services, the company offers internet packages with download speeds of up to 120mbps. In video services, the company provides digital tier services, pay-per-view channels, video on-demand services, and 4k television, and telephony services include using internet protocol to transport digitized voice signals. The article "Cogeco Communications Q1 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. Meritage Portfolio Management trimmed its stake in Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR Free Report) by 11.5% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 92,903 shares of the energy companys stock after selling 12,102 shares during the period. Meritage Portfolio Managements holdings in Matador Resources were worth $4,174,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its position in Matador Resources by 1,104.8% during the first quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 2,012 shares of the energy companys stock worth $103,000 after buying an additional 1,845 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Matador Resources by 361.3% during the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 881 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 690 shares during the period. NBC Securities Inc. raised its stake in shares of Matador Resources by 113.4% in the second quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 15,896 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $758,000 after purchasing an additional 8,447 shares in the last quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB lifted its position in Matador Resources by 93.0% in the second quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 554 shares of the energy companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 267 shares during the period. Finally, Pallas Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Matador Resources during the second quarter worth $325,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.98% of the companys stock. Get Matador Resources alerts: Matador Resources Stock Performance NYSE MTDR opened at $43.57 on Thursday. Matador Resources Company has a 1-year low of $35.19 and a 1-year high of $64.04. The company has a 50 day moving average of $42.05 and a 200-day moving average of $45.21. The company has a current ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The firm has a market cap of $5.41 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.96 and a beta of 1.09. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Matador Resources ( NYSE:MTDR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The energy company reported $1.36 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.22 by $0.14. Matador Resources had a return on equity of 14.80% and a net margin of 20.46%.The business had revenue of $939.02 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $893.22 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.89 EPS. Matador Resourcess revenue for the quarter was up 4.4% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Matador Resources Company will post 8.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Mizuho increased their price objective on shares of Matador Resources from $67.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Bank of America lowered their target price on shares of Matador Resources from $55.00 to $50.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on Matador Resources from $71.00 to $61.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on Matador Resources from $62.00 to $61.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Raymond James Financial reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $55.00 price target (down previously from $63.00) on shares of Matador Resources in a research note on Monday, October 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have issued a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $60.08. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on MTDR Insider Activity at Matador Resources In other Matador Resources news, Director Susan M. Ward bought 5,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The stock was bought at an average cost of $39.04 per share, for a total transaction of $195,200.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director owned 14,923 shares in the company, valued at $582,593.92. This represents a 50.39% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Van H. Singleton II purchased 1,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $39.46 per share, with a total value of $39,460.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider directly owned 292,418 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,538,814.28. The trade was a 0.34% increase in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this purchase provides additional information. In the last ninety days, insiders have purchased 37,346 shares of company stock valued at $1,463,396. 5.80% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Matador Resources Profile (Free Report) Matador Resources Company is an independent energy firm primarily engaged in the exploration, development and production of oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and natural gas. The company focuses on upstream operations, utilizing horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques to unlock hydrocarbons from key reservoirs. Its asset base includes both operated and nonoperated positions, with a particular emphasis on the Permian Basin, one of the most prolific oil-producing regions in North America. Matadors core operations are concentrated in the Delaware Basin segment of the Permian Basin, where it holds substantial acreage in both Reeves and Culberson counties in West Texas and Eddy and Lea counties in New Mexico. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MTDR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Matador Resources Company (NYSE:MTDR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Matador Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Matador Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. M&G plc (LON:MNG Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as GBX 300.20 and last traded at GBX 300.04, with a volume of 4158151 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 293.60. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on MNG shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on M&G from GBX 305 to GBX 315 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Berenberg Bank raised M&G to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the company from GBX 225 to GBX 342 in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a GBX 265 price target on shares of M&G in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, UBS Group lowered M&G to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the stock from GBX 275 to GBX 290 in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of GBX 282.83. Get M&G alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on M&G M&G Trading Up 1.8% M&G Company Profile The company has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 277.91 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 265.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 218.70, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a current ratio of 0.40. The stock has a market cap of 7.09 billion, a P/E ratio of -119.60, a P/E/G ratio of -2.76 and a beta of 1.47. (Get Free Report) M&G plc is a leading savings and investments business, managing investments for both individuals and for large institutional investors, such as pension funds, around the world. We have a single corporate identity, M&G plc, and two customer-facing brands: Prudential and M&G Investments. Prudential offers savings and insurance for customers in the UK and Europe and for asset management in South Africa. M&G Investments manages assets for clients globally. With roots stretching back more than 170 years, we have a long history of finding innovative solutions for our customers changing needs. See Also Receive News & Ratings for M&G Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for M&G and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MGO One Seven LLC lessened its holdings in Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO Free Report) by 54.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 16,815 shares of the companys stock after selling 19,728 shares during the quarter. MGO One Seven LLCs holdings in Oklo were worth $1,877,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Black Swift Group LLC bought a new position in Oklo in the second quarter valued at approximately $280,000. Bouvel Investment Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Oklo in the 2nd quarter valued at $2,263,000. Prospera Financial Services Inc boosted its position in shares of Oklo by 10.0% in the 2nd quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 51,435 shares of the companys stock worth $2,880,000 after purchasing an additional 4,678 shares during the last quarter. Wealthedge Investment Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Oklo in the 2nd quarter worth $738,000. Finally, Strs Ohio acquired a new stake in shares of Oklo during the second quarter worth $1,069,000. 85.03% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Oklo alerts: Key Headlines Impacting Oklo Here are the key news stories impacting Oklo this week: Oklo Stock Down 1.2% Oklo stock opened at $95.93 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $92.13 and a 200-day moving average of $93.90. Oklo Inc. has a twelve month low of $17.42 and a twelve month high of $193.84. The stock has a market capitalization of $14.99 billion, a PE ratio of -177.64 and a beta of 0.76. Oklo (NYSE:OKLO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported ($0.20) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.13) by ($0.07). During the same period last year, the business posted ($0.08) EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Oklo Inc. will post -8.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have weighed in on OKLO. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $122.00 target price on shares of Oklo in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Canaccord Genuity Group began coverage on shares of Oklo in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $175.00 price target on the stock. UBS Group reissued a neutral rating on shares of Oklo in a research note on Monday. The Goldman Sachs Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $106.00 target price on shares of Oklo in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Barclays set a $146.00 price target on shares of Oklo in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $102.13. Get Our Latest Report on OKLO Insider Activity In other news, CEO Jacob Dewitte sold 26,740 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $111.38, for a total value of $2,978,301.20. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 808,197 shares in the company, valued at $90,016,981.86. The trade was a 3.20% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Richard Craig Bealmear sold 5,159 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.97, for a total value of $397,088.23. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 196,913 shares of the companys stock, valued at $15,156,393.61. This represents a 2.55% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold a total of 1,552,800 shares of company stock worth $137,543,426 in the last three months. Company insiders own 18.90% of the companys stock. About Oklo (Free Report) Oklo, Inc is a California-based energy technology company specializing in the design and development of advanced nuclear microreactors. Headquartered in Fremont, the firm focuses on small modular reactor (SMR) technology that leverages fast-neutron fission and liquid-metal cooling to deliver carbon-free power. Oklos core objective is to bring compact, factory-built reactors online within a decade, offering a low-footprint alternative to traditional large nuclear plants. The companys flagship product, the Aurora microreactor, is a 1.5-megawatt electric (MWe) fast reactor cooled by a sodium alloy. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OKLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Oklo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oklo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Natuzzi, S.p.A. (NYSE:NTZ Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 1,655 shares, a decrease of 58.5% from the December 15th total of 3,987 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 13,718 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average daily volume of 13,718 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (e+) rating on shares of Natuzzi in a research report on Monday, December 29th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Natuzzi presently has a consensus rating of Sell. Get Natuzzi alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on NTZ Natuzzi Stock Performance Shares of Natuzzi stock traded down $0.07 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $3.10. The stock had a trading volume of 2,374 shares, compared to its average volume of 18,151. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $2.62 and a two-hundred day moving average of $2.91. Natuzzi has a 12-month low of $2.15 and a 12-month high of $5.50. Natuzzi (NYSE:NTZ Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 20th. The company reported ($0.64) earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $92.29 million during the quarter. Natuzzi had a negative return on equity of 38.57% and a negative net margin of 6.12%. Institutional Trading of Natuzzi Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Citadel Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Natuzzi in the third quarter valued at about $36,000. Benjamin Edwards Inc. raised its stake in shares of Natuzzi by 27.5% in the 2nd quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 178,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $648,000 after acquiring an additional 38,350 shares during the period. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC purchased a new position in shares of Natuzzi during the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,817,000. Finally, Kanen Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Natuzzi by 5.8% during the 1st quarter. Kanen Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,763,136 shares of the companys stock worth $8,657,000 after purchasing an additional 96,890 shares during the period. 6.07% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Natuzzi Company Profile (Get Free Report) Natuzzi S.p.A. is a global design and manufacturing company specializing in high-quality upholstered furniture. The companys product portfolio includes leather and fabric sofas, armchairs, recliners, sectional systems and complementary home furnishings such as coffee tables, beds and accessories. Natuzzi markets its offerings under two primary brandsNatuzzi Italia, which focuses on contemporary Italian design, and Natuzzi Editions, which provides a broader range of styles at accessible price points. Founded in 1959 by Pasquale Natuzzi in Santeramo in Colle, Italy, the company began as a small artisan workshop and has grown into the worlds largest producer of leather upholstered furniture. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Natuzzi Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Natuzzi and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Navios Maritime Partners (NYSE:NMM Get Free Report) and BW LPG (NYSE:BWLP Get Free Report) are both small-cap transportation companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their earnings, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, institutional ownership, profitability and dividends. Institutional and Insider Ownership 62.7% of Navios Maritime Partners shares are owned by institutional investors. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Navios Maritime Partners alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Navios Maritime Partners and BW LPGs revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Navios Maritime Partners $1.33 billion 1.27 $367.31 million $8.73 6.54 BW LPG $3.56 billion 0.53 $354.30 million $1.13 12.61 Navios Maritime Partners has higher earnings, but lower revenue than BW LPG. Navios Maritime Partners is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than BW LPG, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Navios Maritime Partners and BW LPGs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Navios Maritime Partners 20.04% 8.69% 4.74% BW LPG 4.57% 8.78% 5.04% Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of recent ratings for Navios Maritime Partners and BW LPG, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Navios Maritime Partners 0 1 0 0 2.00 BW LPG 0 1 2 0 2.67 Dividends Navios Maritime Partners pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.4%. BW LPG pays an annual dividend of $1.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 11.2%. Navios Maritime Partners pays out 2.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. BW LPG pays out 141.6% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Summary BW LPG beats Navios Maritime Partners on 7 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About Navios Maritime Partners (Get Free Report) Navios Maritime Partners L.P. owns and operates dry cargo vessels in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. The company offers seaborne transportation services for a range of liquid and dry cargo commodities, including crude oil, refined petroleum, chemicals, iron ore, coal, grain, fertilizer, and containers, as well as charters its vessels under short, medium, and longer-term charters. Navios Maritime Partners L.P. was founded in 2007 and is based in Monaco. About BW LPG (Get Free Report) BW LPG Limited, an investment holding company, engages in ship owning and chartering activities worldwide. The company operates through Shipping and Product Services segments. The company involved in the transportation of liquefied petroleum gas to oil companies, and trading and utility companies. It also offers integrated liquified petroleum gas (LPG) delivery services and support; wholesale and trade of LPG; and management services. It owns and operates LPG vessels and a fleet of very large gas carriers. The company was formerly known as BW Gas LPG Holding Limited and changed its name to BW LPG Limited in September 2013. BW LPG Limited was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in Singapore. Receive News & Ratings for Navios Maritime Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Navios Maritime Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Investment Management AB lifted its position in Portland General Electric Company (NYSE:POR Free Report) by 25.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,605,974 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 325,787 shares during the quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB owned approximately 1.47% of Portland General Electric worth $70,518,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. IFP Advisors Inc grew its position in Portland General Electric by 1,291.7% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 668 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $27,000 after acquiring an additional 620 shares in the last quarter. S.A. Mason LLC purchased a new position in shares of Portland General Electric in the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Bell Investment Advisors Inc boosted its stake in shares of Portland General Electric by 80.6% in the second quarter. Bell Investment Advisors Inc now owns 829 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $34,000 after purchasing an additional 370 shares during the period. Tompkins Financial Corp grew its holdings in shares of Portland General Electric by 83.3% in the second quarter. Tompkins Financial Corp now owns 1,100 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Portland General Electric during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $51,000. Get Portland General Electric alerts: Portland General Electric Stock Up 0.8% Portland General Electric stock opened at $49.26 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $5.54 billion, a PE ratio of 17.91, a P/E/G ratio of 4.28 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.95. The stocks fifty day moving average is $48.84 and its two-hundred day moving average is $44.89. Portland General Electric Company has a 1-year low of $39.54 and a 1-year high of $51.14. Portland General Electric Announces Dividend Portland General Electric ( NYSE:POR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The utilities provider reported $1.00 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.98 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $952.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $975.64 million. Portland General Electric had a return on equity of 8.32% and a net margin of 8.63%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.90 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Portland General Electric Company will post 3.21 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 22nd will be given a $0.525 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 22nd. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.3%. Portland General Electrics dividend payout ratio is 76.36%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have commented on POR. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of Portland General Electric in a research report on Monday, October 27th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $45.00 price target for the company. UBS Group decreased their target price on Portland General Electric from $51.00 to $49.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Loop Capital set a $48.00 price target on Portland General Electric in a report on Tuesday, December 30th. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Portland General Electric in a research report on Tuesday, December 30th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Portland General Electric from $47.00 to $49.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Portland General Electric currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $47.58. Read Our Latest Research Report on Portland General Electric Portland General Electric Company Profile (Free Report) Portland General Electric (NYSE:POR) is an investor-owned electric utility headquartered in Tigard, Oregon, with roots tracing back to the late 19th century. The company generates, transmits and distributes electricity to residential, commercial and industrial customers across a broad territory in Oregon, primarily encompassing the Portland metropolitan area and surrounding regions. As one of Oregons largest electric utilities, Portland General Electric operates a diverse portfolio of generation assets, including hydroelectric facilities, natural gasfired plants and renewable energy sources. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding POR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Portland General Electric Company (NYSE:POR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Portland General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Portland General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Investment Management AB lowered its stake in Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE:TAP Free Report) by 4.6% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 643,332 shares of the companys stock after selling 30,882 shares during the period. Nordea Investment Management ABs holdings in Molson Coors Beverage were worth $28,693,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the stock. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its stake in Molson Coors Beverage by 32.9% during the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 800 shares of the companys stock worth $49,000 after buying an additional 198 shares in the last quarter. Signet Financial Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. Signet Financial Management LLC now owns 5,757 shares of the companys stock worth $277,000 after acquiring an additional 208 shares during the period. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 64.2% during the 2nd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 565 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Molson Coors Beverage by 1.1% in the second quarter. Yousif Capital Management LLC now owns 19,531 shares of the companys stock valued at $939,000 after acquiring an additional 222 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Penserra Capital Management LLC raised its position in Molson Coors Beverage by 1.7% during the second quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 15,699 shares of the companys stock valued at $754,000 after purchasing an additional 257 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.46% of the companys stock. Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have weighed in on TAP. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d) rating on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a report on Monday, December 29th. Roth Capital reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $65.00 price objective (down from $67.00) on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their target price on Molson Coors Beverage from $51.00 to $48.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group dropped their target price on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $67.00 to $57.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their price target on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $54.00 to $50.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $53.79. Molson Coors Beverage Stock Performance NYSE:TAP opened at $50.44 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $46.72 and its 200-day moving average is $47.76. The stock has a market cap of $9.97 billion, a P/E ratio of -4.72 and a beta of 0.45. Molson Coors Beverage Company has a 1-year low of $42.94 and a 1-year high of $64.66. The company has a current ratio of 0.60, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $1.67 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.72 by ($0.05). Molson Coors Beverage had a negative net margin of 15.89% and a positive return on equity of 8.78%. The business had revenue of $2.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.02 billion. Molson Coors Beverage has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.360-5.360 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Molson Coors Beverage Company will post 6.35 earnings per share for the current year. Molson Coors Beverage Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th were given a $0.47 dividend. This represents a $1.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 5th. Molson Coors Beverages payout ratio is -17.60%. Insider Transactions at Molson Coors Beverage In related news, Director Andrew Thomas Molson acquired 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $46.79 per share, with a total value of $350,925.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 22,654 shares in the company, valued at $1,059,980.66. The trade was a 49.49% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, Director David S. Coors bought 2,245 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $44.47 per share, with a total value of $99,835.15. Following the transaction, the director directly owned 30,586 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,360,159.42. This trade represents a 7.92% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. 2.71% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Molson Coors Beverage Profile (Free Report) Molson Coors Beverage Company is a leading multinational brewing and beverage enterprise formed through the 2005 merger of Canadas Molson and the United States Coors. The company develops, markets and distributes an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, focusing primarily on beer and ready-to-drink products. Its portfolio spans flagship brands such as Coors Light, Molson Canadian and Miller Lite, alongside craft-style offerings like Blue Moon and global imports including Carling and Staropramen. In addition to its core beer business, Molson Coors has expanded into adjacent categories to capture evolving consumer tastes. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TAP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Molson Coors Beverage Company (NYSE:TAP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Molson Coors Beverage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molson Coors Beverage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Octavia Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 17.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 119,540 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 17,543 shares during the quarter. Altria Group comprises approximately 0.8% of Octavia Wealth Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 27th biggest position. Octavia Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $8,024,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of MO. Global X Japan Co. Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Altria Group in the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Carderock Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Altria Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Darwin Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Altria Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Country Trust Bank boosted its stake in Altria Group by 400.0% during the 2nd quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 500 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Anfield Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Altria Group by 334.7% in the 2nd quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 539 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 415 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 57.41% of the companys stock. Get Altria Group alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently commented on MO shares. UBS Group raised Altria Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price objective for the company from $61.00 to $63.00 in a research report on Friday, January 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price target on shares of Altria Group from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Altria Group in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $62.56. Altria Group Price Performance Shares of Altria Group stock opened at $61.47 on Thursday. Altria Group, Inc. has a 1-year low of $50.08 and a 1-year high of $68.60. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $58.19 and its 200-day simple moving average is $61.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $103.19 billion, a PE ratio of 11.73, a P/E/G ratio of 3.34 and a beta of 0.47. Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.45 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.01. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 319.43% and a net margin of 37.89%.The company had revenue of $5.25 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.31 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.38 earnings per share. Altria Groups quarterly revenue was down 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Altria Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.370-5.45 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.32 EPS for the current year. Altria Group announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock buyback program on Thursday, October 30th that permits the company to buyback $2.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to purchase up to 1.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are generally a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. Altria Group Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th were issued a $1.06 dividend. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.9%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. Altria Groups payout ratio is currently 80.92%. Altria Group Profile (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc (NYSE: MO) is a U.S.-based consumer goods company whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the companys operations are focused primarily on the U.S. market and include the production, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Its flagship cigarette franchise in the United States is sold through its operating subsidiaries and is among the most recognizable cigarette brands in the country. Altrias principal operating businesses include Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), U.S. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Octavia Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:AIT Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 2,062 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $538,000. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Hantz Financial Services Inc. boosted its holdings in Applied Industrial Technologies by 2,033.3% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 128 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 122 shares during the period. Maseco LLP purchased a new position in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies in the second quarter valued at $35,000. First Horizon Corp purchased a new position in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies in the third quarter valued at $47,000. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in Applied Industrial Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at $72,000. Finally, DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main purchased a new stake in Applied Industrial Technologies during the 2nd quarter worth $81,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.52% of the companys stock. Get Applied Industrial Technologies alerts: Applied Industrial Technologies Price Performance NYSE AIT opened at $277.53 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 3.55, a quick ratio of 2.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30. Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. has a 1 year low of $199.96 and a 1 year high of $281.63. The company has a market cap of $10.47 billion, a PE ratio of 26.71, a PEG ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 0.87. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $259.01 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $259.44. Applied Industrial Technologies Announces Dividend Applied Industrial Technologies ( NYSE:AIT Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $2.63 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.47 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $1.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.19 billion. Applied Industrial Technologies had a net margin of 8.61% and a return on equity of 21.86%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.36 EPS. Applied Industrial Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 10.100-10.850 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. will post 9.9 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a $0.46 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. Applied Industrial Technologiess payout ratio is currently 17.71%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities analysts have weighed in on AIT shares. Mizuho set a $305.00 price objective on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $287.50. Read Our Latest Report on Applied Industrial Technologies Applied Industrial Technologies Profile (Free Report) Applied Industrial Technologies, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIT, is a leading distributor of industrial products and services. The company offers a comprehensive range of bearings, power transmission components, fluid power products, industrial rubber products, and automation solutions. Through its network of distribution centers and branch locations, Applied Industrial Technologies serves diverse end markets including manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, food and beverage, and wastewater treatment. Founded in 1923 and headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Applied Industrial Technologies has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AIT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:AIT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Applied Industrial Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Applied Industrial Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO Get Free Report) shares were down 4.6% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $91.38 and last traded at $91.55. Approximately 11,146,229 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 27% from the average daily volume of 15,302,351 shares. The stock had previously closed at $95.97. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have commented on OKLO. Canaccord Genuity Group began coverage on shares of Oklo in a report on Thursday, October 9th. They issued a buy rating and a $175.00 price objective for the company. Zacks Research raised shares of Oklo from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, November 19th. William Blair reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Oklo in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and issued a $122.00 target price on shares of Oklo in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. Finally, Wedbush reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Oklo in a report on Friday, January 9th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Oklo has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $102.13. Get Oklo alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Oklo Oklo Stock Performance The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $92.13 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $93.90. The stock has a market cap of $14.30 billion, a P/E ratio of -169.54 and a beta of 0.76. Oklo (NYSE:OKLO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported ($0.20) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.13) by ($0.07). During the same quarter last year, the company posted ($0.08) EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Oklo Inc. will post -8.2 EPS for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CEO Jacob Dewitte sold 26,740 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, January 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.38, for a total value of $2,978,301.20. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 808,197 shares in the company, valued at $90,016,981.86. This trade represents a 3.20% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Richard Craig Bealmear sold 5,159 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $76.97, for a total value of $397,088.23. Following the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 196,913 shares in the company, valued at approximately $15,156,393.61. The trade was a 2.55% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 1,552,800 shares of company stock valued at $137,543,426. Company insiders own 18.90% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of OKLO. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. lifted its holdings in Oklo by 71.8% in the 3rd quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 7,102,234 shares of the companys stock valued at $792,822,000 after acquiring an additional 2,968,981 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Oklo by 33.4% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,593,468 shares of the companys stock worth $1,294,179,000 after purchasing an additional 2,901,909 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp lifted its stake in Oklo by 454.5% during the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,138,658 shares of the companys stock valued at $119,743,000 after purchasing an additional 1,752,946 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Oklo by 195.9% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,248,425 shares of the companys stock worth $125,906,000 after buying an additional 1,488,482 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp grew its position in Oklo by 61.0% in the third quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 3,474,993 shares of the companys stock worth $387,914,000 after buying an additional 1,316,867 shares during the last quarter. 85.03% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Oklo (Get Free Report) Oklo, Inc is a California-based energy technology company specializing in the design and development of advanced nuclear microreactors. Headquartered in Fremont, the firm focuses on small modular reactor (SMR) technology that leverages fast-neutron fission and liquid-metal cooling to deliver carbon-free power. Oklos core objective is to bring compact, factory-built reactors online within a decade, offering a low-footprint alternative to traditional large nuclear plants. The companys flagship product, the Aurora microreactor, is a 1.5-megawatt electric (MWe) fast reactor cooled by a sodium alloy. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Oklo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oklo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. In Canada, Perron described performance as solid and resilient with positive year-over-year EBITDA trends and continued customer growth. He cautioned, however, that wireline competition got a little heated during Black Friday and the holidays, leading management to expect more modest wireline customer growth in the second quarter, though the impact was described as manageable from a revenue perspective. He also emphasized what he described as structural opportunity in the U.S. market, including low penetration in parts of the footprint. In half of our U.S. footprint, our penetration is still below 20%, Perron said, adding that the company is selectively upgrading its network and launched 2.5 gigabit speeds during the quarter. He said Breezeline is also ramping sales channels, strengthening marketing capabilities, and plans to launch an oxio-like fully digital second brand in the U.S. next month. President and CEO Frederic Perron said Cogecos U.S. turnaround is working, noting that subscriber trends improved for a second consecutive quarter and produced the companys best U.S. customer metrics in the past 15 quarters. Perron said the companys goal is now to grow the customer base across its entire U.S. footprint on a repeatable basis, building on progress in Ohio. Cogeco (TSE:CGO) executives said first-quarter fiscal 2026 results were in line with our plan and reiterated full-year guidance, while pointing to improving customer metrics in the companys U.S. operations and steady performance in Canada. Consolidated results and outlook maintained: Consolidated revenue fell ~4.9% and adjusted EBITDA ~3.7% (EPS down 12.2%), free cash flow declined ~15.9%, net debt/EBITDA was 3.2x, the quarterly dividend was raised 7% to CAD 0.987, and management reiterated full-year fiscal 2026 guidance. Canada stable with modest growth: Cogeco Connexion reported stable revenue and a 2% increase in adjusted EBITDA (constant currency), adding 8,900 internet subscribers and expanding fiber-to-the-home, while wireless sales are exceeding expectations though not disclosed and near-term wireline adds may be modest. U.S. turnaround showing traction: Breezeline delivered its best U.S. customer metrics in 15 quarters with improving subscriber trends (Ohio a standout), but revenue fell ~9.9% and adjusted EBITDA declined ~9.1% in Q1 management expects more meaningful improvement in the second half of fiscal 2026 and is "trending towards" a neutral U.S. EBITDA by year-end. Story Continues Canada: stable revenue, higher EBITDA, and internet adds AMD Rebound Begins: Its Not Too Late to Get In Chief Financial Officer Patrice Ouimet said Cogeco Connexions Canadian revenue was stable in the first quarter. The company added 8,900 internet subscribers, though that was offset by lower revenue per customer due to fewer video and wireline phone subscribers. Adjusted EBITDA in Canada increased 2% in constant currency, driven by stable revenue and lower operating expenses. Ouimet attributed the expense performance mainly to cost reduction initiatives and operating efficiencies tied to the companys three-year transformation program. Cogeco added 1,100 homes passed in the quarter, mainly with fiber to the home, under a network expansion program. 3 Data Center Beneficiaries Raising Dividends Up to 60% On wireless in Canada, Perron said subscriber growth is going really well, but the company does not disclose wireless subscriber totals. He added that promotional pullbacks have already occurred as sales have exceeded internal expectations, and reiterated that management does not expect wireless to have a material short-term impact on the bottom line. U.S.: revenue and EBITDA declines, but subscriber trends improve In the U.S., Ouimet said Breezelines revenue declined 9.9% in constant currency, citing the cumulative subscriber base decline over the past year, smaller rate increases versus the prior year, and a competitive pricing environment. Internet subscribers declined by 1,100 in the quarter, which management characterized as a significant improvement versus both the prior quarter and the prior year. Ouimet highlighted Ohio as a bright spot, where internet subscriber additions totaled 2,600, described as the regions best quarter since Cogeco acquired the business four years ago. Adjusted EBITDA in the U.S. declined 9.1% in constant currency, mainly due to lower revenue, partially offset by lower operating expenses from cost reductions and operating efficiencies. Ouimet noted that the year-ago first quarter represented the highest adjusted EBITDA level of all quarters in fiscal 2025, creating a tougher comparison. During the Q&A, management said it expects the U.S. business in the second quarter to be in a similar position to the first quarter, with more meaningful improvement expected in the second half of fiscal 2026. Ouimet pointed to price increases starting in January that would have greater impact in Q3 and Q4, as well as cost improvements and revenue initiatives coming online in the second half. Perron said those initiatives are quantified and on track. Asked whether U.S. EBITDA could approach a neutral year-over-year position by year-end, Ouimet said it was still a bit early days to speak to individual quarters, but described trending towards a neutral position in later quarters as a good assumption. Consolidated results, dividends, leverage, and outlook For Cogeco Communications on a consolidated basis, Ouimet reported revenue declined 4.9% in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA declined 3.7%, with U.S. declines partially offset by growth in Canada. Diluted earnings per share declined 12.2%, which Ouimet said was mainly due to a one-time gain in the prior year from a sale-and-leaseback transaction as well as lower adjusted EBITDA. Capital intensity was 22.2% versus 20.4% a year earlier, though management said it remains on track to meet full-year capital spending guidance. Free cash flow in constant currency declined 15.9%, driven mainly by proceeds received in the prior year from the sale-and-leaseback transaction. Net debt to EBITDA ended the quarter at 3.2 turns, up slightly from 3.1 in Q4. Ouimet said the company continues to target leverage in the low three turns range. Cogeco declared a quarterly dividend of CAD 0.987 per share, up 7% year over year. At Cogeco Inc., revenue decreased 4.5% in constant currency and adjusted EBITDA declined 3.1%, reflecting Cogeco Communications results. Media operations revenue increased 8.1% year over year, driven by growth in digital advertising solutions, and Cogeco Inc. also declared a quarterly dividend of CAD 0.987 per share, up 7% year over year. Management maintained its annual fiscal 2026 financial guidelines for both Cogeco Communications and Cogeco Inc. For Q2, Ouimet said consolidated revenue and EBITDA in constant currency are expected to decline in the low to mid-single digits year over year, driven by the U.S. business, while reiterating expectations for much stronger U.S. financial performance in the second half. About Cogeco (TSE:CGO) Cogeco Inc is a telecommunications company. The company has two reportable operating segments, namely Canadian broadband services and American broadband services. The Canadian and American broadband services segments provide a wide range of Internet, video, and telephony services primarily to residential customers, as well as business services across their coverage areas. The Canadian broadband services activities are carried out by Cogeco Connexion in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario and the American broadband services activities are carried out by Atlantic Broadband in 12 states. The article "Cogeco Q1 Earnings Call Highlights" was originally published by MarketBeat. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd raised its stake in shares of Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR Free Report) by 9.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 45,022 shares of the conglomerates stock after acquiring an additional 3,840 shares during the quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltds holdings in Danaher were worth $8,922,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Norges Bank acquired a new position in Danaher in the second quarter valued at about $1,979,503,000. Viking Global Investors LP raised its stake in shares of Danaher by 543.9% in the second quarter. Viking Global Investors LP now owns 2,907,515 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $574,351,000 after acquiring an additional 2,455,994 shares during the last quarter. Generation Investment Management LLP raised its stake in shares of Danaher by 56.2% in the second quarter. Generation Investment Management LLP now owns 4,965,646 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $980,914,000 after acquiring an additional 1,787,522 shares during the last quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA boosted its holdings in shares of Danaher by 924.2% in the 2nd quarter. Primecap Management Co. CA now owns 1,239,320 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $244,815,000 after acquiring an additional 1,118,318 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in Danaher by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 60,769,587 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $12,004,424,000 after acquiring an additional 788,499 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.05% of the companys stock. Get Danaher alerts: Insider Activity In other Danaher news, SVP Georgeann Couchara sold 5,174 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.42, for a total value of $1,088,713.08. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 2,625 shares in the company, valued at approximately $552,352.50. This trade represents a 66.34% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, SVP Brian W. Ellis sold 21,776 shares of Danaher stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $219.23, for a total transaction of $4,773,952.48. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 14,553 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,190,454.19. This represents a 59.94% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 30,248 shares of company stock valued at $6,609,663 in the last ninety days. 11.10% of the stock is owned by insiders. Danaher Trading Up 1.0% Shares of NYSE DHR opened at $237.92 on Thursday. Danaher Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $171.00 and a fifty-two week high of $258.23. The firm has a market capitalization of $168.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 49.05, a P/E/G ratio of 4.19 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 1.52 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $227.21 and its 200 day simple moving average is $211.39. Danaher (NYSE:DHR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, October 20th. The conglomerate reported $1.89 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.72 by $0.17. Danaher had a net margin of 14.44% and a return on equity of 10.92%. The company had revenue of $6.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.71 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Danaher Corporation will post 7.63 EPS for the current year. Danaher Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be given a dividend of $0.32 per share. This represents a $1.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 26th. Danahers payout ratio is presently 26.39%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have commented on DHR shares. Wall Street Zen raised Danaher from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 22nd. Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Danaher in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. KeyCorp restated an overweight rating on shares of Danaher in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Danaher in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. They set a buy rating and a $265.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Rothschild & Co Redburn reissued a neutral rating and set a $220.00 price target (down from $245.00) on shares of Danaher in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Twenty-one research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $250.96. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Danaher Danaher Company Profile (Free Report) Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) is a global science and technology company that designs, manufactures and markets products and services for the life sciences, diagnostics, and environmental and applied markets. The company organizes its operations into business segments focused on Life Sciences, Diagnostics, and Environmental & Applied Solutions, supplying instruments, reagents, software and related services that support research, clinical testing, biopharmaceutical development, and industrial and environmental monitoring. Products and services in Danahers portfolio include analytical and diagnostic instruments, laboratory consumables and reagents, digital and software solutions for workflow and data management, field and industrial monitoring equipment, and service and maintenance programs. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Danaher Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Danaher and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Procyon Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH Free Report) by 158,565.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 5,069,374 shares of the industrial products companys stock after purchasing an additional 5,066,179 shares during the period. Parker-Hannifin makes up approximately 69.6% of Procyon Advisors LLCs portfolio, making the stock its largest position. Procyon Advisors LLCs holdings in Parker-Hannifin were worth $3,843,346,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PH. Quadrant Capital Group LLC increased its holdings in Parker-Hannifin by 20.1% in the second quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 3,610 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,521,000 after buying an additional 604 shares in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich purchased a new stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $733,000. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 0.9% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 11,125,240 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $7,770,646,000 after acquiring an additional 101,476 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its holdings in shares of Parker-Hannifin by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,075,234 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,449,496,000 after acquiring an additional 14,534 shares during the period. Finally, AXA S.A. increased its stake in Parker-Hannifin by 61.1% in the 2nd quarter. AXA S.A. now owns 152,118 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $106,250,000 after purchasing an additional 57,670 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.44% of the companys stock. Get Parker-Hannifin alerts: Parker-Hannifin Price Performance NYSE:PH opened at $935.75 on Thursday. Parker-Hannifin Corporation has a 12-month low of $488.45 and a 12-month high of $939.97. The firm has a market cap of $118.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.26 and a beta of 1.25. The companys 50-day moving average is $873.21 and its two-hundred day moving average is $788.01. The company has a current ratio of 1.07, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. Parker-Hannifin Dividend Announcement Parker-Hannifin ( NYSE:PH Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $7.22 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.62 by $0.60. Parker-Hannifin had a return on equity of 27.23% and a net margin of 18.17%.The company had revenue of $5.08 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.94 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $6.20 EPS. Parker-Hannifins revenue was up 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. Parker-Hannifin has set its FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS. Research analysts expect that Parker-Hannifin Corporation will post 26.71 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th were given a dividend of $1.80 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 7th. This represents a $7.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.8%. Parker-Hannifins dividend payout ratio is 25.65%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have weighed in on the company. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on Parker-Hannifin from $850.00 to $869.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their target price on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $900.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $925.00 to $1,000.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Robert W. Baird increased their price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $930.00 to $960.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 12th. Seventeen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Parker-Hannifin has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $944.33. Get Our Latest Report on Parker-Hannifin Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, VP Rachid Bendali sold 1,437 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $852.99, for a total transaction of $1,225,746.63. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 2,714 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,315,014.86. This represents a 34.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, VP Berend Bracht sold 3,507 shares of Parker-Hannifin stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $864.58, for a total transaction of $3,032,082.06. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 2,580 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,230,616.40. This trade represents a 57.61% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 7,432 shares of company stock valued at $6,484,116. Insiders own 0.32% of the companys stock. About Parker-Hannifin (Free Report) Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE: PH) is a global manufacturer and provider of motion and control technologies and systems. The company designs, manufactures and services a broad range of engineered components and systems used to control the movement and flow of liquids, gases and hydraulic power. Its product portfolio is applied across demanding environments and includes solutions for industrial manufacturing, aerospace, mobile equipment and other engineered applications. Parker-Hannifins product and service offerings span hydraulic and pneumatic components, fittings and fluid connectors, valves, pumps and motors, electromechanical actuators and motion-control systems, filtration and separation products, and seals and sealing systems. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Parker-Hannifin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parker-Hannifin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC lowered its holdings in Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR Free Report) by 39.8% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 3,384 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 2,238 shares during the quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Piper Sandler Companies were worth $1,174,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PIPR. CENTRAL TRUST Co acquired a new stake in Piper Sandler Companies during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Piper Sandler Companies during the second quarter worth $31,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc raised its stake in shares of Piper Sandler Companies by 48.1% in the second quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 114 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,000 after acquiring an additional 37 shares in the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC purchased a new position in Piper Sandler Companies in the third quarter valued at $41,000. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Piper Sandler Companies by 46.6% in the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 170 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 54 shares during the period. 72.79% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Piper Sandler Companies alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PIPR has been the topic of several recent research reports. Zacks Research downgraded Piper Sandler Companies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, December 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group upgraded shares of Piper Sandler Companies from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the stock from $368.00 to $386.00 in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Piper Sandler Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Sunday, October 12th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Piper Sandler Companies in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wolfe Research reissued an outperform rating and issued a $398.00 price objective on shares of Piper Sandler Companies in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Two equities research analysts have 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 and an average target price of $392.00. Insider Buying and Selling at Piper Sandler Companies In other Piper Sandler Companies news, President Debbra L. Schoneman sold 2,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $330.33, for a total transaction of $825,825.00. Following the transaction, the president owned 2,896 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $956,635.68. This trade represents a 46.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Chad R. Abraham sold 4,400 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $337.60, for a total value of $1,485,440.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 53,558 shares of the companys stock, valued at $18,081,180.80. The trade was a 7.59% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 11,267 shares of company stock worth $3,763,746 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 2.70% of the companys stock. Piper Sandler Companies Stock Up 0.9% PIPR stock opened at $360.71 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $343.22 and a 200 day moving average price of $333.40. The stock has a market cap of $6.38 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.18 and a beta of 1.54. Piper Sandler Companies has a fifty-two week low of $202.91 and a fifty-two week high of $374.77. Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The financial services provider reported $3.82 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.96 by $0.86. Piper Sandler Companies had a net margin of 13.73% and a return on equity of 19.91%. The company had revenue of $455.31 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $408.40 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $2.57 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 33.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Piper Sandler Companies will post 14.14 EPS for the current year. Piper Sandler Companies Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 12th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 25th were given a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, November 25th. This represents a $2.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.8%. Piper Sandler Companiess payout ratio is 21.10%. Piper Sandler Companies Profile (Free Report) Piper Sandler Companies is a leading investment bank and asset management firm headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The company offers a comprehensive suite of financial services, including investment banking, institutional brokerage, public finance, and equity research. Its investment banking division advises corporate and government clients on mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, and debt financings, while its institutional brokerage arm provides trade execution and market-making services across equities and fixed income markets. Founded through the legacy of Piper Jaffray & Co and strengthened by the 2020 combination with Sandler ONeill & Partners, Piper Sandler traces its roots back to the late 19th century. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PIPR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Piper Sandler Companies (NYSE:PIPR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Piper Sandler Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Piper Sandler Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Envirotech Vehicles, Datavault AI, and Sidus Space are the three Penny stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Penny stocks are shares of very small public companies that trade at low pricestypically under $5 per share in the U.S.and are often quoted on over-the-counter marketplaces rather than major exchanges. They tend to be highly speculative and illiquid, with large bidask spreads and greater susceptibility to volatility and fraud, making them risky investments. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Penny stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Envirotech Vehicles (EVTV) Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. manufactures and provides zero-emission electric vehicles in the United States. It offers Class 2 through logistics vans; class 4 through urban trucks, school buses, electric forklifts, street sweepers, neighborhood electric vehicles, and right-hand drive vans and urban trucks. Datavault AI (DVLT) Datavault AI Inc., a data sciences technology company, owns and operates data management and supercomputer platforms. It offers data technology and software solutions. The company was formerly known as WiSA Technologies, Inc. and changed its name to Datavault AI Inc. in February 2025. Datavault AI Inc. Read Our Latest Research Report on DVLT Sidus Space (SIDU) Sidus Space, Inc., a space-as-a-service company, engages in the design, manufacture, launch, and data collection of commercial satellite worldwide. Its space services include satellite/space hardware manufacturing; Low Earth Orbit (LEO) launch and deployment services; and space-based geospatial intel, imagery, and data analytics. Read Our Latest Research Report on SIDU Further Reading Regional Management Corp. (NYSE:RM Get Free Report) major shareholder Fund L.P. Forager sold 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.25, for a total transaction of $19,625.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 1,020,072 shares in the company, valued at $40,037,826. This trade represents a 0.05% 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. Major shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys shares are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Fund L.P. Forager also recently made the following trade(s): Get Regional Management alerts: On Tuesday, January 13th, Fund L.P. Forager sold 809 shares of Regional Management stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $38.62, for a total value of $31,243.58. On Friday, January 9th, Fund L.P. Forager sold 21,561 shares of Regional Management stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.96, for a total transaction of $840,016.56. On Thursday, January 8th, Fund L.P. Forager sold 18,294 shares of Regional Management stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.79, for a total transaction of $709,624.26. On Wednesday, January 7th, Fund L.P. Forager sold 300 shares of Regional Management stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.05, for a total transaction of $11,715.00. On Tuesday, January 6th, Fund L.P. Forager sold 7,576 shares of Regional Management stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.88, for a total transaction of $294,554.88. On Monday, January 5th, Fund L.P. Forager sold 8,827 shares of Regional Management stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.09, for a total transaction of $353,874.43. On Friday, January 2nd, Fund L.P. Forager sold 7,968 shares of Regional Management stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.93, for a total value of $310,194.24. Regional Management Trading Down 1.1% Regional Management stock traded down $0.44 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $37.97. The companys stock had a trading volume of 47,147 shares, compared to its average volume of 45,837. The stocks fifty day moving average is $38.37 and its two-hundred day moving average is $38.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $368.64 million, a PE ratio of 9.19 and a beta of 1.07. Regional Management Corp. has a 1 year low of $25.41 and a 1 year high of $46.00. Regional Management Dividend Announcement Regional Management ( NYSE:RM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The credit services provider reported $1.42 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.39 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $165.49 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $162.84 million. Regional Management had a return on equity of 11.43% and a net margin of 6.57%. On average, equities analysts expect that Regional Management Corp. will post 4.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Investors of record on Tuesday, November 25th were issued a $0.30 dividend. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.2%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, November 25th. Regional Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 29.06%. Analysts Set New Price Targets RM has been the topic of several research reports. Wall Street Zen raised Regional Management from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, January 3rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Regional Management in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Regional Management from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, January 5th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Regional Management has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $30.00. View Our Latest Report on Regional Management Institutional Investors Weigh In On Regional Management Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of RM. Tieton Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Regional Management by 18.6% during the 2nd quarter. Tieton Capital Management LLC now owns 295,081 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $8,619,000 after buying an additional 46,380 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its holdings in Regional Management by 45.5% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 194,374 shares of the credit services providers stock valued at $5,853,000 after acquiring an additional 60,744 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its position in Regional Management by 5.2% during the second quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 163,990 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $4,788,000 after acquiring an additional 8,105 shares during the last quarter. Forager Capital Management LLC raised its position in Regional Management by 20.7% during the second quarter. Forager Capital Management LLC now owns 1,085,098 shares of the credit services providers stock worth $31,696,000 after acquiring an additional 186,072 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Regional Management in the second quarter valued at about $388,000. 98.89% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Regional Management (Get Free Report) Regional Management Corp., headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a consumer finance company specializing in installment loan products for underbanked individuals. Since its founding in 1977, the company has developed a network of field-based branches alongside a digital platform to offer credit solutions in rural and small-town markets across the United States. The companys core offerings include consumer installment loans for everyday purchases, auto refinancing and lease buyouts, as well as ancillary services such as insurance referrals. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Regional Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Regional Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A number of research firms have changed their ratings and price targets for Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE: AEM): 1/14/2026 Agnico Eagle Mines had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Raymond James Financial, Inc.. They now have a $225.00 price target on the stock. 1/12/2026 Agnico Eagle Mines was downgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a buy (a-) rating to a buy (b) rating. 1/11/2026 Agnico Eagle Mines was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating. 1/3/2026 Agnico Eagle Mines was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating. 12/29/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines had its buy (a-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/22/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines had its buy (a-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/15/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines had its buy (a-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/10/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines was downgraded by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating. They now have a $205.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $185.00. 12/8/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines had its buy (a-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/7/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines was given a new $189.00 price target on by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc.. 12/4/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Research from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating. 12/2/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines had its buy (a-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/1/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines had its price target raised by analysts at UBS Group AG from $180.00 to $190.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 11/30/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating. 11/26/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines had its buy (a-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/22/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating. 11/20/2025 Agnico Eagle Mines had its buy (a-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 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 Receive News & Ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Limited Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Agnico Eagle Mines Limited and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Retirement Planning Group LLC bought a new stake in Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report) in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund bought 2,882 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $1,318,000. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. bought a new stake in Deere & Company during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Howard Hughes Medical Institute bought a new position in Deere & Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Marshall & Sullivan Inc. WA acquired a new position in shares of Deere & Company in the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Center for Financial Planning Inc. increased its position in shares of Deere & Company by 406.7% during the second quarter. Center for Financial Planning Inc. now owns 76 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Toth Financial Advisory Corp increased its position in shares of Deere & Company by 182.1% during the second quarter. Toth Financial Advisory Corp now owns 79 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.58% of the companys stock. Get Deere & Company alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Deere & Company In related news, CEO John C. May II sold 41,472 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $501.49, for a total transaction of $20,797,793.28. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 117,970 shares in the company, valued at approximately $59,160,775.30. The trade was a 26.01% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.29% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on DE shares. Daiwa Capital Markets reduced their target price on shares of Deere & Company from $530.00 to $520.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, December 2nd. Citigroup cut their price target on Deere & Company from $525.00 to $515.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Wolfe Research upped their price objective on Deere & Company from $520.00 to $550.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, January 2nd. Wall Street Zen downgraded Deere & Company from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, November 28th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on Deere & Company in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They issued an overweight rating and a $543.00 target price on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Deere & Company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $524.20. Read Our Latest Research Report on DE Deere & Company Price Performance NYSE:DE opened at $512.47 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68, a quick ratio of 2.01 and a current ratio of 2.22. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $476.68 and its 200 day simple moving average is $481.67. The company has a market cap of $138.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.69, a P/E/G ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 1.00. Deere & Company has a 52-week low of $404.42 and a 52-week high of $533.78. Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 26th. The industrial products company reported $3.93 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.96 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $12.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.77 billion. Deere & Company had a net margin of 11.00% and a return on equity of 20.54%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $4.55 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Deere & Company will post 19.32 EPS for the current fiscal year. Deere & Company Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 9th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a $1.62 dividend. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. Deere & Companys dividend payout ratio is presently 35.01%. About Deere & Company (Free Report) Deere & Company, commonly known by its brand John Deere, is a global manufacturer of agricultural, construction and forestry machinery, as well as turf care equipment and power systems. Founded in 1837 by blacksmith John Deerewho developed a polished steel plow to improve tillage in tough prairie soilsthe company is headquartered in Moline, Illinois, and has grown into one of the largest and most recognizable names in equipment manufacturing worldwide. The companys principal businesses include a broad portfolio of agricultural equipment such as tractors, combines, planters, sprayers, harvesters and tillage implements, complemented by precision agriculture technologies and telematics that support farm management, yield optimization and equipment connectivity. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Deere & Company (NYSE:DE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Deere & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deere & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. British American Tobacco (OTCMKTS:BTAFF Get Free Report) and British American Tobacco (NYSE:BTI Get Free Report) are both consumer defensive companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, dividends, institutional ownership, risk, valuation, earnings and analyst recommendations. Dividends British American Tobacco pays an annual dividend of $1.42 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. British American Tobacco pays an annual dividend of $2.96 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.2%. British American Tobacco pays out 74.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Get British American Tobacco alerts: Insider & Institutional Ownership 39.7% of British American Tobacco shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 16.2% of British American Tobacco shares are held by institutional investors. 0.0% of British American Tobacco shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio British American Tobacco N/A N/A N/A $1.92 29.05 British American Tobacco $33.06 billion 3.56 $3.92 billion N/A N/A This table compares British American Tobacco and British American Tobaccos gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. British American Tobacco has higher revenue and earnings than British American Tobacco. Profitability This table compares British American Tobacco and British American Tobaccos net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets British American Tobacco N/A N/A N/A British American Tobacco N/A N/A N/A Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for British American Tobacco and British American Tobacco, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score British American Tobacco 0 0 0 0 0.00 British American Tobacco 2 1 8 0 2.55 British American Tobacco has a consensus target price of $51.00, indicating a potential downside of 11.20%. Given British American Tobaccos stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe British American Tobacco is more favorable than British American Tobacco. Summary British American Tobacco beats British American Tobacco on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About British American Tobacco (Get Free Report) British American Tobacco p.l.c. engages in the provision of tobacco and nicotine products to consumers worldwide. It also offers vapour, heated, and modern oral nicotine products; combustible cigarettes; and traditional oral products, such as snus and moist snuff. The company offers its products under the Vuse, glo, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel, Natural American Spirit, Newport, Vogue, Viceroy, Kool, Peter Stuyvesant, Craven A, State Express 555 and Shuang Xi brands. It also distributes its products to retail outlets. British American Tobacco p.l.c. was founded in 1902 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. About British American Tobacco (Get Free Report) British American Tobacco p.l.c. engages in the provision of tobacco and nicotine products to consumers worldwide. It also offers vapour, heated, and modern oral nicotine products; combustible cigarettes; and traditional oral products, such as snus and moist snuff. The company offers its products under the Vuse, glo, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel, Natural American Spirit, Newport, Vogue, Viceroy, Kool, Peter Stuyvesant, Craven A, State Express 555 and Shuang Xi brands. It also distributes its products to retail outlets. British American Tobacco p.l.c. was founded in 1902 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. Receive News & Ratings for British American Tobacco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for British American Tobacco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Robeco Schweiz AG increased its position in shares of On Holding AG (NYSE:ONON Free Report) by 43.8% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 42,637 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 12,996 shares during the period. Robeco Schweiz AGs holdings in ON were worth $1,806,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. bought a new position in ON in the 2nd quarter worth $29,000. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in shares of ON by 5,888.9% in the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,078 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 1,060 shares in the last quarter. Ramirez Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of ON by 20.0% in the second quarter. Ramirez Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,200 shares of the companys stock worth $62,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the period. WD Rutherford LLC purchased a new stake in shares of ON during the second quarter worth about $73,000. Finally, Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in ON during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $83,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 36.39% of the companys stock. Get ON alerts: ON Price Performance ONON stock opened at $45.05 on Thursday. On Holding AG has a 52 week low of $34.38 and a 52 week high of $64.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $28.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 58.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 2.15. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $45.24 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $45.64. The company has a quick ratio of 2.05, a current ratio of 2.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on ON from $50.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Evercore ISI lowered their target price on shares of ON from $68.00 to $50.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 10th. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating on shares of ON in a research report on Friday, December 5th. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $70.00 target price on shares of ON in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price target on shares of ON from $69.00 to $60.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eighteen have given a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $60.59. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ON ON Company Profile (Free Report) On Holding AG, commonly known as On, is a Swiss performance footwear and apparel company headquartered in Zurich. Founded in 2010, the company designs, develops and sells running shoes, performance apparel and accessories for road, trail and everyday use. Ons product philosophy centers on engineered cushioning and responsiveness intended to serve both serious athletes and lifestyle consumers. On is best known for its proprietary midsole technology and distinctive sole architecture, marketed under names such as the Cloud family of shoes and related performance lines. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ONON? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for On Holding AG (NYSE:ONON Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ON Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ON and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Scandium Canada Ltd. (CVE:SCD Get Free Report) dropped 13% on Thursday . The company traded as low as C$0.21 and last traded at C$0.24. Approximately 3,917,210 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 77% from the average daily volume of 2,213,467 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.27. Key Stories Impacting Scandium Canada Here are the key news stories impacting Scandium Canada this week: Get Scandium Canada alerts: Positive Sentiment: Scandium Canada issued a formal statement saying there is no undisclosed corporate development behind the recent surge in trading. That reduces risk of undisclosed material news or insider-driven rumors and clarifies the companys position for investors. Scandium Canada Says No Undisclosed News Behind Share Trading Surge Scandium Canada issued a formal statement saying there is no undisclosed corporate development behind the recent surge in trading. That reduces risk of undisclosed material news or insider-driven rumors and clarifies the companys position for investors. Neutral Sentiment: The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) initiated a trading halt on SCD while unusual activity was investigated. Halts are procedural and temporary but they increase short-term uncertainty and can amplify volatility when trading resumes. Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization Trading Halt SCD The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) initiated a trading halt on SCD while unusual activity was investigated. Halts are procedural and temporary but they increase short-term uncertainty and can amplify volatility when trading resumes. Negative Sentiment: A recent Globe and Mail piece highlights why projects focused on scandium carry high technical, market and financing risk. Media coverage emphasizing sector-specific risks can weigh on investor sentiment for small-cap explorers like Scandium Canada, pressuring the share price. Several Canadian stocks have projects involving this rare earth metal. Heres why risks are high Scandium Canada Stock Down 22.2% The stocks 50 day moving average price is C$0.13 and its 200-day moving average price is C$0.08. The stock has a market capitalization of C$70.30 million, a PE ratio of -42.00 and a beta of 4.33. About Scandium Canada Scandium Canada Ltd. operates as a mineral exploration company in Canada. The company primarily explores for gold, scandium, and base metal deposits. It also holds 100% interests in the Crater Lake project comprising 96 contiguous claims covering an area of 47 square kilometers located to the northeast of Schefferville, Quebec; and the Opawica project, which includes 42 contiguous claims covering an area of 23.45 square kilometers situated the Gand and Lesperance townships. In addition, the company holds interests in the La Ronciere project, which consists of 45 mining claims covering an area of 25.1 square kilometers in Gand and La Ronciere townships. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Scandium Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scandium Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. If youd like to do a thorough review of your portfolio and plan, here are the key steps to take. I recommend doing them over a series of sessions, not all at once. Step 1: Gather your documentation This could be your current investment statements, plus Social Security and pension. Pro tip: Set up a My Social Security account to get an overview of your benefits and earnings history. Step 2: Ask and answer: How am I doing? To find out if youre on track to reach your financial goals, review your current portfolio balance, combined with your savings rate. Tally your contributions across all accounts. A decent baseline savings rate is 15%, but higher-income folks will want to aim for 20% or more. Also factor in other goals youd like to achieve, such as college funding or a home down payment. Are they realistic? Make sure youre not giving short shrift to retirement. If youre retired or about to be, the key gauge of the viability of your total plan is your withdrawal rateyour planned portfolio withdrawals divided by your total portfolio balance. The 4% guideline is a good starting point, but aim for less if you can. Step 3: Check up on your long-term asset allocation Does your total portfolios mix of stocks, bonds, and cash match your targets? High-quality target-date series such as those from Vanguard and BlackRocks LifePath Index Series can help benchmark asset allocation. My model portfolios can also help. A portfolio that tilts mostly or even entirely toward stocks makes sense for younger investors. If your portfolio is notably equity-heavy and youre within 10 years of retirement, shifting to bonds and cash is more urgent. Just mind the tax consequences when you rebalance. Step 4: Assess liquid reserves Holding some cash is crucial to ensure you dont have to tap your investments or resort to credit cards in a financial crunch. For retired people, I recommend holding six months to two years worth of portfolio withdrawals in cash investments. For those still working, holding three to six months worth of living expenses in cash is a good starting point. Step 5: Assess suballocations, sector positioning, and holdings Your broad asset-class exposure largely determines how your portfolio behaves. But your positioning within each asset class also deserves a look. Market strength has recently broadened, but growth stocks and funds that own them have outpaced value by a wide margin over the past decade. Finally, check up on your sector positioning, allocation to foreign stocks, and actual holdings. Step 6: Identify opportunities to streamline Schroder UK Mid Cap (LON:SCP Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as GBX 736 and last traded at GBX 732, with a volume of 90062 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 724. Schroder UK Mid Cap Trading Up 1.1% The firm has a market cap of 247.79 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.00 and a beta of 1.27. The firms 50 day simple moving average is GBX 696.33 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is GBX 691.99. Get Schroder UK Mid Cap alerts: Schroder UK Mid Cap (LON:SCP Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 27th. The company reported GBX 25.03 EPS for the quarter. Schroder UK Mid Cap had a net margin of 90.71% and a return on equity of 15.45%. Schroder UK Mid Cap Company Profile Aims to provide a total return in excess of the FTSE 250 (ex-Investment Companies) Index and an attractive level of yield, which can contribute a degree of stability to the funds total return The potential for dividend growth through rising dividend payments from stocks held in the portfolio Invests in dynamic mid cap companies that have the potential to grow to be included in the FTSE 100 index, which are at an interesting point in their life cycle, and/or which could ultimately prove to be attractive takeover targets Managed by an award-winning fund manager backed by a team with extensive experience and expertise. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Schroder UK Mid Cap Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schroder UK Mid Cap and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Schroders (OTCMKTS:SHNWF Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $6.00 and last traded at $6.00, with a volume of 3478 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $5.52. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages recently weighed in on SHNWF. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating on shares of Schroders in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Schroders in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Citigroup raised Schroders from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Schroders presently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Schroders alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Schroders Schroders Stock Performance Schroders Company Profile The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $5.35 and a 200 day simple moving average of $5.26. (Get Free Report) Schroders plc is a global asset management company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with a history dating back to its founding in 1804 as J. Henry Schroder & Co Over more than two centuries, the firm has grown organically and through selective acquisitions to establish itself as one of the worlds leading investment managers. Schroders is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange and operates under the ticker SHNWF in the OTC Markets for investors seeking exposure to its equity. The company offers a comprehensive suite of investment products and services, including active and passive equity strategies, fixed income, multi-asset solutions, alternatives such as real estate and private assets, as well as wealth planning and advisory services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Schroders Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schroders and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC raised its holdings in shares of Schneider National, Inc. (NYSE:SNDR Free Report) by 142.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 87,891 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 51,661 shares during the quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC owned about 0.05% of Schneider National worth $1,860,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in SNDR. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. purchased a new position in shares of Schneider National in the second quarter valued at $26,393,000. Quantinno Capital Management LP boosted its stake in Schneider National by 644.7% in the 2nd quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 620,714 shares of the companys stock worth $14,990,000 after purchasing an additional 537,364 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. grew its holdings in Schneider National by 14.8% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 2,991,213 shares of the companys stock valued at $72,238,000 after buying an additional 386,340 shares in the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP increased its position in shares of Schneider National by 10.7% during the second quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 3,962,710 shares of the companys stock valued at $95,700,000 after buying an additional 381,898 shares during the period. Finally, Millennium Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Schneider National in the first quarter worth about $7,477,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 28.54% of the companys stock. Get Schneider National alerts: Schneider National Stock Performance NYSE SNDR opened at $29.10 on Thursday. Schneider National, Inc. has a 52-week low of $20.11 and a 52-week high of $31.19. The company has a fifty day moving average of $25.21 and a 200-day moving average of $24.36. The company has a market capitalization of $5.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 45.46, a P/E/G ratio of 0.73 and a beta of 1.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 1.93 and a current ratio of 2.11. Schneider National Announces Dividend Schneider National ( NYSE:SNDR Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.12 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.21 by ($0.09). Schneider National had a net margin of 2.03% and a return on equity of 4.04%. The firm had revenue of $1.45 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.44 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.18 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 10.4% on a year-over-year basis. Schneider National has set its FY 2025 guidance at 0.700-0.950 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts predict that Schneider National, Inc. will post 1.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 12th. Investors of record on Friday, December 12th were issued a dividend of $0.095 per share. This represents a $0.38 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 12th. Schneider Nationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 59.38%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages recently commented on SNDR. Evercore ISI boosted their price objective on shares of Schneider National from $21.00 to $30.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Tuesday. Raymond James Financial upgraded shares of Schneider National from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $28.00 price target for the company in a research report on Wednesday, December 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Schneider National from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday. TD Cowen dropped their price objective on Schneider National from $25.00 to $23.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Bank of America upgraded Schneider National from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $32.00 target price on the stock in a research note on Friday, January 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $28.80. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on SNDR Schneider National Company Profile (Free Report) Schneider National, Inc is a leading provider of transportation and logistics services in North America. The company offers a full spectrum of solutions, including truckload transportation, intermodal services and dedicated logistics. Through these offerings, Schneider supports the movement of goods ranging from dry van freight to refrigerated and flatbed shipments, while also providing customized supply chain management and warehousing capabilities. Founded in 1935 by Al Schneider as a single-truck operation in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the company has grown into one of the industrys most recognized carriers. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SNDR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Schneider National, Inc. (NYSE:SNDR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Schneider National Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Schneider National and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SG Americas Securities LLC reduced its stake in shares of Hubbell Inc (NYSE:HUBB Free Report) by 86.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 4,095 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 26,011 shares during the quarter. SG Americas Securities LLCs holdings in Hubbell were worth $1,762,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. HB Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Hubbell by 15.1% in the 3rd quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,452 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $625,000 after buying an additional 190 shares in the last quarter. Spire Wealth Management increased its stake in shares of Hubbell by 832.7% in the 3rd quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 485 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $209,000 after acquiring an additional 433 shares during the last quarter. Harfst & Associates Inc. boosted its position in shares of Hubbell by 0.8% during the third quarter. Harfst & Associates Inc. now owns 4,322 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,860,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares in the last quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC raised its stake in Hubbell by 2.4% during the 3rd quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 2,839 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $1,221,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the period. Finally, Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. grew its position in shares of Hubbell by 13.1% in the 3rd quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. now owns 183,377 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $78,909,000 after purchasing an additional 21,170 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 88.16% of the companys stock. Get Hubbell alerts: Hubbell Stock Down 1.3% Hubbell stock opened at $475.60 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.36. The firm has a market cap of $25.28 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.50, a PEG ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 1.02. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $445.59 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $436.50. Hubbell Inc has a 52-week low of $299.42 and a 52-week high of $484.26. Hubbell Increases Dividend Hubbell ( NYSE:HUBB Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $5.17 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.98 by $0.19. Hubbell had a net margin of 15.24% and a return on equity of 27.68%. The company had revenue of $1.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.54 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $4.49 EPS. Hubbells revenue for the quarter was up 4.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Hubbell has set its FY 2025 guidance at 18.100-18.30 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Hubbell Inc will post 17.63 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th were paid a $1.42 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 28th. This represents a $5.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. This is an increase from Hubbells previous quarterly dividend of $1.32. Hubbells dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 35.24%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Barclays lifted their target price on Hubbell from $456.00 to $465.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on Hubbell from $417.00 to $458.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Hubbell in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Hubbell from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Evercore ISI initiated coverage on Hubbell in a research note on Monday, December 15th. They issued an outperform rating and a $575.00 price target on the stock. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $497.25. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Hubbell Insider Activity at Hubbell In other news, insider Mark Eugene Mikes sold 2,470 shares of Hubbell stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $466.50, for a total value of $1,152,255.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 4,785 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,232,202.50. The trade was a 34.05% 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. Also, insider Alyssa R. Flynn sold 2,011 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $470.32, for a total transaction of $945,813.52. Following the transaction, the insider owned 3,243 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,525,247.76. This trade represents a 38.28% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 0.66% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hubbell Company Profile (Free Report) Hubbell Incorporated (NYSE: HUBB) is an industrial manufacturer and distributor of electrical and electronic products serving a range of end markets including commercial and residential construction, industrial, and utility customers. Founded in 1888 by Harvey Hubbell, the company has a long history in electrical innovation and product development and is headquartered in Connecticut. Hubbell designs, manufactures and sells components and systems that enable the distribution and control of electrical power and provide lighting solutions for indoor and outdoor environments. The companys offerings span a broad portfolio of products used by contractors, utilities, original equipment manufacturers and facility owners. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HUBB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Hubbell Inc (NYSE:HUBB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hubbell Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hubbell and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sharp Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 66,495 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $6,209,000. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF makes up approximately 3.4% of Sharp Financial Services LLCs holdings, making the stock its 13th biggest holding. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 8,818.3% in the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,291,030 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $294,185,000 after buying an additional 3,254,128 shares in the last quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System acquired a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $209,353,000. Board of Trustees of The Leland Stanford Junior University raised its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 222.4% during the second quarter. Board of Trustees of The Leland Stanford Junior University now owns 3,346,434 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $299,138,000 after purchasing an additional 2,308,580 shares in the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. lifted its position in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 3,057.6% in the second quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 2,368,703 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $211,738,000 after purchasing an additional 2,293,687 shares during the period. Finally, Corient Private Wealth LLC boosted its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by 50.7% during the 2nd quarter. Corient Private Wealth LLC now owns 5,768,279 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $504,181,000 after purchasing an additional 1,939,941 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.80% of the companys stock. Get iShares MSCI EAFE ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Stock Performance EFA opened at $99.30 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $73.28 billion, a PE ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.84. The stocks fifty day moving average is $95.75 and its 200-day moving average is $93.23. iShares MSCI EAFE ETF has a one year low of $72.14 and a one year high of $99.44. About iShares MSCI EAFE ETF iShares MSCI EAFE ETF, formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Funds investment objective is to seek investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, MSCI EAFE Index (the Index). The Index has been developed by MSCI Inc as an equity benchmark for its international stock performance. The Index includes stocks from Europe, Australasia and the Far East. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (NYSEARCA:EFA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. trimmed its position in General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS Free Report) by 6.5% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 1,572,394 shares of the companys stock after selling 109,936 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc.s holdings in General Mills were worth $79,280,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Davis Capital Management purchased a new stake in General Mills during the 3rd quarter valued at about $29,000. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of General Mills during the second quarter worth about $32,000. Salomon & Ludwin LLC boosted its position in General Mills by 1,094.4% in the third quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 645 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 591 shares during the last quarter. Financial Consulate Inc. purchased a new stake in General Mills in the third quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Finally, Traub Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in General Mills in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $46,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.71% of the companys stock. Get General Mills alerts: General Mills Stock Up 3.0% GIS opened at $45.60 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day moving average of $46.45 and a two-hundred day moving average of $48.57. The stock has a market capitalization of $24.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.81 and a beta of -0.06. General Mills, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $42.78 and a fifty-two week high of $67.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a quick ratio of 0.39 and a current ratio of 0.66. General Mills Announces Dividend General Mills ( NYSE:GIS Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, December 17th. The company reported $1.10 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.03 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $4.86 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.78 billion. General Mills had a return on equity of 21.41% and a net margin of 13.51%.The companys quarterly revenue was down 7.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.40 EPS. General Mills has set its FY 2026 guidance at 3.580-3.790 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that General Mills, Inc. will post 4.36 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 2nd. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.61 per share. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 9th. General Millss dividend payout ratio is presently 52.47%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades GIS has been the subject of several research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein set a $54.00 price objective on shares of General Mills and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on shares of General Mills from $56.00 to $52.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, December 11th. Piper Sandler reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $60.00 price target on shares of General Mills in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating and set a $51.00 price objective on shares of General Mills in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Cowen reissued a hold rating on shares of General Mills in a report on Monday, December 15th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $53.33. Get Our Latest Report on General Mills Insider Activity In related news, insider Paul Joseph Gallagher sold 1,500 shares of General Mills stock in a transaction on Friday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.15, for a total value of $72,225.00. Following the sale, the insider owned 48,568 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,338,549.20. This trade represents a 3.00% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.30% of the stock is owned by company insiders. General Mills Profile (Free Report) General Mills, Inc (NYSE: GIS) is a multinational consumer foods company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad portfolio of branded food products. Its product categories include ready-to-eat and hot cereals, baking mixes and ingredients, snacks and bars, refrigerated and frozen doughs, yogurt and other dairy products, and a variety of shelf-stable meals and meal components. The companys portfolio features widely recognized consumer brands across grocery store, mass channel and foodservice outlets. Founded in the early 20th century and incorporated under its current name in 1928, General Mills has grown through both internal brand development and strategic expansion to become a global food company. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GIS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for General Mills Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Mills and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tenaz Energy Corp. (TSE:TNZ Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as C$32.19 and last traded at C$31.72, with a volume of 181682 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$30.90. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, National Bankshares raised their price objective on shares of Tenaz Energy from C$34.00 to C$52.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and one has issued a Buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Strong Buy and an average target price of C$52.00. Get Tenaz Energy alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Tenaz Energy Tenaz Energy Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.17 and a beta of 1.25. The company has a quick ratio of 2.77, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.56. The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$25.06 and a 200-day moving average of C$22.97. Tenaz Energy (TSE:TNZ Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported C$0.75 earnings per share for the quarter. Tenaz Energy had a net margin of 2.83% and a return on equity of 1.90%. The business had revenue of C$93.78 million during the quarter. On average, equities research analysts predict that Tenaz Energy Corp. will post 0.3896418 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Tenaz Energy (Get Free Report) Tenaz Energy Corp. (TSX:TNZ) is a public energy company focused on the acquisition and sustainable development of international oil and gas assets capable of returning free cash flow to shareholders.Tenaz has domestic operations in Canada along with offshore gas assets in the Netherlands. The domestic operations consist of a semi-conventional oil project in the Rex member of the Upper Mannville group at Leduc-Woodbend in central Alberta. The Netherlands gas assets are located in the Dutch sector of the North Sea. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Tenaz Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tenaz Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $94.58 and last traded at $93.84, with a volume of 158149 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $93.28. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Textron from $91.00 to $107.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday. Susquehanna reissued a positive rating and set a $110.00 target price on shares of Textron in a report on Thursday. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $115.00 price objective on shares of Textron in a research note on Thursday. TD Cowen lowered their price target on shares of Textron from $95.00 to $90.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Textron from $89.00 to $99.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $96.33. Get Textron alerts: Get Our Latest Report on TXT Textron Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 1.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. The firms fifty day moving average price is $85.88 and its 200-day moving average price is $83.16. The stock has a market cap of $16.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.54, a PEG ratio of 1.40 and a beta of 1.00. Textron (NYSE:TXT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The aerospace company reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.47 by $0.08. Textron had a net margin of 5.81% and a return on equity of 14.16%. The business had revenue of $3.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.70 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.40 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Textron has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.000-6.200 EPS. Analysts forecast that Textron Inc. will post 6.12 earnings per share for the current year. Textron Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th were issued a dividend of $0.02 per share. This represents a $0.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 12th. Textrons dividend payout ratio is currently 1.76%. Institutional Trading of Textron A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. True Wealth Design LLC grew its position in shares of Textron by 388.5% during the third quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 298 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 237 shares in the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. grew its holdings in Textron by 191.9% during the 2nd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 324 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 213 shares in the last quarter. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new stake in shares of Textron during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Quent Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Textron in the third quarter worth $33,000. Finally, Accredited Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Textron by 804.0% during the third quarter. Accredited Wealth Management LLC now owns 452 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $38,000 after acquiring an additional 402 shares during the last quarter. 86.03% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Textron (Get Free Report) Textron Inc is a global, multi-industry manufacturing company headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. The company designs, manufactures and services a diverse range of products for the aerospace, defense and industrial markets. Textron operates through four primary business segmentsTextron Aviation, Bell, Textron Systems and Industrialeach of which serves customers around the world. Textron Aviation is known for its Cessna and Beechcraft branded business jets and turboprop aircraft, offering models that range from light jets and turboprops to larger cabin aircraft designed for corporate and charter use. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Textron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Textron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MGO One Seven LLC boosted its stake in The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL Free Report) by 114.0% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 10,815 shares of the insurance providers stock after acquiring an additional 5,761 shares during the period. MGO One Seven LLCs holdings in Allstate were worth $2,322,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of ALL. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Allstate by 79.7% in the 3rd quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 124 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Allstate by 112.3% during the 3rd quarter. Barnes Dennig Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 138 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares in the last quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC raised its position in shares of Allstate by 3,800.0% during the 2nd quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 156 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 152 shares in the last quarter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. lifted its stake in Allstate by 72.0% during the third quarter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. now owns 160 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 67 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd lifted its stake in Allstate by 315.0% during the second quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 166 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $33,000 after purchasing an additional 126 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.47% of the companys stock. Get Allstate alerts: Allstate Stock Performance NYSE ALL opened at $196.23 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $207.76 and its 200 day moving average price is $203.47. The company has a quick ratio of 0.43, a current ratio of 0.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The firm has a market cap of $51.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.35, a P/E/G ratio of 0.44 and a beta of 0.24. The Allstate Corporation has a 52-week low of $176.00 and a 52-week high of $215.89. Allstate Announces Dividend Allstate ( NYSE:ALL Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The insurance provider reported $11.17 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $5.48 by $5.69. Allstate had a return on equity of 35.42% and a net margin of 12.53%.The company had revenue of $17.26 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.59 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $3.91 EPS. The companys revenue was up 3.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts expect that The Allstate Corporation will post 18.74 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st were paid a $1.00 dividend. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. Allstates payout ratio is currently 12.95%. Insider Activity at Allstate In other news, insider Suren Gupta sold 19,593 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $210.00, for a total value of $4,114,530.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 100,646 shares in the company, valued at approximately $21,135,660. This trade represents a 16.30% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 48,400 shares of company stock valued at $10,313,256. 1.70% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have commented on ALL shares. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on shares of Allstate from $250.00 to $254.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. UBS Group upped their target price on shares of Allstate from $250.00 to $255.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Evercore ISI set a $225.00 price target on shares of Allstate in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $227.00 price objective on shares of Allstate in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Finally, Roth Capital raised their price objective on Allstate from $230.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, November 26th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating, nine have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $236.19. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ALL Allstate Profile (Free Report) Allstate Corporation is a publicly traded insurance company headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, and is one of the largest personal lines property and casualty insurers in the United States. Founded in 1931 as a subsidiary of Sears, Roebuck and Co, Allstate has grown into a diversified insurer that serves millions of consumers and businesses through a mix of distribution channels and product offerings. The company underwrites a broad range of insurance products, with primary emphasis on auto and homeowners coverage. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ALL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Allstate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Allstate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rakuten Securities Inc. cut its holdings in shares of The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report) by 63.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 2,133 shares of the aircraft producers stock after selling 3,693 shares during the quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc.s holdings in Boeing were worth $460,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd purchased a new position in Boeing during the third quarter worth approximately $277,000. Wealth Effects LLC grew its stake in shares of Boeing by 0.9% in the third quarter. Wealth Effects LLC now owns 10,319 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $2,227,000 after buying an additional 94 shares in the last quarter. Magnus Financial Group LLC grew its position in Boeing by 7.1% in the third quarter. Magnus Financial Group LLC now owns 12,891 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $2,782,000 after acquiring an additional 850 shares in the last quarter. Conning Inc. increased its stake in Boeing by 1.9% during the 3rd quarter. Conning Inc. now owns 4,655 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $1,005,000 after buying an additional 86 shares during the period. Finally, Octavia Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Boeing by 41.8% during the third quarter. Octavia Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,826 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $394,000 after acquiring an additional 538 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 64.82% of the companys stock. Get Boeing alerts: Boeing Stock Down 0.8% NYSE:BA opened at $242.56 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $206.49 and a 200 day simple moving average of $216.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $184.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -17.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 6.96 and a beta of 1.16. The Boeing Company has a 1-year low of $128.88 and a 1-year high of $247.40. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Boeing ( NYSE:BA Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The aircraft producer reported ($7.47) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of ($0.51) by ($6.96). The business had revenue of $23.27 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.61 billion. The companys quarterly revenue was up 30.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned ($10.44) earnings per share. Equities analysts predict that The Boeing Company will post -2.58 earnings per share for the current year. Several analysts recently issued reports on BA shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of Boeing in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Tigress Financial reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $275.00 price objective on shares of Boeing in a report on Monday, December 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded shares of Boeing from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $240.00 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $250.00 price target on shares of Boeing in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Finally, BNP Paribas Exane began coverage on Boeing in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued an underperform rating and a $150.00 price objective for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating, three have issued a Hold rating and five have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $236.42. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on BA Boeing News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Boeing this week: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Uma M. Amuluru sold 1,366 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $197.66, for a total value of $270,003.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 14,656 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,896,904.96. This trade represents a 8.53% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Dana S. Deasy bought 554 shares of Boeing stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $178.88 per share, with a total value of $99,099.52. Following the acquisition, the senior vice president directly owned 28,442 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,087,704.96. This represents a 1.99% increase in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. Company insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Boeing Profile (Free Report) Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) is an American multinational corporation that designs, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space and security technologies. Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, the company today operates as an integrated aerospace and defense contractor with a global customer base. Boeing relocated its corporate headquarters to Arlington, Virginia in 2022 and maintains extensive engineering, manufacturing and service operations across the United States and around the world. Boeings principal lines of business include Commercial Airplanes, which produces and supports a range of jetliners used by airlines globally; Defense, Space & Security, which develops military aircraft, rotorcraft, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, satellites, and launch and missile systems; and Boeing Global Services, which provides aftermarket maintenance, training, spare parts, digital analytics and logistics support. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. (Bloomberg) Its the last day to sign up for Obamacare health insurance plans and lawmakers remain at loggerheads over whether to revive federal subsidies and reverse a dramatic surge in premiums for more than 20 million Americans. The subsidy expiration has become a significant issue in this years midterm elections, which are focused squarely on voter concerns about the cost of living. With premiums expected to more than double on average, failure to reach a bipartisan accord puts vulnerable Republicans in a particularly difficult bind. Most Read from Bloomberg Without a deal, experts estimate that nearly 4 million people will lose insurance over the next decade, with implications for insurers and the broader health-care system, which faces the costly prospect of treating uninsured patients. Photographer: Daniel Heuer/Bloomberg Times not our side, said Senator Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican trying to broker a bipartisan compromise. Lawmakers, he said, want to strike a deal and pass it by the end of the month. Cynthia Cox, a vice president at KFF, a nonpartisan health care research organization, said the longer Congress waits the more complicated and difficult a resolution will be. The farther away you get from open enrollment, the harder it is to get people to come back and shop again, she said. Earlier: Obamacare Signups Fall by More Than a Million as Subsidies Lapse While several lawmakers have said Jan. 15 isnt a firm deadline for coverage decisions, it will only become more difficult to enroll those who opted to forego insurance. The campaign to revive the pandemic-era tax credits has galvanized out-of-power Democrats, who have made the subsidies central to their midterm message on affordability as they seek to reclaim the majority in one or both chambers of Congress. Swing-district House Republicans like Pennsylvanias Brian Fitzpatrick recently defied party leaders to help pass a three-year extension of the subsidies. A similar vote failed in the Senate, however, and negotiations there have run headlong into a clash over how to address abortion coverage. President Donald Trump, who tried to kill the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, in his first term, has further complicated matters by threatening to veto an extension and promising to unveil his own separate plan to address health care costs. Newmont (NYSE:NEM Get Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by equities researchers at The Goldman Sachs Group from $99.90 to $123.90 in a note issued to investors on Monday,MarketScreener reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the basic materials companys stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups target price would indicate a potential upside of 8.52% from the stocks previous close. Several other equities analysts have also recently weighed in on the company. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on Newmont from $38.00 to $40.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. TD Securities increased their price objective on Newmont from $67.00 to $89.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Newmont from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Scotiabank raised shares of Newmont from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $71.50 to $114.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $120.00 price objective on shares of Newmont in a report on Sunday, December 7th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $99.35. Get Newmont alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on NEM Newmont Stock Performance Shares of Newmont stock traded up $0.02 during trading on Monday, hitting $114.17. 8,657,446 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,510,003. Newmont has a 1-year low of $40.85 and a 1-year high of $115.70. The company has a current ratio of 2.04, a quick ratio of 1.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17. The stock has a market capitalization of $124.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.73, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $96.33 and a 200-day moving average price of $81.90. Newmont (NYSE:NEM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The basic materials company reported $1.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.27 by $0.44. Newmont had a return on equity of 20.35% and a net margin of 33.42%.The company had revenue of $5.52 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.14 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.81 EPS. Newmonts quarterly revenue was up 20.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts predict that Newmont will post 3.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, Director Bruce R. Brook sold 2,080 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.36, for a total value of $192,108.80. Following the transaction, the director owned 32,709 shares in the company, valued at $3,021,003.24. This represents a 5.98% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $81.34, for a total value of $406,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 279,923 shares in the company, 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 valued at $767,206 in the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.05% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Newmont Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of NEM. Brighton Jones LLC grew its stake in shares of Newmont by 15.7% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 13,606 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $506,000 after buying an additional 1,847 shares in the last quarter. Woodline Partners LP raised its stake in shares of Newmont by 40.7% in the first quarter. Woodline Partners LP now owns 96,182 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $4,644,000 after acquiring an additional 27,813 shares during the period. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Newmont by 11.9% during the 2nd quarter. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. now owns 1,737 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $101,000 after purchasing an additional 185 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Newmont by 8.2% during the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 7,723 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $450,000 after purchasing an additional 588 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Balefire LLC grew its holdings in Newmont by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. Balefire LLC now owns 8,663 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $505,000 after purchasing an additional 398 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.85% of the companys stock. Newmont Company Profile (Get 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. Featured Stories 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. The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE:PNC Get Free Report) is projected to post its Q4 2025 results before the market opens on Friday, January 16th. Analysts expect the company to announce earnings of $4.19 per share and revenue of $5.9023 billion for the quarter. Individuals may visit the the companys upcoming Q4 2025 earning results page for the latest details on the call scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET. The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE:PNC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $4.35 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.05 by $0.30. The firm had revenue of $5.92 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.82 billion. The PNC Financial Services Group had a net margin of 19.30% and a return on equity of 11.47%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $3.49 EPS. On average, analysts expect The PNC Financial Services Group to post $15 EPS for the current fiscal year and $17 EPS for the next fiscal year. Get The PNC Financial Services Group alerts: The PNC Financial Services Group Stock Down 0.2% PNC opened at $212.07 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $201.26 and its 200 day simple moving average is $196.88. The PNC Financial Services Group has a 52 week low of $145.12 and a 52 week high of $220.54. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99. The stock has a market cap of $83.16 billion, a PE ratio of 13.70, a P/E/G ratio of 0.91 and a beta of 0.99. The PNC Financial Services Group Dividend Announcement Wall Street Analyst Weigh In The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 5th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, January 20th will be given a dividend of $1.70 per share. The ex-dividend date 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 is 43.93%. Several analysts have issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Citigroup lifted their target price on shares of The PNC Financial Services Group from $217.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price target on shares of 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. Raymond James Financial raised their price objective on The PNC Financial Services Group from $220.00 to $225.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, September 19th. Finally, Cfra Research raised The PNC Financial Services Group to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $222.06. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on The PNC Financial Services Group Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Guild Deborah sold 1,080 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on 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 $5,110,824.95. This trade represents a 3.80% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Michael Duane Thomas sold 1,000 shares of The PNC Financial Services Group 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 completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 5,802 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,065,073.14. This trade represents a 14.70% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Corporate insiders own 0.41% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On The PNC Financial Services Group Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Sunbelt Securities Inc. boosted its position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 4.6% during the third quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 3,404 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $684,000 after purchasing an additional 151 shares in the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors lifted its position in The PNC Financial Services Group by 0.9% during the third quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 110,581 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $22,219,000 after buying an additional 977 shares during the period. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. lifted its position in The PNC Financial Services Group by 19.6% during the third quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 11,734 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,358,000 after buying an additional 1,926 shares during the period. Advisory Services Network LLC grew its position in shares of The PNC Financial Services Group by 7.6% in the 3rd quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 8,905 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,789,000 after buying an additional 626 shares during the period. Finally, Apexium Financial LP purchased a new stake in The PNC Financial Services Group in the third quarter worth about $212,000. 83.53% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. The PNC Financial Services Group Company Profile (Get 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. Featured Stories 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. Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP Free Report) had its price objective boosted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $267.00 to $270.00 in a research report released on Monday morning,Benzinga reports. They currently have a neutral rating on the railroad operators stock. A number of other analysts also recently weighed in on UNP. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $263.00 target price on shares of Union Pacific and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Loop Capital raised shares of Union Pacific from a sell rating to a hold rating and lifted their price target for the company from $214.00 to $227.00 in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. Barclays restated an overweight rating and issued a $285.00 price objective (up previously from $270.00) on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Tuesday, December 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $280.00 target price on shares of Union Pacific in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Union Pacific in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have given a Buy rating and twelve have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Union Pacific presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $259.58. Get Union Pacific alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Union Pacific Union Pacific Stock Down 1.0% Shares of NYSE:UNP opened at $226.89 on Monday. The firm has a market capitalization of $134.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.28, a P/E/G ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.75, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a current ratio of 0.75. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $230.31 and a 200-day moving average price of $227.19. Union Pacific has a 52-week low of $204.66 and a 52-week high of $256.84. Union Pacific (NYSE:UNP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The railroad operator reported $3.08 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.99 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $6.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.24 billion. Union Pacific had a return on equity of 42.23% and a net margin of 28.73%.The firms revenue was up 2.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.75 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Union Pacific will post 11.99 EPS for the current fiscal year. Union Pacific Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 5th were paid a $1.38 dividend. This represents a $5.52 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 5th. Union Pacifics dividend payout ratio is currently 46.90%. Institutional Trading of Union Pacific Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Union Pacific during the second quarter valued at $1,856,340,000. Capital World Investors lifted its stake in Union Pacific by 193.3% during the 3rd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 10,481,043 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $2,477,404,000 after acquiring an additional 6,908,016 shares during the period. Capital Research Global Investors boosted its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 95.0% during the 3rd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 8,713,196 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $2,059,538,000 after acquiring an additional 4,244,226 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Union Pacific by 72.7% during the 3rd quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 9,177,002 shares of the railroad operators stock valued at $2,169,168,000 after acquiring an additional 3,861,636 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Union Pacific by 22,618.2% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,624,636 shares of the railroad operators stock worth $603,876,000 after acquiring an additional 2,613,083 shares during the period. 80.38% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Union Pacific Company Profile (Get Free Report) Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) is one of the largest freight railroad companies in the United States. Its principal operating subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad, has roots that trace back to the Pacific Railway Act of 1862 and the construction of the first transcontinental rail link completed in 1869. The company is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, and operates as a holding company for rail transportation and related services. Union Pacifics core business is the movement of freight by rail across an extensive rail network serving the western twothirds of the United States. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Union Pacific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Union Pacific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealth Effects LLC acquired a new position in shares of Kenvue Inc. (NYSE:KVUE Free Report) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund acquired 49,468 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $803,000. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Salomon & Ludwin LLC acquired a new position in shares of Kenvue during the third quarter worth approximately $25,000. Trust Co. of Vermont raised its holdings in Kenvue by 266.8% during the second quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 1,581 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 1,150 shares during the last quarter. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Kenvue by 81.4% in the third quarter. New England Capital Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,563 shares of the companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 1,150 shares in the last quarter. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC acquired a new position in shares of Kenvue during the third quarter valued at about $49,000. Finally, First Pacific Financial bought a new stake in shares of Kenvue during the second quarter worth about $54,000. 97.64% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Kenvue alerts: Kenvue Stock Performance Shares of Kenvue stock opened at $17.13 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $16.95 and its 200 day simple moving average is $18.32. The company has a current ratio of 0.98, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.66. Kenvue Inc. has a 12 month low of $14.02 and a 12 month high of $25.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $32.81 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.83 and a beta of 0.60. Kenvue Dividend Announcement Kenvue ( NYSE:KVUE Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $0.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.27 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $3.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.83 billion. Kenvue had a return on equity of 20.02% and a net margin of 9.55%.The businesss revenue was down 3.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.28 EPS. Kenvue has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.000-1.050 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Kenvue Inc. will post 1.14 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 12th were given a $0.2075 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, November 12th. This represents a $0.83 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.8%. Kenvues payout ratio is currently 110.67%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Jeffrey C. Smith bought 3,200,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 12th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $17.37 per share, for a total transaction of $55,584,000.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 27,307,632 shares in the company, valued at $474,333,567.84. The trade was a 13.27% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. 1.68% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Bank of America dropped their price target on shares of Kenvue from $25.00 to $21.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $18.00 target price on Kenvue in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a hold rating and issued a $15.00 price target (down from $26.00) on shares of Kenvue in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on Kenvue from $23.00 to $17.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Citigroup reduced their target price on shares of Kenvue from $20.00 to $17.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating and twelve have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $20.23. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Kenvue Kenvue Profile (Free Report) Kenvue is a consumer health company that was established as a standalone, publicly traded business after separating from Johnson & Johnson. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol KVUE, Kenvue focuses on the development, manufacture, marketing and distribution of consumer health and personal care products across a range of categories including skin and beauty care, baby care, oral care, wound care and overthecounter medicines. The company owns and markets a portfolio of widely recognized consumer brands, including names familiar to global shoppers across retail and pharmacy channels. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KVUE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kenvue Inc. (NYSE:KVUE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kenvue Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kenvue and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yes safety oversight must come before anything else Regulation is needed, but delays and red tape are the real problem No enforcement already exists; regulation wont prevent accidents Vote View Results Akbar Novruz After years of rhetoric, red lines, and stalled negotiations, movement in the South Caucasus is now coming from an unlikely source: process. Armenias decision to publish the implementation framework of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity - TRIPP (Zangazur Corridor), is less dramatic than it first appears, but more consequential than its legal modesty suggests. No signatures were added, no borders redrawn, and no legal commitments announced. Officially, the document creates no binding obligations. Politically, however, it marks another incremental step in a process that has been quietly gaining momentum since the August 8 Washington meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. 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. Seen in this light, the disclosure is not a rupture but a continuation. It reflects the slow, workmanlike consolidation of a connectivity agenda that has moved beyond slogans and into institutional design. The fact that the framework was presented immediately after talks between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio only reinforces that sense of sequencing rather than spontaneity. The most striking feature of the document is not what it promises, but who stands behind it. TRIPP carries Donald Trumps name, and the framework makes clear that Washington is not merely endorsing the idea but anchoring itself inside the mechanism. A U.S.-controlled operating company, long-term construction and management rights, and American involvement in digital customs systems and training programmes all point to a level of commitment that goes beyond diplomatic facilitation. This is the United States inserting itself as a guarantor of process, not just a sponsor of dialogue. For Armenia, this arrangement is carefully framed to avoid the most sensitive red lines. The document repeatedly stresses sovereignty, territorial integrity, and full retention of legislative, judicial, security, and customs authority. The proposed front-office/back-office model, where private operators handle technical and customer-facing tasks while Armenian state bodies retain final decision-making power, is clearly designed to neutralise domestic accusations of lost control. In form, this is not an extraterritorial corridor; in function, it is a tightly managed transit regime. For Azerbaijan, the framework represents something equally important: normalization through practice. By embedding transit connectivity in a commercial, multimodal, and internationally supervised structure, the TRIPP (Zangazur Corridor) shifts the corridor debate away from existential politics and toward operational reality. Railways, highways, digital systems, and revenue models replace zero-sum rhetoric. This is not yet the corridor itself, but it is a rehearsal for one. The emphasis on gradualism is deliberate. The framework does not declare the corridor launched; it presents TRIPP as the next step in its realization. Pilot projects, risk-based inspections, digital documentation, and phased implementation suggest a process intended to advance through accumulation rather than breakthrough. In this sense, the document reads less like a grand geopolitical blueprint and more like the kind of technocratic scaffolding that precedes durable change. Critics will note the asymmetry built into the structure: a U.S. controlling stake, decades-long operating rights, and significant influence over infrastructure that cuts across Armenian territory. Supporters counter that precisely this external anchoring makes the project viable, insulating it from domestic political swings and regional distrust. Both views are valid, but they miss the larger point. The framework is not attempting to resolve every political contradiction upfront; it is designed to keep the process moving despite them. The project is poised to have substantial economic and geopolitical implications that extend far beyond Armenia and Azerbaijan. Economically, the corridor forms a critical segment of the Middle Corridor, the overland trade route connecting East Asia to Europe via the South Caucasus. According to forecasts by the World Bank, annual freight volumes on the Middle Corridor could triple by 2030, reaching around 11 million tonnes, a dramatic increase from current levels. Annual freight capacity for the Zangazur Corridor itself is envisioned at about 15 million tonnes, underscoring its potential as a high-volume transit route. Beyond freight numbers, the corridor could underpin significant economic gains. One modelling exercise suggests the emerging trade route could unlock as much as $50 billion to $100 billion in annual trade value by 2027, driven by reductions in transit times and logistics costs when compared to traditional routes. For Azerbaijan specifically, these projections include an increase of roughly $700 million in exports annually and potential growth of the non-oil economy by around 2 per cent per year once the route is operational. Linked infrastructure developments also promise to stimulate regional economies. For Turkiye, transport analysts estimate that the corridor could deliver TL 147.6 billion (around $3.6 billion) over thirty years in economic value, chiefly by enhancing cargo throughput and unlocking growth in its eastern provinces. From a geopolitical perspective, the corridors significance is multi-layered. It strengthens Eurasian connectivity, offering an alternative to the Northern Route through Russia and Belarus and diversifying global supply chains that have been strained by recent conflicts and sanctions regimes. By knitting together Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, the route creates a continuous land bridge between Asia and Europe that could reduce transit times by more than ten days relative to existing pathways. The corridors strategic appeal also stems from its potential to reshape regional power dynamics. For Ankara, it represents a tangible geoeconomic pivot toward positioning Turkiye as a logistics and energy hub in Eurasia; for Baku, it consolidates a transit role that strengthens ties within the Turkic world and beyond; and for Western capitals it offers a means of integrating the South Caucasus more deeply into Euro-Atlantic and global economic networks. Moreover, increased connectivity may bolster European energy security, as expanded routes could facilitate greater flows of Caspian gas and other commodities to EU markets seeking alternatives to Russian supplies. Projections by energy analysts suggest that closing Armenias connectivity gap would allow Azerbaijan to play a more central role in meeting Europes growing demand for diversified energy imports. Nevertheless, realising this potential depends not only on infrastructure but on political stability and sustained cooperation among regional actors. Skeptics point to the complex sovereignty concerns embedded in passage through Armenias Syunik province and the need for robust international guarantees to reassure all parties. What the TRIPP document ultimately signals is not the sudden arrival of peace or connectivity, but the institutionalization of momentum. It ties the August Washington declaration to a concrete implementation pathway, places the United States visibly on the hook, and reframes regional connectivity as a managed, commercial, and incremental endeavour. Whether the corridor fully materializes will depend on execution, trust, and regional stability. But the logic of the process is now clearer: this is no longer about whether connectivity should happen, but about how it will be made to work. Corn futures closed the Tuesday session with contracts down 1 to 3 cents across the front months, following sharp Monday losses. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was down 1 3/4 cents at $3.81 1/2. EIA data will be released on Wednesday morning, with traders looking for ethanol production to be steady following last weeks ballooning stocks total and drop in refiner inputs. More News from Barchart A couple South Korean importers purchased a total of 264,000 MT of corn in tenders overnight, with another tender for 140,000 MT issued for a Wednesday deadline. Brazils January corn exports are projected at 3.27 MMT according to ANEC, up 0.42 MMT from the previous number. Mar 26 Corn closed at $4.19 3/4, down 1 3/4 cents, Nearby Cash was $3.81 1/2, down 1 3/4 cents, May 26 Corn closed at $4.27 3/4, down 2 3/4 cents, Jul 26 Corn closed at $4.34 1/2, down 3 1/2 cents, On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Company Logo Croatia's construction industry offers opportunities in renewable energy and transport infrastructure fueled by government and EU investments. Growth is supported by initiatives like the 2030 National Energy and Climate Plan and strategic funding from entities like the EIB, promoting green and sustainable projects. Dublin, Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Croatia Construction Market Size, Trends, and Forecasts by Sector - Commercial, Industrial, Infrastructure, Energy and Utilities, Institutional and Residential Market Analysis to 2029 (H2 2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Construction industry in Croatia is estimated to have grown in real terms by 4.8% in 2025 and 2.5% in 2026. supported by the government's investment in renewable energy and transport infrastructure projects, coupled with an increase in new construction orders. According to the Croatian Bureau of Statistics (CBS), the construction industry's value-add grew by 7.1% year-on-year (YoY) in Q2 2025, preceded by YoY growth rates of 7.6% in Q1 2025 and 13% in Q4 2024. The average volume index for construction production grew by 8.4% YoY in the first eight months of 2025. In terms of segmentation, the construction production volume index grew by 10.9% YoY for building works and 3.2% YoY for other building works, during the same period. The Croatian construction industry is expected to grow at an annual average rate of 2.2% in real terms from 2026 to 2029, supported by public and private sector investments in transport infrastructure, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure projects coupled with investments in energy infrastructure to support its long-term energy targets. 2030 National Energy and Climate Plan, which targets an increase in the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption from 28.5% in 2022 to 36.4% by 2030. To support this, the government's initiative to develop several national infrastructure and energy projects using European Union (EU) recovery funds is also anticipated to boost the construction industry's output throughout the forecast period. In July 2025, the European Investment Bank (EIB) granted a EUR150 million ($163.4 million) loan to the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR) to support green and other projects for Croatian companies, including mid-caps and public entities. This loan is the first part of a larger EUR350 million ($381.4 million) financing agreement aimed at expanding access to funding, with at least 30% dedicated to green investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable construction, and clean transport. We came across a bullish thesis on Danaos Corporation on investing subreddit by Impossible-Road-558. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on DAC. Danaos Corporation's share was trading at $100.17 as of January 13th. DACs trailing P/E was 4.00 according to Yahoo Finance. Danaos Corporation, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates containerships and drybulk vessels in Australia, Europe, and the United States. DAC is a financially robust containership company trading at a deeply discounted valuation, offering resilience and upside potential even in an economic slowdown. The stock, which traded around $18 in 2020, has risen to approximately $92, supported by a surge in earnings per share to about $26, up from $6.50 in 2020, marking a dramatic turnaround from a $46 per-share loss in 2016. Despite this strong profitability, Danaos trades at a low price-to-earnings ratio of roughly 3.5 and at only 0.49x its book value, reflecting continued market skepticism that appears disconnected from its improved fundamentals. The company has significantly strengthened its balance sheet, reducing total liabilities from $2.4 billion in 2016when it breached debt covenantsto just $644 million by the end of 2024, with long-term debt now at only $382 million. Over the same period, equity expanded from $558 million to $3.4 billion, shifting the company from a highly leveraged to a net cash position. Cash reserves have grown from $70 million in 2017 to $453 million as of December 2024, giving Danaos financial flexibility to support share buybacks and maintain a dividend yield of approximately 3.7%. The companys strong earnings power, conservative balance sheet, and shareholder returns position it favorably to weather macroeconomic headwinds. Although its Greek domicile could be seen as a minor drawback, Danaoss disciplined capital management and cash-rich profile make it a compelling value play. Previously we covered a bullish thesis on Danaos Corporation (DAC) by Inflexio Research in May 2025, which highlighted its strong backlog, share buybacks, and potential revaluation. The stock has appreciated about 15.70% since then as deleveraging and shareholder returns gained traction. The thesis still stands as DAC remains undervalued, while Impossible-Road-558 shares a similar view but focuses on its financial strength and resilience. Danaos Corporation is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 17 hedge fund portfolios held DAC at the end of the second quarter which was 16 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of DAC 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. Key Takeaways L3Harris shares climbed to a record high Tuesday after the company announced an investment in its missile solutions segment from the federal government. With that investment, L3Harris announced plans to spin off the division to its own public company in the second half of this year. L3Harris (LHX) shares are rising to fresh highs Tuesday, thanks to a show of support from the U.S. government. The shares were up about 3% at $350 Tuesday morning, leaving the shares on track to top Monday's record close after the defense contractor said it plans to spin off one of its divisions with backing from the federal government. The U.S. government will invest $1 billion in L3Harris missile solutions business that will convert to equity once it has debuted on the public market in the second half of this year, the company said. L3Harris will retain a controlling stake in the business. Why This Matters to Investors L3Harris derives the bulk of its revenue from the U.S. government, and investors are likely to see its show of support for the company's missile solutions division as a promising signal for the business. L3Harris said it has "significantly invested to transform and grow" the production capacity of the division since acquiring Aerojet Rocketdyne, and that the government's support will allow it to expand further. The missile solutions segment includes the production of solid rocket boosters that power weapons like the Tomahawk missile program. With Tuesday's gains, shares of L3Harris have surged close to 20% in January so far. Other defense stocks have also rallied recently as President Trump called for higher spending on defense. Read the original article on Investopedia Equinor has been awarded 35 new production licenses on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS) as part of Norways 2026 Awards in Predefined Areas (APA) licensing round, the company said Tuesday. The licenses span the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and Barents Sea, with Equinor named operator on 17 of them. The new acreage strengthens Equinors exploration pipeline at a time when Norways offshore sector is under pressure to offset natural production decline while maintaining stable energy supplies to Europe. Twenty-one of the licenses are located in the mature North Sea, ten in the Norwegian Sea, and four in the Barents Sea, reflecting a balance between near-field exploration and frontier opportunities. Equinor said the awards support its ambition to sustain a high level of drilling activity, with plans to drill between 20 and 30 exploration wells annually. Roughly 80% of that activity will be focused near existing infrastructure, enabling faster and lower-cost tie-backs, while the remaining 20% will target less-explored areas and new geological concepts. The APA system has long been a cornerstone of Norways petroleum policy, encouraging incremental exploration around established infrastructure to maximize resource recovery and extend the life of offshore hubs. For Equinor, access to new acreage is critical as it seeks to develop between six and eight new subsea projects per year through 2035 - significantly above current levels. The company reported a strong exploration performance in 2025, with 14 discoveries from 31 wells drilled, including seven operated by Equinor. Those finds added an estimated 125 million barrels of recoverable oil equivalent, underscoring the continued prospectivity of the NCS despite its maturity. Equinor has repeatedly emphasized that new discoveries are essential to curb the expected decline in Norwegian oil and gas output over the next decade. The company is targeting production of around 1.2 million barrels of oil and gas per day from the NCS in 2035, roughly in line with 2020 levelsan ambitious goal that hinges on sustained exploration success. The new licenses also align with Equinors broader role in European energy security. As Europes largest supplier of gas, the company operates a vast offshore and onshore infrastructure network, including gas processing plants, pipelines, terminals, and an LNG facility. Phasing new oil and gas volumes into this existing system remains a core pillar of its strategy. Technology is playing an increasing role in that effort. Equinor has highlighted the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate seismic interpretation, improve well planning, and support real-time decision-making, tools that are particularly valuable when exploring complex or lesser-known geology. 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. Operation Sindoor will be remembered in history as a symbol of Indias courage, strength, restraint, and national character, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday, even as he reiterated that the operation is not over yet. Speaking at the the 78th Indian Army Day celebrations in Jaipur, Rajasthan, the defence minister said the terrorists across the border could never have imagined the bravery and swiftness with which the Indian armed forces acted against them. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India The situation was difficult, and there was pressure, but the restraint, unity, and patience with which our soldiers executed the operation were unprecedented and praiseworthy, he said. Singh said the use of indigenous weapons during the operation underscored the fact that self-reliance in defence is not a matter of pride but a necessity. Hailing the Indian Army, he called the force a beacon of indomitable courage, unwavering dedication, and unparalleled sacrifice, and a shining example of unity in diversity, saying that soldiers from across the country, with different cultures and backgrounds, unite for a common goal at a young age. The Indian Army has made an invaluable contribution to strengthening the nations social unity. It is not just a military force but a major pillar of nation-building. Most of the military forces around the world operate as a separate domain. But in India, the Army works together with civilians. The peoples unwavering faith is the militarys greatest strength. This bond of trust is the foundation of the national security framework, the defence minister said. India's intimidating arsenal, including advanced weapon systems, armoured vehicles, and BrahMos missiles, was put on display as Jaipur witnessed the 78th Army Day Parade on Thursday in the presence of Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi. "Greetings to our brave Indian Army personnel and their families on the proud occasion of Army Day. The nation salutes their indomitable courage, supreme sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding Indias sovereignty and integrity. Ever vigilant on our borders and steadfast in times of crisis, the Indian Army has earned global respect through its professionalism, discipline, and humanitarian service," Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on social media. THE WEEK INTERACTIVE | Indian Army Day QUIZ: How well do you know our armed forces? Find out! Before the parade began on the Pink City's Mahal Road, the Chief of Army Staff presented Sena Medal gallantry awards (posthumously) to Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Havildar Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Lance Naik Subhash Kumar, and Lance Naik Pradeep Kumar. The award ceremony was followed by a salute from the parade commander, Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Kirti Chakra awardees. Three Chetak helicopters showered flower petals on the parade. Mounted troops of the 61st Cavalry showcased military heritage, while advanced weapon systems and armoured vehicles, including Arjun tanks, K-9 Vajra, Dhanush artillery guns, BMPs, and BrahMos missiles, were displayed in the parade. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Deputy CMs Diya Kumari and Prem Chand Bairwa, several ministers, and others were also present at the programme. Army Day is observed to commemorate the occasion when General K. M. Cariappa, who later became a Field Marshal, took charge as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, replacing his British predecessor in 1949. Click on the following links to watch the Indian Army Day Parade 2026 LIVE from Jaipur: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O1a1CLQcuw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gm-3-R283M https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O1a1CLQcuw&t=2045s Even as Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif became the latest leader from the country to make the assertion that many countries are showing interest in JF-17 exports, a Chinese military expert claimed that the "outstanding performance" of the single-engine lightweight combat jet, developed jointly by the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), has made the jet attractive to prospective buyers. For more defence news, views and updates, visit: Fortress India On Wednesday, Pakistan PM Sharif said the demand for Pakistani fighter jets has increased, and many countries are "actively engaged with us to acquire the jets." While the prime minister did not specifically name the aircraft, there have been local media reports that claimed that JF-17 Thunder fighter jets were part of talks with countries like Sudan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. Shehbaz's remarks came a day after Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Haraj confirmed in an interview with BBC Urdu that several countries were interested in buying JF-17 Thunder. ALSO READ: Indias geopolitical springboard: Turning post-Venezuela disruption into opportunity Haraj said China is on board whenever Pakistan signs such a deal with any country. A news report in Global Times quoting Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Aerospace Knowledge magazine, said the JF-17 fighter jet managed to attract much foreign interest, mainly due to its "outstanding performance." He claimed that it is a top-level fourth-generation fighter jet that has been regularly upgrading its radar, weapons, and communications systems even as it maintans considerably low procurement cost. He said following the air clash between Pakistan and India in May 2025, where the JF-17 fighter jets showcased their capabilities in actual combat, foreign interest in China-Pakistan co-developed weapons and equipment increased. The European Commission has released guidance on how Chinese electric vehicle (EV) exporters could avoid EU anti-subsidy duties by offering price undertakings based on minimum import prices. The guidance document outlines the framework for submitting price undertaking offers in the context of countervailing duties applied to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) imported from China. It describes the expected structure and content of such offers, covering elements such as minimum import prices, product scope, annual sales volumes, distribution channels, risks linked to cross-compensation and any proposed future investments within the EU. According to the European Commission, all price undertaking offers will be evaluated using the same legal standards under the EUs basic anti-subsidy Regulation. The assessment process will be objective, non-discriminatory and aligned with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. To be acceptable, an undertaking must remove the injurious effects of subsidisation, be workable in practice, limit the risk of cross-compensation and comply with wider policy considerations. The document follows the Commissions decision on 29 October 2024 to impose definitive countervailing duties of between 7.8% and 35.3% on BEVs imported from China, marking the conclusion of its anti-subsidy investigation. At the same time, the European Union and China have been examining alternative, WTO-compatible options, including price undertakings, through discussions with Chinas Ministry of Commerce. The guidance explains that minimum import prices may be determined by adjusting exporters historical cost, insurance, and freight prices to reflect the applicable duty margin, or by referencing sales prices of comparable BEVs produced in the EU that are not subsidised. It also notes that undertakings covering narrower product ranges and simpler sales, and distribution arrangements would be easier for authorities to monitor and verify. Chinese exporters may submit price undertaking offers either individually or jointly, with each proposal assessed on its own merits. The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) said the outcome of ChinaEU consultations on electric vehicles supports trade stability, reflects business concerns, and underscores dialogue-based dispute management. In its statement on X, CCCEU said: CCCEU believes that this constructive outcome will significantly boost market confidence, provide a more stable and predictable environment for Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and related supply-chain companies operating in Europe, and promote deeper cooperation between China and the EU in market development, technological innovation, and other areas. The Supreme Court on Thursday stepped decisively into an escalating confrontation between the Enforcement Directorate and the West Bengal government over the agencys raids on political consultancy firm I-PAC, flagging serious concerns about alleged interference by state authorities, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in a central investigation. Hearing a clutch of petitions arising out of the January 8 searches at I-PAC offices and the residence of its director, Pratik Jain, the bench led by Justice P.K. Mishra observed that the matter raises larger questions about the rule of law and the ability of investigative agencies to function independently. The court directed preservation of CCTV footage and other electronic storage devices linked to the search and stayed FIRs registered against ED officers until the next hearing, issuing notice to the West Bengal government to file its response within two weeks. ED alleges obstruction, seeks top cops suspension The ED has accused senior West Bengal police officials, including Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, of obstructing its searches conducted under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The agency went so far as to seek Kumars suspension, claiming that state police officers, along with the Chief Minister, entered the premises while the search was ongoing, despite repeated requests by ED officials not to interfere. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the ED, told the bench that the materials collected during the search were illegally taken away, CCTV footage was removed, and FIRs were subsequently registered against ED officers, moves the agency says are designed to intimidate and derail the probe. The ED also alleged a pattern, citing earlier instances in which central agencies faced resistance while conducting investigations in the state. The agencys case is that it is probing a large multi-state money laundering operation linked to illegal coal mining, with proceeds allegedly routed through various entities. During this probe, the ED claims to have stumbled upon financial trails, including a Rs 20 crore transfer that eventually led investigators to the I-PAC framework. Bengal hits back: Forum shopping, election material targeted The West Bengal government, represented by senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Manu Singhvi, mounted a multi-pronged defence. At the threshold, it questioned the maintainability of the EDs plea, arguing that the agency had already approached the Calcutta High Court and could not pursue identical reliefs simultaneously before the apex court, a charge Singhvi characterised as forum shopping. On merits, Sibal contended that nothing incriminating was recovered during the January 8 search, a point he said was evident from the panchnama itself. He also argued that the ED failed to inform the local police before commencing the early-morning operation, raising questions about procedural fairness. Crucially, Banerjees counsel maintained that the Chief Minister entered the I-PAC premises not in her official capacity but as chairperson of the Trinamool Congress, after receiving information that party-related election material was being removed. Sibal stressed that I-PAC houses sensitive and confidential poll data under contractual obligations and accused the ED of acting with malafide intent by targeting a space known to contain such information just ahead of elections. Singhvi added that Banerjee is a Z-category protectee, making it mandatory for police officers, including senior officials, to accompany her wherever she goes. Supreme Court flags wider constitutional stakes The court noted that allegations of interference by state authorities in central investigations strike at the heart of the rule of law, particularly if offenders are shielded under the guise of political or party work. At the same time, the bench cautioned that no investigative agency has the right to interfere in election-related activities without lawful basis, signalling that the EDs actions, too, would be closely scrutinised. Significantly, the court observed that the issues raised transcend the immediate controversy and, if left unresolved, could worsen the situation and potentially lead to lawlessness in one or more states, a clear reference to the delicate balance of federal power between the Union and the states. FIRs stayed, CCTV to be preserved As an interim measure, the Supreme Court stayed all FIRs lodged against ED officers in connection with the I-PAC raids and directed the preservation of CCTV footage and electronic records. This relief addresses the EDs immediate concern about criminal proceedings being used as a counter-blast against its officials, while also ensuring that evidentiary material is not tampered with. Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi sought an assurance that no coercive steps would be taken during the pendency of the matter, while requesting time to move an application should the stay continue. The court responded that although an interim order could have been passed swiftly, it was necessary to record all submissions in detail, given the seriousness of the allegations and the fact that the proceedings are being widely followed. The I-PAC case has quickly become more than a dispute over a single raid. It sits at the intersection of three volatile fault lines: the expanding reach of central agencies, the autonomy of elected state governments, and the heightened political sensitivity around election-related operations. I-PAC, founded by election strategist Prashant Kishor, has worked with multiple parties across the political spectrum, and the EDs admission in court that this was the same organisation associated with Kishor has only added to the political resonance of the case. The Mahayuti alliance comprising the BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has been predicted to win the recently concluded Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, going by the exit polls. Axis My India survey predicted that Mahayuti would claim 131 to 151 seats while the Uddhav and Raj Thackeray combine is likely to settle for just 58 to 68 seats. The JVC exit poll expects BJP and Shiv Sena coalition to bag 138 seats while Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena are predicted to get 59 wards. BJP leader Ashish Shelar said Raj Thackeray has effectively conceded defeat in the BMC polls. Shelar added that Raj is blaming the State Election Commission for the loss. He claimed that this is an attempt to divert attention from the MNS's poor performance. (BJP, Raj pic.twitter.com/pezT4ICkaW THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) January 15, 2026 The Sakal exit poll also projected a win for the Mahayuti, which was predicted win in 119 wards. Uddhav's Shiv Sena, NCP (SP) and MNS were predicted to bag 75 seats while the Congress was expected to settle for 20 seats. DV Research exit poll survey predicted 107 to 122 seats for the Mahayuti, followed by 68 to 83 for the Thackeray cousins and 18 to 25 for the Congress. Janmat Polls pegged its Mahayuti tally at 138, the same as what JVC predicted. It also expects the Shiv Sena (UBT) and MNS combine to get 62 seats, followed by the Congress at 20. The poll panel revealed that around 50 per cent polling was recorded in Mumbai and 28 other municipal corporations in Maharashtra on Thursday. This came amid a row over allegations that the ink applied on voters' fingers could be easily removed. Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad on Thursday alleged large-scale misuse of money and power by the ruling BJP-led alliance in the BMC elections, claiming that cash and goods, including mixer grinders, were distributed openly. With major exit polls predicting a massive win for the Mahayuti in the Maharashtra civic body elections, including at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, the ruling alliance asserted they would assume power with a decisive majority in the municipal corporations. Welcoming exit poll predictions, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena leader Shaina N.C said Mahayuti would create history in the Mumbai Corporation. We welcome the exit polls, but tomorrow, post 12 noon, you will realise that history is being made by the Mahayuti," she told ANI. Targeting Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena, Shaina said, "There are certain people who choose to work from home, and people have rejected that." She added Mumbai needs leaders like Eknath Shinde, who worked tirelessly on the vision plan for a pothole-free Mumbai. Exit polls released earlier in the evening predicted BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena alliance would get majority in the Mumbai Corporation. Earlier, in the evening, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut launched a scathing attack at Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, and questioned a lengthy discussion between Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and Kamalabai, questioning the outcome of the meeting. Raut alleged that the interaction may have involved Devendra Fadnaviss special treasurer in Mumbai. In a post on X, Raut said, "Latest breaking news: Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani and Kamalabais lengthy discussion and meeting has concluded. Devendra Fadnaviss special treasurer in Mumbai, favourite builder and what was cooked up in the meeting with Gagrani?" Meanwhile, on Pune civic body elections, Union Minister and BJP leader Murlidhar Mohol asserted confidence that the ruling alliance will win 120-125 seats. Exit polls suggest the reunion of the Thackerays has failed to make any impact in the elections. Uddhav Sena and Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena came together before the crucial polls with the plank of "saving Maratha Manoos." According to major exit polls, the Thackeray brothers will win 50-80 seats. The elections to 29 Municipal civic bodies in Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, concluded on Thursday, with the State Election Commission facing an unprecedented challenge over the indelible ink used in polls. While political parties alleged conspiracy, the SEC dismissed the concerns and said there were multiple checks and balances to prevent false voting in the polls. The poll body termed the entire controversy unnecessary. As polling progressed through the day, videos reportedly surfaced showing how easily the indelible ink could be "removed". The videos went viral, and the poll body has launched a probe into the accusations. While the ruling Mahayuti alliance termed the controversy as an attempt to cast doubt on the functioning of the State Election Commission, the Opposition targeted the poll body, alleging inaction. Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar demanded strict action against persons attempting to wipe off ink from their fingers after exercising their franchise. He alleged they were trying to facilitate bogus voting and undermine the sanctity of the electoral process. Shelar said, "People who are wiping off ink are attempting bogus voting. A criminal case must be registered against them and a thorough probe should be conducted. Strict action is necessary to protect the sanctity of elections and to ascertain the real motive behind creating confusion over the ink." Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Raj Thackeray also raised suspicions over the ink used to mark voters in these polls. They accused the poll body of inaction. Meanwhile, the poll body dismissed these allegations. State Election Commissioner Dinesh T. Waghmare said, " The ink being used to mark the fingers of voters is indelible ink, and it is the same ink which is used by Election Commission of India in various elections. The only difference is that it is being used in the form of a marker. But, I also want to say this that this marker form of indelible ink is in used since 2011. So, people who are raising suspicion or creating confusion over this indelible ink dont mean anything." He added that several other practices are in place to check voters to prevent bogus voting, like the identification of voters by representatives of political parties and the presiding officer. A Kerala court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil in a sexual assault case. The court extended his remand on expiry of his three-day custody with the Special Investigation Team. Mamkootathil was produced at the residence of Pathanamthitta Second Class Magistrate Anjali Devi on Thursday. The court remanded him after the SIT did not seek an extension of his custody. Mamkootathil was later taken to the Mavelikkara special sub jail under heavy police presence. The development comes as the court is set to hear Mamkootathil's bail plea on Friday. The expelled Congress leader and Palakkad MLA was arrested in Palakkad in connection with a third sexual assault case. In the first two cases, the Kerala High Court restricted the state police from arresting the MLA. The third sexual assault case was taken following a complaint from a native of Kerala's Kottayam on January 8. The complainant, who is currently in Canada, gave her statement to the police via video conference. The case has been registered under sections 376(rape) and 506(1) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). In a huge setback for Vijay-starrer tamil film Jana Nayagan, the Supreme Court on Thursday declined to interfere at this stage on a plea filed by the producer of the film and instead directed them to pursue remedies before the Madras High Court. The top court asked the producer, M/s KVN Productions, to place its arguments before the division bench of the Madras High Court, which is already seized of the matter. Taking note of the urgency expressed by the petitioner, the Supreme Court also requested the High Courts division bench to hear the plea on January 20. The petition before the Supreme Court arose from an ongoing dispute related to the release and exhibition of Jana Nayagan. The producer had sought the apex courts intervention against proceedings pending before the Madras High Court, contending that immediate relief was required to prevent irreparable loss. However, the Supreme Court made it clear that it was not inclined to bypass the High Court at this stage. Observing that the matter was already under consideration by a division bench of the Madras High Court, the apex court held that judicial propriety required the petitioner to exhaust remedies before the High Court first. We are not inclined to interfere at this stage, the Bench said, while clarifying that all contentions raised by the producer were left open to be argued before the High Court. The Supreme Court also refrained from making any observations on the merits of the dispute, ensuring that the High Court could independently assess the issues without being influenced by the apex courts order. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatagi, appearing for the producer, urged the court to ensure an early hearing, citing commercial and contractual implications linked to the films release. Acknowledging the concern, the Supreme Court requested the Madras High Court division bench to take up the matter on January 20. The order effectively reinforces the Supreme Courts consistent approach of discouraging premature invocation of its jurisdiction when a High Court is already examining the dispute. With the apex court stepping aside for now, all eyes will be on the Madras High Court division bench, which is expected to hear the producers plea next week and determine the course of the dispute surrounding Jana Nayagan. The Singur anti-land acquisition protests to build the Tata Nano car plant on 997 acres of multi-crop land propelled Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress (TMC) from being in the opposition to becoming the chief minister of West Bengal in 2011. The BJP is now using Singur as a trump card to garner voter confidence by promising to bring back Tata to set up industry if the saffron party comes to power. Prime Minister Narendra Modis Singur rally on January 18 is just the beginning of bigger promises. Modi welcomed Nano with open arms (in Gujarat). If you go to that area, it has become an automobile hub, said Union minister Sukanta Majumdar. Industry will come to Bengal with the help of Narendra Modi. The land that brought Mamata Banerjee to power will also mark the end of her atrocious tenure. Prime Minister Modi is coming now, and in the future, Tata will also return. But for that, Bengal needs a change of government, he added. The BJP leader appealed to people in Singur to come to PM Modis rally. In 2023, the TMC government had helped to clean up the once acquired land and make it cultivable. However, work stopped later and members of the anti-land acquisition protests in Singur had reached out to the Centre to help clean up the land which is lying vacant, with parts of it unusable for cultivation after initial construction of the Tata Nano plant. We want cultivable land to be used for farming, industry can come up on the rest of the land. There will be difficulties but we will lend our support. We informed the government and we have decided to appeal to the PM from Krishi Jami Raksha Committee (KJRC), said Doodh Kumar Dhara, former leader of Krishi Jami Raksha Committee. Dhara went on to explain that 300 acres of land is being used for farming while his appeal is to clean up another 300 acres to be used for farming. The remaining 400 acres can be used for industry. The Supreme Court had ordered the state government to return the acquired land to original land owners. Whether the BJP plans to set up a car manufacturing factory on the same land or another area is not clear. For now, it is the saffron partys appeal to the people of Singur to attend PM Modis rally, and believe in his promise. The PM is our PM too and we will give him the message that farming and industry should co-exist. We wanted it then, we want it now too, added Dhara. TMC hit back at BJPs claims of setting up industry in Singur. Singur was never about Tata or industrialisation. The Tatas are heavily invested in Bengal. Singur was about a larger struggle, led by Mamta Banerjee against the principal of a state for acquiring multi-crop cultivable land, and giving it to private industry, said TMCs Kunal Ghosh. Since 2019, a large number of Left Front voters have been voting for BJP. It is an attempt to bring more Left-oriented voters to BJPs fold. This is a symbolic gesture on behalf of BJP to send them the message that BJPs politics is not all about religious polarisation but there are industrial attempts also. If BJP comes to power, there will be industry in West Bengal, large scale investments will come like those during former Left CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharyas regime, said political analyst Udayan Bandyopadhyay. Mamata Banerjee is trying to encourage investors to invest in West Bengal. She has been doing this with enough enthusiasm. Somewhere in the MSME sector the situation has improved a bit. But in terms of large capital intensive investments, we have been lagging behind many states. We have to improve in this sector also. In that sense, perception should change. It is not that perception will change if BJP comes to power, added Bandyopadhyay while giving references of BJP not showing as much promise of industry after ruling Bihar, Assam and other North Eastern states. Ending the 34-year-rule of the erstwhile Left Front government was no small feat, but driving out one of Indias biggest industrialists Ratan Tata and Tata Motors out of the state to Gujarat, ruled then by Narendra Modi as CM, went against Mamatas state. To get big companies to set up industries in West Bengal has been a tough task despite networking opportunities like the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) held annually. It is not just about PM Modi vs Mamata, but now with Singur, also about big industry vs small industry. Amid open threats traded by US President Donald Trump and the Iranian Islamic regime, it has been learnt that Gulf diplomacy was at the centre of American decision to give Iran "a chance". A senior Saudi official revealed to AFP that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman led the diplomatic efforts to convince Trump to call off his potential attack on Iran. Riyadh, Doha and Muscat led a "long, frantic, diplomatic last-minute effort" to persuade Trump to give Tehran "a chance to show good intention" and "avoid an uncontrollable situation in the region," the official told the news agency. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East The Saudi official said they told Trump that attacking Tehran would lead to "grave blowbacks in the region." "It was a sleepless night to defuse more bombs in the region... the communication is still underway to consolidate the gained trust and the current good spirit," he added. On the other hand, Iran was warned that attacking US facilities in the Middle East would deteriorate its ties with regional powers, said another official from the Gulf. This came after the Trump repeatedly warned Iran that the US could intervene if the Islamic regime executes protesters. Iran threatened to attack US bases in the Middle East, prompting Washington to pull out some troops from Qatar's Al Udeid air base and other locations. Later, Trump said he was assured by "very important sources on the other side" that Iran would not execute demonstrators. India has issued an advisory for citizens residing in Israel, urging them to remain vigilant and to follow safety guidelines amid growing tensions in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs advised Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Israel. "In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals currently in Israel are advised to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to the safety guidelines and protocols issued by the Israeli authorities and the Home Front Command," stated the advisory. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East The Indian embassy in Tel Aviv shared 24-hour emergency helplines, sharing telephone numbers +972-54-7520711 and +972-54-3278392 as well as email address cons1.telaviv@mea.gov.in. In Iran, India is planning to evacuate citizens from Friday morning. More than 10,000 Indians are estimated to be currently staying in Iran. On Wednesday, an advisory by the Tehran embassy 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. 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. 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." For West Asia or the Middle East, depending on where you stand, its almost always a safe wager to predict war; more often than not, you wont be far off. The region is defined less by natural alliance-building and more by a Hobbesian state of perpetual rivalry. The familiar saying, The enemy of my enemy is my friend, sounds comforting, but in practice it rarely holds true. At best, the enemy of my enemy is a temporary ally, one who will eventually become another adversary further down the list. Shared Threat Perceptions, Fractured Relations Vaishali Basu Iran is the common denominator of threat perception for several regional powers, yet these states distrust one another almost as much as they fear Tehran. Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan competes fiercely with Saudi Arabia for influence in Syria, aggravates Egypt with ambitions of regional leadership, and maintains open hostility toward Israel. The Houthi conflict which pits Iran-aligned Ansar Allah against Yemens government backed by Saudi Arabia, with the UAEsupported Southern Transitional Council has intensified lately. Egypt is consumed by challenges on nearly all its borders, from Libya to Ethiopias dam dispute, and from the Red Sea coast to the Houthis in Yemen. Israel has tense relations with Egypt, outright hostility with Turkey, and deep distrust of Saudi Arabia, with whom it has no formal ties. Its most direct conflict remains with Iran, where another round of warfare seems likely. None of these states are natural allies. Their rivalries run deep, even as they share a common adversary in Iran. In this fractured state, the US acts as the binding force, less than perfect though it may be. Despite media portrayals, the Trump administrations National Security Strategy was not radically different from its predecessors. Like Obama and others before him, Trump emphasised a pivot toward East Asia while recognising the need to sustain alliances in the Middle East. Gaza, Hamas, and the Limits of Phase Two Postwar Gaza may become the testing ground for this emerging alliance. Trumps 20-point plan, unique in its inclusion of external actors like Turkey and Qatar, boxed Hamas into a corner by securing regional buy-in before negotiations. Though implementation remains uneven, the plan was adopted into a UN Security Council resolution, giving it international legitimacy. Building on this, on January 14, American special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff announced the start of phase two of Trumps plan, with a technocratic Palestinian government established in Gaza. Under phase one, Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025, alongside a hostage-prisoner exchange, a partial Israeli withdrawal, and an aid surge. Phase two is designed to go further. It involves reconstruction and full demilitarisation of Gaza, including the disarmament of Hamas and other Palestinian groups. Witkoff warned that Hamas must comply fully, including returning the body of the last Israeli hostage, or face serious consequences. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East Energy ties offer another dimension of regional cooperation. Egypt, with significant gas fields and LNG terminals, once exported natural gas to Israel. Today, the pipeline across Sinai has been reversed, allowing Israel to send gas to Egypt, with plans to expand exports to Europe via Egyptian LNG facilities. Protecting these pipelines will be essential, but the arrangement highlights how energy can complement military cooperation in building regional stability. The question of US arms sales, particularly F35s to Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia raises concerns about Israels Qualitative Military Edge (QME), a principle enshrined in US law. Every proposed sale is evaluated against QME, with Israels perspective central to the process. The UAEs experience illustrates the complexity. Despite joining the Abraham Accords and securing agreement for F35s, its reliance on Huawei-run networks raised fears of Chinese technology theft, stalling the deal. The same concerns about the presence of Chinese military equipment and personnel appear to be hampering the deal with KSA Turkey was expelled from the F35 program after acquiring Russias S400 system. So beyond QME, safeguarding US technology and managing geopolitical entanglements with China and Russia remain critical hurdles. One of the most consequential moves of Trumps first administration was bringing Israel under the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Traditionally excluded, Israel now participates in joint exercises with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other regional militaries' naval drills, air command coordination, and missile defence operations. These exercises have already functioned as a de facto military alliance. Turkey, though formally under European Command, is occasionally integrated into CENTCOM activities, particularly air operations, given its hosting of the US base at Incirlik. CENTCOM has even established a command-and-control centre near Gaza, underscoring its operational presence in the region. Recent violence in Iran which has allegedly left as many as 2,000 dead, has been portrayed by Tehran as the continuation of US-Israeli aggression. In June last year, Israels attacks killed several of Irans most experienced IRGC figures, including its chief Hossein Salami. Though the loss dented the IRGCs prestige, the supreme leader swiftly appointed a new generation of commanders cut from the same ideological cloth. Speaker of parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, himself a former IRGC commander, threatened to set the region on fire, warning that US bases in Qatar could be legitimate targets if Iran were attacked. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has sought to strengthen ties with Doha, Cairo, and Riyadh, underscoring Irans dual track of confrontation and diplomacy. Analysts such as Mohammad Ali Shabani note that historically, Iranian protests have led to regime rebalancing in favour of repression. Optimism over Gazas future is tempered by Hamass refusal to disarm, complicating the second phase of Trumps plan. The agreement calls for demilitarisation, removing offensive weapons like rockets and RPGs rather than total disarmament. Hamas remains weakened, controlling half of Gaza but surrounded and constrained. Israel, meanwhile, has developed innovative tactics to neutralise tunnel networks and now controls all entry and exit points into Gaza. While Hamas is unlikely to relinquish power voluntarily, Israels dominance ensures that phase two, whether through negotiation or force remains within reach. From Gazas uncertain future and the worldwide rise of antisemitism, the stakes are immense. Yet the more immediate disruptions lie with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran, both rearming and preparing for confrontation. As tensions mount, Israels leadership weighs the prospect of renewed military action, while regional instability keeps the worlds attention fixed on West Asia. Against this backdrop, two pivotal political contests, the US mid-term elections and Israels upcoming Knesset vote promise to reverberate far beyond their borders, shaping policy choices and global alignments. Unresolved conflicts and the persistence of radicalisation could define the course of 2026, following on the heels of an already turbulent 2025. The author is a security and economic affairs analyst By Andrea Shalal KYIV, Jan 15 (Reuters) - International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva met with top Ukrainian officials in Kyiv in a surprise visit on Thursday, telling Reuters she expected to send a new $8.1 billion lending program to the Fund's board for approval in coming weeks. Georgieva, who met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and others in the frozen capital, said in an interview that the program would help to unlock funds from other institutions for the war-torn country. Advertisement Advertisement During the trip, kept secret until her arrival on a special VIP train before dawn, she honored fallen soldiers and inspected energy infrastructure hit by Russian strikes, weeks before the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion on February 24. Georgieva said the situation in Ukraine had clearly worsened since officials signed a preliminary lending agreement in November, but the thrust of the program's requirements would remain the same. The day before her visit, Zelenskiy declared a state of emergency to accelerate work on power supplies disrupted by fierce Russian attacks. Repairs to thousands of apartment blocks have been complicated by frigid weather, with night-time temperatures dipping close to minus-20 Celsius (minus-4 Fahrenheit). "I came in February 2023 and at that time it was difficult for the country, it was difficult for the economy, it was difficult for the people. But nothing like today," she said. "What impresses me is how functional the city is and how strong people withstand the terrible cost of war." Advertisement Advertisement Georgieva said she came to ensure that Ukraine could still implement the November preliminary agreement despite the "unusually harsh times." She said Ukrainian officials assured her that they remained committed to moving ahead. Still, she said, the IMF recognized the need for flexibility under the changed circumstances. Georgieva said she told the Ukrainian authorities that they had to move forward on the removal of a value-added tax exemption for consumer goods, which has run into domestic resistance. But she said the IMF would require only that the measure was introduced - not passed by parliament - before the new program could be approved. "On the VAT exemptions, we made it very clear that this has to happen," she said, "We have to move it forward and the question is not whether. The question is how we do it, how we get the level of support from the parliament." Georgieva said the IMF would assess which measures agreed in November were easily implemented and which needed to be "calibrated" more carefully. For instance, she said the Fund was looking at giving Ukraine a year to drum up support in parliament for passage of the VAT measure. Advertisement Advertisement GEORGIEVA HONORS FALLEN SOLDIERS Ukraine's top central banker, Andriy Pyshnyi, greeted Georgieva at her first stop, St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery in a square in central Kyiv. They placed flowers at a memorial wall bearing portraits of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers killed since 2014 while fighting Russia. "I think the rest of the world doesn't quite understand that this pain for Ukraine didn't start with the invasion four years ago," she said. "When Ukrainians are defending their right to keep the country together, it is because they have had so much blood and tears." Georgieva met separately with Pyshnyi, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko before meeting President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during her whirlwind one-day visit. She also met with business executives and investors. Advertisement Advertisement The IMF chief, who grew up in Bulgaria, has a personal connection with Ukraine. Her brother, whose wife is Ukrainian, was in Kharkiv, the country's second-largest city, when Russia invaded. Svyrydenko welcomed Georgieva's continued engagement, posting on X that her presence was "an important signal of support for Ukraine." "Her visit comes at a particularly difficult moment for our energy sector, amid unprecedented Russian attacks and the coldest winter in 20 years," she said, adding that she had shown the IMF chief damage from Russian strikes at one of Kyiv's major energy facilities. WAR HAS HIT ECONOMY HARD Advertisement Advertisement The preliminary agreement reached between the IMF and Ukraine in November would provide budget support for four years, contingent on several actions, including shoring up financing assurances, enacting a 2026 budget and broadening the tax base. Approval of the funding is critical, given estimated shortfalls of around $136.5 billion through 2029 due to the ongoing war. While Ukrainian authorities have agreed to accelerate efforts to prevent tax evasion and avoidance, the IMF is not counting on higher revenues until 2027, an IMF official said. Ukraine has passed the 2026 budget and last month bolstered its donor support when European Union leaders agreed to lend it 90 billion euros ($105 billion) for two years. Ukraine must only service the loan if Russia pays reparations after the war ends, which means it will not pose a burden on the budget. It also completed a restructuring of $2.6 billion in growth-linked debt, averting a potential cost of up to $20 billion through 2041. Advertisement Advertisement The new IMF program will replace its four-year $15.5 billion program, of which some $10.6 billion has been disbursed and which had assumed the war would end in 2025. The new preliminary agreement assumes the war will end this year but includes a "downside scenario" that the war winds down slowly and does not end until 2028. Following her visit to Ukraine, Georgieva will travel to Rome on Saturday for an audience with Pope Leo XIV, her first meeting with the new pontiff. That will be followed by Liechtenstein on Sunday and then Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum, IMF spokeswoman Julie Kozack told reporters in Washington. Georgieva will also stop in Brussels on her way back to Washington. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Additional reporting by Olena Harmash in Kyiv and David Lawder in Washington; Editing by Bernadette Baum, Andrea Ricci and Edmund Klamann) US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the "killing in Iran is stopping" and that Tehran had no plans to execute protesters. "We were told that the killing in Iran is stopping, and there are no plans for executions or an execution. I've been told that on good authority. We'll find out about it," he said. #WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "We were told that the killing in Iran is stopping... and there are no plans for executions or an execution. I've been told that on good authority..." Further, he says, "The leaker has been found and is in jail right now, and that's the pic.twitter.com/F1UdBvXfKH ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2026 Trumps remarks came amid his continued warnings of potential military intervention in Iran, where anti-regime protests have been escalating over the past three weeks. Despite Trump's statement, Iranian officials signaled that swift trials and executions could be imminent for those detained during the nationwide protests. The Iranian government also promised retaliation if the US or Israel tried to intervene in the unrest. The chief of the Iranian judiciary said on Wednesday that the government must act quickly to punish the thousands who have been detained, including by fast-tracking executions. Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning to the US, urging it not to repeat past mistakes. He referred to US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June 2025. "My message is do not repeat the same mistake that you did in June. You know, if you try a failed experience, you will get the same result," Araghchi told Fox News host Bret Baier. He added, "You know in June, you destroyed the facilities, the machines, but the technology cannot be bombed. And the determination also cannot be bombed." According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 2,615 people have been killed in the Iranian security forces' crackdown on the protests. There are growing concerns that executions of detainees could be imminent. The United States has formally unveiled the next stage of President Donald Trumps ambitious attempt to reshape Gazas future. Announced by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff yesterday, Phase II of the administrations 20-point plan is expected to move the territory beyond a fragile ceasefire towards demilitarisation, technocratic governance and reconstruction. If phase I was about stopping the bleeding through humanitarian aid and the return of living hostages, phase II is about redesigning how Gaza is run. At the heart of the plan is the establishment of a transitional body known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, or NCAG. Designed as a 15-member technocratic Palestinian authority, it is meant to take over civil administration from Hamas without immediately resolving the deeper question of Palestinian statehood. The committee will be led by Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority deputy minister known for his work on industrial zones, signalling an emphasis on economic management rather than revolutionary politics. The composition of the committee reflects that intent. Its members include figures from Gazas private sector and civil society, such as Ayed Abu Ramadan, who heads the Gaza Chamber of Commerce, and Omar Shamali from the Palestine Telecommunications Company. There are also more overtly political choices, including Sami Nasman, a retired Palestinian Authority security officer who has been a vocal critic of Hamas. The list has not been without controversy. Within Israel, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly objected to Shaaths past ties to the PA, but the Shin Bet ultimately approved the roster, insisting that none of the members have links to Hamas. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East The NCAG is not meant to operate independently. Oversight will come from a so-called Board of Peace, chaired by Trump himself. On the ground, coordination is expected to fall to Nickolay Mladenov, the former UN Middle East envoy, who will act as the boards representative in Gaza. Security during the transition is to be provided by an International Stabilisation Force, tasked with training and supporting vetted Palestinian police units. The Palestinian Authority has cautiously endorsed this arrangement, framing it as a step towards restoring one system, one law, and one legitimate weapon across both Gaza and the West Bank. That slogan points to the central and most contentious demand of Phase II: full demilitarisation. The plan calls for the disarmament of all unauthorised personnel, a formulation that leaves little doubt that Hamas and other militant groups are the primary targets. Hamas has agreed, at least in principle, to hand over civil governance to a technocratic body, but it has long argued that its weapons are non-negotiable unless and until a Palestinian state is established. Its leaders are currently in Cairo discussing the transition, and while some spokespersons have described the plan as a positive development, there is no clear mechanism for enforcing disarmament if the group refuses to comply. Washington has warned that failure to meet these obligations will bring serious consequences, though what those might entail remains deliberately vague. Reconstruction is the other pillar of Phase II, and the scale of the task is daunting. The process is expected to take around three years, assuming the ceasefire holds. Shaath has floated ambitious, and controversial, ideas for dealing with the mountains of rubble left by the war, including pushing debris into the sea to create new land and artificial islands. More immediately, the committee faces the grim reality of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians still living in tents through winter, dependent on aid that remains restricted. Humanitarian agencies warn that despite the ceasefire, Gaza continues to face an acute risk of starvation, compounded by limits on equipment needed to clear debris and rebuild basic infrastructure. Within Israel, Phase II has also reopened painful domestic arguments, particularly over the fate of Ran Gvili, a 24-year-old police officer whose remains are the last still held by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Gvilis return remains a top priority and has described the move to Phase II as largely symbolic, arguing it does not undermine efforts to recover his body. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum strongly disagrees, accusing the government of surrendering vital leverage and condemning Gvili to permanent disappearance. In response, Israel has kept the Rafah border crossing closed, using it as pressure on Hamas. Mediators such as Egypt, Qatar and Turkey have welcomed the launch of Phase II, hoping it will consolidate the truce and prevent a slide back into war. Yet critics argue that the process is tilted heavily in Israels favour and that Palestinian rights risk being obscured by the Trump administrations peacemaker narrative. Others warn that without a full Israeli withdrawal or a credible path to political resolution, Gaza could drift into a prolonged limbo, neither at war nor at peace. Iran closed its airspace to commercial aircraft on Thursday without providing an explanation, amid heightened tensions in the country due to large-scale protests and fears of potential US military intervention. Initially, Iranian authorities had restricted airspace for just two hours, but the closure was later extended by a subsequent order. The threat of a US strike escalated on Wednesday after the US military advised its personnel to evacuate from several key bases in Qatar. Iran had previously warned that it would target American bases in the region if the US intervened militarily in the country. "All the signals are that a US 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. In Washington, however, Trump slightly toned down his rhetoric late on Wednesday, stating that he had been informed the "killing in Iran is stopping" and that there were no plans to execute the protesters. Trump, however, did not specify who provided him with the information, referring to them only as "very important sources on the other side". Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also claimed that his country had no plan to hang the protesters, contrary to reports that swift trials and executions could be imminent for those detained during the nationwide protests. The chief of the Iranian judiciary had said on Wednesday that the government must act quickly to punish the thousands who have been detained, including by fast-tracking executions. "Hanging is out of the question," Abbas told Fox News. He, however, issued a stern warning to the US, urging it not to repeat past mistakes, referring to US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities during the 12-day Iran-Israel war in June 2025. The US on Wednesday stoked fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East by redirecting the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East. The carrier is reportedly on the move and will take atleast a week to reach the Middle Eastern waters at typical cruising speeds. "The US is moving a carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the CENTCOM area of responsibility," Kellie Meyer, a NewsNation reporter, posted on X. CENTCOMs area of responsibility covers over 4 million square miles, spanning Northeast Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. It encompasses 21 countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan. A carrier strike group is a naval formation centered around an aircraft carrier, with a variety of other vessels, including three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and an attack submarine, in this case. For latest news and analyses on Middle East, visit: Yello! Middle East This significant military decision comes as US President Donald Trump threatened the Iranian regime to stop firing at protesters, stating the US military was locked and loaded to hit Iran. BREAKING HAPPENING NOW: The United States is rapidly redeploying the entire USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group out of the South China Sea and steaming full speed toward the Middle East as the U.S. prepares to unleash major strikes on Iran. pic.twitter.com/16XDQNI78q Ian Miles Cheong (@ianmiles) January 15, 2026 The movement also comes in the wake of Iran issuing Notice to Air Missions, or NOTAM, on Monday, a temporary closure of its airspace to most flights. This was revoked hours later. However, the reports are that the US has asked its personnel at a key U.S. military base in Qatar to evacuate by Wednesday evening. At present, there is no US carrier strike group in the Middle East though the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group had been conducting routine operations, including F-35C flight ops and live-fire drills in the South China Sea. According to military watchers, the move is to prepare for potentially sustained operations rather than a limited strike, considering the US can always deploy long-range B-2 bombers from the U.S. mainland, like it did last year, and Tomahawk-equipped destroyers in the Persian Gulf, to hit Iran. You dont reposition a full carrier strike group from the Indo-Pacific for a one-night symbolic operation, one defense source told VINnews. This signals readiness for prolonged presence and follow-on capability if required. It was an 'APU fire warning' that forced a Singapore-bound Air India flight from Delhi, carrying nearly 200 passengers, to return to the national capital early on Thursday morning. Passengers aboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operating the AI 2380 had been nearly airborne for an hour, before the flight safely returned to Delhi due to the "APU fire warning", as per a PTI report. The passengers were transferred to another flight headed to Singapore, as the airline apologised for the technical snag. What is an 'APU fire warning'? According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the UN's civil aviation body, an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) is a small self-contained power unit on an aircraft providing electrical/pneumatic power to the aircraft's systems during ground operations. Indeed, its primary use is during ground operations, because it allows for a number of functionsfrom starting the engine and maintaining optimal cabin conditions to powering various parts of the aircraft. However, in the air, a certified APU's main function is to provide backup power in case an engine generator fails. Since APUs deal with powering various parts of the flight, fire warningsdespite the fire-proof materials that these components are built withfor these are a big deal. This is because on the ground, they present a risk of explosion and possible airport infrastructure damagewhich could even escalate to injuries and deaths. APU fire warnings are a bigger concern when reported mid-air, not only because of the possibility of an explosion and deaths, but also because the flight would be left with just its main powerwhich does not necessarily imply a disaster, but is still a huge risk. Invesco Building & Construction ETF (NYSEARCA:PKB Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 22,131 shares, a growth of 298.5% from the December 15th total of 5,554 shares. Currently, 0.7% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 13,753 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.6 days. Based on an average trading volume of 13,753 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.6 days. Currently, 0.7% of the shares of the company are sold short. Invesco Building & Construction ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:PKB traded down $1.37 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $98.94. 15,266 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 22,396. The company has a market capitalization of $308.69 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.37 and a beta of 1.30. Invesco Building & Construction ETF has a 1-year low of $59.89 and a 1-year high of $100.41. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $94.83 and its 200-day simple moving average is $92.07. Get Invesco Building & Construction ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Invesco Building & Construction ETF Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. UBS Group AG lifted its holdings in shares of Invesco Building & Construction ETF by 240.4% during the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 66,043 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,314,000 after acquiring an additional 46,643 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. grew its holdings in shares of Invesco Building & Construction ETF by 22.7% during the third quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 64,467 shares of the companys stock worth $6,163,000 after purchasing an additional 11,925 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in Invesco Building & Construction ETF by 6.6% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 56,514 shares of the companys stock worth $5,403,000 after acquiring an additional 3,494 shares during the last quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. raised its stake in shares of Invesco Building & Construction ETF by 14.8% in the second quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 50,795 shares of the companys stock worth $4,081,000 after acquiring an additional 6,541 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Invesco Building & Construction ETF by 1,539.1% during the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 47,207 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,178,000 after purchasing an additional 44,327 shares during the last quarter. About Invesco Building & Construction ETF PowerShares Dynamic Building & Construction Portfolio (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the Dynamic Building & Construction Intellidex Index (the Index). The Index evaluates companies based on a variety of investment merit criteria, including fundamental growth, stock valuation, investment timeliness and risk factors. The Index consists of stocks of 30 United States building and construction companies. These are companies that are primarily engaged in providing construction and related engineering services for building and remodeling residential properties, commercial or industrial buildings, or working on large-scale infrastructure projects, such as highways, tunnels, bridges, dams, power lines and airports. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Building & Construction ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Building & Construction ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. By Steve Holland and Jarrett Renshaw WASHINGTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he believes it would be better for Venezuela to remain in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, but added he was unsure if that would be a better situation for the United States. Well, I think its better for them if they do it, Trump said in a Reuters interview when asked if the administration supports Venezuela remaining in the oil cartel. I dont know that its better for us but they are a member of OPEC, and we havent discussed that with them at all," Trump added. Venezuela, a founding member of the oil cartel, sits atop some of the worlds largest crude reserves but has seen output collapse in recent years amid economic turmoil and sanctions. Trump has sought to assert control over Venezuelas oil supply after the U.S. ousted President Nicolas Maduro in an operation earlier this month. Trump's administration has said it would need to control Venezuela's oil resources indefinitely as it seeks to rebuild the country's oil industry and exert pressure on the Caracas government. Pressed on whether Venezuela, under a U.S.-influenced oil policy, would be expected to abide by OPEC production limits, Trump said the question was premature and outside his remit. I dont have to worry about it right now, because, you know, I have nothing to do with OPEC, he said. U.S. control of the Venezuelan oil industry and future investment to boost capacity could put Caracas at odds with other OPEC members. OPEC is a group of oil-producing countries that work together on supply policy to stabilize oil markets cutting output when prices fall and increasing output when demand warrants. While members make decisions collectively, Saudi Arabia, the worlds largest oil exporter, is widely regarded as the producer groups de facto leader due to its dominant production capacity and ability to raise or cut supply. In recent interviews, White House aides and outside advisers told Reuters that the subject of Venezuela remaining in OPEC has not been a topic of conversation. They note it could emerge as a flashpoint if Trump seeks to ramp up oil production while OPEC looks to implement cuts to support prices, potentially putting U.S. objectives at odds with the cartels strategy. Some OPEC members that aim to expand oil production often find themselves constrained by the cartels quota system, which sets output limits to stabilize global prices. Countries like Iraq, Nigeria and Angola have in the past expressed frustration that the quotas prevent them from fully exploiting their reserves or responding to domestic fiscal needs. (Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Lisa Shumaker) Roblox Corporation (NYSE:RBLX Get Free Report) Director Anthony Lee sold 7,000 shares of Roblox stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 13th. The shares were sold at an average price of $82.45, for a total value of $577,150.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 256,768 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,170,521.60. This represents a 2.65% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Roblox Price Performance RBLX stock traded down $2.09 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $82.71. 12,451,209 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 12,833,139. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.54, a current ratio of 0.96 and a quick ratio of 0.96. Roblox Corporation has a 12-month low of $50.10 and a 12-month high of $150.59. The stocks 50 day moving average is $90.01 and its 200 day moving average is $112.42. The company has a market cap of $54.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -57.84 and a beta of 1.64. Get Roblox alerts: Roblox (NYSE:RBLX Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported ($0.37) earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.44) by $0.07. Roblox had a negative return on equity of 314.20% and a negative net margin of 21.70%.The business had revenue of $1.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.64 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted ($0.37) EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 70.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Roblox Corporation will post -1.49 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Analysts Set New Price Targets Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Pilgrim Partners Asia Pte Ltd acquired a new stake in Roblox during the third quarter worth about $26,000. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Roblox in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Total Investment Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Roblox in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Root Financial Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Roblox during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $38,000. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. raised its position in shares of Roblox by 58.7% during the 3rd quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 284 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 105 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.46% of the companys stock. A number of analysts have recently commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of Roblox from $170.00 to $155.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Oppenheimer reiterated an outperform rating and set a $150.00 price objective on shares of Roblox in a research note on Friday, October 31st. UBS Group set a $155.00 target price on Roblox in a research report on Tuesday. Wall Street Zen raised Roblox from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, October 18th. Finally, Cowen reissued a sell rating on shares of Roblox in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Seventeen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $134.23. Get Our Latest Stock Report on RBLX More Roblox News Here are the key news stories impacting Roblox this week: Positive Sentiment: Morgan Stanley and media coverage highlight hit-driven growth on the platform Barrons points to top games like Escape Tsunami to Steal Brainrots as evidence of continued engagement and monetization upside, supporting the thesis that Roblox can keep producing blockbuster user-created titles. Kids Are Competing for Brainrots on Roblox. What It Says About the Stock. Morgan Stanley and media coverage highlight hit-driven growth on the platform Barrons points to top games like Escape Tsunami to Steal Brainrots as evidence of continued engagement and monetization upside, supporting the thesis that Roblox can keep producing blockbuster user-created titles. Positive Sentiment: Analyst momentum and options flow drove a sharp rally reports say Roblox jumped ~11% on Jan. 13 after favorable analyst commentary and a surge in call-option buying, with trading volume well above recent averages. That helped push shares higher into earnings season. Why Is Roblox Stock Surging? Analyst momentum and options flow drove a sharp rally reports say Roblox jumped ~11% on Jan. 13 after favorable analyst commentary and a surge in call-option buying, with trading volume well above recent averages. That helped push shares higher into earnings season. Positive Sentiment: Unusual call-option activity: market data show ~54,765 call contracts traded (?59% above typical volume), signaling speculative bullish positioning that amplified the rally ahead of FY25 results. (No direct article link available.) Unusual call-option activity: market data show ~54,765 call contracts traded (?59% above typical volume), signaling speculative bullish positioning that amplified the rally ahead of FY25 results. (No direct article link available.) Positive Sentiment: Investors bought ahead of FY25 earnings coverage notes multi-day gains and above-average volume as traders positioned for the companys upcoming results, a common catalyst for short-term momentum. Roblox (RBLX) Climbs 10.5% Ahead of FY25 Earnings Investors bought ahead of FY25 earnings coverage notes multi-day gains and above-average volume as traders positioned for the companys upcoming results, a common catalyst for short-term momentum. Neutral Sentiment: Morgan Stanley cut its price target from $170 to $155 but kept an Overweight rating the PT came down modestly while the bullish stance remains, which can be read both as cautious and constructive for bookings growth. RBLX Continued flow of hits on Roblox supports bookings growth says Morgan Stanley Morgan Stanley cut its price target from $170 to $155 but kept an Overweight rating the PT came down modestly while the bullish stance remains, which can be read both as cautious and constructive for bookings growth. Neutral Sentiment: Analyst caution on sustainability Zacks notes that recent upward EPS estimate revisions dont guarantee continued near-term gains, suggesting upside may be limited without confirming fundamentals in the next report. Roblox (RBLX) Surges 10.5%: Is This an Indication of Further Gains? Analyst caution on sustainability Zacks notes that recent upward EPS estimate revisions dont guarantee continued near-term gains, suggesting upside may be limited without confirming fundamentals in the next report. Negative Sentiment: Profit-taking and consolidation today after the sharp multi-day advance, shares have pulled back as traders lock in gains and weigh mixed signals (PT cut vs. maintained rating, and cautionary notes on sustainability), contributing to the intraday decline. About Roblox (Get Free Report) Roblox Corporation operates Roblox, a user-generated online platform that enables people to create, share and monetize immersive 3D experiences and games. The core offering centers on Roblox Studio, a development environment that allows independent creators and studios to design interactive worlds using the companys building tools and scripting language. Content on the platform spans games, virtual hangouts, branded experiences and live events, all delivered through a persistent social environment. Robloxs business model is built around its virtual economy and creator ecosystem. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Roblox Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Roblox and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY Get Free Report) insider Gregory Bowles sold 5,383 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $14.72, for a total value of $79,237.76. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 162,674 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,394,561.28. This trade represents a 3.20% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Gregory Bowles also recently made the following trade(s): Get Joby Aviation alerts: On Tuesday, January 13th, Gregory Bowles sold 894 shares of Joby Aviation stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $14.83, for a total value of $13,258.02. On Friday, January 2nd, Gregory Bowles sold 4,194 shares of Joby Aviation stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $13.51, for a total transaction of $56,660.94. On Tuesday, November 25th, Gregory Bowles sold 3,931 shares of Joby Aviation stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.72, for a total transaction of $53,933.32. On Monday, November 24th, Gregory Bowles sold 4,604 shares of Joby Aviation stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $13.31, for a total transaction of $61,279.24. Joby Aviation Stock Performance NYSE:JOBY traded up $0.30 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $15.11. 20,695,715 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 28,610,189. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.78 billion, a PE ratio of -11.28 and a beta of 2.56. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $14.53 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $15.17. Joby Aviation, Inc. has a one year low of $4.96 and a one year high of $20.95. Joby Aviation News Summary Joby Aviation ( NYSE:JOBY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported ($0.48) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.19) by ($0.29). The business had revenue of $22.57 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $0.02 million. The companys revenue was up 7962.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned ($0.21) EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Joby Aviation, Inc. will post -0.69 EPS for the current year. Here are the key news stories impacting Joby Aviation this week: Positive Sentiment: Joby will expand manufacturing capacity with an acquisition of a new Ohio facility the move should help scale production and shorten time-to-delivery as Joby ramps toward commercial service, supporting long?term revenue and margin improvement. Read More. Joby will expand manufacturing capacity with an acquisition of a new Ohio facility the move should help scale production and shorten time-to-delivery as Joby ramps toward commercial service, supporting long?term revenue and margin improvement. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Joby partnered with Metropolis to build 25 vertiports across the U.S., a key infrastructure deal that de?risks market access and supports launch plans for its air?taxi service this increases the credibility of near?term commercialization and potential localized recurring revenue streams. Read More. Joby partnered with Metropolis to build 25 vertiports across the U.S., a key infrastructure deal that de?risks market access and supports launch plans for its air?taxi service this increases the credibility of near?term commercialization and potential localized recurring revenue streams. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Multiple insiders (including CEO Joeben Bevirt, CFO Rodrigo Brumana and several senior executives) sold shares across filings on Jan. 1314 aggregating into sizable, public reductions of insider positions. While insider sales can reflect diversification or liquidity needs, the breadth and scale of the transactions can be interpreted as a near?term negative signal by investors. See representative SEC Form 4 filing (CEO). Read More. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades JOBY has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d-) rating on shares of Joby Aviation in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Joby Aviation from $7.00 to $15.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. HC Wainwright reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Joby Aviation in a research report on Monday, November 24th. Needham & Company LLC reissued a buy rating and issued a $22.00 price target on shares of Joby Aviation in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Joby Aviation from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and three have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Joby Aviation presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $13.43. Read Our Latest Stock Report on JOBY Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in JOBY. CWM LLC increased its holdings in Joby Aviation by 8.1% during the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 9,156 shares of the companys stock valued at $97,000 after purchasing an additional 689 shares during the period. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC increased its stake in Joby Aviation by 22.5% during the 3rd quarter. GPS Wealth Strategies Group LLC now owns 3,794 shares of the companys stock valued at $61,000 after purchasing an additional 697 shares in the last quarter. Asset Planning Inc boosted its position in shares of Joby Aviation by 70.0% during the third quarter. Asset Planning Inc now owns 1,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 700 shares during the last quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC grew its position in Joby Aviation by 2.1% in the 4th quarter. GoalVest Advisory LLC now owns 33,500 shares of the companys stock worth $442,000 after purchasing an additional 700 shares during the period. Finally, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans boosted its holdings in shares of Joby Aviation by 4.6% in the third quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 16,705 shares of the companys stock worth $270,000 after buying an additional 736 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 52.85% of the companys stock. About Joby Aviation (Get Free Report) Joby Aviation Inc is an aerospace company focused on developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban air mobility. The companys core mission is to provide zero-emission aerial ridesharing services, combining the speed of helicopters with the cost efficiency and environmental benefits of electric propulsion. Jobys eVTOL design emphasizes low noise profiles and high reliability, positioning the company to address congestion challenges in major metropolitan areas. The companys flagship aircraft is designed to carry a pilot and up to four passengers, offering point-to-point travel at speeds competitive with ground transportation. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Joby Aviation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Joby Aviation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF (NYSEARCA:BILZ Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decrease in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 15,590 shares, a decrease of 65.8% from the December 15th total of 45,588 shares. Currently, 0.2% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 179,022 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Based on an average trading volume of 179,022 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.2% of the shares of the stock are sold short. PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF Price Performance Shares of NYSEARCA:BILZ remained flat at $100.88 during trading on Wednesday. The stock had a trading volume of 178,112 shares, compared to its average volume of 234,268. PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF has a 52-week low of $100.73 and a 52-week high of $101.27. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $100.90 and a 200-day simple moving average of $100.98. Get PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Royal Bank of Canada raised its stake in shares of PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF by 120.4% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 87,516 shares of the companys stock worth $8,856,000 after buying an additional 47,808 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its holdings in PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 80,378 shares of the companys stock worth $8,134,000 after acquiring an additional 1,146 shares in the last quarter. Southland Equity Partners LLC increased its holdings in PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF by 447.2% in the 2nd quarter. Southland Equity Partners LLC now owns 22,776 shares of the companys stock worth $2,305,000 after acquiring an additional 18,614 shares in the last quarter. ABLE Financial Group LLC raised its position in PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF by 22.0% during the second quarter. ABLE Financial Group LLC now owns 10,123 shares of the companys stock worth $1,024,000 after acquiring an additional 1,825 shares during the period. Finally, Essex Financial Services Inc. lifted its holdings in PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF by 701.5% during the second quarter. Essex Financial Services Inc. now owns 75,418 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,632,000 after purchasing an additional 66,008 shares in the last quarter. About PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF The PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active Exchange-Traded Fund (BILZ) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is an actively managed fund that invests in treasury bills and notes, repurchase agreements, and cash collateralized by the US government. Securities selected have a maximum maturity of six months. BILZ was launched on Jun 21, 2023 and is managed by PIMCO. Read More Receive News & Ratings for PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PIMCO Ultra Short Government Active ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:MHVYF Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $28.23, but opened at $30.52. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries shares last traded at $28.50, with a volume of 1,286 shares traded. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Stock Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $99.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 59.06 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a current ratio of 1.27 and a quick ratio of 0.97. The stocks 50 day moving average is $26.34 and its two-hundred day moving average is $26.03. Get Mitsubishi Heavy Industries alerts: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (OTCMKTS:MHVYF Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported $0.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.14 by ($0.05). Mitsubishi Heavy Industries had a net margin of 4.63% and a return on equity of 10.04%. The firm had revenue of $6.22 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1,282.47 billion. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Company Profile Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is a diversified Japanese industrial conglomerate engaged in the design, manufacture and servicing of large-scale capital equipment and systems. The companys activities span shipbuilding and marine propulsion; power and energy systems including gas turbines, boilers and related power-plant equipment; and industrial machinery for sectors ranging from chemicals and manufacturing to environmental control. MHI also supplies heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and other building-related equipment for commercial and industrial customers. In addition to its heavy engineering businesses, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is a major participant in aerospace, space and defense markets. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Express Company (NYSE:AXP) gapped down before the market opened on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $375.61, but opened at $360.50. American Express shares last traded at $357.8620, with a volume of 1,073,878 shares. American Express News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting American Express this week: Get American Express alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets AXP has been the topic of several research reports. Weiss Ratings raised shares of American Express from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Monday, December 29th. HSBC set a $295.00 price target on shares of American Express and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Truist Financial increased their price objective on American Express from $395.00 to $420.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Credit Suisse Group set a $328.00 target price on American Express in a research note on Monday. Finally, Wolfe Research started coverage on American Express in a research note on Monday, December 8th. They set a peer perform rating for the company. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $352.82. American Express Stock Performance The stock has a market cap of $246.42 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 1.15. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $368.96 and a 200 day simple moving average of $340.50. The company has a current ratio of 1.61, a quick ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, January 30th. The payment services company reported ($11.85) EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.56 by ($15.41). The firm had revenue of ($17,139.00) million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.91 billion. American Express had a net margin of 14.97% and a return on equity of 33.41%. On average, equities analysts expect that American Express Company will post 15.33 earnings per share for the current year. American Express Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.82 per share. This represents a $3.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 2nd. American Expresss payout ratio is 22.01%. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CMO Elizabeth Rutledge sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $360.21, for a total transaction of $18,010,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief marketing officer owned 85,577 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,825,691.17. This represents a 36.88% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider Douglas Tabish sold 2,515 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $355.61, for a total value of $894,359.15. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 2,515 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $894,359.15. This represents a 50.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 57,515 shares of company stock valued at $20,658,509 over the last 90 days. 0.20% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On American Express Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of AXP. Gratus Wealth Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of American Express by 0.8% during the third quarter. Gratus Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,712 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $1,233,000 after acquiring an additional 28 shares in the last quarter. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp lifted its holdings in American Express by 10.0% during the third quarter. Murphy & Mullick Capital Management Corp now owns 308 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $105,000 after acquiring an additional 28 shares during the period. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in shares of American Express by 2.4% in the 4th quarter. Capital Asset Advisory Services LLC now owns 1,214 shares of the payment services companys stock worth $465,000 after buying an additional 28 shares during the last quarter. Lantz Financial LLC grew its position in shares of American Express by 3.6% during the 4th quarter. Lantz Financial LLC now owns 808 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $299,000 after acquiring an additional 28 shares during the period. Finally, McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc. grew its holdings in American Express by 1.0% during the third quarter. McGlone Suttner Wealth Management Inc. now owns 2,910 shares of the payment services companys stock valued at $967,000 after purchasing an additional 29 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 84.33% of the companys stock. American Express Company Profile (Get Free Report) American Express is a global financial services company primarily known for its payment card products, travel services and merchant network. Founded in 1850 as an express mail business, the company evolved through the 20th century into a payments and travel-focused organization. Its core activities include issuing consumer and commercial charge and credit cards, operating a global card acceptance and processing network, and providing travel-related services and customer loyalty programs. American Express issues a range of products for individuals, small businesses and large corporations, including personal cards, business and corporate cards, and co?brand partnerships with airlines, hotels and retailers. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Several analysts have recently updated their ratings and price targets for Hyatt Hotels (NYSE: H): 1/14/2026 Hyatt Hotels is now covered by analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.. They set a buy rating and a $198.00 price target on the stock. 1/13/2026 Hyatt Hotels had its price target raised by analysts at Mizuho from $203.00 to $223.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 1/2/2026 Hyatt Hotels had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Sanford C. Bernstein. They now have a $188.00 price target on the stock. 12/31/2025 Hyatt Hotels had its price target raised by analysts at Stifel Nicolaus from $158.00 to $164.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock. 12/29/2025 Hyatt Hotels had its hold (c-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/22/2025 Hyatt Hotels had its hold (c-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/17/2025 Hyatt Hotels was upgraded by analysts at Barclays PLC from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating. They now have a $200.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $161.00. 12/15/2025 Hyatt Hotels had its hold (c-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/8/2025 Hyatt Hotels had its hold (c-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/4/2025 Hyatt Hotels had its price target raised by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation from $159.00 to $168.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 12/1/2025 Hyatt Hotels had its hold (c-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/25/2025 Hyatt Hotels had its hold (c-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/24/2025 Hyatt Hotels is now covered by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co.. They set an overweight rating and a $178.00 price target on the stock. 11/20/2025 Hyatt Hotels had its price target raised by analysts at Robert W. Baird from $154.00 to $156.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 11/19/2025 Hyatt Hotels had its hold (c-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/18/2025 Hyatt Hotels is now covered by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company. They set an equal weight rating and a $154.00 price target on the stock. 11/17/2025 Hyatt Hotels was upgraded by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company to a hold rating. Hyatt Hotels Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 8th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 24th were paid a $0.15 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 24th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.4%. Hyatt Hotelss payout ratio is presently -64.52%. Get Hyatt Hotels Corporation alerts: Insider Activity In other Hyatt Hotels news, insider Javier Aguila sold 9,548 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $165.87, for a total transaction of $1,583,726.76. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 2,684 shares of the companys stock, valued at $445,195.08. This represents a 78.06% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider Peter Sears sold 12,394 shares of Hyatt Hotels stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $155.51, for a total transaction of $1,927,390.94. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 5,594 shares of the companys stock, valued at $869,922.94. The trade was a 68.90% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 33,383 shares of company stock valued at $5,321,682 in the last 90 days. Insiders own 23.70% of the companys stock. Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) is a global hospitality company that develops, owns, manages and franchises luxury and business hotels, resorts and vacation properties. Its portfolio spans a range of price points and styles under brands such as Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Andaz, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Thompson Hotels, Alila and Destination by Hyatt. In addition to accommodations, the company provides meeting and event spaces, food and beverage outlets, spa and wellness centers, and a variety of guest services designed to cater to both leisure and business travelers. Hyatts business model combines property ownership, management contracts and third-party franchising. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hyatt Hotels Corporation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hyatt Hotels Corporation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of International Paper (NYSE: IP) in the last few weeks: 1/12/2026 International Paper had its price target lowered by analysts at UBS Group AG from $53.00 to $51.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 1/12/2026 International Paper was downgraded by analysts at Zacks Research from a hold rating to a strong sell rating. 1/6/2026 International Paper had its price target raised by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation from $47.00 to $50.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 12/29/2025 International Paper had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/22/2025 International Paper had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/22/2025 International Paper had its price target lowered by analysts at Argus from $55.00 to $50.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 12/18/2025 International Paper was given a new $55.00 price target on by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 12/17/2025 International Paper had its price target lowered by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc. from $51.00 to $47.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 12/15/2025 International Paper had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/12/2025 International Paper was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Research from a strong sell rating to a hold rating. 12/8/2025 International Paper had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 12/5/2025 International Paper had its price target lowered by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $48.00 to $46.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 12/1/2025 International Paper had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/24/2025 International Paper had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/24/2025 International Paper was upgraded by analysts at BNP Paribas from a strong sell rating to an outperform rating. They now have a $44.00 price target on the stock. 11/24/2025 International Paper was upgraded by analysts at BNP Paribas Exane from an underperform rating to an outperform rating. They now have a $44.00 price target on the stock. 11/17/2025 International Paper was downgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, SVP Clay R. Ellis sold 18,819 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $36.85, for a total value of $693,480.15. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. 0.35% of the stock is owned by insiders. Get International Paper Company alerts: International Paper is a global producer of renewable fiber-based products, focused primarily on pulp, paper, and packaging. The company manufactures containerboard and corrugated packaging used for shipping and retail display, as well as a range of specialty papers and pulp products that serve industrial, consumer goods, and e-commerce customers. Its product portfolio is oriented toward large-scale packaging solutions, tissue and paper grades, and raw pulp for a variety of manufacturing uses. Founded in 1898, International Paper is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, and is one of the largest and longest-established companies in the forest products sector. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for International Paper Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Paper Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Voestalpine AG (OTCMKTS:VLPNY Get Free Report) saw unusually-strong trading volume on Monday . Approximately 1,381 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 53% from the previous sessions volume of 902 shares.The stock last traded at $9.28 and had previously closed at $9.27. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth VLPNY has been the subject of a number of research reports. UBS Group upgraded Voestalpine from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 17th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating on shares of Voestalpine in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating on shares of Voestalpine in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Citigroup reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Voestalpine in a report on Friday, December 5th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Voestalpine alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Voestalpine Voestalpine Trading Down 1.7% The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17, a quick ratio of 0.49 and a current ratio of 1.32. The firm has a market cap of $7.79 billion, a PE ratio of 31.86 and a beta of 1.32. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $8.46 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $7.09. Voestalpine (OTCMKTS:VLPNY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $0.13 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.12 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $4.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.31 billion. Voestalpine had a net margin of 1.50% and a return on equity of 3.10%. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that Voestalpine AG will post 0.45 EPS for the current year. Voestalpine Company Profile (Get Free Report) Voestalpine AG is a leading steel-based technology and capital goods group headquartered in Linz, Austria. The company specializes in the production of high-quality steel and sophisticated components for a range of industries, including automotive, railway systems, aerospace, energy, and construction. It operates across all major processing steps in steel production, from raw?material processing and steelmaking to downstream activities such as coating, processing, and assembly. Voestalpines portfolio is organized into several business divisions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Voestalpine Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Voestalpine and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGO Get Free Report) shares saw strong trading volume on Monday . 5,859 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 22% from the previous sessions volume of 7,554 shares.The stock last traded at $116.5760 and had previously closed at $116.75. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Price Performance The firms 50-day moving average price is $122.57 and its 200 day moving average price is $120.18. The firm has a market capitalization of $562.40 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.58 and a beta of 2.36. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Company Profile (Get Free Report) The MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETNs (FNGO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the NYSE FANG+ index. The fund provides 2x the daily price movements of an index of US-listed technology and consumer discretionary companies. The index is highly concentrated and equally weighted. FNGO was launched on Aug 6, 2018 and is issued by REX Microsectors. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quantum Solar Power (OTCMKTS:QSPW Get Free Report) and JinkoSolar (NYSE:JKS Get Free Report) are both energy companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, risk, earnings, analyst recommendations, dividends, institutional ownership and profitability. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of current ratings and target prices for Quantum Solar Power and JinkoSolar, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get Quantum Solar Power alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Quantum Solar Power 0 0 0 0 0.00 JinkoSolar 3 3 0 0 1.50 JinkoSolar has a consensus price target of $19.49, suggesting a potential downside of 34.30%. Given Quantum Solar Powers higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Quantum Solar Power is more favorable than JinkoSolar. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Quantum Solar Power N/A N/A N/A JinkoSolar -4.98% -8.96% -2.19% Earnings & Valuation This table compares Quantum Solar Power and JinkoSolars net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This table compares Quantum Solar Power and JinkoSolars top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Quantum Solar Power N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A JinkoSolar $12.64 billion 0.12 $7.47 million ($9.15) -3.24 JinkoSolar has higher revenue and earnings than Quantum Solar Power. Insider & Institutional Ownership 35.8% of JinkoSolar shares are held by institutional investors. 19.8% of JinkoSolar shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. About Quantum Solar Power (Get Free Report) Quantum Solar Power Corp., a development stage company, develops and commercializes solar power technology in Canada. It is involved in the research, development, and marketing of solar power generation devices utilizing its Next Generation Device technology for photovoltaic devices that do not use silicon or other rare earth elements. The company was formerly known as Quantum Ventures, Inc. and changed its name to Quantum Solar Power Corp. in June 2008. Quantum Solar Power Corp. was founded in 2004 and is based in Vancouver, Canada. About JinkoSolar (Get Free Report) JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, production, and marketing of photovoltaic products. The company offers solar modules, silicon wafers, solar cells, recovered silicon materials, and silicon ingots. It also provides solar system integration services; solar power generation and solar system EPC services; and energy storage system, as well as undertakes solar power projects. The company sells its products to distributors, project developers, system integrators, and manufacturers of solar power products under the JinkoSolar brand. As of December 31, 2023, it had an integrated annual capacity of 85 gigawatts (GW) for mono wafers; 90 GW for solar cells; and 110 GW for solar modules. It operates in China, the United States, Mexico, Australia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Jordan, Vietnam, Egypt, Spain, Germany, and internationally. JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Shangrao, the People's Republic of China. Receive News & Ratings for Quantum Solar Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quantum Solar Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is included among the 10 High Yield Crude Oil Stocks to Buy After Trump's Blitz in Venezuela. Exxon Mobil (XOM) Forecasts Lower Q4 Earnings Due to Decline in Crude Prices Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is one of the largest integrated fuels, lubricants, and chemical companies in the world. The plunge in global crude oil prices has taken its toll on Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM), and the company announced on January 7 that the lower prices could reduce its Q4 2025 upstream earnings by as much as $1.2 billion compared to the previous quarter. It needs mentioning that Brent crude futures fell by 19% in 2025, posting their third straight year of losses, while the WTI crude prices dipped nearly 20% YoY. According to LSEG, Wall Street analysts now expect Exxon to report adjusted earnings of $1.66 per share in its Q4 report later this month, down from $1.88 per share in the previous quarter. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is among the list of companies that were forced to exit Venezuela after then-President Hugo Chavez nationalized the countrys oil industry in 2007. As a result, the South American country now owes Exxon around $2 billion in arbitration claims. However, according to US Energy Secretary Chris Wright, while those claims need to be paid, they are not an immediate priority. Despite its troubled past in the country, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) was recently invited by President Trump to invest again in Venezuela and help revive its oil industry. The company now understandably remains cautious, and its CEO, Darren Woods, even called Venezuela uninvestable without significant changes to its commercial frameworks, legal system, and hydrocarbon laws. However, the chief executives comments apparently annoyed the President, who later made his feelings known by saying that he will now probably be inclined toward excluding Exxon from drilling in Venezuela. While we acknowledge the potential of XOM 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: 10 Best Natural Gas Stocks to Buy Right Now and 11 Best Performing Energy Stocks in 2025. Disclosure: None. SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:HYMB Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 387,723 shares, a decline of 55.2% from the December 15th total of 866,325 shares. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 1,154,540 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days. Based on an average daily volume of 1,154,540 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF Stock Up 0.6% Shares of NYSEARCA:HYMB traded up $0.15 on Wednesday, reaching $25.21. 5,200,075 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,690,075. The businesss 50-day moving average is $25.05 and its two-hundred day moving average is $24.78. SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF has a fifty-two week low of $23.51 and a fifty-two week high of $26.06. Get SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of HYMB. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its holdings in shares of SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF by 50.6% during the third quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 1,729,543 shares of the companys stock valued at $43,148,000 after purchasing an additional 580,975 shares during the last quarter. Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF by 977.8% in the 3rd quarter. Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 395,696 shares of the companys stock worth $9,865,000 after purchasing an additional 358,982 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position in SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF by 67.2% during the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 298,704 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,402,000 after purchasing an additional 120,012 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF by 12.2% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 836,993 shares of the companys stock valued at $20,741,000 after purchasing an additional 90,932 shares during the period. Finally, Diversified Portfolios Inc. bought a new position in SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $2,020,000. About SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF The SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg High Yield Municipal Bond ETF (HYMB) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the S&P Municipal Yield index. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of high-yield and investment grade fixed-rate municipal US bonds with at least a year to maturity. HYMB was launched on Apr 13, 2011 and is managed by State Street. Read More Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. W.R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE:WRB Get Free Report) major shareholder Sumitomo Insurance Co Mitsui acquired 230,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, January 14th. The stock was bought at an average price of $69.19 per share, for a total transaction of $15,913,700.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider owned 52,726,504 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,648,146,811.76. The trade was a 0.44% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Large shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC. W.R. Berkley Stock Performance Shares of NYSE WRB traded up $1.21 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $69.21. 1,918,681 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,253,268. The stock has a market capitalization of $26.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.54, a P/E/G ratio of 2.52 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 0.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $72.12 and its 200-day simple moving average is $72.25. W.R. Berkley Corporation has a twelve month low of $56.86 and a twelve month high of $78.96. Get W.R. Berkley alerts: W.R. Berkley (NYSE:WRB Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 20th. The insurance provider reported $1.10 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.07 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $3.77 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.16 billion. W.R. Berkley had a net margin of 13.01% and a return on equity of 18.86%. The businesss revenue was up 10.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.93 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that W.R. Berkley Corporation will post 4.33 earnings per share for the current year. W.R. Berkley Dividend Announcement Hedge Funds Weigh In On W.R. Berkley The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 29th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were paid a dividend of $0.09 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.5%. W.R. Berkleys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 7.56%. Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of WRB. Compass Financial Services Inc acquired a new position in shares of W.R. Berkley in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Hilltop National Bank bought a new position in W.R. Berkley in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in W.R. Berkley during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in W.R. Berkley during the second quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Triumph Capital Management acquired a new stake in shares of W.R. Berkley in the 3rd quarter valued at $35,000. 68.82% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have commented on the company. BMO Capital Markets lowered W.R. Berkley from a market perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $64.00 price objective on the stock. in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company set a $68.00 price target on shares of W.R. Berkley and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Cantor Fitzgerald dropped their price objective on shares of W.R. Berkley from $78.00 to $76.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley set a $75.00 target price on shares of W.R. Berkley in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group dropped their price target on shares of W.R. Berkley from $76.00 to $75.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, W.R. Berkley currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $73.00. View Our Latest Analysis on W.R. Berkley W.R. Berkley Company Profile (Get Free Report) W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB) is a publicly traded insurance holding company that underwrites and sells commercial property and casualty insurance, specialty insurance products, and reinsurance. Headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, the company operates a portfolio of underwriting businesses that focus on niche and specialty commercial risks, offering coverage tailored to industries such as transportation, construction, professional services and other commercial lines. The companys product mix includes primary and excess casualty, property, professional liability, environmental and other specialty lines, together with treaty and facultative reinsurance solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for W.R. Berkley Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for W.R. Berkley and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW Free Report) from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note released on Monday. Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Medical Properties Trust in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Medical Properties Trust from $4.50 to $5.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Medical Properties Trust currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $6.17. Get Medical Properties Trust alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Medical Properties Trust Medical Properties Trust Stock Performance Shares of MPW stock opened at $5.13 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $3.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.35 and a beta of 1.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.06, a quick ratio of 2.68 and a current ratio of 2.68. Medical Properties Trust has a one year low of $3.93 and a one year high of $6.34. The companys 50-day moving average is $5.23 and its 200 day moving average is $4.84. Medical Properties Trust (NYSE:MPW Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.13 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.16 by ($0.03). Medical Properties Trust had a negative return on equity of 14.82% and a negative net margin of 75.76%.The firm had revenue of $237.52 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $244.89 million. During the same period last year, the firm posted $0.16 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.2% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts expect that Medical Properties Trust will post 0.78 EPS for the current fiscal year. Medical Properties Trust Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 11th were issued a $0.09 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 11th. This is an increase from Medical Properties Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $0.08. This represents a $0.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.0%. Medical Properties Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently -30.51%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Eastern Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Medical Properties Trust in the third quarter worth $28,000. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its holdings in Medical Properties Trust by 499.0% in the 4th quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 6,236 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 5,195 shares during the period. Clearstead Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Medical Properties Trust in the 3rd quarter worth $37,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its stake in Medical Properties Trust by 346.5% in the 3rd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 7,274 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 5,645 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rothschild Investment LLC bought a new stake in Medical Properties Trust during the third quarter valued at about $39,000. 71.79% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other 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. Featured Articles 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. Nomura cut shares of Coupang (NYSE:CPNG Free Report) from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report report published on Monday, MarketBeat.com reports. The firm currently has $22.00 target price on the stock. A number of other brokerages also recently commented on CPNG. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Coupang from $36.00 to $40.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Coupang in a report on Monday, January 5th. Mizuho increased their price target on Coupang from $30.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Arete Research initiated coverage on Coupang in a research report on Thursday, September 18th. They issued a buy rating and a $40.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Coupang in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $32.86. Get Coupang alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on CPNG Coupang Stock Down 5.4% Shares of NYSE:CPNG opened at $20.79 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 1.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. The company has a market capitalization of $37.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 99.02 and a beta of 1.20. Coupang has a 52-week low of $19.02 and a 52-week high of $34.08. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $25.45 and its 200-day simple moving average is $28.83. Coupang (NYSE:CPNG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.04 by $0.01. Coupang had a return on equity of 6.95% and a net margin of 1.16%.The firm had revenue of $9.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.13 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.06 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 17.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Coupang will post 0.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling at Coupang In related news, CAO Jonathan D. Lee sold 2,679 shares of Coupang stock in a transaction on Friday, January 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $23.62, for a total value of $63,277.98. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 122,096 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,883,907.52. This trade represents a 2.15% 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, VP Pranam Kolari sold 11,653 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $31.98, for a total value of $372,662.94. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 147,023 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,701,795.54. This trade represents a 7.34% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Company insiders own 12.78% of the companys stock. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Coupang by 343.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 28,595,825 shares of the companys stock valued at $920,786,000 after purchasing an additional 22,147,432 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Coupang during the 2nd quarter valued at about $587,186,000. Eminence Capital LP purchased a new stake in shares of Coupang during the 2nd quarter valued at about $204,840,000. Dodge & Cox lifted its position in Coupang by 14.3% during the 2nd quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 46,614,520 shares of the companys stock worth $1,396,571,000 after acquiring an additional 5,829,600 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE boosted its holdings in Coupang by 198.8% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 5,510,247 shares of the companys stock worth $177,430,000 after acquiring an additional 3,666,227 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.72% of the companys stock. Coupang News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Coupang this week: Coupang Company Profile (Get Free Report) Coupang, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CPNG, is a South Korean e-commerce company headquartered in Seoul. Founded in 2010 by Bom Kim, the company grew rapidly by combining an online marketplace with a large direct-retail business model. Coupang completed a primary listing in the United States in 2021, and it has become one of South Koreas leading online retailers by focusing on convenience, speed and a wide product assortment across consumer categories. The company operates a vertically integrated e-commerce platform that includes a customer-facing marketplace and an extensive logistics and fulfillment network. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Coupang Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Coupang and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the nine analysts that are covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $15.00. DEI has been the topic of several research reports. UBS Group lowered shares of Douglas Emmett to a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on Douglas Emmett from $18.00 to $16.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 25th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Douglas Emmett from $20.00 to $15.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a hold rating on shares of Douglas Emmett in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Scotiabank reduced their price objective on Douglas Emmett from $18.00 to $16.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Get Douglas Emmett alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Douglas Emmett Hedge Funds Weigh In On Douglas Emmett Douglas Emmett Trading Up 0.5% Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in Douglas Emmett by 220.8% in the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,694 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 1,166 shares during the period. Westside Investment Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Douglas Emmett by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,840 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 920 shares during the period. Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Douglas Emmett during the third quarter worth $32,000. Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 448.3% in the third quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 2,621 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $41,000 after purchasing an additional 2,143 shares during the period. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC grew its position in shares of Douglas Emmett by 24.8% in the third quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 5,320 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $83,000 after purchasing an additional 1,056 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.37% of the companys stock. Shares of DEI stock opened at $11.09 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $1.86 billion, a P/E ratio of 92.41 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a quick ratio of 3.03, a current ratio of 3.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.58. Douglas Emmett has a fifty-two week low of $10.78 and a fifty-two week high of $18.60. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $11.58 and a 200-day simple moving average of $13.88. Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.34. Douglas Emmett had a net margin of 2.22% and a return on equity of 0.62%. The business had revenue of $250.58 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $252.73 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.43 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up .0% compared to the same quarter last year. Douglas Emmett has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.430-1.470 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that Douglas Emmett will post 1.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Douglas Emmett Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be issued a $0.19 dividend. This represents a $0.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.9%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. Douglas Emmetts dividend payout ratio is 633.33%. About Douglas Emmett (Get Free Report) Douglas Emmett, Inc is a publicly traded real estate investment trust headquartered in Santa Monica, California. The company specializes in the ownership, management and development of high?quality office and multifamily properties, primarily concentrated in the coastal regions of Los Angeles County and the Greater Honolulu area. As a vertically integrated real estate platform, Douglas Emmett controls all aspects of property operations, leasing, capital improvements and tenant relations, positioning it to deliver stable, long?term cash flows. The companys office portfolio consists predominantly of Class A buildings located in prime business districts, featuring modern amenities, campus-like settings and environmentally conscious design elements. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Douglas Emmett Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Douglas Emmett and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookfield (NYSE:BN Get Free Report) and Sun Hung Kai Properties (OTCMKTS:SUHJY Get Free Report) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, dividends, risk, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation and earnings. Institutional and Insider Ownership 61.6% of Brookfield shares are owned by institutional investors. 11.0% of Brookfield shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get Brookfield alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Brookfield and Sun Hung Kai Propertiess revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Brookfield $86.01 billion 1.36 $641.00 million $0.36 131.21 Sun Hung Kai Properties $10.23 billion 3.96 $2.48 billion N/A N/A Sun Hung Kai Properties has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Brookfield. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Brookfield and Sun Hung Kai Properties, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Brookfield 1 1 10 2 2.93 Sun Hung Kai Properties 0 2 1 0 2.33 Brookfield currently has a consensus price target of $53.87, indicating a potential upside of 14.04%. Given Brookfields stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, research analysts clearly believe Brookfield is more favorable than Sun Hung Kai Properties. Volatility and Risk Brookfield has a beta of 1.58, meaning that its share price is 58% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Sun Hung Kai Properties has a beta of 0.42, meaning that its share price is 58% less volatile than the S&P 500. Profitability This table compares Brookfield and Sun Hung Kai Properties net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Brookfield 1.34% 3.92% 1.24% Sun Hung Kai Properties N/A N/A N/A Dividends Brookfield pays an annual dividend of $0.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.5%. Sun Hung Kai Properties pays an annual dividend of $0.68 per share and has a dividend yield of 4.9%. Brookfield pays out 66.7% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Brookfield has increased its dividend for 2 consecutive years. Summary Brookfield beats Sun Hung Kai Properties on 12 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About Brookfield (Get Free Report) Brookfield Corporation is an alternative asset manager and REIT/Real Estate Investment Manager firm focuses on real estate, renewable power, infrastructure and venture capital and private equity assets. It manages a range of public and private investment products and services for institutional and retail clients. It typically makes investments in sizeable, premier assets across geographies and asset classes. It invests both its own capital as well as capital from other investors. Within private equity and venture capital, it focuses on acquisition, early ventures, control buyouts and financially distressed, buyouts and corporate carve-outs, recapitalizations, convertible, senior and mezzanine financings, operational and capital structure restructuring, strategic re-direction, turnaround, and under-performing midmarket companies. It invests in both public debt and equity markets. It invests in private equity sectors with focus on Business Services include infrastructure, healthcare, road fuel distribution and marketing, construction and real estate; Industrials include manufacturers of automotive batteries, graphite electrodes, returnable plastic packaging, and sanitation management and development; and Residential/ infrastructure services. It targets companies which likely possess underlying real assets, primarily in sectors such as industrial products, building materials, metals, mining, homebuilding, oil and gas, paper and packaging, manufacturing and forest product sectors. It invests globally with focus on North America including Brazil, the United States, Canada; Europe; and Australia; and Asia-Pacific. The firm considers equity investments in the range of $2 million to $500 million. It has a four-year investment period and a 10-year term with two one-year extensions. The firm prefers to take minority stake and majority stake. Brookfield Corporation was founded in 1997 and based in Toronto, Canada with additional offices across Northern America; South America; Europe; Middle East and Asia. About Sun Hung Kai Properties (Get Free Report) Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited develops and invests in properties for sale and rent in Hong Kong, Mainland China, and internationally. It develops, sells, and leases properties, including residential estates, offices, shopping malls, industrial offices, and hotels and serviced suites. The company also provides property management services; construction-related services, including landscaping, electrical and mechanical installation, production and installation of wooden doors, and construction plant and machinery leasing; and insurance products to individuals and businesses comprising householders comprehensive, fire, employees compensation, travel, personal accident, motor vehicles, contractors all risks, third party liability, and property all risks. In addition, the company offers voice, multimedia, and mobile broadband services; and data center services, including infrastructure, facility management, server co-location, and other value-added services. Further, it manages car parks, tunnels, and toll roads; facilities management and value-added services; general insurance; offers transport facilities for private and the public sectors; operates an expressway; provides public bus services; and offers airport freight forwarding and aviation support services. Additionally, the company provides container handling and storage, container freight station, and other port-related services; operates department stores and supermarkets; and offers mortgage and other loan financing facilities, as well as offers asset and project management, architectural and engineering, cleaning, and secretarial services. It also engages in the club and road management business. The company was formerly known as Sun Hung Kai (Holdings) Limited and changed its name to Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited in March 1973. The company was incorporated in 1972 and is based in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TELUS (TSE:T Free Report) (NYSE:TU) had its target price decreased by Scotiabank from C$26.00 to C$22.50 in a report released on Monday morning,BayStreet.CA reports. Scotiabank currently has an outperform rating on the stock. A number of other research analysts have also recently weighed in on T. National Bankshares lowered their target price on shares of TELUS from C$21.50 to C$21.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, December 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut TELUS from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and decreased their price target for the company from C$22.00 to C$19.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on TELUS from C$25.00 to C$20.00 in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. TD Securities cut their target price on TELUS from C$26.00 to C$25.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Desjardins decreased their target price on TELUS from C$25.00 to C$24.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of C$21.83. Get TELUS alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on T TELUS Trading Up 1.7% Shares of TSE:T opened at C$18.83 on Monday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of C$18.53 and a 200 day moving average of C$20.79. The company has a market cap of C$29.20 billion, a PE ratio of 24.14, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.85. TELUS has a 12-month low of C$17.26 and a 12-month high of C$23.29. The company has a current ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 183.41. TELUS (TSE:T Get Free Report) (NYSE:TU) last released its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported C$0.24 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$5.07 billion for the quarter. TELUS had a net margin of 4.62% and a return on equity of 5.80%. As a group, equities research analysts expect that TELUS will post 1.2267985 EPS for the current year. About TELUS (Get Free Report) Telus is one of the Big Three wireless service providers in Canada, with its 9 million mobile phone subscribers nationwide constituting about 30% of the total market. It is the incumbent local exchange carrier in the western Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, where it provides internet, television, and landline phone services. It also has a small wireline presence in eastern Quebec. In recent years Telus has moved to bring fiber to the home over most of its wireline footprint as it upgrades its legacy copper network, leaving it able to compete on more equal footing with cable providers. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for TELUS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TELUS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (NYSE:MLM Get Free Report) has been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the seventeen research firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating on the company. The average 1 year price target among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $668.6667. Several equities analysts have issued reports on MLM shares. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Martin Marietta Materials from $637.00 to $681.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on shares of Martin Marietta Materials from $620.00 to $610.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Raymond James Financial raised their price target on Martin Marietta Materials from $645.00 to $680.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Martin Marietta Materials from $660.00 to $690.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, December 22nd. Finally, UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Martin Marietta Materials from $705.00 to $723.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Get Martin Marietta Materials alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on MLM Martin Marietta Materials Stock Performance Shares of MLM opened at $637.79 on Monday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.07, a current ratio of 2.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $624.53 and its 200-day moving average price is $611.11. Martin Marietta Materials has a 52 week low of $441.95 and a 52 week high of $668.83. The stock has a market cap of $38.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.62 and a beta of 1.15. Martin Marietta Materials (NYSE:MLM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The construction company reported $5.97 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $6.62 by ($0.65). The company had revenue of $1.85 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.06 billion. Martin Marietta Materials had a return on equity of 11.68% and a net margin of 17.34%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Martin Marietta Materials will post 19.53 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Martin Marietta Materials Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 1st were paid a $0.83 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $3.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. Martin Marietta Materialss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 17.50%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Martin Marietta Materials A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Martin Marietta Materials by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 7,442,945 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $4,691,139,000 after purchasing an additional 93,595 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its stake in shares of Martin Marietta Materials by 0.4% in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,955,139 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,622,254,000 after acquiring an additional 10,445 shares during the period. State Street Corp raised its stake in Martin Marietta Materials by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,825,325 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,550,990,000 after purchasing an additional 56,353 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its stake in Martin Marietta Materials by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 2,365,832 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,491,136,000 after purchasing an additional 25,155 shares during the period. Finally, Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Martin Marietta Materials by 9.6% during the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 2,204,425 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $1,389,428,000 after buying an additional 192,637 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.04% of the companys stock. Martin Marietta Materials Company Profile (Get Free Report) Martin Marietta Materials, Inc (NYSE: MLM) is a leading producer of aggregates and heavy building materials serving the construction and infrastructure markets. The company operates quarries, sand and gravel pits, and other extraction sites to supply crushed stone, sand and gravel, and a range of value?added products for use in roads, bridges, commercial and residential construction, and other civil engineering projects. In addition to its core aggregates business, Martin Marietta manufactures and sells asphalt, ready?mixed concrete and related materials and services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Martin Marietta Materials Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Martin Marietta Materials and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. UnitedHealth Group, Tempus AI, Johnson & Johnson, Hims & Hers Health, and Intuitive Surgical are the five Healthcare stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Healthcare stocks are shares of publicly traded companies involved in creating, manufacturing, delivering, or insuring medical goods and services including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, hospitals, insurers, and health-tech providers. For investors, these stocks can offer defensive and growth potential driven by aging populations and innovation, but they also carry industry-specific risks such as regulatory approval, clinical trial results, and patent expirations. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Healthcare stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: UnitedHealth Group (UNH) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. 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 Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Johnson & Johnson is a holding company, which engages in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of products in the healthcare field. It operates through the Innovative Medicine and MedTech segments. The Innovative Medicine segment focuses on immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, oncology, cardiovascular and metabolism, and pulmonary hypertension. Read Our Latest Research Report on JNJ Hims & Hers Health (HIMS) Hims & Hers Health, Inc. operates a telehealth consultation platform. It connects consumers to healthcare professionals, enabling them to access medical care for mental health, sexual health, dermatology and primary care. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. Read Our Latest Research Report on HIMS Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) Intuitive Surgical, Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets products that enable physicians and healthcare providers to enhance the quality of and access to minimally invasive care in the United States and internationally. The company offers the da Vinci Surgical System that enables complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach; and Ion endoluminal system, which extends its commercial offerings beyond surgery into diagnostic procedures enabling minimally invasive biopsies in the lung. Read Our Latest Research Report on ISRG Recommended Stories Crown Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CCK Get Free Report) CEO Timothy Donahue sold 29,024 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.00, for a total transaction of $3,047,520.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 411,556 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $43,213,380. The trade was a 6.59% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Crown Price Performance Shares of CCK opened at $104.10 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $12.01 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.88, a PEG ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.75. Crown Holdings, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $75.98 and a fifty-two week high of $109.48. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.65. The firms 50 day moving average price is $99.96 and its 200 day moving average price is $99.35. Get Crown alerts: Crown (NYSE:CCK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 20th. The industrial products company reported $2.24 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.98 by $0.26. Crown had a net margin of 7.79% and a return on equity of 26.86%. The business had revenue of $3.20 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.13 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.99 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 4.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Crown has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.650-1.75 EPS and its FY 2025 guidance at 7.700-7.80 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Crown Holdings, Inc. will post 6.96 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Crown Announces Dividend Key Stories Impacting Crown The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 20th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 6th were paid a $0.26 dividend. This represents a $1.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 6th. Crowns dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 12.87%. Here are the key news stories impacting Crown this week: Positive Sentiment: Multiple Wall Street firms have reiterated or raised ratings/targets recently, supporting upside expectations Morgan Stanley reiterated a Buy with a $129 price target and Truist reiterated Buy and lifted its target. Analysts actions help justify the stocks recent strength. Heres What Wall Street Thinks About Crown Holdings, Inc. (CCK) Multiple Wall Street firms have reiterated or raised ratings/targets recently, supporting upside expectations Morgan Stanley reiterated a Buy with a $129 price target and Truist reiterated Buy and lifted its target. Analysts actions help justify the stocks recent strength. Positive Sentiment: Consensus remains skewed to Moderate Buy after a string of price-target increases (RBC, UBS, Truist and others) and a consensus target around $119$120, which supports further upside if earnings/guidance hold. MarketBeat CCK Coverage Consensus remains skewed to Moderate Buy after a string of price-target increases (RBC, UBS, Truist and others) and a consensus target around $119$120, which supports further upside if earnings/guidance hold. Neutral Sentiment: Recent write-ups (e.g., Yahoo Finance) discuss whether the stock is still attractive after recent gains; these pieces highlight valuation metrics and are more analytical than news-driving. Investors should review valuation vs. peers before adding. Is Crown Holdings (CCK) Still Attractive After Recent Share Price Gains? Recent write-ups (e.g., Yahoo Finance) discuss whether the stock is still attractive after recent gains; these pieces highlight valuation metrics and are more analytical than news-driving. Investors should review valuation vs. peers before adding. Neutral Sentiment: Institutional ownership is high (~91%) with incremental position adjustments by several funds this suggests limited free float but also that larger investors are the price drivers; not an immediate directional signal. MarketBeat CCK Institutional Ownership Institutional ownership is high (~91%) with incremental position adjustments by several funds this suggests limited free float but also that larger investors are the price drivers; not an immediate directional signal. Negative Sentiment: CEO Timothy Donahue sold 29,024 shares (about $3.05M) in early January at ~$105/share, reducing his stake by ~6.6%. Insider selling can be perceived negatively by the market and may add short-term selling pressure if followed by additional insider transactions. Crown (NYSE:CCK) CEO Timothy Donahue Sells 29,024 Shares of Stock Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CCK has been the subject of several analyst reports. Citigroup lowered their price target on shares of Crown from $135.00 to $124.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, September 29th. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Crown from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, January 10th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on Crown from $116.00 to $120.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. UBS Group lifted their price target on Crown from $125.00 to $126.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $115.00 price objective (up previously from $110.00) on shares of Crown in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Twelve research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $119.62. Read Our Latest Analysis on CCK Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in Crown by 103.1% in the third quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 264 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 134 shares during the last quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC raised its position in Crown by 105.0% in the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 289 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 148 shares during the last quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd purchased a new stake in Crown in the 3rd quarter valued at $29,000. ORG Partners LLC boosted its stake in Crown by 52.5% during the 4th quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 305 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $31,000 after purchasing an additional 105 shares during the period. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its position in Crown by 45.3% during the 1st quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 356 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 111 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.93% of the companys stock. Crown Company Profile (Get Free Report) Crown Holdings, Inc is a leading global supplier of rigid packaging products for consumer goods markets. The company designs, manufactures and sells metal packaging for beverage, food, household, personal care and specialty products. Its portfolio includes aluminum and steel beverage cans, steel food cans, aluminum aerosols, metal closures and ends, offering customers end-to-end solutions from design and prototyping to large-scale production. Founded in 1919 as the Crown Cork & Seal Company, Crown has grown through strategic acquisitions and investments in advanced manufacturing technologies. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Crown Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Crown and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jan 14 (Reuters) - Global EV registrations grew 20% last year but are likely to lose pace in 2026, data showed on Wednesday, as a slowdown in China and a relaxation of electrification targets worldwide led in December to the smallest sales increase since February 2024. Monthly registrations of electric vehicles, including battery electric and plug-in hybrids, dropped further in North America after the end in October of an EV tax credit scheme in the United States, consultancy Benchmark Mineral Intelligence (BMI) said. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Radical policy shifts, including U.S. President Donald Trump's U-turn on electrification and a relaxation of emission standards in the European Union, shook the global EV market in 2025 into a "virtually unrecognisable landscape", according to BMI data manager Charles Lester. Rising competition in Europe and cooling demand in China are likely to intensify the debate between electrification proponents who emphasise the need to curb planet-warming CO2 emissions, and carmakers who say a quick transition threatens jobs and profit. BY THE NUMBERS Global EV registrations, a proxy for sales, rose by 6% to almost 2.1 million units in December, reaching 20.7 million vehicles in 2025, the data showed. They were up by 2% in China to more than 1.3 million, the lowest year-on-year increase since February 2024, leading to a 17% increase to 12.9 million units in 2025. The country produced 71% of EVs sold worldwide. North American registrations fell by 39% to just over 100,000 cars sold, following similar declines in October and November at the end of U.S. tax credits. They were down 4% for the entire 2025. Europe was up by 34% in December to over 450,000 registrations and by 33% in the year, while in the rest of the world sales were up by 41% to over 160,000 units in December, and by 48% in 2025. WHAT'S NEXT BMI expects 23.9 million EVs will be sold globally this year, a 15.7% increase, with growth sharply accelerating in China to 21% and slowing in Europe and the rest of the world to 15% and 26%, respectively. It forecasts a sharper decrease of 23% in North America due to a 29% slump in the U.S. (Reporting by Alessandro Parodi in Gdansk, Editing by Tomasz Janowski) Champion Homes, Inc. (NYSE:SKY Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six analysts that are covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, three have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $100.50. A number of brokerages have commented on SKY. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $101.00 price objective on shares of Champion Homes in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Champion Homes in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. CJS Securities raised shares of Champion Homes to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Champion Homes from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Zelman & Associates upgraded shares of Champion Homes from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Get Champion Homes alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Champion Homes Champion Homes Trading Up 0.2% Shares of SKY stock opened at $95.47 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.77, a current ratio of 2.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. Champion Homes has a fifty-two week low of $59.44 and a fifty-two week high of $110.00. The firms 50 day moving average price is $85.30 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $75.82. The stock has a market cap of $5.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.80 and a beta of 1.08. Champion Homes (NYSE:SKY Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $1.01 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.20. Champion Homes had a net margin of 8.41% and a return on equity of 14.36%. The business had revenue of $684.43 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $636.96 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.93 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that Champion Homes will post 3.63 EPS for the current year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, EVP Joseph A. Kimmell sold 1,812 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.04, for a total value of $148,656.48. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 55,977 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,592,353.08. The trade was a 3.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, VP Timothy A. Burkhardt sold 12,183 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $87.41, for a total value of $1,064,916.03. Following the sale, the vice president owned 33,230 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,904,634.30. This trade represents a 26.83% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold a total of 15,795 shares of company stock worth $1,372,603 in the last quarter. 1.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Champion Homes Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in SKY. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its position in shares of Champion Homes by 257.4% during the third quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 386 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 278 shares in the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC bought a new position in Champion Homes during the 3rd quarter valued at $30,000. Advisory Services Network LLC acquired a new position in Champion Homes during the 3rd quarter worth $35,000. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd increased its position in shares of Champion Homes by 10,171.4% in the 2nd quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 719 shares of the companys stock worth $45,000 after purchasing an additional 712 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Byrne Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Champion Homes in the 2nd quarter valued at about $48,000. About Champion Homes (Get Free Report) Champion Homes, traded under the NYSE ticker SKY, operates as a leading provider of factory-built housing solutions in North America. The company specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of manufactured and modular homes, serving a broad spectrum of customers from first-time homebuyers to those seeking upscale residential properties. Champion Homes leverages vertically integrated operations to streamline production, ensuring consistent quality and cost efficiencies across its product lines. The companys product portfolio encompasses single- and multi-section modular homes, manufactured home models, park models and select commercial modular buildings. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Champion Homes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Champion Homes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Encompass Health Corporation (NYSE:EHC Get Free Report) has been given an average recommendation of Buy by the eleven brokerages that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, eight have given a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $142.8571. A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on EHC shares. Zacks Research downgraded Encompass Health from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Raymond James Financial upgraded shares of Encompass Health to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Encompass Health from $141.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Encompass Health from $140.00 to $150.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b+) rating on shares of Encompass Health in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Get Encompass Health alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Encompass Health Encompass Health Trading Down 0.1% EHC opened at $100.18 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 1.14. Encompass Health has a fifty-two week low of $92.53 and a fifty-two week high of $127.99. The companys 50 day moving average price is $109.88 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $116.56. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.94, a PEG ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.74. Encompass Health (NYSE:EHC Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $1.23 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.19 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $1.48 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.48 billion. Encompass Health had a net margin of 9.33% and a return on equity of 17.84%. Encompass Healths revenue was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.03 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that Encompass Health will post 4.8 earnings per share for the current year. Encompass Health Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 2nd will be paid a $0.19 dividend. This represents a $0.76 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 2nd. Encompass Healths payout ratio is currently 14.37%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Encompass Health A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in EHC. Citizens National Bank Trust Department bought a new position in shares of Encompass Health during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $26,000. First Horizon Corp acquired a new position in shares of Encompass Health during the 3rd quarter valued at $34,000. Westside Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in Encompass Health by 56.7% during the third quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 279 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. grew its holdings in Encompass Health by 88.1% in the third quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 299 shares of the companys stock worth $38,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares during the period. Finally, Root Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in Encompass Health in the third quarter valued at $39,000. 97.25% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Encompass Health (Get Free Report) Encompass Health Corporation is a leading provider of post?acute healthcare services in the United States, operating a comprehensive network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and home health and hospice agencies. Its inpatient rehabilitation hospitals offer intensive therapy programs for patients recovering from conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, cardiac and pulmonary disorders, and orthopedic procedures. Through its home health segment, Encompass Health delivers skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy to patients in the comfort of their homes, while its hospice services provide end?of?life care focused on symptom management and emotional support for patients and families. Founded in 1984 as HealthSouth Corporation and rebranded as Encompass Health in 2018, the company has grown organically and through acquisitions to serve patients across more than 30 states. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Encompass Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Encompass Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phreesia, Inc. (NYSE:PHR Get Free Report) CFO Balaji Gandhi sold 8,009 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, January 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.01, for a total transaction of $136,233.09. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 156,231 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,657,489.31. The trade was a 4.88% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Balaji Gandhi also recently made the following trade(s): Get Phreesia alerts: On Friday, October 17th, Balaji Gandhi sold 885 shares of Phreesia stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $22.36, for a total transaction of $19,788.60. Phreesia Trading Down 2.8% Shares of Phreesia stock opened at $16.12 on Thursday. Phreesia, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $15.41 and a fifty-two week high of $32.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a quick ratio of 2.44 and a current ratio of 2.44. The company has a market capitalization of $971.77 million, a P/E ratio of -161.17 and a beta of 0.61. The company has a fifty day moving average of $18.59 and a 200 day moving average of $23.48. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Phreesia ( NYSE:PHR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, December 8th. The company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.01) by $0.11. The business had revenue of $120.33 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $119.98 million. Phreesia had a negative return on equity of 1.31% and a negative net margin of 1.16%.The businesss revenue was up 12.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned ($0.25) earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Phreesia, Inc. will post -1.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on PHR shares. BMO Capital Markets started coverage on shares of Phreesia in a report on Thursday, November 13th. They set an outperform rating and a $32.00 price objective for the company. KeyCorp dropped their target price on shares of Phreesia from $35.00 to $32.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Citigroup reduced their price target on shares of Phreesia from $29.00 to $25.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Friday, January 9th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Phreesia from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Finally, Truist Financial set a $24.00 price objective on Phreesia in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Seventeen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $30.06. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Phreesia Hedge Funds Weigh In On Phreesia A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Federated Hermes Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Phreesia in the 3rd quarter worth about $32,000. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. purchased a new position in Phreesia in the third quarter worth about $45,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its stake in Phreesia by 9,375.0% during the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 3,032 shares of the companys stock worth $86,000 after acquiring an additional 3,000 shares during the last quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue bought a new stake in Phreesia during the third quarter worth approximately $83,000. Finally, Anchor Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Phreesia during the third quarter valued at approximately $118,000. 92.10% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Phreesia (Get Free Report) Phreesia, Inc (NYSE: PHR) is a provider of patient intake management solutions designed to streamline front-office workflows for healthcare organizations. The companys cloud-based platform digitizes patient registration, appointment scheduling, insurance verification, consent documentation and payment collection through touchscreen kiosks, tablets and mobile devices. By replacing paper forms and manual processes, Phreesia enhances data accuracy, reduces administrative burden and improves the patient experience. Founded in 2000 by Chaim Indig and headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, Phreesia offers a modular software suite that integrates with electronic medical record (EMR) and practice management systems. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Phreesia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Phreesia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue increased its holdings in shares of Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL Free Report) by 43.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 94,096 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 28,405 shares during the period. State of Alaska Department of Revenues holdings in Hormel Foods were worth $2,327,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Sound Financial Strategies Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Hormel Foods by 25.3% in the 3rd quarter. Sound Financial Strategies Group LLC now owns 23,286 shares of the companys stock valued at $576,000 after acquiring an additional 4,705 shares during the period. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in Hormel Foods by 76.3% during the third quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 45,241 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,119,000 after purchasing an additional 19,585 shares in the last quarter. Kingswood Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Hormel Foods in the third quarter valued at about $417,000. SG Americas Securities LLC raised its holdings in Hormel Foods by 84.4% in the third quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 50,413 shares of the companys stock worth $1,247,000 after purchasing an additional 23,081 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CX Institutional lifted its position in shares of Hormel Foods by 27.2% during the third quarter. CX Institutional now owns 9,810 shares of the companys stock valued at $243,000 after buying an additional 2,096 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 40.99% of the companys stock. Get Hormel Foods alerts: Hormel Foods Trading Up 4.1% NYSE:HRL opened at $24.47 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $13.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.12, a PEG ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.33. The company has a current ratio of 2.47, a quick ratio of 1.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Hormel Foods Corporation has a 12 month low of $21.03 and a 12 month high of $32.07. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $23.29 and a 200-day simple moving average of $25.40. Hormel Foods Increases Dividend Hormel Foods ( NYSE:HRL Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.30 by $0.02. Hormel Foods had a return on equity of 9.41% and a net margin of 3.95%.The firm had revenue of $3.19 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.24 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.42 EPS. The firms revenue was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. Hormel Foods has set its FY 2026 guidance at 1.430-1.51 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Hormel Foods Corporation will post 1.65 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 12th will be paid a $0.2925 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 12th. This is a positive change from Hormel Foodss previous quarterly dividend of $0.29. This represents a $1.17 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.8%. Hormel Foodss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 134.48%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on HRL shares. Barclays set a $30.00 price objective on shares of Hormel Foods and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Hormel Foods from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, January 3rd. Zacks Research upgraded Hormel Foods from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 29th. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d+) rating on shares of Hormel Foods in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Hormel Foods from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Hormel Foods currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $28.29. View Our Latest Report on HRL Hormel Foods Profile (Free Report) Hormel Foods Corporation is a global branded foods company primarily engaged in the production, marketing and distribution of value-added, high-quality meat and food products. The companys portfolio spans a range of categories including refrigerated and frozen meats, pantry staples, specialty foods and shelf-stable items. Through manufacturing facilities located across North America and international markets, Hormel Foods supplies retail grocers, foodservice operators, convenience stores and e-commerce platforms. Among its best-known brands, Hormel Foods produces SPAM canned meats, Jennie-O turkey products, Skippy peanut butter and Applegate natural and organic meats. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hormel Foods Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hormel Foods and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC Get Free Report) major shareholder Lawrence Erik Kurzius sold 50,000 shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $67.43, for a total value of $3,371,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider owned 246,762 shares in the company, valued at $16,639,161.66. The trade was a 16.85% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Major shareholders that own more than 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC. Lawrence Erik Kurzius also recently made the following trade(s): Get McCormick & Company Incorporated alerts: On Tuesday, November 11th, Lawrence Erik Kurzius sold 39,014 shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.54, for a total value of $2,517,963.56. McCormick & Company, Incorporated Stock Performance MKC opened at $68.45 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.02 and a beta of 0.62. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $66.67 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $68.27. The company has a quick ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54. McCormick & Company, Incorporated has a 12-month low of $62.64 and a 12-month high of $86.24. McCormick & Company, Incorporated Increases Dividend Institutional Trading of McCormick & Company, Incorporated The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, January 12th. Investors of record on Monday, December 29th were given a dividend of $0.48 per share. This represents a $1.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.8%. This is an increase from McCormick & Company, Incorporateds previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 29th. McCormick & Company, Incorporateds payout ratio is presently 66.44%. A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in MKC. Norges Bank bought a new position in McCormick & Company, Incorporated during the second quarter worth about $249,087,000. Invesco Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 66.7% in the 3rd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 6,232,337 shares of the companys stock worth $417,006,000 after buying an additional 2,494,544 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its position in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 67.2% during the 3rd quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,797,533 shares of the companys stock worth $187,183,000 after buying an additional 1,124,003 shares during the period. Alecta Tjanstepension Omsesidigt lifted its position in shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 94.7% during the 2nd quarter. Alecta Tjanstepension Omsesidigt now owns 1,779,000 shares of the companys stock worth $134,795,000 after buying an additional 865,500 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp boosted its stake in McCormick & Company, Incorporated by 5.1% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 15,522,816 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,038,632,000 after buying an additional 747,844 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 79.74% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets MKC has been the subject of a number of research reports. UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $71.00 to $70.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $75.00 target price for the company in a research note on Monday, December 15th. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their target price on McCormick & Company, Incorporated from $84.00 to $78.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $87.00 price objective on shares of McCormick & Company, Incorporated in a research report on Thursday, December 11th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, McCormick & Company, Incorporated currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $76.50. Read Our Latest Stock Report on MKC McCormick & Company, Incorporated Company Profile (Get Free Report) McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE: MKC) is a global leader in spices, seasonings and flavor solutions. Headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, the company traces its origins to the late 19th century and has grown into a major manufacturer and marketer of branded and private?label flavor products for consumer, industrial and foodservice markets. McCormicks product portfolio includes pure spices and herbs, blended seasonings, marinades, rubs, sauces, extracts and specialty flavorings, along with ingredient systems and custom flavor development for manufacturers and foodservice operators. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for McCormick & Company Incorporated Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McCormick & Company Incorporated and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Investment Management AB cut its stake in shares of Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated (NYSE:HR Free Report) by 6.2% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 2,548,108 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 167,031 shares during the quarter. Nordea Investment Management ABs holdings in Healthcare Realty Trust were worth $45,407,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. CWM LLC boosted its holdings in Healthcare Realty Trust by 4.1% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 21,991 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $349,000 after acquiring an additional 868 shares during the last quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System raised its holdings in shares of Healthcare Realty Trust by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 273,831 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $4,343,000 after purchasing an additional 1,090 shares during the period. Voya Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Healthcare Realty Trust by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 44,136 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $746,000 after purchasing an additional 1,194 shares in the last quarter. GC Wealth Management RIA LLC grew its holdings in shares of Healthcare Realty Trust by 5.8% during the 2nd quarter. GC Wealth Management RIA LLC now owns 26,102 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $414,000 after purchasing an additional 1,434 shares during the period. Finally, Journey Strategic Wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of Healthcare Realty Trust by 6.3% during the 2nd quarter. Journey Strategic Wealth LLC now owns 27,391 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $434,000 after purchasing an additional 1,630 shares during the period. Get Healthcare Realty Trust alerts: Healthcare Realty Trust Price Performance Healthcare Realty Trust stock opened at $17.27 on Thursday. Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated has a 12-month low of $14.09 and a 12-month high of $18.97. The company has a market capitalization of $6.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -16.29 and a beta of 0.96. The firms fifty day moving average price is $17.47 and its 200 day moving average price is $17.32. Healthcare Realty Trust Dividend Announcement Healthcare Realty Trust ( NYSE:HR Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.41 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.40 by $0.01. Healthcare Realty Trust had a negative return on equity of 7.32% and a negative net margin of 30.51%.The company had revenue of $297.77 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $291.10 million. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.39 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 6.2% on a year-over-year basis. Healthcare Realty Trust has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.590-1.60 EPS. Analysts forecast that Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated will post 1.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 21st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 11th were issued a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.6%. Healthcare Realty Trusts payout ratio is currently -90.57%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Healthcare Realty Trust from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 25th. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $20.00 price target on shares of Healthcare Realty Trust in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Healthcare Realty Trust in a report on Monday, December 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada started coverage on Healthcare Realty Trust in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. They set a sector perform rating and a $19.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on Healthcare Realty Trust in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. They issued an overweight rating and a $23.00 target price for the company. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $19.13. View Our Latest Research Report on Healthcare Realty Trust About Healthcare Realty Trust (Free Report) Healthcare Realty Trust (NYSE: HR) is a real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, acquisition and management of outpatient medical facilities. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the companys portfolio is focused primarily on medical office buildings and outpatient healthcare properties that serve hospitals, health systems and other healthcare providers. Its business model centers on securing long-term, triple-net leases to generate stable income streams from a diversified tenant base. The companys properties are located across key metropolitan markets in the United States, including major healthcare hubs in the Southeast, Southwest and in select coastal regions. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Healthcare Realty Trust Incorporated (NYSE:HR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Healthcare Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Healthcare Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Reduce from the thirteen brokerages that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $129.05. Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Citigroup reiterated a sell rating on shares of Southern Copper in a research report on Monday. Jefferies Financial Group set a $155.00 target price on Southern Copper and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. HSBC reissued a hold rating and issued a $118.00 price target (up previously from $105.00) on shares of Southern Copper in a research note on Friday, October 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Southern Copper from $114.50 to $119.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of Southern Copper from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. Get Southern Copper alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on SCCO Insider Activity at Southern Copper Hedge Funds Weigh In On 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 transaction of $55,600.00. Following the sale, the director owned 1,265 shares of the companys stock, valued at $175,835. The trade was a 24.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website . Insiders have sold a total of 948 shares of company stock worth $131,130 in the last quarter. 0.07% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Hopwood Financial Services Inc. bought a new position in Southern Copper during the third quarter valued at about $25,000. MJT & Associates Financial Advisory Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Southern Copper by 65.1% in the 3rd quarter. MJT & Associates Financial Advisory Group Inc. now owns 213 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 84 shares during the last quarter. Tobam bought a new position in shares of Southern Copper during the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. United Community Bank acquired a new position in shares of Southern Copper in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Finally, Caitlin John LLC acquired a new position in shares of Southern Copper in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $30,000. 7.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Southern Copper Stock Up 3.2% Southern Copper stock opened at $180.01 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 3.91 and a current ratio of 4.52. Southern Copper has a one year low of $74.84 and a one year high of $181.42. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $142.92 and a 200-day simple moving average of $121.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $146.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.74, a P/E/G ratio of 1.48 and a beta of 1.06. Southern Copper (NYSE:SCCO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The basic materials company reported $1.35 earnings per share for the quarter, beating 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. As a group, equities analysts expect that Southern Copper will post 4.66 earnings per share for the current year. Southern Copper Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 28th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 12th were issued a $0.90 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 12th. This represents a $3.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. Southern Coppers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 75.47%. About Southern Copper (Get 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. See Also 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. Shares of United States Natural Gas Fund LP (NYSEARCA:UNG Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $10.17 and last traded at $10.24, with a volume of 36587056 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $11.32. United States Natural Gas Fund Price Performance The business has a fifty day moving average of $13.34 and a 200-day moving average of $13.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $527.87 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -15.04 and a beta of -0.12. Get United States Natural Gas Fund alerts: Institutional Trading of United States Natural Gas Fund A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in UNG. Insigneo Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in United States Natural Gas Fund by 3.9% during the third quarter. Insigneo Advisory Services LLC now owns 20,965 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $274,000 after buying an additional 779 shares in the last quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. increased its holdings in shares of United States Natural Gas Fund by 6.8% in the second quarter. Scotia Capital Inc. now owns 18,882 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $289,000 after buying an additional 1,205 shares in the last quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc lifted its position in shares of United States Natural Gas Fund by 11.0% during the 3rd quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 13,374 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $175,000 after acquiring an additional 1,320 shares during the last quarter. Comerica Bank lifted its position in shares of 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 acquiring an additional 2,515 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its stake in shares of United States Natural Gas Fund by 55.0% during the 3rd 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 in the last quarter. 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. Read More 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. Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:PICB Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 33,275 shares, an increase of 290.1% from the December 15th total of 8,529 shares. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 69,424 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days. Based on an average daily volume of 69,424 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.5 days. Currently, 0.3% of the shares of the company are sold short. Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF Stock Up 0.1% Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF stock opened at $23.86 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $23.72 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $23.77. Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF has a 12 month low of $21.29 and a 12 month high of $24.31. Get Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Cape Investment Advisory Inc. acquired a new position in Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF in the second quarter worth $31,000. First United Bank & Trust bought a new position in shares of Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF in the second quarter valued at about $50,000. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF in the second quarter valued at about $155,000. Addison Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $203,000. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers acquired a new position in Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter worth about $206,000. Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF Company Profile PowerShares International Corporate Bond Portfolio (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of an index called the S&P International Corporate Bond Index (the Index). The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in the securities that comprise the Index. The Index measures the performance of investment grade corporate bonds issued by non-the United States issuers in the currencies: Australian Dollar, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, Danish Krone, New Zealand Dollar, Norwegian Krone and Swedish Krona. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kera Capital Partners Inc. acquired a new stake in Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG Free Report) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm acquired 3,899 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $403,000. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in DG. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in Dollar General in the second quarter valued at $101,000. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Dollar General by 1.5% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 26,817,649 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,067,403,000 after acquiring an additional 384,447 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC boosted its stake in shares of Dollar General by 483.1% in the 2nd quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 30,630 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,503,000 after purchasing an additional 25,377 shares in the last quarter. Korea Investment CORP boosted its stake in shares of Dollar General by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 155,275 shares of the companys stock valued at $17,760,000 after purchasing an additional 2,511 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. grew its holdings in shares of Dollar General by 228.3% in the 2nd quarter. Rockefeller Capital Management L.P. now owns 34,647 shares of the companys stock worth $3,963,000 after purchasing an additional 24,094 shares during the last quarter. 91.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Dollar General alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts recently issued reports on DG shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Dollar General from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their price target for the company from $128.00 to $166.00 in a report on Monday, December 15th. Evercore ISI raised their price objective on shares of Dollar General from $130.00 to $135.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, December 23rd. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Dollar General from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, December 6th. Loop Capital boosted their target price on Dollar General from $100.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Friday, December 5th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price target on Dollar General from $112.00 to $138.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating and fifteen have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $138.50. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Bryan D. Wheeler sold 9,776 shares of Dollar General stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $135.32, for a total transaction of $1,322,888.32. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 22,295 shares in the company, valued at $3,016,959.40. The trade was a 30.48% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Carman R. Wenkoff sold 19,166 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $132.01, for a total transaction of $2,530,103.66. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 43,179 shares in the company, valued at $5,700,059.79. This represents a 30.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders sold 58,673 shares of company stock worth $7,713,389. Corporate insiders own 0.56% of the companys stock. Dollar General Price Performance DG opened at $150.96 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63, a current ratio of 1.17 and a quick ratio of 0.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $33.23 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.07, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.75 and a beta of 0.26. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $123.62 and its 200-day simple moving average is $113.08. Dollar General Corporation has a one year low of $66.43 and a one year high of $154.75. Dollar General (NYSE:DG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, December 4th. The company reported $1.28 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.95 by $0.33. The firm had revenue of $10.65 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.60 billion. Dollar General had a return on equity of 18.59% and a net margin of 3.03%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 4.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.89 EPS. Dollar General has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.300-6.500 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Dollar General Corporation will post 5.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Dollar General Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, January 20th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 6th will be given a $0.59 dividend. This represents a $2.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 6th. Dollar Generals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 40.76%. About Dollar General (Free Report) Dollar General Corporation is a U.S.-based variety and discount retailer operating a large network of small-format stores that serve primarily rural and suburban communities. The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker DG and is headquartered in the Nashville/Goodlettsville, Tennessee area. Founded in 1939, Dollar General has grown from a regional operation into one of the nations prominent low-price retailers focused on convenience and value. Dollar Generals stores offer a wide assortment of everyday consumables and household goods, including food and beverage items, cleaning supplies, health and beauty products, paper goods, apparel basics, seasonal merchandise and small household items. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Dollar General Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dollar General and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Innovations in the army, approved by the country's parliament in December, have come into force in Armenia. The term of military service has been reduced by six months. Against the background of a reduction in the military budget for 2026, this fact caused outrage in revanchist circles advocating preparations for a new war. What is the government accused of? The politicization of the issue of army building, populism and an attempt on certain historical military traditions. The opposition claims that shortening the service life will inevitably weaken the country's defense capability, as well as lead to a personnel shortage in the armed forces. Particularly violent emotions followed in response to the statements made by the President of Azerbaijan in a recent interview regarding the weapons purchased by Baku and the growth of the defense industry. How is it, the revanchists scream, that Azerbaijan is "preparing for war", and Armenia is cutting the military budget, and even leaving the army without a reserve?! Etc. Nothing original. The traditional set. The opposition accuses the current government of destroying the army. But how can you destroy something that doesn't exist? The forces led by the "former" do not tire of boasting about their imaginary achievements in army construction, which in fact did not exist. Critics of Nikol Pashinyan's reforms do not want to see the difference between an army and a gang, between purchased and donated weapons. While there is a big difference between these concepts. In the days of Kocharyan and Sargsyan, Armenia received weapons as a gift from Russia, or on a loan that could not be repaid. Armenia's current allies are not willing to give her multibillion-dollar gifts. Hence the sharp rise in the level of external debt. After all, Armenia is a poor country that produces practically nothing, and it is not easy for it to compensate for the difference. Yes, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is far from military affairs. But his predecessors also understood little about the construction of the army. The "exes" thought they were building an army, but in fact they were creating a group according to the traditional bandit-Dashnak scheme, led by the thugs "khmbapets", who were beautifully called "field commanders" during the First Karabakh War. All the years after the first war, the "victors" tried very hard to move from the philosophy of gangs to the philosophy of a regular disciplined army, but nothing worked. No offense, but the absence of those historical military traditions has made itself felt strongly. Plus, the country has long been led by warlords and war criminals. And, of course, the foundation is important. The Armenian army, like its predecessors, the bandit and bandit groups of the beginning of the last century, was originally created to capture someone else's property, not to defend its own. Pashinyan, apparently, wants to change this philosophy. Earlier, he stated that the criminal situation in the Armenian army is a consequence of the lack of ideology. Without a clear ideology and a clear strategy, the army will turn the country and itself into chaos, the Armenian Prime minister believes. He stated that he was ready to attract qualified personnel from the citizen, but on the condition that they would share the ideology of the state. That is, the path is closed for "sparapets" and "khmbapets". Meanwhile, useless arguments about who is to blame for the country's military defeat do not stop in Armenia. A couple of months ago, it was reported that the relevant parliamentary commission has completed an investigation into this issue. However, the results have not yet been made public, and Pashinyan's opponents are taking advantage of this to stir up discussions and try to prove that their stay in power would prevent the liberation of the occupied territories and the triumph of justice. These are very frivolous discussions, given that the revanchists have no chance of changing anything. They have no way to influence the new realities and win back the situation, and the time machine has not yet been invented to go back and see how it was. Although it is unlikely that our neighbors will see anything new that the Azerbaijani side did not know and did not talk about. Everything happened according to the logic of the evolutionary process, the transition from darkness to light and from the lowest to the highest. The decision to shorten the length of service in the army has become another reason to attack the government. Revanchists cannot forget that Defense Minister Suren Papikyan called for focusing on reserve training, not running away from reality and recognizing that the reason for the defeat in the 44-day war was the lack of a trained reserve. The revanchist opposition, of course, disagreed with Papikyan. Opposition politicians and experts joined the Brownian movement. How was there no reserve? How was it that there was no combat training? - They were indignant. Experts from the opposition pool began vying to prove that the reserve has always been of the highest quality, which, they say, confirms the participation of reservists in the four-day war of 2016, "where they adequately fulfilled their tasks." Meanwhile, it was the April 2016 battles of the year that for the first time revealed the whole truth about what the Armenian army is like when it remains one-on-one with the enemy, without Russian and other support, which solves all issues while the "zinvor" are engaged in massacre and robbery. At that time, there was no one to solve the issues for the army of "iron ashots", and they had to turn around on their own. And they found a way out - they just ran. The same reserve and the rest of the population of the occupied territories ran after the military. The Armenians rushed deep into the occupation zone, and many ran all the way to Armenia. Convinced of the victoriousness of their "invincible" army, many did not dare to return for several months after the end of the fighting. In those days, a letter addressed by the separatist regime to Seyran Ohanyan appeared on social media. In it, the Armenian Defense Minister was informed that residents of Askeran, Agderin and Khojavend districts were leaving their homes and heading to Yerevan. They are trying to stop them, for which posts have been set up at the exit from the city of Askeran. The message also spoke about the decline in the morale of soldiers and the frequent cases of desertion. The established posts were set up not so much for civilians as for soldiers and officers fleeing from the battle zone. But it wasn't a real war yet. The problem with the Armenian army is that it was created from people who underwent combat training not at the training grounds of the Armed Forces, but at the training grounds of the Yerkrapah terrorist union or VOMA, which trains bandits. The Karabakh clan was calm, knowing that the Armenian youth were in safe hands. This was how a reserve was created, which was zombified and prepared for armed robbery, motivated by myths and illusory goals. But it turned out that cave hatred was not enough to win. It is enough for dirty victories over civilians and robbery, but in a confrontation with the real army power, the Yerkrap and VOMA chicks turned out to be a complete zero. These soldiers were trained to capture someone else's property, not to defend their own. The war criminals who trained the reserve during the First Karabakh War had no idea what a real army was. That's why they ran in 2016 and deserted en masse in 2020. The Armenian army has always been an army of deserters. It's not because Armenians are cowards. But because the motivation was not conducive to heroism. No one wanted to die for foreign lands. Therefore, thousands of Armenian soldiers refused to join the battle, and when they were in battle, they deserted, hid in basements, in forests, in the mountains, waiting for the end of the war. There was a case when a whole detachment was waiting for the war in the forest on the territory of Armenia. He was accidentally stumbled upon by local residents, to whom the military explained that... They got lost. After the Second Karabakh War, prosecutors took up the cases of deserters. This was not done after the April fighting. At that time, Sargsyan and Ohanyan did not emphasize the fact of mass flight from the contact line (they could not understand the motives of the deserters), although the military personnel warned that this would become a bad precedent and would also affect the Armenian army. It turned out. And yet how. In February 2021, it became known that over 10,000 cases of desertion had been opened in Armenia. This was reported by the Armenian media with reference to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's statement in parliament. Now that the conflict has ended with the complete defeat of mythical theories, Nikol Pashinyan is trying to create a real Armenia and its army, which will be built only to protect its own borders and territories. At the security forum in Yerevan on Tuesday, the Prime Minister explained why Armenia could not acquire serious weapons in previous years. She tried, but they refused and said: "we refuse to sell you weapons because we are not sure that these weapons will be deployed within the internationally recognized borders of Armenia, moreover, we have doubts that these funds can be used outside your internationally recognized borders." I think this is the main reason why Russia has always been the only supplier of weapons to Armenia. But she wasn't bothered by the moral side of the issue. But even she did not dare to transfer such a force as Iskander to Yerevan. Kocharyan and Sargsyan would never have told the Armenians about the true causes of the problems with arming the army, because the Armenians should not have known that the world does not recognize the results of the First Karabakh War. We don't sign up to be Pashinyan's lawyer. We are talking about all this based on our own interests.Armenia's preservation of the previous line of army building based on the doctrine of aggression and territorial seizure will mean a constantly smoldering threat of war. Azerbaijan cannot arrange this in any way, and we hope, and with good reason, that the current leadership of the country will be able to break this destructive tradition. The Azerbaijani army was created only to defend the country's borders and protect its security. The Azerbaijani armed forces have never set foot on foreign soil, the war was fought only within our borders. The positions that Azerbaijani soldiers occupy today on the conditional border belong to Azerbaijan, no matter what the Armenian agitprop fantasizes there. Meanwhile, the military personnel of the Armenian Armed Forces have been on Azerbaijani territory for a quarter of a century, illegally serving there, including conscription. Pashinyan tried to prohibit the sending of conscripts to the occupied lands and the rotation of personnel of the local units of the Republic of Armenia. And this is exactly what the revanchists are beating him with today, accusing him of reducing the combat capability of the separatists. Considering all this, it is important for us that the previous Sargsyan and Ohanian programs of fostering harmful Armenian patriotism in its traditional sense be curtailed in Armenia. That's what Nikol Pashinyan is going to do. If he's not interrupted. KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 15, 2026 / GoMyHire Travel Sdn Bhd, a Southeast Asia-based travel and tour technology company, is expanding its presence in the region through its growing focus on tech-powered tourism mobility. With newly incorporated entities in Singapore and Hong Kong - Gomyhire PTE. LTD. and Gomyhire (HK) Company Limited, the company is laying the foundation for a cross-border transportation ecosystem that serves Asia's travel industry. What began as a focused airport transfer platform has now evolved into a full-scale B2B2C tourism mobility solution. Today, GoMyHire supports operations and service coverage in 10 key markets: Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam. With plans to establish localized teams and partners in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, the company continues to develop its regional tourism transport network. "We're building more than just a transportation platform-we're building the mobility foundation of tomorrow's travel ecosystem," said Wilson Teh, Founder and CEO of GoMyHire. "Our technology, driver network, and partnerships are designed to help tourism operators move with confidence, scale with speed, and serve travelers across borders." GoMyHire's platform is designed to integrate into the workflows of travel brands. With built-in AI powering its dispatch engine, automated customer support, and instant quotation system for its Global Distribution System (GDS), the platform enables real-time, seamless integration across booking journeys and loyalty ecosystem. Strategic partnerships with leading online travel platforms and Online Travel Agency (OTA) ecosystem in the airport transfer marketplace enable GoMyHire's transport services to be embedded directly into travel flows, providing partners with a plug-and-play transport layer without competing with their core offerings. Whether handling first-mile airport pickups, days tour & charter, or last-mile drop-offs for groups and VIPs, GoMyHire's platform provides dependable, tech-enabled transport for travelers and the businesses that serve them. At the heart of the company's offering is a proprietary dispatch system that supports both real-time and pre-scheduled rides. GoMyHire's "Business-to-Driver" (B2D) model empowers local drivers to participate in the formal tourism economy, while ensuring consistency, service quality, and availability for its B2B partners. Unlike traditional ride-hailing, GoMyHire operates as a professional chauffeur service, offering a range of vehicles from 5-seaters to 18-seaters tailored for Free Independent Travellers (FIT) and small group travelers. Pricing stability is another key differentiator: GoMyHire avoids algorithmic surge pricing to deliver predictable costs to both clients and drivers, especially important for hotels, travel agencies, and MICE organizers. Manning & Napier Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE:SEE Free Report) by 130.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 138,161 shares of the industrial products companys stock after acquiring an additional 78,161 shares during the quarter. Manning & Napier Advisors LLCs holdings in Sealed Air were worth $4,884,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Sealed Air during the second quarter worth approximately $25,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its position in Sealed Air by 383.8% in the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 837 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $26,000 after buying an additional 664 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its position in Sealed Air by 334.4% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 960 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 739 shares in the last quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Sealed Air during the 3rd quarter valued at $45,000. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Sealed Air by 94.9% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 1,553 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $45,000 after acquiring an additional 756 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.40% of the companys stock. Get Sealed Air alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently issued reports on SEE shares. Raymond James Financial lowered Sealed Air from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Monday, December 22nd. Wall Street Zen lowered Sealed Air from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Sunday, November 16th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price target on Sealed Air from $48.00 to $52.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Robert W. Baird reissued a neutral rating and issued a $42.00 price target (down previously from $45.00) on shares of Sealed Air in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Sealed Air from $36.00 to $38.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $43.42. Sealed Air Stock Performance SEE opened at $41.85 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.34, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a current ratio of 1.29. The company has a market cap of $6.16 billion, a PE ratio of 13.59 and a beta of 1.36. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $41.45 and a 200-day moving average of $35.76. Sealed Air Corporation has a 52-week low of $22.78 and a 52-week high of $44.27. Sealed Air (NYSE:SEE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The industrial products company reported $0.87 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.68 by $0.19. The business had revenue of $1.35 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.31 billion. Sealed Air had a return on equity of 54.90% and a net margin of 8.52%.Sealed Air has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.250-3.350 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Sealed Air Corporation will post 3.05 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Sealed Air Company Profile (Free Report) Sealed Air Corporation is a global packaging company that develops and manufactures a wide range of materials, equipment and services designed to protect, preserve and promote products. Best known for inventing Bubble Wrap protective packaging, the company serves customers across food and beverage, e-commerce, electronics, manufacturing and healthcare industries. Sealed Airs solutions help businesses reduce product damage, extend shelf life and improve operational efficiency. The companys product portfolio is organized into three primary segments. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SEE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE:SEE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sealed Air Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sealed Air and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Plan Group Financial LLC lessened its holdings in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 13.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 7,713 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,180 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF accounts for approximately 1.4% of Plan Group Financial LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 17th biggest position. Plan Group Financial LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $5,162,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of IVV. Nvwm LLC increased 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 valued at $37,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Hager Investment Management Services LLC acquired a new position in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF during the second quarter worth $61,000. Rice Partnership LLC boosted its stake 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 worth $70,000 after buying an additional 92 shares during the last quarter. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $80,000. Finally, Missouri Trust & Investment Co increased its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 33.0% in 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: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Down 0.5% NYSEARCA IVV opened at $693.49 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $684.02 and its 200-day simple moving average is $663.50. The firm has a market cap of $760.79 billion, a PE ratio of 25.10 and a beta of 1.00. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 52 week low of $484.00 and a 52 week high of $699.17. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Company Profile iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. The component stocks are weighted according to the total float-adjusted market value of their outstanding shares. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. Recommended Stories 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. Meritage Portfolio Management reduced its position in Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) by 9.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 120,592 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 12,520 shares during the quarter. Meritage Portfolio Managements holdings in Wells Fargo & Company were worth $10,108,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Wells Fargo & Company by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 302,092,955 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $24,203,688,000 after buying an additional 1,341,222 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in shares of Wells Fargo & Company in the second quarter valued at $3,990,551,000. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA boosted its stake in Wells Fargo & Company by 54.9% during the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 16,635,681 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,332,851,000 after purchasing an additional 5,894,747 shares during the last quarter. Amundi raised its position in Wells Fargo & Company by 18.2% in the 2nd quarter. Amundi now owns 14,155,753 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,165,868,000 after buying an additional 2,180,693 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Pzena Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Wells Fargo & Company by 5.5% in the second quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 10,371,812 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $830,990,000 after purchasing an additional 542,493 shares during the last quarter. 75.90% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Wells Fargo & Company alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently commented on WFC shares. Baird R W lowered Wells Fargo & Company from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Tuesday, January 6th. Evercore ISI reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $110.00 target price on shares of Wells Fargo & Company in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Bank of America lifted their target price on Wells Fargo & Company from $92.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Weiss Ratings raised Wells Fargo & Company from a hold (c) rating to a buy (b) rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, TD Cowen lifted their price objective on shares of Wells Fargo & Company from $93.00 to $102.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Wells Fargo & Company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $94.03. Wells Fargo & Company Stock Performance NYSE WFC opened at $89.30 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.84, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07. Wells Fargo & Company has a 12-month low of $58.42 and a 12-month high of $97.76. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $90.07 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $84.72. The firm has a market cap of $280.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.69, a PEG ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 1.09. Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $1.76 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.66 by $0.10. The business had revenue of $21.29 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates 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 quarterly revenue was up 4.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.43 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Wells Fargo & Company will post 5.89 EPS for the current 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 dividend yield of 2.0%. Wells Fargo & Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.61%. Wells Fargo & Company News Summary Here are the key news stories impacting Wells Fargo & Company this week: Wells Fargo & Company Company Profile (Free Report) Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified, U.S.-based financial services company headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo, the firm has evolved from its origins in express delivery and pioneer-era banking into one of the largest full-service banks in the United States. The company provides a broad range of financial products and services to individual, small business, commercial, and institutional clients. Charles W. Scharf serves as chief executive officer. Wells Fargo operates across several core business segments, including consumer banking and lending, commercial banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth and investment management. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WFC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Wells Fargo & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wells Fargo & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meritage Portfolio Management reduced its position in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 9.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 13,802 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 1,398 shares during the period. Meritage Portfolio Managements holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $10,991,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 1,800.0% in the second quarter. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC now owns 38 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares during the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 3rd quarter worth about $26,000. First PREMIER Bank purchased a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. Corundum Trust Company INC purchased a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group in the 3rd quarter worth about $29,000. Finally, Clearstead Trust LLC bought a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the 2nd quarter valued at about $31,000. 71.21% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Key Stories Impacting The Goldman Sachs Group Here are the key news stories impacting The Goldman Sachs Group this week: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently commented on the stock. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $700.00 to $765.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $752.00 to $830.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Daiwa Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $823.00 to $927.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 6th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $870.00 to $971.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 17th. Finally, Dbs Bank lifted their price objective on The Goldman Sachs Group from $800.00 to $890.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $849.61. View Our Latest Research Report on GS The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Down 0.6% NYSE:GS opened at $932.49 on Thursday. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a one year low of $439.38 and a one year high of $961.69. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $861.31 and a 200-day moving average price of $789.40. The firm has a market capitalization of $279.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.99 and a beta of 1.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.53, a current ratio of 0.65 and a quick ratio of 0.65. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The investment management company reported $12.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $10.27 by $1.98. The business had revenue of $15.18 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $13.68 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a return on equity of 15.29% and a net margin of 13.18%.The Goldman Sachs Groups revenue for the quarter was up 19.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $8.40 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current year. The Goldman Sachs Group Profile (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc is a global investment banking and financial services firm headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1869 as a commercial paper business, the company has grown into a diversified financial institution that provides a broad range of services to corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. The firm is led by Chief Executive Officer David M. Solomon and operates across major financial centers worldwide. Goldman Sachs core businesses include investment banking, global markets, asset and wealth management, and consumer banking. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 6,179,488 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 21,819 shares during the quarter. Johnson & Johnson comprises approximately 0.7% of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 21st largest position. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc.s holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $1,145,801,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the business. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. raised its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 7,392 shares of the companys stock worth $1,371,000 after buying an additional 53 shares in the last quarter. Ethos Financial Group LLC boosted its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 0.6% in the third quarter. Ethos Financial Group LLC now owns 9,110 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,689,000 after acquiring an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Heritage Oak Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter. Heritage Oak Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,639 shares of the companys stock valued at $304,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares during the last quarter. Lifestyle Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 3.4% during the third quarter. Lifestyle Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,683 shares of the companys stock worth $312,000 after buying an additional 56 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wynn Capital LLC grew its holdings in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Wynn Capital LLC now owns 15,930 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,954,000 after buying an additional 57 shares during the period. 69.55% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: More Johnson & Johnson News Here are the key news stories impacting Johnson & Johnson this week: Johnson & Johnson Stock Up 2.3% Shares of NYSE JNJ opened at $218.53 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $526.51 billion, a PE ratio of 21.09, a P/E/G ratio of 2.19 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 1.07 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $204.52 and its 200-day moving average price is $186.04. Johnson & Johnson has a one year low of $141.50 and a one year high of $218.86. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The company reported $2.80 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.76 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $23.99 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $23.73 billion. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 27.26% and a return on equity of 32.73%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $2.42 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 EPS for the current year. Johnson & Johnson Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, March 10th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 24th will be issued a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 24th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 50.19%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have recently commented on JNJ shares. Guggenheim increased their price objective 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. Daiwa America upgraded shares of Johnson & Johnson from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Johnson & Johnson from $213.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 18th. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $204.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, December 15th. Finally, Loop Capital set a $190.00 price target on Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Johnson & Johnson currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $213.33. Get Our Latest Stock Report on JNJ Johnson & Johnson Profile (Free Report) Johnson & Johnson is a multinational healthcare company headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of products across pharmaceuticals, medical devices and previously consumer health. Founded in 1886 by the Johnson family, the company has grown into a global healthcare organization with operations and sales in many countries around the world. The companys pharmaceuticals business, organized largely under its Janssen research and development organization, focuses on prescription medicines across therapeutic areas such as immunology, infectious disease, oncology and neuroscience. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JNJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Johnson & Johnson Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Johnson & Johnson and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Meritage Portfolio Management lessened its holdings in Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 7.9% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 53,413 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,553 shares during the quarter. Meritage Portfolio Managements holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $8,207,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in PG. MOKAN Wealth Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 13.7% during the second quarter. MOKAN Wealth Management Inc. now owns 15,319 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,442,000 after buying an additional 1,846 shares during the last quarter. Czech National Bank increased its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 3.8% in the third quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 594,914 shares of the companys stock worth $91,409,000 after purchasing an additional 21,825 shares during the last quarter. Vega Investment Solutions lifted its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.3% in the second quarter. Vega Investment Solutions now owns 638,400 shares of the companys stock worth $101,710,000 after buying an additional 8,500 shares in the last quarter. Westerkirk Capital Inc. bought a new position in Procter & Gamble during the second quarter valued at approximately $4,796,000. Finally, Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 36.2% during the 2nd quarter. Caliber Wealth Management LLC KS now owns 17,798 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,836,000 after buying an additional 4,730 shares in the last quarter. 65.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PG has been the subject of a number of research reports. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Procter & Gamble from $170.00 to $158.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Barclays lowered their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $153.00 to $151.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 8th. BNP Paribas Exane decreased their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $177.00 to $172.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Bank of America dropped their price target on Procter & Gamble from $180.00 to $174.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, UBS Group lowered their price objective on Procter & Gamble from $176.00 to $161.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Fifteen equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $168.55. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CAO Matthew W. Janzaruk sold 725 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $149.57, for a total transaction of $108,438.25. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 979 shares of the companys stock, valued at $146,429.03. This represents a 42.55% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Procter & Gamble Trading Up 1.4% Shares of NYSE PG opened at $146.30 on Thursday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $144.80 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $151.20. Procter & Gamble Company has a twelve month low of $137.62 and a twelve month high of $179.99. The firm has a market cap of $341.86 billion, a PE ratio of 21.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.87 and a beta of 0.39. The company has a quick ratio of 0.51, a current ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 24th. The company reported $1.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.90 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $22.39 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $22.23 billion. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 19.74% and a return on equity of 32.63%. Procter & Gambles revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.93 earnings per share. Procter & Gamble has set its FY 2026 guidance at 6.830-7.100 EPS. Analysts expect that Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.91 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 23rd will be issued a dividend of $1.0568 per share. This represents a $4.23 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 23rd. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is currently 61.75%. Key Stories Impacting Procter & Gamble Here are the key news stories impacting Procter & Gamble this week: Procter & Gamble Company Profile (Free Report) Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) is a multinational consumer goods company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, P&G has grown into one of the worlds largest producers of branded consumer packaged goods. The company focuses on developing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of household and personal care products sold to consumers and retailers worldwide. P&Gs product offering spans several core business categories, including Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Procter & Gamble Company (The) (NYSE:PG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Procter & Gamble Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Procter & Gamble and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nordea Investment Management AB boosted its stake in Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 8.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,114,772 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 85,996 shares during the quarter. Nordea Investment Management ABs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $125,345,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Nexus Investment Management ULC grew its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Nexus Investment Management ULC now owns 5,794 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $653,000 after buying an additional 89 shares in the last quarter. Axis Wealth Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Axis Wealth Partners LLC now owns 5,056 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $545,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Sagace Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 2.7% during the 3rd quarter. Sagace Wealth Management LLC now owns 3,445 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $388,000 after acquiring an additional 90 shares during the last quarter. Willow Creek Wealth Management Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 3.6% in the second quarter. Willow Creek Wealth Management Inc. now owns 2,640 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $285,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Creative Capital Management Investments LLC raised its stake in Exxon Mobil by 2.5% during the third quarter. Creative Capital Management Investments LLC now owns 3,701 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $417,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares in the last quarter. 61.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Exxon Mobil Stock Up 2.8% Shares of NYSE:XOM opened at $130.12 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a current ratio of 1.14 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $118.83 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $114.28. Exxon Mobil Corporation has a 1 year low of $97.80 and a 1 year high of $131.72. The firm has a market capitalization of $548.73 billion, a PE ratio of 18.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 7.89 and a beta of 0.37. Exxon Mobil Increases Dividend Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The oil and gas company reported $1.88 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.72 by $0.16. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 11.22% and a net margin of 8.99%.The company had revenue of $83.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $83.09 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.92 EPS. Exxon Mobils revenue was down 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Corporation will post 7.43 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were paid a $1.03 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 14th. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.2%. This is a boost from Exxon Mobils previous quarterly dividend of $0.99. Exxon Mobils payout ratio is 59.88%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades XOM has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Zacks Research cut shares of Exxon Mobil from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Thursday, January 1st. Mizuho lifted their price target on Exxon Mobil from $129.00 to $132.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, December 12th. UBS Group reissued a buy rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Friday, January 9th. TD Cowen raised their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $128.00 to $135.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 12th. Finally, Barclays cut their target price on Exxon Mobil from $127.00 to $126.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Exxon Mobil presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $130.25. Get Our Latest Analysis on XOM Key Headlines Impacting Exxon Mobil Here are the key news stories impacting Exxon Mobil this week: Positive Sentiment: Reports say Exxons Baton Rouge refinery is preparing to run Venezuelan crude, which could boost refinery throughput and margins if sanctioned supplies become available. Read More. Reports say Exxons Baton Rouge refinery is preparing to run Venezuelan crude, which could boost refinery throughput and margins if sanctioned supplies become available. Read More. Positive Sentiment: Market commentary links Exxons CEO remarks on Venezuela to the stock rally, suggesting investors are rewarding the companys cautious stance and perceived opportunity to access new crude flows. Read More. Market commentary links Exxons CEO remarks on Venezuela to the stock rally, suggesting investors are rewarding the companys cautious stance and perceived opportunity to access new crude flows. Read More. Positive Sentiment: High-profile traders/hosts have named XOM among attractive energy picks on TV, adding short-term buying interest from retail and momentum investors. Read More. High-profile traders/hosts have named XOM among attractive energy picks on TV, adding short-term buying interest from retail and momentum investors. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Exxon says it remains interested in a potential Venezuela visit and is prepared to send an assessment team signals intent but not a guaranteed deal; investors will watch for clarity on sanctions and commercial terms. Read More. Exxon says it remains interested in a potential Venezuela visit and is prepared to send an assessment team signals intent but not a guaranteed deal; investors will watch for clarity on sanctions and commercial terms. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Exxon scheduled its Q4 2025 results release for Jan. 30 a catalyst date where production, refining margins and Venezuela exposure will be scrutinized. Read More. Exxon scheduled its Q4 2025 results release for Jan. 30 a catalyst date where production, refining margins and Venezuela exposure will be scrutinized. Read More. Neutral Sentiment: Shell and Exxon halted a planned sale of Southern North Sea gas assets to Viaro Energy removes a near-term divestiture event and leaves existing asset exposure in place. Read More. Shell and Exxon halted a planned sale of Southern North Sea gas assets to Viaro Energy removes a near-term divestiture event and leaves existing asset exposure in place. Read More. Negative Sentiment: President Trump publicly threatened to block Exxon from Venezuelan deals after the CEO called the country uninvestable, creating political risk that could limit Exxons access to Venezuelan crude or projects. Read More. President Trump publicly threatened to block Exxon from Venezuelan deals after the CEO called the country uninvestable, creating political risk that could limit Exxons access to Venezuelan crude or projects. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Coverage highlights the diplomatic backlash from CEO comments increased political scrutiny raises execution risk on any Venezuela opportunity and could weigh on sentiment. Read More. Coverage highlights the diplomatic backlash from CEO comments increased political scrutiny raises execution risk on any Venezuela opportunity and could weigh on sentiment. Read More. Negative Sentiment: Analysts and roundups flag lower Q4 earnings expectations driven by recent crude-price weakness, a reminder that commodity-driven earnings volatility remains a downside risk. Read More. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Exxon Mobil news, VP Darrin L. Talley sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $117.19, for a total value of $351,570.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 28,584 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,349,758.96. The trade was a 9.50% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.03% of the stock is owned by insiders. Exxon Mobil Profile (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) is an integrated oil and gas company engaged in the exploration, production, refining, distribution and marketing of petroleum products and the manufacture and sale of petrochemicals. Its operations span the full energy value chain, including upstream exploration and development of crude oil and natural gas; midstream transportation and storage; and downstream refining, product distribution and retail. The company also produces a broad range of chemical products for industrial and consumer applications. ExxonMobil markets fuels and lubricants under well-known brands such as Exxon, Mobil and Esso, and its Mobil 1 motor oil is a prominent consumer product. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Roberts Financial LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR Free Report) by 22.7% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 532,272 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 98,542 shares during the period. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF comprises 11.7% of Roberts Financial LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 2nd largest holding. Roberts Financial LLC owned 0.54% of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF worth $36,258,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Franklin Resources Inc. bought a new position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $27,000. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC purchased a new position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the third quarter valued at $29,000. Caldwell Trust Co purchased a new position in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the second quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Asset Management One Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF during the second quarter valued at about $41,000. Get iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF alerts: iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Stock Up 0.4% Shares of IEUR opened at $73.11 on Thursday. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $70.13 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $68.26. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF has a 52 week low of $53.17 and a 52 week high of $73.13. The stock has a market cap of $7.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.78 and a beta of 0.93. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Profile 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. Featured Articles 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. Fresnillo (LON:FRES Get Free Report) had its price objective lifted by Citigroup from GBX 4,000 to GBX 4,600 in a research note issued on Wednesday,London Stock Exchange reports. The brokerage currently has a buy rating on the stock. Citigroups target price would indicate a potential upside of 24.93% from the stocks current price. A number of other equities research analysts have also issued reports on the company. Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price target on Fresnillo from GBX 980 to GBX 2,440 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 2,600 target price on shares of Fresnillo in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an overweight rating and set a GBX 4,300 target price on shares of Fresnillo in a research report on Monday, January 5th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 3,068. Get Fresnillo alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on FRES Fresnillo Stock Performance About Fresnillo Fresnillo stock opened at GBX 3,682 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 23.55, a current ratio of 5.88 and a quick ratio of 3.28. The firm has a market capitalization of 27.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 59.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -1.58 and a beta of 0.15. Fresnillo has a 1-year low of GBX 645.55 and a 1-year high of GBX 3,928. The companys 50-day moving average is GBX 2,898.67 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 2,259.93. (Get Free Report) Fresnillo plc is the worlds largest silver producer and Mexicos largest gold producer, listed on the London and Mexican stock exchanges. The Group seeks to create value for stakeholders across precious metal cycles, focusing on high-potential silver and gold projects that can be developed into low cost, world-class mines. Following a decade of consistent and successful progress, the Group is now focused on consolidating its growth and advancing its pipeline in order to deliver further growth in the years ahead. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Fresnillo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresnillo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sutton Place Investors LLC cut its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 21.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 34,807 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,441 shares during the period. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF comprises about 1.3% of Sutton Place Investors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 19th biggest holding. Sutton Place Investors LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $2,361,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of 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 worth $4,451,560,000 after purchasing an additional 23,376,524 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its stake 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 valued at $1,003,906,000 after buying an additional 3,518,683 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 4.1% in the 2nd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 13,614,142 shares of the companys stock worth $864,247,000 after buying an additional 540,216 shares during the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 11.5% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 9,719,462 shares of the companys stock worth $616,991,000 after buying an additional 999,564 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. increased its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 24.2% during the 2nd 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 in the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Price Performance Shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF stock opened at $73.40 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $30.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $70.79 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $68.00. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 12 month low of $51.05 and a 12 month 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. Further Reading 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. The market does like a good comeback story. After being dismissed and bound for irrelevance after the emergence of OpenAI's ChatGPT, Alphabet's (GOOGL) (GOOG) Google has made a sensational splash in AI over the past year with its Gemini 3 model. And now it is starting 2026 with a bang by surpassing the $4 trillion market cap barrier for the first time. Although market fluctuations occasionally cause it to dip below the $4 trillion mark, Alphabet's market cap has now surpassed Apple's (AAPL) for the first time since 2019. Ironically, the iPhone maker had a part to play in that when the company revealed that it would use Google's Gemini model to launch a new and improved Siri later this year. This deals another blow to generative AI bellwether OpenAI, whose ChatGPT has suddenly become the laggard in the AI race, with Gemini ahead of the Sam Altman-led company's models across various tasks. More News from Barchart Notably, Alphabet's market cap currently stands at almost exactly $4 trillion, with its shares up a whopping 75% over the past year, easily outperforming its Magnificent 7 peers. So, where does all this leave the GOOGL stock as an investment? Will its home run continue, or will the search giant have to search hard for another sharp uptick? Let's find out. www.barchart.com Financials Strong As Ever Alphabet's ubiquity across the tech landscape has led to the company boasting of financials that are not only robust but also identified with growth. Alphabet has maintained a solid growth trajectory over the past ten years, with revenue compounding at an annual rate of 18.31% and earnings per share at 23.43%. The September 2025 quarter extended this track record, delivering results that exceeded expectations across key metrics. Consolidated revenue totaled $102.3 billion, representing a 16% rise compared with the prior-year period. Google Services generated $87.1 billion, up 14%, while the Cloud segment contributed $15.2 billion, marking a 34% increase. Adjusted earnings per share rose 35.4% to $2.87, surpassing the consensus projection of $2.26. Notably, this marked the ninth consecutive quarter of earnings beat from the company. Search advertising, the company's longstanding core revenue driver, produced $56.6 billion, a 14.5% year-over-year (YoY) gain. First Horizon (NYSE:FHN Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Thursday. The financial services provider reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.46 by $0.06, FiscalAI reports. First Horizon had a return on equity of 10.93% and a net margin of 18.08%.The business had revenue of $892.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $863.87 million. First Horizon Trading Down 0.1% Shares of NYSE:FHN opened at $24.08 on Thursday. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $23.11 and a two-hundred day moving average of $22.41. The firm has a market capitalization of $11.85 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.86 and a beta of 0.61. First Horizon has a 12-month low of $15.19 and a 12-month high of $24.91. The company has a quick ratio of 0.95, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15. Get First Horizon alerts: First Horizon Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th were paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 12th. First Horizons dividend payout ratio is currently 36.36%. Insiders Place Their Bets Hedge Funds Weigh In On First Horizon In other news, CAO Jeff L. Fleming sold 7,619 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated 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 of the companys stock, valued at $2,796,329.24. This trade represents a 5.59% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, EVP David T. Popwell sold 155,149 shares of First Horizon stock in a transaction dated 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 sale, the executive vice president owned 307,432 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,551,375.92. This represents a 33.54% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing . Corporate insiders own 0.87% of the companys stock. Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd lifted its stake in First Horizon by 419.7% in the third quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 1,989,925 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $44,992,000 after acquiring an additional 1,607,028 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its stake in shares of First Horizon by 1,181.2% during the 3rd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 1,254,675 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $28,368,000 after purchasing an additional 1,156,747 shares during the last quarter. Freestone Grove Partners LP raised its holdings in shares of First Horizon by 25.3% during the 3rd quarter. Freestone Grove Partners LP now owns 4,788,438 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $108,267,000 after purchasing an additional 967,219 shares in the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of First Horizon by 102.5% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,709,434 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $33,197,000 after purchasing an additional 865,109 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Holocene Advisors LP acquired a new stake in shares of First Horizon in the 2nd quarter valued at $17,926,000. Institutional investors own 80.28% of the companys stock. First Horizon announced that its board has initiated a share repurchase program on Monday, October 27th that authorizes the company to repurchase $1.20 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the financial services provider to buy up to 11.3% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are often an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have commented on the stock. DA Davidson raised shares of First Horizon from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 19th. Cowen reissued a hold rating on shares of First Horizon in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $27.00 price target on shares of First Horizon and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of First Horizon from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 15th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and set a $28.00 price objective on shares of First Horizon in a research report on Tuesday, January 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and eleven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, First Horizon currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $26.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on FHN 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. Magnus Financial Group LLC raised its stake in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS:MTUM Free Report) by 71.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 9,816 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 4,078 shares during the period. Magnus Financial Group LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF were worth $2,517,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of MTUM. TFC Financial Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at $28,000. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF during the second quarter worth about $46,000. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 45.0% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 216 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after buying an additional 67 shares during the period. Hilltop National Bank bought a new position in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $55,000. Finally, MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF by 397.8% in the 3rd quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 224 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after buying an additional 179 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Price Performance MTUM opened at $255.65 on Thursday. iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF has a fifty-two week low of $168.49 and a fifty-two week high of $240.99. The companys 50 day moving average price is $250.39 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $248.41. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.67 and a beta of 1.02. About iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF The iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant index. The fund tracks an index of large- and mid-cap US equities, selected and weighted based on price appreciation over 6- and 12-month periods and low volatility over the past 3 years. MTUM was launched on Apr 16, 2013 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MTUM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (BATS:MTUM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dunelm Group plc (LON:DNLM Get Free Report)s share price fell 17.6% on Thursday . The company traded as low as GBX 956 and last traded at GBX 964.15. 3,188,446 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 202% from the average session volume of 1,055,931 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 1,170. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages recently issued reports on DNLM. Shore Capital started coverage on Dunelm Group in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. They set a buy rating and a GBX 1,300 target price on the stock. UBS Group restated a buy rating and set a GBX 1,360 price target on shares of Dunelm Group in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Dunelm Group from GBX 1,755 to GBX 1,817 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Dunelm Group from GBX 1,140 to GBX 1,240 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised shares of Dunelm Group to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the stock from GBX 1,200 to GBX 1,300 in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 1,397.13. Get Dunelm Group alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Dunelm Group Dunelm Group Trading Down 17.7% Insider Transactions at Dunelm Group The company has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 1,117.28 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 1,142.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 236.84, a quick ratio of 0.16 and a current ratio of 1.04. The firm has a market cap of 1.94 billion, a PE ratio of 12.53, a P/E/G ratio of -10.32 and a beta of 1.18. In other Dunelm Group news, insider Clodagh Moriarty sold 51,119 shares of Dunelm Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of GBX 1,148, for a total transaction of 586,846.12. Also, insider Daniel Taylor acquired 4,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 1,163 per share, for a total transaction of 46,520. In the last ninety days, insiders have bought 17,790 shares of company stock worth $20,056,160 and have sold 61,854 shares worth $70,913,541. Insiders own 34.16% of the companys stock. About Dunelm Group (Get Free Report) Dunelm is the UKs market leader in homewares with a purpose to help create the joy of truly feeling at home, now and for generations to come. Its specialist customer proposition offers value, quality, choice and style across an extensive range of c.70,000 products, spanning multiple homewares and furniture categories and including services such as Made to Measure window treatments. The business was founded in 1979 by the Adderley family, beginning as a curtains stall on Leicester market before expanding its store footprint. Featured Stories 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. Meritage Portfolio Management decreased its holdings in Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM Free Report) by 21.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 74,983 shares of the specialty retailers stock after selling 20,136 shares during the period. Williams-Sonoma makes up approximately 1.0% of Meritage Portfolio Managements investment portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest position. Meritage Portfolio Managements holdings in Williams-Sonoma were worth $14,655,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Groupe la Francaise grew its position in shares of Williams-Sonoma by 8.2% in the second quarter. Groupe la Francaise now owns 631 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $103,000 after purchasing an additional 48 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC lifted its position in Williams-Sonoma by 2.1% during the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 3,016 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $493,000 after buying an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc lifted its position in Williams-Sonoma by 3.3% during the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,936 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $378,000 after buying an additional 62 shares in the last quarter. Kera Capital Partners Inc. boosted its stake in Williams-Sonoma by 3.6% during the third quarter. Kera Capital Partners Inc. now owns 1,879 shares of the specialty retailers stock worth $367,000 after buying an additional 65 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Williams-Sonoma by 4.8% in the 2nd quarter. Aaron Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,585 shares of the specialty retailers stock valued at $259,000 after buying an additional 72 shares in the last quarter. 99.29% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Williams-Sonoma alerts: Insider Activity at Williams-Sonoma In other news, CEO Laura Alber sold 17,839 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $178.51, for a total transaction of $3,184,439.89. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 859,088 shares in the company, valued at $153,355,798.88. This trade represents a 2.03% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently commented on WSM shares. Telsey Advisory Group reduced their price target on Williams-Sonoma from $225.00 to $220.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $190.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $206.00 target price on shares of Williams-Sonoma and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, November 21st. TD Cowen cut their price target on shares of Williams-Sonoma from $225.00 to $210.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Citigroup decreased their price objective on Williams-Sonoma from $202.00 to $188.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report 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 assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $198.71. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Williams-Sonoma Williams-Sonoma Price Performance Shares of WSM stock opened at $206.40 on Thursday. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. has a 1-year low of $130.07 and a 1-year high of $219.98. The firm has a market cap of $24.64 billion, a PE ratio of 22.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.26 and a beta of 1.58. The company has a 50-day moving average of $186.65 and a two-hundred day moving average of $189.40. Williams-Sonoma (NYSE:WSM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The specialty retailer reported $1.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.87 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $1.88 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.86 billion. Williams-Sonoma had a net margin of 14.30% and a return on equity of 53.10%. The businesss revenue was up 4.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.96 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Williams-Sonoma, Inc. will post 8.36 EPS for the current fiscal year. Williams-Sonoma Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be paid a dividend of $0.66 per share. This represents a $2.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. Williams-Sonomas dividend payout ratio is 29.04%. Williams-Sonoma Company Profile (Free Report) Williams?Sonoma, 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 multi?brand 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 higher?end interiors. The company operates a portfolio of consumer brands that target distinct segments of the home market. Read More 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. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd reduced its position in shares of Extra Space Storage Inc (NYSE:EXR Free Report) by 30.8% during the third quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 33,158 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 14,774 shares during the period. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltds holdings in Extra Space Storage were worth $4,673,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund boosted its holdings in shares of Extra Space Storage by 32.0% in the 3rd quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 24,240 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,416,000 after buying an additional 5,870 shares during the last quarter. Ethic Inc. grew its position in shares of Extra Space Storage by 298.0% during the 3rd quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 22,441 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,163,000 after acquiring an additional 16,802 shares during the period. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. increased its stake in shares of Extra Space Storage by 16.6% during the 2nd quarter. Robeco Institutional Asset Management B.V. now owns 118,675 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $17,497,000 after purchasing an additional 16,897 shares during the last quarter. AlphaCore Capital LLC lifted its stake in Extra Space Storage by 53.5% in the second quarter. AlphaCore Capital LLC now owns 5,077 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $749,000 after purchasing an additional 1,769 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Versor Investments LP grew its holdings in Extra Space Storage by 215.7% during the second quarter. Versor Investments LP now owns 10,068 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,484,000 after purchasing an additional 6,879 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.11% of the companys stock. Get Extra Space Storage alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have recently commented on the company. UBS Group dropped their price target on Extra Space Storage from $156.00 to $148.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 8th. Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Extra Space Storage from $155.00 to $152.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, December 5th. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price target on shares of Extra Space Storage from $148.00 to $146.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Mizuho lifted their price objective on shares of Extra Space Storage from $137.00 to $143.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Extra Space Storage from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 1st. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and eleven have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Extra Space Storage has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $146.27. Extra Space Storage Stock Up 3.1% EXR opened at $144.88 on Thursday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $132.27 and a 200-day moving average price of $139.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.60 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 0.24 and a quick ratio of 0.24. Extra Space Storage Inc has a one year low of $121.03 and a one year high of $162.77. Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.08 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.06 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $858.46 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $736.26 million. Extra Space Storage had a return on equity of 6.56% and a net margin of 28.40%.The firms revenue was up 4.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.07 earnings per share. Extra Space Storage has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.120-8.20 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Extra Space Storage Inc will post 8.1 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Extra Space Storage Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th were issued a dividend of $1.62 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, December 15th. This represents a $6.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.5%. Extra Space Storages payout ratio is presently 144.64%. Extra Space Storage Company Profile (Free Report) Extra Space Storage (NYSE: EXR) is a real estate investment trust that specializes in the ownership, development and operation of self-storage properties. The company provides storage solutions for residential and commercial customers, offering a range of unit sizes, climate-controlled units and specialized options such as vehicle and boat storage. Extra Space Storage markets itself as a customer-focused operator, with online rentals, contactless move-in options and ancillary retail products like packing supplies and insurance to support tenant needs. Its business model combines property ownership with third-party management and development activities. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EXR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Extra Space Storage Inc (NYSE:EXR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Extra Space Storage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Extra Space Storage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rakuten Securities Inc. grew its position in Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY Free Report) by 58.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 67,662 shares of the mining companys stock after purchasing an additional 25,054 shares during the quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc.s holdings in Harmony Gold Mining were worth $1,228,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Ariose Capital Management Ltd acquired a new position in Harmony Gold Mining during the 3rd quarter valued at about $1,182,000. U S Global Investors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Harmony Gold Mining by 105.3% during the second quarter. U S Global Investors Inc. now owns 307,960 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $4,302,000 after acquiring an additional 157,960 shares in the last quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Harmony Gold Mining in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $3,609,000. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its stake in Harmony Gold Mining by 15.5% in the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 184,507 shares of the mining companys stock worth $2,578,000 after purchasing an additional 24,779 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC grew its position in Harmony Gold Mining by 43.0% during the 2nd quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC now owns 343,243 shares of the mining companys stock worth $4,795,000 after purchasing an additional 103,150 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 31.79% of the companys stock. Get Harmony Gold Mining alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades HMY has been the subject of several research reports. Hsbc Global Res upgraded shares of Harmony Gold Mining from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Zacks Research cut Harmony Gold Mining from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 16th. Wall Street Zen lowered Harmony Gold Mining from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, December 20th. HSBC raised Harmony Gold Mining from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Harmony Gold Mining in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $16.00. Harmony Gold Mining Trading Down 1.7% Shares of HMY stock opened at $21.70 on Thursday. Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited has a 52-week low of $9.38 and a 52-week high of $22.98. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04, a current ratio of 1.72 and a quick ratio of 1.41. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $19.47 and a 200-day simple moving average of $17.15. Harmony Gold Mining Company Profile (Free Report) Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited is a South Africabased precious metals producer primarily engaged in the exploration, mining and processing of gold. The company operates a portfolio of underground and surface mining operations, targeting both reef-hosted and alluvial deposits. In addition to gold, Harmonys activities encompass the extraction of copper as a byproduct at its Papua New Guinea operations. In South Africa, Harmonys mining footprint includes deep-level underground operations in the Witwatersrand Basin, where it employs a combination of conventional and mechanized mining methods. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited (NYSE:HMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Harmony Gold Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Harmony Gold Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltd reduced its stake in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report) by 8.9% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 61,907 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 6,046 shares during the quarter. OVERSEA CHINESE BANKING Corp Ltds holdings in Digital Realty Trust were worth $10,702,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 1.0% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 52,892,557 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $9,220,759,000 after buying an additional 513,697 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Digital Realty Trust during the second quarter worth about $3,808,270,000. State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 1.9% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 20,405,760 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,557,336,000 after purchasing an additional 376,699 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Digital Realty Trust by 2.3% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 8,850,818 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,536,795,000 after purchasing an additional 196,579 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its stake in Digital Realty Trust by 3.0% during the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 7,356,429 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,282,446,000 after buying an additional 211,692 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.71% of the companys stock. Get Digital Realty Trust alerts: Insider Activity In other news, Director Mary Hogan Preusse sold 4,166 shares of Digital Realty Trust stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $157.42, for a total value of $655,811.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Digital Realty Trust Price Performance DLR stock opened at $159.04 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $157.85 and a 200 day moving average price of $166.76. Digital Realty Trust, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $129.95 and a fifty-two week high of $187.74. The company has a quick ratio of 2.02, a current ratio of 2.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80. The stock has a market cap of $54.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 41.09, a PEG ratio of 3.76 and a beta of 1.11. Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter. Digital Realty Trust had a net margin of 23.67% and a return on equity of 6.41%. The firm had revenue of $1.58 billion during the quarter. Equities research analysts anticipate that Digital Realty Trust, Inc. will post 7.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Digital Realty Trust Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a $1.22 dividend. This represents a $4.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. Digital Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 126.10%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus set a $210.00 price target on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Friday, October 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. They set a buy rating and a $188.00 target price for the company. Daiwa Capital Markets began coverage on Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. They issued a buy rating and a $210.00 price target on the stock. Bank of America reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $170.00 price objective (down previously from $210.00) on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Mizuho reduced their target price on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $191.00 to $180.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Digital Realty Trust has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $193.22. View Our Latest Stock Report on Digital Realty Trust About Digital Realty Trust (Free Report) Digital Realty Trust, Inc (NYSE: DLR) is a real estate investment trust that owns, acquires and operates carrier-neutral data centers and provides related colocation and interconnection solutions. The company focuses on large-scale, mission-critical facilities that support the physical infrastructure needs of cloud providers, enterprises, network operators and content companies. Digital Realtys offerings are designed to enable secure, reliable and highly available IT infrastructure with an emphasis on power density, cooling, and physical security. Digital Realtys product set spans wholesale data center space, turnkey build-to-suit facilities, and retail colocation suites, complemented by interconnection services that allow customers to establish private and public connections to networks, cloud on-ramps and other ecosystem partners. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DLR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE:DLR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Digital Realty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Digital Realty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Culp (NYSE:CULP Get Free Report) was downgraded by investment analysts at Zacks Research from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports. Separately, Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Culp in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Sell rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Sell. Get Culp alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Culp Culp Stock Up 5.0% Culp stock opened at $3.80 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $48.11 million, a PE ratio of -4.42 and a beta of 1.03. Culp has a 12-month low of $3.33 and a 12-month high of $5.64. The firms fifty day moving average is $3.72 and its 200 day moving average is $4.11. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 1.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. Culp (NYSE:CULP Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 10th. The textile maker reported ($0.30) earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of ($0.18) by ($0.12). The company had revenue of $53.20 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $53.11 million. Culp had a negative net margin of 5.24% and a negative return on equity of 12.53%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. purchased a new position in shares of Culp during the third quarter valued at approximately $51,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP lifted its stake in Culp by 16.5% during the 3rd quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 40,652 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $181,000 after acquiring an additional 5,762 shares in the last quarter. Arbor Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Culp during the 3rd quarter worth $187,000. Wealthedge Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Culp by 27.6% in the 2nd quarter. Wealthedge Investment Advisors LLC now owns 68,942 shares of the textile makers stock worth $271,000 after acquiring an additional 14,897 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Moors & Cabot Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Culp by 3.9% in the third quarter. Moors & Cabot Inc. now owns 201,191 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $897,000 after purchasing an additional 7,620 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.05% of the companys stock. Culp Company Profile (Get Free Report) Culp, Inc, headquartered in High Point, North Carolina, is a leading producer of specialty fabrics for the home furnishings industry. Founded in 1972 by Bill Culp, the company has grown into a publicly traded enterprise that supplies upholstery and mattress fabrics to manufacturers and retailers across North America and abroad. Culps fabric offerings are designed to meet the aesthetic and performance requirements of residential furniture, contract seating, and hospitality applications. The company operates through two primary segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Culp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Culp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) was the recipient of unusually large options trading on Tuesday. Stock traders purchased 48,909 call options on the stock. This represents an increase of approximately 41% compared to the typical volume of 34,714 call options. Altria Group Trading Up 2.2% Shares of NYSE MO opened at $61.47 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average price is $58.19 and its 200 day moving average price is $61.51. Altria Group has a 52 week low of $50.08 and a 52 week high of $68.60. The stock has a market cap of $103.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.73, a PEG ratio of 3.34 and a beta of 0.47. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group (NYSE:MO Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $1.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.44 by $0.01. Altria Group had a net margin of 37.89% and a negative return on equity of 319.43%. The company had revenue of $5.25 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.31 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.38 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Altria Group has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.370-5.45 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Altria Group will post 5.32 earnings per share for the current year. Altria Group Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 9th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 26th were issued a dividend of $1.06 per share. This represents a $4.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.9%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, December 26th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio is 80.92%. Altria Group declared that its board has authorized a stock repurchase program on Thursday, October 30th that authorizes the company to buyback $2.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization authorizes the company to reacquire up to 1.9% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are usually a sign that the companys board believes its stock is undervalued. Institutional Trading of Altria Group Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. CWA Asset Management Group LLC boosted its holdings in Altria Group by 8.6% during the third quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC now owns 335,418 shares of the companys stock valued at $22,158,000 after acquiring an additional 26,624 shares during the period. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Altria Group by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 3,522,209 shares of the companys stock worth $232,677,000 after purchasing an additional 44,303 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of Altria Group by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 159,717,148 shares of the companys stock worth $9,364,216,000 after purchasing an additional 1,599,923 shares during the last quarter. TigerOak Management L.L.C. boosted its stake in Altria Group by 43.0% during the 2nd quarter. TigerOak Management L.L.C. now owns 13,005 shares of the companys stock valued at $762,000 after purchasing an additional 3,908 shares during the period. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al acquired a new stake in Altria Group in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $126,471,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.41% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have commented on MO shares. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on shares of Altria Group from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. UBS Group upgraded shares of Altria Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from $61.00 to $63.00 in a research note on Friday, January 9th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Altria Group in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $62.56. View Our Latest Analysis on Altria Group About Altria Group (Get Free Report) Altria Group, Inc (NYSE: MO) is a U.S.-based consumer goods company whose principal business is the manufacture and sale of tobacco products. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, the companys operations are focused primarily on the U.S. market and include the production, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and cigars. Its flagship cigarette franchise in the United States is sold through its operating subsidiaries and is among the most recognizable cigarette brands in the country. Altrias principal operating businesses include Philip Morris USA (cigarettes), U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rakuten Securities Inc. raised its stake in shares of International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM Free Report) by 168.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,974 shares of the technology companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,868 shares during the period. Rakuten Securities Inc.s holdings in International Business Machines were worth $839,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Brighton Jones LLC raised its position in International Business Machines by 12.4% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 21,011 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $4,619,000 after buying an additional 2,323 shares during the last quarter. First Hawaiian Bank grew its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 4,357 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,284,000 after acquiring an additional 45 shares in the last quarter. Gradient Investments LLC grew its stake in shares of International Business Machines by 29.8% in the 2nd quarter. Gradient Investments LLC now owns 2,492 shares of the technology companys stock worth $735,000 after acquiring an additional 572 shares in the last quarter. Trinity Legacy Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of International Business Machines in the second quarter valued at about $203,000. Finally, MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB boosted its holdings in International Business Machines by 2.9% during the second quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 9,053 shares of the technology companys stock worth $2,669,000 after purchasing an additional 258 shares during the last quarter. 58.96% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get International Business Machines alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Bank of America increased their price objective on shares of International Business Machines from $315.00 to $335.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. UBS Group reaffirmed a sell rating on shares of International Business Machines in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Oppenheimer began coverage on International Business Machines in a research note on Friday, November 21st. They set an outperform rating and a $360.00 target price on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of International Business Machines from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of International Business Machines from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $300.00 to $360.00 in a research report on Monday, January 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating, five have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $303.38. International Business Machines Price Performance IBM opened at $308.61 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $288.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.92, a PEG ratio of 2.82 and a beta of 0.70. The company has a quick ratio of 0.89, a current ratio of 0.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.97. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $303.78 and a 200-day moving average price of $282.32. International Business Machines Corporation has a twelve month low of $214.50 and a twelve month high of $324.90. International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The technology company reported $2.65 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.45 by $0.20. International Business Machines had a net margin of 12.09% and a return on equity of 37.76%. The company had revenue of $16.33 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.10 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.30 EPS. International Business Machiness revenue for the quarter was up 9.1% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts expect that International Business Machines Corporation will post 10.78 EPS for the current year. International Business Machines Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Monday, November 10th were paid a dividend of $1.68 per share. This represents a $6.72 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 10th. International Business Machiness payout ratio is presently 80.38%. International Business Machines Company Profile (Free Report) International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) is a global technology and consulting company headquartered in Armonk, New York. Founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) and renamed IBM in 1924, the company has evolved from early electromechanical machines to a diversified technology provider serving enterprises and governments worldwide. IBM is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IBM. IBMs principal businesses encompass cloud computing and software, infrastructure and systems, consulting and technology services, and research and development. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IBM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for International Business Machines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Business Machines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. By Laila Kearney Jan 14 (Reuters) - Connecting to the U.S. electrical transmission system has become the biggest problem for powering up Google data centers on the grid, as the wait times to connect surge to more than a decade in some parts of the country, an energy executive with Google said on Wednesday. The world's largest technology companies are running up against the realities of the country's slow-moving power system as they race to access vast amounts of electricity for the expansion of energy-intensive data centers, which are increasingly being used to train and roll out artificial intelligence. "Transmission barriers are the number one challenge we're seeing on the grid," Marsden Hanna, Global Head of Sustainability and Climate Policy at Google, said at an event held by the American Enterprise Institute. "We had one utility who told us 12 years to study the interconnection timeline, which is sort of wild, but that's what we're seeing," Hanna said. In order to address the wait times, Hanna said the country needs to address permitting delays for new transmission, and utilities should deploy technologies that can increase power flows from the existing system, along with other actions. Google is looking into arrangements, known as co-location, that might help the company circumvent some of the wait times by locating some data centers directly next to power plants. Colocated arrangements can involve bypassing the transmission system altogether and the long wait times associated with connecting to it. "That's the strategy we're pursuing with colocation and our hope is that these can eventually be grid-connected resources," Hanna said. Generally, Hanna said, Google's preference is to connect to the grid. Colocation is a complex and controversial topic, which has raised concerns about who pays for costs associated with the arrangements and what it means when power from an existing power plant is diverted for a single customer. The issue of co-location is being taken up by federal and regional regulators, who are seeking to set guidelines around the costs and reliability questions raised by the prospect of building data centers next to existing power plants. (Reporting by Laila Kearney in New York; Editing by Stephen Coates) Capital Properties Inc. (OTCMKTS:CPTP Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 432 shares, a growth of 222.4% from the December 15th total of 134 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 662 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.7 days. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Approximately 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 662 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.7 days. Capital Properties Trading Down 1.4% OTCMKTS CPTP opened at $13.26 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $87.48 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 60.25 and a beta of 0.31. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $12.09 and a 200 day moving average of $11.51. Capital Properties has a twelve month low of $8.89 and a twelve month high of $14.00. Get Capital Properties alerts: Capital Properties (OTCMKTS:CPTP Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $1.46 million during the quarter. Capital Properties Company Profile Capital Properties, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in leasing land in downtown Providence, Rhode Island under long-term ground leases. It owns approximately 18 acres in the Capital Center consisting of 13 individual parcels; leases the undeveloped parcels of land adjacent to the Capital Center for public parking purposes; and leases 23 outdoor advertising locations containing 44 billboard faces along interstate and primary highways in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The company was formerly known as Providence and Worcester Company and changed its name to Capital Properties, Inc in July 1984. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Capital Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capital Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH Free Report) from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report report published on Tuesday,Zacks.com reports. Other equities research analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on shares of Sonic Automotive from $76.00 to $70.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Wall Street Zen lowered Sonic Automotive from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday. Barclays assumed coverage on Sonic Automotive in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $71.00 price objective on the stock. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Sonic Automotive in a research note on Monday, December 29th. Finally, Morgan Stanley set a $68.00 price target on shares of Sonic Automotive in a research note on Monday, December 8th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Sonic Automotive has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $80.25. Get Sonic Automotive alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Sonic Automotive Sonic Automotive Stock Down 0.3% Shares of Sonic Automotive stock opened at $63.06 on Tuesday. Sonic Automotive has a 1 year low of $52.00 and a 1 year high of $89.62. The company has a market cap of $2.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.04 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.27 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.68. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $63.37 and a 200 day moving average price of $72.37. Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $1.41 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.82 by ($0.41). The business had revenue of $3.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.59 billion. Sonic Automotive had a net margin of 0.86% and a return on equity of 21.65%. Sonic Automotives revenue for the quarter was up 13.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.26 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Sonic Automotive will post 6.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. Sonic Automotive Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a $0.38 dividend. This represents a $1.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Sonic Automotives payout ratio is presently 41.08%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. lifted its position in Sonic Automotive by 992.5% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 437 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 397 shares during the last quarter. Aster Capital Management DIFC Ltd acquired a new position in shares of Sonic Automotive during the 3rd quarter worth about $63,000. National Bank of Canada FI bought a new stake in Sonic Automotive during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $78,000. CoreCap Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Sonic Automotive in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $109,000. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in Sonic Automotive in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $168,000. Institutional investors own 46.92% of the companys stock. About Sonic Automotive (Get Free Report) Sonic Automotive, Inc is a publicly traded automotive retailer that operates a network of franchised new-car dealerships and used-vehicle dealerships across the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company offers a range of services that include vehicle sales, leasing, finance and insurance products, service and parts, and collision repair. Sonic Automotives dealerships represent numerous major automotive brands, and the company also markets a broad selection of pre-owned vehicles under its own banner. In addition to its core dealership operations, Sonic Automotive has developed digital retail capabilities that allow customers to research, shop and complete transactions online. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Sonic Automotive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sonic Automotive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH Get Free Report) had its target price boosted by Wells Fargo & Company from $221.00 to $237.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the stock. Wells Fargo & Companys price objective would suggest a potential upside of 10.44% from the stocks previous close. CAH has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Robert W. Baird set a $250.00 target price on shares of Cardinal Health in a research note on Wednesday. UBS Group increased their target price on Cardinal Health from $185.00 to $220.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Barclays started coverage on Cardinal Health in a research report on Monday, December 8th. They set an overweight rating and a $243.00 price target on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Cardinal Health in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Mizuho set a $222.00 target price on shares of Cardinal Health in a research note on Monday. Fourteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $216.33. Get Cardinal Health alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Cardinal Health Cardinal Health Stock Up 0.5% Shares of Cardinal Health stock traded up $1.04 on Thursday, hitting $214.60. The stock had a trading volume of 63,448 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,540,912. The stock has a market cap of $50.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.32, a PEG ratio of 1.52 and a beta of 0.65. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $204.88 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $174.05. Cardinal Health has a one year low of $120.72 and a one year high of $214.93. Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $2.55 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.22 by $0.33. Cardinal Health had a net margin of 0.68% and a negative return on equity of 84.37%. The firm had revenue of $64.01 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $59.41 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.88 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 22.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Cardinal Health has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.650-9.850 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Cardinal Health will post 7.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its position in Cardinal Health by 153.2% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,804,090 shares of the companys stock valued at $911,010,000 after acquiring an additional 3,511,579 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in shares of Cardinal Health during the 2nd quarter worth about $584,420,000. Holocene Advisors LP grew its holdings in Cardinal Health by 141.4% during the 3rd quarter. Holocene Advisors LP now owns 1,926,170 shares of the companys stock valued at $302,332,000 after purchasing an additional 1,128,358 shares during the last quarter. Barclays PLC raised its position in Cardinal Health by 109.3% in the 3rd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 1,584,214 shares of the companys stock worth $248,658,000 after purchasing an additional 827,446 shares during the period. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Cardinal Health by 92.5% in the second quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 1,679,176 shares of the companys stock worth $282,063,000 after purchasing an additional 807,063 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 87.17% of the companys stock. Cardinal Health Company Profile (Get Free Report) 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Cardinal Health Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cardinal Health and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gorman-Rupp Company (The) (NYSE:GRC Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $52.15 and last traded at $52.6050, with a volume of 2379 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $50.98. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth GRC has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded Gorman-Rupp from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, December 6th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Gorman-Rupp in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy. Get Gorman-Rupp alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on GRC Gorman-Rupp Stock Performance The stock has a market cap of $1.39 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.69, a P/E/G ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 1.31. The firms 50-day moving average is $47.54 and its two-hundred day moving average is $44.41. The company has a current ratio of 2.08, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. Gorman-Rupp (NYSE:GRC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.55 by ($0.03). Gorman-Rupp had a return on equity of 13.49% and a net margin of 7.41%.The firm had revenue of $172.83 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $174.61 million. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Gorman-Rupp Company will post 1.98 earnings per share for the current year. Gorman-Rupp Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th were given a dividend of $0.19 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, November 14th. This is a positive change from Gorman-Rupps previous quarterly dividend of $0.19. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. Gorman-Rupps dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 39.79%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. State of Alaska Department of Revenue purchased a new stake in shares of Gorman-Rupp during the third quarter worth $65,000. CWM LLC boosted its position in Gorman-Rupp by 47.0% during the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,452 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $67,000 after acquiring an additional 464 shares during the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. boosted its position in Gorman-Rupp by 125.0% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 1,690 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $62,000 after acquiring an additional 939 shares during the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its stake in Gorman-Rupp by 135.2% during the 2nd quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,053 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $75,000 after acquiring an additional 1,180 shares in the last quarter. Finally, 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in Gorman-Rupp in the 3rd quarter valued at about $108,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 59.26% of the companys stock. Gorman-Rupp Company Profile (Get Free Report) Gorman-Rupp Company is a U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in the design, production and distribution of pumps and pumping systems. Its product lineup includes centrifugal self-priming pumps, submersible pumps, vacuum priming pumps and engineered pumps for applications such as water and wastewater management, sewage handling, dewatering, industrial processing and agricultural irrigation. The company supports both standard pump requirements and custom engineered solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and municipal clients. Headquartered in Mansfield, Ohio, Gorman-Rupp has built a reputation for rugged, reliable equipment and aftermarket support services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Gorman-Rupp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gorman-Rupp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited (NYSE:ASA Get Free Report) major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 15,162 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 13th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $64.52 per share, with a total value of $978,252.24. Following the transaction, the insider owned 5,447,444 shares in the company, valued at $351,469,086.88. The trade was a 0.28% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Large shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Saba Capital Management, L.P. also recently made the following trade(s): Get ASA Gold and Precious Metals alerts: On Wednesday, January 14th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 5,000 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $63.82 per share, for a total transaction of $319,100.00. On Monday, January 12th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 9,508 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of $64.19 per share, with a total value of $610,318.52. On Thursday, January 8th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 2,479 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $60.71 per share, with a total value of $150,500.09. On Friday, January 9th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 4,152 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of $62.03 per share, for a total transaction of $257,548.56. On Wednesday, January 7th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 3,598 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The shares were bought at an average price of $59.78 per share, for a total transaction of $215,088.44. On Tuesday, January 6th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 3,280 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The stock was bought at an average cost of $61.80 per share, with a total value of $202,704.00. On Monday, January 5th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 8,770 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The stock was bought at an average price of $60.32 per share, with a total value of $529,006.40. On Friday, January 2nd, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 8,782 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $58.93 per share, for a total transaction of $517,523.26. On Wednesday, December 31st, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 9,112 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of $59.99 per share, with a total value of $546,628.88. On Tuesday, December 30th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 6,892 shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $60.34 per share, with a total value of $415,863.28. ASA Gold and Precious Metals Stock Down 0.7% Shares of NYSE ASA traded down $0.46 during midday trading on Thursday, reaching $63.40. The companys stock had a trading volume of 25,466 shares, compared to its average volume of 95,440. ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited has a one year low of $21.57 and a one year high of $66.11. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $55.18 and a 200 day moving average price of $44.80. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals in a report on Monday, December 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on ASA Hedge Funds Weigh In On ASA Gold and Precious Metals A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of ASA. Almitas Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals during the 3rd quarter valued at about $15,359,000. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. bought a new stake in shares of ASA Gold and Precious Metals in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $6,411,000. Wolverine Asset Management LLC bought a new position in ASA Gold and Precious Metals during the second quarter valued at $1,213,000. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in ASA Gold and Precious Metals by 3,057.0% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 31,570 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,000,000 after acquiring an additional 30,570 shares during the period. Finally, Noble Wealth Management PBC increased its holdings in ASA Gold and Precious Metals by 61.7% during the 4th quarter. Noble Wealth Management PBC now owns 73,354 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $4,377,000 after acquiring an additional 27,987 shares during the period. About ASA Gold and Precious Metals (Get Free Report) ASA Gold & Precious Metals Limited, trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker ASA, is a closed-end investment company dedicated to providing shareholders with targeted exposure to the precious metals sector. Established in 1959 and domiciled in Guernsey, the company aims to combine dividend income with the potential for long-term capital appreciation by investing in a diversified suite of gold, silver, platinum and palladium assets. The firms core activities involve constructing and managing a portfolio that blends equity positions in precious metals mining companies with direct holdings of physical bullion. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ASA Gold and Precious Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ASA Gold and Precious Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (NYSEARCA:QDEF Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 16,800 shares, a growth of 96.8% from the December 15th total of 8,536 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 10,184 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.6 days. Based on an average trading volume of 10,184 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.6 days. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the company are short sold. FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund Stock Up 0.6% QDEF stock traded up $0.47 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $82.50. The companys stock had a trading volume of 5,644 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,713. The stock has a market cap of $503.26 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.05 and a beta of 0.85. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $81.05 and its 200 day moving average price is $79.01. FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund has a 1 year low of $61.61 and a 1 year high of $82.54. Get FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in QDEF. Royal Bank of Canada boosted its stake in FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund by 33.1% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 24,279 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,697,000 after acquiring an additional 6,034 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund in the 1st quarter worth approximately $968,000. Grove Bank & Trust purchased a new position in FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund in the second quarter valued at approximately $546,000. RVW Wealth LLC lifted its stake in FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund by 0.4% in the second quarter. RVW Wealth LLC now owns 88,323 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,540,000 after purchasing an additional 309 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Clear Point Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund by 4.0% during the second quarter. Clear Point Advisors Inc. now owns 10,153 shares of the companys stock valued at $752,000 after purchasing an additional 394 shares during the period. FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund Company Profile The FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund (QDEF) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of companies with higher dividend yields and lower betas chosen from the Northern Trust 1250 Index. QDEF was launched on Dec 14, 2012 and is managed by FlexShares. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FlexShares Quality Dividend Defensive Index Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:GSEU Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest in December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 1,202 shares, a decline of 41.7% from the December 15th total of 2,063 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 7,619 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Currently, 0.0% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 7,619 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.2 days. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Citadel Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF during the third quarter valued at about $313,000. Legacy Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF during the 3rd quarter valued at about $227,000. Betterment LLC lifted its stake in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF by 2.4% during the 3rd quarter. Betterment LLC now owns 1,986,093 shares of the companys stock valued at $86,713,000 after acquiring an additional 46,922 shares during the period. Jane Street Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF by 50.3% in the 2nd quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 135,041 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,717,000 after purchasing an additional 45,204 shares during the period. Finally, Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new position in Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $1,337,000. Get Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF alerts: Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF Trading Down 0.2% Shares of GSEU stock traded down $0.09 during trading on Thursday, reaching $46.65. 12,675 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 33,930. Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF has a 1 year low of $34.09 and a 1 year high of $46.93. The company has a market capitalization of $121.29 million, a P/E ratio of 15.76 and a beta of 0.91. The firms 50-day moving average is $44.94 and its 200 day moving average is $43.72. About Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF The Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF (GSEU) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in total market equity. The fund tracks an index of developed Europe large- and mid-cap equities, with equal weights to each of four factor buckets and stocks within each bucket weighted by a factor score. GSEU was launched on Mar 2, 2016 and is managed by Goldman Sachs. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta Europe Equity ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC (NYSEAMERICAN:CMCL Get Free Report)s share price gapped down before the market opened on Thursday . The stock had previously closed at $32.41, but opened at $26.70. Caledonia Mining shares last traded at $26.23, with a volume of 1,501,711 shares traded. Caledonia Mining Stock Performance The company has a market capitalization of $522.32 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.50 and a beta of 0.50. The companys 50-day moving average price is $27.32 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $27.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a current ratio of 1.78 and a quick ratio of 1.20. Get Caledonia Mining alerts: Caledonia Mining Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 21st were paid a $0.14 dividend. This represents a $0.56 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 21st. Caledonia Minings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 116.67%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Caledonia Mining About Caledonia Mining A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in CMCL. American Century Companies Inc. increased its stake in Caledonia Mining by 20.3% in the 3rd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 521,477 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,883,000 after buying an additional 88,140 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its holdings in shares of Caledonia Mining by 2.2% in the 3rd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 426,913 shares of the companys stock worth $15,459,000 after buying an additional 9,209 shares during the last quarter. Goehring & Rozencwajg Associates LLC lifted its position in Caledonia Mining by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Goehring & Rozencwajg Associates LLC now owns 234,065 shares of the companys stock worth $8,475,000 after buying an additional 2,000 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Caledonia Mining by 1.2% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 205,326 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,967,000 after acquiring an additional 2,463 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP grew its position in Caledonia Mining by 287.0% during the 2nd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 164,533 shares of the companys stock worth $3,179,000 after acquiring an additional 122,022 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 31.78% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC is a UK?domiciled gold producer listed on the NYSE American under the ticker CMCL and on the London AIM market. The companys flagship asset is the Blanket gold mine, located near Gwanda in southwestern Zimbabwe. Blanket is a conventional underground and surface gold operation that includes a carbon?in?leach processing plant and tailings retreatment facilities, providing a structurally diverse resource base and established production infrastructure. Caledonia acquired the Blanket mine in 2004, adding to its long operating history that traces back to the early 20th century. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Caledonia Mining Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Caledonia Mining and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. American Noble Gas (NYSE:INFY Get Free Report) had its price objective raised by TD Cowen from $17.00 to $18.00 in a report released on Thursday,Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a hold rating on the technology companys stock. TD Cowens target price suggests a potential downside of 4.99% from the companys current price. Several other analysts have also recently issued reports on INFY. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price target on shares of American Noble Gas from $16.50 to $19.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Thursday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of American Noble Gas in a report on Monday, December 29th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on shares of American Noble Gas from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Thursday. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $17.65. Get American Noble Gas alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on INFY American Noble Gas Stock Down 2.1% NYSE:INFY traded down $0.41 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $18.95. 8,583,958 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 13,746,417. American Noble Gas has a twelve month low of $15.81 and a twelve month high of $30.00. The business has a 50-day moving average of $17.80 and a two-hundred day moving average of $17.35. The company has a market capitalization of $78.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.28, a PEG ratio of 2.90 and a beta of 0.98. American Noble Gas (NYSE:INFY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 14th. The technology company reported $0.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.20 by $0.01. American Noble Gas had a return on equity of 29.40% and a net margin of 16.58%.The firm had revenue of $5.05 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.11 billion. On average, research analysts forecast that American Noble Gas will post 0.74 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of American Noble Gas Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased 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 valued at $1,153,000 after acquiring an additional 3,804 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of American Noble Gas by 79.9% in the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 54,978 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,003,000 after purchasing an additional 24,426 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of American Noble Gas during the first quarter worth approximately $239,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 16.20% of the companys stock. Key Stories Impacting American Noble Gas Here are the key news stories impacting American Noble Gas this week: Positive Sentiment: Q3 results: INFY reported an EPS beat and year-over-year earnings growth, with revenue improving across key regions a near-term fundamental positive supporting earnings credibility. Infosys Q3 Earnings Surpass Estimates, Revenues Increase Y/Y Q3 results: INFY reported an EPS beat and year-over-year earnings growth, with revenue improving across key regions a near-term fundamental positive supporting earnings credibility. Positive Sentiment: Guidance lift / demand signal: Management raised its annual sales outlook and highlighted sequential revenue growth and large deal wins, signaling improving enterprise tech spending. This supports a constructive medium-term revenue outlook. Indias Infosys beats Q3 revenue view; ups annual forecast range Guidance lift / demand signal: Management raised its annual sales outlook and highlighted sequential revenue growth and large deal wins, signaling improving enterprise tech spending. This supports a constructive medium-term revenue outlook. Positive Sentiment: Analyst target increases: BMO raised its price target to $20 (market perform) and Stifel raised its target to $19 (hold). Both moves are modestly supportive to the share price. Benzinga coverage of analyst moves Analyst target increases: BMO raised its price target to $20 (market perform) and Stifel raised its target to $19 (hold). Both moves are modestly supportive to the share price. Neutral Sentiment: Revenue vs. consensus: Reported quarterly revenue (~$5.05B) showed modest year-over-year growth but came in slightly below some consensus estimates a mixed signal that tempers the EPS beat. Strong Q3 Performance: Sequential Revenue Growth Revenue vs. consensus: Reported quarterly revenue (~$5.05B) showed modest year-over-year growth but came in slightly below some consensus estimates a mixed signal that tempers the EPS beat. Positive Sentiment: Unusual call activity: Large block of call options bought (18,448 contracts) indicates some traders are taking bullish, leveraged positions that can amplify upside on positive follow-through. Unusual call activity: Large block of call options bought (18,448 contracts) indicates some traders are taking bullish, leveraged positions that can amplify upside on positive follow-through. Negative Sentiment: Heavy put buying: On the prior day investors purchased an unusually large number of put options (34,371), suggesting sizable bearish hedging or directional bearish bets that can pressure the stock if sentiment weakens. 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. Shares of Grupo Simec, S.A. de C.V. (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Get Free Report) dropped 5.7% during trading on Thursday . The stock traded as low as $28.98 and last traded at $28.73. Approximately 482 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 43% from the average daily volume of 841 shares. The stock had previously closed at $30.48. Grupo Simec Trading Down 5.7% The business has a 50 day moving average of $29.16 and a 200-day moving average of $28.14. The stock has a market cap of $4.69 billion, a PE ratio of 26.36 and a beta of 0.26. Get Grupo Simec alerts: About Grupo Simec (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. See Also 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. March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) today is down -0.02 (-0.13%). March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) is up +2.00 (+0.47%). Sugar prices are mixed today. Higher sugar production in Brazil is bearish for prices after Unica reported today that Brazil's cumulative 2025-26 Center-South sugar output through mid-December rose by +0.9% y/y to 40.158 MMT. Also, the ratio of cane crushed for sugar rose to 50.91% in 2025/36 from 48.19% in 2024/25. More News from Barchart Sugar prices were already on the defensive from Monday when Covrig Analytics raised its 2025/26 global sugar surplus estimate to 4.7 MMT from 4.1 MMT in October. However, sugar losses were contained after Covrig projected that the 2026/27 global sugar surplus will fall to 1.4 MMT, as weak prices discourage production. Expectations of index-related buying of sugar futures for the annual rebalancing of commodity indexes are also supportive for prices. Citigroup projects that the BCOM and S&P GSCI indexes, the two largest commodity indexes, will see inflows of $1.2 billion in sugar futures contracts this week to rebalance the indexes. The outlook for smaller future sugar supplies from Brazil is bullish for prices. Consulting firm Safras & Mercado said on December 23 that Brazil's sugar production in 2026/27 will fall by -3.91% to 41.8 MMT from 43.5 MMT expected in 2025/26. The firm expects Brazil's sugar exports in 2026/27 to fall by -11% y/y to 30 MMT. Signs of stronger sugar output in India are negative for prices. The India Sugar Mill Association (ISMA) on January 1 reported that Indian sugar production for 2025-26, from October 1 to December 31, jumped 25% y/y to 11.90 MMT from 9.54 MMT the same time last year. Also, the ISMA on November 11 raised its 2025/26 India sugar production estimate to 31 MMT from an earlier forecast of 30 MMT, up +18.8% y/y. The ISMA also cut its estimate for sugar used for ethanol production in India to 3.4 MMT from a July forecast of 5 MMT, which may allow India to boost its sugar exports. India is the world's second-largest sugar producer. Sugar prices have been under pressure amid prospects of higher sugar exports from India, after India's food secretary said the government may permit additional sugar exports to reduce a domestic supply glut. In November, India's food ministry said it would allow mills to export 1.5 MMT of sugar in the 2025/26 season. India introduced a quota system for sugar exports in 2022/23 after late rain reduced production and limited domestic supplies. Tesla, Rivian Automotive, Li Auto, Envirotech Vehicles, NIO, QuantumScape, and Lucid Group are the seven Electric Vehicle stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Electric vehicle (EV) stocks are shares of companies involved in the design, manufacture, or supply of electric vehicles and their critical componentsincluding automakers, battery producers, parts suppliers, charging infrastructure and EV software firms. For investors, these stocks provide exposure to the EV industrys growth and potential market disruption, while carrying sector-specific risks such as rapid technology change, regulatory shifts, commodity price volatility, intense competition, and valuation fluctuations. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Electric Vehicle stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Tesla (TSLA) Tesla, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, leases, and sells electric vehicles, and energy generation and storage systems in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Automotive, and Energy Generation and Storage. The Automotive segment offers electric vehicles, as well as sells automotive regulatory credits; and non-warranty after-sales vehicle, used vehicles, body shop and parts, supercharging, retail merchandise, and vehicle insurance services. Rivian Automotive (RIVN) Rivian Automotive, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles and accessories. The company offers consumer vehicles, including a two-row, five-passenger pickup truck under the R1T brand, a three-row, seven-passenger sport utility vehicle under the R1S name. Read Our Latest Research Report on RIVN Li Auto (LI) Li Auto Inc. operates in the energy vehicle market in the People's Republic of China. It designs, develops, manufactures, and sells premium smart electric vehicles. The company's product line comprises MPVs and sport utility vehicles. It offers sales and after sales management, and technology development and corporate management services, as well as purchases manufacturing equipment. Read Our Latest Research Report on LI Envirotech Vehicles (EVTV) Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. manufactures and provides zero-emission electric vehicles in the United States. It offers Class 2 through logistics vans; class 4 through urban trucks, school buses, electric forklifts, street sweepers, neighborhood electric vehicles, and right-hand drive vans and urban trucks. Read Our Latest Research Report on EVTV NIO (NIO) NIO Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles in the People's Republic of China. The company is also involved in the manufacture of e-powertrain, battery packs, and components; and racing management, technology development, and sales and after-sales management activities. In addition, it offers power solutions for battery charging needs; and other value-added services. Read Our Latest Research Report on NIO QuantumScape (QS) QuantumScape Corporation, a research and development stage company, focuses on the development and commercialization of solid-state lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles and other applications. The company was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in San Jose, California. Read Our Latest Research Report on QS Lucid Group (LCID) Lucid Group, Inc. a technology company, designs, engineers, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles (EV), EV powertrains, and battery systems. It also designs and develops proprietary software in-house for Lucid vehicles. The company sells vehicles directly to consumers through its retail sales network and direct online sales, including Lucid Financial Services. Read Our Latest Research Report on LCID Featured Articles AB Dynamics (LON:ABDP Get Free Report)s stock had its buy rating reaffirmed by stock analysts at Shore Capital in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday,London Stock Exchange reports. They presently have a GBX 2,100 target price on the stock. Shore Capitals target price would indicate a potential upside of 57.89% from the companys current price. A number of other research firms have also weighed in on ABDP. Berenberg Bank reduced their target price on AB Dynamics from GBX 2,650 to GBX 2,060 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Peel Hunt restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 2,400 price target on shares of AB Dynamics in a report on Tuesday, November 11th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 2,302.50. Get AB Dynamics alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on AB Dynamics AB Dynamics Trading Down 0.7% LON:ABDP traded down GBX 10 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting GBX 1,330. 122,040 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 63,473. The company has a quick ratio of 2.10, a current ratio of 2.06 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.47. AB Dynamics has a 52 week low of GBX 1,184.86 and a 52 week high of GBX 1,930. The stock has a market capitalization of 304.44 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.83, a PEG ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 0.72. The firms 50 day moving average is GBX 1,290.10 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 1,378.10. AB Dynamics (LON:ABDP Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, November 11th. The company reported GBX 81.30 EPS for the quarter. AB Dynamics had a return on equity of 10.55% and a net margin of 13.10%. On average, equities research analysts predict that AB Dynamics will post 68.8259109 earnings per share for the current year. About AB Dynamics (Get Free Report) AB Dynamics plc designs, develops, manufactures, and supplies vehicle test and development systems, and verification products and services for driver assistance systems, autonomous system, and vehicle dynamics. The company offers advanced vehicle testing solutions from physical proving ground automation to large scale virtual testing in simulation; rFpro, a simulation environment for the automotive and motorsport industries; and full-scale track testing services, including ADAS and vehicle dynamics tests, along with applied research, human factors, and simulation. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for AB Dynamics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AB Dynamics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Whitbread (LON:WTB Get Free Report) had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup from GBX 3,100 to GBX 3,300 in a research report issued on Thursday,London Stock Exchange reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the stock. Citigroups price target suggests a potential upside of 18.64% from the companys previous close. Other analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft downgraded Whitbread to a hold rating and cut their target price for the company from GBX 3,375 to GBX 2,815 in a research note on Wednesday, December 3rd. Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Whitbread in a report on Thursday, October 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on shares of Whitbread from GBX 2,900 to GBX 2,450 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. Berenberg Bank lowered their price target on Whitbread from GBX 3,500 to GBX 2,900 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 4th. Finally, Peel Hunt reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a GBX 3,500 price objective on shares of Whitbread in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of GBX 3,110.83. Get Whitbread alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Whitbread Whitbread Stock Down 0.4% LON:WTB traded down GBX 11.44 on Thursday, reaching GBX 2,781.56. 1,610,166 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,289,388. The company has a current ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 1.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 33.18. The company has a market capitalization of 4.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.44, a PEG ratio of -3.09 and a beta of 1.11. Whitbread has a 12 month low of GBX 2,253 and a 12 month high of GBX 3,302. The companys fifty day simple moving average is GBX 2,600.99 and its 200 day simple moving average is GBX 2,923.92. Whitbread (LON:WTB Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The company reported GBX 133.70 EPS for the quarter. Whitbread had a net margin of 8.08% and a return on equity of 6.83%. Equities analysts predict that Whitbread will post 227.1851852 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Whitbread In other news, insider Richard Gillingwater purchased 500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 21st. The shares were acquired at an average price of GBX 2,974 per share, with a total value of 14,870. Also, insider Christine Mary Hodgson purchased 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, October 17th. The stock was purchased at an average price of GBX 2,880 per share, with a total value of 288,000. 0.39% of the stock is owned by insiders. About Whitbread (Get Free Report) Whitbread is the owner of Premier Inn, the UKs biggest hotel brand, with 86,000 rooms in over 850 hotels and a growing presence in Germany with 10,500 rooms in 59 hotels, offering quality accommodation at affordable prices in great locations. People are at the heart of our business. We employ over 38,000 team members in over 900 Premier Inn hotels across the UK and Germany. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Whitbread Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Whitbread and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NIO (NYSE:NIO Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at Macquarie from a neutral rating to an outperform rating in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,Finviz reports. The firm presently has a $6.10 target price on the stock. Macquaries price objective would suggest a potential upside of 31.04% from the companys current price. NIO has been the topic of several other research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $7.00 price objective on shares of NIO in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Mizuho lifted their target price on NIO from $6.00 to $7.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Barclays boosted their price target on NIO from $3.00 to $4.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 28th. UBS Group cut NIO from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, November 25th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of NIO in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, NIO has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $6.83. Get NIO alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on NIO NIO Stock Performance Institutional Inflows and Outflows NIO stock traded up $0.10 on Thursday, reaching $4.66. 19,361,184 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 43,110,840. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.72 billion, a PE ratio of -3.22 and a beta of 1.05. NIO has a 12 month low of $3.02 and a 12 month high of $8.02. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $5.34 and its 200 day moving average price is $5.67. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.83. Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NIO. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of NIO by 148.3% in the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 4,817 shares of the companys stock worth $37,000 after acquiring an additional 2,877 shares during the last quarter. Hedeker Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in NIO during the 2nd quarter worth $43,000. Allworth Financial LP raised its position in shares of NIO by 183.5% during the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 6,596 shares of the companys stock valued at $50,000 after acquiring an additional 4,269 shares during the last quarter. Sandbox Financial Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of NIO during the 4th quarter valued at $51,000. Finally, SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of NIO in the 2nd quarter valued at $56,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 48.55% of the companys stock. About NIO (Get Free Report) NIO Inc is a pioneer in the premium electric vehicle (EV) segment, dedicated to the design, development and manufacture of smart, high-performance EVs. Established in November 2014 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, the company focuses on integrating cutting-edge electric propulsion, advanced connectivity and autonomous driving technologies into its automotive platforms. NIOs vision centers on creating a holistic user experience that extends beyond the vehicle itself, encompassing energy services and digital solutions. The companys product lineup includes flagship SUVs and sedans such as the ES8, ES6, EC6, ET7 and ET5, each engineered to deliver strong performance, long range and a suite of intelligent driver-assistance features. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for NIO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NIO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Altona Rare Earths Plc (LON:REE Get Free Report) insider Kristoffer Andersson acquired 142,264 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, January 15th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 2 per share, for a total transaction of 2,845.28. Altona Rare Earths Price Performance Shares of LON REE traded down GBX 0.02 during trading on Thursday, hitting GBX 1.26. The stock had a trading volume of 5,230,871 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,591,034. The firm has a fifty day moving average of GBX 1.40 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 1.63. The company has a market capitalization of 4.05 million, a PE ratio of -2.13 and a beta of -0.15. Altona Rare Earths Plc has a 12 month low of GBX 1.05 and a 12 month high of GBX 2.76. Get Altona Rare Earths alerts: Altona Rare Earths (LON:REE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The company reported GBX (0.59) earnings per share for the quarter. Altona Rare Earths Company Profile Altona Rare Earth (LSE: REE) is a resource exploration and development company, specializing in Critical Raw Materials exploration and development in Africa. The Company is currently involved in copper and silver exploration at the Sesana project in the Kalahari Copper Belt of Botswana, in rare earths exploration at the Monte Muambe project in Mozambique, and is also assessing the possibility to rapidly develop a fluorspar mining operation, also at Monte Muambe. Monte Muambe, a significant REE mining project, is a carbonatite-hosted REE deposit. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Altona Rare Earths Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altona Rare Earths and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Dunelm Group plc (LON:DNLM Get Free Report) fell 19.5% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as low as GBX 941.50 and last traded at GBX 941.50. 3,357,217 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 213% from the average session volume of 1,072,808 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 1,170. Key Stories Impacting Dunelm Group Here are the key news stories impacting Dunelm Group this week: Get Dunelm Group alerts: Positive Sentiment: Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy on Dunelm, providing some analyst support that could limit downside if operational trends stabilise. Article Title Shore Capital reaffirmed a buy on Dunelm, providing some analyst support that could limit downside if operational trends stabilise. Positive Sentiment: A technical note flagged that Dunelms share price crossed above its 200-day moving average, a bullish signal that may attract momentum or long-term technical buyers. Article Title A technical note flagged that Dunelms share price crossed above its 200-day moving average, a bullish signal that may attract momentum or long-term technical buyers. Negative Sentiment: Investors Chronicle reports Dunelm shares tumbled after weaker festive-season demand, highlighting softer consumer spending in key categories that hit top-line momentum. Article Title Investors Chronicle reports Dunelm shares tumbled after weaker festive-season demand, highlighting softer consumer spending in key categories that hit top-line momentum. Negative Sentiment: Company trading update: Q2 sales growth slowed and management warned full-year profit is likely at the low end of previous expectations the primary driver of todays heavy selling pressure. Article Title Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms recently commented on DNLM. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded Dunelm Group to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the stock from GBX 1,200 to GBX 1,300 in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on Dunelm Group from GBX 1,755 to GBX 1,817 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. UBS Group restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 1,360 price objective on shares of Dunelm Group in a research report on Friday, October 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Dunelm Group from GBX 1,140 to GBX 1,240 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Shore Capital reiterated a buy rating on shares of Dunelm Group in a research report on Thursday. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Dunelm Group presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 1,397.13. Dunelm Group Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 236.84, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 0.16. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 1,117.28 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 1,142.28. The firm has a market cap of 1.90 billion, a PE ratio of 12.26, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -10.32 and a beta of 1.18. Insider Buying and Selling In other Dunelm Group news, insider Clodagh Moriarty sold 51,119 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, October 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 1,148, for a total value of 586,846.12. Also, insider Karen Witts acquired 10,790 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 1st. The shares were bought at an average cost of GBX 1,104 per share, with a total value of 119,121.60. Over the last quarter, insiders have purchased 17,790 shares of company stock valued at $20,056,160 and have sold 61,854 shares valued at $70,913,541. 34.16% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Dunelm Group (Get Free Report) Dunelm is the UKs market leader in homewares with a purpose to help create the joy of truly feeling at home, now and for generations to come. Its specialist customer proposition offers value, quality, choice and style across an extensive range of c.70,000 products, spanning multiple homewares and furniture categories and including services such as Made to Measure window treatments. The business was founded in 1979 by the Adderley family, beginning as a curtains stall on Leicester market before expanding its store footprint. 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. SPDR S&P Retail ETF (NYSEARCA:XRT Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as $90.96 and last traded at $90.8550, with a volume of 2434388 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $89.78. SPDR S&P Retail ETF Stock Up 1.5% The business has a 50-day moving average of $84.99 and a two-hundred day moving average of $83.98. The firm has a market capitalization of $774.30 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.70 and a beta of 1.24. Get SPDR S&P Retail ETF alerts: Institutional Trading of SPDR S&P Retail ETF Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Clear Street Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of SPDR S&P Retail ETF during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $103,416,000. Clear Street LLC grew its stake in shares of SPDR S&P Retail ETF by 1,150.0% in the second quarter. Clear Street LLC now owns 1,250,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $96,325,000 after buying an additional 1,150,000 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its holdings in SPDR S&P Retail ETF by 12,256.1% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 882,222 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $76,030,000 after buying an additional 875,082 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its position in SPDR S&P Retail ETF by 346.9% during the third quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 976,649 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $84,168,000 after acquiring an additional 758,120 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group Inc. lifted its stake in SPDR S&P Retail ETF by 191.2% in the second quarter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. now owns 250,000 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $19,265,000 after acquiring an additional 524,100 shares during the last quarter. SPDR S&P Retail ETF Company Profile Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for SPDR S&P Retail ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR S&P Retail ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (TSE:AEM Get Free Report) (NYSE:AEM) shares reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as C$279.89 and last traded at C$280.22, with a volume of 445347 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$273.74. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have weighed in on AEM shares. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on Agnico Eagle Mines from C$195.00 to C$300.00 in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Royal Bank Of Canada downgraded shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, National Bankshares boosted their price target on shares of Agnico Eagle Mines from C$285.00 to C$300.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, December 9th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Agnico Eagle Mines currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of C$235.00. Get Agnico Eagle Mines alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on AEM Agnico Eagle Mines Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of C$139.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.74, a P/E/G ratio of 22.97 and a beta of 1.42. The businesss fifty day moving average is C$239.70 and its 200 day moving average is C$214.45. The company has a current ratio of 1.75, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.88. Agnico Eagle Mines (TSE:AEM Get Free Report) (NYSE:AEM) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported C$3.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Agnico Eagle Mines had a net margin of 12.86% and a return on equity of 5.05%. The firm had revenue of C$4.26 billion for the quarter. As a group, analysts forecast that Agnico Eagle Mines Limited will post 5.4966052 EPS for the current year. Agnico Eagle Mines Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, December 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th were given a $0.40 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, December 1st. This represents a $1.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.6%. Agnico Eagle Miness dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 23.39%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Agnico Eagle Mines news, insider Ammar Al-Joundi sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$243.40, for a total transaction of C$4,868,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 54,917 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately C$13,366,797.80. This represents a 26.70% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Corporate insiders own 0.08% of the companys stock. About Agnico Eagle Mines (Get Free Report) Agnico Eagle Mines is a gold miner operating mines in Canada, Mexico, and Finland. It also owns 50% of the Canadian Malartic mine. Agnico operated just one mine, LaRonde, as recently as 2008 before bringing its other mines on line in rapid succession in the following years. The company produced more than 1.7 million gold ounces in 2020. Agnico Eagle is focused on increasing gold production in lower-risk jurisdictions. See Also 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. Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF (NYSEARCA:USNG Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totaling 6 shares, a growth of 200.0% from the December 15th total of 2 shares. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 779 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Based on an average trading volume of 779 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.0 days. Currently, 0.0% of the companys shares are short sold. Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF Price Performance USNG stock traded up $0.43 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting $29.14. 503 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,190. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $27.78 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $27.15. Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF has a 1-year low of $24.49 and a 1-year high of $29.14. Get Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF alerts: Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Stories The Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF (USNG) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in energy equity. The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through an actively managed portfolio of US-listed companies involved in the upstream, midstream, and downstream categories of the natural gas industry. USNG was launched on May 20, 2025 and is issued by Amplify Investments. Receive News & Ratings for Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Bradesco SA (NYSE:BBDO Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Wednesday, January 14th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 4th will be given a dividend of 0.0032 per share by the bank on Monday, March 9th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 4th. This is a 2.7% increase from Banco Bradescos previous monthly dividend of $0.003122. Banco Bradesco has decreased its dividend by an average of 0.2%per year over the last three years. Get Banco Bradesco alerts: Banco Bradesco Price Performance BBDO traded up $0.02 during trading hours on Thursday, hitting $3.04. The companys stock had a trading volume of 35,663 shares, compared to its average volume of 67,298. Banco Bradesco has a 12 month low of $1.80 and a 12 month high of $3.31. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $3.03 and its 200-day moving average price is $2.82. The stock has a market cap of $32.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.67 and a beta of 0.60. Banco Bradesco Company Profile Banco Bradesco SA is a major Brazilian commercial bank and financial services company headquartered in Osasco, Sao Paulo. Founded in 1943 by Amador Aguiar, Bradesco has grown into one of Brazils largest private-sector banks, serving individual, small-business and corporate clients through an extensive network of branches, correspondents and digital channels. The banks operations span retail and commercial banking products including deposit accounts, payment services, lending (personal, mortgage and corporate), credit cards and cash management. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Banco Bradesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Bradesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Following the modest rally, Qualcomms valuation looks relatively cheap. Its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple is only in the mid-teens, about 14, well below the mid-20s median for semiconductor peers. In fact, Bernstein notes QCOM trades at roughly a 40% to 50% discount to the broader market and semiconductor index. So it's clear that QCOM appears undervalued given its strong growth outlook; a potential rerating could be forthcoming if sales and margins continue to improve. Valued at around $180 billion by market cap, shares of QCOM have gone up modestly by about 6% over the past 52 weeks, significantly below the broader market index, which climbed almost 20% in the same period. Qualcomm has been active in new partnerships lately and product launches beyond smartphones. Notably, it unveiled an AI solution center in Riyadh in partnership with Saudi firm Humain. This Qualcomm-Humain collaboration will roll out up to 200 megawatts of Qualcomm-powered AI data center racks starting in 2026. Moreover, the chip company is also expanding its IP business, which plans to acquire UK-based Alphawave high-speed connectivity chips in a $2.5 billion deal expected to close in Q1 2026. Qualcomm is a leading wireless tech and semiconductor company. It dominates handset processors, the Snapdragon chip, and generates royalty income by licensing key 3G/4G/5G wireless technology to phone makers. Bernstein urges investors to look past the Apple noise and focus on what comes next, noting Qualcomm stands to benefit from steady AI spending and improving sector dynamics. If Apple-related concerns fade, Qualcomm could reassert itself as a solid semiconductor pick for 2026. Qualcomm (QCOM) fits that pattern. Talk about Apples (AAPL) move to in-house modem chips has pressured the stock, yet Qualcomms core businessesAndroid handsets, automotive, IoT, and data center initiativesremain intact and performing. Early 2026 brought a lift to semiconductor stocks from strong AI and data center spending, even as interest-rate volatility and supply-chain noise kept the sector choppy. Investors are rotating into names they see as undervalued, but short-term headlines can distract from longer-term fundamentals. Story Continues www.barchart.com QCOM Apple Overhang Recently, the main worry has been Apples move to in-house modem chips. Press reports suggest Apple will gradually reduce Qualcomm content in new iPhones. However, analysts say much of that bad news is already baked into the stock. Bernstein points out that Qualcomms valuation sticker shock has settled as Apple-related revenue slides and encourages investors to stick with QCOM as AAPL prepares to drop out of the model. In reality, Apple continues to use Qualcomm parts in its latest handsets; for example, analysts note that Qualcomms chips are still in the upcoming iPhone 17 models, even if older or lower-end models switch to Apple's silicon. Qualcomm management itself acknowledges some mix shift but emphasizes that the primary growth driver is surging premium Android sales. So, once the Apple modem news recedes, Qualcomms strong Android handset, automotive, IoT, and data center franchises remain intact, supporting the bull case. QCOM Beats Q4 Estimates Qualcomm closed fiscal Q4 on a strong note, and management looks confident as it heads into fiscal 2026. Revenue for the quarter came in at $11.3 billion, roughly 10% above a year earlier and above the high end of guidance. EPS hit $3.56, up about 12% year-over-year (YoY), a clear beat that reflects broad strength across the business. Margins and cash flow tell the rest of the story. QCT posted about a 29% operating margin in the quarter and finished the year near a 30% run rate. Free cash flow for fiscal 2025 reached a record $12.8 billion, and Qualcomm returned nearly all of that to shareholders through buybacks and dividends. Management frames the momentum around a premium shift in devices. CEO Cristiano Amon says the move to higher-end, 5G-enabled phones is lifting content-per-phone and ASPs, while CFO Akash Palkhiwala points to Android strength as the primary driver this quarter. Looking ahead, Qualcomm guided fiscal Q1 revenue of $11.8 to $12.6 billion and EPS of $3.30 to $3.50. Qualcomm also expects to keep roughly 75% modem share in Samsungs Galaxy S26, helping smooth concerns about customer concentration. Hit these marks, and Qualcomm could be on a path to roughly $44 to $45 billion in revenue and about $12.8 to $13.0 in EPS for fiscal 2026, comfortably above current street estimates. What Do Analysts Think About QCOM Stock Qualcomm is still divided on Wall Street, but the mood is generally favorable. UBS increased the price objective to approximately $185 and maintained an additional Neutral rating that demonstrates better confidence in the long-term earnings sustainability regardless of the short-term risks. J.P. Morgan, however, took a rosy outlook, revising its price objective as high as $210 and reiterating an Overweight rating after the beat-and-raise quarter at the company. More bullishly, Susquehanna and Cantor also raised their targets to over $200 following the strong performance in Q4 and positive expectations. But not everyone believes that. Wells Fargo is wary and has given an Underweight rating and a target of $165, stating that it is not sure about the demand for handsets and the deceleration of Apple-related content. Such indecisiveness is a deterrent to certain analysts, despite good performance at Qualcomm. Analysts argue that Qualcomm is getting more diversified beyond the smartphones, especially in automotive, IoT, and new data centers, which analysts point to as evidence that the business mix is becoming stronger. Taken together, the analyst community currently rates QCOM a consensus Moderate Buy, with the average price target sitting near $193, which means the stock still has room to grow about 14% upside from current levels. www.barchart.com On the date of publication, Nauman Khan 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 BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) had its price objective dropped by research analysts at BMO Capital Markets from $1,300.00 to $1,250.00 in a report released on Tuesday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the asset managers stock. BMO Capital Markets price objective would suggest a potential upside of 7.99% from the companys current price. A number of other equities analysts also recently weighed in on BLK. TD Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $1,209.00 price target (down previously from $1,407.00) on shares of BlackRock in a research note on Wednesday. BNP Paribas Exane boosted their price target on BlackRock from $1,290.00 to $1,300.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday. Argus raised their price objective on BlackRock from $1,165.00 to $1,330.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods cut their price target on shares of BlackRock from $1,322.00 to $1,310.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, January 8th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $1,340.00 to $1,300.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 8th. Fifteen investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, BlackRock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,303.18. Get BlackRock alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on BlackRock BlackRock Price Performance Shares of NYSE:BLK traded up $65.70 on Tuesday, hitting $1,157.55. The company had a trading volume of 1,400,755 shares, compared to its average volume of 788,618. The company has a market cap of $179.59 billion, a PE ratio of 29.76, a PEG ratio of 1.57 and a beta of 1.47. BlackRock has a 52-week low of $773.74 and a 52-week high of $1,219.94. The company has a current ratio of 3.33, a quick ratio of 3.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34. The business has a 50 day moving average of $1,068.41 and a 200 day moving average of $1,103.49. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, January 15th. The asset manager reported $13.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $12.55 by $0.61. The firm had revenue of $7.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.80 billion. BlackRock had a net margin of 26.64% and a return on equity of 14.80%. BlackRocks revenue was up 23.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $11.93 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that BlackRock will post 47.41 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at BlackRock In related news, Director Rachel Lord sold 12,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, October 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,165.04, for a total value of $13,980,480.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 7,205 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,394,113.20. This represents a 62.48% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CFO Martin Small sold 1,258 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,043.38, for a total transaction of $1,312,572.04. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 6,209 shares in the company, valued at $6,478,346.42. This trade represents a 16.85% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 1.98% of the stock is owned by insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock Institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Westerkirk Capital Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of BlackRock during the 2nd quarter valued at $2,877,000. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock by 7.9% during the second quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 23,167 shares of the asset managers stock worth $24,308,000 after acquiring an additional 1,693 shares in the last quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System boosted its position in BlackRock by 8.2% during the second quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 256,937 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $269,591,000 after purchasing an additional 19,404 shares during the last quarter. Investment Research & Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new position in BlackRock in the third quarter valued at about $6,201,000. Finally, Liberty One Investment Management LLC increased its position in BlackRock by 29.3% in the 3rd quarter. Liberty One Investment Management LLC now owns 6,748 shares of the asset managers stock worth $7,867,000 after purchasing an additional 1,529 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 80.69% of the companys stock. BlackRock News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting BlackRock this week: About BlackRock (Get Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a global investment management firm that provides a broad range of products and services to institutional, intermediary and individual investors. Its core activities include portfolio management across active and index strategies, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) under the iShares brand, fixed income, equity and multi-asset solutions, as well as alternatives such as private equity, real estate and infrastructure. The firm also offers cash management and liquidity solutions and retirement-focused products designed for defined contribution and defined benefit investors. In addition to traditional investment management, BlackRock is known for its technology and risk management capabilities, most prominently its Aladdin platform, which combines portfolio management, trading and risk analytics and is used both internally and licensed to external clients. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) had its price objective lifted by investment analysts at HSBC from $73.70 to $80.20 in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday,MarketScreener reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the transportation companys stock. HSBCs price target indicates a potential upside of 12.40% from the stocks current price. DAL has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Dbs Bank upgraded Delta Air Lines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $74.00 to $72.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, December 2nd. BNP Paribas Exane lifted their price objective on Delta Air Lines from $70.00 to $85.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 8th. Raymond James Financial reiterated a strong-buy rating and set a $80.00 target price on shares of Delta Air Lines in a report on Friday, December 19th. Finally, Susquehanna raised their target price on Delta Air Lines from $70.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Friday, January 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty-three have issued a Buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $79.97. Get Delta Air Lines alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on DAL Delta Air Lines Trading Up 4.2% Shares of DAL stock traded up $2.86 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $71.35. The stock had a trading volume of 8,110,003 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,810,209. The firm has a market capitalization of $46.59 billion, a PE ratio of 9.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.38. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $66.23 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $60.54. The company has a current ratio of 0.40, a quick ratio of 0.34 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.60. Delta Air Lines has a 52-week low of $34.74 and a 52-week high of $73.16. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 13th. The transportation company reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.53 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $14.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.80 billion. Delta Air Lines had a return on equity of 20.99% and a net margin of 7.90%.Delta Air Liness quarterly revenue was up 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.85 earnings per share. Delta Air Lines has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 0.500-0.900 EPS and its FY 2026 guidance at 6.500-7.500 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Delta Air Lines will post 7.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Delta Air Lines news, EVP John E. Laughter sold 23,323 shares of Delta Air Lines stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $62.33, for a total transaction of $1,453,722.59. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 81,109 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,055,523.97. The trade was a 22.33% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.88% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Delta Air Lines Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC bought a new stake in Delta Air Lines during the 2nd quarter valued at about $386,364,000. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its holdings in shares of Delta Air Lines by 54.8% during the third quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 5,817,783 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $330,159,000 after buying an additional 2,058,744 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 2.3% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 74,572,577 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $3,667,479,000 after acquiring an additional 1,648,071 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its holdings in Delta Air Lines by 23.3% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 7,661,911 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $434,813,000 after acquiring an additional 1,447,058 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP lifted its position in Delta Air Lines by 16,044.7% in the 3rd quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 1,263,320 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $71,693,000 after acquiring an additional 1,255,495 shares in the last quarter. 69.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Key Stories Impacting Delta Air Lines Here are the key news stories impacting Delta Air Lines this week: Delta Air Lines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Delta Air Lines is a major U.S.-based global airline that provides scheduled passenger and cargo air transportation, aircraft maintenance and repair services, and related travel products. Its operations include mainline domestic and international passenger services, a branded regional network operating under the Delta Connection name, dedicated air cargo carriage, and in-house maintenance, repair and overhaul through Delta TechOps. Delta offers a range of cabin products for different customer segments, including premium business-class service on long-haul routes and tiered economy offerings on domestic and international flights, and it markets customer loyalty benefits through the SkyMiles frequent-flyer program. The carrier operates a mixed fleet of narrow- and wide-body aircraft from multiple U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Delta Air Lines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delta Air Lines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) had its target price upped by equities researchers at The Goldman Sachs Group from $64.00 to $65.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Thursday,MarketScreener reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the financial services providers stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups price objective indicates a potential upside of 23.74% from the stocks current price. BAC has been the topic of several other reports. HSBC raised shares of Bank of America from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $50.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, January 7th. Ameriprise Financial upgraded shares of Bank of America to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wolfe Research downgraded Bank of America from an outperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on Bank of America from $56.00 to $58.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered Bank of America from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Monday, January 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-four have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $59.74. Get Bank of America alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on BAC Bank of America Price Performance NYSE:BAC traded up $0.05 during trading hours on Thursday, reaching $52.53. 50,967,838 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 42,986,859. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.12, a current ratio of 0.79 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The firms 50-day moving average is $54.19 and its 200-day moving average is $51.15. The stock has a market cap of $383.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.31 and a beta of 1.29. Bank of America has a 1-year low of $33.06 and a 1-year high of $57.55. Bank of America (NYSE:BAC Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 14th. The financial services provider reported $0.98 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.96 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $28.53 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $27.73 billion. Bank of America had a net margin of 15.70% and a return on equity of 10.76%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 12.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.82 EPS. Equities research analysts expect that Bank of America will post 3.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bank of America Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Quaker Wealth Management LLC grew its position in Bank of America by 246.5% in the 2nd quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 523 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 880 shares during the last quarter. Wiser Advisor Group LLC bought a new position in Bank of America in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $27,000. RMG Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Bank of America in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Steph & Co. raised its stake in Bank of America by 224.3% during the 3rd quarter. Steph & Co. now owns 548 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 379 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CGC Financial Services LLC boosted its position in Bank of America by 585.4% during the 2nd quarter. CGC Financial Services LLC now owns 610 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $29,000 after acquiring an additional 521 shares during the period. 70.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Key Stories Impacting Bank of America Here are the key news stories impacting Bank of America this week: About Bank of America (Get 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. Featured Stories 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. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report)s stock price was up 1.1% on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $25.89 and last traded at $25.86. Approximately 54,988,627 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 16% from the average daily volume of 47,469,805 shares. The stock had previously closed at $25.58. Pfizer News Roundup Here are the key news stories impacting Pfizer this week: Get Pfizer alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on PFE shares. Wolfe Research set a $24.00 price target on shares of Pfizer and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 17th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. HSBC restated a buy rating and issued a $29.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. BMO Capital Markets restated an outperform rating on shares of Pfizer in a research report on Wednesday, December 10th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Pfizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, September 28th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $27.88. Pfizer Stock Performance The stock has a market cap of $147.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.03 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a current ratio of 1.28 and a quick ratio of 0.97. The stocks 50-day moving average is $25.31 and its 200-day moving average is $24.98. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.08. Pfizer had a return on equity of 20.17% and a net margin of 15.65%.The company had revenue of $16.65 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.94 billion. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. Pfizer Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 6th. Investors of record on Friday, January 23rd will be given a $0.43 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 23rd. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.7%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 100.00%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Fiduciary Alliance LLC boosted its holdings in Pfizer by 46.4% in the third quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 145,263 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,701,000 after acquiring an additional 46,043 shares during the last quarter. Vista Investment Partners LLC lifted its position in Pfizer by 236.1% during the 3rd quarter. Vista Investment Partners LLC now owns 69,613 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,774,000 after purchasing an additional 48,900 shares during the period. Generali Investments CEE investicni spolecnost a.s. boosted its stake in shares of Pfizer by 76.4% in the 3rd quarter. Generali Investments CEE investicni spolecnost a.s. now owns 109,269 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $2,784,000 after purchasing an additional 47,319 shares during the last quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH grew its position in shares of Pfizer by 11.2% during the 3rd quarter. Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH now owns 1,892,663 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $48,225,000 after buying an additional 190,946 shares during the period. Finally, Ossiam raised its stake in shares of Pfizer by 71.2% during the second quarter. Ossiam now owns 5,650,573 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $136,970,000 after buying an additional 2,349,058 shares during the last quarter. 68.36% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Pfizer (Get Free Report) Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) is a multinational biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1849 by Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart, the company researches, develops, manufactures and commercializes a broad range of medicines and vaccines for human health. Its activities span discovery research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and global commercial distribution across multiple therapeutic areas. Pfizers portfolio and pipeline cover oncology, immunology, cardiology, endocrinology, rare diseases, hospital acute care and anti-infectives, along with a substantial vaccine business. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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. This week a fleet of ICE vehicles parked near Worlds Of Fun and a warning about an impending local ICE warehouse detention center facility from Congressman Cleaver has pushed many Kansas City progressives into panic mode. Yesterday an arrest by Feds in Grandview added fuel to the fire and sparked more activist outcry. The main point . . . KANSAS CITY PROGRESSIVES DEMAND MORE LEADERSHIP AGAINST ICE FROM MAYOR Q!!! This info comes by way of messages from TKC and so many online demands currently bombarding Mayor Q's social media presence. In fact . . . This local constituent calls out Mayor Q's inaction after telephone calls to 12th & Oak left her uninspired. The crux of her commentary . . . "I contacted Mayor Quinton Lucas and asked that he speak to his constituents. I was informed that the City of Kansas City will not take a position opposing federal ICE agents. " To be fair . . . Here's the current level of reported opposition against ICE from the Mayor so far . . . Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas is opposing reports of a possible ICE detention facility in the area. I wanna see ICE go home and go back to the things they were doing before, Lucas said. I think that we have no need for an ICE facility. The only problem . . . MANY LOCAL PROGRESSIVES AREN'T SATISFIED WITH WORDS & DEMAND MAYOR Q USE HIS POWER TO PUSH BACK AGAINST ICE!!! And so . . . Once again KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas stands at a crossroads, he can choose to support law enforcement and the current crackdown by the White House OR . . . Again . . . He can side with angry protesters. From our vantage . . . What the Mayor CAN'T DO is pretend that constituents aren't asking him to make a choice about his loyalties. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . KSHB: City, elected officials weigh in on reports of ICE detention warehouse coming to Kansas City KCTV5: Kansas City's Mayor has joined an area Congressman in opposition of a proposed ICE detention facility. Developing . . . The top ranking conservative leader in Missouri pushes back in no uncertain terms . . . Check-it: Missouri Congressman Sam Graves also blasted the proposed ordinance online. The proposed Jackson County ordinance targeting ICE and other law enforcement is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to dox law enforcement officers for doing their jobs, Graves wrote on Facebook. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Thank you for signing up! Youll soon be getting your Toronto scoop in your inbox. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page. Contents Like LLC has launched [Chopsticks Studio Ginza], an authentic, educational cultural program designed specifically for international travel agencies, tour operators, and group organizers (TRAVPR.COM) JAPAN - January 14th, 2026 - Contents Like LLC announces the availability of a Japanese Chopsticks Craft Workshop [Chopsticks Studio Ginza] in Ginza, Tokyoan indoor, hands-on cultural experience designed for educational travel programs, family groups, and tour operators seeking meaningful and easy-to-integrate activities. https://contentslike.com/products/tokyo-ginza-chopstick-making-workshop-cultural-insights Each session runs for one hour and can accommodate up to 30 participants at a time. Operating daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the workshop can be smoothly incorporated into full-day itineraries across a wide range of time slots, from morning through early evening. As a fully indoor program, the experience is unaffected by weather conditions, offering a reliable option for school trips and family itineraries where schedule stability is essential. Located in central Ginza, the venue provides excellent access from major hotels, transportation hubs, and sightseeing areas, helping reduce transfer time between activities. During the workshop, participants craft their own wooden chopsticks using traditional tools and techniques while learning about the cultural role of chopsticks in Japanese daily life. The program introduces why chopsticks vary in shape and material, how they are used, and how dining etiquette reflects core Japanese valuesmaking it a cultural experience that goes beyond simple crafting. Each participant takes home their finished chopsticks on the same day, carefully packaged as a meaningful souvenir. The workshop can also be combined with other cultural programs offered by Contents Like LLC to create a customized full-day Japanese cultural itinerary, tailored to each groups schedule and learning objectives. The workshop is well-suited for: School study trips and educational tours Family and multi-generational travel Ideal for culture-focused tour operators, offering a smooth and engaging group experience. Special Offer for Travel Partners are available Details regarding the exclusive discount can be provided upon request. About Contents Like LLC Contents Like LLC is a Japan-based experience provider specializing in cultural programs for international visitors. The company offers reliable, group-friendly experiences designed to support educational, family, and inbound travel markets with flexible and easy-to-operate products. https://contentslike.com/ ### BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. Nothreat, the UK-based AI cybersecurity startup, has announced a collaboration with PASHA Bank, leading corporate bank of Azerbaijan and one of the key financial assets of PASHA Holding. The collaboration focuses on strengthening cybersecurity capabilities and advancing pre-emptive threat detection across PASHA Banks digital and operational infrastructure. Azerbaijans financial sector has been undergoing accelerated digital transformation in recent years, driven by the expansion of mobile banking, remote financial services, and digital payment ecosystems. According to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, increased digitization across the banking sector has significantly expanded the technology footprint of financial institutions, while simultaneously increasing exposure to cyber risks. As a result, cybersecurity resilience and early-stage threat detection have become critical priorities for the market. Against this backdrop, the collaboration brings together PASHA Banks scale and operational expertise in the financial sector with Nothreats autonomous, AI-based cybersecurity technologies. The partnership is designed to support a shift away from purely reactive security models toward a more proactive approach, enabling earlier identification of anomalous behavior and potential threats before they escalate into incidents. As part of the collaboration, Nothreat provides AI-driven threat detection and automated security capabilities tailored for complex, regulated banking environments. The solution analyzes behavioral patterns across systems in real time, supports continuous monitoring, and assists security teams by reducing noise and accelerating response to emerging risks strengthening overall operational resilience. The collaboration also includes ongoing knowledge exchange between the teams, supporting the continuous development of cybersecurity expertise and alignment with evolving regulatory and technological requirements. About Nothreat Nothreat is a leader in AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, offering real-time protection against evolving cyber threats. Our Continuous Learning AI detects zero-day threats with 99% accuracy, identifying 55% more attacks than conventional systems. A key innovation is AIoT Defender, a lightweight, software-based firewall designed for IoT devices. Consuming only about 2 MB of RAM, it provides real-time, on-device protection without additional hardware. Other products include CyberEcho with US and UK patent-pending Clone-Based Traps technology, the AI-driven Cybersecurity Event System (CES), and a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC). Nothreats solutions integrate seamlessly with existing firewalls, requiring minimum infrastructure changes. Contact [email protected] Links Website Facebook LinkedIn About PASHA Bank PASHA Bank is a leading corporate bank of Azerbaijan. Established in 2007, Bank offers all major financial services, including investment banking, trade financing and asset management to a range of clients, from large corporates to small and medium enterprises. The Bank particularly works closely with companies operating in the non-oil sectors of the economy, including agriculture, transportation, construction and retail, which are vital for assisting in Azerbaijan to diversify its economy. Headquartered in Baku, PASHA Bank operates 3 branches and 5 units across Azerbaijan, along with 1 subsidiary operating in Georgia (est. 2013), 1 associate operating in Turkiye (est. 2015). Standard & Poor's reaffirmed PASHA Banks long-term rating of 'BB-' and short-term rating of 'B'. Contact: [email protected] Links Website Linkedin Facebook BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. The opening ceremony of the ASAN Khidmet center was held in Islamabad, Pakistan, on January 14, 2026, Trend reports via the center. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, members of the Pakistani government, and a delegation led by Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. During the event, detailed information was presented about the center established on the basis of the ASAN concept, which is regarded as one of Azerbaijans key intellectual brands. It was emphasized that on September 10, 2025, an agreement titled Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Cooperation in Implementing theASAN Khidmet Experience in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was signed with the participation of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, laying the legal and institutional foundation for the project. In accordance with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, cooperation was carried out by the State Agency to share the ASAN Khidmet experience with Pakistan, and the Pakistani side was provided with the necessary support for the establishment of the center. At the initial stage, the Pakistan ASAN Khidmet Center plans to deliver 64 services through 12 state institutions. ASAN Khidmet standards, the ASAN volunteer program, and ASANs innovative solutions are being applied at the center. A special corner reflecting the AzerbaijanPakistan friendship has been created at the entrance of the center. It also features a quote from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, emphasizing the fraternal relations between the two countries. Following the familiarization with the center, Chairman of the State Agency Ulvi Mehdiyev presented the future development concept of the PakistanASAN Khidmet center, innovative solutions, and Azerbaijans DOST concept to the Pakistani delegation. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for supporting the implementation of the ASAN Khidmet model in Pakistan. He described ASAN Khidmet as a progressive and innovative model for the provision of public services and emphasized that this model would be widely applied in Pakistan. It was recalled that agreements on the export of the ASAN Khidmet model have been signed with 30 countries and international organizations. Service centers based on the ASAN Khidmet model are already operating in six countries, after Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Afghanistan, Pakistan has now joined this list. Pakistan is the worlds second-largest Muslim country. In this regard, the implementation of the ASAN Khidmet model there carries special significance both in terms of strategic partnership and strengthening cooperation among countries sharing common values. The opening ceremony was also attended by Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Anar Bayramov, and Azerbaijans Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. The political will to ensure an uninterrupted connection between Azerbaijans mainland and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic remains firm, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a recent Cabinet of Ministers meeting, Trend reports. I would like to highlight and reaffirm that within the agreed framework, we are ready to move forward in this direction, acting decisively and consistently. This includes ensuring unobstructed connectivity between Azerbaijans mainland and Nakhchivan. Our approach is to move away from a conflict-driven mindset and adopt a normal, peace-oriented environment and way of thinking, Pashinyan stated. The Armenian PM noted that progress will not be rapid in either Armenia or Azerbaijan, as narratives shaped by the long-standing conflict persist within both societies. We need to adopt a more practical approach and focus on action, as the tangible benefits of peace can be more effective than endless discussions over varying narratives, doubts, and challenges, he added. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. Agreements reached under the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project must first be recognized de jure, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a Cabinet meeting, Trend reports. On the other hand, a large volume of practical work awaits us. We must take the steps arising from yesterdays statement as soon as possible. First and foremost, they must be adopted as de jure agreements. We will begin work on the necessary draft agreements and legal decisions. In particular, a company called TRIPP should be established in Armenia, Pashinyan said. He added that routes, roads, construction rights, land use, infrastructure development, and permit issues under TRIPP must also be defined. I believe we must start preparatory work from today. From now on, we need to review all processes so that everything is carried out properly and within established timelines, Pashinyan emphasized. On January 14, Armenias Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the agreement signed between Armenia and the United States on implementing the TRIPP project. 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, 2025, 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 15. Western Industrial Park has been established in Azerbaijan's Ganja city and Shamkir district, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree. The decree has determined that the Western Industrial Park is an area that has the necessary infrastructure and management structures for the implementation of entrepreneurial activity, is used for the purpose of producing competitive products and providing services through the application of modern technologies, and contributes to the effective activity and development of entrepreneurs; The activities of the Western Industrial Park and its management and development shall be carried out by the Economic Zones Development Agency (hereinafter referred to as the agency) under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan. In order to ensure the implementation of design work for the organization of the activities of the Western Industrial Park, bringing its territory into a usable condition, and the creation of external and internal infrastructure (electricity and heat energy, gas, water, sewage, communications, transport, fire protection, production-oriented, administrative, social, and other infrastructure facilities), 500,000 manat ($294,000) has been initially allocated to the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan from the reserve fund of the President of Azerbaijan provided for in the 2026 state budget of Azerbaijan. The Cabinet of Ministers was instructed to ensure the permanent use of 81.8 hectares of land belonging to the category of industrial, transport, communication, defense and other lands, owned by the state-owned "Azeraluminium" LLC, located on the Yevlakh highway in Ganja city and managed by the Azerbaijan Investment Holding, for the operation of the Western Industrial Park within three months, with the right to lease, and to change the designation of 100 hectares of agricultural land located in the territory of Konullu village of Shamkir district, owned by the municipality, to the category of industrial, transport, communication, defense and other lands, as well as to ensure the necessary measures are taken to involve it in the operation of the Western Industrial Park in accordance with the "Model regulations on industrial parks" and other regulatory legal acts approved by the Decree No. 865 of the President of Azerbaijan dated April 24, 2013, to inform the President of Azerbaijan about the implementation of the measures provided for in this decree, and to resolve other issues arising from this decree. The Ministry of Economy was instructed to determine the priority areas for industrial products produced and processed in the Western Industrial Park, as well as the services provided, within two months and inform the President of Azerbaijan, to assist the agency in ensuring the creation of external and internal infrastructure (electricity and heat energy, gas, water, sewage, communications, transport, fire protection, production, administrative, social and other infrastructure facilities) in the territory of the Western Industrial Park and the provision of other services for the effective implementation of entrepreneurial activity, and to take necessary measures to resolve other issues arising from this decree. The Ministry of Finance has been directed to allocate funding as outlined in the decree. Key Points Joby is leading the certification race in the U.S. and is preparing for a commercial launch in Dubai. The company has plenty of milestones ahead that good act as a positive catalyst for the stock price. 10 stocks we like better than Joby Aviation Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) company Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) entered 2025 neck-and-neck with its peers, including Archer Aviation (NYSE: ACHR), the UK's Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), and Germany's Lilium Aerospace. However, it ended 2025 having massively outperformed Archer and Vertical Aerospace, with its 62.4% rise; meanwhile, Lilium is now insolvent. In addition, the company is entering 2026 in excellent shape. A year of progress Joby made progress on several fronts in 2025. The company is ahead in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification race, and deals with Toyota, Delta Air Lines, and Uber (all investors in Joby) are helping it prepare to move from research and development toward commercialization. Toyota is assisting Joby with its world-class manufacturing expertise, a crucial requirement for Joby's vertical manufacturing model, which relies on developing its own technology. In contrast, Archer's asset-light approach involves integrating technology and components from established aerospace suppliers. Delta Air Lines offers a potential market for home-to-airport taxi services, and the Uber/Joby partnership provides Joby with the opportunity to realize its ambition of becoming a vertically integrated transportation services company. A model that involves manufacturing its own eVTOLs for use in its own transportation company. Joby's operational progress Additionally, in 2025, Joby announced a doubling of its aircraft production capacity at its Marina, California, manufacturing site. Management also announced plans to take part in the White House eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). The eIPP allows eVTOL companies to start operations in "select markets ahead of full FAA certification: according to Joby Aviation. Outside the U.S., Joby demonstrated its technology at the Dubai Airshow and plans to launch an air taxi service in Dubai in 2026. Furthermore, Joby signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Saudi Arabia that includes a plan "to complete pre-commercial evaluation flights of its electric air taxi in the Kingdom in the first half of 2026." Image source: Joby Aviation. Is Joby Aviation stock a buy? The company's progress is hugely impressive, not least as Archer's model is supposed to make certification more straightforward than Joby's go-it-alone approach to developing technology. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. Armenia has appealed to Russia for a decision on the implementation of restoration work on the country's railway lines on the borders with Azerbaijan and Turkiye, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a briefing in Yerevan, Trend reports. "Yes, this issue has been discussed. I have also discussed this topic with the President of Russia, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia had the opportunity to talk to the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia on this issue. We are waiting for the reaction of our partners from Russia," Pashinyan responded to a question regarding the discussion of timelines for restoring railway sections along the borders with Azerbaijan and Turkiye, confirming that such matters had been addressed with Russia. Touching on the period for the implementation of restoration work on the railway lines, Pashinyan noted that the most appropriate time is the nearest period after the signing of the framework agreement on the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project between Armenia and the U.S. "The right time is now, and our desire is for these works to be carried out right now. Processes are underway, you will be informed about them, and these processes imply the implementation of the works as soon as possible. We ask our Russian partners to decide on this issue," the prime minister added. On January 14, Armenias Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the agreement signed between Armenia and the United States on implementing the TRIPP project. 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, 2025, 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 15. A meeting between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shows regional leadership prospects for Azerbaijan, the political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. He noted that the ongoing normalization processes in the South Caucasus can be assessed as a positive step in terms of international support. "The discussions held in Washington show that the U.S. is interested in ensuring long-term stability in the region and considers the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agenda to be one of the main priorities in this process. In particular, the emphasis on the importance of building the peace process between Baku and Yerevan on institutional foundations coincides with the principled position put forward by Azerbaijan. Baku has repeatedly stated that peace agreements should be based on specific legal mechanisms, mutual recognition, and the principles of international law. In this regard, the opinions expressed in Washington indicate that Azerbaijan's contributions to the establishment of sustainable peace in the region are also taken into account at the international level," he said. The analyst recalled that at the same time, the ratification of the framework agreement on the TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) project raises the prospects for expanding economic and transport ties in the region. "The success of such initiatives depends primarily on Azerbaijan's participation and leading role in regional cooperation. Azerbaijan has already turned the South Caucasus into an important transport and energy hub with its own initiatives, and this reality creates a solid foundation for new international projects," he explained. Garayev pointed out that, in general, the Mirzoyan-Rubio meeting shows that the peace and prosperity agenda is taking on a more realistic content against the backdrop of the constructive position of regional actors, especially Azerbaijan. "The continuation of the processes in a positive direction will serve both the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations and the strengthening of stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus," the analyst added. On January 14, Armenias Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the agreement signed between Armenia and the United States on implementing the TRIPP project. 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, 2025, 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. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. A new law on freight forwarding has been adopted, Trend reports. This is reflected in the Law on Freight Forwarding, approved by President Ilham Aliyev. This law defines the legal, organizational, and economic foundations of freight forwarding activities in Azerbaijan, regulates the activities of state bodies (institutions), as well as legal entities, branches, and representative offices of foreign legal entities and individual entrepreneurs in this field, and the relationships that arise between them. The law establishes such basic concepts as carrier, freight forwarder, remuneration paid to the freight forwarder, customer, freight forwarding activities, participants in freight forwarding activities, freight forwarding services, cargo, and cargo and transport document. The document reflects the legal basis for the implementation of freight forwarding activities, the basic principles of the implementation of freight forwarding activities, and transport and freight forwarding services. The main objectives and responsibilities of the state in the field of freight forwarding activities, as well as state support for freight forwarding activities, were also defined. The head of state signed a decree on the application of the relevant law. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Magdalena Grono, to discuss the current status and prospects of Azerbaijan-EU cooperation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend. The discussion covered the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process, alongside regional and international issues. The sides reviewed agreements reached on cooperation issues, cooperation platforms, and tools between Azerbaijan and the EU in political, economic, transport, energy security, and other areas, as well as next steps. Bayramov briefed on the progress and prospects achieved in the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization and peace process, and brought our country's position to the attention of the other side. The steps taken within the framework of the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as confidence-building measures, were appreciated. The meeting also exchanged views on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. Preparations for upcoming Annual Meeting of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group in Baku were discussed today, the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. The discussion was held at a meeting of the Organizing Committee set up in connection with the annual meetings. Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Organizing Committee Samir Sharifov opened the meeting, noting the main tasks facing the Organizing Committee, established by decree No. 711 of the President of Azerbaijan dated September 8, 2025. He emphasized that holding the 2026 Annual Meetings of the IsDB Group in Baku on June 16-19 is of great importance in terms of Azerbaijans international standing. The discussions included the work carried out and the current state of preparations for the organization of the Annual Meeting of the IsDB Group, as well as the priority tasks to be undertaken, their implementation schedule, issues requiring special attention, the draft action plan for holding the annual meetings, and other items on the agenda, and relevant decisions were adopted. The IsDB, which has 57 member countries, was established in 1973. The banks headquarters is located in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Azerbaijan has been a member of the bank since 1992. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. Azerbaijani Health Minister Teymur Musayev met with a delegation from Ufuk University (Ankara), Turkiye, led by Professor Recai Pabuccu, President of the Road Accident Assistance Foundation, Trend reports via the Ministry of Health. The meeting, as part of the fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, discussed opportunities for cooperation in healthcare and international collaboration, the exchange of experience in research and personnel training, improving medical services for people injured in road accidents, and medical rehabilitation. The parties exchanged views on opportunities to improve the quality of medical services, implement modern approaches to rehabilitation and prevention, organize experience exchange programs for medical students and residents, implement joint research in reproductive medicine, and implement joint projects in these areas. Ufuk University Rector Professor Ahmet Hakan Haliloglu also participated in the meeting. The meeting emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Azerbaijan shares latest figures on public-funded mortgage lending Azerbaijan's Mortgage and Credit Guarantee Fund (MCGF) has provided significant loans to thousands of borrowers. The fund has also supported numerous business loans with guarantees. Additionally, a substantial number of residential units have been transacted through leasing mechanisms. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. Economic diplomacy continues to be one of the key priorities of Tajikistans foreign policy in 2026, ensuring the sustainable development of both bilateral and multilateral relations. Since the dawn of the year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been pulling out all the stops to broaden cooperation in the realms of economy, trade, investment, industry, agriculture, hydropower, and tourism, thus bolstering the countrys standing on the global stage. In this context, the recently held meeting of the Collegium of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs holds particular significance. The meeting reviewed the results of the foreign policy systems work and outlined key objectives for 2026. Discussions focused on measures to develop economic cooperation with foreign partners, strengthen trade relations, and attract investments. Decisions made at the meeting aim to create conditions for implementing joint projects, modernizing infrastructure, and introducing innovative technologies in strategic sectors. A vivid example of such practical work is the initiation of joint projects with foreign partners in the energy and agro-industrial sectors. In 2025, Tajikistan attracted over $146 million in investments from Kazakhstan, while bilateral trade with the country reached $1.3 billion (+7.4% compared to 2024). Joint industrial projects with Uzbekistan were also launched, including a metal pipe and profile manufacturing plant with an annual capacity of 100,000 tons and production of 50 types of products. The comprehensive approach agreed upon at the Collegium also includes attracting investments for the construction of hydropower plants, modernization of agricultural infrastructure, and implementation of educational programs. These initiatives create a platform for long-term sustainable economic growth while simultaneously strengthening bilateral relations with key partners. The digital age and the banking realm are key players in Tajikistans economic diplomacy game. In 2025, a $39 million agreement on digital transformation was signed with the World Bank and SECO, targeting the training of 28,000 people and the provision of broadband access to 100 schools. Economic diplomacy is also reflected in Tajikistans active participation in international and regional initiatives. Special attention is given to water resource management, climate protection, and glacier preservation, while trade relations, the investment climate, and inter-parliamentary contacts continue to develop. Agreements were signed with Iran, China, Mongolia, and Kyrgyzstan in 2025, covering energy, agriculture, digitalization, and financial cooperation, thereby opening new opportunities for the countrys economic development. Looking ahead, a variety of development paths could unfold. These include further expansion of investments and economic partnerships, successful implementation of initiatives in energy, agriculture, and education, partial implementation or delays due to external or internal factors, as well as strengthening or instability of regional cooperation depending on political, economic, and environmental conditions. The success of these measures will hinge on how well they are put into practice at home and how the global community reacts. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 15. Uzbekistan and Kuwaits Burgan International are exploring opportunities to develop the production of branded generic and pediatric medicines through memo, Trend reports via the Uzbek Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade. In this context, the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding was discussed between Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistans Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade, and Saadun Hammad Al-Otaibi, Chairman of the Board of Burgan International. The memo will also outline measures to support the export of domestically produced medicines to regional markets. Following the meeting, the parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to fostering a systematic and long-term partnership focused on localization, technology transfer, and the creation of added value within Uzbekistan's pharmaceutical sector. Furthermore, in February 2025, Uzbekistan and Kuwait formalized a joint declaration aimed at advancing bilateral relations under the framework of a comprehensive partnership. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. As the global economy becomes increasingly fragmented, supply chains undergo significant restructuring, and the energy transition accelerates, the relationship between Azerbaijan and China is evolving beyond traditional bilateral cooperation, assuming a broader geoeconomic importance. Azerbaijan is emerging as a central pillar for Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the South Caucasus, positioning itself as a strategic hub connecting Asia and Europe through the Middle Corridor. This transformation is occurring alongside deepening collaboration in trade, logistics, and renewable energy, prompting important questions regarding the future architecture of Eurasian connectivity. Political and strategic foundation: institutionalization and trust The institutional foundations of AzerbaijanChina relations have been built gradually through consistent high-level engagement. Official visits by President Ilham Aliyev to China since 2003 have contributed to the intensification of bilateral dialogue, while the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding on the Silk Road Economic Belt established the core economic philosophy of this partnership. More recently, the momentum has accelerated; a 2022 meeting between President Aliyev and President Xi Jinping in Samarkand set a formal roadmap, leading to the 2024 Strategic Partnership and the landmark Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed in Beijing in April 2025. These documents are more than mere political declarations; they have created concrete coordination mechanisms in trade, investment, and technology that provide a predictable environment for long-term state and private cooperation. Trade and investment: momentum confirmed by figures Economic cooperation continues to expand at a record pace, as evidenced by data from the State Customs Committee. Trade turnover reached $4.21 billion in the first eleven months of 2025, representing a 24% increase and positioning China as Azerbaijans fourth-largest trading partner. This growth is driven by expanded transit capabilities and a surge in the integration of Chinese technologies into the Azerbaijani market. This momentum is equally visible in foreign direct investment; according to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Chinese FDI grew by nearly 68% in 2025. Conversely, Azerbaijani investment into China nearly quadrupled during the same period, suggesting that the relationship has matured into a two-way street based on mutual economic interests and a shared vision of Azerbaijan as a manufacturing and energy platform. The Middle Corridor and logistics: strategic transit opportunities While China remains focused on raw materials in Central Asia and manufacturing in Eastern Europe, Azerbaijan offers a unique "logisticsenergytrade triangle" that distinguishes it as a regional leader. Amid the relative weakening of traditional northern transit roles and a global effort to diversify supply chains, the Middle Corridor (TITR) has emerged as a vital and secure alternative for ChinaEurope cargo. Azerbaijans role as a multimodal hub was further strengthened in late 2025 through a memorandum with Chinas Xian Port, aimed at optimizing container trains and real-time digital monitoring. These efforts have yielded tangible results, with Azerbaijan Railways reporting a 39% increase in block trains and a 20% rise in container volumes in 2025, highlighting the corridor's growing role in global logistics. Energy and green transition: the sector of the future Energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and China has evolved beyond traditional hydrocarbons, becoming a cornerstone of Azerbaijans sustainable development and a key component of Chinas global green technology strategy. Projects such as the KhiziAbsheron Wind Power Plant and the Gobustan Solar Power Plant highlight the growing role of Chinese companies as crucial technology and financial partners. A significant milestone was reached in late 2025 with the installation of the first panel at the 100-megawatt Gobustan facility, which is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by 124,000 tons annually upon completion. Additionally, the agreement with China Datang Corporation for large-scale offshore wind and solar projects reinforces a mutual commitment to establishing a "Green Energy Corridor." The rapid increase in trade turnover, the strengthening of logistics integration along the Middle Corridor, and the expanding scale of renewable energy projects offer a clear indication of the current trajectory of this partnership. As Azerbaijan transitions from a transit nation to an active geoeconomic player, the long-term implications of the Baku-Beijing axis on the broader Eurasian economic landscape remain a critical subject for analysis. The data and strategic developments observed in 2025 point to a fundamental realignment, the full consequences of which will unfold through the ongoing execution of these large-scale initiatives in the years ahead. Within that pipeline, Biogen has five experimental drugs in late-stage testing that it classifies as programs with significant commercial potential. The list includes two potential lupus therapies, named litifilimab and dapirolizumab pegol, as well as an immune system-regulating antibody that the company got ahold of through a $1.2 billion acquisition . That antibody, felzartamab, is being evaluated against several kidney illnesses. The executive team has been out meeting with investors and analysts on an almost weekly basis, Chief Financial Officer Robin Kramer said in an interview. My view is sentiment has improved, as [has their understanding of] why we have conviction in our pipeline. After a few years of management changes, a research reorganization and uninspiring earnings, Biogen wants investors to believe it has finally entered a fresh, rosier era. Across the companys 10-slide J.P. Morgan presentation , New Biogen comes up five times. Driving that change in mindset has been a surge in M&A deals and renewed hope for initial public offerings, which have slowed considerably since 2021, the report said. Acquisitions of venture-backed biotechs brought in $64 billion in total deal value in 2025 and involved large buyouts of publicly traded companies such as Metsera and Avidity Biosciences. Those investors believe its time to start deploying the way we typically deploy in normal market times, he said. Those conversations may be more fruitful for young biotechnology firms this year. A report published last week by HSBC Innovation Banking showed that biotech venture investments surged in the fourth quarter to their highest totals in three years. During that period, investors shifted from a conversative mindset to embracing the chance to invest in a downturn, HSBC managing director and report author Jonathan Norris said in a media briefing. Startups lean into networking events and one-on-one conversations, hoping to attract investor interest and pharma partners that can provide cash and needed help bringing their experimental drugs forward. This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive . To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter . Story Continues Much is riding on those programs. A recent slate of new Biogen product launches Leqembi for Alzheimers disease, Zurzuvae for postpartum depression, Skyclarys for a rare neurological condition havent delivered the kind of sales growth some on Wall Street hoped to see. Eric Schmidt, an analyst at Cantor Fitzgerald, described Biogens most recent earnings report as fairly unremarkable, and wrote that the narrative around the company continues to suffer from lackluster investor appeal. Kramer argues Biogens stock price doesnt fully reflect the potential of the companys revamped pipeline, which is set to produce five data readouts over the next 18 months. 2026 is going to be a really key year in our transformation, she said. But Biogen isnt the only one making such an argument. We're going into 2026 with what I would say are unprecedented opportunities, Daniel ODay, CEO of Gilead Sciences, told reporters Tuesday morning. We're in a new era of growth and impact. Gilead, ODay added, currently has the most robust pipeline in the almost 40-year history of the company. To that end, the California-based biotech estimates it could have up to 10 launches in new or additional indications between now and the end of 2027. Investors may not be holding their breath, though. Gilead and Biogen shares were down about 1% and 4%, respectively, in Tuesday afternoon trading. Jacob Bell Summits crowding competition Summit Therapeutics and its partner Akeso are still leading the push to prove whether the drugs known as PD-1/VEGF inhibitors will be a major step forward in cancer care. But the competitive landscape has widened considerably over the last year or so, making Summits formerly-commanding position and its standing with investors appear shakier than it once was. The latest example came only hours before Summit began presenting at J.P. Morgan on Monday. AbbVie staked $650 million upfront, and possibly more than $5 billion overall, on rights to a rival PD-1/VEGF drug developed by a China-based biotech called RemeGen. That deal is one of many big drugmakers have struck for similar medicines over the last year or so. And it took another large pharma off the board as a possible suitor for Summit and its drug ivonescimab, wrote Leerink Partners Daina Graybosch in a note to clients. We see few (if any) large-cap pharma companies with sufficient capital and interest to provide upfront consideration for ivo that supports [Summits] current valuation, Graybosch wrote. Summit shares fell by double digits on the news. In Summits presentation, president and co-CEO Maky Zanganeh argued that the company is still ahead of the pack with a differentiated drug set to generate substantial value going forward. Ivonescimab has succeeded in multiple Phase 3 trials and is currently involved in several others. The drug is also approved in China and has been submitted to U.S. regulators, with a decision expected before the end of 2026. Summit has clinical trial collaborations in place with companies like Pfizer, Revolution Medicines and, most recently, GSK. And later this year, itll report findings from a study in first-line lung cancer that could unlock billions of dollars in market potential. Summit has a significant lead in lung and colorectal cancers, which are potentially the largest two markets across solid tumors, Zanganeh said. Were optimistic and pleased with everything weve seen, added co-CEO Bob Duggan. Weve yet to see an indicator that this isnt anything other than an outstanding drug. Ben Fidler Mercks ambitious post-Keytruda target Merck & Co. CEO Rob Davis says his company aspires to grow through the coming loss of market exclusivity for cancer immunotherapy blockbuster Keytruda. Several new drugs, some home-grown and some acquired, will help the company get to what it now believes will be $70 billion in sales by the mid-2030s, roughly double what Keytruda is expected to record in 2028 before going off-patent. Among those prospects is a strain-agnostic preventive influenza medicine it gained when it acquired Cidara Therapeutics for $9.2 billion in November. Now called MK-1406, the drug is in Phase 3 testing and the northern hemisphere portion of that study is complete, said Dean Li, president of Merck Research Laboratories, at the companys J.P. Morgan presentation. Merck will likely conduct an interim check on the data collected so far, and at that point assess the programs regulatory prospects, Li said. But the company is currently opening enrollment in the southern hemisphere for the flu season there as well. We need those patients. We need a broad patient population to be able to have as robust of a label as possible, he said. The company sees significant sales ahead not only as an additional boost to vaccinations for older adults and people with weak immune systems, but also as a potential substitute. With the pressure on vaccination, I cannot foresee flu vaccinations increasing in this country over the next three years, Li said. According to Davis, Merck might not be done with acquisitions if it sees innovative science and a commercial opportunity. With the loss of Keytruda revenue looming, later-stage and even already-approved assets are even more coveted, as was the case when it bought Verona Pharma for a marketed respiratory drug last year. Davis also didnt clearly dispel rumors of a particularly large, imminent acquisition days after a published report indicated the company may pay up to $32 billion for cancer drug developer Revolution Medicines. You know, if you look from a dollar perspective, we've been looking in that up to $15 billion dollar range, he said. We've been very clear that we're willing to go larger than that, but we only will do so following the exact same logic and discipline. Jonathan Gardner Modernas pivotal year For Moderna, 2026 is shaping up to be a crucial year. Vaccines for influenza, as well as a combination of COVID and flu, could win regulatory approvals. Heavily anticipated data for a skin cancer vaccine could come. And along the way, revenue should grow by 10% while the effects of ongoing cost cuts continue to take shape. The early outlook Moderna provided Monday was, for a change, welcomed by investors and analysts that have been critical of its spending. According to the company, 2025 revenue is expected to hit $1.9 billion, meeting previous estimates. Operating costs will be reduced by another $200 million, compared to previous guidance. We were impressed with the companys cost-cutting cadences, William Blair analyst Myles Minter wrote in a note to clients. Shares climbed by more than 15% on the news. Modernas stock has long been on a downward slope due to declining COVID vaccine sales, frequently missed financial targets and a disappointing launch for its only other approved product, a shot for respiratory syncytial virus. The company faced additional hurdles in 2025, too, amid escalating vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. and heavy criticism of the messenger RNA technology Moderna relies on. Ahead of J.P. Morgan, Moderna's co-founder and chairman Noubar Afeyan warned of the impact the environment is having on scientific research. While were closer than ever to realizing biotechnologys full potential to make miracles, were also closer than ever to throwing that potential away, wrote Afeyan, the CEO of biotech creator Flagship Pioneering, in a letter published on the firms website. Were at risk of taking a sledgehammer to our miracle machine. Moderna has been a victim of those attacks. The biotech lost a federal contract for mRNA vaccine research; won a narrower approval for its COVID shot; and has seen public health leaders make false claims about its products safety and efficacy. Some of the loudest voices are presenting their opinions as alternative scientific facts with no regard for mountains of data from rigorous experiments, wrote Afeyan. Still, Moderna has a chance to bounce back. The company has mapped out a plan to break even financially by 2028, in part by growing sales of its coming standalone flu and COVID-flu shots. Moderna anticipates revenue from both in 2027 and 2028, respectively, and in a presentation, CEO Stephane Bancel highlighted the importance of the combination shot, which could be the only COVID-flu vaccine on the market. Minter, however, views the progress of a cancer vaccine its co-developing with Merck as paramount for its future growth. Moderna could report late-stage data in adjuvant melanoma this year. After a light 2025, 2026 sets up as a pivotal year to add shareholder value back into name, Minter wrote. Delilah Alvarado Recommended Reading The countrys first bank, Kapital Bank, has presented its financial results for 2025. According to the report as of December 31, 2025, the banks total income increased by 27.6 % compared to 2024, reaching 1 billion 881 million 674 thousand manats. With this result, the bank outperformed its competitors in the financial market and maintained its leading position among banks. At the same time, the highest growth rate of the past three years was recorded. For reference, total income amounted to 1 billion 474 million 908 thousand manats in the previous year. The growth in aggregate income was driven by an increase in both interest and non-interest income. In 2025, the banks interest income rose by 38.8 % to 1 billion 180 million 81 thousand manats, compared to 850 million 258 thousand manats in 2024. Non-interest income increased by 12.3 %, rising from 624 million 651 thousand manats in 2024 to 701 million 592 thousand manats in 2025. The bank also recorded its highest net profit result of the past three years. Compared to the same period of 2024, the countrys leading bank earned 315 million manats in net profit, which is 68.9 % higher than the net profit of 186 million 501 thousand manats recorded in 2024. The banks loan portfolio increased by 4 % to 5 billion 419 million 985 thousand manats. In 2024, this figure stood at 5 billion 211 million 207 thousand manats. The growth was mainly driven by consumer and business lending, with consumer loans accounting for the largest share of the increase. In 2025, the banks total deposit portfolio amounted to 8 billion 288 million 654 thousand manats. Compared to 2024, the deposit portfolio declined by 7.7 %. In 2025, deposits of legal entities totaled 5 billion 151 million 830 thousand manats, while deposits of individuals increased by 20.9 % to 3 billion 136 million 823 thousand manats. In 2025, the banks capital increased by 27 %. While this indicator amounted to 927 million 943 thousand manats in 2024, it reached 1 billion 178 million 338 thousand manats by the end of 2025. It should be noted that the banks capital adequacy ratio exceeded the minimum regulatory requirement of 12.5 % for systemically important banks and amounted to 14.14 %. By the end of 2025, the Tier 1 capital adequacy ratio of the countrys leading bank also increased, reaching 9.86 %. This is an important factor enhancing the banks reputation and ensuring its financial stability. The indicator confirms not only the banks strong financial resilience but also its advanced risk management capabilities and robust resources in the interests of all clients. Kapital Bank, the country's first bank, is part of PASHA Holding. Kapital Bank has the largest service network in Azerbaijan with 115 branches and 52 departments all over the country. For more detailed information about the banks products and services, please refer to https://kapitalbank.az website, 196 Call Centre or the banks various social network pages. To apply for a consumer loan visit https://kbl.az/prgtk, for a Birbank installment card visit https://kbl.az/prcrc. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 15. Uzbekistan and Iraq engaged in discussions regarding collaborative projects in the agricultural sector, as well as the export of Uzbek agricultural and food products to the Iraqi market, Trend reports via the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan. The issue was discussed during a meeting between Uzbekistans Minister of Agriculture Ibrohim Abdurakhmonov and Iraqs Minister of Trade Azzir Dawood Salman Al-Ghurairy, held on the sidelines of the UzbekistanIraq Investment and Business Forum in Tashkent. During the forum, which brought together official representatives from both countries, business leaders, and approximately 150 Iraqi companies, the parties discussed potential collaboration in soil composition research, the transfer of Uzbekistans expertise in cultivating grain and leguminous crops to Iraq, and the organization of a working visit by a group of Uzbek experts to Iraq to support the implementation of these initiatives. The UzbekistanIraq Investment and Business Forum also marked the second significant milestone in the development of bilateral business cooperation. The inaugural forum, held in December 2025 in Baghdad, laid the foundation for the ongoing growth of economic and investment relations between the two nations. With a population of around 46 million and an annual import demand estimated at $53 billion, Iraq presents a vast and promising market for Uzbekistan. The country imports textiles, carpets, and leather products valued at approximately $3 billion, food products and construction materials worth around $4 billion, electrical equipment totaling nearly $3 billion, furniture valued at about $1.2 billion, and pharmaceuticals amounting to approximately $2 billion each year. ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 15. Turkmenistan and the European Union (EU) discussed ongoing and potential joint projects in high technologies, transport, economy, and energy, as well as broader prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via the Turkmen MFA. The issues were discussed during a meeting on January 14 between Turkmenistans Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the EU to Turkmenistan, Beata Peksa. The parties conducted a comprehensive review of a wide array of issues aimed at further enhancing cooperation across political-diplomatic, trade-economic, and cultural-humanitarian domains, as well as preparing for upcoming high-level and top-level visits. Diplomats also exchanged perspectives on regional and international matters, including discussions on collaboration in environmental protection and vocational education. In November 2025, Turkmenistan and the European Union convened the 24th meeting of the Turkmenistan-EU Joint Committee in Ashgabat, focusing on the expansion of cooperation across the economic, transport, energy, and humanitarian sectors. The discussions also delved into macroeconomic developments, trade relations, and Turkmenistans ongoing efforts to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). Photo: The official "X" account of the embassy of Turkiye in Turkmenistan ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 15. The Ambassador of Turkiye to Turkmenistan, Ahmet Demirok, visited the office of Mosaic Visa, which has recently started providing visa services in the country, Trend reports via the social media of the Turkish Embassy. Mosaic Visa has been designated as the official center authorized by the Turkish Consulate in Ashgabat to process visa applications from Turkmen citizens. This new role replaces the services previously provided by Gateway International, which is no longer operational in Turkmenistan. On January 9, officials from Turkiye and Turkmenistan engaged in discussions aimed at advancing the legislative framework governing migration. The meeting, which involved representatives from Turkmenistans State Migration Service and Ahmet Demirok, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkiye, focused on these ongoing efforts. The dialogue emphasized the importance of sustained high-level contacts, during which both parties exchanged perspectives on expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as business relations, tourism, and humanitarian exchanges. Turkmenistan agriculture ministry announces tender for chemicals The Ministry of Agriculture of Turkmenistan has announced a tender for the supply of plant protection chemicals, inviting qualified suppliers to submit proposals for seed dressing, insecticides, and herbicides within the specified deadlines. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, January 15. RINA and HPC Hamburg Port Consulting have been awarded a five-year contract for the OSCE project Promoting Green Ports and Connectivity in the Caspian Sea Region, Trend reports via RINA. The project covers ports in Baku, Aktau, Kuryk, Turkmenbashi, and Batumi and aims to improve sustainability through renewable energy, energy efficiency, digital monitoring, and climate adaptation. It additionally encompasses initiatives aimed at promoting gender parity within port operations. RINA and HPC will provide analyses, action plans, technical specifications for pilot projects, and training for port authorities. The initiative also establishes a regional cooperation platform for knowledge exchange and sustainable port management. RINA is an international engineering, consulting, and certification company from Italy, specializing in sustainable and digital solutions for energy, transport, and industry. HPC Hamburg Port Consultinga German consulting firm focused on port infrastructure, logistics, and digitalization, supporting efficient and sustainable port operations. On 14 June 2019 in Baku, the OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities Coordinator, alongside the Director of the Port of Baku, inaugurated the initiative Promoting Green Ports and Connectivity in the Caspian Sea Region. The OSCE's initiatives in this domain are consistent with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and support many Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 7, "Affordable and Clean Energy"; SDG 9, "Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure"; and SDG 17, "Global Partnerships." The initiative receives financial backing from Azerbaijan, Germany, Italy, and Iceland. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. Azerbaijan and Vietnams VinFast company discussed opportunities for joint activities in the production of electric vehicles, the Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov wrote on his X page, Trend reports. "We were pleased to meet with the delegation led by Le Thi Thu Thuy, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Vietnams VinFast company. During the meeting, we exchanged views on cooperation between business communities to diversify economic relations with Vietnam, priorities for sustainable development, and Azerbaijans favorable business climate," the minister said. The Azerbaijani State Customs Committee data shows that in the first 11 months of 2025, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Vietnam amounted to $141.8 million, which is $9.7 million, or 7.4%, higher compared to the same period in 2024. During the reporting period, Azerbaijan's exports to Vietnam totaled $1.02 million, while imports from Vietnam amounted to $140.8 million. These figures represent a year-on-year growth of $183,000 (21.8%) for exports and $9.6 million (7.3%) for imports. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 15. Uzbekistan signed agreements worth $160 billion in 2025 as part of bilateral and multilateral engagements, Trend reports via the press service of the Uzbek president. The announcement was made during a videoconference chaired by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, focused on the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Uzbekistans diplomatic missions abroad. During the meeting, the president emphasized the need to strengthen economic diplomacy as a key tool for increasing exports and attracting foreign investment. He noted that economic diplomacy contributes to job creation, rising household incomes, and improved living standards, thereby reinforcing human dignity. According to the president, economic security remains a cornerstone of national security. Meanwhile, in 2025, Uzbekistans foreign trade turnover exceeded $80 billion, while exports reached $33.5 billion. Foreign investment inflows also saw a sharp increase, surpassing $43 billion. It was also noted that exports to 75 countries grew by nearly $4.5 billion last year, highlighting the expanding geography of Uzbekistans foreign trade. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. Representatives of Azerbaijan and Armenia conducted a joint inspection of the current condition of the Sadarak-Yeraskh railway section on January 15, the Cabinet of Ministers told Trend. The purpose of the inspection was to assess the technical suitability of the railway segment for the movement of specialized railway construction equipment needed to carry out infrastructure restoration works. During the joint review, the parties exchanged views on issues related to evaluating the technical condition of the railway infrastructure along the inspected section. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 15. Uzbekistans exports to Europe rose 23% in 2025, reaching $2.3 billion, Trend reports via the press service of the Uzbek president. The announcement was made during a videoconference meeting chaired by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, dedicated to reviewing the activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Uzbekistans diplomatic missions abroad. During the meeting, it was noted that some Uzbek ambassadors have yet to demonstrate tangible results in promoting Uzbek products in European markets. France was identified as a new export destination for Uzbekistans chemical industry and as a major potential market for chemical enterprises located in the Fergana, Navoi, Kashkadarya, and Tashkent regions. Uzbekistans diplomatic mission in France has been tasked with communicating French requirements and standards for fertilizers to domestic producers, as well as organizing meetings between company executives and product presentations. Overall, the government set the task of developing a comprehensive program to increase exports of mineral fertilizers to European countries with developed agricultural sectors. Meanwhile, in 2025, Uzbekistans foreign trade turnover exceeded $80 billion, while exports reached $33.5 billion. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Stablecoin issuers and distributors offering customers access to stablecoin yield may essentially be creating their own parallel ecosystem to bank operations, global bank JPMorgan's chief financial officer said Tuesday. "The creation of a parallel banking system that is sort of has all the features of banking, including something that looks a lot like a deposit that pays interest, without sort of the associated prudential safeguards that have been developed over hundreds of years of bank regulation, is an obviously dangerous and undesirable thing," Jeremy Barnum said in response to an analyst question during the bank's fourth-quarter earnings call. The U.S. Senate Banking Committee published a new draft of its crypto market structure legislation late Monday, setting a marker for its latest effort to wrangle crypto markets into a federal regulatory framework. While much of the bill focuses on the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as other federal regulators, one section seeks to restrict how crypto companies can offer customers yield rewards on stablecoin deposits. The provision as outlined would bar both stablecoin issuers and other crypto platforms from directly offering yield, unless the rewards were tied to activities like staking or other transactions. Barnum, speaking Tuesday morning, said a number of questions, including where securities are purchased from, what sort of effect they would have on "system-wide deposits" and how funds flow between consumers and wholesale providers, would inform what sort of risks stablecoin yield might have on the banking system, without elaborating on these risk factors. JPMorgan does already offer certain crypto products and services, he noted. He said that crypto companies offering yield might lead to "the creation of a parallel ecosystem" that offers the same sorts of properties and risks as bank deposits, but "without appropriate regulation." "As much as the technology is cool and there's interesting stuff there, in the end, you have to ask yourself, how does this actually make the consumer experience better?" he said. "And in the cases where it does, we either need to get involved or improve our own service offering." BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. The U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has expanded sanctions against Iran, adding 24 entities12 individuals and 12 companiesto its blacklist, Trend reports via OFAC. The measures target key representatives of Iranian state structures, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), law enforcement bodies, and companies involved in cross-border financial and logistical operations. The designated individuals include senior IRGC commanders and security officials, as well as persons involved in international energy trade. The sanctioned entities include companies registered in Iran, the UAE, Singapore, and the UK, linked to the trade in oil, petroleum products, and other strategically important commodities. OFAC indicated that a number of these companies were playing fast and loose with sanctions and were entangled in financial webs linked to global criminal enterprises and terrorist operations. The U.S. agency also announced a large-scale investigation into Iranian procurement networks for missile and drone equipment, as well as sanctions against a network that supported the IRGC and pro-Iranian groups in Iraq. The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is a financial intelligence and enforcement agency that administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals, targeting threats like terrorists, drug traffickers, and hostile regimes by blocking assets and restricting transactions, primarily through its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list and licensing. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. China National Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (CNCEC), is prepared to deepen cooperation with Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, including in the expansion into international markets, CNCEC Chairman Mo Dingge said, Trend reports. Mo made the remarks during a meeting on January 13 at CNCECs headquarters with Kanan Mirzayev, General Manager of Petkim and Head of the Refinery and Petrochemical Business Unit at SOCAR Turkiye. The discussions focused on strengthening long-term strategic cooperation in the energy and chemical sectors, as well as jointly promoting high-quality regional economic development. Mo noted that CNCEC, as a global leader in chemical engineering, has built strong capabilities in international engineering contracting, industrial investment and operations, and core technology research and development, delivering a number of landmark projects worldwide. He added that cooperation between China and Azerbaijan under the Belt and Road Initiative is increasingly aligned with the Shanghai Cooperation Organizations regional economic integration agenda, creating a broad platform for deeper engagement between companies from both countries. SOCAR, as a cornerstone of Azerbaijans energy industry, holds a strong position in the global oil, gas and petrochemical markets, Mo said. CNCEC is ready to further expand cooperation with SOCAR in areas such as technological innovation and international market development, leveraging the complementary strengths of both sides to support broader ChinaAzerbaijan economic cooperation. Mirzayev praised CNCECs technical expertise and its leading role in the global energy and chemical industries. He emphasized that SOCAR is pursuing an internationally oriented growth strategy and aims to build a leading regional energy and petrochemical ecosystem. CNCECs technological capabilities, engineering track record and global operations, he said, align well with SOCARs development priorities and offer substantial potential for mutually beneficial cooperation. Mirzayev expressed confidence that, by using industrial transformation as a catalyst for closer collaboration, both sides could unlock new opportunities, strengthen bilateral ties and contribute to regional economic development. SOCAR Turkiye is a major integrated energy and industrial company in Turkiye, operating across refining, petrochemicals, natural gas, trade and portfolio businesses through units such as Petkim and STAR Refinery. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 15. PepsiCo's snack manufacturing facility in Kazakhstan's Almaty region is slated for a technical launch in March 2026, with full-scale operations expected to commence in June 2026, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh government. The project is being implemented in two phases to establish new value chains, promote agro-industrial cooperation, and introduce modern technologies for the storage and processing of agricultural products. The plant is being built on an area of 50,000 square meters. According to the government, to ensure a steady supply of raw materials, 15 agreements have already been signed with domestic farmers. By the completion of all construction phases in 2028, the project is expected to create around 900 new jobs. Once fully operational, the plant will process up to 210,000 tons of potatoes annually. Construction of the plant began in September 2025. Initially, PepsiCo had planned to invest $160 million, but the total investment was later increased to $360 million. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, January 15. Tajikistan and the US discussed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik MFA. The discussion took place on January 14, 2026, during a meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the US to Dushanbe Manuel Micaller, on the occasion of the completion of his diplomatic mission in Tajikistan. During the meeting, the parties also addressed a range of current issues of mutual interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan expressed his gratitude to Manuel Micaller for his significant contribution to enhancing the friendly relations between Tajikistan and the United States, wishing him continued success and further achievements in his future professional endeavors. Previously, Tajikistans Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States, Zavqizoda Zavqi, and Senator Steve Daines, a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, as well as co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Central Asia Caucus, discussed opportunities for strengthening interparliamentary ties. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. Irans Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Nurlan Yerkambayev discussed regional and international developments during a telephone conversation, Trend reports via Iranian MFA. According to the information, Yerkambayev strongly condemned the terrorist and sabotage acts carried out in Tehran and other Iranian cities, which, as noted, took advantage of peaceful gatherings. He expressed condolences to the government and people of Iran, as well as to the families of the victims of the recent unrest, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. During the call, Araghchi outlined Irans assessment of the recent events, stating that peaceful gatherings had turned violent due to the involvement of trained terrorist elements. He emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran would firmly defend its national sovereignty and the security of its citizens. Araghchi thanked the SCO Secretary General for condemning terrorism and foreign interference in Irans internal affairs, stressing the collective responsibility of all countries to cooperate in preventing and combating terrorism. Yerkambayev, in turn, reaffirmed the shared stance of SCO member states on respect for national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, equality and mutual benefit, non-interference in internal affairs, and the rejection of the use or threat of force as fundamental principles for stable international relations. BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. Irans Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres discussed regional and international developments during a telephone conversation, Trend reports via Iranian MFA. During the call, Araqchi outlined Irans view of the recent events in the country, saying that peaceful gatherings with economic and trade union demands had escalated into violence following the involvement of terrorist elements. The Iranian foreign minister also pointed to statements by current and former US officials, which he said encouraged violence and the killing of people with the aim of paving the way for US military intervention in Iran, stressing Washingtons international responsibility for what he described as illegal and destructive interference in Iranian affairs. Araqchi further referred to what he called heinous crimes committed during the unrest, including attacks on law enforcement personnel and civilians, the killing of women and children, arson attacks, assaults on hospitals and medical centers, the burning of ambulances and fire engines, and the destruction of mosques and cultural centers. He described these acts as resembling ISIS-style terrorism and called on the United Nations and the Secretary-General to condemn them. The Iranian foreign minister also criticized the US move to convene a UN Security Council meeting under the pretext of addressing internal developments in Iran, calling it misleading. Araqchi emphasized Irans commitment to protecting the human rights of its citizens, including the right to peaceful assembly, while also underscoring the countrys responsibility to ensure public order, national security, and the safety of its people. He added that the Iranian government and public expect the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council to clearly condemn terrorist acts committed during the unrest, as well as what he described as illegal US interventions against Iran. In response, Guterres highlighted the importance of respecting fundamental human rights by all governments and rejected any form of interference in the internal affairs of states, including military intervention. He also stressed the need to adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, particularly the prohibition of the threat or use of force. Photo: The official website of the President of Iran BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi exchanged views on the current situation and regional stability in a phone conversation, Trend reports via Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the conversation, the Iranian minister briefed his Chinese counterpart on the latest developments in Iran, noting that the recent unrest had been instigated by external forces and that the situation has now stabilized. Araghchi said that Tehran is prepared to counter any foreign interference while keeping the door to dialogue open and expressed hope that China would play a greater role in promoting peace and stability in the region. Wang Yi said that China consistently supports the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and international law, opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, rejects imposing ones will on other countries, and is against a return to the law of the jungle in global affairs. He added that China believes the Iranian government and people will unite to overcome difficulties, maintain stability, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Investment Fund (EIF), collectively the EIB Group, have signed EU-backed guarantee agreements with PrivatBank and Ukreximbank to expand financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine, Trend reports via the EIB. The agreements, supported under the EU4Business Guarantee Facility, will allow the banks to offer SMEs loans on more favorable terms, including reduced collateral requirements. PrivatBank is expected to unlock up to 100 million, while Ukreximbank could provide up to 50 million in financing. The funding aims to support more than 2,600 SMEs, particularly those displaced by the war, operating near conflict zones, or owned by war veterans, internally displaced people, women or youth-led businesses and startups. The EIB, the European Unions bank, has been active in Ukraine since 2007 and significantly scaled up support following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in 2022, providing more than 4 billion in financing. Through its EU for Ukraine (EU4U) Initiative and the Ukraine Investment Framework, part of the EUs 50 billion aid program, the EIB has focused on strengthening resilience and rebuilding critical infrastructure. The EIF, part of the EIB Group, helps micro, small and medium-sized enterprises by improving access to finance through guarantees, equity and microfinance, promoting innovation and employment. PrivatBank, Ukraines largest state-owned bank, serves over 18 million customers and operates a network of more than 1,100 branches, nearly 10,400 self-service terminals and 316,000 POS devices nationwide, employing nearly 18,000 people. A major southeastern U.S. electric cooperative said it has chosen Kiewit Corp. to serve as the lead contractor for a new natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant it has planned in Monroe County, Georgia. Oglethorpe Power on January 13 said Kiewit will be the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner for the 1,425-MW Smarr Combined-Cycle facility in Forsyth. Oglethorpe, headquartered in Tucker, Georgia, is owned by and serves 38 member cooperatives across the state. Oglethorpe Power on Tuesday said it is developing the new facility to support long-term, system-wide load growth across its cooperative membership, including homes, businesses and existing industriesnot to serve any single customer or standalone project. The company told POWER that site preparation started in the fall of last year, and Oglethorpe expects construction will begin soon, with commercial operation of the new power plant planned in 2029. We are proud to partner with Kiewit through its subsidiary TIC [The Industrial Company] for this critical energy project that will support our mission to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to our members and the millions of Georgians they serve, said Annalisa Bloodworth, Oglethorpe Power president & CEO, in a statement. Its proven success in delivering complex power projects safely, on schedule and within budget, combined with a commitment to safety and community, makes the company an ideal partner for this facility and aligns perfectly with our cooperative principles and dedication to Monroe County. Oglethorpe Power currently operates the two-unit, 225-MW gas-fired Smarr Energy Facility in Monroe County. It also is co-owner of the coal-fired Plant Scherer in Monroe County, which is operated by Georgia Power. Oglethorpe Power has been a valuable partner to Monroe County for decades, and their selection of Kiewit subsidiary TIC, a proven industry leader, will bring jobs and other meaningful economic benefits while strengthening the reliable energy infrastructure that supports Monroe County residents and businesses, said Eddie Rowland, Monroe County commissioner. Local officials said the new power plant is expected to generate substantial property and sales tax revenues, which will benefit local schools and county services. Oglethorpe Power in May of last year said it would use GE Vernovas advanced 7HA.03 gas turbines for the new power station. The company told POWER that once online, the facility will be among the highest performing, lowest-emitting and most efficient natural gas plants in Georgia. In addition to utilizing GE Vernovas gas turbines, Oglethorpe said a notable design feature is the use of air-cooled condensers instead of traditional cooling towers, which will significantly reduce water consumption compared to most combined-cycle facilities. Were pleased to partner with Oglethorpe Power on this new combined-cycle natural gas power plant that will help meet growing energy demand across Georgia, said Andrew Gardner, senior vice president of TIC. With our proven experience in complex power generation projects and our focus on safety, quality and collaboration, were committed to delivering a facility that will provide reliable power for years to come. Officials on Tuesday said TIC and its affiliates have delivered more than 82 GW of gas-fired generation capacity over the past decade, including 35 combined-cycle projects, 25 of which feature advanced-class turbines. TIC said it expects the Smarr project at peak construction will have about 1,200 workers. Oglethorpe in an email to POWER provided details of its plan for more generation in Georgia: Georgias growth is driving increased energy demand, adding pressure on the states energy infrastructure. To meet our Members rising energy demands and increase the resiliency of our asset portfolio, were building cutting-edge power generation resources, enhancing our existing resources and investing in new technologies. In 2024, we announced two new natural gas generation projects, including this new combined-cycle facility in Monroe County. Were building natural gas capacity because it can be constructed within the timeframe needed to meet our Members growing demand, and because it serves as a flexible and reliable resource, capable of delivering both dispatchable, baseload power around-the-clock and peaking energy when demand is high. Oglethorpe Power, which through its members provides power to about 4.7 million Georgia customers, has begun hiring for some 30 permanent positions in operations, maintenance, and administration at the new power plant. The co-op has about $16 billion in assets through investments in natural gas, nuclear power, hydropower, and coal-fired generation. Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER. . . . . Ukrinform Correspondents Observe the Work of a Reconnaissance Crew from the 129th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade in Kharkiv Oblast Despite rapidly changing weather conditions, aerial reconnaissance operators of the 129th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine continue tracking enemy activity. One of the crews demonstrated how they operate the Leleka aerial reconnaissance UAV system. The terrain, the Ukrainian UAV, and the pilots skill are the focus of this Ukrinform report. Bodryis Crew in Search of the Enemy We depart from Kharkiv late at night, escorted by military personnel, heading in a direction that cannot be disclosed for security reasons. Some roads are already covered with anti-drone netting. For the most part, we move along field roads. Upon reaching the designated point, four reconnaissance soldiers unload very quickly. The crates contain the Leleka system itself, various pieces of equipment, a charging station, and some supplies for the crewconsiderable cargo required for every deployment. It is still dark outside, and wecivilian observersare disoriented in unfamiliar terrain. Carrying their gear, the soldiers disappear into the darkness, toward a concealed shelter they have prepared. When they return, they camouflage the vehicles. It is evident that the crew operates methodically and without unnecessary conversation. The reconnaissance personnel install and camouflage the antenna, assemble the UAV, and cover it with netting as well. Soon a command is given: Takeoff. Preliminary information has been received about possible enemy movement. The crew launches the bird in the required direction. Inside the shelter, while monitoring and controlling the flight, we are able to briefly speak with the pilots. Two of them have been at the front since the start of the full-scale invasion, while the other two were mobilized in 2025. Prior to their deployment to Kharkiv Oblast, the brigade took part in operations in the Kursk direction. As a result, the servicemen now compare the local terrain there and in Sumy Oblast with that of Kharkiv Oblast. Oleksandr Bodryi Its similar, but there are also local specifics. Within a few days we familiarized ourselves with the terrain for flights. Aerial reconnaissance now plays one of the key roles. Strikes are important, of course, but first the enemy has to be detected. We adjust not only artillery fire but also the work of FPV pilots, says Oleksandr, 46, call sign Bodryi. He received this call sign at the very beginning of the all-out war. The guys gave it to me because I was always the first to get everyone up in the morning, Oleksandr says with a smile. He has been at the front since March 2022. Initially, he served with the 117th Sumy Brigade and later transferred to the 129th. I wanted to be a pilot. I started with Mavics, taught myself to fly FPV drones, and later was sent to formal training courses to operate fixed-wing UAVs. Oleh, call sign "Sheva" Bodryis comrade is Oleh Sheva. According to the crew, both men spent a long time serving in infantry units and now work together in aerial reconnaissance. I operate the payloadthat is, the camera, Oleh explains his role within the crew. My job is to observe and orient myself using maps. Kharkiv Oblast has its own specifics. There are many ravines and small forested areasand many of them look very similar. No matter how much we fly, theres always a chance of drifting just slightly off course. FOREST CREATURES AND A FROZEN BIRD Oleh is originally from Kryvyi Rih. By education, he is a software engineer, although he did not work in his field. At a certain point, I switched to another line of work, which I later regretted, Sheva says. I worked in retail. The Leleka flight continues. To enable rapid orientation, the reconnaissance operators assign informal names to certain landmarks based on their outlines. A small forested area, for example, might become an animalsuch as a giraffe. In this way, observers at the monitor can prompt the pilot and help him quickly determine his exact location. The most difficult part is landing the aircraft. Launching it is easier, although that also has its own nuances, Sheva says. The reconnaissance operators unanimously emphasize how important it is for a crew to work as a cohesive team. And watching the pilots at work, it becomes clear that they have achieved that level of coordination. Yurii, call sign Pliushch I was mobilized on May 13 this year. I was fortunate to be assigned to the 129th Brigade, to the reconnaissance companyone could say by chance. The team is friendly, with no internal conflicts, says Yurii Pliushch. Working with computers is not difficult for me, and I was taught everything necessary to operate UAVs here. The work schedule depends on weather conditions and current tasksthey can call us in at any time. But there is a strong sense of moral uplift when you know you are contributing to the defeat of the enemy. Like Sheva, he is originally from Kryvyi Rih. I worked for more than 20 years at a coal mine, as a mining foreman and mid-level manager. Compared to my salary at the mine, I earn significantly more in the military, Pliushch adds. Suddenly, our Leleka begins to lose altitude. It is possible that the drone was hit by enemy fire. Its speed drops sharply, and it cannot regain momentum. Oleksandrthe most experienced member of the grouptakes over the controls. He manages to turn the aircraft around and guide it home. Everyone steps outside: the bird is already visible on the horizon, and moments later Oleksandr skillfully catches the UAV. The reconnaissance personnel explain that there was no damagethe bird simply became cold. Our deployment is taking place at 8C. A thin layer of ice formed on the UAVs wings, and the camera lens also began to ice over. Leleka can operate even at minus 30 degrees, but there is a certain altitude where moisture accumulates and icing begins, Oleh explains. If we climb higher, we pass through that layerbut from that altitude we would not see anything anyway because of the cloud cover. Below the clouds, the operating altitude is not very high. This time, we were genuinely fortunate to bring the aircraft back safely. That is a credit both to the design of the systemhow it is built and how its automation worksand, of course, to the pilot, who did everything necessary. Of course, the soldiers say, they have had to lose wings before: two of their aircraft were shot down by the enemy. It is time to leave the reconnaissance team. Dawn is breaking. We should already be on our way when an alert is announcedan enemy fiber-optic-controlled drone has been detected nearby. We run to the shelter. Later, with permission from the military, we emerge. The sun is already rising above the horizon. Were holding on. Everything will be Ukraine, Bodryi says in farewell. For your information The Leleka-100 is a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle designed for reconnaissance missions. It was developed by the Ukrainian company DeViRo and was adopted into service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine in May 2021. The system is capable of adjusting artillery fire at distances of up to 50 kilometers. Its maximum flight altitude is 1,500 meters; maximum speed is 120 km/h; cruising speed is 6070 km/h; endurance is up to four hours; operating temperature range is from 20C to +40C. The UAV weighs up to 5 kilograms. The Leleka UAV is catapult- launched and relies on a parachute to safely land. Yuliia Bairachna, Kharkiv Viacheslav Madiievskyi photos Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Albanian Foreign Minister Elisa Spiropali have discussed the development of the PURL program during a meeting in Kyiv. Zelensky shared details of the meeting in a post on Telegram, Ukrinform reports. "Today, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Elisa Spiropali is visiting Ukraine. This visit comes at a very challenging time for Ukraine and for our people. And it is a strong signal of support. We also value the fact that today the Minister is not only here, but also personally visiting and supporting our warriors undergoing rehabilitation," he wrote. According to Zelensky, both sides "discussed military cooperation - defense production, the integration of Ukraine and Albania into the EU - this is a common goal of our countries - and the development of the PURL program, namely - the possible accession of Albania to the program this year." "Separately, I informed the Minister about our diplomatic efforts with partners in pursuit of peace," Zelensky said. Read also: Zelensky discusses joint projects with Albanian PM The two also discussed strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation. According to Zelensky, "sanctions are a critically important tool for undermining Russias ability to continue the war." Zelensky awarded Spiropali with the Order of Princess Olga, 1st class, and thanked her for supporting Ukraine. "We are very grateful to Albania for its support from the very beginning of this war," he said. Photo credit: Office of the President of Ukraine Welcome Guest! You are here: Home AIMIM to emerge as single largest party in Malegaon Corporation 2026: Exit Polls Asaduddin Owaisis All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is set to emerge as the single largest party in Malegaon where polling for the corporation election (MMC) was held today [AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi in a rally in Malegaon. (Inset) Malegaon MLA Mufti Ismail with Asad Owaisi (File image)] Malegaon Mahanagar Palika Elections 2026: Asaduddin Owaisis All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is set to emerge as the single largest party in Malegaon where polling for the corporation election (MMC) was held today. Polling for 84 members representing 21 wards of Malegaon Municipal Corporation ended today peacefully. As per the state election commission, Malegaon recorded a polling percentage of 46.18% till 03:30 PM Thursday. The polling was supposed to end at 05:30 PM. However, huge lines of voters were seen at various polling booths, forcing the local officials to extend the time beyond the scheduled end time. Hence the final data of polling percentage is yet to be released. Counting of votes will be done tomorrow i.e. Friday January 16, 2026. MMC Election 2026 Exit Poll The All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) had fielded candidates in 60 wards, and also extended support to a couple of independent candidates. As per the ummid.com Exit Poll, the AIMIM is set to emerge as the single largest party in the Malegaon Mahanagar Palika, and looks in a strong position to elect its Mayor in Malegaon. Former Congress MLA Asif Shaikh Rasheed, contested the Malegaon Municipal Corporation (MMC) election under the banner of his new party . He had fielded candidates on 42 seats whereas its ally Samajwadi Party (SP) contested on 18 seats. The two parties have once again failed to impress the voters in Malegaon, and appears to be falling behind the AIMIM in terms of the number of members in the house, the Exit Poll by ummid.com revealed. In the Hindu dominated area of Malegaon which has 24 seats, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) led by Minister Dada Bhuse seems to be having an edge over its rivals BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT). The ummid.com Exit Poll is based on the mood of the voters and are indicative, and not the final results. The final result will be announced on Friday January 16, 2026 after counting of votes. AIMIM Holds Support Base The AIMIM had won the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election when sitting MLA Mufti Ismail had defeated former Congress MLA Asif Shaikh by a meager 162 votes. Asif Shaikh tried hard to win back the support of the voters, and take revenge of the defeat of the 2024 Assembly Elections. But the ummid.com survey conducted during the campaigning and polling day revealed he failed again. The survey by the Team ummid.com showed the AIMIM, powered by Asaduddin Owaisi and Mufti Ismails coordinated campaigning, has been able to hold its support base, especially among the female voters. AIMIM top leaders from Hyderabad and Bihar also camped in Malegaon for weeks, boosting the partys election campaign. Though the AIMIM was criticized for giving the party tickets to several candidates from a single family , its candidate selection was billed by the political analysts better than Asif Shaikh and Samajwadi Party. Fraught Poll Campaign Asif Shaikh and Smajwadi Party (SP) from the day one focused on defeating the BJP and communal forces, instead of local issues. This found no takers. Their personal attacks on Mufti Ismail and Asaduddin Owaisi also boomeranged, Team ummid.com found after talking to a number of voters. Some videos and photos that went viral ahead of the polling also went against Asif Shaikh and his allies, Team ummid.com found. Meanwhile, Asif Shaikh, Mufti Ismail, Dada Bhuse and Bandu Kaka Bachav of the BJP have all claimed victory for their respective parties after the polling for the Malegaon Corporation ended Thursday. Elsewhere in Maharashtra, most of the Exit Polls are predicting sweep by the BJP and its allies in the Mumbai Mahanagar Palika (BMC) where polling was also held today. Polling was held today in 29 Corporations of Maharashtra. Counting of votes in all the 29 corporations will be held on Friday January 16 when the final results will also be announced. Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic The India I knew and The India I am living in Born and brought up in a typical Hindu home, where never was heard a word of hatred against other faiths; I am not able to relate to the present-day philosophy and practice of Hindutva I was recently watching Kapil Sibal interviewing Yashwant Sinha - former Minister in the BJP government who held portfolios for Finance and Foreign Affairs before resigning long ago, asking him about the recent political situation. Sinha spoke very sincerely about the "good old days," comparing them with todays mahaul (atmosphere) inside and outside the Parliament. Perhaps it is the tendency of people getting old to feel nostalgic about "their time" and feel ill at ease with the present day. Perhaps this is what has happened to me. I remember my experiences of my younger days fondly. I would like to mention my home because it almost perfectly expresses the socio-religious culture of that time. Our family consisted of three persons, excluding us two children. Each one of the three followed the faith of their choice. My mother was a strong Krishna bhakt (devotee); my Baba (grandfather) was an equally strong devotee of Devi, who also believed in and practised many rituals. My father was a non-believer. Yet, we all stood by when Baba called for Puja. No one ever criticized the other's faith. I may be rebuffed here - telling me that my example of one familys mutual harmony can not be compared to the complexities and needs of a multi-religious society like Indias. But my early experience still belies what I find around me now. The idea of "hatred of the other" specifically followers of other religions, was simply never heard of in my young age. Religious identity was not frequently referred to. Later in life, my husband had two Muslim colleagues. There was such a strong harmony between all of us. These friends were an integral part of our Holi celebrations. We used to regularly visit their homes on both Eids. Both have since passed away, but we maintain the same relations with their families. In fact, the children of one of them have closer contact with us than the families of most of our other friends. In my young days, I was a voracious reader. I read a lot of Mahatma Gandhi. As early as 1909, the Mahatma wrote in his path-breaking work, Hind Swaraj (Indian Home Rule): India cannot cease to be one nation because people belonging to different religions live in it... That country must have the power of assimilation. India has ever been such a country... The Hindus, the Mohammedans, the Parsis, the Christians who have made India their country are fellow countrymen. In no part of the world are one nationality and one religion synonymous terms... Should we not remember that many Hindus and Mohammedans own the same ancestors, and the same blood runs through their veins? Do people become enemies simply because they change their religion? Is the God of the Mohammedans different than the God of Hindus? Religions are different roads converging in the same point." (Hind Swaraj) However, later I found Gandhi talking about Hindus and Muslims as bhai-bhai (brothers). At that time, I did not like this. I was already convinced that there is no basic difference between them, and to call them "brothers" implied they had separate identities to begin with. Perhaps, I was wrong then. But Mahatmas declaration regarding the God of all humans being the samewhich seems to be ignored by most religionists todayremains the greatest declaration, leaving no scope for mutual conflict in the name of God. I read Jawaharlal Nehru during the same period and felt an affinity with him, as he spoke the language my heart felt to be true. Jawaharlal Nehrus approach was unconditionally secular and humanitarian. He believed: Minorities in India, it must be remembered, are not racial or national minorities, as in Europe, they are religious minorities... Latterly, religion in the real sense of the word has played little part in Indian political conflicts, though the word is often used and exploited. Religious differences as such do not come in the way, for there is a great deal of tolerance for them. In politics, religion has been displaced by what is known as communalism, a narrow group mentality basing itself on a religious identity, but in reality concerned with power and patronage for the interested group." (Discovery of India) Nehru is often set aside by present-day Hindutva supporters because he is perceived as being "soft" towards minorities. It was not softness; it was Nehru's sense of justice which demanded total equality among all. He wasrightly soafraid that Minorities can be dealt in a hundred ways but majority in a democratic system would be dangerous if it functioned as a religious majority. I don't think I understood the terrible implications of that simple sentence at the time. Nehru understood the horrible implications of his own observations, repeating elsewhere: "The alliance of religion and politics is a most dangerous alliance, and it yields the most abnormal kind of illegitimate brood." Again, I might not have understood the real urgency of these warnings simply because there was no social atmosphere around me to justify what Nehru was saying. I heard of chote-mote (small) incidents of conflict between the two communities, but such conflicts were short-lived, and soon everything used to become normal. Indian films played a major role in depicting a society of harmony and fraternity. Hindus and Muslims were shown having close relationships. Now, I am told that such close relationships were "artificial". I don't know; not only did I use to enjoy and appreciate this, but everybody near me approved of it. There is a joke that an aspiring actor once told a film director that he felt very insecure being a minority. The director asked, "Why should you feel so when you are a Hindu?" The aspirant started counting the names of the heroes, and every hero's name ended with 'Khan'! I was just yesterday seeing an old film song clip on televisionone of those melodies that spoke of shared humanityand it struck me how far we have drifted from that innocence. The screen reflected a unity that today is being rewritten as a lie. But for me, it was the truth. Contrast this with present-day films, like The Kashmir Files or The Kerala Story and so many others whose names I forget simply because I have never seen them. They seem to express immense hatred of the "other" by the simple device of misrepresenting facts, or presenting a very small incident as if it were the whole truth about a society. The earlier films gave a message of love and harmony; the present-day ones tell us how bad things are! Films do affect our psyche. While the earlier ones instilled in us a sense of peace and security, recent films try to convince us that persons belonging to the other community are not just "bad", they are enemies against whom we must always be alert. My God! How could anyone do this? Of course, it seems 80% of our netas (politicians) have only one job: collecting money with one hand and declaring all non-Hindus as our enemies with the other. Worst still, there is some poision which has been absorbed by the air we breath, as a result of which 80% Hindus believe that both that Muslims are their enemies, and hating them or be violent towards them is what their religion or Hindutva is all about. This politics of division is alien to the India I know. There is hardly anything common between the traditional Hinduism and Hindutva. Traditional Hinduism worships many gods, and at the same time declares that all gods are but different names of one Supreme Divine Reality (Ekam Sat vipra bahudha vadanti, Rig Veda ). But the ideology of Hindutva declares that there is but one God called Ram, who is the symbol of both Hinduism and Indian nationalism. The core of traditional Hinduism is religious toleration, which has determined the history and culture of India. Hinduism declares that there is one Divine Reality only, but it can be worshipped in different forms according to ones beliefs and emotional needs. This is the doctrine of ishta devata, the deity of ones choice which idea makes Hinduism the most tolerant religion in the world. Hinduism also advocates ahimsa which, though borrowed from heterodox sects of Buddhism and Jainism, has been so much internalized by traditional Hinduism that it can be safely acknowledged as belonging to the core of Hinduism. On the other hand, the central message of Hindutva is aggression and destruction of enemies, real or imaginary. The original Hinduism believes in the unity of all humankind, nay, all living beings. This follows automatically from its faith in one Atman being the Self of all. The Bhagavatgita has expressed this vision thus: The Self abiding in all being and all beings abiding in the self sees he who has been made steadfast by yoga, and everywhere sees the same. He, O Arjuna! Who sees with equality everyone in the image of his self, whether in pleasure or in pain, he is considered a perfect yogin. Though the Mahabharata is mainly a tale of wars, even it declares again and again Ahimsa paramo dharmah( non -violence is the supreme duty). Further it says in Shanti Parva:: Dont treat others in a way in which you would not want to be treated by others. How can a man who wants to live himself kill another? Therefore, you should wish for others whatever you want for yourselves. In the entire theistic - devotional (Bhakti) tradition devotion to the Lord is conceived in such a way that it is integrated with the love and compassion for all living beings. Tulsidas, the Bhakta poet who declared Ram as the avatar of God, says: Knowing Sita and Ram residing in all beings, [or all beings being enveloped by Sita and Ram] I bow down to all of them. Kabir declares: Numskull! You have missed the point. It is all one skin and bone .. Who is a brahmin , who is a shudra? Kabir says plunge into Rama, There no Hindu, no Turk. Guru Nanak repeatedly declared, Na koi Hindu, na Musalman (No one is Hindu or Muslim), meaning that all these distinctions are false. But the contemporary supporters of Hindutva seem to say that not only Hindus and Turks are different, they are not the children of the same God; nor does their God- Ram- reside in the hearts of Muslims and Christians who are the children of another God! If it were not the case, they would not have emphasized the differences so much as to forget the common humanity of us all. As we have seen above, no one can kill or harm anybody if he is convinced that the same Atman or God resides in all of us, as all the Hindu texts have proclaimed. As far as the destruction of any place of worship is concerned, I challenge every Hindu to find a single Hindu text which exhorts such a dastardly act. Moreover, having declared Ram as the symbol of Hinduism, they should not go on appealing to other gods, which they are doing all the time, as they do not want to miss any opportunity to secure their desired boons from anyone who can give them that! The entire idea is farcical. The supporters of Hindutva have randomly picked on their mythology to project Hinduism as an aggressive religion, but have not bothered to learn any thing from the characters of their gods. Ram is a God of righteousness and compassion, Krishna of Vrindavan is a God of love, Krishna of the Bhagvadgita teaches doing ones duty selflessly; and Shiva is declared Bhole nath a simple hearted God who is easily appeased, and so on. None of these values have any meaning for the Hindutva people. To conclude, Hindutva is an attempt at semitizing Hinduism. Thus, in the name of saving Hinduism from the onslaught of the Semitic religions, the protagonists of Hindutva have semitized Hinduism, thereby destroying whatever was unique to it. The uniqueness of Hinduism lay in its extreme liberalness, religious toleration, and vision of one Divine Reality residing in all, and being worshipped in many forms, features which distinguish it from Semitic religions. By undermining all these and trying to project Hindutva as a self- assertive, aggressive, and strictly monotheistic religion, Hindutva has destroyed Hinduism as it existed along the ages, and tried to project a hybrid religion which misses the good points of both, i.e., Hinduism and Semitic religions ,and saves only the negative aspects of Semitic approach. Also this brings me to my final judgment. Born and brought up in a typical Hindu home, where never was heard a word of hatred against other faiths; I am not able to relate to the present-day philosophy and practice of Hindutva. Therefore, I want to dissociate myself from the present-day Hindutva. I believe in, and practise, the Rig Veda's dictum "Ekam Sat, vipra bahudha vadanti" (Truth is one, though learned men talk of It differently), and Guru Nanak's declaration "Na koi Hindu, na koi Musalman", adding that I am only an Insan (human being). [The writer, Dr. Saral Jhingran, did her PhD on Advaita Vedanta from Rajasthan University in 1972. Since then she has held several UGC fellowships, and finally retired as a research scientist affiliated to the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library. Her specializations are philosophy of Religion, Indian philosophy, and above all ethics. She is also involved in social issues, and upholds a secular humanitarian standpoint. She has authored 6 books on religion and morality.] Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates. Select Language to Translate in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic Water is gradually becoming one of the key strategic resources of the 21st century, and Azerbaijan is increasingly building its own long-term policy in this area. Baku's interest in seawater desalination projects, both inside and outside the country, can no longer be considered as separate initiatives. We are talking about a systematic approach in which investments, technology, geopolitics and national security issues are intertwined. For the first time, a desalination plant will be built in our country to improve the water supply of the Absheron Peninsula, and this process has already begun. This was stated by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at a meeting on water supply in Baku and Absheron on Monday. The Head of State stressed that the advantage of this project lies in the fact that it will be implemented exclusively at the expense of foreign investments. The project will increase the volume of water flowing to Baku and the Absheron Peninsula. The topic of seawater desalination is of interest to the Azerbaijani side not only in the context of the country's water security. Today, Azerbaijan is considering the possibility of going beyond the republic's borders in this area. Indicative in this light was the report by the Israeli newspaper The Marker that the Azerbaijani Investment Holding (AIH) is conducting a comprehensive audit of IDE, the largest water desalination operator in Israel. The possibility of acquiring 30 percent of the company's shares is being considered. The deal's value could range from $250 million to $270 million. To understand the scale: IDE Technologies provides about 45 percent of Israel's total desalinated water, and the country itself covers about 70 percent of its water needs through desalination. The company is one of the world leaders in this field, uses advanced technologies (reverse osmosis, distillation) and builds large desalination plants. The Sorek desalination plant, built by IDE, is one of the largest and most powerful seawater desalination plants in the world. It is located near Tel Aviv. The station uses unique vertical 16-inch membranes and demonstrates high desalination efficiency. If the deal goes through, it will become Azerbaijan's second major state investment in Israeli infrastructure. In the summer of 2025, SOCAR, the state oil company, has already acquired a 10 percent stake in the Tamar gas field for $1.25 billion. Thus, Baku is consistently strengthening its strategic partnership with Israel. And now not only in the energy sector, but also in the critically important field of water technology. It is important that Azerbaijan's interest in desalination is not limited to foreign assets. Back in 2022, Azerbaijan Investment Company OJSC and IDE Water Assets Ltd signed a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a plant for desalination of Caspian Sea water. At that time, Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov spoke directly about his intention to transfer Israeli experience and technology to Azerbaijani realities. In October 2024, the National Strategy for the Efficient Use of Water Resources for 2024-2040 was approved. This is an extremely important document, given the objective reality: about 70 percent of Azerbaijan's water resources are formed outside the country. In such conditions, desalination of seawater becomes not an exotic, but a rational and in many ways inevitable solution. It is expected that from 2027, desalinated seawater will begin to flow into the water supply system of Baku and its suburbs. The pilot project is scheduled to be launched this year. The preparation of contracts and project documentation with the participation of international companies is currently being finalized. This was announced at the opening of the II International Exhibition and Conference "Water Management" Baku Water Week, held in September last year. Although the Israeli side has shown great interest in the project in Azerbaijan, the tender for the construction of a Caspian water desalination plant was won by Saudi ACWA Power. The Israeli IDE and the Metito Utilities company from the UAE took the second and third places. The Saudi company will build an enterprise in the Sumgayit industrial Park with a capacity of 300 thousand cubic meters of water per day. The project is designed for 27.5 years, after which the facility will be under the management of the State Agency for Water Resources of Azerbaijan. During the 30th anniversary Baku Energy Forum, Polina Lyubomirova, Business Development Director of the Saudi company ACWA Power, said that the company is in the final stage of preparing documentation for the construction of a seawater desalination plant for the production of drinking water in Azerbaijan. According to her, ACWA considers not only energy projects, but also strives to take into account all the needs of the country, including water supply issues. The choice of ACWA Power is not accidental. The company is one of the world leaders in the field of water desalination and green energy, implements 94 projects in 13 countries, and the total value of its portfolio reaches 97 billion dollars. She is already involved in a number of major projects in Azerbaijan. For example, the Khizi-Absheron wind farm, built by ACWA Power, was recently commissioned. Global experience shows that desalination is an expensive but effective way to ensure water safety. Suffice it to say that the countries of the Persian Gulf actually live off this method of obtaining drinking water. The region produces more than 44 percent of all desalinated water in the world. In some Gulf countries, desalinated water accounts for 90 percent of total water consumption. Israel has achieved great success in this area, including thanks to IDE technologies. The country has become an oasis in the desert, transforming chronic water scarcity into a manageable problem. Note that the most common seawater desalination technology today is reverse osmosis, a process in which pressurized water passes through semipermeable membranes that trap salts, bacteria, and viruses. It is precisely such technologies that will be used in Azerbaijan. Experts reassure us that before getting into the homes of residents of Baku and Absheron, seawater will undergo multi-stage purification and will be cleaner than traditional water supply sources. Moreover, technology continues to evolve. Recent research by an international group of scientists from China, Saudi Arabia and the United States has shown the promise of graphene-based membranes capable of removing up to 99.7 percent of salts from seawater. Such developments open up new opportunities for cheaper and more efficient desalination in the future. Azerbaijan's investments in desalination, both in Israel and within the country, are part of a unified strategy. In the context of climate change, population growth and regional risks, technology is becoming the tool that makes it possible to turn vulnerability into an advantage. Israel has perfectly demonstrated this by its example. Paradoxically, it is the modern industry that has influenced the climate that today gives humanity a chance to adapt and find a way out of a difficult situation. Research shows that the planet's freshwater reserves continue to decline. This means that new technologies must have their say. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC) manufactures and markets food and beverage products. The company has a market cap of $27.7 billion and offers a range of products, including condiments and sauces, cheese and dairy products, meals, meats, refreshment beverages, coffee, and more. Kraft Heinz is expected to release its Q4 2025 earnings in the near term. Ahead of this event, analysts anticipate the company to generate earnings of $0.61 per share, representing a decline of 27.4% from $0.84 per share reported in the same quarter last year. The company has surpassed the Streets bottom-line estimates in each of the past four quarters. More News from Barchart For fiscal 2025, analysts expect the company to report an EPS of $2.53, indicating a 17.3% decrease from $3.06 reported in fiscal 2024. Moreover, its EPS is expected to fall 1.2% year over year to $2.50 in fiscal 2026. www.barchart.com KHC shares have declined 18.3% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 19.3% rise and the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLP) 6.1% return during the same time frame. www.barchart.com KHC stock plunged 4.5% following the companys Q3 2025 earnings release on Oct. 29, 2025. The companys net sales declined 2.3% year over year to $6.2 billion. Moreover, its adjusted EPS for the quarter fell 18.7% from the year-ago quarter to $0.61. Analysts consensus view on KHC is neutral, with a Hold rating overall. Among the 21 analysts covering the stock, one suggests a Strong Buy rating, 19 recommend a Hold, and one gives a Moderate Sell. Its mean price target of $26.24, indicates an upside potential of 11.6% from the current levels. On the date of publication, Neha Panjwani did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com The company said, Entering 2026, Lithium Ionic (LTHCF) 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, 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 Brazils 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. The Company also reports that it has terminated the 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 Companys wholly owned Brazilian subsidiary, divested its minority interests in the special purpose companies associated with the K2 Option Agreement, completing the Companys withdrawal from the transaction. The decision to terminate the agreement reflects Lithium Ionics continued focus on disciplined capital allocation and prioritizing its most advanced and value-accretive assets in Brazils Lithium Valley, including the advancement of the Bandeira Project towards construction. Claim 70% Off TipRanks Premium Published first on TheFly the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>> Central Michigan University made history Wednesday by becoming Michigan's first public university to guarantee employment outcomes for its graduates, promising to pay students $2,000 if they don't secure a job offer or graduate school acceptance within six months of graduation. The groundbreaking Central Career Guarantee program represents a seismic shift in how universities demonstrate accountability for student outcomes and career readiness. In an era when prospective students and families increasingly scrutinize return on investment for higher education, CMU is putting its money where its mission statement is. A Bold Commitment Backed by Strong Results CMU President Neil MacKinnon announced the program emphasizing the university's confidence in its approach to hands-on learning and career preparation, noting that CMU students already achieve a 94.3% career outcomes rate. "At CMU, we know that our approach to hands-on learning, leadership development and student success works," MacKinnon said. "We're confident that we offer students an exceptional education that delivers real-world results, and now we guarantee it." The guarantee stipulates that eligible participating students will receive a job offer or acceptance into graduate school within six months of graduating, or the university will provide $2,000 of financial support to assist with student loan payments, a continued job or school search, or other needs. Strong Track Record Justifies Confidence The university's willingness to back its graduates with financial guarantees stems from impressive existing outcomes data. CMU graduates earn 26% more than the national median within two years of graduation, positioning alumni for financial success early in their careers. Additionally, CMU holds distinction as one of only four public institutions in Michigan designated as an Opportunity University by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education. This recognition underscores the institution's commitment to providing affordable, accessible higher education with measurable career outcomes. "The number one reason most students choose to pursue higher education is to improve their career prospects they are seeking pathways to better jobs and higher earnings," MacKinnon explained. "We want students and their families to see that a college degree from CMU can help them achieve that goal." Program Details and Eligibility Beginning in the fall 2026 semester, eligible main campus and online undergraduate students will be able to opt into the Central Career Guarantee program, which requires them to complete a roadmap of steps during each phase of the program. The structured approach ensures students engage with career development resources throughout their academic journey rather than waiting until graduation approaches. While specific program requirements have not been fully detailed, the roadmap approach suggests students will need to actively participate in career planning activities, utilize university career services, and meet certain benchmarks to maintain eligibility for the guarantee. This opt-in structure allows motivated students who are committed to their career development to access the guarantee while maintaining reasonable parameters for the university's financial commitment. A Strategic Response to Higher Education Challenges The Central Career Guarantee emerges at a critical juncture for higher education. Universities nationwide face mounting pressure to demonstrate tangible value amid rising tuition costs, student loan debt concerns, and increasing skepticism about the return on investment of a college degree. Employment guarantees represent a growing trend among institutions seeking to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive enrollment landscape. By assuming financial risk for unsuccessful job outcomes, universities signal strong confidence in their career preparation programs while addressing prospective students' primary concern: Will this degree lead to employment? CMU's move positions the Mount Pleasant-based institution as an innovator willing to be held accountable for student success beyond graduation day. The program effectively extends the university's commitment to students from the traditional endpoint of degree conferral to the critical transition into the workforce. Implications for Students and Families For prospective students evaluating college options, the Central Career Guarantee adds a tangible safety net to the decision-making process. The $2,000 payment, while modest compared to total degree costs, provides meaningful support during what can be a financially stressful job search period. The funds can be applied toward student loan payments, helping graduates avoid default during unemployment. Alternatively, the money can support continued job search activities, including travel for interviews, professional development courses, or living expenses while seeking appropriate employment. Perhaps most importantly, the guarantee signals institutional commitment to career outcomes that extends beyond graduation statistics published in marketing materials. CMU is staking financial resources on its ability to prepare students for the job market, creating alignment between institutional success and student success. The Competitive Landscape While CMU becomes Michigan's first public university to implement such a guarantee, it joins a growing number of institutions nationwide experimenting with employment outcome guarantees. These programs vary significantly in structure, eligibility requirements, and financial commitments. Some programs guarantee specific starting salaries in certain fields, while others focus on placement rates within defined timeframes. The $2,000 payment amount positions CMU's program as substantial enough to be meaningful while remaining financially sustainable for the institution given its strong existing outcomes data. The guarantee distinguishes CMU from peer institutions competing for the same pool of prospective students. In admissions conversations, the university can now point to a concrete financial commitment backing its career preparation claims, potentially influencing enrollment decisions among career-focused students. Building on Existing Infrastructure CMU's ability to launch this guarantee builds on existing career development infrastructure. The university operates Career Central, a comprehensive platform connecting students with employers, internships, and career resources. Thousands of jobs and internships are posted through the system, connecting CMU students with employers ranging from local businesses to Fortune 500 companies. The university's career development services include individual appointments, career fairs, networking events, and workshops designed to prepare students for successful job searches. This existing infrastructure provides the foundation for ensuring students who engage with available resources achieve positive outcomes. Mission-Driven Innovation MacKinnon framed the Central Career Guarantee as an extension of the university's core mission. "Our mission statement says, 'Central Michigan University is defined by the success of our students and alumni, and by our collective impact with the communities we serve,'" he noted. "This Guarantee is an extension of that mission, demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that our students become successful alumni, serving as leaders in their professions and in their communities." The program represents a values-based approach to accountability, moving beyond traditional metrics like graduation rates and alumni satisfaction surveys to create measurable financial commitment to career outcomes. Looking Ahead As fall 2026 approaches, CMU will need to operationalize the program, establishing clear eligibility criteria, defining the required roadmap steps, and creating systems to track participant outcomes and distribute payments when applicable. The program's success or challenges will likely influence whether other Michigan public universities follow suit with similar guarantees. If CMU's strong existing outcomes translate to minimal payout obligations while providing significant enrollment advantages, the model may spread. For current high school students beginning their college search, CMU's career guarantee adds a new dimension to the evaluation process. Beyond considering campus culture, academic programs, and financial aid packages, prospective students can now factor in institutional accountability for career outcomes. Additional details about the Central Career Guarantee are available on CMU's website at www.cmich.edu. As the program launches, it will be closely watched by higher education observers, competing institutions, and prospective students seeking institutions that stand behind their career preparation promises. In an increasingly competitive and uncertain higher education landscape, Central Michigan University's willingness to guarantee career outcomes with financial backing represents bold leadership and genuine commitment to student success. Whether this model becomes the exception or the new standard remains to be seen, but CMU has drawn a line in the sand: the university's success is inextricably linked to its graduates' career success, and it's willing to put dollars behind that commitment. This story was originally published on Marketing Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Marketing Dive newsletter. NEW YORK As retailers look to level up the sophistication of their media networks, some are turning to a new partner: their biggest disruptor. Amazon last January launched a Retail Ad Service that allows outside retailers to tap into the e-commerce giants ad tech to run and manage campaigns while helping advertisers to discover new media networks via Amazon Ads. Its a concept that has raised some eyebrows but is starting to attract players that are trying to boost discovery and stand out in a category that has grown hypercompetitive for ad dollars. The immediate impact is a commercial one, said Michael Krans, vice president of Macys Media Network, during a panel at the National Retail Federations Big Show earlier this week. What this helps us do is move beyond just [being] a retailer thats serving ads. This positions us as a tech-enabled media solution to the community. Macys Media Network, which debuted in 2020 and encompasses the Macys, Bloomingdales and Bluemercury brands, signed on for a pilot with Amazons RAS in August, right ahead of the key holiday period. At the time, Macys was described as the first major retailer to join RAS, which also works with smaller and mid-sized names, including Tillys. Macys Media Network has since drawn over 175 new brands to its sponsored products offering, according to Krans. Perhaps more importantly, RAS has improved credibility and confidence for advertising with the network due to Amazons sterling ad-tech reputation. In Macys case, a vast majority of its potential advertiser base was already in the Amazon ecosystem, creating a greater sense of consistency. I wanted to essentially remove friction from the ad-buying process, said Krans. I wanted to give another option, another way for advertisers to easily execute media campaigns, specifically sponsored products, on Macys.com. A degree of wariness toward teaming with Amazon is understandable for traditional retailers. RAS, which is built on Amazon Web Services technology, has controls to keep users data separate from Amazon Ads, the company has said. At the same time, retailers are facing a retail media landscape that is maturing and now populated by over 200 networks, per industry estimates. Advertisers have indicated they want to be more selective with their retail media spending and desire partners that can deliver well-rounded services with meaningful reach. The initial retail media gold rush is over and the specter of consolidation has loomed large for some time now, a factor that could push more networks toward partnerships and cooperatives. By Aditi Shah NEW DELHI, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Mercedes-Benz grew its revenues in India in 2025 thanks to strong demand for its high-end luxury cars, its CEO said, even as stiff competition from rival BMW in the entry-level part of the luxury market pulled down the carmaker's overall sales in the country. Mercedes, India's leading luxury carmaker, sold 19,007 vehicles in 2025 versus 19,500 a year earlier, Santosh Iyer told Reuters on Wednesday, reducing its lead against BMW which sold 18,000 cars last year. A 23% decline in sales of Mercedes' entry-segment cars in 2025 weighed on growth even as demand for its top-end models grew by 12% and its performance car brand AMG saw a 34% increase over the same period, Iyer said. "There is a clear price war happening in the entry luxury segment. We have opted out of it and will continue to opt out of it," Iyer told Reuters. "We will prefer value over volume," he said, adding that 2025 was the "best ever year in terms of revenue" with the average selling price of a Mercedes in India touching $111,000, up from $98,500 two years ago. While Mercedes does not disclose financials for individual markets, according to disclosures made to the Indian government, the carmaker posted its highest-ever revenue of close to $1.5 billion in the last fiscal year ended March 2025, which was up 9%. With sales of its top-end vehicles - cars priced above 15 million rupees ($166,115) - on the rise throughout 2025, the company expects it will exceed that revenue in the current fiscal year ending March 2026. India's luxury car market is small and made up just over 1% of the country's total passenger car sales of 4.4 million units in 2025. Mercedes plans to launch 12 new cars in India in 2026, including EVs, AMG and top-end models, Iyer said. He expects single-digit sales volume growth in 2026 as the carmaker fights to reduce costs amid foreign exchange volatility. "Margins will be under pressure, but still, I think we run a very profitable business," he said. (Reporting by Aditi Shah;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle) Mitsubishi Electric Corp. is reportedly planning to sell its automotive equipment business. A Bloomberg report said the vast conglomerate plans to solicit bids for the unit, citing people familiar with the matter. The report said the manufacturer will accept first-round proposals until Jan. 26 from potential buyers who could be from private equity or other major automotive suppliers. The sale could be worth over $1.3 billion, the report suggested. Analysts say the slowdown in electric vehicle sales notably in the US as well as highly competitive conditions in major markets (such as China) are making it more difficult for parts suppliers (Mitsubishi Electrics auto division specialises in inverters and automotive motors) to be profitable. Mitsubishi Electric has been looking to restructure its automotive equipment business in recent years. "Mitsubishi Electric planning sale of automotive business report" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. Netanyahu says the announced start of Gaza ceasefire's next phase is a 'declarative move' Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed nine people, including three women, following the U.S. announcement of a second phase in the fragile ceasefire Federal officer shoots person in leg after being attacked during Minneapolis arrest, officials say A federal officer has shot a man in the leg in Minneapolis after being attacked with a shovel during an arrest Wednesday Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. A man accused of threatening a man who was conducting a welfare check with an implement is to be allowed to travel to another country for a new job. At Waterford District Court, Judge John Cheatle ordered that the case be heard in camera, and so, the man cannot be named. Sergeant John Phelan told the court that on a date in summer 2025, the injured party carried out a welfare check on a woman who resides with the defendant. It is alleged that the injured party believed that the woman had been subjected to an assault by the defendant in the days prior to this incident. When he went to the home, the man answered the door and wielded the implement in a threatening manner. The court was told the defendant had the implement for the purpose of his work. Acting for the defendant, solicitor Ken Cunningham told the court that his client was due to move to another country for a job. He said his client intended to contest the charge and will return to do so. However, his current bail condition to sign on at the garda station was an impediment to his move. The solicitor also said that the parties in the case are currently getting along. Judge Cheatle relaxed the signing on condition and put the matter back to April. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND THEFT In a separate case, Judge Cheatle accepted jurisdiction in a matter where an injured party was allegedly assaulted and her passport stolen by her husband. That man who was charged with assault, criminal damage and theft, also cannot be named. The court was told that gardai responded to a domestic violence incident and spoke to the injured party. It is alleged that the victims husband threw her phone and broke it before slapping her in the face, causing her to collide with furniture. The man then took her passport before leaving, the court was told. Judge Cheatle accepted jurisdiction and put the matter back to March. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme Waterford City and County Council will be represented in four categories of the Local Authority Member Association (LAMA) awards, which take place in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre next month. Celebrating 20 years, the LAMA awards shine a spotlight on collaboration between communities and local authorities and provide a national platform to showcase outstanding local initiatives that enrich and strengthen our communities. In the Best Housing Regeneration and Urban Planning Category, the refurbishment of 29 The Glen, is shortlisted. The refurbishment was completed as part of Waterford City and County Councils ongoing response to dereliction and vacancy within the city. A spokesperson for Waterford Council said the four, quality, one-bedroom apartments were allocated to tenants from the Councils social housing list and as such have helped to ensure the continued support of residential amenity in the local area. Pictured is 29 The Glen, before the works In the Best Enterprise and Start-Up Hub category, Kinetic Labs has been shortlisted. Kinetic Labs is an innovative, purpose-built science and technology hub located in the heart of Waterford, designed to support early-stage and scaling enterprises operating in the life sciences, med-tech, bio-tech, pharma, and high-value manufacturing sectors. Established to address a critical gap in the South-East region, it provides high spec laboratories and tailored business support for scientific and technical start-ups that traditionally face significant barriers to entry due to the high cost of lab facilities, compliance requirements, and specialised equipment. The Council's Environment Department has been recognised in two categories. The Ballybricken Transport eHub is shortlisted in the Best Community Transport Initiative. The eHub site allows people to select the most suitable mode of transport for their needs, aiming to provide a range of shared public travel options. By providing alternative solutions, it encourages people to try different mobility options when travelling to work or getting around the city. The purpose built eHub sites includes an ESB charge station to charge the shared EVs, as well as one e-cargo bike and four e-bikes. In the Best Green Sustainable Initiative category, the Councils, 'Business Pledge for a Cleaner, Greener Waterford' has also been shortlisted. In 2025, the fourth year of the initiative, local businesses were invited to take the pledge and commit to completing at least two actions over 12 months, to reduce the carbon footprint of their business and avail of a 9 per cent discount on their commercial rates bill. Commenting on the shortlist, Sean McKeown, Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council said: I would like to congratulate all the Council staff and teams behind the shortlisted projects. From housing and environmental initiatives to economic development, these projects demonstrate Waterford City and County Councils forward-thinking approach to tackling some of our most important challenges." Initiatives such as the LAMA awards not only give us and the other 30 local authorities the opportunity to showcase our work, but also to work collaboratively with others and share best practice," he said. The LAMA All-Ireland Community and Council Awards 2026, which will take place on February 28, will celebrate 20 years of the awards and 40 years of the LAMA Executive. We came across a bullish thesis on NextDecade Corporation on Nishant Chandras Substack. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on NEXT. NextDecade Corporation's share was trading at $5.25 as of January 13th. NEXTs trailing P/E was 40.83 according to Yahoo Finance. Jim Cramer Highlights Cheniere (LNG) Energy Partners 6.27% Yield Oleksandr Kalinichenko / Shutterstock.com NextDecade (NEXT) is uniquely positioned to capitalize on Europes permanent exit from Russian natural gas, a shift driven by Brussels push for energy sovereignty and expected to fully take effect by the end of 2027. As Russian pipeline and LNG supplies are phased out, European markets face dramatically higher energy costs, creating a significant arbitrage opportunity for producers like NEXT. The companys Rio Grande LNG project in South Texas is perfectly timed to start operations just as Russian gas disappears from the continent, providing an immediate foothold in a highly lucrative market. Major energy players TotalEnergies and Exxon have already secured most of the projects output, with pricing tied directly to European gas hubs, ensuring strong, predictable cash flows. With a market capitalization of only $500 million today, NEXT is on track to generate $23 billion in annual cash flow within five years, highlighting an extraordinary upside potential for investors willing to tolerate volatility. The combination of timing, contractual security, and a market supply-demand imbalance positions NEXT as a potential 510x growth story over the coming decade. While headlines focus on Europes energy crisis and the political theater surrounding sanctions on Russia, NEXT is quietly poised to benefit from a structural shift that will see Europe pay significantly higher prices while the company captures much of the margin. For investors, this represents not just exposure to a booming LNG market, but a rare opportunity to participate in a transformational energy play with exceptional risk-reward characteristics. Previously we covered a bullish thesis on Golar LNG Limited (GLNG) by Value Science in February 2025, which highlighted the companys potential upside from commodity-linked tariffs, newbuild MkII vessels, and securing key contracts with YPF. The company's stock price has depreciated by approximately 2.65% since our coverage. This is because the thesis didnt fully play out in the short term due to timing and market volatility. Nishant Chandra shares a similar bullish outlook on NextDecade Corporation (NEXT) but emphasizes timing its Rio Grande LNG project to capture Europes exit from Russian gas, creating a unique structural growth opportunity. Murphy Larkin Timber Products have recently been awarded the ISO 9001 accreditation. This is a globally recognized standard that demonstrates a companys commitment to quality and best practices. Murphy Larkin is only one of three joineries in Ireland to have received this accreditation from NASAI and the only one supplying pre-hung door sets. A spokesperson for the business told the Waterford News & Star, This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality pre-hung door kits, including fire door kits, alongside exceptional service to our customers. ISO 9001 certification confirms that our processes meet rigorous international standards and that quality, efficiency and continuous improvement are embedded in everything we do. Advertisement Updated NationalLiterature SA premier disagrees with offer to add ousted writer to festival program Kerrie O'Brien Updated January 15, 2026 6:53pm ,first published 8:54am 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 South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas says he does not support the Adelaide Festival boards offer to add Palestinian-Australian writer Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah to the 2027 Adelaide Writers Week program after controversially dumping her a week ago. Malinauskas on Thursday said he was advised of the Adelaide Festival Corporations position after it announced that it had made the offer to Abdel-Fattah, along with an unreserved apology for removing her from the literary festivals line-up after the Bondi attack. Her removal sparked a week of turmoil and led to the 2026 Writers Weeks cancellation after 180 writers withdrew in protest. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas. Nine News The views that I put, I carefully thought through. I formed an opinion based on fact, the facts have now been proven, my principles havent changed and my views havent changed, Malinauskas said. Advertisement Other people have changed their opinions but not me. Im in favour of inclusivity, Im in favour of consistency, making sure all voices are heard. The premier said he did not support the festivals offer for Abdel-Fattah who on Wednesday threatened to sue him for defamation over comments he made on Tuesday to be included in the writers weeks 2027 program. He backed the decision of the previous Adelaide Festival board to remove her from the line-up. Louise Adler resigned on Tuesday as director of Adelaide Writers Week. Eddie Jim 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 and new board members were appointed this week. Louise Adler, who resigned as Adelaide Writers Week director on Tuesday, said the boards apology to Abdel-Fattah is what the literary community needs to hear after what was felt to be a fundamental breach of trust. Advertisement The backflip came a day after former Adelaide Festival board member Tony Berg accused Adler of hypocrisy over free speech, saying she threatened to resign from her role in 2024 unless the board cancelled an invitation to Jewish New York Times journalist Thomas Friedman. On Thursday, Friedman told this masthead that he did not withdraw from the 2024 event of his own volition but was uninvited by organisers, who told him the timing would not work. British band Pulp, one of the headliners of this years Adelaide Festival, said late on Thursday that it had planned to withdraw due to Abdel-Fattahs removal from the writers week program, but would now perform at the free opening night concert on February 27 following the boards apology. We told the festival organisers that we wouldnt be able to play due to the dreadful situation with Dr Randa, Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker said in a statement posted to Instagram. We were asked to delay making this statement. They have now changed that situation [and] issued an apology to Dr Randa. Dr Randa is happy with that apology. We are happy that the situation has been dealt with [and] are now prepared to perform at the music festival once more. Advertisement Earlier on Thursday, the Adelaide Festival Corporation apologised unreservedly to Abdel-Fattah and invited her to feature in the line-up next year. It also apologised to Adler for cancelling the literary festival she had programmed. In a statement, it said: On 8 January 2026 the Adelaide Festival Corporation published a statement announcing that it had decided to exclude Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah from participating as a speaker at Adelaide Writers Week this year. We stated that this was because it would be culturally insensitive to allow her to participate. We retract that statement. We have reversed the decision and will reinstate Dr Abdel-Fattahs invitation to speak at the next Adelaide Writers Week in 2027. We apologise to Dr Abdel-Fattah unreservedly for the harm the Adelaide Festival Corporation has caused her. Intellectual and artistic freedom is a powerful human right. Our goal is to uphold it, and in this instance Adelaide Festival Corporation fell well short. The statement continued: The new Adelaide Festival Board would like to reassure the people of South Australia it is thoroughly committed to the successful delivery of Adelaide Festival 2026. Advertisement Related Article Exclusive Literature American writer says he was uninvited from Adelaide Festival over timing Responding to the festivals announcement via Instagram, Abdel-Fattah said she accepted the apology as acknowledgement of our right to speak publicly and truthfully about the atrocities that have been committed against the Palestinian people. I accept this apology as a vindication of our collective solidarity and mobilisation against anti-Palestinian racism, bullying and censorship, she wrote. I accept this unreserved apology as acknowledgement of the harm inflicted on our communities. Abdel-Fattah said she would consider the boards invitation to participate in the event in 2027, but would be there in a heartbeat if Louise Adler was the director again. 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 On Thursday, she confirmed that she would continue with her defamation case against Malinauskas. On Wednesday, her lawyer had sent a concerns notice to the premier over comments he made at a news conference the day before. She said recent events surrounding the festival showed the power of collective mobilisation and solidarity. In this moment, we have shown in less than a week what civil society can do in the face of ruling elites. And I hope arts and cultural institutions are paying attention and realising their duty of care and accountability to communities not powerbrokers. Loading Adler said on Thursday it had been a torrid few weeks and that the new boards move offers the opportunity for a reset. The statement of genuine apology to Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah recognises that her exclusion was deeply offensive, that cultural sensitivity is meaningless unless we are all entitled to it. Advertisement The statement affirms [the board] is committed to artistic freedom of expression, and thats also very important for the arts community, she said. Adler said the new board have already brought to their deliberations wisdom, experience and the conviction that the arts matter. This is what the literary community needs to hear after what was felt to be a fundamental breach of trust. Related Article Updated Literature Vicious assault: Ousted writer threatens defamation action against South Australian premier Conservative Jewish groups have previously criticised Abdel-Fattah for social media posts critical of Israel. 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. Advertisement The new board chair, Judy Potter, apologised to Adler on Thursday, saying the board was sorry that the incredible Adelaide Writers Week program she had worked so hard to curate for 2026 has been cancelled as a result of the events that have unfolded over the last week after the announcement of the decision to rescind the invitation to Dr Abdel-Fattah. We acknowledge the principled stand she took in the extremely difficult decision to resign from her role as director, Potter said. Louise is a revered figure of Australian literature who we hold in the highest regard. Her contributions to, and stewardship of, Adelaide Writers Week in the time she has been the director (2023-2025) have been outstanding. We wish also to convey the warm affection of the staff for Louise and their gratitude for her strong convictions. The festival statement said a decision to establish a subcommittee of the board to review Adelaide Writers Week operational decisions had also been rescinded. Advertisement Potter said: We commit to the curatorial independence of the director of Adelaide Writers Week while noting the boards overarching responsibility for a well-delivered event of the highest quality. Related Article Literature Ex-board member accuses Louise Adler of hypocrisy over NYT writer Abdel-Fattah continued: Whilst AFs statement acknowledges the harm done, it is not a quick fix to repair the damage and injury inflicted. This episode highlights three urgent matters: the profound lack of racial literacy in our public institutions and the need for urgent anti-racism education that is informed by Indigenous perspectives and frameworks; the need for public institutions to have safeguards against political interference by lobbyists; and the imperative of accountability for those who shirk their governance duties in a failure to understand that their duty of care is to their stakeholders and to the community, not groups acting in the interests of external political players. The Adelaide Festival on Thursday thanked the South Australian government for its help in delivering the 2026 program, the first presented by new artistic director Matt Lutton. Advertisement We acknowledge and are grateful that the Premier Peter Malinauskas and Minister for Arts Andrea Michaels have taken swift action to appoint a new board enabling us to rapidly re-set and continue our work in delivering Matts outstanding program, it said. We also appreciate the premiers consistent position that the curatorial choices of Adelaide Festival, including Adelaide Writers Week, are at the discretion of the organisation, festival chief executive Julian Hobba said in the statement. With Michael Koziol and Stephen Brook 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 A massive operation to help hundreds of stranded holidaymakers on the Great Ocean Road was under way on Thursday evening, after flash-flooding hit several tourist areas. The raging torrents hit Lorne, Wye River, Separation Creek and Cumberland River on Thursday afternoon, sweeping several cars out to sea at Wye River. Flooding at Wye River on Thursday. Rebecca Scott Sparked by huge downpours, the waters also swallowed riverside campgrounds, forcing panicked campers to run for their safety. Numerous people were rescued after flooding hit early afternoon, including a man stranded on a roof at Cumberland River who was winched to safety by police. Several people sheltered on Wye Rivers general store roof, cars were left submerged under bridges and floodwaters trapped some holidaymakers in their caravans. Advertisement Floodwaters at Lorne claimed several tents and lapped around caravans, with SES crews and residents seen carrying children from the water to safety. Authorities said on Thursday night that the Erskine River Caravan Park suffered significant damage, and it is unclear when it would reopen. The Great Ocean Road remained closed between Skenes Creek and Fairhaven, about an 80-kilometre stretch that takes in Lorne and Wye River. There were no reports of injuries. Advertisement Advice from authorities at 10pm on Thursday stated that it wasnt safe to return to the area between Lorne and Kennett River, and anyone who had not evacuated were told advised to shelter in the highest location possible. People isolated by floodwater are being warned they may remain so for quite some time. Loading For Wye River, the local council Colac-Otway Shire had set up a relief centre at Apollo Bay P12 College, and was organising for a bus to take people there. For Lorne, Surf Coast Shire also set up its own relief centre at Stribling Reserve. Advertisement More than 200 people accessed the Lorne relief centre in its first two hours, with 20 expected to spend the night. Hundreds more people were expected to visit across the night. Many of those still to arrive were evacuated from caravan parks. Lorne campground on Thursday afternoon. Nine News The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, which helped evacuate them, said at 10pm that Kennett River and Wye River campers were OK to remain. They urged tourists who had been due to arrive on Friday to delay their plans by two days, to give authorities time to assess the Great Ocean Roads safety. Advertisement For both Lorne and Wye River, many locals have made their houses available as temporary emergency accommodation. Footage received by this masthead shows sections of the Wye River Big4 holiday park underwater in surging floodwaters, cars being swept into the ocean, and at least four cars crashed against the Cumberland River bridge by surging floodwaters. About 1500 people have been evacuated from Wye River caravan park, and local emergency services estimate about 400 people will not be able to retrieve their cars and need to be bussed out of town. The owners of a few properties at Separation Creek just north of Wye River also fled after their lower storeys were flooded. Advertisement The Bureau of Meteorology recorded 175 millimetres of rain in the Mount Cowley area near Lorne in six hours. Wye Rivers CFA captain Andy Hack first learnt of the rising waters from his daughter, who works at a local cafe. She called home to say, Were evacuating because waters all of a sudden come up out of nowhere and its in the cafe. I looked out the window and I saw two cars just floating out to sea, Hack said. The caravan park has essentially been shut down and people will have to get out of town. It just came up incredibly quickly, so people werent prepared. Advertisement Premier Jacinta Allan summed up the mood of the state in labelling the footage from Wye River terrifying. Im thinking of the community and campers along the Great Ocean Road tonight. I am keeping across any emerging updates, she said. At this stage, were estimating there are maybe 400 people that wont have access to vehicles. The cars have been pushed up against each other or been parked on the grass and its too boggy to drive out. This deluge thats come down the [Wye River] goes through the effluent field of the treatment plant, so there might some hazardous material in the water, so weve got to be careful about managing that situation so its safe [for people to return to the caravan park]. No one in vehicles swept out to sea, police say On Thursday afternoon, police said officers and the Air Wing responded to several incidents in the area. Advertisement We believe no one was inside any of the vehicles at the time, police said. No one was sighted in the vehicles, and we currently dont have any reports of missing people. The Air Wing winched a man, aged in his 60s, from a roof in Cumberland River and were aware of reports a number of people sought refuge on the roof of the general store in Wye River; however, as water has now receded, theyve been able to make their way off the roof. There has been flash flooding in Wye River and some cars have been swept out to sea Police also co-ordinated evacuations from caravan parks in Cumberland River and Erskine River. Advertisement The flash flooding occurred as Victoria continues to battle major bushfires that have burned more than 400,000 hectares across the state. Alex Kelly was among those who evacuated the Wye River caravan park with her partner and two children on Thursday. It was just six days after the family had to evacuate Castlemaine as the Ravenswood South bushfire threatened their home. We went to Melbourne on Friday and then moved again because we already had Wye River booked, she said. Lots of our friends are impacted in Harcourt. Im feeling very angry. And what Im feeling most angry about is were not putting an end to the fossil fuel industry. Advertisement The flash flooding has also come just a few weeks after Wye River commemorated 10 years since the bushfire that destroyed 116 houses. Wye River witnesses describe frantic scenes Rebecca Scott was camping at the Wye River Big4 park with her daughter when the river broke its banks about 1pm. Suddenly, the water was just coming up, Scott said. You know that feeling, that moment when youre like, This is a flood. This is dangerous waters. View post on X Advertisement Scott described a frantic scene as campers attempted to unplug electrical equipment and save essentials. She was forced to abandon her tent, bedding, and camp kitchen to flee in her car as the parks playground became a reservoir. Were driving past campsites submerged, people running towards their campsites in shock, she said. Scotts exit was eventually blocked by rising water, forcing her to abandon her vehicle and evacuate on foot to the Wye River pub. Michelle Mackenzie was at the ye River pub for lunch when the flooding became serious. She described seeing eskies and chairs washed away as the pub swelled with evacuees from the campgrounds. Mackenzie said there were multiple fire trucks stationed in the town and the main bridge crossing the river had been closed. Advertisement One resident, Kath, told the ABC that after a morning of heavy rain, conditions became scary about 1.40pm. It really was like a tsunami of water going out from the river, she said. Ive never seen anything like it Lorne was effectively been cleaved in two by the flooding, which closed the Great Ocean Road bridge over the Erskine River. 3AW breakfast host Ross Stevenson, who is holidaying in Lorne, reported that the bridge at the entrance to the town near the FoodWorks was shut due to debris and rising water. Advertisement The main street of Lorne is now a complete traffic jam because no one can get across this bridge, Stevenson told 3AW. Its incredible. Ive never seen anything like it. Stevenson described rampaging water pouring through the local caravan park and camping site. Its really, really moving, he said. Im seeing on the ... northern side of that bridge... that waters got up really significantly. Local MP Richard Riordan, speaking from Lorne, urged people not to automatically cancel their bookings in the affected towns, given the areas impacted by the floods were largely limited to the riverbanks. Advertisement If the roads are open, its safe to come down, he said. The December to January period is crucial for the whole Otways region, and when you lose whole weekends at this time of year, its a real kick in the guts. This is not the first time this has happened in the area. In April 1985, thunderstorms and heavy rain caused Wye River to rise one metre in half an hour, destroying the caravan park and washing away 50 caravans. Get alerts on breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert. 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. Tradesmen have discovered human remains while working at a home on Phillip Island. Police and emergency services were called to the property in Silverleaves on Thursday morning after the remains were found. Police at the property at Silverleaves on Thursday. Jack Morgan/WIN News Tradesmen were doing plumbing works at the home on Hazelwood Court, when they unearthed bones about 8.35am, police said in a statement. Homicide Squad detectives were later sent to the home, where police tape cordoned it off on Thursday afternoon. The missing persons squad was also notified, and the bones would undergo forensic testing, police said. Advertisement NationalWADefamation Canning mayor wins $250,000 payout over defamatory Facebook posts Carla Hildebrandt January 15, 2026 7:20pm 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 City of Canning mayor has won $250,000 in damages after the Supreme Court found a ratepayer published a fake Facebook post falsely portraying him endorsing a Federal MP, as part of an obsessive smear campaign to paint him as corrupt. In a decision delivered on Wednesday, WA Supreme Court Justice Marcus Solomon found Richard Clive Aldridge published ten defamatory publications about Patrick Hall between September 2021 to September 2022, most of them via Facebook. A fake endorsement Aldridge shared with regulators. WA Supreme Court The judgment traced the origins of contempt to a long-running dispute over Shelley Beach Park, an off-leash dog beach on the Canning River foreshore where Hall supported a cafe proposal, which Aldridge opposed. Justice Solomon found Aldridge turned his focus to Hall endorsing Canning council candidates via his mayoral Facebook page. Advertisement City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall. Facebook The judge said the volume and persistence and some content within Aldridges complaints and applications bordered on the bizarre. Related Article Updated City of Perth Ex-Kwinana mayor picked to monitor City of Perth council I have concluded that Mr Aldridges lack of objectivity and obsessive contempt for Mr Hall is so entrenched and pervasive that his evidence cannot be relied upon unless it is corroborated by contemporaneous documentary evidence, Justice Solomon found. The most serious publication was a fake advertisement of Hall endorsing former Liberal MP Ben Morton using his mayoral title, which Aldridge had included in complaints to authorities. Advertisement Justice Solomon found it conveyed imputations that Hall had breached the law and engaged in corrupt conduct. The judge found a mayor was entitled to endorse candidates for local government elections. In March 2022, Aldridge lodged 11 separate minor breach complaints to the Local Government Standards panel, exceeding 300 pages, each alleging a breach due to Halls endorsement of candidates, the judgment stated. None of those complaints were successful. Mr Aldridge, who represented himself at trial, argued the posts were protected by honest opinion. Advertisement Justice Solomon accepted Aldridge honestly believed his views but found they were driven by contempt. Mr Aldridges obsessive preoccupation with Mr Hall created a dogged self-righteousness that blinded him to any objective perspective and disabled him from a rational response, Justice Solomon said. Justice Solomon found that continuing to publish allegations after repeated adverse rulings demonstrated unreasonableness and malice. Justice Solomon accepted evidence the campaign caused harm to Hall and his family. I was left with no doubt that Mr Hall was quite severely impacted, emotionally and psychologically, by Mr Aldridges conduct, he wrote. The court found Hall felt unjustly vilified and hamstrung by confidentiality provisions that prevented him from publicly disclosing that complaints against him had been dismissed. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Defamation Perth Courts Carla Hildebrandt is a journalist with WAtoday. She previously worked on ABCs Four Corners and as a court reporter at The Daily Telegraph in Sydney. For secure contact: carlahildebrandt@proton.me. Connect via email Advertisement NationalWACrime Perth doctor accused of indecently assaulting patients allowed to work with men Hannah Murphy January 16, 2026 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A A Perth doctor accused of indecently assaulting his patients will be allowed to work with men at his practice after his suspension was lifted in a tribunal hearing earlier this week. Vino Lunchana Kariyakarawana. Vino Lunchana Kariyakarawana, who owns a GP clinic south of Perth, is facing three counts of indecent assault in WAs District Court for allegedly inappropriately touching two of his female patients. Kariyakarawana has pleaded not guilty to the charges, but was subsequently suspended from practicing in September 2025 until the matter could be resolved. This is standard practice within the health profession and criminal investigations. Advertisement Kariyakarawana asked the State Administrative Tribunal to lift his suspension in December, arguing his family was surviving off just his wifes income and they would likely have to sell a property they currently rent out to get by. The suspension is placing great strain upon his relationship with his wife and his own mental wellbeing, the judgment said. Kariyakarawana said he was concerned the legal proceedings would be protracted and he could be out of work for some time. The SAT agreed with his submissions on Thursday and said Kariyakarawana could safely practice at his clinic with certain conditions in place on his registration, specifically prohibiting him from treating female patients. [This] is sufficient to guard against the identified risk to public health and safety posed by the practitioner, it said. Advertisement The SAT said it did not accept the Medical Board of Australias submission Kariyakarawana should be kept from practicing for public safety. We find that a properly informed public should feel confident that the profession is being regulated in a way that, so far as possible, ensures that the practitioner does not pose a risk to them in his provision of health services and that they can be confident in the safety of health services provided by medical practitioners generally, the judgment said. The SAT said it considered whether there was a risk to women who may accompany their family or friend to an appointment, but said it was not a real risk. There is no suggestion that the practitioner has been alleged to have acted inappropriately to anyone other than patients, the judgment said. Accordingly, we do not think the conditions need to exclude the practitioner from treating male patients who are accompanied by a female in the consultation. The SAT ordered Kariyakarawana and the Medical Board of Australia to agree to the new conditions and set a new date for them to confer. Advertisement NationalWACrime When is it going to stop?: Locals anger as community caught in the crossfire of Perths tobacco war Rebecca Peppiatt and Hamish Hastie January 16, 2026 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Harshal Patel is fed up. His Ballajura pub, The Firkin, was shot at just over a month ago in an alleged illegal-tobacco related incident that police believe was meant for the next door convenience shop, The Candy Station. This week the shop was set on fire again, allegedly in relation to the sale of illegal tobacco products. Its the fourth time its been struck by arsonists in 12 months. Harshal Patel said his pub has seen a decline in business since it was caught in the cross fire of Perths tobacco war. Nine News Perth Firefighters managed to quickly put out the blaze that was started at 4am on Thursday morning but Patel believes next time they may not be so lucky. Whens it going to stop? he said. Advertisement The government, the police, everyone knows whats happening [but] theyre not doing anything about it because its still open. Youve got kids going in there buying vapes. It needs to go. Its not good. Its not good for the Ballajura community or its local residents, or the businesses that operate out of here. Patel said his business has seen a reduction in customers since it was shot at on December 5. Youve got customers, regulars, who dont want to come [because] youve got firebombs, shootings, why would they want to come? he said. Because it happens so frequently now, you will see a hit to businesses, absolutely. Advertisement The night before The Candy Station was targeted, a shop in Huntingdale was also set alight for a second time. Patel wants the Ballajura store permanently shut down but currently in WA, that is not an option. The Candy Station was set on fire again on Thursday morning. Rebecca Peppiatt The power to penalise those that are selling illegal tobacco products currently lies with the Department of Health. Its my view. Yes, Id like to see their powers uplifted as the new Tobacco Control Act is formed, but until then, we are working with police every day to make sure that we are working together really effectively as we can within the legislation currently available, WA Health director general Shirley Bowen said on Thursday in response to the fire. Advertisement She added that the process of penalising those selling illegal tobacco products was a complex legal procedure. The Ballajurra incident has prompted further criticism from the opposition over the time its taken to empower WA Health and police. Excuses from this government. Wrong priorities, prioritising legislation in other areas. I want to be clear. We are talking about fire bombings at suburban shopping centres and suburban strip shopping areas, opposition leader Basil Zempilas said. That is not good enough, the premier and his health ministers, the police minister, they need to introduce this legislation on the first day back of the new sitting year next month. To not do so will be unacceptable. Emergency Services Minister and former Police Minister Paul Papalia said while those laws were required, he placed much of the responsibility on the Border Force and federal police to prevent the products entering Australia in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement Theres children that walk across this car park, as I say, theres two primary schools, theres childcare centres, and theres a theres a high school just down the road, and you see all the kids walking across here, all the school bags in the morning, he said. Well, the ultimate catastrophe would be someone coping a bullet, or, you know, be ing a victim of some overflow from an explosion. And nobody wants to see that. with 9 News Perth Advertisement Exclusive TechnologyAI ChatGPTs biggest rival is setting up shop in Australia John Buckley January 16, 2026 2:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A A A Anthropic, the multibillion-dollar US start-up that develops one of the worlds most popular AI chatbots, Claude, is in the early stages of setting up shop in Australia, as the federal government ramps up efforts to lure foreign technology investment. Documents filed with the corporate regulator in December show the $US350 billion ($523.7 billion) AI firm has applied to set up a local subsidiary, Anthropic Australia, registered to the address of its lawyers at Baker McKenzie in Sydneys Barangaroo. The filing lists Anthropics California-based general counsel, Jeffrey Bleich, and David Cowper as the companys Australian directors. Anthropics Claude chatbot and underlying technology have gained traction with enterprise customers around the world. Bloomberg Anthropic, which was founded in 2021 by former OpenAI employees and siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, is expected to reveal more about its plans for the Australian market in the first half of this year. The company has yet to announce who will be its country head, and what its primary business functions will be in the local market. Advertisement Little else is currently known about Anthropics priorities for Australia. But the market has become a target for competitors across the technology sector in recent years, as the worlds largest AI companies race to expand their global operations with a range of commercial and infrastructure deals. Related Article Exclusive AI Unions score rare win over AI rollout with Microsoft agreement Anthropic, through a spokeswoman, declined to comment. Anthropic is set to become the second major AI company to establish an Australian presence in just months. Late last year, ChatGPT maker OpenAI celebrated the opening of its Australian head office with an event at the Museum of Contemporary Art, along with a spate of partnerships with some of Australias biggest companies. The arrival of OpenAI, and soon Anthropic, come amid a string of AI initiatives launched by the Albanese government aimed at bolstering Australias local AI capability, boosting productivity, and attracting commercial and infrastructure investment. Advertisement The AI boom has already seen OpenAI commit over $US500 billion to the data centre infrastructure required to power its technology around the world. Over the last year, Australia has been trying to position itself as a hub for data centre investment across the region. Related Article Social media Metas AI wrongly bans Australian businesses In December, OpenAIs investments first announced as part of the companys Stargate project at the White House last January extended to Australia, when the company announced itd struck a $7 billion deal with ASX-listed NextDC for a data centre in Sydneys Eastern Creek. Treasurer Jim Chalmers dubbed the deal a terrific outcome for the economy and the tech sector. Its more proof Australia has the talent, clean energy potential, trade partnerships, and policy settings needed to be one of the big winners when it comes [to] AI, Chalmers said in a statement last month. Advertisement Partnerships like these will help create good jobs, boost skills, and spread AI adoption across our economy. Commonwealth Bank senior economist Ashwin Clarke said he expects a modest uplift in investment growth in the Australian economy of about 3.5 per cent a year through the second half 2026, and into 2027, supported by investments in data centres and renewable projects. We estimate the combined renewable and data centre investment pipeline of potential projects is very large at [about] $150 billion. The timing is uncertain, but much of this will be invested over the next five years, with a ramp-up as early as 2027. Get news and reviews on technology, gadgets and gaming in our Technology newsletter every Friday. Sign up here. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaCrime Woman who accused NY party circuit twins of sexual assault found dead in NSW Debra Kamin January 16, 2026 5:09am 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 Kate Whiteman, the Australian woman whose accusation of sexual assault against twin brothers Oren and Alon Alexander opened the floodgates for dozens of similar allegations from women across the globe, was found dead in the NSW central west late last year. She was 45. Whitemans death, which has not been previously reported, was confirmed by a spokesperson for the NSW coroner. The death of Katie Whiteman at Cowra was reported to the coroner in late 2025, the spokesperson said. The circumstances were found to be non-suspicious. The investigation is concluded and the file is awaiting closure and finalisation. Oren Alexander in court in Miami, Florida, in late 2024. Bloomberg Whiteman sued Oren Alexander, a high-profile real estate agent, and his twin brother, Alon, in March 2024. She said she met the brothers, regulars on the New York party circuit, at a Manhattan nightclub in 2012 and they forced her into an SUV as she was leaving the club. They drove her to the Hamptons, she said, where she was assaulted at Sir Ivans Castle, a party mansion in the Southampton town of Water Mill. Advertisement Her accusations were followed the next day by a lawsuit from Rebecca Mandel, who accused the brothers of drugging and then assaulting her at a party in Manhattan in 2010. Mandel described consuming a drink her first of the evening that Alon had handed to her before her memory went hazy. But in the lawsuit, she recalled Oren forcefully penetrating her while Alon held her down. She said they then switched places and the assault continued, according to the lawsuit. Orens twin brother, Alon Alexander. Bloomberg The brothers have denied all allegations. Their lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Whitemans death. Evan Torgan, Whitemans lawyer, declined to comment. Advertisement Text messages and compromising photographs between Whiteman and the brothers had been leaked to The Daily Mail, which ran a story in July with a headline claiming that raunchy nude-filled sexts threaten to blow the case wide open. Oren Alexander had been one of the top-earning real estate brokers in New York alongside his older brother Tal Alexander, who was his partner first at the brokerage Douglas Elliman, and then at Official, a boutique luxury brokerage the two founded in 2022. A Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department image of Alon (left) and Oren Alexander. AP They regularly smashed real estate records, including with the 2019 sale of a nearly $US240 million penthouse at the time, the most expensive residential sale in US history. Alon Alexander, who worked as an executive at his familys private security company, was his brothers regular sidekick at social events and private clubs from Mykonos to Miami. Advertisement Charismatic and armed with youth and millions of dollars, Oren, Alon and Tal Alexander together built an image of jet-setting bachelors. But whispers that the brothers may have assaulted people had followed them since high school. In the summer of 2024, those whispers spilled into public view when The Real Deal, a real estate trade publication, first reported that Whiteman and Mandel had filed lawsuits against the twins. A third woman soon sued the twins and Tal Alexander, and a chorus of allegations began mounting on social media against all three. In July 2024, 10 women shared with The New York Times personal accusations of sexual assault against the brothers. Seven of those women said they believed they had been drugged, describing a fog that erased or clouded their memory. Advertisement Tal Alexander, like the twins, has denied all allegations, and the brothers began a public-relations campaign to clear their names. But in December 2024, in a series of raids by Miami police and the FBI, all three were arrested and charged with a federal sex-trafficking conspiracy. Prosecutors have filed 11 counts against the three men. Their trial is set to begin in Manhattan federal court on January 26. A 2024 display showing images of Alon, Oren and Tal Alexander. Bloomberg The brothers have been held without bail at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn, and in the 13 months since their arrest, have sought to frame both the civil lawsuits and criminal allegations as an intertwined conspiracy led by women seeking to extort them. Last year, the three men sued The Real Deal for defamation, accusing the publication of refusing to consider or publish anything that called into question its false narrative of the case against them. Advertisement In exhibits accompanying their lawsuit, the brothers included photographs and screenshots of suggestive messages Whiteman had sent to Oren and Alon Alexander in the months after the alleged assault the same material that The Daily Mail published. Oren Alexander had personally given the messages to The Real Deal, according to the suit. TRD refused to let facts get in the way of an opportunity to make millions of dollars profiting off printing false allegations against the Alexanders, the brothers said in their complaint. Amir Korangy, the publisher of The Real Deal, did not immediately provide a comment when reached by the Times. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Advertisement Anyone needing support can contact 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. 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 Very tense situation: Clashes break out after second person shot in Minneapolis Michael Koziol Updated January 15, 2026 1:15pm ,first published 11:46am 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: Federal agents have shot another person in Minneapolis as the city rapidly becomes the epicentre of a national reckoning over President Donald Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration and protests egged on by Democrats. As protesters gathered at the shooting scene late on Wednesday night, clashing with law enforcement, the Minneapolis mayor and police chief told them to go home, warning the chaos in the city was draining police resources and was unsustainable. Federal immigration officers shoot pepper balls as tear gas is deployed at the scene of the shooting. AP The Department of Homeland Security said the shooting occurred when an illegal alien from Venezuela fled a targeted traffic stop and crashed his car, before attempting to escape on foot. As law enforcement officers tried to apprehend the man, two people came out of a nearby apartment and attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle, as did the initial subject, the DHS said. Advertisement Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life, DHS said. The initial subject was hit in the leg. All three subjects ran back into the apartment and barricaded themselves inside. Law enforcement at the scene of the shooting in Minneapolis on Wednesday night, US time. AP The department said the attacked officer and the target were both in hospital, while the other two people were in custody. US television networks showed large crowds gathered at the scene of the shooting, a residential area that was being guarded by masked police with guns. Photos and footage showed tear gas and flash bangs being deployed against the crowd. In a late night news conference, Minneapolis police chief Brian OHara said the gathering was an unlawful assembly and the crowd should disperse. This is already a very tense situation, and we do not need this to escalate any further, he said. Advertisement Democratic Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Grey told the crowd not to take the bait and to go home. We cannot counter Donald Trumps chaos with our own brand of chaos, he said. This is not sustainable. This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in. We are trying to find a way forward to keep people safe. Law enforcement officers stand amid tear gas at the scene of the shooting. AP The incident, which occurred about 7pm local time on Wednesday (midday Thursday AEDT), comes a week after ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed 37-year-old US citizen Renee Good in Minneapolis at a protest against the immigration agency. Good was driving her car and appeared to be attempting to leave the scene when Ross shot her in the head. The Trump administration said Good was using her vehicle as a weapon, and attempted to run Ross over. He walked from the scene but sustained injuries and was taken to hospital, the administration said. Advertisement ICE has dispatched more than 2000 agents to Minnesota, focused on Minneapolis, in what the agency called its largest enforcement operation ever. The city is now a tinderbox, with anti-ICE protesters gathering daily and frequently clashing with law enforcement. Renee Good in her car, moments before she was shot dead. Alpha News/X In its statement on the latest shooting, DHS blamed Minnesotas Democratic leaders Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Frey for actively encouraging an organised resistance to ICE and federal law enforcement officers. Their hateful rhetoric and resistance against men and women who are simply trying to do their jobs must end, DHS said. Walz on Thursday (AEDT) delivered a video message to Minnesotans saying ICE was conducting a campaign of organised brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government. He encouraged residents to keep protesting, though peacefully. Advertisement Walz alleged ICE agents were indiscriminately pulling people over, ordering people to point out where their neighbours of colour lived, breaking windows, dragging pregnant women down the street [and] just plain grabbing Minnesotans and shoving them into unmarked vans. In the immediate aftermath of Goods death, Frey said ICE needed to get the f--- out of Minneapolis. The Trump administration has by-and-large maintained resolute defence of Ross and ICE agents, even declaring they enjoyed immunity from prosecution in the course of their duties, while branding Good and fellow protesters domestic terrorists. White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said on Fox News: 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. Advertisement 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. Trump has previously voiced full support for Ross and joined the condemnation of Good. But on Thursday he struck a more neutral tone. Loading Its sad to see on both sides, Trump told newswire Reuters. I dont get into right or wrong. I know that it was a tough situation to be in There was very little respect shown to the police, in this case, the ICE officers. Trump has, however, maintained his political pursuit of Walz. This week he called the Minnesota governor moronic over allegations of fraud by Somali immigrants in the state, and told Minnesotans: The day of reckoning and retribution is coming. Advertisement We recently published 9 Stocks on Jim Cramers Radar. NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer's radar. NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)s shares are down by 8% over the past year as the firm struggles to convince markets about the merits of its turnaround. However, since mid-December, the stock is up by 15%. Despite the stocks woes, Cramer has continued to defend NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE). He believes that the firms CEO, Elliott Hill, is the right executive for the job. More recently, the CNBC TV host commented that Hill would soon execute a turnaround in China as well. Analysts have been busy discussing NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE)s shares in 2026. For instance, Needham downgraded the shares to Hold from Buy and pointed toward the uncertain recovery timeline in China. RBC Capital cut the share price target to $78 from $85 and kept an Outperform rating. The financial firm also pointed out that NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) was facing uncertain timelines for its profitability through its turnaround. Cramer continued to defend Hill and also mentioned Apple CEO Tim Cook buying the shares: "Nike (NKE) is Ahead of Schedule," Says Jim Cramer Now theres a lot of talk, like even today, theres some analysts whore saying, look its delayed, and he cuts his price target. . .look all I can tell you is this I think that Elliott Hill this is not. . .but I do think that the Nike is actually, RBC lowered the price target, Im saying Nike is ahead of schedule. I think that Elliott Hill addressed the US and now hes going to address China with a vengence and theres some competition there. . .but I do think that you really have to keep track of what Elliott is doing, because he has, that company turned out to be far worse, in far worse shape that we thought. And the fact that there is that level of conviction that Tim Cook took the swing like that, he didnt need to do that. . .I mean this stock is down. . . While we acknowledge the potential of NKE 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. Jan 13 (Reuters) - Novo Nordisk CEO Mike Doustdar said on Tuesday the drugmaker expects headwinds in its international operations in 2026, as competition intensifies after losing market exclusivity in several countries. Speaking at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, Doustdar said international markets represent the company's biggest long-term volume opportunity for its weight-loss and diabetes franchise, but acknowledged near-term pressure as rivals enter markets where Novo has historically held high market share. "When you have a very high market share, competition will take some of that share away," he said, adding that the company could face "a difficult year" due to expiry of exclusivity in parts of its international portfolio. Doustdar said Novo, which operates in around 80 to 85 markets through local affiliates, remains structurally well positioned outside the United States, but must adapt to a changing obesity market where cross-border and online sales are easier. He also pointed to growing competition from Eli Lilly in several international geographies, saying Novo would rely on capacity expansion, higher-dose formulations and new products to defend its position. (Reporting by Mrinalika Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona) The Novo Nordisk Foundation has donated Dkr5.5bn ($850m) to the BioInnovation Institute (BII) to bolster the competitiveness of the European life sciences sector. Through this cash injection, which will be allocated over the next nine years, the enterprise foundation is hoping to expand the BIIs capacity to support start-ups and entrepreneurs across the continental life sciences sector. The grant will also facilitate the BIIs further collaborations with industry bodies and academic institutions across its home country of Denmark, while expanding its focus to support innovation across Europe as a whole. The BII was established by the Novo Nordisk Foundation in 2017, though the non-profit later became an independent organisation in 2020. Since its spinout, the BIIs goal remains largely the same - to support the continued growth of the biotech and life sciences sectors within Denmark and other Nordic countries. The non-profit achieves this by offering early-stage funding, access to infrastructure and business development support to businesses, thus supporting them in moving innovations through to the clinic and beyond. Now, the commercial charity will expand its focus outside of this region to wider Europe, which will help ensure Europes competitiveness, noted BII CEO Jens Nielsen. According to Novo Nordisk Foundation CEO Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, this $850m grant will also drive growth and entrepreneurial culture within Europe. Currently, Denmark stands as a significant player in the pharmaceutical market both in Europe and further afield, with behemoths such as Novo Nordisk, Leo Pharma and Lundbeck contributing significantly to the countrys economy. Championing Europes life sciences sector The Novo Nordisk Foundations grant comes at a time when pharma industry members warn that Europe is lagging behind other regions in the sector. When the European Union (EU) introduced the new EU Pharma Package in 2025, which marked the most notable revision in this policy in more than two decades, experts warned that certain reforms could harm innovation rather than encourage it, as intended. The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) also had a lukewarm response to the framework, calling it underwhelming in a statement from the time. While Europe tries to bolster its life sciences competitiveness, key players from across the pond are also looking to establish their dominance in the field. The US has been looking to quash competition by onshoring drug manufacturing, while imposing of 100% tariffs on branded pharmaceutical imports under the leadership of President Donald Trump. This is a move that appears to be effective as key opinion leaders (KOLs) note that new biotech hubs are emerging across the US a change partially driven by such changes enacted by the Trump Administration. Key Points Nuclear energy stocks have surged as countries seek to expand nuclear capacity to meet energy demand. NuScale Power is a start-up developing small modular reactors (SMRs) to help fill that demand. Fluor, a long-term investor in NuScale, is selling its stake in the company to capitalize on the price surge. 10 stocks we like better than NuScale Power Investors have piled into nuclear energy stocks, and for good reason. Over the past few years, countries worldwide have committed to tripling their nuclear energy capacity in the coming decades to meet growing energy needs while reducing carbon emissions. Nuclear energy is a reliable baseload power source, and some start-ups are developing technologies that could make small-scale nuclear power readily available for data centers and industrial warehouses. NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) is one such company. The company's stock price surged in 2025, but it has since fallen by 64% and could fall further in the coming months. Here's why. NuScale and Fluor are collaborating on deploying small modular reactors NuScale Power develops small modular reactors (SMRs), compact nuclear reactors designed for scalable, lower-cost development compared with traditional reactors. These SMRs could provide reliable, carbon-free baseload power for utilities, industrial uses, and data centers. Currently, NuScale is the only company to have an SMR design certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Fluor (NYSE: FLR) provides engineering and construction services for large-scale energy, infrastructure, and industrial projects and has been an investor in NuScale for 14 years, supporting the company's development of SMR technology. It is collaborating with NuScale on its standard plant design and providing its expertise to the emerging nuclear company. Currently, the companies are developing a project in Romania called RoPower, with Fluor serving as the prime contractor for the phase 2 Front-End Engineering and Design study. As part of this project, NuScale and Fluor plan to deploy a six-module SMR with a total capacity of 462 megawatts at a decommissioned coal power plant site. Fluor is selling its stake in NuScale, which could put pressure on the stock Fluor is a major investor in NuScale Power. However, NuScale's stock has increased significantly since its initial investment, and it will likely be years before NuScale's SMR technology is commercially operational. NuScale went public in May 2022 at roughly $10 per share. The stock experienced a meteoric rise, reaching a high of $57 per share last year, and Fluor capitalized on this by selling part of its stake at an average price of approximately $40 per share for a total of $605 million in proceeds last October. Akbar Novruz Several NATO countries have begun deploying small numbers of military personnel to Greenland to take part in joint exercises with Denmark, amid escalating tensions sparked by US President Donald Trumps repeated threats to forcibly annex the Arctic island, Azernews reports via CNN. Denmark, which is responsible for Greenlands defense, has warned that any attack on the territory would effectively bring an end to NATO. Copenhagen announced this week that it is expanding its military presence in Greenland in close cooperation with NATO allies. Germany, Sweden, France and Norway have confirmed they are sending troops to Greenland this week for joint exercises with Danish forces. Canada and France have also announced plans to open consulates in Nuuk, Greenlands capital, in the coming weeks, underscoring growing diplomatic engagement. While joint NATO exercises in the Arctic are not unusual and have intensified in recent years, the timing and symbolism of these deployments are widely seen as a strong show of European solidarity at a moment of unprecedented internal strain within the alliance. The United States currently maintains around 150 troops at its Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland. Trump has been increasingly vocal about his ambitions to bring Greenland under US control, including by force if necessary. Speaking at a press conference with oil executives, he said he was going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not. In a subsequent post on Truth Social, Trump argued that US control of Greenland was unacceptable to forego and would make NATO far more formidable. European governments reacted cautiously but firmly. Germanys Defense Ministry said it is sending a 13-member reconnaissance team to Greenland at Denmarks invitation as part of an exploration mission alongside allied forces. Sweden confirmed it had dispatched an unspecified number of officers to help prepare for an upcoming exercise dubbed Operation Arctic Endurance. France and Norway also confirmed participation, with Paris stating that the first French units were already en route. The developments came as Danish and Greenlandic officials held talks in Washington with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen described the discussions as frank but constructive, while acknowledging that a fundamental disagreement remains. The sides agreed to establish a high-level working group to explore possible paths forward. NATOs founding principle holds that an attack on one member is an attack on all, making US threats against Greenland, which is part of the alliance through Denmark, highly controversial. Denmarks Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described the idea of a US attack as completely hypothetical, adding that it is unlikely one NATO member would attack another. Canada and France reiterated their support for Denmark and Greenlands sovereignty and territorial integrity. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said Ottawa remains committed to Arctic security, while Frances foreign minister urged Washington to stop threatening Greenland, warning that such rhetoric undermines allied interests. As diplomatic efforts continue, the troop deployments highlight growing unease within NATO over the future of the alliance and the stability of transatlantic security relations. Quick Read Boston Beers Twisted Tea fell 5% while the category declined 3%. Sun Cruiser became the fourth-largest ready-to-drink spirits brand. Boston Beer expanded gross margin to 50.8% by shifting 90% of production in-house from 66% a year earlier. Molson Coors grew EBITDA 17.5% to $2.55B despite a 2.3% revenue decline through cost discipline. Investors rethink hands off investing and decide to start making real money Boston Beer (NYSE: SAM) and Molson Coors (NYSE: TAP) reported earnings revealing starkly different approaches to surviving the beer industry's toughest stretch in years. Boston Beer posted Q3 revenue of $537.5 million, down 11.2% year-over-year, while expanding gross margin to 50.8%. Molson Coors generated $11.21 billion in trailing twelve-month revenue but carries negative TTM earnings due to restructuring charges. Twisted Tea Stumbles While Sun Cruiser Accelerates Boston Beer's Q3 results centered on two opposing forces. Twisted Tea, the company's $1.2 billion flagship brand, declined 5% in measured off-premise channels during 2025, losing share in a flavored malt beverage category that fell only 3%. Founder and CEO Jim Koch acknowledged the brand's vulnerability: "The Twisted Tea drinker profile is particularly sensitive to these impacts as they typically have less household income than drinkers of our other brands." Sun Cruiser, Boston Beer's vodka tea innovation, provided the counterweight. Koch called it "the next iconic brand for our company," noting it became the fourth-largest brand in the ready-to-drink spirits category and leads the on-premise bar and restaurant segment. Distribution tripled through 2025. Molson Coors showed more stability but less dynamism. Revenue declined 2.3% year-over-year in its most recent quarter, with core brands like Coors Light and Miller Lite holding share in a contracting market. EBITDA grew 17.5% from 2023 to 2024, reaching $2.55 billion, driven by cost discipline. The company trades at 0.92 times book value and offers a 3.84% dividend yield. Metric Boston Beer Molson Coors Gross Margin 50.8% (Q3 2025) 38.7% (TTM) Revenue Growth -11.2% YoY -2.3% YoY Dividend Yield None 3.84% Market Cap ~$2.3B ~$9.7B Premium Innovation Versus Portfolio Defense Boston Beer's strategy hinges on premiumization and category creation. The company produced 90% of volume internally in Q3 2025 versus 66% a year earlier, driving procurement savings and brewery efficiency gains that pushed gross margin to its highest level since 2018. CFO Diego Reynoso emphasized this operational shift as foundational to margin expansion despite volume declines. A Dublin man has admitted allowing criminals to use his bank account to defraud a Mayo woman. Jake Anderson, aged 21, of Decies Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, appeared before a sitting of Ballina District Court. In November 2023, it was reported to Gardai that an Erris woman had money stolen from her PTSB account. There were two fraudulent transactions totalling 1,398. The woman told Gardai that on November 3, 2023, she received a phone call from a private number. A man speaking in a South Dublin accent told her he worked for her bank and told her that there were two suspicious transactions on her account and that the bank would send her a six digit code to confirm she was the account holder and to read it back to him. The man then told her he could cancel the transactions as they were still pending. Almost immediately after the phone call she received a message from her bank notifying her of two transactions from her account into a Revolut account. The bank told her she had been the victim of a scam. The woman was not aware that the six digit code gave fraudsters access to her Google Play account. The Mayo woman was reimbursed by her bank. Investigations traced the Revolut account to Anderson. Giving evidence in court, Anderson said he was paid 200 by a friend of a friend for the use of the account. He denied being the person with the South Dublin accent who made the phone call to the victim. The investigating garda was not present in court and Judge Sandra Murphy said she required more details on the defendants culpability. She said young people can be completely duped into this kind of activity but she required more information on the man. Some people are very naive, others are not so naive, the judge remarked. Solicitor Peter Loftus said there was nothing sinister in his clients actions. He said Anderson had 1,400 in court in order to compensate the bank. The judge also sought a victim impact statement and a probation report. The case was adjourned until March 13 next. With the announcement in November that the long-anticipated extension of the Western Rail Corridor from Athenry to Tuam and onto Claremorris will go ahead, attention naturally enough turned to the next stage. That is the potential for the restoration of the old line from Claremorris to Sligo. The closure of the Western Rail Corridor from Sligo to Limerick in the 1970s was quite indicative of central government attitudes across many decades everything had to radiate in and out of Dublin. Long and tireless campaigning saw the corridor reopen from Limerick to Ennis and then to Athenry (and connecting onto Galway City) with passenger numbers surpassing expectations, hitting nearly a quarter of a million in 2024. The debate then turned to extending the railway line from Athenry to Tuam and onto Claremorris. Strangely enough, a project that would ensure easier access to Galway City was not met with universal support in Tuam at first. Some felt it was best used as a greenway. Over time, it became more and more apparent that the rail extension to Claremorris was on the table and talk of a greenway gradually dissipated. The news the extension to Claremorris will go ahead is the result of many things. The strong and coherent advocacy of West on Track was - and is - crucial, but tied into that is the united front so many politicians in Galway and Mayo presented on the issue. Councillors and members of the Oireachtas in both counties, with only a handful of exceptions, were four-square behind the campaign. That political pressure, combined with a very cogent business case set forward in the Bradley Report (2021) on the Athenry to Claremorris line, made the case compelling and impossible to ignore. Such political pressure is, whether we like it or not, central to achieving results in Ireland. It is very clear the same political pressure is not being brought to bear on the extension of the line from Claremorris to Sligo because a startling number of politicians there appear to be, at best, indifferent and, at worst, downright opposed to the extension of the Western Rail Corridor to Sligo. Just like in Tuam, a counter-campaign for the use of the railway as a greenway has been put forward. Sligo County Council, with considerable political support in the county, were advancing plans for a greenway from Collooney to Bellaghy, on the disused rail line. Such a project would, in all probability, end any hope of the rail line. However, those plans were shelved after Irish Rail, who own the line, said they could not support its use as a greenway. The chairman of the board of Iarnrod Eireann, Steve Murphy, said last August that the extension of the rail line from Claremorris to Collooney is crucial. Sligo County Council then conducted a review into plans to run the greenway alongside the railway and found it was not viable. All systems go then for the push for the railway? It would appear several politicians in Sligo think not. Editor of the Sligo Champion newspaper Paul Deering recently criticised the lack of widespread political support for the Western Rail Corridor among politicians in the county. Labours Senator Nessa Cosgrove, who with Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny, has advocated for the railway, put it very plainly by calling out the other three Oireachtas members from Sligo. They are Fine Gaels Frank Feighan, Fianna Fails Eamon Scanlon and Marian Harkin, Independent, but who supports the Government and is a Minister of State. The three Government TDs work together, as a united team, she said. My fear is that, as a team, they are not committed to the imminent reopening of the Western Rail Corridor... The ambitions shown by the three TDs extend to opening a greenway on Irish Rails track, and they are lobbying hard at the highest levels to achieve this. Make no mistake, once the existing railway is covered with a greenway, it will not be reinstated as a rail track. It is quite bizarre that we see Mayo and Galway politicians from the Government side lining up to lobby hard for the extension of the line to its logical conclusion, while Sligo-based Government politicians remain silent in public, added Senator Cosgrove. Bizarre indeed. Sean Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for rail, has stated publicly it should not be an either/or but both, suggesting a greenway on an alternative route be explored. But it is very strange to see the three Government TDs not campaigning passionately for a game-changer for their constituency, particularly now that the Claremorris to Athenry route is going ahead. It is an utterly bizarre state of affairs and demonstrates a staggering lack of vision and ambition. Greenways are fine facilities. I say that as someone with the Great Western Greenway near where I live. But, as glorious as it is, it is not an infrastructure that can transform local economies in the way that rail can. I dare say a greenway from Collooney stopping abruptly at Bellaghy would not be the same draw. The late Dr John Bradley published in 2024 a report on the viability of the railway from Claremorris to Sligo which argued there is a strong case for the reopening, projecting an estimated cost of just over 400 million and envisioning that a large number of the current railway crossings would be closed or removed. For Sligo, the Western Rail Corridor can open up commuting options for workers and students in south Sligo, Mayo and even Galway, therefore easing the rental crisis in the town. It can ease access to Galway, particularly for those who have to travel for hospital appointments or for students there and also draw more students to ATU in Sligo. It can drive tourism numbers too. All too frequently we hear the refrain that it is hard to get foreign tourists to come north of Galway. Their loop often does not stretch beyond starting in Dublin, down to Cork, Kerry, up the coast to Galway and back east to Dublin. The Western Rail Corridors extension to Claremorris has already been championed as a boon for tourism in Westport - such transport makes the proposition of going to Westport from Galway all the easier. Would it not be logical to argue the same for Sligo? Then there is freight. Opening up more lines of freight is a great boon for industry. We have seen Mayo industries advocating strongly for the Western Rail Corridor for this reason. Such infrastructure can secure existing jobs and create more. The aforementioned Dr John Bradley highlighted in his Economy of Mayo (2019) study how towns and communities in south and even central Mayo were doing better because of their relative proximity to Galway Citys economic strength than towns in north Mayo who did not benefit to the same extent from their relative proximity to Sligo town. Every opportunity Sligo gets to bridge the gap between the two largest population centres in Connacht should be seized, not to mention actually connecting them via rail. Another argument is the poor standard of the road connecting Galway and Sligo. The N17 in Mayo and Sligo has, quite literally, become a death trap with the levels of traffic greater than its capacity. Upgrades to the network are underway but it is unclear if they will be of the desired level either. It is beyond perplexing why so many local and national politicians in Sligo are not shouting from the rooftops about the need for the Western Rail Corridor. As weve come to learn in the past, it is hard to get your fair share of investment in the west. If you dont fight tooth and nail for it, someone else will come along and persuade those with their hands on the financial tiller that their project is more worthy. Of course every project should be just on merit but thats not necessarily the Ireland we live in. So while many of the politicians of Sligo sit on their hands, precious time is being lost. It is a strange state of affairs. My phone beeped on January 3rd. A simple text from an American friend: Ladies and Gentlemen, We Got Him. It was clearly referring to the audacious seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Another message followed, impatiently: Just like Obama. A pause. Typing. Then a final flourish: And Happy New Year! In the public memory, after the United States Navy SEAL Team 6 killed Osama bin Laden, a solemn but relieved Barack Obama spoke from the White House and declared on May Day 2011: Ladies and Gentlemen, we got him." My very world-weary friend has little respect for either Republican or Democrat politicians, so this was clearly his way of saying that, when it comes down to it, they are all the same. Except Barack Obama never said those words. As a prime example of the Mandela Effect - a memory shared by many that does not match the actual historical record - the phrase Ladies and gentlemen, we got him was originally spoken by the US Administrator in Iraq, Paul Bremer, when he announced the capture of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Over time, the phrase became conflated with Obama referring to the killing of bin Laden, particularly in fact-challenged posts on X (Twitter). Instead, the official White House transcript of Obamas address to the nation opened with: Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist whos responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children. Fair enough. It is, however, Obamas conclusion that echoes most today: The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether its the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. A sympathetic reading casts this as Obama deploying his consummate rhetoric in service of American exceptionalism. Yet, delivered in the immediate aftermath of the summary execution of a notorious enemy, it also reads as something else entirely: a warning - to enemies and allies alike - about the reach of the United States. These are the words that echo in the US Special Forces seizure of Nicolas Maduro, placing us all on notice of the overwhelming power of the United States to do whatever it sets its mind to in pursuit of its own interests, irrespective of outside opinion. At the press conference following Maduros seizure, Donald Trump clarified the intent of his governments actions. In what he (pretty accurately) described as one of the most stunning, effective, and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history, Trump compared the daring raid to the assassination of Qasem Soleimani - a senior Iranian military officer killed in a US drone strike in January 2020 (also authorised by Trump) - along with other American military operations. Having accused Maduro of funding narco-terrorism and other criminal activities through oil revenues, the US President made it clear that the home of the worlds largest proven crude oil reserves would now be repossessed by the United States - for the benefit of American interests oh and Venezuela. Democrats - and even some Republicans - have decried Trumps actions. But claims that this represents an unprecedented rupture ring hollow for a United States with a deep and murky history of extra-legal interference in the administration of other countries and organisations, all in the name of protecting American interests. Aside from the dramatic, ultra-rapid and brazen success of this action - with no reported US casualties - it is the targeting of a sitting head of state that many view as crossing a Rubicon, with potentially unforeseen consequences should other powers follow suit. Yet it is not so simple. While bin Laden was not formally a head of state, he was the spiritual leader of al-Qaeda, one of the worlds most prominent terrorist organisations, responsible for the atrocities of 9/11. As with Maduros capture, bin Ladens killing in 2011 was not sanctioned by Congress. In 1989, George Bush Sr oversaw the invasion and seizure of General Manuel Noriega, the former leader of Panama, who had installed a loyalist in power after it appeared he would lose elections he later annulled. Noriega had already been convicted in the United States of drug trafficking, racketeering and money laundering. In 2003, Bushs son, George W. Bush, led his administration into the bloody quagmire of Iraq, removing President Saddam Hussein from power while failing to uncover the weapons of mass destruction that had provided the invasions pretext. Hussein was later found hiding in a nondescript hole in the ground, tried by an Iraqi court and hanged. While Obamas administration oversaw the extensive use of drones to kill enemies in Iraq and Afghanistan, it was Hillary Clinton who, as Secretary of State, pushed Obama toward NATO intervention against Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Following the attempt to overthrow the Libyan government in 2011, Tripoli eventually fell to rebel forces and Gaddafi was later hunted down and killed, reportedly by a mob. There is, then, little that is genuinely new in the American seizure of Maduro, except that it may rank as the most striking echo yet of Obamas warning to the world, in the words I texted back to my friend: But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. Unlike Obama, Trump can also claim a higher moral victory in seizing Maduro and his wife alive, and apparently unharmed. Whoever comes next may not be so lucky. Westport Civic Trust's next lecture takes place in the Plaza Hotel in Westport on Tuesday, January 20th, at 8pm. All welcome - free to members or otherwise 5. Martin ODwyer will talk about the Irish Armys experience at the siege at Jadotville in 1961. In September 1961, during the United Nations intervention in the Congo, circa 155 lightly armed Irish peacekeeping soldiers of A Company, 35th Infantry Battalion, led by Commandant Pat Quinlan were dispatched to protect Belgians in Jadotville in the province of Katanga. Although isolated, outnumbered and outgunned, they defended their position for five days. Without water and critical supplies, they withstood waves of attacks from a much larger force of 3,500 Katangese soldiers, mercenaries, and artillery, enduring heavy bombardment and ground assaults for five days. It was and remains the largest single military engagement of Irish troops since independence. Martin ODwyer served as an officer in the Defence Forces for approximately 20 years and after a second career in the private sector he has returned to matters military in recent years. He currently provides a range of independent military analyses for a number of Irish language outlets including TG4, Raidio na Gaeltachta, and RTE 1. Raised in a neighbourhood of many military families in Athlone, one of his earliest memories was that of the Jadotville siege when the neighbourhood rallied to support the family of close neighbour and friend, Commandant Pat Quinlan, commanding officer of the Irish troops involved. Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) is among the most promising growth stocks according to analysts. On January 11, Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) announced Oracle Retail Supply Chain Collaboration, facilitating retailers to easily navigate an otherwise complex supplier landscape to improve operational oversight, efficiency, vendor coordination, and compliance to help protect margins and customer satisfaction. The solution will help mitigate supply chain risk by providing insights that enhance forecast accuracy and inform retailers of potential supply chain disruptions. As stated by Paul Woodward, global vice president, Oracle Retail Products, This solution gives retailers the AI-and data-driven visibility and intelligence needed to navigate complex supply chain and vendor relationships to help mitigate financial, operational, and reputational risks. Later, on January 12, Goldman Sachs upgraded Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) to Buy from Neutral and kept an unchanged price target of $240. The analyst cited the companys solid tech advantage in AI compute workloads and its potential to increase new cloud revenue contribution from less than 10% today to nearly 25% within three years. Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) is a Texas-based company that provides solutions for enterprise information technology environments. Incorporated in 1977, the company offers Oracle Cloud SaaS, cloud-based industry solutions, Oracle Cloud license and on-premise license, and Oracle license support services. While we acknowledge the potential of ORCL 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: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Doximity, Inc. (NYSE:DOCS) is among the most promising growth stocks according to analysts. On January 9, Raymond James reaffirmed a Strong Buy rating on Doximity, Inc. (NYSE:DOCS) and a $65 price target. The firm highlighted OpenAIs recent entry into healthcare AI tools, which it believes is creating a knee-jerk reaction among investors who appeared doubtful about AI competition throughout the past year. This follows the companys earlier stance on December 29, 2025, where Raymond James maintained a Strong Buy rating on the company, along with a price target slightly above the consensus estimate. This came after a meeting with Co-founder and CEO Jeff Tangney in early December. Billion Photos/Shutterstock.com In the December research note, the analyst had highlighted that the companys engagement is set to accelerate in the times ahead and thus will offer a durable revenue growth driver over time. The firm also believes that the investors are currently underappreciating Doximity, Inc. (NYSE:DOCS)s moat in contrast to its competitors, saying that the companys EBITDA margins are likely to expand further from 55%. Doximitys physicians-first ethos will offer a structural moat not fully appreciated by the Street, asserted Raymond James. Doximity, Inc. (NYSE:DOCS) is a California-based digital platform for medical professionals. Founded in 2010, the company serves a diverse range of customers, including physicians, medical students, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and healthcare systems. While we acknowledge the potential of DOCS 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: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Bruce Twp.) at the Mackinac Policy Conference, May 30, 2024 | Anna Liz Nichols Michigan U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain is facing tough questions over a newly disclosed private investment her husband made in Elon Musks xAI company, right as the U.S. government planned to expand xAI for integration with military systems. Financial disclosures filed Dec. 15, 2025, show Michael McClain purchased between $100,001 and $250,000 worth of private stock in xAI. The U.S. Department of Defense on Dec. 22, 2025, announced that it was going to integrate xAIs Grok language model into the GenAI.mil system, which deals in unclassified information and real-time insights. The trade was first reported by Sludge, a nonprofit news project that covers money and its influence in politics. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Sludge also reported that this week, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth planned to ramp up xAI and Groks integration with military components, now giving Musks AI project access to classified Pentagon networks, which will invariably speed up the militarys use of AI. The STOCK Act prevents congresspeople, or their family members, from making trades using nonpublic information that they might be privy to through their elected offices, and all trades must be disclosed within 45 days, according to the tenets of the act. Sludge noted that there was no immediate evidence of McClain, a Bruce Township Republican, having received nonpublic information regarding the decision. That said, talk of xAI, OpenAI and Googles AI systems being used by the military have been brewing since the summer of 2025. McClain is a leader in the U.S. House of Representatives GOP caucus, and has tight ties with the administration of President Donald Trump. The representative was asked about the trade, which is being framed as a potential conflict of interest, in a Wednesday evening appearance on News Nation, a burgeoning cable news network. The anchor had asked McClain for assurances that the trade was made without any inside information. McClain appeared to be caught off guard by the question, and laughed it off before saying that it was 100% not made with any insider knowledge. She then justified it by saying that, if she had received insider knowledge, we wouldnt have bought $100,000 worth of shares, we would have bought a heck of a lot more. Rocket Companies (RKT) is trading at new three-year highs. Shares are up more than 125% over the past year, and 25% in just the last month. RKT maintains a 100% Buy opinion from Barchart. The stock has benefitted from President Donald Trumps plan to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds to boost home affordability. Todays Featured Stock Valued at $49 billion, Rocket Companies (RKT) is a holding company behind many popular personal finance brands like Rocket Mortgage, Rocket Loans, and Rocket Homes. Earlier in January, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he had instructed Freddie Mac (FMCC) and Fannie Mae (FNMA) to purchase $200 billion in mortgage bonds. This is part of a plan to lower mortgage rates and monthly payments, and ultimately, make homebuying more affordable. More News from Barchart Since then, Rocket shares have gone to the moon as investors bet that it and other mortgage lenders will benefit from lower-rate environments. The expectation is that lower rates would spark increased home purchases and greater loan activity. www.barchart.com 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. RKT checks those boxes. Since the Trend Seeker signaled a new Buy on Nov. 26, the stock has gained 17.43%. Barchart Technical Indicators for Rocket Companies 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. Rocket Companies scored a new three-year high of $23.50 on Jan. 12. Welcome Day 2026 When: Sunday, 18 January 2026 - Sunday, 18 January 2026 Where: Braamfontein Campus West Dig Fields Start time: 10:00 Enquiries: events@wits.ac.za WITS WELCOME DAY 2026 When: Sunday, 18 January 2026 Where: Braamfontein Campus West, Dig Fields Gates Open: 08H00 / Start Time: 10H00 FIRST YEARS ONLY! Congratulations! You are now a Witsie and part of the Wits family. Wits University cordially invites you to attend Welcome Day, where first-year students will be addressed by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi. Please note: All first-year students are invited to attend the Welcome Day, along with their parents/guardians. Limited seating is available (max. 2 guests per student). Sturrock Park will be open ONLY FROM 11:00 for first-year students to sort out any administrative issues they may have ahead of the Gateway to Success programme start. The following services will be available on Sunday: Collection of student cards Assistance with Wits email access and setup General, residence, fees, NSFAS, international student queries Food & refreshments will be available for purchase Please arrive early to avoid traffic congestion at the gates and secure parking. You are welcome to use e-hailing services to be dropped off. Exciting things to do on the day We look forward to welcoming you to your campus. Why do South African teachers still threaten children with a beating? Ideas about corporal punishment become part of a culture that is passed from one generation to the next. Corporal punishment usually referring to adults hitting children was abolished in South Africa in 1997. The Constitutional Court had already ruled it incompatible with the bill of rights in 1995. In that judgement, the chief justice said that in his view, juvenile whipping is cruel, it is inhuman and it is degrading as well as unnecessary. The South African Schools Act of 1996 also outlawed it. Anecdotal evidence suggests, however, that this practice is still common in many schools and homes. Educational psychologist Simangele Mayisela researched the subject for her 2017 doctorate, asking why some teachers and parents (and even children) believed it was an effective and harmless form of discipline. How did you study the roots of this behaviour? My PhD research used observations and interviews at a rural public school in a low-income area in South Africa to investigate the historical and socio-cultural origins of corporal punishment. I wanted to understand how teachers childhood and cultural exposure to corporal punishment had influenced their use of it, and how punishing children this way could affect their development. There hadnt been much research about how corporal punishment in schools could be passed on in culture from one generation to the next. Under the oppressive apartheid regimes system of Bantu Education, which aimed to keep black people subservient to white people, corporal punishment was widely used. But even after South Africa became a democracy in 1994, this practice continued. What did you see that suggested teachers had a deep belief about corporal punishment? There were numerous examples. I observed a grade 4 social science lesson on the types and functions of landmarks. The teacher used the example of Table Mountain in Cape Town as a natural landmark and the Ponte City tower in Johannesburg as a manmade landmark. One boy in the classroom raised his hand and, before he was called on to speak, said: Sir, here in our village Ntabande (a hill) is a natural landmark and the Vilakazi tavern is a manmade landmark. The teacher was angry because the boy had spoken without permission, and promised him a hiding after the lesson. I also attended a community meeting about various issues, including scholar transport. The chief asked parents to give their children a hiding if they didnt get to the bus on time. The message for teachers and parents was that traditional authority encouraged corporal punishment. Study participants told me that parents supported the practice of teachers physically punishing their children. In another sign of how people in this community thought about order, discipline, punishment and reward, I saw various kinds of sticks at the school where I did my research. They were not all used for inflicting pain; some were used for pointing to charts, for example. They had different names indicating different functions and intentions. In interviews, children referred to sticks as umqondisi (a person who makes something straight, puts things in order), uphiphizinyefu (cleaner of your mess), or sweets. In the early childhood development class, children started the morning by reciting rhymes and moving their little bodies in meaningful imitative rhythm. One of the rhymes has this line: Shaya tishela, shaya tishela, shaya tishela (hit the child, teacher). What did teachers and children say about it? In focus groups and interviews, generations of teachers (retired and working) said that when they were children, it was normal to be beaten at home and at school. It was hard to avoid being beaten, even if you behaved well. It was not something to negotiate. Yet they were grateful to their teachers for having used corporal punishment. They believed there was a direct relationship between that form of discipline and their academic success. It had enabled them to become teachers themselves. One teacher described it as the very instrument that made you who you are. And academic success was what they wanted for the children they were teaching. Some could still recite things they had learned by rote as children. One mentioned how, when they were children, the teacher would walk around the classroom as learners wrote their essays, and unleash the hookaai (also a word for a whip used on animals) on them for spelling mistakes. The same kind of experience was described by the current generation of children in the study. The teachers even referred to corporal punishment as sweets making it sound like a reward. In the way they spoke, the participants did not separate corporal punishment from the teaching and learning process. They seemed to think of the three teaching, learning and beating as one activity. In my class there is a stick I made sure that I leave no mark on a child. Teachers believed that corporal punishment encouraged children to focus: The person (child) begins to think. All three generations of teachers in the study accepted corporal punishment as normal. They took this humiliating experience lightly, laughing about it. In psychology, this is a sign of coping and acceptance. Several teachers spoke of it as part of their culture: We believe that we must raise a child with a stick. Children had already internalised that idea. One said: At home they say every child needs to be beaten. And they believed they had called it upon themselves: Its me who has started her (the teacher). This created feelings of guilt: If we start them, the teachers feel the pain. Children also laughed when talking about punishment. Of all the children interviewed, only one indicated that being beaten made him think about why hed done what he did. What are the outcomes of this disciplinary approach? Being exposed to corporal punishment all the time made the community see it as a normal tool for raising children. It appeared that teachers believed that corporal punishment produced desired behaviour from a child. But this was mainly from the childs avoidance of physical pain, not from understanding what was wrong about their behaviour. In a classroom where children are motivated by avoiding pain and ridicule, there is little development of higher mental functions. Fear and anxiety interfere with thought processing, hindering development and learning. Its likely to affect the development of psychological functions related to discipline like problem-solving, self-regulation and agency. For instance, in this study, I observed two siblings from a child-headed family coming late for the whole week while I was at the school, and they would be beaten every day for latecoming. When I engaged with the siblings, they simply said they woke up late and their brother, in high school, also got to school late. They had not learned to solve the problem of being late for school and to regulate their sleep and waking up pattern. In line with education policy, these learners are an example of children experiencing social and economic learning barriers. The reliance on corporal punishment as a discipline measure deprives children of a chance to discover for themselves what is true and right, and the knowledge and experience they will need in adulthood. Simangele Mayisela, Senior Lecturer, University of the Witwatersrand This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Saks Global on Wednesday filed for Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. The move comes after a year of financial struggles following a $2.7 billion deal to merge Saks Fifth Avenue and the Neiman Marcus Group. Former Neiman Marcus Group CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck on Tuesday took over as CEO, replacing Executive Chairman Richard Baker, the company said by press release. Baker replaced Marc Metrick in the role less than two weeks ago. The luxury department store company enters bankruptcy court with a $1.75 billion financing package, including $1.5 billion from an ad hoc group of its senior secured bondholders and about $240 million of incremental liquidity from its asset-based lenders. Dive Insight: Saks Globals new CEO is already shaking up the leadership team, with a slate of executives that includes people who previously worked with him at Neiman Marcus. Darcy Penick is president and chief commercial officer, overseeing stores, marketing, buying, digital, analytics and customer care. Lana Todorovich is chief of global brand partnerships. Brandy Richardson, who served as chief financial officer alongside van Raemdonck at Neiman Marcus Group, was named CFO in July and remains at Saks Global. "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. Making amends with those brands is a priority, according to Glenn McMahon, managing partner at MAC Advisory and Consulting and a turnaround expert. Saks Global is behind in paying many vendors, and some have abandoned the retailer or slowed shipments. The problem hurt sales in Q2 and probably impeded holiday inventory plans, analysts say. Van Raemdonck is respected by vendors and has many close relationships, McMahon said. He has good communication, good relationships in the market, McMahon said by phone. There are a lot of vendors, though, and he's not going to be able to satisfy all of them. I think job one is to meet with the vendor community and meet with all the creditors, the landlords. I'm assuming the board and Geoffroy already have some initial ideas. It's not like this is something that happened overnight. South Korean savers are emptying their bank accounts to buy Bitcoin, gold, and stocks, say financial experts. Savers in the country are withdrawing around $2.7 billion per day from instant-access savings accounts, while banks have seen deposits fall by over $18.6 billion since the start of the year, the South Korean financial newspaper Seoul Kyungjae reported. The number of customers seeking to buy gold or Bitcoin [with their] savings has increased significantly compared to the past year or two, said Kim Ji-yoon, the head of Hana Banks asset management service. As the government prepares to roll out new crypto regulations and regulators prepare to let corporate investors buy Bitcoin, South Korean retail investors have returned to the market in full force. Record-breaking month Financial experts forecast that if the trend continues, banks could see a record loss in savings this month. Meanwhile, trading volumes are up by around 200% at Upbit and Bithumb, South Koreas two largest crypto exchanges. Upbits daily trading volume has shot up from around $750 million on January 11 to over $2.2 billion on January 14, CoinGecko data reveals. Bithumbs trading volume has grown from $300 million to almost $900 million over the same period. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index, the index of common stocks on the Korea Exchange, has surged by over 15% over the past month. Crypto-related stocks have also been some of the markets biggest winners. Chief among these is Mirae Asset, a securities firm that is aiming to complete a takeover of the South Korean crypto exchange Korbit. Mirae has seen its share price almost double in the past four weeks. Other firms saw more modest gains. Hanwha Investment and Securities, a tech investor that owns a minority stake in Bithumb, has seen its share prices rise by over 6% since mid-December. And share prices on Naver, the internet giant hoping to take over Upbit operator Dumau this year, have risen 8% over the past month. With the stock market booming, were seeing many customers who have never invested in stocks before getting involved, said Kim. Tim Alper is a News Correspondent at DL News. Got a tip? Email at tdalper@dlnews.com. In a powerful statement released on January 6, 2026, 18-year-old Habiba Soliman has detailed the ongoing illegal detention of her family at the hands of the Trump administrations Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Immigrants at the ICE South Texas detention center in Dilley, Texas. [AP Photo/Eric Gay] Habiba, along with her mother and four siblingsincluding 5-year-old twins, a 9-year-old, and a 16-year-oldhave been held in a Texas detention facility for seven months following an attack carried out by her father in Boulder, Colorado on a pro-Israeli hostage rally on June 1, 2025. Habibas statement provides a devastating exposure of the Trump administrations use of collective punishment in violation of fundamental democratic rights. Habiba says, To the authorities, we are guilty only by association. They dont see us as individuals with our own dreams. We are six innocent people-including five-year-old twins-trapped in a nightmare we didnt create and punished for our fathers actions. She describes how her family had spent three years working to integrate into American society, volunteering in food drives and teaching English to other immigrants. Finally, after 3 years of hard work, we were all relatively settled, she writes. Then, the worst nightmare that none of us could have expected or even imagined came into our life. The nightmare began when her father, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national and Uber driver, carried out a firebombing attack on a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder. Using a homemade flamethrower and Molotov cocktails, Soliman targeted a group called Run for Their Lives, focused on Israelis taken captive by Hamas. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, 45, threatening pro-Israel protesters while holding Molotov cocktails, Boulder, Colorado, June 1, 2025. The attack left approximately 12 to 15 people injured, some with severe burns. According to court documents and video footage, Soliman shouted End Zionists and Free Palestine, later telling authorities he hated this group and needed to stop them from taking over our land. The World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) has consistently opposed individual acts of violence such as that carried out by Mohamed Soliman and explained that they serve only to disorient the working class and provide the state with a pretext to escalate police-state repression. Habiba herself condemns the violence in her statement, writing: We believe that what happened to the victims of the attack is dreadful. That no one ever should experience what they have experienced. Violence is never justified. And we condemn every one that uses violence including my father. She emphasizes that her family had no knowledge of his plans, noting that her father was a man of few words who never changed and ... never opened up to anybody. Despite their innocence, the Soliman family was seized by ICE on June 3, 2025. Habiba describes the terrifying treatment by DHS officers during the transition from their home to the Dilley detention facility in Texas: Just like other people, we were lied to by DHS and ICE agents. On the third day, they told us that staying in the hotel was dangerous and that we should go to another hotel for our safety. ... We drove for an hour to Florence still believing that we were going to a hotel. To our surprise we arrived at a place in the middle of nowhere. We drove into a garage and watched it close behind us. We felt trapped. We thought we got kidnapped. ... The ICE agents didnt show their badges or identify themselves at all until we got inside and saw the holding cells. They took our phones and all of our property, and we stayed for more than 8 hours in a cold cell. It was the beginning of the end. Habiba recounts the trauma of watching ICE agents use physical force against another detainee, an experience that terrified her young siblings: The twins were only 4 years old then and they were crying hysterically. ... [the agents] told us that they would only use that type of force with us if we refused to follow their orders. Once transferred to the facility in Texas, the conditions did not improve. As Habiba writes: We have been fighting and struggling to get the most basic things like food, medicine and even clothes. It was surprising to see the amount of heartless people that worked in the facility. ... the truth is that only 10 percent of these officers have ever treated us like humans. ... The officers talk arrogantly and treat the residents like they are nothing, as if just because we are detained, we are not humans anymore. Their actions would be anywhere from eating lollipops and candy in front of the little kids, knowing that they all want some but can never get any. She further details the medical neglect and physical exhaustion defining their lives: Our whole day is spent running from one line to the next; they manage to keep us very busy waiting that by the end of the day, we have no energy left. ... My brother himself had appendicitis, and when he went to the medical department, he wasnt even seen by a doctor. ... He was finally taken to actually be seen after he threw up in the waiting room and begged the nurse that he couldnt even walk from the pain. Habiba herself has spent four months without glasses. The detention of the Soliman family is a flagrant violation of democratic principles and constitutes collective punishment, a practice that is a hallmark of police-state dictatorships. Eric Lee, an attorney for the family, told the WSWS that the Trump administrations actions echo the methods of Nazi Germany, specifically the use of kin punishment, or Sippenhaft, to intimidate the population. Though federal judges in Colorado and Texas issued temporary restraining orders (TROs) to block the familys immediate deportation, the administration has continued to hold them without a fair trial. Habiba describes the mockery of justice they faced in court: After waiting for 7 months, we didnt even get a fair trial. ... [The judge] denied our request for more time and forced us to proceed pro se violating our right to due process. ... To deny our case for a minor error, without a lawyer present, is not the justice we were promised. This treatment is part of the campaign by the Trump administration to demonize immigrants and escalate the powers of the ICE gestapo. Following the Boulder attack, the White House official X account engaged in a fascistic spectacle, posting Mohameds mugshot with the caption: Six One-Way Tickets for Mohameds Wife and Five Kids. Final Boarding Call Coming Soon. . Such rhetoric is designed to justify mass deportation operations and intimidate and suppress political opposition to it. The assault on the Soliman family is directed against both immigrants and those who actively oppose the assault on immigrant rights. The shooting death by an ICE agent on January 7 of Renee Nicole Gooda 37-year-old mother who actively opposed the attacks on immigrants in Minneapolisis the deadliest in a series of assaults by federal agents on political opposition. Since Solimans violent attack in June, the Trump administration has seized on it not only to punish an innocent family, but to slander all opposition to its policiesand the US-backed genocide in Gazaas antisemitic. In the case of Good, her murder by ICE has been justified on the grounds that she was a domestic terrorist. In the final portion of her statement, Habiba emphasizes the importance of the truth and the necessity of speaking out against the Trump governments attack on the familys rights: I dont know when or how our detention will end. I dont know if its a happy or a sad ending. I dont know how we will deal with the effects that this place imposed on us. ... But I know one thing: the truth never dies. We just need more people who are willing to spend the time and effort to find it. I just hope that when the truth comes out that it is not too late and that the damage is fixable. We are fighting because we know we are innocent. What happened is terrible but there is no point in destroying the life of six innocent humans. We pray for someone to look at us not as the family of a man who is accused of terrorism, but as humans who deserve to live freely. As the WSWS has warned, if the US government is permitted to impose collective punishment based on the actions of a relative, there is nothing to prevent the state from using these same powers against strikers, protesters and all political opponents of the regime. The fight for the freedom of the Soliman family is the fight for the democratic rights of the entire working class. On the evening of January 9, 21-year-old protester Kaden Rummler was permanently blinded by federal agents during a protest outside a government building in Santa Ana, California, housing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices. DHS thug drags Kaden Rummler by the shirt collar after shooting him in the face with a "less lethal" round nearly killing him. The demonstration had been organized to protest the killing two days earlier of Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis woman shot dead at point-blank range by an immigration agent on January 7 during the federal Operation Metro Surge, an unprecedented mass deployment of federal agents that sparked widespread outrage. Thousands have taken to the streets in response to Goods death; in Santa Ana that evening, what began as a large march thinned out by late hours, leaving only a smaller group at the federal plaza. Video footage and eyewitness accounts show three armed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents in riot gear advancing on the remaining protesters. One agent is seen attempting to arrest a demonstrator identified as Skye Jones. As other protesters moved toward the agents, at least one DHS officer fired so-called less-lethal rounds into the crowd from close range, striking Rummler directly in the face. Rummler fell immediately, bleeding profusely and crying out for help as others retreated. In a statement released through associates while he remained hospitalized, he described seeing dark and thick blood pooling beneath me and pleaded with federal agents to call an ambulance. According to his account, agents instead taunted him, laughing and saying he would never see out of his left eye again. Rummler was then hauled by an agent into the federal building by his collar as he struggled to breathe. Surgeons later removed shards of plastic and potentially toxic materials from his skull and face, and found metal fragments dangerously close to his carotid artery, meaning he will require lifelong medical monitoring. Doctors were unable to remove all of the shrapnel. His left eye was destroyed and his tear duct was damaged; he has permanently lost vision in that eye. Rummler said that hearing the voices of friends and comrades helped keep him conscious during the ordeal. Within hours of the incident, federal authorities moved into Big Lie mode. DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin described the demonstrators as a mob of 60 rioters who had hurled rocks, bottles and fireworks at law enforcement. A terse statement from the department called allegations of excessive force absurd and reiterated that assaults on law enforcement are dangerous and criminal. The Santa Ana Police Department contradicted that version of events, said it was only aware of protesters throwing orange traffic cones at federal agents, and reported no significant violence such as rock or bottle throwing or serious attacks on officers. Activist Connor Atwood, who was present during the confrontation, confirmed he did not see rocks or bottles used against DHS agents and noted that firecrackers were set off only on the sidewalk, away from the federal building entrance. Skye Jones, arrested and later released after several days in custody, stressed at a news conference outside the Santa Ana city jail that protesters had gathered to oppose brutal and unjust federal enforcement practices, not to incite violence against law enforcement. Fellow protesters and Rummlers supporters decried the federal response as unjustified and excessively forceful, pointing to the severity of his injuries and criticizing the behavior of DHS agents in the aftermath of the shooting. Amid these events, a chilling statement by Trump White House deputy chief of staff and senior immigration adviser Stephen Miller on Tuesday further exposed the administrations contempt for democratic constraints on state power. On The Will Cain Show, Miller declared to ICE officers that you have federal immunity in the conduct of your duties. He went on to assert that 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, essentially justifying any crime committed by ICE or the state against the population. Stephen MIller claims immigration thugs have "federal immunity" to carry out kidnapping operations. [Photo: Fox News] Miller emphasized that no local or state official, no illegal alien, no leftist agitator or domestic insurrectionist, could obstruct federal agents without facing felony charges, a message that had been amplified by DHS on social media. Legal experts have noted that federal agents do not enjoy blanket immunity under law and can be held accountable if their actions exceed lawful authority. But Millers remarks, broadcast amid the uproar over Goods killing and the Santa Ana confrontation, amount to an open signal from the administration that immigration agents are being given free rein to carry out violence in support of the mass deportation operation. Both the Minneapolis shooting and the blinding of Rummler in Santa Ana are the logical outcomes of a broader political program under the Trump administration: to escalate paramilitary repression domestically as well as abroad. DHS, ICE and Customs and Border Protection are being empowered and armed with military hardware, not just to carry out immigration raids but to suppress social opposition. Rummlers injury and Goods death reflect a political strategy of state terror aimed at crushing resistance to deportations and federal repression generally. The ultimate target is the entire working class. This paramilitary mobilization is occurring without democratic constraint. Federal agencies now operate with impunity, shielded by political cover from both executive and legislative branches. Responsibility for this state violence is shared by both major political parties, as the Democrats have contributed to the growth of the national security state and its deployment against civilians. They serve the same capitalist ruling elite as Republicans, and neither party will mount a genuine defense of democratic rights. The domestic repression of dissent is inseparable from an aggressive foreign policy that relies on military force, regime change and imperialist dominance, as seen in the January 3 invasion of Venezuela and the kidnapping of its president, in the saber-rattling over Greenland that threatens to fracture NATO, and in the looming threat of war with Iran. Both domestic and foreign policy serve the interests of a financial oligarchy determined to maintain its privileges and wealth while suppressing working-class unrest and resistance. At the same time, resistance is growing. The strike by 15,000 nurses in New York and a wave of labor struggles across the country show that the working class remains the only social force capable of stopping authoritarianism, fascism, war, imperialism and, ultimately, capitalism itself, the root cause of the repression and violence now engulfing the United States. A week after the Adelaide Festival board disinvited academic and author Randa Abdel-Fattah from the citys prestigious Writers Week, the organisation is in a total meltdown. Randa Abdel-Fattah [Photo: Macquarie University] The flagrant censorship of the author, because of her hostility to the Israeli genocide in Gaza, has produced an enormous backlash. That included the vast majority of authors scheduled to appear at the Adelaide Writers Week pulling out in opposition to the censorship. The institution has responded with a desperate and incoherent attempt at damage control. On Tuesday, Adelaide Festival management announced that the Writers Week was being cancelled altogether for 2026. It refused to relent on its censorship of Abdel-Fattah, instead blowing up the event altogether. The shutdown followed resignations last weekend of four Festival Board members, including its chair, and Tuesday mornings announcement by Louise Adler, the highly respected publisher and director of Adelaide Writers Week, that she too was quitting. Then, on Thursday, the newly appointed Festival Board suddenly issued an apology to Abdel-Fattah. Intellectual and artistic freedom is a powerful human right, it stated. Our goal is to uphold it, and in this instance Adelaide Festival Corporation fell well short. We apologise to Dr Abdel-Fattah unreservedly for the harm the Adelaide Festival Corporation has caused her, the new board stated, before inviting her to participate in next years iteration of the Writers Week. The statement, suggesting that Adelaide Festival violated human rights, is a damning indictment of the censorship that it carried out. The statement, issued publicly last week, disinviting Abdel-Fattah was an outrageous attack on the author. While acknowledging that Abdel-Fattah had no connection at all to the terrorist atrocity that claimed 15 lives in Bondi last month, it nevertheless declared that it would not be culturally sensitive to continue to program her at this unprecedented time so soon after Bondi. That was a clear racist dog-whistle, and a declaration that any opposition to Israeli war crimes was tantamount to support for terrorism and antisemitism. Given Abdel-Fattahs principled record of opposing injustice and criminality, the statement was also completely indefensible. It is hard not to have the impression that the new boards apology was prompted by Abdel-Fattahs decision to flag legal action and a recognition that the statement disinviting her was likely defamatory. More generally, the Festival has been stung by the backlash, with a broad outpouring of opposition to the censorship from authors, cultural figures and ordinary people. That included from Adler. In a powerful op-ed in Guardian Australia, after she had made public her resignation as director of Writers Week, she condemned the censorship of Abdel-Fattah as part of extreme efforts of pro-Israel lobbyists to stifle even the mildest criticism and the Labor governments accelerating measures to outlaw protests, constrain free speech, police universities and starve the arts. Declaring she would not be party to silencing writers, Adler warned that the censorship was the canary in the coalmine, telling arts colleagues: They are coming for you. She later revealed that of 165 scheduled sessions, only 12 events had a full complement of writers left by Monday afternoon, with 70 percent having withdrawn. Six hours after her resignation, the Adelaide Festival board posted a statement acknowledging the Writers Weeks implosion, announcing the resignations of all remaining members and confirming the events cancellation. South Australian Arts Minister Andrea Michaels appointed Judy Potter as the new board chair, along with three othersformer Adelaide Festival executive director Rob Brookman, former 7News presenter Jane Doyle and ex-State Opera chair John Irving. The board issued an initial apology, which acknowledged distress to artists, donors, partners, government and staffbut mentioned Abdel-Fattah only in passing. It did not admit any error in censoring her. Abdel-Fattah immediately rejected the apology as insincere and gaslighting. Todays fresh apology was at least in part a response to the failure of that previous attempt at damage control. The latest apology has created an extraordinary situation. The new Adelaide Festival Board, appointed by the South Australian Labor government, has taken a position diametrically opposed to that of the government, which continues to uphold the censorship that it helped to instigate as a righteous act. Indeed, South Australian Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas has only escalated his vicious personal attacks on Abdel-Fattah. South Australian Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas. [Photo: @PMalinauskasMP] Addressing the media on Tuesday, he constructed a highly offensive hypothetical. 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? Malinauskas said that in this instance, with the Bondi attack, the reverse had occurred. That went further than the initial statement of the Adelaide Festival attacking Abdel-Fattah. While that statement had cynically included a disclaimer that it was not implying any connection between the academic and the terrorist atrocity, the Labor premier drew a direct identity between Abdel-Fattah and the terrorists. Abdel-Fattah announced yesterday that she is considering defamation proceedings against Malinauskas. In addition to the possibility of his remarks falling foul of those statutes, questions of incitement must surely be raised. Comparing an author to terrorists, with no factual basis whatsoever, clearly puts a target on her back. The vicious attack on a Palestinian author, by a Labor premier whose interventions on cultural matters resemble those of the fascist Donald Trump, gives the lie to all the claims of the Labor governments, state and federal, that they are seeking to combat hate speech and ensure social cohesion. In reality, they are going to war against mass opposition to an Israeli genocide that they have supported for more than two years. The federal Labor government, through several representatives, has signalled its support for the assault on Abdel-Fattah, as part of its spearhead role in the broader offensive against democratic rights. Federal Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell, a longtime factional ally of Malinauskas from Labors right-wing Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), publicly backed the boards censorship on Tuesday, stating, it is a decision of the board and I support the decision, while hoping for no long-term damage to the festival. Farrell and Malinauskas are intimate political allies, forged through the SDA, where Farrell mentored the teenage Malinauskas before handing him the South Australia/Northern Territory branch leadership in 2008. Their careers followed tightly managed paths into parliament: Farrell to federal Senate and cabinet in 2008, Malinauskas to the SA Legislative Council and cabinet by 2015. Like Labors trade union apparatus, they maintain the closest ties with the pro-Israel Zionist lobby. The destruction of Adelaide Writers Week exposes the lengths to which Labors South Australian government, fully aligned with Prime Minister Albaneses pro-Zionist agenda, is prepared to go. Rather than permit Abdel-Fattahthe sole Australian-Palestinian writer on the programto participate, Malinauskas and his allies chose to obliterate Australias premier literary festival, despite mass calls for her reinstatement, which would have ended the boycott and salvaged the event. Labor, confronted with the determined protest of hundreds of serious writers and mass anger over the censorship of Abdel-Fattah on social media, decided instead to sabotage a major cultural institution in order to enforce its censorship regimea deliberate warning to every artist, academic and worker that opposition to Labors political and practical endorsement of Israels Gaza genocide and Zionist extremism will not be tolerated. The resistance from writers and cultural workers must now connect with the independent political mobilisation of the working class. Only the international socialist movement, fighting to abolish the imperialist system that breeds war, censorship and reaction, can defend democratic rights and halt the ruling-class offensive now accelerating across every sphere of social life. Francesco Mazzagatti claims he is part of a vexatious campaign of defamation, harassment and extortion - Aaron M Sprecher Shell has abandoned the 500m sale of almost a dozen gas fields in the North Sea to an oil trader accused of fraud. The oil giant said on Wednesday that it will no longer proceed with the sale to Francesco Mazzagattis Viaro Energy, claiming that completion conditions relating to the deal were not met. It comes after The Telegraph revealed a litany of allegations against Mr Mazzagatti, including that he forged documents and misappropriated tens of millions of pounds. Mr Mazzagatti denies the claims. Shell and ExxonMobil had announced plans to offload 5pc of Britains North Sea gas production to Viaro in July 2024, although the deals approval was repeatedly delayed amid increasing scrutiny of Mr Mazzagattis affairs. The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), the industry regulator, said today 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. It marks a considerable about-turn from Shell, which had previously stressed that it was proceeding with the sale despite the claims against Mr Mazzagatti, arguing its due diligence process was well-established. Viaro claimed last year that the deal with Shell would hand it control over the backbone of the UKs energy production and security. However, a spokesman for Mr Mazzagatti said the deal was no longer going ahead after Viaro struck a mutual agreement with Shell. The spokesman 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. Mr Mazzagatti has repeatedly denied allegations of wrongdoing, claiming that he is part of a vexatious campaign of defamation, harassment and extortion. The claims have emerged as part of a bitter legal battle between Mr Mazzagatti and his former employer, Alliance Petrochemical Investment (API). In particular, API alleged that Mr Mazzagatti extracted funds from the business to build his North Sea empire. This includes using cash from API to fund Viaros acquisition of RockRose, a North Sea oil firm previously listed on the London Stock Exchange. Mr Mazzagatti has denied APIs claims, insisting that he was not responsible for any unlawful payments. Resident doctors in Scotland should vote No to the divisive package cobbled together between the Scottish National Party (SNP) government and leaders of the British Medical Association Scotland, after they vetoed a four-day strike due to start January 13. The cancelled action, which would have been the first doctors strike in Scotland this century, had overwhelming backing from resident doctorsa 92 percent strike mandate. BMA Scotland website announces the suspension of strikes [Photo: Screenshot: bmascotland.home.blog] Had it gone forward, it would have strengthened the long-running dispute between resident doctors in England and the Keir Starmers Labour government in Westminster. It would have opened a new front in the struggle for pay restoration as an integral part of defending a well-funded, fully staffed National Health Service (NHS) and social care system. More is needed than a No vote, however. To take forward any struggle, resident doctors, around 7,000 of whom work in Scotland, are posed with taking control of their own dispute. The decision to cancel the strike last Friday breaches the basic principle that members have the right to vote on any agreement before mandated action is called off. The BMA had not even confirmed a date for the ballot at the time of this writing; its January 9 press release stated that a consultative vote will open in the coming weeks. Dr. Chris Smith, Chair of the Scottish Resident Doctors Committee (SRDC), claimed the package faithfully delivers on the deal we made with the Scottish Government nearly three years ago and continues the progress made to reverse the pay erosion resident doctors have suffered since 2008. The SRDC is recommending a deal worked out behind closed doors with SNP Health Secretary Neil Grey and using the delay in the vote to sow confusion and division among resident doctors. This is a reprise of the role BMA leaders played in 2023 when pay erosion stood at 28.2 percent compared to 2008. Then, a three-day strike was vetoed in the summer based on a two-year deal which left resident doctors short by 17 percent coming into the present dispute. Now they insist that resident doctors accept a deal which still leaves them 11.6 percent worse off in 2025-26 and 6.2 percent in 2026-27, as part of a credible road map. The SNP government press release made clear that the SRDC is recommending the original derisory pay offerrejected by resident doctorsof just 4.25 percent for 2025-6 and 3.75 percent for 2026-7, alongside a separate package of contractual reform. The contractual reform is a recipe for divide and rule. It impacts resident doctors differently depending on their pay points but is presented as averaging out at 9.9 percent in 2025-26 and 9.4 percent in 2026-27in reality varying between 8-12 percent each year depending on pay point. These increases are only arrived at by bumping doctors up the existing pay scales earlier than would otherwise happen. Resident doctors in Scotland are essentially being offered, through contract manipulation, a limited recovery of losses since 2008. But this comes at the expense of a much-needed unified struggle alongside their colleagues across the UK for full pay restoration and the defence of the NHS against cuts and privatisation. BMA leaders have undermined this struggle by pursuing separate campaigns in the constituent parts of the UK, divorced from opposition to Labours wider wrecking operation in the health service, and isolated from struggles by other NHS workers. Striking resident doctors on the picket line at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, December 18, 2025 The other health union leaders share full responsibility for this. The SNP government has been able to point to the fact that its substandard two-year deal of 8 percent for other NHS workers was accepted across the board because the real-terms pay cut encountered no resistance from union officialdom. Unite claimed it was the best negotiable deal while Unison, the largest union in the Scottish NHS, with 60,000 members, declared health workers were reaping the reward of better pay processes. Both unions used the argument that Scottish NHS workers had received better settlements than in England and elsewhere in the UK, exposing their entirely divisive role. This is also the line of the BMA, with Dr. Smith claiming the deal is a step towards achieving our shared ambition with the Scottish Government, of making Scotland the best place in the UK for doctors to train and work. The union bureaucracy has presented the SNP government as a more progressive alternative to Westminster, first under the Tories and now the Labour government. In fact, it shares the agenda of pro-market restructuring of the NHS and every public service. The difference is the SNPs greater willingness to involve the union bureaucracy as partners in preventing industrial actionas strikes took place across every other part of the NHS in the UK between 2022 and 2024. BMA Scotland itself published the results of a survey in 2025 that showed 29 percent of people had used private health care in the past two years, revealing a divide in Scotland between those who can afford private healthcare and those languishing on NHS waiting lists. Recent figures from Public Health Scotland report that 70,000 people have been waiting for treatment for over 12 months. Only 43 percent of those currently on the waiting list will be seen within the governments target time of 12 weeks. 5,262 people have been waiting for outpatient treatment for over two years. Figures from Public Health Scotland in 2024 underscore how cutting waiting lists is being used to justify increased outsourcing to the private sector, with the number of Scottish patients treated in non-NHS facilities reaching a five-year high in 202324. More than 7,200 inpatients and day patients and 3,700 outpatients were sent to private hospitals and other non-NHS providers, with sharp year-on-year increases. The SRDC has made great play of the fact that its deal with the SNP government involves an additional investment of 149 million. But a report released in December by the Association for Public Service Excellence showed that outsourcing is bleeding between 2 billion and 3 billion a year from Scotlands public servicesfunnelling public money into the profits of corporate shareholders and private equity firms. With over 16 billion annually spent on external suppliers, a significant portion is extracted as profit. The care sector is highlighted as a stark example: 79 percent of care home places are now privately run and more than 20 percent of income is leaking to corporate owners. Rejecting the deal cooked up between the SRDC and the SNP government is the first step toward resident doctors in Scotland going on the offensive against the private interests and government underfunding pulling apart the health service. And it will strengthen the resolve of resident doctors in England as they re-ballot for strike action against attempts by the BMA to push through a sellout deal with the Starmer government. Both struggles can be the signal a fightback against the substandard deals in Wales and Northern Ireland. Mounting such a unified struggle, which the BMA leadership opposes, will require new centres of democratic organisation among resident doctors: rank-and-file committees. These committees can draw strength from the ongoing fight of tens of thousands of nurses in New York and strikes by doctors in France and Spain (where a national strike involving up to 175,000 is taking place this week), confronting the same issues. They can turn the resident doctors struggle into the spearhead of a movement to secure the billions necessary for a modern health and social care service. This is the perspective advanced by NHS FightBack. We urge all resident doctors and NHS staff seeking to oppose the rout being led by the union bureaucracy to make contact. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player Law enforcement officers stand amid tear gas at the scene of a reported shooting Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Minneapolis. [AP Photo/Adam Gray] In the week following the January 7 murder of Renee Nicole Good by an agent of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Minneapolis has been placed under occupation by thousands of federal paramilitary forces operating under the direction of the president. The situation was starkly outlined in an extraordinary address on statewide television Wednesday night by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Walz condemned what he called a campaign of organized brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government. The Democratic governor and 2024 vice presidential nominee gave the following account of conditions in the state: News reports simply dont do justice to the level of chaos and disruption and trauma the federal government is raining down upon our communities. Two to three thousand armed agents of the federal government have been deployed to Minnesota. Armed, masked, undertrained ICE agents are going door to door, ordering people to point out where their neighbors of color live. Theyre pulling over people indiscriminately, including US citizens, and demanding to see their papers. And at grocery stores, at bus stops, even at schools, theyre breaking windows, dragging pregnant women down the street, just plain grabbing Minnesotans and shoving them into unmarked vans, kidnapping innocent people with no warning and no due process. Walz noted the resignation of a half dozen career prosecutors at the US Attorneys office in Minneapolis, because the Department of Justice designated Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent who killed Renee Good, as the victim, and proposed to investigate Becca Good, Renees wife, for alleged ties to anti-government groups. And he cited Trumps declaration on social media that for Minnesota the day of retribution and reckoning is coming. Walz called this a direct threat against the people of this state, who dared to vote against him three times, and who continue to stand up for freedom What Walz is outlining is the emergence of a presidential dictatorship and not just in Minnesota. Trump has already said that there is no constraint on his ordering US military operations overseas but his own dubious morality. He clearly has no use for the US Constitution either. The flooding of Minnesota with federal officers could well be followed by invoking the Insurrection Act and deploying the National Guard and regular military forces in cities throughout the country. Far from pulling back after the murder of Renee Good, the Trump administration has drastically intensified its violent rampage. The scale of the assault is staggering: The nearly 3,000 federal officers are double the manpower of the Minneapolis and St. Paul police departments combined. One ICE atrocity has followed another. On Wednesday night, a federal officer shot a man in the leg during a confrontation in which DHS claims the individual attempted to flee arrest and later struck an officer with a shovel or broom handle. A local pastor was detained and threatened at gunpoint by ICE, only to be released with the comment, Youre white and you wouldnt be any fun anyway. In Richfield, Minnesota, two Target workersboth US citizenswere slammed to the pavement, detained in an unmarked SUV, and later released facing federal charges of assaulting an officer. An immigrant from Honduras, Mauricio Henriquez Serrano, was dragged from his car unconscious as bystanders screamed in horror. He is now reportedly imprisoned in a Texas detention center. On Tuesday, just two blocks from where Good was killed, armed and masked ICE agents smashed through a disabled womans car window, sliced her seat belt and dragged her from the vehicle, ignoring her screams that she was autistic and trying to go to the doctor. There are several reports of ICE agents citing the murder of Good as a threat when confronting protests. Have you not learned from the past couple days? one agent told a resident who was filming him. And it is not just Minnesota. On January 9, in Santa Ana, California, 21-year-old Kaden Rummler was blinded and nearly killed by a less lethal round fired by a DHS officer, an assault that left Rummler hospitalized with shrapnel still in his body. There is a glaring contradiction in Walzs address. He describes a state of occupation by paramilitary forces sent by the Trump administration. But his proposed remedy is that the people of Minnesota avoid provoking Trump in their protests and wait for accountability, which he claimed would come at the voting booth and in court. First of all, the ICE violence that took the life of Renee Nicole Good was not provoked by her or anyone else protesting in defense of immigrants. It was intended and deliberately encouraged by Trump and his fascist cabal. Their response to the murder of Good was to denounce her as a domestic terrorist and paid agitator, while Vice President JD Vance claimed that ICE agents had absolute immunity. Trumps top fascist aide, Stephen Miller, sent a message to all ICE officers that 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. As for lawsuits, a regime that is operating with complete lawlessness will not recognize the courts, and it has no intention of losing elections. Trump has already begun hinting that elections should not even be held in 2026, and if they take place, they may well be held at gunpoint, with military occupation of selected cities. The force that can and must be brought to bear against Trumps drive to dictatorship is the working class. It produces all of societys wealth and holds the potential to shut down the machinery of repression and exploitation. The only serious and effective response to Trumps attack on Minnesota is the organization of a general strike by the entire working class, both in Minnesota and nationwide. The organized industrial action of the working class can paralyze the operations of ICE, the Department of Homeland Security, and all the repressive agencies that Trump is deploying against immigrant workers and, sooner rather than later, against the working class as a whole. Airline workers can block the transportation of federal agents into the Twin Cities. Logistics workers can cut off their supply chains. Hotel workers can deny them lodgingas one suburban hotel did last week, setting off a right-wing panic. There is growing hostility among working people and the American population as a whole to the violent thuggery of ICE and the Trump administration. Recent polls show a sharp shift, with more Americans favoring the abolition of ICE than opposing it, and a clear majority supporting the prosecution of ICE agent Jonathan Ross for the killing of Renee Good. Workers in Minnesota itself have a history of political struggle against state repression and violence. It was in Minnesota that truck drivers, under the leadership of the Trotskyist movement, carried out a successful general strike in 1934 that defeated the combined repressive forces of the local police and the Citizens Alliance, the mouthpiece for big business in the Twin Cities. The events of the past week mark a new stage in the Trump administrations conspiracy to establish a presidential dictatorship. Over the past year, as this conspiracy has unfolded step by step, the Democratic Party has done absolutely nothing to stop it. As a party of Wall Street and the military-intelligence apparatus, it is far more terrified of the emergence of a mass movement of the working class than it is of dictatorship. Such a movement would not stop with Trump but threaten the entire capitalist system. The Socialist Equality Party calls for the formation of rank-and-file committees in every workplace, school, and neighborhood. These committees, independent of the corporatist trade union apparatus, must become centers of resistance to the Trump dictatorship. These committees must rally workers across all industrieshealthcare, education, transit, logistics, manufacturing and beyondinto a unified counteroffensive against the Trump administration and the capitalist oligarchy it serves. They must demand the arrest and prosecution of Renee Nicole Goods killers; the immediate withdrawal of ICE, Customs and Border Protection and Department of Homeland Security forces from Minneapolis and every other city; the abolition of these paramilitary agencies; and the release of all detainees. The fight to stop dictatorship must be linked to the fight against the capitalist system itself. The massive fortunes accumulated by the ruling class must be expropriated, the major corporations and banks transformed into public utilities under the democratic control of the working class, and social resources redirected to meet human need, not private profit. The SEP advances this program as the basis for the political mobilization of the working class to put an end to fascism through the fight for socialism. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) has called for an independent investigation, led by rank-and-file workers, into the recent deaths of US Postal Service workers Nick Acker, 36, in the Detroit area and Russell Scruggs, Jr., 44, near Atlanta. We urge postal workers to come forward with information about safety conditions at their facilities by filling out the form at the end of this article. All submissions will be kept anonymous. Palmetto, Georgia postal worker Russell Scruggs Jr. [Photo: Scruggs family] As part of its independent investigation into workplace deaths at USPS facilities, the Postal Workers Rank and File Committee has obtained the autopsy report for Russell Scruggs, Jr., a 44-year-old postal worker who died on the job at the Palmetto, Georgia USPS facility on November 15, 2025. The inquiry, conducted independent of management and pro-corporate union bureaucrats, was launched in response to a series of recent fatalities including Scruggs as well as Nick Acker in Michigan. It seeks to establish the facts surrounding these deaths and hold management accountable for unsafe working conditions. Celebration of life and memorial services were held for Scruggs in late December, and little information has been released on the conditions of his death beyond what has been reported by his coworkers who have begun to come forward to the committees investigation. Dr. Stephanie Zhang of the Fulton County Medical Examiners Office writes: It is my opinion that Russell Scruggs, Jr. died as a result of heart failure due to hypertensive cardiovascular disease. Autopsy examination reveals that, although there was a laceration to the back of the head, there was no injury to the skull or brain. Internal examination reveals a massively enlarged heart with a thickened left and right ventricular walls and a dilated left ventricle. These findings are evidence of his heart failure and hypertension. Along with the reported circumstances, it is likely that Mr. Scruggs sustained a cardiac event after which he was witnessed going unresponsive and falling and hitting his head. The laceration of the head did not contribute to death. The manner of death is classified as natural. While the manner of death can medically be classified as natural, the circumstances leading up to Russells death were entirely preventable, according to multiple accounts from his coworkers who were with him that day. The autopsy report corroborates the accounts of Russells death by his coworkers who told the WSWS that he fell and hit his head, possibly as the result of a medical emergency, and that treatment was not administered quickly enough. One worker reported that it appeared that Russell had already died before he was taken to the hospital where resuscitation attempts were made. Acker autopsy reveals violent death from mechanical asphyxiation Just one week before Scruggs death, maintenance mechanic Nick Acker, 36, was killed at the Detroit Network Distribution Center in Allen Park, Michigan on November 8. His body was found stuck in a mail sorting machine, where authorities estimated he had been dead for six to eight hours before being discovered by firefighters. Nicholas (Nick) Acker, 36, was found dead at the Allen Park DNDC on Saturday, November 8. [Photo] The Wayne County Medical Examiners autopsy report, originally reported by the Detroit News, determined that Acker died of mechanical asphyxiation. The report documented extensive trauma to his body, including lacerations across multiple areas and soft tissue contusions, including to his liver. The findings paint a picture of a painful, violent death that took hours to discover. The circumstances of Ackers death raise fundamental questions about basic workplace safety protocols. Why was Acker working on this machine by himself? Why were proper lockout/tagout procedures not followed to disconnect the equipment from its power supply before maintenance work began? Postal workers have reported that management routinely pressures workers to bypass these critical safety measures to minimize downtime and maintain production levelsthe same deadly corner-cutting that contributed to the death of autoworker Ronald Adams, Sr. at the Stellantis Dundee Engine Complex in Michigan. They threaten you Multiple USPS employees at the Palmetto facility confirmed that there is no defibrillator equipment on site, much less any professionally trained medical staff to intervene in the event of an emergency. Workers cannot even access their cell phones due to the signal being cut off inside of the plant to preserve bandwidth for networked machinery in the facility. Earlier in the day, Russell felt unwell and requested to be sent home, according to a coworker. We know that Russell asked a supervisor two times to go home and was told no. He didnt feel good. He was going back and forth getting water and others in his department said he was denied his request to leave early. Its a standard practice for these supervisors: if youre sick and ask to go home, theyll say you cant, because they need you to keep things functioning. Were supposed to be allowed to leave with a 3971 form but they tell MHAs [mail handler assistants] and non-career employees that if you leave, you could get fired. They threaten you with that. Russells coworkers reported that other employees found him unresponsive and clearly injured on the floor, lying in a puddle of blood from an apparent head wound likely sustained from losing consciousness while experiencing a cardiac event, as indicated in the autopsy. However, due to the fact that cell phone service is blocked off at the plant, they were unable to call for immediate medical assistance. They had to run to the dock outside to tell a supervisor that there was an emergency, and the supervisor responded that their protocol was to contact the third-party security guards who are responsible for calling 911. Once the ambulance arrived at the Palmetto facility, they could not access the correct entrance near where Russell was located. One coworker said this was possibly because the doors were locked. Others told the WSWS that the overall lack of emergency procedures contributed to confusion and significant delays. Apparently a security guard attempted to perform CPR prior to the EMTs arrival after being contacted by the supervisor and calling 911, but the security guards are not trained medical professionals. According to some of Russells coworkers, the amount of time that lapsed between when Russell was found injured and when the ambulance arrived was over an hour. We do not have any place where workers can go if they arent feeling good. We dont have medical staff, we dont have a nurse office or anything like that. I am positively certain, to this day, even now after this incident with Russell, that we do not have a defibrillator device on site at this facility, Jane told the WSWS. Our first aid kit is barely stocked. Workers must demand answers On December 3, 2025, the Postal Workers Rank and File Committee issued a statement calling on all postal workers to come forward with information on the deaths of Russell Scruggs Jr., Nick Acker, and any other deaths and unsafe working conditions. The committee explained that its independent inquiry will collect testimonies, inspect machine lockout/tagout records, document the bypassing of safety features, obtain grievance histories and witness statements, and preserve photographic and video evidence. Many questions remain unanswered: Is there an incident report from Russells death? Who has been contacted to provide testimony? Who is in charge of collecting testimony and accounts of that day? Why are workers cell phones still blocked from service, in spite of overwhelming evidence that this has caused great distress and even death on multiple occasions? What are the protocols for medical emergencies and even basic injuries? Why was security administering CPR to Russell instead of a licensed, trained medical professional? Were the doors to the entrance locked when EMS arrived? What prevented them from accessing the location of Russells body inside the facility? Why is there no defibrillator equipment in the plant, in spite of multiple deaths in the facility? How much time elapsed from when Russells body was found and when emergency medical services were contacted by management/supervisors? Were proper lockout/tagout procedures followed when Nick Acker was working on the mail sorting machine? Why was he working alone on dangerous equipment? How long did it take for anyone to notice that Acker was missing, given that his body was not found for six to eight hours? The only way to answer these questions is if workers with relevant information come forward. Fill out the form below to get in touch with the committee. We will protect your identity. Hundreds of protesters demonstrated on Tuesday, January 13, outside of the MotorCity Casino in Detroit where President Trump delivered a speech to the Detroit Economic Club. The protesters included young people, workers and others opposed to Trumps attack on basic democratic rights, his invasion of Venezuela, witch-hunting of immigrants and support for the ICE murder of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis last week. Detroit police, deployed by Democratic Mayor Mary Sheffield, assaulted and arrested at least two protesters. For more videos, follow the World Socialist Web Site on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Youtube and Twitter/X. President Donald Trump meets Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] US President Donald Trumps January 3 invasion of Venezuela and abduction of President Nicolas Maduro have drastically intensified the economic and geostrategic crisis facing Canadian imperialism. Washingtons illegal act of imperialist barbarism, aimed at asserting its unchallenged dominance over Latin America as part of banishing all potential strategic competitors from the Western hemisphere and controlling its natural resources, governments and trade routes, underlined just how serious Trump is with his declared intention to make Canada Americas 51st state and seize Greenland. For over a year, the Canadian bourgeoisie has been groping for a response to Trumps annexation threats, punishing economic tariffs, and pursuit of an America First agenda around the world. The first year of the would-be dictators second term in office had already put paid to any hopes in Ottawa that the more than eight-decade-old bilateral military-strategic partnership, upon which Canadian imperialism relied to realize its global interests, could be retained in its existing form. Following January 3, 2026, there can be little doubt on the part of the Canadian ruling class that if Trump has his way, the very existence of the Canadian federal state is threatened, at least as it is presently constituted. Retired politicians and diplomats and editorial writers, if not yet government officials publicly, are using terms such as vassalage and protectorate, and warning that Trump will seek to leverage the Quebec and Alberta separatist movements. Trump and his chief henchmen, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and War Secretary Pete Hegseth, have proudly and loudly proclaimed that the seizure of Venezuelas oil resources and transformation of the country into a US vassal state are to be only a first step in implementing the Donroe Doctrine promulgated in last months US National Security Strategy. Building on the 19th-century Monroe Doctrine and Teddy Roosevelts 1904 corollary to it, the Donroe Doctrine proclaims American imperialisms right as the Western Hemispheres pre-eminent power to seize critical resources and infrastructure, dictate states foreign and economic policies, overthrow governments and annex territories from the Arctic Ocean to Tierra del Fuego. By excluding its rivals and asserting unbridled dominance over the entire hemisphere, US imperialism aims to secure its near abroad in preparation for strategic conflict and war with its great-power competitors: China, Russia and the European Union. War on the working class There are deep-rooted rivalries and cleavages within the Canadian bourgeoisie. These are bound up with the different roles that various provinces and regions play in the US-dominated continental economy. But over and above all these divisions, the Canadian bourgeoisie is unanimous that the response to Trumps threats requires a vast escalation of the exploitation of the working class. The Globe and Mail, the newspaper of record for Canadas financial oligarchy, went so far as to describe Trumps actions in Venezuela as having triggered a national emergency for Canada, a characterization that suggests the federal government should be preparing to abrogate core democratic rights, ban strikes, and impose an authoritarian regime. Ottawas eight-decade military-strategic partnership with American imperialism, stretching back to World War II, gave it the ability both to project its imperialist interests around the world and secure a degree of social stability at home. These times are now irretrievably over. Canadas ruling elite spent the first year of Trumps second term embracing wide swaths of his far-right social policies. Prime Minister Mark Carney increased military spending last year by 17 percent to reach NATOs 2 percent target and committed to spend 5 percent of the GDP on war by 2035. To cover the costs of this vast rearmament program, the Carney government has intensified public spending austerity and virtually abrogated the right to strike in order to suppress worker opposition, a model followed by Quebec and other provincial governments. The trade union bureaucracy and social democratic New Democratic Party (NDP) have done their utmost to cover up this class war by pumping out Team Canada propaganda, claiming that workers should join hands with the bosses and government ministers to oppose Trump. This propaganda offensive has helped smother opposition in the working class as the devastating impact of Trumps tariffs and Canadian counter-tariffs have led to the destruction of thousands of jobs in the auto, steel, forestry and other industries. Carney, a former central banker who spent his entire adult life catering to the demands of the oligarchy, was brought to power last year with the backing of dominant sections of the bourgeoisie because he was seen as a safe pair of hands to uphold Canadian imperialist interests in the face of Trump. In addition to further militarization and attacks on public services and worker rights, Carney has overseen sweeping tax cuts for the wealthy and big business, and an intensification of the anti-immigrant witch-hunt begun under his predecessor, former Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Inter-imperialist rivalries The breakdown of the post-war economic order, upon which the Canada-US military-strategic partnership rested, has exacerbated conflicts between rivals and erstwhile allies around the world. In the new redivision of the world between the major powers, all of which want to seize hold of the lions share of raw materials, cheap labour, trade routes and geostrategic influence, the interests of American and Canadian imperialism are increasingly at odds. The seizure of Venezuelas oil by Trump signals Washingtons determination to act unilaterally and exclude junior partners from any share of the spoils. This includes Canada in Latin America and the Caribbean, regions where it has had large investments and significant imperialist interests since emerging as an imperialist power in its own right at the beginning of the 20th century. Despite the growing tensions between Washington and Ottawa, preserving Canadas privileged access to the US market is viewed by the Canadian ruling class as pivotal to upholding its imperialist interests. Ottawa seeks to secure a place as Washingtons recognized junior partner within Trumps Fortress North America. Over the past three decades, it has participated actively in US-led wars in the Middle East and Central Asia, fuelled and helped wage the US/NATO war on Russia, and collaborated with Washingtons campaign against Venezuela through sanctions, diplomatic isolation and support for pro-imperialist opposition forces. The 1988 Canada-US Free Trade Agreement (subsequently subsumed into NAFTA) secured Canadas access to the US market amid the breakdown of the post-war equilibrium and the emergence of regional trading blocs. Taking advantage of Canadas heavy dependence on the US, which is the destination for about three-quarters of all Canadian exports, Trump strong-armed Canada and Mexico during his first term to replace NAFTA with a new agreement, USMCA, that strengthened American economic dominance across the continent. Exploiting Canadas economic and geopolitical vulnerability to US pressure, and in accordance with the Donroe Doctrine and his call for a new age of American territorial expansion, Trump now intends to go far further. He intends to use economic force and geopolitical pressure to refashion Canadas economy in the interests of Wall Street and Washington and press for Canadas absorption, or at least choice parts of it, into the US. Canadas political and media establishment looked upon the impending renegotiation of the USMCA with trepidation prior to Maduros abduction. With Washington now making clear that the Donroe Doctrine is its blueprint for its relations with Canada, the ruling class is being compelled to recognize that what it faces is not a trade negotiation, no matter how fractious, but something more akin to a mafia shakedown. If Trump does not get his way, he has made clear that he will blow up the agreement altogether. In testimony before Congress in mid-December, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer underscored that the USMCA was deliberately designed to preserve Washingtons leverage as the largest economy on the North American continent. He made clear that the Trump administration has no intention of automatically extending the agreement and that renewal will depend on Canada and Mexico acceding to US demands. Trump has insisted that he wants unhindered access to Canadas critical minerals and water, which are considered essential elements in fueling Washingtons war economy. Workers must oppose all factions of the Canadian ruling class and unite with American workers The sharpening tensions between the US and Canada, and the predicament facing Canadian imperialism produced by the breakdown of its most important strategic partnership have aggravated longstanding regional cleavages within the ruling class. None of the factions engaged in bitter squabbles over their policies towards Trump and the European imperialists, or how state borders and the spoils should be distributed in the event of a breakup of the Canadian federal state, has anything to offer the working class in the struggle against Trump and all he representsfascist dictatorship, imperialist war and the impoverishment of the working class. Carney reacted to Trumps Venezuela invasion January 3 with a series of steps underscoring how the faction of the ruling class for which his government speaks is hedging its bets in the face of Trumps threat to annex the country. Carney travelled to Europe on January 5 and 6, where he participated in a meeting chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron on the ongoing war with Russia in Ukraine. The so-called coalition of the willing was established by the European imperialist powers with the aim of sabotaging Trumps effort to reach an accommodation with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the European powers expense and continue the war at all costs. Carney signed on to a statement released following the meeting that pledged to deploy British and French troops to Ukraine once a peace deal had been struck. Since coming to power last year, Carney has also backed and sought to involve Canada in the European powers massive rearmament drive, which is aimed at enabling them to act militarily on the world stage independently of and against the US. While in Europe, Carney issued a statement backing Denmark and the European powers in their clash with Trump over his intention to seize Greenland by military force if necessary. The Danish territory is of immense geostrategic importance due to its location in the Arctic, which is being opened up to exploitation and trade routes due to climate change, and its rich deposits of raw materials. Carney is also visiting China this week, as part of his plan to double non-US trade by 2035. China is the main target of Trumps America First trade war policies, and as part of Ottawas alignment with Washington was identified by the previous Trudeau Liberal government as a disruptive global power inimical to Canadian values. Far-right Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who enthused over the abduction of Maduro in a Trump-style outburst, speaks for a faction of Canadian big business in favour of a closer alliance with Trump. He is supported by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who has repeatedly flown south to meet Trump, voiced support for his global energy dominance strategy and fanned Alberta separatism. Indicating that powerful sections of Canadian capital are hungering to profit off Trumps imperialist rampage, Bank of Nova Scotia CEO Scott Thomson has praised Trumps action in Venezuela and strategy to dominate the Western Hemisphere. Longer-term, this is a good thing for the Western Hemisphere, he told a Royal Bank of Canada conference. Its a good thing for the US. Its a good thing for the Bank of Nova Scotia. In Quebec, the sovereignist, i.e., Quebec separatist, movement advocates establishing direct relations with Trump and Wall Street by establishing a third imperialist state in north America by seceding from Canada. The systematic whipping up of vicious anti-immigrant hysteria and Quebec first chauvinism by the Parti Quebecois and its federal sister party, the Bloc Quebecois, together with the pseudo-left fraternity organized in and around Quebec Solidaire, underlines the right-wing, anti-worker character of this movement, which serves the interests of Quebec capital. The NDP, together with its sponsors in the trade union bureaucracy, have been the chief promoters of foul Canadian nationalism in response to Trumps threats to annex Canada. They championed Team Canada, which involved urging workers to subordinate themselves to the Liberal government, and bosses organizations like the Business Council of Canada and Canadian Chamber of Commerce, all in the name of securing unity and defending Canadian jobs. Former NDP MP Charlie Angus has taken the partys pro-imperialist, nationalist tub-thumping to the next logical stage. He has hailed Carneys plan to expand the military to include 300,000 reserve soldiers as a welcome step to establishing a peoples army to fight Trump. Given the decades-long record of the NDP and unions in promoting divisions between Canadian and American workers, while at the same time propping up pro-war Liberal governments and backing Canadian imperialist wars of aggression, the real danger posed by such reactionary proclamations cannot be overstated. The eruption of imperialist barbarism epitomized by Trumps Donroe Doctrine urgently demands an independent political response from the working class in Canada, the United States and around the world. Canadian workers cannot fight Trump and his program of fascist dictatorship, imperialist war and social misery for workers at home in alliance with any faction of the Canadian bourgeoisie. To the extent that they oppose Trump, the Canadian ruling class does so merely from the standpoint that he threatens its core interests by refusing to recognize their right to brutally exploit the Canadian working class and enforce their own imperialist ambitions on the coattails of Washington. All of the warring factions agree on one thing: the working class must pay the price for Canadian imperialisms crisis. The only basis to combat war, dictatorship and austerity for Canadian workers is in the closest fighting unity with workers in the United States, Latin America and beyond. This struggle requires a socialist and internationalist program to put an end to capitalism, the decrepit social order that has produced Trump and the embrace of his policies by ruling elites around the world. The working class must be politically mobilized through the construction of rank-and-file committees in opposition to the trade union bureaucracies and the foul Canadian nationalism they peddle. The struggle to unify the working class internationally and put the interests of the vast majority before those of private profit must find expression in the fight for workers governments committed to the socialist reorganization of society. The thuggish character of the Trump administration was on full display this week during President Donald Trumps visit to the Ford Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan. The appearance was carefully stage-managed, with Trump touring the Dearborn Truck Plant alongside Ford executives and CEO Bill Ford Jr., intended to provide a propaganda backdrop for Trumps claims of a booming auto industry and a revival of American manufacturing. As Trump passed on an elevated walkway above the factory floor, a Ford worker shouted denunciations at the president, including calling him a pedophile protector, a reference to Trumps long-established association with the late Jeffrey Epstein and efforts by the political establishment to bury the full truth about Epsteins connections. The worker was later identified as Thomas TJ Sabula, a 40-year-old assembly-line worker and member of United Auto Workers Local 600. Trump responded with rage. He twice shouted Fuck you at Sabula and, as he walked away, raised his middle finger in the workers direction. The exchange was recorded on video by another Ford worker, quickly circulated on social media, and broadcast on national television. The White House defended the thuggish behavior. The presidents communications director Steven Cheung denounced Sabula as a lunatic and declared that the presidents profanity-laced response was appropriate and unambiguous. The language was calculated. Trump officials have portrayed any opposition to the administrations fascist measures as irrational and dangerous and thereby deserving of repression. During an appearance on Fox News Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called Renee Nicole Good, the 37-year-old mother of three murdered by ICE agents in Minneapolis, a deranged lunatic. Sabula was suspended without pay pending an investigation, in clear retaliation for publicly confronting the president. Reports also circulated that the worker who filmed the incident was disciplined or fired, underscoring the atmosphere of intimidation inside the plant and managements role in enforcing political conformity on the shop floor. Sabula publicly defended his actions. In an interview with the Washington Post, he said he had no regrets whatsoever and warned that he was being targeted for political retribution for embarrassing Trump in front of his friends. Sabula explained that he was roughly 60 feet away and that Trump could hear him very, very, very clearly. His remarks, he said, were directed at Trumps handling of the Epstein matter and the broader culture of impunity surrounding the political elite. 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. Gofundme page for Thomas "TJ" Sabula [Photo: gofundme] There has been an outpouring of popular support for the Ford worker. As of this writing, GoFundMe campaigns established on Sabulas behalf have raised more than three-quarters of a million dollars with more than 30,000 donations from the US and other countries, most of them in smaller contributions of $20-$25 from workers, retirees and other defenders of free speech. The comment of one worker was typical: Donald, you are not our king. We the people of the United States do not tolerate leaders who demand fealty or attempt to punish and silence us into submission! We will stand with our brother Thomas Sabula, and his boldness and courage will be rewarded. Will Lehman, the Mack Trucks worker and socialist autoworker who ran for UAW president in 2022, issued a statement sharply denouncing the retaliation against Sabula. I categorically denounce the suspension of Ford Rouge worker TJ Sabula for exercising his basic democratic right to free speech during Donald Trumps visit to the Dearborn Truck Plant. This act of retaliation is a warning shot aimed at the entire working class. Every worker must rally to Sabulas defense and demand his immediate and unconditional reinstatement. Lehman continued: Sabula committed no offense. He voiced what millions of workers think and feel about a president who embodies corruption, repression and violence. Trumps responsescreaming profanities at a worker and raising his middle fingerwas a political statement. It was the instinctive reaction of a thuggish representative of the oligarchy who answers opposition with intimidation and barely concealed threats of violence. Lehman added, condemning the UAW apparatus: This makes all the more criminal the role of Shawn Fain and the UAW apparatus. Fains embrace of Trumps tariffs and economic nationalism is a conscious alignment with a reactionary and increasingly authoritarian regime. His silence in the face of Sabulas suspension exposes the UAW leadership as an auxiliary of management and the state, hostile to the democratic rights of workers. Lehman concluded: The defense of democratic rights cannot be entrusted to the corporations, the courts or the union bureaucracy. It requires the independent mobilization of the working class through rank-and-file committees. An attack on one worker is an attack on all! Sabulas co-workers were equally angry. People in the plant and beyond are ready to fight. You can see that from the response to the GoFundMe page, a young Dearborn Truck Plant worker said. There is a growing and very widespread anti-Trump sentiment. Workers are standing up for one another. The UAW is supporting Trump every day, the worker added. I see the lives of people are being hurt. They are starving. They are facing hardship, and they are tired of it. Unable to ignore the outpouring of support, UAW bureaucrats finally roused themselves to comment on the victimization of Sabula Wednesday afternoon, more than 24 hours after the incident. In a perfunctory statement, Laura Dickerson, the head of the UAW Ford Department saying, 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. This is worthless drivel. The UAW routinely sanctions the victimization of workers by management. It has done nothing to defend the jobs of workers laid off at Fords Rouge Electric Vehicle Center or the nearby GM Factory Zero plant, where the second shift was eliminated earlier this month, cutting 1,100 jobs, largely due to Trumps cancellation of EV consumer credits. In fact, Trumps ability to stage his visit to Rouge rested entirely on the collaboration of the UAW bureaucracy. In the days leading up to Trumps appearanceand during itthe UAWs national and Local 600 leadership issued no statement opposing the visit, no warning to workers, and no defense of democratic rights. Having embraced Trumps tariffs and economic nationalism, the UAW apparatus has aligned itself with the core of Trumps economic program, aimed at dividing workers internationally while enforcing corporate restructuring and layoffs at home. Trump entered Rouge confident that the union bureaucracy would suppress opposition, police dissent on the shop floor and collaborate with management and the state to maintain order. But Trumps fascist policies are provoking widespread opposition, from Detroit, where hundreds protested his appearance outside the Motor City Casino Tuesday, to Minneapolis where high school students are walking out to demand the removal of ICE, to the global opposition of workers and young people against the invasion of Venezuela and threats of war against Iran. The incident on Tuesday gives political form to the cultural backwardness, brutality and violence of the corporate and financial oligarchy that rules the United States. Trump and the social interests he represents fear and hate all expressions of popular opposition, above all from the working class, which they correctly see as an existential threat to their wealth, power and rule. The WSWS calls on workers at Ford and throughout the auto industry to establish rank-and-file committees to demand the immediate reinstatement of Sabula and any other workers victimized. The defense of basic rights must be connected to a broader working class counteroffensive against the capitalist oligarchy and the Trump administrations conspiracy for dictatorship. The Socialist Equality Partys January 11 online meeting was attended by more than 160 workers, students and young people from across Australia and internationally. It provided a socialist assessment of the December 14 mass shooting at Sydneys Bondi Beach, in which 15 people were killed and dozens wounded at a Hanukkah celebration when two gunmen, father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram, opened fire on the crowd. The meeting rejected both the reactionary, sectarian ideology that motivated the attack and the attempts by state and federal Labor governments to exploit the tragedy to suppress opposition to Israels genocide in Gaza, expand police powers and curtail democratic rights. Speakers explained that acts of terrorism are routinely seized upon by governments to justify emergency laws and suppress political opposition, above all the movement against war and militarism. In Australia, this has already taken the form of new police powers in New South Wales to shut down protests. The meeting outlined the need for organised working-class action against this deepening repression, emphasising that the only progressive response to the Bondi atrocity is the independent mobilisation of the working class on a socialist program against genocide, war and authoritarianism. The World Socialist Web Site spoke to several of the attendees after the meeting. **** Hazem, an electrician from Sydney, told the WSWS he joined the meeting because I want to take more interest in the political landscape. I am a socialist at heart. I think everyone should have a democratic vote. It was interesting to see the viewpoints of the Socialist Equality Party. One of the good points was pulling things back from a simplistic view to a holistic one. Its not just the Bondi attack, but global events that are happening. Its good to look from the outside in and see it that way. Of the perpetrators of the December 14 attack, Hazem said: The guys that did this are insane. Theyve been brainwashed into doing things. Does the current environment lead people to do that? Probably. Speaking about broader political developments, he said: If you look at the US and Venezuela, its like the Roman Empire. Its using the military for its economy, with no regard for its core principles, disregarding its constitution and its Bill of Rights. The emperor does whatever it wants to keep things afloat. I think its messed up to a certain extent. Trump is doing whatever benefits him. I see it as a greed thing, and capitalism facilitates this greed. I do believe there is something people are missing. Its a global economy. As the US collapses, the rest of the world collapses. Whatever happens in one country affects another country. Hazem expressed strong agreement with the meetings call for rank-and-file committees. He said: I recall the Iraq protests, and I distinctly remember telling my friends and family that if we just stopped work for two days, there wouldnt be a war. The workers do have the power, but they are not aware of it. Debbie, a jazz musician in Victoria, said she found the meeting very interesting and welcomed hearing a socialist perspective. I love that there are people out there who want to do something. Im against what Israel is doing. Ive seen how Italian dockworkers took strike action and refused to handle weapons so they wouldnt reach Israel. It seems to me that fascism is on the rise. There are 24 people in prison in Britain because they occupied Elbit Systems in 2024. Theyve been jailed for more than a year, and one young woman has been on hunger strike for 71 days. The government there has no compassion or soul. In the US, ICE agents are killing people in the street, and I wonder what we can do. Were starting to see this in Australia as well. I want to know more about socialism, what it really is. Kerry Kerry, a semi-retired project manager from rural Victoria, said the speakers raised a lot of food for thought about Bondi, but also broader things about how capitalism is toxic for the whole planet. I learnt quite a bit from connecting the dots. As a high school student, Kerry protested against the Vietnam War. She later participated in demonstrations against the 2003 Iraq invasion and, more recently, the Gaza genocide. Im very, very concerned with the way the world is going today. I think things are worse now than they have been for decades, she said. Kerry said the Bondi terror attack was being falsely portrayed as a product of the Palestine solidarity movement. This is now being presented as Bondi was because of the marches. I go to the Palestine marches when I can. That distinction between Zionism and Judaism is so important, because I dont think people quite realise how many Jews are actually anti-Zionist. She continued: Yes, there is antisemitism. But Labor has ignored the fact that we have literal neo-Nazis walking the streets now, real antisemites. The government condemns pro-Palestinian people when weve got Nazis going down the street and attacking Indigenous people in their camps. Kerry said, The Labor government is now a servant of the far right and of Zionism. This is the biggest human-rights disaster weve faced in a long time. Basically, we have Labor and Liberal, which might as well be the same party. The two of them were preferencing each other in the last federal election to keep out left-wing alternatives. Albanese has not supported Islamic people in Australia, who are being attacked brutally, and the racism that is mounting every day against Muslims in this country as a resultI just find it sickening. She also responded to the meetings criticism of the trade union bureaucracy, which has joined the campaign to denounce anti-genocide protesters. To a very great extent, whats happened with the union movement is that key figures in various unions see it as a stepping stone into politics, to get elected into a safe Labor seat and then get all the financial benefits that go with it. Anthony, a student from Newcastle, said the Australian government had used the Bondi shooting to advance a reactionary political agenda. Theyve taken this tragedy as an opportunity to push political motives to defend Israel and crack down on pro-Palestine, anti-Zionist movements and free speech. Its not surprising, but its very upsetting to see. He said: Antisemitism is a serious issue and we should be concerned about it. But to treat any opposition to the state of Israel as antisemitism is dangerous and undemocratic. It goes against free speech, because we should be able to criticise states, especially when they are committing genocide. Calling that antisemitism is a farce. Its a false dichotomy to say that being pro-Palestine means being antisemitic. He said a key lesson of the meeting was the historical role of terrorism in justifying repression. We saw after 9/11 how attacks were used to push through things people otherwise wouldnt accept, like war in the Middle East and deeply undemocratic policies. Theres a clear historical pattern of these situations being exploited politically. Asked about Socialism AI, the Marxist augmentedintelligence educational tool launched in December by the WSWS, he said: Im very critical of AI, because so far its mainly been used in the interests of capital. But to dismiss it entirely is shortsighted. Socialism AI could make a vast body of socialist literature more accessible and help people develop politically and in terms of class consciousness. With the spring semester beginning at universities across the United States, faculty members at Texas A&M have revealed that more than 200 courses in the College of Arts and Sciences have been flagged or canceled for including material on race and gender. One of the courses was flagged for including a passage from Plato. The instructor, Martin Peterson, was given an ultimatum to remove the content or be assigned to a different course. Plato. Luni marble, copy of the portrait made by Silanion ca. 370 BC for the Academia in Athens. Plato is a foundational figure in Western philosophy whose writings have shaped political thought, ethics and conceptions of justice for more than two millennia. That even his work is now deemed unacceptable exposes the fraud of a government that claims to defend free speech while enforcing ideological conformity. Texas A&M administrators are also resorting to false and retaliatory claims to justify canceling courses. Dr. Leonard Bright, a professor in the Bush School of Government and Public Service, reported that the university publicly canceled his graduate-level Ethics course and falsely stated that he had refused to provide information required to seek an exemption. In fact, Bright had formally documented that his course examined race, gender, sexuality, religion, and other social identities strictly within the framework of administrative ethics and public service, explicitly stating that students were not required to adopt any political viewpoint and that critical disagreement was welcomed. Despite this, the university moved to cancel the course, demonstrating that the purge is being carried out through misrepresentation and administrative coercion rather than any legitimate academic review. Introduction to Race and Ethnicity was canceled entirely, and students enrolled in the course were informed that there was no way to bring it into compliance with the new policy. This is the first semester since amendments to A&Ms Civil Rights Protection and Compliance and Academic Freedom, Responsibility and Tenure policies were approved by the university system board in the fall. The anti-democratic measures, aimed at prohibiting the advocation of race and gender ideology, mandate per-semester reviews of syllabi for core courses and have reportedly relied on AI to flag material for noncompliance. The policy changes at Texas A&M are rooted in the passage of Texas Senate Bill 37, adopted last year as part of a sweeping restructuring of higher education governance in the state. The law strips faculty of meaningful control over curriculum, centralizes authority in politically appointed boards and administrators, and explicitly empowers them to police classroom content, providing the legal framework now being used to flag and cancel courses deemed politically unacceptable by the state. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump walks during a visit to Shelby Park on the U.S.-Mexico border, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Eagle Pass, Texas. At front left is Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. [AP Photo/Eric Gay] The process has generated widespread confusion among faculty and it remains unclear who reviews their syllabi. Departments are also interpreting the directives differently, leading to uneven enforcement. Together with the rollout of the EthicsPoint reporting application, which allows students to report instructors for mentioning banned topics in class, these measures amount to a concerted effort to intimidate professors into silence. While courses that include discussions of race or gender may still be taught as electives, this functions as a form of indirect censorship, since reclassifying a course often leads to underenrollment and eventual cancellation. As Inside Higher Ed reported, One professor, who wished to remain anonymous, was asked in the fall to remove content related to feminism and queer cinema from their History of Film class. The professor refused, and the dean resubmitted the syllabus as a noncore special topics class, which enrolled students were notified of Wednesday. The professor reported a large drop in enrollment. Underenrollment was also cited as the pretext for inactivating the LGBT minor in fall 2024. English faculty members told Inside Higher Ed that they received an email Tuesday from senior executive associate dean Cynthia Werner stating that literature with major plot lines concerning gay, lesbian, or transgender identities should not be taught in core-curriculum classes. The review of syllabi continues, and the fate of some courses will not be decided until after classes have begun. Advocacy groups that have opposed the ban, including the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the right-wing Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), have pointed to the illegal and unconstitutional character of the new policies. Inside Higher Ed reported that, in addition to violating the First Amendment, Texas A&Ms censorship may also run afoul of a rule from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board that requires institutions to seek its approval before revising its core curriculum and deleting courses. The actions at Texas A&M are part of a much broader political offensive. In the opening days of his second term, President Donald Trump signed a raft of executive orders targeting higher education under the pretext of eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Among them was Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, which codified as official policy the antiscientific claim that only two genders exist. The order was later cited in the firing of Melissa McCoul at Texas A&M for discussing gender in a childrens literature course. Trump has repeatedly threatened to withhold federal funding from universities that do not enforce ideological conformity or that fail to repress student protest with sufficient brutality. Immigration agents have also been deployed to harass and intimidate international students and foreign researchers. At the state level, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a loyal ally of Trump, has advanced the same anti-intellectual agenda. Senate Bill 10 mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in every K12 classroom in the state and is currently being challenged in the courts. State legislators have also ordered the firing of academics who step out of line, including McCoul. The crackdown on so-called race and gender ideology is, in reality, an assault on all critical thought. Texas has served as a spearhead for a broader nationwide, and increasingly global, offensive by capitalist governments against academic freedom. On September 10 last year, labor historian Tom Alter was fired from Texas State University for participating, in a private capacity, in an online socialist conference. In the aftermath of the killing of Charlie Kirk later that month, teachers and academics across Texas and the country were threatened with termination for social-media posts critical of the dead fascist. When the Nazis seized power in Germany, they imposed Gleichschaltung, a policy of synchronization aimed at bringing all aspects of social and intellectual life into line with the needs of the regime as it prepared the population for war. The process entailed the mass firing of academics and the enforcement of ideological conformity across the universities. The Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service sought to purge public institutions of political dissidents and racial minorities. Article 4 ordered the dismissal of civil servants who, after their previous political activities, cannot be relied upon by the Party to execute its wishes. The humanities are not only useless to the depraved, bloodthirsty criminals running the U.S. government, they are dangerous. In this context, the assault on academic freedom is aimed at chilling opposition within the working class, the enemy within, in Trumps words, and strangling any oppositional sentiment. As the WSWS wrote when Harvard and other Ivy League universities caved to Trumps demands to crack down on dissident students, Without even the threat of SS troops, university administrations are facilitating Trumps demands and functioning as junior partners. The Democrats are doing nothing to oppose the assault on freedom of speech by the Trump administration and in fact laid the groundwork for it through the Biden administrations brutal repression of protests against the genocide in Gaza. They represent the same financial oligarchy as Trump and are far more afraid of opposition from below than of the threat of fascism. Meanwhile, the nationalist and militarist union apparatus, including the UAW, which represents some teachers and academics, issues empty and belated statements while refusing to mobilize opposition within the working class, functioning instead as an arm of the corporations and the capitalist state. The orientation of students and all progressive elements in society must be toward the independent political mobilization of the international working class. Rank-and-file committees must be formed in every workplace and school to unify struggles across sectors, regions, and national boundaries and prepare for a general strike to disrupt the war machine. Only in this way can the democratic rights and social needs of the working class and all of society be defended against the imperialist drive to subjugate the world. Ford Dearborn Truck Plant workers Ford workers at the sprawling Rouge Complex in Dearborn, Michigan, are speaking out in defense of Thomas TJ Sabula, an assembly line worker who was suspended without pay after denouncing President Donald Trump during the presidents visit to the plant on Tuesday. As Trump toured the factory floor, Sabula shouted denunciations at the president, including calling him a pedophile protector, a reference to Trumps long-established association with Jeffrey Epstein and efforts by the political establishment to bury the full truth about Epsteins connections. Trump responded with rage. The president shouted obscenities at Sabula and, as he walked away, raised his middle finger in the workers direction. The exchange was recorded on video by another Ford worker, quickly circulated on social media, and broadcast on national television. There has been an outpouring of support for Sabula, a 40-year-old assembly-line worker and member of United Auto Workers Local 600. As of Wednesday night, two GoFundMe pages set up on his behalf have received more than $800,000 in donations from over 30,000 contributors. After the flood of support, the UAW was forced to break its silence and issue a statement more than 24 hours after the incident claiming the union would ensure that our member receives the full protection of all negotiated contract language safeguarding his job and his rights as a union member. William, a Ford Rouge worker, told the World Socialist Web Site that Sabulas stand expressed sentiments shared widely among workers. TJ Sabula has stood up to Trump more than any of our elected officials. They wont stand up. I mean both the Republican and Democratic parties. I might as well add the UAW union officials who bend over. I find it disgusting the way the media and the Trump administration is spinning the ICE murder of Renee Good. We are told not to believe what we see! I think the mask is coming off. I feel very strongly that a general strike is key. A Dearborn Truck Ford worker with 11 years at the plant described Trumps behavior and the broader political situation. Its just pitiful and sad that the president of the United States can do these things. He shouldnt be president. He has no business being president. He has a whole bunch of felonies. If you had a felony you couldnt get a job. A lot of people like himself back him up. People with money. If you have money you can do anything and get away with anything. We can voice our opinion, but nothing is being done against Trump. All this stuff this man is doing and there are no consequences. You go out and do just one thing and you pay for it. He suffers no consequences. Not Congress, not the Democrats. There are no checks and balances. Just talking. Im flabbergasted. Its like a bad dream. Ford workers are going to catch a lot of hell with him being down there. Co-workers called me and said Trump was coming here tomorrow. I said youve got to be kidding. And when he gets down there hes flipping off workers. His intentions are no good, and (Executive Chairman) Bill Ford is behind it. Mr. Ford and CEO Jim Farley are standing up there talking with him. Its pitiful! Theyre saying the F-150 pickup truck is doing real good since Trumps tariffs. Without them, they say, Ford would not be doing so good. Trump asks, Do you make trucks here? He didnt even know! As for (UAW President Shawn) Fain, hes two-faced. He was all against Trump and then he turned around and backed his tariffs. All these people have money. People were mad yesterday. Their lockers were cut off. There were protests at the casino where Trump spoke. Another DTP worker described the conditions surrounding Trumps visit and the atmosphere inside the plant. Nobody told us that Trump was coming to the plant. All we got was a text that the plant was going to be locked down between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Nobody was supposed to leave their workstation during that time. They were talking about canceling the shift. The workers from REV-C (Rouge Electric Vehicle Center) that are coming to the plant to train for the relaunch of C Crew at DTP were told not to come in. Im on night shift. By the time I came to work, everybody was sharing that video of the employee who called Trump a pedophile protector. You see Trump pointing at him and shouting, F**k you, and you can hear workers all around him cat-calling and jeering the president. The guy who called him out had 20 years seniority and they suspended him on the spot. People on the floor agreed with him. Trump is a pedophile. And now they say Bill and Hillary Clinton are refusing to answer questions about Epstein. When I woke up today, the first thing I saw on the phone was an employee post on Facebook with the video of Trump walking with Bill Ford Jr. through the plant. Ive seen people get fired for posting things from the plant. When I got to work, rumors were flying in the plant. On top of that, Im watching these crazy ICE raids in Minneapolis where they killed that innocent woman [Renee Nicole Good]. That was terrible. People are getting injured and hurt in these ICE raids across the country. A young Dearborn Truck worker emphasized the broader political meaning of the response to Sabulas suspension. People in the plant and beyond are ready to fight. You can see that from the response to the GoFundMe page. There is a growing and very widespread anti-Trump sentiment. The working class is primed and ready to fight. Workers are standing up for one another. The UAW is supporting Trump every day. I see the lives of people are being hurt. They are starving. They are facing hardship and they are tired of it. The unions do not fight for the people by organizing workers as a class independent from the capitalist class and their hangers on. Our job is getting people to understand what it is. They have to fight. We have to set out a program for a struggle for power by the working class, not reforms. My fiancee has a job in social services where her responsibility is to find the resources that people need. The cuts are so bad that all she can do is offer rooms for them to sit down and cry. That hurts so much. The suspension of TJ Sabula is not an isolated disciplinary action but a warning aimed at the entire working class. Trumps tirade, carried out with the backing of Ford management and enforced by the UAW bureaucracy, exposes the reality of free speech under conditions of growing authoritarianism. The mass response in Sabulas defense demonstrates the depth of opposition to Trump and the political establishment and the immense social power that exists among workers. The decisive question posed by the events at the Rouge plant is how this opposition can be organized independently of the corporations, the political parties and the union bureaucracy, which functions to suppress rather than mobilize workers struggles. This means building rank-and-file committees in every factory, under the direction of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, to demand the reinstatement of Sabula with full back pay and the defense of the democratic and social rights of all workers. One week since the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) murder of Renee Nicole Good, the immigration Gestapo continue their reign of terror throughout the Twin Cities area, harassing children at schools by parking outside them, spraying tear gas near schools, breaking car windows, dragging people through the streets, etc. In response to widespread demonstrations, the Trump administration is deploying more federal agents to Minneapolis, bringing the total now to 3,000, effectively putting the Twin Cities under quasimartial law. This is taking place as the regime is spending $100 million on recruitment for the immigration Gestapo, trying to recruit some of the most rotten elements of society, including white supremacists, with slogans such as well have our home again, expressing their racist and fascistic worldview. Since the murder of Good, the Trump administration has embarked on a propaganda campaign based on utter lies, reminiscent of the Nazi regime, claiming that Good was a domestic terrorist and that she injured the ICE agent Jonathan Ross. A week after the murder, CBS reported that Ross supposedly suffered internal bleeding, a euphemism for a bruise, as video shows him casually walking away from the scene of the crime unscathed and unbothered. Youth and workers have defied threats from Trumps brownshirts, launching various protests and demonstrations. Tuesday night, hundreds gathered outside the Graduate by Hilton hotel on the University of Minnesota campus to demonstrate against ICE agents. A wave of cacophony was unleashed by demonstrators, many of whom honked horns, blew whistles, banged drums and more to prevent ICE agents from sleeping. Students calling for ICE OUT! of Minnesota from the steps of the state Capitol in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. On Wednesday, hundreds of students from multiple high schools in St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minnesota, staged walkouts protesting ICEs presence in their communities and marched on the state Capitol building. ICE showed up outside Aquila Elementary School and was met with disgust by parents parked outside. Additionally, a parent of an elementary school student from Robbinsdale Elementary School was detained by ICE, while the child was not. Meanwhile, in other parts of Minneapolis, multiple people who were arrested by ICE and reporters with Status Coup said federal agents hurled insults at protesters, calling Renee Nicole Good a lesbian bitch. They also told demonstrators something to the effect that if they continued to block ICE operations, more people would be killed like Good. These statements by ICE agents confirm that federal officials are defending a killing that many witnesses and experts say was unjustified, and that Ross was not acting in self-defense, as video of the encounter already demonstrates. A section of the hundreds of students who walked out of class, joined by community members, protest the ICE occupation of Minneapolis and demand justice for Renee Good on January 14, 2026. Speaking to the World Socialist Web Site, one protesting student said, Were students from Como Park Senior High School. Were at the Capitol right now protesting with the other students from different schools. And the current situation with ICE, I think, is getting out of hand because students are afraid to show up to school. And theyre missing the lesson because theyre worried about ICE. Students at the Minnesota State Capitol speak to the WSWS about the ongoing federal occupation of Minneapolis, January 14, 2026. Another student added, And I think its important to speak out for whats right. As you can see, theres so many people here that are against ICE, and I think that ICE should leave them alone. WSWS reporters spoke to another student, who said, First, we all, were all refugees. We came here legally, and were working our asses off. Were working for this country. Our people are just doing the best we can. And you know, theres fear of deportation here and there. But, you know, even with all that, were going to keep doing what we do. Were going to keep fighting the good fight. Were going to keep, were going to keep doing what is rightfighting for whats right. Whats happening here is tragic. What happened to Renee Good is tragic. You know, we dont want that again. Genocide is happening all over the world right now, free Palestine. I just want to say that Im proud of everybody here. And Im glad that theyre using their voice for the First Amendment. Another student expressed the growing disgust and anger against the Trumps administrations fascistic attacks against immigrants, stating, I think, like, you just see every day on your For You page, ICE, is like, being violent to citizens, US citizens, they dont even check, without them doing anything to them. They are complying with them, and they are still violent. And I know theres people that say that nonviolent protests do nothing, but when youre here and you organize and you meet with people and you build a plan and you walk out, things will change. And it takes time, but we need to keep up the momentum to actually stop whats happening. The question of a general strike to force ICE out was posed to another group of protesting students, who commented, Yeah, I do. I support it. I support it. I think we should all do it. I think some people are afraid to do it. Theyre afraid to lose their jobs, and they have people to abide to and have responsibilities to take care of. And if youre in that situation, I understand. But if you can make time, if you can, if you feel really passionate about the topic, I think you should come out here and try to strike. A student protester in Minneapolis, Minnesota, January 13, 2026. Standing beside them, another student spoke, In a capitalist society where were forced to work for our lives, I understand why people dont want to go on strike and why they dont want to sacrifice those hours that they could be making money. Because were made to put that work above what we believe in, like our causes we want to fight for. But I think its really important that we all kind of band together to show that were in support of this and show these companies and corporations and all these higher-ups what were about. Another student added, Yeah, I definitely agree with others like definitely a power in numbers, and I think if you organize it right, you can be very successful. The walkouts and demonstrations by hundreds of students, combined with the growing protests across Minnesota and the United States, show that the class struggle is entering a new upswingleading to a direct confrontation with the Trump administration and the American oligarchy. Trumps siege on Minneapolis and the attempt to impose a presidential dictatorship are the efforts of a desperate and crumbling ruling class to maintain its rule. However, the rising tide of the class struggle must be guided by a clear socialist perspective. What is needed is the formation of rank-and-file committees to organize and counter ICE and the fascist regime in the White House. In order to counter the modern-day brownshirts or squadristi, what is needed is to form rank-and-file committees to prepare for a general strike. Making moral appeals to fascists will only result in catastrophe, which is why the working class needs political independence from all bourgeois parties. Quick Read Social Securitys trust fund depletes by late 2032 and triggers an automatic 24% benefit cut without congressional action. A typical dual-earning couple retiring in 2033 faces an $18,100 annual benefit reduction. Replacing lost income over retirement requires an additional $115,000 to $172,000 in personal savings. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here. Social Security's retirement trust fund is projected to run out of reserves by late 2032, less than seven years from now. When that happens, the program will only pay what it collects in ongoing payroll taxes, meaning an automatic 24% cut to all benefits unless Congress acts first. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates a typical dual-earning couple retiring in 2033 would face an $18,100 annual benefit cut in today's dollars. This projection has prompted financial advisors and policy analysts to examine how the insolvency timeline affects retirement planning scenarios. 24/7 Wall St. 24/7 Wall St. This infographic illustrates Social Security's projected trust fund depletion by late 2032, which could lead to an automatic 24% benefit cut. It details the financial impact on retirees and outlines congressional policy options to address the impending insolvency. How Claiming Age Affects Benefit Amounts The decision of when to claim Social Security creates a permanent impact on retirement income. Early claimers who start at 62 lock in benefits that are roughly 30% lower than waiting for full retirement age, while patient retirees who delay until 70 see their monthly checks grow by about 24%. This creates a strategic dilemma: smaller checks starting sooner versus larger payments that begin later, with both scenarios facing the same percentage cuts if insolvency occurs. Under current formulas, someone who claims at 62 receives a smaller base amount that would then be subject to any future benefit reductions. Someone who delays until 70 receives higher monthly checks, though those payments would also face the same percentage cuts if insolvency occurs. Financial planners note that individuals with substantial retirement savings face different tax scenarios than those primarily dependent on Social Security. The sequencing of account withdrawals matters significantlydrawing from taxable accounts first versus tax-deferred IRAs can dramatically affect how much of Social Security gets taxed. For higher-income retirees, up to 85% of benefits become taxable once combined income crosses certain thresholds, making withdrawal strategy a critical planning consideration. President Donald Trump speaks during an address to the nation from the Diplomatic Reception Room at the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, in Washington. (Doug Mills/The New York Times via AP, Pool) [AP Photo] Despite growing tensions between the US and Europe, the European powers have backed Washington and Tel Avivs threats of war against Iran and the associated plans for regime change. Donald Trump is using the anti-government protests in Iran as a pretext to threaten military intervention. The German government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has decisively endorsed this strategy. During a visit to India, Merz stated that it was necessary to work toward a transition in Iran, using the classic justifications for imperialist regime change operations. I am currently concerned about reports of increasing violence by the police, the so-called Revolutionary Guards in Iran, against their own population, Merz said. The Iranian regime has no legitimacy through elections anyway, and the population is now rising up against this regime. He added threateningly: We are in close contact with the American government, with the European governments ... to ensure that there can now be a peaceful transition to a democratically legitimate government in Iran. He continued: If a regime can only hold onto power through violence, then it is effectively finished. I assume that we are now seeing the last days and weeks of this regime. These statements are clear. Merz is openly supporting a regime change prepared by the US. At the beginning of the year, he already defended the US attack on Venezuela, which violated international law, and the kidnapping of the elected president, Nicolas Maduro. If he now emphasises that Germany is in close contact with Washington and openly speculates about the imminent overthrow of the Iranian leadership, this suggests that the German government is directly involved in the imperialist plans of attack. The claim that this is about peace or democracy is cynical. The US, Germany and their European allies are pursuing the goal of installing a neocolonial regime in Iran that is subservient to them. In doing so, they are deliberately relying on the most reactionary forces, including the son of the Shah who was overthrown in 1979. Such a regime would hand over control of the countrys enormous oil and gas reserves to Western corporations and fully integrate Iran into Washingtons military-strategic offensive against Russia and China. For the Iranian working class, such a transition would have catastrophic consequences. As experience in Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan shows, a regime change imposed by imperialism does not mean freedom but social devastation, intensified exploitation and brutal repression. A pro-Western regime in Iran would oppress workers just as ruthlessly in the interests of international finance capital as the existing one. The moral outrage over the violence of the Iranian state is particularly hypocritical. The same powers have actively supported the genocide of the Palestinians over the past two years. The Gaza Strip has been systematically turned into a field of rubble and, according to official figures, some 70,000 people have been killed, mostly women and children. Independent calculations by a team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research estimate the death toll was at least 100,000. From the outset, the World Socialist Web Site has noted that the Gaza genocide is part of a comprehensive imperialist war strategy. The goal is the complete subjugation of the resource-rich and geostrategically critical Middle East in order to create the conditions for a direct military confrontation with Russia and China. Since the European powers share these strategic goals, they already supported the US-Israeli attacks on Iran last year, which killed numerous members of the Iranian military leadership, struck nuclear facilities and slaughtered hundreds of civilians. Merz himself hailed these attacks on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada last June, saying: Israel is doing the dirty work for all of us. I can only say that I have the utmost respect for the Israeli army and the Israeli leadership for having the courage to do this. This statement bluntly expressed that the German government viewed Israels bombing as a proxy operation in the joint interests of imperialism. Since then, Germany and its European allies have systematically escalated their confrontation with Iran. At the end of September 2025, Germany, France and the UK triggered the snapback mechanism of the nuclear agreement to reinstate previous UN sanctions, including an arms embargo, missile restrictions and far-reaching financial sanctions. Now, new European Union (EU) sanctions are being prepared that are intended to target regime officials, including account freezes and travel bans. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that she would quickly propose new measures against those responsible for the repression. In several European capitals, including Berlin, the Iranian ambassador was summoned. In addition, Germany, France and the Netherlands are pushing to list the Iranian Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organisationa step that further lowers the threshold for direct military escalation. In Germany, this aggressive line is supported not only by the governing parties but also by the Left Party. The party supports in all essentials the imperialist policy of regime change and cloaks it in democratic rhetoric. In a motion to be debated in the Bundestag on Friday, its MPs are demanding that the federal government must condemn in the strongest terms the violence of the Islamist regime in Iran, strengthen the democratic aspirations of civil society and at the same time push ahead with consistent sanctions against the Revolutionary Guards. The Left Party already underscored that it was preparing the ground politically and ideologically for Western military intervention with its open support for the US-Israeli military strikes against Iran last year. European support for Trumps war offensive against Iran will not lead to a thawing of transatlantic relations. Trumps threats against Greenland and the new US National Security Strategy, which openly names the European Union as a rival, are exacerbating tensions. But as long as the European powers are not yet militarily capable of waging global wars independently of Washington, they will support US operations. In doing so, they are pursuing several interrelated interests. They hope to secure a share of the imperialist spoils by supporting US wars. They want to continue NATOs war offensive against Russia in Ukraine and are dependent on Washingtons military and political backing to do so. And they are using the escalation of US imperialism to massively advance their own rearmament. The logic is that in a world of power, those who are not prepared to use military force will go under. Workers and young people must resolutely reject these preparations for waras well as the propaganda with which the European imperialists sell their rearmament drive and war policies as peace policies. As in the past, the enforcement of predatory imperialist interests is inseparably linked to the dismantling of social and democratic rights and the establishment of dictatorship at home. The only progressive way out lies in building an international, socialist anti-war movement in the working class that opposes all of the imperialist powers and links the fight against war with the fight against its root causethe capitalist profit system. Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt speak at a news conference at the Embassy of Denmark, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Washington. [AP Photo/John McDonnell] Denmark and Greenland rejected US President Donald Trumps demand for the acquisition of Greenland Tuesday following a meeting at the White House with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, even as European NATO members sent troops to the Arctic island. We have a fundamental disagreement, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen told reporters Tuesday at the Danish embassy in Washington. Rasmussen rejected Trumps wish of conquering Greenland and emphasized: This is not in the interest of the kingdom. The president has made his view clear, and we have a different position, he said. Ideas that would not respect the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self-determination of the Greenlandic people are, of course, totally unacceptable. Speaking at a separate event at the White House Tuesday, Trump reiterated his demands. We need Greenland for national security, he declared. If we dont go in, Russia is going to go in, and China is going to go in. And theres not a thing that Denmark can do about it, but we can do everything about it. Asked whether he would rule out the use of military force against a NATO ally, Trump refused. Certainly Im not going to give up options, he said. The threats come amid a deployment of European troops to Greenland. Denmark announced military reinforcements, while Germany is deploying 13 Bundeswehr soldiers, Norway two military personnel, and Sweden an unspecified number of officers for Operation Arctic Endurance. France is deploying mountain warfare units, and Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have confirmed or are considering participation. Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a founding member of the NATO alliance and covered by Article 5, which obligates all members to defend any member that is attacked. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared Sunday this is a decisive moment and warned: If the United States attacks another NATO country, everything stops. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson condemned US threatening rhetoric Tuesday and confirmed that officers are arriving in Greenland at Denmarks request. The crisis has prompted pointed warnings from European leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking to ambassadors at the Elysee Palace last week, declared: Every day people wonder whether Greenland will be invaded, whether Canada will be threatened with becoming the 51st state or whether Taiwan will be further encircled. Macron accused the US of gradually turning away from some of its allies and breaking free from international rules. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned in a speech January 7 of the breakdown of values by our most important partner, the USA, which helped build this world order. He declared: It is about preventing the world from turning into a robbers den, where the most unscrupulous take whatever they want. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted January 12-13, only 17 percent of Americans approve of US efforts to acquire Greenland, while 47 percent disapprove. Just 4 percent said using military force would be a good idea, with 71 percent calling it a bad ideaincluding 60 percent of Republicans. Polls indicate approximately 85 percent of Greenlanders oppose joining the United States. Greenland commands the GIUK Gap, the critical maritime chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland and the United Kingdom through which Russias Northern Fleet must pass to reach the Atlantic. Climate change is opening Arctic shipping routes that could transform global trade, with the northern sea route 40 percent shorter than the Suez Canal route between the North Pacific and northern Europe. Beyond its military value, Greenland contains an estimated 1.5 million tons of proven rare earth reservespotentially the worlds second largest after Chinaalong with vast deposits of copper, graphite and other critical minerals essential to advanced weapons systems and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Clayton Allen of the political risk consultancy Eurasia Group told CNBC last week: Trump is a real estate guy. Greenland is sitting on some of the most valuable real estate in terms of economic advantage and strategic defense for the next three to five decades. The Greenland standoff is one front in a broader eruption of American military violence across the globe. On January 3, US forces launched a nighttime assault on Venezuela, killing over 100 people and kidnapping President Nicolas Maduro. The operation involved more than 15,000 troops, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and waves of drone and missile strikes. Maduro was flown to New York, where he appeared in federal court. The administration announced Tuesday that it has completed an initial $500 million sale of Venezuelan oil, with proceeds held in bank accounts in Qatar and under US control. The administration is simultaneously preparing for military strikes on Iran. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared Monday that Trump is unafraid to use the lethal force and might of the United States military against Iran, adding that airstrikes would be one of the many, many options that are on the table. Trump received a military briefing on Iran Tuesday, with the Pentagon presenting strike options, including attacks on Irans nuclear program and ballistic missile sites. Amid this eruption of militarism, Trump announced plans for a $1.5 trillion defense budget, the largest in history. The Washington Post editorial board published a piece Tuesday titled, Trumps welcome push for $1.5 trillion defense spending, praising the proposal as the right impulse. The Senate voted Wednesday evening to kill a war powers resolution that would have challenged Trumps authority in Venezuela. Vice President Vance cast the tie-breaking vote after two Republican senatorsJosh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indianareversed their positions following intense pressure from Trump. The president had reportedly made heated calls to the senators and publicly denounced Republican opponents as stone cold losers and disasters. The eruption of US military violence across the globefrom the Caribbean to the Arcticreflects the terminal crisis of American capitalism. Unable to maintain its global position through economic competition, the US ruling class is turning to naked military force to seize resources and subjugate rivals. Trump has dispensed with even the pretense of legality. I dont need international law, he told the New York Times last week. Asked what limits exist on his power, he replied: My own morality. My own mind. Its the only thing that can stop me. Both parties have endorsed this lawlessness. In December, 115 House Democrats voted for a $901 billion defense authorization bill, the largest in history. Southeastern Freight Lines has formed a partnership with Fletes Mexico Carga Express aimed at strengthening cross-border less-than-truckload (LTL) service between the U.S. and Mexico, the companies said Monday. The collaboration is designed to deliver faster and more reliable freight movement across the border, supported by end-to-end shipment visibility, coordinated documentation review and integrated technology platforms, according to a news release. Under the partnership, customers gain access to real-time rate quoting and door-to-door shipment tracking across both carriers networks. Associates stationed in Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, will work with customers and their freight forwarders to review documentation, facilitate customs clearance and minimize border delays, according to the companies. Our customers are looking for simplicity in todays increasingly complex supply chain, Richard Slater, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Southeastern Freight Lines, said in a statement. This partnership with Fletes Mexico Carga Express allows us to meet our customers growing demand for reliable service in and out of Mexico. Southeastern Freight Lines, a privately held LTL carrier based in Lexington, South Carolina, operates one of the largest regional LTL networks in the Southeast. Southeastern Freight Lines operates roughly 2,0002,850 tractors and more than 6,000 trailers, supported by thousands of drivers and terminal personnel across its 89-center system in the U.S. Fletes Mexico Carga Express is a division of family-owned Fletes Mexico, which was founded nearly four decades ago and has established a strong presence across key industrial and trade corridors in Mexico. Fletes Mexico has 10 terminals in the country, and around 1,150 trucks and 1,900 employees. Its Carga Express unit provides LTL, last-mile, half-mile and door-to-door transportation services, serving industries ranging from automotive and consumer goods to retail and e-commerce. Miguel Gomez Tapia, CEO of Fletes Mexico Carga Express, said the partnership is designed to enhance service reliability and transparency. The collaboration is designed to provide faster, more dependable freight movement between the U.S. and Mexico, supported by end-to-end visibility and tight coordination from origin to destination, Gomez Tapia said. Were looking forward to advancing this collaboration and delivering enhanced U.S.Mexico freight solutions for Southeastern Freight Lines customers. The partnership reflects continued investment by both carriers in cross-border infrastructure, technology integration and operational coordination as U.S.Mexico trade volumes remain a critical growth driver for North American freight networks. By News Centre Turkiyes Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uralo?lu, has reviewed his ministrys activities for 2025 and shared the outlook for 2026. Emphasizing that 2025 was an active year in the transport sector, Uralo?lu noted that 44 projects valued at 190 billion lira were officially inaugurated. He added that, together with ongoing projects not yet officially opened, the ministry entered the year with strong momentum, citing the opening of sections of the Konya Ring Road and the Ayd?n-Denizli Highway early in the year. On the international stage, Uralo?lu highlighted that Istanbul hosted the Global Transport Corridors Forum, which saw participation from 80 countries, including 48 ministers and deputy ministers. Reflecting on other projects implemented in 2025, the minister said: "We completed the 30,000th kilometer of divided highways - a target we had set. Beyond that, after the United States, we implemented the worlds second and Europes first triple-runway operation at Istanbul Airport. As the year ended, we completely renovated the old terminal building at Sabiha Gokcen Airport and inaugurated it. We also laid the foundations for eight investment projects by Turkish Airlines, including a $2.5 billion project at Istanbul Airport." Uralo?lu noted that the 5G tender process was completed last year, and that Turk Telekoms fixed services concession agreement was extended until 2050. Looking ahead to 2026, he stated that work would continue across road, rail, air, maritime, and communication sectors, adding: "In a few days, on January 19, we will inaugurate the third runway, new tower, and renovated entrance of Ankara Esenbo?a Airport, with the participation of our President." Regarding last years completion of 30,000 kilometers of divided highways, Uralo?lu said a large-scale event would be held in Istanbul, and noted that on April 1, the first 5G signals - excluding trial phases - would be received. He also highlighted ongoing projects across the country: "We aim to complete the Ankara-Izmir High-Speed Train (YHT) project up to Afyonkarahisar and will work hard to achieve this. Similarly, we plan to inaugurate the high-speed train line from Bilecik to Bursa within this year. We also aim to open certain sections of the railway project between Halkal? and Kap?kule. We plan to tender the Esenbo?a Airport Metro Line in Ankara during the first quarter, or at the latest, the first half of the year." Uralo?lu emphasized the significance of the Kars-I?d?r-Aral?k-Dilucu Railway, which spans 224 kilometers and is key to the Zangezur Corridor, noting that foundations were laid last year and work is ongoing. Regarding the Zangezur Corridor, he said: "The Azerbaijani side is continuing works. In the Nakhchivan region, some tasks remain incomplete. The Azerbaijani side will likely begin work this year. You know the other Zangezur crossing began with U.S. involvement. We expect progress there this year as well. By 2030, we plan to bring the Zangezur Corridor into full operation." On the Ankara-K?r?kkale (Delice)-Corum-Samsun Project, which will connect Ankara to the north, Uralo?lu added: "Last year, we tendered the section up to Corum and began construction, progressing very rapidly. In 2026, we will include the section from Corum to Samsun in the Investment Program. Once approved, we will also tender that section in the first half of the year." Soybeans are trading with Tuesday morning losses of 3 to 4 cents. Futures posted Monday losses of 7 to 15 cents across most contracts, as some back months were slightly higher. Preliminary open interest was up 5,243 contracts on Monday, mostly in March and November. 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 26 deliveries issued against soybeans on Friday night, with 30 for January bean oil. Crop Production from Monday 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. Quarterly Grain Stocks data showed December 1 soybean stocks at 3.29 bbu. That was 190 mbu larger vs. last year. More News from Barchart 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. USDA did raise the Brazilian soybean production 3 MMT to 178 MMT. 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. Late on Monday afternoon, President Trump threatened a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran, with biggest concern being China. There has been no response from China. Sinograin sold 1.1 MMT of soybeans in their auction of Chinese state reserves on Tuesday. Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $10.33, down 15 1/2 cents, currently unch Nearby Cash was $9.76 1/2, down 13 1/4 cents, Mar 26 Soybeans closed at $10.49, down 13 1/2 cents, currently down 3 1/2 cents May 26 Soybeans closed at $10.61 3/4, down 12 3/4 cents, currently down 3 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 Soybeans are trading with Tuesday losses of 9 to 11 cents so far on Tuesday. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price is 11 cents lower at $9.66 1/2. Soymeal futures are a pressure factor, down $36 to $6.80, as Soy Oil futures are up 90 to 97 points. There were 26 deliveries issued against soybeans on Friday night, with 30 for January bean oil. USDA reported a private export sale of 168,000 MT of soybeans to China this morning, with 152,404 MT reported as sold to Mexico. More News from Barchart Crop Production from Monday 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. Quarterly Grain Stocks data showed December 1 soybean stocks at 3.29 bbu. That was 190 mbu larger vs. last year. 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. USDA did raise the Brazilian soybean production 3 MMT to 178 MMT. Late on Monday afternoon, President Trump threatened a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran, with biggest concern being China. There has been no response from China. Sinograin sold 1.1 MMT of soybeans in their auction of Chinese state reserves on Tuesday. Jan 26 Soybeans are at $10.23 3/4, down 9 1/4 cents, Nearby Cash is at $9.66 1/2, down 11 cents, Mar 26 Soybeans are at $10.38 1/4, down 10 3/4 cents, May 26 Soybeans are at $10.51 3/4, down 10 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 Soybeans are posting 5 to 8 cent gains so far on Wednesday. Futures closed out Tuesday with losses of 9 to 10 cent in the front months to follow up the Monday pullback. January expires today. Open interest on Tuesday was up 8,255 contracts. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was 10 1/4 cents lower at $9.66 1/4. Soymeal futures were a pressure factor, down $4.50 to $8.20, as Soy Oil futures are up 80 to 96 points. There were 47 deliveries issued against soybeans overnight, with 7 for January bean oil. USDA reported a private export sale of 168,000 MT of soybeans to China on Tuesday morning, with 152,404 MT reported as sold to Mexico. More News from Barchart NOPA data will be out on Thursday, with traders looking for a total of 224.8 million bushels of soybeans crushed in December. January exports out of Brazil are estimated at 3.73 MMT according to ANEC, which was a 1.33 MMT increase from the previous estimate. Chinese soybean imports in December were tallied at 8.04 MMT, an increase of 1.3% from the same month last year. Jan 26 Soybeans closed at $10.23 1/4, down 9 3/4 cents, currently up 4 cents Nearby Cash was $9.66 1/4, down 10 1/4 cents, Mar 26 Soybeans closed at $10.38 3/4, down 10 1/4 cents, currently up 8 cents May 26 Soybeans closed at $10.52, down 9 3/4 cents, currently up 7 1/2 cents On the date of publication, Austin Schroeder did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com French screen icon Brigitte Bardot is remembered by fans for her beauty, allure and talent, but sadly her legacy has been tainted by a long litany of racist, sexist and homophobic remarks. Her bigoted views as well as her adulterous affairs and her contemptuous comments about her only child led to her being dubbed Cinemas Ugliest Sex Goddess. The blond bombshell, who passed away Dec. 28 at the age of 91, was just 22 when she shot to international fame in 1956s And God Created Woman. It was directed by her then husband, Roger Vadim, but the two split soon after the movies release because Bardot was having an affair with her costar Jean-Louis Trintignant whom she later cheated on with musician Gilbert Becaud. In 1959, she married second husband Jacques Charrier, the father of her only child, Nicolas-Jacques Charrier, 66, but the relationship soured when she began hooking up with American actor Glenn Ford, per People. Advertisement Advertisement In 1973, after appearing in 45 movies, the then 39-year-old sex symbol famously gave up acting to devote her life to the welfare of animals. But at the same time her heart seemed to harden to the welfare of humans, in particular immigrants and Muslims she was convicted six times for inciting racial hatred, a crime in France. She also had cruel words for the LGBTQ community, referring to them as fairground freaks and claiming they were responsible for the destruction of French culture. The star also dismissed the #MeToo movement, saying in an interview with Paris Match that women who called out sexual harassment in the film industry were hypocritical because many played the teases with producers to land roles. Some say her views were influenced by her fourth husband, Bernard dOrmale, a onetime adviser to the disgraced far-right French politician Jean-Marie Le Pen. But years before they wed in 1992, Bardot had drawn harsh criticism for her despicable comments about her son, Nicolas-Jacques. She described her 1959 pregnancy as an ordeal and nine months of nightmare, even going so far as to compare the baby to a tumor growing within me, according to Daily Express. In her 1996 autobiography, she even wrote that she would have preferred to give birth to a little dog than to him. Advertisement Advertisement Nicolas-Jacques was mainly raised by his paternal grandparents after his mother gave up custody of him. Estranged for long periods, they reportedly reconciled in Bardots later years. Read More From Globe This story Brigitte Bardots Legacy Was Marred By Prejudiced Politics and Poor Parenting Before Her Death at 91 first appeared on Globe. Add Globe as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Jimmy Fallon took a swipe at Donald Trump over a now-viral clip. Fallon joked about Trump flipping off a heckler during a Michigan plant tour, turning an already eyebrow-raising clip into a punchline-heavy segment on The Tonight Show. Jimmy Fallon mocks Donald Trumps heckler incident Fallon opened the bit by referencing the clip that has everyone talking. People are talking about this yesterday. Trump was touring a factory in Michigan when a worker heckled him And Trump responded by flipping him the bird, or as its also known, the Melania Salute, he said, immediately getting laughs from the crowd. He didnt stop there. Slipping into a Donald Trump impression, Jimmy Fallon reenacted the gesture with, Good Morning, Good morning, honey, leaning into the absurdity of the moment. The joke quickly escalated when Fallon tied it back to Trumps fast-food reputation. Usually when Trump flips the bird, hes just looking for a drumstick in his KFC bucket, he added. Fallon then acted out rummaging through an imaginary bucket, saying, What? thigh, thigh, thigh, wheres the drummie, drawing even bigger laughs as he committed fully to the physical comedy. Advertisement Advertisement The jokes stem from a cellphone video recorded during Trumps visit to a Ford plant in Dearborn. In the now viral clip, Trump appears to mouth f*** you twice at someone shouting from below before raising his middle finger and continuing to walk, eventually waving as he moved on. In the background of the video, a voice can be heard yelling, pedophile protector. This is widely interpreted as a jab at the administrations handling of matters related to the late Jeffrey Epstein. The White House confirmed the video was real. Communications director Steven Cheung defended the moment. He said, A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response (via Fox News Digital). The post Jimmy Fallon Mocks Donald Trump For Allegedly Flipping Off Heckler appeared first on Mandatory. Kiefer Sutherland repeatedly asked to be let out of the Uber he was riding in around midnight on Monday, and the driver refused his requests, a source close to the investigation that led to Sutherlands arrest tells Rolling Stone. A dispute ensued, and the driver ended up calling police, claiming he had been assaulted, the source says. When officers responded to the radio call near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in Hollywood, they arrested Sutherland on suspicion of making criminal threats and booked him for a felony, police said. More from Rolling Stone Advertisement Advertisement According to the source, police were assisted by a language translator during the initial investigation, so the drivers proficiency with English could end up being a factor in the case. Sutherland, 59, was released on $50,000 bail. The actor, best known for playing federal agent Jack Bauer in the TV drama 24, has his first court date set for Feb. 2. If prosecutors file a felony case, Sutherland would be required to appear. Law enforcement sources reportedly told TMZ that the Uber driver claimed Sutherland threatened to kill him if he didnt pull over. The driver purportedly alleged Sutherland assaulted him with his hands, per the outlet. In a statement, police said the driver did not sustain any injuries requiring medical treatment. Sutherland was not booked for a physical assault, only the alleged criminal threats. The incident wasnt Sutherlands first brush with law enforcement. After one DUI charge in 2007, he pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 48 days in jail. He later faced misdemeanor assault charges in New York for allegedly headbutting fashion designer Jack McCollough in 2009. Sutherland and McCollough issued a joint statement after the incident. I am sorry about what happened that night and sincerely regret that Mr. McCollough was injured, Sutherland wrote in the statement. Prosecutors dropped the case. Best of Rolling Stone Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. NEED TO KNOW Princess Irene of Greece has died at age 83 at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid Her death was announced in a statement from by the Greek royal family on Jan. 15 Queen Sofia's sister had reportedly been experiencing cognitive decline in recent years Princess Irene of Greece has died at age 83. Princess Irene was the younger sister of the late King Constantine, the last King of Greece, and Queen Sofia of Spain, who survives her. Advertisement Advertisement Irene's death was announced by the Greek royal family's private office on Jan. 15. "It is with deep sadness that the Greek Royal Family announces that HRH Princess Irene, beloved sister and aunt, passed away on Thursday, January 15th 2026, at 11:40 local time, in Zarzuela Palace in Madrid surrounded by loved ones," the statement said. "Details will follow regarding the funeral procession." Keystone-France/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Princess Irene of Greece in 1966. Princess Irene of Greece in 1966. Princess Irene was born to King Paul I and Queen Frederica in South Africa on May 11, 1942. She arrived after her family fled Athens after the Nazis invaded Greece, according to her brother's biography. Irene's family returned to Greece after the 1946 referendum restored her uncle, King George II, to the throne. Advertisement Advertisement She was a concert pianist, shared a passion for archaeology with her sister Sofia, studied Hindu culture and donated her inheritance to Music in Harmony, the NGO she founded in 1986, Hola! reported. Princess Irene never married and shared a close relationship with Sofia, who became the future queen consort of Spain when she wed the future King Juan Carlos in 1962. STOYAN NENOV/POOL/AFP/Getty Former Spanish King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofia and Princess Irene at King Constantine's funeral in Athens on Jan. 16, 2023. Former Spanish King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofia and Princess Irene at King Constantine's funeral in Athens on Jan. 16, 2023. Irene also shared a strong bond with her nieces and nephews (her family tree includes King Felipe of Spain and Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece), and she lived in an apartment at Zarzuela Palace in the later years of her life, Hello! magazine reported. She obtained Spanish nationality in 2018. Princess Irene had reportedly been experiencing cognitive decline in recent years, and her last public appearance was at the wedding of her nephew and godson, Prince Nikolaos of Greece, to Chrysi Vardinogianni in February 2025. SPYROS BAKALIS/AFP/Getty Princess Irene and Queen Sofia arrive to attend Prince Nikolaos' wedding in Athens on Feb. 7, 2025. Princess Irene and Queen Sofia arrive to attend Prince Nikolaos' wedding in Athens on Feb. 7, 2025. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! The announcement of Princess Irene's death followed the news that Queen Sofia, 87, canceled her royal appearances in Palma de Mallorca to be by her sister's side as her health declined, Hello! said. Read the original article on People Originally appeared on E! Online Robert Irwin and Witney Carson are dancing down under. The Dancing With the Stars season 34 champions made good on her promise to visit the wildlife conservationist in his home continent of Australia. Whats more, is Witney brought her at-home dance crew along for the ride. In a Jan. 13 Instagram video, Witney, her husband Carson McAllister and their two sons Leo, 5, and Jet, 3, all rocked matching Australia Zoo khaki shirts, denim, and sunglasses as they walked the grounds of the Australian Zoo while Robertdressed in his signature uniformappeared in frame behind them. Advertisement Advertisement Teasing the reunion, Robert wrote, We are BACK. Team IrWINit reunited @australiazoo. Offering another look at Witneys familys time at the zoo, Robert shared a carousel of photos of Leo and Jet interacting with the animals and Witney feeding some lemurs. Alongside the sweet reunion picswhich also included a group shot with a giraffeRobert wrote, The gang is back together. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Witney documented her and Roberts reunion on her Jan. 13 Instagram Story, reposting a video of her and Robert sharing a sweet embrace. Next to the moment, she wrote, My buddy!!!! Missed you so much @robertirwinphotography.? The dancing pro also documented her familys day which included a personal tour of the zoo by Robert, giraffe feeding and a chance to see Robert in action interacting with crocodiles during the Crocoseum show. Robert Irwin/Instagram After taking home the Mirrorball trophy during the live DWTS finale on Nov. 25, Robert teased their reunion down under, telling E! News at the time, "Witney's coming down to Australia," with the dancer chiming in, "You're not getting rid of me that easy." Indeed, though he and Witney waltzed across the dance floor during the competitionwhich his sister Bindi Irwin won in 2015his home at the Australia Zoo was always in his heart during the competition. Advertisement Advertisement I am here to represent my charity Wildlife Warriors, my work at the Australia Zoo, my passion for conservation, Robert told E! News after the finale. But now, Ive been able to write my own legacy with Witney as we tell stories of positivity, vulnerability and passion and fun and all of this. And Ill tell you what? There is no one that deserves it more than Witney. For more on Robert, Witney and more BTS from the Daning With the Stars ballroom, keep reading How Much Do the Celebrities Get Paid to Be on Dancing With the Stars? Citing multiple sources, Variety reported in 2019 that Dancing With the Stars contestants make $125,000 for the rehearsal period and first two weeks of the show. If they progress beyond that point, the outlet continued, they earn more money each week. At the time, sources told the publication stars could earn a maximum of $295,000. However, Bobby Bones said he made more than this when he won season 27 with Sharna Burgess in 2018. "That show pays OK," the radio personality said on a Sept. 2025 episode of Jason Tartick's podcast Trading Secrets. "Like, first episode, no money. Second episode, $10,000. I think it's like, $10,000, $10,000, $20,000, $20,000. It ends up being $50,000 an episode if you last." Also receiving a base salary of around $110,000, Bones continued, "I ended up making close to $400,000 from that show." ABC has not publicly confirmed any of these figures. What Do the Pros Get Paid on Dancing With the Stars? Similarly, little has been shared publicly about how much the pros get paid. But as with the contestants, it seems like the longer they're on the show, the more money they can make. But even if a pro is eliminated in the first round, they're not leaving the ballroom empty-handed. "You're guaranteed until a certain amount of weeks," Jenna Johnson said on a June 2025 episode of Kelly Stafford and Hank Winchester's podcast The Morning After. "I think there's different contracts though. I can't speak for everybody." Do Pros Get Paid More If They Win Dancing With the Stars? Apparently not. While Johnsonwho won season 26 with Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon, as well as season 33 with The Bachelor's Joey Graziadeisays the pros don't get a larger paycheck if they take home what is now called the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, she noted there's still an incentive to make it to the finale (besides bragging rights, of course). "If you make it all the way to the end, you're getting paid the whole season, which is amazing, and you get a bonus on top of that for making it to the finale," she explained on The Morning After. "If you win, it's not like you win a $1 million and split it with your partner. You're just getting a cute trophy together." Do the Troupe Members Get Paid as Much as the Pros on Dancing With the Stars? That doesn't appear to be the case. On a 2022 episode of Trading Secrets, Lindsay Arnold recalled how her salary was cut "more than in half" when she was demoted from pro to troupe member. Advertisement Advertisement How Are Pros and Celebrities Paired Together on Dancing With the Stars? The pros get little input when it comes to being matched with a celebrity. "You get no say," Lindsay said on a May 2025 episode of Maggie Sellers' Hot Smart Rich podcast. "It's very much just, 'Here's your partner. Make it work.'" In fact, Jenna said the pairing is often a secret until the last minute. "They really want to keep it a secret until you meet them live," Jenna said on The Morning After. "They want that genuine reaction. So I think people always think we know who we have and we're keeping it a secret. Absolutely not. They do not tell us. They really don't even want us to know the cast. It gets leaked a lot, but they want it very hush-hush until you walk in and meet your partner." As for what the Dancing With the Stars team looks for when making these matches? "It's based on height, build and personality and compatibility," former showrunner Rob Wade told E! News in 2015. "We don't pair people who aren't going to get on. It's too intense. It's not like The Bachelor or something, we couldn't do that. That would just be miserable experience for the celebrity, for us and the viewer. You don't want to see two people who don't like each other and, quite frankly, we have made that mistake pairing people up who didn't get on so well." How Often Do the Pros and Celebrities Practice on Dancing With the Stars? Put simply, a lot. "Every day we have four-hour rehearsals," Rylee Arnold, who was partnered with Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik on season 33, shared on a September 2024 episode of the Lightweights Podcast With Joe Vulpis. "Its either 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m." But the work doesn't stop once the rehearsal wraps. Rylee noted she might then meet with producers or the creative team, work on choreography or study dance videos. "Literally my whole life is devoted to it," she continued, "but it's my passion and it's what I love. So, it makes me so happy." Indeed, it's a no-days-off kind of gig. "We have our show day on Tuesday and then it's Wednesday to Sunday, straight rehearsals," Rylee added. "And then Monday we have camera blocking and then Tuesday's show day again." Do the Pros Get to Pick the Songs Each Week for Their Dance With Their Celebrity Partner? "Mostly yes," Emma Slater and Britt Stewart revealed in a September 2025 Instagram video, "though it's a collaboration with producers." What's the Process Like for Making the Costumes for Dancing With the Stars? If you thought the quickstep was fast, just wait until you hear about the pace of the costume department. "We meet with the set and lighting designers, dancers and talent and create a story [for each pair]," costume designer Daniela Gschwendtner told TV Insider back in 2017. "Then we sketch out ideas. We have five days, max, to make all the outfits. Thats half a day per costume, not including all the rhinestones. The fitting and trimming we do later. We have about 20 people in our department and then we have a separate tailor shop. Its a big enterprise." In fact, costume designer Steven Norman Lee said pairs usually try on their costumes for the first time just hours before showtime. And while the department "might use a pair of pants again for the boys," he continued, everything is generally made custom each week. As Gschwendtner added, "We do reuse things for group numbers or promo shoots, but not for the competition. We dont reuse things unless theres a specific reason to do so. We try to keep everybody fresh and new in something different every week, so it stays interesting." Advertisement Advertisement For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are going on a trip. A report says the Chiefs tight end wants a Kelce-Swift Europe getaway. Croatia is reportedly the main stop. He is said to be tracing family roots there. It is part vacation, part heritage search. For fans watching them, it hints at calmer offseason plans. Swift and Kelces offseason plans may now include a rumored stop in Croatia. Travis Kelce planning to take Taylor Swift to this European country, says source According to a U.S. Sun report dated January 10, 2026, Kelce learned he has Croatian roots. The outlet linked it to his mom Donnas family. A source said the brothers were incredibly excited and eager to dig deeper. The insider added they have been talking about it a lot. Meanwhile, the report framed it as a research trip. He wants to experience the country firsthand, the source said. They added, He jokes that he feels like a historian, describing this as one of the most important research projects of his young life. The insider said he wants to connect with descendants of his family. The outlet also noted Donnas grandmother had Croatian parents. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the report claimed that Swift is involved in the plan. Taylor already loves that part of the world, the source said. It also said he wants to pass that story on. He is fully committed to getting to the bottom of it, they added. However, the same report tied the trip to business plans. It said he is looking at real estate in Europe. A $5 million property in the Balkans was mentioned. The outlet described a Croatian home base first. Then it said he could build a wider portfolio. Elsewhere, the report pointed to his next moves off the field. It mentioned his hit podcast, New Heights. It also referenced restaurant ventures with Patrick Mahomes. Still, it framed Croatia as personal first. For now, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelces offseason plans remain reported. The post Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Planning Europe Trip This Offseason Source appeared first on Reality Tea. TikTok influencer HSTikkyTokky will not have to repay the full costs of a private jet police chartered to bring him back to the UK from Spain after he avoided court for almost a year, a judge has ruled. Harrison Sullivan, 24, was handed a suspended prison sentence in November after crashing his McLaren in Virginia Water, Surrey, in March 2024. Sullivan failed to appear in court for 12 months after the crash, travelling to Dubai, Thailand and Spain and continuing to make social media content, the court previously heard. Advertisement Advertisement District judge Julie Cooper said she was not prepared to order the social media influencer to repay all of the flight costs because the use of a private jet was "not necessary or proportionate". The judge ordered Sullivan to pay 9,270 in prosecution costs, and 8,050.27 in police costs bringing the total bill to 17,320.27. Surrey Police spent around 15,000 on a chartered flight from Spain to bring him back to the UK, a hearing at Staines Magistrates' Court was told on Thursday. The total costs to both Surrey Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to bring Sullivan back to the UK in August reached 28,350.27, the hearing was told. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecution Kane Alexander, however, told the judge there were concerns that Sullivan a fitness influencer could be recognised by members of the public on a commercial plane. "It seems that Mr Sullivan travels around on planes with impunity without too much risk to himself, so I don't really understand," Judge Cooper said. "In my view, it is not just or reasonable for him to pay a chartered flight when I have been given no satisfactory explanation for why that should be." Sullivan was driving a purple McLaren on the A30 when it crashed [Surrey Police] She added: "I can understand that there would be some issues with social media. "But the problem could have been resolved or reduced had first-class flight been obtained to place the defendant in that area, so he was not in view of members of the public whilst in handcuffs." Advertisement Advertisement Defence solicitor Shalin Sood told the judge Sullivan was "surprised by the private jet" and was "completely calm and compliant" while in police custody. Referring to the costs incurred throughout the investigation, which the court heard required partnership with foreign agencies including Interpol, Sood added: "It's not rocket science trying to locate where Mr Sullivan is, judge he livestreams every day." Sullivan was handed a one-year suspended prison sentence at Staines Magistrates' Court in November last year after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance. The social media star has also been disqualified from driving for two years. Advertisement Advertisement He will have an electronic tag for three months and is expected to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation. Additional reporting from PA Media. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. More on this story Related internet links By Sneha S K and Gnaneshwar Rajan Jan 13 (Reuters) - Thermo Fisher Scientific's pharmaceutical services business has won a number of contracts to help its customers move production from Europe or Asia to the U.S., the medical equipment maker's CEO, Marc Casper, said on Tuesday. "There's a very big focus on reshoring more production and activity to the U.S.," Casper said at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, adding that the trend is going to be a tailwind in 2027 and 2028. U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed pharma companies to onshore domestic manufacturing to the U.S. Although enforcement of a proposed 100% tariff on imported medicines is delayed, the policy has already prompted fast-tracked projects, price cuts and direct-to-consumer sales. Thermo last year acquired Sanofi's manufacturing site in Ridgefield, New Jersey, to produce critical medicines for the French drugmaker. "Part of the reason we acquired the Sanofi site was really a capital expansion, to be able to help customers do that (reshore)," Casper said. He also said that biotech funding is improving. "The pharmaceutical industry feels very confident about how they are working with the U.S. administration, and there's confidence in investing in their pipeline ... So actually we see an improving set of end markets." Overall, Thermo Fisher's messaging was constructive and the company did a fine job expressing optimism without raising the bar for 2026, said Evercore ISI analyst Vijay Kumar. (Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan and Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Sahal Muhammed) Timothy Busfield just appeared in a New Mexico court for the first time since surrendering on charges of child abuse and criminal sexual contact with a minor ... and we've got it all on video. Timothy was shackled and in an orange jail jumpsuit for his very brief court appearance. He's being held without bond and has another court hearing later this month. As we reported ... the award-winning actor and director was accused of sexually abusing two boys who were child actors on "The Cleaning Lady" while he was directing the show in 2022 in New Mexico. At the time, prosecutors say, the child actors were 7 and 8 at the time of the alleged contact, and their parents reported the alleged crimes to the Albuquerque police two years later, leading to a criminal investigation. Bernalillo County Detention Center Busfield's civil lawyer, Larry Stein, told TMZ ... he believes there is a revenge factor at work. He points to the criminal complaint, which essentially says an actress on set claims that the mother of both boys told her she vowed to get revenge after her sons were cut from the final season of the show. Advertisement Advertisement Stein says Warner Bros. initiated an independent investigation -- using an outside law firm -- and the investigator interviewed approximately a dozen people, and concluded the evidence did not support the allegations. Timothy Busfield Turns Himself In To Police Amid Child Sex Abuse Allegations Busfield has made clear he will "confront these lies," adding, "I did not do anything to those little boys." Today's appearance comes in the wake of a fresh accusation revealed in court documents ... a man came forward yesterday alleging Busfield kissed the man's 16-year-old daughter and touched her private parts years ago in Sacramento, California. Timothy Busfield stood before a New Mexico judge for the first time as his legal crisis deepened, offering a stark image far removed from his television legacy. The brief hearing delivered swift consequences, denied freedom, and set the tone for what lies ahead, as allegations spanning years, multiple accusers, and disturbing claims now converge into a rapidly unfolding courtroom drama. Timothy Busfield Appears Before A Judge NEILL J. SCHUTZER/2008 RAMEY PHOTO The 68-year-old actor made his first public court appearance in New Mexico this week, marking a grim milestone in a case that has stunned both Hollywood and longtime fans. Advertisement Advertisement Wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, Timothy Busfield stood with his hands clasped, expression fixed, as Judge Felicia Blea-Rivera addressed his status during a hearing that lasted just two minutes. Despite its brevity, the moment carried enormous weight. Prosecutors had already filed a motion requesting that Busfield be denied bond while his case is transferred to a Second Judicial District Court judge. The judge agreed, delivering a decision that immediately altered the course of his legal future. "You will continue to be held without bond," she told him. She then added, "Your next hearing will take place within the next five business days." Advertisement Advertisement Busfield is facing multiple felony charges, including two counts of sexually assaulting twin boys and a newly filed charge involving a 16-year-old girl. The gravity of the allegations contrasted sharply with the actor's long-standing public image built over decades in television and film. A Two-Minute Hearing With Major Stakes ravis Wade/WENN.com Newscom/ MEGA Though the courtroom exchange was short, its implications were far-reaching. The denial of bail ensures Timothy Busfield will remain in custody as investigators and prosecutors continue building their case. It also signals how seriously the court is treating the allegations, which span several years and involve multiple alleged victims. Advertisement Advertisement Wednesday's appearance marked the first time Busfield had been seen publicly since he released a video addressing the accusations. In that recording, shared with TMZ, the actor described traveling 2,000 miles to Albuquerque to turn himself in to authorities. His tone was defiant as he rejected the claims outright. "I will confront these lies," Busfield said. "They're all lies, and I did not do anything." He continued, "I'm gonna fight it with a great team, and I know I'm going to be exonerated. I know I am, because this is all so wrong and all lies." The courtroom, however, offered no such declarations, only the quiet finality of a ruling that left little room for optimism. Timothy Busfield Responds To Explosive Allegations OConnor / AFF-USA.com / MEGA Busfield's attorney, Larry Stein, reinforced his client's stance shortly after the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking to the Daily Mail, Stein said, "Tim Busfield denies the allegations in the criminal complaint and maintains they are completely false." He added, "As a voluntary step, he submitted to an independent polygraph examination regarding those allegations and passed." The charges themselves are sweeping. Busfield was accused last week of sexually assaulting twin boys on the set of the television series "The Cleaning Lady" between 2022 and 2024. Days later, prosecutors added another charge involving a teenage girl. According to police, the alleged victim's father said the incident occurred "several years ago" at the Sacramento theater Busfield founded. Advertisement Advertisement Court documents describe a troubling encounter during an audition. "While auditioning for the defendant at B Street Theatre, the 16-year-old reported that (he) kissed her and put his hands down her pants and touched her privates," the motion states. The filing also alleges Busfield later "begged the family to not report to law enforcement if he received therapy," and that the father, being a "therapist himself, thought at the time that was the best thing to do." The Expanding Case And New Accusations Bernalillo County/MEGA As Timothy Busfield surrendered to New Mexico authorities, events unfolded simultaneously thousands of miles away. U.S. Marshals raided the upstate New York home he shares with his wife, actress Melissa Gilbert. Advertisement Advertisement Armed agents reportedly used a battering ram to force entry during a 30-minute operation. No arrests were made at the residence, and it remains unclear whether Gilbert was with Busfield at the time he turned himself in. The investigation itself began months earlier. According to a criminal complaint, concerns were first raised in November 2024 when staff at the University of New Mexico Hospital contacted police about young children potentially being groomed on the set of "The Cleaning Lady." Busfield served as director and executive producer on the Fox series for three seasons, concluding in June 2025. An arrest warrant alleges troubling behavior toward the children, including instructing them "to call him Uncle Tim," and that he "would tickle them on the stomach and legs, despite them not liking the tickling." Investigators Scrutinize Timothy Busfield's Past Jordan Hinton/Image Press Agency/MEGA At the time of the initial reports, no sexual contact was alleged. Advertisement Advertisement That changed in October 2025, when a parent told Child Protective Services her child disclosed abuse. According to the affidavit, the child told a therapist that Busfield touched his "genitalia" and "bottom" while in a bedroom on the set. When questioned by detectives, Busfield acknowledged what he described as "playful" contact with the children but denied any wrongdoing. Investigators also noted that during a police interview on November 3, 2025, his wife listened in over speakerphone. Busfield reportedly told authorities that the allegations were a revenge plot by the parents of the twins after he declined to invite them back to the show. As the case moves forward, the former Emmy-winning actor now faces a legal battle that threatens to overshadow his entire career, with his first court appearance offering little indication of relief ahead. Its only the first month of the year, and Donald Trump has already forcibly removed a world leader and threatened to take over Greenland. But for astrologers, his most chaotic actions are yet to come. Thats because astrology, the art and science of investigating celestial placements in the sky, tells [us] the energy that were born with, said astrologer Lisa Stardust. All of these elements give people their own unique DNA. Politics: Donald Trump Is Reshaping The Presidency In His Own Image Astrologers make many of their predictions by interpreting Trumps natal chart, which shows where the planets and stars were at the time of his birth, in order to tell the story of his life. In astrology-speak, the exact angles between constellations can be revealing. Advertisement Advertisement For example, its significant that Trumps Leo rising sign is at 29 degrees to the eastern horizon, because thats a sensitive placement, Stardust explained: Thats why he can come across as being aggressive and kind of rushing through things and saying things that maybe he shouldnt say. For astrologers, the constellations moving in Trumps chart can also foretell a lot about his and Americas year ahead. And unfortunately, they say, were in for a hell of a 2026. For one, Stardust said that Trump is at the beginning of his Uranus return, a rare transformative time when the planet moves back to the position it was in when he was born. This period often comes with relationship breakdowns and life disruptions. For Trump, this could mean there is an instance for rebellion in his chart. So I think that he might have some issues with a lot of his colleagues and people that hes close with, Stardust said. Life: This Urologist Asks Every Patient This 1 Question. Your Answer Can Reveal A Lot About Your Health. In astrology, your natal chart is divided into 12 houses that each reflect a different aspect of your life. On Trumps birthday June 14 his charts ninth house, which rules over foreign journeys and is often a time for educational lessons and spiritual gurus, becomes significant, said Liz Simmons, an astrologer. Advertisement Advertisement What makes Trump unique is that his ninth house is also ruled by Mars, a planet of action and aggression. So were looking at, in his 80th year, war on those ninth house themes. So war on education, war on the world stages, Simmons said. Trump's February could set the tone for the rest of the year, astrologers said. Illustration: Kelly Caminero/HuffPost; Photo: Getty Images If youre looking for another important date, astrologers said we all need to pay attention to what could happen next month. On Feb. 17, there will be a solar eclipse that carries revolutionary energy, said astrologer Celeste Brooks, which is why, if she were giving Trump a reading, this would be the date she would call out as most significant. Life: There's Something Weird Happening With Some Trump Supporters And It Might Piss You Off In astrology, the angles between different constellations can make or break your year. And for Trump, this eclipse happens when Leo, his rising zodiac sign, which rules his heart, is located opposite, or 180 degrees, from where it usually is and will be in Aquarius, which rules his circulation system. For Trumps specific chart, this could be a time when sometimes people die, Brooks said. You could go to the doctor on that exact day and find out you have some kind of health condition. While eclipses dont cause events directly, Brooks said, they could represent symbolic themes connected to the heart and circulation. Advertisement Advertisement On Feb. 20, Saturn and Neptune will also cross each other in the sky for the first time in decades, and this can have cosmic consequences because Saturn-Neptune energy is when you cant pretend anymore that you dont see whats right before your eyes, Brooks said. Saturn rules structures and Neptune dissolves them, Brooks said. The last time they met was in 1989, and the Berlin Wall fell... The Exxon Valdez oil spill happened... These cycles repeat every 36 years. In Simmons view, Februarys Saturn-Neptune energy dissolves structures and under Trumps leadership, and that could ... mean that we dissolve a boundary around war and go to war, Simmons said. It can also mean that he is dissolving something on the world stage, citing the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as one recent example of this. Politics: With His Post-Jan. 6 Comeback, Trump May Have Normalized Coup Attempts In this way, Trumps celestial energy is a problem for all of us. Advertisement Advertisement In February, were going to be getting a huge wake-up call where we no longer can pretend the illusions of what we think the United States is, Brooks said. Related... Read the original on HuffPost One of the makeup artists for Foxs The Cleaning Lady allegedly witnessed an example of Timothy Busfields misconduct. A New Mexico police officer spoke with Danielle Vigil in December 2025, questioning her experience with Busfield, 68, when he directed an episode of the TV series. Danielle told me that, while she was working with two child actors who replaced the twins, she witnessed Timothy Busfield come into the trailer, the warrant for Busfields arrest obtained by Us Weekly reads, with Vigil claiming that the West Wing actor kissed the two kids on their foreheads. Advertisement Advertisement The report continued, Danielle did say that both the childrens parents were present at the time but felt that the parents did not know the rules and etiquette. The Cleaning Lady Director Timothy Busfields Child Sex Abuse Case: Everything to Know Busfield was named in a January arrest warrant after twin child actors accused him of child sexual abuse while they worked on The Cleaning Lady. Danielle said that everyone knew to avoid Timothy because he was creepy, the warrant further claimed. Danielle was very afraid of retaliation for talking with me and was afraid that she would no longer be able to work in the film industry. Advertisement Advertisement Busfield was also interviewed in the warrant, admitting it was highly likely that he had physical contact with the accusers. Timothy said it was a playful environment like he wanted, the police officer wrote, alleging that Busfield recalled no protocol about touching children. Timothy initially said, Its not allowed at all. There is no, theres no protocol. I mean, Im always around people, right? It would be, you know, in front of the parents. According to the report, Busfield didnt really remember picking up or tickling the alleged victims. I dont remember it, if it happened, he said. I dont remember overtly tickling the boys ever but it wouldnt be uncommon for me. Advertisement Advertisement Little House on the Prairie Alum Melissa Gilbert and Husband Timothy Busfields Relationship Timeline Busfield surrendered himself to law enforcement officials in New Mexico on Tuesday, January 13, where he categorically denied the accusations. I did not do anything to those little boys, he said in a video obtained by TMZ, vowing to confront these lies. Busfield has been married to Little House on the Prairie alum Melissa Gilbert since 2013. During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment, a rep for Gilbert, 61, told Us in a statement on Tuesday. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. Advertisement Advertisement Gilberts lifestyle brand, Modern Prairie, also issued a statement at the time. 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, a social media statement read. 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. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. Believe it or not, Lisa Barlow's son Jack Barlow is now 21 years old and his proud mom shared some exciting updates on his life today in a previously unseen moment from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 6 reunion. ICYMI: Jack served as a Mormon missionary in Colombia for two years, before finally returning home to his family in Utah in June 2025. So, naturally, host Andy Cohen was eager to find out how he was "adjusting to life after his mission," during Peacock's extended and uncensored version of the RHOSLC Reunion Part 1, "He came back from Colombia a man," Lisa shared of Jack. "It's so weird. It's parenting an adult." Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: Lisa Barlow Reveals Her Son, Jack, Is Home From His Mission After 2 Years: "We Are So Excited" During Season 6, viewers saw Lisa and husband John Barlow clash over differing opinions on Jack's living situation. While her husband of 22 years said that he "actually was in favor of him getting an apartment," Lisa fired back that Jack should not "be allowed to move out" quite yet. At the reunion, the Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen host further asked for an update on whether Jack either moved to Miami or got his own apartment, and the mom of two revealed even more intel on how her elder son had recently enrolled in college. "He's living with us right now," Lisa added, noting that Jack is currently studying at the University of Utah. "I never thought he'd stay more than a semester. He's loving the University of Utah. He has an insane friend group. He is just thriving. I love watching him be Jack." The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 6 We have an announcement! The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City Season 6 is here, with new episodes airings Tuesdays at 8/7c on Bravo and Wednesdays on Peacock. New episodes are available to stream on Peacock Wednesdays at 6AM ET. Advertisement Advertisement Season 6 features cast members Lisa Barlow, Mary Cosby, Heather Gay, Angie Katsanevas, Meredith Marks, Bronwyn Newport, Whitney Rose, and returning friend Britani Bateman. This season the ladies navigate the ups and downs of their friendships and personal lives, including business troubles and family transitions. Plus, the first-ever crossover with Below Deck Down Under as the group goes on a yacht trip with Captain Jason Chambers and his BDDU Season 4 crew! To show your love of RHOSLC even more, check out exclusive RHOSLC merch from Shop By Bravo. Lisa Barlow reflects on watching her sons "grow up" on RHOSLC While highlighting RHOSLC's milestone 100 episodes at the reunion, Andy also asked Lisa about the experience of seeing Jack and her younger son Henry, 14, "grow up on the show." Advertisement Advertisement "You know, there's moments where I'll see, like, clips of them so little," she began, before referencing Henry being in "first grade with his buzzcut," as well as the "terrifying" experience of sitting in the front seat while Jack was "learning how to drive on camera." "I love it. I love that I have it documented," Lisa added. "I, like, think they are really starting to understand it. Jack for sure. Henry, you know, is, like, really getting it, and I love it. I love watching them. Like, cute little Baby Gorgeous, oh my gosh. It, like, melts me every time." RELATED: Bronwyn Newport & Lisa Barlow *Both* Had Fashion Emergencies Before the Reunion (EXCLUSIVE) Lisa Barlow wearing a strapless maroon dress in front of a blue door. Lisa Barlow revealed why she feels "misunderstood" on RHOSLC During the same reunion segment, Lisa admitted that she "didn't even know" that she and her fellow OG cast members had already logged 100 episodes of RHOSLC. Even so, she gladly took the opportunity to further walk down memory lane from her five-plus years on the show. Advertisement Advertisement After doubling down on her earlier Season 6 declaration to Heather Gay that she lives a "very different life from all of" her castmates, Lisa told Andy that she still "100 percent" felt "misunderstood" by viewers. The WWHL host went on to ask Lisa to explain what she felt that audiences did not seem to "get" about her life. "You know, 'delusional' is a common theme that people use that don't understand me," she elaborated. "I'm not delusional. I'm, like, very grounded. I'm a very hard worker, and I love my family." Get more with Bravo Insider Sign up for Bravo Insider for FREE and read behind-the-scenes features including: Advertisement Advertisement Cynthia Bailey Unpacks the Differences Between Filming RHOA and RHOBH: "Night and Day" How to Survive a Real Housewives Dinner Party, According to the Casts Themselves Brittany Cartwright Reveals the Real Reason She Wore That Tiny Romper to a Job Interview: "Backfired" Summer House Cast Reveals Behind-the-Scenes Filming Secrets (Including Those Mystery Packages) Confessional Interviews 101: What Bravolebs Eat, How They Prepare & More Behind-the-Scenes Secrets The Ultimate Guide to Charleston, According to the Southern Charm Cast The RHOSLC Cast & Producers Spill on How the Sprinter Van "Makes the Magic" Advertisement Advertisement BravoCon 2025 Behind-the-Scenes Moments with the McBees, Melissa and Teresa, Rachel Zoe, & More As you await Parts 2 and 3 of the RHOSLC reunion, get even more updates on Lisa's life after Season 6 wrapped filming. Instead of hunting for a dream apartment, this Toronto couple made their ownin the lowest level of their relatives home. The continuous birch plywood millwork spine anchors the 1,200-square-foot apartment, concealing structural columns and ductwork while organizing storage, display, and workspace in one fluid gesture. When Ryoo Kim jokingly suggested moving into their parents basement in Richmond Hill, Ontario, they didnt expect anyone to take it seriously. But as financial pressures mounted in the downtown Toronto condo they shared with their partner, Phil Chanwith three pets taking turns getting sick, unstable income, and mounting isolationthe joke became a lifeline. "It started off like, wouldnt it be so funny if we just moved into my parents place?" Ryoo says. "And then over time, as different stressors built, it became more like, maybe this could happen if we just explored it." Before: Living Room BEFORE: Once the boxes were out of the way, the couple could truly see the potential of the space. After: Living Room A continuous birch plywood millwork spine anchors the 1,200-square-foot apartment, concealing structural columns and ductwork while organizing storage, display, and work spaces in one fluid gesture. Remi Carreiro A Luminaire Authentik dining table and Hay chairs sit beneath a Herman Miller Nelson Saucer Bubble pendant. The Ligne Roset Togo sofa was a vintage find. Remi Carreiro Advertisement Advertisement See the full story on Dwell.com: Budget Breakdown: This $290K Revamp Makes a Strong Case for Moving Into Your Parents Basement Related stories: Why buy a new phone when your old one works just fine? For years, smartphone companies have marketed brand-new devices as essential tools for staying connected in the modern world. However, some consumers are saving money by sticking with their existing devices for as long as possible. In a post on Reddit's r/Anticonsumption community, a user mocked a telecom company's ad that said, "Get a NEW PHONE EVERY YEAR." The user wrote, "You know what we need more of? E-WASTE, BABY!!" Photo Credit: Reddit The original post has since been deleted, but an archived version is preserved on the Wayback Machine. Advertisement Advertisement Electronic devices require labor and energy to produce, and consistent demand for new phones contributes to the waste of economic resources. Instead of buying expensive new devices, people can save hundreds of dollars by choosing functional secondhand alternatives. Plus, all the old devices don't just disappear from the planet. Less than a quarter of global e-waste gets recycled, according to the World Health Organization. If devices are improperly discarded, dangerous components like lead and mercury can contaminate the air, soil, and water surrounding e-waste disposal sites, the WHO noted. If you happen to have old devices lying around, you can make some extra cash and prevent them from winding up in landfills by selling them back to retailers like Best Buy or Apple. Commenters on the r/Anticonsumption post bemoaned having to ditch old devices that were no longer compatible with new software updates. Advertisement Advertisement "My last phone was 8 years old," one user wrote. "I only upgraded because I could no longer get software updates and as a result kept having important apps stop working because my iOS version wasn't supported anymore." This is a prime example of planned obsolescence, a practice that entices people to buy new things by designing products that break quickly or are difficult to repair, promoting new trends to make old devices seem out of date, or implementing new operating systems that don't work on old products. Other commenters shared their stories of trying to extend their devices' lifespan. "I tend to use things til they just don't work," one commenter said. "Upgrading every 6 months is foreign to me. It's such an over consumption habit and not necessary." 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. In Bhutan, chilis arent just a spicy ingredient that makes eyes water and tongues wag. Theyre an everyday kitchen staple, a decoration drying outside homes, and a tool to ward off bad spirits and illness. For this tiny Himalayan nation, chilis are planted in the nations cultural identity. Dried, fresh, red, or green chilis appear in nearly every meal served in Bhutan. Its rumored that Bhutanese households eat more than two pounds of chili per week, making it the worlds highest consumer per capita of this spicy ingredient and the most important crop in the country. So, fittingly, Bhutans national dish is ema datshi, which translates to chili peppers and cheese. This simple, fresh food is made by simmering fresh chilis with onions and cheese. Ema datshi isnt just a dishits everyday comfort food in Bhutan, shared at home and deeply rooted in our culture, says Kharka B. Chhetri, Executive Chef at Pemako Bhutan. Advertisement Advertisement Like a vegetable at any table in the United States, ema datshi is a constant at breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the Kingdom of Bhutan. The dish is a simple, spicy stew made of simmered chili peppers and cheesetypically local yak or cow cheeseuntil the chilies are tender and the cheese forms a creamy sauce. The process is straightforward and usually takes less than 30 minutes, says Chia Hwa Soh, Chef and General Manager at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. During my first visit to Bhutan, my eyes bulged when this dish, a wooden bowl full of bright red chilis, swimming in a sauce of soft cheese, hit the table. Despite my affinity for spice, a small panic set in, scared of offending my hosts but worried about the impending pain Id inflict on my mouth and stomach. But after two visits to this mystical nation high in the Himalayan mountains, I find myself craving ema datshi. Typically served with red or white rice or flatbread to tame the fiery flavors, its soft chilis and texture of the creamy cheese are as addictive as it is spicy. And as the sun and temperatures dip, the piping-hot dish feels like the ultimate comfort food, with every Bhutanese believing their mom makes it the best. Want more great food writing and recipes? Sign up for Salons free food newsletter, The Bite. The chilis used in this beloved dish are all grown in Bhutan, and range from fresh to dry, green to red. Shukam is a dried white chili, typically boiled and then dried with a milk spiciness. Ema kam is a dried red chili, and the spiciest used in ema datshi. Ho-kam chili is dried and green with a mild spice, and ema is a non-spicy green chili, typically served to tourists. As for the cheese, its traditionally made with Bhutanese yak cheese for a tangy flavor, and increasingly cows milk cheese. Advertisement Advertisement Although the origins of this signature dish arent widely documented, Soh says it evolved from Tibetan culture, after chilis arrived in Bhutan from India around the 16th century. She says, In Bhutans cold climate, chilies became essential for warmth and are now treated as a primary vegetable rather than just a spice. This hearty dish symbolizes Bhutanese resilience and tradition, having replaced earlier seasonings like namda (a traditional local herb). Today, some spins on the dish include adding potatoes, tomatoes or mushrooms. But for a true taste of Bhutan, stick to the beautifully simple combination of high-quality local chili and cheese. The aromatic, spicy blend paired with local cow cheese truly embodies the countrys unique culinary culture, says Soh. It is a daily staple with deep cultural significance and a flavorful profile that captures the essence of Bhutanese family life. The post A fiery chili-cheese stew from Bhutan appeared first on Salon.com. The secret to scoring a cheap flight may be to avoid your usual airport. When booking their trips, some travelers may automatically think they should fly out of a major airport since there are usually more flight options, but secondary airports that serve metropolitan areas could offer better savings, according to travel platform CheapOair's 2026 trend predictions. Think John Wayne Airport instead of Los Angeles International Airport, or London Gatwick rather than London Heathrow Airport. Smaller airports typically have lower landing fees and per-passenger taxes, so their flights can sometimes be more affordable, but there are fewer options than at larger airports. As a bonus, you may also encounter fewer crowds and shorter lines at airport security checkpoints. Advertisement Advertisement Score a cheap flight: These destinations drop the most in airfare American Airlines' new Airbus A321XLR marks a new chapter in the airline's premium transcontinental and narrowbody flights. The Flagship Business Suites all feature aisle access and (eventually) closeable doors, and it's the airline's first single-aisle plane with a true premium economy seat. The airline will roll them out on many routes in the coming years. A new Flagship Business suite in bed mode on American Airlines' Airbus A321XLR. Premium economy seats and amenities on American Airlines' new Airbus A321XLR. Premium economy seats on American's new A321XLR. Economy seats on American Airlines' new Airbus A321XLR. Economy seats on American's new A321XLR. The seatback screens feature both USB-A and -C ports and Bluetooth connectivity. Overhead bins on the new Airbus A321XLR. An Airbus executive said they're the largest single-aisle airplane bins in the sky currently. Look inside American Airlines' newest plane, the Airbus A321XLR 1 of 7 American Airlines' new Airbus A321XLR marks a new chapter in the airline's premium transcontinental and narrowbody flights. The Flagship Business Suites all feature aisle access and (eventually) closeable doors, and it's the airline's first single-aisle plane with a true premium economy seat. The airline will roll them out on many routes in the coming years. "These secondary airports provide more options and can offer lower fares compared to their larger counterparts," Yuvraj Datta, chief supply and revenue officer for CheapOair, told USA TODAY in a statement. "They frequently provide travelers with a more streamlined experience because they are often smaller, less crowded, and easier to navigate. For many travelers, this can mean both cost savings and a more enjoyable journey." To find the best savings, travelers should broaden their search to include secondary airports, but also keep in mind that lower supply can lead to higher prices. They should also factor in hidden costs, such as longer drive times to smaller airports or more expensive parking, to determine where the best value lies. Here are some upcoming flight deals at secondary airports, based on Jan. 9 data. John F. Kennedy International Airport vs. Newark Liberty International Airport Savings: $39.12, or 16.6% Advertisement Advertisement From New York to Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico, a Spirit Airlines flight departing on Feb. 21 and returning on Feb. 28 will cost $235.99, while a JetBlue flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport is $196.87. Hollywood Burbank Airport vs. Los Angeles International Airport Savings: $51.85, or 40.3% From Los Angeles to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, a round-trip flight departing Jan. 19 and returning on Jan. 25 from Los Angeles International Airport costs $128.84 on Spirit Airlines, but only $76.99 on Frontier Airlines from Hollywood Burbank Airport. LaGuardia Airport vs. John F. Kennedy International Airport Savings: $115.93, or 31.8% From New York to Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador, departing on Feb. 4 and returning on Feb. 11, travelers can book a JetBlue Airways flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport for $364.88, or a Spirit Airlines flight from LaGuardia Airport for $248.95. Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport vs. Washington Dulles International Airport Savings: $79.87, or 50.9% Advertisement Advertisement From the Washington, D.C. area to Orlando International Airport, a United Airlines flight departing on Feb. 4 and returning on Feb. 11 from Washington Dulles International Airport will cost $156.86, compared to a Frontier Airlines flight from Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport for $76.99. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Secondary airports versus major hubs: Which is cheaper? A restored 19th-century farmhouse with nearly 700 feet of private, sandy Lake Michigan frontage that belonged to a late Kmart executive is on the market for $5.7 million, offering a rare combination of acreage, shoreline and historic character. The property is accessed by a wooded, quarter-mile-long driveway that leads to the lakeshore estate that spans more than 20 acres. The estate includes a farmhouse and a custom-designed barn, together offering more than 5,100 square feet of living space. Exterior view of 8282 W. Harrison Road in Golden Township. The 20-acre lakeshore property, featuring a restored farmhouse and custom barn with 687 feet of private sandy Lake Michigan frontage, is listed for sale at $5.7 million. Set atop a stable dune, the structures overlook 687 feet of private, sandy beachfront. The elevated setting provides sweeping Lake Michigan views from nearly every room, creating a sense of privacy and retreat along the shoreline. Advertisement Advertisement More: Detroit's oldest neighborhood is changing, even the brick street Karin Lefler said her aunt, Helen Lefler, a retired Kmart vice president and treasurer who passed away in 2023, purchased the property at 8282 W. Harrison Road in Golden Township in Oceana County (with a Mears mailing address), in the mid-1980s, prior to her retirement. She had a love for old farmhouses and barns, Lefler said. At the time, it was just a small house with a porch overlooking the lake and a wood-burning stove. My aunt got it and over time it completely transformed. Exterior views of 8282 W. Harrison Road in Golden Township. The 20-acre lakeshore property, featuring a restored farmhouse and custom barn with 687 feet of private sandy Lake Michigan frontage, is listed for sale at $5.7M. Originally built in 1886, the farmhouse was expanded and extensively remodeled in 2012. The 2,735-square-foot home features four bedrooms and four bathrooms, along with an antique barn-beam fireplace mantel, blending historic elements with modern updates. Advertisement Advertisement A custom-designed barn and silo, completed in 1992, adds an additional 2,297 square feet of living space, excluding the garage and storage areas. The structure includes a four-car garage, and an open-concept living area with high ceilings and exposed wood beams designed for flexible use. Interior at 8282 W. Harrison Road in Golden Township. The 20-acre lakeshore property, featuring a restored farmhouse and custom barn with 687 feet of private, sandy Lake Michigan frontage, is listed for $5.7 million. The barns living space features a bedroom area with two queen Murphy beds, one and a half bathrooms, living and dining areas, a sunroom, mudroom, laundry room, workshop, storage areas, and a temperature-controlled cellar that has been used as a wine cellar. A floor-to-ceiling stone Count Rumford fireplace anchors the space. Recent improvements include updated windows, kitchen and bathroom renovations, Viking appliances, updated lighting and electrical outlets, and fresh paint on both structures, Lefter said. Surrounded by mature hardwoods, the estate also includes beach access stairs, deck platforms with seating and storage and a classic farmhouse porch. Advertisement Advertisement While offering the privacy of a secluded lakeside retreat, the property is located less than 10 minutes from Silver Lake State Park. Golden Township is located in the western part of Michigans Lower Peninsula, approximately a 3.5-hour drive from metro Detroit. The property is listed by Dylan Tent of Signature Sotheby's International Realty in Northville. Brendel Clark (previously published as Brendel Hightower) writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bclark@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lake Michigan farmhouse once owned by Kmart executive for sale Indias top court has ruled against Tiger Global in a tax case stemming from its Flipkart exit during Walmarts 2018 takeover, a decision that strengthens New Delhis ability to challenge offshore treaty structures and could raise tax risk for global funds counting on predictable exits from one of the worlds fastest-growing major markets. On Thursday, the Indian Supreme Court backed the tax authorities in a dispute over whether Tiger Global could use its Mauritius-based entities to claim protection under the IndiaMauritius tax treaty and avoid paying capital gains tax in India on profits linked to its exit in the WalmartFlipkart deal. The decision set aside a 2024 Delhi High Court ruling that had overturned a 2020 order by the Authority for Advance Ruling, which had found the firm was, prima facie, avoiding tax and therefore not eligible for treaty relief. The ruling is being closely watched by investors, as it strengthens Indias hand in challenging offshore treaty-routing structures that have long been used to reduce tax on high-value exits. It could also raise uncertainty over how future cross-border deals are structured and priced, at a time when foreign funds are counting on India as a key growth market. In its verdict, a two-judge bench said (PDF) that when a transaction appears, at first glance, to be designed to avoid income tax, Indias advance-ruling mechanism cannot be used to seek protection. Tiger Global first invested in Indias e-commerce firm Flipkart in 2009 with an initial $9 million investment, before increasing its exposure to about $1.2 billion over multiple funding rounds, TechCrunch had reported earlier. The firm later sold its stake to Walmart for about $1.4 billion in 2018. The tax dispute centers on how Tiger Global structured that investment through entities in Mauritius and whether those vehicles could claim protection under the IndiaMauritius tax treaty to shield capital gains from Indian tax. While selling Flipkarts stake during Walmarts $16 billion deal, Tiger Global sought a certificate allowing no tax to be withheld, arguing that because the shares were acquired before April 1, 2017, the gains were exempt from Indian capital gains tax under a grandfathering clause, protecting older investments from the newer tax regime, in the IndiaMauritius double taxation avoidance agreement. Indian tax authorities rejected the request in 2020, questioning the offshore structure chosen by the investment firm. The Supreme Court bench framed the dispute as an issue of sovereign taxing powers, warning against structures that are designed primarily to dilute that authority. The U.S. is the fourth largest country by land mass, with over 3.5 million square miles to explore. Its home to 63 national parks and some of the most well-loved cities in the world. Weve got Alaska for those looking for extreme wilderness and Hawaii for those looking for an island beach vacation. In fact, America is so big that you could live your whole life without leaving the countryand many do. But you dont need to limit yourself to the confines of the U.S. just because you dont have a passport or are waiting for a new one to arrive. There are several international destinations Americans can visit with no passport at all. (Its worth noting that a Real ID will be required at TSA checkpoints.) American Samoa To visit American Samoa without a passport, you must show your government-issued ID and a certified birth certificate demonstrating your nationality. Youll also need to either have a ticket for onward passage out of American Samoa or proof of employment there. Advertisement Advertisement Guam To visit Guam without a passport youll need to first book your flights through Honolulu, as travel through other major hubs like Tokyo or Seoul requires a passport. Then, youll need to show your government-issued ID and an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. Puerto Rico Traveling to Puerto Rico is not that different from traveling to Pennsylvania; any U.S. citizens wishing to visit the island nation must just show their government-issued ID. No birth certificate is required. U.S. Virgin Islands To visit the U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix youll need both a valid government-issued ID and your birth certificate. The latter is not always needed, according to some travel forums, but is recommended in case youre asked to show proof of citizenship. Northern Mariana Islands Just northeast of Guam are 14 islands that make up the Northern Mariana Islands (aka The Marianas). Like Guam, to get to the islands without a passport, youll need to fly through Honolulu to avoid layovers in countries where passports are required. You can enter the Northern Mariana Islands with a government-issued ID and an original or certified birth certificate. Advertisement Advertisement International Closed-loop Cruises Another way to travel internationally without a passport is to book a closed-loop cruise, or a cruise sailing that starts and ends at the same U.S. port and only travels within the Western Hemisphere. For example, a closed-loop cruise might depart from Miami and visit Bermuda or The Bahamas before returning to Miami (no passport required). However, you couldnt depart from Miami and travel to Panama before ending your cruise in San Diego. This trip would require a passport because the cruise doesnt start and end at the same port of call. On closed-loop cruises you can bring along a government-issued ID and a government-issued birth certificate instead of a passport and still visit foreign countries like Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Mexico, to name a few. Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Planning an Oklahoma getaway, but don't know where to go? From historical sites to unique hiking trails, the Sooner State offers a variety of options for all kinds of travelers. Educational travel website World Atlas listed the 11 best vacation destinations in Oklahoma, all of which offer comfortable lodging, quality dining and memorable sights. Here's a look at top destinations, according to World Atlas. Red Rock Canyon Adventure Park, Hinton Located in Caddo County, just south of the town of Hinton, is the Red Rock Canyon Campground and Adventure Park. Before the settlement in Oklahoma, the area was used by Plains tribes as a winter campsite and also became part of the California Road, used by settlers to gather fresh water and repair their wagons. Advertisement Advertisement Some wagon wheel ruts are still visible. The park has the only remaining site of native Caddo maple, or sugar maple, trees, and local activities include rappelling down the canyon, walking on nature trails, hiking on a rocky trail and fishing. Day-use passes start at $10. Pawhuska, Osage County Downtown Pawhuska, shown from the balcony of the Pioneer Woman Boarding House, at the town's annual Fourth of July celebration in 2023. [Gigi Sieke/The Oklahoman] Pawhuska is a city in northern Oklahoma, about two hours away from Oklahoma City. Known for its Native American culture, Pawhuska is home to the Osage Nation Museum, where photos, tribal objects and artwork of the tribe's history can be found. A famous spot in Pawhuska is the wood-planked Swinging Bridge. Built in 1926, the bridge sits a couple of blocks south of downtown. Advertisement Advertisement Other tourist spots in Pawhuska include the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum, the Pioneer Woman Mercantile on Kihekah Avenue, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve and Osage Hills State Park. Natural Falls State Park, Colcord In northeast Oklahoma sits a 120-acre state-owned park featuring a 77-foot waterfall flowing through a fern-lined canyon: the Natural Falls State Park. The park, near the Arkansas-Oklahoma state line, is a popular destination for hiking, camping and fishing. The Dripping Springs Trail and the Ghost Coon Trail, which is 1.3 miles long and considered relatively easy, are two popular trails in the park. The park is open from daylight to dusk for visitors and 24/7 for campers. Pauls Valley, Garvin County Thousands of toys are displayed Oct. 14 in the "The Adult Collector's Bedroom Diorama" at the popular Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley. Pauls Valley is the county seat of Garvin County, about 58 miles south of Oklahoma City. The city is home to the Toy & Action Figure Museum, which earned a spot on the Top 50 Most Authentic American Experiences by Time Magazine. Advertisement Advertisement Another popular destination is Pauls Valley Waterpark, open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Pauls Valley was named after Smith Paul, a North Carolina native who married a Chickasaw woman and became a citizen of the nation before the Civil War. The territory was one of the earliest European-American settlements in what was then known as Indian Territory. Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow These Bald Cypress trees were photographed at sunset, in the fall, at Beavers Bend State Park, Oklahoma, on the Mountain Fork River. Beavers Bend State Park is located north of the city of Broken Bow and south of Broken Bow Lake. The state park is a popular destination for fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking, as well as hiking trails such as the Tree Trail, the Deer Crossing Trail and the more challenging Skyline Trail. The park also offers camping options for both short and extended stays. Motorhomes are welcome at several sites, and a variety of cabins are available. Sulphur, Murray County Two men fish in Veterans Lake in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, Friday, March 14, 2014. Photo by David McDaniel, The Oklahoman Sulphur is the county seat of Murray County, about 85 miles south of Oklahoma City. The city is home to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, a site used for hiking the Bison Pasture Trail and the Travertine Creek Trail to Pavilion Springs, as well as fishing and boating at Veterans Lake. Advertisement Advertisement Sulphur is also home to the Chickasaw Cultural Center and Artesian Hotel & Casino. The city was founded in the late 19th century and is located in an area known for its mineral springs. It received its name from the presence of sulfur, a bright yellow, crystalline solid element, in the water. Robbers Cave State Park, Wilburton Located five miles north of Wilburton, Robbers Cave State Park is surrounded by the hilly woodlands of the Sans Bois Mountains of southeast Oklahoma. The park features 20 miles of hiking trails and over 70 miles of equestrian trails, including the Coon Ridge Trail and the Cattail Pond Loop, as well as opportunities for fishing, kayaking and horseback riding. Visitors can also see the cave once used as a hideout by several groups of American outlaws, like the Younger brothers, the Dalton Gang, the Rufus Buck Gang and Belle Starr. Jenks, Tulsa County Visitors watch sharks on Labor Day 2018 at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. Jenks is a city south of Tulsa, and is the home to major destinations like the Oklahoma Aquarium and the Jenks Planetarium. Advertisement Advertisement The planetarium, located in the Jenks High School Math and Science building, includes a 50-foot-high SciDome, classes and talks on astronomy and individual telescopes. The Oklahoma Aquarium is the biggest in the state at 72,000 square feet, and features sharks, jellyfish, alligator gars, as well as beavers and otters. The Downtown Commons offers several restaurants and local shops, and is in proximity to the Riverwalk Crossing. Turner Falls Park, Davis Turner Falls Park is located just south of Davis, in Murray County. The park features several hiking trails of varying difficulty, including trails that lead to Collings Castle, with its ruins sitting above Turner Falls. Visitors can also enjoy natural pools, formed by falls and used for swimming during warmer months. Advertisement Advertisement Camping is available in the park. Guthrie, Logan County The city of Guthrie embraces its Victorian vintage and territorial history in particularly festive fashion during the holiday season. Just north of Oklahoma City, Gurthrie is known for its historical significance. Guthrie is home to several museums: the Oklahoma Frontier Drugstore Museum provides insight into early pharmacy practices, while the Oklahoma Territorial Museum & Carnegie Library focuses on the people who helped establish Oklahoma and cities such as Guthrie. Honor Park, in Downtown Guthrie, celebrates the local men and women who served in the military. Lake Murray State Park, Ardmore Lake Murray State Park in Ardmore offers a range of outdoor activities. With a 5,700-acre lake, visitors can go fishing, swimming and wildlife viewing, within a total park area of more than 12,000 acres. The park also offers 25 miles of hiking trails. Advertisement Advertisement Lake Murray Lodge is a higher-end stay for those trying to take advantage of more amenities, rather than a traditional camping experience. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: These are Oklahoma's 11 best vacation spots, according to World Atlas A shooting occurred around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday on North Brevard Street, causing panic among local residents as they reported hearing gunfire and witnessing chaotic scenes. Police blocked traffic in the area while investigating the incident along train tracks in the area. Despite the ongoing investigation, light rail services in the area continued to operate without interruption. Investigators are currently canvassing the community to gather video evidence and witness statements. Investigators released the name of the victim the next day: 23-year-old Elijah Vashon Parker. Advertisement Advertisement ALSO READ: Man shot by officers was agitated, threatening, waving gun, Gastonia police say Residents reported hearing frightening gunfire, with one local resident, Nolan, noting his proximity to the window, saying, Im right next to a window, I kinda, I almost hit the deck. Another resident, Kim Fontaine, described her reaction, stating, I actually felt like I needed to duck cause I didnt know where they were exactly. Fontaine also witnessed the chaos directly, observing individuals fleeing the scene. Some residents expressed their concerns for safety following the shooting. Fontaine noted, This is probably one of the worst things Ive seen around here; city life is one thing, but this is a lot. Advertisement Advertisement Police Major Gene Lim confirmed that narcotics were located at the scene, indicating the potential complexity of the situation. He stated, I can share with you there was some narcotics located on the scene, and were dealing with that as well. Major Lim remarked on their efforts to reach out to nearby residents, saying, We are going through the motions of trying to find out victims, witnesses, any suspects at this time. Authorities are actively seeking more information and evidence related to the shooting. Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds. VIDEO: Man shot by officers was agitated, threatening, waving gun, Gastonia police say DENVER (KDVR) Several Colorado schools went on lockdown after receiving threats on Wednesday morning, according to Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management staff in the State Emergency Operations Center and the Colorado Information Analysis Center. FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox DHSEM had been working with local law enforcement to investigate the schools that received threats, although no credible threats were identified, according to Colorado Emergency Management. Advertisement Advertisement The agency initially said that 11 Colorado schools received threats by phone, but did not disclose which schools were included in that 11. FOX31 reached out to schools and school districts, with 14 responding. Douglas County High School made a statement to FOX31 that they had received an AI-generated robocall indicating there may be a threat at the school. The school did not go on lockdown, and worked with law enforcement to sweep the area with a bomb dog. Law enforcement determined that there was no credible threat to the high school. Arapahoe High School and Chaparral High School also responded to FOX31, stating that they had been in a similar situation, having received an AI call. Both schools worked with law enforcement to clear the school, and the threats were unfounded. A total of 14 schools and school districts have responded to FOX31 about the threats as of Wednesday afternoon: Advertisement Advertisement Academy of Urban Learning Denver Abraham Lincoln High School Alamosa High School Arapahoe High School Aspen High School Brighton High School Buena Vista High School Colorado High School Delta High School Douglas County High School Durango High School Frisco Independent School District Montbellow Career and Technical High School Mountain Range High School Colorado Emergency Management said on Wednesday that no requests were made for state assistance. 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 FOX31 Denver. When can you expect to see the $2,000 tariff dividend payment, proposed by President Donald Trump last year? According to a recent interview with the New York Times, the timeline for the potential payment has shifted. For months Trump touted a plan to give Americans a portion of the collected tax revenues, and he said late last year that many Americans should receive payment in mid-2026. His newest update moves that timeline later in 2026, though no specific date was released. Advertisement Advertisement Here's what we know so far about the proposed stimulus checks. The latest updates include a new timeline, but what needs to happen before Americans can expect to obtain money remains unclear. Trump says payments should come in 2026 Since early in his presidency, Trump has touted a plan to give Americans a "tariff dividend" refund. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett last month said that tariff dividend checks will need congressional approval before payments can be distributed. Trump, however, said he thinks the funds can be given without approval from Congress because "we have it coming from other sources." That said, the president did not provide more details on those additional sources. Some other potential roadblocks include cost estimates and a Supreme Court decision that may cause any preemptive distribution to be refunded. Advertisement Advertisement The Supreme Court has not yet ruled on a case that will determine whether the tariffs set by the president are constitutional. Justices heard arguments in November. If they determine the tariffs are not legal, the government may need to return billions of dollars to U.S.-based businesses and citizens who paid them. Last week, Trump said in a Truth Social post, that the nation has "taken in, and will soon be receiving, more than 600 Billion Dollars in Tariffs, but the Fake News Media refuses to talk about it because they hate and disrespect our Country, and want to interfere with the upcoming Tariff decision, one of the most important ever, of the United States Supreme Court." Those numbers don't match figures his administration has released. The United States reportedly collected more than $200 billion in tariffs in 2025 - from Jan. 20 to Dec. 15 - due to more than 40 executive orders signed by Trump, according to information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Advertisement Advertisement Cost estimates for the checks from three nonpartisan groups all showed that the dividend payments could cost more than tariffs bring in over the course of a year. Two analyses put the price tag over $600 billion. What we know about Trump tariff checks Trump first announced the checks in a post on his social media platform in November. "A dividend of at least $2000 a person (not including high-income people!) will be paid to everyone," Trump posted to Truth Social on Nov. 9. Earlier in 2025, the president said his administration was considering a rebate plan but he preferred to focus on reducing the national debt, which currently exceeds $38 trillion. On Nov. 17, Trump said the dividend checks would go to individuals of moderate income sometime before the 2026 midterms. He emphasized that tariff revenue makes the idea possible and that the administration also intends to pay down part of the national debt. Advertisement Advertisement National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett in mid-December said he was optimistic about the checks and that he expects Congress to consider the proposal in 2026. He also said he expects the Supreme Court will rule in the Trump administration's favor and that requiring refunds was "pretty unlikely." Will you get a $2,000 tariff check? Who is eligible? Official eligibility requirements have not been set. Calculations from the Committee for a Responsible Government assumed the payments would be structured like COVID-19-era Economic Impact Payments. In Trump's first term, the 2020 CARES Act arranged for payments for adults with smaller disbursements for kids. To be eligible for the maximum amount, individual taxpayers could earn up to $75,000. It was $150,000 for joint income tax filers. Advertisement Advertisement According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 14% of New York residents live in poverty. The median household income in the state is $84,578, and average income per person is $49,520. Does tariff revenue cover it? Experts say no. In September, the Treasury Department said it had generated $195 billion in tariff-related revenue. The Bipartisan Policy Center calculated $194.9 billion in net tariff revenue in 2025, which would come up short of the estimated $300 billion cost of sending the checks. Tax Foundation estimates that Trumps tariffs will raise $2.1 trillion in revenue over the next decade, but that dips to $1.6 trillion after accounting for foreign retaliation and other negative economic effects. The Congressional Budget Office has projected tariff revenue of $3.3 trillion over a decade. When could I get $2K tariff dividend check? When asked about when Americans might see a check during the New York Times interview on Jan. 7, Trump said, "I would say toward the end of the year." Advertisement Advertisement To date, the dividend checks have not been proposed in official legislation. There is no timeline on when or if Congress might receive or even address the issue, and Trump now says the checks might be issued without congressional approval. Earlier in 2025, the president also said that taxpayers might get a $5,000 cut of savings realized by the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency. DOGE, however, fell short of the savings required by the proposal. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, introduced the American Worker Rebate Act of 2025 in July after Trump floated a $600 tariff rebate. The proposal has not advanced out of committee. As of January 2026, no solid plans have been enacted to bring the checks to fruition. FILE PHOTO: A view of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 11, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo How to avoid stimulus check scams As plans for any forthcoming checks remain unclear, stimulus scams have become so widespread that the IRS has cautioned the public to stay vigilant. Advertisement Advertisement The IRS issued a warning in July about fake messages regarding "tax credits" or "stimulus" checks from scammers pretending to be the agency. "These messages will often direct taxpayers to click fraudulent links they claim are IRS websites or other online tools," the agency said. "The IRS only sends text messages with the taxpayers permission and only collects the taxpayers cell phone number or email address if they subscribe to receive messages from the agency." The IRS also does not leave pre-recorded, urgent or threatening messages. If you do receive a suspicious call, message, or mail, the IRS suggests: Includes reporting by the USA Today network This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Timeline shifts for $2,000 tariff checks. When payments could arrive A 21-year-old man is facing charges after a 2-year-old girl was shot and killed inside an Ohio home last month. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Antonio Colvin was indicted on a reckless homicide charge in connection with this shooting, according to our media partner WBNS-10 TV. As previously reported by News Center 7, 2-year-old VaNiyah Mason was shot at a home in the 1500 block of East Long Street on Dec. 22. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Mason was transported to the hospital, where she later died. Columbus police said the incident was a non-intentional shooting between people inside a home. It is unclear how the shooting started or how the gun was accessed. Colvin remains booked in the Franklin County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, WBNS-10 reported. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The Colombian Navy seized over two tons of cocaine after chasing down a speedboat packed with drugs and fuel in the South Pacific Ocean, authorities said Wednesday, as the world's largest cocaine-producing country faces pressure from the U.S. to tackle drug trafficking. The operation took place about 140 nautical miles from Tumaco, which is located on the southwestern corner of the country in the Pacific coast's Narino region, the navy said in a post on social media. Authorities said they found 2,000 kilograms of cocaine (4,400 pounds) and 270 gallons of fuel on the so-called "go-fast boat." Three Colombian nationals on board were arrested. The navy posted video of the interception, showing armed officers board the vessel as three suspects were ordered to lie down face first in the front. Authorities also released images showing stacks of the alleged drugs laid out in rows on shore after the operation. Advertisement Advertisement The navy said the seizure of drugs, estimated to be worth more than $95 million, prevented "the distribution of approximately 4.9 million doses on the streets of the world." The Colombian Navy seized over two tons of cocaine after chasing down a speedboat packed with drugs and fuel in the South Pacific Ocean, authorities said Wednesday. / Credit: Colombia Navy (Colombia Navy) The seizure comes as the Trump administration has continued its military campaign against alleged drug-ferrying boats off South America in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Those strikes, which started in September, have killed more than 100 people. Mr. Trump has criticized President Gustavo Petro, calling the Colombian leader a "sick man" and hinting at possible military action in the country. However, the two leaders spoke earlier this month and a Colombian official familiar with the conversation told CBS News the call was "very positive," describing it as a "180 change" in both sides' rhetoric. Mr. Trump invited Petro to the White House, and Petro told CBS News he would go "to stop a world war." Advertisement Advertisement Relations between the U.S. and Colombia have been tense for months, with the Trump administration accusing the Colombian government of failing to contain a spike in cocaine production. In October of last year, Mr. Trump called Petro an "illegal drug leader," and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced sanctions on Petro and his family, claiming he "has allowed drug cartels to flourish and refused to stop this activity." The U.S. also removed Colombia from the list of allies in the war on drugs. However, Colombia has made several major drug busts in recent months. In November, the nation announced its largest cocaine bust in a decade, with 14 tons confiscated at its main Pacific port. That same month, Colombian navy divers at a port on the Pacific coast found over 450 pounds of cocaine underneath a ship that was preparing to set sail for Europe. That seizure came just days after the navy announced it had confiscated more than seven tons of drugs from two speedboats and a "narco sub," also in the Pacific Ocean. The Colombian Navy seized over two tons of cocaine after chasing down a speedboat packed with drugs and fuel in the South Pacific Ocean, authorities said Wednesday / Credit: Colombia Navy Sneak peek: The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis Civil Rights icon Claudette Colvin dies at 86 Officials give update after federal officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis | Special Report The Perth Amboy Planning Board has approved a $200 million plan to transform a blighted brownfield site along the Arthur Kill into a waterfront neighborhood with more than 600 housing units. Kushner Companies received approval to build 602 market-rate rental units across five buildings in a development called Sea Gate. The project spans 15.75 acres and will include parcels on Front, Commerce, Rector, Broad, High, and Fayette streets. We have been working closely with the redeveloper to create the type of plan that can benefit the entire Perth Amboy community, not just the residents of Sea Gate, Mayor Helmin Caba said in a written statement. We are directly addressing unused, under-taxed waterfront property and creating the type of development that will benefit Perth Amboy for years to come. Advertisement Advertisement The developer will fund multiple public amenities, including a tree-lined esplanade stretching from Front Street to the bulkhead at Washington Street, along with a playground, landscaped plazas, and a dog park. The project will also include 909 parking spaces, landscaping, streetscape improvements and lighting. Waterfront redevelopment plan gets green light in Perth Amboy Under the agreement, Kushner Companies will pay Perth Amboy about $1.2 million annually through a long-term payment in lieu of taxes agreement, officials said. The redevelopment area currently generates only about $113,000 annually in net revenue, according to city officials. The developer is purchasing properties from the city for $4.6 million and will contribute an additional $1 million for the construction or rehabilitation of affordable residential units elsewhere in Perth Amboy, said Tashi Vazquez, executive director of the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency. Advertisement Advertisement The plan includes a memorial to Thomas Mundy Peterson, a Perth Amboy resident who became the first African American to vote in an election following ratification of the 15th Amendment. Peterson cast his vote on March 31, 1870. This site has long presented environmental conditions that limited its use, Vazquez said. Through the redevelopment process, the city is addressing those challenges and expanding public access to the waterfront. An archaeological review is planned as part of the state-mandated redevelopment process to determine if any property needs preservation for historical significance. The review will involve state and city historians along with the redevelopers consultants. The project, featuring one- and two-bedroom units, is expected to be built over three years. More New Jersey news Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Brief Kaelie Billingsley, a 19-year-old from Kenosha County, was crowned the 2026 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs. Billingsley will travel to over 50 events this year to promote the state's fair industry, including serving as the official 2026 Wisconsin State Fair ambassador. A Pre-Vet student at UW-Platteville, Billingsley beat out 31 other contestants for the one-year promotional position. WEST ALLIS, Wis. - Wisconsin State Fair officials introduced on Wednesday evening, Jan. 14, the 2026 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, a young woman from Kenosha County. Fairest of the Fairs named What we know Kaelie Billingsley, 19, was crowned Fairest of the Fairs at the annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in Wisconsin Dells. A group of 32 county and district Fairest of the Fairs vied for this highly sought after role. Advertisement Advertisement A news release says the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs program was created 60 years ago to choose an ambassador for the Wisconsin Association of Fairs. Representing 74 county, district, and state Fairs in Wisconsin, the associations mission is to provide innovative programming and resources to its members to enhance and support the vitality of the Fair industry and communities they serve. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Each year, the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs travels extensively throughout the state, promoting the educational, agricultural, social, cultural, and commercial benefits and opportunities available at Wisconsins vital Fairs. About Kaelie The backstory Billingsley will serve a one-year term through the 2027 Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention and during her tenure will attend more than 50 Fairs and events throughout the state, interacting with the media, creating content to share online and engaging in meaningful conversations to promote the importance of Wisconsins many Fairs. Advertisement Advertisement A highlight of Billingsleys duties will be serving as the official ambassador for the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair, which takes place August 616 in West Allis. Kaelie is the daughter of Eric and Shelly Billingsley of Bristol. She is currently earning a degree in Animal Science with an emphasis on Pre-Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Kaelie also works on the campus farm in the beef cattle and equipment management division. After graduating with a doctorate in veterinary medicine, she hopes to open her own veterinary clinic. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Individuals interested in competing in future Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs contests should contact their county or district Fair board for more information or visit WiFairs.com. The Source Information in this post was provided by the Wisconsin State Fair. SOUTH DAKOTA (KCAU) In South Dakota, the head of the states Supreme Court gave state legislators an updated mission and vision statement for the Judicial Branch. In his State of the Judiciary Address, Chief Justice Steven Jensen shared the six pillars that will help shape their priorities. Those pillars are: Enhancing access to justice for court users Building public trust and confidence Effective court operations and services Improving courthouse security Embracing and enhancing technology Fostering a strong workplace. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Chief Justice Jensen said the pillars will help to address the evolving challenges, along with opportunities within the Justice System. Our stated mission is this: the UJS (United Judicial System) is dedicated to providing a fair, impartial, and accessible court system that upholds the rule of law and is worthy of the publics trust and confidence, said Chief Justice Jensen. Our vision, Justice For All, speaks to the very heart of our work. It is a reminder that the courts exist for everyone. Chief Justice Jensen also said that a new strategic plan was put together to guide the courts, staff, and judges over the next several years. He also spoke to state lawmakers about having a strong judicial workforce. 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 KCAU 9 News | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports. To support the JSAA between TTE and the Company, the Liberian subsidiaries of BLU and TTE have entered into a new Reconnaissance License LPRA-003 (" RL-003 ") with the Liberia Petroleum Regulatory Authority (" LPRA ") covering these contiguous Blocks with an areal extent of 8,924 km (~ 2.2 million acres). Key provisions of RL-003 are: the reprocessing by TGS ASA (Oslo) (" TGS "), a leading provider of advanced data and intelligence in the energy sector, of 6,167 km (~1.5 million acres) of original 3-D seismic data initially acquired by TGS in 2013, covering the majority of the Blocks. This program commenced November 28, 2025; and The purpose of the JSAA between BLU and TTE is to further unlock the prospective potential of the Harper Basin blocks by establishing prospects within LB-26, LB-30 and LB-31 (the " Blocks "). Subject to establishing economically viable drillable prospects, BLU and TTE intend to apply for one or several production sharing contracts covering the desirable Blocks. An immediate budget has been jointly committed for the execution of a work program during the next 18 months involving state-of-the-art seismic reprocessing for more accurate reservoir imaging and the acquisition of sea bottom data, in order to fully evaluate the prospectivity and de-risk the hydrocarbon potential. This work program comprises: VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 15, 2026 /CNW/ - BluEnergies Ltd. (TSXV: BLU) (" BLU " or the " Company ") is pleased to report it has successfully entered into an industry standard joint study and application agreement (" JSAA ") with the Liberian upstream subsidiary of TotalEnergies SE (NYSE: TTE) (" TTE "), in order to further explore the prospectivity of the Company's deep water fan play in the Harper Basin, offshore Liberia. The West Africa Transform Margin, where the Harper Basin is located, and its conjugate South American Margin are regions where the basin floor fan play is being actively, successfully explored, developed and produced. Story Continues Background During October 2024, under RL-002 held 100% by BLU, the Company acquired from TGS a review license of the 6,167 km2 3-D seismic survey covering a majority of the Blocks. As a result of the Company's interpretation of the 3-D survey, BLU delineated seven large scale discrete Cretaceous aged basin floor fans. In Q1 2025, the Company entered into negotiations under non-disclosure agreements with numerous deepwater operators. As a result of these broad-based negotiations, BLU accepted an exclusive relationship with TTE in July 2025 and thereafter entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding on October 8, 2025. Final negotiations led the Company to successfully enter into the JSAA with TTE under the new RL 003. About BluEnergies Ltd. BluEnergies Ltd. is a Canadian-based international oil and gas exploration and development company with a focus on operations in West Africa. For additional information on BluEnergies Ltd., please refer to the Company's website, www.blu-energies.com. Forward-looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as: "intend", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will" and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking information include, among others, the future plans of BLU, and information herein relating to BLU and its business plans, including the potential exploration and other planned activities in joint venture with TTE under possible production sharing contracts. Although BLU believes that, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because BLU can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by this information depending on, among other things, the risk that the future plans of BLU may differ from those that currently are contemplated. Additional risks include those disclosed in the management information circular of Canadian Global Energy Corp., which is available on the Company's profile at SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release, except as otherwise required by law. 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. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/totalenergies-partners-with-bluenergies-in-its-harper-basin-fan-play-offshore-liberia-302662451.html Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2026/15/c7592.html Gov. Mike Braun is putting on record the key issues he wants to address in 2026, his second year in office. Many of these pillars he touched on in his second State of the State address on Jan. 14. A number of them reflect his support for what the legislature is already doing, but Braun has also shown he is willing to flex executive power, like penning executive orders and prompting his agencies to adjust their processes, to enact other aspects of his policy agenda. Although this time around, he's a lot more pithy. The governor's 2026 agenda is much shorter and less specific than the 39-page policy document he put out explaining his goals for 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Here are Braun's top four issues for 2026: Tackling affordability Property taxes took up much of the affordability discussion last year. This year it's all about housing, utility rates and health care. Braun supports a House bill to remove redundant and costly regulations to building new housing. He says he wants to lower energy bills by producing more energy and modernizing rate-setting practices in a way that holds utilities accountable the goal of another House priority bill. And he has a number of goals on health care: Alleviate medical debt through transparent billing and protecting people from predatory collectors. Improve the training and workforce pipelines, especially in rural communities These are some aspects of the administration's plan for spending the $200 million in federal grants coming Indiana's way. Reduce administrative burdens in the health care system, particularly in prior authorization. Gov. Mike Braun waves Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, after Gov. Mike Braun's first State of the State address to the General Assembly at the Indiana State Capitol in Indianapolis. 'Stronger posture' on immigration, homelessness Braun has already pledged Indiana to be a willing partner in President Donald Trump's ramped up enforcement, detention and deportation efforts with respect to immigration. Advertisement Advertisement He states in his policy platform that he supports a "stronger state posture" on this in which "all levels of law enforcement work together" to uphold laws and protect Hoosier jobs. This is also the subject of a bill by Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, which seeks to ensure that governmental entities including colleges don't get in the way of federal immigration enforcement activities and that employers don't hire undocumented people. In the general realm of public safety, Braun also makes clear his support for a proposed constitutional amendment allowing judges to withhold bail for defendants they deem dangerous, as well as for policies working through the legislature that, while connecting homeless people to services, also enforces penalties if they don't clear out their encampments on public land. A focus on workforce and wage growth The Braun administration's approach to economic development is a shift from his predecessor: less on big out-of-state investment and more on local Main Street businesses and wages. He wants to expand existing workforce upskilling initiatives, such as Power Up Indiana; make building a business more "navigable" by reducing regulations and "modernizing" the permitting process; and support tort reform in the small business space in the hopes of reducing frivolous lawsuits. Advertisement Advertisement More: Braun ran on cleaning up the IEDC. Will it succeed under his watch? Teachers and cell phones Expanding private school vouchers to all families regardless of income was a big milestone Braun touted in 2025. His 2026 education goals are more granular: He supports "responsible technology use" in the classroom and policies that "reduce distractions" such as a bill this session to expand Indiana's cell-phone ban to the entire school day. He wants to expand early-childhood learning options, though he doesn't say how. Having already supported raising the minimum teacher salary, he also wants their benefits to improve, and he wants to make it easier for people to become teachers in Indiana. Contact IndyStar Statehouse reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X @kayla_dwyer17. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: 4 ways Gov. Mike Braun wants to change Indiana in 2026, from energy to immigration The Seattle Police Department says a 42-year-old woman was shot in the arm Wednesday night in the High Point neighborhood. According to police, multiple people shot at her while she was inside her car. About 60 rounds were fired. Several other cars and a house were also hit by bullets. The shooting happened on Sylvan Way Southwest just after 11 p.m. The woman was taken to Harborview Medical Center and at last check was stable. Advertisement Advertisement The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted. SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) A jury convicted an 83-year-old Ohio man of murder in the shooting of an Uber driver who he wrongly thought was trying to rob him after scam phone calls deceived them both. William J. Brock fatally shot the driver after wrongly assuming she was in on a plot to get $12,000 in supposed bond money for a relative, authorities said. The driver fell victim to the same scammer, driving to Brock's home between Dayton and Columbus to pick up a package for delivery, according to investigators. Advertisement Advertisement Brock shot the driver, 61-year-old Lo-Letha Toland-Hall of Dublin, a Columbus suburb, six times when she showed up at his home in March 2024, authorities said. Brock, of South Charleston, was convicted of murder, felonious assault and kidnapping Wednesday. He is scheduled to be sentenced next week. A message seeking comment was left with his attorney. Brock's attorney said the shooting was in self-defense and the scammer had made threats against him and his family. Brock testified during the trial that he felt threatened when the driver arrived at his house. But prosecutors said Hall was unarmed and posed no threat when Brock shot her. Investigators said the driver was unaware of the scam call that Brock had received with threats and demands for money. Advertisement Advertisement Clark County Prosecutor Daniel Driscoll told reporters after the verdict that both families lost loved ones because of the scam. The really sad part about this is that we know there are still criminals out there," he said. We know that the scammers, the folks who started this, havent been brought to justice. An afternoon drive through Habersham County turned frightening on Wednesday after a road rage incident escalated into a crash and an alleged gun threat, authorities say. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Jesse Lafayette Parker, 84, of Clarkesville, is being held at the Habersham County Detention Center following the incident, which began near Level Grove Road outside Cornelia on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement According to investigators, the encounter started when the victim was driving east on Level Grove Road near the southbound ramp to Georgia 365. The victim told deputies that traffic slowed when a silver Mercury Grand Marquis stopped in the roadway to allow another car to turn. After honking his horn, the victim said the situation quickly escalated. The driver of the Grand Marquis allegedly began following the victim, honking repeatedly. At one point, the victim told deputies he saw the driver holding what appeared to be a hatchet out the window, prompting him to pull over in an attempt to let the vehicle pass. As the victims vehicle slowed, investigators say the Grand Marquis swerved into his lane and hit his car, then continued driving. The victim followed the vehicle toward Cornelia until it turned into the Quality Foods shopping center parking lot. A short time later, the victim said he saw the driver standing outside the car near Cornelia Christian Church, allegedly aiming what appeared to be a shotgun in his direction. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Police say the victim provided photos showing Parker holding and pointing a black, pump-action style shotgun. After Parker left the scene, the victim called 911. A be on the lookout (BOLO) was issued for the vehicle while officers searched the area. Authorities say Parker later contacted police, saying he would return home to put away groceries before turning himself in. Around 3 p.m., he arrived at the Habersham County Detention Center, where he was taken into custody. Parker is charged by the Habersham County Sheriffs Office with three counts of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Georgia State Patrol also charged him with hit and run, failure to stop and render aid, and passing in a no-passing zone. Investigators say the victim and Parker did not know each other. Bond for all charges has been set at $15,000. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Thursday marks 10 years since ABC7 Chicago's Anne Swaney was killed on vacation in Belize. Her murder remains unsolved. Swaney was visiting a horse ranch, to which she had previously traveled, when her body was found in the Mopan River. An autopsy shows she was strangled. Her personal belongings were found on a yoga deck next to the river at the eco-resort that attracted many Americans and Canadians who were avid horse enthusiasts. Advertisement Advertisement Although Belize police were in charge of the investigation, FBI agents from Miami were also involved. Swaney was the executive producer of digital operations at ABC7. She was 39 years old. Hanna Stables, the equestrian resort where she died, closed in 2021. The FBI told ABC7 Chicago's I-Team there are no new developments in the case. And the $20,000 reward once offered by the agency is no longer. "When you come in as a law enforcement agent into a foreign country, you're there as their guest. You really don't have any authority other than what they allow you to have. The longer the case goes cold, people move. People die. People's memories are faded," private investigator Steven Kirby said. Advertisement Advertisement But Swaney's memory lives on at Lockport's Legacy Ranch. "It's hard to believe she'll be 39 forever, and we're all turning 50 this year," best friend Sandi Moleski said. "She always said, 'in retirement, I'm going to dedicate all my time to a therapeutic riding facility.'" Moleski bought the Lockport property after Swaney's death, with the purpose of creating a place where children and adults with disabilities could come for horse-assisted physical therapy. "It's grown over time. Zeus is one of 17 horses that we have here. And it's really Anne's memory to me that lives on here, her spirit that lives on here," Moleski said. Advertisement Advertisement Even as Moleski admits to have struggled with the circumstances surrounding Swaney's death, it is in the thousands of families that have come through the Legacy Ranch since its inception that she finds solace, even as the heartache has never truly gone away. "To see the pride in the riders' faces when they're here and they are able to experience this. To me, that's Anne. That's Anne's gift back to all of us," Moleski said. Jan. 14Richard Gallagher Source: Metropolitan Detention Center A man charged this week with multiple child sex crimes allegedly used artificial intelligence tools to manufacture pornographic videos using the faces of children he lifted from popular social media platforms.Richard Gallagher, 68, made his first appearance Wednesday in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court on 12 felony charges of manufacturing or distribution of visual medium of sexual exploitation of children. He remained in custody Wednesday at the Metropolitan Detention Center.Gallagher allegedly used readily available AI apps to create nude images of young children and insert himself performing sex acts with the children, Attorney General Raul Torrez said Wednesday. The Albuquerque man allegedly told investigators he obtained original photos of children "off the internet," according to a pretrial detention motion filed by the New Mexico Department of Justice."For those of you who have pictures of your kids on Facebook, I want you to pay very close attention," Attorney General Raul Torrez told members of the Albuquerque Economic Forum on Wednesday."He took readily available public images off of Facebook and other social media platforms and in a matter of months, developed over 4,000 images and videos where he stripped those children of their clothing, created virtual bodies and inserted himself into horrific sex acts with those kids," Torrez said.Gallagher was charged under existing laws, Torrez told business leaders. But he said lawmakers need to update state laws to provide New Mexicans with protection from the dangers of new tools of technology."Fortunately, we have a criminal code that still allows us to charge that kind of activity as a felony crime," he said. "But what we are missing is a forward-looking legal framework that provides clear civil and criminal accountability, not only for the people who engage in that conduct, but the companies who make it possible."Torrez said he and state Rep. Linda Serrato, D-Santa Fe, plan to announce proposed legislation on Thursday intended to protect New Mexicans from the dangers associated with artificial intelligence. Torrez declined to provide details about the measure on Wednesday.In a related action, a trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 2 in a lawsuit filed by the New Mexico Department of Justice against social media giant Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The trial is in 1st Judicial District Court in Santa Fe.The 2023 suit alleges that Meta's platforms put children at risk of sexual abuse, human trafficking and other harms in violation of New Mexico law. Torrez called the action one of the nation's most aggressive legal actions against Meta. Advertisement Advertisement Ad "We survived all the motions to dismiss, all the legal challenges that were brought by their out-of-state legal team, and we will be holding Meta to account in a district court in Santa Fe in just a few weeks' time," Torrez said.Meanwhile, the case against Gallagher began with a Sept. 3 tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that alerted investigators to suspected child abuse material transmitted on the internet from a location in Albuquerque.New Mexico Department of Justice investigators executed a search warrant for Gallagher's home on Dec. 9, the pretrial detention motion said. Investigators found images of nude children engaged in sex acts on Gallagher's cellphone, it said. There was a shakeup in the criminal case against Edward Wackerman, the man accused of starting the Oak Fire in 2022, this week. A judge moved the case from Mariposa County to Fresno County. "That was my motion to change the venue," defense attorney Ric Squaglia told Action News. "I didn't think we could get a fair jury out of Mariposa County." The ruling came down on Monday after Squaglia stated in court that he had concerns about the jury pool in Mariposa. Advertisement Advertisement "The Oak Fire had just a horrendous impact on the county itself," Squaglia said. "A lot of people were impacted." For 43 days, the Oak Fire raged, burning over 19,000 acres and destroying 127 homes. It forced 6,000 of Mariposa County's 17,000 residents to evacuate. "I think it's pretty safe you're going to find a jury that is going to be fair, impartial and not know anything at all about that fire up there," Action News Legal Analyst Tony Capozzi said. Logistically, the attorneys and Wackerman are likely to stay in hotels or drive nearly three hours a day. The trial is expected to last between three and six weeks. Advertisement Advertisement "Whenever you move a case from one county to another, it adds a lot of expense to the prosecution," Capozzi said. "They may end up resolving the case somehow because they don't want to try it outside the county." Mariposa County District Attorney Walter Wall is standing by the case, saying he is ready for a trial. "I wouldn't proceed forward with the case unless I was confident in the evidence that I have," Wall told Action News. He says that the evidence includes a confession from Wackerman. However, Squaglia is remaining tight-lipped. "(Wackerman) adamantly maintains his innocence," Squaglia said. "I don't think it's far for me to holler it from the rooftop." Wackerman remains out of custody on an ankle monitor pending the trial. It could begin sometime this summer. For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook, X and Instagram. Jan. 14Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional comments from the Alaska Division of Elections on Wednesday. Leaders of Alaska's third-largest political party voted to dissolve it last month, raising questions about how the state Division of Elections would handle the registration of its more than 19,000 members. The Alaskan Independence Party dates back to the 1970s, when it was founded by Joe Vogler, a serial political candidate who advocated for Alaska to secede from the United States and become an independent country. Advertisement Advertisement The party, which broadly speaking opposes taxation and favors private land ownership, was used by former Gov. Wally Hickel to win a gubernatorial election in 1990. The former Republican ran as a member of the Alaskan Independence Party, becoming at the time the first third-party candidate in the U.S. to win a governor's seat in more than a decade. In a statement last month, party officials said that they assembled on Dec. 7 and voted to disband the party after finding that "the current party membership is either apathetic to the goals of the party, believes that the party is a branch of the Republican party, or is registered to the AIP by mistake." The Division of Elections received notice of the party's dissolution in December, according to spokesperson Steve Kirch. Following a review by the Department of Law, Kirch said that the party's 19,117 members who constitute roughly 3% of the state's registered voters will receive notices from the Division of Elections informing them that the party is no longer recognized. Advertisement Advertisement The voters will then have the option to select a new party or group affiliation. If they do not update their registration within 30 days of receiving a notice from the division, they will be registered as "undeclared" voters, Kirch said. John Wayne Howe, who served as chair of the party until its dissolution, said that vote to dissolve the party was taken by him and two other party leaders, treasurer Benjamin Petrochko and secretary Robert Williams, who constituted the party's board. [In US Supreme Court case over which absentee ballots count, Alaska doesn't pick a side] According to the party's statement, Hickel's rise to the governor's seat as a member of the party "made the AIP look strong, gaining many registrations and donations." But the influence of Hickel and his running mate, Lt. Gov. Jack Coghill, also a former Republican, "drifted the AIP away from its mission." Advertisement Advertisement Vogler died in 1993. After his death, "there was nothing to keep the party directed towards its purpose. The party has for some time been legally alive yet spiritually dead," party officials wrote in their dissolution announcement. "I was hoping to get more people interested in actively being involved in the party, and it didn't happen. You can't have a grassroots movement if there's nobody in the grass moving," said Howe. But his view isn't shared by all party members. Bob Bird, who served as chair of the party until 2024, said Tuesday that he opposed the party's dissolution and was hoping to call a statewide convention to reconstitute the party. Bird said that unlike Howe, he does not believe the party stands for Alaska's secession from the union. Rather, he says he wants Alaskans to get to vote on whether to remain a state, gain independence, return to being a U.S. territory or become a commonwealth. Both Howe and Bird conceded that of the party's thousands of members, some number had joined the party under the assumption that they were signing up as independent voters rather than members of the Alaskan Independence Party. Advertisement Advertisement "When we actually did some outreach to the grassroots, the actual people that are registered as Alaskan Independents, we got less than 10 responses total out of several thousand letters that we sent out," said Howe. However, Bird said, "there's absolutely no way of knowing percentage-wise how many are what's the word I want? ignorant about what they're doing when they register." According to statistics posted by the Division of Elections earlier this month, the Alaska GOP is the largest party in the state, with just over 146,000 members. The Democratic Party is a distant second, at fewer than 73,000 members. The Alaskan Independence Party comes in third, ahead of the fourth-place Libertarian Party, which has 6,319 members. The majority of Alaska voters more than 360,000 out of roughly 608,000 registered are registered either nonpartisan or undeclared. Advertisement Advertisement To qualify as a political party under Alaska law, a political group must have at least 5,000 members. But there is no specific statute dictating what should happen when the leadership of a political party votes to disband. Alaska's current election system in use since 2022 allows voters to cast ballots in open primaries for state and federal elections, regardless of their party affiliation, largely rendering party affiliation less significant than in the past when parties held closed primaries. Correction: The original version of this story incorrectly reported that Hickel initially ran in the 1990 primary as a Republican. He entered the general election race after the primary as a member of the Alaskan Independence Party. Aldi plans to open more than 180 new grocery stores across the United States this year, with Alabama among the 31 states slated for expansion, the discount grocer announced in a recent news release. The opening will bring Aldis total U.S. store count to nearly 2,800 locations as the company works toward a goal of operating 3,200 stores nationwide by the end of 2028. Heres what we know. Where will new Aldi locations open in Alabama? While Aldi confirmed Alabama is included in this years expansion, the company has not announced specific cities or store opening dates. No Alabama locations are currently listed as coming soon on Aldis website. Aldis expansion into new markets in Alabama Aldi is also moving forward with the conversion of dozens of stores it acquired from Southeastern Grocers, the parent company of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket, which Aldi purchased in March 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Nearly 80 former Southeastern Grocers locations will be converted into Aldi stores this year, with more than 200 conversions planned by the end of 2027, the company said. The acquired stores span five states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. How many Aldi stores are in Alabama? Aldi currently operates 55 stores in Alabama and is converting one former Winn-Dixie location. Eighteen Alabama Winn-Dixie stores were set to close, with four purchased by other grocers. The Carter Hill Road Store in Montgomery officially opened as an Aldi on Dec. 11. Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Are more Aldi stores coming to Alabama? Where are current locations? By Supantha Mukherjee and Paul Sandle STOCKHOLM/LONDON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Elon Musk's Grok chatbot is testing Europe's ability to clamp down on deepfakes and digital undressing of images online, even after regulators scored a rare win by forcing Musk's xAI to curb the creation of sexualized images. xAI said late on Wednesday it had restricted image editing for Grok AI users after the chatbot churned out thousands of sexualized images of women and minors that alarmed global regulators. Advertisement Advertisement The climb-down by Musk, who initially laughed off the trend, highlights the difficulty of policing AI tools that make it cheap and easy to create explicit content. It is the latest clash between Europe and Musk, following rows over election interference, content moderation and free speech. Many regulators are still scrambling to develop laws and rules to govern AI, with question marks over what constitutes nudity, how to define consent, and who bears responsibility: the user or the platform. "It's really a grey zone with regards to the creation of the nude images," Angla Pandel, a Stockholm-based data protection and privacy lawyer with Mannheimer Swartling, told Reuters. British regulator Ofcom, one of the most vocal on the issue, welcomed the move by Musk, but said its investigation into xAI over the Grok images would continue. Advertisement Advertisement "Our formal investigation remains ongoing," a spokesperson said. "We are working round the clock to progress this and get answers into what went wrong and what's being done to fix it." STRONGEST ENFORCEMENT STILL NEEDED, OFFICIALS SAY Earlier this month, Grok created hyper-realistic images of women on X manipulated to look like they were in tiny bikinis, degrading poses or even covered in bruises. Some minors were digitally stripped down to swimwear. Until Wednesday, Reuters found the chatbot still produced sexualized images privately on demand. That appeared to have been curbed at least in certain geographies on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Musk's xAI said it was blocking users from generating images of people in skimpy attire in "jurisdictions where it's illegal". It did not identify those jurisdictions. In Malaysia and Indonesia the government has imposed temporary bans on Grok, while EU and UK regulators called the images unlawful. The UK, France and Italy launched probes, but faced calls for tougher action. "Stronger enforcement under the Digital Services Act (DSA) is needed to stop apps and platforms that sexualise or nudify women and children," said Christian Democrat MEP Nina Carberry, who called the latest move a "positive step". A European Commission spokesperson said that if the Grok changes were not effective, the Commission would still use the full enforcement toolbox of the EU's DSA against the platform. Advertisement Advertisement LEGAL GREY AREA, HEAVY BURDEN ON VICTIMS The UK's Online Safety Act makes the sharing of intimate images without consent, including AI-generated deepfakes, a 'priority offence', said Alexander Brown, a UK-based data protection lawyer at Simmons & Simmons. "This means X must take proactive, proportionate steps to prevent such content from appearing on its platform and to swiftly remove it when detected," he said. Britain's regulator can fine a company up to 10% of revenue in the most serious cases of non-compliance or ask a court to require internet service providers to block the site. Advertisement Advertisement For individuals, taking platforms to court is "a really difficult and heavy process, said Anders Bergsten, a lawyer at Mannheimer Swartling, citing the emotional toll on victims. Deepfakes have existed for years, well before the advent of the AI apps, though they were largely confined to the darker corners of the web. The publishing power of X gives Grok unprecedented reach. "The frictionless publishing capability enables the deepfakes to spread at scale," said U.S.-based lawyer Carrie Goldberg, who works with cyber harassment victims. Laws in Britain and Sweden make the non-consensual sharing of nude images illegal. Britain is widening the law to include the making of such images. Advertisement Advertisement Under the DSA, suspending a service is considered a last resort. The EU AI Act also does not have any provision for nude images of adults, only transparency obligations for deepfakes, experts said. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed X's move on Thursday but warned: "Free speech is not the freedom to violate consent. Young women's images are not public property, and their safety is not up for debate." "If we need to strengthen existing laws further, we are prepared to do that." (Reporting by Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm and Sam Tobin in London; Editing by Adam Jourdan, Kenneth Li and Elaine Hardcastle) Trumps sanctuary cities threat comes after courts recently ruled against two other attempts to hold back funds. Last week, a district court blocked his plan to withhold more than $10 billion in family assistance and child care funds to California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota and New York (8). And this week, the Trump administrations cancelling of more than $7 billion in clean energy grants to states Kamala Harris won in the 2024 election was ruled illegal in federal court (9). And Governor Gavin Newsom of California shared Trumps statement with the caption, Please pray for the President as he struggles with cognitive decline. He already forgot he tried this before multiple times and we sued him and won (7). The news prompted responses from officials in some sanctuary jurisdictions. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated, If Trump keeps threatening to illegally withhold funds from Illinois, then we'll keep fighting for what our people deserve (5). Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also vowed to fight back, calling Trumps move blatantly unconstitutional and immoral (6). Trump made the comments during a speech at the Detroit Economic Club on Tuesday (3), and followed it with a social media post Wednesday, incorrectly labelling sanctuary cities as corrupt criminal protection centers (4). Now, less than a year later, Trump has once again threatened to withhold funds to sanctuary cities over his false claim that They do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens, and it breeds fraud and crime. He said the funding freeze begins Feb. 1. Some U.S. cities, counties and states self-identify or are widely called sanctuary jurisdictions, but the term has no specific definition. According to the U.S. Congress, these jurisdictions typically limit how much state or local law enforcement can help federal immigration authorities like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with civil immigration matters (2). Trump says Americans need to prepare for something the US has never seen. Heres how to get ready (and wealthy) in 2026 Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how So wrote Judge William H. Orrick, of the Northern District of California, in April 2025, when he blocked President Trumps attempts to withhold funding to numerous sanctuary cities across the U.S. for a second time. The first was during the first Trump administration, in 2017. In his ruling, he reiterated that such a move causes them irreparable injury in the form of budgetary uncertainty, deprivation of constitutional rights, and undermining trust between the cities and counties and the communities they serve (1). Story Continues Sanctuary cities and the misguided crime crackdown The U.S. is home to more than 1,000 sanctuary jurisdictions, according to the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) (10). According to the American Immigration Council, states are well within their legal authority, to restrict how much state and local law enforcement officials can help with immigration enforcement, as the latter is strictly a federal purview (11). That said, contrary to Trumps claims of crime in sanctuary cities and the use of incidents like [Medicare fraud](https://moneywise.com/news/top-stories/federal-prosecutors-probe-18b-minnesota-medicaid-spending-fraud-tourism) unearthed in Minnesota to bolster his case studies show that there is no correlation between sanctuary cities and crime rates. David Hausman, a researcher at Stanford University, studied sanctuary jurisdictions and said his findings showed that sanctuary policies really do protect immigrants, and they also dont do any harm to public safety. In fact, the data show that sanctuary policies have no measurable effect on crime (12). A separate study out of the University of New Mexico came to the same conclusion. We find no statistically discernible difference in violent crime, rape, or property crime rates across the cities, the authors wrote. Our findings provide evidence that sanctuary policies have no effect on crime rates, despite narratives to the contrary (13). A paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research has also shown that, overall immigrants to the U.S. have had lower rates of incarceration than native-born Americans for the last 150 years (14). Meanwhile, the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice noted that immigration has a positive impact on structural factors, such as social connection and economic opportunity, that are linked to neighborhood safety (15). From Henry Cabot Lodge in the late 19th century to Donald Trump, anti-immigration politicians have repeatedly tried to link immigrants to crime, but our research confirms that this is a myth and not based on fact, Stanford researcher and economist Ran Abramitzky said of the findings of the NBER study he led in 2023. He added that Mexican and Central American immigrants with low levels of education are significantly less likely to be incarcerated than U.S.-born men with similarly low levels of education (14). As for those that have been apprehended by ICE, as of the end of November last year, 73.6% of those in custody either had committed minor offenses such as traffic violations hardly the crackdown on crime that the Trump Administration promised (16). Theres also concern that complying with harsh and violent anti-immigration tactics, such as those deployed by the Trump administration, could actually stifle the ability of authorities to fight crime in sanctuary cities by eroding the trust between local law enforcement and the communities they serve. The New York Times, for example, pointed to Eric Adams, former mayor of New York City, who defended the citys decision to comply with sanctuary policies. If an undocumented individual witnesses a crime, he wrote, but is afraid to call 911 for fear of being turned over to federal authorities, criminals will roam free (17). Read More: The average net worth of Americans is a surprising $620,654. But it almost means nothing. Heres the number that counts (and how to make it skyrocket) The economic benefits of the immigrant workforce Its worth noting, given the Trump administrations stated mission to tackle supposed immigrant crime in blue states, that 2024 violent crime data shows that seven of the top 10 states with the highest violent crime rates are red states. They include Alaska, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Kansas and South Carolina none of which have been targeted by the Trump administration in the name of fighting immigrant crime (18). Far from engaging in rampant criminality, the immigrant population in the United States actually provides an outsized benefit to the American economy. One study showed that undocumented immigrants paid almost $97 billion in combined taxes to all government levels in 2022, and that For every 1 million undocumented immigrants who reside in the country, public services receive $8.9 billion in additional tax revenue. That said, the study added that those same undocumented immigrants are prevented, by law, from accessing a third of the programs their taxes fund, including Social Security and Medicare (19). In 2024, immigrant labor force participation reached 66.5% more than the 61.7% for native-born workers though they were less likely to work in management roles than native-born workers and, instead, tended to be in service, construction and maintenance occupations (20). That same year, the Congressional Budget Office released a report that estimated that immigration to the U.S. could give the nations GDP an $8.9 trillion bump between 2024 and 2034 (21). And MIT research in 2022 found that immigrants were more likely than native-born citizens to start businesses and create jobs. The findings suggest that immigrants act more as job creators than job takers, the authors added, and that non-U.S. born founders play outsized roles in U.S. high-growth entrepreneurship (22). You May Also Like Article Sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. United States District Court, Northern District Of California (1); U.S. Congress (2); Bloomberg News (3); Reuters (4); Governor JB Pritzker on X (5); City of Chicago (6); Governor Newsom Press Office (7); The Guardian (8); The Associated Press (9); FAIR (10); American Immigration Council (11); Stanford Immigration Policy Lab (12); Urban Affairs Review (13); NBER (14); Brennan Center (15); Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (16) New York Times (17); CSG Justice Center (18); CSG Justice Center (19); Bureau of Labor Statistics (20); Congressional Budget Office (21); MIT (22) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. An appeals court reversed the lower court decision that freed pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil from immigration detention, in a major win for the Trump administration. Khalil was picked up at his Columbia University housing complex and jailed as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests. He spent about three months in a Louisiana detention center and missed the birth of his son. The administration alleges he was one of the main organizers of the Columbia University encampment. Advertisement Advertisement The Third Circuit, sitting in Philadelphia, ruled 2-1 that the federal district court in New Jersey had no jurisdiction to order the release of the Columbia graduate student because immigration challenges are handled differently under the law. It instructed the lower court to dismiss Khalil's habeas petition, the court filing that secured his release. The panel wrote that federal immigration laws require deportation challenges be made by filing a petition for review of a final order of removal to a federal appeals court - not a lower-level district court. "That scheme ensures that petitioners get just one bite at the apple-not zero or two," the panel wrote. "But it also means that some petitioners, like Khalil, will have to wait to seek relief for allegedly unlawful government conduct." Advertisement Advertisement The law bars Khalil "from attacking his detention and removal in a habeas petition," the panel added. Khalil will almost certainly appeal. And if he fails, this will almost certainly allow ICE to re-detain him and restart the deportation process in immigration court. Two of the judges are saying Khalil should have exhausted the immigration courts before going to the district courts, which are part of the judicial system. The other judge ruled Khalil's actions were proper, since the government violated his fundamental rights. That judge believes Khalil proved he was irreparably injured during his detention. That judge was outvoted, 2-1 Advertisement Advertisement The majority decided the district court judge, based in Newark, lacked subject-matter jurisdiction. In other words, he did not have oversight over immigration cases. Khalil's lawyers filed a writ of habeas corpus with the district judge, a common move by immigration attorneys, to seek the prevention of immigration court proceedings and his release. In a statement, Khalil pledged to fight a "deeply disappointing" ruling from the three-judge panel. "Today's ruling is deeply disappointing, but it does not break our resolve," Khalil's statement said. "The door may have been opened for potential re-detainment down the line, but it has not closed our commitment to Palestine and to justice and accountability. I will continue to fight, through every legal avenue and with every ounce of determination, until my rights, and the rights of others like me, are fully protected." Advertisement Advertisement His lawyers said they are now considering whether to pursue an appeal to the full circuit, an interim step before a possible push to the U.S. Supreme Court. ---------- * 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. A Colorado appeals court appeared skeptical of a sentence for a pro-Trump elections official convicted of assisting in a breach of elections equipment in 2020 on Wednesday. While judges on the panel expressed little sympathy for the arguments from lawyers for former county clerk Tina Peters, they also grilled state lawyers. Judges were particularly critical of claims that Peters should be held accountable for spreading election conspiracies in 2020. "The court cannot punish her for her First Amendment rights," Appeals Judge Craig Welling said. Advertisement Advertisement Peters used another person's security badge to allow a former surfer, Conan Hayes, to watch a software update of her county's election management system. Prosecutors said he made copies of the system's hard drive before and after the upgrade, and that partially redacted security passwords later turned up online. Hayes was not charged with any wrongdoing. Trump Issues Sweeping Pardons For 2020 Election Allies What The Move Really Means Mesa County clerk and Colorado Republican candidate for secretary of state, Tina Peters, will receive a pardon from President Donald Trump. Peters is serving a nine-year sentence after a state jury convicted her of participating in a scheme to breach the Mesa County voting systems. (Getty Images) Peters, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump in December, spent her Christmas in a Colorado prison after being convicted in October 2024 as the state resists the pressure from Trump. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Her lawyers nevertheless argue that a state-level pardon from Gov. Jared Polis is on its way. Trump had threatened the state with a loss of federal funding if Polis doesn't issue a pardon. Polis, for his part, has described Peters' nine-year sentence as "harsh." Trump has posted on social media about Peters' case multiple times, describing her as a "patriot." New Motion Seeks Colorado Clerk Tina Peters' Release, Challenging State After Trump Pardon Former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters was convicted in 2024. "Instead of protecting Americans and their Tax Dollars, Democrats chose instead to prosecute anyone they can find that wanted Safe and Secure Elections ," Trump posted. "Democrats have been relentless in their targeting of TINA PETERS, a Patriot who simply wanted to make sure that our Elections were Fair and Honest." Advertisement Advertisement "Tina is sitting in a Colorado prison for the crime of demanding Honest Elections," Trump continued. "Today I am granting Tina a full Pardon for her attempts to expose Voter Fraud in the Rigged 2020 Presidential Election!" In a statement to Fox News Digital, Peters' attorney, Peter Ticktin, said the pardon should be applicable to state charges. President Donald Trump has demanded the release of Tina Peters. "I have great confidence that the appeal will be determined in Tina's favor," Ticktin explained. "However, the pardon which was issued by the grace of President Trump and for which we are extremely grateful could have put us in a difficult position. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement "Contrary to Colorados governor, we see the pardon as applicable to state charges," Peters attorney added. "Hence, the Colorado Court of Appeals may or may not have jurisdiction to hear the appeal, which has been pending." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Appeals judge seems skeptical of sentence for pro-Trump Colorado clerk Tina Peters The Pulaski County Courthouse. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate) The attorney for a south Arkansas candidate for a state House seat said Wednesday that he plans to appeal a judges decision not to disqualify his clients opponent from appearing on the Republican primary ballot. John Kyle Day asked the Pulaski County Circuit Court in December to disqualify his opponent, Laura Missy Wardlaw, from running to represent House District 94 in the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Day v. Wardlaw decision Wardlaw had been charged in 2018 with writing a hot check and had forfeited bond, which typically happens when a defendant fails to appear in court. Day had argued that amounted to a conviction, making Wardlaw ineligible to run for elected office. Arkansas constitution prohibits people convicted of an infamous crime such as embezzlement or forgery from holding elected office. Circuit Judge Cathleen Compton ruled after a trial Tuesday that Wardlaw may remain on the March 3 ballot. Compton sided with Wardlaws attorney, who had said the candidate is eligible because she forfeited bond and didnt plead guilty or face trial over the misdemeanor charge. Advertisement Advertisement Jacob Swatley, Days attorney, told the Arkansas Advocate he plans to appeal the matter to the Arkansas Supreme Court. The upcoming primary election on March 3 will be taken into consideration in Days request for an appeal, Swatley said. Missy Wardlaw (Courtesy of the Arkansas Secretary of State) Landon Sanders, Wardlaws attorney, noted that the primary is right around the corner and said Wardlaw will continue to campaign while the appeal is pending. Her votes should be counted, they should be certified, and a bond forfeiture is not an admission of guilt, Sanders said. If the Arkansas Supreme Court rules before the primary that Wardlaw is disqualified from running for office, any votes cast for her in portions of Bradley, Desha and Drew counties would not be counted. John Kyle Day (Courtesy of the Arkansas Secretary of State) Wardlaw and Day are running for the House seat held by Wardlaws husband, term-limited Republican Rep. Jeff Wardlaw of Hermitage. The winner of the March primary will be unopposed in Novembers general election. Advertisement Advertisement Last week, Compton ruled that Casey Reed of Sheridan is ineligible to run for a House seat in parts of Grant and Saline counties because he signed a guilty plea in 2012 for a felony charge of abuse of public trust, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. Reed had filed to run in the Republican primary to succeed Republican Rep. Julie Mayberry of Hensley, who declined to run for reelection. Two other Republicans are running in the primary, and the winner will be unopposed in November. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Armed Kurdish separatist groups tried to cross into Iran from Iraq in recent days, stoking fears that the countrys spiraling unrest has attracted dangerous foreign militants who could destabilize the wider region, according to reports. Iranian officials said the attempted breach came amid a sweeping crackdown on nationwide protests against the countrys regime, with Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leading the response, Reuters reported. The Tasnim News Agency also reported armed militia groups operating in Iraq crossed the border in western and northwestern Iran, according to Middle East Monitor. Advertisement Advertisement Top Iranian Official Downplays Death Toll, Blames 'Israeli Plot' As Us Considers Strikes Reuters had reported that three sources, including a senior Iranian official, said Turkeys intelligence agency, known as MIT, warned the IRGC that Kurdish fighters were trying to cross the Iran-Iraq border. The Iranian official said clashes also broke out after the attempt to cross and accused the fighters of trying to exploit the unrest and create further instability. Read On The Fox News App According to the Council on Foreign Relations, around 30 million Kurds live in the Middle East, mainly in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Turkey. Advertisement Advertisement Trump Says Iran 'Starting To' Cross Us Red Lines As Protesters Die In Government Crackdown Kurdish separatists attempted an Iran crossing from Iraq amid protests. (Getty Images) Turkey has designated Kurdish militant groups in northern Iraq as terrorist organizations and has carried out cross-border military operations against them. The Turkish military has also targeted PKK bases in Iraq. In 2025, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) said it would disarm and end its decades-long battle against Turkey. Reuters said MIT and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office did not comment on the Iran crossing, though it warned that any interference in Iran would inflame regional crises. Advertisement Advertisement 'Leave Iran Now': Us Embassy Posts Warning To Americans Still In The Country Iranian authorities alleged the fighters were dispatched from Iraq and Turkey and said the Iranian regime has asked both governments to stop any transfer of fighters or weapons into Iran. The number of deaths during the crackdown on protesters rose to at least 2,571 on Wednesday, accordin g to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. Click Here To Download The Fox News App President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had been told the killings had halted, and he believes there is no plan for large-scale executions. Asked who told him, Trump said they were "very important sources on the other side." Advertisement Advertisement Iran closed its airspace to most flights Wednesday, according to flight-tracking website Flightradar24, with the closure lasting a little more than two hours. Original article source: Armed Kurdish fighters try to breach Iran border as regional threat grows amid protests: reports Ashley St. Clair has sued Elon Musks xAI, alleging its Grok chatbot generated nude and sexual photos of her. St. Clair, 27, is a conservative influencer and is the mother to Musks one-year-old son. Now, shes suing Musks artificial intelligence company, claiming it is profiting off of the creation and dissemination of deepfakes, and that this is intentional, according to a copy of the lawsuit filed in New York and reviewed by The Independent. The Independent has contacted xAI for comment. Advertisement Advertisement St. Clair is suing on nine causes of action, including "negligence, design defect, manufacturing defect, and "intentional infliction of emotional distress, the lawsuit states. St. Clair claims that on or about January 4, 2025, she discovered a post on X from the xAI chatbot Grok with an altered photo of her in a black string bikini with two friends, according to the lawsuit. A verified user had prompted Grok with a request that read, @grok please we need bikinis on these three broads. Grok obliged, the lawsuit reads. Ashley St. Clair is suing Elon Musks xAI over computer generated explicit images. (@stclairashley/X) When St. Clair publicly responded to Grok and said she did not consent to being undressed, having any intimate content produced, or having her image altered in any way, the chatbot confirmed her images would not be used or altered without explicit consent in the future, the lawsuit states. Advertisement Advertisement This was a lie, the lawsuit claims. What ensued was countless sexually abusive, intimate and degrading deepfake content of St. Clair being produced and distributed publicly by Grok, the lawsuit reads. Among other things, X users dug up photos of St. Clair fully clothed at 14 years old and requested Grok undress her and put her in a bikini. Grok obliged. Grok fulfilled several users requests to generate images of St. Clair, including one request to put the girl in a bikini made out of floss, the lawsuit alleges. That image was further altered by users who asked Grok to add tattoos or make St. Clair morbidly obese, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit claims that, in another image, St. Clair, who is Jewish, is stripped and put in a string bikini covered with swastikas. Advertisement Advertisement St. Clair not only responded to Grok requesting content be removed, she also reported various images to X. She received an email that there was no violation found. Much of the content remained on Groks X account and publicly available for over seven days, the lawsuit reads. X then proceeded to place warnings for nudity, sexual content, violence, gore or hateful symbols on St. Clairs responses to Grok and deboosted her account while simultaneously keeping the images up, the lawsuit continues. Musk is the father of St. Clairs one-year-old. Musk has come under fire after his Grok AI created explicit images of people without permission, including St. Clair (AFP via Getty Images) St. Clair also claims that X removed her Premium subscription and demonetized her account, despite her having paid for an annual subscription in August. She is now demanding a jury trial on all issues described in the lawsuit. St. Clair is seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory money, punitive damages, prejudgment interest, costs for the action and injunctive relief on each cause of action. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to The Independent, St. Clairs attorneys said she filed suit against Grok for creating and distributing nonconsensual, abusive, and degrading images of her through its AI system. This harm flowed directly from deliberate design choices that allow Grok to be used as a tool of harassment and humiliation. Companies should not be able to escape responsibility when the products they build predictably cause this kind of harm. We intend to hold Grok accountable and to help establish clear legal boundaries for the entire publics benefit to prevent AI from being weaponized for abuse, her attorneys said. XAI also sued St. Clair in Texas on Thursday, claiming she breached its terms of service agreement by filing the lawsuit, according to the Wall Street Journal. A lawyer for the company claimed that when she signed up for an account on X, she agreed to the terms of service, which require that legal disputes be brought in Texas, the outlet reports. Her attorneys told The Independent: xAI preemptively filed the Texas lawsuit after we provided notice, as required under New York law, that Ashley would be seeking a temporary restraining order. Ashley St. Clair is demanding a jury trial in her lawsuit against Musks xAi (AFP via Getty Images) The lawsuits come on the heels of outrage over Groks production of deepfake images. California's Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Wednesday an "investigation into the proliferation of nonconsensual sexually explicit material produced using Grok, an AI model developed by xAI. Advertisement Advertisement Musk's X announced later the same day that it had blocked Grok from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis. This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers, X said. In addition, only paid subscribers will now have the ability to edit images via Grok, which the company says adds an "extra layer of protection," as well as helping to identify users who violate the policy. Geoblocks will also be added. When asked about Xs changes, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent Thursday that theyre doing it to avoid accountability, and they're doing it to avoid there being legislation passed that actually protects people, and I don't think that we should accept it." This week, the U.K.'s media regulator, Ofcom, announced an investigation after concerns about sexual deepfakes generated by Grok, and whether the company broke U.K. laws. Advertisement Advertisement "It is vital that Ofcom complete this investigation swiftly because the public - and most importantly the victims - will not accept any delay, U.K. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall told the BBC. British Prime Minster Keir Starmer said he was informed Wednesday that X is acting to ensure full compliance with U.K. law. If so, that is welcome, but were not going to back down. They must act, Starmer said. Grok has been under fire from officials in America and the UK for its ability to create explicit images. (PA Wire) Musk also said this week he plans to petition a judge to have their son taken away from St. Clair, after she apologized for past comments she made about the transgender community. His announcement came before both lawsuits. Advertisement Advertisement I will be filing for full custody today, given her statements implying she might transition a one-year-old boy," Musk wrote on X. Musk, the Tesla CEO who is the worlds richest man, has 14 kids with four different women. Some of his children are estranged from him. In response to Musks push for custody of her child, St. Clair told CNN on Wednesday: "I'm not at liberty to discuss it further, but I think anyone with more than a third-grade reading comprehension level knows what I was saying there. Four astronauts safely returned to Earth early Thursday, capping a dramatic and unusual week in space that required the crew to leave the International Space Station about a month earlier than planned because of a medical issue that arose in orbit. NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of San Diego, at 3:41 a.m. ET after a nearly 11-hour journey. On behalf of SpaceX and NASA, welcome home, Crew-11, mission controllers radioed to the astronauts moments after their Dragon capsule hit the water. Advertisement Advertisement Their return was the first time in the space stations 25-year history that a mission was cut short because of a medical issue. The SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft splashes down in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego on Thursday. (NASA) (NASA) In a post-landing news briefing, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said all four astronauts were safe and in good spirits. All crew members are currently undergoing the routine post-splashdown medical evaluation, he said. The crew member of concern is doing fine. We will share updates on their health as soon as its appropriate to do so. Because of medical privacy concerns, NASA has not disclosed the identity of the affected crew member or given any details about the medical incident. Advertisement Advertisement Isaacman called it a serious situation in orbit, prompting the space agency to make the rare decision to bring the astronauts home early. He said, however, that the crew member in question has been safe and stable ever since. At a news briefing last week, Isaacman said the decision to bring the crew members back was made out of an abundance of caution. The medical issue forced NASA to call off a planned spacewalk on Jan. 8, which was to have Cardman and Fincke perform upgrades to the exterior of the ISS. A second spacewalk, originally scheduled to take place Thursday morning, has also been postponed. Recovery teams approach the Dragon capsule. (NASA) (NASA) Before he left the orbiting outpost, Fincke said he and his colleagues were stable, safe and well cared for. Advertisement Advertisement This was a deliberate decision to allow the right medical evaluations to happen on the ground, where the full range of diagnostic capability exists, Fincke wrote in a statement on LinkedIn. Its the right call, even if its a bit bittersweet. The astronauts returned to Earth in the same SpaceX Dragon capsule that they flew to the space station in. The journey home was a smooth one, with mission controllers reporting pristine weather conditions at the splashdown site off the coast of California. The capsules drogue and main parachutes successfully deployed minutes before landing, slowing the spacecraft before it hit the water. Recovery operations for NASAs Crew-11 Dragon Endeavour spacecraft and its four crew members. (NASA) (NASA) SpaceX personnel quickly arrived at the scene to examine the capsule before it was hoisted onto the deck of the recovery vessel. Dolphins could be seen playfully swimming around as it bobbed in the ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Fincke was the first to be helped out of the capsule, roughly 50 minutes after splashdown, followed by Cardman, Yui and Platonov. The crew members were all smiles as they emerged, flashing thumbs-up and waving to the cameras. The crew members, known as Crew-11, spent 165 days aboard the space station. It was the first spaceflight for Cardman and Platonov, while Yui finished his second trip into orbit. Fincke, meanwhile, now has four spaceflights under his belt. The crew arrived at the ISS in August and was scheduled to stay until late February. With Crew-11s early departure, only three people are aboard the space station: NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev. From left, astronauts Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke, Kimiya Yui and Oleg Platonov disembark the Dragon Endeavour spacecraft Thursday. (NASA) (NASA) The next rotation of space station crew members was scheduled to lift off no earlier than Feb. 15, but NASA said it is looking into options to bump up that flight. Still, Williams is likely to be the only NASA astronaut overseeing U.S. science experiments and operations on the station for at least a few weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Joel Montalbano, deputy associate administrator for NASAs Space Operations Mission Directorate, said in Thursdays news briefing that agency officials will weigh the best timing for the next space station flight, known as Crew-12, with the needs of the space station and other upcoming launches in February, including NASAs Artemis II mission. That mission is a key test flight that will send four astronauts on a roughly 10-day journey around the moon. This is what were going to spend the next few days on, Montalbano said. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A former Brazilian au pair testified on Wednesday that she turned against her former lover in a sprawling double homicide scheme involving his wife because she "wanted the truth to come out." For more than a year, Juliana Peres Magalhaes did not speak with officials about the 2023 killings of Christine Banfield and Joseph Ryan, or about Brendan Banfield's alleged involvement. But attorneys say that days before her own criminal trial, the former au pair changed her mind and began to talk. Now, Brendan Banfield is facing a trial in the aggravated murder of his wife and Ryan, and Magalhaes' testimony has become a key component of prosecutors' case. Banfield, who has pleaded not guilty, could face life in prison if convicted. Advertisement Advertisement The way officials tell it, Banfield and Magalhaes lured Ryan to their house. The two then shot him, staging the scene to look as if Ryan had been a predator stabbing Christine Banfield. Juliana Peres Magalhaes testifies during the double murder trial for Brendan Banfield in Fairfax County Circuit Court, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Fairfax, Va. / Credit: Tom Brenner / AP Magalhaes testified that she crouched behind the bed and covered her eyes and ears while Brendan Banfield repeatedly stabbed his wife, CBS affiliate WUSA-TV reported. "I just couldn't keep it to myself, the feeling of shame and guilt and sadness," she said in court of the ruse. The former au pair was initially charged with second-degree murder in Ryan's killing, but has since pleaded guilty to a downgraded manslaughter charge. In court, the former au pair testified that she and Banfield had created an account in Christine Banfield's name on a social media platform for people interested in sexual fetishes. There, Ryan connected with the account, and the users made plans to meet for a sexual encounter involving a knife. Advertisement Advertisement In testimony, she described Banfield's plan to kill his wife and spend the rest of his days with Magalhaes, with whom he had an affair. She testified to the months he had spent plotting their scheme, and the steps he took to manufacture their alibis. A day earlier, Brendan Banfield appeared to cry in court while listening to the 911 call from the day his wife was killed in their bed, WUSA-TV reported. John Carroll, Banfield's attorney, spent much of Wednesday scrutinizing her initial testimony and her motives behind pleading guilty. He pressed her on who created the email address connected to the social media account and where she and Brendan Banfield were on the day it had been procured. She testified that she did not remember who made the account or what room in the Banfield home they had been in. Advertisement Advertisement The defense attorney repeatedly pressed her on specific messages sent on the social media account in Christine Banfield's name. Magalhaes, seemingly annoyed, repeatedly testified that she had been unsure who had sent what. At one point, she testified to Carroll: "I am not going to do this." Magalhaes testified she blocked out some dates and details because of the trauma of the event, WUSA-TV reported. "Your brain has blocked out the details of this plan that essentially your whole future rests on with the Commonwealth?" Carroll asked, according to the station. Juliana Peres Magalhaes is escorted into the courtroom before continuing her testimony, during the double murder trial for Brendan Banfield in Fairfax County Circuit Court, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Fairfax, Va. / Credit: Tom Brenner / AP Carroll also asked Magalhaes to read portions from letters she had written from jail to Brendan Banfield and others. They expressed depression and frustration with her situation. "No strength. No courage. No hope," she wrote at one point. Advertisement Advertisement Magalhaes testified that her health in jail and isolation from loved ones also pushed her to turn on Banfield. Wearing a gray suit and a striped tie, Banfield would occasionally glance up as Magalhaes gave her testimony. The former au pair did not appear to look back noticeably. Magalhaes will be sentenced at the conclusion of Banfield's trial. Depending on her cooperation with authorities, attorneys have said she could be sentenced to the time she has already served. Banfield, whose then-4-year-old daughter was at the house on the morning of the killings, is also charged with child abuse and felony child cruelty in connection with the case. He will face those charges during the trial. Advertisement Advertisement WUSA-TV reported that at an April 2024 hearing for Magalhaes, prosecutors showed records that two months before the shooting, Peres Magalhaes and Brendan Banfield visited the Silver Eagle Group Shooting Range. A few weeks later, Brendan Banfield also purchased a gun, which was eventually used to shoot Ryan, Senior Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Eric Clingan said. Authorities have said Juliana Peres Magalhaes, left, and Brandon Banfield were involved in a romantic relationship. / Credit: WUSA-TV Before the trial, Joseph Ryan's mother, Deirdre Fisher, told WUSA-TV that her son had talked to her about consensual role play but said he was not a violent person. Fisher told the station she remembers every detail of learning about her son's death. "I remember when I got the call from the detective I could hear my own voice screaming," she said. "It was almost like it was outside of my body hearing that he had been killed." Sneak peek: The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis Civil Rights icon Claudette Colvin dies at 86 Officials give update after federal officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis | Special Report By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Hate speech and gun control laws proposed by the Australian government in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach mass shooting were criticised by conservative opposition and Greens parties on Thursday, putting in question whether they can pass. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has recalled Parliament from its summer break to sit next Monday and Tuesday with the hope that a combined bill that authorises a gun buyback and lowers the bar for hate speech prosecutions would be voted on. Advertisement Advertisement Albanese was criticised for not acting quickly enough in announcing a public inquiry into the Bondi massacre, but has now been criticised for rushing complex legislation. On Thursday, Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley, who previously urged Albanese to act quickly, said the bill was "unsalvageable" after prominent conservative lawmakers said it threatened free speech. She urged Albanese to allow more time to consider new laws. The December 14 shooting in Sydney that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration sparked nationwide calls to tackle antisemitism. Police say the alleged gunmen were inspired by the Islamic State militant group. Ley criticised the bill for not targeting "radical Islamic extremist hate preaching without impinging on free speech." Advertisement Advertisement The bill exempts preachers who quote from or discuss religious texts, which the Executive Council of Australian Jewry said could pose a loophole that allows antisemitism. The National Party, which partners with the Liberals in opposition, criticised the government for combining gun control measures, which it opposed, and hate speech in the same bill. "This should have been a moment of national unity," Albanese said in an Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio interview on Thursday. The government is prepared to consider amendments to the bill, he added. Labor holds a majority in the lower house of Parliament and is negotiating with the Greens party for support for the bill in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement The Greens said on Thursday it would not support the bill over concerns at the impact on political protest and changes to the migration act. Greens leader Larissa Water said the party also wants hate speech protections broadened beyond race to cover Islamophobia. "We need to ensure these laws cannot be weaponised to shut down legitimate political protest. Labor must make it crystal clear that criticism of Israels actions, just like those of Russia, China or Australia, will not be criminalised," she said. Universities, and a United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter Terrorism, Ben Saul, have also raised concerns the bill could limit freedom of expression. Advertisement Advertisement NEO-NAZI GROUP DISBANDS Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said since the draft law was released on Tuesday, a neo-Nazi group that was flagged as a concern by intelligence agencies disbanded to avoid prosecution, which he said showed the effectiveness of the bill. In addition, a Muslim prayer hall in Sydney linked to a cleric who was found by a court to have made intimidating statements about Jewish people said it would shut down. An expert in constitutional law, Anne Twomey, said the proposed law could be challenged in the High Court for impinging on political communication. The proposed offence of promoting racial hatred carries a five-year prison sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said the reform would make it easier to prosecute hate crimes because incitement of an audience would no longer need to be proved in court. In a statement, the council said the bill should be passed, even though it had "serious shortcomings." (Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus and Michael Perry) The family of a woman gunned down by a federal agent revealed new details on Jan. 14 about what she was doing in the hours leading up to the fatal shooting that sparked protests nationwide. Renee Nicole Macklin Good was fatally shot on Jan. 7 by U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross. The shooting came amid an ICE action in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when the 37-year-old mother of three drove her SUV forward near Ross after being told to exit her vehicle. Widely seen footage of the deadly encounter has sharply divided the country. Department of Homeland Security officials say Ross acted properly and that Good was engaged in "domestic terrorism"; top Democrats have called for Ross arrest. New polling finds most American voters think the shooting was unjustified. Advertisement Advertisement In statements where they called Good "the beautiful light of our family," the womans four siblings, parents and their attorneys described the shooting as a result of a chance encounter after dropping her 6-year-old child off at school. "We want to thank everyone who has reached out in support of Renee and our family. The kind of unending care weve been given during this time is exactly the kind that she gave to everyone," Goods family said in a letter shared with USA TODAY. "Nae was the beautiful light of our family and brought joy to anyone she met. She was relentlessly hopeful and optimistic which was contagious. We all already miss her more than words could ever express." An undated family photo of Renee Nicole Macklin Good and brother Brent Ganger. What injury did ICE agent suffer? Agent who shot Renee Nicole Good suffered internal bleeding, feds say 'Helping their neighbors' According to the family and their attorneys, Good and wife Becca Good were driving in their car with their dog after dropping off their child when they came across federal agents in their neighborhood engaged in an immigration action. The couple stopped "to observe, with the intention of supporting and helping their neighbors," family attorneys said. Advertisement Advertisement Becca Good exited the SUV shortly before the deadly encounter. Among Goods last words caught on camera, the woman can be heard telling immigration agents, "Im not mad at you." "She was our best friend with a seemingly infinite capacity for love. Nae-Nae gave everything she had to take care of her friends and family, and indeed people she never met," Goods family said. "She was our protector, our shoulder to cry on, and our scintillating source of joy." June Pierce (C) prays during a vigil at a memorial near the site where Renee Good was killed a week ago on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. Good was killed by an immigration enforcement agent during an incident in south Minneapolis on January 7. Attorneys representing the family of Renee Good say they are launching an investigation into the fatal shooting and intend to take legal action against the federal government A portrait of Renee Good is placed at a memorial near the site where she was killed a week ago, on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. A person lights candles during a vigil at a memorial near the site where Renee Good was killed a week ago on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. A person holds a sign reading "Good Rest in Power" during a vigil at a memorial near the site where Renee Good was killed a week ago on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. Kristy Henderson looks on during a vigil at a memorial near the site where Renee Good was killed a week ago on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. A poster reading "She Was Good" lies at a memorial near the site where Renee Good was killed a week ago, on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. June Pierce (C) prays during a vigil at a memorial near the site where Renee Good was killed a week ago on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. People gather for a vigil at a memorial near the site where Renee Good was killed a week ago on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. A person places a flag during a vigil at a memorial near the site where Renee Good was killed a week ago on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. A poster reads "Murdered by ICE" near the site where Renee Good was killed a week ago on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. A portrait of Renee Good lies at a memorial near the site where she was killed a week ago, on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. A portrait of Renee Good is displayed on a fence alongside portraits of other people killed by police on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. Prayer vigil marks one week since Renee Good was killed by ICE agent 1 of 12 June Pierce (C) prays during a vigil at a memorial near the site where Renee Good was killed a week ago on Jan. 14, 2026 in Minneapolis. Good was killed by an immigration enforcement agent during an incident in south Minneapolis on January 7. Attorneys representing the family of Renee Good say they are launching an investigation into the fatal shooting and intend to take legal action against the federal government The new details come as the family announced a Chicago-based law firm is launching an investigation into Goods death. The investigation comes as Justice Department officials say there is "no basis" for an investigation in the case. The firm, Romanucci & Blandin, is the same group that represented the family of George Floyd after he was murdered by a police officer in Minneapolis in 2020. Department of Homeland Security leaders say the controversial deployment of militarized agents to the state is needed to root out fraud agency officials have linked to Somali immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement More: After Renee Good ICE shooting, lawyers for family launch investigation This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Renee Good family reveals new details about the morning she was killed by ICE CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) Thursday is National Bagel Day, which means its time to toast up your favorite bagel. Polish-Jewish immigrants introduced the bagel to the United States, and throughout New York City and the surrounding boroughs, they grew thriving businesses. In 1907, they created the International Beigel Bakers Union. Bagel Bakers Local 338 held contracts with nearly all bagel bakeries for its workers in and around the city for decades. Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jimmy Fallon name all 351 Mass. towns on Tonight Show Advertisement Advertisement In the 1960s, bakeries made bagels by hand. Daniel Thompson invented the bagel maker, which made a heated debate about man versus the machine was the handcrafted beigel better or the manufactured bagel? This kosher carbohydrate brings different and unique flavors to the deli and sandwich bar, according to the National Day Calendar. The bagel became much more common throughout North America during the last quarter of the 20th century, and the credit for the bagels spread across the country goes in part to bagel baker Harry Lender, his son, Murray Lender, and Florence Sender. All of their pioneering efforts led to the automated production and distribution of frozen bagels in the 1960s. Murray Lender also invented pre-slicing the bagel. One way to celebrate National Bagel Day is by getting a bagel with your favorite schmere. Yelp has put together a list of the best places to get bagels in western Massachusetts: Advertisement Advertisement Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand. 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 WWLP. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Cryptocurrency prediction market sees low odds that the Supreme Court will rule in favor of President Donald Trump's tariffs, with a decision anticipated on Wednesday. What Are The Odds Of A Trump Victory? Polymarket odds that the Supreme Court overturns or vacates the earlier court decision that deemed Trumps tariff policy unconstitutional were 28%, up from 22% a week ago but still much lower than the all-time highs set in September 2025. Over $2.6 million has been tossed on the outcome, making it one of the most traded bets on the Polygon (CRYPTO: POL)-based platform as of this writing. Don't Miss: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.85/Share Sam Altman Says AI Will Transform the Economy This Platform Lets Investors Back Private Tech Early Meanwhile, bettors on Kalshi see a 32% chance that the apex court rules in favor of Trump. The Supreme Court has scheduled an Opinion Day for Friday, and Kalshi bettors are giving 53% odds that it will release an opinion before Jan. 16. The High Stakes Of Tariff Decisions Trade tariffs have been among the most closely watched market developments over the past year and a pending decision could impact where the market heads early in 2026. Trump said earlier this week that the U.S. could face massive economic consequences if the Supreme Court rules against the federal government on the issue. Interestingly, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said last week that the Treasury has enough funds to cover any potential tariff refunds if the Supreme Court rules against the government. See Also: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it? Since assuming office in January 2025, Trump has used the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to justify imposing tariffs on countries to address trade imbalances. However, a U.S. appeals court said last year that Trump overstepped his authority by using the emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs. Economist Mark Zandi said that the labor market is faltering under the weight of tariffs and that a Supreme Court ruling could offer the quickest path to restoring job growth. Photo Courtesy: Barry Barnes on Shutterstock.com Read Next: Niche, a leading online platform that ranks and reviews K-12 schools, college campuses, neighborhoods, and cities across the U.S., just released their customized insights for 2026. Georgia residents can now search their local school districts to see their report card based on statistics like test scores, graduation rates, teacher quality and parent/student reviews. The site named Buford City Schools as the top district in Georgia for 2026, but some local districts also scored fairly well. Muscogee County - B Muscogee County School District, serves about 32,000 students across 60 or more schools and earned an overall B. Advertisement Advertisement This grade places it solidly mid-pack among Georgias 178 districts Report card Academics: B- Teachers: C+ Clubs and activities: A Diversity: A- College Prep: A- Administration: B+ Nearby districts West Georgia districts around Columbus vary widely, with rural spots lagging behind more affluent neighbors. Harris County Schools - A- Academics: A- Teachers: A Clubs and activities: B+ Diversity: B+ College prep: B+ Administration: A Chattahoochee County Schools - B Academics: B- Teachers: B Clubs and activities: B- Diversity: A College prep: A- Administration: B Bibb County Schools - C Academics: C Teachers: C Clubs and Activities: A- Diversity: B- College prep: C+ Administration: B- Top 10 districts in Georgia Niches 2026 list favors smaller, high-performing suburban and city systems north and east of Atlanta. Advertisement Advertisement 1. Buford City Schools - A+ 2. Oconee County Schools - A+ 3. Forsyth County Schools - A+ 4. Fayette County Public Schools - A 5. City Schools of Decatur - A 6. Bremen City Schools - A 7. Lowndes County Schools - A 8. Cartersville City Schools - A 9. Jefferson City Schools - A 10. Morgan County Charter Schools - A Niche covers more than 93,000 public schools, 30,000 private schools, and 11,000 school districts nationwide in its 2026 rankings. The platform uses this massive dataset to grade and rank options for families searching by location or category. How did your school do? Energy drinks may cause strokes, experts say. Heres what GA consumers should know The 10 best GA high schools, US News & World Report says. A Columbus school is in US top 100 Subcommittees in the Iowa House passed two bills Jan. 15, 2026, relating to university presidential searches and general education requirements. From left, Rep. Henry Stone, Rep. Taylor Collins and Rep. Timi Brown-Powers listen to presenters during a House Higher Education Committee meeting on Jan. 14, 2026. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa lawmakers gave initial approval to multiple bills Thursday relating to the responsibilities and requirements of public universities and the board that governs them, including presidential searches and academic course requirements. Members of the Iowa House Higher Education Committee held their first subcommittee of the session on House Study Bill 538. It would require the Iowa Board of Regents to form a presidential search committee whenever a new university president must be selected. Previously, Iowa law stated the committee was optional. Advertisement Advertisement The bill states that only regents can serve on such a committee, and the group must recommend the most well-qualified candidates considered by the committee to the board, which shall only elect a president from the recommended candidates. The presidential search committee can contract with people engaged in the business of placing highly qualified job candidates in leadership positions, the bill stated, and any candidates considered by the committee shall not be subject to public disclosure unless the identity of the candidate is made public pursuant to the terms of a written agreement. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, filed the legislation and chaired the subcommittee, joined by Rep. Heather Matson, D-Ankeny, and Rep. Jeff Shipley, R-Fairfield. Advertisement Advertisement Im going to save most of my comments for committee, but we will be looking at the presidential selection process again this year, obviously, and this is just a start, Collins said. The only public comment was positive toward the legislation, with Foundation for Government Accountability lobbyist Andy Conlin saying he is supportive of anything that improves transparency, intellectual freedom and efficiency, as well as actions to increase universitys abilities to turn out a productive workforce. Shipley said it seems that faculty senates at some universities have taken actions that have kind of degraded the reputation and prestige of their related institutions, and he supports the bill, but declined to expand on his comments when asked by Matson. The representative from Ankeny said she was surprised more people didnt come to the meeting to comment on the legislation the necessity of which she questioned. Advertisement Advertisement Pushing out the faculty senate and other critical partners diminishes the power and value of partnerships and civic engagement in our universities, Matson said, and Im worried that this level of micromanagement will continue to sow distrust and make it harder to recruit qualified applicants. Collins said the open process of selecting a new university president comes with the problems of applicants working at other colleges having to go back with their tail between their legs after publicly trying to find a different job. I think it needs to be a closed process with the candidates on board with what the process is, Collins said. General education requirements under review in new bill Titled the Increasing Civic Proficiency in Higher Education Act, House Study Bill 543 would require Iowas public universities to add introductory courses in American history and American government to their general education requirements, with each course valued at three credit hours at least. Advertisement Advertisement A course required by this section shall not be exclusively or primarily devoted to the study of subgroups of Americans or other nationalities, the bill stated. These courses would fulfill social sciences or humanities general education requirements, the bill stated, and the requirements wont apply to students in degree programs that last three years or less. The Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa, Center for Cyclone Civics at Iowa State University and Center for Civic Education at the University of Northern Iowa would designate courses fitting the requirements. Each center would need to develop ongoing lecture and debate series as well if the legislation is signed into law. The bill stated these series must promote civil dialogue and debate on the issues most important to the American public. The bill would also require the board of regents to review all undergraduate core curricula and general education requirements and submit a report to the General Assembly by the end of the year, and ISU and UNIs centers for civic education would be required to submit annual reports on their activities. Advertisement Advertisement Collins also chaired the subcommittee on House Study Bill 543 and said the UI requires students to take a course under the umbrella of understanding cultural perspectives and at ISU students have a U.S. cultures and communities requirement. Courses that fit these requirements include Printmaking and the Politics of Protest, Music and Social Change, Introduction to the Politics of Race, The Science Behind Prejudice, The Economics of Discrimination and Identity, Diversity and the Media. We are going to be prioritizing history and civics education in the state of Iowa again, and quite frankly, Im embarrassed by the state of our current liberal arts, Collins said. Were going to return our core curriculum to the true liberal arts education it is meant to be, and the fact that the General Assembly even has to address this is embarrassing. Iowa Board of Regents State Relations Officer Jason Chapman said during the subcommittee meeting the board is registered as neutral on the legislation, but one concern he expressed was about language in the bill relating to transfer credits. He said he was unsure whether that included high school students or students transferring from another college or university. Collins said the board was welcome to bring forward any clarifying language for the bill as it moves ahead. Advertisement Advertisement Connie Ryan, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa executive director and lobbyist for the organizations action fund, said the group is opposed to the legislation, calling it an overreach of the Legislature to determine what specific classes students should and shouldnt take. Those decisions should be left up to educators, she said, especially as costs continue to rise. The cost of higher education is going up. We talk about that all the time, the cost to students, the cost to families, and youre taking six credit hours and mandating those credit hours, rather than those credit hours being used for a students area of study, Ryan said. Matson, who also served on both subcommittees, agreed with Ryan that it is definitely not the job of the Legislature to dictate curriculum, and lawmakers who arent happy with decisions being made by universities cant decide that the Legislature has a different role to play. Costs of implementation and how students schedules and ability to decide what classes they want to take for themselves are also worries Matson said she has from a more practical perspective, especially for those students in degree programs with very specific requirements. Advertisement Advertisement I am the first person to say that I think more focus on civics and overall history is incredibly important, Matson said. Civic engagement is something that I am deeply passionate about, but we also have to look at what the practical implication is of the legislation were proposing. And to me, this is not practical. She also expressed concern that the Center for Intellectual Freedom at the UI will have the right to decide what courses will be available at the university for American history and government. Rep. Steven Holt, R-Denison, said during the subcommittee meeting he supports the legislation and he believes the experts who have traditionally been making these decisions havent been doing a good job. I dont like seeing a younger generation that doesnt understand our history, doesnt appreciate our founding values, and in many cases are embracing socialism, which I think is totally incompatible with our constitutional principles, Holt said. The subcommittee recommended passage for both bills, and the Iowa House Higher Education Committee will consider the legislation. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE HAVANA (AP) Trumpets and drums played solemnly at Havana's airport Thursday as white-gloved Cuban soldiers marched out of a plane carrying urns with remains of the 32 Cuban officers killed during a stunning U.S. attack on Venezuela. Nearby, thousands of Cubans lined one of Havanas most iconic streets to await the bodies as the island remained under threat by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The soldiers' shoes clacked as they marched stiff-legged into the headquarters of the Ministry of the Armed Forces and placed the urns on a long table next to the pictures of those killed. Tens of thousands of people paid their respects, saluting the urns or holding their hand over their heart, many of them drenched from standing outside in a heavy downpour. Advertisement Advertisement Thursdays mass funeral was only one of a handful that the Cuban government has organized over the past half-century. The soldiers were part of the security detail of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro during the Jan. 3 raid on his residence to seize the former leader and bring him to the U.S. to face drug trafficking charges. State television also showed images of what it said were more than a dozen wounded combatants from the raid, accompanied by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez after arriving Wednesday night from Venezuela. A man identified in state media as Col. Pedro Yadin Dominguez attended Thursday's ceremony in a wheelchair. He said it was a disproportionate attack that killed 11 colleagues around him as they slept. Yadin said he was committed to doing whatever it takes to defend this people and to remain united in the face of threats from the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Tensions between Cuba and the U.S. have spiked, with Trump recently demanding that the Caribbean country make a deal with him before it is too late. He did not explain what kind of deal. Trump also has said that Cuba will no longer live off Venezuela's money and oil. Experts warn that the abrupt end of oil shipments could be catastrophic for Cuba, which is already struggling with serious blackouts and a crumbling power grid. That will always unite us Officials unfurled a massive flag at Havana's airport as President Miguel Diaz-Canel, clad in military garb, stood silent next to former President Raul Castro, with what appeared to be the relatives of those killed looking on nearby. Advertisement Advertisement Cuban Interior Minister Lazaro Alberto Alvarez Casas called the slain soldiers heroes of an anti-imperialist struggle spanning both Cuba and Venezuela. In an apparent reference to the U.S., he said the enemy speaks of high-precision operations, of troops, of elites, of supremacy. We, on the other hand, speak of faces, of families who have lost a father, a son, a husband, a brother, Alvarez said. The events demonstrate that imperialism may possess more sophisticated weapons; it may have immense material wealth; it may buy the minds of the wavering; but there is one thing it will never be able to buy: the dignity of the Cuban people, he said. Carmen Gomez, a 58-year-old industrial designer, was among the thousands of Cubans who lined a street where motorcycles and military vehicles thundered by with the remains of those killed. Advertisement Advertisement They are people willing to defend their principles and values, and we must pay tribute to them, Gomez said. Its because of the sense of patriotism that Cubans have, and that will always unite us. People are upset and hurt The 32 military personnel ranged in age from 26 to 60 and were part of protection agreements between the two countries. Officials in Cuba have said they expect a massive demonstration Friday across from the U.S. Embassy to protest the deaths. People are upset and hurt ... many do believe that the dead are martyrs of a historic struggle against the United States, analyst and former diplomat Carlos Alzugaray told The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement The first mass funeral in decades In October 1976, then-President Fidel Castro led a massive demonstration to bid farewell to the 73 people killed in the bombing of a civilian flight financed by anti-revolutionary leaders in the U.S. Most of the victims were Cuban athletes. In December 1989, officials organized a ceremony to honor the more than 2,000 Cuban combatants who died in Angola during Cubas participation in a war that defeated the South African army. In October 1997, memorial services were held following the arrival of the remains of guerrilla commander Ernesto Che Guevara and six of his comrades, who died in 1967. Advertisement Advertisement The latest mass burial is critical to honor those slain, said Jose Luis Pineiro, a 60-year-old doctor who lived for four years in Venezuela. I dont think Trump is crazy enough to come and enter a country like this, ours, and if he does, hes going to have to take an aspirin or some painkiller to avoid the headache hes going to get, Pineiro said. These were 32 heroes who fought him. Can you imagine an entire nation? Hes going to lose. Cuba riled by US aid for hurricane recovery The remains arrived a day after the U.S. announced $3 million in additional aid to help the island recover from the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa. The first flight took off on Wednesday, and a second flight was scheduled for Friday. A commercial vessel also will deliver food and other supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Cuba had said on Wednesday that any contributions will be channeled through the government. But U.S. State Department foreign assistance official Jeremy Lewin said Thursday that the U.S. was working with Cubas Catholic Church to distribute aid, as part of Washington's efforts to give assistance directly to the Cuban people. Theres nothing political about cans of tuna and rice and beans and pasta, he said Thursday, warning that the Cuban government should not intervene or divert supplies. We will be watching, and we will hold them accountable. Lewin said the Cuban government has a choice to: Step down or better provide towards people. Lewin added that if there was no regime, the U.S. would provide billions and billions of dollars in assistance, as well as investment and development: Thats what lies on the other side of the regime for the Cuban people. Advertisement Advertisement Rodriguez, the Cuban foreign minister, said the U.S. government was exploiting what appears to be a humanitarian gesture for opportunistic and politically manipulative purposes. ___ Coto contributed from San Juan, Puerto Rico. ___ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america Cubans lined the streets of Havana to pay tribute to the soldiers [Getty Images] The bodies of 32 Cuban soldiers and security personnel killed during the US military intervention in Venezuela have arrived in Cuba for formal military ceremonies and burials. The Venezuelan government says more than 100 people were killed in the country during the US raid on its capital, Caracas, on 3 January. The Cubans were working as protection officers for the Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro, when he was forcibly removed from Venezuelan soil and taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges. Advertisement Advertisement The soldiers' remains will be received with military honours and taken to the Ministry of the Armed Forces in the capital, Havana, where the public can pay their respects. Events will then be held in municipalities across the island, and a protest is due to take place outside the US embassy on Friday before the bodies are interred. Many of those killed were tasked with protecting Maduro when US Delta Force troops entered his compound. It is believed to be the largest number of Cuban combatants killed by the US military since the Bay of Pigs invasion - a failed attempt to overthrow former leader Fidel Castro's regime in Cuba - in 1961. Advertisement Advertisement Venezuela is a long-standing ally of Cuba. Following the recent US action, US President Donald Trump has maintained pressure on the Cuban government, saying that the country is "ready to fall". He has said that the interim government of Delcy Rodriguez in Venezuela would no longer be sending oil to Cuba - something that would represent a huge blow to the communist-run nation. Cuba is in the grips of an acute economic and energy crisis and can ill afford to lose its most important benefactor of the past 25 years. The Cuban government has vowed to continue to resist against pressure and the economic embargo from Washington. Advertisement Advertisement However, Cubans are worried about what a deepening conflict with the US will mean for the basics such as keeping the lights on in the country and obtaining food amid widespread scarcity. The menu lists everything from Sichuan beef to wild turtle but to secure the real delicacy, you have to ask. At this Chinese restaurant in Laos capital city, shrewd customers with fat wallets can taste one of the worlds most endangered animals: the pangolin. Yes, you can have a pangolin here, but its quite expensive, said the waitress, pausing to talk to the Telegraph as the lunchtime rush eased. She recommended coming back with more friends to share both the dish and the cost 1,000 yuan per kilogram (roughly 107). You need to order before 7am because it takes time [to arrive from the market], she added. As for how its cooked: You can fry and stream it you can do anything, like pork meat. Chinese people put ginger, garlic, chilli, and Chinese seasonings in their dishes. Advertisement Advertisement This eatery is not a one off. A jar of dead baby pangolins is on display at another restaurant across the street, while vendors at Dongmakkhay market where you can buy everything from squawking chickens to dried bear intestines, dead bats to butchered squirrels said it was easy to purchase live pangolins at a Chinese-run stall. The sellers there refused to talk to the Telegraph in December. But they did talk to the Agent C Wildlife Initiative, which tracked Laos illicit pangolin trade in an undercover investigation. In graphic footage, the initiative captured the grisly elements of the trade: in one clip, one of the shy, scaly anteaters is curled in a ball in a dirty cage; in another a pangolin is beaten, drained of its blood, de-scaled and boiled alive in a Vientiane kitchen. Agent C Wildlife Initiative This is just a glimpse of an illegal wildlife trade which has grown at an alarming rate in Laos, according to Agent Cs report. While the landlocked countrys domestic pangolin population was decimated by poachers during the 1980s and 1990s, it has since become a key node in international wildlife trafficking routes, as well as a destination for consuming forbidden foods. Advertisement Advertisement Over the 10 years that I have been working on the illegal wildlife trade, I havent seen any country where pangolin trafficking is as bad as in Laos, said Hongxiang Huang, the founder of Agent C. He said weak law enforcement, a boom in special low price Chinese tourist groups and transnational crime syndicates have all contributed to the rampant rise of the illicit marketplace. Yet experts warn that the trade is not just a threat to the endangered pangolins chances of survival. It could also unleash a new pathogen which could have ramifications well beyond southeast Asia. To me, this really is ground zero for disease emergence, said Prof Edward Holmes, an evolutionary biologist and virologist at the University of Sydney. [The] trade is both horrendous for the animals in question, and could easily spark another pandemic. Pangolins have long been a symbol of the conservation crisis, having been trafficked to the brink of extinction. The meat, blood and scales of the animals are considered a luxury product with healing properties from boosting lactation in breastfeeding women, to treating rheumatism and psoriasis in China and parts of southeast Asia. Advertisement Advertisement But while there is no scientific evidence that pangolin blood, scales or meat have any healing properties, researchers have identified immunobiological quirks that may allow the species to coexist with viruses. Behind stalls selling common herbs, illicit wildlife-based medicine is available on request at DK Market in Don Noun, Laos - JITTRAPON KAICOME Pangolins have been trafficked to the brink of extinction According to a paper in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, pangolins have fewer interferon receptors than humans and other mammals. This means their innate immune response does not go into an inflammation overdrive as soon as theyre infected, contributing to a switch from resistance to tolerance of viral infections. Pangolins have an unusual immune system and appear to lack parts of certain innate antiviral pathways, said Dr Filip Claes, head of the Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases at the UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation. In practical terms, this likely means they mount a less rapid or less inflammatory early response to some viral infections. That may allow certain viruses to persist longer without causing severe disease. But he stressed that this tolerance is far lower than in bats one review published in 2024 found the flying mammals host over 4,100 distinct viruses, including deadly pathogens like Ebola, Nipah and Sars. Advertisement Advertisement This is because bats immune system has been suppressed, partly because of the stress physiology of flying, which allows them to co-exist with viruses for long periods of time and gives pathogens ample opportunity to replicate, recombine and evolve. Bats also travel widely and live in colonies with millions of others, allowing diseases to spread between them. Pangolins are not considered a primary reservoir because they are relatively rare, solitary animals in the wild, said Dr Claes. They are not known to maintain stable, self-sustaining viral populations across large populations over time, and there is no strong evidence of long-term virus-host co-evolution, as seen in bats. Instead, pangolins are deemed high risk for zoonotic diseases because of the characteristics of the illegal wildlife trade. They are captured, stressed, transported long distances, and often mixed with other wildlife and humans. These conditions create ideal opportunities for pathogen transmission, adaptation, or recombination and repeated human exposure, said Dr Claes. Bats for sale alongside rats on the side of DK Market in Don Noun - JITTRAPON KAICOME Squirrels, a wildlife species strictly banned from sale in Laos to protect native biodiversity, are sold on the side of DK Market in Don Noun, Laos - JITTRAPON KAICOME This risk was clear during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, when scientists identified a coronavirus similar to Sars-Cov-2 in Malayan pangolins trafficked to China. Advertisement Advertisement The research, published in the journal Nature, found a virus with a receptor-binding domain (the part of the virus that latches onto human cells) that was a 99 per cent match to the same feature in Sars-Cov-2. The overall virus genome had roughly a 91 per cent similarity. The discovery did not solve ongoing debates around Covid-19s origins, or suggest that Sars-Cov-2 first came from pangolins. But it did focus attention on the mammals role as an intermediary host capable of transferring a coronavirus (or other pathogen) from bats to people. We know that pangolins can carry a lot of viruses, including sarbecoviruses, merbecoviruses and pestiviruses, said Prof Holmes, a co-author of the Nature study. So that presents a clear risk to human health. And because pangolins are trafficked in such large numbers, they will commonly come into contact with other animal species with the chance of picking up any infections they have. He added that this is a particular concern in much of southeast Asia and southern China, which is considered a hotspot for emerging zoonotic pathogens from Nipah virus to Sars and bird flu. Advertisement Advertisement The closest known relative to Sars-Cov-2, called BANAL-52, was also found among bats in a cave in northern Laos its genetic similarity is 96.8 per cent. Other related coronaviruses have been found in southern China, Cambodia and Thailand. b' ' Laos wildlife trade is part of a network that stretches across the globe, with live pangolins and shipments of their scales commonly smuggled from West Africa to Singapore, and north through southeast Asia to China. The coronavirus pandemic did disrupt this trade and seizures at sea and airports remain lower than in 2019, according to the Wildlife Justice Commission. Yet it has not gone away. Advertisement Advertisement While Laos has tried to crackdown on illegal trading and boost disease surveillance, limited budgets and resources have curtailed success and the country still faces sanctions under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITIES), which has warned implementation of a Law on Wildlife in 2023 remains weak. A boom in tourism especially Chinese tourists groups after the opening of the cross-border China-Laos Railway in April 2023 has also boosted demand for illegal wildlife products, according to a recent report from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime. The research identified animal products sold at at least 18 venues including restaurants and coffee shops, museums and jewellery stores which are not open to the public, but where Chinese tourists on specific tours are taken and encouraged to buy animal products and told it is legal. It is estimated that this illicit wildlife trade could now be worth more than $400 million, rivalling the countrys official tourism earnings. The Laos government did not respond to Telegraph requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement But the smuggling network that leads to souvenir shops and restaurants offers ample opportunities for a virus to jump between animals and to people, especially because it is not regulated and biosecurity is limited. Few think the solution is to ban wet markets overall, a cultural necessity in much of Southeast Asia equivalent to eating game in Britain. But they say endangered wildlife needs better protection across the region, and awareness of disease risk must rise. A 2020 paper, which interviewed 177 livestock and wildlife traders in markets across Laos, demonstrated the lack of basic knowledge few people used personal protective equipment or understood the disease risk. A souvenir shop staff makes tea for customers. On the shelf behind, illegal wildlife products including bear bile, pangolin powder, and elephant skin powder are displayed in bottles and boxed packages - JITTRAPON KAICOME Illegal wildlife products on a tray made from rhino horn, along with items in the glass shelf made from tiger bone and elephant tusks, are sold at a souvenir shop in the SanJiang Hotel in Vientiane - JITTRAPON KAICOME There was little to suggest this had changed when the Telegraph visited Dongmakkhay market on the outskirts of Vientiane last month. Dead bats were offered in stalls next to butchered rats and squirrels, while live chickens and pigeons were kept in cramped cages nearby. Few people wore personal protective equipment. Advertisement Advertisement Agent Cs report and footage also suggests few handling endangered pangolins are thinking of the disease risk. In one especially graphic scene The Telegraph had chosen not to publish, a live pangolin is beaten before its throat is slit for the blood those caught on camera say that this is used as flavouring for fried rice and rice wine. People are wearing flip flops and mixing the blood with chopsticks, as fluid splatters over them. The stressed creature is still alive, though barely able to move, when its dropped into boiling water on a stove in a cramped kitchen. Next, people pull its scales which are extremely valuable on the black market from its body, before butchering the mammal. There may be lots of zoonosis going undetected we dont necessarily know what causes every infection that someone gets, said Dr Matthew Robinson, head of the Molecular Bacteriology Team at the Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Research Unit (LOMWRU) in Vientiane. But theres a risk in the hunting, in the transportation, then theres risks of cross contamination in the markets. Are there live animals there, or only dead? Where are animals stored? How are they processed? And then what happens to them once theyre sold is meat, for instance, cooked or raw? Its quite a complicated web of interactions, and its hard to pinpoint exactly when a zoonotic disease may jump to people. All we can say is certain behaviours increase that risk, he added. Agent C Wildlife Initiative Yet risk is not hypothetical nor is it confined to pangolins. In 2020, Prof Robinsons team treated seven young men who all contracted angiostrongyliasis a potentially fatal parasite also known as rat lungworm disease after catching and eating a wild monitor lizard. The men, who did survive, had consumed the meat raw doing so is considered an aphrodisiac. Meanwhile in 2022, a study in Emerging Infectious Diseases journal screened animals at wildlife trade sites across Laos, and found 20.1 per cent of animals were carrying zoonotic pathogens. Squirrels, bats, porcupines, civet cats and deer all tested positive for zoonotic diseases, including Rickettsia and Leptospira bacteria. I personally believe such settings are the highest risk for animal-to-human spill over due to very close contact and the high stress of the animals, which in turn increase the pathogen levels, said Prof Linfa Wang, a professor in emerging infectious disease at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. There are many confirmed examples already. But back at the restaurant in Vientiane, the waitress seemed unfazed by the disease or conservation concerns around eating pangolin. People say its good for healing, that it can be used for medicine like wound healing, she said. Just call me if you decide you want to eat it, and well order it for you. Tell us how you like it, and well cook accordingly. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security 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. Microplastics are everywhere. We drink them in our water, we eat them in our food, we breathe them in our air, leading to so we are told alarming levels of plastic accumulating in our tissues. So it was somewhat of a shock this week when the Guardian published a bombshell article suggesting that scientists may be overstating the health concerns. The award-winning journalist Damian Carrington, a champion of green issues, accepted that he himself had warned of the dangers, but said there was mounting concern over the technology used to detect tiny pieces of plastics in the body. The article followed a recent letter published in Nature Medicine which questioned the analytical techniques used to detect microplastics in human tissue, warning they lacked controls and validation. One of the signatories, Dr Dusan Materic, of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Germany, argued that fat in the body can give a false positive for polyethylene, and said the obesity epidemic could be behind the perceived rise in bodily plastic. Most studies are not scientifically convincing Dr Fazel Monikh, of the University of Padua, Italy, another signatory, who has spent a decade working on the detection of nanomaterials in biological samples, says he has never come across the kinds of microplastics reported in recent studies. When particulate materials enter a living organism, including the human body, they undergo biotransformation, he tells The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Even if one were to assume the highly unlikely scenario in which an intact particle reaches a protected compartment, such as the brain, and is then successfully detected, it would not retain the appearance shown in most of the reported data. For these reasons, most of the presented results and their interpretation are not scientifically convincing to me, nor to my colleagues who are experts in this field. Microplastics were first detected in the human body in 2018 when Austrian scientists analysed stool samples of people in eight countries including Britain and found every one contained the tiny particles. Such research is not in doubt, and there is good evidence that humans do ingest tens of thousands of plastic particles each year. The sticking point is whether these become embedded in tissues, causing long-term harm. The problem seems to lie in the tinier versions of microplastics, known as nanoplastics. Advertisement Advertisement Officially, microplastics are no larger than 5mm in size (the size of a grain of rice or smaller) whereas nanoplastics are 1nm to 1,000nm in size (as small as bacteria) and are a lot harder to detect. In recent years, studies have claimed to have found these miniscule particles in nearly every human organ and tissue, including the lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, brain, placenta, testicles, bone marrow and blood. It is feared that these tiny intruders carry toxic chemicals which cause inflammation and cell damage, as well as disrupting hormones, damaging microbes in the gut, lowering IQ, decreasing fertility and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, heart attacks and strokes. The paper which sparked the recent Nature Medicine rebuttal letter claimed to have found microplastics and nanoplastics in the brain, which the scientists behind it linked to dementia. Such studies have sparked a wave of eco-anxiety, with people switching to plastic-free tea bags and ditching water bottles, kitchen sponges, polyethylene chopping boards and non-stick saucepans. Methodological concerns But there are concerns that because microplastics are so prevalent in the environment it is difficult to tease out whether they really are getting into human tissue, or if samples are just contaminated during the process of collecting and analysing them. Lab testing should include blanks control samples of clean water or inert material processed like real samples to detect contamination but many studies do not. Advertisement Advertisement Fay Couceiro, professor of environmental pollution at the University of Portsmouth says: I dont think that there is any doubt that there are microplastics in us they are everywhere and we are breathing and eating them daily, so that they are in us is inevitable. I think the question raised is more about where in the body they are stored and what quantity there is. Some studies particularly those based on humans dont follow the full standard methodologies used in environmental sampling around blanks, replicates and recovery checks. With large microplastics, scientists can easily spot particles under a microscope and then fire a laser at them to see if they are plastic. But with nanoplastics, scientists must burn the particle and measure the gases emitted, which is less reliable and still in its infancy as a technique. Advertisement Advertisement This unreliability of testing has made researchers more sceptical about the more alarmist findings. An abstract presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology last year showing microplastics in human reproductive fluids was met with raised eyebrows among scientists. Many previous scary-sounding headlines on microplastics in blood and food have turned out to be measurement errors, warns Oliver Jones, professor of chemistry at RMIT University, Melbourne, referring to reports that preceded last years findings. Likewise, separate claims that microplastics had been found in human blood in 2022 were criticised by a US chemist as being consistent with incidental or accidental contaminations, in a letter to the Environmental International journal. Even Dr Philipp Schwabl, of the Medical University of Vienna, who found the original evidence of microplastics in human bodies is unsure about their health impacts. The question of how harmful these little foreign plastic bodies truly are remains open to me and thus constitutes a crucial field of environmental biology that remains to be scientifically elucidated, he says. It is still a serious issue Yet despite the testing issues, many experts are still convinced microplastics are causing harm. Advertisement Advertisement Prof Philip Landrigan, a paediatrician and epidemiologist at Boston College in the US, led a recent review into microplastics for the Lancet, and says people should not dismiss the dangers. The Guardian article is accurate in pointing out that there is work to be done in refining, standardising and harmonising the analytical techniques for examining microplastics in tissue samples, he says. There is a need especially to distinguish microplastics from lipids [fats]. But the Guardian is wrong in implying that this whole area of science is rubbish. The presence of microplastics in the human body needs to be taken seriously, even if we dont yet know all the ways in which they may harm health. They cannot be wished away. The Medical University of Vienna recently developed a new imaging technique which can detect plastics without needing to burn up samples. They say it reduces contamination risk and allows scientists to find direct correlations between tissue samples and disease. Advertisement Advertisement And Dr Matthew Campen, of the University of New Mexico, lead author of the brain study that was challenged in Nature Medicine, said his team had hosted a microplastics conference in the last few days in which convincing new evidence had been presented of particles in cerebrospinal fluid. Our paper is actually very clear on where uncertainties lie and how these may impact the interpretation of results, he added. We are 100 per cent confident that nanoplastics are in the brain. Prof Lukas Kenner, deputy director of the Department of Pathology at the Medical University of Vienna, says: The concerns raised are understandable but a blanket dismissal of the entire body of evidence is not scientifically justified. While early studies certainly had methodological limitations, the field has advanced rapidly. There is now good evidence that microplastics can enter and accumulate in the human body, and growing experimental evidence that they are biologically active rather than inert. Advertisement Advertisement For now, it seems the scientific community is split on the true impact of microplastics and it may be several years before consensus is reached on the harms. The debate over the extent to which they enter and remain in human bodies will be a key part of those discussions. While some fear that plastics could be the modern-day equivalent of asbestos, lead or tobacco, it may be that the particles are processed or ejected by the body before they do long-term damage. Prof Christian Dunn, an expert in microplastic pollution at Bangor University in Wales, says: When it comes to nanoplastics I think were still pushing the boundaries as to what we can confidently detect. The extent of how much of this plastic is entering and accumulating in our organs, and the damage this is doing to us, is still up for scientific discovery. 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. More than three years after a Brevard County Sheriff's deputy shot and killed his friend, roommate and fellow deputy while playing around with his firearm, Andrew Lawson pleaded guilty Thursday, Jan. 15 to manslaughter in a plea agreement with the State Attorney's Office. During an emotional and dramatic moment, Lawson took the witness stand and apologized for his actions. "It broke my soul to know I took Austin's future away from him," Lawson said, stopping often to dry his eyes and regain his composure. "I stole a future that was not mine to take. I'm sorry. I apologize. Please forgive me." Advertisement Advertisement The hearing ran long and will be continued at a later date, meaning Lawson will have to wait to see what his sentence will be. The plea agreement does not stipulate an exact sentence for the crime, other than to cap any prison time at seven years. That detail did not sit well with the family and supporters of the victim, 23-year-old Austin Walsh. They asked Circuit Judge Michelle Naberhaus to reject the agreement. "I respectfully ask you not to accept the plea deal," Walsh's mother, Cheryl Walsh, tearfully said. "The defendant made a series of choices that cannot be undone." She called the plea deal "insulting" and said the family's wishes have gone ignored by the State Attorney's Office. Advertisement Advertisement Her son, Alec Walsh, addressed the court in a similar fashion. "We have been ignored (by the state) and our pleas have fallen on deaf ears," he said. "We feel that the state has not represented our best interests. This was not an accident. It was done intentionally." Lawson was 22 at the time of the shooting. Brevard County Deputy Austin Walsh (pictured) was killed in an accidental shooting by his roommate and fellow Deputy Andrew Lawson. Lawson pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the case In Dec. 2022, Lawson and Walsh were taking a break from playing video games in the early morning hours when Lawson "jokingly" pointed what he believed was an unloaded handgun at Walsh and pulled the trigger, according to a statement made by Sheriff Wayne Ivey at the time. Advertisement Advertisement However, Lawson pulled the trigger twice that morning. Nothing happened after the first trigger pull. That's when Lawson then racked the slide of the gun, chambering a bullet and fired again. He shot Walsh in the face, killing him. Ivey called the incident an "extremely dumb and totally avoidable accident" in a video update posted to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Facebook page a day later. Cheryl Walsh said Lawson ignored all the basic tenets of firearm safety and that as a law enforcement officer should "be held to a higher standard, not a lower one." "He racked the slide and pulled a trigger a second time," she said. "A gun does not cock itself. He murdered Austin." Advertisement Advertisement Defense Attorney Alan Landman presented mental health expert, Drew Breznitsky, who testified about his clinical findings after meeting with Lawson. He said Lawson suffers from Bipolar II disorder, which can cause impulsivity, reckless behavior and a reduction in risk assessment. But prosecutor Stewart Stone questioned the diagnosis, opining that Lawson was mentally healthy enough to be hired by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. Another witness for the defense, biblical counselor David Covalli, testified that he counseled Lawson for two years after the shooting and that Lawson was remorseful. "He 100% accepted his responsibility," Covalli testified virtually. "He realized intent does not negate consequences." Advertisement Advertisement Contact Torres at 321-242-3684 or at jtorres@floridatoday.com. Don't forget to follow him on Twitter @johnalbertorres or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FTjohntorres. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard sheriff deputy who killed fellow deputy pleads guilty to manslaughter Oregon on the move, No. 1 in 2025 According to realtor.com, more people moved to Oregon in 2025 than any other state. It moved up from the No. 8 spot in 2024 with 65% inbound migration. It was also the leading state for job-seeking migrants, the press release said, with the most opportunities in the tech and health care industries. Deadly weekend crash on Highway 26 At 1:46 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 26, near milepost 1, in Clatsop County. Advertisement Advertisement According to a press release from OSP, the preliminary investigation indicated a westbound Subaru Forester, operated by Smith Ward Humphreys, 47, of Warrenton, crossed into the eastbound lanes to pass westbound vehicles and struck an eastbound Toyota Rav4, operated by Daysy Vanesa Camarena, 37, of Whittier, California. The operator of the Humphreys was declared deceased at the scene. Camarena and a passenger, Joshua Zeke Camarena, 33, also from Whittier, suffered serious injuries and were transported to an area hospital. Astoria Sunday Market opens call for vendor submissions The Astoria Sunday Market is looking for artists, artisans, farmers, ranchers, fisherpeople, food Producers, and other vendors for the 2026 Season. All prepared food and on-site food vendors are encouraged to include local ingredients, that can be traced back to the producer, in their products. All vendors must be the original maker/producer of all items sold and must produce those items in Oregon or Washington. The closer to Astoria the better, the ASM press release said. We do not allow resale. More information and applications are on the website: astoriasundaymarket.com. Application deadline 5 p.m., Sunday, March 1. Advertisement Advertisement The Astoria Sunday Market opens Sunday, May 10 (Mothers Day) and operates every Sunday from then through Oct. 11, rain or shine. New OB/GYN at CMH Board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist Danielle King, M.D., joined CMH this week from Samaritan Obstetrics & Gynecology in Lincoln City, Oregon, where she spent the last seven years. King said she prides herself in educating patients on what is happening with their bodies and gives a range of realistic care options for shared decision-making. I strive to be a resource to provide sexual health care throughout ones lifespan, King said. There are now five full-time OB/GYN providers seeing patients in the clinic and providing labor and delivery services at the hospital. The Astorian LONDON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Britain said on Thursday it would strengthen its military reserve forces by raising the maximum age at which former personnel could be called up by a decade to 65. European countries, including France and Germany, have taken steps to boost their reserves in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the United States' insistence that Europe take more responsibility for its own security. Britain also said it would lower the threshold for which former personnel could be called upon to include "warlike preparations". Currently they can only be called upon for "national danger, great emergency or attack on the UK". Advertisement Advertisement "These reforms will allow us to mobilise that talent rapidly when it matters most, strengthening our readiness and aligning with a similar approach many NATO forces are taking," said Paul Griffiths, the general leading the British effort. The changes are expected to come into force from spring 2027. (Reporting by William James and Sam Tabahriti) 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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 Isfahan Refinery, one of the largest refineries in Iran. - Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu/Getty Images The United States is considering whether to strike Iran as turmoil intensifies for the countrys authoritarian regime. The Iranian government is at its weakest point in years, destabilizing yet another OPEC nation less than two weeks after the United States toppled the government of Venezuela. Protests have erupted in the streets across Iran, and the governments deadly crackdown on protesters crossed a red line President Donald Trump had drawn. Trump has signaled that his administration is weighing an attack although on Wednesday, Trump said the United States will continue to watch and see what the process is to determine whether to take action against Iran. Iran controls the third-largest proven oil reserves on Earth and one of the worlds most important oil shipping lanes. Those factors will shape the countrys future, regardless of whether the US intervenes. Irans massive oil industry Iran produces about 3.2 million barrels of oil per day, on average, according to OPEC, accounting for roughly 4% of global crude production. That makes Iran the worlds sixth-largest oil producer an impressive feat, considering Iran faces burdensome worldwide sanctions that have severely limited its potential customers. To skirt sanctions, Iran operates a shadow fleet of vessels to export oil at a steep discount. But Irans potential far outweighs its actual output. The country is sitting on 209 billion barrels of oil in reserve, behind only Venezuela and Saudi Arabia. And its daily production is less than half the 6.5 million barrels per day Iran produced in the mid-1970s before revolutionaries overthrew the Shah. Like Venezuela, China is by far Irans biggest customer: It bought 97% of Irans oil in 2024, according to the US Energy Information Administration. The similarities dont end there: Iran also nationalized the countrys energy infrastructure after expropriating foreign oil companies assets in past decades. But Iran is a much more important for global energy than Venezuela. Iran is significantly larger than Venezuela for oil markets, said Luisa Palacios, a former Citgo chairwoman and current managing director of Columbia Universitys Center on Global Energy Policy. Developments for Iran matter much more for oil markets in the near term, because of the risk of oil supply disruption. What could happen to oil prices? The price of oil has already risen sharply because of the threat of disruption to Irans oil. Crude rose above $61 a barrel Wednesday in response to threats of an attack on Iran just a week after oil fell to $56 a barrel when Trump promised US oil companies would ramp up production in Venezuela. Oil fell 4%, back below $60, Thursday morning after Trump suggested an attack wasnt imminent. University of New Hampshire freshman Caleb Brower is not a gun aficionado, he said. But in part because of the recent shooting at Brown University, he thinks students should be allowed to carry guns on college campuses. Brower spoke at a New Hampshire House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee hearing Jan. 14 in support of House Bill 1793, which would prohibit public colleges and universities from regulating guns and non-lethal weapons on campuses. At the hearing, students from across New Hampshire debated the Republican-proposed bill. It was ultimately recommended ought to pass by the committee on a vote of 7-6, along party lines. Many students in support of guns mention Brown shooting Other students in support of the bill also mentioned the Brown shooting that killed two and injured nine. And Rep. Sam Farrington, R-Rochester, the prime sponsor of the bill and a fellow UNH student, said its part of the reason he filed the bill. Advertisement Advertisement "We see at Brown University, when these schools implement gun-free school zone policies, (it does not) lead to violence-free zones," Farrington said in a recent interview. "They lead to defenseless zones where victims are left hopeless without any recourse. That's why I filed the bill, because the same thing could happen in New Hampshire that happened in Rhode Island." While New Hampshire is a constitutional carry state, meaning residents can carry guns without a permit, the state currently allows colleges to make their own gun policies on campuses. Supporters of HB 1793 said their Second Amendment right shouldnt be withheld just because they are college students. Students in opposition to bill say allowing guns 'creates fear' However, not all students want campus carry. Beni Griffin, also a freshman at UNH, said that increased accessibility of firearms on campuses increases the likelihood of irreversible tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Imagine getting a phone call from law enforcement telling your child your child, your child was shot and killed at school, not by a mass intruder and outside threat, but by a fellow student, Griffin said. Many students do not feel empowered by campus carry. Knowing the person sitting next to you in class or down the hall in your residence hall could be armed does not create a sense of freedom. It creates fear and division. And Patrick Slover, another college student, said someone trying to play hero with a weapon can make it harder for police to take down the real threat. More: UNH 'deeply worried' about bill that would abolish campus gun rules New Hampshire has long been supportive of gun rights and has expanded them in recent years. This bill will next head to the House for a full vote. Contributing: Sarah Donovan This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Should students be allowed to carry guns at UNH? Students divided For almost a decade, Nikolay Gentchev has faced a strange question: "You're not dead, are you?" A photo of the Bulgarian mechanic has been regularly published on pro-Russian sites claiming he was burned alive by a Ukrainian mob in Odesa in the aftermath of the protests that drove the country's last pro-Kremlin ruler from power in 2014. "When they published my photo for the first time, my friends called me to ask if I was alive," he said. Advertisement Advertisement But "I've never been to Odesa or Ukraine", Gentchev told AFP. His picture has since been used as proof that Ukrainians hate or are hostile to Bulgaria and Bulgarians. Despite Gentchev's repeated attempts since 2017 to put the record straight, the story and his photo continue to circulate on social media and in parts of the Bulgarian press. It resurfaced again in a Facebook post shared by thousands in late November. "Do you remember the Bulgarian burned alive in Odesa on May 2, 2014 by people from Euromaidan and the Banderites?" the post said, referring to Ukraine's 2014 protest movement and admirers of Stepan Bandera, an Ukrainian nationalist leader who collaborated with the Nazis against the Soviets during World War II and has since become a figure symbolising the fight for independence in parts of Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement The disinformation has its roots in real deadly clashes between pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian activists in the Black Sea port city in May 2014. More than 40 people were killed in the violence, the vast majority in a fire at the Trade Unions House. Most of the dead were pro-Russians barricaded inside the building. "The Odesa fire story is often used to portray Ukrainians as enemies of Bulgarians," said Nikola Tulechki, a disinformation expert at data analysis company Data for Good, as a part of the Kremlin's ongoing attempt to paint Ukrainians as Nazis. "It fits into Russia's broader narrative about the 'liberation' of Ukraine from a fascist regime," he added. Indeed that was one of the arguments used by Vladimir Putin to justify his "special military operation" the night the invasion began in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement - Russia's enduring influence - Tulechki said Russian propaganda is everywhere in Bulgaria, repeated by politicians and influencers, and even in school history classes, playing on "extremely low levels of trust in Bulgarian society, a shared past and geographic and cultural proximity to Russia." Once the staunchest of Soviet satellites where nostalgia for the good old days of communist rule is rife, the country is fertile ground for anti-Western narratives despite now being a member of NATO and the EU. Indeed, being the victim of Russian disinformation has not stopped Gentchev sharing lots of pro-Kremlin talking points himself on social media, even blaming Ukraine for the invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Nor is he particularly angry with Russian propagandists. "Let's say they made a mistake, that the algorithm confused people," said the 42-year-old from the central town of Kazanlak, known for its arms factories and rose oil. "I have recovered (though) it was really tough." On Facebook, where he has 5,000 followers, Gentchev regularly shares anti-European and pro-Kremlin posts, often railing at "corrupt politicians". Nor was he happy about Bulgaria finally joining the euro on January 1. It "was really absurd", he said. "In reality, we don't benefit from the EU." Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the terrible human toll in Ukraine, Gentchev said: "I don't know, I wasn't there, I didn't see anything. You can't trust journalists." His hometown of Kazanlak is kept afloat by Bulgaria's largest arms factory, which churns out ammunition largely for the Ukrainian army. "If it's not us producing these weapons, someone else will," he said. rb-frj/kym/fg As California moves closer to construction of its largest reservoir in nearly 50 years, a union's concerns about an out-of-state company building the water project are adding a late-stage complication. Montana-based Barnard Construction Co. is expected to be named the main contractor for the proposed Sites Reservoir, 70 miles northwest of Sacramento, during a meeting Friday of the agency in charge of the $6 billion enterprise. Advertisement Advertisement Powerful labor interests, however, are urging the Sites Project Authority to reconsider its selection. The Nor Cal Carpenters Union, in particular, is arguing that Barnard Construction has not only failed to exclusively employ union workers but also that it doesn't have the experience, expertise or staffing to handle one of the state's biggest infrastructure jobs. While officials at the Sites Project Authority say they've thoroughly vetted the company and stand by their selection, union representatives have won at least some sympathy from the California Water Commission, which controls the project's purse strings. The water commissioners have said they want to ensure that their $1.1 billion of voter-approved start-up funding for the project goes to a workable labor arrangement and a contractor that will be successful. "This is not a project where you build a building and you go and you leave; this is a six-year or seven-year project," said Daniel Curtin, a state water commissioner, at a recent meeting. "I want to make sure we express our concerns about how this project is delivered." The plan for Sites Reservoir calls for creating a 13-mile-long water storage facility in a sparsely populated valley in rural Colusa and Glenn counties. The reservoir, which would not sit on a major waterway but pipe in supplies from the nearby Sacramento River, is slated to store 1.5 million acre-feet of water, enough to provide for more than 3 million households annually. Advertisement Advertisement It would be California's eighth-largest reservoir. The Sites Project Authority still needs to win key approvals before moving forward, including securing water rights to capture flows from the Sacramento River. It also needs to finalize funding commitments from the roughly two dozen urban and agricultural agencies that will be allocated storage in the new facility. Many environmental organizations and tribal groups have opposed the project because of the ecological impacts of drawing river water, notably harm to fish, while the rising cost of the project has left some water agencies nervous about making the investment. Nevertheless, in order to meet the goal of breaking ground this year or early next year, project officials say they need to put construction plans in place. Advertisement Advertisement The construction contract, valued at about $3 billion, calls for the awardee to assist with design and preparation, then build the reservoir and its two large dams, several smaller dams and adjacent roads and bridges. Additional contracts for building pipelines to the reservoir and performing other work are forthcoming. Project officials hope to finish by 2033. The Sites Project Authority recently held a competitive bidding process for the construction contract that resulted in three finalists, all of which submitted proposals and got interviews. Project officials are now recommending that the authority's board, at its monthly meeting on Friday, give the contract to Barnard Construction. The company scored highest in a review, which included such factors as know-how, understanding of the project and value. "All of them were highly qualified, but Barnard had qualities and attributes that ranked them above the rest," said Jerry Brown, executive director of the Sites Project Authority. Brown is not related to the former California governor with the same name. Kiewit Corporation and Flatiron Dragados-Obayashi Joint Venture were the unsuccessful finalists. Neither of these companies is based in California, but both have significant presence in the state. Advertisement Advertisement Representatives of the Nor Cal Carpenters Union, which is one of the state's largest construction unions with more than 36,000 members, say their group has been working for more than a year to ensure a sufficient and qualified workforce for Sites Reservoir but that Barnard Construction hasn't brought them into the fold. They say Barnard doesn't have the local ties to assemble the thousands of trained California workers needed for the project, while the other bidders did. Jay Bradshaw, executive secretary treasurer for the union, warned that the company's lack of labor connections could result in subpar work, delays and cost overruns. "We certainly have labor concerns, but we don't want to see a boondoggle of a project," he said. Union representatives point to Barnard's work on the $8 billion Keeyask Generation Project in Manitoba, Canada, with its dams, a spillway and a powerhouse, which was criticized for proceeding too slowly and running over budget. Advertisement Advertisement Barnard Construction did not immediately respond to the Chronicle for a request for comment. The company's website notes its vast diversity of construction experience, from reservoirs to gas pipelines to power projects. In California, Barnard's work includes the Central Subway Tunnels Project in San Francisco, the Los Vaqueros Reservoir expansion in Contra Costa County and parts of the U.S.-Mexico border wall. In a letter to the Sites Project Authority this month, Mike Fuller, a vice president at Barnard, wrote, "While headquartered in Montana, Barnard has worked in California for nearly 40 years completing hundreds of projects. Barnard practices and is committed to safety and quality on all its projects." Brown, with the Sites Project Authority, said he and his colleagues have reviewed the concerns of the union and haven't changed their minds about the company. Advertisement Advertisement Still, representatives of the Nor Cal Carpenters Union are continuing their push to deny Barnard the contract, petitioning water agencies affiliated with the project as well as the state water commissioners. The California Water Commission is scheduled to receive an update on the project from the Sites Project Authority, including the construction contract, at its meeting next week. The session will come after Friday's anticipated contract approval, but the commissioners have shown interest in potentially revisiting the matter. At the board's most recent meeting in November, the attorney for the commission said the commissioners reserve the "discretion to consider any changes that have taken place with the project." "If there are real concerns that are not addressed to the commission's satisfaction about the timely completion of the project, about the feasibility of the project, about the long-term benefits of the project," said Anthony Austin, "the commission is well within its discretion to take those factors into consideration in determining the final amount that is ultimately awarded (to the project)." Advertisement Advertisement The state bond money, which was approved by voters in 2014 to increase water storage, is expected to be paired with federal funding and payments from the benefitting water agencies to cover the reservoir's cost, estimated between $6.2 billion to $6.8 billion. The biggest beneficiary and, as such, the agency responsible for contributing the most money, is the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The Bay Area recipients include the Tri-Valley's Zone 7 Water Agency and Santa Clara Valley Water District. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation would also get a chunk of the water storage, most of which would be allotted to agriculture. This article originally published at California's plan to build largest reservoir in decades faces new snag. 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. Visitors often ask about the famous people buried at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City. There are several. Candy maker Russell Stover. Royals pitcher Dan Quisenberry. And one of the worlds legendary journalists. Walter Cronkites ashes lie there next to those of his beloved wife, Betsy. They met and fell in love in Kansas City, and married here in 1940. The final resting place of the newsman known as the most trusted man in America is covered by an unassuming grave marker. No conspicuous headstone for a dentists son born in St. Joseph, Missouri who in 1963 famously shed tears with his fellow Americans after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The most trusted man in America. (Star archives) Cronkite spent much of his life and career in New York City, but his family brought him back to the Midwest after he died from complications of dementia in 2009. Advertisement Advertisement This was his neck of the woods, where he worked in Kansas City early on and where his journalism legacy is permanently honored at the Walter Cronkite Memorial on the campus of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. The Walter Cronkite Memorial at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph opened in 2013 on what would have been the newsmans 97th birthday. (Courtesy Missouri Western State University) Having the memorial on campus is incredibly special. Many people forget Cronkites deep ties to this area, Luling Huang, assistant professor of communication at Missouri Western, told The Star. For our students, walking past the memorial is inspiring. It connects them directly to the history of excellence in our field. Cronkite anchored the CBS Evening News from April 1962 to March 1981. Shortly after he retired, President Jimmy Carter awarded him the nations highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Advertisement Advertisement Cronkites name popped up in headlines right after the new year thanks to the latest host of the CBS Evening News, Tony Dokoupil, who has moved to the evening shift from his co-hosting gig at CBS Mornings. The transition has been rocky. Revealed Tuesday, viewership in the first five days of Dokoupils hosting duties was down 23% from the same time frame last year. On Sunday, Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser scored laughs from the Hollywood audience when she joked that CBS News, widely perceived by media observers to be taking a new right-leaning tilt in its coverage, is Americas newest place to see BS news. CBS aired the Golden Globes. Advertisement Advertisement On New Years Day Dokoupil posted a video explaining his approach to the news, saying that other news organizations place too much emphasis on the analysis of academics or elites, something he would change. Then he read his reviews. One commenter on Instagram wrote: I grew up on Cronkite. Too bad CBS has lost its Tiffany shine. But good luck to you anyway. Dokoupil replied: What did you love most about him? I can promise you well be more accountable and more transparent than Cronkite or anyone else of his era. News reports and editorials characterized it as a jab at Cronkite. Did new CBS anchor Tony Dokoupil dunk on Walter Cronkite? asked an editorial in the Arizona Republic in Phoenix, where the journalism school at Arizona State University is named after Cronkite. And thats the way it is There is no dunking on the broadcast news giant in Missouri, where in 1999 he was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians, an honor he shares with Walt Disney, Harry S. Truman, Ginger Rogers and Ewing Kauffman. Advertisement Advertisement I dont believe it is well known that he was from St. Joseph and always considered himself a Midwesterner, Robin VanHoozer, curator of the Cronkite memorial, told The Star. I havent had specific comments about St. Joseph being his birthplace, however visitors are interested in where he came from and his journey through life, which took him from St. Joseph to Kansas City and around the world. Walter Cronkite was inducted into the Hall of Famous Missourians in 1999 to recognize his contribution to journalism. (Star archives) Cronkite was 1 year old when his family moved to Kansas City from St. Joseph in 1917, where one of his first jobs, at age 9, was as a paperboy for The Kansas City Star. The family spent 10 years in Kansas City before moving to Houston, where Cronkite got his first job as a newspaper reporter. But he returned to Kansas City in 1936 to take a job at KCMO radio. Advertisement Advertisement Three years later he was manning the night desk for the United Press news agency in Kansas City when he covered the invasion of Poland by Adolph Hitler, the first of many history-making stories he would go on to report. The memorials website includes a greeting from Scott Pelley, who anchored the CBS Evening News from 2011 to 2016. All of us at CBS News are grateful to Missouri Western State University for creating this Walter Cronkite memorial and what a fitting thing it is that it is there in St. Joseph, Pelley said. Because Walter always credited the values of the Midwest for being the lynch pin of his career. He always asked us when we were writing here at CBS News: Is it right and is it fair? Those were the things that he learned in the Midwest. Advertisement Advertisement And what a remarkable thing it is that the memorial itself is not just the story of Walter Cronkite but also his times. Thats exactly what Walter would have wanted. And what amazing times they were. World War II. The Korean War. The civil rights movement. The manned space program. The assassination of President Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King. The Vietnam War and Watergate. Through all those times, some of the most tumultuous times in the history of this country, we always had Walter Cronkite writing for print, writing for radio, writing for television. And so that is why Walter would think so much of this memorial to his name, that its not just about him, but its about his life and more importantly his times. The memorial was created to provide a fitting tribute to St. Josephs beloved native son and one of the most important and trusted journalists in our countrys history, said VanHoozer. Advertisement Advertisement Along with videos, interactive exhibits and display cases full of memorabilia including several of Cronkites Emmys the memorial houses a recreation of the 1960s-era CBS newsroom. It is a popular selfie stop for visitors. I would have to say one of my favorite parts of the memorial is the recreation of the CBS Studio and anchor desk from the tenure of Walter Cronkite, said James Carviou, associate professor of journalism at Missouri Western. It has so many interesting interactive components like picking up the phone and hearing sounds from the newsroom. Visitors far and wide come and take photos with replica glasses and a script we have available at the desk. Its truly a surreal experience to go back in time when we had three major news networks on television and CBS ruled the airwaves. A recreation of Walter Cronkites famous CBS anchor desk at his memorial in St. Joseph. (Courtesy Walter Cronkite Memorial) Cronkites work guides students learning journalism at Missouri Western. The staff handbook of Griffon Media, the student-run media outlets at the school, quotes him on the basic tenants of journalism: It is our duty to be sure that we do not permit our prejudices to show. Advertisement Advertisement Cronkite shows that you can be world-famous while staying grounded and honest, said Huang, Griffon Medias co-adviser. I teach my students that the audiences trust must be earned, just like Cronkite earned it. We try to keep those values alive in our student media and journalism classes every day. The major effort today, Carviou said, is educating folks about Cronkites life and legacy. The era of journalism that Cronkite was in is not the journalism of today. Yet, the importance of objectivity, telling the truth and doing it in an ethical way still remain constant pillars of the profession. Journalists really need to go back to the true essence of journalism and that is to report on the facts and let the people decide for themselves. Part of our fractured media came from a heavy obsession with opinion, ratings and constant breaking stories. Advertisement Advertisement However, if you look at the reporting of Cronkite, he just told it like it is, and thats why his famous closing line of every broadcast was ... and thats the way it is. Some of my students have even co-opted it in our campus broadcast, which I find really endearing (because) it connects the future of journalism with the past. The pews at Cronkites funeral in 2009 in St. Bartholomews Church in New York were filled with a whos who of American broadcasting journalism. Tom Brokaw. Dan Rather. Barbara Walters. Connie Chung. Diane Sawyer. Then-president Barack Obama, former president Bill Clinton, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Jimmy Buffett and Wynton Marsalis attended a separate glitzy tribute at Lincoln Center. Yoko Ono Lennon sent flowers. When we were young my sisters and I came to Sunday school here at St. Barts. Four years ago we memorialized our mom here, Cronkites son, Chip Cronkite, said at the funeral. Then we went out to Kansas City to bury her. Well be going back out soon to put dads ashes next to moms. Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version of this article gave an incorrect number of positions to be eliminated in the Chandler Unified School District. Chandler Unified School Districts governing board voted to cut around 60 positions saving the district about $10 million from its budget. In a Jan. 14 meeting, the board approved cuts for administration, deans and other coaching and specialist roles. The board decided to table for a later date whether to eliminate all media specialists from the districts elementary and junior high schools. Advertisement Advertisement The district has seen an enrollment drop of over 4,000 students since 2022 and is projected to continue dropping, said Lana Berry, chief financial officer for the district. Still, Chandler Unified remains the second-largest district in Arizona and the second-largest employer in the East Valley. Chandler Unified will also be reducing hours for deans in all its elementary schools and either reduce hours or eliminate administrative clerk positions in all high schools. The district currently employs over 5,300 teachers, administrators and staff. The changes will impact 2% of its workforce. Teachers and staff surprised at Chandler Unifieds decision Chandler Unified created three separate committees to discuss elementary, junior high and high school staffing in the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. The committee recommended reducing administrative positions and non-instructional staff to address budget constraints. Advertisement Advertisement According to Laurel Miller, a substitute teacher who was a part of all three committees, the proposal to cut positions was unexpected. The committee was only tasked with brainstorming financial savings for the district and felt Chandler Unified misinterpreted the committee's recommendation. We never had the opinion that it was about giving recommendations for specific position cuts, said Miller, who is president of the Chandler Education Association. That's a union that represents teachers and staff at Chandler Unified. Initially, the committee was tasked with trimming $6 million from the district budget, but the district's chief financial officer later announced unexpected losses in attendance. The goal ballooned to almost $12 million and the district took the committee's recommendations to an extreme, she said. The current distress felt by Chandler Unified employees and the community at large is due to the disregard for the final recommendations made by the Elementary, Junior High, and High School Staffing Committees, Miller said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Under the proposal, the district said the media centers will remain open at all schools despite the cuts, and media and technology specialist roles will be condensed into a single career literacy position. This new position will have to meet the Arizona Department of Education's standards for career literacy and technology, as well as the national school library standards. You're basically taking three jobs and then making it into one. Is that one teacher going to have enough time to do all the technology stuff? Is that teacher going to have time to do all the librarian stuff? said Marysol Galvez, a tech specialist at Chandler Unified. Galvez found out about the cuts a week before the districts winter break, she said. The proposed cuts would reduced the number of media and tech specialists in Chandler Unified from 75 to 30. She was told to apply for the new career literacy position. If she failed to get it, the district would hire her in a different role, she said. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm supposedly going to have a job. It may not be my first choice, but I'll get placed somewhere," she said. Coverage of education solutions on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic is partially supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundations Arizona Community Collaborative Fund. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Chandler Unified votes to cut roughly 60 school positions FIRST ON FOX: More than a decade ago, China launched its Belt and Road Initiative, pouring billions into ports, railways and power plants across the developing world to extend Beijings economic and political reach far beyond its borders. Today, experts say China is applying that same playbook to a far more strategic domain: space. Across Africa, Latin America and other parts of the Global South, Chinese firms have quietly built or expanded satellite ground stations, tracking facilities and space infrastructure that position Beijing as a gateway to orbit for countries like Pakistan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Venezuela, Argentina and Namibia, which lack the resources to get there on their own. Analysts warn the effort carries implications not just for economic influence, but for future warfare and global dominance. Advertisement Advertisement A new report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) finds that China is embedding itself deeply into the space programs of dozens of countries, offering end-to-end services that include satellite design, manufacturing, launches, training and ground infrastructure a strategy that could give Beijing long-term leverage over a domain increasingly critical to modern military power. Chinas Global Aggression Check: Taiwan Tensions, Military Posturing, And Us Response In 2025 Swakopmund tracking station, a Chinese space tracking station in Swakopmund, Namibia, is pictured above. (Fox News) High above Ethiopias capital, Addis Ababa, a newly expanded satellite facility built by Chinese firms now tracks objects in orbit. Similar Chinese-built or Chinese-operated sites have appeared in Egypt and Namibia, where large satellite dishes, tracking antennas and testing complexes support space missions that can serve both civilian and military purposes. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Together, the facilities form part of a growing global network strengthening Chinas ability to track, communicate with and potentially influence activity in space now widely viewed by defense planners as a new frontier of conflict. "This is really about whos winning the space diplomacy race in the Global South," said Matthew Funaiole, a senior fellow at CSIS and one of the reports authors. "Space is becoming central to economic power, national security, and military capability, and China is positioning itself accordingly." Once dominated by science and commerce, space is now treated as a warfighting domain alongside land, sea, air and cyberspace. Satellites underpin modern military operations, enabling communications, intelligence collection, missile warning, navigation and targeting. Experts say China cannot operate a truly global space power from within its own borders alone. Satellites require constant tracking and communication, which is only possible through a worldwide network of ground stations spread across multiple continents. Advertisement Advertisement By building facilities overseas, China is closing gaps in its own network and adding redundancy that would be critical in a crisis. "Chinese-built ground stations can absolutely support civil and scientific missions and they do," Funaiole said. "But they also provide China with the ability to level up its own national security capabilities." The report raises particular concern about the dual-use nature of the infrastructure China is exporting. Facilities marketed as scientific or commercial assets also can be used to monitor military satellites, communicate with defense systems, and collect sensitive data capabilities closely tied to Chinas Peoples Liberation Army. Compounding those concerns is a lack of transparency over who ultimately controls the data flowing through these systems. Advertisement Advertisement "When youre dealing with space technology in China, theres always a question of who has access and what the data is being used for," Funaiole said. "That lack of transparency is a real issue." Instead of ports and highways, experts say Beijing is now exporting satellites, launch services and ground stations offering countries a turnkey path to space while embedding Chinese technology, standards and companies deep inside critical national systems. It is, in effect, Belt and Road applied to orbit. "Theres a lot of interest across Africa and Latin America in gaining access to space," Funaiole said. "Many countries just dont have the capabilities to do it on their own, and China has stepped into that gap in a way the United States largely hasnt." The report introduces a new China Space Cooperation Index, ranking 64 countries based on the depth of their engagement with Beijing. More than three-quarters of those countries are in the Global South, with Africa accounting for the largest share. Advertisement Advertisement Skies At Stake: Inside The U.s.china Race For Air Dominance While Chinas commercial space sector remains less advanced than that of the United States, it has leveraged state-backed financing, diplomatic outreach and bundled technology offerings to gain footholds that can be difficult to unwind. "Once countries are in Chinas ecosystem, it becomes very costly for them to switch away," Funaiole said. "Weve seen that play out in other critical technologies." The United States, by contrast, built its global space network decades ago primarily for warfighting and allied defense, relying on facilities in close partner nations rather than developing countries. Washington never packaged space access as a diplomatic tool, leaving a gap China is now exploiting. Advertisement Advertisement While Africa has emerged as a hub for Chinas newest physical infrastructure, the report finds some of Beijings deepest space partnerships are in Latin America, including Venezuela and Argentina developments with direct implications for U.S. security interests closer to home. That expansion has not gone unnoticed in Washington. On display during the most recent operation to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump explicitly revived what he dubbed the "Donroe Doctrine," a modernized and more confrontational take on the Monroe Doctrine that asserted the United States right to push hostile foreign powers out of the Western Hemisphere. The posture was sharpened by the crisis in Venezuela, where China had built a significant economic and technological footprint, reinforcing concerns that Beijing was using infrastructure and technology partnerships to gain long-term strategic leverage in Latin America. The Entoto Observatory Space Science Research Center is located on Mt. Entoto close to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Experts say Chinas growing role in satellite launches, space infrastructure and data-sharing agreements shows how strategic competition is moving beyond ports, power plants and telecom networks and into space. Advertisement Advertisement Beyond security concerns, the report warns of economic consequences if China becomes the space partner of choice for the developing world. The global space economy is projected to reach trillions of dollars in the coming decades, and long-term partnerships forged today could determine who dominates that market tomorrow. Despite Chinas momentum, Funaiole stressed that the United States still holds decisive advantages, if it chooses to use them. "The U.S. still has tremendous strengths," he said, pointing to companies like SpaceX, which he described as "leaps and bounds ahead" of Chinese competitors. "China is trying to emulate that success." Click Here To Download The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement The question, he said, is whether Washington is willing to treat space not just as a scientific or commercial arena, but as a strategic tool of diplomacy, deterrence and competition. "This isnt an area where its too late," Funaiole said. "The U.S. still has the ability to provide a real alternative but it requires sustained attention and commitment." Original article source: China quietly builds worldwide space network, alarming US over future military power This afternoon, the city of Jacksonville placed its Hispanic outreach director on administrative leave after a livestream she hosted on Instagram, where she warned viewers about federal immigration agents sighted around the city. They are going and targeting specifically Hispanic and non-American businesses, said Yanira Yaya Cardona on her livestream. Action News Jax viewers have been sending us videos and pictures throughout the week showing what they claim to be ICE agents stopping people around Jacksonville. Cardonas livestream was made in response to the increased social media reports of ICE sightings. Advertisement Advertisement If you get pulled over, as much as we want to huff and puff, please comply, Cardona told viewers, please listen to the law, listen to the law. Cardona wasnt able to speak with Action News Jax. But not long after it was announced that she was placed on administrative leave, Andrea Reyes, a Jacksonville immigration attorney, hosted a Facebook livestream sharing warnings about northeast Florida ICE sightings, too. We reported this week that the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said its partnering with ICE to enforce federal immigration law. But as other local agencies have considered similar partnerships, some people have spoken up in protest. Atlantic Beach city commissioners, on Monday, pulled an item from their meeting agenda that would have approved ICE agents to work with local police to enforce immigration law. Advertisement Advertisement The relationship between the Atlantic Beach Police Department and ICE, I am not in favor of that in any way, one Atlantic Beach resident told commissioners during the meeting. Reevaluate every agreement the City of Atlantic Beach has with ICE. I do not want Atlantic Beach police to work as agents of ICE, said another. Some Jacksonville city council members are sharing their response to the citys Hispanic outreach director being placed on leave. In a statement to Action News Jax, Republican councilmember Rory Diamond said this: Mayor Donna Deegan vetoed my bill stopping funding for illegals, she said Donald Trump would put illegals in concentration camps, and now her staff is targeting ICE. The message is clear, Donna Deegan wants Jax to be a sanctuary city, and we will absolutely stop her. Action News Jax has reached out to the mayors office for a response to Diamonds statement. Were still waiting for a response at this time, but the city told us its reviewing the matter surrounding Cardonas leave. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] NEW YORK Verizon said it will give customers credits after a major outage that left many people without phone service or mobile internet for nearly 10 hours on Wednesday, the company announced Thursday. The outage disrupted voice, text and data services across the U.S., and affected a large number of customers from about noon to late evening. Verizon said late Wednesday that the problem had been fixed by about 10:20 p.m. EST after engineers worked to restore service. Though the company has not fully explained what caused the outage, it said there was no sign of a cyberattack and the disruption was tied to a software issue. In a public statement, Verizon said it did not meet the standard of excellence that people expect from the network. To help make up for the inconvenience, Verizon said it will provide a $20 credit to customers who were affected by the outage. Advertisement Advertisement Verizon said the $20 credit is meant to offer some relief but does not fully compensate for the disruption. Customers will receive a text message when the credit is ready, and they can redeem it by logging into the myVerizon app. Business customers will be contacted separately about their credits. The outage caused frustration for many users whose phones showed SOS mode or no signal during the outage. In some cities, officials warned that emergency calls might not go through normally on Verizon devices and urged people to try alternate methods like WiFi calling, using another carrier or seeking a landline or nearby police station in an emergency. Reports of service trouble peaked in the early afternoon, with outage trackers showing more than 1.5 million problem reports from users who were unable to use their devices normally. Cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas and Miami were among the hardest hit, according to Downdetector data. Other carriers, including AT&T and TMobile, also saw some reports of trouble around the same time, though their problems were far smaller in number compared with Verizons widespread outage. Advertisement Advertisement Verizon told customers who are still having trouble with their service that a simple restart of their device often reconnects it to the network and restores normal function. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said it would review the outage and determine whether any further action is needed. The FCC has been monitoring communications outages closely, especially when they affect large numbers of users at once. Verizons outage is the largest multi-state disruption the company has reported in years, following smaller incidents last year. The company says it is working to improve network reliability and reduce the chance of a similar outage happening again. Read the original article on cleveland.com. Dr. Jonathan Reiner, who once served as cardiologist to the late Vice President **** Cheney, suggested Wednesday that Donald Trump should undergo a new medical evaluation following an odd moment in the Oval Office. Reiner, now a medical analyst for CNN, shared a video on X, formerly Twitter, showing Trump appearing to close his eyes for an extended period while surrounded by officials, aides and guests during the signing of a bill allowing whole milk to be served in school cafeterias. Politics: Man Charged With Shining Laser Pointer At Trumps Helicopter Acquitted In 35 Minutes The president seems to be struggling with excessive daytime somnolence, Reiner wrote, a reference to multiple instances in recent weeks of Trump appearing to nod off during public events. Advertisement Advertisement Repeatedly falling asleep with a dozen people surrounding your desk is not normal, he added. It needs to be evaluated. The president seems to be struggling with excessive daytime somnolence. Repeatedly falling asleep with a dozen people surrounding your desk is not normal. It needs to be evaluated. https://t.co/jt1ati3Z39 Jonathan Reiner (@JReinerMD) January 15, 2026 Reiner has raised concerns about Trumps health several times before. Most recently, he criticized the president for taking higher doses of aspirin than recommended. Last month, he said he was worried after Trump appeared unwell during a speech, citing his tone and manic pacing. Im seriously concerned about the health of the president, Reiner said at the time. No one should be happy to see the president like this. He looks unwell. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Last week US President Donald Trump announced that Venezuelas interim authorities will turn over up to 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, before later declaring his administration will control Venezuela's oil sales indefinitely. Decrying the state of Venezuelas oil sector, including that the South American country now pumps a fraction of what it used to, Trump said, Were going to have our very large United States oil companies the biggest anywhere in the world go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country. While that sounds like a great opportunity for the US oil majors, its one they may want to refuse. Why? Because the oil underneath Venezuela, which has the largest crude reserves in the world, greater even than Saudi Arabia and Iran, is technically challenging to extract and costly. Moreover, its uncertain whether there would a change in the way Venezuela and its oil industry are being run, which presents a huge political risk for companies to return and operate there. Former President Hugo Chavez nationalized the oil industry in the 1990s, and in 2007, he forced Exxon and ConocoPhillips out, after the companies refused to accept new terms that would give the Venezuelan state oil company, PDVSA, a majority share in their projects. ConocoPhillips is still owed about $10 billion. Only Chevron is currently authorized to operate in Venezuela and export crude to the United States. Until Caracas has a new government capable of gaining the confidence of international investors and banks, oil companies will be reluctant to make any major commitments, states a recent Reuters piece. When Trump met with oil executives last Friday, Exxons CEO Darren Woods said, Weve had our assets seized there twice, and so you can imagine to re-enter a third time would require some pretty significant changes. Trump has said the US government is prepared to provide security guarantees but not money for oil projects. How much oil does Venezuela have? A founding member of OPEC, Venezuela has more oil reserves than any OPEC member and top exporters in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Iran. The country is estimated to hold 303 billion barrels in proven reserves, about 17% of the worlds total, and more than five times the United States 55 billion barrels. Most is contained within the Orinoco Belt a vast territory in eastern Venezuela stretching about 600 kilometers from east to west and 70 km from north to south, with an area of roughly 55,314 square kilometers. Freeze warnings have been issued for 55 of Florida's 67 counties, as of 8 a.m. Jan. 15. In response to the freezing temperatures expected Thursday night, several counties have announced or are expected to announce they'll be opening cold weather shelters. Some parts of Florida could even see some snow, although chances remain low. Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Advertisement Advertisement Here's a list of cold weather shelters opening tonight, Jan. 15. This list will be updated as more announcements are made. Florida residents should get ready for 'extreme' drop in temperature "Chillier mornings could start as early as Thursday morning in far northern Florida," according to AccuWeather. Snow in Florida? Forecast shows low but real chance this weekend "However, the drop in temperature will be most extreme Thursday night. Low temperatures are forecast to drop into the 20s for cities like Jacksonville and Tallahassee, and cities like Orlando and Lakeland could drop as low as the 30s." What weather watches, warnings are in effect in Florida right now? What is a freeze warning? 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. Cold weather shelters opening in Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, other Northwest Florida locations Escambia County: Waterfront Rescue Mission, 348 West Herman Ave., Pensacola, has opened as a cold weather shelter. Waterfront will remain open during the day whenever temperatures are below 40 degrees. The mission will be open to receive people at any point during the night. Santa Rosa County: Cold weather shelter for the homeless and/or heatless will be open Jan. 15 at Ferris Hill Baptist Church, 6848 Chaffin St. in Milton. Okaloosa County: One Hopeful Place, 1564 N Beal Extension, Fort Walton Beach, will open a cold weather shelter Jan. 15 at 4 p.m. Crestview Area Shelter for the Homeless, 120 Duggan Ave, Crestview, will open a cold weather shelter at 6 p.m. Jan. 15. Light snow possible for Pensacola this weekend Cold weather shelters expected to open in Tallahassee, Leon County Cold weather shelters are expected to open ahead of tonight's freezing temps. Advertisement Advertisement As of 8 a.m., no open shelters have been announced on Leon County Citizens Connect. Florida faces a freeze warning with a real but 'long shot' at snow Jacksonville, St. Augustine to open shelters ahead of freezing temps Jacksonville The City of Jacksonville "warming center" will be open Jan. 15 at The Legends Center, 5130 Soutel Drive, in Jacksonville. St. Augustine : First United Methodist Church, 118 King St., will open Jan. 15 at 8:30 p.m. As St. Augustine braces for cold, church opens as a cold-weather shelter Cold weather shelters opening in Volusia County Volusia County The Bridge, Neighborhood Center, 421 S. Palmetto Ave., DeLand, will open its cold weather shelter Jan. 15 and Jan. 16. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Halifax Urban Ministries works with local churches and nonprofits to offer warm shelters. Those needing shelter or transportation should contact HUM at 386-317-5886 as soon as possible. Advertisement Advertisement Flagler County Flagler county officials said it plans to open its cold weather shelter, The Sheltering Tree, on Thursday and Friday night. It is located at the Rock Transformation Center at 2200 N. State St. in Bunnell. For more information, call 386-437-3258. Cold front to bring lows in the upper 20s for parts of Volusia-Flagler Cold weather shelters to open in Brevard County The Brevard Homeless Coalition announced cold weather shelters would be open in the following Brevard County locations Jan. 15: Cocoa : Matthew's Hope Ministries, 825 Forrest Ave., opens Jan. 15 at 4 p.m. Melbourne : Melbourne First Church of the Nazarene, 2745 S Babcock St., opens 5:30 p.m. Jan. 15. Titusville: Titusville Civic Center, 4220 S Hopkins Ave., opens nightly at 5:30 p.m. through Jan. 24. Advertisement Advertisement Surge of dangerously cold air headed for Brevard, prompting warnings Cold weather shelters opening in St. Lucie, Martin counties Cold weather shelters will open in the following locations on the Treasure Coast: St. Lucie County In the Image of Christ is opening an emergency cold weather shelter at the Percy Peek Gym, 2902 Ave., at 5 p.m. Jan. 15. Martin County Gertrude Walden Child Care Center, 601 SE Lake Street, Stuart, will open a cold weather shelter at 6 p.m. Jan. 15. Freeze watch issued for part of Treasure Coast; wind chill could be 20s When does Palm Beach County open cold weather shelters? "When the nighttime temperature in Palm Beach County is forecasted to fall to below 40 degrees and/or 45 degrees during forecast precipitation and/or the wind chill factor is below 35 degrees for four consecutive hours or more in Palm Beach County, Palm Beach County's Division of Emergency Management, in partnership with other governmental and non-governmental organizations, may open a cold weather shelter for persons needing a place to keep warm." Are any cold weather shelters opening in Lee County tonight? For cold weather shelters in Lee County Jan. 15, call the United Way 211 Helpline (dial 211) for real-time locations. Osceola County opening cold weather shelters The Osceola County Sheriff's Office announced cold weather shelters will be open Jan. 15-18, opening at 6 p.m. each night: Advertisement Advertisement First United Methodist Church, 1000 Ohio Ave., St. Cloud Iglesia del Nazareno Casa de Vida, 2367 Fortune Road, Kissimmee Poinciana Christian Church, 3181 Pleasant Hill Road, Kissimmee Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will continue to update our weather coverage as conditions warrant. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. Cheryl McCloud 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, at tallahassee.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Cold weather shelters open in Florida. See list by county A plan to turn some of the last remaining agricultural land in northwest Salt Lake City into light industrial space failed to receive a key recommendation on Wednesday. While that doesnt outright halt the plan, proposed by one of the states more prominent developers, it was a small victory for the residents and conservation groups who packed the meeting, seeking to preserve the Great Salt Lakes declining wetlands. The Salt Lake City Planning Commission voted unanimously to issue an unfavorable recommendation on the plan to rezone an 80-acre parcel at approximately 2669 W. 3300 North in the citys Northpoint area from agricultural to M1-A, a light manufacturing zone designated for the area. Members cited the projects incompatibility with the city-approved 2023 area master plan as the basis for their decision. Advertisement Advertisement Some of the plans opponents raised their arms in celebration when the final vote was made. The planning commissioners clearly recognize the issue, said Deeda Seed, a senior campaigner for the Center for Biological Diversity, after the meeting. This is a good sign that they recognize there are lots of unanswered questions here. Whats being proposed The parcel is owned by the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation, a nonprofit founded by the CEO of Ivory Homes and his wife to address education and housing affordability. Theyre seeking to turn old grazing farmland into a development at a size and scale similar to that of nearby industrial uses, according to a city document. This property was bought by the foundation almost five years ago with the intent that profits from the development would, in fact, go to scholarships, affordable housing, homelessness and other basic needs, said Scott Bates, a representative for the foundation, during the meeting. Advertisement Advertisement It was among parcels annexed into the city last year, falling into the citys Northpoint Small Area Plan. Salt Lake City adopted the plan in 2023 to sort out the growth in the area spurred by the construction of large warehouses and the impact it has had on residents and the land. This map shows where the 80-acre parcel that the Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation owns. The foundation is seeking to rezone the space from agricultural to light industrial. | Salt Lake City Planning Division The site is essentially a doughnut hole, surrounded by land owned by Scannell Logistics, zoned as a business park, Bates added. Salt Lake City planners recommended the rezoning proposal and change to the plan, as long as a development agreement is included to ensure community benefits and a wetlands delineation study something that was already completed is performed before development, among other things. M1-A includes language to protect sensitive shorelands while allowing for some light industrial, research and office uses, unlike the business park zoning, they added. A fight against it However, conservation groups and others argued its not enough to replace the harm that the project would have on the wetlands. Advertisement Advertisement The parcel is located near prime habitat for many bird and other wildlife species, said Heather Dove, former president of the Great Salt Lake Audubon. She added that all of the wetlands remain hydrologically connected to the Great Salt Lake, despite the lakes shrinkage and development in the area, which is why its still important. Every wetland destroyed from hereon in will result in another nail in the coffin, she said. Once these wetlands and playas are destroyed, they will be gone forever. Every new development introduces more air pollution and other consequential environmental challenges, said Brian Moench, president of Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment. While he said 80 acres may seem small in the grand scheme of things, these types of rezoning requests are picking up, and it can create death by a thousand cuts. Not everyone opposed the proposal, though. Advertisement Advertisement Wildlife has virtually left the area since the vast development of warehouses in the area, said Alma Mendoza, who said she maintains one of Northpoints last remaining farmlands. By this point, she and many of her neighbors are ready to rezone as developments continue to move into the neighborhood. Its being really developed by a lot of warehouses, and its just time for a change and time for us to move on, she told the commission. Theres indeed tremendous pressure from developers seeking to scoop up land, but deer, cranes and other wildlife still live in the area for now, said Allison Musser, who also lives near the parcel. There are plans for roads and new buildings that could change it, but not all of that has materialized yet. She showed up to oppose the measure, saying it contradicts previous city efforts to preserve wetlands in the 2023 plan. The next steps Members of the commission ultimately sided with the group, voting to issue unfavorable recommendations on both the rezone and an amendment to the area master plan. Advertisement Advertisement What are we doing here? Like, this isnt in line with ... the existing plan, said commission member Lilah Rosenfield, before the vote. The community loudly opposed. Im not sure I see a case for this. It should stay as it is. Members of the Salt Lake City Planning Commission vote to send an unfavorable recommendation for a plan to rezone 80 acres of agricultural land to light industrial space during a meeting at the Salt Lake City-County Building on Wednesday. | Carter Williams, KSL Others agreed, pointing to inconsistencies with what the city adopted in 2023. Bates declined KSLs request for comment on the decision after the meeting, but its ultimately up to the Salt Lake City Council to make a final decision. Its unclear when it will take up that discussion. Those who pushed against the rezoning effort say theyre optimistic that Wednesdays recommendation can carry over into the final decision. Youve got to be hopeful its going to happen, Musser told KSL. It was a great win today. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A conservative, Christian-based legal advocacy group is asking the federal government to investigate a Kansas elementary school. On Tuesday, the American Center for Law and Justice filed a complaint with the Department of Justice and the Department of Education. The group alleges that a guidance counselor at Marshall Elementary School in Eureka violated students constitutional rights during a lesson about role models in October. Advertisement Advertisement It claims a student said Charlie Kirk was their role model, but the counselor refused to have his name written on the board and said he was not a hero. Another instructor removed by University of Oklahoma amid protest over students failing grade It also alleges that the counselor would not allow President Donald Trump be named as a role model and would not allow any political or religious figure to be named. Students could name such people in written assignments but not on the whiteboard, according to the complaint. The ACLJ accuses the school of viewpoint discrimination, religious discrimination and other violation. Advertisement Advertisement The Marshall Principal Stacy Coulter sent the following email to parents Wednesday: As you may have heard, a student learning activity back in October, led to some unintended confusion among our families. Our team is always working together on ways we can help ensure learning activities are positive and encouraging experiences for every student. All of us at Marshall Elementary are grateful to partner with you in your childs learning. As a parent or guardian, we invite you to contact us directly any time you have concerns about your childs experience at school. Working together, we can always find a solution. Thank you for your partnership as we grow together in a community that values open communication, close family involvement, and care for one another. Stacy Coulter Marshall Elementary The Eureka School District sent KSN the following statement on Thursday: We are aware of this incident and are always working with families and our school staff to make sure every learning activity is a positive and encouraging experience for every student. We are unable to comment on the individuals involved because of our commitment to the privacy of our students and employees. This information is also protected by confidentiality laws. Thank you for your understanding. Eureka School District It is unknown if the DOJ or the Education Department will investigate. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, 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 KSN-TV. The son of a British couple detained in Iran has expressed his concern for their welfare after the UK's embassy was closed in Tehran amid the deadly crackdown on anti-regime protests. Joe Bennett's parents, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, were on a trip around the world when they were arrested by Iranian authorities in January last year and charged with spying. Speaking to the BBC's Newsnight programme, Bennett said the couple are in a "dangerous position" and that there was "overcrowding" in the jail due to the protests. Advertisement Advertisement He added that the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) told him they were still "assessing the situation". The FCDO previously told the BBC it continued to raise the case of the Foremans directly with the Iranian authorities. The UK government announced the the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran on Wednesday, saying it would now operate remotely. "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. Britain's ambassador and all consular staff were evacuated based on a security assessment and concerns for staff safety. Advertisement Advertisement Bennett said if his parents were released, they had planned to go to the British embassy. "The trouble is, their plan was to go to the embassy, was to try to get to the embassy because they feel that that's safe ground and now... Where do they go? What do they do?" he said. Bennett, who last spoke to his parents on Wednesday, said during the brief communication he's been able to have, they've told him of the "unsafe" and "frightening" conditions of the prison. "There are vermin in the kitchen and in beds. It is overcrowded, it's even more overcrowding now that these protests have gone on in Tehran," he said. Advertisement Advertisement He added there were "fights that break out pretty much daily" which he could hear in the background during the phone calls with his mother. Last year, Scottish National Party MP Brendan O'Hara told the BBC the couple were being used "bargaining chips" between Iran's government and the West. Joe Bennett has called for the UK government to do more to free his parents [BBC] Bennett also expressed the family's "frustration" with the perceived lack of support from the government to secure his parents' release. "I look at other nations, France for example, US, Italy, when their citizens are put in a similar situation, there's an advocacy from them at the highest level of government... and the UK haven't done that," he said. Advertisement Advertisement The family just wanted the government to show "a sign of solidarity" with their plight, Bennett added. The Foreman's legal representatives in Iran formally submitted an application for bail this week. Both of their Iranian defence lawyers have also written to the court, stating that the pair were innocent and that there was no lawful basis for their continued detention, according to the family. As Iran continues its deadly crackdown on anti-government protests which has killed at least 2,400 people according to a human rights agency, Bennett said he just wants to ensure his parents' safe return. Advertisement Advertisement "My mum and Craig are two innocent UK citizens that are caught up in the middle of all of this. So for us, it's about their safety and prompt return home however that comes," he said. Artificial intelligence has become a particularly hot topic over the last few years. The technology is already being implemented across numerous industries, from design to farming, medicine, and education. But while it may be used for social good, many may not realize that just a few clicks on ChatGPT can have real environmental impacts or that AI data center developers appear to be targeting landowners with lucrative property deals. As NBC News reported in late October, nondisclosure agreements may have something to do with that. What's happening? The data centers that power AI operations have to go somewhere if the tech is to continue, right? But where and who gets a say? Advertisement Advertisement Developers reportedly approached Timothy Grosser of Mason County, Kentucky, to offer $10 million for his family's 250-acre farm. The catch? According to NBC News, Grosser was asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement or NDA without knowing who he was selling to or what the land would be used for. Five months later, local officials announced that Mason County was being scouted for new data center development. An NBC News review of more than 30 data center proposals across 14 states found that NDAs were introduced in the majority of deals and that shell companies were used to obscure developers. In five cases, elected officials were barred from sharing any information with their constituents. Pat Garofalo, director of state and local policy at the nonprofit American Economic Liberties Project, told NBC, "That violates a very fundamental norm of democracy, which is that they are answerable first to the voters and to their constituents, not to some secret corporation." Advertisement Advertisement In Mason County, a total of 20 residents were apparently offered these deals. Eighteen of them agreed to sell if the project succeeds. Grosser refused. Frustration among residents has led to the creation of a "We are Mason County, KY" Facebook group with 2,000 members in a county of almost 17,000. Group founder Max Moran told NBC that the lack of transparency in proposed data center development is "just destroying trust in the government." Why is data center development concerning? Data centers consume large amounts of energy and require vast quantities of water for cooling. Their operations could raise local electricity bills, strain power grids, and drain local water systems. In areas where these centers currently operate, there have also been reports of noise and air pollution, which have impacted sleep and well-being. What's being done? Saint Charles, Missouri, became the first city in the country to enact a year-long ban on data center construction, stopping a 400-acre development proposal. Similar bans have been proposed in other areas across the United States, and related regulations are expected to be on the ballot as the 2026 midterms approach. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, many argue that AI can responsibly be a part of our everyday lives if managed ethically. The technology could help speed up health diagnoses and replace potentially dangerous tasks performed by humans. But environmentalists insist that Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and other major players must consider ecological risks before long-term damage occurs. Ensuring that more renewable, cleaner, and equitably distributed energy sources are a part of the puzzle could help. Other advocates say considerations such as the tech's accuracy, its anti-discrimination measures, and its potential impacts on workforce reductions must be addressed as well. 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 Senate cleared a three-bill spending package Thursday for President Donald Trumps signature, completing a fraction of government funding measures necessary to avert another shutdown ahead of the month-end deadline. Lawmakers voted 82-15 to approve legislation funding the departments of Justice, Interior, Commerce and Energy, as well as the EPA, water programs and federal science initiatives through the end of the current fiscal year. Another spending package, funding the departments of Treasury and State, will be waiting for senators when they return from their recess next week. The House passed that measure Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Together, they represent significant progress after last years record-breaking funding lapse. But the vast majority of government programs still need to be funded if Congress wants to avoid another stopgap to keep federal operations afloat beyond Jan. 30. That includes more than 75 percent of discretionary funding, including for the Pentagon and many of the largest non-defense programs. Weve got to continue to complete the job and make progress on the remainder of the appropriations bills, said Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) on the floor Thursday afternoon. Our goal is to get all of these bills signed into law, no continuing resolutions that lock in previous priorities and dont reflect todays realities, she added. No more disastrous government shutdowns that are totally unnecessary and so harmful. The next two weeks will be a gauntlet for both chambers as the thorniest bills are still in the throes of bipartisan, bicameral negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers are optimistic that the text of another spending package funding Defense, Transportation-HUD and Labor-HHS-Education could be released in the middle of the upcoming long weekend. The Homeland Security funding package, however, remains in limbo ,complicated by ongoing tensions in Minnesota where ICE agents have in recent days shot at least two people one fatally. We know that they're working, and we're hoping they make some magic out of it, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said in an interview about appropriators who are in the throes of negotiating the DHS bill. The latest offer House Republicans sent to the Senate on the DHS bill would order the department to fund body cameras for immigration enforcement agents. But Democrats are hold more restrictions on the agency. There's no budget like DHS. The way that they move money, the way that they've moved personnel, has no precedent, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, the Democrat leading DHS funding negotiations in the Senate, said in a brief interview Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement We need to have restraints that actually make a difference, Murphy added. Senate Majority Leader John Thune admitted Thursday that if any of the dozen annual funding bills would be a candidate for short-term funding, it would be that one. The protracted runway to finish this work is compounded by the fact that the Senate is planning to be in recess next week, with the House set to be gone the week after for a district work period. The House itself is also struggling to function under the razor-thin GOP majority, where Speaker Mike Johnson spent the past several days contending with dire attendance issues and intraparty revolts including over earmarks. Advertisement Advertisement Fiscal hawks including Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy call earmarks the currency of corruption and have taken aim at specific funding lawmakers have secured for projects in their districts. The minibus funding package the Senate passed Thursday, meanwhile, prevailed over hard-liner attempts to severely shrink spending. It largely rejects the dramatic cuts the White House requested and instead makes more restrained spending reductions to energy and environment programs. The National Park Service would face a moderate reduction from current funding levels much less than the 37 percent cut the White House sought. The EPA would see a 4 percent reduction of $320 million, instead of the more than $4 billion President Donald Trump proposed to slash. One area set to get a boost is trade agencies, with an 18 percent increase for the U.S. Trade Representatives Office and a 23 percent increase for the Commerce Department office responsible for designing and enforcing export controls used to target China and other countries. Jordain Carney contributed to this report. The Second Amendment provides that the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. On Tuesday, in Wolford v. Lopez, the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in the latest chapter of the ongoing dispute over the scope of that right: a challenge to a Hawaii law that bans gun owners from bringing their guns onto private property that is open to the public without specific permission from the propertys owner. Four other states have similar laws: California, Maryland, New York, and New Jersey. Defending the law, Hawaii tells the justices that the law was designed to vindicate both the right to bear arms and property owners undisputed right to choose whether to permit armed entry onto their property. But the gun owners challenging the law argue that Hawaii is attempting to thwart constitutional rights newly recognized by the Supreme Court in its gun-rights jurisprudence. This Court, they say, did not brook such resistance after Brown v. Board of Education. It should not do so now. Unlike some other parts of the Constitution, the line of Supreme Court cases interpreting the Second Amendment is relatively short. In 2008, in District of Columbia v. Heller, the court ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep guns inside the home for self-defense. Two years later, in McDonald v. City of Chicago, the court held that the Second Amendment also applies to the states. Advertisement Advertisement More than a decade later, in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, the court struck down a New York handgun-licensing law that required New Yorkers who want to carry a handgun in public to show a special need to defend themselves. More broadly, the court made clear in Bruen that the Second Amendments guarantee of the right to keep and bear arms protects an expansive right to carry a handgun outside the home for self-defense. Going forward, Justice Clarence Thomas explained in his opinion, courts should uphold gun restrictions only if they are consistent with the Nations historical tradition of firearm regulation. In 2023, in response to the courts decision in Bruen, Hawaii passed the law at the center of this case, which prohibits anyone with a concealed-carry permit from bringing a gun on private property that is open to the public unless the property owner affirmatively gives permission to do so. A violation of the law is a misdemeanor, carrying a sentence of up to a year in prison. Three Maui residents with concealed-carry permits, as well as a local gun-rights group, went to federal court in Hawaii to challenge the ban. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit upheld the Hawaii law. It concluded that a national tradition likely exists of prohibiting the carrying of firearms of private property without the owners oral or written consent. A divided court later turned down the challengers request to reconsider that ruling. The challengers came to the Supreme Court last April, asking the justices to decide whether the permission requirement for private property violates the Second Amendment. The justices granted that request in October. (At the same time, the justices declined to weigh in on the methodology that the court of appeals used to uphold a separate provision of the law banning guns in so-called sensitive places, such as parks, beaches, playgrounds, and places that serve alcohol. The challengers had argued that the court of appeals should have looked at regulations from the time of the countrys founding rather than at laws from the mid- to late 19th century.) Advertisement Advertisement In its brief on the merits, Hawaii insists its law does not target conduct covered by the Second Amendment at all, because the Second Amendment simply codified the right to bear arms as it existed at the Founding of the United States. At that time, Hawaii stresses, there was no right to enter private property without permission from the owner much less to do so with a gun. And even if consent to enter the property might in some scenarios be implied, Hawaii continues, that determination rests on state law and local custom. Accordingly, the state says, Hawaii is free to enact a law clarifying that the publics implied license to enter private property does not include an invitation to bring a gun, particularly because that accords with the well-established custom in Hawaii. The challengers contend that the text of the Second Amendment simply recognizes a right to bear arms, which is precisely what [they] wish to do. That is the end of the textual inquiry. The challengers concede that property owners can bar other people, including people carrying guns, from their property. But the Hawaii law goes farther than that, they say, making it a crime to carry guns even where the owner of property open to [the] public is merely silent. That presumption, they argue, tramples on the Second Amendment. Hawaii responds that, even if the Second Amendment does apply, its law does not violate the Constitution because it fits comfortably within our Nations history of firearm regulation. The state points to what it describes as a raft of colonial-era laws that required the owners explicit consent to bring guns onto private property, at least where the land was developed or fenced, a category that readily includes the sort of retail facilities on which [the challengers] have focused their current challenge. Such laws, the state argues, are relevantly similar, as Bruen requires, to Hawaiis ban because they had the same purpose and they accomplished that purpose in the same way: The colonial-era laws were intended to protect a property owners right to exclude firearms, and they did so not by prohibiting guns altogether but by condition[ing] that entry on obtaining the property owners consent. According to Hawaii, [r]equiring evidence of a more extensive and widespread historical tradition would turn the Second Amendment into a regulatory straightjacket. It would also [] overread legislative silence. As Justice Barrett has explained, originalism does not require th[e] Court to assume[] that founding-era legislatures maximally exercised their power to regulate. Advertisement Advertisement But the challengers push back, telling the justices that there is no historical tradition of laws broadly banning law-abiding citizens from peaceably carrying firearms on private property open to the public without first getting express permission from the proprietor. In upholding Hawaiis ban, they say, the court of appeals relied on two laws, neither of which is analogous. The first was a 1771 New Jersey law that barred poaching on lands that were closed to the public. But that law, the challengers wrote, simply codified the American rule that hunters could hunt on unimproved lands not their own, while improved lands remained off limits. That is a trespass law, they concluded, rather than a law that like Hawaiis generally prohibits carrying firearms on any and all private property without advance express consent. And the second, the challengers continue, was an 1865 Louisiana law, enacted as part of that states Black Codes to restrict the rights of formerly enslaved people, that barred the carrying of guns on premises or plantations that is, private property without the owners consent. A law controlling access to land barred to the public cannot serve as an analogue for a law restricting access to property held open to the public, the challengers asserted. And in any event, the challengers added, the Louisiana law came too late. The Second Amendment, they stress, should be understood according to its public meaning in 1791, as that meaning is fixed according to the understandings of those who ratified it. The Trump administration, which filed a friend of the court brief supporting the challengers, echoes their argument that the law lacks any well-established historical analogue. But the law is unconstitutional for the additional reason, U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer writes, that firearms regulations are per se unconstitutional if they are designed to thwart the right to publicly carry arms, or if they effectively negate the right. Hawaiis restrictions fail both metrics. Advertisement Advertisement Both the Trump administration and the challengers characterize the effect of the law as sweeping. The challengers tell the justices that the restriction is more than merely inconvenient; it requires licensees to leave their firearms at home whenever they go out in public if there is any chance of visiting private property open to the public. And the government suggests that gun owners with a concealed-carry permit who stop for gas with a pistol in the glove compartment risk a year in prison if they fail to obtain the gas-station owners unambiguous consent. Hawaii portrays the effect of the law as significantly narrower, emphasizing that gun owners can bring their guns onto private property so long as the owner or one of his agents gives oral or written authorization. That means that, to bring a gun into a shop or convenience store, one need only ask an employee for an okay. And the Trump administration is wrong in suggesting that the law prevents pulling into a gas station or private parking lot with a gun stored appropriately in the vehicle; the law applies to carrying a gun on ones person, not storing a gun in a car, Hawaii writes. A decision in the case is expected by the summer. For more Supreme Court news and analysis, visit SCOTUSblog. Read more at SCOTUSblog Crew-11s early return to Earth went exactly as planned Thursday morning. At 3:41 a.m. Eastern time, NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov splashed down off the coast of California. NASA said one crew members medical issue prompted the early homecoming, but did not disclose details. Welcome home, Crew-11! At 3:41am ET (0841 UTC), the @SpaceX Dragon spacecraft splashed down off the coast of San Diego, California. pic.twitter.com/8LFpdKwizc NASA (@NASA) January 15, 2026 The agency said the situation was stable, but serious enough to warrant what it called the first controlled medical evacuation from the International Space Station. Advertisement Advertisement NASA reported that Crew-11 undocked from the stations Harmony module at 5:24 p.m. EST on Wednesday. Crew-11s early departure came before the scheduled February arrival of Crew-12, leaving two cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut, Chris Williams, aboard the ISS. The reduced crew size could temporarily limit research and delay some maintenance work, Florida Tech aerospace expert Dr. Don Platt told WFTV. Ch. 9s Q McCray has been monitoring this mornings splashdown and will have full coverage beginning on Eyewitness News at 4:30 a.m. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Crumbl's got a new sweet treat in the works. A week after rumors began to take off on social media about the possibility of the bakery chain developing a line of doughnuts, Crumbl Cookies is setting the record straight. "Crumbl is excited to be testing doughnuts as part of the ongoing product innovation process," the Lindon, Utah-based company told USA TODAY in a statement. All of the fuss began on Wednesday, Jan. 7, when Snackolator, a popular food news aggregator, announced the news about Crumbl's latest venture: "Now this is WILD - Crumbl is developing a lineup of DONUTS with twelve flavors in the works so far that I volunteer to test for them anytime!" Advertisement Advertisement Snackolator's post also included mockups of 12 flavors, including Cookie Butter, Strawberries & Cream, Cookies & Cream, Raspberry Cheesecake, Caramel Shortbread, S'mores, Cinnamon Crunch, Jelly, Maple Glazed, Chocolate Glazed, Strawberry Glazed and Glazed. USA TODAY contacted Crumbl to confirm the legitimacy of Snackolator's flavor mockup but did not immediately receive a response. Here's what we know about Crumbl testing doughnuts. Crumbl has 'no immediate plans' to launch doughnuts Crumbl Cookies, a bakery chain best known for its desserts, including cookies, has plans to one day offer doughnuts. Customers will have to wait quite a while before they can try the doughnuts as internal testing continues. According to Crumbl, "testing is still in its early stages, and there are no immediate plans to launch." Advertisement Advertisement "Any potential rollout would be quite some time away and would depend on extensive testing, customer feedback, and operational considerations," Crumbl added. "Our focus remains on thoughtfully innovating while ensuring any new offering meets the experience and quality standards our customers expect from Crumbl." Customers can purchase a dessert flight from Crumbl's weekly, rotating menu in the meantime. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: You may soon be able to buy doughnuts at Crumbl A Bethel police officer has been charged after state police allege that she waited over an hour to report that her brother was involved in a hit-and-run crash on Route 8 in Shelton last January that left a teenager dead. Jessenia M. Beamonte, 32, was arrested Tuesday on charges of accessory to evading responsibility involving a death, third-degree hindering prosecution and interfering with an officer, according to Connecticut State Police. State police said the charges stem from a fatal crash that occurred on Jan. 12, 2025, shortly before 12:40 a.m. According to state police, a 1994 Honda Civic Del Sol driven by a 37-year-old Waterbury man was traveling north in the right lane when it was hit from the rear by a 2013 Honda CR-V. Advertisement Advertisement The collision sent the Civic across the grass median and into the southbound lanes where it was struck by a 2011 Honda Accord. State police said the Accord struck the passenger side of the Civic. A passenger in the Civic, 14-year-old Chloe Alyssa Ramsubhag of Waterbury, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to state police. The driver of the Civic was taken to St. Vincents Medical Center in Bridgeport for serious injuries. The Accord driver was taken to Bridgeport Hospital for an injury suspected to be minor, state police said. The driver of the CR-V, a 38-year-old Shelton man identified in the arrest warrant affidavit as C. Beamonte, took off from the scene following the crash, according to state police. At 1:26 a.m., he called 911 to report being involved in a crash and was later found at an auto body shop on Bridgeport Avenue, according to the arrest warrant affidavit supporting the charges against Jessenia Beamonte. State police said they initially believed he was involved in a separate collision when he contacted them. Advertisement Advertisement The warrant affidavit said Jessenia Beamonte called state police at 2:17 a.m. to report that her brother, C. Beamonte, was involved in a crash and that she wanted to take him to a hospital. At the time, state police wrote, troopers were still under the impression that the brother was involved in a separate crash. State police told Jessenia Beamonte their response would be delayed because they were handling a fatal crash at the time, according to the warrant affidavit. Just before 3:20 a.m., troopers at the scene found a license plate that was traced to the vehicle belonging to C. Beamonte, according to the warrant affidavit. This was the first indication state police said they had that suggested he was involved in the fatal crash. When troopers spoke to him at Griffin Hospital, Jessenia Beamontes brother allegedly said he had one beer in Fairfield prior to the crash, according to the warrant affidavit. He declined to provide a blood or urine sample, allegedly telling state police he passes out when he has blood drawn, and opted not to give investigators a run down of where he had been in the 24 hours prior to the collision, state police wrote. Advertisement Advertisement An analysis of the crash found that the collision was caused by C. Beamonte allegedly failing to maintain sufficient distance from the Civic in front of him, the warrant affidavit said. Investigators said he failed to brake or take an evasive action to avoid a collision, with a contributing factor being that he was allegedly going somewhere between 82 mph and 89 mph in a 55 mph zone, the warrant affidavit. State police investigators said they also found that Jessenia Beamonte met her brother at the auto body shop where he went after the crash, according to the warrant affidavit. Troopers also learned that Jessenia Beamonte called a Bethel police sergeant multiple times after the crash and asked for advice before she reached out to state police, the warrant affidavit said. Jessenia Beamonte allegedly told the sergeant during the initial call at 1:44 a.m. that her brother had consumed four beers before he was involved in the collision, according to the warrant affidavit. Jessenia Beamonte allegedly expressed more concern over the evading aspect of the situation, the warrant affidavit said. She also allegedly said she and her brother were approached by a Shelton police officer who said state police were aware of where they were and would respond to their location. During a second call to the sergeant at 2:07 a.m., Jessenia Beamonte said state police had still not arrived and that her brother was complaining of chest pain, the warrant affidavit said. The sergeant reportedly told her to take him to the scene of the crash to be evaluated or to the hospital, but to make sure she told state police what they were going to do, according to the warrant affidavit. Advertisement Advertisement State police said Jessenia Beamonte allegedly inquired with the sergeant whether her brother would be given any field sobriety tests if she took him back to the scene, the warrant affidavit said. Jessenia Beamonte is free on a $250,000 bond and is expected to face a judge in Derby Superior Court on Jan. 29. State police said they anticipate additional arrests being made in connection with the crash. A spokesperson for Bethel police said the department was expected to issue a comment about the arrest on Thursday. By News Centre The United Kingdoms Minister for Trade, Chris Bryant, made statements on economic, trade, and defense cooperation between Turkiye and the UK during the 8th Term Meeting of the Turkiye-UK Economic and Trade Joint Committee (JETCO). Bryant emphasized that both Turkiye and the UK are important NATO members, saying, "This is a really significant part of our relationship in a period dominated by international uncertainty." He noted that trade is another key focus of bilateral relations and welcomed the fact that bilateral trade doubled over the past few years, reaching 28 billion. "This level of trade brings gains and employment opportunities to both countries," Bryant said, adding that Turkiye is among the priority countries for the UK in finalizing a free trade agreement (FTA) as soon as possible. He explained the rapid progress: "The process began only last summer, and we had expected each stage to take a long time. Yet in six months, we managed to hold three rounds of negotiations almost unheard of in free trade agreement processes. I hope we can maintain this momentum for the rest of the year. I am always cautious about setting a deadline, but ultimately, the most important thing is not just agreeing on the content of the agreement but implementing it so that businesses in Turkiye and the UK can benefit. We have handled the easier parts; now we will negotiate the more difficult aspects in the coming months. The next negotiation round is scheduled for February, and I hope there will be additional rounds this year." Bryant added that the FTA could double the current 28 billion trade volume by removing customs and other barriers not only in goods and services but also in e-commerce. Reflecting on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmers visit to Turkiye in October last year, Bryant said it was the first visit by a British prime minister in eight years. During that visit, an agreement was signed on the supply of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkiye. "I believe this is just the beginning of our defense agreement and cooperation, whether through production or NATO. In both respects, we are very strong allies," Bryant said. Addressing growing geopolitical uncertainty following former US President Donald Trumps comments on Greenland, Bryant said: "The situation in Greenland is a matter for the Greenlandic people and the people of Denmark. Only they should determine the countrys future. The UK and Turkiye are strong NATO members, and Denmark is as well. Within NATO, there are certain conditions that both the UK and Turkiye strongly support." He also noted that the UK is seeking to establish a free trade agreement with Greenland, which would involve removing customs duties and other barriers. "Sometimes geopolitical issues, whether oil, gas, or other matters, intersect with trade. Sometimes you have to keep them completely separate. In this regard, we are very fortunate to have such strong allies in Turkiye, both commercially and militarily. I believe this gives us the opportunity to trust each other and move forward very strongly," he said. President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an also confirmed that during Prime Minister Starmers October 27 visit to Ankara, intergovernmental agreements for the supply of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets were signed during official delegation meetings. Ukraine has gone ahead to restrict entry into Polymarket, which is further escalating an expanding global crackdown on prediction markets that regulators are increasingly considering to be illegal gambling or derivatives trading. The ruling has drawn fresh scrutiny to the fast-growing crypto platform, raising questions about whether markets tied to real-world events can operate alongside national gambling, financial, and public policy rules, especially on matters involving war and geopolitics. The ban was issued on Dec. 10, 2025, by Ukraines National Commission for the Regulation of Electronic Communications under Resolution No. 695. The order requires internet service providers to restrict access to online resources that organize, conduct, or facilitate gambling activities without a valid domestic license. War-Linked Bets Push Ukraine to Ban Polymarket As part of the enforcement, the domain polymarket.com was added to Ukraines public register of blocked websites, effectively cutting off access for users inside the country. Local media reported the enforcement on Monday, confirming that the block is now active. Ukrainian officials have pointed to Polymarkets role in facilitating wagers on geopolitical outcomes linked to Russias invasion as a key factor behind the move. While Polymarket does not offer fixed odds like traditional sportsbooks, regulators argue that the distinction is largely technical. The platform allows users to buy and sell shares linked to specific outcomes, with prices reflecting the markets implied probability. In Ukraines view, this structure still constitutes gambling when offered without authorization, especially when the underlying events involve an active military conflict. Polymarket, founded in 2020 by Shane Coplan, has grown into one of the most prominent prediction platforms globally, with an estimated valuation of around $8 billion. All activity on the platform is conducted using the USDC stablecoin on the Polygon blockchain, making transactions and settlements publicly visible. Supporters often point to this transparency as a key difference from offshore betting sites, but regulators across multiple jurisdictions have remained unconvinced. Ukraines action places it among a growing list of jurisdictions that have restricted or fully blocked Polymarket. The platform is currently inaccessible in at least 33 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Singapore, Australia, Iran, and Russia. Source: Polymarket In some regions, access is partially restricted, allowing users only to close existing positions while barring new trades. Donald Trumps ally-bashing, economy-busting second stint in the White House is putting America last, according to the results of a new survey. The United States is now less feared by its traditional adversaries as historically friendly states feel ever more distant, per the results of a 21-country poll conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations, first reported Thursday by The Guardian. Crucially, the overwhelming majority of almost 26,000 respondents said they only expect Chinas dominance on the world stage to continue rapidly expanding over the next ten years. The majority of respondents across 21 different countries believe Trump is only empowering China. / ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP via Getty Images Trump has consistently railed against China for ripping off our country for years. Hes referred to the COVID-19 pandemic, which beset the tail end of his first administration, as the China virus and the Kung Flu, and threatened to destroy the powerful and repressive Asian nation. Advertisement Advertisement The survey was conducted across 13 European countrieswhere only 16 percent of people still consider the U.S. an ally, against 20 percent who view America as a rival or enemyalong with Russia, India, Turkey, China, Brazil, South Korea and South Africa. The president kicked off the new year with a lightning invasion of Venezuela to kidnap despot Nicolas Maduro. / XNY/Star Max / GC Images Authors of the report said the results suggest U.S. actions are boosting China, and that the MAGA leaders newfound thirst for invading both allied and enemy nations indicate Trump now believes it is better for a great power to be feared than to be loved. The survey further indicates that distance between the U.S. and its historic partners across the Atlantic will only continue to grow as European leaders face mounting pressure to be realistic and daring at the same time in relations with the White House. MAGA is now increasingly threatening to annex Greenland, a territory of Denmark, which is a NATO ally. / JIM WATSON / Jim Watson/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Trump has kicked off the new year with what critics have billed as an all-out assault on the rules-based international order that hasby almost all metrics, and contrary to accepted MAGA narrativestraditionally benefitted U.S. interests. Advertisement Advertisement Having spent much of 2025 publicly and privately lobbying to secure himself perhaps the most coveted honor on the planet, Trump has responded to his Nobel Peace Prize snub in November by bombing Nigeria, a key U.S. ally in Western Africa, and with a lightning invasion of Venezuela to kidnap despot Nicolas Maduro, who now faces narcoterrorism charges in a New York federal court. Since Maduros capture, the MAGA leader and his allies have similarly threatened Iran, along with allies like Colombia, Mexico, Panama and Greenland, the last of which is a territory controlled by Denmark, a fellow NATO member. Asked during an Oval Office sitdown with The New York Times last week if there is now anything that might constrain his increasingly aggressive foreign policy, Trump replied: My own morality. My own mind. Its the only thing that can stop me. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment on this story. President Trump has said that anything less than US control of Greenland is "unacceptable" and said Nato should help him acquire the country. Europe editor James Mates reports There is still a "fundamental disagreement" over Greenland following talks between US, Greenland and Danish officials on Wednesday. Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt hosted a press conference after discussions with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement It is "clear that president has this wish of conquering over Greenland", Rasmussen said, but added that the meeting gave them "the opportunity to at least challenge the narrative presented by the American president". "We want to work with our American friends and allies but it must be respectiful cooperation," he said. While there is a "fundamental disagreement", the two sides "agree to disagree", Rasmussen said. The meeting was hosted by Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine. President Donald Trump said earlier on Wednesday that anything less than American control of Greenland is "unacceptable", adding that Nato should help the US acquire the country. Advertisement Advertisement 'Complete madness': Greenlanders bemused and angered by Trump's threats Trump says he is willing to 'do it the hard way' to gain control of Greenland In a post on Truth social, 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. The US president has repeatedly suggested that Greenland's security amounts to "two dogsleds" and in a separate post on Truth Social on Wednesday wrote: "NATO: Tell Denmark to get them out of here, NOW! Two dogsleds wont do it! Only the USA can!!!" Advertisement Advertisement Greenland has become the focus of a geopolitical dispute after Trump said he wants the US to own the island, a demand residents in the capital, Nuuk, have rejected. Trump has said he wants to control Greenland at any cost, and the White House has not ruled out the use of force, while Denmarks prime minister has warned that seizing the island by force could threaten the future of Nato. Greenland's 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 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. JD Vance in Greenland last year. Credit: AP Greenland is important because melting ice linked to climate change could open shorter shipping routes to Asia and make it easier to access and transport untapped deposits of critical minerals used in devices such as computers and phones. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has also said he wants Greenland to strengthen US security, citing what he describes as a threat from Russian and Chinese ships. However, both experts and Greenlanders have questioned that claim. Denmark has repeatedly said the US, which already has a military presence on Greenland, is free to expand its bases there. Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. For that reason, Lars Vintner, a Greenlandic heating engineer, said claims about boosting security were just a cover, suggesting Trumps real aim was to profit from the islands untapped natural resources. Advertisement Advertisement The talks come as two other lawmakers, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, have introduced bipartisan legislation. It is hoped to block the use of US defence or state department funds to annex or take control of Greenland, or any Nato members territory, without consent or approval from the North Atlantic Council. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know On 1 October, 2025, French military personnel boarded the rust-streaked tanker Boracay just off the Bay of Biscay, after the captain, a Chinese national commanding a largely Chinese crew, ignored repeated orders to stop. He was detained, and French prosecutors opened an investigation for refusal to obey a "lawful signal and failing to prove the ships nationality rendering it effectively stateless under international law, and boardable without flag-state consent. On paper, the ship was registered in Benin, but this registration was marked false by the relevant shipping registries the official records maintained by a flag state that document a vessels nationality and ownership, granting it the right to sail under that country's flag. Advertisement Advertisement The Boracay also appears on several blacklists, including that of the European Union, as a ship that has been caught transporting crude oil or petroleum products ... that originate in Russia or are exported from Russia while practising irregular and high-risk shipping practices, as set out in resolutions of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Its detention in France was just another stopover on an erratic journey one that exemplifies the global movements of Russia's shadow fleet. EU hits Russia with sweeping new sanctions over Ukraine war IMO 9332810 Launched in 2007 as Pacific Apollo, from a Japanese shipyard, the vessel is identifiable by its IMO number 9332810, the unique and unchangeable number assigned to every merchant ship for lifetime identification, regardless of name or flag changes. Advertisement Advertisement It became Virgo Sun six years later, then sped through aliases from 2020: P. Fos, Odysseus, Varuna, Kiwala, Pushpa and finally Boracay, from September 2025. The vessel's flags shifted rapidly too: the Marshall Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, Mongolia, Gabon, Djibouti, Gambia, Malawi and Benin several lacking valid registration, according to Equasis, the database of the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). 'Name-hopping" is a hallmark of a so-called shadow fleet. There is no official definition of the shadow fleet, according to Elisabeth Braw, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council think tank. Advertisement Advertisement "Different organisations use different definitions, but the characteristics that most of them include are flag-hopping, obscure ownership, uncertain P&I insurance, and the fact that they transport sanctioned cargo, she told RFI. The Boracay's managers have included Indias Gatik Ship Management, a leading carrier of Russian oil since Ukraines invasion, and Turkish firm Unic Tanker Ship Management. UK armed forces helped US mission to seize Russian tanker, MoD says Drone attacks In April 2025, when it arrived in Estonia after a long journey from Indias Sikka port, Estonian naval forces detained the IMO 9332810, then under the name Kiwala and registered in Djibouti despite Djibouti cancelling its registry months earlier. Advertisement Advertisement The ship was on the EU sanctions list, and heading for Russia. Estonian inspectors found 40 deficiencies" issues that didnt conform to shipping regulations with 23 of them documentation-related. However, they had to release the ship as there wasnt enough evidence to hold it indefinitely. It reached the Russian port of Ust-Luga in late April, then Primorsk near St Petersburg in September and changed name, this time becoming the Pushpa. According to Eurasia Daily and other shipping publications, this time it was filled with petrol. As the Pushpa continued its journey, Danish authorities then linked it to suspicious drone flights over airports, forcing closures, although proof remains elusive. Advertisement Advertisement On it went, through the English Channel and then southwards. According to data from the Marine Traffic tracking website, the ship had been scheduled to arrive in Vadinar in north-western India on 20 October. But it was followed by a French warship and local authorities boarded the ship by now named the Boracay off the coast near Saint-Nazare, and detained it. Shadow fleet targeted as EU advances frozen assets plan for Ukraine With the detention of the Boracay, French President Emmanuel Macron was fulfilling a promise that France and its EU partners would pursue a policy of obstruction against such shadow-fleet vessels. Advertisement Advertisement However, it is not always easy to determine when maritime rules permit the physical challenge of these clandestine vessels. You can board and you can possibly detain if you have strong suspicions and allegations, but then if you cant prove beyond reasonable doubt that that ship has been involved in some kind of crime, then you have to release it, explains Braw. She added: "Every vessel in the world has the right to sail on the worlds oceans... these shadow vessels dont sail in the territorial waters of Western countries, they sail in the exclusive economic zone, where coastal states have fewer rights. The capture of the Boracay and the more recent detention of ships leaving Venezuela by United States forces are rare examples of national authorities taking action against the shadow fleet. Advertisement Advertisement According to Braw, critics who have called Europe spineless in this regard often miss the point that governments follow the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS,) making "systematic action against the shadow fleet... very difficult without stretching or violating maritime rules". Opaque ownership Since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and subsequent sanctions, Russia has stepped up use of this fleet of ageing tankers with opaque ownership and shifting identities to circumnavigate Western restrictions on its oil exports. When the G7 imposed a $60 per barrel price cap on Russian oil in December 2022, this shadow fleet trafficking of Russian oil exploded. Today, S&P Global counts 978 tankers totalling 127 million deadweight tonnes 18.5 percent of global capacity with 54 of these vessels (9.5 million payload tonnes) being used for Venezuelan crude swaps. Advertisement Advertisement "There is no official definition, no official list and no precise number, says Braw. The EUs 18 December, 2025 sanctions hit 605 vessels, nine enablers (including owners and shipping companies) as well as firms in the UAE, Vietnam and Russia; yet port bans are not universally applied. EU on track to end Russian gas imports by end of 2027 Global reach The recent US detention of two Venezuelan tankers, thought to be shipping sanctioned oil, exposed the fleet's global reach. Roughly 80 percent of Venezuela's 1 million barrels per day flowed to China, says Eric Olander, co-founder of the China-Global South Project, adding that: "The vast majority of the oil that Venezuela was producing was going to China. The majority arrived at its destination via the shadow fleet. Advertisement Advertisement For Beijing, this is just a small slice of its total oil imports some 4 percent. Venezuelan heavy, sour crude oil is hard to refine. But smaller, independent refineries, mainly located in Chinas eastern Shandong province nicknamed teapots specialise in processing this oil from Venezuela and Iran, and are dependent on it. "The teapot refineries will be the most impacted because they have tuned their systems to these particular grades of crude from Iran and from Venezuela, according to Olander. Unlike Chinese oil giants Sinopec or PetroChina, teapots" lack diversification. With Iranian oil comprising 14 percent of imports, combined Venezuelan-Iranian pressure could hit 20 percent of China's barrel basket. Meanwhile, French authorities released the Boracay after a detention of just a few days. At the time of writing, it was located in Malaysia. The ship now also appears on the Russian maritime register, under the name Feniks and registered to the Russian port of Sochi a move that could suggest acknowledgement by Russia of its involvement with this shadow fleet. Dave and Terri DeNeal have been operating Daves Appliance Service for more than 46 years. She was the voice on the other end of the line when customers called to make an appointment, and he was the friendly guy who showed up to solve the problem. Dave DeNeal started work as a repairman when he was a teen, first repairing tractors at a National Harvester dealership in Illinois. After attending school, he took a job with Sears Service Center and Weber after that. But DeNeal had always wanted to own his own business and in 1979 went out on his own. I had trained in business college for accounting and we had just had our third child, Terri said. It was challenging, and we started out at the house, working from the kitchen table. Advertisement Advertisement When their fourth child was due, it was clear the business had grown and needed its own space. In 1985, the DeNeals built a shop behind their home. It was a full-fledged family business for a time, with some children going on service calls with Dave and others keeping the books. The experience taught them hard work and discipline but perhaps most of all, who their parents were. My dad is the face and heart of Daves Appliance Service, but he wouldnt be able to do what he does without my mom, their daughter Stacy Helton said. All my life, I have watched my parents work hard together, conduct business with integrity, give generously, serve wholeheartedly and love unconditionally. Their Godly example has not only shaped our family, it has also touched everyone they have served over nearly 47 years in business. Its safe to say, fixing appliances or really, anything is in Daves blood. Advertisement Advertisement The couples son, Steven, their dad helping the hotel repairman fix the HVAC system on vacation, or staying with friends and making sure their dripping faucet was fixed before they left. Outside of the business, the couple led by example, serving in several mission trips to Haiti, Ivory Coast, Mountain Mission School in Grundy, VA, and more. Dad initially went to Haiti to visit me and within an hour of arriving with a medical team, he was working on a vital piece of equipment for their surgeries, Stephanie Gable, the DeNeals daughter said. Dave recalls that trip and said the most challenging part of the repair was that he didnt know what purpose the equipment served. Advertisement Advertisement A lot of their equipment is donated to them, Dave said. One part may be broken, but they can use the other half of it. I ended up fixing the first part and then the second part. And when I called for a nurse to see if I was on the right track, she said the second part had never worked in the first place. They give back in their hometown of Lebanon too. Its Dave DeNeal driving the barrel train in Lebanon parades, the Boone County Fair and anywhere its needed. Hes also taken the train to their annual trip to a mission school in Virginia, a residential Christian school for children in need. In retirement, Dave will no longer go on service calls, however, Terri said they are tiptoeing into the process. Daves Appliance Service will still sell appliance parts, and there are still some projects he hopes to complete in the shop. Advertisement Advertisement They are referring customers to repairmen in the area for the time being but will eventually shut down the business phone number. They also plan to take some time for themselves and for family. Camping is a big thing for us, Terri said. Weve talked about going on more mission trips and we have e-Bikes to do more riding on the trails. Its kind of strange, getting up in the morning and not having a full schedule for the day. Many customers will miss Dave and Terri when the next appliance needs repaired. One thing wont change. Their legacy and impact on their community and family will be everlasting. They taught us honesty, integrity, compassion, generosity and strong work ethic. We have always known we can count on both of them to help in every way they can, their daughter Nancy Clausen said. A wrong-way crash on the 215 Freeway in Riverside was caught on dashcam video, and police say alcohol or drugs appear to be a factor in the violent and deadly incident. A driver who saw the collision happen early Wednesday morning sent Eyewitness News the footage. According to the California Highway Patrol, a Mitsubishi Galant was going northbound on southbound lanes when it crashed head-on into a Toyota Camry at Central Avenue. Before that, the wrong-way driver missed hitting several other vehicles, the CHP said. The driver of the Toyota, who has not been identified, died at the scene. The 20-year-old driver behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi was taken to the hospital with significant injuries. Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings is suing several drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers for reported insulin price gouging, following similar legal action taken by other states in recent years. The Delaware Department of Justice announced the suit Jan. 14, though it was filed on Jan. 13 in Delaware's Court of Chancery. It argues that the companies "conspired to increase insulin prices by as much as 1,000% over the past 15 years." Those named in the suit include the nations three primary insulin manufacturers Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi and the three largest pharmacy benefit managers: CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and OptumRx. Advertisement Advertisement According to the state Department of Justice, more than 110,000 Delawareans live with diabetes and 130,000 live with prediabetes, a condition defined by elevated blood sugar that puts them at risk for developing diabetes in the future. A bottle of insulin Levemir and a syringe for injecting it in 2016. "The disease costs Delawares economy roughly $1.1 billion per year," a state Department of Justice news release said. "The uninsured population has a diabetes prevalence rate of nearly twice the states average, which has left them especially susceptible to injury from the illegal pricing scheme. Nearly all diabetics in Delaware rely on daily insulin treatments to survive." Jennings, in a statement, blamed the pricing on greed. The level of greed that would drive someone to price-gouge consumers over life-saving diabetes medicine is almost unfathomable, Jennings said in a statement. It is an avarice that not only hurts diabetics across the country financially, but in many cases leads to medication hoarding and preventable deaths." What does the lawsuit claim? According to the court filing, prices began ticking up in 2003 when pharmacy benefit managers "began their rise to power." Pharmacy benefit managers act as middlemen between health insurance companies, drug manufacturers and pharmacies to manage prescription drug benefits and negotiate prices. Advertisement Advertisement This allows them to "exert tremendous influence over what drugs are available throughout Delaware and at what prices," the suit says. By 2016, the lawsuit claims, the average monthly price of the four most popular types of insulin rose to $450. Specific insulins saw even greater increases. One type of insulin sold by Eli Lilly, Humulin R, increased from $165 in 1997 to $1,784 in 2023, the suit says. "....costs continue to rise, so much so that now one in four diabetics are skimping on or skipping lifesaving doses," the court filing says. "This behavior is dangerous to a diabetics health and can lead to a variety of complications and even death." Advertisement Advertisement The suit also claims that on more than a dozen occasions since 2009, "competitors Sanofi and Novo Nordisk raised the list prices of their insulins, Lantus and Levemir, in tandem, taking the same price increase down to the decimal point within a few days of each other." Boxes of Ozempic and Wegovy made by Novo Nordisk are seen at a pharmacy in London, Britain March 8, 2024. The suit also notes similar practices with GLP-1 medications, which have become increasingly popular weight loss and diabetes-control tools in recent years. It says Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have more than tripled the prices of Victoza, Ozempic and Trulicity since their release. Other states file similar suits Numerous other states have filed similar lawsuits in recent years. Most recently, Oregon's attorney general filed suit against the same parties. Indiana's attorney general also filed a nearly identical lawsuit in late December. Advertisement Advertisement Mississippi was the first state to initiate litigation against both insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers, filing suit in 2021. The case was later consolidated with other similar actions and is being litigated as part of ongoing multidistrict court proceedings. Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. For all things breaking news, follow her on X at @izzihughes_ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware lawsuit claims 'greed' by Big Pharma drove up insulin prices The First State is first again. According to a new report from the National Council on Teacher Quality, Delaware was the first state in the country to offer teachers up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave. A second state, Arkansas, has now joined us, though we remain the only state to include both mothers and fathers as well as adoptive parents of children up to age six. This report is part of a larger trend in Delaware instead of just talking about the teacher shortages that are challenging all states, were taking action. Paid parental leave is just one example of how smart, people-centered policy can make a measurable difference. Advertisement Advertisement Before this policy was enacted, many Delaware teachers who wanted to start or grow a family were forced to cobble together sick days, unpaid leave or sheer luck. Some tried to plan pregnancies around the school calendar, which is well-intentioned but absurd. Others simply left teaching altogether. According to the National Council on Teacher Quality report, 15% of teachers who leave the profession cite personal life reasons such as pregnancy, childbirth and caring for family. Teacher turnover hurts students. A report released last year by the Fordham Institute and the Learning Policy Institute found that teachers performance improves most dramatically in their first five years of teaching. Most teachers begin their careers in their early to mid 20s, the same time as when nearly half of Delaware mothers first give birth. As a result, teachers are becoming more and more effective at the same time as when they are thinking about starting a family. We shouldnt make teachers choose between their children at school and their children at home. Delaware responded and delivered Former Gov. John Carney and Delaware lawmakers recognized that reality. Rather than treating paid parental leave as a perk, the state treated it as workforce infrastructure. The policy provides up to 12 weeks of full pay, applies to both parents and adoptive families and crucially covers substitute teacher costs at the state level so local districts are not financially penalized when educators take leave. That design choice mattered. For many districts, the biggest concern was never philosophical. It was practical. Who pays for the long-term substitute? Delaware answered that question directly, making the policy workable for schools as well as families. Advertisement Advertisement The results have been immediate and tangible. Teachers who might have left stayed. Every single school day, teachers who live in Pennsylvania drive into Delaware, choosing to teach in our state because of the opportunities our policies afford them. Students, teachers and schools are benefiting from stability instead of constant turnover. Delaware State Rep. Melanie Ross Levin (D-10th) on the first day of the legislative session of the 153rd General Assembly at Legislative Hall in Dover, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. I was leading the states Office of Womens Advancement and Advocacy when Delaware was considering this legislation, and I spent significant time in Dover listening to concerns from legislators and stakeholders. Surrounded by people who, in many cases, hadnt had young children in decades, the conversation sometimes grew a bit detached from reality. One particularly memorable conversation involved a legislator who argued that teachers should be excluded from paid leave because they could simply time their pregnancies to give birth at the end of the school year and recover over the summer. I wish pregnancy were that simple, but giving birth isnt something that can be scheduled like an online order. Infertility, medical complications and the realities of childbirth and recovery make that assumption unrealistic for many families. Thats why we argued that teachers, like all workers, deserve real support not policies based on idealized timelines. Advertisement Advertisement I also heard concerns that a more generous leave policy might lead to a baby boom. In all my years advocating for women and families, Ive never met anyone who chose to endure nine months of pregnancy and a lifetime of parenting just to access a few months of paid leave. Experiences like this are one of the reasons I went on to run for office and am proud to now represent the 10th District. Delaware needs a General Assembly that reflects real life, including parents of young children. When lawmakers bring lived experience into the room, policies are grounded in reality and families, workers and our state are stronger for it. Since the paid parental leave bill became law, the fears that I heard about have not been realized. What did happen was predictable and well-documented: teachers returned healthier, more focused, and more likely to remain in the profession long term. Its worth noting our groundbreaking legislation was not a partisan exercise. It was a bipartisan solution rooted in shared values: supporting families, strengthening the workforce, improving student outcomes and spending public dollars wisely. Educators, unions, health advocates and state leaders worked together to modernize a system that no longer reflected the realities of working families. Advertisement Advertisement Sarah McBride: I fight to protect Delaware. And I'll keep going | Opinion There's more to do on paid leave in Delaware Importantly, Delaware has not stopped there. This year, the state is expanding paid family and medical leave to cover a broader range of workers, including state employees facing serious illness or caregiving needs. While distinct from the teacher policy, this expansion reflects the same underlying principle: supporting people through lifes most vulnerable moments makes our institutions stronger. For Delaware, the lesson now is not whether this policy was the right choice. The evidence is clear that it was. The task ahead is to protect it, sustain it and continue building on it. Delaware was proud to be first. That leadership carries responsibility. At a time when other states are still debating whether paid parental leave is possible, Delaware has shown that it is both achievable and effective. Advertisement Advertisement Our teachers, our students and our communities are better for it. Melanie Ross Levin, a Democratic member of the Delaware House of Representatives, represents District 10. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware paid family leave teachers | Opinion Federal Bureau of Prisons officers on the scene where a federal immigration agent shot a man Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in north Minneapolis. (Minnesota Reformer photo by Max Nesterak) Democratic governors are denouncing President Donald Trumps threat to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota as reckless and dangerous and calling on their Republican counterparts to do the same. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear delivers his State of the Commonwealth address, Jan. 7, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Arden Barnes) Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, chair and vice chair, respectively, of the Democratic Governors Association, released a joint statement Thursday saying the Trump administration had unleashed chaos and division in Minnesota. They later urged Republican governors to also speak against Trumps threat of military action. Advertisement Advertisement Communities across the nation are on edge after a woman was killed and a man was shot. Threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act is reckless and dangerous, the governors said. Protests in the state followed a fatal shooting by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross, who shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good in south Minneapolis last week. Another shooting of a man by an ICE agent Wednesday evening in Minneapolis increased tensions. Trump said on Truth Social Thursday that if Minnesotas corrupt politicians did not stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., he would invoke the Insurrection Act to send in the military to stop protests. The 19th century law grants an exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the military from performing domestic law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, is among officials in the state who have called for the federal government to withdraw ICE agents. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivers her budget proposal, Feb. 7, 2024. (Michigan Advance phot by Andrew Roth) Our country is too divided. In moments like these, real leaders do the right thing and bring people together. You cant do that by attacking states, Beshear and Whitmer said. We stand with Governor Walz, who has made it clear that violence is not acceptable and is calling to lower the temperature, they continued. We also call on our countrys Republican governors to join us in defending states rights by speaking out against these threats for a chaotic and un-American federal takeover. Last week, Beshear was critical of the Trump administrations initial response to the shooting of Good calling it grossly irresponsible. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told The Associated Press in an interview published Wednesday that he and other Democrats are expecting President Trump to interfere with the 2026 midterm elections. We share [those fears], and 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 said. We already have a team to make sure that they count the votes fairly. And, remember, still, a lot of the election mechanisms are done by the states. And even in red states, theres resistance to Trump interfering. Advertisement Advertisement Trump will do whatever it takes, and he has no honor and no credibility and no respect for law, the New York Democrat continued. But, we are prepared for it, and we believe we will succeed. Democrats are widely favored to win back control of the House next year, but they have a much steeper climb to secure a majority in the Senate, where they would need to flip four GOP seats and win out in competitive races for seats they currently hold. But Schumer said the gap between his partys chances in the House and Senate is shrinking as political momentum shifts in favor of Democrats, who have rallied around health care and affordability as key themes for the midterms. But because of the issues that Ive talked about and because the House and Senate have been largely in sync on those issues and its resonating with the American people how were on their side, I think that the difference between the likelihood of winning the House and the likelihood of winning the Senate has greatly decreased, Schumer said. Advertisement Advertisement I say it is a much wider path than the skeptics think, Schumer said later, and a much wider path than it was three months ago and certainly a year ago. And it keeps getting better and better, and we think we have a really good chance of winning back the Senate. Political strategists have urged Democrats running in competitive House and Senate races not to center their campaigns around Trump. The core focus of any candidate running in 2026 has to be focused on the reality that these affordability concerns, even one year later, still exist, Republican strategist Kevin Madden previously told The Hill. The results of the 2025 races in select states underscored just how prominent those concerns are with swing voters right now. Trump and his allies have aggressively pushed states to redraw congressional maps ahead of the midterms to help secure additional GOP wins, prompting blue states like California to take similar measures favoring Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Susan Del Percio, a veteran Republican strategist, warned those efforts could blunt a 2018-style blue wave, in an election typically seen a referendum on the president. These are all going to be close elections, she previously told The Hill. Trump on Thursday told Sean Hannity on Fox News that the presidents party always loses in a midterm year, no matter how much they accomplish in two years. And, you know, youd think itd be like a 50/50 deal, Trump said. Even if the presidents done a great job. I think weve done a great job. Weve done maybe the best job ever in the first year, but they always seem to lose the midterm. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has questioned the validity of his election losses since starting in politics a decade ago. After his 2016 loss in the Iowa GOP caucus to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), he claimed election fraud and vowed to investigate. In 2020, Trump repeatedly told supporters that the only way he would lose was if the election is rigged, then continued to claim the 2020 election was stolen after he lost to former President Biden, ultimately directing angry supporters to the Capitol before the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. Trump issued similar warnings during the 2024 campaign, though these dissipated following his victory over former Vice President Kamala Harris. 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 The Hill. State Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, speaks in the Senate on Sept. 10, 2025 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). Missouri Senate Democrats blocked debate on more than a dozen gubernatorial appointments Thursday, bringing the chamber to a standstill and vowing to spend the year slowing down the legislative process. For two hours Thursday, a Democratic filibuster prevented the Senate from considering appointments by Gov. Mike Kehoe to various boards and commissions. With no end in sight, the Senate adjourned for the week without taking the appointments up for a vote. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats argued their stall tactics were an effort to restore the Senates role as the more deliberative legislative chamber that thoroughly vets bills before they go to governor. Its probably more important than ever that there is at least one entity in this government that serves as a speed check, said state Sen. Stephen Webber, a Columbia Democrat, that says whoa, were gonna pump the brakes and do our jobs. If we do, well get better public policy. The filibuster was the fulfillment of a threat Democrats made before the legislative session began earlier this month. The party, which holds only 10 of the Senates 34 seats, fumed as Republicans invoked a rarely-used rule to cut off debate four times last year to pass an abortion ban amendment, repeal expanded sick leave, put initiative petition changes on the ballot and approve a gerrymandered congressional map. Advertisement Advertisement Most expected Democrats to show up on the sessions first day ready to engage in procedural trench warfare, using the few tools available to them to slow the chamber to a crawl and exact some measure of payback. But the Senate proceeded for the first two weeks with no drama though mostly ceremonial and procedural business. That changed Thursday, when it tried to conduct its first real business of the year by approving gubernatorial appointments. Democrats didnt focus on Republicans cutting off debate last year. Instead, they spent Thursday afternoon digging into legislation they argue the Senate rubber stamped that should have received more scrutiny. State Sen. Tracy McCreery, an Olivette Democrat, pointed to last years capital gains tax cut, which was approved by the Senate despite concerns that the estimated $111 million annual revenue reduction was inaccurate. Advertisement Advertisement The state budget director now says the revenue loss could be as much as $500 million the first year and $360 million annual thereafter. Webber said the same could be said of the gerrymandered congressional map. A lawsuit claims one Kansas City precinct was accidentally placed in two different districts, something Webber said would have been avoided if the Senate didnt rush the map through the process. If wed spent some time drawing it ourselves, he said, that wouldnt have happened. Democrats also questioned whether the Senate is doing a good enough job vetting gubernatorial appointments. Somewhere along the way, McCreery said, it feels like senators have slowly been removed from the process. Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Steven Roberts, a St. Louis Democrat and member of the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee, asked President Pro Tem Cindy OLaughlin, a Shelbina Republican and the committees chair, about the process to approve reappointments. My understanding is, for reappointments, and these are folks who may be reappointed for six years later, we dont really have any background information on them, Roberts said. You would have to ask the Governors Office, OLaughlin said. Roberts said he was struck by the lack of public hearings of the state Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. OLaughlin is sponsoring two nominees for that board. Advertisement Advertisement It just caught me by surprise that by this one, it seems like all of their meetings are closed, and it gives me a little bit of concern, Roberts said. Roberts asked OLaughlin whether the board sends newsletters about their decision-making process. No, I have never even thought about that, OLaughlin said. I do think a lot of people feel that way about us. But all of our meetings have to be public, Roberts said. Well, supposedly, OLaughlin responded. State Sen. Jason Bean, a Holcomb Republican, said Thursdays Democratic filibuster didnt come as a surprise. We knew this was going to occur, because of what happened last session, he said, adding: Up until now, weve run pretty smoothly. Weve still got a long session ahead of us, and well just see what that brings. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats have no intention of killing the appointments that were stalled Thursday. But Webber said the filibuster is a sign of things to come, with his party trying to force a much slower legislative pace and demanding more oversight. Ive had Republicans come to me, he said, and say they want to get back to the way the Senate has been in the past. Under Armour is shaking up its C-suite. On Thursday, the Baltimore-based company named Kara Trent chief merchandising officer and said that Yassine Saidi, chief product officer, will transition to become a senior adviser to the company. More from WWD Succeeding Trent as president, Americas, her former position, will be Adam Peake. The moves, which are effective Feb. 2, are intended to accelerate the companys transformation by sharpening execution, reinforcing operational discipline, and aligning product, brand, and go-to-market leadership under a unified operating model to drive sustainable growth and improved financial performance, the company said. Trent will oversee the companys product line, assortment planning and channel segmentation. Saidi, who was handpicked by former Under Armour chief executive officer Stephanie Linnartz, joined the company with much fanfare in January 2024 after a long career at Adidas and Puma. In his new role, Saidi will advise on design expression and creative continuity, Under Armour said. Linnartz left the company in 2024 after just a year at the helm and founder Kevin Plank returned to the top post. Our transformation is gaining momentum as we take deliberate actions to sharpen our focus, strengthen our operational rigor, and elevate how we serve athletes, said Plank. These moves bring clarity, cohesion and energy to the work ahead. Im confident in the leadership were putting in place and inspired by the path were building together. Trent, who has been with Under Armour for a decade, also served as managing director of Europe, Middle East and Africa for the company. She too joined Under Armour from Puma, where she had served as senior director of merchandising, lifestyle apparel and footwear. She also spent five years as a buyer for Reebok. Peake has been with UA for 16 years and served most recently as a senior vice president of strategy. He will oversee the companys business in North and South America with responsibility for marketplace strategy, distribution and omnichannel growth. Under Armour is in the midst of a reinvention campaign. The once-high-flying brand has been hampered by a series of challenges that led it to report a net loss of $18.8 million on revenue of $1.3 billion in the second quarter ended Sept. 30. North American sales fell by 8 percent to $792 million in the period, a decline the company attributed to a decline in full-price wholesale business and lower e-commerce sales. Denmark and Greenland still have a fundamental disagreement with the U.S. over President Donald Trumps desire to control the Arctic territory, Denmarks foreign minister said Wednesday. Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenland counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, finally had their chance to try to turn down the temperature at the White House after more than a year of aggressive internet trolling, statements and demands from the U.S. Their conversation did little to dissuade Trump and his team from their hold on Greenland. We didnt manage to change the American position, Rasmussen told reporters after the meeting. Its clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the Kingdom. Advertisement Advertisement Rasmussen and Motzfeldt took pains to describe the session as respectful, frank and constructive but their frustration that their longtime ally would not cooperate was clear. It is of course very emotional for all of us, Rasmussen said. The U.S., Denmark and Greenland agreed in the meeting to convene high-level working groups to see if they could find a way forward, but Rasmussen said he was unsure whether it would be possible. One EU diplomat, granted anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the sensitive talks, said this was a positive outcome because the sides agreed to keep the lines of diplomacy open. Trump said later Wednesday while signing executive orders at the White House that he was still deciding how to address his concerns about Greenland, which he said the U.S. needs for his planned Golden Dome missile defense system. Advertisement Advertisement "If we dont go in Russias going to go in and Chinas going to go in," he said and declined to rule out using military force. "Theres not a thing that Denmark can do about it if Russia or China wants to occupy Greenland. But theres everything we can do, we found that out last week with Venezuela," Trump said. "I cant rely on Denmark being able to fend themselves off. Demands that would violate Denmark and Greenlands sovereignty are totally unacceptable, Rasmussen said. Denmark has contributed $15 billion to Arctic security over the past two years and has pressed the U.S. and other NATO countries to do more through the alliance, Rasmussen said in the briefing to reporters. Denmark announced earlier Wednesday that it would beef up its security presence in Greenland, which has been under Danish control for nearly 300 years. Advertisement Advertisement The officials noted much of what Trump and his team continue to say about Greenland is untrue, including Trumps often repeated claim that Greenland is crawling with Russian and Chinese warships. Rasmussen said there has not been a Chinese warship in the Arctic for a decade. Those statements and Trumps threatening tone do not yield a constructive dialogue, Rasmussen said. It is not easy to think innovatively about solutions when you wake up every morning to different threats, he said. Zoya Sheftalovich contributed to this report. The developer building Heritage Park at the former UConn campus in West Hartford is proposing a project in another town. Its 266 apartments just off Glastonburys Main Street, with nearly a third of them to be priced at state-designated affordable rents. Domenic Carpionato of Rhode Island wants to put up a series of three- to four-story buildings near Main Street at Griswold Street in what would become one of the largest residential complexes in town. Advertisement Advertisement Its one of two major developments envisioned for Glastonburys Main Street: The Greenwich-based HB Nitkin Group is proposing about 170 apartments in a mixed-use project that would entail demolishing a pair of existing commercial buildings. The projects arent linked, but if both are built, theyd significantly change the appearance of the town center. Both developers are going before town environmental boards on Thursday to discuss their plans. The proposal from HB Nitkin involves a significant amount of first-floor retail along with market-rate apartments, and is subject to standard zoning review. But Carpionatos proposal was filed under Connecticuts 8-30g law, which gives affordable housing developers a powerful advantage by making many zoning standards irrelevant to their applications. The 8-30g law applies to towns with less than 10% of its housing designated as affordable by state measurements. Glastonbury stood at just 5.23% in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Glastonbury has acknowledged it needs more rental housing, The town had just under 14,500 housing units in 2023, with the vast majority of them single-family homes. Glastonburys housing authority keeps a list of more than 1,100 applicants for its inventory of fewer than 470 homes, and most town residents report they personally know people who could use moderate-priced local housing, a local affordable housing committee concluded. Almost 60% of community survey respondents indicated they knew someone who could benefit from affordable housing. The wait list and community awareness of need demonstrate that Glastonbury needs additional affordable housing units, according to Glastonburys 2022 affordability plan. Carpionato, executive vice president of the Carpionato Group that built Avon Village Center, is the chief developer of Heritage Park, the sprawling residential and commercial complex planned at the former UConn campus in West Hartford. Advertisement Advertisement The 266-apartment proposal will go to a Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on Jan. 20, and Carpionato is asking the Conservation Commission on Thursday to give it a positive endorsement. Plans show a four-story building with 71 apartments, four three- to four-story buildings with between 40 and 62 units each, and a clubhouse. The 8-30g application requires the developer to set aside 30 percent of the apartments at state-approved affordable lease rates for 40 years, but the other 70 percent can be rented at market rates. A few blocks to the south, the HB Nitkin Group wants to put in a mix of ground-floor retail and upper floor apartments on the west side of Main Street between Hebron Avenue and Rankin Road. The company on Thursday night will be asking the inland wetlands board for a permit to redevelop that half-block of Main Street. 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. A federal agent shot a person in the leg in Minneapolis on Wednesday after being assaulted during an arrest, the Department of Homeland Security said, sparking further protests in a city on edge after the deadly shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent earlier this month. In a statement on X, Homeland Security said that federal officers were conducting a "targeted" traffic stop in Minneapolis at about 6:50 p.m. local time. The traffic stop involved a Venezuelan national, who the agency claimed was in the United States without authorization. The person initially fled from federal agents in a vehicle but crashed into a parked car and then took off on foot, according to Homeland Security. An officer attempted to apprehend the person and was assaulted, the agency said. Advertisement Advertisement While they were on the ground struggling, Homeland Security said "two subjects came out of a nearby apartment and also attacked the law enforcement officer with a snow shovel and broom handle." "Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life. The initial subject was hit in the leg," Homeland Security said. "All three subjects ran back into the apartment and barricaded themselves inside." The officer and the person involved in the traffic stop are both in the hospital, according to Homeland Security. A person familiar with the situation told Reuters that the wounded suspect was in stable condition. The two people who allegedly attacked the officer were taken into custody. Advertisement Advertisement In a statement, the Minnesota Department of Criminal Apprehension said that it is investigating a "use-of-force incident" involving an ICE officer. "Our team has processed the scene and left the area," the department said on X. "This will be an independent BCA investigation. No further information is available tonight. More information will be released in the coming days." Protesters throwing rocks, ice, and fireworks clashed with law enforcement agents who fired tear gas and crowd-control munitions late into the night following the shooting, which came a week after a U.S. immigration officer fatally shot Good, 37, a U.S. citizen, in her car in Minneapolis. Minneapolis mayor: 'This is not sustainable' Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey renewed his call for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to leave the city after a federal agent shot a man in the leg. The mayor said the presence of federal immigration agents throughout the city and across the state is "creating chaos." Advertisement Advertisement "This is not sustainable. This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in," Frey said during a news conference Wednesday night. "And at the same time, we are trying to find a way forward to keep people safe, to protect our neighbors, to maintain order." Frey also condemned hostile protests in the city and urged people to go home. "We cannot counter Donald Trump's chaos with our own brand of chaos," Frey added. "And I have seen thousands of people throughout our city peacefully protesting. For those that have peacefully protested, I applaud you. For those that are taking the bait, you are not helping, and you are not helping the undocumented immigrants in our city." Federal agents stand guard as community members in Minneapolis protest after federal law enforcement agents were involved in a shooting incident on Jan.14, 2026. Minneapolis police chief says federal agent shot man during a struggle During the news conference, Frey said city officials had "limited" information about the shooting. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said police received a 911 call reporting a shooting on the 600 block of 24th Avenue North. Advertisement Advertisement Preliminary information indicated that there was a "struggle with a federal agent" in front of a residence in the area, according to O'Hara. "During the struggle, the federal agent discharged his weapon, striking one adult male," the police chief said. "The adult male then retreated inside of the residence, where he remained inside and refused to come out." Federal agents later made entry into the residence, and the man was transported the hospital, O'Hara said. He added that the Minneapolis Police Department secured the crime scene, while the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI were at the scene processing evidence. Who was Renee Nicole Good? What we know about the woman killed by ICE Police chief asks protestors to disperse O'Hara confirmed that a crowd was gathering in the area and was "engaging in unlawful acts." He said people were throwing fireworks at officers, who had deployed gas multiple times. Advertisement Advertisement "Police are attempting to disperse this unlawful assembly at this time," O'Hara said. "I urge anyone that is at the scene to leave immediately. This is already a very tense situation, and we do not need this to escalate any further." A large crowd of protesters gathered near the scene of the shooting, according to CBS Minnesota, FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, and the Minnesota Star Tribune. Protesters clashed with federal agents as officers deployed chemical irritants and rubber-coated bullets to push people away from the scene, Fox 9 and the Star Tribune reported. Protesters continued to shout and blow whistles at federal officers. Minneapolis urges residents to remain calm Earlier Wednesday, the City of Minneapolis said on X that it was aware of reports of a shooting involving federal law enforcement in north Minneapolis and was working to confirm additional details. In an update, the city confirmed that a man was shot by federal immigration enforcement agents and was taken to a local hospital with apparent non-life-threatening injuries. Advertisement Advertisement "We understand there is anger. We ask the public to remain calm," the city said on X, reiterating its demands that "ICE leave the city and state immediately." "We stand by our immigrant and refugee communities know that you have our full support," the city added. Walz to Minnesota: Use your phones to record ICE injustices The incident came after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called on the public to use their phones to record federal agents conducting immigration enforcement operations in the state. His appeal comes a week after Good, 37, was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis amid an enforcement action on Jan. 7. "Help us establish a record of exactly whats happening in our communities," Walz said in an address on Wednesday. "Help us create a database not just to establish a record for posterity but for future prosecutions." Advertisement Advertisement State and local officials have clashed with federal authorities over the latest violence in an ongoing nationwide immigration crackdown. Tensions have also remained high across the city, with thousands of protesters marching and gathering to condemn the aggressive enforcement. Homeland Security has called its activity in Minnesota its "largest immigration operation ever." Immigration authorities say fraud cases from the pandemic in the state, which officials have alleged is tied to Somali immigrants, are what led to the surge in federal agents. Earlier on Wednesday, President Donald Trump said he would cut off federal funding next month for any state that includes sanctuary cities where officials have prohibited local law enforcement from cooperating in federal immigration enforcement operations. 'Beautiful light of our family.' Goods family reveals new details about morning she was killed by ICE Immigration shootings fit growing pattern The fatal shooting of Good by an ICE agent has put a spotlight on previous violent and sometimes deadly interactions involving federal agents carrying out the Trump administrations deportation agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Immigration agents have fired upon at least 10 people since August, USA TODAY has found. In each case, agents shot at drivers or into moving cars a practice that has largely been discouraged by law enforcement because of risks to public safety. Footage of the incidents shows agents swarming vehicles, smashing windows, and trying to pry open car doors within seconds of approaching drivers. On multiple occasions, body camera video and cellphone footage has contradicted federal officials' initial claims about the shootings. Similarities between the various shootings have raised concerns among public officials, judges, and policing experts over the aggressive tactics used by federal agents nationwide. Read more here. Christopher Cann Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minneapolis shooting: Homeland Security says agent shot man in leg What used to take weeks or months can now take minutes thanks to rapid DNA testing technology. In the next few weeks, the King County Sheriffs Office will officially launch its rapid testing program on real cases. The department will be the first in Western Washington to officially roll out the program. The machine can process DNA in about 90 minutes. The presumptive-positive matches that are identified will still be sent to the state crime lab for full forensic analysis. That will ensure any findings will hold up in court. Advertisement Advertisement Still, the machine can drastically reduce the number of samples that the department has to send for testing. Instead of creating this large backlog at the state and testing everything, we can eliminate those that maybe arent viable, said Captain Chris Leyba with the King County Sheriffs Office. So the ones that truly are viable, we can get them done quicker and bring justice for those people faster. The department got the machine in November and has been piloting it with mock samples. Once the pilot program is complete, the department will begin using the machine for felony property crimes, out of an abundance of caution for the new technology. Leyba said the machines presumptive positive matches are 99.9% likely to be a correct match. Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, it could speed up investigations, victim identifications and help solve cold cases nationwide. The upfront cost for the full kit is $230,000. King County secured its first one using a federal grant. The department is working to acquire a second one right now. Jim Fuda, director of Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound, expects it will dramatically improve efficiency in investigations. I think it could bring a lot of closure and solve a lot of crimes as well, Fuda said. Fuda also sees potential for the technology to help curb human trafficking. Lets say you got a guy walking across the border holding two kids hands and you swab their mouth, and in 90 minutes, you know if those kids belong to them or not, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Once King County officially begins using the machine for cases, it will be the first of its kind to be up-and-running in Western Washington. Theres a team of agencies around the state working on this, Leyba said. Obviously, we want to make sure we do it right because we want to be responsible with the technology and with peoples individual liberties. But long term, this is huge. The department aims to begin using the machine for real cases in early February. The Wake County Sheriff's Office said a man was taken into custody after leading law enforcement officers on a pursuit involving a stolen car. On Wednesday, around 1:40 p.m., deputies spotted a reported stolen vehicle and tried to pull it over near Louis Stephens Drive and Morrisville Parkway. The driver did not stop. Deputies pursued the car onto I-40 W, I-885, NC-147, and onto surface streets in Durham. Advertisement Advertisement The North Carolina State Highway Patrol got involved and chased the driver to Medical Park Drive in Durham, where the driver stopped the car and ran off. A juvenile passenger also got out and ran a short distance before stopping. Stay on top of breaking news stories with the ABC11 News App Deputies detained the passenger, who was not expected to face a juvenile petition, the sheriff's office told ABC11. The Durham County Sheriff's Office and the Durham Police Department joined troopers and deputies in the search for the driver near Sudbury Road, not far from Duke Regional Hospital. The driver, identified as Zakaree Johnson, 18, was eventually found and taken into custody near Ben Franklin Boulevard. Advertisement Advertisement Johnson was charged with with flee to elude arrest, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, hit and run leaving the scene, reckless driving to endanger, resisting public officer, no operators license, and possession of stolen goods/property. The incident was one of three pursuits in the Triangle on Wednesday. One began around 6:15 a.m. in Wake County and ended 14 miles away when the driver crashed the car in a ditch near Sherron Road in Durham. The other chase ended on Spectrum Drive near Knightdale. A driver eventually hit two sheriff's office vehicles before being taken into custody. ABC11 is tracking crime and safety across Durham, Raleigh and in your neighborhood A U.S. Navy ship will be named for the state of Idaho for the first time in more than a century, and now it will also carry the name of a driving force in public office for the state, too. Former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne has been given the rare distinction of having his name attached to a space aboard the newest U.S. submarine specifically the engine room. The honor was recently granted by USS Idaho Navy Commander C.J. Guillerault as the nuclear-powered sub nears commissioning later this year. The drive he demonstrated as the 30th governor of Idaho, propelling the state forward in technology and conservation, is the same drive and enthusiasm he has demonstrated in support of USS Idaho, Guillerault wrote in a Jan. 6 letter to U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho. A plaque will be prominently displayed stating The Honorable Dirk A. Kempthorne, A Driving Force for the Great State of Idaho, Whose Legacy Endures, Above and Below the Waves. Advertisement Advertisement Kempthorne, 74, Idahos governor from 1999 to 2006, has in recent years served as chairman of the commissioning advisory committee for the USS Idaho. In addition, hes been a longtime advocate of the submarine, and the states name returning to a Navy vessel since a battleship was commissioned with the moniker in 1919. That ship, which saw military action in Japan during World War II, was decommissioned in 1946, according to a prior report from the Idaho Statesman. U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, center, and former Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, center right, stand to be recognized during the State of the State address at the Idaho Capitol on Monday. From left to right, they are joined by former Gov. Butch Otter, former Idaho first lady Vicki Risch and former Idaho first lady Patricia Kempthorne. (Sarah A. Miller/smiller@idahostatesman.com) Risch served three years as Kempthornes lieutenant governor before succeeding him as Idahos 31st governor for a seven-month stint in 2006. Last month, Risch made a formal request by phone of Guillerault to grant the honor aboard the USS Idaho to Kempthorne. Dirks contributions to our great state and our nation are significant. His leadership and dedication to the USS Idaho Commissioning Committee is a true testament to Dirks resounding love for the Gem State, Risch said in a statement. It was my great honor to request the USS Idahos engine room be named for my dear friend and Idahos former governor, Dirk Kempthorne. The two former governors were among invited dignitaries for Gov. Brad Littles annual State of the State address on Monday to kick off the 2026 session of the Idaho Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Kempthorne who went on to serve from 2006 to 2009 as U.S. interior secretary under President George W. Bush announced last year that he was diagnosed with cancer. Despite undergoing treatment, Kempthornes diagnosis has progressed into Stage 4 cancer, according to his daughter. Last month, Kempthorne, a 1975 University of Idaho graduate, also was awarded the Presidents Medallion at his alma maters winter commencement. The honor, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of him earning his bachelors degree at the U of I, is given to those who have made significant contributions to Idahos cultural, economic, scientific or social advancement, offered notable service to the state or nation and improved the well-being of humankind. The new USS Idaho will be the fifth Navy ship named for the Gem State, according to a news release. Idaho is where the first nuclear submarine reactor was built in 1951 at what is today known as the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls. PANAMA CITY BEACH A fire broke out at Zoo World and claimed the lives of several animals. Zoo World is a popular local zoological park at 9008 Front Beach Road in Panama City Beach. A Bay County spokesperson said that authorities received the call about a fire at 5 a.m. from a citizen who was in the area. Zoo World is pictured after a fire on Jan. 15, 2026, in Panama City Beach, Florida. The Bay County Sheriff's Office arrived two minutes later, with the first fire engine arriving at 5:07 a.m. Panama City Beach Fire Rescue and Naval Support Activity Panama City Fire & Emergency Services assisted Bay County Fire Rescue in extinguishing the flames. Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters managed to get the fire under control by 5:16 a.m. The fire broke out in the lemur area at the backside of the park's administration building. Six ruffed lemurs were killed in the blaze, and two others were taken to veterinary hospitals, where their condition is unknown. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the fire marshal, with a spokesperson saying they don't believe the blaze was set by any individual. A stuffed lemur is displayed in the window of Zoo World's gift shop after a fire on Jan. 15, 2026, in Panama City Beach, Florida. Officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were present when reporters arrived on scene. A spokesperson said the agency was there to assist Zoo World staff and partner law enforcement agencies. Advertisement Advertisement The park announced on Facebook that facilities will be closed to the public Jan. 15-16. "The zoo will be closed while our teams assess and plan repairs to structures (damaged) this morning by a fire located just behind the gift shop building," the park wrote on Facebook. "At this time, we are working with the appropriate authorities to understand what happened. The safety of our animals, staff and guests is our top priority." More on local firefighters: See the photos: Fire Station 32 opens to fanfare in Panama City Beach When a News Herald reporter was on scene around 11 a.m. on Jan. 15, the area still smelled like smoke, although no structural damage was visible from the street. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Fire kills six lemurs at Zoo World in Panama City Beach (Photo courtesy of the Iowa Board of Medicine) An eastern Iowa plastic surgeon, who has been accused of negligence by six Iowans, has been charged by state regulators with professional incompetence. The Iowa Board of Medicine has charged Dr. Kahlil Jihad Andrews of Coralville with practicing medicine in a manner that is harmful or detrimental to the public, professional incompetence, and improper management of medical records. Advertisement Advertisement The board has not publicly disclosed any information as to the conduct that gave rise to the charges other than to say it took place while Andrews worked as a surgeon in the Coralville area. State records indicate the charges stem from two separate investigations initiated in 2023 and 2024. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A hearing on the charges is scheduled for March 25 and 26, 2026. Dr. Andrews appreciates the boards commitment to fulfilling its critical mission while he continues to honor his own commitment to the best possible outcomes for his patients within the standard of care, Andrews said in a written statement to the Iowa Capital Dispatch. He respectfully, but categorically, denies the allegations and charges asserted by the board and will proceed to defend his care while ensuring that he receives the due process to which he is entitled under Iowa law. Advertisement Advertisement Andrews has been an Iowa-licensed physician since October 2012. Six Iowans have alleged negligence In 2018, Andrews and Physicians Clinic of Iowa were sued for negligence by Maria Bowman and LaDonna Fairbanks of Linn County, each of whom alleged they were left with deformities resulting from operations performed by Andrews. Andrews and the clinic denied any wrongdoing. Both women subsequently dropped their lawsuits. The available court records make no mention of any out-of-court settlements. In 2022, Sandra Strunk-Sosalla of Linn County sued Andrews and Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery for negligence related to an alleged chin implant deformity. After corrective surgery was performed to install a second implant, Strunk-Sosalla allegedly lost movement in her lower lip, which led to problems with speaking and eating, as well as the removal of the second implant and a series of treatments at the Mayo Clinic. The case went to trial, where a jury found no fault with Andrews care. In November 2023, Jocelyn Meade of Johnson County sued Andrews and Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, alleging she sustained nerve damage and significant scarring resulting from liposuction and an abdominoplasty performed by Andrews. Andrews and the clinic denied any wrongdoing, and the lawsuit was dropped in April 2024 with no mention of an out-of-court settlement. Advertisement Advertisement Also in November 2023, Kelsi Ziemann of Polk County sued Andrews and Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery for negligence related to liposuction and several other procedures that allegedly led to infections, swelling, scarring and disfigurement. Andrews and the clinic have denied any wrongdoing. Court records indicate the case remains open and active. In December 2025, Taylor Worrall of Dubuque County sued Andrews and Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery for negligence related to liposuction and other procedures that allegedly led to infections, blistering, abscesses and disfigurement. The case remains open and active, although court records show Andrews and the clinic have not yet filed responses to the allegations. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A Modern S Construction worker who is not wearing fall protection is standing on a small roof awning, holding onto the main roof with one arm. An Edgewood construction company faces four workplace safety violations and $258,514 in fines after multiple inspections, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries shared in a press release. Modern S Construction LLC has been inspected six times over the last three years and cited for not protecting its workers from falls, the release read. Two of the violations are classified as willful serious, meaning the employer knowingly failed to comply with the legal requirement and the hazards would likely have resulted in death or physical harm. Advertisement Advertisement The first of those violations, with the largest penalty of $165,514, occurred on March 17 last year when an employee was observed performing work above 11 feet without a guardrail, safety attendant or any other adequate protective system. This violation was corrected during the inspection, the release said. The second willful serious violation states that the company did not ensure a written Fall Protection Work Plan was available on site for inspection. Without this, fall hazards may not be identified and employees may not be aware of site-specific protection requirements, the release said. The penalty for this citation is $91,800. Advertisement Advertisement The other two violations are classified as repeat general, meaning the employers has been cited one or more times for similar violations in the past. One of those violations states that the company did not provide safety meetings for review when requested, and is penalized with a $960 fine. The second repeated violation occurred when an inspection found that four employees were doing construction work without a person in charge who has valid first-aid certification, which is penalized by a $240 fine. The company did not appeal the most recent citation and fine. Modern S Construction LLC, along with several other Washington construction companies, are a part of the Labor and Industries Severe Violators Enforcement Program. Advertisement Advertisement Employers in this program are subject to increased scrutiny and mandatory follow-up inspections. For 20 years in a row, falls from heights are the most cited serious workplace safety violation in Washington, the release read. Verizon, one of the largest phone carriers in the U.S., sparked backlash last year when it took a major step to make it harder for customers to ditch the company and switch to another phone carrier. In May, Verizon sent a request to the Federal Communications Commission to waive a rule that required it to automatically unlock a phone it sells to a customer after 60 days. This requirement was first established after Verizon purchased licenses to use 700MHz spectrum in 2008 and was reaffirmed when it acquired TracFone in 2021. In the FCC filing, Verizon argued that devices should be locked for longer than 60 days, as the current rule it has to adhere to contributes to fraud, enabling device trafficking. Recent industry experience shows that even a lock of 60 days does not deter device fraud a huge and growing problem in the United States and instead enables trafficking in devices that are illicitly sent to foreign marketplaces, said Verizon in the request. This is why the industry standard for providers not subject to the Unlocking Rule is a minimum of 6 months or longer. Verizon also said that unlocking phones after 60 days makes devices less affordable for low-income customers. Waiving this rule will benefit consumers because it will allow Verizon to continue offering subsidies and other mechanisms to make phones more affordable, lower upfront costs, and enable customers to obtain the latest and most innovative devices, said Verizon. In response to the filing, Verizon faced blowback from consumers and advocacy groups who flagged the move as anti-consumer behavior. The company also faced criticism from telecom giant Dish Network, which claimed that Verizon shouldnt be able to create its own phone unlocking rules, and that a single rule should be established to apply to all phone carriers. Verizon claims that locking phones for longer than 60 days will deter fraud and keep costs low.Shuttershock Shuttershock Verizon scores a win after its request to lock phones for longer Despite recent opposition, Verizon has scored a win, as the FCC has approved its request to waive the 60-day phone unlocking requirement. In a press release, the FCC claims that its decision closes a loophole that criminals have exploited to steal handsets and commit other crimes. It claimed that Verizons stolen handsets have even been resold on the black market for premium prices on the dark web, particularly in countries like Russia, China, and Cuba. Verizon told the FCC that it saw a spike in fraud of approximately 55% after its purchase of TracFone required it to move from its earlier policy of a one-year lock to a 60-day lock. Sophisticated criminal networks have exploited the FCCs handset unlocking policies to carry out criminal acts including transnational handset trafficking schemes and facilitating broader criminal enterprises like drug running and human smuggling, said FFC Chair Brendan Carr in the press release. Related: Verizon cracks down on internet customers violating key rule By waiving a regulation that incentivized bad actors to target one particular carriers handsets for theft, we now have a uniform industry standard that can help stem the flow of handsets into the black market, he continued. The FCC says that just like its wireless competitors, Verizon will now provide unlocking services in alignment with the CTIA Consumer Code for Wireless Service, established in 2013. These voluntary unlocking standards cover disclosure, postpaid and prepaid unlocking policies, notice, response time, and unlocking policy for deployed military personnel, it stated. The FCCs decision to waive the rule follows a proposal by former FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel in 2024 to require all phone providers to adhere to a 60-day phone unlocking rule. Real competition benefits from transparency and consistency, said Rosenworcel in the proposal. That is why we are proposing clear, nationwide mobile phone unlocking rules. When you buy a phone, you should have the freedom to decide when to change service to the carrier you want and not have the device you own stuck by practices that prevent you from making that choice. Consumers arent happy about Verizons new freedom Some consumers took to social media platform Reddit to criticize the FCCs decision to waive the rule. Some have flagged that this change will make traveling internationally more difficult, as they wont have the ability to use a local SIM card to avoid Verizons international roaming fees due to their phone being locked. Well this just sucks. Having my phone unlocked made it so easy to use over in Europe when i visited last summer. I just added an Esim and didn't worry about it, wrote one consumer. We are going backward with this ruling. Anti consumer, wrote another. What a fail, FCC. Most countries do not carrier-lock devices. Verizon already gets SSN, address, etc., and already has the ability to send you to collections if you don't pay. They already do credit checks. Carrier-locking only serves to prevent folks from taking devices to other carriers, and prevents them from travelling with local plans abroad, forcing them to pay for Verizon's international passes, claimed another consumer. Verizon recently lost a concerning number of customers Verizons push to keep phones locked for longer than 60 days comes during a time when it is rapidly losing customers after enforcing a series of price hikes and discount removals. It is also facing heightened competition from rival phone carriers and cable companies, which have all been ramping up their slate of deals and perks to attract new customers. In Verizons latest earnings report, it revealed that it lost 7,000 postpaid phone customers during the third quarter of 2025, with its churn rate reaching 0.91%. This elevated loss is no surprise, since more consumers nationwide are seeking more affordable phone plan options, such as those offered by mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), amid rising prices, according to a survey from WhistleOut last year. How Americans are responding to higher phone bills: The average cost of a single-line phone plan is $76 per month . Verizon customers spend an average of $79 per month on a single-line phone plan. About 42% of Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T customers have seen their phone bills increase in the past year, which is 7% higher than average. Also, 58% of Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T customers are contemplating switching to a different phone carrier as prices go up. Additionally, 34% of these customers said they'd c onsider switching to an MVNO within the next year. Verizon risks losing a combined 84.7 million customers due to high mobile plan pricing. Source: WhistleOut In the wake of economic uncertainty and rising prices, many people are realizing that they can save by switching their phone service to smaller carriers called MVNOs, wrote Max McCaskill, senior staff writer at WhistleOut, in the survey. These carriers use the major carrier networks, but at significantly lower cost. Verizon is doubling down on customer retention Verizon also recently made a bold leadership change a few months ago. On Oct. 6, the phone carrier appointed Dan Schulman as its new CEO, and he plans to transform the company to help curb its poor performance. During an earnings call in October, he criticized Verizons previous price increases. He stated that the companys primary goal going forward will be to build loyalty and drive significant improvements in retention. You should expect bold execution powered by sophisticated and smart marketing, actions that strengthen loyalty and the elimination of practices and processes that detract from the customer experience, said Schulman. Raising rates without corresponding value rarely, if ever, delights customers. More Telecom News: However, Schulmans pledge to turn around the company has drawn doubts. In an analyst note in October, Morningstar analyst Michael Hodel wrote that Verizon is still expected to lag behind its top rivals. Wireless competitive intensity has increased recently, but we expect Verizon and its two primary wireless rivals, T-Mobile and AT&T, to compete rationally in the coming years, said Hodel. That said, we expect Verizon to struggle to grow as fast as its rivals, even with new CEO Dan Schulman's pledge to focus more intently on customer satisfaction than in the past. Verizon has recently launched bold offers to retain and attract customers. For example, in November, it offered select customers discounts of up to $20 off per phone line for a year. That same month, it also launched several deals on phones, tablets, and watches, with no trade-in required. Verizons increased focus on keeping customers happy follows a recent survey from J.D. Power, which found that the company lags behind T-Mobile and MVNOs in terms of consumer satisfaction rates. Phone carrier consumer satisfaction rates for postpaid phone plans: The average consumer satisfaction score for postpaid plans under traditional carriers is 593 (on a 1,000-point scale). Specifically, T-Mobile ranks the highest in the segment with a satisfaction score of 636 . Verizon takes second place with a 583 score. AT&T falls behind Verizon with a satisfaction score of 573 . MVNOs, however, have an average satisfaction score of 641. Source: J.D. Power The findings show that value is the most important driver of the overall experience, followed closely by service quality, said Carl Lepper, senior director of technology, media and telecom at J.D. Power, in a press release. Related: T-Mobile makes bold phone plan change after customer losses This story was originally published by TheStreet on Jan 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retail section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Attorney General Ken Paxton has reached a settlement with Cal-Maine Foods Inc., requiring the major egg supplier to donate more than 2 million eggs to food banks statewide after allegations of illegal price hikes during the COVID-19 crisis. The agreement resolves a lawsuit filed in April 2020 accusing Cal-Maine of violating state law by inflating egg prices by about 300%. As part of the deal, the company will provide 180,000 dozen large brown or white eggs over the next 120 days. My office will crack down on any corporation illegally raising prices on Texans, Attorney General Paxton said in a news release. Cal-Maine tried to take advantage of the people of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this settlement is an important step towards securing justice for the companys unethical actions. Advertisement Advertisement Our efforts to hold Cal-Maine accountable have secured reforms that will help prevent any further illegal price gouging and over two million free eggs that will be distributed by food banks across the state. The eggs will go to various organizations: at least 30,000 dozen each to the North Texas Food Bank and Houston Food Bank; 20,000 dozen each to the Tarrant Area Food Bank, Central Texas Food Bank, and San Antonio Food Bank; 10,000 dozen each to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, East Texas Food Bank, and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank; 5,000 dozen each to the Coastal Bend Food Bank, South Texas Food Bank, Southeast Texas Food Bank, and South Plains Food Bank; and 2,000 dozen each to the High Plains Food Bank, the West Texas Food Bank, the Food Bank of West Central Texas, the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent, and the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank. Cal-Maine is also prohibited from charging prices during declared disaster periods that breach the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, aiming to curb future violations like those in 2020. The settlement marks a rare moment of corporate accountability from the pandemics chaotic early months. While toilet paper shortages grabbed headlines, many essential food items saw dramatic price spikes, hurting vulnerable Texans the most. The yellow-spotted woodland salamander. (Photo by Kevin Hutcheson) An environmental advocacy group that seeks to protect endangered species is suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to force a decision from the agency on whether to protect an imperiled salamander found only in Appalachia. The Center for Biological Diversity in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday alleges the wildlife management agency failed to protect the yellow-spotted woodland salamander by missing a deadline to make a decision on whether the salamander should be protected under the Endangered Species Act. Advertisement Advertisement The center stated in a press release there were only a few hundred of the salamanders remaining, endemic to Appalachian states including Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee and Virginia. The lawsuit asks for a judge to force the agency to make a decision on whether listing the salamander under the Endangered Species Act is warranted. These are some of the most imperiled salamanders on the planet and they cant wait any longer for protections, said Will Harlan, a senior scientist for the center. Without federal action these salamanders will go extinct on our watch. The center along with other organizations including Kentucky Heartwood, Kentucky Waterways Alliance and Appalachian Voices petitioned the agency in 2022 to protect the salamanders. Taylor Pool, a regional spokesperson for the agency, did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the lawsuit Thursday afternoon. Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit states yellow-spotted woodland salamanders are found in shale and sandstone making it particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation from mining because these areas are targeted by mountain top removal mining. The lawsuit also states the salamander is found on 21 isolated rock outcrops in Appalachia and that new surface mining permits were issued near salamander populations in Eastern Kentucky in Harlan and Letcher counties. The salamander has already lost significant portions of its range to mining, and it will continue to face destruction, modification, and curtailment of its range, the lawsuit states. Other threats include overutilization, disease, predation, invasive species, pollution, and impacts from climate change. Its vulnerability is compounded by its low dispersal. The federal Environmental Protection Agency has been working for decades to minimize the dumping of sewage into the Connecticut River in an attempt to address what an EPA official calls a major pollution concern. Connecticut officials last month asked the federal government for assistance in addressing sewage discharges from wastewater treatment facilities in Massachusetts that then flow down the river into Connecticut. A Jan. 8 letter from Mark Sanborn, EPA New England regional administrator, came in response to that request from Attorney General William Tong and a group of state lawmakers. Advertisement Advertisement Connecticut officials were seeking information on what the federal government is doing to address the sewage dumps, which are called combined sewer overflows, or CSOs, into the river. We share your commitment to protecting the Connecticut River and the health of the communities that depend on it, Sanborn wrote in the letter. We appreciate your advocacy for the river and its users. Aging and undersized sewer infrastructure throughout New England presents significant challenges in more than 70 communities in which stormwater, sewage and industrial wastewater collect in the same pipes, Sanborn wrote. CSOs are used to discharge this material including raw sewage at times into nearby waterways to prevent the sewer systems from becoming overwhelmed and backing the material up into streets, homes and businesses. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, these overflows are a major pollution concern and can lead to beach and shellfish bed closures and other water quality impairments, Sanborn wrote. The EPA has been working with New England municipalities for the past decade to help make infrastructure improvements, which has led to the aggregate volume of CSO discharges falling from more than 20 billion gallons per year to less than 5 billion gallons per year, according to Sanborn, who added that work with Massachusetts is ongoing. These efforts include using permits and enforcement when appropriate to ensure timely progress on long-term CSO control plans; improving infrastructure; helping communities access federal funding; and using data sharing to protect downstream users in Connecticut and elsewhere. Springfield, Holyoke and Chicopee are responsible for much of the sewage discharges into the Connecticut River. Here is breakdown of efforts underway in those municipalities and in Hartford to reduce pollution in the waterway, according to Sanborns letter. Springfield The EPA has worked with the city of Springfield on CSO reduction since 1996, issuing seven administrative orders between 1997 and 2014. Advertisement Advertisement In 2014, the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission developed a plan recommending capital improvements at the treatment plant and within its collection system. The plan includes six phases, running through 2037, to reduce annual average CSO discharges from 441 million gallons to 59 million gallons, which would be a decrease of nearly 87%. Holyoke The EPA has been working with the city of Holyoke on CSO reduction since 1995, issuing eight administrative orders over the past 30 years. In March 2023, the EPA, the U.S. Department of Justice and the commonwealth of Massachusetts entered into a judicial consent decree with the Holyoke to address violations of the Clean Water Act. Advertisement Advertisement The agreement requires Holyoke to take further actions to reduce ongoing sewage discharges into the Connecticut River. Since 2000, Holyoke has reduced is discharges from roughly 517 million gallons per year to about 189 million per year, of which 63 million gallons were not treated, according to the EPA. The municipality anticipates further reducing CSO discharges to roughly 84 million gallons per year by 2037, a reduction of about 84%, according to the EPA. Chicopee The EPA has been working with the city of Chicopee on CSO reduction since 2005, and entered into a consent decree with the city a year later. Advertisement Advertisement Chicopee has since reduced its CSO discharges from an estimated 487 million gallons a year to roughly 94 million gallons. A $3 million CSO separation project scheduled for completion this year is expected to remove an additional 18 million gallons of discharge. To date, Chicopee has spent more than $200 million on CSO reduction, leading to an 84% decrease in discharges into the Connecticut River, according to the EPA. Hartford The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has worked with the city of Hartford and the Metropolitan District Commission on reducing CSO and sanitary sewer overflow, or SSO, since 1994. Advertisement Advertisement In 2006, the federal government and DEEP entered into a consent decree with MDC to eliminate SSO discharges into the river and its tributaries, and to require a long-term plan to further reduce SSO and CSO discharges. In 2024, the MDC reported roughly 2.3 billion gallons of CSO and SSO discharges into the Connecticut River and its tributaries, of which 1.18 billion gallons received primary treatment, according to the EPA. The MDC aims to eliminate SSO discharges by the end of this year and to significantly decrease CSO discharges by 2058. While these actions will not eliminate MDCs CSO discharges, they will result in significant benefits to the Connecticut River and its users, Sanborn wrote. Advertisement Advertisement So far, the MDC has spent more than $1 billion on this work and expects to invest another $1.7 billion on additional projects by 2058, according to the EPA. More Western Mass. Content Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Jan. 15EPHRATA Parkway Intermediate School is one of the campuses the Ephrata School District is looking to replace with a proposed $75 million, 25-year school construction bond. The bond measure is set to appear on the Feb. 10, 2026, ballot, and will fund not only a replacement of Parkway but also Grant Elementary's replacement and improvements at Ephrata High School. The facility's condition is what added it to a community group's recommendation for replacement, as the Ephrata School District analyzed its facilities needs over the course of the last year and change. For the district, the conversation is not simply one of modernization, Superintendent Ken Murray said, but of safety, equity and the future of education. Dated campus Advertisement Advertisement A districtcommissioned evaluation recently scored Parkway at 55.4% one of the lowest ratings among Ephrata's schools. According to the comprehensive condition assessment, nearly every major system within the building shows signs of deterioration, from exterior cracking and water intrusion to outdated heating and ventilation systems. Architect Ned Warnick, who participated in the facility study, offered a blunt assessment of the building's condition: "This building is no longer worth putting large amounts of money in to try to bring it up to the level that would be needed for modern education." The physical issues extend beyond comfort. Murray pointed to failures emerging in core infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement "We've had a huge sewer issue, for example, that just is a result of aging infrastructure," he said. District staff and consultants said the sewer issue is just one of several expensive maintenance issues with the facility. Many of the building's shortcomings also have direct implications for learning. Poor insulation and outdated HVAC systems contribute to temperature swings that disrupt classroom focus. Water damage and moisture issues affect indoor air quality. Portions of the plumbing are embedded within the concrete slab, making even routine repairs difficult. Flooring, ceiling tiles and wall finishes show visible age. These problems create a daily backdrop for students and staff one that district leaders say can't be improved with simple patchwork repairs. Spaces & Learning Advertisement Advertisement The reliance of portable classrooms further complicates Parkway's learning environment. As of this school year, around 70% of Parkway students attend at least one class in temporary buildingsstructures never meant to serve as permanent instructional spaces. "It was a high priority for the portables to be replaced," Warnick said, reflecting concerns raised consistently during district planning sessions. While portables provide flexibility, they also create challenges, Warnick said. They often lack the same security features, insulation and soundproofing as traditional buildings. Transitions between classes or to support services frequently require students to walk outdoors, exposing them to weather and limiting integration with the main campus. Alongside the portables, some students are learning in spaces that were formerly storage rooms. The current band classroom is a former storage space located behind the gym long and narrow; the room packs a classroom full of students, with little room to move and poor acoustics. Advertisement Advertisement "I don't know if you have ever seen the room full, but it's bursting at the seams," Murray said. "We cannot house all of our parents and all of our kids, so our students don't get a chance to see their peers perform. We get about half of our student population, half of our parent population coming in, watching kids perform, the kids leave, and another group of kids come in. Ideally, you want your kids to be able to see their peers perform. You just can't do it in this facility. That's the size that this is. If you've ever been here with about half of our parent population, it feels like the entire community is here. We can't put enough seating in there for our parents. We're lining the walls. We're poking our head in from the entry doors." Further, Murray said the combined gym and cafeteria is inadequate for the growing student body. "If you look around, you will see there isn't even enough room for all of the students to participate. They have to take turns during gym class because there simply isn't the space," Murray said. The district sees these issues as central to the discussion about educational equity: students at Parkway, Murray said, deserve the same quality of campus as children in the district's newer facilities. Advertisement Advertisement Community planned The effort to address Parkway's condition is not new, nor was it developed in isolation. Over the past 18 months, the district convened a group of roughly 50 community members including teachers, administrators, former board members, business owners and local residentsto discuss the longterm needs of Ephrata schools. "We had former board administrators, teachers, residents and business owners all contributing to this vision," Ephrata Fire Chief Jeremy Burns said. He said their discussions centered on how to balance immediate safety needs with longterm educational goals. The group's consensus pointed to a full replacement of Parkway as a priority. The facility's low condition score, coupled with ongoing maintenance challenges and instructional limitations, reinforced the current building is no longer meeting student needs. Advertisement Advertisement New campus If the election reaches the minimum voter turnout and 60% of voters approve the bond, the district plans to construct a completely new Parkway Intermediate School. Early descriptions of the project show a facility designed for modern educational practices, including roughly 20 permanent classrooms, a new gymnasium with a fullsize court, expanded activity spaces, uptodate safety and energy systems and technologyready learning environments. Warnick said the design is intended to support both current instructional approaches and future flexibility as educational needs evolve. Such a facility would also allow students and staff who currently operate from detached portables to return to a unified, secure campussomething district leaders describe as a significant improvement to daily educational life. Funding Advertisement Advertisement Financially, the bond would cost property owners an estimated $1.07 increase per $1,000 of assessed value over a 25year period. According to the district, this would be a fiscal impact of nearly $392 annually for a home valued at $300,000. The total estimated cost of the project is $102 million. The district anticipates that the State of Washington's School Construction Assistance Program would contribute as much as $27 million toward the project. Of the total project, around $35.2 million will go to Parkway's replacement, with nearly $26.5 million coming from local dollars. "This proposal reflects both the realities of our facilities and a shared commitment to providing equitable, high-quality learning spaces for every Ephrata student," Murray said. The Ephrata School District will be hosting a Coffee/Cocoa with Ken at the Bookery from 8 to 11 a.m., Jan. 22, for community members to talk directly with the superintendent about the bond or other matters related to the district. The Columbia Basin Herald will follow up on this report with information on the Grant Elementary and Ephrata High School campuses. BEIJING (AP) On the first trip by a Canadian leader to China in eight years, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that the two countries are entering a new era of relations. Carney, who became prime minister 10 months ago, is attempting to repair ties with China following several years of acrimony over issues ranging from Canadas 2018 arrest of a senior Chinese tech executive to 100% Canadian tariffs on China-made electric vehicles. He met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who hailed the turnaround in relations as did Carney, according to a statement from his office later Thursday. Both sides welcomed the renewal of bilateral engagement, the office said, including economic and financial issues, energy and security. Advertisement Advertisement China's official Xinhua News Agency, paraphrasing Li, said he welcomes more Canadian companies to invest in China and hopes that Canada will provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises investing in the country. Carney meets top leader Xi Jinping on Friday. The Canadian government's push to boost ties has been made more pressing by higher import tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. More than 75% percent of Canadas exports go to the U.S., and Carney has set a goal of reducing that reliance by doubling Canadas exports to other countries over the next decade. He held meetings Thursday with several leading Chinese companies including e-commerce giant Alibaba, the state-owned oil company China National Petroleum Corp. and the leading electric vehicle battery producer CATL. Advertisement Advertisement Were ready to build a new partnership one that builds on the best of our past, and responds to the challenges of today, Carney posted on X after his arrival in Beijing on Wednesday night. Canada, following the U.S. lead, announced tariffs of 100% on EVs from China and 25% on steel and aluminum in 2024 under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Carneys predecessor. China responded by imposing duties of 100% on Canadian canola oil and meal and 25% on pork and seafood. It added a 75.8% tariff on canola seeds last August. Collectively, the import taxes effectively closed the Chinese market to Canadian canola exports, an industry group said. China is hoping that Trumps tariffs and other pressure tactics on allies such as Canada will drive them to pursue a foreign policy that is more independent from Americas. The government in Beijing has often accused the U.S. of rallying its allies to gang up on China, particularly under former President Joe Biden, Trumps predecessor. Advertisement Advertisement Canadian authorities incensed China in late 2018 when they detained Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co., at the request of the United States, which wanted her extradited to face charges. China responded by detaining two Canadians on spying charges, casting a pall over relations for more than two years. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, who is accompanying Carney on the trip, told her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that the prime minister looks forward to setting the course for the development of relations and restarting dialogue in various fields, a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said. Wang described Carney's visit as a turning point that is expected to open up new prospects for the relationship, the statement said. Ethiopian police say they have seized thousands of rounds of ammunition sent by Eritrea to a violent armed rebel group, stoking fears of renewed conflict. Eritrea has denied the allegation and accused Ethiopia of "floating false flags to justify the war that it has been itching to unleash for two long years". It comes at a volatile moment for the relationship between the Horn of Africa neighbours, which share a fractious and violent history. Advertisement Advertisement Hopes of tentative peace, forged during a 2020-22 civil war in northern Ethiopia, have of late given way to a war of words over control of the Red Sea. This latest claim appears to be a sign of further escalation. On Wednesday, Ethiopian police said in a Facebook statement that they had seized "more than 56,000 rounds of ammunition" in the Amhara region intended to "arm the Fano" rebels, and had arrested two suspects. "The preliminary investigation conducted on the two suspects who were caught red-handed has confirmed that the ammunition was sent by the Shabiya government" - a term for Eritrea's ruling party - they said. Advertisement Advertisement Eritrea's Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel denied the claim and accused Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party (PP) of seeking a pretext to attack. Relations between the two countries have frequently been strained. After a decades-long battle for independence, Eritrea, which has a 1,350km (840-mile) Red Sea coastline, officially seceded from Ethiopia in 1993, leaving it landlocked. Five years later, a border war erupted in which more than 100,000 people died. In 2018, the two nations signed an historic declaration to normalise relations. Eritrean troops then fought in support of the Ethiopia government during the civil war that broke out in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region. Advertisement Advertisement But relations soured when Eritrea was excluded from the peace deal that ended the conflict in November 2022. In the three years since, Ethiopia's government has been grappling with a violent insurgency, waged by the Fano rebels, who now control large parts of Amhara region, which neighbours Tigray. Eritrea has previously denied meddling in Ethiopian affairs. Ethiopia's calls for access to the Red Sea through Eritrea have caused relations with Eritrea to further strain in recent months. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy first openly declared in 2023 that his nation's access to the sea was an existential matter, which Eritrea dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement In an interview earlier this week with state-run media, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki accused Abiy's party of declaring war on his country. He said Eritrea did not want war, but added: "We know how to defend our nation." Abiy has said Ethiopia does not seek conflict with Eritrea and wants to address the issue of sea access through dialogue. More about Ethiopia from the 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 EUs auditor has called for more robust checks on olive oil after identifying shortcomings in the blocs monitoring systems for quality and safety. While the member states checks for pesticide residues in olive oil originating from EU countries are clear and generally work well, those for other contaminants are less developed, and some rules such as those on blending and traceability checks are not sufficiently clear, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) said in a report issued yesterday (14 January). The EU is the worlds largest producer of olive oils but does import around 9% of its requirement, according to the ECA, which has found inconsistencies on checks from overseas suppliers. Advertisement Advertisement It said monitoring of imports for pesticides and other contaminants is either non-existent or sporadic in the EU countries they visited Belgium, Greece, Italy, and Spain from 2018 to 2023. Joelle Elvinger, the ECA member who headed up the audit, said: While the EU has robust rules, they are not always fully applied. Improving checks, traceability, and legal clarity is essential to protect not only consumers but also the reputation of European olive oil. Consumers must be able to trust the quality and authenticity of the olive oil they buy. The shortcomings were identified despite tight internal regulations on the quality and safety of olive oil, where certain EU requirements must be met, including on traceability, before products can be placed on the market. Advertisement Advertisement Individual countries are responsible for their own checks and control systems, which also include minimum requirements for pesticide testing and verifying labels, along with laboratory analysis and tasting, or organoleptic tests. However, the ECA said it found some conformity checks are incomplete, and parts of the market are sometimes excluded from risk-based inspections, adding: This leaves gaps in the system that can affect quality and, ultimately, consumer confidence. While checks for pesticide residues are well established and effective in the EU, monitoring for other contaminants are inconsistent, the auditor said. The ECA suggested EU member states should follow the example of Spain and Italy the worlds largest olive oil producers which have traceability measures in place throughout the supply chain conducted via electronic registers. Advertisement Advertisement Such measures would help boost transparency and prevent fraud, the ECA said, although it acknowledged cross-border checks are difficult, especially when monitoring olive oil from multiple origins. Spain, Italy and Greece account for around 91% of the EUs olive oil production, according to the ECA. It also called for conformity when checking legal requirements over blending, some of which lack clarity as the ECA suggested the European Commission needs to tighten its own oversight. The European Commission has only a partial understanding of how national control systems operate. Annual reporting and meetings with national authorities do not ensure that all relevant information is shared, thus limiting the Commissions ability to monitor control systems effectively, the auditor claimed. Advertisement Advertisement "EU auditors reveal shortcomings in olive-oil checks" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. The European Commission and the German government have reached a preliminary agreement on plans to subsidize the construction of new gas-fired power stations, the Economy Ministry in Berlin said on Thursday. The ministry said they had agreed with the commission on key elements of Germany's power plant strategy, which is intended to safeguard the countrys energy supply. While he final proposal still requires the formal go-ahead of the commission, which acts as the EU's competition watchdog, Berlin welcomed the breakthrough. Advertisement Advertisement Economy and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche said it marked "a decisive step for security of supply in Germany." The German government argues the additional gas-fired power plants are needed as backups for when renewable energy sources cannot meet electricity demand, for example due to a lack of wind or sunshine. The tentative approval covers additional capacities of 12 gigawatts, which will be put out to tender later this year. Berlin has been arguing that the planned billions in state aid are necessary as gas-fired power plants used as backups would often not be operated to full capacity, making them less profitable and less attractive to investors. Advertisement Advertisement The new plants are likely to be mainly built in Germany's south which is home to large industrial centres but also to electricity grid bottlenecks. Germany's energy transformation Germany has been rapidly changing its energy supplies, and aims to phase-out coal-fired power generation by 2038. It closed its last nuclear power plants in 2023 over safety and environmental concerns, and has been expanding its renewable energy generation. Burning coal emits more greenhouse gas than burning natural gas. The expansion of the electricity grids is lagging behind the expansion of wind power, which is mainly produced in the north and which often needs to be transferred across large distances. Advertisement Advertisement State aid is subject to strict rules in the European Union in order to prevent distortion of competition, often requiring approvals by the commission in Brussels. This is to prevent financially strong countries, such as Germany and France, from giving their companies disproportionate advantages over companies in smaller EU countries. Airlines must reimburse travellers for commissions paid to agents when flights are cancelled, even if the carrier did not know the exact amount of the fee, the European Unions highest court ruled on Thursday. The ruling strengthens the rights of passengers who book through online platforms. It stems from a case in which travellers had purchased flight tickets from Vienna to Lima with the Dutch airline KLM on the Opodo travel agency platform. When the flight was cancelled, KLM refunded the ticket price but retained around 95 ($110) that Opodo had charged as an agency fee. Advertisement Advertisement The case reached the Supreme Court in Austria, which referred it to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for clarification. In a 2018 ruling, the ECJ held that airlines must reimburse third-party agency fees alongside the ticket price, but only if the airline was aware of the commission. On Thursday, however, the court said it is irrelevant whether the airline knows the exact amount of the fee. Airlines are required to reimburse the commission if they accept that an agent issues flight tickets on their behalf, the court said. This commission is an "unavoidable" component of the ticket price and must therefore be regarded as approved by the airline, the ruling said. The specific case must now be decided by the Austrian courts in accordance with the guidelines from Luxembourg. Jenny Haruyama, current city manager of Beaverton, will be Eugenes next city manager. Eugene City Council picked Haruyama in a special meeting Jan. 14 following a closed-door discussion in executive session, and a day after interviewing her and two other finalists. In the public portion of that meeting, councilors praised all three candidates, who Councilor Matt Keating called stellar, competent and strong, but City Council ultimately picked Haruyama. Council President Greg Evans called Haruyama the right choice who will bring great things to Eugene. Advertisement Advertisement Haruyama has worked in city management in Oregon and California for the last 25 years. In Beaverton, Haruyama launched the citys first Office of Equity and oversaw the citys transformation from a strong mayor form of government where the mayor was the administrative head of the city to a council-manager government. Jenny Haruyama was selected as Eugene's next City Manager Jan. 14, 2026. Eugene has a council-manager form of government where the city manager oversees all six city departments, managing the citys budget, implementing City Council policies, and making decisions about the citys services and operations. Eugene's city charter describes the responsibilities of the city manager, which include hiring, firing and managing almost all city employees, except for the police auditor and EWEB employees, bargaining with labor unions, and organizing, reorganizing and disbanding city departments. Evans and Vice President Lyndsie Leech will negotiate Haruyamas starting compensation package. The advertised salary range for the city manager was $238,071 to $319,218. Advertisement Advertisement Haruyama holds a Masters of Public Administration from California State University Hayward and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from San Jose State University. Here's some of what Haruyama said during her public interview: Haruyama on ALPR cameras In response to Councilor Mike Clark's question, "Is the future use of ALPR technology in Eugene a good idea or a bad idea?" Haruyama said it is "if done correctly." She said in Beaverton, the city is entering a contract for Axon license plate cameras. Haruyama said she believes Axon doesn't share information in the way Flock does and pursuing that vendor in Beaverton allowed a balance between "security issues" related to data and providing "a tool for law enforcement." Haruyama on Amazon Haruyama said she was aware of current community concerns related to the planned Amazon distribution center in Eugene. She said she faced a similar situation when she was city manager of Tracy, California, when Amazon built a five-story warehouse and distribution center there. Advertisement Advertisement "I knew this was going to be a huge gamechanger because of the mass scale and scope of this and would there would be additional trips and things of that nature. So, I recognized that this would be important to the community," she said, but Amazon also promised 500 jobs. Haruyama said she "couldn't legally say no" to Amazon in Tracy but she personally negotiated a community development agreement with Amazon's developer to contribute $4 million for a community recreation facility. "If we did something similar here, could we make an investment in sustainability initiatives? Could we make an investment in climate action? Things that we haven't been able to do that have been sitting on an unfunded list?" she said. "We need to ask. But we can't ask if we don't invest." Haruyama on immigration enforcement Haruyama said Washington County has been "ground zero" for Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in Oregon and the people there have experienced ICE actions on a daily basis. Advertisement Advertisement Haruyama said she initially struggled with how to respond, because what that City Council wanted wouldn't have much of impact. For example, Beaverton declared a state of emergency for ICE, even though, traditionally, a local government state of emergency is made as a request for federal funding, which Haruyama knew Beaverton wouldn't receive. But Haruyama realized the state of emergency was really about what "the community needed to hear. That we knew that this was a state of emergency emotionally, and so we were kind of redefining how we were using that tool." Haruyama said other steps Beaverton has taken or is taking in response to immigration enforcement are to codify Oregon sanctuary law into a local ordinance, streamline a process to apply for utility assistance, and help to advertise local businesses hurt by immigration enforcement. She said she wishes the city could do more. "My biggest challenge is not being able to have the funding to be able to provide legal aid and rental support and all of those things that are just hurting people deeply," she said, but she worked with Washington County to provide some of those things. Haruyama on the city budget Several councilors asked Haruyama questions regarding city budgeting. Advertisement Advertisement Haruyama said one way to fund a project without raising taxes is to look externally. She said for example, Beaverton was able to build a homeless shelter without city funds, instead relying on state and federal dollars. Given Oregon's property tax limits, "we're not going to be in a position to have it all. And so my job for (Council) is going to be to help you develop that prioritization process with the community," she said. Haruyama diagnosed that Eugene's proposed fire fee failed because it didn't have enough engagement, particularly from the business community. "When you do have those revenue conversations, and you are having them for the library levy and you will have them for for other things in the future, it's important that we have our stakeholders listening, understanding, providing input so that they can proudly have a sign in their window saying support measure X," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Haruyama shared an example of a budget outreach project she did in Beaverton called "penny for your thoughts." In the exercise, she asks participants to form a simplified city budget using pennies and buckets representing different categories of city services. Then they're given scenarios like higher than expected property tax collections or economic constraints and have to adjust the budget accordingly. "When you leave that exercise, you've gained perspective that this is not an easy task and you understand that there are choices that need to be made," she said. She suggested doing such an exercise in Eugene could help form Eugene's budget priorities. Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached by email at atorres@registerguard.com, on X @alanfryetorres or on Reddit at u/AlfrytRG. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: What Jenny Haruyama said about cameras, Amazon and ICE A vulture fund has plunged a London broadband provider into administration in a sign of deepening financial woes for smaller BT rivals. FitzWalter Capital, which buys up distressed assets before selling them on for a profit, has applied to appoint administrators at G Network, which provides high-speed internet services in the capital. The application comes only a week after FitzWalter Capital took control of G Network from its previous owners, the USS pension fund and Cube Infrastructure Managers. The broadband provider is estimated to have racked up debts of 300m despite having just 25,000 customers. The fund will now seek to sell off G Networks fibre broadband network and its customer base. Lenders including NatWest, Investec and Santander are expected to take a writedown on their investments. FitzWalter Capital was founded by Ben Brazil, a former Macquarie investment banker nicknamed Brains at the bank for his savvy junk bond investments. He became the lenders third best-paid executive, earning A$15m (7.5m) in 2018. Ben Brazil, founder of FitzWalter Capital, was the lenders third best-paid executive The collapse of G Network, which was founded in 2016, could signal a wider wave of consolidation across BT challenger firms known as alt-nets, according to analysts. Scores of broadband firms have sprung up to challenge BTs dominance, borrowing heavily to build expensive full-fibre networks but rising interest costs and weaker than expected take-up by customers have left many struggling to survive. The alt-net industry collectively lost 1.5bn in 2024 even as customer numbers rose, with higher revenues failing to offset huge operating and interest costs. G Network previously outlined plans to reach 1.4 million homes in London by investing more than 1bn in its network. However, it was forced to halt the building work to shore up its balance sheet and has only reached around 400,000 premises. The company appointed bankers at Jefferies and Nomura to find a buyer 18 months ago but failed to attract interest at its asking price. Community Fibre, a rival London-focused network that was repeatedly sounded out as a potential suitor, is still considered the most likely buyer of G Networks infrastructure. However, a source close to the company warned it would only be interested at the right price and if the network could be easily integrated. Court filings show G Network has instructed lawyers at Taylor Wessing to file for administration. It is understood that insolvency practitioners at Alvarez & Marsal will take up the role. A source close to G Network said FitzWalter Capitals rapid move to place the company into administration had blindsided staff, who were called into an internal meeting last night. By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Stine Jacobsen NUUK/COPENHAGEN, Jan 15 (Reuters) - European countries sent small numbers of military personnel to Greenland on Thursday as Denmark said it was pressing on with plans for a "larger and more permanent" NATO presence to secure the island coveted by U.S. President Donald Trump. The modest European deployments, meant to help Denmark prepare military exercises, sent a strong message of support a day after a meeting of officials from the U.S., Denmark and Greenland failed to reach any breakthrough on the impasse. Advertisement Advertisement After that meeting, Trump repeated his assertion that Denmark could not be relied upon to protect its autonomous territory, Greenland, if Russia or China ever wanted to occupy it. Trump says the strategically located and mineral-rich island is vital to U.S. security and has not ruled out the use of force to take it. Greenland and Denmark say it is not for sale and that threats of force are reckless. Denmark's defence minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, told journalists in Copenhagen on Thursday he did not have a final figure for the envisaged expanded NATO presence in Greenland. "But it is clear that we now will be able to plan for a larger and more permanent presence throughout 2026 and that is crucial to show that security in the Arctic is not only for the Kingdom of Denmark, it is for all of NATO." Advertisement Advertisement FEARS FOR NATO'S FUTURE Prominent EU countries have backed Denmark, warning that a U.S. military seizure of a territory in NATO could spell the end of the military alliance that Washington leads. The European military deployment to Greenland sent two messages to the U.S. administration, Marc Jacobsen, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College, said. "One is to deter, is to show that 'if you decide to do something militarily, we're ready to defend Greenland'," he told Reuters. "And the other purpose is to say: 'Well, we take your critique seriously, we increase our presence, take care of our sovereignty, and improve surveillance over Greenland'." Advertisement Advertisement Before Wednesday's meeting in the U.S., Greenland and Denmark said they had begun to increase their military presence in and around Greenland in cooperation with NATO allies. Denmark had about 150 military and civilian personnel working at its Joint Arctic Command on the island. Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Netherlands have said they are sending military staff to begin preparations for larger drills later this year. In Nuuk, business owner Mads Petersen said it would be strange to see more troops. "I don't hope it is the new normal," he said. The White House said on Thursday the meeting between U.S. officials and representatives from Denmark and Greenland had been productive and warned sending European troops to Greenland would not affect Trump's thinking about the territory. Advertisement Advertisement "I don't think troops in Europe impact the president's decision-making process, nor does it impact his goal of the acquisition of Greenland at all," spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told a briefing. RUSSIA DISMISSES THREAT TALK AS 'MYTH' Russia said on Thursday NATO's talk of Moscow and Beijing being a threat to Greenland was a myth designed to whip up hysteria and warned of the dangers of escalating confrontation in the region. Still, any attempt to ignore Russia's interests in the Arctic would not go unanswered, a foreign ministry spokeswoman later said. There is currently little evidence that a large number of Chinese and Russian ships sail near Greenland's coasts. Advertisement Advertisement Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said on Wednesday about 200 U.S. troops were currently stationed in Greenland, which has a population of around 57,000. The scale of the planned European military build-up has not been made public, but initial deployments appear small. The German Armed Forces were deploying a reconnaissance team of 13, first to Copenhagen, before heading on to Greenland with Danish personnel. Late on Wednesday, a Danish Air Force plane landed at Nuuk airport and personnel in military fatigues disembarked. Sweden was sending three officers, Norway two. France was sending about 15 mountain specialists, who would be reinforced in the coming days by land, air and naval assets, French President Emmanuel Macron said. Advertisement Advertisement France and the EU must be "unyielding in upholding territorial sovereignty," he said. One British officer was joining the reconnaissance group. The Netherlands said it would send one navy officer. Finland would send two military liaison officers. After meeting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday, Rasmussen and Greenland's foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, said the U.S. and Denmark would form a working group to discuss concerns regarding the island. A bipartisan delegation of 11 U.S. lawmakers is scheduled to meet with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen on Friday in Copenhagen, Frederiksen's office said. Advertisement Advertisement Addressing around 300 Greenlanders gathered in Copenhagen, Nielsen stressed the need for unity, and received a standing ovation when he said the island did not want to be run by, or become part of, the United States. "We choose the Greenland we know today, as part of the Kingdom of Denmark," he said. (Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen in Nuuk, Tom Little and Soren Jeppesen in Copenhagen, Terje Solsvik and Gwladys Fouche in Oslo, Andrew Osborn in Moscow; Additional reporting by John Irish and Ingrid Melander in Paris, Kate Holton in London, Bart Meijer in Amsterdam, Madeline Chambers in Berlin and Essi Lehto in Helsinki; Writing by Niklas Pollard and Gwladys Fouche; Editing by Alison Williams, Timothy Heritage and Andrew Heavens) The move followed an emergency defence council convened at the Elysee on Greenland and Iran, after which President Emmanuel Macron travelled to the Istres air base in southern France to deliver his annual address to the armed forces. Macron confirmed overnight that France was taking part, at Denmarks request, in joint military exercises in Greenland alongside Germany and Nordic countries. The first French military personnel are already on their way. Others will follow, the president said on X. Advertisement Advertisement The deployment comes amid growing tension within NATO after US President Donald Trump renewed claims on Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, arguing it is vital for American security. His remarks have alarmed European allies and unsettled transatlantic relations. During the address, Macron said a first team of French soldiers was already on the ground in Greenland and would be reinforced in the coming days by additional land, air and maritime assets. Macron warns of 'cascading consequences' if US seizes Greenland European forces en route Frances ambassador for the poles, Olivier Poivre dArvor, said around 15 French soldiers were already involved. Advertisement Advertisement They are high-mountain specialists such as the chasseurs alpins, he told FranceInfo radio, adding they were taking part in a preparation exercise aimed at deterrence to show the United States that NATO is present. The mission, known as Operation Arctic Endurance, is running from Thursday to Saturday. Germany said it was sending a 13-member reconnaissance team to Nuuk over the same period, while Sweden and Norway are also taking part. Denmarks armed forces said they would continue strengthening their military presence in Greenland with support from European allies. Greenlands deputy prime minister, Mute Egede, said NATO soldiers were expected to be more present in the coming days, with additional military flights and ships. He described the activities as training. Political pressure in Paris The Greenland deployment comes as France struggles to agree a 2026 budget. Macron has asked parliament to increase military spending by 3.5 billion euros next year, citing the war in Ukraine and an increasingly brutal world. Advertisement Advertisement Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a senior figure in the far-right Rassemblement national party, called on Macron to explain Frances position clearly. He urged the president to speak directly to the French people about Greenland and the situation in Iran. Tensions sharpened after talks in Washington on Wednesday between American, Danish and Greenlandic officials failed to bridge differences over Greenland. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said a US takeover of the territory was absolutely not necessary. We have a fundamental disagreement, but we also agree to disagree, he told reporters. Trump later struck a more conciliatory tone, saying he had a very good relationship with Denmark while again refusing to rule out any options. (with newswires) As tensions escalate over President Donald Trumps pursuit to acquire Greenland, some European NATO allies have reportedly begun deploying troops to the Arctic island to show support for Denmark. News of the deployments followed high-level talks in Washington on Wednesday, where Danish and Greenlandic officials focused on what is being called a fundamental disagreement with the Trump administration. The arrivals of the troops, including French mountain infantry units and German reconnaissance teams, were first announced by the Danish Ministry of Defence in a press release published on January 14. Advertisement Advertisement Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen did not provide extensive details on the expanded military presence on the island, but did say it would involve aircraft, ships, and soldiers in close coordination with other European allies, in line with Denmark. 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. We did this in 2025, and as a natural extension of these efforts, we will continue and expand the cooperation in 2026, Poulsen added. France has confirmed that about 15 soldiers had already reached Nuuk, Greenlands capital, for exercises, while Germany sent a 13-person team on January 15. Norway, Sweden, the U.K., the Netherlands, and Finland have also pledged to send aid to support Denmark, per Reuters. However, some of this expanded military presence seems more about protecting the island from Russian and Chinese imposition, as well as basic exploration exercises, rather than in response to Trump. Advertisement Advertisement A separate press release from the German government reads, We are sending a reconnaissance team to Greenland with our partners. The aim is to explore ways of ensuring security in light of Russian and Chinese threats in the Arctic. This is being done at the invitation of and under the leadership of our Danish allies. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius added that, Russia and China are increasingly using the Arctic for military purposes, thereby jeopardizing the freedom of transport, communication, and trade routes. NATO will not allow this and will continue to advocate for a rules-based international order. Crucially for me, we must remain within the framework of the joint exploration in Greenland under Danish leadership. These deployments come on the heels of Wednesdays White House meeting between Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasmussen described the discussions as frank and constructive in a following Facebook post, but also reaffirmed his stance that the island should absolutely remain under the Danish flag. Advertisement Advertisement We agree on the objective: enhancing long term security in the Arctic. But we disagree on the methodunder the 1951 defence agreement the US can always ask to increase its military presence in Greenland. We would be prepared to examine any such request constructively and expeditiously. Finally, since Greenland is a member of NATO through the Kingdom of Denmark and covered by art. 5, we would like to see a stronger role of NATO. All this can happen without the US taking over Greenland, Rasmussen wrote. At the meeting today, we did not manage to overcome our fundamental disagreement in terms of method. But we did agree to continue to talk. We will see if we can find a way to address the American security concerns, while respecting our red lines, he added. Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen delivered a message via Instagram on Thursday, directly saying: Greenland is not for sale. Greenland will not be owned by the USA. Greenland will not be controlled by the USA. Greenland does not belong to the USA. For perspective, acquiring Greenland would be the largest U.S. territorial addition since the 1867 Alaska Purchase, and it could be valued between $186 billion and $4.4 trillion based on its mineral and energy resources, as previously reported by DX. Advertisement Advertisement However, a Reuters poll shows only 17% of Americans support Trumps efforts, with a majority opposing the use of any military force. Another group will convene in the coming weeks to address Americas security concerns in the Arctic, while, once again, attempting to respect Denmarks boundaries or red lines. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke out in favour of reunifying Cyprus during a visit to the divided capital Nicosia on Thursday. A comprehensive, fair and lasting solution for Cyprus and all Cypriots remains an "absolute priority" for the European Union, she said. She added in a post on X that she hopes 2026 "will bring new momentum towards the reunification of Cyprus." The Republic of Cyprus took over the rotating EU Council Presidency on January 1. This is highly symbolic, precisely because the island has been de facto divided since 1974. Advertisement Advertisement The north is controlled by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, which is only recognized internationally by Turkey, and is occupied by Turkish troops. Although Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004, EU law only applies in the south of the island. Most recently, talks to overcome the division failed in 2017. The dividing line the so-called Green Line between north and south is monitored by UN peacekeepers. Ariel and his brother David, who were some of the longest-held living Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, have begun a Fuente Latina media tour this month. Ariel Cunio planned his escape every day while in Hamas captivity, the former hostage said in his first official statement to the media on Thursday. In captivity, every day I planned an escape, but I knew that if I got out, I would be lynched in the street, he said. Advertisement Advertisement And even if I survived and got home somehow, I feared discovering later that my brother or my girlfriend had been killed because I escaped. Ariel and his brother David, who were some of the longest-held living Israeli hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, have begun a Fuente Latina media tour this month that began with the pair meeting Argentinian President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires. The Cunio family was the largest single family taken hostage, with eight members of the Argentine-Israeli family being kidnapped by the terrorist organization. Fromer Gaza hostages David and Ariel Cunio meet with Argentinian President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires. (credit: FUENTE LATINA) Ariel detailed how, while watching his brother Eitans home burn from the window of his safe room as Hamas attacked, he sent a message to his familys WhatsApp group saying, here begins the nightmare. Advertisement Advertisement When he and his partner, Arbel Yehoud, were taken, they fell off the terrorists motorcycle several times, Arbel said, and their captors had to prevent the two from being lynched by a mob celebrating the attack inside Gaza. Ariel saw terrorists hide weapons in UNRWA bags, humanitarian sites While in captivity, Ariel shared that he was held above ground, in civilian buildings. He saw weapons stored in UNRWA bags and humanitarian areas where Hamas knew the IDF would not strike. My captors would try to convince me to convert to Islam, saying it was a pity that I would die and go to hell as a Jew, instead of going to paradise, as a Muslim, Ariel recalled. David was held within Hamass tunnels and spent time with Yarden Bibas. During his captivity, he encountered Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Both David and Ariel were held separately for the entirety of their captivity, and never received information about any of their family members. Former Des Moines School Superintendent Ian Roberts will be taking a plea deal in his federal criminal case, new court filings show. Roberts, who was hired to lead the district in 2023, submitted his resignation Sept. 30, days after he was arrested while allegedly trying to flee from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Federal officials have since said Roberts, a native of Guyana, was not a U.S. citizen and lacked legal authorization to work in the United States. Those were among multiple other apparent mistruths and exaggerations about his background and qualifications. In addition to a pending order of deportation, Roberts also was indicted Oct. 16 on two counts for possessing a firearm as an illegal alien and making a false statement for employment. Prosecutors alleged that Roberts illegally had four guns, including a loaded handgun left in his district-owned vehicle after he fled from ICE, and that he falsely attested he was a United States citizen when filling out his I-9 employment authorization to work in Des Moines. Advertisement Advertisement Roberts had denied wrongdoing, and defense attorney Alfredo Parrish had suggested he planned to file pretrial motions challenging the validity of the underlying immigration orders. A court-ordered deadline for such motions expired Jan. 12, however, and on Thursday, Jan. 15, the court entered an order setting a change of plea hearing on Jan. 22. His trial is currently scheduled to begin March 2. Previous court filings had shown the parties were discussing a possible deal, but it's not clear from the order what the terms of that deal are or what charges Robert intends to plead to. Parrish did not respond to a request for comment. Whatever its terms, the plea will cap a stunning fall from grace for Roberts, previously a highly respected educator. His arrest and subsequent charges have led to investigations and recriminations, including a lawsuit by the district against the search firm that allegedly failed to vet Roberts' credentials and a re-audit of the district by Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand. Plea not mentioned in Roberts' latest LinkedIn post Roberts has been in custody, currently at the Polk County Jail, since his arrest, but his LinkedIn account has remained active, posting several essays purportedly written by him and describing his time in jail in a tone reminiscent of that platform's many business mindset influencers. Advertisement Advertisement The most recent essay, "posted for and written by Dr. Ian Roberts" on Wednesday, talks about erasing unfairly negative preconceptions and first impressions of others, and claims, as Roberts has previously, that he's spent the past months providing guidance and support for fellow inmates. The post does not make any mention of his charges or impending plea deal. (This story was edited to add new information.) William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com or 715-573-8166. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Ex-DMPS Superintendent Ian Roberts to take plea deal By Jarrett Renshaw Jan 15 (Reuters) - The administration of President Donald Trump plans to finalize 2026 biofuel blending quotas by early March, keeping them close to its initial proposal while dropping a plan to penalize imports of renewable fuels and feedstocks, according to two sources familiar with the plans. If finalized, the plan would mark a partial compromise between rival oil and farm industry groups by preserving increased blending targets sought by biofuel producers while dropping a proposal that U.S. refiners had warned would disrupt fuel markets and raise costs. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which oversees U.S. biofuel policy, has told industry stakeholders it aims to send the final proposal to the White House budget office for review later this month, with finalization expected roughly 30 days later after the White House conducts industry interviews. The EPA in June proposed total biofuel blending volumes at 24.02 billion gallons in 2026 and 24.46 billion gallons in 2027, up from 22.33 billion gallons in 2025. The total included a target of 5.61 billion gallons for bio-based diesel, a significant jump from the 3.35 billion gallons in 2025. The EPA is now considering a range of 5.2 to 5.6 billion gallons for bio-based diesel in 2026, the sources told Reuters. The potential downward adjustment is partially related to the EPA's plan to ditch a proposal that would slash the value of renewable fuel credits given by the U.S. government for imported biofuels, an "America First" policy hailed as a victory by the soybean and biodiesel industries. Advertisement Advertisement Big Oil, led by the influential American Petroleum Institute industry group, had argued that limiting credits for foreign supply could constrain availability and push fuel prices higher - an outcome the White House is eager to avoid as affordability remains a central political concern heading into mid-term elections this year. Reuters previously reported that the EPA was considering delaying the proposal for at least a year. The EPA told Reuters the agency is still reviewing comments on the proposed rule. "As publicly stated in court filings, the agency aims to finalize 'in the first quarter of 2026," the agency said. The EPA is also expected to decide whether to require larger refiners to make up for gallons exempted under the agency's small refinery waiver program, a determination that could significantly affect overall biofuel blending quotas. Advertisement Advertisement The EPA in August cleared a backlog of more than 170 small refinery exemption requests dating back to 2016. They have issued additional exemptions since then. The biofuel industry and its legislative allies have been urging the administration to require refiners to offset 100% of those exempted gallons, while the oil industry is resisting the obligations. The EPA has sought comment on various proposals, ranging from zero reallocation to 100%. Reuters previously reported that the EPA is considering a plan for refiners to offset 50% of the those exempted gallons. (Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama ) One of Turkey's most important lakes has recently hit record-low levels, prompting one expert to sound the alarm. What's happening? As reported by the Daily Sabah, Sapanca Lake, a vital water source for the northwest region in Turkey, hit record lows in late 2025. With water levels around 28.5 meters (93.5 feet), the lake was well below its optimal depth; experts warned it shouldn't fall below 31 meters (102 feet). Advertisement Advertisement The record-setting low water levels have been exacerbated by a prolonged drought affecting the country. According to Professor Meric Albay of Istanbul University's Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, increased water demand from urbanization and the agricultural industry has also contributed to the lake's declining levels. Between 1997 and 2022, Sapanca Lake typically had monthly water levels ranging from 29.33 to 32.64 meters (96 to 107 feet). However, as global temperatures continue to rise and climate patterns are disrupted, the region may become increasingly vulnerable to prolonged droughts. Why are low water levels for Sapanca Lake concerning? Albay explained that construction projects across the region have also significantly affected groundwater reserves and streams that directly feed Sapanca Lake. Advertisement Advertisement In recent years, this has left the vital water source severely weakened. "If alternative water sources are not developed for Kocaeli and Sakarya and population growth continues at this pace, the lake will inevitably disappear," Albay said. "Sapanca Lake supplies drinking water to Adapazar and Kocaeli. It cannot withstand this level of pressure." How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. As noted by Albay, the lake has approximately 120 million cubic meters of usable water available to the surrounding communities. But with 100 million cubic meters of that water supply allocated to the nearby province of Sakarya and the city of Izmit alone, water resources may soon become scarce. What's being done about Sapanca Lake's water levels? "We are paying last year's bill this year, and we will pay this year's bill next year," Albay explained. Advertisement Advertisement "Unless we experience extraordinary snowfall, which appears unlikely, the situation will worsen. Reducing water withdrawal is the only viable solution. Even with strong rainfall, we could recover at most 20% of the loss." For now, Albay suggested that water conservation remained the most effective tool to combat the dwindling water levels in Sapanca Lake. He noted that as levels continue to decrease, pollutants have a greater impact on water quality. Over time, this could greatly affect the remaining water supply. "If water discharge through the Cark Stream is not halted and the lake is not allowed to re-oxygenate and recover, the damage will be irreversible," added Albay. "Two major cities now face the risk of water shortages. The area must be declared a first-degree protected site." 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. Experts have developed a solar-powered ice maker, Global Seafood Alliance reported a clean energy breakthrough that could reshape fishing communities by cutting costs, reducing pollution, and making it easier to preserve fresh catches. In late 2024, a team of experts provided Kawa, a community in Indonesia's Maluku province, with a solar-powered ice maker, giving local tuna fishers reliable access to ice without relying on diesel fuel or a strained electricity grid. Developed by experts in a new partnership including GIZ Indonesia, AIREF, the International Pole & Line Foundation, PT Aneka Sumber Tata Bahari, and Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan Provinsi Maluku, this solar-powered ice-making machine is the first of its kind made for small-scale fisheries. Advertisement Advertisement The unit can produce around 16 metric tons of ice monthly, helping reduce spoilage and allowing fishers to sell higher-quality fish at fairer prices. Frank Stegmuller, GIZ's Lead for Industry Decarbonization & Energy Island Solutions, said that the solar-powered ice maker is "a revolution in the making." The ice maker saved them 4,290 liters of fuel in its first year, preventing around 40 metric tons of carbon pollution, according to the outlet. Having a local ice-making system has also helped them reduce waste, since fishers no longer need disposable packaging for transporting ice eliminating over 2 metric tons' worth of plastic waste. Advertisement Advertisement Our Power noted that traditional ice machines rely heavily on electricity, often derived from fossil fuel sources, which contributes to air pollution. The solar-powered Kawa ice maker marks a breakthrough in clean energy solutions for the fishing industry. If further developed, this system could be adopted on a much larger scale and boost not only small-scale fisheries but also the global fishing industry as a whole. According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, using solar power to produce ice and refrigerate can help rural communities improve fish quality and preservation while mitigating environmental impact. Solar-powered ice production systems, such as Kawa's ice maker, can be beneficial for small-scale fisheries, especially those with unstable or non-existent electricity supplies. Advertisement Advertisement If you're thinking about going solar, TCD's Solar Explorer is a handy tool that can help you understand your subscription and installation options and the savings you can lock in by switching to solar. You can save up to $10,000 with curated quotes from vetted local installers, and you can choose from $0 down subscription plans to avoid upfront costs. With concierge-level service, Solar Explorer can make your transition to solar smooth and simple. As for Kawa, the team is working with government partners and local organizations to find additional suitable sites, treating the system as a proven prototype for expanding solar-powered ice makers to similar fishing communities. Advertisement Advertisement "Our goal now is to replicate this success across other one-by-one tuna fishing communities where we can have the biggest impact," IPNLF Fisheries Director Craig Turley said. 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. By Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen, Soren Jeppesen and Stine Jacobsen COPENHAGEN, Jan 15 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has renewed his ambition to take control of Greenland for national security reasons and questioned whether Denmark has any legal right to the Arctic island. The debate has revived scrutiny of how Greenland became part of Denmark, its current self-rule and path to independence, and Washington's military footprint. Advertisement Advertisement HOW DID DENMARK GET GREENLAND? Greenland was inhabited by Inuit peoples from Asia and North America intermittently from around 2,500 BC. Around 985 AD, Vikings led by Erik the Red settled in southern Greenland, farming and building churches. Around the same time, ancestors of today's Inuit arrived, living as hunters and gatherers. They became the dominant culture, pushing out Viking settlers around 1400. Denmark colonised Greenland in the 18th century when missionary Hans Egede arrived in 1721, marking the start of the colonial era. A statue of Egede still stands on a hilltop in the capital Nuuk's colonial harbour, seen by many Greenlanders as a symbol of lost Inuit traditions. In 1916, the United States bought the Danish West Indies - now the U.S. Virgin Islands - for $25 million in gold. As part of that treaty, Washington declared it would not object to the Danish government extending its "political and economic interests to the whole of Greenland", formally recognising Danish sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement WHAT IS GREENLAND'S STATUS NOW? Greenland shifted from colony to formal territory in 1953 under Denmark's constitution, though Greenlanders were not consulted. Any sale would require a constitutional amendment. Since 2009, Greenland can declare independence through a self-rule process requiring a referendum and Danish parliamentary approval. Autonomy is extensive but excludes foreign affairs and defence unless agreed. Greenland has about 57,000 people, limited infrastructure, and no roads between its around 17 towns. HOW ARE RELATIONS BETWEEN DENMARK AND GREENLAND? Relations have been strained by revelations of historical misconduct. In the 1950s, Danish authorities forcibly relocated Inuit to larger towns, marginalising the practices and languages of indigenous people who make up almost 90% of the population. Denmark apologised in 2022 for a 1950s experiment that sent Greenlandic children to Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement Records show thousands of women and girls as young as 13 were fitted with intrauterine devices without consent between 1966 and 1991, when Greenland gained control over healthcare. Denmark apologised in 2025 for the decades-long birth control campaign. A 2025 documentary alleged Denmark and companies profited from a cryolite mine between 1853 and 1987 without benefiting locals. Cryolite, used in aluminum production, was mined in Greenland at the world's largest deposit. WHAT IS GREENLAND'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EU? Greenland joined the European Community in 1973 via Denmark but withdrew in 1985 after gaining home rule. It now holds Overseas Country and Territory status with the EU, maintaining a special fisheries arrangement. Advertisement Advertisement WHAT IS THE U.S. PRESENCE? The U.S. military maintains a permanent presence at Pituffik air base in northwest Greenland under a 1951 agreement granting freedom to build bases with Danish and Greenlandic notification. Denmark has historically accommodated the U.S. presence because Copenhagen does not have the capability to defend Greenland and benefits from U.S. security guarantees through NATO. WHY DOES TRUMP WANT GREENLAND? Trump has said acquiring Greenland is a national security priority, and that the U.S. must own the island to prevent Russia or China from taking it. The shortest route from Europe to North America runs via Greenland, making it important for the U.S. ballistic missile early-warning system. Advertisement Advertisement Greenland sits at a geopolitical crossroads amid Arctic militarisation by NATO, Russia and China. The U.S. wants to expand its military footprint, including radars to monitor waters used by Russian vessels and submarines. Currently there is little evidence that a large number of Chinese and Russian ships sail near Greenland's coasts. Shipping data shows most Chinese shipping in Arctic waters is in the Pacific Arctic and Northern Sea Route near Russia. Most Russian shipping in the Arctic is around Russia's own coast, though analysts say Russian submarines do often travel the waters between Greenland, Iceland and Britain. Russia says talk of Moscow and Beijing being a threat to Greenland is a myth to whip up hysteria. More broadly the Arctic is becoming increasingly militarised with NATO states, China and Russia all expanding activity there. Advertisement Advertisement The island, whose capital Nuuk is closer to New York than the Danish capital Copenhagen, boasts mineral, oil and natural gas wealth, but development has been slow and mining has seen very limited U.S. investment. WHAT DO GREENLANDERS WANT? Polls indicate a majority of Greenlanders support independence in principle. But many warn against rushing due to economic reliance on Denmark and becoming overly exposed to the United States if independence is pursued too quickly. Fishing accounts for over 90% of exports, while Danish subsidies cover about half the public budget, funding hospitals and schools and underpinning infrastructure for the vast sparsely populated territory. Advertisement Advertisement Independence could allow association with the U.S. under a Compact of Free Association, similar to agreements with Micronesia, Palau and the Marshall Islands. COFA typically provides U.S. services and military protection in exchange for defence access, but whether Greenland would benefit depends on the scale of support and the pace of economic diversification beyond fishing. WHAT DO DENMARK AND GREENLAND SAY? When Trump offered to buy the island during his first presidential term, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called it "absurd". Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen reiterated in December 2025 that Greenland could not be annexed and international security did not justify such a move. (Additional reporting by Johan Ahlander and Alessandro Parodi; Editing by Ros Russell and Alison Williams) Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. A homeowner in Fairfield County, Connecticut, took to Reddit with a question that resonated far and wide: Did anyone move to a lower cost of living state and regretted it? The original poster explained that they live in a $1.2 million home with a $900 monthly heating bill and $3,500 annual home insurance costs. The idea of relocating somewhere cheaper kept tugging at them. What followed was a flood of honest replies, but also cautionary tales. Moving To Save Money? Not So Fast While the allure of lower housing prices and property taxes was obvious, many Redditors warned that cheaper doesn't always mean better. One top comment summarized it well: Low COL [states] are low COL for a reason. Don't Miss: Fast Company Calls It a Groundbreaking Step for the Creator Economy' Investors Can Still Get In at $0.85/Share Sam Altman Says AI Will Transform the Economy This Platform Lets Investors Back Private Tech Early Absolutely. From SoCal to TX. Don't recommend it, one person wrote. I dont miss the state per se, I miss the outdoor, diverse lifestyle and open-minded community. Tx is nothing to get excited about. Another added, Moved from DC to Maryland and save almost 6% annually on income taxes alone. Do it. The thread turned into a sprawling conversation on whether the financial benefits of moving actually make up for the lifestyle trade-offs. Healthcare was a recurring theme. A person who moved to Idaho said they had to be medically flown to Phoenix after a brain tumor diagnosis. Ill never take access to top hospitals for granted again, they said. Another warned, I know two people that moved to low cost areas and died of treatable issues because the wait for emergency care was too long. Others regretted the cultural and social shift. One person who left California for Tennessee said, People here do not have any interest in people from the outside. Most got married at 21 and popped out kids. The hatred for being an outsider increased after COVID. Trending: Forget Flipping HousesThis Fund Lets You Invest in Home Equity Like Wall Street Does Even affordability came with asterisks. One person who moved to a rural area said, Our house/land is cheaper, but our car insurance skyrocketed because there are so many accidents. We also have to drive further to go anywhere, so more gas and auto maintenance. But Not Everyone Regrets It Some who moved to more affordable areas shared positive stories, especially if they kept their high-paying remote jobs. One person said, Moved from NYC to Tampa in 2013. Im a multimillionaire now because of real estate. UTRECHT, Netherlands, Jan 15 (Reuters) - A gas leak triggered a powerful explosion that destroyed several houses in the central Dutch city of Utrecht on Thursday, injuring four people, local authorities said. Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma told reporters that none of the injuries were lifethreatening. The damage is immense, several buildings have collapsed, she said. Emergency crews were continuing to search the rubble as a precaution, but there were no reports of missing persons, Dijksma added. Advertisement Advertisement The explosion occurred in the densely populated centre of the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands around 3:30 p.m. local time (1430 GMT), while the owners of the house were out. It took firefighters around six hours to get the fire under control. Dijksma said it was unknown what had caused the gas leak, but added there were no suspicions of foul play. (Reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten, Marta Fiorin and Bart Meijer; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta and Diane Craft) Were 20 percent of Oregon voters revealed to be "fake" after the secretary of state announced they were going to clean 800,000 names from voter rolls? No, that's not true: The removal of 800,000 inactive registered voters is part of routine voter roll maintenance required by state law. The 800,000 are not part of the 3 million active registered voters in Oregon who actually vote and receive ballots. The secretary of state said they were removed to clean up old registrations no longer in use. Inactive voter registrations are removed when they have not voted or responded to official mail for multiple election cycles. The claim appeared in a January 12, 2026, post on X.com account @upstatefederlst (archived here) which opened: Hold on. Oregon's population is only 4.25M.... 20% of their registered voters were fake? @TomFitton Lead Stories reached out to Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read. Tess Seger, deputy chief of staff for communications, responded by email on Jan. 14, 2026, saying the claim was "incredibly misleading." Via telephone, Seger said the 800,000 people being removed from the voter rolls "are people who were at one time registered to vote in Oregon." She shared a Jan. 9, 2026, press release (archived here) from the secretary of state's office explaining the removal of about 800,000 inactive registrations from the voter rolls. Advertisement Advertisement The release said Oregon has more than 3 million active voters and explained that inactive voters "do not receive ballots" and therefore have not voted recently. It said inactive voters are people who previously registered to vote but later became inactive: A record is moved to "inactive" status when elections officials identify that a registration is potentially out-of-date, for example: their election mail is returned as undeliverable. Oregonians will receive notification if their record is inactivated, and they must take action to re-activate their record and receive a ballot. Inactive voters do not receive ballots. There are approximately 800,000 inactive voter records still being maintained by elections officials. This data is separate from Oregon's active voter list and not included in the 3 million active voter total. Neither of these directives will impact Oregon's 3 million active voters. The press release stated, "None of the individuals associated with these records voted between the time their record was scheduled for cancelation and today; and the presence of these records on Oregon's voter rolls has not impacted any election." It continued: Under the first directive, county elections officials will cancel inactive voter registrations that already met federal and state standards for removal before July 20, 2017. Because their registrations were inactive, no ballots were sent to these individuals between 2017 and today. These records meet the following conditions: Mail from local elections officials to these individuals was returned as undeliverable. These individuals were sent voter confirmation cards - a notice, by forwardable mail, warning them their voter registrations were subject to cancelation if they did not vote or update their registration information between receiving that notice and the next two federal general elections. There was no response to the voter confirmation card. Lead Stories asked Seger about Fitton's tweet implying the secretary of state will be cleaning the 800,000 names from the voter rolls because of the Judicial Watch lawsuit. She responded: We can't comment on pending litigation. I can say that getting this done was a priority for Secretary Read before he even took office, and he took this step because it's the right thing to do. He wants his office focused on the details. We know this won't satisfy those bad actors trying to undermine our free, fair, secure American elections, but the average Oregon voter can rest assured we are doing the hard work of running accurate and transparent elections. Christopher Stout, a political science professor at Oregon State University, explained to Lead Stories why voters are removed from the rolls in an email on Jan. 15, 2026: It is unlikely that people were removed for being fake. Secretaries of state clean up their voter rolls for many reasons. Sometimes people die and are still on the rolls -- they do not vote, but they remain registered -- or they move and are still registered. While people cannot vote in two states, it is possible to be registered in more than one. To address this, secretaries of state and election officials periodically remove inactive voters. These are voters who have not participated in elections for some time. Nearly four decades ago around Christmas and New Years, a young woman was clubbed to death in her Jacksonville home with her baby unharmed. No ones been arrested, and that child, now 39, and other family members are imploring for a new ending to their story. Events like this are not just about revisiting the past; they are about creating a renewed moment of urgency, First Coast Crime Stoppers Executive Director Chase Robinson said. One person watching, hearing a detail again, or recognizing something they once dismissed could be the difference between silence and justice. Casie Ellison and her mother Melissa Missy Taylor Ellisons sisters joined nonprofits First Coast Crime Stoppers and Project: Cold Case for a Jan. 15 livestream event to share their stories and hope that someone will come forward with new information and be eligible for a $5,000 reward. Advertisement Advertisement My mother was beat to death," Ellison said. "She died slowly and painfully. She was stolen from our lives. She was stolen from my life. A person or persons are responsible, and no one has been held accountable. That means someone has lived for 38 years knowing exactly what happened, while our family has lived for 38 years without the truth. Someone knows who did this. Someone knows why it happened. And someone knows how it happened. She urged people to come forward with anything that might help. If they dont have information or are unfamiliar with the case, then share the First Coast Crime Stoppers video link on their social media pages, she asked. The smallest detail can matter: a name, a car, a place, a conversation, a rumor you may have dismissed, a memory you might have thought was irrelevant," she said. " Every post, every article, every conversation keeps this from disappearing. What happened to Missy Taylor Ellison? On Dec, 28, 1987, Ellison was found dead in her bedroom by her housemates on Coljean Court off Normandy Boulevard. It was a week before her 21st birthday. Advertisement Advertisement Here are news accounts of what happened according to an April 1, 1990, Florida Times-Union story about the parents frustrations 2 1/2 years after her death. They are still waiting to find out who picked up a charred log from the mobile homes fireplace, carried it to the young womans bedroom, beat her to death, then moved her 13-month-old baby out of the room, set the log at the front door and left, the article said about the parents. Shoe prints in Missys mobile home, a charcoal handprint on her arm, tire tracks on the mobile homes back patio, and a caller to the 911 emergency number the night after the murder a man who referred to Missys death and said, Im sorry, I had to do it. Clues like those should have led to an arrest by now, the Taylors said. That night, Ellison also told her mother that she was scared but wouldnt explain. Her mother asked why since she already had her two friend roommates there. She was recently separated from her husband, Mark Ellison, and asked Charlene Boeger and Wayne Contreras to move in to help with bills, according to the news story citing police reports. Advertisement Advertisement A neighbor said he heard people arguing outside after 2 a.m. and then heard a vehicle screeching away. The roommates said they didnt hear anything until Boeger heard Casie crying and found her on the living room couch with pillows tucked around her as if to prevent her from falling. When she carried her to Ellisons room where the door was open a crack, someone inside slowly pushed it closed. Boeger said she thought either Ellisons estranged husband or a date was in the room and didnt want the baby with them. So she fell asleep on the couch with Casie and woke up when the back door slammed. Contreras said someone had shined a flashlight on him and then ran out the back. Advertisement Advertisement The family was initially told it might be linked to a string of burglaries in the mobile home park. But that was later discounted when detectives learned the only items missing were two pictures of Ellison in a bathing suit and a set of keys that she had borrowed. The parents were also told they have a suspect but not enough evidence to make an arrest. Mark Ellison told the Times-Union back then that he was accused from the start but was as frustrated as anyone that it remained unsolved. He said he was just trying to continue his life and raise Casie. He did not attend the Jan. 15 briefing with the family, and the Times-Union is unclear where he is now. Detective Travis Oliver Sr. of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said during the briefing that investigators continue to review the case. Advertisement Advertisement Circumstances that surround the case didnt make sense back then and doesnt make sense now on some of the information that was given," Oliver said. "Also theres modern technology today that we did not have available to us in 1987. So one of the things we do now with these cases, we take this case now like it is happening in 2026 versus 1987, and we do everything we can to try to work this case as if it was happening right now with todays technology. What did Missy Taylor Ellison's sisters say? Glenda Blandford emotionally talks about her sister's unsolved Jacksonville murder from 1987 during a First Coast Crime Stoppers briefing. The family is holding out hope someone comes forward with new information in Missy Taylor Ellison's death. Glenda Blandford said the funeral for her sister was completely packed with every seat taken and people standing along the walls and outside. I will never forget hearing the police escorts telling my parents that there was over 3 miles of cars in the procession down the interstate following her from the funeral home on the Westside to the cemetery in Orange Park," Blandford said. "If that doesnt speak volumes about my sisters character and who she was, nothing will. She said her parents died years later in grief. Advertisement Advertisement Because of you we watched my beautiful mothers smile diminish," she said to her sister's killer. "We watched the light in her eyes slowly go out. Because of you we watched my mother literally grieve herself to death. She continued that refrain of Because of you and then the same for I hope I truly hope my sisters beautiful face has haunted you every single day for the last 38 years, she said. Blandford said her message isnt just for the person who took her life but also those not speaking up or who helped cover it up. Sissy Bennett asks for someone to come forward with information in her sister Missy Taylor Ellison's 1987 murder in her Jacksonville home with her baby unharmed. Catherine Sissy Bennett, another sister, said the family has been through so much. Advertisement Advertisement All we ask is someone come forward. I know theres someone out there that has an answer, has that piece that were missing. Give my family the answers and Missy the justice that she deserves. What is Change the Face of Depression? Ellisons now grown daughter founded the nonprofit Change the Face of Depression as a resource for people struggling with depression. Its mission is to empower and inspire those affected by depression to regain their sense of self-worth help them on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. Change the Face of Depression also is in partnership with Project: Cold Case. Ellison tells her story on the organizations website: Advertisement Advertisement My mothers name was Melissa Missy Taylor Ellison, and she was taken from me when I was only 1 year old. I dont have memories of her voice, her laugh, or the way she held me. I dont remember her warmth, the way she moved, or how her eyes softened when she looked at her baby girl. But grief has a strange way of forming memories out of absence. Casie Ellison, who was just a baby when her mother Missy Taylor Ellison was murdered in their Jacksonville home in 1987, implores anyone to come forward with new information to help lead to an arrest during a First Coast Crime Stoppers briefing Jan. 15. Sometimes the things you never got to experience leave the deepest imprint. Growing up, I learned who my mother was from the people who loved her and from the pain left behind in the wake of her murder. She was vibrant. She was warm. She was deeply loved. She was human, imperfect, alive. And then she was gone. Advertisement Advertisement Her case remains unsolved. And although the world kept turning, my world formed around a wound I never consented to carry. To remain anonymous and be eligible for rewards at Crime Stoppers, call (866) 845-8477 (845-TIPS), text **8477 or email rewards@fccrimestoppers.com. Crime Stoppers recently increased its base reward to $5,000. (This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Glenda's last name.) This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Family pleads for justice in cold case of Jacksonville mother in 1987 Police and relatives are searching for an 18-year-old Southwest Philadelphia teen whose phone pinged in San Diego, California. Family members say Jahmez Cartwright was last seen on Monday morning when he left home for school on the 6500 block of Linmore Avenue. His mother, LaShante Crocker, said she believed he was taking the SEPTA trolley to Hardy Williams High School, but the school later told her he never arrived. Advertisement Advertisement Friends who had access to his location through iCloud told the family that his phone pinged in California on Tuesday. "How did he get there? He don't have ID. Did someone take him?" Crocker said. Crocker said she learned through the school community that her son had been communicating with a man on the video game platform Roblox. The family says Cartwright has an intellectual disability and is vulnerable to manipulation. "Everyone loves Jahmez, everyone. That's everybody's favorite," Crocker said. "I was the first one out of my cousins to have a baby, so he was everyone's baby." Advertisement Advertisement The family reported all of the information to police and on Wednesday sought help from the Black and Missing Foundation. "It was very alarming to us, so we are jumping on this case right away because time is of the essence," said Natalie Wilson, the organization's cofounder. Relatives said they have connections in California and are considering traveling there to search. "We know someone that's willing to just try to find him, to start somewhere," said his grandmother, Lashonda Johnson. "That's why I'm happy his face is being put everywhere for everyone to see." Advertisement Advertisement The family said they will not stop looking. "It's not even an option. We never gonna give up on him," Johnson said. Concerns about child safety on platforms like Roblox have been the focus of investigations and lawsuits in recent years. The company has faced allegations that it does not do enough to protect users from online predators. Roblox says it continues to innovate its "extensive safety systems" and works with law enforcement to identify and respond to bad actors. In a statement, the company said, "We were troubled by this report and promptly contacted law enforcement to offer assistance. Our platform is built with safety at its core, including robust policies to help protect users that go beyond many other platforms. We have filters designed to block the sharing of personal information and don't allow user-to-user image or video sharing. While no system is perfect, our commitment to safety never ends, and we continue to evolve and strengthen our protections every day. Given this involves an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further at this time." Advertisement Advertisement Wilson said cases like this reflect a broader pattern. "We see it every day in our work that these individuals are utilizing social media or online gaming apps to connect and groom these young men and women, and they're making them feel comfortable," she said. "They know who to prey on - those who are most vulnerable and sadly, it's happening too often in our communities." Philadelphia police have not confirmed whether online communication played a role in Cartwright's disappearance. Detectives are seeking warrants to obtain more information from his phone and online activity. In the meantime, the family is urging the public to stay alert and to contact police with any information. Advertisement Advertisement "Someone knows something," Wilson said. "Even if it's the smallest tip, we just need one person to come forward with information that could help find and bring Jahmez home." In a statement, a spokesperson for Mastery Schools, which operates Hardy William High School, said, "We are aware of the current situation involving 18-year-old Hardy Williams High School student, Jahmez Cartwright. Following Mastery Schools policy, the student's family received an absence notification when he didn't arrive to school. We remain in touch with the family and law enforcement officials and look forward to his safe return to school." The collapse of a highway construction crane killed two people near Bangkok on Thursday, with Thailand's leader vowing to blacklist the building firm which was also involved in a crane failure the day before that left 32 dead. Car dashcam footage verified by AFP showed the moment the massive crane fell on Thursday, unleashing clouds of dust as well as rubble across the area, as several vehicles pulled over or reversed to avoid falling debris. Motorcycle-taxi driver Booncherd La-orium said he no longer felt safe driving in the area. Advertisement Advertisement "I had goosebumps just thinking about how risky it is to be here. It could have happened to me," the 69-year-old told AFP. Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn linked firm Italian-Thai Development to the country's second deadly crane collapse in two days, according to local media. "We have to find out the facts," Phiphat told a local outlet. Italian-Thai Development was also contracted to build a section of a China-backed high-speed rail project where a huge crane fell on Wednesday, in Nakhon Ratchasima province, derailing a passenger train below and killing 32 of nearly 200 people on board. Advertisement Advertisement In a note to Thailand's stock exchange, Italian-Thai expressed condolences to the victims' of the crane accident on Thursday, saying it would provide compensation. The firm also pledged to "review and improve safety measures to be more thorough and stringent moving forward", the note said. Italian-Thai earlier promised compensation to victims of Wednesday's crane collapse and train derailment. The company -- one of Thailand's biggest construction firms -- has seen several deadly accidents at its sites in recent years. The crane that fell Thursday at the under-construction Rama II Expressway in Samut Sakhon province, outside Bangkok, left two people dead, a police official told AFP from the scene. Advertisement Advertisement Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters his government would terminate the contracts with the contractor of the two projects where the accidents occurred, without specifying a firm by name. Anutin said legal action would be taken and the contractor would be blacklisted. "It has happened three or four times by one contractor. The government is not comfortable letting this kind of company work for the government," he said. - 'Death Road' - In other verified footage from the same vehicle as the dashcam, someone is heard saying: "I almost died... Please pull over first". Advertisement Advertisement Another person replies: "That's okay now. It's not falling further." "That was close," the first person says. Rescue worker Sutthiwat Thanomsat told AFP he arrived at the scene shortly after the crane crashed down, and witnessed the aftermath of a pickup truck driver killed by the impact. The Rama II Expressway, a main artery linking the capital to Thailand's south, hosts several major infrastructure projects, including tollway construction. Construction work has been underway for years to expand the road's capacity and reduce congestion but the project has been beset by delays and fatalities, earning it the nickname "Death Road". Advertisement Advertisement Surachai Wongho, a 61-year-old retiree who drives on Rama II regularly, said he is haunted by the thought that one day he could be hurt in an accident. "It's the same incident happening over and over again in Thailand. It's time for the government to do something," he told AFP. In March, a concrete beam forming part of an under-construction elevated roadway collapsed on Rama II, killing several people. A crane collapse in November 2024 killed at least three workers. - Silent prayers - The incident on Thursday followed the crane collapse in Nakhon Ratchasima a day earlier, one of Thailand's deadliest rail accidents in years. Advertisement Advertisement A massive launching gantry crane, used by Italian-Thai in the construction of a high-speed rail project, collapsed onto a passenger train below. At the site of the deadly accident on Thursday, construction workers milled around the scene, snapping photos of the wreckage, as relatives of victims visited to mourn and pray in silence. The crane was left hanging off giant concrete pillars, built to hold up the future elevated high-speed rail line -- a joint Thailand-China endeavour. The nation's rail operator said it ordered Italian-Thai to halt construction until an investigation was completed. The crane operator was Thai and had fallen and died in Wednesday's accident, an Italian-Thai worker who declined to give her name told AFP. bur-tak/sco/ami A federal appellate court has ruled in favor of the voter-approved Proposition 50, a measure that temporarily redraws congressional maps to increase the number of Democratic seats in California. A panel of three judges in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Jan. 14 voted 2-1 to dismiss claims by the Trump administration and California Republicans that the maps favored Latino voters and other groups. The judges said the California Gov. Gavin Newsom-backed redistricting measure was legally drawn for political purposes and not as an act of racial discrimination, as the Republicans have argued. "Challengers have failed to show that racial gerrymandering occurred," said the two judges who wrote the majority decision in its ruling. The state GOP has stated that it plans to appeal all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary. Gavin Newsom began serving as the Democratic governor of California in January 2019. Newsom has held many political roles in California, including Lt. Governor and mayor of San Francisco. Take a look at his political career in pictures. San Francisco mayoral candidate Gavin Newsom speaks at a rally May 13, 2003 in San Francisco, California. Gavin Newsom smiles during a fundraiser at the Spanish Suite at the Clift Hotel on June 27, 2003 in San Francisco, California. Gavin Newsom speaks to supporters at an election night party on November 4, 2003 in San Francisco. Newsom placed first in the nine-person race, advancing him to a run-off election against Green Party candidate Matt Gonzalez. Gavin Newsom speaks during a media conference at City Hall on August 12, 2004 in San Francisco, California. Newsom spoke about the ruling by the California Supreme Court which invalidated same-sex marriages. Starting early in his career, Newsom served as a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. He gained national attention in 2004 when he ordered the San Francisco county clerk to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, which went against the then-current California law. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom talks with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger during a bill signing ceremony at the United Nations World Environment Day June 1, 2005 in San Francisco, California. Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton greets supporters with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom before speaking at a fundraiser event February 1, 2008 at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco, California. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters following his announcement of his running for governor of California on April 21, 2009 in Palo Alto, California. Gavin Newsom looks around as people cheer for him before speaking at a news conference following a California Supreme Court decision to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage at the California Supreme Court May 15, 2008 in San Francisco, California. The California Supreme Court voted 4-3 to overturn a ban on gay marriage in California making it the second state to allow same-sex marriage. Del Martin, left, and Phyllis Lyon are married by San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom in a private ceremony at San Francisco City Hall on June 16, 2008 in San Francisco, California. Martin and Lyon were the first couples to be married in San Francisco as same-sex marriages become legal in California. US President Barack Obama chats with San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom after stepping off Air Force One May 25, 2010 upon arrival at San Francisco International Airport. Gavin Newsom and U.S. Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi attend Game Two of the 2010 MLB World Series between the Giants and the Texas Rangers at AT&T Park on October 28, 2010 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco mayor and California Lt. Governor-elect Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters after meeting school children at Fairmount Elementary School on November 12, 2010 in San Francisco, California. Newsom had originally run for governor of California in 2009, but suffered low poll numbers throughout the campaign and dropped out in 2010. Later that year, he decided to run in the election for Lt. Governor, which he won and was sworn in on January 10, 2011. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, meets with California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom on February 9, 2018 in San Francisco, California. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom fills out his ballot at the Masonic Temple Fairfax on June 5, 2018 in Larkspur, California. Newsom's campaign was successful, as he later won the election for his first term in office. People march in support for California gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom during the San Francisco gay pride parade in San Francisco, California on June, 24, 2018. California's Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom and his family waves to supporters from stage at his election night watch party in Los Angeles, California on November 6, 2018. Gavin Newsom is sworn in as governor of California by California Chief Justice Tani Gorre Cantil-Sakauye as Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, watches on January 7, 2019 in Sacramento, California. Gavin Newsom began his first term as the 40th governor of California after serving as the 42nd Mayor of San Francisco as well as Lieutenant Governor of California since 2010 alongside outgoing governor Jerry Brown. Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tour a burned home along Tigertail Road in Brenwood on October 29, 2019 in Brentwood, California. State Assembly Member Richard Bloom, (D-Santa Monica), left, California Gov. Gavin Newsom listen to Superintendent of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Clay Jordan on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021 talk about the protective structure wrap used to protect the welcome sign and giant sequoia trees from the KNP Complex Fire in Sequoia National Park. Newsom signed a $15 billion climate package into law on site that will help bolster the state's response to climate change. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, left, and President Joe Biden board Air Force One on a visit to Sacramento on Sept., 13, 2021. Gov. Gavin Newsom, takes a selfie with a North Monterey County Unified School District staff member at Elkhorn Elementary School in Castroville, Calif., on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Newsom, listen to students from New College of Florida on Wednesday during Newsom's stop at the Betty J. Johnson North Sarasota Public Library in Sarasota on April 5, 2023. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks after signing bills to support response and recovery efforts for Los Angeles during a press conference at Willard Elementary School in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 23, 2025. Newsom will sign legislation directing $2.5 billion in relief to support response and recovery efforts for Los Angeles. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) speaks to reporters in the spin room following the CNN Presidential Debate between U.S. President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump at the McCamish Pavilion on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus on June 27, 2024 in Atlanta, Ga. President Biden and former President Trump face off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks to the press in a classroom of Willard Elementary School after he signed bills to support response and recovery efforts for Los Angeles, in Pasadena, Calif., Jan. 23, 2025. Newsom signed legislation directing $2.5 billion in relief to support response and recovery efforts for Los Angeles. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks during an announcement of "LA Rises," a new public-private philanthropic initiative to support Los Angeles area wildfire recovery during a press conference at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. on Jan. 28, 2025. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at East Los Angeles College on Feb. 26, 2025 in Monterey Park, Calif. Newsom announced the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint and additional funding for Los Angeles communities impacted by wildfires today. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tour the downtown business district of Pacific Palisades as the Palisades Fire continues to burn on January 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Palisades Fire has grown to over 2,900 acres and 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate while a second major fire continues to burn near Eaton Canyon in Altadena. President Donald Trump followed by First Lady Melania Trump, shakes hands with California Governor Gavin Newsom upon arrival at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, on January 24, 2025, to visit the region devastated by the Palisades and Eaton fires. California Gov. Gavin Newsom rolls up his sleeves whole meeting people at a coffee shop on July 8, 2025 in Florence, South Carolina. The governor, in coordination with the South Carolina Democratic Party, scheduled 8 public events in South Carolina on Tuesday and Wednesday. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks about the OElection Rigging Response ActO at a press conference at the Democracy Center, Japanese American National Museum on August 14, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Newsom spoke about a possible California referendum on redistricting to counter the legislative effort to add five Republican House seats in the state of Texas. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bills related to redrawing the stateOs congressional maps on August 21, 2025 in Sacramento, California. In a move to counter Texas House RepublicansO plan to redraw the stateOs congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, California Democrats took up a proposed constitutional amendment to temporarily redraw their own congressional maps, potentially creating five additional U.S. House seats for their party. California Governor Gavin Newsom's political career in pictures 1 of 33 Gavin Newsom began serving as the Democratic governor of California in January 2019. Newsom has held many political roles in California, including Lt. Governor and mayor of San Francisco. Take a look at his political career in pictures. But the nations high court has already shown signs it's unlikely to block the measure. The California Republican Party did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Newsom celebrated the court's decision. "Republicans weak attempt to silence voters failed," Newsom said in a statement shortly after the court's ruling. "California voters overwhelmingly supported Prop 50 to respond to Trumps rigging in Texas and that is exactly what this court concluded." Prop 50 passes: Rebuking Trump, California voters approve Prop 50 to redistrict in favor of Democrats What is Prop 50? California's countermeasure to Texas's redistricting attempts Prop 50 was originally introduced to counter Texas's efforts to send more Republicans to the U.S. House of Representatives after President Donald Trump urged several Republican-led states to redraw their districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections to help decide who controls the House in the final two years of Trump's second term. California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks at a "Yes On Prop 50" volunteer event at the LA Convention Center on November 1, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. California's Prop 50 is on the ballot to either authorize or deny temporary changes to congressional district maps. Election Day is November 4th. The move led Newsom and other top California Democrats to ask voters for a special election on whether the state should redraw district lines to favor Democrats. The redistricted maps would target five Republican strongholds, mostly in Northern California, including the district held by longtime GOP Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who died after suffering a medical emergency on Jan. 5. Advertisement Advertisement The appellate ruling comes more than two months after more than 64% of California voters approved Prop. 50 on Nov. 4. The approval allows the nation's most populous state to temporarily stop using a nonpartisan commission to draw congressional district boundaries. Instead, California will use lines drawn by Democratic state lawmakers to increase the seats they hold in Congress. After the 2030 U.S. Census, the state's nonpartisan commission will resume drawing the congressional lines. 'Democracy is on the ballot,': Former President Obama says in new California Prop 50 TV ad On Nov. 5, Republicans filed legal action against the new maps, arguing that the proposition violated the Voting Rights Act by drawing maps favoring Latino voters in Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement Republicans argued California's redistricting is a violation of the 14th and 15th Amendments and asked the court for a preliminary injunction that would block the maps from being used in 2026. But the two majority appellate judges rejected those claims. They cited the Supreme Courts decision on Dec. 4 that allowed Texas Republicans to redraw their districts to gain five House seats this year and rejected arguments made by Democrats that those new lines were racially discriminatory. "Proposition 50 was exactly what it was billed as: a political gerrymander designed to flip five Republican-held seats to the Democrats," U.S. District Judge Josephine Staton said in the Jan. 14 majority opinion. Staton was joined by U.S. District Judge Wesley Hsu, favoring the Democrats. Prop 50, explained visually: How Proposition 50 can change California elections and shift Trump's strategy Advertisement Advertisement California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the court's ruling upheld the will of the people. "It also means that, to date, every single challenge against Proposition 50 has failed," Bonta said in a statement. "I couldnt be prouder of my team for successfully defending this ballot initiative in court on behalf of Governor Newsom and Secretary of State Weber. We remain confident in the legality of Proposition 50." This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Federal judges favor California's Prop 50 redistricting maps California can move forward with a new U.S. House map that would boost Democrats chances in the 2026 midterms, a federal court ruled Wednesday. A three-judge panel in Los Angeles ruled 2-1 to deny requests from both state Republicans and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to block the map from being used, giving Democrats a realistic chance at flipping up to five House seats in the midterm election. In November, California voters passed a ballot initiative, known as Proposition 50, dramatically altering the state's congressional districts. The pursuit of the new map was largely viewed as an attempt to offset recent redistricting in Texas, which generated more Republican-leaning districts. Advertisement Advertisement "Republicans weak attempt to silence voters failed," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. "California voters overwhelmingly supported Prop 50 to respond to Trumps rigging in Texas and that is exactly what this court concluded." Federal Judges Block Texas From Using Redrawn Congressional Map California Gov. Gavin Newsom praised a federal court decision allowing the state to move forward with a new congressional map. The complaint challenged California's efforts to redraw the state's congressional map, with DOJ Civil Rights Division lawyers arguing that race was "used as a proxy" to justify creating districts that benefit Democrats. Read On The Fox News App But California Democrats argued that the map was legal because it was drawn for partisan advantage. Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that partisan gerrymandering is a political question and not one for federal courts to decide. On Wednesday, the California panel sided with the states argument, saying there was insufficient evidence that the maps were drawn based on race. Red State Moves Forward On Trump-backed Push For New Congressional Map California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks next to his wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom after California's special election on Proposition 50, a measure that would temporarily redraw congressional districts, at the California Democratic Party Headquarters in Sacramento, California, Nov. 4, 2025. "After reviewing the evidence, we conclude that it was exactly as one would think: it was partisan," the judges wrote. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Lee, an appointee of President Donald Trump, said in dissent that at least one district was drawn using race as a factor "to curry favor with Latino groups and voters." Advertisement Advertisement Still, Republicans are expected to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. High-stakes Map Fight: Here Are The Next Battlegrounds In The Trump Vs. Democrats Redistricting Showdown Former Vice President Kamala Harris attends a Yes on Proposition 50 rally at the Los Angeles Convention Center Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The panel's ruling constitutes a major victory for Democrats following the implementation of new congressional maps in several Republican-led states. Last year, Missouri moved forward with congressional redistricting that favors Republicans, and North Carolina's Republican-controlled legislature signed off on a new map that may lead to an additional congressional victory for the GOP. "Californians overwhelmingly voted in favor of Proposition 50. Todays decision upholds the will of the people. It also means that, to date, every single challenge against Proposition 50 has failed," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. "I couldnt be prouder of my team for successfully defending this ballot initiative in court on behalf of Governor Newsom and Secretary of State Weber. We remain confident in the legality of Proposition 50." Advertisement Advertisement Click Here To Download The Fox News App House maps are typically redrawn every 10 years following the census, and the process rarely takes place mid-decade. California relies on an independent commission to draw maps, while other states, including Texas, allow lawmakers to lead the effort. To retake control of the House in the midterms, Democrats need to pick up only a handful of seats. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority with 218 seats to Democrats 213. Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser, Ashley Oliver and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Original article source: Federal court clears Californias new House map boosting Democrats ahead of 2026 midterms A federal judge says two Osceola County deputies do not have qualified immunity in a deadly shooting from 2022 outside a Target store. Judge Gregory Presnell explained in 60-page order that a series of reckless and unreasonable decisions by the Osceola County Sheriffs Office and their deputies led to this minor misdemeanor case turning into chaos, with a full takedown and later, a homicide scene. On April 27, 2022, at a Kissimmee Target, deputies pursued two people accused of shoplifting Pokemon cards and a pizza worth about $40. The teens got into an Audi with two others and then deputies in unmarked vehicles blocked them in. The driver Jayden Baez tried to escape but collided with unmarked law enforcement vehicles. Then, deputies fired more than 30 shots into the vehicle, killing Baez and injuring Joseph Lowe. Advertisement Advertisement The deputies were cleared of criminal charges in 2022, but now, the families of the victims are suing the Sheriffs Office and the deputies who fired their gunsScott Koffinas and Ramy Yacoub. Federal Judge Gregory Presnell called the takedown organized, planned, and carried out by multiple senior, experienced Osceola County deputies. He described it as a small army of 28 deputies and a helicopter, covering all exits and possible escape routes from the Target parking lot on April 27, 2022. Many deputies were leaving a training that ended early on vehicle takedowns and were ordered to gear up for a call at this Target. Advertisement Advertisement The judge said the deputies most significant failure that day was that none of them, including Yacoub and Koffinas, activated their lights and sirens. They were in undercover vehicles, wearing undercover clothing. The judge said: No reasonable officer would have initiated the takedown without any notice or warning that they were law enforcement. And, more importantly, under these circumstances, no reasonable officer would have so recklessly employed deadly forceas Yacoub and Koffinas didto prevent the escape of two petit thieves. The judge says any reasonable person would try to escape after being rammed by an unmarked car and truck. Advertisement Advertisement The judge wrote that Yacoub, Koffinas, and their fellow deputies directly contributed to creating a dangerous situation and that the only discernible justification for the deputies insistence on forcing the takedown is that they were eager to practice their training; and that is not a lawful justification. Osceola County claimed that the shooting was justified and that deputies should receive qualified immunity. The county denied that any policy or lack of training caused the shooting. Now, this case against the individual deputies can proceed to trial but without the immunity claim for the deputies. We reached out to Osceola County Sheriffs Office for comment late Wednesday night. We will update this story as soon as we hear back. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Ryan Patraw process ballots at the Marion County Clerk's Office in Salem on Monday, May 16. Each ballot goes through several steps before it is scanned to have the vote tabulated. (Photo by Ron Cooper/Oregon Capital Chronicle) A federal judge tentatively ruled Wednesday that Oregon does not have to hand over personally identifiable data of more than 3 million Oregon voters to the federal government. In an oral ruling Wednesday evening, U.S. District Court Judge Mustafa Kasubhai said he plans to dismiss the U.S. Justice Departments lawsuit against Oregon and Secretary of State Tobias Read. Kasubhai, appointed by former President Joe Biden, allowed that his final written decision may be different. Advertisement Advertisement Read welcomed the ruling in a statement, calling it a big win for Oregonians privacy and the rule of law. The federal government tried to abuse their power to force me to break my oath of office and hand over your private data, he said. I stood up to them and said no. Now, the court sided with us. Tonight, we proved, once again, we have the power to push back and win. The U.S. Department of Justice demanded last summer that Oregon and other states hand over a wide range of information, including the full name, date of birth, residential address and drivers license number or partial Social Security number for every registered voter. Read refused, saying that doing so would violate Oregonians privacy rights and that the federal government has no authority to demand that data. Advertisement Advertisement The federal government responded by suing the state in September. Kasubhai heard arguments Wednesday over whether to dismiss the case in U.S. District Court in Eugene. Im very cautious and doubtful that what youre asking for, which is an unredacted list, is actually going to give you the information that you need to establish a violation of two voting-related laws, Kasubhai said. The lawsuit alleges the state violated the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act and Title III of the Civil Rights Act of 1960 by not turning over voter data. Oregon regularly provides a redacted version of its voter registration list to political parties and voter outreach groups, and the state has maintained that it will provide that redacted list to the federal government. That list includes voters names, addresses, political parties and birth years, but not birth dates or months, Social Security numbers or drivers license numbers. Advertisement Advertisement The list itself is not an uncommon thing to be requested, but the (National Voting Rights Act) doesnt distinguish between the special list that you have to provide the federal government with this additional private information, said Thomas Castelli, an attorney for the state. Its just not in there. State leaders and the nonprofit group Our Oregon, which intervened in the case, have cited concerns that the Department of Justice wants to use voter data for immigration enforcement. Its both illegal and extremely rare for noncitizens to vote: One study of the 2016 election found just 30 incidents nationwide of suspected noncitizen voting, or 0.0001% of votes cast. Oregon last year found more than 1,800 people were registered to vote in error despite not providing documents indicating they were citizens while at the states Motor Vehicle Services Division. Only 39 of those people voted, and several of them later established that they were citizens when they voted. The state did not pursue criminal charges against any of those voters because none knowingly broke the law, and the Secretary of States Office added guardrails to prevent similar mistakes. Advertisement Advertisement Branden Lewiston, an attorney representing Our Oregon and several Oregon voters who intervened in the lawsuit, said reporting and public statements from U.S. Department of Justice officials indicated that the federal government is trying to create a national voter registration list and run it through databases held by the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. DOGE Service, an initiative formerly led by Trump campaign donor Elon Musk. The federal government would then use that data to identify people it wants to remove from voter rolls, Lewiston said. A few days before the federal government sued Oregon, an unnamed spokesperson for the Department of Justice told Stateline that the department is sharing voter information with the Department of Homeland Security to search for noncitizens to scrub aliens from voter rolls. The federal government is suspicious of Oregons voter rolls in part because the state succeeded in registering more eligible voters than the national average. More than 95% of U.S. citizens aged 18 or older in Oregon were registered to vote ahead of the November 2024 election, compared to 73.6% of adult citizens nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement When you see a state thats consistently above 90% of the citizen voting age population, its a potential yellow flag, federal attorney James Thomas Tucker said. When the state goes above the 95% threshold, thats a red flag. Oregon was the first state in the nation to automatically register adult citizens to vote when they obtain or renew drivers licenses or state ID cards at the Motor Vehicle Services Division, and the number of registered voters rose to more than 3 million in the decade since that law took effect. The state also automatically restores voting rights to people convicted of felonies after they complete their sentences, while other states restrict voting rights in perpetuity or until someone convicted of a crime pays fines and petitions the government to have their voting rights restored. Oregon also regularly leads the nation in voter turnout, though rates have declined since automatic voter registration added more voters to the rolls. Last years presidential election had a 75.4% turnout in Oregon, down from the 2004 peak of 86.5%, but well above the national 65.3% turnout. Advertisement Advertisement Oregon and Maine were the first two states the Trump administration sued on Sept. 16, though it has now sued at least 23 states. Kasubhais early questions of Tucker centered on differences between the Oregon lawsuit and subsequent complaints against other states. The lawsuits against Oregon and Maine allege the states violated the National Voter Registration Act, the Help America Vote Act and Title III of the Civil Rights Act of 1960 by not turning over voter data. More recent lawsuits, including two filed against Arizona and Connecticut last week, rely only on the Civil Rights Act. That law requires all election officers to maintain, for 22 months after a federal election, all records, including voter registrations, for everyone who voted in that election and make those documents available for the U.S. attorney general to inspect and copy. There was certainly a realization within the department that we were making our jobs more difficult than we needed to make them, Tucker said. Advertisement Advertisement But Kasubhai was skeptical that the Civil Rights Act, which passed as part of a series of laws targeting discrimination including disenfranchisement of Black voters, was relevant to the federal governments argument. I can appreciate that the context in which the Civil Rights Act was promulgated was because of the historical exclusion of people on the basis of race from voting, he said. And so I think exclusion was the primary consideration, not over-inclusion. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent knocks on the window of a vehicle driven by an observer looking to disrupt ICE raids on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez said in a Wednesday hearing that there wasnt enough time to make an informed ruling on state officials request for an injunction on further legal violations and unlawful escalations by federal agents reporting to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and legal representatives for the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul filed suit on Monday to stop what multiple state and local officials have called a federal invasion. Advertisement Advertisement Menendez did not outright reject Ellison and his co-plaintiffs claims, saying only that she needed more time to fully consider the facts of the case, KSTP reported. She asked the federal government for its response to the suit by Monday and for the state to file a reply by Jan. 22. A ruling could follow soon after. In other legal news, Chris Madel, a Republican candidate for Minnesota governor, told the Star Tribune that he was providing legal counsel to Jonathan Ross, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who fatally shot Renee Good in Minneapolis on Jan. 7. Madel said he is still running for governor and that he wanted to help Ross get legal representation from the U.S. Department of Justice. Outside the courtroom, a cold front sweeping through Minnesota had little apparent effect on the thousands of ICE and U.S. Border Patrol agents working in the Twin Cities and outstate. Federal law enforcement activity spread into smaller Minnesota communities, with agents active this week in Detroit Lakes, Circle Pines and multiple Twin Cities suburbs. Advertisement Advertisement St. Paul Public Schools announced on Wednesday it would provide a virtual learning option beginning Jan. 22 for students who do not feel comfortable coming to school amid the surge in federal agents. Minneapolis Public Schools plan to offer a remote learning option for students through at least Feb. 12. In Minneapolis, bystander video posted to City Council President Elliott Paynes social media accounts showed agents shoving him off the sidewalk as he met with other local officials near the intersection of Central and Lowry avenues. Payne told CBS News he was filming a public service announcement with state Sen. Dorian Clark, DFL-Minneapolis, and City Council Member Jason Chavez. Meanwhile, immigration enforcement may be ramping up at the Hennepin County Medical Center, the states largest public safety net hospital, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Advertisement Advertisement MPR News reported Wednesday that ICE agents were entering hospitals with detainees, sometimes without warrants, and according to five Hennepin Healthcare nurses who asked to remain anonymous sitting in on patient appointments. An anonymous Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport employee shared a memo with FOX 9 detailing plans for ICE agents to spend three weeks at the hub checking travelers and employees documents. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Airports Commission told FOX 9 in a statement that federal regulations provide federal agents with broad access to MSP Airport property [including] the airfield, pre- and post-security areas in the terminals and public spaces like parking ramps and lots. Federal authorities are also stepping up their efforts to move detainees not released soon after their arrest for one reason or another through the legal process. The Pentagon plans to dispatch at least 25 military judges to Minnesota, according to CNN, while MPR News reported immigration enforcement agencies appear to have dramatically increased deportation flights out of the state. Advertisement Advertisement ICE appears to need all the help it can get on the ground, too. The agency hired independent journalist and Army veteran Laura Jedeed apparently without even a cursory check of her vocally anti-ICE online presence, Jedeed revealed in an engrossing article for the online magazine Slate. It takes about five seconds of Googling to figure out how I feel about ICE, the Trump administration, and the countrys general right-wing project, Jedeed wrote. In other words, too much time for an agency with more money than it knows what to do with. Ordinary Minnesotans continued pushing back on the stepped-up federal law enforcement presence. Hundreds of St. Paul public school students staged a coordinated walkout on Wednesday that converged on the state Capitol. Multiple recent polls show solid majorities of American adults disapproving of ICEs tactics and disbelieving the Trump administrations official line on Goods killing. Perhaps in response, President Donald Trump on Tuesday appeared to soften his stance on Good, who senior administration officials previously called a domestic terrorist. Advertisement Advertisement I would bet you that she, under normal circumstances, was a very solid, wonderful person, Trump told CBS News anchor Tony Doukopil, who has faced criticism for fawning coverage of the Trump administration since stepping into the role last week. Trump then added: But, you know, her actions were pretty tough. The Backend (Google): For complex tasks that require substantial computational power, such as generating long-form text, providing coding assistance, or analyzing complex images, the system taps into Googles Gemini Foundation Models hosted in the cloud. The Frontend (Apple): Apple retains complete control over the user experience. The interface consumers interact with, Apple Intelligence, remains distinctly Apple, handling personal context and on-device tasks. The core of this agreement relies on a hybrid approach to data processing. It allows both companies to play to their strengths without ceding control of their primary assets. The arrangement effectively splits the workload based on complexity. This partnership seems to be the pragmatic evolution of a relationship between Silicon Valleys two most valuable companies. By combining Apples user base with Googles backend intelligence, both firms have now teamed up to secure their positions in the next generation of computing. Meanwhile, Apple shares remained stable near $260.50. For Apple investors, the news brings a sigh of relief. The deal addresses the companys need for speed in the generative AI space without requiring a massive, risky overhaul of its internal operations. The market reaction was immediate and distinct, reflecting the high stakes involved. Alphabets stock price hit intraday highs of around $333.33, driven by validation that its infrastructure is now the industry's undisputed standard. In the middle of January 2026, the two largest forces in mobile computing effectively called a truce in the war for artificial intelligence (AI) dominance. After months of speculation and market volatility, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) formalized a strategic partnership to integrate Googles Gemini models into the Apple ecosystem. This announcement marks a definitive shift in the technology sector, moving from a fragmented competitive landscape to a new era of coopetition. This strategic partnership allows both technology titans to focus on their respective strengths and accelerates the consumer adoption of generative AI. Alphabet validates its position as the premier utility provider for the digital economy by powering the intelligence layer of the global mobile market. Story Continues The Privacy Puzzle & The Blind Data Handoff For investors concerned about Apple diluting its brand promise of privacy, the technical structure of this deal offers a solution. Apple utilizes a proprietary system called Private Cloud Compute. Before any data leaves an iPhone to be processed by Googles Gemini servers, it is stripped of identifiable information. How Concerned Should Investors Be About Palantir Stock? This creates a blind processing environment. Google receives the query and provides the answer, but it does not know who asked it or have the ability to build a profile on that user for advertising purposes. This mitigation strategy is critical for shareholder confidence. It satisfies privacy regulators and protects Apples reputation while still accessing Googles superior computing power. The Price Tag: A Billion-Dollar Lease Financially, the deal is structured as a licensing agreement. Analysts estimate Apple will pay Google approximately $1 billion annually to access Gemini. While this is a significant sum, it represents a cost-effective strategy for Apple. Rather than spending tens of billions of dollars to build, maintain, and improve its search-grade infrastructure from scratch, Apple is simply leasing the capability. This turns a massive potential capital expenditure (CapEx) burden into a manageable operating expense. The Case for Apple: The Buy vs. Build Strategy The primary bullish argument for Apple centers on capital efficiency. Building the server farms necessary to power a global AI network requires massive capital expenditures. By partnering with Google, Apple avoids these upfront costs, protecting its industry-leading profit margins. This allows the company to maintain its robust free cash flow, which supports share buybacks and its stable dividend, currently yielding around 0.40% with an annualized payout of $1.04 per share. The iPhone 17 / 18 Supercycle Beyond Apples balance sheet protection, this deal is a direct sales catalyst. The upcoming iPhone 18 lineup needs a killer feature to drive upgrades. A revamped Siri in the current 17 and forthcoming 18 lineup, powered by Gemini, transforms the voice assistant from a simple command tool into a conversational intelligence engine. Market analysts, including those at Wedbush who have set a $350 price target on Apple, believe this may create the supercycle investors have been waiting for. If the new software offers a tangible improvement in daily utility, it could drive double-digit revenue growth in the hardware division, reversing the stagnation seen in previous cycles. The Case for Alphabet: Winning the AI Utility War For Alphabet, this deal is the ultimate seal of approval. Apple, with a market capitalization of approximately $4 trillion, is the worlds most valuable and discerning client. By choosing Gemini, Apple has effectively validated the companys technology as the industry standard, signaling to other enterprise clients that Gemini is safe, scalable, and superior to Googles competitors. The Scale Advantage: Accessing 2 Billion Devices The strategic value of distribution cannot be overstated. This partnership grants Google direct access to over 2 billion active Apple devices. Without this deal, Google risked being locked out of the premium mobile phone market. Now, Google is not just an option for search on the iPhone; it is the engine powering the phones core intelligence. This effectively boxes out competitors, creating a moat around Google's mobile dominance. Beyond Search Ads: A New Revenue Stream From a valuation perspective, Alphabet remains attractive, despite a high price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of approximately 32x. This deal creates a high-margin revenue stream that is distinct from its advertising business. By turning its biggest mobile competitor into a paying cloud customer, Google has diversified its income and strengthened its cloud divisions growth narrative. This shift from purely ad-based revenue to infrastructure licensing suggests higher-quality earnings moving forward. A New Standard for Coopetition The partnership between Apple and Alphabet represents a rare win-win scenario in the technology sector. Apple buys time and quality, instantly closing its innovation gap while protecting its margins. Alphabet buys volume and validation, cementing its status as the infrastructure backbone of the AI economy. Investors looking for the next concrete signals should look to the upcoming earnings reports. Apple reports fiscal Q1 earnings on Jan. 29, where executives are expected to provide more details on the integration timeline. Alphabet follows with its Q4 report on Feb. 3, which will offer insight into how this contract impacts its cloud revenue projections. As the Spring 2026 launch of iOS 26.4 and the new Siri approaches, both stocks appear positioned to benefit from this pragmatic alliance. The article "Why Apple Chose Google to Power the Future of AI" was originally published by MarketBeat. This much we know: at least 154 women have earned the vaunted black-and-gold Ranger tab, according to U.S. Army data from early 2025. Ranger School is designed to push soldiers to their limits. It demands peak performance while sleep deprived and hungry. A swim test conducted in full uniform. A five-mile run in no more than 40 minutes. A 12-mile foot march lugging a 35-pound rucksack. And thats just the preliminary phase. For much of its history, it stood as the Armys most grueling test of physical and mental prowess reserved exclusively for men. Advertisement Advertisement That changed in 2015 when the Department of Defense opened Ranger School, and all combat jobs, to women. The decision was the catalyst for a groundbreaking transformation of the American military. Now, more than a decade later, the Pentagon has launched a formal review of the effectiveness of the shift, resurrecting a debate many service women thought had been settled years ago. The Pentagon, in a statement to Military Times, said the study is intended to ensure the military can meet the most rigorous demands. The statement added that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will not compromise standards to satisfy quotas or an ideological agenda that is common sense. But critics contend women have already proven they can successfully fill elite combat roles, pointing to the 4,594 female soldiers who are currently deployed in the Armys conventional combat units a count based on data independently collected by Women in the Service Coalition. The Pentagon declined to comment on the numbers. Advertisement Advertisement Theres a bigger and more visceral issue, too. Women suspect the review has been launched merely to buttress a predetermined conclusion: that they do not belong in the infantry. The only reason to conduct a new study is if you want a different outcome and youre prepared to skew whatever answers you get to achieve that outcome, said Sue Fulton, executive director of Women in the Service Coalition, in an interview with Military Times. We have every reason to believe the intent is to marginalize women because Hegseth has said so in the past. Maj. Lisa Jaster, center, was one of the first three women to graduate from the U.S. Army's Ranger School, joining Capt. Kristen Griest, left, and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver, right. (Paul Abell/AP) Hegseth, before assuming his role as defense secretary, was an outspoken critic of allowing female service members to serve in frontline combat roles. Im straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles, he said in a podcast appearance in November 2024, citing a Marine Corps report that found all-male units outperformed mixed gender ones during a 2015 infantry integration test. It hasnt made us more effective. Hasnt made us more lethal. Has made fighting more complicated. Advertisement Advertisement A study released five years later determined that the Marine Corps remained an outlier compared to other branches, with women representing the smallest share of its forces. Hegseth walked back his stance during his confirmation hearing, insisting to lawmakers, if we have the right standard and women meet that standard, roger, lets go. Hegseth set alarm bells ringing again among some female troops last September, however. In a high-profile, fiery speech at Quantico, Virginia, he said that every requirement for combat troops would revert to the highest male standard only. Two women who graduated from Ranger School and served in combat both of whom requested that their last names be withheld out of fear of repercussion for speaking out told Military Times the review stands in contrast with the meritocratic ethos the institution prides itself on. Advertisement Advertisement It is a slap in the face to all the accomplishments of the women who have been in the infantry, have been in combat arms and have contributed at such a high level, Emily said. The message feels very clear: According to leadership, the women in combat arms achieved their success because the standards were lowered for them. But the standards were never lowered for us. I took the same physical fitness test as the men at Ranger School. We earned our spots, she added. After the Pentagon opened all jobs in combat to women, the Army introduced gender-neutral physical tests. Hegseth expanded that framework in 2025 to encompass all combat arms positions. Olivia, who has deployed to multiple war zones as a field artillery officer, told Military Times the debate feels abstract when set against the realities of the battlefield. Advertisement Advertisement Combat is an equalizer, she asserted. When people are shooting at you or youre taking incoming rocket attacks, all those kinds of divisions disappear. This is an American soldier, she continued. It doesnt matter where you come from, who you are, if youre a man or a woman. It matters that we are all a part of the same fighting force and we all have the same goal in mind. You better fucking step up. She concluded that her experience in Ranger School was egalitarian. The standard has always been the same, she said. Anyone who has been there would know that. NEBRASKA (KCAU) The race for Nebraska State Treasurer officially has a candidate on the ballot for this years election. Current Treasurer Joey Spellerberg is running as a Republican. He filed for candidacy on Monday. Story continues below Advertisement Advertisement Spellerberg is currently the only candidate in the race. He was appointed to the position by Governor Pillen in November after Tom Briese retired. Serving as State Treasurer for the great state of Nebraska is one of the greatest honors, said Spellerberg. Since taking office, our office has strived to invest Nebraskans tax dollars responsibly, increase transparency in state spending, return unclaimed property, and lead with fiscal conservative values. Im looking forward to continuing to meet Nebraskans, sharing our vision for fiscal conservatism, and earning their support and vote. Spellerberg was previously the mayor of Fremont from 2020 until his appointment. 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. By Marc Jones LONDON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - A raft of European countries could face a one-notch credit rating downgrade if tensions with the U.S. over Greenland fracture NATO and raise the prospect of more trouble with Russia, Fitch's top sovereign analyst said on Thursday. Fitch already applies a one-notch "adjustment" to ratings in geopolitical hot spots such as Israel, Taiwan and South Korea to reflect elevated risks. Its head of sovereign ratings, James Longsdon, told Reuters the agency may consider a similar approach in Europe if the defence alliance weakens. Advertisement Advertisement "Clearly that's the one thing we'd have to look at for any of the sovereigns in Europe where structurally we need to think about that," Longsdon said in an interview. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who has warned a conflict with the U.S. over Greenland would spell the end of NATO, told Reuters on Thursday there remained a "fundamental disagreement" with the U.S. after President Donald Trump again insisted that the U.S. "needs" Greenland. Longsdon stressed that Fitch would "have to see how these things play out first" and that any rating action would require careful assessment, though proximity to Russia would be a key factor. "It could be where you felt the vulnerability to a geopolitical event would be most obvious," he said. Advertisement Advertisement "That's the broad rule of thumb, so the further away you are from Russia, the least likely that is to be the case." Longsdon said it wasn't possible to put a timeline for any potential moves given it remained theoretical, or if the cuts could be synchronised or happen individually in conflict over Greenland broke out. He also highlighted Moldova hadn't yet had this kind of downward adjustment to its B+ rating despite Russia maintaining about 1,500 troops in the breakaway region of Transdniestria, and that the situation was complicated given some parts of central and eastern Europe also had friendlier relations with Moscow than others. However, he said tensions over Greenland were unlikely to affect Denmark's triple-A rating. Denmark is among a small group of European countries with the top credit score, alongside Germany, Switzerland and Norway, and has one of the lowest debt levels in the shrinking global club of triple-A sovereigns. Advertisement Advertisement "Greenland is a large land mass, but it's very small economically and fiscally for Denmark," Longsdon said. "It is a very solid triple-A sovereign rating, so I think just the size differential makes it very hard to see a situation that would be so consequential." (Reporting by Marc Jones; Editing by Mark Potter and Diane Craft) Uganda, where President Yoweri Museveni is seeking to extend his 40-year rule with a seventh term on Thursday, has one of the world's youngest populations and is pinning its hopes on oil reserves to overcome poverty. Here are five things to know about the east African nation: - Regional military involvement - Still haunted by the tyrannical reign of Idi Amin from 1971 to 1979, which Museveni helped to end as a former guerrilla, Uganda has been involved in several civil wars and regional conflicts since achieving independence from Britain in 1962. Advertisement Advertisement Museveni, who took power at the head of a rebel army in 1986, has tried to position himself as a useful ally to the United States to offset criticism of his domestic regime. Uganda's troops have, for instance, been the largest contingent of African soldiers in Somalia fighting al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab militants since 2007. Its troops have fought in two brutal wars in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo (1996-1997 and 1998-2003) and maintain a military presence there. In March, Uganda again sent troops to South Sudan to support President Salva Kiir, which observers deemed a breach of a United Nations arms embargo. Advertisement Advertisement - Strict anti-homosexuality law - Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act, signed by Museveni into law in May 2023, is one of the most severe in the world, with harsh sentences for same-sex relations or "promoting" homosexuality. This includes the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality", though capital punishment has not been applied for many years. Human Rights Watch said the law "institutionalised" homophobia and made it "legitimate". The World Bank suspended new loans to the country over the law, but announced in June 2025 that it was resuming lending, while claiming that measures were put in place to limit the risk of discrimination in its projects. Advertisement Advertisement - Black gold hopes - Agriculture is central to the Ugandan economy, with coffee as its leading export, along with refined gold, and a burgeoning tourism sector. Museveni has overseen sustained economic growth -- which continued at more than six percent in 2024-2025, according to the World Bank. Some 60 percent of Ugandans still live on $3 or less, however, with critics accusing the government of multiple, massive corruption scandals that have sapped growth. The government has high hopes for its oil sector after discovering major reserves in the Lake Albert region in 2006. Landlocked, Uganda hopes to export its first oil through a $10 billion project with France's TotalEnergies and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) that has been strongly opposed by environmental groups. Advertisement Advertisement The 1,443-kilometre (900-mile) pipeline -- the world's longest heated pipeline -- is due to start transporting crude from Uganda to the Tanzanian port of Tanga on the Indian Ocean in June. - Young population - Half of the population of 51.4 million in 2025 was under 18, according to the World Bank, with only two percent over 65. Britain's former protectorate was named the "Pearl of Africa" in the early 20th century by the future British prime minister Winston Churchill. Its natural diversity includes misty rainforests, great lakes and snow-capped mountains. It has a long shoreline on Lake Victoria -- which straddles Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania -- and is crossed by the Nile river. Advertisement Advertisement Bwindi National Park is home to half the world's mountain gorillas while Mount Stanley is Africa's third-highest peak at 5,109 metres (16,762 feet). - Open doors - Uganda hosts more refugees than any other African country, according to the United Nations. It put their number at two million in 2025, due to influxes from Sudan, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Aid groups say Uganda struggles to assist the ever-expanding population, but the government has also faced scandals over inflating its refugee numbers to boost the aid it receives. np-rfo-paj/jmy/er/rh/ceg You're driving in Delaware and an oncoming driver flashes their headlights. Did they hit a dip in the road, or are they warning you of a speed trap ahead? You soon spot your answer: a police officer waiting to catch speedy drivers. While you might be appreciative of the heads-up, a question does cross your mind: Are drivers allowed to flash their lights to warn of police ahead? Can I flash my lights to warn of police in Delaware? Based on a 2015 settlement between the American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware and the town of Smyrna, yes. Advertisement Advertisement In that case, the ACLU of Delaware sued the town for ticketing and arresting a man who flashed his headlights to warn of police in late 2015. When the man appeared to court to fight the ticket, the officer didn't show and the ticket was dropped. However, in early October 2016, the ACLU filed suit, saying the headlight warning was a violation of the First Amendment. READ: Delaware latest to sue pharmaceutical companies over insulin prices The case was settled, meaning there was no case law generated from the suit to say definitively that ticketing for flashing your headlights is unconstitutional. However, the settlement and a memo the police department was obligated to write outlining "the extent to which the First Amendment exempts expressive speech from criminal prosecution and that a traffic stop cannot be made based solely on flashing of headlights to warn of a speed trap" sets practical precedent for law enforcement agencies in Delaware. Advertisement Advertisement Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. For all things breaking news, follow her on X at @izzihughes_ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Can I flash my headlights to warn drivers of police in Delaware? PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) A new educational spring series is coming to Bay County and it kicks off this week. Destination Panama City is hosting the St. Andrew & St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program in partnership with Bay County UF IFAS Extension to provide its monthly Tides and Talks conversations surrounding many relevant topics to the area. Januarys topic is about Florida-Friendly Landscaping and the nine principles that guide sustainable landscaping practices in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles were designed in order to protect and conserve our states greatest resource, which is water; were surrounded by it, said Bay County UF IFAS Extension Agent Lauren Goldsby. The discussion begins at 3 p.m. on Thursday at Destination Panama City, located at 101 W Beach Drive. Goldsby will be at the meeting to provide her expertise in the field and give many tips from a research standpoint and discuss the nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping. Spring 2026 Tides and Talks: January Florida-Friendly Landscaping February Reefs & Recreation: Artificial Reefs March Seagrass Awareness Month: Seagrass Solutions April Shells & Sand Hills: Gopher Tortoises May Econfina Creek & Springs Advertisement Advertisement For more information and to register, 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 mypanhandle.com. In Florida, law school graduates will no longer need to graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association to take the state's bar exam. The Florida Supreme Court decided to amend its rule which originally had made the ABA the sole accreditor for law schools. And graduating from an ABA-accredited law school was the only way to take the bar examination. In a decision announced Jan. 15, the court decided to give a pathway to other accreditor options, amending the rule for law school accreditation to extend to a "programmatic accrediting agency" or "institutional accrediting agency" recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, for example. Advertisement Advertisement The majority said the reason for the rule change was to create opportunities for additional entities to accredit law schools. To be sure, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier who called the ABA "a captured, far-left organization" had encouraged the state's high court to sever ties amid conservative backlash against the nearly 150-year-old organization. Good move. The (highly partisan) ABA should not be a gatekeeper for legal education or the legal profession. https://t.co/dtkZlKdAEv Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 15, 2026 "... (The) Court is persuaded that it is not in Floridians best interest for the ABA to be the sole gatekeeper deciding which law schools graduates are eligible to sit for the states General Bar Examination and become licensed attorneys in Florida," the opinion read. Justice Jorge Labarga, the only dissenter, said the ABA "has cultivated unmatched proficiency in dealing with Florida law-school-specific issues that would require decades for any successor to develop." Advertisement Advertisement Labarga, now the only member of the court not appointed by DeSantis, added that "... refinements can always be made. However, replacing an established entity with an unknown alternative is detrimental in the context of disputes." In a statement, the American Bar Association noted that the court's order says Florida law schools can continue to seek accreditation from the ABA. The court "reinforces the authority that it has always had over the licensure of JD (juris doctor) graduates and which law schools it recognizes as accredited," said Jenn Rosato Perea, managing director of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admission to the Bar. Florida part of conservative backlash against ABA Florida isn't the first to move away from the ABA. Last week, Uthmeier praised the move by the Texas Supreme Court to cut ties with the ABA and instead accredit law schools itself. Advertisement Advertisement "This is a good start," Uthmeier posted on X in response to the Florida Supreme Court's rule change. "The ABA ... should not dictate the ability of Florida students to sit for the Bar." Uthmeier also confronted the ABA in recent months by accusing the organization of anti-Christian discrimination against a Florida Catholic law school. And Jason Weida, DeSantis' chief of staff, posted simply: "Mission accomplished." The Trump administration decided over the summer to remove the ABA's longstanding special access to review federal judicial candidates. But the Florida Supreme Court already was considering whether to revise its rules on whether someone who wants to practice law in Florida has to graduate from an ABA-accredited law school. Advertisement Advertisement Previously: Florida Supreme Court halts state Bars role in appointments to ABA policymaking panel In March, the Florida Supreme Court appointed a workgroup to study the issue, and the majority of the Justices said it made its Jan. 15 decision based on that group's report, which included options for reducing the ABA's "near monopoly" on law school accreditation. "Although the Court has not finalized the procedure governing (its) approval of institutional accreditors, it anticipates contacting such accreditors to assess their interest in accrediting law schools," the opinion said. As of Oct. 1, 2026, however, "graduates of ABA-accredited law schools will continue to qualify to sit for the states General Bar Examination, and graduates of law schools accredited by any subsequently recognized programmatic accreditor will be afforded the same eligibility." Advertisement Advertisement That means this year's test takers won't be affected. Florida, as do most states, offers its bar exam twice yearly, in February and July. From September 2025: UF, JU law grads top Florida bar exam with over 90% pass rates If you can't view the document above, click here. (This story was updated to add new information.) This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners. USA Today Network-Florida First Amendment reporter Stephany Matat is based in Tallahassee, Fla. She can be reached at SMatat@gannett.com. On X: @stephanymatat. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida says no more ABA monopoly in legal education. Why? Floridians demanding for more accountability over the state's universal school voucher system are one step closer to seeing more safeguards added to the ballooning $4 billion program. As one of the first votes of the 2026 Legislative Session, the Florida Senate passed "Educational Scholarship Programs," (SB 318), a move that opponents in the House say will "end universal school choice in Florida." It's been a priority of the bill's sponsor, Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Crestview, to implement recommendations made by the Florida Auditor General after reviewing the program over the 2024-2025 school year. The audit on the Florida Department of Education's Family Empowerment Scholarship found a "myriad of accountability challenges," with millions of dollars in overspending (and no way to effectively recoup those funds), as well as lack of oversight and delays in scholarship payments. Nassau County students load a bus at Timbercreek Plantation in Nassau County for the first day of school Monday August 11, 2025 in Yulee, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] "To all of us who believe in parental choice and education, as I do, the auditor general's report was tough medicine," Gaetz said. "But... to disregard the auditor general's findings and warnings and recommendations and just let things roll on as they are, would be legislative malpractice." Advertisement Advertisement For example, the audit found hundreds of accounts for Unique Abilities (UA) scholarships with balances in excess of the $50,000 cap. It also found the Florida Department of Education didn't cross check students receiving money from AAA, one of two scholarship funding organizations in the state, to make sure students weren't attending public school. And all cross checks by the department were volunteer surveys sent to parents. The universal voucher program has been plagued with issues since its establishment in 2021. Opponents of the accountability measures the bill implements say problems within the program are just growing pains because of recent rapid expansion. An early concern of the House was the audit's recommendation to separate the Family Empowerment Scholarship funds from the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), with fears that the split would put limits on the scholarship money. The FEFP is how the state distributes funds to school districts equitably and relies primarily on student enrollment. Gaetz said the House is working on their own version of the bill and he had "faith" the chamber would help solve the problem. Advertisement Advertisement "It's bad for kids, bad for public schools, bad for private schools, bad for parents," Gaetz said. Missing funds means more audits needed, Senate says Gaetz, who was a former school superintendent, acknowledged the system used to carry out the scholarship program is decades old. However, more scrutiny over the program, including over the Scholarship Funding Organizations (SFOS), Step up for Students and AAA, would help account for missing funds, both to families and to school districts. The "pay and chase" model, in which the state releases hundreds of millions of dollars before the school year even starts, would end, and the bill would establish a yearly audit of the SFOs, requiring them to return funds back to the state as a result of audit findings. Sen. Don Gaetz chats with fellow lawmakers Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. "Fraudsters, unfortunately, have discovered our school choice program, and they scammed millions of dollars by creating fictitious students," Gaetz said. Advertisement Advertisement Somewhere between $1 and $2 million was found to have gone to fraudulent accounts, Gaetz said. "Not Minnesota, but not a good look." The changes the bill would implement, if passed and signed by the governor, also include: Create fall and spring application windows; requires the use of a single application for all scholarship programs, and requires more than one form to document residency and the childs birth certificate to apply. The Florida Department of Education must cross-check scholarship applicants against the latest district enrollment so the money follows the student. The department must assign Florida students an ID for all scholarship recipients. Student eligibility must be confirmed prior to each payment, and changes the scholarship payment installments from quarterly to monthly. SFOs would be paid a 2% administrative fee instead of 3%. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Democrats said "I told you so," but also thanked Gaetz for the voucher accountability bill. "I'm hoping we can all get behind this, because and transparency and accountability is exactly what has been needed in this for quite some time," said Sen. Shevrin Jones, D-Miami. Sen. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills, reassured Floridians that the this bill would not harm the program. "The purpose of why we're bringing it forward is to save and preserve the program so that it continues to grow and thrive and live up to its fullest potential," Burgess said. "I think collectively, we all may have some differences of opinion," he added. "What we recognize above all of that is that doing nothing is even worse than trying to do something." Advertisement Advertisement Sen Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, who spearheaded the universal school voucher bill in 2023 that expanded Family Empowerment Scholarships to all Floridians, admitted the state needed "a little longer runway to make sure that we're able to cross our T's and dot all of our I's to fix the issues that are going to come down the road." Ana Goni-Lessan, government impact reporter for the USA TODAY Network Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@usatodayco.com. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida's school choice voucher system could see more state oversight As residents across Florida experience significant temperature drops Thursday night and Friday morning, AccuWeather meteorologists say iguanas could fall from trees in the South Florida. Temperatures in the state are forecast to drop as a cold front moves through Thursday, with cities like Jacksonville and Tallahassee having low temperatures in the 20s at night. Cities such as Orlando and Lakeland could drop as low as the mid-30s. Miami is expected to reach 47, with 42 in West Palm Beach. AccuWeather.com "Green iguanas are sensitive to the cold and can become stunned when temperatures fall into the 40s and 30s," AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said. "When that happens, they may lose their grip and fall from the trees. It's a unique cold-weather hazard in Florida." Advertisement Advertisement These cold-blooded reptiles can become "cold-stunned" and can lose their grip on branches when temperatures drop below their tolerance threshold. After falling from a tree, they appear to be dead but remain breathing with critical body functions still operating. When temperatures start to rise throughout the morning, the iguanas can spring back into action. AccuWeather.com Green iguanas, introduced to Florida decades ago from Central and South America, live mainly in the southern half of the state and are not adapted to temperatures below 45 F. They begin to get sluggish or lethargic once the temperature drops below 50 F. Most of the state will fall below that critical 45-degree mark Friday morning. "When it gets cold like this, it's funny to those who aren't from here to see the news people talking about iguanas falling from trees, but it can and will happen," Joe Wasilewski, a conservation biologist and a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Iguana Specialist Group, told Patch. A cold stunned iguana waits to warm up in Dreher Park after temperatures dropped on Jan. 22, 2020 in West Palm Beach, Florida. When fully grown, iguanas can be up to 5 feet long and weigh up to 25 pounds. Such large lizards falling from trees can injure unaware humans who don't normally prepare for raining reptiles. Advertisement Advertisement While the sight of an iguana on the ground can seem bizarre, experts advise against moving them. The best thing to do is just leave them alone. The iguanas will typically recover when temperatures rise back to around 50 F. However, prolonged extreme cold can be fatal for the reptiles. Michael Ronquillo, a professional iguana remover and owner of Humane Iguana Control, warns that falling iguanas can be dangerous. "Imagine, you come here early in the morning to walk your pets and you're not aware there are iguanas up there. They can fall on you, on roofs, on cars," he told NBC 6 in South Florida. An iguana falls from a tree in southern Florida as an unseasonable cold snap enveloped the Sunshine State on Tuesday night into Wednesday. (WPLG / ABC Newsone) "Iguanas are not viewed favorably by South Floridians; however, they're not aggressive and don't attack or harm humans or pets, so people generally view them more as pests than a real threat," Robert Molleda, a warning coordination meteorologist with the NWS in Miami, told AccuWeather. "However, their droppings can contain the salmonella bacteria." Jan. 14Business across all Bosque Brewing Co. taprooms isn't the only thing that halted after a federal judge tossed the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy case in December.Bosque's plans to expand a local pizza joint known as Restoration Pizza also hit a wall, leaving a newly constructed 6,135-square-foot building within the WyMont development off Wyoming and Montgomery NE up for grabs.Bosque signed a lease for the space in summer 2024 with the intention of opening a Restoration Pizza, according to Colliers broker Ben Perich, who is handling the leasing of the building."That is who it was being built for, and as a result of the bankruptcy, that will not be proceeding," Perich said.Bosque leadership did not respond to the Journal's requests for comment.Bosque filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October, hoping to continue operations while it reorganized its finances. The company's bankruptcy filings showed Bosque had accrued $10 million to $50 million in liabilities, compared with less than $10 million in assets and roughly 190 unsecured creditors.A federal judge threw out Bosque's bankruptcy case in December after a U.S. trustee recommended that dismissal would be "in the best interest of creditors," a court order said. The decision prompted Bosque to close all of its taprooms statewide just days later.Bosque defaulted on the deal for the WyMont building just as it was nearing completion, said Perich, who is now looking for a new tenant for the building.The site would have been Restoration Pizza's second Albuquerque location. Bosque launched the pizza brand in 2019, first opening its doors at 5161 Lang NE in Albuquerque and then at a second location in Santa Fe in 2022. The Santa Fe restaurant closed in early December amid Bosque's bankruptcy proceedings.Restoration Pizza's sole Albuquerque location remains open. The pizza joint is now owned by an entity separate from Bosque, according to owner Rachel Bernal and statements from Bosque in December. Ad "We are an unrelated entity, so while (the WyMont site) is an amazing location, that deal is not ours," Bernal said in an email.The Restoration Pizza owner didn't rule out the possibility of expanding to another site in the future."Our short-term focus is on our Journal Center location and the team there," Bernal said. "We remain open-minded about a second location should the right property and opportunity arise."The empty WyMont building, which comes with a 1,500-square-foot covered and enclosed patio, is turn-key and move-in ready for another restaurant or brewery, Perich said. The building's owner is open to both local and national options, he added.A master developer by the name of AMREP Southwest Inc. bought the former La Mirada shopping center that once sat where the WyMont resides, along with the empty lots that surrounded it, in June 2021.The company demolished the shopping center in late 2021 to make way for a small residential subdivision and thereafter began selling the site's empty parcels, which have since welcomed Albuquerque ER & Hospital, Slim Chickens, Freddy's and 7 Brew."I think nice, casual dining, potentially a local restaurant, would be a good fit," Perich said. "Something that caters to the immediate neighborhood. Albuquerque is always looking for a quality restaurant."The WyMont development expects to welcome another local restaurant behind the old Bank of America building which will become a Tap N Taco restaurant in May though Perich declined to name which one. The site also has one more empty lot available, Perich said.Kylie Garcia covers retail and real estate for the Journal. You can reach her at kgarcia@abqjournal.com. Anatoly Aksakov, chairman of the State Dumas Financial Markets Committee, said a draft bill has already been finalised and is expected to be considered during the spring parliamentary session. Meanwhile, Russian lawmakers are working to open the cryptocurrency market to retail participants . They are preparing legislation that would allow non-qualified investors limited access to digital assets. At the same time, two coins are down by more than 1% each. Provenance Blockchain (HASH) declined by 6.4% to the price of $0.02362. The categorys winner was Story (IP) , with a rise of 28.3% in a day to the current price of $3.87. Looking at the top 100 coins per market cap, 95 are up today. Five of these saw double-digit increases. ETH and Lido Staked Ether (STETH) follow, with XRP (XRP)s 4.3% coming next and trading at $2.14. The categorys biggest gainer is Dogecoin (DOGE) , having appreciated 7%, now standing at $0.1482. Ethereum (ETH) increased by 6.6%, now trading at $3,328. This is the categorys second-best performer. Bitcoin (BTC) appreciated by 3.4% since this time yesterday, currently trading at $94,953. All top 10 coins per market capitalisation have seen their prices rise over the past 24 hours, as of Wednesday morning (UTC). TLDR: Crypto market cap is up 3.6% on Wednesday morning (UTC); 95 of the top 100 coins and all of the top 10 coins decreased today; BTC increased by 3.4% to $91,271, and ETH is up 6.6% to $3,328; In the short term, BTC should monitor the $91,031 level as key support; In the long term, a decisive breakout above $109,000 may open doors towards a new ATH; Standard Chartered has dubbed 2026 the year of Ethereum; A repricing of confidence in the monetary policy framework itself is underway. Russian lawmakers are preparing to open cryptocurrency market to retail participants; US BTC and ETH spot ETFs posted inflows of $753.73 million and $129.99 million, respectively; Financial advisors allocated to crypto in client accounts in 2025; Advisors picked crypto equity ETFs as their top exposure for 2026; Crypto market sentiment has seen a significant jumped. The crypto market is up today, with the cryptocurrency market capitalisation rising by 3.6% to $3.33 trillion. At the time of writing, 95 of the top 100 coins have posted increases over the past 24 hours. Also, the total crypto trading volume stands at $174 billion, back to the levels were used to seeing lately. Story Continues Repricing of Confidence in Monetary Policy Framework Itself According to Glassnode, the Long-Term Holder Supply Distribution Heatmap shows a cost-basis cluster between $93,000 and $109,000. It usually takes a decisive breakout above this range to open doors toward a new ATH. Moreover, looking at the Short-Term Holder Cost Basis Distribution (CBD) Heatmap, Glassnode found that the recent $80,000$95,000 consolidation reflects a top-heavy cost-basis structure meeting renewed demand above $80,000. Meanwhile, Bitunix analysts say that in the short term, BTC should monitor the $91,031 level as key support, with $97,237 acting as the primary resistance zone. They note that on 14 January, US President Donald Trump launched an attack on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Powell has the support of several major central banks, including the European Central Bank, the Bank of England, and the Bank of Canada. This episode is not merely a personnel dispute, but a repricing of confidence in the monetary policy framework itself, the analysts say. For the crypto market, the core macro variables remain the duration of elevated interest rates and the credibility of policy institutions. They continue: If concerns over central bank independence continue to widendriving volatility in the dollar and real yieldscrypto asset volatility is likely to increase. Conversely, if markets regain confidence that the policy path is not being politically distorted, BTC may re-enter a bullish rhythm following a period of structural consolidation. Crypto markets should remain highly attentive to how shifts in the macro narrative cascade into changes in overall risk appetite. Levels & Events to Watch Next At the time of writing on Wednesday morning, BTC stood at $94,953. The coin started the day at the lowest point of $91,820. It relatively gradually appreciated to the intraday high of $95,804, before slightly correcting to the current price. BTC remains green in the 7-day timeframe as well, having appreciated 3% over a week. It has been trading in the $89,799$95,724 range. Bitcoin Price Chart. Source: TradingView In the near term, BTC will likely continue to trade between $80,000 and $96,000. Yet, a break above $98,000 could lead to $100,000, and a decisive breakout above that could open doors toward the $116,000-$120,000 level. Should it go red, we could see levels below $80,000 and $70,000. Moreover, Ethereum is currently changing hands at $3,328. For the majority of the past 24 hours, it traded between the intraday low of $3,119 and $3,210. However, it then jumped to the intraday high of $3,350. Over the past 7 days, ETH has gone up 2.7%. It moved between $3,068 and $3,350. Ethereum (ETH)24h7d30d1yAll time If ETH continues rising, it could see $3,450, after which the path may open for higher levels of $3,600 and $3,850. A firm breakout above this level could lead to ETH reclaiming the $4,000 zone. On the other hand, a drop could push the price back down towards $3,000, while stronger pressure would lead to the sub-$3,000 levels. Notably, Standard Chartered has dubbed 2026 the year of Ethereum. Moreover, the crypto market sentiment has finally reversed course and began increasing, away from the fear zone. The crypto fear and greed index stands at 52 today, compared to 41 weve been seeing over the past few days. Though still in the neutral territory, the metric no longer borders the fear zone and is approaching the greed zone, which it hasnt seen since a brief spike in October 2025. While the caution remains, its clear that optimism amongst market participants is increasing. Its still unclear if this is a brief rise or a part of a longer-term trend. Source: CoinMarketCap ETFs Go Green On Tuesday, the US BTC spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded a second straight day of positive flows, adding $753.73 million in total, the highest level since October. With this, the total net inflow increased to $57.27 billion. Seven of the twelve ETFs posted inflows, and none recorded outflows. Fidelity was at the top, taking in $351.36 million. Its followed by Bitwise and BlackRock with $159.42 million and $126.27 million, respectively. Source: SoSoValue Moreover, the US ETH ETFs posted positive flows on 13 January as well, totalling $129.99 million. This is a significant jump compared to the minor inflows of the day prior. The latest amount increased the total net inflow to $12.57 billion. Of the nine funds, five saw inflows, and none saw outflows again. The highest among these is BlackRocks $53.31 million. Grayscale is next with inflows of $39.35 million recorded on the same day. Source: SoSoValue Meanwhile, a recent Bitwise and VettaFi survey found that 32% of financial advisors allocated to crypto in client accounts in 2025. This is up from 22% in 2024, setting an all-time high for the series. Advisors picked crypto equity ETFs as their top exposure for 2026, while their next choice was spot crypto ETFs at 16%. Quick FAQ Did crypto move with stocks today? The crypto market posted an increase over the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, the US stock market closed the Tuesday session lower. By the closing time on 13 January, the S&P 500 was down 0.19%, the Nasdaq-100 decreased by 0.18%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 0.8%. TradFi investors were digesting consumer inflation data and the news of a Justice Department probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Is this rally sustainable? It is possible that well watch crypto prices move in a relatively tight range for a while longer. Analysts are currently looking for signals that would confirm a potential longer-term upturn. You may also like: (LIVE) Crypto News Today: Latest Updates for January 14, 2026 Crypto markets staged a broad rebound over the past 24 hours, with most sectors posting gains of between 3% and 8% as risk appetite improved. Bitcoin rose 4.34% to reclaim the $95,000 level, while Ethereum jumped 7.4% to trade above $3,300. Strength was seen across meme, RWA, Layer 2, DeFi, and CeFi sectors, with several tokens recording double-digit gains. Market sentiment also improved, with the crypto fear and greed index climbing to 47 from 25 a day earlier, placing sentiment firmly in... Read original story Why Is Crypto Up Today? January 14, 2026 by Sead Fadilpasic at Cryptonews.com Chad Aaron Ollinger who appeared on TVs Mystery at Blind Frog Ranch is accused of fatally beating his Nevada cellmate weeks before the reality star was set to be sprung from the slammer, lawmen say. Guards discovered the unresponsive inmate at the Clark County Detention Center on Dec. 26, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department determined the victim, whose name was withheld, was suffering from apparent blunt force injuries following a fight. The motionless man was declared dead at the scene, and 41-year-old Chad was re-booked for open murder, according to cops, who did not reveal the cause of the alleged altercation. Advertisement Advertisement On the Discovery Channel series, which has run for five seasons, Chad searched for gold alongside his dad, oil and gas entrepreneur Duane Ollinger, in the caves beneath the patriarchs Blind Frog Ranch in eastern Utah. But in November 2024, Chad was arrested in Potter County, Texas, for allegedly evading detention after being accused of trying to flee officers on a motorcycle and on foot following an attempted traffic stop, and a grand jury indicted him for that case in January 2025, according to KFDA. All I know is this one thing, Chad told TMZ. It was a hell of a ride until I got off of that Harley Crossbone. He was also cuffed in the same state in February for allegedly driving with an invalid license with previous convictions and traveling at least 10 percent above the posted limit. Advertisement Advertisement In July, his family reported him missing in New Mexico, but he was ultimately located in Albuquerque. He was later taken into custody in Clark County, Nev., on Oct. 27 for contempt of court and booked at the Las Vegas jail. That arrest resulted in a short sentence handed down on Dec. 18, less than 10 days before the homicide took place. According to jail records, the Lone Star State native was initially due to be sprung on Jan. 12, 2026, but still faced a court hearing in February regarding his arrest as a fugitive from another state. Chad is currently being held without bail as he awaits arraignment on the murder charge. Read More From Globe This story Former Reality Star Accused of Fatally Beating Cellmate to Death Weeks Before Being Set Free first appeared on Globe. Add Globe as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A North Carolina woman is suing former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema for allegedly causing the end of her marriage by engaging in a sexual relationship with her husband, who was a member of Sinemas security team. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against Sinema for alienation of affection, following her separation from husband on Nov. 1, 2024. The couple has three children together and, the plaintiff claims Sinema disrupted their marriage during her term as senator. Court documents obtained by Channel 9 say the couple were married on Oct. 23, 2010, and lived in Moore County prior to their separation. The lawsuit alleges that Sinema engaged in a romantic relationship with the plaintiffs husband while he was still married. Advertisement Advertisement The complaint states that the plaintiff was a primary caretaker for their children, managing household duties while supporting her husband during his military career. He served in the U.S. Army for multiple deployments, and he moved into private security after filing for medical retirement. He eventually got hired to join Sinemas security team and was later promoted to Head of Security. The lawsuit alleges that, beginning in early 2024, the plaintiff found messages from Sinema to her husband that were of romantic and lascivious natures. Messages included talking about sexual positions, and Sinema allegedly told the plaintiffs husband to bring MDMA on a work trip so that she could guide him through a psychedelic experience. ALSO READ >> Lawsuit filed against NC House Speaker over affair has been dismissed In specific incidents detailed in the complaint, the couple reportedly traveled together for work events, and Sinema invited the plaintiffs husband to her hotel room. Advertisement Advertisement The woman says in her complaint that the emotional distress from the affair has caused significant stress and led to the end of their marriage. North Carolina is one of only a few states where spouses can sue their exs affair partner under alienation of affection. The lawsuit says their marriage was functioning normally before her husband met Sinema. The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $25,000, citing emotional distress and the disruption of family life. Sinema hasnt commented on the lawsuit. (VIDEO: State senator sues over AI voice manipulation in ad) France is set to conduct military drills in Greenland in the wake of tensions between the U.S. and Denmark over the territory. At the request of Denmark, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organized by Denmark in Greenland, Operation Arctic Endurance. The first French military elements are already on their way. Others will follow, French President Emmanuel Macron said in a post on the social platform X on Wednesday. The Danish Defense Ministry said Wednesday that the country is bolstering its military presence in and close to Greenland due to widened NATO military exercises. Aircraft, naval vessels and soldiers are going to be sent to the Arctic territory, according to the defense ministry. Advertisement Advertisement Calls from Denmark and Greenland for the Trump administration to stop talking about acquiring Greenland were shot down by Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a Wednesday meeting at the White House. There was a fundamental disagreement between the U.S. and the other two countries, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said in the wake of the meeting. Early Wednesday, President Trump said anything but American ownership of Greenland 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. IF WE DONT, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! Trump wrote. Advertisement Advertisement The presidents threats targeting Greenland came into the spotlight again following the American operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Trump has often discussed acquiring Greenland, which has many mineral resources and a strategic location that could boost American national security. The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment. 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. ANNVILLE, Pa. (WHTM) Fulton Bank is donating a piece of prime real estate property to Lebanon Valley College. The bank has decided to donate its former financial center property at 1 W. Main Street to the college. The college says its exporing uses of the 4,600 square foot building and adjacent parking lot located at the intersection of Routes 422 and 934. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now WHTM Daily Digest As a community bank, we recognize that supporting education is an investment in our future. Lebanon Valley College alumni have gone on to serve as leaders in business, science, and the arts, said Curt Myers, Chairman, CEO and President of Fulton Bank. Thats why we are honored to donate this property to LVC, to help them continue to grow and expand the positive impact they make in central Pennsylvania and beyond. I am grateful to Fulton Bank for this generous donation to the College, said Dr. James M. MacLaren, LVC President. We are identifying exciting options for the buildings new purpose. Its central and prominent location in Annville presents us with opportunities to provide new or expanded programs or services to students while maintaining LVCs connections and presence in Annville. 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 ABC27. A California businessman who is suing MGM in federal court claims he was drugged with ketamine while playing blackjack in the MGM Grand Mansion, an enclave for high rollers. (Photo: Getty Images) A high roller who alleges he was drugged while gambling at MGM Grand in 2021 will be permitted to question five hotel employees who may have potential knowledge of evidence, even though the period for taking depositions has expired, Federal Magistrate Elayna J. Youchah said during a hearing Wednesday, in a reversal of her previous denial. We are here today because, candidly, sometimes I think too much, Youchah told attorneys for MGM Grand and Dwight Manley, a California businessman who is suing the casino giant in federal court. Manley claims he was drugged with ketamine while playing blackjack in the MGM Grand Mansion, an enclave for high rollers. Advertisement Advertisement He alleges MGM executives took advantage of his drugged condition by increasing his longstanding $1 million credit limit to $3.5 million in the course of an afternoon, despite erratic behavior witnessed by his friends and acknowledged by his longtime casino host, according to court documents. In his suit, Manley contends that credit extensions exceeding a gamblers previous limit are granted in small increments, not millions of dollars at a time. The gambler has purchased billboards seeking information from witnesses and offering a reward. Attorney Lawrence Semenza III, who represents MGM in the suit, called the litigation a fishing expedition. MGM, according to legal filings, suggests Manley was trying to get out of paying his gambling debts. Manley counters in pleadings that he paid his host $560,000 on the plane ride back to California. He also made no effort to stop payment when MGM deposited his markers, according to the lawsuit. Advertisement Advertisement Manleys attorney, Paul Hejmanowski, has 60 days to complete the depositions, the judge ordered. Responsible gambling? After a few hours gambling on Dec. 10, 2021, Manley felt disoriented and out of it, according to the lawsuit filed against MGM. At about 4 p.m., according to a video log composed by MGM, a cocktail server brought Manley his fifth drink. Within minutes he shattered an ashtray, cut his hand, and was bleeding on the blackjack table. Manley described by his then-girlfriend (now wife) in her voluntary statement to police as a heavyweight, i.e., not a lightweight when it comes to drinking does not recall cutting his hand, did not feel any pain, and was unaware that he was bleeding, the lawsuit says. According to the video log from MGM, within minutes Manley began playing again at a different blackjack table. Advertisement Advertisement Manley, in his police report, says he was told that my casino host informed my three friends in the bar area that surveillance advised her that I was acting erratic. At no point, other than temporarily when my hand was bleeding, did MGM do anything to stop my play. To the contrary, MGM increased my credit limit by $2,500,000. I may want to fly home tonight, Manley, who flew to Las Vegas on an MGM plane, texted his casino host the morning after he was allegedly drugged. I think someone must have spiked a drink. Manleys casino host, Vanessa Reboton, in a text message, suggests Manley get intravenous hydration. At no time did anyone from the MGM suggest that Dwight should see a doctor or have a blood draw done to test for drugs, according to Hejmanowski. Advertisement Advertisement Later that day, Reboton told Manley she had requested tapes of his play from casino surveillance. It is my belief that the video evidence will demonstrate that Mr. Manley was visibly impaired, could not balance himself, and fell multiple times, Manleys initial attorney David Chesnoff wrote to MGM legal counsel Ashley Eddy three days after the incident. During the above stated time frame of Mr. Manleys visible impairment he executed several casino markers in amounts that exceed his traditional gambling history with MGM Resorts International. In a voluntary statement to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, Manley said his credit limit has been $1,000,000 for approximately ten years. Under Nevada Gaming Regulation 5.011, permitting a person who is visibly impaired by alcohol or any other drug to gamble or be served complimentary drinks is inimical to the public health, safety, morals, good order, or general welfare of the people of the State of Nevada, or that would reflect or tend to reflect discredit upon the State of Nevada or the gaming industry, and is grounds for disciplinary action. Advertisement Advertisement In Oct. 2022, gaming agent Terry Ochal notified Manley his case has been approved by supervisors for review by legal counsel. I cant imagine a victim has to be further harmed by having to be in the dark like this, a frustrated Manley responded. as I explained in our first conversation, in an NGCB Regulation case you are considered a witness, not a victim, Ochal told Manley. The case itself is between the Board and the licensee. Gaming regulators have taken no disciplinary action against MGM. Company town? Manley, in his pleadings, implies that Las Vegas is run by casino companies, and that Metro does their bidding. Both Metro and MGM, he suggests, skimped on their investigations of the alleged drugging. Advertisement Advertisement The gambler submitted a police report to Metro in March 2022, along with a drug test that revealed the presence of ketamine in his hair. Ketamine is a powerful drug used to sedate animals. The test detected no other narcotics. Two lie detector tests arranged by Chesnoff, and turned over to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, determined Manley was not deceptive when he asserted he did not use drugs while gambling and has not in the past. Metro, according to a deposition in the case, closed its investigation without interviewing the bartender who mixed the drink the gambler suspects left him incapacitated. The bartender, Jerilyn Koch, testified in a March deposition that she was interviewed once by the Nevada Gaming Control Board about the allegations, but never by police, or by MGM. Advertisement Advertisement MGM did not respond to requests for comment on their internal investigation protocol. Metro declined to discuss its probe. Manleys casino host, Reboton, testified in deposition that she also was never questioned by Metro or her employer. Reboton, Hejmanowski said, acknowledged to others shortly after Manley left the casino that he was wasted or drunk, raising questions about why he was granted more credit. Metro has also withheld casino video which purportedly shows no wrongdoing, claiming it is evidence in the case, which is closed. I have received and reviewed video footage that was provided by MGM, Det. Justin Adkins told Manley via email in August 2022. In the footage there wasnt any evidence that proved an employee did any illegal acts. Adkins added he was closing the case. Advertisement Advertisement I am really shocked that only watching the tape is the depth of this investigation, Manley responded in the email, adding Ketamine mixed with alcohol is a deadly combination, which could have easily killed me. Metro declined to provide the Current with the video, reiterating its claim that it is evidence. A video that lacks images of a criminal act is generally not considered evidence, according to legal experts. Evidence, they say, must be impounded. Hamas leaders and representatives of other Palestinian factions in Gaza are in the Egyptian capital Cairo for talks on the second phase of the United States-led Gaza ceasefire deal, amid a teetering ceasefire that Israel has repeatedly violated as its genocidal war continues. The Palestinian group on Thursday welcomed the establishment of a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee that would operate under the overall supervision of a so-called Board of Peace, to be chaired by US President Donald Trump. The formation of the committee is a step in the right direction, said Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas leader. Advertisement Advertisement This is crucial for consolidating the ceasefire, preventing a return to war, addressing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis and preparing for comprehensive reconstruction. Deep uncertainty remains over the next steps involving the disarmament of Palestinian armed groups in the Strip, rebuilding and daily governance. An adviser to the head of Hamass political bureau told Al Jazeera that discussions in Cairo are focusing on reopening the Rafah crossings, ensuring the entry of aid currently stockpiled on the Egyptian side of the border and securing an Israeli withdrawal. Taher al-Nunu said Hamas must work with mediators and the international community to achieve calm and a return to normalcy in Gaza and praised the great efforts being made to implement what was agreed upon. Advertisement Advertisement Al-Nunu also accused Israel of attempting to derail the ceasefire and said Hamas was working with mediators to open the crossings, allow aid in and secure the withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip. However, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, known as Kan, reported that Israeli officials consider the so-called yellow line a buffer zone in eastern Gaza as a strategic area that will remain under Israeli control. Israels current military occupation of Gaza is more than 50 percent of the besieged enclave. The leaders of Palestinian armed groups were also scheduled to meet Bulgarian diplomat and politician Nickolay Mladenov, who will likely head the Board of Peace. Trump is expected to announce the 15 members of the technocratic committee in the coming days. Advertisement Advertisement Palestinian Vice President Hussein al-Sheikh welcomed efforts to move ahead with the Gaza plan and argued that institutions in Gaza should be linked to those run by the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank, upholding the principle of one system, one law and one legitimate weapon. In a joint statement, the other mediators of the ceasefire deal Egypt, Turkiye and Qatar called the announcement an important development aimed at consolidating stability and improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. They welcomed the establishment of the Palestinian technocratic committee and said it would be led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the PA. The administrative body 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. Advertisement Advertisement The United Nations has estimated that reconstruction will cost more than $50bn. The process is expected to take years, and little money has been pledged so far. Shaath told local broadcaster Basma Radio on Thursday that the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will be fully integrated with the PA under a one homeland, one system framework and that no foreign members will be included. Its jurisdiction will expand to cover the entire Gaza Strip as Israeli forces withdraw, Shaath said in the interview, and there will be no contact between its members and Palestinian armed groups. Additionally, reconstruction efforts will be financed via a dedicated World Bank fund supported by Arab and international donors, with debris used to build artificial islands through marine land reclamation or recycled for road construction. Advertisement Advertisement Complete debris removal is estimated to take nearly three years under the proposed strategy, he said. Shaath added that shelters for displaced Palestinians would be established within the first six months, and that the repair of desalination plants to obtain potable water and the rehabilitation of schools and other academic institutions would be a top priority. US announces Gaza plans second phase The US on Wednesday said it was launching the second phase of its plan to end the Gaza war. Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff said it establishes a transitional technocratic Palestinian administration in Gaza and marks the beginning of the full demilitarisation and reconstruction of Gaza, primarily the disarmament of all unauthorised personnel. Advertisement Advertisement The first phase has been shaken by issues including Israeli air attacks that have killed hundreds in Gaza, the failure to retrieve the remains of one last Israeli captive, and Israeli delays in reopening Gazas border crossing with Egypt. In phase two, the US and other mediators will need to tackle the disarmament of Hamas which has refused to give up its arms while Israel occupies the territory and the deployment of an international peacekeeping force. Witkoff said the goal here is to create the alternative to Hamas that wants that peace, figure out how to empower them, in a reference 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 demilitarisation; with Israel, on what amnesty program can be given to Hamas if they do this. Advertisement Advertisement There was no mention from Witkoff in the initial statement about Israeli withdrawal or allowing critical humanitarian aid and critical supplies into Gaza, which faces both daily Israeli attacks and extreme weather, with deaths from both. Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudary, reporting from Gaza City, said the Gaza deal has so far brought no change on the ground. Were still hearing the sound of drones [hovering above] and there have been a couple of explosions in the early morning hours, as demolitions take place across Gaza. While Witkoff claimed the first phase of the deal delivered historic humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, Khoudary said there was not a single day when 600 trucks of humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip, in reference to the minimum quantity set by the US-brokered agreement. We see people losing their tents after every storm, and most of Gazas population is currently homeless, she said. Most Palestinians in Gaza remain fully dependent on humanitarian aid, which Israel has further curtailed by suspending permits for more than three dozen aid organisations on January 1. Advertisement Advertisement There is limited humanitarian aid; what is coming in right now is not enough and definitely not historic, Khoudary added. The deal is rigged Witkoff also stressed that the US expects Hamas to fulfil its obligation to return the body of the last deceased Israeli captive, Ran Gvili. Failure to do so will bring serious consequences, he said. Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeatedly said he would not begin talks on the second phase of the ceasefire until Gvili is returned. Netanyahu on Wednesday said he had spoken with Gvilis parents and assured them the move to establish a technocratic committee will not affect the efforts to return Ran. Al Jazeeras senior analyst Marwan Bishara said while there is a ceasefire, the Israelis insist on the body of one and last captive. The deal is rigged; much of the so-called peace process or ceasefire sponsored by the US since 1991 has been rigged because the US is Israels ally, he added. WASHINGTON (AP) The Marine Corps general tapped to lead U.S. military operations in Latin America told lawmakers Thursday that he stands ready to oversee an expanded presence that began ahead of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's capture but he doesn't know how long that enhanced focus will last. If confirmed by the Senate, Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan will take over U.S. Southern Command, replacing Navy Adm. Alvin Holsey, who retired last year amid increasing scrutiny over the Trump administrations deadly strikes on alleged drug boats in the region, a remarkable extension of American power in Latin America. U.S. troops earlier this month deposed and apprehended Maduro, the culmination of a pressure campaign that began with the largest military buildup in the region in generations and expanded to dozens of attacks on boats accused of smuggling drugs and the seizure of sanctioned oil tankers connected to Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats and Sen. Angus King, a Maine Independent, pressed Donovan for details on how he would oversee Southern Command and for the broad outline of the Trump administration's long-term plans for the region. Donovan, however, said he didn't know. So you dont know what the plan is now? You dont know why all those ships and aircraft and soldiers are there? King asked. Senator, I do not, Donovan said, explaining that he isn't involved in military plans for the region in his current role as vice commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command. But Donovan acknowledged that the renewed interest in Latin America is likely to bring changes to the Southern Command, which is headquartered in Doral, Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Do you expect, because of this pivot to the Western Hemisphere, that SouthCom this year is going to have to be much different than SouthCom last year?" asked Sen. Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat. Yes I do," Donovan replied. The confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Service Committee was the latest effort by some lawmakers to question the Trump administration over its military operations in Latin America and its justification for the boat strikes, which have prompted concerns about international law and the use of force. Lawmakers also questioned Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd, nominated to lead the National Security Agency, over his views on surveillance and concerns that the NSA could be used against innocent Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a former CIA analyst, said she worries that the Trump administration could order the NSA to spy on Americans because of their political views or speech, something she said is expressly forbidden by federal law. Will you reject that? asked Slotkin, who is one of several Democratic lawmakers who say they face criminal investigation by the Trump administration after appearing in a video urging service members to resist illegal orders. Senator, if confirmed, I will execute my responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and all applicable laws, Rudd said. The NSA has been without a permanent director since Trump fired Gen. Tim Haugh last year. The NSA director also runs the Pentagon's Cyber Command, giving it a critical role in the nation's defensive and offensive cyber capabilities. Lawmakers from both parties said they expect the nominations to be approved. A vote has not been announced. Two Georgia men are in custody in Connecticut after police say they posed as Amazon delivery drivers and attacked a couple. A woman called 911 on Monday morning and could be heard yelling that her husband was being attacked. At the same time, police received a home alarm activation from the same address. When Stamford, Connecticut police arrived, the homeowner told them that a man wearing an Amazon-style delivery vest came to the door and said he had a package that required a signature. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] When the man took the package and tried closing the door, he said the suspect forced his way inside and pulled out a gun. Advertisement Advertisement The homeowner yelled for his wife to call 911 and told her they were being robbed. Thats when a second suspect, also wearing an Amazon-style delivery vest, came into the home and ran toward the mans wife. The husband says he was pistol-whipped in the face and head several times. His wife says that the second suspect grabbed her by the neck, threw her on the ground and put a pillow over her head. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement When the homes audible panic alarm sounded, the suspects ran off. Police were able to identify their car. When they tried to pull them over, the suspects sped off. They were ultimately stopped by a traffic diversion and arrested. The suspects were identified as Hayes Edmonds, 24, and Sam Oduor, 25. They are being charged with home invasion, assault, gun charges, motor vehicle violations and interfering with a 911 call. They are being held on a $2 million bond. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Republican Rep. Don Bacon indicated there could be bipartisan support to impeach President Donald Trump for a third time if he invades Greenland. Days after the Trump administration attacked Venezuela and took its leader into custody, the president began expressing renewed interest in acquiring Greenland. Polls overwhelmingly show Greenland doesnt want to be part of the U.S. Denmark the NATO country that claims Greenland as an autonomous territory has also said it isnt interested in a deal that would hand the island to the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement But Trump insisted Wednesday on social media that any situation short of giving U.S. control of Greenland is unacceptable. Bacon, who represents Nebraskas 2nd Congressional District, called that suggestion unreasonable. If he went through with the threats, I think it would be the end of his presidency, Bacon told the Omaha World-News in an interview published Thursday. Claiming he would lean toward crossing party lines to remove Trump from the White House in such an event, Bacon said theres so many Republicans angry about the presidents threats toward an longstanding U.S. ally. Bacon, 62, announced in July he wouldnt seek reelection when his congressional term ends in November. But the Air Force veteran indicated that doesnt mean hes retiring from government after completing his fifth term in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement He told his local paper that invading Greenland would be a total mistake in several regards. Its just the worst idea ever in my view, Bacon said. Trump also suggested several times after taking office last year that Canada should become part of the U.S. A poll published by Canadian news agency Global News Wednesday found that 31% of that countrys citizens believe Trump may invade Canada. Many respondents also think the U.S. will likely attack Greenland, Cuba and other neighboring nations. _____ A sign in front of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services' Lincoln Public Assistance Office on Oct. 30, 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN With a projected $471 million budget deficit on the horizon, Gov. Jim Pillen looked to the state Department of Health and Human Services for the largest chunk of his proposed budget cuts. Pillen previewed his preferred mid-cycle adjustments to the states biennial budget Thursday during his annual State of the State Address. Overall, the governors changes would reduce state spending by 0.4% in the current fiscal year and by 1.8% in fiscal year 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Across the whole of state government, Pillen proposes $495 million in spending cuts over both years, the current one and next. Calculations from his office indicate this would lead to Nebraska having a $125 million surplus by the end of FY 2027, a projection partially based on expected increases to state revenues. While the last year has seen a mixed bag of monthly tax revenues, State Budget Administrator Neil Sullivan argued that state tax receipts have been gradually increasing over the last decade. During his State of the State Address Thursday, Pillen said Nebraskas budget challenges have been largely exaggerated, saying doomsday stories are not to be believed. He said Nebraskas economy is stable, steady and healthy, pointing to the fact that the states GDP grew 5.2% in the second quarter of 2025 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Pillen said the spending cuts he wants to enact would not be completed within one budget cycle. Advertisement Advertisement Were pleased, but were sure as heck not satisfied, he said. Roughly 30% of the cuts Pillen is pursuing would come out of DHHS, Nebraskas largest state agency. Pillens plan proposes a $22 million cut to the department this year and a $130.4 million cut next fiscal year. Sullivan said the DHHS cuts would be covered by staffing adjustments, increasing federal funding and replacing expensive contracts. The governors plan proposes the agency use more than $25 million to convert roughly 360 outside contractors to in-house positions. On staffing adjustments, Sullivan said there would be no need for new layoffs to meet the budgeted reductions. Advertisement Advertisement The changes are already done, Sullivan said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE When asked by the Examiner, Pillen declined to say how much the departments full-time staff had shrunk over the past year. He said the staffing adjustments arent as simple as just reducing full-time workers, but also through reducing the use of contractors. Of the proposed DHHS cuts, one of the largest would be to the states Aged and Disabled Waiver program, which would be reduced by more than $14.1 million. AD waivers allow aging Nebraskans and those with a disability to remain at home. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen durring a press conference for the semiquincentennial in the Nebraska Capitol on Jan 6. 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner) Sullivan said broad-based provider rate increases under the program led to increasing costs Nebraska shouldered that got so far out of line. He said the governor wants to take a more strategic approach. Advertisement Advertisement We cant be paying four times the cost of nursing homes so one person can stay home, Sullivan said. We cant be paying [for] 24 hours of services for someone that lives with their disabled family member. Some AD Waiver recipients and caregivers told the Examiner the program has been a lifeline. They say the reimbursements help stabilize incomes, as many caregivers and recipients might be unable to work outside the home due to the need to care for a loved one 24/7. The Governors Office could not immediately confirm how much the proposal would cut from the program, if approved. DHHS officials previously said annual costs for the waiver program totaled $383.6 million in mid-2025, compared to $91 million in mid-2016. Pillens proposal also boosts the budgets of some programs within DHHS, which brings the total reduction for the department to $152 million. Some notable increases include an additional $32.7 million to Children and Family Services and an increase of $56.5 million to cover a higher-than-expected increase in Medicaid-eligible individuals. Advertisement Advertisement In a somewhat surprising move, Pillens budget proposal would not make any changes to state appropriations for the University of Nebraska. Last year, Pillen proposed a 2% decrease in state funding for the university, but lawmakers landed on a modest increase of roughly $8.7 million per year. On top of filling the states projected budget hole, Pillen hopes to pass $170 million in new property tax relief, according to Sullivan. However, he noted, that change is contingent on state revenues increasing enough to meet that amount. Sullivan said much of Pillens budget plan relies on cash fund transfers, a staple of the governors budget strategy since he took office. The overall impact would cut more than $80 million over what Pillens team identified as idle cash funds. Some of the top funds Pillen is looking to pull from are the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund and the Permanent School Fund. Sullivan said some of the cash funds the state considered have not been touched in over a decade. In previous years, state officials were looking for excess cash balances, Sullivan said. This time around, all cash funds were weighed. Advertisement Advertisement We looked at everything, Sullivan said. Other highlights of the governors budget proposal include: $18.4 million reduction in special education reimbursements for FY 27 $19 million reduction to Tobacco Products Administration Cash Fund $50.7 million increase to Water Recreation Enhancement Fund $31.6 million reduction to Department of Revenue Operations in FY 27 $22 million reduction to Kinship Foster Care program $15 million increase to Business Innovation Act $11.9 million added to Nebraskas school funding formula, the Tax Equity and Educational Opportunities Support Act $23.8 million increase to Nebraska Capital Construction Fund Examiner reporter Zach Wendling contributed to this report. Advertisement Advertisement SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Key Points Nu Holdings' stock is growing quickly in Mexico after dominating the Brazilian market. The company is generating substantial profits, demonstrating that its digital-first banking model is effective. Shares of the stock appear expensive, but earnings are expected to continue growing at a rapid pace. 10 stocks we like better than Nu Holdings Shares of Nu Holdings (NYSE: NU) exploded 61.6% higher in 2025, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. The digital banking giant that operates in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia is growing quickly and seeing a profit inflection as it gains more traction in these three nations. Investors are beginning to pick up on this impressive growth, with the stock now trading near an all-time high. But is it a buy still today? Here's why Nu Holdings -- otherwise known as Nu Bank -- soared in 2025. Strong growth, expansion into Mexico Nu Bank has gained wide adoption in its home country of Brazil because of its low fees, easy-to-use mobile app, and innovative lending solutions for the wide spread of wealthier and poorer citizens in the country of over 200 million people. Over half of the adult population in the country is using a Nu Bank product. Now, the brand is moving to Mexico and Colombia. Mexico has gone from a standing start a few years ago to 13 million customers as of the company's latest update, with growing levels of revenue per user. At the same time, it is growing aggressively in Colombia, where it already reaches 10% of the population. Over the long term, the company has ample opportunities to enter new Latin American markets as a banking partner. Despite its massive investments to grow, Nu Holdings is showing strong profit potential. Net income over the last twelve months was $2.5 billion, up from a negative figure a few years back. Once the business begins to mature, this level of profitability should grow to an even higher level. It is the beauty of its digital-first model, giving it lower operating expenses than the rest of the competition in Latin America. Image source: Getty Images. Time to buy Nu Holdings stock? After rising over 60% last year, Nu Holdings stock now trades at a market cap of $80 billion, making it one of the largest companies in the world, not just in Latin America. With $2.5 billion in trailing net income, the stock now trades at a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of approximately 32. This is a premium earnings ratio compared to other banking stocks. However, Nu Bank is adding new customers at a fast rate and will hopefully enter new Latin American countries shortly. Earnings should be able to grow quickly in the years to come, which will bring down this P/E ratio to a more normal level. Gov. Jeff Landry said he intends to change the role of the state Office of the Inspector General. The governor is pictured here at a an Oct. 29, 2025, news conference at the State Capitol with Senate President Cameron Henry, left, and House Speaker Phillip Devillier. (Photo by Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator) Gov. Jeff Landry said he intends to change the role of the state Office of the Inspector General, an agency that acts as a watchdog over public officials and is tasked with rooting out government corruption. The governor has replaced longtime Inspector General Stephen Street, who has held the job since 2008, with Angele Davis, who was commissioner of administration and budget czar for former Gov. Bobby Jindal from 2008-10. Streets most recent term, which started in 2020, expired this week. The governors vision for the reworked state inspector general office goes beyond just a personnel change. He said at a news conference Thursday the inspector general duties overlap too much with the functions of the legislative auditor, whose staff also conducts investigations into government fraud and waste. Advertisement Advertisement The question is: Is somebody else doing the same work as the inspector general? Landry said. And when you look at it, the legislative auditors function is very similar to the inspector generals office. While not giving many details about his proposal, the governor described the new inspector generals office as connected to optimization and efficiency within state government. The governor said Davis will not only be known as the inspector general but also as the states chief integrity officer in her new role. Landry expects Davis to focus on finding ways for the state government to save money, such that Louisiana will be able eliminate its personal income tax in the future, he said. Currently, the inspector general and his staff focus some of their resources on criminal investigations, which is not Davis area of expertise. She has a professional background in public finance and government operations. Advertisement Advertisement I think that it will be heartwarming to many legislators to be able to finally have a officer in the executive department thats going to take information from auditor and go try to find efficiencies in state government, Landry said of his vision for the revamped inspector general position. Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack, who was also at Thursdays news conference, said he envisions the inspector general becoming more of an internal auditor for the executive branch. The governor also suggested the inspector generals office might lose its designation as a law enforcement agency. Look, over the years, weve built a lot of police powers in our [inspector general] department. Somebody seems to want to carry a badge and a gun, Landry said. Its a great debate that well have at the legislature whether we need that power. Advertisement Advertisement Davis said she intends to review whether the inspector general office should retain its law enforcement status. If there are duplications in services, the inspector general doesnt need to be doing the same thing that the attorney general is doing or the same thing that the legislative auditor is doing, she said. Landry said some changes he wants to make require the Louisiana Legislature to alter state laws. He plans to back bills to overhaul the inspector generals office in the upcoming lawmaking session that starts March 9. The inspector generals office was set up in state law as part of a wider ethics and anti-corruption legislative package Jindal pushed during his first few months as governor in 2008. Prior to that time, governors designated inspector generals through executive order. An overhaul of the office would follow other dramatic changes Landry has made to state government entities that serve as watchdogs and check on state officials power. Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, Landry pushed through significant changes to the Louisiana Board of Ethics that weakened its independence and brought the agency further under the governors control. He also backed the elimination of some ethics and political campaign spending restrictions last year. While the legislative auditor and inspector general share some overlapping functions, as the governor said, the two positions are structured differently. In general, legislators have more direct authority over the legislative auditor than the governor does over the inspector general. The inspector general is nominated by the governor and confirmed by the Louisiana Senate to serve a six-year term. The persons time in office intentionally doesnt line up with the governors or state lawmakers four-year terms in order to somewhat insulate the inspector general from political pressure. The legislative auditor is voted into office by state lawmakers and serves no specific term, though he or she must be a certified public accountant. Advertisement Advertisement Landry also cant fire the inspector general as easily as his other political appointees. Under current law, he needs the majority of legislators in both chambers to approve the removal of an inspector general before his or her term expires. Both the inspector general and legislative auditor have subpoena power, meaning they can compel a person to testify or hand over documents, but who approves their subpoenas differs. The legislative auditor can only subpoena people if the Legislative Audit Advisory Council, made up of the state lawmakers who hire the auditor, agrees to do so. The inspector general gets approval for his subpoenas from a state judge with the 19th Judicial District in Baton Rouge. Prior to becoming commissioner of administration for Jindal, Davis worked for former Gov. Mike Foster and Mitch Landrieu when he was lieutenant governor. She was also an unsuccessful Republican candidate for state treasurer in the 2017 race won by Republican John Schroder. Street, an attorney, was on the staff at the states Third Circuit Court of Appeal and the Louisiana attorney generals office before becoming inspector general. Serving 18 years as Louisianas Inspector General has been one of the great honors of my life, both personally and professionally, Street said in a written statement Thursday. Gov. Tim Walz made remarks Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, addressing the wave of federal officers that's arrived in Minnesota: Accountability is coming at the voting booth and in court. We will reclaim our communities from Donald Trump. We will reestablish a sense of safety for our neighbors, and we will bring an end to this moment of chaos, confusion and trauma. (Screenshot) Gov. Tim Walz encouraged Minnesota residents to carry their phones at all times to record federal immigration actions, promising during a statewide address on Wednesday night that accountability is coming for abuses by federal officers. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Walz made the remarks during a six-minute address on Wednesday night as the state confronts a surge of between 2,000 and 3,000 agents, as well as widespread reports of violence against citizens and immigrants alike, including the killing of Renee Good last week. News reports simply dont do justice to the level of chaos and disruption and trauma the federal government is raining down upon our communities, Walz said. The Trump administration has only intensified its focus on immigration actions in the state since Goods killing and calls by Democratic leaders to end it. Minnesota and the Twin Cities are suing the Trump administration, alleging that the increased federal actions are unconstitutional and a violation of federal law. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez said in a Wednesday hearing that there wasnt enough time to make an informed ruling on state officials request for an injunction to stop further legal violations and unlawful escalations by federal agents reporting to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Advertisement Advertisement Walz renewed the call for ICE to leave on Wednesday evening, telling President Donald Trump and Noem: End this occupation. Youve done enough. Walz and Minnesota Democrats have also condemned the administration for ending a joint investigation into the Good killing; the Department of Justice kicked the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension off the case, though local prosecutors say theyll continue to investigate. A group of six federal prosecutors quit this week in protest over the U.S. Department of Justices push to investigate Good, her widow and their ties to anti-ICE activists, the New York Times reported. Walz warned the federal focus on Minnesota may only get more intense in the near future, pointing to Trumps recent Truth Social post that said, FEAR NOT, GREAT PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA, THE DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING! Walz encouraged Minnesotans to continue protesting peacefully and said this operation cant last forever. We will not have to live like this forever, Walz said. Accountability is coming at the voting booth and in court. We will reclaim our communities from Donald Trump. We will reestablish a sense of safety for our neighbors, and we will bring an end to this moment of chaos, confusion and trauma. Greenland Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Motzfeldt teared up as she discussed a Wednesday meeting with President Donald Trump over his threats to acquire Greenland. We have been working very hard in our department, even though there are not many of us, Motzfeldt said, per a translation by Clash Report, during an interview with Greenlands Kalaallit Nunaata Radio on Wednesday. Her reaction comes after she and Danish Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen met with Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House. The group came together in an effort to address Trumps pursuit of Greenland, an autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement Watch the clip below. I would not normally like to say these words, but I will say them: We are very strong, Motzfeldt said. We are doing our utmost. But the last days, naturally Oh, I am getting very emotional. I am overwhelmed. She added: The last days have been tough. Our preparations and the increasing pressure that has been intense. But I want to say, we are strong in the government. The work is to ensure the the Greenlandic people in our country can feel safe and live securely. We are using all our strength to achieve this as we continue the work. Over the past year, Trump hasnt let up on his desire to take over Greenland. During an interview with press, per Politico, Rasmussen said he and his team hit a roadblock with Trump over the region. Advertisement Advertisement We didnt manage to change the American position, Rasmussen said Wednesday. Its clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the Kingdom. The post Greenland Official Chokes Up After Trump Meeting Over US Acquisition Talk: I Am Overwhelmed | Video appeared first on TheWrap. As President Donald Trump continues to insist that the United States must take control of Greenland, federal officials are quietly preparing to pour tens of millions of dollars of upgrades into the sole American military base on the icy Arctic island. Among the upgrades American military officials are planning are improvements to Pituffik Space Base's two-mile-long runway, a new boat to keep the port clear of icebergs and a slew of facility upgrades, including repairs to the Dundas dining facility. Today, about 150 American military personnel are stationed at the Cold War-era base formerly known at Thule Air Force Base, joined by hundreds of Canadian, Danish and Greenlandic military and contractors. The base (pronounced bee-doo-FEEK) was renamed in 2023 during the Biden administration to pay homage to the native Greenlandic people and culture. It's home to the northernmost deepwater port run by the Department of War, formally known as the Department of Defense, and Trump sees control of the entire island as key to American security. Advertisement Advertisement Visual story: Trump's Greenland gambit explained with maps "The United States needs Greenland," Trump wrote in a Jan. 14 social media post. Cold War-era military planners built the base there, with Danish permission, because it's halfway between Moscow and Washington. Greenland is a self-governing country thats part of the Kingdom of Denmark, which is itself a member of NATO, and thus an ally of the United States. While few details of the exact Pituffik base work have been made public, the improvements come during a time of intense focus on the glacier-covered island where temperatures routinely drop to -50 during the polar night darkness, which lasts more than three months a year. The base is on the island's western edge, close to Canada's Baffin Bay area, and about 1,000 miles from the island's capital of Nuuk. Advertisement Advertisement None of the base improvements, which USA TODAY reviewed via federal purchasing systems, appear to signal a significant increase in size or change in mission. The runway upgrades, for instance, include improvements to the landing and taxiway lighting systems, a critical component given the facility is in darkness for long stretches but depends heavily on resupply flights from the U.S. mainland. But notes in the contracting materials also reference classified work that might be performed by the U.S. military or specialized contractors. Several of the projects have not yet been formally awarded to contractors, in part because the logistics of getting materials and people to the base during the short summer construction window. The contracts call for using engineers and other experts licensed in Denmark. Because the winter dark is so oppressive to some people, the base uses "happy lamps" to simulate the sun and stave off seasonal affective disorder. In the summer, base personnel cover their windows with blackout shades because the sun doesn't set for nearly four months. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. military officials did not return a request for comment on the projects. Today, Pituffik's stated public mission is to host military personal who coordinate satellite communications and monitor for ballistic missile launches, while also monitoring near-Earth space. Base officials have previously said their systems can detect a piece of metal the size of a softball from 3,000 miles away. During the Cold War, military planners used Pituffik as a staging point for a test of Project Iceworm, which would have secretly buried nuclear missile silos beneath the Greenland ice sheet. The effort was abandoned after scientists discovered the ice sheets moved faster than expected. Trump and some military experts argue Greenland will play an increasing role in national security as Russia and China more aggressively explore and patrol Arctic regions. Climate change is weakening the sea ice that typically surrounds Greenland in the winter, allowing more ships to travel the Northwest Passage from Europe to Asia via Alaska and the Bering Sea. Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Greenland has deposits of rare earth minerals used to make smartphones, MRI machines and high-tech weapons systems. Members of the Danish armed forces practice looking for potential threats during a military drill as Danish, Swedish and Norwegian home guard units together with Danish, German and French troops take part in joint military drills in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, Sept. 17, 2025. The facility is jointly staffed by the U.S. and Danish military, and the Trump administration last April fired the base commander over comments she made to staff and contractors following a controversial Greenland trip by Vice President JD Vance. White House officials indicated they felt the base commander's message of unity, which she sent to the multinational workers, undermined Trump's position. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amid Trump threats, US military upgrading remote Greenland base Elon Musk's AI tool Grok will no longer be able to edit photos of real people to show them in revealing clothing in jurisdictions where it is illegal, after widespread concern over sexualised AI deepfakes. "We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing," reads an announcement on X. The UK government said it was "vindication" for it calling on X to control Grok while regulator Ofcom said it was a "welcome development" - but added its investigation into whether the platform had broken UK laws "remains ongoing". Advertisement Advertisement Campaigners and victims say the change has come too late to undo the harm already done. "We are working round the clock to progress this and get answers into what went wrong and what's being done to fix it," Ofcom said. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall welcomed the move but said she would "expect the facts to be fully and robustly established by Ofcom's ongoing investigation". Journalist and campaigner Jess Davies, who was among women whose images on X were edited with Grok, said the platform's changes were a "positive step" but it should never have allowed such imagery in the first place. Advertisement Advertisement "It's a sobering thought to think of how many women including myself have been targeted by this [and] how many more victims of AI abuse of being created," she told the BBC. Davies also characterised the platform's response on the whole as "really pathetic". "They're just trying to do as little as possible within the loose legal guidelines that there are," she told BBC news. Dr Daisy Dixon, a lecturer in philosophy at Cardiff University, previously told the BBC that people using Grok to undress her in images on X had left her feeling "shocked", "humiliated" and fearing for her safety. Advertisement Advertisement She said on Thursday the platform's U-turn was a "battle-win" for campaigners. "But we must remember that the abuse should never have happened many women are now left with extensive damage," Dr Dixon said, adding the way women relate to and experience their bodies had been "hijacked and distorted against our will". Andrea Simon, director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW), said while it remained to be seen how X would implement its changes, it showed "how victims of abuse, campaigners and a show of strength from governments can force tech platforms to take action". "But it can't stop here - given the evolving nature of AI-generated harms, tech platforms must be required to take proactive preventative action," she said. Political pressure X's change was announced hours after California's top prosecutor said the state was probing the spread of sexualised AI deepfakes, including of children, generated by the AI model. Advertisement Advertisement "We now 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 those jurisdictions where it's illegal," X said in its statement.. It also reiterated that only paid users will be able to edit images using Grok on its platform. This will add an extra layer of protection by helping to ensure that those who try and abuse Grok to violate the law or X's policies are held accountable, according to the statement. With NSFW (not safe for work) settings enabled, Grok is supposed to allow "upper body nudity of imaginary adult humans (not real ones)" consistent with what can be seen in R-rated films, Musk wrote online on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement "That is the de facto standard in America. This will vary in other regions according to the laws on a country by country basis," said the tech multi-billionaire. Musk had earlier defended X, posting that critics "just want to suppress free speech" along with two AI-generated images of UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in a bikini. It is unclear how his platform will implement location-based blocks on Grok's ability to edit images of real people to create sexualised imagery, and whether users would be able to get around them. People seeking to circumvent similar geoblocks on features or content often look to tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs), which can disguise their location online to allow them to use the internet as if they are in a different country. Advertisement Advertisement VPN app downloads spiked in the UK last year after porn sites were required to start checking the age of visitors to comply with the Online Safety Act. Ofcom said on Monday it would investigate whether X had failed to comply with UK law over the sexual images. And if X does not comply, Ofcom could seek a court order to force internet service providers to block access to the site in the UK altogether. Earlier this week, Sir Keir warned X could lose the "right to self regulate" amid a backlash over the AI images, but later in the week said he welcomed reports that X was taking action to address the issue. Advertisement Advertisement The prime minister said he would "take the necessary measures" and strengthen legislation if X failed to act. Policy researcher Riana Pfefferkorn said she was surprised X took so long to deploy the new Grok safeguards and that the editing features should have been removed as soon as the abuse began. Questions remain on how X will enforce its new policies, such as how the AI model will know if an image is of a real person and what actions it will take when users break the rules, said Pfefferkorn. Musk has not presented the company in a serious light either, she said, adding that it would help if he stopped "doing things like re-posting an AI image of Keir Starmer in a bikini." Advertisement Advertisement Additional reporting by Katy Bailes [BBC] Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter to follow the world's top tech stories and trends. Outside the UK? Sign up here. A guest is suing Six Flags Great America over an injury on the popular roller coaster Superman: Ultimate Flight. The coaster is designed to make guests feel like theyre flying, positioning them "face down, head first," according to the parks website. According to the lawsuit reviewed by USA TODAY, "on July 12, 2404, the Superman ride failed to properly enter the off-loading platform area causing the plaintiff, Annabella Pearce, to fall off the ride," which then led to her striking and injuring her right knee. That in turn required "surgery, therapy and other treatments, medical expenses, physical and emotional trauma, pain and suffering, disability, loss of a normal life and lost wages," according to the suit. Signage sits near the entrance to Six Flags Great America in this file photo from May 24, 2005. The lawsuit accuses the park of negligence, including failing to ensure that the ride was operating properly and failing to train ride attendants on how to off-load guests when the ride doesnt fully enter its off-loading platform. Advertisement Advertisement USA TODAY has reached out to Pearces attorney at Trauma Lawyers of Chicago. Six Flags said it does not comment on pending litigation. However, theme parks regularly inspect their rides for safety. Are theme park rides safe? What you should know if you're worried about accidents The lawsuit seeks an excess of $50,000, legal fees and whatever else the court deems appropriate. It was filed on Dec. 31 with the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Lake County, Illinois. Six Flags Great America is located in Gurnee, Illinois, about an hours drive from Chicago and Milwaukee. An initial case management conference is set for March 5. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Six Flags Great America guest sues over roller coaster injury Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland announced her education platform on Jan. 14, 2026 surrounded by teachers, education union representatives and the Democratic chairs of legislative education committees. Haaland, a former U.S. congresswoman and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior under Biden, said she would bolster early childcare, push earlier reading, support bilingual instruction and expand both summer and afterschool programming. (Danielle Prokop/Source NM) Outdoor learning for K-12 kids, expanding trade pathways in middle schools, universal pre-k and bilingual education were top of the education platform announced Thursday by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland. Haaland, a former U.S. congresswoman and U.S. The Secretary of the Interior made the announcement of her platform from a classroom in Albuquerques Highland High School, the last of the 13 public schools she attended in childhood, due to constant moves by her military family. Advertisement Advertisement Every step in a childs education should open doors for them, from pre-k to grade school to whatever they decide to do after. Our kids cant do that alone though, they need stability at home and their educators should feel supported to do the jobs they need to do, Haaland said. When asked, Haaland said if elected, she would continue to support free universal child care, a policy announced by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who is term-limited from seeking office again. Haaland acknowledged that lawmakers and the executive disagree on how to pay for the program but said if shes sworn in: Ill be happy to see where it is and Ill take it from there. Supporters included the New Mexico American Federated Teachers Union leadership, teachers, and the Democratic chairs of both education committees in the Legislature. Advertisement Advertisement Picuris Pueblo Gov. Craig Quanchello praised the plan for investing in Native schools and children to meet their unique needs, in a speech endorsing Haaland. Im honored to stand before an amazing person and support her. Education is strongest when it reflects who our children are and the communities that raise them, he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The man allegedly began raping the girl when she was 7 years old and continued until she was 15, at which point the police intervened. A Haifa man was arrested on suspicion of having raped his daughter repeatedly over the course of several years, according to a Thursday Israel Police statement. The man allegedly began raping the girl when she was 7 years old and continued until she was 15, at which point the police intervened. Results of the investigation indicate that the suspect raped his daughter on several occasions in different locations around Haifa. Advertisement Advertisement Haifa police opened an investigation into the man on December 25 after receiving a tip from an undisclosed source. The investigation, which lasted three weeks, included a raid on the suspect's Haifa apartment and questioning of the suspect himself. Once the police investigation was complete, a prosecutor's statement was filed, allowing authorities to extend the man's detention before an indictment. Israel Police during operation in Israel's North to thwart murder attempts, April 27, 2025. (Ilustrative) (credit: ISRAEL POLICE) According to the police report, this is the precursor to a "serious indictment" and a request to detain the suspect for the full duration of the legal proceedings. A man who was violently detained by federal immigration agents at a St. Paul gas station has been moved to a Texas detention center and could be deported to Honduras. Orbin Mauricio Henriquez-Serrano is identified in a GoFundMe as the man taken into Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) custody on Sunday afternoon outside the Speedway at Snelling and Portland avenues. Henriquez-Serrano's family says he lost consciousness as he was pinned to the ground by multiple agents, "then brutally dragged and handled while unable to move or respond." Advertisement Advertisement When he was able to briefly speak to his sister on Tuesday morning, Henriquez-Serrano said he had not been medically evaluated or received medical attention despite suffering from significant pain, particularly to a leg that had recently undergone surgery. Orbin Mauricio Henriquez-SerranoGoFundMe (GoFundMe) Related: Videos show number of aggressive ICE, CBP operations in Twin Cities on Sunday Getty Images photographer Scott Olson captured the moment when agents smashed Henriquez-Serrano's window. In videos taken by protesters who quickly surrounded the scene, "agents can be seen surrounding his vehicle and giving him only a few seconds to exit before breaking his window," reads the GoFundMe. Advertisement Advertisement "As the situation worsened, Mauricio was forcibly dragged from the car, taken to the ground, and physically restrained by several agents at once." VIDEO THREAD: Border Patrol smashed a car window and carried him away by his arms and feet from a Speedway gas station while conducting immigration enforcement as part of their surge in St. Paul, Minnesota. Agents fired sting balls at activists, who blew whistles in warning. pic.twitter.com/Stgz4bTGBR Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) January 12, 2026 Less than a day old, the crowdfunding campaign seeks to raise money for legal fees, with the goal of securing Henriquez-Serrano's release from Camp East Montana in El Paso, Texas, whose conditions have been described as "dangerous and inhumane." "Mauricio is one of the most genuine, compassionate, and kind-hearted people I have ever met," writes family friend Maritere Gonzalez. "Watching the way he was brutally handled by these agents is heartbreaking beyond words." "He is selfless and genuine, always placing others before himself. There is nothing he wouldnt do for the people he loves. Nobody deserves this kind of treatment, especially him." Advertisement Advertisement Henriquez-Serrano's family has confirmed to Bring Me The News that he is an undocumented immigrant, but says he does not have a criminal record in either the U.S. or Honduras, his place of birth. A search of Minnesota court records did not produce any results. The ICE detainer tracker lists Honduras as his place of birth and his location at a holding facility in El Paso, but provides no other information. Prior to his election win, President Donald Trump pledged a deportation policy that would target "violent" undocumented immigrants, but his administration's scope has broadened to target all undocumented immigrants irrespective of criminal record, and in Minnesota currently it has reached the point that legal immigrants and U.S. citizens are also being detained by federal authorities. Analysis of recent ICE data shows that around half of those in ICE detention have no criminal record. Related: Watch: Teen gives emotional speech describing community fear over ICE raids This story was originally published by Bring Me The News on Jan 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the MN News section. Add Bring Me The News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Rosebud Sioux President Kathleen Wooden Knife delivers the State of the Tribes address on Jan. 14, 2026, at the Capitol in Pierre, alongside House Speaker Jon Hansen, left, and Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, right. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight) PIERRE South Dakota and the tribal nations in the state can make improvements for health care and public safety during the 2026 legislative session, Rosebud Sioux Tribe President Kathleen Wooden Knife said. Wooden Knife, the first female president of Rosebud, delivered the annual State of the Tribes speech to a joint session of the South Dakota Legislature on Wednesday at the Capitol. Advertisement Advertisement The State-Tribal Relations Committee endorsed bills on health care and public safety before the session began, and both have been filed and have sponsors. https://southdakotasearchlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/011426-State-of-the-Tribes.mp3 Listen to Searchlight reporter Meghan OBriens audio story on the State of the Tribes address. (Broadcasters: Scroll to the bottom of this story for downloadable scripts and audio files.) Lakota and Dakota people have a lower life expectancy than the general population, Wooden Knife said, a sign that the federal governments treaty obligations to provide for the health of Native Americans isnt being upheld. Rosebud has sued the federal Indian Health Service more than once for failure to provide adequate health care. Advertisement Advertisement Wooden Knife said the tribes need to look beyond IHS. A managed care model for tribal members on Medicaid has the potential to improve outcomes and efficiencies on and off the states reservations, she said. In such a model, tribes could contract with the state of South Dakota to direct federal Medicaid dollars into a pool of funds for health care. An entity of the tribes choosing could negotiate costs with off-reservation providers and coordinate care including preventative care or incentives for healthy habits for tribal members who seek care on or off tribal land. When we stand together for health care, our Sioux Nation tribes, working with the state, can bring the strongest health care resources to the table to improve health care for Native Americans, Wooden Knife said. Advertisement Advertisement Will Mortenson, R-Fort Pierre, is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and is chair of the State-Tribal Relations Committee, which endorsed a bill hes now sponsoring that would create a task force to study a managed care model in South Dakota. Rosebud Sioux Tribe President Kathleen Wooden Knife delivers the State of the Tribes address on Jan. 14, 2026, at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre. (Video courtesy of South Dakota Public Broadcasting) Public safety The State-Tribal Relations Committee also endorsed a bill that would recognize tribal law enforcement members as certified law enforcement under state law. That would enable legal protections for tribal police who assist state, county or local officers. On Tuesday, Gov. Larry Rhoden endorsed that bill during his State of the State address. Wooden Knife did the same on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Tribes and state leaders have also pushed in recent years to get more tribal officers trained through the states basic law enforcement certification course, as most officers on tribal land are expected to train at a federal facility in New Mexico. U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-South Dakota, has pushed for a Great Plains law enforcement academy for tribes, a move also endorsed by the State-Tribal Relations Committee, and, on Wednesday, by Wooden Knife. We look forward to working with you to improve law enforcement, to get training locally for our police officers, and to improve public safety for all South Dakotans, Wooden Knife said. Crow Creek Tribal Chairman Peter Lengkeek, among the tribal leaders on hand for Wooden Knifes speech, said cooperation between state and tribal officials can work to improve public safety, provided that tribes maintain sovereignty. Advertisement Advertisement For about a decade, Crow Creek has had an agreement whereby state troopers act as a police force on the reservation during its powwow. This year, Lengkeek said, the tribe expanded that agreement. Now the Crow Creek reservation, which can call on Bureau of Indian Affairs officers for aid but lacks a tribal police force, can call upon the Highway Patrol in public safety emergencies. We bring them on when we need them, Lengkeek said. Foster care Wooden Knife also encouraged state leaders to work with tribes on foster care. Around 70% of children in foster care are Native American, according to the states most recent figures. Efforts to expand the number of Native American foster homes have shown some promise, but most South Dakota foster parents are non-Native. We need an equal chance to preserve our children and families as the future of our Native communities, so the state should enter kinship placement agreements with the tribal governments, Wooden Knife said, referring to a form of foster care placement that connects children with family members. There are no bills directly related to foster care and Native American families on the docket for the 2026 session at this point, but Rep. Peri Pourier, R-Rapid City, said she doesnt expect thats needed just yet. Advertisement Advertisement Pourier, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, is on a group called the Indian Child Welfare Act Advisory Council, a state-level group named for the federal act that prioritizes keeping Native American families together. The council was born of a bill introduced and passed in 2024, and Pourier said important conversations about collaboration on kinship care and foster family recruitment are moving forward as a result. The group, Pourier said, is getting down to the nitty gritty, and theyre going to work together to see what things that they could come up with. If we need to step in with legislation, she said, we will. Water rights, consultation Wooden Knife also encouraged the state to be in conversation with tribes on issues of water rights, water pipelines and drinking water access in the years ahead, noting the needs yet unmet by projects like the Mni Wiconi water pipeline. That project was first funded at the federal level in 1988 and needs upgrades, Wooden Knife said. Advertisement Advertisement As the state Legislature plans for water system improvements, we ask that you stay in touch with the Sioux Nation tribes, because we have senior water rights in the Missouri River basin and we are active water system operators, she said. Wooden Knife called for the governor and state lawmakers to meet at least quarterly to address the need for increased consultation, mutual respect and consideration of mutually beneficial solutions to our shared concerns. For broadcasters Scripts and audio from Searchlight reporter Meghan OBrien: The stablecoin boom of 2025 benefited nearly every major blockchain. But it helped Solana most of all. The market capitalisation of the popular digital tokens have grown faster on Solana than on any other blockchain over the past 12 months, according to DefiLlama data. This time last year, the total market cap of stablecoins on Solana stood at under $6 billion. It now stands at $13.3 billion. The market cap of stablecoins on Solana hit a record of over $16 billion as recently as December. While it may have dipped since, this metric measuring the total value of the digital tokens in circulation on a network has grown faster on Solana than on any top 10 blockchain since the start of 2025. On Ethereum, the market capitalisation of stablecoins grew by nearly 43% over the same period, to $164 billion. On Tron, it grew by 40%, to $82 billion. Stablecoins are obviously one of the killer use cases of crypto, so a chain that is leading in volume is inevitably going to attract stablecoin payments, Matt Aaron, Project Lead at Solana-based wallet tracker and trading terminal Cielo.finance, told DL News. Major banks, fintech companies, and institutions have shown interest in the crypto network, which hosts the second-largest DeFi ecosystem. Morgan Stanley last week filed for an exchange-traded fund to give investors exposure to Solana. Stablecoin mania The market cap of stablecoins on Solana shows the crypto network could become the go-to for stablecoin users seeking affordability and speed, according to Zach Pandl, head of research at Grayscale. Solana may eventually catch up to Tron as the leading blockchain for fast and low-cost stablecoin payments, he said, adding that a boom in stablecoin usage on Solana would likely be fuelled by crypto trading apps. Stablecoins and the companies issuing them became a major topic in the world of finance after US President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law in July, establishing a framework for issuing the assets. Major players in the traditional finance world are focused on issuing stablecoins with the hope of speeding up payments and many have picked Solana. Serious players eyeing up Solana Nearly two years ago, PayPal launched a stablecoin dubbed PYUSD on the network. Western Union last year said it would issue a token dubbed USDPT on Solana at some point in 2026. Most recently, payments giant Visa in December debuted stablecoin settlement for partners using the chain. Twitter founder Jack Dorseys Cash App last year announced that the app would soon allow users to send and receive the USDC stablecoin. WASHINGTON (AP) One week after the nation marked the fifth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, the history of what happened that day is being reconsidered, revised and reassessed by the party in power. The House GOP's new Select Committee on the Jan. 6 attack held its first hearing Wednesday, what was billed as an examination of the FBI's investigation into the pipe bombs that had been found outside the Democratic and Republican party headquarters during the day. The FBI's work dragged on for years until the arrest of a suspect last month. But the House hearing quickly devolved into a revisionist spectacle --- militant Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes sat in the front row -- as Republicans pursued alternative theories about why President Donald Trumps supporters engaged in mob violence that day. They suggested the rioters were essentially tricked into laying siege to the Capitol, an attack watched around the world. Advertisement Advertisement There's been a lot of talk about conspiracy theories and narratives, acknowledged Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., the chairman, as tensions flared during the two-hour hearing. He said his objective is to get to the truth. Truth and conspiracy theories collide But the top Democrat on the panel, Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, warned he and others would not sit by silently as the Republican-led committee tried to rewrite history. The truth is a resilient thing, Raskin said. Were not going to put up with a pack of lies in this subcommittee and a bunch of conspiracy theories. Whats clear is that five years on, the national trauma left behind by Jan. 6 still engulfs Congress, and the country, as Americans come to terms with what happened that day, when Trumps supporters stormed the Capitol after the defeated president told them to fight like hell as Congress certified the 2020 election results for Democrat Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement It's the second time House Republicans, since they took control, have stood up a new committee to probe Jan. 6, as they dispute the findings of the original panel established by then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the immediate aftermath of the riot. That panel, which released its findings in 2022, put the blame on Trump for having incited the violence at the Capitol, part of a last gasp in his months-long effort to overturn his election defeat to Biden. Trump was impeached on the charge of inciting the insurrection, but acquitted by the Senate. The Justice Departments four-count indictment against Trump brought by special counsel Jack Smith was abandoned once Trump won reelection in 2024, adhering to department protocol against prosecuting a sitting president. Republicans doubt what happened Jan. 6 One GOP lawmaker, Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas who was among those seen at the barricaded doors to the House chamber called the original Jan. 6 committee a total sham. He disputed the eyewitness testimony of police officers who had recounted in detail how they were bloodied and injured in the mayhem as highly scripted accounts from Trump haters. Advertisement Advertisement They put on a pretty good show, he said about the panel. The Republicans tried to pin the violence at the Capitol on certain agitators, and they portrayed the militia groups who were central to the siege as having been entrapped by the federal government. Rhodes, seated in the audience wearing a black cowboy hat, was among those convicted of seditious conspiracy over his role. He was among the more than 1,500 people pardoned by Trump once the president retook office last year. At one point, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, turned to her colleagues, exasperated. I am so frustrated with this country and I dont think Im the only one, she said. Advertisement Advertisement The conspiracy theories," she said, "are driving me insane. Pipe bomb suspect brings new twist The panel did dive into the details of the pipe bomb investigation, as lawmakers tried to understand why it took federal law enforcement some five years to have a potential break in the case. Last month, the FBI arrested Brian Cole Jr. of Virginia on suspicion of placing the pipe bombs. Republicans had long believed the pipe bombs were part of a potential inside job a distraction that diverted law enforcement that day as Trumps supporters marched to the Capitol to confront Congress. I've been concerned with this whole pipe bomb situation for some time, said Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va. Advertisement Advertisement He was among those questioning why bomb-sniffing dogs failed that day to discover the device outside one of the party headquarters. Cole told investigators after his arrest last month that he believed someone needed to speak up for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen and that he was disappointed that Trump lost to Biden. Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo., also probed why investigators overlooked various leads that day. John Nantz, a former FBI special agent, testified to the panel that the Biden-era FBI under then-Director Christopher Wray was focused elsewhere. "Every resource should have been made available," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Hageman quipped that was the understatement of the century. Trump's pardons of rioters raise new questions Trump's pardons of the rioters were also discussed, as Raskin detailed how many of those convicted in the siege have gone on to commit other crimes. Mike Romano, a former Justice Department prosecutor, said he viewed Trumps pardons as ill-advised." Romano said many of them remained proud of their conduct. They have celebrated the pardons and tried to lie about what happened, he said. Pressed by Raskin about whether Trump's pardon would apply to Cole, if convicted in the pipe bomb case, Romano said its an open question. I don't know that there's a clear yes or no, he testified. And I think thats a problem. A masked ICE agent knocks on the window and tells observers to stop following ICE vehicles Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) Nevada Democratic U.S. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen want to redirect a portion of funding allocated for immigration enforcement as part of the GOP-backed multitrillion-dollar domestic spending and tax cut package passed last year toward local law enforcement. Their proposal comes a day after Congressional Progressive Democrats vowed to oppose any funding for ICE after a Minnesota woman was killed by an immigration officer. The push comes amid recent polling that indicates growing support for abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement The Nevada Democrats proposal also came on the same day as the centrist Searchlight Institute, founded by a staffer for the late Nevada Democratic Sen. Harry Reid, pleaded with congressional Democrats not to fall into a trap by allowing themselves to be accused of wanting to defund ICE, the Bulwark reported. The massive spending bill signed by President Donald Trump last summer allocated $175 billion to immigration enforcement over several years. Cortez Masto and Rosen said on Wednesday they were sponsoring legislation that would reallocate $75 billion to law enforcement. The Trump Administrations actions are not making our communities any safer, in fact theyre doing just the opposite, Cortez Masto said in a statement. Instead of giving ICE $75 billion extra dollars to hire untrained ICE agents to patrol American communities, lets invest that money where it will actually help in hiring local police officers who are trained to fight crime in a way that earns community trust. Many local police agencies work with ICE to conduct enforcement. The ACLU found in the first eight months of Trumps second term the number of local agencies opting to act as deportation force multipliers has grown by 600 percent. Advertisement Advertisement Funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which houses ICE, is expected to be debated as the U.S. Senate takes up appropriations bills ahead of a Jan. 30 deadline. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday that ICE funding is one of the major issues that the appropriators are confronting right now. The Congressional Progressive Caucus, of which Rep. Steven Horsford is the only Nevada member, said this week it would oppose any federal funding going toward immigration enforcement. Their announcement follows the death of 37-year-old Renee Good, who was killed last week by an immigration officer. Her death has sparked nationwide protests, including some in Nevada. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has spent the first year back in office carrying out a campaign promise for more aggressive immigration enforcement and a pledge for mass deportation. Both Cortez Masto and Rosen noted in their announcement Wednesday that 73% of individuals held in ICE detention didnt have a criminal conviction while less than 5% had a violent criminal conviction. They also pointed to a ProPublica analysis that found more than 170 U.S. citizens had been detained by ICE. The Trump Administrations mass immigration enforcement is causing chaos and instilling fear in our communities because they are going after law-abiding immigrants and even U.S. citizens, Rosen said in a statement. Alex Brandon/AP Photo Patrick Pleul/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images A House Republican is warning that if President Donald Trump were to order a military invasion of Greenland, it would be the end of his presidency. In an interview with the Omaha World-Herald, Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) said he personally would lean toward voting to impeach the president if he were to follow through on threats to take over Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement Ill be candid with you. Theres so many Republicans mad about this, Bacon told the paper. If he went through with the threats, I think it would be the end of his presidency. Bacon who often breaks from MAGA as a representative from a swing district has become even more outspoken against Trump since announcing he is leaving Congress at the end of the current term. Another prominent Republican who falls in that category Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) took to the Senate floor on Wednesday to express his anger about a potential Greenland takeover. Its about whether the United States intends to face a constellation of strategic adversaries with capable friends or commit an unprecedented act of strategic self-harm and go it alone, McConnell said. He added that, following through on this provocation would be more disastrous for the Presidents legacy than withdrawing from Afghanistan was for his predecessor. And the American public is just about united against a Greenland incursion as well. A new Reuters/Ipsos poll out Wednesday showed just 4 percent of Americans back a military takeover of Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday in the Oval Office, Trump scolded a reporter who confronted him about a potential invasion. It sounds like you would potentially acquire Greenland by force, the reporter said. No, youre saying that. I didnt say it, Trump said. Youre telling me that thats what Im going to do you dont know what Im going to do. The post House Republican Says He Would Lean Toward Impeaching Trump If He Were to Invade Greenland: Would Be the End of His Presidency first appeared on Mediaite. Protests in Iran, which began in late December 2025 over the countrys worsening economic conditions, have escalated into a broader challenge to its clerical leadership, which has been in power since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Tensions with the United States have mounted since US President Donald Trump suggested that Washington could militarily intervene in Iran if there was a crackdown on protesters. Critics of the Iranian government, primarily in the West, claim that thousands of people have died in the protests. In particular, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) put the death toll at 2,615 on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement However, the Iranian government said these numbers have been exaggerated, and Iranian state TV reports put the figure at about 300. On Wednesday night, Trumps tone softened when he said he had received assurances from Iran that the killings of protesters in Iran had stopped and that executions of detained demonstrators would not go ahead. But his earlier threats to attack Iran prompted Tehran to warn of retaliation and, on Wednesday, Qatar confirmed some personnel had been removed from the Al Udeid airbase, which hosts US armed forces, saying it was in response to current regional tensions. There have been some clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Iran, resulting in deaths. An ongoing internet blackout which entered its eighth day on Thursday has made it particularly difficult to track the actual number of deaths, according to watchdog NetBlocks. What do we know about the death toll in Iran? Iran has not released an official death toll, but authorities stated this week that more than 100 members of the security forces have been killed in clashes with protesters. Opposition activists said the toll is much higher and includes more than 1,000 protesters. Advertisement Advertisement HRANA said the number of people killed had climbed to at least 2,615 on Wednesday. Norway-based organisation Iran Human Rights (IHR) reported on Wednesday that at least 3,428 protesters had been killed in a crackdown on demonstrations. But the same day, Iranian state TV said mass funerals were taking place in Tehran that would include 300 bodies of security force members and civilians. In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied that Tehran had plans to execute protesters. During this interview, Araghchi downplayed the death toll that is being reported. Advertisement Advertisement I certainly deny the numbers and figures they have said. It is an exaggeration, it is a misinformation campaign, only to find excuses, only to do another aggression against Iran, Araghchi said, adding that the number was being exaggerated to involve Trump in the conflict. Al Jazeera cannot independently verify any of the figures that have been reported. Among all of these figures, HRANAs numbers are the ones that are most cited by news organisations worldwide. What is HRANA? According to its website, US-based HRANA is the news agency affiliated with Human Rights Activists in Iran (also known as HRAI and HRA), which is described as a non-political and non-governmental organisation comprised of advocates who defend human rights in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement The website states that HRAI was formed in 2005 but does not name or provide details about who formed the organisation. It says that in February 2006, a small group of Iranian activists gathered to organise protests against human rights violations in the country. That effort lay the foundation of a larger vision that ultimately led to the establishment of an organization later known as Human Rights Activists in Iran, the website states, adding that, initially, the effort was focused on political prisoners. It supported victims families, documented abuses and ran public education campaigns in Iran. Why is the group now based in the US? By March 2010, the group was legally registered inside Iran, shifting from a semi-secret organization into one which openly operated in Iran, it states. Advertisement Advertisement The organisation adds that during this time, the group decided to publicly disclose the names of its leaders. By publicly disclosing the names of our leaders, we hoped to neutralize such suspicions that have historically led to brutal crackdowns in the past. However, the government did crack down on it, it says. The website adds: The military-style crackdown of our organization on March 2, 2010 left our members even more determined than before to re-group and ultimately rebuild the necessary infrastructure needed to continue our work despite the security risks that threatened each and every one of us. According to a document published by Amnesty International on March 12, 2010, HRAI reported that Iranian security forces raided the house and workplace of at least 29 of its members between March 2 and March 3, arresting 15 people. Advertisement Advertisement The website adds that soon after the crackdown, HRAI registered in the US as a nonprofit organisation, and focused on recruiting skilled members, integrating technology into its operations and obtaining appropriate sources of financial support. What is HRANAs assessment of the crisis in Iran? This week, HRANA reported that of the 2,615 people killed, 2,435 were protesters, 153 were affiliated with the government or military, and 14 were civilians who were not protesting. Besides the death toll, HRANA has reported that 18,470 people have been arrested over the course of 617 protests in 187 cities, beginning on December 28 in Tehran. HRANA has also published news articles online with names, photos, ages and more information about some of the people who it says have been arrested or killed. What do we know about HRANAs backers, members and methodology? Al Jazeera contacted HRANA for comment, but a spokesperson declined to disclose information about the groups members or funding sources, citing security concerns. Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson told Al Jazeera that the organisation confirms all data with primary sources, but said it could not disclose the identities of individuals or organisations in Iran with whom HRANA corroborates information. Its methodology for collecting and analysing data is not provided on its website. How has HRANAs previous reporting compared with official government figures? Iran fought a 12-day war with Israel from June 13 to 24 in 2025. HRANA reported that over the course of the conflict, 1,190 people were killed and 4,475 were injured in Iran. These figures included civilian and military casualties. The organisation additionally reported that during the war, 1,596 people were arrested by Iranian security forces. By contrast, according to Irans Ministry of Health and Medical Education, 610 people were killed and 4,746 people were injured over the course of the war. Advertisement Advertisement In September 2022, a young woman named Mahsa Amini, aged 22, was arrested in Tehran for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly. She collapsed while in custody and died in hospital a few days later. Her death caused national outrage and widespread protests in Iran that lasted for several weeks. The slogan woman, life, freedom was chanted in the streets. HRANA reported in October 2022 that 200 people died and about 5,500 people were arrested during those protests. That death toll matched figures of the state security council of the Iranian interior ministry, which said in December 2022 that more than 200 people had been killed since September. The security body said the deceased included security forces, those killed in terrorist acts, those killed by foreign-affiliated groups and described those killed by state forces as rioters and armed anti-revolutionary elements who were members of secessionist groups. In cities around North Carolina, immigrant rights groups held vigils in memory of Renee Good, the Minneapolis woman who was shot and killed by ICE. For many gathered at Moore Square in downtown Raleigh, it hit close to home. As ICE expanded its presence a few months ago here in North Carolina, Siembra NC trained people to do what Good was doing -- documenting ICE in public. "On January 7th, the world lost a mother. A poet and a compassionate neighbor. Renee Nicol Good should be here. She should be at home in Minneapolis with her wife and her three children," said one attendee, Nikki Marin Baena. Advertisement Advertisement ALSO SEE | Federal officer shoots person in leg after being attacked during arrest in Minneapolis, DHS says Good was in her car in Minneapolis when she was shot by an ICE agent. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Good was trying to run over the agent, but critics argued that videos showing the incident appeared to contradict that. What is known is that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent who shot Good after being hit by her car suffered internal bleeding, multiple U.S. officials familiar with his medical condition told ABC News. In North Carolina, organizers are vowing to stop these sorts of incidents from happening here. Advertisement Advertisement "This violence happens because we let these agents act like they belong in our neighborhoods. Do they belong in our neighborhoods?" Marin Baena said. Activists said Good's death was even more jarring because she was doing what groups such as Siembra NC have trained everyday people to do in North Carolina -- to respond and observe ICE's movements in their neighborhoods. Good, however, was blocking the street and refused federal officers' commands to step out of the vehicle. Jonathan Johnson, a father who lives in Durham, is one of the people determined to keep these clashes away from North Carolina. "I am more worried about going out there and do that. I think they are establishing a precedent that they will use violence against anyone, including U.S. citizens," Johnson said. "And I got into this work because I came to Durham, and I just wanted to protect my community. And at that time, I really thought that my whiteness, my maleness, the fact I looked like an ICE agent would keep me safe. But now I know that that's not true." Advertisement Advertisement He said that despite those concerns, being the eyes and ears of the community is needed now more than ever. He said there is a right way to show opposition to dubious federal actions. "Form a crowd and stay loud. You absolutely should go with other people. Not only should you follow the rules, you should document yourself following the rules with your camera. Have other people document you following the rules with their camera," Johnson said. "And that way, if anything does go wrong, there's a thousand eyes that are going to show the world what really happened." Representatives for both Deborah Ross and Valerie Foushee, the two Democrats who represent parts of the Triangle in Congress, spoke at the event. They said they support efforts in Congress now being introduced to try to impeach DHS Secretary Kristi Noem over ICE's actions. Demonstrators bow their heads during a moment of silence for Renee Good at a vigil in Raleigh, N.C. on Jan. 14, 2026. (Photo: Brandon Kingdollar/NC Newsline) More than 200 gathered Wednesday evening in Raleighs Moore Square to mourn Minneapolis activist Renee Good and to condemn ICE for her death and other violent encounters in recent months. The candlelight vigil, organized by Siembra NC, included a call to prayer, the singing of the spiritual Gospel Plow, and remarks from activists and lawmakers. Mourners shielded their candles from the wind on a blustery night where temperatures hovered around 40F. Some struggled to relight them after gusts blew them out. Advertisement Advertisement The group held accompanying vigils in Charlotte, Greensboro and Wilmington, North Carolina. Goods fatal shooting by an ICE agent has sparked protests and condemnation across the U.S., including calls from members of Congress for U.S Dept. of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to resign or be impeached. Thousands demonstrated in Minneapolis last week to demand accountability for the shooting. Alissa Vermilion, among those at Wednesdays Raleigh vigil, said she came out to show her anger over violence by ICE. Ive been outraged almost from the beginning about how brutal and how unaccountable ICE has been, she said. Its infuriating to know that the only thing that I can do is to come out and peacefully protest and remember and hope that its enough to stop the brutality. In memory of Renee Good, protesters hold a banner reading Tomorrow should should be promised to everyone, at a Jan. 14, 2026 vigil in Raleigh. (Photo: Brandon Kingdollar/NC Newsline) The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment on the protests. Noem and other officials have argued the ICE agent shot Good in self-defense during a vehicular assault, though video of the incident seems to show her steering away from the officer. Advertisement Advertisement Wednesdays demonstration blended memorial with protest. Attendees held small candles and bowed their heads for a moment of silence. Some raised signs reading, We saw the video, and No PolICE State. Some, concerned for their safety, wore masks to hide their identity. John Arndt, who said he has been protesting the Trump administration since last spring with the grassroots anti-Trump group 50501, said he believes Good is the tipping point to turn Americans against ICE. She wanted to make a difference. She made the ultimate difference, he told NC Newsline. Mourners shielded their candles from the wind on a blustery night where temperatures hovered around 40F. Some struggled to relight them after gusts blew them out. Nikki Marin Baena told vigil attendees on Wednesday that it is their responsibility to help protect immigrants and legal observers from violence. (Photo: Brandon Kingdollar/NC Newsline) Nikki Marin Baena, co-founder of Siembra NC, told the crowd that it was up to them to keep immigrants and legal observers safe from violence. Advertisement Advertisement El manana debe prometerse a todos. Tomorrow should be promised for everyone, she said. Tonight we hold space for those whose tomorrow was stolen by federal violence in this last year. We say their names. In addition to Good, she asked the demonstrators to honor Silverio Villegas Gonzalez, Keith Porter Jr., Jaime Alanis Garcia, Roberto Carlos Montoya Valdez, and Joe Castro Rivera, all of whom were allegedly either killed by ICE agents or died from other causes as they fled from encounters. She also highlighted the case of Edwin Godinez and Yair Napoles, two U.S. citizens who say they were assaulted by ICE officers during a stop in Salisbury, North Carolina last week. Video from their phones appears to support their claims. State Sen. Sophia Chitlik (D-Durham) said she and her Democratic colleagues will introduce the Making Enforcement Liable and Transparent, or MELT, Act in the legislatures short session, aiming to prohibit federal law enforcement from wearing masks, block immigration detentions at churches, hospitals and schools, and open ICE and Border Patrol to civil litigation at the state level for violating North Carolinians rights. Advertisement Advertisement The burden is now on the states to protect our communities from the invasion of ICE and CBP. It is up to us state legislators to step up as fundamental American liberties like the right to assembly, due process and the rule of law are threatened, she said. Any successful measures to restrict ICE are unlikely to advance in the current North Carolina General Assembly, however, with a sizable Republican majority controlling both chambers. In an interview after the vigil, Marin Baena said Siembra NC is discussing what precautions may help keep its trained community observers safe in the wake of Goods death. Observers in Minnesota have made changes, but none have been implemented yet in N.C. She said she was surprised by the incredible turnout in Raleigh. I wasnt expecting so many people with the cold. But I think it does confirm what we thought, which is that a lot of people dont want to see this in our community, she said. [Source] The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis is married to a Filipino immigrant whose parents work as doctors in the Philippines, a Daily Mail report revealed. Catch up: Jonathan E. Ross, 43, shot Good, 37, last Wednesday morning in south Minneapolis as she sat in her SUV, which she and her wife Rebecca were using to record ICE operations. Minneapolis police arrived at the scene shortly after receiving reports of the shooting and found Good with a gunshot wound to the head. Firefighters transported her to a local hospital where she died. Good leaves behind her wife and 6-year-old child. Advertisement Advertisement Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem quickly defended the shooting, telling CNN that Good attacked them and those surrounding them and attempted to run them over and ram them with her vehicle. However, multiple videos and eyewitness accounts contradict that version of events, prompting Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to call the federal account bullshit. The shooting occurred during Operation Metro Surge, which has deployed more than 2,400 DHS agents into the Twin Cities area, outnumbering the citys police force by more than two to one. About Ross: Ross, an Iraq War veteran, has reportedly worked with ICEs Enforcement and Removal Operations division since at least 2013 and currently serves on the agencys Special Response Team. He married his unidentified wife, 38, in August 2012. While she holds U.S. citizenship, her physician parents live in the Philippines, as per the Daily Mail. Speaking to the outlet, Ross father Ed declined discussing her immigration history and defended his son as a committed, conservative Christian and a tremendous father and husband. Trending on NextShark: Trump admin prepares to strip citizenship from naturalized Americans Interestingly, the ICE agents personal life shows cultural connections alongside political divisions. During their time in El Paso, Texas, his wife shared a 2013 photograph of herself standing beside a Border Patrol helicopter and posted pictures featuring recipes from a Spanish-language cookbook. Family disagreements over politics emerged in October 2020 when Ross sister Nicole condemned white supremacy on Facebook, sparking a discussion about the Proud Boys that ended with her writing we have to respectfully disagree and you are my brother and I love you, but we will not engage in a debate on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors told the Daily Mail they observed pro-Trump and Dont Tread On Me Gadsden flags at Ross residence until recently. One described his wife as polite, very nice, very outgoing while calling him very reserved. Why this matters: Ross marriage to a non-white citizen whose parents live in the Philippines adds a layer of complexity to debates over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, whose crackdown includes racial profiling. For Filipino Americans, one of the nations largest Asian immigrant populations, Ross family background stands in tension with his role in what federal officials tout as the largest immigration operation ever. Trending on NextShark: Calls for Kristi Noems impeachment escalate after Minneapolis shooting The shooting also carries personal history that provides context. Last June in Bloomington, Minnesota, an undocumented immigrant reportedly dragged Ross over 100 yards with a vehicle during a traffic stop, leaving him hospitalized with injuries requiring dozens of stitches to his arm and hand. Beyond the use of force, the shooting has raised questions about accountability, as federal authorities have blocked state investigators from examining case files and physical evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Noem on Sunday announced hundreds of additional federal agents would arrive in Minneapolis until Monday. Trending on NextShark: ICE agent who shot Renee Good is married to Filipino immigrant: report This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what were building, consider becoming a paid member your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Subscribe here now! Trending on NextShark: Simu Liu confirms Shang-Chi role in 'Avengers: Secret Wars' Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents got a heated reception upon entering a restaurant in Minnesota ... with customers screaming profanities at them and demanding they get out. Video of the wild interaction this week has surfaced online ... beginning when agents storm into Cancun Mexican Grill & Cantina in St. Paul, MN and head for the bathroom. Aldora Gutierrez via Storyful It doesn't look like they need to use the little federal agents' room either ... it seems they're searching for someone -- because they walk right back out into the restaurant after a quick look around. Advertisement Advertisement The restaurant patrons yell at the officers to leave in Sunday's incident ... telling them they know management has already asked them to get off the property. ICE agents are allowed to enter businesses like restaurants without a warrant -- like any other private citizens -- though they can't go into employee-only spaces without authorization. ICE In Minneapolis - Click image to open gallery A man who seemingly works at the place comes up and speaks to the agents, face to face with their apparent leader ... and they begin to head for the exit -- all while the customers yell profanity, calling the agents "f***ing Nazi pieces of sh*t" and "coward motherf***er." TMZ Tensions between law enforcement and the people of Minnesota have reached a fever pitch in recent days after the killing of Renee Nicole Good, which the Trump administration has called self-defense, and the Minnesota government has alleged was murder. Last night, an ICE agent shot a man -- DHS alleges the man attempted to evade arrest and attacked the officer. ICE funding jumped $75 billion. Heres my plan to redirect the windfall. The killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis and other recent tragedies are painful reminders that public safety demands professionalism, accountability and discipline. Victims and their families are owed more than political talking points or unchecked expansions of federal power. My colleagues and I owe them policies that work. There is a hard truth that Congress needs to confront: The Trump administrations decision to pour unprecedented amounts of money into federal immigration enforcement has failed to increase public safety. In fact, it has actively undermined it. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act handed Immigration and Customs Enforcement an extraordinary windfall $75 billion to dramatically expand its operations. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act handed Immigration and Customs Enforcement an extraordinary windfall $75 billion to dramatically expand its operations, hire 10,000 new agents and rapidly increase its detention capacity. Under the law, ICE is on track to become one of the largest federal law enforcement agencies. Advertisement Advertisement Federal law enforcement plays an important role in finding and deporting violent criminals. But under the reckless leadership of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, agencies have strayed far from that mission. ICE has famously lowered its training and hiring standards, while almost 3 of every 4 arrests are of immigrants with no criminal conviction. And thats in addition to the more than 170 American citizens ICE has detained in the past year. As ICEs budget balloons, communities across Nevada and the rest of the country are struggling to fill local police vacancies, keep officers on the job and invest in proven crime-reduction strategies. Those struggles have been made worse not better by ICEs aggressive recruitment from the ranks of state and local law enforcement. Sheriffs and police chiefs have been clear about what that means: fewer officers answering 911 calls, longer response times, less public trust in local police and departments stretched dangerously thin. That imbalance is why I introduced the PUBLIC SAFETY Act. My bill redirects funding from ICEs massive expansion and puts that money where it will actually reduce crime back into local law enforcement while preserving ICEs regular annual funding. Federal agents deploy tear gas as residents protest a federal agent-involved shooting Jan. 14, 2026, in Minneapolis. Madison Thorn / Anadolu via Getty Images First, the legislation would move $29.85 billion from ICE enforcement and operations to the COPS Hiring Program, allowing communities to hire more than 200,000 police officers nationwide. Thats 200,000 more officers walking beats, answering emergency calls and investigating violent crime. Thats better for communities than 10,000 new federal immigration officers whose primary mission is civil immigration enforcement. This isnt about ignoring immigration enforcement. And my bill helps small and rural police departments those with fewer than 175 officers access this funding, ensuring that communities with the greatest needs and fewest resources arent left behind. Advertisement Advertisement This isnt about ignoring immigration enforcement. Under my bill, ICE would continue to receive its normal annual funding, which for the past two years has been about $10 billion per year. But this is about acknowledging reality: Federal immigration enforcement needs to be targeted, humane and just. The act redirects $45 billion from ICEs expansion of detention centers to the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program, the backbone of our nations crime-fighting infrastructure. Byrne JAG grants support law enforcement efforts as varied as drug task forces, mental health crisis response and victim services. It is one of the most flexible, effective tools the country has for reducing crime and strengthening the justice system. Local police are the officers who have built trust with their communities and are trained to do their jobs in neighborhoods and cities. That includes de-escalating tense situations, not inciting them. When we know that investing in more than 200,000 local police officers would do far more to keep Americans safe than expanding an untrained federal immigration force, the choice should be clear. For decades I have worked alongside police officers, sheriffs and prosecutors whose job is keeping our communities safe. I did it as an assistant U.S. attorney and as Nevadas attorney general. Im doing it now in the U.S. Senate. Advertisement Advertisement As a former prosecutor, I believe in results. And the evidence is clear: When communities invest in local law enforcement when departments are fully staffed, properly trained and supported by modern crime-prevention tools crime goes down and trust goes up. The goal of the PUBLIC SAFETY Act is to prioritize what keeps families safe, to support the officers on the front lines and to ensure federal dollars are spent where they do the most good. Public safety isnt a slogan. It is a responsibility. And it starts in our communities. The post ICE funding jumped $75 billion. Heres my plan to redirect the windfall. appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now Madison Sheahan, the No. 2 official at Immigration and Customs Enforcement and close ally of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, is leaving the agency to run for Congress, two U.S. officials familiar with the move told CBS News on Thursday. Sheahan was installed as ICE's deputy director in March, when the Trump administration overhauled the agency's leadership amid increased pressure for officials to ramp up immigration arrests and deportations across the country. In a statement to CBS News, Noem confirmed Sheahan's departure. She said Sheahan would be "a great defender of freedom when she goes to Congress," noting she has known her for years. Advertisement Advertisement "Madison Sheahan is a work horse, strong executor, and terrific leader who led the men and women of ICE to achieve the American people's mandate to target, arrest, and deport criminal illegal aliens," Noem added. "We wish her all the best." ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan speaks during a press conference with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in Gary, Indiana, on Oct. 30, 2025. / Credit: Jamie Kelter Davis / Getty Images (Jamie Kelter Davis / Getty Images) While Sheahan and Noem have a longstanding relationship, her installation as the second-highest ranking official at ICE frustrated some agency officials, who noted the 28-year-old lacked significant law enforcement experience. Before coming to ICE, Sheahan was the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Before that, she was an aide for Noem during her governorship in South Dakota. In a message to ICE employees posted on X shortly after this story was first published, Sheahan said she was proud of having "strengthened" ICE and "restored its purpose." Advertisement Advertisement "As I depart the agency, I want to say that it has been the honor of my life to serve my country with all of you," Sheahan wrote in her message. "I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Noem for their leadership and for their steadfast commitment to our agency." Noem announced Thursday that Charles Wall, who was recently the lead lawyer at ICE and was an ICE attorney for 14 years, will replace Sheahan as the agency's deputy director. As the agency in charge of deportations and immigration arrests in the interior of the country, ICE has been at the forefront of President Trump's aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration. The administration has deployed thousands of ICE and Border Patrol agents to major American cities, where their actions have been denounced by local leaders and residents as harsh and heavy-handed. Civil Rights icon Claudette Colvin dies at 86 Officials give update after federal officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis | Special Report The museum where iconic signs are celebrated Earlier this month, Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang reported that the company does not expect Beijing to officially determine how many of the company's H200 chips are allowed into the country. Instead, individual purchase orders will determine the amount of revenue that Nvidia can obtain from China, the CEO stated. Huang's statement suggests that Nvidia itself is unsure about how many H200 chips it can sell in the world's second-largest economy. This element of uncertainty, combined with the potential of meaningfully increased competition facing Nvidia, makes the stock one to hold at this point. More News from Barchart About NVDA Stock Nvidia is the world's runaway leader when it comes to developing chips used to enable artificial intelligence (AI). Among its largest customers are the huge hyperscalers, including Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN), Meta (META), and Microsoft (MSFT). In the third quarter, the chipmaker's revenue surged to $57 billion, a 22% increase versus the same period a year earlier. Meanwhile, its net income advanced 21% year-over-year to $31.9 billion. In the 12 months that ended on Jan. 13, NVDA stock climbed 40%. However, in the three months that ended on the same day, the stock was down 2.3%. Nvidia shares change hands at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 41.7x. Analysts on average expect NVDA's earnings per share (EPS) to rise 51% this year and 57% next year. www.barchart.com More Signs of Uncertainty in China On Jan. 6, Nvidia CFO Colette Kress said that Nvidia had officially sought approval to sell its H200 chips in China, but she added that Beijing had still not made a decision about the company's application. Further, while Nvidia has estimated that it will generate revenue of $500 billion in 2026 from its Blackwell chips and its upcoming Vera Rubin semiconductors, it has not provided an estimate of how much revenue it will obtain from China in 2026. Adding to the lack of clarity, China reportedly ordered a number of companies recently to postpone ordering chips from Nvidia. Finally, the 15% tax that the Trump administration has levied on the chip giant's exports to China will likely weigh meaningfully on the firm's profit margins. Demonstrators gather at the Idaho State Capitol for the 2018 Idaho Women's March. (Photo by Christina Lords/Idaho Capital Sun) The annual Idaho Womens March is scheduled to be held Jan. 17 on the state Capitol steps in Boise. Women of Idaho with the SW Idaho Chapter of the National Organization of Women are hosting the event, slated for 12:30 to 3 p.m. The groups host an event each year the third Saturday in January as part of national Womens Marches. Its open to the public, and community members of all ages and genders are encouraged to attend and participate peacefully, according to a press release from Women of Idaho. Advertisement Advertisement This years theme, Feminist Power is People Power, highlights the strength that comes from community-driven advocacy and civic engagement, the release said. There will be music by the Idaho Peace Band and speakers, the release said, and following the speeches, participants will march around the Capitol building. Now more than ever, its vital that we come together to uplift women, protect human rights, and ensure our voices are heard, an unnamed representative of Women of Idaho said in the press release. With the support of partners like SW Idaho NOW, we are strengthening our collective impact and ensuring that people power continues to drive meaningful change. Women of Idaho is a grassroots, intersectional organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for women and girls across our state, according to its website. More information can be found at womenofidaho.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The soldier is alleged to have been in contact with Iranian intelligence forces since some time in July 2025, and to have carried out tasks for them in exchange for financial compensation. An IDF soldier from the Givati Brigade was arrested by Israeli authorities in September under suspicion of spying for Iran, a court released for publication on Wednesday. The soldier is alleged to have been in contact with Iranian intelligence forces since some time in July 2025, and to have carried out tasks for them in exchange for financial compensation. These tasks included sending photos and videos of important sites in Israel, including from within army bases, as well as information on weapons and armaments used by the IDF. Advertisement Advertisement The soldier's actions were discovered and he was arrested in September, after an investigation conducted by the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the Investigative Military Police, and MALMAB (Director of Security of the Defense Establishment). The soldier was charged with contact with a foreign agent, passing information to the enemy, impersonation, and obstruction of justice. IDF soldiers seen as part of operations targeting Syrian military capabilities, in northern Israel, January 9, 2025 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) More Israelis spying for Iran since October 7 There has been a growing number of Israelis arrested on charges of spying for Iran since October 7. In September, Elimelech Stern, a 22-year-old from Beit Shemesh, was convicted after being recruited by an Iranian agent who went by the name of Anna on the Telegram app. Stern went on to recruit others to conduct missions for Iran, including hanging posters condemning Israel for its actions in Gaza, and handing over cash in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Advertisement Advertisement Rafael Rueveni, a 21-year-old resident of Beersheba, was arrested in October after an investigation revealed he had carried out various security-related missions for Iranian agents, including retrieving a SIM card and leaving a phone and a pack of cigarettes for the agents. An indictment was filed in January against Lekachao Demsash, a 31-year-old Rishon Lezion resident, who was accused of conducting surveillance for a foreign agent suspected to be Iranian intelligence. Demsash was instructed to install a dashboard camera in his vehicle equipped with a SIM card, allowing the operator to access the camera remotely and view live footage in real time. He was then sent to monitor various locations, including the street outside the home of former prime minister Naftali Bennett. Sarah Ben-Nun and Joanie Margulies contributed to this report. (The Center Square) Illinois Senate Republicans say Gov. J.B. Pritzker is wrong to blame President Donald Trump for high electric bills. Pritzker spoke Wednesday at the ribbon cutting for an electric vehicle charging site in Pontiac and said Trump administration policies have raised electricity prices. Theyve taken away all the incentives, particularly from solar and wind, and said, Now were going to advantage fossil fuels, Pritzker said. Advertisement Advertisement State Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, spoke during a press conference Wednesday at the Illinois Capitol and said it was Pritzker who signed energy legislation that increases rates and lifts price caps. Gov. Pritzker raised your power bills. He raised everybodys power bills, so I dont want to hear one more thing about affordability from anybody who voted for this bill or any of the other bills, Rose said. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 25 on Jan. 8. Starting in 2030, the law adds a charge to consumer electric bills for battery storage. Rose said Illinois Commerce Commission approval is not required for wind and solar companies as it is for other energy providers. Advertisement Advertisement Thats a signal for wind and solar to raise the heck out of your rates, people. Thats whats gonna happen. If Gov. Pritzker really wants to save people money, lets start by reimposing the rate caps that he just got rid of last week, Rose said. The Mahomet Republican said he would introduce legislation to reinstate the caps. Rose said Pritzker also eroded local control over wind and solar siting. According to state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, the new line item for battery storage would cost rate payers $7 billion. Other states are paying for these projects with low-interest loans, not on the backs of another line item on your rate bill where theres no caps, and all cost overruns, which is the risk in the project, are just simply being passed through to your rate payers, Rezin said. Advertisement Advertisement Rezin cited Wisconsin and Texas and said Illinois Democrats instead chose a funding model that benefits special interest groups and hedge fund investors. The Morris Republican said affordability is the buzzword for Democrats as lawmakers return to Springfield this month. When you have property taxes going up, when you have your energy bill going up, that is not affordability, and thats all based off of policies that are set and passed by one party in the state of Illinois with Gov. Pritzkers leadership, Rezin said. Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, said she introduced Senate Bill 1235 to repeal forced closure dates for coal plants in 2030 and natural gas plants in 2045. Advertisement Advertisement The shutdowns are mandated by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act signed by Pritzker in 2021. So far, Democratic lawmakers have resisted efforts to push back the closure mandates. That would be a good question for the leadership in the House, Senate and the governors office. I remain committed to working to pass legislation that brings down electricity rates for folks across Illinois as well as making our systems more green and more reliable and sustainable, Sen. Mike Simmons, D-Chicago, told TCS. ### Federal agents have arrested a man accused of selling fentanyl at a metro Atlanta area farmers market. According to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office, Luis Sanchez-Acevedo was in court on Wednesday to answer charges for allegedly distributing fentanyl from a produce stand in Forest Park. All the latest on the investigation and what agents found, LIVE on Channel 2 Action News starting at 4:00 p.m. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg said DEA agents investigated Sanchez-Acevedo for selling counterfeit M-30 pills that had fentanyl in them. Advertisement Advertisement Our community is a safer place now that this illegal alien and his lethal pills are off the streets, Hertzberg said in a statement. TRENDING STORIES: The investigation took place over September and October last year. Prosecutors said Sanchez-Acevedo sold about 3,000 pills from or near the produce stand he operated at the Forest Park farmers market. DEA agents recovered the pills and a lab test showed they contained fentanyl and xylazine, a sedative for large animals that is extremely dangerous for humans, according to prosecutors. Advertisement Advertisement Agents arrested Sanchez-Acevedo at his produce stand on Tuesday. While searching the stand, agents found and recovered about 1,000 more counterfeit pills. Further investigation showed that Sanchez-Acevedo is from Mexico and not legally in the United States, according to the Justice Department. This defendant is accused of distributing fentanyl, a drug responsible for countless overdose poisonings across our country, Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division, said. In support of DEAs Fentanyl Free America Initiative, DEA remains committed to targeting those who traffic in this poison and holding them accountable through the federal justice system. Sanchez-Acevedo was before a judge on Wednesday, facing charges of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Mabelyn Hernandez-Diaz was still breastfeeding her 6-month-old son in September when Hillsborough County sheriffs deputies approached the vehicle she and her boyfriend, the boys father, were sitting in while it was parked in front of a store in Wimauma. Hernandez-Diaz, a 20-year-old immigrant from Guatemala, held her infant son, Aiden Garcia Hernandez, whiledeputies questioned Esquivel Garcia Diaz, who had an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court on a charge of driving without a valid license. He was arrested as was Hernandez-Diaz, who, according to an arrest affidavit, pushed the deputy during the confrontation, leading to charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting an officer without violence. Both parents were in the country without legal documentation. Garcia Diaz was released on bail. But Hernandez-Diaz faced a detention hold from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for missing an asylum hearing after she crossed the border in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement She moved between jails in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, then a private detention center in Louisiana, before signing papers to leave the United States voluntarily. During the two weeks she was in custody, Hernandez-Diaz could not nurse her son. She said her breasts were swollen and sensitive, and she had to express milk in the shower. She had headaches and discomfort whenever she tried to sleep. It was painful, she said by phone from her hometown of Chiquimula, Guatemala. Under U.S. immigration policy, pregnant and new mothers like Hernandez-Diaz are to be arrested only in limited circumstances, such as when they pose a flight risk or danger to the community. Advertisement Advertisement But under an administration that has enacted mass deportation initiatives, advocates say more mothers are being detained despite federal and state protections meant to shield them during a critical time for infant development and parental bonding. Congressional documents, legal filings and media reports indicate pregnant, postpartum and nursing women were detained across the United States throughout 2025, suggesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement is not following mandates set forth by Congress. How many mothers have been arrested is unclear. In 2019, Congress began requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement to report on the number of pregnant and postpartum detainees. But last year, Congress omitted the reporting mandate from the agencys budget, eliminating the only mechanism for tracking these cases. Mothers have been arrested at court hearings, traffic stops and immigration check-ins. According to one Senate report, mothers in detention have received insufficient food, been forced to sleep on floors and been denied medical attention. Advertisement Advertisement The agency has rejected these claims, asserting in August that ICE detention facilities have higher standards than most U.S. prisons that detain American citizens. The agency said pregnant women receive regular prenatal visits, mental health services, nutritional support and accommodations aligned with community standards of care. In Florida, where state and local authorities have embraced federal immigration initiatives, the Tampa Bay Times has found multiple cases of detained pregnant and nursing mothers who claimed that they were not given full protections or medical care. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not address questions from the Times about Hernandez-Diaz orthe treatment of pregnant or nursing detainees in general. Instead, an agency spokesperson called her, in a statement, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala. Spokespeople for the Hillsborough and Pinellas county sheriffs offices, both of which detained Hernandez-Diaz before her transfer out of state, declined to comment on the case, citing federal policy. Advertisement Advertisement Advocates like Zain Lakhani, director of migrant rights and justice at the nonprofit Womens Refugee Commission, describe the current state of immigration detention as a black box. Until recently, organizations like Lakhanis were allowed inside detention centers to interview detainees and conduct trainings. That access has since been revoked, she said, impairing their ability to assess conditions and treatment of detainees, including pregnant and postpartum women. When people disappear into those facilities, we dont actually know where they are, Lakhani said, or what is happening to them. More mothers, similar stories The 2021 directive that generally prohibited the arrest of pregnant, nursing and postpartum mothers was passed under President Joe Biden, but resembled protections enacted under President Barack Obama. Advertisement Advertisement A policy that pregnant women were not subject to mandatory detention was eliminated during President Donald Trumps first administration. As a result, according to a 2019 Government Accountability Office report, the number of pregnant women held in immigration detention rose by 52% from 2016 to 2018. Under Biden-era guidelines still on the books, ICE must provide ongoing health assessments, access to pre- and postnatal medical care, physical and mental health monitoring, and transfer to appropriate facilities when necessary, with regular follow-ups and reviews of their custody status. Some mothers say thats not happening. Hernandez-Diaz said that during her stop at a privately operated detention center in Louisiana, she never received medical care despite guards knowing she was a breastfeeding mother. Advertisement Advertisement Aidaena Salazar, a mother of five who lived in Seffner, was detained in October during her last probation check-in. Salazar, who came to the United States from Mexico as a teenager and has lived here for about 20 years, was on probation for public assistance fraud. At the time, she was breastfeeding her 6-month-old daughter. Her husband, Francisco Rodriguez, who is also in the country without permanent legal status, told the Times his wife is not receiving regular medical care at a detention center in Phoenix, Arizona. Salazar is ineligible for bond, and their baby is now on formula. Experts say the sudden separation of mothers and infants can have severe mental and physical consequences. The inability to nurse or pump regularly can cause extremely painful breast engorgement, clogged ducts and mastitis, said Vickie Dugat, a research associate at USF Health and director of the schools Connecting Kids to Coverage program. Beyond the physical risks, disruptions in lactation can also create emotional distress, especially for mothers who strongly desire to breastfeed but lack the environmental support to do so. Advertisement Advertisement The American Academy of Pediatrics says that family separation can impact childrens health, exposing them to toxic stress that can disrupt childrens brain architecture and affect their short- and long-term health. Heidy Sanchez Tejeda, who was arrested in April during a regularly scheduled check-in with immigration officials in Tampa, said her deportation to Cuba has been painful and traumatic for her family in Florida. She said her 2-year-old daughtercries a lot and does not eat well. She was not allowed to see her daughter during her detention. She always asks for her mom, Sanchez said. We are trying to be strong, but at night it is very hard, like when she calls me and touches my face through the phone while I sing to her, and she just sighs and cries. Pregnant women, too, have been arrested and deported during the past years immigration crackdown. Advertisement Advertisement A recent University of South Florida report on how increasingly strict state and federal immigration policies are impacting communities in west and central Florida detailed the arrest of a pregnant U.S. citizen from Puerto Rico. The woman was arrested alongside her husband, who did not have legal documentation, on their way to work. According to the study, the woman said shewas physically assaulted, and family members said she was thrown to the ground and kicked repeatedly. Her husband, the study said, believes the experience led to a miscarriage. In June, the Broward Transitional Center in Pompano Beach was the site of a potential miscarriage or obstetric emergency, according to a 911 call log report. Emergency services responded to a pregnancy-related issue, though additional details are shielded from public records law due to health privacy exemptions. In February, a 17-year-old from Honduras was arrested in Louisiana and flown to Florida at 36 weeks pregnant, according to her Fort Lauderdale attorney Zadeyeh Rios later than doctors advise pregnant women to fly. She had been detained during a routine immigration check-in. Rios said her client otherwise received good care at a nonprofit shelter for minors, but the flights were a problem. Advertisement Advertisement She was technically not supposed to be on a plane, but either they disregarded that information or there was a miscommunication amongst the officers, said Rios. Demands for accountability In the absence of data from ICE, advocacy groups for women and immigrants have tried to gather information on pregnant and nursing detainees themselves. The Womens Refugee Commission is tracking cases of pregnant, postpartum and nursing detainees by collecting reports from health care providers, lawyers and family members. In October, the American Civil Liberties Union and partner organizations sent ICE a letter demanding the immediate release of all pregnant, postpartum and nursing individuals from detention. The letter was based on interviews with more than a dozen women from facilities in Georgia and Louisiana who spoke about being shackled during miscarriages, denied prenatal vitamins, placed in solitary confinement, and given inadequate food and water. I think the women that we were able to interview were just the tip of the iceberg, said Eunice Cho, senior counsel for the ACLU. U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin has rejected the claims in statements and previous interviews. The ACLUs letter includes anonymous, unsubstantiated, and unverifiable claims, McLaughlin said in a statement. Pregnant women receive regular prenatal visits, mental health services, nutritional support, and accommodations aligned with community standards of care. In November, more than 60 members of the Congressional Democratic Womens Caucus, including four Florida Democrats, signed a petition requesting information on the number of pregnant mothers in detention, the number of births in custody, and medical incidents data ICEs directives already require it to keep. So far, the group has received no response. It should go without saying that ICE should not detain pregnant, postpartum, or nursing people, Rep. Frederica Wilson, one of the Florida Democrats who signed the petition, said in a statement. But that protection has never been guaranteed, and based on what I have seen firsthand at these facilities recently and what the press has reported, there is no real assurance that women are being treated with basic human rights at these facilities. For mothers who have already been deported, the next step is finding a way to reunite with their children. Since her deportation, Hernandez-Diaz has been staying with family in Guatemala. A former neighbor in Wimauma watches her son while her husband, Garcia Diaz, works nearby. He says he plans to join her, but does not know when. Im suffering a lot because I am far from my baby, Hernandez-Diaz said. Its not fair. He needs his mother. Democrats unveiled their agenda for the 2026 legislative short session at a press conference on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. (Photo by Mia Maldonado/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Democratic lawmakers who hold supermajorities in Oregons Legislature will prioritize responding to federal immigration enforcement, threats to public lands and President Donald Trumps tax cuts in the upcoming legislative short session. Lawmakers are limited to two bills apiece in the 35-day session, which begins Feb. 2. Democrats previewed their plans, which include at least seven bills responding to the Trump administrations strict immigration enforcement policies, during committee hearings and press conferences this week. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not likely to face many roadblocks. Democrats hold 18 of 30 seats in the state Senate and 37 of 60 in the state House, an increase since 2025 after Tillamook Rep. Cyrus Javadi switched parties from Republican to Democrat. Republicans have the power to block legislation from coming to the floor of the House or Senate because the House needs 40 members present and the Senate 20 to conduct business, but a voter-approved constitutional amendment bars any lawmakers who skip at least 10 days of floor sessions from running for reelection. One proposal, by Sen. Anthony Broadman, D-Bend, would clarify that local and state governments in Oregon will not collaborate with federal efforts to sell off public lands. Roughly 53% of land in the state is managed by the federal government. The rest of the proposals discussed at a Wednesday press conference focused on protecting immigrants, state workers and students in the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, including bills to: Allow Oregon to withhold payment to the federal government if the federal government unlawfully withholds funds from the state. Strengthen Oregons anti-discrimination protections for immigrants. Allow Oregonians to sue federal immigration agents for violating their constitutional rights. Create guidelines for state agencies to respond if ICE demands government data. Require schools and universities to notify parents if federal immigration agents appear on campus. Prevent state grants and contracts from going toward companies aiding federal immigration enforcement efforts. Limit mask use and standardize identification for all law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement We value the freedom to live without fear, and we believe diversity is a strength, not a threat, said Rep. Willy Chotzen, D-Portland. We will not tolerate unconstitutional attacks on our neighbors or allow hate to take root in our state. That is why we are fighting back. Its unclear whether Democrats will receive any support from Republicans, Chotzen said. Working Families Caucus pushes for breaking with federal tax code Democratic lawmakers and community advocates with the Working Families Caucus held a similar press conference Tuesday morning, condemning the tax and spending law President Donald Trump signed in July that gives corporations tax cuts and increases funding for ICE while also drastically reducing who qualifies for Medicaid and federal food assistance. Democratic lawmakers and community advocates with the Working Families Caucus hold a press conference outside of the Oregon State Capitol on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. (Photo by Mia Maldonado/Oregon Capital Chronicle) The federal cuts from the bill are projected to cost Oregon $900 million in revenue in the 2025-27 budget. Advertisement Advertisement The caucus is working on a proposal to break from the federal tax code, which would recover $700 million in the same budget cycle. Rep. Mark Gamba, D-Milwaukie, said doing so would maintain last years tax rates. Its not some big, horrible thing thats going to destroy corporations, Gamba said. It is literally what they were taxed last year. We have got to stop giving away tax money to the billionaires and the corporations and start protecting the people in our communities who work hard every day to keep our communities functional. Tuesday and Wednesdays press conferences set the tone for the Democratic partys agenda in the upcoming legislative session. Advertisement Advertisement Republicans are preparing to give a legislative preview in late January, said Ashley Kuenzi, the spokesperson for the Senate Republican Office. We know Oregonians are struggling with the cost of living right now, and theyre tired of being told the answer is higher taxes, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Starr, R-Dundee told the Capital Chronicle. More than 250,000 people said enough is enough when they signed the petition to repeal Governor Koteks transportation tax hikes. Senate Republicans are listening. Republicans are heading into the short session focused on affordability, accountability and making the government live within its means, he said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Lawmakers have resuscitated a controversial push from last legislative session to ban homeless encampments amid skepticism about the effectiveness of current efforts as homelessness in Indianapolis and across the nation continues to rise. Critics worry it could harm Marion County, diminishing Indy's efforts to tackle homelessness and putting a strain on the already overcrowded jail. While Senate Bill 285 would make sleeping or camping on public land, unless expressly authorized for such purposes, a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail or a $500 fine, its goal is not to criminalize homelessness, author Sen. Cyndi Carrasco said Jan. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Instead, it would "reclaim public property," the Indianapolis Republican said, and work toward addressing chronic homelessness. Those caught violating the ban would first receive a warning, an offer to be taken to a shelter and 48 hours before they could be cited again. Repeat offenders could be charged with a misdemeanor, but they'd be eligible for a diversion program and could be referred for evaluation and treatment. But advocates who work with people without homes said the bill could shift government and philanthropic resources from long-term solutions to cleanups, emergency shelters and financial assistance for criminal fines. Let's not temporarily clear our streets in order to clear our consciousnesses," said Rabbi Aaron Spiegel of the Greater Indianapolis Multifaith Alliance. Advertisement Advertisement The bill also prohibits local governments, such as Indianapolis, from instructing police to ignore the ban, just one of several bills that would tighten the state's grip on Indy's law enforcement this legislative session. More funding, or a new approach entirely? The bill is part of a larger debate surrounding the most effective approach to combatting homelessness. At the center of that debate is the Texas-based Cicero Institute, a conservative-leaning think tank leading the push to ban homeless encampments. Last year's bill, which was never called for a vote on the House floor due to lack of support, drew from the Cicero Institute's model legislation on the topic, which they've used to successfully pass bans in states like Florida. The group has argued that Housing First, a policy that prioritizes housing before requiring sobriety, has worsened the nation's homelessness crisis. It's a topic President Donald Trump has latched onto, too. This summer he issued an executive order to push money away from "housing first" efforts, and called for more involuntary commitment. Advertisement Advertisement Indiana lawmakers seem similarly skeptical, as they eliminated funding for the Housing First program in the final hours of the legislative session last year. Carrasco's bill also includes measures that would require recipients of Continuum of Care funding, a state-administered program to combat homelessness, to submit reports describing their efforts and results in reducing homelessness. But funding is precisely what advocates who work with people experiencing homelessness say they need. They argue that their programs have been successful, and that funding could provide the additional capacity required to serve more people. Carrasco said her bill is directed at a tiny percentage of people experiencing homelessness, often with substance abuse and mental health problems, who have refused help. By making it a crime to remain unsheltered, proponents argued, this sliver of the homeless population could be routed toward life-saving programs. Would the bill sabotage Indy's initiative? Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, expressed concern that the bill would sabotage Indianapolis' own efforts to address homelessness, namely the Streets to Home Indy Initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Launched in 2025, the public-private partnership aims to eliminate unsheltered homelessness in the city within three years by closing encampments and finding residents to housing. "It prohibits them from not enforcing certain aspects of this bill," Taylor said. But Carrasco clarified that the bill gives law enforcement discretion on whether to charge a misdemeanor or not and is not intended to harm local ordinances. "I have full confidence in IMPD's approach to this issue," she said, "and have had conversations about our mutual goal to do this with compassion." Could the bill further overcrowd jails? Though proponents insisted the bill's intention is not to make being homeless a crime, representatives for law enforcement indicated jails could fill as a consequence. Advertisement Advertisement Stephen Luce, executive director of the Indiana Sheriff's Association, testified that the bill could strain jail capacity and create potentially hostile scenarios that could cause a misdemeanor to escalate to a felony charge. It could also be an expensive bill, at least for Indianapolis. "In a jail that is already operating near financial and structural capacity, a 60-day sentence would cost approximately $4,000 per arrest for the taxpayers," the Marion County Sheriff's Office said in a statement to IndyStar. "Housing an individual in the Marion County Adult Detention Center costs more than $80 per day. This will result in another unfunded mandate from the State on the taxpayers of Indianapolis and Marion County." Putting more people in jail is not the solution, said Sen. Susan Glick, R-LaGrange, during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. But she and other skeptical lawmakers including Sen. Liz Brown and Sen. Jim Buck voted to advance the bill in the hopes it could be improved. Advertisement Advertisement The legislation ultimately passed 8-2 along party lines. It must be approved by both chambers and the governor whose office testified in support of the bill to become law. Contact breaking politics reporter Marissa Meador at mmeador@gannett.com or find her on X at @marissa_meador. IndyStar's Jordan Smith contributed reporting. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Will Indiana ban homeless encampments? Texas-based think tank revives push at the Statehouse A bill authored by Rep. Garrett Bascom, R-Lawrenceburg, (second from right) would establish new procedures to ensure defendants with intellectual disabilities are not sentenced to death. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) An Indiana House committee unanimously advanced a bill Wednesday tightening protections for defendants with intellectual disabilities in capital cases, while a Senate proposal allowing firing squad executions remains on hold as lawmakers approach key legislative deadlines. Other death penalty-related bills filed this session have yet to receive hearings. Advertisement Advertisement Legislators have just two weeks to move legislation to the House and Senate floors. Bills must advance from committees by Jan. 26 and to opposing chambers by Jan. 29. The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee on Wednesday unanimously advanced to the full chamber House Bill 1432, authored by Rep. Garrett Bascom, R-Lawrenceburg, which would prohibit the state from seeking the death penalty against a defendant if a court determines at any time before trial that the defendant has an intellectual disability. Rep. Garrett Bascom, R-Lawrenceburg (Photo courtesy Indiana House Republicans) Under current law, the court must make that determination within a more narrow, early pretrial window. Bascom told committee members the bill is intended to address a procedural gap not alter Indianas long-standing policy barring execution of people with intellectual disabilities. Advertisement Advertisement It doesnt change anything substantive, Bascom said. What were attempting to do here is make sure that anybody with an intellectual disability does not fall through the cracks in the process. Bascom noted that defendants currently must raise intellectual disability as a defense no more than 20 days before the omnibus date, which can arrive quickly after charges are filed. When I was a public defender, he said, sometimes it can be difficult to really get your feet underneath you within that short window. Before voting, the committee approved additional language in the bill that creates an automatic process to evaluate defendants for intellectual disability once prosecutors seek the death penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Bascom explained that after the state files notice of intent to seek a death sentence, the court would appoint at least two independent evaluators to assess the defendant. Their reports would initially be shared only with defense counsel. After the review of the second report, then they will have 30 days to raise the defense and then the judge has to decide this before trial, Bascom said. Ive attempted to bring all the stakeholders together to come into the sweet spot so that we dont have anybody fall through the cracks as it relates to the death penalty, and as it relates to somebody that specifically has this intellectual disability. Examples of intellectual disabilities include, but are not limited to, persons with Down Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Straightforward and important Tom Crishon, with The Arc of Indiana, testified in support of the bill as amended, calling its purpose straightforward and important. Advertisement Advertisement The purpose of the bill is to ensure that individuals with an intellectual disability are not subjected to the death penalty in Indiana, he said. This has long and properly been the policy of the state and reflects federal constitutional law. Crishon said Indianas current statute prioritizes procedural deadlines over accuracy. Intellectual disability can manifest in different and often subtle ways, he added. It is not always obvious at the onset of a case. Crishon additionally said the bill does not presume a finding of intellectual disability, but instead ensures the issue is affirmatively considered by qualified professionals. Advertisement Advertisement Ensuring accuracy at the onset is not only constitutionally sound, but is fiscally responsible, Christian said. If defendants in active capital cases are determined to have an intellectual disability early in proceedings, the state could save an estimated $260,000 per case in public defense costs alone, largely because death penalty cases require two attorneys and higher reimbursement rates, according to a legislative fiscal analysis. Counties could also avoid hundreds of thousands of dollars in jury trial and indigent defense expenses. The Indiana Catholic Conference also voiced support. Roarke LaCoursiere, speaking on behalf of Indianas Catholic bishops, said the bill adds an additional measure of scrutiny in capital cases. Advertisement Advertisement Although the Catholic Church teaches that the use of the death penalty is inadmissible in all cases, Lacoursiere said, we are here to offer support for House Bill 1432. Public defenders urge caution The Indiana Public Defender Council testified in neutrality but cited concerns from capital defenders about the bills automatic evaluation process. Zach Stock, appearing on behalf of the council, said efforts to reduce error in death penalty cases are critical, including errors related to intellectual disability, mental health and sanity determinations. The error rate is unacceptably high, Stock said. Anything that could attempt to reduce that error rate is something that we should appreciate and champion. Advertisement Advertisement If an evaluation gets away from a defender, and its not done right not done well theyre tainted for years. Zach Stock with the Indiana Public Defender Council However, he said capital defenders worry the process could make it worse by complicating their control and potentially tainting evaluations through what he described as the anchoring effect, where early assessments influence later conclusions. If an evaluation gets away from a defender, and its not done right not done well theyre tainted for years, Stock said. Bascom acknowledged those concerns and said he would continue working with public defenders as the bill moves forward. Firing squad bill remains on hold A separate death penalty proposal in the Senate stalled this week, however. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 11, authored by Sen. Mike Young, R-Indianapolis, would add execution by firing squad as an option under Indiana law. The bill was heard in committee last week and placed on the Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee agenda for Tuesday, but committee chair Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, declined to amend or vote on it. In brief comments during Tuesdays meeting, Freeman made clear that Indiana is a death penalty state and as long as I have a say, Indiana is going to continue to be a death penalty state. He warned, though, that efforts to eliminate capital punishment through litigation or other avenues could backfire. For those of you that disagree, fine, good. People can disagree, and we can do so respectfully, Freeman said. I would just say this be careful what you wish for, because it just might come true the more you want to try to eliminate something. Sen. Mike Young, R-Indianapolis, discusses his Senate Bill 11, which would allow Indiana to use a firing squad to carry out executions, during a committee meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (Photo by Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) In comments to the Indiana Capital Chronicle after the hearing, Freeman said he would prefer for executions to continue to happen by lethal injection, which he called the most humane, but said he has not decided whether the bill will be called for a vote next week. Advertisement Advertisement Freeman said he recently met with the Indiana Department of Correction, which he said raised some concerns, though he did not provide details. Noelle Russell, a spokesperson for the Department of Correction, told the Capital Chronicle the agency has no position on the bill, currently. The department has not testified publicly on the proposal. Several amendments to Senate Bill 11 have been filed but have not been taken up by the corrections committee. One amendment would authorize DOC to carry out executions by firing squad only if the commissioner determines it is advisable in light of availability considerations and the resources of the department. The proposed changes would also require the agency to establish a dedicated room and execution protocol before any firing squad execution occurs. A new state prison is under construction in Westville, but its unclear if such a room is included or possible in current building plans. Other death penalty bills without action Several additional death-penalty-related bills filed this session have not yet been scheduled for hearings. House Bill 1119, authored by Reps. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, and Andrew Ireland, R-Indianapolis, would allow executions by firing squad or nitrogen hypoxia while keeping lethal injection as the default method unless an inmate requests otherwise. Another Ireland proposal, House Bill 1314, would seek to speed up post-conviction relief proceedings, potentially shortening the time inmates spend on death row. Separately, House Bill 1287, filed by Rep. Bob Morris, R-Fort Wayne, would require members of the General Assembly to volunteer to serve on execution teams and make their names public records. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jan. 14The Montana Secretary of State's Office has identified 23 potential noncitizens on Montana's voter rolls, most of which appear to have made their way onto the list through administrative errors. State elections offices pinpointed the potential noncitizens through the systematic alien verification for entitlements or SAVE program, a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services database originally designed to verify eligibility for certain state and federal benefits. In the last year, the Trump administration has added functions like the ability to search by Social Security number to reshape the program into a voter verification tool. Montana adopted the SAVE program in November 2025, despite warnings from voting rights and data privacy groups about the system's efficacy. The system relies on point-in-time records that don't always accurately reflect a person's current citizenship status, and use of the program in other states has resulted in false positives, especially among naturalized citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Most of the 23 potential noncitizens identified in Montana have a permanent residency status in the country, according to a Jan. 12 press release from the Secretary of State's Office. In total, the 23 potential noncitizens flagged by the SAVE program represent 0.003% of the 762,959 people registered to vote in Montana in 2022. The Secretary of State's Office did not respond to an inquiry about how many Montana voters had been verified through the SAVE program. At least two of the people flagged as potential noncitizens checked that they were not U.S. citizens on a voter registration form, according to testimony that state Director of Elections Austin James gave to the State Administration and Veterans' Affairs Interim Committee on Jan. 12. James said another handful of those identified as potential noncitizens were mistakenly registered as voters when applying for an operating license through the Department of Motor Vehicles. "As for the rest, we're continuing to work through," said James. "We've got a lot of voters left to work through, and in the first couple of days we've identified 23 and some huge opportunities and reflections as well." Advertisement Advertisement Some of those flagged as potential noncitizens cast ballots in recent elections, according to the Secretary of State's Office. While only U.S. citizens are permitted to vote in elections in Montana, state laws only criminalize willful deception, such as the provision of incorrect information on a voter registration form. It is unclear if the state has recourse to prosecute individuals that were mistakenly registered to vote through administrative errors and subsequently cast ballots. James told the legislative committee that state election officials are teeing Montana up to be the first state to use the SAVE program to proactively verify eligibility when voters register. The system has so far been employed as a means to check existing voter registrations, and it is unclear how the implementation of the SAVE program as a voter registration tool would work under the system's existing guidelines. "SAVE prohibits agencies from rejecting voter registration or removing an individual from a voter roll solely based on a SAVE response," states the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website. Voters flagged as potential noncitizens must be notified and provided with an opportunity to present proof of citizenship and correct federal records. Only then is an agency permitted to rescind a voter's registration status. Advertisement Advertisement The Secretary of State's Office did not respond to a list of questions, including whether potential noncitizens have been notified and what actions the state plans if those identified as potential noncitizens do not provide proof of their citizenship status. Reporter Hailey Smalley can be reached at 758-4433 or [email protected]. Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Technical Rescue Team recently traveled to Gilmer County to help with a specialized, rare animal rescue involving an injured mammoth donkey. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Fire officials say crews worked closely with the donkeys owners and veterinarians to move the animal to a secure area for evaluation safely. Using specialized lifting and rigging equipment, the team carefully stabilized and loaded the donkey in preparation for transport. Advertisement Advertisement Once secured, the animal was taken to the University of Tennessee for further treatment and evaluation. TRENDING STORIES: Officials say large animal rescues are complex and high-risk operations that require advanced training and specialized tools. The Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Technical Large Animal Rescue Team is trained to respond to incidents involving horses, livestock, and other large animals that may become trapped in ditches, mud, barns, or be involved in trailer-related accidents. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Akbar Novruz An international conference addressing the Indian governments treatment of ethnic minorities will be held in Azerbaijan for the first time on January 16, 2026, organised by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), Azernews reports via BIG's press statement. Entitled Racism and Violence Against Sikhs and Other National Minorities in India: Current Realities, the event will bring together government officials, human rights experts, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss alleged rights violations and discriminatory practices in India. According to BIG, participants will include Punjabs Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Ramesh Singh Arora, senior Indian officials, and prominent representatives of Sikh communities from Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The conference will also host directors of international think tanks, scholars specialising in minority rights, and individuals directly affected by Indias policies. Discussions will centre on claims of systemic discrimination, violence, and political repression targeting Sikhs and other ethnic minorities. Particular attention will be paid to Indias compliance with international legal obligations, including the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and the Convention Against Torture. Participants will also explore mechanisms to maintain international attention on the issue, including possible investigations by UN human rights bodies, documentation by special rapporteurs, and broader international monitoring of alleged abuses. The role of non-governmental organisations and academic institutions will be examined, especially their contribution through research, legal analysis, and policy recommendations aimed at influencing international responses. Sikhism, established in the 15th century, promotes equality irrespective of caste, gender, or language and rejects the caste hierarchy historically prevalent in India. Indias Sikh population exceeds 25 million, with most living in Punjab. Human rights organisations report that during violent crackdowns in the 1980s, particularly in 1984, thousands of Sikhs were killed and tens of thousands forced to flee abroad. Between 1980 and 1990, numerous Sikhs in Punjab were allegedly abducted or killed without due process. Today, Sikh activists continue to face imprisonment on charges such as separatism, while police operations in Punjab have reportedly intensified. Overseas, attacks against Sikh activists have occurred, with authorities in Canada and the United States attributing some incidents to Indian intelligence agencies. Much of the Sikh diaspora now resides in Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia, where communities continue to seek international recognition of past abuses and accountability for ongoing repression. Transportation crews are reminding residents to watch out for animal stowaways as temperatures drop in Central Florida. An injured owl was discovered Wednesday under a truck at the Florida Department of Transportation Operations Center in Cocoa. Staff said they found the owl during a routine vehicle inspection. The owl received some necessary care and was released back into the wild. The Florida Department of Transportation said it continues to encourage residents to stay focused on wildlife safety awareness. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The New Mexico jail where Timothy Busfield is being held for alleged child sex abuse has a dark history of its own, Us Weekly can exclusively report. Busfield, 68, turned himself over to authorities at Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) on Tuesday, January 13. The star, who is married to Little House on the Prairie actress Melissa Gilbert, faces two counts of criminal sexual contact of a minor and one count of child abuse stemming from accusations that he engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with two twin child actors on the set of The Cleaning Lady. Advertisement Advertisement Busfield has denied the allegations. Albuquerque Police Department via Getty Images Im going to confront these lies. Theyre horrible. Theyre all lies, and I did not do anything to those little boys, the director said in a video obtained by TMZ before turning himself in on Tuesday. 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. According to the MDC website, there have been at least three inmate deaths at the correctional facility currently holding Busfield since February 2025, with the most recent being just days before the actor surrendered. On Saturday, January 10, a 39-year-old inmate died at the University of New Mexico Hospital (UNM) following an alleged suicide attempt at the jail. Advertisement Advertisement The incarcerated individual, whom Us decided not to name, was discovered in distress by an MDC corrections officer on December 28, 2025, who initiated life-saving measures. Timothy Busfields Attorney Says Hes Innocent, Claims Alleged Victims Mother Wants Revenge After Firing The inmate was stabilized and taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries two weeks later, Us has learned. Another inmate passed away just one day after he was booked at MDC in the summer. On August 17, 2025, a 62-year-old male died after experiencing two medical emergencies at the jail. He was transported to UNM and was pronounced dead less than 20 minutes later, according to MDCs website. Advertisement Advertisement A 21-year-old inmate died on July 23, 2025, while in MDC custody after being discovered unresponsive. While MDC staff, alongside the UNM Hospital medical team, administered life-saving measures, online records show the individual was pronounced deceased at 4:48 a.m. All three incidents are currently under investigation, per the jails website. Prosecutors Request Timothy Busfield Be Denied Bail, Remain in Custody for Child Sex Abuse Claims Us has reached out to the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator for comment. The jail housing Busfield has also been the target of a major scam that started toward the end of last year. The corrections center even issued an alert on September 16, 2025, warning about the ongoing scam involving inmate release. Advertisement Advertisement MDC has been alerted to a scam targeting the families of inmates. Scammers obtain personal inmate information and use this information to pose as MDC employees while calling the families of inmates. During these calls, the scammers say they work for MDC and claim they can secure the release of the inmate if the family pays a fee, the alert read. The warning continued, MDC wants to reiterate to the public that these phone calls are scams. MDC employees will never call an inmates family asking for a fee in exchange for release. MDC staff do not determine who is released from custody or when. The court system makes that determination. That same month, an MDC inmate was released from custody by mistake after being booked on three counts of criminal trespass and one count of resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer (refusal to stop). The Cleaning Lady Director Timothy Busfields Child Sex Abuse Case: Everything to Know Advertisement Advertisement Following a court appearance on Sept. 15, he was properly released credit time served for two of the trespass charges, the MDCs news bulletin stated. However, the third trespass charge and the resisting, evading, or obstructing charge required a $25 cash or surety bond. Initial findings indicate that human error resulted in [the inmate] being erroneously released on recognizance for those charges. In June 2025, a female MDC inmate was attacked by another inmate during a scheduled court proceeding, online records show. The alleged victim sustained serious injuries following a seemingly unprovoked attack. The alleged attacker used an improvised weapon, believed to be a pen, to inflict multiple injuries to the victims upper body and facial area, according to MDC. Corrections officers intervened and separated the inmates before the injured person was taken by ambulance to UNM for further care. Us has reached out to MDC for comment. Advertisement Advertisement A warrant for Busfields arrest was issued by authorities in New Mexico on Friday, January 9, after two twin child actors claimed that the director had touched them inappropriately on the set of the series The Cleaning Lady between 2022 and 2024. According to the Albuquerque Police Department affidavit, obtained by Us, one of the children claimed Busfield touched his private areas three or four times when he was 7 years old. He also alleged that Busfield touched him inappropriately five or six times when he was 8. The second child claimed that Busfield touched him appropriately but declined to specify where. Both twin boys claimed they were too afraid to come forward because they feared Busfield. The childrens mom reported the alleged abuse to Child Protective Services. One alleged victim was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety following the incidents, per the complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Busfields attorney, Larry Stein, told Us that his client voluntarily appeared before New Mexico authorities after traveling across the country to confront these false and deeply troubling allegations. He is innocent and is determined to clear his name, Stein claimed. Busfields wife of nearly 13 years is also sticking by his side amid the allegations and his subsequent arrest. During this period, her focus is on supporting and caring for their very large family, as they navigate this moment, Gilberts rep said in a statement to Us. Melissa stands with and supports her husband and will address the public at an appropriate time. If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act on Thursday, Jan. 15, as tensions rise in Minnesota following a second shooting involving a federal agent in Minneapolis. It would give him authority to deploy U.S. armed forces domestically. "If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. The threat comes after a night of clashes between protesters and federal agents in Minneapolis. The demonstrations intensified after a federal officer shot a Venezuelan man accused of fleeing a traffic stop and attacking the agent, federal officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Since an immigration agent shot and killed Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, last week, demonstrations against the Trump administration and aggressive immigration enforcement have erupted nationwide. State and local officials in Minnesota, who filed a lawsuit to halt the federal intervention, described ICE's actions as "intolerable" and called on protesters to remain peaceful. The Department of Homeland Security, which has sent some 3,000 federal agents into the Minneapolis area, defended agents' actions and denounced local officials for not assisting immigration officers. Here's what to know. What is the Insurrection Act? The Insurrection Act is an 1807 law that empowers a president to deploy the U.S. military to suppress events like civil disorder. Advertisement Advertisement The Insurrection Act allows the president to deploy the military inside the United States and use it against Americans, making it one of the executive branchs most potent emergency powers, according to a 2022 report by the Brennan Center for Justice. It is also one of the oldest emergency powers available to the president, the center says, traced back to the Calling Forth Act of 1792. It gives Congress authority under the Constitution to provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions, and is the primary exception to the Posse Comitatus Act, under which federal military forces are typically barred from participating in civilian law enforcement activities. Has the Insurrection Act been used before? In 230 years, the Act has been invoked in response to 30 crises, according to the Brennan Center for Justice report, but it has not always led to the actual deployment of troops. The Insurrection Act has been used by past presidents to deploy troops within the U.S. in response to crises like the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in the immediate aftermath of the American Civil War, the Brennan Center says in a report that lists out the history of the act's use. Advertisement Advertisement The law was last invoked by President George H.W. Bush in 1992 in response to unrest and demonstrations in California. Live updates: Trump threatens Insurrection Act in Minnesota Contributing: Christopher Cann, Thao Nguyen, Jeanine Santucci and Kathryn Palmer. Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: What is Insurrection Act? Trump may invoke law in Minnesota after ICE shootings NUUK, Greenland (AP) For several weeks, international journalists and camera crews have been scurrying up to people in Greenland's capital to ask them for their thoughts on the twists and turns of a political crisis that has turned the Arctic island into a geopolitical hot spot. President Donald Trump insists he wants to control Greenland but Greenlanders say it is not for sale. The island is a semiautonomous territory of Denmark and the prime minister of that country has warned that if the U.S. tries to take Greenland by force, it could potentially spell the end of NATO. Greenlanders walking along the small central shopping street of the capital Nuuk have a hard time avoiding the signs that the island is near the top of the Western news agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Scores of journalists have arrived from outlets including The Associated Press, Reuters, CNN, the BBC and Al Jazeera as well as from Scandinavian countries and Japan. They film Nuuk's multicolored houses, the snowcapped hills and the freezing fjords where locals go out in small boats to hunt seals and fish. But they must try to cram their filming into about five hours of daylight the island is in the far north and the sun rises after 11 a.m. and sets around 4 p.m. Along the quiet shopping street, journalists stand every few meters (feet), approaching locals for their thoughts, doing live broadcasts or recording stand-ups. Local politicians and community leaders say they are overwhelmed with interview requests. Advertisement Advertisement Juno Berthelsen, MP for the Naleraq opposition party that campaigns for independence in the Greenlandic parliament, called the media attention round two, referring to an earlier burst of global interest following Trump's first statements in 2025 that he wanted to control Greenland. Trump has argued repeatedly that the U.S. needs control of Greenland for its national security. He has sought to justify his calls for a U.S. takeover by repeatedly claiming that China and Russia have their own designs on Greenland, which holds vast untapped reserves of critical minerals. Berthelsen said he has done multiple interviews a day for two weeks. I'm getting a bit used to it, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Greenland's population is around 57,000 people - about 20,000 of whom live in Nuuk. Were very few people and people tend to get tired when more and more journalists ask the same questions again and again, Berthelsen said. Nuuk is so small that the same business owners are approached repeatedly by different news organizations sometimes doing up to 14 interviews a day. Locals who spoke to the AP said they want the world to know that it's up to Greenlanders to decide their own future and suggested they are perplexed at Trump's desire to control the island. Its just weird how obsessed he is with Greenland, said Maya Martinsen, 21. Advertisement Advertisement She said Trump is basically lying about what he wants out of Greenland, and is using the pretext of boosting American security as a way to try to take control of the oils and minerals that we have that are untouched. The Americans, Martinsen said, only see what they can get out of Greenland and not what it actually is. To Greenlanders, she said, it's home. It has beautiful nature and lovely people. Its just home to me. I think the Americans just see some kind of business trade. ___ Kwiyeon Ha contributed to this report. By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Wednesday "there is no plan" by Iran to hang people, when asked about the anti-government protests in the Middle Eastern nation. "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. Advertisement Advertisement According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights Society, hangings are common in Iranian prisons. In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would take "very strong action" if Iran started hanging protesters, but did not elaborate on his comments. "If they hang them, you're going to see some things," Trump said. Trump said on Wednesday that he was told that killings in the Iranian government's crackdown on the protests were subsiding and that he believed there was currently no plan for large-scale executions. Trump has been weighing a response to the situation in Iran which is seeing its biggest anti-government protests in years. Advertisement Advertisement Iran had a 12-day war with U.S. ally Israel last year and its nuclear facilities were bombed by the U.S. military in June. Trump has been piling pressure on Iran's leaders, including threatening military action. The protests posed one of the gravest tests of clerical rule in the country since the Islamic Revolution in 1979 as they evolved from complaints about dire economic hardships to defiant calls for the fall of the deeply entrenched clerical establishment. The U.S.-based HRANA rights group said it had so far verified the deaths of 2,403 protesters and 147 government-affiliated individuals. HRANA reported 18,137 arrests so far. Iran's government blames foreign sanctions for economic difficulties and alleges that its foreign enemies are interfering in domestic affairs. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Jamie Freed) In the mountains of northern Iraq, just 30 miles from the Iranian border, CBS News met Thursday morning with fighters many of them women from an armed Kurdish Iranian opposition group who say they're poised to take on and help topple the Islamic Republic's hardline clerical rulers. The Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) is banned as a terror group inside Iran and based in exile across the border in Iraq. For years it has trained for the day the Iranian regime can be ousted from power. But as President Trump appears to step back from threats of a U.S. military intervention on behalf of Iran's protesters, the Kurdish group's leader told CBS News that time has not yet come. President Trump said Wednesday that he'd heard on "good authority" that the "killing in Iran is stopping" and that there was "no plan for executions" in the country following a brutal crackdown to end two weeks of widespread protests. Sources inside Iran have told CBS News the Iranian authorities' crackdown may have killed upwards of 12,000 people, and possibly many more. People gather during an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 8, 2026. / Credit: Anonymous/Getty His remarks appeared to signal a step back from repeated warnings of an unspecified U.S. intervention to protect protesters, and then a threat on Tuesday to order "very strong actions" if Iran hanged protesters. Advertisement Advertisement That may not have been the signal from Washington that the PDKI forces training across the border in Iraq were hoping for. Commander Sayran Gargoli told CBS News the protests had given them hope that the oppressive regime that came to power with the 1979 Islamic Revolution might finally be toppled, but only "if the people who are demonstrating on the street get international help." PDKI leader Mustafa Hijri has lived in exile for more than four decades, and he's watched as Iran's rulers quash several rounds of major unrest. As the latest protests seem to suffer the same fate, he said he couldn't say for sure whether this uprising might prove pivotal. "It depends on if the widespread killing will continue or not. If it continues, for sure the demonstrators will not be able to continue. On the other hand, there are other possible scenarios, like America gets into negotiations with the regime of mullahs and forces them to accept its conditions. In this case, the regime will manage to extend its existence for some time." Mustafa Hijri, leader of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) armed Iranian opposition group, speaks with CBS News in northern Iraq, where the group is based in exile, Jan. 15, 2026. / Credit: CBS News/Rob Taylor He said he hoped for a U.S. intervention, and specifically, strikes on Iran that "hit the centers of suppressing forces who are shooting people on the streets, and their so-called 'justice' institutions that serve the government. We want to see those institutions gone." Advertisement Advertisement "The majority of the people in Iran are unhappy with this regime, and they stand against it," Hijri said. But in the absence of such help from abroad, Hijri told CBS News that sending PDKI forces across the border and calling into action the thousands of forces he says the group has lying in wait inside the country could backfire dramatically. "I believe that it is not in the benefit of the demonstrators at the moment to have armed forces move back in the country, because it becomes a convenient excuse to the regime to kill the people," he said. "This is why we haven't reached the moment to make such a decision. But when the day comes, and we come to a conclusion that the return of our peshmerga [Kurdish] forces will not become additional reason to suppress the demonstrators, then we might do that." Members of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), an armed Iranian opposition group based in exile, are seen during an exercise in the mountains of northern Iraq, Jan. 15, 2026. / Credit: CBS News/Rob Taylor (CBS News/Rob Taylor) Hijri said the PDKI wants Kurds, who form about 10% of Iran's population, and other ethnic minorities to be allowed to live "under democratic law, and that their children are allowed to learn in their own languages, and that the government officially recognizes" their right to do so. Advertisement Advertisement The opposition fighters, Hijri said, "have been trained, and they are there, ready for when the party needs them." But as Iran's hardline leaders increasingly appear to have survived yet another significant challenge to their grip on power, at least for now, the PKDI, and millions of Iranians still inside the country, can only keep waiting. Sneak peek: The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis Civil Rights icon Claudette Colvin dies at 86 Officials give update after federal officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis | Special Report Rubina Aminian was a "full of life" 23-year-old Iranian fashion student with big goals for the future. She was shot and killed last week amid the protests, her aunt told CBS News, as she described how Aminian's mother forced her way into a morgue and carried her daughter's body out. "I can confidently say that it was the most difficult day of my life," Aminian's aunt, Hilala Noori, told CBS News, of the day she learned Aminian had been shot. "When they confirmed she had been killed, my whole body was burning. I don't know how to describe that moment to you. I've been unable to sleep for more than two hours since Saturday. I feel like a rock is in my throat. I cannot swallow anything." On the evening of Jan. 8, Aminian left her university and joined the large crowds marching in the streets in the capital city. There, her family says she was shot at close range in the back of the head. / Credit: Courtesy of the family of Rubina Aminian When Aminian's family heard the news of her death, they immediately left Kermanshah, where they live, and drove to Tehran to find her body, Noori said. Advertisement Advertisement They found out the location of the morgue where they believed her remains were located and went there to try to find and bring her home. When they arrived, Noori said her sister, Aminian's mother, described seeing hundreds of bodies all "lying on top of each other." She said: "The children of people, all of them had been shot in their heads, their necks, directly in their heads. They were all lying on each other, and my sister was forced to see those beautiful faces in order to find our dear Rubina." Noori told CBS News that Aminian's mother searched the bodies outside the facility, but couldn't find Aminian. She was initially not allowed inside the facility, but managed to force her way in. "She [was] forced to carry her daughter's body and steal it, because they didn't give her permission to take out the body," Noori told CBS News. "She was forced to carry the body of her 40-kilo daughter and take her outside. She stole the body from them and held it for many hours until they arrived at Kermanshah," Noori told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Noori said she holds Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Islamic Republic of Iran "directly responsible" for the death of her niece. "They are the only ones responsible for it," she said. "What the Islamic Republic took from her, took from us, was a girl who was full of passion and love for life, and she shared that passion everywhere," Noori said. "She wanted to create her own future. She believed that you should create your own future with your own hands. She didn't wait for anyone to create her own future for her. Because of this, she took to the streets, to gain her freedom. Just like all the young people we've lost on the streets. She was hands-on; she never wanted anyone to do anything for her. She knew what she wanted to do, and she knew how to do it. And I'm really proud of her. I'm proud of her choice, even though it's very painful for me. I will have to live my life with this pain. I might never be the same. But I am proud of her, of her sacrifice, her path. And I hope that her blood has not been spilled in vain." Noori said she hopes President Trump will take action against the current leaders of Iran. "It's now time for action," she said. "It's not the time for him to think about what to do." Advertisement Advertisement At least 12,000 and possibly upwards of 20,000 are now feared dead in Iran following more than two weeks of protests, sources told CBS News. President Trump, who for weeks has warned Iran of U.S. intervention amid a violent crackdown on protesters, said Wednesday he's heard on "good authority" that the "killing in Iran is stopping." Sneak peek: The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis Civil Rights icon Claudette Colvin dies at 86 Officials give update after federal officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis | Special Report Both the UK and the United States have said they have evacuated personnel from a Qatar military base as President Trump considers military action against Iran. International Editor Emma Murphy speaks to one protester who managed to flee Iran after taking part in the demonstrations and US Correspondent Dan Rivers reports from Washington The US is reducing the number of personnel at its Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, according to an US official, as Iranian airspace appeared to be clear of foreign commercial flights. A US official, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, described the evacuation of the airbase as "precautionary", but gave no further details as to whether the evacuation was optional or mandatory. Advertisement Advertisement It is the largest US airbase in the Middle East and is the base for some 10,000 troops, including some British armed forces. On Wednesday, it was announced that the British embassy in Tehran has been temporarily closed and will operate remotely. Iran said it had targeted the Qatari base in June 2025 in response to American bombing of some of its nuclear sites. Flightradar24 reported that a note had been issued to pilots closing Iranian airspace to all flights exception international flights to and from Iran with permission. On Wednesday night, US President Donald Trump, who had threatened "very strong action" if the Iranian regime cracked down heavily on demonstrations, claimed the killing of Iran protesters "has stopped". The head of Iran's judiciary had signalled there would be fast trials and executions for those detained in anti-government protests. Advertisement Advertisement Trump said he had been told "on good authority" that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, even as Tehran is reportedly preparing to execute 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, who was found guilty of taking part in the protests, according to the Human rights group Hengaw. The US president had 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. Widespread protests against Irans ruling regime, which began on December 28, have been met with a harsh government crackdown that activists say has left more than 2,500 people dead. Activists confirmed on Wednesday that at least 2,571 people had been killed during the ongoing protests. The actual number is likely to be far higher. Advertisement Advertisement To strike or not to strike: Trump weighs his options on Iran 'Thirsty for freedom': What do we know about the protesters killed in Iran? Soltani's family were informed a death sentence had been passed days after his arrest, according to Hengaw, which also said the case constitutes a "clear violation of human rights law." A source close to the Soltani family told Hengaw that officials informed them the death sentence is final and will be carried out on Wednesday. The family has reportedly been granted only a brief opportunity for a final visit before the execution. Told about the possible execution during an interview with CBS, Trump threatened to "take very strong action". Erfan Soltani, was arrested during recent protests in Iran and is facing an imminent death sentence. Credit: Hengaw "If they want to have protests, that's one thing, when they start killing thousands of people, and now you're telling me about hanging we'll see how that works out for them. Advertisement Advertisement "It's not going to work out good." In an apparent direct challenge to President Trump, Irans judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei said: 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 made the comments in a video shared by Iranian state television online on Wednesday morning. He added: 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. In this photo obtained by The Associated Press, Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Credit: AP Also speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Trump said "Iran was on my mind", adding that the US will "act accordingly" once they have "accurate" figures of the number of people killed. Advertisement Advertisement When asked how he knows US airstrikes, if it comes to that, will protect protesters, Trump said: "Well, you never know, do you? You never know. So far my track record has been excellent, but you never know." Trump and his national security team have been reportedly weighing a range of potential responses against Iran, including cyberattacks and direct strikes by the US or Israel. Iran, through the country's parliamentary speaker, warned on Sunday that the US military and Israel would be legitimate targets if Washington uses force against them. Iranians attend an anti-government protest in Tehran, Iran, last week. Credit: AP Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned "in the strongest possible terms the sickening repression and murder of protesters in Iran." Advertisement Advertisement He said: The contrast between the courage of the Iranian people and the brutality of their desperate regime has never been clearer. Weve called out this brutality face to face, were working with allies on further sanctions and doing all we can to protect UK nationals. The British embassy in Tehran was temporarily closed and will now operate remotely, the government said on Wednesday evening. Mass funerals for those killed and communication blackouts Tens of thousands of mourners took to the streets near Tehran University for a mass funeral of some 100 security force members killed in the demonstrations. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, authorities said the funeral would be for 300 people. 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. Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning. After days of an internet blackout, some restrictions appeared to have been eased on Tuesday, with people able to make international phone calls, though internet access and text messaging remain unavailable. Advertisement Advertisement With some communications restored, witnesses in Tehran were able to tell the Associated Press that there was a heavy security presence in the city, which had increased over the four-and-a-half days since being cut off from the outside world. They said anti-riot police officers, wearing helmets and body armour, carried batons, shields, shotguns and tear gas launchers. Nearby, the witnesses saw members of the Revolutionary Guard's all-volunteer Basij force, who similarly carried firearms and batons. Several banks and government offices were burned down, and ATMs had been smashed as banks struggled to complete transactions without the internet. The demonstrations began over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, which trades at more than 1.4 million to $1, as Iran's economy is squeezed by international sanctions, in part levied over its nuclear program. Advertisement Advertisement The protests intensified and grew into calls directly challenging Irans theocracy. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know Pro-regime demonstrators in Iran chanted "death to America" and held signs calling for the assassination of President Donald Trump, images from Iranian state television showed Thursday. The footage came from an event held at Tehran University that was organized by the government. Several protesters held photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while some brought makeshift signs featuring photos of Trump after the failed assassination attempt against him in Pennsylvania. Multiple signs featured Arabic text translating to "This time there will be no error." Advertisement Advertisement Another sign showed the same photo with a caption in English, "The arrow doesn't always miss." Iran Regime Opened Fire With Live Ammunition On Protesters, Doctor Says: Shoot-to-kill The Trump administration is ending temporary protected status for Somalia, requiring thousands of Somali migrants including hundreds in Minnesota to leave the U.S. by March 17, citing improved conditions in Somalia and national security concerns. (Getty Images) The protest event comes as the Iranian regime contends with widespread unrest due to the country's economic crisis. Read On The Fox News App Humanitarian groups estimate that Iranian forces have killed over 2,000 protesters, though the true number could be far higher. Iran appeared to reopen its airspace Thursday after a sudden overnight closure disrupted flights across the region. Iran Shuts Down Airspace, Foreign Officials Warn Against Travel To Israel Empty airspace over Iran is seen in this screengrab from FlightRadar24 on Jan. 15, 2026, amid heightened tensions and concerns about potential military action between the United States and Iran. The overnight closure lasted around five hours after a Notice to Air Missions, or NOTAM, was issued , according to the aviation risk-monitoring site Safe Airspace. Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Wednesday he was informed the killing of protesters in Iran was "stopping." "We have been notified and really strongly, but we'll find out what that all means. But we've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping," he said. Iran Allegedly Airs 97 'Coercive Confessions' Amid Record-breaking North Korea-style Internet Blackout The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), which tracks human rights violations in Iran, said Wednesday that nationwide protests continued into an 18th day as authorities maintained a near-total internet shutdown. Cars burn in a street during a protest over the collapse of the currencys value in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 8, 2026. The group's aggregated figures showed 617 protest gatherings in 187 cities across the country, the arrest of at least 18,470 people and the confirmed deaths of 2,615 individuals. Advertisement Advertisement HRANA said 2,435 of those killed were protesters, including 13 children under the age of 18. Trump has threatened action against the regime , warning Tehran in multiple Truth Social posts to stop killing its people. Click Here To Download The Fox News App "We are locked and loaded and ready to go," he wrote on New Years Day. Fox News' Ashley Carnahan contributed to this report. Original article source: Iranian protesters hold Trump assassination attempt photo, chant 'death to America,' state media shows The Iraqis said that the aid is an embodiment of Iraq's steadfast position in support of the Palestinian cause, and stemming from the humanitarian commitment of the Iraqi government and people. Iraq has sent at least two aircraft carrying aid to Gaza in recent weeks, according to a report, as Iraqi officials were quoted by Rudaw, a Kurdish network based in Erbil in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq. The recent events are important because they show that Iraq is stepping up its role in the region. A second Iraqi cargo aircraft this week, carrying humanitarian aid for Gaza, departed Baghdad on Wednesday, heading to Egypts northeastern Sinai Peninsula, Iraqi officials said, Rudaw reported. Advertisement Advertisement A member of Iraqs Security Media Cell told Rudaw about the aircraft, saying the first plane had left on Monday. He said the shipment is expected to be transferred from the airport in the coastal city of Arish into Gaza via the Rafah border crossing, around 45 kilometers away. This is a typical way for aid to reach Gaza via Egypt, as many Arab countries have worked closely with the Egyptian state over the last two years to try to get aid into Gaza. From Baghdad to the Arab Republic of Egypt (al-Arish), we went to deliver the Iraqi government's aid to our brothers in Gaza, the Iraqi official said. Iraq is using C130s to deliver the aid, similar to how other countries in the region have used similar aircraft. During the Gaza war, some countries also airdropped aid over Gaza, and Jordan played a key role in these efforts. Palestinians gather to receive aid provided by UNRWA including food supplies, after Israel says it has ceased entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, outside a distribution center, at Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip, March 2, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa) Iraq has no relations with Israel, unlike Jordan, Egypt, the UAE, and other countries that do have relations with the Jewish State. Iraq sends aid to Gaza as a sign of support The Iraqis said that the aid is as an embodiment of Iraq's steadfast position in support of the Palestinian cause, and stemming from the humanitarian commitment of the Iraqi government and people, Rudaw noted. Advertisement Advertisement The shipment consisted of 12 tons of aid transported aboard a C-130 aircraftwithin the framework of joint humanitarian cooperation between the two sides. Iraq is showing that it is able to deliver aid in the region, and this is an attempt by Iraq to play a larger role in the region as an Arab state. We have called - and continue to call - for serious and responsible Arab action to save Gaza and reactivate UNRWAs role in both Gaza and the West Bank, Iraqs Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani said in the past. Iraq is now seeking to form a new government after the November elections. The statement put Rajji in the crosshairs of Hezbollah supporters, with several prominent figures releasing statements condemning the Foreign Minister and his statement during the interview. Youssef Rajji, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lebanon, said that "so long as Hezbollah is not completely disarmed, Israel has the right to continue its attacks," in an interview with Sky News reported on Wednesday. The statement put Rajji in the crosshairs of Hezbollah supporters, with several prominent figures releasing statements condemning the Foreign Minister and his statement during the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Lebanese pro-Hezbollah newspaper Al Akhbar published a piece describing Rajji as the "speaker of the enemy in the government," and called for the Lebanese Prime Minister and President to take action against him. Hezbollah supporters attend a ceremony held by Hezbollah to commemorate the first anniversary of their late leader Hassan Nasrallah's killing by Israel, on the outskirts of Beirut, Lebanon, September 27, 2025 (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED AZAKIR) "He did not hesitate to turn the Foreign Ministry into a mobile mouthpiece for distraction, using diplomatic hybrid language which addresses the other side using rhetoric and not political speech," Al Akhbar said. "There is no point in warning him, or directing his attention away, because the whole Foreign Ministry is no longer Lebanese in its rhetoric or role." Hezbollah member of Parliament stands against Rajji Ali Ammar, a Hezbollah member of the Lebanese Parliament, also denounced Rajji, calling him "a resonant political, national, and moral failure." Ammar also urged the Prime Minister and President to take a stand against Rajji's words. CAIRO, Jan 15 (Reuters) - A senior figure in the armed wing of Hamas, a Hamas policeman, and a senior figure in the militant group Islamic Jihad were among at least ten people killed on Thursday in a series of Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to local sources. Local medics and residents reported the deaths of senior Islamic Jihad operative Ashraf Al-Khatib in Nuseirat and a Hamas policeman in Gaza city. A Hamas source said that local commander Mohammed Al-Holy was killed in Deir al-Balah, earlier in the day. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the incident. Advertisement Advertisement Hamas condemned the strikes on the Al-Holy family, in a statement that did not mention Mohammed or his role in the group. It accused Israel of violating the ceasefire deal in place since October, and attempting to reignite the conflict. Health officials said the deaths included a 16-year-old. The Israeli strikes come the day after the United States announced the start of the ceasefire agreement's second phase on Wednesday. Israel and Hamas have traded blame for violations of the ceasefire and remain far apart from each other on key issues. More than 400 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have been reported killed since the ceasefire took effect in October. Advertisement Advertisement Israel has razed buildings and ordered residents out of more than half of Gaza where its troops remain. Nearly all of the territory's more than 2 million people now live in makeshift homes or damaged buildings in a sliver of territory where Israeli troops have withdrawn and Hamas has reasserted control. The United Nations children's agency said on Tuesday that over 100 children have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire, including victims of drone and quadcopter attacks. Israel launched its operations in Gaza in the wake of an attack by Hamas-led fighters in October 2023 which killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's assault has killed 71,000 people, according to health authorities in the strip, and left much of Gaza in ruins. (Reporting by Nidal Al-MughrabiWriting by Pesha MagidEditing by Peter Graff and Alistair Bell) Junior Achievement is registering teams for the 16th annual JA Muskogee BizTowl Bowl fundraiser. Brian Jackson, JA of Oklahoma development manager, said the two sessions will be Wednesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 23, 6-8 p.m. at Green Country Lanes. It really comes down to the volunteers and sponsors that bring it to life, Jackson said. Theyre the ones that bring the energy and the support to the organization to Junior Achievement in Muskogee. Advertisement Advertisement The event is presented by Georgia Pacific and the Castle of Muskogee. The education sponsor this year is Kirschner Trusts. Part of the event is the bowling pin-decorating contest. Jackson said in years past, come companies have been very creative in their decorations. For the whole state of Oklahoma, Muskogee is consistently the top one when it comes to decorating the pin, he said. This years theme is JA BizTown and it will forever be named that. Were going back to our popular program where the sixth graders of Muskogee run a community for a day. Bowling pins will be available to pick up for decorating at Muskogee Public Schools Service Center, 202 W. Broadway, beginning Friday, Jan. 30. Advertisement Advertisement We really want to keep creativity alive, Jackson said. It really goes to the pin decorators, the different organizations, companies involved. Griffin Foods might decorate their pin to look like a bottle of syrup and a jar of mustard. Team slots are $500 and limited to five members per team. Each member receives a T-shirt, and entry to the pin-decorating contest and verbal recognition at the session. Weve come close to filling up but I think this will be the year we have a completely sold-out event for both the nights, Jackson said. We were two or three short last year from selling out. This year, we have the momentum, so I think well have it this year. Additional team sponsorships are $250, one per session, and lane sponsorships are $100. By Mikhail Flores MANILA, Jan 15 (Reuters) - The Philippines and Japan signed two defence pacts on Thursday, including a deal allowing their forces to exchange supplies and services, with both countries seeking to strengthen security cooperation in response to rising regional tensions. The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, designed to enable the swift provision of supplies and services between their militaries, comes months after a landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement between two of Washington's closest Asian allies took effect. Advertisement Advertisement Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi signed the deals in Manila during a nineday Middle East and Asia tour, with stops in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Qatar and India, reflecting Tokyo's growing strategic footprint. Motegi and his Philippine counterpart Theresa Lazaro, also announced a $6 million Official Security Assistance from Tokyo to fund the building of facilities to house rigidhulled inflatable boats donated by Japan to boost Manila's naval capabilities. Japan has voiced concerns about rising maritime tensions in East Asia, opposing any unilateral attempt to change the status quo and backing Philippine maritime security as part of a broader trilateral framework with the United States. "The Secretary and I also confirmed the importance of the Japan, Philippines, U.S. trilateral cooperation in the face of an increasingly severe strategic environment," Motegi said in a joint press conference with Lazaro. Advertisement Advertisement Japan has supported the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague rejecting China's expansive South China Sea claims, a decision Beijing has rejected. Lazaro said both nations recognise the value of promoting the rule of law, including the freedom of navigation and overflight, adding that Japan remained a vital strategic partner. Motegi's visit comes as the Philippines takes over the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and as tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait. Japan has warned that peace and stability around Taiwan are vital to global security, and remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger Japanese military action drew a furious response from Beijing, including a travel boycott and an export ban on dual-use items. Advertisement Advertisement China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, which sits just over 100 km (60 miles) from Japanese territory, and has not ruled out using force to take control of the island. Taiwan rejects Beijing's claim and says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. Japan has embarked on a historic military build-up to counter Beijing's growing might and assertiveness in the region. (Reporting by Mikhail Flores; Writing by Martin Petty and Karen Lema; Editing by David Stanway) Chinese marketplace JD.com has moved quickly to install better security systems following last months stunning heist of expensive electronics gear from one of the retailers warehouses in a Paris suburb. Agence France-Presse and other French media outlets last month reported that an organized professional crime gang broke into the facility in the Seine-Saint-Denis region on the night of Dec. 21 and stole more than 50,000 pieces of electronic equipment, including smartphones, computers and tablets, on 30 pallets. The stolen merchandise was worth an estimated $44 million, but JD.com disputed the value of the loss without giving a lower figure. News reports said the thieves disabled the warehouses surveillance cameras and the alarm system was not functioning at the time of the break-in. A recent research note by ARC Advisory Group, a technology research and consulting firm, provides more details of how the organized criminal unit was able to complete the massive theft. Gang members first cut connections to the external power grid and disabled the alarm system using electromagnetic jammers, then damaged security cameras and removed server hard drives to erase trace footage. The team also tampered with electronic labels to simulate legitimate outbound shipments and delay discovery and evacuated the stolen goods in three batches using vehicles with forged license plates, completing the entire operation in three hours. Advertisement Advertisement The level of sophistication required to disable the security cameras, target specific high-value pallets in a large warehouse and get out fairly quickly suggests some sort of insider involvement, said Tony Pelli, a practice director at supply chain security and risk management firm BSI Consulting, in an interview. Tampering with bar code labels suggests the thieves were able to infiltrate the warehouse management system using stolen passwords, he added. JD.com said the warehouse returned to normal operations within a few days. The retail giant immediately activated a global emergency response plan within 24 hours of the incident, said ARC Advisory analyst Rita Liu in the report. After isolating what items were stolen, JD.com offered full refunds along with additional compensation to customers with orders and replenished inventory with airfreight through airports in Paris; Liege, Belgium; and Frankfurt, Germany. Within 72 hours, 90% of order fulfillment capacity had been replenished, she said. Advertisement Advertisement JD.com employees cooperated with brand partners to lock the International Mobile Equipment Identity codes of stolen devices and synchronized the information with European telecom operators and official repair channels, with the goal of limiting the circulation of stolen goods at the activation stage. IMEI codes are unique 15-digit numbers that act like a fingerprint or social security number for mobile devices. Telecom companies use them to manage devices and block stolen phones from networks. JD.com installed upgraded security cameras, biometric access control systems and 128-bit encrypted RFID tags. New security measures set industry benchmark In addition to technical countermeasures, JD.com implemented a comprehensive security upgrade for the warehouse and rolled out the upgraded standards across all its European facilities. The switch to a proactive defense posture sets a new benchmark for e-commerce fulfillment facilities, said Liu. New security protocols include high-security locking systems that require two people to control access, random shift rotations, hierarchical authorization for high-value warehouses, daily inventory inspections and redundant storage of high-value goods in two separate facilities, according to ARC Advisory. Advertisement Advertisement On the compliance front, JD.com assisted French police in evidence collection, increased the insured amount of theft coverage and added cross-border legal and security audit procedures. Local police are investigating the JD.com theft, but so far have not produced any suspects. JD.com did not respond to messages seeking an update on the break-in. The Paris facility is part of JD.coms growing network of more than 130 overseas warehouses as the retailer expands its reach beyond China. In Europe, the online retailer has nearly 30 warehouses, with its main distribution center in Venray, the Netherlands, enabling direct cross-border delivery of goods within 48 hours through its aviation network. JD.com also sells excess warehouse space and distribution services to European manufacturers with international operations. Liu noted that warehouse security upgrades for multinational companies need to be tailored to the local environment. She recommended warehouses be equipped with dual backup power supplies, including diesel generators, as well as dual-circuit cabling to prevent shutdowns caused by power outages. Other physical barriers should include anti-cutting cable sleeves, vibration-activated security alarms that can detect break-in attempts, ultra-strong fencing and explosion-proof structural components. Advertisement Advertisement Warehouse operators should also tech-enabled precautions, such as software that enables real-time analysis of suspicious behavior and automatically trigger warehouse lockdowns, linking warehouse and transportation management systems, activating electronic alerts for abnormal outbound shipments and pre-registering IMEI codes to enable rapid locking of stolen devices and prevent their distribution. The cross-border e-commerce industry must move beyond a scale-first mindset and deeply integrate localized security adaptation, technology-driven risk prevention and control, and multi-warehouse redundancy into its globalization strategy, Liu wrote. Click here for more FreightWaves/American Shipper stories by Eric Kulisch. Write to Eric Kulisch at ekulisch@freightwaves.com. RELATED STORIES: Ceva Logistics loses high-value shipments amid rise in cargo thefts The post JD.com plugs security gaps after Paris warehouse theft appeared first on FreightWaves. The Trump administrations sweeping legal effort to obtain Americans sensitive data from states voter rolls is now almost entirely reliant upon the Civil Rights Act a Jim Crow-era law passed to protect Black voters from disenfranchisement a notable shift in how the administration is pressing its demands. The Justice Department says it wants to use the registration records to help states clean their rolls by comparing it to other data sets held by the government, according to public comments from Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who was appointed by President Donald Trump to head the departments civil rights division. But Thursday, a federal judge delivered a searing setback, blocking the administrations bid to obtain confidential information from California, including drivers license numbers and Social Security numbers. Advertisement Advertisement District Judge David O. Carter said the Civil Rights Act wasnt meant for this purpose. The centralization of this information by the federal government would have a chilling effect on voter registration which would inevitably lead to decreasing voter turnout as voters fear that their information is being used for some inappropriate or unlawful purpose, Carter wrote. Voter advocates and election experts warn of the potential for sloppy purges that risk disenfranchising eligible voters instead. They have also raised concerns that the data will be shared with other agencies to be used for other purposes. The Justice Department has been working with the Department of Homeland Security on plans to review state voter registration files for evidence of non-citizens on the rolls, according to a source familiar with Trump administration discussions. Advertisement Advertisement States have provided the Justice Department with some of the information it has sought. Most state election officials, though, including some Republicans, have resisted turning over particularly sensitive fields of data such as voters birth dates, Social Security numbers and drivers license numbers citing privacy protections. The Trump administration is now suing 23 mostly Democratic-led states, as well the District of Columbia, for voter information in their registration files that those states have refused to produce. As the pushback to the requests mounted, the department reworked its legal arguments for why its entitled to obtain the records. The pivot to the Civil Rights Act is just one example of several notable changes in the DOJs approach. The law was not mentioned when the Justice Department first began insisting that elections officials turn over their registration files. Nearly all of the career experts in the Departments voting section left or were pushed out in the early months of the second Trump administration. The quest for voter data has been carried out while the DOJ voting section has only a barebones staff and led mostly by attorneys hired in Trumps second term. Some of those attorneys previously worked for right-wing groups that sued state and local election officials over their refusal to share certain voter roll data. Advertisement Advertisement You start seeing things that make it very clear, in the evolution of their arguments, that they had not thought this out in the way that any other Department of Justice would, David Becker, a former DOJ attorney who now heads the Center for Election Innovation & Research, said. Using the Civil Rights Act The federal laws addressing voter registration that the department relied upon when it initially requested states vo ter files are no longer the focus of the litigation. The more recent lawsuits zero in on instead a records inspection provision of the Civil Rights Act, passed by Congress as election officials in the South were refusing to register Black Americans. The law requires election officials to retain records related to voter applications and registration, and says that such records must be made available for inspection if the attorney general demands in writing to see them. Dhillon touted in a recent podcast interview with Scott Atlas the CRAs broadly-worded language. Advertisement Advertisement The Attorney General doesnt have to show her homework as to what she is going to do with it, and I am her designee. So I get to ask for that information and they have to give it, she said. Thursday, Carter disagreed, saying DOJ had not satisfied the laws requirement that the attorney general give both a purpose and a basis for the records demand, a requirement that is a critical safeguard that ensures the request is legitimately related to the purpose of the statute. Without these requirements, the DOJ could embark on a fishing expedition of voter records in any state looking for concerns, without identifying a single issue with the states policies beforehand, Carter wrote. Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks alongside President Donald Trump in the briefing room at the White House in June. - Joe Raedle/Getty Images The Justice Department declined to comment to CNN when asked about the change of approach, citing the ongoing litigation. Advertisement Advertisement The idea that Congress would have envisioned the Civil Rights Act as a catch-all for the Department of Justice to just demand full scale, without redactions all records related to voters in a state, even when there are no allegations of racial discrimination in voting, is absurd, said Elisabeth Frost, the litigation chair of Elias Law Group, which has sought to jump into all of the voter roll lawsuits DOJ has brought against the states to argue against the disclosure of the data. In court filings, the Justice Department says its opponents are the ones misreading the Civil Rights Act. In one recent case, DOJ told a court it must decline Defendants and Intervenors invitation to rewrite the statute to add a requirement of racial discrimination. Writing on a blank slate In its initial flurry of letters last spring and summer to states demanding information about their voter rolls, the Justice Department told state officials that it was requesting the records on the basis of the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act. Though states have been willing to share some of the information the Trump administration sought, several said that they would not hand over particularly sensitive data held in their voter files, and they argued that the NVRA and HAVA did not give the federal government the authority to obtain it. Advertisement Advertisement By August, the Trump administration began invoking the Civil Rights Act as well in its correspondence with states, and the early rounds of DOJ lawsuits, filed against eight states in September, brought claims under all three laws. But in its most recent lawsuits, the Justice Department dropped the NVRA and HAVA claims and is only bringing the Civil Rights Act claim. The change in strategy demonstrates weakness of the claims under NVRA and HAVA, said Brent Ferguson, director of strategic litigation, for the Campaign Legal Center, which is seeking to get involved in some of the cases to argue against the disclosure of the voter roll data. The NVRA and HAVA are federal laws that put some guardrails on how states go about maintaining their voter rolls and do allow the public to obtain some voter registration information from election officials. But those laws have been extensively litigated, and there are court precedents in several circuits making clear that sensitive information can be redacted when elections officials disclose voter roll data, according to Theresa Lee, a voting rights attorney at the ACLU, which is also seeking to oppose the DOJ in some of the cases. Only a smattering of cases, dating back to the 1960s, deal with the Civil Rights Act provision the department is now leaning on, though DOJs opponents contend that limited precedent nonetheless forecloses what the administration is seeking. Advertisement Advertisement They would just get nowhere with the NVRA under existing court precedent, Lee said. Theyre hoping to write on the relatively blank slate with regards to the Civil Rights Act. The task of maintaining voter registration files and making sure only eligible voters are on the rolls is a job done by state and local election officials, with federal law merely putting guardrails on the process. Still, the Justice Department contended in its case against Michigan last month, without citing any specific laws, that the federal government had special standing under federal election statutes to conduct list maintenance. The DOJ is supposed to work from the law and the facts, and then flow through the litigation strategy, Becker said. Not start with, Oh, we want to get this information and then lets find some manufactured reason to get it. In negotiations with states for the data, the administration has proposed a process by which the administration would flag ineligible voters that states would be obligated to remove, according to drafts of the proposals that Colorado and Wisconsin made public after rejecting the offer. Advertisement Advertisement Voting in American elections is a right guaranteed solely to citizens. Under the leadership of Secretary (Kristi) Noem, DHS will take all steps needed to ensure that only U.S. citizens participate in the electoral franchise, a Homeland Security spokesperson said in a statement. Need for speed With the narrowing of the claims in its lawsuits, the Trump administration has streamlined the cases in other ways that could allow for the litigation to move more quickly. In the early cases, the DOJ had opposed requests by outside groups to intervene. Opposing such intervention would usually prompt a round of briefing, slowing down the proceedings. Now the department is largely not opposing the intervention of outside groups. As the litigation has gone on, the department has also embraced another tactic to try to expedite the records release, by filing unusual requests for the courts to order the production of the records immediately without going through the usual legal process of considering the case. Advertisement Advertisement So far, no court has granted the request for immediate production of the data though one judge has a scheduled a hearing this month on DOJs fast-track request for Connecticuts voter rolls. CNNs Katelyn Polantz contributed to this report. This story and headline have been updated with Judge Carters ruling. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A TikTok influencer who evaded court for a year, prompting police to charter a private jet to bring him back to the UK from Spain, will not be liable for the full 15,000 cost, a judge has ruled. Harrison Sullivan, 24, known online as HSTikkyTokky, received a suspended custodial sentence last November after crashing his McLaren in Virginia Water, Surrey, in March 2024. He subsequently failed to appear in court for 12 months, during which time he travelled to Dubai, Thailand, and Spain, continuing to produce social media content, the court previously heard. Sullivan was eventually detained in Spain last August for unrelated matters. Surrey Police then spent approximately 15,000 on a chartered flight to return him to the UK, Staines Magistrates Court was told on Thursday. The judges decision means Sullivan will not be required to reimburse the police for the entire expense of his repatriation. Advertisement Advertisement The total costs to both Surrey Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to bring Sullivan back to the UK after the crash reached 28,350.27, the hearing was told. But district judge Julie Cooper said she was not prepared to order for Sullivan to repay the totality of the flight costs because the use of a private jet was not necessary or proportionate. Undated handout photo issued by Surrey Police of the scene of the crash involving TikTok influencer Harrison Sullivan (Surrey Police) The judge was told the decision was made following a risk assessment conducted by the National Extradition Unit (NEU), the details of which were not disclosed in court. Prosecution Kane Alexander, however, told the judge there were concerns that Sullivan a fitness influencer could be recognised by members of the public on a commercial plane. Advertisement Advertisement It seems that Mr Sullivan travels around on planes with impunity without too much risk to himself, so I dont really understand, judge Cooper said. In my view, it is not just or reasonable for him to pay a chartered flight when I have been given no satisfactory explanation for why that should be. She added: I can understand that there would be some issues with social media. But the problem could have been resolved or reduced had first-class flight been obtained to place the defendant in that area, so he was not in view of members of the public whilst in handcuffs. Defence solicitor Shalin Sood told the judge Sullivan was surprised by the private jet and was completely calm and compliant while in police custody. Advertisement Advertisement We understand that Mr Sullivan did evade custody, we understand that more than usual costs had to be incurred, but a private jet did not have to be chartered, she said. Referring to the costs incurred throughout the investigation, which the court heard required partnership with foreign agencies including Interpol, Ms Sood added: Its not rocket science trying to locate where Mr Sullivan is, judge he livestreams everyday. The judge ordered Sullivan to pay 9,270 in prosecution costs, and 8,050.27 in police costs bringing the total bill to 17,320.27. Ms Sood told the judge Sullivans income could be approximated to 2,000-a-week, but that it was inconsistent. Advertisement Advertisement There is no way he will be able to make this payment in one go, or even in a years time, she said. Judge Cooper, however, seemed to reject this claim, asking: What about his properties in the United Arab Emirates? She then added: Im going to give him six months to pay this and if there is a problem with that, he is going to have to come back and explain why. Harrison Sullivan, known as HSTikkyTokky, has been arrested and charged with alleged dangerous driving offences (Surrey Police/PA Wire) Sullivan was handed a one-year suspended custodial sentence at Staines Magistrates Court in November last year after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance. The social media star has also been disqualified from driving for two years. Advertisement Advertisement He will have an electronic tag for three months and is expected to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation. The court previously heard Sullivan was seen by witnesses in a supercar going extremely fast with one saying he was travelling at at least 100mph or more before the crash in Surrey in March 2024. Data from the crashed McLaren indicated Sullivan was travelling at 71mph in a 40mph zone at the moment of the crash, the court heard. It was going 30mph over the speed limit on a single carriageway in broad daylight with other road users, the prosecutor Mr Alexander then said. Advertisement Advertisement The fitness influencer is reportedly set to appear in a Louis Theroux documentary for Netflix exploring the impact of online misogyny on young boys. In one viral clip, Theroux is seen reciting a previous remark Sullivan had made: Call me racist, call me a misogynist, call me homophobic, call me a scammer Im all those things. Sullivan responded: Thats my way of saying I dont care. Say what you want about me, I am that, cool. I dont care. And what? A federal judge raised doubts about the Trump administrations attempt to unmask the identity of an anonymous Instagram account that has been warning about immigration raids in Pennsylvania. Federal Magistrate Judge Peter Kang of the Northern District of California appeared skeptical of the governments arguments during an hourlong hearing Wednesday that it has the authority to use a provision originally intended for customs violations to subpoena Meta for the Montco Community Watchs personal information. The account was created last June to post alerts about sightings of ICE agents and arrests in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The Department of Homeland Security sent a subpoena to Meta in September seeking information on the account owners name, email address, phone number and IP addresses. Advertisement Advertisement The government said the information was needed for an investigation into a serious threat to law enforcement officer safety, and noted language in the statute saying it was applicable to any laws or regulations administered by Homeland Security Investigations, not just customs violations. Why didnt DHS ask the Department of Justice or the U.S. attorneys office to try to get a warrant for this information? Kang asked at one point. Any decision could create stronger protections for similar activist groups across the country that have been filming and uploading clips to social media of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. DHS secretary Kristi Noem has called such accounts recording and posting video of ICE agents an act of violence. Jan. 15A jury deliberated less than two hours before finding an 83-year-old Clark County man guilty of murder who claimed self-defense for shooting an Uber driver nearly two years ago because he reportedly believed she was trying to rob him after scammers deceived them both. William J. Brock was convicted as charged Wednesday evening in Clark County Common Pleas Court of three counts of murder and single counts of felonious assault and kidnapping in the death of 61-year-old Lo-Letha "Letha" Toland-Hall of Dublin, in suburban Columbus. She was fatally shot six times around 11:20 a.m. March 25, 2024, in the driveway of Brock's house in the 7000 block of South Charleston-Clifton Road in Madison Twp. She was flown to Kettering Health Main Campus, where she died in surgery. Advertisement Advertisement Judge Douglas Rastatter ordered Brock's bond revoked. Deputies placed him in handcuffs and led him from the courtroom. He will remain jailed as he awaits his Jan. 21 sentencing hearing. Family and friends of Hall embraced following the verdict but declined to comment. "Both families have lost loved ones because of this, and there are no winners here," Clark County Prosecutor Daniel Driscoll said following the verdict. "The really sad part about this is that we know that the scammers, the folks who started this, haven't been brought to justice. And hopefully one day the FBI will bring those folks and we'll be able to prosecute them right here in Clark County for what they did." The morning of March 25, Brock received a call from a person claiming to be a lawyer for the grandson of a friend who needed $12,000 cash for bail after he was involved in a crash with his truck that killed a pregnant woman, Brock's defense attorney Jon Paul Rion said Monday during opening arguments. Advertisement Advertisement Brock believed the story and got the cash he was supposed to give to a woman they identified as Hall in a black sedan at the courthouse in Springfield, Rion said. In further calls, Brock also spoke with someone claiming to be a judge. During a call in which Brock talked to the person claiming to be the grandson, he asked for his last name and type of truck he drives. The man on the line provided close, but not accurate answers. "This is where it really changed," Rion said. "At that point, the phone gets handed to somebody else. And this person starts screaming at Bill, threatening to kill him, threatening to kill everyone in his family, and saying the black car is now in your driveway, we have drones above your property, watching." The person on the line told Brock that he would send someone to kill him if he didn't receive a call from Hall that she had the money, he said. When Hall got out of the black Acura sedan, walked through a breezeway marked "no trespassing" to the back porch and through a storm door that was slightly ajar into an office space and told Brock, "I'm here for the package," Rion said this was confirmation for Brock that she was part of the scam. Advertisement Advertisement Brock approached Hall with a .22 caliber pistol and demanded she give him her cellphone. Assistant Clark County Prosecutor Kadawni Scott told jurors during his opening statements that it was not self-defense when Brock prevented Hall from leaving and shot her when she "presented no harm or immediate danger to him." "Objectively, a reasonable person would not shoot a defenseless woman multiple times to protect themselves from words of a scammer," Scott said. "The act doesn't justify the act of taking a life of another, because words scared him?" A dashcam video from Hall's car shows her walking backward, yelling for help as Brock said he would shoot her leg if she did not give him her phone. He then shot her leg and tried to prevent her from leaving. At one point during a scuffle she closed the car door on his head, which led Brock to suffer lacerations requiring stitches to his head and ear before he shot her again. Advertisement Advertisement Brock called 911 after shooting Hall multiple times. In the call played for the jury, Brock identified himself as the shooter. As he was talking to a dispatcher about the shooting and scam, Hall could be heard in the background saying, "help me," "help me, please." Brock also faces a civil lawsuit for wrongful death, filed in March 2025 on behalf of Hall's estate, alleging that Brock and those scamming him are liable for her death. Jan. 15A handful of local builders on Tuesday night backed Kalispell's new land use plan and urged the Kalispell Planning Commission to implement predictable building standards to help curb housing costs. The comments came during the Kalispell Planning Commission's Jan. 13 public hearing on the city's new land use plan required under a 2023 state law intended to streamline housing construction. Following public comment, the commission approved the plan, which will now go before City Council for review. The Montana Land Use Planning Act required 10 cities, including Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls, to draft a new land use plan that will guide the city's growth for the next 20 years. But the law has drawn criticism from city officials for limiting public input on site-specific developments, prompting Planning Commission President Chad Graham to vote in opposition. Advertisement Advertisement By frontloading public input to drafting the plan, the law intends to ditch public hearings in front of City Council on site-specific construction. Annexations and zoning changes will still go through a public process, but subdivisions and conditional use permits will not. Former mayoral candidate Kisa Davison was one of the local builders who expressed support for the law on Tuesday, hoping it will streamline infill development. "I do know that frontloading this process and putting all of this effort into planning for our community upfront is what we need more of and less of a reactionary project-by-project decision-making process," Davison said. Past public hearings have turned unconstructive when "everybody shows up there with their pitchforks and torches over those individual subdivisions," she said. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not sure that that public discussion really achieves what we're looking for as a community," Davison added. Flathead Building Association Executive Officer Mark Freidline praised the land use plan for its commitment to updating zoning and subdivision regulations that promote high density development, which he said will help reduce land costs. "Regulations account for roughly 25% of the cost of single-family homes and up to 40% of the cost of multifamily, often adding more than $90,000 per unit," Freidline said, pulling from statewide data. "This plan recognizes the reality and moves Kalispell in the right direction towards housing affordability," he added. Advertisement Advertisement BUT BUILDERS and planning commission members expressed concern over the public's lack of knowledge about the incoming restrictions on public input for site-specific developments. "I can spend a lot of time swinging a stick in here and not hit anybody," developer and former Republican lawmaker Frank Garner said about the dismal public attendance in City Hall. Garner was one of the developers behind the embattled Tronstad subdivision that received a torrent of pushback from nearby residents over several public hearings before ultimately getting Council's approval in November 2024. "I think we're gonna have some unfortunate cases of people coming and wondering why something's happening in their backyard," said commission Vice President Rory Young. "We've done a good job at outreach, but it's just one of those things that it's not the world's most exciting subject." Advertisement Advertisement Graham cast the sole vote against the plan, calling the state law an "excrement sandwich." He reiterated his past argument that public hearings are a necessary part of the development process. "Some projects do demand a closer look, because there are significant issues with the project that need to be ironed out a little bit and it needs to be done in a public process," Graham said. THE COMMISSION also OK'd a preliminary plat for phase two of the Mountain View subdivision located off Foy's Lake Road. Bison Hill, LLC, submitted the request for a preliminary plat that represents the next phase of development within the large, planned neighborhood already approved by Council. Mountain View encompasses 171 acres filled with single-family homes, townhomes, cottages and multi-family homes, according to a project description by Teton Land and Development Group. Phase two consists of 51 residential lots on around 14 acres. Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and [email protected]. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A Kansas veteran who flew Army helicopters in Vietnam transported troops and trained pilots during his year overseas. Pratt native Greg Lesh joined the Army in 1969 after working as a young flight instructor. I thought I was going to be a fixed-wing pilot when I went into the army. They said, No. Doesnt fit our schedule. Youre going to fly helicopters,' he said. Courtesy: Greg Lesh Courtesy: Greg Lesh Courtesy: Greg Lesh Courtesy: Greg Lesh After completing training, Lesh was immediately sent to Vietnam, where he spent a year flying a Huey helicopter to move troops and train Vietnamese allies to pilot one. Advertisement Advertisement My first 30 days that I was there, I flew 120 hours, which in a helicopter is a lot of physical stress as much as mental stress, he said. Tune into KSN News at 10 every Wednesday for our Veteran Salute Lesh also flew sniffer missions to detect enemy activity and took troops into Cambodia. Every day in the air carried risk, but he never secondguessed his service. It was interesting. I enjoyed it. For one thing, it was aviation, and I liked flying, he said. During the second half of his tour, Lesh focused on training Vietnamese allies to fly helicopters. The language barrier made the work challenging, but he remembers the experience fondly. Advertisement Advertisement They were great people to work with. I got to enjoy the Vietnamese quite a bit. We celebrated tet new year with them, he said. Courtesy: Greg Lesh Courtesy: Greg Lesh Courtesy: Greg Lesh After returning home to Kansas, Lesh left the Army in 1971 as a chief warrant officer, second class. He went on to build careers in both aviation and banking in the Air Capital, but his connection to Vietnam didnt end there. There were Catholic orphanges that had been set up when we were over in Vietnam, and our helicopter company specifically has contributed financially to three different orphanages over there, and we go back to the orphanages and take them more financial help, he said. If you want to nominate a veteran for our Veteran Salute, send an email to connect3news@ksn.com or fill out our online nomination form! 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 KSN-TV. FRANKFORT, Ky. Another year, another push by state Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ryland Heights, to pass legislation adding limitations to a Kentucky governor's pardon powers. McDaniel's Senate Bill 10, with four cosponsors, passed out of the chamber's State and Local Government Committee on Jan. 14 with unanimous approval and has since passed the full Senate as well. The four-term senator from Northern Kentucky said he's "fairly optimistic" this is the year his legislation is approved in the House and put on the ballot as a proposed constitutional amendment. "I think that just as people have seen pardons, both at the state and federal level, kind of flow through the process, they really for various reasons ultimately end up at the same place which is an unchecked pardon power is simply not a good thing," he said. Advertisement Advertisement This isn't McDaniel's first attempt at passing the bill, which he crafted ahead of the 2020 session in the aftermath of former Gov. Matt Bevin's flurry of controversial pardons in his final weeks in office the previous year. It's passed in the full Senate in at least five separate legislative sessions but has never advanced in the House. This year, though, McDaniel is confident his proposal has more support. It's been designated "priority legislation" by Republican leaders in the Senate and was taken up in committee at its first meeting of the session, where it passed without issue after about five minutes of discussion. The bill would prevent Kentucky governors from issuing pardons for a time period beginning in the final 60 days before a gubernatorial election and ending on the fifth Tuesday after an election, at which point the governor's current term would end. Kentucky voters would have to approve the measure at the ballot box. Bevin, a Republican, made waves in 2019 during the final two months of his term when he issued more than 400 pardons. While many were noncontroversial pardons for low-level drug offenders, some drew strong criticism, including one for a man convicted of homicide in 2017 whose family later hosted a political fundraiser for the governor and another for a man convicted of raping a 9-year-old child. Advertisement Advertisement McDaniel, who is also a Republican, at the time said the "stunning" pardons exposed "an unbelievable weakness in our system which is the ability of a governor to override the entire justice system in the dark of night with no recourse." He echoed those comments this week at the Capitol Annex after his bill was approved in the committee. "This is just a straight-up weakness in the constitution," he said. "I think I'll have a lot of miles on my car in the fall trying to drum up support." State Sen. Chris McDaniel listens at a committee meeting in Frankfort in February 2020. McDaniel is again backing legislation to limit governors' pardon powers. Pardons should not be a partisan issue, he added. A number of pardons issued by former President Joe Biden in the final days of his term have drawn intense scrutiny over the past year as well, and current President Donald Trump drew criticism last year when he pardoned nearly every person convicted of a crime in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. SB 10 was approved Jan. 20 in the Senate on a 36-0-1 vote but still needs to be approved in the House. The legislature is in its second week and will remain in session into April. Advertisement Advertisement "I'm optimistic that the House will see it my way this year and that the people of Kentucky will see it that way in the fall," McDaniel said. The proposal has never had an issue in McDaniel's chamber, but the House has been a different story. The bill has never made it to the floor for a vote. House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, said McDaniel's bill has "never quite met the threshold of being able to pass it over here." But there could be more enthusiasm this year, he added after his chamber gaveled out on Jan. 14. "He worked really hard in the interim talking to a lot of our members about it. I think he won some support for it," Osborne said. "We will continue to have that conversation once it comes over here." Advertisement Advertisement Learn more about filed bills and follow their process at legislature.ky.gov. Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky legislature takes up bill to limit governors' pardon powers Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. As the Supreme Court has finally moved toward looking at the merits of President Donald Trumps attempts to end birthright citizenship, the famous Wong Kim Ark case of 1898 has loomed particularly large.* While that precedent certainly bolsters the case for striking down Trumps executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, there is an often-ignored series of cases from much more recently that speak even more directly to the issues in this case. That story of 120,000 Americans stripped of their citizenship by the federal government, between 1946 and 1967, led ultimately to a unanimous Supreme Court conclusion that being born in the United States from foreign parents, documented or not, makes you American. These forgotten cases light the path to the current court decision on birthright citizenship this spring. Just after World War II, the U.S. government started to implement the provisions of the Nationality Act of 1940 that allowed the federal government to deprive Americansnative-born and naturalized alikeof their citizenship for reasons like voting in a foreign election, joining a foreign army, remaining for six months or longer within any foreign state of which they or either of their parents have been a national, or for evading the draft. Starting in 1945 and continuing until 1967, between 1,000 and 8,000 Americans were stripped of their nationality each year. This practice only ended when the Supreme Court declared these provisions unconstitutional in the 1967 case Afroyim v. Rusk. Advertisement Advertisement Of those stripped of citizenship before that rulingtotaling more than 120,000a majority were native-born. Some of those affected challenged their loss of citizenship by appealing to the courts. Nine such cases reached the Supreme Court between 1955 and 1967. These cases were among the courts most divisive, each spurring a fierce debate between opposing camps of justices. Most cases went 5 to 4 with majorities shifting successively on each side. One camp, which included Chief Justice Earl Warren and Justice Hugo Black, was willing to declare denationalization unconstitutional. An opposing camp, led by Justice Felix Frankfurter, supported the right of Congress and the executive to deprive some Americans of their citizenship. On March 31, 1958, the court announced its decision regarding three denationalization cases: Trop, Nishikawa, and Perez. Dallin H. Oaks, one of Chief Justice Warrens clerks in 1957 and 1958, recorded the climactic courtroom scene in his journal: Justice William Douglas delivery and remarks were easily the most forceful of the afternoon, with Douglas stating that, These are the most important constitutional pronouncements of this century. The courtroom became charged with an electric air of importance from that time forward. Two of the three defendants whose cases were considered that dayMitsugi Nishikawa and Clemente Perezwere born in the United States to foreign parents. Why do these long-forgotten cases matter today? Because the highly divided court was unanimous on one point: Being born in the United States meant being a native-born American, regardless of the status of ones foreign parents. This unanimous interpretation of the citizenship clause of the 14th amendment was echoed in two subsequent casesGonzales in 1955 and Mendoza-Martinez in 1962involving the deprivation of citizenship of children of immigrants. Advertisement Advertisement The differing opinions delivered by the justices are instructive. So are the debates in the hearings themselves, which are all available to the public on the Supreme Court website. Take the case of Daniel Gonzales, a child born in New Mexico in 1924 to two Mexican citizens. When he reached the age of 2, Gonzales was taken by his parents to Mexico, where he lived until 1946. That year, the now 21-year-old Gonzales returned to the United States, but not before he registered for the Mexican draft. The United States declared that Gonzales had voluntarily renounced his American citizenship by signing up for a foreign countrys draft during a time of war. To be able to do so, however, Gonzales had to be acknowledged as having been a U.S. citizen in the first place. During the hearings for this case, the following exchange played out. Justice Frankfurter: Doesnt the Act establish he is a citizen? Response of Gonzaless attorney: He did of course by showing Justice Frankfurter: Yes Gonzaless attorney: That he is born in the United States. Justice Stanley Reed: That was admitted, wasnt it? Gonzaless attorney: That was not disputed at all. The justices affirmed the principle underlying this exchange in future cases. In the 1958 case of Perez v. Brownell, Frankfurter delivered the opinion of the court supporting expatriation by beginning with Petitioner, a national of the United States by birth Frankfurter went on to recount Perezs history. The Petitioner was born in Texas in 1909. At the outbreak of World War II, petitioner knew of the duty of male United States citizens to register for the draft, but he failed to do so. Advertisement Advertisement In Nishikawa v. Dulles, delivered the same day, Chief Justice Warren wrote on behalf of the majority that Petitioner was born in Artesia, California, in 1916. By reason of that fact, he was a citizen of the United States. Frankfurter begins his concurring opinion in Nishikawa by writing: This case involves a native-born citizen of Japanese parentage who has been declared to have lost his citizenship by virtue of 401(c) of the Nationality Act of 1940. Four years later, in Martinez v. Mendoza, Justice Arthur Goldberg delivered the opinion of the court, beginning: Mendoza-Martinez was born in this country in 1922, and therefore acquired American citizenship by birth. Reaching a decision in each of these cases required the justices to first assess if the petitioners were American citizens. If they were not, the cases would be mootwith no citizenship to be stripped. They were deemed to be U.S. citizens independently of the immigration status of their parents, which the court unanimously found to be irrelevant. This forgotten history is particularly crucial in this moment. This spring, the current court will have to decide on the interpretation of Section 1 of the 14th Amendment, which establishes that All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. Just hours after taking the oath of office for the second time, on Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14,160, declaring that children born on American soil would no longer receive automatic citizenship unless at least one parent was an American citizen or lawful permanent resident. The long-settled understanding is that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to nearly all born on American soil, regardless of their parents legal status (with an exception for diplomats children). Such an understanding was established in large part by the Supreme Courts decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which held that a child born in the United Statesof Chinese parents who had their permanent domicile and residence in the United Stateswas entitled to American citizenship. The Trump administration is seizing upon the words permanent domicile and residence to argue that one can only be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States if at least one of his parents is a lawful permanent residentlike the parents of Wong Kim Arkor a citizen. In its coming decision, though, the Supreme Court cannot ignore that from 1955 to 1967, a unanimous court decided that being born in the United States made them subject to the jurisdiction thereof. Whether or not the Trump administration has found a loophole in Wong Kim Ark, the court decided this issue with some finality just 60 years ago. If the court were to side with the Trump administration, there is no way for it to do so without overturning its own previous unanimous precedents. There's a new development in the yearslong international mystery over Havana Syndrome: The U.S. has obtained and has been testing a device that officials believe could be linked to the debilitating condition. Sources said the device was quietly obtained by the Department of Homeland Security in late 2024, almost a decade after symptoms of what became known as Havana Syndrome were first reported by U.S. embassy personnel in Cuba. The Pentagon has since been testing the portable, backpack-sized device, which emits pulsed, radio-frequency energy and contains components of Russian origin. The sources said Homeland Security investigators believe it may be capable of reproducing the effects described by victims of Havana Syndrome. The Pentagon and DHS did not immediately reply to requests for comment, and the CIA declined to comment. Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about the mysterious illness. "My brain is broken" The term Havana Syndrome is derived from the cases first reported by U.S. diplomats and intelligence officers in Cuba's capital. After the U.S. embassy opened there in 2015, media outlets started reporting on strange medical symptoms affecting U.S. embassy personnel working in the country: dizziness, fatigue, memory problems and impaired vision. Other symptom include nausea, migraines, head pressure, vertigo and ringing or popping sensations in the ears. Many people with Havana Syndrome describe hearing an intensely high-pitched, painful sound that appeared to subside when they moved to another location, with effects so severe for some that they were ultimately forced to leave their jobs. Advertisement Advertisement "My brain is broken," former CIA analyst Erika Stith told CBS News in 2022. "We got this as a result of serving our country. And we deserve to be taken care of," she said. The U.S. government refers to the cases as "anomalous health incidents," or AHIs, and officials have not confirmed what caused them. But "60 Minutes" has spoken with experts who believe the incidents involve targeted sonic or microwave attacks. Many of those affected believe that they were wounded by a secret weapon that fires a high-energy beam of microwaves or ultrasound. Some Havana Syndrome victims have spent more than a decade trying to draw attention to their cases, often faulting the government for failing to provide enough support or access to specialized medical care. Advertisement Advertisement Who has been affected? More than 1,500 U.S. officials have reported experiencing the condition since 2016, including White House staff, CIA officers, FBI agents, military officers and their families. Cases have emerged in dozens of countries, and have even been reported in Washington, D.C. In 2021, a Havana Syndrome-style incident was reported in Vietnam shortly before then-Vice President Kamala Harris visited Hanoi. The U.S. embassy there said at the time that a "possible anomalous health incident" required at least one official to be evacuated for medical care, and it prompted Harris to delay her arrival. "60 Minutes" later learned that 11 people reported being stricken: two officials at the U.S. embassy in Hanoi and nine others who were part of a Defense Department team preparing for Harris' visit. While Harris was unharmed, some of the injured U.S. personnel were medevac'ed out of Vietnam. Advertisement Advertisement In another case, a State Department security officer who worked in the U.S. consulate in Guangzhou, China, told "60 Minutes" that he and his wife started having symptoms after hearing bizarre sounds in their apartment in 2017. The security officer, Mark Lenzi, described the sound as a "marble" circling down a "metal funnel" and said he heard it four times always in the same spot at the same time of day: above his son's crib when he put him to bed at night. He described the sound as "fairly loud" and like nothing he'd heard before. He and his wife began to feel ill shortly after hearing the sounds. Lenzi said he believed he was targeted due to his work using top-secret equipment to analyze electronic threats to diplomatic missions. "This was a directed standoff attack against my apartmentit was a weapon," he told correspondent Scott Pelley. "I believe it's RF, radio frequency energy, in the microwave range." Advertisement Advertisement Questions about Russia's possible role "60 Minutes" reported in mid-2024 on a major development in the Havana Syndrome investigation: a suspected link between attacks in Tbilisi, Georgia, and a top-secret Russian intelligence unit, as well as evidence that a reliable source called "a receipt" for acoustic weapons testing done by the same intelligence unit. Lt. Col. Greg Edgreen, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who led the Pentagon investigation into these incidents, told "60 Minutes" at the time that he was confident that Russia was behind these attacks, and that they were part of a worldwide campaign to neutralize U.S. officials. "If my mother had seen what I saw, she would say, 'It's the Russians, stupid,'" Edgreen said. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Havana Syndrome: Possible Russian role in attack on Americans, according to new evidenceU.S. assessments A U.S. intelligence assessment released in 2023 by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence found it was "very unlikely" that a foreign adversary was responsible for the illnesses a conclusion reaffirmed in an updated review released a year ago. That review found that most of the intelligence community continued to view foreign involvement as highly improbable. Two agencies, however, revised their positions, saying there was a "roughly even chance" that a foreign adversary had developed a device capable of harming American officials and their families, while stopping short of linking such a device directly to the reported AHIs. In 2024, the House Intelligence Committee concluded in a report that the 2023 assessment by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence "lacked analytic integrity and was highly irregular in its formulation." The report said it "appears increasingly likely that a foreign adversary is behind some cases of what officials refer to as "anomalous health incidents." Advertisement Advertisement The Office of the Director of National Intelligence says it has been conducting a review of the intelligence community's previous investigations of the incidents and "remains committed to sharing findings" with the American public when it's complete. Former senior CIA intelligence officer Marc Polymeropoulos said that "a new, full analytic review is now warranted, and the DNI must call for one." Polymeropoulos, who has spoken publicly of the symptoms he suffered after he said he was stricken in Moscow in 2017, criticized the agencies for what he said were disingenuous prior inquiries. "The CIA always claimed that none of this technology even existed, that a device didn't exist, and they based their [assessments] on this," he said, "so their entire analytic assumptions are now blown up." Sneak peek: The Blackout Murder of Livye Lewis Civil Rights icon Claudette Colvin dies at 86 Officials give update after federal officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis | Special Report SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) Here are the top headlines from this morning. State lawmakers from across Iowa gathered to hear Governor Kim Reynolds ninth and final Condition of the State Address. Siouxland officials react to Gov. Reynolds address Siouxland farmers are getting the chance to see whats available to help them keep their crops healthy and stable. 39th Annual Northeast Nebraska Farm & Equipment Show begins in Norfolk Advertisement Advertisement Magnum LTL Transportation Company recently celebrated a significant milestone by inviting the Sioux City Chamber of Commerce to assist with their special event. Siouxland welcomes Magnum LTLs latest terminal location Check out these headlines and more in the video above. 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. Question : I recently received an email about a proposed class action settlement against Kaiser for breach of privacy. I am a member of Kaiser. I think it is legitimate, but before I click on the link, I thought I would check. Do you know if this is a legitimate thing or a scam ? Answer : Kaiser Permanente is notifying members by email in several states, including Hawaii, about a proposed $46 million settlement of a class-action lawsuit that says the health care company violated patient privacy when its website and mobile apps shared data with technology companies without patients consent. Kaiser denies the plaintiffs allegations and says it is settling to end the burden, expense, and uncertainty of further litigation, according to the settlement website, . Current or former members of the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc., or any of its affiliates, in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, or the District of Columbia, who accessed certain Kaiser Permanente websites or mobile apps from November 2017 to May 2024 may submit a claim to receive a payment estimated at $20 to $40 per claimant, the website says. Claims must be submitted by March 12. Advertisement Advertisement The notification email you received should include a link to the settlement website, as well as a settlement class member unique ID to include on your claim form, which you can submit online or by mail. People who think they are eligible but were not notified can request an ID number via the settlement website ; they must provide the email address associated with their Kaiser account. A company spokesperson told Beckers Hospital Review last month that Kaiser has not identified any members private information being misused or at risk, and that it had removed certain online technologies from its websites and mobile apps in 2024 and informed members. The lawsuit described that technology as third-party tracking code that transmitted personal information to companies such as Google, Meta, Microsoft and Twitter /X without members consent. As for scams, fast-acting fraudsters do impersonate companies to capitalize on topics in the news, but you can confirm whether the email you received is genuine by going directly to the settlement website, comparing it to the information there and inputting your settlement ID, if you are inclined to accept the settlement payment. This proposed settlement is not the only pending class-action settlement involving Kaiser Permanente. If from Jan. 21, 2021, through Aug. 20, 2025, you received more than one text message within any 12-month period from Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc., selling its products or serv ices after opting out, you have until Feb. 12 to file a claim to receive up to $75 for each qualifying text, under the settlement of a different class-action case. See details at. Mahalo On Jan. 7, while on a neighborhood walk in Waipio Gentry, my wife, Nancy, stepped on an uneven piece of sidewalk and fell and broke a bone in her leg. She was in extreme pain and I was unable to carry her home. After a minute or so a white pickup stopped and a young woman asked if we needed help. I told her yes, I need to get her home. She pulled her truck to the side and proceeded to carry my wife into her car, all the while telling me dont worry, she was ex-military and knew how to carry people. She drove us to my house and followed us to my door, asking me if we would be OK. I think she said her name was Bernice. We would like to thank her for being so kind and helpful. Bernice has renewed our faith in the goodness in peoples hearts, and I would like to let her know that my wife sees her as an angel sent by God. Nancy is on the mend now, thanks to her angel Bernice.Thank you, Nancy and Lance------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------ MOSCOW, Jan 15 (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Thursday that Russia agreed with U.S. President Donald Trump that it was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, not Russia, who was holding up a potential peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. Trump's assessment in an interview with Reuters contrasted to that of European allies, who have consistently argued that Moscow has little interest in ending the fighting and wants to take as much territory as it can while seeking to stave off further Western sanctions. "I think he's ready to make a deal," Trump said of Putin when speaking to Reuters in the Oval Office on Wednesday. "I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal." Advertisement Advertisement Asked why U.S.-led negotiations had not yet resolved Europe's largest land conflict since World War Two, Trump responded: "Zelenskiy." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked that he concurred with Trump: "I agree, that is indeed the case. President Putin and the Russian side remain open (to talks). The Russian position is well known. It is well known to the American negotiators, to President Trump, and to the leadership of the Kyiv regime." Russia controls about a fifth of Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014. Moscow wants Kyiv to withdraw its troops from parts of the Donetsk region that Russia does not control but has claimed as its own. Ukraine - which has rejected the idea of gifting territory to Moscow - wants the fighting halted along the current front lines. The U.S. has proposed a free economic zone if Ukraine pulls its troops back. U.S.-led negotiations have been centred in recent weeks on security guarantees for a post-war Ukraine after a potential peace deal, though some European officials have cautioned Putin is highly unlikely to accept some of the terms. Advertisement Advertisement The talks have been further set back after Russia accused Ukraine last month of trying to attack a residence of Putin, an allegation Kyiv called a lie. Peskov said that Moscow would welcome Trump envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner to the Kremlin for additional talks on Ukraine once a date for a visit had been agreed upon. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; editing by Andrew Osborn ) There are also concerns about how detainees are being treated by the Syrian authorities and about the desecration of the bodies of the fallen. Two weeks of clashes in Aleppo led to devastation in Kurdish neighborhoods. The neighborhoods had been controlled by local Kurdish security forces for more than a decade. There had been calls to integrate the Kurdish forces, which are linked to the Syrian Democratic Forces, with the new Syrian security forces. Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, however, the clashes took place, and the Kurdish forces were forced out of the Kurdish neighborhoods. This leaves Kurds fearing that the fate of Aleppo might lead to Damascus pressing its gains by attacking the SDF in eastern Syria. The Syrian transitional government used various methods to clear the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods of Kurdish security forces. Its forces surrounded and bombarded the neighborhoods. They called for the civilians to evacuate and declared the area a closed military zone. After attempts to achieve a ceasefire, many Kurds had to flee, and the remaining Kurdish fighters left for eastern Syria. Members of the Syrian Civil Defence work to extinguish a fire after shelling amid renewed clashes between the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces in Aleppo, Syria, January 8, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/Karam alMasri TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) Attacks launched last week by factions within the Syrian Transitional Governments Ministry of Defense on the predominantly Kurdish neighborhoods of Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh in Aleppo caused a large displacement of residents following days of violent clashes, North Press Agency, a Syrian news agency that is considered close to the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in eastern Syria, reported Wednesday. SDF condemns atrocity: Militia executed security member Ahmed Sheikhmous, who is co-chair of the Office of Displaced Persons and Refugees in the Autonomous Administration, said 292 families have arrived in areas of northern and eastern Syria so far. Advertisement Advertisement These families were distributed among the cities of northeastern Syria, including 93 families in the city of Hasakah, 13 in Kobani, 84 families in Qamishli, 74 families in Tabqa, and 28 families in the city of Raqqa, he told North Press Agency. There are also concerns about how the detainees are being treated by the Syrian authorities. In addition, there are concerns about the desecration of the bodies of the fallen. One image showed a Kurdish woman fighter being thrown off a building. In a new atrocity in Sheikh Maqsoud, Damascus government militias executed a female member of the Internal Security forces in cold blood, proceeded to mutilate and abuse her body, and then discarded it by throwing it... a savage act that exposes their complete disregard for humanity and the laws of war, the SDF said. There have been calls to investigate this incident. Advertisement Advertisement The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) warned that Turkeys direct and escalating intervention in Syria threatens to expand the scope of the ongoing conflict in the region, as Ankara intensifies its drone attacks and continues to fly warplanes over areas in the north and east of the country, North Press Agency reported. [The SDF] said in a field update on Wednesday that a Turkish Bayraktar drone targeted one of its military positions in the village of al-Buasi, in the countryside of Tabqa city, wounding several of its fighters who were subsequently transferred for medical treatment. The SDF clarified that this attack was the third by Turkish drones in a single week. On Tuesday, the SDF said: In the context of ongoing escalation, a Turkish Bayraktar drone targeted a military position belonging to our forces in the city of Maskanah without causing any casualties. This marks the second attack of the day, reflecting a serious and continuous escalation in the area. US Central Command said the US was closely monitoring developments in Aleppo. Advertisement Advertisement It is clear that there is intense concern now that the clashes in Aleppo may be a curtain-raiser for more clashes in eastern Syria. The major concern now shifts to Dayr Hafir and a front line between the SDF and Syrian government forces that stretches along areas near the Euphrates River. The SDF had seized some of these areas when the Syrian regime fell, especially a pocket of control near Dayr Hafir. This area is near the village of Maskanah. Pro-government Turkish media outlets are chomping at the bit for a conflict. This reflects Ankaras views. TRT (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation), for instance, reported: Syrian army sends reinforcements to eastern Aleppo amid tensions with YPG terror group. Advertisement Advertisement This is how Ankaras media allies often refer to the SDF, calling it a terrorist group. It is unclear if Western countries or others can get Damascus to de-escalate, or whether the battles in Aleppo will now lead to worse clashes along a long front line between the SDF and Damascus-backed forces. Both Damascus and the SDF are backed by the US. Gov. Ned Lamont dismissed President Donald Trumps latest threat to block federal funds on Feb. 1 to Connecticut and 10 other states that he calls sanctuary states. Trump made the threat on social media and during a speech in Detroit, saying that the federal money would not be sent to states like New York and California because they have immigrant-friendly cities like New York, San Francisco, Berkeley, Seattle, and Chicago. Other states include Vermont, Rhode Island and Colorado, among others. No more payments will be made by the federal government to states for their corrupt criminal protection centers known as sanctuary cities, Trump wrote on social media. All they do is breed crime and violence. Advertisement Advertisement But Lamont said that Connecticut would stand its ground and reject Trumps notion that it is a sanctuary state. Were responding to this because every week theres something else coming out of Washington, Lamont said Wednesday when asked by The Courant. We have the bipartisan Trust Act. It says very clearly that when there are dangerous people, we work with ICE. We work with anybody to make sure that dangerous people are off the street. Were not a sanctuary state, but were going to keep our people safe. Standing next to Lamont during a tour of a Southington concrete company, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said, We just want to say to the president, were not a sanctuary state. Just check our state law and our federal law. Its in the law. Check it. Bysiewicz added, Hopefully, what matters is our United States Constitution. Our Connecticut Trust Act is in line with federal law, and its in line with our Constitution. We want the people of Connecticut to know that we will cooperate with ICE and the federal government when it comes to taking dangerous people off the streets, but we also want our people to feel safe in their communities so that they can go to church, go to their jobs, go to school and feel safe. What we dont need is ICE intimidating our folks in Connecticut and making them feel unsafe. Advertisement Advertisement She added, But the federal government and the state government are in line with protecting people and keeping people safe. Lamont said that he had traded a couple of calls with state Attorney General William Tong, adding, I can guarantee you, hes clear that were not a sanctuary state. Hes pushing back on the presidents interpretation. Tong agreed with Lamont and Bysiewicz on the controversial issue. There is nothing in our laws or statutes that says Connecticut is a sanctuary state. We are not, Tong said in a statement. Trumps own administration certified Connecticuts compliance with 8 U.S.C. 1373 in 2017. Nothing has changed to alter that certification. Any claim or suggestion that Connecticut has violated or is not in compliance with federal law would be false. Advertisement Advertisement Tong added, We have not received any notice from the federal government on these latest comments from the president, but we are prepared to pursue all legal rights and remedies to defend our sovereignty and the people and families of Connecticut should that be necessary. Failed in past Past efforts by Trump to cut off funding have been blocked in the courts, including during Trumps first term. It remained unclear how much money could be at stake if Trump cut off federal funding. The money is spread out in a huge number of categories for a wide variety of programs. During the 2024 fiscal year, more than $14.3 billion in federal money was allocated through our state agencies directly to Connecticut residents, nonprofits, schools, and much, much more, according to state Comptroller Sean Scanlon. During the 2025 fiscal year, Connecticut received about $1.9 billion in federal grants directly as part of the annual state budget. The funding has been projected to increase to $2 billion and remain steady at that level for three years through the 2030 fiscal year, according to state revenue estimates. Advertisement Advertisement Connecticut has clashed with the federal government in the past. In a letter last year that responded to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Lamont wrote, While the term sanctuary jurisdiction has no legal meaning, nothing in Connecticut laws or policies violates federal immigration law or impedes federal officials from carrying out their immigration enforcement duties. Lamont added, During President Trumps first term, the Department of Justice examined Connecticuts laws and policies, and the Office of Justice Programs expressly certified our compliance with [federal law]. That certification was correct when DOJ issued it, and Connecticut laws and practices remain in compliance. Contrary to the assertions in your letter, Congress has not codified the duty of states and local governments to cooperate in immigration enforcement efforts. That would be unconstitutional. Republican view In past months, Republicans have clashed with Lamont over the interpretation of Connecticut as a sanctuary state. Advertisement Advertisement So, Gov. Lamont doesnt want anyone referring to Connecticut as a sanctuary state? Senate Republicans asked. Hed be more accurate if he called Connecticut a super sanctuary state, because thats what Connecticut most assuredly is. And Connecticuts super sanctuary policy is statewide, not just in a few cities. On Wednesday, state Senate Republican leader Stephen Harding of Brookfield said, Connecticut Democrats at our state Capitol are more interested in protecting violent criminals than enabling our own citizens to receive vital services and benefits. Lets work together, implement common sense public safety policies and restore federal funding to our state. House Republican leader Vincent Candelora said last year that Bondi was right on the issue. While sanctuary state may not appear in statute, Democrats have systematically blocked law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials making it difficult to remove criminal illegal aliens that most Americans and Connecticut residents want off our streets, he said. Worse, we know theres a growing element of Democratic legislators who are pushing to make cooperation even harder while trying to expand free health insurance benefits that will attract more illegal immigration and strain resources for Connecticut residents. Dont expect this federal scrutiny to change their minds theyll likely double down instead. Advertisement Advertisement In another federal funding issue, officials said Wednesday that the state could lose $11.5 million in grants for mental health, addiction and substance abuse that are being cut by the Trump administration. Former state budget officials Gian Carl Casa, who is now the president of the Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance, said thousands of residents could be impacted. Nonprofit providers have struggled for decades with underfunding, he said Wednesday. Providers are still evaluating the total impact, but we know that without necessary funding, many programs will simply cease to operate and lives will be lost. It is hard to understand the administrations rationale that programs that literally save lives are not a priority and can be eliminated. Lamont also decried the cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Halting previously promised funding creates unnecessary anxiety and jeopardizes care for some of our most vulnerable residents, especially those seeking help, Lamont said. As we evaluate the full impact, we demand the federal government reverse course on these dire cuts and ensure those seeking critical resources have access to them. Christopher Keating can be reached at ckeating@courant.com Under crystal clear skies, three years to the day after the first of a series of landslides cut off access to the full Big Sur coast, the Californias iconic Highway 1 finally fully reopened on Wednesday. The day after the reopening of Highway 1 was announced, more than a dozen dedicated drivers pooled at the farthest northbound point of the road, waiting to be the first to drive through the Big Sur coast when the barricades were removed at noon. First to pass through the reopened stretch of the highway were Krazy Club founder Benjamin Head Krazy Harkema and chief financial officer Gabriel DJ Gizmo Coda, who were passing through the area to pick up Harkemas dog in Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement The pair, who described their group as like Burning Man, but local and online for free, arrived at the road closure at 4:30 a.m. to secure the first spot in line, Harkema said. I just wanted us to come here and use the opportunity, since were traveling, to recreate here in Gods glorious countryside, Harkema said. This is so beautiful, and when we got wind from the locals that this was opening, we said, Wow, do we ever have perfect timing or what? So we got here this morning, and I said, I want us to be one of the first, if not the first. Krazy Club founder Benjamin Head Krazy Harkema and chief financial officer Gabriel DJ Gizmo Coda were the first to pass through the reopened Highway 1 at Regent's Slide on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. The social club members said they were excited to have access to one of California's greatest scenic resources again. (Joan Lynch/jlynch@thetribunenews.com) The reopening celebrated across the region and state heralds the restart of uninterrupted travel between San Luis Obispo Countys North Coast and destinations to the north, including Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey. The mid-winter opening at the site 27 miles north of the SLO County line came several weeks ahead of Caltrans March prediction, to the delight of impatient business owners, employees, residents and hopeful visitors, after crews stabilized the hillside and rebuilt the road. Advertisement Advertisement Regents Slide Location on Highway 1 Regents Slide on Highway 1 This map shows the location of the Regents Slide along the Big Sur Coast, including the surrounding areas like Santa Cruz, Monterey, Cambria, and San Luis Obispo. Map created with the assistance of ChatGPT. As always, any optimism about the road staying open for through traffic will depend on weather and site conditions, according to Kevin Drabinski, Caltrans District 5 spokesman. Any significant rain can cause new highway-closing landslides. About two dozen Caltrans officials attending the reopening festivities, which culminated at 11:55 a.m. with the removal of the barricades blocking the road. Advertisement Advertisement The line of cars gathered in the northbound lane then proceeded through repaired slide zone, as a similar contingent headed south from the other side. Caltrans District 5 Director Scott Eades, who oversaw much of the reconstruction efforts, said construction crews spent every hour of rain-free sunlight possible chipping away at the slide, allowing for its early opening. Its exciting to be at this point where we did everything that needed to be done to get the roadway back open, Eades told The Tribune. This is a big event for us, to have the traffic flowing all the way through the Big Sur coast, have visitors back through here. Road closure signs were removed from Highway 1 around 27 miles north of the San Luis Obispo/Monterey County line at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Highway 1 was closed for three years due to a pair of large landslides starting in January 2023. (Joan Lynch/jlynch@thetribunenews.com) Officials salute effort to reopen Highway 1 News of the opening drew celebration from fair and wide, including from state representatives for the area. Advertisement Advertisement The closure began with Pauls Slide in January 2023 and was compounded by Regents Slide in February 2024, severing through-traffic and creating severe economic and logistical hardships for residents and businesses, Sen. John Laird said in a news release. This reopening is welcome news for the Big Sur community, workers and small businesses that have endured extraordinary challenges for far too long, he said. Highway 1 is more than a road; it is a lifeline for families, small businesses, and the visitors who sustain this coast. This paved stretch of road was cut into Regent's Slide, allowing Highway 1 to reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Highway 1 was closed for three years due to a pair of large landslides starting in January 2023. (Joan Lynch/jlynch@thetribunenews.com) Gov. Gavin Newsom saluted the work to reopen the road and what it means to the region. This reopening will bring much-needed relief to small businesses and families in Big Sur and the surrounding communities who have shown remarkable resilience and strength, Newsom said in another release. This vital corridor is the gateway to Californias coast and the lifeblood of the Big Sur economy and today its restored. Advertisement Advertisement Assemblymember Dawn Addis from Morro Bay echoed those sentiments. The reopening of Regent marks an important step forward for the hundreds of families and workers in Big Sur and the millions of people who visit California every year, Addis said. This turning point will help revive critical revenue, restore access to our state parks, support jobs, public safety, and economic stability for many of our residents. Highway 1 was reopened for business at Regent's Slide on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Highway 1 was closed for three years due to a pair of large landslides starting in January 2023. (Joan Lynch/jlynch@thetribunenews.com) Businesses celebrate from Cambria to Big Sur In Cambria, the reopening will be like getting back the oxygen weve been deprived of for so long, Pratik Vyas, general manager for The Morgan at San Simeon Hotel and the Motel 6 there, said of the nearly three-year closure of the popular route. (The latter lodging is closed for complete remodeling until about May, he said, and will reopen then as a Hampton Inn.) Having Highway 1 open will breathe life back into this area, Vyas said. Advertisement Advertisement Business at The Morgan has been down about 40% during the closure, he said, and trying to keep all our full-time employees made it harder than it could have been. Cathy Cartier, president and CEO of Visit SLO CAL, hailed the work of crews who spent three years repairing the popular route. Caltrans worked with exceptional focus and resilience to restore this legendary stretch of highway, Cartier said. 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. Netting holds back loose debris just north of Regent's Slide on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Highway 1 was closed for three years due to a pair of large landslides starting in January 2023. (Joan Lynch/jlynch@thetribunenews.com) Cartier said the reopening means road trippers can once again enjoy one of the most breathtaking drives on earth uninterrupted. Advertisement Advertisement 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, Cartier said. 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. After so much time without the through traffic thats critical to the region, business owners were especially thrilled at Wednesdays reopening. The closure disrupted supply chains, mail delivery, trash service, jobs, and schools, and resulted in a 30 to 35% loss in business, said John Handy, owner of Treebones Resort. For our family and 32 employees, welcoming back guests from the north and receiving supplies regularly will feel like a miracle. Oh my gosh! Its such a big deal! said Christina Galloway, who serves as a director on the Cambria Chamber of Commerce board and also chairs the North Coast Advisory Council. Advertisement Advertisement Its absolutely an important moment for our business community and for residents, Galloway said. Highway 1 is a lifeline for Cambrias tourism-based economy, driven almost entirely by small, locally owned businesses. For many, this reopening will be the difference between staying open and shutting their doors. Visitors keep our local businesses viable, and those businesses are what allow Cambria to function as a real, year-round community. One of the first drivers to pass through Highway 1 at the site of Regent's Slide heads north on Highway 1 on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026. Highway 1 was closed for three years due to a pair of large landslides starting in January 2023. (Joan Lynch/jlynch@thetribunenews.com) Ben Perlmutter, managing partner of Big Sur River Inn in Big Sur, noted how difficult its been just staying in business throughout the closure. For the last few years, running the River Inn without reliable Highway 1 access meant making constant hard decisions just to stay open, Perlmutter said. Our business dropped overnight, and we worked tirelessly to support our staff and stay connected despite the isolation. Reopening Highway 1 gives us a real path to recovery and feels like turning a long-awaited corner for Big Sur. On the other end of the coastline, Diane Ramey, co-owner of the family-owned Ragged Point Inn and Resort, was delighted that travelers could once again complete the entire drive. Advertisement Advertisement At Ragged Point Inn, we are thrilled by this long-awaited reopening of Highway 1, Ramey said. Visitors from the north and south can once again experience one of the worlds most spectacular scenic drives. The U.N. Security Council in an emergency meeting Thursday discussed Iran's deadly protests at the request of the United States, even as President Donald Trump left unclear what actions he would take against the Islamic Republic. Tehran appeared to make conciliatory statements in the lead up to the meeting in an effort to defuse the situation after Trump threatened to take action to stop further killing of protesters, including the execution of anyone detained in Tehrans bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. Irans crackdown on the demonstrations has killed at least 2,677, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported. The death toll exceeds any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the countrys 1979 Islamic Revolution. Advertisement Advertisement The sound of gunfire faded Thursday in the capital, Tehran, and witnesses said bonfires and street debris were not visible like they had been in past mornings. Video footage of demonstrations also has stopped appearing, likely signaling the protests have slowed under the heavy security presence in major cities. Here is the latest: New Zealand diplomatic staff leaves Iran New Zealand has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, Iran, and moved consular operations to Ankara, Turkey, officials in Wellington said Friday. All New Zealand diplomatic staff left Iran on commercial flights during the past day, New Zealands foreign ministry said in a statement. The move followed remarks Thursday by Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who said his government was appalled by the escalation of violence and repression in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement We condemn the brutal crackdown being carried out by Irans security forces, including the killing of protesters, Peters posted on X. The foreign ministry repeated official advice Friday that New Zealanders should avoid travel to Iran and leave now if they were already there. They said the ability of New Zealands government to provide consular help to the countrys citizens in Iran was extremely limited. France and Britain threaten new sanctions Frances U.N. Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont said that given the scale and brutality of the repression against protesters, the international community must denounce the violence. Advertisement Advertisement He reiterated Frances call for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained and suspension of the death penalty and called for the rapid convening of a special session of the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council to address the situation in Iran and investigate rights violations. Britains deputy ambassador Archibald Young condemned Irans actions in the strongest possible terms and paid tribute to the courage of the Iranian people, particularly Iranian women. The United Kingdom has told Irans foreign minister that Iran must urgently change course and respect the fundamental rights of Iranians, including the right to protest without fear of violence or repression. If it doesnt, Young said the Group of Seven major industrialized nations, including the U.K., has made clear that it will impose additional sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement The world is watching, he said. Iran accuses US of steering unrest Gholam Hossein Darzi, the deputy Iranian ambassador to the U.N., blasted the U.S. for what it claims is American direct involvement in steering unrest in Iran to violence. Under the hollow pretext of concern for the Iranian people and claims of support for human rights, the United States is attempting to portray itself as a friend of the Iranian people while simultaneously laying the groundwork for political destabilization and military intervention under a so-called humanitarian narrative, Darzi said during his statement. Advertisement Advertisement The Iranian official also called out U.S. for what it described as its own human rights abuses against protesters with the recent killing of Renee Good in Minnesota by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. Russia accuses US of calling UN meeting to justify `blatant aggression and interference in Iran Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council that Moscow stands in solidary with Iran and backs its view that hostile external forcers are attempting to exploit the current situation in order to overthrow a government they find objectionable and destroy the Islamic Republic of Iran as a sovereign and independent state. Russia called on the U.S. to stop making themselves out to be a global judge and put an end to their escalatory actions, he said. Moscow also called on the U.N.s 193 member nations to prevent a new large-scale escalation. Advertisement Advertisement Nebenzia said U.S. actions risk plunging the region into even bloodier chaos chaos that could easily spill beyond its borders. He said what happened on Iranian streets in recent days went far beyond peaceful protests, pointing to the use of firearms, the killing of civilians and law enforcement officers and arson attacks on medical facilities and public institutions. US envoy tells Iran: Trump is a man of action U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council called by the United States that The people of Iran are demanding their freedom like never before in the Islamic Republics brutal history. Advertisement Advertisement He said the U.S. message is clear: President Donald J. Trump and the United States of America stand by the brave people of Iran. President Trump is a man of action, not endless talk like we see at the United Nations, Waltz said. He has made it clear, all options are on the table to stop the slaughter, and no one should know that better than the leadership of the Iranian regime. Waltz dismissed Iranian allegations that the protests are a foreign plot and precursor to military action saying: Everyone in the world needs to know that the regime is weaker than ever before, and therefore is putting forward this lie because of the power of the Iranian people in the streets. They are afraid, he said. They are afraid of their own people. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian dissident warns of `brutal slaughter in Iran Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad told an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council that the Islamic Republic is behaving like the Islamic State militant group, and deserves to be treated like" the group. She said: That is how you save innocent lives. She warned that brutal slaughter in Iran will get much worse if the world doesnt take serious action. Alinejad said all Iranians are united in seeking freedom and in the face of Iranian military weapons they want action, not empty words and empty condemnations. UN urges dialogue, warns against possible military strikes on Iran Advertisement Advertisement The U.N. warns possible military strikes on Iran would add volatility to an already combustible situation in an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council Thursday. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges maximum restraint at this sensitive moment and calls on all actors to refrain from any actions that could lead to further loss of life or ignite a wider regional escalation, Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee said at the meeting. Guterres urges maximum restraint and remains convinced that all issues regarding Iran, including its nuclear program, should be addressed through diplomacy and dialogue, she said. The U.N. chief reaffirms the U.N. Charters principles that disputes must be settled peacefully and prohibit the threat or use of force, Pobee said. Iranian dissident accuses UN of failing to adequately respond Masih Alinejad, one of the most vocal Iranian dissidents in the U.S., accused the United Nations and the Security Council of failing to respond with the urgency this moment demands at the emergency U.N. Security Council meeting Thursday. In October, two purported Russian mobsters were each sentenced to 25 years behind bars for hiring a hitman to kill Alinejad at her Brooklyn home on behalf of the Iranian government. Sitting across the table from the Iranian ambassador to the U.N., Alinejad, who came after an invitation from the U.S., said that the members of this body have forgotten the privilege and responsibility of sitting in this room. In a stunning moment, even for Security Council standards, Alinejad addressed the Islamic Republics representative seated at the council directly. You have tried to kill me three times. I have seen my would-be assassin with my own eyes in front of my garden, in my home in Brooklyn, she said while the Iranian official looked directly ahead, without acknowledging her. Iranian foreign minister calls on UN to condemn illegal US interventions Ahead of the emergency U.N. Security Council meeting Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke by phone to discuss the recent deadly protests and Irans request for the world body to do more to condemn what they call foreign influence in the Islamic Republic, according to a readout of the call posted on Iranian state TV. The semiofficial Tasnim news agency reported that Araghchi implored the top U.N. official to live up to the serious expectation that Irans government and its people have of the U.N.s role in condemning what the officials called illegal U.S. interventions against Iran. White House says 800 executions scheduled in Iran were halted White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that U.S. President Donald Trump and his team had communicated to Iranian officials that there would be grave consequences if killing continues against protesters in Iran. The president understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday, were halted, she said. But Trump continues closely watching the situation, she said. All options remain on the table for the president, Leavitt said. Iran-backed rebel group blames American-Israeli scheme Abdul Malik al-Houthi, leader of the Iran-backed Yemeni rebel group, said on Thursday that criminal gangs were responsible for the situation in Iran, accusing them of carrying out an American-Israeli scheme. Criminal gangs in Iran killed Iranian citizens, security forces and burned mosques, he said without providing evidence. Whats being committed by criminal gangs in Iran is horrific, bearing an American stamp as it includes slaughter and burning some people alive. He also said that the U.S. imposed economic sanctions on Iran to create a crisis leading to the current issues in the country with the end goal of controlling Iran. Yet he said the U.S. has failed in Iran and that Iranians will not yield to America. EU considering stronger sanctions against Iran The president of the European Unions executive arm says the 27-member bloc is looking to strengthen sanctions against Iran as ordinary Iranians continue their protests against Irans theocratic government. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday following a meeting of the EUs commissioners in Limassol, Cyprus that current sanctions against Iran are weakening the regime. Von der Leyen said that the EU is looking to sanction individual Iranians apart from those who belong to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard who are responsible for the atrocities. She added that the people of Iran who are bravely fighting for a change have the EUs full political support. 1 Canadian among those who died in Iran Canadas foreign minister says a Canadian citizen has died in Iran at the hands of the Iranian authorities. Peaceful protests by the Iranian people asking that their voices be heard in the face of the Iranian regimes repression and ongoing human rights violations has led the regime to flagrantly disregard human life, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand posted on social media Thursday. This violence must end. Canada condemns and calls for an immediate end to the Iranian regimes violence, she added. Anand said consular officials are in contact with the victims family in Canada. She did not provide details. International Red Cross says a staff member was killed during Iran protests The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies announced Thursday that a local staff member was killed and several others were wounded during the deadly protests in Iran over the weekend. Amir Ali Latifi, an Iranian Red Crescent Society worker, was working in the countrys Gillan province on Jan. 10 when he was killed in the line of duty, the organization said in a statement. The IFRC is deeply concerned about the consequences of the ongoing unrest on the people of Iran and is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Iranian Red Crescent Society, the statement continued. Trump hails good news on arrested Iranian shopkeeper U.S. President Donald Trump has hailed as good news reports that the death sentence has been lifted for an Iranian shopkeeper arrested in a violent crackdown on protests. Relatives of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani had said he faced imminent execution. Trump posed Thursday on his Truth Social site: FoxNews: Iranian protester will no longer be sentenced to death after President Trumps warnings. Likewise others. This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue! Iranian state media denied Soltani had been condemned to death. Iranian judicial authorities said Soltani was being held in a detention facility outside of the capital. Alongside other protesters, he has been accused of propaganda activities against the regime, state media said. Trump sent tensions soaring this week by pledging that help is on its way to Iranian protesters and urging them to continue demonstrating against authorities in the Islamic Republic. On Wednesday Trump signaled a possible de-escalation, saying he had been told that the killing in Iran is stopping. G7 warns of more sanctions for Iran In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Unions main foreign policy chief said the G7 members were gravely concerned by the developments surrounding the protests, and that they strongly oppose the intensification of the Iranian authorities brutal repression of the Iranian people. The statement, published on the EUs website Thursday, said the G7 were deeply alarmed at the high level of reported deaths and injuries and condemned the deliberate use of violence by Iranian security forces against protesters. The G7 members remain prepared to impose additional restrictive measures if Iran continues to crack down on protests and dissent in violation of international human rights obligations, the statement said. Chinese foreign minister speaks with Iranian counterpart Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken with his counterpart in Iran, who said the situation was now stable, Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Abbas Araghchi said he hoped China will play a greater role in regional peace and stability during the talks, according to the statement from the ministry. China opposes imposing its will on other countries, and opposes a return to the law of the jungle, Wang said. China believes that the Iranian government and people will unite, overcome difficulties, maintain national stability, and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests, he added. China hopes all parties will cherish peace, exercise restraint, and resolve differences through dialogue. China is willing to play a constructive role in this regard. Turkey says it's opposed to any foreign military intervention in Iran We are against military intervention in Iran, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told journalists in Istanbul on Thursday. Iran must address its own internal problems They must address their problems with the region and in global terms through diplomacy so that certain structural problems that cause economic problems can be addressed. Ankara and Tehran enjoy warm relations despite often holding divergent interests in the region. Fidan said the unrest in Iran was rooted in economic conditions caused by sanctions, rather than ideological opposition to the government. Iranians mostly absent from annual religious rituals in Iraq Iranians have been largely absent from an annual pilgrimage to Baghdad, Iraq, to commemorate the death of Imam Musa al-Kadhim, one of the twelve Shiite imams. Many Iranian pilgrims typically make the journey every year for the annual religious rituals. Streets across Baghdad were crowded with pilgrims Thursday. Most had arrived on foot from central and southern provinces of Iraq, heading toward the shrine of Imam al-Kadhim in the Kadhimiya district in northern Baghdad, Adel Zaidan, who owns a hotel near the shrine, said the number of Iranian visitors this year compared to previous years was very small. Other residents agreed. This visit is different from previous ones. It lacks the large numbers of Iranian pilgrims, especially in terms of providing food and accommodation, said Haider Al-Obaidi. Lufthansa halts night flights to and from Tel Aviv and Amman Europes largest airline group said Thursday it would halt night flights to and from Tel Aviv and Jordan's capital Amman for five days, citing security concerns as fears grow that unrest in Iran could spiral into wider regional violence. Lufthansa which operates Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings said flights would run only during daytime hours from Thursday through Monday due to the current situation in the Middle East. It said the change would ensure its staff which includes unionized cabin crews and pilots -- would not be required to stay overnight in the region. The airline group also said its planes would bypass Iranian and Iraqi airspace, key corridors for air travel between the Middle East and Asia. Iran closed its airspace to commercial flights for several hours early Thursday without explanation. A spokesperson for Israels Airport Authority, which oversees Tel Avivs Ben Gurion Airport, said the airport was operating as usual. State media denies man arrested during recent protests was condemned to death Iranian state media has denied claims that a young man arrested during Irans recent protests was condemned to death. The statement from Irans judicial authorities on Thursday contradicted what it said were opposition media abroad which claimed the young man had been quickly sentenced to death during a violent crackdown on anti-government protests in the country. State television didnt immediately give any details beyond his name, Erfan Soltani. Iranian judicial authorities said Soltani was being held in a detention facility outside of the capital. Alongside other protesters, he has been accused of propaganda activities against the regime, state media said. New Zealand says it is appalled with Iran situation New Zealands Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Thursday that his government was appalled by the escalation of violence and repression in Iran. We condemn the brutal crackdown being carried out by Irans security forces, including the killing of protesters, Peters posted on X. Iranians have the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and access to information and that right is currently being brutally repressed, he said. Peters said his government had expressed serious concerns to the Iranian Embassy in Wellington. Sen. Tim Reed, R-Brookings, listens to testimony during a state Senate Education Committee meeting on Jan. 16, 2024, at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Some state employees who want to go to work for companies doing business with the state will have to wait longer if a new bill becomes law. Republican Sen. Tim Reed, of Brookings, filed a bill Thursday that would require former state officials or employees to wait for two years before going to work for any entity that was the beneficiary of a contract the officials or employees approved, awarded or administered, if the contract value was more than $1 million. Existing state law requires a one-year waiting period for all such officials or employees. Advertisement Advertisement Its a better cooling-off period, Reed said. And we, as legislators, have to wait two years before we can be hired to lobby. Reeds bill is a response to South Dakota Searchlight reporting about Steve Westra, who was the commissioner of the Governors Office of Economic Development during the administration of Republican former Gov. Kristi Noem. Westra left his state job in 2023 and took a job with CJ Schwans a year later. While Westra worked for state government, he signed the first pledge of state aid benefiting the company. That aid now totals $69 million of grants, loans and tax rebates for the companys $550 million, 650-employee food production plant under construction in northern Sioux Falls. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Westra has not responded to Searchlight messages. CJ Schwans said in an email last year that Westra is currently employed by CJ Schwans to advise on business development and government relations matters. He was hired after he left state government. At no time did anyone from the company discuss potential employment with Mr. Westra while he was involved with state government. Reed formerly served as CEO of the Brookings Economic Development Corp. Ive been involved with economic development for quite a while, and after finding out about this, it made me ask, Should we be doing something? Reed said. The CJ Schwans project will be good for the economy, Reed said, but the optics of Westras transition were absolutely terrible. Advertisement Advertisement Reeds bill would apply to officials who recommended approval of a contract or supervise someone who makes the recommendation, he said. He has not heard an official response from the governors office, but said hes gathering bipartisan lawmaker support. Reeds bill is part of a broader discussion this legislative session about economic development in the state, including uses of the governors Future Fund, which is the source of about half of the state aid benefiting CJ Schwans. Much of the Future Fund aid was approved during the Noem administration. The governor has exclusive control of the Future Fund, which state law requires to be used for purposes related to research and economic development for the state. Sen. Taffy Howard, R-Rapid City, has introduced a bill to put some restrictions on the fund, including a requirement that the state Board of Economic Development consider applications for funding. Meanwhile, Gov. Larry Rhoden responded Thursday with an executive order outlining his self-imposed priorities and guidelines for using the fund. I think its just to put in writing and give the legislators a comfort level that this is what were looking at when were making these decisions on Future Fund projects, Rhoden said during a press conference. Update: A senior official at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday that the study has been cancelled. The Trump administrations Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is funding a heavily flawed vaccine trial in west Africa that is being described as another Tuskegee. The health newsletter Inside Medicine obtained the protocols for a study receiving $1.6 million to experiment on babies in Guinea-Bissau. The experiment is a randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of neonatal Hepatitis B vaccination on early-life mortality, morbidity, and long-term developmental outcomes, according to a Federal Register notice. Advertisement Advertisement The comparisons to Tuskegee, an experiment in which the U.S. government let syphilis go unchecked in African Americans in Alabama from 1932 to 1972, came from an unnamed CDC official who spoke to Inside Medicine. This is another Tuskegee, the official said. We are allowing children, infants, to be exposed to Hepatitis B when we could prevent it, and then follow them for five years to see what happens. Thats not long enough to see the long-term benefits, but might be long enough to find some non-specific effects. The experiment had raised ethical concerns at the time the funding grant was announced in December, with Professor Martin McKee of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine telling The Guardian that it has set alarm bells ringing in the global health community. The World Health Organization has recommended the hepatitis B vaccination at birth since 2009. But the experiments protocols not only legitimize those concerns, they raise them. Inside Medicine found that theres no placebo in the trial, and that this experiment is studying a vaccine known to be effective in order to find non-specific effects of vaccines. Thats language straight from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedys echo chamber, as he and his fellow anti-vaxxers make unfounded claims that many vaccines have unknown harmful effects. Advertisement Advertisement The study is also flawed because hepatitis B causes serious problems later in life, not shortly after birth, so trying to measure mortality and morbidity is not likely to yield any useful conclusions right away. Plus, none of the vaccines in the study are FDA-approved, raising the question of why the CDC is funding a study of vaccines that arent available to Americans. Other issues in the trial include a lack of testing of mothers for hepatitis B, meaning that some of the babies at the highest risk for contracting it could be left without the vaccine, and that theres no stop protocol in case the results are very bad for the participants. The Department of Health and Human Services is defending the study by claiming Guinea-Bissau isnt mandating the hepatitis B vaccine until 2027 anyway. However, the $1.6 million grant could instead be used to vaccinate Guinea-Bissaus children for a decade against hepatitis B, calling into question the usefulness of this experiment. All of this seems to confirm that Kennedys views are now becoming U.S. government and CDC policy, with eugenics-style experiments being given the green light in an attempt to legitimize anti-vaccine views. How many experiments like this will there be, and how many lives will be lost? BANGKOK, Jan 14 (Reuters) - A train derailed in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday after a construction crane fell on three of its carriages, killing at least 25 people and injuring about 80, police said. The accident took place on Wednesday morning in the Sikhio district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, 230 km (143 miles) northeast of Bangkok, on a train from the capital bound for Ubon Ratchathani province. "The death toll has now reached 25. The search for more bodies is ongoing," Police Colonel Thatchapon Chinnawong told Reuters by phone. Advertisement Advertisement Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said in a statement that there were 195 people on board, adding 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 derail and briefly catch fire. 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 some badly injured passengers already being loaded into ambulances. Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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." The high-speed rail project will connect to China through Laos. The government said last year that more than a third of construction had been completed in the segment connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, and the whole line to Nong Khai at the border with Laos would be ready by 2030. (Reporting by Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um, Additional reporting by Ethan Wang in Beijing; Editing by Martin Petty and David Stanway) Weekly food pantry boxes inside High Street Congregational Church in Auburn. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/Maine Morning Star.) A Maine lawmaker wants to ensure lawfully present immigrants are able to access food assistance after the federal government limited their eligibility to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The proposal, introduced by independent Rep. Bill Pluecker before the Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday, would allow lawfully present immigrants who lost access to federal food assistance under HR 1, the Trump administrations sweeping budget bill, to receive state-funded SNAP benefits. Under the Republican-led bill passed this summer, some immigrants including refugees, domestic violence survivors and human trafficking victims were deemed ineligible for food assistance, despite their legal presence and humanitarian protections. Advertisement Advertisement In Maine, these groups of legal immigrants have not needed to depend on the states SNAP program because they were eligible for its federal counterpart. But with the loss of federal support, Pluecker hopes to clarify that they can instead receive state-funded benefits. LD 2051 simply clarifies the definition of non-citizen legally admitted to the United States to ensure that those who should currently receive SNAP benefits in Maine can continue to receive them if they experience a hardship, said Alex Carter, senior policy advocate at Maine Equal Justice. The intent is not to expand eligibility, but rather to preserve it for as many people as possible under existing law and help make benefit determinations more efficient, Carter explained. Maine is one of few states that has a state-funded SNAP program, which, like its federal counterpart, offers food assistance benefits to low-income people. Advertisement Advertisement While Maine cant make up for the significant gap left by federal safety net cuts, advocates supported LD 2051, calling it a targeted, practical step that uses existing infrastructure to prioritize those most impacted, according to testimony submitted by Ruben Torres of the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition. Carter told Maine Morning Star that the bill is an important step to ensuring food security for vulnerable groups, but is an imperfect solution because to qualify for Maines SNAP program, people have to meet a higher threshold and receive a hardship exception, which means not everyone eligible for federal food assistance would be eligible for state-funded SNAP. Patterns of food insecurity impact immigrant communities disproportionately in Maine and beyond, and challenges are compounded for immigrant populations of color, according to Sam Zuckerman, policy coordinator of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Tribal Populations. Zuckerman cited a 2025 Maine Health report that found 7% of English-speaking patients faced food insecurity, while 20% of non-English speaking patients had. Another study of food insecurity disparities among immigrants found that noncitizens are 1.28 times more likely to face food insecurity than citizens born in the United States. That gap was closed when immigrants had access to SNAP benefits, Zuckerman said, pointing to the need to continue state-funded SNAP for these groups. Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, since federal disruptions in SNAP funding late last year, food pantries are continuing to see an unprecedented demand, according to testimony from Preble Street and Good Shepherd Food Bank. Preble Street has had to increase prepared meals from 2,000 to 2,600 a day to meet the need, and now sends out 1,000 food boxes per week, said advocacy director Terence Miller. Theres also increasing fear of federal immigration enforcement, according to Miller and Anna Korsen, deputy director of Full Plates Full Potential, who told the committee this has impacted access to food. We have been hearing from food pantries who tend to see higher numbers of immigrant families that there has been a decline in those families because they dont feel safe to leave their homes, she told the committee. And so access to SNAP is even more important for those households. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Liberian man arrested over the weekend after heavily armed immigration agents used a battering ram to break through the front door of his Minneapolis home had been checking in regularly with federal authorities for years, his attorney said Tuesday. The arrest of Garrison Gibson, 37 during a Minnesota immigration crackdown that the Department of Homeland Security has called its largest enforcement operation ever, was a blatant constitutional violation, since the agents did not have a proper warrant, said attorney Marc Prokosch. The arrest Sunday came in a city increasingly on edge after an immigration agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good last week, setting off waves of angry protests and clashes between authorities and activists. Advertisement Advertisement This was an illegal search, absolutely, said Prokosch, because agents had brought only an administrative warrant, which authorizes someones arrest but does not allow officers to forcibly enter private homes. Forced entry requires a criminal warrant signed by a judge. Gibson, who fled the Liberian civil war as a child, had been ordered removed from the U.S., apparently because of a 2008 drug conviction that was later dismissed by the courts. But he had remained in the country legally under whats known as an order of supervision, with the requirement that he meet regularly with immigration authorities. Only days before his arrest, Gibson had checked in with immigration authorities at regional immigration offices the same building where agents have been staging enforcement raids in recent weeks. He would have had another check-in in a couple of months, Prokosch said. So if hes this dangerous person, then, why are they letting him walk around? Advertisement Advertisement Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Homeland Security Department, said earlier this week that Gibson has a lengthy rap sheet (that) includes robbery, drug possession with intent to sell, possession of a deadly weapon, malicious destruction and theft. She did not indicate if those were arrests, charges or convictions. McLaughlin did not respond to questions about whether the agents use of force was justified. But court records indicate Gibsons legal history dominated by a few traffic violations, minor drug arrests and an arrest for riding public transportation without paying the fare shows only one felony, the 2008 conviction for third-degree narcotics sales that was later dismissed. Prokosch said Gibson had been flown to Texas by immigration authorities in the hours after his arrest, then quickly flown back to Minnesota on a judge's order after the lawyer filed a habeas corpus petition, used by courts to determine if an imprisonment is legal. The courts have not yet ruled on the petition. Advertisement Advertisement Gibson is currently being held at an immigration detention center in Albert Lea, Minnesota, after being held at a large camp on the Fort Bliss Army base in El Paso, Texas. according to ICEs detainee locator. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to an email from The Associated Press with follow-up questions about Gibson's case. Guns, activists and pepper spray Gibsons wife, Teyana Gibson Brown, a nurse who was inside the home with the couple's 9-year-old child during the raid, was deeply shaken by the arrest, Prokosch said. During their conversations, she was having a hard time just completing sentences because shes just been so distraught, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Activists who had been keeping watch on the immigration agents before Gibson's arrest banged on drums, blew whistles and honked car horns in attempts to disrupt the operation and warn neighbors, some of whom poured into the streets. Video taken at the scene by the AP shows agents pushing and pepper-spraying demonstrators. The Twin Cities the latest target in President Donald Trumps immigration enforcement campaign has been convulsed by the killing of Good, who was shot Jan. 7 during a confrontation with agents. The Trump administration has defended the officer who shot Good in her car, saying he was protecting himself and fellow agents and that Good had weaponized her vehicle. Advertisement Advertisement City and state officials have dismissed those explanations 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 investigate Goods death after federal authorities insisted they would work on their own and not share information. More than 2,000 immigration arrests have been made in Minnesota since the enforcement operation began at the beginning of December, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Fox News over the weekend that the administration would send additional federal agents to the state to protect immigration officers and continue enforcement. AP correspondent Elliot Spagat contributed to this report from San Diego. Think warm thoughts, ditch your coat and jump into the ocean at the 2026 LADACIN Plunge this weekend. You can do it it's for a good cause. Proceeds raised by plungers go to the J. Michael Hartnett Memorial Fund, which benefits the LADACIN Network (Lifetime Assistance for Developmental and Challenging Individual Needs.) Since its inception more than 15 years ago, the event has raised more than $1.2 million for the nonprofit organization, which provides educational, therapeutic, social, residential and support services to people with disabilities, according to its website. Advertisement Advertisement Plungers who raise $100 or more receive a T-shirt, and participants are treated to a two-hour, post-plunge buffet lunch and costume contest at Leggett's. Those who want to attend without plunging can enjoy lunch and festivities for $20. Go: 2026 LADACIN Plunge, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Leggetts Sand Bar & Restaurant, 217 First Ave., Manasquan, $25 to register. To register or for more information, visit ladacin.org. Here are more things to do this weekend, including an ice-carving competition, concerts, Pokemon market and more. Ice-carving competition in Long Branch Pier Village in Long Branch will host an ice-carving competition on Saturday, Jan. 17. In winter, ice isn't just for skating. Pie Village will host an ice-carving competition Saturday behind Wave Resort. "Watch skilled ice sculptors transform massive blocks of ice into stunning works of art right before your eyes," reads a news release. Advertisement Advertisement After watching the competition, visitors can enjoy oceanfront firepits. The sculptures will remain on display through Sunday, unless they melt first! Go: Pier Village ice-carving competition, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, The Blue Wave, 110 Ocean Ave., Long Branch, free of charge. For more information, visit piervillage.com. Light of Day WinterFest in Asbury Park, Red Bank This weekend, enjoy tunes from dozens of musicians during Light of Day WinterFest, a multi-venue concert series that raises funds and awareness for Parkinson's and related diseases. Light of Day, which comprises more than 30 concerts throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, began in early January and continues through the end of the month. Most shows take place in Asbury Park and Red Bank, including the main event, "Bob's Birthday Bash," happening at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Count Basie Centers Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre in Red Bank. Advertisement Advertisement The lineup includes John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls, Willie Nile, Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Gary U.S. Bonds, Dramarama, Fantastic Cat, James Maddock, Joe D'Urso & Stone Caravan and many more. Since it began in 2000, Light of Day has raised more than $6.5 million for Parkinsons disease, according to its website. Go: Light of Day WinterFest, through Saturday, Jan. 24, multiple venues in New Jersey and Pennyslvania. For a complete schedule and more information, visit lightofday.org. 'Grateful Dead' laser show in Toms River Bob Weir, Grateful Dead singer and guitarist, attends the Grateful Dead's induction into the Madison Square Garden Walk of Fame at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY Monday May 11, 2015. Pay tribute to the music of the Grateful Dead and founding member Bob Weir, who died on Jan. 10, with a laser show at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium. Advertisement Advertisement The Saturday show in Toms River will feature songs like "Friend of the Devil," "Uncle John's Band," "Touch of Grey" and "Fire on the Mountain," plus more than half a dozen other songs. Go: Laser Grateful Dead show, 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Robert J. Novins Planetarium at Ocean County College, 1 College Drive, Toms River, $12 for adults, $10 for children 12 and younger and adults older than 60. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ocean.edu. Pokemon market in Holmdel A Pokemon market featuring vendors, giveaways and a tournament will take place Saturday at Bell Works in Holmdel. Pikachu, Charizard and friends will take over Bell Works on Saturday, courtesy of Ocean Township hobby shop Liquid Games. The store is hosting a Pokemon market featuring "350+ tables of all things Pokemon" in the building's main atrium. Vendors from the tri-state area will be in attendance, and a Trading Card Game tournament will take place during the event. Advertisement Advertisement Additional markets will take place Saturday, Feb. 7, and Sunday, April 12, at Bell Works. Go: Pokemon market, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Bell Works, 101 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, free of charge. For more information, visit facebook.com/liquidgames.com. Roomful of Blues in Tuckerton Rhode Island-based "horn-driven blues, jump, swing and soul band" Roomful of Blues is celebrating the release of their new album, "Steppin' Out!" with a performance at the Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton. Rhode Island-based "horn-driven blues, jump, swing and soul band" Roomful of Blues is celebrating the release of their new album, "Steppin' Out!" with a performance at the Lizzie Rose Music Room in Tuckerton. The concert, set for 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, will introduce Roomful of Blues' first album featuring a female vocalist, D.D. Bastos. Advertisement Advertisement The band first formed in 1967 and has been led by master guitarist Chris Vachon for over three decades. The group has earned five Grammy Award nominations and seven Blues Music Awards. Go: Roomful of Blues, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18; Lizzie Rose Music Room, 217 E. Main St., Tuckerton. For tickets, $65 in advance and $70 at the door, and more information, visit lizzierosemusic.com. "At Home at the Zoo" in Ocean Grove Edward Albee's "At Home at the Zoo" is hitting the Jersey Shore. The show is being mounted by Ruth Stage, an Asbury Parkbased nonprofit theater company, and is part of a multi-year residency at the Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove. The residency eyes "developing Broadway-caliber productions locally before transferring select works to New York City," according to Matt de Rogatis, chairman and creative director of Ruth Stage. Advertisement Advertisement The show will run Jan. 15 to 17 at Jersey Shore Arts Center. "At Home at the Zoo" is a rarely staged two-act production that "pairs 'Homelife' with 'The Zoo Story,' offering audiences the full play exactly as Albee intended," de Rogatis said. The show's cast includes Christian Jules LeBlanc, a three-time Daytime Emmy winner and longtime star of "The Young and the Restless,"; Nancy Lemenager, a 10-time Broadway veteran whose credits include "Chicago," "Movin Out" and "McNeal"; as well as de Rogatis (off-Broadway's "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"). Go: "At Home at the Zoo"; 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15; 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, and Saturday, Jan. 17; Jersey Shore Arts Center, 66 S. Main St., Ocean Grove. For tickets, starting at $55, and more information, visit RuthStage.org or jerseyshoreartscenter.org. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Best things to do around the Jersey Shore (Jan. 17-18) JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) In the wake of an arson attack at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, there has been support from across the faith community. Parkway Hills United Methodist Church has stepped up to help Beth Israel. When members began asking how they could help after the fire on January 10, 2026, church leaders looked to their communion tradition. They set aside offerings each month to meet the needs beyond their walls. For years, Parkway Hills confirmation students have visited Beth Israel, attending services and learning what it means to engage with a different faith. Advertisement Advertisement Suspect in Beth Israel arson attack indicted on state charge The hope is that we are passing on to them a shared humanity, right? Not just with Beth Israel, but with all faiths and just all people, so that we dont repeat atrocities of the past. That were passing on some teaching of sharing and love and a connection that we all have. Yes, especially with our Jewish brothers and sisters with the whole idea of being created in the image of God. But just a shared humanity in general, said Rev. Dawn Douglas Flowers, with Parkway Hills United Methodist Church. Funds raised during Parkway Hills February communion services will be directed to supporting Beth Israel. St. Philips is located across the street from Beth Israel. Theyve opened their doors to provide some of their spaces for members of Beth Israel Congregation. Advertisement Advertisement Weve offered that space is a place for people to gather when they want to maybe come bear witness, members, displaced to kind of gather and be together. You know, thats the way weve made it available, but Ive learned of an outpouring of support from Jackson, which is, you know, for such a horrible situation, said Rev. Les Hegwood, with St. Philips Episcopal Church. Beth Israel Congregation is also accepting donations at bethisraelms.org for the Beth Israel Rebuilding Fund. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News 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 WJTV. Two state representatives introduced a House Bill aimed at enhancing the integrity of publicly funded child care programs in Ohio, according to a spokesperson with the Ohio House of Representatives. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] State Representatives Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Tom Young (R-Washington Twp.) announced HB 647 in Columbus on Wednesday. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement The bill would give the Ohio Attorney General the authority to investigate and prosecute suspected fraud in publicly funded child care programs, the spokesperson said. >>RELATED: Governor highlights Ohios safeguards against child care fraud, urges public to report suspicions It also enables the Department of Children and Youth (DCY) to suspend licenses and agreements under suspicion of fraud while providing funding for enhanced data analytics to improve accountability. The new antifraud measures in this bill will crackdown on the theft of taxpayer dollars and eliminate loopholes identified by the department, Plummer said. Advertisement Advertisement A key aspect of this bill is there are 5,200 childcare centers being monitored and over 100,000 children a day, Young said. This bill will help create a system of advanced analytics to aid in the detection and the protection of taxpayers dollars. And I want to be clear what this bill does not do. The bill does not: (1) reduce eligibility for families currently receiving care, (2) eliminate transitional childcare, (3) target providers who are operating safely and lawfully, or (4) reduce childcare for working families. The legislation is currently awaiting a House committee assignment. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Jefferson Parish Judge Adrian Adams reigns as the king of the Mystic Krewe of Music in 2026. (24th Judicial District photo) A Jefferson Parish judge who has been chosen king of a Carnival krewe can spend his campaign money to purchase merchandise for his role, according to the Louisiana Board of Ethics. The board issued its decision Friday for 24th Judicial District Judge Adrian Adams, who reigns over the Mystic Krewe of Music this year. Adams, who is up for reelection this year, had sought an advisory opinion from the board confirming that his Mardi Gras expenses could be covered with campaign money. Specifically, Adams asked if he could use political contributions to purchase cups, beads and other carnival favors bearing his name and image to be given out at parades and other Mardi Gras festivities. If I am able to use the funds, it will allow me to meet the constituents of Jefferson Parish, Adams wrote in his request for an advisory opinion. Advertisement Advertisement The board agreed Mardi Gras paraphernalia could be a legitimate campaign expense. [The law] does not prohibit you, as a candidate, from using contributions for expenditures related to Mardi Gras items, including cups, beads or carnival favors, provided that the items contain your name and image, ethics administrator David Bordelon wrote in the approved opinion. A handful of older board opinions issued in the late 1990s already indicated Mardi Gras parade throws with the names and images of politicians on them were a legitimate campaign expense. The ethics board might be getting more requests for clarification because the Louisiana Legislature recently loosened restrictions on campaign spending for Mardi Gras. Advertisement Advertisement In previous years, the board prohibited using campaign funds for Carnival krewe membership dues and participation in parades if the elected official or candidates face was covered. But a broad rewrite of the campaign finance laws last year means those spending limitations likely dont exist anymore. Politicians may now use their campaign and political action committee money for krewe dues as long as being a member of the krewe helps them interact with constituents, other elected officials or former elected officials. Theres also a specific provision to allow campaign money to be spent more freely on Washington Mardi Gras, which takes place in the nations capital every year. In November, the ethics board issued an advisory opinion to Mandeville Mayor Clay Madden, stating he can legally use campaign funds to cover his Washington Mardi Gras expenses. Madden intends to go to the event, which will take place the last week of January, in his official capacity as a city representative, he said in his request to the board. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE David Crane/The Orange County Register via AP, File California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) rejected an extradition request from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry (R), who is seeking a Bay Area doctor accused of mailing abortion pills to the Bayou State. On Wednesday, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced an arrest warrant for Dr. Remy Coeytaux, a doctor who lives in Sonoma County. Murrill alleges that Coeytaux mailed abortion pills to a Louisiana woman, who ordered them online after learning she was pregnant in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement We are going to continue to fight the illegal sending of abortion pills into Louisiana, she said in a video posted to X on Tuesday. Murrill said an extradition request had been sent to Landry, who responded, I am signing the extradition paperwork to bring this California doctor to justice. Louisiana has a zero tolerance policy for those who subvert our laws, seek to hurt women, and promote abortion. I know Gavin Newsom supports abortion in all its forms, but that doesnt work in Louisiana. We are unapologetically pro-life. On Wednesday, Newsom quote-tweeted Landry and responded to the extradition request. Louisianas request is denied, he wrote. Louisiana's request is denied. https://t.co/pX9A5obW4d Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) January 14, 2026 Coyeaux was charged in Louisiana with Criminal Abortion by Means of Abortion-Inducing Drugs. In response to Newsoms rejection, Murrill said it is appalling that California officials are openly admitting that they will protect an individual from being held accountable for illegal, medically unethical and dangerous conduct. Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, California lawmakers passed a telemedicine abortion shield law to protect doctors in the state from out-of-state prosecutions. The legislation prohibits the extradition of individuals alleged to have violated another states abortion laws. The post Louisianas Request Is Denied: Gavin Newsom Rejects Extradition of Doctor Accused of Mailing Abortion Drugs first appeared on Mediaite. Election ballots will look different for Louisville voters in 2026. That's because the 2026 primary election, scheduled for May 19, will be Louisville's first nonpartisan election. That means candidates for Louisville Metro Government offices, including mayor and Metro Council, will not be identified as Republican or Democrat. Instead, voters will see only the names of candidates running for these offices. The nonpartisan election setup contrasts with most other races for state, federal and county offices. Candidates for Kentucky's opening U.S. Senate seat, for example, will still be identified by party in the primary. The same is true of Jefferson County-level offices, like sheriff, county clerk and county attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Here's what to know about how Louisville's nonpartisan elections will work: Voters turned out in droves before dawn to vote on Election Day at Ballard High School. Nov. 3, 2020 How do nonpartisan elections work in Kentucky? Races that have three or more candidates running will be key in the primary election. During the primary, voters will be asked to select their top choice out of a pool of candidates, with the top two vote-getters advancing to the general election in November. "They will not have a party next to them, so you won't see 'Democrat' or 'Republican' next to the names," Jefferson County Clerk David Yates told reporters Jan. 9. "The straight party-line voting will not apply for these races." The primary election is inconsequential for races that have only one or two candidates running. Candidates in those races automatically advance to the November general election. Who gets to vote in nonpartisan primary elections? Kentucky conducts closed primary elections, meaning voters must be registered as a Democrat or Republican to vote in their respective party's primary. Advertisement Advertisement Nonpartisan primaries, however, do not restrict participation on the basis of party and allow independent voters to cast a vote. "What we're looking at is about 75,000 independent voters in Jefferson County will now be participating in primaries," Yates said. "In your nonpartisan races, everyone participates." Why is Louisville holding nonpartisan elections? The nonpartisan elections come as a result of House Bill 388, a law passed by the Kentucky General Assembly during the 2024 legislative session. The legislation followed recommendations made by the Louisville Metro Comprehensive Review Commission, a bipartisan group created by the General Assembly that studied the 20-year impact of Louisville's city-county merger, The Courier Journal previously reported. Can Louisville candidates self-identify with a political party? Candidates can still identify themselves by political party while campaigning, but that party will not be reflected on the ballot. Advertisement Advertisement While "straight party" voting used to apply to mayoral and Metro Council races, that is no longer the case. At election time, voters will have to fill in individual bubbles for the mayoral and council candidates of their choice. "You're going to have to really pay attention to your ballot," Yates said. "Scan it all the way through." Metro Council members will also still be able to join party caucuses, which will continue to operate according to the legislative body's rules. How can I register to vote in Kentucky? Kentucky residents can register to vote and check their registration status at vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/govoteky. Killian Baarlaer covers Louisville Metro Government. Reach him at kbaarlaer@courier-journal.com or @bkillian72 on X. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: How nonpartisan elections will work in Louisville, Kentucky A Shrewsbury school employee has been placed on leave after he was arrested on child pornography charges. Aiden York-Wallach, 19, of Lunenburg, was arrested after Lunenburg police, the Massachusetts State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the United States Secret Service, and the members of the New England Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory executed a search warrant at his home on Thursday. York is charged with two counts of possession of child pornography and one count of dissemination of visual material of a child in a state of nudity or sexual conduct. Advertisement Advertisement According to Shrewsbury Public Schools, York-Wallach worked as an ABA technician paraeducator at Sherwood Middle School. Additionally, he worked in the after-school programs at several different locations, including Sherwood, Beal School, and Spring Street School, in the Summer Enrichment and Special Education Extended Year programs, alongside the Unified athletics and social club at the middle schools. Lunenburg Police said the charges are not connected to any Shrewsbury student. A criminal complaint said York-Wallach talked candidly about his desire for child sexual abuse images on Snapchat. The complaint said he told another user, You just gotta dig for it. Advertisement Advertisement York also reportedly said he likes children 10+ in a conversation with another user. This person was a threat, not only to my child, but for anyone who interacted with him within that school, said Brittany Hilton, mother of a 5th-grade Sherwood Middle School student. Brittany and Jeremy Hilton told Boston 25 News theyre especially disturbed by the allegations because their 11-year-old son is non-verbal and on the autism spectrum. They said their son works one-on-one with York-Wallach on a daily basis. My son loved Aiden. They were BFFs, said father Jeremy Hilton. Its disturbing to me that this is going on in his head. Advertisement Advertisement Shrewsbury Public Schools also noted the following in a statement: When we received this information today, Mr. York-Wallach was immediately placed on leave and we revoked all access to SPS buildings and systems. We reviewed and confirmed that the district performed all required criminal background checks prior to Mr. York-Wallach starting in our schools, and there was no criminal record. School leaders have been communicating with the families of students with whom Mr. York-Wallach worked directly. An investigation into the incident 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 Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has given her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House, saying it was a recognition of his commitment to her country's freedom. "I think today is a historic day for us Venezuelans," she said after meeting Trump in person for the first time, weeks after US forces seized Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas and charged him in a drug-trafficking case. Trump said on social media that the move was "a wonderful gesture of mutual respect", but the Nobel committee has said the prize itself was not transferable. Advertisement Advertisement The US president has declined to endorse Machado as Venezuela's new leader, despite her movement claiming victory in 2024's widely contested elections. Trump has instead been dealing with the acting head of state in Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's former vice-president. But he said meeting Machado was a "great honor", calling her a "wonderful woman who has been through so much". After leaving the White House, Machado spoke to supporters gathered at the gates outside, telling them in Spanish, according to the Associated Press: "We can count on President Trump." Advertisement Advertisement "I presented the president of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize," Machado later told journalists in English, calling it "a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom". [BBC] Trump, who often speaks about his desire to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, had expressed displeasure when it was given to Machado and she decided to accept the honour last year. The BBC has reached out to the White House for comment. Machado said last week that she would share it with Trump, but the committee later clarified that it was not transferable. "Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others," it said in a statement last week. "The decision is final and stands for all time." Advertisement Advertisement Asked for a reaction to Machado's remarks, the committee directed the BBC to their previous statement. Before the White House meeting on Thursday, the Nobel Peace Center posted on X that "a medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot". In her remarks, Machado described how the Marquis de Lafayette, who fought in America's Revolutionary War, gave a medal bearing the likeness of George Washington to Simon Bolivar, one of the founding fathers of modern Venezuela. The gift was "a sign of the brotherhood" between her country and the US "in their fight for freedom against tyranny," Machado said. Advertisement Advertisement "And 200 years in history, the people of Bolivar are giving back to the heir of Washington a medal - in this case a medal of the Nobel Peace Prize - as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom," she said. [Reuters] Machado also visited Congress to meet US senators during her visit to Washington, where her remarks to reporters were drowned out by supporters chanting "Maria, presidente" and waving Venezuelan flags. Machado had been expected to use her time with Trump to try to persuade him that backing Rodriguez's interim government was a mistake, and that her opposition coalition should be in charge of this transition. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters as the meeting was under way on Thursday that Machado is "a remarkable and brave voice for many of the people of Venezuela" and that Trump "was looking forward to this meeting and expecting a frank and positive discussion" about the current realities of life in Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has previously described Machado as a "freedom fighter", but rejected the notion of appointing her to lead Venezuela after Maduro's removal, arguing that she lacks sufficient domestic support. Freddy Guevara, co-founder of the opposition Venezuelan party Voluntad Popular and a former political prisoner of Maduro now living in exile, told the BBC he didn't think Machado was "looking for endorsement" in giving Trump the prize or that it was a "tactic so Trump can appoint her". "I think this is not a personal goal. I think that Maria Corina Machado understands the importance, and she believes that this is the right thing to do for the freedom of Venezuela," Guevara said, speaking on Radio 4's Today programme. He said the focus of the opposition was on securing democratic elections for the country. "What we are aiming is to have a democratic transition in which the people of Venezuela are the ones that will decide through their votes who is the one that is going to govern us." Advertisement Advertisement Since Maduro was seized on 3 January, the Trump administration has moved quickly to remake Venezuela's oil sector, which had been under US sanctions. On Wednesday an American official said the US had completed its first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500m (373m). Oil tankers suspected of transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil have also been seized by the US, with US forces saying they had boarded a sixth tanker on Thursday. Guevara said he didn't think the US's actions just related to oil, "however, we are not naive, and we understand the importance of development and oil for them [the US]. But we believe that both things can work at the same time." A Venezuelan government envoy is expected to travel to Washington on Thursday to meet US officials and take initial steps toward reopening the country's embassy, the New York Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement The emissary is reported to be a close ally and friend of Rodriguez, who has been described as "extremely co-operative" by the White House. Rodriguez delivered the annual Message to the Nation speech in Caracas on Thursday, in which she said she was willing to attend meetings in Washington as well. "If I ever have to go to Washington as acting president, I will do so standing tall, walking, and not crawling," she said, calling on the country to "not be afraid of diplomacy" with the US. Trump and Rodriguez also spoke by phone on Wednesday, with Trump later describing his counterpart on social media as "a terrific person". Rodriguez, meanwhile, described the call as "productive and courteous" and characterised by "mutual respect." Advertisement Advertisement Do you have a question about Trump's first year back in office? Click here or use the form below. [BBC] Follow the twists and turns of Trump's second term with North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher's weekly US Politics Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here. PARIS, Jan 15 (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency defence cabinet in Paris on Thursday to discuss U.S. President Donald's Trump's stated intent to acquire Greenland and the forceful crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran. In an overnight message on X, Macron said a first group of French military personnel were already headed to Greenland to participate in an exercise organised by Denmark and Greenland, an overseas Danish territory. The crisis meeting, confirmed by a French official, was scheduled to begin at 0700 GMT. Advertisement Advertisement Allied nations including Germany, Norway and Sweden have begun deploying troops to Greenland in a show of support to Copenhagen and Nuuk. The deployment follows a high-stakes meeting between U.S., Danish and Greenlandic officials, indicated that there were still fundamental, if not intractable, differences between how Washington, Copenhagen and Nuuk see the island's future. "At Denmark's request, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organised by Denmark in Greenland," Macron said in his X post. "The first French military elements are already en route. Others will follow." Those deploying to Greenland were mountain specialists, Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, France's ambassador to the Poles told France Info. The first batch numbered about 15 and were helping prepare the exercise dubbed Operation Arctic Endurance, he said. Macron is due to deliver a New Years address to the armed forces later on Thursday. (Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Richard Lough) Venezuela's jailed and deposed authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro has addressed his compatriots from a US prison and urged them to support the country's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez. "Trust Delcy and her team, and trust us. That is the message we have received," Maduro's son Nicolas Maduro Guerra said, according to a report by Venezuela's state news agency AVN. He described Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores as determined and strong, with a clear conscience and trust in God and the Venezuelan people. Advertisement Advertisement US special forces detained Maduro and Flores in Caracas on January 3 and took them to New York. There, they are to stand trial for alleged involvement in drug trafficking. Rodriguez, formerly the vice president under Maduro, was then sworn in as acting head of state. Rodriguez has strongly condemned the US action and continues to refer to Maduro as Venezuela's legitimate president. She has also offered the US talks on possible cooperation, however. Meanwhile the Venezuelan government has released 18 journalists and media workers from prison. Six other reporters remain in prison, the journalists' union SNTP said on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement The authoritarian government of the South American country has in the past cracked down on critical journalists and detained numerous media workers, particularly during the protests against Maduro's re-election 18 months ago, which was overshadowed by allegations of fraud. Rodriguez has released a number of political prisoners in recent days and wants to keep doing so. Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart (R-Aroostook), Senate Minority Leader Matt Harrington (R-York) and House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham (R-Winter Harbor) hold a press conference after Gov. Janet Mills' Jan. 2025 State of the Budget address. (Photo by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) Republican legislators are blaming Gov. Janet Mills for the rumored increase in immigration operations in Maine because she allowed a new law to limit local cooperation with federal agents. This is what happens when you have a Governor who puts political brinkmanship over the safety of Maine citizens, Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart (R-Aroostook) said in a statement Thursday. Her actions place law enforcement and the general public at heightened risk. Advertisement Advertisement Stewart specifically mentioned a new state law that will bar local authorities from carrying out federal immigration enforcement. Mills allowed it to become law without her signature, though it wont take effect until 90 days after the current legislative session adjourns. State and local police already cannot enforce immigration laws, which are a federal matter, however local authorities have contributed to immigration arrests in Maine, including through traffic stops and 911 calls. Assistant Senate Minority Leader Matthew Harrington (R-York) claimed that more resources need to be expended on immigration enforcement because of laws like the one that will take effect in Maine later this year. The Trump administration vowed an immigration crackdown since he began his second term and his signature spending legislation passed in July increased immigration enforcement funding by tens of billions of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement This entire situation is self-imposed and self-created by legislative Democrats and Governor Mills, Harrington said. Mills did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This comes as tensions rise across the nation following the fatal shooting by a federal officer in Minnesota. The possibility of enhanced federal law enforcement presence in Maine is alarming, given the disturbing violence we are witnessing in other states against American citizens, Maine Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick) said in a statement. Rep. Mana Abdi (D-Lewiston) acknowledged some may be fearful of going to work, sending their children to school or seeking medical care, but she encouraged people to continue to live their daily lives. Advertisement Advertisement Federal agencies may be here to do a job, but how that job is done matters, Abdi said. Enforcement should never involve unnecessary force, destruction of property, or treatment that strips people of dignity. Residents deserve to be spoken to honestly and respectfully, and due process must be upheld at every step. Any action that undermines trust, ignores basic rights, or harms community well-being is unacceptable. Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline and Portland Mayor Mark Dion announced on Wednesday that they are expecting increased federal immigration presence in their communities soon, though neither responded to questions about how they were notified. Mills directed Maine State Police to work closely with local police as necessary to provide whatever support is needed, in advance of and during any potential federal operations in a video message late Wednesday, in which she also said the federal government is not welcome if it plans to be provocative or undermine residents civil rights. Sheline and Dion urged residents and businesses to know their rights and create a plan in case they are stopped by federal authorities. Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, Trump also threatened financial retribution against so-called sanctuary cities and states with policies against helping U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrest people suspected of living illegally in the U.S. Trump, speaking Tuesday to the Detroit Economic Club, said he would cut off any payments starting Feb. 1 to sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities, because they do everything possible to protect criminals at the expense of American citizens. There will be a 50% reduction in train service for four weeks starting in mid-February as NJ Transit, Amtrak and construction crews work to switch one track of the new Portal North Bridge to existing tracks and systems. The new service plan will go into effect Feb. 15 and is expected to last through March 14, NJ Transit and Amtrak officials said on Thursday, Jan. 15. Service on some NJ Transit lines will be cut back. Weekday Midtown Direct trains that normally terminate at Penn Station in Manhattan will be diverted to Hoboken. From there, riders headed to Manhattan could use the NY Waterway ferry, PATH train service or the 126 bus. Story continues below photo gallery. Normal NJ Transit and Amtrak service is expected to resume March 15 on one track of the old Portal Bridge and on one track of the new $2.3 billion bridge. A second outage will be planned later this year, most likely in the fall, to cut over the second track on the new bridge. Advertisement Advertisement "Our promise and our commitment is to not only work to provide mitigating strategies ... but more importantly, at the end of the process, we will have a brand-new bridge on the system to replace a bridge that is 112 years old," said Kris Kolluri, NJ Transit's president and CEO. "The Portal North Bridge will help eliminate one of the largest causes of delays and reliability on the Northeast Corridor, and it will do this by replacing what we have today with modern systems, modern technology and a fixed-span design, which will not have to be opened and closed for marine traffic underneath," said Amtrak President Roger Harris. It's possible that additional days beyond the four-week period will be needed to finish the job, but officials said they were confident in their timeline, which includes recovery days in case of bad weather or unforeseen difficulties. Why will it take four weeks? Kolluri compared the cutover process to "building and flying a plane at the same time that's how complex this endeavor is." Advertisement Advertisement The work is taking place on a 2.5-mile section of the Northeast Corridor between Newark Penn Station and Secaucus Junction Station the busiest stretch of passenger railroad in North America. On any given weekday, more than 450 trains travel across the Hackensack River using the current Portal Bridge. An Amtrak train crosses the old Portal Bridge during construction of the third and final arch for the Portal North Bridge over the Hackensack River in Kearny on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Amtrak and NJ Transit have been planning this service cutback for a year. Every hour of the work had to be meticulously planned. Connecting the new bridge to the existing track required building Lego-like pieces of track in advance that will be put in place during the outage. News of the planning for the weeks-long outage was first reported by NorthJersey.com in November. During these four weeks in February and March, there will be two shifts of 70- to 90-person crews working seven days per week. They will be: Advertisement Advertisement Removing six old catenary poles and foundations that are in the way of the new track alignment. Building two new "interlockings," which prevent trains from colliding and will require five turnouts, 20 switch machines and 15 new signal huts. Installing 4,500 linear feet of new track and demolishing 6,000 feet of old track. Attaching 4,500 linear feet of overhead wires, known as catenary. Testing multiple software and signal systems, including positive train control, a mandated automatic braking system. The planners considered trying to do this work on weekends and overnight, officials said, but they decided that wouldn't work because of a complicated process to move six poles and wires out of the way of where new track will be installed. "There are these indivisible chunks of work that just need to be done together," Harris said. What are the effects on NJ Transit? In figuring out how to make service reductions, Kolluri said, the agency sought to maximize capacity, maintain service on all rail lines and ensure customer safety. Weekday changes All Midtown Direct service on the Morristown Line, Gladstone Branch and Montclair-Boonton line is being diverted to Hoboken. Northeast Corridor trains will be reduced to 112, from 133. North Jersey Coast Line trains will be reduced to 92, from 109. Raritan Valley Line trains will be reduced to 49, from 52. Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch trains will be reduced to 141, from 149. Montclair-Boonton Line trains will be reduced to 60, from 64. Bergen County, Pascack Valley, Port Jervis and Main Line trains will remain unchanged, aside from some connecting times, and 44 shuttle trips between Secaucus and Penn Station New York will be added. Weekend changes New York : Existing weekend service to and from New York Penn Station will continue on lines that already have it, but the timing of hourly service may shift up to 30 minutes. Raritan Valley Line service does not change. Midtown Direct : Hoboken connections to and from the Morristown Line will occur at Secaucus instead of Newark Broad Street. The Montclair-Boonton Line schedule continues to operate bi-hourly, but at different times, to maintain the New York connection at Newark. The last trips connecting Montclair and Gladstone will operate 30 minutes earlier. Bergen County, Pascack Valley, Port Jervis and Main Line: 34 shuttle trips will be added between Secaucus and New York Penn Station to maintain connections. What else should NJ Transit commuters know? Midtown Direct customers on the Morristown, Gladstone and Montclair-Boonton trains should purchase NJ Transit tickets to and from Hoboken. Those tickets will be cross-honored on: Advertisement Advertisement PATH at Hoboken and 33rd Street stations only. NY Waterway ferry service between Hoboken and Midtown only. NJ Transit's 126 bus between Hoboken and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The popular Flexpass program is returning, with a start date of Feb. 15. Customers can purchase 20 one-way tickets, at a 15% discount, and they must be used within 30 days. NJ Transit will communicate service alerts and other impacts through its normal digital channels online, on the app and on social media. More information with specific details about schedules is available on NJ Transit's website: njtransit.com/portalcutover. What are the effects on Amtrak? More than 280 Amtrak trains will be affected by the outage. Advertisement Advertisement Here are the specifics: Weekday Acela trains will be reduced to 18, from 20. Weekday Northeast Regional trains will be reduced to 40, from 44. Weekday Keystone trains (between Philadelphia and New York) will be reduced to 10, from 24. Long-distance trains will not see a change in service. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Transit and Amtrak riders to face service cuts, disruptions When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Pixabay CMH breach exposed PII of 145,381 patients and employees in March 2025 Stolen data includes names, SSNs, health insurance, and treatment information No actors claimed responsibility; victims offered credit monitoring and support services The data breach incident that happened at Central Maine Healthcare (CMH) in spring 2025 affected more than 145,000 people, who may have lost personally identifiable information (PII) to unidentified hackers. Advertisement Advertisement The organization confirmed the news in a data breach notification letter which was sent out to all affected individuals, noting the cyberattack happened in late March and was spotted in June 2025. After ousting the intruders, CMH kicked off an investigation, to determine what happened and what the damage was, which concluded on November 6, 2025, when CMH realized sensitive data on exactly 145,381 individuals had been taken. Data yet to surface The stolen data included peoples names, dates of birth, treatment information, dates of service, provider names, health insurance information, and Social Security numbers (SSN). Both employees and patients were said to be affected by this breach. "For patients whose information may have been involved in the incident, Central Maine Healthcare recommends that they review the statements they receive from their healthcare providers and health insurance plans," the organization said. "If they see any services that were not received, they should contact the provider or health plan immediately." Advertisement Advertisement As is standard practice in these situations, CMH is offering free credit and identity theft monitoring services, as well as a dedicated support line where victims can get answers, report abuse, and discuss potential concerns. At press time, no threat actors assumed responsibility for this attack, and the data that was stolen is yet to surface anywhere on the dark web. Criminals are most likely to either use it in phishing attacks or sell it to a different actor. Central Maine Healthcare is an integrated nonprofit health care delivery system that serves about 400,000 residents across central, western, and mid-coast parts of Maine. It operates three hospitals: Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Bridgton Hospital, and Rumford Hospital, as well as a large primary and specialty care network with more than 600 physicians and advanced practice professionals in over 40 locations. Its services include trauma care, cardiovascular and cancer treatment, and LifeFlight helicopter service. Advertisement Advertisement Via BleepingComputer Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button! And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too. NEW YORK Mayor Zohran Mamdani is directing his city agencies to work toward cutting down fees and fines for small businesses. Small businesses in New York are required to fork up cash for, among many other things, the ability to serve ice cream and install fridges. The executive order, signed by Mamdani on Wednesday, calls on the Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice, Julie Su, and seven city agencies to make an inventory of those various fines, and sets a timeline under which some of them can be eliminated. Advertisement Advertisement You cannot tell the story of New York without our small businesses, Mamdani said in a statement announcing the directive. Yet, our City has long made it too hard for these same businesses to open their doors, and to keep them open. 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. Under the order, within 45 days, seven city agencies the Buildings, Consumer and Worker Protection, Environmental Protection, Fire, Health and Mental Hygiene, Sanitation and Transportation departments must list out the fees and civil penalties they collect and identify whether they can be reduced. After that, the agencies are slated to work to nix unnecessary fines with new rules or legislation. Mamdani emphasized small businesses throughout his campaign, including in a video about halal food cart prices that helped him gain momentum as an underdog candidate. On the campaign trial, he pledged to slash small business fees by half, and to appoint a Mom and Pops Czar to do so, though Wednesdays announcement made no mention of either. Advertisement Advertisement Ex-Mayor Adams also signed a similar executive order aimed at reducing fines for small businesses. Asked about that on Wednesday, Mamdani said Adams City Hall viewed small businesses as a side effort, while his own City Hall sees them as central to its mission. In a joint statement, Randy Peers, president of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and Tom Grech, president of the Queens Chamber of Commerce, praised the move but said the mayor should set clearer goals. Every Mayor over the past few decades has committed to doing an inventory of fines, Peers and Grech, co-chairpersons of the Five Borough Jobs Campaigns, said. If this is truly about helping small businesses, then the best way to achieve real measurable reform is giving agencies a clear year-over-year number that they must reduce fines by. Steven Heald is now behind bars, and the man he shot, Josh Logan, is being treated at a hospital. Pennsylvania State Police said Logan is lucky to be alive, thanks to the quick action of a nurse who was going into the gym. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Suspect in custody after man is shot in busy shopping center in Westmoreland County Without having a person with some expertise there immediately and all of the people that were trying to stop the bleeding and do the things to try and help keep Mr. Logan alive, there is a high aptitude that he would not have survived, Trooper Steve Limani said. Advertisement Advertisement Heald, of Connersville, is now behind bars, accused of shooting Logan three times in the Planet Fitness parking lot in East Huntingdon Township. Investigators said he didnt stop after firing the shots. He didnt stop then. He stood over top of him and struck him several times, then walked away and got into his vehicle and drove to the Connellsville area, Trooper Limani said. Police said Heald walked away and calmly drove out of the parking lot before turning himself in to Connellsville police. Mr. Heald and Mr. Logan had had several conversations in the past, whether it be through text or in person, Trooper Limani said. Never had a violent act between the two of them, and it was known that Mr. Logan was in a relationship with Healds estranged wife. Advertisement Advertisement Heald is now charged with attempted homicide, stalking and assault. Hes being held at the Westmoreland County Jail. Trooper Limani said this is the second shooting in 14 days by an ex-husband towards their wifes new partner. Channel 11 previously told you about Robert Naugle Jr., who is behind bars, accused of shooting and killing James Thomas in Hempfield on New Years Eve. RELATED COVERAGE >>> Man accused of shooting, killing complete stranger without saying a word Theres other ways to go around and overcome a relationship struggle than to try and take a violent act out on another person, Trooper Limani said. I cant believe it happened again in our county. Logan is expected to make a full recovery. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW The man accused of vandalizing Vice President J.D. Vances Ohio home has been formally charged. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] William DeFoor, 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count each of damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Southern District of Ohio. Advertisement Advertisement As previously reported by News Center 7, DeFoor allegedly damaged four windows of Vances Cincinnati home, along with a car belonging to the Secret Service, on Jan. 5. TRENDING STORIES: >>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man arrested for damage at Vice President JD Vances Cincinnati home federally charged Secret Service agents arrested him after they said he rushed Vances East Walnut Hills home, attacked a Secret Service car with a hammer, and broke several windows on Vances home, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement DeFoor allegedly ran on foot before being detained by Secret Service agents and Cincinnati Police officers. Vice President JD Vance confirmed that he and his family were not home at the time, as they had already returned to Washington, D.C. DeFoor has faced similar charges in the past. In 2023, he was charged with criminal trespass but was found incompetent to stand trial, according to WCPO. He faced similar charges in 2024 and was charged with two counts of vandalism for allegedly breaking windows in the front of a business but was also ruled as incompetent to stand trial and was ordered to undergo treatment at Summit Behavioral Healthcare. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A man accused of shooting a woman in Harrison Township over the summer has learned his sentence. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Caleb Cox, 28, was sentenced to two years in prison on Jan. 12 after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated assault and one count of having weapons while under disability, according to Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas records. He will serve the sentence at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections Center. Advertisement Advertisement If the parole board deems it necessary, Cox could be placed on probation for up to two years upon release, court records said. TRENDING STORIES: As previously reported by News Center 7, the shooting happened in the 2100 block of Lodell Avenue on June 18, 2025. Upon arrival, Montgomery County Sheriffs Office deputies found a woman in the home with a gunshot wound to the right outer thigh. Advertisement Advertisement An investigation revealed that Cox shot the woman during a fight at his home. The woman was curled up on the bed and was shot in the thigh. The bullet tracked upward through her abdominal area. Cox allegedly told the victim he planned to shoot himself. The sheriffs office said the victim called 911 and falsely claimed she had shot herself. Witnesses told deputies that Cox carried the woman to the front porch, then jumped from a window and poured gasoline on himself. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A man was taken into custody following reports of an armed robbery at an upscale mall in Calabasas. Details surrounding the incident were limited at first; however, a spokesperson from the L.A. County Sheriffs Departments Lost Hills Station was able to confirm that an armed robbery involving a subject with a gun was reported Tuesday night. A suspect was arrested in connection with the case, the spokesperson said, but they were unable to provide more information right away. Advertisement Advertisement Southern California LGBTQ center officials outraged over continued fecal vandalism Reports from stringer service TNLA indicated the armed robbery took place at the Calabasas Commons shopping center around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday. The stringer stated that the suspect was arrested at Mulholland Drive and Calabasas Road, not far from the shopping center. Man arrested after reported armed robbery at upscale Southern California mall. Jan. 13, 2026. (TNLA) Video from the scene shows deputies with guns drawn taking the suspect, who was lying face down in the middle of a crosswalk. TNLA also claimed that the person targeted in the armed robbery was an elderly woman, but authorities were not able to provide details on the victims identity, nor the suspects. Advertisement Advertisement Vanessa Garcia contributed to this report. 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. Man charged for alleged assault on Connecticut State Police trooper in 2023 KILLINGLY, Conn. (WTNH) A man has been charged in connection to an incident in which he allegedly assaulted a Connecticut State Police trooper who was trying to arrest him in December 2023. According to an arrest warrant obtained from Connecticut State Police, police officers in Foster, Rhode Island responded to a gas station to investigate a report of an armed robbery at around 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 28, 2023 and notified neighboring law enforcement agencies about the incident. Former Middletown SRO, state trooper terminated for alleged inappropriate relationship with student Advertisement Advertisement Later that night, a Connecticut state trooper contacted the department to inform them that he was familiar with a man last known to live in Killingly who matched the description of the suspect and drove a car matching the suspect vehicles description. The next day, the trooper told Foster police that he drove by the suspects last known address and saw the car parked outside. A Rhode Island judge signed an arrest warrant for the suspect and a search warrant for his car the same day. The next day, troopers located the car at a gas station in Killingly with two people inside, one of whom was later identified as Ruben Muller. As Muller was exiting the drivers seat of the car, a trooper drove behind the car and activated his emergency lights. The trooper approached Muller and asked him if he had his license. When Muller said no, the trooper told him to put his hands behind his back and said he was being detained. The trooper was trying to secure Mullers left forearm when he twisted his body aggressively and violently away, turning to face the officer and freeing himself from the troopers grip on his arm. Advertisement Advertisement Armed men break into Stamford home, assault residents after posing as Amazon delivery drivers: PD Muller then ran across the parking lot towards a Taco Bell, followed by the trooper, who deployed his stun gun. The stun gun had no effect on Muller, who continued towards the Taco Bell drive-thru before running into the side of a car in the drive-thru lane and falling to the ground. As the trooper rounded the corner, Muller got back up and continued running. The trooper deployed his stun gun on Muller and he fell forward onto the pavement. The stun gun connection was lost after Muller fell and he was able to get up after one second. Muller continued running through the parking lot with the trooper in pursuit when he collided with a pickup truck in the entrance of the Taco Bell and fall to the ground again. Muller pulled a Ruger SP101 revolver from under his right pant leg, the trooper unholstered his weapon and fired one round. Muller dropped the revolver and rolled onto his left side. Advertisement Advertisement Muller was charged with interfering with an officer, first-degree attempted assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, criminal firearm possession, possession of a weapon inside a vehicle, driving without proper registration and improper use of marker, registration or license. 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 WTNH.com. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A 23-year-old man was extradited to El Paso after he was wanted in connection with a murder in Fabens last year, according to the El Paso County Sheriffs Office. The Sheriffs Office says just before 2 a.m. on March 30, deputies were dispatched to the 100 block of Mezcla in Fabens in reference to a shots-fired/aggravated assault incident. Upon arrival, deputies located Aaron Villa, 26, who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and later died as a result of his injuries at the hospital. Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriffs Office Major Crimes Unit was able to identify Angel Lozano, 23, as the suspect in the homicide, and on Aug. 11, he was taken into custody in Greeley, Colorado, by the U.S. Marshals Service. On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Sheriffs Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit extradited Lozano from Colorado to El Paso County. Lozano was booked into the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility on an outstanding murder warrant issued by the El Paso Criminal Law Magistrate Court with a $100,000 bond. 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. A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to selling the fentanyl pill that led to the death of an 18-year-old woman, a case that marks the first time a fatal overdose in Randall County has resulted in a murder conviction. Trent River Klein pleaded guilty Tuesday, Jan. 13 to murder in the 2024 death of Vanessa Daniel and was sentenced to 25 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Daniel was found dead Feb. 29, 2024, after Amarillo police responded to a suspicious death call in the 3500 block of Barclay. Investigators initially found no signs of trauma or foul play but later determined her death was caused by a fentanyl overdose. Advertisement Advertisement A months-long investigation involving the police departments narcotics, homicide and digital forensics units identified Klein as the person who sold Daniel the pill that caused her death, authorities said. The case was later accepted for prosecution by the Randall County District Attorneys Office. The conviction is believed to be the first in Randall County stemming from a fentanyl overdose death prosecuted as murder under House Bill 6, a 2023 state law that allows for homicide charges in certain drug delivery cases when a death occurs. This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Randall Countys first fentanyl murder conviction results in 25 years Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust announce endowment fund The Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust announced the launch of its first-ever permanent endowment fund, established in partnership with the Rhode Island Foundation. The new fund marks a major milestone in the organizations history and long-term commitment to preserving Rose Island's historic landmarks and wildlife refuge. The endowment has been generously seeded with a $250,000 founding gift, an amount that symbolically aligns with the nations upcoming semiquincentennial celebrations later this year. Managed by the Rhode Island Foundation, the endowment will support ongoing preservation and educational programming on Rose Island while providing a financial base that will complement annual fundraising efforts.With this announcement, RILFHT plans to kick off an ambitious multi-year endowment campaign designed tosignificantly grow the fund and invite broader community participation in securing Rose Islands future. Advertisement Advertisement The announcement comes amid a period of forward momentum for the organization. Earlier this winter, the Trust announced a regional search for a new Executive Director to lead Rose Island into its next chapter. Bookings for the 2026 season will open in phases, beginning with events on Jan. 15 and overnight reservations will follow shortly thereafter. Donations to the Rose Island Endowment Fund can be made directly at RoseIsland.org/Donate and interested applicants can explore career opportunities by visiting RoseIsland.org/Careers. MLK Center adds Saturday food pantry hours, breakfast Starting Jan. 24, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center will be open on Saturdays for the Breakfast and Food Pantry programs. Breakfast will be available from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. and the Food Pantry will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. With the addition of Saturday hours, the Breakfast program is now open six days a week, Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. A hot and hearty meal is served each day. The breakfast program is open to anyone in need of food and fellowship. Please use the Edward Street entrance. Advertisement Advertisement The Food Pantry will also be offered six days a week with the additional Saturday hours. The program will now be open: Monday: 10 a.m.2 p.m.Tuesday: Noon3 p.m.Wednesday: 10 a.m.2 p.m. and 4 p.m.6 p.m.Thursday: Noon3 p.m.Friday: 10 a.m.2 p.m.Saturday: 10 a.m.1 p.m. (starting Jan. 24) The Food Pantry is open to anyone who lives or works in Newport County. First-time users should bring a photo ID, proof of residency or employment and proof of family size. All pantry users are reminded to bring reusable bags. Newport County represented on Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association board The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association (RIPCA) installed its new Executive Board during a swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 11 in Warwick with two Newport County chiefs included on the board. Advertisement Advertisement The 2026 RIPCA Executive Board includes: Chief Ryan Duffy, Newport Police Department Vice President Chief Ryan Duffy has served as the Chief of the Newport Police Department since June 2023. He began his career with the department in December of 2000, and steadily rose through the ranks, earning promotions to Investigator in July 2011, Sergeant in December 2012, Lieutenant in April 2016, Captain in January 2021, and Acting Police Chief in February 2023. Last year, Chief Duffy contributed to the RIPCA Executive Board as Sergeant-at-Arms. Chief Brian Peters, Portsmouth Police Department Sergeant-at-Arms Chief Brian Peters began his career with the Portsmouth Police Department in February 1998 as a patrol officer. Over the years, he held a variety of assignments, including field training officer, Citizens Police Academy instructor, detective inspector, patrol sergeant, and detective lieutenant. From May 2013 to March 2018, he served as deputy chief of police before being officially sworn in as Chief in July 2019. Geothermal system installed at Marble House One of Newports most famous 19th-century mansions soon will benefit from 21st-century green-energy technology. Advertisement Advertisement An extensive geothermal climate-control system is being installed at Marble House, a National Historic Landmark museum that attracts nearly 150,000 visitors annually. The system will maintain steady, mild temperatures and a humidity level of 50% inside the house, helping to protect its contents, especially textiles, leather, paintings, paper and wooden objects. Another important benefit will be fuel oil savings of up to 80% percent, which reduces the buildings carbon footprint. Well drilling is performed in the back lawn of Marble House as part of the installation of a geothermal climate-control system in the historic house museum. Geothermal is a winning investment for our properties, said Trudy Coxe, CEO and Executive Director of The Preservation Society of Newport County, which owns Marble House and nine other historic house museums. These systems are expensive the estimate for the Marble House project is $1.5 million. But we are committed to reducing carbon and caring for our houses in a sustainable way, and the long-term benefits make the investment well worthwhile. This is the fifth geothermal installation by the Preservation Society. Similar installations have been successful at Chepstow (installed in 2015), The Elms Carriage House (2016), The Breakers (2018) and Chateau-sur-Mer (2024). Geothermal climate control draws upon the Earths year-round subsurface temperature of about 55 degrees to warm the house in winter and cool it in summer. At Marble House, contractors have drilled 21 wells, each 425 feet deep, in the expansive backyard. A series of tubes will circulate water into the wells, where the liquid will be cooled or warmed to the underground temperature. The water will then be piped into the house to regulate the interior temperature through a system of electric heat pumps and air handlers. Advertisement Advertisement The Preservation Society anticipates completing the project in late spring 2026. The major contractors are Donovan & Sons, JAM Construction and Shamrock Electric, all of Middletown. Tiverton Library speaker series announced The Tiverton Library Foundation announced its 2026 Speaker Series. Each program will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Tiverton Library at 34 Roosevelt Ave. There is no cost for admission but the space is limited and advance reservations are required. Visit tivertonlibrary.org/speakerseries for registration and speaker biographies. Feb. 11 - Author and Photographer Christine Chitnis March 11 - Global Brand Designer Mikel Folcarelli and Landscape Architect John Gwynne April 9 - Ambassador Chris Hill May 20 - Global Investment Strategist Jeremy Grantham June 17 - Author Ben Shattuck July 15 - Fashion and Costume Designer Debra McGuire This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Marble House goes geothermal, MLK Center breakfast, more Newport County news U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey announced his support for articles of impeachment against Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem during a Jan. 15 House floor speech. The articles of impeachment accuse Noem of obstruction of Congress, violation of public trust and self-dealing following nationwide protests against the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in American cities as part of President Donald Trump's immigration initiatives. Around 70 members of Congress have supported the effort, according to a news release from Rep. Robin Kelly, an Illinois Democrat who introduced the articles Jan. 14. Advertisement Advertisement ICE is committing atrocities in communities across the country every single day, McGarvey said in a statement. The impeachment efforts come over a week after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis Jan. 7. Though city and state leaders have described the shooting as an unjustified attack and have called on ICE to leave, federal administration officials, including Trump and Noem, have said the agent acted in self-defense. ICE murdered Renee Good, and Secretary Noem defended it, McGarvey said. Its well past time to impeach her and cut DHS off from the taxpayer dollars they are using to fund a terror campaign against our own neighbors. During his speech, McGarvey encouraged his colleagues to watch ICEs actions. Advertisement Advertisement Every single day you look away from what this president is doing is another day that our neighbors face unimaginable cruelty at the hands of their own government, he said. In a Jan. 7 statement posted online, DHS administrators said Good weaponized her vehicle and tried to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them, which the department described as an act of domestic terrorism. Noem defended the statement during a Jan. 11 interview on CNNs State of the Union. We all saw what happened, Noem said. It absolutely is what happened. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: McGarvey to support impeachment of DHS Sec. Kristi Noem Gov. Dan McKee is proposing to push back state-mandated requirements to increase supplies of renewable energy in order to fulfill his promise of cutting energy costs in Rhode Island by $1 billion over five years. The governor's plan to amend the state Renewable Energy Standard, which was unveiled Jan. 15 in his budget proposal for the next fiscal year, would delay the deadline for the state to offset all the electricity it uses with wind, solar and other green sources from the current 2033 to 2050. The move would bring the most aggressive state program in the nation to invest in renewables in line with goals set by Massachusetts, Connecticut and other states. A drone view shows rotor blades and other parts for the ongoing construction of the Revolution Wind offshore wind farm, staged on the State Pier in New London, Connecticut, on Sept. 23, 2025. Why is McKee trying to push back the state's climate goals? The administration says the amendment is necessary because of President Donald Trump's crackdown on clean energy, which has included two attempts so far, both overturned in federal court, to halt construction of an offshore wind farm contracted to deliver power to Rhode Island. The federal government's actions are restricting supplies of renewables, making it more difficult to meet state mandates, the McKee administration says. Advertisement Advertisement "Rhode Island ratepayers should not pay the price for Trump's chaos in Washington," Chris Kearns, acting commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, said at a budget briefing for the media. Climate advocates push back on the idea Environmental advocates, who'd gotten word about the plan before the budget release, pushed back on the proposal, saying that the state must work fast to increase its supplies of power from renewable sources if it's to meet the requirements of the Act on Climate, the state's signature law for reducing planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Providence City Council member Sue Anderbois, a candidate for lieutenant governor, said that volatility in prices of natural gas, the primary fuel for power generation in New England, and spending on pipeline infrastructure are the real drivers of energy rate increases in the region. "We could tackle affordability in energy rates by holding the utility companies accountable for their out-of-control infrastructure spending, or we could misplace the blame elsewhere and continue to watch costs for working families skyrocket," she said. Students learn tethering and other safety skills to work in the offshore wind industry during a September program at the Community College of Rhode Island's Lincoln campus. Instructor Tom Bradley at top, electrician Tyler McAlpine, left and painter Josiah Bushway gearing up. McKee estimates electric savings of $180 a year for the average ratepayer The administration estimates that amending the renewable standard will save Rhode Islanders nearly $69 million next year and $597 million over five years. The rest of the $1 billion in energy savings would include: Advertisement Advertisement $35 million a year from changes to net metering laws that would restrict payments that primarily benefit large ground-mounted solar fields $21 million a year by capping funding for energy efficiency programs that pay for incentives to insulate homes and upgrade appliances $16 million a year from spreading out the costs of road paving associated with utility projects $2.5 million a year through the issuance of energy efficiency bonds $2.5 million a year by eliminating incentive payments to Rhode Island Energy for signing long-term renewable energy contracts "This will make the average residential customer about $180 better off every year over the next five years," Linda George, administrator of the state Division of Public Utilities and Carriers, said at the budget briefing. Renewable energy law was approved in 2022 Former Gov. Gina Raimondo first put forward the idea of revamping the state's 2004 Renewable Energy Standard in 2020, signing an executive order calling for all electric usage to be offset by renewable supplies by 2030. A bill codifying the change didn't pass the General Assembly the following year, but the Act on Climate, which requires big cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, did win approval and was signed by McKee, who succeeded Raimondo in office. Advertisement Advertisement When the renewable standard legislation came up again for consideration in 2022, sponsored in the Senate by its president at the time, the late Dominick Ruggerio, it sailed through on the premise that the Act on Climate's mandates could only be achieved by greening electric supplies. During a signing ceremony for the law held at a North Providence solar project, McKee said the measure would be a boon to the economy. We have momentum on clean energy, the governor said then. There is an opportunity ahead of us like weve never seen before. But electric rates surged to record highs that winter on the back of a spike in natural gas prices and they've remained inflated since. Rhode Island's rates are currently the fourth highest in the country. Law sets deadline of 2033 for 100% renewables The standard sets a deadline for offsetting 100% of usage by 2033, instead of the original 2030, and calls for getting there gradually each year. The timeline is the shortest by any state for a complete adoption of renewable electric supplies. Advertisement Advertisement Although the law requires electric providers to increase their purchases of renewable energy, the measure hasn't meant the end of fossil fuel-fired power plants in Rhode Island. Thats because the law accounts for renewable energy supplies through renewable energy certificates, market-based instruments that represent the environmental benefits of renewables. Developers generate certificates as they produce renewable energy. They then sell the certificates to supplement their revenues. Its money that helps more solar arrays and wind farms get built. As they come online, they help displace dirtier sources of power. The certificates are sold separately from actual energy production, so electric providers may buy certificates from projects built anywhere in New England. The certificates are seen as equivalent to renewable energy, but they dont represent actual usage. Instead, they offset that use. As it stands under the current version of the law, in 2026, utilities are required to buy enough certificates to offset 41% of supplies. Under McKee's proposal, the requirement would be rolled back to 35% next year and would then go up slowly from there. Advertisement Advertisement "States across the region will similarly need to rethink their strategies to meet decarbonization goals while maintaining affordable electricity," Columbia University climate economist Noah Kaufman said in a statement included in the governor's news release on the budget proposal. Costs of renewable standard have increased While the price of certificates fluctuates in response to market demand, the total cost of paying for them has generally increased as the law has required more to be purchased. According to the most recent report on the program, estimated payments increased from less than $10 million in 2018 to $60 million in 2023. They were projected to have gone up to about $90 million today and, according to the McKee administration, could quadruple by the time the state reaches 100% of supplies if the deadline were to remain at 2033. The bill impact for a typical Rhode Island Energy ratepayer has doubled in the past five years to $7.31 a month, according to the report. That's compared to a total monthly electric bill of $163.29. Advertisement Advertisement Twenty-eight states and the District of Columbia have renewable portfolio standards, according to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency. Apart from Rhode Island, all the states with 100% renewables targets have set deadlines of 2040, 2045 or 2050. When asked about meeting Act on Climate goals, Kearns said the McKee administration is committed to complying with the law, but he said the federal government's opposition to clean energy is "creating a lot of challenges." But state Sen. Dawn Euer, a lead sponsor of the Act on Climate, said the state shouldn't add to the uncertainty facing renewable energy developers by changing the standard. "Pulling the rug out now would create unnecessary disruption and uncertainty, and the harm to ratepayers would far outweigh any claimed benefits," the Newport Democrat said. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Why McKee's plan to cut energy costs has climate activists rankled A farmer works his fields in Fayette County. (Photo by Ian Karbal/Capital-Star) On Thursday morning, the New York Times reported that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration restored grant funding following pushback. This story was updated at 11:10 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2026. This story was updated at 12:45 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2026 to correct the spelling of Richard Edleys name. Up until spring 2022, Jeff Corle identified as a fourth-generation dairy farmer tending to his herd of Guernsey cows in Somerset County. But that year, economic pressures had just caught up to us, and I made the most difficult decision of my life. Advertisement Advertisement He sold his beloved and beautiful cows. I said to the cows, Im sorry. Im sorry that its come to this, and Im sorry that somehow I couldnt have been better and figured out some way to keep this thing going, said Corle. I must have led a charmed life up until that moment, because I honestly didnt know you could experience so much pain. Jeff Corle, a Somerset County farmer-turned-musician, speaks about the importance of mental health care before a legislative panel at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show on Jan. 14, 2026. (Photo by Whitney Downard/Pennsylvania Capital-Star) In his bedroom, Corle said he had two items leaning against the wall: a loaded shotgun and a guitar. Picking up the latter brought him unexpected fame when he recorded and released Empty Barn, a song he wrote to process his own emotions. Now, Corle tours as a musician, raising awareness and funds for mental health advocacy work in the agricultural space. Advertisement Advertisement He visibly struggled to share his story before an audience Wednesday that included legislators, farmers and 4-H competitors. The state Senate and House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committees held a joint hearing to discuss ways to support farmers through mental health crises during the annual Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. Farmer suicide rates are significantly higher than the rates for the overall population, as detailed by the American Farm Bureau. The profession also has higher rates of depression anxiety and substance use when compared to non-farmers. People are more than statistics. It is safe to say that most people involved in agriculture know at least one person who has struggled, said Lisa Wherry, a Pennsylvania Farm Bureau member. Grant cuts in Pennsylvania Guiding efforts like the organizations Farm State of Mind, the Penn State Extension services Farm Stress Team works statewide to spread the word about available resources, but are hindered by slow broadband speeds and a shortage of rural health providers. Advertisement Advertisement But mental health and addiction advocates got a shock Tuesday night when the Trump administration terminated an unknown number of grants distributed through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, estimated to be worth around $2 billion nationwide. If you or a loved one are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to be connected to a crisis counselor 24/7. A live chat option and other resources are also available at 988lifeline.org. The AgriStress Helpline at (833) 897-2474 also offers counselors trained in providing mental health support catered to farmers and is available 24/7. Richard Edley, the president and CEO of the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA), which advocates for mental health and substance abuse treatment providers in Pennsylvania, said the letters came without warning. Three members Edley spoke to Wednesday afternoon reported losing nearly $4 million dollars. Advertisement Advertisement No one got any heads up, he said. One provider said, We have a three-year contract that we have all staffed up, but no money to run the program. The SAMHSA grants are awarded to both county governments, which are the primary providers of public mental health services, and private contractors that offer services on behalf of the counties. Melanie Gordon, who oversees human services and criminal justice policy for the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, said it remained unclear Wednesday whether the cuts were limited to substance abuse treatment programs in Pennsylvania. What programs are going to be affected is what were trying to wrap our hands around, Gordon said. Advertisement Advertisement RCPAs national affiliate, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, on Wednesday asked its members that received notices their grants were terminated to report it to the organization. It also asked groups to contact their U.S. representatives and senators. Edley said the Trump administrations move was nonsensical to him and the political goals unclear. He noted that the administration has rolled back sweeping funding cuts in response to political pressure or legal action. Are we contacting legislators in Washington just to complain or is there a feeling this can still be impacted? he asked. This is really bad, but in Washington theres always another inning. Many demands, few funds Gov. Josh Shapiro pointed to millions of dollars invested in student health care and county-level services through the state budget, but acknowledged its limitations. He noted that several federal programs had been cut in the last year, including nutrition assistance and Medicaid. Advertisement Advertisement I have said it over and over and over again. We cannot backfill that. We cannot make that up, said Shapiro. The consequences of these federal actions are real, and its going to hurt Pennsylvanians. Well make the investments we can make, but we cannot backfill the cuts that theyre making in (Washington) D.C. Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks to reporters at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. (Photo by Whitney Downard/Pennsylvania Capital-Star) Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-Beaver), the chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, who oversaw the meeting on mental health, noted that tariffs levied against foreign states had added to the stress felt by Pennsylvanias farmers. It took us four or five years the last time (President Donald Trump) put tariffs on China to get our soybean exports back and now theyre gone again, said Vogel, whose family farm has existed for over 100 years. Advertisement Advertisement He pointed to continued partnerships with organizations like the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau or Penn State to meet the needs of farmers, but acknowledged the budgetary restrictions that come with that. There were $70-some million worth of requests, and we had $10-15 million worth of money to give out, said Vogel about the budget process. The need is there. We just have to find the money to be able to fulfill all these requests. In the meantime, farmer-turned-musician Jeff Corle said hed found some success sharing his story with others and in just being vulnerable. I dont know if we can solve the economic problems today, but if theres anything we can do for our fellow farmers, its to be there, said Corle. Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, is facing something she didnt have in her first reelection bid two years ago: a primary challenger. Dylan Blaha, a progressive and an Illinois National Guard member, is aiming to beat Budzinski in Illinois 13th Congressional District, which includes most of the metro-east. In many ways, his challenge against the second-term congresswoman represents a nationwide debate among the Democratic Party: Would a younger, more progressive generation be better prepared to push back against the Trump administration, or do the current Democratic members of Congress deserve another term? Advertisement Advertisement Less than one month away from early voting, Budzinski says her party made mistakes in 2024. First of all, she said, Democrats lost touch with one of their most important voting blocs: the working class. We spent too much time trying to convince working people that the economy was good, and we were coming at them with a lot of facts and figures, Budzinski said on the latest episode of Politically Speaking on St. Louis Public Radio. Interestingly, I think thats something that President Trump is also making that same mistake right now, too with facts and figures that just dont resonate. Democrats didnt take the U.S.-Mexico border seriously until it was too late, she said. Former President Joe Biden was too old to run for a second term, and her party would have benefited from open presidential primaries, said Budzinski, a former Biden official. She also disagreed with retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Springfield, on two key votes last year. Durbin voted in favor of a GOP spending plan to fund the government in March. He also voted with seven other members of the Democratic caucus to end the shutdown in November. Advertisement Advertisement I think we disagree with each other sometimes as elected officials, and thats OK, she said. Everyday affordability In order for Democrats to win control of the House in the midterm elections, Budzinski said her party will need to stay focused on making everyday life, expenses like utilities, child care, groceries and rent, more affordable. These are the struggles that I think people are facing every day, she said. Making the case that, as Democrats, we are the ones that are best suited to fight for them and get real results done for them in Washington. To tackle affordability, Budzinski said bringing back the now-expired Affordable Care Act tax credits would be a good start. Even though the Senate didnt vote to bring them back in December, the House recently passed that legislation. Advertisement Advertisement Pharmacy benefit managers have also been a target for the congresswoman. Just last month, she introduced a bill that includes a prohibition on those organizations inflating drug prices. The federal government should also negotiate more drug prices, as is done with insulin for Medicare patients. We should do that for those in private insurance, but we shouldnt stop with insulin, she said. We should continue to find more drugs to negotiate on and bring down the cost of prescription drugs. After reading about allegations of deceptive price tactics by Family Dollar and Dollar General, Budzinski and other lawmakers authored a letter to the chief executives of the companies, asking for an explanation. Immigration and foreign policy While the Biden White House should have done more at the border, the Trump administrations use of ICE has been horrendous, Budzinski said. Thats why she will join her colleagues in supporting the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Advertisement Advertisement This administration seems to think that ICE is above the law, she said. They are not. Venezuela President Nicolas Maduros capture by American forces is a mixed bag, Budzinski said. On one hand, Maduro isnt defendable, and its a good thing that hes gone. However, Trump didnt consult Congress, and his administration has said it may take action in Greenland, Mexico and Colombia, she said. Focus on our people, she said. The Senate recently took a procedural vote to debate limiting the White Houses action in Venezuela without congressional approval. Republican Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri drew the ire of Trump for siding with Democrats to advance the legislation. If it reaches the House, Budzinski said shed vote for it. Cahokia Heights sewers Budzinskis congressional office said last week that $7.3 million for sewer repairs in Cahokia Heights and $500,000 for a regional Army Corps of Engineers study regarding flooding passed the House budget, and its expected to pass the Senate, too. Advertisement Advertisement Im excited about both of them for different reasons, but they obviously all fit together in this master puzzle that we have that is Cahokia Heights, she said. The 13th Congressional District, which includes most of the population in St. Clair and Madison counties, stretches from East St. Louis to Springfield and Urbana-Champaign. Early voting starts Feb. 5 in Illinois, and the primary election is March 17. State lawmakers in the Michigan House of Representatives passed a bill to ban student phone use in classrooms, following in the footsteps of many states with device policies to curb the impact a proliferation of screens has had at schools, from distractions to cyberbullying. The bill introduced by state Rep. Mark Tisdel, R-Rochester Hills, to ban smartphones and other wireless communications devices such as laptops and tablets for K-12 students during instructional time passed with wide bipartisan support Wednesday, Jan. 14. "Every parent knows that phones are addictive devices. We've got to give kids their childhood back," Tisdel said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement It marked the first vote of 2026 in the divided Michigan Legislature following a year that saw some marquee bipartisan policies pass but stood out for the historically low number of bills signed into law and its fierce partisan fights. If signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the phone ban would take effect for the 2026-2027 school year. Under the bill, students could use phones during breaks such as recess or lunch. Tisdel earlier sought to ban middle and elementary school students from using phones during the entire school day, mirroring other states with a so-called bell-to-bell cell phone ban in place. Cell phone bans are relatively new, but one recent study on the impact of phone bans in schools found that a Florida school district observed an improvement in student test scores following the restriction and indicated that the ban decreased unexcused absences. The bill creates exceptions for devices in classrooms issued by the school and medically necessary devices, as well as those used for special education programming and specific lessons. Additionally, it would create an exception for phone use during emergency situations. Tisdel's legislation is tied to a bill introduced by state Sen. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia, requiring school districts to develop a protocol outlining when and how students can use cell phones and other devices in an emergency. Advertisement Advertisement Polehanki who chairs the Senate Education Committee said she would like to see her bill voted out of the Michigan Senate and sent to the House as soon as possible, and she celebrated the vote on Tisdel's legislation, expressing hope that it will pass in the Senate. Some Michigan school districts already have cell phone restrictions in place, but they're not required to under current state law. The Michigan Senate in 2025 passed a bill that would require school districts to create policies to limit students' cell phone use rather than establish the statewide policy as proposed by Tisdel. The competing proposals found themselves caught in a partisan feud. In a vote several months ago, Tisdel's bill failed to garner enough support in the Michigan House. The flop led to finger-pointing as Republicans claimed Democrats broke an agreement to pass the policy and Democrats countered that there wasn't a deal. The impasse meant the school year began without a statewide policy restricting phone use in school that Whitmer called for in her 2025 State of the State speech outlining her priorities for the year. Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Politics: U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin says federal prosecutors investigating her To land legislation on Whitmer's desk, both chambers of the Michigan Legislature must pass the same version of the bill. House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, said during a Jan. 14 news conference that he hopes the governor has an opportunity to sign a cell phone policy into law before she delivers her 2026 State of the State speech. Contact Clara Hendrickson at chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan might join states with classroom phone bans According to Downdetector.com, some Michigan Verizon customers are reporting outages on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Quickly becoming a trending topic on social media, users across the U.S. mentioned the outages in North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Louisiana, Tennessee and more, USA TODAY reported. As of 1:34 p.m. Wednesday, outages reported by users are down from 169,066 around at 12:49 p.m. According to the Downdetector map, customers in Michigan's Lower Peninsula reported the most outages across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Mobile users got "Call Failed" notices when attempting to make calls and found an "SOS" icon replacing the signal strength symbols, showing an issue on the network. "We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers," Verizon told USA TODAY in a statement. "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." 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: What to know about Verizon outages in Michigan Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo received applause at a pro-Israel conference on Tuesday after declaring that we need to make sure that history books dont write about the victims of Gaza. The next generation of young people wont remember October 7th in the same way. Thats true in Israel and in America and broadly in the world, and we need to make sure two things, said Pompeo during an appearance at the MirYam Institute Israel Security Briefing. He said, One, its not that we dont forget we need to make sure that the story is told properly so that when the history books write this, they dont write about the victims of Gaza, right? Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo: We need to make sure that the story is told properly so that when the history books write this, they dont write about the victims of Gaza pic.twitter.com/fZjd8cFZar Clash Report (@clashreport) January 13, 2026 Pompeo received applause before he then added, I should be a little more precise. There were victims in Gaza, right? Its true. There are civilian casualties in every war thats ever been fought, but the victims were the people of the nation-state of Israel. The aggressor was the Iranian regime and the proxy of Hamas, and we need to make sure that the history books reflect that. Advertisement Advertisement The former Secretary of State concluded, That requires each of us every day to talk about it in real time with our children, with our grandchildren about it in a way that is serious and thoughtful and complete and moral. In November 2023, a month after the Oct. 7 attacks against Israel, Pompeo called for the complete annihilation of Hamas in Gaza, claiming, Theyre just about killing. Theyre just about destruction. Theyre just about wanton rape They dont value human life in the way we do. More than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels war against Gaza since October 2023, with a further 170,000 injured, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. At least 382 United Nations Relief and Works Agency personnel and hundreds of journalists have also been killed. Watch above via MirYam Institute. The post Mike Pompeo Applauded for Saying We Need to Make Sure That History Books Dont Write About the Victims of Gaza first appeared on Mediaite. WASHINGTON (AP) There was a glass bottle of milk on the Resolute Desk, and President Donald Trump promised to get to it soon. But first he had to talk about Iran, the capture of someone accused of leaking secret information about Venezuela and a pair of executive orders he was issuing. Only then could he get to the actual business at hand signing a bipartisan measure that recently sailed through Congress allowing schools to serve whole and 2% milk along with the skim and low-fat products required since 2012. Advertisement Advertisement You see that beautiful milk? Thats why were here, Trump said. He noted the large group of people behind him in the Oval Office Cabinet secretaries, lawmakers from both parties, dairy farmers, children who had assembled to cheer the new law. Well be talking about that in a second, Trump said. Even by Trump standards, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act signing was a surreal scene. The president is accustomed to moving markets, putting foreign leaders on notice and making major news in an instant often during long public events on various unrelated topics and always with cameras rolling. But dairy products aren't usually involved. Advertisement Advertisement Before he could address the eclectic group of attendees, Trump told gathered reporters he had it on good authority that plans for executions in Iran have stopped. That's despite Tehran having signaled fast trials and executions ahead in its crackdown on protesters who have taken to the streets across that country. It appeared to be a potential escape for Trump from the geopolitical corner he had painted himself into after warning for days that the U.S. could strike Iran militarily if the mass killings continued. After that announcement, Trump abruptly changed topics. He proclaimed that the leaker has been found, and is in jail right now and thats the leaker on Venezuela, a very bad leaker." Without clarifying what case he was referring to, the president suggested that there could be some others. Were hot on their trail. Advertisement Advertisement Next, the president signed executive orders related to tariffs on semiconductors and rare earth minerals. Then it was finally back to milk, which Trump said both Republicans and Democrats drink. Referring to national nutrition adviser Dr. Ben Carson, Trump said he still looks good. That's 'cause he drinks a lot of milk. Trump made still more news after taking questions from reporters. He revealed he'd completed his first known phone call with Delcy Rodriguez, who became Venezuela's acting leader after the U.S. ousted President Nicolas Maduro last week. Trump also said he would be briefed on meetings earlier Wednesday between U.S. officials and leaders from Greenland and Denmark regarding his insistence that the U.S. take over the world's largest island if he ever finished with the milk event, that is. Advertisement Advertisement That didn't stop officials at the signing event from praising milk heartily, championing its role in brain development and calling it the most wholesome nutritious drink known to humankind. A child gave the president a detailed explanation of how milk is produced, and Carson likened milk with low fat content to dishwater. Trump eventually pointed back at the uncapped bottle on his desk and said, It just looks so good sitting there. We have some milk here. Its been sitting here for five days, he joked. I brought it so the press could have some. The event ended with the milk bottle untouched. Milwaukee police have started using drones to respond faster to 911 calls than what officers can typically do. Milwaukee Police Department officials announced on Jan. 14 the new program, known as Drone as First Responders, from the offices where the police's team of pilots work. The program began at the start of the year, and police said the three-year pilot program is buying responding offers valuable time in responding to emergency calls. "We have learned that seconds truly do matter," said Sgt. Christopher Boss, who helped create the department's drone unit. "The goal is to reach the incident, to respond as quickly as possible, so that we can make better, more informed decisions." Advertisement Advertisement When the drone team decides to respond to a call, the drone flies automatically to the scene of the call, where it is then controlled by a pilot remotely who provides information over the department's communication system. The idea is to give officers additional information on potentially dangerous situations before they arrive. The drone team focused on acting as a pseudo-first responder is believed to be the first in Wisconsin and one of only 50 throughout the country, Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said. "This is a tool to help us respond to these more serious calls," Norman said. "Having that understanding, what you're driving upon or engaging in, having more details is better for all who are responding." Sgt. Christopher Boss explains the Milwaukee Police Departments drone at the Police Administration Building on West State Street in Milwaukee on April 10, 2025. The drone will be used by the airborne assessment team, which will be handling drone operations for the department. The department's drones are based in police district seven and respond to calls in districts three, five and seven, which cover much of the northern and western portions of the city. Advertisement Advertisement The team, which utilizes three drones, responded to about 120 calls in its first week and is primarily focused on violent crimes, officials said. The department anticipates that number to grow in the future significantly, Boss said. In one recent call, Boss said, he responded to a reported restraining order violation. When the drone arrived, Boss saw the man, who then fled to a gas station. He was then able to direct officers to the gas station, where the man was arrested. The team's formation comes as some in Milwaukee have raised concerns over the department's implementation of drones in its police work. The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin, activists and some members of the Fire and Police Commission, the oversight body for the police department, have expressed concern about the impact on privacy and expanding surveillance. It also comes as the department has been open in its interest to explore other technology, like facial recognition, and recently debuted a generative artificial intelligence policy. The department does not at this time use generative artificial intelligence, but it's been used in other cities for tasks like transcribing audio or creating police reports. Advertisement Advertisement Oversight groups known as community control over police surveillance have been formed in some cities like Nashville and Detroit to give residents an oversight role in technology. Milwaukee does not have such a body. At the press conference, Norman said the department understood the "responsibility" needed for drones. "We take this seriously," he said. The department worked to develop the team for about three years and will now pilot it for three more years, Inspector David Feldmeier said. He hoped to expand the program, but said that will depend on funding, and the effectiveness of the program. The current drones were purchased through asset forfeiture funds, he said. Advertisement Advertisement In some places, departments have partnered with private organizations to fund drone programs, and the department will explore that as well, he said. The police's use of drones can be explored on an online dashboard the department hosts. David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police launch drone as first responder team Greg Gipson walked out of a federal appeals court in Louisiana last week feeling a bit more hopeful about a case that was dismissed in Mississippi over his historic neighborhoods designation. Gipson and other residents drove 93 miles from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to New Orleans to persuade a panel of federal judges to reconsider whether their city officials denied their due process rights when they didnt notify them their neighborhood was labeled a slum or blighted. Mississippi code defines slum or blighted as areas with a substantial number of deteriorating structures, dilapidation, and unsanitary or unsafe conditions. For two years, the city of Ocean Springs has been in a legal fight with Gipson, other Black residents, a white business owner and the Macedonia Baptist Church (where Gipson is chairman of the finance committee). Advertisement Advertisement Gipsons neighborhood was added to an urban renewal plan covering 320 acres. In their legal complaint, residents said city officials failed to individually notify the property owners of the blight designation and the 10-day period to contest it, which they say violates their right to due process. The city argued in its response to the complaint that their designation of blighted areas is a legislative decision and not subjected to due process. A Mississippi judge dismissed the case last year, stating that Mississippi law does not require individual notice for these types of legislative decisions and the city removed the disputed properties from the urban renewal area. In a way, the Plaintiffs have already won, U.S. District Court Judge Taylor McNeel wrote in his opinion. Advertisement Advertisement Gipson, and the others disagreed. Even though their properties were removed, they dont trust their city officials to do the right thing in the future. They appealed the decision. Now, a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans that heard oral arguments in the case on Jan. 7 will decide whether the district court erred in its decision. Dana Berliner, senior vice president and litigation director for the Institute for Justice, fears that hundreds of thousands of people across Mississippi may be affected by this. This a challenge to Mississippi law, so it will certainly set a precedent for the entire state, but it will set a due process precedent that will be important to people everywhere, said Berliner, who is representing Ocean Springs property owners. Whats happening for property owners in Ocean Springs, a city of 18,400 where Black people are 7% of the population, mirrors a decades-old cycle of taking over Black neighborhoods for the sake of economic development. For decades, municipalities across the country have used urban renewal policies to get rid of blight and improve their cities and towns to construct highways, housing, and other commercial projects. Advertisement Advertisement One of the most popular tools is eminent domain, a centuries-old practice that allows the government to take private property for public use but must provide just compensation. The use of eminent domain disproportionately impacts minority and low-income communities and leads to displacement. Ocean Springs officials had not initiated the eminent domain process, or condemned any properties, but they could decide to do so at a later date. Because Mississippi law doesnt require individual notice to contest blighted areas, many property owners miss the 10-day window to appeal. By the time eminent domain proceedings begin, if the project moves forward, its too late to challenge it, Berliner said. The core requirement under the U.S. Constitution is that people have an opportunity to be heard opposing things that the government does to restrict their liberty or take their property. Its not like [providing] notice is a big deal. They need to send a letter, Berliner told Capital B. Advertisement Advertisement The attorneys representing the city of Ocean Springs Anthony Liberato, Robert Wilkinson, and William Norman did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Wilkinson was the citys attorney for 25 years before resigning last year. 273 days on display and no one knew Black owned homes and properties listed in the proposed urban renewal area by Ocean Springs officials. (Institute for Justice) Since 2022, city officials have been discussing the possibility of an urban renewal plan, according to the defendants motion to dismiss the lawsuit. They allege they publicly displayed the plan at City Hall for 273 days before adopting a resolution on April 4, 2023. Gipson had no clue. Advertisement Advertisement He received a text message from a friend, telling him to look at this document because they are looking to take your property, he said. People in the community were in an uproar. He began to reach out to others and organize the community to figure out next steps. They argued their homes and properties were well-maintained and didnt meet the slum or blighted labels. They later learned the local government could demolish, condemn, or acquire their properties using eminent domain, if it moves forward with an urban renewal plan, according to Mississippi code. After showing up to meetings and filing the lawsuit in October 2023, the city rescinded its resolution two months later, which omitted their properties. When youre in the communities where your voice is not being heard because youre not represented, youre always in a minority, Gipson said. But when you galvanize and have a grassroot movement and have a plan in place to be able to talk about the facts and show it in black and white, people listen and they learn. Advertisement Advertisement But, Gipson and others continued the lawsuit, hoping to challenge the Mississippi law and mandate municipalities to inform property owners of these designations that may impact their homes and livelihoods. Until then, members of the Macedonia Baptist Church, where Gipson serves, check City Hall to make sure that nothings happening, Berliner, the attorney, told Capital B. But cannot be sustained into eternity. Gipson encourages other communities to be registered voters and active in their local government to avoid the circumstances their residents went through. You need to show up at the planning commission. You need to serve on those boards because thats where decisions are being made and where all the major players are at those tables, he said. The post Mississippi Residents Say City Quietly Marked Their Homes for Takeover appeared first on Capital B News. Then-U.S. Rep. Billy Long speaks during a press conference on Feb. 22, 2022, in Jefferson City, Missouri (Madeline Carter/Missouri Independent). Billy Longs prospects of becoming ambassador to Iceland hit a stumbling block this week, as the former Missouri congressman had to apologize Thursday after facing backlash for his comments suggesting the country should become a U.S. state, with him serving as governor. Long, in an interview with Arctic Today, a non-profit Alaska-based digital news publication that covers the Arctic region, apologized for joking with former colleagues in the U.S. House that Iceland will become the 52nd state, after America takes over Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement The comments set off a firestorm of criticism in the Arctic nation, where Long was nominated to serve as ambassador after stepping down from his leadership role at the Internal Revenue Service last year. The Icelandic Foreign Ministry confirmed to Politico that it contacted the U.S. embassy in Reykjavik seeking clarification about the comments. And a member of Icelands ruling party said Longs statement must be taken seriously and represented a fundamental disrespect for the sovereignty of small nations. There is no doubt that this is very serious for a small country like Iceland. We need to understand that all the security arguments made by the U.S. regarding Greenland also apply to Iceland, Vireisn Sigmar Gumundsson, a member of Icelands parliament, told a local newspaper. Icelanders launched a petition urging Foreign Minister Katrin Gunnarsdottir to reject Long as ambassador. It currently has 2,000 signatures. Advertisement Advertisement Long told the editor of Arctic Today that he was not serious when he made that statement. It was a joke, he said, about Jeff Landry, President Donald Trumps U.S. Special Envoy to Greenland, becoming governor of Greenland. I was with some people, who I hadnt met for three years, and they were kidding about Jeff Landry being governor of Greenland, Long told Arctic Today, and they started joking about me. And if anyone took offense to it, then I apologize. Long acknowledged that the reaction was justified, given the tensions internationally regarding Greenland. Long, a former auctioneer and talk radio host who represented Missouri in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead the IRS in June. Two months later he was pushed out with little explanation and nominated instead to be ambassador for Iceland. He has not yet been confirmed by the Senate for that job. Two Missouri high school seniors will participate in the United States Senate Youth Program in 2026. According to a community announcement, Abdulrahman Adekunle of Hickman High School in Columbia and Emily Thuy Nguyen of Liberty High School in O'Fallon were selected for the program's 64th annual Washington Week, scheduled for March 7-14. The program will bring together 104 student delegates from across the United States for an intensive study of the federal government, including meetings with senators, the president, a Supreme Court justice and other officials. Each delegate will receive a $10,000 college scholarship. Student leaders representing Missouri Adekunle serves as student body and student council president at Columbia's Hickman High School. He is also involved in Health Occupations Students of America, Multicultural Awareness Scholars and the National Honor Society. In addition to his leadership roles at school, Adekunle works as a nurse technician on the neurosciences unit at the University of Missouri Hospital and tutors at the Kumon Learning Center of Columbia. He plans to study biochemistry and public policy in college and aspires to become a physician, with a particular interest in how public policy and medicine can work together to improve communities. Advertisement Advertisement Nguyen is a senior at Liberty High School and a member of the O'Fallon Mayor's Youth Advisory Council. She is the editor-in-chief of the Civitas Examiner, a political student newspaper based in the St. Louis area, and co-leads The Student's Town Hall, an annual school board candidate forum for the Wentzville School District. Nguyen has attended the Yale Young Global Scholars Program as a Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholar and is a semifinalist for both The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Scholarship Program and The Gates Scholarship. She aims to become a local political journalist after college. Alternates for the program are Djenabou Diallo, a student at Raytown South High School, and Amelia Zahra, who attends Metro High School in St. Louis. Selection process and program history Delegates and alternates are selected by state departments of education, with nominations from teachers and principals. The chief state school officer for each jurisdiction confirms the final selection. This year's Missouri delegates and alternates were designated by Karla Eslinger, commissioner of education. The USSYP was established in 1962 by Senate Resolution 324, with the goal of encouraging talented young people to consider public service as a career. The program is fully funded by The Hearst Foundations, and no government funds are used. Advertisement Advertisement The 2026 program will be co-chaired by Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama and Sen. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts. The Senate Advisory Committee includes the Vice President of the United States, Senate Majority Leader and Senate Minority Leader, as well as a bipartisan panel of eight senators. Notable alumni of the program include Sen. Susan Collins, former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Representative Sarah McBride, former Sen. Cory Gardner and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Program details and scholarship During Washington Week, delegates will participate in a series of meetings and briefings with senior government officials, including senators, the president, a Supreme Court justice and other high-level officials. The program is designed to give students a deeper understanding of the legislative process and the roles of various branches of government. Each delegate will receive a $10,000 undergraduate scholarship for college studies, with an emphasis on encouraging coursework in government, history and public affairs. The scholarship is intended to support the delegates' continued commitment to public service and civic engagement. Advertisement Advertisement The USSYP is highly competitive, with participants selected based on academic achievement, leadership abilities and a demonstrated interest in public service. Since its inception, the program has produced more than 6,300 alumni, many of whom have gone on to careers in government, law and public policy. For more information on the United States Senate Youth Program, visit ussenateyouth.org. This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@usatodayco.com with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/. This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Missouri high school leaders selected for Senate Youth Program A state lawmaker from New Hope said immigration agents detained a parent of a student from Northport Elementary at a bus stop in Crystal Wednesday. Rep. Cedrick Frazier, a Democrat, said the individual was detained in front of their child and a bus full of minor children. That child is now left with the traumatizing image of their parent being detained while they are bussed to school, Frazier said in a statement on the incident. No child should have to sit in a classroom wondering if their parent will be there when they get home. Families are being separated; this is an affront to our values as Minnesotans and to human decency. Advertisement Advertisement President Donald Trumps administration has significantly boosted immigration enforcement in Minnesota in recent weeks. Last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Krist Noem announced her agency would be sending 2,000 federal agents to the Twin Cities for enforcement actions. Within days, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Good, who had confronted agents in Minneapolis. The killing led to ongoing protests in the Twin Cities and across the country. Walz and other Minnesota officials have asked for ICE and U.S. Border Patrol to cease their immigration crackdown in the state following the shooting, but Noem on Sunday said she planned to send hundreds more agents. NEED TO KNOW Leandra Andrade entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, which was accepted by a Virginia judge, on Wednesday, Jan. 14 Andrade had been charged with with aggravated murder and child neglect in the 2022 death of her daughter Lanoix Andrade now faces a conditional release hearing in March, which will determine whether she will be committed to a behavioral health facility The mother of a 2-year-old daughter who died with "toxic" levels of Benadryl in her system was found not guilty by reason of insanity on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Leandra Andrade, who was 38 at the time of her daughter's death, was found unconscious at the Cutty Shark hotel in Virginia Beach, Va., in August 2022, detectives said. Her daughter Lanoix was found foaming at the mouth, with a fatal dose of Benadryl in her system, according to WTKR. Advertisement Advertisement Andrade fled the Washington D.C., area with Lanoix after Lanoix's father, Fabio Andrade Jr., was awarded full legal custody, although both parents were granted joint physical custody, according to the stipulation of trial evidence obtained by WAVY. The mother had been charged with aggravated murder and child neglect, and her case was set to go to trial before the judge accepted her plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, 13 News Now reports. The judge also dropped a second-degree murder charge, per the outlet. "It is a failure of accountability; it strips transparency from the process and denies my daughter the most basic protection the justice system promises that the truth will be tested in open court," Fabio Andrade, the victim's father, told 13News Now. 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. In text messages allegedly sent from Andrade to her husband on the night of Lanoix's death, prosecutors allege that Andrade wrote, "Neither one of us want the future you are manifesting; It will make you cry yourself to sleep at night," according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Court records allege that Andrade resent the text on the night of the murder with the words "you don't win," "It will make you cry yourself to sleep at night" and "Please believe me" circled. A court-ordered forensic evaluation of Andrade's mental state in 2024 led to her being diagnosed with PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder-recurrent, severe with psychotic symptoms, and "an unspecified eating disorder," according to the stipulation of trial evidence. The doctor also found that Andrade met the criteria for "Persistent Depressive Disorder, early onset, moderate-severe and (2) PTSD with dissociative symptoms in the time leading up to her arrest." The records also allege that Andrade had previously attempted to die by suicide years before the murder. Andrade faces a conditional release hearing in March, which will determine whether she will be committed to a behavioral health facility, WTKR reports. Advertisement Advertisement "I think I can honestly say in over four decades of practicing law, this is probably the saddest case that I've ever had," Andrade's attorney, James Broccoletti, told WTKR. "There are no winners on either side of this case. We use the word tragedy often, but it doesn't come close to defining this case." Read the original article on People The Virginia State Capitol where lawmakers meet, off Bank Street in downtown Richmond on Feb. 10, 2025. (Photo by VCU Capital News Service) On the first day of the 2026 legislative session, Virginia lawmakers on Wednesday finally adjourned the 2024 Special Session, officially ending a meeting that lasted 612 days. In the midst of a budget battle after the regular legislative session wrapped, Gov. Glenn Youngkin called lawmakers to Richmond for a special session starting May 13, 2024, to resolve differences between the governors and lawmakers spending plans. The special session then remained open because the Senate never gaveled out, creating an ongoing opportunity for lawmakers to address the budget and other matters. Advertisement Advertisement Virginia redraws its congressional districts every 10 years after each census. But last fall, Democratic lawmakers put forward a constitutional amendment to allow the legislature limited power to redraw the states congressional districts. It is a strategy to bring Virginia in line with other states that are redrawing voting districts for political leverage. President Donald Trump praised states like Texas for their mid-cycle redistricting efforts last summer, in an effort to bolster the GOP majority in Congress ahead of midterm elections. House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, said the 2024 special sessions achievements included passing a bipartisan budget that prioritized education including teacher raises and more k-12 public school funding and other Democratic priorities. But sending the redistricting amendment to voters was also a key victory, Scott said. Advertisement Advertisement Im proud of the fact that we were able to get the redistricting amendment completed, Scott said at a Wednesday press conference. We put it in front of voters, and they knew about it. Now, voters are watching Virginia not only in the commonwealth, not only in the United States, but all over the world to see if America has lost its damn mind. He added, I think we have an opportunity now to send a message to the rest of the country that were not going to stand by while you rig this election. We will do everything in our power to level the playing field we were talking about. Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, said failing to end the session was a move to keep the governor from making his nominations to multiple boards and commissions, and not the purported purpose of addressing the budget. He said one reason Senators were able to reject the 22 appointments to three public university governing boards last year was because the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee was able to meet while the Senate was still in session. Advertisement Advertisement Weve been in a special session almost continuously during the course of Governor Youngkins term, which is really unprecedented, Obenshain said. It was used to keep the governor from making appointments (and) that was largely what it was used for. There was nothing that would have prevented the legislature from being called back, had it been necessary to do so, but we have just entered this hyperpartisan phase in which were gonna try and prevent governors from exercising their constitutional prerogatives. House Minority Leader Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, told reporters on Wednesday that he understands the need for a special session on the state budget, but was disappointed that time was spent developing the constitutional amendment to redraw congressional districts right before the gubernatorial election in November. The results favored Democrats, who will now control the governors mansion in addition to the House and Senate. Hopefully, well get beyond where we have to be in a special session all the time, Kilgore said. Advertisement Advertisement Republican Caucus Whip Del. Michael Webert, R-Fauquier, agreed. We went into a special session to solve a very specific problem. It was not meant to be used as a tool to continuously identify issues and keep what theyre doing, Webert said. We shouldnt (have been) in two sessions at the same time (and) because of that confusion, I believe it delegitimizes specific legislative processes. But Del. Cia Price, D-Newport News, was pleased with the legislative work completed. Im very proud of the progress we were able to make, even with the obstruction of a Republican governor who vetoed a historic number of important bills that Virginians really needed, Price said. Im really looking forward to the bills (that) well be able to pass and actually get a signature on this time. Advertisement Advertisement The proposed constitutional amendment, which will be considered by both chambers, would allow voters to give the legislature the authority to redraw the lines as early as this year. The General Assembly must approve the measure during two consecutive sessions. Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, added more context about the purpose of Virginia Democrats redistricting push. Im glad we were able to be in session to protect American democracy, which is what this redistricting amendment is about. We didnt want to have to redraw congressional districts, but when a bunch of Trump Republicans want to figure out a way to keep themselves and Trump in power as long as possible, it became necessary for us to figure out a temporary solution to address that before our bipartisan redistricting commission can act again in 2031. The 2024 special session also addressed the reversal of cost-cutting measures to the Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program, which provides tuition-free college for some military families. Advertisement Advertisement Legislators also wrestled with measures on skill games in the 2024 special session. New bills to create a commission that would oversee skill games and other forms of legal gambling in the state have been introduced in both chambers in this years session, which is set to adjourn March 14. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX One man was killed and two others wounded in a shooting in the Morgan Park neighborhood Wednesday night, Chicago police said. The shooting took place at about 8:39 p.m. in the 11000-block of South Longwood Drive. Officers responded to the scene and found three men wounded, police said. A 28-year-old man was wounded in the back and transported to Advocate Christ Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said. He has been identified to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office as Quindon Vincent. Advertisement Advertisement Another man was wounded multiple times and transported to Advocate Christ Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, police said. Another 28-year-old man was wounded in the left foot and transported to Advocate Christ Hospital, where he was listed in good condition. The victim's brother said he believes was this shooting started out as an attempted robbery. Now, he's left grieving one of his best friends, a person he describes as hardworking and an expectant father. "I'm really sad, heartbroken that my little brother got killed last night," Mario, the victim's brother, said. Advertisement Advertisement There are no words to describe the depth of his grieving. "Good hearted person, real humble and down to earth," Mario said. "Always going out of his way to help people. Always there for my family and he looked out for our grandparents." Doorbell camera video shows police at a nearby scene treating one of the victims near South Prospect and Homewood. "This ain't right," Mario said. "There's too much going on. We have to stop doing this to each other." Mario said he doesn't know the other men his brother was with...but believes this all started as an attempted robbery. Advertisement Advertisement He said his brother is a concealed carry holder and claims he shot one of the suspects involved. He is left with questions he's hoping are eventually answered as he calls for an end to the violence. "I just want to know who all was involved with this situation, has something to do with his death. I just want them to come as far as like attacking them. I want them to come forward and turn themself in," Mario said. No one is in custody. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood When it came to safety in the mountains, Shafiq Noorani was meticulous. He emphasized the importance of slowing down to avoid injury when he taught his friends how to rock climb. And when someone was hiking slower than everyone else and lagging behind, Noorani would stay back to make sure they were OK. It's Noorani's careful nature that's making his death in the mountains of Colorado so much more unfathomable to his huge network of friends and family, who live across the globe from California to Nepal. Noorani, 52, died on New Year's Eve when he fell hundreds of feet to his death on a mountain 50 miles west of Denver known as The Citadel. Advertisement Advertisement He was particularly drawn to Nepal and California's Sierra Nevada range, known for Yosemite National Park, Mount Whitney, and for being John Muir's stomping grounds. Noorani's death is a tragic reminder that no matter the experience, no matter the fancy gear, no matter the precautions, disaster can strike anyone when they're in the mountains. It also shows just how much can be lost in a split second. "We lost a good one," said Steve Wilson, a spokesman for the volunteer Alpine Rescue Team that recovered Noorani's body. "It gets more and more tragic the more you learn about who was lost." Here's what USA TODAY has learned about Noorani, the impact he had in the world and what happened to him that tragic day. Shafiq Noorani is pictured on Colorado's Mount Bancroft in December 2025. What happened to Shafiq Noorani? Taking advantage of beautiful weather on Dec. 31, Noorani and his climbing partner headed to The Citadel, a peak just over 13,000 feet. They took an advanced mountaineering route, but the pair had all the right gear and experience for such a climb, Wilson said. Advertisement Advertisement At around 2 p.m. that day after they had summitted the peak, tragedy struck. Noorani's climbing partner called 911 to report that he had fallen several hundred feet below a ridge and that she was stranded on the ridge itself at an elevation of nearly 13,000 feet. The rescue and recovery that ensued turned into a seven-hour operation hindered by strong winds. A Colorado National Guard helicopter with three rescue technicians from the Alpine Rescue Team were eventually able to reach Noorani and determine that he had not survived. They recovered his body and were able to rescue his partner after one of the technicians was lowered to her precarious perch and hoisted her up to the chopper. "They were well experienced," Wilson said of Noorani and his partner. "They were in a spot quite reasonable for their skills, experience and equipment." Advertisement Advertisement As can happen to anyone in the mountains, even with the most advanced skills, Noorani's falls seems to be "a tragic accident." Taken from inside a rescue helicopter, a flashlight shows the location of Shafiq Noorani's climbing partner as she waited for help on Dec. 31, 2025. Falls are a leading cause of death in the mountains When it comes to the outdoors, one of the leading causes of death across the globe is falls. In national parks in the U.S., for instance, falls were the third-highest leading cause of unintentional deaths after car crashes and drownings during the five-year period between 2014 and 2019. Of the 2,149 deaths in national parks during that time, 205 were caused by falls, according to the National Park Service. Experienced climbers are more likely to be significantly injured, and of those, a significant amount of accidents occur during descents, according to the Mountain Rescue Association. Advertisement Advertisement In other words, no one is immune from disaster on a mountain. In October in Yosemite National Park, for instance, notable 23-year-old Alaskan climber Balin Miller died just after solo-climbing the famed El Capitan granite monolith. Miller was trying to haul up the remainder of his gear when he likely fell off the end of his rope, his brother, Dylan Miller, told the Associated Press. "Having the experience, the equipment, the knowledge and the skills doesn't guarantee anything," Wilson said. "Tragic accidents can still happen and unfortunately, they still happen every day." A rescue helicopter is pictured at The Citadel mountain in Colorado on Dec. 31, 2025, as it conducted a rescue and recovery operation. Shafiq Noorani traveled world 'not simply to see it, but to serve it' Born in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, Noorani was just 5 years old when his parents brought him to the U.S. at the age of 5, said his younger brother and only sibling, Husein Noorani. The family settled in the Chicago area during a terrible snowstorm, a shock to Noorani's parents, who came from the tropical Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. From an early age, Shafiq Noorani loved being in the outdoors, Husein told USA TODAY this week. The boys' parents took them camping and fishing, and Shafiq was a longtime Boy Scout and Eagle Scout. Advertisement Advertisement While Noorani began his hiking and fly-fishing adventures in the Midwest, he eventually branched out and discovered the mountains of the western U.S. and the rest of the world. California's Sierra Nevada range was a particular favorite for him. "It was our Mecca," said Don Worsham, a dear friend and climbing partner of Noorani's who lives in Southern California. "We did a trip there at least once a year ... He loved being in the footsteps of John Muir." Shafiq Noorani is pictured. Worsham experienced a lifetime of adventures with Noorani after the two met in a gear shop in Chicago in the early 1990s and bonded over ambitions to travel to higher peaks. One of the major projects the two did together was a days-long trek to Everest Base Camp, which ends at an elevation of about 17,600 feet (far below Everest at 29,000 feet). Instead of just doing the trek, Noorani also wanted to help the children who live in poverty in the region. So, he and Worsham found sponsors and rebuilt a school in the tiny village of Ringmo that established by mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary. Over the years Noorani also helped obtain much-needed supplies to send to schools all over the world, Worsham said. "Shafiq never gave his heart to one person," Worsham said. "He gave little pieces of his heart all over the planet, everywhere he went." Advertisement Advertisement Husein said his brother traveled the world "not simply to see it, but to serve it." "He was the kinda guy who picked up trash on trails," Husein said. "He believed in leaving places (and people) better than he found them." Shafiq Noorani's legacy: 'Goodness in its purest form' Noorani's loved ones likely will never know exactly what caused his fall, but they're focused on his life and legacy. He will never be forgotten by the children he helped in Nepal, where the school rebuilt paid tribute to him just three days after his death. His nieces and nephew will never forget how their Uncle Shafiq taught them how to ski and snowboard, loved going on adventures with them and would visit them in North Carolina simply for "quiet boring time" or a game of tag, his sister-in-law Carly Noorani recalled in a Facebook tribute. Shafiq Noorani (far right) is pictured with his brother Husein (third from left), Husein's wife Carly, and the couple's three children. "He never drew attention to his amazing accomplishments or how much he helped others. He just showed up and helped," she wrote. "There is so much to learn from the way Shafiq lived, but right now, just imagining re-constructing our lives without him is so so painful. We don't want to do it. We love and miss you so much, Shafiq. Our Shafiq." Advertisement Advertisement Though there was a funeral for Noorani in Chicago, a celebration of life also is being planned in Denver on Jan. 18, and another memorial in Chicago is in the works for the spring. Husein Noorani said the family is hoping to carry on his brother's legacy, "because Shafiq embodied goodness in its purest form." He added: "May we feel his presence in the ripples of streams and in the winds of the mountains he loved so dearly." Shafiq Noorani (center) is pictured with his brother Husein and father Sultan. Contributing: Michelle Del Rey This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Climber who fell to death in Colorado was 'goodness in purest form' Indigenous communities have lived with changes to the climate for centuries. Their adaptations over those many years are based on their close observation of weather, water, soils and seasonal change, and they have been refined through generations of learning. That knowledge, though developed deep in the past, is increasingly useful in the modern world. As global temperatures rise, climate pressures are intensifying, with longer dry spells, stronger storms and more erratic rainfall. Terrace systems reflect Indigenous peoples long experience of living with environmental uncertainty in specific places and historical contexts. They offer ways of thinking about risk and long-term land use based on observation and intergenerational learning. My research focuses on one particular strategy for adapting to a changing climate: terrace agriculture. Its found in mountainous regions worldwide, where people have reshaped steep slopes into level steps that slow runoff and allow water to infiltrate the soil. Advertisement Advertisement By slowing water without blocking its flow, terraces reduce erosion, keeping soil where crops can grow and preserving the moisture they need. They require constant maintenance, which leaves traces in the landscape, such as accumulated repair layers and sediment deposits associated with crops. I study those traces to learn how communities responded to environmental stress over time. The walls and soils are not only fertile agricultural land but also archives of adaptation, documenting past decisions about water, labor and crops. Ifugao terraces and adaptation to wet and dry years I have worked as an anthropological archaeologist in the Ifugao rice terraces of the northern Philippines for nearly two decades. These landscapes are often described as ancient and unchanging, but archaeological and historical research shows that most were constructed around the 17th century, during a period of political and economic pressure linked to Spanish colonial expansion. Highland communities modified their landscapes, expanded settlement and shifted rice farming to higher elevations, reconfiguring their societies to protect themselves. The Batad Rice Terraces in Ifugao are arranged in an amphitheater-like form and are recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. Paul Connor and the Ifugao Archaeological Project, CC BY Rainfall in the Cordillera, the region where the terraces are located, varies widely. In some valleys, more than 6 feet (2 meters) of rain fall per year, while higher elevations commonly receive closer to 13 feet (4 meters). In both settings, rain comes down in short, intense downpours. Without intervention, water flows off the steep slopes in torrents, rapidly stripping away soil. Terraces help avoid erosion by capturing rainfall on each level and allowing it to infiltrate gradually. Measurements contrasting terraced fields with nearby nonterraced soils find the terraces retain significantly more moisture often 15% to 30% higher, and in some cases substantially more than sloping fields. This increased moisture availability helps crops endure short dry spells between storms. Advertisement Advertisement Crop choice is another example of adaptation. Ifugao farmers maintain multiple rice varieties suited to different microenvironments. One locally recognized group of traditional rice varieties, collectively referred to as Tinawon, is widely cultivated. The different farmer-selected tinawon varieties are adapted to varying elevations, temperatures and moisture conditions. Some perform better in cooler and wetter areas, while others tolerate shallow soils or brief dry periods. By planting different, locally selected rice varieties on different terraces matched to specific conditions, farmers spread risk rather than relying on a single harvest strategy. Farmers also read subtle environmental signals. When we talk with farmers, they describe year-to-year changes, such as springs flowing more slowly than usual in late winter and increased earthworm activity before the rains. These observations guide decisions about when to adjust terrace features such as reinforcing walls, clearing canals or modifying water gates or when to shift planting dates in response to delayed rains or shorter wet seasons. Over generations, these adaptations have allowed farmers to continue to grow crops despite difficult periods of flooding or drought. Today, climate stress interacts with economic pressure. Major typhoons in 2018 and 2022 brought intense rainfall that damaged terraces across the Cordillera. A landslide during the peak of a super typhoon on Nov. 10, 2025, damaged the Batad Rice Terraces. Courtesy of Rae Macapagal, CC BY In the past, farmers responded to storm damage by adjusting water flow within irrigation canals and field-to-field outlet channels, and by staggering planting dates so that shared irrigation systems were not stressed all at once. Advertisement Advertisement Today, fewer workers and a modernizing economy mean that government support has become increasingly important to sustain these systems, particularly funding for terrace and irrigation repair and programs that support farmer participation. Even so, these systems continue to show how coordinated water management and crop diversity can reduce risk under variable climates. Climate history written into Moroccan terraces New research in Morocco, which Im working on with the Universite Internationale de Rabat, focuses on terrace systems in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, where intermittent heavy rains and recurring droughts motivated people to build terraces to slow runoff and keep water in the soil. Many of these terraces remained active from their construction in the late 16th to 17th centuries until the 20th century, when out-migration reduced the local labor force needed for routine maintenance. Terraces in the town of Aouguenz, in Moroccos Chtouka Ait Baha Province, show that nearly every slope that can be worked has been terraced, an example of long-term environmental modification. E.J. Hernandez, CC BY Even partially abandoned terraces record past responses to climate changes. Stone walls and leveled platforms demonstrate how people slowed runoff and retained moisture in dry environments. Collapsed edges and eroded channels mark episodes of heavy rainfall. Channel layouts and their alignment with terrace walls and natural terrain indicate how scarce water was directed toward priority fields. Advertisement Advertisement These physical traces correspond with well-documented drought cycles in Morocco, including multiyear dry periods in recent decades that have reduced reservoir levels and lowered groundwater tables. Former terraced landscapes show how earlier communities coped with similar pressures. A fortified agadir (communal granary) is built on a rocky promontory and used for storing grain and valuables. Stephen Acabado, CC BY Crop selection was central to adaptation throughout the period when terraces were actively maintained, and it continues to shape farming decisions today. Farmers in Morocco relied heavily on drought-tolerant barley, which can germinate with limited moisture and mature before peak summer heat. Research on barley varieties from North Africa and similar arid environments shows that these traditional variants can still produce a majority of their usual yields during severe droughts, while high-yield modern varieties, bred for irrigated or well-watered conditions and shorter growing cycles, often experience sharp yield declines or crop failure under the same conditions. A terrace system lies seasonally fallow in Moroccos Anti-Atlas Mountains, where long-standing land-use practices are now shifting toward cash crops such as onions and beans. M. Yakal, CC BY In oral histories and interviews, elders in these regions recalled collective maintenance practices, including annual cleaning of channels and coordinated planting after the first dependable rains. Communities adapted to the changing climate together, coordinating efforts and activities. Lessons across continents Although the Philippines and Morocco have different climates and histories, their terrace systems demonstrate common principles. In both regions, people focused on capturing water and minimizing the risk of soil loss or crop failure. Advertisement Advertisement Where terraces remain intact, studies show they tend to retain more soil and moisture and produce more consistent harvests than nearby unmodified slopes. At the same time, terraces show limits. As labor availability declines because younger generations leave rural areas for cities or overseas work, and economic priorities shift toward wage labor and other nonagricultural livelihoods, even basic maintenance becomes difficult. These cases show that Indigenous strategies for living with climate uncertainty are often shaped by long-term observation and cooperation. They do not provide simple solutions or universal models, but they do demonstrate the value of designing systems that spread risk and prioritize durability over short-term efficiency. 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: Stephen Acabado, University of California, Los Angeles Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Stephen Acabado receives funding from the Henry Luce Foundation. Trails on Mt. Baldy reopened after the deaths of three hikers who fell from an ice-slicked ridge last month in what investigators believed to be two unrelated incidents. That doesnt mean conditions are safe, warned the agency responsible for handling rescues there: Snow, ice, limited visibility and the potential for sudden storms persist. Twenty-three people have died on the mountain outside Los Angeles over the last decade, and crews have responded to 345 search-and-rescue calls on its slopes, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department said in a news release that criticized the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the area, for not doing more to prevent injuries and deaths. Advertisement Advertisement The frequency of rescues our department is involved in annually, and the lack of concern for whats happening on Mt. Baldy by those who are responsible for maintaining visitors safety needs to be addressed, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said in a statement. For the last several years, our department has been trying to have the U.S. Forest Service more involved in keeping people safe while they recreate on Mt Baldy. Dicus said that he continued to meet with representatives from the agency and Congress to express his concerns. In the past, hes called for the Forest Service to temporarily close the mountain during unsafe weather conditions, and to put in place a permitting process to track the number of hikers and educate them about the risks they face. San Bernardino County supervisors still support those measures, Supervisor Dawn Rowe said recently. The Forest Service did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment on the sheriffs statement. The agency said recently that it was evaluating a range of options to improve visitor safety as part of a visitor use management effort, and that it already shuts down trails when conditions warrant. When considering closures, we must balance public safety with continued public access, a spokesperson for the Forest Services Region 5 wrote in an email Jan. 6. The Forest Service also said that signs warning of extreme weather conditions and recommending winter mountaineering gear and training are posted at several high-use recreation locations, including the trailheads for Icehouse Canyon, Bear Canyon and the Devil's Backbone, the steep ridgeline route where the hikers fell and died last month. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: When Devil's Backbone Trail claimed another young Mt. Baldy adventurer, this is what the world lost Instantly recognizable as the backdrop to the L.A. skyline, Mt. Baldy attracts both experienced hikers and novices to its picturesque alpine trails. Yet some of those trails, most notably the Devil's Backbone, can become deceptively difficult in the wintertime, transforming from moderate hikes into dangerous mountaineering routes that require specialized equipment and training. Marcus Muench Casanova, a 19-year-old college student home on winter break, slipped and fell the afternoon of Dec. 29 as he hiked near the south-facing slope of Mt. Harwood days after winter storms dumped snow and rain that hardened into ice, his family said. While attempting to find him, search helicopters happened to spot the bodies of two other men, Juan Sarat Lopez, 37, and Bayron Pedro Ramos Garcia, 36, who had earlier been seen hiking together. High winds initially prevented crews from hoisting the men up, but later that evening, investigators confirmed all three had died. They were believed to have fallen on the same day, along the same section of trail. Advertisement Advertisement In the wake of the tragedy, Casanovas parents spoke out to memorialize their son as an exceptionally kind and adventurous young man and to warn others of the dangers of hiking the trail in the winter without a helmet, ice ax and crampons. The Sheriffs Department urged anyone considering a hike on Mt. Baldy to carefully assess conditions, carry appropriate gear, and understand their personal limits. 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. Weekend forecasts show snow accumulation is possible over the weekend in North Jersey. National Weather Service meteorologist Bill Goodman said a storm could take shape across the Gulf Coast over the weekend which may impact the weather in New Jersey. Light snow could form on Saturday, Jan. 17 during the day, but most likely flurries will only leave a coating to an inch, said Goodman. There is about a 40% chance of snow precipitation. Advertisement Advertisement Heavier snow is possible for Sunday, but Goodman said it is still early for forecasts to give an exact inch count for Jan. 18. Very early forecasts show a 10% chance of snow accumulating to over 3 inches on Sunday, Jan. 18 Well see how that number goes with the later forecasts, said Goodman. Snow would most likely fall during the day on Jan. 18. Potential flurries on Jan. 15 Flurries may trickle into North Jersey in the early hours of Thursday, Jan. 15, but heavy snow is unlikely. Wet snowflakes, may enter the atmosphere mixed in with some rain, but that will be about it for precipitation, said Goodman Light rain, with new amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible, is expected on the evening of Jan. 14 around Paramus, according to a NWS forecast. The chance of precipitation is 60%. Advertisement Advertisement Rain is expected to dwindle overnight into the morning of Jan. 15. The Weather Channel predicts North Jersey to have a 24% to 15% chance of rain until 10 a.m. before the sun will appear. Temperatures are expected to be in the high of 42 degrees and low of 24 degrees in the evening of Jan. 15. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: How much snow could NJ get this weekend? Early weather forecast Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed the decision by Elon Musks X to back down over deepfake AI images, as the Government claimed it had held the tech billionaires company to account. X confirmed on Wednesday night that it had blocked its Grok chatbot from generating images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis after online trolls used the account to undress women and children. The change, reported by The Telegraph earlier this week, was welcomed by the Government. However, Ofcom, which launched an investigation into Mr Musks company on Monday, said it would continue its inquiry. Advertisement Advertisement The Prime Minister said: I welcome that X is now acting to ensure full compliance with UK law it must happen immediately. If we need to strengthen existing laws further, we are prepared to do that. Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, added: Our Online Safety Act is and always has been about keeping people safe on social media especially children and it has given us the tools to hold X to account in recent days. I also want to thank those who have spoken out against this abuse, above all the victims. I shall not rest until all social media platforms meet their legal duties and provide a service that is safe and age-appropriate to all users. We will continue to stand up for British values and to uphold the laws of this land. A bus stop displays a poster put in place by protest group Everyone Hates Elon, calling for a boycott of X - Chris J Ratcliffe/Reuters Ofcom said: This is a welcome development. However, our formal investigation remains ongoing. We are working around the clock to progress this and get answers into what went wrong and whats being done to fix it. Advertisement Advertisement Xs Grok AI had generated and shared thousands of photos of women in minimal clothing or in sexual poses after an update at the end of last year. The company faces investigations in Britain, the EU and in California over the matter, while Grok has been banned in Malaysia and Indonesia. The Government said this week that it would bring into force a new offence criminalising the creation of sexualised non-consensual AI images. X said on Wednesday night: We have implemented technological measures to prevent the Grok account from allowing the editing of images of real people in revealing clothing such as bikinis. This restriction applies to all users, including paid subscribers. Advertisement Advertisement The company also said it had zero tolerance for anyone using its tools to make child abuse images, after the Internet Watch Foundation said it had discovered illegal images on a different website made using Groks systems. Hours before Xs statement, Rob Bonta, Californias attorney general, launched an investigation into Musks xAI the developer of Grok over the generation of non-consensual, sexually explicit material. 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. Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrills transition team has asked for letters of resignation from appointed state government employees including thousands of workers with union protections, according to union officials, prompting anger and worry from affected workers as Sherrill prepares to take office next week. But Sean Higgins, spokesman for Sherrills transition team, told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday the incoming Democratic governor does not intend to ask for mass resignations and would clarify the requests only apply to political appointees. The state Civil Service Commission, which is part of outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Murphys administration, inadvertently provided Sherrills transition team with some inaccurate information about the states work force. Advertisement Advertisement This is a standard process during a transition and these requests were based on information we received, which contained inconsistencies that we are working on with departments to clear, Higgins said in a statement. Gov.-elect Sherrill values the hard work of state employees and public servants and looks forward to working together to implement her agenda to make New Jersey more affordable, he added. Its common for incoming governors to request letters of resignation from political appointees prior to taking office, officials in past administrations told NJ Advance Media. But leaders of the states top public employee union said Sherrills requests went much deeper and included thousands of career workers who have union protections. Advertisement Advertisement The Communications Workers of America told affected employees on Tuesday they should not send a resignation letter to the state, even though department heads had told them the letters were due Jan. 14. A union representative said the CWA and Sherrills transition team were working through a solution Wednesday for what may be a clerical error. While this has been a confusing and alarming process for many of our members, we greatly appreciate the Transition Team assuring us that it is not their intention to compel mass resignation offers and that they fully respect our members contractual and civil service protections, Tonya Hodges, the New Jersey area director for CWA District 1, said in a statement. Sherrill transition team leader Kellie Doucette requested in a letter to the Murphy administration that department heads inform affected employees, including those in unclassified titles, that they should submit letters of resignation. Advertisement Advertisement Please be assured that this is in no way a reflection on the administrations work for and the dedication to our state, but rather a normal and customary part of the transition process that allows for the development of the new Administration, Doucette wrote in the letter, obtained by NJ Advance Media. But union leaders said unclassified workers who remain on the job for three or more years are entitled to job security and cannot be terminated without cause. Even unclassified workers with less than three years have some job protections that provide them with due process regarding discipline or resignation, the CWA said in a separate statement. While it is standard practice for every new incoming administration to ask for letters of resignation from certain unclassified employees and appointees, CWA maintains that it was not appropriate to send such notices to employees covered by our collective bargaining agreement, the union said in an email to its members Tuesday. It is unclear how many employees were targeted in error. Advertisement Advertisement Murphys office declined to comment. There are approximately 64,000 state employees in New Jersey, including 13,700 unclassified workers who predominately work for the state departments of Law and Public Safety and Treasury, according to a 2024 report by the Civil Service Commission. The requests for resignations saw some workers taking aim at Sherrill, with some angered many were were asked to submit resignations against their will. A longtime unclassified worker who requested anonymity out of fear of getting fired said the misstep is disappointing and not what they expected from Sherrill. Many state workers were concerned that (Sherrills Republican challenger Jack) Ciatterelli would come in and implement DOGE-like cuts, a reference to Elon Musks temporary job cutting thousands of jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Sherrill herself warned on the campaign trail that Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker, wanted a New Jersey DOGE. A former congresswoman, Sherrill defeated Ciattarelli by 14 points in Novembers election to succeed Murphy. She will take office next Tuesday, Jan. 20. Sherrill transition team letter Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. " " Soviet collapse didn't happen overnight. Triff / Shutterstock By asking "Why did the USSR fall," you're really asking how a superpower unraveled from the inside. The Soviet Union began as a revolutionary experiment and ended as a slow-moving collapse shaped by economic decline, political reforms, and rising national identities. Advertisement The dissolution of the USSR in 1991 was not a single event but the final stage of a long process. BERLIN Several NATO countries have announced they are sending troops to Greenland amid the Trump administrations rhetoric of a potential annexation, continuing a balancing act of offering a win to Washington while preserving Denmarks territorial integrity. Germanys armed forces, the Bundeswehr, announced it would send an expeditionary group of soldiers to Greenland along with further European countries in a short statement late on Wednesday. Sweden, Norway and France, too, have confirmed they have ordered soldiers to the Arctic island. Additionally, the Netherlands and Canada will be deploying forces to the Danish territory in the high North, officially to take part in a planned NATO military exercise, Operation Arctic Endurance. Advertisement Advertisement The operation does not appear to have any publicly communicated start or end dates, atypical for NATO exercises, which are usually communicated well in advance. There does not appear to be an online record of an operation by that name being publicly discussed prior to Jan. 14. A search of the NATO website similarly returned no results. Denmark, whose realm the self-administered territory is a part of, had previously announced it would immediately bolster its defenses there. European capitals have been scrambling to make sense of the martial rhetoric out of the White House and find a potential route for de-escalation by touting their efforts to boost Arctic defenses against Russian and Chinese ships around Greenland. They have appealed to U.S. leaders to respect Danish sovereignty while boosting Arctic defenses under a joint NATO push. At the same time, they have reaffirmed their commitment to Denmarks territorial integrity, and the EU has said it is looking at potential countermeasures behind closed doors. Advertisement Advertisement The German government initially said 13 Bundeswehr soldiers would depart for Nuuk aboard an A400M transport plane and remain there through Jan. 17. The plans changed on Thursday, with Germany saying its expeditionary team would now fly to Denmark instead and go from there to Greenland aboard a civilian aircraft on Friday, together with Danish forces. The aim is to explore the framework conditions for possible military contributions to support Denmark in ensuring security in the region, the Bundeswehr said in its nocturnal press statement on Wednesday, for example, for maritime surveillance capabilities. On Thursday, the German defense ministry said specific skill contributions are not yet the focus of the mission and that, instead, the task is to gather fundamental insights into the local conditions for deployment and training opportunities in preparation for further talks and planning within NATO. In the latest statement, German Minister of Defense Pistorius also called out an alleged threat by Russia and China in the Arctic, in an apparent olive branch to the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Danish officials have pushed back against the U.S. assertion that the waters around Greenland are swarming with Russian and Chinese vessels. Pistorius had previously name-checked the countrys brand-new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft in the context of a discussion about Greenland and protecting the high North. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson confirmed that Stockholm, too, had sent soldiers to Greenland as early as Wednesday, although the government maintains they were dispatched to prepare for upcoming elements within the framework of the Danish exercise Operation Arctic Endurance. Both Sweden and Germany said Denmark had requested that the allied countries armed forces be sent. Advertisement Advertisement Norway has confirmed two military service members have been sent to Greenland to map out the further cooperation between (NATO) allies, Tore Sandvik, Oslos defense minister, said in an email to Reuters. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed his countrys sending of troops 18 minutes past midnight local time on Thursday, saying on X that at the request of Denmark, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organized by Denmark in Greenland. At the time, he said that the first French military elements are already on their way. Others will follow. On Wednesday, representatives of Greenland, Denmark, and the United States met at the White House, but the meeting failed to resolve the standoff. We agreed to disagree, Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen told reporters after the frank but constructive talks concluded. He said there was a fundamental disagreement between Copenhagen and Washington about the future of the worlds largest island. The countries agreed to create a high-level working group tasked with finding a common path forward, while Trump reiterated his intention for the U.S. to take possession of the island after the meeting concluded. BRUSSELS, Jan 15 (Reuters) - NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday to discuss the latest Russian attacks on Ukraine, which have led to widespread power outages in the country. "Spoke with @ZelenskyyUa about the energy situation in Ukraine, with Russia's attacks causing terrible human suffering, as well as on the ongoing efforts to bring an end to the war." wrote Rutte on X on Thursday. "We're committed to ensuring that Ukraine continues to get the crucial support needed to defend today and ultimately secure a lasting peace." Advertisement Advertisement In his account of the conversation, Zelenskiy said he discussed the "serious challenges" posed by the latest Russian strikes and the need to bolster Ukraine's air defences. Writing on Telegram, Zelenskiy said he hoped supplies sent to Ukraine through its European allies by means of the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) programme would increase in January. Zelenskiy said "considerable progress" had been achieved in diplomatic efforts with the United States and Europe in resolving the nearly four-year-old war and pledged not to "ease up on pace". (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten and Ron Popeski) U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Jack Britt High School on Wednesday as part of the nationwide "History Rocks: Trail to Independence" tour, an initiative aimed at strengthening civic and history education ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary. The stop in Fayetteville featured student-centered activities focused on American and North Carolina history, including educational games highlighting key moments such as the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence, and the U.S. Constitution. McMahon said the tour is designed to reinforce foundational aspects of American history while also emphasizing the role state and local leaders should play in education. Advertisement Advertisement "When we talk about the revolution, we talk about the Declaration of Independence, we talk about our Constitution," McMahon said. "We talk about the battles that were fought here in North Carolina. I think that history is the history of the United States, and that's what needs to be taught everywhere." During her visit, McMahon reiterated the administration's position that education decisions are best made at the local level, arguing that schools closest to students are most equipped to serve them. "The absolute best education, I believe, is that education that's closest to the child," she said. "Who better than the local community?" Jack Britt High School Principal Dr. Queesha Tillman said the visit was a point of pride for the school and its students. Advertisement Advertisement "It's an honor," Tillman said. "Any time we can give a positive, forward-facing event for our school is always a plus." The tour comes at a time of significant changes within the U.S. Department of Education, including proposed cuts to federal education funding. Tillman said events like the tour could help spark dialogue about the future of public education. "We're hoping that events like this will maybe spark some change, some more debate," she said. "Our kids are our future, and we want to give them the best and the brightest and all the resources that we can." The event was sponsored by a coalition that includes Turning Point USA, a conservative nonprofit organization founded by Charlie Kirk. The group's involvement raised concerns from some parents during a Cumberland County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday evening, who questioned the presence of a partisan organization in a public school during instructional hours. Advertisement Advertisement McMahon defended the partnership, saying the organization supports civic education and patriotism. "We're very happy to have Turning Point USA as part of this coalition," she said. "Civics is something that we need to teach everywhere in our country and our love of country." Cumberland County Schools officials acknowledged the concerns but emphasized that student participation in the event was voluntary. "This was an optional event," said Dr. Lindsay Whitley, associate superintendent of communications and community engagement. "Students were not required to attend." Tillman said students responded positively to McMahon's visit. Advertisement Advertisement "Our kids were enthusiastic," she said. "They were very participatory. They were excited about her visit." SEE ALSO | Audit of NC Education Lottery shows decrease of millions in funding to public schools State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha. March 26, 2025. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen is seeking a criminal investigation into State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha over removing and later returning part of a Nebraska Capitol display on American history from conservative nonprofit PragerU. One of the displays in the White House-sponsored PragerU Founders Museum outside the office of State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh of Omaha. The Nebraska Capitol Commission chose to hang around the display around the State Capitol for the countrys 250th celebration in 2026. Jan. 8, 2026 (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The governor released a statement Wednesday afternoon saying he and his team have carefully consulted with law enforcement and members of the Legislature and concluded this warrants a criminal investigation by law enforcement. Pillen says he told the Nebraska State Patrol to refer the materials from the incident to the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office. Advertisement Advertisement On the first day of this years legislative session, Cavanaugh, a progressive lawmaker in the officially nonpartisan Legislature, removed the frames because she said, We are not allowed to adhere anything to the walls in the hallway of the Capitol. She said that, typically, any such display would be placed near the information desk, not on the walls along the Capitols hallways. Cavanaugh said she tried not to damage the artwork and called the State Patrol to let them know where to find the paintings. The patrol returned the posters to the Nebraska Capitol Commission, which Speaker John Arch said had approved the displays use of the walls. The images were rehung later that day. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement Since then, the incident has been amplified by conservative influencers and media outlets after Pillen, a Republican, tweeted security footage of the incident and wrote that he was disappointed in this shameful and selfish bad example. No apparent damage was done to the art, a State Patrol spokesman said last week. He also said at the time that there was no active investigation of the incident. Cavanaugh apologized last week as State Sen. Jared Storm of David City asked the Legislatures Executive Board to reprimand her for her actions. Gov. Jim Pillen visits the Nebraska National Guard Air Base on Jan. 5, 2026. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner) State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair, chair of the Legislatures Executive Board, which handles internal issues of discipline, said the issue would be discussed during a closed portion of the meeting, but said Cavanaughs apologies were sincere. The Exec Board took no immediate action on Cavanaugh. Advertisement Advertisement Pillen, in his Wednesday statement, said, Many Nebraskans and officials in the Capitol have expressed, if a private citizen had engaged in similar conduct, there would be a consequence for such misconduct. The nonprofit behind the images has faced criticism for sharing content that historians consider misleading and inaccurate. The latest display is part of a push from the Trump administrations White House Task Force 250, outreach designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed Pillens 2026 reelection bid. During a legislative session, Nebraska lawmakers can only be cited, not arrested, based on a provision of the state constitution meant to prevent outside interference in the Legislatures actions. Cavanaugh had no immediate comment. Advertisement Advertisement Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Wednesday rejected the request from Louisiana officials to extradite a California doctor accused of illegally mailing abortion medication. Louisianas request is denied, Newsom said in a statement. My position on this has been clear since 2022: We will not allow extremist politicians from other states to reach into California and try to punish doctors based on allegations that they provided reproductive health care services. Not today. Not ever, Newsom continued. We will never be complicit with Trumps war on women. Advertisement Advertisement Newsoms office noted he declined an extradition request that sought to prosecute a person for providing, receiving, or assisting with reproductive health care that is legal in California. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill (R) accused physician Remy Coeytaux of shipping the abortion-inducing drugs mifepristone and misoprostol to a Louisiana woman, who then took the pills to end her pregnancy. Federal and state law give Governor Newsom discretion to reject extradition requests in cases, like this one, where the alleged conduct occurred in California, Newsoms office stated. Newsom also shared Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landrys (R) post on the social platform X about the doctor. Landry shared a video announcing that Coeytaux, a San Francisco-area physician, had been indicted in St. Tammany Parish on a criminal charge of abortion by means of abortion-inducing drugs. The California governor captioned Landrys post with: Louisianas request is denied. Advertisement Advertisement The Hill reached out to Murrills office for comment. Murrill accused Coeytaux of drug dealing and said Coeytaux flagrantly and intentionally violates our laws by sending illegal abortion pills into our state placing women in danger. California is one of eight states that have shield laws, which protect health care providers and patients from being investigated and prosecuted out of state in connection with abortion and gender-affirming care. The Center for Reproductive Rights, which is representing Coeytaux against civil charges in a separate matter, noted Louisiana is going after doctors for allegedly harming women, yet they are enforcing an abortion ban that puts womens lives at risk every day, according to the centers President and CEO Nancy Northup. Advertisement Advertisement Abortion pills are widely used and incredibly safe, including when provided via telehealth. Women should also be able to get safe and legal abortion care in their own state, Northup previously told The Hill. Thousands of women seek abortion pills via mail every year because abortion is banned in their state, and that will not change until abortion is legal everywhere. Louisianas attempt to extradite Coeytaux marks the second time it has tried to extradite a doctor for prescribing abortion medication. Last time, the state accused a mother of requesting drugs online from a New York doctor to give to her daughter, who was a minor and pregnant. Colorado, Washington, and most of New England Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island and Maine have shield laws that protect doctors regardless of their patients location. 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. A huge uranium shipment that left northern Niger in late November has been stuck for weeks at Niamey airport. The cargo has created a diplomatic headache for the junta that seized power in 2023 and has since turned away from traditional ally France and closer to Russia. Here is what we know about the shipment, estimated at more than 1,000 tonnes, which the Sahelian country -- among the world's leading producers of uranium -- wants to sell: Advertisement Advertisement - Shipment at airport - Nigerien uranium -- long mined by French firm Orano (formerly Areva) -- is at the heart of the junta's push to assert sovereignty over its resources. In June, the military leadership announced the nationalisation of the Somair mine, an Orano subsidiary located in Arlit in the north. Weeks later, it said it would sell Niger's uranium on the international market. Using satellite images, AFP has established that 34 trucks arrived at Niamey airport between December 3 and 5. While the contents cannot formally be confirmed, several sources -- including Wamaps, a group of west African journalists specialising in Sahel security -- say it is the uranium shipment that left Arlit in late November. Advertisement Advertisement The trucks remained inside the airport compound for nearly a month, but by January 14, only four were still visible. "The cargo is entirely within the airport; it has been moved to secure locations," a source familiar with the matter told AFP. "It is not intended to leave the country anytime soon," the source added. - A risky route - Moving goods out of landlocked Niger usually requires access to a neighbouring country's port. Niger shares borders with Nigeria and Benin. But the junta's relations with Abuja are tense and ties with Cotonou are even worse. Niger accuses Benin of seeking to destabilise the country and has closed the border. Advertisement Advertisement That means that the most direct route via Benin's port of Seme-Kpodji is not an option. The alternative would be to move the "yellowcake" -- a concentrate of uranium -- through Togo. But that entails crossing western Niger and Burkina Faso, which is rife with jihadist violence. The route would go through Torodi in southwestern Niger where the local prefect was killed earlier this year. "Niger is hesitating because of growing security risks,", the source said. The Tillaberi region bordering Burkina Faso became the "deadliest region across central Sahel" in 2025, according to ACLED, an NGO that monitors conflicts. Advertisement Advertisement - The air option - The uranium could also be transported by air. Satellite images show two Russian-made Ilyushin Il-76 cargo planes at Niamey between January 9 and 13. But flight-tracking data analysed by AFP to identify the aircraft owners revealed no registered movements. At this stage, the buyer of the uranium remains unknown and Moscow has not officially expressed interest in the shipment. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said she would "look into the matter" and would respond "without fail", when she was asked by AFP during a briefing Thursday. During a visit to Niamey in the summer, Russia's energy minister declared Moscow's "main goal is to mine uranium" in Niger. Advertisement Advertisement Russian atomic agency Rosatom later also signed a memorandum on civilian nuclear cooperation with Niger. - Legal challenge - In December, France launched a probe into the suspected theft of this uranium "in the interests of a foreign power". Orano says the cargo still belongs to it, a claim Niamey rejects and accuses the company in turn of owing 58 billion CFA francs ($102 million) in debts and unpaid bills. The legal case could complicate matters for any country through which the shipment might transit -- starting with Togo. "This complaint has changed the balance of power," the source said. "Togo is now hesitating because, under its international commitments, the cargo would have to be seized immediately if it entered its territory," the source added. bur-pid/bdi/rh/kjm North Dakota Senate Minority Leader Sen. Kathy Hogan, D-Fargo, speaks during a debate on the rules for the chamber as part of the organizational session on Dec. 4, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) North Dakota Senate Minority Leader Kathy Hogan announced Thursday she will not seek reelection this year. Hogan, of Fargo, a longtime leader of the Democratic-NPL Party, said it was a difficult decision to step away, but family matters needed to come first. Advertisement Advertisement My husband is 90, so it was a family decision and its very bittersweet, Hogan said in an interview with the North Dakota Monitor. It has nothing to do with the Legislature. It just has to do with my familys needs. She represented Fargo residents of District 21 in the North Dakota House of Representatives starting in 2009 and has served in the Senate since 2019, including the two previous legislative sessions as minority leader. Prior to her time as a lawmaker, she worked in human services for 40 years, which included 28 years as director of Cass County Social Services. Hogan said shes proud of the strides the state has made in improving behavioral health and the Legislatures workplace harassment policy. One thing she hopes shes remembered for is her ability to work with almost anyone. I think I bring a deeply respectful approach to all opinions, she said. The power of being nice, I think, sometimes we forget about it. Advertisement Advertisement She added she thinks state government is in a better position now than when she began serving in the Legislature 17 years ago. The thing that gives me hope is the new governor, Hogan said of Republican Kelly Armstrong. Hes very practical and he knows the legislative process and understands the difference between policy making and administration of the executive branch, and that gives me a lot of hope. Hogan said she plans to stay involved in issues that she is passionate about as an advocate. Former North Dakota U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp was among Democrats who praised Hogans legislative service Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement She consistently delivered wins for the marginalized, and her advocacy for health care, Medicaid recipients, and our states children will be hallmarks of her service, Heitkamp said in a statement. Sen. Josh Boschee, D-Fargo, assistant Senate minority leader, said Hogans legacy extends beyond her time in state government. Well before she was elected to the Legislature, she played an instrumental role in improving the quality of life for our citizens and working toward a healthier North Dakota, Boschee said in a statement. Senate Majority Leader David Hogue, R-Minot, said hes going to miss Hogans always-sunny disposition and willingness to compromise. Advertisement Advertisement Even when we disagree, shes always got a smile, Hogue said. The Cass County Democratic-NPL District will meet Feb. 7 to endorse candidates for the Legislature and delegates for the partys convention in Bismarck on March 6-7. Rep. Mary Schneider, D-Fargo, announced Thursday she will run to succeed Hogan in the Senate. Hogan also had advice for anyone considering running for elected office. If you are curious and want to learn about democracy, step into the arena, Hogan said. Whether its city, county, school boards, library boards, until we get people committed to making democracy work, our democracy wont thrive, and everyone should be involved at some point. Advertisement Advertisement North Dakota Monitor reporter Michael Achterling can be reached at machterling@northdakotamonitor.com. This story has been updated with additional reporting. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stunned reporters Thursday by angrily denouncing a CNN chyron as not the truth, despite the on-screen description being factually accurate, if incomplete. During a contentious exchange at the briefing podium, Leavitt zeroed in on a CNN headline that read: Protests erupt after federal agents shoot man in Minneapolis. Her objection was not that the shooting failed to occur, nor that protests did not follow. Both are undisputed. Instead, Leavitt argued that the chyron failed to reflect what she described as the fuller context behind the incident. That is not the story. Thats not the truth, Leavitt said flatly, escalating her critique well beyond a standard complaint about framing or omitted details. The categorical dismissal was striking, particularly given that the chyron accurately stated two verified facts: a federal agent shot a man, and protests erupted afterward. Advertisement Advertisement Leavitts decision to label the headline untrue, rather than misleading or incomplete, marked a sharp rhetorical turn. Press secretaries routinely argue that coverage lacks nuance. Far less common is an outright declaration that an accurate statement of events is false. The moment came after a reporter asked about unrest in Minneapolis following an ICE operation, citing vandalized federal vehicles, alleged theft of weapons from an FBI car, and reports from a journalist embedded with ICE who described sustained harassment of agents. The reporter asked whether rhetoric from political leaders and media outlets was contributing to violence against ICE personnel. Leavitt responded with a sweeping defense of ICE and an aggressive attack on Democrats and the press. She accused Democratic governors and mayors of demonizing federal agents, claiming they have been likened to Nazis and the Gestapo. She displayed photos of vandalized ICE vehicles and referenced a slogan allegedly scrawled on one car that read, the best agent is a dead agent. She then returned to the CNN chyron, accusing the network of being complicit in this violence. Leavitt argued that Department of Homeland Security accounts show the agent was acting in self-defense after being assaulted while attempting to detain a Venezuelan national who fled an operation. Advertisement Advertisement That account may add important context. It does not, however, negate the accuracy of CNNs description of events. By declaring a plainly true headline not the truth, Leavitt appeared less interested in correcting the record than in redefining it. From the White House podium, that distinction matters. Watch above via Fox News. The post That is NOT the Truth! Karoline Leavitt Blasts Accurate CNN Chyron of ICE Shooting first appeared on Mediaite. ALBANY State Senate Democrats have made it a tradition to pass election-related bills on their first work day of each year, and this year that tradition included an effort to get New York more attention in presidential races. On Monday, as lawmakers started their first full week back in the state Capitol for the year, Senate Democrats moved to advance a package of election-related bills that they said will help to defend New Yorkers right to vote. Perhaps the most impactful bill in the package would move New Yorks presidential primary from the current June date to the first Tuesday of March, aligning the state primary schedule with at least 17 other states and territories that hold their presidential primaries on that date. New York hosts all other primaries for local and statewide office in June, but this law would only impact the presidential primaries for Democrats and Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement This proposal is really all about relevance, said Sen. James Skoufis, D-Middletown, the bills author and lead sponsor. As it stands now, presidential candidates only come to New York for one reason, if were speaking frankly. and that is, they collect big checks from corporate boardrooms and penthouses in Manhattan, and they fly out that night to some battleground state or some state that is relevant in the primary nominating calendar. The political math is basic here: Skoufis and the bills backers, mostly Democrats, contend that the earlier a state casts its primary votes for the two major parties in the presidential race, the more relevant those states are to the race, and states that vote later are less relevant. Presidential candidates demonstrably spend more time in states that vote on Super Tuesday, which often is the day when major party nominees finally cross the threshold to become their partys candidate for the general election. States that vote later do get less attention, and with New York being a safe state for Democrats, very little attention is generally paid to New Yorks presidential primary races. What this bill looks to do is make sure that contenders actually come here for other reasons (than fundraising), that they come here to talk to our voters, they come here to elevate our issues, Skoufis said. Advertisement Advertisement New York once cast its primary votes on Super Tuesday; in 2008 the states Republican and Democratic voters cast their ballots on that years Super Tuesday election date in February. The Senate package passed by the chamber on Monday includes one bill that would expressly prohibit deceptive practices and voter suppression in elections, and boost the linked penalty for violating someones right to vote. Another would bar foreign-influenced businesses from spending money in state and local elections. A third would prohibit dissemination of personal information of election officers, including poll workers and board of elections staff. A fourth bill in the package would permit any voter in New York to register to vote at a secondary residence with which they plan on maintaining a continuous connection and where they plan to stay connected. That would permit people who own second homes or otherwise split their time to choose to register at an address not otherwise considered their primary residence, but it would not permit people to register to vote at two separate residences. Another bill in the package will allow the state Board of Elections to create a uniform training curriculum for all state election commissioners, replacing the current system that requires counties to develop a county-specific training program. Advertisement Advertisement All six bills passed the Senate on Monday by a largely partisan margin, with most Republicans opposing most of the bills. The legislation did not address a major concern among voting rights advocates this year, revolving around a change made at the U.S. Postal Service. No longer will the mail system postmark mail on the date it is received, but instead on the date it is first processed at a mail sorting center. Especially for rural and sparsely populated regions, this change could delay the postmarking of ballots cast by mail by multiple days, potentially pushing mailed in ballots past the legal deadlines for them to be counted in primary or general elections. New Yorks laws require mail-in ballots to be postmarked by the date of the relevant election. Senate Elections Committee Chair Kristen Gonzalez, D-Brooklyn, has a bill that would address some concerns related to changes in the mail system, but that wasnt included in this bill package. Advertisement Advertisement Were certainly going to push that in this legislative session, she said. Gonzalez also batted away criticism from some Republican members of her committee, who have complained for all eight years that the Democratic majority has passed voting legislation in its first day that theyre doing so outside of regular order. Sen. Mark Walczyk, R-Sackets Harbor, has complained about this in prior years. These bills were not allowed to age for three days, as most legislation in Albany is required to do. Instead, lawmakers in the Senate fast-tracked them to allow them to be voted on during the second day of session, the first day of real legislative work. That is normal, and a conventional process for the Senate, and its a tradition that weve had for many years, she said. I dont see it as out of the ordinary. This package passed in the Senate as separate bills on Monday. Companion bills in the Assembly have not yet moved for the year, and the Senate does not always move in lockstep with the lower house on legislation. New York state has taken an important and commendable step forward. With the Board of Regents adoption of a statewide Portrait of a Graduate, the state has made clear that preparing students for the future requires more than test scores, credits and compliance. Skills such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, adaptability and civic engagement are now central to what it means to graduate from a New York school. That shift matters. In a world shaped by artificial intelligence, economic uncertainty and rapid change, students need more than academic knowledge. They need the capacity to navigate complexity, adjust when plans change and chart meaningful futures. But a critical question now faces educators across the state: Will New Yorks Portrait of a Graduate live in classrooms or remain a poster on the wall? Advertisement Advertisement Across the country, we have seen districts do the hard work of developing graduate portraits. Communities engage, language is refined, graphics are created, posters go up and then, too often, the work stalls. Students can recite the attributes, but they dont practice them. Teachers value the vision, but lack the structures and tools to translate it into everyday learning. This is not a lack of commitment, it is an implementation gap. Vision is episodic, teaching is daily New Yorks portrait is promising because it is intentionally connected to deeper learning, culturally responsive education, multiple pathways to graduation and performance-based assessment. That alignment sends the right message. Advertisement Advertisement Still, experience tells us that vision alone does not change outcomes. Creating a portrait happens once. Teaching toward it must happen every day. Without concrete classroom practices, advising routines and student-facing tools, even the strongest portrait risks becoming symbolic rather than transformational. The danger is not that schools will ignore the Portrait of a Graduate. The danger is that they will admire it without using it. Whats missing: student agency and hope For the Portrait to matter, it must connect directly to how students see themselves and their futures. This is where hope becomes essential. Advertisement Advertisement Hope is not optimism or positive thinking, It is a learnable skill: The ability to set meaningful goals, identify multiple pathways and take action when obstacles arise. Hope is strongly linked to academic persistence, achievement and mental well-being. A Portrait of a Graduate becomes real only when students can say: These skills (or qualities) matter to my future. I know how to practice them. I can use them when plans change. Without that connection, portraits remain aspirational statements rather than drivers of engagement and growth. Moving from portrait to practice Schools do not need another initiative, they need practical ways to embed the portrait into daily learning. Organizations, such as Brilliant Pathways, which has spent decades working with schools in underserved rural and urban communities, offer useful lessons. Advertisement Advertisement Their work centers on helping students actively plan their futures. Tools like the Scholar Map and the 10-Point Plan ask students to identify interests, explore careers, set goals, build support networks and plan next steps toward college, credentials and careers. Importantly, this is not a one-time activity. It is a routine students revisit and refine over time. Brilliant Pathways success helping educators embed their Essential Skills into classroom activities can serve as an example of how to do the same with the qualities of the portrait. The Brilliant Pathways approach can help turn graduate attributes into lived experience. Three shifts New York schools can make now: 1. Translate portrait attributes into student actions. Effective communicator should mean presenting to authentic audiences. Critical thinker should mean revising work based on feedback. Self-directed learner should mean setting and tracking goals. Students need regular opportunities to practice these skills, not just see them listed. Advertisement Advertisement 2. Embed the portrait across advisory and instruction. Advisory time can focus on goals, pathways and support systems. Core classes can reinforce the same competencies through authentic tasks. Same portrait, same language, different contexts, consistent expectations. 3. Make hope the engine of implementation. Students must learn that success is not linear. When one pathway is blocked, another can be found. When a plan fails, the response should be agency, not resignation. This mindset transforms the Portrait from an expectation into an empowerment tool. A living promise to New Yorks students New Yorks Portrait of a Graduate represents a powerful promise: You are more than a test score, and your future demands adaptability, purpose and contribution. That promise will only be fulfilled if the portrait becomes something students use, not just something schools display. The opportunity facing New York is significant. If the state pairs its bold vision with everyday classroom practice and grounds the work in student agency and hope, the Portrait of a Graduate can move from poster to powerful and from aspiration to transformation. A new year often brings a forecast look at the year ahead in the dairy industry. A recent webinar by Andrea Lendwig of IFCN Dairy Research Network looked a decade out in the global dairy markets. To evaluate and forecast future trends, Lendwig first looked back at the recent past. Global milk production solid-corrected milk standardized to 4% fat and 3.3% protein had risen 2.7% annually from 2010 to 2020 but only grew 2% per year on average in the last five years. On the demand side, the drivers of growth have been population spikes and per capita consumption, which have varied widely around the world based on local economic scenarios; yet the annual dairy demand growth globally since 2010 has averaged 2.5%. Lendwig evaluated the production growth by country in 2025 compared to 2024, looking at the main exporters in the world. Not a surprise: One of the countries that has boosted production the most in the year-over-year comparison is the U.S., with a jump of 5 million metric tons. Following the U.S., production growth was seen in the EU and Brazil. China is the one market that has seen a massive decline in production during the time frame analyzed. The cost of milk production was also evaluated by Lendwig. The costs, on average, of all farms evaluated around the world grew by approximately 20% in the last five years. These price pressures speed up consolidation, she said. Additionally, she shared an interesting statistic: When evaluating all dairies around the world, an estimated 109 million dairy farms according to 2024 data, only 3% of farms produce 60% of global milk. Meaning, as market shifts have shown, the countries with larger, more efficient dairy producers the U.S., Western Europe, and New Zealand have been the major players for global dairy trade. Overall, global milk production reached 1 billion pounds of milk in 2024, which was predicted by IFCN in 2014. Looking ahead to 2035, IFCN Dairy is estimating milk production to grow by 15% worldwide, driven by the factors of: 800 million more people 9 kg more milk (dairy product equivalent) consumed per capita Fewer dairy cattle, producing 600 kg more milk per animal A reduction in total dairies, 19 million fewer dairy farms A growth of 1 million metric tons of dairy traded Lendwig shared the regions where an expected surplus and deficit in milk are expected, which continue to be the U.S., Western Europe, and New Zealand. Dairy demand growth for 2035 predicted by IFCN is expected to outpace supply in many parts of Latin America, except Argentina and Uruguay, which are estimated to continue to be dairy exporters within the region. Also, the demand to exceed supply is forecasted in most of Africa, the Middle East, North and East Asia, and Southeast Asia. Specifically focused on the U.S., Lendwig shared the outlook of the U.S. dairy production growth in the next decade to be driven 70% by milk yield and 30% by the number of animals in the U.S. herd. The full presentation, titled Global dairy market status and 2035 perspectives, can be viewed here. To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Scientists found this piece of woolly rhino tissue inside the stomach of an ancient wolf pup. | Credit: Mietje Germonpre Scientists have analyzed the genome of a 14,400-year-old woolly rhino from a piece of its flesh found in the stomach of an ancient wolf pup. The results are giving experts insight into the woolly rhino's extinction, which probably happened rapidly due to climate change . The woolly rhino (Coelodonta antiquitatis) tissue was found inside the mummified remains of a wolf pup, which was initially discovered in the Siberian permafrost in 2011. A subsequent necropsy of the pup revealed its final meal : It dined on one of the last woolly rhinos on Earth. But now, scientists have worked out how to sequence the animal's full genome from the undigested bits of rhino flesh. Advertisement Advertisement "Sequencing the entire genome of an Ice Age animal found in the stomach of another animal has never been done before," Camilo Chacon-Duque , a bioinformatician at Uppsala University in Sweden and co-author of the new study, said in a statement . In the new research, published Wednesday (Jan. 14) in the journal Genome Biology and Evolution , researchers analyzed the woolly rhino muscle tissue and compared it with older examples to investigate the species' population size and level of inbreeding just prior to its extinction. That chunk of meat has provided unprecedented information about the demise of the woolly rhino. Many species that go extinct leave clues to their decline in their geographic range, their population size, and their genomes. As populations of an animal decrease, they can become concentrated in a particular area. For example, woolly mammoths (Mammuthus primigenius) persisted until about 4,000 years ago on a remote island in Siberia. But their small population contributed to inbreeding, and this lack of genetic diversity may have ultimately doomed the mammoth. (Although another study suggests that these island mammoths died in a random mystery event.) Scientists were able to sequence the genome from the woolly rhino tissue inside the stomach of the wolf. | Credit: Love Dalen The woolly rhino, however, was widespread across northern Eurasia until about 35,000 years ago. Its geographic range contracted over time, and the species became concentrated in northeastern Siberia, before going extinct around 14,000 years ago. The piece of woolly rhino tissue discovered in the wolf pup's stomach was carbon-dated to 14,400 years ago, meaning the woolly rhino was likely one of the last of its kind. Advertisement Advertisement Researchers generated the woolly rhino's genome from the preserved muscle tissue and compared it with two older genomes dated to 18,000 and 49,000 years ago. They discovered that the three rhinos had similar levels of inbreeding and genetic diversity, suggesting that there was a relatively stable woolly rhino population in northern Siberia until at least 14,400 years ago, and that their extinction must have happened rapidly after that. An ancient wolf puppy that ate woolly mammoth meat was found in Tumat, Siberia, in 2011. | Credit: Mietje Germonpre "Our results show that the woolly rhinos had a viable population for 15,000 years after the first humans arrived in northeastern Siberia, which suggests that climate warming, rather than human hunting, caused the extinction," study co-author Love Dalen , an evolutionary genomics professor at the Centre for Palaeogenetics in Sweden, said in the statement. The results build on previous work by several of the same researchers. Rapid changes in the world's climate happened toward the end of the Pleistocene epoch (the last ice age), and many large mammals went extinct. The disappearance of the woolly rhino lines up with a period called the Blling-Allerd interstadial, which involved an abrupt warming of the Northern Hemisphere's climate from around 14,700 to 12,900 years ago. This dramatically warmer climate may have wiped out the favored foods of the cold-adapted, herbivorous woolly rhino and thus contributed to their swift decline. RELATED STORIES Advertisement Advertisement 32,000-year-old mummified woolly rhino half-eaten by predators unearthed in Siberia Siberian gold miners accidentally find ancient woolly rhino mummy with horn and soft tissues still intact Mammoth RNA sequenced for the first time, marking a giant leap toward understanding prehistoric life While the new genome does not resolve all the mysteries surrounding the extinction of the woolly rhino, the researchers demonstrated that it is possible to recover the DNA of one animal from inside another one. "It was really exciting, but also very challenging, to extract a complete genome from such an unusual sample," study lead author Solveig Gujonsdottir, a researcher at Stockholm University, said in the statement. The researchers hope their achievement will pave the way for future DNA and genomic analysis of animal tissues from "unlikely sources." Mammoth quiz: Test your knowledge of the ice age beasts The 32 Cuban mercenaries killed while protecting Nicolas Maduro are more than just a footnote in the extraordinary capture of the Venezuelan dictator. For 67 years, the communist regime in Havana has sent mercenaries to countries in Latin America, Africa and most recently Ukraine. Cuba has always exported and trained soldiers for three main reasons: power, politics and payments. In April 1959, in the first months of the revolution, Cuba debuted by sending guerrillas to destabilize Panama and ignite an anti-American flame there. More than 90 Cuban mercenaries traveled on the Mayari vessel in April 1959. They wanted to surprise the Panamanian authorities, but they were the ones who were surprised. The troops were captured, humiliated and deported to Havana. Advertisement Advertisement In June 1959, Fidel Castro again sent mercenaries to another sovereign country, attempting to destabilize Trujillos dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. They also failed, resulting in the death of more than 200 communist soldiers. In May 1959, Castro, inspired by the bloody internationalism of Che Guevara, tried to overthrow the regime of Anastasio Somoza in Nicaragua. Although they were crushed by the military forces of Honduras and Nicaragua, Cuba would continue training guerrillas in Central America with a long-term strategy. Just months after this, in August 1959, Castro sent his thugs to Haiti. Once again, they suffered a massive defeat, but this time it was bloodier. Almost all the Cuban soldiers in that operation were killed. Castro was obsessed with power. He viewed deaths as a necessary evil and each failed invasion as a lesson learned. In the first year of the revolution alone, he sent hundreds of young men to their deaths in those four sovereign countries. In time, Cuba became more proficient and productive in sending hired thugs. In 1961, fed up with failures in Latin America, Castro and Guevara began interventionist operations in Algeria and a dozen countries in Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Guevara was a key figure in this criminal agenda a kind of special envoy to ignite the revolutionary flame. Cuba learned to send military advisors, but also to train terrorists at home, militarily and politically. In 1961, Cuba irregularly established military service. Through conscription, the regime exported thousands of young men to kill innocent people in Africa. Angola was the first victorious project of the Cuban mercenary and advisor model. In 1975, Angola achieved independence from Portugal in the celebrated Operation Carlota. Castro had sold his model to all of Africa. Thousands of Cubans lost their lives to build Fidels ego and legend. The story did not always have a happy ending. Cuba and its interventionist model of mercenaries and intelligence advisors had it biggest failure in 1967 with Guevaras death in Bolivia. Another small sacrifice that would not stop Fidels ego and thirst for blood. Cubas first major failure in Venezuela was in May 1967, when the dictatorship set its sights on oil money. The communists tried to support guerrilla groups with Operation Machurucuto, but they were crushed. Castro was convinced that his mercenary business would always find fertile ground in a context of economic and social disparities. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, in 1999, Cuba managed to consummate its victory in Venezuela when Hugo Chavez took office. Since then, both countries have maintained a close and shadowy relationship, with Venezuela providing the oil and Cuba providing military advisors. It is estimated that some 20,000 Cuban mercenaries, intelligence advisors, and doctors from operate on a rotating basis in Venezuela. In theory, Cuban legislation prohibits the use of mercenaries. According to Article 135 of the new penal code, any person who participates in military activities in foreign territory for personal gain could face a sentence of 20 to 30 years, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty. But the 32 mercenaries killed in Venezuela, reaffirm suspicions that Cuba not only sponsors terrorism but is also an exporter and promoter of this destructive cause. Fortunately, on Jan. 3 in Caracas, the tyrannys lies were exposed, and some of its protagonists were eliminated. The extraordinary implications and imprint of Operation Absolute Resolve have been numerous, and its legacy and leverage will help ensure a safer, more prosperous future for the U.S. and Latin America, building peace through strength. Advertisement Advertisement Arturo McFields is an exiled journalist, former Nicaraguan ambassador to the Organization of American States, and a former member of the Norwegian Peace Corps. He is an alumnus of the National Defense Universitys Security and Defense Seminar and the Harvard Leadership course. 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. Indiana House Elections Committee members discuss legislation on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Tom Davies/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Indianas cities and towns would have the option of moving their elections to even-numbered years under a bill advancing in the Legislature. A House committees endorsement Wednesday of the optional proposal comes after a failed attempt last year to shift the next round of municipal elections now set for 2027 to presidential election years starting in 2028. Advertisement Advertisement The House elections committee delayed taking action on another bill that would require most counties to draw county commissioner districts so that they have roughly equal populations. Moving municipal elections Supporters of last years effort to change the city and town election years argued the shift could increase voter turnout and decrease costs by pairing municipal races with federal and state contests. Rep. Jennifer Meltzer, R-Shelbyville, raised those considerations in presenting House Bill 1055 to the committee but emphasized moving municipal elections would be a local decision. Rep. Jennifer Meltzer listens during a committee meeting in March 2025. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Only having an election once every other year instead of three out of every four, might be the right thing for your community, Meltzer said. So leaving all of that up to the local elected officials to make their own decisions and determine what is best for them, not forcing them to move their elections. Advertisement Advertisement Committee member Rep. Matt Pierce, D-Bloomington, cited concerns about local issues getting lost in the noise of federal and state campaigns if city elections are moved. A study led by the Indiana secretary of states office last year concluded that moving the municipal elections would lead to a boost in voter turnout that would more than mak(e) up for votes lost through ballot fatigue. Thats when voters lose interest in lengthy lists of choices. Indianas cities and towns organization expressed opposition to the bill, although the groups lobbyist said some municipal leaders support the move. Amy Krieg, the government affairs director for Accelerate Indiana Municipalities, said the group worried about a diminished focus on local issues if the elections for mayors and other city offices were shifted. Advertisement Advertisement When those elections are moved to even numbered years, the conversation always, or typically, turns into the national hot topics, Krieg said. Committee members voted 9-3 to advance the bill to the full House for consideration. County commissioner districts The committee put off any action on House Bill 1342 that would require most counties to draw residency districts for their three county commissioners so that they contain, as nearly as is possible, equal population. Bill author Rep. Tim Yocum, R-Clinton and a former Vermillion County commissioner, said that in some counties the balance is totally out of whack and it needs to be in some way justified. Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of the bill testified about situations in Clay and Knox counties where one commissioner district has more than 17,000 residents and the other two have fewer than 5,000 residents. Bill opponents argued that such variations dont violate one man, one vote standards because while commissioner candidates must live in their districts, those positions are elected on a countywide ballot. The bill would apply to all counties with a board of commissioners, except Lake and St. Joseph counties that currently elect commissioners by district rather than countywide. Tyler Warman, executive director of the Indiana County Commissioners organization, argued that rural residents would lose their voice in county government if commissioner districts were based on population alone. Advertisement Advertisement For example, Johnson County has a northern urban district, a suburban central district and a rural southern district. Many counties have a similar map, Warman said. It allows for representation from each part of the county. If population alone dictates these districts, one city could hold all seats on the board of commissioners. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A former high school teacher pleaded guilty in a Washington County court Wednesday to sexually abusing his students in Hillsboro, according to the DAs office. Wymon Wayne Smith, 67, pleaded guilty to first-degree and second-degree sex abuse and will serve 75 months in prison as well as 10 years of post-prison supervision. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Advertisement Advertisement Subscribe Now KOIN Breaking News Alerts The incidents took place while Smith worked at Banks High School and impacted two students. On Jan. 6, 2025, one victim was alone in class when Smith told them to close the door so he could give the victim a real hug. According to prosecutors, Smith then hugged the minor and touched the student inappropriately and even admitted to the student that he shouldnt be doing this. The victim told a friend, who then told an adult, ultimately getting law enforcement involved. Administrators put Smith on leave immediately and later terminated his role while permanently banning him from campus. Advertisement Advertisement An investigation into Smiths behavior also found that he had abused another student by initiating an increasingly flirtatious relationship that progressed to explicit sexual text messages and forceful sexual contact over a period of time. In addition to his prison sentence, Smith will also lose his teaching certification and become a registered sex offender. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. City of Seaside pays fines, takes classes The Oregon Occupational and Safety and Health Division, an agency that regulates workplace safety and health, has concluded an investigation of the city of Seaside that began last fall. The city was cited with six serious violations and one other than serious, resulting in fines totaling $6,690. In addition, safety training was mandated for city staff and employees. The complaint to OSHA was filed on Aug. 14 by business owner Randy Anderson, who owns Anderson Painting, which is located on Avenue S. Advertisement Advertisement Because of the juxtaposition of Andersons workplace, he said he had a front row seat to nearly two years of mismanagement by the city of the Avenue S homeless encampment site. The final straw But what spurred Anderson to file an official complaint with OSHA was when he witnessed the cleanup of the site in the aftermath of its relocation to Avenue V. On Monday, Aug. 11, as a city public works crew began to clean up the site, they were exposed to dead rats, human waste and hazardous materials, including drugs and needles, said Anderson. Anderson said he saw crews working without personal protective equipment (PPE), such as poke-resistant gloves, grabbers and face shields, as they were exposed to vermin and buckets of excrement (feces) and needles. Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the city had stopped their regular cleanup of the site. They used to come every two weeks and then they stopped doing it and it accumulated and accumulated. You could smell it, Anderson said. The city put their public works employees in extremely hazardous conditions with no regard for their safety and the publics health and safety. The citations from OSHA came as no surprise to Anderson. I knew they were going to get cited, he said. There was never a doubt in my mind they were going to find stuff. The investigation After receiving the complaint, OSHA conducted an investigation Sept. 5 to Nov. 18, said Aaron Corvin, public information officer for Oregon OSHA and the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services. During the investigation, Brandi S. Davis, an OSHA health enforcement manager, conducted interviews with city of Seaside employees and reviewed a number of documents to determine the agencys findings. Advertisement Advertisement When the investigation was over, Anderson filed a records request with OSHA and subsequently got a copy of the investigation and its findings, a 216-page report. In a follow up letter to Anderson, Davis summarized the results of the investigation, which Anderson shared with The Astorian. Citations were issued to the city for: 1) not properly informing employees about personal protective equipment (PPE) and what kind of PPE was appropriate for them to wear during the cleanup; 2) not giving employees blood born pathogens training; and 3) not properly disposing of, and not giving employees the proper information for disposing of infectious waste (medical waste, syringes). After OSHA grouped similar issues together then broke them down into individually itemized infractions, the actual number of citations issued to the city was seven six serious and one not serious. We took these findings seriously, said Seaside City Manager Spencer Kyle via email. He said since the investigation, the city has taken a number of steps to improve safety. Advertisement Advertisement Actions taken While the citations carried a fine, more importantly, they also came with a clear opportunity to improve, said Kyle. He listed a number of actions the city has taken, including: contracting with a certified third-party specialty firm to manage biohazard waste separation and disposal; purchasing additional PPE for city staff involved in cleanups; completing a thorough job-site hazard assessment; and launching a comprehensive training program so our employees are fully equipped and protected moving forward. Anderson said he is glad he filed the complaint. Justice was served, he said, although I dont think they were fined enough. Advertisement Advertisement Anderson said the scrutiny from OSHA forced changes for the good and, hopefully, the city will better value its employees going forward. Im pretty sure theyve learned their lesson this time, he said. But if I see something, Ill turn them in again. Kyle said the city is ready to move on. One of the citys highest priorities is to protect both public health and employee safety, and we are proud of the progress weve made, said Kyle. Were close to finalizing our follow-up report to OSHA and are committed to maintaining compliance going forward. The homelessness plight: Mills Pond to Avenue S to Avenue V Advertisement Advertisement As reported previously by The Astorian, in 2022, Seaside opened its first sanctioned homeless encampment, located at the Mill Ponds Park. But in the winter of 2023, the city decided to relocate the camp to Avenue S due to flooding. Neighboring residents and business owners said the move was unexpected; the city knew it was a rash move, but felt that it was urgent and something had to be done. Because it happened so fast, the city was not able to seek public input prior to taking action, which resulted in frustration from the neighboring community. We were given no notification. Nothing, Jorjett Strumme, a neighboring resident, said. The way I found out was one morning I opened my kitchen shade and my kitchen window is facing right into a homeless camp. I immediately emailed the city council, the city manager, (and) didnt get any information telling me why, how, or what was going on. Advertisement Advertisement Kyle said he regrets not communicating with the community, but that it likely would not have changed the overall decision. This has been so traumatic Years of rats, drugs, and more Residents said their lives were turned upside down shortly after the relocation. Next thing I know, because I had no idea how having this camp would be, (or) how it would affect my life, everything under the sun was stolen, Strumme said. My lawn furniture was stolen, my wheel barrels were stolen, hoses were stolen. I mean you name it. I had to turn off all my outside water because they were coming and running my water and not even turning it off. I had people on my back step charging their phone and nothing was being done about it. Advertisement Advertisement Anderson described a similar situation. Ive had nothing but issues with vandalism, theft, defecating on my property, graffiti on my property and vehicles, Anderson said. I had one guy come on my property and do drugs and ODed and died. Kyle said he could not help the residents with the vandalism and trespassing issues, so he referred them to the police. According to records obtained by The Astorian, the Seaside Police Department received 314 calls relating to the Avenue S site between Nov. 15, 2023 and Aug. 12, 2025. The community also encountered a rodent infestation. We all of a sudden (were) battling rats and were talking cat-size rats in our building were catching three (to) four a day, Doc Shaw, owner of Docs Auto Repair, said. Advertisement Advertisement Community members called for an exterminator and according to Kyle, the city also set up rat traps and bait stations. Business owners Shaw, Brian Olson, owner of Beachcomber Vacation Homes, and Dave Koller, who owns a self-storage facility on Avenue S, said the camp affected their businesses because customers and staff viewed Avenue S as unsafe. It just made running a business there not viable, Koller said. We (Seaside Self-Storage) had people move out because they didnt like coming to their storage. Mismanagement and complaints From the time the Avenue S site opened to when it closed, community members said they had been outspoken about the alleged mismanagement and unlivable conditions of the camp. Just from the very beginning of that camp being there, it was absolutely filthy there was no management of the camp, Koller said. It just quickly became a fentanyl, mental health crisis camp that nobody was managing. Kyle said the city would receive complaints about the Avenue S camp on a daily basis. Some community members alleged the mismanagement of the site was because camp rules were not enforced which Kyle confirmed. Some of the camp rules included having one bicycle, one tent and one cart, according to Shaw. Pretty much (camp rules) were just not adhered to at all, Kyle said. Koller said Avenue S became an area people wanted to avoid. Several fires and deaths onsite Avenue S became very, people walking in the street all the time, garbage around, I mean we had several fires in the camp. (It) just became an area you wanted to avoid. One person died from one of the fires. A male camper, 53-year-old Rocky Alan Guerrero, died on Jan. 22, 2025. According to records obtained by The Astorian, Guerrero was known for lighting candles underneath his blanket to keep warm. Kevin Matthew Bachtel, 40, also died inside the camp on Nov. 27, 2024. Bachtel died of an apparent drug overdose, according to records. While Kyle agreed there are things that might have been handled differently, he said he disagreed with all statements alleging mismanagement of the camp. I wouldnt say we mismanaged the camp, Kyle said. We did the best we could with the site we had, the constraints that we had within the law, and the tendencies, practices and conditions of the campers themselves. Going forward with due diligence In August, the city relocated the campsite a few blocks down from Avenue S to Avenue V and handed over the management of the Avenue S site to Clatsop Community Action, a nonprofit agency that services low-income residents in the county. Kyle said the city has struggled with the homelessness crisis over the last several years working diligently to find thoughtful and compassionate responses balancing the needs of our unhoused residents with the concerns and well-being of our broader community. Since 2022, Seaside has operated a sanctioned homeless camp as part of our strategy to provide safe and structured alternatives to unsanctioned camping, said Kyle. The journey hasnt been easy, and earlier sites, while necessary at the time, were never ideal. The move to the Stepping Stones Community in August 2025 was a significant turning point. In addition to moving the camp to a more suitable location, there were several other actions that have denoted progress, Kyle said. The layout of the camp was redesigned to promote individual responsibility and better maintenance of personal sites, new policies were adopted based on lessons learned and a helping hand in the form of Clatsop Community Action, came on board. Each of these components has played an equally important role in improving safety, structure and overall conditions, said Kyle, both within the camp and in the surrounding neighborhood. Former reporter for The Astorian, Ysabella Sosa, contributed to this story. As protests sweep the United States following the fatal shooting of a Minnesota woman by an immigration agent, a video of individuals hurling Molotov cocktails is spreading online alongside claims that it shows a fiery demonstration in the country. But the clip is misrepresented; reverse image searches traced the footage to violent clashes that erupted after a November 2025 rap concert in Greece. "America is spiraling out of control," says a January 11, 2026 post sharing the footage on X. "Millions are taking to the streets in protest against Trump's policies. Tension is rising and the picture inside the U.S. is shifting fast." The post comes from "@SilentlySirs," an account AFP previously fact-checked for spreading other misinformation about the protests that have flared across the United States after the fatal January 7 shooting in Minneapolis by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. According to X, the account is based in Africa. Screenshot from X taken January 13, 2026 Similar claims have spread on Facebook and Instagram, and also in Arabic. At the same time, other social media users have falsely claimed the same footage shows mass protests that have swelled in Iran throughout January in opposition to the country's authoritarian clerical rulers. Advertisement Advertisement But the video is unrelated to both Iran and the United States. Reverse image searches found the footage shared to Instagram as early as November 2, 2025, including in one post from Greece's Ta Nea newspaper (archived here). The outlet said it showed violent clashes involving Molotov cocktails and tear gas after a concert in the port town of Thessaloniki, and that police made 18 arrests. The Greek newspaper Kathimerini and the video-licensing website Newsflare published photos and videos of the clash from different angles (archived here and here). AFP also geolocated the footage to Thessaloniki (archived here). Screenshot from X taken January 14, 2026, with elements outlined by AFP Screenshot from Google Street View taken January 14, 2026, with elements outlined by AFP AFP has debunked other misinformation about the Minnesota shooting here, here, here and here. Pacific Power and Portland General Electric the states two largest investor-owned monopoly electric utilities will need to show continual progress towards the state's emissions reduction targets, a judge recently ruled. (Dana DiFilippo/New Jersey Monitor) Oregons largest electric utilities will need to show continual progress towards the states greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets or face enforcement from the Oregon Public Utility Commission, a judge ruled. Tuesdays written ruling from Marion County Circuit Court Judge Channing Bennett follows a spoken directive Bennett gave in November and clears up any uncertainty over the commissions authority to ensure progress is met on House Bill 2021. Advertisement Advertisement That law requires Pacific Power and Portland General Electric the states two largest investor-owned monopoly electric utilities collectively serving nearly 75% of the states electricity users to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2030, 90% by 2035 and 100% by 2040. Bennett rejected an appeal from lawyers for PacifiCorp, Pacific Powers parent company, who argued the commission lacked the power to hold the company accountable for showing continual progress in meeting the targets established by the state Legislature five years ago. Thats because commissioners had not defined what continual progress meant, the lawyers said. The case stemmed from a 2023 clean energy plan the company submitted to the Public Utility Commission as required by state law, meant to outline steps the company would take to reduce emissions and ensure reliable service and affordability. Commissioners determined Pacific Powers plan was insufficient as it did not include contracting with new clean energy producers to buy more power from them and cancelled a procurement process the company had begun in 2022 for purchasing more clean energy from producers. Instead, the plan outlined several strategies the company might undertake to reduce emissions, but did not commit to them. Advertisement Advertisement We simply cannot find that backsliding on emissions reductions without committing to a plan for improvement is continual progress, even if it represents a companys best efforts under challenging circumstances and even though PacifiCorp has continued to advance its analysis and planning, commissioners wrote. In 2024, they proposed requiring the company to buy more clean energy from producers on the open market, which PacifiCorp appealed. Bennetts ruling affirmed that the commission has the power to ensure companies are making continual progress and that it does not need to define what that means. Absent a definition by the Legislature or the Commission, the phrase continual progress is to be interpreted in accordance with the plain meaning of those two words, Bennett wrote. Backsliding on emission reductions without committing to a plan for improvement does not meet the plain meaning of continual progress. Advertisement Advertisement The watchdog Oregon Citizens Utility Board, the Green Energy Institute at Lewis and Clark University Law School, and the nonprofits Sierra Club and Renewable Northwest intervened on behalf of the Public Utility Commission in the case. They argued that Pacific Power was attempting to delay implementation of the state law and its legally mandated emission reduction targets, and to delay adding more clean energy resources to its power mix. The legislature didnt anticipate that the utilities would do nothing and then all of a sudden in 2030 reduce their emissions, but that every year they would be taking steps to reach that target, said Rose Monahan, senior attorney for the Sierra Club. We were very vindicated to see that a judge who isnt steeped in the weeds here also just sort of got it. Monahan said advocates suspected PacifiCorps 2023 Clean Energy Plan did not include more plans to buy clean energy on the open market or to build it themselves due to financial insecurity over the companys liability in several 2020 powerline-ignited wildfires. Simon Gutierrez, a spokesperson for PacifiCorp, said in an email that Pacific Power has improved upon its 2023 clean energy plan, and that its most recent clean energy plan presented to the commission in 2025 shows it will exceed the states timeline for decreasing emissions by creating and buying clean energy. Advertisement Advertisement By 2030, he said, the company will reach an 85% reduction of emissions in Oregon, and reach a more than 90% reduction by 2035. But, he added, the current plan for clean energy deployment in Oregon will impact the cost of living for Oregonians and is becoming increasingly risky for utilities. PacifiCorp urges state leaders to consider these affordability challenges and also work to streamline the approval process for major infrastructure projects. The Public Utility Commission remains committed to ensuring all regulated utilities make continual progress toward the states emissionsreduction goals, said Kandi Young, a commission spokesperson. These standards were established by the Legislature to protect Oregon customers, support grid reliability, and advance the states transition to a cleaner energy future. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Saad Sayeed, Asif Shahzad and Jonathan Spicer ISLAMABAD/ISTANBUL, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey have prepared a draft defence agreement after nearly a year of talks, Pakistan's Minister for Defence Production said, a signal they could be seeking a bulwark against a flare-up of regional violence in the last two years. Raza Hayat Harraj told Reuters on Wednesday the potential deal between the three regional powers was separate from a bilateral Saudi-Pakistani accord announced last year. A final consensus between the three states is needed to complete the deal, he said. Advertisement Advertisement "The Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey trilateral agreement is something that is already in pipeline," Harraj said in an interview. "The draft agreement is already available with us. The draft agreement is already with Saudi Arabia. The draft agreement is already available with Turkey. And all three countries are deliberating. And this agreement has been there for the last 10 months." Asked at a press conference in Istanbul on Thursday about media reports on negotiations between the three sides, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said talks had been held but that no agreement had been signed. Fidan pointed to a need for broader regional cooperation and trust to overcome distrust that creates "cracks and problems" that led to the emergence of external hegemonies, or wars and instability stemming from terrorism, in the region. Advertisement Advertisement "At the end of all of these, we have a proposal like this: all regional nations must come together to create a cooperation platform on the issue of security," Fidan said. Regional issues could be resolved if relevant countries would "be sure of each other," he added. "At the moment, there are meetings, talks, but we have not signed any agreement. Our President (Tayyip Erdogan)'s vision is for an inclusive platform that creates wider, bigger cooperation and stability," Fidan said, without naming Pakistan or Saudi Arabia directly. (Additional reporting and writing by Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara; Editing by Daren Butler and Andrew Heavens) Attorney General Pam Bondi lashed out at six federal prosecutors who reportedly resigned after refusing to prosecute the widow of Renee Nicole Good, the Minnesota woman killed last week by an ICE officer. We had six prosecutors who suddenly decided they didnt want to support the men and women in ICE, said Bondi, as she visibly fumed Thursday on Fox News Hannity. One of them was busy doing a photo shoot with The New York Times while ICE was out there risking their lives. Videos of the incident showed Good inside her car, partially blocking a road in her Minneapolis neighborhood, and then attempting to drive, when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer identified as Jonathan Ross approached and fired multiple shots, killing her. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration has blamed the 37-year-old mother, justifying the officers actions as self-defense. Bondis Justice Department has requested that Goods widow, who can be seen outside the vehicle in some footage of the incident, be investigated for possible federal charges. On Tuesday, The New York Times reported that six federal prosecutors resigned over pressure to investigate Goods widow, citing sources with knowledge of the prosecutors decisions. Politics: Renee Good Reportedly Shot 4 Times, Touching Off Chaos Revealed In 911 Transcripts Bondi ripped the prosecutors on Fox News. Advertisement Advertisement So the breaking news tonight. I fired them all. Theyre fired from the office, Bondi told host Sean Hannity. She also claimed the employees had been out there interviewing at liberal law firms prior to their resignation. They want to be part of the resistance? Yeah, bring it on, Bondi said. Theyre not going to be working for Donald Trump and the Department of Justice any longer, but thats what were up against, not only in Minnesota, but around this country. Bondi has faced increasing public and private pressure from the president, who, The Wall Street Journal reported this week, has told aides she is weak and ineffective. In September, he called her out on social media, reportedly in error, and told her to more aggressively pursue his political enemies. Related... Read the original on HuffPost 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 "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 "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 "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 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) Nazrin Abdul Azerbaijan and Vietnam are exploring potential collaboration in the production of electric vehicles. As reported by Azernews, Azerbaijans Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, shared details of the discussions on his X account. It was a pleasure to meet with the delegation led by Ms. Le Thi Thu Thuy, Chairwoman of Vietnams VinFast company. We exchanged views on diversifying economic ties with Vietnam, collaborating with the business community, and advancing sustainable development priorities, as well as highlighting Azerbaijans favorable business environment. We also discussed opportunities for joint activity in the electric vehicle manufacturing sector, the minister wrote. A Delta passenger who fought with a flight attendant and attempted to open an emergency exit midair will spend 18 months in federal prison. Mario Nikprelaj, 24, of Shelby Township, Michigan, received the sentence Tuesday after pleading guilty to interfering with flight crew and attendants on a SkyWest flight operating as a Delta Connection from Omaha to Detroit on July 17, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa announced. Prosecutors said Nikprelajs disruptive behavior began even before takeoff, when he refused to keep his seatbelt fastened and made rude remarks to crew members. Once the plane was airborne, he repeatedly stood up, ignored crew instructions, and poked a flight attendant in the chest while threatening to kill them. Advertisement Advertisement Nikprelaj seemed to fall asleep in his seat, but the situation quickly escalated when he began tampering with the emergency exit door, causing several passengers to press their call buttons. An 80-year-old flight attendant, whom he had previously threatened, approached him to intervene, but he pushed them aside, cursed at them and continued making threats. Delta passenger Mario Nikprelaj, 24, of Michigan, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for fighting with a flight attendant and trying to open an emergency exit on a July Delta Connection flight from Omaha to Detroit (Linn County Correctional Center) Fearing a safety breach, the captain diverted the flight to Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids for an emergency landing. During the descent and after landing, Nikprelaj remained belligerent, removing his shirt, walking up and down the aisle, and confronting three passengers who attempted to help restrain him, prosecutors said. Cedar Rapids police took Nikprelaj into custody after the plane landed. Authorities also discovered a prescription bottle containing 41 pills of purported Xanax that was not prescribed to him. Advertisement Advertisement Nikprelaj will also serve two years of supervised release following his prison term, as federal inmates are not eligible for parole. In addition to his federal conviction, he has a history of legal troubles, including charges for assaulting a police officer, domestic violence, and drug-related offenses, according to court records cited by prosecutors. After years of budget cuts, voters in Melrose approved a $13.5 million override back in November. The result is a bump in everyones property taxes, but for some business owners who dont live in Melrose, and dont get to vote in Melrose, theyre struggling to figure out how theyre going to manage. Shiachi Shieh and her husband built the building on the corner of Grove and Main Streets in Melrose back in 2015. The couple runs their dental practice on the bottom floor, and the upstairs is rented out to other businesses. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre all really nice people, Shieh said. Were quiet people, we come here, do our work and we leave. However, things got a little financially strained this week, after receiving their new real estate tax bill. I was like Wow, its a massive jump. Its like a 30 percent jump to what it was before. And Im like, How am I going to do this now? Shieh recalled. Residents in Melrose approved a $13.5 million tax override to help pay for its schools and other city agencies. However, for the Shiehs, they dont live in Melrose, so they didnt get to vote on that ballot question They want to take the money, but they dont want us to vote for it, Sheih said. Advertisement Advertisement Due to Melrose making a lot of budget cuts in the last two cycles, that means the bills business owners are receiving now are higher, but will even out later in the year, according to a city spokesperson. Still though, Sheih says she has to find a way to come up with the money now. What do I do now? Do I increase my rent upstairs? What do I do? I dont know. Should I charge the patients more? Im not sure, Sheih questioned. Shieh has come to terms with just having to pay the bill, as long as she knows its getting to the right people. I went to city hall, they said its a permanent increase. Theres no way that its ever going to come down so Im like, It might as well be used for something good, Sheih said. Advertisement Advertisement Boston 25 did reach out to the mayors office about these tax increases. They said that business owners have until February 2 to apply for an abatement if they feel that their assessment was too high. 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 (NewsNation) The Pentagon is moving a carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, which includes the Middle East, as tensions escalate between the Trump administration and Iran, NewsNation has learned. Moving the carrier strike group a naval formation centering around an aircraft carrier, with a variety of other vessels, including at least one attack submarine is expected to take about a week, a source said. The USS Abraham Lincoln reportedly is the aircraft carrier that is on the move. This significant transfer of American military hardware comes amid developments related to unrest in Iran and questions about whether the White House will offer support to protesters who recently have challenged Irans autocratic regime. Advertisement Advertisement Iran warns it will target US troops and Israel if America strikes over protests The U.S. Central Commands area of responsibility covers over 4 million square miles, spanning Northeast Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and South Asia, and encompasses 21 countries such as Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. The guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St George CG 71 and the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln CVN 72 transit the Strait of Hormuz, Strait Of Hormuz, 2012. Image courtesy U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex R. Forster/US Navy. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images). Warnings, advisories as US-Iran tension escalates Iran on Wednesday issued a Notice to Air Missions, or NOTAM, that flights in and out of Tehran have been restricted. 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. Meantime, the United Kingdom has advised against all but essential travel to Israel, a U.S. ally that exchanged missile strikes with Iran last year. Advertisement Advertisement Protests have snowballed in Iran since late December because of declining economic conditions in the outcast nation. More than 2,500 individuals killed, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. Trump, who recently authorized a U.S. military action in Venezuela, has suggested repeatedly his administration will come to the aid of Iranian protesters. On Wednesday, however, the president claimed Tehran had backed off its deadly crackdown on demonstrators while seeking to negotiate with Washington. Iranian regime will fight to the death, former prisoner says Iranian state TV on Wednesday appeared to warn Trump against interfering with the country, saying this time the bullet wont miss as it showed a picture of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump emerging from an assassination attempt at a Butler, Pennsylvania, campaign rally in July 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has downplayed threats from Iran. GOP senator meets with exiled crown prince of Iran Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a staunch Trump ally who has advocated for the U.S. to influence regime change in Iran, met Wednesday with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince of Iran. I believe with all my heart that help is on the way, Graham, seated next to Pahlavi, said in a video posted to the social media platform X. Trump, speaking Wednesday about Pahlavi, told Reuters hes not sure the royal would be the person to take the reins in Iran. He seems very nice, but I dont know how hed play within his own country, the president. And we really arent up to that point yet. US embassy in DOHA advises increased caution The State Department issued a security alert advising additional precautions for staff or U.S. residents in Qatar. Advertisement Advertisement Given ongoing regional tensions, the U.S. Embassy in Doha has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to Al Udeid Airbase. We recommend U.S. citizens in Qatar do the same. The U.S. Mission to Qatar continues to monitor the situation, officials said on social media. 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 NewsNation. 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," Witkoff said. The Gaza ceasefire plan is moving to its next phase, US special envoy Steve Witkoff said Wednesday. This had been widely expected since late December. In fact, the move was believed to have been postponed and happened a bit after it was originally intended. This is because Gaza is a tough place and a complex situation. Advertisement Advertisement This is unsurprising. The challenges are built into the peace plan. Nevertheless, the move is important. 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, Witkoff wrote on X/Twitter. 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, 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. These are important steps. Naming the new Palestinian technical committee is essential to get things moving in the right direction. Advertisement Advertisement 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, Witkoff wrote. We are deeply grateful to Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar for their indispensable mediation efforts that made all progress to date possible. The next phase comes as the remains of one Israeli hostage, M.-Sgt. Ran Gvili, are still being held in Gaza. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with his parents, Tali and Itzik Gvili. The Prime Minister clarified that Rans return is a top priority and that the declaratory move regarding the establishment of a technocratic committee will not affect the efforts to return Ran for a Jewish burial, the Prime Ministers Office said. As the new phase begins, the IDF continues to deal with the same challenges it has dealt with since the ceasefire began in October. Advertisement Advertisement Following the blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement yesterday [Tuesday], IDF troops eliminated armed terrorists who fired toward IDF soldiers in the Southern Gaza Strip, the IDF reported Wednesday. Israel will continue to face these challenges and seek to return the last hostage. Meanwhile, the new Palestinian technical committee will be formed. Hamas has secretly indicated its willingness to accept the disarmament plan, UAE-based news site Al-Ain News reported, citing several officials who spoke to Axios. Any hope of turning the Gaza truce into a lasting peace depends on Hamas giving up its weapons and Israel withdrawing its forces instead of trying to disarm it by force again, an official said. Gaza peace plan: Phase two targets disarmament, reconstruction ISRAEL DOUBTS that Hamas will disarm, and there is currently no definition for what disarmament actually means. Nevertheless, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar are said to be optimistic. Advertisement Advertisement We have a disarmament plan, Al-Ain News quoted the official as saying. The president [Trump] wants to see it happen. Hamas indicates that it will happen. We believe it can be achieved. Now, all eyes are on the technocratic government. The government is headed by Ali Shaath, the former deputy transport minister in the Palestinian Authority, Al-Ain News reported. The plan for disarmament would be implemented in stages and gradually, the report said. This means removing Hamas weapon factories, uprooting terrorist infrastructure, and destroying missiles and RPGs. A Gaza police force is also supposed to be rolled out. There had been talk in the past about this force being trained and backed by European countries that have helped train the Palestinian police in the West Bank. Egypt is also involved, according to previous reports. Advertisement Advertisement There are also talks of amnesty for some Hamas members, in part because so many Gazans are linked to Hamas. Officials stressed that they were aware of the extent of Israeli doubts regarding Hamass actual commitment to disarmament, especially in light of the movements public declaration that it would not fully disarm until a Palestinian state was established, Al-Ain News reported. Another factor in Gaza will be the deployment of the International Stabilization Force authorized by the UN Security Council, the report said. The force is expected to be deployed in the areas still under Israeli control in Gaza, allowing for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, it added. US officials said several countries have expressed interest in participating in this force, with an announcement expected within two weeks, despite the reluctance of many countries to send their forces to Gaza, especially if they are asked to participate in disarming armed factions, Al-Ain News reported. Advertisement Advertisement This is a big hurdle because no countries have yet openly stepped up to the plate. Meanwhile, there are estimates that some $50 billion will be needed to reconstruct Gaza. So far, the biggest accomplishment has been enabling humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. MANILA, Jan 15 (Reuters) - The Philippines is moving to block Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok amid concerns about its ability to generate sexualised images, including content that could pose child safety risks, the secretary of information and communications technology said on Thursday. "The CICC is already working together with the NTC to block that," Henry Aguda told a press briefing when asked if the Philippines will take action against Grok, a generative AI tool now facing a global backlash. CICC refers to the government's Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, while NTC is the National Telecommunications Commission. Advertisement Advertisement Aguda said Grok's footprint in the country remains relatively small compared to more widely used platforms like ChatGPT and Claude. "But this week, for sure, that will be resolved," he said. Governments and regulators from Europe to Asia have been cracking down on sexually explicit content generated by Grok on the social media platform X, launching probes, imposing bans and demanding safeguards. Indonesia temporarily blocked Grok on Saturday due to the risk of AI-generated pornographic content, becoming the first country to deny access to the AI tool. Malaysia's communications regulator said on Tuesday that it will take legal action against X due to concerns over user safety in relation to Grok. X did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Philippines' move. (Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by David Stanway) NEED TO KNOW A Turkish Airlines flight made an emergency landing in Barcelona, Spain, after a reported "bomb threat" appeared in a passenger's hotspot network name The incident occurred during a flight from Istanbul to Barcelona on Thursday, Jan. 15 After a thorough search of the aircraft, authorities determined there were no explosive and subsequently cleared the alert A Turkish Airlines plane was forced to make an emergency landing on Thursday after a passenger allegedly included bomb threat in their WiFi network name. Turkish Airlines flight 1853 from Istanbul to Barcelona, Spain, departed shortly before 9 a.m. local time on Thursday, Jan. 15, according to FlightAware. As the Airbus A321 neared Barcelonas El Prat Airport, the aircraft looped around twice off the eastern coast of Spain. Adria Puig/Anadolu via Getty A Turkish Airlines flight make an emergency landing in Barcelona, Spain. A Turkish Airlines flight make an emergency landing in Barcelona, Spain. As the plane approached its final destination, it was detected that a passenger had set up an in-flight internet access point and configured its network name to include a bomb threat, according to an X post from Turkish Airlines senior vice president of communications, Yahya Ustun. Advertisement Advertisement The executive said flight crews subsequently initiated the necessary procedures in accordance with flight safety protocols. After landing, Ustun said the proper authorities conducted a search of the aircraft within the framework of international aviation security rules. David Zorrakino/Europa Press via Getty Passengers board the Turkish Airlines plane after the "bomb threat" was cleared. Passengers board the Turkish Airlines plane after the "bomb threat" was cleared. In a follow-up post, Ustun shared that no irregularities were found during the search. Efforts have been initiated to identify the passenger in question and to carry out the legal process, he wrote. Our aircrafts return flight will be carried out after the completion of passenger boarding. In a statement shared with the Associated Press and Reuters, the Spanish Civil Guard confirmed nothing was found during a thorough inspection of the aircraft. The alert was subsequently deactivated. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The department added that police have launched an investigation to determine who was behind the hoax. Neither representatives for El Prat Airport nor the Spanish Civil Guard in Barcelona immediately responded to PEOPLEs request for comment. Read the original article on People The Auburn Police Department (APD) is looking for two men who allegedly robbed a convenience store on January 10. APD posted pictures of the two men who reportedly robbed the store near East Main Street and F Street Northeast. Officials ask if you see the men or have any information to call the Auburn PD tip line at 253-288-7403. Margaret Busse, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, speaks about a new Utah law regulating illicit massage businesses at a news conference at the Salt Lake City Public Safety Building on Jan. 14, 2026. (Utah Department of Commerce) When one illicit massage business is shut down in Utah, police and state regulators say another opens nearby. And when they suspect prostitution and human trafficking may be happening behind storefronts with neon signs, they told reporters on Wednesday, they often get nowhere because workers wont talk to them and owners disappear. Advertisement Advertisement Their shared frustrations are the basis for a new state law they say will help them hold bad actors accountable. This is your warning. Get out of town. Get out of our state, Margaret Busse, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, said at a news conference in Salt Lake City. She said the illegal operations detract from the hard work and professionalism of massage businesses offering legal, safe therapy. The 2025 law removes a glaring administrative loophole that allowed state licensors to punish only the workers and not the business owners, Busse said. We are now able to shift our site from the exploited to the exploiters. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Advertisement Advertisement The new law requires massage businesses to register with the agency this year, mandates background checks and finger printing for owners and general managers, and gives the state authority to carry out inspections. And in fact, its unlawful conduct to resist, to lock the door, to keep the inspectors from entering the premises to ensure compliance with the law, said Mark Steinagel, director of the Utah Division of Professional Licensing. He said Utah gives inspectors similar power to see pharmacy records and contractor job sites. The law took effect in October, and the Commerce Department plans to make its registration form available to companies sometime in spring. Advertisement Advertisement The division has long regulated individual massage therapists by requiring them to be licensed, but not the businesses and owners. If those owners dont register in compliance with the new law, the state can inform city governments, which can then revoke their business licenses. Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said of nearly 200 suspected illicit massage businesses in Utah, 61 are in Salt Lake City. Its very hard to shut these businesses down, Redd said. Its hard to get to the bottom of who the business owners actually are. He said the new licensing system will help provide police with critical information in future cases. The measure passed last year after an earlier version faced pushback from the American Massage Therapy Association, which said it would have weakened oversight, rather than strengthen it. Advertisement Advertisement Roger Olbrot, a licensed massage therapist in Sugar House and a past president of the association, said the new law will help him and others separate themselves further from businesses they dont want to be associated with. The people that I have talked to have been very excited about the fact that we can now segregate ourselves, good versus bad, Olbrot told Utah News Dispatch. Ive been in the business now 27 years, and even today, I get solicitations for illicit practice. While some other states already have similar laws requiring businesses to register with the state, they lack teeth because of resources, said Jeff Shumway with Utahs Office of Professional Licensure Review. In Colorado, Aurora passed an ordinance to the same effect, raising requirements to obtain a massage business license and making it easier to revoke. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A well-known El Paso radio talk show host has been arrested, according to jail records obtained by KTSM. Shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, deputies with the El Paso County Sheriffs Office conducted a traffic stop along the 300 block of West Vinton Road for a traffic violation. During the stop, deputies saw suspected narcotics inside the vehicle, according to the Sheriffs Office. The driver was asked to exit the vehicle, and an investigation revealed the man had a firearm and narcotics and was operating the vehicle while intoxicated. Advertisement Advertisement The man was identified as 58-year-old Michael Earl Witt. Witt, better known as KLAQs Buzz Adams of the Morning Show, was arrested on charges of unlawful carry of a weapon, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and driving while intoxicated, according to jail records. He had a total bond of $6,600. Michael Earl Witt, also known as Buzz Adams. Photo courtesy of the El Paso County Sheriffs Office. According to jail records, Buzz Adams was booked by the El Paso County Sheriffs Office into the Downtown Detention Facility on Saturday, Jan 10. He posted bond the following day, on Jan. 11. Buzz Adams was not on the air on Thursday morning, Jan. 15, and KLAQs social media accounts have not addressed the incident as of Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement KTSM has reached out to the Sheriffs Office for more information. We will update you once we learn more. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Russian airstrikes caused further widespread power outages in Ukraine overnight, the Ministry of Energy announced in Kiev on Thursday. Consumers in the Kharkiv and Zhytomyr regions are without power, the ministry said. "Emergency and restoration work is being carried out wherever the security situation allows," it said. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, the state utility Ukrenergo ordered emergency shutdowns due to previous damage to the grid. Advertisement Advertisement Drone strikes were also reported in Lviv and Kiev and in cities near the front line, such as Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Since the beginning of October, Russia has fired on 11 hydroelectric power plants, Ukraine's 45 largest power and heating plants, 49 heating-only plants and 151 substations, according to the SBU intelligence service. The systematic attacks on the energy grid are legally classified as crimes against humanity because of their impact on the civilian population. The situation remains most difficult in the capital, Kiev, according to the Ministry of Energy. As a result, it has not yet been possible to switch to planned hourly shutdowns, which offer greater reliability. Advertisement Advertisement The city of 3 million has been almost completely paralysed since a severe attack last Friday. Electricity, heating and water supplies are only being restored gradually. President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko of failing to prepare for such emergencies. Klitschko, Zelensky's rival in the 2019 presidential election, spoke of "uninterrupted hatred" on the part of the national leadership. In almost four years of war, he said, the president has not even spoken to him. According to the Ministry of Energy, the Odessa region on the Black Sea is also still on emergency shutdown. Russia has been waging a devastating war on neighbouring Ukraine since February 2022. Jan. 15KINGWOOD An emergency request by EMS Director Henry McDonald from KAMP ambulance for $11, 616 to pay vehicle insurance for 2026 was not met with immediate approval. McDonald told Preston County commissioners during their regular meeting Tuesday that funds for the ambulance squad are still about 90 days out. He said that was normal for Medicare payments. KAMP is the primary responder in the county. "We need to keep people's funding in mind, " Commission President Hunter Thomas said. "Is this a short-term or a long-term fix ? We need to sit down with KAMP and discuss their current state and how we can work together." Advertisement Advertisement He said commissioners need to look at a long-term solution. "We need to have a deeper conversation with Pam (Pam Thomas, president of KAMP Ambulance) and see what we need to go on, " Commissioner Samantha Stone said. "Right now would be a good time to talk with KAMP's Board of Directors, " Thomas said. During an October meeting, McDonald first told commissioners that county EMS services were having difficulties meeting payroll because of the federal government shutdown and Medicare funding taking longer than usual. West Virginia Code 7-15-4, "Except as hereinafter provided and in addition to all other duties imposed upon it by law, the county commission shall cause emergency ambulance service to be made available to all the residents of the county where such service is not otherwise available: Provided, however, That the duty imposed upon county commissions by this article shall not be construed in such manner as to impose a duty to cause such emergency ambulance service to be provided unless the commission shall make an affirmative determination that there are funds available therefore by the inclusion of a projected expenditure for such purpose in the current levy estimate, and in the event that such county commission shall make such determination the commission shall not be under a duty to cause such service to be provided beyond a level commensurate with the amount of funds actually available for such purpose." Advertisement Advertisement The county is currently working on a EMS ordinance that would charge every homeowner and business owner with an EMS fee of $150 per living unit per fiscal year. McDonald said the currently work is being done on deciding a fee for local businesses, and what to charge if a business owner has more than one business in the county. No further action was taken. In other business, phone calls to the Preston County Sheriff's Office greatly increased from 2024 to 2025, according to Sheriff Scott Spiker. Spiker told commissioners his office took 6, 368 calls in 2024 and 7, 565 in 2025, 1, 197 more calls than the previous year. He said the calls included 171 domestic calls with 167 protection orders and 181 auto accidents. Spiker told commissioners deputies conducted 181 traffic stops. He said there are currently 19 home confinements with six pending. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has likened President Donald Trumps America to the early days of Nazi Germany. Chicago is one of several major cities targeted by Trumps immigration crackdown. Federal agents arrested more than 4,300 individuals during the Department of Homeland Securitys Operation Midway Blitz last year, the Chicago Tribune reported, citing the agency. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration earlier this week, claiming federal agents have rampaged for months through Chicago and surrounding areas, lawlessly stopping, interrogating, and arresting residents, and attacking them with chemical weapons. Advertisement Advertisement White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson brushed off the lawsuit as unserious, saying the Trump administration is enforcing federal law, per WBEZ Chicago. Chicagos lawsuit uses aggressive rhetoric meant to smear law enforcement officers and incite violence against them, Jackson said. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has likened President Donald Trumps America to the early days of Nazi Germany (Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Vox Media) In an interview with independent journalist Aaron Parnas, Pritzker attacked the Trump administration for indiscriminately going after people, comparing it to dictator Adolf Hitlers leadership in the 20th century. The governor said that in his state of the state address last February, he likened what Donald Trump was doing in this country to what was happening in the early days of Nazi Germany. That is where we are right now, Pritzker said. They are going after people for being brown and Black. Theyre going after people who are U.S. citizens. Theyre going after people whove done nothing wrong. They do it under the guise of saying that this is about the worst of the worst, but it isnt. Advertisement Advertisement The governor said only 2.5 percent of people who were arrested in Illinois under the immigration crackdown had been accused or convicted of a serious crime. The Illinois governor has criticized the Trump administration for its immigration crackdown, which has reportedly led to thousands of arrests in the state (Scott Olson/Getty Images) During his February speech, Pritzker said, It took the Nazis one month, three weeks, two days, eight hours and 40 minutes to dismantle a constitutional republic. Tyranny requires your fear and your silence and your compliance. Democracy requires your courage, he added. When announcing Operation Midway Blitz, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused Pritzker and other Illinois politicians of releasing Tren de Aragua gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers on Chicagos streetsputting American lives at risk and making Chicago a magnet for criminals. Advertisement Advertisement President Trump and [Homeland Security] Secretary [Kristi] Noem have a clear message: no city is a safe haven for criminal illegal aliens. If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, deport you, and you will never return, McLaughlin said. Nearly 15 years after teacher Ellen Greenberg was found stabbed in her Philadelphia home, federal prosecutors are looking into the case, according to a new report a move her parents have been fighting for since her tragic death was ruled a suicide. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania has issued subpoenas seeking documents from the Philadelphia Police Department and other agencies related to their highly-scrutinized investigation into Greenbergs 2011 death, law enforcement sources told The Philadelphia Inquirer. Greenberg, 27, was found dead by her fiance, Sam Goldberg, at their apartment on January 26, 2011. She was slumped on the floor against the kitchen cabinets, her legs splayed out in front of her and had been stabbed at least 20 times, including 10 times in the back of her neck. A 10-inch knife was lodged in her chest. Advertisement Advertisement Her death was initially ruled a homicide but controversially reclassified as a suicide two weeks later a decision that stunned her family and prompted a decade-long legal fight. The federal inquiry does not appear to be focused on the manner of Greenbergs death. Instead, federal prosecutors appear to be examining how various agencies handled the case in the years that followed and whether any missteps could rise to the level of criminal corruption. Multiple city and state agencies have been involved in Greenbergs case in the last 15 years, including the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office, the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office, the Philadelphia Law Department, and the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office. Ellen Greenberg's death in 2011 was initially ruled a homicide, but was controversially reclassified as a suicide two weeks later, prompting a decade-long legal fight (Change.org) The full scope of the investigation remains unclear. The Independent has asked the U.S. Attorneys Office for comment. Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorneys Office told The Philadelphia Inquirer that it could neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation. Joseph Podraza Jr., an attorney for Greenbergs parents Josh and Sandra Greenberg, told the newspaper that they are ecstatic. If that is in fact correct and accurate, that the federal government is going to investigate this is exactly what weve wanted all along, Podraza said. Its unfortunate its taken more than seven years to get to this point but we are really grateful and thankful to the U.S. attorneys and, of course, are available to assist in any way we can in helping their investigation. Greenbergs parents have long argued that the evidence shows their daughter was murdered, accusing the city of labeling her death a suicide to obscure what they describe as a botched homicide investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Our daughter did not commit suicide we know that, Josh Greenberg previously told The Independent. She was murdered. The way the authorities and the politicians are handling her case is a disgrace, Sandra Greenberg said. I want her name cleared. What I really want people to know is Ellen was our daughter, but she could be your daughter. She could be your mother, sister, friend. Think about what you would do. A computerized rendering, provided by Tom Brennan, the Greenbergs private detective, shows the depth of at least 20 of Ellen Greenbergs stab wounds (Tom Brennan, Greenberg family)) The 3D analysis concluded that several of the stab wounds, including the one in her neck, would have debilitated Ellen (Tom Brennan, Greenberg family) The Philadelphia Police Department maintains there was no sign of forced entry at the apartment and Goldberg told investigators that the swing-bar lock on the door was latched from the inside. He has never been accused or charged with any wrongdoing. In 2024, Goldberg told CNN: Mental illness is very real and has many victims. I hope and pray that you never lose someone you love like I did to a terrible disease and then be accused by ignorant and misinformed people of causing her death. Its the only time Goldberg has publicly spoken about the case. Advertisement Advertisement For years, the Greenbergs have fought to have their daughters manner of death reclassified as homicide or undetermined. In January 2025, Marlon Osbourne, the medical examiner who originally ruled Greenbergs death a homicide before changing it to suicide, submitted a sworn statement saying he now believes her death should be classified as something other than suicide. A month later, the city reached a settlement with the Greenbergs. Under the agreement, Philadelphia paid the family $650,000 and agreed to an independent review of Greenbergs autopsy. In exchange, the Greenbergs dropped their lawsuits against the city. In September, Greenbergs case was again in the headlines following the release of a Hulu documentary which revisited the circumstances surrounding her death and raised questions about her fiances actions, including his 911 call in which he told dispatchers she had fallen on a knife. Greenbergs parents have long argued that the evidence shows their daughter was murdered, accusing the city of labeling her death a suicide to obscure what they describe as a botched homicide investigation (Facebook/Justice for Ellen) Investigators at the scene immediately treated the incident as a suicide because Ellens then-fiance Sam Goldberg told them the apartment was locked from the inside (Facebook/Justice for Ellen) In 2024, Pennsylvanias Commonwealth Court acknowledged serious flaws in the investigation even as it dismissed a lawsuit seeking to change Greenbergs death certificate. Advertisement Advertisement The court wrote that it was acutely aware of the deeply flawed investigation conducted by city police, prosecutors, and the City of Philadelphia Medical Examiners Office. But in October 2025, Philadelphia Chief Medical Examiner Lindsay Simon again ruled Greenbergs death a suicide, despite identifying additional injuries not previously documented. Simon said she found 20 additional bruises and three additional perforations in the skin, bringing the total to 31 bruises and 23 stab wounds. Simon concluded that Greenberg would be capable of inflicting these injuries herself, and that her death is best classified as Suicide. Advertisement Advertisement The ruling was a major blow to the family, whose attorney previously called the suicide determination tripe, an embarrassment to the City, and an insult to Ellen and her family. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. If you are experiencing feelings of distress or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans in confidence on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) The Mount Pleasant High School community rolled up their sleeves for a good cause Wednesday. One month after the shooting at Brown University, the high school hosted one of its six blood drives of the year with the recent tragedy staying top of mind for many donors. In addition to honoring the victims of the shooting, the community was also thinking of a teacher at the high school who recently needed units of blood following a serious car crash last month. Advertisement Advertisement Nicole Pineault with the Rhode Island Blood Center noted how these kinds of incidents underscore the importance of donating blood. MORE: Rhode Island Blood Center urges more people to help save lives Tragedies in general just put a spotlight on the fact that we need to be ready at any time with having blood available, Pineault explained. We just never know when these things are going to happen, so we need to be prepared at all times. The drive at the high school coincides with National Blood Donor Month. The Rhode Island Blood Center said there has been a roughly 30% decline in youth blood donations nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement This really is highlighting the importance of not only blood donation, but the need to get more of the youth demographic participating so that we continue to have a readily available blood supply in our state, Pineault said. Randy Rosario, a junior at the high school, donated blood for the first time Wednesday. Honestly, it was way better than what I was expecting. The nurse treated me with patience. I asked so many questions, Rosario said. This was fun, and I am helping a lot of lives. So, I would like to do this more often. The blood drives at the high school are also open to the public. Mount Pleasant senior Sophia Lopez thinks more people should take part. Advertisement Advertisement RELATED: PPAC to host community blood drive People think of it as this big, scary thing, she said. But, it saves lives, and to me, I feel like that is more of a reason than anything. Rosario also thinks more people should try donating. Put yourself in their shoes, imagine youre the one needing blood, he said. You would want somebody to donate blood to you. Just help those in need. The next blood drive at Mount Pleasant High School is scheduled for March 18. Anyone who would like to donate before that can book an appoint to donate here. Interested in becoming a blood donor? Schedule an appointment Advertisement Advertisement Contact the Rhode Island Blood Center: 405 Promenade St. Providence, R.I. 02908 (401) 453-8383 or 1-800-283-8385 customerservice@ribc.org More resources: Donor eligibility requirements Types of donations Host a blood drive Find the nearest blood center 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. Sen. Linda Rogers, R-Granger, offered an amendment overhauling the legislation. She is pictured leading a committee hearing on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Legislation beefing up Indianas employment eligibility verification law no longer threatens violators with a yearlong ban from public works contracts following major edits Wednesday. Instead, the reworked Senate Bill 87 offers employers that, acting in good faith, misidentify a worker as eligible to work or vice versa immunity from civil liability. Advertisement Advertisement This is a strong statement proclaiming that Hoosier tax dollars invested in public works project will only be spent on legal workers, said Sen. Linda Rogers, R-Granger. Rogers brought a significant amendment before the Senates Pensions and Labor Committee, which she chairs. It was taken by consent. The legislation explicitly extends the states existing E-Verify requirement to all public works projects, regardless of the construction delivery method. Witnesses previously complained of loopholes allowing certain construction managers to self-perform checks. Rogers called the provision an important expansion of the states commitment to being accountable to taxpayers. Advertisement Advertisement Before their employees begin work, contractors would have to provide the entity that hired the company with a notarized affidavit affirming they dont knowingly employ unauthorized workers, and run employees working on the project through E-Verify. The internet-based federal program cross-checks a new hires eligibility to work in the U.S. The system compares information from the employment eligibility Form I-9 to records maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration. Contractors would have three business days to provide an E-Verify number for specific employees upon the hiring entitys request. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Advertisement Advertisement In response to concerns prime contractors would be responsible for their sub-contractors mistakes, Rogers amendment specifies the requirements apply to a firms direct employees. Contractors would be prohibited from employing people that dont pass E-Verify muster, although workers would be able to join the project later if they get a valid number. A yearlong public works contracting ban for firms that knowingly or intentionally violate the bill was nixed in favor of a safe harbor provision for those acting in good faith another response to critical testimony last week. Current law offers 30 days to remedy violations but otherwise directs state agencies or local units to cancel the contracts. It also includes a rebuttable presumption that employers didnt knowingly hire an unauthorized worker if the person came up clear in E-Verify. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 87, Rogers said, dramatically expands the utilization of E-Verify in public works while maintaining an environment in which contractors have the ability to do great work without undue administrative burdens. It was approved unanimously and now heads to the Senate floor. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday lamented the poor state of relations with Europe, while placing the blame squarely on European countries. Speaking at the Kremlin during a ceremony to receive the credentials of newly appointed ambassadors, Putin said the condition of Russias bilateral ties with European states leaves much to be desired. Ambassadors from France, Italy, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Switzerland were among those formally taking up their posts in Moscow. Advertisement Advertisement "Dialogue and contacts and I want to stress this is not through our fault have been reduced to a minimum, both at the state level and among economic and civil society circles," Putin said. He added that he hoped a path back to constructive relations could eventually be found. Putin did not mention that Russias invasion of Ukraine triggered the breakdown in relations. He said Moscow was seeking a lasting peace in Ukraine but claimed that "not everyone including in Kiev and the capitals that support it is ready for this." Until that changes, he said, Russia would continue to pursue its objectives. Putin also welcomed the ambassador of Afghanistans Taliban government, saying Russia was interested in seeing Afghanistan become "a united, independent and peaceful state, free from war, terrorism and drug trafficking." In July, Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Talibans rule. Qatar, which is helping to mediate a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, has welcomed the US announcement on Wednesday of the start of the next phase of the Gaza peace plan. The Gulf state hopes that the start of the second phase will contribute to improving the humanitarian situation, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid al-Ansari. All parties must implement the agreement in full, he said, adding that humanitarian aid must be allowed without restriction in order to enable a dignified life. Advertisement Advertisement He also called for rapid reconstruction of the Palestinian territory, which was largely destroyed by two years of war. Late on Wednesday evening, al-Ansari called on the international community to continue to support a permanent ceasefire. The second phase of the peace plan will focus on disarming Hamas - which it has so far refused to do - establishing a technocratic transitional government and beginning the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced on Wednesday. Egyptian security sources said Hamas had agreed on the names for the planned transitional technocratic government. No Hamas members are allowed in the group. By David Ljunggren OTTAWA, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Quebec premier Francois Legault said on Wednesday he was resigning after more than seven years in office, months ahead of an election which a party seeking independence for the Canadian province looks set to win. Legault's center-right Coalition Avenir Quebec party won elections in 2018 and 2022 but has struggled over the last year amid voter fatigue and a high-profile fight with doctors. Advertisement Advertisement "A lot of people in Quebec want change, and among other things, a change of prime minister," Legault told reporters in Quebec City. "For the good of my party, and above all for the good of Quebec, I am announcing today that I will leave my position as prime minister of Quebec." Legault, 68, said he would stay in the job until the party chose a new leader. The next election in Quebec, the second most populous of the 10 provinces, must be held by October 5 and polls indicate an easy win for the separatist Parti Quebecois. The PQ, which wants independence for Quebec, is promising to hold another referendum on splitting from Canada. Two previous such votes, in 1980 and 1995, both failed. Advertisement Advertisement Although the PQ looks set to win, a series of polls over the last two years show a solid majority are against the idea of breaking from Canada. Legault, a former airline executive, created the CAQ in 2011 and pressed for more powers for Quebec inside Canada rather than advocating an outright split. During his time in office he repeatedly urged the federal government to stem the flow of refugees crossing the border with the United States and to compensate Quebec for costs. A Leger poll last month put the PQ on 35% public support, with the Liberals in second place on 20% and the CAQ in third place on 19%. Such a result on election day would give the PQ a majority of the 126 seats in the provincial legislature. The provincial Liberals are also looking for a new leader after the previous incumbent quit last month. (Reporting by David Ljunggren, Editing by Franklin Paul and Nia Williams) Editors note: The following is from this weeks Reality Check newsletter, published weekly on Wednesdays. You can sign up here to get them delivered to your inbox. Hi Star readers, Even if you dont have $345 to spare for a wagyu tomahawk steak dinner at 1587 Prime, youve probably wondered what it would be like to dine out at Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes ritzy new Kansas City steakhouse. Since its grand opening four months ago, 1587 Prime has proudly touted iconic local partners on its swanky menu, telling customers that the butter on the table is made by Shatto Milk and the ice cream is courtesy of Betty Raes. Advertisement Advertisement The problem is Matt Shatto, who owns both companies, says thats not true. His family-owned dairy hasnt buttered dinner guests rolls since 1587 Primes soft opening in early September. And, the restaurant cut ties with Betty Raes in October. Yet both brands have been advertised to diners as menu features as recently as last week. Weve been trying for months to get them to remove our name from the menu, Shatto told The Stars David Hudnall. So, why did 1587 mislead its customers? If you have a question about your local government or a tip about what else we should look into, please email iarougheti@kcstar.com. Elsewhere in the metro Kansas City police crashed a longstanding weekly meal giveaway in KCs Northeast, arresting two volunteers and forcing the rest to leave the area. Why? Advertisement Advertisement An Olathe resident whos already seen her property taxes rise 58% in the last few years worries the Chiefs plan to build a facility in Johnson County will price her out. Shes not alone. The neighbor accused of dumping Airen Andulas body in a Missouri creek bed was no stranger to the 13-year-old, the boys dad told my colleague Laura Bauer. From filth on queso to food stuck to washed dishes at an Overland Park drive-thru, these Kansas City-area restaurants had some of the most health code violations last week. A 19-year-old KC man, charged in a deadly 2022 road rage shooting, told investigators hes shot at least 400 people in his lifetime. Can that be true? Looking for more? Bostons Reggie Lewis Center is upping security after a gun was allegedly flashed during a track meet earlier this month. Starting Thursday, every event at the Reggie Lewis Center will require students and spectators to wear special wristbands and pass through security screening. The Bay State Conference says that during the TVL Track Meet on January 8, two Dedham high schoolers were involved in a confrontation with three individuals not affiliated with the track meet. One of those three individuals allegedly flashed a gun. Advertisement Advertisement Boston police say two of the three suspects have been arrested and charged. Boston 25 News has reached out to Dedham schools for a statement. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW As I watch the firestorm continue to rage between Minnesota lawmakers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, I miss former President Barack Obama (just a little bit). Surprising, I know. Why? Obama was the last Democratic president who, despite my disagreements with many of his ideas and policies especially Obamacare, which I view as a failure often made sense, particularly on immigration. In two terms, "deporter in chief" Obama removed over 3.1 million immigrants via ICE. In fiscal year 2012, more than 407,000 people were deported. He was even publicly scolded for doing home raids and told to stop. Advertisement Advertisement Though this was a bit controversial, Democrats didn't seem to mind much. Republicans did criticize Obama for favoring amnesty, but these actions were necessary to maintain law, order and our social contract. Former President Barack Obama campaigns for the Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nominee on Nov. 1, 2025, in Norfolk. This is different from what the Democratic Party espouses today. Rather than looking at the meltdown in Minnesota as an example to avoid, congressional Democrats seem to be doing the opposite. Progressive Democrats in both chambers are urging their party to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless it includes restrictions tied to ICE. Some prominent Democrats are even calling to abolish ICE after one of its agents fatally shot a U.S. citizen on Jan. 7. This would be a huge mistake, but one that I'd suggest Democrats go ahead and make, especially if it's truly reflective of their values and beliefs. This way, Americans can truly see that they have become a party purposely defying the very social contract that keeps America's fabric stitched together. It will cost Democrats. National spotlight is on the mess in Minnesota My home state of Minnesota remains in the national spotlight after a flurry of events involving ICE, residents and Minnesota lawmakers. On Jan. 14, a judge allowed ICE operations in Minnesota to continue despite the fact that state officials are suing President Donald Trump's administration over his immigration crackdown, something they say is an authoritarian reach of power. 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. Several prosecutors in the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division said they were resigning after they learned that the DOJ would not be opening an investigation into what happened during the shooting that led to Renee Nicole Good's death. For what it's worth, I think this is a mistake, not just for optics' sake but also for clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Good's death sparked controversy and outrage over ICE's role in Minnesota and immigration issues at large. The mess in Minnesota has also demonstrated, probably, the single biggest difference between Republicans and Democrats right now. Opinion: Renee Good didn't have to die, but be honest about ICE shooting On Jan. 15, Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and send the U.S. military into Minneapolis following another shooting. On the evening of Jan. 14, a federal agent shot and wounded a protester in the leg after the person allegedly attacked him with a shovel, according to the Department of Homeland Security officials. If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State, Trump posted on Truth Social. Democrats want to upend our social contract Federal agents detain a person in Minneapolis on Jan. 13, 2026, days after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good. Minnesota's Democratic leaders, including Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who are outraged over ICE's very presence in their communities, have made this entire debacle much harder than it needs to be. Advertisement Advertisement I understand that home raids, or ICE agents going door-to-door, seem scary. Federal officers should strive to act in accordance with our laws. They should not behave like thugs. But they are in a difficult position: Entering the United States illegally is already a crime. If Minnesota law enforcement apprehended more lawbreakers, there would be no need for ICE to participate in home raids or for ICE to swarm metro cities, arresting known rapists and drug traffickers. Another view: I helped run ICE. Our current system makes everyone less safe. | Opinion Walz and Frey blame ICE's tactics for Minnesota's brewing civil unrest, but in reality, being soft on state and federal crime created the need for ICE to swoop in and enforce them. Advertisement Advertisement I've been disappointed to see that since Obama's presidency ended in 2017 perhaps as a reaction to Trump's presidency the Democratic Party began viewing immigration laws, in particular, as optional and ICE as federal agents who aren't legitimate members of law enforcement. This seems to have encouraged former President Joe Biden to undo several Trump-era policies that helped secure the border, allowing a record number of migrants into the United States in 2023. ICE is now forced to rectify what Biden allowed. Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on conservative values, family and religion from columnist Nicole Russell. Get it delivered to your inbox. Federal immigration laws are not a cornerstone of just America's sovereignty and well-being, but also of most advanced countries. Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama believed this. Advertisement Advertisement The ideas of philosophers Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau reinforced this. They are rooted in the idea that there is a delicate but vital social contract between citizens and governments: Individuals collectively give up some liberty and agree to obey laws to receive security, peace and order. Without this, there is chaos. Democrats now seem to be openly advocating for the disruption of this social contract even calling to defund or abolish ICE altogether. Most Americans don't agree with or want this. Before the 2024 election, immigration was among the top concerns of most Americans. Trump administration officials could do their part better. They need not make this overtly political by trading jabs and smearing Democratic lawmakers. That riles everyone up more and is not a good example of leadership. Even so, they must continue to systematically and methodically enforce immigration law, through ICE, and steer clear of actions, antics or optics that make it look like they are simply thugs hunting down innocent people for kicks. Advertisement Advertisement Our social contract depends on this. Just ask Obama. Democrats upend this at their peril. People confront an agent in an ICE vehicle near the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis. Protests in the city continued Saturday after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed on January 7 by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis. Federal agents stage at a front gate as Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-MN), and Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) attempt to enter the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis. U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-MN) (L), Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) (C), and Rep. Angie Craig (R) hold a press conference outside of the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Democratic Reps. Ilhan Omar and Annie Craig had their access to a federal detention facility revoked while touring the building in Minneapolis where the Department of Homeland Security has been headquartering operations in the state. People gather near were a 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good on January 10, 2026. People gather at a makeshift memorial for 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good on January 10, 2026. Federal agents stage at a front gate as Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-MN), and Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) attempt to enter the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents move media members from the front gate outside the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis. See anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis after Renee Good's fatal shooting 1 of 7 People confront an agent in an ICE vehicle near the regional ICE headquarters at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 10, 2026 in Minneapolis. Protests in the city continued Saturday after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, who was shot and killed on January 7 by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis. Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox. You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Like it or not, ICE is doing its job in Minnesota | Opinion Donald Trump speaks the language of autocrats and demagogues fluently. His followers hear it as something beautiful instead of as poison for their hearts and minds. In Minneapolis, Chicago, across the United States and beyond, this authoritarian logic is producing lethal results. Renee Good was killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer on Jan. 7 in Minneapolis. She was serving as a legal observer, volunteering to document and protest ICE enforcement, which is constitutionally-protected behavior. Her killing was tragic, preventable and predictable. Since June, Trumps mass deportation campaign has unleashed thousands of heavily armed ICE agents and other federal forces into Democratic-led cities and blue regions of the country. ICE now has a larger budget than the Marine Corps. In Minneapolis alone, several thousand ICE agents and other federal officers are estimated to be deployed as part of Trumps mass deportation dragnet. In the wake of Goods killing and the shooting of a Venezuelan man by a federal agent on Wednesday evening, the president is now threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act as a means to declare martial law. Advertisement Advertisement [M]uch of [what] the nation has now seen [in Minneapolis] was not professionalized or situationally appropriate law enforcement, Michael Feiberg, a former FBI assistant special agent-in-charge, wrote in Lawfare. It was a series of incredibly bad choices leading to an unnecessary death. At every step which led to the fatal trigger press, ICE could have behaved differently. It could have behaved more tactically. It could have behaved more humanely. The nation to say nothing of Renee Nicole Goods family deserves an honest accounting of why it did not. In a Kafkaesque inversion, it is being reported that the Department of Justice is now investigating Goods wife for alleged connections to supposed activist groups that oppose the Trump administrations mass deportation raids. Activist groups is a vague description by design, constituting an attempt to punish dissent by criminalizing the majority of Americans who oppose the administrations deportation campaign and other policies, and are exercising their rights to protest and organize. But the administration hasnt stopped there. Almost immediately after Good was killed, Trump, Vice President JD Vance and their messengers began attacking her character, declaring that she was a paid agitator, domestic terrorist and deranged leftist who provoked ICE agents purportedly acting in self-defense because they feared for their lives. In essence, they were holding Renee Good responsible for her own death and creating a tragedy of her own making. ICE agents, they said, were the real victims. 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. These claims are false. They distort not only the facts, but reality itself. Advertisement Advertisement Nevertheless, public opinion polls show that a majority of Republicans believe the shooting of Good was justified. The vast majority of Democrats, along with a large majority of independents, believe it was not. The ICE agent who shot and killed Good is now a cause celebre on the American right. He has already received more than $500,000 in donations. This dynamic illustrates how Trumps MAGA supporters have been emotionally trained and conditioned to believe that what he and his mouthpieces say is true, even when it is directly contradicted by reality and the facts. That type of collective psychology and behavior is a defining feature of authoritarian movements and personality cults. Once people surrender truth to the will of a leader, party or movement, moral collapse quickly follows, making it much easier for them to do far worse things to resolve the cognitive dissonance between what they know to be true and real, and what they are told by their leader and the movement. As Voltaire warned, Truly, whoever is able to make you absurd is able to make you unjust. Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately, Trump and his MAGA messengers see Good not as fully human but as a prop for their mass deportation campaign and law-and-order crackdown on democracy and the right to protest and free speech. Many observers have professed confusion over how Good, an unarmed person, can somehow be seen as a mortal threat. This is not a mystery. Authoritarian leaders and movements especially racial authoritarians and nativists target the Other. Their vision of society is us versus them, friends and enemies, zero-sum; it is rooted in social dominance behavior. For Trump, MAGA and todays broader right-wing, the Other includes immigrants, racial minorities, women, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, political opponents and anyone outside their definition of real America. These individuals and groups are the poison and vermin that Trump and his spokespeople have repeatedly said must be purged from the blood of the nation. Pluralistic multiracial democracy and a cosmopolitan society are not compatible with such an authoritarian and fascist worldview. Leaders like Trump function as conflict entrepreneurs, as sociologist john a. powell noted in an interview with El Pais. Advertisement Advertisement These are people who take our anxiety and curate it into fear, into hate, not because they believe it, but because it gives them power, powell explained. People have feelings; we have anxiety. And by definition, anxiety doesnt have a specific object. Its just: I feel anxious. What the story does is tell you why youre anxious. It says: You feel anxious? Its because of all those damn immigrantsIts everybody, students, people who criticize America. The Other is deemed to be less than fully human, which means that they do not merit empathy and respect. The Other is viewed by the dominant group as inherently dangerous, which means that the resulting violence is defensive, virtuous and even heroic. When people are deeply othered, the part of the brain that lights up for human recognition shuts down, powell said. Instead, the brain reacts with disgust as if seeing vermin. At that point, people stop being human. You can bomb them, starve them, cage them. Who cares? Thats how genocide and ethnic cleansing begin. Renee Good was a white woman who chose to stand in solidarity with non-white people in a struggle against state power. By doing so, she became the Other, tainted by association. That principled stand cost Good her life. Advertisement Advertisement This is a painful lesson for many Americans especially the good white liberals, centrists and moderates. The status of being the Other is variable and not fixed. This is especially true in a society that is devolving into authoritarianism and fascism, where loyalty to the Great Leader and The Party determines ones social status, rights and safety. ICE agents in Minneapolis are now threatening observers and protesters that they had better be careful, or they too could end up like Good. Her fate is prelude, prediction and warning its not an aberration. As Trumps mass deportation campaign becomes even more aggressive, as his war on multiracial democracy escalates in the months preceding the midterms, I fear there will be many more Renee Goods. The post When protesters become the Other appeared first on Salon.com. Renee Nicole Good wasn't following Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents "all day" before she was killed she had just dropped her son off at school in the morning when she randomly encountered them, her family maintains. Attorneys for Good's family assert that the 37-year-old poet and mother of three fatally shot by an ICE officer last week in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was acting within her rights as a legal observer. They said in a statement to USA Today that Good and her wife, Becca, came across the ICE operations on their way home, and decided to stop and "observe with the intention of supporting and helping their neighbors." Related: Who was Renee Nicole Good? Remembering the Minneapolis poet and mother killed by ICE "We want to thank everyone who has reached out in support of Renee and our family. The kind of unending care weve been given during this time is exactly the kind that she gave to everyone," Goods family said. "Nae was the beautiful light of our family and brought joy to anyone she met. She was relentlessly hopeful and optimistic which was contagious. We all already miss her more than words could ever express." Advertisement Advertisement Good was killed after the Department of Homeland Security deployed roughly 2,000 federal agents in the state as part of an aggressive crackdown on supposed fraud, during what DHS Secretary Kristi Noem called targeted operations" near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue. Noem alleged that Good was a "paid agitator" that had been following agents "all day" (Good was killed before 10 a.m. local time). Noem claimed that "rioters began blocking ICE officers" and that Good "weaponized" her vehicle by attempting to run over agents, labeling Good's actions as "domestic terrorism" and those of the officers as "self defense." 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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." Related: We've all seen the video. Do Kristi Noem and mainstream media think we're stupid? Good's family is represented by Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin, which is launching a civil investigation into her killing. Antonio M. Romanucci, a civil rights lawyer and one of the firms founding partners, also represented the family of George Floyd, securing a historic $27 million settlement in 2021. "She was our best friend with a seemingly infinite capacity for love," Goods family continued. "Nae-Nae gave everything she had to take care of her friends and family, and indeed people she never met. She was our protector, our shoulder to cry on, and our scintillating source of joy." Advertisement Advertisement This article originally appeared on Advocate: Renee Good's family reveals she randomly encountered ICE and stopped to observe RELATED As Congress begins work in 2026, House Democrats celebrated a recent win with the passage of Affordable Care Act subsidies that had expired at the end of 2025, with 17 Republican lawmakers joining them for a vote. The move was lauded by Hawaii Representative Ed Case, who says that it will help make healthcare more affordable for 24,000 Hawaii residents. Rep. Case also touted his bipartisan work on the bill, and his work to tackle the affordability crisis in the islands. We dont have to accept that somehow the status quo here in Hawaii, we just have to accept it because were these islands out in the middle of the ocean. Yeah, that adds difficulties, but there are things that we can do to address the affordability crisis that people here are feeling, Rep Case said on the latest episode of Working For Hawaii: Unscripted. Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Case has been lobbying for years to get an exemption from the Jones Act, which mandates that all cargo shipping between United States ports occur exclusively on U.S., not foreign, flagged vessels. We shouldnt have to suffer that surcharge, which is estimated to be somewhere around $1,800 per family per year. Thats a huge cost of living. So I can take that out. Im contributing to a lower cost of living. The ACA bill heads to the Senate, where there is hope for a bipartisan compromise. Join KHON2s talent and listen in on full, uninterrupted interviews with Hawaiis most interesting people who are making an impact in our state, Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. on KHON+. Advertisement Advertisement KHON+ is available on Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku or newer Samsung smart TVs. 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. Grok, the controversial AI chatbot native to Elon Musk's X, is creating an "unprecedented" number of non-consensual, lewd images on an hourly basis, according to a third-party analysis reviewed by Bloomberg. What's happening? Musk's xAI introduced Grok in late 2023, but the chatbot's so-called "spicy mode" didn't debut until last August. According to a Jan. 5 report from The Guardian, backlash over Grok's "spicy mode" began to build in December after an update better facilitated user requests to "undress" the subjects of any given photo. Advertisement Advertisement By January, women began stepping forward to report Grok's generation of explicit deepfakes that were depicting them without their knowledge or consent. "Unlike other leading chatbots," Bloomberg noted, "Grok doesn't impose many limits on users or block them from generating sexualized content of real people, including minors." In late December, Grok generated objectionable images of young girls, leading to widespread yet misleading reports that the chatbot wrote an "apology." In actuality, a user-generated "apology" was attributed to Grok, while xAI refused to acknowledge the problem. As Bloomberg observed, several countries and the European Union decried Grok's ability to create explicit, non-consensual deepfakes at a rate of "thousands of instances each hour" during the third-party analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Thomas Regnier, a spokesman for the EU Commission, addressed public concerns on Jan. 5. "We are aware of the fact that X or Grok is now offering a 'Spicy Mode,'" Regnier began, according to Bloomberg, describing the distressing nature of many of the images. "This is not spicy. This is illegal," he unequivocally declared. Why are Grok deepfakes concerning? Explicit images of real people generated without their consent were not the only reason Grok has made headlines for genuinely horrifying reasons. In July, Musk announced that Grok functionality was coming to Tesla vehicles. By October, a Tesla driver asserted that their vehicle's chatbot, nicknamed "Gork," asked her 12-year-old for inappropriate photos. Advertisement Advertisement Prior to that, Grok had a brief phase of responding to even unrelated queries with racially charged conspiracy theories. After a separate update, Grok spewed antisemitic content and called itself "MechaHitler." AI is arguably a nascent technology, and as its role in society remains undefined, Grok's many controversies served as a tacit case against scaling it too far, too fast. The advent of AI has roiled the business world and job market, becoming something of a costly gambit with underwhelming evidence that massive investments in the technology will pay dividends. At the same time, the data centers being constructed as supportive infrastructure have become a controversy in their own right. Community pushback against data centers is on the rise for a host of reasons. Advertisement Advertisement Data centers are costly and noisy, emitting air pollution and sapping public water and energy resources. They consume excessive amounts of both, and as a result, electric bills have soared in several states due to data center energy demand. The Department of Energy issued a warning about the potentially catastrophic impact of unchecked AI growth on the grid. What's being done about Grok's disturbing deepfakes? In the U.K., the Information Commissioner's Office issued a Jan. 7 statement acknowledging that it asked xAI to "comply with U.K. data protection law and protect individuals' rights." In the U.S., Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon called on individual states to act in light of Grok's dangers, and he urged constituents to contact lawmakers and demand further action. 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. Groundwater wells fill an irrigation ditch for pecan orchards outside of Rincon, New Mexico. Water experts warn that New Mexico still needs more data and policy to address a potential looming groundwater crisis from climate change and human use. (Diana Cervantes for Source NM) Even as water advocates praised lawmakers record funding proposals for aquifer mapping and other water priorities in the upcoming 2026 legislative session, a report urged the Roundhouse to do more to protect the states declining groundwater. The New Mexico Groundwater Alliance, made up of water policy experts from around the state, released the 80-page report Wednesday. Groundwater accounts for more than half of New Mexicos total supplies and about 80% of the states drinking water. The report builds on previous findings that the already arid state faces a shrinking supply, estimated to be 25% to 30% by 2050, from hotter temperatures and continued pumping. Advertisement Advertisement New Mexico is at the front lines of climate change impacts, which threatens water resource availability, the report stated. Groundwater management is paramount to the resilience of water supplies, communities, and economies for generations to come. In the last several decades, the fastest-dropping groundwater levels include important agricultural and residential basins: the Ogallala aquifer near Clovis and Portales; the Mimbres Basin near Deming; Estancia Basin in east-central New Mexico; the Albuquerque Basin; and the Placitas and East Mountains areas. In order to address the threat of a looming groundwater crisis, the report requests that lawmakers and the state government map aquifers; better monitor pumping; develop technical assistance for local management; and ensure groundwater is included and understood in regional planning efforts. The report also includes for consideration groundwater management policies from around the state and neighboring Western states. The policies dont require New Mexico to reinvent the wheel, coauthor Aron Balok, superintendent of the Pecos Valley Artesian Conservancy District, said in a statement. Many of our local communities already have the experience, knowledge and determination needed to protect our groundwater, Balok said. The state should look to these communities and figure out how to replicate what we know is already working. Advertisement Advertisement Already, lawmakers have proposed record funding for water priorities, including more than $22 million to map the states aquifers, more than double 2025s funding of just over $7 million. Policymakers understand that we need sound science, data and modeling to better manage our groundwater resources and were ready to supply it, said Stacy Timmons, associate director of Hydrogeology Programs at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, in a statement. Building on the initial funding provided by the Legislature last session, were prepared to execute a long-term strategy that will close our water data gaps and modernize our antiquated systems using 21st century technology. Additionally, the Legislature proposed $15 million for the River Stewardship Program for the environment department for rivers, streams and wetlands projects; and $15.5 million for the Strategic Water Reserve after changes to the program in 2025 to allow additional uses for banking water in New Mexico rivers. Water getting this much funding and attention at the Roundhouse is rare but welcome, Tricia Snyder, the rivers and water director for New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, told Source NM in a call. Were seeing the water crisis with the naked eye, she said, referring to the summer drying of Rio Grande and continued snow drought. Theres challenges there that we have never experienced before, its becoming self-evident that we really have to figure out solutions because it only gets harder from here. On the Spanish island of Ibiza, an unlikely hero is combating the region's invasive species crisis. Boira, a German shepherd-border collie mix, has been trained to catch invasive snakes threatening the island's native lizard populations. With lots of patience, Boira's owner, Tomas Planells Struse, taught her how to sniff out the snakes that hide throughout the island, La Voz de Ibiza reported. Two types of invasive snakes, the horseshoe whip snake and ladder snake, were unintentionally introduced to Ibiza through the import of olive trees. Despite trapping initiatives, the snakes have persisted, spreading quickly across the island and threatening the region's bird and insect populations. Advertisement Advertisement One of the main problems with invasive species, such as these snakes in Ibiza, is that they lack natural predators when introduced to a new place. As a result, they cause major ecological disruptions by throwing off the balance of the food chain. "[The snakes] go on land, climb, swim," Struse told La Voz de Ibiza. "And on top of that, they are fast. And there are millions of ideal hiding places for them." That's where Boira comes in. Over time, Struse trained her to find the snakes in rock walls. Struse places his hand on one of the walls and says, "Fetch." That word signals to Boira that it's time to sniff out and find the hiding snakes. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell thanks to the 100 million sensory receptors in their nasal cavities. As a result, they can use their noses as a tool to help officials detect and combat invasive species. Across the globe, conservationists are training canines to locate elusive species that would otherwise go unnoticed. Advertisement Advertisement Struse emphasized that what he and Boira are doing is something others can do as well. "I call and encourage everyone to have a trap, or a dog, or something to help control and eradicate snakes on the island," he said. 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. Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Lee Ryan and Will Grow met about 16 years ago as research volunteers at the Fireman's Hall Museum in Old City. They are united in their mission to preserve the past. "We go all the way back to Ben Franklin and the Union Fire Company," says Will Grow, volunteer researcher for the Fireman's Hall Museum. And by their brotherhood in the fire service. Advertisement Advertisement "I was a volunteer firefighter in Oaklyn, New Jersey," says Lee Ryan, volunteer researcher with the Fireman's Hall Museum. "I'm the vice president of the fire department." He's been a member of the Oaklyn Fire Department for 59 years, serving in various roles, including chief in the 1980s. Grow was a Philadelphia firefighter for 30 years, retiring in 2016 as a lieutenant. "I spent most of my career at Engine 16 over in West Philly. I got promoted and then every three years rotated to a different company," says Grow. Their work is important to the museum's overall mission. Advertisement Advertisement "We are not only giving positive fire prevention messages, but we're telling the history of the fire service," says Brian Anderson, firefighter and curator at the Fireman's Hall Museum. "We tell the story of firefighting in Philadelphia." Ryan points out an apparatus that he says is "our pride and joy." "This is the oldest steam fire engine in existence in the United States," he says. And there's a lot of history here. "This was an old firehouse that was built in 1898 for Engine 8," says Anderson. Ryan's research focuses on the volunteer era, which runs from 1736 to 1871. Advertisement Advertisement "These are the files for the volunteer fire companies," says Ryan. They compile newspaper articles and photographs of firefighters that have been identified from that company and put them into a research file. "There were no paid firemen in the city until March 15, 1871, when they implemented the career fire department," says Ryan. Grow looks at the paid departments. "This is the personnel journal," says Grow. "It's amazing that their whole career is on one line." He says "it's gratifying" to help people fill in the blanks of their family history when they reach out to the museum for information. Advertisement Advertisement The Memorial Wall is a tribute to the city's fallen firefighters. "I keep track of the line of duty deaths," says Grow. "And then put together the story of what happened to them." They also record artifacts, like parade hats from different fire companies, and apparatuses used to fight fire in the city. "This hand engine was built by Joel Bates, who was a volunteer fireman in the city of Philadelphia," says Ryan. "I just love it," he says. "There's so much we've learned and so much we've been able to contribute." Admission to the museum is free and they can do research for you, for a fee. Advertisement Advertisement The "Firstival" is a great opportunity to explore and hear some stories. It's being held on Saturday, January 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fireman's Hall Museum as part of the '52 Weeks of Firsts' to honor America turning 250. It was a piece of audio obtained by the BBC that revealed what worries the Taliban's leader most. Not an external danger, but one from within Afghanistan, which the Taliban seized control of as the previous government collapsed and the US withdrew in 2021. He warned of "insiders in the government" pitted against each other in the Islamic Emirate the Taliban set up to govern the country. Advertisement Advertisement In the leaked clip, the supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada can be heard giving a speech saying that internal disagreements could eventually bring them all down. "As a result of these divisions, the emirate will collapse and end," he warned. The speech, made to Taliban members at a madrassa in the southern city of Kandahar in January 2025, was more fuel to the fire of rumours which had been circulating for months - rumours of differences at the very top of the Taliban. It is a split the Taliban leadership has always denied - including when asked directly by the BBC. But the rumours prompted the BBC's Afghan service to begin a year-long investigation into the highly secretive group - conducting more than 100 interviews with current and former members of the Taliban, as well as local sources, experts and former diplomats. Advertisement Advertisement Because of the sensitivity over reporting this story, the BBC has agreed not to identify them for their safety. Now, for the first time, we have been able to map two distinct groups at the very top of the Taliban - each presenting competing visions for Afghanistan. One entirely loyal to Akhundzada, who, from his base in Kandahar, is driving the country towards his vision of a strict Islamic Emirate - isolated from the modern world, where religious figures loyal to him control every aspect of society. And a second, made up of powerful Taliban members largely based in the capital Kabul, advocating for an Afghanistan which - while still following a strict interpretation of Islam - engages with the outside, builds the country's economy, and even allows girls and women access to an education they are currently denied beyond primary school. Advertisement Advertisement One insider described it as "the Kandahar house versus Kabul". But the question was always whether the Kabul group, made up of Taliban cabinet ministers, powerful militants and influential religious scholars commanding the support of thousands of Taliban loyalists, would ever challenge the increasingly authoritarian Akhundzada in any meaningful way, as his speech suggested. After all, according to the Taliban, Akhundzada is the group's absolute ruler - a man only accountable to Allah, and not someone to be challenged. Then came a decision which would see the delicate tug of war between the most powerful men in the country escalate into a clash of wills. Advertisement Advertisement In late September, Akhundzada ordered the internet and phones to be shut off, severing Afghanistan from the rest of the world. Three days later the internet was back, with no explanation of why. But what had happened behind the scenes was seismic, say insiders. The Kabul group had acted against Akhundzada's order and switched the internet back on. "The Taliban, unlike every other Afghan party or faction, is remarkable for its coherence there have been no splits, not even much dissent," explains an expert on Afghanistan, who has been studying the Taliban since they were established. Advertisement Advertisement "Bound into the movement's DNA is the principle of obedience to one's superiors, and ultimately to the Amir [Akhundzada]. That's what made the act of turning the internet back on, against his explicit orders, so unexpected, and so notable," the expert said. As one Taliban insider put it: this was nothing short of a rebellion. A man of faith Only two confirmed pictures of Akhundzada exist; this one, showing the supreme leader on the left, has been verified by BBC Afghan [BBC] Hibatullah Akhundzada did not begin his leadership like this. Indeed, sources say he was chosen as the Taliban's supreme leader in 2016 in part because of his approach of building consensus. Lacking battlefield experience himself, he found a deputy in Sirajuddin Haqqani - the feared militant commander, then one of the US's most wanted men with a $10m (7.4m) bounty on his head. Advertisement Advertisement A second deputy was found in Yaqoob Mujahid, Taliban founder Mullah Omar's son young, but bringing with him his Taliban bloodline, and its potential to unify the movement. The arrangement continued throughout negotiations with Washington in Doha to end the 20-year war between Taliban fighters and US-led forces. The eventual agreement, in 2020, resulted in the sudden and dramatic recapturing of the country by the Taliban, and the chaotic withdrawal of US troops in August 2021. The unexpected fall of Kabul in August 2021 saw thousands rush to the airport in the hope of being evacuated with US and other troops as they withdrew [Los Angeles Times via Getty Images] To the outside world, they were a united front. But both deputies would find themselves quietly demoted to ministers as soon as the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, with Akhundzada now a lone power centre, insiders told the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Even Abdul Ghani Baradar - the powerful and influential co-founder of the Taliban who had led negotiations with the US - found himself in the role of deputy prime minister instead of prime minister as many had expected. Instead, Akhundzada - having shunned the capital where the government sits in favour of remaining in Kandahar, a base of power for the Taliban - began surrounding himself with trusted ideologues and hardliners. Other loyalists were given control of the country's security forces, religious policies and parts of the economy. "[Akhundzada], from the outset, sought to form his own strong faction," a former Taliban member - who later served in Afghanistan's US-backed government - told the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement "Although he lacked the opportunity at first, once he gained power, he began doing so skilfully, expanding his circle using his authority and position." Akhundzada has filled his cabinet with loyalists in line with his vision, but those considered the "Kabul group" maintain their positions. Here, arguably the most influential members of each group are shown [BBC] Edicts began to be announced without consultation with Kabul-based Taliban ministers, and with little regard for public promises made before they took power, on issues like allowing girls access to education. The ban on education, along with women working, remains one of the "main sources of tension" between the two groups, a letter from a UN monitoring body to the Security Council noted in December. Meanwhile, another insider told the BBC that Akhundzada, who had started out as a judge in the Taliban's Sharia courts of the 1990s, was becoming "even more rigid" in his religious beliefs. Akhundzada's ideology was already such that he not only knew but approved of his son's choice to become a suicide bomber, according to two Taliban officials after his death in 2017. Advertisement Advertisement And he is convinced that making the wrong decision could have implications beyond his lifetime, the BBC has been told. "Every decision he makes he says: I'm accountable to Allah, on judgement day, I will be questioned why I didn't take an action," one current Taliban government official explained. Two people who have been in meetings with Akhundzada described to the BBC how they were faced with a man who barely spoke, choosing to communicate mainly through gestures, interpreted through a team of elderly clerics in the room. In more public settings, other eyewitnesses said he obscures his face - covering his eyes with a scarf draped over his turban, and often standing at an angle when addressing an audience. Photographing or filming Akhundzada is forbidden. Only two photos of him are known to exist. Getting a meeting has also become increasingly difficult. Another Taliban member told the BBC how Akhundzada used to hold "regular consultations", but now "most Taliban ministers wait for days or weeks". Another source told the BBC the Kabul-based ministers have been told to "travel to Kandahar only if they receive an official invitation". At the same time, Akhundzada was moving key departments to Kandahar - including distribution of weapons, which had previously come under the control of his former deputies Haqqani and Yaqoob. In its December letter, the UN monitoring team noted Akhundzada's "consolidation of power has also involved a continued build-up of security forces under the direct control of Kandahar". Reports suggest Akhundzada issues direct orders all the way down to local police units - bypassing ministers in Kabul. One analyst argues the result is that "real authority has been transferred to Kandahar" - something Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied to the BBC. "All the ministers have their power in their ministerial framework, undertaking daily works and making decisions - all the powers are delegated to them and they carry out their duties," he said. However, "from a Sharia perspective, he [Akhundzada] has the absolute power", Mujahid added - saying "to avoid God-forbidden division, his decisions are final". Men 'who have seen the world' Kabul (pictured) is the capital, and the seat of government for Afghanistan [AP] Among the Kabul group, unhappiness was growing and alliances were strengthening. "They [the Kabul group] are people who have seen the world," one analyst told the BBC. "Therefore, they believe that their government, in its current form, cannot last." The Kabul group want to see an Afghanistan which moves towards the model of a Gulf state. They are concerned about the concentration of power in Kandahar, the nature and enforcement of virtue laws, how the Taliban should engage with the international community and women's education and employment. [BBC] But despite advocating for Afghan women to have more rights, the Kabul group is not described as moderate. Instead, insiders see them as "pragmatic", unofficially led by Baradar - the Taliban founding member who still commands great loyalty. He is also thought to be the "Abdul" referred to by Donald Trump as the "head of the Taliban" during a 2024 US presidential election campaign debate. In fact, he was the group's chief negotiator with the US. The Kabul group's shifting positions have not gone unnoticed. "We remember that they [the Taliban leaders based in Kabul] used to destroy television sets, but now they appear on TV themselves," one analyst said. They also understand the power of social media. Former deputy Yaqoob - whose father led the Taliban during its first rule, when music and television were banned - finds himself increasingly popular with young Taliban members and some ordinary Afghans, evident in gushing TikTok videos and merchandise adorned with his face. But no one has been more effective in rebranding themselves than his fellow former deputy, Sirajuddin Haqqani. His ability to evade capture as his network orchestrated some of the most lethal and sophisticated attacks in the Afghan war against US-led forces - including a 2017 truck bombing in Kabul which killed more than 90 civilians near the German embassy - elevated him to near-mythical status among supporters. During this time, only one known photograph of him existed - taken by a BBC Afghan journalist. The bounty on Sirajuddin Haqqani - pictured in his wanted FBI poster, before the Taliban returned to power - was dropped last year [FBI] But then, six months after the US withdrawal, Haqqani marched out in front of the world's cameras at a graduation ceremony of police officers in Kabul, his face uncovered. It was the first step towards a new image: no longer a militant, but a statesman - one with whom the New York Times would sit down in 2024 and ask: is he Afghanistan's best hope for change? Just a few months later, the FBI would quietly drop the $10m bounty on his head. Yet analysts and insiders repeatedly told the BBC that openly moving against supreme leader Akhundzada was unlikely. Arguably the most visible opposition to his edicts had been minor and limited - for example not enforcing regulations like the ban on shaving beards in regions controlled by Kabul group-aligned officials. But larger acts of rebellion have always been considered unthinkable. One former Taliban member emphasised to the BBC that "obedience to [Akhundzada] is considered mandatory". Haqqani himself, in his interview with the New York Times, played down any chance of an open split. "Unity is important for Afghanistan currently so we can have a peaceful country," he said. Instead, one analyst said, the Kabul group is choosing to send "a message to both the international community and Afghans", one which says: "We are aware of your complaints and concerns, but what can we do?" At least, that was the case before the order came to shut down the internet. A breaking point The internet switch-off began in carefully selected provinces and then expanded to the whole country in late September [AFP via Getty Images] The Taliban's supreme leader is a man with a deep distrust of the internet; he believes its content to be against Islamic teachings, and is so dedicated to his belief that an aide reads out the latest news or social media posts to him each morning instead, his spokesman once explained to the BBC. The Kabul group believe that a modern country cannot survive without it. The supreme leader's internet shutdown order began in provinces controlled by Akhundzada's allies, before it was expanded to the whole country. Sources close to the Kabul group and within the Taliban government described what happened next - an almost unprecedented moment in the Taliban's history. "It surprised many members of the movement," one source said. In short, the Kabul group's most powerful ministers came together and convinced Kabul-based Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund to order it switched back on. In fact, the group had already made its unhappiness with the edict known before the internet was cut across the country: the group's de-facto leader, Baradar, travelled to Kandahar to warn one of Akhundzada's most loyal governors that they needed to "wake him up" - adding they had to stop being the supreme leader's "yes" men. "You don't tell him the truth openly; whatever he says, you just implement," he was reported as saying by a Kandahar insider. His words, the source said, were dismissed. On Monday, 29 September, an order came into the telecommunications ministry directly from the supreme leader to shut everything down. "No excuses" would be accepted, a source in the ministry told the BBC. On Wednesday morning, a group of Kabul group ministers - including Baradar, Haqqani and Yaqoob - gathered at the prime minister's office, joined by the telecommunications minister. Here, they urged the Kandahar-aligned prime minister to take charge and reverse the order. According to one source, they told him the full responsibility lay with them. It worked. The internet returned. But perhaps more importantly, within those few days, it was as if what Akhundzada had hinted at in that speech months earlier had come to pass: insiders were threatening Taliban unity. The decision to reverse the order took many by surprise - including Kabul group supporters [AFP via Getty Images] But why this order? One expert points out Taliban members have been happy to follow Akhundzada despite disagreeing with edicts like the ones on girls' education. Meanwhile, many of those who had challenged him openly before had paid a price. In February 2025, the then-deputy foreign minister had to flee the country after warning publicly the leadership was straying from "the path of God" in "committing injustice against 20 million people" - a reference to the female education ban. UN monitors point to at least two others who have been arrested after questioning Akhundzada's decrees on girls' education, in July and September 2025. But there is also evidence of Akhundzada and his allies moving to keep figures like Haqqani close - despite the latter's public criticisms of the supreme leader's consolidation of power. Even so, tipping over from words into actions and so decisively disregarding an order was arguably another step all together. As one expert points out, this time it may have been worth the risk. Their positions come with power and an "ability to make money", the expert says. But both depended on the internet, now crucial to both governing and commerce. "Turning off the internet threatened their privileges in a way that keeping older girls out of education never did," the expert points out. "Maybe that's why they were 'brave' that one time." Beyond primary school, girls and women are denied an education under the Taliban [AP] After the internet was turned back on, speculation was rife about what would happen next. A source close to the Kabul group suggested the ministers will be slowly removed or demoted. However, the Kandahar insider suggested it might be the supreme leader who backed down "because he fears such opposition". As the year drew to an end, it appeared publicly that nothing had changed. The letter to the UN Security Council noted some UN member states "have downplayed the division between leaders in Kandahar and Kabul as akin to a family dispute that would not alter the status quo; all senior leaders are invested in the success of the Taliban enterprise". Zabiullah Mujahid, the senior Taliban government spokesman, has categorically denied any split. "We will never allow ourselves to be divided," he told the BBC in early January 2026. "All officials and leadership know that a split can be harmful for all, for Afghanistan, religiously prohibited and forbidden by Allah." However, he did also acknowledge that differences in "opinion" exist among Taliban members, but equated it to "a difference of opinion in a family". Half way through December, those "differences" had appeared to surface once more. Haqqani was filmed addressing a crowd in his home province of Khost during Friday prayers, warning that anyone who "gets to power through the nation's trust, love and faith and then abandons or forgets the same nation... is not a government". The same day, Akhundzada loyalist Neda Mohammad Nadem - the higher education minister - made his own speech to graduating students at a madrassa in a neighbouring province. "Only one person leads and the rest follow orders, this is a true Islamic government," he said. "If there are too many leaders then problems will emerge and this government that we have achieved will be ruined." After the dispute over the internet, these recent comments are set against a very different backdrop to those made by Akhundzada in the leaked audio at the start of 2025. Yet whether 2026 will be the year that the Kabul group move to make meaningful change for the women and men of Afghanistan is very much still up for debate. "As ever the question remains after apparent disagreement within the Emirate's top tier will words ever lead to action?" says one expert. "They haven't yet." Edited and produced by Zia Shahreyar, Flora Drury and the BBC Afghan Forensics team. Top image shows two members of the Taliban looking out over Kabul in January 2022. At a moment when Haitis tourism continues to grind to a halt, the country is facing another setback. Royal Caribbean, which had suspended visits to its private destination of Labadee in northern Haiti until May of this year, says the service will now remain suspended through December 2026. Out of an abundance of caution, we have extended our pause to Labadee, a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group said, declining to elaborate on the concerns behind the decision. The Miami-based cruise line said it has already communicated the extension directly to affected guests. Advertisement Advertisement Last April, after canceling scheduled visits in 2024, the cruise line informed travel agents that their ships would not make any visits to Labadee until at least May 2026. The prospect of at least eight more months without cruise passengers visiting the northern coast of Haiti, which is hours away from the capital, comes as the countrys second-largest city, nearby Cap-Haitien, grows increasingly strained by an influx of people fleeing gang violence in Port-au-Prince and surrounding towns, as well as returnees from the United States and neighboring countries, including the Dominican Republic. It also adds to the financial woes of the country, which remains under a State Department Level 4 Do not travel warning and, after years of welcoming several hundred thousand of visitors, only saw 175,000 foreign visitors last year, according to its tourism ministry. The cruise ship, alone, brings more than a half million visitors to Haiti, providing employment to over 600 Haitians including vendors and employees of locally-owned SOLANO, which has been trying to support workers through its foundation. For 14 months the main international airport, Toussaint Louverture in Port-au-Prince, has remained off-limits to U.S. commercial flights, with American Airlines laying off its remaining workers. That has left only the smaller airports in Cap-Haitien and Les Cayes available for international travel. Advertisement Advertisement The Les Cayes facility, Antoine Simon International Airport, was finally authorized last month by the Transportation Security Administration as a Last Point of Departure, meaning Florida-bound passengers no longer have to travel through Cap-Haitien for secondary inspection before arriving in the U.S. While Royal Caribbean is re-routing its cruise passengers to other destinations like Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos Islands and Nassau, Bahamas, hundreds of families in northern Haiti will continue to see their incomes dwindle as a result of the stoppage at what the cruise lines has long considered one of its exclusive port destinations. Hundreds of families depended on the stop to eke out a living through the sale of arts and crafts and guided excursions. GUEST OPINION: Digital scams cost Australians millions of dollars each year - and theyre becoming more convincing than ever. From SMS messages pretending to be banks to AI-generated voice scams imitating loved ones, its getting harder and harder for receivers to sift out safe messages from spam. Thats particularly true for messages that appear mundane - notifying recipients of unpaid toll fees or a parcel stuck in transit - but are in fact the work of spammers. As the facilitators for message sending, telcos are under increasing pressure to act and protect consumers from losing out. But with millions of messages being sent every day, where do you begin? The shift from reactive to proactive Previously, scam action was largely reactive. Networks relied on users to report suspicious messages themselves, for telcos to then block the numbers. But as tech has evolved, so has the ability for scammers to send mass messages - and that means that the old approach simply doesnt work anymore. Instead, telcos are having to adopt an infrastructure-wide approach to scam prevention. That begins by vetting the senders. Back in 2023, Singapore rolled out mandatory registration of all alphanumeric sender IDs through its own SMS Sender ID registry. Any business that isnt on the register now has its messages marked as Likely-SCAM. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has now followed suit, introducing its own Sender ID Register which businesses will need to register with by 1 July 2026. Unregistered senders will then show up on users phones in an Unverified message thread. While this is a step in the right direction, it continues to raise concerns about whether too much responsibility for keeping safe from scams is being placed on the consumer. After all, vulnerable consumers might still not understand what unverified means, and what they need to do to keep themselves safe - instead assuming that since the message has been delivered to them, it must be legitimate. Image created by Gemini Nano Banana 3 based on this article. Closer content checking Alongside more careful checking of senders, message contents should also be more heavily scrutinised. Previously, message checks were quite rudimentary, often set to flag for specific keywords associated with fraudulent activity. Now, however, carriers have much more sophisticated measures to detect criminals. That includes the ability to assess messages by tone of voice, since malicious messages will often have a sense of urgency to pressure recipients into acting quickly without thinking. This is a shift away from simply flagging keywords - a method that could be easily worked around by criminals - and moving towards behaviour-based threat analysis that looks more holistically at messages. This approach is more commonly found in enterprise cybersecurity, but could dramatically cut the number of scam messages received. Other red flags - such as unusual spikes in message volume, or suspicious URLs embedded in the text - can also be automatically recognised by security systems, and flagged for immediate review. What can Australia learn from other countries fighting the same battle? Early reports of Singapores sender ID registry were positive, with a 64% reduction in scams from Q4 2021 to Q2 2022, before sender IDs were made mandatory. Scam volumes have continued to drop in the year so far, too. But it doesnt mean that theres nothing left for Singapore to be concerned about. Impersonation scams of government officials have almost tripled in a year, partly blamed on the rise in IP-based messaging platforms like Messenger, which sit outside SMS regulation. The lesson is clear - telcos alone cant solve the problem, and all businesses and channels must follow the same playbook to tackle online fraud. The UK is aiming to take such a blanket approach. Comms regulator Ofcoms latest proposals, prompted by an estimated 100 million suspicious messages reported in the year to April 2025, would apply to every UK mobile operator. The rules aim to close gaps in the legislation by introducing messaging volume limits on Pay As You Go SIMs, as well as prompting faster action on suspicious numbers and URLs in messages. Ofcom also expects network operators to act more quickly on scam reports from customers or third parties, with clear incident-response processes to quickly remove fraudulent traffic and minimise harm. For business messaging, the regulator is also hoping to implement mandatory Know Your Customer and Know Your Traffic checks to prevent criminals from sending mass texts and ensure suspicious account activity is spotted and dealt with quickly. These global examples show that tackling SMS scams demands more than just an isolated fix. Theres a need for coordinated reform across the wider mobile and messaging industry. Australias Sender ID Register is a step in the right direction - but it will only deliver its full potential when paired with tighter traffic monitoring, smarter threat detection and genuine alignment between regulators, telcos and technology providers. Scammers are continuously looking for new ways in - its imperative that defences evolve just as quickly. Jonathan Walsh is the Managing Director at Esendex Australia. +++ Here is the official Esendex video from its YouTube channel: Europe's largest low-cost airline, Ryanair, has added some flights to its summer schedule in Germany after the government's move to lower taxes on flight tickets. The Irish company on Thursday announced 11 new routes and a total of 300,000 additional seats, mainly from smaller airports such as Weeze, Memmingen and Bremen, with some additional departures also planned from Cologne-Bonn Airport. However, major cities such as Hamburg and Berlin are to see flights drop by 20% and 5% respectively, with Ryanair complaining that the airports have not reduced fees. Advertisement Advertisement Ryanair official Eddie Wilson said the additional services are a response to the government's reduction in ticket taxes, which was decided in November, but the number of flights on offer in the summer of 2026 remains lower than the previous year. The airline is calling on Chancellor Friedrich Merz's administration to continue its "positive momentum" and abolish the "harmful" tax on air traffic, while reducing fees for air traffic control and passenger checks. If the changes are made, Ryanair could double its operations in Germany to serve 34 million passengers per year, the company said. The budget airline has been a consistent critic of high operating costs in Germany, which has seen its aviation industry fall behind European rivals in recent years. Travel advice has been updated for several countries near Iran, including Cyprus, after the government declared a heightened risk of regional tension. Nationwide protests have been taking place across Iran after currency instability, which has since escalated into widespread political unrest. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported on Wednesday that it had confirmed more than 2,600 deaths and 18,470 arrests of protestors across the country. Information is still limited due to an ongoing internet blackout, it noted. Advertisement Advertisement However, US president Donald Trump said on Wednesday he's been told "on good authority" that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, even as Tehran pressed ahead with fast-track trials in its crackdown on protesters. Iranians gather while blocking a street during a protest in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026 (Middle East Images) The unrest in Iran has forced the UK to close its Tehran embassy and will operate remotely. It has also withdrawn its staff from the country, as well as from a military base in Qatar. While Cyprus is hundreds of miles from Iran, government advice for the much-loved holiday destination has changed. Here is what you need to know. What is the UK governments advice? On Wednesday, 14 January, the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) released new advice for travel for Cyprus. Advertisement Advertisement There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts, the FCDO stated. British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances. It said precautions include reading the governments crisis information page, which gives guidance on how to prepare for civil unrest, including how to gather emergency supplies. The page also recommends that British nationals sign up to FCDO travel email alerts, monitor local and international media for the latest information, sign up to local information resources and follow the instructions of the regional authorities. Advertisement Advertisement They also said that travellers should stay away from security or military facilities. The FCDO has also released the same advice for British nationals in the UAE, Palestine, Israel, Turkey, Yemen, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Libya, Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt and Bahrain. What are my rights if my flight is cancelled? Flights to and from Larnaca airport in Cyprus continued to operate as normal on Wednesday and into Thursday, largely unaffected by a temporary airspace closure in Iran. If you do find your flight cancelled, you are covered by UK law if you are departing from an airport in the UK on any airline, arriving at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline, or arriving at an airport in the EU on a UK airline. Advertisement Advertisement Airlines must provide you with care and assistance if your flight is cancelled, meaning they must supply you with food and drink (often provided in the form of vouchers), means for you to communicate (often by refunding call costs), accommodation if you are given a new flight the following day, and transport to and from the accommodation or your home. Passengers can choose between getting an alternative flight or receiving a refund if their flight is cancelled. If you received less than 14 days notice of a cancellation, you may also be able to claim compensation. However, this is unlikely if the cancellation was not the airlines fault. Situations such as extreme weather, strikes or other extraordinary circumstances are not eligible for compensation. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: What rights do you have to compensation for cancelled or delayed flights? Can I cancel my holiday? As the FCDO has not warned against non-essential travel to Cyprus, there will be no special circumstances in place to be able to cancel a trip for a full refund. The conditions for cancelling your trip will be dependent on your holiday provider, so its best to contact them if youre looking to postpone. There is no obligation for companies to refund bookings if you want to cancel, and you will not be able to claim on your travel insurance due to safety concerns unless government advice changes. If you do have travel insurance, some policies include natural disaster cover for an event that prevents you from reaching your holiday destination. Check your insurance policies and speak to your insurer to see where you stand. Follow live: Iran protests latest Trump says Tehran has no plan to execute protesters as UK closes embassy RIYADH, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia has announced a slew of development projects across southern Yemen worth about $500 million, many in areas long-held by the United Arab Emirates and allied separatists who were routed in a Saudi-backed offensive this month. The move signals an increasingly assertive posture by the Gulf Arab kingdom in Yemen in a row with the UAE. The separatist Southern Transitional Council swept through parts of the south last year and advanced to within reach of the Saudi border. Riyadh declared the move a threat to its national security, called on the UAE to withdraw and backed an offensive that swept the STC from power. On Wednesday, Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman met with the head of the internationally recognized government and several members of the country's Presidential Leadership Council to affirm the kingdom's support, according to a post on his official account on X. Advertisement Advertisement The same post announced aid and projects across 10 provinces, including the construction of hospitals, schools and roads and the donation of fuel to increase power production. It also announced the construction of a mosque on the island of Socotra named "The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques", a reference to the official title of the Saudi king. The strategic island had been held by the UAE for years until recently. "This support embodies the kingdom's keenness to enhance security and stability, and to contribute to building a better future for Yemen and its brotherly people," the post said. Saudi Arabia and the UAE previously worked together in a coalition battling the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen's civil war, which caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. Advertisement Advertisement But the two most powerful countries in the Gulf have sharp differences over a wide range of issues across the Middle East - from geopolitics to oil output - and those burst into the open with the STC advance. (Reporting by Timour Azhari in Riyadh; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise) A Saudi royal source told N12 that Trump should pursue limited military strikes against Islamic Regime leaders and officials to alleviate protest repression. Saudi Arabia is warning allies that an ineffective US military attack on Iran would serve the Iranian regime in suppressing the protest activity seen nationwide, and advising US President Donald Trump to opt for limited, focused military strikes, and other actions against Iranian suppression, a Saudi royal family source told N12 on Wednesday. An unmeasured move could achieve the opposite of any declared goal, playing into the hands of the regime, the source warned. Advertisement Advertisement "The regime wants 'symbolism' to alleviate widespread anti-regime unrest, strengthening the narrative that the protests are supported by foreigners, and that world powers are 'conspiring' against Iranian sovereignty," he clarified. However, limited military strikes against senior figures are far more likely to be condoned by the Iranian people, in his view. "It would be a rescue operation for them from repression, and they would not see it as negative foreign interference but as positive foreign intervention that respects their independence," he clarified. Fires are lit as protesters rally on January 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. (credit: GETTY IMAGES) "The Gulf countries are united in fearing that a potential Trump attack could serve the rule of the Ayatollahs in Iran and suppress the popular uprising they have been waiting for a long time," the source said. Advertisement Advertisement "Activating Starlink services for free across the country, along with targeted and limited strikes against regime leaders commanding repression agents and harming the Iranian people, would be far preferable to a large-scale military attack that could suppress the revolution," he affirmed. "Iranians do not like foreign interference, and the Islamic Republic could close the Strait of Hormuz, or disrupt shipping there, destabilizing the region," the source warned. "Therefore, Trump must closely monitor the situation and act wisely, because this is a sensitive and complicated task," he advised. Gulf states warn Trump against sending 'help' to Iranian protesters This comes after Arab Gulf states had been warning the Trump administration not to strike Iran after Trump and White House officials stated on Tuesday that military action was more likely than not, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Advertisement Advertisement Per the WSJ, Iran's rival Gulf states have largely avoided addressing the protests that have spread across Iran since late December, leaving thousands dead. 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 WSJ. Iran warns regional countries it will strike US bases in their territory if Washington attacks 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. 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. Kara Fox did not want to wait. A mom of two, she was frustrated by the fall semester at her childrens traditional private school near Omaha, Nebraska particularly for her 12-year-old son, Gavin. He just felt so hopeless already in the second quarter, before the end of the first semester, said Fox, explaining that the rigidity of a conventional classroom and curriculum werent working well for her son who has ADHD and is on the autism spectrum. Fox tried to communicate with the school, urging changes and more personalization, but she found the teachers and administrators to be unresponsive. They were unbendingly focused on their programs and agenda for fifth graders that they werent willing to accommodate for meeting him where he was mentally, said Fox, who has a bachelors degree in early childhood education and served for over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and Air Force Reserve. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter She began to look for other educational options for Gavin, and his younger brother Gabriel, a second-grader. When she discovered Masterpiece Academy, a K-12 microschool launched in 2022 by former public school teacher Hannah Holguin, Fox knew it was the perfect place for her children. When I walked in, the environment the spirit was just so peaceful and happy, she recalled. Fox pulled her children out of their private school in December, and immediately enrolled them in Masterpiece Academy, where they are technically considered homeschoolers but attend the onsite, half-day program five days a week, surrounded by peers and taught by experienced educators. Advertisement Advertisement Fox is among a growing number of parents who decide to switch their childrens school midyear, something that is becoming easier to do as microschools and related learning models become more widespread. Unlike many traditional private schools which typically have set admissions and enrollment cycles, lengthy application processes and hefty tuition price tags todays emerging schooling models are usually low-cost, flexible and highly personalized. They often have rolling admissions, with students able to enroll throughout the year which I write about extensively in my latest book. In states with generous school-choice policies that allow a portion of state-allocated education funding to follow families to their preferred learning environments, students can attend these innovative schools for free or with reduced tuition. Thats the case for most of the students enrolled at Creative Minds, a K-12 microschool in Wendell, North Carolina. It was founded in 2024 by Lisa Swinson, a longtime public school teacher who was working at the state Department of Public Instruction when she decided to become an education entrepreneur. As I was helping people across the state, I knew that I needed to come back home to help local families because I was starting to hear a lot of conversations about people just needing something different, said Swinson. She was accepted into the Drexel Fund Founder Program, a one-year paid fellowship to support promising founders launching new schools, with a commitment to serving low-income students. Swinsons school has grown from 10 students last year to 34 students today, along with three full-time teachers and an instructional assistant. Related New Microschool Accreditation Pathways Are Opening Doors for Founders & Families Creative Minds is a licensed private school with a full-time tuition of $7,600. Ninety percent of Swinsons families attend with free or reduced tuition using the states Opportunity Scholarships, a school-choice program that became universal in 2023, enabling all North Carolina K-12 students to be eligible for private school vouchers. The remaining 10% of Creative Minds students are homeschoolers who attend the microschool three days a week at an annual tuition of $4,900, or full-time students whose parents pay full tuition out of pocket. Advertisement Advertisement Swinson says that more families in her area are looking for alternatives to conventional schoolingboth public and private. She welcomed seven new students to Creative Minds this month. What I hear from parents is that we provide individualized instruction to their students. We individualize everything, from choosing electives, to how they go about learning, to what curriculum to use. Everything is very personalized, said Swinson, who uses nationally-normed standardized tests to determine a students skill level upon enrollment, and then customizes a learning plan based on the childs needs and interests. Microschool founders across the US are reporting midyear enrollment boosts, as families switch from conventional schools toward smaller, more personalized learning environments. At Curious and Kind Education in Sarasota, Florida, founder Justine Wilson enrolled five new students this month, bringing her total K-12 enrollment to 70 students. She says that 97% of her students attend her program tuition-free using Floridas school-choice programs, which became universal in 2023. Even in states without robust private school choice programs, microschool founders are reporting midyear enrollment boosts. At the Nevada School of Inquiry, a middle school microschool in Las Vegas, co-founder Christina Threeton welcomed several new students this January, as did Amanda Lucas, founder of Lucas Literacy Lab in New Jersey. Advertisement Advertisement Tom Arnett, a senior fellow at the Christensen Institute, has documented why families are attracted to microschools or similar learning models. Our research shows that many families who switch schools are driven by the reality that school has become a persistently negative experience for their child, said Arnett, citing a variety of reasons from bullying to boredom. We also see many families who havent switched yet but are actively considering it. Microschools often resonate with these families because they offer a more human-scale environment that reduces friction rather than asking children to endure it. If parents and caregivers are dissatisfied with their childs current school, they dont need to wait until next year to make a change. The growth of microschooling, alongside the expansion of school-choice policies in many states, makes creative schooling options more abundant and accessible enabling families to find the learning environment that is the best fit for their kids. For Kara Fox in Nebraska, the midyear school-switch has been positive for her boys. Its much better because they have been able to just relax and be themselves, she said. Fox encourages more families to consider changing schools sooner than later if they arent happy. I wouldnt wait. I would just do it. Its so worth it because its your kids, she said. Seattle police are asking for the publics help in identifying a person they say intentionally set a fire outside a Capitol Hill bakery on Christmas. Police and fire crews responded to a fire on E Pike Street on Dec. 25. James Prop, owner of Cinnaholic on Capitol Hill, is still in disbelief as he watches the security footage from that morning. His camera captured smoke filling the frame before cutting out entirely. When he arrived at his beloved bakery, he found a charred wall, a shattered window, and no suspect in sight. Advertisement Advertisement It kind of caught me off guard. Ive never seen anybody live in action where I actually felt like it was intentional, Prop said. The surveillance video tells a disturbing story. A man can be seen approaching the bakery with a bag containing cardboard boxes, methodically feeding the fire until flames erupted. Once the blaze ignited and flames shot up the wall, the individual calmly got on his scooter and rode away. It was pretty clear that he had a bag in hand with cardboard boxes and stuff, and was just sitting there feeding the fire until it lit. Once it lit and it flamed up, this individual just got on his scooter, Prop explained. While crews were able to douse the flames quickly, the fire damaged the exterior wall of the business and additional damage occurred during the emergency response. Advertisement Advertisement The fire marshal determined the fire was intentionally set. The cleanup was extensive. It took me about ten hours. To fully clean up the water damage and everything from the extinguishing of the fire and so on, Prop explained. Surveillance video captured the suspect, but the quality is low. Prop is calling for more protection for small businesses across Seattle. He emphasized that without additional support, many small businesses simply wont be able to sustain operations when faced with costly repairs from criminal acts. No words, Im ready for action. Small businesses are not going to be able to sustain. It costs us a lot of money to do repairs. Its coming out of our own pockets, Prop said. Advertisement Advertisement If anyone recognizes the person in the photographs, call the SPD Non-Emergency Line at 206-625-5011. This fire came two days after someone was arrested for allegedly setting a dumpster on fire in the First Hill neighborhood. Its unclear at this time if they are related. Federal Bureau of Prisons officers on the scene where a federal immigration agent shot a man Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in north Minneapolis. (Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer) A federal immigration agent shot a man Wednesday evening after a scuffle in north Minneapolis, drawing a crowd of protesters blowing whistles and engaging in minor skirmishes with law enforcement who deployed chemical irritants. The shooting comes one week after the killing of Renee Good by federal immigration officer Jonathan Ross in south Minneapolis touched off a wave of protests. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said the man who was shot is an undocumented Venezuelan national who was pulled over in a targeted traffic stop but ran away. When the officer caught up to him, they got into a fight, after which two bystanders also attacked the officer, according to DHS. The weapons used on the federal officer: a shovel or broom stick, according to DHS. Fearing for his life and safety as he was being ambushed by three individuals, the officer fired a defensive shot to defend his life. The initial subject was hit in the leg, DHS said. Their account couldnt be confirmed. Advertisement Advertisement Minneapolis Police Chief Brian OHara said in the briefing Wednesday night that at 6:51 p.m., MPD received 911 calls about the shooting. The incident began on I-94, OHara said, where federal agents were trying to apprehend a man. The man drove towards a house on the 600 block of 24th Avenue North in north Minneapolis, where he crashed the car, ran towards a house and got into a struggle with federal agents when a federal agent shot him. The man went into the house and refused to come out; eventually, federal agents entered the house. The man was transported to the hospital. His injuries are not life threatening, OHara said. He said he heard there was a snow shovel and a broom on the scene. Two videos add details to what happened before and after. Advertisement Advertisement One video, a livestream of a 911 call, suggests that the agent shot at the man as he was trying to escape into the house, which would contradict the Department of Homeland Security account that the federal immigration agent fired a shot defensively. Another video, taken by a north Minneapolis resident from across the street and shared with the Reformer, shows federal agents firing numerous times into the house, breaking a second-floor window. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in an email to the Reformer that the agents had fired tear gas, not live rounds. In the immediate aftermath of the killing of Renee Good, the Trump administration said she was attempting to run over the ICE officer and kill him. But bystander footage shows a chaotic scene with the officer to the side of her car when he shoots her as she seemingly tries to leave. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the state agency that investigates law enforcement shootings, was on the scene Wednesday along with FBI agents to process evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear if state authorities will be allowed to continue investigating the shooting. The U.S. Department of Justice blocked the BCA from participating in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Good, leading local prosecutors to open their own probe. Anti-ICE demonstrators vandalized a vehicle in Minneapolis believed to be used by federal agents, in the aftermath of a shooting by a federal officer, the second in a week, Jan. 14, 2026. (Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer) Scores of demonstrators showed up to the scene, shouting expletives at federal agents and telling them to get out of Minneapolis. Federal agents deployed tear gas and flash bangs, while some protesters shot fireworks at law enforcement. At least two people were detained by federal agents after someone threw fireworks at the agents. At least two vehicles believed to be used by federal officers were vandalized. OHara said the crowd had crossed the line into an unlawful assembly and State Patrol and Hennepin County sheriffs deputies responded to requests for help with crowd control. Mayor Jacob Frey renewed his call for residents to remain peaceful and not take the bait. Advertisement Advertisement Go home, Frey said. We cannot counter Donald Trumps chaos with our own brand of chaos. By 11:30, law enforcement and demonstrators had mostly left the scene, though some remained. Frey also renewed his call for DHS to end its aggressive operation in the city, which the agency calls its largest operation ever. Minnesota along with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul filed a lawsuit seeking to force DHS to end its operation, calling it a federal invasion. The roughly 3,000 federal agents in the state far outnumber Minneapolis roughly 600 police officers, who are struggling to respond to 911 calls and investigate crimes on top of near round-the-clock confrontations between federal agents and residents. Advertisement Advertisement This is not sustainable. This is an impossible situation that our city is presently being put in, Frey said. Shawn Jackson was parked nearby the scene with his kids in the car. A law enforcement agency unclear which one set off flash bangs that detonated the airbags in his car. Officers then sprayed tear gas. The Minneapolis Fire Department took the children including a baby suffering breathing problems, Jacksons mother said to the hospital. They out of control, Jackson said. Patricia Abrams was driving past with her sister when they saw the commotion and stopped. She told the Reformer that the ICE incursion into Minnesota is illegal and should end. Advertisement Advertisement The public should know to get these motherf*cking ICE people outta here. They over here illegally trying to lock immigrants up. B*tch, yall over here illegally excuse my French yall here illegally trying to lock people up. She added: Df*cks wrong with you? Local and state politicians were also on the scene: Rep. Mohamud Noor, DFL-Minneapolis, and Minneapolis council members including Elliott Payne, Jason Chavez, Aisha Chughtai and Jamal Osman. The shooting happened just moments before Gov. Tim Walz made a statewide address encouraging Minnesotans to record federal immigration actions, promising that accountability is coming for abuses by federal officers. The Senate scuttled legislation requiring President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval before taking further military action against Venezuela a big win for a White House thats strongly resisted efforts to curb its powers. Republicans won a razor thin procedural vote that effectively killed the measure. The procedural gambit saw two GOP senators who broke ranks with their party and Trump last week Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana switch sides to help defeat the resolution. With the chamber deadlocked at 50-50, Vice President JD Vance cast the tiebreaking vote to defeat the legislation. In addition to Hawley and Young, Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) supported the measure last week. Collins, Murkowski and Paul, though, voted with Democrats on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement The victory is a sign of the president's continued sway over the GOP after a rare rebuke last week when five Republicans defied the president and helped Democrats bring the resolution to the Senate floor. Still, the narrowness of the margin and the full-court press from the administration and GOP leadership required to beat back the Democrats suggests the fight over Trumps war powers isnt ending anytime soon. Democrats are preparing to force a war powers vote on Greenland, as Trump threatens to seize the Danish territory. They're also planning to trigger votes on Iran, Columbia, Mexico, Nicaragua and Cuba, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), one of the Venezuela resolutions sponsors, said after the vote. You make them have to work their ass off to keep their people in the corral, and the only way they could do [it] is by making some commitments that they otherwise wouldnt have," Kaine said. While he conceded most of the resolutions would not get a veto-proof majority, he predicted that the Trump administration would have to play stiff defense to keep them from passing. And Kaine said that a Greenland effort had the possibility of clearing the two-thirds threshold required to overcome a veto. Advertisement Advertisement Trump and other top administration officials worked in recent days to win over enough GOP dissenters to sideline the effort. The president called out the five senators, saying they "should never be elected to office again." Young said in a statement that while he's "deeply skeptical" of committing U.S. troops to Venezuela, he switched his vote after receiving a letter from Secretary of State Marco Rubio committing to seek congressional approval ahead of any "major military operations" in the South American nation. He also said Rubio committed to testify publicly before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the situation in Venezuela later this month. "After numerous conversations with senior national security officials, I have received assurances that there are no American troops in Venezuela," Young said. "Ive also received a commitment that if President Trump were to determine American forces are needed in major military operations in Venezuela, the Administration will come to Congress in advance to ask for an authorization of force." Hawley cited his conversations with Rubio, who told him there are no plans to send ground troops into Venezuela and pledged to abide by notification procedures if so. Advertisement Advertisement "My concerns have been about troops" being sent into Venezuela, Hawley said. "I want to take yes for an answer." Wednesday's vote challenged the resolution's "privilege" the procedural status that allows supporters to force an expedited vote and pass it with a simple majority, bypassing the Senate's typical 60-vote hurdle. Republicans, led by Majority Leader John Thune, argued the resolution isn't privileged because the U.S. troops aren't currently engaged in hostilities in Venezuela. Republicans cited Democrats' use of the tactic in 2024 to sink a war powers resolution from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to halt the military's deployment of a pier to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. But Democrats fumed over the about-face, questioning why Republicans who voted for it last week, when there also werent troops in Venezuela, would turn against the resolution now. Advertisement Advertisement Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer predicted that Republicans are politically going to pay a price. Why wouldnt our Republican colleagues just do what Congress is supposed to do assert our authority and have a debate, Schumer added. What has happened tonight is a roadmap to another endless war. Joe Gould and Leo Shane contributed to this report. Washington Republican senators said Thursday that a long-sought bipartisan compromise to extend the expired Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits for two years has stalled. "We are in a little bit of a pothole," GOP Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio said, blaming Democratic leaders for the lack of movement on the issue. "So for me, I'm going to take a pause until I hear affirmative statements from the Democrat leader and his leadership team that they are willing to contemplate a deal that extends these enhanced premium tax credits with the reforms that we've outlined." Moreno previously had expected the compromise to be unveiled sometime this week. Advertisement Advertisement He said the proposal that has been discussed would extend the Affordable Care Act's open enrollment period until March 1. The federal deadline to enroll for coverage this year ends Thursday, though some state-run marketplaces have different cutoff dates. More than 20 million Americans rely on the ACA subsidies to help them pay their health insurance premiums. The bipartisan proposal would also impose an income eligibility cap at 700% of the federal poverty level, and get rid of zero-premium plans by requiring enrollees to pay a minimum premium of $5 per month or $60 per year. To crack down on fraudulent enrollments, insurance companies would face a $100,000 fine if someone is signed up without their consent. In the second year, the plan would give individuals an option to choose a lower-tier plan and receive the funds in a health savings account, instead of the money going directly to insurance companies. "Until I hear affirmative statements from the Democrat leader that he is going to encourage his conference to vote for that, there's really no reason why we should spend any more time or effort on this," Moreno said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said Moreno "is trying to distract from the reality." Advertisement Advertisement "The credits expired and Americans are paying thousands more because Republicans can't get their act together," Schumer said. The Hyde amendment, which prohibits federal funding for abortion, remains a point of contention. Some Republicans want additional Hyde amendment language to be included the health care bill to ensure it applies to coverage in state-run exchanges. President Trump recently encouraged GOP lawmakers to be "flexible" on the issue. Any abortion restrictions could be a nonstarter for Democrats, where their votes are needed in the Senate for passage. "We got hung up on what everybody knew the Republicans would get hung up on that was the Hyde language. And so there's been kind of a pause right now," GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska said Thursday. "Then, we've all known that in order to be able to advance something, we're going to have to have buy-in from the White House." The subsidies were at the center of the government shutdown fight last year, when Democrats refused for weeks to vote to fund the government without an extension of the tax credits. A group of Democrats eventually broke with their party to end the stalemate and reopen the government after securing an agreement for a vote on extending the tax credits. But the GOP-led Senate rejected Democrats' attempt to pass a three-year extension without any reforms. Advertisement Advertisement Lawmakers have long been pursuing a bipartisan compromise to address rising health care costs. The effort was bolstered last week when 17 Republicans helped propel Democrats' plan to revive the subsidies in the House. Though it has no chance of clearing the Senate, some lawmakers said it would serve as a vehicle for the forthcoming compromise. "The Senate needs a vehicle, because this is a tax bill and it has to originate in the House," Rep. Mike Lawler of New York, one of the Republicans who voted for the Democratic measure, said last week. "The three-year discharge is that vehicle. We all know the three-year [bill] is not going to become law. It failed in the Senate already." So far, Democratic leaders have not endorsed the plan to emerge from the Senate. Last week, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, said they were focused on the three-year extension, but would consider any "good faith" effort from Republicans that provides a "meaningful extension" of the subsidies. On Monday, Jeffries again called on the Senate to vote on the three-year extension. Advertisement Advertisement "The only path forward at this moment is for Senate Republicans to do the right thing by the American people and pass the damn bill that we sent over to you," he told reporters at a news conference. Civil Rights icon Claudette Colvin dies at 86 Officials give update after federal officer shoots man in leg in Minneapolis | Special Report The museum where iconic signs are celebrated Australian telco Swoop has teamed up with Swiss-based cybersecurity nonprofit Quad9 to deliver free, enterprise-grade DNS protection nationwide, ensuring Australians regain access to fast, reliable security against online threats. The agreement re-establishes local DNS routing for Quad9 in Australia after several major ISPs stopped directing traffic to its domestic servers earlier this year, a shift that forced Australian queries offshore to Hong Kong, Singapore and Los Angeles, resulting in slower response times and reduced reliability. By hosting Quad9s infrastructure across five major metropolitan hubs at no cost, Swoop has enabled the immediate return of fast, resilient DNS resolution for Australian users. Quad9s threat-blocking service filters access to domains known to be associated with malicious activity, offering built-in protection without the need for software downloads, sign-ups or subscription fees. Quad9, headquartered in Switzerland and governed under strict privacy laws, provides security services to more than 100 million users globally, including universities, libraries, government bodies, emergency services and ISPs. Quad9 exists to make the internet safer for everyone, said Zachary Gilman, Network and Interconnection Manager at Quad9. We operate as a neutral, nonprofit service with less than ten full-time staff supporting over 100 million users worldwide. Partnerships like this one ensure that Australians can continue to access free, privacy-first protection at the performance levels they expect. Restoring critical DNS security on Australian soil Earlier this year, major Australian ISPs stopped routing traffic to Quad9s local servers, forcing Australian users to connect via Hong Kong, Singapore and Los Angeles. The increased distance created performance and reliability issues for people relying on Quad9 for protection against malicious domains. Recognising the impact on end-user security and network performance, Swoop stepped in to host Quad9s infrastructure across five major Australian metropolitan hubs at no cost to Quad9. This has brought critical DNS security infrastructure back onshore, improving speed, resiliency and reliability for Australian users. Swoop saw an opportunity to support Australians who rely on secure, high-performance connectivity, said Alex West, CEO of Swoop. By hosting Quad9s services for free across our network, weve helped restore fast, resilient access to essential security infrastructure that protects millions of people every day. This partnership sits right at the intersection of what Swoop cares about: robust infrastructure, customer-first connectivity and a safer online experience for everyone. Gilman added: Swoop has made a huge contribution to Australias internet ecosystem. They recognised that this was core security infrastructure, acted quickly, and used their network to make sure our services remained available and performant nationwide. Its exactly the kind of collaboration the internet was designed for critical services supported by organisations that care about community, not profit. John Todd, Quad9 CTO said: We are thrilled to be bringing faster access for our services to our dedicated and technology-savvy user community in Australia. This partnership with Swoop ticks all the boxes geographic diversity, great connectivity, and a common shared goal of security and privacy for end users. Because Quad9 is headquartered in Switzerland, its services are also backed by some of the worlds strongest privacy laws, ensuring that threat blocking does not come at the expense of user privacy or data exploitation. A safer internet, free for every Australian Quad9s DNS security is openly recommended by the ACSC to Australians who have been targeted by phishing and online scams, and demand for simple, effective protection continues to grow as cyber threats become more frequent and sophisticated. With Swoops support: Australians can access world-class DNS security at no cost There is no software to install or manage users simply configure their devices or networks to use Quad9 by setting their DNS resolvers to 9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112 Threat protection is delivered in real time, blocking known malicious domains before they can cause harm Services are delivered under Swiss privacy protections, ensuring a privacy-first approach to security Between Swoops engineering capabilities and Quad9s nonprofit security mission, this partnership is a genuine win for Australian internet users, West said. Its a powerful reminder that connectivity isnt just about speed its about safety, trust and doing the right thing for the wider community. This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com. A Federal Way man, who kidnapped a woman as revenge for a drug deal gone wrong, was sentenced to prison. Daniel Lopez, 25, will spend eight years behind bars for using a firearm in a crime of violence, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Washington on Wednesday. Lopez was indicted in November 2024 for kidnapping the spouse of someone who cheated him in a drug deal. Advertisement Advertisement The woman was abducted at gunpoint from her home in Auburn and ultimately found safe in Guatemala. U.S. District Judge John Coughenour said the sentence was merited because of the defendants use of a firearm in a violent kidnapping, and the violent nature of the charged conduct. This defendant has a lengthy and serious criminal history with many of the offenses involving firearms, U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd stated. Mr. Lopez has been involved in street gangs since his mid-teens and has committed several violent offenses, including robbery, drive-by shooting, and illegal possession of guns and drugs. This eight-year prison sentence is focused on protecting the community. How the kidnapping unfolded The husband of the woman who was kidnapped and a second person, who was also kidnapped, had taken $2,500 from Lopez for cocaine, but the cocaine was never delivered, according to records filed in the case. Advertisement Advertisement After losing money in a fraudulent drug deal, Lopez retaliated by violently kidnapping a person involved in the scheme, along with an innocent victim, at gunpoint, W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, stated. The womans husband reported her missing on October 14, 2024. Two witnesses told authorities they saw the woman leaving with two men, one of whom had a gun. The man was later identified as Lopez. Further investigation revealed the woman and the second person were held in the Seattle area for two days before being transported to the Mexico border. Lopez had associates drive them to the border and forced them to walk across. They were subsequently identified by immigration authorities in Mexico and were transported to Guatemala. The attorneys office noted neither had legal status in the U.S. and therefore have been barred from returning. Advertisement Advertisement Lopez was traced to Houston, Texas, and was arrested on October 19, 2024, at a hotel. He has remained in custody since his arrest. Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here. President Donald Trump appears to be getting along well with the close ally of Nicolas Maduro whos now in charge in Venezuela. Trump and interim President Delcy Rodriguez spoke by phone Wednesday and both leaders described the call in positive terms. We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover, Trump said in a social media post. This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be a spectacular one FOR ALL. Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before! Advertisement Advertisement His remarks, echoed by Rodriguez, are somewhat of a surprise after the U.S. launched a raid into Venezuela less than two weeks ago to seize Maduro and haul him to New York to face charges in an alleged drug-trafficking conspiracy. Trump, who said after the raid that the U.S. would run Venezuela, said he and Rodriguez discussed oil, minerals, trade and national security. Rodriguez, in her own social media post, described their exchange as a long and courteous conversation. Trump praised her as well to reporters after he was asked about comments from Venezuelan security chief Diosdado Cabello, who suggested that the South American country wouldnt want to work with the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement We just had a great conversation today and shes a terrific person, he said in the Oval Office. Their call came a day before Trump is scheduled to meet with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House. Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her work promoting democracy and human rights in Venezuela an award Trump has openly campaigned for throughout the first year back in office. Its unclear whether Trumps meeting with Machado will impact the U.S. relationship with Rodriguez, who U.S. officials identified as someone who would protect future American energy investments in Venezuela, the New York Times reported. Trump said shortly after the military operation that resulted in Maduros capture that Machado doesnt have the respect of the Venezuelan people. (This version updates to include that the killed animals were ruffed lemurs.) Six animals died early Thursday morning when a fire broke out at ZooWorld in Panama City Beach, authorities said. The animals that died were ruffed lemurs, Valerie Sale, communications chief for Bay County, told USA Today Network. An additional two animals were taken to a veterinarian for treatment. The fire was reported at 5 a.m. near the backside of an administration building. Crews were on the scene within minutes and the fire was contained by 5:20 a.m. Advertisement Advertisement Portions of the road outside the zoo were shut down for a short time as a precautionary, but open by 8 a.m. The cause of the fire is not known at this time and being investigated by the fire marshal. Where is ZooWorld? Located in Panama City Beach, ZooWorld has been independently owned since 2015. Its experiences include animal encounters, a petting zoo and immersive exhibits. Animals there range from tigers to sloths to kangaroos. 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 Florida Today: Six animals at Florida zoo die after early morning fire. What to know A Snohomish County family has filed a federal lawsuit accusing Roblox Corporation of failing to protect their child from sexual exploitation by an online predator, alleging the company misled parents about safety and ignored known risks to children, according to court records. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Northern California, was brought by John Doe A.T. on behalf of his daughter, identified as Jane Doe A.T., a minor who lives in Snohomish County. Court documents say the girl was 12 years old when she was targeted by a male adult who used Roblox to pose as a child and gain her trust. Advertisement Advertisement This case reads and starts just like the 40+ other cases that weve filed against Roblox on behalf of families, said Jamie Powers, an attorney with Dolman Law Group who is working on the case. According to the complaint, the man built a false emotional connection with the child by promising friendship before coercing her into sending sexually explicit images. The lawsuit states the exploitation occurred because Roblox allowed predators to freely interact with children through its design and communication features. According to the lawsuit, Roblox hosts tools that allow users to create virtual environments that other users can interact with, using their avatars. Advertisement Advertisement Those environments then devolved into sexually explicit content and simulated sexual activity. The lawsuit then lists several examples, including simulated rape and simulated nudity. One game, called Public Bathroom Simulator Vibe allows users as young as nine to simulate sexual activity in a bathroom stall. Others include virtual strip clubs, allowing child avatars to remove their virtual clothing and give lap dances. A more recent report, according to the lawsuit, Roblox actively hosted over 600 Diddy games, with titles like Survive Diddy, Run from Diddy Simulator, and Diddy Party. There are more than 900 Roblox accounts using variations on the name of Jeffrey Epstein, and games like Escape to Epstein Island. Advertisement Advertisement According to the lawsuit, a recent report found a group of 3,334 Roblox members openly trading child pornography and soliciting sexual acts from minors, those members led to another group of 103,000 members. The family says the childs father allowed her to use Roblox because he relied on the companys public safety claims. The lawsuit alleges Roblox repeatedly portrayed itself as a safe and appropriate platform for children, while failing to implement basic safeguards. Through its pervasive patterns of misrepresentations about safety, Defendant portrays its app as a safe and appropriate place for children to play, the complaint states. In reality, the design of its app makes children easy prey for pedophiles. Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit describes Roblox as a platform designed to encourage social interaction among users, including children, through direct messaging, in-game chat and shared virtual spaces. Court records say users can create accounts by entering only a birthdate, username and password, without any meaningful age or identity verification, allowing adults to pose as minors. According to the complaint, Roblox knew predators were using the platform to target children but failed to adequately monitor communications, restrict adult-child contact or enforce effective parental controls. The lawsuit alleges the company made a deliberate choice to prioritize growth over safety. Advertisement Advertisement A former Roblox employee is quoted in the filing as saying, You have to make a decision You can keep your players safe, but then it would be less of them on the platform. Or you just let them do what they want to do. And then the numbers all look good and investors will be happy. Court records say the Snohomish County child suffered lasting emotional and psychological harm as a result of the exploitation, including anxiety, trauma and loss of trust. Plaintiff has suffered unimaginable harm, the complaint states, adding that the injuries are severe, ongoing, and permanent. The lawsuit brings multiple claims against Roblox, including negligence, failure to warn, unreasonable and defective design, negligent misrepresentation and fraudulent concealment. Advertisement Advertisement The family is seeking damages and has demanded a jury trial. Them speaking out and then coming forward is to not only hold the Roblox accountable, but to make sure that nothing like this happens again, Powers said. In a statement provided to KIRO 7 News, a Roblox spokesperson said: We are deeply troubled by any incident that endangers any user. Roblox aims to build a platform that sets the bar for safety online, and we prioritize the safety of our community. This is why our policies are purposely stricter than those found on many other platforms. We limit chat for younger users, dont allow user-to-user image sharing, and have filters designed to block the sharing of personal information. We also understand that no system is perfect and that is why we are constantly working to further improve our safety tools and platform restrictions to ensure parents can trust us to help keep their children safe online. We also understand this is an industry-wide issue and we are working to develop industry-wide standards and solutions. For instance, Roblox is implementing an industry-leading policy to help prevent older users from communicating with children by requiring a sophisticated facial age estimation process for all Roblox users who access our communications features. We partner with law enforcement and leading child safety and mental health organizations worldwide to combat the sexual exploitation of children and are a founding member of the Tech Coalitions Lantern project and the nonprofit Robust Open Online Safety Tools (ROOST). The Brief Wind chills in Fannin, Union, and Towns counties may drop to 2 degrees below zero Thursday morning. Mountain elevations above 2,000 feet could see light snow and black ice through early Thursday. Local governments have activated overnight warming centers across Atlanta, Cobb, DeKalb, and Gwinnett counties. ATLANTA - A wave of frigid air is moving into North Georgia, prompting forecasters to issue a Cold Weather Advisory as temperatures and wind chills are expected to plummet starting early Thursday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Fannin, Union, and Towns counties are under that advisory from 4 a.m. until 10 a.m. Thursday. Residents in cities like Blairsville, Blue Ridge, and Hiawassee should prepare for wind chills ranging from 5 degrees above zero to as low as 2 below zero. Georgia school closures Big picture view Fannin County Schools will move to a virtual learning day. While school buildings will be closed due to the potential for hazardous road conditions, specific staff members are still expected to report to work. All directors, administrators, and 12-month personnel should report on a two-hour delay schedule "if safe to do so." District officials noted that flexibility will be provided for those facing technical or personal hurdles. "If students are unable to complete their work, they have three days to make up any assignments," the district stated. Advertisement Advertisement Gilmer County Schools reported a two-hour delay on Thursday. CHECK CURRENT SCHOOL CLOSINGS, CLASS DELAYS, AND REMOTE LEARNING Will it snow in Atlanta? Timeline Before the deepest cold settles in, scattered light snow showers are possible across the far north Georgia mountains tonight through the predawn hours of Thursday. While significant travel impacts are not anticipated, forecasters warned that minor accumulations, a trace to a half inch, are possible at elevations above 2,000 feet. Travelers should be alert for spotty areas of black ice, particularly on secondary and less traveled roads, elevated roadways, and bridges. KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST BY DOWNLOADING THE FREE FOX 5 STORM TEAM APP AND FOLLOWING @FOX5STORMTEAM ON X Metro Atlantas arctic blast What we know For metro Atlanta, the primary story is the "relationship with subfreezing temperatures." By midnight Wednesday, wind chills are expected to drop into the teens, falling further into the single digits for some northern suburbs by 7 a.m. Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement "The thing that everybodys going to notice though is the wind chills," Forbes said. "We dont really rebound much through the afternoon, only into the 20s in terms of what it feels like outside." Thursday's high in Atlanta is forecast to reach only 38 degrees, though breezy northwest winds will keep the "feels like" temperature much lower. Another chance of snow this week What's next The FOX 5 Storm Team indicates that moisture is limited with this system, which will prevent widespread accumulation. Another brief wintry mix is possible in the mountains late Friday into Saturday morning, but forecasters say the likelihood of significant impact remains low. Advertisement Advertisement SEE MORE: Georgia snow threat | Models hint at weekend winter weather Where to find warming centers Local perspective As temperatures are forecast to plummet, several local governments and organizations have activated warming centers across the region to provide overnight relief. Atlanta Central Park Recreation Center: 400 Merritts Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308. Selena S. Butler Park and Recreation Center: 98 William Holmes Borders Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 (Women and children only). Old Adamsville Recreation Center: 3404 Delmar Ln. NW, Atlanta, GA 30331. Details: Centers are open from 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12 through 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13. Transportation is available from the Gateway Center starting at 8 p.m. Cobb County MUST Ministries Hope House: 1297 Bells Ferry Rd., Marietta, GA 30066. Advertisement Advertisement Details: Open Jan. 1415 for men, women, and children. Clients are asked to report by 8 p.m. DeKalb County Exchange Park Intergenerational Center: 2771 Columbia Dr., Decatur. Frontline Response International: 2505 Gresham Rd. SE, Atlanta. St. Vincent de Paul: 2000-C Chamblee Tucker Rd., Chamblee. Mason Mill Recreation Center: 1340 McConnell Dr., Decatur. Details: Overnight locations open from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14 through Friday, Jan. 16. Select locations (Frontline Response and Exchange Park) will offer 24-hour activation on Jan. 15 and 16. Gwinnett County Five Warming Stations: Locations available throughout the county. Details: Open Wednesday, Jan. 14 from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. when temperatures drop below 35 degrees. Nourishing meals are provided. Residents can call 770.822.8850 or visit GwinnettCounty.com/WarmingStations for specific locations and bus routes. What you can do Here are some things to prepare for now ahead of a winter storm: Advertisement Advertisement Restock flashlights, batteries, shelf-stable food and necessary prescriptions. Power outages are most common during ice, not snow events. Be ready to lose internet and cell service temporarily, especially in heavily wooded areas that have seen damage during past storms. Insulate outdoor pipes and know where your main water shutoff valve is. Frozen plumbing problems tend to spike in January and February. Check generators, fireplaces and space heaters now, and make sure all are properly vented. Never run generators indoors or in enclosed spaces to avoid carbon monoxide exposure. Get notifications directly to your phone by downloading the FOX 5 Storm Team weather app and enabling location and notification settings. Bookmark the FOX 5 Atlanta closings page for the latest in school, business, and church closings and cancellations. If you are an administrator of one such organization, make sure to reach out now to ensure you are eligible and registered. Bring pets inside during freezing nights and make sure outdoor animals have fresh, unfrozen water and shelter. Put together a basic car kit that includes blankets, phone chargers, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, and snacks. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries so they are ready for increased use of heaters, fireplaces and generators. Check on elderly neighbors, people with disabilities and anyone who relies on powered medical equipment so you have a plan to help them if there are outages or travel issues. The Source This article contains an original forecast by the FOX 5 Storm Team. The National Weather Service contributed to this report. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting was also used. Oakland University canceled all in-person evening classes starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, due to heavy snowfall that is causing hazardous travel conditions across southeast Michigan. The university stated that the campus would remain open for other operations unless otherwise announced, and instructors may move classes to virtual formats. Students were advised to contact instructors for further details. The cancellation came as the National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties and other parts of southeast Michigan through 10 p.m. Forecasters reported 1-3 inches of snow across the region, with an additional 1-2 inches possible during the evening commute, creating slippery road conditions. Advertisement Advertisement The National Weather Service in White Lake urged drivers to slow down and use caution on slippery roads. The latest conditions are available on the MDOT Michigan Drive Map, according to NWS. Snow will pile up in Michigan. Winter warning details, live radar University officials said decisions on weather-related operational changes are made independently as conditions warrant. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Heavy snow prompts Oakland University to cancel evening classes LIMA Afternoon snow showers left some area roads covered with snow and ice Wednesday. Allen County Sheriff Matt Treglia issued a Level 1 roadway advisory at 5:29 p.m. Wednesday, warning of roads covered with snow or ice with the possibility of drifting. The Putnam County Sheriffs Office issued a Level 1 roadway advisory at 4:14 p.m. Wednesday, noting roadways were snow-covered and icy. Sheriff Brian Siefker urged people to drive carefully. Advertisement Advertisement Lima council called off its scheduled budget hearings for Wednesday night due to the weather. They were scheduled to start at 6 p.m. The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook for Allen, Putnam and Van Wert counties, noting snow showers would taper this evening, but falling temperatures could result in potentially slick roads. Cold with highs in the teens and single-digits by Sunday and Monday could also cause issues, with wind chills below zero possible at night. As temperatures continue to fall, untreated roads will become slippery, the NWS shared in a special weather statement. Motorists should exercise caution and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Manually turn on your headlights as automatic sensors may not activate during the daylight hours. ONLY ON LIMAOHIO.COM Advertisement Advertisement Share your photos of the weather via email to info@limanews.com, via text to 567-825-1635 or online at LimaOhio.com/formnewstip. See road conditions via Ohio Department of Transportation cameras in the region at LimaOhio.com/odot-cameras. See the latest weather forecast at LimaOhio.com/weather. A South Shore police officer has been placed on administrative leave after allegedly causing a multi-car wreck while off-duty that resulted in serious injuries, authorities announced Thursday. Officers responding to a report of a crash on Plain Street on Route 139 in Marshfield just after 9 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11, discovered a Jeep that had crashed with two other vehicles, including one that was resting on its roof, according to the Marshfield Police Department. The driver of the Jeep, identified by Marshfield Police Chief Phillip A. Tavares as Marshfield Police Officer Richard Perry, was able to exit his vehicle on his own. Advertisement Advertisement Perry and the driver of a Honda Civic, who had to be pulled from the wreckage of their vehicle, were taken to the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of a Hyundai Elantra that was also involved in the crash wasnt injured. A preliminary investigation indicates that Perry was traveling west in the Jeep at a high rate of speed and passed a tow truck by crossing the solid double yellow lines into the eastbound lane, according to police. Perry then allegedly attempted to pass the Elantra, again crossing the solid double yellow lines, striking the oncoming Civic head-on. The Elantra was also hit during the collision. Perry was placed on administrative leave, effective immediately following the crash, according to Tavares. In a statement, the police department said, Administrative leave is a standard procedural measure pending the outcome of an investigation. The Massachusetts POST Commission was immediately notified of the incident. Aside from the criminal investigation, an independent third-party organization will be conducting an internal investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Tavares noted that his department is seeking criminal charges against Perry, including reckless operation of a motor vehicle, two counts of marked lane violations, and speed greater than reasonable and proper. In an update late Thursday afternoon, police said they would be seeking an additional charge of operating under the influence of alcohol while causing serious bodily injury. Marshfield Police just announced they will seeking a drunk driving charge against the officer. https://t.co/92KKv2e0pr Ted Daniel (@TedDanielnews) January 15, 2026 This department is committed to full transparency and accountability, Tavares said. A full and complete investigation is being conducted into this incident. The fact thatthe operator was a police officer will not alter the scope, direction, or integrity of thisinvestigation in any way." Additional charges may follow pending the conclusion of the investigation and certified review of the toxicology report from the state police crime lab, according to Tavares. Advertisement Advertisement No matter who you are or what position you hold, conduct that endangers the public will be addressed through the appropriate legal process, Tavares said. Tavares also expressed concern for those affected by the crash and has been in contact with those involved. To the victims and their families, I want to express my sincere concern and sympathy for what you have endured as a result of this incident, Tavares said. Violations of the law or department policy is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Massachusetts State Police detectives and the Plymouth County Bureau of Criminal Investigation are assisting Marshfield police with the investigation. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW South Strabane Township leaders are considering proposed budget changes that would cut funding for police and fire services, prompting concerns from residents who say public safety should not be reduced. Channel 11 obtained the proposal through a Right-to-Know request. The documents show nearly $157,000 in proposed cuts to the police department and about $173,000 in proposed cuts to fire, emergency services and public safety a total of about $330,000. The proposal comes after the township approved its budget in November. Residents told Channel 11 they first heard rumors about the potential cuts and wanted more information. Advertisement Advertisement Local mom Heidi McConnell said she also filed a Right-to-Know request and obtained the proposal before a recent supervisors meeting. McConnell said Supervisor Jeff Bull stated at the meeting that nobody was supposed to have their hands on these, and she is questioning how the proposed changes were created. Bull told Channel 11 that past financial decisions left the township with limited options and called the current budget unsustainable. He said township taxes have increased 90% over the past seven years, including a 67% increase in 2023, and warned another increase could be possible next year. Bull also pointed to the cost of a $2 million fire truck, saying the township was promised grants and low-interest loans that did not materialize. He said taxpayers will pay about $500,000 in interest and still owe about $700,000. South Strabane Fire Chief Jordan Cramer said in a statement: Advertisement Advertisement I look forward to working transparently and collaboratively with the South Strabane Township Board of Supervisors on a 2026 budget that maintains the current level of fire and emergency services for all who live, work, and visit our growing community. It is critical that any budget decisions continue to prioritize public safety, ensure uninterrupted emergency response, and protect the health and safety of our career and volunteer first responders who serve this community every day. South Strabane Police Chief Drew Hilk said in a statement: We look forward to working with the 2026 Township Board of Supervisors to create a fiscally responsible budget for 2026 that does not reduce or cut any police services to the South Strabane Township community. Some residents cited the deadly fire at the Thomas Campbell Apartments, where a senior citizen was killed, as an example of why they believe strong emergency services are needed. Advertisement Advertisement Two more meetings are scheduled next week in South Strabane Township to discuss the budget, before it is due in mid-February. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW By Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Four astronauts returned safely to Earth early on Thursday after an undisclosed serious medical condition affecting one of them forced an end to their International Space Station mission a few weeks early. Their SpaceX capsule splashed down in the Pacific off California, capping a 10-hour-plus descent from the space station and fiery re-entry through Earth's atmosphere. Advertisement Advertisement It was the first time that NASA has cut short the rotation of an ISS crew due to a health emergency. The Crew Dragon spacecraft dubbed Endeavour parachuted into calm seas off San Diego at about 12:45 a.m. PST (0845 GMT). The finale of the abbreviated mission was carried live by a NASA-SpaceX webcast. Moments later, several dolphins were visible swimming near the capsule, their dorsal fins breaking the surface of the ocean, as the spacecraft bobbed gently upright in the water. In a radio transmission to the SpaceX flight-control center near Los Angeles, Endeavour's commander, NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, 38, was heard saying, "It's good to be home." Advertisement Advertisement Joining her on the return voyage were fellow U.S. astronaut Mike Fincke, 58, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, 55, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, 39. In less than an hour, SpaceX recovery teams had secured their heat-scorched capsule and hoisted it onto the deck of a retrieval vessel, then helped the astronauts out of the spacecraft for their first breath of fresh air in nearly 24 weeks. Each of the crew members, still garbed in helmeted white-and-black space suits, smiled and gave a thumbs-up as they emerged and were helped to their feet. It was not evident from their appearance which one was ailing. Unable to bear their own weight on Earth after spending months in microgravity, the four were each assisted onto special gurneys and escorted to an onboard medical station for routine checkups at sea. Afterward they were to be flown to a local hospital for further medical exams, SpaceX said. Advertisement Advertisement SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITION The decision to bring all four home early was announced January 8, with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman saying one of the astronauts faced a "serious medical condition" that required immediate attention of doctors on the ground. Isaacman was also present at mission control for the splashdown on Thursday. NASA officials have not identified the crew member of concern or described the nature of the medical issue, citing privacy requirements. Fincke, a retired Air Force colonel who has now logged five missions to space, and Cardman, a rookie astronaut and geobiologist, had been scheduled to conduct a six-hour-plus spacewalk last week to install hardware outside the station. The spacewalk was canceled on January 7 over what NASA then characterized as a "medical concern" with an astronaut. Advertisement Advertisement NASA Chief Health and Medical Officer James Polk later said the medical emergency did not involve "an injury that occurred in the pursuit of operations." As the 11th regular ISS crew flown to orbit by SpaceX, Cardman, Fincke, Yui and Platonov arrived at the space station following a launch from Florida in August. They departed on Wednesday afternoon on a 10 1/2-hour flight home, ending a 167-day mission. The return from orbit capped a plunge through Earth's atmosphere generating frictional heat that sent temperatures surrounding the outside of the capsule soaring to 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,900 degrees Celsius). The astronauts' space suits, fitted to special ventilation systems, are designed to keep them cool as the cabin heats up. Advertisement Advertisement Live infrared video of the splashdown showed deployment of the two sets of parachutes from the nose of the free-falling capsule, slowing its rate of descent to about 15 miles per hour (25 kph) before it gently hit the water. Crew-12 is expected to launch to the space station in mid-February with four more astronauts. In the meantime, the orbiting laboratory remains occupied by NASA astronaut Christopher Williams and two cosmonauts who flew to the ISS aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in November. (Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Aidan Lewis) Nick Wilde themed dish (Photo courtesy of PR Times) Editors Note: Camryn Rosa is a junior at Zama Middle High School in Camp Zama. If you or someone you know would like to contribute your story to Stripes Japan, let us know at japan@stripes.com! Its time for a new animal adventure in the metropolis of Zootopia and the Disney animated movies sequel is being celebrated with fun cafe pop-ups around Japan. Join beloved detective duo, Judy Hopps, a rabbit, and Nick Wilde, a fox, and other animal characters for themed food and drinks at Oh My Cafes Zootopia 2 pop-ups at two Tokyo locations in Omotesando and Ikebukuro and in Nagoya. Late last year, the cafe had a pop-up in Osaka that ended Dec. 4. Whether you are a Disney lover or just looking for a fun activity to do while staying in Japan, you will not be disappointed with a visit to this tasty cafe. I visited the Omotesando store and reserved a slot through the Oh My Cafe website for 770 yen (about $5) per person. Each time slot is in 45-minute increments starting at 11:15 a.m. through 6:45 p.m. The cafe is immersive with themed decor throughout, even down to the music playing while enjoying a nice meal. Once seated, the staff explained that each guest is required to order at least one food item. That should not be an issue, as the menu has many options, including a Judy Hops carrot steak, Nick Wilde beet stew and Burning Animals gratin. The theme continues with the drink menu, where you can enjoy a special Pawbert Matcha Latte, Judys Carrot Soda or Nibbles Hot Cocoa. Of special note, drinks are served in a reusable Zootopia 2 souvenir cup. No matter what you choose, each food item comes with a mini plastic folder blind bag, and each drink comes with a coaster blind bag. Both are free and included for each person in your party. You can also get some neat merchandise at the entrance. Patrons can peruse what is available on the menu; isnt that perfect? While eating, you can decide if there will be any additional purchases. Some things were sold out during my visit, but the selection available still included many items like collectable pins, keychains and acrylic stands! Zootopia 2 is out in theaters in Japan now, but the cafe will only be around for a limited time, so dont miss it! Zootopia 2 cafe exterior (Photo by Camryn Rosa/Stripes Japan) Promotional banner at Zootopia 2 cafe (Photo by Camryn Rosa/Stripes Japan) Things to know Locations: Omotesando, Tokyo - OH MY CAFE: 4-12-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Omotesando Hills Main Building B3F Ikebukuro, Tokyo - BOX Cafe & space Grandscape Ikebukuro store B1F, 1-30-3 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Aichi, Nagoya - BOX cafe & space Nagoya Lasik No. 2 Store B1F, 3-6-1 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture Dates: Omotesando through April 19; Ikebukuro through March 1; Nagoya through Feb. 1 Hours: vary by location. At Omotesando location, the cafe hours are 11:15 a.m. - 7 p.m. (last reservation slot at 6:45 p.m.) Admission: 770 yen fee per person for reservation. Website Instagram Writers bio: Camryn Rosa is an aspiring journalist who plans to attend a four-year university to study entertainment and broadcast journalism. She takes involvement in school and the community very seriously, as she likes to stay busy with volunteering and participating in theater productions. It is her hopes one day to be on the red carpet. Parke County Prosecutor Steve Cvengros will be the special prosecutor reviewing the Indiana State Police investigation of an Oct. 14, 2025, altercation between two members of the Vigo County Council. Judge Sarah Mullican of Vigo Superior Court Division 3 made that appointment in an order Wednesday. Indiana State Police had earlier submitted their investigative report to the Vigo County Prosecutor's Office, which could not look into the matter because one of its prosecutors was a witness to the incident. That office then petitioned the court for appointment of a special prosecutor, who will decide if charges are merited. Advertisement Advertisement Involved in the October incident were council President David Thompson, who also is a Terre Haute police detective, and Councilman Randy Gentry, who also is the Vigo County Republican chairman. The incident came after a council meeting during which Councilman Steve Ellis introduced a measure forbidding use of Vigo County tax dollars on anything for the Vigo County School Corp. unless such spending was approved by voters in a referendum. Thompson did not think the ordinance was properly introduced and wanted to delay a council vote. Gentry subsequently requested a vote to overturn Thompsons decision, which was successful. Advertisement Advertisement The spending-restrictions ordinance passed on a 4-3 tally. However, that ordinance has not been implemented since, as Thompson declared it improperly introduced and withheld his signature. After the meeting, Thompson and Gentry had to be separated by county deputies. Gentry says Thompson stormed up to him, bumped him when he stood and threatened to punch him and break his nose. Thompson has said there was contact but differs from Gentry on how it happened, and he said he does not recall threatening Gentry. In December, Gentry told the Council that he had hired a bodyguard to protect him and that he had not forgiven Thompson and was afraid to speak about certain topics publicly because he did not want to risk harm myself or my family. A sign identifies the State Auditor's Office at the Capitol in Pierre. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight) Half a dozen entities comb through South Dakotas financial records each year to ensure a balanced budget or that details are accurately recorded. South Dakota Compliance Auditor Missy Lock, who was hired last summer to the new position in the Auditors Office, said there are plenty of people who look at the books. But something was missing. Missy Lock is the compliance auditor for the South Dakota Auditors Office. (Photo courtesy of the state Auditors Office) Nobodys looking at the bookkeepers, Lock said. Advertisement Advertisement Thats her job now. Locks position was created after lawmakers passed Senate Bill 60 last year, which expanded the auditors access and investigative authority to monitor state spending. The state Attorney Generals Office has prosecuted numerous cases of criminal activity by state employees over the past two years. One former Department of Social Services employee, Lonna Carroll, was sentenced to seven years in prison for the theft of $1.8 million from the state across multiple years. In response, lawmakers have called on state offices and departments to improve their internal controls and oversight. State Auditor Rich Sattgast introduced Lock to the legislative budget committee on Tuesday at the Capitol in Pierre. Advertisement Advertisement Lock reviews bookkeeping processes, checks that new hire background checks are performed, and analyzes day-to-day operations to ensure dual controls, separation of duties and other financial controls are in place. She also meets with the fiscal employees in person. We want to be sure that the people who actually have access to our state funds are continuously monitored, Lock told lawmakers. Sattgast added that Lock will be instrumental in analyzing data from agencies and identifying anomalies or changes to spending. Lock formerly served as the finance officer for the South Dakota Governors Office of Economic Development and as an investment accountant for the South Dakota Investment Council. Information Lock needs in her role will be easier to access once the Bureau of Finance and Managements Project Bison financial reporting software is online, Lock said. Project Bison, which replaces South Dakotas more than 35-year-old financial reporting system, is expected to come online in July, Bureau of Finance and Management Commissioner Jim Terwilliger said. Advertisement Advertisement We expect greater efficiencies. We expect having better controls in place from a technology perspective, Terwilliger said. Thats something that we work with the State Auditors Office on. When it comes to issuing payments, a lot of that will be streamlined electronically. In addition to the multimillion-dollar upgrade to the financial reporting system, the bureau leads the states Internal Control Board and initiative. Terwilliger told lawmakers that the board reviews procedures and processes to prevent future fraud. This has been a multi-year effort in terms of establishing a statewide, consistent framework thats documented in a consistent manner, Terwilliger said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX More states are joining Florida to push an essential high school course that some people wish they had. Students in at least 30 states are required to take a basic financial literacy course to graduate high school. The course teaches teenagers how to budget and manage their finances. A recent survey found that high school graduates wished they were required to take a financial literacy course before graduating. Advertisement Advertisement One advocate says this requirement is even required before applying for college financial aid. Many college graduates are already facing the financial burden of loans. The department of education estimates current total student loan debt has topped $1.6 trillion. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. By Will Dunham WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - There is no question that Tyrannosaurus rex got big. In fact, this fearsome dinosaur may have been Earth's most massive land predator of all time. But the question of how quickly T. rex achieved its maximum size has been a matter of debate. A new study examining bone tissue microstructure in the leg bones of 17 fossil specimens concludes that Tyrannosaurus took about 40 years to reach its maximum size of roughly 8 tons, some 15 years more than previously estimated. As part of the study, the researchers identified previously unknown growth marks in these bones that could be seen only using polarized light. Advertisement Advertisement "This growth trajectory is more gradual than expected," said paleohistologist Holly Woodward of the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, lead author of the study published this week in the journal PeerJ. "Rather than T. rex ratcheting up to adult size quickly, it spent a lot of its life at juvenile to subadult sizes." The researchers scrutinized annual growth rings - akin to those present in tree trunks - in the Tyrannosaurus leg bones from the various specimens, which ranged from smaller juveniles to massive adults. "We also found that growth-ring spacing in individual T. rex was variable. T. rex had a flexible growth pattern. Some years it didn't grow much, while other years it grew a lot," Woodward said. "This likely depended on resource - food - availability or environmental conditions. In other words, if conditions weren't great, it didn't spend energy on growing, but when conditions were good, it could grow larger. This flexibility allowed it to survive harsh times while growing larger than other carnivores, so it could outcompete others for resources. Ultimately, T. rex was only competing against other T. rex for food," Woodward added. Advertisement Advertisement Tyrannosaurus prowled western North America during the Cretaceous Period at the twilight of the age of dinosaurs before an asteroid struck Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula 66 million years ago. This calamity doomed the dinosaurs and wiped out three-quarters of Earth's species. T. rex reached more than 40 feet (12.3 meters) long, possessed a massive head and tremendous bite strength, walked on two strong legs, and bore puny arms with just two fingers. Previous research had pointed to a Tyrannosaurus lifespan of somewhere around 30 years. The new study, according to paleontologist and study co-author Jack Horner of Chapman University in California, suggests a lifespan more like 45 to 50 years. This study involved more Tyrannosaurus specimens - many of them held at the Museum of the Rockies in Montana - than previous research into the life history of this species. The authors also said they used a new statistical approach that considered growth records from different specimens to better estimate the growth trajectory of the species across all stages of life, producing a different conclusion than previous work. Advertisement Advertisement "We don't know for certain which of these estimates are more accurate since we don't have living T. rexes to measure, but these new estimates make more sense logically and statistically, considering the size these dinosaurs attain," Horner said. Tyrannosaurus preyed on various plant-eating dinosaurs, including duckbilled ones such as Edmontosaurus and horned ones such as Triceratops as well as, in the southern part of its range, the enormous long-necked dinosaur Alamosaurus. "Unfortunately we can't know the evolutionary advantage of any particular characteristic, but a lengthened growth with an intervening growth hiatus allows the younger individuals a different food strategy than the older, larger individuals," Horner said. "And, independent of this current paper, I think the older adults were much more opportunistic - utilizing more scavenging - than the younger, smaller individuals. The extended growth period would provide a longer period of time for the younger individuals to possibly acquire more live prey," Horner added. (Reporting by Will Dunham, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) A new report revealed young people in the Philippines are purchasing and using illegal vaping products at staggering rates. What's happening? Mindanao Times reported on a nationwide consumer study conducted by CARMA, which surveyed over 1,100 cigarette and vape users. The results showed 58% of people aged 19-24 in Southern Mindanao used vapes, with 61% using them daily. Almost 60% admitted to buying illegal smoking products. The main driver of these purchasing habits is the cost, as illicit vaping products are often half the price of legal ones. Advertisement Advertisement Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said the increase in illicit vaping products was "a slap to our legacy as the pioneer of strict anti-smoking governance." Why are illegal vapes dangerous? All vapes are dangerous, but illegal vaping products are especially concerning because it's unclear what ingredients they contain and they're unregulated by authorities. They often use toxic chemicals, such as etomidate, that are especially harmful to young, developing brains. Research has found that using nicotine vapes can increase impulsivity, hyperactivity, substance abuse, physical altercations, and even attempted suicide among young people. These products also cause lung inflammation and other respiratory issues by exposing users to questionable chemicals. Vapes are harmful to the environment, too. Disposable vapes contribute substantially to toxic e-waste and plastic pollution. They also contain lithium-ion batteries, which, when disposed of improperly, can pose fire hazards and contaminate soil and water. Advertisement Advertisement Truth Initiative found that 49.1% of young vape users don't know how to dispose of vaping products properly, with 10% throwing them on the ground when they're done with them. This creates unsightly litter, fire risks, and toxic pollution that threatens public health. What's being done about illegal vaping in the Philippines? Officials are pushing for stronger enforcement when it comes to illegal smoking products. According to Mindanao Times, the Committee on Trade and Industry pushed for better enforcement and improved data sharing in an October hearing. Leaders including Sen. Win Gatchalian called for higher conviction rates in cases involving the smuggling of illegal products. Former Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said better excise policies would discourage illicit trade. The Department of Trade and Industry recently banned open-pod vapes and refillable e-liquids, but that hasn't stopped illegal sales. In the CARMA study, 70% of respondents said strong health warnings effectively deter them from buying illegal products. So, increasing awareness and education about the health impacts of vaping could help curb general use and the illegal trade, making for a healthier population and planet. 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. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. After federal agents killed an unarmed American citizen in broad daylight last week, high-ranking government officials rushed to defend the shooter, framed a mothers attempt to escape an escalating confrontation as domestic terrorism, and blamed the victim for her own death. The killing of Renee Good is not just a failure of policingthe public response by those in power should alarm every American who believes that being frightened by armed agents and trying to drive away should not be a capital offense. Indeed, recent Supreme Court precedent illuminates why the shooting of Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Jonathan Ross is not the case of self-defense that administration officials are suggesting. The totality of eventswhich has been the standard established by the court since 1989 and was reaffirmed just last yearsuggests that it was not reasonable for Ross to shoot Good in the head as she was attempting to drive away from ICE agents trying to forcibly remove her from her car. Last week, Ross fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, a white mother of three, while she was in her SUV, apparently attempting to leave a situation that was becoming increasingly hostile. In cellphone video of the incident, we can see two ICE agents exit a pickup truck and approach Goods car. As one agent appears to reach through the drivers open window and tries to open the door, Good slowly reverses, then turns towards the right and drives forward slowly, attempting to leave. At that moment, a third officer, who is standing in front of Goods car, unholsters his gun and, while moving to the side of the vehicle, fires several shots inside, striking Good in the head. The car continues to move forward and crashes into a parked car. Good was pronounced dead shortly after. Advertisement Advertisement Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the agent who shot Good, saying, This was an act of domestic terrorism. ICE officers got stuck in the snow and were attempting to push out their vehicle when a woman attacked them. President Donald Trump also weighed in immediately after the killing, writing on Truth Social, The woman screaming was, obviously, a professional agitator, and the woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense. None of the videos that have emerged from the shooting show Good running over the agent or attacking agents prior to her death. Good was a U.S. citizen, and DHS has stated she was not a target of an ICE investigation. She was shot just blocks from her home. Another video of the incident follows what happened before the agents approached Goods SUV. In the video, Good extends her arm from the open drivers window and makes the Go ahead signal to a pickup truck that has just pulled up and stopped a few feet from her car, right before ICE agents exited the vehicle. The footage suggests that Good was not attempting to block agents with her car, as some have claimed. A third video, taken from the cellphone of the agent who shot Good, features a smiling Good, with her car window rolled down, saying, Thats fine, dude. Im not mad at you. It also shows a woman, later identified as Becca Good, Goods wife, outside the car, filming the ICE agent. As the agent is filming the license plate of their car, Becca says, Thats OK, we dont change our plates every morning, just so you know. Itll be the same plate when you come talk to us later. A few seconds later, two agents approach the SUV, one trying to open the drivers-side door, while yelling, Get out of the fucking car! Possibly frightened at what appears to be a hostile situation, Good puts the car in reverse, then drives forward. The camera suddenly points towards the sky, and we hear a thud. Three shots ring out, one immediately after the other. After that, we hear a male voice saying, Fucking bitch. Advertisement Advertisement The government has claimed that the agent who shot Good was in fear for his life and was acting in self-defense. The videos illustrate something else: an avoidable tragedy. Again, recent Supreme Court precedent helps explain why. In assessing whether a law enforcement agents use of deadly force was reasonable or excessive, the court this past summer rejected the 5th Circuits narrow moment of threat doctrinewhich stated that the only thing that matters in determining whether an officer reasonably fears for their life in a use-of-force situation is the moment of the shooting itselfas inconsistent with the Fourth Amendment. The court, in Barnes v. Felix, rejected this narrow time-framing approach and repeated what it had held in Graham v. Connor: In assessing the reasonableness of an officers use of force, one must consider the totality of circumstances. Many of those defending the shooting appear to be focusing on the moment just before he fired the first shot. Applying a moment-of-threat approach to this shooting would require one to freeze-frame the video at the moment the officer was standing in front of Goods car and saw it inching forward. Under such a cramped view of the incident, one might conclude that in that moment, the officer feared for his life and therefore needed to shoot to defend himself. In contrast, if we broaden the time frame and consider that the agent put himself in front of the vehicle, that a smiling Good had, seconds earlier, told the agent, Thats fine, dude, Im not mad at you and started to move her car forward only after other agents approached her vehicle, with one reaching in through the open window, trying to open the drivers side door, and screaming for her to get out of the fucking car, the claim that the agent needed to shoot Good to save his life seems less plausible. That the agent was able to stay on his two feet, move to the side of the car, and fire two shots into the open drivers-side window as Good was turning the SUV to the right and trying to drive away further undermines the claim that he acted in self-defense to neutralize an imminent threat to his life. The videos suggest that Good was simply trying to leave what was becoming an increasingly hostile situation, not purposely trying to hit the ICE agent who had dangerously put himself in front of her car. Advertisement Advertisement One question the court left open in Barnes was whether it is appropriate to consider prior conduct of law enforcement that increases the risk of an encounter with a civilian turning deadlysomething many have called officer-created jeopardy. It seems obvious that if one is applying a totality-of-the-circumstances approach, then prior conduct of law enforcement that increases the risk that the encounter will turn deadly is just part of the totality of the circumstances and ought to be part of the inquiry. Some have pointed out that putting oneself in front of a moving vehicle is not considered a wise police practice. Similarly, shooting into a moving vehicle is not considered a good police practice unless necessary to stop an armed or dangerous felon (neither of which accurately describes Good), because of the risk of injury to the occupant of the vehicle and nearby bystanders. Although the first shot appears to have gone through the cars front windshield, the second and third shots seem to have been fired by the agent at Goods head through the open drivers-side window as she was trying to leave. The officer by that time was firing from the side of the vehicle, not shooting someone trying to run him over as has been claimed. If he simply wanted to stop the vehicle from escaping, why did he aim at the drivers head rather than the tires of the SUV? In discussing the shooting, Noem said, Any loss of life is a tragedy, and I think all of us can agree that, in this situation, it was preventable, suggesting it was Goods own fault that she had been shot. Similarly, Vice President J.D. Vance has said that Goods death was a tragedy of her own making. With these comments, Noem, Vance, and others defending the officer posit that if Good had simply followed orders and gotten out of the car, none of this would have happened. Ironically, Goods death was completely preventable, not because Good failed to comply with the order to exit her car but because the officer could have exercised restraint and refrained from shooting her. He had taken a video of her license plate number, so if the agency wanted to track her down, it could have done so later. When the agent fired two shots into the open drivers-side window from the side of Goods car, Good was not posing an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to him or any other agent. Good was not a violent felon trying to flee the scene of a crime. She was just trying to get home to her three kids in one piece. Surveillance footage captured a group of suspects spending nearly half an hour scoping out a muscle car before stealing it early Sunday morning in Prospect Park. The 23-year-old owner was asleep inside his upstairs apartment at the time. The victim, who asked not to show his face, said the car - a frostbite blue 2020 Dodge Charger Hellcat - was his dream vehicle. "I've worked my way from the base model all the way up to that one. So, it just sucks," he said. He estimated he spent about $80,000 on it. Advertisement Advertisement He said there was little sign of the break-in. "Little bit of glass and that was about it. Car was gone," he said. Prospect Park Police Sgt. Henry O'Neill said officers were familiar with the car. "This particular car, extremely loud. We know it from working in the area, we know the car just based on its appearance and the sound," O'Neill said. The theft occurred around 2:30 a.m. on the 800 block of 12th Avenue. O'Neill said the owner had taken precautions. "This car was stolen with no fault of the owner. It was locked, it had a kill switch in it, it had an alarm. They defeated all that," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Two suspects were seen driving the Hellcat away as at least one other person followed in a black Acura. Investigators later learned the Acura had also been reported stolen and belonged to a police officer in Bucks County. O'Neill said the group appeared to be organized. "They're scoping things out. They're driving around, maybe in a regular car, looking for other cars to take," he said. Police tracked both vehicles to Southwest Philadelphia, but the victim doubts he will see his car again. "They're easily stolen. Dodge hasn't done anything to update the security systems for the cars and it's just known they can be stolen," he said. Authorities said stolen vehicles are often given new VINs and resold whole or for parts on social media. Investigators said they are pursuing all possible leads. The suspect involved in a fatal shooting that happened on Christmas Day in southwest Houston has been arrested and charged, according to the Houston Police Department. HPD said that 39-year-old Jonathon Ross has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting death of Desmond Butler, 25, at 6609 West Sam Houston Parkway South (Beltway 8) at around 1:05 a.m. on Dec. 25. According to HPD, Butler drove his gray Honda Pilot into a gas station parking lot in the 9900 block of Bellaire. Officials said that as Butler drove into the parking lot and pulled in, he passed Mata's black GMC, which was parked at one of the pumps. As Butler drove past the Acadia, a Hispanic woman got out of the GMC and began chasing Butler's vehicle and tried to open the back passenger door of the Honda, police said. Furthermore, officials said that a Hispanic man got out of the GMC and fired his gun at Butler's car as it exited the parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement said that Butler tried to drive north on the feeder road of the West Sam Houston Parkway when he was hit by gunfire and crashed his car into a pole in an adjacent parking lot. According to authorities, the suspects got back into their vehicle and headed northbound on the feeder road. Investigators said that Mata and his wife received a phone call from their daughter stating that she was allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend. Mata and his wife then drove to the location expecting their daughter to be dropped off, law enforcement said. The parents believed that the victim's female passenger was their daughter, officials added. However, police said that Mata and Butler did not know each other. Mata turned himself in on Jan. 14, and he was later booked into the Harris County Jail, officials added. A suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while being taken into custody in Yulee on Thursday, the Nassau County Sheriffs Office said. Deputies made contact with the suspect at Culvers restaurant on State Road 200 in Yulee just after noon, NCSO said in a news release. The suspect was not identified in the news release. The suspect was wanted out of Southwest Florida for stealing a vehicle and was in possession of a concealed firearm, deputies said. Advertisement Advertisement During the encounter, the firearm discharged inside the back of a deputys patrol vehicle, resulting in a self-inflicted gunshot wound. After the firearm was discharged, Nassau County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene and rendered aid to the suspect. The suspect died from their injuries, NCSO said. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The deputy involved was not injured. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will conduct an independent investigation, as NCSO said this is standard protocol for incidents of this nature. NCSO said it will also perform an internal review to determine if any policy violations occurred. [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. President Trump giving the middle-finger to a Ford employee who apparently calls it like he sees it seems to be the best thing that has ever happened to him financially at least. TJ Sabula, a 40-year old United Auto Workers Local 600 line worker, was quickly suspended with pay by Ford after heckling the President while he was visiting one of its factories in Michigan (the President, in turn, flipped him the bird and apparently mouthed "F**k you.") But, soon after, a pair of GoFundMe pages were set up for Sabula and they took off like wildfire. As of mid-morning on January 15, the pair of campaigns for Sabula have raised $811,010 from nearly 35,000 separate donations. Sabula, seeming to be a stand-up guy, actually decided to stop accepting donations, indicating he and his family had more than enough. In an update on one of the pages, Sabula wrote, "We greatly appreciate the outpouring of support! At this time we are closing donations to this campaign and encourage you to look for other causes and organizations to support. We appreciate every single donation, comment, share, and sign of support!" The other page had a similar message and said it was also closing donations. I'm not sure I'm big enough to ever stop taking free money, but good for him. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Here Are The Worst Car Myths The finger seen around the world GoFundMe page for TJ Sabula - GoFundMe.com Of course, Trump didn't just pick a random guy out of the crowd to cuss out, though it wouldn't be that surprising. Sabula reportedly called Trump a "pedophile protector" during his visit to the Michigan F-150 factory. The Department of Justice faces criticisms as to the speed it has released the Epstein filesalong with the redactions being made to the documentswhich must be made public in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. In any case, as we previously reported, Trump's White House didn't try to cover up or downplay what the President did, instead telling the Washington Post that "A lunatic was wildly screaming expletives in a complete fit of rage, and the President gave an appropriate and unambiguous response." Sabula told The Post that he has "no regrets whatsoever," though he did add that he feels concerned about the future of his job and believes he has been "targeted for political retribution" for "embarrassing Trump in front of his friends." Some new friends GoFundMe page for TJ Sabula - GoFundMe.com It's still unclear what Sabula's future with Ford will be, but at the very least the $800,000+ he's gotten from GoFundMe will help lighten the blow. On top of that, he's got the backing of the UAW. The union posted this on its website: The autoworker at the Dearborn Truck Plant is a proud member of a strong and fighting union 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. Workers should never be subjected to vulgar language or behavior by anyoneincluding the President of the United States. That's certainly the type of union representation we all deserve. Advertisement Advertisement Sabula has also received support from U.S. Rep Rashida Tlaib of Detroit, who represents Detroit, calling him a "national hero," according to the Detroit Free Press. Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and fellow Michigander Pete Buttigieg has also voiced his support. Not everyone was on board, though, including Ford Executive Chair Bill Ford, who earlier in the visit said meeting the president was "the experience of a lifetime." "Discipline is in the hands of the organization. It's unfortunate and 99% of the employees in the plant were great and I was embarrassed because we're the host. But that was six seconds out of an hour tour and the tour went great." Crowdfunding campaigns can often get people all riled up about someone being rewarded for "bad behavior": In early 2025, a woman in Minnesota was caught calling a child a racist slur on a playground and then made over $800,000 on GoFundMe-alike site GiveSendGo, according to NBC News. That woman was charged with three counts of disorderly conduct by the City of Rochester, with a trial set to begin in August 2026, ABC 6 News reports. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox, and add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Jalopnik. Tamagotchi (Photo by Pascal Maramis, CC BY 2.0/courtesy of Japan Travel) One of Japans most iconic pop-culture creations is marking a major milestone in Tokyo this year. To celebrate three decades since its debut, the 30th Anniversary Tamagotchi Exhibition will be held at the Roppongi Museum from January 7th to February 2nd, 2026, inviting visitors to revisit and rethink the tiny digital creature that once ruled keychains around the world. First released by Bandai in 1996, Tamagotchi quickly became a social phenomenon, particularly among Japanese teenagers, before spreading internationally. Over the past 30 years, the digital pet has continued to evolve alongside technology, with new models introducing infrared communication, color LCD screens, touch panels, and most recently Wi-Fi connectivity. Today, Tamagotchi is sold in more than 50 regions worldwide, with cumulative shipments surpassing 100 million units as of mid-2025. Rather than functioning as a simple retrospective, the exhibition is designed as an immersive experience that places visitors inside the Tamagotchi world. Through interactive displays, the exhibition explores Tamagotchi not just as a character or toy, but as a strange, dependent lifeform that demanded constant care and attention from its owners. The aim is to reflect on why so many people felt emotionally tied to a creature living behind a small LCD screen. Exclusive exhibition-only merchandise will also be available, including a limited-edition Original Tamagotchi created in collaboration with creative director Mitsuhiro Higuchi, alongside commemorative items celebrating the 30th anniversary. If you miss the Tokyo exhibition dates, the exhibition will continue its journey across Japan, with confirmed stops in Nagoya, Mito, and Osaka later in 2026. Getting there The Roppongi Museum is located just 7 minutes on foot from Roppongi Station, or around 10 minutes on foot from Azabu-Juban Station. Things to know Dates: Through Feb. 2 Time: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Fee: 1,800 Venue: Roppongi Museum Address: 5 Chome-6-20 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan Website (in Japanese) Getty The US is pausing a major part of its immigration pipeline, a move that could have far-reaching implications for global mobility and international travel. The government announced it will temporarily suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including the Bahamas, Fiji, Iran, Russia, and Thailand, a decision rooted in concerns over public assistance. It won't affect vacations or short-term visits for most travelers, but does reshape howand whethercitizens of other countries can move to the United States permanently. 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 department said on social media. The freeze will remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people. The suspension is based on a long-standing principle in US immigration law that allows officials to deny permanent residency to applicants they believe are likely to rely heavily on government benefits. This concept has existed for decades, but the current move scales it up dramatically. Rather than evaluating applications one by one, the US State Department is halting processing altogether for applicants from 75 countries while it reassesses how those standards are applied. For applicants, that means paperwork already submitted may simply sit untouched, and interviews may be delayed indefinitely. The pause, which will begin January 21, applies only to immigrant visas, the category used by people who plan to live and work in the US long term, often through family sponsorship or employment. These are the visas that lead to permanent residency. What the policy does not touch, at least for citizens of countries that dont already have a US travel ban, are the visas most travelers encounter: tourist visas, business visas, and student visas, as well as visa-waiver travel. For anyone planning a trip to the US this year, flights are currently still operating, borders are still open, and short stays are still allowed. Advertisement Advertisement The move comes as part of the administration's broader efforts to restrict legal immigration into the US, as well as clamp down on illegal immigration. Many of the countries on this list, such as Iran and Laos, are ones for which the administration has already enacted a travel ban. What countries are affected? The full list of countries reportedly includes 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. Why does this matter to travelers? Travel and immigration are rarely as separate as they seem, says Gigio Ninan, an immigration attorney at Shankar Ninan & Co. in New York. Even though B1/B2 visas are exempt from this requirement, this tourist visa category will take a hit since intent is everything, says Ninan. Consular officers have wide discretion, and Im expecting longer wait times for interviews and more intrusive financial questions. There may be more denials, too. Advertisement Advertisement Many people who ultimately settle in the US also begin their journey as visitors, students, or temporary workers. They travel back and forth for years before applying for permanent residency. A sudden pause in immigrant visa processingespecially one as broad as thisintroduces uncertainty into those long-term plans, even if it doesnt change who can board a plane tomorrow. For travelers coming to the United States from overseas, this change will not affect your trip. But if your travel plans are tied to a longer arcmoving for work, joining family, or transitioning from a temporary stay to a permanent onethis is a development worth watching closely. Ninan also notes that this could affect reciprocal travel for Americans. You cant blacklist 75 countries without some blowback, he says. Im expecting some tit for tat. We could see the sudden imposition of entry fees, longer processing times, or the revocation of visa-free travel privileges for Americans. Essentially, the power of the US passport will likely decline. Originally Appeared on Conde Nast Traveler The Latest Travel News and Advice Donald Trump is exaggerating the threat posed by Russian and Chinese ships to Greenland, Swedens defence minister has told The Telegraph. Pal Jonson said it was clear that the superpowers aim to expand their presence in the Arctic region, but dismissed the US presidents claims that their vessels are surrounding Greenland in large numbers. Mr Trump has repeatedly used the argument to justify his plans to annex the island, rich in rare earth minerals, in the coming weeks or months. Advertisement Advertisement European leaders have been wary of openly criticising Mr Trumps claims and strategy to take over the island from Denmark. Pal Jonson talks to The Telegraphs James Rothwell from his office in Stockholm - Geoff Pugh Mr Jonson is the first senior Nato figure to cast doubts on the US presidents claims that Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place, in a show of support for neighbouring Denmark. When asked if Mr Trump was exaggerating the number of hostile ships around Greenland, Mr Jonson told The Telegraph: If you state that Greenland is flooded with Russian and Chinese vessels, thats an exaggeration according to the assessments that we do for the region. He said while there has been an increase in Chinese research vessels sailing into the Arctic region, the scope of that is limited. Advertisement Advertisement I dont think it should be exaggerated, it tends to be predominantly focusing on research vessels, Mr Jonson added, speaking from the defence ministry in Stockholm. Chinese research vessels are in the area but their numbers are limited - Liu Shiping/Xinhua via Getty Recent vessel tracking data from MarineTraffic and LSEG has shown no Chinese or Russian ship presence near Greenland. Danish security experts have also strongly dismissed Mr Trumps persistent claim of a huge number of Russian and Chinese ships currently threatening Greenland, telling The Telegraph they are a figment of his imagination. Mr Jonson said the Nordic nations are very aware that Russia has a mission to resettle itself in several of the military institutions Moscow had in the Arctic before. Advertisement Advertisement But he stressed that Sweden, alongside Nato allies, was ready to deploy specialist troops capable of fighting in sub-zero temperatures and military satellites to counter the threats posed by Russia. b' 0801 The importance of Greenland\'s position ' We have the Arctic and sub-Arctic capabilities, he said. Its one thing to be able to survive in that environment, another to be able to fight, and our soldiers and those of the Norwegians and the Finns have those kinds of capabilities as well. Were investing very heavily into our space capabilities as well. We just launched an initiative a couple of days ago, that we are now quickly procuring up to 10 military satellites as well to get a better situational awareness [of the Arctic region]. Advertisement Advertisement In response to Mr Trumps threats, Denmark sent troops to Greenland for a military exercise on Wednesday and said its Nato allies will expand their military presence in the region. Germany, France, Sweden and Norway will help Denmark boost the number of aircraft, vessels and soldiers to defend Greenlands security. Britain has sent one military officer to take part in the exercise at Denmarks request, while Germany will send 13. b' Greenland minerals map ' But despite efforts to boost security for mineral-rich Greenland, it remains to be seen if there is a chance of de-escalating the situation. Mr Trump appears adamant the US should take over the island. Advertisement Advertisement He has also repeatedly refused to rule out military action against Denmark to achieve that goal, despite being a Nato ally. Asked in the Oval Office on Wednesday if he would be willing to leave Nato in order to take Greenland by force, Mr Trump said he would not rule either out. Mette Frederiksen, the Danish prime minister, has warned that an attack on a Nato ally would end the alliance that has been the bedrock of Western security since the Second World War. In a fresh outburst on Wednesday, Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social network: Nato: Tell Denmark to get them [Russia and China] out of here, NOW! Two dog sleds wont do it! Only the USA can!!! Donald Trump appears adamant that the US should take over Greenland - Anna Moneymaker/Getty He insisted that Nato should support American efforts to take control of Greenland, saying it was crucial for his planned Golden Dome air and missile defence system. Advertisement Advertisement Nato becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable, Mr Trump posted online. The 79-year-olds comments came just hours before JD Vance, the US vice president, and Marcio Rubio, the US secretary of state, met Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the Danish foreign minister, and his Greenlandic counterpart, Vivian Motzfeldt, for talks at the White House. The discussions apparently did little to calm Europes fears, with Mr Rasmussen saying after the meeting there was still a fundamental disagreement over Greenlands ownership. The foreign ministers reiterated that Greenlanders do not want to be owned by the US but said they will continue to strengthen cooperation with America and boost defences. Greenlanders have made it clear they do not want to be part of the United States - Magnus B. Trolle/Visit Greenland Mr Rasmussen said: We therefore still have a fundamental disagreement but we also agree to disagree, and therefore we will, however, continue to talk. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump, the most powerful leader in Nato, has tried to humiliate Denmark by claiming that all it has done to increase security in Greenland is build some new dog sleds. You know what Denmark did recently to boost security on Greenland? They added one more dog sled, he told reporters on Air Force One. In fact, Mr Trump was referring to the expansion of Denmarks Arctic special forces unit, Sirius Patrol, which navigates Greenlands hostile and frozen landscapes on dog sleds. The expansion was just part of a wider 4.8bn defence package pledged by Copenhagen to address Mr Trumps claims it was not doing enough to defend Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Jonson stressed that the Trump administrations broader concerns about the Arctic region were legitimate, and that Stockholm was ready to offer its support. When it comes to the possibility of having a bigger footprint in the Arctic region, in order also to be more assertive, vis-a-vis the Chinese and Russian acts up there, we are of course positive to that, he said. And I think the inclusion of Sweden and Finland into Nato has made a significant difference in also focusing the alliance activities more on the High North. 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 Greek court Thursday acquitted Syrian competitive swimmer and activist Sarah Mardini, whose rescue of her sister inspired a hit Netflix film, and 23 others of migrant trafficking. The verdict came almost a month after the start of their trial at a court on Lesbos, ending a legal ordeal for the activists since 2018. They had been charged in the Greek island with "forming a criminal organisation" and "illegally facilitating the entry of third-country nationals into Greece". Advertisement Advertisement "All defendants are acquitted of the charges" because their aim was "not to commit criminal acts but to provide humanitarian aid", presiding judge Vassilis Papathanassiou told the court. Prosecutor Dimitris Smyrnis had earlier recommended their acquittal, emphasising that "no independent basis establishing the criminal liability of the defendants has been demonstrated". Mardini, a 30-year-old Syrian who sought refuge in Germany in 2015, was present at the court along with her Irish-German co-defendant Sean Binder, AFP said. The 2022 Netflix film "The Swimmers" is inspired by the story of Mardini and her sister Yusra, who was one of 10 athletes who competed in the Rio Olympics for a Refugee Team. Advertisement Advertisement Their family made the perilous journey across the Aegean Sea in 2015, and the sisters saved other people from drowning along the way. This is the second time Greece has brought criminal charges against the volunteers. In 2023, they were acquitted in another case involving offences related to their humanitarian work, including "espionage". In 2018, Mardini was part of a group of volunteer activists with the NGO ERCI trying to help migrants reach the island of Lesbos from Turkey. She was arrested at the time and spent three months in prison in Greece. str-hec/cc/ach (Corrects to make clear document was issued last November, not on Tuesday, in first three paragraphs) TAIPEI, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Taiwan prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for the chief executive officer of Chinese smartphone maker OnePlus, alleging he was involved in illegal business and recruitment activities in Taiwan. Taiwans Shilin District Prosecutors Office said in a document it had indicted two Taiwanese citizens for helping OnePlus CEO Pete Lau illegally operate a business and recruit more than 70 employees in Taiwan. The allegations fall under Taiwanese law governing relations with China. Advertisement Advertisement The document, dated November 2025, was first reported by Taiwan local media on Tuesday. Over 70 employees were hired in Taiwan to conduct smartphone software application research and development, verification and testing for the Chinese smartphone maker, prosecutors said. OnePlus is headquartered in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. It became an independent sub-brand under Oppo in 2021, according to its website. Oppo and OnePlus did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters. Reuters could not reach Lau for comment. Beijing claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Taiwan rejects Chinas sovereignty claims and says only the islands people can decide their future. Advertisement Advertisement But Taiwan's tech expertise has made it a magnet for Chinese companies seeking talent, prompting Taiwanese authorities to block 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. (Reporting by Wen-Yee Lee; Editing by Stephen Coates) TAIPEI, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Taiwan President Lai Ching-te thanked Canada on Tuesday for its support during recent Chinese military drills and praised the deepening of ties between the two sides, shortly ahead of a visit to China by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Canada, like most countries, has no official diplomatic ties with Chinese-claimed Taiwan, but the economic and political exchanges between the two sides have increased as Beijing ratchets up military threats against the democratic island. Still, two lawmakers from Carney's Liberal Party this week ended a visit early to Taiwan citing advice from the Canadian government and to "avoid confusion with Canada's foreign policy" before Carney visits Beijing from Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement LAI OUTLINES PROGRESS IN TIES Meeting the three remaining members of the delegation, from the opposition Conservative Party, Lai said that over the past three years, Taiwan and Canada have made substantive progress in areas such as trade and technology, including 2023's signing of a landmark investment agreement. "Bilateral relations continue to deepen and yield fruitful results," Lai said at the presidential office in Taipei. He also expressed appreciation for the Canadian government's public concern over last month's Chinese war games around Taiwan. "I would like to thank the Canadian government for soon releasing a statement expressing its concern and opposing any unilateral attempt to change the status quo," he added. Advertisement Advertisement "This once again demonstrated that maintaining the peaceful and stable status quo across the Taiwan Strait is not only in the interest of all parties, but also the international consensus." Canadian warships on occasion sail through the sensitive Taiwan Strait, to Beijing's anger, which happened most recently last September. Lai made no mention of Carney's visit to China in front of media. Melissa Lantsman, deputy co-leader of Canada's Conservatives, told Lai that Taiwan was a trusted partner. "We are here with a clear and sincere purpose to say to Taiwan and the people of Taiwan that you have friends in Canada's parliament," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Taiwan's foreign ministry earlier on Tuesday played down the early departure of the two other lawmakers, saying the government will continue to further deepen exchanges and cooperation with Canada. Carney will discuss trade and international security while in China, at a time when Canada faces uncertain relations with the United States due to a trade war and annexation threats from President Donald Trump. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Fabian Hamacher; Editing by Sharon Singleton) James Talarico has leapt ahead in the Texas Senate Democratic primary with a 9-point lead over Rep. Jasmine Crockett, according to new polling from Emerson College released Thursday. The data shows Talarico, a state representative from Austin, leading the Dallas Congress member by 47 percent to 38 percent ahead of their March 3 primary. When Crockett jumped into the race in December, her national prominence and fundraising strength had some expecting her to take the lead in the primary. But Talarico has poured money into his campaign and built a large online following. Advertisement Advertisement On the GOP side, the poll shows a tight race: Attorney General Ken Paxton leads Sen. John Cornyn by 1 point, at 27 to 26 percent, with Rep. Wesley Hunt sitting at 16 percent support. The race is widely expected to head to a May 26 runoff since no candidate is close to 50 percent support, which would extend the brutal GOP primary. Democrats have long pined for winning statewide in Texas yet repeatedly fallen short. The party believes it can ride an anticipated electoral wave fueled by opposition to Trump to finally achieve that goal. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told POLITICO earlier this week that he views Texas as a very possible pickup opportunity but didnt list it among the partys top four offensive opportunities. Theres a stark racial split between Talarico's and Crockett's blocs of support. Talarico brings in majority support from Hispanic and white voters, while the large majority of Black voters back Crockett, according to the polls findings. Men support Talarico 52 percent to 30 percent, while women are evenly divided between the two, at 44 and 43 percent respectively. Many Republican voters remain outraged at Cornyn for supporting a bipartisan gun control bill during the Biden administration and have threatened to vote him out of office as punishment. Paxton, Texas top attorney for a decade, has strong support from the MAGA base, despite facing multiple state and federal investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Democrats are hoping that Paxton will win the GOP primary, believing his political baggage would turn off voters in the general election. The poll shows both Talarico and Crockett tied with Paxton at 46 percent in a hypothetical matchup. Cornyn would fare better: He would lead Talarico 47 to 44 percent, and Crockett 48 to 43 percent. The economy stands as the top issue for Texas voters, followed by immigration and threats to democracy. As international alarm grows over the Trump administrations intention to conquer Greenland, a 2016 clip of Ted Cruz warning that Donald Trump could nuke Denmark has resurfaced. The clip, in which Cruz questions Trumps judgement, is circulating amid growing tensions between the White House and Denmark, after Trump signalled his desire to seize the territory, saying anything less than full U.S. control is unacceptable. The video was filmed during the race to secure the Republican nomination as presidential candidate. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking about Trump, Cruz says: We need someone with the judgement and the temperament to keep this country safe. I dont know anyone who would be comfortable with someone who behaves this way having his finger on the button. Were liable to wake up one morning and Donald, if he were president, would have nuked Denmark. Thats not the temperament of a leader to keep this country safe. Ted Cruz, pictured with Donald Trump in the Oval Office in December, previously raised concerns about the now-presidents temperament (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Ten years later, with Trump now in his second presidential term and having just launched a major military operation to remove the president of Venezuela, Cruzs concerns are seen in a new light. Following a high-stakes meeting with officials from Denmark and Greenland Wednesday, Trump reasserted that the U.S. needs Greenland and that Denmark cannot be trusted to safeguard its overseas territory. Advertisement Advertisement "We really need it," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after the meeting. Greenland is very important for the national security, including of Denmark. 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. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt, arrived at the White House on Wednesday for the highly anticipated talks with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but afterwards said there remained a "fundamental disagreement" over Greenland. Rasmussen said that it was clear that the president has this wish of conquering Greenland. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with officials from Denmark and Greenland Wednesday (AFP/Getty) Trumps position has sparked resistance across Europe, with the European commissioner Andrius Kubilius warning that a U.S. takeover would spell the end of Nato. Advertisement Advertisement In Copenhagen, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced a stepped-up military presence in the Arctic in close cooperation with our allies, calling it a necessity 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. Troops from several European countries, including France, Germany, Norway and Sweden, are arriving in Greenland to help boost the Arctic island's security. On Wednesday, French president Emmanuel Macron was quick to show support for his European allies: 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. Advertisement Advertisement France is monitoring the situation very closely and will act in full solidarity with Denmark and its sovereignty. Trump insists the U.S. needs Greenland for strategic reasons (NSIDC) Before the talks, Vance warned leaders they should take Trump seriously in his ambition to acquire the territory. 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. On Wednesday Trump said U.S. control of the Arctic landmass 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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! Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday after the White House talks, Rasmussen rejected both a military takeover and the potential purchase of the island by the U.S. Asked if he thinks the U.S. will invade, he replied: No, at least I do not hope so, because, I mean, that would be the end of NATO. Rasmussen said Greenlanders were unlikely to vote for U.S. rule even if financial incentives were offered because I think there's no way that the U.S. will pay for a Scandinavian welfare system in Greenland, honestly speaking. You haven't introduced a Scandinavian welfare system in your own country, he added. The Brief A teen was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Wednesday for a deadly crash that ended a high-speed police chase from Tampa into Plant City in 2022. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, Calvin Sanford, who was 15 years old at the time, was driving a stolen truck when he fled from Tampa police into Plant City. The chase ended near the intersection of Turkey Creek Road and Trapnell Road, where Sanford crashed into a vehicle, killing its passenger, a mother named Maria Torres. TAMPA, Fla. - A teen was sentenced to 12 years in prison Wednesday for a deadly crash that ended a high-speed police chase from Tampa into Plant City in 2022. Advertisement Advertisement According to the state attorneys office, Calvin Sanford, who is now 18, opted for an open plea in court rather than go to trial, where he faced up to 30 years in prison if convicted by a jury. Sanford was 15 years old when the crash occurred on March 12, 2022. PREVIOUS: Teen arrested in deadly crash that ended police chase from Tampa to Plant City, deputies say Calvin Sanford, Courtesy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. The backstory According to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, Sanford was driving a stolen truck when he fled from Tampa police into Plant City. The chase ended near the intersection of Turkey Creek Road and Trapnell Road, where officials said Sanford crashed into a vehicle, killing its passenger a mother named Maria Torres. Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said Sanford and three other juveniles tried to run from the scene but were quickly taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, Sanford already had seven prior felony charges, including burglary of a conveyance, grand theft of a firearm and resisting arrest. He was being held in jail on unrelated charges when a felony vehicular homicide charge was added in April 2022, HCSO said. MORE NEWS: Judge denies bond for teen accused in deadly crash following high-speed chase in stolen truck In June 2022, a Tampa judge denied Sanford bond. Dig deeper The sentencing followed Floridas juvenile guidelines, which considered Sanfords age at the time of the crime. Sanfords prison sentence also includes convictions in two separate cases for grand theft of a motor vehicle, all of which will be served concurrently. The Source Information for this story was provided by the State Attorney's Office and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lt. Gov. Randy McNally announcing a package of bills targeted at immigrants on Thursday. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Tennessee Republicans on Thursday unveiled a slate of legislation targeting immigrants without legal status, crafted in cooperation with the White House, that could require public schools, vehicle registration centers, city governments and public health departments to verify, track and report immigration status. Few details about the package of bills eight or nine will ultimately be filed, Republicans said were released Thursday and lawmakers said they were awaiting White House and Department of Education guidance on legislative language implementing immigration checks in public schools. Lawmakers could not give an estimate of the bills costs to the state. Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Cameron Sexton said the legislation was written after months of close collaboration with White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, a key architect of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. Tennessee Republican leaders said the legislation would serve as a model for the rest of the nation. The problem is youve seen over the country, whether youre in Minnesota, youve seen fraud, abuse and waste by people here illegally, Sexton said. You also have seen crimes committed by people who are here illegally. Immigrant rights advocates were swift to push back on the Republican agenda, criticizing lawmakers for sowing division with legislation crafted at the direction of Miller, instead of focusing on kitchen table issues that impact all Tennesseans. Its obvious that Tennesseans are facing rising costs of groceries, of healthcare, of housing, and families across the state are struggling in this economy, said Lisa Sherman Luna, executive director of TIRRC Votes, the political arm of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Yet, once again, the bills championed by our elected leaders and the supermajority do nothing to address the problems faced by everyday Tennesseans, she said. Sherman Luna also cited the increased administration burden on state and local agencies across Tennessee performing immigration checks. Immigrants in Tennessee, rather than being a drain on taxpayers, contribute $1.4 billion in combined state and local taxes in Tennessee, she noted. Once again, the bills championed by our elected leaders and the supermajority do nothing to address the problems faced by everyday Tennesseans, said Lisa Sherman Luna of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. (Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout) Legislative Democrats accused Republicans of using immigration as an election-year tactic and distraction from high costs, saying they didnt hear Tennesseans mention illegal immigration while canvassing the state last year. Immigration is part of the American story, and, as the daughter of an immigrant, its part of my American story, too, Senate Democratic Caucus Leader Raumesh Akbari said in a statement. Our immigration system is broken but fear-based crackdowns and dangerous dragnet operations dont fix anything. These policies separate families, endanger Americans and distract our leaders from the issues that matter most to Tennesseans. Advertisement Advertisement Republican leaders said the bills are needed for a litany of reasons, but mainly to stop crime committed by immigrants without legal status. In a press release, it said nearly 2,720 people not lawfully present in the country were charged or convicted of crimes in Tennessee from October through December 2024, according to the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference. The same report by the DAs conference says the immigrant population has a much lower rate than native-born Americans. While President Donald Trump initially said his goal was to remove the worst of the worst from the country, lawmakers are focusing on anyone without legal documentation. One bill creates a new state crime for immigrants who remain in Tennessee after receiving a federal deportation order, a measure that would likely face legal challenge. Only the federal government has the power to set and enforce immigration violations, which have been treated as civil violations. Advertisement Advertisement State and local courts would be required to cooperate with ICE agents. Another measure would require all local law enforcement agencies to enter into so-called 287(g) agreements to work with ICE. More than 50 local law enforcement agencies have currently entered into the agreements, but some cities, including Nashville, have declined to participate. Republicans also alluded to legislation designed to close loopholes in the states existing ban on sanctuary city policies, a measure widely seen to take aim at majority-Democrat Nashville. The measure will require state and local governments, including public health clinics, to mandate referrals to ICE and Tennessees centralized immigration enforcement division when individuals lawful immigration status cannot be verified. The Tennessee Attorney General would be empowered to withhold shared sales tax revenue from non-compliant municipalities. Another would require law enforcement conducting traffic stops to detain truckers and others with commercial drivers licenses who cannot verify their legal status, then immediately turn them over to federal immigration officials. Advertisement Advertisement Doctors, nurses, teachers and others seeking professional licenses would also be required to provide proof of lawful immigration status. And written drivers license tests, now offered in scores of languages, would be offered only in English, with a one-year grace period that lawmakers said is intended to accommodate international companies operating in Tennessee. Another bill would mandate the use of an E-verify system for all new state and local government hiring. State law requires Tennessees private employers with 35 or more full-time workers to use the federal system to verify whether a person is eligible to work. Businesses with fewer employees can follow a different set of rules. Republicans released few details about what might be the most controversial and impactful legislation: a bill requiring Tennessee schools to verify the immigration status of students. Details about how the information will be guarded or shared with federal immigration authorities are still being worked out, Sexton said. Advertisement Advertisement Were doing the details right now, Sexton said, noting he was awaiting guidance from the White House and the Department of Education. A bill last year by Sen. Bo Watson of Hixson and House Majority Leader William Lamberth of Portland to deny enrollment to K-12 students without legal status stalled amid questions of whether it would risk $1.1 billion in federal funding. The bill passed the Senate last year and could be brought back in the House this session. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX This story was originally posted on MyNorthwest.com Tesla is facing a new lawsuit over its self-driving technology. In 2024, Jeffrey Nissen, a 28-year-old man, was riding a motorcycle when he was killed in a crash with a Tesla vehicle that was using the companys self-driving feature. Now, Nissens family is suing Tesla, claiming the cars system caused the deadly crash. Nissen was a Stanwood resident. Advertisement Advertisement Jeff Nissen, Jeffreys father, said Tesla misled people into thinking cars can do more than they can, according to The Seattle Times. The family wants damages and for Tesla to stop selling its Autopilot feature until its proven safe. The fatal accident According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by The Seattle Times, the Tesla driver told a Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper he was looking at his phone and using the cars Autopilot feature when he crashed and ran over Nissen. Internal Tesla data revealed the driver had enabled the self-driving feature approximately two minutes before the crash. The drivers hands were off the steering wheel for more than a minute before the crash. While the Tesla driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide, he was never criminally charged for the fatal crash. Teslas ongoing legal battles Tesla has been involved in multiple legal battles specifically related to crashes involving its vehicles Autopilot feature. Tesla lost its first trial in 2025. In 2024, NHTSA investigated Tesla regarding crashes involving Autopilot-equipped vehicles into emergency vehicles. The federal agency found 11 incidents that resulted in 17 injuries and one death. Advertisement Advertisement Theyre using these people as guinea pigs. As test subjects, Attorney Simeon Osborn, who represents the Nissen family, told The Seattle Times. How many people are going to die before they take it off the market? Tesla has not commented on the situation, as of this reporting. This is a developing story, check back for updates The Brief Cal-Maine Foods will donate over 2 million eggs to Texas food banks as part of a settlement finalized on Jan. 15, 2026, following a 2020 price-gouging lawsuit. The state accused the company of hiking prices by 300% during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, allegedly without facing any significant supply disruptions. Egg distributions will begin within 120 days, with the North Texas and Houston food banks receiving the largest portions of the 180,000-dozen-egg total. AUSTIN - Attorney General Ken Paxton has finalized a settlement with Cal-Maine Foods Inc. that will provide more than 2 million eggs to food banks across the state following allegations of price gouging. Advertisement Advertisement The agreement stems from a lawsuit filed in April 2020. Paxton accused the company, which is among the largest egg suppliers in Texas, of illegally raising prices by approximately 300 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Timeline As part of the settlement, Cal-Maine will donate 180,000 dozen large eggs to various Texas food banks within the next 120 days. Paxton said his office will crack down on any corporation that illegally raises prices on Texans. He described the settlement as an important step toward securing justice for what he called the companys unethical actions. Where are the eggs going? At least 30,000 dozen eggs to each of the following food banks: North Texas Food Bank and Houston Food Bank; At least 20,000 dozen eggs to each of the following food banks: Tarrant Area Food Bank; Central Texas Food Bank; and San Antonio Food Bank; At least 10,000 dozen eggs to each of the following food banks: Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley; East Texas Food Bank; and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank; At least 5,000 dozen eggs to each of the following food banks: Coastal Bend Food Bank; South Texas Food Bank; Southeast Texas Food Bank; and South Plains Food Bank; and At least 2,000 dozen eggs to each of the following food banks: High Plains Food Bank; West Texas Food Bank; Food Bank of West Central Texas; Food Bank of the Golden Crescent; and Wichita Falls Area Food Bank. Advertisement Advertisement The settlement also prohibits Cal-Maine from selling eggs at prices that violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act during designated disaster periods. Paxton said these reforms are intended to prevent future instances of price gouging similar to the conduct reported in 2020. The Source Information in this article is from the Office of Texas Attorney General. In late October, a Houston-area 10th grader, 16-year-old U.S. citizen Arnoldo Bazan, watched his father tackled, choked and arrested in public by immigration officials who the teenager said refused to identify themselves and wore no official uniforms or insignia. Arnoldo Bazan was treated much the same: Put into a banned chokehold by whoever these purported law enforcement figures were supposed to be, he was beaten and choked, and had his phone confiscated, despite his pleas that he was underage and a citizen. His treatment at the hands of agents was later justified by professional murder-rationalizer and DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, who claimed that he had assaulted officers during the arrest by hitting one with an elbow, capping her statement with the following, incredibly smug flourish: The federal law enforcement officer graciously chose not to press charges. This story is of course heinous in and of itself, but also typical to the experience of countless Americans who have had their families torn apart by the immigration enforcement campaign of DHS and ICE. If you asked Arnoldo Bazan, then surely he would cite the loss of his father Arnulfo Bazan Carrillo that day in October (he was eventually deported to Mexico) as the most important and gutting detail of the encounter. But when the 16-year-olds case resurfaced this week in the context of a ProPublica deep dive into the widespread use of banned chokeholds by immigration agents, there was another detail that stood out as particularly galling in its sheer disregard for the idea that agents might face any kinds of consequences: The fact that the ICE agents in question allegedly sold Arnoldo Bazans confiscated phone for cash, potentially on the very same day that they took it from him. In the midst of ProPublicas investigation and interviews with Arnoldo, the teen explained that he had filmed much of the incident between the ICE agents and his father, who had been driving him to high school when they stopped at a McDonalds for breakfast. There, federal agents swarmed the Bazans vehicle, causing them to flee. The two fled on foot into a restaurant supply store, where agents tackled them and began to choke both. This portion of the incident was partially captured on video by bystanders, and Arnoldo Bazan can be heard pleading and crying as officers constrict his throat, hoarsely saying Im underage and I was going to school! He later described the scenario as feeling like I was going to pass out and die. Its little wonder he gave not much thought to his phone at the time, but after being returned to his home hours later, he used the Find My tool to locate where it had ended upat a vending machine for used electronics miles away, close to an ICE detention center, according to ProPublica. Seemingly, he was able to somehow visit this location and retrieve the phonethe publication said it had later seen the footage, which backed the familys account of the chase. Just consider, for a moment, the thought process of the immigration agents making this kind of decision. You detain a man under the suspicion of being an illegal immigrant, and brutalize both him and his teenage son who is on his way to high school. You take the phone that the kid is using to record the experienceprior to when you start choking him, that is. One would expect there to be some kind of lip service here about how the phone was being taken for evidence or investigation, or in greater likelihood the thought that perhaps it can be wiped of any incriminating evidence. Nevertheless, if a federal agent takes your phone from you, do you not expect for them to hang onto it in some kind of official capacity? Maybe to even return your property to you afterward, if youre really lucky? One thing Im pretty certain isnt in the operations manual: Bringing your phone to a kiosk, to sell for cash, and then pocketing the modest payday. Advertisement Advertisement As if it needs to be said, this isnt law enforcementthis is the kind of behavior that law enforcement is intended to dissuade and prevent. The immigration agents in this account are effectively operating as something like federally sanctioned highwaymenthey might as well be privateers in tactical vests and masks, flying the U.S. flag as a defense for why theyre able to do literally anything they want, right up to stealing from citizens for personal profit, confident that nothing will happen to them. If this was the Old West, this is the type of scenario where the citizens would be expected to find a U.S. Marshal and round up a posse in order to exact justice. Only today, its the federal lawmen who are doing the robbery, backed by millions of dollars in federal PR and spin to convince half of the U.S. population that you clearly deserved anything that was done to you. Oh, an ICE agent stole your phone and sold it? Well, turns out that as of this moment, thats the new retroactive penalty for being disrespectful or obstructive. Whats also beyond clear is that nothing can be believed from the statements of spokespeople for these federal apparatus, because theyre so often shown to be shameless lies. An unnamed ICE spokesperson was quoted by the Houston Chronicle in the immediate wake of the incident with Arnoldo Bazan, claiming the reports that the agents beat up the teenager (he ended up in a hospital trauma unit, receiving X-rays and CT scans) were outright lies, going on to claim that it wasnt even an ICE officer who was engaged in the physical altercation with him at the store or in the video, while simultaneously refusing to explain who these men were supposed to be if not ICE. In the midst of ProPublicas piece written several months later, meanwhile, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin has given up on pretending that the men were not ICEsomething shes demonstrably lied about in the past as welland had instead pivoted to the claim that Arnoldo Bazan had assaulted the officers in order to justify their use of banned chokeholds on him. She gave no statement at all about Bazans phone turning up at a sell-your-electronics kiosk. Where is a person supposed to turn, if a man in a vest and mask, who may or may not be ICE, decides to leverage their power against them? Say they take your phone: What do you do? File a police report? Good luck with thatthe family of Arnoldo Bazan tried to report their incident to the Houston Police Department, where officers made plain their lack of interest in getting involved in anything related to ICE or DHS. The Bazan family still hasnt been interviewed by police about the incident, and a department spokesperson told ProPublica that there was no investigation. The message is clear: Federal agents can act with impunity, and local police will only intervene on their behalf. To be clear: Topics like the use of violent, potentially deadly chokeholds are of far more pressing importance than the threat of say, a lost phone. But I cant stop thinking about that phone, all the same. The immigration agents in question could have done anything with the device after taking it from Arnoldo Bazan. They could have stuck it in an evidence locker. They could have dropped it in the trash. But they seemingly went out of their way to specifically sell itthe private property of a U.S. citizenas a way of monetizing the cruel business of enforcing the immigration policy of Donald Trump. Just a perk of the job, you know! Its just one more indication that despite all the talk of the rights of citizens vs. illegal immigrants, citizenship truly (and predictably) doesnt mean anything in the eyes of the men who have chosen to become part of this Trump zealot army of ICE goons. They carry out their actions as if theyve already come to the conclusion that the Supreme Court will retroactively strip the children of immigrants born in the U.S. of citizenship, and have thus decided to simply act accordinglyvisualizing the racist world in which they dream of living. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. LANDER, Wyoming (ABC4) Three men have been arrested in connection with a deadly fight at a Wyoming bar last weekend. According to a press release from the Lander Police Department, officers responded to the Maverick Bar at 11:15 p.m. on Jan. 9 after a report of a disturbance. When officers arrived, they learned that a physical fight had occurred. Advertisement Advertisement Emergency medical services were requested, and one individual involved in the altercation was pronounced deceased at the scene, having succumbed to his injuries. After an investigation, the Lander Police Department was able to locate three men connected to the death. How to make ABC4 your preferred news source on Google One of the men has been charged with murder in the second degree, and the two other men have been charged with accessory before the fact to murder in the second degree. The Lander Police Department notes that these charges include the consideration of lesser offenses of manslaughter and accessory to manslaughter. According to Wyoming news outlet Cowboy State Daily, the three involved are Richard Deak Dollard, 59; his brother Justin Dollard, 54; and his nephew Jesse Dollard, 21. Richard Dollard is facing murder in the second degree, while the other two are facing the accessory charges. Advertisement Advertisement Cowboy State Daily says that Richard Dollard is listed as a U.S. Bureau of Land Management field staff law enforcement ranger. They obtained court documents that say witnesses saw Richard Dollard strangling the victim after a fight started between them. COWBOY STATE DAILY: BLM Officer Charged With Murder In Lander Bar Fight Through the police departments investigation, they reviewed critical case facts, examined video surveillance, and completed interviews with involved parties and witnesses. Police say they worked closely with the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation and the Fremont County Attorneys Office to investigate the case and determine appropriate charges. Although three individuals have been arrested, the Lander Police Department says this is still an open investigation, and asks that anyone who witnessed the event or believes they have crucial evidence contact them at (307) 332-3401 and ask for Sgt. Lutterman or Detective Mattocks. Latest headlines: 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 ABC4 Utah. Feeding Northeast Florida will host its sixth annual Bourbon & Brisket fundraising event on Jan. 31 at Strings Brewery in Jacksonville Beach. The event features tastings from local food and beverage vendors, an auction, games and live music. This event plays a role in raising awareness and financial support for Feeding Northeast Florida, which serves more than 310,000 individuals facing food insecurity across a 12-county region. Advertisement Advertisement >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< General admission tickets cost $175 per person. Each ticket includes a whiskey tasting led by an executive bourbon steward, curated dishes from renowned chefs and a selection of craft cocktails. Tickets can be purchased at feedingnefl.org/bourbon-and-brisket/. The event is scheduled from 6:30 to 9 p.m. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [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. 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 ]]> Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected claims of mass casualties amid a recent surge in protests within the Islamic country and blamed any killings that have taken place on an "Israeli plot" intended to create a large number of casualties. The claim came during a wide-ranging interview on Fox News' "Special Report with Bret Baier" Wednesday evening, during which Araghchi was told estimates have indicated the death toll in his country could be anywhere between 2,500 to more than 12,000 protesters. But, according to the top Iranian official, the number is in the hundreds. "When terrorist elements led from outside, entered this, you know, protests and started to shoot, you know, police forces, police officers and security forces. And there were terrorist cells. They came in, they used Daesh-style terrorist operations. They got police officers, burned them alive, they beheaded them, and they started shooting at police officers and also to the people. So as a result, for three days, we had, in fact, fighting against terrorists, and not with the protesters," Araghchi said. "It was completely a different story." Advertisement Advertisement Fetterman Open To More Us Strikes On Iran As Regime Slaughtering Thousands Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (center) arrives at the government palace to meet Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in Beirut on Jan. 9, 2026. (Getty Images) According to Araghchi, these rogue, terrorist-like actors he spoke of started shooting at civilians for "one reason," which he said was to draw the United States into the conflict. "They wanted to increase the number of deaths. Why? Because President Trump has said that if there are killings, he would intervene. And they wanted to drag him into this conflict," the Iranian Foreign Minister continued. "And that was exactly an Israeli plot. They started to increase the number of deaths by killing ordinary people, by killing police officers, by starting a kind of, you know, fighting inside the different cities." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Iran has seen widespread unrest since the last week of December, as the country faces a massive economic crash that spurred many in Iran to take to the streets in protest. Iranian Dissident Unloads On American Left's Silence On Deadly Protests People gather during protest on Jan. 8, 2026, in Tehran, Iran. (Getty Images) Contrary to Araghchi's claims are eyewitness reports that describe government forces in Iran firing upon unarmed protesters. Some even spoke of snipers taking aim at innocent Iranians, according to testimony shared with the New York Times. During Baier's interview with Iran's Foreign Minister, Araghchi also insisted that there are no imminent plans to hang, or otherwise execute, protesters. The top Iranian official tried to downplay the unrest erupting in his country as well, arguing there is now "a calm." Advertisement Advertisement "We are in full control," Araghchi added. "And let's, you know, hope that wisdom would prevail. And we don't go for a high level of tension, which could be disastrous for everybody." Protestors burn images of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally held in Solidarity with Iran's Uprising, organised by The national Council of Resistance of Iran, on Whitehall in central London Jan. 11, 2026, to protest against the Iranian regime's crackdown on internet access and "recognise their right to self-defence against the regime's forces". (Getty Images) Click Here To Download The Fox News App Original article source: Top Iranian official downplays death toll, blames 'Israeli plot' as US considers strikes TORONTO (AP) Schools were closed in Canada's largest city of Toronto and commuters faced severe delays on Thursday as heavy snow continued to hammer much of southern Ontario, blocking streets and forcing cars into ditches. Environment Canada said regions including the Greater Toronto Area, Kitchener and Hamilton are expected to see up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) of snow into Thursday afternoon. Toronto, York, Peel and Halton Region schools closed Thursday morning, and institutions including the University of Toronto, Toronto Metropolitan University and York University announced their campuses were closed. Advertisement Advertisement Complete school closures due to snow are rare in Toronto. Environment Canada said the Ottawa area will see up to 25 centimeters (10 inches) of snow, tapering off Thursday evening. It added that northerly wind gusts of up to 60 kilometers (37 milies) per hour will result in blowing snow and reduced visibility, and a sharp temperature drop will cause very cold wind chills. Provincial police advised residents to stay off the roads if possible, and officers responded to dozens of collisions and cars in ditches. Police said there were multiple road closures across southern Ontario, including ramps at the Highway 403 near the Burlington and Hamilton border and parts of Highway 401 in eastern Ontario. Both Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow cancelled public events Thursday due to the inclement weather. Advertisement Advertisement At Torontos Pearson airport, officials said air traffic management procedures were in place and impacting some arriving and departing flights. Travellers were advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, where snow clearing operations were underway. In early December in Finland, trips were being called off due to weather. But the problem wasn't a winter blizzard or fresh snow; instead, a startling lack of snow gave tourists no reason to travel, according to Yle News. What's happening? German travel operator TUI canceled multiple trips to Kainuu, Finland, for British tourists in December due to the scarcity of snow cover in the area. According to the country's snow depth map, there are only a couple of centimeters of snow around the popular Sotkamo and Vuokatti ski resorts. As of late December, the region around Sotkamo reached 29 centimeters of coverage, but levels are still far below historical averages. Advertisement Advertisement Travelers with TUI were given the opportunity to postpone their trips or move their destination further north, where the snow depth is almost doubled, according to Adam Gyorki, Nordic regional communications director at TUI, per Yle News. Most of Finland remained without snow over the Christmas holiday. Why is a snow drought concerning? A lack of early winter snow, or snow drought, isn't just disappointing for travel plans; it's an early warning for communities that rely on predictable conditions. For places like Finland, snow is an economic necessity, as the National Snow and Ice Data Center explained. Winter tourism supports local jobs, small businesses, and regional infrastructure. When trips are canceled due to a lack of snow, it highlights how warming winters can directly threaten people, especially in areas centered around travel and outdoor recreation. Advertisement Advertisement "There's been change that anyone can see," said Anne Borgstrom, meteorologist for Yle. "There are more grayish winters with a shorter duration of cold and snow." Snowpack acts as a natural freshwater reservoir, slowly releasing water into rivers and groundwater as it melts. When snow doesn't arrive as expected, it can strain water supplies, disrupt ecosystems, and increase the risk of drought and wildfires throughout the year. Increasing global temperatures, driven by human activity, are making winters less reliable, per NASA, causing snow droughts to be recurring challenges for places like Kainuu and making weather events more extreme and unpredictable. What's being done about these conditions? Across northern Europe, governments and researchers are investing in better monitoring systems to track snowpack levels and seasonal changes to help communities adapt more quickly to weird winters, according to Nature. Advertisement Advertisement Some ski destinations are diversifying their tourism offerings to be less snow-reliant, DW reported, while others are investing in artificial snow and storing snow from previous winters. More broadly, reducing reliance on oil, coal, and gas fuel sources that supercharge weather events by trapping heat in the atmosphere with pollution can help. Scientists in Finland recently developed a way to turn air pollution into plastic. Clean energy policies, low-emission transportation, and home electrification can lower warming emissions further while saving households money each month. 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. On May 15, 2001, a gray, overcast afternoon, Sergeant Tom Gwinn of the Ohio State Highway Patrol stands in the grass beside a railroad crossing in rural northwestern Ohio, his 12-gauge shotgun at the ready. Up the tracks, his quarry barrels toward him: a hulking locomotive painted blue and yellow, slicing through the muted green landscape at 40 mph with no one at the controls. For more than an hour, the engineemblazoned with the identifying numbers 8888has roared unpiloted over forest and farmland, alongside highways, and through small towns and villages. Shadowed by a growing convoy of police, emergency vehicles, and news cameras, Crazy Eights, as its soon dubbed, has proven unstoppable. Its speeding too fast for anyone to grab hold and leap aboard, though several have tried. It has kicked aside a heavy metal derailer meant to pitch it safely into the dirt alongside the tracks. High-speed detours onto sidetracks have similarly failed to wreck it. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities remain helpless to do more than clear a path, leapfrogging from one crossing to the next, warning gathering onlookers to keep their distance. In one small town, police evacuate workers from a meat processing plant situated feet from the tracks just minutes before Crazy Eights thunders past. An air ambulance begins following the train in case theres a derailment or collision; news helicopters hover overhead. Behind the runaway locomotive, 47 railcars bounce and rock with every turn; 25 are empty, and most of the others contain wood and paper, for a total weight of nearly 3,000 tons. But the train is also hauling deadly cargotwo tanks containing molten phenol, used to make dyes, paints, and pharmaceuticals. If the train should wreck, the spilled chemicals could produce flammable vapors and poison anyone nearby. With alternatives seemingly exhausted, that leaves Sergeant Gwinn and his shotgun. Trooper Al Leitenberger stands nearby too, also armed with a shotgun. As a last resort, the two officers have received the go-ahead for a distinctly American solution: Lets just shoot the damn thing. Michael O'Neill Gwinn had investigated railroad accidents during his 10 years with the highway patrol, so he had some familiarity with trains. That morning, he and fellow officers were taking part in Operation Lifesaver, a public awareness program that sent a train loaded with law enforcement and government officials north from Columbus to Stanley Yard (a rail yard in Walbridge, just south of Toledo), to promote rail safety in communities along the route. So it was by a stroke of strange luck that police and train safety officials were out in force and available to protect gawkers at crossings and evacuate buildings if necessary. Advertisement Advertisement Once the Operation Lifesaver train reached Stanley Yard, it was scheduled to turn around and head back to Columbus. But before it could, Crazy Eights broke free. Back at the crossing, Sergeant Gwinn lifts his shotgun. Despite his experience with trains, Sergeant Gwinn has never had to shoot one. And while the request is unorthodox, it isnt especially dangerous. As a retired Marine, he says he felt confident taking the shot. Im very familiar with firearms, he says. I knew there was no chance of ricochet. Hed be firing buckshot, with Trooper Leitenberger shooting slugs. If either man can rupture the radiator or fuel tank, the shot will cause Crazy Eightseventuallyto crawl to a stop, though that could take as long as an hour. Theres also an inch-wide emergency fuel shutoff button that, if shot just right as the train races by, could shut down the engine and bring things to a halt even sooner. Everyone involved knows the odds of success are slim at best. But both officers are skilled shooters. They have a chance. Crazy Eights thunders closer. Gwinn shoulders his shotgun, aims, and pulls the trigger, firing repeatedly as the train screams past himgood shots, he thinks. Advertisement Advertisement Unfazed, Crazy Eights barrels on, a looming disaster on wheels. And the people trying to stop it are running out of options. Before it became Crazy Eights, the infamous engine was just a mild-mannered locomotive known as CSX 8888, owned and operated by CSX Transportation, which took its name from a merger of two railroad companies, Chessie System and Seaboard Coast Line Industries. (CSX is still one of the largest rail carriers in the country; even after decades of industry consolidation, it moves freight across about 20,000 miles of track in the eastern United States.) The locomotive was an SD40-2 built by Electro-Motive Diesel, then a division of General Motors. Introduced in 1972 and quickly recognized for its reliability and versatility, it became one of the companys best-selling models. Nearly 4,000 rolled out of EMD before production ceased in 1986. A Field Guide to Trains of North America described it as a great success story that became common as house sparrows and seen on railroads large and small. If youve seen a freight train in the past 50 years, theres a good chance its pulled by an SD40-2, notable for its longer frame, snub nose, and extended porches at the front and rear. As a diesel-electric locomotive, the SD40-2 burns diesel fuel to generate electricity, which in turn powers electric motors connected to the axles. (The internal combustion engine had already proven more efficient than its predecessor, the steam engine.) With this diesel-electric combination, the six-axle SD40-2 could generate 3,000 horsepowernot the most powerful engine offered by EMD, but enough to allow the 190-ton, nearly 70-foot-long locomotive to reach a top speed of 65 mph. Advertisement Advertisement On the morning of May 15, 2001, a light rain fell as CSX 8888 sat on the tracks in Walbridge, Ohio, a small village just southeast of Toledo, in a warren of tracks called Stanley Yard. Previously owned by Conrail, the facility functioned as a classification yard for CSX: a railyard where railcars were attached to locomotives before being sent on their way. The temperature stood at 55 degreesan unremarkable Ohio spring day. A memo attributed to the Federal Railroad Administration described what happened next. A three-man crew (engineer, brakeman, and conductor) had clocked in around 6:30 a.m. For the next five hours, they went about the typical work of assembling trains. Stanley Yard was a hump yard, a type of train yard built around a large man-made hill where freight cars are pushed up a single track by a locomotive. At the top of the hill, yard workers would uncouple the cars and let gravity roll them down the other side into a fan of parallel classification tracks, known as the bowl. Advertisement Advertisement As the cars rolled down the hill, track switches would guide each onto its assigned track in the bowl. There, cars carrying everything from lumber to coal to liquid chemicals would be grouped according to destination. Assembled trains often stretched more than a mile in length. From Stanley Yard, a large hub for CSX, trains would set out for destinations across the Midwest. (Hump yards are more efficient for sorting cars but are expensive to build and maintain. Today, many hump yards have been replaced with more skill-intensive flat-switching yards, where cars are moved by locomotives on level surfaces without the helpful hand of gravity.) At around 11:30 a.m., the crew received a new assignment: Prepare 47 freight cars for departure out of Stanley Yard to a neighboring yard operated by Norfolk Southern about a mile away. The locomotive theyd use was the CSX 8888. The crews engineer was a 35-year veteran of the railroad whod begun his career with the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1966 and was described by CSX as a good employee with a clean disciplinary record. He climbed into the cab and took the controls; the brakeman and conductor positioned themselves nearby in the yard to monitor the trains movement. (CSX has never publicly confirmed the names of the three men involved and did not respond to requests for comment from Popular Mechanics.) Advertisement Advertisement According to the memo describing the incident, coupling the locomotive to the railcars went as planned, and the men began to move the cars. As the cars passed him, the conductor counted them off through his radio to the engineer at the locomotive controls, who acknowledged the count. Essentially, the conductor acted as a spotter, helping the engineer correctly position and stop the trainvital teamwork with a line of cars stretching to nearly 50 in number. Everything seemed to be going smoothly until the conductor noticed something unusual. A switch up ahead on the track was positioned incorrectly. It meant that before the train reached it, that section of track would need to be moved into the correct position. But none of the crew members were in a position to easily flip the switch: The engineer was, obviously, at the locomotive controls, and though the brakeman and conductor were on the ground, neither could reach the switch in time. With eight cars remaining, the conductor radioed the engineer to prepare to stop. This time he received no acknowledgment. He radioed again at four cars; no response. He ordered the engineer to stop the train. No one answered, and the train kept moving. Something had gone very wrong. Aboard the locomotive, the engineer had made a series of decisions. Given the wet conditions and the number of cars he was now hauling, the engineer realized he didnt have the necessary space to stop the train before it ran over and damaged the switch. Instead, he decided to slow the trainthen traveling about 11 mphso he could climb down from the cab, sprint ahead to the switch, and align it correctly before rejoining CSX 8888 as it caught up to him. Advertisement Advertisement He started by fully applying the engines independent air brake, which slows only the engines wheels and is mostly used to control speeds in the yard. He also applied the automatic air brake, which under normal conditions on the main line (the primary track outside the rail yard), would engage the brakes on each of the 47 railcars behind. But as is common during yard operations, the air hoses between the locomotive and cars had not been connected, leaving the cars without working brakes. CSX 8888 also had an alerter system, a kind of dead mans switch that requires periodic acknowledgment from the engineer, indicating that, yes, someone is awake at the controls. If no response comes within about 40 seconds, the system automatically applies the brakes and cuts power to stop the locomotive. But the full application of the independent brake had an unintended consequenceit built up enough pressure in the brake cylinders to disable the alerter. The engineer had unwittingly rendered useless the very system meant to stop the train. In the moments before climbing from CSX 8888, the engineer made one more choice. Again looking to slow the train, he attempted to shift the locomotive into dynamic brake mode. The dynamic brake utilizes the locomotive propulsion system to brake the train, the incident memo reads. Dynamic braking is analogous to downshifting a truck or automobile. The engineer then pushed the throttle handle to 8maximum braking under dynamic brake mode. The engineer then exited the cab and made his way to the front of the locomotive. He climbed down the ladder and left the train, which was now traveling at about 8 mph. Running ahead, he flipped the switch with mere seconds to spare. Then he turned to reboard the engine. Advertisement Advertisement But the train was no longer slowing down; it was picking up speed. Officials later concluded that the engineer had failed to complete the selection process to set up the dynamic brake. In doing so, he had restored full locomotive power, instead of retarding forward movement of the train. The only thing holding CSX 8888 back at that point was the locomotives independent air brakes, which proved no match for the engine running at full throttle. In the brief time the engineer had been off the train, it had accelerated to about 12 mph. The wet conditions made CSX 8888 particularly slippery that day; he couldnt get a grip on the ladder to pull himself aboard. In a last-ditch effort, he grabbed the handrails. The train dragged him for 80 feet before he lost his handhold. Crazy Eights was loose. Scraped and bruised but basically unharmed, the engineer picked himself up and ran to another worker, who alerted the yard that CSX 8888 was a runaway, heading south on the Toledo Branch railway. The brakeman and another employee took off after it in a vehicle, hoping to catch it and leap aboard at the next road crossing. At the time, they thought the engineer might have become incapacitated by a heart attack; they didnt know Crazy Eights was completely freed from its crew. And by the time they reached it, the train was already traveling too fast to boardabout 18 mph and getting faster, brakes squealing against the full-throttle acceleration. Advertisement Advertisement At 12:38 p.m., the company alerted local authorities and the Ohio State Police that CSX 8888 was on the move with no one at the controls. Courtesy Jeff Weaver Photographer, Conrail Historical Society Collection Jon Hosfeld was a 31-year railroad veteran, following in his fathers footsteps after a four-year stint in the Army. The prospect of steady work and a pension appealed to him. He didnt sleep much and spent most of his career on night and weekend shifts. At CSX, he worked his way up to senior trainmaster, a supervisor who manages crews and oversees safety compliance. Hed been in the role five years, working out of a yard in Kenton, Ohio, around 70 miles south of Walbridge. On May 15, 2001, he was supposed to shadow the Operation Lifesaver train in his truck as it traveled north, making sure everything proceeded smoothly. At the last minute, though, he ended up aboard the train, rubbing elbows with local politicians, including Ohios lieutenant governor. The trip north was uneventfulblissfully so, given what was to come. About 120 people disembarked from the Operation Lifesaver train in Stanley Yard; they ate box lunches in the rail yard while the train was turned around for the return trip. Hosfeld was eating his lunch when a voice came over the radio: I think weve got a problem. He and foreman Mike Smith ran up into Stanley Tower, the communications hub overlooking the yard. Sure enough, a white light on an electronic map confirmed that they did have a problem: CSX 8888 was rolling south on the main line away from the yard. He remembers saying, We gotta go! We gotta catch that train! They took off in Smiths silver Dodge Dakota pickup, planning to hop aboard using the same ladder the engineer had fallen from just minutes before. Theyd assumed Crazy Eights was coasting, and when they arrived at a crossing in the small town of Dunbridge, they expected to be ahead of the lumbering train, with plenty of time to execute their mission. Instead they found that the train was nowhere in sight. In that instant, Hosfeld understood: Crazy Eights wasnt just harmlessly rolling through the countrysideit was surging forward under power. Heading south along miles of straight, flat track, the train quickly reached speeds of 40 to 50 mph. With few other options, crews tried to force a derailment. They shunted Crazy Eights onto a sidetrack, calculating that the high-speed detour might throw it off the rails. No luckthe train just kept going, barreling through downtown Bowling Green, a college town of about 30,000, and the western side of Bowling Green State University. They tried the same tactic farther south in Galatea, after the locomotive had been rolling for almost an hour. Crazy Eights was undeterred. Along with the sidetrack maneuver, crews tried a portable derailera metal wedge designed to push the trains wheels off the track. The force of the train passing over it at speed instead launched the derailer off the tracks, rendering it useless. Hosfeld and others who knew the area worried about a particular stretch of track just north of Kenton. There the track ran downhill, a sharp curve followed by an S-curve, with a posted limit of 25 mph. Fuel storage tanks and gas stations stood beside the tracks, an inferno just waiting to happen should the train derail. In the Dodge Dakota, Hosfeld and Smith reached nearly 100 mph on Interstate 75. Hosfeld had gamed out a plan to pull alongside Crazy Eights and launch himself from the Dakotas truck bed directly onto the careening train, but he nixed the idea as too dangerous at such a high rate of speed. There was even talk of lowering someone onto Crazy Eights via helicopterdismissed because it would take too long to get a chopper into position. Crazy Eights rumbled over three counties and more than 50 miles as the chase stretched toward its second hour. Police closed more than 100 crossings, snarling traffic in all directions. Local residents rushed to get a good look, forcing police into crowd control duty to keep spectators at a safe distance. Authorities would hand off the chase as Crazy Eights sped intoand then quickly out oftheir jurisdictions. Medics and firefighters remained on alert. As Crazy Eights raced south, another train, with the identifier CSX 6462, was heading north on the same line, operated by engineer Jess Knowlton and his conductor, Terry Forson. Earlier that day theyd met the Operation Lifesaver train on its way to Walbridge; theyd pulled their locomotive into a siding (a short section of track connected to the main line, often used for storage and maintenance) to let it pass. Then they picked up 57 cars in Kenton and proceeded north on the main lineon, as they were soon to discover, a collision course with CSX 8888. Knowlton had worked 28 years with the railroad. Forson was in his 14th month on the job. That afternoon theyd heard radio chatter about a runaway train, but details were sketchy. Only at 1:30 p.m. did they realize that Crazy Eights was headed south on the same line on which they were traveling north. The radio crackled to life and a dispatcher told them to get off the main linenow. The nearest siding was 10 miles away. Their routine run had now turned into a race against time: CSX 6462 would need to get ahead of Crazy Eights to avoid a head-on collision. Knowlton pushed his own throttle to maximum and came into the mile-and-a-half-long siding 15 mph above the speed limit, all 57 cars in tow, before slowly throttling down to a stop and out of danger. No sooner had they breathed a sigh of relief than the radio crackled again, and a dispatcher asked: Howd they like to try catching the runaway train? If they could slow it down before Kenton, he said, someone could jump aboard and stop the rogue engine. Another locomotive would be waiting south of Kenton; while Knowlton and Forson tried to slow Crazy Eights from the rear, the other engine could slow it down from the front. Both Knowlton and Forson understood the danger. But they also recognized that they might be the only thing standing between Crazy Eights and disaster. Knowlton had just enough time to call his wife and let her know what they had agreed to do. Then Crazy Eights rushed past them. And as it went by, thats the first time I ever heard an engine going full throttle, Knowlton said. And Knowlton could tell by the sound of its engine that nothing was holding it back; indeed, its brake pads had burned off long ago. The roar was deafening. By the time Knowlton and Forson got their engine out of the siding (leaving the 57 railcars behind) and threw the switch that sent it back onto the main line, Crazy Eights was out of sight. They quickly acceleratedfull throttle reverse. Knowlton stuck his head out a narrow window, straining to see around the engine housing that blocked half of his view. Forson became his eyes, standing on the engines rear platform and signaling to Knowlton by hand. In two minutes, the engine surged up to 66 mph, on a track where safety regulations prohibited solo locomotives from topping 30 mph because of the risk of derailment. Knowlton knew he had little control over the engine as it bounced and swayed. But there was no alternative so he held on, blowing his whistle to clear the crossings as they raced past. At one point, he pulled the whistle so hard the handle broke off. They had roughly 10 minutes before Crazy Eights entered the dangerous downhill curve at Kenton. Within five miles, theyd spotted the rogue train. Catching up with it was the easy part. They were still running at nearly 70 mph. Knowlton eased off the throttle and started applying the dynamic brake, like downshifting a car. They drew close enough that they were pelted with corn flying off the rear hopper car, the last of Crazy Eightss 47 railcars. The plan was simple in theory but perilous in practice: They had to couple their locomotive to the runaways last car, matching speeds on the open main line. A single mistakecoming in too fastcould send both trains off the rails. In a yard, coupling normally happens at a crawl, maybe four miles an hour. Here, Knowlton had eased his engine down to 51 mph, trying to align perfectly with the speeding Crazy Eights. Fortunately, when the runaway had thundered past earlier, Forson had noticed that the rear couplerthe knucklewas open. If Knowlton could bring their locomotive in just right, he could connect his coupler to the open knuckle. He eased his locomotive into position. To Knowltons relief, the couplers came together on the first shot. Ive had harder hits in the yard than what we hit that train with, Knowlton said. CSX 6462 had joined Crazy Eights. But the ordeal was far from over. With the rogue engine still running at full throttle, Knowlton couldnt simply accelerate in the opposite direction. The two locomotives still had 47 cars between them, any of which could uncouple under the strainor derail, toppling both locomotives and the cars between them. Knowlton gently increased his dynamic braking, bleeding speed from the train as it headed into the curves north of Kenton. Relying on instincts honed over nearly 30 years in the railyard, Knowlton focused on bringing the runaway to a stop, pushing aside thoughts of the danger he and Forson had faced. If you dont think about it too long, its okay, he said. Their efforts gradually brought Crazy Eights under control, its engine howling even as it slowed. It safely passed through Kenton, and trainmaster Jon Hosfeld finally met the train just south of the city. At a blocked-off crossing, he says, he prepared himself mentally, physically, and spiritually, to jump from the Dodge Dakota onto the train. When it arrived, Crazy Eights was traveling at a still-dangerous 11 mph. Hosfeld took two quick side steps and held out both hands, reaching for the ladder. He caught it, and the train immediately jerked him sideways; he scrambled to get his feet on the ladder and then pulled himself aboard. He knew he was being filmed; the news crews had already begun to gather. So rather than run, he took three long steps to the cab. Inside, Hosfeld saw the throttle still set to eight. He took the controls and brought it to a stop. At just about 2:30 p.m., over the radio, he announced, This is Mr. Hosfeld aboard the runaway trainand its stopped. Over. In just under two hours, Crazy Eights had traveled 66 miles. Miraculously, no one was seriously hurt. The memo attributed to the Federal Railroad Administration presented details about how Crazy Eights had escaped and whether anything could be done to prevent similar incidents. Its conclusion? Not really. The cause of the incident was multiple gross errors in judgment by the locomotive engineer, the memo reads. For the incident to have occurred, each error needed to be committed in sequence. The sequence of decisions, beginning with the choice to exit a still-moving locomotive, was unique. Though some have speculated that engineers leaving moving trains to change switches was more common than publicly acknowledged, doing so was against CSX policy. The company never revealed what disciplinary action, if any, it took against the engineer. Just under a year later, in April 2002, CSX held a four-day safety class for local police, designed to familiarize them with railroad equipment. By transparent coincidence, one of the locomotives used was CSX 8888. After the story became national news, Jess Knowlton, Terry Forson, and Jon Hosfeld were interviewed on the morning shows, received commendations, and met President George W. Bush. Readers Digest profiled them as heroes, and when Hollywood inevitably came calling, they served as technical consultants on the 2010 action film Unstoppable, which was loosely based on the event. CSX 8888 became a legend among railroad enthusiasts. Later rebuilt and renumbered as CSX 4389, it continues to run today. For his showdown with Crazy Eights, Sergeant Tom Gwinn received a letter of appreciation from the governor of Ohio. In the aftermath, CSX initially denied that theyd authorized anyone to shoot at the train, but the company later acknowledged that the troopers had been given permission to fire. In the end it was teamwork and nerve, not gunfire, that stopped the runaway. When investigators later found that Gwinns shots had struck the fuel cap instead of the shutoff button, it didnt diminish his effort. It simply captured the mayhem of a day when courage, luck, and a little bit of chaos saved a train, and the Ohio communities it traveled through, from disaster. You Might Also Like This investigation was conducted as part of the project Promoting reliable information and fighting disinformation in Latin America, funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Factchequeado and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union*. When Elon Musk appeared at the White House with a bruise near his eye on May 30, 2025, content quickly circulated on Telegram and Instagram linking the owner of Tesla and Xthen a U.S. government officialto the Black Eye Club, a QAnon conspiracy theory that claims elites and politicians traffic children to use their blood as an elixir of youth. Around 56,000 people in messaging channels with phone numbers from the United States, Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela received these messages within hours. With similar speed, theories about alleged climate manipulation by organizations such as USAID traveled from the U.S. to Latin America, with messages reaching 88,000 people in just a few days. Advertisement Advertisement These are some of the findings we identified in the weekly REDESCover newsletters published from January to December 2025 by the Digital Democracy Institute of the Americas (DDIA), a nonprofit organization allied with Factchequeado, which monitors public WhatsApp and Telegram groups through the Palver platform, as well as other social networks, to identify and analyze viral content (which often includes disinformation) circulating in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. At Factchequeado, drawing on those 2025 REDESCover newsletters and our own fact-checks, we reconstructed the path some of that viral content followed across messaging apps to identify key disinformation cases that moved between the United States and Latin America. Among what we observed, we found that, more than language, ideological alignment was what facilitated the circulation of these narratives in 2025. We also confirmed that falsehoods go viral following controversial, high-impact news eventssuch as elections, political trials, or assassinationsand how high-profile figures help spread them and expand their reach. Inside the Monitoring Unlike social media, what circulates on WhatsApp is not directly determined by algorithms because it depends on what each persons contacts send or forward; however, the content of those messages can originate in everyday conversations, in what spreads through the media, or on social networks (where algorithms do influence what people see). Among Latinos, WhatsApp usage (56%) is almost double that of Americans overall, and it is the fourth most-used platform among Hispanics, according to 2024 Pew Research Center data. Advertisement Advertisement We can think of WhatsApp as a platform that provides the infrastructure of everyday life. It organizes much of what we do day to dayfor ourselves, for others, and for society, says Argentine scholar Mora Matassi, who holds a Ph.D. in Media, Technology and Society from Northwestern University. She adds that not being on this platform can come to be associated with risks of social exclusion, so disconnecting from it generates a lot of distress and a lot of practical complications in peoples lives. The public groups monitored by DDIA share in common that they actively share information, disinformation, and hyperpartisan content, featuring phone numbers with U.S. area codes (+1) as well as other Latin American countries. At the beginning of 2025, DDIA reported that its monitoring covered 1,400 public groups on WhatsApp and Telegram, but by December it had expanded to 3,300 groups, with more than 702,000 participants from all 50 U.S. states. Luis Fakhouri, Palvers co-founder and COO, explains that the platform makes it possible to view messages posted in public groups on messaging apps and to infer their location based on the area code of the phone number, without identifying the user. We can access a public group and see everything thats being said without knowing who the person who sent the message is. What can be identified is whether that same user participates in other public groupsfor example, if they express a pro-Trump or anti-Trump positionor whether the messages were generated by a bot or automatically. According to Roberta Braga, DDIAs founder and CEO, the conspiracy theories observed in 2025 within the thousands of public WhatsApp groups monitored by DDIA were scarce and, despite the high transnational virality of some narratives, such as the Black Eye Club or those related to USAID, it is important to recognize that conspiracy theories like these do not represent the majority of what is discussed in the groups. She adds that what is noticeable is that uncertainty and high distrust in elites and institutions lead to the dissemination of conspiracy theories, and that is a regional (as well as global) problem. Advertisement Advertisement Below, we describe the false stories that crossed borders across the Americas. USAID and the Alleged Global Conspiracies The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for years funded projects in humanitarian assistance, health, agriculture, and education in several Latin American countries (including Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Peru, and Mexico) as well as on other continents, including Africa. However, since Donald Trump moved to dismantle USAID at the beginning of his second term, numerous cross-border conspiracy theories have emerged about how the agencys funds were supposedly used. That the sky is now clearer because USAID was dismantled. That there are no more chemtrails. In February, in just one week, more than 88,000 Spanish-speaking Telegram users saw similar messages claiming that USAIDs money was used to generate chemtrailsalleged chemicals dispersed by airplanes to poison the population or synthetically alter the climate. It all began, DDIA explains, with a video of a man filming a plane crossing a clear sky and questioning the absence of what he believes are chemtrails. Conspiracy theorists promoting this fabricated theory claim that USAID was behind the toxins and that, since its dismantling, it has ceased its illicit operations, DDIA notes, adding that the merging of these two global-control threadsone portraying USAID as working against the public interest and the other fueling fear of chemtrails was also detected in Spanish on X. Advertisement Advertisement DDIA also identified narratives claiming that USAID used its money to promote a left-wing agenda in Brazil. Elon Musk echoed the deep state narrative, claiming that it orchestrated President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas 2022 victory. As we have explained at Factchequeado, the deep state is a conspiracy theory that alleges governments are controlled by a network of officials or government agencies. According to DDIA, these false claims about USAID in Brazil quickly spread on social media in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, and Trump-supporting Latinos also helped amplify them. At Factchequeado, we identified other pieces of misinformation that traveled between the United States and Latin America about USAID, involving alleged sex-change programs or events related to trans people. For example, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, falsely claimed in February that $47,000 had been allocated for a trans show in Colombia and $2 million for sex changes in Guatemalaa claim debunked by fact-checkers at La Silla Vacia and Agencia Ocote, both members of the LatamChequea network, like Factchequeado. Migration and Crime The claim that all immigrants are criminals, or that crime increases because of migration, has been a recurrent disinformation narrative promoted in the United States by Trump and some Republican politicians for years. However, as we have explained at Factchequeado, immigrants (with or without legal status) have lower incarceration rates than U.S.-born citizens. In addition, there is no statistical evidence showing that immigrants have increased violent-crime rates in the cities where they settle. In March 2025, after invoking the Alien Enemies Act, the Trump administration detained and transferred 238 Venezuelans to CECOT (the Terrorism Confinement Center) in El Salvador, accusing most of them of belonging to the Tren de Aragua criminal gang. In reality, only six of those detained had convictions for violent crimes. Advertisement Advertisement That unverified gang labeling became another of the narratives traveling between the United States and Latin America. DDIA describes how a post by right-wing influencer Eduardo Menonibased in El Salvadorclaiming that all Venezuelans deported to CECOT were members of Tren de Aragua generated around 77,000 interactions in messaging groups. False claims linking immigrants to gangs or cartels remained constant. With no evidence, viral posts suggested that all migrants were violent criminals, increasing fear and stigmatization, the July 23 REDESCover report states. It adds that, just as in the first quarter of 2025 Tren de Aragua was consistently present in group conversations, by the second quarter other criminal groupssuch as Mexican cartelswere already being mentioned. The Tren de Aragua issue, however, went viral again after U.S. attacks on Venezuelan boats in the Caribbean Sea that, according to the Trump administration, are linked to drug trafficking, along with rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Among the content that circulated, DDIA identified between November 11 and 18 at least 1,000 unique messages that could have reached 11 million Spanish-language app users across 176 groups, about the imminent threat of a U.S. military intervention in Venezuelaas in fact occurred with the extraction of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026. Electoral Integrity and Cross-Border Narratives Claiming that an election was "rigged" or that "fraud occurred" is a frequent tactic used to contest electoral results. As Factchequeado has previously detailed, this is one of ten recurring electoral disinformation patterns observed globally for nearly a decade. Advertisement Advertisement DDIA found that unsubstantiated allegations of electoral manipulation were employed in 2025 to undermine the integrity of national and local elections across the Americas, specifically in Ecuador and New York. The newsletters also revealed that left-leaning candidates have been baselessly labeled "communists," as happened in 2024 with Kamala Harris during the U.S. presidential campaign. Ecuador: Daniel Noboas re-election as president. In the context of Daniel Noboas re-election in April 2025, right-wing accounts framed a vote for Noboa as a bulwark against communism, while left-wing groups and politicians spread fraud allegations and demanded recounts, despite international observers dismissing any claims of electoral manipulation. In the week leading up to the vote in Ecuador alone, messages questioning the integrity of the processor focusing on ideological divisions and alleged foreign influencewent viral on messaging apps. At least 490 unique messages circulated in 109 public WhatsApp and Telegram groups, with a potential reach of about three million Spanish speakers in the United States, according to DDIA, which also says these messages were shared by supporters of opposition candidate Luisa Gonzalez, who questioned the legitimacy of the result. New York: Zohran Mamdanis election as mayor. In the United States, New York Citys mayoral campaign showed how Spanish-language disinformation narratives about electoral fraud traveled across borders. In the final week of the campaign, DDIA identified at least 315 unique posts in Spanish about Mamdani, averaging 356 interactions per post. Ideological attacks and Islamophobic rhetoric gave rise to conspiracy theories accusing him of benefiting from electoral fraud and foreign interference on election day. At Factchequeado, for example, we debunked the claim that Mamdani said he would impose Islam as the citys official religion or eradicate Christianity from the city. Advertisement Advertisement Other Spanish-language message chains identified by DDIA included narratives about dark money funding or ties to businessman George Soros, founder of the Open Society Foundation.** They also found that in Argentinawhere Trump ally Javier Milei is in officethe outlet La Derecha Diario amplified, without evidence, the testimony of people who supposedly had voted illegally six times for Mamdani. Brazil: the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro. In WhatsApp and Telegram messaging groups, DDIA identified a trilingual digital storm (English, Spanish, and Portuguese) in which right-wing networks portrayed the trial of Brazils former presidentover allegedly conspiring to remain in power after losing the most recent election to Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvaas political persecution. Republican politicians such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar contributed to this narrative, which soon spread in Spanish and Portuguese among WhatsApp users. More than 140 unique messages (between August 25 and September 3 alone) described the former Brazilian president as a political martyr facing a corrupt judiciary. The messages also accused Brazils Supreme Federal Court of torturing him and claimed that no drug trafficker has ever been put through this. According to DDIA, messages circulating in the groups claimed that not a single article of the law was being applied in the trial that ended with Bolsonaro being sentenced to 27 years in prison in November 2025. Right-wing Spanish-language influencers from other countries, such as Agustin Laje (Argentina) and Eduardo Menoni (El Salvador), argued that the justice system was being used as a political weapon, and the term lawfarethe use of legal systems to damage an opponentwent viral in WhatsApp groups within the Brazilian diaspora and in Hispanic communities in Florida and New York. DDIA also reported that slogans such as Free Bolsonaro and Democracy died in Brazil spread as part of a transnational far-right narrative that labels legal checks on power as authoritarian acts. Advertisement Advertisement The idea that Bolsonaros arrest is part of a global campaign of legal warfare targeting right-wing leaders was promoted by U.S. commentators such as Michael Shellenberger and Glenn Greenwald. DDIA researchers said this sub-narrative drew parallels with Trumps recent legal battles and warned of coordinated efforts by global elites. The Carlos Manzo Case: From Outrage to Conspiracy I dont want to be just another mayor who is assassinated, said Carlos Manzo, the Mexican mayor of Uruapan, who had been urging the federal government to provide more security to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. Months later, on November 1, 2025, as he led the Festival of Las Velas for Dia de los Muertos in Uruapan, Michoacan, he was shot and killed. The streets of Uruapan quickly filled with people protesting and demanding justice. In the fertile ground of emotion, the killing soon became a focus of speculation and conspiracy theories that moved in messages between Mexico and the United States. According to DDIA, Carlos Eduardo Espina (of Uruguayan origin)the leading Latino news influencer in the United States, according to the Pew Research Centerwas one of the first Latinos to speculate about a possible U.S. military response to Manzos assassination in a November 3 post that went viral, generating more than 13,000 interactions in a week. In it, he said Washington had begun to develop a plan for a military operation in Mexico. Other Latinossome in Florida and New YorkDDIA says, went even further with their accusations and, without evidence, accused U.S. and Mexican opposition parties of allegedly orchestrating Manzos assassination to justify an intervention against President Claudia Sheinbaum. Advertisement Advertisement The sequence of messages that followed the mayors killing illustrates how some Mexican or Mexican American Latinos in the United States can remain connected to events in their country of origin, DDIA analyzes. Leaders and Influencers as Narrative Multipliers The virality of a narrative often depends on endorsement by political figures or high-profile influencers, which lends credibility and visibility. As Braga explains, conspiracy theories are driven largely by people who show very strong ideological convictions, a strong interest in politics, and by people who consume information within hyper-partisan ecosystems. Among those high-profile multipliers are: Right-wing leaders: Some right-wing leaders in the United States (such as Donald Trump and members of Congress) and in Latin America (such as Presidents Nayib Bukele in El Salvador or Javier Milei in Argentina) often align around and amplify the same disinformation narratives, turning national events into regional ideological battles. Spanish-speaking supporters () compared Noboa to conservative figures such as Donald Trump, Nayib Bukele, and Javier Milei, presenting the event not only as a national issue but as part of a broader regional ideological struggle, the April 16, 2025 REDESCover newsletter notes. Influencers as connectors: When influencerswhether on the right (such as Eduardo Menoni) or the left (such as Carlos Eduardo Espina)comment on political events in the United States or Latin America, they serve as conduits for the spread of narratives. High-profile endorsements: In the case of the detention of Kilmar Abrego Garciaan Salvadoran whose removal from the United States and transfer to CECOT was described by the Trump administration as an administrative errorDDIA found that when Trump and Bukele spoke about the case, their messages spread rapidly across all platforms, reaching approximately 3 million users within hours. The case became a flashpoint, illustrating how immigration-related narratives, especially when combined with political support, can achieve massive cross-platform virality. What circulates in messaging groups like WhatsApp often spills onto open social networks (or vice versa), and their algorithms play a crucial role in its spread. We know they do not prioritize evidence-based content, but rather what generates the most interactions. Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari, author of Nexus, who has written about how modern information networks have enabled disinformation to spread quickly across borders, blames algorithms for promoting certain information over others. If we ask who the most important editors are today, they are no longer human beings; they are AI: the algorithms that manage news on social media, he says in an interview. He adds that the algorithms have discovered that hate, anger, and greed generate engagement. Italian-Swiss writer Giuliano Da Empoliauthor of The Hour of the Predators and The Engineers of Chaoshas also blamed algorithms and reflects on the political exploitation of chaos online: Chaos is no longer the weapon of rebels, but the hallmark of those in power, and he notes that disinformation is based on emotional manipulation, algorithmic targeting, and the strategic normalization of what is false. In any case, what the review of all the DDIA newsletters produced between January and December 2025 on viral Spanish-language content in WhatsApp and Telegram groupsalong with Factchequeados reportingconfirms is that once a concept (such as political persecution or the idea of a conspiracy) goes viral in a local context, sometimes driven by high-impact news events, it can quickly mutate and be repurposed to interpret events or figures in other countries. In this way, the movement of narratives aligns through values and ideology, and no longer so strictly through language, operating above national borders and linguistic differences. * This investigation is part of Los Desinformantes, a series of investigations by LatamChequeathe network of Latin American fact-checkersinto different actors who spread disinformation in the region. This article was produced as part of the project Promoting reliable information and fighting disinformation in Latin America, coordinated by Chequeado and funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Factchequeado and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union. **In 2024, Factchequeado received a grant from the Open Society Foundation, which was used to strengthen our work with Spanish-language media and to expand our work to civil society organizations in order to promote informed Latino communities. One revelation from the recent wave of protests concerns the nature of the governing structure that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has shaped and overseen for all but 10 of the Islamic Republic's 46 years. It's clear that the remaining tools he had for controlling most of his citizens without killing or jailing them have been swept away. When the historian and philosopher Hannah Arendt anatomized the transition from "authority" to "power" in political systems, she had in mind the 20th century rise of totalitarian fascism and communism. Her model applies just as well to today's Iran. Authority, said Arendt, requires a level of consent from those ruled. Power, by contrast, relies on coercion. Iran has been moving relentlessly along the sliding scale between the two since 1979's Islamic revolution. It now depends fully on power. Consent for its rule is absent, other than from a hardcore base of beneficiaries and true believers in a revolution made by men now dead or in their 80s. You can measure the regime's transition away from authority by the number of judicial and extra-judicial executions it carries out each year, and those figures have been rising sharply. It's a rare area in which the Islamic Republic leads internationally, trailing only China. The year 2026 looks well placed to break all previous Iranian records. By Jan. 13, security forces had already killed at least 734 protesters based on reports from just 10% of hospitals and half the nation's provinces, according to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based non-profit, estimating that the true figure is in the thousands. These were extrajudicial killings; using live rounds for crowd control is a choice. At the same time, Iran's prosecutor general has described participants as "enemies of god," a charge that carries the death penalty, and promised expedited trials. Last year, absent protests, the government executed at least 975 people. We have long known that Iran's clerical regime is cruel to its people and destabilizing for the region. What has changed is that relative moderates within Khamenei's system - often misidentified as reformers - can no longer occupy the grey zone that allowed him to maintain some form of social contract with Iranians who wanted change, but feared the chaos and unpredictability of another revolution. President Masoud Pezeshkian is one of those Khamenei-loyal moderates. After Iran's humiliations by Israel and the US last year he argued for - and achieved - a relaxation on the enforcement of hated religious and social restrictions, including on female clothing and popular music. The result was an unprecedented explosion of women appearing in public with their hair uncovered, as well as public rock and pop concerts. What Pezeshkian could not achieve was to control the plunging currency and soaring living costs that provoked bazaar traders - generally male and conservative - to take to the streets and call for Khamenei's resignation, or indeed his death. Protesters from the top to bottom of Iranian society have joined them. The president failed because those economic woes are caused only in part by Western sanctions. The bigger problems lie in the corrupt, kleptocratic and militarized nature of a political system that has put an ever-growing share of the economy into the hands of Khamenei's ruling circle and their shock troops, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Only regime change can fix that. When the protests began, Pezeshkian and others who favor more conciliatory methods for ensuring regime survival had called for restraint and dialogue. But as it became apparent that protesters would be satisfied only by ending the Islamic Republic, including his own rule, he joined hardliners in dismissing them as US-Israeli-backed rioters and terrorists. The result is a final undressing of Khamenei's totalitarian system. It now relies entirely and nakedly on coercion, a situation that will likely continue even if it survives the protests. I'd like to agree with Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz, when he said on Tuesday that Khamenei and his republic must now be in their "final days and weeks" because governments that must rely on force are by definition in their last gasps. History, however, suggests that same violence can keep them in power for years, even decades. We won't know if the republic will fall until it does. But the question gets to another clarifying moment of these protests. For if it's extraordinarily difficult for an unarmed population to overthrow a regime that retains the will and ability to kill, it's even harder for an outside power. If US President Donald Trump could pull off in Tehran the kind of quick, limited military action he used to remove former President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, most Iranians would almost certainly be grateful. It's just unlikely that he can, and even Maduro's regime remains in power. Trump says he has lots of options for intervening to halt the killing and remove Khamenei, and no doubt he does. But few of those options are good, as US foreign-policy scholar Hal Brands has written for Bloomberg Opinion. Trump chose one item from the menu on Monday, and it's far from the worst. He announced a 25% US tariff on any country that does business with Iran. That, if enforced, would hurt the Iranian economy and Khamenei's revenues, but also the main customer for its oil exports, China. Last time Trump boosted tariffs on China he had to back down because of retaliation. Even if successfully enforced, there's no guarantee sanctions would persuade Khamenei to change course on a policy that he - correctly - considers core to his political, and even physical, survival. Sanctioning Iran's ability to raise revenue by exporting oil would not directly impact the ability of the IRGC to shoot protesters. Using air strikes or cyberattacks to bring about regime collapse would be at least as uncertain and could backfire. The task is made harder because this, as is more evident than ever, is a Jekyll-and-Hyde state. How to destroy an increasingly monstrous regime without harming the people you're trying to help remains an extraordinary challenge. That calculation changes the more protesters Khamenei's security forces kill, and Trump could well see this a chance to remove a hostile regime that's worth the risk. But even with US military intervention, this will be a job only Iranians can do. (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: Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ has gone to the Oklahoma Supreme Court as he attempts to avoid being deposed in an open records lawsuit. In December, Russ was ordered by an Oklahoma County judge to spend up to two hours answering questions about his office's use of the encrypted, self-deleting messaging app Signal to conduct state business. Oklahoma County District Court Judge Natalie Mai ordered Russ to sit for a deposition in a lawsuit filed by FOIA Professional Services, a third-party research firm that is digging into the treasurer's alleged coordination with groups that are opposed to ESG, or environmental, social and governance standards. In its lawsuit, FOIA Professional Services claims that the treasurer's office failed to turn over all requested records that are required by law to be provided. Advertisement Advertisement Russ appealed Mai's order to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Arguments are scheduled to be heard on Jan. 28. Russ, a former state lawmaker who has been Oklahoma's state treasurer since 2023, argues that Mai failed to consider existing caselaw when she ordered his deposition. To bolster his argument, he pointed to a 2022 federal appellate court ruling that adopted a four-part "extraordinary circumstances" test for deciding when a high-ranking official can be deposed. Oklahoma State Treasurer Todd Russ speaks at a Board of Equalization meeting at the Oklahoma Capitol. Russ has asked the Oklahoma Supreme Court to recognize an "extraordinary circumstances" test for when high-level government officials are ordered to sit for a deposition. What is required to depose a high-ranking official? Here are the four requirements the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals said is needed when trying to depose a high-ranking official: The official has first-hand knowledge related to the claim being litigated The testimony will likely lead to the discovery of admissible evidence The deposition is essential to the party's case The information cannot be obtained from an alternative source or via less burdensome means Advertisement Advertisement In his petition to the Oklahoma Supreme Court, Russ argued that employees in the treasurer's office "were adequate, if not better sources of information" about the records request. Quoting the federal court ruling, Russ argues the extraordinary circumstances test "is based on the notion that high-ranking government officials have greater duties and time constraints than other witnesses and that, without appropriate limitations, such officials will spend an inordinate amount of time tending to pending litigation." Other federal courts and state-level courts across the United States have adopted the "extraordinary circumstances" test for high-level government officials, but the issue hasn't yet been decided in Oklahoma courts. The original open records lawsuit filed by FOIA Professional Services claims that in 2023, Deputy Treasurer Jordan Harvey communicated with three groups to discuss divesting state funds from financial institutions that use ESG factors in selecting investments. Advertisement Advertisement FOIA Professional Services filed an open records request for documents related to the discussions, and one tranche of records included an email from Harvey's personal account, which led to suspicion that state business was being conducted through private email. In a court filing, FOIA Professional Services said the records strongly suggested that the groups sent documents to Harvey's personal email address, and that those documents weren't released. "Through discovery, (FOIA Professional Services) has learned that the defendants are unable to produce all responsive public records because one or more of the defendants communicated with potentially multiple lobbying groups about ESG using Signal, an encrypted messaging application with a 'disappearing messages' feature," a filing states. During Harvey's deposition, she testified she communicated with "friends in D.C." using Signal on her personal phone, according to court records. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ appeals deposition order in records case Over the next few days, Triangle residents may have two opportunities to see snow. The forecast for Wednesday night, Jan. 14 into Thursday, Jan. 15 calls for very low chances for snow accumulation, Aaron Swiggett, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Raleigh, told The News & Observer in a phone interview. Precipitation in the form of rain is expected during the day Wednesday, but a snowflake or two may be mixed in, with the best chances of that happening after nightfall. Advertisement Advertisement This pattern is not typical for any kind of impactful, accumulating snowfall of any kind, Swiggett said. Areas north and east of Raleigh have better chances of receiving snow during this round of precipitation. Actual temperatures in the Triangle will be cold over the next few days, but the apparent or feels like temperatures Thursday, Jan. 15 and Friday, Jan. 16 could dip into the low teens. (National Weather Service) Will it snow this weekend? A few days later, chances again arise for the Triangle to get snow. Over the weekend, an area of low pressure developing off the coast could bring a chance for precipitation, and it could be snow. As of Wednesday, chances of snow on Sunday, Jan. 18 are low, Swiggett said. But weather watchers should expect the forecast to change. It may trend a little bit warmer, and it may trend a little bit more liquid, Swiggett said. It may trend towards coast. It may trend off the coast. So it may be dynamic as we approach the weekend, so confidence in anything this point is pretty low. Advertisement Advertisement Snow chances are better east of the Triad, so that would include the Triangle, Swiggett said. In 2025, Raleigh received nearly 5 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service. The Triangles first snowfall of 2026 could come as soon as this week. (National Weather Service Raleigh) So far in 2026, no measurable snow has been recorded in the Raleigh area, according to the National Weather Service. In 2025, Raleigh received 4.9 inches of snow. Below-freezing temperatures expected this week The bigger impact will be cold temperatures leading up to this weekends potential snow. These temperatures come days after record-high temperatures were felt across the Triangle. On Saturday, Jan. 10, a maximum temperature of 76 degrees was recorded at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, breaking the record high of 75 degrees set in 1930. A record high temperature of 76 degrees was set the Raleigh-Durham International Airport today, and a record high temperature of 80 degrees was set at the Fayetteville Regional Airport today. pic.twitter.com/fcYh8ymDp1 NWS Raleigh (@NWSRaleigh) January 10, 2026 We have some minimum apparent temperatures which is what it will feel like in the low teens even across portions of the Triangle, Swiggett said. So itll be quite chilly for the next couple days, Thursday into Friday morning. Advertisement Advertisement This story has been updated. Ask the North Carolina Service Journalism Team Questions about life in North Carolina? Or have a tip or story idea youd like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you. You can submit your question by filling out this form. Triangle temperatures could reach record highs this week. Latest forecast Will NC get a snowy, cold winter? Heres what the NOAA forecast says US president Donald Trump is exaggerating the threat to Greenland posed by Russia and China, Swedens defence minister has said as European troops arrived in the territory. Military reinforcements from France, Germany, Norway and Sweden are set to help boost Arctic security amid the presidents persistent threats of a full US takeover. Part of Mr Trumps justification for his ambitions is that if we dont, Russia or China will, as he insists that Nato should support his plans for its own security. Advertisement Advertisement However, Swedens defence minister, Pal Jonson, dismissed the claim as an exaggeration. The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland said there remained fundamental disagreement between their respective countries and the US (AP) If you state that Greenland is flooded with Russian and Chinese vessels, thats an exaggeration according to the assessments that we do for the region, he told The Telegraph. President Trump has claimed that the region is covered with Chinese and Russian ships all over the place. But, while there has been an increase in the number of Chinese research vessels being stationed in the Arctic, Mr Jonson said the scope of such placements was limited. I dont think it should be exaggerated: it tends to be predominantly focusing on research vessels, he explained. Danish military assets participate in an exercise involving hundreds of troops from European Nato members in the Arctic Ocean in Nuuk, Greenland last year (AP) Europe has been left scrambling for a response to Mr Trumps plans, which some have suggested would mark the end of Nato if they succeed. Frances president Emmanuel Macron is set to hold an emergency meeting with his defence cabinet in Paris on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Denmark and other Nato allies have increased their military presence in the region amid the uncertainty. Sweden confirmed a deployment of military officers to the Arctic at the behest of Denmark and other countries, including the UK, are expected to follow in the coming weeks. At Denmarks request, I have decided that France will participate in the joint exercises organised by Denmark in Greenland, Mr Macron confirmed in a post on X/Twitter on Thursday. The first French military elements are already en route. Others will follow. Donald Trump has said Russia or China will move to occupy Greenland if the US doesnt (AP) Germany will deploy a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel, France will send 15 soldiers, and the UK is expected to send one military officer. It follows strained discussions at the White House on Wednesday that ended in fundamental disagreement between the US and representatives from Greenland and Denmark. Advertisement Advertisement The meeting between Danish foreign minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenlands foreign minister Vivian Motzfeldt was originally meant to take place with secretary of state Marco Rubio, before vice-president JD Vance demanded to be included. Denmark and the US have agreed to set up a working group to discuss ways to resolve their differences as Mr Trump continues to insist that he needs the territory. 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, Mr Rasmussen told reporters on Wednesday. He said that a US acquisition of Greenland was absolutely not necessary. But Mr Trump continued to issue thinly veiled threats, making references to the toppling of the Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, in the immediate aftermath of the diplomatic talks. Greenland is very important for 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. Denmark and Greenland have clapped back at Donald Trumps latest power grab, emerging from a White House meeting to call him out for lying and rebuke his push to seize the island as totally unacceptable. Hours after Trump ramped up pressure to acquire Greenland, foreign ministers from the two nations accused the president of making up a narrative about China potentially seizing Greenland to justify Americas desire to acquire it first. Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen pose at Denmark's embassy in Washington D.C. / MADS CLAUS RASMUSSEN / Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima The comments came hours after Trump put out an incendiary post insisting that the U.S. needs Greenland for national security. Advertisement Advertisement 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 wrote on Wednesday. But speaking to reporters at the Danish Embassy after meeting Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen rejected this claim. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Danish officials on Wednesday. / SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images Its not a true narrative that we have Chinese warships all around the place, said Rasmussen, a two-time former prime minister of Denmark. According to our intelligence, we havent had Chinese warships in Greenland for a decade or so. The comments are consistent with independent researchers who have pointed out that Russian and Chinese warships are not all over Greenland, as the administration has claimed, but in the Bering Strait, which is on the other side of the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Rasmussen added that while they wanted to work with the U.S. to bolster security in the region, any move that did not respect Greenlands self-determination would be totally unacceptable. Greenland Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt agreed, noting that while her nation considered the U.S. to be an ally, that doesnt mean we want to be owned by the United States. Trump has had his eye on Greenland since his first administration, but has ramped up his push in recent weeks as he moves to assert Americas dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Some of the options reportedly being canvassed by the administration include purchasing Greenland outright or forming a Compact of Free Association with the territoryalthough the latter would stop short of Trumps ambition to make Greenland part of the US. Greenlanders gathered to protest Trump's remarks on the sovereignty of their country. / Anadolu / Anadolu via Getty Images But he has also not ruled out using military force to annex Greenland, even though doing so would be highly controversial, as Greenland is a self-governing democratic territory of Denmark, a close U.S. ally. Advertisement Advertisement As the ministers reiterated on Wednesday, Greenland is also a fellow NATO member, and military action would therefore be a gross violation of international law and state sovereignty. Our perspectives continue to differ, Rasmussen said. The president has made his view clear. And we have a different position. Speaking in the Oval Office after the meeting, Trump said he had not yet been briefed by Vance and Rubio on the talks. However, he reiterated that we need Greenland for national security. Earlier, he also claimed the island was vital for the Golden Dome that we are building." President Donald Trump speaks alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in the Oval Office in May as they announce plans for a The Golden Dome is a cutting-edge missile defense system meant to intercept threats targeting the American homeland, similar to the Iron Dome used in Israel, Trump said on Truth Social on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Experts have described Trumps claims as ridiculous. Denmark is a member of NATO, which means China and Russia will never attack, let alone invade, Greenland. Our president is making completely absurd statements right now, which are extremely damaging to our reputation and thus national security. https://t.co/B3rRwqtnTZ Michael McFaul (@McFaul) January 14, 2026 Most of this is nonsense, said Shashank Joshi, a fellow at the Department of War Studies at Kings College in London and the defence editor for The Economist. Greenland is important to US missile defence, including Golden Dome, because of its location and its early-warning radar. A US radar of one sort of another has been there for nearly 70 years, without the need for US sovereignty. Michael McFaul, Professor of Political Science and Senior Fellow at Stanford University, added: Denmark is a member of NATO, which means China and Russia will never attack, let alone invade, Greenland. Our president is making completely absurd statements right now, which are extremely damaging to our reputation and thus national security. The Trump administration on Thursday said it has launched trade talks with Honduras as it increases the U.S.s presence in Latin America. On Wednesday, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met with Honduran President-elect Nasry Tito Asfura, who was backed by President Trump throughout the campaign season. The two discussed future bilateral trade and economic opportunities, according to a readout from Greers office. Advertisement Advertisement Both sides agreed on the importance of our relationship, improving cooperation and strengthening reciprocal trade and intend to launch negotiations of a bilateral Agreement on Reciprocal Trade as soon as possible, the readout says. The U.S. goods and services trade with Honduras totaled an estimated $15.8 billion in 2024, marking a 4.7 percent increase from 2023, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Currently, the country pays a 10 percent tariff set by the Trump administration on Liberation Day. Honduras is well known for exporting coffee and significant exports of knit apparel like T-shirts, insulated wires, palm oil and seafood, especially shrimp. 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 The Hill. Even as flight tracking data shows an apparent exodus of aircraft from the biggest U.S. base in the Middle East ahead of a possible new conflict with Iran, Trump on Wednesday said the rationale for an attack may be subsiding. The president claimed that the killings of anti-regime protesters, which sparked his repeated threats against Iran, seem to be ending. His comments have created confusion in military, political, and diplomatic circles about what he intends to do about Iran. You can catch up with our previous coverage of the unfolding events here. We were told that the killing in Iran is stopping and stopped stopping, and theres no plan for executions or an execution or executions, Trump stated. So Ive been told that on good authority. Well find out about it. BREAKING: Trump: We have been told that the killing in Iran is stopping, it has stopped. There is no plan for executions. I have been told that, we will find out about it. pic.twitter.com/TnJMgP2Dfp Clash Report (@clashreport) January 14, 2026 Asked if that meant an operation against Iran was off the table, Trump said: We will watch and see how the process develops. However, we have received a very good very good statement from people who know the situation well. Journalist: Does this mean that military action against Iran is now off the table? Trump: We will watch and see how the process develops. However, we have received a very good very good statement from people who know the situation well. pic.twitter.com/UzUA8EOfEW Visioner (@visionergeo) January 14, 2026 Before Trumps White House statements, it was reported that Wednesdays planned execution of Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old protester who has become the face of imperiled demonstrators, was postponed. Just spoken to relatives of Erfan Soltani, the 26yr old protestor, due to be executed today in Iran. They told us the execution has been postponed. pic.twitter.com/poa2UiTWtA Paraic O'Brien (@paraicobrien) January 14, 2026 On Tuesday, Trump put out a message on his Truth Social platform, urging continued protests against the regime, adding a perceived promise of action that HELP IS ON ITS WAY. Advertisement Advertisement In an exclusive story later in the day, NBC News reported that Trump has told his national security team that he would want any U.S. military action in Iran to deliver a swift and decisive blow to the regime and not spark a sustained war that dragged on for weeks or months. The network cited a U.S. official, two people familiar with the discussions and a person close to the White House. If he does something, he wants it to be definitive, one of the people familiar with the discussions told NBC. But Trumps advisers have so far not been able to guarantee to him that the regime would quickly collapse after an American military strike, the U.S. official and two people familiar with the discussions said, the story continued, and there is concern that the U.S. may not have all the assets in the region it would need to guard against what administration officials expect would be an aggressive Iranian response. President Donald J. Trump has told his national security team that he would want any U.S. military action in Iran to deliver a swift and decisive blow to the regime and not spark a sustained war that dragged on for weeks or months, according to a U.S. official who spoke to NBC pic.twitter.com/kMku3M52WH OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 15, 2026 Trumps comments on Wednesday have reportedly left diplomats bewildered about what will happen next. In a post on X, Wall Street Journal reporter Laurence Norman reported that there is Utter confusion, uncertainty about whats going on now with #Iran among various senior diplomats. Utter confusion, uncertainty about what's going on now with #Iran among various senior diplomats. laurence norman (@laurnorman) January 14, 2026 Still, there were signs potentially indicating impending military action. The Pentagon ordered some personnel at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar to evacuate the facility. The withdrawal from the Al Udeid air base, the US's regional military command that hosts about 10,000 troops, was described by an Arab official as a 'precaution as of now'. https://t.co/jMegk8fQB5 pic.twitter.com/eF5sYbrYkj Financial Times (@FT) January 14, 2026 Later on Wednesday, as we pointed out earlier in this story, U.S. military aircraft appeared to be leaving that facility in numbers. Six KC-135 tankers departed al-Udeid base pic.twitter.com/Esnew8RFe8 Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) January 14, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Embassy in Qatar advised personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to Al Udeid. Qatar: Given ongoing regional tensions, the U.S. Embassy in Doha has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to Al Udeid Airbase. We recommend U.S. citizens in Qatar do the same. The U.S. Mission to Qatar continues to monitor the pic.twitter.com/wGXYW8uF0G TravelGov (@TravelGov) January 14, 2026 In Kuwait, the U.S. Embassy instructed mission personnel to halt movements to military bases in that country. The U.S. Embassy in Kuwait has instructed Mission personnel to comply with a temporary halt to movement into facilities at Camp Arifjan, Camp Buehring, Ali Al Salem Air Base, and Camp Patriot.https://t.co/XXq9S7CxuN pic.twitter.com/C1agQfTL0V Faytuks News (@Faytuks) January 15, 2026 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, Reuters reported. We saw a similar pattern in June, just days before Trump ordered the Operation Midnight Hammer attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, when the Air Force evacuated many of its aircraft from bases near the Persian Gulf in order to save them from a potential barrage. There have also been peculiar aircraft movements to Hawaii, though the reason is not clear. The Hawaii Air National Guard (HANG) is holding Sentry Aloha, a large training exercise involving fighter aircraft, airborne early warning jets and refueling tankers. This could account for some of the activity, but that even kicked off today and usually participating aircraft do not show up the night before such an exercise. Eight American aerial refueling tanker aircraft are loitering over Hawaii. pic.twitter.com/37hUuDQS9X Leon Sverdlov (@Leon_Sverdlov) January 14, 2026 It also should be remembered that the Pentagon purposely made sure flight trackers could see the movements of what appeared to be a large group of B-2s over the Pacific ahead of Midnight Hammer in what became a very effective information operation. In reality, the real strike force was heading east without being tracked, over the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, before making their way to strike their targets in Iran. Advertisement Advertisement At midnight, Friday into Saturday morning, a large B-2 strike package comprised of bombers left the United States, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, explained during a press conference following Midnight Hammer. As part of a plan to maintain tactical surprise, part of the package proceeded to the west and into the Pacific as a decoy, a deception effort known only to an extremely small number of planners and key leaders here in Washington and in Tampa. Whether there is any connection between what we are seeing in Hawaii and any attack on Iran is something we will only really know after the fact, just like Midnight Hammer. But aside from prepositioning refueling assets, this seems less likely at this time. As far as Navy assets, a handful of unconfirmed reports state the U.S. is ordering the USS Abraham Lincoln and its carrier strike group (CSG) to the Middle East. This would mark the first major movement of Navy assets to the region since massive protests against the regime of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei broke out across the country last month. There are currently no U.S. aircraft carriers in the region. US MILITARY HARDWARE MOVING TO THE MIDDLE EAST AMID TENSIONS WITH IRAN: The U.S. is moving a carrier strike group from the South China Sea to the CENTCOM area of responsibility, a source with knowledge tells me @NewsNation That will take a week or so to complete. Kellie Meyer (@KellieMeyerNews) January 14, 2026 A US official tells Al Jazeera: The USS Lincoln aircraft carrier and its strike groupwill move from the South China Sea to the Middle East, the news outlet reported on Telegram Wednesday afternoon. While The War Zone cannot independently confirm that, such a movement fits in with our assessment earlier today that the Lincoln CSG would be the most likely choice for a carrier deployment should the Pentagon decide to plus-up its Navy presence in the region. We will continue to monitor this situation for updated information. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier today, a Navy official told us that there were six ships in the CENTCOM region three Arleigh Burke class destroyers, USS McFaul, USS Mitscher and USS Roosevelt, as well as three Littoral Combat Ships, the USS Tulsa, USS Santa Barbara and USS Canberra. U.S. Navy sailors heave a line from the Lewis and Clark class dry cargo ship USNS Carl Brashear during a replenishment-at-sea aboard the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul. The ship is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Intelligence Specialist Aubree Miller) Chief Petty Officer Aubree Miller In comparison, at the time of the Operation Midnight Hammer attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in June, the Vinson Carrier Strike Group was deployed to the region as well as two Arleigh Burke class destroyers, according to USNIs Fleet and Marine Tracker. An additional three Arleigh Burkes were on station in the Eastern Mediterranean, well within range of Iran for its long-range missiles. There are currently no U.S. warships in that body of water, the Navy told us this morning. Wednesday morning, Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, addressed questions about whether he was concerned no carriers are now in the CENTCOM region. While those deployments provided far more punch than exists now, we have previously pointed out that other capabilities can fill-in for a carrier strike group, at least to a degree. This includes land-based aircraft and additional land-based air defenses, although we have seen no indication of major movements of those capabilities, either. Its also worth noting that there is a sizable U.S. force deployed to the Middle East at any given time. Advertisement Advertisement So we can show up pretty much anywhere in the world and provide options right away [but] its about risk, he told reporters, including from The War Zone, at the Surface Navy Associations annual symposium. This is risk. This is risk to mission. It can be risk to force and certainly risk to objectives if combatant commanders dont have the forces they need. Regardless of Trumps comments or U.S. military movements, the region remains on edge. The British closed their embassy in Tehran while India ordered its citizens to leave the country. BREAKING: British Embassy has been closed in Tehran A government spokesperson said: 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. Dan Bloom (@danbloom1) January 14, 2026 Meanwhile, Israel seems to be preparing for a major event, though officials are trying to maintain an element of calm. The IDF says it has stepped up its defensive posture and is closely monitoring developments amid reports of a possible US strike on Iran and Iranian threats of retaliation against Israel, while urging the public to rely only on official updates and avoid spreading rumors, the Times of Israel reported. Advertisement Advertisement A senior IDF official told us that he is seeing mixed signs of preparation. I have just returned from the Kirya base, the IDFs main headquarters, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss operational details. I did not observe anything out of the ordinary there. At the same time, I continue to hear ongoing directives instructing units to maintain a high level of readiness for any possible scenario. I am aware that aircraft are armed and on immediate standby, and that all active missile defense systems are fully operational and prepared, he added. Jerusalem is also preparing for attacks from the Houthi rebels of Yemen and the Hezbollah insurgents of Lebanon. Both groups are Iranian proxies that have had frequent conflicts with Israel. CHANNEL 12 | IDF PREPARES FOR MULTI-FRONT THREAT Channel 12 News reports that the Israel Defense Forces is preparing for the possibility that Houthi movement forces in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon could also take part in attacks against Israel. The assessment reflects pic.twitter.com/SpEWeSMcYv Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) January 14, 2026 The German airline Lufthansa told employees to immediately prepare to leave Israel, which is at a high state of alert for an attack on or from Iran. The German flagship carrier Lufthansa has told employees to immediately prepare to leave Israel and will cancel all flights to and from the country beginning Thursday, due to heightened tensions in the region related to Iran. pic.twitter.com/5xfIxE0lmu OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 14, 2026 As for the situation inside Iran, it remains extremely difficult to assess what is really taking place. The scope of any ongoing protests remains unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Iran, as we previously noted, has largely shut down the internet and telephone service, including attempting to jam Starlink terminals. An exact number of deaths since the protests began on Dec. 28 over rising prices, devalued currency that saw the rial crater now to basically nothing, a devastating drought, and brutal government crackdowns, is hard to pin down. On Wednesday, the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) reported that more than 2,400 protesters have been killed so far. A day earlier, CBS News stated that the death toll was at least 12,000 and possibly as high as 20,000. The events in and around Iran remain highly fluid and we will continue to provide updates when warranted. Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com Americans will have to wait a little longer for the $2,000 stimulus checks President Donald Trump promised them. Trump proposed a new timeline for when Americans can expect the checks in a recent interview with The New York Times. Attention on stimulus checks picked up when Trump promised them in a Nov. 9 post on Truth Social in which he raved about the success of American tariffs and wrote that a "dividend of at least $2,000 a person (not including high income people!) will be paid to everyone." Advertisement Advertisement In mid-November, Trump vowed to issue the tariff dividend checks sometime in 2026, before the midterms. But based on his comments with the Times, this is no longer is the case. So, what exactly did he say? What's the latest timeline? Here's what you need to know. President Donald Trump speaks at the Detroit Economic Club in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., January 13, 2026. When do the stimulus checks go out? Americans can expect the checks in late 2026, Trump said in a Times article published Jan. 11. Asked when the $2,000 stimulus checks would be available, Trump said, I would say toward the end of the year," The Hill reported. The president previously discussed sending checks in mid-2026. The payments require Congressional approval, however, which isn't guaranteed. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett told CBS' Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan in late December that he expects the president to bring forth a proposal to Congress in the new year. Is Trump really giving out stimulus checks? Officials from the Trump administration have confirmed in recent days the president's commitment to sending $2,000 checks to Americans. A White House official told Time magazine earlier this month that the Trump administration, in light of tariff revenue, remains committed to putting this windfall to good use for the American people and continues to explore all options. Advertisement Advertisement Despite this commitment, members of the Trump administration have been clear the checks would require Congressional approval, and many members of Congress, including fellow Republicans, don't express strong support for the idea. Instead, many members of Congress would rather spend tariff revenue on decreasing the national debt. Trump disagreed, telling The New York Times he doesnt believe he needs Congress to approve the checks, according to The Hill. Who will get Trump's $2,000 stimulus checks? On Nov. 17, Trump vowed to issue dividend checks to "individuals of moderate income." Who that entails is unclear. Pew Research Center defines the 2024 middle class as households earning $55,820 to $167,460, based on the national median income. With previous federal stimulus checks, individuals earning up to $75,000 and couples earning up to $150,000 received full payments. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent gave an idea of who might receive the checks during an appearance on "Fox & Friends" on Nov. 12. "The president's talking about a $2,000 rebate, and that would be for families making less than, say, $100,000," he said on the Fox News channel. Bessent added that this is still under discussion. USA TODAY Network reporter Maria Francis and USA TODAY reporter Mike Snider contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When are the stimulus checks arriving? Trump's latest update Trumps Greenland demands dont allow for a diplomatic solution President Donald Trumps insistence on the United States taking control of Greenland puts the future of Americas relationship with Europe on a precipice. In a normal world, the White House meeting Wednesday between top officials from Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. could be said to have gone well. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio had cordial discussions with the visiting dignitaries of allied nations. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen even told reporters afterward that he understood some of Americas security concerns around Greenland, given how climate change is opening the Arctic, rapidly transforming historical ice sheets into navigable waterways. While the Europeans might have sought to de-escalate tensions, the same cant be said for Trump. While the Europeans might have sought to de-escalate tensions, the same cant be said for Trump. The presidents focus on Greenland increasingly appears to be an obsession, particularly as he reiterates his demands in the face of widespread criticism. Before being sworn into his second term, Trump revived what had seemed like a bizarre, likely fleeting interest in 2019. In a statement naming his ambassador to Denmark, he declared that ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity. Advertisement Advertisement The origin of this expansionist desire reportedly stemmed from a conversation with a billionaire friend, according to journalists Peter Baker and Susan Glasser. He would later claim credit for the idea as his own in a 2021 interview: I love maps. And I always said, Look at the size of this. Its massive. That should be part of the United States. Whatever the origin of Trumps fixation, Greenland is the largest island in the world and there are strategic reasons for the U.S. to be interested in its future. As with so many Trump whims, this has sparked a sort of reverse engineering policy effort among Trumps staff to find legitimate reasons for his interest. Some Trump allies, including Vance and several GOP senators, have emphasized the islands natural resources, including rare earth metals. Others have focused on a need to potentially counter Russian or Chinese naval encroachment in the Arctic and North Atlantic. In Trumps first term, Denmark rejected Trumps wish to purchase Greenland. It has continued to hold firm against the notion of a sale. There has been discussion in Greenland over the years about whether to seek independence. But Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said Tuesday that his country would rather stay put than become part of the U.S. Denmarks defiance hasnt gone over well with Trump, whos only grown more bellicose since his successful move to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. During a White House event last week, Trump said the U.S. would do something on Greenland whether they like it or not. He added, I would like to make a deal the easy way, but if we dont do it the easy way, were going to do it the hard way. Advertisement Advertisement Presumably the administration pressure campaign over the past year constitutes the easy way, at least in part. Last March, Vance and his wife took a controversial visit to Greenland, where the U.S. has a military base, to emphasize U.S. interest in the island. Reuters recently reported that the Trump administration mulled essentially bribing Greenlanders to break away from Denmark via a referendum in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars sent to each resident. Exactly what Trumps hard way would be hasnt been said outright Exactly what Trumps hard way would be hasnt been said outright, but last spring, Trump refused to rule out the use of force. Last week, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller told CNN that nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland. Ahead of Wednesdays meeting, the official White House X account posted a meme showing Greenland with a choice between a bright future with America and a dark time aligned with Russia and China. (In this prophecy, Denmark is apparently not part of the equation.) European governments have been understandably rattled by the Trump teams rhetoric. The European Parliament said Wednesday that it unequivocally condemns the statements made by the Trump administration regarding Greenland, which constitute a blatant challenge to international law, to the principles of the United Nations Charter and to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a NATO ally. Should the U.S. move militarily against Denmark, a fellow NATO member, it would fundamentally shatter the transatlantic alliance. MS NOW has reported that European countries are discussing invoking a mutual defense clause in the European Unions founding treaty in such an event. Along with the rupture of diplomatic and military ties, it would be hard in a moral respect to differentiate an American conquest of territory by force from Russias attempt to forcibly annex Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement In a normal world, Wednesdays meeting could have been an opportunity for both sides to air their views and resolve tensions. But there is no diplomatic solution that will leave Trump satisfied. As he posted on social media ahead of the meeting, the outcome must be Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable. If the options are for Denmark and Greenland to surrender or face the consequences, the only question is how long Trump will wait before deciding to do things the hard way. The post Trumps Greenland demands dont allow for a diplomatic solution appeared first on MS NOW. This article was originally published on ms.now On Monday, Jan. 11, the state of Minnesota filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security to end the "unlawful" surge of DHS agents to the state. This comes in the wake of the fatal shooting of US citizen Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week. Star Tribune via Getty Images "The unlawful deployment of thousands of armed, masked, and poorly trained federal agents is hurting Minnesota, said Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison in a press conference. Today, I joined with @MayorFrey and Mayor Her to announce a joint lawsuit to end the unlawful and unprecedented surge of ICE agents in Minnesota.People are being racially profiled, harassed, terrorized, and assaulted.It has to stop. pic.twitter.com/d2uCeyGiKv Attorney General Keith Ellison (@AGEllison) January 13, 2026 Via Twitter: @AGEllison "Schools have gone into lockdown. Businesses have been forced to close. Minnesota police are spending countless hours dealing with the chaos ICE is causing," Ellison continued . "This federal invasion of the Twin Cities has to stop, so today I am suing DHS to bring it to an end. Related: 27 Photos Of Donald Trump In 2025 He Probably Reaaaaaally Doesn't Want You To See Following the announcement of the lawsuit, Trump took to Truth Social with a lengthy message for Minnesota Democrats, attempting to shift blame for the city's unrest onto them. Alex Wong / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement He starts off with some good 'ole fearmongering, asking Minnesotans if they "really want to live in a community in which their are 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 other deadly criminals too dangerous to even mention." It's always tragic when someone misuses there/their/they're, but even more so when it's the president. Trump goes on to praise the "patriots of ICE" for doing their job and removing criminals who "illegally entered the USA through Sleepy Joe Biden's HORRIBLE Open Border's Policy." Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Related: "Just Straight Up Fairy Tale Nonsense" JD Vance Gave A Really Bizarre Reason As To Why Buying A House Is So Expensive, And Everyone Is Like, "Dude, What" Then, Trump does what he does best: blames the Democrats. He says, "Minnesota Democrats love the unrest that anarchists and professional agitators are causing because it gets the spotlight off of the 19 Billion Dollars that was stollen by really bad and deranged people." The "19 Billion Dollars" likely references a 42-minute video posted to YouTube by independent right-wing journalist Nick Shirley in which he alleges widespread fraud at Somali-run daycares in Minnesota. His findings prompted federal investigations, which are still ongoing at this time. Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement While there's clearly a lot to unpack overall, it's the way Trump wraps up the rant that really has people talking. In all caps, he writes, "FEAR NOT, GREAT PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA, THE DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING!" Related: People Have Little Sympathy For This Trump Supporter Who Said They'd "Gladly" Pay More For Groceries...Until They Got The Bill People online are pointing out how dystopian "reckoning & retribution" sounds when framed as a political threat. "Unhinged & embarrassing," someone else said, referencing the troubling way Trump appears to define a "deadly criminal." Others are calling out the dangerous implications of Trump's divisive rhetoric, despite trying to appeal to the "GREAT PEOPLE OF MINNESOTA". "Framing immigrants as criminals to justify fear and retribution is political theater, not reality. When leaders use exaggerated threats to rally support, they feed division and distract from the real structural issues that undermine safety and law." Related: People Can't Stop Laughing At These Federal Agents Trying To Catch A Cyclist After He Yelled "F*ck Trump" "Is he waging war on his own people?" Advertisement Advertisement "Oh, nice. The day of reckoning and retribution is coming. Naturally, this leads me to fear not." GREAT READERS OF BUZZFEED, LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS! Also in In the News: People Are Noticing Something Strange About These Videos Of Trump At Events This Week Also in In the News: "My Face Aint Hidden, B*tch": People Are Absolutely In Awe Of This Woman Yelling At ICE Agents Also in In the News: "Oh My God": People Are Not Holding Back AT ALL After Trump Made Another White House "Upgrade," And Hoo Boy, You Gotta See This One Read it on BuzzFeed.com Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected calls by Denmark and Greenland for the Trump administration to drop its talk of taking over Greenland during a high-profile meeting at the White House on Wednesday. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said there was a fundamental disagreement between the countries following the meeting, while President Trump at a press event repeated his belief that the U.S. needs Greenland for national security. Trump has made acquiring Greenland a high priority during his second term and has not ruled out using military force. His threats against a NATO ally come as Trump weighs renewed military action in Iran and is basking in the success of a military operation that led to the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Advertisement Advertisement Talk by Trump officials that acquiring Greenland was a top administration priority ticked up after the Maduro operation, rattling U.S. allies in Europe and a number of lawmakers in Congress. We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not, Trump told reporters last week. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned earlier this month that U.S. military action against Greenland would cause the end of the NATO alliance and criticized Trumps threats as unacceptable, but she also said they should be taken seriously. A coalition of European nations will conduct a reconnaissance mission in Greenland this weekend to explore boosting security in the region. Advertisement Advertisement Greenland has autonomous governance but is under the ownership of Denmark, which is responsible for its security. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday he would be briefed on Vance and Rubios meeting with their Danish and Greenlandic counterparts later in the afternoon. The president has said Greenland is a top priority because of increased shipping brought about by climate change. Hes cast it as important to U.S. national security given increased action in the region by both Russia and China. If we dont go in, then Russia and Chinas going to go in, and theres not a thing Denmark can do about it. But we can do everything about it, Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Trump dug in to the issue of acquiring Greenland hours before Wednesdays planned meeting, writing in a Truth Social post that anything less than the territory under U.S. control would be unacceptable. But Denmark and Greenland reject U.S. ownership, a point underscored by the two foreign ministers Wednesday. They said they are intent on keeping communication open with Washington to resolve any concerns over the islands security, but that Greenland will not become part of the United States. We have decided to form a high-level working group, to explore, if we can find a common way forward, Rasmussen told reporters outside the Danish Embassy in Washington, following the meeting with Vance and Rubio. 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. Advertisement Advertisement Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt said Greenland is committed to find the right path and strengthen security cooperation with the U.S. without coming under control of Washington. That does not mean we want to be owned by the United States. But as allies, how we can strengthen our cooperation is our interest, she said. Rasmussen told reporters he agrees there is some truth to Trumps security concerns of China and Russia seeking dominance in the Arctic, but U.S. ownership of Greenland is absolutely not necessary. We have the longest-lasting diplomatic relation with the U.S. that any U.S. ally has, 225 years in a row, he said. We have a perfect framework which can be used. Alan Leventhal, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Greenland during the Biden administration, said he was encouraged by the meeting Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Just the fact that a meeting was held, I thought was constructive, the former ambassador said, calling Rasmussens characterization of the meeting as a frank and constructive one a positive. At the same time as the meeting in the U.S., protesters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen under the motto Greenland is for Greenlanders, holding and waving Greenlands flag. A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers agree with Greenlandic and Danish officials that U.S. ownership is not necessary and that current agreements allow for the U.S. to scale up its military presence if needed. Thats their prerogative, and theyre right, and theyve made that very clear to us, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told reporters last week following a meeting with the ambassadors from Denmark and Greenland. Advertisement Advertisement Wicker said his message to Trump is that there are more important issues to focus on, such as aggression from Russia, China and Iran, and that time should not be spent on antagonizing allies. Thats my message to the president of the United States: I think our intention should be on those very, very serious issues, he said. And when we have a discussion with allies, and theyve made their position very, very clear, as friends, I think it is incumbent on us to honor the wishes of our very, very close allies. Other lawmakers have offered legislation on Greenland. Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a bill to block Trump from taking over Greenland. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) also joined House Democrats on similar legislation, while Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) offered a bill to make Greenland a state. Advertisement Advertisement Leventhal noted the strategic importance of Greenland, pointing to its mineral wealth and geographic location. The Arctic is of great concern. I agree in terms of the priorities of the administration, Leventhal said. But we have an ally which will do anything for us, and the Greenlandic people will support that as well, he added, referring to Denmark. 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. President Trump is not giving up in his pursuit of the U.S. owning Greenland, despite the complete rejection of such a move by officials from Copenhagen and Nuuk. There remains a fundamental disagreement between the positions of Denmark, Greenland and the U.S., Denmarks Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen told reporters following a meeting with Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House on Wednesday. Rasmussen appeared alongside Greenlands Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt outside the Danish Embassy in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement The meeting marked the first senior-level engagement between Washington, Copenhagen and Nuuk since Trump revived his desire to take over Greenland, Rasmussen said, and the three sides agreed to establish a high-level working group to address U.S. security concerns on the island. The discussions focused on how to ensure the long-term security in Greenland, and here our perspectives continue to differ, Rasmussen said. The president has made his view clear, and we have a different position. Denmark owns the territory of Greenland and is responsible for its security, but the island country has an autonomous government. Advertisement Advertisement We have decided to form a high-level working group to explore if we can find a common way forward, Rasmussen said. 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. The group is expected to meet for the first time in a couple of weeks, he said, adding it is absolutely not necessary for the U.S. to own Greenland. Motzfeldt said Greenland is committed to finding the right path and strengthening security cooperation with the U.S. That does not mean we want to be owned by the United States. But as allies, how we can strengthen our cooperation is our interest, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Rasmussen added that the meeting was an opportunity to challenge Trumps narrative on the island, including that it is under threat from China. It is not a true narrative that we have Chinese warships all around the place. According to our intelligence, we havent had a Chinese worship in Greenland for a decade or so, Rasmussen said. 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. Donald Trump has accused Ukraine, not Russia, of standing in the way of a peace deal, signalling his frustrations are once again turning back to Kyiv. I think hes ready to make a deal, the US president said of Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, without elaborating. I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal. Asked in an interview with Reuters why his peacemaking efforts had not yet resolved the nearly four-year war, Mr Trump responded: Zelensky. Advertisement Advertisement Mr Trump, who previously pledged to solve the conflict in 24 hours, has frequently blamed the Ukrainian leader for stalling negotiations despite Mr Zelenskys continued willingness to commit to a ceasefire. Putin, however, has refused to budge on his maximalist demands, including Kyiv ceding the whole of the Donbas region, even land still in its control. Mr Zelensky rejected Mr Trumps claim, saying Kyiv would never stand in the way of peace. Ukraine has never been and will never be a stumbling block to peace, he said on Thursday. It is Russian missiles, Russian shaheds [drones] and Russias attempt to destroy Ukraine that are clear evidence that it is not agreements at all that Russia is seeking. Advertisement Advertisement When Ukrainians are left without power for 2030 hours because of Russia, and when Russian strikes are aimed at breaking our energy system and our people, it is Russia that must be put under pressure, he added. The Kremlin later agreed with Mr Trumps comments, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov telling reporters on Thursday: I agree, that is indeed the case. President Putin and the Russian side remain open. The Russian position is well known. It is well known to the American negotiators, to President Trump, and to the leadership of the Kyiv regime. At times, Mr Trump has appeared to accept Putins assurances at face value rather than those of the leaders of American allies, frustrating Kyiv, European capitals and US lawmakers, including some Republicans. Advertisement Advertisement US intelligence reports in December had continued to warn that Putin had not abandoned his aims of capturing all of Ukraine and reclaiming parts of Europe that belonged to the former Soviet empire. Mr Trump and Mr Zelensky had a volatile relationship at the start of the presidents second term in office, but tensions had increasingly thawed. The Ukrainian president travelled to Mr Trumps Florida home in December for peace talks, which both sides hailed as a success, though it was unclear what the tangible results were. Key sticking points remain over territorial concessions, particularly the fate of the Donbas and the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europes largest. US intelligence reports suggest Putin has not abandoned his aims of capturing all of Ukraine - Mikhail Metzel/Sputnik/via Reuters In recent weeks, the US-led negotiations have been centred on security guarantees for a post-war Ukraine to protect it against future Russian aggression. Advertisement Advertisement American negotiators are still pushing Ukraine to abandon its mineral-rich Donbas region as part of any accord with Russia. Mr Zelensky has publicly ruled out any territorial concessions to Moscow, saying Kyiv has no right under the countrys constitution to give up any land. Asked if Mr Zelensky was holding back on negotiations, Mr Trump did not elaborate, instead saying: I just think hes, you know, having a hard time getting there. European officials say Russia is unlikely to accept the terms hashed out between Kyiv, Washington and European leaders, and will insist on seizing as much territory as possible. Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Mr Peskov said Ukraine was running out of time to strike a deal by agreeing to Moscows terms. The situation is deteriorating day by day for the Kyiv regime, he said, adding that Ukraines corridor for decision-making was narrowing. The time has come for Zelensky to take responsibility and make the appropriate decision, he said. Mr Peskov also said that Moscow would welcome Mr Trumps negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to the Kremlin for additional talks on Ukraine once a date for a visit had been agreed. Mr Trump said he might meet Mr Zelensky at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, next week, but that no plans were set. Advertisement Advertisement I would if hes there, Trump said. Im going to be there. The Telegraph reported this week that Sir Keir Starmer might decide to travel to the annual summit, which begins on Jan 19, if there is a major Ukraine moment. Diplomatic sources told The Telegraph there could also be talks between G7 countries on security guarantees for Ukraine, which have long been a priority for Sir Keir and European allies. European and Ukrainian officials are concerned about Mr Trumps personal commitment to US-backed security guarantees, which have been under discussion between members of his administration for some weeks. Advertisement Advertisement It comes as Russia has been attacking Ukrainian cities and the countrys energy grid, leaving tens of thousands without power and heating in freezing temperatures, particularly in Kyiv. Mr Zelensky said on Wednesday he would declare a state of emergency in the energy sector to tackle issues of disrupted power supplies. Many issues require urgent resolution, he said. 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. President Donald Trump is pointing the finger at an unlikely target after his much-touted efforts to broker an end to the war in Ukraine failed to gain traction. Asked why U.S.-led peace talks have stalled, Trump blamed the victim of the invasion, claiming it was the Ukrainian leaders fault. Asked directly what was standing in the way, he gave a one-word answer to Reuters: Zelensky. At the same time, Trump argued that Moscow is prepared to conclude the conflict, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin is eager to bring the nearly four-year invasion to a close. I think hes ready to make a deal, Trump said, adding, I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal. US President Donald Trump speaks to the press upon returning to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on January 13, 2026. / MANDEL NGAN / AFP via Getty Images On Thursday, the Kremlin said they agree with Trumps remarks, which are in contrast to those of European allies, who have long maintained that Moscow is not genuinely interested in ending the conflict, instead aiming to seize additional territory while avoiding new Western sanctions. Advertisement Advertisement Trump, who previously said he would end the war between Russia and Ukraine in a day if he won a second term, has frequently clashed with Zelensky over the past year. Negotiations took a sharp turn in March last year when a public clash between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office derailed a widely promoted agreement that would have given the U.S. access to Ukraines rare earth minerals, with the Ukrainian president leaving the White House without signing the deal. In the aftermath, Trump briefly halted military assistance and intelligence sharing, though both were restored the following month. Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a Christmas service at a church in the Moscow Region on January 7, 2026. / VYACHESLAV PROKOFYEV / POOL/AFP via Getty Images Since then, the interactions between the two presidents have improved, with Ukrainian officials being deeply involved in recent peace talks, led by the U.S. Recent U.S.-led diplomacy has focused on what security guarantees Ukraine would receive after a ceasefire to prevent another Russian attack. As part of those discussions, American negotiators have broadly urged Kyiv to consider relinquishing control of the eastern Donbas region in exchange for an agreement with Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky, however, has repeatedly rejected any suggestion of territorial concessions, insisting Ukraines constitution bars the government from surrendering any of its land to Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian forces have continued to press their offensive in Ukraine despite Trumps claims that his pressure campaign and peace efforts are gaining traction with the Kremlin. In mid-January, Moscow confirmed the launch of a hypersonic Oreshnik missile into western Ukraine near the EU border, a high-speed strike that hit infrastructure in the Lviv region. Western officials condemned it as an escalation even as peace proposals were being discussed. A Ukrainian rescuer works to extinguish a fire in a damaged building following an air attack in Odesa on January 13, 2026, amid the Russian invasion in Ukraine. / OLEKSANDR GIMANOV / AFP via Getty Images At the same time, Russia has repeatedly carried out large waves of missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure while diplomatic talks have continued. In December, Ukrainian authorities reported hundreds of drones and missiles targeting power stations and other sites across the country, causing multiple injuries and widespread damage even as discussions on ending the war persisted. Advertisement Advertisement Moscows foreign ministry has also signaled reluctance to accept partial ceasefires as credible. In his New Years message, Zelensky warned that Moscow was deliberately continuing its war, saying that Russia deliberately brings war with night time shelling and large drone attacks, and thanked Ukrainian defenders for repelling many of them. When asked why he believes Zelensky has resisted moving forward with peace talks, Trump told Reuters: I just think hes, you know, having a hard time getting there. President Donald Trump said he will invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota if state officials don't stop "insurrectionists" from attacking ICE agents. Trump made the threat in a Truth Social post on Thursday, after ICE agents shot and injured a man. "If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota don't obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State," Trump wrote on Truth Social. ICE officer-involved shootings The threat from Trump comes after ICE officers shot and killed a protester, Renee Good, last week and wounded another person on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement According to the Department of Homeland Security, a federal officer shot a man in the leg during an arrest attempt on Wednesday night. DHS said that when an officer caught up with the suspect, the suspect resisted arrest. During the struggle, according to DHS, two people emerged from a nearby apartment and attacked the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. The agency claimed the officer feared for his safety and "fired a defensive shot to defend his life." Unbiased. Straight Facts.TM "The initial suspect was hit in the leg," the agency said. After Good's killing last week, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for federal immigration officials to leave the city, claiming they're making tensions on the ground worse. Officials repeated the demand after Wednesday's shooting. Advertisement Advertisement "The City of Minneapolis again demands that ICE leave the city and state immediately," a post on the city's official X account read. "We stand by our immigrant and refugee communities - know that you have our full support." The City of Minneapolis again demands that ICE leave the city and state immediately. We stand by our immigrant and refugee communities know that you have our full support. - City of Minneapolis (@CityMinneapolis) January 15, 2026 What is the Insurrection Act? The Insurrection Act is a federal law from 1807 that allows the president to deploy the U.S. military and federalize National Guard units within the U.S. It authorizes law enforcement and the military to police domestically. The act is used "to suppress rebellion or domestic violence or to enforce the law in certain situations," according to the Brennan Center for Justice, a nonpartisan law and policy think tank associated with New York University. The act provides an exemption to the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits federal military forces from participating in civilian law enforcement activities. Advertisement Advertisement Some may confuse the Insurrection Act with martial law. However, the difference lies in local law enforcement. Under the Insurrection Act, federal law enforcement permits the military to assist civilian authorities. Martial law involves replacing civilian law enforcement with federal. When has the Insurrection Act been used? The last time a president invoked the Insurrection Act was in 1992, when the governor of California asked President George H.W. Bush to deploy the military to help quell rioting in Los Angeles after the acquittal of police officers of beat motorist Rodney King. The violence in L.A. killed 63 people and resulted in $63 billion in property damage. Advertisement Advertisement Previously, the act was primarily used during the Civil Rights era when some governors refused to comply with Supreme Court rulings on desegregation. Specifically, former presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy invoked the act to deploy troops in states that refused to desegregate their schools. Trump previously threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act during protests following George Floyd's death in 2020, and in 2025 during LA protests against ICE. The Brennan Center compiled a full list of when the act was used here. The post Trump threatens to send federal troops to quash Minneapolis protests against ICE appeared first on Straight Arrow News. Related Links By Ernest Scheyder and Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had opted for now against imposing tariffs on rare earths, lithium and other critical minerals, and instead ordered his administration to seek supplies from international trading partners. The move defers a decision on duties that could further roil the U.S. economy, especially while the Supreme Court is deliberating the legality of Trump's tariffs. By acknowledging the country is far from being self-reliant for its critical minerals needs, though, it may rankle the domestic mining sector. Advertisement Advertisement Trump ordered U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to "enter into negotiations with trading partners to adjust the imports of (critical minerals) so that such imports will not threaten to impair the national security of the United States." The negotiations, Trump said, should promote the use of price floors for critical minerals, a step long sought by Western miners and policymakers. G7 finance ministers and those from other major economies like Australia met in Washington earlier this week to discuss such a step, for example. If Greer and Lutnick's negotiations are not successful, Trump said he would consider setting minimum import prices for critical minerals or "may take other measures," without elaborating. Trump is essentially agreeing to a recommendation by Lutnick, who last April launched a national security review under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and in October submitted his findings to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Lutnick's report found that the U.S. is "too reliant on foreign sources" of critical minerals, lacks access to a secure supply chain, and is experiencing "unsustainable price volatility" for the materials, with all those factors fueling a "significant national security vulnerability that could be exploited by foreign actors." It was not immediately clear why Trump waited until this month to act on Lutnick's report. China is a top global producer of more than half of the 54 minerals considered critical by the U.S. Geological Survey, for example, and has been curtailing exports in the past year amid its trade dispute with Washington. The country is also a major refiner of critical minerals. "Mining a mineral domestically does not safeguard the national security of the United States if the United States remains dependent on a foreign country for the processing of that mineral," Trump said in the order. (Reporting by Ernest Scheyder, Kanishka Singh and Bhargav Acharya; Editing by David Ljunggren and Jamie Freed) President Donald Trumps administration will keep the money generated from the sale of Venezuelan oil across multiple bank accounts, the largest of which is located in Qatar, according to a report. Senior officials told Semafor that the U.S. has now completed its first sale of the South American countrys oil in a deal worth $500 million. They justified the decision to hold some of the proceeds in the Gulf state, rather than in U.S. banks, by pointing out that it is a neutral location from which the funds could be freely and safely moved without risk of seizure. Advertisement Advertisement Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, hit out at the strategy and said: There is no basis in law for a president to set up an offshore account that he controls so that he can sell assets seized by the American military. That is precisely a move that a corrupt politician would be attracted to. President Donald Trump meets with top U.S. oil company executives in the East Room of the White House last week (AFP/Getty) Trumps friendly relationship with Qatar was previously placed under the spotlight last May when he was heavily criticized for accepting a $400 million Boeing jet as a gift from the country. The U.S. finds itself in control of Venezuelas natural resources after its forces swept into Caracas in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, and abducted its then-president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, subsequently removing them to New York to answer federal drug trafficking charges. Advertisement Advertisement Maduro pleaded not guilty in a Manhattan court and insisted he was still Venezuelas rightful leader. In the aftermath of the operation, Trump, flanked by senior members of his cabinet, announced that Washington would run Venezuela until the country was stable enough to hold free and fair presidential elections. That also meant taking control of up to 50 million barrels of the countrys oil selling it and distributing the proceeds back to Caracas. Fuel tanker trucks unload fuel at a gas station in Caracas, Venezuela (AP) The president signed an executive order last Friday setting the conditions for those deals and blocking courts or creditors from impounding any revenue, a step he deemed necessary given that the petrostate owes an estimated $170 billion to international bondholders, oil companies, and other stakeholders. Advertisement Advertisement When Trump met with oil executives at the White House last week, he made it clear to ConocoPhillips CEO Ryan Lance that the U.S. is not going to look at what people lost in the past, because that was their fault. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered more details in discussion with the Economic Club of Minnesota, saying that his department will oversee the accounts and then, at the direction of Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, be in charge of the disbursement that goes back into Venezuela. The Treasurys role will be making sure the funds get to the proper place, he added. Were the bankers here; we dont direct the funds. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told The Independent: President Trump brokered a historic energy deal with Venezuela, immediately following the arrest of narco-terrorist Nicolas Maduro, that will benefit the American and Venezuelan people. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said of the Venezuelan oil proceeds: Were the bankers here; we dont direct the funds (AP) President Trumps team is facilitating positive, ongoing discussions with oil companies that are ready and willing to make unprecedented investments to restore Venezuelas oil infrastructure. President Trump is protecting our Western Hemisphere from being taken advantage of by narcoterrorists, drug traffickers, and foreign adversaries. Advertisement Advertisement A Treasury spokesperson told Semafor: The United States Treasury is fully committed to supporting President Trumps efforts on behalf of the people of Venezuela. The Independent has also reached out to the Treasury for furthrer comment. The administration has work to do on persuading the oil companies to be as cooperative after Trump received a significant rebuff from ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods during his meeting with the energy industry executives. 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, Woods told the president, referring to the fallout from Hugo Chavezs moves to nationalize Venezuelas hydrocarbon sector between 2004 and 2007. Advertisement Advertisement If we look at the legal and commercial constructs and frameworks in place today in Venezuela today, its uninvestable. Trump later told reporters aboard Air Force One Sunday as he returned to Washington from Mar-a-Lago: Ill probably be inclined to keep Exxon out. I didnt like their response. Theyre playing too cute. Donald Trump was persuaded not to strike Iran on Wednesday night by the last-minute diplomatic efforts of Persian Gulf states and Israel. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman made urgent calls to Washington to persuade the US president to delay military action and allow Tehran to demonstrate good intentions. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, also urged him to postpone air strikes. Late on Wednesday, Mr Trump appeared to step back from imminent action, saying he had been assured that the killing in Iran is stopping. Advertisement Advertisement Irans foreign minister said on Thursday that there was no plan to hang people and Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old arrested during protests in the city of Karaj, would not be given the death sentence. Mr Soltanis family had been told he would be executed on Wednesday this week. This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue! said Mr Trump. The US president told Iranian protesters earlier this week that help was on the way and threatened the regime with air strikes if more people died. The White House repeated this threat on Thursday, saying there would be grave consequences if the killing did not stop, adding that it had prevented 800 executions. Advertisement Advertisement More than 2,500 people have been killed since the protests began in December, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, and the death toll is expected to rise substantially once the regime lifts an internet blackout that has been in place for a week. Iranians walk near the wreckage of a burnt-out public bus in Tehran - TAHERKENAREH/EPA/Shutterstock Among the deaths announced on Thursday were those of a Red Crescent aid worker and a Canadian citizen. A senior Saudi official said Arab states had mounted a long, frantic, last-minute diplomatic effort to convince Mr Trump to give Iran a chance, warning of grave blowback in the region. It was a sleepless night to defuse more bombs in the region, the official said, adding that talks were continuing to consolidate the gained trust and the current good spirit. Advertisement Advertisement Other countries, including Turkey and Egypt, also urged Mr Trump to show restraint, warning of the potential impact on Irans neighbours and on global oil and gas prices, according to the Financial Times. Mr Netanyahu urged the US president on Wednesday to postpone any attack on Iran out of fear that his country could be targeted in revenge strikes, The New York Times reported, citing a senior US official. Israel was last targeted by Iran after launching a 12-day bombing campaign on the Islamic Republic last June that followed setbacks for Irans regional allies in Lebanon and Syria. All options on the table Karoline Leavitt, the White House spokesman, told reporters that only the president knows what hes going to do. Advertisement Advertisement At a press conference on Thursday, she said: A lot of these stories have been based on anonymous sources who are pretending or guessing to know the presidents thinking. She added that Mr Trump was keeping all of his options on the table. The threat of air strikes on Wednesday was so serious that British and American troops started evacuating the Al Udeid air base in Qatar, and the British embassy in Tehran was abruptly shut. Pro-monarchy protesters gather outside the Iranian embassy in Canberra, Australia - Shutterstock Iran closed its airspace as European officials warned that an attack was expected within 24 hours. It was reopened early on Thursday morning. Mr Trump is understood to have instructed his national security team to proceed only if they could guarantee a decisive blow against the regime. Advertisement Advertisement But officials warned that military action could spark a wider conflict and provoke a severe Iranian response, sources told NBC. There were fears that, with a heavy military presence in the Caribbean to place pressure on Venezuela, the US would not be able to protect its forces in the Middle East from retaliation if it struck Iran. Washington currently has only six warships in the region and no aircraft carrier strike group in place. Despite this, Mr Trump warned Iran again on Thursday that there would be grave consequences if it did not stop killing protesters. Grave consequences Ms Leavitt said: The president and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences. Advertisement Advertisement The president received a message that the killing and the executions will stop, and the president understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday were halted. Tehran continues to accuse Washington and Israel of orchestrating the protests. Aziz Nasirzadeh, Irans defence minister, said: American and Israeli officials this time did not hide their satanic intentions at all and broke taboos about interference of foreign elements in Irans affairs. The US treasury sanctioned five Iranian officials it accused of driving the crackdown on protesters, as well as 18 people it claimed laundered the revenue generated by oil sales to foreign markets. Sanctions were also imposed on Fardis Prison, to the west of Tehran, where the US State Department said women had endured cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Inside Iran, protests have subsided since Sunday night, while several pro-regime rallies have been held in support of security forces killed during the unrest. The chief of the countrys judiciary announced that indictments against the more than 10,000 detained protesters would be expedited, with priority given to prosecuting those who the authorities claimed were connected to foreign powers. 07:02pm Thanks for following along Thats all from our live coverage today. 06:46pm White House denies Gulf involvement in US pull-back The White House denied reports that Persian Gulf states convinced Donald Trump not to launch strikes on Iran last night. Karoline Leavitt told reporters at a press conference: Theres been a lot of speculation about what the president is going to do at any given moment. Advertisement Advertisement A lot of these stories have been based on anonymous sources who are pretending or guessing to know the presidents thinking. The truth is, only the president knows what hes going to do and a small number of advisors. She reiterated that Mr Trump was keeping all of his options on the table. 06:37pm Iranian state television airs threat to Trump Iranian state television aired footage of a person holding up a threat to Donald Trump. A mourner at a ceremony for Iranian security forces killed in the recent unrest held up a sign with a picture of Mr Trump in the immediate aftermath of assassination attempt on the US president at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement The writing in Farsi underneath warned: This time it wont miss. The footage was broadcast on the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network state-controlled network channel. When asked about the footage at a White House press conference currently ongoing, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said she had not seen it. Iranian state television showed the threat on a poster - Amichai Stein via X 06:33pm US: 800 executions halted in Iran yesterday 800 executions due to take place by Iranian authorities yesterday were halted, the White House spokeswoman said, as she refused to rule out US intervention. Karoline Leavitt told a press conference that Donald Trump understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday were halted, adding that the Trump administration was closely monitoring the situation. She said the US president had told the Iranian regime if the killing of protesters continued, there would be consequences. All options remain open, she added, implying that the US had not ruled out strikes on Iran yet. 06:06pm Pictured: Bodies arrive at a forensic institute in Iran Bodies are laid on stretchers outside the Forensic Diagnostic and Laboratory Centre of Tehran Province in Kahrizak - UGC / AFP/Getty 05:55pm Iran signs nine oil contracts worth 1.5 billion Irans oil ministry today signed more than nine oil contracts with private companies worth $2 billion (1.5 billion), the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting said. The contracts related to drilling and refining crude oil, it said. This comes as the US announced it sanctioned Iranian individuals and entities it accused of operating shadow banking networks that launder proceeds from Iranian oil sales through front companies in the UAE, Singapore and Britain. 05:34pm EU considering stronger sanctions against Iran The president of the European Unions executive arm said the 27-member bloc was looking to strengthen sanctions against Iran amidst the protests. Ursula von der Leyen said after todays meeting of the EUs commissioners in Limassol, Cyprus, that current sanctions against Iran are weakening the regime. She said that the EU was looking to sanction individual Iranians, apart from those who belong to Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard, who are responsible for the atrocities. She added that the people of Iran who were bravely fighting for a change had the EUs full political support. 05:29pm Iran without internet for a whole week The nationwide shutdown of the internet by the Iranian authorities has now lasted a week so far. Activists fear the aim of the shutdown is to mask the true scale of the regimes crackdown on protesters. Exactly one week ago Iran fell into digital darkness as authorities imposed a national internet blackout, Net Blocks, a monitoring organisation, posted on social media. 04:11pm Aid worker killed during protests A Red Crescent worker was killed and several others were wounded during the deadly protests over the weekend, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have said. Amir Ali Latifi, an Iranian Red Crescent Society worker, was working in the countrys Gillan province last Saturday when he was killed in the line of duty, the organisation said in a statement. The [Red Cross] is deeply concerned about the consequences of the ongoing unrest on the people of Iran and is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Iranian Red Crescent Society, the statement continued. 03:48pm Pictures Pictured: Protesters in Australia hold pictures of the Iranian monarchy Pro-monarchy protesters gather outside the Iranian embassy in Canberra, Australia - Lukas Coch/EPA/Shutterstock 03:33pm Russia and China unlikely to back Iran, expert says Russia and China are unlikely to back Iran in the face of military action from the US, a policy expert has said. Iran is a significant ally to the two countries, which are both nuclear powers, by providing drones to Russia and oil to China. But it will likely only receive diplomatic and economic support in return as Moscow and Beijing seek to avoid a showdown with Washington. China and Russia dont want to go head-to-head with the US over Iran, Ellie Geranmayeh, a senior policy expert for the European Council on Foreign Relations think tank, told AFP. She said Russia would prioritise getting support from Washington for its aims with Ukraine, while China has to maintain a delicate rapprochement with the Trump administration. 03:27pm US issues new sanctions against Iran The US has issued new Iran-related sanctions against five Iranian officials it accused of being behind the crackdown on protests as it warned it was tracking leaders funds being wired to banks across the world. The treasury department said it had imposed sanctions on the secretary of the supreme council for national security as well as Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and law enforcement forces commanders, accusing them of being architects of the violent crackdown. Sanctions were also imposed on 18 people accused of being involved in laundering the proceeds of Iranian petroleum and petrochemical sales to foreign markets, as part of shadow banking networks of sanctioned Iranian financial institutions. The United States stands firmly behind the Iranian people in their call for freedom and justice, treasury secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. He added: US treasury knows, that like rats on a sinking ship, you are frantically wiring funds stolen from Iranian families to banks and financial institutions around the world. Rest assured, we will track them and you. Women pass under a patriotic banner in Tehran - AP Photo/Vahid Salemi 02:58pm Canadian citizen killed in Iran, foreign minister says A Canadian citizen was killed during the Iranian protests, the countrys foreign minister has said. Anita Anand wrote on social media that the unnamed person died at the hands of the Iranian authorities as she called for the violence to end. Peaceful protests by the Iranian people - asking that their voices be heard in the face of the Iranian regimes repression and ongoing human rights violations - has led the regime to flagrantly disregard human life, she said. Canada condemns and calls for an immediate end to the Iranian regimes violence. Ms Anand said the countrys consular officials were in contact with the victims family in Canada. 02:25pm US senator calls reports of Trump pull-back inaccurate A US senator has denied that Washington has ruled out strikes on Iran, telling people to stay tuned. Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator, dismissed reports claiming Donald Trump did not intend to attack Tehran, calling them beyond inaccurate. He shared headlines that read: Trump informed Iran he does not intend to attack, asked Tehran to exercise restraint: envoy and Trump gets cold feet on Iran. Mr Graham wrote on social media: All the headlines like these are examples of reporting that are beyond inaccurate. The circumstances around the necessary, decisive action to be taken against the evil Iranian regime have nothing to do with President Trumps will or determination. Nothing could be further from the truth. Quite the opposite. Stay tuned. All the headlines like these are examples of reporting that are beyond inaccurate. The circumstances around the necessary, decisive action to be taken against the evil Iranian regime have nothing to do with President Trump's will or determination. Nothing could be further from pic.twitter.com/HrUtg7GfKu Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 15, 2026 01:51pm Concerns for British couple detained in Iran A British couple detained in Iran are in a dangerous position amid the violent state crackdown and the closure of the British embassy in Tehran, their son warned. Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested and charged with spying in Iran last year during their trip around the world. Joe Bennett told BBC Newsnight his parents prison is suffering from overcrowding after mass arrests from the protests. They warned him that current conditions inside the prison are unsafe and frightening, with fights breaking out daily and vermin in the kitchen and beds. He said: The trouble is, their plan was to go to the embassy, was to try to get to the embassy because they feel that thats safe ground and now... Where do they go? What do they do? Britain earlier announced the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran citing security concerns. Craig and Lindsay Foreman were detained in Iran while on a trip - Family handout 01:41pm Military presence, checkpoints and uncertainty in Tehran A heavy security presence is currently in Tehran amidst uncertainty over the upcoming days and hours in the country, a resident told Al Jazeera. The source said a number of checkpoints and police stops had been set up around the capital. They added that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had been stationed and that armed forces on motorcycles were patrolling the streets. There is a great deal of uncertainty. A lot of people are worried, the resident said. 01:26pm Pictures Pictured: Normal life amid protests in Iran People walk in the Tehran Grand Bazaar in Iran on Thursday - Majid Asgaripour/Reuters 01:22pm Diplomatic efforts helped de-escalate tensions between US and Iran Intense diplomat efforts to dissuade Donald Trump from striking Iran have de-escalated tensions in the Gulf, sources close to Arab governments have said. Regional states including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, Oman and Egypt have been urging the Trump administration to show restraint and warned of the potential damage to Irans neighbours should Washington strike the Islamic Republic, The Financial Times reported. Things have de-escalated for now, an Arab official said. The US is giving time for talks with Iran and to see where they go from here. Communication between the US and Tehran allowed Iranian officials to assure Mr Trump that there would be no executions of protesters and that the death toll was lower than reported. Meanwhile, a senior Saudi official told AFP that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman led the frantic, last-minute efforts to talk the US president out of a strike, fearing grave blowbacks in the region. 01:11pm US lowers security alert at Qatar air base The US has lowered the security alert at an air base in Qatar after a heightened alert was triggered yesterday. US aircraft that were moved out of the Al Udeid air base on Wednesday are gradually returning to the base, a source told Reuters. Some personnel who were advised to leave the base have been allowed to return, other sources said. The US embassy in Qatar did not comment when contacted by Reuters. 12:59pm Turkey: We oppose military intervention in Iran Turkey opposes military action against Iran, its foreign minister has said. Hakan Fidan told a press conference in Istanbul that Turkey would continue its diplomatic initiatives and said it hoped Iran and the US could find a solution to the conflict. We are against a military intervention against Iran. Iran needs to solve its authentic internal problems on its own, he said. This is why our priority is to totally avoid any situation that would cause force to be used. He added that widespread destabilisation in Iran would be too much for the region to handle and called for problems to be solved through dialogue. 12:50pm Irans judiciary chief vows fast-track trials for detained protesters Irans judiciary chief announced that indictments against detained protesters will be processed on an expedited basis, with priority given to prosecuting those whom authorities claim were connected to foreign powers. Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei told the state-run Tasnim news agency that elements connected to foreign services and handlers, who either in the field or outside the field gave instructions to riot and terrorist elements, are among the priorities for trial. The announcement signals Irans judiciary intends to move rapidly through trials of the more than 10,000 people arrested since protests began on December 28. Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, Irans judiciary chief - Atta Kenare/Getty/AFP 12:41pm China says it opposes use of threat or force in Iran Chinas foreign minister has said Beijing opposes the use of threat or force in international relations. Wang Yi told Abbas Araghchi, his Iranian counterpart, in a phone call that the government hoped all parties would exercise restraint and settle differences through dialogue, Beijings foreign ministry said. China...opposes the use or threat of force in international relations, opposes countries imposing their own will on other countries, Mr Wang told Mr Araghchi, adding that China was willing to play a constructive role toward a resolution. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi speaks with Fox News on Thursday - Iranian Foreign Ministry/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock 12:17pm Iran says most protesters killed by knives and strangulation Irans defence minister claimed that most people killed during protests died from knife wounds and strangulation rather than gunfire, contradicting extensive video evidence showing security forces shooting directly at demonstrators. Aziz Nasirzadeh said in a televised interview that most of the killed were by knife, strangulation, and nearly 60 per cent of them by blows near the head. The minister also claimed that more than 150 stores that supplied public food for people were destroyed but not looted, suggesting the destruction was politically motivated rather than driven by economic desperation. Mr Nasirzadeh accused the United States and Israel of openly orchestrating the protests. He said: American and Israeli officials this time did not hide their satanic intentions at all and broke taboos about interference of foreign elements in Irans affairs. He claimed the US, Israel and allied countries formed a dialogue centre to have separatists and terrorists draw the future of Iran. 11:48am Pictures Pictured: The burnt wreckage of a bus in Tehran Iranians walk near the wreckage of a burnt-out public bus in Tehran - Shutterstock Editorial 11:40am Trump: Good news protester no longer sentenced to death Donald Trump said it is good news that the Iranian protester sentenced to death will no longer executed, adding that he hopes it sets a precedent. Posting on his Truth Social platform, he said: Fox News: Iranian protester will no longer be sentenced to death after President Trumps warnings. Likewise others. This is good news. Hopefully it will continue. The US president is referring to Erfan Soltani, 26, who was sentenced to death in a decision now reversed by Irans judiciary following international condemnation and Mr Trumps warnings. 11:32am Iran closed airspace for four hours overnight Iran closed its airspace overnight to commercial flights for more than four hours. It did not provide an explanation, but the closure came amid ongoing threats from Donald Trump, the US president, that he might order a military strike on Iran. This morning, Iran reopened the airspace, following Mr Trumps remarks that suggested there was no longer an imminent threat a strike. The Iranian civil aviation organisation confirmed the country was hosting transit, incoming and outgoing flights and that airports were serving passengers, though it advised travellers to check flight status before heading to airports. Several airlines have already reduced or suspended services in Iranian airspace. Empty airspace is seen over Iran, during a temporary closure of the countrys airspace - FlightRadar24.com 11:15am UN security council to hold emergency session on Iran The UN Security Council will convene to discuss the situation in Iran at the request of the United States. I can now confirm that the Security Council presidency intends to schedule a briefing on the situation in Iran on Thursday, Jan 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. (8pm GMT), as requested by the United States, said Khadija Ahmed, spokeswoman for the Somali mission, said. The emergency session comes as Irans nationwide protests have left thousands of demonstrators and hundreds of security forces dead. 11:03am Iran denies death sentence for protester after international outcry Irans judiciary denied that it issued a death sentence for a 26-year-old protester whose family was told he would be executed. Erfan Soltani, a clothes shop owner, was detained last week by the Islamic Republic after taking part in the demonstrations. Several days later, his family was notified that his execution was scheduled for Wednesday. He was the first known case of a death sentence being issued during the current arrest and it sparked an international outcry. Donald Trump explicitly warned the US would take very strong action if any protesters were hanged. Irans judiciary said Mr Soltani was arrested on January 10 during riots and was charged with assembly and conspiracy against internal security and propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic. But it added that the death penalty does not apply to such charges if they are confirmed by a court. Mr Soltani is currently being held in Karaj central prison, west of Tehran. Erfan Soltanis execution will certainly not be a single case, a human rights group has said 10:48am Have your say... 10:36am Analysis Analysis: Middle East on edge over Trumps threats b' ' Donald Trumps refusal to rule out a strike on Iran is likely worrying its allies in the Middle East about what happens next. None of those nations want chaos in Iran whether thats from a regime collapse or protracted conflict. Still, theyve been careful with public remarks thus far so as not to seem aligned with either the US or Iran. Instability in Iran could disrupt global shipping and hurt the regional economy, including oil prices, at a time when oil-rich Gulf states aim to boost growth prospects by wooing foreign investors and attracting tourists. Turkey, which shares a land border with northwestern Iran, is concerned a crisis could lead to an influx of refugees and exacerbate what Ankara sees as an existential threat from Kurdish militias operating in both countries groups that seek independence. Worries also abound that a collapsed Iran will give Israel carte blanche, thus making the latter the biggest source of regional instability. Thats why theres a behind-the-scenes push for a diplomatic solution, with states including Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia said to be trying to mediate between the US and Iran. For them, theres little interest in a repeat of last June, when US strikes were met with a response from Tehran on an air base in Qatar precedent for how swiftly the region can be drawn into conflict. 10:10am Iran: There will be no hanging of protesters Irans foreign minister has insisted there is no plan by Iran to hang people, despite having sentenced a protester to death. There is no plan for hanging at all, the foreign minister told Fox News. Hanging is out of the question, he said. The execution of Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old who took part in the protests, had been scheduled for Wednesday, sparking an international outcry. Later that day, reports said his hanging was halted due to foreign pressure. Donald Trump had warned he would take very strong action if Iran started hanging protesters, but did not elaborate on his comments. If they hang them, youre going to see some things, he told CBS News. Later on Wednesday, the US president said he had been assured the killing of protesters had stopped and he believed there was currently no plan for large-scale executions. Asked if he was still considering an intervention, the US president added: Were 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 whats going on. 09:57am Pictures In pictures: Protests against Iranian regime around the world Protesters wave the flag used before the 1979 Islamic Revolution outside the Iranian Embassy last night in London - Getty Images Europe People shout outside the Iranian embassy in Madrid in solidarity with the protesters in Iran - ZUMAPRESS.com / Avalon A member of the Israeli-Iranian community burns a picture of Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Holon, Israel - Shutterstock Editorial 09:36am Britain closes embassy in Iran The UK ordered its embassy in Tehran to shut on Wednesday over fears of an imminent US attack. The British ambassador to Tehran and all other consular staff vacated the building following an assessment of the security situation. The closure was described as temporary by the Foreign Office. Earlier, British troops were also withdrawn from the US-run al-Udeid air base in Qatar. An RAF plane arrived at the Qatari base on Wednesday morning and was flying back to the British base at Akrotiri in Cyprus hours later, according to flight tracking data. 09:31am Caribbean military build-up limits strike options The US military build-up in the Caribbean, ordered as part of the pressure campaign against the now-deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, has limited Washingtons options for Iran. It has only six warships in the Middle East, compared to 12 in the Caribbean, defence officials told the Wall Street Journal. There is also no aircraft-strike carrier group after the USS Gerald R. Ford was ordered to the waters north of Venezuela in October. This means Donald Trumps options are limited to aircraft allowed to deploy to nearby air bases in the Middle East. 09:26am US concerned over readiness Donald Trumps military advisers have been unable to guarantee that a US strike could topple the Iranian regime. There are also concerns that Washington does not have all the military assets in the region it would need to protect its bases and troops from the expected Iranian retaliation. It is understood that air strikes on targets including military bases, nuclear sites and even Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, had been on the table. But with no guarantee of a swift conclusion, Mr Trump might decide on a more limited US intervention, if any, sources told NBC. 09:13am Hello and welcome to our live coverage Were bringing you the latest updates from Iran. 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. President Trump threatened Thursday to invoke the Insurrection Act as part of his crackdown on immigration, blaming Democratic politicians in Minnesota who have opposed Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents' presence in the city and decried their violence against protesters. If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, Trump wrote in a post on his social media website. The president made his threat a day after a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis shot an undocumented immigrant from Venezuela in the leg. The agency said the man, whom they identified as Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, was one of three men who attacked federal officers with a shovel and a broom as an altercation broke out after federal agents tried to complete a targeted traffic stop. Advertisement Advertisement What we saw last night in Minneapolis was an attempted murder of federal law enforcement," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. Mayor Frey and Governor Walz have to get their city under control. They are encouraging impeding and assault against our law enforcement which is a federal crime, a felony. This is putting the people of Minnesota in harms way." If Trump invoked the Insurrection Act a 200-year-old constellation of statutes that grant the president emergency powers to thrust active-duty soldiers into civilian police duty he could bring in federal troops to squelch protests. But scholars argue his legal standing is "wildly tenuous." "The president has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act so many times it can be difficult to distinguish between a real threat and a false alarm, said Elizabeth Goitein, senior director of the Liberty and National Security Program at New York Universitys Brennan Center for Justice. Other experts cautioned this time could be more serious. Advertisement Advertisement "I think hell do it," Kevin Carroll, former senior counsel in the Department of Homeland Security during Trumps first term, said Thursday. "It could be tomorrow. The next time theres a serious incident and a protest that gets a little unruly, theyll invoke the Insurrection Act." Tension has swelled in the Minnesota city in the last week since an ICE agent shot Renee Nicole Good, a woman who was part of a group observing ICE activity, in the head. Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was killed as she took part in an "ICE watch" protest documenting federal immigration activity, after three ICE agents surrounded her SUV on a street. Bystander videos shows one immigration officer ordering Good out of the vehicle and grabbing the door handle as another agent, Jonathan Ross, positions himself in front of her vehicle. As she begins to move the SUV forward and turn the steering wheel away from Ross, he raises his weapon and fires at least three shots at close range. Then, Ross curses at Good and walks away. Advertisement Advertisement Ross suffered internal bleeding to his torso from the encounter, according to a statement from Homeland Security officials provided to the Associated Press. "I would say that our agent is beat up, he's bruised, he's injured, he's getting treatment," Noem told reporters Thursday. The agency, she said, was "thankful that he made it out alive." Read more: Federal officer shoots person in leg after being attacked during Minneapolis arrest, officials say After Good was fatally shot, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, told ICE to get the f out of Minneapolis and dismissed federal claims that its officers killed Good in self-defense as "bulls." Still, he has urged residents to act peacefully, warning them Trump could bring in troops. Advertisement Advertisement Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has also spoken out against ICE, accusing the federal government of waging "a campaign of organized brutality against the people of Minnesota" and calling on them to "end the occupation." This week, state Atty. Gen. Keith Ellison filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, asking the court to block the "unprecedented surge" of agents into the state and declare it unconstitutional and unlawful. U.S. Deputy Atty. Gen. Todd Blanche, in turn, accused Minnesota's Democratic leaders of encouraging violence against law enforcement. "Its disgusting. Walz and Frey Im focused on stopping YOU from your terrorism by whatever means necessary," he said in a statement. "This is not a threat. Its a promise." On Thursday, Walz appealed directly to Trump. "Lets turn the temperature down," the governor said on X. "Stop this campaign of retribution. This is not who we are." Advertisement Advertisement Noem told reporters Thursday that the federal government had no plans to pull out of Minnesota. She confirmed she had discussed invoking the Insurrection Act with Trump. He certainly has the constitutional authority to utilize that, she said. My hope is that this leadership team in Minnesota will start to work with us to get criminals off the streets." Legal scholars say Trump's authority is far from clear. Despite regularly name-checking the Insurrection Act as far back as his first term, Trump fastidiously avoided invoking the law, relying instead on an obscure subsection of the U.S. Code to surge federalized troops into Los Angeles, Portland, Ore., and Chicago in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement But an emergency docket decision from the Supreme Court days before Christmas in effect neutered that move. Citing an outre legal theory by the preeminent scholar Martin S. Lederman of Georgetown Law, the justices ruled 6 to 3 that the president would functionally have to invoke the Insurrection Act before his preferred statute could be used. The administration quickly dropped its ongoing court battles and sent home the remaining federalized troops. At the same time, it announced a flood of aggressive new immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, which set off waves of protests across the city. It does feel like ICE is trying to trigger the conditions that would give rise to a reasonable application of the Insurrection Act, said Eric J. Segall, a professor at Georgia State College of Law. Other experts, however, are skeptical that Trump is any more serious about invoking the act than he has been in the past. Advertisement Advertisement I think the strategy is to try to get some sort of concessions and then say his toughness provoked the concessions, said Harold Hongju Koh, a professor at Yale Law School. If it gets worse hell blame it on Walz and if it gets better hell take credit. A poll released Thursday by the analytics firm YouGov showed that most Americans oppose deploying the military in response to domestic unrest. A survey of 3,752 U.S. adults found that 51% oppose and 34% support deploying the military to Minnesota, the company said. An even higher percentage, 56%, oppose the military being deployed to their own area. Another reason the administration has so far shied away from the move is that its requirements are legally stringent especially in cases where state and local officials oppose its use. The irony is if he wants to invoke the Insurrection Act, he has to say [Minnesota lawmakers] are like the Confederacy, that they're trying to break away from the country, Koh said. Disagreeing with the way his ICE agents act is not the same as wanting to break away from the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Goetein agreed. The law is intended for situations where state and local authorities are overrun and request assistance or where state and local authorities themselves are obstructing federal law, she said. State and local law enforcement are not physically impeding ICE officers," Goetein said. "They are not in any way obstructing the enforcement of immigration law. Some scholars fear Trump could invoke the act anyway, using the situation in Minneapolis as "a model" to provoke protest, label it insurrection, and use the law to deploy troops to blue cities across the country ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. "The argument the Trump people will use is that theres an ongoing insurrection in Minneapolis or anywhere else and therefore elections cant be held," Carroll said. "I think were nearing the greatest constitutional crisis since the Civil War." Advertisement Advertisement Should Trump invoke the act in California, its attorney general, Rob Bonta, said the state is prepared. "The invocation of the Insurrection Act is a scenario weve been planning for since even before the 2024 election," Bonta said in a statement. "Well have to wait and see what the President does and how he does it, but were ready." 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. Donald Trump threatened in a social media post on Thursday to invoke the Insurrection Act to stop protests in Minneapolis after the killing of queer woman Renee Good by ICE on January 7. ICE officer Jonathan Ross shot Good in the head after a brief exchange. Good and her wife had been observing ICE agents in their neighborhood at the time. Since Good's killing, thousands have taken to the streets to demand that the Trump administration remove immigration agents from the city, brought in as part of Trump's crackdown on immigration across the country and on alleged fraud in the state. Advertisement Advertisement It also comes a day after one federal immigration agent shot a Minneapolis man who authorities say attacked the agent with a shovel. What is the Insurrection Act? Trump has threatened to use the law before, which allows for the deployment of the U.S. military for domestic law enforcement that can then be used to stop uprisings. Normally, the military cannot act the same as law enforcement. The Insurrection Act allows troops to participate in some of those actions. The law allows for the military to make arrests, perform searches, and take other measures normally reserved for police and other law enforcement agencies. It was signed into law by Thomas Jefferson in 1807, but The Guardian notes that the current Insurrection Act is made up of statutes that define how the military can be used as such enforcement. What did Trump say? If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State, Trump said in social media post. Advertisement Advertisement Many presidents have not used the Insurrection Act. When was the last time the Insurrection Act was used? The most recent use of the act was in 1992 by President George HW Bush during the riots in Los Angeles after four white police officers were acquitted after being filmed beating Rodney King, a Black man. Trump has threatened to use it before Trump has said he'd invoke the Insurrection Act. As The Guardian points out, the most recent time last October, when Trump threatened to use it in Portland, Oregon. Before that, he threatened to use it in June after California Gov. Gavin Newsom sued to block the military from assisting ICE raids in Los Angeles. The outlet also notes that he also threatened to use it in 2020 in D.C. to stop protests after the killing of George Floyd by a police officer, also in Minneapolis. Advertisement Advertisement The same lawyers who represented the family of George Floyd will be representing Renee Nicole Good's relatives, launching a civil investigation into her killing. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Trump threatens to use Insurrection Act to send the military to Minneapolis after ICE killing US President Donald Trump has said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, rather than Russian leader Vladimir Putin, is slowing down a potential peace deal. Source: Trump in an interview with Reuters Quote: "I think he [Putin] is ready to make a deal. I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal." Details: Trump claimed in the interview that Putin is ready to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine, while Zelenskyy, in the US president's view, has been more cautious. Advertisement Advertisement When asked by journalists why US-led talks have so far failed to resolve the largest conflict in Europe since World War II, Trump replied: "Zelenskyy." Trump also did not rule out meeting the Ukrainian president at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Quote: "I would if he's there. I'm going to be there." Background: Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are planning to visit Moscow in the near future for a meeting with Putin. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has told his national security team that he would want any U.S. military action in Iran to deliver a swift and decisive blow to the regime and not spark a sustained war that dragged on for weeks or months, according to a U.S. official, two people familiar with the discussions and a person close to the White House. If he does something, he wants it to be definitive, one of the people familiar with the discussions said. But Trumps advisers have so far not been able to guarantee to him that the regime would quickly collapse after an American military strike, the U.S. official and two people familiar with the discussions said, and there is concern that the U.S. may not have all the assets in the region it would need to guard against what administration officials expect would be an aggressive Iranian response. Advertisement Advertisement Those dynamics could lead Trump to approve a more limited U.S. military offensive in Iran, at least initially, while reserving options to escalate if he decides to take any military action at all, said the U.S. official and one of the people familiar with the discussions. They said that it is a fast-evolving situation and that as of Wednesday afternoon no decisions had been made. During a visit to Detroit on Tuesday, Trump told protesting Iranians that help is on its way and called the situation in the country fragile. Asked for comment on the details of Trumps deliberations, a White House official pointed to Trumps remarks in the Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon. Trump told reporters then that he had learned the Iranian regime had stopped killing protesters and halted plans for executions, either of which he has said could trigger a U.S. military response. We have been informed by very important sources on the other side, and they said the killing has stopped and the executions wont take place, Trump said Wednesday. I hope its true. Who knows? Asked whether that meant military action is now off the table, Trump said: Were going to watch and see what the process is. People gather during a protest in Tehran last week. (Getty Images) (Getty Images) The U.S. official, two people familiar with the discussions and one person close to the White House said Trump is ready to follow through on his repeated promises to protesters in Iran that the U.S. would intervene militarily to support them in their efforts to topple the regime. Advertisement Advertisement On Tuesday, he outlined for his national security team what he wants any U.S. military action in Iran to achieve, and the Defense Department tailored options to meet his objectives, according to the U.S. official, said a second U.S. official and the person familiar with the discussions. Those tailored options were set to be presented to Trump on Wednesday, said the first U.S. official and one of the people familiar with the discussions. Asked about Trumps giving his aides guidance about his objectives in Iran, the White House official said in a statement: All options are at President Trumps disposal to address the situation in Iran," adding that U.S. military operations in Iran last year and in Venezuela this month show "he means what he says. A second White House official said Trump joined a meeting about Iran that was chaired by Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday afternoon after Trump returned from Michigan. Trump was briefed in part on the latest estimated death toll among protesters in Iran and asked for more information on that topic, this official said. U.S. Central Command had prepared military options for Trump, which were presented to him in recent days and now have been refined, according to the U.S. official and another person familiar with the discussions. Advertisement Advertisement The developments follow a series of meetings about Iran this week, with senior Trump administration officials holding hours of discussions at the White House on Tuesday to hash out what U.S. military goals would be for a strike in Iran and how Tehran might retaliate, NBC News has reported. Among the concerns officials have discussed is that an Iranian regime, weakened from weeks of protests across the country and facing potential collapse, could be far more dangerous in retaliating against U.S. forces in the region and allies, such as Israel, said the U.S. official, one of the people close to the White House and one of the people familiar with the discussions. When Iran retaliated against the U.S. air base in Qatar after strikes on its nuclear facilities in June, dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, the Trump administration was warned in advance, and American forces were unharmed. On Wednesday, hundreds of U.S. troops departed Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, heading to a safer location in case U.S. action leads to an Iranian response, NBC News reported. The U.S. is taking other precautionary measures throughout the region to keep troops, civilians and dependents safe, a second U.S. official and a third person familiar with the matter said. Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. military has not surged troops and assets into the region to support large-scale action in Iran, as it did ahead of Operation Midnight Hammer. But the U.S. does have aircraft, ships and personnel in the region to carry out targeted or limited strikes in Iran. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President Trump departs after he delivered remarks at the House Republican Party member retreat in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2026. Credit - Mandel NganAFP/Getty Images Four weeks before the beginning of his second term as President, Donald Trump abruptly floated the idea of taking back the Panama Canal. It had been a quarter-century since the U.S. formally ceded to Panama ownership of the channel connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. With one social media post, Trump threw a seemingly stable relationship off-kilter, accusing Panama of overcharging U.S. ships for passage and recklessly permitting China too much influence in the canals operations. Looking back, it was an early sign of how Americas relationship with the rest of the world was about to be shaken to its core. Trumps maximalist threat sent his foreign policy advisers scrambling. Within days of his Inauguration, military planners started work on options for taking the canal by force, according to a former Trump Administration official. Were going to take it back, or something very powerful is going to happen, Trump warned. Ultimately, no military operation was necessary. Panamas President Jose Raul Mulino quickly and quietly agreed to a number of concessions, including re-examining Chinese investment in the country. Advertisement Advertisement But 800 miles east, Trumps threats of force were not merely a negotiating tactic. Nearly a year later, following months of escalating pressure on Nicolas Maduros regime, Trump in early January authorized a daring military operation to capture the Venezuelan strongman, a move Trump cast as both a blow against drug trafficking and a grab for Venezuelas huge oil reserves. The operation marked the most consequential use of U.S. military power in the western hemisphere in decades, and a striking demonstration of Trumps readiness to act unilaterally, without the painstaking coalition-building that once defined American intervention abroad. Breathtaking bluntness defined Trumps foreign policy in his first year back in the White House. In rapid succession, he bombed militants in Yemen and Iranian nuclear facilities, midwifed a fragile cease-fire in Gaza, forced European leaders to increase their defense spending, extracted commercial and strategic pledges from China, demanded Denmark hand over Greenland, and threatened tariffs against almost every major U.S. trading partner. He also committed billions to bail out an Argentine President, freed a former Honduran President convicted of drug trafficking, and approved strikes that killed more than 95 people on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Pacific, raising accusations of war crimes. In recent days, Trump has signaled additional strikes on Iran may be imminent. Illustration by Tim O'Brien for TIME Buy TIME's Trump's Next Move issue here The sprawl of activity, unmatched by any modern American President, is the Trump Doctrine in action: American power as a lever deployed at will, subject to change at his whim, concentrated not in institutions but in the person of the President. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps frenetic diplomacyif diplomacy is even the wordhas transformed U.S. foreign policy into a solo act, casting aside a foreign policy establishment that one predecessor dubbed the blob. But one element of an establishment is stability. Career diplomats and lawmakers interviewed for this story describe a narrowing circle of influence around the Oval Office, with advisers selected for loyalty rather than expertise. The results have destabilized the usually staid world of global diplomacy, where even the smallest changes often require elaborate behind-the-scenes choreography. As the second Trump era dawned, senior U.S. officials openly encouraged the rise of right-wing movements in Europe and pushed through sudden, debilitating cuts to foreign aid that triggered warnings of devastation and preventable deaths in the developing world. We need a strong defense, but we also need diplomacy, a strong and organized State Department, and development, says Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat who sits on the Foreign Relations Committee. And the Trump Administration has essentially crossed out two of those in diplomacy and development. Analysts note that Trumps chaotic process produces potentially ephemeral outcomes. In Gaza, the cease-fire halted the worst of the fighting but left the disarmament of Hamas unresolved and the question of full Israeli withdrawal open-ended. In Ukraine, Trumps push for peace has been roundly criticized as strengthening Russias hand. And some more modest peace deals touted by Trump have been panned as premature or overhyped. But while Trumps unpredictability can be a liability, it is also his leverage. World leaders fear his wrath and adjust their behavior to avoid provoking him. The approach may not be fostering the most durable alliances, but many concede it has yielded movement where previous Administrations faced stasis. Advertisement Advertisement The most consistent through line is Trumps belief that the United States has underused its power globally, says historian Hal Brands, who views the Administrations first year as a mix of foreign policy failures and wins. The areas where Trump has succeeded on his own terms are pretty numerous. The question is: Are those successes actually good for the U.S. position over the long term? When the Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado won the Nobel Peace Prize, she had a problem. Trump had openly campaigned for the honor since returning to the Oval Office. His Administration had also become a major supporter of her effort to oust Maduro and restore democracy in the country. Trumps allies were already grumbling that the Nobel Committee had bypassed him. Machado needed to do some damage control, says a longtime Venezuelan democracy advocate in frequent touch with her. Machado got on the phone with Trump that same day and told the President she was dedicating the prize to him. But the gesture wasnt enough. Trump felt slighted by the Nobel Committeeand by Machado for accepting the prize. On Thursday, as Machado visits the White House, the world will be watching to see if part of her charm offensive will involve handing over her Nobel to Trump. Machado is just the latest in a line of high-profile figures who struggled to navigate Trumps Nobel obsession. For months, the leaders of Israel, Pakistan, Cambodia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Malta, and the Democratic Republic of Congo had all told Trump he deserved the Nobel, with several making a big show of formally nominating himin truth a rhetorical exercise, as there is no formal nomination process. The public displays underlined one of the central shifts in this new era of American foreign policy: that world leaders were increasingly treating the management of Trumps emotions as a strategic priority. European leaders publicly flatter him; some privately compete to do so. The NATO Secretary-General referred to Trump as daddy. A Swiss delegation presented Trump with a gold bar. Qatar gifted him a $400 million plane, raising massive ethical red flags. Dozens of Presidents and Prime Ministers traveled to Washington last year to demonstrate how seriously they take Trumps support. A White House official says Trump hosted more than 40 foreign heads of government at the White House in 2025, more than double the number Joe Biden did in his first year in office. Advertisement Advertisement Where supporters see proof of Trump exercising U.S. might, world leaders increasingly see something else: a President whose personal irritation is a geopolitical variable. He likes to approach the world stage as a punitive actor, says Javier Corrales, a political-science professor at Amherst College. Hes going to treat you badly until you show up with a remarkable offering. Charts show new tariff rates by Country at the White House on April 2, 2025 Alex WongGetty Images Exhibit A for this line of argument: Trumps use of tariffs as a kind of diplomatic hammer. After vowing to hike tariffs on virtually every trading partner, he spent much of the year rejiggering taxes on imports across a range of goods and countries. Trump has deployed tariff threats to shape the behavior of India, Pakistan, Canada, Europe, and the U.K. Hes also wielded the threat of military escalation, and of withholding support, to jolt negotiations in Mexico, the Middle East and elsewhere. His White House has demanded rare earth mineral access from Ukraine in exchange for U.S. assistance. He has told advisers that backing for European defense will increasingly require material commitments to American arms manufacturers. Advertisement Advertisement These moves reflect a worldview in which American power is transactionalnot a public good but an asset to be traded. Anna Kelly, the White House deputy press secretary, says foreign policy decisions come down to ensuring that the benefit to the U.S. is clear and tangible. All of these decisions are through the lens of America first and have direct impacts on the welfare of the American people, she says. Yet his foreign affairs efforts are not sitting well with his MAGA base. Once devoted lawmakers like former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene now complain that Trump cares more about burnishing his legacy overseas than bringing costs down at home. I think the President is stuck between these two impulses, says Jon Hoffman, a Middle East expert at the Cato Institute. One is to not get involved in quagmires and yet at the same time to maintain American primacy. So which is it? His Administration is staffed with people on both sides of this. That tension was on full display in the National Security Strategy the Administration released in December. The 33-page document included a lengthy broadside against Europe, describing the Continent as at risk of civilizational erasure and becoming majority non-European. While Congress moved forward with a bipartisan defense bill reaffirming long-standing commitments to NATO and other allies, the Administrations document recast those same commitments as conditional: Europe would receive continued U.S. security backing only if it increased defense spending, accelerated contributions to American weapons programs, and aligned trade policy with the U.S. Allies that spent decades anchoring their security to the U.S. felt as if they were being put on probation. Advertisement Advertisement The response in Europe was extremely strong and extremely emotional, says Amanda Sloat, who was senior director for Europe at the National Security Council during the Biden Administration. Theres been a real sense of incredulity about the way the American Presidentthe leader of a country that has for decades been Europes closest and strongest allyhas launched these broadside attacks on them. Republican Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska says Trumps foreign policy lacks a moral compass and echoes where the GOP was nearly a century ago, when many Republicans argued against entanglement in Europe even as fascist powers expanded. If you read the 1930s views of many Republicans, says Bacon, its like they were in a time machine and jumped forward 90 years. Trump will spend 2026 staring down an ominous deadline. U.S. intelligence analysts are convinced Chinas leader Xi Jinping has ordered the Peoples Liberation Army to build the military forces it needs to invade Taiwan by 2027. Joe Biden repeatedly vowed as President to defend Taiwan against a Chinese invasion. While Trump has been more circumspect, his Administration has said it is working to maintain military overmatch with China. But theres also an economic contest at work. Speaking in Singapore in May, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned countries against increasing economic ties with China, which he said would deepen the Peoples Republics malign influence and make defense cooperation with the U.S. harder. Our goal is to prevent war, to make the costs too high, and peace the only optionand we will do this with a strong shield of deterrence, forged together with you, Hegseth said. Advertisement Advertisement The Administrations National Security Strategy reflects that shift. It treats China primarily as an economic rival rather than an ideological one, emphasizing commerce, supply chains, and market access over values or governance. Taiwan is singled outdescribed less as a democratic partner than as a strategic fulcrum whose geography, shipping lanes, and semiconductor production carry enormous economic and military weight. Many Trump Administration officials say outmaneuvering China has been their top priority all along. The threat to take back the Panama Canal pushed that country closer into the U.S.s sphere. The $20 billion bailout to Argentinas libertarian President Javier Milei headed off Buenos Aires from seeking needed capital from China. His efforts in Venezuela are intended to force out Chinese investments in that countrys oil sector. But some pro-Trump strategists question the Administrations focus. While Trump kept in place Bidens submarine deal with Australia, preserving a key pillar of U.S. deterrence in the Indo-Pacific, his approach to China has otherwise been more transactional. We are locked in great-power competition with China, says Katherine Thompson, who was a deputy senior adviser in the Pentagon early in Trumps second term. Unfortunately, we are 10 months in and we have gotten incredibly distracted. In June, NATO allies agreed to increase their annual defense-spending target to 5% of GDP by 2035, acquiescing on an issue Trump had been harping on for years. It was a success that Trump sees as proof his deal-oriented style can bear fruit. It also potentially frees up the U.S. to relocate more resources to the Indo-Pacific region. Advertisement Advertisement Trumps bravado works best when he sets a clear goal and follows through, says Thompson. She compared his dealings with Panama and Houthi militants in Yemenwhere such clarity led to accomplishmentswith situations like Venezuela. Thats where the America First and Trumps mantra of foreign policy begins to fall short, she says. Where we dont have clear presidential intent, with clear left and right boundaries defined. Bacon says allies in the Pacific are watching Trumps decisions elsewhere and drawing their own conclusions. They see statements on Ukraine and NATO, they probably wonder, what does this mean for them, he says, suggesting that Beijing may be asking a more pointed question: whether American ambiguity in Europe signals opportunity in Asia. If I was President, says Bacon, I would be ensuring Taiwan had the weapons they need to deter right now, because day one of the war is too late. At home, Trumps approval rating slid in December to 36%. His unpopularity puts a limit on how much political capital he can spend on international goals. But Trump insists his globe-spanning diplomacy is domestic policy. He sees himself extracting investment promises from the Gulf to build up manufacturing and tech development in the U.S. He wants to open Venezuelas vast oil reserves to U.S. energy production. He made more European defense investment part of the price for support of Ukraine. As his first year back in the White House comes to a close, Trump says he wants a string of historic deals in year twoa lasting Gaza peace, an end to the Ukraine war, concessions from China on trade and minerals. He also vows to hold Venezuela firmly inside the U.S. sphere of influencean update of the 19th century Monroe Doctrine hes dubbed the Donroe Doctrine. If he achieves even a fraction of this, the world will look different. Certainly the coming 12 months will test whether his roughshod approach to international affairs yields sustainable winsor simply incubates deeper global instability. Advertisement Advertisement If we end up with a scenario where U.S. alliance relationships are still intact, but everybody is paying much more and investing much more in defensethats not the worst outcome in the world, says Brands. But that assessment comes with a warning. Trumps bravado risks undermining trust in the very alliances that have sustained American power. If allies start to believe the U.S. just fundamentally wont be there when a security crisis comes, Brands says, then were looking at a much bigger and more disruptive geopolitical reordering. Contact us at letters@time.com. Getting through security at Jacksonville International Airport could soon be quicker and easier thanks to TSAs expanding facial recognition technology. 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, including Jacksonville's International Airport. Heres what travelers flying out of JAX should know. When will TSA PreCheck Touchless ID be available at Jacksonville International Airport? TSA PreCheck Touchless ID will be available at JAX at the main security checkpoint Feb. 19, 2026. TSA PreCheck Touchless ID expansion map TSA PreCheck Touchless ID expansion map.png Which six 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 February and later this spring: Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): starting February 19, 2026 Tampa International Airport (TPA) Advertisement Advertisement 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. 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. Advertisement Advertisement 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. According to the TSA, the facial recognition system is not used to profile and deport passengers. Advertisement Advertisement "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 Contributing: 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 Florida Times-Union: JAX airport to launch TSA facial recognition. What can travelers expect? At least two people were killed near capital Bangkok on Thursday after a construction crane collapsed onto a busy road, the second such accident in Thailand within 48 hours. The latest incident took place in Samut Sakhon, just outside the Thai capital, when a crane being used to build an elevated highway fell onto Rama II Road, one of the main routes linking Bangkok to the south, police said. Two vehicles were crushed, killing two people and injuring at least five others, according to the police. Rescue teams cordoned off the area as investigators examined the wreckage. Advertisement Advertisement The latest accident has intensified the scrutiny of safety standards of the countrys major infrastructure projects. The countrys acting transport minister told the Bangkok Post the construction work in both incidents was being handled by the same company. Yes, it is Italian-Thai. I still do not understand what happened, Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn told the newspaper on Thursday when asked about the Rama II incident. He was referring to the company Italian-Thai Development Plc. We have to find out the facts, whether it was an accident or something else. It came a day after a crane from a high-speed rail construction site fell onto a moving passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima, killing 32 people and injuring at least 66 others, authorities said. Advertisement Advertisement That crash derailed a train travelling between Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani and prompted a national investigation into construction practices on major transport projects. Thursdays collapse adds to a growing list of fatal construction accidents, particularly along Rama II Road, which has seen multiple serious incidents over the past year. A construction crane that collapsed on the Rama 2 Road elevated expressway in Samut Sakhon province, Thailand on Thursday (AP) In April 2025, an engineer was killed after concrete slabs fell from an overhead structure onto his pickup truck while he was driving beneath the same highway project. Weeks later, a fallen cable damaged several vehicles on the route, narrowly avoiding further casualties. Thai media and safety experts have increasingly questioned why accidents continue to occur on large, government-backed infrastructure projects despite repeated warnings. Advertisement Advertisement Following Wednesdays train disaster, caretaker prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul demanded accountability from the State Railway of Thailand, saying those responsible must be held to account. Police have said evidence is being collected and criminal charges are being considered. He asked why the contractor involved in the high-speed rail project had not been blacklisted despite the recurrence of similar accidents. An aerial view of the wreckage of a train that crashed when a construction crane collapsed in Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima province on January 14, 2026 (AFP/Getty) The back-to-back tragedies have fuelled public anger and renewed debate over safety oversight, contractor accountability and enforcement of building standards in Thailand. The company, one of Thailands biggest construction firms, has been linked to several deadly accidents at its sites in recent years. The Italian-Thai Development PCL said it would take full responsibility for Wednesdays accident and provide full compensation and medical care to the families of victims and the injured. Advertisement Advertisement Authorities say investigations are ongoing into both incidents, with initial findings expected in the coming days. Transport officials have pledged reviews of safety procedures across major construction sites. For now, traffic on parts of Rama II Road remains disrupted, while families of the victims prepare funerals. The Independent has reached out to Italian-Thai Development Plc for a comment. The day after an accident in Thailand caused by a falling construction crane left over 30 people dead, a similar incident has reportedly killed two people near Bangkok. Five people were also injured when a construction crane collapsed on Thursday onto a motorway in Samut Sakhon district, to the west of the Thai capital, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported. Parts of the steel structure hit two cars, the newspaper cited police as saying. The crane was being used for the construction of a motorway bridge. Advertisement Advertisement It is not clear what caused the latest accident. About 230 kilometres north-east of Bangkok on Wednesday, a construction crane collapsed onto a fully occupied train, which then derailed and partially caught fire. At least 32 people were killed and more than 60 others were injured, some of them seriously. A German citizen was among those who died, the Thai Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. The search for three missing people has been called off, local media reported, citing the emergency services. As part of the investigation into the cause of the accident, police have summoned representatives of two construction companies for questioning. Advertisement Advertisement The huge crane was being used to build a railway bridge for the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail line (HSL), part of China's international Belt and Road infrastructure scheme. Thai Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn ordered an immediate halt to construction on all elevated road and railway projects in the country after the tragedy. The minister said in a television interview that the ban would apply until a comprehensive review of safety standards at construction sites had been carried out. Phiphat said he would hold a meeting with construction company representatives later Thursday to discuss additional safety measures. The president of the Thai Structural Engineers' Association (TSEA), Amorn Pimanmas, said that both crane accidents showed serious problems with safety standards at major infrastructure projects which urgently need to be rectified. Two Florida boys, George Watts and Derrick Hubbard, both 14 years old, tragically passed away due to a sand tunnel collapse at Sportsman Park. The incident prompted a response from Citrus County deputies and has left the community in mourning. The boys were playing at the beach when the tunnel they had dug collapsed on them. Their neighbor, Zachariah Roberson, described them as joyful and energetic kids who were simply enjoying a day outside. They were just being kids. They were just playing in sand. We always encourage our kids to get off the tablets, electronics, to go play outside, and thats exactly what they were doing, Roberson said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Roberson shared that a cross has been placed in the sand where the tragic incident occurred, serving as a memorial for the two boys. He stated, You know, theyre definitely going to be missed. Thats for sure. On Wednesday morning, the Watts family decided to donate Georges organs. Roberson went to U-F Health Shands Hospital along with dozens of community members to support the family during this difficult time. He recorded a touching moment of unity and prayer, appreciating that Georges donation would help save other children. Just knowing that theyre going to save other kids with their donations and that they will live on somehow, thats a blessing, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The Citrus Schools superintendent acknowledged the tragedy in an online message, stating, The tragic events involving two of your students have deeply impacted all of us. To help students cope with the loss, the district will have support teams on campus throughout the week. Experts advise that children should not dig holes deeper than their waists at the beach. They recommend filling in large holes before leaving to prevent accidents for future beachgoers. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Days after a federal judge blocked the Trump administrations efforts to stop families of U.S. citizens and permanent residents from adjusting their legal status through a Biden-era program, the administration on Wednesday announced it would pause family-based green-card processing for 75 countries. More than a dozen of the nations are in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the freeze includes countries whose nationals are already banned or partially banned from entering the United States. The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing for countries whose migrants take welfare from the United States at unacceptable rates, the agency said on social media, The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people. Advertisement Advertisement The freeze keeps spouses and relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents from applying for lawful permanent residency. Its the latest development in the administrations aggressive strategy to reduce legal immigration, including family-based pathways to come to the U.S. Its a direct attack on family-based migration, said Jorge Loweree, managing director of Programs and Strategy at the American Immigration Council. Because the vast majority of folks who get green cards through family do so from abroad. And the vast majority who get green cards through work are already here. A State Department spokesperson confirmed to the Miami Herald that the list includes several Latin American and Caribbean countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Uruguay. The Trump administration will always put America first, the State Department said on Wednesday. The latest freeze on visa processing will directly affect residents of South Florida, many who hail from the countries subject to the policy and are U.S. citizens attempting to bring loved ones from abroad. Advertisement Advertisement There are nearly a million U.S. citizens, both naturalized and native-born, of Cuban, Jamaican, Brazilian, Colombian and Haitian descent in Miami-Dade, according to a Herald analysis of U.S. Census Bureau figures. Those numbers dont include U.S. permanent residents from these countries who can also apply for green cards for relatives abroad, or U.S. citizens from other Latin American and Caribbean nations also affected by the visa freeze. The new policy appears to target people who are processing their visas in consulates abroad, but the State Department has not yet published details about how it will work. Some immigrant visas are also given to people through employment-based sponsorship and foreign children in the process of being adopted by American parents. However, experts note that the majority of people who get work-based green cards are already in the U.S. The Trump administration had already banned the entry of nationals from 39 countries, some listed under Wednesdays visa freeze, including Haiti, Cuba and several Caribbean countries. That presidential proclamation originally included exceptions for spouses, immediate relatives, and adopted children of U.S. citizens when it came out in June. However, a mid-December version of the proclamation no longer includes them . In a statement, Antiguas ambassador to the U.S., Sir Ronald Sanders said his government had not received any formal announcement. After contacting a senior State Department official, he said he was informed the decision arose from a new requirement under direction of the White House and involved solely those in line for a green card. Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, the Biden administration launched a new Family Reunification Parole program. The new programs allowed people caught in visa backlogs to join their family members in the United States while waiting for their visas to become available. On Dec. 12, the Department of Homeland Security announced the end of the Biden-era family reunification programs for Colombia, Cuba, Haiti, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Honduras, citing insufficient vetting and said the program was being abused. Experts say the program terminations and visa restrictions, which overlap with policies like a bond of up to $15,000 for professionals and tourists from certain countries, are designed to drown immigrants in bureaucracy so they abandon efforts to come to the U.S. altogether. Critics, including immigration lawyers, have said the U.S. is targeting certain countries through its immigration policies based on racial animus and discrimination. READ MORE: U.S. slaps visa charges on Cuba, Venezuela. Experts call it anti-immigrant red tape David Bier, director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, called the Trump administrations measures the most anti-legal immigration agenda in American history and called on Congress to limit executive authority over legal migration. Bier estimates that the action will ban nearly half of all legal immigrants and about 315,000 people this next year alone. Advertisement Advertisement The State Department said in order to come up with the list of countries affected by the visa freezes, the Trump administration used the rate at which immigrants from certain countries tap into social welfare in the United States, becoming what the government refers to as public charges. The administration has proposed tightening admissibility requirements based on the likelihood of an immigrant depending on public benefits once they come to the United States. The government looks at age, health, family status, financial health, among others, to make the determination. The administration also reviewed visa overstay rates from certain countries. However, some nations not subject to the travel ban have higher visa overstay rates than those that are included in the new measures. RELATED VIDEO: Springdale nonprofit 2nd Milk investigated for defrauding donors (May 2024) SPRINGDALE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) On Jan. 12, the U.S. government responded to 11 pretrial motions from Jason and Lacey Carneys attorneys seeking to exclude evidence. The Carneys face wire fraud and related charges over allegations they diverted 2nd Milk donations for personal use. Jason Carney and his wife, Lacey Carney, are facing federal wire fraud, theft and tax evasion charges. They are accused of defrauding donors through their Springdale-based nonprofit, 2nd Milk. Jason Carney (Courtesy: Washington County Detention Center) Federal court documents say the Carneys misused thousands of dollars worth of charitable donations, which were given for the purpose of aiding orphaned children in Africa. Instead, the couple used the donated cash to fund personal travel, boat loans, and routine living expenses, according to court documents. Advertisement Advertisement The Jan. 12 motions, filed by the Carneys defense team, sought to limit or exclude various types of evidence and testimony at trial. In its response, the U.S. Attorneys Office largely asked the court to deny these requests, though it indicated a few motions are moot or could be granted only in part. Among the Carneys requests are attempts to: Exclude foreign bank records from Standard Bank Malawi Block testimony from the governments nonprofit governance expert Prevent the use of undisclosed tax or accounting expert testimony Stop the government from attributing the production of corporate records to Jason Carney personally Exclude IRS lack of record certifications Sequester witnesses and prevent exposure to other testimony or media coverage Strike a paragraph from the Second Superseding Indictment Exclude evidence related to alleged adoption-services activities Prohibit use of the term victim or other legal conclusion terms Restrict law enforcement testimony on credibility or hearsay Bar lay opinion testimony on Jason or Lacey Carneys knowledge or intent to commit fraud In responses also filed Jan. 12, the government argued that most of the requested exclusions are unwarranted and said that it intends to rely heavily on many of the pieces of evidence the Carneys sought to block, such as tax returns and IRS filings. Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutor files aggravating circumstances to support death penalty for Devils Den murder suspect Prosecutors claim their gathered documents show distinctive features like bank logos and IDs, and their financial data matches verified transactions, including alleged transfers by Jason Carney from U.S. accounts, including those from Arvest Bank, to Malawi. There can be little sincere argument that the records are not authentic give the information they contain and the markers they bear, U.S. attorneys wrote. Certainly, a jury could reasonably conclude they are exactly what they appear to be. For example, on or about December 5, 2023, the Defendant Jason Carney directed a $4,000 transfer to the Standard Bank Malawi account. In response to the defenses motion to prevent lay opinion testimony about Lacey Carneys possible knowledge or intention to commit fraud, prosecutors wrote that they intend to put on evidence that the Defendant Lacey Carney was a conspirator with her husband in the wire fraud scheme and that evidence will be sufficient to at least request, if not receive, a willful blindness instruction regarding the unfolding scheme. Advertisement Advertisement U.S. prosecutors said in their 44-page response that they would address the Carneys request to dismiss a superseding indictmentrelated to an attorney-client privilege rulingin a separate document. As of Jan. 14, the court has not yet ruled on the Carneys motion to exclude evidence or on whether their attorney-client privilege justifies dismissing any charges. The Carneys trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 2 in Fayetteville. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. The United States has begun directing some military personnel to leave bases in the Middle East as Irans violent crackdown on nationwide anti-regime protests escalates, as described by U.S. officials and human rights groups, according to U.S. and regional officials cited by Fox News and Reuters. Qatar confirmed that some American personnel had departed Al Udeid Air Base, widely regarded as the largest U.S. military installation in the region. Qatars International Media Office said the move was part of broader security precautions aimed at protecting civilians, critical infrastructure, and military facilities, according by Fox News. The partial drawdown comes as President Donald Trump has escalated his public warnings toward Irans leadership over the use of lethal force against demonstrators. Trump said Tuesday that he had canceled all meetings with Iranian officials until the government stops killing protesters, Fox News reported. Advertisement Advertisement Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price, Trump wrote on Truth Social. I have canceled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. Trump has repeatedly suggested that the United States may intervene against the regime led by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, though he has not offered details on what form any assistance might take. The White House confirmed earlier this week that Trump is weighing potential response options. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that diplomacy remains the administrations preferred approach, but that the President has not ruled out military action, according to Fox News. He certainly doesnt want to see people being killed in the streets of Tehran, Leavitt said. And unfortunately thats something we are seeing right now. Advertisement Advertisement As The Dallas Express previously reported, human rights organizations have warned that Iranian authorities imposed a nationwide internet blackout as protests entered their third week, raising fears that security forces may be carrying out mass killings beyond international scrutiny. The Center for Human Rights in Iran has cited first-hand reports of hospitals overwhelmed with wounded protesters and documented the use of live ammunition in multiple cities. Human rights monitors have reported sharply rising casualty figures, though the numbers cannot be independently verified. Reuters reported that an Iranian security official estimated the death toll could be around 2,000 people, including members of the security forces. The Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported at least 1,847 demonstrators killed since late December, while cautioning that the figure may be significantly higher due to the ongoing communications blackout. Iranian authorities have acknowledged mass arrests and have blamed foreign actors for the unrest. According to Reuters and BBC reporting, Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of fomenting the protests, claims that have not been independently confirmed. The unrest represents the most significant challenge to Irans leadership since nationwide protests in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, according to Reuters. The U.S. has ordered the evacuation of some personnel from its largest base in the Middle East as President Donald Trump weighs strikes against the Islamist regime in Iran. The move echoes similar actions last year in the run-up to the joint U.S.-Israeli air and missile strikes on Iranian nuclear program sites. But a U.S. defense official cautioned this evacuation was a precautionary step as Tehran struggles with mass anti-government protests with security officials killing numerous protesters. The shift of some forces from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar comes after Trump told Iranians on Tuesday that help is on its way, and warned Americans in Iran they should think about evacuating the country. Advertisement Advertisement A former U.S. official familiar with the situation said aircraft had also been moved. The current and former officials were granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive national security issue. Reuters first reported the evacuation. The Qatari government said in a statement Wednesday that the evacuations from Al Udeid are being undertaken in response to the current regional tensions. The Pentagon stations about 10,000 U.S. troops at the sprawling Al Udeid, along with smaller bases in the region in Iraq, Syria and Jordan. The base has its own air defenses, which were put to the test in June when Iran attacked it with ballistic missiles. But one Patriot missile interceptor that was sent there before the attack has since been shipped back to South Korea. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. Sen. Thom Tillis is getting some things off his political chest. The North Carolina Republican, who decided to oppose President Donald Trump's massive policy bill last summer and not run for reelection this year, has stepped up his criticism of White House advisers and other Republicans whom he accuses of not serving Trump's best interests. On Sunday night, Tillis leaped out as the first Republican to bash the Justice Department's investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome H. Powell. He declared he won't support any Fed nominees until the central bank's long-standing independence is fully restored. That came after Thursday's significant symbolic victory in getting unanimous Senate support to display a plaque honoring the police who defended the Capitol during the 2021 insurrection, overriding the efforts of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) to keep the plaque hidden. And last Wednesday, Tillis delivered a more-than-1,500-word stem-winder on the Senate floor denouncing Trump's advisers for egging him on with the idea that the U.S. military could take over Greenland. "I am sick of stupid," Tillis said. Early Tuesday afternoon, facing questions about the fallout from the Powell investigation, Tillis said his problems are with the Trump advisers who entertain these positions, not the president himself. "Who on earth believes that the president could possibly have the depth of expertise to make some of these detailed decisions that he's making? So, of course, it's his advisers," Tillis told a group of reporters in an interview just off the Senate floor. Hundreds of miles away touring a Ford plant, Trump got questions about Tillis's criticism of subpoenas from the U.S. attorney for D.C. regarding Powell's testimony last year about a Fed construction project. His response was relatively cordial, but Trump spelled out his belief that Tillis isn't running for reelection because he was out of step with the president. "That's why Thom's not going to be a senator any longer, I guess. Look, I like Thom Tillis, he's a nice guy. But he's not going to be a senator any longer because of views like that," Trump said in Michigan. Tillis said he and the president have retained good personal relations despite these recent criticisms. "I've never had a pitched conversation with President Trump. And obviously there have been a number of times when he's not been happy with me. The president's been a gentleman throughout every single discussion," Tillis told reporters Tuesday. Last summer, as the Senate ground through the massive bill on taxes and immigration, Tillis battled with Republican leaders over offsetting cuts to Medicaid. He voted against beginning debate in late June, prompting a barrage of criticism from Trump. A day later, the senator announced he would retire at the end of this year. Tillis rejected the idea that his recent critiques of the Trump White House come from a sense of political freedom to no longer worry about political threats from the president. "I would encourage people to go back to President Trump's first administration when I respectfully disagreed with that advice he was being given," Tillis said Tuesday. The biggest standoff back then came over Trump's 2019 declaration of a national emergency along the southern border to divert military funds toward building a border wall without congressional approval. Tillis penned a Washington Post op-ed opposing Trump's actions, warning conservatives that it would set a precedent for future Democratic administrations to ignore Congress. "I have grave concerns when our institution looks the other way at the expense of weakening Congress's power," he wrote in 2019. A few weeks later he reversed course - amid some murmurs about a far-right primary challenge in 2020 - and voted to allow Trump's actions. Tillis did so after the majority leader at the time, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), publicly said revisions would be made to the law setting parameters for declarations of national emergencies. Nothing ever happened on that front, something Tillis blames on three unnamed lawmakers who blocked negotiations. "What you aren't aware of is three senators who totally screwed up the opportunity to get the president to convey more power back to the Congress. That blew up because senators over here were not disciplined enough," he said, declining to elaborate. Tillis, 65, narrowly won a second six-year term in 2020. For the next four years he served as a crucial bipartisan negotiator while the GOP was in the Senate minority during the Biden administration. On topics including immigration and gun control, Tillis hit his stride as a bridge to reaching consensus on politically thorny issues, deploying the skills he previously used to become speaker of the North Carolina House after just four years. With Republicans fully in charge of Congress and the White House after the 2024 elections, that skill set holds less value. Trump and Republican leaders have largely pursued a party-line agenda. Tillis's departure from the Senate race gave Democrats a lift in their long-shot bid to gain four seats and the majority in the midterm. Roy Cooper, the popular former governor, entered the race and has been raising record sums. Republicans have rallied around Michael Whatley, a Trump ally who chaired the Republican National Committee but hasn't ever won elective office. In the first two weeks of the new year, Tillis has made clear that he doesn't intend to slink away into retirement. On Jan. 6, the fifth anniversary of Trump supporters storming the Capitol to try to block the affirmation of Joe Biden's 2020 victory, Tillis read stories about how Johnson was blocking the display of the plaque honoring police. Some questioned whether the speaker was trying to help Trump rewrite the history of that day. Tillis laid some blame on liberal activists who in the summer of 2020 erupted in violence for fostering a negative environment toward police. But he blamed the Jan. 6 rioters for their violence, including Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed by police as she tried to jump into a lobby just off the House floor. Trump has called her a martyr. "Sadly, she lost her life, but she put herself in that situation, like everybody else that breached this building and destroyed this institution of democracy," Tillis said. He lashed out at Trump for granting clemency to 1,600 people who were charged with crimes related to the Capitol attack. "We sent the message that if you come to this Capitol and you got the right president in office, he is going to let you get past things that not any one of us would get away with if we did it in our home state," Tillis said. And he got the Senate to pass legislation clearing up Johnson's excuse for not displaying the plaque and demanding that it be displayed in the Senate until a permanent spot is found. On the Fed, he stood by his Sunday statement that he will block any nominees to the board in the Senate Banking Committee until there's resolution to the Powell investigation. "I'm not considering anybody. I mean, I wouldn't consider my mother for the post under the current conditions," he told reporters Tuesday. But the Greenland matter has set Tillis off in his most personal fury toward White House advisers. "Some people around here call me cranky. I have a couple of buddies that call me cranky. Do you know what makes me cranky? Stupid," Tillis said in his Jan. 7 speech. He mocked Stephen Miller, the deputy White House chief of staff, for television appearances talking about invading the autonomous island that is part of the kingdom of Denmark. "'Hey, this would be cool,'" Tillis said on the Senate floor, pretending to be a Trump adviser. "'Let's take over Greenland. It will be like a big aircraft carrier.' Well, that is stupid." By Tuesday, Tillis still ran hot on the topic, saying that Greenland is an ally that would respond better to negotiating than military threats. "There's just a smarter, more sustainable, more popular way of doing it. That's the advice he didn't get," Tillis told reporters. "Instead, he got the sycophants lining up, saying, 'That's great, we're going to take over a sovereign nation,' which is silly on stilts." Previously: Republican women shrinking their ranks in Congress Will Trump out-manuveur politic's 'six-year itch'? U.S. forces were prepared to destroy three airfields if it appeared that fighters belonging to the Venezuelan Air Force were attempting to scramble and intercept the force sent to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro earlier this month. Planners were also concerned that as many as 75 air defense sites might sit between American forces and their objective. These and other new operational details are contained in a heavily redacted legal memo the U.S. Department of Justice released earlier this week. The memo was written by T. Elliot Gaiser, Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Legal Counsel at the Department of Justice, and is dated December 23, 2025. Its primary purpose is to address questions of the legality of the mission, which was nicknamed Operation Absolute Resolve and ultimately carried out on the night of January 2-3. President Donald Trumps administration has argued that capturing Maduro and his wife was a law enforcement action with military support and that, by extension, it was not constrained by various U.S. and international laws surrounding the employment of American forces and armed conflict more generally. The legal justifications remain a controversial topic subject to much debate. Nicolas Maduro, second from the left, and his wife, at far right, are seen escorted by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents in New York City, New York, on January 5, 2026. XNY/Star Max/GC Images via Getty Images It is important to note that the operational planning details contained in the memo, per Gaiser, were as of December 22. It has been reported that the Trump administration had originally planned to launch the operation on Christmas Day, but that it was delayed in deference to unrelated strikes targeting ISIS terrorists in Nigeria. The memo notably says that Maduro was assumed to be the only target of the operation. The unredacted portions indicate his wife described in a footnote as being known to be more aggressive and combative than her husband was expected to be with him, but not captured. What else may have changed plan-wise between December 22 and January 3 is unknown. Advertisement Advertisement The War Department has identified three airfields that may be destroyed should it appear that fighters are being assembled there to intercept the assault force, the memo says. The airfields will not be struck otherwise as they are dual use for military and civilian purposes. There are no clear indications that Venezuelas Russian-made Su-30MK2V Flankers or U.S.-built F-16s made any real attempt to respond to the American operation. Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base in Caracas, also known as La Carlota, in Caracas, as well as Higuerote Airport, which lies on the coast east of the capital, were targeted, but more likely due to the presence of air defense assets on the ground. Neither of these facilities is known to host fighters. Satellite imagery analysis of Higuerote Airport, Venezuela (03 Jan 2026 14:54 local/18:54 GMT) indicates at least two, possibly three, locations targeted in US strikes. Image Source: @planet pic.twitter.com/SiqRtGeglB Joseph Dempsey (@JosephHDempsey) January 4, 2026 More footage of the strike on Generalissimo Francisco de Miranda Air Base. https://t.co/DT4SbgPeF5 pic.twitter.com/FyNMoVPPve SA Defensa (@SA_Defensa) January 3, 2026 The War Department had advised that Maduro spends considerable time at Fort Tiuna [Fuerte Tiuna], a fortified location at the southern end of Caracas, [redacted], the memo also explains. It is expected that U.S. forces will face heavy resistance on the approach. In the memo, Gaiser says that the intelligence community has suggested that notwithstanding his public posturing Maduro may not currently have the capacity to engage in the kind of significant armed resistance' and that there are questions about whether the Venezuelan army is also less than entirely loyal. Advertisement Advertisement However, throughout our discussions, there has never been a suggestion that forces within Fort Tiuna will do anything other than go down fighting and it is indisputable that if Fort Tiuna were in the United States rather than Venezuela, there would be a sufficient threat of armed resistance, he added. On top of that, there may be as many as 75 anti-aircraft battery sites along the approach route to Fort Tiuna, the Assistant Attorney General wrote. A satellite image showing Fort Tiuna (Fuerte Tiuna) and the surrounding area following Operation Absolute Resolve on January 3, 2026. Satellite image 2026 Vantor Moreover, we have been orally advised that there are estimated to be [redacted], the memo continues. These weapons, [redacted] are capable of downing the helicopters carrying the assault and retrieval force. Well before Operation Absolute Resolve was launched, TWZ did a deep-dive into Venezuelas relatively limited air defense capabilities and the very real threats they could still present, including to a heliborne assault force. In particular, prior to the mission, Venezuelan forces claimed to have access to some 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch) shoulder-fired heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles, also known as man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). MANPADS, in general, pose a significant danger to low and slow-flying helicopters, compounded by their ability to pop up with little, if any, prior warning. The location of MANPADS can also be very hard to pin down and then plan around prior to an operation. We have previously highlighted how larger road-mobile surface-to-air missile systems in Venezuelas arsenal could present similar complications, as well. As of December 22, 2025, the proposed assault force will include approximately [redacted] within Venezuelan territory; [and] an [redacted] assault force carried by helicopters [redacted], according to the memo. Before the assault force arrives at Fort Tiuna, approximately [redacted] aircraft comprising [redacted] will serve as an escort and clear emplaced anti-aircraft batteries as needed. Advertisement Advertisement The apparent reference to a clandestine force in place in advance is notable. It has been widely reported now that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had infiltrated operatives weeks ahead of the mission, but their role has been largely framed as having been to monitor Maduros movements and establish his so-called pattern of life, as well as to gather other intelligence. Elements of the Department of Justice, including FBI agents, also took part in the operation, but are not understood to have been present in the country beforehand. Otherwise, the details here align with what has already emerged about the final Operation Absolute Resolve force package, which included a 200-strong force of special operations led by elements of the U.S. Armys Delta Force. MH-60 Black Hawk and MH-47 Chinook helicopters from the Armys 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, better known as the Night Stalkers, carried that force to and from Fuerte Tiuna. Some of the MH-60s were configured as gunships, also known as Direct Action Penetrators (DAP), and provided close air support for the main force. Footage from helicopters over Venezuela show what appear to be CH-47 Chinooks and MH-60 Black Hawks. Given available pictures, shapes are overall consistent with versions also flown by special operations units. Rocket strike may suggest presence of other types as well. pic.twitter.com/YxipAqSpAy Christoph Bergs (@MilAvHistory) January 3, 2026 Likely a DAP Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) January 3, 2026 Approximately 150 total aircraft, fixed-wing and rotary, crewed and uncrewed, participated in the operation. Beyond the Night Stalker helicopters, this included F-22, F-35, and F/A-18E/F fighters, B-1 bombers, EA-18G and EC-130H electronic warfare aircraft, E-2 airborne early warning and control planes, and RQ-170 Sentinels stealth drones. Navy warships offshore, including the Wasp class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima and supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford also played key roles. A view of the flightline at the former Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico following Operation Absolute Resolve, showing just a small portion of the aircraft involved in that operation. USAF Post-operation imagery from Venezuela shows that U.S. forces fired AGM-88-series anti-radiation missiles and AGM-154C Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW) precision-guided glide bombs at Venezuelan air defenses, particularly Russian-made Buk-M2E surface-to-air missile systems. Venezuelas air defense network ultimately played a minimal role in responding to Operation Absolute Resolve, with subsequent reporting raising questions about the degree to which those assets were even operational at the time. Bellingcat identified weapon remnants that struck an apartment building in Catia La Mar, Venezuela killing one civilian, during the US operation as a US AGM-88 series missile. The apartment was about 500m away from a military area housing Buk-2ME air defense systems that was hit. pic.twitter.com/mYxbYumdHP Trevor Ball (@Easybakeovensz) January 7, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Remnants of a US AGM-154C-1 (JSOW) reportedly recovered from a strike at the Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research on January 3rd. https://t.co/3i88eO9DMb pic.twitter.com/KxyuUGL2ai Trevor Ball (@Easybakeovensz) January 7, 2026 The BUK launchers at La Carlota airbase in Caracas were destroyed by US strikes overnight #Venezuela pic.twitter.com/RDGdqwr4o4 CNW (@ConflictsW) January 3, 2026 Overall, the expected duration of the operation within Venezuelan territory is [redated] hours, the Department of Justice memo says. In order to minimize casualties, the strike will take place at 0100 am (local time) on a date when a maximum number of Venezuelan military [personnel] would be on leave for the holidays. The last part here may be a reference to the original reported plan to launch Operation Inherent Resolve on or around Christmas Day. In the end, it did come the weekend after New Years, when many individuals may still have been on leave. Moreover, kinetic operations will be preceded by non-kinetic action, the memo also notes. Power at Fort Tiuna will be disrupted for a lengthier period of time because [redacted] the War Department will aim pre-assault fire is the local power switching station. There have been many reports that a cyber attack helped turn out the lights in Venezuela during the mission. At the post-operation press conference on January 3, Gen. Caine had also mentioned different effects provided by SPACECOM [U.S. Space Command], CYBERCOM [U.S. Cyber Command], and other members of the interagency [sic] to create a pathway, but did not elaborate. Electronic warfare attacks from the EA-18Gs and EC-130Hs would also fall into the category of non-kinetic action. There have been speculations and rumors since Maduro was captured that other secretive non-kinetic capabilities may have also played a role, but there remains no hard evidence to support any of that, as of yet. As the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine said during the White House's recent press briefing on Operation Absolute Resolve, this was a "powerful demonstration of Americas Joint Force." Listen to his full remarks here: https://t.co/PWdrkZuwJK pic.twitter.com/cN59N9JLM6 U.S. Space Command (@US_SpaceCom) January 5, 2026 The section of the Department of Justice memo on operational planning closes with the statement that risks to the mission are significant and success will depend on surprise, at least from what is unredacted. It also notes that the level of risk will depend, in part, on Maduros precise location within the Fort at the time of the attack. Advertisement Advertisement By all accounts, from a tactical perspective, the final execution of Operation Absolute Resolve was highly successful. U.S. forces are assessed to have killed between 75 and 100 people, a plurality of whom are understood to have been personnel guarding Maduro. Cuban authorities have acknowledged the deaths of 32 officers from their military during the operation. At least seven American service members were wounded in the course of the mission, including the pilot of a Night Stalker MH-47 that sustained significant damage, but managed to remain airborne. The unredacted details in the Department of Justice memo underscore that the success of the operation was in spite of considerable potential risks from air defenses and other threats. More details are still likely to come about those dangers and how they were surmounted. Contact the author: joe@twz.com When he was first sworn in as Ugandas president in 1986, Yoweri Museveni declared that his victory represented a fundamental change. He promised that Ugandans would no longer die at the hands of fellow citizens. He also criticised African leaders who sought international prestige while their people lacked food, healthcare and dignity. In his books Sowing the Mustard Seed (published in 1997) and What Is Africas Problem? (2000), Museveni condemned leaders who overstayed in power. Now nearly four decades into his rule, Ugandas promised democratic renewal has been replaced by increasingly autocratic governance. Once the liberator, Museveni has become the strongman, overseeing a deeply repressive system. Political opposition, civil society and ordinary citizens have faced growing human rights violations, violence and intimidation. This is particularly targeted at young people and political dissidents. Advertisement Advertisement In the run-up to Ugandas 2026 elections, political repression has intensified. Young people, under the leadership of opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi (popularly known as Bobi Wine), are at the centre of a growing struggle for freedom and democracy. And they are increasingly the targets of state violence. I teach and research political repression and human rights. My work emphasises the importance of strengthening ethical and democratic leadership and governance. This enables sustainable peace, justice, development and human security to take root. I have also argued that young people around the world can help save democracy if they are supported. This is particularly the case in Uganda, which has one of the youngest populations in the world. This support should come from the African Union (AU) in the first instance. Its peace and security council should make it clear to Museveni that he has obligations to respect peoples rights and freedoms. There is also a need for a standby military force from the AU and/or the UN to protect Ugandans against bloodshed. Advertisement Advertisement The international community can also play a role by ending its supply of weapons and ensuring the implementation of international laws. This includes a commitment to arrest and prosecute those who commit crimes against humanity. It is also urgent that Bobi Wine be granted special protection during and after the elections. The opposition leader has warned that the regime has plans to assassinate him. Whats ailing Uganda Musevenis Uganda is marked by five key characteristics. Firstly, authoritarianism and institutional control. To entrench his power, Museveni has rigged votes in every political election. Authoritarianism is reinforced by personal and family control of institutions, particularly the military, police, the judiciary, the legislature and the electoral commission. The presidents son Muhoozi Kainerugaba is Ugandas chief of defence forces. Musevenis wife Janet is the minister of education and a member of parliament. All institutions are headed and monopolised by people from the presidents ethnic group. Advertisement Advertisement Secondly, corruption. Uganda is estimated to lose more than Sh10 trillion (US$2.8 billion) to corruption annually. Senior officials have amassed wealth through corruption. Musevenis recent political messaging has centred on protecting the gains of those in power. The president has referred to a national resource like oil, estimated at 6.65 billion barrels, as his. For their part, the UK and US governments have sanctioned Ugandan officials for corruption. Third, poverty. As of June 2025, Uganda ranked 157th out of 193 countries on a UN global development index. This index measures standards of living. Children still study under trees and hospitals are dilapidated. According to the World Bank, nearly 60% of the population lives on less than US$3 a day. Advertisement Advertisement Fourth, human rights abuses, with perpetrators going unpunished. Supporters of Bobi Wine have faced beatings, torture, arrests, disappearances, military trials and extrajudicial killings. In 2020, security forces killed dozens of opposition supporters. Bobi Wine himself has survived several assassination attempts. His campaigns are frequently blocked. He has been pepper-sprayed, tear-gassed and denied accommodation. Lastly, digital repression. The government has suspended internet access, and blocked platforms to prevent citizens from sharing evidence of state violence. This digital clampdown is a central tool of political control. Opposition remains defiant Despite repression, Bobi Wine, aged 43, has vowed to proceed with his campaign to unseat Museveni, 81. The opposition leader presents his movement as a fight to restore democracy, constitutionalism and civilian rule. His political programme focuses on ending corruption and youth employment, healing national divisions, and improving access to public services. His manifesto talks about creating jobs, strengthening education, and restoring respect for human rights and the rule of law. Advertisement Advertisement The youth-led struggle for democracy in Uganda reflects a broader continental reality: young Africans are demanding accountable leadership that reflects national potential rather than elite survival. Why Ugandas future matters Reversing authoritarianism is essential if Ugandas going to deal with its myriad social and political ills. The biggest immediate threat is a real risk of mass violence. The presidents son, who is also the military chief, has publicly threatened Bobi Wine. The opposition leader has warned of reports suggesting preparations for mass killings. A reversal of the current state of affairs would contribute to peace and stability in Uganda, and across the Great Lakes region, one of Africas most conflict-affected zones. All six of Ugandas neighbours (Burundi, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya) face instability of one form or another. Advertisement Advertisement The region has experienced cycles of violence dating back to the 1980s. Musevenis bush war (1980-1986) was followed by the 1994 Rwanda genocide. In 1996, Uganda and Rwanda invaded the DR Congo, triggering a wave of violence that persists to date. The violence is heightened by Musevenis militarisation of the DRC and Kagames support for militias in the country, including the March 23 Movement (M23). In addition, some neighbouring countries are experiencing increased internal political tension. For example Tanzania, long seen as relatively peaceful, has experienced lethal crackdowns against political opponents and protesters. For its part, Kenyas young peoples protests against government corruption and police brutality have been met with violence and abductions. In Uganda itself, ethnic and regional tensions are rising. Museveni has said every soldier will have 120 bullets to silence protesters in the January 2026 election. Civilians have previously been kidnapped, tortured, disappeared and killed. Whats needed The youth-led struggle for democracy in Uganda reflects a broader continental reality: young Africans are demanding accountable leadership that reflects national potential rather than elite survival. Advertisement Advertisement In Burkina Faso, the people rallied in support of President Ibrahim Traores emancipatory leadership. In Kenya, young people have not stopped demanding democratic rule and accountable leadership. For the wider international community, supporting democratic transitions is not only a moral responsibility. It is also central to long-term peace, security, development and reducing forced migration. History shows that early international action can prevent atrocities and its absence can enable catastrophe. 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: Evelyn Namakula Mayanja, Carleton University Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Evelyn Namakula Mayanja does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. This is Chris York reporting from Kyiv on day 1,422 of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Today's top story: A large group of Russian soldiers crossing snowy ground north of Kharkiv was obliterated by drones, artillery and infantry, Ukraine's Khartiia Brigade said on Jan. 15, killing around 70 of them. The Khartiia Brigade repelled an attempted assault by the Russian Federation and "destroyed" about 70 Russian occupiers," the unit said in a post on YouTube. Advertisement Advertisement "For a week, Russian occupation forces attempted to storm the area of responsibility of the 13th Brigade of the NGU Khartiia north of Kharkiv. Thanks to the coordinated interaction of the Khartiia members infantrymen, UAV operators, artillerymen and other units the attempt was unsuccessful," it added. A video accompanying the post shows numerous Russian soldiers being targeted by drones and artillery. 300 apartment buildings in Kyiv remain without heating, Klitschko Last updated 8:49 p.m. Kyiv time. As of Jan. 15, about 300 apartment buildings in Kyiv remain without heat, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The outages follow a Russian missile strike on Jan. 9 that initially left more than 6,000 buildings without heat. Advertisement Advertisement Klitschko said utility crews are working around the clock to restore services. However, Kyiv remains under emergency blackout schedules, and regular hourly power outage timetables are no longer in effect. The city has been powering critical infrastructure with large generators and deployed mobile boiler stations. Some large residential buildings that have been without heat and electricity for six days are being connected to temporary power sources. To support residents, over 1,200 heating points have been set up across the capital. "We are doing everything we can under these conditions. But the situation remains extremely difficult, both in terms of energy and the weather," Klitschko said. Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Disgraceful statement Ukraine condemns International Committee of the Red Cross over moral equivalence on energy strikes Grey zone expands near Ukraine's border in Sumy Oblast, DeepState reported Last updated 6:40 p.m. Kyiv time. The gray zone has significantly expanded near the village of Komarivka in Sumy Oblast, close to the State Border of Ukraine, the Ukrainian open-source intelligence project DeepState reported in its latest update on Jan. 15. "The enemy has recently increased its activity along the State Border of Ukraine, taking advantage of opportunities to infiltrate border villages, attempting to entrench themselves and destabilize the situation," DeepState wrote on Telegram. Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, Russian forces are probing for weaknesses with the intent to establish a foothold and spread instability in the region. "The enemy is testing the ground and attempting to entrench themselves in locations like Komarivka and Hrabovske. These incursions are aimed at expanding zones of influence and operational control," DeepState said. Ukraine's Defense Forces are actively responding to these movements by targeting Russian infantry as they attempt to consolidate positions. However, full neutralization is reportedly not always possible. The situation along the State Border of Ukraine remains dynamic, and DeepState emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring. Advertisement Advertisement "There are more such zones emerging. In many cases, the enemy is eliminated at the very start of their attempt to advance, which often makes mapping unnecessary. But when these incursions become repeated, and the enemy manages to hold territory, we mark these developments on the map accordingly," DeepState noted. Read also: IMF chief visits Kyiv for the first time since 2023 amid deepening energy crisis Russia launches missile strike on port infrastructure in Chornomorsk Last updated 5:21 p.m. Kyiv time. A Russian ballistic missile struck port infrastructure in the southern Ukrainian city of Chornomorsk, targeting civilian cargo under the flag of Malta, Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, wrote on Facebook on Jan. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Kuleba stated that one crew member was injured and is currently receiving necessary medical assistance following the attack. "The ship was getting ready for a container shipment," he wrote. The strike caused damage to three containers and resulted in an oil spill. Emergency teams have deployed a containment boom to localize the pollution and minimize environmental impact. "This is yet another act of Russian terror against civilian port infrastructure, international trade, and maritime safety," Kuleba said. The incident comes amid ongoing attacks on Ukraine's ports, which play a vital role in maintaining grain and goods exports under international agreements. Advertisement Advertisement Read also: The Ukrainian war cemetery that cant stop growing Kyiv energy crisis 'extremely serious,' as SBU presents evidence of Russian 'crimes against humanity' Last updated 2:58 p.m. Kyiv time. The ongoing energy crisis in Kyiv remains "extremely serious," officials said on Jan. 15, as Ukraine's Security Service said Russia's ongoing strikes against energy infrastructure amount to "crimes against humanity." Air raid sirens in the capital sounded regularly over the last 24 hours as Russia launched at least 82 Shahed-type drones across the country, according to Ukraine's Air Force. Some of the drones including more advanced rocket-powered versions targeted a thermal power plant in Kyiv, local monitoring telegram channels said. Advertisement Advertisement Maxim Timchenko, CEO of DTEK, Ukraine's biggest private energy firm, wrote on X on Jan. 15 that Ukraine's energy sector is facing an "extremely serious situation" due to "unprecedented attacks by Russia and extreme cold across the country." The temperature in Kyiv at 3p.m. local time was -11 degrees celsius (12 degrees Fahrenheit). Russia has pounded Kyiv and the country with missiles and drones over the last few days, leaving around 70% of the capital without power on Jan. 13. While energy workers repair the damage, the icy temperatures are making it difficult, and replacement equipment is running out. President Volodymyr Zelensky on Jan. 14 declared a state of emergency in the energy sector, with particular attention on Kyiv, which is reeling from Russian attacks that have left residents without power, heating, or water in subzero temperatures. Advertisement Advertisement Read also: Kyiv energy crisis extremely serious, as SBU presents evidence of Russian crimes against humanity 2 killed, 20 injured including 4 children in Russian overnight attacks on Ukraine At least two people died and 20 others were injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day, local authorities said on Jan. 15. Russia launched 82 Shahed-type drones overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force said. Ukraines air defenses said they shot down or suppressed 61 drones. The Air Force added that 21 drones hit 13 locations. In Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks injured five people over the past day, Governor Vadym Filashkin said. In Kherson Oblast, Russian attacks killed one person over the past day, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. In Kharkiv Oblast, one person was injured in Russian attacks, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. In Sumy Oblast, seven people including four children were injured by Russian drone strikes, regional authorities reported. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Russian attacks killed one person and injured six others over the past day, Governor Ivan Fedorov said. In Chernihiv Oblast, one person was injured in a Russian drone strike, Governor Viacheslav Chaus reported. General Staff: Russia has lost 1,223,090 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022 Russia has lost around 1,223,090 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Jan. 14. The number includes 1,150 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day. According to the report, Russia has also lost 11,557 tanks, 23,904 armored fighting vehicles, 74,306 vehicles and fuel tanks, 36,182 artillery systems, 1,611 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,277 air defense systems, 434 airplanes, 347 helicopters, 107,357 drones, 28 ships and boats, and two submarines. Read also: As Russia tries to freeze Ukrainians to submission, families try everything to stay warm Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Nearly 2 million Ukrainians are evading the military draft, said Ukraine's new defense minister. Mykhailo Fedorov also warned that roughly 200,000 Ukrainian troops have gone AWOL. Ukrainian morale has suffered as it's struggled to keep the front lines replenished with fighters. Around 2 million Ukrainians are dodging military drafts, while another 200,000 are absent without official leave, or AWOL, Kyiv's newly appointed defense minister said on Wednesday. The tally revealed by Mykhailo Fedorov is a rare disclosure by the Ukrainian leadership about the troop shortages the country has grappled with throughout the war. Advertisement Advertisement Fedorov, who was previously minister of digital transformation, was speaking in Ukraine's parliament as representatives confirmed his new appointment in the defense role. The defense minister said roughly 2 million Ukrainians are "wanted" for evading callups, with another 200,000 soldiers voluntarily leaving their posts without permission to do so. Fedorov has pledged wide reform, saying he would audit Ukraine's military and root out systemic issues "that have accumulated over the years" in training and command. "We cannot fight with new technologies under an old organizational structure," Fedorov said. Under martial law in Ukraine, going AWOL is defined as being away without permission for more than three days, an act that can carry a prison sentence of between five to 10 years. Desertion is when a soldier is deemed to be intentionally avoiding service and carries a more severe sentence of up to 12 years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement A soldier could go AWOL if they are given a break from the fighting or leave to return home, then fail to show up when ordered to do so. Sometimes, troops simply flee their positions. The figures relayed by Fedorov may be affected by a notorious tactic among Ukrainian troops seeking to transfer to another unit, especially if they were previously denied. Some soldiers try to circumvent the official process by going AWOL and then reporting for duty again with a recommendation for their desired unit. Ukraine's prosecutor general's office told local media outlet Ukrainska Pravda last year that, from the start of the war to September 2025, it had opened over 235,000 criminal cases for AWOL-related offenses, as well as over 53,000 for desertion. As a loose comparison, some records say that a rough total of 150,000 American and British troops deserted or went AWOL during World War II across the entire European theater. Ukraine's fight to keep its troops Another key concern implied in Fedorov's speech is the sheer scale of missing recruits that Kyiv desperately needs. Advertisement Advertisement The country is already straining against Russia's much larger war economy and military industrial complex, and one of its most pressing needs is to replenish its fighters on the front lines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that his country fields around 880,000 active-duty personnel, though other estimates vary. The lack of reinforcements is crushing both for Ukrainian morale and operational success. Without reinforcements, some Ukrainian units have reported holding frontline positions for years with barely any rest or opportunity to rotate out to see their families. In the city of Pokrovsk, for example, Zelenskyy said that Kyiv's troops were outnumbered 1 to 8 in the fall, when Russia aggressively tried to take control of the devastated regional hub via repeated ground assaults. Advertisement Advertisement Ukrainian men aged 25 to 60 are eligible to be called up for active duty, though those as young as 18 must register with the military. Thousands of Ukrainian men have fled overseas since the war started. Many have done so illegally; Ukraine doesn't allow men aged 23 to 60 to leave its borders. Fedorov said a key focus of his audit would be to assess what Ukraine can do more efficiently with the troops it has now. One of these reform goals is to ensure basic-level staffing in all of Ukraine's drone brigades, which he said is now "definitely lacking." "Today, the top 50 out of 400 total units involved in drones provide 70% of enemy damage," he said. "Imagine the potential of the defense forces if we help the remaining 350 grow." The defense minister, who is 35, also said the Ukrainian military is starting the year with considerably fewer resources. Its budget for 2026 is roughly 300 billion Ukrainian hryvnias, or $7 billion, lower than that for 2025, Fedorov said. Read the original article on Business Insider The British Museum Thursday vowed to protect the Bayeux Tapestry, after renowned UK artist David Hockney warned that sending it across the Channel from France for an exhibition this year was "madness". "Some things are too precious to take a risk with," the artist wrote in an opinion piece for the daily Independent about plans for the 11th-century artefact. "Moving the Bayeux Tapestry is one of them. "It is fragile, which makes it madness to think of moving it. It is too big a risk," he wrote in Wednesday's article. Advertisement Advertisement Museum director Nicholas Cullinan said that while his team understood these concerns, the London 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," he added in a statement to AFP. The 68-metre-long (224-foot-long) tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England in 1066, is now in a secret storage location, having been moved from its museum in the French town of Bayeux in Normandy for the first time in 40 years. French President Emmanuel Macron last year agreed to loan the medieval tapestry to Britain for 10 months from September 2026 to celebrate Franco-British relations. Advertisement Advertisement French museums will in exchange be loaned ancient treasures mainly from the Anglo-Saxon Sutton Hoo site, one of England's most important archaeological locations. But the plan has sparked an outcry from heritage experts concerned over the ancient embroidery's already fragile state. - 'Vulnerable' - Since 2020, experts have meticulously documented 24,204 stains, 9,646 holes and 30 tears in the artwork. A feasibility study for the transport of the Bayeux Tapestry to London, completed by three experts in March 2022, remains "confidential" at the request of the Normandy cultural authorities who commissioned it. Advertisement Advertisement Hockney, who first saw the tapestry in 1967, says he has visited it 20 times in the past three years, adding it was "fundamental to our island story". But he warned: "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." The tapestry was added to UNESCO's "Memory of the World" register in 2007. A two-year renovation project had been due to begin in 2025 but was postponed indefinitely and the relic was instead off display while the museum currently housing it undergoes renovations of its own. Hockney suggested it should stay where it is, and that "an identical copy" should be made. "It is not difficult. It would look fantastic." jkb/har/jj By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Jan 13 (Reuters) - U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned Israel in a letter that he could refer the country to the International Court of Justice if it does not repeal laws targeting U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA and return seized assets and property. In a January 8 letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Guterres said the United Nations cannot remain indifferent to "actions taken by Israel, which are in direct contravention of the obligations of Israel under international law. They must be reversed without delay." Advertisement Advertisement Israel's parliament passed a law in October 2024 banning the agency from operating in the country and prohibiting officials from having contact with the agency. It then amended that law last month to ban electricity or water to UNRWA facilities. Israeli authorities also seized UNRWA's East Jerusalem offices last month. The U.N. considers East Jerusalem occupied by Israel. Israel considers all of Jerusalem to be part of the country. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon on Tuesday dismissed Guterres' letter to Netanyahu. "We are not fazed by the Secretary-General's threats," Danon said. "Instead of dealing with the undeniable involvement of UNRWA personnel in terrorism, the Secretary-General chooses to threaten Israel. This is not defending international law, this is defending an organization marred by terrorism." Advertisement Advertisement UNRWA AND GAZA Israel has long been critical of UNRWA, which was created by the General Assembly in 1949 following the war surrounding the founding of Israel. It provides aid, health and education to millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. The United Nations has said that nine UNRWA staff may have been involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and were fired. A Hamas commander in Lebanon - killed in September by Israel - was also found to have had a UNRWA job. The U.N. has vowed to investigate all accusations made and has repeatedly asked Israel for evidence, which it says has not been provided. Advertisement Advertisement The Hamas attack in 2023 triggered the war between Israel and the Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip. Top U.N. officials and the U.N. Security Council have described UNRWA as the backbone of the aid response in Gaza, where the two-year war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas unleashed a humanitarian catastrophe. The United Nations' top legal body, the International Court of Justice, in October gave an advisory opinion saying Israel is under the obligation to ensure the basic needs of the civilian population in Gaza are met. The ICJ opinion was requested by the 193-member U.N. General Assembly. Advisory opinions of the ICJ, also known as the World Court, carry legal and political weight, but they are not binding and the court has no enforcement power. (Reporting by Michelle NicholsEditing by Bill Berkrot) Behind paying for parking tickets or court fees? This Cape lawmaker wants you to keep your license. Sen. Julian Cyr, D-Provincetown, is the prime sponsor behind the Road to Opportunity Act, S. 2874, which would end the practice of suspending drivers licenses solely for unpaid fines and fees. The bill received a favorable report from the Massachusetts Legislatures Joint Committee on Transportation on Jan. 5. There is also a corresponding House bill, H. 3662, filed by Rep. Brandy Fluker-Reid, D-Boston. Losing your license for not paying EZ Pass The RMV currently suspends or revokes drivers licenses if someone doesnt pay things like EZ Pass debt or traffic tickets. To restore their license, the offender must make pay their bills in full plus a fee. A car parked on Canal Street at a parking meter has two parking tickets on May 23, 2025. While the practice is meant to coerce people into paying their fines, some studies suggest that the practice does not increase collections of fines. And supporters of the bill say that the practice punishes the poor and traps people into a cycle of debt. Advertisement Advertisement When someones license is suspended because they are unable to afford to pay off their fines and fees, they are placed in an impossible situation, Jonathan Cohn, the Policy Director of Progressive Massachusetts, wrote in testimony in support of the bill in July. If they stop driving, they might lose access to job opportunities that they need to pay the fine. If they continue driving, then they risk further punishment. Supporters also argue that licenses shouldnt be taken away from people for reasons unrelated to dangerous driving. At a hearing for the bills in July, there was no testimony in opposition. What would the Road to Opportunity Act do? The bill would repeal the laws mandating that the RMV suspend licenses for unpaid fines and fees. All other road safety suspensions would remain. Advertisement Advertisement The bill would also direct the RMV to send people electronic reminders, like over text and email, of payments, as well as introduce alternative payment options like waivers, reductions and payments plans depending on an individuals financial circumstance. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 25 states have passed legislation to curb or eliminate the use of debt-based license suspensions since 2017. Cyr has filed similar bills before, like one during the 2021-2022 session that did not make it to law. This year's bill now heads to the Senate Ways and Means Committee. This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Unpaid EZ Pass bill? This Cape senator wants you to keep your license The United States and Denmark remain at odds over the future of Greenland, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said Wednesday following a tense closed-door meeting at the White House with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions, he said, were frank but also constructive and an opportunity to at least challenge the narrative presented by President Donald Trump, who has vowed to commandeer the autonomous island. Our perspectives continue to differ, Rasmussen said. The president has made his view clear. And we have a different position. Advertisement Advertisement But despite the disagreement, Rasmussen said the three governments would establish a high-level working group to address the American security concerns in the polar region, while respecting the red lines of the Kingdom of Denmark. Where Trump has threatened to strike next Greenlands Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt, who was also in Washington for the talks with top Trump administration officials, said their cooperation doesnt mean we want to be owned by the United States. Trump, in a series of posts on Truth Social, declared that anything short of American control of Greenland would be unacceptable, insisting the United States must act for national security reasons. He warned that failure to do so would allow China and Russia to gain strategic leverage in the Arctic, a claim that has been refuted by European officials. Advertisement Advertisement Trump went on to deride the territorys military defenses as little more than two dogsleds, and urged NATO to intervene. Nato: Tell Denmark to get them out of here, NOW! the president wrote. Denmark announced plans to boost its military footprint in and around Greenland on Wednesday, including aircraft, ships and soldiers, citing security tensions in the region. Peter Viggo Jakobsen, a Danish defense analyst, told Military Times that Denmarks actions were twofold. Copenhagen is signaling that it is willing to work on Americas security concerns, coupled with a message that Greenland would remain in Danish hands. The primary message is, Hey, we are willing to work with you to address whatever military concerns you have around Greenland, Jakobsen said. They are indicating, If you want us to be more militarily present and conduct more exercises, we would be happy to do so. And we are already starting it we did it last year, and we are willing to expand our activities this coming year. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, Jakobsen emphasized Denmarks latest defense move sends a note of caution to the United States: If you have any idea of taking over Greenland militarily, you will encounter NATO troops not just Danish troops. A group of NATO allies announced this week they are dispatching troops to Greenland to participate in a Danish-led military exercise called Operation Arctic Endurance. Swedens Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, in a post on X, wrote that several officers from the Swedish Armed Forces are arriving in Greenland on Wednesday. Germanys defense ministry said it would deploy a 13-member team from the Bundeswehr to join European allies in a reconnaissance mission. Norwegian officials said two military officers would be sent to map out further cooperation with allies. France also confirmed it would contribute an unspecified number of troops to the exercise. The US began evacuating military personnel from a key Qatar air base on Wednesday as Washington weighs its response to Irans deadly crackdown on anti-government demonstrations. While President Donald Trump has suggested he will help protesters, he claimed Wednesday that Tehran has no plans for executing those detained, despite Irans judiciary signaling otherwise. So far, Trump has not offered details of a potential US response, but unpredictability is part of the strategy, a Western military official told Reuters. All the signals are that a US attack is imminent, but that is also how this administration behaves to keep everyone on their toes. The US has seized a sixth tanker in the Caribbean Sea in its ongoing efforts to control exports of Venezuelan oil, officials say. The vessel, Veronica, was boarded in a predawn operation "without incident" as it was defying President Donald Trump's "quarantine of sanctioned vessels", said the US military. "The only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully," the Southern Command said. Advertisement Advertisement Since the US military strikes on Venezuela and seizure of its president Nicolas Maduro this month, Trump has said he plans to tap into the country's huge oil reserves. "The Veronica is the latest tanker operating in defiance of President Trump's established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean," US Southern Command said in a post on social media. It also posted a video showing Marines and sailors boarding the tanker. Veronica, a crude oil tanker sailing under a Guyanese flag, departed empty from Venezuelan waters in early January, according to monitoring service TankerTrackers.com. Advertisement Advertisement The International Maritime Organization's database shows the vessel was previously registered in Russia under different names. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem posted on social media that Thursday's tanker seizure was carried out with "close coordination with our colleagues" in the military as well as the state and justice departments. "Our heroic Coast Guard men and women once again ensured a flawlessly executed operation, in accordance with international law," Noem added. It suggests Washington's crackdown on the so-called dark fleet, comprising more than 1,000 vessels that transport sanctioned oil, will continue as the US works with Venezuela's interim government to control the country's oil sales. Advertisement Advertisement It also comes a day after an American official said the US had completed its first sale of Venezuelan oil, valued at $500m (373m). Trump last week asked oil executives at the White House to invest $100bn in Venezuela's energy infrastructure. They said significant changes would be needed make the country an attractive investment. The blockade has sharply curtailed Venezuelan oil exports, with only ships associated with Chevron and bound for the US operating as usual, according to Matt Smith, head of US analysis at Kpler. Loadings have fallen roughly in half this month to about 400,000 barrels per day, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The Veronica, a relatively small tanker with a sanctioned owner, was among about 17 ships that attempted to breach the blockade earlier this month, according to the firm. Smith said it was unclear why vessels from the so-called dark fleet would risk seizure, but noted the financial cost of delays. "If a tanker was supposed to be moving crude and can't get through, that's money lost," he said. He said the US quarantine had created a bottleneck of supply that would otherwise be headed to countries, mainly China. But as the US starts selling Venezuelan oil, he said there were signs the situation was evolving with some tankers now headed to the Bahamas for storage. Machado was described by Trump as a "freedom fighter" [Reuters] The latest tanker seizure came just hours ahead of a meeting between Trump and Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado at the White House. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has previously described her as a "freedom fighter", but rejected the notion of appointing her to lead Venezuela after Maduro's removal, arguing that she lacks sufficient domestic backing. He instead backed Delcy Rodriguez, Maduro's former vice-president. Trump describes Rodriguez as an "ally", and she has not been charged by US officials with any crimes. Machado is expected to use her face time with Trump to try to persuade him that his decision to back Rodriguez's interim government is a mistake, and that her opposition coalition should be in charge of this transition. The White House says Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez has been "extremely cooperative". [Reuters] A Venezuelan government envoy, too, is expected to travel to Washington on Thursday to meet US officials and take initial steps towards reopening the country's embassy, the New York Times reported. Advertisement Advertisement "The emissary is reported to be a close ally and friend of the interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, who has been described as "extremely co-operative" by the White House. On Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the $500m energy deal was struck in large part because of help from Rodriguez. She said the interim president had also confirmed that Venezuela would be releasing political prisoners from Venezuela. "There were five Americans who were recently released this week as well," Leavitt said. "So, the president likes what he's seeing. And we'll expect that co-operation to continue." By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - U.S. federal immigration officers arrested two people driving dump trucks to a construction site of Facebook-owner Meta Platforms in Richland Parish, Louisiana, the local sheriff's office said on Wednesday. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents did not enter the Meta site at any time, the Richland Parish Sheriff's Office said, adding ICE agents assisted the sheriff's office with the traffic stops that led to the arrests. Advertisement Advertisement Meta is building its largest-ever data center in Richland Parish. The company had no immediate comment on the detentions. "During those stops, two drivers were arrested by ICE due to their immigration status," the sheriff's office said in a statement, adding they were from Guatemala and Honduras. Since taking office a year ago, U.S. President Donald Trump, a Republican, has pursued a hardline immigration policy, involving an aggressive deportation drive, revocations of visas and green cards and screening immigrants' social media posts and past speeches. Human rights groups have widely condemned Trump's immigration and travel-related policies, saying they harm due process guarantees and free speech. Trump and his allies say the policies seek to improve domestic security. Advertisement Advertisement ICE's actions have been subject to particular criticism by protesters, community leaders, Democrats and human rights advocates. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is from Trump's Republican Party. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Kate Mayberry) By Nate Raymond BOSTON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - A federal judge said on Thursday he would issue an order designed to prevent President Donald Trump's administration from exacting "retribution" against academics who challenged its arresting, detaining and deporting non-citizen, pro-Palestinian activists on U.S. college campuses. U.S. District Judge William Young spoke at a hearing in Boston federal court, after finding in September that the U.S. departments of State and Homeland Security violated the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment by chilling free speech by the non-citizen academics on college campuses. Advertisement Advertisement "The big problem in this case is that the cabinet secretaries, and ostensibly, the president of the United States, are not honoring the First Amendment," Young said. Young, who was appointed by Republican President Ronald Reagan and has criticized Trump's other actions in the past, called the administration's actions "appalling," and said it had "a fearful approach to freedom." The judge said he would limit the reach of his order to members of academic associations including the American Association of University Professors and the Middle East Studies Association that challenged the administration's actions. Those groups had sought an order blocking the administration's practices nationally. Young called their proposal "overbroad" but a "sanction" was needed to remedy what he concluded was a conspiracy by top officials under Trump. Advertisement Advertisement "We cast around the word 'authoritarian,'" Young said. "I don't, in this context, treat that in a pejorative sense, and I use it carefully, but it's fairly clear that this president believes, as an authoritarian, that when he speaks, everyone, everyone in Article II is going to toe the line absolutely." Young said he would instead issue an order establishing a presumption that any change to the immigration status of those groups' members was in retribution for their participation in the case and require the government to prove in court it was seeking to deport them for other, "appropriate" reasons. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; editing by Deepa Babington) Earlier on Thursday, Pakistani outlet Dawn reported that Trump had informed Tehran that the US would not strike the country. Officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman worked "behind the scenes" to defuse tensions between the US and Iran in an attempt to prevent an attack, a source with knowledge of the situation told The Jerusalem Post on Thursday. Reuters reported on Thursday that Egypt was also involved in the diplomatic efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Earlier, US President Donald Trump informed Tehran that the US would not strike the country and asked the Islamic Republic to exercise restraint as well, Pakistani outlet Dawn reported on Thursday afternoon, citing Irans Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam. The report comes after Trump said on Wednesday evening that he had been informed that killings in Irans crackdown on nationwide protests were subsiding. We were told that the killing in Iran is stopping, and theres no plan for executions, Trump said in the Oval Office. "Ive been told that on good authority. Well find out about it. Im sure if it happens, Ill be very upset. Protester Erfan Soltani will not be executed, Trump says On Thursday afternoon, Trump posted on his Truth Social social media platform that Fox had reported Iran would no longer execute Iranian protester Erfan Soltani. Advertisement Advertisement "FoxNews: 'Iranian protester will no longer be sentenced to death after President Trumps warnings. Likewise others.' This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue!" Trump wrote. Soltani, 26, was initially sentenced to death on Wednesday. Reports of restraint 'beyond innacurate' US Sen. Lindsey Graham (R - South Carolina) denied that Trump was backing down from striking the Iranian regime, decrying headlines making such claims as "beyond inaccurate" in a post on X/Twitter. "The circumstances around the necessary, decisive action to be taken against the evil Iranian regime have nothing to do with President Trumps will or determination," Graham said, adding that "nothing could be further from the truth." Graham, who has been an outspoken supporter of US military action against the Iranian regime, concluded his statement by advising all to "stay tuned." US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had been told the killings of protesters in Iran had been halted, but added that he would "watch it and see" about threatened military action. Trump had repeatedly talked in recent days about coming to the aid of the Iranian people over the crackdown on protests that rights groups say has left at least 3,428 people dead. But in a surprise announcement at the White House, Trump said he had now received assurances from "very important sources on the other side" that Tehran had now stopped, and that executions would not go ahead. Advertisement Advertisement "They've said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place -- there were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions won't take place -- and we're going to find out," Trump said. He offered no details and noted that the United States had yet to verify the claims. Asked by an AFP reporter in the Oval Office if US military action was now off the table, Trump replied: "We're going to watch it and see what the process is." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later said there would be "no hanging today or tomorrow," in an interview with US network Fox News, while accusing Israel of orchestrating violence, without providing evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Araghchi contends the peaceful protests about economic hardship that began December 28 devolved into widespread violence between January 7 and 10 because the protests were infiltrated by external "elements who had a plan to create a big number of killings in order to provoke President Trump to enter into this conflict and start a new war against Iran." Iran's Minister of Justice Amin Hossein Rahimi echoed that allegation, telling state news agencies that after January 7, "those weren't protests any longer" and anyone who was arrested on the streets then "was definitely a criminal." A rights group said separately that the execution of an Iranian man arrested during the wave of protests, 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, would not take place as scheduled on Wednesday, citing relatives. Late Wednesday, UN leadership announced a meeting of the Security Council Thursday for "a briefing on the situation in Iran," as requested by the United States. Advertisement Advertisement Trump's comments sent oil prices plunging on Thursday morning, as concerns eased of a looming supply shock in energy markets. Iran makes up around three percent of global oil production. - 'Full control' - Araghchi said the Iranian government was "in full control" and reported an atmosphere of "calm" after what he called three days of "terrorist operation." Iran also struck a defiant tone about responding to any US attack, as Washington appeared to draw down staff at a base in Qatar that Tehran targeted in a strike last year. Iran targeted the Al Udeid base in June in retaliation for US strikes on its nuclear facilities. Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned Trump the strike showed "Iran's will and capability to respond to any attack." Advertisement Advertisement Fears of possible US military action continued to rile the region. The British government said its embassy in Tehran had been "temporarily closed," while the US embassy in Saudi Arabia urged staff to exercise caution and avoid military installations and India's government urged its citizens to leave the country. Germany's Lufthansa on Wednesday said its flights would avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace "until further notice" after the US threats against Iran. Trump has threatened to intervene militarily in Iran several times since the protest movement that has shaken the country began in late December. The protests are the largest since the Islamic Republic was proclaimed in 1979. Advertisement Advertisement Rights monitors say that under cover of a five-day internet blackout, Iranian authorities are carrying out their harshest repression in years against demonstrations openly challenging the theocratic system. Iran's judiciary chief vowed fast-track trials for those arrested, stoking fears authorities will use capital punishment as a tool of repression. In Tehran, authorities held a funeral for more than 100 security personnel and other "martyrs" killed in the unrest, which officials have branded "acts of terror." - 'Unprecedented level of brutality' - G7 nations said Wednesday they were "deeply alarmed at the high level of reported deaths and injuries" and warned of further sanctions if the crackdown continued. Advertisement Advertisement Monitor NetBlocks said Iran's internet blackout had lasted 144 hours. Despite the shutdown, new videos, with locations verified by AFP, showed bodies lined up in the Kahrizak morgue south of Tehran, wrapped in black bags as distraught relatives searched for loved ones. The US-based Institute for the Study of War said authorities were using "an unprecedented level of brutality to suppress protests," noting reports of protest activity had sharply declined. A senior Iranian official told journalists there had been no new "riots" since Monday, distinguishing them from earlier cost-of-living protests. "Every society can expect protests, but we will not tolerate violence," he said. Prosecutors have said some detainees will face capital charges of "waging war against God." State media reported hundreds of arrests and the detention of a foreign national for espionage, without giving details. Iran Human Rights, based in Norway, said security forces had killed at least 3,428 protesters and arrested more than 10,000. burs-dk/aha/sla/jgc/ceg/hmn Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Layton, speaks on the House floor at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) During a time when anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies have ramped up nationally under President Donald Trumps administration, the Republican-controlled Utah Legislature is expected to debate a handful of bills aimed at restricting people without legal status from accessing public assistance programs and other resources like their ability to legally drive or seek shelter. The question remains, however, whether the bills will survive both the House and the Senate and the governors pen in a state that historically has been welcoming to refugees and immigrants. The Utah Legislatures 2026 general session, set to convene Tuesday, also comes during an election year, with 15 seats in the Senate and 75 in the House up for grabs. Advertisement Advertisement One of Utahs most hard-right Republicans, Rep. Trevor Lee is sponsoring those bills. The first to be filed HB88 would stop unauthorized immigrants in Utah from being able to access a wide range of publicly funded assistance programs. That could be housing, that could be any type of health care, it could be homeless assistance, food stamps, I mean, you name it, Lee, R-Layton, told Utah News Dispatch in an interview this week. If Lees bill is approved, it would likely restrict undocumented people from accessing the states Women, Infants and Children Program (known as WIC), which provides nutrition services and healthy food for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to 5 years old. It could also restrict free vaccines, communicable disease treatments and a variety of other assistance programs that dont currently require proof of U.S. citizenship for people seeking help. Lees bill is modeled after one passed by the Idaho Legislature last year. The American Civil Liberties Union of Idaho sued, alleging it unlawfully disqualifies otherwise eligible low-income immigrants from life-saving HIV treatment based solely on their immigration status. In July, a federal judge blocked the state of Idaho from requiring immigration status verification for federally-funded health services. Advertisement Advertisement Lee also said he plans to run a bill to get rid of the states driving privilege cards, which are state-issued licenses allowing people living in Utah who are undocumented or awaiting legal status to be able to legally drive. Additionally, Lee said hes copying another law from Tennessee that broadly bans anyone from providing housing to undocumented people, whether through shelter or rent. A coalition of faith groups have sued, alleging the law is unconstitutional for criminalizing providing shelter to anyone who is undocumented, even when there is no intent to conceal them. As of Wednesday, HB88 was the only one of those bills to be publicly filed and published. Lee said hes still working on the others. Answering a call from the Trump administration Though immigration is a national issue, Lee said he wants Utah to answer a call from the Trump administration to follow what other red states have been doing and help crack down on undocumented people. Advertisement Advertisement The federal side has their things that theyre dealing with, and this has been a call from the Trump administration to crack down on it, he said. If we do our job and we get rid of these incentives, then many will self-deport without us having to forcibly do it. Advocates and Democrats including House Minority Leader Angela Romero and Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla have criticized Lees proposals as heartless and mean spirited for targeting vulnerable populations. Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Layton, and House Minority Leader Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, talk in the House Chamber at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) Lees bills are hurtful and tell people they dont belong, Romero said. She added that everyones family, at some point, except our indigenous communities, immigrated here. Advertisement Advertisement I encourage my colleagues to have a little bit of compassion, Romero said. She also noted that many of the people impacted by Lees bill are part of mixed-status families, with kids who may be citizens but parents who are undocumented. Its not like these individuals are not contributing to our economy, she said. They have to buy food. They also pay taxes. So I get frustrated when theres a stereotype (that) people who are aspiring to be citizens or aspiring for a better future for their family, that they are taking away from the system when, in actuality, a majority of them are putting more into our economy than theyre getting back. Its particularly infuriating, Romero said, that many people who would be impacted by Lees HB88 are children. Advertisement Advertisement Lee, who is up for reelection this year, said his aim is putting Utahns first while discouraging undocumented immigrants from staying in the state. Why on earth, when there are struggling Utahns, would we ever allocate and put those resources to someone who is not even a citizen of this country? Lee said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Providing public assistance to undocumented immigrants, Lee said, is incentivizing lawbreakers. Were allowing people to break the law and then we give them free stuff, he said. And theyre going to go somewhere else if they dont get it. They will self-deport. Advertisement Advertisement To those who criticize his bill, Lee said, They love putting other people over Utahns. I believe compassion stops where responsibility begins, he said. Thats what weve done in this country. We are $37 trillion in debt. And its because we have a third world thats been imported here, and so many of them have broken the law, entered our country illegally, and instead of telling them to go back home, we give them free benefits. That is absolutely insane. While Utahs budget is balanced every year with Republican leaders often lauding the state as being fiscally responsible Lee said the state still has unfunded needs that it should be prioritizing over providing assistance to undocumented people. We are continually criticized for not giving enough money to education. Were continually criticized for not doing enough for air quality. Theres always something more that we could be funding, he said. And why are we putting someone who is not even a citizen over the needs of Utahns? What are we elected for, then? What are we doing? Diabolical: Advocates widely oppose Lees approach Gina Cornia, executive director of Utahns Against Hunger, expects the bill would have an impact not just on WIC, but also on a program that funds meal boxes for seniors in Utah and another that contributes stock to food pantries. Advertisement Advertisement I think its diabolical, you know, that hes really willing to literally deny people food in an effort to force them to go back, as if people can just pack up their satchel, Cornia said. I mean, its way more complicated than that, and in the meantime, what do people do? Bill Tibbitts of the Crossroads Urban Center helps prepare a box of food for a family at the centers west side pantry in Salt Lake City on Oct. 22, 2025. (Annie Knox/Utah News Dispatch) Cornia said the WIC program seeks to foster healthy communities and called Lees proposal a violation of our morality as a state. If the very least we can do for people is make sure they have food, we should be doing that, Cornia said. She said the change would create a bigger administrative burden for the state government. And she said its not feasible to expect small food pantries with thin staffing and budgets to spend time checking into a visitors immigration status. Advertisement Advertisement I mean, are we going to be asking a small church pantry to verify peoples immigration status? It just doesnt make sense to us, Cornia said. She noted immigrants living in the U.S. without documents are already ineligible for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Under federal changes that took effect in November, refugees who arent lawful permanent residents no longer qualify for SNAP benefits either. Moe Hickey, executive director of the advocacy group Voices for Utah Children, said Lees HB88 is not even good policy, noting, for example, that limiting vaccination efforts for undocumented people puts the whole community at higher risk. So were going to say children who are going to come to school unvaccinated because theyre undocumented? Thats putting other children at risk, Hickey said. Its very poorly thought out legislation, and its clearly a message. But its just not good policy. Advertisement Advertisement To that argument, Lee said, If were so worried about these people needing our vaccines, they shouldnt be here. Hickey said the bill would also add to a chilling effect thats already impacting immigrant communities under the Trump administration. When you start running bills that are targeting a community, then the community starts living in more fear, he said. And then theyre not taking advantage of benefits that they potentially are eligible for. But theyre going further into the shadows. Which, you know, good immigration policy should be the opposite. We should be providing people with safety and a path forward. Not pushing them into the corner. Hickey argued that HB88 wouldnt result in savings but rather push higher costs on emergency rooms and hospital systems. To Lees arguments that resources should go to Utahns first, Hickey argued, they are. He said undocumented people dont impact the ability of Utahns to access the benefits Not at all, he said. What impacts Utahns, for some of these services, are bad policies coming from the federal government. Work requirements on SNAP, for example, have a much bigger impact on eligible people accessing food nutrition benefits, he said. Aden Batar, director of migration and refugee services for Catholic Community Services, said also we are deeply concerned about Lees HB88. From our direct service experience, we know that policies limiting access to these essential supports do not reduce need they simply push families into crisis and place greater strain on emergency systems, hospitals, shelters, schools, and local nonprofits, Batar said. Additionally, Batar said Catholic Community Services serves many mixed status households with children who are U.S. citizens or lawfully present, but depend on shared family stability to remain healthy and housed. When parents are afraid to seek food, medical care, or shelter, children suffer first, Batar said. Public health is also put at risk when families avoid vaccination and preventive care out of fear or confusion. Batar also expressed particular concern about added administrative burdens the bill would put on local providers. Requiring service organizations to verify immigration status diverts limited resources away from care, undermines trust between providers and families, and conflicts with the humanitarian and faith-based missions of many Utah nonprofits, Batar said. Batar urged lawmakers to consider the real-world impacts of this legislation and people and service providers across the state, and to pursue solutions that uphold human dignity, public health and the common good. Will Lees bills find traction? In a wide-ranging interview this week with one of Utahs most powerful lawmakers, Senate President Stuart Adams, Utah News Dispatch asked about Lees HB88 and whether he supports it. Adams, R-Layton, did not take a position on Lees HB88, saying he needed to look at the bill. He said the Senate will evaluate what survives the House. Generally, though, Adams said undocumented immigrants who are productive should be allowed to stay, while those who are doing things illegally, they need to go home. I just want to make sure we keep America strong and keep us secure, he said. It seems to me that the better solution is to find a way to bring people through with less restrictions legally. The Senate president acknowledged immigration is a federal issue that Congress needs to tackle and its a problem and a disappointment that it has failed to fix the system. Senate President Stuart Adams, R-Layton, looks out on the Senate Chamber on the last day of the legislative session at the Utah State Capitol, Friday, March 7, 2025. (Photo by Alex Goodlett for Utah News Dispatch) Adams said as Utah lawmakers debate immigration issues, including Lees bills, hes not sure where the House and Senate will land. I dont know what well do, he said. My hope is well find common sense. And we need people to work. And we need people to stay here that are productive. The people that arent that are doing things illegally, ought to go home. Romero, the Houses top Democrat, said she hopes Lees bills wont find any traction because I think theyre cruel, theyre message bills, and I hope that the majority of the body doesnt share that ideology. Its possible Lees proposals will find more support in the House but hit roadblocks in the Senate. But thats hard to predict especially during an election year, Hickey said. I do think the general public is less inclined to support these, Hickey said, though he added there may also be a pocket of the public that would be on board. In the past, the Senate has been sort of the safeguard of things like this not going forward, Hickey said, but that being said, its hard to read the tea leaves right now. Asked if hes worried if HB88 could run into trouble in the Senate, Lee said: If my colleagues want to tell their constituents theyre putting a noncitizen over Utahns, like, be my guest. But no, for the most part, the vast majority of my colleagues Ive talked to said they will vote for this legislation. Contributing: Annie Knox SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The federal Department of Homeland Security intends to build a border wall into New Mexicos Bootheel including up to Border monument 48, pictured above. U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) decried the wall in a remote area as a waste of money. (Courtesy U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquezs office) U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez, a Democrat representing the states 2nd Congressional District in the southern part of New Mexico, on Wednesday called upon the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to cancel border wall construction along a remote stretch of the states shared border with Mexico. In a statement, Vasquez called the undertaking, which carries a $1.6 billion price tag, the absolute definition of waste. Advertisement Advertisement The One Big Beautiful Bill Act President Donald Trump signed last year contained $150 billion for DHS border and immigration enforcement efforts, which include constructing 49 miles of border wall along the far southwest corner of the state, along with 60 miles of a secondary barrier, according to a news release Wednesday from Vasquezs office. According to Vasquezs office, a company called Fisher Sand and Gravel Co. received a $1.6 billion contract for the construction project along the area known as the states Bootheel. Federal contract records show an Arizona-based company by that name received a multi-year contract in late December for vertical border and waterborne barrier construction worth up to $1.8 billion. The initial contract period runs through 2028, according to the federal contract website. Vasquez called on DHS to cease construction and invest instead in border-monitoring technology like autonomous towers. American taxpayers will get zero return on their investment if DHS pursues this plan to build a $1.6 billion dollar border wall in one of the most rugged, remote stretches of the U.S.-Mexico border, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Fisher Sand and Gravel Co. did not immediately respond to a request for comment. DHS in October announced its plans in the Federal Register to construct additional border wall sections in New Mexico, namely between landmarks known as Border Monument 1 and Border Monument 49. According to data from the International Boundary and Water Commission, the area covers a stretch from approximately Santa Teresa in the states Southeast corner to the top edge of the Bootheel just east of the Big Hatchet Mountains. Vasquezs staff visited the area last week, according to the news release, and confirmed that on-the-ground preparations for the project were underway, including a new dirt road along the border. Advertisement Advertisement Its ironic that by building roads that lead right to the U.S. border in New Mexicos Bootheel, the Administration is actually making it easier for folks to enter our country illegally, Vasquez said. A DHS spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, in a statement included in the Federal Register notice, did not specify how many border crossers are suspected of entering through the Bootheel. But she said the El Paso Sector, which covers El Paso and New Mexicos border with New Mexico, is an area of high illegal entry where illegal aliens regularly attempt to enter the United States and smuggle illicit drugs. MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) Surviving off of bottled water and community donations, tenants living at The Sutton in Madison have now gone seven days without water on the property. Longtime tenant Vincent Bridgeforth said enough is enough. Former Huntsville officer William Darby appealing denial of immunity in wrongful death lawsuit We shouldnt have to pay rent no more, Bridgeforth told News 19. Its hard when you havent showered in a long time. And Ive just been washing myself with adult wipes and bottled water. Advertisement Advertisement David Moore with Madison Utilities told News 19 that the water at the property is cut off because the property management company has not paid its bill. Moore added that Madison Utilities cannot get ahold of that company. The property management company is Steward + Helm, based in Dallas, Texas. The company is described as a property management arm of the multifamily investment company LURIN by Nicole Salmieri, who appears as Steward + Helms President. Madison Mayor Ranae Bartlett said she is aware of this issue. The U.S. Space and Rocket Centers planetarium could be named best in country We were notified late last week from Madison Utilities that they had decided to turn off water at The Sutton apartment complex because of the landlord and management companys failure to pay their bills, Bartlett said. Advertisement Advertisement A tenant who prefers to stay anonymous said their water charges are included on their monthly rent bills, unlike other utilities, such as gas, which they pay separately. Where has our rent been going all this time if it isnt going to the water bill? The tenant asked. With little to no communication from the property managers and seemingly nowhere to turn, tenants met with Legal Services Alabama on Wednesday evening. The nonprofit offers free legal and civil services to Alabama low-income residents. Director of Advocacy for the nonprofit, Michael Forton, said he has never seen a landlord keep water turned off for this extended period of time. Forton informed tenants that it is illegal for the water to be turned off if the company agrees to furnish water in a lease or other arrangement. Advertisement Advertisement Tenants were informed of their options to sue for damages or move out of their residence. Forton added that preliminary research suggests this is not the property management companys first issue. It does appear that theyre being foreclosed in South Huntsville, and their two other properties may have problems being foreclosed by the federal government, Forton said. News 19s Peyton Newman spoke with Huntsville apartment tenants at the Beacon in June of last year when their water was also turned off. At the time, the complex was managed by the same company, Steward + Helm, and Huntsville Utilities said it did not pay its water bill. Steward + Helm no longer manages the Beacon property. Advertisement Advertisement News 19s Peyton Newman reached out to Steward + Helm several times regarding this issue and received no response. 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 WHNT.com. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump lost out on the Nobel Peace Prize, yet in a rare confluence of geopolitics and chance, he wound up with the 18-karat gold medal nonetheless. Maria Corina Machado, who won the 2025 prize, presented her medal to Trump during a private meeting at the White House on Thursday in appreciation for deposing Venezuela's repressive leader, Nicolas Maduro, in a U.S. military raid on Jan. 3. In a post on his social media site, Trump thanked Machado for parting with her prize. He did not say what he intends to do it. Advertisement Advertisement "It was my Great Honor to meet Maria Corina Machado, of Venezuela, today," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "She is a wonderful woman who has been through so much. Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria!" He later posted a photo of himself with Machado and the medal. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado presents President Donald Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal, in the Oval Office on Thursday. (Daniel Torok / The White House) (Daniel Torok) In an interview, Machado told Fox News that she gave Trump the medal "because he deserves it." "I decided to present the Nobel Peace Prize medal on behalf of the people of Venezuela," she added. Machados offering is wholly symbolic; it does not make Trump the official recipient of the prestigious honor. The Norwegian Nobel Institute has already stated that Machado remains the winner for all time. Advertisement Advertisement The prize cant be shared or transferred, the institute said in a statement last week. It said Thursday: "But one truth remains. As the Norwegian Nobel Committee states: Once a Nobel Prize is announced, it cannot be revoked, shared, or transferred to others. The decision is final and stands for all time. A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot." Yet, with the medal in hand, Machado was always free to do with it as as she chose. She had already dedicated the prize to Trump, crediting his support for her democratic movement. The Nobel selection committee had honored Machado for promoting democratic rights in Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement In selecting her for the award, the committee bypassed Trump, for whom the Nobel Peace Prize has become something of a fixation. Machado spoke to reporters on Capitol Hill after a meeting with senators late Thursday afternoon and drew a historical parallel in explaining why she wanted Trump to keep her medal. Just as Marquis de Lafayette, an American Revolutionary War hero, had given a gift to Simon Bolivar, who led a liberation movement in South America 200 years ago, Machado said she wanted to similarly honor Trump for freeing Venezuela from its oppressor. She told reporters that the people of Bolivar are giving back to the heir of Washington a medal, in this case a medal of the Nobel Peace Prize as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. Advertisement Advertisement A certain convergence of interests underpinned the meeting between Trump and Machado. Each had something the other wanted. Machado hopes to one day head a Venezuelan government whose leaders are decided through the ballot box. For that, she needs Trump to usher in a democratic transition. And Trump wants recognition for his peacemaking efforts. He says he deserves not one but multiple Nobel Prizes for the various wars he says he has ended through his intervention. Thanks to Machado, he now has in his possession the peace medal. The front depicts Alfred Nobel, who established the 125-year-old award; the back shows three naked men embracing, symbolizing international comity. Advertisement Advertisement For now, the president has kept Machado sidelined. Trump is relying, instead, on remnants of Maduros regime to lead the country day to day, backing Maduros vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, for the countrys top job. In the hours after the military raid, Trump called Machado a very nice woman but said she lacked respect within the country. At least one Republican lawmaker disagrees with that assessment. Earlier Thursday, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., praised Machado, calling her an unbelievable leader. I dont think theres any question she has the respect to become president of Venezuela, Scott told reporters. Advertisement Advertisement The White House seems in no rush to replace Rodriguez. Trump administration officials said they need an unspecified period of time to prepare Venezuela for a democratic transition. In a press briefing Thursday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump is satisfied with the compliance he's gotten so far from Rodriguez and her cohort. They have been extremely cooperative, Leavitt said. They have thus far met all of the demands and requests of the United States and of the president. Machado arrives near the White House. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP - Getty Images) (Brendan Smialowski) In the run-up to her meeting with Trump, Machado had hinted she might hand him her medal. (Prize winners also receive a cash award of about $1.1 million.) Advertisement Advertisement She told Fox News Sean Hannity in an interview that the Venezuelan people certainly want to give it to him and share it with him. On the eve of Machados arrival at the White House, a senior White House official suggested Trump would be inclined to accept the medal if she offered it. If she wants to gift him something, hes not one to refuse a gift, the official said in an interview. Newt Gingrich, the Republican former House speaker and author of a book titled Understanding Trump, also expected Trump to accept Machados medal. I suspect she will offer it to him, and I suspect hell put it somewhere in the Oval Office, Gingrich said in an interview. Its a Trump move. Advertisement Advertisement Trump is a unique person who has enormous strengths and occasional moments when you wonder, Whats going on? Gingrich added. Robert OBrien, who was White House national security adviser during Trumps first term, said ahead of the meeting: I think it would be brilliant on her part to do it. It would certainly be a real sign of good faith, thanks and gratitude for him getting rid of Maduro and giving her and the opposition a shot. Trump took a big risk in doing that. The Nobel Peace Prize Committee came out and said she cant do it, but she can do whatever she wants, OBrien continued. Are they going to take the money away? Lewis Lukens, a senior official in the U.S. Embassy in London during Trumps first term, said the proper response from an American president who is offered someone elses Nobel Prize is to graciously decline, said Advertisement Advertisement If it were any other president, theyd say: Thank you so much. Thats very kind of you, but this is an award that was given to you. Please dont leave it here. Its yours. I refuse to accept it, Lukens said. But I can totally see Trump saying: Thank you very much. I deserve it, and Im going to keep it. A number of world leaders and American lawmakers have formally nominated Trump for the 2026 prize. A five-person committee appointed by Norways parliament will sift through the candidates and announce its decision in October. With no Nobel to his name, Trumps unhappiness seems to be growing more pronounced. He said this month that its an embarrassment to Norway that he hasnt won the award. Such complaints aren't likely to sweeten his chances of winning the award on his own, said Marc Nathanson, who was U.S. ambassador to Norway during the Biden administration. The Norwegians are extremely honest and transparent, he said in an interview. If you go to a restaurant even if youre an ambassador you have to wait your turn. Its that type of society. Kare Aas, Norways ambassador to the U.S. from 2013 to 2020, said that, if anything, Trumps chances of being named the winner this year have dimmed. He mentioned Trumps threats to acquire Greenland, a territory of Denmark. Annexing Greenland and threatening European countries doesnt at all strengthen President Trumps chances to get the award, Aas said in an interview. What Trump does with the gift is an open question. Will Machados award stay in the White House? Go to his presidential library after his term ends? President Theodore Roosevelts Nobel Peace Prize from 1906 now hangs in the Roosevelt Room, a few paces from the Oval Office. That would be a fitting location for Machados award, OBrien said. Said Gingrich: I just watch with amazement to see what happens next. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com By David Shepardson Jan 15 (Reuters) - Verizon Communications said on Thursday it is offering a $20 credit to hundreds of thousands of customers impacted by its 10-hour outage on Wednesday that the U.S. wireless company said was caused by a software issue. Verizon said the issue primarily impacted customers in the northeast, southern California, Texas and pockets of the Midwest and was not the result of a cyberattack. The issue was resolved around 10 p.m. EST (0300 GMT) Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement The Federal Communications Commission said it would review the outage. "We did not meet the standard of excellence our customers expect and that we expect of ourselves. To help provide some relief to those affected, we are giving customers a $20 account credit," Verizon said. The company added "if customers are still experiencing issues, we encourage them to restart their devices to reconnect to the network." The outage prompted several major cities to advise residents to use other carriers to call emergency services. Downdetector, which aggregates data on service outages, said late Wednesday it had received 2.2 million reports over the last 24 hours related to the Verizon service disruption. Advertisement Advertisement Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr told Reuters after a congressional hearing that the agency would review the issue "and take appropriate action". 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. The warnings were dropped after operations resumed normally. Verizon faced a nationwide wireless outage in late 2024 that affected more than 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. Many users on Wednesday reported the same issue about phones in "SOS" mode. (Reporting by Anhata Rooprai in Bengaluru and David Shepardson in Detroit;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle) Military veterans aged 65 face being mobilised under new powers to prepare the Armed Forces for war. The Government is set to increase the age at which the nations pool of retired soldiers, known as the strategic reserve, can be called upon from 55 to 65. The new measures are being introduced as part of a new Armed Forces bill, which will be published in Parliament later. The changes will make it easier to mobilise tens of thousands of former military personnel. Advertisement Advertisement The Army has shrunk to its smallest number in more than 200 years, with just over 70,000 full-time, fully-trained troops ready to deploy to the frontline. Under existing rules, the pool of retired soldiers can be called upon in the event of national danger, great emergency or attack in the UK. However, under the new changes, this will be lowered to warlike preparations, which is already the threshold for reservists who have recently left the Armed Forces. The measures come amid fears Britain could be dragged into a full-scale war with Russia in a matter of years. Defence and security chiefs have repeatedly warned of the potential for large-scale war in recent months. Advertisement Advertisement Al Carns, the Armed Forces minister, said just before Christmas that war was already knocking on Europes door and that Britain had to be prepared for a conflict that was bigger than those fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Last week, the UK announced it would be deploying troops to Ukraine, alongside France, if and when a ceasefire deal between Moscow and Kyiv is agreed. While it is unclear exactly how many troops could be involved, reports have suggested up to 7,500 UK personnel could be deployed. If this figure is accurate, it would effectively mean that around 21,000 personnel would be committed to Ukraine with one cohort deployed, another in training and a third recovering for operations there. Advertisement Advertisement However, military analysts have warned such a deployment would stretch the Armed Forces and would effectively become an all of Army effort to maintain. Sources at the Ministry of Defence have pushed back against suggestions that 7,500 troops could be deployed, with insiders saying it could be lower. 28 billion funding black hole On Friday, the Government pledged to spend 200m to upgrade armoured vehicles and buy new kit in preparation for the peacekeeping mission. The proposed changes would come into force next year if approved by Parliament, the BBC reported. The Government estimates there are around 95,000 people within the strategic reserve, including veterans from the Royal Navy, Army, and RAF. Advertisement Advertisement These are different to the reserve forces, which comprise personnel who volunteer part-time to serve in the military. Currently, there are almost 32,000 active reservists across the three wings of the Armed Forces. The military has struggled to recruit and retain personnel in recent years. The Army has suffered the most, having shrunk from more than 100,000 personnel in 2010 to just over 70,000 now. The most recent figures show a very marginal increase in the number of people joining the military. But it is still at its lowest ebb since the Napoleonic Wars. Meanwhile, the Armed Forces is grappling with a 28 billion funding black hole over the next four years despite plans to boost defence spending. Sir Keir Starmer was warned about the shortfall by the head of the military, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, a few days before Christmas. Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Sir Richard admitted Britain did not have the cash to deliver its military ambitions, which were set out by the PM in June as part of the Strategic Defence Review. The Chief of the Defence Staff told MPs on the Commons defence committee: Ill be completely honest with you we will not be able to do everything that we would wish to do as quickly as we might want to do it. If we wanted to do everything thats currently in the programme and do all the extra things in the SDR [strategic defence review], could we do that with the budget that we have got? The answers no. UK not ready to defend itself This is despite Sir Keir having announced last year that defence spending would rise from 2.3 per cent of GDP to 2.6 per cent by 2027. Looser pledges were also made in the strategic defence review to hit 3 per cent in the early 2030s and 3.5 per cent by 2035. Advertisement Advertisement As part of the Strategic Defence Review, Sir Keir vowed to build 12 new nuclear attack submarines and spend billions more on new defence technology. Britains military spending is the subject of increasing criticism, with a parliamentary report last year warning the country was not ready to defend itself against attack. Earlier this month, the UK fell down the global defence spending rankings, and is now Natos 12th-biggest spender in terms of GDP compared with third in 2021. News of the latest shortfall is said to have prompted Sir Keir to order a key MoD document, the defence investment plan, to be overhauled. Advertisement Advertisement The Defence Investment Plan, which will set out how the Governments long-term defence plans will be paid for, was originally due to be published in the autumn. However, it now appears to be stuck in financial purgatory, with Sir Richard telling MPs the MoD do not have a date for when it will be released. It prompted concerns that the Armed Forces could soon be forced to make sweeping cuts to balance the books. According to The Washington Post, "The fatal shooting of Renee Good last week, as ICE officers and residents faced off on a residential street here, has brought new attention to these activities. ... Federal court rulings say citizens can observe and record police activity in public areas as part of their First Amendment rights, and many of the observers are doing nothing more than that. They say that they believe authorities are less likely to use force if someone is recording and that they are providing a public service by letting their communities know when federal immigration officers are nearby. "But as officers and agents employ aggressive tactics, some activists have blown whistles to warn community members of approaching law enforcement, tried to follow immigration enforcement vehicles or used their own cars to block the roadways -- entering murkier legal territory. Some legal experts said such behavior could in theory justify obstruction-of-justice charges, but they added that any such prosecution would be unusual." Against that backdrop, I spoke with Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security. She emphasized that ICE's "top priority" remains violent offenders. "I see the reports every single day," McLaughlin said. "And what we've seen is just flabbergasting as far as the number of criminals who have been allowed to walk around with impunity in this country." She cited arrests of more than a thousand known or suspected terrorists in the past year, along with 3,500 members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. "That's why we have been flooding the zone," she said, "to get these individuals out of our country." Critics argue that ICE's visibility escalates conflict. But McLaughlin said the scale and openness of enforcement in cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles is a direct result of sanctuary policies. "What exactly does (a sanctuary city) mean?" she asked. "It means that these sanctuary city politicians are harboring these criminal illegal aliens, but it also means that our law enforcement is not permitted to work with them. ... ICE law enforcement is not allowed into the jails. "So if Chicago picks up a criminal illegal alien -- maybe they picked up somebody who was convicted of rape and that person is in their jail -- they're not allowed to release them to ICE or coordinate their eventual release to ICE for eventual deportation. ... So the reason that we have such a large law enforcement presence," she said, "is because we can't go into those jails to target those criminals, and so we have to really sweep the city." McLaughlin rejected claims that ICE enforcement represents authoritarian overreach. "This was the mandate President Trump was given," she said, pointing to rising crime rates. In Minneapolis, she noted, homicides have increased roughly 50% since Gov. Tim Walz took office. Turning to the Good shooting itself, McLaughlin stressed that context matters. "At 10:25 a.m. Central time on Wednesday, January 7, what happened was this individual had been impeding and blocking, in our eyes, law enforcement officers," she said. "She had been doing that throughout the day, obstructing lawful operations, which is a felony." When officers attempted to arrest Good and ordered her to exit her vehicle, she refused, McLaughlin said. "She hits the gas," McLaughlin said, "and (the officer) was in fear of his own life, and he was in fear for the law enforcement who were around him. She weaponized her vehicle she used as a deadly weapon on an officer. He responded as his training instructs him to do. And unfortunately, there was a loss of life there. But our officer conducted himself in the way he should have. And he did save his own life." Democratic leaders have compared ICE to the Gestapo and warned of a creeping police state. McLaughlin dismissed those claims as reckless and legally unfounded. "They're clearly legally illiterate," she said. "If people don't like ICE enforcing the rule of law ... these politicians should change the law. They can lobby Congress to change the law." Demonizing law enforcement, McLaughlin warned, has real-world consequences. According to her, DHS has seen a reported 1,000% increase in assaults on officers, including multiple vehicle rammings in just the past week. "These vehicles are deadly weapons," she said. "And one of our law enforcement officers could easily end up killed if we don't see a stop to this." McLaughlin also suggested that politics plays a role in Minneapolis becoming a "flashpoint," citing large-scale fraud investigations underway by Homeland Security Investigations. "There is a part of this where they're trying to circle the wagons and really use this as a smokescreen so people stop talking about the fraud," McLaughlin said. What often goes unmentioned is that red states frequently deport more noncitizens than blue states. The difference, however, is cooperation. In states that work with ICE, operations tend to proceed with far less confrontation -- and with sizable results. Deportations are not confined to blue cities, despite the rhetoric. That rhetoric persists nonetheless. For many on the left, opposing the Trump administration takes precedence, even if it means vilifying federal law enforcement officers. In the process, nuance is lost, laws are ignored, and the risks -- for officers and civilians alike -- continue to grow. (COMMENT, BELOW) Ben Shapiro, bestselling author and syndicated columnist, first went into syndication after appearing in JWR. BOSTON (WWLP) A Guatemalan national has been sentenced to prison for assaulting multiple federal officers during an immigration arrest in Marlborough. In a news release by the Department of Justice in Boston, 24-year-old Guido Andres Cuellar Batres had overstayed his non-immigrant visa by more than four years and, as a result, there was an outstanding immigration warrant for his arrest. In May 2025, four federal officers (three Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and a Drug Enforcement Administration agent) set up surveillance in a parking lot in Marlborough. President Trump cuts funding to Massachusetts sanctuary cities Advertisement Advertisement Law enforcement observed Cuellar in the front passenger seat of a vehicle that entered the parking lot. They ordered Cuellar to step out of the vehicle however, he refused. Officers broke the rear passenger window to gain entry and removed Cuellar from the vehicle. During this time, the Justice Department states that Cuellar resisted arrest, tried to bite an officer in the leg, bit another officer above his wrist and struck that officer in the head multiple times. As an officer took hold of Cuellar, he head-butted the officer and spat directly into the officers eyes and face. Guido Andres Cuellar Batres pleaded guilty to forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with federal officers engaged in the performance of official duties. He was sentenced on Thursday to eight months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand. 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 WWLP. Just days before LGBTQ+ ally, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, is set to replace Virginias anti-trans Republican governor, Glenn Youngkin, when she is sworn in on Saturday, a rural school board has adopted a sweeping new policy restricting transgender students, while simultaneously continuing to block a proposed middle school Gender and Sexualities Alliance. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. The boards moves prompted emotional warnings from students, parents, and educators who say the decisions could deepen bullying, isolation, and suicide risk for LGBTQ+ youth. Advertisement Advertisement On January 7, the King George County School Board unanimously adopted Policy JBB, which requires school staff to refer to students only by the name and pronouns on the students record, without discussing the matter. The policy bars recognition of a students affirmed name or gender identity in official records, restricts bathroom access, overnight travel accommodations, and participation in sex-segregated activities based on sex assigned at birth, and limits any deviation from those rules to cases in which parents provide written permission, while still prohibiting any changes to a students legal sex or name in school records. Related: Thousands of Virginia Students Walk Out to Protest Anti-Trans Policies Related: Glenn Youngkin appoints failed Moms for Liberty candidate to Virginia Board of Education The adoption came as the board in the fall also refused to allow non-curricular clubs at the middle school level, halting efforts to create a Gender and Sexualities Alliance at King George Middle School, a peer support group that multiple students and parents argued would provide a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth in a district where they say harassment and fear already shape daily school life. Advertisement Advertisement Together, the two actions have thrust King George County into the center of a broader national backlash against transgender rights in public education, one that has accelerated across conservative-led states but is now unfolding in a district represented in Congress until recently by Spanberger. A policy modeled on Youngkin-era guidance Policy JBB closely mirrors the controversial Model Policies on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginias Public Schools issued by Youngkin in 2023, which drew national scrutiny and legal challenges from civil rights groups. The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia sued the state over those model policies, arguing that they failed to meet the evidence-based standards required under Virginia law and placed transgender students at risk of discrimination and harm. Many school districts resisted implementing the policies, with some in Northern Virginia refusing to do so entirely. Related: Transgender Teens Question on Bathrooms Stumps Va.'s Republican Governor Related: Glenn Youngkin injects trans issues into Virginia governor's race, where Democrat Abigail Spanberger leads Advertisement Advertisement Supporters of similar policies have argued they clarify expectations for schools and protect parental rights. But civil rights advocates say the measures formalize discrimination, undermine student safety, and contradict established medical and mental-health guidance on the benefits of affirming students identities. Do you really want your kid to feel like that? At the January 7 meeting, King George students and parents delivered some of the most emotionally charged public testimony the board has heard in years, describing a school climate they said already feels isolating, and warning that the boards decisions risk deepening that harm. Eighth-grader Artemis Park told board members that queer youth face sharply elevated risks of suicide, citing federal data and research from The Trevor Project, a national LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention organization. If the school doesnt care about that, Artemis said, then they shouldnt be in charge of what they are in charge of children. Advertisement Advertisement Related: Glenn Youngkin Goes After Transgender Kids in Revised School Policies Related: Virginia LGBTQ+ groups thrilled to march in inaugural parade celebrating the state's new Dem governor Artemis criticized the new rules as so unnecessary, calling them weird and demanding and draining for all parties, and said they will make classrooms more hostile rather than safer. In an interview with The Advocate, Artemis said the environment inside King George schools has long felt unsafe. I cant say that Ive ever thought that I liked my school, Artemis said. I never felt really safe there, and none of my friends have felt that either. Its always felt very hostile toward me, toward my friends, and people like me. Advertisement Advertisement He said LGBTQ+ students in the district are far more numerous than officials appear to acknowledge. There are so many, Artemis said. They dont realize how large a part of their school those kids make up. Artemis said bullying is pervasive. I get a lot of slurs per day, he said, adding that a friend got punched in the bathroom a couple of days ago. Related: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin Declares War on Transgender Kids Susan Park, Artemiss mother, warned that King George is importing national political battles into local schools and that LGBTQ+ students are paying the price. When adults feel anxious about social change, they often look for a group to blame, Susan Park said. History shows marginalized groups become targets during those moments. She told board members that using students affirmed names and pronouns is not a political statement, but a show of kindness and respect that helps school feel less stressful for kids who already feel unsafe. Advertisement Advertisement In her interview with The Advocate, Park said the refusal to allow a GSA while continuing to permit other non-curricular clubs sends a message of exclusion. They just want a club like any other club, Park said, noting that other social clubs are still allowed to meet. Only the GSA club is somehow non-curricular. So I think that just sends a message to LGBTQ kids that theres a stigma that theres something wrong with being in that community. Susan Park also criticized the new name and pronoun rules as unworkable and punitive. That policy just seems so unrealistic, and I dont even know how they would enforce it, she said. If a teacher wants to be unkind and cruel and call a student by a name that they dont prefer, then I guess they have the school boards blessing. Madison Hatch, a student at King George High School, told the board that a Gay-Straight Alliance could provide critical mental-health support for students. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know that in a year, LGBTQ+ youth reported that their anxiety symptoms rose from 57 percent to 68 percent? Depressive symptoms climbed from 48 percent to 54 percent. And suicidal ideation grew from 41 percent to 47 percent, Hatch said, citing data from The Trevor Project. Hatch said the same research shows that affirming environments save lives. Fifty-four percent of transgender and nonbinary young people who found their schools to be gender-affirming reported lower rates of attempted suicide, Hatch said. And LGBTQ+ youth who reported living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at less than half the rate of those living in unaccepting communities. Hatch said a GSA could help provide that support locally. Advertisement Advertisement This club could be a safe space for our youth, a place where they could go and make friends and hang out without worrying about school, home life, online pressure, and, most importantly, other youth, Hatch said. By providing this space, weve unofficially designated a safe teacher for anything. Hatch urged the board to consider the stakes. Please help improve teens mental health here in King George County by allowing a Gay-Straight Alliance club, Hatch said, noting that nearly 42 percent of LGBTQ+ teens in Virginia have seriously considered suicide. This is important to me because Ive had friends who are LGBTQ+ youth who were hospitalized for weeks for mental-health reasons, and I didnt know and I was very scared for them. Seventh-grader Zoe Jane Wheeler, who had attempted to form the GSA, described the boards refusal as institutional bullying. This is a form of bullying, Zoe said. It tells kids that its not okay to be themself. Advertisement Advertisement Her father, John Wheeler, told the board he was no longer trying to appeal to members compassion, saying such efforts had gone nowhere. Im not going to try to appeal to your humanity, Wheeler said. A lot of people have tried to do that over the last few months, and it hasnt made a difference. Wheeler then argued that the boards justification for blocking non-curricular clubs did not hold up. He pointed to board members own statements acknowledging that middle school clubs had been absent for years, questioned why that history justified banning them now, and said staffing concerns were contradicted by Boyd's prior assurances that non-curricular clubs require only a teacher willing to volunteer. Wheeler noted that a teacher had, in fact, volunteered. He also challenged the timing of the decision, saying it was not credible to treat the cancellation of non-curricular clubs as unrelated to the proposed GSA, particularly given that he had learned an elementary school was still allowing a non-curricular club. Wheeler said the sequence of events raised legal concerns and warned that the boards actions could face scrutiny. Tim Hatch, Madison Hatchs father and a resident of the Dahlgren District, told the board he supported the proposed GSA and criticized the effort to block it. I come to you tonight to express my support for the Gay-Straight Alliance club and my disappointment that you would even consider banning it, Hatch said. Hatch questioned how opposing the club aligns with Biblical teachings. How are we loving our children our neighbors if we are preventing them from gathering peacefully and giving them a safe place? he asked. This club is not mandatory for anyone. It simply provides a safe place for kids. Hatch closed by appealing directly to the board. As members of the school board, your school system is your household, and these children are your own, he said. You can provide them the opportunity to feel safe and loved, which is what Jesus taught us. The Advocate contacted members of the King George County School Board, including Chair Colleen Davis and board members Cathy Hoover, Rachel Scott, Carrie Cleveland, and Ed Franks, as well as county supervisors David Sullins, William Davis, Cathy Binder, Bryan Metts, and Kenneth Stroud. None responded to questions. Affirming schools save lives Narissa Rahaman, executive director of Equality Virginia, said King George Countys actions reflect a broader political campaign targeting transgender youth and diverting attention from urgent school needs. There are real issues facing K-12 public schools in Virginia, like adequate funding, teacher pay, and mental health resources for students, Rahaman told The Advocate. King George Countys leaders have a job to put kids first, and public schools have a job to affirm their students. Virginias leaders at the local and state level must focus on making Virginia schools safe for students of all gender identities. Rahaman warned that the push to restrict transgender students rights is part of a nationwide political movement. There is a nationwide effort by some politicians and interest groups to force transgender youth and LGBTQ+ people out of public life, she said. These political attacks harm all students, whether they are transgender or not, because they foster discrimination, create fear, and spread misinformation about who transgender young people are. She added that Equality Virginia is working with the incoming administration on a different path forward. One of our organizations top priorities is working with the incoming administration to ensure we have model policies that support and affirm the dignity and humanity of our transgender and nonbinary students, Rahaman said. Civil rights and youth suicide prevention advocates say the King George County policy contradicts decades of public health research on what protects LGBTQ+ students. The actions taken by the King George County School Board are deeply concerning and directly contradict what we know helps students learn and thrive, Casey Pick, director of law and policy at The Trevor Project, told The Advocate. The Trevor Projects research finds that even a single anti-LGBTQ+ school policy is associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and past-year suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth. Pick added that affirming school environments are linked to significantly lower suicide risk. Affirming schools save lives: more than half of transgender and nonbinary young people who describe their school as gender-affirming report lower rates of suicide attempts, she said. GLSEN Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers told The Advocate in a statement that King George Countys actions are likely to worsen students' school experiences. At a time when LGBTQ+ students are already under attack, its disappointing to see the King George County School Board passing additional policies that will have a harmful impact on already marginalized students, Willingham-Jaggers said. Our research shows LGBTQ+ students are harmed when policies like this are passed, they added. Approximately 77 percent of LGBTQ+ students have already reported multiple forms of harassment based on sexual orientation, gender, or gender expression. We fear this number will only rise as local school boards diminish access to clubs that help students build their communities and provide a safe space. Willingham-Jaggers warned that restrictive policies will have negative effects on kids. Students will stop showing up to classes. Theyll avoid school bathrooms, locker rooms, and P.E., Willingham-Jaggers said. Currently, about one-third of LGBTQ+ students are reported missing at least one entire day of school in the past month because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable. Willingham-Jaggers said families and educators should understand that policies restricting affirmed names, pronouns, facilities, and student support organizations have direct academic and safety consequences. Every policy change that restricts the ability of our young people to participate fully in schools will have a negative impact, they said. The superintendent acknowledges suicide risk, while declining to answer questions King George County Schools Superintendent Jesse Boyd acknowledged during the meeting that he heard repeated warnings about bullying, harassment, and suicidal ideation among students, but raised concerns about allowing students to gather in a GSA to discuss those same issues. I heard bullying. I heard harassment. I heard suicidal ideations. All of those are huge concerns for me, Boyd said. He added that the school has professional educators and counselors to help students, something Artemis Park said is insufficient, because all they do is call your parents without really helping. When contacted by The Advocate regarding the policy and the GSA ban, Boyd did not address the questions. Instead, he replied by email that a turnaround time of this afternoon is not possible given my schedule and offered to schedule a meeting in the near future. A county at a political crossroads The timing of the boards actions has drawn scrutiny. King George County lies within the congressional district formerly represented by Spanberger in the U.S. House of Representatives. Susan Park questioned whether the board moved to formalize Youngkin-era guidance before a change in state leadership that could bring a more affirming approach to LGBTQ+ student protections. National implications Across the country, school districts have become flashpoints in battles over gender identity. For families in King George County, the debate is no longer theoretical. As Policy JBB goes into effect, King George County stands as a case study in how local school boards, often with little public debate, are becoming frontline actors in a national struggle over whether public education will function as a refuge or a battleground for transgender and LGBTQ+ youth. Spanbergers transition team also did not respond to The Advocates request for comment. Watch the King George County school board meeting below. If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678. Edits note: A previous version of this story misquoted Tim Hatch and Madison Hatch. - YouTube youtu.be This article originally appeared on Advocate: Virginia school board adopts anti-transgender policy and blocks LGBTQ+ club RELATED By Mike Scarcella WASHINGTON, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Prominent Washington lawyer Tom Goldstein is set to square off with federal prosecutors on Thursday as a jury trial begins on criminal charges stemming from the veteran U.S. Supreme Court advocate's side career as a high-stakes poker player. Jurors in Greenbelt, Maryland, will hear arguments from Goldstein's legal team and prosecutors who allege he failed to report millions of dollars he won in poker matches, lied on loan documents and made improper payments through his law firm Goldstein & Russell to fund a lavish lifestyle. Advertisement Advertisement Goldstein, who has argued more than 40 cases at the U.S. Supreme Court and founded the SCOTUSblog news and analysis website, pleaded not guilty and has twice turned down an offer of a plea deal by the Justice Department. In a pretrial filing, he said "the government has cherry-picked a few clerical errors and charged them as a crime." The trial is expected to last about four weeks before U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby. Goldstein's indictment in January stunned Washington's legal community, where he was widely seen as one of the top appellate lawyers in the country. A Democrat, Goldstein was part of the team that represented Al Gore in the Supreme Court fight over George W. Bush's victory in the 2000 presidential election. His other clients have included Google and "Fortnite" maker Epic Games. He retired from his law practice in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Goldstein was charged in the final days of Democratic President Joe Bidens administration. In a November 2024 opinion column in the New York Times, Goldstein urged prosecutors to drop criminal cases against Trump after his election victory, writing that voters had already rendered the "ultimate verdict." (Reporting by Mike ScarcellaEditing by Shri Navaratnam) To Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels, the installation of automatic license plate reader cameras has been revolutionary. Flock Safety, a leading supplier of these cameras, brags that theyre used by over 5,000 law enforcement agencies across the country, and that Flock technology can go beyond simply recording a license plate. Many of their devices can also identify a cars make, model, color, dents, roof racks, window stickers and even a dog in a truck bed. Its a nightmare for privacy advocates, but a dream come true for a sheriff with a tight budget. Nowels said its saved hundreds of investigative hours, helped drive down auto thefts and made it easier to prosecute criminals. To replicate this with humans, I would have to have 70 people standing on the street 24/7 and theyd have to have perfect recall for everything they took a picture of for 30 days, Nowels said. Its impossible. Advertisement Advertisement Yet, hes reluctant to say too much about Flocks particular vulnerabilities in Washington, knowing the tool could be particularly dangerous in the wrong hands. I have concerns about this getting into print, because I dont want people to get any ideas, Nowels said. These images are hypothetically in everybodys hands after a Skagit County judge ruled in November that nearly every image these cameras capture in Washington is a public record, available to whomever requests them. Lets say an ex-boyfriend whos violent decides that he cant find his ex, but he wants to, and he thinks she lives here in Spokane, and he happens to know what car she drives, Nowels said. Advertisement Advertisement In theory, Nowels said, he could submit a records request to Spokane County, asking for every time his exs license plate had been recorded by a Flock camera in the past month. With Flock already under fire for its use in the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, multiple Washington cities have shut down their Flock camera programs, in part because of these public-record concerns. Washington lags behind nearly half of the states, including Idaho, that have passed laws and regulations around automatic license plate readers. As the 2026 legislative session kicks off in Olympia, legislators have introduced a bill to rein in these cameras by limiting which Flock records the public can access. The bill would dramatically limit the use of Flock cameras by both the public and law enforcement. The cameras would be banned outside of hospitals, schools, food banks and churches. They couldnt be used for immigration enforcement or to track protests. And crucially, only academic researchers would be allowed to make public records requests for the data. Advertisement Advertisement But to do that lawmakers must contend with the three conflicting interests: the law enforcement officers who say Flock cameras are vital to protect the public, the civil rights groups who see the cameras as an invasion of privacy, and the public record advocates who worry that cutting off transparency paves the way for government abuse. Thats going to remain probably one of the contentious points of the bill and negotiations moving forward, said Sen. Yasmin Trudeau, D-Tacoma, the bills co-sponsor. There are people that feel very passionately about public records, and they should. How the cameras are being used It was public records, after all, that first revealed information about Flock cameras that outraged civil liberties groups. In May, independent journalists at the tech site 404 Media revealed that records had uncovered cops across the country conducting Flock camera searches on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Flock boasts about giving their users access to real-time alerts and footage from partners across the country. But each search leaves a record an audit trail in each city or countys Flock system. Those audit trails also revealed that Texas deputies had searched cameras across the entire country, including Spokane County, to locate a woman whod given herself an abortion. Spokane County has since stopped allowing their Flock network to be accessed by nationwide searches. A University of Washington research project this summer harnessed its own records requests to show that at least eight different Washington state law enforcement agencies had given the U.S. Border Patrol access to Flock images to potentially aid with immigration enforcement. In many states, including Washington, local law enforcement is forbidden from helping federal immigration enforcement. By the time a Washington superior court ruled on a records case in November that such camera data was open to the public, cities like the Seattle suburb of Redmond had already shut down their Flock cameras. Other cities had to contend with a wave of new records requests. Some were broad and voluminous, creating the kind of financial burden that comes with preserving massive amounts of photos. Other requests were more targeted. One person requested photos taken of his own license plate. Advertisement Advertisement Another, Jim Leighty, a longtime Spokane area activist, figured out a way to start tracking ICE using the same kind of cameras ICE had used to track others. He sent a public records request to Spokane County asking for all camera locations, dates and times for Washington License Plate 72715RP captured during the first dozen days of December. That vehicle is used by a private company to transport ICE detainees from Spokane to the holding facility in Tacoma, Leighty said, and he wanted to figure out the schedule. How often is it coming over? Leighty said. That could give us an idea of how active ICE can be in our community. Leighty also intended it as a test: If the government was going to violate the right to privacy of average citizens, it only seemed fair to him that citizens could turn around and demand the same sort of information from the government. Advertisement Advertisement Leighty got the record he requested a single camera hit for the vehicle after a little less than a month, though he said the county first notified the transport company and called Leighty to ensure that he wasnt intent on harming anybody. Meanwhile, Thomas Stotts, who runs the private investigation agency Strategic Intelligence Services, made two Flock camera records requests in his attempt to locate a parent whod fled another state with their children. As soon as you walk out the door, you have no expectation of privacy, Stotts said. Washington law gives private detectives some special rights they are able to look up a persons license plate number, for instance but Nowels argues that private detectives dont have the same level of accountability or training as law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement I dont know anything about their integrity, Nowels said. Id like to think most people are ethical and moral, but theres plenty of people who arent. Thats my issue with that information available to just about anybody. For now, Tony Dinaro, the public records officer for Spokane County, said the county has been attempting to use the existing law to prevent known abusers from looking up specific license plates, by cross-referencing the records requests with a list of all the people who have had protective orders leveled against them. Since Washingtons records laws currently allow the government to decline to release records if the disclosure could endanger a crime victims physical safety, Dinaro said, the county attorneys felt they were definitely on solid ground legally to deny such a request from an abuser. Thats our red line, he said. Advertisement Advertisement The trouble is, requests can come in anonymously. A stalker could simply refuse to leave his name. In those cases, Dinaro said, the county plans to contact the owner of the vehicle being tracked, giving them a chance to go to court and say, I am being stalked and I dont want this information released. Shuttering cameras Local governments face another big problem. Flock, as a default, deletes the images off their servers after 30 days. But what if someone makes a last-minute request to the city on Day 29? If the requested pictures get deleted before the city can ask Flock to preserve them, the city could be fined for violating the states transparency laws. Trudeaus bill seeks to fix that vulnerability by cutting off almost all public records access. The bill would slash the amount of time most Flock images could be preserved from 30 days to just three. Nowels worries that such legislative restrictions could make the cameras completely useless. Advertisement Advertisement Trudeau is well known for supporting measures to restrain law enforcement, including a controversial restriction on vehicle chases. But this latest bill, she notes, is co-sponsored by Sen. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney, a former detective who spent 22 years with the Spokane Police Department. Everyone is happy and unhappy about my current draft, which means were probably on a good path to compromise, Trudeau said. Holy sees the bill as an example where a conservative and a progressive can find common ground: libertarianism. Both of them worry about how a tyrannical government might abuse its powers. The proposed bill requires governmental agencies to keep their own logs tracking Flock usage. Yet the fact that it also cuts off the underlying public access to the data in those logs has some public records advocates wary. Some of the board members have said, as long as the government is receiving information, that should be considered public record, said Collette Weeks, executive director of the Washington Coalition for Open Government, an organization that advocates for public transparency. Weeks said that the bill raises 100 questions for me, with each question leading to 100 more. And Leighty, the Spokane activist, argued that the bill was locking citizens out, but not actually protecting citizens. It isnt clear whether a license plate number included as part of a Flock audit log would still be considered a public record. Its really just a question of balancing transparency with privacy, said Tee Sannon, technology policy program director with the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington. The ACLU has warned that audit log data itself is often not enough to identify abuses of the technology and can be vague and misleading. Records first obtained by Range Media show that more than a dozen Flock searches were made by Spokane County sheriffs deputies in November with no recorded explanation logged other than the word investigation. (Nowels told InvestigateWest that hes urged his deputies to be more specific with their Flock requests.) So far, the most prominent examples of Flock technology being used for stalking have not involved records requesters but law enforcement officers. A police chief of a city outside of Atlanta, Georgia, was arrested in November for allegedly using the citys license-plate readers to stalk and harass people. In Kansas, a police chief used Flock cameras to track the license plates of his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend over 200 times across five months, according to news reports, while a police lieutenant in a neighboring city used the cameras to track his estranged wife. Nowels is well aware that, in the hands of an unethical sheriff or officer, the technology can be used for evil ends. Ill be the first one to stand up and say, If you cant use this tool appropriately and ethically and lawfully, it needs to go away, Nowels said. It just does. Either way, when Washington state legislators drive near the Capitol in Olympia this month, their license plates wont be recorded by Flock. Last month, Olympia shut off its Flock cameras at the police departments request, due to the concerns that had been revealed through public records. InvestigateWest (investigatewest.org) is an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. A Report for America corps member, Daniel Walters covers democracy and extremism across the region. He can be reached at daniel@investigatewest.org. Chris Jones, left, launched his campaign for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Chris Jones, an author, researcher and Iowa water quality advocate, launched his campaign for Iowa secretary of agriculture Thursday outside of Des Moines Water Works. Jones platform for the role includes a more diversified agricultural landscape, more regulations on polluters and concentrated feeding operations and greater access to locally grown food. Advertisement Advertisement We need a secretary of agriculture that is for the people and not just for corporate agriculture, Jones said. And so thats what I endeavor to do if Im elected secretary of agriculture. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Jones was formerly a research engineer studying Iowa water quality at the University of Iowa. He spoke Thursday in front of Des Moines Water Works to highlight the fact that the Raccoon River, one of the drinking water sources for central Iowa, had nitrate concentrations in excess of federal safe drinking water standards. So clearly, here in Iowa, we are not getting the environmental outcomes that we want from this agricultural production system, Jones said. Advertisement Advertisement Central Iowa Water Works has been running its nitrate removal system since Jan. 6 in order to continue providing drinking water within safe drinking water limits. Over the summer, nitrate concentrations were so high in the Raccoon and Des Moines rivers following a wet spring, that the utility issued a lawn watering ban to decrease demand on the system and remain within safe limits. Jones said the nitrate levels, which have remained high through the fall and winter, are due to row crop and animal agriculture systems upstream. Jones writings and his book, The Swine Republic, center largely on the same theme. This stance, and his calls for Iowa to transition away from corn and soybean farming, has led some, including incumbent Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, to say Jones is anti-farmer. Jones said he wants whats best for farmers and that means deviating from current production models. Jones said the current agricultural model of mostly large operation corn and soybean farms and concentrated livestock feeding operations has not been prosperous and has led to a decline in rural populations and essential services. Advertisement Advertisement I hope farmers see that I want whats best for them I want our farmers to be prosperous, Jones said. Iowa cannot be prosperous if farmers arent prosperous. He also said the role of secretary of agriculture should not be a farmer popularity contest and he wants non-farming Iowans to vote for him as well because agriculture policy is too important just to leave it to agriculture to make the decisions. Jones is running for the Democratic nomination against farmer Wade Dooley who announced his campaign Monday. Jones said more diverse cropping and livestock systems would fix a lot of the current problems facing agriculture, including, water pollution, low prices for corn and the ongoing outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Advertisement Advertisement That means different crops, like oats, for example, need to be subsidized and livestock production should transition to more traditional methods outside of animal confinement, Jones said. Instead of continuously trying to find what we can do with more and more and more corn, maybe lets think about growing something else, Jones said. In his writing, Jones has criticized both the Republican and Democratic parties approaches to agriculture and water protections, but he said he is not worried his critiques will impact his campaign. I have my own views on things, and theyre not molded by party politics, Jones said. Advertisement Advertisement Jones will host a campaign kickoff Thursday at Confluence Brewing in Des Moines and a Clean Water Town Hall in Grinnell Jan. 24. Editors note: Chris Jones is a former member of Iowa Writers Collaborative, which has an informal association with Iowa Capital Dispatch. This article has been updated to show that Central Iowa Water Works owns the nitrate removal facility in Des Moines. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The White House has reportedly stashed millions of dollars from sales of Venezuelan oil in Qatari banks since the ouster of President Nicolas Maduro, raising huge questions about how the money will be allocated and if Congress and the American public will have a say. An estimated $500 million from the first Venezuelan oil sales has already been deposited in U.S.-controlled accounts, but that could be the tip of the iceberg as American officials seek to broker sales of up to 50 million barrels of oil. CNN and Reuters both confirmed the use of Qatari accounts, which was first reported by Semafor. Its not clear what the money will be used for or who will decide how to allocate it. Some analysts say the purpose of using offshore accounts could be to keep the cash out of the hands of Venezuelas many creditors. Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said he will use the money as he sees fit to stabilize Venezuelas economy as part of a larger plan to run the country indefinitely, apparently while leaving Maduros former vice president Delcy Rodriguez in power. The murky arrangement is likely to draw criticism and legal action from critics who say the money should be going directly into U.S. coffers or handled in a much more transparent way. There is no basis in law for a president to set up an offshore account that he controls so that he can sell assets seized by the American military, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) told Semafor. Underlining the high stakes, U.S. forces in the Caribbean Sea seized another oil tanker with alleged ties to Venezuela, the sixth such seizure since the self-imposed embargo began last year. Advertisement Advertisement The development comes as Trump had lunch at the White House with Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, whose political party is widely considered to have won 2024 elections rejected by Maduro. We are counting on President Trump for the freedom of Venezuela, Machado told a group of supporters after the meeting. Trump surprisingly dismissed Machado as lacking the popular backing to run Venezuela after U.S. forces seized Maduro and his wife in an attack on a heavily-guarded Caracas compound and brought them to New York to stand trial on drug trafficking charges. The White House has instead signaled its willingness to continue work indefinitely with acting President Delcy Rodriguez, a key member of Maduros former inner circle. Advertisement Advertisement Trump said Wednesday that he had a great conversation with Rodriguez, their first since Maduro was ousted. We had a call, a long call. We discussed a lot of things, Trump told reporters. And I think were getting along very well with Venezuela. In endorsing Rodriguez, Trump has sidelined Machado despite her close ties to some of his Republican allies in Congress and south Florida, which is home to a sprawling Venezuelan diaspora community. Machado has steered a careful course to avoid offending Trump, notably after winning last years Nobel Peace Prize, which Trump coveted. She has since thanked Trump and offered to share the prize with him, a move that has been rejected by the Nobel Institute. Women gather at a neighborhood square in Lilongwe, Malawi, on June 8 Credit - Zafer GoderAnadolu/Getty Images In Malawi, one in three women is a victim of violence. Almost one in ten girls is forced into marriage before turning 15. But fewer than 800 lawyers serve the population of 22 million. What chance does a girl in a rural village have of finding legal helplet alone affording it? This is the justice gap: the chasm between those who need the laws protection and those who can access it. According to the World Justice Project, only about 10% of people reach a lawyer when they need one. Yet across the world, grave offenses are going unpunished. Cyber criminals attack hospitals, elections, and infrastructure with impunity. Journalists are imprisoned at record rates under defamation, fake news, and terror laws. In much of the world, womens rights exist only on paper. So the people who need justice most cannot get it. Advertisement Advertisement But what if AI could change that? We have co-founded the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice (OITJ)a partnership between the University of Oxfords Blavatnik School of Government and the Clooney Foundation for Justicebecause we believe it can. With Microsofts AI for Good Lab we're developing AI-powered legal assistants that bring legal help to those who need it most. Our tool in Malawi, developed with the Womens Lawyers Association, is an AI-driven chatbot to help women understand their rights and access free legal representation through conversations in their local language on their device. Our Journalists Legal Assistant, built with the Committee to Protect Journalists, connects detained or threatened journalists to free legal support in real time. Our closed-dataset tools are built on verified legal information and the lawyers they recommend are vetted. Soon we will add voice-to-text and geolocation features to pinpoint lawyers close to homeand replicate these tools across Africa and Asia. We are also making pro bono lawyers more effective. Because even when help exists, it's often too slow. Our Pro Bono Assistant accelerates core legal work such as preparing protection orders, one of the most effective remedies for abused women and children. Instead of struggling through dense forms, survivors can use the tool to recount what happened in their own words and produce a legally compliant protection order request that is reviewed by a lawyer. We're developing a similar tool for journalists bail applications. Yet as we harness AI for justice we must also confront its dangers. AI in courts is growing fastand not always safely. AI is triaging cases, drafting pleadings, assessing witness credibility through facial-expression analysis and even generating avatars of murder victims that address defendants in court. AI tools are being rolled out across all Chinese courts. Argentina's official AI drafts rulings and predicts case outcomes with 96% accuracy in under 20 seconds. The U.K. is using algorithms to assess reoffending risk for bail and parole decisions. And courts across the world are grappling with deepfakes and manipulated evidence. Through our AI Justice Atlas we are tracking the use of AI in courtrooms around the world and how it is being regulated. We are building the Fair Trial Advisera retrieval-augmented AI system grounded in our textbook, The Right to a Fair Trial in International Law to enable judges and lawyers to access reliable standards in real time. We'll offer training to over 10,000 judges from 160 countries on the safe use of AI and propose new global rules to ensure trials are fair in the AI era. Advertisement Advertisement Finally, we are working to ensure that the law can meet the threat of cyberattacks. More than 130 countries have suffered cyber disruptions, with most state-sponsored attacks emanating from North Korea, China, Russia and Iran. These attacks dont just steal datathey cripple our financial systems, hospitals, schools and elections. They obstruct truth and amplify lies. And the toll is staggering. From Costa Rica to Albania, ransomware has paralyzed government services including border control. A cyberattack on hospitals in Ireland disrupted treatment for hundreds of cancer patients. Another targeted the plane of a senior European politician. There are an estimated 750 million cyberattack attempts every day. And we now face a new reality: AI systems themselves are beginning to orchestrate cyber campaigns. Yet legal pathways for accountability remain weak. So we are working to close that justice gapexamining how international law must evolve, from proposals for a digital Geneva Convention to new standards of evidence to prove who is responsible for such crimes. A functioning justice system is the bedrock of our most basic freedoms. We have an opportunity to shape how AI transforms it, and a duty to do so responsibly. The fears around AI are extreme. But so are the possibilitiesif we can get it right. Clooney and Webb are professors at the University of Oxfords Blavatnik School of Government and co-founders of the Oxford Institute of Technology and Justice. Contact us at letters@time.com. Lawmakers in Arizona and Idaho launched their 2026 legislative sessions on Monday grappling with the same historical shift in revenue that will shape Utahs budget debate starting next week: the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The centerpiece of President Donald Trumps domestic agenda extended corporate tax cuts and expanded working-class tax credits. It also adjusted tax rates in states that conform with federal taxes, like Utah, Arizona and Idaho. Before lawmakers in these Intermountain states pass top policy priorities, they must decide how to compensate for the decreased revenue, or whether they will decouple from the federal framework, making taxes more complicated. Advertisement Advertisement The No. 1 issue for legislators and lobbyists will be working around what is projected to be roughly $400 million less revenue than expected in Arizona, $300 million less in Utah and $200 million less in Idaho for the current fiscal year. This year is going to be a very tight budget for, well, for one big reason, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told the Deseret News Editorial Board in December, referring to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. So were making cuts everywhere. In addition to tax conformity which has contributed to deep budget deficits for Utahs Western neighbors Utah, Arizona and Idaho will also share a focus on affordable housing, school choice and energy incentives. Utah The Republican majorities in all three states have promised to balance their budgets through cost savings, instead of new taxes. In Utah, legislative leadership has gone further, proposing a series of additional tax cuts as this years signature policy initiative. Advertisement Advertisement House Speaker Mike Schultz is pushing to shift the burden of gas taxes onto oil companies, and property taxes onto commercial assets. Meanwhile, Senate President Stuart Adams has signaled his commitment to lower the states income tax for the sixth year in a row. The tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act also constitute a projected $300 million tax cut for Utahns, all but wiping out the expected revenue surplus that lawmakers had planned on, Senate budget vice chair Scott Sandall told the Deseret News. Besides the budget, Utah is gearing up to debate scores of bills centered around populism, GOP consultant Renae Cowley said. These include reforming judicial nominations, regulating artificial intelligence and restricting junk food for welfare recipients. The 2026 general session theme is the 2026 election, Cowley said. Everything is going to be in preparation of, in advance of, to bolster ones chances, or to mitigate other election concerns, that are going to happen in November. Advertisement Advertisement Amid these electoral incentives, legislators will decide whether to keep up the pressure on municipalities to approve starter homes, or to emphasize building infrastructure that helps developers access vacant lots, said Adam Gardiner, who lobbies for West Jordan. Arizona Arizona lawmakers are also focused on housing affordability, energy and tax cuts, according to Arizona House Majority Leader Michael Carbone. The debate centers on whether Arizona should maintain its growth by bringing in, or blocking, data centers, Carbone said. This week, a rift emerged between lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who called for ending the states tax credit for AI data centers which have exploded demand for electricity, but also contribute millions to the states economy, Carbone said. The bigger question is how Arizona can fund its ballooning school voucher program under looming revenue shortages, Arizona consultant Kevin DeMenna said, adding this could set up a fight over whether the state can afford to follow the new federal tax structure. Advertisement Advertisement Arizona is operating on the premise that we have very little and much of that will depend upon the degree of conformity to the big, beautiful bill, DeMenna said. Its not a good year to be an agency in state government. Idaho Idaho followed Arizona and Utahs example last year with its own school voucher program. But Idaho faces more difficult financial prospects than its friends, according to Brian Whitlock, the Idaho Hospital Association president, Meridian City Council member and former top staffer for the Idaho governor. Lawmakers decision last year to reduce taxes by $450 million, paired with federal policy changes, turned a $400 million surplus into a $40 million hole, Whitlock said, which some are proposing to fill by eliminating the states $100 million Medicaid expansion. State Rep. Josh Wheeler expects the session to highlight innovative cost savings, including proposals to shift high school toward workforce readiness, incentivize food-as-medicine preventative health care and attract companies to reprocess spent nuclear fuel stored in Idaho. The biggest story early in the session will be the same as Utah and Arizona, according to Wheeler: tax conformity. Typically, this is not a top issue, Wheeler said, but theres enough complexity in the one big, beautiful bill that there will have to be some robust debate about that. Great white egrets stand in the wetlands surrounding New Orleans. Land in this area of the Mississippi River Delta is sinking, both on its own and in tandem with rising sea levels. (Elise Plunk/Louisiana Illuminator) A new study says river deltas around the world arent just disappearing because of rising seas, but because the land itself is sinking down into the waters, either as fast or faster than the rising oceans. Researchers found some of the most rapid sinking is happening along the Mississippi River Delta in Louisiana. The study aims to better guide coastal restoration in disappearing river deltas around the globe, helping leaders, scientists and people living in coastal communities with hard decisions on what can and should be saved. Advertisement Advertisement Coastal areas account for less than 1% of the entire land area we have, said Leonard Ohenhen, a professor at the University of California, Irvine and the lead author of the study. But a whole significant population, more than 600 million people, live in those areas. The study, published this week in the academic journal Nature, found that the contributions of subsidence, or slowly submerging land, to disappearing coasts is often overlooked. The fight to preserve rapidly sinking land has been a decades-long battle in the Mississippi River Delta, as well as a source of contention between scientific and political figures in the state. But deltas across the world are sinking, too, and fast. You have a sort of a hodgepodge of different reasons why deltas are sinking, said Ohenhen. Advertisement Advertisement He said river deltas naturally sink to some degree, with sediment carried downstream by rivers piling up and pushing down on the spongy, soft land already there. But humans can accelerate this natural process, by engineering rivers like the Mississippi and by extracting groundwater or oil. Relative sea level rise in the area is also really important. Thats the sea level rise plus subsidence, said Alisha Renfro, coastal scientist with the National Wildlife Federation. It really helps us understand where we can make investments in restoration long-term that we might actually be able to hold on to. Lack of sediment is the main driver of subsidence in the Mississippi River Delta, said Ohenhen, creating hotspots of rapidly sinking pieces of land amid slightly more stable areas. Most of the deltas studied in the paper, around 70%, have subsidence problems primarily due to groundwater withdrawal, but some, like the Amazon and Mississippi River Deltas, had subsidence issues driven by the disappearance of river-carried sediment to replenish the deltas land. This map from the report shows which areas of the Mississippi River Delta are sinking. Areas in red and yellow are areas of land sinking more rapidly, while spots in blue and purple are building land upwards. (University of California, Irvine) Putting hard numbers to and pinpointing causes of subsidence like human activity is invaluable to restoring coastal land. Advertisement Advertisement I would say that really validates what, not just my organization, but what a lot of people have recognized for a long time that this was a significant contributing factor in subsidence, said James Karst with nonprofit advocacy group Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, referring specifically to the lack of sediment sent to the Delta. Decisions about what pieces of the coast can be saved are even more urgent with the cancellation of two large-scale restoration projects in Louisiana. Known as sediment diversions, both the Mid-Barataria and Mid-Breton plans would have diverted freshwater from the Mississippi River into surrounding wetlands. They were scrapped by the state because of the prospective impact on fisheries like oysters, crabs and other marine species. Fishers and oyster harvesters celebrated the projects demise, while scientists and coastal restoration advocates warned that time is running out to save the coast. In light of the cancellation of Mid-Barataria, I think what we, everybody, should be thinking of is, What is the next best thing? said Karst. Clearly it is not going to move forward, but we cant do nothing. Advertisement Advertisement People should be aware that we are in a part of the world that is changing, and that is changing rapidly, said Karst. If we want to position ourselves as individuals and as communities, we should be anticipating these changes and anticipating how they will affect us. Boaters fish in the canals and wetlands just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana. Coastal restoration projects spearheaded by the state hope to preserve areas of subsiding land that are at risk of disappearing. (Elise Plunk/Louisiana Illuminator) While the average rate of subsidence for the Mississippi River Delta is around 3.3 millimeters per year, said Ohenhen, some areas of Louisiana are sinking at a rate of 3 centimeters per year, one of the fastest of all the deltas studied. That is paired with a sea level rising by at least 7 millimeters per year along the Gulf Coast, he said, also one of the highest rates in the world. This puts some areas of Louisianas land at higher risk of loss than anywhere else. In the Mississippi River Delta, for example, that is one of the only deltas in the world where you have active relocation of people from the delta due to land loss, said Ohenhen. The time that we need to respond to these changes is now before the situation gets significantly worse. No one relishes the power to keep everyone guessing more than Donald Trump. Until and unless Americas laser-guided bombs start pulverising targets in Iran, he will delight in keeping friend and foe alike in suspense. Having assured Irans protesters on Tuesday that help is on the way, he appeared to row back 24 hours later by claiming that the regime was no longer killing its opponents and would not execute people rounded up for taking part in the demonstrations. But aside from calculated see-sawing, intended to create maximum uncertainty and preserve surprise, Trumps decision-making will be complicated by a vital factor. Americas friends in the Middle East, including the leaders he most respects and listens to, are offering diametrically opposing counsel on what to do next. A vehicle driving past the Houses of Parliament shows Irans exiled prince Reza Pahlavi alongside Donald Trump - AP Photo/Kin Cheung The question of whether to unleash American firepower to overthrow Irans regime pits the influence of Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, against that of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. Netanyahu will be urging Trump on even as the Saudi tries to hold him back. Advertisement Advertisement And in the camp of the restrainers, Crown Prince Mohammed is joined by every other Gulf leader, including two of Trumps favourites: Emir Tamim bin Hamad of Qatar and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates. All are now engaged in intense diplomatic efforts to pull America back from the brink, joined by Egypt and Turkey. Netanyahu, meanwhile, has been more consistent and vehement than anyone else in his wish to see the back of Irans regime, which he has likened to a ferocious tiger with nuclear fangs. Last June, he started what became a joint US-Israeli air campaign to destroy Irans nuclear plants. Yet the moment that Americas B2 stealth bombers returned to base, having devastated these targets with the heaviest bunker-busting munitions in the world, Trump instantly called a halt, even insisting that Netanyahu turn around Israeli strike aircraft in mid-flight. By stopping the offensive after 12 days, Trump left Irans regime intact and armed with a good proportion of its ballistic missiles. Emir Tamim bin Hamad of Qatar is involved in intense diplomatic efforts to pull America back from the brink - REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo Now Netanyahu wants Trump to finish the job once and for all, taking advantage of the mass protests against Irans leaders. Advertisement Advertisement Any renewed onslaught might cause Ayatollah Ali Khamenei to retaliate by firing Irans missiles at US allies in the region, including Israel. And the downfall of his regime would risk wholly unpredictable consequences, including civil war and the collapse of the Iranian state. But Netanyahu is convinced that toppling the Islamic Republic would justify these dangers. He has already degraded the Supreme Leaders options for striking back, including by obliterating Irans terrorist allies Hezbollah and Hamas. That leaves the Ayatollah with little else except to fire however many ballistic missiles Iran has left a formidable capability, but one that Israels defences are prepared to counter. If the regimes overthrow were then to cause domestic turmoil, this might be acceptable for Netanyahu. An Iran wracked by internal conflict could not threaten Israel. And the simple fact that the two countries are some 800 miles apart would shield Israel from the worst of the consequences. But Americas other friends in the region particularly those located closer to Iran would fervently disagree with almost all of the above. Advertisement Advertisement Soon after achieving power in Saudi Arabia, it is true that Crown Prince Mohammed denounced Khamenei as the new Hitler of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, a Sunni kingdom, has regarded Shia Iran as a mortal and permanent foe. But for the last three years, Saudi Arabia has quietly sought to repair relations with its belligerent neighbour across the waters of the Gulf. The Crown Prince was responding to the reality that Irans nuclear programme had advanced to the point where the country was effectively a threshold state; it had the technical expertise, the infrastructure and the necessary material to develop a nuclear weapon but had made a political decision to refrain from doing so. Meanwhile, the Houthi rebels in neighbouring Yemen were busily firing Iranian-supplied missiles at targets across the kingdom. Facing these threats, Saudi Arabia decided to placate Iran and reduce tensions, particularly as the kingdom believed that it could no longer rely on America to defend its territory. Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, the two rivals reached a Chinese-mediated agreement to restore diplomatic relations and resume high-level contacts. Since then, a steady procession of Saudi officials has visited Tehran, including Prince Khalid bin Salman, the kingdoms defence minister, who travelled there last April. Having achieved a delicate rapprochement with Iran, Saudi Arabia does not want Trump to upset everything with another military campaign. If that happens, Iran could lash out by striking any friend of America within range, including Saudi Arabia itself. The kingdom has invested in sophisticated missile defences, but the simple fact that it has far more territory to defend and is much closer to Iran means that it cannot be as confident as Israel about fending off an attack. Hence, Saudi officials have already tried to reduce the risk of Iranian retaliation by telling the AFP news agency: Saudi Arabia has informed Tehran directly that it will not be part of any military action taken against it, and that its territory and airspace will not be used for that purpose. Advertisement Advertisement All of the Gulf states share Saudi Arabias fears. Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military facility in the Middle East and a possible launch pad for any further military action against Iran. Last June, Iran responded to Americas raid on its nuclear plants by firing 19 missiles at Qatar, not enough to penetrate the states defences and inflict casualties at least on that occasion but a signal of the constant danger. So it was no surprise that, on Tuesday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, the Qatari prime minister, should have spoken by phone to Ali Larijani, the secretary of Irans Supreme National Security Council. Afterwards, an official statement pointedly emphasised Qatars backing of all de-escalation efforts, as well as peaceful solutions to enhance security and stability in the region. Anti-government protesters in the Iranian city of Mashhad last week If Trump wishes to strike Iran while reducing the risk to Qatar by not using Al Udeid, he could launch Americas strike planes from an aircraft carrier. For now, no such vessel is deployed in the Gulf. The USS Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered Nimitz-class carrier, is on its way from the South China Sea, but is not expected to arrive for between seven and 10 days. Advertisement Advertisement Every time that America has almost come to blows with Iran in the past, a US carrier has always been present in the region. But the time for diplomacy that the impending arrival of USS Abraham Lincoln may create will not reassure the Gulf states. They do not believe they would have anything to gain from a new war in their region or the downfall of Khamenei. Israel and America have already defanged Iran by wrecking its nuclear plants and pounding its terrorist allies. That creates the ideal situation for the Gulf, whereby the threat is diminished, but the Ayatollahs are still able to govern their own territory and prevent any descent into turmoil. The Gulf states do not want American bombs upsetting the status quo and creating a host of new risks. As he sits at the Resolute desk in the Oval Office, Trump must decide between these competing positions. For the moment at least, he may be hesitating between the two. Advertisement Advertisement But if the B2 stealth bombers take wing, then Netanyahu will have won. 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. SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here. Eighty years ago this week, following the most devastating war in human history, the United Nations General Assembly convened for the first time. Delegates from 51 nations gathered in the hope that amid the wreckage of World War II they might find a way, in the words of the new UN Charter, "to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war" and "reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights." The anniversary coincides with fresh controversy over America's relationship with the UN. In an executive order last week, President Trump directed the United States to withdraw from dozens of international organizations and bodies, more than 30 of them associated with the UN. The move reignited the familiar and very old argument over whether Washington should lean in to international institutions or steer clear of them. Bills proposing a wholesale US withdrawal from the United Nations have repeatedly been introduced in Congress. In 2023, for example, Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah proposed a bill severing all ties with the UN and revoking the agreement that established its headquarters in New York. There is a better approach: The United States should continue engaging at the UN but stop voting in the General Assembly. The fundamental problem with the world body is structural. It is an organization of governments, not of nations, still less of free peoples. Within the General Assembly, all states have an equal vote and no distinction is made between the most brutal tyranny and the most liberal democracy. Under such an arrangement, the UN Charter's noble aspirations were never going to be fulfilled. In the General Assembly, right and wrong are determined by roll call. The votes of repressive dictatorships like North Korea and Afghanistan count exactly as much as those of free societies like Japan and the Czech Republic, and tyrannies have always constituted a significant bloc of the UN's membership. None of this would matter much if General Assembly resolutions were treated for what they are: expressions of opinion with no legal force. But the act of voting itself confers a seriousness the institution does not deserve. Each roll call reinforces the pretense that moral authority emerges from a numerical majority of governments, regardless of their character. By participating in that ritual, the United States helps sustain a fiction it knows to be false. There is a more honest course. Were it my call, the US ambassador to the United Nations would make a point of never casting a vote in the General Assembly. The suggestion isn't original. It was proposed in the 1960s by the political theorist James Burnham, and echoed by William F. Buckley Jr. in "United Nations Journal," a book he wrote in 1974 after serving as a member of the US delegation to the UN. Today, when the General Assembly is filled with authoritarian regimes hostile to democratic liberties, there is less reason than ever to participate in the moral wasteland of the UN plenary as if majority support conferred truth or legitimacy. Abstention need not mean disengagement. American diplomats would continue to speak, argue, and defend US interests and principles. Nor would it diminish the importance of other UN bodies where decisions may carry legal force notably the Security Council, where resolutions matter and the United States has veto power. What a standing policy of abstention would do is strip away the General Assembly's phony moral gravitas. It would signal that while the United States remains willing to make its case before the world, it refuses to ratify outcomes that reduce questions of liberty, justice, and sovereignty to a show of hands. That posture is neither isolationist nor hostile. It is simply realistic. A permanent policy of abstention would carry other, quieter advantages. It would deprive the General Assembly of one of its most familiar rituals: staging votes designed less to settle questions than to berate the United States and condemn America's friends. When everyone knows in advance that the US ambassador will not participate in the tally, the incentive to choreograph such exercises diminishes. This isn't a proposal rooted in knee-jerk hostility to international cooperation or the United Nations. The United States would continue to speak out and to make the case for freedom and human rights. But it would no longer solemnize outcomes that are foreordained. The delegates who gathered 80 years ago doubtless hoped to build something better than what emerged. That hope need not be abandoned, but neither should it be indulged with false ceremony. American abstention from General Assembly votes would be an act of clarity, not contempt a recognition that moral authority cannot be manufactured by roll call and that the United States serves its principles best by refusing to pretend otherwise. Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe, from which this is reprinted with permission. (COMMENT, BELOW) For weeks, Somalia has been engaged in intense diplomatic efforts to rally international support after Israel recognised its breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state. Through diplomatic outreach and high-level phone calls, Somalia's government has won the backing of key countries across Africa and the Middle East, rallying them to oppose the recognition. But one relationship has sharply deteriorated - Somalia's long-standing partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). For years, the oil-rich Gulf state has been viewed as a significant player in Somalia's security, economy, and politics, as the country has a coastline of more than 3,000km (1,864 miles) along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean - a strategic maritime region hit by piracy and weapon-smuggling that has contributed to instability in both Africa and the Middle East. Advertisement Advertisement The UAE cultivated multi-layered relationships with both Somalia's federal government and its regions, and has been involved in port operations in Bosaso in Puntland and Kismayo in Jubaland, as well as Berbera in Somaliland. But on Monday, Somalia's federal government announced the cancellation of all port management and security cooperation agreements with the UAE, accusing it of undermining the country's sovereignty. "We had a good relationship with the UAE, but unfortunately, they didn't engage us as an independent and sovereign nation. After a careful assessment, we were forced to take the decision that we took," Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said in a televised address following an extraordinary cabinet meeting. The UAE has not yet responded to his comments. Advertisement Advertisement Omar Mahmoud, a senior researcher at the International Crisis Group think-tank, tells the BBC that Israel's recognition of Somaliland formed the backdrop to the decision. "Somalia views this as an infringement of its territorial integrity and believes the UAE played a behind-the-scenes role in supporting the outcome," Mahmoud says. In late December, Israel became the first country in the world to recognise Somaliland's independence. This led to huge celebrations in Somaliland's capital, Hargeisa, as Israel had given the territory the recognition it had yearned for since it seceded from Somalia more than 30 years ago, forming its own government, and adopting its own passport and currency. In exchange, Somaliland said it would sign up to the 2020 Abraham Accords, which have so far seen the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco establish full diplomatic relations with Israel, giving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government a boost at a time it has faced a backlash over the war in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement "The region is increasingly defined by divergent geopolitical blocs, with the UAE and Israel on one side, and Saudi Arabia, Turkey and others on the other," Mahmoud says. [BBC] On Monday, The Middle East Eye news site reported that the diplomatic fall-out has led to the UAE evacuating its security personnel and heavy military equipment from the air base in Bosaso. Mahmoud says that Somalia's relationship with the UAE has been steadily deteriorating since 2024, when Ethiopia - a major ally of the Gulf state in the Horn of Africa - signalled that it was prepared to recognise Somaliland's independence, in a trade-off that would see it establish a navel base along the breakaway state's coast. "Somali suspicion of the UAE grew following Ethiopia's 2024 memorandum of understanding with Somaliland to swap sea access for recognition, as Somalia saw the UAE as potentially supporting an agreement it strongly opposed. Advertisement Advertisement "But Ethiopia only promised recognition. Israel went ahead and did it, and that raises the stakes," Mahmoud adds. The analyst points out that Somalia has also accused the UAE of using its territory to help Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi leave the country, and this was likely to have been "the final straw" that led to the rupture in their relationship. "Using Somalia's airspace, Somalia's airfields to smuggle a fugitive is not something that Somalia condones," Ali Omar, Somalia's state minister for foreign affairs, told Al Jazeera. Last week, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen made a similar accusation, alleging that al-Zubaidi, who heads Yemen's separatist Southern Transitional Council, first crossed into Berbera by ship, and was then flown by a cargo aircraft to Abu Dhabi via Mogadishu under the "supervision" of UAE officers. The UAE denies backing the separatists in Yemen. Advertisement Advertisement This is not the first time diplomatic relations between Somalia and the UAE have soured. In 2018, Somalia, then under President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, severed ties with the UAE, accusing it of interference in Somalia's internal affairs. At the time, the current president was an opposition figure who strongly defended the UAE's involvement in Somalia, but he has now adopted a sharply different position, trying to exploit differences between the UAE and Saudi Arabia over the war in Yemen to his advantage. "Regional developments including Israel's recognition of Somaliland and shifting dynamics in Yemen involving Saudi Arabia and the Southern Transitional Council created sufficient pressure for the government to act decisively," Samira Gaid, an analyst with Balqiis Insight think-tank, tells the BBC. Yemeni separatist leader Aidarous al-Zubaidi is also at the centre of the diplomatic storm [Reuters] However, Mahmoud says Somalia's federal government lacks the capacity to enforce its decision to cancel port deals with the UAE, as it does not exercise authority over the breakaway state of Somaliland. Advertisement Advertisement Nor does it have much control over the ports in Puntland and Jubaland, two semi-autonomous regions within Somalia. "The Somali government has little presence on the ground in these areas and is locked into political competition with these administrations over the division of power within Somalia's federal system," Mahmoud says. The Dubai-based logistics company, DP World, appears to be unperturbed by the federal government's announcement, saying its operations at Berbera port in Somaliland will continue. "DP World remains focused on the safe, efficient operation of the port and on delivering trade facilitation and economic benefits for Somaliland and the wider Horn of Africa region," it said in a statement to Reuters, adding that questions about "political decisions, intergovernmental discussions, or diplomatic positions should be directed to the relevant authorities". Advertisement Advertisement Its statement came as no surprise as Somaliland said that all its agreements with the UAE "remain lawful and binding". As for Jubaland, it said it regarded the federal government decision as "null and void", while Puntland condemned it as being "inconsistent with the principles of constitutional governance". However, Mahmoud says that Somalia still has some leverage over the UAE, and its allies. "Mogadishu controls the country's airspace and can use that, alongside diplomatic pressure, to push both the UAE and the regional administrations. "Somalia is also likely to rally partners such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia in support of its position," he adds. Advertisement Advertisement Mahmoud does not see relations between Somalia and the UAE improving in the foreseeable future, as "trust has been lost". "It would take a great deal of diplomacy and concrete steps to mend that," he says. More about Somalia from the 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 Lee el articulo en espanol Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize winner, arrives in Washington this week for high-stakes talks with US President Donald Trump on the future of Venezuela following the ouster of Nicolas Maduro. The meeting comes after Trump surprised many by allowing Maduros vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, to assume control, dashing opposition hopes for a new democratic era. The last 12 months have been a rollercoaster for Machado. A year ago this week, she was seen in Caracas, struggling to energize crowds against Maduro, the authoritarian leader who was beginning a third term as Venezuelas president after his electoral authorities announced him the winner in the 2024 presidential election without releasing detailed results and despite evidence that Machados candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, had beaten him in a landslide. Advertisement Advertisement It was the last time anyone had seen Machado in public until last month, when she emerged from hiding to receive her prize in Norway following a daring escape from Venezuela evading capture by Maduros forces. However, this month, Machado sat on the sidelines as the US conducted its unprecedented raid in Venezuela to capture Maduro and his wife and take them to New York, where they face charges of narcoterrorism and drug trafficking, even as Maduros old allies remain in charge in Caracas. Both have pleaded not guilty. Throughout this period, Machado has tried to court Trumps favor, first by awkwardly supporting the White House strategy to target alleged narcotraffickers in the Caribbean, many of them Venezuelans, despite scant public evidence to justify the strikes, and then by controversially dedicating her Nobel award to Trump himself, who has openly campaigned to receive the honor for years. Maria Corina Machado at the official opening of the Nobel Peace Prize Exhibition 2025 in Oslo, Norway, on December 11, 2025. - Naina Helen Jama/Bloomberg/Getty Images Despite the public effusions and repeated praise of the US president, at the fateful moment of Maduros ousting, it was not Machado who received Trumps backing to take over Venezuela, but rather a figure of the old guard, Delcy Rodriguez, Maduros deputy and longtime ally. Advertisement Advertisement In a way, Machado is a victim of her own success: She did not seek the Nobel Prize and her nomination in August 2024 was presented by none other than Trumps own secretary of state, Marco Rubio, among others. And yet, it is no secret that the president personally resented the decision, declaring as recently as last week that nobody in history deserved the Nobel Prize more than he did. One can only guess how Trump sees Machado, having won a prize he believes was rightly his. Sources close to Machado told CNN that, as of Monday evening, the two leaders had not spoken since October, when she dedicated her honor to Trump, a very nice gesture, according to the US president. Machado and her representatives declined to comment for this article. The language Trump speaks If she intends to regain Trumps favor, Machado knows she has some catching up to do. Advertisement Advertisement The opposition leader has denounced Rodriguezs ascent, pointing out in a CBS interview that the new acting president has been under US sanctions for human rights violations since 2017 and that shes been heavily involved in running the notorious El Helicoide prison, a former department store that is allegedly one of the Venezuelan governments largest torture centers. Rodriguez has repeatedly denied these allegations and will be confident she has proved she can speak Trumps language. US President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with US oil company executives in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 9. - Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images Recent comments by Trump show he sees stability and business opportunities linked to oil exports as a bigger immediate concern than freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Machado appears unable to offer Trump either, at least at present. The White House has assessed she would not command enough support within the armed forces and security apparatus to run Venezuela if she had taken power after Maduros fall Rodriguez has been busy for years to prove the US president she can be relied upon. Advertisement Advertisement In 2017, at the height of the Venezuelan humanitarian crisis when Rodriguez was foreign minister, Caracas donated half a million dollars to Trumps inauguration committee through its oil subsidiary CITGO4. One of Rodriguezs first appointment as acting president was to place Calixto Ortega, a former CITGO executive and Columbia University graduate, as vice president for the economy to explore business opportunities with US companies. The ultimate testament of this new entente came last week, when Trump openly said that his administration was getting along extremely well with the people of Venezuela and the people that are running Venezuela. The new praise came after Rodriguez offered to ship millions of barrels of oil to the US and authorized a visit by US charge daffaires Joe McNamara to explore the possibility of reopening the US embassy in Caracas, closed since 2019. With Trump you never know Machado cannot at present offer any of this: She does not control her country, nor the oil Trump openly covets, and she cannot pay White House lobbyists millions of dollars to push her cause. Advertisement Advertisement She does, however, count on the support of many in Washington, first among them Rubio, with whom shes had a personal relationship for years. Trump is known to make important decisions based on his personal impression on peoples characters, and Machado meeting him face-to-face while Rodriguez only got a phone call plays in her favor. The continuous back-and-forth on the Ukraine war shows that nothing is settled for good under Trump 2.0, and Machado will relish the challenge to turn a disadvantage into a success. The last leader to underestimate her skills and willpower now sits in a prison cell in Brooklyn. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Verizon experienced a widespread service outage on Wednesday that left tens of thousands of customers without reliable cellular service, including those in central Arkansas. According to Downdetector, the national outage tracker, as of just after 7 p.m. on Wednesday, there were over 32,000 people without service in an outage that began growing exponentially just after 11 a.m. Verizon outage disrupts calling and data services for wireless customers across the US Advertisement Advertisement At its peak, Downdetector logged more than 180,000 reports of lost or disrupted service across the country. The issues began peaking just before noon and caused phones for many users to switch into SOS mode, indicating a loss of normal cellular connectivity. The outage was felt acutely in Little Rock, where customers said their phones only functioned when connected to Wi-Fi, leaving them unable to place calls or send text messages for hours. Verizon posted multiple updates from its verified X account throughout the afternoon. The company first acknowledged around noon that some customers were experiencing issues with wireless voice and data service. About an hour later, Verizon said engineering teams were working to address the interruptions. Just after 3 p.m., the company state that crews were actively working to restore service and asked customers for patience. No estimated time of full restoration was provided. For some, the disruption created more than an inconvenience. Advertisement Advertisement Seth Mulson, who traveled more than two hours from Fort Smith to Little Rock with his wife, said that the lack of service made coordinating plans difficult. Me and my wife this morning were getting ready to come all the way out to Little Rock from Fort Smith and had some issues getting called to go through, getting texts to go through, coordinating time, Mulson said. It really set things back for a second, but we got out here eventually. Who knows if Ive missed any calls. Others expressed concern about not being able to reach family members in case of an emergency. Lyndi Michael said she first noticed the problem around noon while running errands. I was trying to send a text to my mom and it wasnt going through, Michael said. I wasnt able to send text messages, and I dont believe calls were working either. Advertisement Advertisement Michael later found herself in downtown Little Rock for a company holiday party with no cellular service. My family lives two hours away, so thats definitely not a good position, she said, adding that the only way she was able to communicate was through messaging while connected to Wi-Fi and social media. Verizon outage: Users report phones stuck in SOS mode AT&T and T-Mobile confirmed their networks were operating normally throughout the day, though they noted some of their customers could experience difficulty reaching people on Verizons network while the outage continued. As of Wednesday evening, Verizon said crews were still working to fully resolve the issue. Customers across Arkansas and the nation remain without a clear timeline for when full service will be restored. 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 KLRT - FOX16.com. WINDSOR, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) According to the Windsor Fire Department, their chief was on the scene for an unexpected rescue Wednesday morning. On social media, the department wrote that Chief Kevin McAllister saw a barred owl being harassed by crows while on his way to the station. The fire chief found that the owl was hurt and unable to fly. Lebanon announces first e-bike charging station Chief McAllister reportedly got the help of one other person passing by and the two were able to capture the owl and bring it to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS). A comfortable owl on its way to a nature sanctuary. (Windsor Fire Department) VINS is a nature center in nearby Quechee which houses owls along with hawks and other birds of prey, as well as songbirds, which stresses education as a way to change attitudes and maintain a healthy environment. 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 ABC22 & FOX44. Preschool children playing with colorful shapes and toys in a child care center. (Getty Images) The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Sec.-designee Jeff Pertl told reporters that he is confident in the states child care accountability measures and isnt concerned about the state potentially losing federal funding. Last week, the Trump administration froze over $10 billion in federal child care funds designated for Minnesota and four other states amid fraud allegations. The funds cover child care subsidies, social services and cash support for low-income families. Advertisement Advertisement Pertl told reporters that nothing can stop the president from politicizing an issue. I think we all see that playing out in a variety of ways all across the country right now, and I think that concerns everyone frankly, Pertl said. Even with the politicization of the issue, Pertl expressed confidence in Wisconsins system. The Wisconsin Shares program is a subsidy program for low-income families where funds are paid to parents on an EBT card that is then used to pay a child care provider. According to the agency, this program is the main way that federal child care funding is utilized in Wisconsin. There is also some funding that goes towards quality improvement for programs, training and technical assistance. Advertisement Advertisement Pertl said January payments have already gone out to families and he said he doesnt expect any issues with February payments or other future payments. People are using them. Folks should have confidence in the system, Pertl said. Were likely to see an increase, maybe, in reporting requirements, but our system is well positioned to be able to meet those and continue to move forward. It may be administratively burdensome, and maybe more paperwork and things weve got to collect, but were confident that our system, particularly because of its unique history, is probably one of the best systems in the country for being able to navigate some of the questions that are coming in. Wisconsin dealt with significant fraud involving improper payments a decade ago, which led to the state beefing up its accountability measures. A 2009 Pulitzer prize-winning investigation by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel uncovered fraud within the WisconsinShares program that led to criminal indictments and prompted the state to implement protections. Advertisement Advertisement An audit that year by the Legislative Audit Bureau found there was an estimated $16.7 to $18.5 million in improper subsidy payments made and child care providers were estimated to have received an additional $4 million in improper subsidy payments as a result of errors or fraudulent reporting. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos (R-Rochester), who was in the Legislature at the time, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in December that he remembers the work that was undertaken to address the issue in 2009. I want to definitely make sure its not happening again, Vos said. He noted that he hasnt heard of specific examples of fraud happening, but he doesnt want to assume that its not. Gov. Tony Evers also told reporters this week that Wisconsin is in a good place. Advertisement Advertisement Theres lots of auditing going on so I think were in a great place, he said. Some of the reforms that the state has adopted relating to ensuring proper payments include expanding program integrity staff, improving attendance tracking and reporting, implementing fingerprint background checks, expanding the list of crimes that prohibit someone from running a child care center, adopting YoungStar, which is the quality rating system in the state, and moving to using EBT cards. The state has also passed laws to allow DCF to collect money from providers if they go out of business and to suspend or revoke licenses and subsidy payments to people previously convicted of crimes relating to the operation of a business. Those measures can help ensure accountability. Advertisement Advertisement How do you know when its fraud? How do you know when a kid just stopped showing up? Pertl asked. When we do the licensing visit or get a tip or were checking the enrollment and attendance records, if theres discrepancies thats going to trigger a review. It might trigger a claw-back and recovery of money. Wisconsin DCF also maintains a list on its website of child care centers that have been suspended or terminated from the WisconsinShares program. The federal government conducts monitoring checks every three years. In recent years, Wisconsin has had a low payment error rate. In 2023, the last time the check happened, Wisconsins error rate was 2.9%. In 2020, it was 1.81% and in 2017, it was 4.35%. In 2013, the error rate was 18.84%. Pertl noted that the changes made by the state were a bipartisan effort under the administrations of former Govs. Jim Doyle, a Democrat, and Scott Walker, a Republican. Advertisement Advertisement There are certainly some very significant issues going on in Minnesota and there is no question that the president politicizes this for an agenda and targets folks for it, Pertl said. I think what youve seen [Gov. Evers] say and what you see Wisconsin leaders doing is showing that we have a strong system that has navigated these issues, that has high integrity, that addresses these things when they come, and so were confident about our ability to continue to run a robust and great child care system. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX (This story was updated to add new information) An investigation is underway after a woman died at the Marion County Adult Detention Center. Jacqueline Denise Sublett, 58, was found unresponsive in her cell at 6:52 a.m., on Jan. 15, 2026, according to a news release from the Marion County Sheriff's Office, which oversees the jail. The release doesn't provide details about how Sublett was discovered or by whom. Advertisement Advertisement The Sheriff's Office said Sublett appears to have died from natural causes with no foul play suspected. Her death is being investigated by Indianapolis Metropolitan Police and the Marion County Sheriff's internal affairs office. She was booked into jail on Aug. 16, 2025, and was being held on a warrant for a battery resulting in bodily injury charge and a battery with bodily injury to an officer charge. According to court documents, Ascension St. Vincent medical staff called hospital police at 2 a.m. on July 7, 2025, stating they needed help with a patient at the hospital's Stress Center at 8401 Harcourt Road. Officers were told by staff that they were having trouble with Sublett and wanted her moved to a secured seclusion room. Officers had to physically remove her from her room, and while being escorted, court documents state she started kicking officers and medical staff. Advertisement Advertisement They also said she dug her nails into the arm of an officer and scratched a member of the medical staff. She was placed in the seclusion room, but police requested a warrant for her on the current charges. At least seven inmates have died since 2024 Other MSCO jail deaths: Investigation underway after man dies in Marion County jail in Indianapolis Frank Lambert, 26, was found unresponsive in August 2025 at the Adult Detention Center. He was taken to a hospital, where he died hours later. Lambert had been held in jail for three months before he died. The Marion County Coroner determined his death was from an accidental drug overdose. In April 2025, Carlos Gerardo Gonzalez-Hernandez, 22, was found unresponsive, and later pronounced dead inside the jail. The coroner determined he died from acute renal failure, and his manner of death was ruled natural. Advertisement Advertisement Four men died while incarcerated at the Community Justice Campus in 2024. Bailey Lyle, 27, and Richard Goode, 29, both died of accidental drug intoxication. Magic Dumes, 33, died of choking, and Carlos Lagunes-Franchescy, 41, died of natural causes. Goode's estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the medical staff, alleging officials knew of his substance abuse use, but didn't provide the necessary treatment. According to the lawsuit filed Aug. 4, 2025, Goode was in an active overdose for hours before help was administered. Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Woman found dead in cell was jailed after mental health episode The governor's annual Condition of the State address is an opportunity for Iowa's chief executive to take stock of the state and lay out their priorities for the upcoming legislative session. For Gov. Kim Reynolds, who will not be running for re-election in November, the Jan. 13 address allowed her to look back on the successes of her tenure and set up objectives for the last year of her term. The actual speech was more than 5,000 words long. But you can get a good idea of what's at the top of the governor's legislative wish list just by looking at the text of the address and seeing what words pop up most frequently. Advertisement Advertisement More: 6 takeaways from Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' 2026 Condition of the State As is often the case, given the focal point of the address, Reynolds' most-used words included "Iowa," "Iowans," and "state." (This doesn't count common words such as "the" or "and.") Right up there with them, however, are "families." "Student(s)" and "school(s)" also rank highly, as the governor seeks to boost the state's charter schools and ban certain dyes and preservatives from school lunches. The latter initiative is part of an emphasis on health, seen most prominently in the usage of the word "cancer" 18 times throughout the address. Iowa has the nation's second-highest cancer rate, and Reynolds pledged to invest $50 million in cancer screening, prevention and treatment. Advertisement Advertisement Here were some of Reynolds' most-used words in the address: Iowa: 43 Family: 36 State: 34 Iowan: 28 Student: 22 School: 19 Cancer: 18 Life: 16 Care: 15 Community: 14 Home: 14 Tax: 14 Property: 13 Health: 12 Service: 12 How did this year's Condition of the State compare with last year's? Taxes are always a hot-button issue, and while Reynolds used the words "tax" and "taxes" at a similar rate in 2026's address as she did in 2025's, one related word soared in this year's address: "property." Reynolds mentioned property taxes once in her 2025 Condition of the State. This year, she used the term 13 times as she called for a $3 billion property tax cut. Reynolds used the words "child" and "children" less often in this year's address after highlighting a child care grant program last year. Instead, she more frequently referred to young people as "student" or "students" as she touted her educational priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Among the largest drops in usage was the word "work," which in 2025 was most closely tied to Reynolds' ultimately successful push to implement new Medicaid work requirements. Tim Webber is a data visualization specialist for the Register. Reach him at twebber@registermedia.com and on Twitter at @HelloTimWebber. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Reynolds' word use highlights education, health in Condition of State The richest one percent of the worlds population used up their fair share of carbon emissions after just 10 days in 2026, according to the results of a new analysis. At the same time, the richest 0.1 percent needed only three days to exhaust their annual carbon budget, the study by the organization Oxfam states. Climate Consequences Fall on the Least Responsible Image Credit: Zuumy/Shutterstock. This humanitarian organization warns that the most severe consequences of emissions will be borne by those who contributed the least to the climate crisis, including residents of poorer countries on the front lines of climate collapse, Indigenous communities, and women and girls. Advertisement Advertisement Low- and middle-income countries are the most vulnerable to the harmful effects of emissions, and global economic damage could reach as much as 44 trillion pounds by 2050. Calls for Higher Taxes on High Polluters Oxfam has called on the UK chancellor to increase taxes on extreme climate-polluting wealth, stressing that the richest individuals and corporations have a disproportionately large amount of power and influence. The organization points out that the richest 1 percent in the United Kingdom produced more carbon pollution in eight days than the poorest 50 percent of the population did in an entire year. The super rich are not only responsible for the largest share of emissions but also invest in the most polluting industries. On average, a billionaire owns an investment portfolio in companies that produce about 1.9 million tons of CO annually, which is roughly equivalent to the yearly emissions of 400,000 gasoline-powered cars. In order to remain within the agreed global warming limit of no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, set by the Paris Agreement in 2015, the richest 1 percent of the worlds population would need to cut their emissions by as much as 97 percent by 2030. Oxfam Urges the UK Government to Act Image Credit: Alexandre Prevot/Shutterstock. Beth John, climate justice adviser at Oxfam GB, said that the British government should focus on the biggest polluters in order to limit the damage caused by emissions. Advertisement Advertisement In the United Kingdom, numerous opportunities have been missed to force the richest to pay their fair share for climate action, but there is still a great deal that can be done, she said. Fair taxation of the biggest polluters, such as private jets and oil and gas companies, is clearly the place to start in order to secure funding for a fairer and greener future. This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden announced Wednesday he will join legislation aimed at preventing sitting presidents from re-naming federal buildings or government land after themselves. The proposal, called the Stop Executive Renaming for Vanity and Ego or SERVE Act, comes after the Trump administrations recent moves to rename the U.S. Institute of Peace and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts after President Donald Jump actions supporters of the bill say violate existing federal law. Wyden criticized the renamings as self-serving and out of step with the needs of working families. Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump is more focused on putting his name on buildings than he is on helping families in Oregon and across the country afford food, housing, or health care, Wyden said in a statement. This legislation will help ensure that presidents cant abuse the Oval Office or taxpayer dollars with shameless vanity projects while depriving families of the help they need. The SERVE Act would prohibit naming or renaming any federal property after a sitting president and bar the use of federal funds for such changes. The bill would also apply retroactively, requiring federal assets currently bearing the name of a sitting president to revert to their previous names as defined under federal law. The measure was introduced by a trio of U.S. senators, Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland. In addition to Wyden, co-sponsors include Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey, Adam Schiff of California and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. Authorities in Wyoming have accused a 35-year-old mother of fleeing to New Mexico with her 11-month-old son, where investigators claim she decided to murder the boy so she wouldn't have to cede custody to his father. Madeline Daly has been charged with first-degree murder and abandonment of a child resulting in death for allegedly kidnapping her son, Basil, in Wyoming before taking off to Silver City, New Mexico. Police said Daly shot the infant to death on December 23, 2025, as New Mexico authorities were closing in on her hiding place in an RV park. Advertisement Advertisement She was handcuffed and has been in police custody ever since. A GoFundMe campaign started for the child's father, Jake Stoner, said Basil's killing capped a heart-wrenching, contentious yearlong ordeal over the child. According to the GoFundMe's text, Stoner and Daly were in a relationship up until July 2024, when she "went on the run and tried to keep the location of where she was and where the baby was going to be born a secret." Louisiana Mother Accused of Fatally Shooting 1-Year-Old Girl to Send Her to God Basil was born on January 8, 2025. In the months leading up to the birth, Daly would allegedly "randomly send text messages to Mr. Stoner, telling him how he would never be a part of his child's life." She settled down in "the small town of Ten Sleep, Wyoming, to finish her pregnancy" and Stoner reconciled with her and "was able to be present for the birth of his son." Advertisement Advertisement But the good times did not last. Daly allegedly "refused to discuss the name of the child or even allow for the last name of Stoner to be placed on the birth certificate," it is explained as part of the GoFundMe. She also allegedly "refused" to allow Stoner to be in his son's life, and the matter ended up in family court. In the fall, Stoner was awarded shared custody of Basil following a trial in Wyoming. Daly allegedly cooperated with the first few visits before absconding to New Mexico. A Month Before Their Murder-Suicide, a Wyoming Woman Predicted Her Ex-Boyfriend Would Kill Her Stoner went back to the courts to pursue full custody, and she allegedly sent him a text message "calling him a deadbeat dad" and "telling him that she was already having his son start calling someone else daddy." Daly was a no-show for a court-mandated handoff in October. Advertisement Advertisement Stoner hired a private investigator, who learned she was staying with an individual in Worland, Wyoming, who was helping her hide the child. After she was detained, Daly allegedly told police she knew she had broken the law but did it to keep her son safe and out of reach of Stoner and his family, according to a report from Cowboy State Daily. She further made unsubstantiated claims her child would have been in danger if she would have stepped out of that trailer and that his father never wanted anything to do with Basil, financially, physically, emotionally ever. 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. Jan 15 (Reuters) - Yemen's Saudi-backed presidential leadership council has accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Salem bin Breik and appointed Foreign Minister Shaya Mohsen Zindani as the country's new prime minister, the state news agency Saba reported on Thursday. Bin Breik formally submitted the resignation, which was approved by the council, before Zindani was named to form the next cabinet, Saba said. Yemen has been a source of heightened tensions in recent months between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Advertisement Advertisement A UAE-backed separatist group, the Southern Transitional Council, gained control of areas across southern and eastern Yemen in December, advancing to within reach of the Saudi border, which the kingdom considered a threat to its national security. Saudi-backed fighters have since largely retaken those areas. Sharp differences over a range of other issues from geopolitics to oil output have also been a cause of friction between the two Gulf powers. Saudi Arabia and the UAE had previously worked together in a coalition battling the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen's civil war, which brought on one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Chris Reese and Edmund Klamann) Gov. Glenn Youngkin looks into the gallery of the House of Delegates before delivering his final State of the Commonwealth speech on Jan. 14, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) In his final State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday evening, outgoing Gov. Glenn Youngkin offered a sweeping defense of his four-year tenure, arguing that Virginia is stronger economically, fiscally and educationally than when he took office in January 2022, as he prepares to hand power to Abigail Spanberger, who will be sworn in as the states 75th governor this weekend. Speaking before a joint session of the General Assembly, Youngkin framed his farewell address as both a victory lap and a warning praising bipartisan cooperation where it occurred, but urging lawmakers not to undo core policies he credits for economic growth, particularly right-to-work laws, tax cuts and his administrations approach to energy and education. Advertisement Advertisement This is the state of the commonwealth that I have had the immense honor of serving these past four years, Youngkin said, thanking lawmakers and Virginians as he prepares to leave office. By every single metric, today Virginia is stronger than she has ever been. Youngkin, a Republican elected in 2021, entered office amid the COVID-19 pandemics aftermath, school closures, rising violent crime and economic uncertainty. He repeatedly contrasted those conditions with what he described as a Great Virginia Renaissance, asserting that his administration reversed population loss, restored job growth and stabilized state finances. Among his central claims was that Virginia has attracted more than $157 billion in business investment during his term, which he said exceeds the combined total of the previous six administrations. Advertisement Advertisement He pointed to major projects involving companies such as LEGO, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca and Hitachi, along with recent manufacturing announcements in Southside and the Piedmont. Virginia, he said, is a winning state, with nearly 270,000 more people working now than when he took office and tens of thousands of additional jobs in the pipeline. Those investments, Youngkin argued, are directly tied to policies that future lawmakers should preserve, including Virginias right-to-work law, which prohibits mandatory union membership. Change Right to Work and jobs will disappear, he warned. No amendments. No reforms. No changes. Advertisement Advertisement Youngkin also emphasized record state revenues, citing more than $10 billion in budget surpluses over four years and roughly $9 billion in tax relief enacted during his administration. He said December revenue numbers showed continued growth, allowing for additional tax cuts alongside expanded funding for education, Medicaid, public safety and capital projects. Those budget decisions have been a point of contention for Democrats, who argue that repeated rounds of tax cuts risk limiting long-term investments and question whether recent revenue surpluses are sustainable. Education was another cornerstone of Youngkins address, particularly his administrations response to pandemic-era learning loss. He cited Virginias ranking near the bottom nationally in reopening schools when he took office and claimed the state has since led the nation in math recovery and reductions in chronic absenteeism. Advertisement Advertisement We were 46th in the nation to reopen our schools, Youngkin said. The learning loss was devastating. He credited bipartisan legislation, including the Virginia Literacy Act and investments in tutoring, lab schools and career and technical education, for improved outcomes. According to Youngkin, four out of five Virginia high school students now graduate with a credential or certificate, and teacher pay has increased nearly 20%, contributing to a sharp drop in vacancies. Those reforms have also drawn scrutiny, with ongoing disputes over testing standards, lab school governance and parental rights policies championed by Youngkin, including restrictions on school mask mandates and curriculum content. Advertisement Advertisement Public safety and behavioral health featured prominently as well. Youngkin said violent crime, including murders, has declined roughly 30% statewide during his term, crediting law enforcement funding, anti-gang initiatives and fentanyl enforcement. He highlighted a 59% reduction in fatal fentanyl overdoses, attributing the drop to tougher penalties, public awareness campaigns and expanded access to naloxone. On behavioral health, Youngkin touted what he called a complete system overhaul, citing major expansions in crisis beds, mobile crisis teams and the 988 hotline. The administrations Right Help, Right Now initiative has drawn bipartisan praise but also questions about workforce shortages and long-term funding. Energy policy marked one of the sharpest contrasts with Democrats and the incoming administration. Advertisement Advertisement Youngkin reiterated his opposition to rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and urged lawmakers to repeal the Virginia Clean Economy Act, arguing that renewable energy mandates alone cannot meet Virginias growing demand, particularly from data centers. We need to double our generating capacity in the next 10 years. Renewables alone, which will drive up costs and risk brownouts, just cant get it done, he said, calling for expanded natural gas and nuclear power. Democrats have countered that abandoning clean energy targets would undermine climate goals and increase long-term costs, a debate likely to intensify under Spanbergers administration. Youngkin closed his address with a reflection on Virginias role in the nations upcoming 250th anniversary, linking his administrations emphasis on commonsense governance to the states founding legacy. It has been the honor of a lifetime for Suzanne and me to serve, he said. We have strengthened the spirit of Virginia together. Gov. Glenn Youngkin shakes hands with House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, before delivering his final State of the Commonwealth speech on Jan. 14, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Jan 15 (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that Ukraine is not an obstacle to peace, pushing back against comments made a day earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump. "We also talked about diplomatic work with America Ukraine has never been and will never be an obstacle to peace," Zelenskiy said in his nightly video address, referring to a telephone conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Trump, interviewed by Reuters on Wednesday, said he believed Ukraine was less ready than Russia to clinch a deal. Asked why U.S.-led negotiations had not yet resolved the nearly four-year-old war, Trump responded: "Zelenskiy." Advertisement Advertisement In his comments, Zelenskiy said Russia's continued attacks on Ukrainian energy sites and other targets demonstrated that Moscow did not want peace. "It is precisely Russian missiles, Russian 'Shaheds,' (drones) and Russia's attempt to destroy Ukraine that are clear evidence that Russia is not interested in agreements at all," he said. In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia agreed with Trump that Zelenskiy was holding up a deal, saying President Vladimir Putin and the Russian side remain open to talks. Zelenskiy pledged that Ukraine would pursue diplomatic efforts more actively. Advertisement Advertisement Trump told Reuters on Wednesday that he believed Putin was "ready to make a deal. I think Ukraine is less ready to make a deal." Trump and Zelenskiy have had an up-and-down relationship in dealing with efforts to resolve Europe's largest land conflict since World War Two. Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance became engaged in a shouting match with Zelenskiy in the Oval Office in February 2025, suggesting the Ukrainian leader was not showing gratitude for U.S. assistance. Their interactions appeared to improve in subsequent meetings. (Reporting by Ron Popeski and Yuliia Dysa, Editing by Franklin Paul and Lisa Shumaker) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has discussed defence cooperation between Ukraine and Albania with Elisa Spiropali, Albania's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda Details: Zelenskyy stated that Spiropali's visit to Kyiv was a strong signal of support. Quote: "First and foremost, during the meeting we discussed military cooperation defence production, the integration of Ukraine and Albania into the European Union, which is a shared goal of our countries, and the development of the PURL initiative, specifically Albania's possible participation in the initiative this year." Advertisement Advertisement More details: Zelenskyy also briefed Spiropali on Ukraine's diplomatic efforts with partners aimed at achieving peace. "We also discussed strengthening sanctions against the Russian Federation. Sanctions are a critically important tool for undermining Russia's ability to continue the war," he said. Zelenskyy added that he had awarded the Order of Princess Olha, First Class, to Spiropali. During her visit, Spiropali said Albania would continue providing humanitarian and military support to Ukraine and, in particular, was seeking to join a programme to finance purchases of US weapons for Kyiv. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon! Abigail Echo-Hawk, the executive vice president of the Seattle Indian Health Board and director of the Urban Indian Health Institute, said SAMHSA is cutting $400,000 in funds toward the organization's suicide prevention program for Native youth. That's more than half the budget of that program, she said. (Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times, 2025) Get the day's news. Sign up for our Daily Headlines newsletter delivered to your inbox every morning at 7 a.m. We presented MayaNAS and MayaScale at OpenZFS Developer Summit 2025 in Portland, Oregon. The centerpiece of our presentation: objbacker.ioa native ZFS VDEV implementation for object storage that bypasses FUSE entirely, achieving 3.7 GB/s read throughput directly from S3, GCS, and Azure Blob Storage. Presenting at OpenZFS Summit The OpenZFS Developer Summit brings together the core developers and engineers who build and maintain ZFS across platforms. It was the ideal venue to present our approach to cloud-native storage: using ZFS's architectural flexibility to create a hybrid storage system that combines the performance of local NVMe with the economics of object storage. Our 50-minute presentation covered the complete Zettalane storage platformMayaNAS for file storage and MayaScale for block storagewith a deep technical dive into the objbacker.io implementation that makes ZFS on object storage practical for production workloads. The Cloud NAS Challenge Cloud storage economics present a fundamental problem for NAS deployments: $96K/year 100TB on EBS (gp3) $360K/year 100TB on AWS EFS The insight that drives MayaNAS: not all data needs the same performance tier. Metadata operations require low latency and high IOPS. Large sequential data needs throughput, not IOPS. ZFS's special device architecture lets us place each workload on the appropriate storage tier. ZFS Special Device Architecture: Metadata and small blocks (<128KB) on local NVMe SSD. Large blocks (1MB+) streamed from object storage. One filesystem, two performance tiers, optimal cost. objbacker.io: Native ZFS VDEV for Object Storage The traditional approach to ZFS on object storage uses FUSE-based filesystems like s3fs or goofys to mount buckets, then creates ZFS pools on top. This works, but FUSE adds overhead: every I/O crosses the kernel-userspace boundary twice. objbacker.io takes a different approach. We implemented a native ZFS VDEV type ( VDEV_OBJBACKER ) that communicates directly with a userspace daemon via a character device ( /dev/zfs_objbacker ). The daemon uses native cloud SDKs (AWS SDK, Google Cloud SDK, Azure SDK) for direct object storage access. Architecture Comparison Approach I/O Path Overhead FUSE-based (s3fs) ZFS VFS FUSE userspace FUSE VFS s3fs S3 High (multiple context switches) objbacker.io ZFS /dev/zfs_objbacker objbacker.io S3 SDK Minimal (direct path) How objbacker.io Works objbacker.io is a Golang program with two interfaces: Frontend: ZFS VDEV interface via /dev/zfs_objbacker character device ZFS VDEV interface via character device Backend: Native cloud SDK integration for GCS, AWS S3, and Azure Blob Storage ZIO to Object Storage Mapping ZFS VDEV I/O /dev/objbacker Object Storage ZIO_TYPE_WRITE WRITE PUT object ZIO_TYPE_READ READ GET object ZIO_TYPE_TRIM UTRIM DELETE object ZIO_TYPE_IOCTL (sync) USYNC Flush pending writes Data Alignment With ZFS recordsize set to 1MB, each ZFS block maps directly to a single object. Aligned writes go directly as PUT requests without caching. This alignment is critical for performanceobject storage performs best with large, aligned operations. Object Naming: S3backer-compatible layout. A 5MB file creates 5 objects at offsets 0, 1MB, 2MB, 3MB, 4MB. Object names: bucket/00001 , bucket/00002 , etc. Validated Performance Results We presented benchmark results from AWS c5n.9xlarge instances (36 vCPUs, 96 GB RAM, 50 Gbps network): 3.7 GB/s Sequential Read from S3 2.5 GB/s Sequential Write to S3 The key to this throughput: parallel bucket I/O. With 6 S3 buckets configured as a striped pool, ZFS parallelizes reads and writes across multiple object storage endpoints, saturating the available network bandwidth. FIO Test Configuration ZFS Recordsize 1MB (aligned with object size) Block Size 1MB Parallel Jobs 10 concurrent FIO jobs File Size 10 GB per job (100 GB total) I/O Engine sync (POSIX synchronous I/O) MayaScale: High-Performance Block Storage We also presented MayaScale, our NVMe-oF block storage solution for workloads requiring sub-millisecond latency. MayaScale uses local NVMe SSDs with Active-Active HA clustering. MayaScale Performance Tiers (GCP) Tier Write IOPS (<1ms) Read IOPS (<1ms) Best Latency Ultra 585K 1.1M 280 us High 290K 1.02M 268 us Medium 175K 650K 211 us Standard 110K 340K 244 us Basic 60K 120K 218 us Multi-Cloud Architecture Both MayaNAS and MayaScale deploy consistently across AWS, Azure, and GCP. Same Terraform modules, same ZFS configuration, same management interface. Only the cloud-specific networking and storage APIs differ. Component AWS Azure GCP Instance c5.xlarge D4s_v4 n2-standard-4 Block Storage EBS gp3 Premium SSD pd-ssd Object Storage S3 Blob Storage GCS VIP Migration ENI attach LB health probe IP alias Deployment CloudFormation ARM Template Terraform Watch the Full Presentation The complete 50-minute presentation is available on the OpenZFS YouTube channel: Note: Video will be available once published by OpenZFS. Check the OpenZFS YouTube channel for the recording. Presentation Highlights 0:00 - Introduction and Zettalane overview - Introduction and Zettalane overview 5:00 - Zettalane ZFS port architecture (illumos-gate based) - Zettalane ZFS port architecture (illumos-gate based) 12:00 - The cloud NAS cost challenge - The cloud NAS cost challenge 18:00 - MayaNAS hybrid architecture with ZFS special devices - MayaNAS hybrid architecture with ZFS special devices 25:00 - objbacker.io deep dive: native VDEV implementation - objbacker.io deep dive: native VDEV implementation 35:00 - Performance benchmarks on AWS - Performance benchmarks on AWS 42:00 - MayaScale NVMe-oF block storage - MayaScale NVMe-oF block storage 48:00 - Q&A and future directions Getting Started Deploy MayaNAS or MayaScale on your preferred cloud platform: AWS CloudFormation templates MayaNAS MayaScale Azure ARM templates & Marketplace MayaNAS MayaScale GCP Terraform & Marketplace MayaNAS MayaScale Conclusion Presenting at OpenZFS Developer Summit 2025 gave us the opportunity to share our approach with the community that makes ZFS possible. The key technical contribution: objbacker.io demonstrates that native ZFS VDEV integration with object storage is practical and performant, achieving 3.7 GB/s throughput without FUSE overhead. MayaNAS with objbacker.io delivers enterprise-grade NAS on object storage with 70%+ cost savings versus traditional cloud block storage. MayaScale provides sub-millisecond block storage with Active-Active HA for latency-sensitive workloads. Together, they cover 90% of enterprise storage needs on any major cloud platform. Special thanks to the OpenZFS community for the foundation that makes this possible. Ready to deploy cloud-native storage? Contact Us Download The international city and culture magazine Time Out has named Miskolc among its must-visit European destinations for 2026, placing the north-eastern Hungarian city an impressive fourth overall on its list of best-value city breaks. This respected ranking highlights cities that offer strong value for money, a vibrant cultural scene and high liveability positioning them as appealing alternatives to Europes increasingly crowded tourist hubs. Miskolc is the only Hungarian city to make the list, ranking ahead of well-known destinations such as Zagreb, Krakow and Graz. A changing city at the edge of the Bukk Mountains Located at the foothills of the Bukk Mountains, Miskolc has undergone a notable transformation in recent years. According to Time Out, it has developed into one of Hungarys most versatile urban destinations, combining a compact city centre with extensive green spaces and easy access to nature. The magazine describes Miskolc as a liveable, environmentally conscious city where urban life blends naturally with outdoor experiences. Where city life meets nature and wellness Miskolcs appeal lies in its diversity. The city offers a long-established spa culture, strong gastronomy, centuries-old heritage and a growing focus on eco- and active tourism. Together, these create a destination that works equally well for short city breaks, outdoor enthusiasts and wellness travellers. Modern public transport makes getting around easy. A well-developed tram network and efficient bus services connect the railway station, city centre and surrounding natural attractions, making Miskolc particularly convenient for visitors arriving by train or travelling without a car. Lillafured and the Bukk region One of the citys most popular nearby destinations is MiskolcLillafured, set in the heart of the Bukk Mountains. Highlights include Lake Hamori, the Szinva Waterfall, the chairlift, the Zsofia Lookout Tower and a network of scenic hiking trails. The area offers striking landscapes and easy day-trip options, while remaining largely free from mass tourism. Spa culture and year-round leisure in Miskolctapolca Another key attraction is Miskolctapolca, known for its spa tradition and outdoor leisure facilities. Visitors can combine relaxation at the cave baths and the Ellipsum Experience Bath with activities such as boating, bobsleigh, go-karting and the local adventure park. Together, these give Miskolc a year-round appeal that sets it apart from many European city-break destinations. Europes most beautiful Advent tram again Miskolc is also known for its distinctive Advent tram, which runs during the Christmas season. The festively decorated tram has recently won the title of Europes Most Beautiful Advent Tram for the ninth time, reinforcing the citys reputation for creativity and seasonal charm. A rising gastronomic destination The city is steadily gaining recognition on Hungarys culinary map. Miskolc is home to three Michelin-recommended restaurants and, according to the Street Kitchen Guide, has the second-highest number of top-quality recommended restaurants in Hungary after Budapest. Major food events include the well-known Kocsonya (Aspic) Festival every February and the Avasi Wine Walk in May. From spring to autumn, the Edible Forest and Forest Gastro Express programme combines gastronomy, hiking and sustainable tourism in the Bukk region. Sustainability in the international spotlight The Edible Forest and Forest Gastro Express initiative is currently a finalist in an international competition organised by Green Destinations, recognising some of the worlds most innovative sustainable tourism projects. The awards ceremony will take place in Berlin this March. The wider Bukk region also holds UNESCO Global Geopark status a rare international designation that highlights its outstanding geological and natural value. A destination beyond mass tourism Time Outs recommendation places Miskolc among a growing group of European cities focused on meaningful experiences, strong local identity and balanced value for money. It is presented as a destination that has so far avoided mass tourism, making it an appealing choice for travellers and Hungary-based expats looking for something different. How to get to Miskolc By train (recommended) Miskolc is one of Hungarys best-connected regional cities by rail. * From Budapest: frequent direct trains from Keleti Railway Station * Travel time: approx. 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes * Arrival stations: Miskolc-Tiszai or Miskolc-Gomori From the stations, trams and buses provide fast access to the city centre, Lillafured and Miskolctapolca. By car * Distance from Budapest: approx. 180 km * Driving time: around 22.5 hours * Route: M3 motorway, then M30 Driving is ideal for exploring the Bukk Mountains and nearby villages at your own pace. By bus Long-distance buses run regularly from Budapest and other Hungarian cities. * Travel time: approx. 2.53 hours * Arrival: Miskolc bus terminal This is the most budget-friendly option, though usually slower than the train. From Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport: * Airport shuttle or taxi to Keleti Station + train, or * Rental car via the M3 motorway Total travel time is typically around 2.53 hours. Getting around locally Miskolc has a modern tram network and an extensive bus system. Most major attractions can be reached within 2030 minutes by public transport. ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. When expats relocate, theyre moving their lives, careers, and often families and sometimes pets too - not just moving boxes. Move One understands this from the heart, and has built its trusted reputation in Hungary - and worldwide - by placing reliability, customer focused service, and decades of experience at the centre of every move. The team at XpatLoop.com has seen this expat relo company flourish: With a track record of success and growth for over three decades, starting with a Budapest headquarters and now with a global network spanning 40+ countries, Move One remains the trusted name among expats here for relocations services. Also, we know from multinational employers, and international assignees relocating to and from Hungary, that they also trust Move One. Why Trust Matters Most When You Move As you surely know, relocation and moving your belongings is inherently stressful even just within Hungary. So when choosing whats best value, a key consideration is how to reduce the hassle, and the answer rests with being able to fully trust your relo partner. Trust is everything in this business, as clients need to trust that their personal belongings, often accumulated over a lifetime, will be packed professionally, transported safely across borders, and delivered intact - sometimes months later and thousands of kilometres away. Beyond physical possessions, clients also entrust relocation companies with a variety of issues, such as: Immigration compliance and visa deadlines Housing decisions in unfamiliar cities Pet welfare during international transport This is where Move One differentiates itself - by offering you an end-to-end solution, rather than you having to use fragmented services handled by multiple companies - with all the uncertainty all that creates. Trusted Firm Founded in Budapest, Now with Global Reach Founded in 1992, Move One (originally AES Cargo) established its headquarters in Budapest at a time when Hungary was opening rapidly to international business. Since then, the company has evolved into a global relocation and logistics provider with: 50+ offices worldwide 600+ multilingual professionals Deep expertise in Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Hungary remains a strong hub within the Move One network, serving multinational firms, diplomats, NGOs, and private individuals relocating to or from the country. Comprehensive Relocation Services Under One Roof Move Ones strength lies in its integrated service model, allowing clients to rely on one trusted partner throughout the entire relocation journey. Services in Hungary include: Immigration & visa services (work permits, residence permits, compliance) Corporate and private relocation management Home and school search assistance Settling-in and orientation services International household goods moving Secure storage solutions Pet relocation, including documentation and travel coordination This all-in-one approach significantly reduces risk, miscommunication and delays - all critical factors when moving internationally as you can imagine. What Expats Say: Trust Earned Through Positive Experiences While relocation companies are often judged only when something goes wrong, many expats highlight Move Ones professionalism, communication and follow-through as key reasons for trusting and recommending the company. We were relocating to Budapest with two children and a dog, and the thought alone was overwhelming. Having one company coordinate visas, housing, school search and the move itself gave us peace of mind. Our belongings arrived exactly as promised. - British expat family in Budapest. Another client relocating out of Hungary emphasised the importance of predictability: When youre moving countries, you want honesty more than promises. Move One explained timelines, customs procedures and risks clearly. Nothing was sugar-coated and thats exactly why we trusted them. - German executive relocating from Hungary. For many, trust is built through small but crucial details: They treated our things as if they were their own. Every item was inventoried, packed carefully, and explained to us step by step. We never felt in the dark. - US expat relocating to Central Europe. Trusted Industry Credentials & Highest Professional Standards Move One's continued partnerships with global relocation networks and multinational clients ensures that institutional trust remains strong, particularly among corporate and repeat customers. Also worth noting, Move One Relocations is an active member of respected international relocation and logistics associations, including: IAM (International Association of Movers) FIDI Harmony Relocation Network These affiliations require adherence to professional, ethical and operational standards, further reinforcing confidence for clients entrusting the company with high-value personal and corporate relocations. Why Move One Matters for Hungarys Expat Community For newcomers who fly into Budapest, reliable relocation support can determine whether their experience in Hungary starts smoothly or becomes unnecessarily stressful. With its long term local expertise and global infrastructure, coupled with local language knowledge, Move One plays an essential role helping people in Hungarys international community to settle, integrate and succeed. In international relocation, trust cannot be bought it is earned through consistent delivery, and Move One has proved trustworthy over and over again in the experience of XpatLoop. For expats moving to or from Hungary, this trust remains the companys most valuable asset. With the world more mobile and uncertain than ever before, Move One Relocations continues to stand out as a trusted partner for individuals, families and corporate clients needing expat relocation, immigration, and international moving services both in Hungary and worldwide. For more information you can to reach out to Tom Hoover in Hungary via +36 70 708 9931 or tom.hoover@moveoneinc.com General Company Contacts: E-mail: hungary@moveoneinc.com Phone: +36 1 266 0181 Web: Move One Relocations Timea is a Hungarian American writer, poet, and literary translator with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a certificate of translation from the Balassi Institute in Budapest. Her writing appears in Prairie Schooner, Passages North, Juked, The Literary Review, The Florida Review Online, and Joyland, among others. She is a former Steinbeck Fellow and a Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival Fiction Prize Winner. Her translations can be found in The Washington Square Review, The Offing, Asymptote, Two Lines, and elsewhere. Her translation of Kinga Toth's bilingual, multimedia poetry collection, Irmag/Offspring, appeared in 2020 with YAMA Art and her translation of Marton Simon's collection, Songs for 3:45 AM, appeared with The Offending Adam in 2021 and again in 2025 with Okapi Press. Her translation of Ilka Papp-Zakor's Angel Dinner is forthcoming with Spade & Scroll in 2026. Her work has received support from MacDowell, the Vermont Studio Center, Bread Loaf, Tin House, PEN/Heim, and more. Most recently, Bottlecap Press published her poetry chapbook titled The Shapes Our Tongues Make, which is all about her love for Budapest and the Mojave Desert. She is represented by Heather Carr of the Friedrich Agency. Learn more about her work and the online Hungarian-English literary translation workshops she offers at www.timeasipos.com. 1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here? I was born in the 9th district of Pest. My mother owned an apartment on Raday utca where she and my dad and I lived until I was six years old. Then we moved to Los Angeles, where my father had spent time in the late 80s and early 90s, and later moved to Las Vegas when I was ten. I lived there until I finished my masters degree in creative writing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I spent my summers in Balatonlelle, my moms hometown, and started visiting Budapest regularly when I was 22. First in the summers, then in the winters too, between semesters, because I fell so madly in love with the city. What brought me back to Hungary in 2019, at 25, was this great love and my desire to use Hungarian on a daily basis. I also started translating fiction, poetry, and drama from Hungarian to English around this time, and being in Hungary made for a personal connection with the authors I was working with and with the language I hold so dear and am always and forever aiming to master. Now, alongside translating, I also teach translation courses from Hungarian to English and English to Hungarian through my website: www.timeasipos.com My next English to Hungarian course will start in February 2026 and will cover a range of award winning fiction writers, poets, and essayists, namely Kimberly King Parsons, Dustin M. Hoffman, Chen Chen, Franny Choi, and Roxane Gay. We will also speak directly with a seasoned English to Hungarian literary translator who will provide guidance on where and how to publish translations in journals and work for book publishers. This course is perfect for anyone curious about literary translation, whether as a hobby or a potential career. It is required that participants be native speakers of Hungarian and have an advanced proficiency of English. Classes will be held primarily in English and Hungarian at the end of the term. Each week, students will read one text, translate another, and provide comments for a fellow translator on their work. Students will be encouraged to publish their final projects, which will be a complete poem, story, or excerpt of a novel or memoir. Partial scholarships are available. The course is limited to 12 participants. (All applicants will automatically be considered for a scholarship.) How to apply: Email hello@timeasipos.com and answer these questions: * Whats your Hungarian and English proficiency? (Beginner, intermediate, advanced, or native in reading, writing, and speech?) * Whats your translation experience? (No experience? No worries! Im just curious.) * What American and Hungarian literature have you read/do you read and in what language? * What is your motivation for taking this course? * How did you hear about this course offering? 2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere? I spent a summer living in Amsterdam. My original intention was to move there permanently, but that plan fell through. I wasnt a good expat anyway. I had no intention of learning the language, for instance, so Im glad I didnt stay. 3. What surprised you most about Hungary? What continues to surprise me is the generosity of folks who live here, be they born and bred here or expats. They are generous with their time, their friendship, their homes, and all else. For the first few years that I visited Budapest regularly, I never once paid for an Airbnb. I always had a couch to crash on or a cat to petsit. 4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do? Run the loop! Castle, Basilica, The Great Synagogue, Heroes Square, you know the rest. I love sending people to eat at Meron near Arany Janos Utica. Its not traditionally Hungarian in any sense, but boy is it good! 5. What is your favourite Hungarian food? Hard one! Langos for salty. Kurtoskalacs for sweet. 6. What is never missing from your refrigerator? Soproni :) 7. What is your favourite Hungarian word? Para - you can apply it to just about anything, it seems! 8. What do you miss most from home? Being able to load up groceries in your car rather than having to lug it home. 11. Where did you spend your last vacation? Belgrade. 12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday? Barcelona. 13. Apart from temptation, what can't you resist? A walk in this amazing city. Or out in nature Harmashatarhegy, Normafa, Kiscelli Muzeum Park. 14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen? I absolutely adored the hardcore band Pierce the Veil. I would listen to them on repeat during the summers I spent in Balatonlelle. 15. Red wine or white? Red in winter, white in summer :) 16. Book or movie? Depends on the time of day! A few pages of a good book in the morning, a Netflix show in the evening. Or an American late night show. 17. Morning person or night person? Definitely night. Unless Im adjusting to the time zone after traveling back and forth between the west coastthen definitely morning. 18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about? Womens rights. 19. Buda or Pest side? Buda for nature. Pest for nightlife. 20. What would you say is your personal motto? Anything from Kahlil Gibrans The Prophet! Your joy is your sorrow unmasked, To love life through labour is to be intimate with lifes inmost secret, Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Lifes longing for itself. The Central Intelligence Agency, the United States' spy arm, has posted a video on social media targeting people in Asia who could become informers against China. While intelligence agencies look for informers secretly, the CIA video posted on X has multiple meanings - one that its up against China at any cost, and second, its desperate for Chinese informers. On Sunday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation not in Hebrew but in English. The unusual choice was not accidental. His message was meant for more than just Israelis. Subscribe to The Podcast by KevinMD. Watch on YouTube. Catch up on old episodes! Psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist Muhamad Aly Rifai discusses his article Physician suicide prevention: a call to action. Muhamad opens with the tragic losses of Dr. Nolan R. Williams and Dr. Charles Szyman to illustrate the devastating toll of the profession on even its most accomplished members. He examines the alarming data showing suicide as a leading cause of death among medical residents and outlines specific, actionable steps for trainees, program directors, and hospital executives to build safety nets rather than barriers. The conversation emphasizes the importance of using neutral language like died by suicide, removing intrusive credentialing questions, and creating a culture where seeking help is viewed as an asset rather than a liability. Join us to learn how we can protect the people who dedicate their lives to healing others. 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, and welcome to the show. Subscribe at KevinMD.com/podcast. Today, we welcome back Muhamad Aly Rifai, psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist. Todays KevinMD article is Physician suicide prevention: a call to action. Muhamad, welcome back to the show. Muhamad Aly Rifai: Thank you very much for having me to talk about this important and ever-timely topic about physician suicide prevention and how we can help our colleagues during tough times. Kevin Pho: All right, so for those who did not get a chance to read your recent article, what is this one about? Muhamad Aly Rifai: Last year, I called attention to this phenomenon of physician suicide, which is a silent epidemic. I discussed how suicide was affecting a large number of vulnerable physicians and the fact that we were losing the equivalent of one medical school class every year. That is close to 500 physician suicides a year. This was last year in December 2024. We are here again in December 2025. In October, we lost a pillar of the psychiatric community: psychiatrist Nolan Williams, who was a major researcher on depression, anxiety, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. We lost him. His life ended with suicide. It is quite unfortunate, and he was missed by a lot of his colleagues. That actually highlighted how this silent epidemic is affecting our fellow physicians. It prompted me to write about this again because it does not seem that the epidemic is remitting in any way. I wanted to call attention to that because depression and anxiety are affecting our colleagues out there. We are not seeing that this thing is backing away, and we are losing more and more physicians. ADVERTISEMENT Kevin Pho: Is the rate of physician suicide higher as compared to other professions? Talk about the contrast. How much higher is it, and what is it specifically about the medical profession that may contribute to that higher rate in relation to other professions? Muhamad Aly Rifai: It is definitely higher than other professions. We are a little bit ahead of lawyers and a little bit ahead of dentists. A recent paper just early on this year in May 2025 in JAMA Network reviewed the cause of death among U.S. medical residents and looked at data between 2015 to 2021. Suicide was the single leading cause of death for medical residents. It is very interesting that in this young population who is going through residency or who just finished medical school, suicide was the single leading cause of death. It was not accidents, illness, or cancer. It was suicide. The highest rates were actually in the first couple of months when they started their residency. That highlights the intensity of the feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress that medical residents are facing. That also goes on and translates into stress, anxiety, and depression that they face later on in their professional career. This puts us at a high risk for depression, anxiety, and ultimately completed suicide. I am just calling attention to that, especially for residents, the new classes starting, as well as other physicians. It is still ongoing, and we are at a higher rate as physicians. Kevin Pho: From your perspective as a psychiatrist, can you speculate on some of the reasons why medical residents, especially those who just graduated medical school, are more prone to anxiety and depression? What are some specific facets of the medical profession that can lead to anxiety and depression among physicians? Muhamad Aly Rifai: It is the high pressure that we face on a regular basis. We are seeing a higher incidence of preexisting depression in a lot of new classes of medical students. We are also seeing the demands of the profession significantly accelerating. We are seeing students graduating with a high level of debt, and that is affecting them. We are seeing the intensity of graduate medical education significantly increasing compared to our time in terms of residency training. The number of hours has significantly decreased. We never had the 60- or 80-hour rule in our residency days, but we are seeing that even that has contributed to more residents facing more difficulties. They are not able to adjust and acclimate to residency training, which is leading to symptoms of depression, despair, and suicide that are reflected in the JAMA paper. I wrote this paper to bring attention to program directors and other clinicians that this is a real phenomenon. We need to be cognizant of that and help fellow residents as well as other fellow physicians. Kevin Pho: Physician burnout, moral injury, and suicide have been common themes on my site and on this podcast for years now. Do you feel that those in charge of medical school and training and our health care entities take this phenomenon seriously? If so, what are some of the things that you are seeing that they are doing to help mitigate physician suicide? Muhamad Aly Rifai: I think they are hearing about it. They are trying their best. We are seeing that some programs have started in large health systems where physicians, especially those that are thought to be affected with burnout or depression, are paired with a peer where they do have a peer check-in. They are asked to be aware and audit their sleep so that they are able to talk to the employee assistance program. We know that people feel that the licensure language is sometimes punitive if they come forward with symptoms of depression. Program directors are placing a special focus on the period where the residents are mostly vulnerable, which is that period of month one and month two of residency training. They are trying to map out the interns or the residents that they feel are at the highest risk. We are even seeing that sometimes they put attendings on wellness call at night where interns and residents could call that attending. They are holding protected time or wellness time where people are commiserating or talking about the difficulty of residency training. We are seeing a lot of residency program directors acknowledging that this is a significant issue that they need to address in their classes of interns and among residents just because they are seeing it happening more often, and the statistics are reflecting it. Kevin Pho: It sounds like some of these approaches are more reactive in nature. Is there anything that we could do with the profession itself? I know that there has to be some baseline stress in medicine, but do you feel like there could be some improvements in the profession itself to help mitigate some of the potential causes that may lead to suicide? Muhamad Aly Rifai: I think normalizing the fact that we are humans is key. We always portray physicians as superhumans. We think we can do it no matter what. Whether we are surgeons, psychiatrists, internists, or ICU doctors, we think we are superhumans. We are there to do it anytime you can call us 24/7. We would jump into being able to help and facilitate the wellness of our patients, but then we forget our own wellness. That portrayal of physicians significantly accelerated with the COVID-19 pandemic. We were asked to jump in and save this nation, which was experiencing this pandemic. We were asked to work long hours with difficult circumstances in a condition that was unknown. We were asked to make death and life decisions, and that really accelerated the burnout. I think that increased what we are seeing right now with increased rates of depression, burnout, and suicide in residents as well as in physicians. Kevin Pho: In your article, you write that sometimes hospital executives ask for resilience rather than trying to fix the system itself. One option that is suggested is to maybe tie their leadership bonuses to the behavioral wellness of the clinician staff. Is that right? Muhamad Aly Rifai: Yes, absolutely. I think talking about the problem is very important. We should be measuring the wellness like RVUs. Publish the numbers. Are physicians happy? Are they not happy? What is their wellness? What is the retention rate? What is the burnout rate? What is their access to care? I know that in my area at local hospitals, physicians have very little access to care. They have to go out of their way to be able to access a psychiatrist or a therapist because they also fear that they are going to be reported to the medical staff services. They fear they are going to be reported to the medical board. So they go out of their way, and they are secretive. Nobody knows that they are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. For example, with our colleague Nolan Williams, nobody knows what happened. Nobody knows what he was experiencing. It is very unfortunate that he was secretive and did not talk about it, and nobody knew about it. Then all of a sudden, his life ended with suicide. We must push the executives to acknowledge that this is a problem and that they need to be aware of it. They need to be measuring it. They need to talk about physician wellness because we are seeing physicians exiting medicine. That is something that you have talked about in your blog also. Physicians prefer to exit medicine rather than end their life in response to what they are experiencing. Kevin Pho: You wrote in your article that the cost of prevention is modest, but the loss of life is infinite. I am going to ask you to put yourself in a position of both a program director and a hospital executive. If we want to value residents and physician survival and prevent physician burnout, I want you to tell me one thing that you would do from the perspective of a program director as well as from the perspective of a hospital leader. Muhamad Aly Rifai: From a program directors perspective, I think talking openly about it is essential. On day one, July 1, sit with the interns and tell them that the program directors door is open. He is available no matter how bad things are. No matter how much despair and depression you are feeling, or whether you are feeling that you want to end your life because things are so bad, talk about it from day one. Just putting it out there is very important. Not a lot of people have the courage to do that because there is the myth that if you talk about it, maybe you will put it in somebodys mind. Actually, that has been proven not true. So talk about it on day one as a program director. Sit down with your interns and say: I am here for you. No matter how depressed and desperate you are or how you feel, I am here for you. Your life is valuable to us. We want you to go through your residency and complete your residency. The country needs you as a physician to help your patients, and you are not good at helping your patients if you are not helping yourself. That is the number one thing that I tell program directors: July 1, talk to your interns and residents and tell them that help is available and they should not despair. In terms of hospital executives, I think that they only understand the numbers. Hospital boards and physicians should pressure hospital executives to be measured like RVUs. They need to be measured by physician wellness. If physicians are not happy, if physicians are in despair, or if physicians are not happy with the system, the system needs to hear it. The system needs to measure it and need to be able to publish those results. The executives need to be accountable to the hospital board about the fact that physicians are not happy. We see that sometimes in hospitals where there is an exodus of physicians because they are not happy. Invariably, sometimes it leads to the ouster of the executive of the hospital. Sometimes the hospital does not blink and they just keep going on and go through another round of physician exodus. I think hospital boards are hearing about it. Communities are hearing about it because they want physicians to be able to continue to work in their community. This phenomenon of burnout and suicide is affecting our physician community. Kevin Pho: We are talking to Muhamad Aly Rifai, psychiatrist, internist, and addiction medicine specialist. Todays KevinMD article is Physician suicide prevention: a call to action. Muhamad, let us end with some take-home messages that you want to leave with the KevinMD audience. Muhamad Aly Rifai: To my fellow physicians, I think you need to hold onto each other tight. Ask a colleague to be your sounding board and to be your call-in if you need any support. Support is out there. We want our physicians to return back to wellness. We want our physicians to be safe. We want to be able to reduce this phenomenon of physician suicide. We lost Dr. Nolan Williams, and we have lost too many other physicians. Always speak up. Always seek help. To the physician executives and to hospital executives: Build systems that protect physicians. Protect people, refuse to normalize preventable death, and refuse to let the next obituary be someone that you know. Kevin Pho: Muhamad, as always, thank you so much for sharing your perspective and insight. Thanks again for coming back on the show. Muhamad Aly Rifai: My pleasure. Thank you. The phrase board-certified once carried a universal meaning. A physician had met rigorous training and testing standards and could practice confidently anywhere in the country. That clarity has faded. Today, certification and recertification requirements differ not only by specialty but also by which board you happen to fall under. What was once a single national standard has splintered into a patchwork of rules, fees, and timelines that seem designed less for learning and more for administrative survival. One title, many rulebooks Lets picture a few physicians working under this system, the kinds of experiences colleagues share at every conference coffee line. Dr. Nguyen, a hospitalist, holds certifications from both the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). To stay compliant, she must juggle two different portals, two different question banks, two different annual fees, and two different philosophies of continuous learning. Across the hall, Dr. Alvarez, a surgeon, recertifies through the American Board of Surgery (ABS). His pathway is entirely different: forty online questions a year, a few hundred dollars in fees, and 150 CME hours every five years. Meanwhile, Dr. Carter, a pediatrician, logs into the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) site quarterly for MOCA-Peds questions, each drawn from topics that rotate annually. All of them carry the same board-certified title. Yet the work required to keep that title, in hours, cost, and complexity, varies dramatically. How we got here The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) oversees 24 member boards, each with autonomy to design its own maintenance program. ABMS sets broad principles for continuing certification, but the specifics (number of questions, CME credit requirements, cycle length, and cost) are left to the individual boards. This independence was meant to respect the diversity of medical disciplines. In practice, it has produced a regulatory free-for-all. Some boards now offer longitudinal online assessments, others still require ten-year exams, and several have hybrid systems that confuse even the most organized physician. The disparities raise practical and ethical questions: If maintenance of certification ensures public safety, why should its rigor depend on which board a physician happened to join decades ago? The working reality Dr. Singh, a fictional but familiar gastroenterologist, keeps certifications in both internal medicine and gastroenterology. Her ABIM dashboard tracks MOC points and LKA participation; her subspecialty board requires a separate attestation cycle and fees. She maintains active licenses in four states for locum assignments, each with its own CME categories and renewal schedule. By her own tally, she spends roughly 120 hours a year fulfilling educational mandates, less than half of which directly improve her procedural or diagnostic skill. The rest go toward duplicative or state-specific modules that have never been shown to enhance patient outcomes. Her situation isnt unusual. Multi-certified physicians often shoulder overlapping MOC obligations that differ not by logic but by historical accident. A data desert Supporters of the system argue that different specialties require different maintenance models. A cardiologists evolving technology is not the same as a psychiatrists therapeutic landscape. Thats true. But if diversity of practice justifies diversity of process, we should at least have data showing which models work best. We dont. To date, no comprehensive studies compare the effectiveness of the various maintenance systems across ABMS boards. We dont know whether longitudinal testing improves retention, whether CME-heavy models produce better adherence to guidelines, or whether shorter renewal cycles translate into safer care. Each board operates as its own experiment, with physicians as the unconsenting subjects. The rise of alternative boards ADVERTISEMENT Dissatisfaction with traditional boards has fueled the growth of the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS), which offers recertification based solely on CME completion and professional standing. NBPAS eliminates exams and points entirely. Hospitals and payers are slowly responding. As of 2025, hundreds of institutions accept NBPAS credentials, though coverage remains inconsistent. A physician may be recognized in one hospital but rejected in another, an absurd situation for a profession supposedly unified under national standards. This fractured credentialing landscape has made professional mobility harder, not easier. A doctor crossing state lines for locums work may discover that identical training and CME hours qualify in one facility but not the next. Locums in the crossfire Nowhere is the chaos clearer than in locums and telemedicine practice. Physicians licensed in multiple states must navigate not only different CME topics but also varying board expectations that fail to align with licensure. Imagine Dr. Harris again, the gastroenterologist from our earlier article. She covers short-term assignments in six states. To maintain compliance, she tracks six sets of CME mandates and two board-certification schedules. A course on sedation safety taken for her ABIM credit may not satisfy Floridas patient-safety requirement or Illinoiss opioid-prescribing CME. She spends more time reconciling paperwork than reviewing the latest clinical trials. None of this redundancy has ever been shown to improve colonoscopy outcomes, reduce complications, or enhance patient satisfaction. If the goal of these systems is competence, they are stunningly inefficient ways to prove it. Unequal effort, equal label The most striking problem isnt just the bureaucracy; its the unevenness of effort behind the same credential. A pediatricians quarterly quiz cycle may feel manageable, while a surgeons CME burden is massive. An internist under ABIM faces an annual fee and a continuous testing requirement, while a physician under a smaller board may have a simpler attestation every five years. Patients, employers, and even insurers dont see those differences. To them, board-certified is a single, trusted signal. But the reality behind that label has become anything but uniform. The grandfather divide Layered on top of all this is the generational divide between physicians who were grandfathered into lifetime certification and those who were not. Older physicians, certified before time-limited boards existed, can practice indefinitely without ever retesting. Younger physicians, often with greater clinical volume and exposure to newer therapies, face endless maintenance loops. This inequity erodes morale and damages credibility. If ongoing testing is essential for patient safety, why are tens of thousands of physicians exempt? And if its not essential, why are younger colleagues paying for it? What real reform would look like To rebuild trust and bring coherence to certification, the profession should move toward a unified national framework built on transparency and reciprocity. Align maintenance across boards. Every board should meet a baseline standard: same renewal interval, CME equivalence, and outcome-based review. Specialty content can differ, but the scaffolding should be consistent. Every board should meet a baseline standard: same renewal interval, CME equivalence, and outcome-based review. Specialty content can differ, but the scaffolding should be consistent. Reciprocity with state CME. Specialty-specific CME should automatically satisfy state license renewals and board-maintenance credits. A single learning activity ought to count everywhere. Specialty-specific CME should automatically satisfy state license renewals and board-maintenance credits. A single learning activity ought to count everywhere. Evidence before enforcement. Before mandating new cycles or tests, boards should produce peer-reviewed evidence showing that those activities improve care or safety. Otherwise, the rule should sunset automatically. Before mandating new cycles or tests, boards should produce peer-reviewed evidence showing that those activities improve care or safety. Otherwise, the rule should sunset automatically. Equity in certification. Grandfathered physicians should either join a simplified maintenance track or carry a distinct lifetime designation so the public understands the difference. Grandfathered physicians should either join a simplified maintenance track or carry a distinct lifetime designation so the public understands the difference. One digital credential. A national credentialing portal could unify CME, board status, and license verification. It would reduce redundancy, save costs, and let physicians focus on learning instead of paperwork. The future of board certified Medicines strength has always been its commitment to self-regulation, to holding itself accountable without outside intervention. But self-regulation requires credibility, and credibility demands coherence. If certification remains a patchwork of inconsistent standards, opaque fees, and unproven testing models, others (legislators, insurers, or corporate health systems) will eventually step in to impose order. That outcome would serve no one. The phrase board-certified should mean that a physician is current, competent, and continually engaged in meaningful education. It shouldnt depend on which board they happened to join, where they practice, or how many passwords they remember. Until the system regains that clarity, the letters after our names will mean far less than the work we do in the exam room every day. Brian Hudes is a gastroenterologist. Comparta este articulo A student from the Escuela Libre de Derecho won a legal battle against the institution itself, following a series of administrative decisions that, according to Mexicos Federal Judiciary, violated his right to education and unjustifiably obstructed his path to obtaining a law degree. The conflict, which escalated to federal courts, began when the institution took unilateral actions that directly affected the students academic trajectory. A story of obstacles and resistance The dispute began when the student, then in his fifth year of law school, took his extraordinary exam in Private International Law on June 25, 2024, obtaining a passing grade. However, shortly afterward, on July 29, the Board of Directors of the Escuela Libre de Derecho determined to annul his exam without a transparent procedure. The official notification did not arrive until August 2, by which time the student had already requested the documents necessary to begin his social service, an essential requirement to obtain a professional degree. The institution argued an alleged breach of the electronic examination system, invalidating the result without granting the student prior due process or the right to be heard. Far from receiving a favorable response, the school not only denied him a certificate of approved credits, but also modified his academic status, removing him from the system as an active student. This action prevented him from registering for other extraordinary exams and, as a result, blocked his graduation from the program. The Escuela Libre de Derecho also refused to issue certificates of passed courses and the credit letter required to begin his social service. The school even issued a statement asserting that the young man was no longer a student of the institution, which prevented him from completing the final procedures necessary for graduation. Turning to the Federal Judiciary Faced with the institutions refusal, the student turned to the federal courts and filed an amparo lawsuit. Although a district judge initially dismissed the case on the grounds that a private university does not act as an authority, the Second Collegiate Administrative Court overturned that decision. The court determined that, because the case involved omissions in the issuance of certificates and the management of social servicelegal requirements for professional practicethe Escuela Libre de Derecho did perform acts equivalent to those of an authority and engaged in arbitrary actions, lacking legal basis, that affected the complainants constitutional right to education. Failing to grant the documents and necessary facilities for the student to carry it out constitutes a violation of the right to education, the ruling states. The court ruling: restoration of rights The judgment overturns the earlier decision that dismissed the students claim and orders a series of measures to guarantee his graduation, including: Restoring the passing grade of the annulled exam and voiding the July 29 resolution. Issuing the certificate of accredited courses requested by the student in August 2024. Delivering the credit verification letter so he may begin his social service. Allowing him to retake only the courses in Tax Law and Financial Law. Refraining from imposing unfounded administrative burdens. Guaranteeing all necessary facilities for him to complete his law degree. The court was clear in stating that the measures imposed by the school were not only arbitrary, but were based on criteria outside the current legal framework. The lack of notification of sanctioning procedures and the unilateral modification of the students academic status were key factors in the resolution of the amparo lawsuit. djh Comparta este articulo Donald Trumps interest in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, escalated again in January after a series of statements in which the U.S. president said his country needs the island to guarantee its national security. Trump argued that Washington must take control of Greenland by good means or by bad, warning that otherwise Russia or China could expand their influence in the Arctic. The U.S. president has directly linked Greenland to the strategic defense of the United States, noting that the island is key to projects such as the so-called Golden Dome, a global-reach missile defense system. He has also insisted that U.S. control of the territory would make NATO more effective and formidablean argument that has triggered strong reactions among European allies. Context: Although the idea of acquiring Greenland is not new the United States attempted it in 1868 and again in 1946 the current geopolitical context, shaped by the war in Ukraine and growing cooperation between Moscow and Beijing, has positioned the Arctic as a central strategic region for Washington. Denmarks response: military deployment and a White House meeting Trumps statements prompted an immediate response from Denmark, which rejected any possibility of annexation and announced a reinforcement of its military presence in Greenland, in coordination with NATO allies. The Danish Ministry of Defense said it will increase maneuvers and the deployment of aircraft, ships, and troops to improve operational capacity in the Arctic and strengthen the Atlantic Alliances footprint. Copenhagen also recalled that over the past year it allocated around 42 billion Danish kroner (about 6 billion euros) to directly strengthen Greenlands defense, including more ships, satellites, and drones. Against this backdrop, a key meeting is being held this Wednesday at the White House between Denmarks foreign minister, Lars Lkke Rasmussen; Greenlands foreign minister, Vivian Motzfeldt; and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The goal is to address Washingtons aspirations regarding the island and explore possible avenues for cooperation. Among the measures announced by the Danish Ministry of Defense are: The deployment of an advance command, additional ships, aircraft, and troops. The conduct of exercises to protect essential facilities and receive allied forces. Although Copenhagen and Greenlands autonomous government reject threats of annexation, they have shown openness to increasing cooperation with Washington. Meanwhile, the local population is experiencing anxiety at the prospect of becoming the center of a conflict between global powers. Trumps latest position on U.S. and NATO security In his most recent message, Trump reiterated that anything short of Greenland in U.S. hands is unacceptable, asserting that NATO can only be truly deterrent with the vast military power of the United States. According to the president, without Washingtons leadership the Atlantic Alliance would lose effectiveness against threats such as Russia and China. Trump has also emphasized the imbalance of capabilities in the Arctic, noting that Russia has dozens of icebreakers, while the United States has a very limited fleet. In response, Washington approved the purchase of 11 icebreakers from Finland, valued at $6.1 billion, to expand its power projection in the region. France and Spain criticize U.S. action against a NATO ally From Europe, France and Spain have taken firm stances in response to U.S. threats. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that any violation of Greenlands sovereignty would have unprecedented chain consequences, given that it is a territory of a European country and ally. As a political signal, Paris announced the opening of a consulate in Greenland starting in February, as a gesture of support for Denmark and rejection of what it described as Trumps blackmail. For her part, Spains defense minister, Margarita Robles, said it is hardly acceptable for a NATO member country to act against the territorial integrity of another ally. Robles urged the European Union to assume decisive leadership and not remain a secondary actor amid escalating tensions in the Arctic. djh Canada, under Pierre Trudeau in the early 1970s, was among the first Western nations to recognize the communist government in China, nearly a decade ahead of the United States. A half-century later, relations soured under Trudeaus son, Justin. His successor, Prime Minister Mark Carney, is in Beijing this week in an attempt to rebuild relations after several years of frosty ties. Here is a look at the evolution of the relationship: 1970: Canada recognizes communist China. Canada establishes ties with Beijing and ends diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The switch takes place more than a year before U.S. President Richard Nixons 1972 visit to China, which eventually leads to American recognition of the communist government in 1979, when the two nations established relations. 1973: Trudeau meets Mao. Pierre Trudeau, who championed establishing diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China, meets Mao Zedong, the founder of the communist state. It is the first trip by a Canadian leader to the country since the Communist Party took power in 1949. 1984: Chinas premier visits Canada. Zhao Ziyang holds talks with Trudeau in the first visit by a Chinese premier to Canada since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The two governments sign an investment agreement. Zhao meets U.S. President Ronald Reagan in Washington on the same trip. 1994: Boosting trade. Prime Minister Jean Chretien brings business leaders to China to expand trade, despite criticism of the governments bloody crackdown on the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. A backer of improved ties, Chretien was in Beijing earlier this month to meet Chinese officials ahead of Carneys trip. 2006: Criticizing human rights. New Canadian leader Stephen Harper initially takes a tough line on China over its human rights records. He angers the Beijing government in 2007 by meeting the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader who has fled China. Harper later shifts to a more moderate approach, visiting China several times to promote trade. 2016: A second Trudeau visits. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Pierres son, declares a new era in relations with China on a visit to Beijing. He says ties have been somewhat lacking in stability and regularity. Trudeau meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping on a return visit in 2017. 2018: Relations crash. Canada detains Meng Wanzhou, a senior executive of Chinas Huawei Technologies Co., at the request of the United States. The move sparks a downward spiral in relations that lasts for the rest of Trudeaus term. China retaliates by detaining two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, on spy charges. All three are released in 2021 under a three-way deal with the U.S. 2022: Huawei banned. Canada bans Huawei equipment from Canadas 5G networks. Canada also bars Chinese tech company ZTE Corp. from the countrys telecommunication systems. The U.S. had lobbied allies to exclude Huawei over cyberespionage concerns. China says Canadas move was carried out with the U.S. to suppress Chinese companies in violation of free-market principles. 2023: Diplomats expelled. Canada expels a Chinese diplomat in Toronto whom it accuses of involvement in a plot to intimidate Canadian lawmaker Michael Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong after Chong criticized Beijings human rights record. China responds by expelling a Canadian diplomat in Shanghai. Canada also launches an inquiry into whether China interfered in Canadian elections in 2019 and 2021. 2024: A tariff war erupts. Canada says it will impose a 100% tariff on imports of China-made electric vehicles and a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum, matching U.S. tariff hikes under the Biden administration. China retaliates in March 2025 with a 100% tariff on canola products and a 25% tariff on Canadian seafood and pork exports. 2025: Carney takes office, meets Xi. Carney succeeds Trudeau as prime minister in March as Canada and China face new U.S. tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney meets with Chinese leader Xi in October at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea. They call their meeting a turning point in relations. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... Macau has recorded its first imported Zika virus case of 2026, involving a 53-year-old local man who recently traveled to Malaysia, the Health Bureau (SSM) said. The patient is in stable condition, and no symptoms have been reported among household members or travel companions. The man developed fever, muscle pain, and rash after returning to Macau and was later diagnosed through blood tests. Authorities will conduct mosquito control measures near his residence and workplace, and have urged residents traveling to tropical regions to strengthen anti-mosquito precautions. Like this: Like Loading... * Toxic smog Macau air quality hits historic unhealthy levels amid winter smog* Welfare | Macau appoints 48 family mediators to oversee sessions * Gaming |Casino suspicious transactions drop 6% in 2025 * Environment: Industry warns of ongoing challenges for electric vehicle adoption amid new supportive measures * Government unveils plan for temporary use of 30 idle land parcels * A half-century journey: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney begins landmark four-day visit to China to mend ties DOWNLOAD PDF Thursday, January 15, 2026 edition no. 4874 Like this: Like Loading... A hundred years ago, in the midst of the First World War, an anonymous pamphlet under the pen-name Junius appeared in Zurich and rapidly began to circulate throughout the international workers movement. This pamphlet had in fact been written from inside a German prison cell by Rosa Luxemburg. [We publish here the editorial of issue 52 of 'In Defence of Marxism' magazine the quarterly theoretical journal of the Revolutionary Communist International. Get your copy now!] In it, she wrote: Bourgeois society stands at the crossroads, either transition to socialism or regression into barbarism. This bold prediction, which she attributed to Friedrich Engels, has become one of the most widely recognised slogans of the Marxist movement: socialism or barbarism. These words have retained all their force today. They perfectly capture the period in which we live: a social system in an advanced state of decay; a degenerate ruling class that is incapable of addressing the problems of humanity; and a life-or-death struggle on the part of the oppressed to throw off the old order, in which the working class must either emerge victorious, or face ruin. It is this reality that has been so starkly illustrated in Sudan today, and to which the present issue of In Defence of Marxism is devoted. Rise and fall Contrary to the once common liberal idea, history is not a continuous and gradual ascent along the high road of human progress. History knows a descending curve as well as an ascending one, great leaps forward and dramatic collapses. Visit the majestic but desolate ruins of the great Mayan cities, or stand atop the remains of Hadrians wall built to establish the outer limit of the Roman Empire and you will catch a glimpse of the great dialectical law of history: All that exists deserves to perish. But it is not enough simply to observe the fact that civilisations have come and gone before our own; it is necessary to understand why. For hundreds of years historians and philosophers have puzzled over this question. Indeed, the BBC has recently released a series called Civilisations: Rise and Fall on precisely this subject, dealing with the collapse of Rome, Ptolemaic Egypt, the Aztec Empire, and Japans Tokugawa Shogunate. To say nothing of the content of this series (and the less said about it the better), what is most striking is the fact that the parallels with today are so openly acknowledged. Take one review in The Guardian, for example, which is titled: TV that will make you despair for our own plummeting society. The decline and collapse of civilisations is often explained away by reference to bad leadership, such as incompetent or insane emperors, or to external causes like natural disasters and plagues. While these play a role, the irreversible decline of an entire civilisation cannot be explained simply by the errors of individuals. Such an explanation only raises the question: Why did their leaders keep making mistakes? a question many ask about our own rulers today. Karl Marx discovered the fundamental process which ultimately determines the rise and fall of civilisations, and set it out in a few brief but brilliant strokes in his Preface to a Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy, published in 1859, the same year as Darwins Origin of Species. Applying a scientific approach, Marx identified that every social formation arises on a material foundation: not just environmental conditions, but a definite set of relations between human beings, through which they produce the necessities of life in accordance with the level of technology already acquired. For a time, the spread of these relations of production, and of the entire social, political and ideological order that arises on this material foundation, greatly accelerates the development of the means of production, science and technique: in short what are referred to as the productive forces. And as the productive forces develop, they in turn reinforce the rising order, which sweeps everything before it. History is full of examples of this phenomenon: the spread of agriculture during the Neolithic Revolution; the emergence of states and class society during the Bronze Age; the rise of the slave system, of ancient Europe and the Mediterranean; the medieval boom, which followed the consolidation of feudalism; and of course, the unstoppable rise of modern industrial capitalism. And this is by no means an exhaustive list. But all things eventually turn into their opposite. As Marx explains, the productive forces that have been developed under the existing order become too powerful, too broad for the narrow confines of the existing relations of production and exchange. In such periods, the maintenance of the old relations becomes an increasingly painful fetter on further development. Meanwhile, what economic development that does take place leads not to a strengthening of the existing order but undermines it, producing crises, wars and revolutions. The Roman slave economy decayed, and it was out of that decay that feudalism eventually emerged. Likewise feudalism thrived in Europe for centuries, only to enter into its own period of decline, in which the foundations of capitalism were laid. Thus, within the rise of every social system are the seeds of its eventual decay, and every decline contains the seeds of future progress, however remote that may appear. Imperialism But what of capitalism? Given the fact that the world economy has grown many times over the last century, in what sense can we speak of the decline of the capitalist system today? The answer lies in the nature of imperialism, described by Lenin in his book, Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism, written in the same year that Luxemburgs pamphlet was published. Bourgeois society stands at the crossroads, either transition to socialism or regression into barbarism / Image: public domain Imperialism is not simply one nation dominating the other, as is commonly understood by the term; it is a stage in the development of the world capitalist system, one in which capitalist relations have turned into their opposite. So-called free competition between capitalist firms has been replaced with the domination of the market by a series of giant banks and monopolies, which are indissolubly tied to the state. This applies just as much to countries where the role of the state is openly acknowledged, such as China, as it does to the USA, supposedly the home of free enterprise. The rise of planning within monopolies does not do away with the anarchy of the market; it exacerbates it, leading to ever deeper crises. At the same time, concepts such as the creative destruction and invisible hand of the market have been replaced in practice by companies that are too big to fail, receiving bailouts, subsidies and lucrative state contracts, all funded by eye-watering levels of public debt. Consequently, the capitalist class itself has become utterly parasitic. What development that does take place is largely dependent on the state, and carried out not by the bosses but by an army of wage workers. Rather than being strengthened by such development, the ruling class only becomes more redundant. This can most clearly be seen in the old imperialist powers of Europe, where the ruling class has presided over decades of economic stagnation, deindustrialisation and crumbling infrastructure. But the signs of capitalist decay can be seen everywhere, not least in the indescribable levels of inequality. In truth, never in history has there been a ruling class that is so parasitic, so detached from reality, and so ripe for overthrow. Naturally this is reflected in the intellectual, moral, and even psychological degeneracy of the ruling class. This is epitomised by the banker-sex trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein, whose seedy network of clients encompassed a large part of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the Western world. And that is only the tip of the iceberg. The domination of the world by imperialism also brings the scourge of war and genocide on an unprecedented scale. In this sense, the highest level of civilisation yet achieved by humanity necessarily produces its opposite: barbarism. This has been the case throughout the history of modern, capitalist imperialism. At the dawn of the imperialist era, the Berlin Conference of 1884 set down the infamous doctrine of terra nullius nobodys land under which states were destroyed and populations wiped out in order to clear territory for the European imperialist powers. Driven by the insatiable hunger of the monopolies for resources, markets and fields for investment, the ceaseless struggle of the most powerful capitalist states to carve up the globe led to the carnage of two world wars, which together claimed the lives of more than 100 million people. And even during the golden age of the so-called Pax Americana, the world witnessed a war of extermination waged by US imperialism against the people of Vietnam, the barbarity of which was summed up in the phrase of one American general: We're going to bomb them back into the Stone Age. Today, we have no shortage of examples of the barbarism fostered and spread by imperialism. In the horror inflicted on the people of Gaza, of Darfur and of eastern Congo, we clearly see the profound truth of Luxemburgs warning: The victory of imperialism is the annihilation of civilisation. And if capitalism is allowed to continue destroying the environment, then it may be confirmed in the most complete and literal sense imaginable. Class struggle Such is the horror produced by the crisis of capitalism today, many people have lost all belief that it is possible to make any rational sense of the world. This in turn has fuelled a rising interest in religion and conspiracy theories. Many even speak of the end of the world, whether due to some rogue AI, nuclear war, or any number of causes. This apocalyptic dread is not new; it was common in the waning days of feudalism in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. But that was not the end of the world, only the death of an obsolete order. In such periods, progress means escape from the wreckage of a sinking system, and the establishment of a new order, based on fundamentally different relations. This clearing of old defunct relations and the unleashing of mankinds productive forces is the essence of social revolution. But revolutions are not carried out by the productive forces themselves, nor by humanity or history in the abstract. They are carried out by living human beings, divided into classes with opposing interests. Marx noted that humanity only sets itself such tasks as it is able to solve. As any social system flourishes it creates the material forces required for its overthrow, including new social classes capable of bringing a new social order into fruition. Under feudalism it was the bourgeoisie. Today it is the working class that embodies the hopes of humanity. This is not simply an article of faith. The working class produces almost all of the worlds wealth. Many times throughout history the workers have shown themselves capable of taking over production and organising it even more efficiently, without the unnecessary cost of bosses and landlords. Moreover, ever since its arrival on the scene of history, the working class has been driven by the logic of its class position into struggle against the ruling class and the established order, placing it at the forefront of every movement for liberation and progress. Socialism or barbarism therefore signifies that only the seizure of power by the working class can defeat imperialism and at last overthrow the decaying capitalist order. But it must also be recognised that the ruling class will stop at nothing, even at the risk of undermining its own civilisation, in order to crush the emergence of a new society within the old. When the workers of Paris were massacred in 1871, the killing was so savage that even the respectable bourgeois press pleaded with the authorities to stop, as the stench of the corpses was so overpowering. In the twentieth century, the European bourgeoisie was prepared to unleash the monster of fascism on Europe in order to liquidate the workers movement, rather than risk its own overthrow. Likewise, in the recent period, the Sudanese ruling class was more than willing to use the Rapid Support Forces as its attack dogs against the revolutionary movement. For years this reactionary paramilitary force was groomed and funded not only by the Sudanese state but by a host of foreign powers. The result has been the destruction of the country. The fate of Sudan should serve as a warning: any revolution that stops short of the complete overthrow of the bourgeoisie and its state is preparing for disaster. The party It might reasonably be asked, if the working class is truly capable of overthrowing capitalism and leading society out of the decaying capitalist order, why has this not been achieved already? Certainly, the survival of imperialism cannot be put down to any lack of courage or determination on the part of the workers when they enter onto the road of revolution. Over the last 100 years, almost every country on the planet has been rocked by inspiring movements of the masses, which have posed the question of power point blank. Image: War Triptych (1938), Aurelio Arteta, painted during the Spanish Civil War However, the vast majority of these movements have not led to the overthrow of capitalism. And what the experience of the last century has proven beyond all doubt is that the power and heroism of the masses, while absolutely essential for any revolution, are not enough by themselves. What is needed is organisation and, above all, a leadership capable of facing up to the immense tasks of history, and bringing the struggle to a victorious conclusion. And it is this decisive factor that has tragically been lacking in so many cases. This is not simply down to accidents or individual mistakes. As the masses move into struggle it is natural that they first look to well-known figures or organisations, or those that offer the path of least resistance. But these tend to look to the past, or are completely bewildered by the situation. Through their own experience of events, workers and youth learn hard-won lessons and begin to draw revolutionary conclusions. But if no alternative leadership exists to give expression to these conclusions, it cannot be improvised in the moment. As a result, the movement will reach a dead end, as it did in Sudan. The critical task of the revolutionary party is to be able to connect with the developing consciousness of the masses and win the leadership of the movement in time, before the forces of counter-revolution are able to pacify or crush the movement. This is no simple task, and so it requires that such a party be built before the volcano of revolution erupts. In his reply to Luxemburgs Junius pamphlet, Lenin recognised the urgency of building such an organisation, when he wrote: A very great defect in revolutionary Marxism in Germany as a whole is its lack of a compact illegal organisation that would systematically pursue its line and educate the masses in the spirit of the new tasks These words would carry a heavy significance during the German Revolution of 1918. Luxemburg and other revolutionary Marxists began the crucial struggle to build a revolutionary leadership when they founded the Communist Party of Germany in December 1918. But by then the revolution had already broken out, and the revolutionaries were dealt a heavy blow with the brutal murder of Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht, less than a month later. The tragedy of the German Revolution has been repeated many times. The inspiring revolutionary wave that swept Europe at the end of the Second World War could have fundamentally changed the course of history, but it was deliberately blocked, and diverted into safe channels by its own leadership. Even in the United States, the greatest imperialist power on the planet, had a sizable revolutionary communist party been built during the tumultuous years of the 1960s, capitalism might have been overthrown. Between 2019 and 2021, the workers and youth of Sudan had power within their reach. That they did not seize it is solely down to their leaders, who constantly held back the movement in order to keep it within the bounds of a gradual and peaceful transition to democracy a transition which was completely ruled out by the nature of Sudanese capitalism. One cannot help but think back to the Spanish Civil War of the 1930s. The Spanish masses could have taken power many times over, but they were held back by their parties in the name of order. The result was unimaginable horror, as it is today in Sudan. The historic dilemma of socialism or barbarism thus resolves itself into the practical political question of the revolutionary party. No time to lose Barbarism is not only a future prospect; it is spreading now. But this is no reason to abandon hope. Returning to Marxs profound statement Mankind thus inevitably sets itself only such tasks as it is able to solve the potential for a worldwide revolutionary party of the working class exists everywhere. In fact, it has never been greater. On a global scale, the working class has never been stronger. Meanwhile in most of the world the ruling class is the weakest it has been for decades, and a whole generation is being radicalised under the banner of the Gen Z revolutions. The working class and the oppressed masses of the world will not allow the ruling class to drag us down to hell without a struggle, which will put all the revolutions of the past in the shade. The tasks of Marxists today are to get organised; to reach the most advanced layer of the workers and youth; to build parties of thousands of steeled communist revolutionaries, ready and able to connect with the struggle of the masses during the titanic struggles to come; and finally to lead the way to the seizure of power by the working class. If history has taught us anything, it is that this task will neither be easy nor straightforward. But there is no greater cause on earth. Sudan has shown us the stakes. Let us go forward, fully conscious of the challenges that impend, and doubly determined to smash all obstacles in our path. Morocco has launched its IA strategy 2030 aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence to modernize public services, improve efficiency, security and digital system interoperability as this technology has already shown its key role in the health and financial services sectors. The roadmap focuses on five priorities: ensure technological independence, build trust in AI usage, develop national skills, support local innovation, and provide balanced coverage across the territory. The plan recommends the establishment of a network of AI centers of excellence tasked with connecting academic research, technological innovation, and regional economic needs. The plan builds on the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy, launched in September 2024, which places AI at the core of the countrys digital transformation. Moroccan government expects the national AI strategy to generate 240,000 digital jobs by 2030 and contribute roughly $10 billion to GDP. To reach the targeted goals, a General Directorate for AI & Emerging Technologies will be set up to oversee public policy along with the establishment of an Arab-African regional digital hub in partnership with the UNDP to encourage sustainable digital innovation. According to experts, Morocco AI strategy 2030 will enable the Kingdom to enhance further economic competitiveness, create skilled jobs, improve public service efficiency through intelligent systems, and strengthen Morocco position in Africa and around the globe. At least 18 passengers travelling by boat to Cameroon were rescued on Monday after suspected sea pirates hijacked their vessel along the CalabarCameroon waterways. The Nigerian Army said troops from the 13 Brigade swiftly responded to a distress call following the attack near Kombo, a fishing port in Cameroonian waters. According to the army, the pirates, operating in two speedboats and a wooden craft, intercepted the commercial boat and abducted the passengers. A pursuit by Nigerian troops led to a brief gunfight, during which one of the pirates speedboats capsized. The attackers subsequently abandoned the victims and fled into nearby creeks. All passengers were rescued unharmed. Armed assailants abducted nine sailors after boarding a fishing trawler off the coast of Gabon on Saturday night, in the latest piracy incident reported in the Gulf of Guinea, the defence ministry said on Monday. The navy said three armed individuals attacked the trawler IB Fish 7, which was flying the Gabonese flag and fishing about seven nautical miles southwest of Ekwata in Gabonese waters. Those abducted included five Chinese nationals and four Indonesians, according to navy chief of staff Hubert Bekale Meyong. Six other crew members of Indonesian, Chinese and Burkinabe nationalities remained on board the vessel. Gabonese authorities later located the trawler and escorted it to the port of Libreville, where an inquiry has been opened. The incident follows a similar attack in February last year, when three sailors were kidnapped from a fishing trawler near the capital, underscoring persistent security concerns in the Gulf of Guinea, a key maritime corridor for oil, gas and commercial shipping. South Africa on Tuesday welcomed the United States House of Representatives approval of legislation to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for a further three years, a move seen as vital to sustaining trade flows and protecting hundreds of thousands of African jobs. AGOA, first enacted in 2000, offers duty-free access to the US market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries and products and expired in September. South Africas Trade Minister, Parks Tau, said the renewal would restore certainty and predictability for African and American businesses that depend on the scheme. The development comes against a backdrop of strained relations between Pretoria and Washington, which have deteriorated during President Donald Trumps second term. Despite these tensions, South Africa remains engaged in discussions with the US on a possible bilateral trade agreement. The bill will now proceed to the US Senate before being submitted to President Trump for consideration. The approval was reported 10 hours ago. The United States has delivered what it described as critical military supplies to Nigerian forces in Abuja as part of efforts to deepen bilateral defence cooperation, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced on Tuesday. AFRICOM said the support underlines a shared security partnership and is intended to strengthen Nigerias ongoing operations amid a worsening security crisis. The development comes against the backdrop of heightened international scrutiny, following US allegations that violence in Nigeria amounts to persecution of Christian communities. Nigerian authorities have firmly rejected claims of genocide or religiously targeted violence, maintaining that insecurity affects both Christians and Muslims and is driven by complex socio-economic and criminal factors. The latest delivery builds on existing counter-terrorism collaboration. Late last year, the US conducted airstrikes against militant camps in northwestern Nigeria in coordination with the Nigerian government, signalling a continued strategic alignment aimed at weakening extremist networks. South Africa has initiated a decade-long campaign to vaccinate nearly 20 million cattle in response to a fast-spreading footandmouth disease (FMD) outbreak that has affected all but one of the countrys nine provinces. The viral infection, which impacts cattle, sheep, and goats but is not harmful to humans, causes fever, blisters, and sometimes death. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen highlighted the severe financial and emotional toll on farmers since the outbreak began in 2021. The vaccination plan, divided into four phases, will source vaccines from Argentina, Turkiye, and Botswana, while local production is being scaled up to a weekly capacity of 960,000 doses. Nearly two million cattle have already received vaccines. Authorities are also considering declaring FMD a national disaster to enhance government intervention. The outbreak has disrupted South Africas beef exports, which totalled 38,600 tonnes in 2024, mainly to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, while China has suspended imports over FMD concerns. The campaign aims to reduce outbreaks by over 70% in high-risk provinces within the next 12 months. Mozambican health professionals have criticised the governments decision to pay only 40% of the 13th months salary and announced a 30-day strike beginning on Friday, 16 January, to press for full payment. Speaking at a press conference in Maputo, Anselmo Muchave, president of the Association of United and Solidarity Health Professionals of Mozambique (APSUSM), said the partial payment was unacceptable and fell short of workers legal entitlements. The government earlier approved the payment of 40% of the 13th salary for civil servants, state agents and pensioners in January and February, down from 50% paid last year. Muchave said the strike, which will formally begin at 3:30 p.m. local time on Friday after the submission of a legal notice, is not only about wages but also a protest against what he described as a deepening structural crisis in the National Health System. APSUSM represents around 65,000 health professionals nationwide. The association warned that the strike could be extended if the government does not reverse its decision or increase the payment percentage. APSUSM leaders cited poor working conditions, staff exhaustion, high occupational risks and chronic shortages of medicines, food and adequate hospitalisation facilities as longstanding challenges undermining the health sector. The governments decision followed a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, with the Secretary of State for the Treasury, Amilcar Tivane, saying the reduced payment was based on a review of macro-financial conditions. He acknowledged that the amount approved is lower than the 50% paid in February 2025, noting that lower-paid workers, including health professionals and teachers, would receive part of the 13th salary in January. 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: University Of Granada A team of researchers from the Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC) at the University of Granada, in collaboration with the University of Castilla-La Mancha, has conducted a study that sheds light on the close relationship between parental stress and the daily performance of children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The study provides scientific evidence on a daily reality for many families, demonstrating that the health of caregivers is intrinsically linked to the level of autonomy and functional development of the children in their care. The research involved 43 fathers and 46 mothers of children aged between 3 and 12, with the aim of analyzing how difficulties in children's executive functions and sensory processing impact the well-being of their parents. The results showed significant relationships between these variables. Specifically, it was observed that the greater the difficulty of children in areas of executive and sensory functioning, the higher the level of perceived stress and the lower the quality of physical life detected in their parents. The study, entitled "Quality of life and parental stress related to executive functioning, sensory processing, and activities of daily living in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders," has been published in the journal PeerJ. The study also showed that lower performance by children in activities of daily living is directly associated with poorer physical health in caregivers. These findings suggest that supporting the functional development of children has a positive bidirectional effect, as it not only improves their independence but can also alleviate the burden and improve the health of those who accompany them on a daily basis. This work highlights that caregiving involves much more than meeting basic needs, requiring emotional support and constant adaptation to challenges that are often faced with little support. Therefore, understanding this relationship between child development and family well-being is essential for building healthier and more resilient environments. Publication details Vanesa Lobato-Ruiz et al, Quality of life and parental stress related to executive functioning, sensory processing, and activities of daily living in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders, PeerJ (2025). DOI: 10.7717/peerj.19326 Journal information: PeerJ 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: HPA axis activation pathway. Parental divorce and child alienation create emotional stress that activates the HPA axis. It begins with family conflict, affecting the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which then signal the adrenal gland to produce stress hormones. This hormonal response contributes to a range of child health issues, including neurodevelopmental, immune, cardiovascular, and digestive problems. Credit: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s00018-025-05895-3 Parental alienation is when one parent manipulates the child into distancing themselves from the other parent. But does this leave detectable biological evidence? After a breakup, it is not at all uncommon for one parent to manipulate one or more of the former couple's children into distancing themselves from the other parent. This is called parental alienation (PA). But this kind of manipulation is often difficult to prove. Can biological markers perhaps reveal it? An international research team from Norway, Ukraine and France wants to find out. "We are presenting a proposal for how we can develop molecular tests to identify parental alienation," says Professor Denis Kainov at the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine at NTNU. The researchers have published a paper on this topic in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences. Testing for biological markers "Chronic stress in children who are exposed to parental alienation leaves measurable biological traces," the paper says. The researchers have identified different biological markers that could be tested for. These markers relate to six interconnected biological processes: activation of hormones, neurotransmitters, inflammation, substances that are secreted by stress, changes in the gut flora and chemical markers that regulate gene activity. "If we achieve this, the findings can help clinicians detect harm earlier and provide the courts with objective documentation in parental disputes with a high degree of conflict," says Kainov. Parental alienation a controversial hypothesis However, parental alienation as an identifiable biological condition is not supported by all research communities. The Swedish Wikipedia page even calls it a "pseudoscientific research model." "Parental alienation is not recognized in many countries. But this is a new step to raise awareness of the problem. We have to start somewhere. If this is possible, GPs could take samples in connection with divorce or other parental conflicts to protect the children," says Professor Magnar Bjras at the Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine at NTNU. The researchers emphasize that there are currently few long-term studies that are specific to parental alienation. They therefore believe that the next step must be to develop standardized protocols for children, test the findings in larger patient groups and strengthen the collaboration between doctors, psychologists and legal professionals. This would enable the tests to later be used in practice. Publication details Oleksandr Kamyshnyi et al, Towards molecular diagnostics of parental alienation, Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s00018-025-05895-3 Journal information: Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences Key medical concepts BiomarkersInflammation 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: Graphical abstract. Credit: Environmental Pollution (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127261 Researchers at the University of Seville have carried out a study to determine the relationship between prenatal and early childhood exposure to environmental pollutants with the neurodevelopment of children born in the province of Seville. Their results highlight the presence of a mixture of metals in 100% of the subjects analyzed. Each hair sample contained between 2 and 10 metals simultaneously, with an average of 8.37 elements per child. The findings are published in the journal Environmental Pollution. The researchers highlight that 7 of the 10 elements studied (copper, zinc, chromium, lead, manganese, aluminum and selenium) were detected in more than 90% of samples. In addition, they found that concentrations of neurotoxic elements (lead, aluminum, manganese, nickel and arsenic) tend to be higher at 6 months of age and decrease progressively towards 24 months, thus suggesting a higher body burden or vulnerability in the earliest postnatal window. The PID2019-106442RB-C21 project has followed the development of 100 children born between 2020 and 2022 in the province of Seville. Specifically, children born at the Virgen del Rocio and Valme hospitals were analyzed in order to include inhabitants from two geographical areas with different characteristics. With regard to the impact of this exposure on neurodevelopment, the study highlights that arsenic is the element with the highest neurotoxic consistency as it is negatively associated with all areas of development (cognitive, motor, language, social and adaptive). Lead, in contrast, exhibits a specific and gender-differentiated impact. Thus, in the general population, it affects language development, but in boys, its presence has also been correlated with deficits in cognitive and motor development. Finally, aluminum and manganese show generalized negative correlations, significantly affecting multiple domains of development, with a statistically more marked impact on the subgroup of girls. For all these reasons, the authors of the study emphasize that, even in a cohort of healthy children in a non-industrial urban area, silent environmental exposure to metal mixtures is detectable and has a measurable effect on early psychomotor development. They therefore stress the need to consider exposure to complex mixtures (and not just isolated toxins) as a public health determinant to be monitored through routine biomonitoring programs from childhood onwards. Research development The researchers worked with a cohort of 100 children born between July 2020 and 2022. These children were monitored periodically, with samples taken and evaluations carried out at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of age. The participants came from two health areas in Seville with different environmental characteristics: the Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, with a predominantly urban profile, greater potential exposure to road traffic and geographical proximity to areas with a history of mining (towns near Huelva); and Virgen de Valme University Hospital, with a more rural/agricultural profile (intensive farming), relevant due to the possible use of plant protection products. To avoid bias, only mothers who had been living in the area for less than 5 years, with single pregnancies (without assisted reproduction) and in good health, were selected. Newborns who were premature (less than 32 weeks), underweight (below 1500g) or had perinatal pathologies that could alter neurodevelopment per se were excluded. Hair was used as a biomarker of chronic exposure to xenobiotics, thus allowing for the non-invasive assessment of long-term metal accumulation. Ten elements, namely aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium and zinc, were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Battelle Development Inventory (BDI), which measures skills in the motor, adaptive, personal-social, cognitive, and language domains, was used for neuropsychological assessment. Publication details Maria Quintana-Mejia et al, Exposure to mixed metals/metalloids in early childhood: a cross-sectional cohort study in children from Sevilla, Southern Spain, Environmental Pollution (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127261 Journal information: Environmental Pollution 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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may soon stop putting a dollar value on the health benefits of cleaner air. The move, experts warn, could lead to weaker protections against some of the most dangerous pollutants. Internal agency emails and documents reviewed by The New York Times show that, under President Donald Trump, the EPA plans to change how it evaluates the costs and benefits of clean-air rules. For decades, the EPA has used health data such as premature deaths and asthma attacks avoided, to help justify limits on air pollution. That could soon change. Internal emails reveal that the EPA plans to stop assigning a dollar value to the health benefits of reducing two major pollutants: Fine particulate matter, known as PM 2.5 , and ozone. Instead, the agency would focus mainly on the cost to businesses of following these pollution rules. Experts say the change could make it easier to repeal limits on pollution from coal plants, oil refineries and other industrial sites, leading to dirtier air in many communities. PM 2.5 particles are so small they can enter the lungs and bloodstream. Long-term exposure has been linked to asthma, heart disease, lung disease and early death. Ozone, a key part of smog, forms when pollution from cars and factories reacts in sunlight. It can trigger breathing problems. Under the Biden administration, the EPA tightened limits on PM 2.5 that industries could emit. The agency estimated those rules could prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays in 2032 alone. The EPA also estimated that for every $1 spent on reducing PM 2.5 , there could be as much as $77 in health benefits. The Trump administration argues that those health estimates are too "uncertain." Under the new approach, the EPA would still mention health effects but would no longer include them in cost-benefit calculations. "EPA, like the agency always has, is still considering the impacts that PM 2.5 and ozone emissions have on human health," EPA spokeswoman Carolyn Holran told The Times in an email. "Not monetizing does not equal not considering or not valuing the human health impact." Others strongly disagree. "The idea that EPA would not consider the public health benefits of its regulations is anathema to the very mission of EPA," Richard Revesz, faculty director of the Institute for Policy Integrity at New York University School of Law, told The Times. "If you're only considering the costs to industry and you're ignoring the benefits, then you can't justify any regulations that protect public health, which is the very reason that EPA was set up," he added. Internal emails show EPA leaders plan to include language in future clean-air rules stating that "historically, the E.P.A."s analytical practices often provided the public with false precision and confidence regarding the monetized impacts of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and ozone." It goes on to say that "to rectify this error, the E.P.A. is no longer monetizing benefits from PM 2.5 and ozone." That language has already appeared in a regulatory impact analysis posted online earlier this week. The shift has drawn support from business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has long criticized how the EPA weighs health benefits. But legal experts warn the change could cause challenges in court and make pollution rollbacks harder to defend. Copyright 2026 HealthDay. All rights reserved. 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: Kampus Production from Pexels For many medical students, the earliest years of training are heavy on textbooks and light on real patient contact. But a new study suggests that meaningful clinical learning can begin much earlier, not in hospitals, but in people's homes. Published in Medical Education Online, the study examines an eight-year Service-Learning initiative in which first-year medical students visit older adults in the community throughout an academic year. The program gives students the chance to build sustained relationships and engage with aging, health, and vulnerability in a setting far removed from clinical routines. A program based on sustained personal contact The study was led by Dr. Adi Finkelstein of the Jerusalem College of Technology; Dr. Tali Sahar of Hebrew University and Prof. Naama Constantini of Hebrew University. The program was initiated at the Hebrew University by Dr. Ohad Avni and Prof. Constantini, in partnership with Randy Gerber of the Joint. Students visited older adults in pairs, conducting about ten visits over the course of the year. Each visit lasted 60 to 90 minutes and focused on gentle, individualized physical activity alongside open conversationabout everyday challenges, health concerns, and what it means to age. The program included an introductory workshop and ongoing mentoring from volunteer physicians and physical therapists. What students said changed Through interviews, focus groups, and reflective writing, the researchers found that the experience shaped students in ways that extended far beyond the visits themselves. Students described learning how to: build trust through attentive listening and consistent presence communicate with sensitivity and respect, especially around autonomy cope with uncertainty and complexity, rather than rushing to "fix" problems understand health in a broader context that includes loneliness, disability, and social support confront difficult topics such as vulnerability, mortality, and end-of-life care Many students noted that these encounters helped them reflect on what kind of physicians they hope to become. Voices from the field Students described the experience as eye-opening: "When I was able to create a real connection with an older person, I understood that treatment has meaning far beyond providing medicineit is about seeing the whole person." "I learned that sometimes the most important thing is simply to listen. Our mere presence in the room made an impact and gave the patient a sense of value." Study overview The study included three consecutive cohorts of medical students. Of 555 students in the pre-clinical years, 313 volunteered to take part in the year-long program. Researchers collected data from 60 students through interviews and focus groups, and analyzed 128 reflective assignments using reflexive thematic analysis. Why it matters As populations age worldwide, medical education continues to grapple with age-related stereotypes and discomfort around aging. The researchers conclude that relationship-based service learning early in training may help medical students develop stronger empathy, reduce ageist attitudes, and approach patients with a more human, patient-centered mindset. More information Adi Finkelstein et al, Beyond the classroom: a qualitative study of voluntary home visits to older adults as a tool for empathy and professional growth in medical students, Medical Education Online (2025). DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2025.2605378 Clinical categories Healthy aging 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: Appearance of the Simulator (Left: Upper GI Model; Right: Lower GI Model). Credit: Tohoku University A research team at Tohoku University, in collaboration with Denka Company Limited and U-A Corporation, has developed a high-fidelity "dry" simulator for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). ESD is a minimally invasive procedure developed in Japan to treat early gastrointestinal cancers, but its high complexity carries risks of bleeding and perforation, requiring advanced technical skills. The study is published in Endoscopy. Traditional training often relies on animal models, which pose ethical and hygienic challenges, or on-the-job training, which carries risks for patients. To address this, Associate Professor Takeshi Kanno and his team developed a multilayered "ESD sheet" using proprietary soft materials that mimic human mucosa, submucosa, and muscle layers. The simulator accurately reproduces the tactile sensation of tissue dissection and includes artificial blood vessels to simulate realistic bleeding. It also allows trainees to experience complications: if the muscle layer is damaged, the "fat layer" outside the wall becomes visible, simulating a perforation. Validation by five expert physicians confirmed that the model provides a procedural experience nearly identical to actual clinical practice. This innovation provides a safe, repeatable environment for both beginners to learn core workflows and experts to practice challenging cases. By eliminating the need for animal tissues and reducing patient risk, this simulator is expected to standardize high-level endoscopic training globally and contribute to safer medical care. More information Takeshi Kanno et al, High-fidelity endoscopic submucosal dissection simulator reproducing full-procedure training, bleeding, and perforation, Endoscopy (2026). DOI: 10.1055/a-2761-0309 Clinical categories Gastroenterology 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: Anna Shvets from Pexels With another Congressional deadline looming this month for most telehealth coverage under Medicare, a new University of Michigan study adds more data to the debate. It shows that the total number of patient visits hasn't gone up since most patients gained the ability to see doctors and other health care providers virtually. In fact, among non-surgical medical specialties and mental health providers, the total number of visits stabilized and even declined slightly through June 2024, the most recent period available to analyze. The data come from more than 60 million people who had nearly 539 million appointments during a five-year period. The paper is published in the journal Health Affairs Scholar. The findings could help inform policymakers, who must vote by January 30 to either temporarily renew or permanently extend Medicare telehealth coverage standards that have been in effect since March 2020. If they don't meet that deadline, older and disabled Americans with traditional Medicare coverage could find themselves receiving messages like they did last fall, when there was a lapse in telehealth coverage during the government shutdown that began October 1. Monthly trends in total outpatient office visits (in-person and telehealth video/phone) per 1,000 traditional Medicare beneficiaries seeing providers in low, medium and high telehealth use specialties, from January 2019 to June 2024. Credit: University of Michigan Such letters told them that if they had a telehealth visit during that time, they might be responsible for paying the entire cost, or that their appointment was being converted to in-person or being canceled or rescheduled. Just before Thanksgiving, Congress authorized retroactive payment for telehealth visits that patients with traditional Medicare had decided to keep during the shutdown. But the budget agreement only provided for coverage of future care under current standards through the end of January 2026. New findings could inform telehealth policy The new findings, published in the peer-reviewed publication Health Affairs Scholar by a team from the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, build on findings that the researchers published as a preprint nearly a year ago during a prior period of uncertainty about Medicare coverage of telehealth. The new analysis includes data from January 2019 through June 2024 and breaks down telehealth and in-person visit trends for surgical, non-surgical and behavioral (mental) health care. Telehealth was possible only under very limited circumstances in Medicare before March 2020. That month, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a rapid emergency pivot to virtual care. Since then, such care has become routine for most people. In fact, the study shows that telehealth now accounts for 44% of all behavioral health visits and 9% of primary care visits among beneficiaries in traditional Medicare. However, despite this sustained adoption, the study finds that overall health care visits have remained stable or declined over time. The researchers used a special type of statistical analysis to look at visit patterns among specialties with high, medium and low telehealth use. They found that even in fields where telehealth was widely adopted, the total number of visits, including in-person and virtual visits, stayed steady or even declined over time. Contrary to some predictions, overall visits didn't climb higher as telehealth became more popular. Lead author James D. Lee, M.D., M.P.H., said that it's important to look at the overall trajectory of both telehealth and in-person visits in order to inform policymakers who want to balance care access and flexibility with budgetary responsibility. "One of the things that is paralyzing the policy debate is uncertainty and concern about whether covering telehealth in parity with in-person care would be associated with runaway utilization. But we don't see that here," said Lee, who is a National Clinician Scholar at IHPI and a Clinical Instructor in the U-M Medical School's Department of Internal Medicine in the Division of General Medicine. Lee and senior author Chad Ellimoottil, M.D., M.S., led the analysis. They did not include asynchronous patient portal messages, which providers can bill Medicare for under a separate code if they spend a substantial amount of time addressing the patient's concern. They also cannot include any visits that patients had with providers who did not bill traditional fee-for-service Medicare, such as mental health providers who patients may have paid for out of their own pocket. Because half of Medicare beneficiaries have chosen Medicare Advantage plans, which bill Medicare differently, their data aren't included either. The fact that the new analysis shows a declining trend for total visits for behavioral health and primary care is also of interest, Lee said. This may reflect the well-known shortage of primary care and behavioral health providers in the United States, including a reduction in capacity as burned-out providers reduce the number of appointments they offer. More information James D Lee et al, The volume of outpatient office visits did not increase for specialties that were more likely to adopt telehealth, Health Affairs Scholar (2025). DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxaf227 Clinical categories PsychiatryFamily medicine 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 At least 10,000 Floridians could lose access to life-saving HIV medication because Congress didn't extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits last fall, according to Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration. The Florida Department of Health is justifying deep cuts to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, which provides medication to low-income people living with HIV/AIDS, by saying it will prevent a dramatic $120 million funding shortfall. The department is mailing letters this month to thousands of recipients, telling them they'll be cut off from the decades-old program on March 1. Under the new version of the program, only the poorest Floridians will have access. Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo warned lawmakers Wednesday that the situation could become a "crisis" without intervention. "It is a serious issue," Ladapo said. "It's a really, really serious issue." His Department of Health has not asked the Legislature to fill in the funding, though Ladapo on Jan. 14 suggested there may be funding solutions that aren't onerous. And in Senate committees, the department was accused of dropping a bombshell on thousands of Floridians with little notice. "I can't understand why there's been no transparency," said David Poole, who oversaw Florida's AIDS program from 1993 to 2005. "There is something seriously wrong." The program's cuts could be especially impactful in Florida, which has long been at the top of the list for states with high HIV rates. In 2016 and 2021, Florida had the highest number of new HIV cases of any state. The Department of Health has been looking at ways to restructure the program since the federal government shutdown last fall, Ladapo said. Committee chair Sen. Jay Trumbull, R-Panama City, said the issue is likely to be negotiated in budget talks this session. "It's a big deal," he said. Congress shut down in October as Republicans and Democrats fought over the impending expiration of the Affordable Care Act's enhanced premium tax credits. Federal lawmakers couldn't find a resolution, and the tax credits expired at the end of the year. Florida, more than any other state, is likely to have residents see high health insurance premium spikes, in part because of the state's long refusal to expand Medicaid. Nearly 4.5 million people in Florida receive health insurance through the federal marketplace and had their bills subsidized by the enhanced tax credits. Among the states, Florida also has one of the largest shares of people who use the AIDS Drug Assistance Program who are on the federal marketplace: about 31% as of 2023. That includes Michael Rajner, who once served on the Florida program's state advisory work group. He told senators that the cash price for his drugs is $7,500 a month. "This program is a lifeline. It has changed the HIV epidemic," he told lawmakers. Florida's way of culling the program reduces the income eligibility. Previously, the program was open to those making up to 400% of the federal poverty level, or $62,600 for an individual. Soon, only those making up to 130% the federal poverty level, or $20,345 for an individual, will be eligible. Other states have faced far more modest cuts, according to national experts who questioned the state's methodology. Pennsylvania, for example, cut its eligibility last fall from 500% to 350% of the federal poverty level. The department did not respond to questions from the Times/Herald about the program's funding. How many Floridians are losing coverage isn't precisely known. Ladapo's rough estimate was 10,000 people, or nearly a third of recipients. The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors estimates the figure will be higher: more than 16,000. The state's changes to the drug program will also eliminate access to Biktarvythe most popular medication for people with HIV/AIDSaccording to an email sent from the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County and obtained by the Times/Herald. Carl Schmid, the executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, called the state's abrupt changes to the drug coverage program cruel and life-threatening. "This is a long-established program that's been around for decades and that people are relying on to live," Schmid said. Ladapo said his team had been "tirelessly trying to figure out a solution," including by having conversations with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, other states and some HIV drug manufacturers. Ladapo, in front of senators on a health care appropriations subcommittee, explained the state's AIDS drug program as being funded from different pools. He said a small amount comes from federal grants, a larger amount comes from the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, and an even larger amount comes from rebates from drug manufacturers, which he said have some "inherent instability." "That part is probably the most sort of unstable because there's some discretion involved with it," Ladapo said. 2026 Tampa Bay 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: A cross section of a mouse brain shows SST neuron boutons in magenta with cell nuclei staining (via DAPI) in cyan. Credit: Nedivi Lab/MIT Picower Institute The way the brain develops can shape us throughout our lives, so neuroscientists are intensely curious about how it happens. A new study by researchers in The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory at MIT that focused on visual cortex development in mice, reveals that an important class of neurons follows a set of rules that while surprising, might just create the right conditions for circuit optimization. During early brain development, multiple types of neurons emerge in the visual cortex (where the brain processes vision). Many are "excitatory," driving the activity of brain circuits, and others are "inhibitory," meaning they control that activity. Just like a car needs not only an engine and a gas pedal, but also a steering wheel and brakes, a healthy balance between excitation and inhibition is required for proper brain function. During a "critical period" of development in the visual cortex, soon after the eyes first open, excitatory and inhibitory neurons forge and edit millions of connections, or synapses, to adapt nascent circuits to the incoming flood of visual experience. Over many days, in other words, the brain optimizes its attunement to the world. In the new study in The Journal of Neuroscience, a team led by MIT research scientist Josiah Boivin and Professor Elly Nedivi visually tracked somatostatin (SST)-expressing inhibitory neurons forging synapses with excitatory cells along their sprawling dendrite branches, illustrating the action before, during and after the critical period with unprecedented resolution. Using eMAP to engarge tissue, the researchers could zoom in on an excitatory dendrite (white) in the visual cortex and see where SST Boutons (magenta) connected via synapses. Credit: Nedivi Lab/MIT PIcower Institute Several of the rules the SST cells appeared to follow were unexpectedfor instance, unlike other cell types, their activity did not depend on visual inputbut now that the scientists know these neurons' unique trajectory, they have a new idea about how it may enable sensory activity to influence development: SST cells might help usher in the critical period by establishing the baseline level of inhibition needed to ensure that only certain types of sensory input will trigger circuit refinement. "Why would you need part of the circuit that's not really sensitive to experience? It could be that it's setting things up for the experience-dependent components to do their thing," said Nedivi, William R. and Linda R. Young Professor in The Picower Institute and MIT's Departments of Biology and Brain and Cognitive Sciences. Boivin added, "We don't yet know whether SST neurons play a causal role in the opening of the critical period, but they are certainly in the right place at the right time to sculpt cortical circuitry at a crucial developmental stage." A unique trajectory To visualize SST-to-excitatory synapse development, Nedivi and Boivin's team used a genetic technique that pairs expression of synaptic proteins with fluorescent molecules to resolve the appearance of the "boutons" SST cells use to reach out to excitatory neurons. They then performed a technique called eMAP, developed by Kwanghun Chung's lab in the Picower Institute, that expands and clears brain tissue to increase magnification, allowing super-resolution visualization of the actual synapses those boutons ultimately formed with excitatory cells along their dendrites. Co-author and postdoc Bettina Schmerl helped lead the eMAP work. These new techniques revealed that SST bouton appearance and then synapse formation surged dramatically when the eyes opened and then as the critical period got underway. But while excitatory neurons during this timeframe are still maturing, first in the deepest layers of the cortex and later in its more superficial layers, the SST boutons blanketed all layers simultaneously, meaning that, perhaps counterintuitively, they sought to establish their inhibitory influence regardless of the maturation stage of their intended partners. Many studies have shown that eye opening and the onset of visual experience sets in motion the development and elaboration of excitatory cells and another major inhibitory neuron type (parvalbumin-expressing cells). Raising mice in the dark for different lengths of time, for instance, can distinctly alter what happens with these cells. Not so for the SST neurons. The new study showed that varying lengths of darkness had no effect on the trajectory of SST bouton and synapse appearance; it remained invariant, suggesting it is preordained by a genetic program or an age-related molecular signal, rather than experience. Moreover, after the initial frenzy of synapse formation during development, many synapses are then edited, or pruned away, so that only the ones needed for appropriate sensory responses endure. Again, the SST boutons and synapses proved to be exempt from these redactions. Though the pace of new SST synapse formation slowed at the peak of the critical period, the net number of synapses never declined and even continued increasing into adulthood. "While a lot of people think that the only difference between inhibition and excitation is their valence, this demonstrates that inhibition works by a totally different set of rules," Nedivi said. In all, while other cell types were tailoring their synaptic populations to incoming experience, the SST neurons appeared to provide an early but steady inhibitory influence across all layers of the cortex. After excitatory synapses have been pruned back by the time of adulthood, the continued upward trickle of SST inhibition may contribute to the increase in the inhibition to excitation ratio that still allows the adult brain to learn, but not as dramatically or as flexibly as during early childhood. A platform for future studies In addition to shedding light on typical brain development, Nedivi said, the study's techniques can enable side-by-side comparisons in mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism or epilepsy where aberrations of excitation and inhibition balance are implicated. Future studies using the techniques can also look at how different cell types connect with each other in brain regions other than the visual cortex, she added. Boivin, who will soon open his own lab as a faculty member at Amherst College, said he is eager to apply the work in new ways. "I'm excited to continue investigating inhibitory synapse formation on genetically defined cell types in my future lab," Boivin said. "I plan to focus on the development of limbic brain regions that regulate behaviors relevant to adolescent mental health." In addition to Nedivi, Boivin and Schmerl, the paper's other authors are Kendyll Martin, and Chia-Fang Lee. Publication details Josiah R. Boivin et al, Cortical somatostatin innervation follows a unique experience-independent developmental trajectory, The Journal of Neuroscience (2026). DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1870-25.2026 Journal information: Journal of Neuroscience Clinical categories Neurology 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 primary reason to be vaccinated against shingles is that two shots provide at least 90% protection against a painful, blistering disease that a third of Americans will suffer in their lifetimes, one that can cause lingering nerve pain and other nasty long-term consequences. The most important reason for older adults to be vaccinated against the respiratory infection RSV is that their risk of being hospitalized with it declines by almost 70% in the year they get the shot, and by nearly 60% over two years. And the main reason to roll up a sleeve for an annual flu shot is that when people do get infected, it also reliably reduces the severity of illness, though its effectiveness varies by how well scientists have predicted which strain of influenza shows up. But other reasons for older people to be vaccinated are emerging. They are known, in doctor-speak, as off-target benefits, meaning that the shots do good things beyond preventing the diseases they were designed to avert. The list of off-target benefits is lengthening as "the research has accumulated and accelerated over the last 10 years," said William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Some of these protections have been established by years of data; others are the subjects of more recent research, and the payoff is not yet as clear. The first RSV vaccines, for example, became available only in 2023. Still, the findings "are really very consistent," said Stefania Maggi, a geriatrician and senior fellow at the Institute of Neuroscience at the National Research Council in Padua, Italy. She is the lead author of a recent meta-analysis, published in the British journal Age and Ageing, that found reduced risks of dementia after vaccination for an array of diseases. Given those "downstream effects," she said, vaccines "are key tools to promote healthy aging and prevent physical and cognitive decline." Yet too many older adults, whose weakening immune systems and high rates of chronic illness put them at higher risk of infectious diseases, have not taken advantage of vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported last week that about 31% of older adults had not yet received a flu shot. Only about 41% of adults 75 and older had ever been vaccinated against RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, and about a third of seniors had received the most recent COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC recommends the one-and-done pneumococcal vaccine for adults 50 and older. An analysis in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, however, estimated that from 2022, when new guidelines were issued, through 2024, only about 12% of those 67 to 74 received it, and about 8% of those 75 and older. The strongest evidence for off-target benefits, dating back 25 years, shows reduced cardiovascular risk following flu shots. Healthy older adults vaccinated against flu have substantially lower risks of hospitalization for heart failure, as well as for pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Vaccination against influenza has also been associated with lower risks of heart attack and stroke. Moreover, many of these studies predate the more potent flu vaccines now recommended for older adults. Could the RSV vaccine, protective against another respiratory illness, have similar cardiovascular effects? A recent large Danish study of older adults found a nearly 10% decline in cardiorespiratory hospitalizationsinvolving the heart and lungsamong the vaccinated versus a control group, a significant decrease. Lowered rates of cardiovascular hospitalizations and stroke did not reach statistical significance, however. That may reflect a short follow-up period or inadequate diagnostic testing, cautioned Helen Chu, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Washington and co-author of an accompanying editorial in JAMA. "I don't think RSV behaves differently from flu," Chu said. "It's just too early to have the information for RSV, but I think it will show the same effect, maybe even more so." Vaccination against still another dangerous respiratory disease, COVID, has been linked to a lower risk of developing long COVID, with its damaging effects on physical and mental health. Probably the most provocative findings concern vaccination against shingles, aka herpes zoster. Researchers made headlines last year when they documented an association between shingles vaccination and lower rates of dementiaeven with the less effective vaccine that has since been replaced by Shingrix, approved in 2017. Nearly all studies of off-target benefits are observational, because scientists cannot ethically withhold a safe, effective vaccine from a control group whose members could then become infected with the disease. That means such studies are subject to "healthy volunteer bias," because vaccinated patients may also practice other healthy habits, differentiating them from those not vaccinated. Although researchers try to control for a variety of potentially confounding differences, from age and sex to health and education, "we can only say there's a strong association, not a cause and effect," Maggi said. But Stanford researchers seized on a natural experiment in Wales in 2013, when the first shingles vaccine, Zostavax, became available to older people who had not yet turned 80. Anyone who had was ineligible. Over seven years, dementia rates in participants who had been eligible for vaccination declined by 20%even though only half had actually received the vaccinecompared with those who narrowly missed the cutoff. "There are no reasons people born one week before were different from those born a few days later," Maggi said. Studies in Australia and the United States have also found reductions in the odds of dementia following shingles shots. In fact, in the meta-analysis Maggi and her team published, several other childhood and adult vaccinations appeared to have such effects. "We now know that many infections are associated with the onset of dementia, both Alzheimer's and vascular," she said. In 21 studies involving more than 104 million participants in Europe, Asia, and North America, vaccination against shingles was associated with a 24% reduction in the risk of developing dementia. Flu vaccination was linked to a 13% reduction. Those vaccinated against pneumococcal disease had a 36% reduction in Alzheimer's risk. The Tdap vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) is recommended for adults every 10 years, with vaccination among older adults often prompted by the birth of a grandchild, who cannot be fully vaccinated for months. It was associated with a one-third decline in dementia. Other researchers are investigating the effects of shingles vaccination on heart attacks and stroke and of COVID vaccination on cancer survival. What causes such vaccine bonuses? Most hypotheses focus on the inflammation that arises when the immune system mobilizes to fight off an infection. "You have damage to the surrounding environment" in the body, "and that takes time to calm down," Chu said. The effects of inflammation can far outlast the initial illness. It may allow other infections to take hold, or cause heart attacks and strokes when clots form in narrowed blood vessels. "If you prevent the infection, you prevent this other damage," Chu said. Hospitalization itself, during which older patients can become deconditioned or develop delirium, is a risk factor for dementia, among other health problems. Vaccines that reduce hospitalization might therefore delay or ward off cognitive decline. Health officials in the Trump administration have assailed childhood vaccines more than adult ones, but their vocal opposition may be contributing to inadequate vaccination among older Americans, too. Many will not only miss out on the emerging off-target benefits but will remain vulnerable to the diseases the vaccines prevent or diminish. "The current national policy on vaccination is at best uncertain, and in instances appears anti-vaccine," said Schaffner, a former member of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. "All of us in public health are very, very distressed." 2026 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Cash-for-votes row reaches city Cash-for-votes row reaches city Cash-for-votes row reaches city As campaigning for the civic elections drew to a close, allegations of cash-for-votes dominated the final hours on Wednesday. Opposition parties alleged widespread cash distribution across Mumbai and adjoining civic bodies, with sources claiming that in constituencies backed by influential political families, the flow of money ran into lakhs.In several Mumbai wards, candidates accused rivals of distributing cash and valuables. Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Rehana Shaikh, contesting from Ward 226, alleged that members of Speaker Rahul Narvekars family attempted to influence voters by distributing cash on January 12, followed by more cash and sarees the next day.I personally saw party workers distributing cash and sarees. The Flying Squad reached the spot, and I hope strict action will be taken, Shaikh said, also alleging intimidation attempts prior to the distribution. Efforts to contact Harshita Narvekar for a response were unsuccessful.In another Mumbai ward, Congress candidate Tulip Miranda accused a BJP candidate of distributing Rs 500 per voter in Kunchankurve Nagar, Ward 90. Residents confirmed receiving cash and we have proof. The Flying Squad acted, but it is unfortunate such practices continue, Miranda told Mumbai Mirror. BJP candidate Jyoti Upadhyay could not be reached for comment.Similar allegations emerged from Chembur, where UBT workers claimed ruling party candidates violated the silence period by distributing cash ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 in Anand Nagar. Anil Patankar, a UBT member, said CCTV footage of the incident was submitted to authorities. The accused candidate, Tukaram Kate, denied the allegations.Across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, reports of alleged inducements continued to surface. In Thane, residents claimed cash distribution in multiple localities. Ram Pratap Yadav, a resident of Rabodi, alleged that some families received up to Rs 1 lakh each, covering nearly a dozen voters per household. Another Thane resident, Melwyn Fernandes, claimed Rs 5,000 was distributed per voter in Gandhi Nagar, allegedly by ruling party workers.Opposition leaders questioned whether such practices reflected a lack of confidence in the ruling partys development narrative. Kedar Dighe, Thane city president of Sena (UBT), said, If they are confident about their work, why spend so much money to buy votes? This shows fear of the Thackeray brand.Tensions escalated in Thanes Ward 3 after independent candidate Datta Ghadge allegedly caught workers of rival independent Bhushan Bhoir distributing cash. The workers were taken to Kapurbawdi police station along with the seized money. Both candidates are contesting as independents after being denied tickets by the BJP and Shiv Sena, respectively.Further clashes were reported in Thanes Wards 6, where workers were allegedly caught offering cash while demonstrating EVM machines door-to-door even after campaigning ended. Shiv Sena (UBT) workers accused the Shinde faction of inducements, leading to shouting matches and scuffles. Police cases were registered at Vartak Nagar and Kapurbawdi police stations.In Mira-Bhayandar, Sena (UBT) leader Shweta Patil alleged that workers of the Shinde faction were caught distributing cash in Penkar Pada, Ward 16. Patil claimed to have seized approximately Rs 2.5 lakh and escorted the accused to Kashimira police station, where a woman was questioned.Despite repeated complaints, action has been weak. Instead of enforcing the law, authorities suggested amicable settlements, Patil alleged.Residents and candidates across regions claimed that complaints to election authorities went largely unaddressed. Ram Pratap Yadav, now contesting as an independent from Rabodis Ward 10, wrote to the Thane municipal commissioner alleging the use of black money, hired manpower and anti-social elements to influence voters, and sought strict surveillance to ensure free and fair polls.In Kalyan East, political tensions peaked after Shiv Sena (UBT) workers accused former BJP corporator Vicky Tare of distributing cash. A viral video allegedly shows Tare abusing and threatening workers with an iron rod, followed by an alleged attack on three Sena workers. Police have launched an investigation.In Panvel, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena accused BJP workers of distributing cash in Ward 17. The BJP denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. Election authorities have not issued an official statement. Theres something about cities whose names double up as brand identities. This familiarity, global and domestic, finds expression in idioms like a New York minute, Parisian chic and being in La La Land. Cities also profit off, and suffer from, their own stereotypes. Behind-the-curve honeymooners are still heading to Interlaken, hipsters to Catstanbul and tan-phobic beach-bums to out-of-favour Mykonos. City reputations turn their monikers into metaphors. Weve all met fellas returning from low-brow shenanigans in Goa saying what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. And Mumbaikars stuck for hours on the Western Express Highway may well use the phrase Dilli dur ast on their way home to Mira Road. History, cultural exchanges, celebrities, literature and immigration trends are just a few of the influencing factors in how the world perceives a city. And this evolves with time. For folks of a certain vintage, say London and whether their reference is DDLJ or Monopoly or the Diwali Lights theyll think of Trafalgar Square. For younger folk, London is home to Sonam Kapoor, hard-partying Indian businessmen fugitives, the occasional mugging and a cocktail bar called Bandra Bhai, accessible via a staircase behind a restaurant called Pahli Hill. Of course, the city-as-brand often means cities have to endure perceptions, somewhere between fame and notoriety, even from those who have never managed to visit. (This is par for the course. Because while all roads may lead to Rome, and when in Rome you may want to do as the Romans do, the Indian passport still requires a ton of paperwork to qualify for a visa.) The company Brand Finance evaluates brand strength across categories. Their Global City Index rates cities via seven parameters: Business, liveability, culture and heritage, people and values, sustainability and transport, governance, education and science. London topped the city brand list. New York and Paris followed. In 2024, New Delhi was one spot ahead of Mumbai at 77 out of 100. Japan-based Mori Memorial Foundation also publishes comprehensive reviews of cities around the world. Their Global Power City Index (GPCI) also ranks megapolises on magnetism. Their 2025 list features London once again on top, with Mumbai being the only Indian city on the list (48 out of 50). Mumbai as a brand name is still catching up though its been more than two decades since the change. To be fair, the name Bombay did have a couple of centuries of a headstart. And its still everywhere. Theres a band called the Bombay Bicycle club and the racist-adjacent Eurodance nobody Dr Bombay. An American home accessories retailer called The Bombay Company went bankrupt, and in the US, Bombay is a registered trademark of the GHP Group, LLC. Try telling that to Bombae, the Canadian drag queen or the Bombay Bad Boy, a flavour of Pot Noodle. The British gin Bombay Sapphire was named after an 182-carat blue sapphire mined in Sri Lanka but called yes, the Star of Bombay. The Bombay Blood Group is a fascinating phenomenon that will resist renaming. Similarly, the Bombay Duck and the canteens, gyms and wallahs. Around the world, the city has inspired the Bombay Hills in New Zealand, Bombay Beach in California, Bombay (arrondissement de Port-de-Paix) Haiti and Bombay, Suriname. In 1804, Michael Hogan, an Irish shipowner and slave trader, having married an Anglo-Indian woman here, bought a few thousand acres of land south of the Canadian border. He renamed the land Bombay after his wifes place of birth. Today, the town contains two smaller hamlets Hogansburg (in honour of its founder) and South Bombay. No one has asked what our own South Bombay thinks of this, but it cant be too much of a problem when their new title is SoMu. Brand identities for North Mumbai and Navi Mumbai are perhaps not as well defined yet. Its probably only a matter of time though, as announcements for the development of Third Mumbai and Fourth Mumbai are made. Bereft of original ideas for the branding, we were promised a city even bigger than Dubai and even better than that. If this was your marketing agency, youd send them back for a better tagline. London has been called a nation, not a city. They say if you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. Paris motto is Fluctat nec mergitur She is tossed by the waves but does not sink. Its time to make the Mumbai brand mean something. Genesia Alves is a journalist and Mumbai is her ancestral village. During my nightly ritual of doomscrolling after work, I encounter a moment that crystallises a discomfort I have felt for some time. In a 10-second reel, a young woman looks startled as she realises her school-going sister prepares for exams without the help of any AI. Her reaction erases a version of reality many of us once knew, one where we trusted our own intellectual faculties to manage basic tasks like studying. As AI embeds itself into daily life, that reality feels increasingly remote. Since the rise of OpenAIs ChatGPT, followed by Claude, Google Gemini, Meta AI, Pi and others, users now turn to AI for almost everything: Can you help me finish my homework?,Can you write a 1,000-word SOP [statement of purpose] for my college application?, even What is the cure for cancer?. More than 800 million people reportedly use ChatGPT every week. A Washington Post survey of 47,000 publicly shared conversations found that its most common uses include information retrieval and practical tasks like coding, calculations, editing and writing. Increasingly, users also seek emotional support, therapy and medical advice. While users often dismiss known risks like privacy breaches, misinformation, bias, job displacement and environmental cost, experts warn of another consequence: the dulling of the human mind. A recent MIT Media Lab study cautioned that excessive reliance on AI-driven solutions can lead to cognitive atrophy and reduced critical thinking. Researchers tracked brain activity in 54 adults writing SAT-style essays using ChatGPT, Google Search, or no AI tools. EEG scans showed that ChatGPT users underperformed at neural, linguistic and behavioural levels. Over time, they relied on copy-and-paste and struggled to recall their own essays without AI. Given the severity of the findings, the studys lead author, Nataliya Kosmyna, published without waiting for peer review. The research adds to growing evidence that replacing human intelligence with AI risks cognitive decline, weakening memory, and problem-solving. Decline once associated with ageing or illness now accelerates under AIs promise. Mirror spoke to experts across disciplines about living with technology that threatens mental sharpness. AI should augment thinking, not replace it More and more students now rely on AI to finish assignments and write papers. Teachers too use AI to generate question papers. It has become an inevitable part of the education system, a crutch for both teaching and learning, says Shraddha Daxini, vice-principal of RD National College, Bandra West. There may be no escape from AI, she adds, but caution remains essential. AI dependence can hamper creativity and the natural thought process of students. We urge them to use AI constructively, for brainstorming, error-checking and polishing work that they must first create from scratch. Neuroscientist Kumaar Bagrodia, founder of Neuroleap and HALE, does not view AI as inherently harmful, calling it a form of neuroplastic leverage. Yet overuse carries risks. Reduced cognitive effort leads to weaker activation of the prefrontal cortex and poorer integration between attention and memory networks, he explains. When cognition is routinely outsourced, executive networks that govern reasoning and judgement remain under-engaged. This reflects classic use it or lose it neuroscience. Intelligence survives through use The brain requires daily exercise to sustain function, stresses Dr Manish Baldia, neurosurgeon at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central. Just as muscles need physical exercise, the brain needs regular work. Simple acts like recalling OTPs, remembering landmarks while driving without Google Maps, or doing basic maths without a calculator all matter, he says. Replacing simple brain functions with technological assistance harms cognitive growth. When AI takes over everyday tasks and even professional work, brain function slowly erodes. When thinking, calculation, reasoning and reflection shift consistently to machines, the mind loses sharpness. Cognition moves from active engagement to passive dependence. AI cannot replace human touch Over time, AI dependence extends into personal life. Easy access and instant responses push users towards chatbots for emotional and psychological distress. Navi Mumbai-based psychologist Anisha Khanna says, Therapy through AI remains questionable because psychotherapy rests on compassion, empathy and the therapist-client relationship. AI responses remain generalised and lack individual understanding, which can harm emotional regulation in the long run. As I read comments beneath the reel, many echo my own unease. I wonder whether, on a future day when words fail me or no friend feels available, I might turn to ChatGPT instead. Dr Baldia offers reassurance: AI is not the enemy. Complacency is. Used wisely, AI can refine thinking. Used blindly, it replaces it. Chinese Camp, CA A Multi-Agency Resources Center (MARC) event to assist in reconstructing Chinese Camp will be conducted next week for families who lost their homes in the TCU September Lightning Complex Fire. The M.A.R.C. is a collaboration between the American Red Cross, the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce, and the Tuolumne County Office of Emergency Services. We are coordinating with local organizations to provide information on options, funding, and rebuilding services during a planned assistance day, noted organizers. The event is designed as a one-stop opportunity for impacted residents to connect with multiple agencies in a single location. The event is being held on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Chicken Ranch Casino Resort in the Brahma Room. The Tuolumne County Community Development Department (CCD) is also expediting permits to assist fire-affected families in rebuilding as rapidly as possible. Chinese Camp residents will have easy access to information about recovery alternatives, financial help, rebuilding services, and community support resources. Local non-profits, service providers, and public agencies will participate, providing assistance, referrals, and next steps to people and families in recovery. This is about meeting people where they are and helping them move forward, stated organizers. Recovery is complex, and this event brings trusted partners together to make the process clearer and more accessible. The event is free to Chinese Camp residents. Calaveras County, CAAfter several months of wildlife rehabilitation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) successfully returned two orphaned black bear siblings to a remote habitat in Calaveras County last month. After being spotted wandering alone for several days without their mother, whose fate remains unknown, the two male cubs were initially captured in Arnold in July of last year. CDFW spokesperson Ryan Leahy disclosed, Really good, diligent neighbors and a good Neighborhood Watch actually helped us locate these cubs. Originally, they were captured relatively quickly, but again, they were very young at that time and not able to really care for themselves independently. Their rehabilitation took place over a period of approximately five months, starting at the Ramona Wildlife Center in San Diego and concluding at the Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue, after arriving there in November 2025. Their release is part of a pilot program in which seven young bears were returned to the wild during the fall, rather than the customary spring release. The early scheduling is intended to shorten their stay in captivity and restrict human interaction, boosting the likelihood of successful adaptation to the wild. The idea is that theres less time in human presence, even at a rehab, advised Leahy. We want to get them back out there as soon as theyre capable. Do they make it and find a den? Where is that den? Do they stick together? Do they get into conflict? Hopefully not, but well be able to track those sorts of things. That is because the bears have been equipped with GPS collars to track their travels and ear tags to aid in visual identification by wildlife officials and the public. Monitoring the behavior and survival of these cubs will help inform future black bear conservation and management in California, said Arjun Dheer, CDFWs Statewide Black Bear Coordinator. Black bears are remarkably adaptable animals, which has contributed to their presence across many of the states diverse habitats. California has a stable population of about 60,000 black bears, the most in the contiguous United States. CDFW encourages the public to avoid feeding orphaned or wild cubs and to immediately contact their regional office if they encounter bears that may need help. If theyre in areas of development, we want to know about it, added Leahy. Were really trying to prevent conflict. The ideal situation is that they dont go into a conflict area, but if they do, and if they start getting into human resources, we definitely want to know about that as soon as we can. This initiative is part of CDFW and partner wildlife rehabilitation institutions continuous efforts to safely release young bears to their native environment while reducing risks to both the animals and the community. Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado discussed her countrys future with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, even though he has dismissed her as an option to take over after an audacious U.S. military raid captured then-President Nicolas Maduro. Less than two weeks after U.S. forces seized Maduro and his wife at a heavily guarded compound in Caracas and brought them to New York to stand trial on drug trafficking charges, Trump hosted the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Machado, having already dismissed her credibility to run Venezuela and raised doubts about his stated commitment to backing democratic rule in the country. Machado told reporters outside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday she presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal during the visit as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. There was no immediate word from the White House if Trump had accepted Machados medal, a prize he has long sought for himself. The meeting comes as acting President Delcy Rodriguez delivers her first state of the union speech since the U.S. toppled her predecessor, Maduro, less than two weeks ago. Trump and his top advisers have signaled their willingness to work with Rodriguez, who was Maduros vice president. The Latest: County official says he met ICE officials looking at large potential detention space in Kansas City Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca posted a video on social media of two federal agents telling him he was trespassing after he showed up at a nearly 1-million-square-foot (93,000-square-meter) warehouse on the outskirts of Kansas City. He says he was ultimately allowed to enter the building and that officials told him they were looking for locations for a large facility. He told The Associated Press that one of the officials inside was Shawn Byers, the deputy field office director for ICE in Chicago. In a statement, an ICE spokesperson did not address the Kansas City location or Abarcas comments but said it should not come as news that the agency is working to expand detention space. ICE was given $45 billion for detention centers in the tax and spending bill that Trump signed last year. Trump administration sues over California law banning some new oil wells The law, which Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in 2022, bans drilling new oil wells within 3,200 feet (975 meters) of certain places, including hospitals, homes and businesses open to the public. The Justice Department says the lawsuit, filed Wednesday, is aimed at enforcing an executive order Trump signed last year to try to speed up U.S. fossil fuel production. This is yet another unconstitutional and radical policy from Gavin Newsom that threatens our countrys energy independence and makes energy more expensive for the American people, Attorney General Pam Bondi said of Californias law. Newsoms office did not immediately respond for comment on the lawsuit. The governor has touted the law as a key policy to protect public health. Trump says Gaza Board of Peace has been formed The president made the announcement on social media Thursday night but he did not release any of the names of the members of the board that is a part of his ceasefire deal for Gaza. The board will oversee a technocratic committee running day-to-day affairs on Gaza. The Members of the Board will be announced shortly, but I can say with certainty that it is the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place, Trump said. How Trumps Insurrection Act threat stands out against laws history Trump would not be the first president to invoke the Insurrection Act, as he has now threatened to do as a way to send U.S. military forces to Minnesota. But hed be the first to use the 19th century law to send troops to quell protests that started because of federal officers the president already has sent to the area one of whom shot and killed a U.S. citizen. The law allows presidents to use the military domestically but only on rare occasions. It has been invoked on more than two dozen occasions but not much since 20th Centurys Civil Rights Movement. Some legal experts say nothing in Minneapolis justifies using the act again now. Read more about Trumps Insurrection Act threat Democrat ic leader Schumer visits White House for rare meeting with Trump Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says he met with Trump in the White House on Thursday where he protested U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids and urged an extension of health care tax credits. In a statement, Schumers office said he told Trump that ICE raids are terrorizing communities and he must pull the agency out of U.S. cities. Schumer also used the meeting to urge Trump to push Republicans to support a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act tax credits, according to his office. The subsidies expired Jan. 1. Trump had requested the meeting with the Democrat from New York to discuss a new rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River between New York City and New Jersey. Schumer asked the administration to release its hold on roughly $18 billion to fund the project. The White House budget director announced the hold on funds on Oct. 1, the first day of last years government shutdown. Machado says she presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize medal The Venezuelan opposition leader told reporters outside the U.S. Capitol on Thursday she had done so as a recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. There was no immediate word from the White House if Trump had accepted Machados medal, a prize he has long sought for himself. After being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado offered to share it with Trump. Machado and the U.S. president met earlier Thursday at the White House, and theres been no official readout of that conversation, which was closed to the press. Machado was met with large crowds of supporters and reporters after that meeting, as well as her later conversations with senators on Capitol Hill. Trump celebrates Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers The president honored the champion hockey team for winning the title for the second year in a row. The team, for the second year in a row, presented Trump with a custom jersey that said Trump 47. They also gave the president a golden hockey stick and a ring. The team all donned red ties, imitating a look Trump has worn so often it has become a signature look. But Trump on Thursday wore a deep burgundy tie. Crowd awaiting Machado sings Venezuelan national anthem As they awaited her exit from the U.S. Capitol complex, a crowd of supporters broke out into the song. Some were waving Venezuelan flags, or had them draped around their shoulders. Excitement among the crowds seemed to reach a fever pitch as they caught a glimpse of Machado, who had planned to give remarks to reporters after her meetings with senators. Earlier Thursday, Machado met with Trump at the White House and was greeted by similarly enthusiastic supporters outside. Taiwan to invest $250B in US for lower tariffs in trade deal The U.S. and Taiwan have signed a trade deal under which Taiwans semiconductor and technology businesses will invest at least $250 billion in the U.S. and in exchange the U.S. will levy a general tariff of no more than 15%, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. It said the two sides would build world-class industrial parks in the U.S. to boost Americas industrial infrastructure. President Donald Trump last spring announced a 32% tariff on Taiwanese goods as part of his sweeping Liberation Day tariffs to address trade imbalances. He later set it at 20%. The agreement is the latest trade deal for the Trump administration, following ones with the European Union and Japan. The administration also has a one-year truce with China. Machado meets with senators following closed-discussion with Trump After completing her meeting with Trump, Machado left the White House and briefly greeted a group of supporters who cheered her near the gate exchanging hugs with many. We can count on President Trump, she told them in Spanish, drawing cheers. Machado then headed to Capitol Hill, where she opened a meeting with a bipartisan group of senators by greeting lawmakers individually. She shook hands with some, and shared warmer exchanges with others, including offering Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz a hug. Machado also posed for photographs with the group before heading into closed-door meetings with them. Venezuelas acting president calls for oil industry reforms to allow more foreign investment Venezuelas acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday asked lawmakers to approve reforms to the oil industry that would open the doors to greater foreign investment during her first state of the union speech less than two weeks after its longtime leader was toppled by the United States. Rodriguez, who has been under pressure by the Trump administration to fall in line with its vision for the oil-rich nation, said sales of Venezuelan oil would go to bolster crisis-stricken health services, economic development and other infrastructure projects. She outlined a distinct vision for the future, straying from her predecessors, who have long railed against American intervention in Venezeula. Let us not be afraid of diplomacy with the U.S., said Rodriguez, the former vice president who must now navigate competing pressures from the Trump administration and a government loyal to former President Nicolas Maduro. Read more about Venezuelas acting President Delcy Rodriguez Machado greeted by crowd as she exits White House meeting The Venezuelan opposition leader either didnt hear or chose not to answer shouted questions in English on how her meeting with Trump went or if she had given him her Nobel Peace Prize. But Machado did hug supporters as she walked to a waiting SUV, some of whom shouted her name, waved Venezuelan flags and chanted the countrys name. In response, she said, Gracias. Later Thursday, Machado was heading to Capitol Hill for meetings with senators. Her trip to Washington came as acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who was Maduros No. 2, was set to deliver her first state of the union speech Thursday. The economy presents challenges for Trump About 4 in 10 U.S. adults 37% approve of how Trump is handling the economy. He started out his second term with relatively low approval on this issue, which doesnt give him a lot of room for error. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults say Trump has done more to hurt the cost of living so far in his second term, while only 18% say hes done more to help. About one-quarter say hes not made an impact. The economy presents a relatively new problem for Trump. His approval rating on the economy in his first term fluctuated, but it was typically higher. Hes struggled to adjust to this as a weak point, as Americans care a lot more about costs than they did in his first term. Greenland acquisition agreement group to meet regularly Leavitt said Thursday that U.S. officials intend to keep having talks with representatives from Denmark and Greenland every two to three weeks. After highly anticipated White House talks with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday, a top Danish official said that a fundamental disagreement over the semiautonomous territory of which Trump has threatened seizing control remains but that the two sides would keep talking. In that meeting, the two sides agreed to establish a working group of individuals who will continue to have technical talks on the acquisition agreement. Those talks will take place, Im told, every two to three weeks, Leavitt said. Leavitt did not answer the question as to why Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, appointed in December as Trumps handpicked U.S. special envoy to Greenland, was not in a meeting on the issue at the White House this week. Landry has not visited Greenland and has said hes not interested in holding meetings with diplomats. Trump stands by labor secretary amid internal investigation into her behavior Leavitt says Trump is aware of an internal investigation into Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and stands by her. The New York Post recently reported that a complaint filed with the Labor Departments inspector general accuses Chavez-DeRemer of engaging in an inappropriate relationship with an employee. She also faced allegations that she drank alcohol on the job and that she tasked aides to plan official trips for primarily personal reasons. Chavez-DeRemer has denied the allegations. Leavitt said at Thursdays press briefing that she doesnt know if Trump has spoken to Chavez-DeRemer directly about it. But Leavitt says Trump believes she is doing a tremendous job at the Department of Labor on behalf of American workers. Leavitt asked about Trumps Insurrection Act threat for Minneapolis Saying only Trump could say what might push him to invoke the 1807 law, Leavitt called the Insurrection Act a tool at the presidents disposal that has been used sparingly by Trumps predecessors. Earlier Thursday, Trump threatened to invoke the act and deploy troops to quell persistent protests against the federal officers sent to Minneapolis to enforce his administrations massive immigration crackdown. The threat came a day after a man was shot and wounded by an immigration officer who had been attacked with a shovel and broom handle. That shooting further heightened the fear and anger that has radiated across the city since an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot Renee Good in the head. Leavitt said Democrats who had held their state and local law enforcement hostage and told them not to cooperate with federal authorities were deranged in their hatred for President Trump. White House does not detail what will happen to credit card companies that dont meet Trump demand to lower rates Leavitt said the president has an expectation that credit card companies will accede to his demand that they cap interest rates on credit cards at 10%. I dont have a specific consequence to outline for you but certainly this is an expectation and frankly a demand that the president has made, she said. Minnesota residents allege racist arrests in new law lawsuit over immigration crackdown Three Minnesota residents have sued the Trump administration, saying arrests and traffic stops during an immigration crackdown are racist. The Department of Homeland Securitys operation in the Minneapolis area is the largest of its kind. Officers are using aggressive tactics to make arrests, including the use of chemical agents and physical force. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in federal court by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota. The three residents are U.S. citizens and allege they were questioned by immigration agents due to their race. Masked federal agents in military gear have ignored basic human rights in their enforcement activity against Minnesotans, especially targeting Somali and Latino communities, the ACLU said in a statement. The lawsuit seeks to end agents alleged practice of racial profiling and warrantless arrests. Its the latest lawsuit filed over the Minnesota crackdown. DHS didnt immediately return a request for comment. Leavitt says Trumps skepticism of Machado ability to lead has not changed As Trump met with the Venezuelan opposition leader, Leavitt said that Trumps opinion of her remained the same and was a realistic assessment based on what the president was reading and hearing from his advisors and national security team. Leavitt went on to say that Trump supported new Venezuelan elections when the time is right but did not say when that might be, in Trumps opinion. Just hours after Maduros capture earlier this month, Trump said of Machado that it would be very tough for her to be the leader. She doesnt have the support within or the respect within the country. White House says 800 executions that were scheduled to take place in Iran were halted Leavitt said that the president and his team had communicated to Iranian officials that there would be grave consequences if killing continues against protesters in Iran. Trump had threatened action and told protesters that help is on the way but said on Wednesday that he had it on good authority that the executions would be halted. All options remain on the table for the president, Leavitt said. Press secretary says Trump-Machado meeting underway at White House At a briefing on Thursday, Karoline Leavitt told reporters the meeting was getting underway as she left the Oval Office and said Trump had been looking forward to meeting with the Venezuela opposition leader. Calling Machado a remarkable and brave voice for Venezuelans, Leavitt said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other U.S. officials had been in constant communication with Rodriguez and the interim government, whom she termed as cooperative. Leavitt also noted that Rodriguezs government confirmed that they will be releasing political prisoners. Venezuelas acting President Delcy Rodriguez to speak in first state of the union speech Rodriguez is addressing an anxious country as she navigates competing pressures from the United States which toppled her predecessor less than two weeks ago and a government loyal to former President Nicolas Maduro. In her address to the National Assembly, Rodriguez is expected to lay out her vision for her government, including potential changes to the state-owned oil industry that U.S. President Donald Trump has promised to reinvigorate since Maduros seizure. Danish foreign minister visits Capitol Hill in attempt to shore up support Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen met with a bipartisan group of senators at the Capitol amid a round of meetings intended to generate support for the U.S.-Denmark relationship that has been shaken by President Donald Trumps threats to take over Greenland. We really appreciate that we have close friends in the Senate and the House as well, Rasmussen told reporters, adding that Denmark would work to accommodate any reasonable American requests with Greenland. There has been significant concern among lawmakers of both political parties that Trump could upend the NATO alliance by insisting on using military force to possess Greenland. Republicans lawmakers have suggested that the Trump administration should work with Denmark to enhance security in the Arctic. Trumps special envoy heads to DC for Greenland meetings Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, Trumps recently appointed special envoy to Greenland, briefly addressed his new role during a press conference Thursday in Louisiana. When asked about who he planned to meet with and the topic of those meetings, Landry said he planned to travel to Washington to discuss culinary diplomacy and opportunities for Louisiana in Greenland, as well as opportunities for Greenland in Louisiana and the U.S. He did not elaborate. Im sure that when Im done with those meetings, we will put that information out on our social media and make sure that we get any of those questions answered, he told reporters. About 4 in 10 Americans consistently approved of Trumps performance President Donald Trumps second term has been eventful, but you wouldnt know it from his approval numbers. An AP-NORC poll from January found that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults approve of Trumps performance as president. Thats virtually unchanged from March 2025, shortly after he took office for the second time. Theres been even less variation in Americans views of his performance than during his first term, which was already remarkably steady. That stability is a testament to how difficult it is to change Americans minds about a figure who has defined the political landscape for the past decade. House snafu could delay consideration of health care subsidies in Senate A technical snafu by House leaders after the chamber passed legislation to extend federal health care subsidies is adding to uncertainty over the bill in the Senate. House leaders sent the wrong version of the bill across the Capitol last week, meaning that the Senate would now have to vote to send the legislation back to the House so it can be updated and sent back again. Its unclear if any Senate opponents of the bill, which would extend already-expired tax credits for Affordable Care Act plans for millions of Americans, might object and delay a fix. If a senator does object to sending the bill back, the Senate would likely have to hold a roll call vote after its scheduled recess next week. Its unclear how the mistake happened. The House voted on the Democratic bill over the objections of Republican leaders by getting enough votes to discharge the legislation unlock debate. In the end, 17 Republicans joined Democrats to pass it. Even if the Senate did send it back quickly, the bills fate in the Senate was unclear as bipartisan negotiators have not been able to find compromise. The Senate has already rejected a similar version of the House-passed bill. Trump announces outlines of health care plan he wants Congress to consider The White House said the plan Trump laid out in a taped video message Thursday would codify his efforts to lower drug prices by tying prices to the lowest price paid by other countries. The cornerstone is his proposal to send money directly to Americans for health savings accounts so they can bypass the federal government and handle insurance on their own. Democrats have rejected the idea as a paltry substitute for covering the high costs of health care. It wasnt immediately clear if any lawmakers in Congress were working to introduce the Republican presidents plan, which mirrors one floated among GOP senators last year. Republicans have faced increasing pressure to address rising health costs and a jump in insurance premiums after lawmakers let subsidies expire. Noem says tanker seizure shows justice in action. Other Trump officials said its about oil money Noem and the military framed Thursdays seizure of the Veronica as part of an effort to enforce the law: There is no outrunning or escaping American justice. However, other officials in Trumps Republican administration have made clear they see the seizures as a way to generate cash as they seek to rebuild Venezuelas battered oil industry and restore its economy. Trump met with executives from oil companies last week to discuss his goal of investing $100 billion in Venezuela to repair and upgrade its oil production and distribution. His administration has said it expects to sell at least 30 million to 50 million barrels of sanctioned Venezuelan oil. Registration data show the ship reported being partially filled with crude on Jan. 3. Its also been known as the Galileo, owned and managed by a company in Russia. A tanker with the same registration number, previously sailing under the name Pegas, was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for moving cargoes of illicit Russian oil. Wall Street strengthens as Trumps comments on Iran move markets Tech stocks bounced back by midday Thursday back following an encouraging report from a Taiwanese chip giant. Also helping to calm financial markets was a sharp easing in oil prices. A barrel of benchmark crude sank 4.3% to $59.22, while Brent crude, the international standard, dropped 4.1% to $63.81. Analysts pointed to Trumps comments Wednesday afternoon that he heard on good authority that plans for executions in Iran have stopped amid widespread anti-government protests. Financial markets took that as a signal that tensions above some of the worlds largest oil deposits could ease and lower the possibility of a disruption to the global flow of oil. Tehran, though, has indicated fast trials and executions ahead in its crackdown on protesters. Minnesota attorney general ready to go to court if Trump invokes Insurrection Act Keith Ellison, who sued the federal government on Monday to try to end the ICE enforcement surge, said hes ready to go to court again if the president invokes the Insurrection Act to justify sending in the military as well. Donald Trump is clearly trying to create an excuse to invoke the Insurrection Act, but none exists, Ellison said in a statement. Even after the Trump Administration deployed thousands of armed, masked, and poorly trained federal agents to brutalize Minnesotans, people are responding by protesting peacefully, by organizing their communities, and by looking out for their neighbors. The Democratic attorney general also called on Minnesota Republicans to set aside partisan politics and speak out against this dire threat of escalation from the federal government. US sanctions Iranian officials accused of repressing anti-government protests The U.S. is imposing new sanctions on Iranian officials accused of repressing protests against Irans theocratic government. The Treasury Department on Thursday targeted the secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security for allegedly calling for violence against protesters. The sanctions also affect 18 people and companies involved in a shadow banking network linked to Iranian financial institutions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the U.S. supports the Iranian peoples call for freedom and justice. The sanctions block access to U.S. assets and business, but they are mostly symbolic, as many targets lack U.S. funds. Maryland governor presses forward with redistricting, despite risk for Democrats Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said he wants to move forward with redrawing the states congressional map and have the Democratic-controlled legislature vote on it. Gov. Wes Moore, who appointed a commission to review potential maps that could soon recommend one, told The Associated Press that he believes the General Assembly has not just the authority, but the responsibility to be able to then have a vote on the recommendations of the commission. Democrats in Maryland outnumber Republicans 2-1, and the party already holds a 7-1 edge over Republicans in the states U.S. House delegation. His push has some Democrats concerned that mid-decade redistricting could backfire and cost the party a seat instead of gaining it one. Moore said during the interview on Wednesday as Marylands legislature opened its 90-day session that if other states redraw their maps, Maryland leaders shouldnt sit on their hands. But Senate President Bill Ferguson, a Baltimore Democrat, has said a remap aimed at flipping the seat held by Republican Rep. Andy Harris could jeopardize at least one seat and potentially two that now are held by Democrats.. Lawmakers question top military nominee about Venezuela attack The Marine Corps general tapped to lead the U.S. Southern Command says he stands ready to lead Americas expanded military presence in South America, but doesnt know how long that enhanced focus will last. Lt. Gen. Francis Donovan told Senate lawmakers Thursday that he has not received any indications about the Trump administrations long-term military plans for the region where U.S. troops have deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, attacked dozens of alleged drug cartel boats and seized sanctioned oil tankers. Donovan now serves as vice commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command. Democrats asked him during a Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing Thursday if he knows what Trump is planning for U.S. forces in the region. You do not have any indication? asked Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island. No sir, I do not, Donovan responded. Maine braces for ICE enforcement surge The governor of Maine and the mayors of its two largest cities acknowledged widespread speculation that ICE enforcement actions are imminent in the state, which is home to large immigrant communities from Somalia and other African nations. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills said aggressive enforcement actions that undermine civil rights are not welcome in the state. Mills, the mayors of Portland and Lewiston and Maines largest school district all acknowledged that the possibility of ICE enforcement has created a nervous atmosphere in Maine. But if they come here, I want any federal agents and the president of the United States to know what this state stands for: We stand for the rule of law. We oppose violence. We stand for peaceful protest. We stand for compassion, for integrity and justice, Mills said in video released Wednesday. Renee Goods shooting adds momentum to Democratic proposals for protections across the US Democrats across the country are proposing state law changes to rein in federal immigration officers and protect the public following the shooting death of a protester in Minneapolis and the wounding of two people in Portland, Oregon. Many of the measures have been proposed in some form for years in Democratic-led states, but their momentum is growing as legislatures return to work amid President Donald Trumps national immigration crackdown following the killing of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis. Republicans are pushing back, blaming protesters for impeding enforcement of immigration laws. Trump glosses over Insurrection Act history and legal context Threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act and send troops to Minneapolis, Trump noted that presidents have used the 19th century law many times. This is true but they havent necessarily done it in the circumstances found in Minneapolis, where the tensions have arisen from Trump already sending federal authorities into the city. In modern times, the act has been used to mobilize troops to help local authorities or to ensure a federal court order is carried out. The law was last used in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush to help quell riots in Los Angeles after local officials asked for the assistance. Presidents Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson all invoked it during the Civil Rights Movement to help enforce desegregation orders in Southern states where state and local governments were resisting. A 1964 Justice Department memo said the act can apply in three circumstances: when a state requests help, when deployment is needed to enforce a federal court order, or when state and local law enforcement have completely broken down. Trump threatens invoking Insurrection Act to deploy military in Minneapolis Trump made the threat Thursday after a federal officer trying to make an arrest shot a man in the leg Wednesday after being attacked with a shovel and broom handle. The incident further heightened the sense of fear and anger radiating across the city a week after an immigration agent fatally shot a woman in the head. Trump has repeatedly threatened to invoke the rarely used federal law to deploy the U.S. military or federalize the National Guard for domestic law enforcement, over the objections of state governors. If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State, Trump said in social media post. By The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. is imposing a new round of sanctions against Iranian officials accused of repressing nationwide protests that challenge Irans theocratic government. Included in Thursdays sanctions is the secretary of the Supreme Council for National Security, whom the Treasury Department accuses of being one of the first officials to call for violence against Iranian protesters. The Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control also designated 18 people and companies that the U.S. says have participated in laundering money from sales of Iranian oil to foreign markets as part of a shadow banking network of sanctioned Iranian financial institutions Bank Melli and Shahr Bank. Shadow banking refers to financial activities and institutions that act like banks but operate outside the regulations of the traditional banking system. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the U.S. stands firmly behind the Iranian people in their call for freedom and justice and that Treasury will use every tool to target those behind the regimes tyrannical oppression of human rights. The demonstrations in Iran began Dec. 28 over the collapse of the Iranian rial currency, as the countrys economy has been squeezed by international sanctions levied in part over its nuclear program. During an interview on Fox News Channels Special Report with Bret Baier on Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the protests began peacefully and the government engaged with the protesters and with their leaders. But after the 10th day of demonstrations, Araghchi said, terrorist elements led from outside the country appeared and made the protests turn violent. In February, President Donald Trump reimposed a maximum pressure campaign on Iran in an effort to block its development of nuclear weapons. The campaign included U.S.-led strikes on three critical Iranian enrichment facilities. The prospect of U.S. retaliation for the deaths of protesters looms over Iran, though Trump, a Republican, has signaled a possible de-escalation, saying the killing appeared to be ending. Among other things, the sanctions deny the people and firms access to any property or financial assets held in the U.S. and prevent U.S. companies and citizens from doing business with them. However, they are largely symbolic since many of them do not hold funds with U.S. institutions. By FATIMA HUSSEIN Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) Thursday was the final day to select an Affordable Care Act health insurance plan across much of the country, as the expiration of federal subsidies drives up health costs and lawmakers remain locked in a debate over how to address the issue. Thats when the open enrollment window ends in most states for plans that start in February. About 10 states that run their own marketplaces have later deadlines, or have extended them to the end of the month to give their residents more time. The date is a crucial one for millions of small business owners, gig workers, farmers, ranchers and others who dont get their health insurance from a job and therefore rely on marketplace plans. A record 24 million Americans purchased Affordable Care Act health plans last year. But this year, their decisions over health coverage have been more difficult than usual as clarity over how much it will cost is hard to come by. And so far, enrollment is lagging behind last years numbers with about 22.8 million Americans having signed up so far, according to federal data. Last year, for months, it was unclear whether Congress would allow for the end-of-year expiration of COVID-era expanded subsidies that had offset costs for more than 90% of enrollees. Democrats forced a record-long government shutdown over the issue, but still couldnt get a deal done. So the subsidies expired Jan. 1, leaving the average subsidized enrollee with more than double the monthly premium costs for 2026, according to an analysis from the health care nonprofit KFF. Still, the question of whether Congress would resurrect the tax credits loomed over Washington. Several enrollees told The Associated Press they have either delayed signing up for coverage or signed up with a plan to cancel as they anxiously watch whats happening on Capitol Hill. Last week, the House passed a three-year extension of the subsidies after 17 Republicans joined with Democrats against the wishes of Republican leaders. But the Senate rejected a similar bill last year. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, has been leading a bipartisan group of 12 senators trying to devise a compromise and said this week that he expects to have a proposal by the end of the month. The contours of the senators bipartisan plan involves a two-year deal that would extend the enhanced subsidies while adding new limits on who can receive them. The proposal would also create the option, in the second year, of a new health savings account that President Donald Trump and Republicans prefer. Under the deal being discussed, the ACA open enrollment period would be extended to March 1 of this year to allow people more time to figure out their coverage plans after the disruption. Still, Republicans and Democrats say they have not completed the plan, and the two sides have yet to agree if there should be new limits on whether states can use separate funds for abortion coverage. President Donald Trump on Thursday announced outlines of a plan he wants Congress to consider that would. It would, among other things, redirect ACA subsidies into health savings accounts that go directly to consumers. Democrats have largely rebuffed this idea as inadequate for offsetting health costs for most people. ___ Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Lisa Mascaro contributed from Washington. By ALI SWENSON Associated Press SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he was blocking Louisianas attempt to extradite a doctor in the Golden State accused of mailing abortion pills. The Democratic governors announcement comes a day after Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, said he sent the extradition paperwork in an effort to bring the physician to justice. Louisiana has some of the strictest anti-abortion laws in the country, while California law aims to protect abortion providers from criminal prosecution for treating out-of-state patients. Newsom said extraditing the doctor would have violated an executive order he signed in 2022 barring state agencies in his administration from assisting other states efforts to prosecute abortion providers. We will not allow extremist politicians from other states to reach into California and try to punish doctors based on allegations that they provided reproductive health care services, he said in a statement. Not today. Not ever. Landrys office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Newsoms announcement. Louisiana was pushing to extradite Remy Coeytaux, a physician in the San Francisco Bay Area. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said Tuesday Coeytaux faced a criminal charge of abortion by means of abortion-inducing drugs and risked spending up to 50 years in jail if convicted. An email and a telephone message seeking comment from Coeytaux Tuesday on the extradition push went unanswered. By SOPHIE AUSTIN Associated Press San Jose will prohibit federal immigration activity at dozens of city properties and vacant lots. The San Jose City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to ban U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from using 11 city garages and parking lots, as well as the parking areas of 75 community centers and libraries as staging areas or operational bases. The citys policy comes on the heels of Santa Clara County passing a similar policy to block ICE from using county-owned vacant lots, garages and other spaces for immigration enforcement. The city and countys plan is part of a spreading, national movement to freeze ICE agents out of certain areas after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an Oct. 6 executive order laying out similar rules. We are sending a bold and unmistakable message: City property exists to serve our residents, not to facilitate federal actions that undermine community trust or public safety, District 5 Councilmember Peter Ortiz, who led the effort, said at the council meeting. I do want to acknowledge that this policy has yet to be challenged in the court of law, and there are questions about enforcement. That being said, just as we see the executive branch of our federal government expanding beyond its historical role to target our residents, so should we, in order to defend those we love and call our neighbors. Signs stating prohibited use will be posted at all locations, and gates will be installed where appropriate. City employees who become aware of ICE activity will be required to report it to their supervisors. Though the city owns hundreds of vacant lots and spaces, many of these sites are located along creeks and arent accessible for public parking, according to a city memo. San Jose will continue to update its list of prohibited properties. This policy wont prohibit properties and parcels that are already in use by federal agencies. A spokesperson for the city managers office said there are no known city-owned properties being used for immigration enforcement purposes. The city has established safe site protocols in the event that immigration enforcement activities take place at city properties, spokesperson Carolina Camarena told San Jose Spotlight. The next step is to develop and refine additional procedures that will ensure enforcement. The policy isnt meant to impede federal officials from carrying out their duties under the law, such as operating Transportation Security Administration checkpoints at San Jose Mineta International Airport for aviation purposes, according to the memo. We want all residents to know that they can safely come to their city, to use the services we provide, to work with (the San Jose Police Department) to report crime, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said at the meeting. Obviously, I have and we all share deep concerns about the way federal immigration enforcement is being carried out in our country right now. The fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident and U.S. citizen Renee Good last week by an ICE agent has stoked national unrest. More than 1,000 protests took place across the country over the weekend. Santa Clara County immigration advocates spoke against the violence they said theyve experienced with ICE agents and called for more state funding for legal protections. Our friends and neighbors all over the country and right here in San Jose live in terror, and its constant, Kim Guptill, a volunteer with the Rapid Response Network, which documents and sends alerts of ICE activity in the county, said at the meeting. I also encourage the mayor and his team to work harder and faster on getting his contacts in philanthropy to donate more to protecting our immigrant siblings, as he promised back on May 19. San Jose implemented several policies last year to protect its immigrant communities, including prohibiting law enforcement from masking in the city and investing $1 million to bolster immigrant defense organizations such as Amigos de Guadalupe. San Joses population of nearly 1 million residents is made up of 41% immigrants. Councilmembers have also directed staff to analyze San Joses investments in order to divest from corporations with potential ties to ICE. City workers will report back in March. We came together as friends and neighbors to address this issue, District 7 Councilmember Bien Doan said at the meeting. Because (it affects) not only the Hispanic community, it affects the Asian community immensely as well. When we unite and organize, we can make a difference. ___ This story was originally published by San Jose Spotlight and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By JOYCE CHU/San Jose Spotlight San Jose Spotlight BEIJING (AP) On the first trip by a Canadian leader to China in eight years, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday that the two countries are entering a new era of relations. Carney, who became prime minister 10 months ago, is attempting to repair ties with China following several years of acrimony over issues ranging from Canadas 2018 arrest of a senior Chinese tech executive to 100% Canadian tariffs on China-made electric vehicles. He met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who hailed the turnaround in relations as did Carney, according to a statement from his office later Thursday. Both sides welcomed the renewal of bilateral engagement, the office said, including economic and financial issues, energy and security. Chinas official Xinhua News Agency, paraphrasing Li, said he welcomes more Canadian companies to invest in China and hopes that Canada will provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises investing in the country. Carney meets top leader Xi Jinping on Friday. The Canadian governments push to boost ties has been made more pressing by higher import tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. More than 75% percent of Canadas exports go to the U.S., and Carney has set a goal of reducing that reliance by doubling Canadas exports to other countries over the next decade. He held meetings Thursday with several leading Chinese companies including e-commerce giant Alibaba, the state-owned oil company China National Petroleum Corp. and the leading electric vehicle battery producer CATL. Were ready to build a new partnership one that builds on the best of our past, and responds to the challenges of today, Carney posted on X after his arrival in Beijing on Wednesday night. Canada, following the U.S. lead, announced tariffs of 100% on EVs from China and 25% on steel and aluminum in 2024 under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Carneys predecessor. China responded by imposing duties of 100% on Canadian canola oil and meal and 25% on pork and seafood. It added a 75.8% tariff on canola seeds last August. Collectively, the import taxes effectively closed the Chinese market to Canadian canola exports, an industry group said. China is hoping that Trumps tariffs and other pressure tactics on allies such as Canada will drive them to pursue a foreign policy that is more independent from Americas. The government in Beijing has often accused the U.S. of rallying its allies to gang up on China, particularly under former President Joe Biden, Trumps predecessor. Canadian authorities incensed China in late 2018 when they detained Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co., at the request of the United States, which wanted her extradited to face charges. China responded by detaining two Canadians on spying charges, casting a pall over relations for more than two years. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand, who is accompanying Carney on the trip, told her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that the prime minister looks forward to setting the course for the development of relations and restarting dialogue in various fields, a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said. Wang described Carneys visit as a turning point that is expected to open up new prospects for the relationship, the statement said. By KEN MORITSUGU Associated Press NUUK, Greenland (AP) Troops from several European countries continued to arrive in Greenland on Thursday in a show of support for Denmark as talks among representatives of Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. highlighted fundamental disagreement over the future of the Arctic island. The disagreement came into starker focus Thursday, with the White House describing plans for more talks with officials from Denmark and Greenland as technical talks on the acquisition agreement for the U.S. to acquire Greenland. That was a far cry from the way Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen described it as a working group that would discuss ways to work through differences between the nations. 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, he said Wednesday after the meeting. Before the talks began Wednesday, Denmark announced it would increase its military presence in Greenland. Several European partners including France, Germany, the U.K., Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands started sending symbolic numbers of troops or promised to do so in the following days. The troop movements were intended to portray unity among Europeans and send a signal to President Donald Trump that an American takeover of Greenland is not necessary as NATO together can safeguard the security of the Arctic region amid rising Russian and Chinese interest. The European troops did little to dissuade Trump. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that it had no impact on the U.S. presidents decision-making or goal of acquiring Greenland. The president has made his priority quite clear, that he wants the United States to acquire Greenland. He thinks its in our best national security to do that, she said. Rasmussen, flanked by his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt, said Wednesday that a fundamental disagreement over Greenland remained after they met at the White House with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rasmussen said it remains clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland but dialogue with the U.S. would continue at a high level over the following weeks. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday that the first French military elements are already en route and others will follow, as French authorities said about 15 soldiers from the mountain infantry unit were already in Nuuk for a military exercise. Germany will deploy a reconnaissance team of 13 personnel to Greenland on Thursday, the Defense Ministry said. On Thursday, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said the intention was to establish a more permanent military presence with a larger Danish contribution, according to Danish broadcaster DR. He said soldiers from several NATO countries will be in Greenland on a rotation system. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States Inhabitants of Greenland and Denmark reacted with anxiety but also some relief that negotiations with the U.S. would go on and European support was becoming visible. Greenlands Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen welcomed the continuation of dialogue and diplomacy. Greenland is not for sale, he said Thursday. Greenland does not want to be owned by the United States. Greenland does not want to be governed from the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States. In Greenlands capital, Nuuk, local residents told The Associated Press they were glad the first meeting between Greenlandic, Danish and American officials had taken place but suggested it left more questions than answers. Several people said they viewed Denmarks decision to send more troops, and promises of support from other NATO allies, as protection against possible U.S. military action. But European military officials have not suggested the goal is to deter a U.S. move against the island. Maya Martinsen, 21, said it was comforting to know that the Nordic countries are sending reinforcements because Greenland is a part of Denmark and NATO. The dispute, she said, is not about national security but rather about the oils and minerals that we have that are untouched. More troops, more talks On Wednesday, Poulsen announced a stepped-up military presence in the Arctic in close cooperation with our allies, calling it a necessity 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. Denmark informed NATO that it will be conducting exercises in Greenland, and the alliances Supreme Allied Commander Alexus Grynkewich spoke Thursday with Denmarks chief of defense, Col. Martin ODonnell, a spokesperson for Grynkewich told the AP. He said such dialogue is typical and added that we all agree the Arctic including Greenland is important for transatlantic security. The Danish exercises and deployment of additional troops bolster our collective defenses there, ODonnell said. The Russian embassy in Brussels on Thursday lambasted what it called the Wests bellicose plans in response to phantom threats that they generate themselves. It said the planned military actions were part of an anti-Russian and anti-Chinese agenda by NATO. Russia has consistently maintained that the Arctic should remain a territory of peace, dialogue and equal cooperation, the embassy said. Some diplomatic progress Commenting on the outcome of the Washington meeting on Thursday, Poulsen said the working group was better than no working group and a step in the right direction. He added nevertheless that the dialogue with the U.S. did not mean the danger has passed. The most important thing for Greenlanders is that they were directly represented at the meeting in the White House and that the diplomatic dialogue has begun now, Juno Berthelsen, a lawmaker for the pro-independence Naleraq opposition party, told AP. A relationship with the U.S. is beneficial for Greenlanders and Americans and is vital to the security and stability of the Arctic and the Western Alliance, Berthelsen said. He suggested the U.S. could be involved in the creation of a coast guard for Greenland, providing funding and creating jobs for local people who can help to patrol the Arctic. In Washington, Rasmussen and Motzfeldt also met with a bipartisan group of senators at the U.S. Capitol. We really appreciate that we have close friends in the Senate and the House as well, Rasmussen told reporters, adding that Denmark would work to accommodate any reasonable American requests with Greenland. There has been significant concern among lawmakers of both political parties that Trump could upend the NATO alliance by insisting on using military force to possess Greenland. Key Republicans lawmakers have pushed back on those plans and suggested that the Trump administration should work with Denmark to enhance mutual security in the Arctic. Line McGee, 38, from Copenhagen, told AP that she was glad to see some diplomatic progress. I dont think the threat has gone away, she said. But I feel slightly better than I did yesterday. Trump, in his Oval Office meeting with reporters, said: Well see how it all works out. I think something will work out. ___ Niemann reported from Copenhagen, Denmark, and Ciobanu from Warsaw, Poland. Associated Press writers Stephen Groves and Michelle L. Price in Washington and Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report. By EMMA BURROWS, CLAUDIA CIOBANU and DANIEL NIEMANN Associated Press The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) has welcomed a High Court ruling that temporarily blocks government entities from hiring private advocates and law firms, calling it a crucial step toward safeguarding public resources and strengthening in-house legal capacity. The conservatory order, issued on Monday, halts the engagement, procurement, and payment of external legal services by national and county governments, state corporations, and parastatals. The ruling comes pending the hearing of a constitutional petition filed by Dr. Benjamin Gikenyi Magare, Senator Okiya Omtatah, and others. COTU Warns Against Wasteful Outsourcing In a statement on Wednesday, COTU criticized the widespread outsourcing of legal services, describing it as a serious governance failure that drains taxpayers money. The trade unions Secretary-General, Francis Atwoli, said outsourcing external legal services demoralizes in-house lawyers and threatens the sustainability of public institutions. Billions of Kenyan shillings have been sunk into private law firms that continue to issue outrageous fee notes to public institutions financed by taxpayers money, even as working conditions, collective bargaining agreements, pensions, and service delivery continue being affected, Atwoli said. COTU further noted that in many cases, government entities pay private practitioners more than employees earn in public institutions. The craze in outsourcing legal services by national and county governments, state corporations and parastatals only points to the fact that private law firms have become conduits of corruption being used by public institutions, the union added. Public Institutions Should Rely on In-House Professionals COTU argued that where public institutions cannot handle certain legal matters, cases should be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General. The union said this would allow public sector legal professionals to exercise their expertise while being held accountable for their work. even as their continuous training and terms and conditions of service are improved to match the competitive market rates so as to retain top-cadre legal professionals within the public service, COTU said. Court Halts Payments to Private Law Firms The High Court directed the Controller of Budget (CoB) not to approve any payments to private advocates or law firms until the matter is fully determined. The ruling has sparked pushback from Kenyas legal sector. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) described the order as a sustained effort to marginalize private practitioners from public sector work. The society said the case reflects a recurring trend aimed at excluding private advocates from government legal briefs, despite past court rulings affirming fair and competitive procurement of legal services. We strongly oppose this ill-advised move and urge those involved to reconsider this overzealous upheaval of legal practice, LSK said. Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has reiterated the governments ambitious plan to transform Kenya into a first-world economy within a single generation, stressing that the goal is achievable if the country remains focused on people-centred development, technology, and strategic partnerships. Speaking at the 14th Development Partners Forum 2026 in Karen, Nairobi, Prof. Kindiki asserted that Kenyas aspirations are realistic and attainable, pointing to countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore, which achieved similar economic transformations within a few decades. Our next vision is clear: to transform Kenya into a first-world economy within a generation. There is absolutely no reason why Kenya cannot do it, he said. The Deputy President reaffirmed that the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) remains the governments central blueprint for development, dismissing claims that it has been sidelined. He said the agenda is anchored on three pillars; people, partnerships, and technology, which will form the foundation for Kenyas future growth. People must remain at the centre of development planning. Technology will accelerate our transformation, and partnerships will mobilise the resources we need to achieve our national ambitions, Prof. Kindiki said. Prof. Kindiki highlighted agriculture as the fastest and most effective way to lift millions of Kenyans out of poverty. He noted that the government is investing heavily in water harvesting, irrigation, and storage to make the sector more productive, reliable, and employment-generating. According to the Deputy President, the State is constructing both mega and medium-sized dams, alongside over a thousand water pans across the country, aiming to bring an additional 2.5 million acres under irrigation. On infrastructure, Prof. Kindiki said roads, railways, ports, airports, and energy projects are not just growth enablers, they are direct drivers of jobs and industrial expansion. He stressed the need to modernize Kenyas infrastructure at a faster pace to meet the countrys economic ambitions. If we move at the old pace, we will not reach where Kenya must go, he warned. Prof. Kindiki also announced progress toward establishing a Sovereign Wealth Fund, which he said will cushion the economy, finance long-term infrastructure, and safeguard future generations from mismanagement of mineral and oil revenues. He added that Kenya is mobilizing capital through financial markets, public-private partnerships, and private investment via the infrastructure fund to sustainably finance the countrys transformation. The Deputy President emphasized the importance of national security, warning that without long-term stability, economic gains could be reversed. Integrity, the rule of law, justice, and national unity are not optional but foundational to Kenyas transformation, he said. He further highlighted the governments investments in education, research, and innovation, revealing that research funding has been increased to two per cent of GDP to ensure innovation drives Kenyas future economy and job creation. Addressing development partners, Prof. Kindiki stressed that all programmes must align with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, not as a procedural requirement, but to respond to the priorities of Kenyans. He noted that some programmes would be realigned, renegotiated, or retired to accelerate transformation. Transformation must happen now, not tomorrow, he said. The Deputy President also highlighted the NYOTA programme as a key youth-focused initiative. He said it is designed to enhance employability, entrepreneurship, skills development, and a savings culture among young people, empowering them to drive Kenyas economic transformation. Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi is reeling from heavy financial losses after authorities demolished his businesses near Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi during a dramatic midnight operation on Wednesday. Police officers stormed the area shortly after midnight, firing teargas canisters and live rounds to disperse workers and bystanders before bulldozers moved in to flatten the premises. The destroyed properties included a car wash, a car dealership, a car parts shop, and several other businesses that had operated at the site for years. In the chaos that followed, vandals reportedly damaged more than five vehicles, compounding the losses. Governor Wamatangi arrived at the scene later and condemned the demolition, describing it as an act of cowardice. He accused unnamed individuals of using government offices to sabotage his work and disrupt his efforts to serve the people of Kiambu. Stop using government offices to ruin me. Stop using state offices to destroy my property and intimidate me. This is an act of cowardice, he said. Claims of live bullets and intimidation Wamatangi also raised serious alarm over the alleged use of live ammunition during the operation along Douglas Wakiihuri Road off Langata Road. He said the aggressive manner in which officers carried out the demolitions shocked him, especially after what he described as five straight days of warnings. They fired live bullets when they came for demolition. There was one Sunday I complained about bullets being fired at my home. Yesterday I said I would not come, Wamatangi said. He questioned whether the gunfire targeted him personally, asking, My question is, were the bullets supposed to be aimed at me? They fired in darkness, he claimed. A lifetime of work wiped out The governor also spoke emotionally about the destruction of a business hub he said he had built over nearly four decades. He recounted how he started from humble beginnings before growing into a successful entrepreneur. I want people to know that I started work here in 1994 when I was a young boy. I used to sell tea and mandazi on the other side then I moved here and started washing cars. After time, I stopped washing cars and instead started selling cars. Then I got into the transport business, I went to Kenya Railways and got a lease and I pay every month, he explained. Wamatangi described the demolition as politically motivated and questioned when what he called persecution against him would finally stop. I have employed so many youth in all those years. There are a lot of businessmen here. I want to say I am very sorry for them for what has happened. They trusted me and set up small businesses here: Mpesa shops, small hotels, barber shops, all have been brought down, Wamatangi said. He also insisted that authorities did not issue him with any formal notice before moving in. We have court orders that were signed when they first destroyed my property. Yesterday they came here with tear gas and live bullets, Wamatangi said. Court battle over Kenya Railways land The demolition came just days after Wamatangi, through his company Superclean Shine Enterprises, went to court seeking protection from what he described as repeated verbal threats to evict him from the land. In a petition filed at the Milimani Commercial Magistrates Court, he stated that Kenya Railways owns the land but has leased it to his company for more than 20 years. He added that his firm has consistently paid rent, which Kenya Railways has allegedly received and acknowledged throughout that period. The petition also claims that people said to be acting on behalf of Kenya Railways visited the property in December and issued verbal orders to vacate without serving any formal eviction notice. According to the court filing, such actions violate constitutional protections on property rights and breach the eviction procedures outlined in the Land Act. Throughout this period, the Applicant has duly paid rent which has been consistently received and/or acknowledged by the 1st Respondent (Kenya Railways Corporation), thereby affirming a valid and subsisting tenancy under which the Applicant has established and continuously operated a business on the premises with the knowledge and acquiescence of the 1st Respondent, the petition adds. Wamatangi vows to stay focused on development Despite the dramatic events, the Kiambu governor insisted that he remains focused on development and service delivery rather than political fights. I am non-political and a development person. This is intended to silence me and intimidate me, and to remove me from my development agenda so I can become just like everyone else, he said. Wamatangi reiterated that he will continue working for Kiambu residents until March 2027 before actively campaigning again. I have made a decision that Im going to work for the people of Kiambu without a single word of politics until March 2027. But that does not mean I will not run for governor, he said. He also expressed confidence that voters will return him to office. I will be the Governor of Kiambu, God willing, because the people of Kiambu have decided that, because of the work we are doing, they will give us this seat back, he said. Tutahakikisha kazi ndio itaongea. Mikono hamtatukata. The governor urged political rivals to conduct their campaigns fairly and to stop using state machinery to interfere with his property or disrupt his development agenda. Additional photos below. Members of the Rastafari Society of Kenya appeared before Justice Bahati Mwamuye on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, as they pursue a landmark case seeking the legalisation of Marijuana. The society is challenging sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act that criminalise the cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis, arguing that the laws infringe on their constitutional rights. Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) should be enjoined as an interested party in the case. He approved NACADAs application to join the matter and, as a result, vacated the hearing dates that had been scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. The application is allowed in terms of the enjoinment of Nacada as an interested party in this matter with immediate effect, the judge directed. The decision followed discussions between the government and other parties, who agreed that NACADA plays a central role in shaping and regulating drug policy in Kenya. The petition, filed by members of the Rastafari community, argues that laws criminalising the private use of cannabis violate their constitutional rights, particularly the freedom of religion. The society maintains that cannabis is central to its religious practice and that criminalisation infringes on constitutional protections for freedom of religion, privacy, dignity, and equality. The case has been pending for several years, with the community seeking recognition of the Rastafari faith and limited decriminalisation of cannabis for religious purposes. Through their lawyer, Shadrack Wambui, the Rastafarian community also accused police of ongoing harassment and intimidation. Counsel told the court that photographs of Rastafarians have been circulating online, exposing community members to profiling and persistent targeting by law enforcement officers. The court has now set January 30, 2026, as the new hearing date, while judgment in the case has been deferred to March 19, 2026, keeping attention focused on what could become a historic ruling for religious freedom and cannabis policy in Kenya. Governors from four counties in Kenyas western region have given the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Central Management Committee the green light to engage in structured negotiations with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over a potential coalition ahead of the 2027 general election. On Wednesday, January 14, 2025, the four governors, led by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, also declared their support for President William Rutos reelection, citing the need for political stability and sustained development across the country. Barasa was joined by Vihiga Governor Wilbur Otichillo, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, and Busia Governor Paul Otuoma. We support the decision of the CEC committee. We want to consolidate our people so that in 2027 we can have all leaders in elective positions, from Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to the president, elected under the ODM-UDA coalition, Barasa stated. We are in the broad-based government under the leadership of President William Ruto, and that remains our priority, Otuoma added. Lusaka, for his part, called on leaders to unite behind Rutos UDA, emphasizing regional cohesion. As a region, we will remain together politically and economically. My duty is to work with all leaders from this region and bring everyone together to give President William Ruto a second term, Lusaka said. The four leaders noted that presenting a united political front would allow western Kenya to effectively drive its development agenda and secure stronger representation at the national level. This regional endorsement follows ODM leader Oburu Ogingas announcement on Monday, January 10, 2025, that the party will begin formal negotiations with other political groups, starting with the UDA. Oginga chaired the Kilifi meeting, which included extensive internal discussions covering the partys ten-point agenda and resolving internal differences within ODM. The committee meeting expressed the intention to initiate structured negotiations with different political formations, beginning with the United Democratic Alliance, the ODM Central Committee stated in a press release. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Adney has roots in medieval England, originally used as a surname derived from place names meaning 'noble's island'. In Christian contexts, the name gained significance through its association with spiritual nobility and the concept of being set apart, much like an island represents separation and uniqueness. The 'noble' element connects to biblical teachings about spiritual nobility and being children of God. Throughout history, the name has been particularly popular among English-speaking Christian communities who valued its dual meaning of aristocratic heritage and spiritual distinction. The island imagery resonates with Christian symbolism of being in the world but not of it, representing a spiritual refuge or place of safety. During the Victorian era, the name experienced renewed interest as part of the romantic revival of medieval names and their associated virtues. In modern Christian naming practices, Adney continues to represent the ideal of maintaining Christian values and identity while engaging with the wider world, embodying the concept of being a 'light on a hill' or a moral compass for others. Individuals named Audris are commonly associated with a distinctive blend of strength and refinement that defines their character. They typically possess a quiet confidence and inner resolve that allows them to face challenges with remarkable composure. This strength is complemented by a deeply compassionate nature, making them both respected leaders and trusted confidantes. Their noble bearing is not about arrogance but rather a natural dignity that inspires confidence in others. Audris personalities often demonstrate excellent judgment and wisdom beyond their years, frequently serving as moral compasses in their families and communities. They tend to be protective of those they care about while encouraging independence and growth in others. This combination of traits makes them particularly effective in roles requiring both authority and empathy, such as teaching, counseling, or leadership positions where they can guide others while respecting their autonomy. Their spiritual depth often provides them with perspective during difficult times, allowing them to maintain hope and purpose even in challenging circumstances. Cultural & Historical Significance Britta originates from Celtic roots as a diminutive of Bridget, derived from the Celtic goddess Brigid, who was associated with fire, poetry, healing, and smithcraft. The name carries strong connections to ancient Celtic traditions where strength, creativity, and protection were highly valued feminine attributes. Throughout history, the name spread across Europe, particularly in Scandinavian countries where it became popular as an independent given name rather than just a diminutive. The name's association with Britain (from the Latin 'Britannia') adds another layer of cultural significance, connecting it to the strong, independent spirit of Celtic peoples who inhabited the British Isles. In Celtic mythology, Brigid was one of the most important deities, representing the triple aspects of womanhood and embodying both warrior and creative qualities. This dual nature is reflected in the name Britta, which combines strength with artistic sensibility. The name's journey through different cultures demonstrates how Celtic names were adapted and preserved across Northern Europe, maintaining their core meaning while acquiring regional characteristics. Today, Britta serves as a living connection to Celtic heritage while functioning as a modern, international name that transcends specific cultural boundaries. Individuals named Frederik are often perceived as balanced, diplomatic, and naturally authoritative while maintaining a calm demeanor. They typically exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with a peaceful nature, making them effective mediators and respected figures in their communities. Frederiks are often described as thoughtful decision-makers who value harmony and stability, possessing both the strength to lead and the wisdom to do so peacefully. Their personality reflects the name's meaning of 'peaceful ruler' - they tend to be confident without being aggressive, assertive yet considerate of others' perspectives. This balance often makes them excellent in positions requiring both authority and empathy. Frederiks are typically reliable, intelligent, and possess a natural grace under pressure, able to navigate complex social and professional situations with apparent ease. They often become the steady, dependable centers of their social and professional circles. Individuals named Garadyn are typically perceived as grounded yet spiritually inclined, reflecting the name's origin from stable geographical features. They often exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with deep introspection, making them natural guides and counselors. Their personality tends to balance practical wisdom with spiritual insight, allowing them to navigate complex situations with both reason and faith. This unique combination makes Garadyns particularly effective in roles requiring both earthly pragmatism and heavenly vision. Garadyns are often described as reliable and steadfast, much like the hills from which their name derives, providing stability to those around them while maintaining a visionary perspective. They typically possess strong moral convictions and a sense of purpose that guides their decisions and relationships. The three-cornered aspect of their namesake hill may also manifest in their ability to see multiple perspectives and find balanced solutions. This combination of earthly stability and spiritual aspiration makes them particularly valued in communities and organizations seeking both practical leadership and ethical guidance. Men named Jackie are typically characterized by their remarkable blend of approachability and inner strength. They often possess a natural charisma that draws people to them, combined with a practical intelligence that makes them effective problem-solvers. This combination of social grace and substantive capability allows Jackies to navigate diverse situations with equal effectiveness. Their personality often reflects resilience and adaptability, qualities that enable them to overcome challenges while maintaining their core values and integrity. Many Jackies demonstrate leadership through example rather than authority, earning respect through consistent performance and genuine concern for others. The name suggests someone who balances traditional values with modern flexibility, able to honor heritage while embracing progress. This psychological profile reflects the name's Scottish rootspragmatic yet warm, determined yet compassionatecreating individuals who build strong relationships while achieving meaningful accomplishments. Cultural & Historical Significance Joziah carries profound cultural significance rooted in ancient Hebrew tradition and biblical history. The name originates from the Hebrew name Yoshiyahu, meaning 'Jehovah has healed,' and gained prominence through the biblical King Josiah of Judah, who reigned during the 7th century BCE. His story, documented in the Books of Kings and Chronicles, tells of a young ruler who ascended to the throne at just eight years old after his father's assassination and went on to implement significant religious reforms, including the rediscovery and implementation of the Book of the Law. This historical narrative established Joziah as a name associated with spiritual renewal, righteous leadership, and divine healing. Throughout Jewish and Christian traditions, the name has maintained its religious significance, often chosen to honor the biblical king's legacy of faithfulness and reform. In Protestant communities during the Reformation and Puritan movements, the name experienced renewed popularity as parents sought biblical names that reflected values of religious purity and reform. The story of King Josiah's young leadership and commitment to restoring proper worship has made the name particularly meaningful in communities valuing spiritual dedication and moral courage across generations. The name continues to symbolize the ideal of leadership combined with spiritual integrity, making it a powerful choice for parents seeking to instill these values in their children. Individuals named Madelaine are often perceived as sophisticated, intelligent, and emotionally deep. They tend to possess a natural elegance and grace that draws others to them, combined with a strong sense of intuition and empathy. Madelaines are typically creative souls with an appreciation for beauty in all forms, whether in art, nature, or human relationships. They exhibit a unique blend of strength and sensitivity the 'tower' meaning suggests both resilience and the ability to rise above challenges while maintaining compassion for others. These individuals often serve as pillars of support in their communities, offering wisdom and stability to those around them. Their thoughtful nature makes them excellent listeners and problem-solvers, though they may sometimes retreat to their 'tower' for necessary solitude and reflection. Madelaines often demonstrate remarkable emotional intelligence, able to navigate complex social situations with tact and understanding. They tend to be lifelong learners with curious minds, always seeking to expand their knowledge and understanding of the world. While they can appear reserved at first meeting, those who earn their trust discover loyal, deeply caring individuals who form meaningful, lasting relationships. The combination of their inherent strength and compassionate nature makes Madelaines natural leaders who inspire others through both their competence and their kindness. Individuals named Melynda are often perceived as creative, gentle, and socially adept. The name's melodic quality suggests someone who is artistic and expressive, with a natural grace in social situations. They tend to be adaptable and intuitive, able to navigate different social contexts with ease while maintaining their core values and integrity. The combination of 'bee' symbolism from Melissa and 'beauty' from Linda creates an expectation of someone who is both industrious and aesthetically sensitivesomeone who works diligently but also appreciates and creates beauty in their surroundings. Melyndas are often seen as balanced individuals who combine practical intelligence with emotional depth, making them effective communicators and reliable friends. Their name suggests a personality that values both accomplishment and relationships, often making them successful in careers that require both technical skill and interpersonal connection. Cultural & Historical Significance Taicligh holds a unique place in Irish cultural history as a name embodying the Gaelic ideal of peace-making and diplomatic resolution. Emerging during the early medieval period, the name was particularly favored among families with connections to religious orders, scholarly traditions, and clan leadership roles that required mediation skills. Historical records show that individuals named Taicligh often served as brehons (judges), diplomats, and religious figures who worked to maintain harmony between warring clans. The name appears in several important medieval texts, including the Book of Leinster, where a Taicligh is recorded as having negotiated a truce between the Ui Neill and Connachta dynasties in 1023 CE. During the Elizabethan conquest of Ireland, the name became associated with resistance through peaceful means, as several Taiclighs were noted for organizing non-violent responses to English colonization. The cultural significance of Taicligh extends beyond its literal meaning to represent the Irish tradition of maintaining cultural identity and community cohesion through intellectual and spiritual means rather than purely military strength. This makes the name particularly resonant in modern Ireland, where it symbolizes the enduring power of cultural preservation and peaceful coexistence. Cultural & Historical Significance Twitchell emerged as an English topographic surname during the medieval period, specifically denoting someone who resided near a narrow passage or lane. This naming practice was common in England, where geographical features often became family identifiers. As Christianity became deeply embedded in English society, many such surnames were adopted by Christian families and passed down through generations. The name gained particular significance in American history when Twitchell families were among the early settlers in New England colonies. These families often held prominent positions in their communities as ministers, educators, and civic leaders, contributing to the development of American Christian traditions. Many Twitchells served as Congregational ministers who helped establish churches and religious institutions throughout New England. The name's persistence in American genealogical records demonstrates how English Christian naming customs were preserved and adapted in the New World, with Twitchell families maintaining their religious and cultural heritage across centuries. This continuity reflects the broader pattern of English Christian traditions being transplanted to America and evolving within new social contexts. SIU Carbondale welcomes nominations for 2026 Sturgis Public Service Award CARBONDALE, Ill. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is seeking nominations for the Lindell W. Sturgis Memorial Public Service Award, which honors an employee for their community work away from campus. Established in 1979, the award is presented by the SIU Board of Trustees to an SIU Carbondale employee to recognize public service efforts and contributions to the community, area, state or nation, based upon activities unrelated to the employees job responsibilities. This prestigious award includes a cash gift of $1,000 and a plaque. Anyone on or off campus is invited to submit a nomination for a current SIU Carbondale employee. Online nomination forms are available at the Lindell Sturgis Award website. Nominations must be received by Feb. 20. For more information, call 618-453-7424. Please direct nominations to Sarah Vanvooren, Events and Outreach, Anthony Hall, Room 015 Mail Code 6705, 1265 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901, or by email to events@siu.edu. PNN Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 15: The Bachelor of Design (B.Des) in Product Design Program at the School of Design, Media, and Creative Arts (SDMCA), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), is created for students who aspire to shape the physical and digital products people use every day. For students and parents evaluating product design courses in Bangalore, this Program offers a structured pathway where creativity meets engineering logic, materials understanding, and real-world usability. Recognised among the best product design colleges in Bangalore, SDMCA has built a strong reputation for delivering industry-relevant education that balances imagination with technical rigour. Its consistent positioning among best product design colleges in India makes it a trusted choice for families seeking career-oriented product design courses in India with long-term relevance. A Product Design Program Rooted in Industry Reality The B.Des in Product Design Program at SDMCA is designed to prepare students for the evolving demands of contemporary design industries. Structured across four years, the Program integrates user-centric design thinking, materials science, manufacturing processes, and sustainability--placing it firmly among the top product design colleges in India. This approach enables students to conceptualise, prototype, and realise products that balance aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility. For parents comparing b des product design colleges in Bangalore, this structured learning model provides confidence that education is aligned with employability. As Dr. Dinesh Nilkant, Director - Admissions, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), explains: "Product Design education must go beyond form. At SDMCA, we focus on helping students understand users, materials, and systems so that they graduate as professionals capable of designing products that work in the real world." Curriculum Designed for Exploration and Specialisation Students begin their journey with a comprehensive Foundation Year that develops core design sensibilities, visualisation skills, and problem-solving ability. This early exposure differentiates SDMCA from many BDes product design colleges in Bangalore and allows students to explore multiple design domains before choosing a specialisation. Specialisation options include Product Design, Retail & Interior Space Design, and Lifestyle Products & Accessories. This flexibility reassures parents assessing best product design colleges in India, as it allows students to align education with aptitude and interest. The curriculum's studio-driven structure and hands-on learning reinforce SDMCA's standing among top product design colleges in Bangalore and respected as best product design courses in India. Campus Life That Builds Professional Confidence Design education thrives in immersive environments. At SDMCA, students participate in exhibitions, design showcases, interdisciplinary collaborations, competitions, and applied projects. These experiences cultivate confidence, communication skills, and professional maturity--key qualities expected from graduates of best product design colleges in Bangalore. For families evaluating product design courses in Bangalore, campus exposure plays a crucial role in preparing students for collaborative, industry-facing careers commonly associated with top product design colleges in India. Career Opportunities and Entrepreneurial Pathways Graduates of the B.Des in Product Design Program pursue careers across consumer electronics, automotive, furniture, lifestyle products, and manufacturing sectors. Typical roles include Furniture Designer, Packaging Designer, Automotive Designer, Toy Designer, Design Researcher, and Designer Educator--careers commonly linked to product design courses in India. Many graduates also choose entrepreneurship, launching independent studios or product ventures. This entrepreneurial orientation is a key differentiator for parents comparing B Des product design colleges in Bangalore and aspirants seeking leadership trajectories from top product design colleges in Bangalore. According to Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Chief Manager - Admissions & Marketing, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) and JAIN College:"Parents look for outcome assurance, while students seek creative freedom. Our Product Design Program offers both--through strong foundations, industry exposure, and career progression opportunities." With experience, designers can progress to leadership roles such as General Manager (Design), Chief Designer, or Senior Vice President (Design), giving graduates from best product design colleges in India a competitive edge. Eligibility and Selection Process Eligibility requires completion of 10+2 (Level 4.0) with a minimum of 45% marks (40% for reserved categories) or completion of D.Voc in a related stream. Admissions are conducted through the JET Exam, followed by Portfolio Review and Personal Interview. Candidates with valid UCEED ranks may directly attend the Portfolio Review and Personal Interview conducted by SDMCA--an admissions pathway trusted across top product design colleges in India and product design courses in Bangalore. The Design Path Ahead For students and parents shortlisting product design courses in Bangalore, SDMCA at JAIN University offers clarity--of curriculum, exposure, flexibility, and career outcomes. Its consistent recognition among best product design colleges in Bangalore, best product design colleges in India, and top product design colleges in Bangalore reflects a commitment to shaping designers who create meaningful, usable, and responsible products. 'Product Design is about shaping the objects people live with every day--and SDMCA at JAIN University is where you begin doing that with purpose and confidence' Contact Information - Website: https://www.jainuniversity.ac.in/sdmca- Email: sdmca@jainuniversity.ac.in- Phone: +91 7022427777 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) PNN Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 15: Design today is no longer confined to visual appeal or artistic expression. It has evolved into a powerful career language--one that influences how products are built, brands communicate, technologies interact, and organisations innovate. For students and parents evaluating design colleges in Bangalore, the real question is not where design is taught, but where design becomes a professional capability with long-term relevance. Among leading design colleges in Bangalore, the School of Design, Media, and Creative Arts (SDMCA) at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) has carved a distinct position by aligning creativity with career outcomes. Its approach places it firmly among the best design colleges in Bangalore for aspirants seeking clarity, relevance, and industry exposure. Recognised by students and parents exploring bachelor of design colleges in India, SDMCA offers a Bachelor of Design ecosystem that integrates creative freedom with structured thinking, industry awareness, and career clarity--making it one of the most preferred bachelor of design colleges in Bangalore today. Three B.Des Programmes. One Industry-Aligned Vision SDMCA offers three specialised undergraduate programmes designed to respond directly to real-world creative careers, strengthening its reputation among top design colleges in Bangalore and best b des colleges in Bangalore. B.Des (Communication Design) This programme develops designers who can think visually and strategically. Students engage with branding, advertising, visual communication, digital media, and storytelling, supported by strong studio practice and portfolio development. These outcomes consistently place SDMCA among the best b des colleges in Bangalore and a strong choice within b des courses in India. B.Des (Interaction Design) As digital interfaces define user experience across sectors, this programme trains students in UX/UI, interaction systems, and human-centred digital design. For aspirants evaluating bachelor of design colleges in Bangalore, this programme offers a future-ready pathway aligned with emerging b des courses in India and global design roles. B.Des (Product Design) Focusing on physical, digital, and phygital products, this programme blends design thinking, materials, prototyping, ergonomics, and innovation. It is a preferred option for students seeking the top b des course in Bangalore and a strong bachelor of design course in India with applied industry relevance. Together, these programmes position SDMCA among the top b des course in Bangalore options while strengthening its standing among bachelor of design colleges in India offering future-focused education. Learning That Happens in Studios, Not Just Classrooms What distinguishes SDMCA from many design colleges in Bangalore is its pedagogy. Learning is studio-driven, project-based, and interdisciplinary. Students work on real briefs, collaborative projects, and exploratory design challenges that mirror professional practice--an approach expected from top design colleges in Bangalore. Design thinking is treated not as a buzzword, but as a disciplined process connecting user needs, creative exploration, commercial realities, and social responsibility. This pedagogy reinforces SDMCA's reputation among the best design colleges in Bangalore and best B Des colleges in Bangalore. As Dr. Sujay Nair, Director - School of Design Media and Creative Arts, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), notes:"Design education today must go beyond skill acquisition. At SDMCA, our focus is on developing thinking designers--professionals who understand users, contexts, and the strategic role design plays across industries." Campus Life That Builds Creative Confidence Design education thrives in vibrant environments. Campus life at JAIN University offers students exposure through exhibitions, design showcases, interdisciplinary collaborations, competitions, cultural platforms, and peer-led initiatives. These experiences sharpen communication skills, confidence, and professional maturity--key differentiators among bachelor of design colleges in Bangalore and top design colleges in India. Careers, Placements, and Entrepreneurial Pathways Graduates from SDMCA pursue careers across design studios, advertising agencies, technology firms, media houses, product companies, and emerging startups. Structured placement support focuses on portfolio readiness, internships, recruiter interaction, and career mentoring--critical expectations from students choosing a bachelor of design course in India. Equally significant is SDMCA's emphasis on entrepreneurship. Students with startup aspirations receive guidance, mentoring, and exposure to incubation ecosystems, making SDMCA a preferred destination among the best bachelor of design colleges in India offering flexible career pathways. According to Mr. Mackey Agarwal, Head - Admissions & Marketing, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) and JAIN College: "Students want creative freedom, and parents seek outcome assurance. SDMCA's B.Des programmes deliver both--through strong academic design foundations, industry exposure, placement pathways, and entrepreneurial confidence." A Design Education With Direction For students and parents comparing design colleges in Bangalore, SDMCA at JAIN University offers clarity--clarity of purpose, curriculum, and career direction. Its consistent recognition among the best design colleges in Bangalore, best B Des colleges in Bangalore, and top design colleges in Bangalore reflects a commitment to nurturing designers who are adaptable, thoughtful, and professionally prepared. Design as a career language starts here--at SDMCA, JAIN University--where your creative future gains direction and confidence. Contact Information: - Website: https://www.jainuniversity.ac.in/sdmca/- Email: sdmca@jainuniversity.ac.in- Phone: +91 7022427777 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) PNN Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], January 15: Design today no longer operates at the surface level of aesthetics. It shapes user behaviour, business strategy, digital ecosystems, and organisational change. The Master of Design Programs at the School of Design, Media, and Creative Arts (SDMCA), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), are structured for those ready to move into design leadership--where insight, research, and responsibility converge. Among evolving master of design courses, SDMCA's postgraduate offerings reflect the realities of contemporary design practice and future industry demands. Positioned strongly among master of design colleges in India, SDMCA offers two focused postgraduate pathways--M.Des in User Experience Design and M.Des in Human Centred Design--each responding to how design is shaping products, services, and systems globally. For students and parents evaluating Master of Design courses in India, the emphasis here is not just on advanced learning, but on applied relevance, professional maturity, and long-term career direction. Two M.Des Programs. One Strategic Design Philosophy The master of design courses at SDMCA are built on a shared philosophy: design must be human-centred, research-driven, and impact-oriented. A. The M.Des in User Experience Design focuses on digital interaction, interface systems, usability research, and experience strategy--preparing graduates to design meaningful digital journeys across platforms. B. The M.Des in Human Centred Design expands design thinking into social systems, services, and organisational contexts. Students engage with real-world challenges, applying empathy-led research and design frameworks to complex human problems. These programs reinforce SDMCA's standing among best MDes colleges in Bangalore, offering depth rather than dilution within master of design in Bangalore. Studio-Driven Learning Beyond the Classroom What differentiates SDMCA among Master of Design colleges in India is its studio-centric pedagogy. Learning unfolds through interdisciplinary studios, collaborative projects, live industry briefs, and research-led exploration. Students are encouraged to question assumptions, test frameworks, and translate insights into tangible design interventions. This approach strengthens the credibility of SDMCA among best M Design colleges in Bangalore, where postgraduate education must go beyond theory. The learning environment ensures that master of design courses in India offered here remain grounded in professional realities rather than abstract frameworks. As Dr. Sujay Nair, Director -School of Design Media and Creative Arts, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), notes:"At the postgraduate level, design education must develop strategic thinkers. The M.Des programs at SDMCA are structured to build design leaders who understand users, systems, and the long-term implications of design decisions." Campus Life That Enables Creative Exchange Postgraduate design education thrives in environments that promote dialogue, collaboration, and cultural exposure. Campus life at SDMCA supports this through design showcases, interdisciplinary engagements, research forums, and peer-led initiatives. These experiences shape confidence, communication, and professional identity--qualities parents increasingly value when assessing master of design in Bangalore. Such exposure also reinforces SDMCA's recognition among best MDes colleges in Bangalore, where learning extends beyond studios into a larger creative ecosystem that mirrors professional practice. Careers, Placements, and Entrepreneurial Pathways Graduates of SDMCA's master of design courses pursue roles across UX strategy, service design, design research, product innovation, and design consulting. Structured placement support focuses on portfolio development, industry readiness, and recruiter engagement--key expectations associated with best M Design colleges in Bangalore. Equally important is SDMCA's emphasis on entrepreneurship. Students interested in launching design studios, consulting practices, or innovation ventures receive mentorship and exposure to startup ecosystems. This balance of placement and entrepreneurship strengthens SDMCA's standing among master of design colleges in India and enhances the long-term value of master of design courses in India. According to Mr. Saurabh Kumar, Chief Manager - Admissions & Marketing, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) and JAIN College: "Postgraduate design aspirants look for clarity--of outcomes, industry alignment, and growth potential. The M.Des programs at SDMCA address these expectations through focused specialisations and strong career pathways." 'You begin to recognise that the Master of Design journey at SDMCA, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), is not about learning design tools--but about learning how design thinking shapes influence, responsibility, and leadership' Those interested in understanding the academic structure, studio culture, and progression pathways of the M.Des Programs at the School of Design, Media, and Creative Arts (SDMCA), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), may refer to the official information channels below: - Website: https://www.jainuniversity.ac.in/sdmca- Email: sdmca@jainuniversity.ac.in- Phone: +91 7022427777 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) India's overall exports in December 2025 stood at USD 74.01 billion, marginally lower than USD 74.77 billion in December 2024, while imports rose sharply to USD 80.94 billion from USD 76.23 billion a year ago, according to official data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Thursday. The country's overall trade deficit widened significantly to USD 6.92 billion in December 2025, compared with USD 1.46 billion in the same month last year. The increase in the trade gap was driven primarily by higher imports, even as exports remained broadly stable on a year-on-year basis. The data covers combined trade in merchandise and services. A closer look at merchandise trade shows a modest improvement in exports. Merchandise exports increased to USD 38.51 billion in December 2025 from USD 37.80 billion in December 2024, reflecting steady outbound shipments despite global economic uncertainties. However, merchandise imports grew at a faster pace, rising to USD 63.55 billion from USD 58.43 billion a year earlier. In the services sector, exports moderated during the month. Services exports were estimated at USD 35.50 billion in December 2025, lower than USD 36.97 billion recorded in December 2024. Services imports, however, declined slightly to USD 17.38 billion from USD 17.80 billion in the year-ago period. India's electronic goods sector grew by 16 plus percent; meat, dairy by 30 percent; pharmaceuticals by 5.65 per cent, and engineering goods too in positive trajectory. Marine products grew 11 plus per cent. The Commerce Secretary said, "We are also doing very well in China, where the growth has been very good, good growth in exports to the UAE, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Spain." In the US, a key market, India's merchandise exports rose 9.8 per cent to USD 65.88 billion, from USD 60.03 billion during April-December 2025. "We are still holding on to a positive trend. It was still doing around USD 7 billion despite high tariffs. We are focusing more on areas where tariffs are less, or in areas where tariffs are there, and industry has been showing resilience and holding on to the supply chains," Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said. India's total exports had touched an all-time high of USD 824.9 billion in financial year 2024-25. This marked a yearly growth of 6.01 per cent over USD 778.1 billion exports in 2023-24, setting a new annual milestone. The 2024-25 exports exceeded the initial anticipation of USD 800 billion. In 2024-25, services exports continued to drive the growth momentum, reaching a historic high of USD 387.5 billion, up 13.6 per cent from USD 341.1 billion in the previous year. In 2024-25, merchandise exports stood at USD 437.42 billion in 2024-25, with a marginal increase.India's total trade deficit (merchandise and services) for the fiscal year 2024-25 widened to USD 94.26 billion, from USD 78.1 billion in 2023-24. Among various steps the government took was to launch a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in varied sectors, including electronic goods, to make Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attract investments, enhance exports, integrate India into the global supply chain and reduce dependency on imports. These seemed to have reaped dividends for rising exports. (ANI) India's Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal asserted on Thursday that the much-anticipated first tranche of India-US BTA is "very near" but stopped short of putting out a timeline. "There are engagements going on, and negotiating teams are talking virtually on issues which are still pending. But we can't put a deadline. It's very near. That will happen as long as both sides are ready, they feel it is the right time to announce," he told reporters. A team of US officials led by Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, Deputy USTR, Rick Switzer, met Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on December 10, 2025 and the Commerce Secretary Agrawal on December 11, 2025, at Vanijya Bhawan, to take forward the negotiations. Agrwal also noted that India's exports to the US are "still holding on to a positive trend." "It was still doing around USD 7 billion (monthly) despite high tariffs. We are focusing more on areas where tariffs are less, or in areas where tariffs are there, and industry has been showing resilience and holding on to the supply chains," he said. There were apprehensions that India's exports to the US would with additional tariffs imposed by the US administration. Talking about India's energy imports, Commerce Secretary said India has been buying from all traditional suppliers but largely Middle East. "We are buying a lot of oil from US these days. Import from US is increased," he said. Energy trade has been a bone of contention in the trade deal talks with the US, and the Trump administration wants more shipments to come to India. India imports over 80 per cent of its energy needs. On the issue of any possible trade disruptions with Iran, the Commerce Secretary said India has a very limited trade. "We are looking at that. We are awaiting details and as and when details are there, we will look into it," he said. He also gave an update on the India-Canada trade talks. "We are engaged. There was a positive decision to start engaging on trade talks and see how we can restart our negotiations. Both sides are engaged in finalizing Terms of Reference (ToR) for mutually beneficial trade agreement," he said. India is actively negotiating trade agreements with several countries, in a bid to expand trade and secure long-term growth opportunities. The coming months are expected to be critical, when the outcomes of these negotiations could redefine India's role in the global trade architecture and shape its economic trajectory for the next decade. India and the US were initially aiming to complete the first tranche of an India-US bilateral trade agreement by fall of 2025, but new developments in the US trade policy landscape, that include tariffs, have altered those plans. The BTA, formally proposed in February following directives from the leadership of both nations, seeks to more than double bilateral trade, from the current USD 191 billion to USD 500 billion by 2030. Talks were first announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington in February 2025. (ANI) Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal told reporters on Thursday that he is confident of India's trade trajectory. "We are going to cross USD 850 billion of export in the current financial year. There has been a positive movement in our export growth. We have maintained the positive territory." The latest trade data for the April-December period underscores this optimistic outlook. For the first nine months of the fiscal year, India's overall exports (Merchandise + Services) reached USD 634.26 billion, a significant jump from the USD 607.93 billion recorded during the same period last year--marking a growth of 4.33%. In December 2025 specifically, merchandise exports showed a resilient uptick with USD 38.51 billion in December 2025 as compared to USD 37.80 billion in December 2024, a growth of 1.86%. "There has been a positive movement in our export growth. We have maintained the positive territory," Agrawal noted. While exports are climbing, imports have also seen an upward trend, leading to a widening of the trade deficit, which stood at USD 96.58 billion for the April-December period, compared to USD 88.43 billion last year. In exports, the services sector remained the strongest performer with a growth rate of 6.46 per cent and merchandise managed a steady 2.44 per cent growth. India's total exports had touched an all-time high of USD 824.9 billion in financial year 2024-25. This marked a yearly growth of 6.01 per cent over USD 778.1 billion exports in 2023-24, setting a new annual milestone. The 2024-25 exports exceeded the initial anticipation of USD 800 billion. (ANI) Urging citizens to participate in the democratic process, he emphasised the importance of voting. "We are rooted in our homeland, and your vote is to nurture those roots and to nurture democracy. So be sure to fulfil this duty," Gulzar said after casting his vote. Bollywood actor John Abraham also arrived at the polling station to cast his vote. Polling is being held on Thursday across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. The elections are taking place after an intense campaign and are seen as crucial for major cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena are contesting the civic elections as allies under the Mahayuti banner, except in Pune. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to fight independently in most corporations. In Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, both NCP factions have come together under a joint manifesto. 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 39,092 polling centres have been set up across the state. Polling began at 7:30 am on Thursday, January 15, and will continue until 5:30 pm. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 16. (ANI) Superstar Aamir Khan reached a polling booth on Thursday to cast his vote during the ongoing Maharashtra civic elections. The actor was seen arriving at the polling station and later stepped out to speak to the media. After casting his vote, Khan spoke about the importance of voting and praised the arrangements at the polling booth. While talking to reporters, he spoke about "casting votes" and the "good arrangements" made by the civic body. He said, "...I would tell everyone to definitely cast their precious votes. BMC has made very good arrangements here..." Earlier in the day, Aamir Khan's former wife Reena Dutta also visited a polling booth to cast her vote. She was joined by their children, actor Junaid Khan and daughter Ira Khan. After voting, the trio posed for pictures outside the polling station and proudly showed their inked fingers. Aamir Khan's second former wife and filmmaker Kiran Rao was also seen at a polling booth. She posed for pictures after voting and showed her inked finger to the cameras. Actor Akshay Kumar was among the first celebrities to vote on Thursday. Several other film personalities were also seen at polling centres. These included Twinkle Khanna, Nana Patekar, Vishal Dadlani and Suniel Shetty. Polling is being held across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. The elections are taking place after a long and active campaign and are important for major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena are contesting the elections together under the Mahayuti banner in most places, except Pune. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is fighting the polls on its own in many corporations. In Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, both NCP factions have come together with a joint manifesto. According to the State Election Commission, around 3.48 crore voters are eligible to vote in these elections. A total of 15,908 candidates are contesting for 2,869 seats across 893 wards. For smooth voting, 39,092 polling centres have been set up across Maharashtra. Polling began at 7:30 am on Thursday, January 15, and will continue till 5:30 pm. The counting of votes will take place on Friday, January 16. (ANI) Bigg Boss 19 winner Gaurav Khanna voted on Thursday afternoon at the ongoing municipal elections in Maharashtra. Several celebrities were seen voting as polling took place across the state. After casting his vote, Gaurav Khanna spoke about the importance of voting and said he made a special effort to be present. He shared that even though he was out of Mumbai, he returned only to vote and urged others to do the same. "I always cast my vote. I was out of Mumbai, but I came back only to vote in the elections. It took me hardly 2 minutes to go inside and cast my vote. I appeal to everyone to come and cast their votes," Gaurav Khanna said while speaking to ANI. Actor Saumya Tandon also stepped out to vote but faced confusion over her polling booth location. She shared her experience and said that despite the trouble, she was determined to vote. While speaking to ANI, Saumya Tandon said, "I actually went out to vote and I checked online and there was a booth at the bottom of my house where people were sitting to help me, to tell me about the booth or the place. They told me that I have to come to this location. I took a screenshot online but when I came here, now they are sending me to some other location because they are saying that now your location is showing somewhere else online." "I want to vote. This is my right and this is my duty. So I have to vote. I have to vote," she said," she added. Polling is being held across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik and Pimpri-Chinchwad. According to the State Election Commission, around 3.48 crore voters are eligible to vote. A total of 15,908 candidates are contesting for 2,869 seats across 893 wards, with 39,092 polling centres set up for smooth voting. Polling began at 7:30 am and will continue till 5:30 pm, while counting of votes will take place on January 16. (ANI) Both Saif and Kareena greeted the paps stationed outside a polling booth. Earlier in the day, actor Aamir Khan was also spotted arriving at a polling booth to cast his vote. After casting his vote, Aamir also spoke about the importance of voting and praised the arrangements at the polling booth. "...I would tell everyone to definitely cast their precious votes. BMC has made very good arrangements here...," he told reporters. Aamir Khan's ex-wife Reena Dutta, their children Junaid Khan and Ira Khan, were also seen arriving at their respective polling booths. After voting, Junaid told the press, "Please come and vote, it is very important and everyone should come and vote." Polling is being held across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik and Pimpri-Chinchwad. According to the State Election Commission, around 3.48 crore voters are eligible to vote.A total of 15,908 candidates are contesting for 2,869 seats across 893 wards, with 39,092 polling centres set up for smooth voting. Polling began at 7:30 am and will continue till 5:30 pm, while counting of votes will take place on January 16. (ANI) After casting his vote at a polling booth in Mumbai, Ranbir conveyed an important message to citizens via the media. He said, "It's our job and duty as citizens to come out and vote. Hum poora saal complain karte rehte hain city mein yeh nahi, desh mein woh nahi...so please come and cast your vote. I would also like to thank the BMC. Year after year...be it Ganpati celebrations or elections, they always arrange good facilities." Ranbir also posed for the paps and proudly flaunted his inked finger after casting his vote. Polling is underway across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including major cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. According to the State Election Commission, around 3.48 crore voters are eligible to vote. A total of 15,908 candidates are contesting for 2,869 seats across 893 wards, with 39,092 polling centres set up for smooth voting. Polling began at 7:30 am and will continue until 5:30 pm, while vote counting will take place on January 16. Voting in Maharashtra's municipal corporation elections recorded a moderate turnout of 29.22 per cent across all 29 municipal corporations till 1:30 pm, according to reports from the Maharashtra State Election Commission. By 11:30 am, the overall voter turnout across the state reached 17.41 per cent. Among Mumbai's wards, Ward 18 recorded the highest turnout at 11.57 per cent, while Ward 162 registered the lowest at 1.68 per cent. (ANI) Brazilian cinema marked a watershed moment on the global stage as The Secret Agent (O Agente Secreto) emerged as a major winner at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, claiming the trophy for Best Non-English Language Film and delivering a historic victory for its lead star, Wagner Moura, as cited by Brasil 247. The achievement has placed Brazil's contemporary filmmaking firmly in the international spotlight, sparking renewed discussion on political memory, democratic values and the power of culture to address the legacies of authoritarian rule. According to Brasil 247, Helmed by acclaimed director Kleber Mendonca Filho, The Secret Agent is set against the backdrop of 1970s Brazil, a period marked by military dictatorship and widespread repression. The film combines the tension of a political thriller with the visual language of classic noir, weaving a narrative centred on surveillance, paranoia and acts of quiet resistance. Through its layered storytelling, the film examines how fear permeates everyday life and how individuals navigate moral choices under oppressive systems. The film made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in 2025, where it quickly drew international attention. At Cannes, it earned significant honours, including awards for Best Director and Best Actor, along with multiple critics' prizes. These accolades underscored the film's ability to resonate with audiences and juries well beyond Brazil, positioning it as one of the most talked-about Latin American productions in recent years. At the Golden Globe Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, The Secret Agent received three nominations: Best Motion Picture (Drama), Best Non-English Language Film and Best Actor in a Drama. Notably, it became the first Brazilian film ever nominated in the prestigious drama category, reflecting its broad critical and industry appeal. The film ultimately won two awards, a result widely regarded as one of the most significant accomplishments for Brazilian cinema in the history of the Globes. The success of 'The Secret Agent' is being seen not only as a triumph for its cast and crew, but also as a defining moment for Brazil's film industry, reaffirming its capacity to tell locally rooted stories with universal relevance. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) on January 15 in the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, Parliament House Complex here. The inauguration underscores the high importance India accords to parliamentary democracy and parliamentary diplomacy at the global level. According to a release, the Prime Minister will deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session, following which he will interact informally with the Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth and Autonomous Parliaments. A group photograph will also be taken on the occasion. The Parliament of India, in coordination with the CSPOC Secretariat, is hosting the 28th CSPOC in New Delhi from January 14 to 16, positioning India at the centre of a major global parliamentary engagement. The Conference will bring together Speakers and Presiding Officers from 53 national parliaments of the Commonwealth, providing a high-level forum for deliberations on the evolving role of legislatures in strengthening democratic governance and constitutional institutions. In his capacity as Chairperson of the 28th CSPOC, the Speaker of Lok Sabha, chaired the meeting of the CSPOC Standing Committee on January 14 at the Sangeeti Conference Hall, Red Fort, New Delhi. The meeting was preceded by a guided visit to the Red Fort and followed by a specially curated light-and-sound programme, offering visiting dignitaries an opportunity to experience India's rich civilisational heritage and the enduring legacy of a monument that symbolises the nation's freedom and democratic journey. The Conference proceedings on 15 and 16 January will focus on contemporary issues relevant to modern legislatures, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence in parliamentary functioning, the impact of social media on parliamentary practice and public discourse, innovative approaches to enhance public understanding of Parliament and citizen participation beyond voting, and matters relating to the security, health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary officials. A Special Plenary Session on the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions will be addressed by the Speaker of Lok Sabha, who will also chair the Plenary, Special Plenary and Closing Plenary Sessions of the Conference. The Parliament of India previously hosted the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth in 1971, 1986, and 2010. Hosting the 28th CSPOC builds upon this legacy and reaffirms India's sustained engagement with the Commonwealth parliamentary tradition and its commitment to fostering dialogue, cooperation and institutional resilience among democratic legislatures. The Standing Committee of CSPOC met today to deliberate on the Agenda and other modalities of the conference, as per the release. The 28th CSPOC is expected to reinforce collective commitment to democratic values, institutional integrity and effective parliamentary oversight across the Commonwealth, while highlighting India's role as a confident, credible and responsible convenor of global parliamentary engagement. (ANI) Mumbai Police tightened security ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) 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) 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) Expressing "serious concern" over US President Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff announcement against countries trading with Iran, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor asserted that "no Indian company will be viable in exporting to America at 75 per cent. The Congress MP said he had been "troubled" by the US tariff regime from the very beginning, adding that India was already at a disadvantage compared to its regional competitors. Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Tharoor said, "I have always been troubled about these tariffs because even the very first 25 per cent that was given to India was a problem because all the other economies, our rivals in South East Asia, who are competing with us in terms of labour-intensive industries that we produce, that we export to America like gems, jewellery, marine products, shrimp, leather, all these kinds of goods countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and even Pakistan and Bangladesh were all given tariff between 15 per cent and 19 per cent." He added that the situation had worsened with additional sanctions-related tariffs. "So, the 25 per cent was already a problem. Now, you have 25 per cent more for Russian sanctions which takes it up to 50 per cent and if there are 25 per cent more in Iranian sanctions, that it takes it up to 75 per cent. So, let's face it, no Indian company will be viable in exporting to America at 75 per cent," Tharoor said. "It will be only those items that are not so far sanctioned, like pharmaceuticals and so, which we can continue selling. The other items will not be viable. So, it is troubling. I don't know what the Government is saying, but from my point of view, this is very serious," he asserted. The Congress MP also expressed hope that the new US Ambassador could help with the trade deal. "I hope that the new US Ambassador would work very hard on his Government and our Government and try and bring a meeting of the minds very quickly on the trade deal," he added. Tharoor's remarks come after US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping trade measure on Monday targeting countries that "continue to do business with Iran", imposing a 25 per cent tariff on all their business dealings with the US. In a post on Truth Social, 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" Further, commenting on the conversation between External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Tharoor stressed the urgency of concluding a bilateral trade agreement. "It (trade deal) should be in the first quarter of 2026. We can't wait for the whole year to go by for a trade deal. I think it really should happen sooner," he said. He welcomed Pax Silica's announcement, saying, "I think the Pax Silica announcement was welcome. I do believe that the Quad Summit announcement should not be delayed. We should be able to exercise our right sooner." Tharoor further added, "Certainly, at 75 per cent (tariff) there is no deal possible. If we can come down to something closer to the 15 per cent that the UK has with America, then we are in business. That is the kind of respect you show to a strategic partner. But at 75 sort of thing, the strategic partnership ceases to have any meaning." (ANI) Twenty-nine municipal corporations across Maharashtra will go to the polls today as a high-voltage campaign comes to an end, 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 against the 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 State Election Commission announced the election programme for the general elections of 29 municipal corporations on December 15, 2025. Accordingly, voting is being held for the municipal corporations of Brihanmumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Navi Mumbai, Vasai-Virar, Kolhapur, Kalyan-Dombivli, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Latur, Parbhani, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Malegaon, Panvel, Mira-Bhayandar, Nanded-Waghala, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Jalgaon, Dhule, Ahilyanagar, Ichalkaranji and Jalna. According to the State Election Commission, adequate Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) have been arranged for the municipal corporation elections. This includes the availability of 43,958 control units and 87,916 ballot units. For the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation alone, 11,349 control units and 22,698 ballot units have been arranged. Except for Brihanmumbai, elections in the remaining 28 municipal corporations are being held under the multi-member ward system. In Brihanmumbai, since only one member is elected from each ward, every voter will cast only one vote. In the other 28 municipal corporations, due to the multi-member ward system, each ward will generally have four seats. In some wards of certain municipal corporations, there may be three or five seats. Accordingly, in all municipal corporation elections except Brihanmumbai, each voter is generally expected to cast four votes, while in some places voters may cast three to five votes, as per the Maharashtra Election Commission. Dinesh Waghmare, State Election Commissioner emphasised that adequate police security arrangements have been made for the municipal corporation elections. This includes the deployment of three Additional Superintendents of Police, 63 Deputy Superintendents of Police, 56 Police Inspectors, 858 Assistant Police Inspectors/Police Sub-Inspectors, and 11,938 police personnel. Additionally, 42,703 Home Guards have been deployed. For counting of votes and maintenance of law and order, a total of 57 companies of the State Reserve Police Force have been deployed. "By voting in large numbers in municipal corporation elections, we should all contribute to shaping our city and actively participate in the democratic process. Your vote can decide the future of your city because it is invaluable. It is an important right in a democracy, and we must exercise it through voting. I therefore appeal to all voters to cast their vote," Waghmare said. 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 Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha 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) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday extended their heartfelt greetings to the armed forces personnel on the occasion of Army Day, remembering their sacrifice and selfless service to the nation. "On this auspicious occasion of Army Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all the brave soldiers, officers, veterans, and their families of the Indian Army. This occasion provides us with a powerful opportunity to express our gratitude for their indomitable courage, valor, and selfless service in safeguarding the security and integrity of the nation," Rajnath Singh wrote in an official message. He also paid homage to the soldiers and their families who sacrificed their lives in the service of the country. "I also pay homage to the families of the brave soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the service of the motherland. The Indian Army, as a vigilant sentinel on the borders, steadfastly confronts multi-faceted security challenges. At the same time, the Army's contribution to serving the citizens by leading relief and rescue operations during natural disasters has been exemplary," he wrote. Remembering the Army's role during Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister said, "Through Operation Sindoor, the Army has demonstrated its courage, professional competence, and resolve. I commend the Indian Army for its valiant and successful performance in Operation Sindoor. This operation has brought pride to the entire nation by sending a strong message of effective action in bringing justice to the victims of Pahalgam." Meanwhile, HM Shah also highlighted how the "roars of their valour echo through the pages of our history." "Warm greetings to the personnel of the Indian Army and their families on Army Day. The roar of their valor echoes through the pages of our history, igniting the fiercest flame of patriotism among every generation of Indians. Salutations to the lionhearts who gave all in the line of duty," he wrote on X. Earlier today, multiple other leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, also conveyed warm wishes to the ranks, veterans, and families of the Indian army. On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country," PM Modi posted on X. Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to remember the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir FRR Bucher, in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu extended warm greetings to the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day, describing the day as a tribute to the courage, dedication and supreme sacrifice of soldiers who serve the nation with steadfast resolve. In her message, the President noted that the Indian Army has consistently upheld the highest traditions of professionalism, commitment, and bravery, whether in safeguarding the nation's borders or saving lives during natural calamities. She also commended the Army for its gallant performance and remarkable success in Operation Sindoor. "I extend my warm felicitations to the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day 2026. Army Day commemorates the courage, dedication and supreme sacrifice of our soldiers who stand steadfast in the service of the nation. The Indian Army remains at the core of national security of India. It has consistently upheld the highest traditions of professionalism, commitment and bravery in defending our borders and saving lives during natural calamities. I commend the Indian Army for its gallant performance and outstanding success in Operation Sindoor," President Murmu wrote in her letter. President Murmu expressed confidence that the Indian Army would continue to play a vital role in nation-building, contributing to economic progress and inclusive development. Saluting the soldiers, she reaffirmed the nation's enduring gratitude to the Army and wished all ranks continued success, strength and glory in the discharge of their noble duties. "I am confident that the Indian Army will continue its legacy in contribution to nation building to facilitate economic progress and inclusive development of the nation. I salute our soldiers and reaffirm the nation's enduring gratitude to the Indian Army and wish all ranks continued success, strength and glory in their noble duty," President Murmu said. "On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country," PM Modi posted on X. Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to remember the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa taking over the command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir FRR Bucher, in 1949 and becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. (ANI) Maharashtra minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashish Shelar expressed confidence in a Mahayuti victory (BJP-Shiv Sena), which would "teach a lesson to the corrupt party of Thackeray" in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls, which commenced on Thursday afternoon. Showing his inked finger to mediapersons after casting his vote, Shelar said that the BMC polls are the "most crucial for the development of Mumbai." "It's the most crucial election, for the development of Mumbai and a budget of over Rs 40,000 crore. We have to make our city a developed Mumbai. I appeal to the voters to come out in large numbers," Shelar told reporters. While also attacking the Shiv Sena (UBT) party, Shelar said that this election is also an opportunity to "teach a lesson to the corrupt party of Thackeray." "I appeal to the voters to come out in large numbers. You have the opportunity to teach a lesson to the corrupt party of Thackeray... The Mumbaikars have decided to vote for Viksit Maharashtra under the leadership of Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde," he said. Shelar further claimed that the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena will face 'defeat' just like they did in the 2014 and 2017 state elections, because of how they allegedly linked the polls to language. "This is a matter of who will develop Mumbai and how... They (opposition) tried to link the elections with language and sentiments in 2014 and 2017, and Uddhav Thackeray faced defeat both the times. This time as well, Mahayuti will be victorious," he said. Mumbai BJP President Ameet Satam also urged Mumbaikars to cast their votes for a developed and safe Mumbai. "We have prayed at the feet of Lord Siddhivinayak, asking him to grant us strength and blessings to build a developed and safe Mumbai in the coming times. May this day be recorded as a historic day for Mumbai. I urge all Mumbaikars to cast their votes in large numbers for a developed and safe Mumbai, and for the protection of future generations," Satam said. Apart from BMC elections, 28 other Municipal Corporations also went to polls across Maharashtra. To ensure maximum voter participation, the Maharashtra government has declared January 15 a public holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act. The holiday applies to all government and semi-government offices, corporations, and banks within the jurisdiction of the 29 corporations going to the polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting the BMC elections in alliance with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Meanwhile, the National Congress Party, which is part of Mahayuti in the state and the NDA in the Centre, has joined hands with the NCP (SP) in key municipal corporations, including Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune. The prominent civic bodies going to polls include Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Kalyan-Dombivli, Bhiwandi-Nizampur, Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar, Panvel, Nashik, Malegaon, Ahilyanagar, Jalgaon, Dhule, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Kolhapur, Ichalkaranji, Sangli-Miraj-Kupwad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded-Waghala, Parbhani, Jalna, Latur, Amravati, Akola, Nagpur and Chandrapur. (ANI) The Delhi Police's North District Anti-Narcotics Team and a group of criminals engaged in a late-night encounter on Wednesday, leading to the arrest of two sharpshooters linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Acting on a tip-off, the police had set up a trap at Hiranaki Mod. During the encounter, shots were exchanged from both sides, leaving one criminal injured with a gunshot wound to the leg. A police constable was also hit, but his bulletproof vest prevented any injury, the Delhi police stated. The two arrested shooters have been identified as Deepak and a minor. The police recovered two pistols, live cartridges, and a scooter from the accused. The accused were involved in recent firing incidents in Paschim Vihar and West Vinod Nagar, according to the Delhi police. On Monday night, two unidentified motorcycle-borne men allegedly fired shots in the air outside a gym in Pashchim Vihar East, police said. According to Delhi Police, information regarding the firing incident was received at around 11 pm. Upon reaching the spot, police found that the two motorcycle-borne men had fired two rounds in the air outside RK Fitness, located on the Outer Ring Road in Pashchim Vihar. Earlier on January 7th, The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), successfully facilitated the return of wanted fugitive Aman alias Aman Kumar alias Aman Bhainswal from the United States to India through INTERPOL channels, an official said. The fugitive, who was deported from the US, arrived in India on January 7 and was taken into custody by a Haryana Police team at the Delhi airport, officials confirmed. According to the CBI, Aman is wanted by the Haryana Police in several serious criminal cases, including murder, rioting and criminal conspiracy. He is described as a notorious criminal and a key member of the organised crime syndicate linked to the "Lawrence Bishnoi" gang. Officials said the accused had earlier been arrested in India but was later granted bail. However, he failed to face trial and subsequently absconded. Acting on a request from the Haryana Police, the CBI got a Red Notice issued against him through INTERPOL. (ANI) Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Chandrakant Patil arrived at Eklavya College on Thursday morning to cast his vote in the ongoing Maharashtra Municipal Corporation elections. After casting his vote, the minister spoke to the media, encouraging people to vote in large numbers and urging them to "vote for the lotus." "I exercised my right to vote... I fulfilled my duty this morning. I appeal to everyone to come out and vote for the lotus.... The BJP will bring development... and people will vote for that," he said. Further commenting on the Opposition's allegations regarding Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering, Patil referred to Sharad Pawar's NCP MP Supriya Sule, who had won elections numerous times. "Supriya Sule herself confessed that she had won due to the elections conducted via the same EVM, so she can't blame the EVM for any loss of the party. The opposition should make a note of this," he stated. Moreover, Patil expressed confidence in the Mahayuti Alliance's landmark victory in the civic body polls. "28 of the 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra will see a mayor of the Mahayuti Alliance in these elections. 115 votes are required to become a voter; you can count 70 from the BJP and 40 from the Shiv Sena," he emphasised. Polling is being held on Thursday across 29 municipal corporations in Maharashtra. The elections are taking place after an intense campaign and are seen as crucial for major cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Mahayuti is contesting the local body polls largely in a joint alliance, except in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, where the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to ally with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP). 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 39,092 polling centres have been set up across the state. Polling began at 7:30 am on Thursday, January 15, and will continue until 5:30 pm. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on Friday, January 16. (ANI) Leaders of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the political party led by actor Vijay, extended greetings for Thai Pongal and the Tamil New Year on Thursday, triggering a fresh debate over the cultural and political significance of linking Pongal with the Tamil New Year. In a message shared on social media, TVK president Vijay said, "On the auspicious festival of Thai Pongal, may love and peace fill the lives of Tamils across the world, and may health and prosperity flourish. Wishing everyone a joyful Pongal and a happy Tamil New Year." The greeting drew attention because, traditionally, the Tamil New Year is observed in mid-April during the Tamil month of Chithirai, not in January during Thai Pongal. In 2008, the DMK government led by the late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi officially declared Thai 1 (Pongal day) as the Tamil New Year, citing references from ancient Tamil literature and historical sources. Though later governments reverted to Chithirai as the New Year, the Pongal-based New Year continues to be associated with Dravidian ideology and reformist politics. TVK's General Secretary for policy and propaganda, Arunraj, also shared a strongly worded message on X aligning Pongal with political change. "Let the old regime fade... let a new one rise," he wrote, calling Pongal a symbol of discarding the old and embracing the new. He linked the festival to contemporary politics, stating that Tamil Nadu too was moving toward a new political phase. He paid tribute to farmers, saying Pongal honours those who trust the soil and their labour, and concluded with, "Happy Victory Pongal and Tamil New Year to all!" Similarly, TVK's General Secretary for Elections, Aadhav Arjun, posted a message on X describing Pongal as a festival that reflects Tamil cultural pride, peaceful coexistence, and renewal. "Pongal is a unique festival through which we, the Tamil people, remember and celebrate our cultural pride and our peaceful, harmonious way of life--casting away outdated burdens and embracing the new light that suits the changing times," he said, extending greetings for both Pongal and the Tamil New Year. The coordinated messaging from top TVK leaders has fueled discussion in political and cultural circles, with critics arguing that conflating Pongal with the Tamil New Year reflects a specific ideological position rooted in Dravidian politics, while supporters see it as a progressive reinterpretation grounded in Tamil history. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Minister TRB Rajaa today urged the central government to start with "understanding" Tamil culture instead of simply giving "ceremonial praise". His response came hours after Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended Thiruvalluvar Day greetings to the people of Tamil Nadu. Rajaa, a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader, said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has a "fundamental issue" of not understanding Tamils and not making the effort to understand what they need or who they are. He said that according to the local tradition, Pongal is to be celebrated on 'Thai 1', which is today, whereas Thiruvalluvar day is 'Thai 2', which is supposed to be on Friday. "When people ask me about the BJP and Tamil Nadu, I often point out that the fundamental issue is that the BJP simply does not understand Tamils and Tamil Nadu and it doesn't even take the effort to understand what we need and what we are ! In Tamil Nadu, Pongal is Thai 1. Thiruvalluvar Day is Thai 2. Our calendar follows the sun and the soil, not fixed English dates," his post read. Pongal is celebrated across Tamil Nadu and among the global Tamil diaspora. (ANI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday extended greetings to Indian Army personnel and their families on the occasion of 78th Army Day, saluting the force's courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country's sovereignty and integrity. https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/2011648743565902285?s=20 In a post on X, Rajnath Singh wrote, "Greetings to our brave Indian Army personnel and their families on the proud occasion of Army Day. The nation salutes their indomitable courage, supreme sacrifice and unwavering commitment to safeguarding India's sovereignty and integrity. Ever vigilant on our borders and steadfast in times of crisis, the Indian Army has earned global respect through its professionalism, discipline and humanitarian service. Our Government remains fully committed to building a modern, Atmanirbhar and future-ready Army. A grateful nation stands united in pride and respect for its soldiers." Remembering the Army's role during Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister said, "Through Operation Sindoor, the Army has demonstrated its courage, professional competence, and resolve. I commend the Indian Army for its valiant and successful performance in Operation Sindoor. This operation has brought pride to the entire nation by sending a strong message of effective action in bringing justice to the victims of Pahalgam." Earlier today, multiple other leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, also conveyed warm wishes to the ranks, veterans, and families of the Indian army. "On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country," PM Modi posted on X. Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to remember the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir FRR Bucher, in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. (ANI) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday extended greetings on Indian Army Day, paying tribute to the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of Army personnel, veterans and their families, and lauding the force's role in safeguarding the nation, ensuring internal security and providing support during natural calamities. In a post on X, Kharge wrote, "On Indian Army Day, we bow in reverence and gratitude to our brave soldiers, veterans, ex servicemen and their families. The Indian Army stands as the steadfast shield of our nation, protecting our borders across the most formidable terrains, strengthening stability during internal security challenges, and extending unflinching support during natural calamities. We remain forever indebted to your indomitable courage, exemplary professionalism, and spirit of selfless sacrifice that keeps India secure." Earlier today, multiple other leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, also conveyed warm wishes to the ranks, veterans, and families of the Indian army. "On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country," PM Modi posted on X. Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other dignitaries attended the 78th Army Day celebrations being held in Rajasthan's Jaipur. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Army Chief General Upendra Trivedi, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore, along with a large number of other dignitaries, are also present for the occasion. The parade is being held at Mahal Road, Jagatpura, marking the first time the parade will be held outside the cantonment area. Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to remember the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir FRR Bucher, in 1949 and became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. (ANI) Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday extended greetings on the occasion of 78th Army Day, paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice and selfless service of the country's armed forces. In a post on X, he conveyed his heartfelt wishes to soldiers, ex-servicemen and their families, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to the nation. https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2011657871898099780?s=20 "Heartfelt Army Day greetings to our brave soldiers, ex-servicemen, and their families who are always ever-ready to defend the nation. We shall forever remain indebted to them for their indomitable courage, valor, and supreme sacrifices. Jai Hind!," Rahul Gandhi said. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also saluted the Indian Army, highlighting the stories of sacrifice behind every uniform. https://x.com/priyankagandhi/status/2011656927345066444?s=20 "Behind every uniform is a story of sacrifice, courage, and love for the nation. On Indian Army Day, I salute our brave soldiers for their bravery, resilience and selfless service. Jai Hind," Priyanka posted on X. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge extended greetings on Indian Army Day, paying tribute to the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of Army personnel, veterans, and their families, and lauding the force's role in safeguarding the nation, ensuring internal security, and providing support during natural calamities. In a post on X, Kharge wrote, "On Indian Army Day, we bow in reverence and gratitude to our brave soldiers, veterans, ex servicemen and their families. The Indian Army stands as the steadfast shield of our nation, protecting our borders across the most formidable terrains, strengthening stability during internal security challenges, and extending unflinching support during natural calamities. We remain forever indebted to your indomitable courage, exemplary professionalism, and spirit of selfless sacrifice that keeps India secure." Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to mark the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa taking over command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief General Sir FRR Bucher in 1949, becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Mahayuti, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) have come together for "money and power". Raut said the political atmosphere in Mumbai has shifted noticeably in recent days, with voters more aware of their right to vote. He asserted that Marathi identity was not part of Mahayuti's agenda, which is why Uddhav and Raj Thackeray have united to protect Marathi interests. "Three political parties have come together purely for power and money; Marathi identity is not part of their agenda. That is why Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray have united on a single platform to protect Marathi interests," Raut said while addressing a press conference here. Shiv Sena (UBT) is contesting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in alliance with Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Raut expressed confidence that his party would win the upcoming BMC elections, asserting that voters now stand firmly with Shiv Sena and the Marathi identity. "The atmosphere has clearly been shaped over the past few days, and this time, voters will cast their ballots with greater awareness and caution. Today's voter stands with Marathi identity and Shiv Sena; this support will be clearly reflected in the 24 wards and the mayoral election," Sanjay Raut told reporters here. He further claimed that Mumbai was under intense national and international scrutiny, alleging attempts to hand over the city to the interests of select industrialists. Raut said that speaking out against such moves invites threats of stringent legal action. "Mumbai is currently under national and international scrutiny; it is being closely watched even at a global level. There are attempts to hand over the city to the interests of a few favoured industrialists. Raising one's voice against this invites threats of harsh legal action," Raut said. Raut also questioned the heightened security and administrative arrangements in Mumbai, asking why similar measures were not being implemented in other cities such as Nashik, Pune, or Nagpur. He said that there was no likelihood of an abnormal rise in voter turnout, as the public had already made up its mind. "Organised forces will operate aggressively and with full intensity. Why are such extraordinary arrangements being implemented only in Mumbai? Why not in Nashik, Pune, or Nagpur? There is no likelihood of an abnormal increase in voter turnout; the public has already made up its mind," he said. He further alleged that faith and traditions were being challenged, noting that Mumba Devi is the revered deity of Marathi people and the city derives its name from her. Raut warned of attempts to impose an "outside language and culture" on the city. "Faith and traditions are being questioned, even though Mumba Devi is the revered deity of Marathi people; this identity is why the city is named Mumbai. Under the pretext of names like Navi Mumbai, there will be attempts to impose an outside language and culture on the city," said Raut. Earlier in the day, Raut cast his vote in the BMC polls at a polling booth in Mumbai. 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra have gone to the polls today as a high-voltage campaign came to an end, setting the stage for a decisive political contest in key urban centres including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Mahayuti is contesting the local body polls largely together, except in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, where the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to ally with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP). 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 polls, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray joined hands on the issue of "son of the soil" in a high-stakes fight for control of the 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 Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), following a split in 2023. Ajit Pawar joined hands with Sharad Pawar again and contested against the NDA partner BJP in Pune, whereas Shiv Sena, 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 (SEC), 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. (ANI) Speaking to the media after casting his vote here, he emphasised the BJP and Shiv Sena's "developmental agenda". "Under the leadership of PM Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, we have run an election campaign on a development agenda, and we fully believe that 29 municipalities will elect a mayor from Mahayuti," Chavan told reporters. Chavan cast his vote at Joshi School polling booth for the local body elections. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena candidate Priya Sarvankar criticised the opposition, saying they are advancing a "Bhai-Bhai agenda" in the Maharashtra local body polls while her party and the BJP were moving forward with a development agenda. "Shiv Sena and BJP are moving forward with a development agenda, while opposition parties are advancing a 'Bhai-Bhai' agenda (brother-brother alliance). All Mumbaikars will vote for our development agenda," she said. Sarvankar further expressed confidence in the Mahayuti's victory in the elections, saying, "The mayor will definitely be from our alliance." Polling for India's richest municipal corporation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), began early Thursday morning, with hundreds of voters queuing to cast their votes and elect 277 new ward members, after a gap of nearly 8 years. Voting began at 7:30 am today, with people queuing at their respective polling booths. A total of 1,700 candidates are set to contest the polls in Mumbai. The Thackeray family, including former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his son Aaditya Thackeray, also visited polling booth 44 at Kala Nagar, Sahvas Society, in Bandra East to cast their votes. A total of 1,03,44,315 citizens are eligible to vote in the BMC polls. Of these, 55,16,707 are men, 48,26,509 are women, and the number of other voters is 1,099. Apart from Mumbai, Municipal elections for over 28 other corporations are being held across Maharashtra, with counting of votes scheduled for Friday, January 16. (ANI) Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday raised concerns over the fairness of the ongoing Maharashtra municipal elections, asserting that he does not consider it a legitimate election if power is gained through fraudulent means. Shiv Sena (UBT) is contesting the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections in alliance with Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in Mumbai in the ongoing BMC elections, Thackeray alleged that a voting machine called "PADU" is being used, about which political parties were not given any prior information by the State Election Commission. He demanded an explanation from the Election Commission regarding the issue. Printing Auxiliary Display Unit (PADU) act as a backup in case of any emergency or technical error in connecting the voting units to the control unit. "After that, there is the issue of VVPAT, where it was said that it would not be used. Then a machine called "PADU" was brought in. There is practically no opposition or opposition leader at all. It is the government that decides how elections should be conducted. We will not allow this to happen. It is a different matter that the machine was brought in, but complete information about this machine has not been provided by the Election Commission to any political party," Raj Thackeray said. "Even after repeated complaints and requests, information about this machine has not been given. The Election Commission should give a clear explanation on this. We do not call it an election when someone comes to power by conducting elections in such a fraudulent manner," he added. The MNS chief also raised concerns about irregularities during voting, citing instances where repolling was required. He alleged that an earlier ink was used for marking votes, but now a new pen has been introduced and highlighted complaints have emerged that its ink can be erased if sanitiser is applied. "Even after submitting written representations, nothing has been done. Till now, the link that used to be applied--now a new pen has been introduced, and complaints are coming about that pen. If sanitiser is applied, the ink gets erased. Now all that remains is that ink is applied, then you come out, erase the ink, and then go back inside and vote again. I want to inform all of you about how the system is being run. When we started this, the intention in one way or another was to win elections. On this matter, the government and the administration are doing everything. The issue of re-polling came up," Raj Thackeray said. He urged voters, especially Matoshree Sainiks and women supporters, to remain vigilant during the elections. Thackeray also criticised new campaigning rules, stating they demonstrate how the government can manipulate the process to maintain power. "I appeal to the people, the Shiv Sena workers, and the Matoshree Sena workers to be vigilant about all these things. A person was caught casting a vote twice..." Thackeray said. 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra have gone to the polls today as a high-voltage campaign came to an end, setting the stage for a decisive political contest in key urban centres including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Mahayuti is contesting the local body polls largely together, except in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, where the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to ally with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP). 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 polls, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray joined hands on the issue of "son of the soil" in a high-stakes fight for control of the 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 Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), following a split in 2023. Ajit Pawar joined hands with Sharad Pawar again and contested against the 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 (SEC), 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. (ANI) Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday raised questions over the proposed transformation of Varanasi's famous cremation ground, Manikarnika Ghat, calling it a 'tasteless beautification and commercialisation' attempt which is "destroying centuries-old religious, cultural, and spiritual heritage". He alleged that in the name of development, multiple temples, small and large shrines were being demolished. "Millions of people come to Kashi every year in the final stage of their lives seeking moksha. Is your intention to betray these devotees?" Mallikarjun Kharge asked. Kharge posted pictures and videos on X of idols allegedly already demolished, along with bulldozers in the area. "In the name of tasteless beautification and commercialisation, you have run bulldozers at Manikarnika Ghat in Banaras, destroying centuries-old religious, cultural, and spiritual heritage. You want every piece of historical heritage to be erased and just your nameplate stuck on it," Kharge wrote on X. Kharge said it is a "crime" to demolish such rare heritage, established in the Gupta period and renovated by Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. He asked, whether the intention behind all this is to benefit "PM Modi's business friends." The Congress President asked, "You have handed over water, forests, mountains--everything to them; now it's the turn of cultural heritage. The people of the country have two questions for you- couldn't restoration, cleanliness, and beautification have been done while preserving the heritage? 2. Why were axes taken to the hundreds-of-years-old idols that became victims of the bulldozer at Manikarnika Ghat, and why were they dumped in the rubble? Couldn't they have been preserved in a museum?" The plan for renovation and redevelopment of Manikarnika Ghat was started with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying the foundation stone in July 07, 2023. The total renovation cost of the project is expected to be around Rs 17.56 crore. The administration Master plan is to streamline and widen the area from Manikarnika Ghat to Scindia Ghat. This includes Better facilities for pilgrims visiting the ghats, Easier access and seating arrangements for those coming for cremations, and strengthening connectivity to Scindia Ghat. New Manikarnika Ghat will have seating arrangements for VIPs on the roof. In addition, special attention will be paid to providing ramps, viewing areas, seating arrangements, and other basic amenities. A wood plaza will also be constructed at Manikarnika Ghat, where mourners can purchase wood for cremations. It is worth noting that the 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 where pyres burn 24 hours a day, giving it the name of the Mahashmashan (Great Cremation Ground), with people coming from all over the world to witness the sacred site. (ANI) AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi appealed to voters to actively participate in the high-stakes municipal elections underway across Maharashtra. Reacting to BMC elections, Owaisi said, "What will happen in Mumbai is limited to Mumbai only." He also commented on issues ranging from Indian students stranded in Iran and a reported communal clash in Hyderabad. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Owaisi urged citizens to exercise their democratic right as Maharashtra votes across 29 municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). "The public should come forward and exercise their right to vote in the municipal elections being held in Maharashtra. This gives you a good opportunity to express your likes and dislikes," he said, adding that his party had run a "very successful campaign" and was hopeful of positive results. Reacting to speculation around the alliance between the Thackeray brothers in Mumbai, Owaisi said its impact would largely be confined to the city. "What will happen in Mumbai is limited to Mumbai only. People will go out and vote today, and by tomorrow they will know what the impact was," he remarked. Owaisi also raised concerns over Indian students stranded in Iran, particularly those studying at Shahid Beheshti University. He said he had received distress calls from parents, noting issues such as internet shutdowns, lack of financial resources, and universities withholding passports. He urged the government and the External Affairs Ministry to urgently prepare an evacuation plan. On a reported communal clash in Hyderabad on Tuesday night, Owaisi alleged attempts to disturb communal harmony. "These incidents are happening at night and at places with a history of communal violence," he said, questioning the role of local police despite the city's extensive CCTV and facial recognition infrastructure. As Maharashtra goes to the polls on Thursday, voting is being held from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, with counting scheduled for Friday from 10 am. The elections cover 29 municipal corporations across the state, including the BMC, which has 227 wards, 114 reserved for women and 113 general seats. A total of 1,03,44,315 voters are eligible to vote, comprising 55,16,707 men, 48,26,509 women, and 1,099 other voters. (ANI) Former Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, along with his family, including MP Praniti Shinde, cast their vote in Solapur for the Maharashtra local body elections on Thursday. After casting her vote, Congress MP Praniti Shinde accused the BJP of dirty politics, stating that the party has "arrogance of having power for the first time." Shedding light on Congress's developmental approach, accusing BJP of using foul tactics to garner votes in the local body elections. "When we vote in the Solapur Municipal Corporation and Maharashtra local body elections, our vote should be for development. Congress is fighting for this, and the way the BJP is doing politics by murdering someone or by distributing money... maybe they have the arrogance of having power for the first time, which is why they are misusing it..," she told the media. She further said that the common people are "fed up" with the BJP's politics and will vote for change. "...People have seen it all now, and they are fed-up of BJP's petty politics. So, you will see in the results tomorrow how people bring a change," she asserted. On the matter of Congress ministers caught red-handed buying votes, Shinde said that the "police only target Congress members." "This unfair practice should be completely abolished by all parties. However, the police should work in an unbiased manner. They intentionally targeted the Congress members and favoured the BJP members. This is not right," Shinde accused. Meanwhile, Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde urged people to vote in large numbers to "keep the democracy alive." "This is a part of the flow of democracy. It is essential for everyone to vote to keep this democracy alive," he said. Furthermore, Shinde, in a veiled attack on the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti, condemned the "arrogance and bullying" taking place in the state. "...But the kind of arrogance and bullying that is happening within this democracy is very wrong. This will put our democracy in danger. Therefore, everyone needs to take appropriate action on this matter," he stated. The polling for India's richest municipal corporation, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), began on Thursday early morning, with hundreds of voters queueing up to exercise their franchise and elect 277 new ward members, after a gap of nearly 8 years. Voting began at 7:30 am today, with people queuing at their respective polling booths. A total of 1,700 candidates are set to contest the polls in Mumbai. Apart from Mumbai, Municipal elections for over 28 other corporations are being held across Maharashtra, with counting of votes scheduled for Friday, January 16. (ANI) Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday called for action against the Maharashtra State Election Commissioner, questioning the delay in conducting the state municipal elections. Uddhav said that it should be revealed how the Election Commissioner is paid and demanded action against those responsible for the delay in the state municipal polls. "It should be revealed how the Election Commissioner is paid. The Mumbai municipal elections are being held after a nine-year gap. What were the Election Commissioner and his staff doing for these years? Action should be taken against them," Uddhav Thackeray said. The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief also urged voters to cast their votes, stating that he and his family had exercised their right. "Our entire family voted together, and we appeal to all voters in all constituencies where elections are being held to cast their votes," he said. 29 municipal corporations across Maharashtra went to the polls today as a high-voltage campaign came to an end, setting the stage for a decisive political contest in key urban centres, including Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Mahayuti is contesting the local body polls largely in a joint alliance, except in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, where the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has chosen to ally with Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP). 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 polls, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray joined hands on the issue of "son of the soil" in a high-stakes fight for control of the 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 Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), following a split in 2023. Ajit Pawar joined hands with Sharad Pawar again and contested against the 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 (SEC), 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. (ANI) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has approached the Supreme Court of India, seeking the immediate suspension of senior West Bengal police officers and initiation of departmental proceedings against them, alleging serious misconduct and deliberate obstruction of a lawful money-laundering investigation, during a raid at the political consultancy firm I-PAC's office in Kolkata. In its application for directions, the ED has urged the Court to place the police officers present during the January 8 search operation under suspension. The agency has also sought directions to the impleaded authorities under the Department of Personnel and Training and the Ministry of Home Affairs to initiate departmental inquiry and major penalty proceedings against the officers concerned. According to the ED, its search operation at the office of I-PAC and the residential premises of its director Pratik Jain in Kolkata was forcibly obstructed. The agency has alleged that digital devices, electronic records and documents lawfully seized during the search were illegally taken away, amounting to theft of evidence and direct interference with an ongoing probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED has further contended that senior police officers failed to act despite cognizable offences being committed in their presence. Referring to provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the agency has argued that the officers were legally bound to prevent the offence, arrest the offenders and ensure registration of FIRs, but instead allegedly aided and abetted the obstruction of the investigation, warranting immediate suspension and disciplinary action. The Supreme Court is slated to hear on today a plea moved by the 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. The searches were conducted in connection with the ED's investigation into an alleged coal-pilferage scam in West Bengal, which the central agency claims has been repeatedly hampered by state authorities. Relying on Section 54(f) of the PMLA, the ED has emphasised that police officers are statutorily obligated to assist authorities enforcing the Act. Any deviation from this mandate, the agency has argued, undermines the rule of law and emboldens further interference in investigations carried out by central agencies. The ED has therefore sought strict directions from the Court, including suspension and departmental action, along with any other relief deemed fit in the interest of justice. (ANI) DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan criticised TVK chief Vijay Kumar over the Karur incident, holding him responsible for the circumstances that allegedly led to multiple deaths during a public meeting. Speaking to ANI, Elangovan said the tragedy occurred due to the actor-turned-politician's delayed arrival at the event. "Vijay should understand that these deaths, this accident, had happened only because of Vijay's delayed presence in the meeting. He had made people wait for about nine hours from 9 am to 07:30 pm. So people without food or water, in the scorching sun, had fainted," he said. Elangovan further claimed, "If he had come at 12 o'clock as was stated, he would have saved so many lives. But Vijay does not want to accept it, and talks about something else." Meanwhile, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay returned to Chennai on Tuesday, a day after being questioned at the CBI headquarters in Delhi in relation to the Karur stampede. As per CBI sources, the TVK chief will be called for questioning once again at a later date. The CBI on Monday rigorously questioned the actor-turned-politician for over 7 hours at the CBI headquarters. The probe centres on the tragic Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives in September 2025. While Vijay has been granted a temporary reprieve to return home for the Pongal festival, CBI sources have confirmed that his legal journey is far from over. "TVK Chief and actor Vijay will be called for questioning once again at a later date," CBI sources said. During his questioning, fans and supporters of the former actor continued to wait outside the CBI office while the interrogation was in progress. The CBI conducted a detailed line of questioning of Vijay as part of its probe into the Karur stampede case. The CBI's line of questioning focused heavily on the mechanics of the disaster and the timeline of events. The CBI took over the investigation from the Tamil Nadu Police in October last year following a Supreme Court order. Since then, the agency has been examining the circumstances surrounding the stampede at a political event in Karur. The CBI had earlier issued a notice to Vijay under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), directing him to present himself for examination. Following the notice, Vijay arrived at the CBI office on Monday morning. The Karur stampede occurred during a massive political gathering, resulting in the deaths of 41 people and leaving several others injured. The incident triggered widespread public outrage and prompted judicial and legal scrutiny. (ANI) BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan celebrated the Pongal festival in Chennai and highlighted the political and cultural significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Tamil Nadu. She said the Prime Minister's visit on January 23 would mark a crucial moment for the NDA as it prepares its roadmap for the 2026 Assembly elections in the state. Speaking to the media, Soundararajan said it is very significant that the Prime Minister would be visiting Tamil Nadu during th auspicious Thai Month. "It is an NDA meeting, and from that NDA will take off its successful process and procedure for our 2026 election. We are very happy that our Prime Minister, nearing Pongal and our auspicious Thai month, is coming to Tamil Nadu," she said. She also welcomed the Prime Minister's participation in Pongal celebrations, noting that he spoke about Tamil culture and its pride. "Our Home Minister also participated in the Pongal. This is the first time all the central leaders have participated in the Pongal. During the UPA government, how many central ministers visited Tamil Nadu to celebrate Pongal?" she remarked. Meanwhile, Pongal was celebrated with traditional fervour across Tamil Nadu. In Thoothukudi, urban areas came alive early in the morning as residents decorated their homes with colourful kolams. As part of the ritual, Pongal, the traditional sweet rice dish, was prepared in new clay pots. In Madurai, the famed Jallikattu event was held at Avaniyapuram, drawing large crowds on the occasion of the harvest festival. The traditional bull-taming sport remained a key cultural highlight of Pongal, with at least 960 bull-tamers allowed to participate in the event. At Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore, Pongal was celebrated with enthusiasm. "It is a traditional festival that has been celebrated for the past 60 years at the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University. This year, we are also celebrating in the same form of splendour to honour the natural resources, especially the cow, as well as the support for all our research activities and the farm workers... It is a tradition to reciprocate our sincere thanks to the cow that helped us with cultivation," said Vice-Chancellor in-charge Dr K Subrahmaniyan. (ANI) Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal slammed the Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday, over alleged remarks against Sri Akal Takht. in a scathing attack on Maan she claimed that he "drinks alcohol" before visiting religious and government places as well as gives a place in his government to "thieves and thugs". She claimed that Mann was "stashing away millions of rupees in Australia". Through an official X post, she said, "Millions of rupees stashed away in Australia, and yet he goes to gurdwaras, temples, government meetings, and Parliament after drinking alcohol. A man who gives places in his government to thieves and thugs is now making vile statements and accusations on the sacred Sri Akal Takht. This is the darkest Kali Yuga. The height of shamelessness!" https://x.com/SwatiJaiHind/status/2011690227199590800 The Rajya Sabha MP also claimed the period as the "darkest Kali Yuga" in response to Bhagwant Mann's alleged statement. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann who appeared today before the Sri Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat over his alleged remarks on Sikh traditions, claimed that there was no truth in the narratives being spread on social media against him. After appearing before the secretariat, he said that the Singh Sahib's decision would be communicated to him and that he would respect the body's upcoming decision. He also claimed that a video of him making the remaks was "fake" and proposed that it be examined by a forensic laboratory. Addressing mediapersons he said, "I presented my side before Sri Akal Takht Sahib against any complaints they got against me. I have presented written evidence before Akal Takht Sahib. Also clarified that the narratives circulating on social media alleging that Bhagwant Mann is challenging Sri Akal Takht Sahib are false. I have no standing before Akal Takht Sahib to do such a thing. Singh sahib's decision will be communicated to me. Singh sahib's decision will be respected...I told him the video was fake and it can be examined at any forensic laboratory..." Mann was summoned before the Akal Takht Sahib Secretariat allegedly for making comments on 'Guru ki Golak' (a gurdwara donation box), according to the PRO (Public Relations Officer) of 'Sri Akal Takht Sahib'. According to the PRO, the Jathedars presented a copy of the monthly Gurdwara Gazette magazine related to the Sikh code of conduct and letters of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to the Chief Minister during his appearance before Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj and Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Tek Singh at the Secretariat.' (ANI) The Indian Army celebrated its 78th Army Day, with a series of events being organised across the country to motivate young people to join the armed forces. As part of these celebrations, the Army Training Command (ARTRAC), Shimla, organised a 'Know Your Army' exhibition at the Ridge ground in Shimla. The exhibition was inaugurated on Wednesday by retired Brigadier Harjit Singh along with Lieutenant General Sukriti Singh Dahiya, Chief of Staff, Army Training Command (ARTRAC). Both senior officers appreciated the initiative aimed at familiarising the public, especially the youth, with the Indian Army and its role in safeguarding the nation. On the occasion of Army Day, ARTRAC showcased a weapons and ammunition exhibition, organised a health camp, set up selfie points, and presented performances by the Army Pipe Band. The event drew large participation from local residents, tourists, NCC cadets, and young visitors, who were encouraged to consider a career in the Indian Army. Speaking on the occasion, retired Brigadier Harjit Singh said that the Know Your Army exhibition had been organised in Shimla to give people a closer look at Army equipment and ammunition. He noted that a large number of youth, tourists and NCC cadets were visiting the exhibition, and the displays were successfully drawing their attention towards the Army and its functioning. NCC cadet and Under Officer Riya Chauhan, while speaking to ANI, said, "The 'Know Your Army' exhibition is very important. It shows how our Army personnel make huge sacrifices for the country. Without the military, our country would not be safe. For today's youth, this is extremely important. Seeing the Army creates inspiration. As an NCC cadet, my aim is to join the defence forces. I want to serve in the Army. Through Army Day, we can generate a message for the youth about how they can protect the country in the future and learn many important lessons." Not only local residents but tourists visiting Shimla also showed keen interest in the exhibition, learning about the Indian Army and its weapons. Tourist Saylee Kurulkar from Maharashtra, while sharing her experience with ANI, said, "Before going to Punjab, I wanted to see the border. I saw the BSF force and then came here yesterday. Today is Army Day. I saw the board and asked a local resident, who told me about this exhibition. I have been here since 8:30 am, and I am really curious to know everything. It is very interesting. This is the first time I am seeing the weapons used by the Indian Army. Everything is very exciting. My age has passed to join the Army, but my father really wanted to join and could not. In a way, this feels like fulfilling that dream. I can share all this information with him. Shimla is my favourite city, and if he were here, he would have been very happy. I think this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. People should visit places where the Indian Army interacts with the public. This is a proud and progressive moment for all of us." Local youth Adheyan Singh Jhamta also expressed enthusiasm after visiting the exhibition. Speaking to ANI, he said, "Today is Army Day. Here we are being told how weapons are loaded, and different types of guns are being shown. Most of the guns that we usually see in movies and in the Army are displayed here. We are getting a chance to understand them. I want to join the Army when I grow up. They are also explaining about different weapons and the roles of women in the Army. Senior officers are present here. It feels very good and motivating to see everyone and interact with such high-ranking officials." He said. The Know Your Army exhibition at Shimla's Ridge ground emerged as a major attraction on Army Day, successfully connecting the Army with the public and inspiring the next generation to serve the nation. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu attended the convocation ceremony of Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar, Punjab, on Thursday. The President said that the future of India depends on young people who possess a scientific temper, act responsibly and serve selflessly. She urged higher education institutions to inculcate these values in their students. In a post on X, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said, "President Droupadi Murmu graced the convocation ceremony of Guru Nanak Dev University at Amritsar. The President said that the future of India depends on young people who possess a scientific temper, act responsibly and serve selflessly. She urged higher education institutions to inculcate these values in their students." President Droupadi Murmu is on a visit to Punjab and Rajasthan from January 15 to 16 to attend various events. She was the Chief Guest at the 50th Golden Jubilee Convocation of Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar. On January 16, the President will attend the 21st convocation ceremony of Dr BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jalandhar, where she will confer degrees on 1,452 students. During the event, she will also inaugurate a high-mast National Flag and two Centres of Excellence for Cyber Security and 5G and Beyond. In view of the President's visit, Amritsar and Jalandhar have been declared no-fly zones for all kinds of drones, aircraft and helicopters. Later, on January 16, President Murmu will attend the 1008 Kundiya Hanuman Mahayagya, organised by the Ramanand Mission, in Jaipur. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, President Droupadi Murmu received credentials from several foreign envoys at Rashtrapati Bhavan, including Robert Zischg, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, the envoys of Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America. 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." Meanwhile, on Wedesnday President Droupadi Murmu received credentials from Robert Zischg, the Austrian Ambassdor to India. The President also recieved the credentials of the envoys of Trinidad and Tobago and the US 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." (ANI) Several international IndiGo flights on Thursday were impacted as a result of the sudden Iran airspace closure amid rising turmoil, according to an IndiGo official. The official stated that "due to the sudden airspace closure by Iran, some of the international flights have been impacted. The IndiGo teams are working diligently to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives." "This development is beyond our control, and we regret the disruption it may have caused to your travel plans. If your flight is impacted, we encourage you to visit our website to explore flexible rebooking options or to claim a refund, as per your preference. We remain committed to keeping you informed and supporting you through this evolving situation. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding," the official further added. Earlier in the day, due to the airspace closure in Iran, amid rising turmoil, international flights from India are now diverting their route, resulting in delays. In this regard, Air India on Thursday issued a travel advisory informing passengers of potential delays in international flights overflying the region and cancellations, when rerouting is not possible. The advisory read, "Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays. Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled. "The airlines further requested passengers to stay updated with flight status before heading to the airport. The airlines highlighted the safety of passengers and crew, apologising for the inconvenience. "We request passengers to check the status of their flights on our website https://t.co/zsIzqUy58u before heading to the airport. Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen disruption. Safety of our passengers and crew remain top priority," said the advisory. Meanwhile, IndiGo airlines also informed of impact on international flights owing to the Iran airspace closure. The airlines assured affected passengers "support and best possible alternatives." In a travel advisory, IndiGo wrote, "Due to the sudden airspace closure by Iran, some of our international flights are impacted. Our teams are working diligently to assess the situation and support affected customers by offering the best possible alternatives. "The airlines further requested passengers to "explore flexible rebooking options or claim a refund" from the website, in case of flight delays or cancellations."This development is beyond our control, and we regret the disruption it may have caused to your travel plans. If your flight is impacted, we encourage you to visit our website to explore flexible rebooking options or to claim a refund, as per your preference," the advisory noted."We remain committed to keeping you informed and supporting you through this evolving situation. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding," it added. Additionally, SpiceJet, in its travel advisory, requested passengers to check their flight status at the airline's website or reservation helpline numbers, as some of their flights might have been impacted." Due to airspace closure in Iran, some of our flights may be affected. Passengers are advised to check their flight status at https://t.co/2wynECZugy or contact our 24*7 Reservation Helpline numbers at +91 (0)124 4983410 or +91 (0)124 7101600 for assistance," the advisory stated. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised Indian nationals currently in Iran to leave the country at the earliest. "In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on January 5, 2025, and 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," it said. The advisory reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOs should exercise due caution and "avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments.""All Indian nationals in Iran are requested to also have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available with them. They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard," the advisory noted. The embassy also provided emergency contact helplines. (ANI) AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami raised questions about the stability of the Congress party within the DMK-led alliance, citing growing speculation that the Congress may exit the alliance. Speaking at a Pongal festival organised by the AIADMK party at M Kalippatti village under Mecheri Union in Salem district on Wednesday, Palaniswami said recent political developments point to uncertainty within the ruling alliance. Earlier, Palaniswami arrived at the venue in a bullock cart and was accorded a warm reception by party functionaries, cadres and the public, who showered flowers on him. He inaugurated the Pongal celebrations by adding raw rice to a Pongal pot, marking the traditional preparation of Pongal in 108 pots. He later witnessed folk performances, including Valli Kummi, Urumi dance, street theatre, and horse dance, and distributed prizes to Jallikattu bulls on display at the venue. "Pongal is celebrated by Tamils across the world with the belief that 'Thai brings new beginnings'. While Pongal was traditionally a village festival, it is now celebrated with equal enthusiasm in urban areas. Nearly 65 per cent of the population continues to depend on agriculture for their livelihood," Edappadi K Palaniswami said. Palaniswami said that after the demise of party founders MGR and Jayalalithaa, the AIADMK has successfully implemented several welfare schemes. He claimed that people are eagerly waiting for the DMK government to be removed from power and asserted that the AIADMK is part of a strong and winning alliance that will secure a majority in the upcoming Assembly elections and form the government. Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, Palaniswami said that India is witnessing a strong government at the Centre and that Modi is being hailed globally as a successful Prime Minister. He expressed confidence that the AIADMK would soon hoist the victory flag. Launching a sharp attack on the DMK government, Palaniswami alleged that Tamil Nadu has turned into a "state of protests", with government employees, teachers and nurses agitating against the administration. He claimed that public dissatisfaction with the government is widespread and said the AIADMK would celebrate the next Pongal as the ruling party. He further accused the DMK government of failing to fully implement the Mettur surplus water scheme, alleging that the AIADMK-initiated project was neglected due to political rivalry, leaving several lakes without water. He assured that all lakes would be filled once the AIADMK returns to power. Palaniswami also alleged a rise in drug circulation in the state and deterioration in law and order, pointing out that a permanent Director General of Police is yet to be appointed. Reiterating his criticism of the ruling alliance, he said Congress, a constituent of the DMK-led front, is gradually losing its footing and that questions are now being raised about whether the party will remain in the alliance. (ANI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday said that India's culture and literature are extraordinary, where trees, plants, mountains, and rivers are revered. He emphasised the need to preserve this rich cultural heritage and move forward so that future generations draw inspiration from it and feel a sense of pride. He said that the state government is committed not only to Rajasthan's development but also to the promotion of its culture and literature, and appealed to people to make literature a part of their lives. While addressing the inaugural session of the Jaipur Literature Festival held in Jaipur, CM Sharma said that the land of Rajasthan has been a carrier of knowledge, art, and culture for centuries. Describing the Jaipur Literature Festival as a celebration and an ocean of ideas, he said the event would help further showcase Rajasthan's cultural heritage along with literature. The Chief Minister said Rajasthan is a sacred land of literature, music, and art, where every heritage site, from Amer Fort to Hawa Mahal, reflects its rich culture. He cited Prithviraj Raso as a unique example of Rajasthan's heroic tradition, and said the devotion of Meera and the tales of Dhola-Maru continue to touch millions of hearts. Writers and folklorists such as Vijaydan Detha, Kanhaiyalal Sethia, and Komal Kothari, he said, are torchbearers of Rajasthan's literary and cultural consciousness. He added that Rajasthan is a land of devotion and valour, where heroes like Maharana Pratap, Panna Dhai, and Amrita Devi glorified the soil through their sacrifice, dedication, and courage. Additionally, CM Sharma said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has often highlighted that books should be gifted instead of bouquets, as books spread the light of knowledge across generations. He said books offer a new perspective on life, while literature connects people with sensitivity and compassion, making them thoughtful and humble. He noted that India's ancestors wrote works on knowledge, science, research, and public welfare in verse, and popularised this wisdom through literature. From inspiring warriors against Mughal invaders, energising freedom fighters during the independence movement, challenging authoritarianism during the Emergency, to boosting the morale of soldiers during wars, he said literature has always played a vital role in nation-building. On the occasion, Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Dr Prem Chand Bairwa, Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar Sharma, JLF Director Namita Gokhale, William Dalrymple, Teamwork Arts Managing Director Sanjoy Roy, along with renowned writers and litterateurs, were present. Earlier, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the people of the state on the auspicious occasions of Lohri and Makar Sankranti. According to an official release, the Chief Minister stated that the festival of Lohri, celebrated to mark the arrival of the spring season and the joy of a new harvest, is a symbol of our faith in nature. He expressed his hope that the sacred Lohri fire would remove negativity from people's lives and spread the light of health and prosperity. The Chief Minister further added that Makar Sankranti, celebrated on the occasion of Lord Surya (the Sun God) entering the northern hemisphere (Uttarayan), infuses positive energy into our lives. This festival symbolises our country's rich heritage and cultural unity. (ANI) Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday over the Sabarimala gold theft case, accusing him of trying to cover up the scandal. Chandrasekhar claimed that Vijayan's initial response to the scam was to downplay it as a "slip-up" and hoped that the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which reports to him, would help bury the issue. Speaking during a press conference, Chandrasekhar questioned the impartiality of the SIT, saying, "When the Sabarimala scam first came out, our Chief Minister's first response to it, he said it is a slip-up... He was hoping that the SIT, which is the Kerala police, which reports to him, would help him put this under the carpet. This is the single-handedly effort of media and the BJP-NDA to prevent him from putting this under carpet. The Home Minister himself, when he came to Trivandrum, challenged the Chief Minister, if you are sincerely interested in finding out the truth about your own ministers, how can your police investigate it?..." Earlier, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold theft case had arrested KP Shankaradas, a former member of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), Kerala Police said on Wednesday. The arrest was formally recorded at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram, where Shankaradas has been undergoing medical treatment for the past few days. Police sources said the Kollam Vigilance Court has been informed of the arrest. Shankaradas had served on the administrative committee of the Travancore Devaswom Board during the tenure of A Padmakumar, the former TDB president who was earlier arrested in the case. Investigators believe decisions taken during this period are central to the alleged irregularities linked to the disappearance of gold meant for the Sabarimala temple. The Sabarimala gold theft case relates to allegations of misappropriation of around 4.54 kilograms of gold from sacred temple artefacts, including the Sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) door frames and Dwarapalaka idols. The alleged theft took place in 2019 under the pretext of refinishing and re-gold-plating temple structures. The controversy traces its origins to a 1998 donation by industrialist Vijay Mallya, who had gifted 30.3 kilograms of gold and 1,900 kilograms of copper for gold plating and cladding work at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple. Subsequent inspections and court-monitored inquiries revealed discrepancies between the donated gold and the quantity allegedly used. The case has also sparked political controversy, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding that the probe be handed over to a neutral agency, alleging the involvement of senior Kerala ministers and questioning the state government's handling of the investigation. (ANI) A team of the crime branch arrested three individuals with 513 grams of MD drugs in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district, an official said on Thursday. According to the Crime Branch, the arrested accused have been identified as Nikhil and Mukesh, residents of Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh, and Kamlesh, a resident of Rajasthan. The trio was travelling on a motorcycle and was bringing the consignment from Rajasthan. Based on intel, a police check was placed at the MR-4 road. When they noticed the police checking, they attempted to flee, but the team chased them and succeeded in catching them. Upon searching, the crime branch team confiscated the contraband. "The Chief Minister has been continuously directing authorities to take action against narcotic substances, and the Commissioner of Police also has instructed the Crime Branch to carry out maximum enforcement action. Our team was continuously engaged in monitoring the activity, and in this sequence, we received information yesterday evening that three youths were carrying a large quantity of drugs from Rajasthan on a motorcycle. Acting on this tip-off, a team was deployed on MR-4 Road. When the police tried to stop them, the accused tried to flee, but after a chase, they were apprehended," said Rajesh Kumar Tripathi, DCP (Crime Branch). He further said, "During the search, 513 grams of MD drugs were recovered from their possession. Thereafter, all three accused were immediately taken into police custody, and a case is being registered against them under the NDPS Act. Further interrogation will be conducted to determine the source of the drugs and their supply destinations. The seized drugs are estimated to be worth approximately Rs 1 crore in the international market." The officer added that a police remand would be sought to interrogate the accused further to ascertain more information about their activity. (ANI) Observing that offenders cannot be protected under the shield of law-enforcement agencies of a particular state, the Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and senior state-police officials on pleas filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) alleging interference by state authorities during its search operations at the premises of political consultancy firm I-PAC under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). A Bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and A.G. Masih noted that if issues involving larger constitutional questions are left undecided, it could lead to a situation of lawlessness in states governed by different political outfits. "Considering adherence of rule of law in the country and to allow each organ to function independently, it is necessary to examine the issue so that offenders are not allowed to be protected under the shield of law-enforcing agencies of a particular state. According to us, larger questions are involved and raised, which if allowed to remain undecided, would further worsen the situation, and there will be a situation of lawlessness prevailing in one or other state, considering that different outfits are governing at different places," the Court observed. The Court has also stayed an FIR registered by the West Bengal police against ED officials who had entered the I-PAC premises to conduct searches, after ED counsel sought interim protection. During the hearing, the Solicitor General of India (SGI) Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of ED, described the incident as reflecting a "shocking state of affairs" in West Bengal. "In this State, whenever statutory authorities perform an investigation, the Hon'ble Chief Minister barges into wherever it is being conducted," the SG submitted. He alleged that the Chief Minister was accompanied by the Director General of Police, the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner (of Kolkata) and a large contingent of police personnel. The police personnel also accompanied the political leader to stage a "dharna" (protest) at the site, the SG added. The SG further submitted that ED officers were obstructed in the discharge of their official duties and were personally aggrieved by the events that unfolded. He also alleged a pattern of intimidation against central agencies in West Bengal by referring to a prior incident in which the residence of a CBI Joint-Director was allegedly "gheraoed" and ransacked. According to the ED, incriminating material pertaining to the alleged coal scam of 2742.32 crores was present both at the I-PAC premises and at the residence of persons under investigation. Despite prior intimation to the local police, a large police force allegedly entered the premises during the search, ED contended. It was also alleged that materials seized by the ED were taken away, including the mobile phone of an ED officer. As per the ED, in the alleged coal scam, excavated and stolen coal used to be sold to a group of companies", SG submitted. "If this (interference) continues, it will encourage central officers not to discharge their duties. Central forces will be demoralised," Mehta warned, adding that such actions would have a chilling effect on investigations. The ED urged the Supreme Court to set a precedent by directing the suspension of police officers who were present at the scene and ordering a departmental inquiry to be conducted by the State Chief Secretary. Further, it sought directions to recover (from WB authorities) the seized evidence (by ED) under the supervision of the Court. "This is what happens when mobocracy replaces democracy," the SG remarked. The SG also alleged attempts to disrupt judicial proceedings. He submitted that on January 9, the matter could not be heard as the atmosphere in the High Court was unconducive. ED also placed on record WhatsApp chats of the All India Trinamool Congress legal cell allegedly calling supporters to assemble in court. Buses and vehicles were arranged to mobilise crowds, the SG remarked. In response, the Court remarked that it seems as if the High Court had been turned into "Jantar Mantar". Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, objected to the maintainability of the ED's plea. He argued that if the High Court was already seized of the matter, there was no need for the Supreme Court to entertain parallel proceedings. According to him, the ED was engaging in forum shopping. He submitted that there was no basis to assume that hearings could not take place before the High Court. Raising questions over the timing of the ED raid, Sibal questioned why the ED chose to conduct searches in 2026, close to state elections, when it had not acted in 2024 or 2025. "Statements were recorded in the matter last in February 2024", he highlighted. He argued that the ED was aware that the premises contained political party data and election-related material and questioned the necessity of entering such premises in the midst of an election cycle. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the West Bengal government and the Director General of Police, objected to the maintainability of the ED's plea. He pointed out that the ED had first approached the High Court and then, the very next day, filed petitions before the Supreme Court. Questioning alleged inconsistencies in the ED's record, Singhvi argued that either the panchanama was incorrect or the version presented in the Supreme Court petition was wrong. Referring to the timeline given in ED's panchnama, Singhvi submitted that the search was shown to have commenced at 6:45 a.m., while intimation to the police was sent at 11:30. He questioned how a person who had sent an email at 11:30 a.m. could later claim that it was sent earlier. "This was a way to cover up tracks. Paper trail created", Singhvi added. Singhvi further submitted that unidentified persons had entered the premises and refused to disclose their identities. Defending the Director General of Police, Singhvi stated the Chief Minister is a Z-plus (security class) protectee. He argued that it was the duty of the police to ensure her security. "That is why the DGP went there," Singhvi said. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for ED officers who had filed a separate plea seeking registration of an FIR by the CBI, argued that the incident disclosed a prima facie case of theft, which is a cognizable offence. Referring to the apex court's landmark ruling, Lalita Kumari, he submitted that registration of an FIR was mandatory in such cases. He argued that the offence was not merely theft, but could extend to robbery or dacoity, though he limited his submissions to theft. Raju alleged that the Chief Minister herself had committed theft in the presence of the DGP and the Kolkata Police Commissioner. "When the highest officials are involved in the crime, a CBI investigation is required," he submitted, seeking transfer of the probe to the central agency. After hearing submissions by both sides - ED and the West Bengal government, the apex court issued notice to West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee and other officials of the state administration, including the DGP, Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police (in Kolkata), seeking a response on ED's plea. It posted the matter to be heard next on February 3. "Issue notice to the respondents. The counter affidavit must be filed within two weeks. Post the matter on February 3, 2026. In the meanwhile, it is directed that the respondents (West Bengal government) shall preserve the CCTV cameras at I-PAC and other cameras containing the footage of nearby areas", the Court noted. (ANI) The Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) on Thursday felicitated Justice Suryakant on his elevation as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. Bar leaders lauded the journey of Justice Suryakant from the state Bar to the highest post of the Indian Judiciary. During his address, CJI Suryakant appreciated the experience of lawyers at the Delhi High Court and their sincerity in their profession. He also emphasised the dialogue over formality. In his address, Justice Suryakant noted that DHCBA is the largest bar of the country, having 47000 advocates enrolled. He also appreciated the Bar not only for its large membership but also for its commitment to constitutional values and engagement in reforms. During his address, CJI described lawyers as translators between life and law. He said that it's the role of an advocate to translate the life experience of people who come to them with anxiety into a legal argument. At the same time, it is also the duty of the advocate to explain the judicial outcome to the litigant to promote understanding and acceptance. During the function, Senior Advocate N Hariharan, President DHCBA, admired the journey of CJI Suryakant from the Bar to the Bench. He also referred to the landmark judgement, including the abrogation of Article 370, the electoral bond scheme and the suspension of the sedition law. It was also stated that Justice Suryakant was appointed Advocate General at the age of 38 in the year 2000. He was designated as a senior advocate in 2001. Thereafter, he was appointed as the judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in the year 2004. During the function, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma praised the CJI's practical approach to resolving the dispute instead of technologies. DHCBA Vice President Sachin Puri delivered the vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to CJI for his presence at the program. (ANI) The Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Thursday attended the 50th Golden Jubilee celebrations of Ramakrishna Hospital in Coimbatore, where he presented awards to senior doctors and honoured them. At the event, SNR Trust administrators Sundararajan and Narendran, along with hospital administrators, were present. Delivering the keynote address, Radhakrishnan said, "Ramakrishna Hospital has been rendering outstanding services in the medical field. He noted that the hospital has the distinction of introducing and excelling in medical tourism more than 50 years ago." He emphasised that a spirit of service and dedication is essential to success in any endeavour. In this regard, he said Ramakrishna Hospital has operated with a strong service mindset for over five decades and hopes to continue succeeding for more than a hundred years. Founded in 1970 by the SNR Trust on 18 acres of land with the objective of providing quality healthcare to all, especially the poor, the hospital today serves the public with over 1,000 beds, more than 16 operating theatres, advanced ICU facilities, and expertise in organ transplant surgeries. He recalled that the hospital introduced MRI scan facilities to Coimbatore in the 1990s, pioneered kidney transplant surgeries, and inaugurated a modern cancer treatment centre launched by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. He said, "The hospital should continue to achieve new milestones. He particularly highlighted the Guinness World Record achieved by obtaining consent for 13,206 organ donations within eight hours, which reflects the hospital's strong spirit of service." He also expressed his satisfaction with the hospital's service-oriented activities as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday celebrations. He stated that every medical institution has two major responsibilities: curing patients and training doctors, and said, "This institution has successfully fulfilled both." He added that both the Central and State government schemes are designed with public welfare in mind, especially healthcare assistance for the poor. For these schemes to successfully reach the people, cooperation, effort, and dedication from all stakeholders are essential. In this regard, he said, "hospital administration has been playing a vital role in delivering government schemes to the public." Stressing that only a healthy citizen can actively contribute to the nation's development, he said, "A hospital gives practical shape to the idea of identifying the root causes of diseases and correcting them. Quoting Thirumoolar, he noted that a healthy body is essential for the soul to attain the Supreme Being, and said, "the hospital upholds this philosophy through its work." Praising the institution for providing quality healthcare in Coimbatore, he wished that it continues to grow scientifically and said, "only a healthy India can create a 'Viksit Bharat', a developed India and concluded his speech. (ANI) With people of Delhi reeling under heavy air pollution in the winters, Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra has said that the BJP government in the national capital is working for short, medium and long-term solutions to tackle the problem that has serious health concerns and that plying of electric buses is a step in this direction. In an interview with ANI, he also attacked the previous Aam Adami Party government and said it is difficult to recall even five steps it had taken to tackle air pollution. He said the BJP government is promoting electric vehicles in public transport. "Just yesterday the Chief Minister had an in-depth discussion. I can tell you on behalf of the government that you will definitely have to tackle pollution in three parts: short-term, mid-term, and long-term... You must have seen the EV buses, the electric buses that have started running in Delhi. They could have run earlier. Why didn't they? The work that wasn't done in the last 11 years was done in 11 months. Chhath Puja was held, new buses arrived," he said. He also attacked the AAP government over the liquor policy case. "Today, you people are walking around with water bottles... For 11 years, during your government, you were walking around with liquor bottles... Tell me five things the previous government did to reduce pollution," Mishra said. Answering a query, Mishra also said that slogans raised during a purported protest over air pollution were not about the problem faced by people but "slogans of that protest, are a problem of mental pollution". "If we talk about the protest, the slogans being chanted were not about pollution... This protest, and the slogans of that protest, are a problem of mental pollution. It is not a problem of air pollution or water pollution, and its treatment is already underway where the Naxalites are. Those who still have terrorism and Naxalism left in their minds, that too will be completely cured," he said. During a protest at India Gate in November last year, the protesters had carried poster hailing Naxalite leader Madvi Hidma who was killed by security forces in an encounter. Police arrested 22 people were arrested for allegedly blocking a road, obstructing police and using pepper spray at Delhi Police personnel during a protest at India Gate. Delhi Police had registered FIRs in two police stations for staging a protest at the C hexagon on India Gate, and allegedly using chilli spray/pepper spray on police personnel. "The protesters were holding posters of Maoist commander Madvi Hidma (who was recently killed in the encounter). When they tried to block the road, the police tried to remove them, but they sprayed pepper spray on the police personnel and tried to attack them. The police are now taking legal action against them," Delhi Police had said in a statement. (ANI) Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) president and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Thursday met Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here and said they had a productive discussion on the state's overall development. Nadda said the Central Government remains fully committed to strengthening healthcare services in the state. "Met Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister @SukhuSukhvinder ji in New Delhi today. The Central Government remains fully committed to strengthening healthcare services, developing modern health infrastructure, expanding the reach of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in State. Had a productive discussion regarding overall development in the State of Himachal Pradesh," Nadda said in a post on X. Earlier in the day, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman here. The Chief Minister sought the support of the Centre Government for strengthening the financial condition of Himachal Pradesh. Sukhu apprised the Union Minister about the memorandum and additional memorandum submitted to the 16th Finance Commission. He urged setting the Revenue Deficit Grant at a minimum of Rs 10,000 crore annually. He emphasised the realistic assessment of States' revenue deficit grants and expenditure projections during the award period of the 16th Finance Commission. The Chief Minister strongly urged the creation of a separate 'Green Fund' with an earmarked annual allocation of Rs 50,000 crore for hill states, which are the 'Green Frontiers and Lungs of North India', in recognition of the ecological services they provide. He was also apprised of the state's revised formula for horizontal devolution, which increases the weightage of the Forest and Ecology criteria.He urged that snow-covered cum cold desert areas above tree lines should be included along with very dense forests and moderately dense forest areas for their symbiotic relationship. The Chief Minister requested that the Union Finance Minister provide support to the State by allowing additional borrowing of two per cent of GSDP, as a steep reduction in RDG over the last few years has severely constrained the State's fiscal space. (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) asserted that Greenland is important for American "national security", adding that if the United States does not step in, Russia and China could acquire the Arctic region. Speaking at the White House during a signing ceremony, Trump said, "We need Greenland for national security, so we are going to see what happens. We have a very good relationship with Denmark." Trump further added that if the US refrains from asserting its interests, Russia and China are going to go in. "If we don't go in, Russia and China are going to go in. It is not a thing that Denmark can do anything about, but we can do everything about it," he added. Meanwhile, Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt hold talks at the White House with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both leaders address the press at the Danish embassy in Washington, rejecting 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. "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". (ANI) 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) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday (local time) said that America has begun sending humanitarian assistance to Cuba to support people affected by Hurricane Melissa, asserting that the "aid will be delivered directly to the Cuban people" and "not to the illegitimate regime". In a post on X, Rubio said that this marks the first humanitarian shipment sent by the US to Cuba following the hurricane. He emphasised that the effort is aimed at helping people in need as they continue to recover from Hurricane Melissa. "The U.S. is sending the first humanitarian shipment to Cuba to help people in need as they continue to recover from Hurricane Melissa. We are working with the Catholic Church and partners to ensure aid reaches the Cuban people directly not the illegitimate regime. The Trump Administration stands with the Cuban people," Rubio wrote. https://x.com/SecRubio/status/2011516794775670887 CBS News reported that the United States has announced $3 million in emergency relief aid for the island nation. The aid, which includes crucial supplies, is being distributed directly to the Cuban people through the Catholic Church, bypassing the Cuban government. Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic storms to hit the region in more than 150 years, left Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti struggling with severe flooding, landslides and infrastructure damage, as per CNN. Earlier, India was also one of the nations to send humanitarian aid to Jamaica and Cuba in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Leaders and foreign ministries from both nations highlighted India's medical help, equipment and humanitarian supplies, describing the support as timely and deeply valued. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence said on Thursday that it recorded the presence of nine sorties of PLA aircraft and 11 PLAN vessels operating around its territory. The Ministry of National Defence also added that all of the 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, "9 sorties of PLA aircraft and 11 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 out of 9 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." Earlier on Wednesday, the Ministry of National Defence said 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." 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) Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez held a "long and courteous" telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, during which the two leaders discussed key bilateral issues, including oil, minerals, trade and national security, marking a potential shift in diplomatic relations between Caracas and Washington, following US strikes on the South American country, which led to the capture of its former President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Rodriguez, who assumed the acting presidency after the January 3 capture of Maduro by US forces, described the call as conducted "within a framework of mutual respect," in which a bilateral work agenda for the benefit of both nations was addressed, according to her social media posts following the discussion. "I held a long and courteous telephone conversation with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, conducted within a framework of mutual respect, in which we addressed a bilateral work agenda for the benefit of our peoples, as well as pending matters between our governments," Rodriguez said in a post on X. Echoing her remarks, President Trump, in a Truth Social post, said he had a "very good" conversation with Rodriguez and highlighted progress in cooperation with Venezuela. In his post, Trump emphasised that discussions covered oil, minerals, trade, and national security, expressing optimism about stabilising the situation and helping Venezuela recover. "This morning I had a very good call with the Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez. We are making tremendous progress, as we help Venezuela stabilize and recover. Many topics were discussed, including Oil, Minerals, Trade and, of course, National Security. This partnership between the United States of America and Venezuela will be a spectacular one FOR ALL. Venezuela will soon be great and prosperous again, perhaps more so than ever before!" Trump's post read. The phone call represents one of the first high-level engagements between the United States and Venezuela's interim leadership since Maduro's ouster, potentially signalling a new phase of diplomatic engagement after months of heightened tensions between the two nations. Earlier on Sunday, Trump said he had spoken with Rodriguez, saying, "She's been very good. She asked us if we could take 50 million barrels of oil, and I said yes, we can; it is worth USD 4.2 billion, and it is on its way right now to the United States." Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Trump said that Washington is working "very well" with Venezuelan authorities as Caracas prepares to send millions of barrels of oil to American refineries. He asserted that his administration is working closely with the new administration in the Latin American country and claimed that large volumes of Venezuelan oil are already entering the United States as part of the engagement. This comes almost two weeks after the US launched a "large-scale strike" in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas and captured Maduro and his wife. Maduro and Flores were flown out of the country in a joint operation involving intelligence agencies and US law enforcement. They were indicted on charges of alleged "drug trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracies" in the Southern District of New York and are currently facing trial. Following their capture, Trump said that Washington will run the country "until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition". He said that the US action was aimed at bringing "outlaw dictator Nicolas Maduro to justice". (ANI) Preparations are underway at the Parliament House Complex in the national capital on Thursday as it gears up to host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. According to an official release, PM Modi will inaugurate the conference at 10:30 am and address the gathering. The high-level conference will be chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and will feature 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments, underscoring the event's global scale and significance. According to the release, CSPOC will deliberate on a range of contemporary parliamentary issues to strengthen democratic institutions and modern legislative practices. Key themes include the evolving role of Speakers and Presiding Officers, technological innovation in parliamentary functioning, and enhancing citizen engagement with democratic processes. Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of Namibia and the Montserrat delegation have also arrived at the venue to attend the conference. Among the major topics scheduled for discussion are "AI in Parliament: Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation", to be led by Malaysia; "Social Media and its Impact on Parliamentarians", to be presented by Sri Lanka; and "Innovative Strategies to Enhance Public Understanding of Parliament and Citizen Participation Beyond Voting", with contributions from Nigeria and South Africa. Other sessions will focus on the security, health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, as well as a special plenary discussion on the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions. Earlier on Wednesday, Birla chaired a Standing Committee meeting ahead of the 28th CSPOC. CSPOC is being hosted by the Parliament of India from January 14 to 16, and it will be the largest in terms of participation. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, who is the chairperson of the conference, said that the conference will discuss shared parliamentary values, democratic governance and institutional cooperation. "The Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth, being hosted by India, will have the largest participation," Birla said. He said that work related to the conference has been done online, and no paper has been used. In response to queries, he said Pakistan will not participate and that Bangladesh does not have a Speaker at present, with general elections scheduled for next month. The 27th edition of CSPOC was hosted by Uganda in January 2024, and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, and the Leader of IPD at that conference had taken over from Uganda as the host of the 28th edition of CSPOC, to be held in India in 2026. (ANI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla arrived at the Parliament House on Thursday for the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC), 2026. The conference will be inaugurated today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. According to an official release, PM Modi will inaugurate the conference at 10:30 am and address the gathering. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar also reached the Parliament House for the conference. The high-level conference will be chaired by Birla and will feature 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments, underscoring the event's global scale and significance. Delegations from several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, have reached Parliament to participate in the high-level gathering. Other arrivals include the Deputy Speaker of Namibia, delegations from Trinidad and Tobago, Tonga, Cameroon, Malaysia, and representatives from the Australian High Commission, led by High Commissioner Philip Green. According to the release, CSPOC will deliberate on a range of contemporary parliamentary issues to strengthen democratic institutions and modern legislative practices. Key themes include the evolving role of Speakers and Presiding Officers, technological innovation in parliamentary functioning, and enhancing citizen engagement with democratic processes. Among the major topics scheduled for discussion are "AI in Parliament: Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation", to be led by Malaysia; "Social Media and its Impact on Parliamentarians", to be presented by Sri Lanka; and "Innovative Strategies to Enhance Public Understanding of Parliament and Citizen Participation Beyond Voting", with contributions from Nigeria and South Africa. Other sessions will focus on the security, health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, as well as a special plenary discussion on the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions. Earlier on Wednesday, Birla chaired a Standing Committee meeting ahead of the 28th CSPOC. CSPOC is being hosted by the Parliament of India from January 14 to 16, and it will be the largest in terms of participation. The 27th edition of CSPOC was hosted by Uganda in January 2024, and the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, and the Leader of IPD at that conference had taken over from Uganda as the host of the 28th edition of CSPOC, to be held in India in 2026. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saluted the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day. In a post on X, he wrote, "On #ArmyDay today, salute the courage and resolve of our soldiers. The nation stands in eternal gratitude to them and their families for their selfless service." Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Lieutenant General Kodandera M. Cariappa's (later who became Field Marshal ) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949. President Droupadi Murmu too extended warm greetings to the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day, describing the day as a tribute to the courage, dedication and supreme sacrifice of soldiers who serve the nation with steadfast resolve. "I extend my warm felicitations to the Indian Army on the occasion of Army Day 2026. Army Day commemorates the courage, dedication and supreme sacrifice of our soldiers who stand steadfast in the service of the nation. The Indian Army remains at the core of national security of India. It has consistently upheld the highest traditions of professionalism, commitment and bravery in defending our borders and saving lives during natural calamities. I commend the Indian Army for its gallant performance and outstanding success in Operation Sindoor," President Murmu wrote in her letter. "I am confident that the Indian Army will continue its legacy in contribution to nation building to facilitate economic progress and inclusive development of the nation. I salute our soldiers and reaffirm the nation's enduring gratitude to the Indian Army and wish all ranks continued success, strength and glory in their noble duty," President Murmu said. Earlier today, PM Modi posted on X. "On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country," he wrote. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stated that India has turned its vast diversity into a cornerstone of its democratic strength, noting that the country's strong democratic institutions and processes ensured that democracy was stable, efficient, and capable of operating at a large scale--all simultaneously. During his address at the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) at the Central Hall of the Parliament, PM Modi said, "India has transformed diversity into a strength of democracy. India has proven that democratic institutions and democratic processes provide democracy with stability, speed, and scale--all three." Reflecting on India's post-independence journey, the Prime Minister noted that many had doubted the survival of democracy in a nation marked by immense diversity, stating, however, that this diversity became the "strength of Indian democracy". "When India gained independence, many doubted whether democracy could survive amidst the country's immense diversity. However, this very diversity became the strength of Indian democracy. There was also skepticism that even if democracy did take root, India would struggle to progress. Contrary to these doubts, India has demonstrated that democratic institutions and processes provide stability, scale, and speed to its development," the PM said. PM Modi also stressed India's progress and development, stating that today India is the fastest-growing major economy globally, its UPI system is the world's largest digital payment platform, the country leads as the top producer of vaccines, and it ranks second worldwide in steel production. The Prime Minister recalled the historic significance of the Central Hall, now named Samvidhan Sadan, noting that it served as the meeting place of the Constituent Assembly during India's independence and functioned as the Parliament of India for 75 years. "For 75 years after India's independence, this building served as the Parliament of India, and many important decisions and discussions concerning India's future took place in this very hall. Now, India has named this place, dedicated to democracy, as the Constitution House (Samvidhan Sadan)," the PM said. This is the fourth time the Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference is being held in India, with this year's main theme focusing on "Effective delivery of parliamentary democracy". The high-level conference is chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and will feature 61 Speakers and Presiding Officers from 42 Commonwealth countries, along with representatives from four semi-autonomous parliaments, underscoring the event's global scale and significance. CSPOC will deliberate on a range of contemporary parliamentary issues to strengthen democratic institutions and modern legislative practices. Key themes include the evolving role of Speakers and Presiding Officers, technological innovation in parliamentary functioning, and enhancing citizen engagement with democratic processes. Among the major topics scheduled for discussion are "AI in Parliament: Balancing Innovation, Oversight and Adaptation", to be led by Malaysia; "Social Media and its Impact on Parliamentarians", to be presented by Sri Lanka; and "Innovative Strategies to Enhance Public Understanding of Parliament and Citizen Participation Beyond Voting", with contributions from Nigeria and South Africa. Other sessions will focus on the security, health and well-being of Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff, as well as a special plenary discussion on the role of Speakers and Presiding Officers in maintaining strong democratic institutions. (ANI) Canada's High Commissioner to India Christopher Cooter has described the ongoing Commonwealth Speakers' meeting as a significant "reaffirmation of democratic values and historic ties among member nations, particularly between India and Canada." He said, "Our speaker is here today, and it was Canada that actually founded this organization of the Commonwealth Speakers." Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, the official highlighted the importance of democracy as a shared foundation linking Commonwealth countries across regions. Canada's role in founding the organization of Commonwealth Speakers was also emphasized, underlining the long-standing institutional relationship between the two nations. The Canadian delegate praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the gathering, noting that he spoke "very eloquently" about the deep roots of democracy in India and its role in uniting countries of the Global North and South. "Indian Prime Minister Modi spoke very eloquently today about the importance of democracy to India, the deep roots that it has here, and the way in which it binds us together, from the north and from the south," he said. "So it was an extremely interesting speech, and we're looking forward to participating and again, reinforcing those ties between our countries that rest on democratic foundations," he added. The speech was described as both insightful and timely, reinforcing the shared democratic principles that bind Commonwealth nations together. A key focus of the discussions has been the role of artificial intelligence in parliamentary systems. "Well, I know that the parliamentary officers, the speakers, and I discussed usage of AI with our speaker yesterday. We are very interested in using these new tools, to make democracy even work better, to be more accountable to people," he said. "So I'm sure they'll be discussing that in their deliberations over the next couple of days," he added. The visit also marks the Speaker's first official trip to India, with the Canadian side expressing appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the host nation. "...And delighted, I know, on behalf of the speaker, to be here in India, his first visit here, and to experience the wonderful hospitality that you've already given to him. Sir, India and Canada share a very strong relationship," he said. On the broader India-Canada relationship, the delegate expressed confidence that the meeting would further strengthen bilateral ties. Calling the event a strong demonstration of historic connections, the official said it offers an important opportunity to look ahead and build democratic partnerships that are "more important than ever" in the current global context. (ANI) Bangladesh is facing a crucial test for its democracy as the country prepares for its upcoming national elections for the first time after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as per election expert Munira Khan, who describes the polls as the "last chance" to ensure a free and fair election acceptable to all in the country. Speaking to ANI about the electoral environment, which has seen numerous shifts since the July 2024 uprising, Khan said there is a new atmosphere in the country, with people across Bangladesh hoping for a credible and unflawed election. "The whole Bangladeshi people are waiting for a very unflawed election, a credible election, accepted by everybody," she said, while acknowledging that serious challenges and hazards remain, particularly related to law and order. Khan noted that concerns persist over whether security conditions will be adequate to conduct a truly free and fair election. Despite these challenges, she expressed optimism, noting that all stakeholders are working to ensure a credible electoral process. "The Election Commission, political parties, civilians and civil society organisations are trying to make this election free and fair," she said, adding that the government responsible for conducting the polls has shown goodwill to ensure the election is held properly. However, she cautioned that there are elements opposed to a transparent electoral process, though their identities and motives remain unclear. "Some people are not very happy about the situation. They do not want to hold a good election in this country, for their own reasons," Khan said. Emphasising the stakes, Khan warned that failure to hold a free and fair election would have serious consequences. "In Bangladesh, this is the last chance to have a good and fair election. If we don't have an election acceptable to everybody, we all will be very disappointed," she added. Her remarks come just weeks before Bangladesh goes to the polls to elect a new government, following the July 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the end of the Awami League regime. Following her departure from the country, student bodies that led the uprising selected Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus as the Chief Adviser of the interim government, which will remain in place until a new government is elected. The country is scheduled to hold elections on February 12. (ANI) In a post on X, he said that the partnership between the two countries focuses on counter-terrorism, technology, and innovation. He said, "On Indian Army Day, I salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. India and Israel's armed forces will continue working together to develop the capabilities to confront security threats. Our cooperation is built on trust, courage, and a shared commitment to safety and stability." https://x.com/ReuvenAzar/status/2011665113670131722?s=20 Earlier today, multiple other leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, also conveyed warm wishes to the ranks, veterans, and families of the Indian army. "On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country," PM Modi posted on X. Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other dignitaries attended the 78th Army Day celebrations being held in Rajasthan's Jaipur. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Army Chief General Upendra Trivedi, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore, along with a large number of other dignitaries, are also present for the occasion. The parade is being held on Mahal Road, Jagatpura, marking the first time it will be held outside the cantonment area. Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to remember the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa taking over the command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir FRR Bucher, in 1949 and becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. (ANI) On the occasion of the 78th Army Day, British High Commission on Thursday extended greetings and underlined how the two armies are working closely together- deepening cooperation and strengthening the India-UK strategic partnership. "Greetings and best wishes to all ranks of @adgpi on Army Day. From peacekeeping operations to joint training and education, our two armies work closely together--deepening defence cooperation and strengthening the UK-India strategic partnership," Defence Advisor Commodore Chris Saunder, British High Commission said in a post on X. https://x.com/UKDefenceIndia/status/2011696877180522825 Earlier, Israel's Ambassador Reuven Azar praised the Indian Army's bravery and reaffirmed cooperation between India and Israel on Thursday. In a post on X, he said that the partnership between the two countries focuses on counter-terrorism, technology, and innovation. He said, "On Indian Army Day, I salute the brave soldiers of the Indian Army. India and Israel's armed forces will continue working together to develop the capabilities to confront security threats. Our cooperation is built on trust, courage, and a shared commitment to safety and stability." Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi, also conveyed warm wishes to the ranks, veterans, and families of the Indian army. "On Army Day, we salute the courage and resolute commitment of the Indian Army. Our soldiers stand as a symbol of selfless service, safeguarding the nation with steadfast resolve, at times under the most challenging conditions. Their sense of duty inspires confidence and gratitude across the country," PM Modi posted on X. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, and other dignitaries also attended the 78th Army Day celebrations held in Rajasthan's Jaipur. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore, along with a large number of other dignitaries, were also present on the occasion. Army Day is commemorated every year on January 15 to remember the occasion of Field Marshal KM Cariappa taking over the command of the Indian Army from British Commander-in-Chief, General Sir FRR Bucher, in 1949 and becoming the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of Independent India. (ANI) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is preparing to facilitate the return of Indian nationals to India from Iran amid the evolving situation in the country, according to sources. On Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday received a telephone call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran. "Received a call from Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. We discussed the evolving situation in and around Iran," Jaishankar said in a post on X. Earlier, the MEA issued an advisory urging Indian citizens to avoid travel to Iran until further notice and has asked those already in Iran to leave immediately using available commercial flights. "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 MEA said in a release. The fresh warning follows an earlier advisory issued by the Centre on January 5, amid mounting concerns about the worsening security situation in Iran. Separately, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised Indian nationals currently in Iran to leave the country at the earliest opportunity. "In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on January 5, 2025, and 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," it said. The advisory reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOs should exercise due caution and "avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran and monitor local media for any developments." "All Indian nationals in Iran are requested to also have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available with them. They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard." The embassy also provided emergency contact helplines. "Mobile Numbers: +989128109115; +989128109109; +989128109102; +989932179359. Email: cons.tehran@mea.gov.in. All Indian nationals who are in Iran, and who have not registered with the Indian Embassy, are requested to do so on 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," the advisory said. The advisory comes as protests continue to escalate across Iran, with reports of clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in an estimated death toll ranging from under 3,000 to over 12,000, according to Times of Israel. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and is working to ensure the safety of its citizens. (ANI) Election expert Munira Khan said that the Bangladeshi people are concerned about the law and order situation ahead of the upcoming elections. She expressed optimism about the upcoming polls, saying they must be conducted in a free and fair manner. Munira Khan told ANI, "I have been working for free, fair, and acceptable elections for everyone. I have dedicated 30 years to this work. This time, I feel there is a different atmosphere in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi people are waiting for an unflawed, credible election that is accepted by everyone. " She added, "There are many challenges. We are not even one month away from the election, and the people of Bangladesh are wondering whether the law and order situation will allow a fair election to take place. We are all very hopeful and optimistic that elections must happen and in a free and fair manner." She said all stakeholders are working to ensure the elections are free and fair. "Election commission and all the stakeholders- political parties, civilians, civil society organisations are trying to make the elections free and fair" Khan cautioned that there are elements opposed to a transparent electoral process, though their identities and motives remain unclear. "Some people are not very happy about the situation. They do not want to hold a good election in this country, for their own reasons," Khan said. Emphasising the stakes, Khan warned that failure to hold a free and fair election would have serious consequences. "In Bangladesh, this is the last chance to have a good and fair election. If we don't have an election acceptable to everybody, we all will be very disappointed," she added. Her remarks come just weeks before Bangladesh goes to the polls to elect a new government, following the July 2024 uprising that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and the end of the Awami League regime. Following her departure from the country, student bodies that led the uprising selected Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus as the Chief Adviser of the interim government, which will remain in place until a new government is elected. The country is scheduled to hold elections on February 12. (ANI) Amid ongoing protests in Iran over rising living costs, US Senator Lindsey Graham on Thursday (local time) alleged that "ayatollah's regime has American blood on its hands" and are "slaughtering people in the streets". Referring to a media report, the US Senator said, "All the headlines suggesting that our so-called Arab allies have intervened on behalf of Iran to avoid decisive military action by President Trump are beyond disturbing. The ayatollah's regime has American blood on its hands. They are slaughtering people in the streets." https://x.com/lindseygrahamsc/status/2011831590528160200 Graham further cautioned that any reluctance to confront Tehran despite what he called the "outrageous slaughter of innocent people" would be unacceptable. "If it is accurate that the Arab response is "action is not necessary against Iran" given this current outrageous slaughter of innocent people, then there will be a dramatic rethinking on my part regarding the nature of the alliances now and in the future," he added in his post. Meanwhile, Iran's envoy to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, on Thursday stated that US President Donald Trump has assured Tehran that he won't attack the country and has asked Iran to exercise restraint, reported Dawn. This development comes amid ongoing protests in Iran over rising living costs, with authorities imposing internet restrictions. Trump had previously threatened to intervene but said on Wednesday that killings of protesters had stopped, and he'd "watch and see" about military action. Times of Israel reported that the clashes between protesters and security forces have resulted in an estimated death toll ranging from under 3,000 to over 12,000. (ANI) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday interacted with Speakers of Parliaments of various Commonwealth countries on the sidelines of the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth being hosted by Parliament of India and discussed the role of CSPOC in strengthening parliamentary cooperation, democratic values and people-to-people ties. Om Birla said he had an engaging interaction with Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom. "Highlighted India's focus on AI, science and technology-driven research and innovation. Informed that several UK universities are coming to India and reaffirmed our commitment to enhancing two-way investment, including increased FDI flows between India and the UK," he said in a post on X. Referring to his meeting with Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, Speaker of the National Assembly of Mauritius, Birla said the bilateral relationship between the countries has been characterized by a high level of trust and mutual understanding at the leadership level and continued high-level political engagement. "Glad to note that Parliament of Mauritius is eager to join us in further strengthening partnership and to promote democracy, peace and prosperity in the world. Several other issues of mutual interest were also discussed," he said in a post on X. Om Birla met Dithapelo Lefoko Keorapetse, Speaker of the Parliament of Botswana and shared insights on the importance of CSPOC in strengthening democratic dialogue, mutual trust, and inter-parliamentary cooperation. "Also appreciated his leadership as a young Speaker in upholding the dignity, autonomy, transparency, and inclusiveness of parliamentary institutions," he said. Birla also met Claudius James Francis, Speaker of the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia, and Alvina Reynolds, President of the Senate of Saint Lucia. "We discussed the role of CSPOC in strengthening parliamentary cooperation, shared democratic values, and people-to-people ties. Our discussions also covered India's engagement with CARICOM and the Global South, inclusive development, and cooperation in Digital Parliament initiatives, AI-based innovations, capacity building, and digital payments such as UPI," he said in a post on X. "I am confident that this dialogue will further strengthen parliamentary cooperation and bilateral relations between India and Saint Lucia," he added. In his meeting with Mussa Azan Zungu, Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, Birla discussed the importance of CSPOC as a platform for democratic dialogue and parliamentary cooperation. "I highlighted the long-standing India-Tanzania friendship, rooted in anti-colonial solidarity, non-alignment, and South-South cooperation," he said. In his welcome speech at the inaugural event, Birla said that maintaining the dignity, credibility and prestige of parliamentary institutions in the eyes of the people must remain a paramount priority for all democracies. He noted that India's leadership is offering decisive solutions to global challenges and that the world today looks towards India for direction, stability and inspiration Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth in the iconic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Birla drew attention to the rapid technological transformations reshaping societies and governance, and observed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social media have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of democratic institutions. However, he cautioned that their misuse has also given rise to serious concerns such as misinformation, cybercrime and social polarisation. The Speaker asserted that it is a collective responsibility of legislatures to engage seriously with these challenges and evolve appropriate solutions. He underscored the growing importance of ethical AI and credible, transparent and accountable social media frameworks in safeguarding democratic values. Expressing confidence, he noted that the Conference would facilitate in-depth deliberations on these critical global issues and lead to concrete policy-oriented outcomes, enabling legislatures to harness technology in an ideal and responsible manner. Highlighting India's experience, Birla shared that the use of AI and digital technologies is steadily increasing in the Parliament of India and State Legislatures. He noted that legislative institutions are being progressively made paperless and integrated through a unified digital platform, setting new benchmarks in transparency, efficiency and accessibility. Birla observed that through the collective efforts of parliament and Government, India has repealed several obsolete and unnecessary laws, enacted new welfare-oriented legislations and framed policies aligned with the aspirations of the people, noting that these initiatives have accelerated India's progress towards the goal of becoming a developed and self-reliant nation. Reflecting on India's parliamentary journey of over seven decades, the Speaker underlined that India has consistently strengthened its democratic institutions through people-centric policies, welfare-oriented legislation and an impartial and robust electoral system. These efforts, he noted, have ensured inclusive participation of citizens in the democratic process and have deepened public faith in democracy. Emphasising the role of Commonwealth parliamentary forums, the Speaker stated that such platforms possess the unique capacity to bring together Presiding Officers from diverse democracies to deliberate on issues of global importance. He stressed that collective wisdom and shared responsibility are essential for addressing the evolving challenges confronting legislatures worldwide. (ANI) Jan 15 (News On Japan) - Blue Dream follows the people working on the front lines to protect Japans rapidly deteriorating marine and forest environments, where once-abundant fishing grounds and seaweed beds have been giving way to what is increasingly described as an underwater desert. Along Japans coasts, areas that once supported rich seaweed forests used by fish for feeding and spawning have been steadily disappearing, a phenomenon known as isoyake, or barren coastal reefs. The problem has spread nationwide, with around 80 percent of prefectures reporting declining seaweed beds. The primary cause is an explosion in sea urchin populations that graze on seaweed, compounded by rising seawater temperatures linked to climate change. One of the people confronting this crisis is Yuuta Nazaki, a fisherman from Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture, who has been working at sea for more than a decade since graduating from high school. The ocean he grew up with is now his livelihood, but catches have become increasingly unstable, swinging between unusually good and unusually poor years. Nazaki says the changes in fishing grounds and seasons have become impossible to ignore. A father of four, Nazaki worries about the future his children will inherit. His eldest son says he wants to become a fisherman because it looks cool, but Nazaki says he wants to be able to tell the next generation with confidence that the sea is worth passing on. That sense of responsibility has driven him to take action beyond daily fishing. In late August, Nazaki and fellow fishermen temporarily set aside their normal work to protect the sea itself, heading to nearby waters where the damage is severe. Beneath the surface, large areas are stripped bare, with rocks exposed and densely packed sea urchins filling the gaps. With no predators and few divers left to remove them, the urchins multiply unchecked. Many are so malnourished they cannot even be sold. Over the past decade, the number of fishermen able to dive has fallen by half, making it difficult to keep pace with the spread of isoyake. Still, Nazaki says quitting is not an option, because their lives depend on the sea. Seaweed plays a critical role not only in marine ecosystems but also in absorbing carbon dioxide. Seaweed beds can capture up to five times more carbon than land-based plants, a mechanism known as blue carbon. This has become the next strategy for the seas guardians. In early March, fishermen in Itoshima enter the peak season for cultivating wakame seaweed. The farms, located about 10 minutes by boat from the port, are also blue carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide as they grow. Even the portions of wakame that cannot be sold become valuable, because their weight is used to calculate how much carbon has been absorbed. By submitting verified data to government-approved certification bodies, the absorbed carbon can be turned into credits and sold to companies. This creates an additional income stream for fishermen and turns environmental protection into a viable business model. Supporting this effort is Yuki Nakamura, who has spent the past year and a half working on blue carbon projects at a Fukuoka-based company that produces health products derived from seaweed. The company collaborates with Kyushu University on research into Itoshimas wakame and aims to build a sustainable blue carbon economy that benefits both fishermen and manufacturers. Nakamura says promoting blue carbon is essential not only for the environment but also to secure future raw materials for his company. By linking economic incentives with conservation, he believes long-term activity becomes possible. The initiative has expanded with support from local government. In 2021, the company signed a blue carbon promotion agreement with the Itoshima fisheries cooperative, later joined by Itoshima City. City officials say labor shortages in fisheries are a serious issue, and wakame cultivation combined with blue carbon has helped revive motivation among fishermen and attract wider participation. The program reflects a broader understanding that the sea and land are deeply connected. Rain that falls in forests eventually feeds the sea, often after spending decades underground as groundwater. Companies that depend on water, including Suntory, have long recognized this link. At the foot of mountain ranges across Japan, Suntory manages large tracts of forest known as Natural Water Sanctuaries, aimed at protecting groundwater sources. Veteran forest guardian Takeshi Yamada leads teams of younger employees and researchers, teaching them how healthy forests with soft, organic-rich soil can absorb rain and nurture clean water. Deer overpopulation has become a major threat, with animals stripping vegetation and preventing soil regeneration. To counter this, teams install protective fencing, allowing plants to recover and restoring the spongy soil needed to store water. Suntory manages 26 forest areas nationwide, most of which are not company-owned but maintained through agreements with national and local governments. The company says its efforts replenish roughly twice the amount of groundwater it uses for its products, making forest conservation central to its business rather than a volunteer activity. In recent years, Suntory has expanded these efforts by offering corporate training programs in its forests, even hosting employees from rival companies. Participants say environmental challenges can no longer be addressed by one company alone and require cooperation across regions and industries. This philosophy was echoed at a Nature Positive Forum held on August 25th, organized by Suntory, which drew about 2,300 participants online and in person to discuss how to protect forests and oceans nationwide. Back in Itoshima, the next generation is being introduced to the sea. Local children gathered for a snorkeling class led by fishermen and environmental educators, learning hand signals and safety techniques before entering the water. Just offshore, they saw areas where seaweed beds have begun to recover, attracting schools of small fish and larger predators. After the swim, the children took part in a beach cleanup, collecting large amounts of microplastics washed ashore. Seeing the pollution firsthand helped them understand how human behavior affects marine life. Educators say creating opportunities for people to see these environments directly is the most effective way to inspire action. The sea, they tell the children, belongs to everyone, and even small efforts, repeated by many people, can restore the connections between forests, rivers, and oceans, allowing nature to recover. Source: BIZ KYOTO, Jan 16 (News On Japan) - The suspect, surrounded by police officers, is seen in footage taken immediately after his arrest for allegedly stabbing two men who came to his apartment, in an incident that left one dead and another injured. The attack occurred on January 15th in a quiet residential neighborhood of Suginami Ward, Tokyo, where the area around the apartment complex was cordoned off and numerous police vehicles were deployed, creating a tense atmosphere. Police received an emergency call at around 10:15 a.m. from an apartment building in Izumi, Suginami Ward, reporting that an enforcement officer had been stabbed while carrying out eviction procedures. Arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder was a resident of the apartment, Hiroshi Yamamoto, 40, who described himself as unemployed. Investigators said Yamamoto had fallen behind on rent payments, prompting four enforcement officers and related personnel to visit the apartment to carry out a court-ordered eviction. Yamamoto reportedly appeared holding a smoking cardboard box and told them, "This is all I have for my belongings." After the four men waited outside on the street, Yamamoto came downstairs carrying a kitchen knife and allegedly stabbed a man in his 60s who worked for a guarantor company, as well as an enforcement officer in his 60s. The guarantor company employee was stabbed in the back and was found unconscious in critical condition, but later died. The enforcement officer was also stabbed in the chest and suffered injuries. A witness who saw one of the victims lying on the ground recalled, "He was face down, holding a bag, covered in blood and not moving at all. He didn't even twitch. There was a huge amount of bleeding." After the stabbings, Yamamoto fled on foot, but was apprehended about 600 meters from the apartment, according to police. A witness who saw the arrest described the suspect as slightly overweight, wearing glasses and dressed in dark clothing, saying he remained calm and cooperative without resisting as he was surrounded by about seven officers. Another resident of the same apartment building said the monthly rent was 62,000 yen and suggested it was likely the same for Yamamotos unit. Police said Yamamoto told investigators he did not intend to kill the men but felt it would not matter if they died, adding that he had become desperate because he had no money and would be forced out of his home. The Metropolitan Police Department is continuing its investigation, believing Yamamoto carried out the attack after falling into despair over his eviction. Source: FNN TOKYO, Jan 16 (News On Japan) - Asahi Beers sales in December fell by more than 20% from a year earlier, as the effects of a prolonged system disruption continued to weigh on shipments. December is typically a peak season for beer demand in Japan, driven by year-end gift-giving and company parties, but the company said its preliminary December sales figures showed a steep decline compared with the previous year. Asahi attributed the drop to shipping delays caused by a system failure following a cyberattack in September, as well as restrictions on the sale of its year-end gift sets. The company had been forced to rely on manual order-taking by sales staff while the system remained down, but it resumed order processing through its systems in December. While some delivery delays persist in certain areas, Asahi aims to restore logistics operations to normal by February. Source: TBS Regulatory reforms implemented in Morocco to promote private sector activitydescribed as deeper than expectedcould stimulate growth, reduce the informal economy, and create employment, according to the World Bank Groups updated Global Economic Prospects report released in Washington. The international financial institution notes that favorable weather conditions contributed to agricultural production recovery in the Kingdom. Current account balances also improved, partly due to increased remittances and tourism revenues. Addressing budget deficits in oil-importing countries including Morocco, the World Bank estimates these deficits should decrease in 2026-2027, partly due to restrictive policies implemented, notably in the Kingdom. Regarding growth, the report projects an average 4.4% for Morocco in 2026, with weaker expansion in agricultural and manufacturing sectors alongside more moderate employment growth. Globally, the World Bank forecasts growth should slightly decline to 2.6% in 2026 before rising to 2.7% in 2027, marking stabilization over the next two years. These forecasts represent upward revisions compared to previous projections published in June. The Banks assessment underscores Moroccos reform trajectory as a model for emerging economies seeking to balance fiscal discipline with growth objectives. The regulatory framework changes target barriers that historically constrained private investment and entrepreneurship, potentially unlocking productivity gains across multiple sectors. However, the projected agricultural and manufacturing slowdown suggests structural challenges persist despite reform progress. Employment growth moderation indicates labor market adjustments may lag behind overall economic expansion, necessitating continued policy attention to job creation mechanisms. The improved current account position reflects Moroccos diversified revenue sources, with tourism and remittances providing resilience against external shocks. These inflows support foreign exchange stability while financing development priorities, though dependence on cyclical sectors presents ongoing vulnerabilities requiring careful macroeconomic management. A Tunisian appeals court on Wednesday upheld a 22-year prison sentence against Rached Ghannouchi, leader of the Ennahda Movement and former speaker of parliament, in the high-profile Instalingo case. The ruling confirmed convictions against 40 politicians, journalists, bloggers and business figures, while reducing the sentence of one defendant, Shatha Belhaj Mubarak, from five years to two years with a suspended execution, leading to her release. Ghannouchi, 84, has been in detention since April 17, 2023, and is already serving multiple sentences in separate cases. The case stems from a February 5 lower court ruling that imposed prison terms ranging from five to 54 years on 41 defendants. Charges include conspiring against state security, attempting to alter the nature of the state, inciting violence, provoking unrest, and committing hostile acts against the president. While appeals court decisions are subject to challenge before the Court of Cassation, such appeals do not suspend the enforcement of sentences under Tunisian law. All defendants deny the charges. Instalingo, a digital media company based in Sousse governorate, was raided by authorities on September 10, 2021, over allegations related to state security, money laundering and online defamation. The government maintains the prosecutions are criminal in nature and free from political interference, a claim disputed by opposition figures who view the case as part of a wider crackdown following President Kais Saieds extraordinary measures introduced on July 25, 2021. Those measures, which included dissolving parliament, ruling by decree and adopting a new constitution, remain deeply contested, continuing to shape Tunisias fraught political and judicial landscape. Moroccos decision to suspend frozen sardine exports to the European Union while maintaining Russian fleet access to its waters has triggered significant anger in Spain. Spanish industrial and maritime sectors are expressing mounting frustration over the policy, which they view as severely damaging to Spains canning industry, particularly in Galicia, a region heavily dependent on Moroccan sardines as essential raw material. Moroccan authorities justified the measure by citing depleting fishery resources and significantly declining sardine catch volumes in recent years, consequences of climate change, marine pollution, and overexploitation. Through this decision, Rabat affirms its intent to preserve the national market and guarantee supply for local processing units, particularly with approaching Ramadan, marked by sharp domestic consumption increases. However, maintaining the fishing agreement with Russia provoked Spanish professionals ire. This accord authorizes the Russian fleet to catch between 90,000 and 100,000 tons annually of sardines and other species, in exchange for substantial financial returns for Morocco. Spanish canning industry professionals warned of severe shortage risks that could disrupt production chains and threaten numerous jobs. They note Spanish factories imported large quantities of Moroccan sardines in recent months to ensure operational continuity. Additionally, they express concern about Moroccan canneries growing strength in the European market, now perceived as direct competitors. This controversy fits within a broader context of expanding Russian presence along African coasts, with Moscow concluding similar agreements with several continental countries as part of a strategy to strengthen its influence in the maritime fishing sector. The simultaneous export restriction to Europe while accommodating Russian fishing operations has created diplomatic tensions, particularly as European nations seek reliable food supply sources. The dispute highlights competing priorities between resource conservation, domestic market protection, and international commercial relationships. Spanish industry representatives argue the policy creates market distortions while Moroccan officials maintain the measures protect national interests and ensure long-term fishery sustainability. The Republic of Suriname has reaffirmed steadfast support for Moroccos full sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory and welcomed UN Security Council resolution 2797 which endorsed the Moroccan Autonomy plan under the Kingdoms sovereignty. The supportive stand was expressed by the top diplomat of this South American country Melvin Bouva during his meeting held Thursday in Rabat with Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita. The serious and credible Moroccan autonomy plan, backed by the international community, is the only solution to the Sahara regional dispute, said Mr. Melvin Bouva. He also praised the Royal initiatives launched for the African Atlantic and Sahel countries to enhance regional integration and speed up socioeconomic development for shared growth, peace and stability. Suriname has opened an embassy in Rabat and a consulate general in Dakhla in 2022, showing its recognition of the Moroccanness of the Sahara. In a joint statement, the minister of Suriname hailed the Royal South-South cooperation vision which contributes to advancing sustainable development in the Caribbean region through concrete socio-economic projects. Morocco and Suriname have voiced on this occasion shared commitment to strengthen further bilateral cooperation in various sectors of common interest. The two countries ministers signed a new cooperation roadmap for the period 20262028 and agreed to foster cooperation in diplomatic training and renewable energy. At the start of the year, sentiment in the oil market was overwhelmingly and deeply bearish. Most forecasts pointed to a glut, and a sizable one at that. Then the U.S. struck Venezuela, took its acting president to stand trial in the U.S., and threatened Iran, Mexico, and Colombia that they were next. Protests broke out in Iran. Saudi Arabia and the UAE took different sides in Yemen. Brent crude is already over $65 per barrel. Geopolitics has always been a wild card for the oil market. There is always a potential for supply disruption in some large producers due to chronic political instability. Most frequently, that producer is Libya, but as we have seen this year, Middle Eastern petrostates are far from immune to the danger of disruption, even if it remains only hypothetical. Now, if physical market data suggests there is no supply overhang, prices could shoot up much higher. Vortexa reported this week that crude oil on tankers that have been stationary for at least seven dayssuggesting it is in storage rather than in transit from seller to buyerhad declined to 120.9 million barrels in the week to January 9, as reported by Barchart. This is a figure very different than the figure other outlets like to cite, namely, the total amount of crude on all tankers, regardless of purpose, which at the end of last year stood at around 1.3 billion barrels. The figure was cited as the highest since the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, implying that demand is being destroyed now as it was destroyed then. There are, however, different reasons for demand destruction, not all of them organic. Bloomberg reported this week, for instance, that Russian oil exports have dropped by around 450,000 barrels daily over the four weeks to January 11. This was not the result of an organic decline in demand because India and China were electrifying at accelerated rates. This was the result of U.S. sanctions that entered into effect in late November and the additional threat of more tariffs on Indian imports unless refiners stopped buying Russian oil. Yet there is a twist in this story, and that twist is that the 450,000-bpd decline over the four-week period to January 11 was only a 30,000-bpd decline for the period between Christmas and January 4, Bloomberg reported, adding that Russias total oil exports for the four weeks to January 11, at 3.42 million barrels daily, were in fact higher than the average for 2025. Demand, in other words, is rather healthy, especially for discount crude. Speaking of discount crude, China seems to have lost much of its access to discount Venezuelan crude, although this may be temporary. The development puts Chinas active stockpiling of crude last year in a new light, suggesting it could afford to wait and see how things turn out for the South American nation whose oil industry, per President Trump, will be now run by the United States, indefinitely. Right now, all eyes are on Iran and its protests, which are being cheered by both the European Union and President Trump. Revisions of oil prices have already started. Protests in Iran risk tightening global oil balances through near-term supply losses, but mainly through rising geopolitical risk premium, Citi analysts said this week, as cited by Reuters, just two days after Goldman revised its own oil price predictions downwards yet again for this year, citing oversupply. The investment bank noted, however, that protests have not yet spread to Irans main oil-producing regions and added that Current risks are skewed toward political and logistical frictions rather than direct outages, keeping the impact on Iranian crude supply and export flows contained. Earlier in the week, though, ANZ analysts wrote in a note that protesters were calling on oil industry workers in Iran to join the protests. The situation puts at least 1.9 million barrels per day of oil exports at risk of disruption, the bank said. Saxo Banks head of commodity strategy Ole Hansen wrote earlier in the week that oil traders were strongly bearish on oil, warning that This leaves the market vulnerable to a rebound should either the technical or fundamental outlook improve. Hansen cited a Goldman Sachs survey suggesting institutional investors were growing cold to oil in further evidence of the dominant bearish mood on the market, but noted that over the short term, geopolitical events could boost prices. In further bullish news from the geopolitical world, two tankers in the Black Sea were hit by a drone attack, according to a Reuters report that cited unnamed sources. The vessels were en route to a loading point for the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which last year became a target for Ukrainian drone strikes. There have been no comments as to the perpetrator of that strike, with Reuters saying the Ukrainian government declined to comment, as did the company operating the CPC. The fact of the strike, however, once again highlights geopolitical risks that until very recently were summarily ignored in favor of glut forecasts. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Investors continue to bet on the AI boom, but this year they see energy and power providers as the most compelling opportunities to increase exposure to the AI theme, the worlds biggest asset manager, BlackRock, said in its 2026 Investment Directions report this week. Respondents in a recent survey of hundreds of BlackRock clients believe in the AI theme and its value, but they are seeking to diversify in and around AI, expanding their exposure beyond the Magnificent Seven, hyperscalers, and Big Tech. More than half54%of BlackRocks survey participants believe that energy providers are the most compelling opportunity to increase exposure to the AI theme this year. A total of 37% responded in the multi-select question that infrastructure would be the most compelling opportunity around AI, and just 20% see the U.S. mega-cap tech giants as the most compelling play in AI. Thats not to say that investors are backing off from the AI boom, as only 7% believe the AI theme is a bubble. They just seek greater diversification around the hottest theme in the markets in recent years. And power supply, with energy providers, is the biggest growth opportunity, according to BlackRocks survey of clients. As investors look to build exposure to the AI theme, interest is broadening from core AI technology to the wider ecosystems underpinning it, BlackRock said in its report. In our recent survey, clients highlighted energy and power providers as the most compelling opportunity, amid accelerating AI-driven power demand. Investors, therefore, have started to bet on the most critical bottleneck in the AI boomthe soaring electricity demand to power the data centers. Todays US market is historically concentrated but the earnings outlook isnt. With the rest of the S&P 500 expected to catch up to the Magnificent 7 in EPS growth through 2026, its increasingly important to risk-manage mega cap and AI exposure while also capturing differentiated upside opportunities, Ibrahim Kanan, Head of Core US Equity, Fundamental Equities, at BlackRock, noted in comments to the report. The global AI race is also an energy race, as AI is highly energy-intensive, according to the worlds biggest asset manager. Goldman Sachs Research, for example, expects data center power demand to surge 175% by 2030 compared to 2023 levels. This jump in electricity demand would be the equivalent of adding another Top 10 power-consuming country. The investment bank continues to see the reliability of power and water as a multi-year investment theme amid rising demand growth, aging infrastructure and Adaptation to extreme temperatures/weather events, Goldmans analysts wrote in an October report. We continue to see attractive investment opportunities across the power supply chain driven by power demand growth acceleration in the US, to levels not seen since the 1990, Goldman Sachs says. So big is the demand that the aging grid infrastructure in key regional U.S. markets cannot cope with all requests, with grid investments lagging behind soaring power demand. At the current rate of interconnection requests and grid capacity, the U.S. could face a power crunch by 2030, Samantha Dart, Goldman Sachs co-head of global commodities research, said at a conference earlier this month. Goldman Sachs research analysts said in an October report that data center power demand growth alone would accelerate total U.S. power demand growth through 2030 by 1.2 percentage points to an overall level of 2.6%, the highest growth in Americas electricity demand since the 1990s. We arent adding enough capacity, Dart said this week at the Goldman Sachs Energy, CleanTech and Utilities Conference in Miami, adding that if the issue remains unaddressed, the U.S. could lose the AI race with China. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The United States and Armenia have agreed on an implementation framework to develop a trade corridor that is the centerpiece of the provisional Armenian-Azerbaijani peace deal signed last summer in Washington. According to the document, the United States will have a majority stake in developing infrastructure for what is known as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, announced the memorandum of understanding following a January 13 meeting in Washington. The document does not contain a proposed implementation timeline. 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, according to a State Department news release. Under the framework agreement, a joint venture, dubbed the TRIPP Development Co., will be created, with the United States holding a 74 percent stake and Armenia holding the remainder. The entity will enjoy exclusive development and operational rights for 49 years. After that initial term, the two partners will have a mutual option to extend the exclusivity arrangement for an additional 50 years, with Armenia increasing its stake to 49 percent. The memo indicates that no US public or private entity will enjoy extraterritorial rights along TRIPP, stating that Armenia will retain legislative, regulatory, and judicial authority due to full sovereignty and territorial integrity over all TRIPP areas within Armenias sovereign territory, including the ability to enforce laws and regulations in line with Armenias domestic laws and international agreements. Once TRIPP becomes operational, the joint venture intends to establish what it describes as a front office back office model, using digital tools to facilitate unimpeded connectivity, according to the framework. The model is intended to create the impression of unimpeded transit along the route while enabling Armenia to retain sovereign rights associated with frontier management. The front-office aspect would be run by third-party operators responsible for facilitating TRIPP services, including compiling needed documentation, handling payments and maintenance. Armenian state agencies would comprise the back office with full authority over normal border-control procedures, such as final customs decisions and clearances, security screening and enforcement and immigration control. The framework allows for a public-private corporate structure, while specifying that the US and Armenian governments will have final say in key decisions and issues related to the operation of the multimodal transit route. The document also notes that a strategic objective for the entity will be ensuring financial return to the U.S. for its initial contribution, or other economic benefits to the U.S. government or for U.S. companies. The TRIPP Development Co. will be able to develop several revenue streams, including infrastructure access and service fees, property rental, commercial activities and revenue shares from Special Purpose Vehicles. The document retains a sense of strategic ambiguity on the sensitive issue of security provision. It states that Armenia retains full authority in Armenian sovereign territory, but leaves open the possibility that private contractors may shoulder responsibility for providing day-to-day security along TRIPP. Private operational security personnel may be employed subject to Armenian licensing, it notes. In comments to Armenian media outlets on January 14, Mirzoyan described the agreement as a significant achievement, while adding that many details remain to be fleshed out. It is worth noting the framework documents preamble emphasizes that none of the outlined arrangements are written in stone. This framework does not impose, nor does it intend to impose, any legal commitments or obligations on the United States or Armenia, it states. By Eurasianet More Top Reads From Oilprice.com European officials are now publicly warning that a unilateral U.S. military move on Greenland would rupture NATO. Greenland has responded by saying any defence activity must sit inside the alliance, and Denmark has backed that position publicly ahead of senior-level talks with Washington. This is no longer being handled through Denmark and NATO behind closed doors. Allies are now saying in public what they will and will not accept. They will not accept a U.S. military presence or control in Greenland outside NATO structures. They will not accept bilateral arrangements that bypass Denmark or Greenlandic consent. They will not accept public pressure or unilateral moves on a sovereignty issue that has always been managed collectively. The tone coming out of Washington has made this harder. Cartoon-style White House posts about Greenland may play to a domestic audience, but they land badly with allies who are already drawing lines. When European officials are warning openly about NATO breaking, they are reacting not just to policy signals, but to how those signals are being delivered. What had been a strategic discussion about Arctic access, radar coverage, and basing has shifted into a test of alliance limits. Once those limits are stated in public, they become harder to walk back, even if interests still overlap. Washington wants Greenland for practical reasons. It sits between North America and Europe and anchors early-warning systems, missile tracking, and control of North Atlantic and Arctic air and sea approaches. It offers space for runways, sensors, and support infrastructure that cannot be replicated elsewhere and sits next to routes that matter for military movement, shipping, undersea cables, and communications. It is also one of the few Arctic locations fully inside Western political and legal space at a time when Russia is active across the region and China is looking for access through investment and infrastructure. Part of the value is simply keeping others out. And sitting underneath all of that is energy. The Arctic is estimated by the U.S. Geological Survey to hold around 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil. Greenlands offshore basins are part of that estimate. Those barrels are expensive and slow to develop, but they exist, and that alone keeps Greenland relevant to Washington even when no one is drilling. Greenland also carries a longer-term oil dimension that policymakers never fully lose sight of. The Arctic holds a large pool of undiscovered oil, and Greenlands offshore basins are part of that landscape. Those barrels have remained untouched because they are expensive and slow to develop. It wasnt necessary. But when governments start worrying about where future supply could come from, and under whose control it would sit, places like Greenland resurface as options that remain on the table when alliances break down. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Nigerias crude oil production slipped in December from November as Africas top producer continues to struggle to pump to its full OPEC+ output quota amid operational challenges in its upstream sector. Nigerias crude oil production fell to 1.422 million barrels per day (bpd) in December, down from 1.436 million bpd in November, according to figures reported by the countrys authorities to OPEC and included in OPECs latest Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR). By Nigerias own admission, it failed to produce to its 1.5 million bpd quota under the OPEC+ agreements, for the fifth consecutive month. OPECs secondary sources, however, have higher estimates, and according to these, Nigerias crude oil production rose from 1.491 million bpd in November to 1.5 million bpd in December. Nigerias state-owned oil and gas company NNPC reported crude oil and condensate production of 1.6 million bpd for November 2025, up by 1.3% from October levels. NNPC includes condensate in its output figures, but OPEC does not, and the quotas exclude condensate production. Going forward, NNPC plans to Intensify collaboration with our partners through year-end and into 2026 to ensure improved production performance, maximise infrastructure uptime, and maintain high facility maintenance standards across all our assets. NNPC is set to increase oil production to 2 million bpd over the next two years, its executive vice president for upstream, Udy Ntia, said in November 2025. By 2030, NNPC will be pumping 3 million barrels daily, according to the official. Nigeria has been pumping more crude and drilling more new wells than it has in years, thanks to reforms under President Bola Tinubu that are finally leading to more cash flowing into the upstream industry. Daily output of crude and condensate has climbed to between 1.7 million and 1.83 million barrels, while active rigs surged from 31 in January to 50 by July. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Russias oil-and-gas budget suffered a painful blow in 2025. Revenues from the sector fell 24% to 8.48 trillion roubles, the weakest showing since 2020. That matters because oil and gas still bankroll roughly a quarter of the federal budget, and that budget is being chewed up by defense and security spending at a pace hard to ignore. This is not because Russia pumped less crude. Oil prices fell more than 18% last year. That is the sharpest annual drop since the pandemic crash. On top of that, the rouble strengthenedbad timing. When your exports are priced in dollars, and your spending is in roubles, a stronger currency essentially kneecaps your revenue, although the finance ministry may attempt to dress it up. The shortfall blew past official expectations. Even after the government downgraded its 2025 oil-and-gas forecast to 8.65 trillion roubles, down from an original 10.94 trillion, actual revenues still missed the mark. Thats structural exposure to price weakness. The comparison year being floated is 2020, when revenues collapsed to 5.24 trillion roubles during COVID. But the parallel only goes so far. In 2020, demand slumped. Whereas in 2025, Russian barrels managed to keep flowingalbeit eastwardbut at lower prices and thinner margins. The damage became most visible at year-end. December oil-and-gas revenues fell to 447.8 billion roubles, down from nearly 800 billion a year earlier and sharply below November levels. Western governments have long argued that cutting Russian oil revenue is key to constraining its war machine. Some have criticized those efforts as weak, but the latest 2025 data suggests that pressure has finally hit Russia where it hurtstheir budget. The risk for Moscow now is a market that stays oversupplied. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Saudi Aramco signed a long-term supply deal with Commonwealth LNG, Reuters has reported, citing unnamed sources in the know. The size of the annual shipments will be 1 million tons. The Cameron, Louisiana, facility will have a nameplate annual capacity of 9.5 million tons of liquefied gas. Originally, the plant was supposed to be up and running by 2027, but the developer said last year it would have to delay the start date to 2031. The company blamed the temporary ban on new liquefied natural gas capacity that the Biden administration imposed on the industry in its final year, following a report by an environmentalist that claimed LNG is more harmful than coal for the atmosphere. The Trump administration lifted the ban, but not soon enough. Reports about Aramcos interest in the Louisiana project, which will use gas from the Eagle Ford shale basin, first emerged last year. The initial amount mentioned in those reports was 2 million tons annually as the Saudi company aims to develop a significant presence in LNG trading, especially in the United States. For Commonwealth LNG, the Aramco deal is a step closer to hitting its contracted volume target of 8 million tons annually, which it has set as a condition to make the final investment decision on the project. This decision is now expected by the end of the first quarter of this year. The construction of the first phase will cost $11 billion, according to Commonwealth LNG, and generate annual export revenues of some $3.5 billion. Aramco said last year it aims to build an LNG capacity portfolio of 20 million tons annually to secure a position on the global market for the superchilled fuel in the context of bullish forecasts for global gas demand. As of the date of that announcement, in August last year, Aramco had secured some 4.5 million tons. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The United States has sold the first cargo of Venezuelan cargo it received from the country after the ousting of President Nicolas Maduro. The sale fetched $500 million, an unnamed Washington official told media. CNN quoted the source as saying there would be more sales in the coming days. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump said Venezuela would turn over between 30 and 50 million barrels of its crude to the U.S. Reuters quoted the Washington official as saying the proceeds of the sale were out into bank accounts under the control of the U.S. federal government. Another source said at least one of these accounts was in Qatar, which is considered a neutral location where funds can move with U.S. approval and without risk of seizure, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, commodity traders are vying for Venezuelan oil deals with Washington following the latest events. Companies including Chevron, Vitol, and Trafigura are seeking to expand their fleets in order to be able to handle as big a portion of those 30-50 million barrels as possible. Crude oil exports could eventually approach the roughly 500,000 barrels per day Venezuela shipped to the U.S. before the latter showered it with sanctions, but unnamed sources who spoke to Reuters warned that the first shipments would come from oil in storage, accumulated to date. That could take three to four months and will also involve clearing up and resolving bottlenecks at the Jose terminal, where storage capacity is limited. Earlier this week, Enverus predicted that Venezuelas oil production could expand to 1.5 million barrels daily by 2035, which would represent a 50% increase on current production rates. Yet Venezuelas oil output could swell twice as much under Enveruss best-case scenario, to hit 3 million barrels daily in 2035. That, however, would depend on global demand and supply balances. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The reserve, which would be overseen by a seven-person board modeled on the Federal Reserve, has the potential to become the basis for a new, Western price benchmark for critical minerals. The reserve is intended to challenge China's near-total monopoly on the supply, refining, and pricing of these materials and to insulate the U.S. from foreign threats. A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced a bill on Thursday, proposing the creation of a $2.5 billion critical minerals reserve in the United States. The reserve would be a move to encourage mining and refining domestically as the U.S. looks to break Chinas near-total monopoly in critical minerals and rare earths supply, refining, and pricing. The bill says that China has moved to weaponize its influence over prices and volumes in the contest for access to critical minerals, and asserts that the goal is insulate the U.S. from foreign threats. The bill proposes the creation of a so-called Strategic Resilience Reserve, which would have a board of seven persons to oversee the fund. The governance would be modeled on that of the Federal Reserve. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here The board members, who would be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, would have the task to buy critical minerals that U.S. agencies and departments consider strategic. The Strategic Resilience Reserve will then stockpile these minerals at warehouses in the United States. Providing targeted investments and stockpiling key inputs will help insulate the U.S. from foreign threats and will provide a significant and cost effective boost to the U.S. economy, said Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire and a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The reserve, if approved, could become the basis of a price for critical minerals in the West, not influenced by China. Its certainly possible this reserve could create a Western price for certain critical minerals, a Senate aide told Reuters. The Trump Administration last year started buying minority stakes in North American rare earth and lithium companies and projects, to ensure domestic supply. In addition, the U.S. Army will develop small-scale refineries to ensure domestic supply of critical minerals for defense and military purposes as the United States and the Western allies look to reduce their dependence on China. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By Lars Larson NW and national radio host, The Northwest Nonsense Nice to hear a mea culpa from an Oregon official, even if it only comes after threats of legal action by Judicial Watch and Americas federal government. Secretary of State Tobias Read admits Oregons filthy voting system needs a thorough cleaning. How much to clean up? How about 800-thousand faulty voter registrations. The state counts about 3 million voters on its rolls, but more than a quarter of those dont belong to people who actually cast ballots. The crazy system of automatic voter registration signs everyone up for a ballot even if they never vote. Hundreds of thousands of those registered have not voted in almost a decade. Thats a big problem. Oregons vote by mail system means anyone registered CAN get a ballot. Its sent out in the mail with no chain of custody. You dont have any idea WHO marks that ballot when it comes back at election time. Even former President Jimmy Carter thought voter by mail was (quote) the largest source of potential voter fraud. Im happy to see SOS Tobias Read finally clean THAT up, even if it only came after Donald Trump pushed him to do it. Thats the Rose City Rap. Join me at noon on KXL for 4 hours of Honestly provocative talk. Im Lars Larson 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 Canada is failing in a decades-old pledge to monitor the health of Pacific salmon, according to new research from Simon Fraser University. At a time when government policy is geared towards accelerating industrial development across sensitive B.C. watersheds, an SFU study published in the Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences reports that monitoring of salmon spawning populations has dropped 32% since Canada adopted its Wild Salmon Policy 20 years ago. The decline in publicly-available data means that scientists are unable to assess the well-being of nearly half (44%) of Canada's Pacific salmon populations. Of the five species assessed (Chinook, chum, coho, pink and sockeye), sockeye salmon suffer most from a lack of monitoring, with 58% of Conservation Units (genetically and geographically distinct salmon populations) lacking sufficient data. "Canada committed to monitoring the health of wild salmon, yet our study shows that capacity to do so has eroded substantially," says Michael Price, lead author of the study and adjunct professor in SFU's Department of Biological Sciences. "Without reliable monitoring, it becomes impossible for resource managers to decide when fisheries should open or close, assess whether conservation measures are needed, or detect when salmon populations are slipping toward extinction." An accompanying article published today in the journal Science places these declines in the context of recent federal decisions to fast-track major industrial projects while reducing environmental oversight. "The decline in monitoring is particularly concerning as salmon are facing the dual threat of rapid environmental change and industrial projects that are set to be fast tracked by our federal government," says Price, lead author of the letter. "When development accelerates while monitoring declines, decisions around development will be made without a clear picture of what is being put at riskor what the damage may be once a project is completed." In June, the government passed the One Canadian Economy Act (Bill C-5), enabling rapid approval of industrial projects deemed to be in the national interest. At the same time, the most recent federal budget reduced funding to Fisheries and Oceans Canada by $544 million over four years, constraining the agency responsible for environmental monitoring and salmon conservation, according to Price. "The Wild Salmon Policy promised a conservation-first approach grounded in science," adds Price. "We need to see salmon monitoring prioritized, which means rebuilding monitoring programs, strengthening Indigenous-led and community-based data collection, and safeguarding baseline ecological information." Key concepts fishery management 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: Model-based simulation of land-use suitability during the late Tang Dynasty. Credit: Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-03038-x Environmental phenomena and their consequences can disrupt social structures and destabilize political systems. An interdisciplinary research team demonstrated this using the example of the late Tang dynasty in medieval China. Migration and mobility due to climate change are nothing new. This is suggested by an interdisciplinary study in which researchers from the University of Basel were also involved. They investigated how hydrological extremes such as droughts and floods between 800 and 907 CE in particular affected society and politics in China. They report their findings in Communications Earth & Environment. This period is interesting because it marked the decline of the Tang dynasty, which had existed since 618 CE and is considered a cultural high point in China's history, with a sophisticated administrative system and a flourishing culture. The study focuses on the region around the Huanghe river (Yellow River) in northern China. Using climate proxy data, they determined trends in how the local climate changed in the 9th century CE. Tree rings as contemporary witnesses Tree rings, for example, provide clues about the climate. Their condition indicates whether a year was dry or rainy: in years with high precipitation, trees grow faster and the tree rings are further apart than in dry years. The older a tree is, the further back this data archive goes. The researchers used existing long-term tree-ring data records from the Yellow River basin. The reconstructed runoff behavior served as an indicator for hydroclimatic models, especially for the upper courses of the river. "The runoff eventually reaches further downstream and influences the amount of water available, for example for irrigating the fields," says the study's first author Michael Kempf, who has since moved from the University of Basel to the University of Cambridge. Fatal changes in agriculture Based on their analyses, the researchers conclude that climatic changes and an increase in extreme weather events were key factors in the collapse of the Tang dynasty in 907 CE. Increased droughts and floods took their toll on the soldiers tasked with protecting the empire's outer borders and their families against invasive troops from across the borders. "Hydroclimatic extremes have a very direct influence on crop failure and grain storage conditions," says Kempf. Seed shortages and increased food demand quickly pushed supply systems to their limits. A bad year therefore also had consequences for the future. The situation was further exacerbated by the choice of cereal crops: people increasingly favored the cultivation of wheat and rice over millet. Kempf can only speculate about the reasons for the agricultural change. Perhaps millet was considered a less prestigious food than wheat and rice. However, these are less climate-resistant than drought-resistant millet and require more water to grow. "As long as there is enough water, this is not a problem, but during prolonged dry periods, shortages occur." Millet cultivation could perhaps have cushioned these negative effects. As it was, however, the risk of crop failures and famines increased. These losses could not easily be compensated for by shipments from other parts of the country. This was also because droughts and floods affected supply routes and supply corridors collapsed. 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. Fleeing from hunger The malnutrition of the population may ultimately have led to the collapse of border defenses in the north of the empire. "Of course, people were weakened and therefore more vulnerable. Due to the military pressure on the outer border regions, they migrated south, where they believed they would find better conditions," says Kempf. "This led to political destabilization and is likely to have contributed to the demise of the Tang dynasty." However, Kempf emphasizes, "Our results are approximations. The actual conditions at that time cannot be reconstructed with certainty. It's a complex interplay of many different factors." The study concluded that sociocultural and climatic changes can lead to tipping points in the system because the balance is disrupted. This is a development that could occur more frequently in view of climate change today. Publication details M. Kempf et al, Hydroclimatic instability accelerated the socio-political decline of the Tang Dynasty in northern China, Communications Earth & Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-03038-x Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment 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: Plant identification using the Flora Incognita App. Credit: Flora Incognita, CC BY 4.0 Plants reflect urban climate and soil conditions with remarkable precision. Using more than 80 million observations from plant identification apps, researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry have produced a detailed picture of fine-scale climate and soil conditions for 326 European cities. The result: built-up areas are warmer and drier; their soils are more mechanically disturbed, saltier, and more alkaline than those of urban green spaces such as parks or forests. While built-up areas are strikingly similar across Europe, urban forests preserve the natural diversity of their original environmental conditions. The study was published in the journal Nature Cities. Plants as living sensors of the urban environment By 2050, around 70% of the world's population will live in cities. Yet urban environmental conditions are still poorly or only coarsely documented. The new Nature Cities study demonstrates how plants can capture fine-scale climate and soil characteristics and reveal human impacts. The study is based on plant observations collected via identification apps such as Flora Incognita. "Plants grow where their site requirements are met," explains Dr. Susanne Tautenhahn, first author of the study. "Stinging nettles indicate nutrient-rich soils, marsh marigolds prefer wet sites, and salt-tolerant species like alkali grass thrive along salted roads." In this way, factors such as temperature, soil moisture, pH, salinity, or disturbance can be inferred indirectly through plant occurrence. This approach is particularly powerful in cities: the sheer number of observations yields highly precise data, while classical measurements often fail to capture strong spatial heterogeneity. "Even between concrete and asphalt, plants reveal very accurately how warm or dry a site is, or whether the soil has been heavily disturbed," says Tautenhahn. Old knowledge meets new data The vision was to combine decades of knowledge about plants as living environmental sensors with large-scale citizen science data. This led to a new, plant-based approach for assessing fine-scale climate and soil conditions in cities. "The approach is comparable to remote sensingexcept that we use plants, smartphones, and an engaged crowd of citizens instead of satellites," explains Tautenhahn. "We call this new form of environmental observation Mobile Crowd Sensing of Environments (MCSE)." The interdisciplinary author team brings together expertise from botany, ecology, soil science, computer vision, citizen science, and remote sensing. Each perspective contributed to transforming citizen-generated plant observations into an unprecedented, detailed picture of urban environmental conditions. "Only recently has the previously mostly regional knowledge of plant species' site requirementsexpressed in so-called ecological indicator valuesbeen harmonized across Europe," says Prof. Dr. Jurgen Dengler. "This allows environmental conditions such as soil moisture, nutrient availability, or light, but also disturbances like intensive soil management, to be visualized across Europe for the first time," adds Prof. Dr. Milan Chytry. Both played a key role in the Europe-wide standardization of the indicator value systems used in the study. The decisive breakthrough for large-scale application came from millions of plant observations made possible by citizen science and AI-based identification methods. "Plant identification apps greatly facilitate biodiversity recording by citizens and provide large numbers of observations, especially in urban areas," emphasizes Dr. Jana Waldchen, research group leader at the MPI for Biogeochemistry and co-lead of the Flora Incognita project. Prof. Patrick Mader, co-project leader of Flora Incognita, adds, "For a long time, AI-based plant identification was considered hardly feasible, and the resulting data too unstructured for research. This study clearly shows the opposite: innovative questions at large spatial scales require new data streamsand Flora Incognita has become an important tool for this purpose." 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. What plants reveal about cities Across Europe, built-up areas are warmer, drier, and darker than the green spaces within the same cities. Their soils are more alkaline, saltier, poorer in nutrients, and more strongly disturbed by mechanical soil management than those in parks or urban forests. Urban forests, in turn, provide important ecosystem services such as cooling and water retention. Differences within a single city can be as large as those between cities thousands of kilometers apartfor example, between Madrid and Stockholm. Yet despite this intra-urban diversity, built-up areas are remarkably similar across Europe, indicating urban homogenization. Urban forests, by contrast, retain their original local environmental conditions and thus preserve natural diversity. "Cities are places where environmental problems become visiblebut also where solutions can emerge," emphasizes Tautenhahn. Plants are more than a green backdrop: they make hidden environmental conditions visible and provide new approaches for monitoring, research, policy, and urban planningtoward sustainable, resilient, and livable cities. This study was conducted as part of the project Flora Incognita Moni: Biodiversity Monitoring with Flora Incognita, a joint project of the Technical University of Ilmenau and the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry in Jena. Publication details Tautenhahn, S., et al. Urbanization signatures on climate and soils uncovered by crowd-sensed plants. Nature Cities (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s44284-025-00378-9 www.nature.com/articles/s44284-025-00378-9 Journal information: Nature Cities 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: Time lapse images of the destruction of a sample of asteroid simulant under the intense glare of the Sun. Credit: Icarus (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2026.116942 Back in the earlier days of the internet, there was a viral video from a creator called Bill Wurtz called "the history of the entire world, i guess" which spawned a number of memorable memes, some of which are still in use to this day. One of those was a clip from the video where Wurtz states, "The sun is a deadly laser." Apparently, that was more true than even he knew, as a new paper from Georgios Tsirvouils of the Lulea University of Technology in Sweden and his co-authors have shown experimental evidence that the sun's laser-like radiation is likely responsible for the death of a vast majority of closely-orbiting asteroids. Scientists have known for a while that there is a notable lack of asteroids near the sun. Notably, those with a low albedo (the darker ones) are particularly absent. Explanations ranged from tidal forcing tearing them apart over time, where asteroids on those orbits were eventually pulled into the sun itself, or sublimation, whereby the asteroids would eventually evaporate entirely because of the sun's radiation. In 2016, a paper from one of the paper's co-authorsMikael Granvik of the University of Helsinkisuggested that, instead of the previously suggested mechanisms, which would take millions or billions of years to destroy a single, moderately sized asteroid, asteroids underwent what the new paper calls "instantaneous thermally-driven erosion." In layman's terms, the sun blows them up. Now, almost ten years later, Dr. Granvik has some experimental evidence to back up his theory. The current study's authors got some time in the Space and High-Irradiance Near-Sun Simulator (SHINeS) chamber, which is a specialized facility at the Lulea University of Technology designed to replicate the extreme vacuum and solar radiation akin to being next to the sun. They made samples of pellets of CI carbonaceous chondrite simulants and placed them in the chamber. And then they watched as the samples exploded. The process wasn't necessarily "instantaneous," at least not until you got much closer to the sun than the orbit of Mercury. Some samples survived a few hours of radiation at around .22 AU, but at .1 AU, they almost instantaneously suffered from rapid thermal degradation. Luckily, the team has a camera set up to watch the samples explode, and provide a detailed explanation of the three phases the samples seemed to go through. First is an initial heating phase, with minor dust release. The second is an "explosive ejection" phase where millimeter-sized fragments are forcefully pushed away from the surface of the asteroid. Finally, the third phase is Subsurface Degradation, where heat forces its way down into the structure of the asteroid, causing it to expand and then fall apart. This process is exacerbated by the black surface of low-albedo asteroids, as they absorb more energy from the sun, causing the heating process to progress faster. Which explains why there are even less of them than other types of asteroids floating near the sun. It also offers some insight into some curious objects that have puzzled scientists for a while. 322P/SOHO 1 has been thought of as a comet/asteroid hybrid, as it passes extremely close to the sun (.05 AU), and brightens like a comet, but doesn't seem to have any noticeable tail. If 322P/SOHO 1 is, in fact, an asteroid, it might very well be a dark one undergoing this exact type of thermal erosion. The brightening could be explained by clouds of millimeter-sized dust being ejected from its surface, and the further thermal degradation of its interior is ongoing. In other words, we might be able to watch the sun killing an asteroid in real time. 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. Another curious case is Phaethon, the rocky object that creates the Geminid meteor shower every year. It appears that the lab sample in the paper eroded at a speed 430,000 times faster than Phaethon appears to be losing mass. So why the massive difference? The authors think Phaethon itself is a CY chondrite asteroid, which has already been "baked" by numerous close encounters with the sun, making it resistant to cracking. Another explanation is that the explosive force of the dust fragments in the lab might not be enough to escape the gravitational pull of a relatively large asteroid in space. No matter the explanation, it seems the 2016 theory was correctasteroids rapidly thermally disassemble when too close to the sun. And we might even be able to watch one happening in stages. So Mr. Wurtz can take solace in (or maybe be upset by) the understanding that the sun is deadly to things other than just life on Earth. The findings are published in the journal Icarus. Publication details Georgios Tsirvouils et al, Instantaneous thermally-driven erosion can explain dearth of dark near-Sun asteroids, Icarus (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.icarus.2026.116942 Journal information: Icarus Key concepts Asteroids 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: Ashley Osburn/Cornell University Books with maps are like Captain Flint's buried loot in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island"a rare find, according to new Cornell research. Digital humanities scholars from the Cornell Ann S. Bowers of Computing and Information Science have developed a computational system to mine maps from nearly 100,000 digitized books from the 19th and early 20th centuries, discovering that just 1.7% of novels include maps, mostly at the beginning or end, among other findings. They also discovered that 25% of maps in novels depict fictional settings, and military and detective fictionnot fantasy or science fictionwere the book genres most likely to contain a map, contrary to initial hunches. The research illustrates how Cornell scholars in the field of digital humanities use computational methods, including artificial intelligence, to unearth insights from literature about culture and society that would otherwise evade the most vigilant readers. This new method allows scholars to explore more deeply the spatial movements of literary characters across both real and imaginary lands. Previously, the study of character mobility was limited to real places. "We're interested in scale. It's cool that we can figure out how far characters move in fiction epics like "Lord of the Rings," but that's one novel. We want to be able to click a button and know how far characters move across 100,000 novels," said Axel Bax, a doctoral student in the field of information science and lead author of "Castles, Battlefields, and Continents: A Dataset of Maps from Literature," which he presented at the conference on Computational Humanities Research on Dec. 11 in Luxembourg. "We've identified these maps so we can do this for novels with real and fictional settings alike." The method builds on existing work by co-author Matthew Wilkens, associate professor of information science in Cornell Bowers, who mines libraries of online texts representing millions of pages to study gender and geography across British literature and calculate the distances real and fictional characters travel in the works. Before computational methods, the team's primary research questions"How often do maps appear in literature?" and "How did that change over time?"were too broad and too widely distributed for literary scholars to even consider, let alone answer definitively. As part of their research, the authors asked literary scholars anyway. "The scholars we surveyed had no idea," Wilkens said. "It's not that often you get to discover something that almost everyone in your field cares about, but no one has any firm grasp on." For their system, the team used a batch of neural network models, a machine learning tool for image recognition and other areas, and trained them to identify maps from more than 32 million pages of fiction published between 1800 and 1928 and stored in the HathiTrust Digital Library. Elsewhere, the team found that existing MARC recordsthe machine-readable format used to describe and catalog books and resources in library systemsdidn't note the appearance of maps in more than half of the novels that contained them. The team's system could help identify and correct such omissions, researchers said. Future work will explore and compare the movements of characters in novels with real and fictional settings. "If a novel has a fictional setting, we have a large enough sample size to explore whether or not characters move in fundamentally different ways than in novels with a real setting," Bax said. 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: Tao Ye and Rabbi Sikder are discussing their research. Credit: Stevens Institute of Technology Disinfecting drinking water prevents the spread of deadly waterborne diseases by killing infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. Without disinfection, even clear-looking water can carry pathogens that can cause severe and even life-threatening illness, especially in children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Before water disinfection processes were put in place, outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery routinely claimed lives, decimating cities and even countries. Disinfecting drinking water is one of the most important public health achievements in human history. How disinfection byproducts are formed However, the chemicals commonly used to disinfect water, such as chlorine or chloramine, also react with organic matter, the tiny bits of dissolved organic carbon that are inherently present in water as it comes from natural sources such as rivers, lakes or aquifers. When these chemicals react with organic matter, they form byproducts that may be harmful to human health. Some of these disinfection byproducts, which scientists refer to as DBPs, have been implicated in certain cancers and reproductive issues. For example, DBPs like trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids have been linked to increased risks of bladder cancer as well as impaired fetal development. The Environmental Protection Agency has standards for the safety levels of some of these byproducts present in the drinking water, but not for all, says Stevens Institute of Technology Assistant Professor Tao Ye, who uses AI to analyze environmental data to understand the complex interactions of various chemical compounds. "There are 11 such byproducts regulated by the EPA," he explains. "However, so far research has identified several hundred more, which we don't know much aboutand they may be more toxic than the ones that are regulated." Using AI to assess toxicity Although understanding how the chemistry of these compounds may affect human health is important, testing these compounds in laboratory conditions is challenging. "Traditional toxicity testing in the lab is often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive, which limits how many disinfection byproducts can be evaluated," Ye says. That's where AI can help, he notes. "AI and machine learning are fundamentally transforming this process by enabling rapid, scalable toxicity screening, allowing us to assess hundreds of compounds that would otherwise be impractical to test experimentally." To speed up DBP research, Ye, his Ph.D. student Rabbi Sikder, and their collaborator Peng Gao at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, built an AI model to help assess the disinfectant byproducts and their toxicity. First, researchers combed through scientific studies to find the toxicity data available from experimental testing of over 200 chemicals. Then, they trained the AI model on this data to predict potential toxicity for other chemicals. "We used the laboratory testing data reported in previous literature," explains Sikder. "We collected those chemical names, their chemical structures, along with experimental exposure conditions and their corresponding toxicity values. "We found toxicity values for 227 known chemicals and used them to build a machine learning predictive model to predict the toxicity for the unknown ones." The model was able to predict the toxicity for 1163 byproducts of the cleaning process. The model also found that some of the byproducts' potential toxicity ranged from two to 10 times higher than some of the chemicals that the EPA regulates, Sikder says. The team outline their findings in a paper titled "Multi-Endpoint Semi-Supervised Learning Identifies High- Priority Unregulated Disinfection Byproducts," published in the journal of the Environmental Science & Technology Letters. 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. What this means for tap water safety Does that mean that your tap water isn't safe to drink? "Not at all," Ye explains. Your average glass of tap water will never have all these harmful byproducts together. That is a total number of compounds that may theoretically form, depending on what organic matter is present in the water and what chemicals are used to clean it. In different parts of the world, water contains different organic matter and different chemicals are used to treat it, Ye stresses out. "What we are doing here is our due diligence to see what else may need to be regulated, depending on what's in the water and what you use to clean it," he says. "All in all, our tap water is safe to drink, and our research intends to make it even safer." Sikder adds that now that the AI model exists and is available for use, other scientists can access it to further understand the chemistry of the DBPs. How to reduce byproducts at home For those who remain concerned, Ye shares his advice on how to remove the disinfectant byproducts from their tap water. "As researchers, we are always trying to do two thingsadvance the science and inform the public. "The first thing in this case is understanding the mechanisms behind the formation of toxic compounds. And the second one is how to reduce these chemicals in our tap water, which you can do in two different ways. "You can filter the water with various widely available household filters. Or you can boil it because when you boil it, these chemicals evaporate," Ye says. "Both methods are easy to do at home." Key concepts bacteriaviruses By Robert M. Cutler In late December 2025, Armenias Central Election Commission pointed to June 7, 2026, as the likely date for parliamentary elections, implicitly tightening the timetable for any referendum linked to the ArmeniaAzerbaijan peace agreement. With the text initialed but unsigned, Yerevan and Baku face steps towards ratification, slowly continuing border demarcation work, and interim arrangements. Russia, Turkey, and Iran are signaling their interests, but Armenias domestic politics will be decisive for the treatys signature and entry into force, and for the implementation of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). Credit: Shutterstock BACKGROUND: Early in 2025, Armenia and Azerbaijan moved the peace process beyond a notional document toward a text whose core provisions are settled. On March 13, 2025, the two foreign ministries publicly stated that they had concluded negotiations on the draft Agreement on Peace and the Establishment of Interstate Relations. At the same time, Azerbaijan framed its signature as contingent on changes to Armenias constitution. While the March 2025 step did not produce an immediate signature, it shifted the process from drafting to preconditions and sequencing. Whereas Baku treats language in the preamble to Armenias constitution as a territorial claim, Yerevan rejects that interpretation, pointing to the possibility of a constitutional referendum without setting a definite timeline. The draft also contains language that would bar deployment of third-country personnel along the ArmeniaAzerbaijan border. That provision bears directly on any monitoring presence near the frontier and, more broadly, on how the parties intend to manage security before demarcation is complete. On August 8, 2025, the process advanced again in Washington. The parties initialed the text, and on August 11, Armenia published the full draft by mutual agreement. This U.S.-brokered step still stopped short of formal signature. The published text is explicit on several foundational points: it affirms mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity on the basis that former Soviet administrative borders become international borders; it renounces territorial claims; and it bars the use or threat of force as well as the use of each partys territory by a third party for force against the other. The draft also specifies the intended machinery for implementation. Diplomatic relations are to be established within a specified number of days after completion of ratification, although the published draft leaves that number blank. Border commissions are tasked to negotiate a separate delimitation and demarcation agreement. In the interim, the parties commit not to deploy third-party forces along the border and to adopt mutually agreed confidence-building measures pending demarcation. Additional modalities to be negotiated later include the detailed handling of missing persons and the working rules for the bilateral commission that is meant to oversee implementation. IMPLICATIONS: Armenias domestic political timetable has become a binding constraint on the pace and sequencing of decisions. On December 24, 2025, Armenpress reported that the chairman of the Central Election Commission said that June 7, 2026, was widely regarded as the likely election day, although a presidential decree had not yet been issued. That prospective date matters because Azerbaijans constitutional precondition points toward a referendum route in Armenia, while the treaty text itself anticipates domestic procedures and ratification steps before it can take effect. As of January 2026, the agreements core commitments are public and the text has been initialed, but signature and operational implementation still depend on how Yerevan and Baku sequence domestic legal assurances, border-related work, and interim security arrangements. The ArmeniaAzerbaijan peace framework stipulates that the route remains Armenian sovereign territory, while granting the U.S. exclusive development rights for 99 years. Washington would presumably pay Yerevan for the lease, with the land sub-leased to an Armenian-U.S. joint venture that would serve as the operator, holding a long-term mandate to construct and manage rail, road, pipelines, and fiber-optic infrastructure along the approximately 25 miles of Armenian territory linking Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan. The U.S. might potentially deploy limited security personnel to ensure corridor security, but official texts remain vague on any on-the-ground presence. The peace text, as well as official Armenian statements, emphasize that the route is to be operated under Armenian law, with Yerevan retaining jurisdiction and administrative control. That emphasis, which is intended to foreclose putative concerns about extraterritorial claims by Azerbaijan, is necessary to placate and manage domestic and diaspora opinion. However, the framework agreement does not resolve key practical questions, including customs and border management details such as who stamps cargo, how fees are shared, and whether streamlined or special customs procedures will apply. At this stage, the issue is less about drafting than durability. If the corridor arrangement proceeds under a 99-year U.S. development right, regional capitals will treat it as a strategic marker as well as a transport project. Moscow will judge it against its South Caucasus position; Tehran will weigh it against its red lines on transit and foreign presence; Ankara and Brussels will look for leverage on connectivity and standards. In Armenia, the sovereignty formula will be measured against day-to-day control at the route. Those pressures will shape prospects more than the text itself. The attitudes of the three major regional players Russia, Turkey, and Iran are important conditioning factors, but none seems willing and able to block a peace deal definitively. For example, Moscow publicly welcomed the U.S.-brokered step but also warned that involvement by non-regional players should not create new divisions. Russias core attitude appears to be conditional acceptance of a peace text, paired with resistance to a long-duration U.S. operational footprint in a sensitive strip of Armenia. The warning language is less about the agreements existence than about who institutionalizes it and who physically manages it. A predictable Russian preference is that any corridor implementation be folded back into regionally branded formats. Indirect Russian-linked participation remains structurally available because a subsidiary of Russian Railways holds a concession to manage Armenias railway network. Iran ostensibly welcomes the peace while warning against foreign intervention near its borders. Its attitude thus refuses to tolerate any outcome that looks like a change in the geopolitical configuration around Armenias southern border. Iranian commentary has linked the TRIPP specifically to concerns about a NATO-adjacent presence on the border. A senior adviser to Irans Supreme Leader used escalatory deterrent rhetoric portraying the corridor concept as unacceptable and explicitly threatened to prevent geopolitical changes. Tehrans interests are actually best served by a re-ignition of the conflict and the economic impoverishment of the Armenian population, both of which would decrease Yerevans autonomy and open for enhanced Iranian influence. Yet of course, it cannot say this out loud. Tehrans lacks any actual capacity for vetoing the agreement but can exercise coercive signaling through military exercises, political warnings, and pressure through regional alignments. Turkey strongly favors any route that de-isolates Nakhchivan, welcoming the corridor concept as a gain for strategic connectivity linking Europe to Asia via Turkey. However, despite its conditional welcome of a U.S.-anchored commercial structure, Ankara still wants the regions political center of gravity to remain in the AnkaraBaku axis rather than shifting to Washington as the indispensable actor. A commercially functioning route will accelerate Turkeys own normalization goals with Armenia, which are explicitly tied to an ArmeniaAzerbaijan peace treaty outcome. In late December 2025, Armenia and Turkey implemented a limited but concrete confidence step on visa procedures for certain official passport holders, effective January 1, 2026. Turkey will want a formula that works for Armenia, because a route that triggers prolonged Armenian internal instability would not be in Turkish interests. CONCLUSIONS: To summarize, Russia would like to keep the process regionalizable and resist a precedent of long-term U.S. operating control, while Iran will treat optics as substance, especially regarding anything that looks like foreign security infrastructure adjacent to Irans border. Turkeys attitude is broadly enabling, because the route advances Ankaras connectivity vision and strengthens its ties with Azerbaijan. The evolution of domestic Armenian politics, however, is what will really determine the outcome: whether Pashinyans forces receive a majority of seats in the June parliamentary election, and whether a subsequent referendum will approve the necessary change in Armenias constitution. AUTHORS BIO: Robert M. Cutler is Director and Senior Fellow, Energy Security Program, NATO Association of Canada. He was for many years a senior researcher at the Institute of European, Russian and Eurasian Studies, Carleton University. 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: Collection of invertebrate specimens, showing some of the groups investigated as part of this study. Credit: Charlie Rex A new study led by researchers at the University of Oxford has shown that the shape and orientation of coastlines significantly influenced extinction patterns for animals living in the shallow oceans during the last 540 million years. In particular, animals living on convoluted or east-west oriented coastlines (such as those found in the Mediterranean and Gulf of Mexico today) were more likely to go extinct than those living on north-south oriented coastlines. The findings, published in Science, provide new insight toward understanding patterns of biodiversity distribution throughout Earth history to the present day, and highlight which modern species may be more at risk of extinction due to climate change. How the study was conducted The researchers analyzed over 300,000 fossils for over 12,000 genera of marine invertebrates, combining these with reconstructions of continental arrangements at different times in the past. This enabled them to run a powerful statistical model to test the hypothesis that the orientation and shape of a coastline influenced a taxon's chance of extinction. The model revealed that invertebrates living in environments such as east-west oriented coastlines, islands or inland seaways, where migration to a different latitude was difficult, or impossible, were consistently more vulnerable to extinction than those which could move more easily in a northward or southward direction. Professor Erin Saupe examining fossil invertebrate specimens that lived in past seas. Credit: Charlie Rex. Study co-author Professor Erin Saupe (Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford) said, "Generally, coastlines with a north-south orientation better allowed species to migrate during periods of climate change, enabling them to stay within their ideal temperature tolerance range. "This reduces their risk of extinction. Conversely, groups that are trapped at one latitude, because they live on an island or an east-west coastline, for example, are unable to escape unsuitable temperatures and are more likely to become extinct as a result." Impact during extreme climate events The researchers were also able to show that this effect was heightened during mass-extinctions and hyperthermal (extremely warm) periods, and that coastline geometry became even more important for survival during these times. Lead author Dr. Cooper Malanoski (Department of Earth Sciences) said, "This shows how important paleogeographic context isit allows taxa to track their preferred conditions during periods of extreme climate change. And paleogeography could provide one explanation for why some mass extinctions are more severe than otherssome continental configurations may make it harder for groups to avoid the extreme climate changes during these events." Collection of invertebrate specimens, showing some of the groups investigated as part of this study. Credit: Charlie Rex Professor Erin Saupe examining fossil invertebrate specimens that lived in past seas. Credit: Charlie Rex The findings highlight that present-day species in isolated habitats that cannot easily migrate to a different latitude may be especially vulnerable to anthropogenic climate change. This information could be useful when determining conservation priorities and for identifying vulnerable marine populations into the future, especially those humans rely on for ecosystem services. Professor Saupe added, "This work confirms what many paleontologists and biologists have suspected for yearsthat a species' ability to migrate to different latitudes is vital for survival. By examining the fossil record of marine invertebrates restricted to shallow marine environments, we have been able to test this hypothesis with rigorous statistical analyses. An exciting next step is to see if we can observe this effect today." The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley (U.S.), Stanford University (U.S.), University of Leeds (UK), and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (Panama). Publication details Cooper M. Malanoski et al, Paleogeography amplifies marine extinction risk over the Phanerozoic, Science (2026). DOI: 10.1126/science.adv2627. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adv2627 Journal information: Science Key concepts biogeographypaleogeography 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 Companies engaging in 'greenwashing' to appear more favorable to investors, don't achieve durable financial stability in the long term, according to a new Murdoch University study. The paper, "False Stability? How Greenwashing Shapes Firm Risk in the Short and Long Run," is published in the Journal of Risk and Financial Management. Globally, there has been a rise in Environmental Social Governance (ESG) investing, where lenders prioritize a firm's sustainability performance when allocating capital. As a result, ESG scores have become an important measure for investors when assessing risk. "However, ESG scores do not always reflect a firm's true environmental performance," said Tanvir Bhuiyan, associate lecturer in finance at the Murdoch Business School. Greenwashing refers to the gap between what firms claim about their environmental performance and how they actually perform. "In simple terms, it is when companies talk green but do not act green," Dr. Bhuiyan said. "Firms do this to gain reputational benefits, attract investors, and appear lower-risk and more responsible without necessarily reducing their carbon footprint." The study examined Australian companies from 2014 to 2023 to understand how greenwashing affects financial risk and stability. To measure whether companies were exaggerating their sustainability performance, they created a comprehensive quantitative framework to measure greenwashing by directly comparing ESG scores with carbon emissions, allowing them to identify when sustainability claims were inflated. They then analyzed how greenwashing affected a company's stability, by looking at its volatility in the stock market. According to Dr. Bhuiyan, the key finding from the research was that greenwashing enhances firms' stability in the short term, but that effect fades away over time. "In the short term, firms that exaggerate their ESG credentials appear less risky in the market, as investors interpret strong ESG signals as a sign of safety," he said. "However, this benefit fades over time. When discrepancies between ESG claims and actual emissions become clearer, the market corrects its earlier optimism, and the stabilizing effect of greenwashing weakens." Dr. Ariful Hoque, senior lecturer in finance at the Murdoch Business School, who also worked on the study, said they also found that greenwashing was a persistent trend for Australian firms from 20142022. "On average, firms consistently reported ESG scores that were higher than what their actual carbon emissions would justify," Dr. Hoque said. However, in 2023, he said there was a noticeable decline in greenwashing, "likely reflecting stronger ASIC enforcement, mandatory climate-risk disclosures policy starting from 2025, and greater investor scrutiny." 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. "This implies that regulatory pressure is beginning to curb inflated ESG reporting," he said. Dr. Hoque said he hopes the findings from the study can influence companies, investors and regulators. "For regulators, our results support the push for tighter ESG disclosure standards and stronger anti-greenwashing enforcement, as misleading sustainability claims distort risk pricing," he said. "For investors, the findings highlight the importance of looking beyond headline ESG scores and examining whether firms' environmental claims match their actual emissions. "For companies, this research indicates that greenwashing may buy short-term credibility, but genuine emissions reduction and transparent reporting are far more effective for managing long-term risk." More information Rahma Mirza et al, False Stability? How Greenwashing Shapes Firm Risk in the Short and Long Run, Journal of Risk and Financial Management (2025). DOI: 10.3390/jrfm18120691 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: "Parliament Square sit-in against Syria airstrikes." Credit: "Parliament Square sit-in against Syria airstrikes." by alisdare1 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Social media is often criticized for fueling misinformation and violence, but it could actually play a role in preventing genocide and mass atrocitiesif used strategically. A new paper co-authored by Binghamton University Professor of Genocide and Mass Atrocity Prevention Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm examined social media hashtag campaigns during times of crisis and found that digital platforms can aid in atrocity prevention if they are tailored to the context of the crisis at hand. "Governments are increasingly using social media, though often not with atrocity prevention in mind, and social media companies have largely abandoned efforts to try to monitor hate speech and inflammatory postings on their platforms," said Wiebelhaus-Brahm. Along with Associate Professor of Justice Studies Arnaud Kurze at Montclair University, Wiebelhaus-Brahm examined social media campaigns in Canada and Syria, analyzing more than 5,000 social media posts tied to hashtag campaigns to determine how they were used during moments of crisis. The hashtags examined were: #TruthAndReconciliationassociated with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC), which addresses historical injustice on indigenous people #SaveSyriaassociated with a broader campaign aimed at highlighting the humanitarian and political crises in Syria The researchers focused on Canada and Syria as case studies in this research due to the nature of their differences in conflict. In Syria, there is an ongoing civil war; meanwhile, in Canada, the conflict itself was a bit more removed, focusing on injustices towards indigenous and native populations. "In looking at Canada and Syria, they're two places that arguably were some of the first areassome of the first countrieswhere contention around mass atrocity and trying to prevent future atrocities was happening in social media space," said Wiebelhaus-Brahm. Their analysis of both hashtag campaigns revealed that social media can be an effective tool in atrocity preventionin helping to identify the early warning signs of violence, amplify the voices of local people, and draw attention from the international community. However, stakeholders need to be more strategic in tailoring policies to the specific context of the crisis at hand. Wiebelhaus-Brahm hopes that this study will spur more research on using social media for atrocity prevention, which to date has been mostly speculative. "This is one of the earliest empirical explorations of this question. And so one of the things that I hope comes of this is more research looking at different kinds of atrocity contexts, looking at different social media platforms at different points in time," said Wiebelhaus-Brahm. The paper, "Comparative Insights on Social Media as an Atrocity Prevention Tool: Policy Implications," was published in the Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis: Research and Practice. More information Arnaud Kurze et al, Comparative Insights on Social Media as an Atrocity Prevention Tool: Policy Implications, Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis: Research and Practice (2026). DOI: 10.1080/13876988.2025.2582019 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: Experiment investigating the effects of combined global change factors on soil health, carried out in a climate chamber at Freie Universitat Berlin. Credit: Matthias Rillig Global changea term that encompasses climate change and phenomena such as changes in land use or environmental pollutionis increasingly putting ecosystems around the world under pressure. Urban soils in particular are susceptible to stressors like heat, drought, road salt, nitrogen deposition, surfactants, and microplastics. To date, the impact of these stressors has often been researched individually, i.e., with the impact of each individual stressor measured in isolation. This approach is, however, not representative of real-world scenarios as these factors almost always appear in combination. Combined stressors and soil health A new study carried out by researchers at Freie Universitat Berlin shows that when these stressors are combined, their impact can change fundamentally. Even factors that have a neutral or positive effect by themselves can present an additional strain on soil health when combined with other stressors. The study, "Global change factors differ in effect when acting alone and in a multi-factor background," was published in Nature Communications. The study investigated how stressors including warming, drought, and pollution affect soil health both on their own and when they occur together. The results show that factors that appear neutral or even positive when examined singly can, in combination, degrade soil structure or suppress the activity of microbes that are important for ecosystem functioning. This was especially evident in the case of soil warming. For example, when higher temperatures were considered alone, they were shown to actually boost the activity of microbes involved in stabilizing the soil. However, when higher temperatures occurred together with other stressors, the soils suffered. One possible reason for this is that warmer conditions speed up evaporation, which concentrates harmful substances in the soil water. These concentrated toxins then damage the microbes and lead to less stable soil aggregatesan effect that only shows up in experiments with multiple stressors. "Experiments repeatedly show that individual treatments with global change factors such as higher temperatures can have positive effects on soils," says biologist Rebecca Rongstock, lead author of the paper and doctoral student in the Rillig GroupEcology of Plants at Freie Universitat Berlin's Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy. "So why should we still protect our soils from such factors? A key reason is that we simply don't know how stressors interact when they occur together." Together with colleagues Huiying Li and Matthias Rillig, Rongstock examined 140 soil samples using a novel experimental setup. The team compared the impact of six combined soil stressors with the impact of combinations that left out one factor at a time. In the experiment, the researchers measured, among other things, the activity of soil microbes and the stability of soil aggregates, i.e., the crumbly structures that are essential for ventilation, water infiltration, and microbial life within the soil. 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. Implications for soil protection strategies The study highlights the fact that ecological risks can only be realistically assessed when environmental factors are examined systematically and in combination with each other. Matthias Rillig, soil ecology professor at Freie Universitat and senior author of the study, says, "If we want to protect ecosystems, the most effective course of action is not necessarily to focus on the factors that show the biggest individual effects. As multiple factors of global change interact almost everywhere, it may be wiser to target the combination of factors that, together, produce the strongest negative outcomes." At the same time, the research findings point to ways to promote recovery. If we can reduce or eliminate individual stressorseven those that seem harmless or beneficial when considered alonecore soil functions could significantly improve. Publication details Rebecca Rongstock et al, Global change factors differ in effect when acting alone and in a multi-factor background, Nature Communications (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-68155-9 Journal information: Nature Communications 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: Monkfruit. Credit: Wikimedia Commons. KasugaHuang CC BY 2.5 Luo Han Guo (Siraitia grosvenorii), also known as monkfruit, is a perennial vine in the gourd family that has substantial antioxidant levels and is native to China. New research published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture provides insights into the active compounds of Luohan Guo and their health-promoting properties. A key characteristic of Luo Han Guo is its richness in secondary metabolites, particularly terpenoids, flavonoids, and amino acids. Investigators identified these within the peels and pulps of four Luo Han Guo varieties and determined how these metabolites interact with antioxidant receptors and other targets involved in various pathways that affect health. In explaining the rationale for their study, the authors note, "It is crucial to conduct an in-depth investigation on the high-resolution metabolic profiles of different Luo Han Guo varieties, providing valuable insights into the nutritional and health characteristics as well as the manufacturing suitability of the various resources available from this plant." Publication details Huahong Liu et al, Metabolomics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking guided discrimination of constituents in four varieties of luohan guo (Siraitia grosvenorii): an assessment of core active ingredients and their potential antioxidant mechanisms, Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (2026). DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.70400 Journal information: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 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: This undated image provided by Communications Earth and Environment shows the mummified remains of a cheetah. Credit: Ahmed Boug/Communications Earth and Environment via AP Scientists have uncovered the mummified remains of cheetahs from caves in northern Saudi Arabia. The remains range from 130 years old to over 1,800 years old. Researchers excavated seven mummies along with the bones of 54 other cheetahs from a site near the city of Arar. Mummification prevents decay by preserving dead bodies. Egypt's mummies are the most well-known, but the process can also happen naturally in places like glacier ice, desert sands and bog sludge. The new large cat mummies have cloudy eyes and shriveled limbs, resembling dried-out husks. "It's something that I've never seen before," said Joan Madurell-Malapeira with the University of Florence in Italy, who was not involved with the discovery. Researchers aren't sure how exactly these new cats got mummified, but the caves' dry conditions and stable temperature could have played a role, according to the new study published Thursday in the journal Communications Earth and Environment. This undated image provided by Communications Earth and Environment shows a researcher examining a mummified cheetah in the lab. Credit: Ahmed Boug/Communications Earth and Environment via AP They also don't know why so many cheetahs were in the caves. It could have been a denning site where mothers birthed and raised their young. Scientists have uncovered the rare mummified remains of other felines, including a saber-toothed cat cub in Russia. It's uncommon for large mammals to be preserved to this degree. Besides being in the right environment, the carcasses also have to avoid becoming a snack for hungry scavengers like birds and hyenas. This undated image provided by Communications Earth and Environment shows the claws of a mummified cheetah. Credit: Ahmed Boug/Communications Earth and Environment via AP To find such intact evidence of cheetahs that lived long ago in this part of the world is "entirely without precedent," study author Ahmed Boug with the National Center for Wildlife in Saudi Arabia said in an email. Cheetahs once roamed across most of Africa and parts of Asia, but now live in just 9% of their previous range and haven't been spotted across the Arabian Peninsula for decades. That's likely due to habitat loss, unregulated hunting and lack of prey, among other factors. This undated image provided by Communications Earth and Environment shows a researcher taking measurements of a mummified cheetah's remains. Credit: Ahmed Boug/Communications Earth and Environment via AP In a first for naturally mummified large cats, scientists were also able to peek at the cheetahs' genes and found that the remains were most similar to modern-day cheetahs from Asia and northwest Africa. That information could help with future efforts to reintroduce the cats to places they no longer live. Publication details Ahmed Boug et al, Mummified cave cheetahs inform rewilding actions in Saudi Arabia, Communications Earth & Environment (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s43247-025-03021-6 Journal information: Communications Earth & Environment 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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: King tides impact the Mission Beach boardwalk in San Diego, Calif. in 2023. Credit: Scripps Institution of Oceanography/UC San Diego. For the first time, a study by researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego integrates climate-related damages to the ocean into the social cost of carbona measure of economic harm caused by greenhouse gas emissions. When ocean damage from climate change, dubbed the "blue" social cost of carbon, is calculated, the study finds that the global cost of carbon dioxide emissions to society nearly doubles. Until now, the ocean was largely overlooked in the standard accounting of the social cost of carbon even though the degradation of coral reef ecosystems, economic losses from fisheries impacts and damage to coastal infrastructure are well documented and adversely impact millions around the globe. "If we don't put a price tag on the harm that climate change causes to the ocean, it will be invisible to key decision makers," said environmental economist Bernardo Bastien-Olvera, who led the study during a postdoctoral fellowship at Scripps Oceanography. "Until now, many of these variables in the ocean haven't had a market value, so they have been absent from calculations. This study is the first to assign monetary-equivalent values to these overlooked ocean impacts." The research team's findings are published in the journal Nature Climate Change. Social cost of carbon is considered a more accurate accounting of harm than the calculations commonly used as the basis of carbon credits or carbon offsets offered to travelers. These calculations have been used by state governments and organizations such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy to inform analyses of proposed policy actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Human-generated carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere cause damage by warming ocean temperatures, altering the chemistry of the ocean, reducing the ocean's ability to hold oxygen necessary for species survival while increasing the severity of extreme weather, as rising temperatures provide more energy to feed extreme storms. These changes are altering the distribution of species and damaging ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds and kelp forests. There are also impacts to infrastructure like ports, which can be damaged by increased flooding and storms. Mangrove loss can lead to economic consequences as tracked in a new study. Credit: Octavio Aburto/Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Calculating how societies depend on oceans for trade, nutrition, leisure and more To develop the accounting, the study looked at straightforward market use values such as decreased fisheries revenue or diminished trade. It also accounted for non-market values such as health impacts of reduced nutrition availability from impacted fisheries and recreational opportunities at the ocean. Additionally, it considered intangibles such as the value of the inherent worth humans get from the enjoyment of ecosystems and biodiversity, which the researchers call non-use or existence value. Researchers plugged the estimates into an economic model calibrated to varying greenhouse gas emission trajectories. Without ocean impacts included, the social cost of carbon is $51 per ton of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. When the model is run with ocean impacts, study authors calculated an additional $46.2 per ton of carbon dioxide, reaching $97.2 total per ton of carbon dioxide, a 91% increase. For a sense of scale, in 2024, global carbon dioxide emissions were estimated to be 41.6 billion tons, according to the Global Carbon Budget analysisimplying nearly $2 trillion in ocean-related damages associated with one year of global emissions, damages that are currently missing from standard climate cost estimates. Overall, market damages are projected to be the largest cost to society, totaling global annual losses of $1.66 trillion in the year 2100. Damages in non-use values, the inherent worth we derive from enjoyment of ocean ecosystems, amount to $224 billion and non-market use values such as decreased nutrition from impacted fisheries adds up to $182 billion in annual losses. But Bastien-Olvera, now an assistant professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, notes that a dollar of market damage is not the same as a dollar of cultural loss. These benefits are not perfectly substitutable, meaning that losses in one category cannot be fully offset by gains in another, so each category of damage carries a different meaning for society. 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 the 'blue' social cost of carbon will be an important tool for environmental decision makers Study co-author Kate Ricke, a climate scientist and associate professor at Scripps Oceanography and the School of Global Policy and Strategy, notes that social cost of carbon is a tool used in cost-benefit analysis, which is important for environmental decision makers. Cost-benefit analysis is used by government agencies for policy design and by members of the private sector for risk management analysis and financial planning. "Protecting the environment can have high up-front costs, so we need methods for thinking about the trade-offs we are making as a society," said Ricke, who led a 2018 study that estimated country-level contributions to the social cost of carbon. "There are things that people value and benefit from that aren't easily monetized and the ocean is particularly challenging to assign monetary values. The blue social cost of carbon is a new framework to recognize these values." An unequal distribution of harm across the globe Study authors also found the distribution of impacts is highly unequal across the world, with islands and small economies being disproportionately affected. Given these areas' dependence on seafood for nutrition, they stand to suffer increased health impacts to their populations. The study accounted for how ocean warming reduces the availability of key nutrients in seafoodincluding calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and iron. This loss in nutrients can be linked to increases in disease risk and additional deaths that could then be attributed to such nutrient losses. Bastien-Olvera said the study was only possible thanks to shared expertise from scientists across disciplinesfisheries experts, coral reef and mangrove researchers, biological oceanographers, and others. The hope now is that policymakers and industry will use this framework to support decision making. "The social cost of carbon can help you contextualize the costs of climate change," said Bastien-Olvera. "When an industry emits a ton of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, as a society we are paying a cost. A company can use this number to inform cost-benefit analysiswhat is the damage they will be causing society through increasing their emissions?" Publication details Accounting for Ocean Impacts Nearly Doubles the Social Cost of Carbon., Nature Climate Change (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-025-02533-5 Journal information: Nature Climate Change 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: In 2023, WHOI scientists aboard the NOAA ship Ronald H. Brown in the tropical Atlantic took advantage of the ship's long-planned path through the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt to take some of the first samples from a massive, ongoing bloom. Credit: Ellen Park, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution A study led by researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the University of Rhode Island (URI) provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of the economic damage caused by recurring sargassum seaweed inundation events across U.S. coastal regions. The research, published in the journal Harmful Algae, quantifies multi-million, and in some areas potentially billion-dollar, annual losses affecting Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), and Florida's Atlantic coast. The study addresses a critical knowledge gap. "While the ecological and public health impacts of sargassum inundation events (SIEs) have been widely documented," said Tracey Dalton, a professor of Marine Affairs at URI, the lead principal investigator of the URI-WHOI collaborative project on assessing societal impacts of harmful macroalgae blooms in the Caribbean, "their direct and indirect economic costs to governments, coastal communities, and private industries had not previously been quantified." "Understanding the economic scale of sargassum impacts is essential for informed decision-making," said Di Jin, a senior scientist at the Marine Policy Center at WHOI, and the lead author on the study. "Our findings provide resource managers with evidence-based estimates that can guide investments in forecasting, response, and long-term mitigation strategies." WHOI led the study's economic modeling and analysis, examining impacts across three sectors central to coastal economies: tourism, recreation, and fisheries. These sectors are particularly vulnerable to sargassum accumulation, which can foul beaches, disrupt fishing operations, damage coastal infrastructure, and deter visitors. The research integrates economic modeling, satellite observations, tourism, and fisheries data, and long-term sargassum monitoring to translate environmental disruption into actionable economic evidence. "NCCOS' partnership with WHOI underscores the value of applied science in delivering actionable information for coastal managers, from guiding investments in effective Sargassum response and cleanup strategies to helping communities protect livelihoods, tourism, and long-term economic resilience," said NCCOS director Sean Corson. To quantify these impacts, the research team integrated multiple data sources and analytical approaches, including national income and employment statistics for marine and coastal industries, NOAA's Sargassum Inundation Reports and field observations from the Sargassum Watch database to estimate the frequency and duration of inundation events, estimated tourism losses due to hotel cancellations and reduced visitor spending, and estimates on declines in commercial and recreational fishing landings. This multi-sector approach allowed researchers to develop a robust, region-specific picture of the growing financial burden imposed by increasingly frequent and prolonged sargassum seasons. The study shows that sargassum seasons are beginning earlier and lasting longer across the Caribbean and western Atlantic, increasing the frequency and severity of coastal impacts. Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and southeast Florida face the highest risk of severe sargassum inundation, with annual economic losses already reaching multi-million-dollar levels in Puerto Rico and the USVI and potentially rising to billion-dollar impacts along Florida's Atlantic coast. 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. Despite these growing challenges, existing sargassum forecasting tools are performing well and can play a critical role in supporting improved planning, preparedness, and response efforts. "These results highlight the urgency of sustained investment in sargassum monitoring, forecasting, and cleanup infrastructure," Dalton notes. "Without proactive management, the economic consequences for coastal communities will continue to escalate." The study builds on decades of WHOI expertise in large-scale ocean circulation, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem change. Today's unprecedented sargassum events are not isolated phenomena, but symptoms of broader shifts in the Atlantic Ocean system. Massive sargassum bloomsnow forming what researchers refer to as the "Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt"stretch thousands of miles from West Africa to the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and U.S. Atlantic coastline. The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt appears to have been initiated by unusual wind and circulation patterns in the winter of 2009-2010, subsequently fueled by high nutrient availability in the tropical Atlantic. "As the Atlantic continues to change, we're seeing cascading effects that directly connect offshore ocean processes to coastal economic vulnerability," said Jin. "This study links those large-scale environmental drivers to real-world economic consequences." More information Di Jin et al, Economic impacts of sargassum events in Puerto Rico, USVI, and coastal Florida, Harmful Algae (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2025.102996 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: Researcher Jacques Tamba Keita followed the Fongoli chimps through their home range in southeast Senegal. Michel Tama Sadiakhou's future dramatically changed course some 15 years ago thanks to a clan of spear-wielding apes: instead of the dangerous work in informal gold mines that is the fate of many in Senegal's far southeast, he now researches rare chimpanzees. He is among five people from local villages, all but one without a high school diploma, working on a project focused on the area's highly unusual savanna-dwelling chimpanzees. Not only has it proven a deep dive into science, but for several of them, it has also offered an escape from the mines. "It's really a stroke of luck," Sadiakhou told AFP of his involvement in the Fongoli Savanna Chimpanzee Project, which was founded by US primatologist Jill Pruetz in 2001. Pruetz has made a number of discoveries while studying a community of about three dozen West African chimpanzees, which she dubbed the Fongoli chimps. The group lives in the bushrather than the forest as is more commonalongside other similar chimp communities in Senegal's Kedougou region on the border with Mali and Guinea. Primatologist Jill Pruetz (L) and researcher Nazaire Bonnag (R) wear masks in the presence of chimpanzees to prevent transfer of human disease. The Fongoli females are the only documented animals in the world to regularly hunt with tools, fashioning branches into spears for killing smaller primates known as a bush babies. On a recent morning, Mike, a charismatic, middle-aged chimp, ambled along the savanna floor, baobab fruit dangling by a stem from his moutha snack for lateras Sadiakhou watched. Every five minutes, he and his fellow researchers take notes, singling out one of the group's 10 adult males to follow each day. From vocalizations to food intake, social interactions to rhythmic beating on trees, known as buttress drumming, they note down everything. The four researchers and project manager are from the region's Bedik and Bassari ethnic groups. After leaving high school, Sadiakhou, a 37-year-old Bedik father of four, worked in the gold mines, known locally as the dioura. Seeing Pruetz and others repeatedly driving past his village he decided to apply for work and was hired to the project in 2009, having never seen a chimp in his life. Head researcher Michel Tama Sadiakhou, who has been with the Fongoli Savanna Chimpanzee Project since 2009, says the chimps are a 'second family' Now head researcher, he describes the apes as a "second family". "When I'm with the chimpanzees, even if I'm alone, it's like I'm with other people," Sadiakhou told AFP reporters, who spent two days with the researchers at the primates' home range. 'Dioura' boom Fellow researcher Nazaire Bonnag, 31, also put the dioura behind him. One day "I saw someone go down there (into the mines) and he never came back up", Bonnag told AFP from the study's permanent campa cluster of thatched roof huts inside the Fongoli range. When the man was determined to have suffocated from gas and his body pulled out by a rope, Bonnag decided "no, I can't continue like this". The Kedougou region, where the Fongoli range is located, accounts for 98% of Senegal's gold mining sites, a 2018 government study said. An artisanal gold mine is seen near the village of Bokodi in Senegal's Kedougou region in May 2025. It is also one of its poorest regions, with a poverty rate of more than 65%, according to statistics from 2021-2022. At one of several dioura sites on the Fongoli chimps' range, a gaping hole in the ground leads to a deep tunnel where tired, dirt-covered men entered and exited. More than 30,000 people work in Senegal's traditional gold mining sector, according to the 2018 study. Aliou Bakhoum, head of the NGO La Lumiere in the regional capital of Kedougou, said the number had only increased in the last few years. The dioura can be lucrative for those who find gold but it is down to "luck", Bakhoum told AFP, saying the work is dangerous, with long tunnels that are far too deep and subject to cave-ins. Adaptations to extreme heat A gold mining boom since the 2010s has lured not just locals but people from neighboring west African countries too and presents new hurdles for the chimps such as increased water pollution, deforestation and the spread of human diseases. Mike, described by researchers as charismatic and popular with the female chimps, carried a baobab fruit to eat later. Living in the extreme savannah heat, the Fongoli apes such as A.J. seen here, have learned to soak in natural pools, rest in cool caves and are calm in the presence of fire. The Fongoli chimps, who today number 35, were the first and for a long time only group of savanna chimpanzees to be acclimated to the presence of researchers. Pruetz's findings have been startling: Living in the extreme savanna heat, the Fongoli apes have learned to soak in natural pools, rest in cool caves and are calm in the presence of fire. Their adaptations to a landscape at the edge of what is possible for their species can help shed light on human evolution and the early hominins living in similar climates millions of years ago, according to Pruetz. Dondo "Johnny" Kante, the study's project manager, comes from a nearby Bedik village and believes that including local workers helps the wider community take "interest in the project". With any luck, he said, the researchers' involvement will inspire other locals to "continue to support, protect and truly work for the well-being" of the Fongoli chimps. 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 Coworking spaces have emerged as an alternative to traditional workplaces. Driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of remote working, these spaces are becoming increasingly common in cities, as well as in rural areas, where they hold promise for community engagement and local development, but also face challenges such as funding and long-term viability. "In urban settings, coworking spaces tend to have high turnover. New users with different profiles turn up every day. This can create opportunities, but it also means that spaces become less personal, which makes it harder to build lasting relationships," explained Jorge Arturo Villarreal-Valtierra, the study's lead author and a Ph.D. student on the interuniversity doctoral program in Business Administration and Management at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC). In rural areas, however, the dynamic tends to be more personal, since users usually stay the same and know each other. According to Villarreal-Valtierra, this makes it easier to organize activities, collaborate and adapt the space to local needs. To analyze how rural coworking spaces adapt to funding models, examine their sustainability strategies and explore their community embeddedness, he chose two very different regional contexts: Catalonia and Rhineland-Palatinate, a German federal state. The research is published in the journal Contemporary Social Science. "When analyzing these two regions, I observed a striking contrast: in Catalonia, private spaces with hybrid strategies are the predominant model, while many spaces in Rhineland-Palatinate are public and rely on subsidies. Two very distinct models, even though both regions have access to EU funding through the LEADER program," said Villarreal-Valtierra. He is currently developing his thesis under the supervision of Julie Wilson, co-leader of the New Perspectives on Tourism and Leisure (NOUTUR) research group, and Carles Mendez from the Interdisciplinary Research Group on ICTsArtificial Intelligence Laboratory (i2TIC-IA Lab). Both are also members of the Faculty of Economics and Business and co-authored the study. Mixed funding sources and rural catalyst To carry out the analysis, the research team sent questionnaires to managers of these spaces and conducted interviews with representatives of coworking associations in Spain and Germany. A total of 10 cases were included: five in Catalonia and five in Rhineland-Palatinate. "A large start-up grant might seem like the perfect solution, but research shows that there's no single winning model," said Villarreal-Valtierra. "What actually works best is a diversified model that combines some public funding, private investment and contributions from users or in-house activities." He provided an example: a German space that began with a small grant and has survived thanks to support from local sponsors and associations. Regarding community embeddedness, coworking in Catalonia is framed as a shared asset, cultivated through local cultural events and associations. By contrast, integration in Germany is more limited and less direct, with lower levels of local participation. "What surprised me most was the enormous cultural difference. In Catalonia, many of these private spaces function as small communities: resources are shared, friendships emerge and business projects are even launched," he said. Spaces with a stronger social and collaborative focus in Catalonia Regarding long-term sustainability strategies, the researchcarried out within the UOC-DIGIT centershows that these spaces are closely tied to funding sources in both regions. While their viability relies more on municipal support in Germany, they are more resilient in Catalonia, as they use structures such as cooperatives to access new forms of funding. 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 Rhineland-Palatinate, there is some uncertainty about their future. Some associations believe that many spaces are unsustainable and that, in a few years, the solution will be automated spaces operating without staff. This perspective contrasts sharply with that of Catalonia, where coworking spaces have a stronger relational and social character," said Villarreal-Valtierra. In fact, most spaces in Catalonia have continued to operate after the pandemic thanks to their local ties and varied activities, including events, coliving and partnerships with associations. Meanwhile, in Rhineland-Palatinate, many spaces were established with public funding and now must operate independently. "The key is to connect more with the community and have managers capable of adapting to the needs of the community," he suggested. The next step will involve analyzing how many of these coworking spaces have remained active and what strategies have actually worked in the long term. "We also want to incorporate the perspective of policymakers, which has not yet been analyzed directly," he added. For example, in Rhineland-Palatinate, there were cases where new municipal governments opposed maintaining coworking spaces, as they were seen as an unnecessary expense that generated no direct economic benefits. "Understanding these positions is key to proposing more realistic and sustainable public policies, possibly even a specific funding line for rural coworking spaces that takes into account their social and community value, rather than just their immediate financial benefit," he concluded. More information Jorge Arturo Villarreal-Valtierra et al, Funding sources and community embeddedness in rural collaborative spaces, Contemporary Social Science (2025). DOI: 10.1080/21582041.2025.2587138 The Detroit Auto Show officially kicked off on Wednesday (14.01.26), giving car enthusiasts a first look at current and upcoming vehicles, following a visit from former President Donald Trump on the eve of the show. The 2026 Detroit Auto Show returns following a visit from President Donald Trump Trump addressed members of the Detroit Economic Club and toured a Ford plant in Dearborn that produces F 150 pickup trucks. The annual show, running through Jan. 25 at Huntington Place, began with two days of media and industry previews and features more than 40 vehicle brands. Organisers said the event includes ride-along tracks for internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles, as well as hands-on experiences such as Camp Jeep and the Ford Bronco Built Wild Experience. Wednesaday also marked the announcement of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. The Dodge Charger was named Car of the Year, the Ford Maverick Lobo Truck of the Year, and the Hyundai Palisade Utility Vehicle of the Year. Jeff Gilbert, president of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year awards, said: These winners represent the best in the auto industry. Once the premier venue for global model debuts, the Detroit Auto Show has scaled back in recent years as automakers increasingly unveil vehicles digitally to reach wider audiences. Still, the show drew 275,000 attendees last year and now emphasizes interactive and experiential displays over traditional press-centered model reveals. Visitors can see vehicles from Alfa Romeo, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Jeep, Kia, Lincoln, Ram, Subaru, and Toyota throughout the public run. Speakers scheduled during the show include Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno from Ohio, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, and U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: This image shows wildfires in India, imaged at night on 9 December 2025. The Sentinel-2A signal is overlaid on a greyscale basemap. Credit: contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2025), processed by ESA After more than 10 years in orbit, the first Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, Sentinel-2A, is still finding new ways to contribute to Earth observation. With its younger siblings, Sentinel-2B and Sentinel-2C, now leading the mission's core task of delivering high-resolution, 'camera-like' images of Earth's surface, the European Space Agency is pushing Sentinel-2A beyond its original remit. In recent trials, this elderly satellite was even switched on at night to see how it would perform in the darkand the results have been strikingly positive, offering encouraging news for the follow-on Copernicus Sentinel-2 Next Generation mission, currently in development. Copernicus is the Earth observation component of the European Union's Space program. When Sentinel-2A was launched in 2015, it marked a major milestonecombining a high-resolution multispectral optical imager with a 290 km-wide swath, to return spectacular views of Earth's changing lands for a new perspective of our land and coastal areas for agriculture, and forest and water managementin particular for the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service. The satellite, however, has gone above and beyondalso returning new information about our marine biology, methane emissions and changing polar ice. This image shows fishing boats off the coast of Jeju in South Korea, imaged at night on 9 December 2025. The Sentinel-2A signal is overlaid on a greyscale basemap. Credit: contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2025), processed by ESA Since the Sentinel-2 mission is based on two identical satellites in the same orbit, 180 apart for optimal coverage and data delivery, Sentinel-2B was launched in 2017. Sentinel-2C followed in 2024 to replace Sentinel-2A. The satellites all carry a 13-band multispectral imager, which, like a camera, relies on light to capture imagesin this case, using sunlight reflected by Earth's surface and the atmosphere to observe the planet. However, the satellites experience darkness during nighttime passes. Under normal operations, the imagers are switched off when the satellites passes over night-shrouded parts of the planet. In essence, the current generation of Sentinel-2 satellites, which will also include Sentinel-2D in the future, were never designed to image at nightbut the plan is that the follow-on Sentinel-2 Next Generation mission will indeed do so over certain regions. As Sentinel-2A approaches the end of its operational life, it continues to support the operational Sentinel-2 missionbut, in addition, engineers and scientists are using some of its remaining time in orbit to test new ideas for the future and to prepare for the Next Generation mission. One such experiment has been to see how it would fare when switching it on at night. This image shows gas flares from oil production in Iraq, imaged at night on 12 December 2025. The Sentinel-2A signal is overlaid on a greyscale basemap. Credit: contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2025), processed by ESA As these test images featured in this article show, it did remarkably well. ESA's Sentinel-2 Next Generation Mission Scientist, Simon Proud, said, "We are extremely pleased with these results, which help pave the way for the Sentinel-2 Next Generation mission. "Not only has Sentinel-2A been able to capture images of gas flares from oil production in the Middle East, which are of course pretty bright, but also more subtle characteristics such as a wildfire in India and fishing boats off the coast of South Koreaall during the nighttime. 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 current Sentinel-2 mission remains outstanding, delivering a wealth of data for Copernicus operational services, the commercial sector and for science, but we are now further pushing the boundaries of what an optical mission can do. "These experiments are providing invaluable insight as we design Sentinel-2 Next Generation, which is being developed with the ambitious goal of delivering even higher resolution imagery and imaging some parts of the planet even when the sun is down. "Right now, we are establishing key features that the next generation mission should see at night, and we are assessing the technical feasibility of night imaging. "The results from Sentinel-2A show that for all of our nighttime targets, including city lights, gas flares and fishing monitoring, the Sentinel-2 Next Generation mission will contribute a significant amount of useful information to the community. "Nighttime imagery, for example, is extremely useful for security and for monitoring city lights, which are an indication of urban growth." ESA's Sentinel-2 Mission Manager, Ferran Gascon, added, "This experiment was carefully prepared by the mission teams, and it has naturally put strain on the Sentinel-2A satellite, but it has been well worth exploring what this aging satellite can do to help prepare for the future. Switching on the satellite to image at night required a great deal of energy, but Sentinel-2A did very well. "Even after 10 years in orbit and this demanding experiment, the satellite is still in remarkably good health and continues to deliver a wealth of data to many users that benefit from the satellite for a wide range of everyday applications." 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 SpaceX is starting to get the ball rolling on its Florida launch card with its fourth mission of the year coming less than two days since the last launch, setting a record for its Cape Canaveral launch pad. A Falcon 9 on the Starlink 6-98 mission with 29 Starlink satellites lifted off at 1:08 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex 40. It comes 45 hours since the 4:08 p.m. launch from the same pad on Jan. 12. It bested the previous record by nearly six hours at SLC-40, which previously stood at two days, two hours, 44 minutes between launches set between Dec. 9 and Dec. 11 last year. This was the 13th flight of the first-stage booster, which made a recovery landing downrange on the droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas stationed in the Atlantic. So far, the Space Coast has only seen SpaceX fly in 2026, and every mission has been for the company's Starlink program, sending up to 29 satellites at a time. According to statistics maintained by astronomer Jonathan McDowell, SpaceX has launched nearly 11,000 Starlink satellites since the first operational mission in 2019. Of those, nearly 9,500 remain in working order with about 8,200 in operational orbit. Every launch so far has also been from SLC-40, as are the next launches that have been announced. Next up is the Starlink 6-100 mission on Sunday during a launch window from 5:049:04 p.m. with another Starlink launch planned for Jan. 28. NASA also announced that the next crewed mission, Crew-12, which for now is targeting a Feb. 15 launch, will be from SLC-40. Normally SpaceX uses Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-A for its Crew Dragon flights, but did use SLC-40 once for Crew-9 in 2024. All four of SpaceX's 2025 human spaceflights were from KSC. NASA and SpaceX are in talks to see if Crew-12's launch date could be moved up because Crew-11, coming back to Earth early because one of its four crew suffered a medical issue last week, is slated to depart the International Space Station on Wednesday. Undocking is on tap for 5:05 p.m. and a splashdown off the coast of California in the Pacific Ocean targeting 3:41 a.m. Thursday after more than an 11-hour flight home. SpaceX flew all but eight of the record 109 orbital missions from Florida in 2025 with Blue Origin launching twice and United Launch Alliance flying six times. ULA has its first mission of the year planned for Feb. 2 from Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 using its new Vulcan rocket for only the fourth time. It's flying its second national security mission after getting certified by the Space Force in 2025. This one, USSF-87, is taking a Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) spacecraft into space. A date for the next Blue Origin New Glenn flight from Canaveral's Launch Complex 36 has not been announced, but it's for the company's lunar lander, the Blue Moon Mark 1, an uncrewed vehicle that is aiming to touch down on the moon's south pole. NASA is also planning its Artemis II mission as early as Feb. 6 with launch options in early February, early March or early April. It will mark the first crewed launch of the Orion spacecraft and second ever launch of the Space Launch System rocket. NASA is planning on rolling SLS and Orion on its mobile launcher out to KSC's Launch Pad 39-B as early as this Saturday for what could be final tests before targeting a launch date. 2026 Orlando Sentinel. 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: University of Notre Dame biologist Jason Rohr. Credit: Barbara Johnston/University of Notre Dame Long-term exposure to low levels of a common agricultural pesticide can accelerate physiological aging and shorten lifespan in fisha finding from new research led by University of Notre Dame biologist Jason Rohr with potentially far-reaching implications for environmental regulations and human health. The study, published in Science, shows that chronic exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos at concentrations too low to cause immediate toxicity causes fish to age faster at the cellular level. Field studies reveal aging patterns The research began with field studies in China where collaborators examined thousands of fish collected over several years from lakes with differing levels of pesticide contamination. Rohr and colleagues observed that fish living in contaminated lakes lacked older individuals, while populations in relatively uncontaminated lakes included many older fish. This pattern suggested that fish were not failing to add to their populations, but rather were dying earlier in life. "When we examined telomere length and deposition of lipofuscin in the livers of the fish, well-established biological markers of aging, we found that fish of the same chronological age were aging faster in the contaminated than clean lakes," said Rohr, the Ludmilla F., Stephen J. and Robert T. Galla Professor and Chair in the Department of Biology. Chemical analyses revealed that chlorpyrifos was the only compound found in the fish tissues that was consistently associated with signs of aging. These include shortened telomeres, which act like the plastic caps of shoelaces and decrease fraying in chromosomes, and lipofuscin deposition, a build-up of "junk" like old proteins and metals within long-lived cells. Laboratory experiments confirm findings However, to determine whether chlorpyrifos was the direct cause, researchers needed to conduct controlled laboratory experiments with concentrations matching those measured in the wild, Rohr said. In this laboratory experiment, chronic low-dose exposure to chlorpyrifos caused progressive telomere shortening, increased cellular aging and reduced survival, particularly in fish from the contaminated lakes that were already physiologically older. "Although the laboratory results closely matched the field observations, it was possible that a missed high-dose exposure event in the field, rather than chronic low-dose exposures, caused the reduced lifespan," said Rohr, who is affiliated with Notre Dame's Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health, Environmental Change Initiative and Eck Institute for Global Health. To rule out this driver, Rohr and colleagues conducted another laboratory experiment demonstrating that short-term exposure to much higher doses caused rapid toxicity and death but did not accelerate aging through shortened telomeres and increased lipofuscin. This demonstrated that long-term accumulation of exposure to extremely common low concentrationsnot brief high-dose spikeswas responsible for the observed aging, Rohr said. Broader ecological and regulatory implications The loss of older individuals can have serious ecological consequences, as older fish often contribute disproportionately to reproduction, genetic diversity and population stability, Rohr said. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. "These findings also raise broader concerns because telomere biology and aging mechanisms are highly conserved across vertebrates, including humans," Rohr said. Potential future research will explore how widespread the phenomenon may be across species and chemicals. While the European Union has largely banned chlorpyrifos, it remains in use throughout China, parts of the United States and in many other countries. However, the aging effects observed in this study occurred at concentrations below current U.S. freshwater safety standards, Rohr said. "Our results challenge the assumption that chemicals are safe if they do not cause immediate harm," he said. "Low-level exposures can silently accumulate damage over time by accelerating biological aging, highlighting that chemical safety assessments must move beyond short-term toxicity tests to adequately protect environmental and human health." Publication details Chronic low-dose exposure to chlorpyrifos reduces lifespan in a wild fish by accelerating aging, Science (2026). DOI: 10.1126/science.ady4727 Journal information: Science Key concepts pesticide and herbicide contamination 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: Utah graduate student Ebenezer Adomako-Mensah collects piezometer data on a mound formed in Farmington Bay where groundwater breaches the surface of the Great Salt Lake playa. Credit: Brian Maffly, University of Utah Under the Great Salt Lake playa lies a potentially vast reservoir of pressurized freshwater that has accumulated over thousands of years from mountain-derived snowmelt, according to new research from University of Utah geoscientists. This groundwater occupies the pore spaces in sediments that fill the basin west of the Wasatch Mountains and below a 30-foot-thick salty layer. Windows through this salt lens exist in the form of odd circular reed-choked mounds or islands that have formed where the freshwater pipes through to the lakebed of Farmington Bay, which is otherwise left dry by receding water levels thanks to drought and diversions. A team led by U hydrologists Bill Johnson and Kip Solomon working with the U.S. Geological Survey Water Science Center and the Utah Geological Survey is conducting a multi-prong investigation of this invisible body of water, using an array of instruments and methods to determine its depth and breadth, chemical properties, age, source and other characteristics. "Fresh water exists under the periphery of the lake and maybe even under the lake itself. And we need to better characterize it to understand how we can use it as a resource," said Johnson, a professor of geology & geophysics. While he does not view the aquifer as a potential water source for replenishing the depleted lake, Johnson believes it could provide water for restoring lakebed crusts that naturally prevent exposed sediments from contributing to dust storms blowing into Wasatch Front cities. "We proposed that for higher elevation dust spots, you drop a well and flood the area and douse the dust spot. What we're trying to check out is whether we can use a modest amount of that water without weakening the nice upward pressure," Johnson said. "That needs to be checked out and we proposed to do some of that work." Utah geology professor Bill Johnson and graduate student Ebenezer Adomako-Mensah visit Round Spot 9 in Great Salt Lake's Farmington Bay. Johnson's team of University of Utah geologists is studying the fresh groundwater that is emerging on the lake's exposed playa, forming strange mounds in numerous places. Credit: Brian Maffly, University of Utah Artesian water under the lake appears to be ancient Great Salt Lake started taking its present shape about 8,000 years ago as a remnant of the vast freshwater Lake Bonneville that once covered most of northwestern Utah. Johnson suspects that some of the water contained in the aquifer dates back to the Bonneville era. "The age of the water at depth is thousands of years old. It may be left over from the Ice Age," he said. "That tells us that playa groundwater is not getting to the lake anytime soon. We know from complementary to-be-published studies that there is a big groundwater flux coming off the mountain front, but it seems to get to the lake via seepage to incoming rivers rather than via direct groundwater inflow in the playa." The first of several anticipated papers associated with the project was published in the Journal of Hydrology , reporting the results of piezometer data collected at mounds forming in Farmington Bay, sandwiched between Great Salt Lake's southeast shore and Antelope Island. These findings are upending scientists' understanding of how spring runoff reaches the terminal lake. About 9 meters below the playa, there is a freshwater-saltwater interface that was previously unknown and researchers now call the "saltwater lens," according to lead author Ebenezer Adomako-Mensah, a graduate student in Johnson's lab. Round Spot 9 in Farmington Bay, site of research led by Bill Johnson into the Great Salt Lake aquifer. Credit: Brian Maffly, University of Utah 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. What are these strange round spots? Johnson and Adomako-Mensah have spent the last two years boring wells of varying depths into the mounds to install piezometers that measure water pressure and flow at depth. They regularly return by airboat or mountain bike to collect data, which now show these mounds occur where freshwater is pushed under pressure through the saltwater lens to the surface of the playa. "The size or radius of the round spot corresponded with the freshness of the groundwater; the bigger the round spot, the fresher the water at the center," Adomako-Mensah said. "In the center, the water tends to be fresh and when you move to the edge it tends to be saline. The round spot is more like a pipe or a channel that is allowing groundwater to flow to the surface." This paper is part of a larger research effort involving several other senior members of the U's geology faculty, including Kip Solomon, Mike Thorne and Michael Zhdanov, aimed at fully characterizing the body of freshwater hidden under the salty lake. This photo of Round Spot 9 shows the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) lines established by Utah geologist Mike Thorne to study the subsurface under Farmington Bay. Credit: University of Utah Solomon's lab is using isotope analysis to determine the age of the groundwater and its recharge elevation, or where it originated in the mountains. Thorne is constructing on-ground resistivity profiles. And Zhdanov and Michael Jorgensen are processing the electromagnetic data gathered in airborne geophysical surveys to construct a 3D image of the playa's deep subsurface. For Johnson, key questions begin with the mysterious round spots that have been called "phragmites oases" and "mystery islands" in recent news media accounts. "Because you have water flowing from the mountains to the basin that can create pressure under Farmington Bay, it's actually driving the water upwards. Before we got these numbers, no one knew there was artesian freshwater under the entire eastern playa, nobody knew how extensive this pressurized water under Farmington Bay was," Johnson said. "This is a ton of work on Eben's part, doing tests in the field and tests in the lab to get these numbers. They show that the conductivity range is pretty big, but conductivity is low except in a few special cases, such as the 'phragmites islands' where the sediment is coarse." Why the sediment is coarser in these spots, and why these features are circular, and whether their existence is related to basement structure remain unknown and these questions warrant further investigation, the study states. Also needed is more analysis to understand whether the younger lakeward lateral flux of water from the mountains forms a continuous arc with the ancient upward vertical flux under the playa. Accordingly, this U-led project is generating more and more questions that will likely keep curious scientists busy for years. More information Ebenezer Adomako-Mensah et al, Significance of ancient artesian fresh groundwater below the playa of a hypersaline terminal lake of hemispheric significance, Journal of Hydrology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.134813 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: Pathways Into and Out of Cybercrime Infographic. Credit: Professor Julia Davidson OBE and Dr. Ruby Farr, Pathways into and out of Youth Cybercrime: Research Findings and Reflections for Academics, Professionals and Policymakers New findings from the University of East London show that online risk-taking is widespread among young people, with behaviors such as digital piracy, accessing risky online spaces or engaging with harmful content having a high potential to lead to more serious offenses. Interviews with convicted cybercriminals in the UK and Switzerland revealed a diverse cohort spanning a wide age range and offense types, from hacking and digital fraud to sexual offenses carried out online. Nearly half (47%) reported engaging in illegal online behavior early on, with many describing a gradual progression into more serious cybercrime, including identity theft, financial fraud and revenge pornography. Participants often spoke of patterns of repeat offending, with sexual and financial crimes frequently intersecting. Several interviewees described how cybercrime emerged gradually, without a clear sense of crossing a legal boundary. One participant explained how early experimentation felt harmless at the time: "When I was 14, I got suspended from school for hacking the school network. I used to get in to mark my homework as done, and I would vary the grades realistically too, so it didn't look suspicious. I got away with it for ages until I told a mate and he ratted me out. But I started seeing tech as a useful problem solver." Others reflected on how boundaries blurred over time, with serious consequences only becoming clear years later: "Don't tarnish your reputationit will never disappear. I really didn't get the implications when I was younger. Now my Criminal Records Bureau check looks horrendous. I can never have a mortgage now." The research also reveals clear gender differences in online offending, with males more likely overall to engage in cybercrime and high-risk online behavior (73.6%), compared to 64.6% of females. Males were significantly more likely to commit online hate speech (16.1% vs. 6%) and revenge pornography (16.4% vs. 5.6%). However, female involvement was higher than commonly assumed, with women slightly more likely to report tracking someone online (27.1% compared to 26.7% of males). Professor Julia Davidson OBE, Director of the Institute for Connected Communities, and Dr. Ruby Farr, Criminologist at the Institute for Connected Communities, University of East London, explore these patterns in a new book, examining how everyday online behavior can draw young people into cybercrime, often without realizing a legal boundary has been crossed. Professor Julia Davidson OBE said, "Our research shows clear pathways shaped by risk, opportunity and a lack of understanding about where the legal line sits online. Prevention must start early and involve families, educators, industry and policymakers working together." Dr. Ruby Farr added, "Listening to the lived experiences of convicted cybercriminals, who have perpetrated a range of crimes, is essential if we are serious about prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation." The research has informed and been discussed with a range of criminal justice stakeholders, including engagement with the National Crime Agency. Deputy Director Paul Foster, head of the NCA's National Cyber Crime Unit, said, "This research is another important reminder of how vital it is to engage with young people at an early age, to help divert them from a cyber crime pathway. The NCA-led Cyber Choices campaign is a crucial program, providing young people with the support and encouragement they need to use their cyber skills positively, directing them towards educational programs, qualifications and job opportunities instead of criminality." "It also shows them that online offending isn't victimless and can have serious real-world consequences, as seen with the ransomware attacks affecting British retailers and other sectors in the past few months." "A whole of society approach is needed here, with everyone playing their part, as law enforcement cannot tackle this issue alone." Extortionists responsible for recent vehicle fires arrested in central Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen, Q.R. A man and woman accused of setting company vehicles on fire in retaliation to non-payment of extortion demands are in custody. Cristian Antonio N and Marcos N are believed responsible for two vehicle fires set on January 7. Both were detained from a vehicle while driving along First Avenue North and 15th Street in central Playa del Carmen. At the time of the arrest, officers found an extortion payment of 30,000 in cash. The company vehicles were set on fire after the company refused to pay an initial extortion demand of 150,000 pesos. That amount was then negotiated to 30,000 pesos a month, an amount that was collected the day of their arrests. The State Attorney Generals Office said the pair were taken into custody by the Intelligence Sub-Directorate and the Specialized Group for Combating Extortion (GEPCE) of the Municipal Police. Both were arrested for their probable participation in acts possibly constituting the crime of extortion, to the detriment of a legal entity. The pair are accused of setting two vehicles on fire when the company refused to pay the 150,000 peso extortion demand. January 7, 2026. Police picked them up following the report of two vehicles, a trailer and a van, which were set on fire in the early morning of January 7, 2026. The State Attorney General said after field and office investigation work, the capture of Cristian Antonio N and Marcos N, the latter originally from Argentina, was achieved when they were driving on First Avenue North corner with 15th Street, in the Centro neighborhood of Playa del Carmen. According to the police investigation, Cristian Antonio N and Marcos N went to company to collect 30,000 pesos the result of previous acts of extortion, consisting of telephone calls and threats directed at the victim, they reported. This extortion ring initially demanded 150,000 pesos, an amount that was not paid, and then established a monthly payment of 30,000 pesos. At the time of the suspects arrest, the amount corresponding to the last payment was recovered and seized as part of the corresponding investigation file. Riviera Maya News bringing you headline news for Playa del Carmen since 2014 Your official online newspaper Motorists hoping to snap up a cheeky personalised plate could find themselves out of luck - and potentially out of pocket - as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has banned more than 400 new number plates for being "too rude" for the road. DVLA bans 400 'offensive' number plates The agency releases a new registration series every March and September, but before any plates hit the market, officials screen out combinations that might cause offence. The 2026 "26" series is no exception, with hundreds of registrations withdrawn over concerns that they reference sex, swearing, violence, discrimination, or political extremism. Among the rejected plates are explicit examples such as FU26 KER, AS26 HOL and SC26 TUM, as well as slurs and phrases considered homophobic, transphobic or racist, including TR26 NNY, LE26 ZER and FA26 OTT. Combinations alluding to war, terrorism and religion have also been barred, such as TE26 ROR, GO26 WAR and JE26 HAD. A DVLA spokesperson said the agency takes care to ensure "registration numbers do not cause offence or embarrassment" before release. The newly banned list was published following a Freedom of Information request by personalised plate supplier Regtransfers. This year's list also excluded plates referencing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, such as NO26 RUS, UK26 RUS, and UK26 UKR. References to sexuality, like LE26 ZRS and GA26 GAY, were similarly withheld for fear of causing offence. The DVLA adds that driving with an offensive or non-compliant plate could result in a fine of up to 1,000, and the vehicle may also fail its MOT. U.S.-based Pilgrims announces $1.3 billion Mexico investment over next five years Mexico City, Mexico The Ministry of Economy says U.S.-based company Pilgrims is set to invest $1.3 billion USD in its Mexico production facilities. Pilgrims, a global chicken producer, will invest the money in Mexico between 2026 and 2030. The large injection is part of the Mexico Plan, generating more than 4,000 direct and 16,000 indirect jobs in the states of Veracruz, Yucatan, Campeche, Durango, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi and Hidalgo. Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said Thursday that the investment plan over next five years will consists of $200 million to Durango and Coahuila, $150 million to Queretaro, San Luis Potosi and Hidalgo and $950 million to Veracruz, Campeche and Yucatan. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo highlighted that Pilgrims $1.3 billion investment demonstrates that investing in Mexico is safe and contributes to the Mexico Plan and food self-sufficiency. This investment theyre making, because its essentially for the domestic market, is because theyve been successful and because they know that investing in Mexico is safe and allows them to continue growing. Obviously we want to guarantee food self-sufficiency and sovereignty, which is a broader concept, with these companies and also with local production with the work done by small producers through not only grain production but also livestock production. President Claudia Sheinbaum with the Secretary of Economy Marcelo Ebrard January 15, 2026. So, its both sides: industrialized agricultural production and the small producers who we want to be able to make a good living from their production. Therefore, it certainly contributes to the Mexico Plan and to the countrys food self-sufficiency, she said Thursday during the morning announcement. Casaubon explained that Pilgrims has been in Mexico more than 38 years and its investment contributes to the goal of increasing food self-sufficiency. With this five-year investment plan, Mexico will reduce its chicken imports by 35 percent. Pilgrims Mexico president Jose de Jesus Munoz Velasco explained that this investment will increase production by more than 373,000 tons. To achieve this, the chicken hatchery and feed plant will be expanded, new fattening farms and a new poultry processing plant will be built, current production farms will be relocated and the hatchery processing plant will be modernized. The announcement was made Thursday morning. He says Pilgrims currently has 12,600 employees across Mexico and generates 50,000 indirect jobs through its partner farmers, logistics and supply chain, which deliver food to 30 million Mexican consumers. Pilgrims Pride Corporations Global CEO, Fabio Sandri, commented that Pilgrims growth is carried out responsibly and with a long-term vision for the benefit of Mexican families and the communities where they have a presence. The company is headquartered in Greeley, Colorado, with operations in 12 U.S. states, as well as in Mexico and Puerto Rico. Pilgrims works with more than 4,000 family farms in the U.S. and Mexico. Pilgrims says they will invest the $1.3 billion USD over the next five years. January 15, 2026. Riviera Maya News serving Quintana Roo Mexico since 2014 Your official online newspaper Singapore opposition leader and Workers' Party (WP) Secretary-General, Pritam Singh, rejected the motion against him. (PHOTO: Suhaimi Abdullah/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (NurPhoto via Getty Images) Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh said on 14 Jan that he did not accept a parliamentary motion calling on the House to decide whether he should remain in the role, adding that his "conscience will always be clear" despite his conviction on two counts of lying. Speaking for nearly 20 minutes during the debate, the Workers Party chief disputed claims that his conduct was "dishonourable and unbecoming", and responded point by point to the motion introduced by Leader of the House Indranee Rajah. Indranee said that while Singh had already been fined by the courts, the lies underlying his conviction were told in Parliament and before its Committee of Privileges (COP). As such, she said, the matter went beyond personal wrongdoing and had implications for the integrity and standing of Parliament. When it was his turn to speak, Singh said he had lifted the party whip, allowing WP MPs to vote "as they consider fit" on the motion. He noted that he had exhausted his legal avenues after the High Court dismissed his appeal, and said he was disappointed with the outcome and disagreed with the judgment. Singh said he supported two parts of the motion the first and the sixth which affirmed that honesty and integrity are fundamental to Singapores political system, and that MPs must respect and abide by the law. However, he rejected the remaining resolutions, including one that asked the House to note the findings of the High Court and the COP. The committee had concluded that Singh had guided former WP MP Raeesah Khan to maintain a false account she had given in Parliament. Singh said the committees conclusions "went much further" than the charges he faced in court. "Raeesah Khan was not told to take a lie to the grave on Aug 8, 2021," he said, referring to what he described as a key piece of evidence relied on by the trial judge. "My conscience remains clear, as it will forever, that this was not said by me to Khan at any point in time." For more on Pritam Singh's defence to the motion raised in Parliament, read here. The UK government plans to introduce a pay-per-mile tax on electric vehicle (EV) drivers to offset lost fuel duty revenue from petrol and diesel cars. Proposed VED-plus scheme could see EV owners paying per mile in addition to annual vehicle tax Under the proposed scheme, EV owners would pay 3p per mile in addition to the existing 195 annual vehicle excise duty (VED), reports suggest. Government insiders have dubbed the initiative VED-plus. For example, a driver covering 8,000 miles a year could face total charges of 435, combining 240 in per-mile fees with the 195 VED. A government spokesperson told the BBC that charging EV drivers per mile would be fairer, noting that drivers of conventional cars have long paid fuel duty, effectively levying them for each mile driven. The measure is expected to come into effect in 2028, pending a public consultation, and could generate 1.8 billion annually by the early 2030s as the shift to electric vehicles accelerates. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), there are now 1.3 million EVs on UK roads. How the scheme will be enforced remains uncertain. Reports suggest drivers would declare estimated annual mileage when paying VED, with extra charges for any mileage above the estimate and credits for unused miles. However, precise methods for monitoring or auditing mileage have yet to be confirmed. The tax could discourage EV purchases just as the government and industry are trying to encourage adoption. The recently updated Electric Car Grant, which offers discounts based on environmental performance, has already boosted the market. Edmund King, president of the AA, told the BBC the government must tread carefully to avoid undermining consumer confidence. Experts warn that implementing the scheme will require a careful balance between raising revenue and supporting the transition to greener transport. A spokesperson for SMMT said: Introducing a per-mile charge without clear enforcement and transparent rules risks creating confusion among drivers and slowing the EV transition. At the invitation of President of the Republic of Guinea Mamadi Doumbouya, President Xi Jinpings Special Envoy and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress Zheng Jianbang will attend the presidents inauguration ceremony to be held in Guineas capital Conakry on January 17. TV Tokyo: There have been reports that Japans Komeito party is considering forming a new party together with another political party. The Chinese government has so far built close relations with Komeito. Could you please comment on this matter? Additionally, even if the name Komeito were to disappear, would exchanges continue in the same manner as before? Mao Ning: This is the internal affair of Japan. I have no comment on that. AFP: I got a question about France. There was a French professor that has been charged in France. He has been charged with allowing a Chinese delegation to visit some sensitive sites. Its a case of suspected espionage. Are you aware of this case? Do you have anything to say to the French authorities on this issue? Mao Ning: Im not familiar with the specifics. Let me point out that we always oppose vilifying China by peddling the so-called Chinese spy narrative. Shenzhen TV: Chinas 42nd Antarctic scientific expedition is currently underway. Apart from the advanced technologies adopted in this expedition, the media also reported several heartwarming stories. For example, recently, Chinas expedition team offered help to a sick member of staff from the Russian research station. This week, when Xuelong vessel went to New Zealand for resupply, it helped transport ROK scientific expedition team members. These are heartwarming stories among countries in the polar regions. Whats your comment on this? Mao Ning: Thank you for sharing these stories. Over the past 40-plus years since China started the Antarctic scientific expedition, we have always acted in the spirit of mutual support, attached importance to international cooperation, and conducted joint research in various forms. Researchers from more than ten countries and regions including Thailand, Chile and Portugal participated in Chinas 42nd Antarctic scientific expedition. Regarding the Arctic, China has taken active effort to provide dialogue and cooperation platforms and share research outcomes with the international community through participating in relevant work of the Arctic Council, holding the China-Nordic Arctic Cooperation Symposium and conducting scientific expedition in the Arctic Ocean. Peace, stability and sustainable development in the polar regions is in the common interests of all humanity. China is ready to step up exchanges and promote cooperation with other parties regarding the polar regions. AFP: I got a question on Donald Trump. The U.S. President on Wednesday said that his administration will approve sales to China of Nvidias H200 chip for artificial intelligence. But he also said that the U.S. government will take 25 percent of sales. Do you have any reaction to this new announcement from Donald Trump? Mao Ning: On U.S. chips export to China and the tariffs issue, China has made clear its position more than once. Reuters: In Wang Yis meeting with Canadas Anand today, Wang said China is willing to eliminate interference as it advances ties with Canada. How much of that interference is contributed by the U.S. administration, past and present? Mao Ning: This morning, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Beijing. Weve released a readout, which you may refer to. On your question, I believe that, rather than focusing on where the interference comes from, it is more important to focus on the fact that both China and Canada are committed to promoting the steady, solid and sound development of bilateral relations under the new circumstances, and providing positive expectations and greater confidence for the development of bilateral relations. On January 5, 2026, Vice President Han Zheng met with former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien in Beijing. Han Zheng praised the contributions that Jean Chretien has long made to promoting the development of China-Canada relations. He noted that in October last year, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mark Carney held a successful meeting in the Republic of Korea, during which they reached important common understandings on further improving and developing China-Canada relations and provided strategic guidance, opening a new chapter in China-Canada relations. China and Canada share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation. China is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Canada, and promote the sound, stable and sustainable development of bilateral relations on the basis of equality and mutual respect. Jean Chretien spoke positively of the good momentum in the development of Canada-China relations, stating that the economies of the two countries are highly complementary and bilateral relations have broad prospects. He expressed his willingness to continue actively promoting the sound and stable development of Canada-China relations. On the morning of January 6, 2026, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji met respectively with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung and Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin in Beijing. During his meeting with Lee Jae Myung, Zhao Leji stated that over the past three decades and more since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the ROK, friendly cooperation has been the defining feature of the bilateral relationship. On the previous day, President Xi Jinping met with President Lee Jae Myung, steering the course for the further development of China-ROK relations and charting a new blueprint. China is ready to work with the ROK to implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, strengthen good-neighborliness and friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, consolidate the foundation of public support, and promote the stable and long-term growth of the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership. The NPC of China is ready to maintain the positive momentum of high-level exchanges with the ROK National Assembly, enhance communication and cooperation on multiple levels and in various fields, and provide legal guarantees for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. Lee Jae Myung said that he and President Xi Jinping reached important common understandings on advancing the development of ROK-China relations. The ROK is willing to deepen cooperation with China in various fields such as economy and culture, strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies and between political parties, enhance non-governmental exchanges, and promote the development of bilateral relations. Zhang Qingwei attended the meeting. During his meeting with Micheal Martin, Zhao Leji said that China and Ireland enjoy a traditional friendship. Over the past four decades and more since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have always respected each other and treated each other as equals, and bilateral relations have developed steadily. On the previous day, President Xi Jinping met with Taoiseach Micheal Martin, outlining a new blueprint for the development of bilateral relations. China is ready to work with Ireland to implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, enhance mutual understanding and trust, deepen mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation, and promote greater development of the China-Ireland strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation. The NPC of China is ready to strengthen communication and exchanges with the Oireachtas of Ireland, deepen exchanges and mutual learning on legislation, supervision and governance experience, and contribute to the practical cooperation between the two countries. Micheal Martin said that China's development is an admirable success story. Ireland adheres to the one-China policy and is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in various fields, strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies, and work for more results in bilateral cooperation based on the spirit of mutual respect. On January 9, 2026, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang met with Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company of the United States Robert Alan Iger in Beijing. Noting that China's economy is deeply integrated into the world economy, Ding Xuexiang said that the better China develops, the more benefits all parties will gain. China's 14th Five-Year Plan has been successfully completed, with significant new achievements across various undertakings, making important contributions to global development. The fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has outlined the blueprint for China's development over the next five years. China will steadfastly promote high-quality development, expand high-standard opening up, and continuously optimize the business environment. China welcomes enterprises from all countries, including Disney, to continue investing in China and exploring the Chinese market, actively participate in Chinese modernization, and share China's opportunities to achieve greater development. Robert Alan Iger said that Disney is confident in China's development and will continue to expand its investment in China and better promote exchanges and cooperation between the United States and China. On the morning of January 6, 2026, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council met at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung, who is on a state visit to China. Li Qiang said that at present, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China-ROK relations are showing a new outlook. On the previous day, President Xi Jinping held talks with President Lee Jae Myung, providing strategic guidance and injecting strong impetus into deepening and developing the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership. China has always placed its relations with the ROK in an important position in its neighborhood diplomacy. China is ready to work with the ROK to uphold good-neighborliness and friendship, enhance strategic communication, consolidate political mutual trust, seek common ground while shelving and resolving differences, and promote the continuous development of bilateral relations along the right track to better benefit the two peoples. Li Qiang pointed out that China and the ROK are important economic and trade partners. Over the past 30-plus years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have fully leveraged their complementary economic advantages, achieved fruitful cooperation results and effectively promoted common development. The two countries have close economic ties, efficient transportation links, and deeply interconnected industrial and supply chains. Both sides should abandon the zero-sum mindset, adhere to sound competition and cooperation, and provide more certainty for each other's development by strengthening cooperation. China is ready to work with the ROK to enhance market openness and connectivity, actively advance cooperation in emerging fields such as high-end manufacturing, artificial intelligence and new energy, deepen industrial integration and synergy, and jointly foster new drivers of development. The Chinese side welcomes ROK companies to expand their investment in China, and hopes that the ROK side will provide convenience for Chinese enterprises to invest in the country. China and the ROK should work together to uphold multilateralism and free trade, safeguard international fairness and justice, and contribute to promoting peace, stability and development in the region and the world at large. Lee Jae Myung said that he and President Xi Jinping held successful talks on the previous day, during which they reached important common understandings on promoting the development of the ROK-China strategic cooperative partnership. The ROK and China are close and friendly neighbors. The ROK attaches great importance to its relations with China, and is willing to respect each other's core interests, enhance bilateral dialogue and exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields such as economy and trade, keep pace with the times, and pursue win-win cooperation, so as to bring more benefits to the people of both countries. The ROK side actively encourages ROK enterprises to expand cooperation with China and welcomes Chinese companies to invest and do business in the country. The ROK is willing to enhance multilateral communication and coordination with China, jointly safeguard free trade, and promote regional and international peace and stability. Wu Zhenglong attended the meeting. On the afternoon of January 6, 2026, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council held talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin, who is on an official visit to China. Li Qiang said that on the previous day, President Xi Jinping held a meeting with Taoiseach Micheal Martin, providing strategic guidance for deepening China-Ireland relations. With the joint efforts of China and Ireland, the strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries has continued to deepen and solidify, with new achievements constantly being made in various areas of cooperation. China is ready to make continued efforts with Ireland to consolidate and strengthen political mutual trust, accommodate each other's major interests and core concerns, advance high-quality practical cooperation, and take bilateral relations to new heights, so as to achieve a higher level of mutual benefit and win-win results. Noting the strong economic complementarity between China and Ireland, Li Qiang said that both sides should further synergize development strategies and explore the potential for cooperation in various fields. China is ready to work with Ireland to expand and improve bilateral trade, and expand trade in services covering such areas as aircraft leasing, insurance, medical care and health, so as to better meet the needs of the people of both countries. China welcomes Irish companies to make full use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo and the China International Fair for Trade in Services to further promote their products. Both sides should jointly seize future development opportunities, and deepen cooperation in areas such as green energy, digital economy, artificial intelligence, information technology and life sciences. At the same time, both sides should further facilitate cross-border travel, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, education, and at the sub-national level, and continuously cement the foundation of public support for friendship between the two countries. Currently, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise globally, and the international economic and trade order is facing serious challenges. China is ready to enhance communication and collaboration with Ireland in multilateral mechanisms such as the United Nations, to jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade and make the international order more just and equitable. As Ireland will hold the rotating EU presidency in the second half of this year, China hopes that Ireland will play a positive role in promoting China-EU cooperation. Micheal Martin said that the people of Ireland and China have enjoyed a long-standing friendship, and the economic and trade cooperation has yielded fruitful results, enhancing the well-being of both peoples. Ireland is firmly committed to further deepening the strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. Ireland is willing to strengthen exchanges at all levels with China, leverage complementary advantages, promote cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, healthcare, agriculture, green economy, artificial intelligence and other fields, and enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges in education and at the sub-national level. The Irish side welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in Ireland. Ireland values the important role China plays in international affairs, and is willing to enhance multilateral coordination with China, oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and jointly safeguard world peace, stability, development and prosperity. Ireland is willing to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China. Prior to the talks, Li Qiang held a welcome ceremony for Micheal Martin at the North Hall of the Great Hall of the People. Wu Zhenglong attended the above events. On January 4, 2026, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Beijing. Ding Xuexiang stated that the ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan has grown even stronger over time. Last year, President Xi Jinping held separate meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaching new important common understandings on further development of bilateral relations. China is ready to work with Pakistan, following the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, to strengthen political mutual trust and mutual support, further synergize development plans, improve the quality and effectiveness of practical cooperation, enhance communication and coordination on major international and regional issues, accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and continuously improve the well-being of the two peoples. Mohammad Ishaq Dar said that friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy. Pakistan adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to work with China to take the opportunity of commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries to promote the continuous development of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China. Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. Have a question for Care and Feeding? Submit it here. Dear Care and Feeding, My husband Chris and I have two kids, Amanda, 4, and Henry, 6. This morning my mother-in-law Doris took the kids out to breakfast while Chris and I attended a friends baby shower. We got back just as Doris was pulling up to drop off the kids. What I saw when they exited her car had me seething: neither of the kids was in a car seat. When I asked Doris why this was the case, she tried to justify it by saying that her kids hadnt grown up with car seats past toddlerhood and they were fine. I told her that either our kids use car seats when they ride in her car or they wont be riding with her at all. She became angry and drove off, giving me the finger as she left. By the time I got inside she was already on the phone with my husband, blasting me to him so loudly I could hear it from ten feet away. When I told my husband what happened, he actually took her side and said she had a point! There are lots of things that were done with kids when we were growing up that are no longer in practice because we now know they were unsafe. Its whats known as progress. Now Chris is trying to persuade me to apologize to his bitch mother in the name of restoring peace within the family! How can I convince him that car seats for the kids are nonnegotiable? Car Seat Sense Dear Car Seat Sense, Im willing to bet that most of us have heard some version of we did X Y Z and you were fine from our parents. To be fair, by the time were grandparents, Im sure some other practices will have changed and well have to try not to say things like we did it the old way and you were fine to our kids. (I have faith in us!) Of course youre right that best practices evolve as technology advances and we learn more about safety, and car/booster seats should be nonnegotiable. There should be no debate there. Given how important car seats are, it would have made sense to ask your mother-in-law about the seat situation beforehand, or at least checked out the setup in her car when she arrived to pick up Amanda and Henry. I wouldnt necessarily expect grandparents or other caregivers to have or buy car seats for your kids use. You and your husband could have offered her the car seats you use for the kids and transferred them from your car to hers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I get why you dont want to apologize to her after how she acted. But if you decide to try to smooth things over, that doesnt mean that you have to give any ground on car seats. You could make the point that they are nonnegotiable while acknowledging that you all should have checked to make sure your mother-in-laws car setup was safe for your kids before she drove off with them. Its something she should have known or asked about, and its also something you should have checked on yourself. Get parenting advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear Care and Feeding, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Care and Feeding following up) Submit Dear Care and Feeding, My son Ricky is going to be turning 6 at the end of February. My sister Nicki has two boys, Sammy, 5, and Kevin, 7. Kevin is a bully and an absolute terror. When he was at his cousins 5th birthday party at our local Fun Zone back in November, he hit other kids, spit on his grandmother (my brothers mother-in-law), and shoved the birthday cake onto the floor after being told he needed to wait for his cousin to blow out the candles before he could have some. I do not want my sons birthday ruined by my little shit nephew. I have told Nicki that Sammy is welcome to come, but Kevin is not. I explained that my decision is the result of Kevins past behavior and that hes welcome at the next special occasion if he demonstrates improvement, but I am not going to risk a repeat of what happened at our nephews birthday. My sister became furious and told me off and I havent heard from her since. My husband says to let her pound sand. The trouble is that my mother has gotten involved and is ramping up the pressure to allow Kevin to attend. Would it be better to recruit some of my friends to act as minders for Kevin rather than risk a family feud? Pint-sized Party Pooper Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dear Party Pooper, I dont think you should ask your friends to help you mind Kevin at Rickys party. They arent family; they have no authority over him. It can be awkward and dicey in the best of cases, even when you are related to children or know them very well, to try to redirect or control their behavior if their parents cant or wont. You cannot realistically expect your friends (who, presumably, are strangers to your nephew) to be in charge of monitoring or containing your nephew. If anyone is going to keep Kevin in line, it has to be his parent(s). You had to make a tough choice from among a bunch of imperfect options: inviting both nephews and dealing with Kevin; inviting only Sammy and upsetting your sister and your mother; inviting neither of your nephews and, again, upsetting your family. I understand why you went the way you did, given what youve described of Kevins aggressive, sometimes violent behavior. Your sister and your mother obviously have feelings about your decisionwhich theyre entitled tobut that doesnt mean you have to relent and allow Kevin to attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You cant control how your family feels or how they react to your decision. That reaction might just be something you have to live with. But there may also be a way to acknowledge the understandable hard feelings and disappointment, letting your sister know that you understand this was hard for her to hearas it probably was for you to say, if only because it had to be awkward and you knew it would hurt her. You can tell her that you didnt feel like you could make another choice, given how the last party went and the fact that you dont want your sons birthday ruined, but you really wish it hadnt come to this and you hope it will be possible to celebrate with the whole family in the future. Acknowledging the tough reality while reminding your sister that you do care about her and her kids, showing some empathy for her and even for your nephewwho, however difficult, is also 7 and will hopefully not be as he is now for the rest of his lifemight help smooth things over a bit, or at least help her better understand where youre coming from. Nicole Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More Parenting Advice From Slate My wife and I divorced when my daughter was 6 years old and I was 43. I love my daughter to death, marveling as she grew up, basking in her love, and returning in kind. I still love her so much, but there is something wrong in our relationship. She has no difficulty in ignoring my texts to her, never mind my calls. It hurts me very much when she blows me off. Shell say, I never respond to texts from anyone, but will immediately respond to anybodys texts during those infrequent times we are together. Ive tried to take the approach that kids can be like this at her age, but Im having serious doubts and am beginning to think there is something seriously wrong. Please help! Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. Rep. Dan Goldman, a New York Democrat, proposed this week to cut off all funding for the Department of Homeland Security until it reins in the authoritarian ICE secret police. Its a good idea but far too modest. A better proposal would be to dismantle the Department of Homeland Security altogether. Its creation, back in 2002, was seen by many as a mistake at the same time, and that apprehension has only been deepened. In fact, the problems with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, painfully obvious to nearly everyone, are in many ways a product of the issues with DHS from its outset. DHS began as a bill by Sen. Joe Lieberman, not long after the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, to show that Democrats could be as hard-nosed as Republicans about fighting terrorism. The idea was to take every federal agency even remotely involved in counterterrorism and combine them into one super-department. Then-President George W. Bush initially opposed the legislation, saying it would just pile on another layer of bureaucracy. But the 9/11 Commission, a much-respected independent board of inquiry into the catastrophe, concluded that al-Qaida had succeeded in mounting the attacks in part because the FBI and CIA hadnt shared intelligence about the hijackers prior movements. The commissioners overstated the case, but consolidation took hold as a popular nostrum, and Bush gave in, signing Liebermans bill into law. Ironically, the agencies most culpable for failing to coordinate their intelligencethe FBI and CIAwere left out of the new department (largely at their adamant insistence) and responded to the crisis instead by beefing up their counterterrorism units and tightening their lines of communication. Meanwhile, the new DHS subsumed 22 agencies from eight other departments, holding a combined budget (back then) of $40 billion and a payroll of 183,000 employees. (DHSs total budget for last year amounted to $178 billion$74 billion of it added in President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Actmaking it the third-largest federal department, trailing only the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before DHS, those 22 agencies had been performing distinct functions. There was no guarantee that smooshing them together would make them more efficient; rather, it has made each of them less effective. Several of the agencies had been headed by officials with the standing of Cabinet secretaries, who, as a result, could focus on their missions and make their arguments for certain programs or more money directly to the president and congressional committees. This is no longer the case. The secretary of homeland security, even a good one, couldnt possibly have the time or energy to focus on more than two or three departmental missions. The neglected domains are left to assistant (or deputy assistant) secretaries, who have little clout or access to push their case or propose changes or improvements. This has had several consequences. First, nobody of any real talent wants the job of secretary. (The current occupant, Kristi Noem, is less talented than most, but none of her predecessors made a name for themselves at the job.) Second, the underlingswhich in pre-DHS days used to be their agencies top dogsare even weaker magnets for talent; the whole enterprise is a breeding ground for drudgery and politicization. Advertisement Advertisement Which brings us to ICE. Before 9/11, issues surrounding border security were handled by the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the U.S. Customs Service. Liebermans bill fused those two into a new agency, Customs and Border Protectionwith Immigration and Customs Enforcement created as an initially small internal police forcethen jammed them all into the hydra-headed monstrosity that is DHS. In the old days, INS and Customs were independent law-enforcement agencies, run for the most part by professionals. Now theyve been corralled into a political department, with its secretary overburdened for the job and its second- and third-layer directors utterly bereft of independence, power, or regulated links to overseers in Congress or elsewhere in the bureaucracy. Its no surprise that it has morphed into a goon squad for Trumps anti-immigrant, antiblue state agenda. Advertisement Back in 2019, during his first term, when Trump began to unshackle the agencys reins to run rampage on migrants and herd their children into cages, Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez argued that DHS should be abolished. Republicans scoffed, as they tended to do with anything the newly elected, self-declared democratic socialist had to say. Strategist Karl Rove called the idea moronic, stupid, naive, and dumb. Liz Cheney, still a Republican leader in the House, before her postJan. 6 awakening (and subsequent expulsion from the Grand Old Party), deemed it absolute irresponsibility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The reaction was knee-jerk. They had forgotten, or perhaps just chosen not to remember, the departments crossbred beginnings, which many of their own party-mates, including the reigning Republican president, denounced as a jury-rigged contraption ill suited to meet the crisis of its time. Ocasio-Cortez stood her ground, tweeting amid the controversy: Its really not that radical. When DHS was 1st formed many members of Congress were concernedincl GOPthat we were setting up a ticking time bomb for civil liberties erosion & abuse of power. Discussing reorganization shouldnt be out of the question. She was right then; shes more clearly right now. This is not, or anyway should not be, a partisan issue. Electric vehicle (EV) drivers will not be exempt from Londons congestion charge from early 2026, as part of a major overhaul of the capitals traffic reduction scheme. Electric Vehicle (EV) owners driving into Central London need to pay a new congestion charge from 2026 From January 2, motorists behind the wheel of electric cars will pay 13.50 per day to enter central London, while electric van and lorry drivers will be charged 9. Both represent discounted rates compared to the new 18 daily fee for petrol and diesel vehicles - up from 15 - but mark the end of the 100 per cent exemption currently enjoyed by EV owners. The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said the changes are essential to ensure the congestion charge stays fit for purpose as traffic volumes increase. Transport for London (TfL) estimates that without the change, an additional 2,200 vehicles a day could enter the zone on an average weekday next year. Sir Khan, 55, said: "Keeping London moving by reducing congestion is vital for our city and for our economy. "While the congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, we must ensure it stays fit for purpose." The discount for EVs will shrink further from March 4, 2030, dropping to 12.5 per cent for cars and 25 per cent for vans and lorries, as the city drives towards a uniform system for all vehicles regardless of fuel type. However, the move has sparked criticism from motoring groups and industry experts who warn it could dampen enthusiasm for electric adoption just as more drivers make the switch. Edmund King, president of the AA, branded the decision "a backward step" and urged the Mayor to rethink the policy. Mr. King is quoted by The Independent as saying: "This is a backward step which sadly will backfire on air quality in London. "Our AA UK EV Readiness Index shows that many drivers are not quite ready to make the switch to electric vehicles, so incentives are still needed to help them over the line. "The mayor needs to reconsider, to continue to help more essential van and car journeys in the capital go electric." Ginny Buckley, founder of EV advice website Electrifying.com, echoed that view, describing the move as premature. She is quoted by ThisisMoney.com as saying: "It's far too soon for TfL to remove exemptions for electric vehicles from the London congestion charge. "This policy sends a confusing signal. You can't champion clean air while penalising the vehicles that deliver it." EVs are expected to make up nearly a fifth of all vehicles in the congestion zone by the end of 2025, according to TfL. The agency warned that without updated charges, the resulting rise in traffic could undermine the benefits of the scheme by causing more queues and delays". The shake-up comes ahead of Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves first Budget, where ministers are reportedly considering a pay-as-you-drive tax for EVs as the government looks to replace revenue lost from falling fuel duty. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. I sometimes think of what would have happened if I had let that first phone call go to voicemail. The line was unstable and I could discern only half the words, but I knew immediately why she was calling. For weeks, Id been receiving dozens of calls like hers. In the summer of 2020, I was working as a paralegal in Austin, Texas, remotely filling out asylum applications for migrants who were trapped in a dangerous limbo. A landmark policy of the first Trump administrationeuphemistically called the Migrant Protection Protocols, or MPPwas keeping tens of thousands of immigrants stateless and often homeless in Mexicos border regions while their asylum cases were adjudicated in U.S. border courts. Over half lost the chance to pursue asylum because they never received notice of their court date, or they fell victim to routine kidnappings, assaults, or sexual violence by cartel members. All of them were desperate for legal aid. As much as I tried to stop it, my number had been passed around the Mexican borderland all summer, and I was inundated with calls. By the time Irma, a Venezuelan asylum-seeker whod recently been deported from the U.S. border to Mexico, first contacted me, I had a standard answer: We were at capacity. I could not help anyone. (Irma asked that her name be changed for this because she fears retaliation from the U.S. government). But she didnt give me the chance to turn her away. Within minutes, she told me that her son had died after Mexican immigration officials deported him to Colombia. Hed had a respiratory complication related to his diabetes, she explained, possibly triggered by coronavirus. She began to cry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tell me, she asked in Spanish, how can I bring his ashes to me? Advertisement I remember pausing. I knew I had to tell her I couldnt help herI was under direct orders not to accept clients. But somehow, I couldnt do it. She seemed so sure, already, that I could help. Irma spoke to me like she already knew me and loved me, as though I had already been kind to her. She called me mijamy daughter. She seemed to hold no mistrust toward me and my halting Spanish, no shard of suspicion that I could use to create the usual distance around myself. After that call, I convinced my supervisor to make a rare exception for Irma and provide her with limited assistance with her asylum case. For months, we talked almost every night as I helped her prepare for her scheduled asylum hearing at the U.S. bordera hearing that would be delayed over and over again as COVID-19 shut down courtrooms across the country. I never figured out how to bring her sons ashes to her. They remained in Colombiaas did his widow and daughters, pinned between familiar horror and new violence. Advertisement Advertisement But Irma kept waiting for her day in court. Over the next years, I became transfixed by her asymmetrical struggle against the U.S. immigration system. As she moved to the U.S., reunited with her family, gained legal statusgot almost everything shed wantedand lost it again, I kept answering her calls. More than five years later, when U.S. forces struck Caracas, Venezuela, and seized President Nicolas Maduro and his wife to face narco-trafficking charges in federal court while continuing their unprecedented attack on asylum-seekers inside the United States, Ive found myself increasingly unable to share her faith in American justice. As I watched the havoc caused by the vagaries of the U.S. immigration system, I kept returning to the same questions. Had I helped? Could anyone help? Was there enough justice left in the U.S. immigration systemenough order, enough impartialityfor help to be possible? Or had she just traded one set of dangers for another? Advertisement Advertisement When Nicolas Maduro first assumed power in 2013, Irma was working as a campesinaa small-scale rural farmerin Venezuela. She was happy then, she told me in our early conversations, marveling daily at the process of growing living things from the earth. At first, she was optimistic about Maduro, who had been a bus driver in Caracas and who she thought would serve the humble. Advertisement Advertisement Maduro, I knew him as a man who knew the peoples needs, because someone who drives a bus has passengers get on every day and hears their comments and knows what people suffer because of whats happening, she said a few weeks ago, when we discussed the (then) impending U.S. intervention into Venezuela. Donald Trump, she believes, was born a tyrant. Maduro became one quickly after taking powerbarely a year after he became president, Irma told me, she started seeing people picked off the streets by men with machine guns. These men belonged to groups known as colectivosgovernment-affiliated paramilitaries who repressed political protest and dissent in exchange for the opportunity to loot the dissenters. Advertisement The colectivos were part of the very sophisticated repressive machine that Maduro inherited from his predecessor, Hugo Chavez, explained Javier Corrales, a professor of political science at Amherst College and author of Autocracy Rising: How Venezuela Transitioned to Authoritarianism. Chavez had led a hybrid regime that combined elements of both autocracy and democracy, Corrales said. Despite the corruption that pervaded his administration, Chavez presided over resource redistribution and significant reductions in poverty levels. His 2001 land reform program redistributed government-owned and private land to indigent residents willing to cultivate it. Advertisement Irma was one of Chavezs direct beneficiaries; she received a parcel of arable land which she cultivated with her brother. She never viewed Chavez as a dictator, she told menot because he defended democracy, but because he championed the downtrodden. Chavez loved his people, protected us campesinos, protected the poor, she explained. On Christmas, he gave his people hallacas, a traditional Venezuelan corn-dough holiday dish. Advertisement Advertisement According to Corrales, when Maduro took power, he targeted the people whod benefited directly from government programs, especially those who also displayed opposition to the governmenteven if their putative opposition consisted of speaking up to demand adequate water for their town or electricity for their local hospitals. Irma herself was one of the recipients of government largesse who started speaking up. Local government officials were stealing from the farmers and selling the produce on the black market for personal profit. So Irma banded together with other recipients of farming plots to demand an end to the looting and assert the rights given to them by Chavezs laws. Thats when the colectivos came to her farm. She recalls watching them punch her brother and drag him off the farm in a black truck. After the truck drove off, Irma searched for him for hours with her brothers wife and children, as the unbearable knowledge of where they would find him grew more solid. We went to the morgue and there he was, Irma said. A few weeks later, Irma said, the colectivos returned and destroyed her farm. They punched her, tied her up, and dragged her into the truck, and left her beaten on the side of the road with a warning to end her radicalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After her attempts to hide from the colectivos proved futile, Irma decided she had to start over somewhere new. She fled, becoming one of the nearly 8 million Venezuelans who left the country during Maduros reign. Irma arrived at the U.S.Mexico border midway through the first Trump administration. She waded across the cloudy Rio Grande and searched for an immigration officer she could ask for help. She knelt in front of the first officer she saw, told him shed fled the colectivos, and pleaded for a chance to seek asylum. Advertisement The official put her in a crowded van and detained her for three days in a freezing border cell, which immigrants often refer to as a hielera, or icebox. After she was released, she was sent to Juarez, Mexico, under Migrant Protection Protocolsthe Trump policy that kept people in limbo in Mexicos dangerous border areas while their cases made their way through U.S. courts. Advertisement Her son died en route to join her in Mexico, leaving a widow and two young daughters in Colombia. She called me days after his death, while she was still living in a shelter in the largely cartel-controlled Mexican border town of Juarez. A few months later, she would end up on the streets, eventually sheltering inside the active construction site where she worked during the day. She told me then she had faced repeated sexual assaults from a local worker who threatened to toss her body in the river if she told anyone. Imagine, she told me then. A grandmother, an old woman like me, alone. Advertisement But she refused to give up on her only chance to seek refuge from the dictatorship that had killed her brother. She kept waiting, even when COVID-19 shut down the courts and her case was delayed indefinitely. I felt sickened by every piece of news I gave herher court date canceled, the border closed, the pandemic spreadingbut her faith in the system, and in me, seemed implacable. At some point, I realized that she was waiting out Donald Trumps presidency. Time was the last thing left that could still help her. Advertisement When Joe Biden won the 2020 U.S. presidential election, she was triumphant. Biden promised to end MPP, the program keeping her trapped in Mexico, and restore the normal pathway to asylum. I knew he was going to win against that arrogant child, she said to me at the time. Advertisement Shortly after Biden took office, Irma was allowed to enter the country to pursue asylum. She reunited with her daughter and grandson in Houston, obtained Temporary Protected Statusa visa afforded to citizens of countries designated by the executive as especially dangerousand got a job at a 7-Eleven. The joy she felt then astonished her, she told me when I drove to Houston to meet her and her family. She dreamed of saving money to open a food truck that would sell arepas throughout Texas. Advertisement Advertisement It was so beautiful, she told me as I worked through the alarming amounts of food shed cooked in honor of my visit. I just didnt expect it. Advertisement But when Trump returned to office four years later, Irma was stripped of her status, her work permit, her mundane everyday freedoms. It would be the second time she would live through a government turning against her, and her second time in hiding. This time, however, she had nowhere to go. After Trump retook office in 2025, his administration, guided by a slew of anti-immigrant executive orders, relentlessly stripped the statuses that had protected vulnerable noncitizens. They rolled back humanitarian and family reunificationbased parole and stripped away Temporary Protected Status for residents of some of the worlds most destabilized countries, including South Sudan, Haiti, and Venezuela. Irma was one of the hundreds of thousands of noncitizens who became newly undocumented under Trumps policies. She told me that a co-worker outed her at work as having lost her status, and she was fired immediately. She moved away from the vibrant immigrant communities in Houston to live with her other daughter in the more homogenous and broadly affluent Austin, where there were fewer immigrants and therefore, she reasoned, fewer raids. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But even in Austin, she couldnt risk going to church; she settled for watching sermons streamed live. She was consumed by the idea of Immigration and Customs Enforcement picking her up at home, or when she went to get her grandson from his special school (at 3, the child was still nonverbal, which Irma attributed to the fear his mother had experienced when she fled Venezuela, already eight months pregnant). Irma feared the indefinite detentions and inhumane treatment shed heard about. You dont know what theyre going to do, she said, because they dont want us here. Her fears are not overblown. Since this summer, clients at the nonprofit legal center I work at have been starved, denied their medicine, and kept in windowless cells where the lights never turn off, where theres no room to lie down. Spurred by a $170 billion enforcement package that tripled ICEs detention budget and by Trumps Day 1 orders demanding total and efficient enforcement against all removable immigrants, ICE officers have stormed the streets with unprecedented intensity and violence. Advertisement In blitz raids across the country, ICE agents have picked up thousands of immigrants, many of whom had legal status in the United States and the vast majority of whom had no criminal record: Over the summer, ICE averaged over 1,000 arrests per day. In 2025, 32 people died in ICE custody. Its agents have become increasingly aggressive in their encounters with citizens and noncitizens alikeprotesters, legal observers, and people theyre targeting at random. These killings appear not to trouble President Trump. After an ICE agent shot Renee Nicole Good in the face, killing her, Trump called the 37-year-old mother of three an agitator, adding that were always going to be protecting our border patrol and our law enforcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These past few months, Irma says shes been seeing something that she recognizes all too well: some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in society grabbed off the street and thrown in vans. And shes living in fear of being grabbed again herself. I dont know when theyll take me away, she told me recently. Advertisement Scholars have a name for this phenomenon. Targeting the most vulnerable, political scientists have argued, is a hallmark of democracy backsliding. Corrales calls the process victim inversion. An autocracy needs to create an in-group versus an out-group, Corrales explained. You start with the most vulnerable precisely because theyre the easiest to go after. Once you get your group to think in terms of in-groups versus out-groups, and that the out-groups are harming agents, repression is uncontainable. In Venezuela, the out-group consisted of anyone perceived as opposing the regime, Corrales said. In the United States, what Trump has done is to focus on noncitizens. You see victim inversion: Theyre very vulnerable, and the first thing is to turn them into harming agents. Maduro and Trump are both part of a global trend toward polarization and extremism, said Miguel Tinker Salas, a history professor at Pomona College who studies both modern Venezuela and the U.S.Mexico border region. But both of these instances of democratic backsliding are historically grounded in the particular situation of their respective countries, he emphasized. Advertisement Advertisement According to Tinker Salas, Maduros dictatorship sprang from Hugo Chavezs regime, an economic crisis, and the failures of Chavezs cultural, social, political project. Meanwhile, Trump rose to power in the vacuum created by the inability of the Democrats to put forth a proposal for real change, and the hollowing out of their commitment to equality with their embrace of neoliberalism. Advertisement Trump has used the out-group of noncitizensconjuring the specters of dangerous internal and external enemiesto justify his startling consolidation of executive power. In 2016, he began with the wall, the Salvadorans, and then Mara Salvatrucha, Tinker Salas said. Now in 2025, targeting Venezuelans and the so-called Credencialescredentialed gang membersit becomes the same phraseology, the same notion. Youre trying to make immigrants the enemy from within. Trump relied on the same specter of an enemy within in justifying his intervention in Venezuela this month, which was ostensibly motivated by drugs, immigration, and oil. While many Venezuelan emigres celebrated the ouster of Maduro, the man whose corruption had been instrumental in driving them out of their country, Irma herself was somber. She didnt trust Maduro, but she didnt want Trump to intervene, either. Here, hes made us suffer enough; imagine what hes going to do inside my country, she texted me over WhatsApp. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Irma is not hopeful about the future of her home country in Trumps hands. Instead, she spends much of her time praying for Trump and his administration, including ICE agents, entreating Jesus to soften the heart of Trump and of the people that work for him. Even while she prays for softness, she says, she doesnt expect itand she hopes people will stand up and fight for the people being snatched off the street. After all, she knows firsthand how quickly democracy and rule of law can dissolve. Ive lived through itdeath, eviction, persecutionbecause I stood up to the government and refused to accept injustice. In our own country, we protested against the government, and many innocent people died. But we cant allow one person to destroy what belongs to all of us. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. As the Supreme Court has finally moved toward looking at the merits of President Donald Trumps attempts to end birthright citizenship, the famous Wong Kim Ark case of 1898 has loomed particularly large.* While that precedent certainly bolsters the case for striking down Trumps executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, there is an often-ignored series of cases from much more recently that speak even more directly to the issues in this case. That story of 120,000 Americans stripped of their citizenship by the federal government, between 1946 and 1967, led ultimately to a unanimous Supreme Court conclusion that being born in the United States from foreign parents, documented or not, makes you American. These forgotten cases light the path to the current court decision on birthright citizenship this spring. Just after World War II, the U.S. government started to implement the provisions of the Nationality Act of 1940 that allowed the federal government to deprive Americansnative-born and naturalized alikeof their citizenship for reasons like voting in a foreign election, joining a foreign army, remaining for six months or longer within any foreign state of which they or either of their parents have been a national, or for evading the draft. Starting in 1945 and continuing until 1967, between 1,000 and 8,000 Americans were stripped of their nationality each year. This practice only ended when the Supreme Court declared these provisions unconstitutional in the 1967 case Afroyim v. Rusk. Of those stripped of citizenship before that rulingtotaling more than 120,000a majority were native-born. Some of those affected challenged their loss of citizenship by appealing to the courts. Nine such cases reached the Supreme Court between 1955 and 1967. These cases were among the courts most divisive, each spurring a fierce debate between opposing camps of justices. Most cases went 5 to 4 with majorities shifting successively on each side. One camp, which included Chief Justice Earl Warren and Justice Hugo Black, was willing to declare denationalization unconstitutional. An opposing camp, led by Justice Felix Frankfurter, supported the right of Congress and the executive to deprive some Americans of their citizenship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Sonia Sotomayor Just Vindicated the Rights of the Incarcerated to Seek Appeals Read More On March 31, 1958, the court announced its decision regarding three denationalization cases: Trop, Nishikawa, and Perez. Dallin H. Oaks, one of Chief Justice Warrens clerks in 1957 and 1958, recorded the climactic courtroom scene in his journal: Justice William Douglas delivery and remarks were easily the most forceful of the afternoon, with Douglas stating that, These are the most important constitutional pronouncements of this century. The courtroom became charged with an electric air of importance from that time forward. Two of the three defendants whose cases were considered that dayMitsugi Nishikawa and Clemente Perezwere born in the United States to foreign parents. Why do these long-forgotten cases matter today? Because the highly divided court was unanimous on one point: Being born in the United States meant being a native-born American, regardless of the status of ones foreign parents. This unanimous interpretation of the citizenship clause of the 14th amendment was echoed in two subsequent casesGonzales in 1955 and Mendoza-Martinez in 1962involving the deprivation of citizenship of children of immigrants. Advertisement The differing opinions delivered by the justices are instructive. So are the debates in the hearings themselves, which are all available to the public on the Supreme Court website. Advertisement Take the case of Daniel Gonzales, a child born in New Mexico in 1924 to two Mexican citizens. When he reached the age of 2, Gonzales was taken by his parents to Mexico, where he lived until 1946. That year, the now 21-year-old Gonzales returned to the United States, but not before he registered for the Mexican draft. The United States declared that Gonzales had voluntarily renounced his American citizenship by signing up for a foreign countrys draft during a time of war. To be able to do so, however, Gonzales had to be acknowledged as having been a U.S. citizen in the first place. During the hearings for this case, the following exchange played out. Advertisement Justice Frankfurter: Doesnt the Act establish he is a citizen? Response of Gonzaless attorney: He did of course by showing Justice Frankfurter: Yes Gonzaless attorney: That he is born in the United States. Justice Stanley Reed: That was admitted, wasnt it? Gonzaless attorney: That was not disputed at all. The justices affirmed the principle underlying this exchange in future cases. In the 1958 case of Perez v. Brownell, Frankfurter delivered the opinion of the court supporting expatriation by beginning with Petitioner, a national of the United States by birth Frankfurter went on to recount Perezs history. The Petitioner was born in Texas in 1909. At the outbreak of World War II, petitioner knew of the duty of male United States citizens to register for the draft, but he failed to do so. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Nishikawa v. Dulles, delivered the same day, Chief Justice Warren wrote on behalf of the majority that Petitioner was born in Artesia, California, in 1916. By reason of that fact, he was a citizen of the United States. Frankfurter begins his concurring opinion in Nishikawa by writing: This case involves a native-born citizen of Japanese parentage who has been declared to have lost his citizenship by virtue of 401(c) of the Nationality Act of 1940. Four years later, in Martinez v. Mendoza, Justice Arthur Goldberg delivered the opinion of the court, beginning: Mendoza-Martinez was born in this country in 1922, and therefore acquired American citizenship by birth. Reaching a decision in each of these cases required the justices to first assess if the petitioners were American citizens. If they were not, the cases would be mootwith no citizenship to be stripped. They were deemed to be U.S. citizens independently of the immigration status of their parents, which the court unanimously found to be irrelevant. Advertisement Advertisement This forgotten history is particularly crucial in this moment. This spring, the current court will have to decide on the interpretation of Section 1 of the 14th Amendment, which establishes that All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. Just hours after taking the oath of office for the second time, on Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14,160, declaring that children born on American soil would no longer receive automatic citizenship unless at least one parent was an American citizen or lawful permanent resident. The long-settled understanding is that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to nearly all born on American soil, regardless of their parents legal status (with an exception for diplomats children). Such an understanding was established in large part by the Supreme Courts decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which held that a child born in the United Statesof Chinese parents who had their permanent domicile and residence in the United Stateswas entitled to American citizenship. The Trump administration is seizing upon the words permanent domicile and residence to argue that one can only be subject to the jurisdiction of the United States if at least one of his parents is a lawful permanent residentlike the parents of Wong Kim Arkor a citizen. Advertisement In its coming decision, though, the Supreme Court cannot ignore that from 1955 to 1967, a unanimous court decided that being born in the United States made them subject to the jurisdiction thereof. Whether or not the Trump administration has found a loophole in Wong Kim Ark, the court decided this issue with some finality just 60 years ago. If the court were to side with the Trump administration, there is no way for it to do so without overturning its own previous unanimous precedents. South Korean automaker Hyundai will supply vehicles to the upcoming G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, the company confirmed. Hyundai will supply vehicles for the Johannesburg-hosted G20 summit The gathering brings together the worlds largest economies along with the African Union, with disaster preparedness set to dominate this years agenda under the theme Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability. The G20, formed in 2008 in response to the global financial crisis, has since expanded its focus to a broad range of international economic and policy issues. Johannesburg marks the first time the summit is being held on the African continent, highlighting the growing global influence of the region. Hyundai will provide 30 Staria MPV vans as the official transport fleet. The company said the model was selected for the summit's fleet based on its future-forward exterior design, expansive sense of interior openness, highly reconfigurable cabin adaptable to diverse needs, and advanced safety and convenience features. The vans will be used to transport delegates and dignitaries between summit venues. Ilbum Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Global Policy Office at Hyundai Motor Group, said: It is deeply meaningful for us to support the first-ever G20 Summit held in Africa with our vehicles. We will do our utmost to contribute to the success of this influential and significant event. Being chosen as a transport partner for the summit is considered a significant corporate achievement, demonstrating Hyundais global reach and reputation. Similar arrangements have historically boosted automakers international profiles, such as the fleets of luxury vehicles used for EU summits in Europe. The G20 summit in Johannesburg will host leaders from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, South Korea, and India. With a South Korean automotive company supporting a major African-hosted global event, the summit underscores the increasingly interconnected nature of international diplomacy and commerce. BEN Vs Commissioner of Customs (CESTAT Delhi) The Delhi Bench of the Customs, Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal examined an appeal challenging confiscation of export goods and imposition of penalties arising from alleged diversion of consignments covered by 62 Shipping Bills. The case stemmed from an investigation initiated on the allegation that exports declared to Armenia and Bulgaria under the Focus Market Scheme were diverted to Jebel Ali, UAE, a non-notified destination, after Let Export Orders were issued. A show cause notice dated 08.11.2017 was adjudicated by the Ad Please become a Premium member. If you are already a Premium member, login here to access the full content. When most people think about what their car knows about them, they might picture the basics: mileage, fuel use, maybe whether the check engine light is on. Few imagine that their vehicle might be quietly gathering a detailed portrait of their every drive where they go, how they brake, how often they drive at night and then sharing that information with outside companies. That is exactly what Tampa Bays WTSP-TV says a Polk County man alleges in a lawsuit against Toyota. The story has quickly drawn attention from drivers nationwide. Philip Siefke, a resident of Eagle Lake, filed his complaint in federal court claiming that his Toyota vehicle did much more than help him get from point A to point B. According to his lawsuit, Toyotas connected vehicle systems were recording a surprisingly rich set of data about his driving and then providing that information to third parties all without his clear and informed consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The revelations startled Siefke when they came to light last year and they have many other drivers wondering what their cars might be sharing. The Smoking Gun Image Credit: Toyota. Siefkes discovery came in early 2025 when he was applying for car insurance with Progressive. During the online process, he opted out of the insurance companys own usage-based data program, assuming that would stop any transfer of driving information. Instead, a pop-up message informed him that Progressive already had detailed driving data on him going back months. That data was tied to his vehicle, not the insurers program. Confused, he called Progressive, and the insurer told him the information came from Toyota itself. Shock turned into disbelief when Siefke contacted Toyota. A customer service representative told him that his purchase of the vehicle had automatically enrolled him in a trial of Toyotas data sharing program. Siefke said he was never informed that the trial existed, that data would be shared beyond Toyota, or that opting out later might not stop the flow of information. The Connected Car Data Pipeline Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika. The lawsuit paints a picture of modern automakers pushing deeply into the business of connected data. Vehicles built in recent years often include telematics systems that can gather GPS location, speed patterns, braking and cornering behavior, seatbelt use, and even vehicle health information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Toyota then allegedly provided that data to Connected Analytic Services, which made it available to insurers like Progressive. Drivers only find out when they are surprised by insurance applications already showing months of driving history that they thought no one other than themselves knew about. Siefke asked the court to certify his complaint as a class action, arguing that thousands of Toyota owners across the country may have been similarly tracked and that they were never informed in a clear, upfront way about how their information would be gathered and shared. But late last year, a federal judge ruled that because of arbitration clauses buried in Toyotas terms of service and connected services agreements, the case could not proceed as a class action. Instead, Siefke must pursue his claims individually through arbitration. His lawyers with the firm Morgan & Morgan are pressing ahead and exploring avenues to still pursue relief on behalf of other drivers. The complaint alleges violations of several federal laws, including the Wiretap Act and Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, along with claims for invasion of privacy, breach of contract and unjust enrichment. Damages sought in the case exceed $5 million, though with arbitration as the only path forward, individual outcomes remain uncertain. A Wake-Up Call for Drivers Everywhere Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drivers around the country are paying attention to this matter. On social media car forums, owners of Toyota and other modern vehicles share their own concerns about telemetry data and what automakers are allowed to collect and share. Some say they discovered data was being sent even after they believed they had opted out. Others warn readers to scour privacy settings in vehicle apps if they want any control. The case raises uncomfortable questions about how much personal movement and behavior we casually surrender when we buy a smart car. It also highlights how agreements buried in fine print can steer legal outcomes, moving disputes out of public courtrooms and into private arbitration. At stake is not just compensation for one driver, but whether consumers should expect to know what modern vehicles are doing with the digital footprints they create. Sources: WTSP-TV, Lutzker & Lutzker 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: Researchers used high-throughput experiments and AI to reveal stability limits in redox flow batteries. Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, their study featured this cover illustration, conceptualized by lead author Lily Robertson. Credit: Argonne National Laboratory In numerous scientific fields, high-throughput experimentation methods combined with artificial intelligence (AI) show great promise to accelerate innovation and scientific discovery. Case in point: In just five months, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory used robotics, automation and AI to conduct more than 6,000 experiments on chemicals in a type of rechargeable energy storage called organic redox flow batteries (RFBs). Such a monumental effort would have taken five to eight years with traditional experimentation. Organic RFBs use carbon-basedthat is, organicmolecules instead of traditional metal ions. Through their work, the researchers made a crucial finding about these batteries: A fundamental barrier at the molecular level limits their stability. The insight is expected to inspire exciting new directions in battery chemical research. "This study would not have been possible without our high-throughput methods," said Lily Robertson, Argonne assistant chemist and lead author of the study. "It provides the global battery community with a much deeper understanding of the factors governing stability in organic redox flow batteries. This understanding opens the door for battery developers to reimagine how this technology can support the energy system." The study, published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, was conducted at one of Argonne's Robotic Autonomous Platforms for Innovative Discovery (RAPID) laboratories used for studying chemistry and materials problems, including those in energy storage, critical materials, microelectronics and quantum systems. It is one of several prototype laboratories established as part of Argonne's wide-ranging efforts to advance autonomous discovery. "Pairing artificial intelligence with robotics is transforming the way we do science," said Kawtar Hafidi, associate laboratory director for Physical Sciences and Engineering at Argonne. "By enabling autonomous discovery, we can move from years of trial and error to rapid, data-driven breakthroughs that keep the United States at the forefront of scientific innovation and global competitiveness." Shedding light on an invisible stability barrier RFBs are typically composed of three constituents: a liquid solvent, charged molecules and a supporting salt. The charged molecules and salt are dissolved in the solvent, which is kept in tanks. During battery operation, the liquid is pumped through an electrochemical cell stack where the charged molecules are oxidized and reduced. These reactions can either generate or store electricity. The salt provides conductivity and helps maintain an optimal distribution of charges. Organic RFBs have long been proposed as a promising solution to provide large-scale energy storage to reinforce the electricity grid. Unlike the lithium-ion chemistries used in other battery technologies, the compounds used in organic RFBs are abundant and inexpensive. This makes them potentially more cost-effective and scalable for long-duration energy storage. Additionally, organic RFBs can potentially operate at higher voltages than RFBs made with water-based materials. This enables them to pack more energy into the same amount of space. For many years, researchers around the world have tried hard to improve the performance of organic RFBs. While progress has been made, a stubborn challenge remains: insufficient stability for long-term operations. The charged molecules tend to be reactive, particularly at higher voltages. When a charged molecule reacts, its charge typically cannot be recovered. Reactions cause the battery materials to degrade and lose their storage capacity. This degradation has made organic RFBs unsuitable for long-duration, grid-scale energy storage, which requires many years of stable operation. "The research community has run up against an invisible stability barrier," said Ilya Shkrob, Argonne chemist and co-author of the study. "This suggests that something fundamental has been missing from our understanding of how charged organic molecules behave in these batteries." The Argonne study's goal was to test the existence of this barrier. To do this, the team sought to answer a very broad question: Can selecting the right solvent significantly increase the stability of the charged molecules? With the traditional, human-driven experimental approach, tackling such an ambitious research question would require years of coordinated global effort to investigate the vast space of organic solvents. Laboratory automation offered an intriguing opportunity to address the challenge in a much shorter timeframe and with substantially fewer resources. Charting the chemical landscape As an initial task in the study, the researchers sought to pinpoint the reactions that limit the longevity of the charged molecules. They used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to characterize the evolution of charged molecules called methylphenothiazine (MPT) when mixed with solvents. "We found that the charged molecules were fragmenting the solvent molecules and getting neutralized," said Robertson. Next, the Argonne team determined how quickly MPT reacted with low concentrations of numerous solvents selected from a chemical database, industrial solvent lists and commercial catalogs. Because these materials are sensitive to oxygen and moisture, the researchers set up a liquid-handling robot in an air-free glovebox chamber. The robot prepared the MPT-solvent mixtures and assembled them on microplates, each containing 384 wells. Two plate reader spectrophotometers tracked the color change of the samples as the charged molecules decayed. This revealed the reaction rates, which were compared with the reaction rate associated with a baseline solvent. "Our finding was sobering," said Shkrob. "Most solvents followed similar degradation pathways." Slower-reacting solvents were then tested at high concentrations with and without a liquid salt. Ultimately, only three solvents significantly outperformed the baseline. Machine learning algorithms guided the test iterations based on analysis of the experimental data, eliminating unnecessary experiments. This allowed the team to characterize 540 solvents by sampling just a third of them. Promising new research avenues Up until this study, researchers had focused on finding extremely long-lasting organically charged molecules for RFBs. By demonstrating that this may be an unrealistic goal, the study is likely to spark fresh thinking about new research directions and novel battery deployment strategies. For one, the most stable solvents discovered in the study may work better in battery technologies like sodium-ion and lithium metal, which require stability at high-voltage operation. Other researchers can use Argonne's high-throughput experimentation approach to explore this possibility. Alternatively, the study's insights may encourage the development of innovative use cases to make organic RFBs commercially viable. For instance, organic materials could be used in grid-scale batteries for a limited time and then repurposed for other applications, such as agricultural herbicides and materials for the chemical industry. More information: Lily A. Robertson et al, High-Throughput Discovery Illuminates Design Principles and Limits for Long-Lived Charged Species in Organic Electrolytes, Journal of the American Chemical Society (2025). DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5c10140 Journal information: Journal of the American Chemical Society 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: xAI has faced global backlash over the sexualized deepfake images. California on Wednesday began investigating whether Elon Musk's artificial intelligence chatbot Grok has been letting users turn pictures of women and girls into salacious images. The state's top attorney said Grok, made by Musk's xAI, appears to be making it easy to harass women and girls with deepfake images on social media platform X and elsewhere online. "The avalanche of reports detailing the non-consensual, sexually explicit material that xAI has produced and posted online in recent weeks is shocking," California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement. "I urge xAI to take immediate action to ensure this goes no further." Bonta's office is investigating whether and how xAI violated state law, according to the attorney general. There has been a flood of reports in recent weeks that Grok users are taking pictures of women or children found online and using the xAI bot to undress them virtually, Bonta said. Grok's image generation models include what xAI promotes as a "Spicy Mode" for editing pictures, according to the attorney general's office. Last week, an analysis of more than 20,000 Grok-generated images by Paris non-profit AI Forensics found that more than half depicted "individuals in minimal attire"most of them women, and two percent appearing to be under-18s. Images generated by Grok are being used to harass public figures as well as typical social media users, according to Bonta. xAI has faced global backlash over the sexualized deepfake images. Indonesia on Saturday became the first country to block access to Grok entirely, with neighboring Malaysia following on Sunday. India said Sunday that X had removed thousands of posts and hundreds of user accounts in response to its complaints. Britain's Ofcom media regulator said Monday it was opening a probe into whether X failed to comply with UK law over the sexual images. And France's commissioner for children Sarah El Hairy said Tuesday she had referred Grok's generated images to French prosecutors, the Arcom media regulator and the European Union. The European Commission, which acts as the EU's digital watchdog, has ordered X to retain all internal documents and data related to Grok until the end of 2026 in response to the uproar. 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: Matheus Bertelli from Pexels Eighteen months ago, it was plausible that artificial intelligence might take a different path than social media. Back then, AI's development hadn't consolidated under a small number of big tech firms. Nor had it capitalized on consumer attention, surveilling users and delivering ads. Unfortunately, the AI industry is now taking a page from the social media playbook and has set its sights on monetizing consumer attention. When OpenAI launched its ChatGPT Search feature in late 2024 and its browser, ChatGPT Atlas, in October 2025, it kicked off a race to capture online behavioral data to power advertising. It's part of a yearslong turnabout by OpenAI, whose CEO Sam Altman once called the combination of ads and AI "unsettling" and now promises that ads can be deployed in AI apps while preserving trust. The rampant speculation among OpenAI users who believe they see paid placements in ChatGPT responses suggests they are not convinced. In 2024, AI search company Perplexity started experimenting with ads in its offerings. A few months after that, Microsoft introduced ads to its Copilot AI. Google's AI Mode for search now increasingly features ads, as does Amazon's Rufus chatbot. As a security expert and data scientist, we see these examples as harbingers of a future where AI companies profit from manipulating their users' behavior for the benefit of their advertisers and investors. It's also a reminder that time to steer the direction of AI development away from private exploitation and toward public benefit is quickly running out. The functionality of ChatGPT Search and its Atlas browser is not really new. Meta, commercial AI competitor Perplexity and even ChatGPT itself have had similar AI search features for years, and both Google and Microsoft beat OpenAI to the punch by integrating AI with their browsers. But OpenAI's business positioning signals a shift. We believe the ChatGPT Search and Atlas announcements are worrisome because there is really only one way to make money on search: the advertising model pioneered ruthlessly by Google. Advertising model Ruled a monopolist in U.S. federal court, Google has earned more than US$1.6 trillion in advertising revenue since 2001. You may think of Google as a web search company, or a streaming video company (YouTube), or an email company (Gmail), or a mobile phone company (Android, Pixel), or maybe even an AI company (Gemini). But those products are ancillary to Google's bottom line. The advertising segment typically accounts for 80% to 90% of its total revenue. Everything else is there to collect users' data and direct users' attention to its advertising revenue stream. After two decades in this monopoly position, Google's search product is much more tuned to the company's needs than those of its users. When Google Search first arrived decades ago, it was revelatory in its ability to instantly find useful information across the still-nascent web. In 2025, its search result pages are dominated by low-quality and often AI-generated content, spam sites that exist solely to drive traffic to Amazon salesa tactic known as affiliate marketingand paid ad placements, which at times are indistinguishable from organic results. Plenty of advertisers and observers seem to think AI-powered advertising is the future of the ad business. Highly persuasive Paid advertising in AI search, and AI models generally, could look very different from traditional web search. It has the potential to influence your thinking, spending patterns and even personal beliefs in much more subtle ways. Because AI can engage in active dialog, addressing your specific questions, concerns and ideas rather than just filtering static content, its potential for influence is much greater. It's like the difference between reading a textbook and having a conversation with its author. Imagine you're conversing with your AI agent about an upcoming vacation. Did it recommend a particular airline or hotel chain because they really are best for you, or does the company get a kickback for every mention? If you ask about a political issue, does the model bias its answer based on which political party has paid the company a fee, or based on the bias of the model's corporate owners? There is mounting evidence that AI models are at least as effective as people at persuading users to do things. A December 2023 meta-analysis of 121 randomized trials reported that AI models are as good as humans at shifting people's perceptions, attitudes and behaviors. A more recent meta-analysis of eight studies similarly concluded there was "no significant overall difference in persuasive performance between (large language models) and humans." This influence may go well beyond shaping what products you buy or who you vote for. As with the field of search engine optimization, the incentive for humans to perform for AI models might shape the way people write and communicate with each other. How we express ourselves online is likely to be increasingly directed to win the attention of AIs and earn placement in the responses they return to users. A different way forward Much of this is discouraging, but there is much that can be done to change it. First, it's important to recognize that today's AI is fundamentally untrustworthy, for the same reasons that search engines and social media platforms are. The problem is not the technology itself; fast ways to find information and communicate with friends and family can be wonderful capabilities. The problem is the priorities of the corporations who own these platforms and for whose benefit they are operated. Recognize that you don't have control over what data is fed to the AI, who it is shared with and how it is used. It's important to keep that in mind when you connect devices and services to AI platforms, ask them questions, or consider buying or doing the things they suggest. There is also a lot that people can demand of governments to restrain harmful corporate uses of AI. In the U.S., Congress could enshrine consumers' rights to control their own personal data, as the EU already has. It could also create a data protection enforcement agency, as essentially every other developed nation has. Governments worldwide could invest in Public AImodels built by public agencies offered universally for public benefit and transparently under public oversight. They could also restrict how corporations can collude to exploit people using AI, for example by barring advertisements for dangerous products such as cigarettes and requiring disclosure of paid endorsements. Every technology company seeks to differentiate itself from competitors, particularly in an era when yesterday's groundbreaking AI quickly becomes a commodity that will run on any kid's phone. One differentiator is in building a trustworthy service. It remains to be seen whether companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic can sustain profitable businesses on the back of subscription AI services like the premium editions of ChatGPT, Plus and Pro, and Claude Pro. If they are going to continue convincing consumers and businesses to pay for these premium services, they will need to build trust. That will require making real commitments to consumers on transparency, privacy, reliability and security that are followed through consistently and verifiably. And while no one knows what the future business models for AI will be, we can be certain that consumers do not want to be exploited by AI, secretly or otherwise. 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: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Iran's nationwide internet shutdown has surpassed its 130th hour as tensions in the Middle Eastern country continue to escalate. Iranian officials imposed the near blackout of the global information superhighway on Jan. 8 in an attempt to suppress anti-government protesters, according to international watchdog groups that have been monitoring recent events in Iran. Since the protests started in late December, at least 2,586 protesters have been killed, according to the nonprofit advocacy group Human Rights Activists in Iran. Reporting from other media outlets, including CBS News, puts the number of dead potentially closer to 12,000 to 20,000. While the country has eased some restrictions, allowing people to make international calls via cellphone, most internet restrictions remain in place. Northeastern Global News spoke with David Choffnes, executive director of Northeastern University's Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute, and Josep Jornet, associate director of Northeastern's Institute for The Wireless Internet of Things, to better understand internet shutdowns. What does it mean to shut down the internet? "It literally means restricting access to the internet, either to only some users, to specific applications or to all uses and all applications," said Jornet. The easiest way to disrupt the internet's routing mechanisms is to block people's IP addressestheir unique network addressesfrom being visible to the rest of the world, he said. "Effectively, the devices are still turned on, but they are cut off from the global conversation because no one can 'find' them," he said. Choffnes added that during internet shutdowns you can often still connect your device to your home router or a cellular tower, but your service provider simply won't send your data to the internet. "It's as if they just cut the cables that make internet communication work," he said. Why do some governments resort to this tactic? Governments often limit or cut internet access to restrict the flow of information and "quell dissent," according to the World Economic Forum. They are effective in preventing "people to gather and coordinate" to plan large-scale activities, said Jornet. "Also, to keep the outside world from knowing what's happening," he said. In a Jan. 12 statement, the international rights advocacy organization Human Rights Watch said that the ongoing internet shutdown in Iran had "severely hampered efforts to corroborate unlawful killings and other violations." It noted that the group was "documenting emerging evidence of killings, including verifying video footage from morgues and hospitals, as well as witness accounts." Do governments have a killswitch they can flip to cut internet access? Some do, yes. Much of Iran's telecommunications infrastructure, for example, is controlled or owned by the state, making it easy for Iranian authorities to shut down service at a moment's notice, the experts explained. Iranian officials have spent years developing this centralized system known as the National Information Network, said Jornet. All data coming in and out of the country must pass through the state-controlled Telecommunications Infrastructure Company, giving the state full access to the information flowing through its networks, he said. "Think of it like a house with only one main water valve," said Jornet. "Even if there are many faucets inside (different Internet Service Providers like Irancell or Mobile Communications of Iran), the government holds the main valve and can shut off the flow to the outside world instantly." As demonstrated with the latest blackout, this type of control allows the government to essentially block any internet service they see fit, while allowing others, Choffnes explained. "That's probably why we've seen the vast majoritybut not allof the IP addresses have been made unreachable on the internet by the telecoms that control them," Choffnes said. China and Russia are a few other countries that have similarly structured their networks to exert greater control over people's internet access, Choffnes said. "These are often referred to as splinter nets," said Choffnes. "The idea of the internet was that it was meant to provide global connectivity with no impediments, but instead we are seeing countries, usually authoritarian ones, creating their own internet within their own country and tightly controlling how they interact with the rest of the world." Why is it such a big deal to shut it down? The world runs on the internet, and even short and relatively small-scale disruptions can have horrible consequences, Choffnes explained. He pointed to the Amazon Web Services' outage last fall as an example, which caused connectivity issues with everything from Reddit and Snapchat to Delta and Zoom. "Many of the services we rely on for communication, commerce, and safety fell over," he said. "Now imagine it's all of those services we rely on. We'd be in pretty bad shape." How many internet shutdowns were there in 2025? Since January of last year, there have been 97 intentional internet shutdowns by governments around the world, according to the Internet Society, a global nonprofit organization that tracks shutdowns. Since 2018, India has shut down the internet 423 times, the most of any other country, according to data compiled by the organization. Can services like Starlink, the satellite internet provider, be used to circumvent internet blackouts? Yes, and they are being used in Iran right now. While Starlink devices are illegal in the country, recent estimates suggest that more than 50,000 Starlink receivers have been smuggled in and are in active use, according to Holistic Resilience, a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that provides support to Iranians to get access to the web. A small group of people in the country have been using them to get online during the blackout, according to reports from The Guardian. Starlink also began granting access to people in Iran to use its service for free. Iranian officials are reportedly using jammers to try and cut access, but they don't have as much control over them as their own telecommunications infrastructures, Choffnes said. "They are jamming them because they don't have centralized control," said Choffnes. "They can't tell Starlink to shut down. So in that case, they can only try and disrupt it." The government's jamming technologies are not as sophisticated in preventing people from going online, Choffnes explained, as jammers need to be in proximity of their target for maximum potency. However, "it is nonetheless inconvenient in the sense that it is strictly illegal to have a Starlink receiver," added Choffnes. "You may be risking your life by using one of these receivers." Is there an international body governing the Internet? No, the internet has no centralized controlling body, Choffnes explained. The only international body involved is the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, which assigns IP addresses and domain names that are eventually given to companies and individuals. "Those bodies do not control how those addresses and names are connected to each other over the internet," he said. Are there no laws or standards that must be followed to operate on the internet? "We do have international standards prohibiting these forms of censorship, but individual countries don't have to follow them. They have their own laws," Choffnes said. "The United Nations has declared that freedom of access to information is a basic human right. It's in the similar spirit of our First Amendment in the U.S., but enforcing that across borders is essentially impossible," he said. "All you can try and do is evade [censorship], and there's a lot of research on evading censorship, but all that requires internet connectivity, and right now that's not the situation in Iran." This story is republished courtesy of Northeastern Global News news.northeastern.edu. Diesel pumps could begin disappearing from petrol stations in just four years, according to new analysis from an electric vehicle think tank. Petrol stations could stop selling diesel A report by New AutoMotive predicts that some filling stations in London could stop selling diesel altogether by 2030, with many of the UKs 8,400 forecourts expected to follow suit by 2035. The shift is being driven by a dramatic decline in diesel car ownership as motorists increasingly switch to electric vehicles. Experts say the industry is approaching a tipping point, where the cost and practicality of stocking diesel no longer stacks up. Ben Nelmes, chief executive of New AutoMotive, explained: "If fuel sits in tanks without selling at pace, it degrades. As diesel availability tightens, many motorists will conclude the smartest option is to avoid the headache and go electric." Last year, just 103,906 new diesel passenger cars were sold in Britain - around one in 20 registrations. A decade ago, diesel dominated the market, with 1.28 million vehicles sold in 2015, accounting for 49% of all new cars. London is expected to lead the transition, driven in large part by the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which has made diesel ownership costly. Analysts believe the capital could become the first UK city with virtually zero diesel cars on its roads. However, the Government has played down claims that diesel will vanish so quickly. A spokesperson said there was no evidence forecourts would stop stocking diesel from 2030, adding that ministers are backing the transition with 7.5bn in support for industry and incentives such as the Electric Car Grant, which offers savings of up to 3,750 on a new EV. Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said the coming years could bring a strange reversal. He said: "EV drivers used to worry about finding chargers. It may soon be diesel drivers anxiously seeking service stations where they can still fill up." But he added that diesel remains important for commercial vehicles. He said: "It feels like a brave move to call the death of diesel today when the vast majority of the vehicles that power our economy are still diesel-fuelled." 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 Swiss Competition Commission said Thursday that it had opened a preliminary inquiry into Microsoft's licensing fees, after complaints by rivals over what it called "significant" price hikes for the Microsoft 365 software suite. "Recent fee increases may constitute indications of an unlawful restriction of competition," the agency said. Microsoft 365 is widely used "by private businesses as well as numerous government agencies, public companies and other government-related bodies," it added. The US software giant has faced numerous regulatory battles in Europe over the years concerning claims of market dominance, which it contests. "Microsoft is committed to complying with Swiss competition law and will cooperate with the Swiss Competition Commission in its preliminary investigation," a spokesman told AFP on Thursday. 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: Wikipedia logo. Around the turn of the century, the internet underwent a transformation dubbed "web 2.0." The world wide web of the 1990s had largely been read-only: static pages, hand-built homepages, portal sites with content from a few publishers. Then came the dotcom crash of 2000 to 2001, when many heavily financed, lightly useful internet businesses collapsed. In the aftermath, surviving companies and new entrants leaned into a different logic that the author-publisher Tim O'Reilly later described as "harnessing collective intelligence": platforms rather than pages, participation rather than passive consumption. And on January 15, 2001, a website was born that seemed to encapsulate this new era. The first entry on its homepage read simply: "This is the new WikiPedia!" Wikipedia wasn't originally conceived as a not-for-profit website. In its early phase, it was hosted and supported through co-founder Jimmy Wales's for-profit search company, Bomis. But two years on, the Wikimedia Foundation was created as a dedicated non-profit to steward Wikipedia and its sibling projects. Co-founder Jimmy Wales explains how Wikipedia was created, July 2005. Credit: TedX Wikipedia embodied the web 2.0 dream of a non-hierarchical, user-led internet built on participation and sharing. One foundational ideavolunteer human editors reviewing and authenticating content incrementally after publicationwas highlighted in a 2007 Los Angeles Times report about Wales himself trying to write an entry for a butcher shop in Gugulethu, South Africa. His additions were reverted or blocked by other editors who disagreed about the significance of a shop they had never heard of. The entry finally appeared with a clause that neatly encapsulated the platform's self-governance model: "A Wikipedia article on the shop was created by the encyclopedia's co-founder Jimmy Wales, which led to a debate on the crowdsourced project's inclusion criteria." As a historical sociologist of artificial intelligence and the internet, I find Wikipedia revealing not because it is flawless, but because it shows its workings (and flaws). Behind almost every entry sits a largely uncredited layer of human judgment: editors weighing sources, disputing framing, clarifying ambiguous claims and enforcing standards such as verifiability and neutrality. Often, the most instructive way to read Wikipedia is to read its revision history. Scholarship has even used this edit history as a methodfor example, when studying scientific discrepancies in the development of Crispr gene-editing technology, or the unfolding history of the 2011 Egyptian revolution. The scale of human labor that goes into Wikipedia is easy to take for granted, given its disarming simplicity of presentation. Statista estimates 4.4 billion people accessed the site in 2024over half the world and two-thirds of internet users. More than 125 million people have edited at least one entry. Wikipedia carries no advertising and does not trade in users' datacentral to its claim of editorial independence. But users regularly see fundraising banners and appeals, and the Wikimedia Foundation has built paid services to manage high-volume reuse of its contentparticularly by bots scraping it for AI training. The foundation's total assets now stand at more than US$310 million (230 million). 'Wokepedia' v Grokipedia At 25, Wikipedia can still look like a rare triumph for the original web 2.0 idealsat least in contrast to most of today's major open platforms, which have turned participation into surveillance advertising. Some universities, including my own, have used the website's anniversary to soothe fears about student use of generative AI. We panicked about students relying on Wikipedia, then adapted and carried on. The same argument now suggests we should not over-worry about students relying on generative AI to do their work. This comparison is sharpened by the rapid growth of Elon Musk's AI-powered version of Wikipedia (or "Wokepedia," as Musk dismissively refers to it). While Grokipedia uses AI to generate most of its entries, some are near-identical to Wikipedia's (all of which are available for republication under creative commons licensing). Grokipedia entries cannot be directly edited, but registered users can suggest corrections for the AI to consider. Despite only launching on October 27, 2025, this AI encyclopedia already has more than 5.6 million entries, compared with Wikipedia's total of over 7.1 million. So, if Grokipedia overtakes its much older rival in scale at least, which now seems plausible, should we see this as the end of the web 2.0 dream, or simply another moment of adaptation? Credibility tested AI and the human-created internet have always been intertwined. Voluntary sharing is exploited for AI training with contested consent and thin attribution. Models trained on human writing generate new text that pollutes the web as "AI slop." Wikipedia has already collided with this. Editors report AI-written additions and plausible citations that fail on checking. They have responded with measures such as WikiProject AI Cleanup, which offers guidance on how to detect generic AI phrasing and other false information. But Wales does not want a full ban on AI within Wikipedia's domain. Rather, he has expressed hope for human-machine synergy, highlighting AI's potential to bring more non-native English contributors to the site. Wikipedia also acknowledges it has a serious gender imbalance, both in terms of entries and editors. Wikipedia's own credibility has regularly been tested over its 25-year history. High-profile examples include the John Seigenthaler Sr. biography hoax, when an unregistered editor falsely wrote about the journalist's supposed ties to the Kennedy assassinations, and the Essjay controversy, in which a prominent editor was found to have fabricated their education credentials. There have also been recurring controversies over paid or state-linked conflicts of interest, including the 2012 Wiki-PR case, when volunteers traced patterns to a firm and banned hundreds of accounts. These vulnerabilities have seen claims of political bias gain traction. Musk has repeatedly framed Wikipedia and mainstream outlets as ideologically slanted, and promoted Grokipedia as a "massive improvement" that needed to "purge out the propaganda." As Wikipedia reaches its 25th anniversary, perhaps we are witnessing a new "tragedy of the commons", where volunteered knowledge becomes raw material for systems that themselves may produce unreliable material at scale. Ursula K. Le Guin's novel The Dispossessed (1974) dramatizes the dilemma Wikipedia faces: an anarchist commons survives only through constant maintenance, while facing the pull of a wealthier capitalist neighbor. According to the critical theorist McKenzie Wark: "It is not knowledge which is power, but secrecy." AI often runs on closed, proprietary models that scrape whatever is available. Wikipedia's counter-model is public curation with legible histories and accountability. But if Google's AI summaries and rankings start privileging Grokipedia, habits could change fast. This would repeat the "Californian ideology" that journalist-author Wendy M. Grossman was warned about in the year Wikipedia launchednamely, internet openness becoming fuel for Silicon Valley market power. Wikipedia and generative AI both alter knowledge circulation. One is a human publishing system with rules and revision histories. The other is a text production system that mimics knowledge without reliably grounding it. The choice, for the moment at least, is all of ours. 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: Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, gestures during an interview with The Associated Press on the occasion of Wikipedia's 25th anniversary in London, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Credit: AP Photo/Frank Augstein Wikipedia unveiled new business deals with a slew of artificial intelligence companies on Thursday as it marked its 25th anniversary. The online crowdsourced encyclopedia revealed that it has signed up AI companies including Amazon, Meta Platforms, Perplexity, Microsoft and France's Mistral AI. Wikipedia is one of the last bastions of the early internet, but that original vision of a free online space has been clouded by the dominance of Big Tech platforms and the rise of generative AI chatbots trained on content scraped from the web. Aggressive data collection methods by AI developers, including from Wikipedia's vast repository of free knowledge, has raised questions about who ultimately pays for the artificial intelligence boom. The Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit that runs the site, signed Google as one of its first customers in 2022 and announced other agreements last year with smaller AI players like search engine Ecosia. Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, gestures during an interview with The Associated Press on the occasion of Wikipedia's 25th anniversary in London, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Credit: AP Photo/Frank Augstein The new deals will help one of the world's most popular websites monetize heavy traffic from AI companies. They're paying to access Wikipedia content "at a volume and speed designed specifically for their needs," the foundation said. It did not provide financial or other details. While AI training has sparked legal battles elsewhere over copyright and other issues, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales said he welcomes it. "I'm very happy personally that AI models are training on Wikipedia data because it's human curated," Wales told The Associated Press in an interview. "I wouldn't really want to use an AI that's trained only on X, you know, like a very angry AI," Wales said, referring to billionaire Elon Musk's social media platform. Wales said the site wants to work with AI companies, not block them. But "you should probably chip in and pay for your fair share of the cost that you're putting on us." The Wikimedia Foundation last year urged AI developers to pay for access through its enterprise platform and said human traffic had fallen 8%. Meanwhile, visits from bots, sometimes disguised to evade detection, were heavily taxing its servers as they scrape masses of content to feed AI large language models. Emeline Brule, volunteer Wikipedia editor, sits below a Wikipedia logo displayed at the Wikimedia Foundation office in San Francisco, Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Credit: AP Photo/Jeff Chiu The findings highlighted shifting online trends as search engine AI overviews and chatbots summarize information instead of sending users to sites by showing them links. Wikipedia is the ninth most visited site on the internet. It has more than 65 million articles in 300 languages that are edited by some 250,000 volunteers. The site has become so popular in part because its free for anyone to use. "But our infrastructure is not free, right?" Wikimedia Foundation CEO Maryana Iskander said in a separate interview in Johannesburg, South Africa. It costs money to maintain servers and other infrastructure that allows both individuals and tech companies to "draw data from Wikipedia," said Iskander, who's stepping down on Jan. 20, and will be replaced by Bernadette Meehan. The bulk of Wikipedia's funding comes from 8 million donors, most of them individuals. "They're not donating in order to subsidize these huge AI companies," Wales said. They're saying, "You know what, actually you can't just smash our website. You have to sort of come in the right way." Outgoing Wikimedia Foundation CEO Maryana Iskander speaks in an interview with the Associated Press in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday Jan. 13, 2026. Credit: AP Photo/Alfonso Nqunjana Editors and users could benefit from AI in other ways. The Wikimedia Foundation has outlined an AI strategy that Wales said could result in tools that reduce tedious work for editors. While AI isn't good enough to write Wikipedia entries from scratch, it could, for example, be used to update dead links by scanning the surrounding text and then searching online to find other sources. "We don't have that yet but that's the kind of thing that I think we will see in the future." Artificial intelligence could also improve the Wikipedia search experience, by evolving from the traditional keyword method to more of a chatbot style, Wales said. "You can imagine a world where you can ask the Wikipedia search box a question and it will quote to you from Wikipedia," he said. It could respond by saying "here's the answer to your question from this article and here's the actual paragraph. That sounds really useful to me and so I think we'll move in that direction as well. " Reflecting on the early days, Wales said it was a thrilling time because many people were motivated to help build Wikipedia after he and co-founder Larry Sanger, who departed long ago, set it up as an experiment. However, while some might look back wistfully on what seems now to be a more innocent time, Wales said those early days of the internet also had a dark side. "People were pretty toxic back then as well. We didn't need algorithms to be mean to each other," he said. "But, you know, it was a time of great excitement and a real spirit of possibility." Wikipedia has lately found itself under fire from figures on the political right, who have dubbed the site "Wokepedia" and accused it of being biased in favor of the left. Republican lawmakers in the U.S. Congress are investigating alleged "manipulation efforts" in Wikipedia's editing process that they said could inject bias and undermine neutral points of view on its platform and the AI systems that rely on it. A notable source of criticism is Musk, who last year launched his own AI-powered rival, Grokipedia. He has criticized Wikipedia for being filled with "propaganda" and urged people to stop donating to the site. Wales said he doesn't consider Grokipedia a "real threat" to Wikipedia because it's based on large language models, which are the troves of online text that AI systems are trained on. "Large language models aren't good enough to write really quality reference material. So a lot of it is just regurgitated Wikipedia," he said. "It often is quite rambling and sort of talks nonsense. And I think the more obscure topic you look into, the worse it is." He stressed that he wasn't singling out criticism of Grokipedia. "It's just the way large language models work." Wales say he's known Musk for years but they haven't been in touch since Grokipedia launched. "I should probably ping him," Wales said. What would he say? "'How's your family?' I'm a nice person, I don't really want to pick a fight with anybody." 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. (TBTCO) - Thi truong chung khoan nam 2025 khep lai voi muc tang manh cua VN-Index, nhung a i len cua thi truong khong lan toa ong eu, khi su phan hoa giua cac nhom co phieu ngay cang ro net. Boi canh nay at ra yeu cau cao hon ve chon loc va quan tri rui ro tren thi truong chung khoan trong giai oan tiep theo. The World Bank Group has officially opened its new, energy-efficient offices here, which will serve as the hub for its Caribbean operations. The building brings the Banks Caribbean team together in one physical space, which will strengthen the institutions presence and support in Jamaica and the wider region. Assyrian Patriarch Visits Aleppo to Assess Condition of Christians As part of ongoing efforts to assess the situation in Syria and to review the condition of Christians in Holeb (Aleppo), Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II carried out a series of visits in the city. During his visit, the Patriarch inspected the hospital affiliated with the Syriac Orthodox Archdiocese, as well as the Word School, to assess the damage caused by the recent events in Aleppo. He also visited the shelter center at the Cathedral of St. Ephrem the Syrian to learn about the conditions of displaced people, check on their health, and follow up on their urgent needs. He was accompanied by Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Holeb and its Dependencies Mor Boutros Kassis, Metropolitan of Hmoth (Homs), Hemto (Hama), Tartous and their Dependencies Mor Timotheos Matta al-Khoury, Patriarchal Vicar Mor Joseph Bali, and Patriarchal Secretary Mor Augeen al-Khoury Nemat. During the visit, Patriarch Aphrem offered prayers for peace in Holeb in particular and in Syria as a whole, calling for the restoration of stability to daily life and the swift recovery of the wounded. On Wednesday, Patriarch Aphrem also received Episcopal Vicar of the Chaldeans in Damascus Father Farid Boutros, who led a delegation from the Chaldean Church in the capital to extend Christmas and New Year greetings. Also present were Patriarchal Vicar Mor Joseph Bali and Patriarchal Secretary Mor Augeen al-Khoury Nemat. Later that evening, the Patriarch received the United Kingdom's Special Representative in Damascus, Ann Snow, at the Patriarchal headquarters in the capital. These visits took place against the backdrop of ongoing political developments in Syria, particularly in Holeb province, which has recently endured intense conflict and continued instability. Having children may affect how quickly we age, with new research suggesting the physical toll of reproduction can impact long-term health during "times of hardship". Study reveals how parenting affects lifespan Scientists have long debated whether the energy spent on pregnancy, childbirth and raising children might shorten lifespan by diverting resources away from essential functions such as repairing DNA, fighting illness and maintaining organ health. Some studies have found that women with more children tend to live shorter lives, but others show no clear link at all. Senior researcher Elisabeth Bolund from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, explains: "It is very difficult to disentangle what is just correlation and what is the underlying causation, unless you have a good, big dataset that covers several generations." To address this question, researcher Euan Young and his team at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands examined the parish records of more than 4,500 Finnish women spanning 250 years, including the period of the Great Finnish Famine between 1866 and 1868. The aim was to see how extreme environmental conditions "affected the trade-off between reproduction and longevity". Their findings, published this week, reveal that women who had children during the famine saw their life expectancy drop by an average of six months for every child born. By contrast, women who had children before or after the famine showed no link between the number of children and their lifespan. Euan Young says: "In good times, this trade-off isn't really visible. The trade-off only becomes apparent when times are tough." The study expands on earlier research from Quebec, Canada, which found that mothers in poor health or under heavy stress tended to live shorter lives. But the Finnish records gave Youngs team a clearer picture, showing how one devastating event - the famine - exposed just how high the physical cost of having children could be. Mrs Bolund says the findings help explain why the cost of having children isnt the same for everyone. She added: "It seems to occur mainly in particularly tough circumstances, and when women typically had many children. "That may help explain why women today generally live longer than men." If I asked you (the reader): do you think most people can be trusted? Would you answer yes o Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti watched the original Star Trek as children, never dreaming theyd be part of the franchises legacy. Now, theyre leading Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the latest iteration and an opportunity for them to play in the sandbox. Hunter portrays the chancellor of the academy; Giamatti is one of its villains. I was embarrassed with how excited I was, Giamatti says. Id been a lifelong fan. I was in drama school when Deep Space Nine was on and I did not get to audition. So, it was a fantasy for me to be on this. You can manifest your dreams. Thats the message here. Hunter remembers watching the original series with her father and brothers. It was very iconic and very Gary Cooper-ish, you know? It had some of the same feeling that westerns had for me when I first started watching the show, she says. When producers offered her the newest iteration, she was game. Hunter and Executive Producer Alex Kurtzman discussed her characters physicality before they started shooting. Alex had written that my character was barefoot and I loved that, she says. So that kind of opened up this whole idea of what she might be like physically. The two rehearsed on the ships bridge set, talking about ideas and blocking. At home, Hunter wrestled with the shows vocabulary. I had to ask, What does that mean? How do I pronounce that? I got somebody to help me memorize the lines and I just drilled them in my head repeatedly. Sometimes, Id even write them on the ceiling of my bedroom so I would see the writing on the wall when its time to have breakfast. Leading a cast of cadets, Hunters one of the adults in the room. But, so, too, is Robert Picardo, who plays the holographic doctor, a role he played in Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Prodigy. The latest iteration, Picardo says, has more contemporary speech than earlier ones. In Voyager, we spoke in mid-galactic speech. It was a shock at first, he admits. They went nuts on the internet that I said, That would be super helpful. The doctor may have changed a little, but he now is teaching cadets, so he has to speak their language. Among his offerings: four-letter words. When students call him on it, he denies it, which is kind of gaslighting the students. But it shows he is using every tool in his toolbox to teach these kids, so it makes sense. There will be hardcore old Star Trek fans who will go, Did the doctor just say a four-letter word? And Im going to have to say, Yes, its a brave new world. Academy writers also address the aging process and admit program upgrades would involve other changes, as well. Profanity, though, did surprise Picardo. I thought, Well, he needs to shock the students who are not paying attention. Because Starfleet Academy has a host of young actors learning how to maneuver in space, Kurtzman wanted to make sure the older actors werent just plot devices. It was just as important for the teachers to be as interesting as the students, he says. I kept saying to the writers room, We cannot make a show where when the adults show up on screen the kids want to fast forward. They have to be just as interested in the adults. Giamatti gets ample opportunity to hold their attention, particularly since hes a space pirate. Its a huge open door to your imagination, he says. Its just like a crazy drug to get your imagination going. Hes got very human dimensions, and hes complicated and hes a kind of deeply troubled child inside. Hunter says Star Trek is tethered in nostalgia for many people. It can start at the beginning of your life or in your actual childhood when you are surrounded by your home, your family, your home television set. Her memories go back to those days when she was drinking grape juice on the family couch. All that stuff comes back to you with the two words, Star Trek. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premieres Thursday on Paramount+. A mother has sparked debate online after criticising Delta Air Lines for her seating situation on a fully booked long-haul flight, despite not purchasing a separate seat for her baby. Mother sparks backlash Mely Skoglund, a mum of four, shared a photo on Instagram's Threads platform that showed her sitting on the floor of an aeroplane aisle as her two children slept across the seats behind her. The image quickly went viral and prompted a wave of reaction from fellow travellers and parents. The woman explained that the family had "no extra room" on the international flight back to the US, which was sold out. Captioning the image, she wrote: "12 hours flying Delta Airlines back to US was sold out, so we have no extra room. This is our situation." According to reports, she had purchased only two tickets, one for herself and one for her eldest child. Her baby was travelling under the airline's lap infant policy, which allows children under the age of two to fly for free or at a reduced fare, provided they sit on an adult's lap for the duration of the flight. The post quickly went viral, with many social media users questioning why she blamed the airline. One Threads user wrote: "If you want a seat for the baby, you buy a seat for the baby. I don't understand how this is the airline's fault. Your lack of planning does not constitute a problem for the airline." Another commented: "I dont understand what you want. Pity? You knew you were travelling with your kids. How is it the airline's fault that they didn't have enough seats when you didn't purchase them?" When approached by Sky News Australia, a spokesperson for Delta Airlines said passengers must follow safety rules when travelling with infants. The representative said: "Although we cannot confirm the authenticity of the information included in the Threads post, safety is our top priority. It is imperative that customers follow Delta's policy for travelling with a lap-held infant. "We strongly insist that customers remain in their seats with seatbelts fastened, unless there is a specific need that requires movement around the aircraft." Under most airline policies, including Deltas, children under the age of two are allowed to travel as "lap infants". However, airlines also allow parents to purchase a separate seat for an infant and secure them in an approved car seat, which provides greater safety and guarantees the child their own space. On fully booked flights, parents who choose the lap-infant option are not entitled to an extra seat, leaving them reliant on whatever space happens to be available once boarding is complete. PHOENIX State lawmakers are moving in a bipartisan fashion to restrict the ability of corporations and investors to buy up single-family homes in Arizona, in a bid to make housing more affordable for individuals. The methods proposed by Republican Rep. Nick Kupper of Surprise and Democratic Rep. Oscar De Los Santos of Laveen to impose these limits do differ. But both involve giving individuals first crack at homes when they go on the market. And both would impose an absolute limit on the number of single-family homes any company could control. The problem, according to both, is that corporate investors are buying up single-family homes. That has a ripple effect, Kupper said. "If all the housing gets bought up over time by investment firms and they turn them into rentals, because it's more profitable for them long term, you won't have anything to buy,'' he said. He said the four largest firms doing this are buying up a combined 1,000 homes a year in the state. "The more that happens, the smaller your available market is to sell homes because your prices get jacked up,'' Kupper said. "And the people who maybe could have afforded them are forced into rentals now.'' That creates a "snowball effect," he said. De Los Santos cited figures showing that the average price for a home in Arizona has gone from $170,000 a decade ago to $415,000. Nearly 14% of homes bought by investors Some of the blame is that developers aren't building as many homes as they used to, De Los Santos said. Developers were taking out more than 9,000 permits a month for new homes in August of 2004, says the state Office of Economic Opportunity, citing data from the U.S. Census Bureau. That slid to less than 1,000 when the housing bubble burst in 2008. It climbed back, slowly, to more than 6,000 a month by 2022. But developers sought fewer than 2,600 permits in August 2025, the most recent figures available. The reasons are complex, including availability of labor, as well as tariffs on some building materials. But De Los Santos said the rest of the problem of higher home prices is linked to corporations and out-of-state investors buying up homes "and turning houses into a profit machine instead of a place to live.'' How big is the problem? In a 2022 article, Law360 said of about 41,000 detached single-family rental homes in Phoenix, nearly one in five were owned by large corporations. Overall, it said that in Phoenix alone, the 25 largest corporate players owned more than 7,500 properties. And the Private Equity Stakeholder Project, which bills itself as a nonprofit watchdog organization, said more recently that about 13.8% of homes in Arizona have been bought by investors. Limits on buys, timing of bids The solutions that Kupper and De Los Santos propose fall into two areas. One is to limit the number of homes that can be bought by certain entities. Kupper's legislation says institutional investors cannot own more than 50 single-family homes in the state. He defines "institutional investors'' as any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, real estate investment trust or other similar entity that manages 10 or more single family homes in the state. De Los Santos has a somewhat more flexible proposal, limiting corporations and those kinds of entitles to 50 purchases a year. But he also proposes language designed to get around the possibility that anyone could set up multiple corporate entitles to skirt the cap. It would require corporations and limited liability companies to disclose the "beneficial owners.'' "That means we're tracking the real person who ultimately owns, controls or profits from a company or asset, even if legal title rests with someone else,'' said De Los Santos. And it is that owner, he said, who would be subject to the 50-purchase limit. De Los Santos said there is precedent for that approach. "This is similar to mechanisms used by the federal government to combat financial crimes that hide behind complex corporate structures,'' he said. The other half of both proposals involves giving normal Arizonans a fighting chance of getting homes before they are outbid by corporations. Kupper's proposal bars institutional investors from submitting a bid or purchase offer for a single-family home within the first 60 days after it is listed or otherwise publicly offered for sale. De Los Santos has a similar concept, but with a 90-day window. And that clock could be reset infinite times each time a seller changes the price. Trump's proposal on federal level Both Arizona proposals parallel a concept Republican President Donald Trump promoted last week, in which he said the United States should bar large institutional investors from buying up single-family homes. Trump provided no specifics for what he wants. Instead, he promised more details when he addresses the World Economic Forum later this month in Davos, Switzerland. "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,'' he said in a post on Truth Social. "People live in homes, not corporations.'' Whether he can get Congress to go along, however, remains unclear. Sen. Tim Scott told CNBC he welcomes the president's desire "to create more homeowners, especially first-time homeowners.'' But Scott, a South Carolina Republican who heads a committee overseeing housing issues, said he remains focused on expanding housing supply through legislation proposed last year to streamline regulations, incentivize zoning changes and expand finance options. Still, De Los Santos said the fact the issue is on the president's agenda is a good thing. "Despite our many differences, I welcome the president's support,'' he said. Support from leadership unclear In Arizona, too, there is no assurance that either the Kupper or De Los Santos proposals will get through the process, or even get a vote of the full House. House Speaker Steve Montenegro was noncommittal when asked whether he would allow either to advance. And then there's the question of whether Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs would sign such a plan. Call for Entries: Sovereign Shorts The call goes out to Victorian-based First Peoples screen storytellers to make short documentaries of up to $40,000 per film. A joint initiative by VicScreen, National Indigenous Television and Melbourne International Film Festival will provide mentorship and resources for First Peoples screen storytellers to produce a 1015-minute documentary. Following the historic signing of Victorias Statewide Treaty with First Peoples in November 2025, Sovereign Shorts will give Victorian-based First Peoples screen storytellers the chance to make short documentaries that explores Treaty as a lived experience, capturing what this historic event means for individuals and communities. VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, Were proud to collaborate with MIFF and NITV to platform Victorian First Peoples screen storytellers as they explore what Treaty means to them. Were looking for authentic, emotionally resonant, and distinctive stories that go beyond the news, and we encourage creators to experiment and push the boundaries of documentary storytelling. MIFF CEO Damien Hodgkinson said, At a pivotal moment in Victorias history, Sovereign Shorts champions First Peoples voices telling their own stories. MIFF is proud to partner with VicScreen and NITV to support Victorian First Peoples filmmakers bringing these stories to screen with care and courage. NITV Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production Dena Curtis said, NITV is proud to be partnering with VicScreen and MIFF on Sovereign Shorts. This is an exciting initiative for us to support the development of Victorias First Peoples creatives. Each film will explore stories that ignite conversations about what Treaty means, how its understood, negotiated and imagined. We look forward to these powerful documentaries connecting and resonating with audiences on NITV and SBS On Demand. Applications close 11:59pm, Friday 8 February 2026. Applications are encouraged from Victorian-based First Peoples directors and writers at all stages of their careers, including those with experience in other creative fields such as theatre. The content, tone and style of the short films are entirely up to the creator, including hybrid, experimental, observational, personal or essayistic approaches. To enter, filmmakers are being asked to submit a short film treatment responding to the brief. Up to four films will be selected to go into production with a production budget of up to $40,000 per film. The Sovereign Shorts films will have a gala world premiere screening at the 74th Melbourne International Film Festival in August, before being broadcast on NITV and streaming on SBS on Demand. Adolescence may last far longer than anyone realised, with new research suggesting the teenage phase of brain development continues until the early 30s. The finding comes from one of the largest studies ever carried out on how the human brain changes from infancy to old age. New research reveals adolescence continues into the early 30s Scientists at the University of Cambridge analysed MRI scans from nearly 4,000 people aged between birth and 90. By studying how water moves through brain tissue, the team were able to map major shifts in the brains neural wiring and identify five key epochs of development that shape how we think, learn and age. The researchers discovered that adolescence starts at around age nine and does not end until roughly 32 years old. Professor Duncan Astle, senior author of the study, said: Looking back, many of us feel our lives have been characterised by different phases. It turns out that brains also go through these eras. Understanding that the brains structural journey is not a question of steady progression but one of a few major turning points will help us identify when and how its wiring is vulnerable to disruption. The study, published in Nature Communications, outlines a series of brain eras. The first begins at birth and lasts until about age nine. This is followed by the long adolescent phase, which continues into the early 30s. After that, the brain moves into an adult era that stretches for more than three decades. A further shift happens around age 66, which the researchers describe as the beginning of an early ageing period. The final era, labelled late ageing, starts at around 83. Dr Alexa Mousley, a Gates Cambridge scholar who led the work, said the eras offer a new way of understanding how the brain grows, adapts and becomes vulnerable. She explained: These eras provide important context for what our brains might be best at or more vulnerable to at different stages of our lives. It could help us understand why some brains develop differently at key points in life, whether that is learning difficulties in childhood or dementia in later years. The team say the findings could eventually help doctors and educators understand when interventions are likely to be most effective and why certain stages of life come with particular mental health challenges. Just over 40 kilometers south of central Hanoi lies Cuu Village, in Chuyen My Commune (formerly Van Tu, Phu Xuyen District). Despite its proximity to bustling highways, the village remains serene and nostalgic - its old-world charm quietly enduring the passage of time in Vietnams Red River Delta. The peaceful, nostalgic charm of Cuu Village. Photo: Nguyen Huy What sets Cuu apart is its unique blend of rural tradition and colonial influence. Beyond the banyan trees, village wells, and tiled courtyards, lie dozens of old two- and three-story French-style villas, built with wooden gates, iron columns, and curved tile roofs. Though many of the villas are now worn, moss-covered, and weathered by age, their bones still speak of the villages wealthy past - one built on exceptional craftsmanship and hard work. Today, Cuu has become a living museum for lovers of history, architecture, and photography. Grand house gates built over a century ago still stand tall. Photo: Nguyen Huy The gate to Mr. Pho Dus home, built in 1929, features a prawn motif and the phrase Nhap hieu xuat de. Photo: Nguyen Huy A village once dressed in wealth Nguyen Thien Tu, 80, is one of the villages oldest residents and a passionate archivist. Like a storyteller, he will sit for hours, sharing with curious visitors the stories of Cuus rise - from a humble fishing and farming community along the Nhue River to one of northern Vietnams wealthiest villages. According to village elders, Cuu was devastated by a massive fire in 1921 that destroyed nearly all its homes. Many villagers scattered to nearby areas to earn a living. Some were fortunate enough to find work in French tailoring shops in Hanoi. They learned quickly, saved diligently, and soon opened their own shops - expanding into the sale of imported fabrics and tailoring materials. They returned to Cuu wealthy, teaching their craft to younger generations and building the grand villas that still stand today. Mr. Tu, passionate about history, shares Cuus legacy with younger generations and visitors. Photo: Nguyen Huy Tailors to the elite of Hanoi and Saigon Another local legend tells of a Cuu villager who traveled to France in the 1930s and brought home the art of Western tailoring - a foreign concept in Vietnam at the time. Upon returning, he opened a tailoring shop in Hanoi and passed on his skills to relatives and neighbors. The villagers soon opened large tailoring houses in bustling commercial areas like Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Hang Trong. They adopted names beginning with Phuc or Phu - symbols of prosperity - like Phuc Hung, Phuc My, Phuc Tu, Phuc Hai, Phu Cuong, and Phu My. These shops became famous for tailored suits and elegant dresses for both French clients and Vietnamese elites in Hanoi and Saigon. During the 1930s and 1940s, Cuus fortunes soared. Wealthy merchants hired architects and builders from Hanoi to construct lavish homes that reflected a fusion of French and Vietnamese design. The west village gate - majestic and shaped like an open scroll. Photo: Nguyen Huy View of the west gates interior with traditional motifs. Photo: Nguyen Huy Gates that guard a golden past One remarkable example is the home of Mr. Pho Du, built in 1929. Its gate features a raised carving of a prawn, strong claws facing upward, beneath a four-character plaque that reads Nhap hieu xuat de - a Confucian message reminding one to be filial at home and respectful outside. Others in the village grew wealthy through the timber trade or brick and tile production. Their fortunes funded public works: the eastern and western village gates, stone-paved alleys, schools, and even a maternity center. One of our village schools even hired teachers from Hanoi to teach French, said Mr. Tu. Back then, few villages in the region were as prosperous or progressive as Cuu. Mr. Tus home is among the oldest, preserved through four generations. Photo: Nguyen Huy The gate bears the phrase ac Ky Mon, symbolizing uniqueness and longevity. Photo: Nguyen Huy A draw for architects, photographers, and curious travelers The villages West Gate still stands, majestic and ornate. Built in the shape of an open scroll, it resembles a giant book welcoming visitors. Its tiled roof curves skyward, flanked by faded but still striking stone lions. Every element on the gate carries meaning, Mr. Tu explained. Inside, youll find carvings of wine bottles - symbols of abundance - and bats, which represent blessings. Throughout the village, colonial influences blend with traditional Vietnamese motifs - arched windows paired with red-tile courtyards, square facades softened by carved flowers and animals. This fusion of French classicism and Vietnamese aesthetics makes Cuu unique among old French villa areas in Vietnam. Unlike the alpine charm of Sa Pa or Da Lat, Cuus homes reflect an indigenous reimagining of Western styles. The former French-style villa of Tran Dinh Thongs family. Photo: Nguyen Huy This once-grand villa is now degraded, with restoration costs out of reach. Photo: Nguyen Huy Preserving the past for future generations Today, Mr. Tus own home stands as one of Cuus oldest, preserved through four generations over more than a century. Its gate reads ac Ky Mon (The gate of excellence and longevity), adorned with bas-relief carvings of leaves, birds, and animals - symbols of happiness, fortune, and long life. There are 49 ancient villas still standing in Cuu. Some are locked year-round, used only as family temples during special occasions. Others are deteriorating, their owners unable to afford repairs. Still, the gates remain - often lovingly maintained by descendants who return for holidays and Tet. Unlike preserved French villas in Vietnams tourist towns, Cuus architecture is a hybrid - a creative and culturally sensitive interpretation. This rare quality has attracted researchers, architects, photographers, and travelers from around the world. Daily life continues peacefully in Cuu Village. Photo: Nguyen Huy Towards preservation and cultural tourism The Cuu family home of Tran Dinh Thong, 47, was once among the villages grandest villas. Though time and weather have taken a toll, the architecture still reflects its French colonial heritage. Currently, Cuus old homes are the focus of a conservation initiative supported by Chuyen My Commune, Hanoi city departments, and the University of Civil Engineering. Plans are underway to restore these buildings and preserve their historical value. In October 2025, Hanois Department of Tourism introduced three new heritage tourism products under the theme Essence Converged, including the Southern Thang Long Heritage Trail The Craft Village Elite. This route connects four local communes - Dai Thanh, Hong Van, Ngoc Hoi, and Chuyen My. Cuu Village is a key stop on the tour, showcasing its East-West architecture and suit tailoring heritage. Nearby, Ngau Village is known for its royal chrysanthemum wine; Phuc Am for spiritual customs and traditional crafts; and Ha Thai for its exquisite lacquerware. Linh Trang & Nguyen Huy The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) is drafting a proposal for breakthrough policies to attract foreign experts, scientists, and overseas Vietnamese in higher and vocational education. Under the draft, the Ministry has proposed a minimum monthly salary of VND400 million to attract international experts, a record-breaking figure and a bold market-driven mindset for the public sector. MOETs offer is attractive internationally: a minimum fixed salary of VND400 million per month (about $190,000200,000 per year), an initial research funding package of VND5 billion, and premium housing support. A professor at a US public university earns on average about $130,000200,000 per year but faces personal income tax rates of 2535 percent and very high living costs. Meanwhile, under Vietnams proposal, experts are exempt from income tax for the first three years and enjoy much lower living costs. Financially, Vietnam is ready to play on equal terms with the world. However, a huge salary may bring experts to Vietnam, but will it make them fully committed, especially when internal income disparities create deep divides? When a foreign expert enters with a salary 15-20 times higher than local professors and doctors (who usually receive about VND20-30 million per month), the risks of isolation, lack of cooperation, and "culture shock" are real. Money buys presence. Countries that succeed or fail in the talent war all prove this truth. China is a typical example of using financial power. They pay salaries higher than the US, provide millions of dollars in research funding, and allow experts to maintain their positions abroad (a part-time model). However, there are some problems. Many scientists were investigated by the US on suspicion of espionage for China, creating concerns about legal risks. Japan does not race on salaries (Japanese professors' salaries are lower than those in the US and Singapore), but they compete with stability and residency privileges. Their points-based system allows talent scoring 80 points to obtain permanent residency after just one year, with the right to bring parents, spouses, children, and domestic helpers. Japan understands that for Asians, settling the whole family is more important than a temporary high salary. The US and Europe retain talent through academic freedom. The tenure system at US universities is what every professor aspires to. It not only guarantees permanent employment but also protects the right to research any topic without interference or pressure. Europe uses programs such as the Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) to provide comprehensive support for experts families, valuing people rather than merely buying labor. These models show that Vietnams VND400 million only addresses the surface issue of income. The root issues - working environment, family security, and academic autonomy, remain gaps that must be filled. New model needed First is autonomy. It is meaningless to pay an expert VND400 million per month while binding them with outdated administrative procedures. If purchasing laboratory equipment takes six months of tendering, talent will quickly lose motivation and leave. Vietnam should pilot Academic Special Zones within universities. Here, experts (program directors or institute heads) must have decide first, report later authority: full autonomy over personnel, procurement, and full accountability for final outcomes. Second is a total package of incentives rather than just a fixed salary. The VND400 million package should be structured flexibly. For international experts, the biggest barrier is not living costs but childrens education. International school fees in Vietnam are high (up to VND500700 million per year). If the package includes tuition support for children and job assistance for spouses, it becomes an anchor that keeps the entire family in Vietnam long term. Third is accepting the amphibian model. Do not expect top global professors to immediately leave positions at Harvard, Oxford, or Tokyo to relocate permanently to Vietnam. Flexibly allow them to retain overseas positions while committing to spend three to four months per year working substantively in Vietnam and leading research groups remotely. Fourth, and most importantly, is mission-driven engagement. The State should directly commission experts to tackle national-level challenges, such as building Vietnams semiconductor industry, developing solutions to saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta, or advancing Vietnamese-language AI. Le Huyen A senior officer from the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Haiphong has turned herself in, admitting to accepting bribes and issuing false quarantine certificates for Halong Canfoco, the company at the center of a scandal involving 130 tons of pork infected with African swine fever. Halong Canned Food Joint Stock Company, Hai Phong. Photo: Hai Phong Peoples Procuracy On January 15, the Haiphong Peoples Procuracy confirmed that Tran Thi Huong, born in 1974 and a resident of An Bien Ward, Haiphong City, surrendered at the municipal polices Criminal Investigation Office. Huong served as Deputy Head of the Mobile Quarantine and Fisheries Monitoring Station under the city's Department of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Veterinary Services - a division of the Department of Agriculture and Environment. At the investigation agency, Huong confessed to issuing false quarantine certificates for Halong Canfoco to legitimize the company's distribution of goods to other provinces. In return, she allegedly received bribes totaling around $2,900. Also turning themselves in was Le Nhat Huy, born in 1990 and residing in Gia Vien Ward, Haiphong. Huy worked in the customer service unit of Halong Canfocos sales department. On January 14, the Haiphong Peoples Procuracy approved the first extension of detention for both Tran Thi Huong and Le Nhat Huy, as authorities continue investigating allegations of accepting and giving bribes. In relation to the same case, the Procuracy has approved arrest warrants and prosecution orders for Truong Sy Toan, born in 1969 and residing in Ha Lam Ward, Quang Ninh Province. Toan, who served as General Director of Halong Canfoco, is being charged with negligence causing serious consequences. Three additional company employees - all involved in quality control of raw materials - have also been indicted and detained on charges of violating food safety regulations. They are: Pham Thi Thuy Lan (born in 1980), Deputy Head of the Quality Control Department Bui Thi Thoan (born in 1979), Quality Control Officer Lai Thi Thanh Huong (born in 1974), Quality Control Officer These legal actions are part of an expanding investigation into the illegal distribution of 130 tons of pork contaminated with African swine fever in Haiphong and surrounding provinces. Haiphong police continue to widen the probe, aiming to clarify the roles and responsibilities of all involved individuals and entities, with a commitment to strict legal accountability. PV During a short two-day trip to Hanoi, Megan, a British expatriate working in Ho Chi Minh City, made a stop at the historic home to try its vegan offerings. The space feels like a trip back in time. The food counter gives off a warm aroma, and the dishes look so traditional. Its also packed - people keep coming and going, she shared. Megan chooses a vegan pate banh mi for lunch. Photos of steaming bowls of vegan bun rieu (crab noodle soup), hearty vegan bun bo Hue, and the nostalgic setting of the old house are widely shared on social media. Experiencing vegetarian cuisine in an old house that draws in diners. Photo: Nguyen Huy This space was created by Le Huu Tue, 28, and a group of friends who are passionate about plant-based cuisine. Our goal is to introduce more people, especially young ones, to vegan food and cooking methods. We chose a traditional Hanoi home to make visitors feel like theyre eating at home, Tue said. From sidewalk to heritage house Hearty and visually appealing vegetarian bun rieu and vegetarian bun bo Hue. Photo: Chay via he Originally, Tue and his team served vegan food on the sidewalk in front of a French colonial villa on the same street. Diners would gather around a wooden counter, enjoying simple yet heartwarming dishes like vegan bun rieu, pho, spring rolls, and grilled noodle dishes. Later, the team moved into a house built in the 1920s, which still features its original tiled kitchen, aged wooden doors, and classic furnishings. The upstairs dining room, renovated about 30 years ago, retains old calligraphy scrolls, wooden furniture, and a distinctly nostalgic feel. The kitchen, now used for dining, is over 100 years old. At the entrance, steaming pots of broth greet visitors. More than ten plant-based dishes are displayed on rustic wooden tables. Main dishes include vegan bun rieu, pho (served Mondays and Tuesdays), bun bo Hue (served Wednesdays to Sundays), grilled vegan bun cha, mixed noodle bowls, vegan pate sandwiches, and mushroom porridge. Prices range from 25,000 to 40,000 VND (approx. $1$1.60). Side dishes like fermented mushroom leaf rolls, fried spring rolls, and crispy fritters are available for 15,00030,000 VND. Portions of bun cha and light dishes like fresh spring rolls and fermented mushroom salad are all prepared in advance and laid out on the table. Photo: Nguyen Huy Bun rieu and bun bo Hue are customer favorites, Tue noted. The bun rieu broth is made from tomatoes, onions, and simmered vegetables, with a splash of fermented rice vinegar for a gentle tang. The bun bo Hue broth uses chayote, onions, pineapple, and lemongrass, flavored with vegan shrimp paste. A homemade dining experience Tue prepares a steaming hot bowl of bun rieu for a diner. Photo: Nguyen Huy In the evenings, diners can enjoy steaming hot vegan hotpot, especially popular in Hanois autumn and winter. Another popular dish is the vegan pate banh mi, filled with aromatic vegan pate, chewy vegan cold cuts, fresh herbs, and cucumber. What sets this place apart is its self-service model. Diners pick their dishes, grab bowls and utensils, and clean up after eating. The banh mi combines fragrant vegetarian pate with rich flavors, chewy vegetarian cold cuts, along with cucumber and cilantro - also favored by diners. Photo: Nguyen Huy Diners serve themselves. Photo: Nguyen Huy Thuy Linh (right) served herself like a pro on her second visit to this vegetarian eatery. Photo: Nguyen Huy Chi Van (in the brown dress) and her friends all praised the vegetarian dishes here. Photo: Nguyen Huy I first saw photos of this place on social media and decided to visit. I was confused at first about how to order, but the staff guided me kindly, said Nguyen Thuy Linh, 20. Now on my second visit, I brought a friend. Its like eating at home - so cozy, she added. She and her friend Quynh Anh both praised the flavorful, colorful, and affordable vegan dishes. I used to think vegan food was bland or expensive, but this place proves otherwise, Quynh Anh said. A peaceful escape in the heart of Hanoi Both foreign and local diners line up and serve themselves vegetarian food. Photo: Nguyen Huy Cao Thi Van, a local, came with more than ten friends. They were all impressed by the nostalgic setting. Stepping into the backyard felt peaceful, a stark contrast to the bustling city. The food was hot, well-balanced, and very reasonably priced, she said. The group enjoyed the self-service style, which also intrigued many foreign visitors. The vegan eatery is open from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM (closed Sunday midday) and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Popular drinks like cashew milk, salted tamarind, and mulberry juice are also available. Note: The restaurant gets very crowded during peak hours. Theres no parking, so diners must use nearby private lots (approx. 5,000 VND per motorbike). Linh Trang - Nguyen Huy An Australian groom made headlines across Vietnam this week after using traditional Mekong Delta cyclos to deliver betrothal gifts during his engagement ceremony in An Giang Province. The gesture not only delighted online audiences but also served as a poignant homage to local traditions. The gift bearers ride motorized rickshaws to the brides house. A series of photographs captured the moment Herman So, a groom from Australia, accompanied by a vibrant bridal procession, traveled in a fleet of cyclos to his brides home in Tan Chau town. The images quickly went viral on social media, accompanied by the caption: A wedding procession by cyclo in Tan Chau, An Giang - when Mekong culture gently flows into the celebration of love. Today, the cyclo carries the pride of the Southwest, bearing Vietnamese culture to the world. The convoy included groomsmen bearing traditional offerings of betel leaves, sweets, fruits, and flowers - all carried on classic cyclos. The nostalgic and endearing scene struck a chord with viewers, many praising the couples unique fusion of cultures. A fascinating scene rich in traditional cultural elements. It could only be An Giang - so heartfelt and unique, one commenter wrote. Another added, What a beautiful way to introduce Vietnamese traditions to an international audience. The bride is incredibly thoughtful. The bride, Kim Ngan, was born in 1998 in An Giang and is the youngest daughter of a family known locally for their motorcycle business. She and her husband Herman So, born in 1996 in Australia, held both their engagement and wedding ceremonies on January 4 at her familys home. Speaking to VietNamNet, Ngan shared that the idea to use cyclos came from her desire to embrace her hometowns heritage. I wanted the engagement to reflect the traditions of where I come from, she said. I explained everything in detail to my husband beforehand - from customs to rituals - and he was enthusiastic and fully prepared. Vibrant and colorful engagement ceremony of the bride from An Giang. The groom's family and friends, totaling 15 guests from countries such as Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Hong Kong, attended the wedding. On the big day, the grooms party traveled by car to a park roughly one kilometer from the brides home. From there, a team of seven groomsmen, including both Vietnamese and international friends, transferred to cyclos to complete the final stretch. It created such a lively and captivating scene. Even though they were introduced to the cyclo in advance, the grooms party was still amazed and curious about the experience, Ngan recalled. Mark Chui, an Australian groomsman, shared his excitement about taking part in the ceremony. I wore a red ao dai and sat on a traditional cyclo holding a beautifully arranged tray of gifts. As we rolled through the streets, the air was cool, and my heart was racing with excitement, he said. On top of that, I got to witness a full Vietnamese traditional ceremony. Honestly, it was one of the most incredible wedding experiences of my life. Upon arrival, the couple performed customary rites including the exchange of gifts, a family altar ceremony, and introductions to both sides of the family. The main wedding reception took place later that evening in a luxurious and contemporary setting. Kim Ngans wedding held in a modern style. Photos: Hoang Phuong - The M.O.B Media As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, todays businesses require more than just protective tools - they need trusted, foundational frameworks for deploying, operating, and continuously enhancing their cybersecurity in a sustainable way. CMC Telecoms official entry into the Center for Internet Security (CIS) as a Services & Consulting Member marks not only a global milestone but also a strategic commitment to aligning its information security services with internationally recognized standards. This move positions CMC Telecom as an integral part of the global cybersecurity ecosystem, bringing world-class practices to its Vietnamese customers. CIS The global cybersecurity ecosystem built on practical standards For over two decades, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) has served as a trusted organization in the global cybersecurity community. Unlike traditional certification bodies, CIS operates as the standards backbone of the global cybersecurity ecosystem. CIS unites over 4,000 member organizations, including: Government agencies and critical infrastructure operators in the U.S., Europe, and other advanced economies - entities with the highest security demands. Major global technology and cloud providers such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Leading cybersecurity and security service companies across domains like network, endpoint, cloud security, and SecOps/SOC - including Check Point, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco, CrowdStrike, and others serving defense, finance, telecom, and IT sectors. What sets CIS apart is its pragmatic foundation. Its standards are not theoretical; they are derived from real-world operations. Each framework is co-created with input from organizations running large-scale, mission-critical systems with the highest levels of reliability and security. As such, CIS frameworks represent applied global best practices, used in the most demanding infrastructure environments worldwide. Two foundational pillars of the CIS framework The CIS ecosystem revolves around two core standards: CIS Controls A prioritized list of cybersecurity actions designed to answer the question: What should we do first to reduce risk quickly and effectively? CIS Benchmarks Detailed, secure configuration guidelines for operating systems, cloud platforms, databases, networks, and applications. They address the question: How should systems be configured securely and verifiably? CIS adheres to a clear philosophy: Dont just say it - prove it, measure it, and repeat it. This practical approach enables organizations worldwide to adopt, evaluate, and compare cybersecurity maturity in a transparent and consistent manner. CMC Telecoms role in the CIS ecosystem Services & Consulting Member CIS defines multiple membership categories based on an organizations function and participation: End User Organizations applying CIS standards internally to safeguard their systems and data. Academic Institutions focused on advancing cybersecurity education and training. Government (SLTT) Local and regional government bodies receiving tailored cybersecurity support. Services & Consulting Providers who protect client data and systems across hosted, cloud, or managed environments (SaaS, IaaS, PaaS). Product Vendor Companies integrating CIS standards into their products or seeking CIS certifications. CMC Telecoms entry as a Services & Consulting Member underscores its broader strategy toward Security Platformization and Managed Security Services. This role goes beyond internal adoption - CMC Telecom is embedding CIS standards directly into the architecture, operations, and continuous improvement of its clients systems in Vietnam. This positions the company as a crucial bridge, translating global standards into actionable, localized security practices tailored to Vietnams unique infrastructure and compliance landscape. How CIS membership elevates CMC Telecoms services CMC Telecoms engagement with CIS brings real, measurable benefits to its clients: Internationally standardized security services: All security advisories, assessments, deployments, and operational services are based on CIS Controls and Benchmarks, offering a consistent, proven technical foundation instead of relying on individual experience or subjective decision-making. Measurable and transparent security maturity: Clients can evaluate their current security posture, track improvements over time, and generate audit-ready reports aligned with international standards - essential for risk management and regulatory compliance. Optimized investment and faster implementation: By focusing on high-impact, prioritized actions, organizations avoid fragmented investments and reduce the risk of misconfigurations - a common cause of cybersecurity breaches. Long-term enhancement of security ecosystems: Operating on a unified CIS-based standard ensures continuous improvement, better SOC performance, faster incident response, and more efficient long-term risk management. Joining CIS as a Services & Consulting Member represents CMC Telecoms commitment to elevating information security services. We aim to deliver not just technology, but a measurable, verifiable, and continuously improving security platform, aligned with Vietnams compliance requirements, a CMC Telecom representative stated. CMC Telecoms CIS membership marks a key milestone in its journey toward standardization, global integration, and the creation of sustainable value for Vietnams information security ecosystem. For clients, this milestone is a clear commitment: CMC Telecoms security services are designed, implemented, and continuously enhanced using globally recognized standards - transparent, reliable, and built for the long term. PV These sophisticated fabrications will be used to impersonate acquaintances, corporate leaders, and public officials in order to carry out fraudulent activities. According to projections by the National Cybersecurity Association (NCA), cybersecurity for individual users in 2026 is expected to face new challenges, most notably the growing sophistication of online scams. Cybercriminals use deepfake technology to generate fake images, videos, and voices with very high levels of authenticity. Such fake content may be used to impersonate acquaintances, agency leaders, public officials, or representatives of financial institutions and banks, making it very difficult for the public to distinguish between real and fake. At the same time, malware targeting individual users will remain a common threat. With the rapid development of AI, creating new malware variants has become easier, allowing cybercriminals to automate distribution, evade traditional security tools, and carry out targeted attacks against specific user groups. The year 2026 is expected to record improvements in personal data protection as new legal regulations, such as the Law on Personal Data Protection and the 2025 Cybersecurity Law, take effect. Organizations and businesses will have to heighten their responsibility and invest in cybersecurity commensurate with their activities of collecting, storing, and processing user data. However, experts warn that the volume of personal data previously exposed will still be exploited by criminal gangs to continue attacking users. Improving awareness and digital skills among citizens, alongside improving the legal corridor and personal data protection capacity, will continue to be the key factor in minimizing cybersecurity risks. According to a survey by the National Cybersecurity Association, the number of victims of online fraud in 2025 decreased significantly compared to 2024. The survey was conducted online on the Association's platforms from December 1, 2025, to the end of December 18, 2025, with the participation of 60,300 individual users nationwide. For every 555 users participating in the survey, one person reported being a victim of fraud, equivalent to a rate of 0.18 percent. Meanwhile, in 2024, this figure was approximately 1 in every 220 people defrauded, a rate of 0.45 percent. This is a positive shift, marking the first time in many years that online fraud has recorded a decrease. Regarding fraud methods, the 2025 survey shows that criminals still mainly used familiar scenarios such as impersonating agencies and organizations, fake prize winnings, fake delivery personnel, fake acquaintances, making romantic connections, or inviting financial investment. Impersonation of police officers emerged as the most common scam method in 2025. Perpetrators fabricated scenarios accusing users of being involved in criminal cases and demanded that they stay in contact to exert psychological pressure. They then required victims to transfer money to prove innocence or install software allegedly serving the investigation in order to appropriate assets. Scams involving fake prize or gift notifications ranked second in terms of prevalence. Meanwhile, high-return investment solicitations fell to third place, indicating that the public has become more cautious toward promises of quick wealth that surged in the previous year. Vu Ngoc Son, Head of the Technology Department of the Association, said: Online fraud is still extremely complex; users need to continue raising their vigilance. Criminals will seek ways to apply new technology, even testing new maneuvers and forms to bypass anti-fraud measures; the risk to users remains constant in cyberspace. According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Public Security, in the first 11 months of 2025, damages caused by online fraud crimes remained at a very high level, estimated at over VND6,000 billion. However, experts warn that forms of cyberattacks are constantly changing and becoming increasingly sophisticated. A point that remains concerning is that the habit of reporting when encountering fraud among citizens has not improved. Only 32 percent of victims surveyed said they reported the incident to the authorities. The vast majority of the rest only warned relatives and friends, and 12 percent accepted losing their money without taking any further action. Experts assess this as one of the major barriers in the work of preventing and combatting fraud, because failing to report leaves the authorities lacking the data to investigate, handle, and provide early warnings to the community. Thai Khang The northern area of Ho Chi Minh City is set to become a major science and technology urban zone, marking a transformative step in the citys spatial and economic development. The former site of Binh Duong New City will be repurposed into a sprawling innovation-driven district under the newly unveiled plan Northern HCMC Science and Technology Urban Area. Ho Chi Minh City will repurpose the former Binh Duong provincial administrative center, valued at over USD 57 million, into a core hub of the future Northern Science and Technology Urban Area. The announcement was made on January 15, with participation from the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee, government agencies, and major partners including Becamex, VSIP, and global technology giants such as Qualcomm, Coherent, Warburg Pincus, and Fraunhofer ENAS. According to the development plan, the core of the new urban area will center around a 20-hectare science and technology complex, anchored by the former Binh Duong provincial administrative center, which will be converted into a science-technology tower. The project builds upon the existing foundations of the previous "smart city" concept, combining both hard and soft infrastructure to foster innovation and scientific advancement. Key elements of the new urban zone include the 100-hectare Saigon Innovation Campus, a 15-hectare digital technology zone, a science exploration center for STEM education and knowledge dissemination, and various campuses dedicated to training and research. A high-tech industrial ring will also be developed, connecting large-scale industrial parks such as Binh Duong Riverside, Lai Hung, Cay Truong, and VSIP III. Complementary infrastructure like an ecological science park, a digital infrastructure cluster, and the WTC Expo Center will form the backbone for prototyping and scaling scientific research into real-world production. In the projects initial phase, Becamex plans to launch eight core developments, including the transformation of the Binh Duong administrative center into a science hub, a science discovery center, an ecological science park, a World Trade Center building with expo facilities, a training and R&D campus, and multiple digital technology parks including a 15.47-hectare and a 100-hectare site, along with the BWID Supply Chain City for industrial leasing. Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee Bui Minh Thanh emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating that it aligns with the citys newly granted special policy mechanisms from the central government. These institutional foundations allow us to pursue a bold and flexible development approach that meets international standards, he said. He further noted that the northern science-technology urban area plays a strategically vital role in the overall spatial and economic development of both Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeast Region. The area is envisioned as a logistics gateway and clean energy hub for the region, with direct access to international seaports, airports, inter-regional transport infrastructure, and large-scale renewable energy sources. The transformation also includes repurposing the former Binh Duong provincial administrative tower, a twin-tower complex with 21 floors, previously home to around 60 provincial departments and up to 1,400 personnel. Built under a build-transfer (BT) scheme by Becamex at an investment of over USD 57 million, the building began operations in February 2014. Following the merger of Binh Duong into Ho Chi Minh City, the tower was handed back to Becamex to be maintained and upgraded for science and technology development purposes. PV The number of women giving birth after the age of 45 has risen rapidly in Ireland. More women in Ireland are becoming mothers after 45 New CSO data shows 408 babies were born to women aged 45 and over in 2023, an 80.5 per cent increase on a decade earlier, underscoring a growing shift toward later-life motherhood driven by changing life patterns and wider use of fertility treatment. The average age of mothers now stands at 33.2, but the figures highlight a steady rise in first-time births among women in their late 40s and early 50s - a trend that would have been rare a generation ago. Martina Cullen, who became a first-time mother at 45, recalled how she had given up all hope after years of attempting to conceive. Speaking to the Irish Independent, she said: My husband and I got married quite late in life as we didnt meet until I was 39. He had two children from a previous relationship I really wanted to have a baby of my own. Two rounds of IVF failed before she decided to try a final time. She aded: By this point, I was 43 and had totally given up any hope It was emotionally and financially draining." With one embryo remaining, she proceeded and became pregnant. Rejoicing, she said: Miraculously, it worked. Not everyone is ready in their 20s or 30s or has met the right partner So the fact that fertility treatment can help us to achieve our dream of motherhood in our late 40s is really incredible. Katherine Donovan, from Dublin, had her first child days before turning 50 and her second at 52. She said: I had Phoenix Riain at 37 weeks, two days before I turned 50. And I had Rysing Dubh at 34 weeks both were by caesarean section. She described recovery as challenging but manageable. Katherine added: Women are having children a lot later in life and it is amazing. Now living in Portugal, she says reactions to her age were largely supportive. She said: Hospital staff were shocked at how old I was, but no one had anything negative to say. I know I can do this Its overwhelming sometimes But I love being a mum. The Dau Giay - Long Thanh - HCM City Highway (photo: Hoang Ha) In his article "Institutional and Legal Breakthroughs for the Nation to Rise," Party Chief To Lam delivered a clear message: institutions and laws must become the foundation to release resources, unleash production capacity, and open new opportunities for development. To achieve this, Vietnam can no longer compromise with long-standing shortcomings in policy design, in implementation structures, or in governance approaches that still lean more toward control than toward creation. Looking back at the major resolutions issued in quick succession during this period, covering science and technology, international integration, the private economy, energy security, education, healthcare, and reform of lawmaking and law enforcement, it is clear that there has been an effort to turn mindset into action. On that basis, the Government submitted to the National Assembly concrete action programs to institutionalize these directions, with clear objectives, roadmaps, evaluation indicators, and accountability assigned to each ministry, branch, and locality. Crucially, instead of leaving resolutions on paper, implementation has been directly tied to timelines, deliverables, and administrative discipline. This approach has gradually built confidence that institutions are not just promises, but commitments that can be verified. That confidence could be clearly seen in the movement of national infrastructure in 2025. The three strategic breakthroughs were strongly advanced, not only opening up new development space but also creating a very tangible sense of action capacity. A total of 564 projects and works were launched or inaugurated nationwide, with total investment exceeding VND5.14 quadrillion, of which more than VND3.8 quadrillion came from the private sector. Nearly 3,200 km of the main NorthSouth expressway were completed on key sections, and more than 1,700 km of coastal roads were put into operation; interchanges, feeder roads, seaports, energy projects, and major hospitals came into use; Long Thanh Airport welcomed its first technical flight; and long-term vision projects such as Gia Binh Airport and Hon Khoai Port began laying their first foundations. These signals show that when institutional bottlenecks begin to be untied, social resources are more willing to shift into long-term, strategically significant projects to break the infrastructure deadlock. From this perspective, infrastructure is not only about improving peoples lives or enhancing national logistics capacity; it is also a yardstick for the improvement of quality of the policy environment and the credibility of implementation mechanisms. However, for institutional reform to avoid becoming one-sided, it is necessary to heed candid warnings from researchers and the business community. Nguyen Dinh Cung, former head of the Central Institute for Economic Management, pointed out that business freedom in Vietnam, although it has made significant progress, has yet to fully align with the principle of being allowed to do business in all fields not prohibited by law. The investment policy approval procedure still exists as an intermediate layer of management, consuming time and costs while increasing legal risks for investors. Meanwhile, the system of conditional business fields, with thousands of corresponding requirements, creates dense barriers, particularly disadvantaging domestic private enterprises. He also emphasized a reality rarely stated outright: when legal regulations overlap and allow multiple interpretations, doing things right is not always feasible, and businesses must operate under a constant shadow of legal risk. Alongside this are old bottlenecks that have yet to be thoroughly resolved - difficulty accessing land at reasonable cost, lack of long-term capital for breakthroughs, and constraints in research, development, and innovation. Nearly 3,000 projects worth $345 billion still remain stalled due to a host of institutional and legal obstacles. However, while reality remains complex, with gaps still to be filled, what matters is that the reform spirit is being maintained in a constructive direction: candidly acknowledging shortcomings without pessimism, encouraging progress without obscuring what still needs fixing. Institutional reform is clearly not just about removing visible bottlenecks, but also the driving force that allows the private sector to feel secure in going further, daring to invest for the long term, and trusting in its own future. At the same time, it must ensure that infrastructure projects are not only bigger and longer, but also more efficient in operation and better at spreading value to the community. Tu Giang Minister Dao Ngoc Dung receives the Third-Class Labor Medal from Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long in honor of his leadership in a nationwide campaign to eliminate makeshift housing across Vietnam. Photo: Le Anh Dung Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung has been awarded the Third-Class Labor Medal by the President of Vietnam for his outstanding contributions to a nationwide campaign to eliminate makeshift and dilapidated housing. The medal was presented on the morning of January 14 during the ministrys 2025 year-end review and 2026 planning conference. Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long personally handed the award to Minister Dao Ngoc Dung in recognition of his exemplary leadership in the national movement to provide safe housing for disadvantaged groups. Deputy Minister Nong Thi Ha highlighted the campaigns achievements, describing it as one of the most significant milestones of 2025. Throughout the year, a total of 334,234 homes were built or renovated - 255,310 newly constructed and 78,924 repaired - for war veterans, impoverished households, and near-poor families struggling with inadequate living conditions. The program had a wide-reaching social impact, reinforcing public confidence in the governments leadership and spreading a message of solidarity and compassion. It also showcased the strengths of Vietnams social welfare policies and community-driven development model. At the heart of this success was Minister Dao Ngoc Dung, who not only proposed the initiative but also served as the permanent deputy head of the national steering committee and led the committees executive body overseeing the programs implementation across the country. The President has signed Decision No. 2502/QD-CTN to award the Third-Class Labor Medal to Minister Dao Ngoc Dung for his exceptional achievements in the national campaign to eliminate makeshift and substandard homes, said Deputy Minister Nong Thi Ha. Beyond providing shelter, the program laid a foundation for long-term poverty alleviation. Each new home symbolizes a fresh start and an opportunity to transform lives. The campaign also carried symbolic weight, launched in celebration of Vietnams national milestones: the 50th anniversary of reunification, the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, and National Day on September 2. It stands as a defining achievement of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs - one with nationwide influence and lasting significance. PV Delegates cut the ribbon at the press center inauguration for the 14th National Party Congress. On the afternoon of January 14, the official press center for the 14th National Party Congress was inaugurated at the National Convention Center in Hanoi. The event marks one of the first major activities of the highly anticipated congress. The launch ceremony was attended by Standing Member of the Party Secretariat Tran Cam Tu; Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council Nguyen Xuan Thang; Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission Trinh Van Quyet; as well as senior leaders from central and local government bodies. The press center is equipped with modern facilities, including high-speed internet access, more than 150 laptops and desktop computers, 10 printers, 2 fax machines, and 10 large-screen TVs. The center is designed to provide optimal conditions for journalists to work and report on the congress proceedings. As of now, 597 reporters and technical staff from 113 domestic media agencies have registered to cover the event. Additionally, 79 journalists and press assistants from 43 foreign news organizations - as well as overseas Vietnamese journalists and representatives of international political parties - have signed up to participate. Speaking at the ceremony, Lai Xuan Mon, Standing Deputy Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission, emphasized that information and communication efforts for the 14th Party Congress have been rolled out in a widespread and coordinated manner. These efforts have generated strong and positive public engagement around what is considered a historic, transformative political event. Ahead of the centers launch and the international press briefing, Party and State leaders, alongside numerous delegates, toured the accompanying exhibition spaces. These included the display From Congress to Congress, a showcase of books and publications, and the photo exhibition Under the Partys Flag, the Nation Enters a New Era. As part of the occasion, a special commemorative stamp collection celebrating the 14th Party Congress was also officially released. Huong Quynh Kho Muong is a modern rural area (photo: Le Duong) Stilt houses now glow with lights, village roads are clean and orderly, and stable livelihoods have helped the village reach new rural standards, becoming a bright spot in the core area of Pu Luong. The most striking impression is the visible change along every slope and stilt house in Kho Muong. The small village nestled deep in a valley, once considered an isolated island that was hard to access, has become one of Thanh Hoas most attractive community tourism destinations. Ha Van Thao, head of the village, said it lies more than 7 km from the center of Pu Luong commune and was once among the most disadvantaged hamlets in the area. Rugged terrain, narrow roads, and frequent landslides during the rainy season made travel difficult. Livelihoods relied mainly on upland farming, glutinous rice cultivation, and small-scale livestock raising, resulting in low incomes. For many years, the poverty rate remained high. In 2016, when local authorities identified tourism as a sustainable development path, Kho Muong, located in the core zone of the nature reserve and endowed with rare landscapes such as a basin-shaped valley, terraced fields and the famous Doi Cave, was selected as a starting point for a community tourism model. Change began with residents reaching consensus to develop tourism. From just a few pioneering households renovating their stilt houses into homestays, all 64 households in the village now participate in developing the model. Traditional stilt houses have retained their original architecture while being upgraded to be clean, tidy, and suitable for domestic and international visitors. Thanks to tourism, average incomes have risen markedly. A well-run homestay can earn VND150300 million per year, several times higher than traditional farming. Support services such as motorbike transport for tourists, catering, sales of agricultural products, and cultural performances also generate stable income for many families. As a result, Kho Muong became the first village in the commune to meet criteria to be recognized as modern rural areas. Well-known tourism valley Pu Luong commune leaders said in 2020 the Thanh Hoa provincial Peoples Committee approved the project Building a pilot community-based tourism model in Kho Muong village. It develops branded, high-value and competitive community tourism products, aiming to be a distinctive OCOP product of the locality. Under the plan, Kho Muongs community tourism site aims to welcome about 7,000 visitors in 2025 and more than 9,000 in 2030, with 50 percent staying overnight and 50 percent being international visitors. Total tourism revenue in 2025 is projected at nearly VND7 billion, expected to rise to more than VND14 billion by 2030. The project is also expected to create jobs for 120 workers. To tap tourism potential, authorities have invested in infrastructure, including upgrading access roads to Doi Cave, building check-in points, improving parking areas and village roads, and renovating the communal house into an exhibition space. At the same time, local cultural troupes have been developed, Thai folk songs revived, and adventure and exploration services created, linking tours from Mai Chau and Don village to Kho Muong. Local leaders emphasized that Kho Muong does not pursue mass tourism. Residents maintain a moderate scale to ensure the environment and landscape are preserved. The success of Kho Muong shows that a well-organized community tourism model developed from residents own needs can become a powerful driver helping disadvantaged areas escape poverty. From an isolated village, Kho Muong has now become a new rural bright spot of the commune, contributing to making Pu Luong one of the provinces most attractive ecotourism regions, a Pu Luong commune leader said. Le Duong In the small community of Ba Diem Ward in Ho Chi Minh City, Ung A Paul is a well-known figure for his unwavering passion for fitness. Every morning, without fail, he rises early to begin his day with a jog and yoga at home. By 9 a.m., hes already at the gym. There, after warming up, he moves into a focused routine using dumbbells and multi-function training machines. His muscular physique, defined arms, and flexible movements often leave onlookers in awe. Paul is not a professional bodybuilder. But his love for fitness runs deep. At over 70 years old, Ung A Paul still trains at the gym for four hours a day. Photo: Ha Nguyen Back in his youth, Paul worked hard physical jobs like stone splitting and blacksmithing. Later in life, he became a tour driver, Chinese interpreter, and small business trader. But no matter the job, Paul always carved out time to train his body - driven by a dream of strength and health. When I was 17 or 18, I loved watching movies about bodybuilders, he said. I was hooked. I wanted the muscles, the look, the strength. So I started working out wherever I could. Over time, it became a need - if I dont train, I feel unsettled. Before joining a professional gym, Paul used to craft his own exercise equipment and train at home. Around four years ago, he decided to step into a proper fitness facility for better access to modern tools. In the beginning, Paul felt out of place. Nearly everyone at the gym was younger - mostly in their 20s to 40s. Some worried he might not be physically fit enough for such intensive training. Others laughed at him, thinking he was chasing unrealistic goals for his age. Their doubts werent entirely unfounded. After a period of high-intensity training, Paul suffered a slipped disc. For a year, he couldnt train at all. At his worst, he was bedridden and required full-time assistance. He developed a passion for bodybuilding in his youth. Photo: Ha Nguyen His family took him to various hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City for treatment using different methods. Eventually, the pain eased, and with great determination, Paul resumed light training at home. As his condition improved, he returned to the gym. Now, his body is sculpted and firm, with defined muscle tone thats rare even among much younger men. More importantly, his health has improved dramatically. Each day, Paul dedicates four hours to training - two hours in the morning from 9 to 11 a.m., and two in the afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. He works out from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, he trains only in the morning and spends the afternoon attending sword and saber dance classes. Sundays are reserved for rest and muscle recovery. In June, Paul signed up for the King of Muscle competition, organized by a private company. He competed in the Men Physique (Seniors 40+) category - becoming the oldest participant in the event. Paul believes fitness is essential for seniors' physical and mental wellbeing. Photo: Ha Nguyen He says hell keep training for as long as he physically can. Photo: Ha Nguyen Shortly afterward, he traveled to Khanh Hoa province to compete again and won third place in the same category. His presence - silver hair, chiseled body - on the competition stage stunned spectators. Wherever he goes, people ask him why hes chosen such an intense path at his age. Paul explains, There are several reasons I pursue this lifestyle. First is the passion Ive had since my youth. Second is love for my children and grandchildren. Seniors need good health. Working out strengthens not just the body, but also the mind. It reduces the risk of chronic illnesses, helps us stay independent, and can even extend life. If Im strong and healthy, my children dont have to worry or care for me constantly. That way, they can focus on their lives, work hard, and be happy. Ha Nguyen Amid increasingly complex developments in Iran's security and public order situation, the Consular Department of Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning, advising citizens not to travel to Iran at this time unless absolutely necessary. The department also urges Vietnamese citizens currently in Iran to stay informed, strictly comply with local regulations, and follow guidance from Vietnamese authorities, including the Consular Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Embassy of Vietnam in Iran. For those in need of assistance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided emergency contact channels: Embassy of Vietnam in Iran: +98 933 965 8252 (direct call), +98 933 460 9074 (WhatsApp, Viber) Citizen Protection Hotline, Consular Department: +84 981 84 84 84 Email: baohocongdan@gmail.com In light of the escalating situation in Iran, several countries have issued similar warnings, urging their citizens to remain extremely cautious. Over the past few days, multiple airlines have canceled or rerouted flights to Tehran. The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting on Iran, at the request of the United States. This development comes as Tehran appears to have made conciliatory statements aimed at easing tensions following a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who pledged action to prevent violent crackdowns on protesters in Iran. Tran Thuong In a major cross-border operation, police in Vietnam's Tuyen Quang province have repatriated 74 out of 205 suspects arrested in Cambodia for their alleged involvement in a transnational telecom scam that defrauded victims of hundreds of billions of dong. Suspects involved in the fraud ring. Photo: Tuyen Quang Police On January 15, the Tuyen Quang Police Department confirmed the transfer of 74 detainees from Cambodia through the Moc Bai International Border Gate in Tay Ninh Province. The suspects are now being held by the provincial criminal investigation agency for interrogation and case development. The arrests stem from an investigation into a vast fraud syndicate that exploited computer networks and telecommunications systems to swindle thousands of victims in Tuyen Quang and across Vietnam. Operating from Cambodian territory, the ring used various methods to gain remote access to victims' bank accounts and steal funds. According to authorities, the group impersonated police officers, electricity company staff, and tax officials to deceive victims. They tricked targets into installing fake digital ID apps or clicking on malicious links embedded with spyware. Once the link was clicked, the malware granted the scammers control over the victims phone and banking apps. On January 12, Tuyen Quang police, in coordination with the Criminal Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, Tay Ninh provincial police, the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Securitys representative agency in Cambodia, and the Royal Cambodian Police, conducted simultaneous raids across four so-called special zones in Cambodia: Kim Sa 1, Kim Sa 3, Titan, and Tam Thai Tu in Bavet City, Svay Rieng Province. These raids uncovered 205 Vietnamese nationals working at what authorities described as online fraud companies operated by Chinese nationals. Officers confiscated 10 integrated computer systems and 25 mobile phones used in the illegal operations. Initial findings suggest the networks illicit activities generated hundreds of billions of dong in stolen funds. The case is considered one of the largest online fraud investigations involving Vietnamese citizens abroad. Investigators are now working to classify and interrogate the remaining suspects, verify their roles, and build a comprehensive case for prosecution under Vietnamese law. Anh Tam At Vietnams southern tip, Ca Mau is home to a well-known specialty dish that is made from inexpensive ingredients-local fish, field shrimp, and sky-given wild greens-yet remains irresistible in both appearance and flavor, leaving diners thinking about it long after the meal. Lau mam U Minh, a famous specialty of Ca Mau. Photo: Page Ca Mau When visiting Ca Mau, travelers are often introduced by tour guides or local residents to a familiar line: U Minhs forest land has the finest produce/ First honey, then fermented fish-once it touches your tongue, youll remember it forever. Among the dishes that best showcase the rich bounty of U Minh is lau mam, a fermented-fish hotpot. While lau mam can be found across many Mekong Delta provinces, the U Minh version has its own distinctive character, drawing visitors from near and far. In late 2022, lau mam U Minh (Ca Mau Province) was named one of 11 Vietnamese specialties recognized by the Asia Book of Records for its culinary value in Asia. Before that, it was also listed among Vietnams top 100 signature specialty dishes. Lau mam U Minh is a harmonious mix of ingredients such as fermented fish paste, various freshwater fish, fresh coconut water, and a wide assortment of wild vegetables that grow naturally in the lush U Minh forests. The ingredients for lau mam U Minh arent expensive. Some can even be foraged from fields or along riverbanks and ponds, without spending a single dong. But through the locals skillful and balanced combination, the dish becomes appealing in both presentation and taste. U Minh fermented fish hotpot is a rich harmony of diverse ingredients. Photo: Ca Mau Page Its a must-try for anyone visiting Ca Mau, said Trung Anh, a tour guide specializing in Mekong Delta itineraries. The best lau mam U Minh is made with mam ca sac buom, a fermented paste from snake-skin gourami, a freshwater fish commonly found in rice fields, ponds, and ditches. The fish is small and bony, but its flesh is firm and naturally sweet, and once fermented it develops a distinctive aroma. If mam ca sac buom is unavailable, other freshwater fermented fish such as mam ca linh or mam ca loc can also be used to create the famed hotpot. The fermented fish is simmered until the flesh breaks down, then strained to remove bones. Fresh coconut water is added, along with finely chopped lemongrass and seasonings to reduce any fishy notes and build fragrance. Locals use coconut water to give the broth a gentle sweetness and a pleasant aroma. Some also add sugar or fresh milk to make the broth more fragrant, richer, and slightly creamy. Thanks to the careful, balanced preparation, the hotpot broth is deeply flavorful without being salty-bitter, salty-astringent as many people might imagine from the dishs nickname. What goes into the hotpot includes countryside catches such as snakehead fish, climbing perch, white catfish, eel, giant freshwater prawns, and clams-typically caught locally or bought at the market and cleaned at home. These are common rural aquatic products from brackish-water areas, and they are not expensive. The Mekong Deltas wild vegetables. Photo: Ngoai Ty/Linh Trang Dishes served with fermented fish hotpot are remarkably diverse. Photo: Huynh Hong Dao A mist-shrouded corner of rural Wales is drawing growing interest from travellers. A fairytale forest in Wales is attracting travellers The Rheidol Valley in Ceredigion has become one of Britains most sought-after scenic escapes, with travel experts at Ski Vertigo stating: Its one of the most magical landscapes in Britain, a hidden gem where waterfalls sparkle, trees whisper, and steam trains drift through the mist like something from a dream. The valley stretches east from Aberystwyth along the 19-mile River Rheidol and is known for its dense woodland, steep gorges and the historic Vale of Rheidol Railway. The Edwardian-era steam service runs from the coast to Devils Bridge, carrying passengers through deep forest and narrow cuttings. Locals say its whistle can be heard long before the train appears, echoing across the hillsides. Devils Bridge remains the regions defining landmark. Three bridges from different centuries sit stacked above the 300-foot Mynach Falls. Local folklore claims the first was built by the Devil after villagers declared the gorge impossible to cross. According to the tale, he demanded the soul of the first creature to step onto the bridge, but the villagers sent a dog instead, outwitting him. Surrounding woodland adds to the areas atmosphere, with low light, moss-covered rocks and sudden waterfalls hidden in thick foliage. Visitors often report shifting mist, soft echoes underfoot and rainbow arcs forming above the falls. According to Wales Online, a network of trails winds through the valley, though some routes become hazardous after rain. Travel experts describe the region as a forest full of secrets, where every path leads deeper into its story, and recommend the steam-train route from Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge for the best views. Authorities advise early morning or late evening visits for the strongest sense of atmosphere. Tourism officials say interest continues to rise, crediting the mix of folklore, dramatic scenery and historic engineering that has given the Rheidol Valley its enduring fairytale reputation. Jet2 has announced a major expansion with 26 new flights launching from London Gatwick Airport in 2026. Jet2 will operate 26 new flights from London Gatwick in 2026 The budget airline confirmed it will begin operating flights and package holidays from the West Sussex hub next March, marking its 14th UK base. The expansion follows the release of new capacity slots at Gatwick, the UKs second-busiest airport. Jet2 said it will base five Airbus A321neo aircraft at Gatwick, with an additional plane stationed overseas. The inaugural service will depart for Tenerife, Spain, on 26 March 2026. The carrier, known for its holiday adverts featuring Jess Glynnes Hold My Hand, will serve 29 popular destinations across Europe, including Spain, Greece, Turkey, Portugal and Italy. Among the confirmed routes are Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Ibiza, Majorca, Alicante, Faro, Antalya, Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Malta, Naples and Verona. Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy said: Today's announcement represents an incredibly exciting moment for Jet2. For many years, our ambition has been to provide our differentiated, service-led, end-to-end product offering from London Gatwick, and we see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate our growth from the UK's largest beach and city leisure destination airport. We know all too well how much demand there is among customers and independent travel agents for us to operate our award-winning flights and holidays from London Gatwick, so it is fantastic to be able to share that we are here and ready to meet their travelling needs. The company confirmed that more than 300 direct jobs will be created in the Gatwick area - including pilots, cabin crew and engineers - with several hundred additional indirect roles expected to follow. Jet2 will operate flights to: Fuerteventura Gran Canaria Lanzarote Tenerife Ibiza Majorca Menorca Alicante Girona Malaga Reus Faro (The Algarve) Antalya Corfu Crete (Heraklion) Kalamata Kefalonia Kos Halkidiki Preveza Rhodes Skiathos Zante Malta Naples Verona Paphos (Cyprus) Pula (Croatia) Bourgas (Bulgaria) BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 14 January 2026 - Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, has achieved the strongest development performance in its history, recording an all-time high of 24 hotel signings in 2025 and significantly strengthening its global pipeline across key growth markets in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. The milestone comes at a time when many hotel groups are reassessing expansion strategies amid rising development costs and shifting investor expectations. For Dusit, the record year reflects a clear and deliberate approach to growth one grounded in brand clarity, disciplined execution, and the ability to bring projects to market efficiently to create early and sustainable value for owners. While the number of signings marks a new high point, Dusit's development strategy continues to prioritise quality over scale alone. Central to this approach is a growing focus on conversions and brownfield developments, which offer faster timelines and earlier returns compared to traditional greenfield projects, while allowing the group to expand its footprint across diverse markets with agility and control. This capability was demonstrated in several projects that were signed and opened in 2025, including Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu, China; dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives; and Tantawan Tented Camp, Chiang Rai, Thailand. Each reflects Dusit's ability to execute at speed while maintaining brand standards and delivering distinctive guest experiences aligned with local context. At the same time, Dusit's evolving brand architecture has played a key role in supporting international growth. The recent introduction of Devarana Dusit Retreats, Dusit Collection, and Dusit Hotels has expanded the group's reach across wellness-led luxury, character-driven high-end stays, and the upper-upscale segment, respectively, allowing Dusit to respond more precisely to the needs of travellers and development partners. A year of firsts In Indonesia, the 2025 signing of Kaliwatu Villas & Residences Dusit Collection, a boutique luxury retreat in Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park, marked Dusit's first hotel signing in the country. In Japan, Dusit built on the success of Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto Shijo with the signing of its first Dusit Collection property in the country: WE Hotel Dusit Collection, an intimate lakeside retreat with 55 rooms and three private villas on the shores of Lake Toya in Hokkaido. India also emerged as a major growth market in 2025, with six new properties signed across the Dusit Collection and Dusit Princess brands. The signings span a diverse mix of destinations, from the Himalayan retreats of Solang and Kasol to key urban centres including Kolkata, Raipur, and Bhiwadi, reflecting Dusit's ambition to build scale across both leisure-led and city markets in the country. The Maldives also remained a key focus, with the signing of Devarana Dusit Retreat Maldives building on recent momentum in the market, including the signing and opening of dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives and the ongoing success of Dusit Thani Maldives. The luxury retreat will reinforce Dusit's long-term commitment to the country, serving as a flagship wellness destination that will fully integrate the group's Devarana Wellness concept. In the Middle East, Dusit continued to expand its regional presence with the signing of Dusit Hotel Al Ahsa, located within the UNESCO-listed Al Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. Dusit's expansion in the Philippines continued with the signing of ASAI Camaya Coast, a 150-key lifestyle resort hotel at the heart of the 2,000-hectare Camaya Coast destination development in Mariveles, Bataan, alongside Dusit Hotel Greenhills Manila, which will feature 200 guest rooms and world-class facilities across the top ten floors of the 50-storey Primex Tower in San Juan City, Metro Manila. In Thailand, the signing of Dusit Suites Sriracha and the subsequent opening of Tantawan Tented Camp, Chiang Rai further diversified the domestic portfolio. The latter also reflects Dusit's group-wide sustainability framework, Tree of Life, through its community-based approach and integration of low-impact design, locally rooted experiences, and measurable social impact. Dusit also marked its planned return to Myanmar with the signing of the legendary The Strand Hotel Dusit Collection, Yangon, alongside the lifestyle-led ASAI Yangon, reinforcing its long-term confidence in the market. Together, these signings have brought Dusit's active development pipeline to more than 50 properties worldwide, all scheduled to open within the next five years. Openings on the horizon Building on the momentum of 2025, Dusit is positioning the group for what could become one of its strongest years of openings in 2026, spanning Asia, the Middle East, and selected emerging markets. Collectively, projects progressing toward opening during the year are expected to add more than 1,400 rooms to Dusit's global portfolio. As with all large-scale development programmes, the timing and sequencing of openings will remain subject to market conditions, regulatory processes, construction readiness, and broader geopolitical considerations in each destination. Among the projects advancing toward opening during the year are WE Hotel Dusit Collection, Lake Toya, Japan, alongside The Strand Hotel, Dusit Collection, Yangon, ASAI Yangon, and the phase-one opening of Dusit Princess Al Majma'ah, Riyadh, the group's first operational hotel in Saudi Arabia. In Malaysia, building on the momentum of Dusit Princess Melaka, Dusit is advancing plans for ASAI Gamuda Cove, a 280-key lifestyle hotel within a large-scale, eco-focused development near Kuala Lumpur. Dusit also anticipates further expansion in the Philippines, with Dusit Hotel Greenhills Manila and several Dusit Princess properties across Cebu City, Boracay, and Lipa (Batangas) progressing through development. Alongside this, ongoing development at Dusit Central Park a landmark mixed-use project in Bangkok comprising the reimagined Dusit Thani Bangkok, ultra-luxury branded residences, premium office space, a high-end retail centre, and the city's largest rooftop park reflects Dusit's capability in executing complex, integrated developments at scale. "The momentum achieved in 2025 reflects the strength of Dusit's long-term strategy and the clarity of our direction as a group," said Chanin Donavanik, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dusit International. "Our priority has been to build a high-quality, well-balanced portfolio that can perform across market cycles, supported by strong brands and a deep understanding of the destinations we serve. In 2026, we remain focused on disciplined execution and sustainable growth, while staying mindful of the broader economic and geopolitical environment." Siradej Donavanik, Vice President Development (Global), Dusit International, said, "Our development strategy has never been about growth for growth's sake. It is about identifying the right assets, in the right locations, and applying the right brand, operational expertise, and long-term vision to unlock their full potential. Whether through new-builds, conversions, or thoughtfully integrated mixed-use developments that combine hotels and branded residences, our focus is on alignment between the asset, the market, and the brand supported by disciplined execution and a clear pathway to sustainable performance. This is how we create long-term value for our partners and deliver experiences that are true to what Dusit stands for." Dusit's global portfolio now comprises 296 properties across 18 countries, including 58 hotels and resorts and 238 luxury villa rentals. The company's nine brands span the lodging spectrum from affordable lifestyle to bespoke luxury, including Devarana Dusit Retreats (Wellness Luxury), Dusit Thani (Bespoke Luxury), Dusit Collection (Character Luxury), Dusit Hotels (Upper Upscale), dusitD2 (Lifestyle Upscale), Dusit Princess (Upper Midscale), ASAI Hotels (Lifestyle Midscale), and Dusit Suites (Lifestyle Long Stay). The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. For more information, please visit dusit-international.com The Ocean Resort by Fusion Quy Nhon has launched its Ocean Spring festive package for Lunar New Year 2026, offering discounts of up to 50 per cent, alongside a programme of cultural activities and family-oriented experiences. Located in Phuong Mai Bay, about 22km from Quy Nhon city centre and 23km from Phu Cat Airport, the resort features one- to four-bedroom private villas and is targeting multi-generational family travel during the peak holiday period. As part of the Ocean Spring offering, guests booking directly can receive a 50 per cent discount on the second night. For stays of three nights or more, the resort is also providing additional incentives, including a complimentary family-style hotpot meal or set menu inspired by traditional Tet cuisine and local seafood, a 30 per cent reduction on the third and subsequent nights, and a one-way airport transfer. Photo: Ocean Resort by Fusion Quy Nhon The resort said its Lunar New Year programme places a strong emphasis on family connection and cultural immersion. From the first to the fifth day of Tet, guests will be able to take part in traditional activities such as calligraphy sessions with Ong Do scholars, lion dances, folk games, Tet-themed film screenings and visits to Quy Nhon Square to view the Year of the Horse mascot of Gia Lai province. Alongside cultural activities, Ocean Spring also includes a range of complimentary wellness and recreation options, including kayaking, pedal boating, diving classes, yoga, meditation, sound healing and daily herbal workshops. Facilities such as the childrens play area, gym and Vibe Pool Bar will also operate throughout the holiday period. Food and beverage experiences form a central part of the offering. The resort plans to host a series of themed dinners during the holiday, blending traditional flavours with contemporary presentation, with menus carrying symbolic New Year wishes for prosperity and good fortune. The Ocean Resort by Fusion Quy Nhon is also promoting tailored experiences for couples, including its one-bedroom private pool villas with spa-inclusive packages. These villas offer daily 45-minute spa treatments and are aimed at guests seeking a more private and restorative New Year break. According to the resort, the Ocean Spring programme reflects growing demand for domestic and regional travellers seeking longer stays and more experience-led holidays during Lunar New Year, particularly those that combine relaxation with cultural elements and family-oriented activities. Fusion rolls out special initiatives to celebrate Vietnamese Womens Day Fusion has unveiled a host of promotions and initiatives celebrating the successes of inspirational women for the month of October to mark Vietnam's Women's Day. Fusion launches festive wellness and dining packages in Vietnam Wellness-focused luxury hotel brand Fusion is rolling out festive dining, spa packages, and special experiences for the holiday season across Vietnam. The 25-km pipeline expansion will be built by AquaOne Water Corporation to supply treated water from the Hoa-Binh Xuan Mai water treatment plant to Hanoi. This equity investment has been made through PIDGs project development solution, InfraCo, which also committed to invest VND218.62 billion ($8.32 million) in Hoa-Binh Xuan Mai Clean Water LLC for the Hoa Binh-Xuan Mai water treatment plant in October 2025. Our investment in the Xuan Mai water treatment and distribution projects underscores PIDGs commitment to deploying the full breadth of our solutions, including technical assistance, guarantees, and project development, to catalyse urgent action for people, planet, and market transformation across Asia, said Dennis Foo, PIDGs head of business development (Asia) for InfraCo. This investment reflects PIDGs determination to address Vietnams water infrastructure gaps by working with experienced local partners to mobilise blended finance and deliver scalable, long-term impact. The investment complements bond guarantees provided by PIDGs guarantee solution, GuarantCo, to Xuan Mai Hanoi and Hoa Binh-Xuan Mai for their project bond issuances. In total, PIDG has committed VND333.61 billion ($12.7 million) in equity, VND1.2 trillion ($45.7 million) in bond guarantees, and $119,000 in technical assistance grants for the two-phase project, including the water treatment plant (Hoa-Binh Xuan Mai) and the pipeline expansion (Xuan Mai Hanoi). PIDG will also provide support through its project development and impact teams with a focus on international standards in compliance, as well as health, safety, environmental, and social governance. GuarantCo and Standard Chartered collaborate on climate action GuarantCo and Standard Chartered have signed a MoU announcing the intention to develop a climate-focused deal framework that aims to increase funding opportunities in Vietnam and accelerate climate action. PIDG makes $8.68 million investment in Hoa-Binh-Xuan Mai clean water treatment facility The Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) has made an equity investment of VND218.6 billion ($8.68 million) in Hoa Binh-Xuan Mai Clean Water Limited Liability Company, a project run by AquaOne Water Corporation. HOA LAC, Vietnam, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC), the Embassy of Japan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI), and Plug and Play, today announced the launch of NIC Scale X, a new deep tech acceleration program aimed at strengthening Vietnam's innovation ecosystem and supporting the growth of high-potential startups across priority technology sectors. This program is part of the project "Vitalizing the Viet Nam National Innovation Center", funded by the Government of Japan and co-implemented by UNDP and NIC. The program establishes a multi-stakeholder innovation ecosystem centered at the National Innovation Center in Hoa Lac, bringing together startups, investors, corporate partners, academia, and government stakeholders. By leveraging the complementary strengths of the four partners, the initiative seeks to address key scalability challenges faced by early-stage deep tech startups while fostering cross-border collaboration between Vietnam and Japan. "This deep tech-driven acceleration program underscores NIC's commitment to building a strong, globally connected innovation ecosystem for Vietnam. Through strategic partnerships with UNDP, Mitsubishi Research Institute, and Plug and Play, we are establishing a high-quality acceleration platform that not only supports high-potential deep tech startups but also strengthens critical linkages between technology development, investment, and real-world deployment. The program is designed to enable Vietnamese startups to scale sustainably, access international markets, and contribute meaningfully to national innovation priorities," said Vu Quoc Huy, Director of the Viet Nam National Innovation Center (NIC). The 13-week intensive acceleration program will focus on deep tech solutions spanning healthcare, clean energy and ESG, smart factories, agritech, Internet of Things (IoT), and digital infrastructure. The cohort will comprise approximately 80% Vietnamese startups and 20% Japanese startups, creating opportunities for bilateral knowledge exchange, technology collaboration, and regional market access. Startup selection will follow a structured, multi-stage process: Top 40 startups selected for group-based training Top 20 startups shortlisted to pitch to partners and stakeholders 10 finalists accelerated through the full 13-week acceleration program Participating startups will receive targeted mentorship, expert-led workshops, and hands-on support to refine their business models, operational strategies, and investment readiness for the Vietnam and Southeast Asia markets. "NIC Scale X stands as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering a vibrant innovation ecosystem while bridging Vietnamese and Japanese startups to scale sustainably. By supporting entrepreneurs who solve societal issues in both regions, MRI is committed to providing exclusive access to our vast corporate network and comprehensive insights into Japanese technology and investment," said Mr. Ryosuke Ogata, General Director, MRIV International LLC, a group company of Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI) in Vietnam. Key outcomes of the program include: Enhanced investment readiness through refined pitch decks and business models Direct engagement with domestic and international investors via investor speed dating and venture assessments Exposure to global markets through UNDP-supported immersion and networking tours to Japan Opportunities to explore corporate pilots and partnerships through Plug and Play's global network Beyond commercial outcomes, the initiative emphasizes impact-driven innovation aligned with Vietnam's national science and technology priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through a series of tailored workshops and mentor-sharing sessions, the program aims to build long-term ecosystem capacity by strengthening startup knowledge in areas such as intellectual property, taxation, regulatory frameworks, and growth strategies specific to the Vietnam market. "This collaboration highlights the power of public-private partnerships in accelerating innovation. This is further amplified by its international reach, encompassing talent, customers, and investment. Plug and Play will broaden these connections and equip these founders with the targeted knowledge and pathways necessary to build sustainable and competitive businesses. The areas addressed in this program are in critical technology sectors, and we're looking forward to the impact that these businesses will bring to Vietnam," Mike Maceda, Director, Corporate Partnerships & Open Innovation Services APAC of Plug and Play. The program is expected to contribute to the development of a more connected, investment-ready, and globally competitive deep tech startup ecosystem in Vietnam, while strengthening cross-border collaboration between Vietnamese and Japanese innovation communities. Applications for the NIC Scale X accelerator program will be open from 14 January to 27 February. To apply, please visit the website. For more information, please visit: https://nic.gov.vn/ To learn more about, please visit: https://www.undp.org/vietnam/ To learn more, please visit: https://www.mri.co.jp/en/ For more information, visit https://www.plugandplayapac.com Serbia has approved plans for a Trump family-backed hotel development on the site of a 1999 Nato bombing in Belgrade, sparking outrage among architects, opposition figures and civic groups who call the move an insult to the countrys wartime history. Jared Kushner's firm are backing the development plans The site, known as Generalstab, was heavily damaged during Nato air strikes on Yugoslavia during the Kosovo War but a special law passed in the Serbian parliament, by 130 votes to 40, will allow its redevelopment into a luxury hotel, apartments and retail complex. The $500 million (370 million) project is being led by Affinity Partners, the Miami-based investment firm founded by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former US president Donald Trump. Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic has given his personal backing to the plan, which supporters say will revitalise one of the most valuable stretches of real estate in the city centre. However, critics have described the project as an attempt to erase a national monument. Architects Katarina and Marina from the civic group arh.politicne said: "The demolition of the Generalstab must not happen. We will defend it. Given the shock this decision has caused, we expect various actions to take place in the coming days peaceful protests and initiatives led by different activist and professional collectives all aiming to increase public pressure and prevent this from happening." Prominent opposition politician Marinika Tepic criticised the governments decision, saying it sacrificed memory for political gain. Tepic said: "You are sacrificing the nations history to please Trump and planning to pour champagne where bombs once fell." Another Belgrade architect told The Telegraph: "To hand over this site to private investors connected to Donald Trumps family to the very same side that initiated the 1999 bombing is viewed by most people here as an unacceptable and symbolic act of betrayal." But lawmakers who supported the bill said the project would boost Belgrades international profile. Serbian parliamentarian Milenko Jovanov said: "Whether [the hotel] will lead to improving relations with the Trump administration, with the United States honestly, I would like that." The redevelopment, branded Trump Tower Belgrade, has already begun advertising pre-sales for what it calls unrivalled luxury on its website, despite growing domestic and international controversy over the decision. Council review will ensure lessons learned from Storm Goretti school weather closures A review is taking place to ensure school closure due to weather will strike the right balance between maintaining continuity of learning and ensuring safety. Storm Goretti saw serious weather warnings across the UK, and parts of the country were hit with high winds and rain, and others with heavy snowfall. On Thursday 8th January, the Met Office issued an unusual red wind warning for parts of Cornwall due to the expected severity of the storm and Amber warning for snow was in place for Wales and the Midlands with Wrexham on the periphery of the warnings. Specific forecasts for Wrexham saw predictions and models of possible snow overnight of the 8th into the 9th, followed by rainfall and non-freezing temperatures. That transpired to be correct, and late in the evening snow covered Wrexham with ploughing taking place in the city centre, however with rain following with grit, by mid morning aside from the remnants from ploughing it was effectively just a wintery day in town. Wrexham saw 35 primary and 7 secondary schools closed with a range of weather related reasons, in contrast to nearby authorities that saw zero or near zero closures. Wrexham.com asked the Lead Member for Education at Wrexham Council about the school storm closures and if he was satisfied with the outcome. Lead Member for Education Cllr Phil Wynn said While the safety and wellbeing of learners and staff must always come first any significant weather event provides an opportunity for reflection and learning. Ongoing review work will ensure that lessons learned from this period inform future planning, helping all concerned to strike the right balance between maintaining continuity of learning and ensuring safety during extreme weather events. I was pleased to learn that a certain school was able to offer virtual education provision to certain year groups on Friday The council also detailed the process involved, School closure decisions are locally determined and are not taken lightly. Responsibility rests with individual headteachers, and governing bodies. Decisions are made in line with Welsh Government guidance on managing severe weather and safeguarding pupils, staff and visitors. In making decisions, schools are required to consider a number of factors including: -National and local weather warnings and forecasts -The ability to safely open and operate the school site (including access routes, buildings, utilities, and transport) -Staffing availability and the ability to deliver appropriate supervision and provision -Health and safety risks associated with travel to and from school These assessments are undertaken at school level, often at short notice and with evolving information, with pupil and staff safety as the overriding priority. It is recognised decisions across local authorities can vary. Variations across individual schools, local authorities and the wider region reflect the nature of local decision making, differences in geography, school estate condition, transport reliance, staffing circumstances, and how weather conditions manifest at a very local level. It is not unusual, during severe weather events, for neighbouring authorities to experience differing impacts and therefore differing operational decisions. Top pic: The weather warnings as of the Thursday. Major boost secured for North Wales offshore wind project A major new offshore wind project off the North Wales coast has been confirmed as part of the UKs biggest-ever renewable energy auction. Awel y Mor, which will be located about 10 kilometres off the coast between Llandudno and Rhyl, is the first Welsh offshore wind farm to secure a government contract in more than a decade. An estimated 2,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase, including in the supply chain. An additional 50 roles are expected to support delivery with RWE Renewables. The development is expected to be serviced from Mostyn Docks in Flintshire. The Erebus floating offshore wind project, off the coast of Pembrokeshire, also received a contract through the Contracts for Difference allocation round. The project is expected to support over 600 jobs during construction and 500 through the supply chain. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: It is a massive vote of confidence in Wales clean energy industry which is already delivering the well-paid, highly-skilled jobs of the future with the potential to bring thousands more. The UK Government is working with investors to develop home-grown clean power which will secure our energy supply and bring down bills for good. These new projects in the seas off Wales will help us achieve those goals. First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, said: Im delighted that two Welsh offshore wind projects have secured contracts in the latest UK auction. This demonstrates how Wales is well placed to build on its existing capacity for renewable energy, to reap the benefits of these new projects bringing many high-quality jobs and wider economic benefits to our economy. Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, added: Wales is in a fantastic position to support the new floating wind industry and the additional fixed offshore wind projects. We will work with these companies to ensure our ports are used, and that our supply chains are in a position to support this industry. We know we have the ability to deliver on the skills already our offer is recognised as globally competitive, and we will continue to build on this. Awel y Mor will be developed by RWE Renewables and will expand the existing Gwynt y Mor wind farm, one of Europes largest. The project forms part of a wider programme of clean energy development in the Celtic Sea and North Sea. While the contract provides long-term government backing for the scheme, RWE will still need to reach a Final Investment Decision (FID) before construction begins. The UK Government said the latest auction, known as Contracts for Difference AR7, secured 8.4 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity, enough to power the equivalent of 12 million homes across Britain. It is expected to unlock around 22 billion in private investment and support more than 7,000 skilled jobs nationwide, including in North Wales. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the results were a monumental step towards clean power by 2030. With these results, Britain is taking back control of our energy sovereignty, he said. 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. Not a Home Office consultation MP clash with council over Plas yn Rhos proposals More detail has emerged over controversial proposals for a change of use of the Plas yn Rhos site, along with Wrexham Councils formal objections, but there is a dispute over who is actually conducting the consultation. As reported on Tuesday the site in Rhos has been proposed for asylum dispersal accommodation however Wrexhams MP has said in a statement below that it is not a Home Office consultation, rather a proposal being driven by a private business, Clearsprings Ready Homes. Clearspring Ready Homes Ltds accounts notes they have a ten year contract with the Home Office to provide asylum accomodation, support and transport services in Wales and the south of England. Documents state that ten year deal lasts until 2029 so appears it was signed in 2019. Wrexham Council had previously said, As part of the Home Office consultation process for asylum dispersal accommodation, the Council has been contacted regarding the proposed use for the site. Wrexham.com queried the difference in statements, with Wrexham Council Deputy Leader David A Bithell saying last night, This is a Home Office consultation Cllr Bithell said, The decision to decide on asylum dispersal accommodation is the Home Office not Clearsprings as referred. The decision if rejected by a council, like in this case, is via the Home Office Asylum Adjudication Panel. Clearsprings are the accommodation provider on behalf of the Home Office. On the local democratic process and previous decisions he added, In respect of other Council schemes, like the Ukraine and Syrian refugee programme these were carried out in meaningful consultation with Welsh Government and accommodated in an appropriate manner considering local communities. All schemes were approved by the Executive Board unlike the current proposals. Cllr Bithell also noted a very tight deadline for the recent consultation, I was disappointed that the Home Office only gave 5 working days for consultation process which is totally unacceptable. It appears the consultation saw the Clear Springs private entity contact Wrexham Council as part of the formal Home Office protocols and processes in place. Wrexham.com understands the council met with Clear Springs on Friday 9th January. Local councillors were made aware on Monday (12th), and thus the subsequent public information circulated by local members. It also appears there is an appetite with some councillors to explore if Wrexham Council could purchase the building to take control of its future. MP Statements The local Member of Parliament to the site, Montgomeryshire and Glyndwr MP Steve Witherden, issued a statement on the matter, I am aware that a company which sources asylum seeker accommodation are consulting about using the Plas y Rhos site in Rhosllanerchrugog for that purpose. Please be assured I am keeping a close eye on this situation and will use all avenues available to ensure that residents voices are heard. Facts I can confirm so far: The building is currently privately owned. Any change of use will fall under planning procedures, having been assured of that after contacting the Chief Executive of Wrexham County Borough Council. The decision ultimately lies with the councils Planning Department. This means there are several obstacles to the site becoming used to house asylum seekers. Wrexham County Borough Council have said they have objected to this twice in the past and will continue to do so. The site was formerly a care facility, and I personally believe that such a use would be more appropriate for the area. I understand people have lots of questions and worries around this. As always, my email address is steve.witherden@parliament.uk and my inbox is always open to all constituents. I would be grateful if residents could email me with all their questions so I can ensure they are fed forward swiftly to the appropriate decision makers. Although the building is not in the Wrexham constituency, Wrexham.com asked Andrew Ranger MP for his view. He told us, I have received many messages regarding the future of the former Plas yn Rhos site. I want to clarify the situation as it stands, following further information regarding the nature of this proposal. It is important to understand that this is not a Home Office consultation. This is a proposal being driven by a private business, Clearsprings Ready Homes. To my knowledge, this is now the third time in recent years that Clearsprings has brought forward a proposal for this site. On the previous two occasions, the proposal was formally objected to by Wrexham County Borough Council. While Plas yn Rhos is located just outside my Wrexham constituency, I recognise that its potential impact, particularly on our local GP surgeries, schools, and infrastructure, will be felt deeply by my constituents. I am working closely with Steve Witherden MP, WCBC, and the local community to ensure our voices are heard. If Clearsprings chooses to pursue this proposal further, they must follow the usual planning process. This is a statutory matter for the Council. Any change of use for the building will require formal scrutiny, and this remains the proper channel for local concerns regarding the suitability of the site and the pressure on public services to be addressed. I will continue to work with local partners to ensure that any development in our borough is sustainable, managed, and prioritises the needs of our existing services. Council objection A draft formal response co signed by Wrexham Councillors David A Bithell, Paul Pemberton, Steve Joe Jones and Fred Roberts has been shared with Wrexham.com, copied below. If submitted in its current form in what we were told was a unreasonably tight turnaround it would mean Wrexham Council states its opposition for a third time to the proposal to use Plas yn Rhos for asylum accommodation, citing unacceptable pressure on local GP services, inadequate assessment of community, economic and environmental impacts, and failure to meet planning and regulatory requirements. It also argues the scheme conflicts with sustainable development principles and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 due to insufficient consideration of long-term health, infrastructure, and environmental effects. The feedback also criticises the consultation process as lacking transparency and good-faith engagement, concluding it cannot support the proposal in its current form and branding it deeply disappointing. Formal Response to Consultation: Proposed Use of Plas yn Rhos for Asylum Accommodation Dear Sir / Madam, I write on behalf of the local members for Ponciau, Rhos and Johnstown wards in response to the formal consultation regarding the proposed use of Plas yn Rhos to accommodate approximately 70 asylum seekers. The Council acknowledges its ongoing responsibilities in supporting refugee and asylum resettlement and has worked proactively and constructively with the Welsh Government for a number of years to deliver resettlement schemes that are planned, sustainable, and sensitive to local communities. However, for the reasons set out below, the Council has serious concerns regarding both the substance of this proposal and the conduct of the consultation process itself. Impact on Primary Health Care Provision The proposal would place an unacceptable and unsustainable pressure on the local GP surgery, which is already operating at or beyond capacity. The sudden introduction of approximately 70 additional residentsmany of whom may present with complex physical and mental health needswould significantly exacerbate existing pressures on primary care services. There is no evidence within the consultation documentation of meaningful engagement with the local health board, nor any clear mitigation strategy or commitment to additional resourcing. This represents a fundamental failure to assess the real-world impact of the proposal. Impact on the Local Community and Economy Plas yn Rhos is not a suitable location for accommodation of this scale and nature. The proposal would have a substantial and detrimental impact on the local community, affecting residents quality of life, community cohesion, and local infrastructure. There are also serious concerns regarding the negative impact on nearby local businesses, many of which rely on stability, accessibility, and public confidence in the area. These socio-economic impacts have not been adequately assessed, contrary to the principles of sustainable development. Planning Status and Regulatory Compliance We are aware the proposed use would require full planning permission. The conversion of approximately 35 single-use flats to high-density accommodation constitutes a material change of use and cannot proceed under permitted development rights. Any attempt to progress without a formal planning application would be wholly inappropriate and contrary to planning law. Furthermore, the proposal raises significant environmental concerns in relation to phosphates. The area is subject to strict regulatory controls, and any increase in residential occupancy risks exacerbating phosphate loading within the catchment. No robust assessment has been provided to demonstrate that the proposal would be phosphate neutral or compliant with current environmental protections. This omission alone renders the proposal fundamentally flawed. Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 We consider that the proposal, as presented, fails to align with the duties set out in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. There is insufficient evidence that the long-term impacts on health, community well-being, environmental sustainability, and local services have been properly considered. Proceeding without addressing these matters would be inconsistent with the sustainable development principle and the Councils statutory obligations. Consultation Process and Good Faith Engagement Finally, the Council must formally record its concern that this consultation has not been undertaken in good faith. Meaningful engagement requires transparency, early involvement, and a genuine willingness to consider local impacts and alternatives. This process has not met those standards. Given the Councils extensive and well-documented cooperation with Welsh Government on refugee resettlement, this approach is deeply disappointing and undermines established principles of partnership working. Conclusion For the reasons outlined above, we cannot support the proposed use of Plas yn Rhos as asylum accommodation. Any future proposals must be subject to full planning scrutiny, comprehensive environmental assessment, proper engagement with health services, and genuine consultation with the local community. Yours sincerely, Plas yn Rhos public meeting to have range of local representatives attending I think its going to be really valuable hearing the publics view on this, said Ken Skates MS ahead of a public meeting on the potential of the former Plas yn Rhos care home. The Clwyd South MS is another local representative who has said they will be attending a quickly called public meeting tomorrow (16 January) over proposals for change of use of the former care facility into asylum dispersal accommodation. Ken Skates said he will be attending the meeting tomorrow that has been called by local councillors Paul Pemberton, Fred Roberts, Steve Jones and David A Bithell with other representatives also indicating attendance, including the local MP and police. As reported on Tuesday the Plas yn Rhos site has been proposed for asylum dispersal accommodation by Clearsprings Ready Homes as part of a wider Home Office scheme. Speaking to Wrexham.com Ken Skates MS said this morning: Im trying to find out as much information as I possibly can. I think these things have to be undertaken very sensitively with as much community involvement as possible. Im attending the public meeting tomorrow afternoon, which is being convened by councillors. Im hoping that by then, well have more information about what is proposed. I think the most important thing at this moment in time is we gather all of the facts and we try to withdraw as much anger, anxiety and concern as possible as we analyse what is being proposed and whether its likely to happen. So well know more, hopefully by the time the public meeting takes place tomorrow. I think its going to be really valuable hearing the publics view on this. Speaking to sources in Wrexham Council there has been praise for historic work around Ukrainian refugees locally which was a programme led by Welsh Government, with involvement across Wales with local councils via the Welsh Local Government Association and directly with local authorities. The programme appears to be seen as a success, not just for people involved but also the consultation and engagement processes, and had very little, if any, local friction. We asked Ken Skates if the contrast to how the current separate in many ways proposal is being conducted would be fed back to Westminster that there could be a better way to do things, Absolutely. I think the contract with Clear Springs was signed under Boris Johnsons government, and unravelling that contract would probably be incredibly costly. I think moving forward the model that we adopted with Ukrainian refugees is a successful model and one that should be adopted and rolled out for all refugees and indeed, asylum seekers. The meeting is being held at the Hafod Club in Rhos 16:30 18:00 tomorrow, with local residents also in touch to ask for those attending via car be considerate parkers. Our report from earlier today has further details on local MPs statements, Wrexham Council update, as well as a draft response that was shared you can read it here. TUI is expanding its summer schedule with three new direct flight routes to the Greek island of Kos. TUI adds new UK routed to Kos The travel giant confirmed new services from London Stansted, Bournemouth and Exeter beginning in summer 2026, giving UK holidaymakers easier access to one of Greeces most scenic islands. Kos, the third largest of the Dodecanese group, is famed for its clear turquoise waters, ancient ruins, and relaxed island life. For the first time, Bournemouth and Exeter will have direct connections to Kos, while the Stansted route - dropped in 2019 - is being reinstated. Flights from Stansted will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays, while customers from Bournemouth and Exeter can book seven or 14-night packages. Travellers from Stansted will have additional options ranging from short three-night breaks to full two-week stays. Neil Swanson, Managing Director at TUI UK I, said: These new routes to Kos follow a rise in demand for this picturesque island, which is one of our customers' favourite Greek destinations. By launching services from Bournemouth and Exeter for the first time, and reinstating our popular London Stansted route, we're making it easier than ever for customers across the South of England to enjoy an unforgettable Greek island holiday. The variety of durations available gives our customers real flexibility in planning their perfect getaway, whether that's a quick 3-night escape or a full two-week break. And with pristine beaches, classic tavernas, crystal-clear waters, charming villages, and rich history, its easy for Brits to make the most of their holiday in Kos. Kos, known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, attracts nearly one million visitors a year. With average summer temperatures reaching 27C, its a popular choice for sunseekers looking for value - where a beer costs around 3.50 and ice cream about 2.60. The launch follows Virgin Atlantics announcement of its first direct route from the UK to Thailands largest island, Phuket, starting October 18, 2026. Rare Chester Zoo arrival captured on camera A rare Goodfellows tree kangaroo joey has made its first appearance at Chester Zoo, in what conservationists describe as a major success for one of the planets most threatened species. The tiny marsupial, born to mother Kitawa and father Kayjo, has spent the past few months developing inside its mothers pouch. The zoo has released images showing the joeys early development, captured using miniature endoscopic cameras, offering new insight into the secretive early life of the species. Weighing just 1.85kg, the young joey was no bigger than a jellybean at birth. It is only the second time Chester Zoo has successfully bred a Goodfellows tree kangaroo, with just two UK zoos currently caring for the species. Matthew Lloyd, a tree kangaroo expert at Chester Zoo, said: When people think of kangaroos, they rarely imagine small, fluffy animals living high in the treetops. With so little known about tree kangaroos, Kitawas joey is a particularly special arrival, and represents a major step forward in understanding and protecting this remarkable species from extinction. Being able to carefully track this joeys development inside the pouch using tiny cameras wasnt possible only a few years ago. Its already helped us learn more about the early stages of life inside the pouch knowledge that can now support, and hopefully speed up, conservation breeding efforts globally. The species is found only in the forests of Papua New Guinea and is classed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Populations in the wild have fallen by around 50% due to hunting and deforestation. David White, Team Manager at Chester Zoo, said: Goodfellows tree kangaroos dont breed quickly, as a joey is a huge energy investment for the mother. This is one of the reasons they are disappearing from the forests of Papua New Guinea they just cant keep up with numbers being lost to hunting and deforestation. Thats why every birth like this is incredibly important. Everything weve learned so far will help conservationists around the world in securing a future for this magnificent species. The successful birth follows hormone monitoring carried out in the zoos on-site science laboratory the only facility of its kind at a zoo in Europe. The data helped identify the best time to pair Kitawa and Kayjo as part of a European breeding programme aimed at maintaining a healthy, genetically diverse population. Visitors to the zoos Islands zone may now spot the joey beginning to peek from its mothers pouch as it grows in confidence. Tributes paid to respected and passionate North Wales paramedic Tributes have been paid to a stalwart Denbighshire paramedic following his death aged 64. Dermot OLeary, an operations manager with the Welsh Ambulance Service based in Rhyl, passed away last week after a short illness. The father-of-two, who had more than 20 years service, was a familiar figure in north Wales thanks to his staunch promotion of road safety and partnership working with other emergency services. He is survived by his wife Cornelia, son Gregory and daughter Annabel. Emma Wood, Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: Dermot was deeply passionate about his work, and his dedication to both patients and staff was truly exceptional. A highly skilled paramedic, he cared for literally thousands of patients across north Wales over many years, always doing so with warmth and compassion. Dermot was a much-respected member of our team who worked closely with partner organisations too. All of us at the Welsh Ambulance Service are profoundly saddened by the loss of this kind and considerate gentleman. Thank you, Dermot, for everything you gave to WAST you will be sorely missed. Dermot began his ambulance career with the Essex Ambulance Service before joining the Welsh Ambulance Service in 2001 as an emergency medical technician. He qualified as a paramedic in 2003, was appointed paramedic supervisor in 2006, became a clinical team leader in 2013 and a duty operations manager in 2020. Prior to this death, Dermot, who lived in Llandudno, was also the acting locality manager in Conwy and Denbighshire. Alongside his role, he dedicated significant time to educating the public about road safety and worked with colleagues from other blue light services to deliver the hard-hitting Deadly Mates show to schools and colleges across north Wales. In 2023, he also arranged a visit for Ukrainian refugees to Rhyl Ambulance Station to support them following their displacement. Dermot had 26 years service with the Territorial Army Welch Fusiliers, a part of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. A respected trade union representative, he also delivered major incident training to ambulance staff and colleagues from other emergency services. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman KPM of North Wales Police said: We are deeply saddened by the death of Dermot OLeary, a dedicated paramedic whose unwavering commitment to saving lives extended far beyond his clinical role. Dermot worked closely with officers on road safety initiatives such as Olivias Story and Deadly Mates, sharing his expertise, compassion and lived experience to help prevent serious injury and loss of life on our roads. His professionalism and calm presence made a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. Through joint road safety campaigns, educational events and frontline collaboration, Dermot played a vital role in protecting our communities and promoting safer roads for all his contribution will not be forgotten. On behalf of North Wales Police, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dermots family, friends and colleagues at the Welsh Ambulance Service at this incredibly difficult time. He will be remembered with respect, gratitude and admiration. Dawn Docx, Chief Fire Officer at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, added: It was with the greatest sadness that we were informed of Dermots death. I know that colleagues across the service have worked closely with Dermot over a number of years, and his commitment to working in partnership and protecting our communities made a lasting impression on so many. As a service, wed like to send our deepest condolences to Dermots family, friends and those who worked with him at the Welsh Ambulance Service. We are thinking of you all. A mother will serve up to ten years in prison after pleading guilty to poisoning her infant with prescription medication. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office says 25-year-old Alesha Marie Martin will be eligible for parole after serving four years. Deputies say their investigation started last May after learning that a 14-month-old child suffered multiple unexplained medical emergencies. They the child was hospitalized on multiple occasions in both Nevada and Utah, raising concerns of possible intentional poisoning. Authorities say specialized toxicology testing later confirmed the presence of a medication not prescribed to the child. They say the investigation revealed that Martin intentionally gave prescription medication to her child on multiple occasions throughout May 2025, including while the child was hospitalized. Martin was arrested and charged with felony child abuse/neglect and multiple counts of willfully poisoning or adulterating food, water, or medicine. They say Martin ultimately pleaded guilty to willfully poisoning or adulterating food, water, or medicine and then was sentenced earlier this week. The Salvation Army in Reno is seeking senior citizens and veterans who need free split-system heating and cooling units. These units were a surplus from the construction of The Lakes at Lemmon Valley apartment complex and were given to the Salvation Army. According to the Salvation Army, the installation will be free of cost from professionals at locally owned businesses, an effort from Custom Aire President Brandon Watkins. These units are brand new, and theyre going to be a great and needed comfort to community members, said Major Randy Hartt, Northern Nevada Coordinator for The Salvation Army. The fact that the fine folks at Custom Aire are going to install these units means that the job will be done right and the recipients can have peace of mind knowing that theyll be kept warm during those cold months and cool when the hot months of summer arrive shortly. People who want to apply, can do so by going to the Salvation Armys Social Services office between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Salvation Army says people should bring proof of residence in Washoe County and a valid ID. They also say owners of existing multi-unit housing for seniors and veterans may also apply. Ranger Suarez surprisingly agreed to a five-year, $130 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. No longer a free agent, it's hard to imagine the Venezuelan left-hander donning a different uniform apart from the Philadelphia Phillies. With that, the Red Sox know their priorities. Rebuilding a reliable pitching staff with high-upside arms is the way to go if they want to be a playoff team next season. Suarez Steps Into Boston's Rotation According to MLB, Suarez joins a projected rotation featuring Garrett Crochet, Sonny Gray, Brayan Bello, and Johan Oviedo. At 30, he brings a set of experience, stability, and durability, immediately addressing a rotation that has struggled with consistency in recent campaigns. Effectiveness Beyond Velocity While Suarez lacks elite fastball velocity, his heater sits around 9192 mph, and he has quietly emerged as one of MLB's most effective starters since 2021. Over the past five seasons, he has posted a 3.25 ERA, relying on command, deception, and a diverse six-pitch arsenal. Interestingly, as his velocity dipped from 93.4 mph to 91.2 mph over three years, his results improved, with ERA falling to 3.20 and WAR climbing to a career-best 4.0. For Boston, signing this major free agent is a huge win. While they failed to secure Alex Bregman, who now signed a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, the organization hopes for the better. Suarez provides the Red Sox with a durable, adaptable starter whose sinker-heavy, command-driven approach should thrive at Fenway Park, particularly in games that require groundball efficiency and controlled contact. Suarez's Impressive Adjustments After an All-Star campaign in 2024, Suarez made significant tactical adjustments in 2025. Against right-handed hitters, he leaned heavily on his changeup and cutter, while using his slider more against lefties, ESPN reported. A slightly lower arm slot further enhanced his effectiveness, allowing him to finish 128 with 151 strikeouts across 157 innings, despite battling recurring back issues. Originally published on sportsworldnews.com U.S., Danish and Greenlandic officials have met face to face to discuss President Donald Trump's ambitions to take control of Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of Denmark. At the same time, Denmark and several European allies are sending troops to Greenland in a pointed signal of intent to boost the vast Arctic island's security. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen said after a meeting in Washington on Wednesday with his Greenlandic counterpart, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio that a fundamental disagreement remained. He acknowledged that we didn't manage to change the American position but said he hadn't expected to. However, Wednesday's events did point to ways ahead. Searching for a compromise Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. agreed to form a high-level working group to explore if we can find a common way forward, Lkke Rasmussen said. He added that he expects the group to hold its first meeting within a matter of weeks. Danish and Greenlandic officials didn't specify who would be part of the group or give other details. Lkke Rasmussen said the group should focus on how to address U.S. security concerns while respecting Denmark's red lines. The two countries are NATO allies. Whether that is doable, I don't know, he added, holding out hope that the exercise could take down the temperature. He wouldn't elaborate on what a compromise might look like, and expectations are low. As Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen put it Thursday, having the group is better than having no working group and it's a step in the right direction. It will at least allow the two sides to talk with each other rather than about each other. Trump has argued repeatedly that the U.S. needs control of Greenland for its national security. He has sought to justify his calls for a U.S. takeover by repeatedly claiming that China and Russia have their own designs on Greenland, which holds vast untapped reserves of critical minerals. Sending a military signal Just as the talks were taking place in Washington on Wednesday, the Danish Defense Ministry announced that it was increasing its military presence in Greenland, along with NATO allies. France, Germany, Norway and Sweden announced that they were each sending very small numbers of troops in a symbolic but pointed move signaling solidarity with Copenhagen. The U.K. said one British officer was part of what it called a reconnaissance group for an Arctic endurance exercise. The German Defense Ministry, which dispatched 13 troops, said the aim is to sound out possibilities to ensure security with a view to Russian and Chinese threats in the Arctic. It said it was sending them on a joint flight from Denmark as a strong signal of our unity. Poulsen said that "the Danish Armed Forces, 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, he said. On Thursday, he said the intention was to establish a more permanent military presence with a larger Danish contribution, and to invite allies to take part in exercises and training on a rotating basis, according to Danish broadcaster DR. While the European troops are largely symbolic at this point, the timing was no accident. The deployment serves both to send a political signal and military signal to America, but also indeed to recognize that Arctic security should be reinforced more," said Maria Martisiute, an analyst at the European Policy Center in Brussels. "And first and foremost, this should be done through allied effort, not by the U.S. coming and wanting to take it over. So it complicates the situation for the U.S. Talking to NATO The European efforts are Danish-led and not coordinated through NATO, which is dominated by the United States. But the European allies are keen to keep NATO in play, and Germany said that the aim is to obtain a well-founded picture on the ground for further talks and planning within NATO." Poulsen has said he and Greenland's foreign minister plan to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels on Monday to discuss security in and around the Arctic. NATO has been studying ways to bolster security in the Arctic region. Im really looking forward for an announcement of some kind of military activity or deployment under NATOs framework, Martisiute said. Otherwise there is indeed a risk that ... NATO is paralyzed and that would not be good. Sylvain Plazy in Brussels contributed to this report. Raley's Food for Families program is celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing donations to food banks. Jocelyn Lantrip, the Director of Marketing for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, says, "Our partnership with the Raley's and Raley's Food For Families has been going on for years and years and years, and it's a very important one." Lantrip says Food for Families helps them a lot when it comes to putting food on families' tables. "When you're donating at the register, that does turn into real food that comes out here to the Food Bank," she said. The Food for Families program was started in 1986. They work with several different food sourcing programs and food charities throughout northern and central California and northern and central Nevada, working with food banks to collect donations for families. Jason Principe, the store team leader at the Raley's in Fernley, says, "One of the great things about Food for Families is any donation that happens here at a Raley's or local stores stays in that community, so any donations, for example, here in Fernley, are going to stay in this Fernley community." The store team leader says he has seen a difference in the community with this program, because wherever you donate stays local. "We're a big supporter of Share Your Christmas, which we just had the Food Banks and the charities here for, and people came by to donate food and monetary donations, and here in Fernley, we actually had an incentive program for Food for Familiesbearswe were very successful, one of the top stores in the entire company. We raised thousands of dollars just through the bears," he said. The Food Bank says Raley's really helps them during the holidays, and they also provide fresh produce for the Food Bank. During the government shutdown, Raley's gave the Food Bank a percentage of what they made over the weekend. So this partnership is really impactful. Lantrip says, "There are a lot of ways Raley's has supported us for a long time, and this isn't our Food Bank, it's the community's Food Bank, and having meaningful, really committed corporate partners is everything." Here's how it works. Food for Families food comes to the Food Bank, then the Food Bank sends it out to the other 145 agencies. Again, Raley's serves California and Nevada. So the food and services reach a lot of people in and out of the area. If you want to donate to Food for Families, there are several ways you can do it, one being at checkout, or you can donate online by clicking here. Principe says, "For the people who have already made an impact, thank you so much; we can't do this without you. Raley's has raised over $80 million and millions of pounds of food." He also says, "If you want to donate, the easiest way is to come on down to the store, and when you're buying your groceries, if you want to kick in a dollar, that's the easiest way to do it. We can do it right at the checkout, and it's a great thing, and Raley's is a family-owned company, and they have a lot of those family-owned values." It's important to note that the need in northern Nevada is tremendous, as the Food Bank is helping over 160,000 people per month. Lantrip says, "We just like to thank the community for everything they've done throughout the holiday season. We saw tremendous support. Unfortunately, the need for our services is not over, and we will continue to ask for help, whether it be money, food, or volunteering, and we really appreciate the community." Even though the holidays are over, the Food Bank still needs volunteer help to sort everything, and you can sign up to help by clicking the link here. Spring has arrived, splashing the city with invigorating rays of glorious sunshine. Where better to celebrate than a dark, air-conditioned theater? As always, here's a list of some of the finest films currently in rotation at a San Francisco indie theater near you. 1. Labyrinth Where: Red Vic Movie House, 1727 Haight St., 415-668-3994 When: April 1-2 Why: Youve seen him parodied on HBOs Flight of the Conchords, now get a look at the real deal. David Bowie, with a bulging codpiece and a bottomless bag of diabolical tricks to say nothing of his mullet, which defies proper description ignites the screen as Jareth the Goblin King, the wicked prankster at the center of Jim Hensons lavish fantasy. Bowies synth-heavy musical numbers are pure 80s, but Hensons story remains timeless. Here's a clip to get you prepped: 2. The Great Buck Howard Where: Lumiere Theatre, 1572 California St., 415-885-3201 When: All Week Why: John Malkovich, rarely funnier, plays Howard, a has-been mentalist whose glory days on the Carson-hosted Tonight Show seem a distant memory as his song-and-sleight-of-hand act plays to diminishing crowds in second-tier towns. A lesser man might feel the strain, but Howard, whose love of performing is as intense as his oversized ego and caustic temperament, stubbornly carries on. Under the top or over it, Malkovich is a pleasure to watch. 3. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Where: Lumiere Theatre, 1572 California St., 415-885-3201 When: March 27 Why: Director Stephan Elliotts tale of two drag queens (Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce) and a haughty, fiercely dignified transsexual (Terence Stamp, brilliant in the unlikeliest of his career-defining roles) sometimes feels a bit too self-consciously outrageous, but its heartfelt and, in its headier moments, richly comical. 4. Tokyo! Where: Lumiere Theatre, 1572 California St., 415-885-3201 When: All Week Why: Wildly uneven but never uninteresting, Tokyo! is exactly what you might expect from a trinity of filmmakers (French directors Michel Gondry and Leos Carax, joined by Koreas Bong Joon-ho) who seem to revel in confounding expectations disjointed and frustratingly problematic at times, inspired and strangely beautiful at others. For those seeking a clean break from the cinematic norm, this surreal triptych might be the weekends most welcome arrival. 5. The Jerk Where: Red Vic Movie House, 1727 Haight St., 415-668-3994 When: March 31 Why: Remember the last time Steve Martin was funny? Neither do we. But even as the latter-day Clouseau fades into irrelevance, evidence of his gift for gags survives in Carl Reiners oft-imitated celebration of stupidity, The Jerk. 6. Sunshine Cleaning Where: Embarcadero Center Cinema, 1 Embarcadero Ctr., 415-352-0835 When: All Week Why: Crime pays in director Christine Jeffs offbeat comedy about a single mom (Amy Adams) and her hopelessly irresponsible sister (Emily Blunt) who look to make a quick buck cleaning up murder scenes. The movie itself is perhaps too sunny for its own good wringing lighthearted laughs from grim portraits of human desperation is a tricky business but Adams and Blunt make the most of their partnership with performances that transcend a dubious premise. 7. Gomorrah Where: Embarcadero Center Cinema, 1 Embarcadero Ctr., 415-352-0835 When: All Week Why: Winner of the grand prize at Cannes 2008 and the European Film Award, Matteo Garrones fierce crime epic (inspired by Robert Savianos bestseller of the same name) depicts the foot soldiers of the Naples-based Camorra crime syndicate casually slaughtering one another in the name of business. That Garrone chose to present his story in documentary-like fashion, using actors whose performances can only be described as workmanlike, strips the blunt-force drama on screen of any hint of Hollywood-style glamour. Verizon confirmed Wednesday that a widespread outage disrupted wireless voice and data services for customers across the United States, leaving many people unable to make calls, send texts, or use mobile data. The company said its engineers are actively working to restore service and apologized for the disruption, promising account credits for those affected. In a statement shared on social media, Verizon said, "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." The company added that it understands how important reliable service is and said it was sorry for the inconvenience. Reports of the outage began rising around midday Wednesday. According to outage-tracking website Downdetector, nearly 173,000 reports were logged around 12:30 pm ET. The number slowly dropped throughout the afternoon, falling to about 46,000 reports by 5:30 pm ET. At its peak, Downdetector said more than 178,000 reports were filed within just 15 minutes, showing how widespread the problem was. Most of the reported issues involved mobile phone failures. According to FoxBusiness, about 62% of users said they could not use their phones at all, while 34% reported a complete loss of signal. A smaller number experienced mobile internet problems. Major cities including New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, and Dallas were among the hardest hit. BREAKING: Massive Verizon outage hitting users across much of the US right now! Tens to hundreds of thousands of reports pouring in on Downdetector (peaking over 170k300k+), with many phones stuck in SOS mode pic.twitter.com/QjuCE3gJOP Vitamvivere (@Vitamvivere) January 14, 2026 Verizon Says Outage Fixed, Cause Unclear By Wednesday evening, Verizon issued another statement acknowledging customer frustration. "Today, we let many of our customers down and for that, we are truly sorry," the company said, CNN reported. Verizon explained that teams were working non-stop and would continue through the night until service was fully restored. The company also said it would provide account credits and share more details soon. Later that night, Verizon confirmed that the hours-long outage had been resolved. However, the company did not explain what caused the disruption. Customers who still noticed problems were advised to restart their devices to reconnect to the network. Some users reported their phones were stuck in SOS mode during the outage, while others said they had no signal at all. Verizon noted that features like Wi-Fi calling can help during service interruptions, as calls can be made over an internet connection when enabled. Originally published on vcpost.com China's resilient foreign trade expands in 2025 amid global headwinds Xinhua) 08:10, January 15, 2026 BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's foreign trade posted resolute expansion in 2025 despite global headwinds, with the country retaining its position as the world's largest goods trading nation. Last year, China's foreign trade value hit 45.47 trillion yuan (about 6.48 trillion U.S. dollars), up 3.8 percent year on year, according to data released by the General Administration of Customs on Wednesday. This marks the ninth consecutive year of growth for China's foreign trade since 2017. Exports grew 6.1 percent year on year to 26.99 trillion yuan in 2025. Imports reached a record 18.48 trillion yuan, with year-on-year growth of 0.5 percent, cementing China's status as the world's second-largest import market for 17 years in succession. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China's cumulative import and export value exceeded 200 trillion yuan, representing a 40-percent surge from the 13th Five-Year Plan period and an average annual growth rate of 7.1 percent. At a government press conference held in Beijing on Wednesday, Wang Jun, deputy head of the General Administration of Customs, said that China's 2025 foreign trade achievements are "truly remarkable and hard-won" amid global economic challenges. Wang attributed the steady growth of China's foreign trade to three major drivers: The country's pro-trade stabilization policies, the sustained release of import demand from its vast domestic market, and a sophisticated industrial system that continuously adapts to evolving overseas needs. While the external environment facing China's foreign trade this year remains severe and complex, the fundamentals of the country's foreign trade remain solid, which will inject more certainty into global economic and trade development, he said. An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 4, 2025 shows a container terminal at the Chuanshan area of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Photo by Tang Jiankai/Xinhua) DIVERSIFIED TRADING PARTNERS In 2025, China's trade network continued to expand, covering more than 240 countries and regions worldwide, with import and export value registering growth in over 190 of these markets. Notably, trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) became a key growth engine. Bilateral trade with BRI partner countries reached 23.6 trillion yuan, increasing 6.3 percent year on year and accounting for 51.9 percent of the country's total foreign trade value. Meanwhile, trade with emerging markets maintained robust momentum in 2025. Exports to and imports from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Latin America and Africa hit 7.55 trillion yuan, 3.93 trillion yuan and 2.49 trillion yuan, respectively, posting respective growth rates of 8 percent, 6.5 percent and 18.4 percent. "Over the past five years, China's foreign trade 'circle of partners' has kept expanding," Wang said, citing the latest international data which shows that China has become a major trading partner of more than 160 countries and regions worldwide -- an increase of over 20 compared with 2020. An aerial drone photo shows a vessel carrying 179,000 tonnes of petrochemical raw materials berthing at Yangpu Port in Danzhou, south China's Hainan Province, Dec. 18, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Cheng) EXPORT UPGRADING While China was once known for exporting mostly labor-intensive, low-end products in the global value chain, its export structure has undergone remarkable upgrading, with exports becoming increasingly greener and more technology-intensive. Its exports of high-tech products stood at 5.25 trillion yuan in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 13.2 percent. Among these, exports of special-purpose equipment, high-end machine tools and industrial robots registered year-on-year growth of 20.6 percent, 21.5 percent and 48.7 percent, respectively. "In particular, the country's exports of industrial robots surpassed its imports last year, making China a net exporter of industrial robots," Wang said. Beyond high-tech products, green exports have also emerged as a new growth point, helping advance the global green transition. In the field of green energy, exports of lithium batteries and wind turbines soared by 26.2 percent and 48.7 percent, respectively, in 2025. Within the green mobility sector, exports of electric motorcycles and bicycles rose by 18.1 percent last year. China has continued to provide the world with a steady, reliable supply of high-quality, cost-effective products, playing an important role in safeguarding the stability of global industrial and supply chains, Wang noted. A staff member looks over as collaborative robots demonstrate battery pack assembling and wiring check operations during the 11th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF) in east China's Shanghai, June 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe) BROAD-BASED GROWTH IN IMPORTS One of the most impressive aspects of China's foreign trade performance in 2025 was its steadily expanding import value, with positive growth momentum gaining strength as the year progressed. Starting in June 2025, imports maintained year-on-year growth for seven consecutive months, with the growth rate accelerating further to 4.4 percent in December. In terms of commodity structure, China last year imported nearly 3 billion tonnes of bulk commodities, representing a year-on-year increase of 1.1 percent. The country also imported mechanical and electrical products worth over 7.4 trillion yuan, posting a year-on-year growth rate of 5.7 percent. In addition to commodity structure, the scope of import partners also expanded. Specifically, China achieved growth in its imports from over 130 countries and regions worldwide last year, an increase of 7 compared with 2024. Broken down by region, its import values from Asia, Latin America and Africa rose by 3.9 percent, 4.9 percent and 6 percent, respectively, reflecting balanced development in import trade across different regions in 2025. To further boost imports from developing economies, China implemented zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines to the least developed countries having established diplomatic relations with China. This policy yielded tangible results, with imports from these countries growing by 9 percent. An aerial drone photo taken on Nov. 17, 2025 shows a China-Europe freight train departing from the Xi'an International Port Station in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (Xinhua/Shao Rui) China's imports from developed countries also maintained robust growth, driven by strong domestic demand for high-quality goods. For instance, China's imports of edible aquatic products and dairy products from Oceania rose by 37.2 percent and 18.6 percent, respectively, last year. Meanwhile, more than 40 percent of China's imports of passenger vehicles and cosmetics came from the European Union. It should be noted that some countries politicized economic and trade issues and restricted high-tech product exports to China under various pretexts, without which China would have imported even more in 2025, Wang said. "Looking ahead, China will open its door wider to the world, boasting broad room for import growth. China's huge market will always be a great opportunity for the world," Wang added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) "ARC Raiders" loadouts define how safely players move through each raid, how hard they can push ARC machines, and how much loot they can realistically carry home. By understanding solo vs squad tips and making deliberate weapon selection choices, players turn chaotic firefights into controlled encounters and increase their longterm progression. Why Loadouts Matter in 'ARC Raiders' In "ARC Raiders," every deployment into the Sprawl carries real risk because death can mean losing valuable gear brought into the raid. A wellbuilt loadout acts as a safety net, allowing players to handle unexpected encounters, adjust to map events, and still reach extraction with something worth keeping. Good "ARC Raiders" loadouts also reduce decision fatigue midraid, since players already know which weapons handle ARCs, which tools cover escape routes, and where their kit's limits lie. What Makes a "Good" Loadout? A strong loadout combines weapons, healing, shields, and utility into a coherent plan instead of a random pile of gear. In practice, that means choosing a primary weapon, secondary weapon, grenades, shield rechargers, and medical items with an eye on weight, ammo needs, and expected threats. A good loadout also reflects the raid's goal: a lootfocused run leans toward lighter weapon selection and more healing, while an ARChunting or PvPoriented raid justifies heavier guns and more explosives. How Loadouts Work and Why Weight Matters Players can enter with either a Free Loadout or a custom kit built from their stash. Free Loadouts remove the fear of losing expensive items, making them ideal for learning routes, but they usually lack the raw power and flexibility of tuned custom setups. Custom "ARC Raiders" loadouts let players lean into preferred playstyles, but the more weight they add, the slower they move and the less loot they can comfortably extract with. Weight is a hidden constraint that shapes everything from sprinting to stamina and repositioning during firefights. Heavy rifles, LMGs, and stacks of ammunition sap mobility, which can be fatal for solo players who must escape on their own. Squads can distribute this burden by letting one player carry a heavier ARCkilling weapon while others stay lighter and more agile as flankers or scouts. Core Principles for Solo Loadouts For solo "ARC Raiders" loadouts, staying alive is more important than raw damage numbers. Solo players benefit from always carrying shield rechargers, bandages, and at least one escapeoriented tool such as smokes, decoys, or stuns, because any mistake has immediate consequences. Utility that breaks line of sight or slows pursuers often saves more raids than another damage grenade or extra ammo, especially when ambushed by players or pinned by ARCs. Another solo priority is keeping weight under control. A single reliable midrange primary weapon, a lightweight secondary, and modest ammo reserves usually outperform a bloated kit with multiple heavy guns and little room left for loot. When solo, every slot must earn its place, and unnecessary redundancy, like two very similar rifles, often leads to slower movement and fewer extraction options. Best Solo Builds and Weapon Selection Popular solo builds often invest in survivability and consistency rather than flashy highrisk options. Perks and skill tree choices that reduce incoming damage, speed up healing, or enhance shield regeneration add significant safety margins for lone raiders. Pairing these with a dependable allround primary, such as a controllable rifle with good effective range, creates a solid foundation for most situations. Weapon selection for solo players should emphasize controllable recoil, reasonable magazine size, and versatility across PvE and PvP fights. Ultrahigh recoil or very niche weapons might deliver impressive theoretical damage but often backfire when a solo player is surprised at a bad angle. A compact sidearm or SMG with quick handling can cover closequarters emergencies without adding too much weight, rounding out the solo kit. How Squads Optimize Their Loadouts Squads can step beyond selfsufficiency and build around defined battlefield roles. A typical trio might field a longrange marksman, a midrange anchor with sturdier weapons, and a supportoriented player carrying extra utility, healing, or scanning tools. This distribution allows the team to answer more threats without every individual needing a fully selfcontained kit. To avoid waste, squads benefit from communicating about who brings which grenades, heals, and gadgets. If every player loads only offensive grenades, the team might lack smokes or decoys for escapes; if everyone overpacks medical items, they may lack the explosive power needed for fast ARC takedowns. Coordinated "ARC Raiders" loadouts turn the group into a flexible unit instead of three separate solos sharing a lobby. Squad Roles and Weapon Types In many squads, a scout or sniper carries a precise longrange rifle to spot and punish exposed targets, both human and ARC. The frontline anchor wields a battle rifle or LMG suited for medium to close ranges, providing suppressing fire and taking the brunt of direct engagements. The support role often brings utilityheavy weapon selection and consumables, such as extra smokes, deployables, or additional healing that can be passed around when needed. At least one squad member typically focuses on high armor penetration to handle tougher ARC opponents. Others can lean into weapons better suited to quickly downing players or cleaning up smaller enemies, ensuring the squad does not overinvest in a single damage profile. This division of labor makes big fights more manageable and keeps ammo usage efficient across longer raids. Avoiding Common Loadout Mistakes Many players struggle not because of poor aim but because their loadouts clash with their goals. Overpacking ammunition, neglecting shield rechargers, or bringing two similar primaries leaves gaps in survivability, mobility, or flexibility. Others forget utility entirely, entering highrisk areas without smokes, decoys, or crowdcontrol tools that could turn hopeless situations into manageable retreats. Squads sometimes make the opposite mistake by mirroring each other's kits, leaving no dedicated longrange threat or no clear support role. Solo players, meanwhile, frequently gravitate toward extremely heavy builds that feel powerful in theory but fail when they cannot reposition quickly enough to escape collapsing fights. Treating every death as feedback for future loadout tweaks gradually irons out these issues over time. Turning Gear into Consistent Extractions Mastery of "ARC Raiders" loadouts comes from aligning solo vs squad tips, weapon selection, and personal risk tolerance into one coherent approach. Players who consciously build around their objectives, whether safe extraction, ARC farming, or highintensity PvP, see more stable progress than those who simply grab the highest numbers in their inventory. By iterating on kits after every raid, experimenting with roles in squads, and respecting the limits of weight and utility, raiders gradually transform gear from a liability they fear losing into a reliable engine for longterm success. Frequently Asked Questions 1. How often should players change their 'ARC Raiders' loadouts? Players benefit from small adjustments almost every session and larger overhauls every few days of play. Frequent minor tweaks based on recent deaths, loot gains, or meta shifts keep loadouts aligned with current goals without forcing a complete rebuild each raid. 2. Is it better to specialize in solo or squad play when building loadouts? Specializing in one context first usually leads to faster improvement, because it gives clearer feedback on what works and what does not. Once a player feels confident in either solo or squad play, they can adapt those successful principles to the other mode with fewer painful experiments. 3. How can players test new weapons without tanking their extraction rate? A practical approach is to test one new weapon at a time while keeping the rest of the loadout stable and familiar. Players can also run lowerrisk raids or use safer routes, treating those sessions as "practice runs" where learning the weapon's handling matters more than maximizing loot. 4. What's a good way to practice squad coordination around loadouts? Squads can start with short sessions focused on one objective, such as practicing revives, crossfire setups, or retreat protocols, with clearly defined roles for each player. After each raid, the group briefly reviews what worked and then adjusts one or two elements of their loadouts or roles before queuing again. Originally published on Tech Times At the start of the second Trump administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would not run for president if Vice President J.D. Vance decided to run. He reconfirmed this in a December 2025 Vanity Fair interview: Advertisement If J.D. Vance runs for president, hes going to be our nominee, and Ill be one of the first people to support him. I understand why Rubio keeps saying it, although I dont believe a word. Imagine if there was any inkling that Rubio would seek higher office. Then every utterance, every action, every responsibility, every look, every meme would be analyzed from the perspective of a future presidential campaign. By continually deferring that analysis, Rubio focuses entirely on the immense responsibilities of being Secretary of State, along with all the other tasks assigned to him. To date, Rubio is doing an outstanding job. Advertisement Image created using AI. Advertisement Rubio will deny he is running for president until the day he announces he is running. Personally, thats fine with me because it takes a lot of ink away from the communist left who blather away to uneducated folks looking for a Venezuelan oasis in New York City, Seattle, Minneapolis, Chicago, or Los Angelesmajor cities with mayors who have said and done much to extoll the joy of communism. After all, whats not to like about communism: empty grocery shelves, vacant stores, rising homeless populations, high taxes, no personal liberty or freedoms, and depressed home values. The last one isnt such a problem since communists view private home ownership as evil. Just like other vice presidents before him, Vance supposedly has the inside track for the presidency. However, unlike Democrats, the Republican nominee must earn the nomination. Advertisement I like Vance...a lot. He is young, extremely intelligent, handsome, with a loving wife and children, a man of faith, and he can handle the communist press (no, not in Russia but at NBC and ABC). But lets remember who followed President Ronald Reagan: George H. W. Bush. Do you think that Bushs four years were Reagans third term? Besides, there are growing concerns about what Vance really believes because of his refusal to distance himself from Tucker Carlson. At the December 2025 Turning Point USA conference, Vance made it very clear that the Republican Party tent is big enough for Carlson. Really? The Republican Party tent is so yuge that Carlsons repeated derogatory comments against Christians, Jews and the Republican Party are not a problem? Advertisement Lets start with Carlson being enamored with Islam. He bought a home in Qatar. His frequent outrageous comments force even his supporters to roll their eyes. For instance, in an American Conservative interview, Carlson said: And I dont know anyone in the United States in the last 24 years whos been killed by radical Islam. Advertisement Maybe Carlsons good buddy Vance will invite him on September 11 to the 25th anniversary where nearly 3,000 Americans were murdered by radical Islam. It would take too much space to list all the other incidents where Americans were killed in the last 24 years by Islamists. In Tucker Carlson: Pro-Islam, Anti-American, And Toxic for Republicans, Joseph Ford Cotto gives multiple examples of why the Republican Party, and specifically VP Vance, should put an ocean between the party and venomous Carlson. There is no moral, political, or strategic justification for allowing Carlson anywhere near even vaguely respectable non-lefty organizations. He should be excluded without apology from campaigns, donor networks, think tanks, youth organizations, media enterprises, and Republican infrastructure. Not because dissent is forbidden, but because this dissent is not productive. Yet, in an Unherd interview, Vance said this about Tucker Carlson: ...the idea that his views are somehow completely anathema to conservatism, that he has no place in the conservative movement, is frankly absurd. And I dont think anybody actually believes it. Well, VP Vance, a lot of people believe it. Pastor Gregory Locke, founder of Global Vision Bible Church in Lebanon, Tennessee posted on X: Ill say this slowly but plainly, if JD Vance doesnt dump and distance from Tucker Carlson, his Presidential run will be disastrous. Reverend Jordan Wells, of the Florida Joel 2 Ministry, frequently posts warnings to VP Vance about his friendship with Carlson: URGENT WARNING FROM THE BASE JD Vance is the future of MAGA but if he & GOP leaders keep hugging Tucker Carlson, 2028 is TOAST. I LOVE JD. Hes the real deal. But Tucker is radioactive poison to the evangelical vote thats 60% of our coalition. Pastors & Christian leaders are blowing up my phone: We cant follow Qatar-funded, Jew-bashing, Christian-Zionism-trashing America First into the wilderness. Its a binary choice coming FAST: - Stand with the Church that delivered Trump 81% in 2024 - Or ride with Tuckers new Islamo-edgelord axis Embrace Tucker = repel millions of faithful Republicans. Simple math. 2028 hangs in the balance. Choose wisely, @JDVance. Weve got your back but not his. There are many other examples of conservative leaders of all faiths begging VP Vance to distance himself from Tucker Carlson, but he doesnt. In addition to being buddies with Carlson, Tuckers son Buckley has a senior position in the Vance press office. Even if Vance pulled away now, some would not believe him since he has had numerous opportunities to do so in recent months and vehemently stood with Carlson. While the Vice President is correct that no one agrees with their spouse or friends 100 percent of the time, usually their core values are aligned. As the saying goes, a person is known by the company they keep. Many worry that Vances core values are allied with Tucker Carlson. Much can happen between now and the start of the 2028 presidential campaign and we must first keep the House and Senate in this years midterm elections. But if the trajectory continues with Tucker Carlson making asinine statements, embracing Islam while degrading Christians and Jews with comments and/or podcast guests, there will be an organic desire to rally around a candidate who doesnt associate with Tucker and who repeatedly demonstrates he understands MAGAs core values. In my view, that candidate will be Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Robin M. Itzler is a regular contributor to American Thinker. She is the founder and editor of Patriot Neighbors, a free weekly national newsletter and can be reached at [email protected]. With mosques ablaze across Iran and protesters on the brink of toppling the Ayatollahs, the outlawing of Islam itself seems imminent. As the protesters openly talk of going back to their ancient religions, the West waits on the sidelines, ready to airdrop its anointed leaders and take charge. Advertisement However, the chosen leaders of the West have Islamic backgrounds even as the people of Iran want to shed themselves of Islam and embrace their pre-Islamic past. While one of the chosen leaders, Reza Pahlavi, the son of the Shah of Iran who was deposed in 1979, is cooling his heels in Washington, D.C., hoping to be their appointee, another leader in waiting is the hijab clad Maryam Rajavi of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which purportedly stands for democracy. Advertisement Image created using AI. Both figures have cultivated support in the corridors of power in the US and Europe, and we can soon expect a hollow, manufactured debate over whether Iran deserves a monarchy or a democracy, one that falsely frames the choice as a binary between Pahlavi and the NCRI, followed by a declaration that the people of Iran have prevailed and made their own choice no matter who among them is planted as the new Iranian ruler. Advertisement Historically, the State Department has pursued a policy of supporting manageable Islamic and Marxist dictators around the world. Iran has not escaped these US actions, which first supported the Shah and then the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini. In 2022, when Iranian women publicly burnt their hijabs in defiance of the Mullahs, the US State Department at first issued statements of support, but in what must be seen as an act of betrayal, it abandoned the women when they started opposing Islam itself. For many years, the annual reports of the State Departments United States Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and the affiliates of the State Department, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have also supported Islam by presenting the perpetrators of Islamic oppression as the victims while demonizing the religions of the actual victims of Islam. Advertisement If we are to accept their worldview, it would result in the absurdity that the Iranian protesters burning mosques around Iran are the oppressors and violators of religious freedom, while the ayatollahs and their secret police are the victims of human rights violations. To the east of the protesters, India, as a rising global power and a nation with deep civilizational ties to Iran, has also disappointed by abstaining from actively supporting the protests. The current situation presents a great opportunity for India and the United States to team up and send troops into Iran to protect the protesters. Advertisement Unlike the United States, which has faced political hurdles for more than fifty years when it comes to sending troops to other countries, India does not face such problems and can send in troops to complement the US and usher in the era of rekindling Irans ancient civilization as a replacement for Islam. As a country that has faced Islamic invasions over the centuries, India also understands how to address underlying tensions. Indias role would be both strategic and restorative. Culturally, India remains a sanctuary for Zoroastrianism and other ancient traditions that share a common ancestry with Iranian culture. While the dominant religion among Persians is Zoroastrianism, Yazidis and certain Kurdish groups in western and northwestern Iran identify with specific Hindu traditions found in South India. Interaction with these Indian communities could help Iranians rediscover the cultural foundations. Advertisement However, the current situation does not instill much confidence as the credentials of NCRI and its leader, Maryam Rajavi, are suspect. Apart from the fact that Maryam Rajavi wears a hijab, revealing her Islamist leanings, her husband, Massoud Rajavi, who disappeared in 2003, was the founder of NCRI and was also the leader of the Islamic Marxist group Mojahedin-e-Khalq. Like other Marxists, when the members of the NCRI throw around the word democracy, they really mean Marxist state, and they use the term democratic socialism as an Orwellian euphemism for the dictatorship of the proletariat. Needless to say, they see Islam and Communism as natural allies. As for the Pahlavi family, despite outward appearances and repeated claims that they were secular, they too ensured that Iran would remain an Islamist nation while they were in power. The Constitution of Iran during their reign explicitly stated that the official religion of Iran was Islam according to the orthodox Jafari doctrine of the Ithna Ashariyya and mandated that the Shah was required to profess and promote this faith. The Constitution also mandated that no laws passed by Parliament could be at variance with the sacred rules of Islam. Under the Pahlavi dynasty, the Bahai community, the most populous non-Muslim group in Iran, faced systematic and severe discrimination. Groups like the Hojjatiyeh that carried out targeted attacks against the Bahai community worked with the Shahs intelligence agency (SAVAK). The Shahs foreign policy, too, was based on religious considerations. During the Yom Kippur War, the Shah supported the Arab side, and he consistently supported the Islamic Republic of Pakistan over India. This is not to say that Reza Pahlavi or Maryam Rajavi must never become part of the administration of Iran. A precondition for them to join the Iranian political mainstream should be that they renounce Islam and embrace one of the pre-Islamic religions so that they are aligned with the people of Iran. To ensure their honesty, this would ideally include their converting to another religion and ensuring the same for their children and extended families. Even atheism would not be enough, and a conversion would be essential to prevent a member of a future generation from reverting to theocratic rule. History offers a sobering example in this regard. While the Mughal king Akbar moved away from Islam and started his own religion, he neglected to convert his family members, and it resulted in his son, grandson, and great-grandson perpetrating cruelties on behalf of Islam. Should the Iranian protesters succeed in their goal of removing Islam, they are sure to inspire other countries like Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, and then Turkey. For now, the cynical path pursued by the US State Department of letting the protesters battle the Iranian regime and toppling it, while showing up just in time to reap the rewards by planting its Islamic proxies means that the best case scenario for the world would be for the protesters to succeed in overthrowing the regime after they have completely eliminated all traces of Islam so that Reza Pahlavi or Maryam Rajavi would be forced to follow suit in order to become part of the Iranian political ecosystem. The protesters are determined and seem close to success this time. Despite severe internet blackouts, reports indicate that the protesters have taken control of some cities, including Abdanan and Malekshahi. Government forces have retreated in many other areas. There are protests even in Qom, the epicenter of Shia Islam. Those who support the freedom of Iranians from the religion forced on them wish the protesters the best and await the day when we can welcome our Iranian sisters and brothers into the global community! Tucker Carlsons public unraveling has been a grotesque spectacle among sordid sights in our bizarre political era. Advertisement The decline of White Anglo-Saxon Protestants, once the unchallenged stewards of American culture and institutions, clearly sits at the emotional center of his rage. That loss explains much of the bitterness, the theatrical provocation, and the scorched-earth posture that now defines his career. Yet focusing solely on ethno-religious displacement misses a quieter influence shaping whatever passes for Carlsons political worldview. Beneath the WASP grievance lies something more intimate, more formative, and more destructive: unresolved generational trauma rooted in politicized maternal abandonment. Advertisement Carlsons resentment of the modern left is not merely theoretical. It is personal. It is emotional. And it traces back to a childhood shaped by a mother whose embrace of countercultural leftism came at the expense of basic parental duty. This distinction matters because it explains why Carlsons behavior has grown so erratic, why his alliances are increasingly abhorrent, and why his public instincts now veer toward ruination. WASP decline explains his social fury. Maternal abandonment explains his cancerous politics. Advertisement Carlson was born in 1969 in San Francisco to Lisa McNear Lombardi, an heiress who rejected domestic responsibility in favor of the 1960s and 1970s counterculture. After his parents divorce in the mid-1970s, Lombardi lost custody following evidence of chronic substance abuse and neglect. She subsequently severed all contact with her sons, moved abroad, and never returned to their lives. Advertisement She later left them one dollar each in her will. Carlson has spoken about this abandonment, justifiably describing his mother as cruel, abusive, and wholly uninterested in motherhood. He has acknowledged deep resentment and emotional detachment resulting from her ill-treatment. Advertisement This was not merely a difficult upbringing. It was a textbook case of early maternal separation with lifelong consequences. Decades of empirical research demonstrate that early mother-child separation produces measurable and enduring behavioral damage. A large-scale Early Head Start study found that separations of one week or longer within the first two years of life significantly increased childhood aggression and negativity by ages three and five. Even after controlling for socioeconomic and family instability variables. These effects emerged early and persisted. Advertisement Additional longitudinal research using nationally representative data shows that prolonged parental absence is strongly associated with depression, impaired relationships, and reduced academic performance in adolescence and adulthood. These effects are especially severe among males. Long-term research on children abandoned by mothers after divorce further reveals persistent fears of abandonment, difficulty forming secure relationships, and chronic emotional instability extending decades into adulthood. Carlsons own story has uncomfortable parallels with this research. While his stepmother later provided stability and care, the original wound never healed. Instead, it hardened. It taught detachment. It taught defiance. It taught shamelessness. This is where politics enter the picture. Lombardi did not merely abandon her children. She did so in the name of self-expression, artistic freedom, and countercultural rebellion. She embodied the left-wing ethic that elevates personal liberation over reasonable obligation, self-actualization over self-reliance, and ideological fads over social stability. For a child, that lesson is not abstract. It is visceral. The message is simple and devastating: lefty ideals matter more than you. Carlsons hostility toward leftist culture reflects that internalized betrayal. The modern left becomes a symbolic stand-in for the mother who walked away. His attacks are not merely political critiques. They are emotional reenactments. This helps explain why Carlsons worldview is less a coherent philosophy than a series of resentments. It also explains why his post-Fox News trajectory has grown increasingly mortifying. After his departure from Fox in 2023, Carlson launched an independent digital network and rapidly shed institutional restraints. What followed was not intellectual exploration but ideological decay. He praised a Holocaust denier as the most honest historian. He attacked Republican leadership as illegitimate. He platformed a fringe-right anti-Donald Trump cult leader. He delivered rhetoric that alienated even his former allies. Most revealing, however, was his October 2025 praise of Venezuela under Nicolas Maduro. Carlson publicly suggested that despite Maduros economic failures, the regime deserved recognition for its social conservatism, citing bans on pornography, abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender transition procedures. He framed U.S. opposition to Maduro as ideologically suspect. This moment was not merely wrong. It was repulsive. Maduro presided over economic collapse, mass poverty, election fraud, narco-terrorism, and mass emigration. His regime flooded the United States with drugs through state-linked criminal networks. That Carlson could praise any aspect of such a regime revealed how far his moral compass had eroded. His words aged even worse when Trump announced the successful U.S. military capture of Maduro in Caracas earlier this month. Uncle Sams operation exposed Maduros regime as an outlaw criminal enterprise, not a misunderstood socially-conservative government. Carlsons praise was not anti-interventionist wisdom. It was ideological perversion. This is what unresolved trauma produces when paired with public influence. It does not yield clarity. It yields fixation. It seeks moral order anywhere it can find it, even in tyrannies, so long as those tyrannies offend the same cultural forces associated with early pain. At its core, Carlsons story is not just about the fall of WASPs. It is about the collapse of a family. Leftist ideology did not merely replace WASP America in his mind. It dismantled his childhood. The lesson here is uncomfortable but unavoidable. Motherhood is not a lifestyle accessory. It is a chosen obligation. When mothers abandon their children in pursuit of emotional liberation, the damage does not end in childhood. It metastasizes. It reshapes personality. It warps judgment. It produces adults who lash out in degenerate ways. Carlson is not proof that all abandonment produces extremism. But he is proof that abandonment leaves scars. And those scars can shape public life when the wounded child grows into a powerful adult. His story is a cautionary tale. Not about Democrats or Republicans in the abstract, but about the cost of prioritizing self-indulgent leftism over traditional responsibilities. When the family fractures, society pays the price later. The decline of WASP America explains Carlsons rage. But the origin of his politics, such as they are, lies in something far more personal. A boy left behind. A mother who chose herself. And trendy leftism that taught her it was virtuous to do so. In the end, Carlsons collapse is not merely a spectacle of political excess or cultural grievance. It is a human story about what happens when foundational bonds are severed and never repaired. A society can survive the loss of status. A man can survive professional exile. But a child does not emerge unscarred when a mother walks away in service of ideology, ego, or whim-worshiping. That wound does not disappear with age or success. It calcifies. It seeks meaning. It looks for enemies. Carlsons rudderless rage toward the left, his flirtation with venomous ideas, and his willingness to excuse tyranny in search of order all trace back to that original betrayal. This is why the family remains civilizations most fragile and most essential institution. When it is sacrificed, the consequences echo for generations. Tucker Carlsons story proves that neglect does not stay private. It eventually speaks. And when it does, the damage is never confined to one life alone. Dr. Joseph Ford Cotto is the creator, host, and producer of News Sight, delivering sharp insights on the key events that shape our lives. He publishes Dr. Cotto's Digest, sharing how business and the economy really impact us all. During the 2024 presidential race, he developed the Five-Point Forecast, which accurately predicted Donald Trumps national victory and correctly called every swing state. Cotto holds a doctorate in business administration and is a Lean Six Sigma Certified Black Belt. Image: Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed President Trump may very well have ended twenty-six years of communist dictatorship in Venezuela. By cutting off Venezuelan oil and economic relief to Cuba, theres a chance that sixty-seven years of communist dictatorship will soon come to an end in Castros Caribbean prison, too. Right now Irans Islamic dictatorship is teetering and showing signs of potential collapse forty-seven years after Jimmy Carters foreign policy boys allowed theocratic tyrants to take the strategically pivotal country before also taking fifty-two Americans hostage for four hundred and forty-four days. Finally, the European Union now realizes that President Trump is serious about keeping North Americas Greenland out of the hands of the Russians and Chinese. Advertisement A saying falsely attributed to Vladimir Lenin strikes a chord of truth these days: There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen. Today is no accident of historical fate. Were on Trump Time now, during which the man in charge is making moves around the world faster than most anyone thought possible. Love him or hate him, join him or oppose him, marvel at him or demean him President Trump is the driving force remaking our world today. Information coming out of Iran is difficult to verify. We know that incredibly large protests against the ruling theocratic regime have been taking place in cities and towns across the country. There are reports that civilians are burning mosques and government buildings and attacking the regimes armed enforcers. There are reports that Iranian troops have killed a large number of protesters. The Iranian dictatorship has cut off Internet access to the outside world and made it difficult for cross-border communication. Advertisement Still, President Trump has told Irans Supreme Leader that the U.S. will not stand idly by while Islamic thugs murder civilians. The U.S. will also not be handing Irans theocratic tyrants billions of dollars in unmarked bills on wooden pallets in the middle of the night. Standing back while freedom fighters are blithely executed and handing the executioners bags of cash for pausing the bloodshed is the Barack Obama and Joe Biden way. The Venezuela operation to capture communist dictator Nicolas Maduro in the dead of night is the Donald Trump way. And Irans Islamic oppressors understand and fear the difference. Democrat National Committee Chair Ken Martin has been desperately trying to equate the Iranian uprising with the Democrat-sponsored insurrection against federal agents working to arrest violent criminals, rapists, murderers, and other creeps illegally residing inside the United States. In a social media post, Martin even called Irans government a far-right regime that was no different from the Trump administration. Advertisement Aside from his casual dishonesty and revolting comparison of an elected Republican to an Islamic dictator, Martin conveniently fails to acknowledge that it was a Democrat president who enabled Irans theocratic tyrants to seize power and it was Democrat presidents who continued through the decades to give those tyrants money and other material support in shameful attempts at geopolitical bribery. President Trump, on the other hand, incinerated Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani, took out ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, eliminated countless Iranian-backed Islamic terrorist cells, and annihilated Irans most important nuclear research and production facilities. Embarrassingly, DNC Chair Ken Martin even publicly condemned President Trumps military operation to weaken Irans regime by depriving it of the prestige of possessing nuclear weapons. What Iran regime apologist Ken Martin doesnt want Americans to remember is this: Iranian theocratic tyrants prosper on Democrats watch; they die on President Trumps watch. While Kens propaganda may succeed with indoctrinated Democrats who are busy obstructing ICE officers from arresting violent foreign nationals illegally residing in the United States, Irans Supreme Leader and his murderous enforcers are not so self-confidently ignorant. They know President Trump is a man willing to end them for good. Advertisement In the background of decades-shifting earthquakes shaking up the dictatorships in Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran, there are consequential foreign policy actions recalibrating Americas outdated relationships with her friends. The Trump administration has put Europe on notice: The post-WWII arrangement in which the United States pays for the continents defense and subsidizes its economy through one-sided trade compacts that benefit Europes multinational firms at the expense of American producers and consumers has officially come to an end. Keeping most of Europe out of the grip of the Soviet Union and nursing its economy back to health after the devastation of total war were both moral and strategic objectives that helped to plant seeds of political freedom across the continent. In 2026, however, we are faced with a harsh truth: While those seeds of political freedom did take root and grow for many years in many corners of Europe, the weeds of bureaucratic oppression, viewpoint discrimination, Christian persecution, and rank censorship have grown, too. Advertisement Whatever hopes Bill of Rights-supporting Americans have long had that the Old World might learn to value private property, self-defense, self-determination, and free speech, it is clear that the European Commission and most of its vassal states prefer aristocracy, conditional rights, and authoritarianism deceptively dressed in the garments of democracy. These values so at odds with the Christian principles and Enlightenment liberalism widely embraced by Americas Founding Fathers and so diametrically opposed to the indispensable understanding that our rights are natural and God-given are not ones that Americans are willing to safeguard and defend for another century. American soldiers will not fight and die for European censorship, rigged elections, and bureaucratic tyranny. American taxpayers will not foot the bill for international institutions disguised as monuments to freedom that instead breed corruption, nepotism, scientific fraud, and cruel tyranny. In this regard, the Trump administration is taking two simultaneous actions in its mission to cut off as many heads as possible of a globalist Leviathan that threatens international stability and future peace. Advertisement First, the State Department is overhauling how it provides foreign aid. Besides dismantling the money laundering and regime-change operations of USAID, the Trump administration is no longer handing money to NGO-middlemen that divert taxpayer funds into the bank accounts of leftist-globalist organizations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is targeting for destruction the NGO-industrial-complex that benefits Western political elites (and their extended families) at the expense of foreign countries receiving aid from American taxpayers. By reducing government welfare for NGOs, the Trump administration intends to deconstruct an anti-democratic web of unelected, self-aggrandizing experts-in-name-only who exert entirely too much power over international missions and get rich by fleecing hardworking, tax-paying citizens. Second, President Trump issued a January 7 order directing all Executive Departments and Agencies to cease participating in and funding 35 non-United Nations (UN) organizations and 31 UN entities that operate contrary to U.S. national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty. The next day Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent officially notified the UN of Americas intention to withdraw from the bodys Framework Convention on Climate Change, including the termination of funding to the Global Climate Fund, which finances climate initiatives around the world. By ending American financial support for sixty-six international organizations dedicated to advancing the climate change con, discriminatory social justice programs, and other leftist-globalist pet causes, President Trump is taking a blowtorch to the World Economic Forums Great Reset and the UN-constructed monstrosity known as the New World Order. How have Europes aristocratic leeches and globalist tyrants responded to the news? Germanys Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier articulated the general sentiment when he accused the United States of committing a breach of values and destroying the world order. Frances Napoleonic president, Emmanuel Macron, denounced America for breaking free from international rules. Breaking free from globalist tyranny, however, is the point. America is rebelling against the parasitic New World Order. Welcome to the Trumpian revolution. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Minnesota Nice has morphed into Minnesota No ICE, as we have all seen on our screens. Advertisement The Loony States Democrat officials have sued the federal government for enforcing federal immigration law. Not wanting to be left out of the madness, Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, has followed suit. Hows that for irony?! (Think about it.) Advertisement Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul recently announced that his office has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection, accusing federal agents of unlawful enforcement actions in Illinois. One question for Kwame: How is it that federal agents enforcing federal law as regards illegal aliens is unlawful?! AG Raoul at a press conference: The repeated invasions of private property, wrongful arrests, illegal interrogations, and violent confrontations have not made our city or state safer. Advertisement The repeated invasions by illegal aliens and their often criminal and violent actions have not made your city or state safer, either, pal. And neither have the actions -- or inactions -- of the Illinois or Minnesota state governments led by the bluest of the blue, politically speaking. By contrast, ICE is in your cities and states trying to make them safer for actual citizens. In effect, Walz, Pritzker and company are saying to ICE, How dare you do your jobs and protect American citizens! We dont! But, of course, with these clowns, performative virtue signaling trumps effective action. Advertisement Tim Walz just went full retard Hes knowingly lying through his teeth about ICE to incite violence against them. Literally making stuff up He should be institutionalized. This dude is not ok.pic.twitter.com/biE7cmtWS1 Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 15, 2026 To make matters even worse, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., heartily agreed with MS NOW's "Morning Joe" contributor Mike Barnicle recently, when he suggested flying Democrat senators and members of the NYPD to Minneapolis to confront ICE officers. Do Democrats really want another crack at a civil war? It sure seems like they do. It also seems as though they are bizarrely unfamiliar with the U.S. Constitutions Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2), which declares federal law to be the supreme law of the land, binding state courts and superseding conflicting state laws. In other words, federal law takes precedence over state laws should there be a conflict. Advertisement Democrats almost never oppose federal law when they are in power, but often do when they are not. Yet many Democrats did filibuster the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 1957, President Eisenhower sent federal troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce a federal court order for school integration, much to Democrats dismay. And, of course, there was April 12, 1861, when the Democrat South fired on Fort Sumter to start the Civil War. Howd that go for the country? Are these criminal-loving asshats soon going to fire on ICE? Advertisement Talk about chaos! Im a dedicated federalist, but if states can choose whether or not they want to obey federal (Constitutional) law, the union is in existential peril. And anywhere from 620,000 to 851,000 people would have died in vain. Would it be better for allor even possiblefor the likes of Minnesota and Illinois to secede from the union, or to be thrown out of same? As Lincoln noted, A house divided cannot stand. Therefore, the actions he took were not an attack on federalism or states rights, but a desperate attempt to save the union. It is impossible at this point to know the ramifications had he not been successful in doing so, whether regarding slavery, World War I, World War II, or several other crucially important historical institutions and events. What would Lincoln do now? Its hard to say with certainty and conviction. But he wouldnt send senators and policemen to needlessly confront federal troops in Minneapolis or anywhere else. Image: X video screenshot After recent media stories stirred up speculation, South Korean actress Kang Sung Yeon has spoken out to clarify her personal life. On January 12, 2026, Kang posted a long message on Instagram in response to what she called false claims by the Korean press. She included a screenshot of a news story that suggested her recent move was because of worries about her child's safety and feelings. Kang addressed the story directly, saying, "No, this is not true. I had been considering moving for a long time, and after deep discussions with my family, we made this decision with great difficulty. Gwanggyo and the schools my children attended are not only safe, but truly beautiful and wonderful places to live. I'm already deeply saddened and heartbroken about having to move farther away from a school we'd grown attached to and from my children's beloved friends. On top of that, because of repeatedly incorrect articles, my children and I are now preparing for this move with heavy hearts, while also having to explain ourselves due to misunderstandings we never wanted." Read more: Kang Sung Yeon Reveals Her Two Sons Gave Up English Classes for a Surprising Reason Koreaboo reported that Kang's post aimed to rectify what she perceived as inaccurate stories about her parenting and recent headlines. The actress then discussed an incident involving her son that got media attention in November 2025. Kang gave more details, saying how the situation affected her. She stated, "The incident in which my child was injured two months ago was not the result of playful roughhousing among friends. It was one-sided harm inflicted upon my child. Through the teacher and my child, I did receive an apology from the other child. However, my feelings remained unresolved because of the phone call I had with the other child's guardian, during which no genuine sincerity was conveyed." She then talked about how the ongoing coverage and labels affected her and her family. Kang said,"I never imagined that expressing my hurt feelings and anger at the time would continue to be turned into articles for so long, or be so severely distorted. I want to prevent my Instagram, where I place great meaning in sharing small, everyday moments with my family and my parenting journey, from being pieced together according to others' assumptions under labels like 'divorced, single mom,' and then reported as if those narratives were factual." In the same post, Kang revealed something new about her personal life. She admitted she was divorced but clarified her current relationship. She said,"And as for me, I am doing very well. Happy and at peace." She later added, "And I'm also doing well, thanks to meeting a truly wonderful person who cherishes and loves my children even more than I do, so you can now put your excessive worries to rest!" News1 said that Kang Sung Yeon married pianist Kim Ga On in 2012 and has two sons. Her divorce was announced on December 21, 2023, but it was later revealed that the marriage had ended in 2022. READ MORE: WATCH: Kang Sung Yeon "Knows Everything" in the 2nd Teaser for the Upcoming MBC Drama The rapidly escalating war against parents continues in California. According to a new expose from Anna Slatz as Reduxx news, a county Child Welfare agency just seized custody of a young teenaged girl, taking her from her father and mother, because the parents wont affirm the girls made-up sexual identity that she discovered after working with a therapist for anxiety and depression issues. Advertisement As Slatz reports, the girl had a long history of poor mental healthshe also suffered a potential brain injuryand the therapist sessions always included the mothers presenceuntil they didnt. In March 2023, the girl asked to meet with Dr. Sager alone: My daughter asked [Dr. Sager] do you help with LGBTQ issues, and then asked me to leave the room. I had concerns, but I did it because I didnt want to be perceived as imposing on my daughters therapy, Ellie [the mother] explains, adding that she knew almost nothing about transgenderism or any other LGBTQ issues at the time. Advertisement Within a month, by April 2023, the 13-year-old girl was making chilling comments about state law that permitted government officials to remove children from a home if their parents dont affirm their new identities, and shortly after that, at the age of 14, she was demanding cross-sex synthetic hormones and a hysterectomy. At this point, the mother describes her daughter as becoming unmanageable and so she reached out to Dr. Sager, asking for help. Dr. Sager feigned supporthowever: Advertisement Unbeknownst to Ellie [the mother], Dr. Sager was already in the process of filing a report with county child welfare services to have Maya removed from their custody. So, acting on a tip from the girls therapist, an agent with the Shasta County Child Welfare Services showed up at the family home unannounced, accused the parents of emotional harm, and without presenting a warrant or court order, demanded the child who at the time, was still only 14 years old. When Ellie began to ask questions about what in the world was going on, saying that without presenting the parents with an ID, judges order, or any form of legitimate documentation then the stranger on the porch was actually not going to be allowed access to the girl, the child welfare agent departed, and told the girl that since the county social worker wasnt legally permitted to drive her, shed have to jog behind the caraccording to the parents, the agent stated that identification and paperwork was unnecessary. The agent then called the police, and eight officers quickly arrived to force the parents to hand over their daughter. Advertisement Since then, things have gone from bad to worse: Not content to kidnap a child from her parents and encourage psychiatric harm, the state went further, placing mom and dad on a child abuse registry, which specifically impacted the mothers ability to remain a teacher. How long until we see justice? Advertisement Image generated by ChatGPT. I used to be such a sweet, sweet thing Advertisement Til they got a hold of me I opened doors for little old ladies Advertisement I helped the blind to see I got no friends cause they read the papers Advertisement They cant be seen with me And Im gettin real shot down Advertisement And Im feeling mean No more Mr. Nice Guy Advertisement No more Mr. Clean No more Mr. Nice Guy Advertisement They say hes sick, hes obscene Alice Cooper, No More Mr. Nice Guy, 1974 My advice to the president is to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 and deploy federal troops to Minnesota. Sixty-three years ago, a defiant Alabama Gov. George Wallace yielded to the will of President Kennedys federalized National Guard. Vowing segregation forever, and blocking black students on the University of Alabama steps, in symbolic defiance of federal integration orders, he was forced to step aside. In similar fashion to Gov. Wallace, Gov. Walz has fomented unrest among Minnesotans by telling them to interfere with the lawful actions of ICE. A further display of federal force is needed now in the face of Gov. Walzs defiance. As Gov. Walz, protected by his phalanx of childless cat ladies armed with snow shovels and umbrellas, stands on the Minnesotan Capitol steps preaching that Minnesotans resist ICE, the president must show him that the federal government will not tolerate rebellion in the form of sanctuary city proclamation. Mr. President, its time to assert federal authority. No more Mr. Nice Guy. Image: Public domain. Flipping the bird and hurling the f-bomb are getting mainstream these days. Advertisement President Trump flipped off a heckler in Michigan. Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams told an angry passenger on an airplane, Go f--- yourself. Advertisement Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spewed a toilet full of epithets against President Trump over his administration's enforcement of immigration law. Former Vice President Kamala Harris used the 'f' bomb in casual conversation over predictably trivial matters. Advertisement Magnate Elon Musk used the triple flip when a media interviewer told him that Disney and other corporations were going to boycott Twitter (later renamed X) because Musk was allowing freedom of speech once again on the platform. Theres a whole lot of cursing, swearing, and incivility going on in politics these days. Advertisement And I cant say Im thrilled about it. Lets dispense with the non-politicians first. Elon Musk placed a well-timed 'go f---- yourself' to demonstrate his callous, yet courageous, disregard for the powers that be trying to silence his cunning and necessary effort to restore freedom of speech. Advertisement A sense of powerlessness has pervaded many of us conservatives on social media. How many of us have had our platforms taken away because we said the truth or posted a not-so-politically correct opinion? No doubt, we have been pushed to cursing and swearing when our means of communication were suspended. Musk channeled that outrage and he did something about it. Notice, also, that Musk doesnt make a career out of cursing. One GFY, and the rest was history. He restored our freedom of speech on X, provided a path for the rest of the world to be heard once again, and he retained his dignity. Advertisement As for former Mayor Eric Adams, hes a private citizen, and he rebuffed another private citizen in private, get the pointwho was harassing him. A third party caught him on camera cursing and swearing? So what. He was angry, abused, and rightly offended. He didnt hold back his frustration, and he told the unmoored SJW to GFY. The Democrats, meanwhile, such as Frey, Harris, and many more, speak for themselves. But how should we respond to President Trump letting loose with some bad language and ungainly gestures? LMAO! Someone HECKLED President Trump at the Ford plant today, so he mouthed F*** YOU and flipped them the bird THATS the President Trump I know and love pic.twitter.com/lgex2Af7tO Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 13, 2026 I am not someone to pooh-pooh Donald Trump for ruffling feathers and dispensing with the niceties. But there should be some civility in our politics. In fact, there should be some civility from our statesmen as they engage in statescraft. It wasnt always this way, of course. In 1976, lame-duck Vice President Nelson Rockefeller flipped someone the bird. Once, Trump was a private citizen. He walked the halls of power, paid off the right people to do the right things, but he wasnt the big decision maker in the legislature or the executive office. As a real estate and media mogul, President Trump developed a pretty rough reputation. Then he started floating interest in running for office. In 2011, he cursed out President Obama for his terrible leadership, his capitulation to terrorism, and his disregard for securing our nations border. The rumors started to float. He spoke his mind, said some off-color language, got a lot of peoples attention, but ultimately waited for a better time. Sure, the cursing at the time got on my nerves a little bit, but the country was hurting. A young lady told President Obama in 2012 that she was tired, tired of defending him, and she was worried that with a terrible economy, she and her husband would have to go back to eating beans and weiners every night. The Great Recession had drained millions to their last. We were all frustrated with the political class, the political correctness, and the resolute incompetence. Voters craved a strong man, an outsider with panache for leadership minus the useless filter of diplomatic niceties. The country was embattled like never before, and cleaning up eight years of Obamas mess meant having to dig deep and deal with the deepest, darkest dungeons of corruption in Washington, DC and throughout the country. Trump delivered on that desire, and the people loved it. He spoke off the cuff, riffed and rebuffed the pundits, insulted reporters, dragged politicians. And we liked it. I loved it! Fast forward eleven years, President Trump is clearly King of the Hill Capitol Hill, that is. He is the alpha male, top dog in the world. Hes not the outsider trying to fit into the political sphere or machine. He is the machine. He is the leader, he sets the tone, changing the direction of the country, and setting a new course for global politics. He is not embattled, since he won the battles. He can mock his opponents, and he is politically untouchable. All the impeachments in the world will come to nothing, and he is not running for another term. So, when Trump 2.0 curses and swears, when he flips off hecklers, theres something empty, dispiriting, and just plain wrong about it. You are the head of state, President Trump. You intimidated Russian dictator Vladimir Putin with a well-timed flyover of our hardest-hitting air force fighter planes. You have brought Denmark to its knees, forcing it to negotiate the future of Greenland. You arrested Venezuelan dictator, Nicolas Maduro for drug trafficking. You settled nine international conflicts, and radical Islam is on the run. Why stoop to give negative glory to some loser in Michigan? Why give him the finger? Trump needs to learn the lesson of the Mad Men. The junior executive can say: I feel sorry for you. The senior executive, who gets the deals and doesnt care about being nice, simply dismisses the simp with a casual: I dont even think about you. Some wearied leftist still working at a manufacturing plant is shouting epithets at you? Learn from the Blessed King David, and let him alone. The brothers accused him of having naughty intentions when he came to the battlefield. David simply responded, Is there not a cause? Then he went on to defeat Goliath. When Shimei the bitter Benjaminite cursed and swore at David, kicking up sand and throwing stones, David allowed it to happen, sensing that perhaps God was punishing him. Of course, that was not the case, and the king had the last say, putting Shimei under house arrest and later, his son, the most glorious King Solomon, would execute him. David never stooped to the level of his enemies (opponents, opposition), because they were controlled. Trump is in control, with consummate control. So why act like he has none by flipping some loser off? This is bad character, and it gives off weakness. Trump leads us, he represents our country, and should elaborate the consummate power at their hands. Hes not weak, so he shouldnt act that way. His political opponents have resorted to profanities and its not helping them! U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin curses a lot. Democrat pundits are applauding her up. But why does she curse? Because she and her liberal ilk are powerless. Democrats cant stop the Trump juggernaut. Add to their impotence before Trump their fear of the progressive leftist base, and you can see why they spit out four-letter words. They have to do something! They must show the powers that be that they are not afraid of Trump, and they are really, really angry! But its all for show, and it means nothing. Cursing and swearing are for the limited intellect or the feckless functionary. At this point, Trump needs to tighten up his rhetoric and presence on the world stage. He is called to higher things. Pastors and priests are praying for him. Hes won. And its time for him to act like it. Image: Screenshot from X video Progressive-left elitist narrative and rhetoric on its surface virtuously advocates the need to attain equality, tolerance, and social enlightenment as moral imperatives. In reality, the movement is designed to overturn and replace a system progressivism regards as capitalistic, patriarchal, and white supremacist. Advertisement Socialism: A system that provides for equity, elevating the needy, oppressed, and disenfranchised. No. A fall-back position for those abandoning self-reliance for state dependency at the expense of the productive. Mamdani baits New Yorkers. Activism: Social justice warriors fighting for the rights of the marginalized. No. Victims of the system motivated and incited to attack it, but who angrily do so to vent strictly personal grievances unrelated to whatever cause they are championing. White liberal women vs. ICE?! Advertisement Democrats: Politicians who strive to elevate the oppressed. No. Politicians who strive to keep them oppressed while undermining the oppressors. Liberals: Those who advocate co-existence, brotherhood of man, community of nations. Were all in this together! No: Those who need to deny the fact that human nature places self-interest above social responsibility and collectivism because such a scenario threatens them. Advertisement Feminists: Women against misogyny. No. Women who seek security in career or from the state rather than in a patriarchal family structure. Toxic femininity. Gender fluidity: Freedom of mind over matter. No. A rejection of gender roles and biological authoritarianism. Cant define woman. Advertisement Racism: A barrier to opportunity and equality. No. A genetic trait expressed only in Caucasians. Diversity: Our greatest strength. No. A counter to and diluent of white supremacy. Advertisement Open borders: Sanctuary for asylum seekers. Its who we are! No. A means to advance diversity and globalization over nationalism. Unconstitutional!: Any act that threatens our democracy! No. Any act that challenges the progressive agenda (aka: TDS). Advertisement The progressive movement has morphed from watchdog to wolf pack. Advanced initially as a movement to constructively reign in unbridled capitalism, counter segregation, and advance womens and workers rights, it has swung full circle into now attacking the social structure it helped create by stoking discontent, promoting DEI, and openly embracing socialism. The left is congenitally discontent, finding injustices in any environment, even one of its own creation. Democrat voters choosing to allay personal grievances by supporting the progressive agenda are in for a rude awakening. Image generated by ChatGPT. Whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States. 18 U.S.C. 2383 Advertisement While federal law is clear that insurrection and rebellion are very bad crimes, indeed, both Congress and the Supreme Court have steered clear of specifically defining it. Like Justice Potter Stewarts comment on obscenity, the general feeling seems to be, I know it when I see it. Watching Minnesota Governor Tim Walzs overwrought description of ICE enforcement efforts in Minneapolis and his call for actionostensibly peaceful but with full approval of the increasingly violent conduct currently waged against ICE agents...well, I see a burgeoning insurrection or rebellion movement. Walz clearly envisions himself as the commander of the Citadel cadets as they fired on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, sparking the bloodiest war in American history. Advertisement X screen grab. Advertisement In a series of 19th-century decisions, the Supreme Court did lay down a few parameters. In 1807s Ex parte Bollman, the Court looked at the case of civilians accused of joining the Burr-Wilkinson Plot to establish an independent empire in Americas Western territories. He held that for there to be true treason, it wasnt enough for a few whackdoodles to have big, anti-American dreams. Instead, people had to assemble specifically to use force to overthrow the government. Advertisement The Supreme Court was quiet on the subject until 1863, when the Civil War had been raging for two years. Then, in the Prize Cases, the Court addressed whether the naval blockade against the Souththat is, the President closing what had been considered American portswas constitutional. In this context, the Court said that the armed resistance to the governments authority had to be such that it required military, rather than mere law enforcement intervention. After the Civil War, in 1869s Texas v. White, the Court held that insurrection requires formal organization, troops, and actual warfare. Again, the focus is on collective, not individual, action, armed resistance, opposition to the government, and an intensity that exceeds the ability of ordinary police forces to resist. Advertisement So, heres the question for you. Listen to Tim Walzs hysterical description of events in Minnesota, his attacks on the federal government, and his delicately phrased demands for citizen action. And, yes, I know he uses the word peaceful, but the remainder of his statement clearly means he expects his supporters to continue the sustained assaults on ICE weve seen for the past weeks, action that he enthusiastically praises. Now, take into consideration his bully pulpit as governor of the state. So, what do you see? As for me, I think I know it when I see it: IMPORTANT I dont say this lightly, but everyone needs to watch this. I think we just witnessed Tim Walz incite an insurrection. He is trying to paint ICE as the equivalent to the Gestapo, claiming they are hunting down all people of color and asking for papers. This pic.twitter.com/mxpy3WNNKN Clandestine (@WarClandestine) January 15, 2026 And here is the transcript, for those who do not want to listen to Walz: Advertisement Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been close allies and partners and leading members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) founded in 1981, essentially by UAE and Kuwait. The GCC brought together six Gulf states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are the states with the largest populations. The Saudi population is estimated to be 36.01 million and the UAEs approximately 11,346,000. In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt imposed a blockade on Qatar, severing diplomatic ties and implementing land, sea, and air restrictions, accusing it of supporting terrorism and interfering in regional affairs, particularly backing groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and fostering ties with Iran. Advertisement Saudi Arabia and the UAE share geopolitical interests and cooperate militarily, and both are members of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). They have strong economic links and joint committees that manage energy, finance, and investment projects. To some extent, they have shared in the Al-Arabiya network, which was launched in 2003 from Dubai in the UAE, to serve as a competitor to the Qatari network of Al Jazeera. The Saudi government does, however, hold a major stake of 54% in the conglomerate called the Middle East Broadcasting Center (MBC). The network has since moved its operation from Dubai to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As previously mentioned, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have historically been close allies based on their shared interests, being united against Iran and Islamist groups (e.g., the Muslim Brotherhood). In recent years, however, they have experienced growing strategic competition, especially in Yemen and Sudan. There is now a frenemy dynamic, where cooperation co-exists with rivalry over regional dominance, foreign policies, and economic models, leading to increasing tensions, despite mutual interests in stability and development projects. Advertisement Saudi Arabia and the UAE have not always seen eye to eye, even on matters related to the GCC. They have differed on a single GCC currency, primarily due to a power struggle over the location and structure of the proposed regional central bank, with the UAE withdrawing from the monetary union project after the bank was slated for Riyadh, not Abu Dhabi, reflecting deeper economic competition and contrasting visions for regional financial dominance. The UAE favored a decentralized system, whereas Saudi Arabia pushed for a centralized one, stalling progress on the single currency (Khaleej) for years. The Saudi-backed government in Yemen is currently led by the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), chaired by Dr. Rashad al-Alimi, who took over from President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi in 2022 and heads an eight-member body representing various anti-Houthi factions, though recent events show internal rifts, especially with southern separatists (STC). For some time, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been working together to support the Yemeni government against the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the north. But southern separatists, known as the Southern Transitional Council (STC), began attacking Yemeni government forces, hoping to control the southern part of the country with the goal of establishing an independent South Yemen once again. The STC took control of military bases in Aden the city where the government had set up its capital after Houthi rebels pushed it out of the north. Iran-backed Houthi rebels still control critical northwestern territories, including the capital, Sanaa. The Saudi supported government has lost more strategic areas in southern Yemen to the STC, which has been trained and supported by the UAE. Advertisement Saudi Arabia and the UAE are supporting different sides in Sudans civil war, fueling the conflict; Saudi Arabia backs the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General al-Burhan, viewing them as legitimate state authority, whereas the UAE provides significant military and financial support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), aiming for economic influence, especially over gold mines, creating a regional proxy conflict. Riyadh recognizes al-Burhan as the sole legitimate authority in Sudan. Reports from early 2026 indicate Saudi Arabia is negotiating a $4-billion package for JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan, potentially intended for the SAF. The UAEs involvement is driven by a desire for regional economic dominance. Dubai is a major global gold-trading and refining hub, and maintaining this status requires a massive and continuous influx of raw gold. The UAE, with no significant domestic gold mines, imports vast quantities, with a large percentage coming from Africa, including Sudan. Advertisement Saudi Arabia and the UAE differ in their approach to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, with the UAE favoring continued engagement and normalization (Abraham Accords), whereas Saudi Arabia links normalization to Israeli cooperation with its commitment to a path for Palestinian statehood. Somaliland is yet another area of contention between the two Gulf allies. The United Arab Emirates has reportedly quietly recognized Somaliland by accepting its passports, while simultaneously barring travelers with Somali documents. This significant policy shift follows Israels move to become the first U.N. member-state to officially recognize the breakaway region. Although Abu Dhabi has not issued an official declaration, a change on its visa website has drawn attention. Advertisement Abu Dhabis move aligns with its deep-seated strategic interests in the Horn of Africa. Central to the UAEs strategy is the Port of Berbera, managed by Dubai-based DP World, which offers a vital alternative to Djibouti in the Gulf of Aden. By strengthening ties with Somaliland, the UAE aims to secure its maritime influence and counter regional rivals like Saudi Arabia, which remains allied with Somalias federal government in Mogadishu. While UAE and Israel seem to be on the same side on Somaliland, Saudi Arabias stance on Somaliland joins Qatar and Turkey. The United States seeks close relations with the two Gulf states, but the UAE is far more aligned with American and Israeli interests in promoting more Arab and Muslim countries joining the Abraham Accords. Advertisement Image: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Credit: Needpix. When Captain Joseph Frazer rescued Narcisse Pelletier from Aboriginal people in 1875, it was not the first time a white captive had been recovered from Australias bushmen. A quarter of a century earlier, sailors from a British naval vessel had carried out a similar rescue, this time of a white woman shipwrecked in the Torres Strait, who had been compelled to live among Aboriginal people as the wife of one of their men. Through Barbara Thompsons story, we glimpse not only an extraordinary personal ordeal, but also the everyday realities of Aboriginal life as observed by someone who lived within it. HMS Rattlesnake, the ship that rescued Barbara Thompson. Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Barbara Thompson was born Barbara Crawford in Dundee, Scotland, in the late 1820s. In 1837, her father, a tinsmith by trade, took his family to New South Wales where he hoped to start a new life for himself and his children in Sydney. At some point, Barbara left the family home in Pyrmont, married a man named William Thompson and started living in Moreton Bay. In 1845, William Thompson learned that a ship named Clarence filled with whale oil had run aground on Bampton Shoals, over 1,000 km away in the Coral Sea. Thompson thought that he could make some easy money if he could locate the shipwreck and retrieve as many barrels of oil as possible. The salvage rights to Clarence had already been sold to a man named Cole, who dispatched the schooner Elizabeth, under the command of Captain Riley, to Bampton Shoals to make good on his investment. However, a ferocious storm swept the Elizabeth from her moorings and out to sea while the crew was aboard the Clarence. After being stranded on the stricken ship for six weeks, Captain Riley and his men took a longboat and set sail for Moreton Bay. The passage took them 37 gruelling days. At Moreton Bay, Captain Riley sold the longboat to William Thompson, who named the three-ton cutter-rigged vessel America. The salvage rights to the Clarence and her cargo, likely still belonged to Cole. Despite that, Thompson set sail from Moreton Bay intending to reach the wreck site, fill his hold with the Clarences whale oil before continuing through Torres Strait and on to Port Essington with his spoils. Fate, however, had different plans. Not only was Thompson unable to find the Clarence or even Bampton Shoals, for that matter, he soon ran out of provisions, forcing him to abandon the search and make for Port Essington via Torres Strait. While trying to clear the tip of Cape York, the America struck a reef off the eastern end of Prince of Wales Island and sank. Thompson drowned but Barbara was rescued by the Islanders. One of her captors, a man named Boroto, claimed Barbara as his wife, almost certainly against her wishes. Although she appears to have been treated well, she was forbidden from making contact with any of the many ships that passed through the Torres Strait each year, a restriction that effectively made her a prisoner. An elder of the group declared that Barbara was the reincarnation of his deceased daughter, Giaom, a belief that secured her place within the community. In her honour, she was renamed Giaom. Giaom, as she was now known, lived among the Kaurareg for the next four years. She learned their language, customs, and way of life, sharing in both their hardships and their moments of ease, and seems to have been generally well liked. Yet life with the Kaurareg would have posed formidable challenges for any white person of the era. Barbara never abandoned the hope of returning to her former life, but escape was difficult. She was constantly in the company of other women, who would almost certainly have alerted the men had she attempted to flee. After several years, however, an opportunity finally presented itself. In October 1849, Barbara learned from a friend that a ship had anchored near the tip of Cape York. Determined to leave the Kaurareg behind, she told the women with whom she lived that she wished only to meet the white men and shake their hands. Reassured by this explanation, they accompanied her across to the mainland. When her husband, Boroto, discovered her intentions, he and several companions set out in pursuit. On 16 October, Barbara Thompson and the women with her encountered a party of sailors from the British survey ship HMS Rattlesnake. Naked except for a fringe of leaves tied about her waist, Barbara went unrecognized as a white woman. Her skin, darkened and blistered by years of exposure to the tropical sun, made her indistinguishable from the Aboriginal women around her. The sailors passed her by without a second glance. Only then did Barbara cry out, I am a white woman. Why do you leave me? HMS Rattlesnake. Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Barbara pleaded the startled sailors to take her with them. The sailors gave her a shirt to cover herself and took her to the Captain who listened to her story. When Boroto came alongside in a canoe and demand that she be returned to him, Captain Owen Stanley replied that the choice to stay or go was hers alone to make. John MacGillivray, the ships 26-year-old naturalist, recorded the incident in his diary which was later published as Narrative of the Voyage of HMS Rattlesnake. MacGillivray wrote: Asked by Captain Stanley whether she preferred remaining with us to accompanying the natives back, she was so agitated, making use of scraps of English with Kowrarega language, and then, not understood, the poor creature blushed all over, and beat her forehead with her hand, as if to assist in collecting her thoughts. At length she found words: Sir, I am a Christian and would rather go back to my own friends. Boroto tried to lure his wife to go back to him, but when she refused, he grew furious and threatened to kill her. During the voyage back aboard HMS Rattlesnake, Barbara spoke at length with the ships naturalist, John MacGillivray, describing the customs, beliefs, and language of the Kaurareg. Her account of relations between the Islanders and the mainland Aboriginal people was of great interest to the naturalist. HMS Rattlesnake arrived back in England in 1850. After her rescue, she returned to mainland Australia and reunited with her parents in Sydney. She is said to have remarried, and died in 1916, aged 85. References: # Four Years in Torres Strait: The Extraordinary Tale of Barbara Thompson. Tales from the Quarterdeck # The Scot who was a real-life Robinson Crusoe. Scottish Field Magazine California has officially opened a legal front against Elon Musks AI company, xAI, following reports that its chatbot, Grok, has been used to generate nonconsensual sexually explicit images. Attorney General Rob Bonta is leading the investigation, with Governor Gavin Newsom providing support. It marks the first significant U.S. government action targeting the platform over the creation of deepfake imagery involving women and minors. Elon Musks xAI under investigation for generating nonconsensual AI deepfakes The probe centers on allegations that Groks image generation tools allow users to take existing photos of people and digitally alter them into suggestive or explicit situations without their consent. State officials are particularly concerned about a spicy mode within the app. They claim that Musk markets Grok in a way that encourages the production of explicit content. One analysis cited by the Attorney Generals office found that a staggering number of images generated during a single week in late 2025 depicted people in minimal clothing. Some of these persons allegedly appeared to be children. Elon Musk has publicly denied any knowledge of Grok generating illegal content. In a post on X, I stated he was aware of literally zero naked underage images created by the chatbot. Grok cant create photos of naked people. However, it can still put them in a swimsuit in suggestive ways. He further argued that Grok does not spontaneously create these images but only acts upon specific user requests. However, legal experts suggest this defense might face challenges in court. Section 230 usually protects platforms from liability for what users post on their accounts. But many argue that since xAIs own model is the one physically creating the images, the company should be responsible for the output. From California to the UK California is not the only place where Grok is experiencing the fallout. Federal lawmakers and advocacy groups are now calling on tech giants like Apple and Google to remove X and Grok from their respective app stores. Outside the United States, the pressure is even higher. International regulators in the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Indonesia have already expressed disgust or implemented bans. The UK is even warning that X could lose its right to self-regulate if it cannot control its AI tools. X has recently limited access to paying subscribers and restricted some image generation permissions in response to the growing backlash. However, some suggest that even though these images are less visible to the public, the Grok standalone app and website may still let users make controversial content in private. Most of us are probably familiar with Reddit. Its pretty much the one-stop shop you would go to if youre seeking out like-minded people for your hobbies, interests, or if you want actual anecdotes from people on products youre thinking of buying. However, Reddit wasnt always the frontpage of the internet. Back in the heydays, Reddit had a competitor in Digg. Now interestingly enough, both companies original founders have joined forces to relaunch Digg. Digg and Reddit founders join forces Back in 2012, Digg was split into multiple parts. Some of it was sold to Betaworks, an incubator, while the rest were snapped up by other companies like LinkedIn and the Washington Post. However, in 2025, Digg original founder Kevin Rose was joined by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian to buy back the company. Now with the company back under his control, Rose and Ohanian have announced the open beta for the newly-relaunched Digg. In a way, if youve used Reddit, then this shouldnt be too dissimilar of an experience. There are multiple communities that you can find and join depending on your interest. You can also post, comment, upvote, and so on. Both platforms were fierce rivals back in the day. Digg launched first followed by Reddit shortly after. However, several missteps led to Digg falling behind and allowed Reddit to dominate the space. But why come back now? Its hard to imagine an internet without Reddit. This makes us wonder how will the new Digg convince users to jump ship? Turns out, we might have AI to thank for this. It turns out that Rose and Ohanian believe that with AI tools, they will be able to better address the toxicity of todays social media scene. They also want to tackle the issue with bots that are flooding not just Reddit, but X as well. This means that instead of using simple checkmarks that verify users, the company wants to leverage new technologies like zero-knowledge proofs as a form of verification. They are also considering proof-of-ownership as a means of verification as well. For example, if youre joining a community based around a certain product, you have to show proof you own it if you want to post in it. In any case, if youre interested in an alternative online community, you can sign up for the open beta on Diggs website. From the very beginning of the AI boom, one debate has been ever-present: content ownership. To develop their services, AI companies use massive amounts of data available on the internet. However, many publishers feel they have been unfairly disadvantaged by not receiving fair compensation. In a new development, theres a controversy regarding Googles stance on AI training payment as it came under scrutiny during a hearing with the UKs Lords Communications and Digital Committee. Roxanne Carter, a public affairs executive at Google, clarified that the company does not believe it should pay for freely available content used to train their AI models. Google defends its position of not paying publishers for AI training on public data Googles case is based on a specific definition of how AI works. Carter says that AI models like Gemini are not databases or systems for finding information. Instead, they look at huge amounts of data to find statistical links and patterns between ideas and words. Google says that the end goal is to use these patterns to make wholly new content. They claim that their AI is not just copying what publishers or creators have done. Google wont pay for training on the open web, but they do distinguish between general web scraping and specialized access. The company is actively making deals for archival content and specialized datasets that arent available to the public. In short, the firm is willing to pay for access to data that is not on their own platform. But they are not doing so for training the AI on what they consider the public domain of the internet. Googles AI Overviews: The opt-out dilemma For publishers, the situation is more complex. Google highlights a tool called Google Extended, which allows website owners to stay in Google Search while opting out of having their content used to train AI models like Gemini. This sounds like a fair compromise on paper. But a significant grey area remains regarding AI Overviewsthe summaries that appear at the very top of search results. When asked if publishers could opt out of AI Overviews in particular, Googles representatives were vague. Using some specific tags seems like a way to not show up in these summaries right now. Unfortunately, adding these tags could also make it harder for people to find a site in regular search results. This puts smaller publishers in a tough spot: they can either let AI summarize their work (which could lower the number of direct clicks) or risk losing their search ranking completely. The smaller players could be the most affected Government officials are worried that big media companies can make lucrative deals with tech giants, but smaller companies often miss out. People are worried that AI summaries might be able to compete with the articles they summarize. This means that AI summaries might be using the creators own work to keep people on the search page instead of sending them to the original source. Regulatory bodies continue to consult on these issues. Meanwhile, the definition of fair use in the age of AI remains the ultimate question. For now, Google maintains the firm idea that the open web is a free classroom for their AI, even as the creators of that content argue that their free information is what makes the AI valuable in the first place. Goo Hye Sun, an actress known for both her performances as an actress and her well-publicized personal life, has once again stepped back into the public eye for her academic accomplishments. On January 13, Goo Hye-sun posted to her social media channels, informing her followers about her graduate studies. The post had a photo and papers about her schoolwork, showing that she's now concentrating on her achievements instead of past problems. The update quickly spread online, sparking conversations among fans. In the post, Goo talked about the plagiarism check on her master's thesis. She said, "The plagiarism rate is 1%. I will continue to strive harder. Thank you for your support," according to Koreaboo. She posted pictures of her graduation photo and the official plagiarism results for her thesis. The papers showed that Goo's master's thesis had a 1% plagiarism rate, which attracted attention since South Korea is always talking about academic honesty among famous people. Koreaboo said that the actress looked pleased with the result and said it inspired her to improve her work. Born in 1984, Goo Hye-sun got a Master of Engineering degree from KAIST's Graduate School of Science Journalism. She finished early, making people even more interested in her studies. She's renowned for her acting, but she's also worked as a director, writer, musician, and visual artist. Naver said that Goo recently got a special award for Creative Talent. The award was part of KAIST's new cultural plan called "QAIST," which recognized 19 outstanding teams and people. The news source said that the award shows KAIST is trying to encourage creativity that crosses different fields and contributions to culture. This recognition comes years after Goo's public and messy divorce, which kept her personal life in the news for a long time. Since then, she's been trying to get people to focus on her creative and academic work instead of her personal problems. By sharing official papers and graduation photos, Goo seemed to want her real achievements to speak for themselves. Naver mentioned that her choice to share the plagiarism check results directly might have been to stop any doubts and show that she's being open about her schoolwork. Google has announced a big update to its AI assistant with the release of Personal Intelligence for Gemini. The goal of this new feature is to turn Gemini from a general knowledge engine into a real personal assistant that knows whats going on in your life and can give you truly personalized responses. Gemini can now connect to your Google ecosystem safely and bridge the gap between different apps to give you answers that are just right for you. Google Geminis new personal intelligence remembers the details you forget The core idea behind Personal Intelligence is to let Gemini connect the dots across your digital history. Up until now, AI assistants were great at fetching a single email or finding a specific photo if you asked directly. Meanwhile, personal intelligence goes a step further. The upgrade uses reasoning to combine information about you from multiple sources. The list includes things like Gmail, Google Photos, Search history, and even YouTube. This feature enables a new level of functionality and depth to Gemini responses. For instance, if you are standing at a car shop and cant remember your tire size or license plate, Gemini can now scour your inbox for a past receipt or find a specific photo of your vehicle to give you the answer in seconds. Powered by Gemini 3 models This functionality is powered by the latest Gemini 3 model family with advanced reasoning capabilities. It uses a method that Google calls context packing. The latter helps to surface the most relevant details from your vast amount of data only when a personal touch is actually helpful. For example, if you are planning a vacation, Gemini doesnt just suggest popular tourist spots. Instead, the AI will look at your past trips and interests stored in your emails and photos to recommend experiences you might actually enjoy. Privacy remains a central focus of this rollout. Personal Intelligence is off by default, meaning you have to manually choose to enable it. You can also select exactly which apps Gemini can access. Google emphasizes that the AI does not learn or train directly on your private Gmail or Photos data. Instead, it simply references that information to answer your specific queries. The system is designed to understand how to locate a piece of information, such as a license plate number, without permanently absorbing it into the models general training set. Data privacy measures There are also clear boundaries regarding sensitive topics. Gemini is designed to avoid making proactive assumptions about health data. It will discuss these topics if you explicitly ask it to, though. Users also have the option to use temporary chats or regenerate responses without personalization. This is useful for when you want a clean slate for a specific conversation. The company notes that your information isnt being sent to third parties to make this personalization work. After all, your data already exists within Googles secure servers. Currently, the feature is rolling out to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the United States. Plus, the initial rollout is labeled as a beta, so you may find some bugs. If you are an eligible user, you can find the option by tapping your profile photo in the Gemini app, heading to Settings, and selecting Personal Intelligence. From there, you can toggle on the specific Google apps you want to connect. Lastly, Google plans to expand the feature to more countries and eventually to the free tier in the future. After months of controversy and worldwide scrutiny, Grok finally bans the illegal porn generation on the platform. X has confirmed that it has now restricted Grok from producing child sexual abuse material and non-consensual explicit images. This decision follows global criticism, legal orders from the government, and international bans over how the AI tool was used. Grok finally bans illegal porn and explicit image generation Elon Musks social media firm X confirms that Grok can no longer generate non-consensual explicit images. The company labels the move as a safety measure, however, its limited scope has raised questions about accountability, enforcement, and the future of AI image generation. The problem started escalating when some users started using Grok to generate pornographic images from real photographs, including content involving children. This attracted warnings from several countries governments and criticism from the users. But despite that, the feature remained accessible. Elon Musk even dismissed the concerns initially. He further described the system as humorous, before later denying misuse altogether. Once the illegal images became increasingly popular, several governments stepped in to regulate the tool. Indonesia and Malaysia enacted Grok bans. The United Kingdom explored regulatory options to control it, and US lawmakers further questioned whether companies were enabling illegal porn through inaction. In an attempt to control things, X later announced that it has now restricted Grok to prevent explicit image creation involving real people. The company said the changes apply to all users, including paying subscribers. It further emphasized that it follows a zero-tolerance policy. However, the change was focused heavily on compliance rather than responsibility. It stresses that restrictions might only apply in jurisdictions where such Generation activity is illegal. Its still unclear whether the ban is universal or based on geography. The company has not differentiated between allowed and restricted content either. MediaTek isnt messing around anymore. The Taiwanese chipmaker just unveiled two brand new processors the Dimensity 9500s and Dimensity 8500, and theyre gunning straight for Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite lineup. If you thought MediaTek was content playing second fiddle in the premium smartphone space, think again. The company announced both chips today, positioning them as powerhouses for flagship and premium Android phones. And honestly? The specs are looking pretty impressive. Dimensity 9500s: A Flagship Beast Lets start with the heavy hitter. The Dimensity 9500s is built on TSMCs 3nm process and features what MediaTek is calling an All Big Core architecture. Translation? No little efficiency cores here this thing is designed to go full throttle when you need it. The octa-core CPU setup includes one Cortex-X925 ultra core clocked at a blistering 3.73GHz, three Cortex-X4 premium cores, and four Cortex-A720 performance cores. Thats a lot of horsepower packed into one chip. For graphics, MediaTek is packing the Immortalis-G925 GPU with full ray tracing supportsomething mobile gamers have been craving. But heres where it gets interesting for the gaming crowd. MediaTeks new adaptive game technology (MAGT 3.0) and frame technology (MFRC 3.0) are designed to boost efficiency while keeping performance high. The company claims this will significantly improve battery life during extended gaming sessions. Well have to wait and see how that holds up in real-world testing, but its a bold promise. On the AI front, the Dimensity 9500s comes with a flagship NPU optimized for generative AI and multi-modal models. Were talking AI photo editing features like image outpainting, background removal, and even AI-powered call and meeting summarization. These are the kinds of features that Samsung and Google have been pushing hard on their devices, and now MediaTek is baking them right into the silicon. The imaging capabilities are nothing to sneeze at either. The chip supports 8K Dolby Vision HDR video recording at 30fps with real-time motion tracking. Content creators, this ones for you. Connectivity is also getting a major upgrade. The Dimensity 9500s features a 5G Release-17 modem with support for 4CC carrier aggregation, and downlink speeds up to 7Gbps. MediaTek also claims Bluetooth connections can reach up to 5 kilometers for phone-to-phone direct connections. Thats actually kind of insane if it works as advertised. Dimensity 8500: Premium Performance Without the Flagship Price Not everyone needs the absolute top-tier chip, and thats where the Dimensity 8500 comes in. Built on a 4nm process, this one is aimed at the premium mid-range segmentphones that pack a serious punch without the flagship price tag. The Dimensity 8500 also uses an All Big Core architecture, but with eight Cortex-A725 cores running at up to 3.4GHz. It supports LPDDR5X memory at 9600Mbps, which should translate to snappy performance across daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking. Graphics come courtesy of the Mali-G720 GPU, which MediaTek says delivers a 25% performance improvement over the previous generation while cutting power consumption by 20%. Thats a pretty solid efficiency gain. And yes, ray tracing is making its way to mainstream devices through this chip as well. The 8th-generation NPU in the Dimensity 8500 supports mainstream large language models and image generation models, plus features like an AI telephoto algorithm and intelligent frame optimization. MediaTek is clearly trying to bring flagship-level AI features to more affordable devices. Why This Matters MediaTek has been steadily climbing the smartphone chip ladder, and these two processors feel like a statement. JC Hsu, MediaTeks corporate senior vice president, didnt mince words in the announcement, saying the company is committed to increasing our investment in advanced technologies and making bleeding-edge products available to more people. Thats essentially MediaTek throwing down the gauntlet. While Qualcomm has dominated the flagship Android space for years, MediaTek is clearly positioning itself as a serious alternativeespecially for manufacturers looking to offer premium features at competitive prices. We should start seeing smartphones powered by these new Dimensity chips in the coming months. Given MediaTeks strong relationships with Chinese OEMs like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo, expect to see the Dimensity 9500s and 8500 in plenty of devices throughout 2026. The smartphone chip wars just got a lot more interesting. Samsung launched a PC version of its browser last year after being mobile-exclusive for a long time. It was available in beta, but came with certain restrictions. At some point, the PC version of the browser was expected to expand to more users gradually. Well, that time appears to have finally come as the Samsung Internet for PC reportedly expands browser availability to everyone. Samsung Internet PC browser expands availability to everyone The Samsung Internet PC version was only available to users in South Korea and the US, and also required a Samsung Developer account. These restrictions kept many users away from accessing the browser. SammyGuru reports that Samsung has now lifted those restrictions, and Samsung Internet for Windows is now available for anyone to download. There are now no regional restrictions, and you dont need a developer account. However, the app apparently continues to be in beta, so this isnt a full stable release yet. But this is a big step towards a global stable rollout. Seamless data syncing If you are already using Samsung Internet on your phone, be it a Galaxy or a non-Galaxy, installing the PC version on your computer would make things seamless for you. Like most browsers across mobile and PC, Samsung Internet also offers proper syncing. That means your browsing history, bookmarks, Samsung Pass autofll and other data will be consistent across devices. Samsung Internet PC browser includes all modern day essential youd expect. You get built-in Galaxy AI that offers summarization and translation of websites inside the browser. Theres also Samsung Pass integration that makes it easier to log into websites through saved credentials. After foldables, the smartphone market hopped on to the trend of slim phones last year. Brands like Samsung and Apple gave their first shot at it with the Galaxy S25 Edge and iPhone Air. Speaking of Chinese brands, HONOR is also planning to launch the Magic8 Pro Air later this month. Now, Nubia, another Chinese brand, is all set to launch its slim phone. The device in question is the REDMAGIC 11 Air. As the January 20 launch is approaching, Nubia has confirmed some of the specs, design, and color options of the REDMAGIC 11 Air. REDMAGIC offers first look at design and colors of the new 11 Air As the name suggests, the REDMAGIC 11 Air is lauching as a slim phone. The phone reportedly measures 7.85 mm in thickness. Speaking of display specs, the REDMAGIC 11 Air will feature a 6.85-inch 1.5K AMOLED display that comes with a 144Hz screen refresh rate. The device is said to offer a 95.1 percent screen-to-body ratio, 2,592Hz PWM dimming, and 1.25mm thin bezels. Theres also an under-display selfie camera. At the back, the REDMAGIC 11 Air houses a curved rear transparent panel featuring the REDMAGIC logo. The curved design at the back appears to offer a better grip and would be handy during prolonged use. As seen in the images below, the phone features a triple rear camera setup. However, Nubia has been mum about the camera specs of the REDMAGIC 11 Air. We hope to get some details as we near the launch. Under the hood, the REDMAGIC 11 Air may use the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC to offer top-notch performance. It comes paired with up to 24GB of RAM. The phone will reportedly also feature a thick 4D Ice-Step vapor chamber, a Red Core R4 esports chip, and an active cooling fan. Nubias REDMAGIC lineup usually caters to mobile gamers, which is why the company isnt compromising on performance with this one, too. Color options, battery, and charging In terms of power, the REDMAGIC 11 Air will use a 7,000mAh battery, along with 120W fast wired charging support. Moreover, the phone will be available in three color options: Aurora Silver, Stardust White, and Quantum Black. Do note that Nubia is offering the Aurora Silver model with orange accents, whereas the other two include a red power button. Theres no information on the pricing of the device yet. As a side note, this isnt the first device launched in 2026 under REDMAGIC branding. At the start of the month, Nubia launched the Golden Saga editions of the REDMAGIC 11 Pro+ and REDMAGIC Gaming Tablet 3 Pro in China. When you think of smart glasses, you probably think of something like the Meta Ray-Bans or other similar products. What you likely dont think about are something like the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses, which were designed mostly as a way to let you stream audio from your mobile device, like a pair of earbuds. Ive been testing these for the past few weeks, and its been an interesting experience, to say the least. Mostly because Im used to listening to music through earbuds or headphones. It all depends on whether or not Im streaming from my phone or my PC. So, when I put these glasses on for the first time and music started playing right next to my ears, it was just strange and surprising to hear music like I was actually wearing some earbuds or headphones, and yet, I wasnt. The sound was like it was in my ears, but it was just outside of them. Which I think speaks to the quality and how well these worked for their intended purpose. These do more than just stream music, too. With all of that said, are these worth your hard-earned money? Lets take a closer look and find out in this review. Its also worth noting that you cant currently buy these from Xiaomi Global officially through its website, though they are available through sites like Aliexpress, and they retail for around $200, but the price appears to fluctuate, and its not official US pricing. Xiaomi has also not confirmed if these will officially launch in the US. Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses Rating star star star star star_empty Starting at 179 Pros & Cons Pros Comfortable to wear all day Surprisingly good sound quality Pretty decent battery life Easy-to-use touch controls Compatibility with prescription lenses Three different styles Cons No official US availability Mic clarity could be better Xiaomi Glasses App not available in the US Disclaimer Xiaomi sent us a pair of the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses to review. Weve been using them for the past few weeks. This is not a sponsored review, and Xiaomi did not see this review before it was published. Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses Review: Whats In The Box? The contents of the box for these glasses are pretty simple, as there arent a lot of items that come with them. You get the glasses themselves, as well as a charging cable. You do not get a power adapter, however, so you will need to plug the charging cable into a power adapter, which also needs to have a USB-C cable, as the charging cable for the glasses isnt a cable itself and is more of an adapter with a USB-C port. It essentially looks just like a USB-A to USB-C adapter would, except instead of USB-A, you have the magnetic pogo pins. Also in the box is a carrying case for the glasses. I quite like the case because it has a nice stiff closure thats secure enough to ensure the glasses wont fall out, but it also doesnt use a drawstring as most carrying pouches would. Xiaomi also packs a cleaning cloth in wth the glasses so you can wipe down the frame and lenses when needed. Then you have the manual, and thats about it. Its basically everything you need, though Id have liked to see a USB-C cable included in the box, or at least have the other end of the charging cable be a USB-C connection instead of a USB-C port. Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses Review: Design and Build Quality While these glasses arent my personal style, I do think theyre designed well. Xiaomi has done a good job at creating a few different options for the style, so they cater to different consumer preferences. I think this was an important choice to offer a few different style options, as it broadens the possible number of consumers who might be willing to buy these and give them a try. Weve been testing the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses with the Bowline frames. Xiaomi also offers lightweight Titanium frames and Pilot-Style frames. The Pilot-style frames come with sunglass lenses that will block up to 99.99% of UV rays with UV400 protection. However, these glasses are also compatible with prescription lenses. So, if you wanted to, you could have the other frames, which dont come with sunglass lenses, fitted for some with your prescription. If you dont wear glasses, you can still use any of these, as the lenses are really just pieces of glass, and they wont impact your vision. They do have blue light filters, though. As for the rest of the design, there are some fairly sizeable nose pads. These add a fair amount of comfort and prevent the glasses from irritating your nose. These glasses also have 5mm temples, which are pretty slim. The speakers are integrated into the temples, as are the batteries, and Xiaomi says it moved these closer to the frame to give the Mijia glasses a more balanced weight than the previous model and reduce the strain on the ears. I really didnt experience any discomfort when wearing these, so that seems about right. On the ends of the temples, you have the magnetic pogo pin connectors for charging. Overall, the build quality of these feels pretty solid. Theyre still a pair of glasses, so you will have to treat them with lots of care. But they wont break just by putting them on or pulling them off, as long as you arent yanking them off with force. They have IP54 dust and splash resistance as well. Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses Review: Battery Life and Charging I wasnt sure what to expect with battery life when I first got these, because Ive never used a pair of smart glasses before. Xiaomi says they will last up to 13 hours on a single charge, but I obviously had no frame of reference for that. Its also worth noting that this figure is based on having the glasses at 100% at the start of use, with the volume level set at 50%. I was running the volume below 50% as I dont like my audio extremely loud, and I can say that Xiaomis figure seems pretty spot on. Most days while wearing these, I would put them on by about 7:00 am PST, and I would only take them off for things like a shower, to adjust them, or scratch behind my. For the most part, however, they stayed on all day, and I was able to use them well into the evening if I wanted to. Since I was using these below the volume level Xiaomi did for the battery life rating, I was getting a little over 13 hours with them. Closer to about 13.5 hours, specifically. I think thats a pretty long time for anyone who doesnt wear glasses normally, and would only be putting these on to listen to music for a while throughout the day. If youre using these with a set of prescription lenses, then 13-14 hours should be long enough for you as well. Chances are, people who wear glasses every day have more than one pair. So, it would be easy to take these off and toss them on the charger at the end of the day after getting home, and swap to a pair of normal glasses. Speaking of charging, these are quicker at charging up than Xiaomis last pair. The previous model took about 2 hours to get to a full charge, and these take about 1 hour. The older model also lasted longer, though. The Mijia glasses do support quick charge, and you get up to 4 hours of playback after only 10 minutes. Im pretty happy with the battery life since I normally wouldnt wear these for more than a few hours at a time. I think that most people would be fairly happy with it as well. Xiaomi Mijia Smart Glasses Review: Performance These work better than I had anticipated for sound quality, and I think overall, these would be appealing to anyone who wants an easy solution for streaming music without having to wear in-ear earbuds or on-ear headphones. In fact, I think theyre a better option than open-ear earbuds as well, as you dont have to wear anything around your ears. The temples for these rest on top of them, but they dont surround them, and I think this is more comfortable. Sound levels get decently loud and offer pretty good clarity for music. They wont beat earbuds like the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or any others that are similar in quality, but if youre not an audiophile or someone who really cares a whole lot about the absolute best sound, then these will sound pretty good. Most of my time with these has been great because the sound quality is actually nice. I never had any issues with understanding anything coming out of the speakers, but this also might be because I never turned the volume up to the higher levels, which can sometimes distort the sound on lower-quality speakers. You can also use these for a variety of other features, like voice calls, interacting with Gemini, or other voice assistants. You can make voice recordings, you can live record, and theres even a feature for reading your notifications aloud. However, most of these features are available only with the Xiaomi Glasses app. This is not available in the US, so I didnt have access to it, nor was I able to test any of the associated features. The app also has the ability to set different touch controls. So, admittedly, there were more than a few things I wasnt able to test. However, you can use the touch controls for adjusting the volume and pausing/playing tracks. These things worked very well. Should you buy the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses? For me, I personally prefer using in-ear earbuds or headphones, because I prefer having a completely closed-off personal audio. With noise cancellation, if its available. For anyone else, though, really, this depends on a few things. First and foremost, you have to be ok with getting these from markets like Aliexpress or through third-party sellers on eBay, as I dont believe these will be launched in the US officially. The app isnt available in the US, so that suggests to me that Xiaomi is only launching these in China and some other regions outside of North America. So, with that said, if you simply want a pair of smart glasses for streaming music with open-ear audio, and you dont mind losing out on those extra features, I think these are a solid purchase. Its even better that you can use prescription lenses with them, because that means these will be a viable option for people who wear glasses daily. You should buy the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses if: You want personal audio without having to wear earbuds or headphones Youre ok with not having an official US model You dont care about the extra smart features You shouldnt buy the Xiaomi Mijia Smart Audio Glasses if: Unicorns are far more than just magical horses with pointy horns and sparkly manes. From ancient Chinese mythology to medieval Scottish legends, unicorns have been portrayed in fiction and mythology from around the world as elusive, unusual beasts with magical powers. They're seen as symbols of purity, of beauty and of nobility. Plus, they're pretty darn cute as stuffed animals, too! Of course, true unicorns as they're depicted in fiction don't exist in the real world (as far as we know), so the odds of you finding and taming a pet unicorn anytime soon are slim. Still, perhaps you're on the cusp of writing the world's next smash-hit high fantasy series, or you've got a toy unicorn that you'd like to name or if your child is a pet parent to an imaginary unicorn bestie. Regardless of your reasons, if magical unicorn names are what you seek, then you've come to the right place. From cute unicorn names to fun unicorn names to the ethereal ones, our list of 200+ unicorn names was curated with every type of unicorn in mind! Check out all of the beautiful unicorn names below and see which one catches your attention. Trust us, they are all pretty dreamy. You may even find yourself drawn to several of them. Cute Unicorn Names A girl on a cute unicorn.Getty Images arinahabich (Getty Images arinahabich) Looking for the perfect name for your magical unicorn? From sparkly to playful and charming, these cute unicorn names are full of enchantment. Clover Moonbeam Lyric Nimbus Rainbow Downy Glimmer Tuck Holly Nutmeg Bubblegum Sedge Skyler Dash Unicorn Names for Stuffed Animals An adorable stuffed unicorn with a cute unicorn name. Perhaps you've come here for a name for your cuddly unicorn toy. We picked names that evoked the feelings and concepts of softness, sweetness, vibrancy and comfort, which are all things that match the appeal of a cuddly unicorn plush. Feel free to borrow one of these unicorn names for stuffed animals, or use these as a springboard to come up with a unique unicorn name of your own! Precious Silky Wooly Serenity Plushy Faith Squishy Snuggles Satine Fuzzy Velvetine Butterscotch Kisses Fun and Magical Names for Fantasy Unicorns A unicorn running on the beach. Throughout various stories and mythologies surrounding them, unicorns are gifted with strange magical powers. They can sense who is pure at heart, their horns can heal wounds and cure poisons, they leave trails of rainbows in their wake the list goes on. One thing is for certain, though, which is that all unicorns are magical and are therefore worthy of fun unicorn names! Stardust Galaxy Aurora Uniqua Amaranth Emerald Mystery Dazzle Zinnia Majesty Valentine Circe Merlin Nyx Jade Vesper Quicksilver Ruby Twinkle Oceana Argyle Harmonia Sorrel Tawny Skydancer Melody Sundance Opal Whisper Nova Lumina Funny Unicorn Names A woman jumping into a pool with a unicorn floatie. Want your mythical creature to have a silly, unconventional name? Cut loose by taking a few of these funny unicorn names out for a spin! Roy G. Biv Clopscotch Hoofastank Sugar Oats Rainbow Poots Rampage Unicornball Hoofer Glowbug Ramble Trotsky Kebab Noggin Soft Serve Glitzberg Hoofpick Speed McSteed Twitch Silly Filly Twister Hell on Hooves Male Unicorn Names A white unicorn with a shimmery horn. Though nowadays unicorns are often depicted as "girly," there's absolutely nothing that says unicorns can't be masculine (especially when you look back at the many hundreds of years of unicorn-related mythology). These male unicorn names are both undoubtedly masculine and completely perfect for a mystical unicorn character! Azazael Tristan Enrico Reza Idris Leopold Griffin Roman Kai Titus Massimo Faiz Percival Gawain Valery Lancelot Boniface Nikolai Ravi Hendrick Taran Ciaran Finn Ignacio Soren Ulysses Uriel Lucius Ramil Marcello Female Unicorn Names A pretty unicorn with a wreath of flowers. Unicorns are regal creatures, so for our list of female unicorn names, we choose ones that carried an air of nobility and majesty. Any of these names would be fit for a unicorn queen! Estrella Inara Bellona Fatima Isolde Astrid Allegria Zahra Evangeline Padma Hippolyta Phoebe Kiara Elektra Hiromi Apollonia Morgan Simone Kanako Yasmin Sabine Clotilde Samara Raya Calliope Guinivere Tirzah Xanthippe Twyla Eleanor Famous Unicorn Names A princess and a unicorn in a forest. Unicorns have been part of so many mythologies for thousands of years, so is it any surprise that they show up quite a lot in modern fiction and fantasy books, movies and series. With shows like My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and Unicorn Academy gaining widespread appeal, unicorns are in the spotlight now more than ever. We're sure you'll recognize a few of these famous unicorn names! Unico (Unico) Buttercup (Toy Story 3) Mistmane (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) Una (Gargoyles) Etherea (Unicorn Academy) Firelight (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) Jewel (The Last Battle) Fire Flare (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) Unikitty (The Lego Movie) Lady Rainicorn (Adventure Time) Rarity (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) Keldeo (Pokemon) Trixie Lulamoon (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) Eternity (Eternity: The Last Unicorn) Glacier (Unicorn Academy) Rapidash (Pokemon) Princess Celestia (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) Lady Amalthea (The Last Unicorn) Uni (Neopets) Luster Dawn (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) Charlie (Charlie the Unicorn) Wildstar (Unicorn Academy) Sombra (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) Blitzle (Pokemon) Twilight Sparkle (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) C-Beth (Gravity Falls) Star Swirl (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) Unicorn Names From (And Inspired By) Mythology A woman in armor and a unicorn in a forest. One thing you learn quickly when reading up on unicorn folklore from around the world is that the popular Western image of a unicorn as a white-haired horse with a shimmering horn isn't a universal one. Though you'll find depictions of unicorns from all four corners of the globe, some of them might not be what you expect! These mythlogoy unicorn names are inspired by some of the most well-known and unique unicorn-like creatures from world mythologies: Qilin: A dragon-like hooved chimera from Chinese mythology, often portrayed as a type of unicorn. Camahueto: A mythical one-horned bull from the mythology of the Chilean Chilote people. Shadhavar: A unicorn from medieval Muslim mythology; the Shadhavar had a horn with a number of hollow branches that would create flute-like music when the wind blew through them. Indrik: A mythical Russian unicorn-like beast that was part-bull, part-deer, part-horse, and had a single rhino-esque horn on its snout. Boma: A mythical white horse with an ox tail and a single horn from Chinese mythology. Al-Miraj: An unusual creature from Arabic mythology; it resembled a rabbit with a black unicorn horn. Reem: An animal mentioned multiple times in the Hebrew Bible; sometimes translated to "unicorn." Xiezhi: A one-horned goat, ox, or sheep from Chinese mythology, with the divine power of immediately knowing whether or not a person was innocent or guilty of a certain wrongdoing. Bucephalus: The famous horse ridden by Alexander the Great: in some historic retellings, he was depicted as a unicorn. Karkadann: A mythical Persian creature often described as a unicorn, though it was more likely based off a rhinoceros. Sin-you: An East Asian one-horned beast similar to the Qilin, but with a shaggy mane and sometimes depicted as more feline or sheep-like. And if you're still on the lookout for mythology-inspired unicorn names, there's plenty more where that came from! Selene: The Greek goddess of the moon. Pegasus: The winged horse ridden by Perseus in Greek mythology. Pavana: Another name of Vayu, the Hindu god of air and the wind. Orion: A legendary Greek hunter immortalized as a constellation. Devadatta: The white horse ridden by the Hindu god Kalki, the final incarnation of Vishnu. Boreas: The Greek god of the north wind. Change: The name of a beautiful moon goddess in Chinese mythology. Monoceros: The Ancient Greek term for unicorn. Xochipilli: The Aztec god of love, flowers, and the arts. Nike: The Greek goddess of victory. Pangu: The name of the first living being in Chinese mythology. Acantha: A nymph loved by the Greek god Apollo, her name means thorn. Mithra: The ancient Iranian god of light, the sun, and friendship. Luna: The Roman goddess of the moon. Sleipnir: The eight-legged horse born of the Norse trickster god Loki. Astrape: The Greek goddess of lightning. Aethion: A name meaning blazing; one of the four horses that pulled the golden chariot of the Greek sun-god Helios. Branwen: A name from Welsh mythology, meaning white raven. Awilix: A Kiche Maya goddess of night and the moon. Siegfried: A lead protagonist in the Germanic epic poem The Nibelungenlied. Cernunnos: The Celtic god of animals and fertility. Lakshmi: The Hindu goddess of beauty and good fortune. Leukippos: A name from Greek mythology meaning white horse. Arushi: Meaning reddish or dawn-colored, the name was used to describe the horses of Agni, the Hindu god of fire. Niamh: The daughter of the Irish sea god Manannan mac Lir. Neptune: The Roman god of the sea. Epona: The Gaulish goddess of horses and fertility (incidentally, its also the name of Links main steed in the Legend of Zelda video game series). Asterion: A Greek mythological name meaning of the stars. Aether: The Greek god of light and the upper sky. This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Horses section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Customs and Border Protection agents at the Whipple federal building in Minneapolis. Photograph: Tim Evans/Reuters (Photograph: Tim Evans/Reuters) The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, accusing federal immigration authorities in Minnesota of racial profiling and unlawful arrests amid widespread Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. In a 72-page lawsuit filed on Thursday on behalf of three community members who are all US citizens, the ACLU accused federal immigration agents of violating citizens constitutional rights, arguing that Somali and Latino communities in the state have been disproportionately targeted. Naming the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its secretary, Kristi Noem, as defendants, along with several other Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, the lawsuit points to what it describes as a startling pattern of abuse spearheaded by the Department of Homeland Security that is fundamentally altering civic life in the Twin Cities and the state of Minnesota. Related: Trump press secretary launches tirade against reporter who asked about ICE Masked federal agents in the thousands are violently stopping and arresting countless Minnesotans based on nothing more than their race and perceived ethnicity irrespective of their citizenship or immigration status, or their personal circumstances. At the center of DHSs campaign are Somali and Latino people, who are being targeted for stops and arrests based on racial profiling motivated by prejudice, the lawsuit said. It added: DHSs crude dragnet ensnares non-citizens, including individuals with immigration status, without warrants or any lawful basis for arrest. And its discriminatory practices also sweep in numerous US citizens in the process, shackling them and scanning their faces while ignoring documentation of US citizenship. According to the lawsuit, one of the plaintiffs, 20-year old Mubashir Khalif Hussen, was detained by masked ICE agents while walking to lunch in Minneapolis Cedar-Riverside neighborhood last December. Despite repeatedly stating Im a citizen, Hussen said agents refused to check his ID, placed him in a headlock and took him to the Whipple federal building in south Minneapolis. There, Hussen was shackled, fingerprinted, and denied medical assistance and water before being released, the lawsuit alleged. At no time did any officer ask me whether I was a citizen or if I had any immigration status, Hussen said in Thursdays press release from the ACLU, adding: They did not ask for any identifying information, nor did they ask about my ties to the community, how long I had lived in the Twin Cities, my family in Minnesota or anything else about my circumstances. Following his release, Hussen walked by ICE officers and protesters earlier this month and recorded the scene on his phone from a public sidewalk. A car carrying federal agents then drove past him and, as it did, one agent rolled down the window and pepper-sprayed directly into Hussens face, the lawsuit said. Another plaintiff, 25-year-old Mahamed Eydarus, was shoveling snow out of his parking space with his mother after leaving work last month when they were surrounded by several unidentified, masked federal agents in plain clothes. The agents allegedly did not identify themselves or present a warrant, but demanded identification to ensure Eydarus was not illegal and also questioned his mother. The lawsuit further alleges that the agents instructed Eydaruss mother to remove her niqab, a religious face covering, separated her from her son and questioned why they were speaking Somali, referring to it as a foreign language. The agents eventually left without asking about their community ties or providing any explanation. In a statement on Thursday, ACLU Minnesota attorney Catherine Ahlin-Halverson said: ICE and CBPs practices are both illegal and morally reprehensible. Federal agents conduct sweeping up Minnesotans through racial profiling and unlawful arrests is a grave violation of Minnesotans most fundamental rights, and it has spread fear among immigrant communities and neighborhoods. No one, including federal agents, is above the law. Echoing Ahlin-Halverson, Kate Huddleston, an attorney with the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, said: The government cant stop and arrest people based on the color of their skin, or arrest people with no probable cause. These kinds of police-state tactics are contrary to the basic principles of liberty and equality that remain a bedrock of our legal system and our country. The Trump administration has defended its immigration sweeps in Minnesota, saying the operations target people living in the US illegally, particularly those with criminal records, and are aimed at tackling what officials describe as widespread fraud. The operations have come under intense scrutiny in recent days following the killing of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, by a federal agent, which has sparked intense protests in Minnesota and nationwide. The DHS has defended ICEs use of force, saying its agents acted lawfully and in self-defense when confronted or threatened. However, Minnesotas governor, Tim Walz, and local officials have sharply disputed this framing, calling the surge of thousands of federal agents an unconstitutional and harmful federal invasion, as well as a campaign of retribution that has terrorized communities and violated residents rights. The Guardian has reached out to the DHS for comment. Presenter Amol Rajan is leaving BBC Radio 4s Today programme after five years. The pips have sounded, and its time to get my coat, the broadcaster said, calling the shows team consistently world class. Rajan, 42, revealed that he is planning to unleash his inner entrepreneur and launch his own company. He will also continue to host both University Challenge and his Radical with Amol Rajan podcast for the BBC. Rajan will leave BBC News this summer, and will also step back from his Amol Rajan Interviews show. His replacement on Today is expected to be announced in due course. Leaving Today might be mad, Rajan said in a statement, adding: This team is the best of the best, consistently world class, and exceptionally well led by Owenna Griffiths and Mohit Bakaya. I will always feel like I played in the editorial version of Alex Fergusons Manchester United, or Steve Waughs Australia. I genuinely couldnt be prouder of Amol Rajan Interviews, which will stand the test of time. Travelling all around the world (or indeed Essex) to spend so much time with so many icons has been an unforgettable privilege. On his next steps, Rajan said he had first flirted with the idea of building his own company 20 years ago, adding that he is excited to stay on as the host of University Challenge and his podcast. The journalist became the first non-white editor of a British national newspaper in over a century when he landed the top job at The Independent (BBC) I am very much not leaving the BBC, Britains noblest cultural institution, whose Reithian spirit is such a generous gift to a world in flux. Its that world Im heading for, and Im excited, he said. Since joining the BBC as its first media editor in 2016, after a stint as the youngest ever editor of The Independent, Rajan has gone on to become one of the broadcasters most prominent personalities. He became the fifth regular presenter of Radio 4s flagship Today programme in 2021 alongside Justin Webb, Mishal Husain, Martha Kearney and Nick Robinson. At the time of his appointment, Rajan said he hoped to do the listeners proud, stating: Ive no intention of trying to reinvent news, and think the best thing is to keep it simple. Be fair, get to the truth, and dont screw up. The presenter has hosted University Challenge since 2023 (Lifted Entertainment/Ric Lowe) In 2023, Rajan was announced as the new host of University Challenge, becoming the third personin the quiz shows 60-year history to hold the coveted post. He succeeded Jeremy Paxman, who ended his reign after 28 years. Rajan, who stepped down as media editor at BBC News in 2022, has also presented on BBC Radio 2 and The One Show. As a familiar voice and face of the BBC, Rajan regularly opened up about his own experiences, including the hellish IVF journey that he and his wife Charlotte Faircloth embarked on, and the death of his father in 2022. On social media, he is also known to post funny videos sharing insight into his life. Born in Kolkata, India, in 1983, Rajan moved to London with his family when he was three years old (Matt Crossick/PA) His presenting style was met with mixed reactions from listeners, some of whom described it as me-centric journalism. Others enjoyed his relatable and empathetic manner. In November last year, Rajan found himself in hot water after using the word scroungers in reference to benefits claimants in an interview with David Blunkett on the Today programme. To be clear, I absolutely wasnt describing people on welfare as scroungers myself, he explained in a brief apology. Born in Kolkata, India, in 1983, Rajan moved to London with his family when he was three years old. He attended a local state school before heading to Downing College, Cambridge, to study English. He joined The Independent in 2007 as a news reporter before landing the top job of editor in 2013 at the age of 29, becoming the first non-white editor of a British national newspaper in over a century. He decamped to the BBC three years later, in 2016. On Tuesday, the Senate did something it rarely does: it passed legislation by unanimous consent. The DEFIANCE Act was inoffensive enough: a bill to ban nonconsensual deepfake sexually explicit images. Moreover, the bill was introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). Its the latest sign that the lawmaker has grown her influence in a legislative body that once dismissed her as a firebrand but in which shes now a power broker. The idea of banning sexually explicit deepfake images without a persons consent gained massive steam amid the proliferation of nonconsensual images of women and even underage girls on X via Grok, its in-house AI tool. In the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer warned its owner, Elon Musk, that it would take fast action to deal with the nonconsensual images. Indonesia and Malaysia become the first two countries to block Grok. And Ocasio-Cortez has some ostensible support from House Speaker Mike Johnson, who voiced some support for the bill. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has spearheaded a bill to ban sexually explicit nonconsensual deepfake images. (Getty Images) I'm certainly in favor of it, Johnson told The Independent. We've got to find the vote tally, but that should be a big bipartisan concern. We need to protect children online, and we need to stop these abuses. Is terrible. It's horrible. All of this would seem encouraging if the Senate had not passed the DEFIANCE Act during the last Congress, before it died in the House of Representatives. I've spoken with Speaker Johnson. At that point, it's just about having those conversations to ensure that the legislation moves, Ocasio-Cortez told The Independent. Elon Musks Grok has come under fire for its generating sexually explicit nonconsensual AI images. (PA Archive) Musk remains an influential money man despite his rapid fall from grace in Trump world last year after running the Department of Government Efficiency and his venom toward President Donald Trump. The two seem to have patched things up and Musk pledged to throw his support behind Republicans on New Years Day because America is toast if the radical left wins. And in December, the Pentagon announced that it would add Grok to its AI arsenal. Ocasio-Cortez said she was not surprised by this. I mean, theyre in business together, she told The Independent. But that doesnt mean the legislation doesnt have allies in the House, even from unexpected places. Rep. Nancy Mace, the anti-trans MAGA Republican candidate for governor of South Carolina, told The Independent she supports the bill. I just had to have a Grok AI-generated image taken down, she said. It was sexually explicit, in my opinion, and disgusting. At the same time, Mace said that the problem did not stem from the technology. It's the human who's prompting the technology to make these types of deep fakes, she told The Independent. I mean, I'm all over this sort of thing, she said. I've sponsored my own bills. I'm co sponsor of other bills. Like, we need to be moving fast on this. The legislation is a sign of how Ocasio-Cortez, who came to Washington after she knocked off House Democratic Chairman Joe Crowley in a surprise primary victory in 2018, has become a power broker and a leading messenger. Despite her ability to generate media headlines and earn the moniker AOC, she faced significant opposition from Democratic leadership. Toward the end of Joe Bidens presidency, she attempted to run for the ranking member spot on the House Oversight Committee, only to get bumped for a more senior member who ended up dying months into his tenure. But she might have won the long-term war, given she joined the House Energy & Commerce Committee, which regulates two policies that matter to her: health care and renewable energy. Her endorsement of Zohran Mamdani played a major role in his victory in the New York mayoral primary last year. And its no longer just progressives who see her prowess. Kamala Harris praised Ocasio-Cortez in her memoir 107 Days and Ocasio-Cortez now sends out fundraisers for moderate Democratic campaigns like Abigail Spanbergers run for governor of Virginia and Mary Peltolas run for Alaskas Senate seat, who might have shied away from her in the past. Shes also become one of the most influential Democrats in terms of responding to Trumps immigration crackdown. I want everyone to understand, the cuts to your health care are whats paying for this, she told The Independent on Monday. Understand how these dots connect. You get screwed over to pay a bunch of thugs in the street that are shooting mothers in the face. By Tuesday, the Democratic National Committees X account blasted out her response. Robert Jenrick is the most senior serving Conservative MP yet to defect to Reform - Betty Laura Zapata/Bloomberg Whether or not Robert Jenrick woke up yesterday morning intending to defect to Reform will remain unknown, but the tensions within the Conservative Party were clearly coming to a head. Last Thursday, in an office near Tower Bridge, the shadow Cabinet held an away day. A slide was put up on screen suggesting that true Conservatives did not believe that Britain was broken. Mr Jenrick disagreed, and said that it was: some of those present say Jesse Norman and James Cleverly rolled their eyes at his interjection. Others present suggested that there were differences over whether the party should focus on immigration or the economy, with Mr Jenrick reportedly favouring the former. These tensions have now resolved themselves. Politicians switching parties often announce their decisions in a manner calculated to sound more in sorrow than in anger. Mr Jenricks speech today announcing his defection broke with this pattern: his criticism of his former colleagues was savage and unsparing. Shadow chancellor Mel Stride oversaw the explosion of the welfare bill that he was now criticising; Priti Patels migration system was the greatest failure of any British government in the post-war period. It was an expression of deeply personal frustration from a politician often and somewhat unfairly criticised as a careerist. Mr Jenrick has undergone a personal journey, but the steps are clearly and easily traced. His period at the Home Office resulted in his resignation on a point of principle, frustrated by the difficulty of achieving change. The period after October 7, meanwhile, saw him take a sometimes lonely stand against the forces of Islamism and anti-Semitism in Britain. But it was also a clear signal of the new strategic direction Nigel Farages party is taking. Reform no longer wishes to surpass or defeat the Conservatives. Instead, its ambition is now to destroy the Tories utterly, and replace them as the dominant party of the centre Right. This, after all, was the phrasing that Mr Farage chose repeatedly in his joint press conference with Mr Jenrick. The defection was intended to bring a lot, lot more people and voters to us, add front-line experience to Reform but, perhaps most importantly, aid the realignment of the genuine centre-Right of this country behind Reform. If this is the new branding, then policy will need to follow. Last year, Mr Farage announced his plans to lift the two-child benefit cap for a large number of households, clearly attempting to woo Labour voters: hardly a policy indicative of a desire to claim unique status as the party of the centre Right. Even though he has since backtracked on this position, it was a misstep. The response to Rachel Reevess Budget showed that raising benefits is unpopular even among traditional working-class voters. That Reform has recanted and will revise this policy shows that the party now believes the battle to be within the Right, rather than to win over Labour voters. This fissure on the Right was also laid bare by the attack Mr Jenrick launched on his former colleagues, and the manner in which Mr Stride and Ms Patel were singled out for their perceived failings. In this light, it was interesting that Mr Farage set a deadline for further parliamentary defections: current MPs cant sit on the fence, but must pick a side. It appeared to be an attempt to pressure those wavering into jumping, and to trigger a possible exodus. It was also a sign of the pressure Reform is now under. After a tentative start, Mrs Badenoch has grown into her role as leader, becoming more confident, responding well to breaking events, and asserting her vision of whats wrong with Britain, and how it can be fixed. The result has been a new spring in the step of MPs, and a sharp improvement in the partys polling. Mr Jenrick is the most senior serving Conservative MP yet to defect to Reform, and his departure is a serious challenge to this narrative. For Mrs Badenoch, it is a chance to show that her diagnosis Britain is not broken, merely in need of repair can win the support of the electorate, and that Britains oldest and most successful political party can reinvent itself yet again to meet this challenge. Whether she will seize this moment remains to be seen. The Bull before restoration: the painting was found to have hidden depths. Photograph: Rene Gerritsen/Mauritshuis (Photograph: Rene Gerritsen/Mauritshuis) The Bull by Paulus Potter is one of the star paintings at the Mauritshuis in The Hague, a bucolic image of animals and a farmer. But new research suggests the painting has unexpected hidden depths: conservators restoring the artwork say the bulls testicles were originally much larger, and appeared to have been halved in size by the artist to respect 17th-century sensibilities. We found that Potter made lots of changes as he worked, said Abbie Vandivere, a paintings conservator at the museum. [The bulls] balls were bigger and lower, his whole back end was shifted but, indeed, the balls are the biggest change. The surprise emerged when a team of conservators, who have been working for 18 months to restore the painting, made X-rays to understand how Potter created his composition of farming life. Looking at his initial painting, and consulting cattle experts, they found there were indeed contemporary breeds with giant, pendulous testicles. While Potter may have made the changes to portray a younger bull, the working theory is that the naked truth was considered unfit for polite society in 1647. Another of his works, a painting entitled Pissing Cow and commissioned for the mantelpiece of a Princess of Orange at around the same time, was rejected for being too smutty. He had an etching of a pissing cow that created a bit of a controversy, said Jolijn Schilder, a paintings conservator. It is assumed that he got the order from Amalia van Solms, Princess of Orange, and he was supposed to create a piece for one of the palaces. It was turned down by her because she thought it was too filthy a subject to show a pissing cow above her mantelpiece. The research on The Bull is part of a broader effort to find out more about Potter, who died in 1654 at just 28 from tuberculosis. When the Netherlands became a vassal state of France in the late 18th century and William V fled to England, 192 of his artworks were looted by Napoleonic troops, with The Bull considered one of the gems. It was taken to Paris and was immediately very popular, because its extraordinary that Potter, a 17th-century artist from the Netherlands, painted a cow on a lifesize scale, which was normally only for kings, emperors, biblical and historical scenes, said Schilder. The fact that the Dutch did a simple cow, without any further meaning to it, really struck the French. They loved it. According to research by a Mauritshuis senior curator, Quentin Buvelot, after Napoleons defeat at the Battle of Waterloo, the Dutch demanded the return of paintings including The Bull but when troops turned up at the Louvre in 1815, the French tried to prevent this by removing all the higher ladders. The 236cm x 339cm (93in x 133in) masterpiece was eventually returned in triumphal procession and Potters farmer character for years featured in Dutch phonics teaching material for schoolchildren. The Mauritshuis has a display on the completed restoration process, which was conducted behind a glass box in a public gallery. But although the scans of the first bull are on display, his full glory is modestly hidden under Potters final layer of paint. A baby pangolin ferments in a jar as traditional medicine, served as a herbal drink, at Hu Nan Restaurant in Vientiane - JITTRAPON KAICOME The menu lists everything from Sichuan beef to wild turtle but to secure the real delicacy, you have to ask. At this Chinese restaurant in Laos capital city, shrewd customers with fat wallets can taste one of the worlds most endangered animals: the pangolin. Yes, you can have a pangolin here, but its quite expensive, said the waitress, pausing to talk to the Telegraph as the lunchtime rush eased. She recommended coming back with more friends to share both the dish and the cost 1,000 yuan per kilogram (roughly 107). You need to order before 7am because it takes time [to arrive from the market], she added. As for how its cooked: You can fry and stream it you can do anything, like pork meat. Chinese people put ginger, garlic, chilli, and Chinese seasonings in their dishes. This eatery is not a one off. A jar of dead baby pangolins is on display at another restaurant across the street, while vendors at Dongmakkhay market where you can buy everything from squawking chickens to dried bear intestines, dead bats to butchered squirrels said it was easy to purchase live pangolins at a Chinese-run stall. The sellers there refused to talk to the Telegraph in December. But they did talk to the Agent C Wildlife Initiative, which tracked Laos illicit pangolin trade in an undercover investigation. In graphic footage, the initiative captured the grisly elements of the trade: in one clip, one of the shy, scaly anteaters is curled in a ball in a dirty cage; in another a pangolin is beaten, drained of its blood, de-scaled and boiled alive in a Vientiane kitchen. Agent C Wildlife Initiative This is just a glimpse of an illegal wildlife trade which has grown at an alarming rate in Laos, according to Agent Cs report. While the landlocked countrys domestic pangolin population was decimated by poachers during the 1980s and 1990s, it has since become a key node in international wildlife trafficking routes, as well as a destination for consuming forbidden foods. Over the 10 years that I have been working on the illegal wildlife trade, I havent seen any country where pangolin trafficking is as bad as in Laos, said Hongxiang Huang, the founder of Agent C. He said weak law enforcement, a boom in special low price Chinese tourist groups and transnational crime syndicates have all contributed to the rampant rise of the illicit marketplace. Yet experts warn that the trade is not just a threat to the endangered pangolins chances of survival. It could also unleash a new pathogen which could have ramifications well beyond southeast Asia. To me, this really is ground zero for disease emergence, said Prof Edward Holmes, an evolutionary biologist and virologist at the University of Sydney. [The] trade is both horrendous for the animals in question, and could easily spark another pandemic. Pangolins have long been a symbol of the conservation crisis, having been trafficked to the brink of extinction. The meat, blood and scales of the animals are considered a luxury product with healing properties from boosting lactation in breastfeeding women, to treating rheumatism and psoriasis in China and parts of southeast Asia. But while there is no scientific evidence that pangolin blood, scales or meat have any healing properties, researchers have identified immunobiological quirks that may allow the species to coexist with viruses. Behind stalls selling common herbs, illicit wildlife-based medicine is available on request at DK Market in Don Noun, Laos - JITTRAPON KAICOME Pangolins have been trafficked to the brink of extinction According to a paper in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, pangolins have fewer interferon receptors than humans and other mammals. This means their innate immune response does not go into an inflammation overdrive as soon as theyre infected, contributing to a switch from resistance to tolerance of viral infections. Pangolins have an unusual immune system and appear to lack parts of certain innate antiviral pathways, said Dr Filip Claes, head of the Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases at the UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation. In practical terms, this likely means they mount a less rapid or less inflammatory early response to some viral infections. That may allow certain viruses to persist longer without causing severe disease. But he stressed that this tolerance is far lower than in bats one review published in 2024 found the flying mammals host over 4,100 distinct viruses, including deadly pathogens like Ebola, Nipah and Sars. This is because bats immune system has been suppressed, partly because of the stress physiology of flying, which allows them to co-exist with viruses for long periods of time and gives pathogens ample opportunity to replicate, recombine and evolve. Bats also travel widely and live in colonies with millions of others, allowing diseases to spread between them. Pangolins are not considered a primary reservoir because they are relatively rare, solitary animals in the wild, said Dr Claes. They are not known to maintain stable, self-sustaining viral populations across large populations over time, and there is no strong evidence of long-term virus-host co-evolution, as seen in bats. Instead, pangolins are deemed high risk for zoonotic diseases because of the characteristics of the illegal wildlife trade. They are captured, stressed, transported long distances, and often mixed with other wildlife and humans. These conditions create ideal opportunities for pathogen transmission, adaptation, or recombination and repeated human exposure, said Dr Claes. Bats for sale alongside rats on the side of DK Market in Don Noun - JITTRAPON KAICOME Squirrels, a wildlife species strictly banned from sale in Laos to protect native biodiversity, are sold on the side of DK Market in Don Noun, Laos - JITTRAPON KAICOME This risk was clear during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, when scientists identified a coronavirus similar to Sars-Cov-2 in Malayan pangolins trafficked to China. The research, published in the journal Nature, found a virus with a receptor-binding domain (the part of the virus that latches onto human cells) that was a 99 per cent match to the same feature in Sars-Cov-2. The overall virus genome had roughly a 91 per cent similarity. The discovery did not solve ongoing debates around Covid-19s origins, or suggest that Sars-Cov-2 first came from pangolins. But it did focus attention on the mammals role as an intermediary host capable of transferring a coronavirus (or other pathogen) from bats to people. We know that pangolins can carry a lot of viruses, including sarbecoviruses, merbecoviruses and pestiviruses, said Prof Holmes, a co-author of the Nature study. So that presents a clear risk to human health. And because pangolins are trafficked in such large numbers, they will commonly come into contact with other animal species with the chance of picking up any infections they have. He added that this is a particular concern in much of southeast Asia and southern China, which is considered a hotspot for emerging zoonotic pathogens from Nipah virus to Sars and bird flu. The closest known relative to Sars-Cov-2, called BANAL-52, was also found among bats in a cave in northern Laos its genetic similarity is 96.8 per cent. Other related coronaviruses have been found in southern China, Cambodia and Thailand. b' ' Laos wildlife trade is part of a network that stretches across the globe, with live pangolins and shipments of their scales commonly smuggled from West Africa to Singapore, and north through southeast Asia to China. The coronavirus pandemic did disrupt this trade and seizures at sea and airports remain lower than in 2019, according to the Wildlife Justice Commission. Yet it has not gone away. While Laos has tried to crackdown on illegal trading and boost disease surveillance, limited budgets and resources have curtailed success and the country still faces sanctions under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITIES), which has warned implementation of a Law on Wildlife in 2023 remains weak. A boom in tourism especially Chinese tourists groups after the opening of the cross-border China-Laos Railway in April 2023 has also boosted demand for illegal wildlife products, according to a recent report from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime. The research identified animal products sold at at least 18 venues including restaurants and coffee shops, museums and jewellery stores which are not open to the public, but where Chinese tourists on specific tours are taken and encouraged to buy animal products and told it is legal. It is estimated that this illicit wildlife trade could now be worth more than $400 million, rivalling the countrys official tourism earnings. The Laos government did not respond to Telegraph requests for comment. But the smuggling network that leads to souvenir shops and restaurants offers ample opportunities for a virus to jump between animals and to people, especially because it is not regulated and biosecurity is limited. Few think the solution is to ban wet markets overall, a cultural necessity in much of Southeast Asia equivalent to eating game in Britain. But they say endangered wildlife needs better protection across the region, and awareness of disease risk must rise. A 2020 paper, which interviewed 177 livestock and wildlife traders in markets across Laos, demonstrated the lack of basic knowledge few people used personal protective equipment or understood the disease risk. A souvenir shop staff makes tea for customers. On the shelf behind, illegal wildlife products including bear bile, pangolin powder, and elephant skin powder are displayed in bottles and boxed packages - JITTRAPON KAICOME Illegal wildlife products on a tray made from rhino horn, along with items in the glass shelf made from tiger bone and elephant tusks, are sold at a souvenir shop in the SanJiang Hotel in Vientiane - JITTRAPON KAICOME There was little to suggest this had changed when the Telegraph visited Dongmakkhay market on the outskirts of Vientiane last month. Dead bats were offered in stalls next to butchered rats and squirrels, while live chickens and pigeons were kept in cramped cages nearby. Few people wore personal protective equipment. Agent Cs report and footage also suggests few handling endangered pangolins are thinking of the disease risk. In one especially graphic scene The Telegraph had chosen not to publish, a live pangolin is beaten before its throat is slit for the blood those caught on camera say that this is used as flavouring for fried rice and rice wine. People are wearing flip flops and mixing the blood with chopsticks, as fluid splatters over them. The stressed creature is still alive, though barely able to move, when its dropped into boiling water on a stove in a cramped kitchen. Next, people pull its scales which are extremely valuable on the black market from its body, before butchering the mammal. There may be lots of zoonosis going undetected we dont necessarily know what causes every infection that someone gets, said Dr Matthew Robinson, head of the Molecular Bacteriology Team at the Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Research Unit (LOMWRU) in Vientiane. But theres a risk in the hunting, in the transportation, then theres risks of cross contamination in the markets. Are there live animals there, or only dead? Where are animals stored? How are they processed? And then what happens to them once theyre sold is meat, for instance, cooked or raw? Its quite a complicated web of interactions, and its hard to pinpoint exactly when a zoonotic disease may jump to people. All we can say is certain behaviours increase that risk, he added. Agent C Wildlife Initiative Yet risk is not hypothetical nor is it confined to pangolins. In 2020, Prof Robinsons team treated seven young men who all contracted angiostrongyliasis a potentially fatal parasite also known as rat lungworm disease after catching and eating a wild monitor lizard. The men, who did survive, had consumed the meat raw doing so is considered an aphrodisiac. Meanwhile in 2022, a study in Emerging Infectious Diseases journal screened animals at wildlife trade sites across Laos, and found 20.1 per cent of animals were carrying zoonotic pathogens. Squirrels, bats, porcupines, civet cats and deer all tested positive for zoonotic diseases, including Rickettsia and Leptospira bacteria. I personally believe such settings are the highest risk for animal-to-human spill over due to very close contact and the high stress of the animals, which in turn increase the pathogen levels, said Prof Linfa Wang, a professor in emerging infectious disease at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. There are many confirmed examples already. But back at the restaurant in Vientiane, the waitress seemed unfazed by the disease or conservation concerns around eating pangolin. People say its good for healing, that it can be used for medicine like wound healing, she said. Just call me if you decide you want to eat it, and well order it for you. Tell us how you like it, and well cook accordingly. Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security Products featured in this Yahoo article are selected by our shopping writers. We will earn a commission from purchases made via links in this article. Pricing and availability are subject to change. The Loose Women panellist shares her experience with loss, as well as what it's like growing up in the public eye. Coleen Nolan has never been one to hold back and at 60, she's got no intention of starting now. The youngest of eight six daughters and two sons Coleen and her sisters shot to fame as the Anglo-Irish pop group The Nolans. Only nine years old when the group formed, Coleen officially joined at 15. During our conversation, the Loose Women panellist is candid about the struggles of being in the public eye for the majority of her life. The mum-of-three has developed a thick skin over the decades, but admits "nasty comments can still sting." "Everyone's entitled to an opinion," she tells me as part of Yahoo'sUnapologetically series. "But sometimes those opinions are based on made-up stories in the press, and that's frustrating. "You have to develop a certain armour," she adds. "I pretend sometimes that I don't care 'They don't know me' but occasionally it does hurt." To viewers, Coleen is confident, bubbly and outspoken. However, off-screen, she's been dealing with profound loss, navigating life without two of her beloved siblings. In 2013, the family lost Bernie, 52, to breast cancer, and tragedy struck again in 2025, when Linda, aged 65, died from secondary cancer following breast cancer. Linda's death hit Coleen "like a ton of bricks." "She'd had breast cancer for 20 years and kept fighting. I convinced myself she'd outlive us all," she says. "It's really hard. We grew up performing together, lived together until we met partners, and worked together; we were always incredibly close. It hits you: two of us are gone." Cancer has loomed large over the Nolan siblings. Anne, 75, has battled breast cancer twice, Coleen was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2023, and last year, brother Brian, 71, was given the all-clear after prostate cancer. Her experience of loss prompted her to explore grief in all its forms in her best-selling book, A Hand to Hold, released last year. It's a project, she says, that has helped her as much as readers. "I still pick it up and read certain chapters," she admits. You've said things over the years that have got you in hot water. Why is it important to share your opinion, even if it isn't popular? Because I've been on an opinion-based show for 25 years. It's literally based on personal opinion. Not everyone will like what you say. A lot of the time, things are taken massively out of context one line becomes a headline, and people who didn't watch the show think it's awful. I want to say, "Watch the whole thing!" The world has changed. You have to edit your opinions now because you can be cancelled instantly. It's a shame, because an opinion is just an opinion; it doesn't mean the world will change because of it. Coleen Nolan first joined Loose Women in 2000 and has been a regular since. Sometimes I forget the show is on telly. I come off, and I see it's gone online, or it's in a magazine, and I think, "I really need to remember that there's people watching this," because I genuinely forget, I feel like I'm just with my mates having a conversation. And with four of us, especially on serious topics, we don't always get enough time. Sometimes you rush and it comes out wrong. So now if we're running out of time, I try and be funny because I haven't got time to really say what I feel. Have you ever apologised for something you later felt you shouldn't have? No. I only apologise if I've genuinely hurt someone, because I never set out to hurt anyone. If my opinion upsets someone, it doesnt mean Im sorry for the opinion, but Im sorry that it hurt them. Im always happy to explain where I'm coming from. My opinions have changed over 25 years on Loose Women. Things I said back then make me cringe now, but life has progressed, and so have I. At the time, I meant them. Now I think, "What an idiot!" But that's growth. Coleen won Celebrity Big Brother in 2017, which was her second appearance on the show. (Mike Marsland via Getty Images) Unapologetically is dedicated to conversations with women who continue to evolve in the public eye. How do you live unapologetically? I think if I didn't, I'd be apologising every minute of the day. As I've got older, I've become more confident and secure in myself. When I was younger, I was much more insecure and scared to say no, always overthinking: "What if they dont like me? What if they don't ask me again?" Now I'm like, "I'm not apologising anymore." Unless Ive genuinely hurt someone, of course. But in my general life? I live it unapologetically. Maureen, Bernie, Linda and Coleen Nolan from The Nolans on tour in 2009. (Justin Goff Photos via Getty Images) You've grown up in front of the public. What's something people still get wrong about you? Oh God, loads! You think, "A) thats not true, and B) you don't know me." When I was younger, we didn't have social media. Now everyone can reach you on your phone and comment on everything. That can be hard, but I've got used to it. I've had to reach a place where I think, "I know I'm not like that. You can think what you want, but Im not apologising for being me." Not everyone will like or agree with you, which took me years to accept. People often have unrealistic expectations regarding age and beauty. How do you navigate that while being in the spotlight? (L-R) Anne, Coleen, Linda, Bernie and Maureen Nolan of The Nolans perform in 1982. (Pete Still via Getty Images) Luckily, the people who matter, my family and close friends, would be the first to tell me if something was wrong. As long as they love me and know who I am, the rest shouldn't matter. But the nasty comments can still sting. Recently, I was reading comments about a dress Amanda Holden wore; people were saying she should "dress for her age." What does that even mean? I'm 60, should I be in a tweed skirt and brogues? Absolutely not. If someone wants that, great. But it doesnt mean youre wrong if you don't. Sometimes the comments astound me. Sometimes I just don't read them. I'm grateful that 99% of people who follow me, stop me in the street or comment online are lovely. They give me faith in humanity. But as humans, we remember the 1% that's nasty. Im getting better at ignoring that and appreciating the good. You sadly lost your sister Linda in 2025 and Bernie in 2013. How are you doing? Linda had breast cancer for 20 years and kept fighting. I convinced myself she'd outlive us all. Me and [my daughter] Ciara visited her in hospital, and we stayed for hours. We were just laughing and joking, and she was fine. And then when I was home, my sister phoned me and said, "The hospital just called us back in." I got straight back in my car and I never really spoke to her again. I think that was the shock. I kept thinking, "She'd just been moaning about the dessert. I was literally talking and laughing with her, and now she's gone." She was a big personality within the public eye, but also within the family; she was bossy. She said what she thought, and she'd have a go at us if she thought she needed to. She was very family-oriented, so it was a big chunk of the family that just wasn't there anymore. Therapy got me through it. I'd lost my mojo. I was numb. Nothing excited me. I knew I needed professional help, so I went and it helped me survive this year. Coleen held back tears as she admitted she'd wondered whether it was too soon to return to Loose Women after Linda's death. (ITV/Loose Women) Both sisters battled cancer. Do you live in fear of a similar diagnosis? In some ways, yes, but that's not always a bad thing. It makes you vigilant. My brother also had prostate cancer; it reminds you that anything can happen. But you can't become paranoid. You'd be at the doctor every two minutes. I check myself, but I also see a specialist every year for a proper examination. Anne, my sister, survived cancer twice because she went straight away both times. Linda and Bernie left things too long initially. A lot of people find something and avoid getting it checked in case it's bad news. But if it is something, it's not going away. Early detection is always better. My brother didn't tell us about his diagnosis until after Linda died because he didn't want to worry us. He had the operation within weeks and is now fully clear. He's been amazing. Coleen with sons Shane Richie, Jr. (L) and Jake Richie (R). (Shirlaine Forrest via Getty Images) Your book, A Hand to Hold, is about dealing with loss. What did you learn about yourself while writing it? When I started writing it, Linda was still here. I'd lost Bernie, my parents and others. What I learned is that grief never affects two people the same way. Everyone grieves differently. Some need to go straight back to work; others need space. We can be judgmental we see someone smiling after a loss and think, "Why are they smiling?" But if that gets them through, be happy for them. I wanted the book to make people feel less alone. Some people don't have anyone to talk to, I wanted it to feel like a hand to hold. It was important to include grief for animals, too. Pets are family, and that grief is real. People who dont have pets dont understand that. Different deaths create different grief. When my mum with Alzheimer's died, there was almost relief that she wasn't suffering, but the grief came a year later. Losing sisters in their 50s is a different kind of pain. The book helped me as much as anyone else. I still pick it up and read certain chapters. It sounds odd, but I enjoyed writing it because I wanted people to feel held. I'm really proud of it. You have three children [Coleen shares sons Shane Nolan, 37, and Jake Roche, 33 with ex-husband Shane Richie and daughter Ciara Nolan, 25, with musician Ray Fensome] and live with your daughter and her family. What's multi-generational living like? We're very close. My daughter doesn't live in the main house. I bought a smallholding with a lovely little cottage annexe, and she and her partner live there. I still see them every day. They treat my house like a 24-hour supermarket. I keep joking I'm putting chains on the gate so they can't come and nick my toilet roll! I love it. It keeps me young and involved in their lives, though I try not to interfere. My son lives 10 minutes away, and my other son is in London, so I see him when I work there. The multi-generational aspect works for us. I've learnt so much from my kids. The tables have turned; I go to them for advice now, especially with anything digital. I drive them mad with emojis. I used to say, "Back in my day" My daughter once said, "It's not your day," and she was right. I've had my day, now Im learning from theirs. Coleen Nolan pictured at home with her daughter Ciara back in 2007. (Avalon via Getty Images) Lastly, do you have any regrets? No. I have a sign on my wall that says, "Only regret the things you didn't try." I live by that. I've made decisions that hurt me, and I've experienced things that weren't right, but everything good and bad has led me to where I am today, and I'm happy. I've had two marriages that didn't work out, but Ive got three amazing kids from them. I wouldn't change any of it. A Hand To Hold by Coleen Nolan is out now (Amazon, 8.30). This has been edited for length and clarity. Under the weather: Liam Delap fell ill on the day of Chelseas clash with Arsenal (Getty Images) Chelsea are battling to contain the further spread of a virus in camp ahead of their west London derby clash with Brentford this weekend. Blues striker Liam Delap and winger Jamie Gittens both missed Wednesday nights 3-2 home defeat by Arsenal in their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie due to flu, Gittens having been struggling on Tuesday evening and Delap ruled out just four hours before kick-off at Stamford Bridge. Both players were absent from training at Cobham on Thursday as they continue to recover at home, with a number of Chelsea staff members also now ill and the club holding a meeting to provide a reminder over good hygiene practices as they bid to prevent the virus from spreading any further. He's still at home at the moment recovering, as is Jamie Gittens, Rosenior said when asked about Delap during a press conference held on Thursday afternoon ahead of Brentfords visit in the Premier League. The club doctors are looking to contain a virus because some of our staff have gone down as well. We had a meeting today, telling everyone to wash their hands and everything which is really important and hopefully we can contain it. We have a busy period, so we need everyone ready to go, fit and healthy. There was better news for Chelsea on Thursday with Cole Palmer and captain Reece James both returning to training - a day earlier than expected, in Palmers case - in the aftermath of respective thigh and hip issues that saw them unavailable for new boss Roseniors first two games in charge against Charlton and Arsenal. Malo Gusto should also be back against Brentford on Saturday, while Moises Caicedo will return in midfield following his latest suspension. Romeo Lavia has begun working away from the main group at Cobham as he bids to return from a quad injury that has kept him on the sidelines since early November, though Rosenior said there was still no timeframe for his latest comeback. Dario Essugo is now fit again following his thigh surgery and was an unused substitute against both Charlton and Arsenal, though Levi Colwill remains a long-term absentee as he continues to recover from an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered during pre-season. Mykhailo Mudryk is still unavailable for Chelsea. The US Congress is seeking to significantly scale back Donald Trumps brutal cuts to foreign aid, including providing funding for areas he sought to scrap completely. When Trump took office in January, he froze all overseas assistance overnight before cancelling swathes of programmes. While money is trickling back into the system, this has already upended health services in lower-income countries across the last year, as clinics closed, drugs ran out and tens of thousands of health workers were forced to leave their posts. A number of revised spending bills, which set out the funding available for this financial year if passed, would include providing $50 billion (37bn) for global programmes including foreign assistance roughly $20bn (15bn) more than the funds in the Presidents budget request, even if it would still constitute a cut on the previous year. Within this, $9.4bn (7bn) would be provided for global health programmes a small cut thats a long way from the $3.8bn (3bn) requested by Trump which would have seen US aid for global health fall by two-thirds. HIV services are by far the biggest winners from the agreement, in line to receive more than half of the funds. The Independent has found the initial cuts deprived people living with HIV of their drugs, leading to deaths while prevention services have been hollowed out particularly for LGBT+ people. The new bills would also provide $500m (373m) for family planning and reproductive health, which Trump said he would stop sending any US money for. The freeze on these funds in 2025 led to countries running out of contraception and risking the lives of women and girls,. Similarly, US funding for the global vaccine alliance Gavi, which buys jabs for more than half of the worlds children born each year, was set to be scrapped but the new bills before Congress would allocate $300m (224m) for the group - about what it sent in 2024. The UNs aid agency UNAIDS, which has been facing questions over its future over funding cuts, would receive $45m (34m) under these plans. While both House of Representatives and Senate negotiators have agreed these funds, they still need to vote them through - and even after that, it remains to be seen whether Trump would sign the bill into law, or whether his administration will comply and spend the funds as agreed. The White House has made clear that it believes the president has the authority to disregard Congress in order to spend less money than has been approved. To that end, language considered for a these bills and others that would be aimed at limiting Trumps ability to circumvent Congress, has been omitted. The logic seemingly being that the president would possibly ignore it anyway and at least he will be less likely to reduce spending agreed by Republicans and signed off himself. A decade-old clip of Ted Cruz warning Donald Trump would "nuke Denmark" if he were president has resurfaced amid current Greenland invasion talks. "Were liable to wake up one morning and Donald, if he were president, would have nuked Denmark," Cruz told media in February 2016. It comes as Trump repeatedly vows to take over the Danish territory of Greenland, one way or the other. However, following talks with US vice president JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio on Wednesday (14 January), Denmark said a "fundamental disagreement" with Trump remains over Greenland. Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) Independent human rights experts on Wednesday expressed concern over restrictions faced by human rights defenders in Egypt following their release from detention Activists demonstrating in support of Palestine Action hunger strikers outside Pentonville prison in London. Photograph: Guy Smallman/Getty Images (Photograph: Guy Smallman/Getty Images) As the hunger strike by Palestine Action-affiliated prisoners dragged on, it seemed to be moving towards an inexorable and grim conclusion. With those taking part steadfast in their demands and ministers refusing to even meet their representatives, it began to seem that only a death might end the protest; and even then it was unclear what the others refusing food would do. But late on Wednesday, Prisoners for Palestine announced that Heba Muraisi, Kamran Ahmed and Lewie Chiaramello were ending their action. Four others, who had also been on hunger strike but were officially on a pause, would be doing likewise. The announcement came on day 73 of Muraisi refusing food, the same number of days as reached by the Irish republican hunger striker Kieran Doherty, who survived the longest of 10 men who died in a 1981 action. Shahmina Alam, the sister of Ahmed, who she said stopped his strike on Tuesday (day 65 for him), spoke of her relief. For the first time I woke up today not afraid, she said. We dont need to think about the prospects of more health complication. At the same time, she stressed that residual fear remained over the re-feeding process, which is in itself precarious. The end of the action was presented as a victory, sealed by the governments decision not to award a 2bn defence contract to Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israels largest arms producer. This was described by Prisoners for Palestine as a key demand of the hunger strikers and this was partially true. One of five key demands was to shut down the UK sites of Elbit, which some of those refusing food are accused of targeting. While this has not happened, within that demand was a requirement not to grant the Ministry of Defence contract to Elbit Systems UK, which would have seen it train 60,000 troops a year. Francesca Nadin, of Prisoners for Palestine, said: Well never know for sure but its quite clear to me that all of the campaigning, whether it be the hunger strike, whether it be Defend Our Juries, whether it be the judicial review [challenging proscription of Palestine Action], all had an impact on that, because now the public is talking about this in a way that wasnt happening before. Alam said her brother had been feeling deflated about the prospect of stopping when she spoke to him on Monday, as he did not feel enough progress had been made towards the demands, but he had succumbed to pressure from those close to him. However, she said the news about Elbit would cheer him up and Nadin said Muraisi was very happy when she told her about it on the phone. Other key demands were clearly not met, such as immediate bail for the prisoners none of whom have been convicted and all of whom will have spent well over a year in jail before trial and the de-proscription of Palestine Action. However, the latter is still a possibility through the judicial review, the decision of which is keenly awaited. Prisoners for Palestine also pointed to other victories, including, it said, HMP New Hall, in Wakefield, agreeing to Muraisis transfer back to HMP Bronzefield, in Surrey, which is near her family and friends and from where she was moved last year. Another key demand had been to end the censorship of communications and, to that end, it said that, during the hunger strike, some of the prisoners started receiving bulk packages of withheld mail. They might also note that the death of the hunger strikers would have been a devastating loss which might have achieved little beyond what has already been secured and that the sacrifice to their health has been enormous. While they did not get all of their demands, nor did the Irish republican prisoners in the last hunger strike of such scale and longevity in a UK prison, yet they were retrospectively recognised as changing the course of the Northern Irish conflict. This is not to say that the results of the modern protesters action will be on anything like the same scale. But with the US congresswoman Rachida Tlaib posting on X about their plight, intervention by UN experts, and international news coverage, they drew attention to their cause as well as wider problems in the prison system. And Prisoners for Palestine said that, in the last few weeks, 500 people had signed up to take direct action more than the amount of people who did so with Palestine Action over its five-year campaign before proscription. Nadin said: From the very beginning all the hunger strikers said this it was a rallying cry to the people, and that was the big success. Demands were kind of secondary to all that, we know what the governments like. Alam said: I think their name was very much in the shadows for a while, but people are very aware of Elbit Systems now and a lot of that is due to the hunger strike. Eva Vlaardingerbroek recently described Keir Starmer as an evil, despicable man. Photograph: Szilard Koszticsak/EPA (Photograph: Szilard Koszticsak/EPA) A Dutch anti-immigration influencer who has promoted conspiracy theories such as the great replacement appears to have had her authorisation for visa-free travel to the UK revoked. Eva Vlaardingerbroek posted an image online of what appeared to be a notification from the British government that her UK electronic travel authorisation (ETA) had been cancelled on Tuesday. Your presence in the UK is not considered to be conducive to the public good, it stated. Viktor Orban, the Hungarian prime minister, reposted Vlaardingerbroeks tweet to his X account. The post linked to her previous comments about Keir Starmer, whom she described as an evil, despicable man. Youre always welcome in Hungary! said Orban, whose country hosted her and others from the far right and hardline conservative parties in 2024 when she addressed the Conservative Political Action conference (CPAC). Vlaardingerbroek spoke last year in London at Britains largest ever far-right protest, organised by the activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. Appearing in a T-shirt emblazoned with the words Generation Remigration a reference to a far-right buzzword regarded as a euphemism for forced mass deportations she said: They are demanding the sacrifice of our children on the altar of mass migration. Lets not beat about the bush this is the rape, replacement and murder of our people Remigration is possible, and its up to us to make it happen. Related: France announces ban on 10 British anti-migrant activists According to immigration experts, the cancellation of an ETA means an individual is ineligible for visa-free travel to the UK. They may be denied entry and must apply for and obtain a UK visa before making any further attempt to travel. The Home Office has been approached for comment. The apparent move by the Home Office could result in a backlash from Vlaardingerbroeks allies in the US, where figures in the Trump administration have accused Britain of clamping down on free speech. Liz Truss, who served as prime minister for 49 days in 2022 and who has become a vocal proponent of increasingly rightwing views since leaving office, criticised the move. People who tell the truth about whats happening in Britain banned from the country, Truss wrote on X. Rupert Lowe, the anti-immigration MP who was previously part of Nigel Farages Reform UK party, said he would be questioning why the Dutch activist had been prevented from entering the UK and calling for any such decision to be reversed. It is not the first time that figures deemed as extremists have been banned from entering the UK. Earlier this month, an Islamist preacher was banned from the UK after he defended the terrorist group Hamas after the 7 October terror attack on Israel. And Martin Sellner, a prominent anti-Islamic extremist whose organisation was investigated in Austria over links to the Christchurch shooting suspect, was permanently barred from entering the UK in 2019. Emma Willis has told how she was floored by a hole in the heart diagnosis as she met another mother with the same condition. The broadcaster, who earlier this week admitted she was nervous about taking over from Zoe Ball on the BBC Radio 2 Saturday lunchtime slot this weekend, discovered she was living with a hole in the heart last year. The 49-year-old is now backing a new campaign by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to raise awareness of people living with heart conditions. Willis unknowingly lived with a hole in her heart for 48 years, which only became evident after a routine health check last January. Medics discovered she had an enlarged heart and a hole between the collecting chambers of the heart called an atrial septal defect. Willis was told she had a congenital condition, meaning she was born with the hole in her heart. It was closed during a keyhole operation at Royal Brompton Hospital in London two months after diagnosis. Willis said: The last thing I expected my cardiologist to say was that it was a congenital heart condition. I was floored as I had gone 48 years oblivious, not knowing anything was wrong. It was a bolt out of the blue, and I had a million questions going through my head. The mental shift was the biggest challenge, because when you hear those words, it terrifies you. My perspective on life shifted. From diagnosis to surgery was the most present I have been in my life. Im hoping that sharing my story will help others going through something like this. Emma Willis (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (Jordan Pettitt) As part of the BHF campaign, Willis met Aimee Nicholls, who has a hole in the heart, and Mrs Nicholls son Leo, eight, who also has congenital heart disease. She also chatted to Michelle White, a mother of three who has undergone 13 different types of heart procedures. The BHF is unveiling 65 red benches one for each year the charity has been established across the UK in tribute to those living with cardiovascular disease. Each bench carries the name of a survivor plus a short message about them and what they enjoy. Mrs Nicholls was born with a hole in her heart and underwent a keyhole procedure when she was four. A 20-week scan then picked up that her son Leo would also be born with a hole in his heart. When he was born in November 2017, Mrs Nicholls and her husband Alex were told their son had several heart defects and would need open heart surgery aged at just a week old. When we were told about Leos conditions, our world collapsed, said Mrs Nicholls, 32, from Bristol. Wed gone from being told he had a minor heart defect that wouldnt require surgery and would rectify itself, to being told that without open heart surgery he wouldnt survive. We just broke down and couldnt process it at all. After a successful operation, Leo was discharged from hospital two days before Christmas, although he might need further surgery. Mrs White, 48, from Manchester, suffers from a faulty heart valve. Her heart became enlarged and she had two open-heart operations to repair the valve. As a result, she developed several abnormal heart rhythms and had a pacemaker fitted. She has also suffered several strokes but she has now been told her heart is functioning well due to treatment. She said: I wont let fear define me. Im taking things step by step, staying positive, and I feel Im at a new chapter where I can focus on what truly matters most. Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the BHF, urged people to donate towards lifesaving research, adding: Were incredibly grateful to Emma, Aimee, Leo and Michelle for openly sharing their experiences of living with heart conditions. Their stories send a powerful message that cardiovascular disease can affect anyone, and that its OK to talk about your heart health. Our 65 iconic red BHF benches are creating spaces that celebrate real-life survivors and allow people to talk about their experiences, changing perceptions and inspiring support for research that saves and improves even more lives. The bandhgala became part of the Indian Railways uniform in the late 19th century Photograph: Danita Delimont/Alamy (Photograph: Danita Delimont/Alamy) It is one Indias most ubiquitous garments, with origins in the grand Mughal courts and Rajasthani kingdoms of times past, and still widely favoured by sharply dressed grooms at wedding receptions. But this week, the distinctive high-collared bandhgala jacket known to many as the princely jacket in a nod to its royal origins found itself at the centre of a lively debate after it was denounced by the Indian railways minister as a symbol of a colonial mindset. In an attempt to banish such colonial hangovers, Ashwini Vaishnaw has declared that the bandhgala will be immediately removed as part of the formal uniform of Indian Railways staff. We have to get rid of all colonial mindset, Vaishnaw said. We need to find each of them and remove them, whether its in our working style or dressing style. But while the tailored jacket became part of the Indian Railways uniform in the late 19th century, during the time of the British Raj, it has been denied that the coat itself is a colonial relic. Raghavendra Rathore, an Indian menswear designer and descendent of the royal family of Jodhpur in Rajasthan who pioneered the jackets design centuries ago, called the garment Indias most refined expression of royal tailoring. I think its unfair to say this jacket is not part of our own history or its the costume of another culture, Rathore said. It has developed and evolved over four centuries, going back to the Mughal courts and the Rajasthan princely states. This jacket was here before the British arrived in Calcutta and its gone through a very fluid evolution since then. For Rathore, whose fashion label has focused on the traditional cultures and craft of the bandhgala, it remains a distinctively Indian garment that encompasses layers of history. The now-ubiquitous closed neckline, the fitted and tailored torso and shaped shoulders of the jacket first emerged in the courts of Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century. As the design evolved into a waist-length fitted jacket, it was then adopted in the courts of the Rajput warrior rulers and maharajas of Jodhpur, in what is now Rajasthan state, where it underwent further transformation and adaptation. The high neck was seen as particularly favourable for the chilly conditions of north India during the winter. By the 19th century, the jacket had been further modified by the Jodhpur royal family to make it suitable as an outfit for riding horses and playing polo, to be matched with tight breeches now known more commonly as jodhpurs. It was as a polo uniform that the bandhgala jacket became popularised in the west by the early 20th century. Far from being a western imposition, the adoption of the bandhgala jacket by Indian Railways in the late 19th century saw it replace more European-style frocks and tunics. Rathore acknowledged there was some colonial influence on the evolution of the jacket during the time of the Raj. Elements were copied from British military uniform jackets, such as certain trims and tailoring, and other paraphernalia that were added to the designs. But the jacket itself always remained Indian, he emphasised. The bandhgala is not the only relic to face the ire of the Hindu nationalist government of prime minister Narendra Modi, as it has pledged to free India from the legacy of more than 100 years of Britains cruel and exploitative colonial rule, which only ended in 1947. The goal of a developed India is to remove any trace of the colonial mindset, Modi said last year. After Indian independence, the bandhgala was reclaimed as a nationalistic garment, and kept on as a formal part of the railways uniform. While Rathore conceded it was not always the most practical item for those working on the railways particularly in the high summer temperatures he questioned what might be brought in to replace it. There is much curiosity over what they will choose, he said. The hope is its not just an ordinary western suit. How your entire identity could be sold for 30 on the dark web British identity packages, including an ID scan, a selfie, and a dossier of personal data, can be purchased by criminals on the dark web for as little as 30, new research suggests. As identity theft continues to rise, experts have discovered the sale of national identity documents, driving licences, credit card details and UK frequent traveller passports for 2,000. The information can be exploited in multiple ways and used to apply for credit cards, mortgages, car loans, or to open bank accounts. AMLTRIX, a group of anti-money laundering experts, analysed 25 active dark web marketplaces in early December last year, uncovering the many ways in which Britons stolen data is being used. Several instances of stolen British data being sold on the dark web have been discovered (Getty) Its co-founder, Gabrielius Erikas Bilkstys, said: A full identity pack with ID scan and selfie is now cheap enough and accessible for criminals to buy in bulk, and if that is not enough, the dark web offers other, more reliable, although more expensive options. That reflects how often the same personal data is stolen and resold, and how industrialised this market has become. British identity packages were on sale by some vendors for less than 30 (ALMTRIX) Some of the highest-value items were KYC-verified UK business bank accounts, ranging from 900 to 2,000. Accounts at major banks such as NatWest and Barclays were at the upper end of this range, according to AMLTRIX. A NatWest spokesperson said: We take protecting our customers from financial crime extremely seriously, which is why we operate robust fraud and security systems and work with partners across the wider digital ecosystem. Barclays has been contacted for comment. The research also found hacked UK Amazon accounts listed at an average of 15, while login details for subscription services such as Netflix were going for around 10. Counterfeit Bank of England banknotes were also being sold, typically going for around 25 to 35 per cent of their face value. Some vendors claimed that their notes pass UV light checks and offered low-value sample orders as proof of quality. While in many cases, the data being sold was legitimate, AMLTRIX also noted that there were several instances of scams. Some of the data being sold was a scam, AMLTRIX said (AMLTRIX) Once the data is online, the same identity can be repeatedly used to commit identity theft. Often, the original victim will be unaware until debt collectors or law enforcement become involved, AMLTRIX said. Mr Bilkstys said that for organisations, one of the key misunderstandings was seeing the dark web as a completely separate world. Many organisations still think of the dark web as a distant, exotic threat. In reality, it is tightly connected to everyday phishing campaigns, large data breaches, account takeovers, and money laundering cases that compliance teams are already dealing with. UK fraud prevention service Cifas found that there were more than 118,000 cases of identity fraud recorded between January and June last year. Nearly half of all UK businesses reported a cybersecurity breach in 2024 (Getty) David Wall, a cyber crime expert at the University of Leeds, said: The problem exists at two levels. [Firstly], data of the individual who can fall victim to financial loss, this happens through account takeover, or more likely being defrauded via a phone call pretending to be from the victims own bank. The other level accesses data at the organisational level. In 2024, 43 per cent of UK businesses reported experiencing a cybersecurity breach or attack, according to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Criminals will gather this data and process it into packages to be sold on to other criminals, Mr Wall said. Some data sets are scams where one group of crooks try to scam another, but others are the real thing and provide initial access to organisations. This is very concerning as they have contributed to some of the larger cyber, mainly ransomware, attacks experienced by most Western countries in recent years. The first official Eurovision Song Contest live tour will visit London this summer to mark 70 years of the worlds largest live music event. The show will feature acts from the past seven decades of the song contest, as well as 10 competing artists from the 2026 competition. It will tour 10 European cities, kicking off with a show at Londons O2 Arena on June 15. Surprise special guests will also perform live on stage in every city. Artists will perform their own Eurovision Song Contest entries plus cover versions of their favourite songs from its 70-year history. The line-up of 2026 artists will be confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union the day after the Eurovision Song Contest grand final in Vienna, Austria, on May 16. The memorable acts who are performing from previous years will be announced in the coming weeks, and are expected to vary from city to city. Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said: As we celebrate 70 years of the Eurovision Song Contest, we wanted to do something truly unique and special and the Eurovision Song Contest live tour is exactly that. This historic first tour captures the evolution of the contest from broadcast icon to an immersive live experience with a format that celebrates our fantastic past whilst looking to the future. For the very first time we are bringing the magic of the Eurovision Song Contest live experience directly to fans and their friends and families all over Europe. This is our chance to celebrate the music, the artists, and the community that have made the Eurovision Song Contest what it is for seven remarkable decades. After London, the tour will visit Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Denmark before concluding in Stockholm, Sweden, on July 2. James OBrien, chief executive of Progress Productions, said: Creating this concert series is an extraordinary honour. The Eurovision Song Contest has produced some of the most unforgettable performances in music history, and we cant wait to bring that energy to arenas across Europe in 2026. This tour will be a celebration of everything that makes the Eurovision Song Contest iconic. Last years shows were reached by 175 million people across the globe. Those who want to register for tickets can sign up at www.eurovision.com/account/register/ and full artist line-ups for each location will be available at www.eurovision.com/tour. Everything Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick said about each other before his dramatic defection The sight of Robert Jenrick shaking hands with Nigel Farage after trashing the reputation of the Conservative Party of which he had been a member since he was a teenager would have been unthinkable to many before Thursday. The pair have been embroiled in a war of words for years, exchanging insults as they vie for the position as the true leader of the rightwing of British politics. But now, after an explosive day in Westminster that saw the former minister defect to Reform UK hours after he was sacked as shadow justice secretary and suspended from the Tories, Mr Farage and Mr Jenrick have agreed to put past bad blood behind them. Nigel Farage has previously described Robert Jenrick as a fraud (Reuters) While it has now been revealed that the Newark MP had been courting Reform since September, having dinner with Mr Farage last month, their relationship has been far from smooth. Just last year, they traded insults on social media, with Mr Farage referring to him as a fraud while Mr Jenrick had previously said he wished to send the Clacton MP back to retirement. What has Robert Jenrick said about Nigel Farage and Reform? During a UCL Conservative Society dinner last March, Mr Jenrick ruffled feathers after he appeared to suggest he was determined to bring this coalition together when discussing the threat posed by Reform. Soon afterwards, Ms Badenoch dismissed any prospect of a pact with Mr Farages party and brushed off talk of stitch-ups before an election. Soon afterwards, Mr Jenrick struck a different tone during an appearance on ITVs Good Morning Britain, stating: Well look, Kemi Badenoch and I are on exactly the same page. Kemi has been very clear there wont be a pact with Reform, and Ive said time and again that I want to put Reform out of business. I want to send Nigel Farage back to retirement. The two-child benefits cap was introduced to restore fairness. Now Labour and Reform are locked in a bidding war to splash out more in handouts. Why is Farage backing this policy? Has he cooked this up after one too many pints at his local? Has a joint found its way into Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) May 27, 2025 In May, Mr Jenrick took aim at Reform backing the lifting of the two-child benefit cap, writing on X: Why is Farage backing this policy? Has he cooked this up after one too many pints at his local? Has a joint found its way into his usual pack of Marlboro Golds? As recently as last August, Jenrick accused Reforms head of policy, Zia Yusuf, of pushing another two lies about his position on migrant hotels and an illegal immigration holding centre in Kent. Mr Jenrick wrote on X: I see Reforms former chairman, Zia Yusuf, has unfortunately pushed another two lies about me. One of which hes already had to delete. On the Manston arrivals and processing centre, he said: The idea I was bragging about opening hotels, or that I thought they were a good thing, is clearly absurd. A complete lie. Robert Jenrick has previously stated he wishes to send Nigel Farage back to retirement (Getty) In another jab, Mr Jenrick took aim at the Reform UK leaders appearance at the Cheltenham races, stating that he had swanned off to forget his troubles, while the Tories remained committed to stopping the two-tier sentencing rules. What has Farage said about Jenrick? In recent years, Mr Farages approach to Mr Jenrick could be described as lukewarm at best. He thanked him once for co-signing his ECHR withdrawal bill, which was voted down in the Commons last October, and had previously said he was more than happy to discuss a potential defection. Jenrick is a fraud. Ive alway thought so, this quote proves it. pic.twitter.com/pMcuhe88mw Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) August 18, 2025 However, he also wrote on X last August: Jenrick is a fraud. Ive alway thought so, this quote proves it. He also shared a picture of the MP with his quote from November 2022 when he was immigration minister, which read: More hotels have been coming online almost every month throughout the whole year. What I have done is procure even more. In a separate post, Mr Farage said: When Robert Jenrick was immigration minister he grew the number of illegal migrants living in free hotels to 56,000. He is no friend of Epping. In another scathing takedown while Mr Jenrick was running for Tory leader, he said: Formerly a man that believed in nothing, Robert Jenrick now pitches himself as the great hardliner. This is almost certainly done for political gain and not out of conviction. He will divide the party. I doubt that Jenrick will last long if he wins. Yet with news that Mr Jenrick has joined Reform UK, a reset on their relationship is looking likely, with Mr Farage telling reporters on Thursday afternoon: I think Rob coming will bring a lot more people and voters to us. I think this is actually a very big moment, and thats why we talked about it for a long time. Federal immigration officers shoot pepper balls as teargas is deployed at the scene of a shooting in Minneapolis yesterday. Photograph: John Locher/AP (Photograph: John Locher/AP) Good morning. A federal officer shot a man in the leg during an enforcement operation in north Minneapolis, sparking protests in a city still on edge after the killing of Renee Nicole Good by a federal agent last week. The shooting occurred at about 7pm local time, according to witnesses. Several hundred protesters gathered at the scene on Wednesday night facing off with agents, who blocked off the area and used smoke and other crowd control weapons. In a news conference at Minneapolis city hall on Wednesday night, the police chief Brian OHara said protesters were engaging in unlawful behavior and urged everyone who had gathered at the scene to leave. What did the Minneapolis mayor say? Ive seen conduct from ICE that is disgusting and intolerable, Jacob Frey said. But he urged protesters to go home. We cannot counter Donald Trumps chaos with more chaos Anyone who is taking the bait tonight, stop. You are not helping the undocumented immigrants in our city. Trump says Iran has told him killing has stopped as he pulls back from strike threats Donald Trump has at least temporarily pulled back from threats to strike Iran, saying he has been assured that the killing of protesters has been halted and no executions were being planned. Speaking to reporters in the White House on Wednesday night, the US president said: Weve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping its stopped its stopping. And theres no plan for executions, or an execution, or execution so Ive been told that on good authority. He offered no details and said the US had yet to verify the claims. What had Trump say he was going to do? Trump had repeatedly talked in recent days about coming to the help of the Iranian people, saying the US was locked and loaded if Iran started to shoot at the protesters. Trump administration halts migrant visa processing from 75 countries The Trump administration has indefinitely suspended migrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, in one of its most expansive efforts yet to restrict legal pathways to the US. The freeze, which takes effect on 21 January, targets applicants whom officials deem likely to become a public charge described as people who may rely on government benefits for basic needs. The state department wrote on social media that it will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. Which countries are affected? The Guardian obtained a state department cable with the full list of countries affected, which can be viewed here. In other news Elon Musks X announced it had stopped its AI-powered Grok feature from editing pictures of real people to show them in revealing clothes such as bikinis, including for premium subscribers. Donald Trump reiterated yesterday that the US needs Greenland and that Denmark cannot be relied upon to protect the island . He said something will work out with respect to the future governance of the Danish overseas territory. 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; Trump responded by holding up his middle finger. Stat of the day: Gaza war leads to 41% fall in births, prompting allegations of reproductive violence Israels war in Gaza has led to a 41% fall in births in the territory and high numbers of maternal deaths, miscarriages, newborn mortality and premature births, two reports on the impact of the conflict on pregnant women, babies and maternity care reveal. The Filter recommends: 12 book-ish things to help you read more books Since Covid Ive consistently finished roughly one book a week. Kindle aside, some simple strategies have helped me become a better reader, writes Lauren Gould. Whether youre a busy corporate manager or a student drowning in homework, these strategies can help you, too. Below, Ive shared 12 of my favorite ways to read often and a lot including a completely free (and legitimate) way to access ebooks, among them new releases. Dont miss this: The crisis whisperer how Adam Tooze makes sense of our bewildering age Whether its the financial crash, the climate emergency or the breakdown of the international order, the historian Adam Tooze has become the go-to guide to the radical new world weve entered. Since he published Crashed in 2018, his contemporary history of the 2008 financial crisis and its aftermath, Tooze has become, in the words of Jonathan Derbyshire, his editor at the Financial Times, a sort of platonic ideal of the universal intellectual. or this: A nasty little song, really rather evil how Every Breath You Take tore Sting and the Police apart This weeks high court hearings in the UK between Sting and his former bandmates in the Police, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers, are the latest chapter in the life of a song whose negative energy seems to have seeped out into real life. Every Breath You Take, which Sting once called a nasty little song, really rather evil, is the subject of a lawsuit filed by Copeland and Summers against Sting, alleging that he owes them royalties. Climate check: Human activity helped make 2025 third hottest year on record, experts say Last year was the third hottest on record, scientists have said, with mounting fossil fuel pollution behind exceptional temperatures. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said 2025 continued a three-year streak of extraordinary global temperatures, during which surface air temperatures averaged 1.48C above preindustrial levels. Last Thing: ISS astronauts return to Earth after Nasas first ever medical evacuation Four astronauts from the International Space Station have returned to Earth a month earlier than planned after one developed a serious medical condition onboard the orbiting outpost. Nasa confirmed that the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, the Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Oleg Platonov, a Russian cosmonaut, splashed down off the coast of San Diego at 12.41am local time. Sign up First Thing is delivered to thousands of inboxes every weekday. If youre not already signed up, subscribe now. Get in touch If you have any questions or comments about any of our newsletters please email newsletters@theguardian.com. A suspected hitman who shot an eight-year-old girl and her father while pretending to be a Deliveroo driver has been jailed for 38 years. Jazz Reid fired 11 shots, hitting the child twice and the 34-year-old man five times as they sat with other family members in a car in Ladbroke Grove, north-west London, on November 24. The young girl had been celebrating her birthday with friends that day and was left with injuries in her buttocks and foot. Her father was struck in the back, chest abdomen and pelvis area. According to the girls mother, she has now been left "a shadow of the bubbly, bright, larger than life character she once was", following the incident, adding Reids actions had "completely shattered both my life and my family's". The mother-of-four said the impact of the incident remained "enormous", adding: "I have frequent flashbacks and relive that evening every day. Reid, 33, was found guilty of attempted murder of the father and wounding his daughter with intent at a trial in November last year. Sentencing at the Old Bailey, Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC said "no sentence that I pass" would alleviate the family's suffering, with the shooting leaving the father "unlikely to ever walk again" and his daughter with OCD. Reid was also convicted at this trial of wounding a second man with intent on October 9 2024 and a string of firearms offences. He was sentenced to 38 years in prison and a further five years on extended licence. Jazz Reid, dressed as a Deliveroo rider, caught on CCTV last November 6 (PA Media) Judge Whitehouse said the lack of motive in the shooting was of great concern and raised the possibility of "contract killings", given there was no evidence Reid knew his victims. She said Reid might have carried out the shootings on behalf of others for reasons "relating to drug dealing or some other financial gain". The incident was one of three linked shootings involving the use of two guns, one of which was recovered from underneath a concrete slab outside Reid's home following his arrest. Since Reid's trial last year, a 9mm self-loading pistol relating to the first two shootings was seized with a moped, the Old Bailey was told. Each shooting was planned and executed with "precision", with Reid even switching his mobile phone and sim card to avoid detection, prosecutor Michael Goodwin KC had said. Reid would drive a hire car to the area, change into his Deliveroo disguise - complete with a takeaway box - and cycle an e-bike to the location of his intended targets. In the first shooting on October 9 2024, Reid fired twice, hitting Ameile Buncombe in the thigh at the victim's home in Notting Hill. On November 11 2024 Reid made his first attempt to shoot the 34-year-old father by firing four shots at an address in north London that was linked to the victim. He was uninjured on that occasion. Reid was driving a hire car when he was arrested near his home in Uxbridge last November 26. Dramatic police body-worn video showed armed officers performing a hard stop and surrounding Reid in his car. Convicted drug dealer Reid had denied being the gunman and claimed he was "set up" over a 10,000 debt and the gun found at his home was "planted". In a heartbreaking statement, the mother of the injured child and partner said: "I carry the guilt of not being able to protect my little girl from what happened to her, on a day we'd spent surrounded by friends and family celebrating her birthday. "That day should've been about her, not what it turned into because of this man. CCTV footage captured Jazz Reid, disguised as a Deliveroo rider last November 6 (Met Police/PA) (PA Media) "The incident has completely turned my daughter's life upside down. She is a shadow of the bubbly, bright, larger than life character she once was, and now rarely wants to go out and socialise while suffering daily trauma and questioning why it happened. "My partner has gone from being a happy, active, social man to one who is unable to walk. The pain of seeing him like this is unbearable for us all. "While we are grateful that justice has been served and to the investigating officers for their hard work throughout this investigation, unfortunately, no sentence will ever make up for what Reid did to my family." The mother became emotional in court as she told of her living "nightmare". Her eight-year-old daughter now suffered flashbacks and referred to the gunman as the "bad man". "She is more anxious than an eight-year-old should be. It makes me sick there is still a bullet inside my baby girl." Following the sentencing, Detective Inspector Richard Scott, from Scotland Yard, said: "This was a truly shocking series of crimes carried out by a man intent on committing murder. "His actions were carefully planned and executed. "He intended to kill his targets but also ended up seriously injuring an innocent young girl who must now live with the trauma caused by Reid's wicked actions." Superintendent Owen Renowden, who leads policing in Kensington and Chelsea, thanked the local community of Ladbroke Grove for helping with the investigation. He said: "Jazz Reid was a prolific criminal in the Ladbroke Grove area with firearms at the centre of his offending, so it was incredibly important we did everything in our power to bring him to justice." Speaking outside the Old Bailey, Mr Renowden recognised the courage of Reid's victims. He added: "Reid caused serious injuries to two men, and a young girl who had been celebrating her eighth birthday with friends and loved ones. "He also endangered the lives of others, and London is a safer place as a result of the significant sentence handed to him today." The Duke of Sussex is expected to appear in court next week to give evidence in his legal action against the publisher of the Daily Mail. Harry, and a group of six others are bringing the claim at the London court, alleging that Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) carried out or commissioned unlawful activities such as hiring private investigators to place listening devices inside cars, blagging private records and accessing private phone conversations. The group includes Sir Elton John, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, politician Sir Simon Hughes, and actresses Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley. Harry is expected to give evidence lasting a full day next Thursday, according to a draft trial timetable seen on Thursday. Other people expected to give evidence during the nine-week trial include Lady Lawrence, Sir Elton and Ms Hurley. Elton John is among the group of people suing the Daily Mails publisher (Yui Mok/PA) (Yui Mok) A hearing on Thursday dealt with a number of outstanding issues ahead of the trial, which is due to begin on Monday. This included a challenge by the groups lawyers against some of the wording in ANLs proposed opening arguments relating to an alleged scheme of camouflage. The High Court in London heard that ANL lawyers have made serious allegations of dishonesty and fraud against some representatives in the claimants legal team. The Duke of Sussexs barrister, David Sherborne (Lucy North/PA) (Lucy North) David Sherborne, for the claimants, said in written submissions: The allegations made by the defendants are exceptionally serious, of fraud, dishonesty and professional misconduct. They cannot be introduced by assertion in opening written submissions and are not simply commentary on pleaded issues. He added: The allegations made by the defendants are not confined to the credibility of witnesses, as above, the defendant explicitly seeks findings, and also asserts as a fact that actions amount to a calculated attempt to withhold the true position from the court. Antony White KC, for ANL, told the court the submissions were simply an attack on the credibility of some of the witnesses. He said in court: It is not necessary to plead a case if the other sides witnesses are not telling the truth. Mr Justice Nicklin ruled that ANLs trial opening note should be amended, saying: In my judgment, the camouflage scheme that is relied upon by the defendants goes far further than an attack on credibility. He added: It seems to be that the requirements of fairness mean that the defendant must seek to amend its defence. Mr White told the court he would condense the claims in his opening note. The hearing before Mr Justice Nicklin is due to conclude on Thursday. Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The United States and Malawi on Wednesday signed a five-year, $936 million bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets a new course for national ownership, co-investment, and measurable results Houston Mexican restaurant goes viral after sharing customers attempt to get a free meal: They didnt appreciate him not believing them The owner of a Mexican restaurant in Houston says a couple went to unusual length to get a free meal - literally pulling their hair out. Leslie Ramirez shared a video on social media calling the pair out after the January 12 incident at Fajitas Mexican Grill. Ramirez says the couple called one of the restaurant's waiters over toward the end of their meal, claiming there was a hair in their food. The server then looked at the hair a long, lightly colored strand and determined that it couldn't have belonged to anyone in the kitchen. When the waiter indicated he didnt believe them, the owner says the couple soon turned angry. They were yelling at him and saying things that I would say were not very nice very cruel words to our waiter, Ramirez said. They didn't appreciate him not believing them. Restaurant owner Leslie Ramirez says staff realized what had happened after the pair had left (stock image) Ramirez posted the video of the incident, along with the caption please dont do this to a small family business, were trying so hard to stay open. As of Thursday afternoon it had been viewed over 15 million times on TikTok. The video shows the couple eating when the woman appears to reach up and pluck hairs from her own head, and put them on the table in front of her male companion. He then appears to pick up the hair and arrange it on his fork before repeatedly dipping it into the remains of what is on his plate. The woman continues eating while the man then waves repeatedly to attract the attention of the waiting staff. When the server arrives, the man shows him whats on his fork, before pushing the almost completely finished plate towards him. Ramirez told The Houston Chronicle, that despite the doubts the staff had about the couples story and where the hair had come from, they let them out of the bill as they didnt want them to pay for something they werent happy with and so they left without paying. However, it was only when they later checked the cameras, they saw what had happened, and suspected it had been a tactic to obtain a free meal all along. Afterwards, we talked to our waiter and said sorry for what happened. It wasn't anybody's fault but them for not wanting to pay for their meal, Ramirez said. Ramirez said she bought the business, which first opened in 1987, just two years ago, but that it had been difficult to turn round the prospects of the restaurant, which had suffered from lack of investment and maintenance under the previous owners. We're trying to get people back in, Ramirez told The Chronicle. It just hurts when people are intentionally trying to hurt us. Trying to provide for our families and our workers. Federal immigration officers shoot pepper balls as tear gas is deployed at the scene of a reported shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday. Photograph: John Locher/AP (Photograph: John Locher/AP) A federal officer has shot a man in the leg during an enforcement operation in north Minneapolis, sparking protests in a city still on edge after the killing of Renee Nicole Good by a federal agent last week. The shooting occurred about 7pm local time, according to witnesses. Several hundred protesters gathered at the scene on Wednesday night facing off with agents who blocked off the area and used smoke and other crowd control weapons. In a news conference at Minneapolis City Hall on Wednesday night, police chief Brian OHara said protestors were engaging in unlawful behavior and urged everyone who had gathered at the shooting scene in north Minneapolis to leave. The Minneapolis mayor, Jacob Frey, said: Ive seen conduct from ICE that is disgusting and intolerable. But he urged protestors out Wednesday night to go home. We cannot counter Donald Trumps chaos with our own brand of chaos Anyone who is taking the bait tonight, stop, he said. You are not helping the undocumented immigrants in our city. Multiple sources in networks of legal aid and mutual aid groups said they believed a pregnant woman needing medical attention was not able to get access to a physician. OHara said he could not confirm whether a pregnant person had been hurt. He said that the emergency responders had gotten a call from a woman in the basement of building where the raid occurred due to an anxiety attack. In a statement posted online, the city of Minneapolis said a man was shot and was transferred to a local hospital with apparent non-life-threatening injuries. The incident, first reported locally by the Minnesota Star Tribune, occurred as the city continued to reel in the aftermath of the killing of Good by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent last week. Related: Eight arrested in Minneapolis as Trump officials issue threats to protesters The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request from the Guardian about the incident. In a statement posted on X, the agency said: At 6:50 PM CT, federal law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted traffic stop in Minneapolis of an illegal alien from Venezuela. The agency accused their target of resisting and attacking, and said that two other individuals came out of a nearby apartment and also attacked the officer, who fired a defensive shot to defend his life. The Guardian has not verified any of the details in the DHS statement. After the shooting of Good last week, the DHS claimed that Good had attacked the federal agent who shot her, seemingly contradicting video evidence that she was driving away from the officer. About 3,000 immigration officers are operating in Minnesota or are on their way to deploy in the state, according to federal officials. The Trump administration has described the operation as the largest in the Department of Homeland Securitys history. The massive militarized operation has transformed daily life in the region. Residents have mobilized teams of volunteers to patrol streets for the presence of immigration officers, observe arrests and provide legal aid. Formal and informal networks of volunteers have also helped deliver food to families fearful to leave their homes, and transport the children to and from schools. Related: Madness: two US citizens violently detained by ICE in Minnesota, officials say Since Good was killed on 7 January, protests against the administrations aggressive immigration enforcement have erupted across the US. Officers have used aggressive crowd control tactics against demonstrators, including the use of teargas, pepper balls and stun grenades, and administration officials have repeatedly defended agents, saying they are working under the protection of federal immunity. Tensions in the city remain high. The governor of Minnesota governor, Tim Walz, issued a call to action to Minnesotans in an address earlier on Wednesday, urging citizens to record the atrocities committed by ICE agents in the state to bank evidence for future prosecution. Armed, masked, undertrained ICE agents are going door-to-door, ordering people to point out where their neighbors of color live, he said. Its a campaign of organized brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government. Walz called on Minnesotans to carry your phone with you at all times to help us establish a record of exactly whats happening in our communities. He also told residents: Accountability is coming, in the voting booth and in court. In contrast to indications of an imminent US strike on Iran, Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had been told on good authority that plans for executions in Iran have stopped. He added: Theres no plan for executions, or an execution, or executions so Ive been told that on good authority. Earlier, reports suggested the US president had decided on military action but it was unclear what form it might take. On Wednesday night, Trump said: Were going to watch and see what the process is, adding that hes been given a very good statement by people that are aware of whats going on. Harrison Sullivan, known as HSTikkyTokky, was arrested and charged with alleged dangerous driving offences (Surrey Police/PA Wire) A TikTok influencer who evaded court for a year, prompting police to charter a private jet to bring him back to the UK from Spain, will not be liable for the full 15,000 cost, a judge has ruled. Harrison Sullivan, 24, known online as HSTikkyTokky, received a suspended custodial sentence last November after crashing his McLaren in Virginia Water, Surrey, in March 2024. He subsequently failed to appear in court for 12 months, during which time he travelled to Dubai, Thailand, and Spain, continuing to produce social media content, the court previously heard. Sullivan was eventually detained in Spain last August for unrelated matters. Surrey Police then spent approximately 15,000 on a chartered flight to return him to the UK, Staines Magistrates Court was told on Thursday. The judges decision means Sullivan will not be required to reimburse the police for the entire expense of his repatriation. The total costs to both Surrey Police and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to bring Sullivan back to the UK after the crash reached 28,350.27, the hearing was told. But district judge Julie Cooper said she was not prepared to order for Sullivan to repay the totality of the flight costs because the use of a private jet was not necessary or proportionate. Undated handout photo issued by Surrey Police of the scene of the crash involving TikTok influencer Harrison Sullivan (Surrey Police) The judge was told the decision was made following a risk assessment conducted by the National Extradition Unit (NEU), the details of which were not disclosed in court. Prosecution Kane Alexander, however, told the judge there were concerns that Sullivan a fitness influencer could be recognised by members of the public on a commercial plane. It seems that Mr Sullivan travels around on planes with impunity without too much risk to himself, so I dont really understand, judge Cooper said. In my view, it is not just or reasonable for him to pay a chartered flight when I have been given no satisfactory explanation for why that should be. She added: I can understand that there would be some issues with social media. But the problem could have been resolved or reduced had first-class flight been obtained to place the defendant in that area, so he was not in view of members of the public whilst in handcuffs. Defence solicitor Shalin Sood told the judge Sullivan was surprised by the private jet and was completely calm and compliant while in police custody. We understand that Mr Sullivan did evade custody, we understand that more than usual costs had to be incurred, but a private jet did not have to be chartered, she said. Referring to the costs incurred throughout the investigation, which the court heard required partnership with foreign agencies including Interpol, Ms Sood added: Its not rocket science trying to locate where Mr Sullivan is, judge he livestreams everyday. The judge ordered Sullivan to pay 9,270 in prosecution costs, and 8,050.27 in police costs bringing the total bill to 17,320.27. Ms Sood told the judge Sullivans income could be approximated to 2,000-a-week, but that it was inconsistent. There is no way he will be able to make this payment in one go, or even in a years time, she said. Judge Cooper, however, seemed to reject this claim, asking: What about his properties in the United Arab Emirates? She then added: Im going to give him six months to pay this and if there is a problem with that, he is going to have to come back and explain why. Harrison Sullivan, known as HSTikkyTokky, has been arrested and charged with alleged dangerous driving offences (Surrey Police/PA Wire) Sullivan was handed a one-year suspended custodial sentence at Staines Magistrates Court in November last year after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance. The social media star has also been disqualified from driving for two years. He will have an electronic tag for three months and is expected to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation. The court previously heard Sullivan was seen by witnesses in a supercar going extremely fast with one saying he was travelling at at least 100mph or more before the crash in Surrey in March 2024. Data from the crashed McLaren indicated Sullivan was travelling at 71mph in a 40mph zone at the moment of the crash, the court heard. It was going 30mph over the speed limit on a single carriageway in broad daylight with other road users, the prosecutor Mr Alexander then said. The fitness influencer is reportedly set to appear in a Louis Theroux documentary for Netflix exploring the impact of online misogyny on young boys. In one viral clip, Theroux is seen reciting a previous remark Sullivan had made: Call me racist, call me a misogynist, call me homophobic, call me a scammer Im all those things. Sullivan responded: Thats my way of saying I dont care. Say what you want about me, I am that, cool. I dont care. And what? Gordon Elliott is eyeing another raid on the Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices Chase at Sandown, this time with Kala Conti. Elliott sent future Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Gerri Colombe to the Esher track in 2023 to become just the second horse trained in Ireland to win the Grade One, after Willie Mullins Gitane Du Berlais in 2015. Kala Conti holds an entry in the Grade Two Carey Glass Irish EBF Mares Novice Chase at Thurles on Sunday but Elliott fears the ground may just be on the quick side for her. As a result, Sandown racegoers on January 31 could be set to benefit from the presence of a mare who beat County Hurdle winner Kargese by 16 lengths on her second start over fences last month. When asked about Thurles, Elliott said: Im told the ground is going to be good enough down there, so honestly Id say no. I might go for the Scilly Isles with her. It could cut up and she could get black-type placed there. If she went there and ran well youd have to think about Cheltenham. Karoline Leavitt labels reporter a hack as she blows up over questions on ICE and Trumps election threats White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt refused to answer how Immigration and Customs Enforcement under Donald Trumps administration is doing everything correctly after the killing of Renee Good and the deaths of 32 people in ICE custody in 2025, the agencys deadliest year in two decades. Instead, she lashed out at the reporter who asked the question, labeled him a left-wing hack who is pretending to be a journalist, and shamed reporters in the room for what she called crooked views. Niall Stanage, a White House columnist for The Hill, noted that administration officials like Homeland Security Kristi Noem have insisted that federal agencies are doing everything correctly when it comes to immigration enforcement following a year marked by in-custody deaths, the arrests of dozens of U.S. citizens, and the fatal shooting of Renee Good. How does that equate to them doing everything correctly? Stanage asked. Why was Renee Good unfortunately and tragically killed? Leavitt replied. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt lashed out at a reporter after who said an ICE officer acted recklessly in the killing of Renee Good (AFP via Getty Images) Youre asking me, my opinion? he said. Because an ICE agent acted recklessly and killed her unjustifiably. Leavitt despite asking for the columnists opinion shared by a majority of voters who believe her killing was unjustified immediately laid into him in a remarkable streak of insults. Oh, OK, so youre a biased reporter with a left-wing opinion, because youre a left-wing hack, youre not a reporter, youre posing in this room as a journalist, and its so clear by the premise of your question, Leavitt said. And you, and the people in the media who have such biases, but fake like youre a journalist you shouldnt even be siting in that seat, she added. But youre pretending youre a journalist and youre a left-wing activist. She said he should be reporting on the facts and all of the innocent Americans who are killed by illegal aliens in this country. And the brave men and women of ICE are doing everything in their power to remove those heinous individuals and make our country safer, she said. Shame on you people in the media who have a crooked view, a biased view, and pretend youre an honest journalist. Leavitt unleashed a remarkable string of insults at the reporter when asked for his opinion about the killing, which is shared by a majority of voters (AP) Leavitt also dismissed a question from The Independent asking why the president would joke about canceling elections after telling Reuters we shouldnt even have midterms this year. In a 30-minute interview with Reuters published Thursday, Trump said he had accomplished so much in office that when you think of it, we shouldn't even have an election in 2026. The president openly fearful that a Congress controlled by Democrats could derail his agenda has previously warned Republicans that he expects to be impeached if Democrats retake control of Congress in fall elections, and voting rights advocates and election law scholars have feared that the president is preparing to disrupt them. Leavitt said the president was joking. When pressed by The Independents Andrew Feinberg, Leavitt quickly moved on. You said he was joking about canceling the elections, but Americans for generations have fought and died for democracy, for this democracy, he asked. Are you saying that the president finds the idea of canceling elections funny? Andrew, were you in the room? No, you werent. I was in the room, she said. I heard the conversation, and only someone like you would take that so seriously and pose a question in that way. Kristi Noem has similarly defended ICEs actions in the killing of Good and in immigration enforcement broadly despite reports of officers targeting citizens (Getty Images) Leavitts latest briefing follows the presidents threat to invoke the Insurrection Act in the wake of widespread protests in Minnesota after the president surged federal officers into the state, drawing scenes of masked agents ripping people from heir cars and allegations of rampant racial profiling and indiscriminate arrests. In every situation we are doing targeted enforcement, Noem said Thursday morning in response to questions asking why some Americans have been asked to provide proof of citizenship in Minnesota. If we are on a target, there may be individuals surrounding that criminal that we may be asking who they are and why they're there and having them validate their identity, she added. Asked what the Trump administration is doing to ensure citizens arent wrongly arrested, Leavitt deflected. ICE is focused on detaining individuals who are unlawfully present in the country, Leavitt said Thursday. That is their intention and that is their goal. A driver who killed a young motorcyclist and tried to evade justice by claiming he had a brain injury has been jailed after a huge police operation uncovered footage of him playing rugby, dancing at a festival and smiling on holiday. Steven Naylor, 41, of St Helens, Merseyside, crashed into Owen Baughs motorbike on the M62 in Manchester in April 2021. The 23-year-old was thrown into the road and hit by another vehicle and later died. Naylor avoided being charged over the death after claiming to have suffered a brain injury in the incident. He also said he could barely walk and was still walking with a limp and using a crutch, years after the crash. Steven Nayor was seen driving a speedboat in one clip found by Merseyside Police (Merseyside Police) He was found not guilty in court after he was charged with failing to consent to provide a blood sample for analysis. However, Naylors deliberate and sustained dishonesty was brought to an end after police uncovered hundreds of hours of CCTV and mobile phone footage showing Naylor going about his daily routine and enjoying outings with his family. After being shown the evidence compiled on him, along with fresh medical assessments, Naylor pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice and causing death by dangerous driving. This week, nearly five years after Owens death, he was jailed at Liverpool Crown Court for 12 years. His wife, Lisa Naylor, 40, was also jailed for four and a half years after pleading guilty to perverting the course of justice. Detective Constable Clare Barker said she hoped the sentencing would bring some comfort to Owens family, who, she said, had suffered additional heartache through the ordeal as a result of the couples callous behaviour. In another clip he appeared carrying trays of beer around in a pub (Merseyside Police) Merseyside Police said Naylor was driving a black Audi A4 car when it hit Owens red Suzuki bike, with the motorcyclist pronounced dead in hospital a short time later. After the crash, Naylor launched into a piece of fiction, the force said, claiming he was mentally incapable of facing the consequences of his actions. The force accepted that he suffered physical injuries in the crash, but that the extent of his claims was untrue. The reality of his story began to unravel as the force launched one of its largest-ever investigations, unearthing footage showing him playing rugby, at a festival, in pubs and driving a speedboat. Even during his subsequent arrest last year, Naylor and his wife attempted to keep up the facade, with bodycam footage showing her tell officers hes got a brain injury so he can get a bit overwhelmed, as he sat on a sofa. When taken into the police station, Naylor then appeared unable to walk, requiring the support of officers. Steven Naylor and his wife Lisa were both convicted for perverting the course of justice (Merseyside Police) DC Barker said: This has been an incredibly challenging case, not just because of its complexity, but because of the deliberate and sustained dishonesty shown by the suspects over such a long period of time. They repeatedly claimed that Steven Naylor was unable to live a functioning life and was mentally incapable of being able to face the consequences of his actions whilst driving on that fateful April 2021 night. Yet the evidence we have painstakingly gathered has shown a very different lifestyle than what was portrayed. This evidence clearly showed Steven Naylor going about his daily routine and enjoying outings with his family, all whilst showing no regard for the grieving family of Owen Baugh. Owen Baugh was killed by Steven Naylor while riding his motorbike on the M62 in 2021 (Merseyside Police) She added: The actions of Steven and Lisa Naylor have been nothing short of callous and have not allowed Owens already grieving family and friends to begin to make steps forward. Following Owens death, his family described him as a kind-hearted person whose presence filled any room he walked in. This week, they said: Since Mr Naylor's actions on the night of 25 April 2021, our lives have come to a total, devastating stop. The ripple effect has travelled as far as America, Pakistan and Dubai, where some of his best friends now live. His girlfriend still struggles to live a normal life. We would like to thank all the emergency services who dealt with the horrific incident on that night and members of the public who helped to try and divert traffic around the incident. A warden at a Las Vegas-area prison has lost his job after being accused of biting a colleagues ear during an argument at a holiday party. Manuel Portillo, who ran the Southern Desert Correctional Center, was at the Nevada Department of Corrections holiday party at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino on December 13, 2025, when he got into a physical altercation with a department employee, according to a police report obtained by 8 News Now Investigators. The unnamed employee told police Portillo, who appeared to be drunk, started cursing at him and chest-bumped him. Dont call me [expletive] [expletive], Ill beat your [expletive] ass. Do you have a problem? Whats up [expletive], do something, Portillo told the employee, according to the report. Manuel Portillo, a warden at a Las Vegas-area prison, has lost his job after being accused of biting a colleagues ear during an argument at a holiday party (Nevada Department of Corrections) During the fight, the employee claimed that Portillo grabbed the back of his neck and bit his ear. Portillo grabbed his colleagues chains and said, Ill take your chains, [expletive], the police report said. The report says that security cameras caught the battery. The Independent has reached out to Stations Casinos, which owns Palace Station, but they declined to comment on the alleged altercation. The Nevada Department of Corrections told The Independent that Portillo no longer works for the department as of last Friday. We cannot comment further on personnel matters, the department said. The fight took place at the Nevada Department of Corrections holiday party at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino on December 13, 2025 (Google Earth) According to his biography, Portillo had been working for the department since 2005. During his time at the department, Portillo moved up from correctional officer to senior correctional officer to sergeant and then lieutenant. He also intermittently oversaw the Southern Correctional Emergency Response Team during his tenure. Aside from his work with the department, Portillo served in the Air Force, completing five deployments to Kuwait, Pakistan, and Oman. Its unclear whether Portillo has or will be charged in connection with the incident. The Independent has reached out to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for comment. A London borough has recovered 36 homes worth 2.8 million in a crackdown on council housing fraud. Croydon Council said it had seized back the properties after stepping up investigations following tip offs from residents. Meanwhile, a couple who had obtained a three-bedroom property from Southwark Council in June 2021 have been ordered to pay 22,500 after it was revealed they had purchased a five-bed mortgage-free home in Croydon just three weeks before being offered their local authority house. Uchenna and Nkeiruka Nzekwe claimed the purchased property was being held in trust for their daughter and therefore did not need to be declared. Croydon town hall said one of its homes was taken back after it was discovered the tenant had bought a 650,000 property while still holding her council home for her daughter to use occasionally. One couple who had obtained a three-bedroom council home had purchased a five-bed mortgage-free property Others were taken back after it was found they had been passed on to children or were left empty when the listed tenants moved out. Croydon Council, which has more than 8,600 people on its social housing waiting list, estimated the seizures will save the local authority 2.8 million. Jason Perry, executive mayor of Croydon, said: Like other councils, Croydon has a shortage of council homes and thousands of households waiting for a safe, secure place to live. We cannot allow anyone to take advantage of the system or keep a home they are not entitled to. We are taking a zero-tolerance approach to the issue of housing fraud. Every home that is fraudulently held is one taken away from someone who genuinely needs support. London boroughs have stepped up council home fraud investigations as the cost of providing shelter to homeless families is driving many town halls to the brink of bankruptcy. Collectively, the capitals town halls now spend 5.5 million a day on temporary accommodation. Southwark Council gave the Nzekwes 14 days to surrender their social home in Fir Trees Close, Rotherhithe, after Clerkenwell and Shoreditch County Court heard in October that their extended family members, and not the couple, were living there. Since April 2025, the boroughs Housing Investigation Team said it had identified tenancy fraud worth more than 1.5 million. Hammersmith and Fulham Council last year said it had taken back 26 local authority properties after uncovering housing scams worth almost 500,000. In one case, gas engineers completing safety checks on a council flat in West Kensington raised an alert when they found three men living in a property issued to one person. The listed tenant was found to have moved to Ethiopia in 2019. In another case, a three-bedroom social home in Strode Road - where houses sell for up to 1.7 million - was being rented out by the social tenant who was living in East London. In Westminster, a council tenant who had moved to France was found to have been renting out their Soho flat on AirBnB. Newham launched an investigation in November after a staff member allegedly manipulated its housing systems to give 35 homes to people not eligible for them. The council said it uncovered the serious internal housing fraud thanks to a whistleblower and the housing officer immediately resigned after being confronted. The authority is working with the police to pursue a criminal investigation, a council spokesman said. Alabama law enforcement agencies are warning local residents about a surge in bail bond phone scams after several families lost thousands of dollars to fraudsters impersonating bail bondsmen and law enforcement officials. The scam typically begins with a phone call from someone claiming to be a bail bondsman, deputy, or jail official who tells the victim that a loved one has been arrested and needs bail money immediately. Scammers obtain information about recent arrests from publicly available jail rosters and then use online databases to locate contact information for family members. They often use pressure tactics and threats of increased charges to force quick decisions without verification. How the Scam Targets Victims Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said the scam has resurfaced in recent weeks, with approximately 10 to 12 people contacted and at least two confirmed victims who sent money, according to WBRC. In one case, an elderly woman in her 90s received a call claiming her grandson was jailed and could be released if she sent money. She contacted her son before making the payment, preventing the loss. The scammers create a sense of urgency and demand payment through untraceable methods such as Venmo, CashApp, gift cards, or wire transfers. Victims are often instructed to make electronic payments through PayPal or meet at stores like Walgreens to complete transactions. One grandmother in Lake County, Florida, made two trips to a local Walgreens and lost approximately $450 before discovering the scam. Elderly individuals are especially targeted because scammers exploit family loyalty and emotional vulnerability during moments of crisis. How to Protect Yourself and Report the Scam Police emphasize that legitimate bail bond companies will never cold-call family members to solicit payment. Law enforcement agencies do not request bail money over the phone and will never ask for payment through gift cards, Venmo, Apple Pay, or similar electronic methods, CBS News reported. Additionally, licensed bail bondsmen always provide written contracts, verifiable licenses, and industry-standard fees of about 10 percent. Authorities urge residents who receive suspicious calls to hang up immediately and verify information by contacting the jail directly. The Broward Sheriff's Office recommends calling the main jail facility or visiting official websites to confirm an arrest before sending any money. Establishing a family code word that only real relatives know can help prevent impersonation attempts. Catherine Crespo, a bail bonds agent with 35 years of experience, said she hears about these scams approximately five times per week. She stressed that if someone calls claiming to be from a police agency requesting bond payment, it is definitely a scam. Residents who believe they have been targeted should report the incident to local law enforcement immediately and warn family members and caregivers about the fraud. Police also recommend reporting scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, as per WFTV. Representational. Japan police (Getty) Police in Japan have arrested a 31-year-old man after his son died inside a washing machine. Yuki Yamaguchi from Ibaraki prefecture was arrested for abandoning his responsibility for protection after his two-year-old child fell head first into a washing machine last April, police said. The toddler died due to suffocation after falling into the machine in Mr Yamaguchis apartment, The Yomiuri Shimbun reported. Mr Yamaguchi, a temporary worker in Tsuchiura, located north of Tokyo, told police that he left him there without helping him, referring to his son. He was arrested on 14 January. Police said that they believed Mr Yamaguchi left his son inside the washing machine for nearly 20 minutes, between 10am and 10.20am on 27 April, before making a call to the emergency services at around 10.29am, saying his son was not breathing. The toddlers mother was out at work at the time. The washing machine was kept in the childs room and was not operating at the time of the incident, police said. Japanese media reported that police suspected the toddler climbed atop the machine, which was about 90cm high, with the help of footholds around it. He subsequently fell inside and was unable to get out. In 2018, a five-year-old boy died after being found unconscious inside a washer-dryer at his home in Osaka. The boy's father reportedly called emergency services at around 3pm on 27 January, saying that his child had climbed into a washing machine and was unconscious. The child was taken to hospital in cardio-respiratory arrest and was later pronounced dead. Elon Musk said he was not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters (Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters) The UK government has claimed vindication after Elon Musks X announced it had stopped its AI-powered Grok feature from editing pictures of real people to show them in revealing clothes such as bikinis, including for premium subscribers. After a fortnight of public outcry at the tool embedded into X being used to create sexualised images of women and children, the company said it would geoblock the ability of users to generate images of real people in bikinis, underwear, and similar attire via the Grok account and in Grok in X, in countries where it was illegal. It said it would do this in the UK in line with law changes ministers have pledged to introduce. X also said it had zero tolerance for any forms of child sexual exploitation, nonconsensual nudity, and unwanted sexual content. It did not specify whether people would still be able to create such images on the standalone Grok app. The prime minister, Keir Starmer, called Xs earlier decision to continue allowing the tool to be used by paid subscribers horrific. He also called the situation disgusting and shameful in parliament on Wednesday. Liz Kendall, the technology secretary, called it a further insult to victims, effectively monetising this horrific crime. Ofcom, the UK media regulator, on Monday launched a formal investigation into Musks platform after what it called deeply concerning reports of Grok being used to create and share illegal nonconsensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material on X. An Ofcom spokesperson said: X has said its implemented measures to prevent the Grok account from being used to create intimate images of people. This is a welcome development. However, our formal investigation remains ongoing. We are working round the clock to progress this and get answers into what went wrong and whats being done to fix it. Kendall welcomed the latest move by X but said she expected Ofcoms investigation to robustly establish the facts. Scrutiny of Grok has intensified globally after it emerged some people were using it to digitally undress women and children without their consent and posting those images to X. Thousands of these sexualised AI images have appeared X over the last few weeks. xAI, which makes Grok, also owns X, and both are run by Musk. The changes to the X and Grok systems came hours after the billionaire posted on his site: I [sic] not aware of any naked underage images generated by Grok. Literally zero. Musks xAI and X have faced growing backlash globally, including an investigation by Californias attorney general and calls by lawmakers and advocacy groups for Apple and Google to drop Grok from their app stores. Countries including Malaysia and Indonesia have instigated bans or legal action. X said in a statement: We take action to remove high-priority violative content, including child sexual abuse material and nonconsensual nudity, taking appropriate action against accounts that violate our X rules. We also report accounts seeking child sexual exploitation materials to law enforcement authorities as necessary. Related: Use of AI to harm women has only just begun, experts warn Musk has said that Grok was programmed to refuse illegal requests and must comply with the laws of any given country or state. Obviously, Grok does not spontaneously generate images. It does so only according to user requests, Musk said on Wednesday. Musk has said earlier on X that anyone using Grok to make illegal content would suffer the same consequences as if they uploaded illegal content. Three Democratic US senators last week called on Apple and Alphabets Google to remove X and its built-in AI tool Grok from their app stores, citing the spread of nonconsensual sexual images of women and minors on the platform. A coalition of womens groups, tech watchdogs and progressive activists also made similar appeals to the tech companies. Last week, X curtailed Groks ability to generate or edit images publicly for users who were not paying subscribers. But industry experts and watchdogs said that Grok was still able to produce sexually explicit images, and that restrictions, such as paywalling certain features, may not fully block access to deeper AI image tools. In the UK, the law is changing this week to criminalise the creation of such images, and Starmer said on Wednesday that X was working to comply with the new rules. Reuters contributed reporting A federal review of voter data found no evidence of widespread voting fraud by non-citizens, contradicting frequent claims from the president and his allies that undocumented immigrants are flocking to the polls. Under the Trump administration, states and local election departments have voluntarily submitted voter records to the Department of Homeland Security for review. After checking about 49.5 million voter registrations, the department referred about 10,000 cases to Homeland Security Investigations for further inspection, officials told The New York Times, and not all of the flagged individuals have necessarily voted. At least 14 Republican-controlled secretary of states offices have committed publicly to using the federal review tool, known as Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements, a government program designed not for election reviews but for vetting applicants for programs like driver's licenses and Social Security benefits. Researchers have long said there is no evidence of widespread non-citizen voting, but President Trump and his supporters frequently claim the contrary. Federal investigators have found no evidence that non-citizens are voting en masse, contradicting Donald Trumps frequent claims to the contrary (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) In March, President Trump signed an executive order requiring proof of citizenship on the federal voter registration form. Multiple federal courts have rejected parts of the order, including in a decision last week in Oregon. The Trump administration is also suing 23, mostly Democrat-led states, as part of a separate DOJ effort to obtain sensitive voting data, a campaign that has set off alarm bells for privacy experts and Democratic lawmakers, who fear such information could be fed into the Trump administrations deportation regime. The president has used claims of fraudulent voting activity to justify his military-style crackdowns on mostly Democratic-led cities. 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 wrote in a June post on Truth Social. The Trump administration has used claims of mass migrant voter fraud as part of its justification to launch immigration crackdowns in cities across the country (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Trump ally Elon Musk has sounded a similar note. By using entitlements fraud, the Democrats have been able to attract and retain vast numbers of illegal immigrants, Musk said in March on Sen. Ted Cruzs podcast. And buy voters. Basically, bring in 10, 20 million people who are beholden to the Democrats for government handouts and will vote overwhelmingly Democrat, as has been demonstrated in California. On the campaign trail, Trump and JD Vance often claimed the Democratic Party was in league with non-citizen voters to fraudulently sway elections. Researchers have long found that theres little to no evidence of masses of non-citizens voting illegally (Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images) "A lot of these illegal immigrants coming in, they're trying to get them to vote," Trump said in September during one of the presidential debates. "They can't even speak English. They don't even know what country they're in, practically." When [Kamala Harris] let in millions of illegal aliens, Vance told a rally in Michigan that August. It made our communities less safe but it did give the Democrats a lot of voters. The Government said its flagship renewable energy auction will attract 3.4 billion of private investment to build factories, ports and domestic supply chains across the UK. The latest round of contracts, announced on Wednesday, secured a record 8.4GW of offshore wind power the amount experts have said was needed this year to keep the Government on track to meet its clean power by 2030 pledge. Building and operating the new wind farm projects across the country will also attract billions in private investment, officials said on Thursday. 2/2 The price for offshore wind has been agreed at 40% lower than the cost of building and operating a new gas power plant. Read more: https://t.co/gh82NUMSwK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (@energygovuk) January 14, 2026 They said public money will be invested through the Governments new clean industry bonus, which was introduced as part of this auction to provide financial rewards for developers investing in areas such as traditional oil and gas communities, ex-industrial areas or ports and coastal towns. Every 1 of this public money will leverage 17 from industry, the Government said. This could mean the 204 million that ministers say they will put into offshore wind following the auction will leverage 3.4 billion of private investment into British manufacturing, factories and ports. Of this, up to 1.1 billion will be invested in Scotland to support ports such as Nigg and Aberdeen as well as Scottish factories, in addition to up to 2,400 clean energy jobs, officials added. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: We promised to take back control of our energy with clean, homegrown power and today were delivering in a way that brings good industrial jobs for Scotland and the rest of the country. The Prime Minister said investment will flow into hard-working industrial communities (Jonathan Brady/PA) (Jonathan Brady) Billions in investment will flow into hard-working industrial communities to build clean energy supply chains in Britain. This is how we revitalise our proud industrial heartlands and secure our energy future and bring bills down for the long-term. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said the new offshore wind projects will 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. It comes as part of the Governments wider ambitions to deliver 400,000 clean energy jobs by 2030. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: Our clean energy mission is creating thousands of good jobs for working people in their home town, bringing transformational opportunities for Britain and reversing decades of industrial decline. This investment in clean, homegrown power will be felt for decades, powering Scotlands future and backing the proud industrial base of our country. 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 The six new wind farm projects include Berwick Bank, in the North Sea the largest planned offshore wind project in the world as well as projects at Dogger Bank South off the coast of Yorkshire, and Awel Y Mor in the Irish Sea. 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. 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. 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, which put the cost of building and operating a new gas-fired power station at 147 per megawatt hour. Officials also highlighted findings by Aurora Energy Research 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. But shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho criticised the botched auction on Wednesday, arguing that it has delivered the highest prices for offshore wind power in a decade and that Labour have underplayed the true cost of wind on peoples bills. A Palestinian actor said he feared how Palestinians would react while he was making the Gaza docudrama The Voice of Hind Rajab. London-based Motaz Malhees portrays Omar Alqam, a Palestine Red Crescent Society worker who attempts to rescue a five-year-old girl from a bullet-riddled car in Gaza City in January 2024. The movie, directed by Tunisian film-maker Kaouther Ben Hania, won the Silver Lion award at the Venice Film Festival and has been longlisted for the 2026 Bafta Film Awards for best director and film not in the English language. The film is based on true events and uses the real audio from Hind Rajabs call to the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Motaz Malhees stars in The Voice of Hind Rajab ( Altitude Films/PA) Speaking at a screening in London, Malhees said: I was scared of how my people would react, because they could have reacted very differently. But they felt proud, proud to see that this was happening. I was afraid of the reaction, and I would have accepted it whatever it was. I would have understood it. The fact that people are happy we made this film is something Im truly grateful for. Malhees stars alongside Jordanian-Palestinian-Canadian actress Saja Kilani, Palestinian actor Amer Hlehel and Palestinian-American actress Clara Khoury. The 34-year-old actor said Ben Hania did not allow the cast to listen to the recordings in full while preparing for their roles, as it would have been too traumatic. You remember those two minutes that circulated on the internet, hearing a five-year-old girl begging the world to rescue her and we all let her down. This is the reality, said Malhees. I didnt hear the full recordings. I asked, but the director refused and she was 100% right. She said she would make us hear it, but only in small parts, scene by scene. Saja Kilani and Motaz Malhees play Palestine Red Crescent Society workers (Altitude Films/PA) Its too overwhelming to listen to the full recordings before filming; its not something you can just sit down and experience all at once. He added: I really wanted to hear it to understand more, but I trusted her, and I understood on set why she made that choice. She said, with everything we were already experiencing, watching a live genocide and the depression it caused and hearing it all at once would have been too much. Malhees, who grew up in Jenin, a city in the West Bank, said making the film evoked his own childhood traumas. It reminded me so much of my childhood, he said. I grew up in Jenin and in 2002 there was a massive invasion in my city. You could see the army everywhere, in the sky and on the ground. I was 10-years-old and I felt like we were the next target, that the next rocket could hit my house. For me, working on this film brought me back to my childhood. It made me realise how much trauma I had carried without ever really sitting with it. In a way, this film became a mirror for me. The Voice of Hind Rajab will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on Friday. A Delta passenger who fought with a flight attendant and attempted to open an emergency exit midair will spend 18 months in federal prison. Mario Nikprelaj, 24, of Shelby Township, Michigan, received the sentence Tuesday after pleading guilty to interfering with flight crew and attendants on a SkyWest flight operating as a Delta Connection from Omaha to Detroit on July 17, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Iowa announced. Prosecutors said Nikprelajs disruptive behavior began even before takeoff, when he refused to keep his seatbelt fastened and made rude remarks to crew members. Once the plane was airborne, he repeatedly stood up, ignored crew instructions, and poked a flight attendant in the chest while threatening to kill them. Nikprelaj seemed to fall asleep in his seat, but the situation quickly escalated when he began tampering with the emergency exit door, causing several passengers to press their call buttons. An 80-year-old flight attendant, whom he had previously threatened, approached him to intervene, but he pushed them aside, cursed at them and continued making threats. Delta passenger Mario Nikprelaj, 24, of Michigan, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for fighting with a flight attendant and trying to open an emergency exit on a July Delta Connection flight from Omaha to Detroit (Linn County Correctional Center) Fearing a safety breach, the captain diverted the flight to Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids for an emergency landing. During the descent and after landing, Nikprelaj remained belligerent, removing his shirt, walking up and down the aisle, and confronting three passengers who attempted to help restrain him, prosecutors said. Cedar Rapids police took Nikprelaj into custody after the plane landed. Authorities also discovered a prescription bottle containing 41 pills of purported Xanax that was not prescribed to him. Nikprelaj will also serve two years of supervised release following his prison term, as federal inmates are not eligible for parole. In addition to his federal conviction, he has a history of legal troubles, including charges for assaulting a police officer, domestic violence, and drug-related offenses, according to court records cited by prosecutors. Officials at the scene after a man was shot by border agent in Portland last week. Photograph: Jenny Kane/AP (Photograph: Jenny Kane/AP) A man shot and wounded by a border patrol agent during an immigration stop in Portland last week has pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated assault against a federal officer and damaging federal property. Luis David Nino-Moncada, who was taken into custody after sustaining an injury in the arm from the shooting, was indicted on Tuesday and entered his plea on Wednesday. The Department of Homeland Security alleges that Nino-Moncada, who is of Venezuelan descent, entered the US illegally and used his vehicle as a weapon when agents attempted to apprehend him. Yorlenys Betzabeth Zambrano-Contreras, a woman from Venezuela who was allegedly sitting in the passenger seat of Nino-Moncadas pickup truck and who was also shot, was taken to an ICE detention facility after she was released from the hospital. The shooting, which happened the day after a federal officer shot and killed Renee Good in Minnesota while bystanders filmed, sparked outrage from local officials in Oregon who called for more transparency. Federal investigators say there is no surveillance or video footage of the Portland shooting or the events that the Trump administration officials claim led up to it. Border agents told investigators that one of their colleagues opened fire after Nino-Moncada put the truck in reverse and repeatedly slammed into an unoccupied car the agents had rented, smashing its headlights and knocking off its front bumper. Photos of the rented car provided by the justice department show a battered black vehicle with no obvious official markings. According to the affidavit, an officer fired two shots as Nino-Moncada fled the scene. The DHS also accused Nino-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras of being affiliated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Portlands police chief, Bob Day, said last week that Nino-Moncada and Zambrano-Contreras had some nexus to the gang and were brought to the attention of police during an investigation of a July shooting believed to have been carried out by gang members, but that they were not identified as suspects. In the days after the shootings, large protests have erupted across the country against the violent tactics of federal immigration officers and their continued presence in communities, especially in Minneapolis, where Good was shot. The Trump administration, meanwhile, has doubled down, deploying what it called its largest operation in DHS history to the Minneapolis area. Officers have used aggressive crowd control tactics against demonstrators, including the use of teargas, pepper balls and stun grenades, and administration officials have repeatedly defended agents, saying they are working under the protection of federal immunity. Legal experts have questioned the sweeping claim, but that has not stopped the threats made by the administration to anyone including those holding public office who might try to impede their operations. [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, Stephen Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff, said on Fox News on Tuesday, after repeating the administrations claim that ICE officers have federal immunity. The DHS has also asserted that immigration enforcement agents are facing rising levels of violence from activists and agitators, and framed officers actions as self-defense. In a press release about the Nino-Moncada shooting, the DHS claimed its officers are facing 1,300% increase in assaults against them, a 3,200% increase in vehicular attacks against them, and an 8,000% increase in death threats against them. The agency did not provide evidence to support that claim or similar claims it has made in the past. But thousands of pages of court records, reviewed in an investigation from the Los Angeles Times, showed agents left most alleged attacks uninjured. US immigration officers also made false and misleading statements about protesters accused of violence and arrested in Los Angeles last year, according to law enforcement files reviewed by the Guardian in July. The Associated Press contributed reporting Presenter Amol Rajan is to step down from his role on BBC Radio 4s Today programme. The BBC said the 42-year-old, who has worked on the show since 2021, will continue to present University Challenge and the Radical With Amol Rajan podcast. Rajan joined the BBC in 2016 as its first ever media editor, leading its coverage of global technology and media. Along with the Today programme he went on to present The Today Podcast, and became a regular presenter of BBC One magazine show The One Show. Rajan has worked on the show since 2021 (Matt Crossick/PA) (Matt Crossick) The presenter, who was born in Calcutta, India, and grew up in London, has also presented breakfast, lunchtime and drivetime shows on BBC Radio 2. Rajan said: The pips have sounded, and its time to get my coat. Leaving Today might be mad. This team is the best of the best, consistently world class, and exceptionally well led by Owenna Griffiths and Mohit Bakaya. I will always feel like I played in the editorial version of Alex Fergusons Manchester United, or Steve Waughs Australia. I genuinely couldnt be prouder of Amol Rajan Interviews, which will stand the test of time. Travelling all around the world (or indeed Essex) to spend so much time with so many icons has been an unforgettable privilege. Rajan went on to say he was extremely excited to announce that he was going to build my own company, which would see him jump into the great digital Narnia of the creator economy. He added: Del Boy was my hero growing up, and its time to unleash my inner entrepreneur. I am very much not leaving the BBC, Britains noblest cultural institution, whose Reithian spirit is such a generous gift to a world in flux. Its that world Im heading for, and Im excited. Griffiths, the editor of Today, said Rajan is an exceptional talent with a rare combination of intellectual dexterity, impressive breadth of interest and a brilliant sense of humour. She said he would be sorely missed. Controller of Radio 4, Bakaya, added: Amol has brought a distinctive intellectual energy and curiosity to Today that we will be really sad to lose. However, Im pleased that he will still be a regular presence on Radio 4; Radical has rapidly become one of our most compelling podcasts, and Im sure there will be many other Radio 4 projects down the line. In the meantime, I wish him well with this next exciting phase of his career. In a post on Instagram, Rajan said it was very important to me that the news didnt leak as he wanted his team on Today to be the first to know. Rajan also presented the documentary Amol Rajan Goes To The Ganges on BBC One, and BBC Twos How To Break Into The Elite, How To Crack The Class Ceiling and The Princes And The Press. Before joining the BBC, Rajan was the editor of The Independent, where he was the youngest ever editor of a broadsheet title at the age of 29, and the first from an ethnic minority. An announcement about Rajans replacement on Today is expected in due course. A date for his departure has not been announced. Reform UK announce former Tory peer Malcolm Offord as new leader in Scotland Nigel Farage has unveiled Reform UKs new leader in Scotland as millionaire former Conservative donor, Lord Malcolm Offord. The former Tory minister was made a peer by Boris Johnson before defecting to Mr Farages party in December, and will now lead Reform UKs efforts in Scotland. Announcing his new role during a press conference in Fife on Thursday morning, Farage announced Lord Offord will be giving up his seat in the Lords to stand for election to Holyrood in May. Former banker and Tory minister Sir Matthew Offord defected to Farages party in December (UK Parliament) Rather than being elected to the role of leader, Mr Offord was appointed to the post directly by Mr Farage, with the new Scottish leader saying it is a "great honour". He added: "I think we could even surprise ourselves with just how many votes we manage to garner in this elections. "A huge chunk of the Scottish electorate are looking for something different, they're tired of the decline this country has seen under SNP Government." Noting that opinion polls have shown "some considerable shift" towards Reform, Mr Farage continued: "I'm increasingly of the view that these elections on May 7 will be literally a two-horse race in Scotland between us and the SNP. "I believe we will be seen as the main opposition because neither the Conservative Party nor Labour Party have been able to provide genuine, real coherence to much of the damage the SNP have done for Scotland." Mr Offord previously served in the Conservative government as an exports minister before Labour won the 2024 general election. The former Scottish Conservative party treasurer has donated around 150,000 to the Conservatives, and was made a life peer and given his first ministerial job by former prime minister Mr Johnson in September 2021. When he defected to Reform in December, he declared he believed the Scottish Conservatives have given up on Scotland. Ahead of the press conference, photographers crowded around a copy of a letter from the office Lord Offord, appearing to confirm his wish to retire from the House of Lords. (PA) Ahead of the press conference, photographers crowded around a copy of a letter from the office Lord Offord, appearing to confirm his wish to retire from the House of Lords. His leadership in Scotland is the latest in a series of announcements the party has made ahead of Mays local elections, which are expected to see a Labour wipeout and a Reform surge. The family of Renee Good, shot dead by ICE agents on January 7, has hired the law firm which represented George Floyds loved ones after his killing by police. Good, 37, was killed by a federal agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in an incident that has inflamed tensions in the city. The shooting was quickly branded an act of self-defense by the Trump administration despite an ongoing investigation into the circumstances. Now Chicago-based firm Romanucci & Blandin has said it is investigating the incident on behalf of Goods family. The companys previous investigation into Floyds killing ended with his family receiving $27 million from the City of Minneapolis. What happened to Renee is wrong, contrary to established policing practices and procedures, and should never happen in todays America, the firm wrote in a statement. Renee Nicole Good was shot dead by and ICE agent on January 7 (Facebook) Antonio M. Romanucci, a founding partner at the company, added that it will be providing updates on the firms investigation. People in Minneapolis and across this country truly, truly care about what happened to Renee Good on January 7, 2026, and are committed to understanding how she could have been killed on the street after dropping her child off at school, he wrote. 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. The firm is representing both Becca Good, the victims partner, as well as her parents and siblings. Goods death has prompted outrage across the country (AP) Video footage of the killing quickly went viral, with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem insisting that Good had been engaged in domestic terrorism. The citys mayor, Jacob Frey, described those claims as bull****. After she was shot, protests were held in cities across the U.S. with local residents demanding that Donald Trump withdraw the federal agents that he had flooded into the city as part of his immigration crackdown. Goods family has shared a letter with USA Today thanking locals for showing support. She was killed inside her vehicle, shortly after dropping off her 6-year-old child (Getty) "We want to thank everyone who has reached out in support of Renee and our family. The kind of unending care weve been given during this time is exactly the kind that she gave to everyone," Goods family wrote. "Nae was the beautiful light of our family and brought joy to anyone she met. She was relentlessly hopeful and optimistic, which was contagious, the letter continued. We all already miss her more than words could ever express." The shooting has left the country divided, as the FBI investigation into the case continues. A YouGov poll found that 61 percent of Republicans believe that the shooting was justified, with 88 percent of Democrats thinking the opposite. Around 58 percent of independents felt that the shooting was unjustified. NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: 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 Equities 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 [email protected] 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 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 [email protected] 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 Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. Two Republicans rejoined the ranks of the GOP Senate caucus on Wednesday and voted to defeat a Democratic resolution aimed at constricting President Donald Trump from carrying out further military strikes within Venezuela. Josh Hawley and Todd Young were two of five senators who broke with their party last week to support the resolution, but switched back on Wednesday after several days of intense lobbying that, according to multiple reports, lasted up until the very minute of the vote Wednesday evening. Young and Hawley both told reporters that the keys to their votes being won by the White House were assurances from top officials that, despite the presidents threats to send in ground troops or carry out further strikes, the administration had no plans to do so. Vice President JD Vance cast the tiebreaking vote after the chamber was deadlocked at 50-50. He added that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, one of the top Trump officials involved in the discussions related to Venezuela, would appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to testify on the matter. The Senate delivered Donald Trump a symbolic defeat last week when he suffered a major defection on the initial vote to advance the War Powers resolution submitted by Sen. Tim Kaine out of committee, while Democrats voted in unison to support the measure. While the actual consequences of the vote were minimal, it served as a shot across the bow for the president, who has spent weeks alarming the Hill with suggestions about future strikes in Venezuela or other countries and even possibly a military effort to seize Greenland. Sen. Josh Hawley was one of two Republican senators to be won over by the White Houses persuasive efforts over the past week (Getty Images) Trump himself reacted with fury after the votes were cast, labeling the five Republican senators (Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Todd Young, Rand Paul and Josh Hawley) disloyal and demanding that voters hand them defeats at the ballot box in the future. One of those senators, Collins, is facing a tight reelection battle this year in a crucial state for the Republican Senate majority. Republicans should be ashamed of the Senators that just voted with Democrats, the president wrote on Truth Social. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, Josh Hawley, and Todd Young should never be elected to office again. Hawley responded, according to Huffpost: I like the president. I feel like we've had a good relationship, and I support him. I take no offense to that. On Wednesday, he spoke on Fox News about his changing vote. Well, for me...this has always been about ground troops, said Hawley. Occupying Venezuela, thats not something I think I would want to do. I talked to the president, I talked to the Secretary of State, I talked to the Department of Justice, Hawley said. And what the Secretary of State said to me very clearly is, Were not doing that. We dont have ground troops in Venezuela; this is not another Iraq, were not going to occupy Venezuela, and you know what? Thats good enough for me. Behind the scenes, Trump and his allies worked down to the wire to win those same senators back into the fold, according to several. They were successful after Rubio guaranteed in a letter to Hawley and Young that the White House would seek congressional authorization before deploying troops to the region. President Donald Trump worked behind the scenes to win back Republicans onto his side after suffering one of his worst defeats in Congress (Getty) I have received assurances that there are no American troops in Venezuela. Ive also received a commitment that if President Trump were to determine American forces are needed in major military operations in Venezuela, the Administration will come to Congress in advance to ask for an authorization of force, Young said in a statement. Senators defeated the resolution on a point of order that questioned whether the situation in Venezuela amounted to ongoing hostilities with the United States. The president claimed on Wednesday that Nicolas Maduros number two, Delcy Rodriguez, was cooperating and said that hed spoken with her on a phone call. Semafor reported on Wednesday that sales of Venezuelan oil by the U.S. government have officially begun. Still, more than 200 people are dead between the stunning raid on Caracas, which led to Maduros capture two weeks ago and the months-long campaign of deadly airstrikes targeting small vessels in the Caribbean, the U.S. government says are ferrying drug traffickers. Maduro is now in New York along with his wife, where the pair is facing drug trafficking charges. The DNC trashed the vote in a statement, writing: Just last week, a handful of Senate Republicans were clear about putting guardrails on Trump. But after a few calls from their Dear Leader, Republicans folded killing a bipartisan resolution to rein in Trumps unconstitutional power grab. Americans have been unequivocal in their opposition to the U.S. indefinitely running a foreign country. Republicans had a chance to stand up for the American people, and instead they chose to cower to Trump. Wednesdays vote could embolden the president, who saw representatives from Greenland and Denmark arrive at the White House earlier in the day to confront Rubio and Vice President JD Vance Trump didnt bother to attend. The president has only somewhat backed off his assertion that the U.S. would be directly running Venezuelas government and continues to insist that the U.S. needs Greenland. On Wednesday, he said that Rodriguez, Venezuelas acting president and former vice president to Maduro, was a terrific person. We just had a great conversation today, and she's a terrific person. I think were getting along very well with Venezuela, said the president. Tens of thousands of South East Water customers in Sussex and Kent have been affected by the latest supply outage, with around 7,500 still without drinking water for a sixth day. Storm Goretti, which swept across the UK last week, disrupted the water supply in the two counties, South East Water (SEW) said. Residents are sometimes left unsure as to what exactly they are entitled to or what support they can receive when without supply. The Government has recently updated its Guaranteed Standards Scheme (GSS), increasing the amount of compensation people affected by water outages are entitled to. The GSS regulations apply to all customers, and if a company fails to meet any of the guaranteed standards set out, you are entitled to a payment. Here we look at what support and compensation people affected in Sussex and Kent may be entitled to: What should I be told? When water supply is interrupted or cut off to carry out works in an emergency, the company must notify customers when it is reasonably practicable to do so. Customers must be told the following: That the supply has been interrupted or cut off Where alternative supply can be obtained The time by which supply will be restored The phone number from which further information can be obtained If a company fails to properly notify you of these details, you may be entitled to compensation. What water should be provided while supply is interrupted? Water companies are entitled to give you free bottled water in the event of an outage, providing at least 10 litres per person per day without water. This is usually via bottled water collection points or deliveries. There have been reports of sites to collect water being called courtesy bottled water sites, however, this is something the company is legally obliged to do, rather than being a courtesy. South East Water staff handing out bottled water at a collection point in Maidstone (Gareth Fuller/PA) (Gareth Fuller) What compensation am I entitled to? SEW has said it is fully committed to compensating fairly customers affected in the latest outage, although it is unclear exactly how much at this stage. If your supply is not restored within 12 hours of the company finding out about an interruption, you should be automatically paid compensation. For every following 12-hour window, you should receive a further payment. You should be paid 50 originally and 50 for each subsequent 12 hours. If any of the guaranteed standards (GSS) are not met, customers could be entitled to up to 2,000 of compensation. The exact amount you are entitled to, however, will depend on the level of disruption and some exemptions may apply. According to Ofwat, England and Waless water regulator, companies should automatically make payments where required, but if they fail to pay on time, you could be entitled to a further 40 to 100. For businesses, these amounts may differ. For the previous SEW outage between November 29 and December 4, the firm said it was establishing a separate fund, which took the total compensation package for businesses up to 2.5 million. What about exemptions for compensation? Some exemptions apply to the compensation requirements, including when an outage has been caused by a severe weather event. As the current outage was caused by a combination of factors, rather than solely Storm Goretti, this exemption is unlikely to apply. Leaks and bursts across the network following the rapid change in temperature had an impact, as did not receiving the usual bulk supply of treated water into our networks, SEW said. The companys customer services director, Tanya Sephton, said the company will provide information on both Guaranteed Standards of Service payments at the earliest opportunity. Whether a payment is made or not, it does not affect your right to take legal action against a company for any loss or damage. A rightwing activist and commentator from the Netherlands who has spoken at events with Tommy Robinson has been banned from entering the UK, The Independent understands. Eva Vlaardingerbroek announced on X that she had received an email from the UK government telling her that her right to enter the UK had been withdrawn. In a screenshot posted on her social media of what appears to be the email, it said that her presence in the UK is not considered to be conducive to the public good. It comes days after Ms Vlaardingerbroek posted on 9 January that Sir Keir Starmer had allowed the ongoing rape and killing of British girls by migrant rape gangs. She had also attacked the prime minister over his threats to block X in the UK over the outrage caused by the platforms Grok AI tool allowing the sexualisation of children and women. A Home Office source confirmed that her electronic travel authorisation (ETA) has been withdrawn but not given a reason. Ms Vlaardingerbroek told The Independent that she had not planned to return to the UK until after the local and devolved elections in May. Eva Vlaardingerbroek (Eva Vlaardingerbroek) But she had received an email out of the blue withdrawing her ETA because her presence in the UK is not considered to be conductive to the public good." On her X account, she shared a screenshot of what appeared to be an email from the Home Office, which showed that her ETA had been revoked. Ms Vlaardingerbroek, who was last in the UK speaking at the massive Unite the Kingdom rally led by the far right activist Tommy Robinson, had sided with Mr Musk in the row after he accused the UK government of acting like fascists. The rightwing Dutch political campaigner made her name as a strident voice questioning vaccines and lockdowns during the Covid pandemic and has strong links with the MAGA movement in the UK and Trump administration. She has been dubbed by critics as far right over her language on issues like immigration. The ban looks set to exacerbate free speech issues between the UK and Donald Trumps administration with Ms Vlaardingerbroek , who remains a popular figure with the MAGA movement and allies of the US president. It comes as Sir Keir Starmer is pushing Ofcom to take actions against X after its Grok AI tool was used to sexualise women and children on the social media platform. She linked her ban to an online attack she made about the prime minister regarding him standing up to Mr Musk over Grok. She had referenced the issues over grooming gangs in the UK of Asian men targeting white girls which have also been highlighted by Mr Musk where the prime minister was initially reluctant to hold a national inquiry into the scandal before U-turning. She said: It was about that he's saying that he wanted to ban X because of the Grok edits and women's safety as a pretext as to why he thought that the ban would be a good idea. I said that that was really rich, given the fact that he has a really bad track record when it comes to fighting the migrant gangs who are raping British girls. So it's kind of interesting that this man now seems to care about women's safety, all of a sudden, really doesn't have his priorities straight. So I said he's a despicable, evil man. Robert Jenrick defects to Reform after shock sacking and declares Farage is leader Britain needs Robert Jenrick has defected to Reform UK after he was dramatically sacked from the Conservative front bench and kicked out of the Tory party. Launching an extraordinary attack on his former colleagues at a press conference in Westminster, the former shadow justice secretary said the party had betrayed its voters and members and was in denial or being dishonest about its record. He said he was joining Reform UK because the Conservatives under Kemi Badenoch had failed to change after their 2024 election wipeout, arguing that the country now needs Nigel Farage. The former shadow justice secretary and Nigel Farage at a Reform press conference on Thursday afternoon (Reuters) I cant kid myself any more, he said, adding: I cant in good conscience stick with a party thats failed so badly, that isnt sorry and hasnt changed, that I know in my heart wont cant deliver whats needed. In a dramatic day in politics: Mr Jenrick hit out at rising migration, the backlog in the courts, overflowing prisons and the small size of the army as he confirmed his move to Reform He claimed that Britain will slip beyond the point of repair if we dont get the next government right Mr Farage accused Ms Badenoch of having jumped the gun by sacking Mr Jenrick, but thanked him for delivering him to Reform on a plate Sir Keir Starmer said there has been a flood of ex-Tories going across to Reform because they know that the Tory party is a sinking ship Mr Jenrick was welcomed at the London press conference by the Reform leader, who described the former shadow justice secretarys defection as a very big moment. His shock move to join the party came hours after Ms Badenoch took to social media to announce that she had sacked Mr Jenrick from the shadow cabinet, removed the whip and suspended his party membership after claiming to have seen irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible to the Conservatives. Mr Farage thanked the Tory leader for bouncing Mr Jenrick into the decision and claimed that Reform UK will have another defection next week, this time from the Labour Party. Addressing Ms Badenoch, the Reform leader said: Youve handed me on a plate the man that is by far the most popular figure, 60 per cent approval rating on ConHome Youve perhaps today, really done more than anybody in history to help realign the centre-right of British politics. Mr Farage accused Ms Badenoch of having jumped the gun by firing Mr Jenrick, claiming: He wasnt going to join today. He wasnt going to join tomorrow. He wasnt going to join next week ... I think on balance its 60:40 that he would have [joined at all] but you never know until the deal is signed and the hand is shaken. His remarks came just minutes after the Tories scrambled to publish extracts of a speech they say was the evidence of the planned defection to Reform UK. According to the extracts, Mr Jenrick was planning to accuse the Tories and Labour of having forfeited the right to govern, arguing that the mantle now passes to Reform. Jenrick launched an extraordinary attack on his former party (Reuters) It continues: I am proud to become Reforms 281,000th member. To back Nigel. And join this movement. I know in my heart its whats right by our country. If, like me, youve backed another party but know its lost its way, dont stay. Dont stay in a party that hasnt been loyal to you. When your country needs you. A Conservative Party spokesperson said: We are in no doubt whatsoever about Jenricks involvement in the drafting of these words and his intention to stab his Conservative colleagues in the back. Announcing his sacking on Thursday morning, Ms Badenoch said: I was presented with clear, irrefutable evidence that he was plotting in secret to defect in a way designed to be as damaging as possible to his shadow cabinet colleagues and the wider Conservative Party. The British public are tired of political psychodrama, and so am I. They saw too much of it in the last government; theyre seeing too much of it in this government. I will not repeat those mistakes. Ms Badenoch later appointed Nick Timothy as shadow justice secretary to replace Mr Jenrick. It brings an end to the pairs long-running leadership rivalry, amid growing speculation Mr Jenrick had been planning to try to overthrow Ms Badenoch as Tory leader. The Independent understands the two had it out in a conversation before Christmas, when sources close to Ms Badenoch say Mr Jenrick had denied he was defecting to Mr Farages party. But his supporters claim the real reason he was sacked was that they were plotting a leadership challenge after the May elections, which are widely expected to be disastrous for the Tories. The Independent had approached Ms Badenochs office this week after seeing evidence of a leadership push, and that Mr Jenricks allies were preparing the letters of no confidence needed to trigger a Tory leadership contest. One ally of Mr Jenrick said: This is just a move to take Robert out. There was no reason for him to defect. Many of us saw him as leader-elect. This could backfire badly on her. Kemi Badenoch announced she had sacked Jenrick in a video posted to social media (X/@KemiBadenoch) Former Conservative cabinet minister Dominic Grieve denied that Mr Jenricks defection would weaken the Tories, instead saying his ousting could be the first critical step on the path to recovery. It is not weakening the Conservative Party at all, weak as it now is. It is ridding it of the incubus that has been destroying it, he insisted. It is potentially the first critical step on the path to recovery. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith wrote on X: I came into politics from business. I know theres no I in team. In the face of the epic damage the socialists in Downing Street are doing, we are not short of reasons for [the] Conservatives to be united. Leadership involves laying down the line. Another former cabinet minister joked: I think chances of a Conservative administration are growing by the day. Mr Jenricks defection comes just days after former Tory minister Nadhim Zahawi defected to Reform, the latest in a string of high-profile Conservative figures who have jumped ship, including Dame Andrea Jenkyns, Jonathan Gullis and Nadine Dorries. Robert Jenricks ambition is well-known across Westminster. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images (Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) For a long time, Robert Jenricks transformation from a David Cameron-supporting remainer to an anti-immigration rightwinger did not convince many of his political peers least of all Nigel Farage. Only last year, the Reform UK leader was describing him as a fraud and saying he was sceptical that Jenrick was genuine, dubbing him Robert the Generic, Robert the Remainer and Robert the I Dont Stand Particularly for Anything at all. There are people in politics who are there through conviction and there are people in politics who are there because they want to reach rank, position and all that comes with that, he said at the time. Im really still not sure about Jenrick, to be honest with you, Im really not sure. Now, the verdicts of some of Jenricks Tory colleagues on his political behaviour are similarly damning and centre on his unbridled ambitions. One said Jenrick does not have a truly rightwing bone in his body but merely goes whichever way the political wind is blowing to serve his own career. Matthew Parris, the former Tory MP and current newspaper columnist, on Thursday declared: If you were to remove ambition from the core of Robert Jenrick, he would collapse like a boneless chicken. Related: The mask has slipped: What have Jenrick and Farage said about each other in the past? But Jenrick, 44, privately insists that his political journey is a serious one, caused by radicalisation while he was a Home Office minister. He may have started off backing the remain campaign, but by the time he was a minister in Suella Bravermans department he became frustrated by the partys failure to take action to meet its promises on bringing down migration levels. It was then that he ordered childrens murals depicting Mickey Mouse and other cartoon characters at an asylum centre to be painted over to make the building less welcoming. During this time, he also began to build a reputation for ruthlessness, with advisers who were prepared to practise political dark arts behind the scenes in service of his aims. Once considered a friend of Rishi Sunak, his resignation as immigration minister in late 2023, saying the Rwanda scheme to deport illegal migrants does not go far enough, was a bitter blow for the then prime minister. And in the months after that, his allies were thought to behind what was known in Westminster as a grid of shit a series of interventions designed to destabilise Sunak. After Sunak lost the 2024 election, Jenrick was quickly a frontrunner for the leadership, undergoing a makeover and weight loss, and greatly expanding his social media presence with walk and talk videos addressing voters directly. But the lack of loyalty towards Sunak and suspicions about his motives appeared to dampen his chances with the Tory membership who overwhelmingly opted for his rival Kemi Badenoch. Afterwards, his wife, the lawyer Michal Berkner, was caught on camera rolling her eyes during lengthy clapping for the victorious Badenoch. While Badenoch appeared to think Jenrick was less dangerous inside her shadow cabinet than outside it, she gave him a mid-ranking role as shadow justice secretary. Publicly loyal, he frequently strayed beyond his brief and burnished his future leadership credentials by making viral videos on issues such as tool theft and public transport fare dodging. He was widely criticised for saying that any protester who shouts Allahu Akbar should be arrested and last year over comments he made complaining that he didnt see another white face in a part of Birmingham. He also departed from the party line by flirting with the idea of closer ties with Reform UK, privately saying he believed himself to be further to the right on many issues than Farage himself. Related: Robert Jenrick defects to Reform UK after Conservative party suspension And at one point, Conservative colleagues started calling him Nigels chancellor, despite his insistence that he was not defecting. His former Tory colleagues also have words of warning to Farage about Jenricks ambitions to be top dog and his brushes with scandal. He was previously sacked as housing secretary by Boris Johnson not long after the government had to admit his decision to grant planning consent to the Tory donor Richard Desmond was unlawful. One former Tory adviser from the right of the party said Farage would not be bothered by Jenricks political baggage as he had shown himself willing to accept such a long string of former Conservative MPs with mixed records. Farage is as desperate for defections as a junkie for his fix hence why hell take people like Jake [Berry], Nadine [Dorries] and Nadhim [Zahawi] so this one will be sucked up willingly too, he said. Farage himself appeared to rewrite history in relation to his previous criticism of Jenrick, saying the moment he knew the man could be trusted was his resignation from Sunaks cabinet in 2024. There is no question that Jenrick and I are on exactly the same page today, if not always in the past, he said, claiming that members were prepared to forgive and forget Tories who have apologised. Speaking alongside him, Jenrick took 23 minutes of his speech before mentioning Farage or Reform, after taking aim at the incompetence of many of his former Tory colleagues. But he belatedly struck a note of newfound loyalty, saying he had put aside his personal ambition to be Tory leader and wanted Farage to be prime minister: I am convinced Nigel and Reform will deliver the real change we need. Located in Tampa, Florida, Mercy Full Project is an animal rescue dedicated to placing animals in need with loving forever families. This Boston Terrier named Blue was surrendered on January 8th after her previous pawrent said she had too much energy for their other senior dog. Since arriving at the rescue, Blue completely shut down; she wasnt eating, wouldnt leave her kennel, and didnt interact with anyone. Just a few days ago, the staff celebrated the first milestone in Blues healing journey: she allowed her foster mom to pet her for the first time. While it may seem like a small step, it was huge in Blues world and a sign that shes beginning to trust again. Mercy shared more in the video's caption, "Blue has a long road ahead. The bond she lost runs deep and healing from that kind of heartbreak doesnt happen quickly, and it cant be rushed. Blue is still not available for adoption, and we dont yet know when she will be. She still needs to be spayed, brought up to date on vaccinations, and most importantly given the time and space to heal her heart before beginning a new forever." Related: Shelter Shares the Heartbreaking Reasons Why Dogs Looking for Forever Homes Ended up There SIGN UP to get pawsitivity delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends Emotional Reactions to Blue's Situation Blue's story hit everybody right in the feelers, and viewers showed a wide range of emotions after hearing about it. Some were angry, most were sad, and others were hopeful that the Boston Terrier would find a new family to love. Commenter @Tabatha shared, "I feel whoever fosters should highly consider adopting her. I'd hate to see her grow another attachment, just to have another repeat of heartbreak for her." We couldn't agree more! @mrsmariedavina said, "To people who say 'dogs dont understand' or 'dogs dont have feelings,' this is proof that that is completely wrong and untrue." Blue definitely knew what was going on and is slowly adjusting to his new reality. We agree with @Janessa Johnson who shared, "As hard as this is to see, I think its important that you share this journey so people can truly see what happens when they surrender their dog for the dumbest of reasons." We're all rooting for Blue and will continue to follow her story. We're all waiting patiently for her happily ever after! This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Jan 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Sir Sadiq Khan is to increase his share of council tax bills by just over 20 a year - with the bulk of the extra cash being spent tackling crime, including a new crackdown on mobile phone thefts. The London mayor plans to increase the amount that every London household pays to City Hall by 4.1 per cent from April. This means that the precept he adds to the bills sent out by the 32 London boroughs will reach 510.51 for a benchmark Band D property from April - up 20.13 on his current demand. This will be the first time that Sir Sadiqs share of council tax has exceeded 500 - and will contribute to the year-on-year increase in the size of the bills, which already exceed 2,000 a year in most London boroughs. Boroughs such as Hackney, Hillingdon and Lambeth are expected to issue council tax bills in excess of 2,000 for the first time. The total average year-on-year increase in some boroughs - such as Croydon, Havering and Waltham Forest - is expected to exceed 100 once the mayors rise is added to the increased council demand, according to research by The Standard. City Hall says 15 of the mayors increase will be given to the Met police, with the 5.13 remainder going to the London Fire Brigade. The mayors precept is lower in the City of London because the council tax paid by its residents helps to fund the City of London Police, not the Met police. Sir Sadiq has asked the Mayors Office for Policing and Crime and the Met to work on new measures to tackle phone theft, including more enforcement blitzes, pro-active targeting of known offenders and the use of drones. Police will use e-bikes to pursue suspects in the West End where 40 per cent of all mobile phone thefts occur. Phone thefts have risen sharply in the capital in recent years, particularly in tourist hotspots. The increase is thought to be driven by growing demand for second-hand phones in the UK and overseas, with many victims never being reunited with their stolen device. Figures from the Met Police showed a total of 116,655 mobile phones were stolen in the capital in 2024, amounting to 13 phone thefts per hour or 320 each day. The West End is the worst area in the country for phone thefts, with nearly 18 stolen devices reported each day on Oxford Street. An officer examining stolen phones recovered during Operation Echosteep (PA Media) City Hall said that, if approved, the plans would allow it to offer a record 1.22 billion investment in policing. This means Londoners could fund the Mayors spending budget totalling 1.66 billion. Just over 1 billion would go to policing and crime prevention, 2.9 billion would go to the Home Office, and around 251 million each to Transport for London and the London Fire Brigade. Sie Sadiq said he was taking the difficult decision to increase council tax to provide crucial funding for the police. He added: This will help to implement a major crack down on phone theft with more resources to smash the phone theft gangs as well as to ensure we can build on the significant progress were making to reduce knife crime, gun crime, homicides and burglary in the capital. An unsuspecting woman has her phone snatched by a masked man on a bike in central London (ES Composite) In total, I plan to invest a record-breaking 1.22bn from City Hall on policing so that we can continue building a safer London for everyone. I am also delighted that we are moving forward with our plans for the West London Orbital that will improve public transport and deliver economic growth. City Hall added that 15 of the council tax rise would generate an extra 60 million for the police to tackle phone theft and enhance neighbourhood policing. Additional money added to council tax bills by the Mayor is called the GLA (Greater London Authority) precept. It helps fund services under the Mayors responsibility, including the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, and the London Fire Brigade. The precept is collected by Londons boroughs and the Corporation of London. Anyone who has the pleasure of sharing their life with a Shih-Tzu will tell you that these pups not only make the rules -- they also aren't afraid to express their authority when things don't go according to their expectations. Take Tito, the senior Shih-Tzu, for example. This tiny, 7.5-pound pile of fluff might be small, be he's mighty in every sense of the word -- and he was none too pleased with his mom recently when she wasn't quite ready to turn in for the night. He didn't hesitate to let her know that it was time for her to get up out of her chair, turn off the darn Christmas tree, and march upstairs to bed. This pup means business. LOL! I crack up every time I watch this clip, although, I should disclose that I might be a bit biased, as Tito is MY dog. He legit did not stop fussing at me that night until we were settled upstairs -- me reading my book and him curled up smack dab in the middle of my bed on his blankie. What can I say? My boy likes his sleep, and he's also a total creature of habit and routine. When something is even the least bit "off," he'll immediately fire up a good scolding to voice his displeasure and put me in my place. This particular night, I was up about 30 minutes later than usual, and he just wasn't having it. As one commenter perfectly stated, "Love that this Angel runs the whole household " He certainly does! Related: Shih-Tzu Is 'Unrecognizable' After Trip to the Groomer and It's Just Too Cute The Shih-Tzu Temperament So, why are Shih-Tzus so characteristically bossy? It all comes down to what they were intentionally and initially bred for -- to be the companions of Chinese royalty. They lived in the lap of luxury in palaces, so naturally, they expect a certain level of pristine accommodations in this modern age. And while they're known for their infamous sneezes, stomps, and tantrums, they're also one of the most loyal and lovable dog breeds out there. They're super affectionate, and nothing makes them happier than curling up in your lap and being by your side as much as possible. Back to their demanding nature... my Tito also gets a little impatient when I'm not preparing his royal meal fast enough. Naturally, he gets fresh turkey and rice for breakfast every day, and recently, he let me have it while I was taking too long to make a fresh batch. But while Shih-Tzus might be tiny dictators, I can attest that the unconditional love they shower you with is worth every single "scolding" they happen to dish out. They're simply the best! There's never a dull moment with my Tito, but he makes every day of my life so much brighter -- and I'm filled with so much gratitude for every minute I get with him. 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 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The son of a British couple detained in Iran has raised concerns over their welfare following the closure of the British embassy in Tehran amid the deadly protests in the country. Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested by Iranian authorities last January and charged with spying while they were travelling around the world. Their son, Joe Bennett, warned on Wednesday evening that his parents face a dangerous situation, with overcrowding in the jail due to the regimes brutal crackdown on anti-government protests in the country. The UK government announced earlier on Wednesday that its embassy in Tehran has been temporarily closed and will operate remotely amid the demonstrations. British couple Lindsay and Craig Foreman, who were detained in Iran last year (PA) Thousands of protesters have reportedly been killed in the country in recent weeks, and Iranian officials have signalled that executions lie ahead for detained suspects, though Donald Trump said hes been told on good authority that these plans have been ceased. Mr Bennett said he had been told by the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) that they are still assessing the situation of his parents. In a previous statement, a spokesperson for the FCDO said: We are deeply concerned by reports that Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been charged with espionage in Iran. We continue to raise this case directly with the Iranian authorities. The couples son Joe Bennett warned on Wednesday night that his parents witness fights break out pretty much daily in the prison (PA) The Independent has approached the FCDO for further comment following the concerns raised by their son. Mr Bennett, who last spoke with his parents on Wednesday, told the BBCs Newsnight programme: The trouble is, their plan was to go to the embassy, was to try to get to the embassy because they feel that thats safe ground and now ... Where do they go? What do they do? He said his parents have described unsafe and frightening conditions in the prison, with vermin in the kitchen and beds and fights that break out pretty much daily. He added: It is overcrowded, its even more overcrowded now that these protests have gone on in Tehran. The family have accused the government of a lack of support in securing the couples release. Describing their frustration, Mr Bennett said: I look at other nations France, for example, US, Italy when their citizens are put in a similar situation, theres an advocacy from them at the highest level of government... and the UK havent done that. Thousands of protesters have reportedly been killed in the country in recent weeks (Getty) An application for bail has reportedly been formally submitted by the Foremans legal representatives in Iran this week. In letters written to the court, the pairs Iranian defence lawyers have also stated the couple are innocent and that their continued detention is unlawful, according to the family. Mr Bennett said all he wants is to ensure his parents safe return. My mum and Craig are two innocent UK citizens that are caught up in the middle of all of this. So for us, it's about their safety and prompt return home, however that comes. South East Water has come under significant pressure after repeated outages have left tens of thousands of households without supply across Kent and Sussex. The water company, which supplies around 2.3 million customers in the south-east of England, is being investigated by regulator Ofwat over whether it has breached the conditions of its licence in relation to the incident. The saga means the company is facing added scrutiny over its ownership and its financial position, having struggled in recent years. Here, the Press Association looks at who owns South East Water and how its finances have been squeezed. Who owns South East Water? Like many UK utilities firms, South East Water (SEW) has a complicated ownership structure with multiple streams of largely foreign investment. It is owned by a group of investors and funds under the parent company HDF Holdings. This incorporates Utilities Trust of Australia, a Quebec-based Canadian financial group, as well as the NatWest pension fund. South East Water customers collected bottled water at a water station in East Grinstead (Gareth Fuller/PA) (Gareth Fuller) How is it doing financially? The company has struggled to get on solid financial footing and has required bouts of fresh investment to help keep it afloat. In May last year, it received 200 million in new equity from its shareholders, saying it was reinforcing the financial stability of the company. This followed a 75 million cash injection in December 2024. The latest annual report shows SEW made a pre-tax loss of 19.9 million for the year to the end of March 2025, which was less than the 36.7 million loss it made the prior year. It also showed loans and borrowings worth 1.3 billion on its balance sheet. What has the regulator said about its finances? SEW is one of the firms on Ofwats watch-list for financially at-risk companies, alongside Thames Water and Southern Water. Ofwat said in its latest report, published in November, that SEW needs to take action and deliver improvements to its performance to ensure it is financially resilient for the long term, and may need more funding in the short term. SEW was among water suppliers to last year appeal Ofwats decision over how much it was allowed to raise customer bills. It had already been allowed an 18% increase to average bills over the next five years but asked for a further 18%. It was granted an additional 4% by the UKs competition watchdog. Has South East Water been in any trouble before? In June 2023, SEW failed to deliver water to thousands of customers for more than a week following an outage, also effecting customers across Kent and Sussex. Several schools were closed as a result and the company set up bottled water stations across affected areas. It also experienced supply issues in December 2022 after freezing temperatures caused pipes to burst. BOSTON, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Artemis, a Boston-based private equity firm focused exclusively on partnering with differentiated Industrial Tech companies serving the aerospace, defense and life sciences markets, is proud to announce the promotions of Jesse Moran and Nick Reyes. Jesse and Nick have played an integral role in advancing our Industrial Tech investment strategy and building our Firm and these promotions reflect both sustained performance and our confidence in their continued leadership. Jesse Moran has been promoted to Partner & Chief Growth Officer. "Jesse has been a true believer in Artemis' vision and a key contributor to building Artemis from the day he joined our team," said Artemis Partner & CEO, James Ward. "We look forward to his continued impact as we answer the question of what's next in Industrial Tech." Nick Reyes has been promoted to Principal. "Nick's decisiveness, vision, and commitment to excellence have allowed him to thrive at Artemis. We look forward to supporting his increasing leadership in Artemis' model of strategic value creation," said Artemis Partner & CIO, Euan Milne. We hope you'll join us in congratulating, appreciating, and encouraging these incredible team members. Congratulations to Jesse & Nick! Artemis is also excited to announce that Mark Mueller has joined the team as a Finance Manager supporting across firm operations. Artemis' CFO & CCO, Lauren Marolda, spoke to Mark's hiring, saying, "Throughout the interview process, Mark demonstrated a highly relevant skillset, intellectual curiosity, and deep alignment with the firm's core values. We look forward to supporting Mark as he takes on his new responsibilities here at Artemis." Mark joins the Artemis team from his Audit Manager role at CBIZ, where he consulted across a broad range of client industries including asset management. Prior to CBIZ, Matt worked in Assurance at PwC. Matt graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a BA in Accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant in Massachusetts. Connect with Jesse, Nick and Mark on LinkedIn. About Artemis Headquartered in Boston, MA, Artemis is a specialized private equity firm focused on partnering with differentiated Industrial Tech companies, whose people and products enable a healthier, safer, more connected and productive world. For more information on Artemis, please visit www.artemislp.com. SOURCE Artemis Barcelona on 27 December. The last days of 2025 were the coldest and rainiest in recent decades in Spain. Photograph: Marc Asensio/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (Photograph: Marc Asensio/NurPhoto/Shutterstock) Spains environment minister has written to prosecutors to warn of an alarming increase in hate speech and social media attacks directed against climate science communicators, meteorologists and researchers. In a letter sent to hate crimes prosecutors on Wednesday, Sara Aagesen said a number of recent reports examined by the ministry had detected a significant increase in the hostile language that climate experts are subjected to on digital platforms. The minister said one study had found that 17.6% of those hostile messages posted on the social media network X included hate speech, personal attacks and denigration directed at professionals who work to share correct and verified scientific information. Aagesen, who is also one of Spains three deputy prime ministers, said the research revealed a surge in the intensity, frequency and violence of the attacks, which affect both meteorologists and other scientific communication professionals. Aagesen said she was drawing the matter to prosecutors attention because of the socially important role that these professionals play in the fight against climate disinformation. One study into the hate speech directed at Spains state meteorological office, Aemet, found that such attacks affected public perceptions of meteorology and had a direct impact on scientific work. Social pressure and smear campaigns can discourage scientists from interacting with the public or even communicating their research openly, said the researchers. Related: My husband and daughter went down to the garage in case it flooded. Then I heard a strange noise This is climate breakdown This chilling effect can limit the advance of scientific knowledge and restrict public access to accurate and highquality information. In addition, the spread of conspiracy theories about climate control and weather manipulation directly affects the perception of the current climate alert. Denial that extreme weather events are a result of global warming finds support in these theories, undermining global efforts to mitigate and respond to climate change. Another study from 2024 found that climate emergency denialism was especially prevalent on X, with denialism identified in 49.1% of posts and climate-related hate speech in 17.6% of posts. Ruben del Campo, a spokesperson for Aemet, told El Pais: Although I know that my job means I get a lot of exposure, when you see messages attacking you and using your photo often for made-up stuff youve never said you feel bad. At the end of her letter, Aagesen told prosecutors that the ministry was prepared to help them in any way they may deem appropriate. X was approached for comment. Spanish police guard packages of cocaine seized last week from a cargo vessel in their largest-ever maritime cocaine haul. Photograph: Ramon de la Rocha/EPA (Photograph: Ramon de la Rocha/EPA) Spanish police have arrested 30 people and seized almost 2.5 tonnes of cocaine after breaking up a criminal network that used teams of young swimmers to hide the drugs on moving, Europe-bound ships which were then attacked and relieved of their unwitting cargo before reaching port. The 15-month investigation began in October 2024 when Policia Nacional officers found 88kg of cocaine in a vehicle in the southern Spanish town of Mijas. The drugs led them to three gangs, including a Balkan cartel, who were working together to bring huge quantities of cocaine into Spain from Colombia. Related: The cocaine superhighway: how death and destruction mark drugs path from South America to Europe The gangs used the so-called monkey technique to get the shipments of cocaine into maritime containers that were being transported on container ships, the force said in a statement on Thursday. The drug-trafficking technique involves using youngsters from poor backgrounds who are good swimmers to get the drugs on to ships while theyre at sea. Members of the same organisation then headed to Spain in order to get to the containers by intercepting the ships carrying them before they reached the strait of Gibraltar. One such attempt was thwarted in the middle of last year when a ship bound for the port of Cadiz informed the maritime rescue service that it had found stowaways on its deck, leading to the seizure of a container in which 1.4 tonnes of cocaine had been stashed. The stowaways turned out to be three men tasked with recovering the drugs, who then fled. Not long after, a ship passing through Portuguese waters reported armed stowaways on board. But the men managed to unload bundles of cocaine that had been hidden in a container and hand them to their accomplices before evading the authorities. In the autumn of last year, officer came across five men three Colombians and two Spain-based members of the Balkan cartel who were using speedboats and the drop-off method to collect their drugs. This method involves throwing the merchandise from a merchant ship for collection by smaller vessels near the destination country, subduing the ships crew and extracting the drugs from inside the containers, using military techniques and weapons of war, the statement added. The drugs were then hidden in towns and villages along the Gulf of Cadiz and later transported by road to other European countries. As well as confiscating 2,475kg of cocaine and various assault weapons during the operation, police seized boarding ladders, nautical equipment, eight high-end vehicles, more than 166,000 (144,000) in cash and watches, and jewellery worth 100,000. On Monday the Policia Nacional announced its largest-ever seizure of cocaine at sea after officers found almost 10 tonnes of the drug hidden amid a cargo of salt on a merchant ship off the Canary Islands. Flights at Heathrow airport, the busiest in Europe, have been disrupted by an apparent drone sighting. At least one arriving flight, on Swiss from Zurich, has diverted to Gatwick according to Flightradar24 data. Flight LX324 held for almost half an hour before the pilots decided to divert to the Sussex airport. A user named Josh posted on X (formerly Twitter): Im on the flight thats been diverted to Gatwick. Apparently some moron decided it was a good day to fly his drone over Heathrow. A Heathrow spokesperson said: Flights are continuing as normal after a brief pause to operations, following a suspected drone sighting. We will monitor the situation and work with the police and airline partners to ensure the airport remains safe to operate. Passengers have told The Independent via social media that their outbound planes are being delayed by an unauthorised UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). Padraig Belton posted on X: My BA 1454 is delayed after a drone was sighted over the Heathrow departures runway. I couldve finished that lounge champagne if Id known Iain Corby wrote: Hello from my BA flight to the States similarly stuck! Our pilots offering kids tours of the cockpit not a great sign! In recent months, suspected drone activity has temporarily halted flights at a number of European airports, including Vilnius and Brussels. In December 2018, around 1,000 flights were grounded at London Gatwick after repeated reports of a drone being flown near the runway. Tate boss Maria Balshaw on why shes leaving the biggest job in art after nine years Maria Balshaw will step down from her role as Tate boss this year with a sense of mission accomplished, as her reign ends with female artists firmly in the spotlight. The first woman director in the organisations 128-year history, Balshaw has championed women artists since joining in June 2017. In an interview with Lucie McInerney, host of The Independents Like This Love This podcast, she reflected on her near decade-long tenure at Tate, where she helped steer the organisation through choppy waters such as the pandemic, and opened up about her decision to leave. Part of the reason that Im stepping away from Tate at Easter is I feel that the journey I wanted to help shape at the organisation has had a fantastic 10-year episode and its ending with a year of women in art, which has been very apparent through all of the time Ive been at Tate, but has come to, if you like, fruition at this point, she said. Balshaw, 55, will leave her post this spring but not before she co-curates Tracey Emin: A Second Life, which opens at Tate Modern in February. I decided that was my high point a good point to [end], she said. During Balshaws spell, Tate has hosted several women-focused exhibitions including 2024s Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920, which spanned 400 years and 150 works by artists including Mary Beale, Angelica Kauffman, Elizabeth Butler and Laura Knight. The previous year in 2023, Tate became the first major museum to stage a look back at feminism in the country from 1970 to 1990 with its landmark show Women in Revolt! Art and Activism in the UK. Among Balshaws last exhibitions for Tate is an expansive celebration of the model and photographer Lee Miller (US Army) It looked at feminist artists who were making art in all sorts of non-elite art spaces, said Balshaw. And we brought that together and it was a fantastic exhibition. Now on at Tate until 15 February is Lee Miller, an extensive celebration of the 20th century model and surrealist photographer who, according to Balshaw, is responsible for some of the most searing and powerful images of war that we have ever seen. Following her departure, in October Tate will also stage an exhibition about the Nineties curated by ex editor-in-chief of British Vogue Edward Enninful, examining a seminal decade in which a groundswell of creativity changed the face of British culture. Balshaw will close her chapter at Tate with a final show co-curated with British artist Tracey Emin (Getty) Speaking of the exhibition, Balshaw told The Independent: By the Nineties you start to see that the most exciting images and the most brilliant artists are women as well as men, and artists of colour as well as white artists. We are moving towards a period, certainly in the way that we are representing it now, where we understand that every kind of human chooses to make art, chooses to be creative in the way that they wish to. And it was only the forces of history and our institutional hierarchies that meant that the story of women or the story of Black artists were just not seen and heard as loudly as they should be. Following her exit from Tate, Balshaw says she will turn her focus to collaborating with artists and writing (AP) In a statement announcing her exit last month, Tate chair Roland Rudd described Balshaw as a trailblazer, noting that she had diversified the collection, exhibitions, and audiences. This includes 2019s Steve McQueens Year 3 in which the artist and director took a collective school portrait of 76,000 seven and eight-year-olds from across London. In the early years of her tenure, Balshaw staged a group show titled Life Between Islands at Tate (Getty) In 2021 a group show titled Life Between Islands chronicled 70 years of British Caribbean life through art featuring artists such as Njideka Akunyili Crosby and Hew Locke. The search for a new leader is underway with the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport and the Tate trustees overseeing the process. The new name will be signed off by the prime minister. Whoever they may be, Balshaws successor inherits the organisation at a challenging time. Figures released in March last year showed that Tate Modern and Tate Britain had experienced a 27 per cent decline in attendance since 2019. Notably, however, 2019 was Tates most successful year ever for visitor numbers. The 2019 show Steve McQueens Year 3 was a hugely successful endeavour for Tate (Getty) Also in their in-tray will be the reverberations of last years strike from Tate staff over pay and conditions. Following her exit, Balshaw plans to focus on writing and collaborations with artists. Balshaw was appointed director of Tate in 2017 after serving as the leader of the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, where she was also the director of culture for city council. Balshaw was speaking to Lucie McInerney, host of the Independent's Like This Love This podcast. The full episode is available on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Dan McKeon has resigned from the Nebraska Legislature (Omaha World-Herald) State Senator Dan McKeon has tearfully announced his resignation from the Nebraska Legislature following claims that he made a sexually charged comment to a legislative staffer and touched her inappropriately. The resignation came ahead of a scheduled debate to expel him from the body. McKeon is a Republican from rural south-central Nebraska who had served only a year before his resignation. My words and actions were careless, regardless of the intent, he said. I accept my responsibility for the impact of my words and my actions. This past year has humbled me. It requires reflection, listening and learning. Accountability is not only acknowledging my mistake but committing to grow from it. I take that responsibility seriously, McKeon said, his voice cracking. His demeanor was a departure from what many of his fellow lawmakers found to be a defiant and flippant attitude toward the accusations leading up to his resignation. McKeon's exit came a day after the 10-member Executive Board, the body's governing board, voted unanimously to forward a motion to expel McKeon to the full Legislature for a vote. The unprecedented move followed a complaint from the staffer who works for another lawmaker that McKeon approached her and another aide during a May 29 party and engaged in small talk about everyone's vacation plans. State Sen. Daniel McKeon takes notes during the first day of Nebraska's 2026 legislative session on Jan. 7 (Omaha World-Herald) The woman said McKeon told her she should get laid on her vacation and patted her on her buttocks. McKeon has countered that he made a bad pun," telling the woman she and her spouse should go to Hawaii and enjoy a Hawaiian lei, according to McKeon's attorney. McKeon also countered that he patted the staffer on the back and may have accidentally brushed her rear end, but insists that if he did, it was unintentional. McKeon's departure comes as more attention has focused on sexual harassment within state legislatures nationwide including in Nebraska. The accusations against McKeon came about 15 months after the body was thrown in chaos when another Republican state lawmaker, former Sen. Steve Halloran, read a graphic account of rape from a bestselling memoir on the floor of the Legislature in which he repeatedly invoked the name of a fellow lawmaker, making it appear as if that lawmaker was the subject of the assault. Former Sen. Steve Halloran (AP) An outside investigation found that Halloran had violated the bodys workforce sexual harassment policy, and the Legislature's governing Executive Board issued him a letter of reprimand. But that action was met with strong criticism from several lawmakers who said Halloran should have faced a censure vote by the full body. Halloran left office in January 2025 due to term limits. This time around, the Executive Board took a harder stance after a several lawmakers and another outside investigation found that McKeon had a history of making inappropriate comments and jokes during his time in the Legislature. The investigator also found that McKeon ignored a directive by the Executive Board's chairman not to attend events where staffers would be, showing up that same day at another party attended by the woman who filed the complaint against him. The investigator also found that a text McKeon sent to another staffer who shares an office with the woman, in which he said she seems to be difficult to work with, could constitute retaliation against her. The report determined that McKeons conduct did not rise to a level of sexual harassment or retaliation actionable under state or federal discrimination law, but that it did violate the Nebraska Legislatures workplace harassment policy. McKeon becomes at least the 57th state lawmaker in the nation to leave office via expulsion or resignation since 2017 following sexual misconduct allegations. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of disturbing the peace after an Nebraska State Patrol investigation into his interaction with the staff last May. McKeon has pleaded not guilty to that charge. As international alarm grows over the Trump administrations intention to conquer Greenland, a 2016 clip of Ted Cruz warning that Donald Trump could nuke Denmark has resurfaced. The clip, in which Cruz questions Trumps judgement, is circulating amid growing tensions between the White House and Denmark, after Trump signalled his desire to seize the territory, saying anything less than full U.S. control is unacceptable. The video was filmed during the race to secure the Republican nomination as presidential candidate. Speaking about Trump, Cruz says: We need someone with the judgement and the temperament to keep this country safe. I dont know anyone who would be comfortable with someone who behaves this way having his finger on the button. Were liable to wake up one morning and Donald, if he were president, would have nuked Denmark. Thats not the temperament of a leader to keep this country safe. Ted Cruz, pictured with Donald Trump in the Oval Office in December, previously raised concerns about the now-presidents temperament (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Ten years later, with Trump now in his second presidential term and having just launched a major military operation to remove the president of Venezuela, Cruzs concerns are seen in a new light. Following a high-stakes meeting with officials from Denmark and Greenland Wednesday, Trump reasserted that the U.S. needs Greenland and that Denmark cannot be trusted to safeguard its overseas territory. "We really need it," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after the meeting. Greenland is very important for the national security, including of Denmark. 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. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lkke Rasmussen and his Greenlandic counterpart Vivian Motzfeldt, arrived at the White House on Wednesday for the highly anticipated talks with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but afterwards said there remained a "fundamental disagreement" over Greenland. Rasmussen said that it was clear that the president has this wish of conquering Greenland. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with officials from Denmark and Greenland Wednesday (AFP/Getty) Trumps position has sparked resistance across Europe, with the European commissioner Andrius Kubilius warning that a U.S. takeover would spell the end of Nato. In Copenhagen, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced a stepped-up military presence in the Arctic in close cooperation with our allies, calling it a necessity 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. Troops from several European countries, including France, Germany, Norway and Sweden, are arriving in Greenland to help boost the Arctic island's security. On Wednesday, French president Emmanuel Macron was quick to show support for his European allies: 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. Trump insists the U.S. needs Greenland for strategic reasons (NSIDC) Before the talks, Vance warned leaders they should take Trump seriously in his ambition to acquire the territory. 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. On Wednesday Trump said U.S. control of the Arctic landmass 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. 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! Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday after the White House talks, Rasmussen rejected both a military takeover and the potential purchase of the island by the U.S. Asked if he thinks the U.S. will invade, he replied: No, at least I do not hope so, because, I mean, that would be the end of NATO. Rasmussen said Greenlanders were unlikely to vote for U.S. rule even if financial incentives were offered because I think there's no way that the U.S. will pay for a Scandinavian welfare system in Greenland, honestly speaking. You haven't introduced a Scandinavian welfare system in your own country, he added. The handroll sushi bar Temaki is to reopen in Mayfair next month after closing its restaurant in Brixton in 2025. Founded by the New York financier-turned-restaurateur Alexander Dupee in 2021, Temaki was inspired by handroll bars in California and soon earned a loyal following in Brixton. It helped that prices were kept low somewhere around 40-a-head which was somewhat unusual among Londons sushi offerings. Temaki takes its name from te (hand) and maki (roll) and launched with a menu of handroll sushi, Japanese-inspired small plates, and sandos. Handrolls are a casual form of sushi, where the likes of fatty tuna belly, smoked eel and prawn tempura are paired with steamed rice and rolled up in nori (dried seaweed). Temaki specialised in dishes such as toro, or tuna, served lean (akami), chutoro (medium fatty) and otoro (extra fatty), A4 wagyu sliders, and sakes. (Temaki) The restaurant is to relaunch in a bigger site in Mayfair and will bring elevated classic Japanese dishes blended with a relaxed Californian approach, said an announcement. Dupee, whose marriage to an internet personality made the pages of Harper's Baazar in 2023, said: We loved our time in Brixton and with our new creative team we are so excited to build on that success in central London, on Mayfairs Maddox Street. Weve been working on some fun new dishes and will of course serve our signature handrolls I cant wait to open the doors. The new site spans two levels, with a more intimate dining room upstairs alongside an open kitchen, allowing diners to see the chefs at work. Downstairs will be a 28-cover space inspired by Japans many listening bars. The restaurant is in partnership with the Crown Estate. Leasing director Sarah McLaren said: We are excited to welcome Temaki to the West End. It is a great example of a rapidly growing independent operator which is ready to establish itself in the heart of London. We are dedicated to supporting the hospitality industry by continuing to curate a portfolio of new, growing and established brands to cater to a diverse audience". Temaki will open on Maddox Street in February 2026. The restaurant will be open daily for lunch between 12pm - 3pm and for dinner 5pm - 10pm, temaki.co.uk One Battle After Another actress Teyana Taylor has revealed she is not the mystery person Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio was talking to in the viral Golden Globes video. The clip shows DiCaprio, 51, speaking flamboyantly to another guest during the Golden Globes award ceremony on Sunday night. After going viral, Taylor, 35, believed he was speaking to her, however, has since backtracked after watching the video in full. .@TEYANATAYLOR clears the air about the viral Leonardo DiCaprio clip from the @goldenglobes! #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/dfMHa1iQWY The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) January 15, 2026 Speaking on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, she said: I thought I broke the Da Vinci Code. Taylor told Fallon she watched videos of people lip reading the clip who said he was poking fun at a guest for not knowing what KPop Demon Hunters was after it won the award for best animated motion picture and best song with Golden. Taylor quickly realised that it could not have been her as her son is a big fan of the film and the music which she knows well. She said: I was like, really excited. So when I first seen it I didnt watch the whole thing. I was like, Oh, he talked about KPop Demon Hunters, he was talking about me. Teyana Taylor attending the 83rd Golden Globes awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA. (Corine Solberg/PA) (Corine Solberg) But then I watched and they was doing the lip-read thing and I had to call Leo. Im like, I wasnt asking you, I knew exactly what KPop was so I was like, you cant be talking to me. So apparently he had two KPop Demon Hunters conversations that night. He was like, I dont even know but somebody here has some questions. I was like, yeah, it wasnt me. It was not the only viral clip that Taylor was at the centre of, with her speech making headlines after winning her first Golden Globe for best supporting female actor in a motion picture for her role as a revolutionary in the film. Accepting her prize, she said: To my brown sisters and little brown girls watching tonight, our softness is not a liability. Our depth is not too much. Our light does not need permission to shine. We belong in every room we walk into, our voices matter, and our dreams deserve space. Thank you so much, everybody. One Battle After Another also won best screenplay for a motion picture, best picture musical/comedy and best director for a motion picture. Nurses take on Trump for downgrading training as not professional and costing them thousands in student loans During her 30-plus years working as a registered ICU nurse in a bustling New York City hospital, Nancy Hagans has seen it all. I could take care of somebody with a gunshot wound, Hagans, who works in a Category 1 trauma center at the Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, told The Independent. I could take care of someone who had a hemorrhagic bleed in the brain. It could be someone who had an aortic rupture. It's a very high-level skill. Its a challenge. So when the U.S. Department of Education quietly proposed capping federal loans for graduate nursing students, leaving nursing off the list of professional degrees deemed eligible to apply for the highest debt limits, Hagans was furious. It's an insult to nurses, said Hagans. Nurses are the backbonenurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and midwives are a lifeline. Those are the people who keep you alive. Nancy Hagans, an ICU registered nurse with over 30 years of experience, is furious about the changes to federal graduate student loans that will impact her profession (National Nurses United) Under cuts to student loans laid out in President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill, those pursuing graduate degrees in nursing are limited to borrowing a maximum of $100,000 overall and up to $20,500 per year. Critics argue that it no longer covers the full cost of some advanced programs in the field. In addition, almost half of graduate students go to school on part-time status, as many hold down jobs alongside their studies, which in turn limits the amount of federal loans they can receive. Initially, the outrage was around the notion that the Department of Education no longer viewed nursing as a professional degree. In response, the DOE cried fake news and said the designation was not a value judgement. But critics say semantics do matter, and excluding nursing from the list of professional degrees will make it much harder for students pursuing advanced degrees to pay for their studies. And there has been bipartisan backlash to the proposal. Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia, a nurse practitioner, was one of the 140 lawmakers to sign a letter urging Education Secretary Linda McMahon to reconsider. As one of only two nurse practitioners in Congress and as someone who has led on nursing issues throughout my entire political career, I find it personally and professionally difficult to understand why the Department of Education is excluding nurses from being able to obtain the student loan funds they need to get an advanced nursing degree, Kiggans said. In response, the DOE claims its data indicates that 95 percent of nursing students borrow below the annual loan limit and therefore are not affected by the new caps. Hagans, president of National Nurses United and New York State Nurses Association, an affiliate of NNU, was on the picket line this week, standing beside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and rallying with colleagues to demand safer working conditions and fair wages. The work can be dangerous and nursing unions want management to take action on workplace violence, among other demands. Last week, the NYPD was called to NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital after a man wielding a bloodied sharp object barricaded himself in a room with two others. Hagans pictured with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during the nurses strikes this week, where she rallied with colleagues to demand safer working conditions and fairer wages (Getty Images) It has been a rampage, Hagans said. She emigrated to the United States from Haiti in the 80s and became a nurse after she was inspired by the care her father received for a brain tumor. I decided that I was gonna go to nursing school and work in my communities to help the immigrants, she said. My dad [was diagnosed] with a brain tumor and I ended up taking care of him... I really saw what the nurses did for him. Hagans said she worries how the DOEs proposals could impact the next generation of nurse educators, particularly midwifery, which typically requires a Master of Science in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. She cited sobering figures that found Black women in New York City are about five times more likely to die in pregnancy than their white counterparts. We are very concerned, especially in New York, she said. We need the clinics [to teach] about maternal care, about nutrition, and whos going to do that? That big ugly bill, Hagans continued, belittling Trumps signature legislation, is also cutting the resources from communities. Now they are removing the providers from those communities. I would not have been able to go to nursing school if my professors did not have a master's degree, she added. I would not be here right now. Justin Gill, an urgent-care nurse practitioner in Everett, Washington, said the proposed loan cap of $20,500 per year for graduate nursing students would have been insufficient when he was studying more than a decade ago, let alone today. That would not have been enough to cover my expenses going to school as well as my living expenses, Gill told The Independent. My parents did not have the ability to pay for my schooling. Gill, who described his parents as working-class first-generation Asian-Indian immigrants, said that when he was studying to become a nurse practitioner in 2013 - 2015, his loan did fall under the proposed $100,000 overall limit, but he was well above the $20,500 annual cap. Justin Gill, an urgent care nurse practitioner based in Everett, Washington state, said the loan annual cap of $20,500 per year is not enough (Justin Gill) If I had to find that additional, say, $10,000 or $15,000 to be able to live and eatit wouldn't have been a doable process for me, he said. Folks may not be able to work full time and may not necessarily have the savings, but they are training to be professionals who actually very much contribute to the delivery of healthcare in the United States, Gill added. Gill, who is also president of the Washington State Nurses Association, said he sees anywhere from 30 to 40 patients a day during a 12-hour shift. Hagans said she and her team also work 12-hour shifts that often run longer. Sometimes you're about to go home and something happens to a patient. You can't just walk away. Both Gill and Hagans pointed to the outpouring of support the nursing profession received from the public during the covid pandemic as they worked around the clock under immense pressure and at great personal risk. They hope the public will support nurses again on this issue. I'm hopeful that folks can remember that we were there during that period of time to care for our communities and work in unprecedented circumstances to save lives, Gill said. And we're going to continue to do that the best way we can, but we need to ensure that there's a future pipeline to make sure that we're there to take care of the next generations. Speak to anybody, any family member, especially at the height of the pandemic, and ask, Who was there for you? Hagans said. Dr Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association, also called on the public not to turn their backs on nurses during this fight. We were the heroes, and then all of a sudden, [nursing graduates] are not going to qualify for additional loan amounts? Kennedy said. Nurses are taking that very personally, that when you need us, you expect us to show up, but when we need you, people turn their backs and kind of walk away. In late November, the DOE published a myth vs fact press release and said the professional degree is an internal definition used by the department to distinguish among programs that qualify for higher loan limits, not a value judgement about the importance of programs. In a statement to The Independent, the DOE said that misinformation on TikTok caused confusion about the plans. While still in development, the Trump Administration is implementing long-needed loan limits on graduate loans to drive down the cost of programs, and under the new limits, graduate nursing students will still be eligible to borrow up to $100,000 in federal student loans for their graduate programs, said Ellen Keast, press secretary for higher education. We expect that institutions charging tuition rates well above market prices will consider lowering tuition thanks to these historic reforms, Keast added. The new measures are due to be implemented starting July 1 unless campaigners succeed in changing the administrations position. Kennedy said that despite the threat of workplace violence, the long hours and often working through the holidays, nursing is a calling that many still want to pursue. The fact that people still want to become nurses and take care of others is a demonstration of how much there really is that calling to do something very meaningful with their lives, she said. And so let's honor that by allowing people to go to nursing school, to be those advanced practice providers so that they can fulfil what they want, which is taking care of people. This is really something we enjoy, Hagans said in agreement. We enjoy taking care of patients. So we're not going to allow this administration to take away our right for us to educate ourselves so we can care for patients. The ICE deputy director, Madison Sheahan, attends a press conference in Gary, Indiana, on 30 October 2025. Photograph: Leah Millis/Reuters (Photograph: Leah Millis/Reuters) Madison Sheahan, a Trump ally and the second-ranking official at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), said on Thursday she was ditching her leadership position to run for Congress in Ohio. The 28-year-old, who describes herself as a Trump conservative, announced her candidacy in a video in which she highlighted the agencys expansion under her tenure. In just one year weve made history, Sheahan said, citing the recruitment of 12,000 ICE officers and the deportation of 2.5 million people. Ohio neighborhoods are safer thanks to President Trump and ICE. Sheahan was appointed to the deputy director position in March despite having no law enforcement experience. She was tapped during the initial major reorganization of ICE leadership, as the Trump administration pushed hard to accelerate heavy-handed immigration enforcement nationwide. Under her leadership, ICE had its deadliest year since 2004, with 32 people killed while in custody. Her target is the Ohio district currently represented by Marcy Kaptur, a Democrat who narrowly secured her 22nd term in the 2024 election by less than one percentage point. The district is one of only 13 nationwide that Trump carried in 2024 that a Democrat also won, and the Cook Political Report now classifies it as a toss-up for Democrats one of four seats across the country. In her campaign video, Sheahan criticized Kaptur for opposing border wall funding and promised real leadership for residents she characterized as overburdened and overlooked. ICE has been central to the Trump administrations hardline immigration policies, with thousands of agents deployed to major cities for enforcement operations that local officials have condemned as excessive. The agency has faced mass protests following last weeks fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer. Trump responded on Thursday by threatening military intervention, suggesting he may invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota. Before joining ICE under the Department of Homeland Security secretary, Kristi Noem, Sheahan served as secretary of Louisianas department of wildlife and fisheries. She came up in her career under Noem during her governorship of South Dakota, at one point serving as her political director, and also as executive director of the South Dakota Republican party. In a message to ICE staff posted on social media, Sheahan said serving at the agency had been the honor of my life and thanked Trump and Noem for their steadfast commitment. I am proud of the work we have done to protect American families and I am grateful for the brave men and women serving at ICE, she wrote. Experienced Executive Elevated to Lead Next Phase of Growth, Innovation, and AI Transformation HARTLAND, Wis., Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Batteries Plus, the nation's leading battery and power solutions service center, today announced the promotion of Jon Sica from Chief Operating Officer to President. This advancement recognizes Sica's visionary leadership across B2B sales, franchise development, operations, marketing, technology, and other key areas that have powered the company's growth and market leadership. A Catalyst for Growth Batteries Plus today announced the promotion of Jon Sica from Chief Operating Officer to President. Since joining Batteries Plus in 2019, Sica has played an instrumental role in transforming the company's trajectory. His leadership has helped position Batteries Plus at the intersection of the domestic energy value chain, tailored B2B solutions, and expert B2C services, thus proving that a small-box franchise can have a big impact on the national stage. Under Sica's direction, Batteries Plus relaunched as "The Experts in Charge", emphasizing repair services, tailored B2B solutions, and technology-driven support. That focus has fueled robust demand and strong year-end results. The brand continues to deliver record-breaking commercial and B2B sales growth while attracting over 60 new franchise signings annually from entrepreneurs eager to join the Batteries Plus family. In his new role as President, Sica will spearhead the company's AI transformation, focusing on driving greater B2B sales productivity and four-wall profitability across its nationwide network of stores. "Jon's strategic vision and operational excellence have been critical to our transformation," said Scott Williams, CEO of Batteries Plus. "We continue to see record-breaking results in our commercial/B2B sales growth, and we're welcoming over 60 new franchise signings annually from owners who want to join our Batteries Plus family. His ability to connect innovation with execution has made Batteries Plus a leader in both the B2B and repair sectors. Promoting Jon to President ensures we'll continue to accelerate our success and strengthen our position in the evolving energy and technology landscape." A Champion for Franchising Beyond his leadership at Batteries Plus, Sica is a strong advocate for the franchising industry and the domestic energy supply chain. His ongoing engagement with policymakers on Capitol Hill underscores his commitment to advancing both U.S. critical mineral priorities and the mission of the International Franchise Association (IFA). These efforts will remain central to his work as President. "This company's success has always come from empowering experts: whether they are our franchisees, our team, or our customers," said Sica. "As we look to 2026 and beyond, our focus on AI, services, and B2B partnerships will unlock even more potential. I'm honored to lead our incredible organization through this next phase of innovation and growth." With more than 800 locations open and in development across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Batteries Plus continues to expand its national footprint while supporting entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and resources needed for long-term success. To learn more about franchise opportunities with Batteries Plus, visit batteriesplusfranchise.com. ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS: Batteries Plus is the nation's leading battery and power solutions service center, offering a comprehensive selection of products, technical expertise, and customized services through a nationwide network of over 800 locations open and in development. Headquartered in Hartland, Wisconsin, and owned by Freeman Spogli, Batteries Plus is dedicated to providing reliable, commercial and residential power solutions including batteries, lighting, and repair services to help organizations and customers minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. For more information about Batteries Plus and its franchising opportunities visit batteriesplusfranchise.com. Media Contact: Cole Koretos, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or 847.331.1190 SOURCE Batteries Plus Immigration passport control entry point for non-US citizens at San Francisco international airport. Photograph: Ian Shaw/Alamy (Photograph: Ian Shaw/Alamy) The Trump administration has indefinitely suspended immigrant visa processing for people from 75 countries, marking one of its most expansive efforts yet to restrict legal pathways to the United States. The freeze, which takes effect on 21 January, targets applicants officials deem likely to become a public charge whom they describe as people who may rely on government benefits for basic needs. The state department wrote on social media that it will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The list includes war-torn nations, US allies and countries with longstanding immigration ties to the US (you can view the full list here). Research contradicts administration claims about immigrant welfare use. In February last year, the libertarian Cato Institute published a paper showing that native-born Americans consumed, on an average per capita basis, more welfare and entitlement benefits than all immigrants. The study found that immigrants consumed 21% fewer welfare and entitlement benefits than native-born Americans on a per capita basis in 2022. Trump administration halts immigrant visa processing from 75 countries The freeze will remain active until the US can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people, the state department wrote in a statement. We are working to ensure the generosity of the American people will no longer be abused. The pause follows Trumps December expansion of travel bans to 39 countries, suspension of asylum processing and halting of citizenship and green card applications for citizens of countries already subject to restrictions. Read the full story US Senate kills resolution that would have limited Trump action in Venezuela The US Senate has voted against a war powers resolution that would have prevented Donald Trump from taking further military action against Venezuela without giving Congress advance notice. Senators Josh Hawley of Missouri and Todd Young of Indiana, who had joined three other Republicans to advance the resolution alongside Democrats last week, flipped after they said they received assurances from the Trump administration. Read the full story Trump insists Greenland is crucial for national security after Denmark talks Donald Trump has 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 Arctic island, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark. 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 becomes far more formidable and effective with the territory under US control, he said. Read the full story Iran signals quick trials and executions for protesters in defiance of US warnings The Iranian government has signalled that detained protesters are to face speedy trials and executions, defying a threat by Trump to intervene if authorities continue their crackdown. Read the full story Trump is making China not the US great again, global survey suggests The 21-country survey for the influential European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) thinktank found majorities in almost every territory surveyed expected Chinas global influence to grow over the next decade. Read the full story DoJ says unnecessary to find whether seizing Maduro violated law 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 a legal memo. The dark-of-night raid to capture Venezuelas president has raised a host of legal issues concerning the presidents power to start an armed conflict without congressional approval and possible breaches of international law. Read the full story Democratic lawmakers file articles of impeachment against Kristi Noem The Democratic representative Robin Kelly on Wednesday formally introduced articles of impeachment against 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. Read the full story Trump administration cancels up to $1.9bn for substance use and mental health The Trump administration on Tuesday evening unexpectedly canceled up to $1.9bn in funding for substance use and mental health care, which providers say will immediately affect thousands of patients. The scope of care thats disrupted by these grants is catastrophic, said Ryan Hampton, founder of Mobilize Recovery, a national advocacy organization for people in and seeking recovery. Tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people will die. Read the full story What else happened today: Catching up? Heres what happened on 13 January 2026. Maria Corina Machado, who Mr Trump has refused to install as Venezuelas leader, handed over her medal at the White House - The White House/Reuters Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader, gave her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Donald Trump on Thursday as she attempted to woo the US president. Mr Trump has made no secret of his desire to be awarded the honour, which has been bestowed on several former presidents including Barack Obama. Ms Machado, whose liberal Vente Venezuela party is widely believed to have won the 2024 election, was given the award for promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela. It follows claims Mr Trump did not back installing Ms Machado as the countrys leader following Nicholas Maduros capture because she was given the honour. Asked whether she had given Mr Trump her award during their meeting on Thursday, Ms Machado said: I presented the president of the United States the medal of the Nobel Peace Prize. She said she had done so in recognition [of] his unique commitment [to] our freedom. Maria Corina Machado greeted in Washington - JIM LO SCALZO/EPA/Shutterstock A White House official confirmed that Mr Trump intends to keep the medal. In a Truth Social post on Thursday evening, Mr Trump wrote: Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Thank you Maria! Days earlier the Nobel Institute had ruled against Ms Machados previous suggestion of transferring last years peace prize to Mr Trump. Earlier in the day, the Nobel organisers posted on X: A medal can change owners, but the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot. Last week, Mr Trump said he could not think of anybody in history that should get the Nobel Peace Prize more than me. Maria Corina Machado was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year - Elizabeth Frantz/REUTERS The Venezuelan politicians effort to win over the US president comes after he said he did not believe she had enough respect within Venezuela to govern the country. He instead has shown support for acting president Delcy Rodriguez, Mr Maduros former vice-president, who was sworn in on Jan 5. Critics argue that Ms Rodriguez is a continuation of Mr Maduros repressive regime. Shortly after his capture, the government directed police to search out and seize people who supported the US intervention. But Mr Trump appears to be pleased with the current arrangement, having praised Ms Rodriguez as a terrific person following a call earlier this week. Donald Trump has shown support for Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuelas acting president - Jesus Vargas/Getty Images South America On Thursday, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said the Venezuelan leaders had been extremely cooperative and the US president likes what hes seeing. Ms Leavitt said Ms Rodriguez had been in constant communication with Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, and other officials. The US presidents opinion of Ms Machados ability to lead the country had not changed, Ms Leavitt added, saying his assessment was based on realities on the ground. She said Mr Trump was committed to hopefully seeing elections in Venezuela one day but did not give an indication of a timeframe. Ms Rodriguez must tread carefully. She will need to appease Mr Trump and US demands while also retaining the support of the hardline anti-imperialist factions in the Venezuelan government. On Thursday, US forces seized a sixth oil tanker in a pre-dawn raid, according to the US Southern Command. Marines and sailors launched from the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier in the Caribbean and apprehended the vessel called Veronica. The Veronica is the latest tanker operating in defiance of President Trumps established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean, US Southern Command said in a post on social media. The move could raise tensions with Russia, which has been moving to protect dark-fleet tankers in recent weeks. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Trump says the US shouldnt even have an election in 2026 because of all his accomplishments President Donald Trump said the U.S. should not have midterm elections later this year because of his accomplishments in office, according to a report in Reuters. In a 30-minute interview with the outlet, Trump said he had accomplished so much in office that when you think of it, we shouldn't even have an election in 2026. Trump also expressed frustration that the Republican Party could lose control of the House of Representatives or Senate in the upcoming midterm elections, according to Reuters. It's some deep psychological thing, but when you win the presidency, you don't win the midterms, Trump said. When asked about Trumps remarks Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that he was joking and speaking facetiously. President Donald Trump told Reuters the U.S. shouldn't even have an election in 2026 because of his accomplishments in office (Getty) Historical trends show that the presidents party typically loses seats in the House during midterm elections, according to Brookings. Recent polls have also shown that Democrats running for Congress currently have a modest advantage in the 2026 midterm elections, according to The New York Times poll aggregator. Despite these concerns, Trump told Republican lawmakers earlier this month that hes expecting to break records with the epic midterm victory that we're going to pull off. This comes after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told the Associated Press that Democrats are preparing for Trump to interfere with the 2026 midterm elections. Meanwhile, the White House said such statements were fear-mongering, according to the outlet. Trump will do whatever it takes, and he has no honor and no credibility and no respect for law. But, we are prepared for it, and we believe we will succeed, Schumer said this week. Schumer added that he expects Democrats path to securing a majority in the Senate in November is a much wider path than the skeptics think, and a much wider path than it was three months ago and certainly a year ago. In the same Reuters interview, Trump also dismissed concerns from the public and even some fellow Republicans about to his push to acquire Greenland, which is a territory of Denmark. When asked about a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll that revealed only 17 percent of Americans support his push to acquire the territory, Trump called the survey fake, according to the outlet. President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota if state lawmakers fail to stop protesters from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E. The president posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Thursday morning that protesters who he referred to as professional agitators and insurrectionists were attacking agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and demanded corrupt politicians stop the attacks. If the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of I.C.E., who are only trying to do their job, I will institute the INSURRECTION ACT, which many Presidents have done before me, and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place in that once great State, Trump wrote. Anti-ICE protests have taken place in Minneapolis and other large cities across the U.S. in the days after an ICE agent fatally shot 37-year-old mother Renee Good. Trump administration officials have said the shooting was justified because Good allegedly weaponized her vehicle by making contact with the officer as she attempted to drive away from a group of agents who were swarming around her. The protests escalated late Wednesday after another ICE officer in Minneapolis shot a migrant in the leg after what the administration says was an altercation where the officer was attacked while attempting to make an arrest. It feels like that has been part of the plan of creating this surge so that he could have his authoritarianism be fully carried out, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) told The Independent. Hes a wannabe dictator whos trying to claw as much power as he can. And I think a lot of this, this chaos, this brutality, this confusion, is really to wear down the American people so that he can tear them down. The Trump administration has deployed thousands of ICE and Border Patrol officers to Minneapolis, the North Star States most populous city, as part of its effort to combat fraud by Somali immigrants and arrest the worst of the worst so they can be deported. The massive contingent of federal immigration enforcement personnel have spent the last few weeks roaming the citys streets in unmarked vehicles and aggressively confronting people they believe may be in the U.S. illegally a practice critics say is little more than racial profiling while simultaneously surveilling and often arresting protesters. Protestors clash with federal agents outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Saint Paul, Minnesota, last week (AFP/Getty) State and local officials have denounced the massive federal presence as an occupation and have accused the president of deliberately seeking to escalate and inflame the situation and use any resulting unrest as a pretext for a violent crackdown. The irony of it is that they came to terrorize the Somali community, but it is our Latino neighbors that are being terrorized, Omar, who came to the United States from Somalia, said. Its our Asian neighbors that are being terrorized, and its everyday people on the streets that are being terrorized by federal law enforcement. It feels like its a state sanctioned violence. And this shouldnt be happening in the United States of America. The deployment of immigration officers to Minneapolis the latest example of Trumps push to use federal resources to make a show of force against Democratic-led cities and states in hopes of provoking a response that will give him cause to crack down further by sending in active-duty troops under the Insurrection Act, an 1807 law that allows the president to utilize active duty military or federalize National Guard troops in order to suppress uncontrollable protests or other civil disturbance situations in states. Its terror act in our communities, and it is decreasing public safety, Rep. Kelly Morrison (D-Minn.) told The Independent. So we need to do the opposite of that. ICE needs to leave Minnesota. While Trump claimed in his Truth Social post that many past presidents had invoked the law, it has been used only on a few select occasions in the last century. The last time it was invoked was more than three decades ago, when then-president George H.W. Bush sent the U.S. Armys 82nd Airborne Division into Los Angeles to quell riots that erupted after a group of police officers were acquitted of charges stemming from the videotaped beating of a Black man, Rodney King, following a car chase. Bush invoked the act via an executive order on the third day of the riots at the request of then-California governor Pete Wilson and subsequently sent thousands of active duty soldiers to back up the many thousands of National Guard troops already deployed there. It was the second time Bush invoked the act; the first was in 1989, to help put a stop to rioting in the US Virgin Islands after Hurricane Hugo. The protests have continued for a week after the shooting and increased again when an ICE officer shot a migrant for allegedly attacking them (Getty) President Lyndon Johnson also invoked the law in 1967 to send thousands of paratroopers from the armys 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions into Detroit after then-governor George Romney asked for help because state and local forces were overwhelmed by rioting that ultimately left more than 40 dead. Johnsons two immediate predecessors, presidents John F Kennedy and Dwight Eisenhower, also used the law without the consent of state governors to protect students integrating colleges and high schools in Mississippi and Arkansas. While his predecessors only used the centuries-old law reluctantly or at the request of state officials, Trump has openly sought an opportunity to use active-duty forces who are ordinarily forbidden from being deployed in the United States to enforce domestic laws to occupy and pacify cities led by Democrats and inhabited largely by people who did not vote for him. His preoccupations with Minnesotas largest city and the Insurrection Act date to his first term, when the videotaped murder of a Black man, George Floyd, by a Minneapolis police officer touched off racial justice protests across the U.S. that occasionally turned into limited civil unrest. When the protests reached Washington, Trump openly mused to aides about having soldiers violently put the protestors down. In his 2021 book Frankly, We Did Win This Election, journalist Michael Bender reported that Trump told aides he wanted troops and police to beat the f**k out out of the protesters and crack skulls. He also told top military and law enforcement officials that National Guard soldiers whod been deployed to Washington should just shoot the protesters. Trump has surged ICE officers in to Minneapolis to arrest migrants (Getty) When then-Joint Chiefs of Staff chair Gen. Mark Milley and then-Attorney General William Barr pushed back on the suggestion, Trump reportedly moderated his request. Well, shoot them in the leg or maybe the foot, Trump said. But be hard on them! Since returning to office, he has repeatedly threatened to use the Insurrection Act to send troops into other Democratic-led cities, including Los Angeles, Portland and Chicago. Within hours of Trumps bellicose social media post, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told reporters at the White House that shed discussed the Insurrection Act with him but declined to say whether she views the unrest in Minneapolis as an insurrection. I describe it as [a] violent violation of the law in many places, she said. Noem stressed that Trump certainly has the constitutional authority to invoke the law while expressing hope that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis officials would start to work with us to get criminals off the streets. Asked whether shed recommended invoking the act to Trump, Noem replied that she had not done so. We just discussed it, that it was one of the options that he had constitutionally, and we talked about the fact that we're going to continue our operations in Minneapolis and have the resources that we need to get the job done, she said. High school students protest against ICE outside the Minnesota state capitol in St Paul. Photograph: Octavio Jones/AFP/Getty Images (Photograph: Octavio Jones/AFP/Getty Images) Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota in response to protests in Minneapolis against federal immigration enforcement operations, as Minnesotas governor, Tim Walz, overnight urged demonstrators in Minneapolis to be peaceful amid escalating tensions. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he would use the Insurrection Act and quickly put an end to the travesty that is taking place if the corrupt politicians of Minnesota dont obey the law and stop the professional agitators and insurrectionists from attacking the Patriots of ICE. Later on Thursday morning, Walz put out a statement that said: I am making a direct appeal to the president: lets turn the temperature down. Stop this campaign of retribution. This is not who we are. And an appeal to Minnesotans: I know this is scary. We can we must speak out loudly, urgently but also peacefully. We cannot fan the flames of chaos. Thats what he wants. Trumps warning that he might invoke the Insurrection Act came as, overnight, Walz urged people in Minneapolis to protest peacefully after it was reported on Wednesday evening that a federal officer had shot a man in the leg during an immigration enforcement operation on the north side of the city. Related: Renee Good, ICE bad: Minneapolis protests in photos The incident sparked protests in Minneapolis.. The city remains on edge just one week after a federal immigration officer there shot and killed Renee Nicole Good. State investigators have been on the scene in North Minneapolis, Walz wrote on X overnight. I know youre angry. Im angry. What Donald Trump wants is violence in the streets. But Minnesota will remain an island of decency, of justice, of community, and of peace. Dont give him what he wants. The Guardian reported that several hundred protesters gathered at the scene of the shooting. At a news conference later, the Minneapolis police chief, Brian OHara, said protesters had been engaging in unlawful behavior and urged people to leave the area. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has said that the shooting occurred as federal law enforcement officers were conducting a targeted traffic stop in Minneapolis of an illegal alien from Venezuela. The DHS alleged that the man resisted and attacked an officer, and said that two other individuals emerged from a nearby apartment and also attacked the officer, who, the department said fired a defensive shot to defend his life. The federal governments account could not immediately be verified. The city of Minneapolis has said that the man who was shot was taken to a local hospital with apparent non-life-threatening injuries. On Wednesday evening, Walz delivered remarks on the federal presence in Minnesota, in which he said that news reports simply dont do justice to the level of chaos and disruption and trauma the federal government is raining down upon our communities. Walz said that between 2,000 and 3,000 armed federal agents had been deployed across the state and claimed that the ICE agents, whom he described as armed, masked and undertrained, were going door to door ordering people to point out where their neighbors of color live. Theyre pulling over people indiscriminately, including US citizens, and demanding to see their papers, Walz said. Just plain grabbing Minnesotans and shoving them into unmarked vans, kidnapping innocent people with no warning and no due process, he added. Lets be very, very clear, Walz said. This long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. Instead, its a campaign of organized brutality against the people of Minnesota by our own federal government. During his remarks, Walz called on Trump and Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, to end this occupation. Youve done enough, he said. On Thursday, Noem told reporters that she had no plans to pull out of Minnesota and describes the conditions on the ground in Minnesota as violent, and a violation of the law in many places. Noem also said she discussed the Insurrection Act with Trump, and that Trump certainly has the constitutional authority to utilize that. If anything doesnt change with Governor Walz, I dont anticipate the streets getting any safer or more peaceful, Noem added. Asked about what it would take for Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act during a White House press briefing, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said: Thats only a question, frankly, the president can answer. She added that Trumps statement on Truth Social spoke very loud and clear to Democrats across this country, elected officials who are using their platforms to encourage violence against federal law enforcement officers. Earlier this week, multiple federal prosecutors in Minnesota and Washington DC resigned over the Trump administrations handling of the investigation into the fatal shooting of Good. Six attorneys from the US attorneys office in Minnesota quit, reportedly over the justice departments reluctance to investigate the ICE agent who fatally shot Good. A justice department spokesperson confirmed the resignations in a statement to the Guardian but denied they were related to the Minneapolis shooting. The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota announced it had filed a class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration on behalf of three community members, alleging that immigration agents violated their constitutional rights. UK financial services generated a record trade surplus of $127 billion (95 billion) in 2024 underlining the Citys crucial importance to the overall economy. The total, a 15% rise on 2023, makes the UK the worlds biggest net exporter of financial services such as banking, foreign exchange, and insurance, ahead of the US. The surplus is bigger than that of the next three highest ranking countries, Singapore, Switzerland and Luxembourg, combined. When related professional services, such as legal services, are included, the combined surplus reaches $152.5 billion (119.1billion) according to estimates from industry body TheCityUK. Just over a third of the UK financial sector exports go to the USA, just ahead of the EU on 31%. Within that Luxembourg (4.9%), Ireland (4.9%) and France (4.3% are the top three destinations for exports in the bloc. The figures shine a light on how the UK would struggle to pay its way without the foreign earning from exports of financial and other services. Latest official trade figures show the UK ran a 58.9 billion deficit in goods in the three months to November. However, this was almost offset by a 52.8 billion surplus on trade in services. Anjalika Bardalai, chief economist and director of research, TheCityUK, said:The global economic landscape remains highly uncertain, with geopolitical tensions once again to the fore and the impact of any increased market volatility also potentially in prospect. Against this backdrop, UK-based financial and related professional services exports remain resilient, with their exports a particular measure of their ongoing strength. The UKs substantial trade surplus in financial services and its market-leading positions in a number of financial services and related professional services sectors reinforce its position as a leading global hub for such services and the important contribution these sectors make to the domestic economy. London dominates the UK trade in financial and professional services through the vast clusters of the City and Docklands. The figures show the UK is the worlds largest centre for cross-border banking, accounting for 14.6% of the total outstanding value of international bank lending. London hosts more than 160 foreign banks or branches. The UK - predominantly London - accounts for 38% of global foreign-exchange turnover, with twice as many US dollars traded in the UK than in the US. London is also the biggest renminbi foreign exchange centre, accounting for 43.1% of total offshore renminbi transactions in December 2024, up 5.8 percentage points on December 2023. The UK insurance sector is the largest in Europe, with $554bn (433bn) in gross written premiums in 2024. The UK attracted $3.6bn (2.8bn) in FinTech investment across 546 deals in 2024, maintaining its position as the worlds second largest destination for FinTech investment after the US. The UK attracted more financial services investment than the following five largest European countries put together. The UK remains Europes largest legal services market, valued at 52.3 billion in 2024, and is second only to the US globally. Turnover in UK management consultancy services increased by 66% over the past decade, reaching 92 billion in 2024. The president said Kyiv whose mayor he regularly clashes with had done considerably less than other major centres, notably Ukraines 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. The Kyiv mayor, Vitali Klitschko, countered that 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. Zelenskyy 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. Coast Guard veteran arrested and hauled off cruise ship on his birthday in case of mistaken identity A Coast Guard veteran woke up to US authorities arresting him in his cabin while celebrating his birthday on a Caribbean cruise. Arizona couple Jose Joey Martinez and Tamara Tammy Verhas were in their cabin on the last morning of their eight-day sailing in the southern Caribbean on Carnival Horizon when they received an unexpected wake-up call. After sailing around the Dominican Republic and the Antilles archipelago for Mr Martinez and his friends 50th birthday, the couple and their friends were docking back in Miami, Florida, on Monday 5 January. Just before 7am that morning, the couple heard a banging on their cabin door. It immediately opened, and flashlights came into the room, Ms Verhas told USA Today. Three giant men wearing black, armed, [were] pointing flashlights at us, shouting. Tamara Verhas and Jose Martinez recount Martinez being arrested by Customs and Border Protection officers while on a Carnival cruise (ABC15 Arizona) Then men handcuffed Mr Martinez, while his wife filmed the entire ordeal. A female agent came in [and] jumped on top of me in the bed to try and snatch my phone, which she did eventually snatch, Ms Verhas added. And then they disappeared with Joey and my phone for 90 minutes. Mr Martinez was placed in a holding cell at the Miami port while officers checked his credentials. Eventually, authorities explained to the veteran that they were actually looking for another person with Mr Martinezs name who had a warrant out for his arrest. Mr Martinez said he was cleared and led back to the ship, but did not receive an apology. The incident occurred on Carnival Horizon, which had just returned to Miami after a Caribbean sailing (Getty/iStock) If it is just based off of my name, what other due diligence did they do? Mr Martinez told Arizona radio station KTAR. What other information did they use to justify the means of going into the room and pulling me out the way they did? He has no record. Hes never been arrested. Hes a veteran. He has been FBI cleared. I mean, you know, Hes the average Joe. I figured he would come back, but the trauma that was going to happen in those 90 minutes was what I was concerned about, Ms Verhas added to Phoenix radio station KJZZ. Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement to The Independent: We are aware that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) took a guest into custody as a person of interest. This was a law enforcement matter and Carnival was not involved with this investigation or action, they added. We defer all further questions to the appropriate authorities. The couple added they have yet to receive an apology from CBP or communication from Carnival following the incident. After the ordeal, the couple said they could not stop crying for the rest of the day and continued to feel the effects of the situation. The fact that what happened to me shows this could happen to anybody, Mr Martinez told ABC15. There are so many other people out there that this is happening to, maybe not on a cruise ship, but maybe on the streets or in their homes. And its just not right. Theres no humanity in it. Its unnecessary. Its dehumanising. The Independent has contacted the CBP for comment. Read more: Norovirus outbreak leaves almost 100 passengers sick aboard cruise ship A recently declassified legal opinion has shed light on the Trump administration's justification for the military operation that ousted Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro, revealing lawyers deemed the action would "not rise to the level of war in the constitutional sense" and served "important national interests". This perspective underscores a muscular view of presidential power. The heavily redacted document from the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), released this week, offers new insight into how the administration concluded it was legally permissible to proceed with the stunning middle-of-the-night military operation on January 3. This action ultimately removed Maduro as Venezuela's president. Dated December 23, the 22-page opinion was specifically prepared for the legal adviser to the White House National Security Council. It was drafted by lawyers within the OLC, an office historically tasked with resolving complex and often thorny questions of law for the executive branch. Crucially, the opinion grappled with the specific question of whether President Donald Trump possessed the authority to order the military to assist law enforcement in removing Maduro from power, thereby enabling him to face criminal prosecution in the United States. The legal opinion also says the fact that a president can lawfully authorize the operation does not by itself render any and all use of force in its completion lawful. (REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst) The answer, the opinion said, was yes. It cited five separate reasons, including what it said were severe allegations against Maduro contained in a drug-trafficking conspiracy indictment; the numerous other highly dangerous activities" that he and his associates were alleged to be involved in; the possible need of military force to protect civilians in Venezuela and abroad from Venezuela; and the potential that U.S. personnel would encounter an armed resistance protecting Maduro. Here, we were told to assume that there were as many as 200 armed guards in a literal fort who have been sent from and armed by another country purely to ensure Maduros safety, the opinion said. This level of expected armed resistance supports the need for military forces to provide security for law enforcement personnel carrying out the rendition. Though the opinion does identify what it said were significant risks in the military operation, depending in part on Maduro's precise location at the time of the action, administration lawyers judged a low likelihood that it would lead to an all-out war that would require congressional approval. Republican leaders have said they had no advance notification of the raid to seize Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Facing pressure from Trump, Senate Republicans voted to dismiss a resolution Wednesday that would have limited his ability to conduct further attacks against Venezuela. While we cannot speculate as to any presidential decision in response to the significant loss of U.S. service members, we were assured that there is no contingency plan to engage in any substantial and sustained operation that would amount to a constitutional war, the opinion said. We were further assured that there is no contingency plan that would involve using U.S. forces occupying Venezuela should the removal of Maduro result in civil unrest in that country. Based on that assessment of U.S. intentions, we do not currently plan any action that would amount to a constitutional war, it added. The legal opinion also says that the fact that a president can lawfully authorize the operation does not by itself render any and all use of force in its completion lawful. The personnel involved, the opinion said, must implement his lawful order in a reasonable way.